March 1931

Elizabeth rested a hand on her swollen stomach, a feeling of contentment rolling through her. Within a month, she and Nathan would be welcoming baby number ten to their family. Their ninth child, Leo, had just turned a year old. Elizabeth was fairly certain she'd gotten pregnant with him the night of Allie's wedding. The children had been ecstatic to find out they were getting another sibling. After his birth, Elizabeth wondered if he would be the last, especially after Allie announced a pregnancy of her own when Leo turned six months old. A few weeks later, after going in for a checkup, an amused Carson informed her that she was having yet another baby. He estimated her to be due around the same time as Allie – she'd simply missed the signs because she still nursed an infant.

Nathan almost fell over when she told him the news. He'd stared at their baby son in her arms before his eyes moved to her belly. "Seriously? So soon? How is that even possible?"

His shock notwithstanding, he quickly warmed to the idea of another child, though he expressed concern for Elizabeth. At the age of forty-two, she was one of the older women in their town to sustain a pregnancy. She reminded him that she'd had no trouble birthing Leo at forty-one. A year wasn't likely to make much of a difference.

Hopefully.

A knock sounded at the door before it opened. Elizabeth got to her feet and waddled in that direction.

"Mom!"

Allie's voice sounded hysterical. Alarmed, Elizabeth hurried the rest of the way into the front room. "Allie! What's wrong?"

Tears streamed down her daughter's cheeks. Allie collapsed into her arms, shaking. "C…Cody got c…called away! He had…had to go…immediately…to Buxton…"

Elizabeth gently guided Allie to the couch. After they were seated, she wrapped Allie in an embrace. "Take some deep breaths, honey."

Allie gulped in air. Her tears continued flowing, but she soon got her hysteria under control. "Sorry, Mom. I don't know what came over me."

Elizabeth placed a hand on her daughter's belly. "I think I know. Pregnancy hormones can be wild."

"No kidding." Allie grabbed her handkerchief and blew her nose. "I held it together until Cody rode away, but then sobs hit me hard."

A cry came from the nursery. Elizabeth pushed herself up. "I'll be right back." She found Leo standing in his crib. He grinned when he caught sight of her. "Ma. Ma. Ma."

She picked him up and cradled him close. "Hello, my sweet boy." Running a finger over his soft cheek, she marveled at how much the child looked like Nathan. The only difference was his blond hair. Otherwise, he was an exact replica of his father. "Should we go see Allie?"

Leo brightened at the mention of his sister. He clapped. Elizabeth carried him to the living room. Allie smiled when she saw the boy. "Hey, buddy."

"Eee!" Leo reached for her. Allie settled him on her lap, mindful of her baby bump. Leo patted her stomach, then patted Elizabeth's. He babbled in his baby language for a minute before reaching for his mother. He pulled at her dress, a sure sign he wanted to nurse. Elizabeth situated him and allowed him to begin eating before turning her attention back to Allie. Her daughter watched, shaking her head.

"You're still nursing Leo, and in a few weeks, you'll be nursing an infant. That's going to be strange, isn't it?"

Elizabeth lifted one shoulder. "Perhaps. But I nursed Nate and Ella at the same time. I imagine it'll be a similar experience." She settled against the couch. "Now, tell me what's going through your mind."

Allie sighed. "I don't know, Mom. I'm used to Cody being called away. It's part of his job, and it's never hit me like this before. I just want him to be home with me, especially with our baby due soon."

"How long will he be gone?"

"He wasn't sure. It sounded like it could be a week or more."

Elizabeth reached for Allie's hand. "I know what it's like, sweetheart. When your dad left on his missions, I couldn't rest until he was safely home again."

"I'm proud of Cody and all he does for this town. But sometimes the sacrifice feels so …"

"Hard?"

Allie nodded, tears filling her eyes again. She dropped her head against Elizabeth's shoulder, careful not to jostle Leo. "Part of me wishes he could be a woodworker like Dad." She exhaled slowly. "But then he wouldn't be fulfilled. Being a Mountie is his calling."

"I'm proud of you, Allie. I know this life isn't easy, but you handle it with grace."

Allie's lips twitched. "I just came to your door in hysterics, Mom. That doesn't scream 'grace'."

"Just pregnant."

They shared a laugh, then fell silent. The only sound in the room was Leo's soft baby noises as he ate. By the time he finished, Allie had fallen asleep on Elizabeth's shoulder. She smiled, lifting Leo to her free shoulder to burp him. The baby in her womb kicked and shifted. Elizabeth chuckled softly. "We'll meet soon, sweet child. Hold on a little longer, alright?"

Another kick, then calm. Elizabeth smiled, taking that as agreement.

A week passed, and Cody had yet to return. Allie spent much of her non-work time at the Grant family home, talking with Elizabeth and Nathan, playing with her siblings, and occasionally having a good cry in her old room. Nathan took her fishing at their pond, which seemed to help, but Allie clearly missed her husband.

"I don't know how to help her," Nathan confessed one evening after their daughter had gone to sleep. Mia and Aurora hadn't minded sharing a bed so Allie could have one to herself.

Elizabeth slipped an arm around his waist. "I know, love. It seems easier when they're children, doesn't it?"

He nodded. His hand slipped over her stomach. "How are you feeling? I thought I saw you wince a few times during dinner."

She smiled, feeling a little sheepish. "There were a few pains that felt a bit like contractions, but nothing since we ate. It might have been indigestion."

Nathan didn't look convinced. Elizabeth patted his cheek. "I'm fine."

They went to bed early, but in the middle of the night, Aurora shook them awake. "Mom! Dad! I think Allie's baby is coming!"

Mind blurred from sleep, Elizabeth pushed herself up. "What?"

"She says she's having contractions, and she's curled up in a ball. She's in a lot of pain."

Nathan bolted from the bed, reaching for his jacket. "I'll get Faith." He was out the door before Elizabeth could respond.

She stumbled to her feet. "How long has this been going on, Aurora?"

"I don't know. Allie didn't want me to get you until she knew for sure it wasn't false labor."

Oh dear. Elizabeth took Aurora's outstretched hand, allowing her daughter to pull her to Allie. Her eldest lay curled on the bed, moaning. "Mama."

"I'm here, Allie."

She held tightly to Allie's hand. Aurora and Mia retreated to their younger sisters' room, tasked with taking care of any of the children who might wake. Millie wandered into the bedroom and took up a spot in the corner. She refused to budge, even when Elizabeth tried shooing her from the room. Her eyes remained trained on Allie as if sensing her distress.

Nathan returned, his face tense. Elizabeth held her breath. "What is it?"

"Faith is attending another birth in town, and Carson has the flu. We need to pray Allie's baby doesn't come until Faith can get here."

Allie wailed. Elizabeth grabbed Nathan's arm, pulling him to one side of the room. "If it comes to it, you know how to deliver babies, right? It's part of Mountie training."

His face paled. "I could, but …"

A knock interrupted them. Elizabeth stayed with Allie while Nathan went to the door. Voices murmured in the hallway, coming closer.

A sudden pain gripped Elizabeth's middle. She gasped, a hand going to her stomach. Allie panted, staring at her with wide eyes. "Mom?"

Trying to breathe through the discomfort, Elizabeth gave her daughter a tight smile. "It's alright, Allie. Just a momentary pain."

"Momentary? Are you sure?"

Before Elizabeth could respond, another contraction seized Allie. "Oooooh!"

Two men burst into the room, one in a Mountie uniform. "Allie!"

The young woman let out a cry. "Cody!"

Cody rushed to her side, sitting on the bed and taking her hand in his. "I'm back, sweetheart."

Elizabeth tried to go to Nathan's side, but pain wrapped itself around her stomach. "Oh!"

Nathan started in alarm. "Elizabeth, are you in labor?"

She waved a hand. "Nothing I can't handle. Allie needs me."

"Mom," Allie gasped out. "Are we going to give birth on the same day?"

Cody looked between them, mouth hanging open. "Really?"

"Nonsense. Labor usually lasts a while. It could be another day or two before my baby —" Elizabeth cut off with a grunt.

Nathan took her arm. "Leo came in less than two hours, love. Who's to say this baby won't as well?"

Panic flared. "I can't leave my girl alone while she gives birth! Especially without a doctor!"

"As you pointed out earlier, Mounties are trained to help with the birthing process. Cody can handle this. As can I." Nathan steered her toward the door. "If it comes to it, we fathers will deliver our children tonight."

His words turned out to be prophetic. As a wet, slippery child slid from Elizabeth's body into his waiting hands, Nathan couldn't help but marvel at the miracle of birth. Faith had arrived in time to assist. She went from room to room, by turns helping Allie and Elizabeth. Eventually, Elizabeth insisted she stay with Allie, leaving Nathan to care for his wife and soon-to-be-born child. Now, the new baby, shocked at leaving the womb, let out a few gusty wails. Nathan quickly grabbed a waiting blanket. "We have another son."

Elizabeth collapsed against the pillows. Sweat darkened her brow and her face was lined with weariness, but she smiled. "I'm sure he and Leo will be best friends."

Nathan swaddled the tiny baby before laying him in Elizabeth's arms. She gazed at him with a motherly look Nathan never tired of seeing. "I know we talked about either Connor or Blaise for a boy. What do you think?"

He sat on the bed, peering at the baby. "I think he looks like a Connor."

Elizabeth smiled. "Me too."

Faith bustled into the room. "I thought I heard a scream."

Nathan stood. "Elizabeth just gave birth."

"What an adorable little one." Faith cooed at Connor. "Allie seems to have had a break in her labor. Cody is making sure she's as comfortable as can be. I'll check on you and your baby before going back to her."

Nathan hated the thought of his daughter experiencing the pain his wife had just gone through, but he also knew she'd be able to experience the joy of bringing life into the world.

Elizabeth squeezed his hand. "Go check on her, Nathan."

She knew him well. He leaned down to press a kiss on her forehead, then on Connor's. "I'll be back soon."

He made his way to Allie's room. His daughter lay on the bed. Much like Elizabeth, her brow was bathed in sweat and her breaths came in shallow pants. His heart ached. He sat on the bed, grasping her hand in his. "I wish I could take away your pain, Allie-girl."

She smiled weakly. "I know, Dad. Cody's been saying the same thing."

His son-in-law looked disheveled. The look in his eyes reminded Nathan of his own worries the night Elizabeth gave birth to Aurora. He clapped him on the shoulder in silent support.

Allie lifted her head. "Did Mom have the baby?"

"Yes. You have a new brother. Connor."

Her lips turned up in a smile. "I'm glad." She rubbed her belly. "That labor didn't take too long."

"It's the eighth child she's birthed. Each one seemed to go faster." He smoothed Allie's hair. "Hopefully any future pregnancies you have will feature shorter labor and delivery times. The first child is usually the longest."

"Great." Allie flopped back with a sigh. "Mom says it'll be worth it after the baby's born."

"She already seemed to forget the pain of labor as soon as she held Connor."

"Good."

Faith returned soon after, and Nathan slipped out to be with his wife. He settled on the bed, keeping watch over her and their new son as they slept. Periodically, he checked on Allie. Finally, at ten o'clock in the morning, his daughter gave birth to a son of her own. When Cody brought the baby to meet him and Elizabeth, Nathan's heart swelled with pride.

Their first grandchild, born on the same day as their youngest child.

A couple weeks later, Nathan kept a close eye on Elizabeth and Allie as the community gathered for Sunday dinner. Both women recovered quickly from giving birth. Allie's son, Archie, slept a lot, while Connor generally kept awake and alert. Nathan joked that the boy already had the instincts of a Mountie. Elizabeth gave him a playful push anytime he said it.

The monthly community dinner was one of Nathan's favorite events. He enjoyed time with their neighbors and friends. The Golden Phoenix was always full to overflowing. This evening, Lucas had arranged for a movie to be shown after dinner. People were buzzing with excitement. The fact that two new babies had joined the Hope Valley community made the occasion feel even more joyous.

He sat beside his wife, who was absorbed in conversation with Rosemary. The two women gave him identical innocent looks as soon as he sat, sending his instincts into high alert. "What's going on?"

"Nothing."

They replied in unison. Nathan hiked his brow. "Nothing, my foot."

Rosemary's eyes darted away. Nathan followed the look. Her gaze rested on Jack and Reagan, sitting together off to the side, pouring over the latest offering from the library. He turned back to the women. "Matchmaking again, ladies?"

"Us?" Rosemary placed a hand over her heart. "Since when …?"

"Since forever." Nathan grinned. "You've made no secret of the fact that you hope those two marry someday."

"It would be so romantic!" Rosemary gushed.

"And Reagan has a big crush on our son," Elizabeth said, smiling at Nathan. "She has for years."

Dumbfounded, Nathan could only stare. "Say what?" His glance landed on Jack and Reagan again. He looked more closely. Jack's posture was relaxed and friendly, but Reagan looked at him as if he hung the moon. "Oh boy. He's clueless."

"He's only fifteen." Elizabeth shifted Connor in her arms. "Too young to be thinking about that right now." Her gaze softened. "If he and Reagan are meant to be, love will find a way." Her eyes connected with Nathan's. He gripped her hand in his and raised it to his lips, pressing a kiss to her smooth skin.

Rosemary sighed happily. "Love will find a way. I like that." She eyed the teens. "Let's hope it finds them without too much trouble."

Elizabeth laughed. She scooted a little closer to Nathan, giving him a meaningful look. "'The course of love never did run smooth.' But it's always worth it."