Elizabeth carried her sleeping five-week-old into her bedroom and placed her into the cradle beside the bed. She brushed the short wispy strands of her daughter's auburn hair and looked over her small features. She certainly had the Thatcher hair, but Elizabeth still couldn't make out from her features who she looked like. She was then interrupted from her thoughts as she heard a familiar little voice calling her from across the room.
"Mummy?" Tilly called as she stood in the doorway watching her Mother.
Elizabeth left her newborn to sleep and ushered Tilly out of the room with her.
"You need to be quiet when your sisters sleeping sweet pea." Elizabeth informed her.
Tilly sighed and then followed her Mother down stairs and into the kitchen.
"Walk Mummy?" Tilly pleaded, hoping that since Abby was asleep her Mother would take her for a walk like she used to.
"We need to stay here to listen out for Abby. Once Daddy is home from work I'm sure he'll take you for a walk." Elizabeth replied. She noticed the disappointed look on her daughter's face and she tried to think of something else they could do together. "How about after lunch we read some books in the parlour?"
Tilly grinned and Elizabeth brushed back the strands of her daughter's hair that were falling onto her face.
"How about you go pick out some books while I make you some lunch?"
"Ok Mummy." Tilly said, and she ran off to her bedroom to look through her assortment of children's books on her bookshelf.
Four hours later Jack arrived home. He removed his hat and serge and hung them on the coat rack by the front door.
"How was your day?" He asked as walked into the kitchen and placed a kiss on Elizabeth's cheek.
"Exhausting as expected, how was yours?" She questioned him as she continued with the preparations for their evening meal.
"Long, I spent most of the day at my desk."
"Tilly's eager for a walk if you're interested." She suggested.
"You didn't get out today?"
"No we didn't, but I think Tilly needs some one on one time with either of us. She doesn't seem to be her happy self lately and I haven't had as much time to spend with her. I think she's really struggling with having to share my attention."
"I would too if I had to share you." Jack said placing a brief kiss on her lips and Elizabeth smiled.
"Actually, you have been sharing me. With the girls that is." She said, wrapping her arms around his waist and looking into his eyes. "We haven't had much time together since Abby was born." She said, realising she had been missing her husband.
"I know, but I don't mind sacrificing my time with you if it's for the girl's sake. We have a newborn, this period in our lives will quickly end. For now, if the only time I get with you is when you're sleeping by my side, then I'll be fine." Jack admitted, he did miss spending quality time with his wife, but he did still appreciate the fact that she was always there when he came home, and always by his side while he slept.
"I know, and for the time being I don't mind either, but I hope things will settle down a little. I miss you Jack."
"I miss you too. We will get through this." Jack said, trying to console her as he swept back a long curl, placing it behind her shoulder. "So, Tilly needs some attention huh." He said remembering where their conversation started. "I'll take her to the pond and we'll go out on the row boat."
"She'll love that."
Just at that moment Tilly entered the kitchen and ran up to her Father upon seeing him.
"Hey princess, how would you like to come out for a ride in the boat?"
"Mummy too?" Matilda asked excitedly.
"Mummy needs to stay home to look after Abby and finish cooking supper."
Tilly looked over at her Mother with puppy dog eyes and Elizabeth felt a pang of guilt, wishing she had more time like she used to for her firstborn.
"I'm sorry Tilly, maybe next time." Elizabeth said apologetically.
"We'll have fun, let's get your bonnet and we can head off." Jack told his daughter, hoping once she was out of the house she would start enjoying herself.
Later that evening
Elizabeth lay in bed and read her book while she waited for Jack to turn in for the night.
"She misses you, you know." Jack said as he climbed into the bed and scooted over next to his wife.
Elizabeth put her book down on the bedside table and turned to face Jack.
"Tilly?"
"Mmm hmm. She talked about you the whole time we were out on the row boat." Jack informed her.
Elizabeth sighed as she slipped her head in the crook of Jack's neck and placed an arm over his chest.
"She tries to vie for my attention most of the day. She's always been such a content and happy child, I didn't think she'd find having a sibling so difficult."
"She is happy Elizabeth, she just misses her Mummy." Jack said as he trailed his fingers up and down his wife's back.
"I know, I guess in time things will get easier, right?" Elizabeth asked, hoping Jack could convince her.
"It will, maybe on my day off you could spend some extra time with her?" Jack suggested.
"I'd like that. Sometimes I even miss her myself. After all, for the past two years it's been just the two of us all day while you're at work."
"We'll sort this out in time, for now we're all adjusting with having a baby in the house again."
Elizabeth nodded and then squirmed as Jack's fingers ran across a sensitive spot on her back. He grinned at her reaction and then stopped his hand and rest it firmly on her back. She gave him a smile and he pulled her in for a kiss.
"I love you Jack." She said tenderly, as she looked into his hazel eyes and took note of his long eyelashes.
"I love you too." He whispered as he ran his hand across her cheek. "We should get some sleep, before little Miss here wakes us up." He said, referring to Abby who was sound asleep in the cradle beside their bed.
Elizabeth nodded and then put out the lantern on her bed side table. She then made her way back under the covers and found her customary position right at Jack's side and they both quickly fell asleep.
The following morning
"Mummy?" A little voice whispered.
Elizabeth stirred in the bed as she started to wake.
"Mummy, morning."
Elizabeth felt a little hand at her cheek and she opened her eyes and saw Tilly laying down by her side, in between her and Jack.
"Tilly, how did you get here?" She asked surprised, realising she must have climbed out of her crib and come in some time during the night.
"I sleep with Mummy."
"I see you did." Elizabeth said while brushing her daughter's unkempt hair away from her face. "Come here." She said, pulling Tilly in for a hug as she noticed Jack starting to stir.
"You missed me huh?" Elizabeth asked, and Tilly nodded. "I miss you too my gorgeous girl." She said placing a kiss on top her daughter's head.
Elizabeth looked over at Jack and noticed he had woken and they shared a smile.
"You two are a sight for sore eyes." Jack said while wishing for more sleep but glad to see his family at his side.
"Daddy!" Tilly exclaimed, as she turned around and looked over at her Father.
Just at that moment Abby started to cry from her cradle and Elizabeth sat up in the bed.
"Mummy, Mummy, Mummy." Tilly called as Elizabeth got out of the bed to get her newborn.
"Come here princess." Jack said, pulling Tilly over into his arms. She somewhat resisted at first but then gave in and relaxed in her Father's arms.
Tilly cautiously took note as she watched her sister stop crying as her Mother hopped back in the bed and started to nurse her. After a few moments Tilly reached out her hand to feel her sister's wispy auburn hair.
"You know, when you were a baby you had little curls just like Abby's." Jack informed her. "It looks like your sister is going to have hair just like you and Mummy."
Tilly wasn't sure whether she liked this idea at first, but she did like the feel of her sister's soft skin and hair and a small smile appeared on her face.
"I'll get breakfast ready, while you finish feeding Abby." Jack suggested to Elizabeth as he noticed the time was getting on.
"That would be great." Elizabeth replied.
"You going to come help me Tilly?" Jack asked.
Tilly held back from deciding as she looked from her Father and then to her Mother who was still nursing her sister.
Eventually she nodded her head in agreement and climbed out of the bed and followed Jack downstairs.
Later that morning
Elizabeth walked through town with Abby in her arms, and Tilly skipping behind her.
She noticed the sound of Tilly's feet crunching on the street had stopped, and she turned around to see what her daughter was up to.
"Daddy?" Tilly exclaimed as she looked over at the jail.
"We'll see Daddy later. We're going to the Mercantile."
"Rip." Tilly stated, noticing their dog was sitting on the porch of the jail.
"He will be home this evening with Daddy. We'll see him later."
Tilly pouted while walking by Elizabeth's side as they continued on their way to the Mercantile.
Elizabeth opened the front door of the Mercantile, allowing Tilly to walk in before entering herself.
"Oh Elizabeth, I've been meaning to come see you." Rosemary exclaimed as she noticed her friend.
Rosemary continued to hand Ned Yost her items at the front counter as he ran up her purchases.
"I heard you've been busy helping Florence at the school house."
"I have, but I'm sure I haven't been as busy as you." Rosemary said, remembering what it was like to have a newborn. "Johnathan has also been asking after Tilly. I thought maybe we could catch up one day this week?"
"That would be wonderful." Elizabeth replied, thinking it would be nice to have some adult interaction during the daytime while the kids could play.
Elizabeth looked around for Tilly and realised she was no longer by her side.
"Tilly?" She called, thinking something on the shelves must have caught her daughter's interest.
Elizabeth walked down the few aisles in the Mercantile, and Rosemary followed her, helping her in her search.
"She isn't here." Elizabeth exclaimed as she rushed through the Mercantile and exited through the front door.
She visually scanned the street in every direction but couldn't see her daughter anywhere.
"Where do you think she'd go?" Rosemary asked, starting to worry herself.
"I don't know." Elizabeth said, starting to get upset. "She has so many favourite places, the jail, the school house, the pond."
"Why don't you go to the jail and try find Constable Thornton." Ned suggested as he had heard Elizabeth's concerns and had followed the women out of the Mercantile.
Elizabeth nodded, starting to feel frantic now and uncertain of where to look first.
"I'll let Hickam know, he's over at Lee's office." Rosemary suggested. "He can round up some men to help with the search. Let me take Abby for you though."
Elizabeth looked down at her sleeping daughter and then handed her over to Rosemary before running towards the jail.
Jack quietly sat at as his desk and was disturbed when he heard an abrupt bang as the front door of the jail swung open.
"Jack." Elizabeth called, as she burst through the door.
"Elizabeth…" He said, jumping to his feet as he noticed his wife in distress.
"I can't find Tilly." She said between cries. "I was talking to Rosemary at the Mercantile and then she just disappeared."
"We'll find her." Jack said, gently taking her arm and ushering her out the door.
"She's not here?" Elizabeth said, thinking that the jail would be the first place their daughter would go.
"No she's not, but she can't be too far." Jack said, worry apparent in his voice but he tried his best to stay in control and console Elizabeth. "Where's Abby?"
"She's with Rosemary." Elizabeth said, trying to wipe away her tears and they headed out onto the street. "Rosemary's gone to Lee's office to ask Mike to round the men up to help with the search."
"Great, how about you search at Abigail's first? You know she loves it there. I'll head over to Lee's office and find out what the men are up to."
Elizabeth nodded, too upset to say anything. She felt she wasn't in any frame of mind to make any rational decisions, but knew it was best to follow Jack's suggestion.
"We'll find her alright." Jack said, looking into in her eyes, trying to give her the affirmation she needed. His gaze strengthened her, and she nodded in agreement. He placed a quick kiss on her cheek and they both headed off in separate directions in search of their daughter.
Elizabeth ran towards the Café, thankful in that moment that Jack was a Mountie. His direction and courage had certainly given her the strength not to fall apart with worry over their daughter.
Once arriving at the Café, she hurried through the front door and scanned the dining room hoping to see Tilly.
"Elizabeth what's wrong?" Abigail asked coming up to her, clearly seeing her friend looking distraught.
Meanwhile at the school house
Matilda walked down the aisle of the familiar Church, very pleased with herself that she'd made it to school. She always loved attending the school, especially when her Mother had been teaching part time before her sister was born. It was mostly the attention from the older children that she enjoyed as they had all grown to love her.
She continued to make her way down to the aisle and slipped into the front pew before sitting down next to Opal
"Hi Tilly." Opal beamed, happy to see her little friend.
Opal handed her Brownie to hold which she gladly took. Tilly sat up straight in the pew, pretending she was one of the students, and waited for Mrs Blakely to continue.
Florence whipped her head around upon hearing what Opal had said and saw the toddler sitting on the pew.
"Matilda Thornton, what are you doing here?" She exclaimed, rushing over to the small child.
Florence looked around the room to see if Jack or Elizabeth were there. When realising they weren't, she became even more surprised.
"Where are your parents?" Florence asked the small child.
"Daddy work, Mummy sopping." She stated matter-of-factly as if it was natural for her to walk alone to school and attend as if she was another one of the students.
"I think we should go and find them."
Tilly pouted, disappointed to know that she wouldn't be able to stay at the school.
"Children, I want you to all continue on with page 12 of your readers. I'll be back in a moment." Florence said as she took the toddlers hand.
Florence walked out of the Church with Tilly. As they headed down the steps they saw Elizabeth running towards the Church.
"Mummy's fast." Tilly said proudly, not at all phased as to why her Mother was in such a hurry.
"I think she's worried about you Tilly." Florence told her, and Tilly frowned.
Soon enough Elizabeth caught up with them and she pulled her daughter into her arms.
"What were you thinking Matilda Thornton?" Elizabeth asked, still in shock over everything that had transpired. "Thank you Florence." Elizabeth informed her. Florence nodded and made her way back to the school room.
"Matilda, you know not to go off on your own."
Tilly's bottom lip started to quiver as she looked at her Mother. She knew she was in trouble and she also picked up on Elizabeth's distress which caused her further upset.
"Oh Tilly." Elizabeth said, as tears started to flow down her own cheeks. "I'm sorry, but you really can't run away by yourself. I was so scared because I didn't know where you were."
Tilly started to quietly cry, and she wrapped her arms around Elizabeth's neck.
"Sorry Mummy." She sobbed.
Elizabeth felt her daughter's warm tears through her blouse and she held her tighter.
"Miss you Mummy." She said, pulling back and looking into her Mother's eyes.
"I miss you too sweet pea. I really do, but sometimes I also need to take care of your sister too. It doesn't mean I love you any less."
"Love you Mummy."
"I love you too Tilly." Elizabeth said, and she placed a kiss on her daughters tear stained cheek. "Let's go find Daddy, he's very worried about you too."
Tilly held tightly onto her Mother as she carried her back into town. Just before they reached the main road, Elizabeth spotted Jack on his horse and he rode up to them.
He jumped off Sergeant just as he neared them, and he took Tilly from Elizabeth's arms.
"She was at the Church?" Jack asked.
Elizabeth nodded unable to talk as she started to cry again. Jack shifted Tilly onto his hip and he pulled Elizabeth into an embrace with his free arm. Tilly then noticing her Mother, started to cry again also.
Jack let them both cry for a few moments before deciding to suggest they move on.
"Come on, let's call off the search and go get Abby, then I'll take you all home."
Elizabeth nodded, and Jack took her hand and they walked in to town to find Rosemary and Abby.
Two weeks later…
Elizabeth had realised that a routine was falling into place and Tilly was a lot happier. She'd worked out ways in which Tilly liked to help with the baby and make her feel more included.
As Elizabeth removed Abby's clothes, Tilly ran off to get a clean diaper before handing it to her Mother.
"Thank you Tilly." Elizabeth replied with a smile, proud that her daughter had been so thoughtful.
Abby kicked her chubby little legs and Tilly giggled.
"She just smiled at you." Elizabeth informed Tilly as she noticed a smile appear on Abby's face as she looked at her big sister.
Tilly grinned and took hold of her sister's hand and Abby grasped firmly onto one of her fingers.
"Sissy's strong." Tilly exclaimed.
Elizabeth smiled at the girl's exchange, noticing that Tilly was now starting to see the joy in having a sister, rather than it being a hindrance.
"You're such a good big sister." Elizabeth told her, and a big smile formed on Tilly's face.
Later that evening…
Once supper was over and the girls were in bed, Jack and Elizabeth went into the parlour and sat down on the settee in front of the fire.
It had been a long day for Jack. He had worked late and then been out tending to the animals, it was now the first time all day he'd had time to stop and relax.
"How was your day?" Elizabeth asked.
"Busy and long, but it's getting better now." He said wrapping an arm around her. "How was yours?"
"I had a really good day with the girls. Tilly is so much happier now, and she's finally enjoying having a sister. She's been quite the little helper, I'm so proud of her."
"I'm so glad." He said, placing a kiss on her temple.
"I knew she'd come around eventually but I didn't realise how difficult having a new sibling was going to be for her."
"I didn't either, but I'm sure they're going to be great sisters and wonderful friends."
Elizabeth smiled and felt more relaxed knowing that Tilly was more settled.
Elizabeth then noticed Jack's tousled hair and the five-o-clock shadow on his face and she appreciated that she was the only one that got to see him this way.
Jack moved closer to her side and she ran her hand through his already messy hair. He looked into her eyes and gave her a smile, while enjoying the display of affection she gave him.
"I love that our babies have your eyes." He said while holding her gaze and running his hand down the side of her cheek.
She smiled demurely, and she looked into his eyes.
"Abby's eyes may change still."
"I hope they don't."
"Your eyes look tired Jack." She said with concern, her voice trailing tenderly when pronouncing his name.
"They are, but not too tired."
"Not too tired?" She questioned.
"Not too tired for this…" He said, and he leaned in and gently kissed her.
"You're never too tired to kiss me?" She said giving him a smile, knowing his answer.
"Never…" He said but was stopped as she pressed her lips against his once more.
Their kisses became more passionate and Elizabeth ran her hands up his chest and started to unbutton his shirt.
"What are you doing?" Jack asked, somewhat surprised as he pulled away from the kiss.
"I think you know what I'm doing Jack." She said, placing her hands inside his shirt before returning her lips to his.
"You're… ok?" He asked between kisses.
"Mmm hmm."
"You're sure?" He asked, and she pulled away from him to look into his eyes.
"Jack, I'm fine."
"I'm just making sure. After all, it's only been seven weeks since you had a baby."
"Seven weeks already?" She asked surprised.
"It feels longer to me."
"Why is that?"
"Because over the last seven weeks, I've lost count of how many times I've wanted to make love to the Mother of my children."
"Oh…" She replied, giving him a grin. "Well, I probably could have a little sooner, but you seemed tired lately."
"You know I'm never too tired for this either." He said, tightening his hold on her as he pulled her closer.
"You're right." She said giving him a grin. "So why are we still talking?"
"I'm not sure…" He said, and she pressed her finger to his lips to stop him from talking, and then proceeded to kiss him.
A/N Sorry it took me a little longer to update this time. I think I've been distracted by all these great new episodes we've been having lately. I know without a doubt you're all excited for the wedding this week! I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and that it helped pass the time until the Wedding of the Century this Sunday :)
I always appreciate your reviews and love hearing back from you :). I'm thinking a little temporary drama is coming for the next chapter. I think we can all handle as there's a wedding this week.
Also I'm sorry that I haven't even gotten my courtship fanfic up and started. I just haven't had too much time or inspiration for it as yet. I think once Season 5 is over, I'm sure I'll have more thoughts and time to write then.
Thank you for reading.