Chapter 44 – Spring Weather Prep

Despite Jack and Elizabeth sharing things, Jack knew that there were things that women share easier with other women. Jack knew that it was important that Elizabeth have the friendship with Abigail that she had. Abigail had been there for Elizabeth since the day she had arrived in then Coal Valley. Abigail had not only been there as a friend, but she had opened her home to Elizabeth. Abigail had shown Elizabeth things that she needed to be able to live on the frontier. They both looked at Abigail as more than a friend – she was a mom to both Jack and Elizabeth. Jack wasn't going to do anything to damage that relationship, if anything he would do what he could to encourage it. Jack realized that both women needed each other and it was good for both of them. Just as Jack realized that he needed his friendship with Lee and Elizabeth wouldn't do anything to stop it. Jack smiled about when he thought about Abigail. He knew that she was someone important in their life and when they had children that Abigail would be someone important to their children. Jack smiled even bigger when he thought about his children with Elizabeth. What he once thought would never happen was closer to becoming a reality than anyone knew. Jack wanted a house full of children and hoped that Elizabeth was willing to give him several children. Jack actually stopped and said a prayer for his future family and put it totally in God's hands as to when and how many they had.

When Jack got to the cafe, it was busier than he figured. He ordered and waited to see if he could talk to Abigail. When he finished his breakfast, he helped Clara clear the dishes from the dining room so he would have a chance to talk to Abigail. He even said that he would help wash the dishes before services. Abigail knew that if Jack was willing to pitch in and help with the dishes that he really wanted to talk. Clara realized that they wanted to talk and let Abigail know that she would clear and reset the dining room. Jack let Abigail know that Elizabeth was starting to feel better, but she was still really tired and planned to keep her home from teaching the next day. Abigail asked a few more questions about how Elizabeth was feeling, but really didn't say anything. Jack and Abigail talked and when they were close to being done, Jack told Abigail to go get ready for services and he would walk over with them. Abigail went upstairs, Jack stayed downstairs and finished up with the dishes. He made sure that the dining room was reset for after services and then he sat and waited for Abigail and Cody to come down.

It didn't take long and the three of them walked over to the church for services. Jack let Pastor Frank know that Elizabeth wasn't feeling well and she had stayed home. A number of people looked at Jack during services because Elizabeth wasn't there. It wasn't until Pastor Frank asked people to pray for Elizabeth because she wasn't feeling well that people knew what was going on. After services, a few people stopped Jack to ask more specifically about Elizabeth. He just let them know that she wasn't feeling well and that she was on the mend. Jack also let the parents know that Cat would be teaching the next day because he wanted to let Elizabeth rest an extra day. No one really said anything, but Jack could tell that some of the parents weren't happy about Cat teaching for Elizabeth even if it was only one day. Jack wasn't sure what it was about some of the parents, but it seemed that nothing that Elizabeth did was good enough for them. They didn't like her sending homework with the children, they didn't like that she needed to take time off or even taking the children on a field trip. Jack wondered if there was anything that they would be happy about. He wondered how Elizabeth put up with it and then he realized that he faced similar criticism and it was impossible to please everyone.

Jack left the church and headed to the mercantile. He picked up a few things and then headed back to the house. He put the roast that he had picked up in the oven. He wasn't sure if Elizabeth would be able to eat it, but he would at least be able to have sandwiches for a couple of days. Once he had supper in the oven, Jack headed upstairs to check on Elizabeth. He wanted to know if she was hungry before he made something. As soon as Jack sat on the bed, Elizabeth stirred. Jack waited a moment to make sure that she was awake and then he asked her how she felt. She let him know that she was feeling better and that it helped that she had been allowed to sleep. Jack asked if she was hungry and if she was he could heat up the last of the soup. Elizabeth agreed that sounded good, so Jack headed downstairs to heat up the soup while Elizabeth got dressed. She had spent the day before in sleep clothes, so it felt good to change even if it was just a pair of Jack's sleep pants and one of his shirts.

When Elizabeth got downstairs, Jack looked at her.

"Amazing." Jack said.

"What?" Elizabeth asked.

"Even when you don't feel good and are dressed in baggy clothes, how do you look amazing?" Jack said. "You get more beautiful every day."

"You are biased." Elizabeth said. "Because I definitely don't feel beautiful right now."

"You are always beautiful in my eyes." Jack said, placing a kiss on her forehead.

"Thank you." Elizabeth said.

Jack had heated up the soup, sliced some bread and made some tea. There wasn't enough soup for both of them so Jack let Elizabeth have the soup and he made himself a sandwich. Elizabeth felt bad that she had a hot meal and Jack only had a sandwich. Jack assured her that he had had a large breakfast at the cafe, that he also had picked up a roast and it was in the oven for supper. Elizabeth felt a little better, but still there was a bit of guilt about it. Jack knew that Elizabeth needed the warm soup more than he did. He also knew that he was okay just having a sandwich. He had spent a number of nights where he just had bread and cheese or something from the tins in his saddlebags.

When they were done eating, Jack insisted on cleaning up and letting Elizabeth rest. Elizabeth sat at the table and asked Jack about services and if anyone said anything about her missing. Jack let her know that Pastor Frank had said that she didn't feel well and to offer a prayer. When Jack was done, they went and sat on the couch and Jack read aloud some more. Elizabeth loved being snuggled up to Jack listening to him read to her. She closed her eyes and relaxed some, but didn't really fall asleep. Elizabeth was startled when there was a knock at the door. Jack covered Elizabeth with the blanket before he went to the door. When he opened it, it was Bill standing there with Sergeant and Ember. Jack excused himself and let Elizabeth know that he needed to head out for a little bit and reminded her that the roast was in the oven. Jack pulled his coat on and stepped outside to talk to Bill.

Bill let Jack know that he had been out to check on the river and he was worried. He wanted Jack to ride out. Bill wanted Jack to see what was going on and together make a plan. Jack felt bad leaving Elizabeth, but he convinced Bill to swing by the cafe so he could let Abigail know. When Jack knocked on the door to the cafe and let Abigail know that he was riding out to the river to check things out, she let him know that as soon as she pulled the cookies out of the oven that she would take some more soup and go check on Elizabeth. That made Jack feel better since he didn't know how long he was going to be gone. Jack also let Abigail know that he had put a roast in the oven when he had gotten home after services. Abigail told him not to worry about it. With that Jack and Bill headed out to go check on the river.

Bill and Jack didn't talk much while they rode. Both knew that if the river continued to rise, things were going to get worse before they got better. Jack made a plan to also check some of the little creeks that ran off the main part of the river. If one of them was blocked, it would also create problems. Jack let Bill know and he agreed since the river was high that any amount that was able to drain off the main part of the river was a good thing. Jack led the way and the first creek that they checked was blocked. Bill and Jack were able to clear enough of it that the rest broke loose and the water started flowing high and fast. Jack looked at Bill and shook his head. He knew that if it was flowing that fast and high where they were, that it was only going to get worse. Jack and Bill continued to make their way along the river and unblocked two other spots on their side. They knew that if they crossed over, they wouldn't get back across for some time. They did talk about having a couple men go over the bridge out near Rock Creek and ride back down checking for blockages.

Both men agreed that whoever went, it should be at least two if not three men in case there was a problem. They also agreed to talk to Lee and see what he thought. Jack wondered if Lee's men hadn't put in another bridge somewhere, all Jack knew was that it was worth looking into. Jack knew that if Lee's men hadn't put in a bridge that they would have to go to either Rock Creek or south quite a ways and come back up, neither was an appealing option at the moment. Jack knew that there were bridges over several of the smaller creeks, but not over the larger river. Jack thought about maybe crossing over one of the creeks, but then he wondered if he would be stuck and not get to ride where he wanted. He knew that he would have to look at the maps closer before he decided what he was going to do.

Jack and Bill continued to ride along the river until they reached a spot where a smaller river joined. That one ran down from the mountain and it was one of the spots that most concerned Jack. That was going to give them a good idea of the winter runoff. The water was over the banks where the two rivers joined. From what Jack could see the water flowing down the mountain wasn't going to let up anytime soon. Jack had pulled out his binoculars and looked up at the mountains and could see that there was still plenty of snowpack higher up, despite some starting to melt. They made their way around the bend and it was still high water as far as the eye could see. Jack made the decision that he had seen enough. He let Bill know that they should swing by the settlement on the way back and let the people know to be careful. He wanted to let them know that they needed to be ready to leave quickly if it came to it.

The settlement sat off one of the larger creeks that ran off the main river. Jack and Bill didn't stay long, but they warned the people to be careful and to keep an eye on the river. Jack also let them know that if they needed to evacuate to come to Hope Valley. Bill also let them know that they would keep an eye on the river and if things got worse they would move the settlement themselves. After leaving the settlement, Jack and Bill rode back to Hope Valley. Neither spoke, both knew that it was going to get much worse before it got better. They rode to the livery and cared for their horses before heading back to the jail. They each wrote things up and Jack also got a couple wires ready that he would have sent out the next morning. He wanted supplies there as soon as possible. Jack wondered if there was anything else that they could do at the moment, but realized that they had done as much as they could and it was a waiting game at that point. Jack pulled out the map and made some notes as well.

Jack knew that things were getting bad. Jack also was sending word both up river for what they were seeing and down river as a warning. Jack left Bill and headed back to the house. He hoped that Elizabeth and Abigail had a good visit. He didn't want to worry either of them, but he knew that he would have to talk to Abigail and Elizabeth would know that there was something bothering him. When Jack got to the house, Abigail was still there. He asked her to stay for a little longer. He hung up his coat and pulled off his boots before heading over to the table to talk to both of them together. Before Jack could tell them what was going on, he noticed Elizabeth smiling. He was glad that she was feeling a little better and was glad that she was able to visit with Abigail. He knew that he needed to tell them about the river, but Elizabeth was in such a good mood that he didn't want her to worry. He made a choice to wait and talk to Abigail the next day. He hoped that Elizabeth wouldn't figure out that he was worried more. Jack poured himself a cup of tea and sat at the table with Elizabeth and Abigail. They took one look at his face and it was Abigail who spoke first.

"How bad?" Abigail asked.

"Bad." Jack said. "I didn't want to get into it, because you were having a nice visit, but the river is nearly out of its banks as it is and there is still plenty of mountain runoff coming down. It will get worse before it gets better. Hope Valley is safe, but others are not. We stopped at the settlement and asked them to be ready to move quickly. Bill wanted them to come in, but he didn't force the issue today."

"We will deal with whatever happens." Abigail said. "We always do."

"There really isn't much that we can do but wait at this point." Jack said. "I just hope that it doesn't rain anymore."

"Well." Abigail said. "I think it is time for me to go. Jack, if there is more that you want to talk about, you know where to find me tomorrow."

"Thank you, Abigail." Jack said.

"Elizabeth." Abigail said. "Please continue to rest and don't worry about school tomorrow. I will deal with any unhappy parents, your health is more important."

Abigail got up and let herself out. Jack and Elizabeth sat at the table and finished their tea. Jack was still worried about Elizabeth but she seemed to be doing better so he didn't say anything. The rest of the evening was quiet. Elizabeth had some of the soup that Abigail had brought and Jack ate the roast and potatoes that he had made. They both chose to turn in early, even though Elizabeth didn't have to get up the next morning. Jack was missing the time with his wife, but with her not feeling well, he wasn't going to push her. He just snuggled her close and held her. As Jack was holding Elizabeth and heard her breathing even out, he placed his hand on her stomach, wondering if she was pregnant and that was why she was smiling. Then Jack thought why wouldn't Faith have told him, unless she didn't realize. It also could be too early to know for sure. Either way, Jack knew that he had to consider it a possibility, until proven otherwise. He wondered if Elizabeth didn't want to get his hopes up until she was sure.

As much as Jack said he wouldn't push and they could wait, he really wanted to be a father and knew that Elizabeth would be a great mother. He thought that maybe once she knew one way or the other that she would say something. As Jack laid there holding Elizabeth close with his large hand covering her small, flat stomach he offered a prayer.

"Heavenly Father." Jack prayed. "Please be with Elizabeth and help her to feel better. Help me help her. If she is carrying my child, help us both as we experience this. If it is not our time, help us be okay with that as well. Please help me keep the people of the valley safe. I trust You and Your plan. I also know that I have done what I can to be ready. Please give me peace that You are in control and to know that I have done my best. Be with the two of us. Help us to be ready for the gift of children when You see fit to give them to us. I pray that Elizabeth is okay and that if she is pregnant, that she is happy and can deal with the changes. I also pray for our families if we are expecting. You know the troubles with our families, I pray for reconciliation and unity, not division. I know that Elizabeth is struggling with not hearing from her family. Please be with her and give her peace about things. Amen."

Jack and Elizabeth were both woken up early the next morning by a very loud clap of thunder that seemed to shake that whole house. When Jack sat up in bed he could see that it wasn't quite dawn yet, but it was raining and raining pretty good. Just what they didn't need, Jack thought. He tried to calm Elizabeth since the noise had startled her, so they could both get some more sleep. Elizabeth's breathing evened back out and she seemed to fall back asleep. Jack laid there holding her and listening to the rain. Jack didn't fall back asleep, but laid there worrying. When it was light enough that he could see better, Jack slipped from the bed and headed downstairs. He made some tea and toast for Elizabeth. He took it back up to her. He gently woke her up and offered her tea and toast. She took the tray and Jack headed back downstairs to make himself some breakfast. As he was finishing breakfast, Elizabeth came downstairs with the empty tray.

"Don't worry about school." Jack said. "I still want Cat to take it and for you to rest today. I need to head into town for a while."

"Okay." Elizabeth said. "I agreed that another day of rest would be for the best and I really don't want to go out in this rain. We should have enough food for today, but if you get a chance, can you stop at the mercantile and pick up some ginger tea and some crackers. Abigail said both would help if I was nauseous."

"That I can do." Jack said. "Is there anything else that we need?"

"I don't know." Elizabeth said. "You have been in the kitchen more than I have. Let's just have a look."

Elizabeth got up, looked in the ice box and also opened a couple cupboards. She then grabbed a piece of paper and wrote a couple things down. She then handed it to Jack. Besides the ginger tea and crackers, she also wrote bread from Abigail, cheese, stuff for soup, tea and coffee. Jack looked over the list again and then nodded at Elizabeth. Jack looked at Elizabeth and wanted to ask her about being pregnant, but then changed his mind. Elizabeth looked at him and wondered what he was thinking.

"Everything okay?" Elizabeth asked.

"Yes." Jack said. "Just thinking about everything that I need to do."

Jack got ready to head out in the rain. He let Elizabeth know that he would be back as soon as he could, but that she should rest. She reminded him to be careful. Jack put his hat on as he stepped out the door. He made his way into town as quickly as he could. The first thing that he did was stop at the cafe and let Abigail know that Elizabeth wanted another loaf of bread. Abigail said it wouldn't be a problem since they had talked about it the day before. Abigail also let Jack know that she had put in a larger than normal order of things that morning. Abigail let Jack know that the order from Union City should be there later in the week. Abigail also let him know that some of things wouldn't be in until the next week, but for the time being they were doing okay.

Jack thanked Abigail for thinking ahead. She also let Jack know if he needed anything that she would be at the cafe most of the day. She was going to try and work from the cafe while she did some baking. Jack teased her about trying to find someone to help her, especially since Clara was much busier with her sewing. Jack knew that Clara wanted to work full time at Dottie's dress shop that she had opened with the money from the insurance her late husband had. But Jack knew that Clara wouldn't leave Abigail without help. Mary Graves had been helping, but she was pregnant due in four months. Jack worried about Mary helping too much. Abigail had let Jack know that she thought Mary was pregnant with twins, since she reminded her of Carla after the disaster. Abigail also let Jack know that there were plenty of women that could handle birthing a child, even twins.

No one had said one way or the other, but Jack had seen Carla and he remembered how big she was and Mary was getting there herself. Jack didn't want to say anything, but he really hoped that they could find a doctor soon. Abigail had put it out there, but not many doctors wanted to be out on the frontier. As it was, there was a traveling doctor that would stop in once every several weeks, but otherwise they would have to be sent to Union City. The doctor that had been in Buxton had retired and moved to Calgary. Buxton was a bigger town and it was having trouble finding a doctor and they had been looking for over a year. Jack had even reached out to Mountie Headquarters hoping that they might be able to help. He hadn't heard back about a doctor, but was sent additional medical manuals. Jack took that as he wasn't going to get help anytime soon.

Jack left the cafe and headed to the jail where he picked up the wire messages that he had gotten ready the day before. With those in hand, he headed to the mercantile. He not only talked to Ned about sending out the messages, Jack also talked to him about when that supply wagon that he ordered would be there. Ned let Jack know that it would be there that week and he had put in a much larger order then he normally did. Ned let Jack know that there was one full supply wagon coming with the stuff that he ordered and Ned had two full wagons coming for the mercantile. Jack thanked Ned for thinking ahead. Before Jack left, he gave Elizabeth's list to Ned. Ned said that he could have the order delivered since he had to take another order out of town. Jack thanked Ned and said that he would like that.