Chapter 90

Instead of going home, Jack stayed with Sam and decided to go on a short walk around town with him. He wanted to walk his wife and son home after school. Jack introduced Sam to some of the business owners he hadn't met yet. Sam took note that Jack would ask an extra question or two or he would just spend an extra couple of minutes just to chat. Sam noticed the changed expression on the owner's face. They enjoyed speaking with Jack. He also noticed that they were more open with Jack.

Sam knew those relationships were a great benefit for Jack and not only for mountie business. Jack genuinely cared for these people. They like Jack too. Sam also saw an added bonus in this relationship. Since they were already close friends with a good history between them, they were more willing to help Jack out if they could. Sam knew Jack didn't do this just to gain favor, but it was just who he was as a man, a good man.

In that moment, Sam decided to follow Jack's example. Being a mountie had everything to do with following and upholding the law. A mountie was to protect and to serve the citizens of the town they were posted in. Learning from Jack, he made a concentrated effort to connect with the people he was sworn to serve.

…

Abagail stood on the top section of the schoolhouse's porch. She wasn't sure how she was going to tell her best friend. The news was still new to her. Her brain was struggling to process the news. She had always wanted a family. When she lost her son and husband, she just thought that was it. As she was older, she knew that part of her life was over. When she met Frank, she fell in love with him. Even with their marriage, she never, not even for a second, considered having a baby. Now the news from Faith has turned her world upside down.

As Abagail raised her hand to knock on the school door, she heard the cowbells ring out. She smiled at the sound remembering the story behind it. She knew the classroom would be empty soon for their lunch time. Almost immediately, the doors flung open and very noisy children came running out while holding their lunch pails in one hand. She smiled at all the chatter.

"Hey Auntie Abagail." JJ stated as he stopped and gave her a hug.

"Hello JJ. Are you having a good day?" She stated as she placed her hand on her tummy. She didn't even know she did it.

"I am." "Good. Come by the café after school. I'll have some chocolate chip cookies for you." "Perfect. Thank you." He hugged her as he ran off to catch up with Emily.

Abagail watched him run off. Then she turned her attention toward the front door. She closed her eyes trying to calm herself down. She took a deep breath then walked into the room.

"Good afternoon, Elizabeth." "Hello Abagail. How are you? Wait, is everything alright?" A bit of worry leaked through her voice. "I'm good. I just have something I wanted to share with you."

…

Jack and Sam just stepped out of the mercantile. Their afternoon went well. Everyone who hadn't met Sam liked him. They looked up and saw Frank walking in their direction. He had to go to the mercantile to pick up some tea and crackers. He didn't know why. He always heard that tea and crackers were good for pregnant women. He should have asked Abagail if that was what she wanted, but he was too excited about the news that his mind wasn't working properly to think anything through.

"I see him walking, but I don't think his feet are touching the ground." "I think you are correct, Sam." Both men watched the pastor walk closer.

"Good afternoon gentleman." Frank stated as he approached. He gave Jack a hug and then turned to Sam. He also gave him a hug.

Both men stood dumbfounded. Frank was always a nice guy and friendly, but Jack could never remember a time when Frank hugged him. He would often pat Jack on the shoulder or back, but never a full hug. Frank gave both men huge smiles that showed all of his teeth. Then he continued walking toward the mercantile. He didn't say another word.

The two law officers looked at each other with disbelief in their eyes. Then they turned to watch Frank walk to the mercantile. They still didn't think he was touching the ground. Without saying a word to each other, they turned and followed Frank to the mercantile. He was just acting too weird.

…

Abagail stood in the doorway of the school. She didn't realize it, but she was standing with her right hand protectively on her belly. She may have had a smile on her face, her eyes were full of confusion. Elizabeth knew her friend and honorary sister so well, she knew something was wrong.

"Abagail…are you ok?" "I'm not too sure how to answer that question." Elizabeth began walking toward Abagail. The smile grew and Elizabeth saw the confusion still in her eyes.

"Are you ok?" "Elizabeth…" Abagail whispered. Her voice was very slow and low. Elizabeth reached her friend and placed both hands on Abagail's biceps.

"You're scaring me. What's going on? Is it Jack? Is he ok?"

"I assume he is…I mean, I haven't seen him. I haven't heard anything. This isn't about him. "Then, what is it?"

"I had a visit from Faith this morning. Frank sent her to me." "Abagail, are you ok?" "Yeah…" She stated as she got a far away look on her facial expression. She was lost in her thoughts.

"Abagail." Elizabeth stated as she shook her friend's shoulders. "What's going on?" "Faith told me…Faith told me that I'm pregnant."

After a few seconds of processing, Elizabeth leaned back to take a better look at her friend's face. She never let go of her friend's arms. "Wait…Abagail, she said you're pregnant?" "She did…but she can't be right. There's no way that's possible." She shook her head.

"Why do you say that?" "I'm forty three years old. I'm too old to have a child." "Maybe not." "She just can't be right." Abagail slowly shook her head in disbelief. "Well, my experience with Faith is that she is a very good nurse. She's been right about pregnancies before." She placed her hand on her stomach.

"Yeah...but…" Her voice trailed off slowly. "You are very healthy. You're not too old."

"That's what she says…" Her voice trailed off again. She slowly shook her head.

"Are you ok if you are?" "I just never thought I would be a mom again. I always wanted to be a mom, but when my son died, I just assumed that season of my life was over." "Evidently you are quickly approaching a new season. Does Frank know?" "Is it really possible?"

"Faith is a smart woman. I do believe she knows what she is doing. And…" Her smile grew. "The way you are holding your stomach tells me that you are." Abagail looked down at her still flat tummy. She had her hand on her belly just like she had seen Elizabeth do so many times. Plus, she did that when she was pregnant so many years ago."

"Elizabeth…I'm going to have a baby."

Abagail's voice grew in strength as she said the sentence. That was the first time that her brain began to fully accept the life changing news. She couldn't believe it. She wasn't a spring chicken. However, she has worked hard for so long that she was in good shape. Frank was a loving husband. She enjoyed their intimate times together. She pushed for that time together just as much as he did. That was a part of her old life that was brought back to life after so much time and heartache.

Elizabeth smiled at the recognition on her best friend's face. She swore that was the moment that Abagail began to glow.

"Elizabeth, how am I going to do this? I can't do this." "Abagail." Elizabeth squeezed her friend's shoulders. She was freaking out a little. "You will be the best mother ever. I have no doubt." Abagail smiled at her best friend's confidence.

…

Sam followed Jack through the door of the mercantile. They almost instantly found Frank walking up the aisle holding packets of tea and two packs of saltine crackers. They still thought he looked like he hadn't touched the ground. Jack and Sam tilted their heads sideways as they watched Frank's ridiculously large smile.

"Oh…hey gentlemen. Are you two having a good day?" Jack looked at Sam and turned his attention back to Frank. He had a huge secret to tell, and he just looked like a man looking to tell someone.

"We're about the same as we were less than five minutes ago." "That's good, Jack." He patted him on the back. "That's really good." He looked at Jack for a moment and then to Sam. Then he looked back to Jack. "Hey." He whispered as he leaned forward to whisper to Jack. "May I tell you something?" "Sure, what's going on?" He looked around to make sure no prying ears were around. "Jack…Abagail is…I'm going to be a father."

Jack blinked rapidly. "Frank, did you just say you're going to be a father?" "Yes!" He shouted but in a little bit of a hushed tone.

"Congratulations!" Stated Jack and Sam with an excited tone to their voice.

…

As the children ran out of the school at the end of the day, JJ and Emily made their way to the café. He wanted those chocolate chip cookies that Auntie Abagail said would be ready. As they made their way into the side door of the café, they noticed Abagail leaning against the island. She looked lost in thought. They were a little surprised with the smile on her face as she stared at nothing in particular.

"Auntie Abagail…Auntie Abagail…" JJ stated trying to capture Abagail's attention.

"What?" Abagail shook her head after being broken from her thoughts.

"Are you ok?" "Yes." "You look completely lost." "No,..oh…" She shook her head again trying to regain her thoughts. "You said you would have cookies here for me after school." He looked around trying to find the cookies.

"Oh…I forgot." "Here young man. Now, there is enough for you two. You two go out and play." Mrs. P stated as she stepped into the kitchen. She was in for the day to help Abagail.

She didn't know what was going on with Abagail, but she was lost in thought for the day. She would often find Abagail leaning against a counter or staring out the window. She assumed there was something major that was occupying her mind.

"Thanks, Mrs. P." JJ and Emily stated.

JJ and Emily rode their bikes around town for a few moments. Instead of going to the pond, they wanted to go and check out the small pond at JJ's home. JJ has been there with his mother on their little day of skipping school, but Emily hasn't been there yet. She played in the creek during the birthday party. She was excited about finding out what's in the new pond.

They rode their bikes around the pond a couple of times. They finally got off the bikes and began to walk around the pond. They were investigating every area that just looked cool. Emily thought the crawfish looked cool. She thought it was very cool while holding the crawfish that JJ used a very small stick, and she watched in awe as the crawfish pinched the stick in two pieces. JJ wanted to put one in his pocket, but Emily talked him out of it since it can pinch you and it looked like it could hurt.

They decided to walk out onto a small tree that fell into the water. About two thirds of the tree was in the water while the last few feet were sticking out. JJ went out first immediately followed by Emily. The tree was pretty steady as they walked out. They were about five feet out over the water when the tree began to shift. The two kids kneeled down trying to hold onto the small trunk.

"JJ!" Emily yelled as he lost his balance and grabbed her trying to keep his balance. He continued to lose his balance. This caused Emily to lose her balance. Two large splashes were the final result.

Emily came out of the water gasping. "JJ! What was you thinking?"

"I wasn't thinking. I just lost my balance and reached for the closest thing." "I'm all wet because of you!" "Yeah…it's cool, isn't it?" He laughed until he saw her expression. "Emily…I'm so sorry. I didn't do it on purpose."

"I know, you big goof." She lost her serious, angry face. A smile finally broke out. She splashed water on him. That created a splash war between the two. That lasted for a few minutes with great laughter. The two were really having a good time playing in the water. Since they were already wet, they just decided to go swimming. They took off their boots to swim easier and, hopefully, allow them more time to dry out.

…

Frank had made his way around town after taking the tea and crackers to the café. He really didn't want to be around people. He had checked on his wife. He could tell she was lost in her thoughts. She assured him that she was good. He knew his wife. She was a stubbornly strong individual. There was no way he could get her to talk before she was ready. He didn't feel that she was upset. She was just trying to wrap her mind around the news. She was so certain that she wasn't pregnant. It was taking her time to convince herself that she was. She would float between disbelief that the news were true to elation that she was having a baby.

For Frank, he just felt overwhelmed in a very good way. He was one and a half years older than Abagail. He had given up all hope of having children naturally. He did have a hidden thought that he and Abagail may adopt a child if the circumstances presented itself. They haven't talked about it. He did know that she missed being a mother.

Frank had never been married. When he was in his outlaw days, there were a few women here and there. Not as much as one would think. However, with his life the way it was, there wasn't anything close to serious. He was too busy running from town to town chasing the next heist and running from the law. After being arrested, God came into his life and completely changed him. He loved his life before meeting Abagail. He was a different man all together. When Abagail came into his life, he realized there was a part of his life he didn't even know he yearned for. Now with the news of the pregnancy, his life was deepened even further.

This was why he needed to get away from people. He sought solitude. He had to get away with God. Without thinking, he found the little dock where he and Abagail usually fished together. He sat down on the dock and just looked over the large pond. He tried to pray, but he just didn't have the words. His wisdom and tongue failed him in the overwhelming feeling of being married to a precious woman and just hearing the best news he has ever heard from a person. As he looked over the pond again, he tilted his face to the sky. With eyes open, he said the only thing that came to mind. He was just hoping God understood everything those two simple words tried to convey. Over and over again, he whispered, "Thank you."

…

Jack had finished his time with Sam. He was impressed with the new mountie. He paid attention and soaked in all the information Jack was trying to give him. He knew this young man would make an excellent mountie. He was also grateful that he would be working with him. After saying his goodbyes for the day, he went to the mercantile to pick up some things for dinner and snacks. He picked up some chocolate chips and some pickles for Elizabeth. She normally didn't like pickles that much, but she has been talking about them. He also picked up some sour candies. Elizabeth was beginning to crave anything sour. He didn't understand it, but just went with it. He didn't know much about pregnant women, but one thing he did know, you just don't argue with a pregnancy craving.

The children were already released from school by the time he arrived. The front door was open. He could hear Elizabeth humming as she cleaned the blackboard. He smiled knowing his wife had a good day.

"You sound very happy." Jack stated.

Elizabeth jumped slightly and turned around to the well known voice.

"Yes, a very good day actually." He looked at his wife for only a second before he knew why she did.

"Are you ready to go home, Mrs. Thronton?" "I am." She studied him for a moment. She noticed the smile in his eyes.

"You had a good day too." It was a statement. She could easily see that he had.

"I did. May I carry your books for you?"

"Jarrick, I don't give out good reports to people who do nice things for me. You must earn your grade by the work you perform."

Jack's smile grew at her playful sassiness. It caused him to hesitate for a moment. He loved that little playful defiant expression she can get at times. In return, his growing smile turned into the dimpled smile she loves so much. It was just too much for a girl to handle.

"I am prepared to earn my good grade, Mrs. Thornton. I think I proved that the other day." He stated as he reached for her books on the corner of her desk. He situated the small box of supplies from the mercantile. Then he placed her books on the right side of the box.

"Your first work didn't reach the level of work I was expecting…but…your makeup work was excellent." Her face turned a small shade of pink as she remembered that morning.

"E…liz…a…beth…" He elongated her name with pauses between each syllable. "Maybe you can give me some private tutoring so I could have another opportunity to show you my best efforts?" She paused for a moment. She loved the way he would draw out her name like that. For reasons she can't explain, it moved her and caused feelings deep inside of her that only Jack created. She simply nodded her head.

She walked beside Jack as they left the school. She made sure the door was closed. She wrapped her arm around his even though he was carrying a box full of supplies and her books. "Where is our little man?" "He and Emily are out riding their bikes." "That sounds fun. So, the class was good to you today?" "Yes, they were well behaved." "I guess the substitute teacher you had really made an impression on them." He stated as he stuck out his chest a little.

"I'm not too sure I would say that." She playfully teased at his gesture. "After all Mr. Thornton, you were only their teacher for a day." "That's Sheriff Thorton, Mrs. Thornton. Plus, wasn't it you who said that a teacher can influence a child's life even in one day?" "Out of that whole conversation we had that day, that is the one sentence you remember?" Jack laughed. "Nope, I remember the whole conversation. So, what has you in a good mood today?" "Emily is doing really well in science. You were right. I believe that may be her niche." She bumped her shoulder against his.

"Was that hard for you to say?" "I didn't like the taste of it when I said it." She made a sour looking face as she laughed.

"I also would think that you may have received some news that made your day even better." She looked at him for a moment. She could read him just as easy as he can read her.

"How did you know?" "Sam and I were out walking the town today. I wanted to introduce him to some shop owners he hasn't met yet. We saw Frank walking down the sidewalk. I don't think that man was touching the ground as he walked." Jack laughed.

"Abagail was freaking out a little. She's having trouble comprehending that she could be pregnant." "I think it's glorious news. Frank is so happy. I haven't seen Abagail yet." "She'll be excited when the news finally settles. She always wanted to be a wife and mother. She once told me before she opened the café that she was lost since she wasn't a wife and mother." "She'll be a great mother." "Yes she will. Just imagine it Jack, our baby and their baby will grow up together." "It'll be good our little one will have a playmate." "If JJ is right and we have a girl, maybe Frank and Abagail will have a boy. Oh, what would happen if they grew up and fall in love?" "Elizabeth!" Jack gasped as he stopped walking. "My little girl won't be getting married!" Elizabeth laughed. "Jack, don't be silly." "I'm not being silly." Stated a defiant Jack. "And what would happen if we had a son and they have a daughter? Then they fall in love and get married."

"Oh Jack, that would be easy." She turned her full attention to him. "That would never happen. My little boy will have me. He won't need to get married. He'll have his mommy."

Jack couldn't help but laugh at the sincerity in her voice.

"Come on, Bella. Let's get home." He offered his arm to her as he still held the box.

…

After arriving at home, Jack laid the box down on the dining room table. He emptied the box placing her books on the table while taking the kitchen items to the kitchen, Elizabeth decided to go with a simple roast beef sandwich dinner with corn as a side.

An hour after arriving home, JJ walked into the home. He was dripping water as he walked into the home. Elizabeth looked up from the couch where she was looking over some assignments from her students when the front door opened and then closed.

"What in the world…"

JJ was standing just inside the living room in the middle of a growing puddle. His hair and his clothes were wet down to his soggy boots.

"I fell into the pond." "I love that you have the grasp of the obvious." Elizabeth stated as she stood. "JJ, I thought we were past this? You haven't come home wet since we moved." He shrugged his shoulders and stretched out his hands.

Jack stood in the kitchen watching the whole spectacle in front of him. He smiled watching the scene.

"And what where you doing that made you jump into the pond?" "I didn't jump into the pond. We fell in the pond."

"And how did you just happen to fall into the pond?" "We were climbing on a tree."

When Jack cleared his throat, Elizabeth and JJ turned their attention to him. They could easily see the teasing expression on his face. They knew instantly what he was going to say.

"That sounds fishy." Jack and JJ busted out laughing.

Elizabeth bit her lip to keep from laughing. While she did think it was funny, she wasn't going to encourage them. She only shook her head and didn't look at her two boys. She knew if she did, she wouldn't be able to keep a straight face. "First, get undressed. You're making a mess." Elizabeth stated. JJ began to take his clothes off. Jack brought a towel that was folded and lying on the dining room table. "Second, who is 'we'?" "Emily and I were on the fallen tree." "Third question…why were you two on the fallen tree? And fourth question…where were you?" "We saw the tree that was in the water. It just looked cool. When we first began to walk out on the tree it was steady. When we were over the water, the tree shifted a little. I lost my balance and grabbed Emily trying to catch my balance. When I grabbed her, we both lost our balance." "So, you pulled her into the water with you?" "I guess." "And the fourth question?" "We were at my pond." Jack chuckled. JJ always called their pond his pond.

"So…" Elizabeth began as she accepted JJ's shirt. She watched her boy begin to take off his boots. "You two were playing, saw a tree in the water, climbed on it, and then fell off it into the water. That's how you are soaked?" "Yes." "And Emily?" "Let's just say she's as wet as I am. Maybe a little less since she rode her bike home." Jack laughed at his little boy's statement.

"You at least helped her out of the pond?" Jack asked.

"No, I didn't." "And why not?" Elizabeth gasped.

"Well, after we fell into the pond, we threw out boots on the shore."

Elizabeth accepted JJ's pants. "And why did you throw the boots on the shore and not get out of the water yourselves?" JJ stripped down and stepped out of the puddle of water. He wrapped the towel around him as he walked toward the stairs to go upstairs to his bedroom to finish drying off and to change clothes. He handed his pants, socks, and underwear to his mommy.

"Because we decided to go swimming since we were already in the water." He nonchalantly stated as he began to climb the steps. He never looked back, nor did his voice change. It was just a matter of fact tone.

Elizabeth stared in disbelief as her little boy climbed the stairs and disappeared down the hallway. She turned her attention back to her husband. He was standing beside the dining room table. He shrugged his shoulders.

"I blame you." "Me!? What did I do. I was with you." "Because he acts just like you!"

"You say that like it's a bad thing."

She huffed. "It's most certainly a boy thing."

"It is." He laughed as he walked toward her. He stood in front of her. He placed his hands gently on her hips. "Would you like for me to change?" He flirted. He closed the distance between them.

She loved the look in his eyes. She matched his efforts as she stepped closer to him.

"Well, I wouldn't want to change who he is, but does he have to leave a large puddle in the middle of my floor?" "The answer would be no, but he is cute. I'll take care of the puddle."

"He is that." She lovingly sighed. "Jack…" "Is dinner ready?" JJ called out as he bounced his way down the stairs.

Elizabeth let out a sigh. She was grateful for her little family. JJ was precious. She wouldn't trade him for anything. She loved him just as much as baby Thornton who is in her belly. Her life was different with Jack. They had an instant family from the first day. She only wished they would have a few moments alone together every once in a while.

"Yes sweetheart." Her smile grew at the sound of her little boy stomping down the stairs. Her little boy couldn't do anything quietly.

Elizabeth carried the dripping wet clothes to the sink. She could only shake her head at the discussion she just had with both her husband and son. As she placed the pants on the counter beside the sink, she thought she saw the pants move. She wasn't certain. She only saw it out of the corner of her eye. She turned her full attention on the pants for a few seconds. The pants never moved. She shook her head thinking it was just in her head or she was seeing things.

She pumped some water into the sink so she could soak the clothes. Their pond water wasn't any cleaner than the pond in town. She placed the pants in the water. Then she turned her attention to JJ's socks and did the same. When she grabbed his shirt, she turned to place it in the water.

"Oh...!" Elizabeth shouted as she dropped the shirt and jumped back. Her hands clasped in front of her chest.

"Are you ok?" Jack stated as he ran into the kitchen.

Elizabeth couldn't say anything. She just stared at Jack. After a few long seconds, she finally looked toward the sink. She pointed her index finger toward the water. Jack stepped closer to the sink and looked down at the water. He saw two little eyes staring up at him. Evidently, JJ had a frog in his pants pocket.

"JJ!" Elizabeth shouted without looking away from the sink.

"Yes mommy!" He walked into the kitchen and saw where she was pointing. He walked beside his daddy and looked into the sink.

"Oh, there's Henry." He reached into the water and picked up the frog. "I thought I lost him." "Get him out of my house!" Elizabeth stated.

"But mommy…" "Out of my house!" She stood tall and pointed to the front door.

"That boy…" She shook her head as she watched him carry the frog to the front door.

…

The evening was perfect. The weather was a little cool. Jack enjoyed it with his henley's sleeves down. Elizabeth had a small shawl wrapped around her shoulders and forearms. They were sitting on the steps. JJ was on the step in front of them. His right arm was resting on Jack's leg and his left arm was resting on Elizabeth's leg. He had just finished working on chapter eight of the arithmetic book that Grandma Grace and William gave him for his birthday.

The time together was peaceful. Their roast beef sandwiches were nice. Not only were they good, but Elizabeth also loved it because it was somewhat simple. She just heated up the meat and made the sandwiches. Even the corn was simple. As she waited for the meat to warm on the stove, she prepared the mix for chocolate chip cookies. She was grateful that Jack picked up the chocolate chips. She still put in way too many chocolate chips, but how could she not put that many in? That's how her little boy loved them.

After dinner and a little bit of time on the couch, they decided to step outside on the porch to enjoy the evening.

"Daddy, the group of fireflies are getting smaller." "They are son. It's becoming fall. They don't like it cooler. They begin to go further south where it isn't as cold."

"Like birds?" "Yes." Jack answered. Elizabeth settled a little closer to his side. She loved listening to Jack being a father. She couldn't wait to hear him speak to two children instead of just one. Plus, she would get to hear him begin with a baby and not a five year old. So long ago, she quit seeing JJ as an adopted son. For her and Jack, he was simply a son.

For the few months she was pregnant, she always told Jack, and herself, that she didn't care if they had a girl or a boy. Jack would tell her the same thing. JJ still held firm that he was getting a little sister. She thought watching Jack with a daughter would be so loving and caring that she didn't know her heart could handle it. Then her heart smiled at the thought of those conversations between father and daughter. Just as quickly, she could imagine a father and son and son conversations. Her heart smiled just as much with those images. Jack is a great dad of a son. He would be a tremendous father to two sons.

As she listened to his conversation with JJ, she realized just as quickly that it really didn't matter if she had a boy or a girl. Jack would be a tremendous father. He was a good man who loved with all of his heart. It just didn't matter. She always assumed a man would want a son to pass along as a heir. To Jack, he didn't care. He only stated as long as the baby was healthy, he didn't care if the baby is a boy or girl.

Jack and JJ moved the conversation on to his new horse and potential times for riding lessons. Elizabeth continued to lean against Jack as he spoke to their son. She settled in even more at Jack's side. JJ's arms are still resting on their thighs. As content as Jack was during their little conversation, JJ was just as content. He hung on every word from Jack. He was listening and asking the proper questions as the conversation required it. She loved it when Jack was in dad mode.

"JJ…" Her mother's voice began but ended with a wife's voice. "…I believe it's time for bed."

"Great…I'm the only six year old who has a seven o'clock curfew." He stated as he stood up shaking his head. "You know, as I get older, my bedtime is supposed to get later, not earlier." He stated as he leaned down and kissed his mother goodnight. He then hugged her before moving to Jack and kissed him on the cheek after he hugged her.