Chapter 54 – Sunday Night

Wynn just looked at Abigail and shook his head.

"Thank you." He said. "I just might."

"I will leave you be." Abigail said. "I need to go find Cody. There is more in the icebox if you are still hungry or if Dee comes in. Feel free to help yourself. There may still be a couple of cookies in the jar, unless Bill swiped them earlier."

"Thank you." Wynn said. "Also, I think that Cody was playing with a few of the other boys behind the jail."

"Thank you." Abigail said.

Abigail left to find Cody and Wynn finished eating. Just as he was finishing, Dee and Elizabeth entered the cafe through the side door. Elizabeth put on some water for tea and motioned to Dee.

"Please." Dee said. "I was going to see if there was something to eat, but I don't see Abigail."

"She said there were leftovers in the icebox." Wynn said. "You two sit and tell me what is going on, I will get the food. I am still hungry."

Dee and Elizabeth sat down and Wynn went about getting food ready for him and Dee. When neither said anything, he just looked at Dee and then Elizabeth.

"I already talked to Abigail." Wynn said. "I know you are up to something regarding Faith."

"Okay." Elizabeth said. "I had Dee help me wire Uncle Henry. I know that he has a fund set aside to help with certain things. I know it is used mostly for teachers in places that can't afford it, but I was wondering if he would use it for this. I think that was where the donations to the town in the form of emergency supplies as well as the stuff for the school came from. I had to ask. A traveling doctor once a month or so is not enough. I wish that there was a doctor, but I will take a nurse to start. I know that Jack would agree with me right now."

"I am not arguing." Wynn said. "I knew you were up to something. I saw that look on your face. I just wanted details. You realize that a nurse gets about twelve to fifteen dollars a month."

"Yes." Elizabeth said. "I get what things cost and I also know that I have been fortunate to have things that others do not. Both Jack and I have been fortunate. With both of us working, and keeping our expenses down, we have been able to save. I just want others to have the opportunities that I have had. Besides, Uncle Henry and Aunt Agatha have informed me that I will inherit much of their wealth when they pass. I just figured that if I could use the money now, why not?"

As Wynn was finishing getting the food ready, he heard Dee and Elizabeth whispering about something, but he couldn't make out what they were talking about. He was going to give them another moment and then say something.

"I thought that you two were taught better than that." Wynn teased. "What are you two whispering about? I can hear you, you know."

"Tell him." Dee whispered again, this time loud enough for his dad to hear.

Elizabeth just glared at Dee, but then turned to Wynn as he sat back down with a plate for both him and Dee. The smell was enough, Elizabeth bolted from the cafe and was sick outside. Neither Dee or Wynn went after her, but just gave her a moment. Dee just looked at his dad, but didn't say anything. He just dug into the food that was in front of him. He wasn't going to say anything, but he wondered if his dad didn't already know. When Elizabeth came back in, she poured some tea and sat down.

"Better?" Wynn asked. "Want to tell me something?"

"Okay." Elizabeth said. "Dee knows and that was only because I needed his help sending a coded message to Aunt Elizabeth. But Jack and I are expecting. We haven't said anything to anyone else yet. We haven't even told his mother, so please. Faith just confirmed it a little while ago before I left with Dee."

"Congratulations." Wynn said. "I won't say anything. Aunt Elizabeth sending clothes from Sophie?"

"Yes." Elizabeth said. "I haven't talked to Jack, but I was wondering if you and Aunt Elizabeth could come back this fall around the end of September."

"Whatever you want, my dear." Wynn said. "I am happy for you guys. Why don't you go lay down. We have plenty of time to visit later. Dee and I are going to be here for a while."

"Thank you." Elizabeth said.

Elizabeth got up and gave her uncle and cousin each a hug. She then headed upstairs to lay back down with Jack. She was really tired and it had been a long day. She was hoping to get back into the classroom that week, but wasn't sure what was happening with the injured. She knew that she needed to talk to Abigail and Bill, but that could be done later. There was so much going on she hadn't had time to deal with everything. She knew that things would come as they did. Elizabeth knew that at the moment the most important thing was to take care of herself and make sure that Jack got better since he had a house to build. The other thing that Elizabeth had to figure out was when to tell people, more importantly how and when to tell her family. She wondered what this news would do. She hoped and prayed that it would bring about peace, but there was a part of her that seriously doubted that would happen. She wondered if her father would use this as another excuse to try and get her to return to Hamilton. Elizabeth took a deep breath and shook her head. She knew that she would have to deal with all of those questions, but at the moment, she just wanted to enjoy the news with her husband.

A few moments after Elizabeth left, Cody came bounding in with Abigail not far behind him. He gave Dee a big hug and then headed over to give one to Wynn. Both were gladly returned. Cody was happy to see them and hoped that they would be staying longer than the last time they were here a couple of months ago.

"Alright." Abigail said. "Time for bed. There may not be school tomorrow, but there are plenty of chores to do. Remember that Mrs Thornton and Mountie Jack are probably asleep, so please be quiet."

"Yes, ma'am." Cody said heading up the steps.

"Elizabeth just went up a few moments ago." Wynn said. "I am sure Jack is sleeping. I didn't get up there. I needed to talk to Elizabeth. I will stop and see him tomorrow or later."

"Thank you for the food." Dee said. "Please let me know if there is something that I can do to help."

"Well." Abigail said. "I won't turn down a load of wood."

"Done." Dee said. "Oh, Dad. We are staying at Jack and Elizabeth's. Charlotte said that she will pitch a tent if she can't get her room in the saloon back."

"I feel bad about that." Wynn said. "But I am not going to argue about a warm bed tonight. I am too tired."

"Don't worry about Charlotte." Abigail said. "Personally, I think she likes being outside."

"Oh." Wynn said. "I promised my wife that I would check with you how Becky is doing?"

"Getting there." Abigail said. "She is recovering, but it is slow. They were hoping that she would be back by now, but she hasn't seemed to regain her strength."

"Dee." Wynn said. "Wire your mother in the morning and also the hospital in Union City and see if there is anything that can be done to help."

"You don't have to do that." Abigail said.

"What is the point of having influence if you don't use it?" Wynn said. "Sometimes the doctors need to know that there is someone special investing in the case and they may see things differently."

"I wouldn't argue." Dee said with a smirk. "He would do it anyway."

Abigail just shook her head, because she knew it was true. As much influence that Wynn had, she wasn't sure that it would sway the worker. She knew that she still had to talk to Wynn about keeping Becky and Cody, but she now knew that she had a few days. Abigail knew as much as she wanted to keep Becky and Cody, there were much more pressing matters that she needed to deal with that were right in front of her at the moment. She realized that she hadn't said anything, so she shook her head again. Abigail smiled at Dee and then turned to Wynn.

"Thank you both." Abigail said.

Wynn and Dee stood up and put their dishes in the sink. Abigail gave them a hug and directed them to leave. They wanted to help clean, but Abigail wanted them to head out to get some rest. Abigail quickly cleaned up the kitchen after they left. She then poured herself a cup of tea and sat down for a little bit. She needed to think since there was so much going on.

Dee and Wynn made their way to the row house after a quick stop at the jail to grab their stuff. Neither said anything. They were both tired and they knew that it was going to be a long week. When they got to the house, they saw Charlotte's tent in the side yard. They still felt bad about her sleeping outside. When they entered, they realized that she had set up the cot downstairs for Dee and also brought down blankets and a pillow for him. There was a note on the table to let them know that there was food in the icebox and they were free to help themselves. It also let them know that there was plenty of wood and water in the house. Wynn and Dee quickly changed and headed to bed.

Jack was asleep when Elizabeth got back to the room or so she thought. He was laying there with his eyes closed. She quickly washed up and then crawled in bed. She curled up next to Jack. It was a few moments and Jack stirred.

"Are we going to talk?" Jack asked.

Both sat up so that they could talk. Jack took his hand and covered Elizabeth's midsection. He then leaned down and kissed her belly. He replaced his hand and turned to Elizabeth. Jack was so deliriously happy about the baby. He knew that Elizabeth was doing all the work, but he also knew that he wanted to help her in any way that he possibly could. Part of him was concerned given Elizabeth's questionable medical history, but that still couldn't dampen his excitement.

There was a time that Jack thought he would never be a father and now that it was one step closer to happening, he was happy. Jack wasn't stupid, he knew that there was still a lot that could happen between then and September, but he wanted to bask in the joy. He knew that he wouldn't fully relax until he was holding his son or daughter. Jack knew that it was early, but he was so excited to expand their family.

"I thought you were sleeping?" Elizabeth said. "We can talk. Oh, by the way Uncle Wynn and Dee know. They promised not to say anything. I had to have Dee help me send a message to Aunt Elizabeth. I know that I am going to start needing new clothes soon. Then I got sick in front of Wynn, so I basically had to tell him."

"That is okay." Jack said. "How are you feeling?"

"Tired." Elizabeth said. "I hadn't even really thought about being pregnant until Abigail and your mother said something earlier. I mean I thought I was earlier, but then I didn't feel pregnant and Faith had never said it was possible. When I started to feel better, I dismissed it. I know that we are going to have to tell them, but let's wait a couple of days. Things are kind of crazy right now."

"We can wait as long as you want." Jack said. "I had thought that you were pregnant in Hamilton and that was why you passed out, but when you said that you weren't, if I am being honest I was a little disappointed, but I also was enjoying our time together. I am glad that we know what is going on, but I am worried about you, especially since there is not a doctor around. I don't want anything to happen to you. I couldn't deal with that."

"Jack." Elizabeth said. "Most of the children in this town were not delivered by a doctor and there are plenty of women here that would be able to help. Besides, I have a feeling that Faith will be sticking around."

"Anything you care you share?" Jack asked.

"I had Dee help me send a wire to Uncle Henry." Elizabeth said. "I asked for help and said that it could come out of my inheritance if need be, but it was important to the town."

"Okay." Jack said. "If you are sure. I feel bad that you have to use your own money."

"Jack." Elizabeth said. "The money that I stand to inherit from Uncle Henry and Aunt Agatha, is a very substantial amount and that doesn't include Mother's money. I also have a trust fund from Father if he ever comes around and another one that he can't take away from me. It is not a problem to spend a couple hundred dollars to make sure that there is a nurse in town. We have had this conversation. I still could take over the company if I want. You have seen a few of the numbers, but that is nothing. We will have to get the numbers from the lawyers, but let me say this – there is plenty of money to do with what I want."

"I am not even going to ask." Jack said. "As long as you are okay with it."

"I am more than okay with spending the money on this." Elizabeth said. "I can't think of a better use of it right now. We have it and there is a need, why not fill that need."

"Thank you for saying 'we'." Jack said. "But that is your money."

"Jackson Alexander Thornton." Elizabeth said in a harsh tone. "I am only going to say this once – my money is your money and that is not up for debate. If there comes a time that you need something or our children need something, we will be able to take care of things. I already have papers being drawn up that will give you access to all of my money, and I don't want you to argue about it."

"Fine." Jack said. "Let's go to sleep. I still feel weird about taking your money, but thank you and please don't use your scary teacher face and tone with me."

"Only when I have to get my point across." Elizabeth said with a smile.

Elizabeth leaned up and kissed Jack before curling back into his side as they both laid down.

"I am very happy by the way." Jack said. "I can't wait for him or her to arrive."

"We have time." Elizabeth said. "I am not looking forward to all the changes in my body."

"I will be there to help as much as I can." Jack said. "But personally, I can't wait to see your baby bump. I want to draw it. I want to feel him or her kick my hand."

"Thank you, Jack." Elizabeth said. "I am happy as well. I am also a little bit scared."

"I will be right here." Jack said. "I know we have time to talk about things, but I want to be at your appointments and I want to be with you when you deliver. I know that it is not common, but it is not my first time seeing a delivery and I want to be able to support you. I know that you are doing all the hard work and I want to help as much as I can, even if it is just holding your hand like I did earlier. Don't get me wrong, I don't look forward to seeing you in pain, but I also know that it will be worth it in the end."

"I want you there." Elizabeth said. "I don't think I could do it without you. Earlier there was nothing. It wasn't exactly painful, just a bit uncomfortable. Faith was actually very gentle. I think it helps that she is a woman and knows that it can be uncomfortable. When did you see a delivery?"

"Fort Garry." Jack said. "Me and another mountie were checking on some of the further outlying farms. When we stopped at one, the man was frantic because his wife was in labor and he couldn't move her since his wagon had a broken axle. Todd and I said we would help. By the time we checked her she was ready to push. We quickly got the needed items and delivered a healthy baby boy. After we left, we promised to have the doctor come out. The couple was very happy and glad that we had stopped to check on them."

Elizabeth smiled. She could see Jack as he was telling her about it and knew even more that she was in great hands. She was happy that things were falling into place. She was happy that they would be preparing for a little one. She also hoped that Jack was able to gain his strength back quickly and return to work. Jack fell asleep with a smile on his face. He had his wife and unborn child in his arms. He thought about how he couldn't wait to be a father. Jack was so happy and he now had renewed reasons to get well quicker. He also knew that it was going to be even more important that he get the house built that summer. He knew that there would be plenty of help when they needed it, but he was still worried because there were also a lot of other things going on. As happy as Jack was, he was also worried because he was laid up and not helping the town as he should have been.

Once again, Jack covered Elizabeth's stomach with his large hand. He couldn't wait for a time when his hand no longer covered Elizabeth's stomach and his touch was rewarded with a kick. Jack still had his hand on Elizabeth's stomach when Abigail looked in on them before heading to bed herself. She thought it was cute the way that Jack was protective of Elizabeth even in their sleep. When she saw Jack's hand covering Elizabeth's stomach, she knew what was going on, but wasn't going to say anything until they told her. She smiled to herself as she headed to her room. She remembered what was said at Christmas and thought that it was cute that it happened.

Abigail stood there for a moment and thought about how wonderful of a father that Jack was going to be. She knew that he loved children and she couldn't wait to see the two of them as parents. She was also happy because she knew that she would be the child's favorite aunt. She wondered if Elizabeth would let her be there for the delivery or maybe even help with it. Abigail also realized why Elizabeth would have no problem spending her own money to keep Faith there. Abigail didn't like it, but she also knew that if Elizabeth wanted to spend the money, she wasn't going to argue the point. As Abigail was standing there, she said a quick prayer for the little family that she was looking at.