Chapter 105

William and Grace was looking out the stagecoach's window together. Grace was admiring the view of the mountains that she considers her mountains. They received word that Elizabeth gave birth to their second grandchild just two days ago. Traveling out west was slowed down due to weather. Honestly, if they could have been in Hope Valley in two hours it would have been too long. Grace was very eager to meet the granddaughter that carried her name. During their last stop, Grace call to check in on her daughter. That was the first time she heard her granddaughter. She was crying. It was time for her to eat. All Grace would think of was that she heard her grandbaby for the first time. It was one of the greatest sounds she had ever heard. She loved her children, even more so lately. However, there was just something different with a grandbaby.

"Gracie, are you ok"

"Oh…" Grace shook her head for a moment. William's voice broke her from her thoughts.

He smiled at his wife. He knew what was on her mind.

"Are you excited to meet your newest grandbaby?"

"I am. Elizabeth was sharing with me on the phone that JJ was the perfect big brother."

William laughed. "That is very easy to see."

"Elizabeth said she was doing well…just tired and a little sore."

"That's good."

"Gracie, you are a perfect grandmother."

"JJ makes it very easy. I'm assuming Grace will as well."

"I thought you said the kids were calling her Abby?"

"They are…" Grace sassed. "…but my granddaughter will be Grace." Her voice was determined. Just like her grandmother's smile. From the first time she heard her cry, Grace was in love. Between JJ and the little baby, her heart was completely full with grandbabies. And with William sitting beside her holding her hand, Grace's life was beyond what she could have ever dreamt of.

…

The first couple of days of Abby's presence had been mostly good. The first night she slept well. She did wake up every three hours to eat. Elizabeth was tired, but she was full of excitement. Jack thought that her pure joy of holding her daughter propelled her through the first night. Between Abagail, Mrs. P, and Faith, there were plenty of ladies to help out. No one left until the following afternoon. Abby's second night was good, just not as good as the first night. Her feeding at two in the morning didn't go well. Jack was grateful the feeding before and after went really well.

Jack and Elizabeth were trying to figure out how to handle a newborn. Their experience was handling a little older JJ. He was five when he came to them. He's six now. As much as they loved their daughter, they thought their son loved his little sister even more.

Early the second morning, Jack woke up to an empty bedroom. Elizabeth's side of the bed was empty and cold and so was the bassinet. This surprised him a little. He was a light sleeper. He didn't hear the baby or his wife when they woke up. He grabbed his robe and slowly made his way to the living room or maybe kitchen. He just had to find his wife and baby.

As he stepped out of the bedroom, he didn't notice his wife or his baby anywhere. He looked out the window and noticed that it was still early. While it was too early for Abby to have a schedule, it was too early for her to be up compared to yesterday. With the empty rooms, his curiosity was piqued. The house was silent. He checked the front and back porch. Without finding them, he went to the small deck off of his bedroom. Elizabeth and the baby weren't there either. "Where are they?" He asked himself as he walked out of the bedroom again. Jack quickly looked into Elizabeth's library and didn't find her there either. He turned around in the living room looking for another option to where two thirds of his family could be. He knew it would be too early for his boy to be awake. With all other options out of the question, he turned to the only place he could think of in the house…upstairs.

Jack slowly climbed the stairs. Just before he reached the top step, he noticed his wife leaning against the door frame of their son's room. She was perfectly still. She wasn't moving an inch. Jack slowly approached her and placed a soft hand on her shoulder. He didn't want to scare her. She slightly leaned into his touch, but never moving from the door frame. He stepped beside her and followed her gaze. That's when he noticed what she was looking at.

JJ was laying on his bed. Abby was laying on her back beside him with her head turned so her eyes were focused on her older brother's face and voice.

"Alright Little Sis…I'm your older brother. Everyone calls me JJ. That means we are a team. It's you and me. It's not so much that we are against mommy and daddy. However, we need to work together as a team. Mommy has this scary teacher stare. She's pretty good at it. But I learned it looks scarier than it really is. All I do is smile at her, tilt my head to the right a little, and give her big sad eyes." He leaned in a little closer as he spoke in a soft voice. "It works every time." He continued to gently rub her tummy as she kicked her legs a little. "Now…daddy doesn't have a scary teacher's face. He has this mountie's face. It's just like mommy's expression, but he's a big marshmallow. The same look works on him as it does mommy."

Jack and Elizabeth covered their mouths trying to keep from laughing. They didn't want to interrupt brother and sister time. Abby seemed to be very content with her older brother. Jack leaned in and whispered to his wife.

"How?" He nodded toward his little ones.

"I have no idea." Elizabeth spoke softly. "I woke up and the bassinet was empty. Let's just say I was a little panicked. I looked up and noticed JJ walking through the living room. I grabbed my robe and went to the living room. I saw him as he climbed the steps. I followed him up and he was laying down with her in his bed."

Jack and Elizabeth could only smile at the story and the sight in front of them. JJ was being a great big brother.

"Now, I learned early on with mommy and daddy. When you are in trouble, the best thing to do is be honest. They like that. You will still be in trouble, but not as much. That's a good lesson to learn.

"You're going to love Grandma and Grandpa Thatcher. He's softening up some. I have grown to really love him. He did some bad things, but he has overcome them. Honestly, I don't even think about those bad things anymore. Grandma Thatcher…" He paused for a moment. "I really love her. She is just special. You'll love her too.

"Now, Grandma P and Grandpa P are special too. They have known mommy since she was born. She makes great chocolate chip cookies too. They are special and will just love you as much as they love me. You'll love them too. Mrs. P will love you and make you feel special. Mr. P too, but he has this way of making you think and showing you things in a way that helps you understand. They are wonderful.

"Uncle Frank is very nice. He's great to be around. He loves to fish. He's a very smart man. When he tells you something, you need to pay attention to what he says. Auntie Abagail is a very special auntie. You're named after her. She makes great chocolate chip cookies too. Only mommy's cookies are better. Auntie Abagail spoiled me the first time I met her. I know she'll do the same with you. You will want to spend as much time with them as possible.

"Now, mommy and daddy will teach you right and wrong just like they are doing with me. They work hard. Daddy is the sheriff. He isn't afraid of anything. Mommy is the teacher in school. She's probably the nicest and smartest person you'll meet. They are the best. We may need to work on them to get things that we will want, like a dog or another horse."

As JJ continued to speak to his sister, Jack lowered his hand from Elizabeth's shoulder and reached for her hand. He interlaced his fingers with hers and gently tugged her hand.

"Come on…I'll get you a cup of tea and start breakfast."

Elizabeth hesitantly allowed herself to be pulled away. She didn't want to miss the conversation between her children. She loved spying on her two children. She didn't want to miss the talk or the scene of her two children in front of her.

"But Jack…" She whined a little. She wasn't too happy with her husband at the moment.

"Come on Bella." He tugged on her hand again. "That's a brother and sister conversation." He nodded and whispered toward JJ's bedroom. "That doesn't include us."

"In a few years we're going to be in trouble, aren't we?" She smiled at the thought of her two children teaming up against her and Jack.

"Probably more than you think." He shook his head. "I don't think they will tie us up or anything, but we will have to keep on our toes."

Elizabeth chuckled at the sight of her two kids planning and scheming to do what they want.

"As long as he doesn't teach her his love of anything in the pond."

…

Elizabeth had just finished feeding Abby when there was a knock on the door. Jack answered it to a smiling Abagail and Mrs. P. He was a little surprised it took the ladies this long to come for a visit.

"Come in." Jack stepped back from the door. Elizabeth was sitting at the table with her cup of tea. They were enjoying leisure conversation. The ladies attention went directly to Elizabeth and the baby.

"Hey you two." Elizabeth stated as she stood up to hug Abagail and Mrs. P. "What have you two out so early?"

"To check on you." Mrs. P stated.

"You need to rest. We're here to help in any way we can." Abagail stated after her hug.

"I'm good. Slowly healing."

"And how is Abby?" Abagail stated with a little bit of pride in her voice. She still couldn't get over the fact that Elizabeth named her baby after her.

"Doing well."

"And how is JJ?"

"He is doing really well. He is taking up the role of big brother to its fullest."

"I'm fine ladies." Jack stated as he walked to the stove. They haven't even acknowledged him yet.

Abagail and Mrs. P laughed as they stepped into the home. They glanced toward Jack and said hello to them. Before she knew it, JJ was wrapped around Abagail's waist.

"Hey young man. How are you?"

"I'm good."

"I hear you are being a great big brother."

"You know it." He stated as he let go of his aunt and turned his attention toward Mrs. P. "Good morning."

"Good morning, young man."

"Come on…let me introduce you to my little sister."

JJ took both ladies' hands and escorted them to the small couch where Elizabeth was sitting holding his baby sister.

"Little Sis, this is Auntie Abagail and Grandma P. Remember…I told you about them earlier. Little Sis, this is Auntie Abagail and Grandma P." The ladies smiled at JJ's name for his sister.

"May I?"

"Sure Auntie Abagail." Elizabeth stated as she extended her arms to give the baby to her best friend.

"After a little while, I'll give her up to you." Abagail stated toward Mrs. P. Abagail's eyes were beginning to water a little. She turned her attention toward the baby.

"Oh little one…you are so gorgeous. You look like your mommy."

"Except for the dimples. Those are all Jack's."

"I see." Abagail stated as she sat down beside Elizabeth. She was already completely in love with the little one.

"While you love on her, I'll begin making lunch."

"Mrs. P, we just had breakfast." Jack stated as he stepped in the living room from the kitchen.

"I'll begin a stew for later and have sandwiches to go with it."

Jack stepped in front of her and reached for her hand. "Mrs. P…you are not a hired employee. You do not work for us. You are our children's grandma. Why don't you sit down with the ladies and marvel over our beautiful little girl. JJ and I are going to the pond for a little while."
Jack looked up to a smiling Elizabeth. She was encouraged hy his statements. She felt the same way.

"You are involved in this child's life as a grandma, not as a baby sitter or house help." Elizabeth reaffirmed her husband's words when Mrs. P sat on her left side opposite Abagail.

"I know. I guess old habits are hard to break."

"Maybe so, but you are not our hired help. Now, when I go back to teaching, you will care for our child, your grandchild. You already made me promise not to pay you."

"And I still hold to that thought. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your family."

"I'm not allowing you…Mrs. P, you are family. Period."

"I agree." Jack echoed the thought.

Mrs. P nodded her head. She was grateful to be part of this family. She was also looking forward to keeping the baby when Elizabeth goes back to teaching.

"Hey Abby." Abagail gently ran her finger down the baby's cheek. "You're such a cutie." Abagail laughed. "Wait…did you see that? She smiled!"

"Abagail, she's two days old, she can't smile." Elizabeth sassed as she shook her head.

"Oh dear…you are going to be so loved." Mrs. P stated.

…

Grace held onto William's hand as she stepped down from the stagecoach. They both smiled as they looked over the town. Their last visit the town was covered in snow. This time, the sun was beaming down and showing the brilliance of the town. Hope Valley was still small, but it was still beautiful. They turned their heads when they heard a familiar voice.

"Good evening, Frank."

"Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher. It's great to see you again."

"You too."

"Are you ready to go and see the newest Thornton?"

"Absolutely!" The older couple stated with excitement.

"Let's get you two loaded with your trunks. I know they are eager to see you."

In no time, Frank and William loaded the wagon and they were on their way to the Thornton home. As they approached the home, they noticed Jack and JJ fishing at the pond.

"Grandma! Grandpa!" JJ yelled as he dropped his fishing pole and ran toward the wagon.

"There's my grandson!" Grace yelled back.

William laughed. He thought that was the first time he could remember his wife yelling. She remained seated on the bench beside Frank. However, she did open her arms for her grandson. Frank stopped the wagon and waited for JJ. He climbed onto the wagon and straight into his grandma's arms.

"How's my grandson?"

"I've missed you!"

"I"ve missed you!" Grace stated.

After Grace's hug, JJ turned his attention to William. William hugged him and repeated Grace's phrase.

"Are you ready to go and meet Little Sis?"

"Little Sis?" William asked.

"Yes, my little sister. She's cute, but all she does is lay there. She isn't so much fun yet, but mommy said that will change in time."

"Your mommy is correct. Will you introduce William and I to her?"

"Let's go, Uncle Frank!" JJ pointed to the house.

Jack waved Frank on. He had to get JJ's fishing pole and the small tackle box of fishing supplies.

Frank helped everyone off the wagon. He instructed William and Grace to go ahead. He would take care of the trunks.

JJ took their hands and escorted them to the front door. He slowly opened the door and quietly walked in the home. The three ladies and the baby were still on the couch. Elizabeth had just changed little Abby.

"Mother! Father!" Elizabeth stated as she stood. Grandma P was holding Abby.

After hugs and cheek kisses, JJ stepped in. He took the baby from Grandma P.

"Little Sis, this is Grandma and Grandpa Thatcher. I've told you about them. Grandma and Grandpa Thatcher, this is my little sister."

"Grace." Grace whispered.

Elizabeth leaned over to Abagail. "Between 'Little Sis', 'Abby', and 'Grace', my little one won't know her real name." Both ladies chuckled.

"Oh cutie." Grace stated as she reached for the baby. JJ extended his little sister so grandma can pick her up.

Grace immediately brought the baby to her chest and snuggled her into her shoulder and neck. "Oh William…she smells heavenly."

"Come on, Grandma P, let's allow them to bond with the baby."

"I'm with you, Abagail."

"Grandma P…that's the perfect name for you. I would love to have you involved with Grace's life in whatever way Jack and Elizabeth wishes."

"Thank you, Mrs. Thatcher."

"Please call me Grace."

"I'll try Mrs. Thatcher." Mrs. P smiled.

Mrs. P was a little concerned how Mrs. Thatcher would react to her with the title concerning Abby. She didn't want to step on her old boss' toes, but she did love the new name.

William, Grace, Elizabeth, and Abby spent a few minutes on the couch. Grace reluctly gave up the baby to William after a little while. She was just smitten and didn't want to give up the little one. Her heart was settled when JJ came and sat on her lap. Grace wrapped her hands around him and held on tight. He sat on her lap just like he used to with his mommy. He was hoping to sit on Elizabeth's lap soon, but he had to wait until she was healed. He missed that time with his mommy.

…

Much to Abagail's annoyance, Abby took to her husband. While she did well with everyone holding her, she was especially comfortable with Frank. Outside of Jack, Elizabeth, and JJ, Abby was most comfortable with Frank. If Abagail didn't know better, she could have sworn that she saw Abby smiling at Frank. He most certainly made sure Abagail, and everyone else, knew it.

"Pastor, I believe you need to preach a sermon on pride." Abagail sassed her husband.

"Did you hear that Abby?" He playfully rubbed his nose against the little one's cheek. "I think someone is jealous." He laughed when the baby grabbed ahold of his beard.

"That man…" Abagail spoke with a growing smile. She could easily see her husband holding their baby. He was a natural with Abby. To her, he never looked any better than holding the baby. Her smile only grew when she remembered she didn't have much longer before she could see him with their baby. She instinctively rubber her ever growing tummy.

"Why is it so sexy to see your husband holding a baby?" Elizabeth whispered as she sat down beside her best friend.

"Elizabeth!" Abagail gasped.

"Jack has always been handsome to me. But…" She gazed at her husband. Abagail giggled when Elizabeth bit her bottom lip. "…seeing him holding Abby or JJ…" Her voice trailed off.

"You know…I overheard him saying the same thing to Frank earlier."

"I doubt it. Look at me. I just gave birth a couple of days ago."

"Frank said Jack told him that when you are feeding Abby and you caress her cheek with your finger, that you are the most beautiful thing in this entire world."

"He didn't." Elizabeth gazed at her husband who was across the room.

"He said you being a mother is beyond description."

"We have it bad, don't we?" Giggled Elizabeth.

Both ladies laughed as they kept their eyes on their husbands.

…

JJ insisted on sitting on the edge of the couch closest to Abby. She was laying in a bassinet by the end of the couch. She was happily looking at her big brother. After a full day of being held, JJ demanded his little sister have some time just resting in her bassinet. Everyone thought he must have been right since she was resting so comfortably. As a two day old, there was no way that Abby could be so connected with anyone. However, that was what everyone saw when they watched JJ and Abby together. Those two just were just connected.

As the sun was flirting with the mountains, everyone else decided to head home. First to go was Frank and Abagail. They said their goodbyes and left for their home. Mrs. P and Mr. P decided they needed to allow the Thorntons and the Thatchers have their time together. While JJ said goodbye and hugged everyone, he didn't leave his sister's side.

William and Grace sat alongside Jack and Elizabeth at the dining room table. They were far enough away from the little ones to give them their space, but they were close enough to keep an eye on them too.

"JJ seems to be adapting to the big brother role very well."

Elizabeth laughed at her mother's words. She spent a few minutes sharing what JJ did this morning.

"He just waltzed into your room and took Grace upstairs to his room?" Grace asked a little surprised.

"Yes mother. He stole Abby. Why do you call her Grace?"

"It's her name, isn't it?" She playfully sassed as she cut her eyes to her husband.

"Oh, you should have heard her on the way here." William chuckled as he shook his head at the memories. "She was adamant since you called the baby after her that she was doing to use that name."

"William!" Exclaimed Grace as she playfully smacked his forearm.

"Am I wrong Gracie?"

"Well…Grace likes her name." She defended herself.

"Call her what you wish, but she'll forever be known as Little Sis." JJ called out without ever taking his attention away from his sister.

Elizabeth and Jack couldn't help but smile at the banter. Their home was full of love and fun conversations. Their lives were just the way they wanted it. Elizabeth leaned back in her chair and stared intently at her husband. He mirrored her body posture. They both raised their glass of tea with a knowing smile toward each other. They both mouthed the words 'thank you'.

…

The next six days were days of adjustment for everyone. Faith came by on day four and proclaimed Abby was is perfect health. After day three, she finally began to gain some weight. While it wasn't much, it was enough for Faith's mind to be at rest.

Abby's eating has settled into a good routine. While Elizabeth was the only one who could feed the little one, Jack was as helpful as he could be. He had gone back to work on day four. Abagail insisted for him to take a few days off to be with his wife and family. Mrs. P would come during the day to help Elizabeth with her two little ones. For Mrs. P, she was on cloud nine being with the Thronton family during the day. She always left not long after Jack was home from work. She wanted to help, but she didn't want to get in the way.

William and Grace stayed for about a week. His probation officer just asked that William would call if he was going to stay longer than that. They enjoyed spending time with the family. JJ was his adorable self and only drew his grandparents in further than before. Abby was her cute little self even though she just ate and slept most of the time. Grace did enjoy her time with Elizabeth.

JJ was an attentive older brother. He would help each day with whatever Elizabeth or Grandma P asked him to do. They also made sure he was a little boy and enjoy himself. Each morning JJ created the routine of going into his parent's room before they woke up and pick up his little sister. He would always take her to his bedroom and lay down with her on his bed. Sometimes she would wake up and other times she would sleep through the whole thing. If she feel asleep or stayed asleep, he would fall asleep as well. If his little sister would wake up, he would just stay with her and chat. He kept a couple of books he would read to her.

"Are you ok today?" Jack asked. He walked up behind his wife and wrapped his arms around her. She was standing in front of the mirror putting the finishing touches on her hair and straightening out her blouse and dress.

"Yes."

Jack looked at her reflection in the mirror. He studied her face for a couple of seconds. "Would you like to answer that question again?"

"I don't know how to say what I'm feeling without sounding ungrateful."

"You are speaking with your husband in the privacy of our bedroom, Elizabeth. You may say anything without judgement from me."

Elizabeth took a deep breath and gathered her words before she spoke.

"I have loved having mother and father here. I feel like I have gotten to know them more on this trip." Jack began to say something, but he had a feeling his wife needed to spill her heart all at once. "But…I know this sounds bad but I'm ready for them to go home."

Jack nodded his head. "Yeah…I understand."

"You do?" She studied his reflection in the mirror.

"They have been very helpful, especially since I went back to work. I'm just ready for us to be us."

"Exactly. I am ready for it to be just us. I know Mrs. P comes during the day. I'm going to ask if she would cut back her visits to an hour or two. I want to take care of my babies myself. I know I will need her assistance when I go back to teaching, but for now I want to be a mother."

"I think that's a great way of saying it. I agree. They have been very helpful. I just want to find our normal."

"Is it bad of me wanting them to go home?"

"No sweetheart, it isn't bad of you. You just want to find your way in our new family."

"I'll miss them." She whispered.

"Yes, me too. Funny isn't it? How can you feel sadness for them leaving; yet, happy they are leaving as well?"

Elizabeth didn't say anything. She only nodded her head in agreement.

"Plus, we will be traveling to Hamilton in a few months. It's time we go to the offices."

"Jack, have you thought any more about someone to replace Jerry? I hate that he is retiring but I understand it."

"Me too. I have given it some thought. Have you?"

"Yes. I'm not sure if they will take it, but I have someone in mind."

"Let's talk about it tonight after dinner when the babies are asleep."

"You better not let JJ hear you call him a baby. He'll be upset with you." She warned him.

"I know. He's doing a great job with Abby."

"I just wish he wouldn't kidnap her during the early morning hours."

Jack laughed. "He really enjoys that time with her. So, are you ready to take your parents to the stagecoach?"

"Yes!" Her excitement came through.

"Just don't be so excited when you tell them goodbye."

Elizabeth's face turned a little red with embarrassment.

"I know. I will miss them and I really did enjoy having them here for a few days, but…"

"I understand."

Jack really did understand. He loved that they were there to help. Grace was particularly helpful with Abby. While Elizabeth would concentrate on the baby, Grace helped with washing Abby's and JJ's clothes. She helped Mrs. P with lunch and straightening the home. The older ladies would watch Abby for a little while to give Elizabeth an opportunity to rest for an hour during the afternoon. Even with all of that gratitude, Elizabeth was still happy with getting her house back to just her immediate family.

…

"You're not going up this morning?"

Mrs. P sighed. "I really want to, but I need to take a step back."

Mr. P nodded his head. They have spoke about it last night. Mrs. P wanted to be an asset to Elizabeth. She loved being needed and being helpful to her Bethie. She loved the fact that she was helping her favorite Thatcher daughter with her children, but she also knew Elizabeth wanted to be a mom. Mrs. P didn't want to take over, she just wanted to be helpful.

"I'll go before they take Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher to the stagecoach."

"I'll go and see if I can help with the trunks."

"Old man, I want to be helpful, but I feel that Elizabeth wants some time with just her and her babies."

"I agree. You have been very helpful and will continue to be. Just follow her lead. She'll let you know what she needs and when she needs it. Just do what you are doing. You've been a godsent for them."

…

Elizabeth stood on the stagecoach platform holding her father as tears flowed down her cheeks. As much as she wanted her home just to themselves, she was still going to miss her parents. She held on a little tighter when she felt he was going to release the hug. Grace was standing to the side holding little Grace. She just didn't want to let her go. She had already hugged JJ. He thought he was going to pass out because the hug was so tight and lasted so long that he couldn't breathe.

William finally released his hold on his daughter. He took Abby from his wife. Elizabeth found herself wrapped tightly in her mother's arms.

"Oh, my sweet girl…you are the perfect mother."

Elizabeth wanted to say something, but her tongue just wasn't working. She only held on tighter.

"Now, you be good for your mother and father." William stated just before he kissed his granddaughter's cheek. He eventually passed her to Mrs. P and turned all his attention to his grandson. "Now, you are the picture perfect older brother. You continue to love and teach your little sister. And be good for your parents."

"I will, Grandpa." JJ hugged him. William picked him up and squeezed him to his chest.

"I love you, JJ."

"I love you, Grandpa."

"You make sure you take care of yourself."

"I will mother."

"I'm sorry we were such a burden to you. We just wanted to help you out a little. Getting adjusted to a little one is hard at times in the beginning."

"You wasn't a burden." Elizabeth shook her head.

"I love the fact that you are an awful liar. You always have been." Grace chuckled as Elizabeth wiped away tears.

Jack, Elizabeth, JJ, a sleeping Abby, and Mrs. P stood and watched the stagecoach pull away from the platform. Grace had her head out the window waving and blowing kisses. Elizabeth could never remember her distinguished mother ever doing anything like that. She felt Jack's arm fish its way around her back. He pulled her closer to him.

"Why don't we go by Auntie Abagail's for a snack and a cup of tea?"

"Chocolate chip cookies!" JJ yelled as he began to run toward Auntie Abagail's café.

Jack laughed as Elizabeth shook her head.

"I have been so busy before and since Abby's birth, that I haven't made any chocolate chip cookies in a good while. I need to stop by the mercantile to pick up some things so I can make my son his favorite snack."

"At least Mr. Yost should have an abundance of chocolate chips on hand." Mrs. P teased with a light giggle.

"Hey, my son loves my recipe."

"So do I." Jack nudged her shoulder.