Sorry for such a long time. I've been busy taking care of my husband. I've noticed that there aren't very many reading anymore. That's ok. I will continue to write and update as I can. Please read and review. I'm working on a chapter in To My Surprise also. As soon as I double and triple-read it and make the correlations made, I will be updating it as well.
Chapter 34
Could It Be Twins
Thanksgiving has come and gone. Preparations have started for the trip to Hamilton for Tom and Julie's wedding and Jarrick's first Christmas with the Thatcher family. They were to leave in two weeks. She had decided to give the children a few extra days for their Christmas break so they could leave early enough for Hamilton. Instead of getting out on the twentieth she would let them out on the seventeenth
Elizabeth had decided to have a Christmas party with the children on the last day of school before they're Christmas break. She told them that they were going to have a secret Santa gift exchange. She explained to them what it was. The children were excited. I don't want anyone to buy the gift. I want you to make them. It can be a picture, or a poem, or anything you want to make.
We will put the wrapped gifts under our tree that I will get Mountie Jack to get for us tomorrow. You have two weeks to come up with something. If you need any help don't hesitate to come to me and ask for help. I'm certain that between the two of us, we can come up with a gift idea. The girls will make something for a girl and the boys will make something for a boy. We will also have punch and snacks that day. I have a note for all the parents telling them about the gift exchange. So they may be able to help you as well. Ok children, you are dismissed!
That evening Elizabeth asked, hey hon, will you be able to get the school a tree this weekend? Sure Bella, what size are you looking for? Just one to fit in the corner. The children are working on decorations for it. Ok I'll get it Saturday morning, he said. Thanks hon, you are the best she said as she bent down and kissed him a little more than a peck. He moans and says, with a kiss like that Bella I truly would do anything you asked! She looked him in the eyes and said, good to know Sargent! She started to walk away but he caught her and pulled her down to his lap. He wrapped his arms around her as she squealed. Don't think you can walk away after a kiss like that Mrs. Thornton! You know what it does to me! I do in fact Sarg! Oh you do, do you? So that was just a ploy to get me to go out and get you a tree? She laughed and replied, not really, just wanted to get your attention! Oh, you have my undivided attention, he smiles and says! They stood and turned the lanterns down and he followed her to their bedroom. After a night of coming together they collapsed into each other's arms and fell asleep.
That weekend Jack got the school they're tree and got it set up in the corner where Elizabeth wanted it. The children are going to love this, she said! Thanks hon, she kisses him just like she had the other night! He leans back and asks, take a ride with me? What is the purpose of this ride may I ask? Oh you will definitely find out! Meet me at the barn in ten minutes! He was out the door before she could say anything. She chuckles and whispers to herself, oooh hon, you think you are so sly, don't you! She went home and changed into her riding clothes. Ma we are going for a ride, will you keep an eye on your grandson for a bit? She smirks but never looks up and says, sure Lizzy! Take your time, I've got this covered.
Jack was just coming out of the barn with Sargent and Lady, saddled and ready to go. She climbs up on Lady and asks, where are we riding to? You will see Bella! Before he could get up into the saddle on Sargent, she kicked Lady into a dead run! She laughed at him. Jack jumped up into the saddle and kicked Sargent into a dead run. He hollers to her and says, you don't play fair Mrs. Thornton! Charlotte was standing at the window watching, she whispered, you two are perfect together!
Elizabeth was in the lead so she decided to go to their waterfall. She pulls Lady up to a walk as Sargent comes up beside her. Mrs. Thornton how did you know this was where I was bringing you? Hon, you always bring me here to be alone, she chuckles! He leans over and kisses her and says, oooh you know me so well Bella! She says, I see you brought the tent with you and I have the blankets! Yes we do. He stepped off Sargent and got the tent up in record time.
She walked down to the edge of the water and sighed at the calmness the waterfall brought to her. She wrapped her arms around her waist just taking it all in when he walks up behind her and asked, a penny for your thoughts! You may have them for free, hon! I was just enjoying the tranquility and calmness here! Yes it is very calm here! God definitely knew what He was doing when He put this here! She turned to kiss him and asked, promise me that we will never lose sight of us? Bella, every day I fall in love with you again, and again! You are the light of my life! No matter what we are doing or where we are at, I will never lose sight of us!
She asked, no matter how many children we have? Bella, we could have, he stopped talking….Be..ll..a..are..we..hav..ing..an..oth..er..ba..by? With tears that had not spilled over her lids, she smiled and said, yes hon, we are! Are you happy, hon? Oooh Bella, I couldn't be more happy than I am right now! When are you due? August or September the best I can tell. I need to go see the doctor to confirm.
He lead her to the tent, laid her on the blankets. He made love to her until they were both out of breath and couldn't hold back any longer. He collapsed beside her and held her and said, I hope this one is a girl just like her mother! So Bella, how far along are you guessing? I'm guessing no more than a month. I missed my monthly this month. I'm hoping I can get through Christmas before morning sickness sets in. He holds her and says, I hope you have non like with Jarrick. Hon, I don't want to tell anyone yet, okay? Sure Bella, just let me know when!
The children decorated the tree and had all the gifts under it. There would be no school work today. The mother's would bring snacks at lunch. The children spent the morning making snowflakes to take home. Thirty minutes before lunch she gets the children's attention. Ok let's clean up and we will open our gifts then we'll have lunch before I dismiss half a day!
Ok, so the purpose of secret Santa is that you don't know where it comes from. Youngest to oldest will come up and get a present for your gender. Don't open your presents until everyone has one, is that understood? Yes ma'am they all said. Everyone got their present and went back to their seat. Ok open them now!
The children all opened them and was excited for what they had received! Everyone said thank you to whoever! Elizabeth said, okay I want everyone to come get a candy cane from the tree. That is from Mountie Jack and I!
There was a knock at the door and they came in. The mother's had brought finger sandwiches, cookies and Christmas punch! The mother's all walked around helping to hand out the goodies! As the children ate and talked Elizabeth stood at the front with the mother's munching on a sandwich. She was so happy for all her students!
After the children were dismissed Lydia helped put the room back in order for church for the rest of the year. They took all the decorations off the tree and put them in a box for next year. Lydia says, how about we let the men take the tree out after the first? Elizabeth looks at her but said nothing.
Lydia walks up to her and side hugs her and asks, so when is this one due to arrive? Elizabeth laughs and replies, August or September but please don't say anything. I want to wait until the second trimester before we say anything. I won't but all the older mothers already know, Lydia chuckles! Well ask them to please don't tell the children! I will and congratulations! Thanks!
Elizabeth had hitched the buggy to Lady. She pulled up in front of Dr. Randel's office. Jack was standing there waiting on her. He helped her down out of the buggy and held her hand as they walked through the door. She took a seat while Jack stood next to her while they waited for the doctor to come in.
A few minutes later the doctor stepped into the waiting room and asked, good afternoon Mr. And Mrs. Thornton, what can I do for you today? Elizabeth stands and says, I need confirmation if I'm pregnant or not. Well come back to the exam room and let's take a look.
Jack helped her up on the exam table. Dr. Randel says, if you'll lay back I'll take a listen. He put his stethoscope in his ears and put the end on her stomach. As he moves it around he says nothing. Finally he stops and listens and counts to himself. He helps her sit up and takes all her vitals. He writes everything in her chart.
Ok Mrs. Thornton when was your last full cycle? October, she replies. Did you have one last month? I only spotted for about three days. Well congratulations are in order. You are two months and you are due at the end of July!
Jack thanked him then asked, doc we are traveling to Hamilton next week. Is it safe for her to travel this soon? As long as she gets plenty of rest and doesn't pick up anything heavy I think she will be fine. I want to see you as soon as you all get back.
Doc, is something wrong because we are only going to be gone for ten days? Let me listen once more, please lay back. He moves his stethoscope around again until he finds it. He pressed a little and listens again. Well not really wrong but if I'm right there is more than one heart beat in there. It could be an echo. Mrs. Thornton you can walk around but don't lift anything over two or three pounds, that mean that son of yours. Sit first then help him to climb into your lap. Am I clear? Yes sir, they both say.
They step outside, Jack takes her in his arms and they hug. They both whisper, twins? Bella, how are you really feeling? I feel fine right now but I'm hungry. Okay let's get some lunch! After lunch he walks her to the buggy and says, wait right here. I'll be right back.
He left to go to the office to let them know he would be back in about an hour. He tied Sargent to the back and climbed in and drove her home. Bella, I think we need to tell Ma because you can't lift anything basically. I agree hon and we'll tell my family when we get there.
They pulled up in front of the house. Jack got out and helped her down. Charlotte and Jarrick were standing in the window watching. Jack says I'll take care of the buggy and be right in and we will tell her, okay? Yes hon! She stepped inside and bent over and kissed her son's head and said, mama is going to go change and I'll be right back, ok? Otay mama!
Jack came in, Elizabeth was sitting on the couch with Jarrick sitting on her lap. He gave her a look but she shakes her head no. Charlotte was standing in the kitchen looking out the window above the sink.
Jack asked, Ma will you come here for a minute? We need to tell you something. Charlotte picks up her coffee cup and goes to the living room and takes a seat in her rocking chair. She looks at Elizabeth and asks, how far along are you Lizzy? Um…two months but how did you know Ma? Lizzy, you are glowing. It wasn't hard to figure out! So that would put your due date in July sometime? Yes ma'am! But the real news is and she nods to Jack to say it.
Ma, Doc thinks it's twins! The smile on his face was priceless! Twins, she asked as she spit her coffee in her lap? Yes ma'am. He said it could be an echo but he's almost positive it's twins. But Ma, she can't pick up anything over two or three pounds. He wants her to rest as much as her body needs. Okay, I can step up. Can she travel to Hamilton, son? Yes but she has to rest. We'll get a private compartment so she can lay down if she needs to.
Okay we leave on Monday so if you will get your trunk out I'll help her pack. Lizzy you make a list of everything you want to take and I'll help to get it together. You can check it before I put it in the trunk. Thanks Ma, you're the best!
Jack goes to the barn and gets their trunks out and gets them cleaned off. It had a tarp over but still wanted to get it cleaned off. He brought them in to the living room and set them next to the front door. Jack brought her some paper and a pencil to make her list. He kissed the top of her head and said, I'm sending a telegram to mom and dad. I'll tell them not to mention it to the Thatcher's. I'll also send one to Coal Valley.
Boy morning sickness has really been nice to you! Hush you, don't jinx us hon! Sorry Bella! Thanks hon for sending the telegrams! You're welcome Bella! He kisses her once more and left going back to work. He sent all the telegrams and got one from both saying congratulations! He didn't tell them it was possible twins.
He picked up the phone and called mom. Hello Delaney residence, Elizabeth speaking. Hi mom! Jack it's so good to hear from you! How is everyone? How's our grandson? We are all fine mom! Jarrick is walking, talking and growing like a bad weed! We have your pictures next to his bed! The reason I'm calling mom is Bella is pregnant and is due the end of July with the possibility of being twins! Ooooh myyyyy! Twins! Son there hasn't been a set of twins in our family in over thirty years. My had mother had a set but only one survived! Oh son this is exciting! I know mom! Listen, I sent a telegram to dad but not about the twins so you get to tell him. Son, did the doctor give her permission to travel for Christmas? Yes but she has to rest as much as her body wants. She's not on bed rest. I'm getting a private compartment today so she can lay down when she wants to. Ok. We love you all! Goodbye Mom, we love you all so very much too! See you both in Hamilton!
Jack came out of his office and said, if everyone would follow me to the conference room, I have something to tell you all. Everyone follows him. They sit down with Jack sitting at the head of the table. He cleared his throat and began, first Elizabeth and I are expecting another child but Doc seems to think it could be twins. Everyone says, congratulations! Thanks, he replied. Second, I'm leaving McMurphy in charge while we are in Hamilton. If you you need me for anything you call me at the Thatcher residence or headquarters. Yes sir, and thank you sir for believing in me! McMurphy, you've shown great strides. I will only be gone for ten days. If you run into any trouble, you call me and then call for backup but only after you talk with me, understood? Yes sir.
Tuesday afternoon their train rolled into Hamilton. William was there to pick them up. Trunks were loaded and onto the house. Everyone walked in and greeted them. Jarrick hollers, Nonny were ou at? Nonny bent down and picked him up and chuckled, I'm right here Sweetie! I wuv ou Nonny! I love you too Sweetie! Everyone went into the library in front of the fireplace to have tea. Elizabeth asked, where's Viola and Cecilia? They will be down in a moment.
A few moments later they walked in and took a seat across from Elizabeth and Jack. Jack spoke first, we have some wonderful news. We are expecting…..Elizabeth finished his sentence, with possibly twins! Priscilla jumps up and hugs them both and says, congratulations you two! More grand babies! Will, did you hear, twins!