An: Hello all! I have another Chapter here for you! Sorry It's been so long! Is everyone enjoying season 4? I know I am! If only Jack and Elizabeth would get engaged...sigh...

Before I begin, A recap of the previous chapter:
Viola admits she is not passionately in love with her future husband, but she is comfortable. Elizabeth realizes that she is incredibly lucky to have found Jack, and tells him as much. The day of Viola's wedding, the sisters spend time together, and discuss how much they love each other. At the reception we find out that Charles has proposed to Edith, and that Edith is under the impression that Charles was the one who had rejected Elizabeth, and after an unintentionally insulting comment was made about Jack, Elizabeth reveals to her the whole truth, including the fact that Edith's engagement ring is the very one that Charles proposed to her with.

"This is so embarrassing!" Elizabeth said, as she twisted her fingers in the fabric of the nightgown she wore.

"There isn't anything embarrassing about needing to spend a little time in bed, Elizabeth! You're growing another human in there!" Abigail insisted as she kept working on the blanket. Elizabeth sighed, and went back to work on the toe of the cream colored booty she was working on. By mid July, Elizabeth had gone through another bout of exhaustion, similar to the one from the beginning of her pregnancy, and the doctor had given her the same treatment. A week of bedrest, and this time, she didn't have school, or visitors or anything like that to use as an excuse for being up and about.

"I still feel badly that you've taken so much time away from the cafe."

"It's perfectly alright. Rosemary had volunteered to come keep an eye on you so to speak, but I told her that there was no one else I could trust to run the cafe, and besides she had so much to do to plan the perfect wedding by summer's end." Abigail said. And Elizabeth smiled gratefully. "Besides, nothing is too much for my best friend."

"And your Godchild." Elizabeth said with a smile.

"Right." Abigail smiled, and went back to her knitting before casually asking "Who's the Godfather going to be?"

"That's something that Jack and I have been discussing...praying about." Elizabeth said. "We obviously couldn't ask Tom or Lee without asking Rosemary or Julie to be the Godmother, and we considered asking Bill, but he isn't really one for church...so then we thought- well, who better to ask than Frank?" Abigail dropped her knitting needles, but picked them up and swiftly continued her work. "Unless that idea makes you horribly uncomfortable?"

"No, no. THat's just fine; not just fine, better than that really. Pastor Hogan is a remarkable man, very inspiring, full of the spirit and all that. Any child would be lucky to have him as a Godfather." Abigail insisted.

"What's going on between the two of you? And don't you dare say nothing, Abigail, I know you too well for that to work." Elizabeth said, and Abigail sighed. "Of course, you don't have to tell me anything. I could just keep guessing, coming up with wild imagining-"

"He's asked to officially court me!" Abigail blurted out, making her cheeks turn pink as she worked more furiously on the blanket.

"And you said?" Elizabeth prompted after a moment of silence.

"That I would think about it."

"And have you? Thought about it?"

"Of course. Honestly I haven't thought about anything else for days...well, until you were put on bedrest. You've been a most welcome distraction." Abigail admitted.

"Glad to be of service." Elizabeth muttered. "But have you thought about it? Really? What do you think you're going to say?"

"I'm not sure." Abigail sighed. "What do you think?"

"I think...That you and Frank obviously care about each other, and you're both adults with somewhat complicated pasts, who understand each other, and respect each other. I think you could be good together." Elizabeth said. Abigail nodded along, but kept her eyes on her knitting. "I also think that you know your own heart, Abigail, and you'll make the right choice for yourself."

"I know...and I know that I do care about Frank, but something is holding me back."

"Is it Noah? Because he'd want you to be happy."

"I don't think it's that…"

"Then it's Bill- Don't look at me like I'm crazy! Think about it; with Bill, you opened your heart to love for the first time since your husband's passing, and then you had your heart broken. After that, it can't be easy to open up again." Elizabeth said, and Abigail stared at her, absolutely dumbfounded. "But Abigail, Frank already admitted his past to you. Can you live with his history?"

"Yes."

"Then what are you waiting for? Go get him!" Elizabeth laughed, and Abigail rose from her chair to hug Elizabeth tightly. "Go on!"

"I'm not leaving you by yourself while you're on bedrest, Elizabeth. I'm not in a rush. When Jack comes home, I'll go to speak to Frank."

"Abigail, I'm not an invalid, and I'm just so excited for you! I promise I'd behave and stay in bed if you went."

"I'm not falling for that again, Elizabeth. I ran to get another ball of yarn from Mr. Yost yesterday, and when I came home you were down the stairs, in the living room as pale as death, with swollen feet." Abigail insisted, and Elizabeth pouted. "Don't give me that face. You know that I'm right to do this."

"Yes, I know. You're my warden for my own good." She sighed, and caressed her belly. "I can tell this baby is a Thornton, look at how much trouble she's already causing."

"Sounds like they've got a fair bit of Thatcher in there as well." Abigail said with a smirk. "Now, you always refer to the baby as a girl."

"Well, I think she's a girl. I can't explain why, I've just got a feeling." Elizabeth said. "And I know what you're going to say next; that it could be a boy, and I shouldn't get my hopes up, if it's not a girl this time, then maybe next time, etcetera, etcetera."

"I was going to tell you that you should never write off mother's intuition. Of course it could be a boy, but that goes without saying. Regardless of the gender, I know that you and Jack will be wonderful parents." Abigail said. "What about names?"

"Oh, we've tossed around dozens. We haven't found the right combination yet, for a boy or a girl. It's just so important, we can't seem to commit to one choice."

"That's alright. Noah and I disagreed on Peter's name all the way up until his birth! It was quite a fight, let me tell you, but the minute we held him, we agreed on it. You'll pick the perfect name for the little Thornton."

"I thought that the amount I loved Jack was impossible to match, but I love this baby more than anything."

"Of course you do. The baby is a part of you, and a part of Jack. It's literally a combination of you and the person you love most in the world." Abigail laughed.

"I can't finish these yet. My fingers are tired." Elizabeth sighed, and set aside her knitting.

"That isn't unusual Elizabeth. They're probably swollen. Swollen hands and feet were my curse during pregnancy." Abigail sighed. "You seem tired Elizabeth. You should take a nap. I'm going to start a roast for dinner."

"You're a saint." Elizabeth sighed as she settled into her bed, and was almost asleep before her head hit the pillow.

….

"I love the way that rain smells." Elizabeth sighed contentedly as they sat lazily on the front porch of the town's jail. Since she had been taken off of bedrest, she had insisted on walking into town at least every other day, and Jack would always come to escort her.

"The way the rain smells?" Jack chuckled.

"Yes. It smells...clean. Fresh. Good." She said, and took his hand. "I feel good today. Very good."

"I'm glad. I've been worried about you. About both of you." He said, putting his hand on her stomach, he was greeted with a soft nudge. "I know that it's difficult for you to just sit back, and have others take care of you, but I hope that you'll be able to slow down, Elizabeth. For the sake of the baby. And my sanity." She laughed, and leaned her head on his shoulder.

"I know. To be frank, this time, I've scared myself. I'm going to take it easy, I promise that I am." He looked at her dubiously. "Jack, I swear!"

"Alright. It's just if I never have to see you unconscious again, it'll be too soon." Jack said with a sigh.

"Mrs. Thornton! Mountie Jack!" Cassandra and Gabe ran up onto the porch, using Gabe's jacket to shield both of them from the rain. "It's so good to see you up and about Mrs. Thornton. I was worried!"

"You're so sweet Cassandra. It was very kind of you to come and visit while I was on bedrest. Even kinder of you to read aloud to me. And the cake you brought over was delicious." Elizabeth smiled at her.

"We were just on our way to have dinner at the Cafe. Gabe's treating me with some money from working at the mill." Cassandra said proudly.

"That sounds lovely. Have fun." Elizabeth said, and waved as they giggled and ran out into the rain again. "They're so sweet. I wonder how long it will be before they tie the knot."

"Who knows. They are certainly smitten with each other." Jack smiled. "Just like I'm smitten with you."

"You know, speaking of dinner, I am hungry. And tired. Gosh, I don't know if I'd rather cook, or just fall asleep without getting undressed." Elizabeth laughed.

"I'll cut you a deal. We go to the cafe for dinner, so, no cooking required, then we'll head home, and I'll help you get undressed."

"Jack, I'm too tired for-"

"I meant help you prepare for bed, Elizabeth. I know that you're tired. Let me take care of you." Jack said, tucking hair behind her ear. "Not that making love to you isn't something I'd like to do, but you really do need your rest, Elizabeth. You're doing hard work, you know."

"I do know." She laughed. "I'm huge, and I'm tired, and hungry all the time...Plus, I'm always crying, over every little thing. I know that can't be easy for you."

"In comparison to what you're doing? It's a cakewalk." Jack insisted, kissing her hair again. He rose from his chair, and pulled her up with one fluid motion. "Dinner my love?"

"I thought you would never ask." She grinned, and walked with him, keeping one hand on her back to support her ever growing stomach. They walked to the back door of the cafe, and knocked once before opening the door.

"Jack, Elizabeth! I saw you sitting on the porch across the way, and I thought you might stop over. I have two plates of chicken fried steak here for you." Abigail announced as they walked in.

"Abigail! You are incredible!" Elizabeth gasped, and sat down at the small table. "THat sounds like absolute heaven!"

"It's no trouble to me. I'm glad that you're up and about again Elizabeth. And, before you ask, I've got an apple pie in the oven." Abigail said, and this time Elizabeth nearly cried.

"I'm so glad. Right now, I almost think I love you more than Jack." She said as she dabbed away tears. Jack and Abigail both bit back laughter.

"Oh, Frank will be coming here for dinner in a little while-"

"Abigail! Goodness, why didn't you say so! We don't want to be underfoot-" Elizabeth objected.

"No, no! I'm glad that you're here, both of you. I thought maybe, we could make it a double. The dinner rush is almost over after all, and I'm...a little nervous, to be perfectly frank." Abigail said.

"Of course. It's no trouble at all. We'll just wait a little while on dinner, and eat with the two of you then. Maybe after we eat we can play cards or something." Elizabeth suggested, and Abigail smiled broadly.

"Now that's a fine idea." No sooner had the words passed her lips than there was a knocking on the back door.

"Knock knock knock!" Rosemary chirped as she entered the room with Lee in tow. "Elizabeth, Abigail, I'm so glad that you're both here!"

"What is it Rosemary?" Abigail asked.

"Well, I'm in a bit of a conundrum, you see. My best friend from New York can't come to the wedding, and at her wedding she had four bridesmaids, and I cannot have any less than she did, or I'll never hear the end of it!" Rosemary shuddered. "So, I was hoping that the two of you would be willing to act as Co-matron of honor? Please, please, please, it would mean the world to me if you would!" Abigail and Elizabeth shared a look.

"We'd be delighted to, Rosemary." Elizabeth said, and Rosemary jumped for joy.

"Oh! Wonderful! Wonderful! Of course, I'll have Clara making your gowns, mine is coming as soon as possible from my favorite dress maker in New York- yours are going to be pink of course, which will suit both of you just fine...Dear, I hope I ordered enough fabric to cover your stomach!" Rosemary said thoughtfully, and Elizabeth colored.

"Rosemary!" Jack said sharply.

"What? Oh- no, I didn't mean that to sound like you're fat, Elizabeth, because you aren't really! It's just that your stomach is, well, rather...round, these days, and-"

"No apology necessary, Rosemary, I'm well aware of the fact that I'm pregnant." Elizabeth said, squeezing Jack's hand gently.

"Of course you are! You're creating life there, Elizabeth! And I'm told there is no greater thing a woman can do in the world- except for maybe gracing the stage! Did I mention that Lee is going to build me a theater as a wedding gift? Isn't he just the greatest man you've ever seen?!" Rosemary grinned, and kissed him on the cheek. Lee, who hadn't been able to say a word the entire time he'd been there shared a look with Jack, who smiled back at him. "Lee, honey, Don't you have something to ask Jack?"

"If you mean asking me to be his best man, He did that last week. I accepted." Jack said, and Rosemary gaped.

"And you didn't tell me?! I've lost valuable time I could have used to order his vest! Oh, Lee!"

"I'm sorry Rosie. You're right, I should have told you.'" Lee said, and she smiled again.

"I forgive you." She kissed his cheek again.

"Now, If you'll excuse us, Rosie and I were going to go around front for dinner." Lee said, but Rosemary stared at the table set for four with betrayal in her eyes. Elizabeth and Abigail shared yet another look, and Abigail let out a soft sigh.

"Actually, Lee, Pastor Hogan is on his way over, and we were going to have supper together, but I was just thinking, it would be a pleasure if you would join us." Abigail said, and the bride to be's face lit up like a candle.

"Oh, we wouldn't want to impose!" She said with a wave of her hand.

"We insist." Elizabeth said. To her credit, Rosemary did insist on setting the extra places herself. There was a knocking on the door, and Abigail looked nervous. "Come in!" Elizabeth finally called, and Pastor Frank came in.

"Evening everybody!" He said cheerily, and handed a lovely bouquet of flowers to Abigail.

"Thank you, Frank, they're just gorgeous!" She grinned, smelling them. "I'll put these in some water."

"I see you brought in a brigade of chaperones." Frank laughed, and Abigail smiled shyly.

"Please, Rosemary and Lee can hardly be chaperones, they're not married yet." Elizabeth scoffed with a good humoured twinkle in her eye. "Look at us Jack, keeping an eye on all of these young single people."

"Elizabeth, do you know what that makes us?" Jack asked, taking her hand.

"Hm?"

"The old married couple." Jack said, and everyone laughed.

"Goodness, I'm not even sure we should be out this late- shouldn't we be home in bed already?" Elizabeth laughed as they served dinner. Somehow, she had a new found energy, where only moments ago she had been exhausted. "Again, Abigail, it all looks delicious!"

"Thank you Elizabeth. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to check on the cafe, make sure everyone has their bills-"

"No you're not. I've got it, Abigail." Clara said as she appeared down the stairs. "Hello all, please, enjoy your dinner."

"Clara, you don't have to-"

"No arguing." She said over her shoulder, and disappeared into the cafe.

"She's so sweet." Rosemary cooed. "I'm so glad that you've had her here with you since Elizabeth left. It seems that it would be lonely, to be here without anyone."

"I think it rather would be." Abigail shrugged. "I only wish that Peter had been the one to tell me about her. But she's here now, and I'm grateful."

"Of course you are. She's a wonderful friend." Elizabeth said. The evening was full of joy and laughter, and Elizabeth couldn't help but notice that with Pastor Frank, Abigail glowed more brightly than she had ever seen before. Her smile was as broad as it had been in the old wedding photo she had seen of her and Noah. When Abigail was truly happy, her eyes glowed, her smile broadened, and she laughed louder; Seeing her this way again made Elizabeth wonder why Abigail had ever thought that she shouldn't accept his courtship. As they finished their meal, and played their game of cards, they found that the six of them did in fact make an excellent group. With Lee to even her out, even Rosemary was a perfect guest, and the time they spent laughing together would never be forgotten.

AN: Another chapter for you all! We had a bit of Abigail and Frank here, just as was requested! More chapters coming soon!