There were joys and there were challenges to having a newborn. Nathan had known it would be hard, but he hadn't realized just how hard. Aurora was a little over a month old, and she seemed to be sleeping more during the day and less at night. Allie had commented just that morning that the baby seemed to eat, sleep, and repeat all day. Elizabeth smiled at the comment, but Nathan could see how tired she was. Jack was still annoyed by Aurora's presence, but he was starting to come around to the fact that she was there to stay.

Now, as he lay in bed holding his exhausted wife in his arms, Nathan tried to sleep. Jack had been fussy, not wanting to settle. Nathan stayed with him for nearly an hour, knowing the boy needed attention. By the time he got to bed himself, Elizabeth was sleeping. When he climbed into the bed, she snuggled into him automatically. Nathan smiled and wrapped her in his arms. She burrowed close, murmuring in her sleep. Warm and comfortable, Nathan eventually drifted off.

Only moments later - or what felt like moments later - a baby's cry pierced the quiet, startling Nathan from sleep. He groaned and clenched his eyes closed. Maybe he was simply dreaming. But soon he realized he was wide awake. Aurora's hungry cry filled their bedroom. Elizabeth buried her face in Nathan's neck and moaned. As she lay against him, he could feel dampness soaking into his nightshirt from her own wet nightgown as milk seeped from her breasts. It amazed Nathan that their daughter's cries had the power to signal Elizabeth's body to produce sustenance.

With another moan, Elizabeth started to push herself up. Nathan gently placed a hand on her shoulder, applying enough pressure to keep her down. "I'll get her," he said. Slipping out of bed, he went to the bassinet and lifted Aurora from it. Her little mouth automatically turned toward his chest. He chuckled, kissing her forehead. "Sorry, little one. I don't have any milk for you. But your mama does." He laid her beside Elizabeth. Before he made it back to his side of the bed, Aurora was eating frantically. He lay beside them, watching in fascination as Aurora ate. "Did Jack eat like that?" he asked, suddenly finding that he wanted to know more about Elizabeth's experience with her first child.

She shook her head. "No. He ate much slower. I think Aurora eats like this because she is trying to make up for that month she lost in the womb. She's been playing catch up in weight ever since her birth." She ran a hand down the baby's back. "I think she'll get there within a couple months." Her tired eyes met Nathan's. Even in the dark, he could see the exhaustion written over her face.

His heart clenched. He cupped her cheek, running his thumb over her jaw. "I'm so sorry this is taking so much out of you," he whispered.

Elizabeth shrugged. "It's part of motherhood," she said. "It's not easy, but it's worth it." She smiled down at their baby. "I wouldn't trade it for anything."

Nathan smiled, knowing she meant it with all her heart. His mind turned to Jack once more. "Was it this hard with Jack?"

Elizabeth shook her head. "It was worse," she admitted. "Aurora has been much easier."

Nathan's eyes widened. "Easier? Seriously?"

She nodded, gazing at him with a tender expression. "I was all alone when I gave birth to Jack, Nathan," she said quietly. "This time, I'm not alone. I have you. That has made a world of difference." Tears sparkled in her eyes. "I found out what it was like to have a supportive and loving husband by my side as I went through my pregnancy. That same supportive and loving husband is now doing everything he can to help with our little daughter. Like letting me stay in bed while he brings the baby to me so she can eat."

Nathan sucked in a breath, not feeling like he deserved such praise. "I've snapped at you and the children more times than I can count in the past few weeks," he said, shame filling him. "I've been tired and cranky." He closed his eyes momentarily. "I'm sorry, Elizabeth."

She shook her head. "We've all been tired and cranky, Nathan," she said softly. "It's part of adjusting to a newborn." She chuckled. "And your version of snapping is mild." She sobered quickly. "But I'm very serious. Having you by my side has made this journey much easier than it was with Jack. Thank you, Nathan." She leaned forward, finding his lips with hers and giving him a kiss that told him exactly how grateful she was.

Nathan closed his eyes, savoring the feel of his wife's lips. His heart rate quickened, and he drew back before a fire could ignite inside. Elizabeth gave him a knowing smile. "Soon," she whispered, running a hand through his hair.

He smiled back, wrapping an arm around her as she continued to feed their baby girl. By the time Aurora was finished eating, she fell asleep quickly. Elizabeth wasn't far behind. Soon, they both were breathing deeply and evenly. Nathan pressed a kiss first to Elizabeth's forehead, then to Aurora's. With his girls by his side, he followed them into a peaceful sleep.

"Just a few moments more," Faith said. Elizabeth lay still as the doctor examined her body. It was Aurora's eight-week checkup, and Faith had insisted on making sure Elizabeth was properly healed from the labor and delivery. Finally, Faith sat back, removing her gloves. "You can get dressed now," she said. "I'll just wash up, and then we can talk."

Elizabeth nodded as Faith closed the curtains around her. Trying to dress quickly, Elizabeth was interrupted by her daughter's cry, one she immediately recognized as her hungry cry.

"I just fed you two hours ago," Elizabeth murmured. "How can you possibly be hungry already?"

Aurora's cries only grew in insistence. Elizabeth chuckled, adjusting her clothing to feed her daughter. "Alright, alright." She picked up the baby, nestling her against her chest. Aurora began eating. Though she still ate more frequently than Jack, Elizabeth had noticed her frantic sucking had decreased over the weeks. Her baby girl now ate more slowly, suckling more calmly. It was as if she had figured out the supply of milk would not dry up and was ready for her whenever she needed it.

Faith reopened the curtains, laughing when she saw Aurora attached to Elizabeth's breast. "I assume she's still eating voraciously?"

Elizabeth nodded. "She certainly is."

Glancing at her chart, Faith nodded. "That explains why she's gaining weight at a good rate. She's still lighter than most two-month-old babies, but she's catching up. I wouldn't be surprised if she's at a normal weight a few weeks from now." She sat on the hospital bed as Elizabeth had taken the chair to feed her daughter. "Everything looks good," she said. "Aurora's vitals are normal. Her reflexes are good and her lungs sound perfectly healthy." She smiled. "She's doing great."

Elizabeth relaxed with that knowledge. "Good," she breathed. "I'm so happy to hear that."

Faith placed a hand on Elizabeth's shoulder. "You're doing really well too," she said. "It looks like your body has fully healed." She eyed her friend. "Though you do look tired."

Elizabeth chuckled. "You try waking up three times a night with a hungry baby and then look well rested the next morning."

Faith snapped her fingers. "Wait just a moment." She disappeared into the main part of the infirmary, then returned with a strange-looking contraption. Elizabeth tilted her head, studying the odd machine. "What is that?"

"A breast pump," Faith said. "It allows you to pump and store your milk. That way, if you ever wanted some time to yourself or if you had to be away from Aurora for an extended period, she could still have your milk from a bottle." Aurora broke suction at that moment, her eyes drooping sleepily. Faith smiled. "It's also convenient if the baby doesn't finish nursing and your breasts aren't fully emptied of milk."

Elizabeth stared at her daughter in shock. "She's never fallen asleep before nursing at both breasts!" Her right breast was empty, but she could feel the fullness and pressure in her left.

Faith laughed. "That's perfect timing. Now I can show you how to use the pump." She waited for Elizabeth to lay Aurora on the bed, then fitted the pump to Elizabeth's chest. The process seemed straightforward enough. Elizabeth's shoulders jerked once as the machine began pumping milk from her. She watched in fascination as her milk flowed through the machine into a container.

"Wow," she murmured. "That is incredible. What an invention!"

Faith nodded. "It is very convenient. I have a couple of these. You can take this home and use it as long as needed."

"Thank you, Faith," Elizabeth said. "I really appreciate that."

Faith's eyes twinkled. "Maybe you and Nathan can have a night or two to yourselves this way," she said.

Elizabeth blushed. She couldn't deny that it would be nice to have time alone with her husband. For more reasons than one.

She bit her lip, hesitant to ask but needing an answer. "Faith, am I healed enough for…uh…you know…?" She trailed off, embarrassed.

Faith smiled gently. "Yes, Elizabeth, you are," she said softly. She paused. "Pardon my question, but have you and Nathan been intimate yet in your marriage?"

Elizabeth's blush deepened. "No," she admitted. "We tried once, but I was overcome with bad memories. We decided to wait until after Aurora's birth, once I was healed."

"You're healed," Faith said. A serious look filled her eyes. "But Elizabeth, the psychological barriers could still be there. Make sure you take that into consideration."

"I have," Elizabeth said quietly. "Nathan has employed some techniques that desensitized me to the triggers I had. What bothered me then no longer has a hold."

"That's good," Faith said, though the serious look hadn't vanished. "But you have to realize that there could be other triggers, Elizabeth. Ones that weren't present the first time. I'm not saying that they will happen, just that they could. It could also be that you experience no triggers during your first few times together, and then suddenly there will be something to remind you of your assault." Her voice gentled. "I want you to be aware of the possibilities. I don't say this to scare you, but to let you know that the psychological trauma can linger. If for whatever reason it does, know that that's normal. There's nothing wrong with you or with Nathan. This is a healing process, my friend."

Elizabeth nodded. "I know," she said. "Thank you, Faith, for speaking honestly." She let out a breath. "I won't lie, I desperately hope I'm past the triggers. I want to be a wife to Nathan in every sense of the word, and I want it to be without memories of the assault."

Faith leaned forward. "I'm not a psychologist, but if you have those triggers, I would be more than happy to talk with you," she said. "I did take some psychology classes when becoming a doctor."

Elizabeth smiled. "Thank you."

Faith hesitated. "There's one more thing." She cleared her throat. "You have to understand that if you start being intimate with your husband, there's a chance you could become pregnant again." She pressed her lips together. "Considering how fast you conceived Jack and then Aurora, I wouldn't be surprised if you easily conceived again."

Elizabeth blinked. "You mean once my cycles return?"

Faith shook her head. "I mean immediately," she said. "Usually breastfeeding ensures a woman won't get pregnant again until her current baby is weaned. But that's not always the case. It's just something to be aware of. It's not likely, but it's possible."

Pursing her lips, Elizabeth leaned against the back of the chair. "How likely, Faith?"

Faith shrugged. "It depends on the woman. I thought I'd mention it because you've conceived quickly and easily with both your children."

"Hmm." Elizabeth shook her head. "I guess that's something I'll have to talk with Nathan about."

Faith nodded. "There's not much risk associated with a second pregnancy happening after the first," she commented. "You're young and healthy, and you've had no problems carrying either baby. You should be fine." She smiled. "I just want you to have all the facts."

"Thank you," Elizabeth said. "It's something to think about, for sure." She looked down at the milking contraption still attached to her breast. "Now, how do I get this thing off?"

Faith laughed. "Let me show you."

Elizabeth sat with Rosemary in the kitchen. Her best friend was holding Aurora, cooing at the baby happily. Elizabeth was holding Danny while Jack and Reagan played together in the living room. She smiled at the little boy, who promptly smiled back. He giggled, reaching for her face. She let him take it in his chubby little hands. The child squealed with glee, laughing as he patted her cheeks. He was almost one and still as adorable as ever. Elizabeth looked at Rosemary. "He's growing so fast."

Rosemary sighed dramatically. "Tell me about it," she said, smiling at her son. "I can't believe how big he's gotten." Tears welled in her eyes. She blinked them back rapidly. "I also can't believe my baby is going to be a year old next month. Time passes so quickly." She laughed, bouncing Aurora on her lap. "Just you wait. This little munchkin will be Danny's age before you can blink."

Elizabeth looked at Jack wistfully. "Don't I know it. I don't understand how time can pass so fast when it comes to how our children grow."

Rosemary nodded. She cradled Aurora in her arms, glancing at Jack and Reagan to check on them before looking at Elizabeth again. "How was your appointment with Faith this morning?"

"She gave me and Aurora a clean bill of health," Elizabeth responded. She paused, knowing Rosemary would appreciate full honesty from her. "She also said there's a chance I could get pregnant again quickly if Nathan and I decide to be intimate."

Rosemary's brow rose. "How do you feel about that?"

"Honestly? I don't know," Elizabeth admitted. "It's not that I don't want to have Nathan's child, because I do. There's nothing I would love more than to give him biological children. I just don't know if I'm ready to carry another baby again so soon."

Rosemary chuckled. "You do realize most women don't get pregnant right after having a baby? Faith had to mention that in case it did happen. There's a chance, but it's slim." She shifted Aurora. "I guess the question is whether you want to wait longer to share your love with Nathan, or if it's worth it to risk another pregnancy. The choice is entirely yours."

Elizabeth knew the answer to that immediately. "I don't want to wait much longer," she said. "We've been waiting so long since that ill-fated night all those months ago. I want to know what it's like to be fully loved by Nathan."

Rosemary reached out, squeezing Elizabeth's hand. "Then you have your answer," she said softly. She smiled. "Lee and I have a busy couple weeks ahead, but the middle of August is not." She raised a brow. "Why don't we give you and Nathan a weekend to yourselves then? You can pump milk for Aurora so we can feed her. We'll take care of the kids and let you have a mini-honeymoon with your husband." She laughed. "Nine months after you married him."

Elizabeth felt excitement build inside. "You'd do that?" she asked, hope welling in her chest.

Rosemary nodded. "Of course we would. You deserve some time to nurture your relationship with Nathan. You've had no time to yourselves. Let us give you this gift."

Tears stung her eyes. "Thank you, Rosemary."

Rosemary waved a hand. "That's what friends are for," she said. "Now, when are you going to tell Nathan?"

An idea crossed Elizabeth's mind. She giggled like a schoolgirl. "I'm not going to."

Rosemary smiled slowly, realization immediately dawning. "You're going to surprise him," she stated.

Elizabeth nodded. "I think he would like that surprise."

Rosemary chuckled, a light of knowing in her eyes. "I'm sure he will."

Elizabeth was quiet as she sat beside Nathan on the settee later that evening. All three children were in bed, but the two of them weren't quite ready to sleep. Nathan eyed his wife as she wrote in her journal. He was attempting to read, but he sensed she had something on her mind. Finally, he gave up even trying to read and faced her. "What are you thinking about, Elizabeth?"

She looked up at him, her blue eyes wide. She set her journal to the side. "How would you feel if I got pregnant with our child soon after we start being intimate?"

Nathan's jaw dropped. He hadn't expected that. He also felt a stab of disappointment. If she was thinking about another pregnancy, that meant she was thinking months in the future, maybe even a year. Shoving aside the feeling, he reminded himself that he promised to give her the time she needed. He would stand by that. She had seemed willing to enter into a physical relationship recently, but maybe she changed her mind.

Swallowing the disappointment, Nathan focused on her question. "That depends on you, love," he said, working to keep his voice steady. "You're the one who has to carry the baby. I'll be happy with any children we have at any time." He kissed her temple lightly. "But it's a little soon to be talking about more children, isn't it? You just gave birth two months ago. Your body is still healing."

Elizabeth turned fully. "Actually, my body is healed," she said, linking hands with him. "I talked to Faith today. She said I'm perfectly healthy." She paused. "I could even carry another baby without a problem if I got pregnant now."

"Now?" Nathan rasped, his mind suddenly whirling. "Is that even possible?"

She nodded. "Possible, but not probable. I just wanted to see if you were okay with the possibility of another baby before…before we decide when to come together." She reached up, trailing a line of kisses along his jaw. "Because I don't think I can wait too much longer."

Nathan's heart rate skyrocketed. She wasn't talking about being intimate months in the future. She was talking about it being soon. He groaned as her lips moved to his neck. "Elizabeth," he mumbled, pulling her closer. "You're not thinking tonight, are you?"

She whispered against his throat, tickling his skin. "I wasn't planning on it, but…"

Her words were cut off by a voice from the edge of the room. "Mama?"

They broke apart to see Jack standing near the sofa, rubbing his eyes. Elizabeth cleared her throat. Nathan could see clear desire in her eyes. He knew it matched his own. Before she could answer their son, another cry sounded from their bedroom.

Nathan and Elizabeth looked at each other, smiling wryly. "Life with kids," Nathan said, chuckling lightly as he leaned forward to kiss Elizabeth's nose. "You tend to Jack. I'll feed Aurora with one of those bottles you stored in the fridge."

"Alright," Elizabeth agreed. She touched his arm as they stood to care for their children. "But Nathan?"

He looked at her.

She smiled. "I promise it will be soon. Do you trust me?"

His heart melted. He smiled, his love for her growing even deeper. "I do."