Placing the book she had just finished reading to Jack on the book shelf, Elizabeth turned back to her son. Jack looked so tiny in the bigger bed but as she watched Muffin lick her son's face and move to the foot of the bed, she knew that neither boy nor dog would complain about the extra room.

"Mama, I miss Nate," Jack said, as he settled his head on his pillow.

Elizabeth gave him a sympathetic look as she approached the bed. "I know but I am sure Nate is happy where he is at. Like children do when they grow up, Nate needed to find his own place."

"What if I don't want to leave home when I grow up, Mama? Will you let me stay?" Jack asked.

"Yes, my sweet boy," Elizabeth told him, reaching down for the light blanket on the bed to tuck it around him. "However, you don't need to make that choice right now," she assured him knowing that chances were her son's dreams would take him out of her home . . . though hopefully not far.

Bending down to place a kiss on his forehead she felt a slight jab on her left side. It was a reminder of the life growing inside her and though she was happy about that, the sensation was also stirring up memories from a year ago - the fall, miscarriage, Nathan being shot, Lucas's arrest, her assault, the plea deal and divorce, and the suicide attempt. Despite having thought she had moved past it all, the memories had been weighing heavily the last week or so and between the moving child and the weight on her mind, sleep had been sporadic.

"Good night," Elizabeth told her son as she straightened up, the baby jabbing her in the right side this time. This little one sure was active and in a way she was glad. The movement told her he or she was fine. She just wished the baby could know when it was nighttime.

"Good night, Mama," Jack replied sleepily, his eyes already drifting shut.

Padding softly out of his room, Elizabeth eyed the doorway to her room. Despite her afternoon nap, she still felt tired. She was tempted to go lay down rather than go back downstairs. However, a knock at the front door made her change her mind. It was a bit late for unexpected visitors and they weren't expecting anyone. As Bill had just left before she had come up to put Jack to bed, she wondered if he had come back for some reason. She headed for the steps, her curiosity winning out over being tired.

"Hello," she heard Nathan greet as she started down the steps. "Come on in."

"We know it is late, but we had some news to share," answered Abigail.

"Come on in."

As Elizabeth reached the bottom of the steps, she spotted both Abigail and Frank standing inside the door. Having already heard from Bill about the engagement, their arrival didn't alarm them.

"Good evening," Elizabeth said, addressing them both.

Abigail and Frank returned the greeting.

"May I take you coats?" Nathan asked them.

"No, we won't stay long," Frank replied.

Abigail glanced over at him briefly before continuing. "I just had to come and share the news," she said, her smile lighting up her face as she found her friend's gaze. "Frank proposed this afternoon, and I said yes! I had planned on coming to tell you sooner but Clara wanted to cook a celebratory supper and we decided to include the boys at the youth home, so it has been crazy."

Elizabeth smiled, feeling genuinely happy for her friend. "I can imagine," she replied. "I am so happy for you. Congratulations, both of you!"

As Elizabeth embraced Abigail, Nathan congratulated Frank and shook his hand.

"You may be happy, but you don't seem surprised by the news," Abigail observed.

"The truth is we already knew," Nathan admitted, reaching out to wrap an arm around his wife's waist. Instinctively, Elizabeth let herself be pulled close to his side, relishing the strength she felt from her husband. "Bill mentioned it. Seems he witnessed part of it at the café."

Abigail nodded, the understanding clear on her face. Elizabeth knew that no more needed to be said.

"He'll be fine, and he is happy for you," Nathan assured her. "Just give him a bit of time to process the news."

"I will," Abigail assured him. "Besides, first we have a vow renewal to celebrate. June fourteenth is quickly approaching. Are you ready?"

"Rosemary assures me everything is under control. Julie and mother are coming, though Father is staying in Hamilton. He says he wants to wait to take time off work when the baby is due. I assured him it was fine. Father apparently approached Bill about standing in for him to give me, away so I am glad you are leading the ceremony, Frank."

"It is my pleasure," Frank assured her.

"Are you all right, Elizabeth?" Abigail asked, a scrutinizing gaze taking Elizabeth in.

"I'm just tired," Elizabeth replied. "I am sure now that I won't be doing the tutoring sessions with school being out, that I won't feel quite so busy. Everything just seems to take more energy these days."

"In some ways it does," Abigail replied. "We won't keep you any later," she added. "Perhaps, you should go to bed early even if you read something for a while."

"That does sound like a good idea," Elizabeth said, though she wasn't about to admit that it was what she had been planning on doing before they arrived.

"Shall I walk you out," Nathan offered.

"Not necessary," Frank replied.

Goodbyes were exchanged and Abigail and Frank left. Though he remained in the house, Elizabeth noted her husband stood in the doorway, clearly waiting until their guests were safely on their way before finally closing the door. Turning from closing the door, Elizabeth could see the concern on his face.

"I think getting you in bed is a good idea," Nathan said. "You're still pale. Perhaps tomorrow we should have Faith examine you."

"I haven't been sleeping well," Elizabeth explained. "I am sure that is all it is, but perhaps it wouldn't hurt to go in for a checkup."

Reaching out, Nathan put his hands on her waist and stepped in close. There was no missing the concern in his eyes as he looked down at her.

"What is worrying you, Beth?" Nathan asked softly.

Elizabeth sighed. Keeping quiet about things was one thing. Not answering or avoiding a direct inquiry from her husband was another matter entirely.

"I've just been thinking a lot about the events of last year. They are keeping me awake at night," Elizabeth confessed. "Including the fear that I might lose this baby."

"Your circumstances are completely different now. Faith told you she saw no reason that this pregnancy wouldn't be carried to term but if you need her reassurance, then we will definitely make the trip into town. Anything to help your peace of mind," Nathan assured her.

Elizabeth looked away. "I am being silly, I know," she confessed.

"There is nothing silly about having to work through emotional fears after what you went through," Nathan told her. "I will take you to the hospital in Union City if that is what it takes to soothe your worries."

"Seeing Faith will work just fine," Elizabeth told him, knowing he truly meant what he said.

"All right," Nathan told her, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "Let's get you up to bed," he told her, wrapping one arm around her waist so that he could guide him upstairs.

"Would you stay with me?" Elizabeth asked. "Being in your arms feels very appealing right about now."

"I can be persuaded to that arrangement," Nathan assured her.

Elizabeth leaned her head against the strong muscles of his upper arm. It was nice knowing that she wasn't alone.

The following day, Nathan took Elizabeth into town for a checkup while Allie and Vincent took Jack fishing. Faith did a thorough exam. She said the heartbeat sounded a bit fast but not to the point where it was something to be concerned about.

"From what Dr. Simpson wrote in your chart, the miscarriage last year was the result of the fall which means, as long as you are careful on that account, there is only the normal chance of the miscarriage," Faith told her friend. Reaching out, she took the hand that Nathan wasn't holding as he sat beside her in both of her hands. "I can understand why you would be concerned, but worrying is only going add more stress. I don't think it is medically necessary, but we can do weekly checks if that will help set your mind at ease. If you want to go to Union City to get better testing in the hospital, I won't be offended, though I see nothing that would warrant it. Also, my new partner is arriving in a few days. You are welcome to ask his opinion if it will ease your mind."

Elizabeth gave her friend a wan smile. "I trust you, Faith, it's just that every time I feel the baby move within me, I remember laying in here, alone, and the pain of the miscarriage and all the tumbled emotions I felt because of it."

Faith patted the hand she held in both of hers. "You have valid reason to be experiencing those emotions, but you are not alone."

"I'll second that," Nathan said, leaning in and pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

"I wish I knew you would be able to deliver this baby, Faith," Elizabeth said wistfully. "Not that I am not happy for you to have your own child. I am. I am also grateful that you were able to find someone to cover for you, so we are not scrambling for a doctor when my time comes. And Nathan says he actually wants to deliver the baby himself."

"Preferably with a doctor nearby," Nathan interjected. "I have delivered several babies in my career, and it is such a rewarding experience. I would love to experience that with my own child."

"No wonder you and Gabriel are best friends," Faith said, an amused smile on her face. "He asked me if I minded if he assisted with the delivery. Though, his explanation as to why had me a little leery at first."

Nathan started to laugh, and Faith knew that the former Mountie knew what she was talking about. As Elizabeth looked perplexed, Faith continued.

"Gabriel told me that his favorite part of living on a ranch was when the animals gave birth. That it was such a miracle to witness."

"I can see why you would be leery," Elizabeth said with a smile.

"He then went on to explain that the wife one of the ranch hands was a midwife who delivered the babies in the area. Knowing how he felt about birth, she asked him if he was interested in learning about how to deliver human babies and he started assisting her."

"Did he tell you what happened at Depot?" Nathan asked.

"No, he didn't."

"I think it was our third day there. Our instructor's wife was about eight months pregnant. He had forgotten the lunch she had prepared for him. I think he fully intended to just go home for it but she felt restless, so she brought it to him. We were out on the parade square, and as she handed him the lunch pail her water broke. Both of them were too surprised to do anything. Gabriel broke formation and took charge of the situation, escorting the lady to the nearest building to give her some privacy. A doctor was sent for but before he arrived, Gabriel delivered the baby - a little boy who ended up being named after him."

Faith and Elizabeth both said "awww," in response to the story.

"Now that story would have been more reassuring than the fact that he liked to deliver farm animals," Faith added. "Given who my new partner is, I am glad that Gabriel wants to deliver the baby as things could be awkward otherwise."

"Is it someone you went to medical school with?" Elizabeth asked.

Faith shook her head. "No, but I know a lot of people here will be happy to have him back. Carson replied to my inquiry for a doctor and asked if I minded if he came home. Even if I wasn't with Gabriel, I knew I couldn't refuse that request. I know he has a lot of friends here and he's a good doctor. Carson and I just were not on the same path, no matter how much we cared for one another. Perhaps we both were simply in each other's life for a reason. I know I never would have gone back to school without his encouragement."

Faith saw Elizabeth visibly relax at the information. "If you can't deliver this baby, at least it is someone I know and trust," she said.

"Good. Maybe you'll stop worrying so much. If you want, I will ask Carson to come out and pay you a visit as soon as he gets settled."

"I would like that," Elizabeth replied.

"How much do you want me to tell him?" Faith asked.

"He and Nathan have stayed in touch, so Carson is aware of what led up to our marriage," Elizabeth informed her, leaning her head against Nathan. "You can tell Carson whatever you think he needs to know."

"All right," Faith said, patting her hand one more time before finally releasing it. Moving her stool back, she got to her feet. As soon as she did, she felt lightheaded. She closed her eyes, waiting for the feeling to pass though she wished she had something stable to hold onto. No sooner was the wish thought than she felt a strong, supporting arm around her waist. She didn't need to open her eyes to know it was Nathan. "Thank you," she murmured, still waiting for the sensation to pass. As it did the other times it had occurred, it did so shortly.

"Are you alright?" Nathan asked, as she opened her eyes.

"Yes. I just felt light headed. I need to be more careful standing up," Faith replied.

Nathan nodded and guided her to her desk chair. Once she was seated, he checked her pulse and put a hand to her forehead. "Well, you don't seem to have a fever, still perhaps you need to be the first one Carson examines when he arrives, awkward or not."

"You may have a point," Faith admitted. "I have felt tired of late. I was actually considering going on maternity leave as soon as Carson gets settled and can take over the medical needs of the community."

"All the more reason to take it easy until then," Nathan told her.

Faith nodded her consent.

"Do you have any other appointments today?" Nathan asked.

"Richard Wolf is supposed to stop by this afternoon. He cut his leg a couple of days ago and needed stitches. I'm just monitoring it for infection."

"If that is something you can do at home, perhaps you should let me escort you home and you can rest. I can tell Richard to stop by your house rather than the infirmary."

Faith wanted to argue but she had a feeling if she refused, the request would be coming from her husband next. "Alright," she consented. "I will put a note on the door explaining the infirmary is closed and that they can find me at home in case of an emergency."

"Just stay in that chair until I get back," Nathan instructed. "I will get Elizabeth settled in the wagon and come back for you. After I drop the two of you off at the row house, I will come back to let Gabriel know what is going on and tell Richard to see you at your home for his appointment."

"I will be right here waiting," Faith assured him, reaching for a piece of paper as Nathan turned to escort Elizabeth out of the infirmary. She and Elizabeth were both lucky to have such caring husbands to go through life with.