Elizabeth sank into the chair behind her desk, tired yet relieved. She just had to finish straightening her materials for tomorrow before heading home. Setting about her task, she let her mind wander.

Today had gone better than she expected. After a week of being at home with her thoughts, she felt the need to occupy herself again. She wasn't sure how she would do in the classroom, but focusing on her students had given her the chance to forget the turmoil still raging inside.

She'd spent the last week journaling, weeping, praying, and taking care of her son. She was thankful for the time to process a little bit of what had happened, but she knew she was a long way from healing. She hadn't left the Coulters' house at all, keeping herself locked away from the world. Lee and Rosemary told people she wasn't feeling well, and since Faith made daily house calls, everyone accepted the story without question.

Elizabeth felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for Faith, Lee, and Rosemary. Faith checked in midway through each morning. Her presence offered Elizabeth both comfort and practicality. She was able to keep tabs on Elizabeth's pain levels and emotional stability. The physical pain was subsiding each day, but the emotional pain crept in when Elizabeth least expected it. Nighttime was the worst. Every time she tried to sleep, flashbacks would send her heart racing and her head pounding. When she did manage to sleep, nightmares provided a constant reminder of what had happened. She hadn't gotten a decent night of sleep since the assault. Though she was afraid to go to bed, she didn't want to burden Lee or Rosemary with her fear. Only Faith knew about the nightmares.

Lee came to the house everyday on his lunch break. He and Elizabeth would eat together, usually in a companionable silence, but every so often Elizabeth would open up about her feelings to him. Lee would listen quietly, holding her hand through her emotional outbursts. He didn't try to fix anything; he just listened. If Elizabeth asked for his advice or thoughts, he would give them. But most of the time, Elizabeth just needed a listening ear.

Rosemary came home straight after school each day. She provided a bustling distraction for Elizabeth as the two women cooked dinner together or sat at the table, chatting over a cup of tea. Sometimes they even cleaned together. Whatever it was, Elizabeth felt uplifted in Rosemary's presence, knowing she could talk to her friend about anything and everything.

Between the three of them, Elizabeth was rarely alone for more than a few hours at a time. She knew if Nathan and Bill were in town, they would be checking in on her as well.

At the thought of Nathan, Elizabeth glanced at the classroom clock. If all had gone according to plan, he should be home today. Now that she was back at work, she knew her friends wouldn't have to show up throughout the day to check on her. She would teach her children and then go back to the Coulter house, where Rosemary would be waiting for her. Elizabeth wondered if Nathan would check in on her every now and then.

As if summoned by her thoughts, a flash of red caught her eye. She looked up to see Nathan climbing the steps to the school. He took off his hat, holding it loosely in his hands as he came toward her. Elizabeth rose, walking around the desk to meet him.

"You're back," she said, filled with relief to see him standing before her, safe and sound.

"I just got off the train," Nathan said, giving her a smile. "I wanted to let you know that we put Spurlock away for good. There will be extra surveillance around his cell. He won't be getting out again."

Elizabeth closed her eyes and let out a breath. "Thank you, Nathan," she said, opening her eyes again to look at him. "I'm glad you were there."

"Me too," Nathan agreed. They stood silently for a few moments, then Nathan looked at her compassionately. "How are you, Elizabeth?"

She leaned against her desk, crossing her arms. "I'm adjusting," she said honestly. "The pain is lessening and I'm healing physically, though I'm still very emotional and probably will be for a while. But thankfully I've had the Coulters and Faith helping me through. It was good to have some time off, but I'm very glad to be back at work. It was a much-needed distraction from my own thoughts."

Nathan nodded. "I imagine so." He studied her. "So having your school day routine again was good."

"Yes," Elizabeth replied. "It helped me feel somewhat normal. Being back with my students was like a bandage for my heart."

Nathan smiled. "I'm glad," he said, sincerity ringing through his voice. He twisted his hat in his hands, looking uncertain about something. Elizabeth tilted her head. "What is it?"

He cleared his throat. "I'm not sure this is my place to ask, but…" He stopped, collecting his thoughts. Elizabeth waited patiently. Nathan took a deep breath, then let it out in a rush. "Can I walk you to school in the mornings?"

Elizabeth blinked in surprise. That was something that would normally be reserved for a suitor. Nathan must have understood that, because he hurried to explain. "I know you and I are just friends, and I accept that. But I want to be there for you, Elizabeth, at least while you're still healing from your trauma. It can be my small way of showing you friendship." He bit his lip. "That is, if Lucas doesn't mind."

Elizabeth gave an involuntary little laugh. "I doubt Lucas will even notice," she said, the words spilling out before she could stop them. Nathan looked at her with raised brows. Elizabeth pressed her lips together, regretting that she'd said what she had out loud.

Lucas had come to see her twice over the past week. Both times, their conversation was stilted and awkward. Neither of them knew what to say. Lucas had left after only ten minutes both times. Elizabeth had come to the startling realization that all their conversations over the years had been surface level and shallow. She couldn't think of a single deep conversation they had shared in all their time together. The revelation shocked her.

Misgivings filled her. Why had she chosen to be with Lucas? What was it that drew her to him? He was charming and romantic, but they didn't share any depth. They didn't even share much about their lives. Frowning, Elizabeth wondered how much she really knew about Lucas, and he about her.

Why? The thought echoed through her mind, but she pushed it away. She was in no frame of mind to think about her relationship with Lucas.

Nathan was regarding her with serious eyes. "Elizabeth? Are you alright?"

She sighed. "Fine. Sorry, Nathan. I shouldn't have said that about Lucas. He's just reeling from what happened."

A glint of emotion sparked in Nathan's eyes. "Please tell me he's been there for you this week." His words had an edge to them, as if he already knew the answer but wanted a different one.

Elizabeth looked down, gathering her things. She couldn't lie, but she didn't want to paint Lucas in a bad light. Instead, she picked up her basket and gave Nathan a tiny smile. "He did what he could," she said carefully.

Nathan moved closer, almost as if he was pulled by a force outside his control. "Was that enough?" he asked, placing a hand on her shoulder.

A sliver of electricity slid down Elizabeth's spine. She felt her breaths coming faster as she looked up at Nathan, taking in his genuine concern and protectiveness. Confusion swirled through her. What was happening? "Nathan…" she whispered, her voice half-pleading, half-desperate.

Nathan stepped back immediately, his hand falling from her shoulder. "I'm sorry," he said, looking down at the floor. "That wasn't my place."

Something broke inside at his apology. He had nothing to apologize for.

"No," she said, shaking her head. "Don't be sorry. You're asking because you're a good friend. I appreciate that." Her mind mocked her, latching onto the word "friend".

Friends? it taunted. Is that what this is? Is that what this will only ever be? A friendship with Nathan while you spend your life with Lucas?

The thought sent an involuntary shudder through her. She didn't know why, but she didn't like it. Clenching the basket in her fist, she pushed the thoughts away and returned to Nathan's earlier question. "If the offer still stands, I would be happy to let you walk me to work in the mornings," she said, motioning toward the door.

As they walked, Nathan smiled at her. "Are you sure? I don't want to cause any trouble for you."

Elizabeth didn't care if it did. "This is a kind gesture of friendship," she said, stubbornness arising inside. "I don't think anyone would cause trouble over that. And if they do, that's their problem. Not ours."

Nathan looked surprised at her defiant tone, but his smile gentled. "Then I'll see you in the morning, Elizabeth." He placed his hat on his head. "I'd walk you home now if I could, but I should probably go find Allie. I caught Mrs. Weise on the way to the school, and she said Allie and Opal were getting ice cream after classes." He paused as they made their way to the bottom of the school steps. "How was Allie today?"

A shadow fell over Elizabeth's heart. The girl had been polite and respectful, but nothing more. She hadn't looked excited that Elizabeth was back, nor had she spoken to her unless Elizabeth asked a direct question.

"She was fine," she hedged.

Nathan looked at her, his eyes piercing through her vague answer. Elizabeth sighed. "I hurt her, didn't I? When I rejected you?"

Lips pressed together, Nathan gave a single nod. "Yes. But give her some time, Elizabeth. I think she'll come around eventually. Until then, just let her know you still care. I think that's what she needs."

"I'll try," Elizabeth said, tears pricking her eyes. The last thing she wanted was to hurt Allie. "I'm sorry she got caught in the middle of our situation. That was never my intention."

"I know," Nathan said quietly. "Allie built up dreams of her own. Neither of us tried to lead her on in that respect. She's disappointed, but I think in time she will forgive."

Putting a hand to her stomach, Elizabeth bit her lip. "Will Allie be okay with us walking to school together each morning?"

Nathan shook his head. "She's been walking with Opal this year. She told me she wants me to pick her up, but she wants to go to school with her best friend. Since we live next door to the Weise's, I didn't have a problem with it. So it would just be us."

Elizabeth nodded, feeling a sadness deep inside. She missed her relationship with Allie. As much as she loved all her students, there had been something special with Nathan's niece. A bond had formed between them, a bond that went beyond teacher and student. Elizabeth knew that was what hurt Allie the most. She had begun hoping for a new mother, and she had set her hopes on Elizabeth. When that fell through, Allie reacted in anger and pain.

Elizabeth couldn't blame her. She'd inserted herself into Allie and Nathan's lives from the very beginning. Maybe it hadn't been prudent. It had led to a lot of hurt for them both.

Nathan put a hand on her arm, pulling her out of her thoughts. "It'll all be alright," he said softly. "Time heals all wounds."

His words were applicable on so many levels. Elizabeth gave him a grateful smile. He tipped his hat, then with a gentle goodbye headed back to town.

Elizabeth stood for a few moments reflecting on their conversation before starting down the path to the rowhouses. She hadn't gotten far when she heard a voice calling her name. Stopping, she turned, recognizing Lucas as he walked toward her. He halted a few feet from her.

"Hello," Elizabeth said, not knowing what else to say.

"Hi," Lucas returned. They stared at each other for a few moments. Finally, Lucas cleared his throat. "I'm sorry I haven't been around much. I thought you might need some space to sort things through."

Elizabeth sighed internally. "I did need to sort things through," she said. "But Lucas, we're in a relationship. I needed you."

He scuffed the toe of his shoe in the ground, looking embarrassed. "I know. I'm sorry I wasn't there. I just…" He paused, then sighed heavily. "I don't know how to handle this, Elizabeth. I don't know what to say. What happened to you was horrible. It makes me sick inside. But I...I'm not good at...at...well, at facing problems. I tend to run from them." He looked down. "I'm not proud of that, but it's what I learned from my parents. Problems weren't discussed. They were avoided or swept under the rug. So if I haven't been present, it's not because I don't care. It's because I don't know what to do." He looked vulnerable, more vulnerable than Elizabeth had seen him yet. "I want to make it up to you. How about dinner this evening?"

Elizabeth swallowed hard. The last thing she felt like doing was spending a night in town. The last time she and Lucas had a date, the night had ended in disaster. She knew that wasn't his fault, but she couldn't help associating her time with him with her assault. It wasn't fair, but it was reality.

Maybe she could push through. Maybe she just had to try to enjoy herself and let life return to normal. Maybe being with Lucas tonight would be a distraction from her emotions.

She gave him a little smile. "Alright."

Lucas smiled back, looking relieved. "Wonderful. Why don't I pick you up at 6:00?"

Elizabeth nodded. "I'll be at the Coulters," she said, not sure if he knew she was still living there.

He raised a brow. "How long are you planning on staying with them?" he asked. "Aren't you ready to move back home?"

HIs question jolted her. She began trembling, the thought of home triggering an involuntary reaction within her. She stared at Lucas, unable to believe he would ask that.

He stared back, a confused look on his face. "What?"

Tears stung Elizabeth's eyes. "Lucas, I can't go back home."

He frowned. "Why not? Wouldn't you be more comfortable there?"

"No!" Elizabeth exclaimed loudly, throwing a hand in the air. "What in the world makes you think I would be comfortable in the place where I experienced the worst moments of my life?" She stepped toward him, lowering her voice but the indignation rising. "I was raped, Lucas!" He flinched, but Elizabeth kept going. "In my own home, my own bed, the bed I shared with Jack during our brief marriage! Do you have any idea how that tarnished the memories for me? I can't even think about stepping foot in that house without shaking and wanting to curl into a ball. So no, I do not think I would be more comfortable there!" She spun on her heel and stalked down the lane, angry tears falling onto her cheeks.

"Elizabeth, wait!" Lucas ran after her, gripping her arm and pulling her to a stop. "I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking."

She could barely see him through the haze of tears. "Clearly."

"Elizabeth…" He pulled her into his arms. Elizabeth knew he meant to provide comfort, but she had to consciously fight the panic that filled her at his touch. Everything in her screamed to push him away, but a tiny part of her knew that wasn't rational. Lucas hadn't assaulted her. He wasn't at fault. She found herself wondering why Nathan's embrace made her feel safe and protected while Lucas's made her want to run.

She felt a surge of relief when he released her. Knowing she had been stiff in his arms, she guessed he sensed her discomfort. A little sigh escaped from him, but he held out his arm. "Can I walk you home?"

Swallowing, Elizabeth nodded hesitantly. She placed her hand in the crook of his arm, trying to ignore the icy shiver that went through her as she touched him. They walked back to the Coulters' in relative silence, a silence heavy with tension and uncertainty.

Elizabeth knew he was trying. They both were. But she couldn't help wondering if the trying was in vain.

As the weeks passed, Elizabeth settled back into her regular routine. Her physical wounds healed completely, the pain becoming nothing more than a memory. The emotional wounds, however, continued to plague her daily. Her nightmares continued and her feelings were uncontrollable. She was fine when she was in the classroom, but outside of that her emotions were subject to change at a moment's notice. Some days were good, but others were as rough as the night of her assault.

Her favorite part of the day was when Nathan walked her to school. She always felt safe with him. The memories didn't threaten to overwhelm her in his presence. If she was struggling, she could tell him. He would simply take her hand and let her talk, offering words of comfort and solace when she finished. He was her rock. Along with Bill, Lee, and Rosemary, Nathan provided her with the support she needed to keep going.

Lucas walked her home a couple days a week. Their conversations continued to avoid the topic most on Elizabeth's mind. They talked about Elizabeth's book, the weather, her school days, business at the saloon and oil company - all surface things. Lucas asked a few times how she was doing, and Elizabeth answered with a vague "fine". She didn't elaborate and he didn't press. They had dinner together at least once a week, but they spent less time with each other than most new couples would. Elizabeth wondered if their new relationship was more fragile than either of them realized. One more stick might break it completely.

Another concern began to weigh on her mind, one she didn't breathe a word of to anyone. She didn't want to believe it herself. When she missed her first period, she didn't think much of it, knowing that the physical trauma she suffered could contribute to that. When she missed the second one, she began to feel a sense of anxiety, but she told herself it was her body's response to the trauma. Soon after, she developed an aversion to the smell of coffee, just as she had when she was pregnant with Jack. She started to feel nauseous in the mornings. The anxiety grew. A little over two months after her assault, when she missed her third period, she knew it was time to pay a visit to Faith.

She prayed fervently that her body was simply reacting to an intense trauma. She didn't dare consider the alternative.

The infirmary was quiet and still. Faith was sitting at her desk, writing something in a medical log. She smiled when she saw Elizabeth. "Good morning," she said, standing to greet her. The look on Elizabeth's face must have been enough to alert her to the fact that something was wrong. Her eyes widened and she wrapped an arm around her friend. "What is it? Are you hurt?"

Elizabeth shook her head, allowing Faith to lead her to the examination table. "I...I…" She closed her eyes, unable to continue.

Faith gently helped her to sit on the table. Pulling up a chair beside her, Faith took Elizabeth's hands in hers. "It's okay," she said gently. "Take your time. I'm not going anywhere."

Feeling like her throat was closing, Elizabeth tried to breathe. The reality of what she had to ask crashed over her, threatening to drown her. She had finally been feeling a sense of normalcy. What if she was…?

She couldn't even finish the thought. It wasn't possible. There had to be another explanation for her missed periods, nausea, and coffee aversion.

There had to be.

"How early can you tell if someone is...is...pregnant?" Elizabeth asked, the last word coming out on a broken whisper.

Faith's mouth dropped, but she quickly recovered. "Have you missed your period?"

Elizabeth nodded. "Three of them."

Pressing her lips together, Faith's grip tightened on Elizabeth's hand. "That's normal after an assault," she said gently. "Your body is trying to return to a normal state after a serious shock. That can mess up your menstrual cycle. I'm not surprised." She stood, going to her desk and grabbing a chart. "I'll document your symptoms anyway, just to be safe." She wrote something, then looked at Elizabeth again. "Are you having any other symptoms?"

Elizabeth swallowed. "Morning nausea. And I can't stand the smell of coffee anymore."

Faith's face whitened, but she wrote it all down with a nod. "That could be a coincidence," she said, though her tone was not convincing. "How long have the nausea and coffee aversion been going on?"

"About two weeks," Elizabeth said faintly.

Faith put the chart down. "I just remembered something we were taught in medical school. There's a method for early pregnancy detection, called Chadwick's sign." She briefly explained what it was, then instructed Elizabeth to lay back, drawing a curtain around the bed in case anyone walked in. "This won't take long," she said, her voice soothing. "Just try to relax."

The exam only lasted a few minutes, but they were the longest minutes of Elizabeth's life. Each second felt like a year. When Faith sat back, she wore a look of stunned disbelief that she couldn't hide. She looked at Elizabeth, shock in her eyes.

And just like that, Elizabeth knew.

She was pregnant.