AN: Hello my readers! Another chapter here for you- we're getting ever nearer to the birth of the newest little Thornton!
But really though, that last episode?! Oh my gosh, I cried! We need fluff even more now than ever!
"I wonder if they can hear us." Jack said one night as they lounged in their bed the night before Lee and Rosemary's wedding. Jack's fingers traced circles over the skin of her bare belly, and was occasionally met with answering taps from their child. "Do you think they can?"
"I'm not sure. But I think so. When I talk, she moves around more. When you talk she moves most." Elizabeth smiled, and placed her hands on the sides of her stomach. "I just can't imagine that she can't hear us… She's so alive in there! I can't believe that we made her- Or him, I know, I keep saying her. I honestly would be happy to have a boy, you know. I wouldn't mind it at all. He would look exactly like you, I'm sure of it. Incredibly handsome, and charming too."
"But you still think it's a girl?" Jack asked.
"Well, Yes, I do. But I know that doesn't mean it is a girl. I wish there was some way to tell."
"And how would you do that?"
"I don't know. There are ways people swear by- Hand me that book there, would you?" Elizabeth asked, gesturing to the bedside table.
"Ah, the midwife in a book?" Jack teased.
"Don't mock it, it's been helpful!" Elizabeth scoffed, taking the book. "Huh. Something about a needle and thread, spinning, versus swinging side to side...Ah, here's one...It says that if it's a girl, she'll steal the mother's beauty-"
"In that case it's got to be a boy, because you're more beautiful now than you've ever been before." He said, and kissed her forehead. Her eyes prickled again, and she grabbed his face to kiss him properly.
"I love you Jack. I know that these last few months haven't been particularly easy on you-"
"Easier on me than on you, Elizabeth. I can tell it's been taking a toll on you."
"It's nothing that I wouldn't go through again. I have a feeling it'll all be worth it once I get to hold our child. I love them so much. I love you so much. All of the pain, the discomfort, it's nothing." Elizabeth shrugged. "Though, I will admit I could do without the swelling, and a little more sleep. Mmm...Maybe an apple?"
"As you wish my love." He said, rising from the bed at once to fetch her what she asked for.
"But I don't mind all of the extra attention." She giggled, and he kissed her before leaving the room. She carefully pushed herself up into a sitting position, and caressed her stomach softly. "Your father is good and kind, you know. You're so loved you know. By me, by your father, Aunt Abigail, Aunt Julie, Uncle Tom, Aunt Viola, your grandparents...we all love you so much." The baby kicked against her hand as if to say that they returned the feeling. "You're not going to give us any more trouble are you? I'm sure you didn't mean to do so in the first place… Or maybe you did. You are a little Thornton aren't you?"
"One apple, just what the lady requested." Jack said, placing the red fruit in her hands.
"Mm. Thank you." She took a bite, and the juice dribbled down her chin. "Now tell me, how was your day?"
"You mean before we met for the rehearsal dinner? It was fine. I've been trying to figure out who's behind all of this petty theft, but I keep coming up empty." Jack sighed.
"Is that still going on?" Elizabeth asked.
"I'm afraid so. More frequently now. But it's nothing big- it never is. It's a few jars of preserves, some bread, basic provisions."
"Could it be one of the settlers down by the river?" Elizabeth asked.
"That's what I thought at first, but I've been down there, visiting them most days, and there's nothing that points to any of them. And if it was an adult, I can't imagine they would be stealing such...valueless items."
"You think it's a child?" Elizabeth gasped.
"I think so. But I just don't know who. It seems to me that anyone from Hope Valley should know by now that there are people they can turn to if they need help." Jack said, truly puzzled.
"I wish I knew how to help you, But I have no idea." She finished off eating the apple, and carefully tossed the core into the wastebasket. "I could ask the children if they've noticed anything strange. They might know something that we don't."
"That might be good."
"Well, school is starting in only two weeks...and I don't have a good replacement quite yet." Elizabeth sighed. "Rosemary has volunteered, but I've convinced her that she will be much too busy as a new bride to teach an entire class of children. I'm just not convinced she would actually teach them anything...but oh, I'm sure there would be dozens of pageants."
"You'll find someone, I'm sure. Besides, you're free to teach as long as you'd like."
"I just can't imagine teaching when I'm nine months pregnant, or when I've got a newborn baby in tow." Elizabeth sighed. "I want to be a good mother. I want to stay home with our baby...at least at first. When they're a little bit older, Maybe I'll be able to go back...That is if they don't find a new permanent replacement while I'm out with the baby."
"Elizabeth, I know that you don't want to give up teaching." Jack said, and Elizabeth bit her lip. "That's alright, you know. You're a wonderful teacher, and I wouldn't want you to leave it just because you're having our baby. We'll work something out; we always do."
"But I've always thought that I could be a different kind of mother than my own mother was- not that she was a bad mother, she wasn't. But She always had us with a nanny, or some other servant, while she was doing her charity work, or planning and hosting dinner parties. She was there, but she was never really there. I want to be there, when our baby needs me."
"Are you seriously worried about being a good mother?" He scoffed, and she looked at him sheepishly. "Elizabeth, You're going to be the best mother that a kid could have."
"We don't know that-"
"Maybe you don't, but I do." He said, with a kiss that effectively silenced her. "You've got the biggest heart, Elizabeth. I know because you gave part of it to me, and I know it's only doubled in size since you found out you were pregnant. You care so much about the people you love, about your students. Elizabeth, can you imagine how much more you're going to care about our child?"
"I love you." Elizabeth said, and kissed him again. "And you're right. Jack, you're going to be the best father. I really believe that." He smiled at her, and kissed her temple.
…..
"See! This looks just lovely on you! Pink is really your color Elizabeth!" Rosemary said excitedly as she carefully adjusted the pink fabric over her friend's stomach. "I am glad that I found this pattern, it just suits you so nicely!" the bride was giddy with joy and anticipation as she bounced between her brides maids. Elizabeth, Abigail, and Clara had been there the longest, helping Rosemary set her hair just so, and apply a small amount of cosmetics to the bride to be; Molly Sullivan had come next, followed by Dottie Ramsey, and Emily Montgomery, who she had included after much deliberation about who should complete her bridal party. She had always thought the little girl was darling, and with so many matrons in the party, she thought that her inclusion would be a good way to balance out the party.
"Thank you Rosemary, but I think we can all agree that you are the loveliest one of all today." Elizabeth insisted, desperate to turn the attention away from herself, and it worked like a charm while everyone began to dote on the bride, who was the only one who was yet to dress. Elizabeth turned to face the window, and ran her hand over her stomach with a frown on her lips. Lovely? These days she felt anything but. She was tired, her feet were swollen, and she felt as huge as the house that Jack had built for them. She couldn't imagine that she could ever get any bigger, but according to her book, her girth would only increase. She was hardly looking forward to standing in front of everyone, on display, her only comfort being that Rosemary would be the one everyone's attention was fixed on.
It was at that moment that she saw Jack pass by with Lee. He noticed her in turn, and paused to smile at her. She smiled back at him, and blew him a kiss, which made his grin broadened. She pressed her hands to the small of her back, and bit her lip as her back seemed to crackle uncomfortably. Jack frowned, but she waved him off, and smiled.
"I'll see you soon." She mouthed to him, and he nodded. "I love you."
"I love you." He mouthed back, then clapped Lee on the shoulder, and they continued on. She smiled, and caressed her stomach again.
"You're getting restless in there aren't you?" Elizabeth asked quietly. "Probably running out of room, huh? Sorry about that. I guess I can only expand so quickly."
"Elizabeth, are you almost ready?" Abigail asked, coming up behind her and putting a hand on her shoulder.
"Hm? Yes, I'm ready. Mm." She groaned, and pressed her hand into her lower back again.
"What was that?" Abigail asked.
"Nothing- I've just got a pain...But it seems that I always do these days." Elizabeth assured her.
"Are you sure? Maybe you should sit down?"
"No, no, I'm fine." Elizabeth assured her once again. "Really, don't look at me like that. I'm not an invalid- besides, I don't want to make myself the focus of today; It's Rosemary's day! And Lee's."
"But if you're having a pain…"
"It's really nothing." Elizabeth said again, with a squeeze of her shoulders. "I'm pregnant, Abigail, there isn't a time when I don't have some sort of ache or pain. I mean, I've only got three months to go, I'm enormous, I'm not even sure that I'm wearing matching shoes right now- am I?" She lifted the hem of her pink skirt, and peered down, honestly unable to see past her bulging belly.
"You know I would tell you if you weren't." Abigail laughed.
"Is the bride just about ready?" Elizabeth asked. She glanced over her shoulder, where Rosemary was fidgeting with her already immaculate blonde curls.
"She's perfect, of course, as pretty as a doll...but she's getting really picky about her appearance. You know, nothings good enough?" Abigail asked. Elizabeth smiled, and walked over to where the beautiful bride where she sat at her vanity.
"Rosemary, you look so beautiful." Elizabeth said gently, putting her hand on her shoulder. "I can't believe how gorgeous your gown is. Lee's jaw is just going to drop when he sees you."
"Do you really think?" Rosemary asked, grabbing her hands. "I just...I'm so…" She pulled Elizabeth closer, and whispered in her ear. "Nervous!" Elizabeth did her best not to laugh, biting at her lip.
"Rosemary, every bride is nervous before her wedding." Elizabeth assured her. "It's only natural to be nervous."
"I know, but I'm an actress! I've been on stage in front of hundreds of people! But I...I'm nervous!" Rosemary laughed. "And maybe my hair is just...should I have put it up? Is it too late? I should put it up."
"Rosemary, honey, you're beautiful, absolutely beautiful! Don't change a single thing." Elizabeth said. "Trust me. You're gorgeous."
"Okay. You're right. You're right. Lee loves my hair down; Of course I should leave it down." She stood up, and carefully embraced her friend. "Let's go to the church. I'm getting married!" She cried out, and threw her hands into the air. They laughed, and applauded, before heading down the stairs. Elizabeth felt a slight twinge in her back, but took a breath, and ignored it as they finally made it out into the street. Rosemary took her arm, and sighed. "I am sorry that Julie and Tom couldn't come! I so wanted to see your dear little sister again!"
"She did want to come; but Tom has been so busy at work, and she doesn't like to travel without him." Elizabeth said. "They do plan on coming for a bit in March, once her baby is old enough to travel, and I'm sure they would love to see you and Lee while they're here."
"I almost forgot that she was having a baby! Oooh, I'll have to knit something for her little darling too! Of course, I doubt I'm going to have time to do any knitting over the next few weeks, but don't you worry, I'll have plenty of gifts by the time your little Thornton comes!"
"I would never doubt you Rosemary." Elizabeth laughed. As they came up on the church, Rosemary chattered more, and almost began to bounce in anticipation. Even from the outside of the church, one could tell that it was Rosemary's wedding. There were arches of ribbon and flower, with pink gauzy fabric floating on a gentle breeze. Everything was done just so, evidence of the bride's attention to detail and keen artistic eye. At the door, Abigail peared her head in, and gave a thumbs up to Cassandra, who was manning the phonograph. The soft strains of "Let Me Call You Sweetheart" swelled through the door. One by one the bridesmaids entered the church, until it was only Abigail and Elizabeth left with Rosemary. Abigail gave her a kiss on the forehead, and entered. As Elizabeth went to enter, Rosemary caught her hand.
"Elizabeth? Would you walk with me?" She asked, sounding more timid and afraid than Elizabeth had ever heard her.
"I would be honored." Elizabeth smiled, and offered Rosemary her arm. She took it with a thankful smile, and let out a shaking breath. "Are you sure about this? You're shaking."
"I'm positive about Lee. Would you believe I've got horrible stage fright?" Rosemary laughed.
"Don't you worry about anything. I'll walk you right down the aisle to Lee, and from there it'll be a breeze. Do you trust me?" Elizabeth asked.
"With all of my heart!" Rosemary assured her, and gripped her hand.
"Then I'll get you right to Lee." She opened the door, and the moment she did, Rosemary's eyes lit up, and she let out a breath she had been holding. They walked in together, their arms linked, and everyone rose from their seats, their eyes locked on Rosemary. Elizabeth looked up at Lee, who she noticed had tears in his eyes. She glanced over at Jack, who was grinning himself, and she knew that he was remembering their own wedding day, which had been only six short months ago. Now they were having a baby! She grinned even more broadly as she handed Rosemary's hand to Lee, and took her place beside the bride.
…..
"Mmm. Look at them. Young Love, isn't it beautiful?" Elizabeth laughed as she and Jack slowly twirled to the gentle piano music. Lee and Rosemary were dancing as well, more grandly than any other couple.
"Young love. Yes, because we're so old." Jack laughed. He glanced down briefly at her belly as their baby did a somersault.
"You know what they say, nothing like having a baby to make you feel old and tired." Elizabeth laughed, and kissed him. "I'm really happy, Jack. I'm glad that you married me, but I'm glad that you brought Rosemary into our lives. I can't imagine anyone better for Lee; and if Rosemary had to be engaged to you first to find her soulmate...Well, I'm even glad that you were engaged to her."
"I never thought that I would hear you say that." Jack chuckled. "I love you."
"I love you." as the song ended, she leaned in to kiss him, and felt that same pain in her back. "Mmph."
"What is it?" Jack asked, his eyes narrowing in concern.
"Nothing. I'm just a little sore, probably because I've spent so long on my feet. It'll all be alright." Elizabeth sighed, waving off his concern. "Mm, did you bring the gift?"
"Oh, no, I left it on my desk. I'll go get it." Jack sighed.
"Actually, Do you mind if I get it? It's a bit warm in here, I could use some air." Elizabeth said.
"Well, I'll walk with you." She looked at him dubiously. "What?"
"I'm not an invalid, Jack. I'm going to be fine, I'm just walking across the street, I'll be back in five minutes." She laughed, and kissed his cheek. "Besides, if we both disappeared, what would people think?" He laughed, and leaned in close to whisper in her ear.
"Mm, "Lucky Jack"?"
"You're ridiculous!" She laughed, and blushed. "But really, I'll only be a minute, okay?"
"Alright. But I'm timing. If you're not back in five minutes, I will come after you." He said teasingly, but there was a glint of seriousness in his eye.
"I know that you're worried about me, and granted, since I've been pregnant, I haven't had the best track record, but everything is going to be alright." she kissed his cheek, and lifted his hand to rest on her belly. "We love you."
"I love both of you."
"Listen to us; we really do sound like an old, sappy married couple." She smirked.
"I wouldn't have it any other way." He laughed, and fished the key out of his pocket. "Alright, time starts now Mrs. Thornton, you'd best get a move on."
"Jack, you can't wait until I'm out of the building?" She chuckled.
"Nope. You're wasting time now." He said, and imitated the ticking of the clock. Elizabeth laughed, rolled her eyes, and headed for the door. Somehow, miraculously, she managed to slip out without anyone noticing. It had grown dark outside, and was a bit cold. She wished that she had thought to grab her shawl, and walked a bit more briskly. Just as she turned the key, she heard a rattling from around the side of the building. She frowned, and walked down the steps back around to investigate, and saw a small blonde boy rummaging through the trash.
"Hello there sweetheart, what are you doing?" She asked. The boy gasped, and looked at her like a deer in the headlights. He turned to run, but with a swiftness she didn't know she still possessed at this stage of pregnancy, and caught his arm.
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry, I wasn't doing anything, I'm sorry!" The boy called, whipping his arms wildly in an attempt to get free.
"Honey, honey, it's alright! I don't think you were doing anything wrong, but it seems strange to see someone rummaging through the trash bin in the dark." She frowned as she looked at the child, who seemed altogether too thin, and too skittish. "Come with me sweetheart, just for a minute?" She said soothingly, releasing his arm and offering him her hand. He shook his head, and started to back away. "Shame. I was just going to pop into my husbands office to pick up something he'd left there by mistake...and I happen to know that he has quite a stash of candies in his desk...and he has a dog that lives in the prison. His name is Rip- he doesn't much like me I'm afraid. It would be so helpful if you'd come in with me to distract him."
"Well...okay." He nodded, and took her hand. She smiled at him, and led him to the front of the building. She swung the door open, and almost immediately the boy ran to Rip who looked at him with more interest than the dog gave to most people. Elizabeth smiled, and went around to the back of Jack's desk where she found the painting, wrapped in crisp brown paper and golden ribbon, and then she searched until she found the maple candies.
"Here honey, have as much as you want." She said, and he took one of the candies and shoved it into his mouth with a look of relish. "You know, I'm the school teacher here in town, and I've never seen you around honey. Are you new?" He didn't respond, he only took another candy. "My names Elizabeth, but my students call me Mrs. Thornton; my husband is the mountie here, everyone calls him Jack, or mountie Jack. What's your name?"
"Cody." He said quietly. "You're real nice, Mrs. Thornton. And pretty."
"Thank you Cody, that's so sweet." She smiled. "Now, are you going to tell me what you were doing when I found you?"
"I was….I was lookin' for food. You see, my sister and me...I'm sorry, I can't tell you, I've gotta go!" He stood up quickly and headed to the door. Elizabeth went to chase after him, reaching for his arm.
"Wait Cody- oh!" She gasped as she felt the worst pain she'd felt so far, a pain that literally took her breath away. She nearly doubled over from the pain, and at once Rip began to bark and ran to her feet.
"Mrs. Thornton? Are you okay?" Cody asked. Elizabeth nodded, and bit her lip, her face turning white. "You don't look so good!" Rip barked again, and began to scratch at the door. Elizabeth tried to take a step, but then she felt another pain. She leaned heavily against the wall, and let out a low moan.
"Cody, honey, across the street in the cafe, there is party going on, my husband is there, Rip will know which one he is, but he can't open the doors; can you please go tell him that I need him?" Elizabeth asked. "Please?"
"Okay." He nodded, and patted the dog on the back. "Come on Rip! Take me to Mountie Jack!" He left the door open, and Elizabeth sank to the ground and let out a quiet yelp.
"Oh, something isn't right!" She groaned, running her hands over her stomach. "What is it sweetheart?" She leaned her head against the wall with a quiet thud. She could hear the door of the cafe open, and she let out a trembling breath. "Everything is going to be alright baby, it's going to be alright. Mama's here." As soon as she finished speaking, she heard Rip bark again, followed quickly by Jack and Abigail calling out her name. She wanted to respond to him, but she was gripped with another pain that turned her face pale as snow.
"Elizabeth? Oh God, Elizabeth!" Jack called, coming to kneel beside her. He put his hands on the side of her face, and kissed her forehead. "What is it, what's wrong?"
"I don't know! Ow- It hurts, Jack!" She cried, arching her back. "Something's not right! Help me, please, help!" She whimpered, and put her hands on her face. She hadn't realized she'd been crying until she touched the tears on her cheeks.
"Of course, everything is going to be alright, I promise." He stood up, and pulled her up into his arms. "Abigail, go get the doctor, please."
"Where are you taking her?" Abigail asked. "You can't walk all the way home, it's too far!"
"We can't stay here!" Jack laughed uneasily as he headed out the door.
"Go to Elizabeth's old room upstairs in the cafe- go in the back door. Everything's going to be alright." Abigail said. Jack nodded, and headed to the door.
"What can I do?" Cody asked, startling the group. "I want to help."
"Oh, Cody!" Elizabeth gasped. "You've helped so much already."
"Here, Cody, honey, why don't you come to get the doctor with me, then I'll get you some dinner, okay?" Abigail suggested, and the boy nodded. Jack didn't hesitate any longer, he quickly carried her across the street. There were a few people lingering at the door, but he ignored them all easily. Elizabeth was his everything, Elizabeth and the child she carried, and all he knew was that she needed help.
"Jack, I'm scared." Elizabeth whimpered, tucking her tear streaked face into his neck.
"Don't be Elizabeth. I'm going to take care of you. Of both of you. Everything is going to be alright." He assured her, and kissed her hair. He said a silent prayer that he was right.
AN: So, okay, I know it's angsty, but I promise you everything is going to be alright! I'll try to have the new chapter up ASAP! Sorry for the cliffhanger, but if I didn't split it here, the chapter would have been SUPER long, and would have taken way longer than this to post!
AN: Also, enter Cody!