**This has been a work in progress for awhile. Who doesn't love a baby story! It's in two parts but DONE. Enjoy**

"Daisy?"

"She's not a flower."

"Mirabelle?"

She sighed. "I had a friend by that name."

His eyes lit up.

She gave him a look. "…and then she decided I wasn't rich enough."

He embraced her for a moment. "I'm sorry. That's terrible."

Elizabeth looked down at the books. "Not as terrible as her family losing all their money in shady business dealings."

"….how about Constance?"

He went back to the box of old clothes. "Ehh, my great aunt was Constance. She was a mean old woman."

They both looked at each other and laughed.

"…what about Michael?"

He looked up.

"What happened to a girl?"

She shrugged and made another pile. "I don't know, we have to consider it."

"I was getting used to a girl."

She shuffled closer to him as he made a pouty face.

"A daddy's girl already?"

He took her hands and intertwined them.

"Maybe because I never had a sister."

She smiled. "I never had a brother."

He kissed her nose causing her to giggle.

"…Ethel?"

She threw her head back and laughed. "You know how I feel about that name."

He nodded and quickly gave her raspberries on her neck since it was exposed, causing to Elizabeth to shriek in surprise and excitement as she wrapped her arms around his neck, her stomach getting in the way just a bit, causing him to fall back on his heels and fall straight back with her falling on top of him.

"See that's what you get!"

He laughed and moved the pieces of hair out of her face as he lowered his voice, "I will gladly take it."

Just then he felt her strain and his face changed. "Are you all right?"

She smiled and nodded. "Yes of course. Baby Thornton decided she was done being knocked around."

Concerned he helped her back up. "Elizabeth, I'm sorry…I didn't mean."

Her hand went up. "You are such a worrier."

"That's kind of my job to worry."

She gave him a playful side eye as she stood. "Just wait till this little one actually is out in the world."

"Let's not get too far ahead."

Jack went to pick up the pile of books when Elizabeth stopped him. "Jack, please keep those separate. One is for the students, the other for Baby Thornton."

He looked back and gave her a look. "Baby Thornton?"

"Well that's the only name we both agree on."

He chuckled as he placed one pile of books on the nightstand.

"True."

Just then there was a knock on the door and it opened.

"Jack, Elizabeth?"

Jack went to the doorway. "Abigail. Come in, we are just in the babies room."

She entered with a basket. "How are we doing today?"

Elizabeth went to her to give her a half hug. "Good, working on a few things."

Abigail looked around the room. "Wonderful. Well I just came to bring some goodies leftover from today's baking."

Jack took the basket and smiled. "You don't have to keep doing this for us Abigail."

They all walked into the kitchen. "The last thing you need to worry about is cooking Elizabeth, and Jack, you are too busy working."

"Would you like to stay for dinner?"

She nodded. "No thank you. I have plans but you both enjoy."

Jack waved goodbye as Abigail made her way to the doorway and Elizabeth followed her outside where the sun was setting. It was comfortable with the breeze as they both stood on the landing.

"How are you feeling Elizabeth?"

She smiled as she gently rubbed her stomach. "I feel good. This little one is keeping me busy but so is that one too…." as she looked back to Jack.

Abigail chuckled. "My Noah was a bit of a worrier with Peter."

Elizabeth's eyes went wide. "Yes! He is always in my way, making sure I'm ok…it drives me a bit crazy."

"Hmmm, totally normal." She gently rubbed Elizabeth's arm. "And I hate to tell you but it only gets worse."

Elizabeth sighed in acknowledgement. "Well, maybe that will get us off the baby name train for awhile."

Abigail's ears perked up. "Ah yes. The great debate."

Elizabeth folded her arms. "The scourge of our times. "

The woman both laughed and it must have triggered Jack as he came out. "What's so funny you two?"

They turned to him and went tight-lipped. "Nothing."

He rolled his eyes. "Duly noted."

They watched him go back into the house and then they laughed again.

"All right I'm off. Have a wonderful evening and I will see you tomorrow."

She nodded. "Of course."

They exchanged a hug as Abigail gently pressed her hand to her stomach. "You be good for your ma and pa."

Elizabeth smiled as she watched Abigail walk down the hill.

She stood for just a little bit, letting the breeze cool her off and then she turned to see Jack setting the table. She smiled and entered the house slowly.

After dinner they both sat on the couch, with Elizabeth's legs across Jack's lap. She was reading a Jane Austen and he was sketching.

She watched him as he sketched, not sure what he was creating but he was deep into it as his eyes were intense and his brow was furrowed, and his pencil was tight in his hand. A few pieces hung in their home, one in the living room of the town and another in the bedroom of the two of them out on the hill where he proposed marriage.

It was drawn from memory which made it much more special to her.

"Jack?"

He looked up quickly in concern, which caused her to smile.

"Must you think I'm always in peril?"

He took the pencil and put it behind his ear as he gently rubbed her legs. "Sorry, it's my nature."

"I know and I love you for caring. How about Jane?"

He sighed. "Every time you read the classics you always think that's the name."

"It's a nice name."

He nodded. "It is."

"But not the one you were thinking?"

"Well…" He sighed. "You have me thinking…"

Intrigued she put the book on top of her very round belly. "And?"

He smirked. "I think Charles is the perfect name."

Shocked, her eyes widened. "Jack Edward!"

He laughed and leaned over to kiss her cheek. "Love you."

She pretended to be upset at him as she crossed her arms. "Silly Mountie."

He went back to rubbing her legs as they both looked at Rip at their feet, fast asleep.

"To think Rip has no idea how much his life will change."

Elizabeth looked at Jack and smiled. "He's not the only one."

They shared another loving gaze and it was quiet for a little while longer.

When they went to bed that night, Elizabeth on her back because that was the most comfortable and Jack on his stomach, hugging the pillow, he looked at her in the dark, with admiration.

"Sweet dreams Mrs. Thornton and Baby Thornton."

She giggled as she turned to him. "Night Mr. Thornton. And Baby Thornton seems happy staying up."

He gently pulled his arm out and placed it on her stomach, feeling the movement. It amazed him every single moment. He gently rubbed. "I know you are excited but your mother needs to sleep ok? We love you."

She placed her hand over his. "Goodnight my little one."

They shared a quick kiss and both settled down.

When Jack looked over at Elizabeth he saw she had both her hands on her stomach and was drumming softly. He smiled to himself and closed his eyes.

Jack awoke first, changed and went to make breakfast. Elizabeth followed as she struggled to get into her dress. She found it was tighter than last week and when she put her shoes on, she found she couldn't reach and tie them.

She yelled from the room. "Jack, honey, I need some help."

He came running.

"What? What is it?"

She sighed as she sat on the bed. "My shoes. I can't tie them."

He looked relived as he went and kneeled down, tying them. "Thank you."

"Of course. "

He helped her up off the bed as she strained to get straight again. "Goodness I think the baby grew overnight."

He laughed as he led her to the table where he had eggs ready.

"Not too long now."

She sat awkwardly and started to eat the eggs without waiting for Jack. He chuckled as he took the seat across from her. "Someone is hungry."

"Wait, what?"

He shook his head. "Nevermind. Eat."

She finished in record time and drank her orange juice. "Sorry Jack but I am running late and my students have their book presentations today."

He stood, grabbing her plate. "Don't be. I have to get going myself. It's going to be a late night for me."

"Oh."

He helped her into her spring coat and grabbed her case.

"I will be home before dinner, I'm hoping."

Trying not too be upset she swallowed it and responded kindly. "Of course. I understand. Maybe I will stay at school and grade."

Knowing her tone he quietly took her hand as he closed the door behind them. "Don't be out late. I don't want you walking home at dark."

She rolled her eyes. "Yes sir. Maybe I need an escort home."

He smiled as they walked hand in hand down the path to town. "That would be most preferable."

She knew he would never stop her from being by herself but he was not only a worrier but a lot more protective since she was pregnant. She didn't mind it.

"Ok, well come by the school, if I'm there, then you may walk me home."

"Done."

They smiled at each other.

After a quiet moment she spoke. "Emma?"

He looked ahead and swayed his head from side to side in thought. "Pretty."

Satisfied she pulled on his arm gently. "Oh my, I think we may have something."

"Catherine?"

She nodded. "Oh that is quite lovely."

They book looked at each other in surprise. "Could it be? We actually are two for two this morning?"

Both of them broke out into giggles.

They reached the school house a few moments and he let go of her hand. "All right Mrs. Thornton, go teach."

She fixed his belt, smoothing it against the red. "And you Constable Thornton, stay out of trouble."

He watched her fix the belt. "Thank you."

She smiled and kissed his cheek. "See you tonight."

He reached down and placed his hand on her stomach one last time, not saying anything but lingering just an extra moment before a student came running up.

"Mrs. Thornton I did my report!"

He let go and smiled as she squatted down as best she could. "Great job Thomas. See you inside ok?"

The little boy nodded happily and ran up the steps.

Both watched the little boy running into the school.

"Be safe Jack."

He nodded. "I will. Love you."

She smiled and waved as a few students started to swarm her.

He watched as she entered the school house, taking her time, and watched as a few of the older boys stayed and had their hands out, ready to help.

It warmed his heart.

That afternoon, Elizabeth's feet hurt. She had to sit down.

The class was being a bit rowdy so she had them sit and draw so she could refocus her afternoon lessons.

In the silence she heard a student's voice. "Mrs. Thornton?"

Looking up she saw Alice's hand up. "Yes Alice?"

The little girl smiled. "Are you having a girl or a boy?"

Elizabeth smiled. "I don't know."

The little girl looked to her friend. "Martha and I think you are going to have a girl. But Arthur and Harry think you are going to have a boy."

She smiled and stood, feeling like it was getting harder and harder. "Well one of you will be right."

Another student piped up. "My ma thinks you should name the baby Hope."

Elizabeth leaned against the desk, thankful for the weight off herself. "Oh is that so Carl?"

The boy nodded.

Another girl chimed in. "What about Button?"

Elizabeth laughed as she looked to little Annie. "Oh that's a lovely name but that's the name for your bear right?"

The little girl nodded. "Well, that name is special for your bear. It wouldn't be nice to take your special name."

Alice smiled wide. "I don't mind!"

She laughed and looked to the students who seemed engrossed in the baby name discussion. How did it get to be such a topic?

"Well class, you have some wonderful ideas and I think you have helped Mountie Jack and I with a name."

One of the older girls chimed in next. "Can we have a contest Mrs. Thornton?"

Elizabeth shook her head. "Oh no I don't think…"

She was interrupted. "Yes! We can tell you what we each tell you our favorite name and you can choose the best name."

"Thomas, that is a wonderful sentiment but I think Mr. Thornton and I can…"

And suddenly everyone was speaking.

"Ida is my grandmother, she is a strong…."

"Charlie is my dad. You know my dad…."

"Francis is my grandfather and he was the first to go out West…."

All Elizabeth could hear was names and it was overwhelming. She took a breath and tried to calm the class.

"Boys and Girls, please!"

They stopped and she took another breath. "Thank you for wanting to help choose a name but I think we should get back to your drawings. We can discuss this later."

Later meant never but she hoped they wouldn't figure that out.

The class quieted and she slowly made it back to her chair.

She sat quite hard and knew she was never getting up again.

Jack was busy in the jail doing paperwork when Lee entered.

"Afternoon Lee."

He smiled and shut the door.

"Jack. How are you?"

He stood, rotated his wrist and went to the other side of his desk.

"Paperwork."

Lee laughed. "I have NO idea what that's like."

"So, what brings you by?"

Lee sighed. "Who else but Rosemary."

Jack nodded. "Ah yes, I know she would like to do something for Elizabeth."

"Hmm, yes. She wants to know if you decided on a name."

Jack sighed and ran his hand through his hair. "Working on it."

"I see. Well it's none of my business but…"

Jack interrupted. "Rosemary makes everything her business."

Lee patted Jack on the back. "If it makes you feel any better Rosemary got me involved."

"How?"

Lee threw his hands up as he walked the small section of the jail. "I don't know. One second she was talking a party and then a dance and then I was throwing out ideas about how she should do it and then when she decided she wanted to do something for Elizabeth and the baby, well I was all in from there."

Jack crossed his arms in acknowledgement. "Well, she is convincing."

He looked at Jack funny. "You think?"

The men both laughed. "Well Jack, I say you keep that name to yourself because everyone has an opinion."

Jack nodded. "If we can agree on one. Right now, we have Baby Thornton."

"Hey, that's not bad. I can see it now on vanilla cake. Welcome Baby Thornton."

Both men shared another chuckle as Lee wrapped his arm around Jack. "I'm partial to Leeland but I am agreeable to Alfred."

Jack looked at him. "Alfred?"

"Grandfather."

Lee then made his way back towards the door and turned to see Jack holding back a laugh.

Lee pointed to Jack playfully. "You tell Rosemary, we will have words."

Jack crossed his heart. "Never."

Both men smiled before Lee left the jail.

It was late when Jack finished his work. When he looked at his pocket watch he saw he was working much longer than he thought.

It would not make Elizabeth happy.

Quickly he made his way over to the schoolhouse and saw she wasn't there. He hoped she was at least escorted home.

It was too late for Abigail's so he made his way home, finding the light on which meant she either left it on for him or she was still up.

He entered to the smell of vegetables. She obviously had made dinner.

"Elizabeth?"

No answer. He always got nervous when she didn't respond.

He went to the bedroom first. Nope.

The living room. Nope.

The only other place she could be was the babies room.

And there he found her, dead asleep in the rocking chair, a book on her lap.

Quietly he took off his boots and went to her, not wanting to wake her too much.

Gently he pushed the hair out of her eyes and tucked some behind her ear.

She still didn't stir so he gently rubbed her hand and then up her arm.

"Elizabeth, honey…"

Slowly her eyes opened and she moved.

He saw her squint and he smiled at her. "You fell asleep in the chair. Let's get you to bed."

She nodded and he helped her up as she leaned against him leading her to the bedroom. He slowly helped her down as he uncovered the blankets and sheet.

"Ok, let's get you under the covers."

She nodded and he tried to help but with the baby and her sleepy deposition it was difficult.

"I made you…dinner…"

He smiled as he gently moved her legs first as she shuffled slowly to her side.

"Thank you my love."

He saw a slight smile as he got her under the covers, tucking her in, but not too tight.

"Goodnight my loves."

He kissed her forehead and kept his hand on her belly till he felt the little one move under him. And when she did, he felt his heart flutter.

When Elizabeth awoke it was dark. She looked to the side to see Jack asleep on his side. She had no idea what time it was.

The baby was giving her a restless night so she pulled back the covers and went to the kitchen. The floor was cold under her feet as she tried to be quiet. She knew Jack had a long night.

There was bread and jelly so she made herself a jelly sandwich finding it hard to navigate with her large belly.

She sat down at the table and took a few bites and realized she didn't really want it anymore.

The baby was kicking so she took a deep breath and tried to walk around the kitchen hoping the motion would calm her.

Jack heard footsteps. Nervous he looked over to see the bed empty.

Quickly he pulled the covers back and walked sleepily into the kitchen where he saw Elizabeth pacing.

"Elizabeth are you all right?"

His voice startled her. "Oh Jack!"

He saw the half eaten sandwich. "Late night snack?"

Elizabeth gripped her back and pulled back. "You can finish it."

He didn't need to be told twice.

"She's just active and I'm trying to calm her."

He nodded. "Ok, what can I do?"

She lovingly looked at him. "Finish my sandwich."

Her response gave him a chuckle in his still half asleep state as he went over to her, taking her hand. "Would a walk outside help?"

"It's 2am in the morning and dark."

"I know, but I have a lantern and blankets."

It wasn't a bad idea. She was a bit warm. She gave him a smile and nodded. "Ok."

Ten minutes later they were all ready. He lit the lantern and they walked outside in the dark. It was actually quite refreshing.

He helped her down the stairs and kept a tight grip on her hand they walked to the even path.

They were quiet and Elizabeth found the baby had settled. "I think she likes the dark walks."

Jack kept the lantern in front of them. "That makes two of us."

Elizabeth chuckled as they walked the path around the house.

He tightened his grip on her hand as he helped her over a branch. "What about your mother's name?"

He looked at her. "Charlotte?"

She nodded.

"You met my mother. She is a bit of an outlaw, a bit rough around the edges. She's strong but I think she can be selfish."

Elizabeth was intrigued by his admission. "She's a tough woman yes, but I think she's just protective."

He shone the light a bit brighter in front of her as she walked. "Oh I didn't mean to imply she was a bad mother because she wasn't but after my father died and she went off to grieve, she came back a much harder woman."

"I can't imagine what it must have been like to have lost a husband and have 2 young sons. But she did right in that she let you be the man you wanted to be, not the man she thought you should be."

He smirked. "Sounds like someone else I know."

Even in the dark she gave him a friendly glare. "My father will never agree with my choices but he's learned to accept them."

It was quiet as they made it to the front of the house. "I think Baby Thornton has found sleep."

" 'Comon let's get you back into bed."

She nodded as he helped her up the stairs, the blanket dragging behind her.

A few minutes later he tucked her back in and kissed her cheek.

When they both awoke the next morning, she felt energized as she got breakfast ready while he got into his uniform.

And like the day before, they walked hand in hand to the school-house, talking names.

"I had a dream last night,"

Intrigued Jack looked at her. "Do tell."

"We were holding our baby…"

He gripped her hand tighter. "I like it already."

"And there was this nurse…her name was Laura…"

Jack decided to chime in. "No Faith?"

She playfully slapped her shoulder. "Really Jack?"

He feigned innocence. "What?"

She continued. "She was the kindest woman I ever met. It was as if was an angel"

She stopped. "And I don't know, it was just a sign I think."

"That Laura should be her name?"

"What? You don't like it?"

He took a moment. "No, actually that I think it's my favorite so far."

She was skeptical. "You are just saying that."

"No not at all. The minute you said it, I thought…wow."

Again Elizabeth raised her eye-brows. "But you did make a joke."

He nodded. "I did. But I also think it's beautiful. Laura Thornton."

When he said it out-loud it made Elizabeth a bit off.

"You just had to go and put it together."

And suddenly Elizabeth was getting emotional. He stopped right outside the schoolhouse. "Oh honey."

Embarrassed Elizabeth wiped the tears that was forming. "Oh here I go."

He wrapped her in a hug. "I didn't mean to make you cry."

She laughed in his chest. "This is what I do. I laugh. I cry. I take last night walks. I need to sit down all the time."

He kissed the top of her head and then looked down. "And love me everyday."