**Enjoy this last part!*

Through the tears Elizabeth smiled. "Stop being so wonderful."

He laughed and helped wipe the tears from her cheeks with his thumbs. "Have a wonderful day and I will pick you up after school ok?"

She nodded. "Ok. Be safe."

"Of course."

With a quick kiss he waved goodbye and went on his way. She fixed herself as best she could as she greeted the students.

Once again the boys helped her up the steps and she had to do most of her lessons from her chair, finding it hard to stand for long periods of time.

As the day was ending, the students helped her tidy up the room from washing the chalkboard, to putting their readers and books away and straightening the reading corner.

"Thank you children. Your help is so appreciated."

They smiled and one of the older students came over to her. "Mrs. Thornton, are you going to have the baby soon?"

Elizabeth nodded. "Only a few more weeks."

"Who will teach us when you are gone?"

Elizabeth took the girls hand, sensing her fear. "Oh, Anna I have the best teacher coming, Mrs. Potter from Calgary. She will be coming next week to meet you all. I went to school with her."

Anna smiled just a bit. "Ok, but Mrs. Thornton, you are the best teacher."

The response warmed her. "Thank you. Now go enjoy the beautiful weather."

"All of you go enjoy the day. Mr. Thornton can finish up."

The boys and girls cheered, waved goodbye and scurried out of the school-house.

Elizabeth got herself up after a few tries and made her way towards the coat rack where she was able to get her coat on. Somehow by the time she got it on, Jack entered.

Did it take her that long?

He took off his hat and went to her, kissing her on the cheek. "How's my favorite teacher?"

He always said that.

"Good. Tired."

He went over to her satchel and closed it. "Do you need anything else?"

She pulled the hair out of her coat, which seemed to be at her waist. "I'm ok. The students helped clean up."

She followed him out of the schoolhouse, closing the door. When she reached the steps he extended his hand and she took it as she slowly took each one.

"Its days like this where I wish I didn't have to dress so fancy."

Jack didn't respond instead he extended the crook of his arm, which she wrapped her arm around. "Beautiful day."

"I was able to make rounds all day outside. It was quite lovely."

They walked towards Abigail's Café. "Wonderful. So a good day?"

He looked to her and smiled. "Better now. How's the baby?"

"Quiet. She likes to make her presence known at night."

He helped her up the few steps to Abigail's. "Preparing us. Smart one."

Elizabeth chuckled as he opened the door and she entered.

Abigail greeted them. "Afternoon you two."

Elizabeth and Abigail exchanged a hug as Abigail looked at her belly. "Someone is ready for the world!"

"Yes, it seems she is getting bigger by the day which means I'm getting bigger."

Jack interjected. "In the most beautiful way."

Abigail laughed. "He's a good man."

Elizabeth quickly found a seat while Jack went to get her water and Abigail followed.

"So Jack any day now?"

He filled a glass and gathered a plate of various baked goods. "The doctor will see her tomorrow but it looks like it will be a few weeks, maybe sooner."

Abigail was practically giddy. "Oh my goodness! And the name?"

"Closer I think."

Abigail helped him gather a few extra cookies on the plate. "Well, like I always say, follow your intuition and it will never steer you wrong."

Curious Jack looked at her. "Like in dreams?"

She smiled. "You know what they say, dreams do come true."

They shared a look as Jack gathered the food and emerged, finding Elizabeth trying to get comfortable.

Jack placed the plate and cup at her spot. "Jack, this is for like 3 people."

He sat across from her. "Well you are eating for two. And I'm one, so three."

She couldn't argue with that as she squirmed a bit in her seat, her stomach coming between herself and the table.

After a pastry and a cookie she was full. "Ok, I think Elizabeth and baby have had enough."

He was on his third pastry and reaching for a biscuit. "Oh well, maybe we will take these back to the house."

"No…no. Go ahead and eat. I will just sit here and be…uncomfortable."

He quickly stood. "Ok, let's get back home. We need to head to bed early."

Well now she was annoyed. "Don't leave on my account. Enjoy your food. I can wait."

He sensed it. "You said you were uncomfortable."

And now she was upset. "Yes and I never said we had to leave."

Now it was confusing for him. "Honey, I can take this and we can walk home now."

He reached for her hand but she swatted it away. "Finish. I can wait."

Abigail came over. "Are you ok Elizabeth?"

She looked over to Jack and then Abigail. "Jack isn't done eating but thinks I want to leave."

Jack confused looked to Abigail. "Elizabeth said she was uncomfortable so I suggested we leave."

Arms crossed Elizabeth gave him a look. "I'm right here Jack, don't act like I'm not."

Sighing he looked to Elizabeth. "Elizabeth I don't know why you are arguing with me."

Upset Elizabeth rose her voice. "No argument. Finish your food and then we will leave."

Abigail stepped in. "Elizabeth honey, why don't I put this in a box for Jack and you can go home. I think you are tired."

She gave a look to Abigail but softened when she felt the gentle hand on her shoulder. "Of course. I am a bit winded."

"Allright let me get that box Jack and you can be on your way."

Jack mouthed a thank you as he went over to Elizabeth and rubbed her shoulder. She grabbed his hand as a sign of a apology.

None was needed.

When they were snuggled into bed, Jack was reading a book out loud to the baby as Elizabeth found herself drifting asleep.

He gently closed the book when he realized she was asleep. He blew the light out and placed his hand on the bump, feeling gently for the baby as he whispered. "Hey there little one. This is your father. I can't wait to meet you. I am scared and excited and nervous all at once but mostly I'm blessed because you are a gift, the best gift I could ever receive in my life. You are the best thing I have ever done. I love you already and I can't wait to show you how to throw a ball, plant a flower and play hide and seek. I can't wait to hold you close and rock you to sleep. I want to protect you from all the scary things but I know I can't, but I will be here always even when you want to push me away. Whatever happens your father will stand beside you in good times and bad. Love you baby Thornton. Love, Pa."

He released his hand from her and slid down on his back, reaching for Elizabeth's hand that was at her side. He gently placed his palm in her hand so he didn't wake her but wanted to feel her touch next to him.

Elizabeth and Jack awoke at the same time, sharing a quick kiss. He changed while she made a light breakfast.

When he emerged from the bedroom, she saw she was standing over the oatmeal, looking pensive.

"Elizabeth?"

She looked up and saw she was upset. He went to her and wrapped her in a hug.

"It's ok. Everything is fine."

Through the sniffles she nodded. "I know. I just hate the doctor."

He chuckled and smoothed her hair. "You and me both. But all will be well. Why don't you get ready?"

"Ok."

He watched her go back into the bedroom and he sighed, throwing his head back to the ceiling as he whispered, "Protect her ok?"

Elizabeth and Jack entered the infirmary early.

She held a strong grip on his hand as both of them stood waiting for the nurse.

"Oh Mrs. Thornton, Dr. Lawrence will see you in a few minutes."

It didn't ease her nerves. "All right. Thank you"

Jack turned to her and smiled. "Ok, honey, you will be just fine as he rubbed her shoulders gently. I will wait for you ok?"

She nodded and took a deep breath. "You need to get to work and I will need to get to school. I can do this."

He moved his eyes down to meet her. "Are you sure because I can wait."

"No I will be fine just like you said. I will see you after school?"

"Of course." He gave her a hug and kissed the top of her head. "Love you."

She breathed deeply again. "Love you more."

She adjusted the strap on his uniform to keep herself from thinking bad thoughts and just then the nurse came back.

"The doctor will see you now. Elizabeth, please come this way."

He watched as she let go of him and he waited till the door closed before leaving.

When Elizabeth left the infirmary, she breathed a heavy sigh of relief as she looked up to the sky. "Thank you dear Lord."

The air was warm when she slowly made her way towards the school that she didn't need the light coat she was wearing. When she arrived she found the children playing outside. She smiled, ok with the fact that they probably should be working on the lesson plan that was left for the morning.

Florence emerged quite flustered. "Oh Mrs. Thornton you are back! Thank goodness!"

Elizabeth chuckled as the woman ran to her. "Hello Mrs. Blakely. How was the morning?"

The woman pulled her aside and lowered her voice. "The children were quite unruly. But I managed to do some spelling and grammar work."

"Oh wonderful. Thank you. I will speak to the children about their behavior."

She had to refrain from rolling her eyes as Florence could be quite the drama queen but she smiled.

"You are most welcome. And how is our mother to be?"

Her bump seemed to get bigger by the moment as she gently put her hands on it. "Everything is going well. Thank you."

"And we have a name?"

Elizabeth sighed. "Still thinking about it."

The woman gently placed her hands on top of Elizabeth's. "Well, if you want my opinion…"

She didn't but she knew she was going to give it anyway. "George is a fine name. As is Nathaniel."

"Thank you Florence but Nathaniel brings up some bad memories."

The woman gasped. "Oh the whole Tolliver gang? I understand but that was ages ago."

Oh she really had to hold her tongue. "I appreciate your input but I must get back to the children. I'm sure they have been outside for awhile now?"

The woman nodded. "Yes, probably a bit too long."

Of course. Elizabeth rounded up the older kids to get all the students back in the schoolhouse.

The boys helped her up the steps and when she entered she saw a message written on the chalkboard.

She smiled as she got closer and read it out loud as the students settled into their seats. "To Mrs. Thornton, we will miss you. Please don't go away long. Love, your students."

Finding herself emotional, she turned and outreached her arms. "Oh my goodness. Thank you all! You are such treasures."

The girls came up first, careful not to overwhelm her as they gave her a hug. Soon the whole class surrounded her and she was overwhelmed and found tears in her eyes.

One of the younger students piped in. "Mrs. Thornton are you ok?"

She hugged the little girl close. "I am Alice. I'm just so happy that you care about me so much." And she turned to them. "All of you. Thank you. I promise I will bring the baby so you can meet her."

"A girl! You are having a girl?"

She laughed through the tears. "Oh I don't know for sure but Mountie Jack and I think so."

Just then a voice cut through the group. "Room for one more?"

The crowd parted as Jack was approached them. "So how did Mrs. Thornton like her surprise?"

The girls shouted. "She loved it Mountie Jack! She's crying!"

He smiled and the children moved so he could stand in front of her. "Happy tears I hope?"

She nodded as the children continued to surround them. "Of course." As she wiped them another person spoke up. "Who wants some cake?"

There was cheering and both Jack and Elizabeth looked to see Abigail and Clara carrying large trays.

Quickly the kids ran to them as Jack smiled and spoke through the commotion.

"Hope you don't mind a party."

She smiled as she took his hand. "Not at all. Today is a happy day."

Taking that as sign her appointment went well, he squeezed her hand and then released it as students surrounded her once again.

"Mrs. Thornton my mom said I had to ask permission to have sweets."

"Ok, I grant you permission." The little girl smiled and ran back to the group where Jack was helping hand out plates and forks, asking for an orderly line.

She watched as they all gave each student a piece of cake and they all sat quietly back in their seats.

It went so well and Jack came back with 2 plates a bit later, as Elizabeth settled into her seat, finding her legs already tired.

"Vanilla cake?"

She nodded and took it, as he sat on the edge of her desk, eating the cake in two bites.

"So good."

She smiled as she picked her own. "I see that."

He looked at her and made a guilty face. "Oh I'm sorry, that wasn't very nice."

"Jack, I kind of know your eating habits by now. One of them is eating something you love very quickly."

He smirked and lowered his voice. "Well not everything. In fact, I like to take my time with something in particular."

She blushed. "Jack…we are in school!"

He laughed and stood. "That we are, which means we have to let you get back to work. See you in a few hours."

Quickly he kissed her cheek to which her students saw. "Ewww, Mountie Jack kissed Mrs. Thornton."

They turned and Jack smiled addressing the students. "Mrs. Thornton has to get back to her lessons so please give your attention to her now."

The boy straightened up as Jack went over to him, gently putting his hand on his shoulder and speaking to him. "Carl, you will realize how special girls are one day."

Carl looked up at him. "If you say so."

Jack laughed and smiled as he slowly made his way back to Abigail and Clara who were cleaning up.

"Now everyone say thank you to Abigail, Clara and Mountie Jack."

The class all turned and in union said thank you.

Abigail and Clara smiled as Jack helped them with the emptied trays. He followed them both out but not before turning and giving a smile to Elizabeth who was telling her students to get their readers out. She gave him a wink.

That evening Jack was reading a story out loud to the baby in bed while Elizabeth drummed her fingers on her stomach.

"Jack?"

He stopped and turned to her. She smiled up at him.

"Did I thank you for today?"

He put the book down. "Many times."

She yawned. "I'm going to see Abigail and Clara tomorrow before school. I wish I had something to give them."

He kissed her hand and settled down next to her on the pillow, facing her. "You don't need to do that. Plus, you have to be ok with people giving you things."

"I know, but it seems silly. I mean everyone has done so much for me already when I came here and you..and…"

He stopped her by putting a finger to her lips. "Shush. You have done more than enough for this town. And for me…" He placed his hand on her belly.

"You know Elizabeth I'm not very good expressing my emotions, which is why we have lots of artwork in this house…" She chuckled as he continued.

He reached up with other hand and stroked her cheek. "I can't imagine my life before you…" He felt the emotion overwhelm as he cleared his throat. "You and this child have my heart. Forever." He leaned into her and she kissed the top of his head as she felt his emotion.

"My Jack."

They stayed quiet for awhile as they listened to each other's heartbeats and Jack kept his hand on her belly, feeling the baby kick a few times.

Jack awoke to the sound of screaming. He almost thought he was dreaming but when he turned she saw she was gripping her stomach and hunched over.

"Elizabeth!"

She looked to him in a panic. "Jack, I think something is happening."

He looked down and saw there was blood. He took a deep breath and went into Mountie mode.

"All right, you are ok. I think the baby is ready to say hello. How long have you been in pain?"

She winced as she tried to breath in and out. "I don't know. A few hours. It only got bad the last ten minutes."

Jack pulled down the sheets, shedding the bedding and getting up on the other side of her so he could fix the pillows and prop them so she could lean against them.

"Ok. I need to get the doctor."

She nodded. "I know. I know. I will be fine but go now."

He nodded and propped up her legs with his pillows. "All right. Just breathe ok? Just breathe."

She had no time for his exercises. "Just go!"

He took the hint and darted out of the house in his pajama's. He was able to throw on a pair of boots but didn't even tie them.

He ran down the long hill and reached town in record time. It was quiet when he reached the town and he realized he had no idea what time it was, but he knew it was early morning.

The door was closed to the infirmary but he knew the doctor was always in early.

"Dr. Lawrence!"

The pounding and the yelling would have woken up anyone as he continued to yell and pound.

The doctor opened the door with medic bag in hand. "Allright. I'm coming."

The two of them raced back to find Elizabeth struggling but holding her own.

"Mrs. Thornton, I had a feeling. Quickly he went to her and Jack stood, now frozen.

The doctor quickly examined her and looked to Jack. "Bring me some water and towels if you can. She is ok but we need to prepare for the baby."

It was happening. He quickly got what he was told, thoughts racing.

When he handed the doctor a bowl of water and the towels he didn't know what to do. Should he hold her hand? Should he leave and get Abigail? What the heck was the next thing?

Elizabeth seemed to make this decision for him. "Jack, honey, your face tells me you are confused. Go get Abigail."

He would laugh because my goodness she was smart and funny but that didn't seem right.

"I will be back."

She screamed again so that told him she wasn't paying attention. As he left, he heard the doctor helping her through the pain.

Quickly he went back into town, finding Abigail making the breakfast run. She knew immediately when she saw him.

"I will get some blankets and some buckets."

Quickly he followed and they gathered up some old blankets and he grabbed a few buckets.

"How far apart are the contractions?"

Oh he didn't know. "Um, close. The doctor is with her."

Abigail gave him a smile. "Ok. Jack?"

He stopped gathering up the blankets and looked at her. Her face was soft and her eyes were bright.

"You are going to be a wonderful father."

He sighed and nodded. "I can't let them down."

She reached up and touched his cheek. "You won't."

Jack smiled. "Thank you."

They then continued grabbing everything and putting it in a basket. They were headed out the door before Abigail stopped. "Oh, can you put a quick note on the door so people know I'm going to be closed for awhile?"

He nodded. "Of course."

He put up a quick message on the door and then headed followed Abigail up the hill back to the house.

When they arrived again, Elizabeth was yelling and the doctor was counting.

Quickly Abigail grabbed the blankets and entered the room, closing the door slightly.

Elizabeth noticed her. "Oh my! You are here, thank goodness!"

Abigail smiled and grabbed her hand on the other side of her, sitting on the bed now stripped as the doctor was by her legs.

"How are you doing?"

Elizabeth gave her a look and Abigail laughed. "I know, silly to ask."

The doctor counted again as Abigail kept a firm grip on Elizabeth's hand and keeping her in good spirits.

"Just a little more Elizabeth and your daughter will be here. Hang in there."

Once the pain passed she looked to Abigail. "And to think I was going to thank you for my surprise yesterday this morning."

Quietly Abigail moved the hair out of her face. "What's the saying, Men plan, God Laughs?"

Elizabeth touched her forehead to Abigail's and chuckled. "Thank you for being here."

"Always."

Just then another pain hit her and Elizabeth cried out.

On the other side Jack paced. He wanted to be in there but he knew it wasn't appropriate. This was hard to handle. He needed a distraction or someone to talk to or just something.

There was a knock on the door. Perfect timing.

He opened it and Rosemary was on the other side. Oh well…maybe not.

"Jack! Hello, I was looking for Elizabeth."

The last person he wanted to find out about Elizabeth being in labor was Rosemary so he closed the door and stepped out. "Oh well, she's busy."

She looked perplexed. "Ah, well it will only take a second."

Leave it to her. "Can you come back later? We are getting ready for the day."

Please leave. Please. She looked at Jack funny. "Jack, is something going on? You look a bit…out of sorts."

She was nothing but persistent. "Yes, now if you would please let me get back to…"

And then the sound. Yelling.

"Oh my goodness Jack, what is going on…"

It was over. Her face quickly changed. "Elizabeth is in labor! Oh my! I need to go inside and…"

He cut her off. "Thank you but Abigail is in there. I don't think she wants an audience."

Rosemary pouted. "Jack I'm a friend. And a woman. I think she would like to have me there, helping and keeping her distracted from all that she is going through and who better than me to do such a thing."

"Really Rosemary Elizabeth is just fine. You are sweet but can you please come back. We will keep you all informed as we hear something."

She put her hand on his shoulder. "I will be here ok? Lee can come by."

He was relived. "I would like that, on both accounts."

She quickly turned and left leaving Jack to breathe for a moment. He was usually so good under tense times, but this was different.

He heard another scream and he felt pained.

Was there nothing he could do?

He heard Rip howl then and he quickly darted back inside and went over to the dog.

"I know boy but she's ok. Here, let's go outside. I don't think Elizabeth wants me around right now."

Another cry filled the house as he quickly summoned the dog with him and they quickly exited.

Elizabeth was expecting pain but this was just impossible. Abigail placed a wet washcloth on her head but that wasn't too helpful.

"Abigail, how do woman do this?"

The doctor told her to wait as she tried to breathe.

Abigail moved the hair out of her eyes. "We just do. Hang in there."

It wasn't the most refreshing but Elizabeth slowed her breathing as the doctor told her to take a few seconds to re-center.

Another pain hit her and she cried out.

This better be over soon.

Jack meanwhile was circling the house to stay in listening distance but it wasn't helping. It was in fact making it worse as Rip was at his feet, waddling around.

"Boy, I wish I had your apathy."

He kneeled down and patted the dog's head.

Just then he saw a figure coming up the hill.

The man smiled and went over to him.

"Jack! Rosemary told me the news!"

He nodded as they exchanged a hug.

"Abigail is with her."

Lee nodded as he looked at the house. "Good. I know this is the hardest part."

"Not for me."

Lee chuckled. "True. 'Comon why don't we walk."

Jack sighed as he motioned for Rip to follow.

It has been forever. Elizabeth was still struggling and the baby didn't seem any closer to arriving. She was terrified.

"Abigail, nothing is happening!"

The woman gently shushed her fears as she placed another washcloth on her forehead.

"I know. I know. But these things take time."

The doctor looked up to Elizabeth. "Ok Elizabeth, a few more pushes and your beautiful baby should be here!"

Thank goodness!

She pushed hard and hard.

As she screamed.

And then there the baby came.

Jack meanwhile was with Lee as they walked behind the house trying to talk about anything else but the baby.

"So to which I said to Mr. Thompson that if he ever cut corners like that again, he would be out of a job."

"Do you need me to speak to him?"

Lee patted his back. "Nothing criminal. Just stupidity."

It was then they heard a voice behind them and they both turned.

"Jack!"

Jack came running with Lee and Rip at his heels.

His mind couldn't process the next words but Lee's hug and Abigail's strong hand on his arm told him that it was good.

The house was quiet as he tried to calm his brain and heart.

The door was partially opened and he paused at the entrance.

He turned to Abigail as her eyes were filled with tears.

"Go meet your daughter Constable Thornton."

He had to restrain his own emotion as he entered, the sunlight filtering through the room.

Elizabeth was propped up on pillows, looking as beautiful as ever.

And there in her arms was a little person wrapped up in blankets.

She was teary and tired but she smiled wide. "Our little girl."

He almost didn't know what to do as he approached the bed. It took him a moment to look down almost fearful it was all a dream and he would wake up.

His eyes filled with tears as he slowly made his way down to the sleeping beauty in her arms. She was so tiny, so perfect.

Gently Elizabeth lifted her towards him. "Say hello to your pa."

Jack took a seat on the bed as he took her from her arms. He cradled her softly as he looked down at her full head of hair and chubby hands and cheeks.

"I'm your pa. You are beautiful."

He looked up to see Elizabeth crying freely now as she wiped the tears from her eyes.

Voice filled with emotion and love he smiled. "God is good. I am so blessed. I love you both so much."

He raised the baby to his head where he kissed her forehead. "My girl. You already have my heart."

Elizabeth's voice was horse but filled with hope. "And she has yours."

Jack gently reached down and took the girl's hand, gently stroking it with one finger.

"How can I ever put her down?"

Elizabeth chuckled through the tiredness. "You have to sleep too."

He continued to look down at her.

"Laura."

Elizabeth looked at him and then down at the baby.

"Laura Thornton."

Elizabeth smiled as she gently rubbed Jack's arm. "Laura Marie Thornton."

Jack nodded and looked at Elizabeth who was lovingly looking at her.

"Perfect."

The baby then started to move in Jack's arms and he gently rocked her. "There, there my girl."

A little while later, Elizabeth was sleeping and Jack took Laura out of the room to show her the house.

"And here's where mommy cooks, you will learn she's a better baker."

She was very comfortable in his arms as he took her around, keeping her inside the house for now.

Rip was quiet sleeping.

"And here's your room. Your ma and pa have worked hard on it. I have a feeling you might like the rocking chair the most."

He took a seat and rocked gently as the sun set finding sleep himself.

When Elizabeth took Laura to school a week later, the children couldn't wait to meet her.

"Mrs. Thornton you are back!"

Gently Elizabeth put her finger to her lips to quiet the children.

"Hello my lovely students. Laura is asleep so we need to be quiet."

They all nodded as Elizabeth went to the front of the room with Laura in the carriage.

One by one they went up and looked over the baby and said something.

"Hi baby."

"She is so pretty."

"You have the best mommy and daddy."

"I hope to play with you soon."

"You will grow up smart just like Mrs. Thornton."

With every word Elizabeth smiled and hugged each student as they made their back to their seat.

When they were dismissed for recess, Elizabeth took her out of the carriage and held her.

An older student, Mary, lingered and went to Mrs. Thornton.

"Mrs. Thornton?"

Elizabeth smiled and looked down at the girl.

"What is the hardest part of being a mother?"

Elizabeth thought for a moment.

"Probably changing her."

Mary laughed. "And the best?"

She smiled wide. "Everything."

The girl nodded and went back outside.

Jack entered a few moments later.

"How was Laura's first day of school?"

Gently Elizabeth lowered her into her arms so she could rock her.

"Wonderful. She got high marks from all the students."

Jack looked down and then kissed her cheek.

"That's my girl."

They both exchanged looks at the baby lay asleep in her arms.

"Why don't we go to Abigail's for some lunch?"

Elizabeth nodded. "I could eat."

Jack laughed as he pushed the carriage. "I can always eat."

She gave him a look at they entered the sunshine. "My Jack."

He helped her down the steps and then grabbed the carriage.

"My beautiful girls."

He kissed her as they walked to Abigail's.

Into the sunshine.

Into their future.