This is my first attempt at a fanfic. Kind and upbuilding reviews would be appreciated! None of these characters belong to me. They are owned by Janette Oke, and the writers/producers at Hallmark. After watching the season 5 finale, I decided that I'm going to ignore it and have Jack live. This takes place right after season 5 episode 9.

Chapter 1

Elizabeth's POV

"I'm sorry." At that moment, two words never hurt so much. It felt like a knife had stabbed me and was twisting inside. I don't ever remember dropping down to my knees, but I vaguely remember Abigail rubbing my back, trying to soothe me and telling me it was okay. But it would never be okay ever again because Jack was dead. The love of my life and the man that I was supposed to grow old with. The one who took away all my pain and gave me true happiness. He wasn't supposed to die. He was supposed to be coming back soon so we could spend our lives together as husband and wife. He was supposed to build me that house so we could start our own Thornton clan. He promised me that he was going to be okay. I don't remember screaming either, but the next thing I knew, the whole town was streaming out of the saloon. Bill reached my side, and with one look at me and then at the Mountie, he knew what had happened. Everything else passed in a blur. Eventually Bill lifted me off the ground and carried me towards the café. The action reminded me of when Jack rescued me from the mine, and with all the strength I had left in me, called out, "Jack." Then the whole world turned black.

I woke up to sunlight streaming into the room. Everything seemed normal until the events of last night came rushing back. I cried out in anguish. Jack would never be coming home again. Footsteps sounded on the stairs, and Abigail came into the room. She sat down next to me on the bed, and just held me. Neither of us saying a word, because we didn't need to. The action reminded me of when I ran into Jack's embrace after he rescued me from Mr. Spurlock. This memory brought on a new onslaught of emotions ending with me sobbing on Abigail's shoulder. Soon after she left, I cried myself to sleep and dreamt of Jack.

Abigail's POV

2 Days Later

I walked down the street headed toward the mercantile. This was the first time I've left the cafe since the news came. I've been tending to Elizabeth and trying to get her to eat, but sorrow has nearly overwhelmed her. My heart ached for Elizabeth, and for Jack, and I barely held back my tears. The whole town was grieving the loss of their beloved Mountie, so black was being worn. When I nearly got to the mercantile, Bill hurried out of the jail and headed my way. These last few days were really tough on Bill. When Jack died, a little bit of everyone died as well. Bill took it especially hard, with Jack being like a son to him. When he ran up to me, he had a strange expression on his face. It took me a while to place it, but then I finally realized what it was. Hope. The very thing this town was built on and what got me through Noah and Peter's death. Through the apparent sadness on his face, I could see a glimmer of hope break through. He handed me a telegram and remained quiet while I skimmed through. The words blew me away.

I would like you to travel out and ID a patient that was admitted yesterday. He was one of the Mounties that survived the landslide. The only reason I'm sending you this telegram is that I am 100 percent sure that this man is indeed, Jack Thornton.

I looked up from reading to Bill's face not daring to breathe. A million thoughts and questions were running through my head but only one question came out of my mouth. 'Is it true?'

And with a little smile came the words that I will never forget. 'Jack might be alive.'

Dun, Dun Dun... Thank you so much for reading! Reviews would be appreciated!