Chapter 275 – Sharing the News
"What is your plan?" Abigail asked.
"I was going to let you two say goodnight." Patty said. "Or do you mean beyond tonight."
Abigail nodded.
"If you are willing." Patty said. "I was hoping to stay this week and be here if you needed help as you found a routine with the others gone. Then I need to head back east and take care of things so I will be ready to come back here this fall. I am not sure when I will be coming back, but Jack and Elizabeth have hired me to be their security. Their contract will be through the National Protective Service, so I will still have the backing of others if things are needed."
"I kind of thought that was where things were headed." Abigail said. "You are more than welcome to stay here, but have a seat for a moment. We need to talk to you about something."
Patty just looked between them.
"You got married." Patty said. "I noticed Frank's ring. I was going to have Jack and Elizabeth come for supper, since I thought that was what you were going to do this weekend. But with everything that went on and with the weather, I opted not to. But congratulations."
"Thank you." Abigail said.
"Yes, thank you." Frank said. "We didn't want anyone to make a big fuss."
"We didn't even tell the kids until we were on the train." Abigail said.
"We are not hiding it." Frank said.
"But we are also not going to make a big announcement until next Sunday." Abigail said.
"Understood." Patty said. "If me staying here is a problem, I will go back to the saloon."
"It will be fine." Abigail said "As long as you are okay in that small room."
"Perfectly fine." Patty said. "Goodnight. I will see you in the morning."
"Patty." Abigail said. "Thank you for all your help. We are going to take a short walk and be back later."
"I will be here." Patty said.
Frank looked at Abigail. She gave him a serious look and mouthed 'Jack and Elizabeth', so he nodded.
"Thank you, again." Frank said.
"I will see you when you get back." Patty said.
Frank and Abigail got ready and ten headed to Jack and Elizabeth's house. Abigail had her arm through Frank's as he held the umbrella.
"Thank you." Abigail said. "I just want to be able to tell them personally."
"I … it really is okay." Frank said. "I understand. If we would have had a big wedding, I probably would have asked Jack to stand up with me."
Jack was surprised when he answered the knock on his door. Given everything that had happened that weekend, he was expecting Bill, Jacobs or even Joe standing there. So when he saw Frank and Abigail, he was pleasantly surprised.
"Come in." Jack said. "Everything alright?"
"Yes." Abigail said.
"We just want to speak to you for a few minutes." Frank said.
"Everything alright?" Elizabeth said, coming over, joining her husband.
"I will go to the other room." Doug said.
"No, please stay." Frank said.
"At least come sit for a moment." Elizabeth said.
"I hope you all had a good weekend." Jack said.
"We did." Abigail said. "I heard you all had a bit of trouble. Patty was telling us over supper."
"It was a busy weekend for sure." Jack said.
"Jack, Elizabeth." Abigail said. "I wanted you to hear it from us first."
"Abigail and I got married on Thursday evening." Frank said.
Jack and Elizabeth both sat there mouth agape for a moment.
"Congratulations." Elizabeth said, getting up to give Abigail a hug.
Elizabeth ended up giving Frank a hug as well. Jack stood and shook hands with both.
"Congratulations." Jack said.
"You, congratulations." Doug said, coming over.
"I need details." Elizabeth said.
"We didn't want a big fuss." Abigail said. "We didn't even tell the kids until we were all on the train."
"We just wanted to start our lives." Frank said. "Especially with the kids."
"So who married you?" Elizabeth asked.
"A pastor friend of mine in Union City." Frank said. "We arrived in Union City and went to get the license. Then we stopped to get the rings and pick up some flowers."
"We then went to the hotel to pick up the kids and Delaneys at the hotel." Abigail said. "Wynn had taken care of getting everyone checked in. We got ready and headed over to the Pastor's house."
"It was a nice little ceremony." Frank said. "Just us, the kids, Delaney, Noah and Rebecca."
"The pastor and his wife." Abigail said, seeing the look in Elizabeth's face.
"We had an amazing weekend." Frank said. "The kids stayed with the Delaneys and we were able to spend time together. It was a great weekend, balanced with alone time and family time. Becky won the science fair and we enjoyed some lovely meals with your aunt and uncle."
"I am so happy for you." Elizabeth said. "We need to do something to celebrate."
"We will later this month." Frank said.
"Okay." Elizabeth said.
"We will let you get on with your evening." Frank said. It has been a long day."
Everyone stood up to say goodbye and suddenly Elizabeth hissed. She put her hand on the side of her growing baby bump. Jack and Abigail were immediately right there.
"Are you okay?" Abigail asked.
"Just a sharp pain right under my rib cage." Elizabeth said.
"Sit for a minute." Abigail said.
Elizabeth sat down and continued to rub the spot.
"Any more pain?" Abigail asked.
"What did it feel like?" Jack asked.
"Like someone punched me in the side." Elizabeth said.
Abigail smiled.
"You might not be that far off." Abigail said.
Jack knelt down and leaned in close to Elizabeth's baby bump.
"Hey there little one." Jack said. "Are you letting Mommy know you are in there?"
Suddenly, Jack's eyes got huge.
"What was that?" Jack asked.
"I believe that was this little one flipping around." Elizabeth said.
"Amazing." Jack said, still in awe.
"Let's say a prayer." Frank said. "Then we should be getting back."
Doug came over and the group stood in a circle.
"Heavenly Father." Frank prayed. "Thank you for bringing Abigail and I back safely. Be with the Delaneys as they continue to travel home. Help all of us as we find a routine again. Bless and keep Elizabeth as she continues in this pregnancy. Continue to heal Jack's body and strengthen him so he is able to provide for his family and continue to protect the people of this valley. Bless Abigail and I as we navigate our new life with the children You have brought to us. Amen."
"Lord God." Doug prayed. "Pour out your blessings on Frank and Abigail as they have set their lives to serve You and Your people. As Frank prayed, help us all settle into a routine as some people have left and others will be leaving while others will still be coming. We pray all these things in Your Most Holy Name. Amen."
"Amen." Jack said.
"Amen." Frank said. "Thank you, Doug."
"Thank you both." Elizabeth said.
"Thank you." Jack said.
"We will sit down later this week or early next week." Abigail said.
"Definitely." Elizabeth said.
After another round of hugs, Frank and Abigail left to walk back to town. Jack shut the door and turned around to face his wife. He smiled at his wife and went to her, pulling her close.
"You are amazing." Jack whispered. "I love you so much."
"I love you." Elizabeth whispered.
Jack leaned in and kissed Elizabeth. Jack brought his hand to rest on her baby bump and felt that wave of movement. He pulled back and leaned his forehead on Elizabeth's.
"That is so amazing." Jack said.
Jack and Elizabeth were in their own little bubble. Jack was so excited to feel his child move. He wanted to remember everything about the moment. He knew that he would love all of his children and they would all be special, but there was something about the first time. He knew that this memory would be a bit more special. Jack and Elizabeth were so into their own little bubble and savoring the moment, Jack actually jumped when Doug patted him on the back.
"I am just going to go to bed." Doug said. "Don't stand there all night."
Jack stuck his tongue out at Doug. Doug just walked away laughing.
"I suggest that we close up downstairs and head to our room." Elizabeth said.
"Go up." Jack said. "I will be there shortly."
Elizabeth went upstairs and Jack set about making sure the downstairs was locked up. He then stopped by Doug's room.
"You okay?" Jack asked.
"Yeah." Doug said. "Why do you ask?"
"Because I saw your face when Frank and Abigail said they were married." Jack said.
"Oh." Doug said.
Jack took a seat and looked at one of his best friends.
"It will happen for you." Jack said. "I truly believe that. You just have to believe it. You will be in a better posting and you will be able to stay there. So just relax and let things happen."
"Okay." Doug said. "It is just hard to watch all the people care about start to have what you want."
"I know." Jack said. "But I wasn't looking for all of this when I came to Coal Valley."
Doug nodded.
"Just relax." Jack said. "You will be here for a few more weeks. I also know that there are plenty of young ladies in Buxton. All else fails, you can get a mail order bride."
"Seriously." Doug said.
"Hey don't knock it it." Jack said. "I considered it and might have even considered it if I wouldn't have met Elizabeth. I even have the name of a couple of agencies if you decided to go that direction. Just give yourself some time."
"Thank you." Doug said. "I guess I should take my own advise and give it some time."
"That sounds like a great plan." Jack said. "I know that you have turned the heads of plenty of ladies over the years."
Doug just looked at him.
"Seriously." Jack said. "You are tall, built and have blond hair. You are well spoken and have an amazing faith, so cut yourself some slack."
Doug stuck his tongue out at Jack.
"You always had more ladies looking at you then me when we were wood chopping." Jack said. "Like I said, I know that it will happen for you. I also know that our children will grow up together."
"I hope that you are right." Doug said.
"I am." Jack said. "Now, relax. Have a good night and I will see you tomorrow."
"Thank you." Doug said. "Now, don't keep your wife waiting."
It was Jack's turn to stick out his tongue. Jack then left his best friend and headed to his room to love on his wife.