January always felt like a long month; but somehow, this one felt longer than usual to Elizabeth. Maybe it was the difficulty of going to school feeling sick every morning, or the dreary weather that took hold and refused to let up. A family emergency kept the Coulter family out of town much longer than anticipated, and Elizabeth missed being able to discuss her pregnancy woes with her best friend. In fact, she was saving the news until she could tell them in person; but it was already getting more difficult to hide the ever-growing bump.

Lee had called Nathan to discuss business, and promised he would have the family back by the end of the month. Rosemary was keeping the twins up on their studies after a few phone calls with Elizabeth to make sure they wouldn't fall behind. It was difficult on those calls for her to not blurt out her big news, but she just told the Coulters to come to dinner the night they got back and figured it would be best to tell them then.

Not many people had been told; however, Elizabeth did confide in Katie Yost since she was her fellow teacher who would probably guess sooner than later. But also, Katie had started dating Dr. Burton, who had examined the new expectant mother once he was back in town from spending the holidays with his family. He declared Elizabeth and the baby to be in perfect health as far as he could tell. It eased the minds of the older parents; but Dr. Burton suggested they keep up on regular appointments with him, and if there were any major concerns, he would send them to Dr. Davis in Union City.

Elizabeth was brought out of her thoughts on the stormy last Thursday of January by Sarah Wolf turning in her science exam. She was the first to finish, in a subject that seemed to come very easy to her. Elizabeth smiled at Sarah, who shyly returned it, then quickly went back to her seat and began reading quietly while everyone else finished. I wonder what is going on between Sarah and Jack, Elizabeth wondered. Over the past weeks, they had spent very little time together and rarely even spoke at school. As much as it was kind of a relief to her as a mother, not wanting him to get too serious with a girl at such a young age, she was worried about how quiet and solemn he had become. He spent hours in his room reading and drawing when he wasn't taking care of the horses or helping Nathan in the shop.

Jack was right behind Sarah in finishing the test. After turning it in, he pulled out his drawing pad and immediately began sketching. Elizabeth was amazed by the artistic talent he had inherited from his father, and noticed his eyes frequently wandering to Sarah who sat a few rows ahead of him. She made a mental note to discuss Jack's troubles with Nathan, who always knew how to help and what to say. She had learned over the past few months just how much a boy needed a steady and loving father figure in his life, especially during their transition from childhood to adulthood.

After all the kids had completed the test, she released them all to eat lunch. Because it was snowing outside, they all formed little groups around the school to eat. Elizabeth couldn't handle the many smells that suddenly overwhelmed her sensitive nose, so she bundled up and went outside. Luckily, the storm had calmed into a lightly falling snow. She closed her eyes and breathed in deeply. Just as she began feeling like she could eat something, the sound of a car coming forced her eyes open again. To Elizabeth's delight, it was her handsome husband.

Nathan stepped out of his car with a picnic basket and noticed his wife bundled up just outside the school building. "It's freezing, my love. Why are you out here?" He protectively put his free arm around her and rubbed her shoulder to try and add warmth. "I made some soup and thought it might be something you could stomach and also warm you up on this cold day."

Tears welled in her eyes as she reached up and planted a kiss on his lips. Her emotions were all over the place due to the pregnancy, but having a husband to lean on this time around had been such a blessing. Pulling away and looking into Nathan's ocean blue eyes, Elizabeth smiled. "How did I get so lucky? You truly are so good to me."

Pulling his wife closer, Nathan brushed a strand of hair from her face and caressed her rosy cheek. "You deserve every bit of what I do, and even more. Have I told you lately what an incredibly beautiful and strong woman you are?" Before she could answer, and to prove his point, Nathan covered her mouth with his own. Because of the morning sickness, they hadn't kissed nearly as often as they did before; but when they did, the spark was just as strong as it had been the very first time. A gust of wind put an abrupt end to their show of affection and forced them inside.

Elizabeth led them into one of the empty offices where they laid out their soup and homemade bread. "Mmmmm," she groaned. "This is wonderful, sweetheart. It's just what I needed today. I think my sickness is dissipating slowly as I enter this new phase of pregnancy. I really only feel sick when my stomach is empty in the morning and a little at night. I do have some foods and smells that still turn my stomach, but this soup and bread are perfect."

Miss Yost's bell ringing signaled lunch being over all too soon. Nathan cleared their dishes and put everything back into the basket. He kissed Elizabeth's forehead and watched her go back into the classroom of older students. Jack gave him a forced smile through the door, and he made a mental note for them to talk later.

Instead of driving home, Nathan decided to check on Bill who had been sick since getting home from visiting friends during the holidays. He had packed an extra bowl of soup and a small loaf of bread to give to his friend and mentor. When Nathan arrived, Bill was out in the snow chopping wood. Shaking his head, he got out and waved with the hand not carrying the food offerings. "What are you doing?" he scolded. "It's freezing out here and you're still recovering. I've got some soup for your lunch, then I will chop enough wood to get you through winter. Get yourself inside, old man."

Bill scoffed. "Nice to see you, too. And what is with the old man talk? I'm feeling young and spry, especially now that I'm not stuck in bed anymore."

He led Nathan inside and into the kitchen, who served up the meal. "Have you been back in to see Dr. Burton?"

After swallowing a big spoonful of soup, Bill shook his head. "No, but he did stop by yesterday and told me I was good as new. I'm telling you, I am still as strong as an ox and nothing like a little sickness is going to keep me down for long. It's good that I can finally have visitors again and not worry about getting them sick. Catch me up on all the news."

Bursting to tell one of his closest friends about their expanding family, Nathan weighed how his wife might feel about him spilling the beans. "Well, I've been working night and day to get all of the furniture orders made in the shop while also doing the paperwork for them since Lee is still out of town. School is keeping Elizabeth pretty busy. I'm really not sure what's troubling Jack right now, but plan to get to the bottom of that when I get a chance to talk to him."

"I think her name is Sarah Wolf," Jack barked back. "Those two only have eyes for each other."

Nathan pondered for a minute. "Actually, the two of them haven't spent much time together since school started up again this month. That is most likely what is putting him in a foul mood. She's getting ready to head off to college, and Jack still insists he is joining the Mounties next year, despite Elizabeth being adamantly against his plans. Maybe once the…" he let the thought trail off once he realized it almost slipped out of his mouth.

"Once what?" Bill demanded. "You are keeping something from me, Constable."

Not having been addressed that way in almost a decade, Nathan released a burst of laughter. "Constable? Where did that come from?"

Bill smiled sheepishly. "I just miss the days when I outranked you," he joked. "Let me guess, you and your wife are expecting a baby? You think once she has a new little one to fuss over, she won't be upset about Jack heading into the line of work that killed his father?"

His mouth gaped open, shocked. How does Bill always know? Nathan asked himself. "Wait, who told you? There's no way you guessed that all by yourself."

With a chuckle, Bill responded. "You forget I was one of the best Inspectors the Mountie's ever had. I asked the right questions of the good doctor, and it became pretty clear what was going on with your family." He slapped Nathan on the shoulder. "Congratulations, my friend. It couldn't have happened to a nicer guy."

"Thanks, Bill. It means a lot." Nathan sat in contemplative silence as Bill finished eating his meal. "I have so many fears when it comes to having a child of my own. First, is Elizabeth's health. We aren't exactly young. Second, is how it will change the family dynamic. I don't want Allie or Jack to feel like I love my biological child more than them." He let out an exasperated sigh.

Without saying a word, Bill stood and poured two steaming cups of coffee from the fresh pot he had brewed right before going out to chop wood. After taking a couple of sips, he placed his hand on Nathan's arm. "Your fears are valid, Nathan; but I've learned through my life that you should only focus on what you can control, and give the rest to God. He'll help take care of everything else."

After a long drink of coffee, Nathan was able to get his emotions in check. "I appreciate your words and support. I'm grateful our child will have 'Grandpa Bill' since there are no other living grandparents." He stood up and took his empty mug to the sink. "I'm serious about chopping wood for you. I'll be done in a jiff." Before he could protest, Nathan was outside at the woodpile chopping and stacking enough logs to get Bill through several weeks. They said their goodbyes, then Nathan drove home to finish work on a dining set that was due at the train station the following Monday. He hoped that once the Coulters were back in town, his workload would be just a little lighter.

Elizabeth was a bundle of nerves as she put the finishing touches on dinner Friday evening. Nathan drove Jack to pick up Lee's car so they could take it to the train station for the Coulters to have transportation once they arrived back in Hope Valley. Once the table was set and the rolls had been taken out of the oven, she went to change into one of her best dresses that still fit without noticeably revealing her little bump. After a final check of her hair and makeup, Elizabeth went to their big front window to watch for headlights. To her surprise, she saw their car come up the drive at that moment with Jack driving Nathan. It had been a clear day with no snow, but that usually meant colder temperatures.

She met her two guys at the side door near the kitchen and Nathan gave her a quick kiss before taking off his outer clothes and hanging them on their hook. "Lee and Rosemary wanted to quickly take their luggage home and freshen up before coming to dinner. It should be no more than twenty minutes."

"I have dinner still warming in the oven, so there is no rush." Elizabeth's eyes went to the stairs where Jack had disappeared up to his room. She whispered near Nathan's ear. "Have you had a chance to talk with him yet?"

Shaking his head to indicate he hadn't, Nathan took her hand and forced her to sit in the living room while they waited. "I promise I'll try tomorrow. Right now I'm worried about you and how hard you've been working all day. He turned her around and began lightly rubbing her shoulders. She let out a few soft moans when he released some tight knots, and he leaned down to whisper, "I almost wish we could just spend the evening alone."

"Nathan Grant!" she exclaimed with a little giggle. "Behave yourself." But inside she was thinking the same thing. Suddenly, the nausea had subsided and it seemed to be replaced with a longing for her husband. "Later…" she began, but they were interrupted by Jack coming into the room when they all heard the sound of a car approaching.

Elizabeth saw Jack roll his eyes before going to the front door to welcome the Coulters. Daisy and Daniel nearly tackled him when they came inside. "Jack, can we go see the horses? I bet Zeus has grown a lot since we left!" Daisy took Jack by the hand and led him to the side door closest to the barn. "Mama, may we go before dinner?"

Rosemary nodded her approval before admonishing, "Quickly though, it smells like Aunt Elizabeth has a wonderful meal prepared for us."

Daniel led the way out the door and the three of them rushed out into the cold with Jack trying to pull on his coat. Rosemary and Lee gave Elizabeth hugs then greeted Nathan in kind when he returned from taking the food from the warm oven and placing it on the dining room table. "Come sit until the kids get back," Elizabeth said, motioning toward the sofa. "How were things when you left for home?"

"As good as could be expected," Lee chimed in as he sat down. "My sister is a strong woman. At least she has children and grandchildren close to help keep her occupied."

Reaching out and taking her husband's hand, Rosemary gave a compassionate smile. "We didn't mean to be gone for so long, but settling an estate always takes longer than expected. Hopefully, we can get some of the family to come visit us here this summer."

"I'm sure they would enjoy that," Elizabeth agreed. "Were the twins excited to come back home?"

"Oh yes!" both Lee and Rosemary exclaimed in unison.

Nathan chuckled. "We sure are happy to have you all back. And it's not just because I don't like doing all of the paperwork for the business."

After a little more small talk, the twins returned with Jack, who was wearing the biggest smile they had seen on him over the past several weeks. "Let's wash up for dinner," he directed his "cousins" as they went to the sink.

They all sat down at the large dining table and Nathan offered a blessing on the food. Everyone ate while conversing animatedly with one another. Once dessert was placed in front of everyone, Elizabeth stood and put her hand on Nathan's shoulder. "We have some news," she began.

Rosemary's face flushed. "Are you expecting a baby?" she blurted out, then covered her mouth with both hands.

Lee's mouth gaped open as he stared at his wife. "Rosie!" He looked at the Grants who confirmed the suspicion just by the looks on their faces. "Really?" he questioned, absolutely thrilled for them. "We are so happy for you!"

As he observed Daniel and Daisy's excitement for a new little "cousin", Jack felt more excitement than he had during their announcement at Robert and Allie's house earlier in the month. Hugs were exchanged and then everyone excitedly ate their chocolate cake Elizabeth had made for the special occasion.

Once the dishes had been cleared and washed, Jack and the twins began playing chess while Nathan and Lee discussed business, giving Rosemary and Elizabeth time to talk alone. "It was killing me not to just come out and tell you every time you called," Elizabeth admitted. "I've been so sick. I discovered I was pregnant on our honeymoon, and ever since then the nausea has been horrible. Just the past few days I've started to feel more like myself again, although definitely more emotional than usual. I cry over everything."

Doing the math in her head, Rosemary nodded. "You are entering the honeymoon phase of your pregnancy so enjoy it. To be honest, I wasn't exactly surprised. A few nights ago I dreamed you had a baby girl. You know what that means."

Elizabeth knew. It wasn't the first time her friend had been precisely correct about babies being born. She had dreamed of her own twins, as well as other babies of women close to her. "I'm honored you had that dream. I've felt like it's a girl so far, but I don't want to get Nathan's hopes up in case we're wrong. I just want a healthy baby and would take a thousand boys if they are even half as incredible as my little Jack."

"He isn't quite so little anymore," Rosemary observed as their eyes drifted to their children deep in a hotly contested game of chess. "My babies aren't so little either," she sighed. "But soon we will have a tiny little bundle to snuggle. You must be overcome with joy, especially since you had been told it might not be possible."

Tears filled Elizabeth's eyes. "I wanted to give Nathan a biological child of his own so badly," she confessed with a little crack in her voice. "I thought we missed our chance. Oh, Rosemary, I was such a fool when I chose Luca…"

Cutting her off, Rosemary took her friend's hand in her own. "Don't dwell on the past, dear Elizabeth. Everything happens for a reason."

Even though she was now blissfully happy with the man of her dreams, Elizabeth still mourned the ten years they spent apart. She wondered what it would have been like if she had chosen differently. As she told Rosemary all about the Mountie Ball, her mind pictured what it might have been like to be married to Superintendent Nathan Grant. She would never get those years back. Maybe Jack would have less trauma had he been given a father figure as a small boy instead of a teenager. Once the Coulters all began yawning, the Grants insisted they get home to sleep in their own beds and promised to spend more time together soon.

Nathan found his wife in tears when he got in bed. His heart sank as he snuggled up next to her. "What's the matter? Is it the baby?"

She turned and buried her face into his chest. "No," she insisted. "I feel fine, physically. Better than I have for a while, actually."

He stroked her hair and her tears soon stopped. He looked into her eyes, trying to understand. "You are so beautiful," he murmured, leaving a trail of kisses from her forehead to her cheek and down her neck. Eventually, their mouths connected and sparked a fire inside both of them that was all consuming. After expressing their love passionately, yet tenderly, they lay in each other's arms feeling very content and happy.

"Nathan," Elizabeth eventually spoke softly. "Do you ever think about what our life would have been like had we gotten together before?"

"Mmmmmhmmm," he answered. "Nearly every day. But Elizabeth, we both experienced things we wouldn't have otherwise. We can't dwell on what if's from the past. We need to instead focus on the here and now. I think our love is beautiful, and we are creating a remarkable family together." He placed his hand on Elizabeth's stomach, and she placed her hand over his.

"Thank you," was all she managed to say before beginning to fall asleep in her husband's loving embrace. She hoped she would finally be able to feel peace about her past and move forward with faith that things were going to be just fine.

Saturday morning dawned with bright blue skies. Even though it was the last day of January, Jack noticed that the temperature had turned mild. He decided it would be a good time to take Newton out for some exercise, then work out Gypsy and Zeus in the yard later in the day. He rode the familiar trail he always seemed to take recently. It was the same one he went on the last time he had kissed Sarah Wolf. Since that day, they had barely spoken to one another. He missed his best friend, but wasn't surprised she was distancing herself from him. They were moving in different directions and would only end up getting hurt if they continued down the path they had been on together. He absent mindedly touched his fingers to his lips as he remembered the way her lips felt against his. He had drawn those lips on her gorgeous face hundreds of times since then. It was difficult, but he had to focus on self control and other important Mountie characteristics Nathan had taught him.

Maybe someday his heart wouldn't ache so badly. He couldn't imagine it but heard time heals all wounds. Even though he was just sixteen, Jack had known a lot of heartache. Life circumstances had forced him to grow up faster than most boys his age. At times, he cursed ever meeting Sarah Wolf with her long dark hair, beautiful brown eyes, and olive-toned skin that was as soft as velvet. She always smelled so good; even thinking about it during the ride on Newt, he couldn't help but feel a little lightheaded. His mind told him he was making the smart and practical choice so they both could be successful in their chosen future careers; however, his heart would always disagree.

Once they arrived back at the barn, Jack removed the gear from Newton. Nathan was working in his shop, but eventually came out when the horses started making noise. He brushed Zeus while his father showed his old Mountie partner some love. Neither one of them spoke for several minutes, and Jack really wasn't in the mood to talk at the moment. He began to feed and water the horses; but instead of going back into his shop, Nathan worked by his side in silence.

Sensing Jack wasn't ready to open up, Nathan just decided to make himself available when he was ready. Helping care for the horses was a good excuse to just be there. Taking some of the advice Bill had given him, Nathan had spent extra time on his knees praying for answers on how to be a good father to all of his children each night. Even though having his own biological child was a dream come true, he felt like Allie and Jack were his own and never wanted them to feel like he viewed them as less than that. He was searching for a way to prove that, so no one resented the new baby. Once the horses were settled and eating, Nathan sat on the bench near Newton's stall.

It was Jack who finally broke first. "I know you want me to talk," he began. "I just don't know what to say."

Thinking for a moment, Nathan eventually replied, "Son, I just want you to know I'm proud of the man you are becoming. I never want you to feel like you aren't one of the most important people in this family. Just because we are adding another person into the mix doesn't mean your mother and I will love or support you any less. Our capacity to love expands as our family grows."

"I know," Jack answered. "I'm actually really excited about the new baby now. I just needed time to get used to the idea, that's all. I've seen how happy the twins made Lee and Rosemary, after years of wanting kids. You deserve this, Dad. I want you to have the full parenting experience beginning at birth."

A little relieved and a bit puzzled, Nathan sighed. "Oh, so it is Sarah Wolf that's causing these moods." It was a statement, not a question.

Shifting uncomfortably, Jack shrugged. "I guess. We decided to be just friends; but turns out, that means she just avoids me and talks to everyone else instead. I thought I was doing the right thing, putting some distance so we wouldn't have regrets. I want to be disciplined so I can be a great Mountie and man…just like you."

Swallowing the lump that had formed in his throat, Nathan stood and wrapped Jack in a fatherly embrace. "Jack, you will be the best of men and if you so choose, a top notch Mountie. As far as Sarah is concerned, as much as it hurts, you are doing the right thing. She's leaving soon, and you have to let her go. It was something I had to do with Elizabeth. Even though it took ten years, she did come back to me. I don't know if that will happen with Sarah, but you both need to follow the paths you have set for yourselves."

"I love her." It came out as barely a whisper. "I know I'm only sixteen, but I don't think I'll ever feel this way again."

Who am I to disagree with him? Nathan wondered. When I met Elizabeth I knew I would never love another. But will it be different for Jack? Realizing he had just been talking to himself, he tried to think of something to say out loud. "I don't know what your future holds, Jack. I have experienced what it's like to fall in love. Right now though, just focus on school and our family. Maybe Sarah just doesn't know how to be your friend without wanting more from you. She probably thinks she isn't strong enough to be around you and keep the boundaries you've set."

A look of understanding filled Jack's expression. "That makes sense. It might not have been smart to kiss one last time before we committed to the whole 'just friends' thing." He thought for another minute. "You know, I think we just need to spend a little time together where I prove to her and myself that we can be friends with no added benefits." Jack felt as if a weight had been lifted. "Thanks for the chat. I'm sorry I've been so difficult lately. I'll do better."

Nathan knew he would, and was glad they were able to clear the air. All of their one-on-one time was building the foundation of a father/son relationship that he knew they would both cherish forever.