Here you go! It's a long one but I figured why break it up into two short chapters and make you wait.
"So how was it really? Being in Hamilton?" Elizabeth asked as she lay on Kate's bed with her that night.
"Well I missed you a lot. Julie was wonderful, and Viola was actually very kind. Her baby boy is very cute. Uncle Henry was mostly just busy, and Aunt Agatha was to busy fawning over Viola and the baby. Mostly I just spent my time with Julie and sitting at home. They had someone for dinner almost every night."
"How was the funeral?"
"It was sad, there were so many people I have never seen the cathedral so full. I didn't know what to do without you there, I had never been to a funeral before. But Viola let me sit with her, she truly was so kind, I think being a mother softened her a lot." Kate said.
"I am so proud of you for doing all this on your own, you are so grown up Katie. Truly you amaze me." Elizabeth said making Kate smile.
"I saw Charles, he asked after you."
"How is he?"
"He's good, he's engaged, he sends his congratulations for the marriage and the baby. He asked me if you were happy, he said he just wanted you to be happy."
"I fear we lost touch after I turned down his engagement, he was always a dear friend, maybe I should write him." Elizabeth nodded.
"I think enough time has passed." Kate agreed.
"Any word of what they are going to do with Grandmother's house?"
"No, I think Uncle plans on keeping it. Maybe Julie or Viola will move in. Julie said all I had to do was say the word and he would give it to me."
"What would you do alone in a house that size?" Elizabeth chuckled.
"I don't know, it feels like another lifetime that we lived in that house."
"It certainly does" Elizabeth agreed with a sigh.
"What did I miss here in Hope Valley?"
"Well, mostly we just missed you a lot, you know me I have no energy for anything besides school and housework anymore, and even that I can hardly manage." Elizabeth sighed running her hand over her belly. March was coming to a close and in a matter of days April would be upon them. Carson had looked Elizabeth over before he left and declared her and the baby both perfectly healthy. He said they probably had two weeks left, certainly no more then four. It was beginning to turn into a big waiting game.
"The new teacher comes tomorrow right?" Kate asked.
"Yes, I will greet her at the stagecoach stop after church. Jack will bring the wagon to carry her things to the row house she is staying in. I thought I could show her around the school house, and maybe the town. And I thought she might join us for dinner at Abigail if she wasn't to tired." Elizabeth nodded.
"That's very nice of you."
"Well she's just out of teacher college, she doesn't know anyone here, you remember how we felt when we first came here. Thank goodness for Abigail, but I would like to create a good friendship with her. It's important we communicate and work together this year, and I think she will need a friend."
"I will go with you tomorrow to greet her, I can help show her around town if you get to tired."
"Thank you, I just might."
"Your going to miss teaching aren't you?"
"I am going to miss it with all my heart. I am hoping the baby is big enough by fall term that I can at least stop in and say hello and maybe even teach one lesson. I know I will see the children all the time but I will miss being behind the desk." Elizabeth nodded.
"It will go by quickly, babies grow fast right, before you know it the new year will be here."
"Your right, oh also Jack and I talked about him maybe stepping down from the monies next summer when his term is up." Elizabeth said.
"Really?" Kate asked surprised.
"Yes, he doesn't want to risk being called away again, he said it's not his dream. He will take over Bill's job as sherif and he wants to have a farm here, maybe sell some crops."Elizabeth said with a little shrug.
"And what do you think of that?" Kate asked.
"I think as long as Jack is happy, and I certainly don't have any complaints about him not being at risk for leaving again. Remember when he was up north? It felt like time stood still, he missed so much, imagine doing that with a baby?"
"It would be easier." Kate agreed.
"It would be, I gives me piece of mind. I would never ask him to leave the mounties, but I also never thought he would. But he brought it up and it seems like something he really wants."
"He's going to be a really good father." Kate smiled
"He is" Elizabeth agreed with a smile.
"Aunt Agatha was talking about coming to visit this summer, after the baby comes. I think Viola's baby has softened them all up."
"Babies have a way of doing that." Elizabeth laughed a little as Jack stuck his head into Kate's room.
"Well, this is a sight for sore eyes." Jack smiled leaning against the door frame.
"I should let you get some rest, we have an early day tomorrow and you must be tired from traveling all day."
"I am, I can't want to see everyone in church tomorrow."
"Your friends have all been asking for you, I didn't tell them you were coming back so it will be a nice surprise. Laura has been asking if we heard from you yet so she will be excited." Elizabeth smiled sitting up.
"Alright, who's helping me up?" She asked making Kate and Jack laughed as they both grabbed an arm pulling her to her feet.
"Good to have you home." Elizabeth smiled giving Kate a warm hug.
"Good night" Jack laughed pulling Elizabeth up the stairs.
Sunday afternoon after church Kate stood by Jack and Elizabeth at the stage stop as the dust settled around the stage coach. Jack stepped forward opening the door and offered his hand as a women climbed out. Kate looked her over quickly as she climbed down the stairs, nice dress, hair in place, only a few suitcases for someone staying for a while, she was young too. Probably just out of college, the same age Elizabeth was when they first came.
"It's so lovely to finally meet you in person." Elizabeth smiled giving her a warm hug.
"This is my sister Kate, Kate this is Megan Green." Elizabeth introduced them.
"It's nice to meet you Miss Green." Kate offered her a warm smile remembering what Elizabeth had said the night before and remembering her first look at this town so long ago.
"It's nice to meet you all too, this town looks so charming." Miss Green said looking around main street.
"My Husband will take your bags to the row house you are staying at. I thought you might like a little tour of our town, and I can show you around the school house.
"That would be wonderful thank you." Megan smiled as Jack loaded her bags into the back of the wagon.
"I'll pick you up at the school house in an hour? We can have have dinner at Abigail's and I will give you a ride home." Jack offered closing the back of the wagon.
"Sounds good thank you." Elizabeth smiled.
"So what can you tell me about this town?" Megan asked as they started walking down main street towards the school house.
"Well, we love it here, my sister and I grew up in a big house in a big city and we were in a bit of a shock when we first came here, it was only supposed to be for a year. But we loved it here, the people especially." Elizabeth smiled.
"You will love it here too. Everyone is so warm and helpful, people take care of each other here." Kate nodded.
"I didn't come from a big city, but it was more then this." Megan said looking around the little town.
"There's the school house." Elizabeth smiled as it came into view across the pond.
"Oh my, that's beautiful." Megan gasped. Kate had to agree, the springs buds just starting to make the trees turn green, the pond was reflecting the afternoon sun and the white school house sat shining in the distance.
"Jack built it for Elizabeth." Kate smiled proudly.
"He did! It seems you have found yourself quite the man" Megan smiled at Elizabeth who blushed a little.
"Come on I will show you inside." Elizabeth lead the way to the school house.
"I sit here, and my best friend Laura sits here." Kate said pointing to her desk.
"It's set up as a usual one room school house. Older children in the back and youngest in the front. The children are generally very good, they are smart and willing to learn. Sometimes it's hard to keep the younger ones attention, but they are good. Little Opal loves to read, she has really taken off, and Cody is so good at science sometimes I think he could answer the questions better then me. Robert is the best in the class at spelling, Timmy loves to play the piano, if you tell him he can play when he's done with his work he breezes right through it." Elizabeth said quickly rattling off facts about each child.
"It sounds like you really care about you students." Megan smiled.
"I love them all so much, they are all so special to me." Elizabeth smiled softly.
"I will be sure to take good care of them."
"Thank you, and the older ones will be willing to help for sure, right Kate?"
"Yeah of course." Kate nodded.
"That would be lovely." Megan smiled at her.
"You will meet all the children tomorrow, you can shadow me tomorrow and take over the lessons more and more until Friday." Elizabeth said.
"Your only staying one week then?" Megan asked.
"Yes, I was hoping to work up until the baby came, but I think that may be sooner rather then later and I fear the long school day is just to much for me now." Elizabeth sighed.
"Well, you are welcome in the classroom anytime. If your students think as highly of you as you clearly do of them, I am sure they will miss you." Megan gave her a soft smiled as Elizabeth returned it.
"Jack is here." Kate said glancing out the window as Jack pulled up in the wagon.
"We can finish in here tomorrow when the children are at lunch, if your ready we can go meet Abigail, she's a dear dear friend to us and a wonderful cook." Elizabeth said pulling her shawl over her shoulders.
"Sounds wonderful" Megan smiled.
"I must say that was a wonderful dinner." Megan said as Kate helped her carry her bags into the row house. Jack had taken Elizabeth home, leaving Gracie for Kate to ride home later.
"Abigail is the best cook in Hope Valley, she opened that cafe on a whim six years ago and it is the most popular place in town." Kate nodded.
"Everyone does seem so nice here, that Rosemary Coulter seems like she is into everything." Kate laughed a little rolling her eyes. They had run into Rosemary on the way to the cafe and she had more questions for the new teacher then Jack did when he was investigating something.
"Rosemary has a big heart." Kate laughed.
"My this is a nice place." Megan smiled looking around the little row house. Kate smiled glancing around, it had all the furniture she would need.
"Elizabeth and I lived in a row house for a while too. They are nice. The neighbors are close but everyone is friendly. My friend Anna and her family live next door. Her mom makes the best pie."
"I will have to go over if I smell some cooking!"
"If your all set I should go, school tomorrow." Kate smiled.
"Of course, thank you for all your help today."
"Let me know if you need anything Miss Green."
"How about when we're outside of school you just call me Megan. After all I think I am no more then a few years older then you, and I have a feeling we will be working closely together."
"That sounds good." Kate smiled.
"Alright, see you tomorrow then." Megan smiled as Kate let herself out.
Monday morning Jack picked up Miss Green on the way to school and Elizabeth showed her all around the classroom. She introduced the students as they came in and she greeted each child with a warm smile. By the end of the day Kate was confident in Miss Green's teaching. She was like Elizabeth, warm and kind and patient. And Elizabeth was helping her learn about each student and their grade level.
"How was the new teacher today?" Abigail asked as Kate worked in the cafe that afternoon.
"She did well, no one can hold a candle to Elizabeth, but I think she's a close second for now." Kate smiled pulling chicken out of the oven.
"Well we all know Elizabeth loves that classroom to much to not be involved. I'm sure she will still help with all the lesson planning and correcting even if she isn't behind the desk." Abigail nodded.
"I hope so, in the meantime we are all just waiting for the baby, now that Miss Green is here it feels like it could come at anytime." Kate nodded.
"It could too, babies come when they want to, not when we want them to." Abigail nodded.
"Well another week would be nice." Kate sighed.
"We will see." Abigail smiled.
Elizabeth sighed as she pulled off her boots Wednesday after school.
"Feet hurt?" Kate asked
"A little swollen." Elizabeth sighed as Jack went to sit by her on the sofa. He pulled her fee into his lap and began rubbing them gently as she put her head back.
"I'll go do the barn chores so you can do that." Kate smiled.
"Thank you" Jack nodded as she headed out the door.
"So Friday is your last day?" Jack asked.
"I'm not sure, it depends how much Megan and I get done tomorrow."
"Elizabeth, this is clearly taking a toll on your body." Jack sighed.
"I am alright, just a little sore, I want to make sure everything is ready."
"You have been getting everything ready since the day you found out about this baby. Kate can help with anything else, and you can certainly help from here if she has any questions." Jack pushed a little harder.
"I just don't feel ready." Elizabeth shook her head.
"Because leaving the classroom is so final?" Jack asked raising an eyebrow at her as she looked at him surprised.
"I know you better then you think." Jack grinned at her.
"It just feels like big changes are coming, and I'm excited for them, but I'm also nervous too." Elizabeth sighed.
"Well, the change can't be that big if it still fits inside you." Jack teased making her laugh as he rubbed her belly.
"You know I'm not going to force you into making this choice. I just hate seeing you so uncomfortable." Jack sighed.
"It's alright really."
"It's not alright, I can tell your in pain, your back and your feet, it seems like it's catching up to you these past two weeks." Jack said softly.
"I will see how tomorrow goes, as long as it is not a complete disaster, Friday will be my last day." Elizabeth nodded.
"Good, you deserve a rest before this little one comes along." Jack smiled.
"I think we all deserve a little rest before we get to busy." Elizabeth agreed.
"Well, I have to work Saturday, but how about Sunday after church we take Kate and go down to the lake and have a nice picnic just the three of us?" Jack asked.
"Sounds wonderful." Elizabeth smiled.
"How about I set the table so when Kate comes in we can eat dinner." Jack said standing up and going into the kitchen.
"Ugh I'm not sure I can fit anything else in this stomach." Elizabeth sighed.
Turns out Miss Green came at the perfect time. One week after arriving she was settled enough for Elizabeth to feel like she could confidently run the classroom all on her own. Elizabeth said goodbye to her students and they threw her a little party on Friday even though they would still see her all the time. Saturday morning her first day of her break from teaching, Elizabeth woke up before dawn with a dull pain in her back.
Elizabeth didn't tell Jack, she knew she should have, but the pain came and went. It lasted until sunrise then went away and she went back to sleep wondering if she had imagined it. They came back as she made breakfast, but were nothing more then a minor inconvenience, certainly not effecting her day at all, so when Jack left after breakfast to do his rounds Elizabeth just waved him off from the porch in the spring sunshine.
An hour later Kate was helping her hang laundry in the back yard while Willow rolled around in the new spring grass. The chicks were now almost fully grown and enjoyed pecking around in the grass now that it was warm enough. Jack had finished the chicken coop setting it outside by the barn. The apple trees were in the ground and spring had officially came to Hope Valley, everything about that made Kate happy. She breathed in the scent of freshly washed clothes as the hung up her dress glancing over at Elizabeth who had a frown on her face as she rubbed her back.
"Are you ok? Maybe you should put your feet up." Kate said gently as her sister straightened up hanging another rag on the line.
"I'm fine, it's just this pain." Elizabeth sighed.
"Your having pains? I should go get Jack." Kate cried instantly dropping the clothespins back in the basket.
"No you won't! It's fine, nothing consistent, and we both know if Jack comes back here I will be in bed until this baby comes, which could be a while yet." Elizabeth shook her head.
"Elizabeth! This is not a joke I am not helping you deliver this baby myself!" Kate cried her eyes going wide.
"You won't have to! Abigail told me all about this, it's totally normal and until they are regular and more painful, they could be nothing, they can come and go for day." Elizabeth said firmly.
"But I don't…" Kate started not sure she believe her.
"Kate, who is the adult here?" Elizabeth snapped rubbing her back again as it bothered her.
"At least go sit with you feet up." Kate sighed.
"I will do no such thing, this laundry needs to go up."
"I can put the laundry up just go sit or I will go get Jack right now." Kate said making a move for the barn.
"Oh your impossible" Elizabeth threw up her hands going back to the porch and sitting down on the bench Jack had made. Kate finished hanging the laundry and dumped out the wash bin before going to sit by her sister.
"Sorry I got bossy." Kate said gently.
"It's alright, I'm sorry I snapped. You were probably right, they aren't going away this time." Elizabeth said rubbing her belly as a pain rippled through it.
"What do you want me to do?" Kate asked.
"They still rant very often, maybe I should go rest on the sofa for a little while." Elizabeth said holding her arm out as Kate stood and pulled her off the bench.
"You will tell me when you need Jack and Abigail right?" Kate asked following her into the house.
"Yes, I promise, right now I think I should just try and get some rest." Elizabeth nodded.
"You rest, I'm going to make you a nice big pot of soup." Kate said as they settled into the house.
"Another one?" Kate asked from the table glancing over at Elizabeth as she let out a shaky sigh from where she was curled up on the couch.
"Yes, it's passing now" Elizabeth rubbed her belly as Kate got up to sit next to her.
"What do you think?"
"That there is still time, however the baby is coming sooner rather then later." Elizabeth sighed.
"Do you need anything?" Kate asked.
"No, I am good right here for a while, after another one you should probably go to get Jack and Abigail though."
"How are you so calm?" Kate asked as Elizabeth relaxed into the couch. Kate felt like she was going to jump out of her skin just watching her.
"I suppose my brain knows to save it's energy." Elizabeth chuckled a little.
"You want some soup? Chicken and dumpling your favorite." Kate offered.
"No thank you sweetie I'm not sure I should stomach it right now." Elizabeth said.
"Well what can I do then?" Kate asked fidgeting.
"You can sit right here and keep me company for a few minutes, then I need you to go." Elizabeth whispered putting her arms around Kate tightly and pulling her into her side.
"Deal" Kate whispered, they sat contently for a few minutes before Elizabeth let out a little gasp again.
"I'm going for Jack and Abigail" Kate said not leaving room for Elizabeth to argue as she stood up.
"That's probably best." Elizabeth nodded.
"Want me to ask Rosemary to come stay with you? I know she's home, she was just in her garden not to long ago." Kate offered.
"No I'm ok, it will be a while yet. I just want Jack with me" Elizabeth said.
"You sure?"
"Yes, positive"
"Ok, I will be right back!" Kate cried hurrying out the door. She ran to the field whistling for Gracie who trotted over.
"Come on girl we have to get Jack" Kate said climbing onto her back without a saddle. Elizabeth hated that she rode her like this but today Kate thought she wouldn't mind. Kate raced Gracie into town faster then she probably should have. Jack came out of his office before she had even gotten there.
"I saw you in the window, what's wrong?" Jack asked already making his way down the steps at the same time as Abigail came out of the cafe across the street.
"It's her time isn't it?" Abigail asked
"Yeah, she wants you both, now." Kate nodded. Jack was already untying Sergeant jumping on his back.
"You go ahead, I will get Bill to take me in the wagon we will be right behind you" Abigail said.
"Ok, come on boy let's go!" Jack kicked Sergeant into a gallop and Kate followed him as they raced down the lane and past the row houses to their own land straight up to the front door.
"I'll get Sergeant you go in" Kate said slipping off Gracie and grabbing the reigns of Jack's horse as he slid off.
"Thanks!" Jack yelled over his shoulder as he raced to the house. Kate chuckled through her nerves and lead both horses into the barn.
"Hey, I'm here" Jack came crashing into the house kneeling down next to the sofa where Elizabeth was sitting.
"That was fast, I just sent Kate to get you!" Elizabeth said surprised.
"Yeah, we may have both ran the horses faster then your liking." Jack said sheepishly. Elizebeth cupped his cheek in her hand grinning at him.
"You may be more nervous then I am." She whispered kissing his forehead.
"Do you need anything? What can I do?" Jack asked
"Is Abigail on her way?" Elizabeth asked rubbing her stomach her face beginning to creese in pain.
"Yes, Frank was taking her in the wagon she should be right behind us" Jack said. Elizabeth nodded clearly overwhelmed by the pain. Jack took her hand in his and she squeezed it putting her head back a bit letting out a deep breath. She turned back to him when it passed giving his worried face a small smile.
"Don't leave me ok?" she whispered.
"Oh love, I'm not going anywhere" He assured her as Kate came in leading Abigail in.
"Well looks like we are going to have a baby!" Abigail cried, the most excited person in the room at the moment.
"Jack what do you say you and I head down to the river and see if the fish are biting?" Bill asked.
"Actually I'm going to stay with Elizabeth" Jack said. Bill raised his eyebrows in surprise but Abigail just smiled and nodded.
"Alright. Well good luck to you all."
"Thank you Bill. I will take Abigail home." Jack said.
"I will say a prayer for you, can't wait to meet your little one" Bill gave them a smile as he left the house.
"Alright, Jack I need you to get me as many buckets of water as you can. Kate start the stove, I want a nice warm fire to heat water on and bring me all the blankets and towels." Abigail said taking charge as she moved around the house. Jack and Kate jumped up to do as she said and Abigail moved to sit next to Elizabeth.
"I need Jack" Elizabeth said rubbing her belly before Abigail even said anything.
"And I am not going to stand in the way of you two." Abigail said giving her a smile.
"I'm so glad your here" Elizabeth let out a sigh.
"Me too, come on let's get you a little more comfortable" Abigail reached up helping Elizabeth stand and walk into the bedroom.
Willow started barking outside and Kate hurried to the window over looking the path to the house in the upstairs bedroom
"Who is it?" Jack asked as he offered Elizabeth a glass of water.
"Rosemary" Kate sighed.
"Can you tell her no visitors please Kate?" Elizabeth sighed from where she was sitting in the rocking chair.
"Of course" Kate hurried down the stairs past Abigail in the kitchen and out to the front porch before Rosemary could knock.
"Rosemary, good afternoon" Kate smiled at her closing the front door behind her keeping them both out on the porch.
"Kate, hello I saw you and Jack rushing by earlier and then I saw Bill and Abigail, I just wanted to come make sure everything was alright." Rosemary said craning her neck to try to see through the front window..
"Oh yes everything is fine" Kate nodded.
"Ohh The baby is coming isn't it!" Rosemary squealed so loud Kate winched.
"Yes, Abigail said it could be a while yet but we should have a baby by midnight" Kate couldn't help but smile.
"Oh wonderful! Well where has Jack gone off to? He should come by and have dinner with us I know how he will worry and we can help keep his mind off it."
"Oh actually Jack is staying"
"Staying?" Rosemary gasped
"Yes, he and Elizabeth both want him here." Kate said.
"He's staying!" Rosemary cried horrified.
"Yes" Kate chuckled a little at Rosemary.
"Oh no, no no that's not something men do! They don't stay for the babies." Rosemary cried.
"Jack does" Kate shrugged.
"Well it's simply not right, I mean.. does he know what happens in there?" Rosemary asked in a whisper.
"Well he is a mountie, he has had the training in it actually." Kate nodded. Well this is surprising." Rosemary shook her head.
"Rosemary, it's Jack and Elizabeth, are you really that surprised." Kate chuckled.
"Well… well I suppose not. But you mark my words Kathryn Thatcher. Should I ever have baby, Lee is allowed no where near the house. And that will be yours and Jack's job." Rosemary said.
"Rosemary, are you warming to the idea of children?" Kate asked surprised.
"Well I, I don't know. I thought I would see how Elizabeth's turns out first before I commit to anything. But I suppose they are rather darling." Rosemary muttered with a shrug making Kate laugh.
"I will make sure you know when the baby is here Rosemary." Kate promised.
"Very well. I will be over tomorrow with some chicken pie, I won't stay if they aren't up for visitors, but I just thought, none of you will feel like cooking for a while. Even Abigail if she is up all night delivering a baby." Rosemary said.
"Thank you" Kate nodded.
"Tell Elizabeth I said best of luck, we're thinking of her." Rosemary said.
"I will" Kate promised slipping back into the house.
"Rosemary said if Elizabeth had a good baby she just might have one." Kate told Abigail.
"That Rosemary is always full of surprises." Abigail laughed.
"Kate, how's that water coming?" Abigail asked coming down the stairs as Kate stood in the kitchen a few hours later.
"Nothing is happening" Kate sighed.
"A watched pot never boils." Abigail told her gently.
"It apparently never gives birth either" Kate muttered.
"Babies have a way of taking their time." Abigail nodded with a gentle smile as she made her way over to Kate. She watched Kate cringe as a cry of pain from Elizabeth came from the bedroom upstairs.
"She's doing well, she's strong." Abigail said gently taking Kate's hand in her's.
"Of course she is" Kate nodded but she didn't sound as sure of herself, her eyes were worried and her face was pale as she chewed her lip.
"Why don't you take a break, I suspect it will be a while yet, take Willow for a walk and get some air" Abigail offered.
"I told Elizabeth I would help" Kate shook her hear going back to the stove.
"That is helpful, the sun is going down the puppy needs to go out or she will be underfoot while we're trying to work, go on take a break and you will feel better when you come back, Jack is with her and I can do this." Abigail said.
"Thanks, I will be right back." Kate sighed picking up her coat.
"Come Willow" she called for the puppy who jumped up from where she was laying watching them. There was another soft cry from upstairs before they heard Jack muttering something soothingly. Willow looked up the stairs whining and Kate hesitated.
"Go on Jack has her" Abigail nudged her gently towards the door. Kate nodded heading out into the evening with Willow walking beside her. They made their way to the barn slowly and Kate stopped to pet Gracie who stuck her nose over the half door. Sergeant nickered softly on the other side and Kate dug into her pocket offering both horses some carrot pieces before giving Willow the last few.
"I told her, I told years ago that this was a bad idea. But did she listen to me? No, she never listens to me and now look what she's gone and done to herself" Kate muttered to Gracie. Gracie seemed to shake her head.
"Well I know babies are a blessing, and this baby will be amazing, and smart and probably the most beautiful baby in the world. I suppose now is a bad time to say I told you so." Kate smirked patting Gracie's neck.
"Alright, if you guys are all set I suppose I should go back in, Jack will probably come take care of you in the morning, it's going to be a long night so go easy on him. That means you boy" Kate said petting Sergeant's nose. Kate whistled for Willow who jumped up following her out of the barn. Kate put all the chickens inside the coop scattering corn on the ground for them as they raced around.
"What do you think Willow, if we go in you have to lay on your bed. I have to start carrying the water upstairs and you can't be up and down. Elizabeth can't have you in there today alright?" Kate asked turning to the dog who just wagged her tail at her.
"I mean it Willow, bed or your sleeping in the barn." Kate said firmly opening the door. Willow ran over too her blankets by the wood stove laying down and looking up at Kate.
"Good girl." Kate nodded.
"There you are! She's ready, it happened so fast, bring me towels and fill the wash bin with water." Abigail cried rushing down the stairs. Kate fought the urge to throw up as she hurried to do as Abigail said.
"Ok easy, easy breath take a break, catch your breath." Abigail coached a few minutes later. Jack was sitting on the head of the bed with Elizabeth leaning on him to keep upright.
"You are amazing, you are so strong" Jack whispered as Elizabeth bit her lip so hard he thought she was going to draw blood.
"You want more water?" Jack asked.
"No, no don't leave me" Elizabeth gasped gripping his hand hard
"Kate you ready with a towel?" Abigail asked
"Right here" Kate said grabbing it, offering it to Abigail.
"Oh no sweetie, your doing this part. Open it up and spread it in your arms, there you go" Abigail said as Kate looked at her wide eyed but did as she said.
"Ok gentle pushes almost there, easy ok, there you go. Yes yes good! Oh good! You did it Elizabeth!" Abigail cried as Elizabeth let out a final cry and the collapsed into Jack panting. Abigail moved her arms back and Kate watched a tiny baby come into view just as a tiny cry filled the room.
"Here Kate, easy, support the head, there you are" Abigail smiled gently placing the baby in Kate's arms and wrapping the towel around the tiny body as the baby let out a weak cry then another before it turned into a full on wail. Kate looked down at the tiny infant in her arms.
"There we go! What a healthy pair of lungs this one has." Abigail cooed to the baby rubbing it dry.
"What is it?" Elizabeth asked watching Kate with tears in her eyes.
"You have a baby girl" Kate whispered tears gathering in her own eyes as she walked over placing the baby in Elizabeth's arms.
"A girl" Elizabeth gasped as Jack leaned over, kissing Elizabeth before stroking the baby's head as she seemed to settle in the comfort of her mother's arms.
"She's so beautiful" Jack whispered.
"Does this little darling have a name?" Abigail asked watching them with a smile.
"Abigail Kathryn Thornton, after the two most wonderful women we could think of" Jack said. Kate beamed as Abigail squeezed her shoulders from behind.
"Abby, welcome to the world" Elizabeth cooed running her finger down the babies nose. Baby Abby immediately turned her head toward Elizabeth.
"Oh, looks like someone knows her mama." Abigail whispered beaming at them wiping away her own tears.
"Hi Beautiful girl, we're so happy your here." Jack whispered.
"Why don't we let Papa hold the baby and I will get you cleaned up and then you can rest." Abigail offered as Jack gently stood up and slowly took the baby into his arms. She looked tiny as he held her against his large chest his arms swallowing up her whole body keeping her safe. Abby let out a little cry again.
"Shh, your alright, I got you." Jack whispered rocking back and forth soothing the baby again as she looked up at him.
"He's a natural" Abigail whispered to Elizabeth as they watched him swaying on the other side of the room.
"He's perfect." Elizabeth sighed with a smile.
Kate gently knocked and Elizabeth looked up as she eased the door open slightly peaking in, dawn was coming, by the time the baby was born and the work was done it was early morning. Abigail had stayed to make sure Elizabeth and the baby both got a good meal and by the time they were all settled the sun was rising.
"Come in, I'm awake" Elizabeth whispered sitting up a little more, careful not to jostle the baby sleeping in her arms.
"Jack left to take Abigail home, I thought I would see if you need anything."
"I am wonderful thank you. Come in, sit with me" Elizabeth whispered patting the bed next to her. Kate came in slowly easing herself onto the bed.
"She's so beautiful" Kate whispered peaking at the little baby wrapped in her blanket made by Abigail.
"She's perfect" Elizabeth smiled.
"Do you think she looks more like you or Jack?" Kate asked settling into the pillows next to Elizabeth.
"I think she has Jack's cheeks, see this little dimple here? But I think she has my nose and mouth. It's so hard to tell" Elizabeth smiled.
"You did amazing, I can't believe you weren't scared."
"I had Jack and you and Abigail, I was as comfortable as I could be,
i'm glad you were here. I'm glad you will be a part of Abby's life. She is so lucky to have an aunt like you" Elizabeth smiled as she gently shifted the baby into Kate's arms. Abby grunted stretching out her arm before settling back into sleep making Kate and Elizabeth giggle.
"It seems strange having a baby in the house. I knew all along she was coming, I watched her grow bigger in your belly, but now she's here and its strange" Kate said.
"It is like meeting a miniature person, I wonder what she must think of us" Elizabeth nodded.
"We're not as crazy as we might seem, we're just having kind of a crazy day. I bet you can understand, your day has been a little busy too. Don't worry they aren't all like this" Kate whispered to the sleeping baby making Elizabeth laugh.
"Wait until everyone sees her, she's going to be the most popular baby in town." Kate said. Elizabeth nodded letting out a yawn.
"I should let you rest, I'll be in the living room just yell if you need me." Kate said.
"You should get some rest too, we were all up all night" Elizabeth said.
"I will, Jack should be back soon I'm sure he will come lay with you and then I will go sleep. Abigail said she would be back tonight to check on you and bring food, and Rosemary was going to stop by at lunch to bring a pie but she said she won't stay if your not up for it." Kate said slipping Abby back into Elizabeth's arms.
"I could entertain her for a few minutes, I bet she is dying to see the baby." Elizabeth chuckled.
"I'm surprised she doesn't have a ladder against the side of the house looking through the window." Kate said making them both laugh.
"Thank you Katie, I don't know what I would do without you." Elizabeth smiled as she started to lay down, Abby snuggled in her arms as Kate was leaving the bedroom.
"You and me forever right?" Kate asked as her way of waving off Elizabeth's thanks.
"Forever and ever" Elizabeth smile.
Jack slipped into the house a few minutes later, Kate was on the couch reading but her eyes looked like they were hardly staying open.
"Hey, everything ok?" He whispered.
"Yeah, they are both sleeping, I just didn't want to be out of earshot until you got home" Kate said standing up.
"Thank you, you were so helpful Kate we couldn't have done this without you." Jack said pulling her into a hug.
"Congratulations to you Papa, you should go sleep with them. I bet that baby will be crying soon enough." Kate smiled at him before heading into her own bedroom. Jack smiled climbing the stairs tiptoeing into his room. Elizabeth was asleep, her hair fanning the pillow behind her. Abby was wrapped up in a blanket in the crook of her elbow sleeping as well. Jack slipped into bed with them as easily as he could but Elizabeth still stirred waking up.
"Hey, how you doing?" Jack asked rubbing her cheek with his thumb.
"Tired, a little sore, very happy" She smiled at him as he grinned back.
"Abigail get home ok?"
"Yes, she's going to sleep herself and come back later, do you need anything?"
"No, I have it all right here" Elizabeth smiled at him.
There is one more chapter left of this story to put everything together in that neat little perfect bow we all love so much. I am deeply going to miss this story and these characters so much! I could probably be persuaded into doing another story with them all if I can find a way to put some drama into their life. Suggestions? I also have the alternate ended I wrote where Jack does die just like he did in the show. I will probably post that sometime soon. It's not a fun read, but it's interesting to see it from Kate's point of view and how she effects Elizabeth's grieving.
