A/N This chapter includes a few childbirth scenes. Nothing super graphic, but more descriptive than I usually write :)

...

October 1923

...

Nathan held out Elizabeth's coat for her, helping her into it. "Are you sure you're feeling up to this, sweetheart?"

"I'm fine, Nathan," she assured him. "I'm not due for another two weeks, and if I happen to go into labor, we'll be right down the street from the infirmary."

"But…"

"Nathan." She put a hand on his arm. "I'm feeling just fine, my love. We're just going to dinner in town. Allie's got everything covered here with Jack, and if anything happens, she can call us, or we can call her."

He blew out a breath, finally seeming to relax. "Okay."

She leaned up to press a soft kiss to his lips. "I love you. And I love how concerned you are about me and the baby, but right now, we both want some dinner."

"Well, we wouldn't want to keep the baby waiting. Allie, Jack?" He turned away from the door to find the children sitting at the table, Allie helping Jack with his homework. "We're leaving."

"Mom finally convinced you that she isn't going into labor any time soon?" Allie raised an eyebrow at him.

"Very funny, Al. Don't forget to take Scout out after dinner."

"And Jack," Elizabeth added, "bedtime is eight thirty."

"Aw, man."

"It's okay, Jack." Allie gave him a smile. "We can read some more of your book before bed."

"Thank you, Allie. We won't be out too late."

...

"I'm glad we're doing this, Nathan." Elizabeth moved closer to him, her arm threaded comfortably through his. "Our lives are about to get even busier, and who knows how long it'll be before we get a chance to spend some time together like this again."

"I do have plans for our anniversary next month, you know." He nudged her gently.

"And you realize we'll have a newborn by then?"

"Wait. Really?" he teased. "You're about to have a baby? Why didn't I know about this?"

"Ha ha."

"Don't worry. My plans include the baby. But tonight, it's just about us." He opened the door to the Queen of Hearts, allowing her to enter ahead of him.

"Good evening," Lucas greeted the pair as they stepped inside.

"Good evening, Governor."

Lucas chuckled. "I'm just Lucas when I'm here. You're in for a treat this evening," he told them as he showed them to a table. "We've added a few new dishes to the menu."

"That sounds intriguing." Nathan pulled out a chair for Elizabeth, and Lucas passed them each a menu.

"Thank you, Lucas."

"Take a moment to decide, and someone will be by to take your order shortly."

The couple was quiet as they perused the menu. Finally, Nathan broke the silence with a whisper. "Do you know what any of these new things are?"

She giggled. "They're some traditional French dishes that utilize autumn produce. I think I'm going to get the poulet vallée d'auge."

He raised his eyebrows. "Which is…?"

"Chicken and apples in a cream sauce."

"Mm, that sounds good. Maybe I'll get that, too. But feel free to pronounce the rest of these dishes for me anyway." He wiggled his eyebrows. "You should speak French more often, Mrs. Grant."

"Oh, you like French, do you? Do I need to worry about Gustav stealing you away?" she teased.

He laughed, his whole face lighting up. "How do you say 'no' in French?" He reached across the table to take her hand. "But in all seriousness, no one could ever steal me away from you. You are the only one for me, 'Lizabeth."

"Well, hello, you two." Fiona set two glasses of water on the table.

"Good to see you Fiona," Nathan greeted her, unfazed by the interruption.

"Helping Lucas out tonight?" Elizabeth asked, giving Fiona a knowing look.

Neither of them had said anything about it, but it was obvious to everyone in town that things had changed between Fiona and Lucas. Whenever he came back to visit, she was by his side. In the evenings, the two could often be found at a quiet table in the corner, sitting close, speaking softly.

Seeing the blush on her friend's cheeks, Elizabeth smiled. "I'm happy for you two, Fiona."

"Thank you. Now," she cleared her throat, "have you two decided what you want to eat?"

After Fiona took their orders and left the table, Nathan looked back at his wife, confusion on his face. "Fiona and Lucas? When did that happen?"

"Where have you been? He's been visiting more frequently, and they're inseparable when he's here. It's been very obvious that they're together. Are you losing your Mountie skills, Sergeant?" she joked.

He gasped, feigning shock. "Never. I've just been occupied with other things."

"Like what?" She leaned in, loving their playful banter.

"Well, getting ready for a baby for one, and then there's my wife. She needs a lot of attention…"

"Nathan Grant!" She hit his arm lightly.

"I'm kidding, of course. Although I'll gladly give you all the attention you want." He took her hand once more, squeezing it gently. "I'm so grateful for all you do for our family. This past year has been one of the best years of my life."

"I could say the same thing. I've made some good decisions in my life—and some not-so-good ones, too—but marrying you is one of the greatest decisions I've made. You are an impeccable man, Nathan Grant. A wonderful Mountie. The very best father. An extraordinary husband."

He gave her a crooked grin. "I'm not sure I'm worthy of all those big words."

"You absolutely are, Nathan," she told him earnestly. "I love you."

...

Elizabeth ran her hand along the glossy wood of the crib, smiling sadly as a collection of bittersweet memories filled her mind. Building a crib for the Wolfe family with Jack and convincing him that he could build a crib for their own baby one day. Her friends rallying together to finish Jack's nursery just before he was born. The day, just a few weeks before, when Nathan had revealed this crib to her.

It was perfect, just like everything Nathan made. It was simple, dark wood with a few small details carved into the headboard. She put a hand on her stomach, imagining the day in the not-so-distant future when she would be putting her baby to sleep in that crib. Her baby, Nathan's baby. She let out a quiet chuckle, amazed at where her life had taken her, grateful that she had finally decided to follow her heart. Sometimes she felt as though her heart might burst from all the love she held for him, for the family they were creating together.

She slowly padded across the room, lowering herself into the rocking chair. It was the same one that had been in Jack's nursery; Nathan had refinished it to match the crib. She was blessed to have the support of her friends before Jack's birth, but to have Nathan with her this time felt marvelous. She thanked God every day for putting him in her life.

"I thought I might find you in here."

She glanced up to see Nathan leaning against the door frame, a soft smile on his lips. "This might be my favorite room in the house now. It really looks wonderful now that it's completed."

"Well, it's not complete just yet. I have a surprise for you."

"Oh, really?"

"Wait right there." He disappeared down the hallway, returning a moment later carrying something covered with a cloth. "I'd debated for months on what to carve for the nursery, but I think I finally came up with the perfect thing."

He removed the cloth and watched her face as she read what he'd carved on the wooden plaque. Her eyes were filled with tears when she looked back at him.

"You're right. This is perfect."

He handed her the plaque before fishing a few nails out of his pocket. "Above the crib?"

She nodded, swiping at an errant tear with her thumb. As he positioned the nails in the wall, she traced her fingers over the carved words, reading them again.

Grace has brought me safe thus far, and Grace will lead me home.

...

"Have a wonderful afternoon!" Elizabeth called out as her students exited the school building. "Don't forget your history reports are due tomorrow!"

Jack scurried off to play with Lily, but Allie stayed behind, pulling out a book to read while she waited for her mother.

"Allie? You don't want to spend the afternoon with Angela or Opal? Or maybe you can go see if Dr. Carter needs any help?"

The teenager shrugged. "I kind of just want to go home, but I figured I'd wait until you were done, and we can walk home together."

"Did your father put you up to this?" she questioned, noting that it was unlike Allie to turn down the opportunity to spend time with her friends.

"Um," she chuckled. "Do I have to answer that?"

Elizabeth laughed, shaking her head. "Your father."

"It's just so close to the baby's arrival," she said earnestly in defense of her dad. "He doesn't want you to be alone when you go into labor."

"I haven't even felt a twinge. I think it'll still be a little while before this little one decides to come. I might actually make it to my due date this time," she joked.

"Well, I still think I should walk home with you. Just in case."

Elizabeth took a seat by her daughter, wrapping an arm around her. "You are a wonderful young lady." She kissed her temple. "I just have a few more things to finish up, and then we can head home."

She returned to her desk, marking the last of the spelling tests before gathering everything into her basket.

"Ready to go?"

Allie closed her book and nodded.

"Mom?" Allie asked a few minutes into their walk, "what is it like? Having a baby?"

"Painful." Elizabeth let out a chuckle. "But it's also magical, seeing this little baby that you've felt growing inside of you, seeing yourself and the man you love in their little face." A dreamy smile spread across her face as she spoke. "And the feeling of holding your baby for the very first time, I can't even describe it." She turned her attention back to Allie. "And with this baby, I'll have the extra blessing of seeing you, and Jack, and your dad with the baby."

The teenager grinned. "I'm so excited to have a new brother or sister."

Elizabeth reached over and squeezed her hand. "I'm so happy that this baby has you as a sister. He doesn't even know how lucky he is."

Tears filled Allie's eyes. "It wasn't that long ago that I resigned myself to never having any brothers or sisters. Sometimes I still can't believe that I have a little brother and another sibling on the way." She took a shuddering breath. "I was happy when it was just me and dad, but having a whole family? It's better than I ever imagined."

"For me, too," Elizabeth agreed. "I love you, Allie."

She pulled her mother into a hug. "I love you, mom."

...

Elizabeth met Nathan's eyes in the mirror, her hands still slowly pulling the brush through her hair. "By the way, I know you were the one who made Allie stay behind to walk home with me."

He narrowed his eyes. "How do you know that?"

She shrugged, giving him a smirk. "I have my ways, Sergeant. I think it's very sweet that you're so concerned."

"I know, my being overprotective is probably getting annoying." He moved to stand directly behind her, resting his hands on her shoulders. "I just don't want anything happening to you or the baby."

She set the brush down and stood, turning to face him. "We're going to be just fine." Settling a hand on her stomach, she felt the baby shift. "See? William agrees. He's saying that he'll be here with us soon, healthy and perfect."

A crooked smile lit his face, and he placed his hand beside hers. "I can't wait to finally have this little one in our arms."

"And to finally know if I'm right or wrong?" she teased.

He let out a soft chuckle. "That, too. And speaking of, I found a name if you are wrong and the baby's a girl."

"Please say it's not Regina. I once knew a young lady by that name when I lived in Hamilton, and let's just say she held opinions about class and society that I wouldn't want our daughter associated with."

"It's not Regina, but now I'm curious. You'll have to tell me more about this young lady sometime. She sounds like quite a character."

"She and Viola got on very well, if that tells you anything." She took his hand in hers. "Anyway, what's this name you have in mind that we won't have to use?"

He rolled his eyes playfully. "Well, now I don't want to tell you."

"Nathan Grant!"

"Maybe I'll just wait and tell you after she's born."

"You wouldn't dare."

He nudged her gently. "I'm a Mountie. I'm pretty good at keeping secrets."

She reached up and touched his cheek. "And I can be very convincing." Leaning forward, she pressed her lips to his. "There's more of that in store if you tell me."

"I don't know. I might need a little more convincing first."

...

The following morning was quiet, the sun just beginning to peek over the horizon. Nathan stood just outside the jail, sipping his coffee as he glanced out at the town. There was a chill in the air, and as Nathan looked up at the gray clouds filling the sky, he wondered if Hope Valley would get its first snow of the season soon.

He clasped his hands tighter around his mug, trying to warm his fingers.

"Good morning, Nathan," Florence greeted him on her way to the Mercantile. "How's Elizabeth?"

"She's doing well, just anxious for the baby to arrive," he answered. "Faith said it could be any day now."

"Well, we're all praying for a safe delivery."

"Thank you."

In the quiet morning air, they could hear a ringing at the switchboard. Florence excused herself to answer the call.

She emerged from the building just a few moments later. "Nathan. Today is the day. That was Allie."

His eyes widened. "Oh. It's happening."

Florence gave him a sympathetic smile. "I'll call Faith and let her know. You just get on home. We'll let Bill know he's on duty today, and we'll find someone to cover at the school."

"Thank you, Florence." He glanced around for a few panicked moments before setting his mug down on the nearest ledge and setting off toward home.

A short while later, he burst through the front door, unsure of what he would find. He certainly didn't expect to see his wife sitting calmly on the sofa, sipping tea.

"I told Allie it wasn't urgent." She chuckled. "I've only had a couple of contractions so far."

"But you are in labor? The baby's coming today?"

"Yes," she confirmed. "Today is the day we're finally going to meet our baby."

He took a seat beside her, grasping her hands in his own. "I love you, Elizabeth."

"I love you," she replied, leaning in to press a soft kiss to his lips. "Are you ready to have a newborn in this house?"

"I'm not sure," he said honestly. "I wasn't around Allie much when she was a baby."

"You'll be wonderful with our baby. I just know it."

"I'm glad you believe in me."

"Always, Nathan." She reached up to touch his cheek.

"So what happens now?"

"A lot of waiting, mostly, until it gets closer."

"Well, what can I do?" he asked, gently squeezing her hand.

"For now, you can make sure the children are ready for school. Allie already said she'll help with breakfast."

"Is there anything you need?"

"Not at the moment," she assured him. "I think I'll go upstairs and lie down for a bit, try to get some rest before the contractions get closer together."

"I'll be up there soon." He kissed her again, smiling against her lips. "Our baby is coming."

...

"Is it supposed to take this long?" Nathan asked, feeling Elizabeth's fingers tighten around his own as another contraction began. "This can't be normal."

"Every labor is different," Faith explained. "Everything is still progressing as it should, just slowly."

He looked helplessly at his wife. She had been in labor since the early morning. Now, the sun had set, and Nathan felt they were no closer to meeting their baby.

Beads of sweat dotted Elizabeth's face, her cheeks flushed and warm. Nathan dabbed at her forehead with a rag. "There has to be something we can do to speed things up."

"I'm fine, Nathan," Elizabeth insisted. "Our baby will be here soon."

"But you're in pain, sweetheart."

"The pain is temporary. And it'll all be worth it once this baby is in our arms."

He leaned in, resting his forehead against hers. "Still. I wish you didn't have to go through this."

"Why don't you go see how Allie is doing?"

Jack was staying with the Coulters for the night, but Allie was still at the house, waiting for her new sibling to be born. She had been in and out of the room since she returned from school, excitedly taking in everything Faith was teaching her about labor and delivery.

She had finally grown weary, heading downstairs to rest once Nathan promised to let her know when it was nearing delivery time.

"We could use some more hot water, too," Faith added.

Nathan squeezed Elizabeth's hand. "I'll be back in a few minutes."

As soon as he was out of the room, Elizabeth began to cry. "I can't do this anymore, Faith. I'm so tired."

"I know. I can try breaking your water to move things along, if you'd like."

She nodded. "Please. Anything to get this baby out of me sooner, as long as it's safe."

"Let me get my things ready."

Nathan returned a few minutes later, eyes widening when he saw the small hook in Faith's hands. "What's going on?"

"She's breaking my water. It's supposed to speed things up."

"There's been something to speed things up this whole time? Why didn't you do this sooner?"

"I prefer waters to break naturally," Faith explained. "Less risk of infection that way."

"Oh." Nathan took a seat on the bed, reaching for Elizabeth's hand.

"How's Allie?"

"Sleeping. She's still holding onto that medical book, though." He laughed softly.

"Nathan, if you're okay with it, I think we should ask her if she wants to be in here when the baby is born."

"You're the one giving birth, sweetheart. If you're comfortable having her in here, then I'm okay with it."

She smiled. "But first, we need to get this baby moving."

...

"I can see the baby's head, mom! You're so close!"

"Just a bit more, 'Lizabeth," Nathan encouraged her, letting her lean against him as she took a few moments to catch her breath. "Our baby is almost here. You can do this."

"We should get the shoulders out with the next push, and then the rest of the body after that." Faith informed her. Just a few minutes later, she smiled as the baby slipped into her waiting hands. "Congratulations," she announced over the baby's cries. "Allie, do you want to tell mom and dad what it is?"

"It's a girl!" she squealed.

Nathan smiled at Elizabeth, tears filling his eyes. "Our daughter."

"She's beautiful," Faith told them, placing the baby on Elizabeth's chest and covering her with a blanket.

The baby's cries quieted into whimpers, and then into silence as she settled into the comfort of her mother's arms.

"I can't believe I was wrong," Elizabeth chuckled through her tears. "Sweet baby girl."

Nathan leaned down to get a closer look at his daughter. Her cheeks were plump and pink, her eyes a deep blue as she tried to take in her surroundings. "She's here. I can't believe it. You're amazing, sweetheart."

Elizabeth met his eyes. "I love you, Nathan."

...

A few hours later, everything had finally settled down. Allie had gone back to bed, and Faith had left, promising to return to check on things after getting some rest herself.

Nathan and Elizabeth were still awake as the first light of dawn appeared on the horizon, basking in the newborn glow.

"Look at her." Nathan smiled down at the little bundle in his arms. "I don't think I've ever seen a more perfect baby in my entire life. And she's ours. Thank you, Elizabeth."

A tired smile crossed her face. "Thank you for being here, Nathan."

"There's nowhere else I'd rather be." He looked back at his daughter, who scrunched her little face as she yawned. "Oh, someone's sleepy. Why don't we change your diaper and put you down to sleep? I know your mama would like some rest, too."

Elizabeth sank further into the pillows as she watched him expertly fit their daughter in a fresh diaper and swaddle her in the blanket Allie had knit a couple of months before. "And to think you were nervous that you wouldn't know how to handle a newborn."

"She's only a few hours old," he observed, carefully lowering the baby into the crib. "I have plenty of time to mess things up."

"You're a wonderful father, Nathan."

He slipped into the bed, gently pulling her to him. "We have a baby, 'Lizabeth," he whispered. "A baby that we made."

"Mm," she hummed in reply, already sinking into sleep.

He kissed her forehead. "I love you."

...

Nathan quietly led Allie and Jack into the bedroom, where they found Elizabeth cradling the baby to her chest.

"Hi, mom," Allie whispered.

"Hi." She glanced down at the baby, smiling when she let out a little hiccup. "Jack, come meet your sister."

"Sister?" Jack's face fell a bit as he stepped closer to the bed. "It's a girl?"

"Turns out your mom actually can be wrong about things," Nathan teased. "And I know you really wanted a brother, but sisters are great, too. And we can teach your baby sister to do all the fun things you like to do."

"Like fishing? And riding horses? And playing baseball?"

"Mhmm." Nathan nodded. "We can teach her to do all of those things."

"What's her name?" Allie asked. "Or is it still a secret?" She raised her eyebrows and looked between her parents.

"Well, dad picked her name, so I think he should do the big reveal." She met Nathan's eyes, her lips curling into a smile.

He beamed. "Jack, Allie, I'd like you to officially meet Grace Marie Grant."

"Grace," Elizabeth turned the baby so the children could get a better look at her, "this is your brother and sister. Jack and Allie."