Chapter 63
"What's this?" JJ asked. He was looking at a small fish sitting on a plate on the counter.
"You tell me." Elizabeth stated with her hand on her hip. She had the stern teacher's expression plastered on her face.
"It looks like a small brown trout. Are we having that for dinner? That's not going to be near enough for all of us." JJ stated honestly looking at the fish. "It wouldn't be enough for just me."
"No, we are not having fish for dinner."
"Ok…so, why do you have a fish on the counter. You know it's going to stink up the kitchen if you just leave it there."
"JJ…of course I know it's going to stink up the kitchen…" She shook her head, letting out a long breath. They were getting off track with this conversation. "Never mind that, why did you have it in your pocket?"
"I didn't have a fish in my pocket. Why would I have a fish in my pocket?"
"Who knows why you put things in your pockets? I found that fish in your front pocket of the pants that was sitting in the sink."
"Why did you put a fish in my pocket?"
"JJ…I didn't put it there. You did!" Her voice is getting a little tired tone because of this conversation. It didn't make sense to her or to JJ.
Elizabeth glanced and then glared at Jack. He was sitting at the kitchen table trying his best to not laugh. He was failing at hiding his smile and laughter. The site of his wife and son having this conversation was just amusing to him. Elizabeth was a little frustrated at being scared because of the fish. JJ didn't understand this conversation at all. The frustration was growing on both sides, and it was entertaining to watch. To Jack, they acted like each other. He had long ago forgotten that he and Elizabeth weren't JJ's natural parents. He was acting like them more each day.
"No mommy, I didn't. I wouldn't put a fish in my pocket. They are not as fun to play with as frogs or tadpoles."
"JJ, it was in your pocket!"
"Mommy, I didn't put it there!"
"JJ, when mommy picked up your pants and went through your pockets, she found that small trout in your front pocket."
"I don't know how it got there." His eyes turned from his father to his mother. "I'm telling you mommy, I don't know how it got there."
Elizabeth just continued to look at her boy. She believed him. He didn't lie, but how could it get there if JJ didn't put it there? When Jack got ahold of his chuckling, he spoke.
"How did you get in the pond?"
"I was playing there with Emily after working on the project at our home. We were walking around, and I saw a frog on the end of a small log. I went for it and fell in the water."
Elizabeth watched her little boy while Jack smiled. "Did you catch the frog?"
"No. I didn't but I did fall into the pond. Emily laughed at me and told me that she knew I would fall in."
"She's a smart girl."
"So…" Elizabeth stated.
"What? I climbed out of the pond and came home. I know how much you hate it when I stay in wet clothes. We came home. I undressed in the kitchen and placed my wet clothes in the sink like you told me to do."
"So, you're telling me that you didn't put a fish in your pocket?"
"I promise mommy. I went after the frog and missed it. I was in the pond only for a minute."
"You want me to believe a fish just accidently swam in your pocket?" JJ shrugged his shoulders at his mother's expression.
"They can. That happened to me when I was a kid. Ma still don't believe me to this day that I didn't put that fish in my pocket." Jack stated.
"I know you don't lie. That just sounds…"
"Fishy." Jack stated quickly. He and JJ giggled at his little joke. Elizabeth glared at her two boys. The harder they tried to keep from laughing, the more they laughed. JJ leaned on Jack's shoulder and held his belly as they began to belly laugh deeply.
"Fine." She huffed. It took all of her mommy's strength not to laugh at her two boys.
JJ walked toward his mother. He wrapped his arms around her middle. While he stopped laughing, he couldn't keep from smiling at Jack's joke. "I'm sorry you were scared, but I didn't place a fish in my pocket."
"Thank you for saying that. Now, why don't you set the table. Dinner will be ready soon."
"We're not having fish are we?" JJ sassed to Jack's laughter.
"You two grab the bucket and please bring in some firewood for the stove." Elizabeth hid the smile as she shook her head. She didn't want to encourage them, but she had to admit they were being silly.
…
The next morning, Jack was up early. He may not have to go into work today, but he was accustomed to being up at this time. He knew he didn't have anything pressing today except to work on the new home. He was excited to work on it. For days he saw it go up and was able to work on it a little at a time, but today he was planning to put in a full day. While he wanted to be there early, he was enjoying the moment lying in bed with his wife.
Elizabeth was asleep with her head nestled on his chest. Her long hair, which she normally had put up when she slept, was sprayed out on his chest and some were tickling his cheek. Somehow, it must have become loose during the night. He tightened his hold on her. When he did, she instinctively snuggled closer to him. He wouldn't trade anything in the world for this type of mornings.
"Why are you up?" She mumbled in his chest.
"I'm usually up at this time."
"I know, but you don't have rounds. We need to call Jerry later to check in, but that's not until later." She snuggled more into his chest.
"I'm working on the home today."
She smiled at his excitement in his voice. She knew he was looking forward to working on the home. "Let's stay here for a few more minutes. JJ won't be up for a while. It's too early for him."
Jack slowly ran his finger up and down his back. She felt incredible against him. Plus, since he wasn't pushed for time, his mind went to spending some time with his wife.
Elizabeth loved it when he did that. His touch was so soft and sensual. "Jack…" She stated as she raised her head off his chest. She was stopped mid sentence when Jack's lips came crashing down her hers. She could easily feel the passion in his kiss. He tried pulling her closer, but she was already against him. Jack's passion was growing, and the kiss was deepening until Elizabeth quickly jerked back.
"What?" He asked confused. In the next second, Elizabeth was trying to throw off the small sheet that was covering her. She jumped out of bed and ran to the small closet in the corner. She grabbed a small bucket. She hugged it for a few, long moments before she was sick in it. Jack suddenly got out of bed. He reached her just in time for her to become sick. He took her hair in his right hand and held it back out of her way. She wasn't sick for very long. However, his concern for her immediately grew.
"I'm going to stop and speak with Faith on my way to the home."
"Jack, we said five days. Today is just the first day."
"And you're not getting any better. Elizabeth, this is more than just nerves."
"Jack, you promised me five days. We are one day into this."
"Elizabeth, you're not getting better." He stated again. "Something is wrong."
"Jack, it's just nerves and or a stomach bug. I'm fine. I'm already feeling better since I was sick."
"Elizabeth…" He stated again.
"I'm fine Jack." She stood up.
"If you're fine, why do you have a bucket in the bedroom. This isn't the first time you've been sick, is it?"
Elizabeth looked down at his question. She wasn't going to lie to her husband. She just didn't want to answer it.
"I have five days. I wasn't that sick this morning." She stood to leave the room without her robe. Jack only watched her leave the room.
…
Jack dressed into a pair of work pants and a work Henley. He pulled the sleeves up to the middle of his forearm and slowly made his way down the stairs. Elizabeth hasn't been back up to bedroom since she walked out. JJ was already at the table waiting for breakfast. Elizabeth had made pancakes and tea. She glanced at Jack as he made his way down the last couple of stairs. She didn't say anything or even nodded her head.
She wasn't sure why she was upset. He was just concerned about her. She has been feeling bad for a few days, but it will come and go. She was frustrated with herself. She was way too emotional during their conversation in the bedroom. He was acting out of concern, but somehow that bothered her. She felt like crying, and she didn't understand why. She remembered what Abagail stated, but there was no way she was expecting a child. She wouldn't even entertain the thought of it. JJ spoke before she turned her attention back to the flat pan on the stove.
"Good morning, daddy."
"Good morning, son. Did you sleep well?" Jack asked, looking at his son. He stole a glance at his wife, but her back was to them."
"I did. Are we going to the house to work today?"
"Yes."
Jack looked up and Elizabeth still had her back to them. He didn't know why she was so upset with him. He was concerned. Maybe he pushed this a little too much, but he wasn't overbearing, or at least he thought he wasn't.
He sat down beside his little boy. His son was excited about working with him at the house. The rocks were done along with the flowerbed. They just had to get the dirt in and then Auntie Abagail was going to help him and Emily with the daisies.
Elizabeth walked toward the table and placed a plate of pancakes in front of JJ. She never looked at Jack. She was afraid she was going to cry if she did. Her emotions were running all over the place. It ranged from some form of unknown anger to a huge crying fit. As hard as she tried, she just couldn't gain control of her emotions. So, she thought the best thing to do was not to look at her husband.
When she turned from the table and walked back to the stove without looking in his direction, Jack thought the best thing he could do was to give her space. He quickly drank the glass of milk. Then he ruffled his son's hair in an attempt to hide the hurt and frustrated emotions that was boiling inside of him. He stood and looked at his son while he spoke loud enough for JJ and Elizabeth to hear.
"I forgot that I need to run to the mercantile this morning. I'm going to go ahead and head out. Son, I'll see you at the house in about forty five minutes, ok?"
"Sure daddy." His attention was focused on the stack of pancakes in front of him.
Jack looked toward his wife, but she never turned away from the stove. She faintly nodded her head. He watched her for a few moments. He smiled at his boy and turned toward the front door.
Elizabeth heard Jack walk to the hook that held his hat and then open the door. She turned toward the door when she heard it close. When he stepped off the wooden steps, she let out a deep breath trying to capture her emotions. She quickly wiped away a tear before her son saw it.
Elizabeth remained in front of the stove aimlessly fiddling with anything she could think of to waste time. JJ quickly ate his breakfast and placed his plate in the sink. He hugged his mommy from behind wrapping his arms around her tummy.
"Thank you for breakfast. I'm meeting daddy at the new home. Remember you are not allowed to come to see it until we tell you that you can." He quickly stated. He let go of the hug and ran toward the door. He wanted to get to the home site as quickly as possible. Before the door even closed, all the frustrations immediately turned into tears. She lost complete control and the tears flowed freely down her cheeks.
…
JJ met Emily at the end of the row houses, and they quickly walked toward the new home. As they passed Mr. P's and Mrs. P's home, they decided to stop by and say hello. JJ knew his daddy was going to see Mr. Yost. He wanted to say hi as well as Emily did too.
Mr. P and Mrs. P were sitting on the front porch enjoying a hot cup of coffee. This was the type of morning they were dreaming of when they thought about retirement. The weather and the view were perfect. They enjoyed sitting on the porch of their home.
"Well, I believe we have visitors." Mr. P stated. Mrs. P smiled when she saw JJ and his friend, Emily.
"I'll get them a snack and some milk." She stated as she stood after placing her cup of coffee on the small table that was between them.
"Good morning, Mr. P." Emily stated immediately followed by JJ.
"Good morning you two. What are you up to this morning?"
"We're going to the home. We want to finish filling in the flower bed and then we need to get with Auntie Abagail to find some flowers."
"What kind of flowers do you want?" Asked Mrs. P as she stepped out with two glasses of milk and a plate full of chocolate chip cookies.
"Mommy's favorite, daisies."
"Oh, there are some in the field to the left of our home. You are more than welcome to get some from there."
"Perfect."
"Now, eat those cookies and then I guess you need to get busy this morning."
"Yes ma'am."
"If you two would like, come back for lunch with Mr. P."
"We may do that." Emily smiled.
…
Jack really didn't need to go to the mercantile to see Mr. Yost. But since he told Elizabeth and JJ that was why he was going to town so early; he made a point to stop and talk. Ned assured him all the deliveries were set whenever Jack or Elizbeth told him to telegram the businesses to send them. With that technicality out of the way, he made the stop that warranted the true visit to town.
"Hey Jack. What's got you out so early today? I know you're on leave."
"Good morning, Faith. I wanted to see you. Do you have a moment?"
"Sure. I haven't opened the infirmary yet but have a seat. Are you ok?"
"I'm fine. I was hoping for a huge favor."
"Sure. What can I do for you?" She stated as Jack took the seat she offered.
"I was wondering if you could make a visit to see Elizabeth today?"
"Sure, is she not feeling well?"
"She's been sick for a little while now. She says it's just the issues that been going on for a little while, but I'm not so sure. I think it may be something else."
"Ok, what's going on?"
Jack spent the next few minutes describing everything that has been going on in the last few weeks. From Charles to the taking over the business to the trial. He wanted her to have all the information she needed.
"Jack, she could be right. Those are a lot of huge things to deal with in rather a short span of time."
"True, but she's not getting better. Everything has been getting better…except for her. She was sick again this morning."
"Things may be getting better with everything else, but stress and worry can affect a person long after everything is settled."
"True I guess, but she had a small bucket hidden in the closet. I think she's been sick more than she has told me."
"When does she get sick?"
"Mostly in the mornings, but it has happened at different times during the day. It's always her tummy. She doesn't have any aches or headaches with it. She does feel better with some little things on her tummy."
"Anything else?"
"The smell of eggs makes her instantly sick. She doesn't always throw up, but you can tell she is struggling with the smell. I think the smell of coffee is doing the same thing but not as bad. She keeps saying it's her nerves that are messing with her stomach, but I'm afraid it is something else.
"On top of all of that, she's more emotional. I've noticed her crying and so has JJ. When I ask her about it, she gets a little frustrated with me. She's not that way with JJ…just me. That's just not like her. Would you mind stopping by and say hi."
Faith made the connection and began to grin, but she hid it well. She was thinking there is a good possibility of Elizabeth being pregnant.
"You want me to make a house call without her knowing you sent me?"
"Absolutely. We had a deal that if she was better in five days, she wouldn't come and see you. It's only been one day, but she isn't getting any better. It's getting worse. Would you mind stopping today, but you can't tell her I sent you. You were just passing through or something. She may get upset with me if she knew I sent you."
Faith started to protest a little, but she saw the concern written on Jack's face. He was sincerely concerned for his wife. She didn't know if Elizabeth was pregnant or not, but she didn't want to be the one to tell him. That was Elizabeth's story to tell.
"I think I can do that. I'll figure something out to explain why I stopped by."
"Thank you Faith. I appreciate it more than you will ever know. I'll be at the new home site working on the home. I hope you have a good day, Faith."
"Have a good day, Jack. Try not to worry. I'm sure Elizabeth is fine."
Jack nodded his head as he stood. He turned to walk out of the room. His emotions were the whole spectrum this morning. He hated the argument with Elizabeth. He still wasn't sure what happened. He just knew things were off. He also didn't like the fact that he just stopped and asked Faith to check in on Elizabeth. That broke their agreement of five days, but his husband's heart was worried. It won the battle over his head. He couldn't wait the four more days. With the lack of breakfast, he decided to stop in the café to grab something on the way to the new home. He was looking forward to working at the home.
…
Jack was impressed with the number of men that were at his home working. He knew there were people helping, but to see that many people volunteering their time made the fact come alive. He shook each man's hand and jumped right in and began to help. JJ and Emily were working on the flower bed filling it full of dirt. Jack was greatly impressed with the rocks. It turned out much better than he hoped for. He was like everyone else, he wanted to see them in the snow. He thought it may look like fireworks. He smiled when he noticed they slowly changed color as the sun moved across the sky.
The talk among the guys was refreshing for Jack. With the conversations and the work, it kept his mind off his troubled morning. The more he tried to think it through, the more confused he became. Working on the home was a great distraction. Jack laughed when JJ and Emily came into the home.
"What in the world are you two up too?"
"We were working on the flower bed. It's full of dirt now."
"Did you two covered each other with the dirt?"
"No."
"Did you get any dirt in the flower bed?"
"Of course." Emily laughed.
Both kids were covered with dirt. It did look like they buried themselves with the dirt instead of putting it in the flower bed.
"I think you two need to jump in the pond." Jack shook his head. "This may be the only time your mommy isn't upset with you getting into the pond."
"As long as I don't bring a fish home."
Jack and JJ let out a loud laugh. They remembered the discussion with Elizabth yesterday. Then all the silly jokes afterward.
"You brought a fish home yesterday? When did you get that?" Emily asked a little surprised.
"You're not going to believe this." JJ stated as they turned to walk outside to wash off their hands and faces.
…
Abagail sat at her office desk pouring over papers. She never thought being mayor would mean so much paperwork. Mary was a great fit in the café. Her presence was allowing Abagail to perform her duties as mayor. Abagail was hoping that she would become faster performing her duties. She would rather be in the café doing her work than sitting in the mayor's office.
She was still trying to figure out ways any potential opportunities for the town to bring in more work. She was hoping to walk a fine line. The issue with the sawmill made it clear that they needed more than one business that the citizens relied on. However, she didn't want the town to grow to the point of losing Hope Valley's true essence.
Abagail looked up when she heard a knock on her door frame. She smiled when Lee was standing there propped on his crutches.
"Madam Mayor, do you have a few moments for a citizen and business owner?" Lee smirked.
"I do if you will stop calling me that." She sassed.
She watched Lee slowly hopple into her office and sit in the chair. He placed the crutches beside him on the floor. Once he was settled in his chair, he looked toward Abagail.
"What's on your mind, Lee?"
"The talk with Thachter Shipping is progress nicely. I foresee us needing to expand by at least one saw blade, maybe two. I need to file the paperwork on the permit to enlarge my company."
"That's great news Lee. I am happy for you."
"Thanks Abagail. Hickam is already working on the paperwork. He should have it filled out soon."
"Get me the paperwork. I don't imagine there would be an issue with the permit."
"Thanks Mayor."
"Lee!" She warned him. "Hey, any thoughts about what we discussed before?"
"A little. I honestly think you need to speak with Jack and Elizabeth. With them purchasing more lumber from me, they will have to ship it. They may be interested in doing something with that. Jack mentioned something about a business making wagons. That would work since we have the lumber company, and he has a need to ship it."
"Thank sounds good. I'll check with him in a day or two."
"Anything else?"
"Not really other than livestock, but I don't think that will benefit the town as a whole. That would benefit families."
"That doesn't have a wide reaching opportunities I'm thinking of."
"I agree, but I would still help in that area as much as you can. If families are helped, they will be independent like you want. They just have a smaller footprint than a company."
"That's true. I'll keep that in mind."
…
Elizabeth was sitting on the front steps of the row house. School was beginning tomorrow, but that wasn't what was occupying her mind. The morning was still weighting on her shoulders and mind. She didn't understand what happened. It was as if she was standing back and watching an image of her walking around the house ignoring Jack.
Faith was walking down the road with her small bag in her hands. Her whole intent was to check on Elizabeth, but she couldn't come across it like that. Instead, her cover story was that she was checking on Cat and her family. They had a little bit of sickness in their family a few days ago. Plus, they lived a few houses from Elizabeth's row house.
She looked up and saw Elizabeth sitting on the second top step leaning against the top step on her elbow. She could tell Elizabeth was staring across the road into the field. There wasn't anyone in the field playing. She was lost in thought. As Faith approached closer to Elizabeth, she could tell in the sun light that she had a very faint tint of green. She didn't look sick, but you could tell she was a little nauseous. That just strengthened her thought that Elizabeth may be with a child. It also gave her an opportunity to begin that conversation.
"Good morning, Elizabeth." She stated the second time when Elizabeth didn't respond at her first attempt.
"Oh…good morning, Faith. I'm sorry, I was lost in thought."
"I can tell." She chuckled as she sat down beside Elizabeth. "How have you been? I know a lot has been going on in your life lately."
"It has been but I'm good."
"Elizabeth…you have the slightest tint of green to your cheeks. Are you feeling well?"
Elizabeth sighed for a moment. "It's been a frustrating morning." She reached for a tear before it slipped over her eyelid.
"Would you like to talk about it?" Faith asked when she noticed Elizabeth's actions.
Elizabeth knew she wasn't close to Faith. She always kept the nurse at arm's length. When in Hamilton, she thought she enjoyed Jack's presence a little too much. When she came back to Hope Valley and found out that Faith had moved to town, she was afraid the nurse would make a move on Jack. They were at a crossroads in their relationship with her leaving for Hamilton like she did.
Faith was a nice, beautiful lady who any man would be blessed to have her attention. She had a great laugh and a funny personality. She was kind and beautiful. She was a knowledgeable nurse. Her bedside manner was perfect. Elizabeth sighed.
"I've been sick off and on for several days now."
"How many days exactly?"
"I'm not sure, but it's been more like a couple weeks or so. Nothing too bad…"
"Have you been nauseous?"
"Yes. I was this morning. When I eat something, it's better. As long as I keep something light on my stomach, I feel much better. I haven't eaten since breakfast, so it's beginning to bother me."
"Go and get you something to snack and come back here. I would like to further this discussion with you."
Elizabeth nodded her head and walked into the home to get her a small snack. She also brought Faith a cup of tea when she came back.
"So, tell me about the sickness?"
"It comes and goes, mostly in the mornings but it has happened throughout the day some. As you know, there have been a lot of things going on. I think it's just my nerves messing with me. The trouble and make up with Jack, the wedding, the arrest of my father…"
"True, but Elizabeth, that was a while ago. That shouldn't still be affecting you this way."
"Maybe, but the trial just ended. Jack and I are taking over the company. There are still many things going on."
"But your tummy was upset before this last trip to Hamilton?"
"I don't remember exactly. Maybe during or after that time."
"Do you feel anxious when you have discussions about business?"
"No."
"When you were in Medicine Hat, were you anxious?"
"No, but I was nauseous while in Medicine Hat, but I didn't become sick."
"So, you weren't anxious while you were there?"
"No."
"Do you have any aches or pains with the nausea?"
"No. Just the nausea. I don't always get sick, but I feel like I may."
"Are you dizzy during this?"
"No."
"Do you have anything that makes it worse? Like, is there a certain food you eat that makes you nauseous?"
"No, nothing I eat has done that. However, smells are starting to bother me that never has before."
"Like what?"
"The smell of eggs have turned my stomach. I instantly feel sick just smelling them."
"Do you dislike eggs?"
"No, Faith. I love eggs. I eat them most mornings except for the last couple of weeks."
"Any other smells?"
"Coffee is beginning to mess with me like the eggs."
"Have you always liked coffee?"
"I have. I don't drink it all the time, but I do like it. I even like the smell of it except the last few days."
Elizabeth intently watched Faith lean back. She could easily see Faith's mind working through questions or possibilities.
"Elizabeth are you a little more emotional lately than normal?"
She thought on the question for several moments. Before this morning, she would have said no. However, she was emotional this morning for no real reason. Elizabeth lowered her head for a moment. Then she looked up to Faith. She was grateful for Faith's concern and talk this morning. "I haven't been, but I was this morning with Jack. I was emotional for no real reason. While we were downstairs, I knew I was a little too emotional, but I couldn't stop myself."
Faith thoughtfully nodded her head. In her training, everything was pointing her to her initial thought, but she didn't want to jump to conclusions. Now she had to ask pointed questions that would settle things in her mind.
"I'm going to ask you some personal questions. Is that alright?"
"Sure."
"First, I don't want to make assumptions…"
"Faith, you are a nurse. If you ask me anything, I'm assuming you find it important. Plus, I'm also accepting you will not say anything about what we discuss."
"Our conversation is private." Both ladies nodded in understanding. "Now, are you and Jack intimate?" She asked in a whisper leaning forward. She didn't want anyone to overhear even though there wasn't anyone around.
Elizabeth's face grew a little flush. She nodded her head.
"Are you and Jack doing anything to prevent pregnancy?"
Elizabeth shook her head no.
"Elizabeth, when was your last monthly cycle?"
Elizabeth's eyes shot open with surprise. Faith could see that she was trying to think. "It's…well…I don't think I've had one since Jack and I have been married." She thought about it for another moment. "I take that back…I had a small one about two to three weeks after our wedding. It lasted only two days, and it was very light." She looked down in deep thought. "We haven't done anything to prevent it." Elizabeth quickly raised her head. Faith could see her mind processing. Elizabeth was thinking back on her discussion with Abagail. "Is it possible?" She whispered. Faith didn't think she was speaking to her, but a question she was asking herself.
"Elizabeth…" Faith began after giving Elizabeth a few seconds to process her thoughts. "…I don't think it's a set of nerves. Granted, you went through a lot with everything over the last few months. The discord with Jack and working to establish your relationship with him. Your stomach wasn't a problem then. The arrest of your father. Your stomach wasn't an issue then."
"No." Elizabeth answered.
"What happened when your stomach became an issue?"
"Taking over the business."
"Wasn't that known before you were married? That happened when your father was arrested."
"True."
"Your stomach wasn't causing concern then, was it?"
"No."
"So, what happened when your stomach became an issue?" She asked again.
"My wedding…Jack…can it happy that quickly?" She softly stated. She spoke very slowly.
Faith nodded her head with a grin. "Yes, it can happen that quickly. Now, we won't know for certain for another little bit. I would guess that you became pregnant during your honeymoon. I think you are pregnant, but we won't be certain for a little bit."
Elizabeth's mind was trying to comprehend the conversation. She wants a baby with Jack, but she just didn't think this was a possibility so soon. Then her mind went to the dream Jack was telling JJ in Hamilton. Her smile grew at the possibility of carrying Jack's baby. Her family was growing. She knew JJ would be a great big brother. She knew Jack would be a great father.
Faith's smile grew when she saw Elizabeth begin to comprehend everything. This was one of her favorite parts about being a nurse. She could see the excitement on Elizabeth's face. The joy was beginning to exude through her face.
"Elizabeth, I need to remind you that we will not know for certain for a few more weeks, but I am as certain as I can be that you are."
"I've got to find Jack!"
