September 1921

Mia settled into life as a Grant with relative ease. Despite that, it was clear she missed her mother. Sometimes Elizabeth woke with a start in the middle of the night, hearing a scream come from her new daughter's room. She hurried to Mia in those moments, holding her close until the little girl finally calmed down. Sometimes those cries woke Aurora as well, who shared a room with Mia. Those nights, Elizabeth had two crying daughters to soothe, though Nathan always came in to help. As the weeks went on, Mia's cries came less frequently.

She adjusted well. Mia loved her new siblings and she adored Millie. Nathan, though, was her hero. She quickly became a daddy's girl. She was the first one to welcome him when he got home in the evenings. She wanted him to read to her every night before bed. Their bond grew fast and steady. Less than three weeks after becoming a member of their family, she asked if she could call him Daddy. Nathan pulled her into a hug, agreeing with tears in his eyes.

Elizabeth was happy for him. Nathan deserved that unconditional love. Considering Mia had never known a father in her three years, it was natural for her to want one in Nathan. Elizabeth also knew that it could be some time before Mia wanted to call her Mama. The loss of her own mother was still too fresh in the girl's mind. But Mia started calling her "Mama Elizabeth" after she began calling Nathan "Daddy", rather than simply Elizabeth. That warmed her heart, feeling like a step in the right direction.

It was strange at first remembering that she now had four children instead of three, but Elizabeth soon got used to the idea. She loved Mia and enjoyed getting to know her more and more as they spent time together. All things considered, she was an easy child.

Still, her living with them was an adjustment for everyone. Elizabeth was busy getting Jack and Allie ready for school while trying to give time and attention to her two young daughters. Her mother's heart was pained at the thought that her son was old enough to head to school. On the first day, she walked with him and Allie to the schoolhouse while Nathan stayed at home with Aurora and Mia. Trying to hide her tears, she told her son she was proud of the big boy he was becoming. Jack grinned, giving her a hug and letting her kiss his cheek. She hugged Allie as well, then watched as her teenage daughter led her five-year-old brother to the school. Jack went happily. Elizabeth lost the battle with her tears then. The whole way home, she silently wept.

Nathan embraced her when she walked into the house. He didn't have to say anything. He simply saw that she was sad and knew the reason behind it.

"Our little boy is going to school," she blubbered, holding him tightly. "And in a few short months, he's going to be six years old! Where is the time going, Nathan?"

Her husband held her close, rubbing her back in a soothing motion. "I know," he whispered. "It's hard, sweetheart."

She nodded against his chest. A few moments later, an indignant Mia came into the room. "Mama Elizabeth," she said, little hands planted on her hips. "Aurora took my dolly! Tell her to give it back!"

Elizabeth and Nathan separated. Mia's entire countenance changed when she saw Elizabeth's face. Walking up to her, she reached up for Elizabeth's hand. "Why are you sad?"

Lifting the girl into her arms, Elizabeth hugged her close. The child's vocabulary was surprisingly advanced for a three-year-old. The fact that she could easily say Elizabeth's name was proof of that.

"I'm just missing Jack," Elizabeth said softly. "It's his first time in school, and it shows how grown up he is."

Mia tilted her head. "Are you going to cry when I start school?"

Elizabeth chuckled. "Probably, sweetie." She placed the girl on the floor. "Let's go get Aurora. We have to go visit Dr. Faith today for a checkup."

Mia wrinkled her nose. "Will Aurora give me back my doll?"

"Yes," Elizabeth told her daughter. They went into the bedroom, where Aurora was wearing a contrite expression. She hurried up to her sister, pushing the stolen doll into her hands. "I sowwy," she said, tears in her blue eyes.

Mia hugged her doll close, then put an arm around Aurora. "It's okay. We can share," she replied. She offered the doll to the little girl. Aurora's eyes lit up. "Tanks, Mia!" She planted a wet kiss on her sister's cheek.

Elizabeth smiled at the sweet exchange. "Are you girls ready to see Dr. Faith?"

"Yes!" Aurora chimed, taking Elizabeth's proffered hand.

Mia looked a little less certain. "Do we have to?" she asked quietly. Though open and outgoing at home, she was still painfully shy around anyone outside the family. Regardless, she took Elizabeth's other hand, holding on tight.

"It'll be alright, sweetie," Elizabeth said soothingly. "Dr. Faith is very nice. And she told me Theo and baby Natalia will be with her during our appointment. Won't that be fun?"

Mia still looked uncertain, though a light of interest came into her eyes at the mention of the Shepherd's new daughter. The girls followed Elizabeth into the living room. Nathan was going to drive them into town, where the girls would have their checkup with Faith. Then Elizabeth planned on having a special mother-daughter date with Mia and Aurora at the cafe.

Nathan smiled at them as they walked into the living room. "Are we ready, ladies?"

Aurora and Mia giggled at the title. Letting go of Elizabeth's hands, they rushed at their father, each grabbing onto one of his legs. Nathan growled, lifting his legs high in the air and pretending to be a bear. The girls shrieked with laughter, holding on tight as they rose up and down with his legs.

After much growling and laughing, the four of them piled into their car. The trip into town was pleasant. Mia was reticent at first during her checkup, but by the end Faith managed to prompt a smile from the little girl. Mia was especially intrigued by Natalia, happily sitting on the floor while Aurora had her checkup, holding the baby under Elizabeth's watchful eye.

Once Faith was finished, she smiled at Elizabeth. "The girls are perfectly healthy," she said. Lowering her voice, she glanced at Mia. "How is she doing emotionally?"

Elizabeth matched the volume of her voice to Faith's. "She's still sad at times, but she seems to be adjusting very well."

"Do you have any concerns for her mental well-being?" Faith asked, glancing at Mia once more, just as the girl let out a laugh when Natalia grasped her finger.

Smiling, Elizabeth took in her new daughter. "No," she said softly. "I think she's healing because she has experienced so much love and acceptance from the family, and even from the people in town. She's still painfully shy, but I think that will fade with time."

Faith nodded. "I'm glad to hear that. But I'd like to see Mia again in two months, just to make sure she's still healthy and that everything is going well."

"Certainly," Elizabeth agreed. "Thank you, Faith."

Her friend smiled. "You're welcome." She placed a hand on Elizabeth's arm. "It's a beautiful thing you've done for that child, Elizabeth. It can't be easy. Has her presence brought up any lingering emotions related to your assault?"

Looking at her two daughters, sisters by blood, Elizabeth felt an overwhelming love sweep through her. "No," she said firmly. "I rarely think about their biological father. When I do, it does cause some feelings to well up inside, but most days, the only man I think about as their father is Nathan. He's been so good with them, even though they're not related to him by blood. In every way that counts, he is their father." She smiled tenderly. "That's what I think about with regards to my girls."

Faith hugged her close. "Good," she whispered. That was all that was needed in the moment. The two women watching Mia hold Natalia, while Aurora cooed at the baby beside her sister. Elizabeth was proud of her girls. They were strong, sweet, and loving.

That was every mother's dream for her children.

The next couple of months were a blur for Elizabeth. As a family, the Grants settled into a new routine. Nathan would walk Allie and Jack to school before going in to work. Elizabeth stayed home with Mia and Aurora, taking them with her to the counseling clinic when she had her appointments. The girls played together well in the playroom Nathan had built onto the clinic. Some of the women Elizabeth and Minnie counseled brought their children with them, so the room was a good place for the kids to play while their mothers talked through their pain and trauma.

Elizabeth felt a strong sense of fulfillment in her work. Teaching had been wonderful, her calling for a season. However, counseling women who had been through a trauma like hers brought about a reward that she hadn't anticipated.

One day in early November, Elizabeth found herself nearly falling asleep as she watched the children while Minnie was in a counseling session. She jerked as her head nodded for the third time in five minutes. With a sigh, she stood and set about making a pot of coffee.

"Clearly one cup isn't enough anymore," she muttered to herself, shaking her head. After sipping on the hot liquid, she felt a little better. She'd needed at least two cups of coffee everyday for the last two weeks just to get through the day. Even so, she found herself fatigued much more easily.

Nathan had enough by the time she slipped into the third week of exhaustion. "You're going to see Faith in the morning," he directed, his tone leaving no room for argument. "This isn't good for you, Elizabeth. You're constantly tired, and I know part of the reason is that you're not sleeping well. I feel you tossing and turning throughout the night."

Elizabeth flushed. She'd been trying to hide her restlessness from her husband. "I'm sorry, Nathan," she said. "I think it's trying to adjust to having four children at home. Ever since Mia joined our family, I've been feeling this constant tiredness."

Nathan kissed her cheek, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "That likely contributes," he said, though his eyes still held concern. "But maybe Faith can help you figure out if anything else is going on." He smiled gently, tilting her chin up. "At the very least, she can assuage this husband's worry."

Though she felt sleep pulling at her, Elizabeth smiled at him. "I'll go see Faith," she promised.

Relief flooded Nathan's entire body. She felt him physically relax. "Thank you," he said, nuzzling her cheek gently.

As promised, the next morning she went to see Faith while Nathan watched the girls. Faith asked her a variety of questions, trying to rule out anything serious. After a while, her friend sat down, looking at the chart.

"It doesn't seem you have anything bad," Faith said reflectively. "You said you've been fatigued since you adopted Mia?"

Elizabeth nodded. "It started soon after that, but it's been getting worse."

"Hmm," Faith murmured. She put the chart down, then bit her lip. "I'm a little hesitant to mention this, but I would be negligent in my duty as a doctor if I didn't ask."

A shot of fear went through Elizabeth's heart. It must have reflected on her face, because Faith quickly shook her head. "It's nothing bad. In fact, it would be something quite good. I just fear giving you false hope."

Inhaling, Elizabeth swallowed. "Do you mean…pregnancy?" she whispered, a hand going to her heart.

Faith nodded.

Hope immediately grew in Elizabeth's chest. Just as quickly, she tried to tramp it down. She'd been disappointed so many times in the last year and a half. Better to keep her hopes down.

"It's probably just the stress from having another child in the house," she said quietly.

Faith looked at her sympathetically. "When was your last cycle?" she asked.

Frowning, Elizabeth tried to concentrate. After a minute, she shook her head. "You know, I was tracking it so faithfully for so long, but when Mia came to us, that took a back seat. I honestly couldn't tell you the last time I had my period." She thought again. "I know I've missed one, maybe even two." With a little sigh, she shook her head. "But that's happened before, Faith, several times since Nathan and I started trying to have a baby. This is nothing new."

Faith placed a hand on her shoulder. "I know you are trying to protect yourself," she said softly. "I don't blame you. But why don't I check you anyway? Remember how I detected your pregnancy with Aurora? We can do that again, so even if you're newly pregnant, we'll have a good indicator of that."

Elizabeth felt a lump in her throat. "I'm scared of being disappointed again," she whispered, a hand going automatically to her stomach. She closed her eyes, trying not to let tears escape.

"I know," Faith said gently. "But it can't hurt to check, if for no other reason than to rule out another possible option for your fatigue."

Laying back, Elizabeth nodded, though she kept her eyes shut. "Do it quickly," she said, her voice breaking. She counted silently in her head, focusing on the numbers, trying to keep hope and discouragement from taking hold in her heart.

Faith's exam didn't take long. A soft laugh made Elizabeth open her eyes. "Faith?" she breathed, hope taking hold despite her best efforts.

Her friend looked at her with shining eyes. "You're pregnant, Elizabeth," she said, tears of joy in her own eyes. "You're going to have a baby!"

A sob tore from Elizabeth's throat. She placed a hand over her mouth, staring in stunned disbelief. Another sob choked her. "I am?" she asked, needing to hear the words again.

Faith nodded. "Yes. You are."

Elizabeth dissolved into tears. Sobs shook her body. She felt joy bubble up inside, and she knew the strange feeling of being incredibly happy while crying ugly. "A baby," she blubbered, smiling at Faith through her tears. "Nathan's baby."

It took her a long time to control her emotions. She instinctively knew that pregnancy hormones were contributing to her meltdown, along with a cathartic release over the fact that they had tried so long for a child, and now that child was finally a reality.

"What took so long?" she asked, after finally getting herself to stop crying. "Nearly a year and a half, Faith! We couldn't conceive for such a long time. Why now?"

Faith shrugged. "Who knows? It's just one of those mysteries of the body." A reflective look filled her eyes. "Maybe it was providential."

Elizabeth tilted her head, confused. "What do you mean?"

Reaching for her hand, Faith looked into her eyes. "Would you have adopted Mia if you'd been pregnant or had an infant, Elizabeth?"

Understanding dawned. "Oh," she said softly, looking back at her friend. "That's a good question." She thought about it for a few minutes, then slowly shook her head. "Probably not. I would have been too overwhelmed at the prospect of taking in another child if I had a baby."

Faith nodded. "Exactly." She smiled. "It seems God's timing was purposeful in this, don't you think?"

A soft smile tugged at Elizabeth's lips. Already she couldn't imagine life without Mia. Her little girl had been such a blessing to their family. Now they were being blessed with another child.

"Yes," she said quietly. "It would seem so."

Nathan paced on the front porch, waiting for Elizabeth to return from her appointment with Faith. He was dressed in his serge, knowing he needed to go to work once she got home. But he needed to know first if Faith had found any reason for his wife's constant fatigue. He'd been able to rationalize her tiredness for the first couple of weeks, but after that it began to worry him.

She had to be alright. Nathan tried to control the thoughts that ran wild through his mind, full of worst-case scenarios. Breathing deeply, he walked back and forth. He could hear Aurora and Mia playing just inside the house. He had left the door open so he could keep an eye on them. They were currently absorbed in a game with their dolls.

The sound of an automobile engine caught his attention. Elizabeth pulled up to their house. Nathan's heart plummeted as he took in the tear stains on her face. Without waiting for her to ascend the steps, he raced down them and met her at the car door. He gripped her shoulders, all his fears crashing in on him. "What did Faith say?" he asked, searching her eyes. "Is something wrong?"

Tears began to spill out of Elizabeth's eyes again, making their way down her cheeks in a river of water. Nathan was confused by the smile that lit her face despite the tears. She gripped his serge in her hands, pulling him close. "Nothing's wrong," she whispered, her eyes shining as the tears poured down. "It's the best possible news, Nathan." A half-laugh, half-sob escaped her. "I'm pregnant."

It took a moment for her words to sink in. When they did, Nathan felt a strong rush of joy. "A baby?" he said. "Our baby?"

She smiled brilliantly, nodding. "Yes! We're having a baby!"

Nathan whooped, sweeping her into his arms and holding on tight. Elizabeth clung to him, laughing in pure happiness. Eventually, he pulled back. The smile still hadn't left his lips. He framed Elizabeth's face in his hands. "Our miracle," he murmured, gently brushing his thumbs against her jaw.

Elizabeth nodded. A soft sigh of contentment left her lips. "Our family keeps growing in unexpected ways," she said, chuckling lightly. "And it looks like Carson was right. With Mia joining us, we forgot about the pressure to conceive. All our focus was on our new daughter. And now I'm pregnant." She shook her head. "Isn't that something?"

"Yes, it is," Nathan said softly, drawing her close and pressing her head against his chest. They rested together, feeling awe and wonder. One of Nathan's hands found the side of Elizabeth's stomach.

She breathed in deeply. "This is the first time I've been truly excited about a pregnancy," she admitted. "I was happy to find out I was pregnant with Jack, but I was scared to be doing it alone with no husband by my side. You know how I reacted to the news that I was pregnant with Aurora."

Nathan kissed the top of her head. "I do," he said gently.

He felt her smile against his chest. "I am thankful that our daughter brought us together," she murmured. "Without Aurora, we probably never would have gotten married and started this beautiful life together." Her arms tightened around his waist. "But now, being happily married and finally able to tell you we're having a child…it's the most wonderful feeling, Nathan." She looked up at him, eyes bright. "I'm so happy." She reached up on her tiptoes and pressed her lips to his in a brief but loving kiss. "So happy."

"So am I," Nathan replied. He rested his head against hers. They stood together quietly, no more words necessary.

Gratitude pulsed through Nathan. He silently prayed a prayer of thankfulness as he held his wife close, basking in the fact that they had finally – finally – created a tiny new life.