Three Weeks Later…
Elizabeth woke up that morning still wrapped in Jack's arms. The young couple had been shocked that hadn't been getting too much morning sickness and honestly wasn't all that tired. Okay sometimes she would come home exhausted but then again, the couple was happy. Like extremely happy. And they both liked to show each other how happy they were. Jack stirred and smiled when he laid eyes on Elizabeth, "Morning sweetheart," he said.
Elizabeth smiled softly, "Good morning."
"How'd you sleep?" asked Jack.
Elizabeth got a twinkle in her eye, "Well fine immediately after the um, what led to our little bundle of joy," she said rubbing her abdomen for emphasis. "But I'm not feeling 100% right now."
Jack nodded understandingly, "Nauseous?"
Elizabeth nodded. Though she hadn't been throwing up that much, it still did happen occasionally and the nausea seemed to linger. Elizabeth rolled onto her back and gazed down lovingly. Of course, at this point, only Jack, Abigail, and she knew what it was, but there was a tiny bump already forming. The couple both planned on telling the children today and then telling any of the Coal Valley residents they saw. It was also William Thatcher's birthday that weekend so Jack and Elizabeth would be sharing their news with the Thatchers as well when the visited Hamilton. Jack was almost positive that Julie would be doing cartwheels in matter of seconds after they told the family. Elizabeth wrapped the sheet around her and began to find clothes to get dressed before she headed out for school.
"Don't you want something to eat Elizabeth?" asked Jack. He was always worrying about her even before the pregnancy.
Elizabeth grimaced a little, "I'll stop by Abigail's and get a biscuit but I don't know if I can stomach much."
"Okay then, love you," he said kissing her, "Have a good day. Hope you feel better."
"Love you too," she said and they both parted ways. She made her way over to Abigail's café and found Abigail having coffee with Cat, "Good morning Elizabeth."
"Good morning Abigail, Cat," said Elizabeth to the two older women taking a seat at the table.
"Do you want some water?" asked Abigail.
Elizabeth nodded, "And some biscuits if you have any."
"That's all?" asked Abigail.
"For right now," said Elizabeth. Abigail left and returned with the desired items. Elizabeth took slow hesitant sips of the water and well as slow bites of the biscuits.
"Are you alright Elizabeth?" asked Cat in concern.
"Yeah just morning sickness," said Elizabeth nonchalantly wondering if Cat would pick up on what she said.
"Yes, morning sickness can be a challenge in early pregnancy. Wait a minute? Pregnancy?" asked Cat when she realized what Elizabeth and she were saying. Elizabeth nodded a small smile forming, "You and Constable Thorton are expecting?"
"In spring, early spring," said Elizabeth quietly but happily.
"Well how far along are you?" asked Cat.
"Twelve weeks," Elizabeth confirmed.
"And how long have you known?" asked Cat turning to Abigail.
"Three weeks, since Jack and Elizabeth found out at nine weeks," said Abigail.
"And you're just now telling me?" asked Cat.
"Hey it wasn't my news to tell and Jack and Elizabeth wanted to wait a few more weeks to make sure everything was going smoothly," said Abigail.
"Okay, that makes sense," said Cat.
"Well, I best be getting to the schoolhouse. I'll see you ladies later," said Elizabeth.
"Have a good day Elizabeth. Tell Constable Thornton I said congratulations," said Cat.
Elizabeth nodded, "Will do." Elizabeth arrived at the schoolhouse and went over several spelling words with the children, all of the word seemingly related to babies. Elizabeth had intentionally made the spelling words baby related. Jack arrived at the schoolhouse right before Elizabeth finished her lessons for the day,.
"Afternoon Mountie Jack," all of the children said.
"Afternoon everyone," said Jack, "Well children, Elizabeth and I had some news."
The students focused their attention on the parents-to-be. Elizabeth took a deep breath and said, "Well children, I am sure some of you noticed our spelling words this week had a theme." The older children nodded and Jack chuckled lightly. He knew that Elizabeth had made those spelling words intentionally, "Well I decided to make the spelling word theme about baby's to celebrate mine."
"Are you having a baby Mrs. Thornton?" asked Emily excitedly.
Elizabeth smiled and nodded, "Boys and girls, I'm going to be a Mommy." Elizabeth started to cry.
"Aw Mrs. Thornton, don't be sad. Aren't babies something to be happy about?" asked Rosaleen.
"I know they are Rosaleen. Sometimes people cry because they're happy," said Elizabeth. Jack rubbed her back soothingly and kissed her temple. All of the children ran forward to hug Elizabeth and a few even hugged Jack.
"Is this going to be even better than your wedding day Mrs. Thornton?" asked Cassandra.
Elizabeth nodded, "It will be. But we have until the spring before I have the baby."
"You're going to be a great Mom Mrs. Thornton given how much you care for all of us and Mountie Jack," said Gabe.
"Yeah the baby has the best parents in the world," said Miles.
Jack and Elizabeth looked at each other. They weren't exactly sure they would be the best parents in the world, but they were both certainly going to give this baby all of the love in the world.