Jack watched as the bouquet fell into Elizabeth's hands. A smile spread upon his face. It was an old-fashion tradition, but women did often hold on to those traditions much more so than men. But this particular tradition on this particular day didn't bother him. The look on Elizabeth's face was quite priceless. She seemed surprised, yet happy. He had waited long enough. They had waited long enough.

His near-death experience had been a real wake-up call for Jack. It was true he loved Elizabeth, but a tiny part of him was still holding on to a misplaced sense of duty. He wasn't sure exactly why he felt this compelling need to play the Mountie hero and turn away the life of an ordinary man, but he suspected it had something to do with his father's death. It was almost as if he felt like he had to carry on his father's legacy, and to even surpass his accomplishments. Now, he realized how foolish that sounded. There was nothing he could accomplish as a man alone that would ever be greater than the things he could accomplish with Elizabeth by his side. He had started to realize that before the accident, but staring death in the face took away all doubt. Somewhere in those lost hours, he could hear her call to him. He heard her voice telling him that it would be alright. He could hear, and sense, and even feel her love. Her heart called to his and rescued him from the brink. He hadn't been able to find the words to tell her. But somehow, some way, he would. And soon.

The sound of everyone's cheers and delighted sighs brought him back to reality. Elizabeth smiled and put her arm through his. Mountie Jack Thornton was a lucky man.

...

"So, son. Your lady caught the bouquet," Charlotte teased as she approached Jack.

The reception was lively and the whole town was enjoying the festivities. They weren't just celebrating Rosemary and Lee, but the promise of tomorrow. The flood had been devastating, but it had not destroyed them. The settlers were being relocated and their lives were coming back together. Things were good in Hope Valley and they were simply celebrating life.

Elizabeth and Jack had found little time alone during the festivities. With Elizabeth busy helping Abigail, Jack was left to mingle through the crowd and reassure Lee that there would be a return to normalcy in the near future. Well, as normal as you can get being with Rosemary.

"I know, mom," Jack smiled, pleading with his eyes for his mother to not be "herself" for just this once.

"You know what that means, right?" Charlotte continued her chiding.

"I do," Jack let out a breath.

Charlotte put her hands on Jack's cheek.

"I know where your heart is, son. And I just wanted you to know I support you. Elizabeth is a wonderful woman. And I know she will make you very happy. And that makes me very, very happy."

Jack swallowed the lump in his throat and reached out to hug his mother. He never expected Charlotte Thornton to say anything remotely resembling sentimental about Elizabeth. But just like she had mesmerized him, she had also won over his mother.

"She must be really special if you've taken a liking to her," Jack grinned.

"Well, the poor dear isn't much of a cook. And I don't know how she's survived without her house servants this long on her own, but..."

Charlotte smiled as she continued, "But she has shown me how much she cares for you and how she will support you and fight for you. She's got spirit. I even think she just might have a little of me in her deep down somewhere."

"Then bless us both," Jack teased.

"Hey, you, two," Elizabeth smiled as she approached the mother and son.

"I was just comforting my lonely son," Charlotte teased. "His date had abandoned him."

"I'm so sorry, Jack. Between making sure the tablecloths stay straightened and the punch stays filled...I'm spent."

"Mom was teasing, Elizabeth," Jack smiled as he took Elizabeth's hand in his.

"Perhaps you could spare a moment to dance, though?"

Elizabeth smiled.

"I could probably spare two," she grinned.

Charlotte smiled as she watched her son glide around the dance floor with Elizabeth. She was truly happy he had found true love. She was so afraid that he would never open his heart again after Rosemary. Charlotte knew that Rosemary wasn't the one for Jack, and she hoped that he didn't decide to give up on finding the right one. She was glad that Jack ended up in Hope Valley. This is where he belonged.

...

The whole town waved goodbye as Lee and Rosemary rode off in the wagon. As soon as they were out of sight, you could hear a collective sigh that all the fuss and festivities had subsided for a while. While the whole town loved Rosemary and her high-strung antics, it was tiring keeping up with all that she came up with. They were glad to have a few weeks to slow down before the hustle and bustle of Christmas, which was sure to be the first thing on Rosemary's agenda when she arrived back from her honeymoon.

"Why don't we leave all the clean-up for tomorrow?" Abigail suggested. "I know everyone is tired. It will keep until then."

"That sounds like a wonderful idea, Abigail. We will be here first thing after breakfast," Dottie replied.

"Let me walk you ladies home," Jack said to Elizabeth and his mom.

"You two go ahead," she smiled. "I wanted to talk to Abigail for a moment. I'll catch up."

Jack nodded, giving her a knowing look and led Elizabeth towards the road.

"I'm exhausted," Elizabeth sighed. "For a simple wedding-there sure was a lot of fuss."

"Well, poor Rosemary...she can't really do simple, can she?" Jack laughed.

"Poor Rosemary? Poor Lee! He has to live with her," Elizabeth joked.

"Aw, come on, now. I think they are perfect for one another," Jack said, almost defensively.

"I'm only joking," Elizabeth grinned. "They are perfect for one another. In fact, I have to admit, I'm a little jealous."

Jack stopped and faced Elizabeth.

"Jealous?"

"Well, sure. Aren't you? I mean, everything they-this town-has been through in the last few months...They found a way to be happy through it all. Gowen trying to destroy Lee's business. Rosemary losing her dream of acting. They made it through it all by standing by each other. They found their new dream...together. Who wouldn't envy that a little?"

"Perhaps someone who has done that all on her own?" Jack smiled, reaching his hand to touch Elizabeth's cheek.

"You know what my dream is, Jack Thornton?" Elizabeth said breathlessly.

"What?" Jack answered back almost in a whisper.

"Yoo hoo? Jack? Elizabeth?"

"Mom. Glad you caught up. Though, I thought your conversation with Abigail might take a little longer."

Charlotte grinned.

"Maybe you just walk too slow," she joked.

The three walked the rest of the way to Elizabeth's house together, engaging in meaningless small-talk. When they arrived, Jack paused at the door step.

"Goodnight, son. I think I'm going to turn in. Goodnight, Elizabeth," Charlotte said, going on ahead, leaving Elizabeth on the steps with Jack.

"Goodnight, Elizabeth," Jack said softly, taking her hands in his.

"Goodnight, Jack. See you in the morning?" she asked hopefully.

"Of course," he smiled.

He gently kissed her hands and watched as she slowly walked in the house and closed the door softly behind her.

Elizabeth regretted they didn't get a chance to finish their conversation. She wanted Jack to know-she had to make sure he knew-that he was her dream now. She had almost lost him, and she couldn't bear it if she didn't get the chance to tell him just how she felt about him.