Disclaimer: I am not the owner of the characters in this story. All rights go to Crown Media, Hallmark, Brian Bird, Michael Landon, Jr., the actors, creators, and writers of the show "When Calls the Heart." Any names or locations are simply for storyline purposes.

Chapter 41- Moving Forward

Elizabeth's night nurse, Tonya, waved to the other two nurses standing at the desk. As they walked into Elizabeth's room, she held her fingers to her lips cautioning them to be quiet.

The three women stood there smiling at Jack curled up against Elizabeth; each one's respiration was calm and methodical as she unknowingly clutched the baby toys to her chest.

Elizabeth's nurse took the other two by the arm and pulled them out into the hallway.

"That's precious, but you know it's against the rules. You need to wake him up," one nurse stated.

"I wish my husband was like that," the second nurse stated.

Tonya responded, "Well, you haven't been in a situation like this before. You don't really know what Danny would do."

"Oh how quickly you forget. Don't you remember when we went skiing and I broke my leg?"

"Oh yeah right; I remember…" Tonya replied.

"Danny was working on a car with his friend and he figured that I was a nurse, there wasn't any rush."

With watery eyes, Tonya added, "From what I understand, her husband flew across the country to get to her. What a lucky woman she is."

"So are you going to wake him up?" the first nurse asked.

"No way; I'll take responsibility so don't you guys worry about it," Tonya commented before she walked over and closed Elizabeth's door.

Several hours later, Elizabeth began to stir. Her eyes remained closed, and the smile that had covered her face was waning. Suddenly she felt the dream she was experiencing was just that…a dream. That is until she opened her eyes, and felt Jack's arm around her waist, resting on her abdomen. She could feel his warm breath on her skin and noticed the two baby toys clutched to her chest.

With the smile returning to her face, she turned her head slightly and kissed his forehead.

"Mmm, how are you feeling this morning?" he weakly asked as he began to stir.

"I'm pregnant, and you're here with me. I couldn't feel any better than I do right now," she stated just as her arm brushed across her forehead… "OUCH, well, emotionally I feel great; physically it may take a bit longer."

She carefully rolled over to face him as their lips met; it was warm, familiar, and a much needed connection between them.

Several hours later, Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher arrived and walked into her hospital room just behind Dr. Chappell. As everyone stepped outside to give Dr. Chappell a chance to examine Elizabeth, the smiles on each of their faces was easily noticed.

Dr. Chappell stepped to the door and invited everyone back inside Elizabeth's room. Jack walked to the head of her bed and took hold of her hand.

"Elizabeth is doing well, and I personally think that she will be happier in her own home, so I'm discharging her today. I've been in contact with Dr. Devine's office, so she needs to check in and get an appointment with her OB-GYN, and her regular physician can monitor the head wound and remove the stitches when their ready," Dr. Chappell explained as he shook Jack's hand to congratulate him.

"We're going home," Elizabeth cried as Jack sat on the side of her bed and held her.

"We'll see to it that you have nursing care," Mr. Thatcher advised, "Or you can just come and stay with us."

"Dad, I appreciate that, but you live too far away from school, and I haven't decided what I'm going to do there."

"Honey, you obviously don't need to work. You need to rest and take care of yourself and our grandchild," her father responded.

"Dad, if you have taught me anything, it's that you take your responsibilities seriously. I can't just up and leave without knowing that the students will be covered, but I promise to take care of myself."

"Yes you will because I'll see to it…" Jack stated with a stern voice.

"Honey, I don't need a babysitter. Now that I know what the situation is and that I just wasn't depressed over not being pregnant, and missing you, I promise, I'll do what I need to in order to keep this little one safe," she promised.

"We'll talk about it," Jack replied.

After being released from the hospital, Jack drove Elizabeth home. Pulling into their driveway, they were met by many neighbors, Brenda and Kelly in particular, who were extremely happy to see her.

Following the hugs and buckets of tears, Elizabeth broke the news that everyone was excited to hear…

"I'm pregnant. I've been pregnant the whole time. I simply misread the test…"

The hugs and tears continued until Jack eventually pulled her away, took her inside, and made her take a seat on the sofa to rest.

"Come sit with me," she asked.

Jack dropped his keys on the table and happily did as she asked. His arm went around her shoulders and he pulled her into his body. Feeling her so close and realizing how the situation could have had tragic consequences, he felt his eyes water and fought back as the tears spilled down his cheek.

"I love you so much," Jack stated. "You have no idea how scared I was when I got the call from the school."

Elizabeth could hear the emotion in his voice, but was not aware that he was crying, "I'm sorry Jack." She turned to face him and observed his watery eyes. "I love you too, and I'm so very sorry that I scared you."

"Honey, I want to be with you and protect you, and I can't stand you being here and me being nearly 3000 miles away. This was my worst nightmare."

"But it's turned into a blessing."

He smiled, "But for hours I was not sure if you were alive or… I can't even say it." He pulled her into his body. No further words were said; they simply held each other.

Jack leaned back slightly, "Can't you just come back with me? The school system will find someone to take your place."

"Jack, I know that. I'm not dispensable…"

"You are to me…"

"Maybe I can come out before the end of the school year, but honey, I can't just up and leave. Many of those students depend on me and I can't let them down."

"I depend on you…"

"So are you implying that I'm letting you down?"

"No, I just don't like being without you. Besides, I knew when we got married that you felt a strong obligation to your students," he leaned over and gently pressed his lips to hers. "How are you feeling? Maybe you need some rest."

"I'm enjoying sitting with you. I feel like we haven't seen each other in ages. Maybe we could…"

"Absolutely not."

"Why…? I feel good, and the doctor released me. Come on Jack, I'm excited, and it's been so long since we've made love."

"Elizabeth, you had a bad fall and I doubt very seriously that Dr. Chappell meant for you to come home and do the horizontal mambo."

"What…?"

"You know what I mean. Anyway, I guess we're going back to the way things were before we got married."

"What do you talking about?"

"No intimate contact…"

"Why do you say that? Pregnant women have very active sex lives. From what I understand it may even be more intense."

"But I don't want to hurt you or the baby…"

Elizabeth would have laughed louder, but such movement caused her head to pound. "Are you assuming that as you're going deep that you will be tapping the baby on the head?"

"Elizabeth…"

"What…? It's just a little baseball humor. But Jack, seriously you won't be pressing against the baby." Seeing his disappointment she continued, "Oh honey, trust me, you are all that I would, or could want, but the baby is well cushioned, so it will be safe, but I agree that maybe we should wait a little while."

"Whoa, what are you doing?" she asked as his arms slipped under her knees and behind her neck.

"I'm taking you upstairs so you can rest."

"Honey, I can walk."

"I know you can, but please, just humor me," he stated as they reached the second floor.

"You know, I'm going to get big and fat and you won't be able to carry me."

Jack walked into their bedroom and gently sat her on the bed. Taking a seat beside her his hand rested along her jaw line as his thumb tenderly stroked her cheek, "From the first time I laid eyes on you, you were then and will always be the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. Pregnant, not pregnant, you are perfect in my eyes."

His hand slipped behind her and cradled the back of her head. Their lips met and although it was just a kiss, it felt quite intimate, and personal and oh so very special to each of them.

Several days passed; Jack and Elizabeth spent every waking moment together. They laughed; they cried, and they began to make plans for their family's future.

Early one afternoon Jack and Elizabeth took a drive to the park. Sitting under a beautiful huge oak tree they talked.

"You look beautiful today," he stated with a broad smile and those deep dimples that she loved.

'You're prejudice…"

"Maybe so, but I'm also honest."

Changing subjects Elizabeth asked, "When is spring training over?"

"We have a couple more weeks in Arizona and then the season starts the middle of next month. Don't you want to come out to the west coast?"

"Jack, I only have a few more months left in school. Actually, by the end of June I will have everything wrapped up and I can head out west. But…"

"But what…?"

"Lizzie; I need to figure out what I can do with Lizzie."

"Well, maybe flying won't be good for her but…"

"I could drive out…"

"Absolutely not; I was thinking I could hire someone to drive her out, but it won't be you…"

Jack observed her expression darken. He took hold of her hand and brought it to his lips, "What's wrong?"

"When are you leaving?"

"Well, Coach called, and I need to fly out tomorrow. Is there anything I can say to get you to come with me?"

"Jack, if I could, I would. I just can't drop these kids. But I'll start making plans and as soon as I turn over all of my yearly paperwork, I'll be on my way…I promise."

The following afternoon, Jack called for an Uber, grabbed his bag, had Elizabeth send him the screenshot of their ultrasound, kissed her goodbye and headed out the door.

Although the Uber driver attempted to engage him in conversation, Jack remained quiet as the only thing on his mind was his beautiful wife and the unborn child which he was sadly, although temporarily leaving behind.

Elizabeth placed her hand on her abdomen, "Your daddy is a wonderful man. You will know soon enough. He will watch over you and take care of you, and there will never come a day where you will wonder about his love for you.

*Knock, knock, knock…

Looking through the open door Elizabeth could see Brenda standing on the porch holding a Styrofoam container.

"Come on in…" Elizabeth called out.

"I saw Jack leaving; are you okay?"

"I'll be fine. I'm not planning to sign a contract for next year, so in a few months I'll be able to head out to California."

"Well, just know that I'm willing to take care of Lizzie whenever and for however long, okay?"

"Thank you, Brenda. I need to talk to the vet and see what they think about her travelling."

Brenda walked into the kitchen and grabbed Elizabeth a glass of tea and silverware. She placed the Styrofoam container in front of her and flipped up the lid. Inside was roasted chicken, vegetables, a salad, roll with butter, and a separate container with a chocolate iced brownie.

"I promised Jack that you would eat while he's gone, so please don't make me a liar."

"It smells so good. I will eat; I have someone else to take care of now."

Following dinner and her visit with Brenda, Elizabeth curled up on the sofa, leaning up against a pillow as the comforter over her body helped to stave away the chill. Although aware that while she and Jack would be apart for the possibility of a few months, she felt completely blessed to be carrying his child, and to feel such overpowering love from him.

She pulled her journal from the end table and held it in her lap. Flipping through the entries, she stopped at the next blank page. Thinking of the love she felt for Jack and the child growing inside of her, she took a deep breath and let the words flow…

"Anticipation of the things to come…the promise of today and the dreams of tomorrow causes our hearts to pound and our palms to sweat as our thoughts drift to the new beginnings ahead. Fears, I have many; disappointments, I have a few, but doubts, I can honestly say that I have none. All of my previous decisions have brought me to this place, to you and the love we share has blessed us.

A baby will make our

Love much stronger.

Our days a lot shorter.

But our nights much longer.

Our bank account somewhat smaller.

But our home will be happier.

The past will be forgotten

And the future will be well worth waiting for.

I remember from the time I was a small child my mom emphasizing that real love grows and is never divided. Oh how a heart filled with love continues to swell…our affection growing stronger and deeper with each passing day. As our lives move in various directions, ever changing and evolving through time and space, one thing will always remain constant…You my dear little one and your daddy will forever be the center of my Universe."

As each day passed, Jack called every evening and having Elizabeth place the phone on her abdomen so he could talk to Peanut became a ritual.

"Hey baby…daddy loves you more than you'll even know. You take care of your momma and let her get some rest." Then he pressed his lips to the phone screen, feeling somehow that it was transferring to Elizabeth's stomach by way of osmosis.

The following week started with Elizabeth back at school. Her office felt much like a revolving door as teachers, parents and students stopped by to make sure she was well, to offer their congratulations, and to bring her food.

It was evident that everyone wanted Elizabeth to eat as anything that could possibly be considered nutritious had been made, frozen and brought to the school so she would not have to cook. There was no doubt that Elizabeth was a much loved faculty member.

Although Elizabeth missed Jack the moment he left their home, the appreciation expressed by the parents of many of the students made her feel as though she had done the right thing.

"I'm so glad to see that you are doing well," Amber Harris, senior Tiffany Harris' mother stated as she dropped off a covered dish.

"Thank you, and thank you for the food. That was so sweet of you, but certainly not necessary."

"Tiffany and I wanted to do something to let you know how much we all love you," Mrs. Harris replied. "I'm surprised that you didn't leave with your husband. I mean, don't get me wrong, we're glad to have you, but I don't think anyone would blame you if you chucked it all and moved out west."

"I just hate leaving the kids," Elizabeth admitted.

"I understand, but just know that you've gotten these students this far, so whatever you do in the future, let it be for you…"

The following week, on Friday afternoon, Elizabeth was called into the Principal's office. "So, I think I know the answer, but I have to officially ask."

"No need; I'm leaving after this school year, but I want to thank you for everything."

"I have to admit that I'm surprised that you're still here."

"Frankly I am too."

Following some further discussion, and signatures on specific forms, Elizabeth left to rush home, pick up Lizzie and make it to her 5:15 appointment at the vet.

"Hi Elizabeth, how are you?" Stacey, one of the front desk clerks asked.

"Doing well. I need to talk to Dr. Bradshaw about Lizzie and taking her out with me to LA."

"The baseball season starts soon, doesn't it?" Stacey asked.

"Yes, actually next Wednesday is opening day."

"Are you going?"

"I wish. Being away from Jack is even harder now with the baby on the way. My home is where he is…"

"Then leave. You know, sometimes you just have to do what is right for you."

"Hey, come on back and the Doc will be with you in a few minutes," Tiffany, the vet tech advised.

Elizabeth and Lizzie walked into the exam room and each one took a seat, Elizabeth in the uncomfortable chair, and Lizzie on the equally uncomfortable floor.

Dr. Bradshaw stepped into the room, "Good afternoon and how has Lizzie been doing?"

"Actually, I think she's doing well, but my main concern is that I'm moving out to LA to be with my husband, and I'm concerned about her travelling."

Bending down, Dr. Bradshaw began to check over Lizzie, spending what Elizabeth considered to be an uncomfortable amount of time listening to her heart.

"Well, her heart murmur seems to have gotten worse. I have to be honest with you, if you have someone who wants to keep her here that may be in her best interest. Besides, she is nearly ten years old. A trip like that would be hard on her."

As she had previously offered, Brenda stated that as soon as Elizabeth needed her to, she would assume ownership of Lizzie. Elizabeth contacted Dr. Bradshaw's office and gave them a credit card to cover any and all of Lizzie's upcoming expenses.

Elizabeth continued to put her affairs in order anticipating her trip out west. She spent time with her family who begged her to let Lizzie live with them. But she told them that Lizzie was comfortable with Brenda, and she would be keeping her.

She advised that they would be keeping her townhouse, so they would be planning to come back periodically to visit, but "You know, you are always welcome to come see us."

The following Wednesday, Opening Day, Elizabeth woke early, took care of Lizzie, and sat down to send Jack a text…

"Baby P-nut and I love you. Good luck 2day. I can't w8 2 c u…"

Elizabeth was surprised when Jack responded immediately, "I h8 b-ing apart. Miss u…"

Before she could respond, Jack sent several messages…

"I want 2 hold u at nite under the stars. It's 2 quiet in the house…"

"I never thought I'd miss some1 as much as I do u. Please come out here…"

"Oh w8 is it safe 4 u to fly…?"

Elizabeth smiled at his impatience. She was thankful that he loved her, and ached for her as much as she did for him. "I'll b there soon. I promise."

"Not soon enough…"

"B careful what u wish for…"

"I'll always wish 4 u…"

As usually, Elizabeth fixed herself a bowl of fruit and a piece of toast. She took her prenatal vitamin, nursed a cup of coffee and prepared to leave. She kissed Lizzie, "You be a good girl and I'll see you later."

Elizabeth walked outside, closed the door and headed for her awaiting car.

With all of its pomp and circumstance, opening day against the Chicago Cubs was just another day for Jack. His mind was on Elizabeth but he did his best to turn his need for her into his passion for the game.

Sadly Elizabeth, desperate to hear or see the game was unable to do so. Her thoughts, as always, were with Jack as she headed to her destination, knowing in her heart that she had made the right decision.

As the players were introduced, Jack received a standing ovation when he took to the field. While the National Anthem was being played, Jack's eyes watered. Someone else sang, but all he heard was Elizabeth's angelic voice on the two occasions that she performed.

At his first at bat, Jack stood before pitcher, Kyle Hendricks. As each pitch was thrown, the count eventually hit 3-2 with Jack hitting two foul balls over the outfield first base line.

The next pitch was low and outside as Jack swung striking the ball deep into centerfield. He easily took first base advancing Corey Seager to third.

The next batter, Max Muncy, hit the first pitch slicing it between the second baseman and the shortstop sending it deep into centerfield as Corey easily ran across home plate making the score 1-0. Jack tagged second and was waved on to third. With the sun in the centerfielder's eyes, his throw home went wild and Jack rolled on past third and dove across home plate as the ball was missed by the catcher, adding another run to the Dodgers' score.

The remaining innings passed with hits obtained by both teams, but no further score. Jack ended his first game as a Dodger with four at bats consisting of two singles, a triple and a base on balls. Additionally, he caught a line drive, which he had to dive for, and his glove managed to snag a likely homerun from the far centerfield fence.

All in all, Jack's first appearance as a Dodger was a hit for the club and with the fans, men and women alike.

Following the game, Jack stepped into the locker room. Champagne corks were popped and all he remembered was being doused over his head with the ceremonial bubbly.

Jack celebrated with his teammates before hopping in the shower. He slipped into his street clothes, grabbed his gym bag and walked out of the locker room to a crowd of mostly women who had been waiting on the players, but him specifically.

Jack's eyes were focused on the parking lot, wanting to get to his car and call Elizabeth. However, his best laid plans weren't in the picture.

"Hey Thornton," a tall brunette wearing a pair of jean shorts and a blue midriff top with white flecks called out. "Great game."

"Thank you."

"Do you want to go celebrate?" she began to push closer.

"No thank you," he responded, doing his best to be a gentleman.

As she motioned up and down her body she replied, "How would you like to run around these bases?"

To that comment Jack did not respond.

"Carly, he's married," one of her friends added.

"I don't care. Do you see his wife here? Besides, she's pregnant and I'm sure he'd rather hit this than some big pregnant woman."

At that point Jack had heard enough. He stopped, dropped his bag, turned around and in an uncharacteristically stern voice he told her exactly how he felt, "Let me tell you something, I'm here to play baseball and that's it. I'm not looking for a woman to bide my time with…I already have the best. I am happily married and my wife means the world to me."

Once he got started, he just couldn't seem to stop. Everything Elizabeth had told him before about baseball players and why she didn't get involved with them shot through him like a bullet through his heart.

Those standing around stood back and listened; they admired his candor and giggled at the girl who assumed that any man would drop everything as they drooled over her.

The woman seemed stunned but also angered that he would turn her down, obviously not a reaction she was used to receiving.

Jack continued as several other players exited the locker room, "My wife is the best thing that has ever happened to me, and as for being pregnant, she gets more beautiful every day. I was blessed the day I met her, and I will never do anything to jeopardize that. So, feel free to hang out here and put your moves on the other guys, but if you ever confront me again, I'll see to it that you are banned from this park."

Jack turned back toward the parking lot and their eyes met. Standing by the gate was Elizabeth, obviously pregnant in a pair of blue jeans and a red maternity top, a suitcase by her side, and tears streaming down her face.

"ELIZABETH," Jack yelled in surprise as he rushed to her. He wrapped her in his arms, "What are you doing here?"

"I did it Jack; I gave my notice and I flew out this morning. I'm sorry I missed your game."

"Honey, don't cry…"

With her arms around his waist she pulled herself closer to him. Her lips pressed against his neck as she whispered, "I heard what you said to that woman."

"Elizabeth, don't you know by now how much I love you? You will always be the only woman for me; I'm just so excited to see you," he responded as he leaned back just enough that their lips met.

"You didn't carry this suitcase, did you?"

"Jack, it has wheels…"

Jack took hold of her hand, threw the strap of his gym bag over his shoulder, and grabbed her suitcase, "Let's go home…"

"WOW, it would be great to have someone who loved me like that," Carly remarked.

"You won't find it by throwing yourself at these players. At least not with one of the good guys like Thornton…"

To be continued…

NOTE: Sorry that I haven't posted in a few weeks. I raise Labrador Retrievers and have been dealing with a horrific virus on my property when necessitated my pups being hospitalized. Needless to say, writing was not on my mind at the time. They are finally home and on the mend, so here you go…