Hello, friends! If you haven't read Return to Me, please do! This story picks off right where that one leaves off. Lee and Jack have just returned from the war in Europe. Also, Return to Me was written prior to Season 4, so in this story, Jack never leaves to fight in the Northern Territories.
Also, I was reminded that another author has already used the title New Beginnings. :) So, I won't be using that title. Hopefully no one has used "After the War." And if so, I will change the title! No problem! :) Thanks again for reading and all of your support!
August 1917
It had been a few weeks since Jack and Lee's return home to Hope Valley. Life was starting the settle down once more. But for Elizabeth, a piece of her heart struggled with a decision she needed to make soon and quickly. Jack had taken Kate out to town for the morning so that Elizabeth could do a few things around the house, plus Jack used any excuse he could to have "father-daughter" bonding. Elizabeth set the broom aside, grabbed a pen and left a note for Jack so he didn't worry about where she was. She stopped to pet Rip and Darcy, who were lounging on the front porch, and headed on her way. The path forked and rather than going right to town, she went straight. Right towards the schoolhouse. School wouldn't start for another several weeks. However, Elizabeth a tug to go to the schoolhouse. As she reached the steps of the schoolhouse, she looked up at the beautiful white building. Teaching meant so much to her. This was where she taught students, not just writing, reading, and arithmetic, but kindness, thankfulness, teamwork, and empathy. This is where laughter rang out and where hugs were given.
Elizabeth walked down the aisle, touching each desk. Elizabeth could name all the students she taught over the years— even the ones who had come and gone. Like Bo, Wyatt, Gem, Rosaleen, Rachel, Cassandra, Gabe, Miles, Albert, and so many more. She watched other students grow physically and mentally, like Cody, Robert, Opal, Phillip, Emily, Hattie and Anna. She watched other students achieve their dreams like Becky.
Elizabeth walked around to the desk. The cowbell that Jack had gotten her several years before still sat there and she still didn't have an official school bell. But that was okay. Elizabeth didn't have the heart to replace the silly cowbell. She opened the top drawer and started pulling things out. Old readers, and old slate, pencils, chalk. There were a few photographs of each class she had taught since arriving in Hope Valley. Then she pulled out a large card. Elizabeth smiled as a teardrop fell. She quickly wiped her eyes and opened the card slowly.
"You brought sunshine to our lives."
This card was given to her from the very first students she taught. Elizabeth closed her eyes and held the card close to her heart. And that was the exact reason why making the decision to stop teaching so hard.
The door to the schoolhouse creaked open. Elizabeth opened her eyes expecting to see students walk through, out of habit, but it wasn't. It was just Jack. He headed down the aisle to meet her at the front of the classroom.
Jack smiled at Elizabeth and said, "Kate is with Rosemary. I dropped her off when I saw your note." Jack led her to the front pew and they sat down. He turned to face her. "What's going through your mind, sweetheart?" Elizabeth stayed facing forward, staring at the teacher's desk and chalkboard in front of them. She sighed.
"I have to give up teaching."
Jack nodded. He had a feeling this was what she had been struggling with. Ever since Mayor Gowen asked Elizabeth if she would continue to teach, Elizabeth had seemed lost in thought and almost distant. As though something were bothering her.
"You don't have to give it up," Jack said. "It's what you love."
Elizabeth turned and faced him. "It is. But my family. I love my family more."
"Elizabeth." Jack took Elizabeth's hand in his. "You don't have to give teaching up. Abigail and Rosemary have said that they can watch Kate while you teach, and I can always take time off." He rubbed her hand gently. "You don't have to give up your passion and calling."
"But Jack—" Elizabeth said, tears forming, "What if my passion and calling has changed? My heart longs to be home and raise Kate and the other children we may have." After having Kate, Elizabeth discovered a new-found joy she had never experienced before— motherhood. She loved her dear little girl. She loved watching her grow and discover the world around her. She enjoyed every moment of motherhood. When Elizabeth realized that teaching would take up so much of her time, that's when Elizabeth started to re-evaluate her priorities. She certainly did not want to quit altogether, but then Elizabeth realized, she would always be teaching. She would be teaching her children as they grow. And Elizabeth could tutor the children as needed. So, she wasn't completely throwing her love for teaching out the window. But still. Teaching was everything she had ever known and loved. To resign was stepping into the world of the unknown. But, wasn't that life? Life didn't always pan out the way she thought it would— in fact, it turned out better than she could have ever dreamed. To resign also meant to take that leap of faith into the unknown.
"And that's okay too," Jack said interrupting her thoughts. "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." Jack quoted Ecclesiastes 3.
Elizabeth sighed. She handed Jack the card. He opened it and remembered that particular day the students gave her the card. It was the same day that Haley's Comet passed over Hope Valley, and it was the same day they solidified their relationship. Jack read the note inside. No wonder Elizabeth struggled with making this decision. She loved each and every one of those children as her own. She seemed to read his thoughts. "But the children— they make it so hard."
Jack nodded. "Whatever you decide, I'll support you."
Elizabeth closed her eyes for a moment and nodded. She knew what needed to be done. "I think it's time. At least for now."
Elizabeth met with Mayor Gowen later that afternoon. She nervously clasped her hands together as he read her note. Henry Gowen was her least favorite person to deal with in this town, especially after all of the trouble he had caused. She usually didn't shirk away from confronting him on his poor decisions and actions, but this time was different. Mayor Gowen looked up and leaned forward on his desk. He too clasped his hands and looked her straight in the eye.
"Okay."
Okay? That was all he was going to say? "All right," Elizabeth said uneasily.
"I suppose we'll have to find a new replacement. I wish you would have made this decision earlier, Mrs. Thornton, as there is less than three weeks til school starts." Mayor Gowen said gruffly.
"Katie Yost may be able to teach in my place. She has been teaching the children since January of this year." Elizabeth said quickly. She didn't care for Mayor Gowen's gruff and blunt manner, but it was true. To resign a few weeks before school would put him in a bind to find a replacement teacher.
Henry opened his mouth to say something but refrained. It was as though he were a teeny bit sad Elizabeth was resigning. While he did not necesarily care for her methods, he did slightly admire her gumption and tenacity. Especially for a city girl. He would never let her know that though. She was right Katie Yost had been teaching the children and was well qualified. And Henry did get flack from others for letting a married woman teach. Asking Katie Yost to teach would make his job easier. Henry sighed and leaned back. "Fine. I'll speak to Miss Yost after this meeting.
"Well, if that is all, Mayor Gowen," Elizabeth stood up from her chair. "Thank you."
"Elizabeth."
Elizabeth paused. She couldn't remember the last time Mayor Gowen called her by her first name— if ever.
"Thank you," he said simply, still gruff. He crossed his arms. "There are big shoes to fill."
Elizabeth stood speechless. That was probably the closest thing to a compliment she had ever received from Mayor Gowen. "Thank you. For your kind words."
That evening, Mayor Gowen called a town hall meeting. Elizabeth headed to Abigail's. She had to talk to her and as usual, Abigail understood.
"I can't say I'm not sad," Abigail said to her. "Cody has told me how you were the best teacher he's ever had."
"That's not making the decision any easier," Elizabeth said.
"I know. But like you said, it's just for a season." Abigail reassured. "You're doing the right thing."
"I needed to hear that." They both stood to head to the saloon where the town hall meeting was held. Jack and Pastor Frank met the ladies half way and escorted them to the saloon. As the schoolhouse filled with parents and children, many confused as to why the mayor would call a last-minute meeting. Elizabeth looked at Jack in worry.
"Don't worry, darling. It will be okay." Jack whispered. Rosemary and Lee took a seat next to them. Jack had informed them of Elizabeth's decision earlier as well and they too came to support their friend, as Oliver was still too young to be in school.
"You all may be wondering why I've called this meeting to order." Henry Gowen said. "I'll keep this brief. It is with deep regret that Mrs. Elizabeth Thornton has resigned from her position of teacher in order to stay home and raise her family." Elizabeth could feel all eyes piercing her neck and Elizabeth just stayed facing forward. She couldn't make eye contact with anyone, especially not the children. Mayor Gowen continued. "Miss Katie Yost, who has been substitute teaching since January, will be filling her place. Miss Yost has a teaching degree from Redmond College back East and is well-equipped to be teaching the students of Hope Valley." Mayor Gowen paused. "Any questions?"
The room was silent for a moment. Jack held Elizabeth's hand. Someone in the back stood.
"Yes, Mr. Cantrell." Everyone shifted in their seats to look at Shane Cantrell.
"I just wanted to say, Mrs. Thornton, I respect your decision. And I thank you for helping my boy, Phillip, out. We've had a rough past, and he'd struggled before in school. But you didn't give up." Shane stopped. "Thank you."
"Yes, Ms. Ferguson."
Elizabeth turned to look at Hattie Ferguson's mother but was surprised to see Hattie stand instead. Hattie was now sixteen and had blossomed into a beautiful, well-rounded, smart young lady. She just graduated from the school and would be traveling to university in Hamilton in a few weeks.
"Mrs. Thornton, thank you for not giving up on me. Losing my best friend to typhoid and moving to a new town was very difficult for me." Elizabeth remembered Hattie's first several weeks in Hope Valley. She came off as an angry girl, but in reality, she was coping with the pain of losing her best friend, Janey. "I never thought I would make any friends. And I wouldn't have, had it not been for you. You taught me so much." Hattie's voice cracked and she quickly sat down. Elizabeth smiled at her encouragingly from across the room.
"Your encouragement to Laura, and myself, has been a wonderful blessing." Jed Campbell stood. "An old widow like me knows nothing about raising a girl. Her mother would have been happy to know that our daughter had a wonderful teacher and role model. I appreciate everything you've done for us."
One by one, parent and student spoke about how Elizabeth had transformed their lives. Molly reminded everyone about how Elizabeth rescued Rosaleen and Elizabeth was the one who coaxed Rosaleen out of her shell of guilt. Gabe Montgomery stood and thanked Elizabeth for her persistence when he was a young boy and that he learned from her what it meant to persevere. The Wieses, Opal's parents, said how much Opal looked up to Elizabeth and how Elizabeth was one of the best role models they could ask for their children. Elizabeth had tried so hard not to become emotional, but in the end, she couldn't stop crying. She had given everything and poured into these children's lives. She put her heart, soul, and mind into their lives hoping that she could make a difference. Mayor Gowen looked at Elizabeth when it was all said and done. Elizabeth slowly stood and faced the room full of parents and children. She tried to speak, but before she could say anything, her students flooded the front of the schoolhouse. Elizabeth laughed and cried at the same time as they gave her a hug. It seemed to be a Hope Valley thing.
"You all aren't making this any easier."
"We love you, Mrs. Thornton," Anna said. She too was sixteen and would be headed off to university with Hattie.
"I love you all, too," Elizabeth said, still giving her students hugs. "Oh, sweet Opal," Elizabeth said giving her a hug. Opal was sobbing. Her beloved teacher would no longer be her teacher.
"School's not gonna be the same without you." Opal hiccuped.
"I know. But you know what, you can visit me anytime you wish." She crouched down to be eye level with Opal.
"But you were supposed to teach me fractions this year."
"I'm sure, Miss Yost will do an excellent job." Opal still looked down. Elizabeth hugged her once more. "I know fractions is Miss Yost's specialty." Opal threw her arms around Elizabeth. "I love you Mrs. Thornton."
Eventually, parents made their way to the front of the saloon and inadvertently started a receiving line. Jack stood by Elizabeth's side as she spoke to the parents. After an hour, the saloon died out and only a few stuck around. Elizabeth and Jack and Rosemary and Lee headed back to the Thornton's home where Tom and Julie were watching Oliver and Kate.
Tom answered the door. "Shhh! They're asleep."
"Oliver asleep?" Rosemary asked in surprise. "That boy is always a bundle of energy."
Sure enough, Oliver was asleep on the sofa, still clutching the small wooden train Lee had made him.
"Wow. Ollie's finally met his match." Lee shook his head.
"Well... I may have told him that I'd give him a quarter if he could outrun Darcy." Tom shrugged. "He was determined to do it."
"Tom! You made that poor boy run til he was exhausted?" Elizabeth asked.
"It's all right, Elizabeth." Lee carefully scooped Oliver up. "Bedtime is a struggle with this one so for him to be asleep before 8 is a miracle."
"He's just excited you're home," Rosemary said, rubbing Lee's back. "Thank you, Tom and Julie. We'll see you tomorrow." The Coulters let themselves out.
"I'll go check on Kate." Elizabeth turned to go up the stairs
"Wait!" Julie said. Elizabeth turned around. Julie looked at Tom nervously. Jack and Elizabeth exchanged an odd look.
"Uhm, we have some news," Tom said.
"You're not moving, are you?" Jack asked.
"No."
"But," Julie looked at Tom again, before looking back at Elizabeth and Jack. "You're going to be an aunt and uncle!"
"Julie!" Elizabeth squealed. She hugged her little sister. "Oh my goodness! Julie!" Elizabeth laughed and hugged her again.
"Wow. My little rascal of a brother is having a kid of his own." Jack smiled and shook his head. "Congratulations, my brother!"
"I know. It's crazy! But we are excited." Tom put his arm around Julie. "When'd you say the baby is due?"
"Around February." Julie's eyes were bright.
"How are you feeling?"
"I am just tired all the time. And I feel like I just need to eat! I can't get enough!"
"Wow. I just felt ill the entire first trimester and could barely eat anything." Elizabeth's eyes lit up. "Maybe its a boy!"
"Well. We do have a boys name— Thomas Alexander Thornton the third." Julie stated proudly.
"That's a big name for a little guy," Jack noted with a chuckle. Then somberly, "Dad would have been so proud."
Tom gave him a sad look. "Yeah."
They were silent for a moment. Then Julie cleared her throat. "Come on, Tom. We should probably get going. It's getting late."
"Oh! Right."
"Thanks again for watching the kids," Elizabeth said, hugging Julie once more. "And I'm so excited I'm going to be an aunt!"
"Just think, now you're not teaching the children, you can teach me everything about children."
Elizabeth giggled. "All right. Although caring for your own baby is different than caring for someone else's."
The other Thornton's waved goodbye and they headed down the hill towards the row houses.
Jack and Elizabeth checked on the dogs who were both asleep in the foyer. Jack locked the doors before heading upstairs. Elizabeth peeked in the crib which was set up in their room and watched Kate sleep. Kate stirred just a little and made a gurgling noise but continued to sleep.
"She's the most precious baby," Jack whispered.
"Yes, She is."
Several minutes later, Jack and Elizabeth made their way to bed. Elizabeth snuggled right up to him. She thought about the recent events leading up to this moment. And now she was closing the chapter and starting a new one. The pages were blank, but she was ready to continue to write her story.