Epilogue Five

A Train Ride to Remember

June 18, 1920

Julia sat back comfortably in the crook of Nathan's shoulder, as the children sang their song. His arm was warm and familiar across the back of the wooden chair she sat upon. All the wooden chairs were full of parents, in fact, and lined up in neat rows facing the front steps of the Jack Thornton school house. And when the children finished singing, the entire crowd applauded.

Then the children sat, save one. Allie. She had been charged by the other children to give a speech thanking Mrs. Thornton for the excellent school year, and she'd been working on it all week. She moved to the podium and smiled nervously. Allie's eyes found her parents, and Nathan sent her a little nod, which was just what she needed to find her center. Julia had never been to one of these end-of-the-school-year programs before, but was proud of Allie already, for being chosen, and working so hard on her speech.

Allie cleared her throat and began. "All of the students of the Jack Thornton School would like to formally thank you, Mrs. Thornton." Allie's eyes smiled at her teacher. "For an exceptional school year."

Her eyes went out over the crowd then, and landed on Rosemary. "I think it was Mrs. Coulter, while we were working on the newspaper, who once said: People come into your life, some for a season, others for a reason, and some for a lifetime." When Allie said the word lifetime, her eyes paused right on Julia. The two shared a very sweet smile, that brought a slight mist to Julia's eyes. Nathan must have noticed too, because he pulled Julia in just a little bit closer to his side.

Then Allie turned toward her teacher, to continue. "Mrs. Thornton. You came into our lives for a reason. A very good reason. To teach the children of this community, to support us, to inspire us. To push us to try harder, to reach higher, and go for our dreams." Allie smiled sweetly. "We, your students, recognize your positive influence on our lives. Teaching us is a big job, but you are so wonderful at it." She paused, focusing on her teacher. "You are in our lives for a reason."

Allie's eyes filled with tears as she continued. "We are so thankful for you, Mrs. Thornton. Thank you for all that you do." As she finished, Opal, Emily, and Paul approached holding a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

Mrs. Thornton stood, wiped an eye, and accepted the flowers. Then she proceeded to hug Opal, then Emily, then Paul. And finally, Allie. She whispered something sweet to Allie, who hugged her back a second time. Julia's heart swelled with pride for her daughter, her kind words, her eloquence, and her thoughtfulness.

Next, Elizabeth took the podium herself. "Wow. That was really…touching. Thank you, children." She set the flowers next to her, on the stairs.

Elizabeth then proceeded to give the year's completion certificates, one to each student for completion of their respective grade. As she called each name, the young person came and accepted the paper and a hug from their teacher. And the crowd applauded for each one.

Then, Mrs. Thornton distributed a myriad of special achievement awards. Allie won for her accomplishments in Mathematics, and smiled shyly as she accepted the printed accolade. As much as she tried to deny it, she was a stand-out in math, and that made Julia's heart swell even more.

When the ceremony ended, the children moved through the crowd, to join their parents. Julia and Nathan stood to welcome Allie, who showed off her achievement award. Nathan put a warm arm around her. "We're so proud of you, Allie girl."

Julia hugged her next. "Yes. So very proud." And when she pulled back, she encouraged her daughter. "And…it was a wonderful speech, Allie. You did a fantastic job."

Allie smiled shyly, but obviously ate up their support. "Thanks."

Rosemary joined them, with Lee, who was holding baby Ellie, almost six months now and very animated. She reached out a hand toward Allie as soon as she saw her, and Allie gave her a finger.

"Lovely speech, Allie." Rosemary told her. "I had no idea you ever heard me say that."

Allie chuckled low. "It was a long time ago, one of the first times we worked together." Ellie shook Allie's finger cutely. "You were giving Mr. Coulter advice about his niece Rachel, I think."

Lee nodded, seeming to remember, though vaguely. He squinted one eye. "Sometimes quotes like that stick with Rosie for a little while." Lee added a wink. "Until she finds one that she likes even better."

Rosemary's hand made a little wave. "Oh, Lee." She mock scolded him, though her face was smiling.

Nathan's eyes went over Julia, the way he did when he was thinking something over. "Well, that one was pretty good." He surmised. His eyes went to Allie, too, and he gave her his own supportive wink.

Rosemary changed the subject. "So, tell me Julia, are all your bags packed and ready to go? For your big trip tomorrow?"

Oh, the wrong question. This wife and mother still had quite a lot to do. She looked sheepishly at Nathan. "Almost?" It came out somewhere between a question and a statement. Even to her own ears, it didn't sound convincing.

Rosemary chuckled. "Well, you'll get there, dear." She told her with a soft hand on Julia's arm. Rosemary looked over the three. "You are going to have a very lovely time in Nova Scotia. I just know it."

Allie's excitement mounted, at just the mention of their trip to Peggy's Cove. She looked at Julia, and told them all. "I can't wait!"

Nathan agreed. "Me, too." He looked rather like a kid in a candy shop, and had for the last few days. Julia loved when he got that look. Part playful, part mischievous, but all happy. It amplified his charm and made him twice as handsome. And the bottom line, it touched her that he and Allie were both so excited about their trip to her hometown. She couldn't wait to show them all about her life growing up.

Practical Lee reminded Nathan of the logistics one more time. "Tomorrow morning, just leave your car parked at the train station. Jake and I will come and get it before noon."

Nathan nodded. "Thank you, Lee." One less thing her husband needed to worry about.

Rosemary looked them over again. "Well I guess this is goodbye, then, dear Grant family. For a month, at least." She reached out and hugged Julia. "Have a wonderful time. Make the most of every minute!"

When her friend pulled back, Julia smiled. "Thank you, Rosemary. We'll miss you three."

Rosemary hugged Nathan next. "We'll miss you three, too." She told them, as she moved to Allie. Meanwhile, Julia hugged Lee and gave a kiss to baby Ellie.

Rosemary told Allie, when she pulled back from their hug. "Write down everything, Allie. Keep a journal, so you can remember. And, I'd love to have an article about your travels, when you get home."

Allie nodded. "Okay. I will!" She promised.

Now Baby Ellie had Julia's finger tight in her grasp. "And this little one is going to be a month older when we get back." Julia mused, as she looked over the adorable baby who was changing way too fast. "I hope we'll still recognize her, when we get home."

Lee laughed and raised a hand. "I can attest. It's going by entirely too fast. For everyone."

Julia nodded in agreement, and shook little Ellie's hand, who was still not willing to let go. Julia whispered to the chubby cheeked little baby, who still looked very much like her mother. "Don't grow too fast, okay?"

And Ellie gave a sweet little laugh as if in response. The entire group laughed with her, which made Ellie even happier. As her big wide eyes looked around at the smiling faces focused on her, she opened her grip and let go of Julia's finger. Already a crowd pleaser and an entertainer.

Ben and Faith approached next. And with them, came Jake and Fiona. They'd just gotten back from their honeymoon, a little over a week ago, and everything seemed peachy. Julia smiled. Her brother and Fiona had a certain glow about them. She wondered, did she and Nathan have that same glow, just after their honeymoon?

"Everything packed and ready?" Jake ventured to ask.

Julia must've made a nervous look that gave her away. No, she was not finished packing.

"Oh, no. That's not a reassuring look." Faith assessed sweetly.

Jake encouraged. "Don't worry, sis. We left everything ready for you. All you need is your bathing costume."

Bathing costume? Oh, my. Had she even packed her bathing costume? What about Nathan's? Or Allie's? As panic slowly mounted, her jaw dropped just slightly and her head lifted to her husband. He was calm as a cucumber, put a reassuring arm around her shoulders, and piped in. "Don't worry, Jules. If we forget anything, they have a general store in Peggy's Cove. Don't they?"

She laughed softly and nodded. "Yes they do." Why couldn't she remember what she'd already packed?

Jake did that head tilt that he always did, to reassure her. "You'll get it all done in time, little sis. Don't be such a worry wart."

She hated when he called her that. But, at the same time, she was going to miss him for an entire month. Fiona gave him an elbow. "Who are you calling worry wart, Mr. Matthews?" Julia smiled at Fiona, wondering if there was a story behind that one. A story she didn't get to hear yet? Julia made a mental note to be sure and ask, when Jake and Fiona came by later.

Fiona told Allie with an encouraging smile. "Great speech, Allie."

That reminded Jake, who patted her on the shoulder. "Yea, Kiddo. Nicely done. You nailed it!"

Allie smiled shyly and nodded. "Thanks, Uncle Jake, Aunt Fiona."

Faith spread her arms out to Allie. "I guess this is good bye then, for a little while?" Allie hugged Faith, and then shook Ben's hand.

"Have a good trip." Ben told them, as he shook hands with Nathan. Then, Faith hugged Julia.

"I hope you won't be too swamped in the infirmary without me." Julia told her friend.

Faith smiled, as she pulled back. "Don't you worry." She smiled reassuringly. "I've got Molly who's offered to fill in again, like she used to before you came along." Then she shot a glance at Fiona. "And Fiona's offered too, if I get in a bind."

"Thank you for allowing the time off." Julia said anyway. "I'm grateful." And she was. Truly. For such a friend, and boss, that would allow her to take one continuous month off.

Faith reminded her with a raised finger. "Well, don't forget. I'll be leaving it all to you, sometime in the fall, for several weeks." Referring to her own wedding and honeymoon, that was right now in the planning stages. "So, you can reciprocate then." Though, Julia didn't mind a bit, and had offered the minute she'd heard about the engagement. She was very happy for her friend, and for Ben.

"See you later." Jake told the trio with raised eyebrows. One more final goodbye, and the two couples set out back towards town, walking past that big swing, as they went.

Florence and Ned approached right after, with Paul. Julia should've expected that in Hope Valley, friends and loved ones would come to bid them farewell. She, Allie, and Nathan were leaving for Peggy's Cove in the morning, and they would be gone for an entire month. In such a close knit community, of course, many would come to wish them safe travels and a wonderful time.

Florence smiled big at Nathan and Julia. "Have a wonderful holiday." She told them. "I just know you three are going to have a great time." Julia leaned over and hugged her.

"Thank you, Florence." Nathan replied with an appreciative nod. Paul launched into a side discussion with Allie, regarding various forms of sea life.

"Enjoy the sunshine and the sea." Ned told them both, with an excited sparkle in his eye. "I always did like the sea."

Nathan replied as he shook Ned's hand. "Thank you, we will."

Then others made their way over. Cat and Emily Montgomery, then the Weiss family. The Wolf family, including Robert, stopped to say farewell. Then Laura, Mrs. Thornton, and Little Jack.

Jesse and Clara came too, with their newborn son, William, who was born just five days after Jake and Fiona's wedding. Today was the first time she'd taken him out of the house, and though she seemed slightly nervous, she was doing a wonderful job. He was an easy baby, and quite simply adorable; he looked like Jesse, but had Clara's easy temperament.

Next came the Canfields. Allie gave Angela the biggest, longest hug; the two best friends were reluctant to part. Allie promised to write and Cooper promised to help his sister return Allie's letters. The two families said a big farewell to one another.

"Is that everyone?" Julia asked, Nathan, who from his tall vantage point, let his eyes roam over the straggling remnants of the crowd.

"Yes. I think we said goodbye to everyone. Bill's stopping my later, and Jake and Fiona said they'd come by, too." Nathan told them both.

Allie glanced up at her Dad. "I wish Grams would've been here."

Nathan met her gaze, apologetic. "Yes. Me, too. But you understand why they didn't come, right?" Because the pronoun they now collectively referred to Charlie and Rebecca. Because they had called about a week ago, and dropped a huge bomb: They had just UP and gotten married! That's right. They were married now, and Charlie and Rebecca were at this very minute, on their honeymoon.

Though Nathan had been shocked at first by their announcement, Julia really couldn't blame them. Neither Rebecca nor Charlie cared about a big ceremony, and at their age, why wait? Yes, Nathan had been upset that his mother hadn't at least told him beforehand. But, in her defense, Rebecca knew that if she had told him prior, he would have insisted they all come, and well, that would've disrupted the Grant's big plans for Peggy's Cove. And since Charlie had already talked to Nathan, and even asked his blessing, when they'd been at Aisling last September, all traditional protocols had technically been followed.

So when Charlie had proposed, and Rebecca had accepted, they'd just gone to the church, and done it. Allie had been upset at first too, feelings of being left out were understandable. But after the dust had settled, and Nathan had a little more time to think it through, and discuss it with Julia, he understood why. And he'd just gone in, sat down, and explained it to Allie.

Charlie and Rebecca had been in love with each other for years, after all. One obstacle after another had always seemed to stand in their way. Whether one hadn't been ready, or the other not yet on the same page, there had always been something in the way of their happiness. So when they'd finally gotten it right for once, they didn't want to wait.

Hadn't they wasted enough time?

That was the question Julia kept asking Nathan, over and over again, until he finally came to terms with it. And as soon as he had, he'd called his mother back, apologized for his initial reaction, and asked to know every detail. And she'd explained it all. The call had lasted nearly two hours, but he'd come away with yet another beautiful mother-son moment. Wasn't that the icing on the cake?

As soon as he'd hung up, Nathan had recounted everything to Julia, play-by-play. And to her, witnessing his excitement, for his mother and his long-time friend, who was now also his step-father, was almost as good as being there.

He'd ended by hugging Julia tight and thanking her for talking sense into him. Because, as his mother had told him on the phone, the heart wants what the heart wants. And her heart had wanted Charlie. And Nathan could relate, because his heart had wanted and would always want Julia.

The next morning, after the luggage was stowed and everything was ready for departure, Nathan, Allie, and Julia stood at the window, ready to wave their way out of Hope Valley. As the Eastbound train chug-chug-chugged into motion, the excitement bubbled over in their little sleeper car.

Julia watched as buildings, people, and horses turned into short, blurry streaks, the more they picked up speed. The view changed from town, to village, to nature - forest, fields, and rolling hills soon became their calming backdrop. And when there was only green, the trio began to move around their little train compartment.

This one was a little bigger that their last, for this sleeper compartment had an added shelf-bed for Allie, just above her parents. It wasn't big, but adequate, and she was quite excited about it. For everything about this trip, at this point, had luster. The tiny cupboards, the little water closet, the bunk bed attached to the wall for Allie, and even her parents bed that pulled out from the wall. It was all new, and it was all interesting, starting out. Nathan chuckled at his daughter's excitement but Julia wondered what Allie would think about this tiny space, in three days time.

As they chugged along, though, Julia started to feel a peculiar bile rise up in the back of her throat. It had been a common occurrence as of late, but one she'd been able to curb with plain soda from the mercantile, or dry toast. But she'd not thought to bring any of that with her. And even if she had, she couldn't pull it out now, in front of Nathan, or he'd be suspicious. So, she did the best she could. She sat on the bed, and tried to forget the constant motion of the train that was making it difficult to swallow.

Nathan noticed, though. "Jules, are you okay? You're looking a little green."

She quickly pulled her hand away from her belly, and plastered on the best smile she could muster. "Yea. I think it's just the excitement and my nerves." Which was true - she was both excited and nervous. "And I didn't really eat much for breakfast." Also true.

Nathan furrowed his brow, and stood from where he'd sat down beside her. He went right out and spoke to their porter, Mr. Duncan. She and Allie could overhear bits and pieces. "Sir…please…a little toast? Yes, maybe some butter…Yes, sir. Sure, a simple breakfast tray would be just great…No coffee, tea is better, please."

After a few pieces of toast, and a little tea, Julia felt a little better. Since their departure, Allie had been asking to take a walk about the train, to see the various cars, so Nathan offered to take her. But Julia stayed behind, just to be sure.

By the time they returned, after a nice long walk of discovery, one that Allie happily recounted, it was nearly time for lunch. Nathan convinced Julia that maybe a nice meal would make her feel better. And they were just on the way out of their compartment, when it hit her. Like a ton of bricks. A ton of rotten, smelly, stinky bricks.

Nathan was holding the door open, and Julia the last one to go through, when she held up that one finger. She swallowed. Willed it to stay down. But realized, almost comically, that there was no use. One look at her face was all it took. And "Jules…" was all Nathan managed to get out, before she turned and looked for a place to…any place to…

Julia grabbed the antique chamber pot by the door, the one that was meant for drippy umbrella's now, and emptied the contents of her stomach right into it. Violently. She sat on the bed, as it came in terrible waves, one right after another, until she thought her eyes would explode. Or her belly. Wow. What on earth?

And as the shuddering, shaking vomiting continued, a soft hand rested on her shoulder the entire time. When she sat back in the lull of a pause, during that calm moment, Nathan tucked loose strands of her hair gently behind her ear. And then, more came. Up and out. And that tender hand moved from her shoulder, down to her back, and caressed comfort, through it all.

When she was sure it was finished, she sat back and looked sheepishly at Nathan. "I'm sorry."

He smiled lopsided. In that sweet way he always did. "Don't be sorry, Jules. It's okay. Stuff happens."

"Yes. But I don't know what's come over me." She looked down into the chamber pot, but then regretted it immediately. She set it down on the floor to avoid it. "I must have eaten something…"

Nathan couldn't remember anything they'd eaten recently that could have such an effect. "Have you ever been sick on a train before? Could it be the movement of the train?"

Julia didn't think so. "I've been on many trains, ever since I was young. And I've never been sick before."

Julia rose and moved the nasty chamber pot down in the water closet. "I should give that to Mr. Duncan." He said over a chuckle.

She felt the heat of embarrassment rise to her cheeks. She sat back down on the edge of the bed. Why did she feel so hot, and so weak? "Please don't, Nathan. I'll take care of it. I wouldn't want him to have to do that."

Nathan chuckled. "A lot of people get sick on the train, especially when it's their first time. I'm sure the chambermaids are quite used to dealing with it."

Still, she paled at the thought. Allie stood near the door, and looked worried. So, Julia reassured her. "I'll be okay, you two. Don't look so worried. I'm sure it's just something I ate." Though as the words came out of her mouth, she hoped they were true.

Julia added. "Please, go to lunch without me." There was no way she could eat anything now anyway. "I'll lay down and get a little rest, and be right as rain when you get back."

Nathan stepped close and looked her over. She hoped her face didn't look as pale and wane as she felt. He took her hand. "Are you sure, Jules?" Worry was written on his face.

She turned and looked at the bed. It was still closed. Nathan immediately moved and pulled it out. He helped her lay down, and when she was all comfortable, he leaned down and kissed her on the cheek. "Are you sure, darling?" He asked again.

She turned her head on the pillow, and placed a hand on his cheek. "I'm sure, my love. A little rest and I'll feel better."

"Okay." He looked her over one more time. Looking for anything sign of the contrary. One sign and she knew he'd stay. "Can we bring you something?"

"Maybe a dinner roll if you have one left." She said softly, as a way to reassure them both.

"Okay." He replied, and he leaned down and kissed her on the cheek. Then he and Allie went out, to the lunch car.

After a nice lunch together, Nathan and Allie walked through the narrow train car, towards their room. Though, as they got close, one thing was obvious, Julia was not feeling better. They could hear the sound of her poor retching before they even got there. Nathan felt the color drain out of his face, and he quickened his step.

He put his hand on the knob, then turned back to Allie. She leaned against the wall and told him sheepishly. "I think I'll…stay here." She gave him that uneasy crooked smile.

"No worries, Allie girl." Nathan told her, considering the noise coming from their room. Then, he entered.

Julia had her face in the chamber pot again. Poor thing. Nathan set down the dinner roll he'd wrapped in a napkin, and moved to her. He put that calming, supportive hand on her shoulder again, and rubbed gently.

When the last wave was over, she sat back and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. Her eyes were red and puffy, though he wasn't sure if she'd been crying, or if that was due to the sheer force with which she vomited. He'd never seen anything like it. His poor wife. He pulled gently on her shoulder until her head rested softly on his chest. And he wrapped his other arm around her, too, pulled her close. "I'm so sorry, Jules." He whispered.

"I'm the one who's sorry." She replied softly, embarrassment evident in her tone.

"It's okay, Jules. These things happen." He reassured her. Sure it was unexpected, but nothing to be embarrassed about.

When she was calm, and he was sure it was over, he got her propped her up on pillows. Then he took the chamber pot out, and searched out their porter.

"Mr. Duncan." Nathan called, when he saw him exiting one of the other cars.

He smiled and came straight. "Yes, Inspector Grant?"

"My wife. She's feeling…sick." The older man looked down at the old chamber pot Nathan was carrying. He'd obviously seen this before.

"I see." He took the pot with a reassuring smile. "I'll get one of the girls to take care of this right away, sir."

"I'm very sorry." He told him with a shrug, and a shift of his weight.

"Please don't be, sir. It happens more often than you'd think." Another reassuring smile. He leaned over and added just above a whisper. "It's why we leave these old antique chamber pots in the rooms. They're not actually for umbrellas."

Nathan chuckled low. Smart. "Do you think we could get some more tea for her, please? That seemed to help before."

Mr. Duncan smiled easy. "I've actually got a better remedy, if you'd like." It was obviously not his first encounter with this situation. "A natural remedy…ginger tea. Works like a charm. Shall I make some up for your wife?"

Nathan liked this idea. His mother had often made him ginger tea as a child. "Yes, please. That's exactly what she needs."

"Okay, then, sir." He turned a half turn, toward his galley. "I'll get that for you, right away."

Nathan returned to the room, and found Allie curled up next to Julia, holding her hand. Nathan moved and sat on the other side. Julia's eyes followed him as he pushed a few stray hairs back and tucked them gently behind her ear.

"How do you feel now?" He asked softly.

"Queasy." She replied. "It's so strange. I've ridden in boats and trains all my life. I've never been sick before. I must have picked up a stomach bug or something."

Nathan touched her arm. "Well, whatever it is, Mr. Duncan is whipping up a great remedy. Something Mom always made for me as a boy. And it's sure to help."

She smiled, could guess. "Ginger tea?"

He nodded. "Oh, that's just what I need." She told him with a thankful smile.

And it was. After she drank it down, color came back into her face, and she seemed to feel much better. Nathan suggested a nap for everyone. So, Allie climbed up onto her bunk bed. And Nathan helped Julia into the bed, under the warm covers. He pulled her close and held her in his arms, next to his heart, as they drifted off to sleep.

When Julia woke up, she felt much better. And it wasn't the tea, or the rest. But the afternoon wrapped in Nathan's arms, that put her to rights. He'd been so sweet and understanding, rubbing her back tenderly, as he held her, until she was fast asleep. There wasn't anything quite as wonderful as hiding away, tucked close to his body, comforted and protected. Safe under the shadow of his wing.

When he realized she'd roused a little, he moved back just enough to look down at her. But she didn't really want to move yet, so she closed her eyes and cuddled in closer. Enjoying his scent, his closeness, that felt like home. A soft kiss landed on the top of her head and she rubbed her own hand over the ripples of his chest. This could never get old.

A little while later, she felt that uncomfortable churning in her belly, so she finally opened her eyes. When he saw, he asked. "How are you feeling?"

She snuggled her cheek against the pillow, and fumbled with his open collar. "Better, thanks to you."

He kissed her on the forehead. "Shall I get you another tea?"

She didn't want him to move, or leave her, but it would be a good idea to head off this incessant churning before it turned into more. "I would like that."

He tucked a few strands behind her ear, and then slowly moved. He sat on the edge of the bed, put his boots back on, and stood.

Allie heard him go out, and started to rouse from her bunk. Soon, a long string of hair, and Allie's sweet face, appeared and hung down, right over Julia's bed. "Are you feeling better, Mom?"

Julia giggled softly at upside-down Allie, looking down at her. It was terribly cute. "Yes. Thank you, Allie girl."

When Nathan came back with a fresh pot of ginger tea, Julia sipped slowly, and it did the trick. Mr. Duncan arrived shortly after with some dry toast and a clean chamber pot, just in case.

More and more, Julia came to life again, and felt more like herself. At dinner time though, while Nathan and Allie were excited to go see what was on the menu, Julia balked. She still didn't think she could eat anything, and didn't want to risk going down to the dining car. Nathan suggested they order in, but just the idea of the odor, made her stomach turn. So, she insisted that Allie and Nathan go to dinner, just the two of them.

When they came back, Julia was rolled up into a ball, on the bed. Relieved that it seemed to be over now, Nathan walked over close, and discovered that sure enough, his wife was fast asleep. He raised a single finger and placed it across his lips, signaling to Allie, to be quiet as a mouse. Neither wanting to disturb Julia, they both changed for bed, Allie in the water closet, and Nathan behind the door of the tiny cupboard.

Nathan helped Allie up into her bed and got her settled, tucking her in, like in days gone by. Then Nathan climbed into bed, with his Julia, and wrapped his protective arms around her.

In the morning, Nathan was yanked from his slumber by a terrible sound. His wife huddled over the chamber pot, on her side of the bed. He scooted over and rubbed her back, while she emptied her stomach. Again, rather violently. What could possibly still be in there?

Allie looked down from her perch above them, worried too.

But Nathan stayed by her side, offering his support, until it was over, and an eerie calm fell over the cabin.

He pulled her against his chest again, and held her till the shaking subsided. "Sorry to wake you." She whispered.

Nathan chuckled low and kissed her on the head. "Don't be sorry, Jules. Not one bit."

He helped her lay down again, and donned his robe. Then he grabbed the chamber pot and headed out of their compartment.

He found Mr. Duncan in the service galley. "Good morning, Inspector Grant."

Nathan gritted his teeth awkwardly, and told the older man. "My wife. Again." He glanced down at the chamber pot he was holding.

Mr. Duncan chuckled, and took it. "Don't worry, Inspector. We'll take care of it." He looked Nathan over. "Shall I make her another pot of tea?"

Nathan let out a long unsteady breath. How else could they help his poor wife? What else could they do for her? His heart went out to the beautiful woman he desperately wanted to unburden. "Yes. Maybe."

Mr. Duncan stepped closer and asked. "Has she ever been sick like this before? From the motion of a train?"

Nathan shook his head no, in answer. "No, sir. She told me she's been on boats and trains all her life. And never been sick from movement before."

"You're sure? Never?" A light bulb seemed to come on, in the old man's head.

Nathan titled his head and looked the porter over, in curiosity. What was he thinking? "Never." He offered in answer.

A wide smile spread across Mr. Duncan's face. And he stepped closer to Nathan and spoke low. "I've been riding the rails for almost thirty years now, and I've seen this several times in my tenure." Nathan's interest was peaked. Oh, that they would get to the bottom of what was causing this misery for his sweet wife. "Women who were never bothered by motion before, can often be bothered when they are in a certain "state"."

A state? "What state?" Nathan wanted to know.

Mr. Duncan's smile only grew bigger when it was obvious that Nathan had no idea what he was talking about. "A family state."

"A family state?" Nathan fought to understand. And then realization came. "You mean…a family way?" His mouth fell open in shock.

The older man searched Nathan's face. "I take it she hasn't told you yet?"

Nathan glanced back toward the door of their sleeper compartment, as excitement exploded deep in his belly, took over every feature and spread throughout his whole body. "You think…my wife…is pregnant?" His words were shaky and emotional as his eyes flashed to the gentle man standing before him, hands calmly folded.

"Oh, yes, Inspector." Mr. Duncan's face was absolutely confident. "If my thirty years of experience has taught me anything."

Nathan knees bounced up and down, his body barely able to contain his excitement. Like a child. He had to ask her. Had to know for sure. He moved toward the door of the room, but stopped. One more glance and smile, at Mr. Duncan, before he turned the knob.

He did his best to contain his ridiculous grin as he asked Allie to step out for just a moment. She tilted her head and looked at him rather curiously, but did as she was asked.

And then, Nathan approached his wife. He sat down on the bed next to where she was curled into a ball.

"Julia, darling?" He asked. She opened to him, and he helped her prop up on pillows. "Mr. Duncan is bringing more ginger tea."

"Thank you, my love." She told him weakly, as she reached for his hand. As he looked her over, he could see it now, it was obvious. So very clear. Her face had a certain, unmistakable glow, evident even though the lack of color. And her bosom. It was most definitely bigger - she was very nearly falling out of her empire-waisted dressing gown. How had he not noticed before? Had he just thought she'd gained a little weight?

All the signs were there, but he'd been too busy getting ready for their trip, he'd missed them.

She watched him closely, as he looked her over. "Nathan. Oh, sweet Nathan." She breathed. Was he that obvious?

"Is it true?" He searched her face. "Are you…?"

She buried her face her hands and nodded her head yes. Why wasn't she happy? Ecstatic? Like he was right now, in this moment? "Nathan, I'm so sorry you had to find out this way!" She dropped her hands, her eyes full of big crocodile tears. "I had a whole plan. I was going to take you to the rocky coast, just beside the breaking waves, right next to the lighthouse on Peggy's Point." She wiped a tear. "I was supposed to yell it over the sound of the sea." She tenderly touched his face. "To tell you that you're going to be a father. Again."

He cupped her face and came closer. "We're gonna have a…baby?"

Her eyes spilled over as she nodded her yes, and she held his wrists. "Yes. You're gonna be a dad. And I'm gonna be a mother. Again."

"When?" He wanted to know everything.

"Faith says January."

It was too good to be true. "Our first Christmas in the new house, and then…a baby in January?"

She nodded through tears. It couldn't be more perfect.

He pulled her into his arms and hugged her. And together they cried, tears of joy and happiness. She told him right in his ear. "Our love, our beautiful love…made a baby."

As he held her, he realized, her body did indeed feel different. Yes, she fit wonderfully against him, but in a new way. In an exciting new way.

He gave her just a little added squeeze, but was surprised by the little yelp that escaped her lips.

He pulled back instantly. "Sorry. Did I hurt you?"

Her hands came to her chest, a reflex. "No. I'm just…sore."

He chuckled low. "I can't believe I didn't notice." Her bosom was quite swollen.

Something else dawned on him. "So this is why you suddenly don't like my coffee?" A few times recently, she'd left her coffee untouched, and he was quite sure he'd even caught her pouring it out once.

"I love your coffee." She reassured him, but then smiled awkwardly. "I just kind of lost my taste for coffee in general."

Nathan nodded in understanding, and could only smile. "How long have you known?"

"Just a week or two." She paused and pouted. "Just long enough to make my big plans. Fat lotta good it did me."

Nathan chuckled, too happy to care. "Well, I will still look forward to that nice walk on the rocky coast, near the lighthouse." He smiled, and gave her a tiny peck on the lips. "But, finding out this way is just perfect."

She laughed out loud. "By my ridiculous throwing up?"

He laughed too. "Yes." He shrugged. "It's cute."

She laughed out loud again. "Stop it! It's not cute!"

He couldn't stop smiling. Absolutely impossible to stop smiling. "I think it's very cute." And he thought about just how much cuter she was going to be once her belly grew big and round.

"We'll, if you think so. That's all that matters, now, isn't it?" She laughed heartily.

"I think so." He shrugged and laughed with her. He couldn't believe they were going to have a baby. The realization took him back to a conversation they'd had on his front porch, just before their wedding. When they'd dreamt of the future, first him and then her, and they'd both seen children. Four or five beautiful children, to be exact, and now, the first one, was already on its way.

Nathan's heart swelled another measure. Making room for that baby. Their baby, the baby they'd been gifted. His hand made it's way to her abdomen. A simple connection to that tiny baby bean. She put her hand on top of his and smiled. Then Nathan leaned down close and spoke. "Hey little guy, or girl, it's nice to meet you. I'm your dad." His eyes went up and connected to Julia's misty ones. "You take care of yourself in there, and be nice to your Mom, okay?"

Julia laughed, and when she did, her belly shook. Nathan's eyes came up playfully. "Hey! Careful, Jules. That's our baby in there." He warned cutely, causing another adoring look from his wife.

She brought her hands to both sides of his face, and planted a tender kiss on his lips.

Then a soft knock sounded at the door. Allie. Nathan stood and opened wide for her to enter.

"What's going on in here, that's so funny?" She asked as she sauntered inside. Allie had obviously had heard their laughter through the door, and now demanded to know what she'd missed. Which was just like her.

Allie carried a tray. "Mr. Duncan brought your tea."

Nathan's eyes connected with Julia. They had something very exciting to tell Allie. And he didn't want to wait another minute.

Julia understood, was just as impatient. "Bring it here, Allie, and sit down with us for a moment. Your dad and I have some very, very, very good news to share with you."