Chapter 104
"You handled that situation with JJ very well." Jack spoke as he sat down on the bed beside his wife.
"My boy is too smart for his own good." Elizabeth accepted Jack's hand. "You know, he's just like you. He always wants to protect the woman he loves."
Jack chuckled. "It's so easy to see his love for you. Plus, you are worthy to be protected." Jack leaned down and kissed her forehead. "Honestly, how are you doing?"
"I'm good. It's getting more painful, but the precious gift that's coming is worth everything."
"You are the best mother." Jack whispered in an admiring tone.
Faith cleared her throat. "I'm sorry, but I really need to check on Elizabeth."
"I'm sorry." Jack embarrassedly stated.
"Jack, come with me as we get Elizabeth some water to drink and a fresh basin of water for the towel."
"I'm sorry Abagail. I'm not leaving Elizabeth's side." His voice wasn't disrespectful, but it was absolute in the fact that he wasn't leaving his wife's side.
Abagail looked toward Elizabeth. She nodded her head in agreement with Jack's statement.
Faith walked toward Elizabeth's bed. She reached for Elizabeth's hand. "I'm not going to lie to you. This is going to be a little intense. However, when you hold your baby, all of this will be worth it."
"I know." Elizabeth smiled. Then a new wave of pain began.
"Jack how often has the pain been coming?"
Jack shrugged his shoulders. "I haven't been keeping track. I would say every ten to twelve minutes or so. Maybe a little longer, or even shorter."
"Ok. It's your job now to keep track of how far apart the contractions are." Faith turned her attention toward Elizabeth. "I'm going to do a quick exam."
Faith examined her patient. As she did, she kept a small conversation ongoing with Elizabeth. She wanted to occupy her mind as much as possible to keep it off the pain and discomfort.
After the exam, Faith washed her hands. She gathered her thoughts before speaking.
"Elizabeth, the baby has turned, and I am happy with that You are progressing, but you are not too close to delivery. I would say it will be tonight or tomorrow before the little one decides to make his or her appearance. Things are looking good."
Jack and Elizabeth shook their heads as Faith explained what was going on.
"So, she's alright?"
"Yes Jack. Your wife is good, and things are progressing well. We just need to keep an eye on everything, but I'm expecting a normal delivery from what I see right now."
…
JJ, Frank, and Mr. P stood around the pond. Each was holding their fishing poles in their right hand. The short walk from home to the pond was quiet. They each looked around the creek, but no one said anything. Both men could see that JJ was working through everything in his mind. They didn't want to push him.
For JJ, he was trying to let the guilt go from not being there for his mommy. He took it to the heart of his soul when his daddy told him that a true gentleman takes care of the woman he loves. That was a lesson he followed his entire life. He wanted to be there for his mommy. He didn't know what he should be doing or how he could help, but that didn't stop his heart from aching for not being there. He wasn't paying attention and completely missed his bopper going under. It wasn't like JJ not to pay attention while fishing. JJ quickly looked up when he felt hands on his shoulders.
"One of the hardest things is to sit and wait." Frank softly stated. "There are times when that is what is required, but that doesn't make it any easier."
JJ nodded his head. "True."
Mr. P squeezed JJ's shoulder. "Do you trust your mommy and daddy?"
JJ nodded his head. A small tear formed on the corner of his left eye. Frank and Mr. P could easily see the battle in this little boy's mind and heart.
"Your mommy and daddy want to protect you. They want what is best for you." Mr. P smiled trying to comfort the little boy.
"I know…" JJ's voice failed him. He reached up and wiped the tear away. "It's just…it's just I want to protect mommy, and I can't do that if I am here fishing."
"In the way that only you can, you are protecting her." Frank added.
"How so?" JJ looked between both men.
"I know I haven't gone through all of parenthood yet. But I can tell you this, I can't imagine anything more important to me as a father than to know my child is safe.
I know my wife hasn't delivered my baby yet, but knowing my child is safe inside of her is the most comforting thing at this moment. I can't imagine his or her safety will be any less important after they are born."
"He's right. Knowing your child is safe and taken care of is one of the most important things to know as a parent."
JJ thought about it for a moment. That did make sense to him. His mommy and daddy were always concerned about his safety. However, his guy's heart was still hurting.
"When you know your child is safe, you can focus on what is necessary at that moment."
"So, me being out of the house with you two allows mommy and daddy to bring my little sister into this world safely?"
"Safely being out of the house." Mr. P corrected.
"I know all this sounds weird to you, but you are a smart boy. I think you will understand this explanation. There are times and things that can only be understood by adults. Delivering a baby is an adult thing. You can't fully understand everything no matter how brilliant you are. Childbearing is a wonderful thing…it is also a difficult thing." Frank added softly.
"Mommy said that while it is painful, she would choose to do it all over again if it means to bring my little sister into the world."
"That's very true. As a guy, I can't fully understand it, but I do trust my wife when she told me the same thing."
"My mommy in heaven and my daddy has told me that before that they would do anything for me." JJ thought back to his mom's and dad's statements. While he didn't fully understand that statement, he did trust his parents. "My mommy and daddy now have told me the same thing. So…me being out of the house allows mommy and daddy to fully concentrate on my baby sister while not having to worry about me or how this would affect me?"
"Yes. That is correct."
JJ stared at the body of water in front of him for a few seconds. He was finally coming to terms with the fact that he was protecting his mommy at this period in time. For him to do that meant for him to be safely out of the house so she could completely focus on delivering his baby sister. Frank and Mr. P could see the moment he came to terms with the truth.
"Well, since we are here fishing, we might as well catch enough for dinner."
"JJ, it's so easy to see your love for Elizabeth."
"She is a special mommy." JJ smiled at the thought of his mommy. "I think I fell in love with her within two minutes wen I met her at Abagail's."
"I have thought that since the day Mr. Thatcher brought her home from the hospital. She was even special way back then."
"She was very helpful when I came to town. She made it possible for others to open up to a new pastor."
"Mommy is beyond special." JJ's voice was full of pride.
…
"Jack…I need you to promise me something."
"Anything, sweetheart." Jack squeezed Elizabeth's hand. "What is it?"
"That whatever I say over the next few hours, you promise me not to hold it against me or to take it personally."
Jack looked at her for a few seconds. He has heard stories from other men about some of the things their wife said during labor. Most of those things weren't too nice. He also knew his wife wouldn't say anything mean on purpose. Jack smiled as he leaned forward to kiss her on the forehead. After pulling back, he made eye contact with her.
"I think I can handle that." He smiled at her. Then his expression turned lovingly. "Thank you for fighting for this…for us."
Elizabeth smiled. "I had to. This is all I have ever wanted in my life."
"I know I didn't make it easy in the beginning after you came back from…" Jack's voice trailed off.
"I also didn't make it easy by going in that way." She reached for his cheek. "Thank you for allowing me to prove what is in my heart."
Jack closed the distance to where he was only a couple of inches from her face. "I love you, Elizabeth Thornton."
"I love you, Jack Thornton."
…
"Nurse Reed, I have scones and sandwiches whenever you would like to eat. I also have a large pot of water boiling on the stove. Plus, there are plenty of clean towels and a small blanket for the baby when you need it."
"Thank you. Please, call me Faith."
"Thank you for being here for my Elizabeth."
"I understand you have known her for a long time." Faith asked as she sat down at the table. She looked over the plate of scones. She picked up a blueberry scone and took a bite. "Oh…this is delicious."
"I have known Elizabeth her whole life. The second day after Elizabeth was born, Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher brought Elizabeth home. As they walked through the front door, they handed me the baby. Mrs. Thatcher went to lay down and Mr. Thatcher went to his study to look over some paperwork from work. From that point on,
Elizabeth has felt like my own child. I helped raise her."
"She's always said you were like her mother and her grandmother." Abagail stated.
Mrs. P let out a loving sigh. "I feel like that child is mine." She shook her head. "I know in my head she isn't mine, but my heart won't listen to my head."
"The truth about family is that it's not always about blood lines."
"Very true Abagail. She has told me all about you. She thinks of you as her sister. Thank you for taking her under your wing when she first came to Coal Valley."
Abagail let out a laugh. She remembered that first few weeks after Elizabeth arrived.
"No one in this town thought that rich young woman would ever make it here. She was so lost and no matter what she tried, it only got worse. I thought she was going to jump on top of the table when that mouse ran along the baseboard of the saloon."
"Or when she burned down the teacherage?" Mrs. P stated while laughing.
"She what?" Squealed Faith.
…
Frank stood tall after he placed the third trout on the stringer and placed it back into the water. For the first time in months, he was winning at fishing. He had just caught his third fish. JJ and Mr. P had caught two. JJ and Mr. P shared glances.
"Proud of yourself, Uncle Frank?"
"Absolutely!" Frank boldly smiled.
"Auntie Abagail usually wins, doesn't she?"
"Not usually…that woman always wins." Frank shook his head in disbelief.
"Are you happy about the new baby?"
Frank's expression of disbelief instantly turned into a bright, huge smile. He was still struggling to wrap his mind around the fact that he and Abagail were having a baby. It was beyond his wildest dreams.
"I am, JJ."
"Do you want a boy or girl?"
"To be perfectly honest, I haven't given it too much thought. I am more worried about the baby and Abagail being healthy." He paused for a few moments to give it a thought. "You know, I don't really care. I just want a healthy baby."
"Spoken like a true father." Mr. P stated. "What ever you have, they will grow up with the new baby."
"I guess my little sister and your baby can be best friends."
"It you have a sister and Frank has a boy, they may grow up and get married."
Frank and Mr. P smiled until they saw the facial expression of JJ. His older brother's expression was shining through with intensity.
"Oh no! My little sister is not courting!" JJ stood tall with his hand on his hip. He glared at both men. "No offense Uncle Frank."
"None taken." Frank laughed.
"Your little sister may not be a…" Mr. P stopped talking when JJ glare intensified even more.
Frank couldn't keep from laughing even when JJ's glare turned in his direction. JJ was just as adamant about this baby being a girl.
"Time will tell if you are right."
"Mr. P…Uncle Frank…have you ever known me to be wrong?" The little boy sassed with a growing smile.
"Not yet." Frank stated in a dead pan voice. Mr. P couldn't keep from laughing out loud at the banter.
"You are just priceless." Mr. P ruffed up JJ's hair.
…
Elizabeth let out a quick breath when the last bit of pain let go of her body. Jack was wiping sweat off her forehead. He didn't know if it was working or not, but he gave her a small smile.
"You're doing great, sweetheart." Jack offered with a loving smile.
"Jarrick…you will never touch me again!" Elizabeth stated as she tightly closed her eyes as another sharp pain racked through her body quickly. It left just as quickly as it appeared.
The pain was getting more intense and more frequent. She was getting physically tired. That was a bad combination. She repositioned herself trying to find a more comfortable spot.
Jack had recoiled at her statement. After a second, he placed the small towel in the basin of cool water and twisted the excess water out. He repeated the process of wiping Elizabeth's forehead and then her cheeks. He was trying his best to comfort her.
"You're doing so well."
Elizabeth grunted at his statement. She said something under her breath, but he wasn't sure what she said. He was grateful he couldn't understand her.
Abagail had warned Jack about what was coming his way when the labor pains fully hit Elizabeth. During one of their meetings in the mayor's office, Abagail encouraged Jack to take nothing his wife would say personally during her labor. As much as he tried, the statements still hurt a little.
As a mountie for years, he was accustomed to bad guys yelling all kinds of things at him. They were usually personal insults. However, it was just different when his precious, tender, polite wife hurled hurtful statements toward him. That was until he saw the pain she was going through. He couldn't imagine what she was going through.
Jack's smile would have been encouraging to his wife if her eyes were open. She still had them clinched tight. He placed the towel down beside the basin and reached for her hand. He gently rubbed his thumb over her the back of her hand and knuckles. After a few swipes, Elizabeth opened her eyes and turned her head toward him.
"You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen."
Elizabeth let out a small sigh. Even with all the pain and discomfort she was in, Jack still had this way of touching her heart. She gave him a weak smile. She loved it when he would rub her hand.
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be sorry. I know you are in a lot of pain. Plus, you told me not to hold anything against you. So, I'm not going to. However…" He began with a smirk. "…if you tell me that next week, I will be absolutely crushed."
Elizabeth couldn't even keep from laughing. She loved that man more than anything. She turned her hand over so it would settle into his hand. Jack intertwined his fingers with her. She wanted to say something…to say anything. However, her voice failed her. Not only that, but her mind also failed her. She didn't have any words to say. She did the only thing she could think of at that moment. She lovingly looked into Jack's eyes. Her eyes told him everything her tongue couldn't.
Jack's smile gave her the answer that he understood. They squeezed each other's hands at the same time.
…
"Have you talked to your patrol officer?" Grace stated as she looked up from her carpet bag. The trunk was already packed with clothes for her and William. There was another smaller trunk with clothes for the new baby and for JJ. There were also a few gifts for both of her grandchildren.
"I just got off the phone with him. He said we could leave in the morning. He also said that I needed to check in with the mountie in Hope Valley. Then I am supposed to call him in a week and give him my schedule."
"That's very kind of him."
"I thought so. He also told me congratulations on a new grandchild."
Grace smiled at the kindness of the officer. They have heard good and bad stories of parole officers. They were grateful they had a good one. He was understanding and gave William a little grace when it came to traveling for special occasions.
"Can you believe it William? We are getting another grandbaby."
"It's a tremendous opportunity to have another one."
"I can't believe my baby is having her baby." Grace stated in a sense of disbelief.
"It truly brings forward what is important in life."
"Yes." Grace stated as she accepted a handkerchief from her husband. She wiped a tear from her right cheek.
William wrapped his arms around his precious wife.
"There is my Gracie. The loving and kind hearted mother."
"I could have been a better mother to my girls."
"And I could have been a better father. But like Elizabeth has taught us…"
"We live here and now…not in the past."
"You raised a smart young lady."
"Alright William let's get finished packing. We have dinner tonight with Ted and his wife. Then we need to rest. Traveling tomorrow will be long."
…
Faith finished her exam of Elizabeth. She sat on the side of the bed with her hand resting on Elizabeth's tummy. Jack was sitting on the other side of the bed. Abagail was standing at the foot of Elizabeth's bed. This was Elizabeth's group. These were the individuals she wanted to be with her during this journey.
"Alright Elizabeth. You are progressing very well. I am happy with what I am seeing. Your body is doing everything it is supposed to be going."
"How much longer?"
"At this point, it is all a guess. I'm going to say it should be within a couple of hours or so. You are progressing through the stages of labor quicker than normal.
However, you and Jack will quickly realize that parents are not in control. That little girl will come when she wants to and not a second before."
"Girl?" Jack and Elizabeth asked.
"Oh…I guess I have heard JJ call this little one his little sister that I have just went with it." She paused for a few seconds. She laughed at the couple's expressions. "I have no insider information. I was just going with JJ's line of thought."
"He is pretty insistent that he is getting a sister."
"That's very true. I will guess that he will have his answer sometime this evening."
Faith stood and nodded for Abagail to follow her. They walked out of the room and stood in the kitchen.
"She is doing well. I will say we should be busy in a couple of hours. Let's make sure Mrs. P has enough water boiling and clean towels."
"I've already checked twice. She had them ready before I check the first time. I would feel better if you checked."
Faith took Abagail's hand. She knew how close Elizabeth and Abagail are. Abagail was comforted by Faith's action.
"You know how this all goes. When it's time, Elizabeth will face it was strength."
"She will." Abagail nodded her head in agreement.
…
With ten fish on the stringer, the three guys decided to give up fishing. They agreed they had enough fish for dinner. Frank and Mr. P didn't hear any signal that it was ok for them to go back to the house. So, they agreed to go wading through the pond. Then that led to wading through the creek. Everyone took their boots off, and their pants' leg rolled up so they won't get wet.
Frank was all excited about catching more than the others. He caught six total. Now they were all turning over rocks in the creek looking for crawfish, frogs, and anything else that could live or hide out there.
Every so often, Frank and Mr. P would exchange looks. They knew their role for the day. They were performing their duty very well by keeping JJ busy. It was much easier when he finally realized that he needed to be out of the house. The exchanged looks always posed the same unasked question. Do you think all is going well? They each would nod their heads hoping all was well.
JJ brought his cupped hands out of the water. "Got him!"
"What do you have?"
"A frog!"
"Nice!" The two grownups walked toward him to take a peek. After all, they may have been grown men, but they still enjoyed the simple acts of being a boy.
"Oh! Mr. P stated as he quickly reached into the water. He pulled out a frog as well.
"You're the only one without anything."
"That's ok, JJ. I caught more fish."
"Yeah…yeah… Mr. P, I think we will hear about that forever."
JJ giggled when Frank reached for him and began to tickle his ribs. If JJ couldn't be with his mommy, this was the next place he would want to be with his Uncle Frank and Grandpa P.
…
"Faith! Jack shouted as he stuck his head out of his bedroom. "Somethings happening!"
Faith and Abagail quickly stood from the couch and walked toward the bedroom door. Mrs. P looked up from the kitchen counter and began to silently pray for God's help and protection.
"What's going on Elizabeth?" Faith asked as she stepped into the bedroom.
"I have this sudden urge to push." She breathed the words out. A new wave of pain was beginning to form. She could feel the buildup.
"Let me take a quick look."
Fath sat on the foot of the bed and performed a quick exam. It didn't take Faith long to see what she was expecting.
"Elizabeth…Jack…I hope you are ready to meet your little one very soon. You are ready to deliver. You will have a strong urge to push. When you do, please let me know. I will walk you through it. Abagail…"
"I'm on it." She stated as she walked out of the bedroom to grab a bowl of warm water, clean towels, the blanket, and the instruments of Faith's that Mrs. P had boiled in hot water and wrapped in a clean towel.
After just a few moments, Abagail made her way into the bedroom with everything she went after. Mrs. P helped carry some of the items in. She quickly kissed Elizabeth on the forehead. She told her she loved her and then kissed Jack on top of his head. She left just as quickly.
"Alright Elizabeth. On the next labor pain, let me know. Jack. When she nods her head, count to ten. Elizabeth, I want you to push when he is counting. When he is finished, stop pushing. Now, I'm going to be here. Listen to my instructions."
Elizabeth nodded her head.
"Sweetheart…you have this! You can do this! I'm here for you!" Jack squeezed his wife's hand. She nodded at his encouragement.
"Here we go Faith." Elizabeth gasped.
Jack leaned in. He couldn't do this for Elizabeth. He would if he could. He wasn't going to waste his time on something he couldn't do. Therefore, he was going to give Elizabeth all the strength he could. He kissed her on the cheek before he began to count.
"One…two…three…four…"
As he continued to count, Elizabeth began to push. She gritted her teeth as she focused on Jack. The pain and intensity were written all over her face.
"…nine…ten…" Jack let out a long, deep breath that mimicked Elizabeth's action. They kept eye contact throughout the countdown process. "You, ok?" He whispered.
Elizabeth gave him a weak smile and nodded her head.
"What can I do for you?"
"You're here with me…you're doing it. I love you, Jack."
"I love you."
"That was really good Elizabeth. It won't be much longer."
"I'm so proud of you. You must be the strongest person I know."
"You just love me." She began until the next wave of pain began. "It's coming much faster." She stopped as she clinched her teeth. While she spoke, she didn't break eye contact with Jack.
"You are doing great sweetheart. Breath…breath…" He reminded her. She lost her ability to speak. She simply nodded her head.
"Come on sweetheart…it's time to count."
"Push Elizabeth." Faith stated. "It won't be much longer."
"One…two…three…"
As Jack began to count, Elizabeth refocused her whole attention on her husband. He was leaning toward her. They were almost touching noses. Their eyes never left each other. She was so thankful for Jack. He was her rock. She knew men didn't stay during the delivery, but she couldn't imagine Jack not being there for her. His holding her hand, his caressing her hand, their intense focus on each other gave her the ability to endure this process.
For some odd reason, her and Jack's entire history flashed through Elizabeth's mind. From her first days in Coal Valley to Jack's arrival a few days later. Their first few, frustrating, meetings. Now, she admits to instant feelings for him, but never confessing to it. The awful issue with Billy Hamilton to her and Jack's dancing around each other trying to figure out their true feelings. Their first trip to Hamilton played prominently in her memory and then her return trip to Coal Valley. The new church and school building Jack built for her made her smile. When she remembered their initials in the corners of the church, it momentarily dismissed the labor pains she was having. Elizabeth remembered her almost impossible task of earning Jack's trust again. She remembered her little brown headed boy whom she loved with all of her heart.
"Are you ok?" Jack asked after he finished counting. Elizabeth had a far away look. She was still looking at him, but it was like she wasn't seeing him. She was looking through him. "Bella." Jack whispered as he looked deeper into her eyes.
"Jack. I'm ready to meet my baby."
"Our baby."
"I want to meet our baby."
"Elizabeth, she's crowning. One more good push and you will have the opportunity to meet your baby. She'll be in your arms.
"Come on Jack…we need to do this."
"I'll follow you to the end of the earth, Elizabeth."
"Faith…"
"I'm here, Elizabeth." Faith turned her attention to Abagail.
"I'm ready." Abagail stated.
When the next wave of labor pain began, Elizabeth face didn't scrunch up as much as before. Oh, the pain was most certainly the same, but Elizabeth was different. Jack could only smile at his wife's determined face. He knew that expression very well.
Elizabeth slightly moved closer to Jack as she possibly could. He closed the distance and gently kissed her lips. "It's time, Jack."
With one last push, time stood still.
"Oh Elizbeth, the baby has your hair." Abagail stated in awe.
Before anyone knew it, Faith asked Abagail for the pair of clean scissors. Faith accepted the scissors and cut the umbilical cord. She accepted the towel from Abagail and quickly cleaned the baby off. Elizabeth cried when she heard her baby's first cry. Jack reached up to wipe away her tears. Elizabeth looked up when Faith stood. That's when she noticed Faith holding her baby. As she opened her arms, Faith laid the baby on Elizabeth's chest.
Elizabeth's arms wrapped around the baby and began to soothe her crying child. The baby instantly quit crying when it was in her mother's arms. Jack placed his hand on the baby's back and began to lightly rub it.
"Faith…" Jack and Elizabeth stated at the same time.
"It's a little girl." She whispered.
"Not a word until we see JJ first." Jack stated.
"I'll get him." Abagail stated as she began to walk out of the room.
When Abagail closed the bedroom door, she was surprised to see the people in the living room. They all congregated there when they heard the baby's cry.
"Abagail…?" Asked Mrs. P.
"The want to tell JJ first."
"Of course," Mrs. P stated as the group watched Abagail walk to the front door. She picked up two pots that were at the door. She stepped onto the front porch and began to beat the pots together.
…
When JJ heard the pots clanging together, he immediately stopped and looked toward the house. When he heard it the second time, he knew exactly what it meant. Without realizing what he was doing, he took his shirt off and began running toward the house. Frank and Mr. P laughed at his antics. Frank bent down and picked up JJ's shirt.
"We did that all the time acting silly when we chopped wood." He told Mr. P who was looking on the situation shocked.
JJ ran to the house as fast as he could. He jumped the stairs and ran into the house. He stopped and looked at everyone in the living room.
"Well?" He asked out of breath.
"Come here son. You'll be the first to know." Jack stated as he was standing in the door to the bedroom.
Instead of running, he slowly walked to the bedroom door. He instinctively knew he needed to be quiet. When JJ walked into the room, he stopped to take in the sight before him. Jack closed the bedroom door.
"Mommy." He softly stated. Elizabeth was laying on the bed with a baby laying on her chest. He thought it was the most beautiful sight he had ever seen.
"Come here son." Elizabeth stated as she moved the baby to her left side. She opened her right arm for JJ to lay down with them.
JJ slowly settled into the bed. Jack settled beside them when he sat down on the side of the bed.
"JJ, this is your sister." Elizabeth whispered.
JJ moved his arm until he was hugging his little sister and mommy.
"Hey sister. I'm JJ. I'm your older brother. I love you."
As he spoke, the little girl moved her head to look in his direction.
"Mommy…she looks just like you. She's gorgeous." JJ lifted a finger and gently touched the baby's cheek. "Hey baby sister…" JJ stated as he tried to get a little closer to her. "…from now on…it's you and me. We're a team."
Jack and Elizabeth made eye contact after tearing their attention away from their children. There was no doubt that JJ would be a wonderful big brother. Their smiles told each other everything they needed to know. Their lives were completely full. In this moment, they wouldn't change anything. Elizabeth nodded her head toward her husband.
"Hey JJ…why don't I take your little sister and introduce her to everyone in the living room." He paused when JJ nodded his head. "Why don't you stay here with mommy. She may need you."
JJ smiled at the thought. Then he scooted closer to his mommy. Jack kissed his little boy's forehead and then picked up his little girl. She fused for just a moment at the lost contact. She quickly settled into her father's chest and calmed down.
"Come on princess…you need to meet some very important people. You will grow to love them very much."
Elizabeth and JJ watched Jack and the baby walk out of the bedroom. He gently closed the bedroom door as he turned around to face everyone in the living room.
"Mommy…are you really ok?"
Elizabeth gently pulled her little boy into her arms. He rested his head against her shoulder and chest.
"I'm a little sore and tired, but I am just fine. I'll be fine in just a little while."
"I'm glad, mommy." He snuggled in even further. "I love you, mommy."
"I love you, my little boy."
After a few seconds, Elizabeth felt JJ's body relax. A few moments later, she heard his soft, steady breathing. She knew he fell asleep. She closed her eyes as she laid her cheek on the top of his head. In that moment, she thanked God for all the blessings in her life.
…
Jack closed the bedroom door and turned to face everyone. Abagail, Mrs. P, and Faith were standing in front. Mr. P and Frank were standing just behind them. Jack gently pulled down the small sheet away from his baby girl's face.
"May I introduce to you…Abagail Elizabeth Grace Thornton." He paused slightly after each name. "We're going to call her Abby."
Abagail clinched her hands in front of her chest. Tears began to flow down her cheeks. Frank put his hand on her shoulder and gently squeezed it.
"Abby." Abagail whispered in a tone full of love.
