Waking up early Thursday morning, Elizabeth's mind was with a man somewhere on the road between Union City and Hope Valley. Banging on the door startled her even more awake. She hurried to grab her robe and rushed downstairs. Jack was still staying overnight with the horses at the barn, so she was unsure who would be knocking at such an early hour. A very distraught looking and pale Robert stood on the porch with disheveled hair and clothes.
"Mrs. Thornton!" he nearly shouted. "I think Allie is in labor. Can you go be with her while I go get the doctor, my aunt Millie and my mom and sister?"
Sucking in a breath, Elizabeth froze briefly then swung into action. "Let me get dressed quickly and I'll be right over. Go stay with her until I get there. Robert, everything is going to be ok. You are about to become a father, and you will never forget this day for the rest of your life. Now, let's just hope Nathan makes it home before the little one makes an entrance."
Upstairs, she found an older dress that she wouldn't be upset about getting stained from helping with the birth and slipped into it, then grabbed extra towels and a big basin to use for hot water. Saying a little prayer that all would go well with the birth, and that Nathan would travel safely home and make it in time; Elizabeth quickly went next door and upstairs where Allie greeted her with a big hug of gratitude that she would be there for the big event. Robert left to get everyone else.
"I'm so glad you made it," Allie told Elizabeth once they were alone. "I always thought Robert would be the calm and collected one when it was time because of all his Mountie training, but he is going a bit crazy."
Elizabeth chuckled. "He's just worried about you. I think it's sweet. Now, have you been timing contractions? Are they getting closer together?"
Nodding, Allie picked up a notepad where she had been taking notes. "I was up most of the night with regular pains, but this morning they were getting longer and more frequent. I figured we better get everyone assembled before it's too late and Robert has to deliver the baby himself. And after how he was acting earlier, I'm not sure that is the smartest way to go."
"You are probably thirsty," Elizabeth stated, walking toward the door. "Do you think some tea would help, or do you just want water? I'll also put a pot of coffee on for those who will need that."
Allie finished breathing through a hard contraction and answered, "Just water for me. But it is a good idea to have tea and coffee for the others. I made some muffins last night when I couldn't sleep, if anyone wants some of those."
By the time the coffee was brewed, and the tea kettle was whistling, Robert returned with Millie, Mary, and Sarah. "Dr. Burton is on another house call, but Millie can take charge until he stops by later." He grabbed a cup of coffee and went to the porch swing to drink it while waiting for a progress report on his wife.
Grabbing a cup of tea and two muffins, Elizabeth joined him on the swing. "How are you?" She asked, offering him a muffin.
He snatched one and took a bite, followed by a big gulp of the dark liquid from his mug. "I've seen too many people lose wives from childbirth. I just…I can't lose Allie. She's my entire life. But at the same time, I'm just excited to meet our little baby. My parents struggled to just get two kids. I've always wanted a big family, because neither one of us had that growing up. This child will be the oldest of whatever number God blesses us with. Both me and Allie are the oldest, and I can't wait to meet this little boy and girl that is a mix of us."
Trying to hold back tears, Elizabeth remembered Robert and Allie as young kids when she taught them in school and got to know their personalities. Seeing them become parents was thrilling, especially with how close she had gotten to them since being back in Hope Valley. "Robert, you are an amazing young man and will be a wonderful father. Allie is one of the sweetest, most determined young ladies I've ever known. This baby is in great hands."
They both turned their heads in the direction of a horse approaching and saw that it was Jack on Newton stopping by to get breakfast. Elizabeth ran over to her son and explained the situation. She noticed a look pass between him and Robert but decided now wasn't the time to figure out what that meant. Jack said he would find something to eat in their house after he got cleaned up and changed. She got a report on the horses; but by the time she turned to go back to the Wolf home, Robert was already walking inside with Millie who was giving him an update.
When she stepped inside, Elizabeth noticed Robert had gone upstairs to be with his wife, and Millie was boiling water to sterilize her instruments. "How's Allie?" she inquired.
"She's doing great," Millie assured her. "But I don't see this baby arriving until later tonight, especially with it being her first. I'm having Robert spend a few minutes with her, then sending him off to work for a while so he won't be here stressing while waiting for the baby to arrive."
Gathering all of the dirty dishes, Elizabeth kept busy by washing them and helping where she was needed. Yet her mind wouldn't stop drifting to Nathan, who would surely be on the road driving in their direction at that very moment. She kept a prayer in her heart that he would get home quickly to comfort both her and his daughter.
Nathan preferred to drive without making any unnecessary stops, but his leg needed rest and he needed to stay nourished with the basket of food Shirley had prepared for him. After filling up with gas, he found a shady spot where he could eat and stretch his legs. His mind was fixed on home. He was worried about talking to Jack and working out all of his concerns about his father and Fort Clay. His daughter would give birth to his first grandchild any day. And soon, he would ask the love of his life a very important question that he hoped would be answered in the affirmative.
After taking care of business in Union City, he was ready to be back in Hope Valley for good. Nathan was also excited to see Gypsy and her new little colt, Zeus. So much new life and new love was coming to them in such a short amount of time, but Nathan counted himself extremely blessed. He returned to the road as quickly as possible, wishing away the miles as he drove. Glad for an extra early start, he couldn't wait to surprise them in the early afternoon.
Sarah looked out the window of the baby's nursery upstairs and saw Newton tethered outside the house next door. Although she was nervous to see Jack after Robert broke up what was almost their first kiss the night before, she knew it would be best to get it over with. Inevitably, they would see each other with both families soon since Robert and Allie's baby was about to arrive. She knew her focus should be on learning all she could about labor and delivery, if she really wanted to be a midwife; but until she made sure things with Jack were alright, she was having trouble concentrating on much else.
"I'm going to get some air," she informed her mother, who was sitting with Allie at the moment. Having assisted with many other births, she knew the way her sister-in-law was still able to talk and laugh meant it would be quite a while before the main event. She quietly made her way to Newton, who was happy to see her and get more scratches on his neck.
Jack came bounding out of his house and stopped instantly when he saw a dark-haired beauty petting his ride. It was the first time he had seen her since getting caught by Robert. He hadn't planned to kiss anyone until he was older, but Jack was finding it hard not to just follow his instincts with Sarah Wolf. In many ways, the intensity of his feelings for her and the responses they invoked in him were surprising. His desire was to get to know everything about her, and just to be with her whenever possible.
Feeling eyes on her, Sarah slowly turned around and saw Jack halfway down the porch steps staring in her direction. "Jack!" she blurted. "How are Zeus and Gypsy? I hope you all had a good night."
"They seem fine," Jack stammered. "Doc Davis said he will check on them every day for the first week, then taper off his visits from there. Did your parents get upset with you when you got home?" He moved closer to her before almost whispering the final question so hopefully no one would hear.
Sarah looked into his worried face and smiled. "No. I just told them I was visiting the new colt and ate dinner with you. They didn't seem too worried about that. Plus, Robert isn't going to say anything to them, because he knows they really don't have anything to worry about. We're just friends."
It took everything in Jack not to reach out and put a stray hair behind Sarah's ear, just so he could touch her soft skin. "Right. Just friends," he repeated, his voice slightly cracking as he attempted to hide how he really felt. Changing the subject, Jack pointed next door. "How's Allie? Are we going to finally have a little baby Wolf tonight? Our little niece or nephew seems very anxious to join the family."
"Speaking of that, I better get back inside to help. I think it will be a long day, and it may not happen until tonight; but that's good because Nathan would be very upset if he didn't make it. Are you going to work on your new house now?"
Jack gave a quick nod as he put the drawing pad he had been carrying into Newton's saddle bag. "I'm sure Nathan will be happy with the progress we've made this week, but we are to a point where he needs to be here to start assembling all of the inside cabinets and other wooden parts he has built and is keeping in Lee's shop." Before mounting, Jack reached for Sarah's hand. "About last night," he began; but before he could continue, Robert appeared in his serge to go on rounds and gave a warning look to the teens. "I better go." He rode away, leaving a very flustered Sarah behind.
Much to her frustration, Allie hadn't made much progress by lunchtime and was starving after having not eaten since dinner the night before. She begged for a light salad and some fruit for lunch; and since she still had a ways to go, Millie agreed. Dr. Burton had shown up to check things out, and was of the opinion that the baby would most likely arrive late into the night at the rate things were going. But steady progress was being made, despite Allie being exhausted. After her small lunch, she was able to fall asleep for a short time when contractions weren't as intense. But by mid-afternoon, the pain became stronger and more frequent. After a quick check, Millie was stunned by the amount of progress the contractions had made in a short amount of time.
Elizabeth began pacing, wondering what time to expect Nathan. She finally excused herself and began walking on the road that led out of town. She gathered wildflowers on the side of the road to take to Allie, hoping it would at least brighten up the room. Before long, Elizabeth realized she had wandered much farther than she had planned. With quite a large bouquet in her arms, she turned around wishing she had brought a basket to carry the flowers in. A sound in the distance caused her to stop in her tracks. As the automobile got closer, she hoped it was who she thought it might be.
When Nathan rounded one of the final bends that led into Hope Valley, he suddenly felt nervous. He touched the small box in his pocket, a reminder of the steps he was about to take that would alter the course of his life forever. He had come to terms with being a perpetual bachelor a long time ago, and he wondered if such a drastic change in lifestyle would be too much for him to handle; especially since he was about to be a grandfather as well. Could this old dog actually learn new tricks? Movement on the side of the road caught his attention, and he slowed down to avoid hitting anything. Getting closer, he easily recognized the woman staring at him as he brought the car to a stop.
As soon as the car began slowing down, Elizabeth knew it was him. Her heart began beating faster as he stopped and stepped out of the vehicle. She dropped the flowers and ran as fast as she could, nearly knocking Nathan over as she embraced him tightly. It wasn't until she pulled back from their long hug and saw the wet spot on his button-down shirt, that she realized she had been crying. His hand came to her face and wiped the last of the tears away. She tried to speak, but nothing came out of her mouth.
Having Elizabeth back in his arms was the perfect way to be welcomed home for Nathan. He breathed her in, stroking her back lightly. He felt the moisture from her eyes wet his shirt, and when she looked up at him, he softly wiped the rest away with his thumb. Their eyes met and Elizabeth looked as if she had something to say, but stayed silent as her hands moved to the back of his neck at the same time he ran his fingers through her long, dark curls. Not able to wait another second, Nathan closed the gap between them and let his lips sweetly caress hers. They parted briefly, breathing in unison and overjoyed to be back together. Fresh desire swept over them as their lips met for a second time in a more passionate and hungry kiss than before. It took everything in Nathan not to take a knee right then and there to ask her to be his forever, but he told himself it could wait until he had a better plan.
Surprised by the fervor of his kisses, Elizabeth couldn't help but enjoy and return them. Then all of a sudden, reality hit and she broke contact. Hurrying back to where she had left the flowers, she gathered them up back into a bouquet and nearly ran back to a very confused Nathan. "We have to go to your house right now. Allie is in labor!"
"Wait, what? How close is she?" Questions plagued his mind, and fear for his only daughter's health consumed him.
Seeing his distress, Elizabeth took Nathan's hand. "She's doing great, Dad. How about I drive the rest of the way? Hold these flowers I picked for her, and we'll be by her side in no time." He nodded and kissed her head, grateful for such a supportive and caring woman by his side.
Taking a long drink of water from his canteen, Jack looked across the yard in the direction of the barn. He felt warmth creeping up his neck as he thought about his time alone with Sarah the night before. He had promised to go back and check on Allie, but work had gotten busy and he hadn't been able to pull himself away. Great excitement filled him as he thought about his almost-sister having a baby. Robert and Allie had become as close to him as real siblings that summer. Now, as they inched closer to school starting and a new season beginning, Jack expected even more changes to take place in his life as they prepared to move into their new house in the fall.
Most of the building crew was cleaning up their tools and preparing to go home, and Jack knew he should do the same. He heard a car nearby, but figured it was Lee coming to do his routine check of the work that had been done. However, as he stepped outside, he noticed it wasn't the Coulter's car. Instead, Nathan Grant was exiting his car and waved to him. Jack felt sick, knowing it was time to clear the air and mend what had been broken between them. He knew Nathan wasn't at fault for his father's death and that the way he had been treating both him and his mother was wrong. It's time to man up, he thought as he squared his shoulders and prepared for a man to man discussion.
"Wow, I'm impressed with the house exterior progress this week," Nathan commented. "But I'm really excited to meet Zeus. Will you take me to see him?"
Feeling less anxiety seeing that Nathan didn't seem too upset with him, Jack began walking with him toward the barn. "I've been staying here every night to check on the horses, but Doc Davis says they are doing great. I do think Newton will be happy to see you, and I'm not sure he's a huge fan of sharing a barn with a new baby. I try to let him out to pasture to get a break every day for a while."
With a little laugh, Nathan quipped, "That's probably what I'm going to need once there is a new baby in my house. Maybe I'll take up residence in the barn, so you can sleep in your own bed for a while."
"I'm surprised you are up here. Did you stop to see how Allie is doing?" Jack asked as they entered the barn.
Newton started seeking attention the minute he saw Nathan, and much to his satisfaction his old partner gave him love for a minute before answering Jack. "Home was my first stop, and Dr. Burton had just arrived when I got there. He said we have a few hours, and I was able to give Allie a kiss before the pain got too bad again. She is lucky to have so many wonderful women taking care of her right now. I needed to come see you, and these guys." When Newton was content, Nathan turned his attention to the stall over where Gypsy was feeding little Zeus. "Look at them! Gypsy is always an amazing mother, but that is a fine looking colt, Jack!"
With a look of pride, Jack agreed. "He is incredible. It really is the nicest gift I've ever gotten from anyone." He looked down at his hands and took a deep breath, letting it out before speaking again. "Nathan, I've been thinking a lot about things while I've stayed up here alone. I was so upset when I learned about my dad replacing you at Fort Clay. I know you aren't to blame for my his death, but I felt so angry knowing you and my mom kept this information from me. Maybe I was over the top, and I did want to apologize for snapping at you on the phone; but you get why I was mad, right?"
"You have every right to your feelings," Nathan acknowledged. "I was planning to have a conversation about Fort Clay as soon as I got back from Union City. Your mom and I were just waiting for the right time to tell you about it. She didn't even know what happened until we started seeing each other this summer, but she helped me realize I have to move past that guilt in order to move forward. Just like you need to find a way to get over your anger. Maybe you feel like we didn't trust you, but I assure you that we do. I want us to communicate like a real family, because I'm hoping that is what we will be very soon, son."
A feeling of love washed over Jack as he heard Nathan refer to him as his son again. "Are you going to ask my mom to marry you, finally? Is that part of why you went to Union City?"
"Do you think Elizabeth suspects that? I did want to try and surprise her," Nathan expressed. He pulled the black box out of his pocket and opened it up. "Yes, I had this made for her while in the city, but I probably will wait until sometime after the baby is born and I can figure out a good time and place."
Jack took the velvet box, his wide eyes admiring the engagement ring inside. "Wow, so you are serious. She's going to go crazy over this. I'm glad I didn't mess anything up between you two, and I guess I better also apologize to her tonight. I was going to do that this morning, but when I got home she was already over helping Robert and Allie."
After petting Gypsy and Zeus, then Newton once more, the two of them walked together to the car. As they were driving through town, Nathan stopped at the cafe to pick up dinner for everyone who was at the house awaiting a special little baby's arrival. When they got back, much to their surprise, chaos had ensued and even from outside they could hear Allie scream in pain.
"I can't take my wife being in that kind of pain," Robert groaned emotionally. "They said she's close, but it could still be an hour."
Nathan grabbed his son-in-law in a big hug. "Stay strong, son. Allie has a great team taking care of her."
"Hey, why don't we take the food to my house," Jack suggested. "Then we won't be in the way, and can eat in peace." All men agreed, and they moved the trays of food into the Thornton home.
As soon as he had eaten, Nathan told Robert he would find out where things stood and report back. Luckily, Elizabeth was downstairs getting some supplies for Millie when Nathan went inside. He didn't hear Allie scream, just an occasional loud moan drifted down from her bedroom. "I came to get an update," he nervously spouted. "We took dinner to your house, and there will be plenty for everyone when you are all able to break away. How's my little girl, Elizabeth?"
Smiling at his concern, she reassured the soon-to-be grandpa. "Allie is doing great. She's breathing through the pain and is so close. It would probably be best for you and Robert to sit on the porch and we'll let you know." She kissed him quickly, then washed her hands again before heading back up the stairs.
When he got back to tell Robert what he had learned, he and Jack had put the food on the stove to keep it warm until the women were able to get some for themselves. Nathan and the father-to-be sat on the porch swing, while Jack leaned against the porch railing. Within twenty minutes, a baby's cry rang through the air, causing all three men to stand and rush inside.
Sarah appeared first, excitement shining in her face. She looked slightly shocked to see Jack, but went and immediately hugged her brother. "It's a girl! Elizabeth will be down in a few minutes, then you can go up and see your girls. Allie did great."
Collapsing in a chair, Robert put his face in his hands and let the news sweep over him. "I have a daughter. I can't believe she's here."
Nathan went back outside and closed the door, needing a moment alone to process this moment. Colleen, your little Allie just had a baby girl. Can you believe it? You would be so proud of the woman she has become. Lost in those thoughts, he didn't hear Elizabeth stand next to him, but felt her arms slip lovingly around him.
"She's beautiful, and Allie was so strong. Oh, Nathan." Elizabeth pulled him closer and rested her cheek on his chest, listening to his strong heartbeat. She felt Nathan rest his chin on her head and melt into her. "After Robert gets a few minutes with his little family, you can go see them."
Millie came downstairs next and told Nathan and Elizabeth that Allie was requesting them both to go up. They walked hand in hand to the bedroom door and peeked inside where the little family of three was on the bed bonding. Allie looked up and waved them inside. "Dad, I want you to meet your first grandchild. Robert and I have decided to name this little one Colleen Mary Wolf, for both of our mothers."
She handed the baby to her father, who made the infant look even more tiny in his large and calloused hands. Nathan had been holding it together, but the floodgates opened when he looked into the face of his granddaughter and saw both his big sister and his niece-turned-daughter in her, with a little Robert mixed in. "Hello, precious little Colleen. I'm your grandfather, but I think I would like you to call me Papa. We all love you so much already." He placed a kiss on her tiny little forehead, as tears continued falling. He turned his attention to his daughter, "Allie, she is perfect, and I believe the name fits. I know your mother is proud of you, and so am I. Are you feeling up to eating? I could run next door and fix you a plate?"
"I'm starving. Thank you, Dad. I'm going to try feeding the baby until you get back. Elizabeth, do you mind staying with me? Robert, can you go help all of your family get food? Dad can bring me and Elizabeth a plate to eat here."
When the two women were alone, and Colleen had easily latched, Allie held the tiny little hand of her daughter and opened up to Elizabeth. "Thank you for being with me today. I couldn't have done it without you. My dad better wise up and marry you soon, because I need you to be my mom for real. Colleen needs her Papa and hopefully her Nana."
Elizabeth swallowed the lump in her throat and smiled. "I would love nothing more than to be this little girl's Nana. But we don't need to put any more pressure on your father right now. He's had a lot on his mind, and I believe when we are both ready that topic will come up."
When Allie was finished feeding the baby, Elizabeth carefully put Colleen over her shoulder and gently burped her. Robert came up with a tray for Allie, and Elizabeth offered to take the baby downstairs so they could have a few minutes alone while Allie ate.
Jack sat downstairs with Nathan, who was just about to bring a tray for Elizabeth. "I wanted Jack to meet Colleen while Allie and Robert spend some time together and she gets some nourishment. Are Millie, Sarah, Mary and Richard eating at our house?"
In awe of the little bundle in his mother's arms, Jack stood and lightly touched her soft skin. "Uh, yeah they are all eating. Mom, was I actually that small?"
"Amazing, isn't it? Would you like to hold her, son?" Elizabeth motioned for Jack to sit back down and sat next to him, instructing him how to support the baby's head and gently cradle her. Her heart was bursting with love at the adorable sight, but a twinge of sadness of what could have been had Jack been given a sibling also pulled on her heartstrings. Nathan encouraged her to eat and took her place next to Jack and Colleen.
"Mom, I had a good talk with Nathan about the Fort Clay thing," Jack mentioned as the three of them sat alone in the Wolf's living room. "I'm sorry I haven't been very nice to either of you for the past few days. It was immature and selfish of me to act that way. I'm lucky to have you both in my life right now." Elizabeth reassured Jack that all was all forgiven, and promised to try and keep the lines of communication more open in the future.
Sarah walked in and froze as she saw her little niece in the arms of her "friend" Jack Thornton. He was so gentle with her, and his face shone with admiration and love. "My mom is eating as quickly as possible so she can get over here and take her turn with little Colleen Mary. What do you think of her, Jack?"
"I've never seen a baby this brand new. She's so little, and so pure." Embarrassed, Jack cleared his throat. "Would you like a turn to hold her, Sarah?"
Nodding, she sat across from Jack. Nathan carefully took Colleen and carefully put her in Sarah's arms. They all knew this would be a very spoiled and loved baby with many family members and friends who would constantly dote on her and fill her life with laughter and love. After Robert's parents had taken their turn with her, Dr. Burton arrived to examine the baby and Allie with the assistance of Mille. Jack left to go spend the night with the horses again, and Nathan offered to walk Elizabeth home for the night.
"What a week we've had," Elizabeth commented as they reached her front door. "Tomorrow is only Friday and we've had two births this week. You must be exhausted from your long trip. How is your leg holding up?"
"I'm fine," he whispered, wrapping her in his arms for another long goodbye. "Thank you for being with Allie today. It meant everything to me." He ran the back of his fingers along her jawline, then pulled her chin upward and he leaned in and kissed her lips longingly. While taking a needed breath he murmured, "I hope you don't mind kissing an old grandpa now."
Trying to suppress giggles, Elizabeth ran her fingers through his curls and responded, "Hey, at least you're a gramps with great hair who is an amazing kisser." They laughed and kissed until they knew it was necessary to stop. "Goodnight," Elizabeth barely vocalized before closing the door and leaning against it for support. She was completely drained and knew she would sleep long and deep after such a taxing day.
As Nathan walked the short distance back home and went into his room, he pulled out the ring box and hid it in a drawer for safekeeping. He knew it was way past time to take the plunge and ask Elizabeth to be his wife. As Jack had told him, they weren't getting any younger and there was no reason to wait. A little baby's cry reminded him of the glorious day they had been blessed with. His heart had never felt so full, but neither had his body longed for bed quite so much as it did right then. He decided to run a hot bath to loosen up his leg, then go straight to bed. His mind was already formulating a plan to propose to Elizabeth, which he would carry out as soon as he could put the plan into action.