Chapter 64

Faith convinced Elizabeth to walk to the infirmary with her before she went to find Jack. She wanted to give Elizabeth some written information about pregnancy. She was only able to convince Elizabeth that they wouldn't have time to get the information after telling Jack. While Elizabeth was excited to share the news with Jack, she wanted to make sure she was doing things the right way. This was all new to her.

The ladies were in the infirmary for about five minutes before Faith could see the undying desire for Elizabeth to find and tell Jack.

"Go ahead. You have a few pamphlets. I'll drop the others off at your row house. If you're not home, I'll leave them at the door."

Elizabeth immediately jumped up and ran straight to the new home without ever saying anything to Faith. She never even thought that she wasn't suppose to be there. She ran past the café and out of town. If she had thought about what she was doing, she wouldn't have been running like that. It wasn't proper for a woman to run in this manner. She ran past Mr. and Mrs. P's home without even looking in their direction. Instead of following the road to the top of the hill and then turning on the little road to the house, she ran up the hill where her little boy caught her sneaking up.

Halfway up the hill, she began to shout for Jack when she saw the top of the roof. She should have known that she was still too far away for him to hear her, but that didn't matter. She wasn't thinking. She just had to get to Jack.

"What's that?" Emily asked.

"What?" JJ looked at his friend.

They both looked at each other and then looked around. After a moment, they heard someone yelling.

"That's mommy!" JJ exclaimed as he straightened himself up looking around for her. He could hear her in the distance. "She's not supposed to be here!" He huffed. "And she says I don't listen." He shook his head. Emily and JJ looked down the hill when they figured out where the sound was coming from.

"Jack! Jack!" She continued to yell every few seconds. She was out of breath due to the running. She wasn't very physical, and the running was taking her breath. She may have slowed down a little, but she was still running.

Elizabeth topped the hill and ran toward the house. She passed JJ and Emily without even seeing them. She noticed several people working but didn't see Jack.

"Jack! Jack!" She yelled as she approached the front porch.

Jack was upstairs working on the walls in JJ's room. He was nailing the two by fours when he thought he heard Elizabeth's voice. He stopped nailing and stood to listen. When he heard her, he heard a tone of desperation. It instantly worried him. He dropped his hammer and ran down the stairs skipping four steps at a time. He landed on the first floor the moment Elizabeth reached the front door.

"Jack!" She yelled and began looking for him. She instantly saw him at the base of the stairs. She yelled his name one more time and then ran toward him.

"Elizabeth…what's wrong?" He asked as she leaped and landed in his arms.

"Jack! Jack!" She gasped for air in between each time she said his name. She was out of breath. "Jack!" Her voice was a little softer. She was grateful to be in his arms.

"Elizabeth…catch your breath. What's wrong? Is it something in town or with your family?"

"No Jack…"

…

"How are you today?"

"I'm fine, Abagail. The café has been a little busy this morning, but nothing too bad. How was the mayor's office?"

"Good, Mrs. P. I never knew that job required so much paperwork and reading."

"You may need to hire a secretary to help you out with things. I would dare say it's in the town's budget somewhere."

"Gowen used to have one. Mrs. Ramsey was his secretary."

"You should. That will help you. They can't juggle the balls for you, but they can feed you those balls instead of you trying to do everything. They can also prioritize things that needs to be first and so on."

"Are you looking for a job?"

"Nope…I'm waiting on one."

"What do you mean?" Abagail asked as she placed a cup of tea in front of Mrs. P and sat down with one of her own."

"I helped raise Elizabeth since the day she was born. That young lady has been special to me."

"That is easy to see. She speaks highly of you."

"I'm hoping I can assist her."

"You think so?"

"I'm hoping. That would be a great retirement for me. She can still continue to teach. I seriously doubt she would want to stop teaching. That's her calling. I don't think Jack would ask her to stop."

"He wouldn't do that. His mother was a teacher."

"Then I'm hoping I can keep the child while Elizabeth is at work. I wouldn't have to do all the raising like with Elizabeth's mother, but I can certainly help."

"Grace wasn't involved?"

"Not so much. I had the girls most of the time. I think Grace loved her children, she just showed it differently."

"From what I hear how she is with JJ, I think she has learned from her mistake."

"I agree, Abagail. Elizabeth just gushes over how she is with JJ. I think she is different with Elizabeth too. I do think that is part of the silver lining out of that dark and dreary storm cloud."

"Never too late to learn."

"Amen." Both ladies stated softly.

"I think you may have your job before you think."

"Really?" Mrs. P stated.

"Yes…just between us, I think she is already pregnant but I'm not certain. Time will tell."

"Elizabeth and Jack will be great parents."

"I whole heartedly agree."

…

Jack held onto Elizabeth and walked her to the steps. He sat her down on the top of the steps outside and held her hands as he sat with her. He was worried something was terribly wrong. She was still trying to catch her breath.

"Deep breaths Elizabeth. Deep breaths…" Jack was trying to calm her down. She was trying to speak, but he couldn't understand what she was trying to say.

Elizabeth took a few deep breaths to catch her breath. She calmed herself enough to find her voice. She looked up when she heard several footsteps on the wooden floor. The men who were working on the house came to see what the commotion was about.

"Jack, can we talk privately for a moment?"

"Sure." He spoke.

The men heard her statement and left the porch. They wanted to give the young couple their privacy. As they left, JJ walked up to his mommy and daddy. Elizabeth outstretched her arm asking for him to come to her. He sat down on the step in front of them. She left her arm around him while holding Jack's hand with the other. Jack had his other arm resting on Elizabeth's back. She didn't have a plan worked out on how or where to tell Jack her big news. After looking around for a second, she couldn't think of a better spot than their new house. She took a deep breath. She looked from JJ to Jack.

"I'm…"

…

"Mr. Thatcher, do you need anything?"

"No constable. Thank you for letting me sit here without the handcuffs and for the pencil and paper."

"You're welcome. May I ask what you are working on?"

"Sure. I'm working on a list of companies that I worked with over the years. I had a good working relationship with these companies. Some of these men that are in my little study will be getting out soon. I wanted to give them some leads on a job. I've heard some of the guards say that the recidivism rate of most prisoners are high. One of the reasons is because they don't have a way to make a livable income once they are released."

"That's true."

"This gives them a lead to a potential job. It's no guarantee they'll get the job, but it's a starting point. Some of those guys are really good guys that got caught up in a bad situation. Look at Jacob. He has a woman back home. He's talking about marrying her. She'll have his baby before he gets out. She's waiting for him. He'll be out in about four to six months. He's doing well in my little class. With the right opportunity, he can become a very good citizen."

"That's very kind of you to do that for them."

"Sir, I'm getting more out of it than they are."

…

"What Elizabeth? You're what…?" Jack was growing increasingly nervous at what Elizabeth was trying to tell him. He was also growing impatient because of it.

"Jack…JJ…I'm pregnant!"

Elizabeth smiled at the confusion on her two boys' faces. They were in complete shock. Jack heard the words, but they didn't register in his brain. He blinked rapidly and opened his mouth a couple of times, but no words came out. She could see his mind replaying the conversation. He was staring at her with a blank expression.

She could only smile at her husband. He was a smart man, but the news was more than he can comprehend at the moment. She thought he looked adorable with the confused expression.

"I'm going to be a big brother?" JJ finally asked slowly. His smile grew at the realization.

Elizabeth smile grew slowly and nodded her head. JJ jumped up and raised his arms over his head. "I'm going to be a big brother!" He shouted at the top of his voice. "I'm going to be a big brother!" He yelled the second time as he took off his shirt and twirled it over his head. He jumped off the steps and ran around the front of the home yelling the same phrase over and over again.

"Boys are just weird." Emily stated as she stood by the end of the home watching JJ running around.

"Elizabeth…" Jack's voice finally began to work. "Are you going to have a baby?"

Elizabeth could sense the hopefulness in his voice. She gave him a big smile and nodded her head. "Yes." She whispered.

As the words and meanings of Elizabeth words were sinking in, his brain finally connected the dots. His smile grew.

"Are you ok with this?" She asked.

"Elizabeth! We're having a baby!" He yelled. He was getting very excited the more he came to understand. "We're having a baby!" He jumped up. For a moment, she was afraid he was going to take his shirt off and run around the front of the home like their son. She nodded her head.

"Elizabeth!" He yelled. Then bent down and he picked her up. He took a couple of steps to stand on the porch. "We're having a baby!" He continued to yell as he spun around with her in the air.

"Jack! Jack! Stop! You're making me sick!"

"Oh…" He stopped spinning but didn't set her down. She looked down at his smiling, gorgeous face. She fell in love with him all over again. His face with beaming with love for her and their unborn baby. "I'm sorry."

She cupped both of his cheeks with her hands. "Jack…you're going to be a great father. I love you."

"Elizabeth…I love you." Somehow, his smile continued to grow. He just stood holding her high in the air.

"Jack, will you sit me down now?"

Jack continued eye contact with her as he slowly lowered her feet to the ground. He went in for a soft kiss. Moments after their lips touched, they felt little arms wrapped around their legs.

"We're having a baby!" JJ stated loudly.

Their smiles grew at the excitement of their little boy. They kneeled and wrapped their arms around their boy.

"Yes, honey bear, you are going to be a great big brother."

"Are we having a boy or girl?"

"Oh sweetheart, we won't know that until the baby is born."

"And when will that be?"

"About eight months from now."

"Eight months?" JJ whined.

"Maybe a little less, but yeah."

"That's not fair." He moaned.

"Patience my dear son." Elizabeth's voice was soft.

"Patience is overrated." He pouted for a moment. Then he raised his shirt over his head and twirled it in circles as he ran off the porch again screaming that he was going to be a big brother.

"Boys are just weird…and different." Elizabeth laughed.

"We are. He's just excited. We do that when we chop wood. We play around and act silly."

"If this is a boy, I'm going to be greatly outnumbered."

"True, but I still believe you will be in charge."

"You better believe it." She stated with her teacher's voice. Her hand on her hip.

"Elizabeth…" He scooted closer. Her little stance and tone in her voice drove him crazy. "…maybe JJ can go to bed early tonight? I would like to celebrate with my wife."

"That sounds like a lovely evening." She flirted. "Hey Jack…thanks for sending Faith by the house."

"You're welcome…wait…did she tell on me?"

"No. I just know my husband."

…

After going back to the row house for a couple of hours, Jack sent Elizabeth to the café. He knew his precious wife wanted to share the good news with Abagail. He had to force JJ to stay with him. JJ wanted to go with his mommy and share the news with Auntie Abagail. Ever since he was told about the baby, that was all he talked about. He was excited.

"He JJ, you got a minute to talk?"

"Sure daddy…what's on that mind of yours?"

"Are you sure you're ok with us adding a little one to our family?"

"Sure. Why wouldn't I be?"

"I was just a little concerned."

"You and mommy will love me…right?"

"Yes, we will. You know that."

"I do. So why would I have any problems with it?"

JJ's nonchalant attitude was encouraging for Jack. He was afraid the fact that JJ was adopted would be an issue for him. However, he was unphased by it. Jack had initially thought JJ would be hesitant with the news since he wasn't technically their biological child. For JJ however, he belonged to Jack and Elizabeth just as much as anyone could be. Jack just wanted to check in with his boy. He didn't want JJ to have any second thoughts for a moment.

"Hey, you busy?"

"Nope. I go to school with mommy tomorrow. She said she'll lay out my clothes tonight. I don't know why but that's what she said. What are you thinking?"

"Pond?"

"You don't have to ask me twice." JJ jumped up.

…

After not finding Abagail at the café, Elizabeth walked toward the mayor's office. She knocked and then stepped into Abagail's office. She could tell Abagail was concentrating very diligently on the papers in front of her.

"Wow. You look the part of being a mayor."

"That's not nice, Elizabeth." Abagail wagged her finger at her friend.

"What has you concentrating so much today?"

"I'm trying to solve an issue that I believe we need to work on."

Elizabeth sat down on the chair in front of the desk. "Ok, so what is that?"

Abagail let out a long breath. "I was hoping to have someone start a new business in our community that will help with jobs."

"I thought things were going well?"

"They are Elizabeth. Ever since the issue with the sawmill, I believe we need to add jobs in case something happens to one or the other. If the plan against the sawmill was successful, this would have become a ghost town. Now, I don't want to grow like a big city, but we need to strengthen our resources. I don't want anyone to go into competition with Lee, just something to come a long side him to help the citizens of Hope Valley."

"I always knew you would be a great mayor."

"What makes you say something like that?"

"Abagail, that is something a great mayor wants for their town. You are thinking just like a mayor should."

"That's what Frank says."

"He's a smart man."

"I suppose, but don't tell him that. He'll be hard to live with." Both ladies laughed.

Abagail went into a few ideas she and Lee has, but she still wasn't sold on any of them. Elizabeth leaned back in her seat thinking over what she just heard.

"Well, Lee will be expanding the sawmill when the contract with us is completed. Chances are very high that the railroad will bring a small track to his mill. We'll be buying a lot of wood from him. He will be this region's provider. He'll hire several people."

"That's great news, but what happens to the town if something happens to the mill?"

"True…"

"I love the idea of helping the local farmers expand their farms to raising more of their animals for commercial sale. A few families will be greatly affected by it."

"That's very true. I'm going to push for that."

"Good. The spur line could be used for more than just lumber."

"True Elizabeth. I just don't want the town to turn into a big city mindset. I'm hoping we continue to be what makes us Hope Valley."

"With you as mayor, I'm sure Hope Valley will remain who we have always been."

Abagail smiled at her compliment. They took a few moments to think about what they have spoken about.

"Hey, are you set on only bringing in a business the size of what you're thinking of?"

"Elizabeth, what do you mean?"

"Well, we have been talking about bringing in a business, correct?"

"Yes. One big enough to hire a few people but not too big to force us into a town we don't want."

Elizabeth thought for a second, then spoke. "Instead of bringing in a business, why don't we concentrate on individuals?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, take the Scotts for instant. They raise very nice pigs. They occasionally bring some in to Mr. Yost to sell. He always sells out of their meat when others know they brought some in."

"Very true…I buy what I can from them for the café and I sell out of it just as quickly."

"Then help them expand their ability to raise more pigs to sell more. That won't strengthen the town, but it will strengthen the Scotts. In return, they will buy more feed and other things from Mr. Yost. I'm sure they will hire someone to help them."

"The Simpsons. He makes nice furniture. If he can open a small business of making furniture, he could ship them on the spur line." Abagail stated.

"True. He may also need to hire someone. That not only helps the Simpsons, but also the individual he would hire. The same with the Scotts and Lee with the expansion of the sawmill."

"So, we help make each individual and families stronger…we make the town stronger."

"Abagail, I think you have found your way of strengthening Hope Valley and keeping the true essence of what makes this town so special."

"I believe you are right, Elizabeth. Each person will help in their own unique way of making Hope Valley financially stronger by making themselves better."

"Well, we have a few more minutes…what world issue would you like to fix now?"

Both ladies laughed at the remark. They did spend a few moments to take notes of what they came up with. Abagail really liked the ideas they came up with. She really thought it would make a positive difference for their town.

"Hey, you said that you came looking for me. Was there something you wanted to speak to me about?"

Elizabeth smiled. She forgot about the true reason for her searching out Abagail.

"Oh yes…"

…

JJ and Jack walked around the pond a couple of times. Whenever one would find a good rock for skipping, they would pick it up and give it a try.

"That was a good one." Jack stated after JJ skipped a rock.

"That was an easy one. It was nice and flat."

"Watch this one." Jack stated at he gave his flat rock a throw.

"Wow! That was incredible." JJ smiled. "Daddy, may I ask you something."

"Sure."

JJ smiled at this daddy's smile. That was Jacks's way of encouraging him to continue. "How do I be an older brother? You were an older brother…how do I do it?"

"Well, you love your little sibling with all you have."

"That's easy. I'm already doing that."

"Then you need to teach them how to do things as they get older."

"Like playing in the pond?"

"That's part of it. You will teach them other things too."

"Like how to act in public? Reading? How to get out of trouble with mommy?"

Jack laughed. "Yeah, those things are important. You need to teach them all types of things."

"I also need to teach them how to be a good young boy or a good young girl."

Jack stopped walking. He turned to face his little boy. "You are a very smart little man. I'm not too sure we understand how smart you really are." JJ didn't say anything. "You're going to surprise mommy at school, aren't you?"

"Maybe." The little mischievous smile gave Jack his true answer.

"Why do you hide that?"

"If people think you are really smart, they treat you differently. I just want to be JJ…Jack's boy."

Jack placed his arm around his boy's shoulder and began to walk. "You need to be all of who you are. Some people will like you and others won't. No matter who you put forth. So, the only thing you can do is be yourself. Don't make yourself any less or any more than you truly are. Just be JJ. That's enough."

JJ nodded his head. "That makes sense."

"Your mommy, Joy, did a great job raising you."

"She did…and you and mommy are doing a great job now."

"I hope so."

"I love you and mommy. I love it here. I love that I'm going to be a big brother."

"And you are going to be a great big brother. Plus, you need to teach him or her how to be mischievous."

"Mommy says I'm a little too mischievous at times, but she always says it with a smile. I don't think she'll ever admit to it, but I think she likes that side of me."

"She does, but she will never admit to it. And you better not tell her I said that."

"That's a daddy son thing. I won't tell."

"Hey, would you like to have a little fun with mommy?"

"Sure, what are you thinking?"

,,,

"Oh…I almost forgot." Elizabeth smiled. "You like being Auntie Abagail?"

"Sure I do. That little boy of yours is just precious. Why do you ask that question?"

"Mrs. P always told me that the human heart has this unique ability to grow so it can love more."

"I've heard that too."

"Do you think that applies to Aunties?"

"Especially Aunties…wait? Elizabeth…" Abagail's voice went silent.

Elizabeth nodded her head. "Yes…Faith says I'm pregnant."

"Elizabeth!" Abagail squealed. She quickly stood and swiftly walked around her desk. Elizabeth stood and Abagail walked into a hug.

"You have made my day! Oh Elizabeth…this is perfect!" Abagail squealed in Elizabeth's ear as she hugged her. Both ladies hugged until their arms grew tired and tears flowing down both sides of their cheeks.

…

Elizabeth stopped by Mr. and Mrs. P's home. She smiled when she saw both of them sitting on the porch enjoying their time together. She was grateful they decided to move to Hope Valley, especially since she was pregnant. She still wanted to teach, and Mrs. P would be a perfect baby sitter when she went back to teaching. She knew she needed to speak with Jack about going back to work, but she knew he would be ok with whatever she wanted to do. He was very supportive of her profession and of her.

"Good Afternoon, Bethie. What are you doing today?"

"I wanted to come and speak with you two for a moment. Do you have time?"

"Sure do. That's the great thing about retirement. We can change our schedule at any time. We don't answer to anyone."

"About your retirement." Elizabeth began.

"What? We were told that we would receive our retirement from Thatcher Shipping."

"And you will continue to do that as long as you live. That will never be an issue."

"Ok, what about our retirement?"

"How set are you on it?" Elizabeth asked as she sat down on the chair Mr. P moved closer to her.

"I'm enjoying working on your home and the other projects in town. It doesn't keep me too busy but busy enough."

"That's good. You?" Elizabeth turned her attention to Mrs. P.

"I'm enjoying it. I help out at the café whenever Abagail asks. Like him, it keeps me busy without being too busy."

"I think I may need to ask you a huge favor."

"Sure, what do you have in mind?"

"It will be a few months before I need your help, but I'm hoping you will…"

"Elizabeth Thornton…you better tell me what I think you're telling me."

"When the time is right, I would like for you to come out of retirement and help me with baby Thornton so I can continue teaching."

"Oh Bethie!" Mrs. P squealed as she stood from her rocking chair. "Congratulations!" She wrapped her arms around her favorite Thatcher. "I'm so happy for you!"

"Congratulations, Elizabeth." Mr. P stated as he gave her a hug. "This is so great for you and Jack."

…

"We're going to get in trouble with mommy."

"Maybe…but remember the plan."

"We are in this together."

"Right."

"Mommy can't punish both of us." JJ stated with confidence.

"You maybe a smart young man, but you are wrong. Your mommy is a school teacher. I have seen her upset with her whole class."

"Then why did I allow you to talk me in to this?"

"Me…? I may have suggested it, but you added to the plan." Jack stopped and looked at his little boy.

"What ever happens…give mommy a big smile and bat your eyes at her. It always gets me out of trouble. It also helps if you say, 'I love you mommy'."

"I think that only works for you." Jack laughed. "I don't think that'll work for me."

"Mommy told Auntie Abagail that she melts at your dimples and little smirk." He paused for a moment. "Daddy, what does mommy mean when she says she melts? Mommy doesn't melt."

Jack cleared his throat. "I'll tell you that when you get a little older."

…

Jack and JJ walked through the door laughing from their deepest parts of who they were. Elizabeth looked up with a growing smile. She loved the sight and sound of her two boys being together. JJ left a note for her telling her that he and Jack would be back later. She knew her husband would be a great daddy for their unborn baby just like he is for JJ. She also knew JJ would be a great big brother. Her smile stopped when she saw both of her boys dripping water into her home.

"Jack and JJ Thornton! What are you doing?" She placed her hands on her hips and tilted her head.

Jack and JJ were completely soaked from head to toe. Both of them were smiling from ear to ear. Other than telling Jack that she was pregnant, she hadn't seen Jack smile so big.

"We were at the pond." JJ proudly stated.

"I can see that, but I think you were in the pond."

"That too." Jack stated.

"Why?"

"Why what?" JJ asked.

"Why did you two get in the pond?"

"Why not?" Jack sassed.

"We were chasing frogs." JJ stated. "I think they're getting faster." JJ laughed. "Daddy missed and fell into the pond."

"Really?"

"I do think they are getting faster." Jack laughed thoughtfully.

"Daddy asked me to help him out of the water. When he grabbed my hand, he pulled me in." JJ playfully huffed.

"What?" Jack asked under the scrutiny of Elizabeth's stare.

"Our son doesn't need any help getting in the pond, Jack. We are trying to discourage him from getting in the pond."

"What? It's just the pond. There aren't sharks in it." He shrugged his shoulders.

"There better not be any frogs or tadpoles in your pockets." She pointed her finger at both of her boys. The expression was stern on her face.

"I promise you there are no frogs or tadpoles in our pockets." Jack stated. Both of them stood tall and faced Elizabeth. JJ nodded his head in agreement.

She stared at them for a couple of moments trying to read their expressions. "Fine." She turned her attention back to the stove. "Dinner will be ready in twenty minutes. You two get out of those wet clothes and please place them in the sink."

"Yes, ma'am."

Both boys stripped down to their underwear trying their best not to snicker. They were grateful Elizabeth was so concerned with the stove and not them. She didn't notice their struggle.

As they climbed the stairs, they stopped on the top step. Each had their hand over their mouth to deaden the sound of their laughter.

"JJ…I think we may get in trouble over this."

"No question about it, but it's going to be fun."

"Yeah."

Elizabeth stirred the pot one last time before walking over to the sink. She learned early on with JJ's clothes the first thing to do is to wring out the excess water from everything. She picked up the smaller pants first. Instinctively, she reached into the front pockets. She screamed as she jumped back throwing the pants in the sink. JJ snickered and covered his mouth with his second hand.

"JJ Thornton!" Elizabeth glanced at the living room but didn't see anyone. "What in the world?" She gasped as she reached in and pulled out a small fish. She shook her head until she thought she saw Jack's pants move. "What…?" She elongated the word in complete surprise. She slowly reached for Jack's pants and raised them just enough to reach into the front pocket. Again, she thought she saw it move. She slowly reached into the pocket and felt something she was quickly getting accustomed to. She pulled out a small fish. She jumped when it moved in her hand. It was still alive.

"Jack Thornton!" Her voice raised several octaves.

As much as he tried, Jack couldn't keep the laugh from escaping his lips. Elizabeth heard him and her eyes went to the top of the stairs. She saw both of her boys standing at the top of the stairs giggling.

"You two did that on purpose!" She exclaimed, pointing the fish in their direction.

JJ pushed against Jack and tried to run down the hall first. Jack was immediately behind him trying to get away.

"You'll pay for this!" She shouted as she walked to the stairs.