Jack Thornton had never been so wrong in his life. Being a Mountie was nothing compared to the peril of war. As a Mountie, he was not required to enlist to defend Great Britain. However, everything changed for Jack the summer of 1916.
"Jack!" Ned Yost barged into the jail. He was pale and was gripping a white paper in his hand. Jack knew that meant one thing. Another one of Hope Valley's men had either gone missing or worse...was killed.
"Who is it this time, Ned?" Jack's voice was low, forcing himself to be calm. Ned thrust the envelope at Jack.
"Lee Coulter. Missing in Action," he said gravely.
Jack's hands shook as he re-read the simple message. Leland T. Coulter, missing. "Has Rosemary been told?"
"No," Ned shook his head. "Thankfully, no one was in the store when we got word," Ned said carefully.
"I'll tell her. Thanks, Ned." Jack followed Ned out. He untied his horse and mounted. As he trotted to Rosemary and Lee's home just outside town, he remembered Rosemary's father's last wish for him. He had become ill and was not expected to live much longer. Her mother had passed a year prior. As Mr. Leveaux lay dying on his bed, he looked at Jack and said, "Watch out for Rosie. Promise me. You're all she has left."
Jack took those words to heart. Even at 16, he was noble. Faithful. Loyal. He would do anything for anyone he loved. The Leveaux's were close with the Thornton's as Jack's father and Rosemary's father served together as Mounties. And Jack did care for Rosie despite, as Charlotte put it later, them being like oil and water. But they were best of friends growing up, despite how crazy they drove the other. Jack stood by his word. He took care of Rosemary during her grief. He gave her advice when she had beau trouble. He was the one thing stable in her life during those years of confusion and grief. Jack was there. And finally, when they were 19, he proposed to her. He knew Rosemary needed someone who could take care of her and thought that perhaps, he would be the one to do it. He did love her then, but looking back now, Jack realized that love was out of duty and was truly a sibling love, rather than romantic love.
Rosemary, as vibrant and vivacious, was thrilled to finally be betrothed and in a serious courtship, but her young, naive, and selfish ways led her to New York City to make it big as an actress, leaving Jack upset and slightly broken-hearted.
Jack could have signed up for training years earlier but didn't because of Rosemary. He would probably be one of the oldest in the class and because of his stubbornness, he almost let his pride stop him, but his mother encouraged him to go for his dreams.
Despite the ups and downs and trouble Rosemary caused through the years, Jack watched out for her as though she were his sister. Today would be no exception.
He found Rosemary sweeping the steps of her porch. "Jack!" Her bright smile lit up. "What brings you on by? Would you like tea?" She said in one breath. Jack dismounted his horse and tied it to the fence post.
"Is Oliver inside?" Jack forced himself to be normal and cordial.
"No, he's with Molly Sullivan. She offered to watch him, so I can get some spring cleaning done." Rosemary leaned her broom against the door. Jack nervously shuffled his feet, not knowing what to say next. Rosemary opened her mouth to say something but stopped when she saw the look on Jack's face. She had known Jack long enough to read his face. He looked nervous, concerned, and perhaps upset. She cocked her head and realized something was dreadfully wrong. "What is it?" Her tone suddenly serious, and the color draining from her pink face. Her eyes were drawn to the white paper Jack was gripping. "No." she whispered. She ran up to Jack and grabbed the paper from his hand.
"The wires. Lee is missing."
Her mouth trembled as she took the telegram and Jack watched Rosemary read it over and over again. Her blonde curls shook as she read the telegram and gripped it tighter. She buried her face in the telegram and immediately started to sob. Jack had never heard her cry this way. Sure, she had always been over the top and dramatic, but this was real. Her Lee was nowhere to be found. Jack took one step closer to her and put his arm around her. She crumpled into his arms and cried. Jack's eyes stung for her.
"I'm so sorry, Rosie," he whispered. He held her for a few minutes before she started to pull herself together. She sniffled and took a deep breath. She released her arms from Jack and sat down on the bench.
"Do you know anything else?" She asked tearfully. Jack shook his head.
"I'm sorry, Rosemary, this is all I know." Rosemary was silent. "What can I do for you, Rosie?" Jack felt ridiculous for asking as he knew the only thing that would make her feel better would be for Lee to miraculously walk around the corner.
"I—I—" Rosemary's eyes started to brew with tears. "I just need a few moments, Jack. Please?"
Jack patted her hand comfortingly. "Okay," he said. "Elizabeth and I will be by later to check on you." He walked down the steps and untied his horse once again. When he looked up, he watched Rosemary walk back into the house. As he rode back to town, he could hear children laughing in the distance. He redirected his horse towards the schoolhouse. As he rode up, he watched the children run past him laughing.
"Jack!" Elizabeth exclaimed as she walked out of the schoolhouse, carrying her books. "I didn't expect to see you here!" She skipped down the steps and gave him a kiss on the cheek. They started to walk back towards town.
"I was on my way back to town when I heard the children running out of school, so I decided to take a detour," Jack said. "Anything to see you, Mrs. Thornton." He winked.
Elizabeth giggled. "So, what were you doing out here anyways?"
Jack stopped walking and turned to face Elizabeth. His face now somber. "I delivered another message."
Elizabeth gave a small gasp. "Who?" But quickly realized it could only be one person from the direction Jack had come from. "Oh, no, not—"
"Lee is missing," Jack said.
"No, not Lee too," she breathed, her eyes sad and clouding. "We've had too many losses. When will this end, Jack?"
"Soon, I hope. But the word is that we may be in this a little longer than we thought."
They were silent for a few moments. "We should stop by and see Rosemary later."
"Exactly what I was thinking," Jack gave Elizabeth a small smile before squeezing her hand. The rest of the way back to town, Jack and Elizabeth made small talk, but both of their minds had wandered to Rosemary and Lee. The future was unknown. They both feared for their friends. Could they handle another loss? Would they survive through this blasted war? In their hearts, they knew that Hope Valley always pulled through for each other, but at such a time as this, it was hard to have hope.
Elizabeth and Jack arrived at Rosemary's later that evening. She greeted them at the door.
"Come on in. I just put Oliver to bed." Rosemary opened the door wider, letting Jack and Elizabeth enter. They walked into the sitting area. "May I offer you something to drink?" She put on a brave face, but had been obviously crying earlier.
"Rosemary, don't trouble yourself, please?" Elizabeth said kindly. Rosemary dropped the facade, the brave face she had been putting on.
"I've never been so overwhelmed before," Rosemary said, tears falling. "Nearly everyone has stopped by giving their condolences. Today has been the worst day of my life." She wasn't exaggerating. Elizabeth gave her a sympathetic look and put her arm around her. "I haven't even told Oliver, but I don't know that I should because he's barely two years old, and I doubt he'd be able to comprehend any of this." She took a deep breath and Jack and Elizabeth continued to listen. "But, I keep telling myself, if Lee were really," she gulped before continuing, "dead, I would feel it, wouldn't I? I would know in my heart that he were really gone."
"I suppose you're right," Elizabeth said quietly, looking at Jack, not being able to comprehend the emptiness Rosemary spoke of. They were silent for a moment.
"He was last in France. I keep reading his last letter to me. It was postmarked a couple of months ago. But he was doing well, and his spirits were still high." Rosemary gave a small smile to the letter, remembering the positivity Lee kept in the letter. She looked at Jack and Elizabeth. "I used to believe that I could never marry or be with a man who was less than perfect. He had to have the perfect hair, smile, and body. But now, none of that matters. I don't care if Lee comes back missing his leg or if he's permanently blind. I would do anything to have him back right now. Back here in Hope Valley." Rosemary ended in a whisper.
That evening Jack tossed and turned. He couldn't sleep. He had a gnawing feeling and he couldn't shake it. He kept thinking about Lee out there, somewhere in France. He could be hurt. Missing. Wounded. He could be in danger. He could be a prisoner of war.
"Jack?"
He turned at the sleepy voice next to him. Elizabeth squinted and sat up a little. "You're tossing and turning. Are you all right?"
"Yes, I'm sorry to have woken you, sweetheart." He rolled over and gave her a kiss. Elizabeth sighed before snuggling back into their large featherbed. He tried to lay still while Elizabeth slumbered. Jack felt as though he had to take action. He was the only young and able-bodied man left in Hope Valley, and he was certain the only left in surrounding cities. His Mountie status was an exemption, but Jack couldn't sit back and watch. He couldn't wait for the train to bring home Lee's body. Jack needed to do something. Dead or alive, he needed to find Lee.
"You're awake bright and early," Elizabeth said cheerily. Jack was sitting at the kitchen table already drinking a cup of coffee. She gave Jack a hug from the back and leaned over and kissed him.
"Elizabeth, we need to talk." He pulled out the chair that was next to him. Elizabeth felt her heart beat a little faster. Somehow she knew what he was going to say.
"You want to go find Lee, don't you." Elizabeth said it as a statement rather than a question.
Jack sighed. He and Elizabeth almost always knew what the other was thinking. "I need to."
"You can't always save the world, Jack," Elizabeth said. "Being a Mountie, that's one thing. But being a soldier in another continent is another."
"But how is it different? I serve here to protect the people of Hope Valley. Over there, I'd be serving to protect Canada and Great Britain."
"You could be killed over there!"
"I could have been killed here too," Jack said simply. "You know all of the close encounters I've had over the years. How is that any different."
Elizabeth crossed her arms. The younger Elizabeth would have argued back. And her flesh wanted to fight him on this. But she knew she couldn't. There was an overwhelming sense of peace that filled her heart. She knew in her heart that he had to go. Jack never complained about being the last one left, but Elizabeth knew Jack longed to defend his country. She watched him each time another Hope Valley man left for the front one by one.
And now, she knew he always had an overwhelming sense of duty to serve the best way he knew how. Whether it was helping AbigaIl repaint the cafe. Or reuniting Roy and Edith. From saving Faith from a toxic relationship to saving Rosemary from being kidnapped. From helping Adam find his purpose. To showing Cody that it was okay to miss his dad. From protecting her and the town. When someone needed help, Jack was there.
He had to find Lee. For Rosemary. For Hope Valley. She knew his Mountie instincts would be an asset rather than a hindrance. She knew that if anyone could find Lee, it'd be Jack. Selfishly, she didn't want him to leave her. She didn't want to be in the house all alone by herself. She didn't want to receive a life altering telegram. She didn't want to become a widow before 30. She felt guilty for even thinking that as Hope Valley was full of widows due to the mining disaster years before. But she couldn't bear the thought of ever losing Jack. The thought made her tear up.
"I don't want to lose you," she whispered, her eyes glossy.
Jack stood and pulled Elizabeth up to her feet. He couldn't say anything. He wrapped his arms around Elizabeth and pulled her in closer. He held her in his arms and he felt her arms wrap around his waist.
"I'll return. I promise." He whispered. Elizabeth nodded, her eyes glistening. They finished eating breakfast before deciding to go to Rosemary's. The Coulters didn't live far from them-only a five minute walk. They found Rosemary planting flowers in front of her house. She looked up at the noise and looked surprised to see them. She stood up and took off her gardening gloves.
"Well, hello again! I didn't expect to see you here so soon. And this early." She noted as it wasn't quite calling hours yet. Rosemary seemed chipper, but of course, they knew it was the only way she could keep going knowing Lee was out there missing somewhere in France.
Jack looked at Elizabeth who nodded. He walked closer with Elizabeth a step behind.
"I'm enlisting," Jack said simply. "I'm putting my notice this afternoon."
Rosemary dropped the shovel she was holding. "What? No, Jack, you cant! Elizabeth? You cant let him-"
"I'm bringing Lee home. Lee and any other Hope Valley man I can." Jack said firmly.
"You can't always be the hero, Jack," Rosemary said strongly. "It's a different world out there! You can't sacrifice yourself, your family, or for goodness sakes, Elizabeth, on behalf of others!"
"Rosie, I told your father before he died that I would look out for you. And Lee is like another brother to me. I can't just sit here and wait for something to happen. It's my duty as a Canadian citizen to protect Elizabeth, you, Lee, and Hope Valley, and that means I need to go." Jack's voice was firm, passionate even.
Rosemary's eyes darted between Jack and Elizabeth. "Surely, Elizabeth, you can't be okay with any of this."
"I have to be, Rosemary," was all Elizabeth could say. Rosemary sighed before looking into the skies. There was no arguing with Jack. He was determined and she knew that if he was determined to find Lee, dead or alive, Jack would be the one to do it.
"Elizabeth, you are one of the strongest women I know," Rosemary said looking back at Jack and Elizabeth. Her eyes teared up again. "And Jack, promise me you'll send word as soon as you know anything," Rosemary said. Her voice lowered. "Regardless the outcome."
Jack nodded. "I promise."
Jack left two weeks later. The stage still ran from Hope Valley to Union City and Jack would catch the train to Hamilton. From Hamilton, he would ship out to London before going to the front. The morning Jack left was an emotional one for everyone. Their beloved Mountie was off to war.
"Be careful, Jack," Abigail said, tears brewing. She handed him a small basket. "For the journey."
"Be careful, son. I love you." Was the only thing Charlotte could say. She didn't just have one son overseas. She would now have two.
"Jack," Rosemary said. "If—When you find Lee, please give this to him." She handed him a small white envelope. Jack stuck it inside his coat before giving Rosemary and Oliver a hug. "Thank you."
Pastor Frank prayed over Jack just as he did over each man who went to the front. Before getting on the stage, he pulled Elizabeth aside. The people around them moved away to give them some privacy. Elizabeth looked into Jack's hazel eyes as she cupped his face. Jack's eyes watered and he furrowed his brow to stop the tears from flowing.
"I'll be back soon," Jack said. Elizabeth nodded her head.
"Please write to me," she whispered. They both knew Jack was horrible at writing letters, but Jack knew he had to make an effort now for his dear Elizabeth. He took her hand and kissed it.
"I will. Elizabeth?" He said wiping a tear from her face. "Promise me you won't give up hope."
"I love you, Jack."
"I love you too, Elizabeth."
He pulled her in and at that moment, he didn't care about propriety or what others thought. His last memory from Hope Valley needed to be with Elizabeth. Their kiss was sweet yet passionate as they lingered for several minutes. Jack held her in his embrace soaking in her sweet lavender scent. He closed his eyes trying to fill his mind, body, and should of Elizabeth. He didn't want to let her go. But the stage was waiting. And Lee was out there. He had to go.
"Return to me," Elizabeth whispered as she let go of his hand. Jack kissed her cheek one last time.
"I love you." He hopped into the stage. Elizabeth took a step back and the crowd seemed to take one step forward. He watched as Abigail put her arm around Elizabeth. Elizabeth had her brave face on and waved as the stage started to drive away. Rosemary seemed to hold on to Oliver tighter. His mother stood tall and serious. She didn't cry, but gave him a solid nod. His eyes never left Elizabeth's. Not until he couldn't see her or Hope Valley no longer. Jack brushed his hand against his eyes as he sat back. He was scared out of his mind. He didn't know what he was getting himself into and he didn't know how long the war would last. All he knew was that he left his heart in Hope Valley and prayed he would return home safe and sound.
Elizabeth watched the stage until she could no longer see it in the distance. She looked at Abigail sadly who only gave her a reassuring hug.
"We'll get through this," Abigail said, extending her arm to Rosemary. "Together."
Both Rosemary and Elizabeth nodded as they turned to walk to the cafe.
"Elizabeth," Charlotte touched Elizabeth's arm, causing her to stop and face her mother-in-law. "I need to head back to the settlement, but, please let me know if you need anything," Charlotte said. "I will drop everything and come to town for you." Elizabeth smiled. Despite their differences, they had grown closer as they both loved Jack and they both loved teaching. Charlotte set up a school for the settlement children. Jack, Elizabeth and Charlotte convinced the mothers of the settlement to allow their children two half days of school during the week as not to interfere with chores. Over the years, the half days turned to two full days and pretty soon a small school was established. The mothers soon found that Charlotte, who had been their teacher, had not only taught the children the "three R's"-reading, writing, and arithmetic- but had taught them useful tips and tricks for homestead life. For that, they were eternally grateful.
Charlotte loved living at the settlement and even more so loved being near her oldest son Jack. While she had her doubts about Elizabeth Thatcher, all of that changed the day they met. Charlotte recalled how witty Elizabeth was and that was the moment Charlotte knew Jack found the one. Her respect and admiration grew when Elizabeth mounted up her horse and found Jack nearly dead in the river. She watched Elizabeth care for him week after week not giving up hope. Jack was right. Elizabeth was a special young lady. She knew she would be blessed to have her as a daughter in law.
When Charlotte found out Jack was enlisting, her heart sunk. She couldn't bear the thought of losing her boys. Losing her husband Tom years prior was hard enough. But having two sons go to war, that was enough to make Charlotte cry. Charlotte rarely cried. But the night Jack told her, she did. She spent the rest of the evening begging God to spare Tom and Jack. Tom rarely wrote and Charlotte never knew where he may be. Her saving grace was knowing she still had one son safe at home. However, that was no longer the case.
Charlotte gave Elizabeth a hug before mounting her horse and heading back to the settlement. Elizabeth waved before stepping into the cafe with Abigail, Rosemary and Oliver. Hope Valley seemed quieter somehow, especially with all of the younger men gone. Jesse was the first to go. He and Clara had barely been married a month before the war started. Gabe Montgomery turned 18 the year the war started and much to his mother's dismay also left as soon as he was able. Hickam, Bo Grady, Wyatt Weaver, and many others left in 1915. That was when Lee decided to downsize the mill. He put Adam Miller in charge to keep the business running and so that his family would still get a little income, even if business was slower due to the war. He soon left too.
The Hope Valley of 1916 reminded Elizabeth of when she arrived in town when it was Coal Valley just six years before. There were scarcely any men in town as most of the husbands had passed in the coal mining accident just several weeks prior to Elizabeth's arrival. Today, there were scarcely any men as most had joined the war efforts. The town was quiet. However, there was one major difference. Six years before, the women were alone. Afraid. Untrusting. Hopeless. That was difference. Today, they had each other. They were brave. They trusted. They had hope. The women of Hope Valley overcame great obstacles in 1910. They would unify together again as they always had over the years now with their men at war.
When Elizabeth arrived home later that evening, a sense of loneliness filled her heart. It was so quiet with the exception of the howls of Rip and Darcy, their two year old sheep dog. Elizabeth pet both dogs before entering the house. There was still enough light coming in through the front windows, but knowing it would soon be dark, Elizabeth lit a lamp. She headed to their bedroom and sat down at her writing desk which faced the eastern sky. As she pulled out her journal, an envelope fell out. Elizabeth reached down to pick it up and realized it was from Jack.
My dearest Elizabeth,
Hopefully you've found this letter quickly. I assume you will as I know you write in your journal each night. Oh, Elizabeth. I have been dreading this day for some time now and hate the fact that it is here. My heart had been torn, as you know, the last year watching my friends and brothers go off to war. A part of me wanted to join them as a part of me longed for that adventure. However, I just couldn't do it. I couldn't leave you or Hope Valley for that very selfish reason. Before you go on, know that you were not the one stopping me. I know doubt will creep into your mind regarding my delayed enlisting, but we both know after years of being together that timing is everything. I realized early that I needed a reason, a valid reason, to go and now I do. I have a sense of duty to find Lee and bring him home. But enough about that. Elizabeth, my love, you are a brave woman and I am proud to have you as my wife. I admire your courage. Your boldness. Your tenderhearted spirit. You inspire me to be a better man and husband for you. I remember our first meeting all those years ago and how spiteful we were towards each other. I suppose we both had our fill of coal dust, eh? We have come so far together. I just wrote down pieces of all of my favorite memories of you and I am keeping it by your picture inside my left pocket. It's the only way I know I could feel close to you during this forsaken war. I don't know how I'll survive without you. But you are what keeps me going. Keeps me motivated to get the job done. You are my rock, Elizabeth. You are my forever. I love you. I love you. I love you. Til I return. Forever your love, Jack.
Elizabeth read the letter over and over again before stuffing it under her pillow. She grabbed one of Jack's flannel shirts from the dresser and held it up to her chest. She could smell him. She could smell his woodsy scent and a tear fell onto the shirt she was holding. She crept into the large king-sized feather bed and cried herself to sleep, clinging on to that flannel shirt. Wishing Jack would come home safe. Hoping he would come home soon.
Author's Note: I will be finishing up I Loved Her First, my first WCTH fan fic soon. It's much lighter than this and is set in modern day. Check it out if you haven't yet! I couldn't wait to post this next story and I hope you enjoy this new journey of Jack, Elizabeth, and the gang.