Chapter 66 – Epilogue – Part 2

Isabella exclaims, "Jack and I are having a baby!" She positions her hands on the top and bottom of her abdomen, showing the small bump she's been hiding. Screams of joy follow an audible gasp. Rosemary and Elizabeth run to Isabella and Jack, hugging them together.

Rosemary giggles. "I had a feeling."

Isabella smirks at her mother, swatting her hand. "How did you know?"

"A mother always knows, sweetie, which you'll find out soon enough." Rosemary places her hand on her daughter's gently protruding stomach. "Why do you think I made the dress flowy instead of the normal fitted?"

"Mama! I should have known you would figure it out."

"You should have, but why didn't you mention this earlier? I suspect you've known about the baby longer than you've been in Hope Valley."

Lee and Nathan join the girls.

"We thought telling you we got married and are having a baby at the same time would be too much, and we were right. We wanted the day we told you about our bundle of joy to be a special occasion, and that day most certainly was not." Jack offers his arm, giving her the courage to ask. "Are you all happy for us?"

"Yes, more than happy. I can't believe my baby is having a baby," Rosemary replies.

"I can't either, Mama. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would find the man I was going to marry, marry him, and be carrying our child in less than six months." She glances at her husband. "I couldn't be happier."

Jack kisses the top of her head.

"So, when will our grandchild be here?" Elizabeth asks.

"Early March." Isabella watches her father as he wipes away a tear. "Papa, come here." She embraces Lee and stays in his arms until he releases her.

"I am so happy for you, princess. You'll be an extraordinary mother, like your Mama."

"Thanks, Papa. I hope so."

Sunday, September 25th, 1938

Isabella and Jack are snuggling on the couch, admiring their wedding rings, and discussing their dreams for their prince or princess. They had just returned from Benson Hills, where they picked up her resized rings and a matching gold wedding band for Jack. Jack kisses her rings, her cheek and then presses his lips to hers when there is a knock at the door.

Jack opens it. Rosemary is standing there. She hugs her son-in-law and lets herself inside. "Hi, Jack!"

"Hi, Mama!"

Isabella is there to greet her. "Hi, Mama! What are you doing here? Is everything okay?"

Rosemary appears hurt. "Does something have to be wrong for me to visit my daughter?"

"No. I guess I am not used to being so close to family. I like it."

Rosemary's lips curl up. "I was hoping for some mother-daughter time."

Jack excuses himself. "I'll let you two have fun. I'll be in the backyard if you need me, Iz."

"Thanks, lovey."

Rosemary lays her bag on the kitchen table and fetches the tea kettle from the cabinet. Isabella pulls out the teacups and saucers and sets them on a tray. Rosemary waves her off. "You go sit and finish whatever you were working on when I arrived. I'll bring it over when it's ready."

Isabella chuckles because Rosemary must have seen her notebook on the coffee table and thought she was working. "Thanks, Mama."

While waiting, Isabella notices her mother take an interest in a picture on the wall. It is a drawing of Isabella bowing on stage, beaming and radiant from head to toe. Rosemary looks at her. "Sweetie, who drew this?"

Isabella smiles. "Jack did."

"Jack? Really? The likeness is uncanny. I had no idea he could draw so well." Rosemary studies it further. "I do believe he is better than his father, and his father was a gifted artist."

"I had no idea he could paint or draw either. I never remember seeing him do anything like this when we were kids." Isabella joins her mother. "He surprised me with this one on our last date in New York City. He must have drawn it from memory because he only saw my play two times." She links her arm with Rosemary and guides her to two more pictures. The first piece is on the wall near the front door. It is a painting of Isabella standing on the observation deck of the Empire State Building at sunset, peering at the New York City skyline. "That was the night we were alone, and he asked me to dance even though there was no music. He sang the words to our song, "Cheek to Cheek," and we danced under the moonlight." Isabella brings her upstairs to their bedroom, where a painting is on the wall above their bed. It is of Isabella sitting in a canoe, half smiling, half laughing at the person painting her, the man she can't take her eyes off, the man who holds her heart. "This was at the lake outside of our cabin in the mountains. Jack kept insisting on sketching me. He said the light was perfect and that it accentuated my beauty. I kept giggling because he was being so serious. I had no idea he would turn it into a painting until he brought it out a week later and started painting on our front porch while I read a book."

"You married a good man, princess."

"I did, and he loves me as much as Papa loves you."

Rosemary embraces Isabella wordlessly.

The kettle whistles from downstairs, interrupting their mother-daughter moment. "I'll get the tea if you want to check on Jack."

"Thanks, Mama."

Isabella returns a few minutes later, and Rosemary is sitting on the couch, pouring them some chamomile tea. She sits beside her mother and laughs at the plate of brownies in front of her. Rosemary inquires. "What? I always craved sweets when I was pregnant. Don't you?"

"Yes, but how did you know I've been craving brownies?"

"Mother's intuition. You'll have it once your little one is here." Rosemary pats Isabella on her growing belly. "It is nice not to hide your bump anymore, huh?"

"Yes, ma'am. I think I am at the point where I couldn't hide it much longer."

Rosemary giggles knowingly. "Now, tell me about the remote cabin in the mountains, how you've been feeling, and how you found out about my grandbaby."

Isabella grins. "Mama, it was heavenly. The first fifteen weeks of our marriage were just us, which was absolutely divine. Well, except when I was sick. I started feeling nauseous off and on during the day, but then I couldn't keep anything down. Poor Jack, he tried to help, but I was so miserable."

"Is that how you found out about the baby?"

"Kind of. Luckily, the couple who would bring us supplies came on my third day of being unable to keep anything down. They contacted headquarters and got us permission to see a doctor in the closest town the next day. Jack was so sweet and went with me. We got the surprise of our life when the doctor told us he thought I was pregnant. I had suspicions, but when I couldn't keep anything down for days, I thought maybe something was wrong with me. You always hear about the sickness being in the morning. It is so not true, Mama. It is all day, every day."

Rosemary giggles. "I'm sorry you were so sick, sweetie. I was sick with you and Matthew, but it didn't last long. Did he give you any suggestions on how to prevent the nausea?"

"He did, and they helped a bit. I was finally able to keep some food down, which was good. I didn't want to lose any more weight than I already had. The nausea lasted about six weeks, but I've been feeling good for the most part since then."

"Had you and Jack discussed having kids before you got your news?"

"Yes, we had talked about kids on a couple of occasions, on one of our dates and our wedding night. He and I want as many kids as God will give us, but we didn't expect it to be this soon. Now we are over the moon."

Rosemary pours each of them another cup of tea and gets up. "I brought something to show you." She grabs it from her bag and returns a few seconds later.

"What is it, Mama?"

"It's your baby book."

Isabella opens it to the first couple of pages in awe. "Have you shown this to Hazel?"

"Yes, I did, and the book I made for the first year Patrick was with us. Hazel did one for Ruby and Lucy, but I think she was too busy for Bradley's."

Isabella flips through the book, page by page, amazed at what her mother did. She turns to the last few pages and sees a letter in her father's handwriting. Isabella reads it to herself and wipes a tear from her eye. She fingers to the next page and sees a picture of Rosemary with an expression of horror. "Mama, what happened there?"

Rosemary giggles. "That is the moment I dropped your cake. It was your first birthday party, and I was so upset you wouldn't get to experience your first bite of cake. Your father happened to snap the picture at the right time, capturing the exact moment. A couple of weeks later, as I was flipping through the pictures from your party to put in your book, I saw this one. I was at first embarrassed at how I acted, but then I couldn't stop laughing. I thought about throwing the picture away, but it didn't feel right, so I included it as a reminder that things aren't always as bad as they seem." Rosemary shows Isabella the picture on the next page, where a candle is in a cupcake. "I was at a loss on what to do when Hazel and your brother had the smart idea to use a left-over cupcake."

"Thanks for showing me, Mama. I want to do this, hopefully for all our future children."

Saturday, October 1st, 1938

Hazel rocks her little son, enchanted by his sweet babbling, when the sounds of Patrick playing with the girls come from somewhere in their house. She peers around the room, happy they could move into the new neighborhood behind the rowhouses.

A knock sounds at the door. She picks up Bradley and opens it, surprised to see Jack and Isabella. "Hello, you two. What are you doing here? Come on in."

Isabella and Jack hug her and tickle Bradley, causing him to chortle. Isabella grabs her nephew from Hazel. "We're here to babysit."

"Babysit, why?"

Patrick's strong arms steal around her waist, his hands resting on her rounded belly. He whispers in her ear. "Haz, I am taking you on a surprise date like we used to go on when we were courting."

Hazel turns her head to see Patrick's face. "Really? Just you and me and no kids?"

"Really. Monkey and her husband have offered to watch the kids for the rest of the day. She mentioned something about needing practice for their little one." Isabella and Jack nod their heads in agreement.

"Are they ready to go, Bubba?"

At Isabella's question, Hazel looks back at Patrick, confused.

"Yes, they are ready to go." He yells to his daughters. "Ruby, Lucy, Aunt Isabella and Uncle Jack are here to pick you up."

"Yeah," both girls shout as they run to their aunt and uncle.

Isabella bends down. "Are you two ready to have some fun?" Ruby and Lucy jump up and down in excitement. Hazel tries to tamper her worry, but her sister-in-law notices. "Hazel, they will be fine with us."

"I know they will. I am just not used to other people driving our children around." She glances at Patrick. "Why aren't they staying here?"

"Oh, I thought without them here, if you wanted to return early and relax, we could."

"If you prefer, we can stay here, Hazel," offers Isabella.

Hazel grins. "No, I trust you."

Jack reassures Hazel. "We will take them straight home and not leave. We promise."

Hazel chuckles. "Thank you."

"Okay, girls. Let's go," says Isabella.

Hazel hugs both of her daughters and her son. "Please behave for your aunt and uncle."

Ruby replies, "We will, Mama."

Patrick playfully tickles them like he always does. "We love you, and we'll pick you up tonight."

Lucy answers this time, "Love you, Papa, Mama."

"Love you," says Hazel.

After Isabella and Jack leave with the kids, Patrick pulls Hazel in as close as her tummy will allow. They both lean in and capture each other's lips with fervor. Hazel speaks a few words in between. "What do you…have in mind…mi amore?"

"I have a few things planned, and some I will leave up to you."

"Pat, I realize you put a lot of effort into planning this, but I think I'd rather stay home…with you."

"If you want, but are you sure you don't want to go to Benson Hills for your favorite restaurant?"

Hazel smiles. "My favorite restaurant? As in, not your favorite?"

"Yes, but since it's your favorite, I will happily take you." They share another kiss. "Then I thought we could go to a movie. You Can't Take It with You is showing at the Hope Valley Theater this weekend. Isn't it? The one with James Stewart and Jean Arthur?" Lee finally built Rosemary an actual theater about fourteen years ago, and they have since added two screens to show movies.

"I've been wanting to see that movie. What else?"

"I thought we could come back here and do whatever you want. I only care about spending as much time as possible with you today without interruptions."

"I do like the sound of that."

Patrick and Hazel drive to Benson Hills and eat the most delectable macaroni and cheese at Hazel's favorite restaurant and a scrumptious apple pie at her favorite bakery. Then they head back to Hope Valley.

About halfway there, Hazel grins mischievously. "I have an idea."

"What is it?"

"You remember our tree in the woods behind your house? I used to love spending those two weeks with your family every summer."

"Of course, I remember. Do you want to go there? In your condition?"

"Why not, Patrick Coulter? We haven't been there in years, and I am not an invalid. I'll be fine if you don't let me fall."

Patrick smiles. "We won't be able to park at my parent's place. Unless you want my family to find out we're there. It's going to make the trip much longer."

"It's fine. I can manage. I promise." Hazel grins, trying to convince her husband.

"Okay, then. Let's go. We should be back in time for the movie."

They drive back near his parent's land and park the car on the side of the road. "You're sure you want to do this? It is probably about two miles there and back."

"Yes, I want to do this, Pat," Hazel responds with a twinkle in her eye. "If I get too tired or out of breath, you can carry me, right?" Patrick chuckles as Hazel fights to keep a straight face.

Patrick helps her out of the car and reaches for her hand as they walk into the woods. Hazel keeps up for the most part, occasionally getting winded and stopping for a moment. "I'm sorry I am slowing us down. I didn't think I would get out of breath so easily."

"It's alright. I am enjoying this time with you, my strong, gorgeous wife, who I love more than I can ever say." Hazel stops him and pulls him in close, pressing her lips to his, only separating when they hear a loud bird squawking, causing them to look up.

"We made it!" exclaims Hazel. She recognizes their tree and the initials they carved there thirteen years ago. Hazel gets a nostalgic look about her. "Do you remember all those summers we snuck out here? The time we carved our initials. The times we talked about our hopes and dreams. The time we accidentally fell asleep in the tree, and your parents were sick with worry."

"Yes, they were about to call Mountie Nathan when Isabella told them we were in the woods. Do you remember their faces as we jogged in the door?"

Hazel chuckles. "I do. They were not happy with us." She glances at her large stomach and then the tree. "I wish we could climb up there for old times' sake. It looks rather romantic."

"You're right. It does. Isn't it funny how our families knew we loved each other before we did? We spent so much time together growing up but never saw each other as more than best friends."

"Yes, but I wouldn't want to change anything about our relationship. Would you?"

"No, not one bit." Hazel pulls him in and cups his face with her hands.

"Help!" someone yells from a distance.

"Did you hear that?" he asks. They get quiet and listen more intently. This time they both hear the voice.

"Was that a little boy?" she asks.

"I think so."

"Pat, we have to find him."

"I know." They hear the child again, so Patrick shouts to try and figure out where he is. "Where are you?"

"Over here."

Hazel and Patrick head in the direction they think they heard the voice. "Keep talking. Bang on something. Make sounds so we can find you."

"I'm down here," the child cries. His words are followed by sobbing sounds.

Patrick and Hazel follow the crying and end up near a ravine. Patrick tells Hazel to stay there and walks out to the edge. He sees a little boy about halfway down a thirty-foot ravine, dangling from an old tree stump, his backpack's grab-handle keeping him from falling the rest of the way to the bottom. "Are you hurt?"

"No, sir, but I'm afraid to move. I don't want to fall again."

Hazel inches to the edge, checking on the boy. "Are you alone?"

"Yes, ma'am."

Hazel clutches her chest. "Help him, beloved."

Patrick lightly kisses his wife's forehead and tells her to scoot back a few inches. She agrees, and Patrick turns his attention back to the little boy. "I'm scared," he says between sobs.

"Everything will be fine. I will get you out of there. Will you be alright for a few minutes? I need to find something I can reach down to you."

"Yes, sir."

"Haz, can you talk to him while I find a long stick?"

"Of course. You be careful."

"I will." Patrick leaves, looking for anything to help the boy climb out of the ravine. Hazel wonders if he remembers the time he got lost in the woods. He was so terrified, but his father eventually found him in a tree.

She anxiously steps up to the ravine and sits down near the edge. She can see the boy crying below. "My name is Hazel, and my husband is Patrick. What is your name?"

"My name is Rex."

"How old are you, Rex?"

"I'm eight."

"How did you get down there?"

"I heard something and got scared. I ran as fast as possible, lost my balance, and ended up here."

"How long have you been down there?"

"I don't know." The boy tries to slow his sobbing down.

A few minutes later, Patrick returns with the longest tree limb he can find. He extends it out to the little boy. "Here…"

"Rex," Hazel informs him.

"Here, Rex. Can you grab onto the limb?"

"I think so." Rex hesitantly reaches out while fighting the tears and the rocking motion.

"Can you hold it close to your chest with both arms?" The boy does what he tells him to. "I am going to try and lift you. Are you ready?"

"Yes, Mister Patrick." Patrick pulls him up gradually, but unfortunately, his backpack is still stuck on the tree stump. Rex starts to cry again, so Hazel starts singing, "There was a farmer who had a dog, and Bingo was his name-o," to distract him while Patrick formulates another plan.

Rex sings through his tears. "B-I-N-G-O. And Bingo was his name-o." Hazel and Rex continue the song as Patrick racks his brain.

"Haz, I must go down to him. We don't have a choice."

"Are you sure?" Patrick shakes his head, and Hazel pauses momentarily. "Just promise me you'll be careful."

"I promise." Patrick descends while Hazel and Rex sing another round of B-I-N-G-O. As soon as Patrick gets close enough, Rex throws his arms around him, and Patrick holds him tight and lets him cry.

Hazel observes from above, rubbing her belly. Patrick can hear her talking to their unborn child. "Your Papa is my hero." Her words warm his heart.

Patrick unhooks the grab-handle from the stump. "Rex, do you think you can hold on tight? I need both my arms to climb."

"Yes, sir." Rex clings to Patrick and wraps his arms around his neck.

Patrick ensures Rex is ready and then meticulously traverses the ravine wall. Rex holds on so tight it is hard for Patrick to breathe. He has to take a few short breaks so the boy can loosen his grip and he can catch his breath.

Hazel yells down. "You're almost here. You can do it, love." Patrick peers at his wife momentarily, steeling himself for the rest of the ascent. He clambers the last few feet and boosts Rex up as best he can while Hazel helps him over the top. Rex crawls into Hazel's lap, and Patrick suddenly loses his footing and slips down. Hazel screams in horror, but Patrick catches himself about six feet down, pain shooting through his right knee. He looks up to see Hazel's eyes squeezed shut. "Are you okay, Pat?" she asks without opening her eyes.

"Yes, but I did something to my knee."

"Can you still climb up? Do I need to go for help?"

"No. I'm fine. Just keep Rex calm, and I'll be up there soon."

"You better be, Pat. Peanut is getting antsy."

"Are you in any pain?"

"No, but Peanut is moving around an awful lot and kicking."

Patrick groans. "I'm sorry. Tell him Papa wants him to be brave for his Mama."

Hazel giggles. "Him?"

Patrick thinks for a moment. "I guess maybe I think Peanut is a boy." They both laugh.

Patrick concentrates on climbing while Hazel rocks Rex in her arms. He can hear their conversation as he slowly makes his way up. "Are you okay, sweetie? Do you hurt anywhere?"

"No, I am good."

"How did you get out here all by yourself?"

"My daddy is on a long work trip, and my mommy is hurt and can't get out of bed to care for my baby sister and me. Mommy told me to go to my grandparents' house for help."

"Do you know how to get there? Where do they live?"

"In the woods between Hope Valley and Snyder's Ridge."

"What are your grandparent's names? We live in Hope Valley. Maybe we know them."

"John and Ida Morrison. Their house is near the amp-pa-theater."

"The Hill?"

"Yes, ma'am. Can you help me find my grandparents? My mommy needs help real bad."

Patrick crawls over the top and collapses onto the ground, trying to steady his heavy breathing. Hazel rushes to his side. "Pat, are you okay?"

Patrick chuckles. "It will take a lot more to keep me down, beloved."

Hazel smirks at her husband, rolling her eyes. "Do you know a John and Ida Morrison or about any houses out by The Hill?"

Patrick groans as he sits up and checks on Hazel and the boy, not caring how much his knee hurts. "I have heard of them. They keep to themselves, but I believe they subscribe to The Valley Voice. I think they live on a hidden dirt road northeast of The Hill. It is a rustic cabin on several acres with a swing tied between two large oak trees out front."

Rex nods quickly. "That's my grandparents' house. Can you take me? Please?"

"Yes, we can, sweetie. Right, Pat?"

"Right."

Hazel pushes herself to her feet. Patrick can see that she's struggling, but he's helpless to support her. She finally stands, then turns to him. "Here, let me help you." Patrick hesitates to take her hand. He doesn't want her carrying more weight than she already is, but his knee is in so much pain he has no choice. His wife looks into his eyes. "Do you think you can hobble back to the car?"

Patrick looks at her with concern. "Do you think you can, love?"

"I think we can if we can support one another and go very slow." They wrap their arms around each other's waist, and Hazel offers her free hand to Rex. "Are you two ready to go?" The boys agree, and they start walking toward their car. Patrick limps along but simultaneously tries to take some of the weight off Hazel's almost eight-month-pregnant body. Unfortunately, it is dark by the time they get to the car. Patrick hops in the driver's seat but realizes he can't drive, so he and Hazel swap places.

Hazel drives them straight to Opal's house, but as soon as they park, Rex asks, "Why are we stopping here? I thought we were going to my grandparents."

"We are, but we wanted to get your mom a doctor first." Hazel hurries to Opal's door and bangs a few times while Patrick watches from the car. "Opal! Opal! We need your help." Opal finally answers the door. "We found a little boy in the woods by himself. He said his mom was in bad shape. Can you come?"

"Yes. Let me get my medical bag, and I'll follow you."

"Thanks."

Rex shows them how to get to his house. He might be small for his age, but he is extremely intelligent. As soon as they arrive, Rex and Opal run inside, with Patrick and Hazel following more slowly. Rex jumps on the bed beside his mom, and Opal examines her.

The young woman reaches for her son, struggling to speak. "You are a good boy, Rex. Thank you for getting help." Rex hugs his mother. The woman looks at Hazel. "Can you hand me my daughter? She needs to eat."

Hazel rushes to the baby in the bassinet on the opposite side of the bed. She carefully picks her up, but Patrick can see the baby doesn't rouse. Hazel touches the little girl's lips, causing her to open her eyes and wail. Relief washes over everyone in the room as Hazel comforts the infant before handing her over to her mother.

Opal puts a hand on her arm. "May I examine her first?" The mother agrees, wincing in pain. Opal takes the child from Hazel and does a quick examination. "How old is she…I don't know your name."

"Celeste…my name is…Celeste. This is…Rita…and she is…three months old."

"Rita seems healthy. She is not dehydrated."

Celeste lets out a breath. "Thank you for bringing my boy home and getting a doctor."

Opal hands Rita to her mother and then rummages in her medical bag for something. "Hazel, why don't you and Patrick get the grandparents here? I have everything under control."

Hazel nods. Patrick leans closer to their friend and speaks so only Opal can hear. "Will she recover?"

"I think so. As long as I can clear the infection and eliminate the fever."

Hazel grabs Patrick's hand. "We will be back."

Opal turns to Patrick with pleading eyes. "Please find the grandparents and get your wife home. She's had enough drama today."

"Yes, doctor." Opal and Patrick laugh.

Hazel drives them to The Hill, turning on a hidden road a few miles farther up the road. She pulls the car in front of the only house on the dirt road, where two people sit in oversized rocking chairs. Hazel gets out of the vehicle and helps Patrick limp to the porch. "Are you John and Ida Morrison?"

"Who are you, and how did you find us?" the old man asks.

"Hello, sir, ma'am. I am Patrick Coulter, and this is my wife, Hazel. We were walking in the woods and heard your grandson call for help. Rex fell into a ravine, and we helped him escape. He told us how his mother cut her leg and couldn't get out of bed."

"Is she okay?" the old woman questions.

"I think so. Doctor Opal Martin is with her. We promised your grandson we would bring you back."

John reassures them. "That is not necessary. We have a car. Thank you, though. We appreciate you finding Rex and getting the doctor out to our daughter-in-law. My son is often out of town with his job, and we worry about them being alone, especially now with their new little one." The older man regarded Patrick for a moment. "Is your father Lee Coulter?"

"Yes, sir."

"He is a good man."

"Yes, he is. He's the best man."

"Do you need us to do anything else?" Hazel grimaces, massaging her belly after a particularly hard kick.

The old woman eyes Hazel with a bit of concern. "Are you okay, darling?"

"Yes, I am. I think Peanut is anxious from all of the drama."

"Don't you fret. We can handle it from here." She looks at Patrick. "Take your precious wife home and wait on her hand and foot."

Patrick and Hazel glance at one another and chuckle. "I wish we could, but we have three young kids to pick up at my sister's house."

"Oh, my. Well, you two better get home. Mister Morrison and I will go straight to our daughter-in-law. Thank you so much."

Hazel pulls in front of Jack and Isabella's house and turns off the car. Patrick rests his head on her forehead and apologizes. "I'm sorry you didn't get your kid-free day."

"It's alright, mi amore. We were in the right place at the right time. But I expect you to make it up to me before Peanut is born."

"Don't you worry. I will."

Patrick and Hazel hobble up to the door and are relieved there are no screaming children. She knocks, and Jack answers, inviting them in.

Isabella joins them, hugging her big brother and sister-in-law. "What are you two doing here so early? We weren't expecting you for another couple of hours."

Patrick inquires, "May I sit?"

"Since when are you so proper?" jokes Isabella. Hazel helps Patrick limp to the couch, and they both sit down. "What happened, big brother?"

"Oh, it's nothing. I was helping a little boy climb out of a ravine and twisted my right knee."

"A little boy? A ravine? Where were you?" asks Jack.

"Do you remember Hazel and I sneaking off to the woods as teenagers?"

"What were you two doing out there, Bubba?" Isabella turns to Hazel. "Should you be walking in the woods?"

"Why is everyone making such a big deal? Opal wants me to exercise daily. I just have to go much slower."

Jack steers the conversation back. "What happened?"

Patrick explains how they found Rex, rescued him, and got help for his mother. "Do you know the Morrison family?"

"I met the older couple on my rounds about a week ago. I didn't realize they had a son, daughter-in-law, and two grandkids living in the area."

"I think they live out in the middle of nowhere. The little boy said he had been traveling for more than a day when we found him."

Isabella places her hand on her growing midsection. "That poor kid. He must have been so scared."

Hazel does the same. "God must have been with him, guiding him and us in the right direction. It was a last-minute idea that even put us near the ravine, so I feel God wanted us to meet him."

Patrick reaches for his wife's hand. "How were the kids? I am impressed you got them all to sleep already."

Isabella replies, seeming a little hesitant. "Yeah, so we had a bit of trouble today. The girls were not getting along at the beginning. They didn't want to share their toys. Lucy threw her juice at Ruby, landing all over her dress and favorite doll. Ruby sobbed because she said Lucy always ruins everything. I am so thankful Patrick sent us an extra pair of clothes for all three kids. Then the five of us read a book. Bradley got a hold of a page, slobbered on it, and accidentally ripped it out, sending Lucy into a crying fit, though I still can't figure out why. After she finally calmed down, the girls snuck into the kitchen and got into the cookie jar, accidentally dropping it and shattering it into many pieces."

Jack wraps his arm around Isabella's shoulder. "That last one was my fault. Iz was giving Bradley a bottle upstairs, and I was supposed to keep an eye on them. Speaking of poor Bradley, while all the drama unfolded with his sisters, he became very clingy and cranky whenever she or I were not holding him. He didn't eat much either, no matter how hard we tried. Then on top of that, the girls thought having a pillow fight at bedtime would be fun."

Hazel and Patrick try to cover up their amusement.

"I haven't even had the energy to clean up all the feathers yet." Isabella covers her face, her cheeks red. "After getting them to sleep, Jack and I came down here and plopped on the couch together, rethinking wanting lots of children." Isabella blushes, followed by a guilty look in her eyes. She places her hand on the baby growing inside her. "A little while later, Jack and I checked on them. Bradley was sound asleep in the playpen, and the girls slept peacefully on the bed. Ruby even had a protective arm over her sister. At that moment, we glanced at each other and realized that no matter how hard it gets, we still want a house full of children."

Hazel watches Isabella and Jack's love for one another and their future family. "I am sorry they gave you so much trouble."

"It's alright, Hazel. It was truly eye-opening for us. We don't know how you do it every day, especially when Patrick is at work."

"You get used to it after a while. You realize you can't control anything, so you go with whatever happens. You'll learn when it's your little ones running around."

Isabella glances at the clock. "I'd hate for you to wake up your girls. Why don't they spend the night here? Jack and I can bring them to you in the morning."

"Are you sure? After what they did today?"

"Yes, I love my nieces, and whatever time I can spend with them, I will."

Patrick stands up and offers his hands to Hazel. "I'll get Bradley, and then we can go home, and you can get off your feet."

Hazel chuckles. "I don't think stairs are a good idea for you. Why don't I get Bradley, and when we get home, I'll lay down the rest of the night? I promise."

Sunday, October 2nd, 1938

Rosemary sneaks into Amelia and Olivia's room on Sunday morning and sits beside her daughters. She can't help but grin when she finds them sleeping in the same bed, something they don't do too often anymore. She kisses Amelia, who is closest to her, on the forehead. "Wake up, sleepy heads! It is already 10:00 am."

Amelia opens her eyes and smiles. "Good morning, Mama!"

"Good morning, sunshine."

Olivia doesn't budge. "Mama, I'm still tired. Do I have to get up now?"

"You do if you want to spend the day with me and your sister." Olivia's eyes pop open. "I thought that would wake you up, sweet pea."

Amelia's eyes light up. "Isabella is coming over?"

"Yes, she'll meet us at church. Afterward, we will all go shopping for a dress, you'll get your hair done, and then your father will escort you to the theater."

"The theater?" asks Olivia.

"Yes, we have a surprise for you for winning the Provincial Essay Contest. Papa and I are so honored that you wrote about us being your heroes." Rosemary and Lee had rented one of the two screens at the Hope Valley Theater for the occasion.

"We're getting our hair done at Nichols and Dimes?"

"Yes!"

They both crawl into their mother's arms, hugging and thanking her. Rosemary giggles and squeezes them until they tell her to stop. "Now, let's get you two in the bath. I want you to be nice and clean for your exciting day."

Neither of them moves an inch. "What are you waiting for? Up! Or I will tickle you until you're crying with laughter."

At that threat, both girls pop up, shrieking with giggles.

Later that afternoon

Rosemary and her three daughters return home with their dresses and hair done. Isabella immediately shoos Amelia and Olivia upstairs but keeps her mother from following. "What are you doing, sweetie? There is not much time."

"Mama, they want to surprise you. They gave me strict orders. You are not allowed to help them get ready."

"Well, that is ridiculous. I need to help my daughters. I want to help them."

Lee sneaks up from behind. "Go ahead, honey. I'll keep her occupied." Isabella laughs while Rosemary huffs and turns to her husband, rolling her eyes.

"Thanks, Papa. We will be down shortly."

Their oldest daughter hurries upstairs, and Lee diverts Rosemary. "Keep me company while I get ready, my love? I haven't seen you all day."

Rosemary mischievously smiles. "How can I say no to you?"

Isabella returns to the living room twenty minutes later, where Rosemary, a tux-wearing Lee, Matthew, and Jack are waiting. "I am pleased to present Miss Amelia Savannah Coulter and Miss Olivia Rosalind Coulter." She yells up to the girls. "We're ready."

Amelia is first to come down in an antique, white full-length cotton gown overlaid with French-inspired lace, layered tulle, and boasting an eyelash trim. Her hair is in two braids, combined into one, with white flowers intertwined and a small princess tiara. Olivia is next in her rainbow maxi full-length chiffon dress with floral lace, delicate flowers, and a pink bow that ties in the back. She had her hair cut a few inches and curled, hanging down freely, intertwined with white flowers and a matching princess tiara.

Rosemary gasps in delight. She gets up and has the girls twirl around so she can see the whole dress. "You two are absolutely beautiful and so grownup." She tries to hide her tears but isn't successful.

Amelia tilts her head. "Mama, why are you crying?"

"Oh, sweetie. Mamas always cry in moments like these. My little girls aren't so little anymore."

Lee watches the tender moment. "Mama is right. You are the prettiest two girls I have ever seen, and I can't wait to spend the evening with just the two of you." The girls hug their father.

"How do we look, Uncle Jack, Matthew?" shouts Olivia.

"You look like princesses," responds Jack.

Matthew laughs. "What did you do to my little sisters? You can't possibly be them."

Olivia runs to tackle him, but Rosemary yells out just in time. She grabs her camera, exclaiming, "It's picture time!" They all groan. Rosemary ignores them, telling them mothers always insists on lots of pictures. She fixes Lee's tie, whispering in his ear. "You are handsome, my darling husband. Can you please get our daughters to cooperate?"

"Yes, dear." Lee easily gets the twins to pose next to him, allowing Rosemary to snap photos to her heart's content, only stopping when Lee reminds her they will be late. Rosemary puts down the camera and hugs her young daughters and husband goodbye.

Lee kisses Rosemary. "We will probably be home by 10:00 pm. Will you wait up for me?"

"You know I will, and I'll expect every detail of your evening."

"You bet, honey." He says goodbye to Isabella, Jack, and Matthew. Then the whole family follows Lee outside and watches as he opens the back car door for Amelia and Olivia. Lee helps them inside like a chauffeur would influential ladies attending a special event. He gets in the driver's seat and heads to the theater.

Rosemary and Isabella hurry back inside to get their things and are about to get in the other car. "Can I tag along?" questions Jack.

Her daughter gives Jack a tender smile. "Yes, you may, lovey. We are on a tight schedule, so we have to hurry."

Rosemary gets in the driver's seat, and Jack and Isabella hop in the back together. "Mama, how will we beat Papa?"

"He is taking a detour so we can get it all in place."

"Okay, good."

Rosemary pulls in front of the Hope Valley Theater ten minutes later. Jack and Isabella jump out and grab the 'red carpet' Rosemary made for the occasion. Jack helps her lay it down, and Rosemary parks the car across the street. Lee pulls up in front of the theater a few minutes later, and Rosemary positions herself to snap as many photos as she can without being seen. Lee exits the vehicle and sashays around, opening the back door. He holds out his hand to escort Olivia onto the red carpet and into the theater. Jack sneaks up behind Isabella and embraces her as they watch from the side. Lee leaves Olivia just inside and does the same for Amelia. Once he has both girls, they disappear inside.

Rosemary drops Jack and Isabella off at their rowhouse and heads home to an almost empty house. She doesn't want to be alone, so she searches for Matthew. Rosemary knocks on his bedroom door, and he invites her in. "Care to join me downstairs? We can play Sorry!. I think I might even have some Coca-Cola in the ice box."

Her son nods. "Sure, I'll be down in a few minutes."

Rosemary goes downstairs to set the game up at the dining room table and searches for the Coke she keeps hidden in the back of the icebox for special occasions. She brings the glasses over, and Matthew sits there waiting for her. Rosemary sits down and grins at him. He raises a brow. "Why are you so happy, Mama?"

"Oh, I can't remember the last time we played a game. I miss those nights. We would play, laugh, and you would catch me up on your life."

"I've missed them too. Why did we stop?"

"I'm not sure. I think you got busy with your friends and Justine Bouchard. How is she doing, by the way?"

Matthew draws the first card and moves his green pawn out of the start space. "She's good."

Rosemary drafts a card and moves her blue pawn out of the start space. "You seem to be spending lots of time with her lately."

Matthew picks his next card, moving back four squares as instructed. "That's what happens when you are courting someone."

Rosemary selects her next card but doesn't play. "Are you two getting serious?"

"Yes, maybe. Possibly." He pauses. "I think I may be falling in love with her."

Rosemary chokes on her words. "You're falling in love, sweetie? But you are so young."

"We are only eighteen, but she has become more than my best friend. She makes me smile and is the first person I want to tell if something good or bad happens. And I never tire of her company." He watches his mother, something like concern flickering in her eyes. "Don't panic. We don't plan to marry anytime soon."

Rosemary's voice comes out unnaturally high. "You've discussed marriage already?"

Matthew chuckles. "No, Mama. We've shared our dreams and have many things to accomplish individually. So discussing marriage is not something I am ready to think about."

Relief fills Rosemary's heart. "What plans do you have, bud?"

"I want Papa to be proud of me. I want to continue his legacy at L. Coulter Enterprises. I don't want him to regret retiring and entrusting the business to me. I want to save as much money as possible, so I can afford to buy a car and a piece of land. I want to build a house and later furnish it with things I make like Papa, Patrick, and I did when we were kids. I want my future wife, whether it is Justine or not, to know when I propose, it means I can support us and any children we may welcome into the world."

"How did you get to be so wise beyond your years? Not many men think about having everything settled prior to getting married. You are just like your father, and I am proud of you for wanting to do that for yourself and your future bride. Can I offer you some advice?"

Matthew hesitantly responds. "Sure."

"Take your time with Justine. If she is the person you are supposed to spend your life with, it will work out in God's perfect timing, and your love story will turn out like your brother's and your sister's. I don't know about you, but I firmly believe Patrick and Isabella chose their perfect match, and I'm one hundred percent positive you will, too, when the time is right."

"Thanks, Mama. And just so you know, all of us kids hope to have the loving marriage you and Papa have. Even after twenty-five years, you still are deeply in love with one another. You've set the bar high for our relationships."

Rosemary reaches for her son's hand. "Thank you. That means a lot." She squeezes his hand before letting go. "I'm going to miss you while we are gone."

"I am going to miss you too, Mama. I love you."

"I love you too, my baby boy." Matthew groans like always when she insists on calling him that.

Wednesday, October 5th, 1938

Isabella is working on the ending of her play when Jack surprises her at home. She runs into his arms. "What are you doing here, lovey?"

"My parents called and asked us to meet them here. Are you at a good stopping point?"

"Yes, definitely. I've been writing and rewriting the same line of dialogue repeatedly." Isabella eyes Jack. "Why would they be coming over? You don't think something is wrong, do you?"

"Well, I didn't until now."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to worry you. I'm sure it is nothing." Isabella distracts him with one long, lingering kiss after another until they are startled by a knock at the door. She loops her arm through his. They take a few steps and open the door.

Jack glances at Isabella before facing his parents. "Hi, Mom and Dad. Please come in."

A/N: I can't believe this is the penultimate chapter. I hope you have enjoyed this glimpse into the Coulters' future. And I hope you love how I tie everything together in the next/final chapter.