The town was abuzz with laughter and joy on New Year's Eve. Children were enjoying the games and food, the women and men were fellow shipping. There was also curiosity as to what Coal Valley's new name would be, as the new name would be revealed just before midnight. Jack and Bill were perusing the activities to make sure everyone was safe and sound while Elizabeth helped the women with some of the cooking and activities with the children. Well, Elizabeth helped with the children more so than the cooking.
"Mrs. Thornton, do you think the baby will be a boy or a girl?" asked Emily curiously.
"I don't know Emily. I think it's a girl but Mountie Jack thinks it's a boy," answered Elizabeth.
"I think it's a boy too," responded Gabe.
"Nuh uh," said Emily to her brother, "I think it's definitely a girl!"
"Me too," said Rosaleen.
"Well we still have eighteen more weeks until I have the baby, so until then we all have to be patient," said Elizabeth, "No I think Mrs. Stanton, Mrs. Blakely, and Mrs. Montgomery have some food ready if you all want to go into the café and wash up for lunch."
The children ran towards Abigail's Café while Jack came over to his wife, "I trust the children are safe and in good hands?" he asked.
"Well, they are kind of familiar with me," said Elizabeth jokingly.
Lee walked over to Jack and said, "Constable Thornton?"
"Lee, I told you to call me Jack," said Jack.
Lee nodded, "Okay, I'd like to introduce you to some of the other saw mill workers."
Lee walked away and Jack turned to face Elizabeth, "Well I guess I better follow Lee and then get back to work."
"As long as I have a special someone to kiss at midnight. Any volunteers?" smirked Elizabeth.
"I have someone in mind," said Jack with a twinkle in his eye and then leaned in for a kiss, "Love you sweetheart."
"Love you too," said Elizabeth,
"And I love you too little guy," said Jack kissing Elizabeth's abdomen.
"You, Tom, Julie, and Gabe all certain it's a boy," said Elizabeth watching Jack return to his Mountie duties. Jack joined Lee and Bill with several other workers at the saw mill. Elizabeth went to join Abigail, Florence, Cat, Molly, and Rosemary in the café. As much as Elizabeth loved working with the children, watching after them while pregnant certainly wasn't easy.
"Elizabeth," greeted Molly happily, "How's everything going with the children?"
"Fine but after a while I need to just get off my feet since building my own child is exhausting," chuckled Elizabeth sitting down and graciously taking some tea from Abigail.
"Understandable," said Cat, "Most everyone has eaten lunch so a few of us can take over for a while if you want to rest."
"Thank you that would be very much appreciated," said Elizabeth.
Cat and Abigail went to join the children after they had all finished lunch while Rosemary took a seat next to Elizabeth, "So how's the pregnancy been going?"
"It's been going fine so far," answered Elizabeth, "The doctor has been monitoring me. He says the baby is growing properly and that I'm gaining enough weight. I just normally close my eyes when he checks my weight." Rosemary chuckled lightly, "How about you? How have you been?"
Rosemary stayed silent for a few minutes, "Okay I guess. I've been spending most of my time with Lee and Hickam since they helped me get the celebration ready," Rosemary looked down, "And Lee also asked me out to dinner," she said softly.
Elizabeth raised her eyebrows and smiled, "Like on a date?"
"I think so," Rosemary responded, "I told him I'd think about it."
"Why didn't you accept?" asked Elizabeth curiously.
Rosemary shrugged her shoulders, "I don't know. I guess I'm just a little nervous. I haven't courted anyone since…" Rosemary began but then stopped when she realized to whom she was talking.
"You can say his name Rosemary, I won't get jealous," said Elizabeth.
"I haven't courted anyone since Jack," Rosemary said, "But then we broke off the engagement and I've been afraid to really start a serious relationship ever since then."
"Rosemary," said Elizabeth grabbing her hand, "You and Jack have great chemistry but you both wanted different things in life at the time. Just because you're both courting and married to different people doesn't mean you can't be friends. And granted, I haven't known him very long, Lee seems like a great man. Jack might not have been the right person for you, but maybe Lee is."
Rosemary smiled and nodded, "Yeah I guess you're right."
"Don't be afraid to take a risk," said Elizabeth.
"You really are a good teacher aren't you?" asked Rosemary.
"Well that's what everyone says," said Elizabeth.
Rosemary looked down at Elizabeth's abdomen and asked, "May I?"
"Yes," Elizabeth nodded.
Rosemary laid her free hand on Elizabeth's abdomen and said, "And I know this little boy or little girl will have the best parents in the world. You're going to be an amazing mother."
Elizabeth wiped a few tears from her eyes and said, "Thank you that means a lot."
"And believe me, Jack has always been great with kids. Me, not so much," sighed Rosemary. Elizabeth nodded having the feeling that was one of the reasons Jack and Rosemary ended their relationship, "Jack is going to be an awesome Daddy."
"Ladies," said Lee standing in the door frame with Jack, "I believe they're getting ready to do the naming ceremony and countdown."
Rosemary beamed happily as she stood and Elizabeth pushed herself to her feet with a grunt before they both joined the two men outside. The rest of the town was already gathered for the ceremony.
Frank stood at the podium and said, "Good evening everyone. It is so wonderful to see a town come together for celebration. And tonight, we will be celebrating something very special: the start of a new year as well as the start of a new time here in Coal Valley. After the tragedies that have occurred in this town this past year, I've noticed you all have come together in faith, in love, in kindness, and especially, in hope. So for this year, 1911, I'd like everyone to live up and come together in hope. Because after all, we live in Hope Valley." He brought down the new sign over the water tower and the crowd cheered, "God bless you all."
"Everyone, it's almost midnight," said Abigail excitedly, "Countdown now."
The town counted down, "Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one…HAPPY NEW YEAR!" everyone screamed.
Jack turned to Elizabeth and smiled, "Happy new year Elizabeth Victoria Thornton. I love you."
"Happy new year Jack Thomas Thornton. I love you too. So much," she smiled before the couple pulled each other in for a passionate kiss.