Disclaimer: I do not own the characters within this story. All rights and much respect go to Crown Media, Hallmark, Brian Bird, Michael Landon, Jr., the actors, creators, and writers of the show "When Calls the Heart."

**Steam Alert**

Chapter 83- Love Grows

"Elizabeth, I'm sorry, but you knew when we got married that there would be times when I might have to leave," Jack stated as he followed Elizabeth around the house while she nervously cleaned.

"I understand Jack, but I guess I've just gotten used to you being around, and Grace and I don't want you to leave," she replied. "Besides, we haven't finished our discussion on having another baby…"

"Absolutely not; one child is fine," Jack turned away from Elizabeth and picked up Grace, "You're fine with being an only child, aren't you sweetheart?"

"Are we going to even discuss it, or do you just get to make the final decision? We can't even compromise?" She asked.

"Elizabeth, we have already discussed it, several times. My feelings haven't changed. There is nothing left to discuss. I'm not going through what happened last time. I almost lost you. Can't you understand how I feel?" He asked; he felt the breath being pulled from his body as he was returned to that night when Grace was born, and Elizabeth nearly died.

Elizabeth didn't know what to say. She wasn't conscious following the birth of Grace, and certainly owes both of their lives to him. She realized that he deserved to have a say in this life plan, but if she was willing to take the risk, wouldn't another child and a sibling for Grace be worth it?

"I will give you anything within my power, but I can't stand behind you in this decision," he gently kissed her cheek before heading for the door. As he stood in the doorway he turned to face her, "I love you with everything I am, and I won't take the chance of losing you, not again. No more children!"

Elizabeth picked up Grace and carried her to the play pen, "You are a sweet little girl and you deserve to experience the magic of having siblings." She knelt down beside the play pen and talked as if their small child, now four years old, knew exactly what she was saying.

"Mommy, why are you so sad?" Grace asked.

"Mommy's fine, sweetheart; lay down and take your nap now, okay?" She asked as Grace was compliant and quickly fell asleep while Elizabeth gently rubbed her back.

Elizabeth walked into the kitchen to begin her daily ritual of washing dishing, cleaning clothes, and picking up from where Grace had strewn her toys. Standing at the kitchen sink she looked out the window and saw the baby carriage that she used with Grace, now a baby doll stroller that Jack gave to their only child, and she couldn't help the tears.

She felt the desire, a strong yearning to add to their family and if she had to understand Jack's position, he should have to understand hers. She dried her hands, walked to the bedroom where she retrieved her journal, grabbed a fresh cup of coffee and walked out to the swing to think, and write.

"Compromise is the act of both sides agreeing when in reality neither party gets what they want. That's quite a depressing thought; to give in to another, knowing in your heart that no one feels satisfied with the outcome.

We often regret those things we don't try; those opportunities that presented themselves but we chose not to take advantage of. Is it possible to give up on something that you desperately want, without feeling regret later? Is it possible to know for certain that the decisions of today will not have a negative impact on us tomorrow? And is it possible to make a decision without carefully considering the others involved?

This is quite a slippery slope; with each person feeling right; each person feeling the possibility of future loss, and each person saying that they understand the other, but in reality, do they really?"

Late in the afternoon Elizabeth finished up her household chores. She was thankful for the summer break from school and appreciative for the additional time she had to spend with Jack and Grace. However, she wasn't looking forward to Jack leaving, and certainly didn't want to spend the time they had available arguing over something that each of them was adamant about. Unfortunately, they were on opposite sides of the issue.

She dressed Grace in a pretty little dress with a pinafore and held her hand as they walked down the steps and toward the pond. They were on the other side of the water when Elizabeth heard the sound of hooves coming up the road.

They stopped and Elizabeth picked up Grace in her arms as they turned to watch Jack ride around the corner and toward the house. "There's daddy. Let's go see him," she stated as she walked, elegantly and with a purpose.

"Welcome home," Elizabeth stated as she stepped in, obviously happy to see him.

"That's the kind of homecoming I like," he responded. "Let me see my precious little girl," Jack stated as Elizabeth lifted Grace up into his arms while he was still mounted.

"Just think of the homecoming you'd have with a son," she mentioned.

Jack left Grace in the saddle as he dismounted, "Please Elizabeth; I have to leave tomorrow morning. Can we have a nice evening without bringing up that topic again?"

Jack didn't wait for Elizabeth to respond as he held one hand on Grace's leg and walked toward the barn to take care of his horse.

Elizabeth stood there feeling more alone than she had remembered feeling in quite some time. She watched as Jack and Grace walked away, carrying on a conversation. She couldn't help but smile at the love that obviously passed between them, but wished that they had another child to share the adventure.

A short while later, Elizabeth called out to Jack and Grace who were feeding the cows and goats, "Dinner's ready."

Jack grabbed Grace's hand and they walked into the house. He took her to the sink, washed their hands and helped her get seated for dinner.

Elizabeth quietly fixed their plates of beef stew and biscuits and placed them before their chairs. She returned to the sink suddenly overcome with sadness at his impending departure. Tears were forming, and she didn't want to upset either of them.

Jack gave Grace her spoon and made certain that her food wasn't too hot. "You stay in your seat like a big girl and daddy will be right back," he told her as he walked up behind Elizabeth.

He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close to him. He leaned in, pulled her hair to the side and whispered, "I don't want to make you sad. Please have dinner with us and after Grace goes to bed we'll talk more."

She turned around to face him, "It's not that Jack. You're going to be gone for a long time, and Grace and I are going to miss you. This is certainly one thing about your job that I hate."

"I'm sorry, but you knew when we married that there would be times when I would be away from home," he reminded her.

"I know, but I don't have to like it," she admitted.

His finger under her chin brought her eyes up to meet his, "We can get through this, but I need to know that you'll be okay." He leaned in and covered her lips with his.

"I'll be fine. Once school starts up again I'll be busy and hopefully the time will fly," she responded. "I'll write you every day, but you have to promise to write at least once a week."

"I promise, but I'm not certain what the mail delivery will be like in Henderson's Peak. I've never been through there, so I don't know what to expect, but I hear that it's still pretty remote."

"Well, at least if I know you're writing, even if I don't get them I can dream of what they'd say," she stated as she took her plate and sat at the table with Jack and Grace.

Following dinner, Jack took Grace into the family room where they sat on the sofa and he pulled out a book to read to her. Once Elizabeth finished cleaning the kitchen, she walked out into the hallway and listened to him talking…

"I know you're just a little girl, but you need to be good for mommy while I gone. I'll hurry home as fast as I can, but know what?" He asked as his arm around her shoulders held her tightly.

"What daddy?" Grace asked.

"My heart is so full of love for you and your mommy, and I'll be counting the days until I can get back to you," he stated, as she watched from behind and observed him wipe tears as they fell from his eyes.

"Daddy, don't be sad. I'm a big girl, and I'll take care of mommy. I promise," she stated with an innocent childlike smile, bringing both Jack and Elizabeth to tears.

"Okay little one, I think it's time for bed," Elizabeth called out as she entered the room.

"Mommy, can't I stay up with daddy?" Grace begged.

"I promise to wake you up in the morning before daddy leaves, but now it's time for bed," Elizabeth walked over and took her hand leading her away from the sofa. Elizabeth turned back toward Jack, "Besides, mommy wants to spend some time with daddy."

A short while later Elizabeth returned and sat on the sofa next to Jack. They were both quiet, not certain what to say or how to make his leaving more bearable for each of them.

Jack draped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her near, "I'm sorry about earlier today. I don't like arguing with you, and I try very hard to give you what you want."

"Shh," she placed a finger to his lips. "I don't want to spend the time we have left upset and angry. We'll work it out when you get home."

Jack kissed her forehead, "I understand that having another child is important to you, but if it's a choice between you and another baby, I'm not willing to gamble with your life. But I promise when I get back, we'll talk to Emily and make an appointment with your doctor. If they agree that you can carry a child safely, then and only then will I consider it, okay?"

"That's fair. Now, I just want to spend this time showing you just how much I love you," she stated as her lips met his with the fire of a lost love.

"WOW, if it weren't for the fact that I hate leaving you, I should go away more often," he stated as they stood and he scooped her up into his arms.

He walked into the bedroom and gently rested her feet back on the ground as her legs brushed up against the mattress.

His lips gently met hers; a perfect match and in that moment, the tension of their earlier argument melted away.

His lips found the exposed skin on her neck as his fingers frantically worked to release the overabundance of buttons on the bodice of her dress. "Why do women need so many buttons?"

She put her hands over top of his, "Why are you looking at other women's buttons?"

He took hold of her hands, "I don't look at anyone's buttons like I look at yours."

"You like my buttons?" she asked with a mischievous smile.

"Um, we aren't really talking about buttons, are we?" He returned her smile as his fingers worked quickly to release their hold. "I'll never look at another woman the way I look at you."

He pulled the top of her dress over one shoulder and then the other as his lips traced along her collarbone. He nibbled gently on the lobe of her ear as his tongue traced along her jaw line toward her chin.

He captured her lips as his tongue pressed against the slight opening of her mouth, gaining entry. The soft moans escaping her lips filled him as he felt the fire burning within his body begin to rage.

Her dress fell to the floor and he held her hand as she stepped out of it, leaving it in a heap.

He marveled at her beauty, standing before him in a mauve camisole and matching pantalets. He made a mental note of her, the want in her eyes, as he felt the desire in his heart and body. He wanted her, all of her, but he also knew that when morning came, it would be difficult, if not impossible to pull himself away from her.

Her skin tingled as she felt his fingers trace down her arm, taking hold of her hand, and they danced.

"There's no music," she whispered.

"Close your eyes, and listen with your heart," he replied, as his hands around her waist held her tight to his body.

They glided across the floor as if there was a full symphony orchestra playing. They each memorized this moment, realizing that this would be their last night together for quite some time and wanting desperately for every second to linger.

They stopped, each one looking deeply into the eyes of the other. Their hearts pounded as he leaned in and covered her lips with his. The kiss lingered, drawing out the most precious of moments.

"I wish tonight could last forever," she whispered, as tears threatened to fall.

He brushed across her cheeks, sweeping away stray tears. He leaned in, pressing his lips to hers as his hand cradled the back of her head, deepening their connection. They separated slightly only to return together with more passion than the kiss before. Their hands were exploring; their tongues were dancing; their hearts were pounding, and their desire for each other was stronger than ever before.

She unbuttoned his red serge, dropping it off his shoulders and to the floor, revealing the dark blue long sleeved shirt he wore underneath. She tugged gently at his shirt, pulling it from the waistband of his uniform pants as she lifted it up over his head, tossing it into the ever growing pile of clothes.

He quickly reached to release the belt on his trousers when her hands covered his.

"Let me do that," she whispered as the belt was unbuckled, his trousers were unzipped, and with a slight tug, they fell to the floor.

His fingers slid under the thin spaghetti straps on her camisole as they slipped over her shoulders. His lips traced down her neck, just below her right ear, across her collarbone, up to her chin, before his lips captured hers.

The soft moans that passed through her lips entered his mouth, stoking the fire that burned inside him. She wrapped her arms around his neck as her camisole fell down her body into a silky puddle on the floor. "Love me, Jack," she whispered.

He gently laid her back on the bed. He took the waistband of her pantalets as she raised her hips and he slid them down her long legs, tossing them to the floor where they joined all of the other garments.

Jack lay beside her as his fingers traced up and down her arm.

"Is something wrong?" She asked.

"I don't want this night to end," he barely managed to release the words. He was so close, as he savored everything about her. He wanted her; he needed her, but he was just as certain that she wanted and needed him as well.

She gently ran her teeth across her lower lip, and she watched as he lost control. He met her lips with a hot, demanding, possessive kiss, as they each felt the warmth spreading throughout their bodies.

Jack rolled over her, straddling her hips as he wrapped his arms around her and brought her body closer to his.

Her body rose to meet his as they tried desperately to get closer and closer to the other. Beneath his hand, the give of her body was soft and supple at his touch, as the passion each one felt burned right through them.

Jack's body came to rest beside Elizabeth, hands entwined and bodies still touching. She rested her head on his chest, listening to his wild heartbeat, as it gradually calmed.

No words between them were spoken; they were each afraid that the emotions would gain control if they tried. Jack kissed her forehead before drifting off to sleep.

Elizabeth remained awake as she watched him sleep. She wanted to preserve this image of him for future reference, hoping that she would survive without him near, but having serious doubts as to her ability to do so. Being apart for a few days or possibly a week had been bad enough. Months apart or possibly longer seemed excruciatingly unbearable.

Elizabeth wiped her eyes before the tears fell to his chest. She slipped out of bed and went into the den where she sat quietly on the sofa. She pulled out her journal, hoping that releasing her feelings would help to put them into perspective, allowing her to understand and accept them.

She flipped open her journal and sat staring at the blank page…

"One more night to hold you near, just wishing that you didn't have to go. I'll dream of you; I'll pray for you and count the days until you return to us. We are fortunate to have something so special, so beautiful that simply the thought of being apart breaks my heart. Life will not be the same until you return to us. I already miss you…"

She closed her journal and sat it on the table beside the sofa. She walked back into the bedroom, slipped under the covers and slid over toward Jack. Without wakening, he wrapped his arms around her body and pulled her up next to him. The smile on his face and the soft sounds slipping through his lips led her to believe that he was dreaming of her.

Jack's eyes gradually opened and he raised his arms above his head to stretch. "Did you sleep okay?"

Not wanting to upset him, she fibbed, "Yes, and you?"

"You wore me out last night, Mrs. Thornton," He replied.

Elizabeth glanced back at Jack, "I'm going to fix some breakfast. You have a long ride ahead of you, and you need a good meal," she stated as she kissed his cheek before heading to the kitchen.

She stared out the kitchen window as the bacon cooked. She couldn't help the sadness that was overwhelming her and tears flowed freely like the new faucet Jack had recently installed.

She paid no attention to the sound of his footsteps as they approached her. He wrapped his arms around her waist as his lips met the soft skin on her neck.

"Talk to me," he whispered as he turned her around to face him.

"I'm going to miss you…we are going to miss you," she stated as he wiped the tears that slipped down her cheeks.

"I'll be home before you even know I'm gone," he stated.

"Jack, I know you're trying to make me feel better, but we both know that you'll be gone for awhile," Elizabeth reminded him.

"Daddy, daddy," Grace called out as she ran into the kitchen.

"Hey munchkin. Did you sleep well?" He asked as he picked her up in his arms and observed a smile return to Elizabeth's face.

"Daddy, will you be back for my birthday?" She asked looking toward Elizabeth for reassurance.

"Do you know when your birthday is?" He asked.

"It's in 4 months…"

"You mean 9 months, sweetheart," Elizabeth stated.

"It's in 9 months, Daddy," Grace squealed.

"I will do my best," Jack advised her. He walked over to the table and sat her in her high chair and took a seat beside her.

Elizabeth fixed everyone a plate and they sat down to breakfast. Jack and Elizabeth remained quiet as Grace jabbered.

The table was cleared away as Jack took Grace with him to the barn. He sat her on a hay bale as he prepared his horse for the trip ahead. Once he was ready to leave he sat back down with her in his lap.

Grace wrapped her arms around his neck as Elizabeth stepped just inside the barn. "I love you, daddy. Please hurry home," she stated as she kissed his cheek.

"I love you. You're my little munchkin, and you're going to be so big by the time I get back," he stated as he held her close. "You and mommy take care of each other, okay?"

"We will daddy, but who's going to take care of you," she asked. It was a simple question that drove Elizabeth out of the barn and led her back to the front porch, where she took a seat on the steps.

A few moments later, Jack and Grace rode around the side of the house. Jack stopped and handed Grace to Elizabeth. Jack swallowed hard, "I love you both, please take care of yourselves. If you need any help, check with Bill."

Jack leaned down and kissed Elizabeth, "I need to go."

"I know. We'll be waiting. Please be careful," she stated as she held his hand not wanting to release it.

Jack had made it halfway down their lane when he heard Grace screaming, "DADDY, DON'T LEAVE US…"

He immediately turned his horse around and raced back to them. He swung his legs to the ground, picked up Grace, resting her on his left hip, and wrapped his right arm around Elizabeth.

Elizabeth could see the tears welling in his eyes.

"Its times like this that I wish I was a farmer," Jack stated as the despair was released with each breath.

He kissed them both, mounted his horse and rode away. He was afraid to turn back to see the sadness that he was leaving behind, as he was certain that it equaled what he was feeling.

Grace burrowed her head in Elizabeth's chest. Elizabeth walked back toward the house patting her on the back. "It's okay. Daddy will come back to us soon," hoping all the while that she could make herself believe it as well.

Days initially passed slowly. School had not yet started; Elizabeth found herself fielding questions from Grace on a regular basis, and being uncertain how to respond.

Nights were the worst as she slipped into bed, hugging his pillow, closing her eyes and inhaling his woodsy cologne. The first few nights she only dozed, waking frequently, looking beside her only to find that he was still gone.

Days turned into weeks; each one followed through with their letter promises, Elizabeth writing daily, and Jack managing one a week. Although time moved on, the sadness lingered.

Elizabeth found that when the school year approached, she had less time to dwell on their missing family member. She tried to occupy herself with lesson planning, knowing that at least once school started she would remain busy. She continued counting down the days, hoping that by spring, when she needed him the most, he would return.

One quiet evening, following dinner and play time with Grace, Elizabeth felt the need to put her feelings into perspective. With thoughts and emotions swirling in her head, she pulled out her journal, hoping that by writing them down, she would release the anxiety she felt. She opened to the next blank page and before her pen touched the paper, the tears began to flow…

"I feel so lost, trapped in a forest of fear, no light, no safety and no end in sight. I fight to find my way back, but the emptiness pulls be back down dropping me to my knees.

It's as if my mind and my heart are at odds, out of sync, and battling each other. My mind understands the truth, but my heart is feeling the loss, and until they work in harmony, there will be no peace."

"Mommy, I can't sleep. I miss daddy," Grace cried as Elizabeth immediately understood the feeling.

Elizabeth closed her journal, placed it on the table, and held Grace in her lap rocking back and forth until she fell asleep.

The following morning on the outskirts of Henderson's Peak, Jack sat away from his fellow Mounties as he pulled a letter from his pocket. He held it up to his face and inhaled deeply, comforted somewhat by her scent. He found a blank piece of paper and attempted to convey his thoughts…

Jack addressed his envelope and dropped off his letter, hoping that it would reach Elizabeth quickly.

Another week passed, "Hi Mr. Yost. Any mail for me?" Elizabeth asked, desperate to hear something from Jack.

"Actually Mrs. Thornton, this letter arrived this morning," he replied.

"This morning?" She responded.

"Well, a Mountie rode through town and dropped it off," he explained.

She took the letter and rushed with Grace over to the café. They slipped inside and took a seat in the back corner. Grace played with a doll, and Elizabeth ripped open the envelope.

"Another letter from Jack?" Abigail asked as she came by and poured Elizabeth another cup of coffee. "Are you okay?"

Elizabeth handed her the letter.

Abigail sat down; by Elizabeth's tears she was not certain what was contained in the letter.

"My Dearest Elizabeth,

I'm not the one who has a way with words, but I will do my best to tell you how I feel. Not a moment goes by that I don't think of you and Grace. I pray that you both are well and that you are getting along in my absence. At night I close my eyes and I see your smile, I feel your body next to mine, and I hear your sweet voice whispering in my ear.

Before we met, travelling and being away from home was a way of life; it was expected, and something that I didn't dread. We met, and you turned my life upside down. You gave me a beautiful daughter and your love, two things that I never dreamed possible in my life.

I miss you with every passing day, and hope to be home and return to our perfect family very soon.

With all my love,

Jack"

"I'd say he has a wonderful way with words," Abigail stated as she handed the letter back to Elizabeth.

Elizabeth wiped her eyes, and glanced over to witness Grace rocking her baby doll in a chair. She pulled some paper from her bag, and began to write Jack…

"Dearest Jack,

I miss you more than words can express. I wish I could see you; I long to touch you, but I'm thankful that as I close my eyes I feel you near me. I pray that you are well. Grace and I can't wait until you return. I have so many things I want to say, that I need to say, and I wish you were here with me now, holding me and telling me that everything will be okay.

"No, I can't write that part," she thought as she scratched it out, and then chose to re-write the letter.

"Dearest Jack,

I miss you more than words can express. I wish I could see you; I long to touch you, but I'm thankful that as I close my eyes I feel you near me. I pray that you are well. Grace and I can't wait until you return.

Please hurry home to us Jack. Your girls love you and miss you with each and every passing day.

Although you are currently gone from my life, I will always carry you in my heart. Dream of me, my love, as I dream every night of you…

I send you my love,

Elizabeth"

"Abigail, I just don't know if I'm going to make it until he comes home. I miss him so much and…" she glanced over at Grace sitting on a stool reading a book.

"It certainly shows that she has a teacher for a mother. She is already reading?" Abigail asked.

"Not really, but we have so much time alone now that I read to her all the time. She loves the picture books," Elizabeth replied. "I try to keep her busy; it keeps down all of the questions she asks about her daddy. Whenever she brings him up, I cry," she stated as she brushed a few tears away before looking back at Abigail.

"Well, I have to say, it's very nice seeing you. At least when school was in session, I'd see you once a day. It's been a week or so since I saw you last," Abigail commented. "Are you okay? Are things running okay at home?"

"Oh, everything is fine. I've had a touch of the flu, and I didn't want to spread it around. Luckily I didn't pass it on to Grace," Elizabeth remarked.

"Abigail…"

"I'm sorry Silas. I'll be right out with your food," Abigail replied as she gathered her coffee pot and started for the kitchen.

"Abigail, do you have any plain biscuits or dry crackers?" Elizabeth asked.

"I certainly do. I'll be right out. Are you okay?" Abigail inquired.

"My stomach is still kind of weak. I'm just watching what I put in it," Elizabeth responded.

Within a few minutes, Abigail stopped by her table with a small plate of dry crackers and a plain biscuit. The smell of Silas' scrambled eggs wafted through the air, catching Elizabeth's olfactory attention.

"Watch Grace," Elizabeth stated before covering her mouth and running out the back door to the outhouse.

"You don't look so good," Abigail stated as Elizabeth walked back inside the kitchen.

"Come on Grace. We need to get home," Elizabeth stated as she grabbed her bag.

"Please stay. I'll fix Grace some dinner and then you and I need to talk," Abigail stated in a compassionate but firm tone.

Following dinner, Grace and Abigail joined Elizabeth in the parlor. Abigail sat Grace at a table with her books and returned to the sofa. She sat with Elizabeth, trying to determine the best way to bring up what was on her mind.

"Yes, I'm pregnant," Elizabeth blurted out.

"No wonder you have been writing to Jack so furiously. I'll bet he is over the moon excited," Abigail remarked.

"He doesn't know…"

"What? You haven't told him?" Abigail asked.

"Abigail, Jack and I had an argument before he left. I want another baby and he doesn't," Elizabeth explained.

"Jack loves kids and he's so good with Grace. Did he say why?" Abigail asked.

"He's worried about me; about what happened last time, and he's scared," Abigail was quickly drawn back to the day following Grace's birth when she and Bill found them in the deserted town.

"I can understand, Elizabeth. Jack was pretty shaken up about it," Abigail looked over at Grace, allowing a smile to suddenly cover her face. "You have to tell him, Elizabeth. He has a right to know."

"I can't. He has mentioned how they are making a dent in the gun running, but there is so much fighting, and if he knows, he'll be worried sick about me, and not take care of himself," Elizabeth advised.

"Well, you aren't going to be able to hide it much longer. How far along are you?" Abigail asked.

"He is going to be so mad at me; he'll feel that I trapped him," Elizabeth began to cry, drawing Grace's attention.

"Mommy don't cry. Ms. Abigail, why did you make mommy cry?" She asked.

"I'm sorry honey. I didn't mean to. Go back to your books and I'll take care of your mommy," Abigail responded.

"How far along are you?" Abigail asked again.

"I missed my monthly cycle, and went to see faith. I'm just a month along," Elizabeth confirmed.

"Well then, you were pregnant before he even left town, and before you had your argument," Abigail advised.

Elizabeth shook her head, "No, we've been arguing about it since Grace was two. It doesn't matter. I can't tell him until he's home. I'm afraid that he'll be so worried and there's nothing he can do at this point."

"Okay, if you are adamant about not telling him for that reason, I understand. However, I won't lie for you," Abigail advised.

"I would never expect you to, but since you have no contact with Jack, that shouldn't even be an issue," Elizabeth remarked. "Come on Grace; we need to get home while mommy still has the energy to walk."

"Wait," Abigail called out. "Hi Bill," she stated as he walked through the back door. "Would you give Elizabeth and Grace a ride home?"

"Certainly, are you ladies ready to go? He asked.

"Yes we are. Thanks Bill…Abigail," Elizabeth stated as she grabbed Grace's hand and they followed Bill outside.

"You look a little pale, Elizabeth. Are you all right?" Bill asked.

"I've been a bit under the weather, but I'll be fine," she replied.

"Well please let me know if there is anything I can do to help. I promised Jack that I would watch out for you two," he stated.

As time went on, it became increasingly difficult to hide her condition. School started back, cold weather settled in, Elizabeth's growing condition became the talk of the town, and her letter writing dropped back to several times a week to Jack's one letter a month.

Elizabeth made it through the winter months with Bill and several of the men in town making certain that she had ample firewood and that the animals were taken care of daily.

A hundred miles from home, Jack sat alone and pulled out a stack of letters he had received from Elizabeth. He could still smell the perfume on several of them as he read them in the order that they had been received. He assumed that she was still writing regularly, but mail delivery was sparse so he focused on the last letter he received…

"Dearest Jack,

I miss you more than words can express. I wish I could see you; I long to touch you, but I'm thankful that as I close my eyes I feel you near me. I pray that you are well. Grace and I can't wait until you return.

Please hurry home to us Jack. Your girls love you and miss you with each and every passing day.

Although you are currently gone from my life, I will always carry you in my heart. Dream of me, my love, as I dream every night of you…

Love always,

Elizabeth"

He was excited, because his time away from his family was coming to an end. He wrote his final letter, letting her know that after being gone for over seven months, he was returning home. He did not have telegraph capabilities, and had to depend on his letter making it to Elizabeth before he did. "Although, what a great surprise to walk in at dinner time and say 'I'm home,'" he closed his eyes and smiled at the thought.

Several weeks passed and Elizabeth had not heard anymore from Jack. His letters had usually arrived on a Friday but for the last five Fridays, nothing. She worried about his safety and wondered if she had done the right thing by not telling him about the pregnancy. She feared that he would be angry with her and certainly couldn't handle the thought of disappointing him.

Elizabeth and Grace were walking home from school when Elizabeth doubled over in pain.

"Mommy, what's wrong?" Grace screamed as she began to cry.

"Mommy is okay honey, but I need some help," she tried her best to calm her own nerves and those of her daughter.

Grace started waving her arms as a wagon approached…

"Elizabeth, are you okay," Otis Burrows, the blacksmith, asked as he and his wife Lila headed into town.

"It's the baby. I need help, please," Elizabeth called out.

Otis helped his wife, Elizabeth and Grace up into the back of the wagon and headed into town, stopping immediately at Emily's office. He helped her inside as Lila walked Grace over to Abigail's Café.

"Mommy's having a baby," Grace called out, gathering the attention of everyone in the café.

Abigail kept a watch on Grace, and then headed over to Emily's office once the early dinner crowd subsided.

Jack couldn't get home fast enough. He had been riding for a week; he then took a train to Buxton where he picked up his horse and rode the rest of the way back to Hope Valley. He could only assume how excited Elizabeth and Grace would be to see him. He rode down the lane to the house, tied his horse to the post out front, and ran inside.

"Elizabeth…Grace, I'm home. Hello, is anyone here?" He called out.

Jack found it to be odd, given that school was out, but assumed that maybe they were eating in town. He jumped on his horse and headed to the café.

"Constable," Florence called out. "Welcome home."

"Good day, ma'am. Glad to be home," he replied.

"Well, I have to say, you made it just in time," she responded.

"Just in time?" He asked.

"Well Constable, your baby is getting ready to make an appearance at the doctor's office. Congratulations!" She remarked before heading on her way.

"Baby?" He whispered to himself. "Heeya," he kicked his horse's sides, encouraging more speed.

He did not slow his horse until he reached the doctor's office. He jumped off, tied his horse to the post and ran inside.

"Elizabeth," he called out, not certain what to expect when he entered the office.

"Jack, you're back," Emily remarked as she stepped out of Elizabeth's room. Assuming that he knew about the pregnancy, she offered him a few moments alone with Elizabeth.

He slowly opened the door and stepped inside. "Elizabeth," he called out startling her.

"Jack, you're home," she stated as a nervous smile covered her face.

The look of surprise on his face led her to assume that he was dissatisfied with her.

"Elizabeth, why didn't you tell me? I had a right to know," he stated. His voice was stern, but his tone actually came from a feeling of fear and not anger.

"Jack, please leave," she pleaded. "I can't deal with this right now."

"I have a right to be here," he called back to her.

"Please Jack, leave. I don't want you in here," she yelled back at him, drawing the attention of those in the waiting room.

He stepped back outside; his heart was pounding. He assumed that he would surprise everyone, but it was he who ended up being shocked.

He looked at Abigail; his eyes stared at his friend, but he looked completely lost. He started rambling softly, "Why did she do that? I said no. She knew I was against it. Why? Oh God, please watch over her."

Jack rushed to Abigail who was holding a sleeping Grace in her arms. He scooped her up into his arms, wakening her.

"Daddy, you're here," she squealed as her little arms wrapped tightly around his neck. "Mommy and I have missed you. We're having a baby. Aren't you excited? I sure am," she stated as she nuzzled her head into his neck where before long she drifted back to sleep.

"Abigail, why did she…" Jack started to ask.

"Why did she what, Jack? As we know, it takes two to make a baby," Abigail replied.

"She didn't tell me. I guess it's because we had argued beforehand and I told her that I didn't want another child," he stated as he looked at Grace sleeping in his arms and suddenly felt blessed.

Abigail talked quietly trying not to disturb Grace, "Well Jack, would you want to give someone such blessed news after they had told you that they didn't want any more children? Count back the months; she was pregnant well before you ever left town, but she didn't find out until after you left."

She continued, "She didn't tell you because she didn't want you worrying about her and then forgetting to take care of yourself. She said that you were satisfied with just Grace, and you didn't want any more children."

Jack sat Grace on the sofa, allowing her to lay back and continue sleeping while he stood and paced.

"Abigail, you know what I went through when I almost lost her the last time. I'd love to have more children with her, but not at the expense of her life," He stated as a scream came from her exam room and he rushed to the door.

Generally husbands were not welcome in the room during delivery. However he slowly opened the door and found Elizabeth writhing in pain.

"Jack, the baby is breech. I need your help to get it turned," Emily called out, trying desperately not to upset Elizabeth.

Jack was quickly taken back to four years ago when Grace was born. He positioned himself at Elizabeth's head, holding her hand. He knelt down and whispered, "I love you so much. You are the bravest woman I have ever met. Please stay with me."

"I'm so sorry, Jack. Please don't hate me," she begged through her tears.

"Shh, I could never hate you. I love you and Grace, and I'll love whoever you bring into this world next," he promised.

Emily tried several more times and was unable to get the baby turned.

"Move, let me try," Jack nervously stated as he stepped between her legs and tried desperately to channel his Mountie training.

Between the contractions and his attempt to turn the baby, Elizabeth continued screaming.

"I can't give you anything Elizabeth. I'm afraid that it will affect the baby," Emily remarked.

On the second try, Jack managed to get the baby turned and then observed the head crowning.

Between the fear, worry and anxiety, he also found himself to be excited at the prospect of another child. However, he would not allow that feeling to come through until he knew that Elizabeth and the baby were okay.

Jack and Emily encouraged her to push with the contractions as they saw the head, then the shoulders pass as the baby, a boy, entered the world and appropriately so, into Jack's arms.

Jack cut the umbilical cord, wrapped the baby in a blanket and immediately turned his attention to Elizabeth, practically expecting her to die before his eyes.

Nothing, there was nothing; no sign of distress, no excessive blood loss, no erratic heartbeat, and certainly no loss of consciousness.

Jack released a sigh as he turned his tearful eyes to the ceiling; he spoke a silent prayer of thanks to God, and at her urging, placed their newborn son in Elizabeth's arms.

Emily quickly examined Elizabeth; took care of cleaning her up and made certain that both she and the baby were healthy.

As Emily walked to the door to give the family some much needed privacy, Jack stopped her. He walked over and speaking softly he asked, "Are they okay? Do we need to worry about her heart?"

"Jack, Elizabeth has been under Dr. Barlow's care since she found out she was pregnant," Emily advised him. "He was made well aware of her previous issue, and placed her on a safe medication two months ago to assist her body during the stress of childbirth. She should be fine," she assured him. "Oh, congratulations; he sure is handsome."

"Thank you, Emily," he responded before rushing back to Elizabeth's side.

She held their new son, having forgotten the pain that she had just experienced. "I'm sorry, Jack. Please don't be angry with me. I couldn't live with you being upset, or thinking that I had deceived you."

"Angry? Elizabeth," he found it difficult to speak as the tears fell. He brushed several strands of hair behind her ear as his lips met hers. "I love you so much. I was never angry. I know people assume that I'm brave but when I think of losing you, I'm scared."

"Jack, he's beautiful; he's perfect," she stated as the love for Jack and their new son poured out.

Jack pulled up a chair beside her bed. Elizabeth held their son cradled in one arm, holding his hand with the other. Jack's thumb stroked the soft skin on the top of her hand, feeling so thankful to again be together.

"I have a little girl here who is desperate to see her mommy and new little brother," Abigail stated as she and Grace entered the room.

Grace approached hesitantly, having never seen a baby that small before.

"It's okay sweetheart. Do you want to come over and see your brother?" Elizabeth asked.

Grace ran her fingers up his arm, "Oh, he's so soft. How long is he going to stay with us?"

Jack and Elizabeth looked at each other and laughed softly.

"Honey, he is going to live with us," Jack broke the news to her.

"But what about me?" Grace asked.

"You will live with us too. You get to be his big sister and teach him everything you know," Elizabeth explained.

"But if you love him, you won't…"

Knowing exactly where Grace's thoughts were headed Jack jumped in, "Come here sweetheart." He picked her up and sat her in his lap, "Love adds and multiplies; it doesn't subtract or divide. My heart is so full of love, and it just grows and grows every day. Your mommy and I have plenty of love to go around."

"Grace, now you need to help us name him," Elizabeth suggested.

Grace smiled, "Peanut, because he's so small."

"Although that is a great suggestion, I was thinking about naming him after me," Jack stated as his chest grew with pride.

"Daddy, that's silly. I think Peanut is a better name than Daddy," Grace stated as Jack and Elizabeth snickered.

"I'll be glad to keep Grace for you for a while until you get back home and settled," Abigail offered.

Jack raised Elizabeth's hand to his lips, "Thank you, but I'm taking my family home just as soon as Emily releases them."

Elizabeth looked up at Jack, "You must be exhausted. Please go home and get some rest. I'll…we'll be fine."

Abigail kissed Elizabeth on the forehead, "Congratulations. I'm going to take Grace with me to give you both some time with your handsome little man. Come by anytime to get her, Jack."

"Jack, please get some rest. I don't want to have to worry about you too," Elizabeth remarked.

"I'll leave when we can go together," Jack stated as he laid his head down on the bed and she ran her fingers through his hair. Within minutes he was sound asleep.

Elizabeth fed the baby as Jack slept. Emily came in to check on them, and Jack slept. Several hours later Abigail returned to the Doctor's office with Grace in tow, and Jack was still sleeping.

Abigail and Grace stepped back into the room and Jack finally woke. Names were tossed around with Grace standing firm on "Peanut."

"How about Jacob Thatcher Thornton, and we can call him JT," Elizabeth suggested.

"Hmm, JT…I like that," Jack remarked.

Emily returned to the room, "I'd like for you to stay here over night, but I'm sure that you will get as good a care, if not better from Jack. It's up to you."

"I want to go home if you think its okay," Elizabeth replied.

"I think you'll be fine," Emily responded as she left the room to get Elizabeth's follow up instructions.

"Elizabeth, let's take Grace and JT home," Jack stated having entered the building as a family of three, and were now leaving as a family of four.