Abigail singing to Baby Jack Red River Valley when Henry overhears her. She breaks down crying during the second verse and has to stop singing. Henry knows she must be missing Jack too; he wants to make sure that she's OK- they have a short conversation and she offers to let him hold baby Jack...

Hope Valley

Henry 48, Abigail 43( joke- the actress is actually older than the actor lol- I got the 5 years apart right, but yeah she's older and wiser)

Mmmmgh Baby Jack Thornton rubbed his eyes sleepily on Auntie Abby's shoulder as she walked and bounced him around. He was sleepy, but he didn't want to go to sleep…

"Waaaah! Waaaaah"

"Shhhhh sh sh shhh"

Serves her right, Auntie Abigail not giving him back to Mama. Where was Mama anyway?!

"WAAAAAAH!"

"Jack…"

"James Thaddeus Thornton Jr you stop that this instant!"

The baby stopped crying instantly. Grandma was not playing around!

Abigail looked up and grinned. Jack's mother Catherine had returned to Hope Valley, to check in on things and lend a hand with Jack when Elizabeth was resting.

"Catie it's so good to see you!"

"You too, Abby… how's my little monster?" she winked affectionately.

"Oooh, you're no monster, are you Jackie? No you're not!" Abigail held the baby over her head as he giggled and squealed in delight.

Catherine laughed, "Well, if you've got things here, I guess I'll give Mr. Scrooge a hand in the kitchen"

Abigail laughed and winced secretly. She wanted to remind Catie to be careful about the amount of lard she used in her cooking, but knowing Bill, Catie wouldn't get that far.

With the two in the kitchen, Abigail could see to her godson, and rest her feet until returning to the Mayor's office that afternoon until evening, when the dinner rush started.

"Let's see… what song should we sing?" she asked, bouncing baby Jack up and down before holding him in her arms again- he was two months old already and so easy to care for.

Abigail treasured these times with Jack because she didn't get to see him much with Elizabeth and other aunts and uncles caring for him.

Abigail went down the list of friends and neighbors in her mind wondering if anyone had not yet spent time with or held baby Jack since he was born. He was literally the crown jewel at the moment, not only because he was the son of the town hero, but also because he looked just like his father.

Everyone had missed Jack Thornton Sr, since he passed away nearly a year ago; maybe holding his son for just a moment helped them to feel as if Jack were still there with them for just a little while.

Abigail sat and rocked, then smiled as she thought of the song she would sing to Baby Jack.

From this valley they say you are leaving

We shall miss your bright eyes and sweet smil-e

For you t-ake with you all of the suns-hine

That has bright-ened our path-way a while

Abigail gulped as she already felt the tears coming to her eyes, and the lump lodging in her throat. Her voice softened as she found she could not bring her voice to sing the words

Then come sit by my side if you love me

Do not hasten to bid me adie-u

Abigail whimpered, and continued very softly as Jack was already asleep...

Just remember the Red River Valle—y

And the Mountie that's loved you so true

Watching the boy sleep in her arms, Abigail let the tears slide down her cheeks freely. She remembered the last time she had seen Jack, he had pleaded with her to watch over Elizabeth.

She wondered if he knew that someday he would not come home to her, to spend the rest of his life with her as they had planned for so long…

Despite the troubles with the land, Jack has seen to it that his beloved bride had a roof over her head, a loving home, and friends to care for her, and his son…

"Watch over her, Abigail" he had asked, 'Keep an eye on my family…'

"Know that your darling Elizabeth will never be alone" she had vowed at his funeral.

That had gone for the baby in her arms also. She remembered both Elizabeth and Jack coming to her shortly after their wedding.

"Elizabeth! Jack! Come in! What can I do for you?"

"Abigail, I know this is sudden," Jack began, Elizabeth nodded quietly, holding her husband's hand.

"There's something we'd like you to do for us if something ever happens…"(1)

Abigail smiled fondly at the baby boy in her arms. should anything happen to Catherine or to Elizabeth she would care for baby Jack and raise him with her own children. Abigail had a family, she knew what it was to take on responsibility and love everyone else as they did, no one else they felt would be able to raisehim with the God-fearing values the same way that she could.

When Abigail had been about to protest, Jack shook his head.

"Granted, when he's older he's going to need a man in his life, an abundance of uncles is what he's got right now, but think about it Abigail- if something happens, he will need someone who can care for him immediately and will not give in to panic or emotion."

"You've already done such an amazing job with Cody," said Elizabeth, "I know this may hurt some of the other ladies, especially Rosemary, but we feel- Jack and I, that this is the best decision. And to be honest I've known you far longer than any of the other citizens of Hope Valley."

Abigail nodded. "I will continue to pray about it. If you truly feel this way, and do not feel the need to change your mind, I accept. I do feel honored that you both would come to me, considering this is such a big responsibility."

Thinking about Jack and Elizabeth made Abigail smile she hummed the verses that she just sang to their son quietly as she continued to rock him to sleep…

Since he returned from the jail that had held him the previous year, life had been looking up for Henry Gowen, former Mayor of Hope Valley.

He had the respect of everyday citizens as well as his employer Lee Coulter, and his wife Rosemary, Jesse Flynn (unless they were playing each other at darts), Elizabeth Thornton, Bill Avery, (quite surprising) as well as many others.

He didn't have to hide himself as he had before.

He could hold his head high walking throughout the town as he completed his work as a respectable gentlemen, all thanks to one very gracious lady, current Mayor Abigail M. Stanton.

Their relationship had been a very awkward and cordial to begin with when they had met, it had turned bitter and hostile after her family as well as others had passed in a mining accident five years before. After their initial fued following the accident, they had bickered like cats and dogs, up to two years ago, neither one refusing to give in or to understand the other.

Both had been filled with anger, bitterness, and he had been filled with jealousy when she had taken over his position as mayor due to his arrogance and ignorance.

He had been framed, yes, but that had been no excuse for the actions that he had been privy to and a part of during his time as mayor.

From day one that he knew her, nearly twenty-five years ago, Abigail had never let anyone trample upon her.

Henry still couldn't understand it. Was it her faith? Her love for others? Her graciousness and generosity?

What was it that made her so 'morally superior' as he accused her of two years ago?

Henry had pondered that for two years and just recently realized the answer.

The reason that Abigail was as she was, was because she was a follower of Christ. He was in and through her, and everyone could see it, even him.

Where he hadn't appreciated it then, it was like a breath of fresh air to him now, and every time he laid eyes on her.

Where before he had been willing to cast her and others aside due to anger and bitterness, he now longed for others' company, not only Bill and Lee and even Carson, but Abigail as well… especially Abigail.

This past week as he had read his Bible, Henry learned about King David and the time that David, before he became king, married a woman named Abigail. The biblical heroine had been married to an oaf of a man who couldn't treat her correctly, so David took her and married her after Nabal, her husband, had died.

Henry had felt a twinge in his stomach. Noah Stanton had been no Nimrod- by no means; he treated Abigail with respect, kindness, and love. she had borne him a son, Peter, who died alongside his father in the mine while being married to a young lady named Clara.

Abigail Stanton had endured many things by Henry's hand and yet, she continued to stand by his side and to see the good in him, even though there was a time she had seriously considered giving up. How thankful he was now that she never did.

As he thought about her again, Henry's old feelings for Abigail, the attraction he had felt for her as a woman, started coming up again between his stomach and his heart.

His heart felt joy in thinking about Abigail, while his stomach pounded, fretting about making a fool of himself.

Within the past year he had tried speaking to her, wanting to connect with her.

During his community service he loved doing things for her, (and only her.) Whether it be completing community service in her office and making her laugh, or bringing absolute sheer joy to her face and her countenance by risking his life to bring her daughter home…

He loved her.

"I don't think I'll ever understand you, Henry…" Bill had said when Henry returned with young Becky.

"You and me both" he'd muttered, trying to keep from flushing as Abigail had literally wrapped her arms around him and embraced him, so great was her excitement and her relief at her daughter's return.

Why had he travelled so far and gotten Becky back from the Depot, instead of having her wait out Christmas by herself?

His love for Becky's mother…

Henry was sensing a recurring theme right about this moment…

By the way... Becky and Cody weren't too bad either.

He enjoyed Cody's enthusiasm, especially learning about school, his dog, and fishing.

Becky... that young lady played a huge part in saving his neck at the Depot.

Henry grinned as he remembered what had happened…

Henry Gowen's horse had just ridden up at the depot. The train had stopped and it was starting to snow… there were Mounties everywhere.

Henry was not supposed to be anywhere near the depot let alone on a horse out here in the middle of nowhere looking for the Mayor's daughter when he was supposed to be in jail… If they caught him and caught up with Bill, Henry would be heading to prison by morning…

Just how could he get Becky's attention without stirring the interest of the Mounties around them?

"Becky? Becky! where are you?!"

Becky Stanton looked around the depot thinking she just heard her name called. Not only did that voice sound familiar but he also looked familiar too…

What the… isn't that Mr. Gowen who works with Mom?

She looked closer and noticed, yes, it was! He was sitting atop a horse seeming to look around for her and calling her name.

"Becky!" he called again.

As she moved her feet in his direction, she noticed there were Mounties everywhere. Becky didn't know Mr. Gowen well, but she did know he worked with Mom pretty closely.

Becky remembered hearing something about Mr. Gowen in jail, but she wasn't sure what the situation was about.

She knew that she was stuck here at the Depot, it would take forever for this track to clear, and Mr. Gowen was here.

Had Mom sent him?

She noticed his face as he looked at the Mounties.

He looked rather skeptical and nervous, so that meant Mom didn't send him…

'Why would he come and get me if Mom didn't send him?'

Becky didn't have much time to think about it; the Mounties had spotted Henry and were heading in his direction, looking rather suspicious.

If they didn't leave now, Mr. Gowen could get into some serious trouble, and then she'd never get home for Christmas.

Without knowing why or what would happen, Becky went with her instinct.

"Daddy? Daddy is that you? What took you so long? I've been here for hours! I want to go home!"

He looked as surprised as she did to have said it, but he played along.

As she approached him, she noticed he was trying not to laugh.

"Patience, now young lady, patience… you know once your Mama gets started with her cookin nobody wants to leave…"

He winked. She fought a grin, pretending to glare at him.

"You could've at least brought me some pie" she mock scowled.

"Sorry sweetheart, the horse ate it all"

Becky gaped. "Daddy! that was a whole pumpkin pie! You know pumpkin's my favorite! It reminds me of Thanksgiving and family time!"

This time Henry did laugh.

'I didn't before but now I do' he thought.

He jumped down to assist her on the saddle.

"All right little lady up you go…. your mother would have my head if I let you freeze out here all by yourself"

Becky smirked 'no kidding'.

Suddenly one of the Mounties approach them.

'Sir, I'm going to have to ask you to move your horse. We're about to clear the track."

"That's all right Constable," smirked Henry, " I'm just here to pick up my little girl. Her mother and brother have been out of their minds with worry"

The Mountie nodded and walked away. Henry breathed a sigh of relief.

"All right princess hang on this chariot is about to fly."

'Not a word of this to anyone!' he hissed.

"Yes sir" Becky giggled, wrapping her arms around his waist.

He wasn't sure what got them back in record timing: whether it was his own exhilaration, or just the adrenaline and possibility of getting caught, but they made good time getting back into Hope Valley, their haven of safety… well, at least for Becky…

Cody had a vice grip around his sister and didn't want to let go.

Abigail was so excited that she grabbed onto Becky and both of them nearly stumbled.

"Hi, sweetheart!"

Henry's heart swelled with pride when the two hugged.

"Mr. Gowen came to get me." Becky smiled shyly at him, all bravado gone… maybe that was the Lord's doing, to get them out of there…?

Whatever that had been, her ploy had worked- they had been able to get out of danger and both of them into the arms of the woman they both loved in different ways…

"I heard she was stuck at Nelson Ridge Depot.

I went there once with Ray Wyatt. He showed me a shortcut."

Abigail squealed and hugged him genuinely.

There was no feelings behind it, only gratitude- then again, the little skit he and Becky had worked out had only been a figment of his imagination… hadn't it?

"Thank you, Henry."

Henry flushed, feeling both embarrassed and shy.

"No need to make a big deal about it."

"Oh, it's a big deal, Henry. It's a very big deal." He didn't think he'd ever seen her eyes shining so brightly- she looked almost on the verge of tears…

Henry gulped, the coward wanting to run away, the pride in him wanting to revel in her praise, and the lonely man in love longed to take her in his arms and warm her from the chill in the air...

"I'll put a pot of coffee on." Bill said, nodding in approval.

Henry looked to him, thankful for the distraction. "Ah, that'd be great, Bill."

The sound of Abigail's voice caught his attention.

"Merry Christmas, Henry." she couldn't stop smiling looking from him to Becky and back again.

"Thank you for bringing Becky back to us." Cody said, amazement and admiration shining in his eyes.

Thank you, Mr. Gowen." Becky smiled. As her mother and brother both turned to go inside, Becky winked.

Henry smiled, playing it off as he nodded, touching his hat to all three of them.

That's my girl he smirked.

"Pleasure." he said, leading the horse to the stable and still smiling.

Apparently everyone had been surprised- they had all assumed he found a way out, and that he had taken a horse and was planning to run.

He assured Bill that the only plan he had made was to make sure that Becky Stanton was home where she belonged.

"Why do you care so much about Abigail?" Bill had asked him once.

Henry having felt the blood rush to his cheeks had returned the question back at Bill: "Why do you?"

He hadn't been ready to admit to Bill or even to himself that he was in love with Abigail.

Today, however, two years had passed between him and Abigail, and last year had shown great promise.

His arrogance and pride blinding him four years before, Henry had tried to justify his attraction to Abigail as a woman, as care for her and seeing to her needs after the deaths of her family.

Had it truly been that long ago?

Given the opportunity of being Mayor again, he knew he would turn it down. Flat. No questions asked.

Being Mayor was like being royalty in a town this small. Henry had felt like a king before, and had been seen as a rather evil one. He hadn't been king, but he had definitely seen Abigail as a prospect for his queen…

Henry shuddered now as he remembered the crass and sarcastic way he had treated Abigail, holding her dream of owning the café over her head; not to mention flirting with her after her husband and son have been dead for mere months. Months!

Not years!

He had known her longer than even Nora- and had expected that their previous acquaintanceship entitled him to rights that he had no claim to! Especially when he was responsible for Noah's death and had even tried to frame him!

Henry shuddered remembering all of this. Had it been no wonder that she didn't want him as a partner in the café? Should it really have surprised him that she had loathed him for so long?!

Time and time again Abigail had followed Jesus' example and have forgiven him time and time again even when he least deserved it.

Her forgiveness generosity and kindness made him want to do things for her, made him want to be a better man worthy of her affection...

Henry wondered if there could be a second chance to show her just how much he felt about her and her precious family?

Cody and Becky had come to mean a lot to him. He would take turns with Lee playing catch with Cody, and when Becky came home from school, it hadn't been Lee, Elizabeth or Abigail, but Henry she sought out to show off her new piece of architecture she was working on.

Henry felt very honored to be chosen, after all- she was brilliant!

"Why me?" he had asked her one day, as she showed him blueprints for a greenhouse.

"The skit we played…" she murmured softly, "I don't know about you, but it didn't feel as if we were play acting at all… it felt… real…"

Henry choked on his sip of warm tea.

He stared at her, eyebrows raised. "Miss Stanton, just what are you implying?" he smirked.

She returned his smirk with a wry one of her own.

"Just that if you truly feel for my mother the way your actions and body language say you do, then I advise you do something about it, Mister Gowen…" she winked and giggled.

Henry had the good sense not to join her and hid his laughter behind his tea.

"Are you saying…?"

"I'm saying, you have mine and Cody's blessing" she whispered. " but so help me if you hurt her your corn fritters will do you in"

As much as he would have liked to laugh about that, he knew this was serious.

"I've already done so much harm to your mother. I could never dream of hurting her again. She and you and Cody mean so much to me already. I only want the best for all of you."

Millie and her sister had just come into the Cafe and upon seeing Henry, Millie rash to him wrapping her arms around his middle.

As Henry introduced them, Millie ended up giving Becky a big hug too.

Becky look up at Henry when both girls were hugging her.

Henry could tell what she was thinking even though she didn't say anything. She didn't have to. Her conspiring grin said it all…

it was every young lady's dream to have little sisters; if this was going to work between Mr. Gowen and Mom, Becky knew exactly what she wanted…

"I'll think about it" he muttered with a genuine smile to all three girls as Millie and Carol dragged Becky off to show her their new books that Mrs. Thornton had given them at school.

As if his prayers were answered, Henry heard a voice coming from the curtained sector that divided Abigail's home from the café.

Then come sit by my side if you love me

Do not hasten to bid me adie-u

Henry listened carefully sensing a break in the last word, as if the vocalist were attempting to hold back tears…

Just remember the Red River Valle—y

And the Moun

A gulp and then she continued, almost in a whisper

And the Mountie that's loved you so... true

Within an instant with that single word replaced in the original chorus, Henry felt tears prick his eyes.

Abigail was singing to baby Jack about his father, attempting to hold back her hidden grief as she sang the boy to sleep.

The curtain was slightly ajar, so Henry, being sure that no one could see him, discreetly made his way over to the curtain.

Sure enough, Abigail, with baby Jack in her arms, was rocking him back-and-forth in a white rocking chair that Henry never knew she had.

The boy was comfortably nibbling on a bottle previously prepared by one of his many 'aunts', or perhaps it was Catherine?

Abigail gently lifted the bottle away from the baby's mouth, lifted him to her shoulder and started patting him.

Attempting to control the volume of her voice, she had quietly tears streaming down her cheeks.

Henry felt that his heart was breaking.

He longed to go to her, to take the baby from her arms and set him down gently and carefully...

Then just as carefully he would bring her up from the chair and into his arms.

He wanted to take her into his arms and take her pain away.

Jack's death had not hit her as hard as it had Elizabeth, but Abigail had had to stay strong for Elizabeth- not allowing her own grief to take place.

It coming on a year since his death, it seemed fitting that the Mayor would have the Mountie's son and be able to come to terms with her friend's death as she cared for the little boy.

Moving his hand, Henry gently knocked on the wall near the curtain.

Abigail jumped slightly, calling out a quiet: "Come in"

Henry composed himself quickly, and did as she asked.

"Henry!" upon looking at her face he noticed the shining of her tears amongst the most beautiful smile he'd ever seen.

She was happy to see him even as she rocked Jack to sleep, crying as she did so…

"Afternoon, Abigail" he whispered with a small smile, nodding to the baby.

"Is the coast clear?" he allowed himself a wry grin.

"Yes, he's asleep" she whispered, preparing to move Jack when a small noise emitted from the boys mouth.

"Oh! good boy!" she whispered with a smile.

Henry chuckled a little, realizing the child just burped in the Mayor's ear.

"Uh oh" that caught Henry's attention...

He looked closer noticing that during his sleep, the baby was also spitting up extra formula.

Abigail had moved the baby too late and it ended up getting on her dress.

"Hehe Now that's what I call a good meal"

Shooting him a playful look of annoyance, Abigail shifted the baby, who whimpered, wiping up the spit up from her shirt and her hair…

Henry made a quick face before she could look at him.

He liked babies but not when they cried, pooped, or spit up on a person... it was kind of gross.

"Watch yourself Henry Gowen, you're next!"

Henry looked at Abigail in horror, realizing she had somehow read his thoughts- then he remembered how mothers seem to be born with an innate ability to read a person's thoughts whether they were their children's or someone else's…

He looked at Abigail realizing that she had a concerning evil grin on her face.

"Uh… Abigail? Are you alright?"

"I just realized you were one of the few people who hasn't held Jack yet…"

She continued to grin. Henry pulled on his collar, getting kind of nervous.

"That all depends on timing, my dear… is he done yet?"

Abigail laughed and laughed, quietly shielding her giggles as she held Jack to her.

Gently and quickly, she handed him the baby who was no longer spitting up as she rushed the other room and let out a long hacking cough that concerned Henry to no end.

He looked at the sleeping boy in his arms, wondering at how such a tiny blessing could come from two people as loving as Jack and Elizabeth Thornton.

Thanking God for having known Jack as long as he did, Henry did his best to be strong for both himself and Abigail.

It still didn't seem fair that someone as young as Jack had received a blessing- that had resulted in two, one currently resting in Henry's arms, all to be taken away from his family so soon.

Whether or not it had been his time, Jack had made a choice to protect the lives of two of his men. He had died valiantly and honorably and that was the best memory his son could cherish.

"If you remember anything, remember this, Jackie: Your daddy died a hero. He was one of my best and dearest friends and I will always be thankful to have known him"

Realizing that Abigail was still upstairs, Henry smiled to himself and to the baby.

"Now, your Aunt Abby is a very wonderful woman, but she missed a couple of verses that she never sang to you . I'm gonna teach them to you before she comes down and smacks me silly. Either Aunt Abby or Grammy Catherine"

He pictured Jack laughing his head off at that one.

Henry recalled a conversation he and Jack had had about marriage and children.

Jack had shared that he intended to marry Elizabeth, but he hadn't yet talked to her father.

Henry chuckled in his head.

'If you do nothing else Jack, make sure you follow through with what you are about to do.' he took a swig of his beer.

'If I've learned anything in this life it is to be sure that I stay true to the promises that I make, and not just look out for myself - but to make decisions for the benefit of everyone around me, especially my family.'

'Who is your family Henry?' Jack had asked curiously.

'Hope Valley' Henry said vaguely.

Jack look confused. Henry gave Jack a pointed look.

'I mean everyone who has ever given me a second chance.'

Jack grinned, a knowing twinkle in his eye.

'You mean Miss Abigail'

Henry looked at him and flushed incredulously; he had never said anything.

Jack said nothing, just grinned and shook his head.

'Actions speak louder than words my friend, and lately your actions scream of your intentions, especially toward that lady…'

He followed up with a nudge to Henry's rib as well a toast.

'Nothin' to make a big deal about' Henry smirked, trying to hide the flush of his cheeks…

'As you say, Henry... don't look now, but here comes Bill, so if you want to hide that blush even further, I suggest you take a swig of that beer."

Jack smirked, raising his beer. 'To lovely ladies'

Henry had laughed, clapping Jack on the back, clinking Jack's glass with his own.

'To lovely ladies!'

With tears in his eyes, Henry looked down at the baby in his arms, carefully supporting his head. Baby Jack looked up at him with expectant blue eyes. Henry smirked.

"Okay, but if Auntie Abigail smacks me, I'm gonna blame you"

As if he understood, the baby giggled, causing Henry to laugh.

For a long time, my darlin', I've waited

For the sweet words you never would say

Henry ignored his guilt for the sake of Jack's entertainment- the boy was nodding off again.

Now at last all my fond hopes have vanished

For they say that you're going away.

Henry bit his tongue, wondering what would happen if someone else came into the picture.

What if Frank Hogan came back?

Could Henry be selfless enough to let go of her a second time?

He decided, yes he could. Her happiness meant everything to him. If her love was the cost for her happiness, then he would walk her down the aisle to her beloved, if need be...

Then come sit by my side if you love me

Do not hasten to bid me adieu

He didn't hear Abigail coming up behind him until he heard her voice joining his and in perfect harmony.

Just remem-ber the Red River Valley

And the

He looked at her, her beaming face smiling brightly as she pressed her head to his- he could smell the lavender soap she had used- she smelled wonderful and her hair was soft against his forehead.

Mountie she chuckled quietly, Henry smirked as they both finished the line together,

that's loved you so true…

They sat together side by side on the sofa as Henry bounced the baby lightly on his knee, Jack's little head tucked securely and safely in the crook of Henry's strong arm.

Henry looked back at Abigail, Straining to see her because she was out of his line of sight. He decided to move carefully, that way they could trade places.

She saw him starting to move and moved to his line of sight.

"Do you want me to take him?" she whispered.

"Nah... he's good. Just thought you might like a better seat." he smiled, green eyes twinkling.

"Oh" she smirked, sitting down gently, her white lace top and blue skirt resting gently against her as she sat next to Henry knee to knee.

Both were slightly tongue-tied not quite knowing what to say next, until Abigail looked at Henry ruefully.

"I really enjoyed hearing you read to Millie."

Henry glanced at her confused; he didn't remember her being there…

"I wasn't there the first time," she agreed, "but I was there the day she went to you, you just didn't see me."

Henry flushed, wanting to shrug it off as if it were an everyday occurrence, but honestly it hadn't been.

"It took me rather by surprise when she had to leave." he said, "I really didn't expect it."

"Neither did we" said Abigail "I'm grateful that Judge Thompson was able to step in though. he's really turned over a new leaf."

Henry rolled his eyes playfully "yeah well he's not the only one."

Abigail smiled and kissed his cheek. "You may not think anyone sees you but they do. I do. And believe me when I say that we appreciate everything that you've ever done, especially in showing everyone that you can change. You've changed so much for the better, Henry...and I want you to know how proud I am of you for doing that."

He gave her a mock scowl.

"Abigail if you make me cry will I have this boy in my hands, I'm going to make you regret it!"

Abigail laughed again however it set off abundant set of coughs that seemed to reach not from just her chest, but down deep in her lungs.

"Abigail…" Henry couldn't keep the worry out of his voice.

She shook her head again, and returned to the other room, continuing to cough.

Alarmed, Henry decided to finally placed Jack in the bassinet and follow her.

He wanted answers, and he wanted especially to be sure that she was alright!

"Abigail M Stanton you better tell me what's going on with you! I am not taking that Mayor's position again! That will not happen!"

Abigail shook her head trying to catch her breath.

Henry took her by the shoulders as she continued to cough, and brought her into his arms as he rubbed her back up and down.

"Melody" she whispered as she finally caught her breath. Henry looked at her oddly.

"The M in my name- it stands for Melody"

Abigail Melody Gowen Henry tried not to go down that train of thought, but he couldn't help himself.

Apparently the Lord had other plans, because he couldn't stop but he said next.

"A beautiful name for a beautiful lady" Henri smirked as he felt Abigail tense in his arms- he looked down noticing her flushing cheeks.

Henry had tried flirting with her before and it hadn't gone well; now that he was a changed man his complement stirred something within her… feelings she hadn't felt for anyone since her husband, Noah...

If Abigail were truly honest with herself,she could say that she really liked being in Henry's arms- as tenderly as he held the baby, he was holding her just as gently.

if he felt nothing at all, for her he would have never held the baby, or put him down to be sure that she was all right.

He wouldn't have gotten Becky from the Depot.

If he didn't care for her, he wouldn't have turned Eleanor Roberts over to Bill if he wasn't trying to change and become a better man.

If Abigail Melody Stanton were truly honest with herself, she would admit to herself that she's always been attracted to Henry, even when she had met him 26 years ago.

She and Noah had just gotten married and Noah had just gotten a job from the young mayor.

Noah hadn't been jealous of Henry, but he had been wary about how closely she was relating to the other men, Henry especially.

Before he had become Mayor and allowed the power to get to his head, she had found him very attractive- which caused Noah some concern when the men started spreading rumors about Henry interfering.

Abigail had always wondered about that new position that Henry had given Noah; she always thought it was because Noah had done such a good job- she had never considered it was an appeasement, an assurance that nothing untoward was happening between Mr. Gowen and Mrs. Stanton.

Once upon a time, if Henry were still the man that he had been, and not the man he was now, Abigail would've been furious and never given Henry a second chance.

Five years had was dead and gone. She knew for a fact that he would've wanted her to move on, and to be happy with her life.

That included finding someone who loved her for who she was.

Abigail thought that she had had a good thing going with Bill, when his wife Nora showed up but, not only had the woman been manipulating Bill, but also Abigail found she had been manipulating Henry as well- no wonder Henry was so bitter when he returned home from the hospital.

Abigail had also thought that she and Frank had been getting along quite well. Despite him hiding his former identity as Matt Landry, she liked him, and liked being in his company.

However, there had been a time when she and Frank had gotten into a disagreement and hadn't spoken in approximately two weeks. That had affected Cody pretty badly to where the child took it into his own hands to set them up in order for them to talk again.

Frank had not been too happy that Ray Wyatt had given her daisies, from whom originally they weren't sure, although now having Abigail had a pretty good idea who the information came from…

25 years before…

Henry 23, Abigail 18

Newly married Abigail Stanton set down the last heavy crate in her arms and let out a sigh. That had been difficult to do, moving things from the wagon to their new row house in Coal Valley.

Briefly she felt a twinge of anger at her husband, Noah, who had left with a friend to Cape Fullerton to get some supplies. He intended to return by nightfall.

A knock sounded at the door. Abigail jumped- surely that couldn't be Noah at the door already…

The knock sounded again Abigail rushed to the old mirror looking down at it, and trying to scrub the dirt off her face.

If they did have company, it wouldn't do for them to see the dirt that had accompanied her inside the house.

"Coming!" she called.

she had also lightly fixed her honey blonde hair, moving strands out of her eyes.

Breathing she opened the door and noticed a young man, about her age, in a suit. He was holding a small vase full of daisies.

Abigail was intrigued she had never seen this man before. "Hello, can I help you?"

"Yes," the young man said, his greenish brown eyes twinkling in the sunlight, in contrast to his dark brown hair.

"Are you by any chance Mrs. Noah Stanton?"

"I am" she responded, worry coming to her chest.

"Is something wrong? is my husband all right?"

Seeing that he had unnerved her, young Henry Gowen, the new Mayor, winced. He quickly backpedaled.

"Oh no ma'am...He's all right that I know of, I just wanted to introduce myself my name is Henry Gowen. I wanted to welcome you and your family to Coal Valley."

Abigail let out a sigh of relief thanking the good Lord that Noah was all right.

She took a closer look at Mr. Gowen, noticing he was very handsome and he seemed to have a look about him as if he were a lawyer or perhaps a businessman.

" I thank you for your felicitations, Mr. Gowen- unfortunately my husband is not home at the moment, but he will be home shortly." she allowed her face to take on a hard look when Mr. Gowen, noticing that look, smiled.

"I understand perfectly, Mrs. Stanton. I just wanted to know if there was anything that we can do to be of assistance and to welcome you to our town of Coal Valley."

Abigail flushed, realizing she had misconstrued his intentions. Her father, before she left home, and recently Noah had cautioned her to be careful around men.

Henry smiled knowingly knowing that Mrs. Stanton had most likely been forewarned by her husband or another man in her life to be cautious of people knocking on the door, especially when they were not known. As for herself, she was a very attractive young lady had she been unspoken for, perhaps he would have considered talking to her father himself… as it stood and as the God-fearing man that he was, he would not come in between a man and his wife.

Marriage is a sacred union between a man and his wife. Lord forbid something ever happened to this woman's husband, he wouldn't mind considering courting her himself.

Sensing it was time to say goodbye, he touched his hat politely.

"Madam, I bid you good day, and before I forget, here's a small homing present for you and your family. May God in His strength and grace shine upon you."

Touching his hat one last time, he turned and walked down the steps back to his office, while behind him, young Mrs. Stanton looked first at the parcel he had given her noticing it was a bushel of daisies, her favorite flower. She wondered if he knew they were her favorite, and how? She looked after him and wondered just who was Mr. Henry Gowen?

Present

"-bigail?" Henry was shaking her lightly. Alarmed, she sat up. The light outside was dimming quickly and Jack was gone. Henry knelt next to her, shaking her shoulder.

"Henry" she whispered sleepily.

He grinned at her and she looked at him confused, wondering what was so funny.

"You surely were tired" he said, giving her a look of concern.

"Abigail, how long have you had that cough?"

"A week" she whispered, wondering what happened to Jack and Cody.

"Where are the boys?" she asked. Henry smirked again.

"Cody came home from school, and it told me that you had allowed him to stay with Timmy and Robert so I let them get his bag and walked him over. That was after Elizabeth came to get the baby. He had woken up when you were asleep, so she came and got him just as I came back."

Abigail gave him a pensive look.

Henry grinned and shook his head. "No she never said anything. After everything she's been through with Jack, she wouldn't dare."

He winked.

Abigail breathed a sigh of relief, trying not to cough; but that didn't help. She coughed for about a minute, Henry slightly patting her back as she did so, his face getting more and more concerned by the second.

"Abigail have you seen Carson about this?"

"No…*cough...cough cough cough*

Henry gave her a pointed look

"And why not? As Mayor you are supposed to be the picture of health…"

Abigail snorted "so had you not been found guilty I would've just filled in until you got better?"

Henry pretended to pause for a second and smirked. "yeah that about covers it."

Abigail was not amused. Henry's ears turned red with shame.

"I wish you hadn't gotten caught in doing things you weren't supposed to do, Henry. you made a good Mayor in the beginning…"

"You and me both, wait...what?"

He looked down at his shoes and then nudged her shoulder with his own.

"So you like me, huh?"

Henry relished in the bright red shade of puce coming on to Abigail's face right then.

"Well…"

Henry rolled his eyes.

"Just admit it, Stanton... even when we were kids... if it weren't for Noah you might've been hitched up with yours truly"

Abigail flushed even redder if that were possible…

"Why you…!"

Henry laughed at her out right.

"All right all right I'm just pullin' your leg…"

Abigail was trying to get up so she didn't see the devious smirk on Henry's face just then…

"But for the record I saw your face when I gave you those daisies…"

Abigail whirled to face him…

"It was you!" she hissed, as if the diners in the other room could overhear their discussion.

"It was me what?" Henry asked, getting ready to defend himself.

"You sent the daisies- not Ray Wyatt!"

Henry guffawed. "No, really? Come on, Abigail! What man in your life knows that you prefer daisies to roses any day of the year? especially on your birthday…"

Abigail look at them curiously. The last time Noah had gotten her flowers was the time that Peter was five and he tried to bake a lasagna for her birthday. The lasagna had been too hard and inedible; not only that, but sweet Noah had forgotten that she preferred daisies to roses.

She thought back to the parcel of daisies she had received as a housewarming present from the man sitting right next to her this very moment.

"How did you know?" she asked curiously.

" You told me yourself when you were planting the garden. Noah had found a packet of Daisy seeds and you threw your arms around his neck, and kissed him for about two minutes"

Abigail smiled softly at the memory, surprised and touched that Henry remembered something so simple and sweet… it flattered her that he had taken notice and had been watching her for that long...

He flushed and shrugged as if he could read her thoughts.

"I don't know... maybe I did it because I like seeing you happy. Lord knows I haven't done much to do that in these past several years…" he shook his head, his mind caught between past and present.

"Noah was your husband, and I was an outsider... I wasn't allowed to have you, but by golly Abigail you left an impression on me, even then! Especially after he passed!" Henry shook his head in wonder. still so amazed at how far he had come with her help and support.

"I wanted to make sure that you were well taken care of, that you had a home 'n were well provided for! I- I wanted to care for you I wanted to share my life with you, since I didn't have anyone else…" Henry couldn't believe that he was saying all of this, but here he was, spilling his guts out the the one woman he felt could understand him best...

"Nora had already chosen Bill, and so that life that I had tried to live as a good man after meeting you, was gone…"

Henry looked up into Abigail's eyes.

"I want you to know that what I said that Christmas was unacceptable and unforgivable, but thank you for forgiving me and allowing...us… to start over."

he flushed.

From your mouth to God's ears, Henry, she thought, and let him continue.

"When you came to check on me I was not angry at you, I was angry at Nora. I did something stupid and tried to run from it and took Nora with me. She had said yes and we were off to Union City; we were going to start over she and I"

Abigail couldn't help but feel a slight twinge of pain and jealousy at that revelation. Nora had entered her world and turned it upside down, but that didn't explain what had happened to her...

"I don't know if it was the fact that I've gotten injured, or that I was a shell of the man she knew, but Nora decided that she no longer loved me and she should have listened to Bill in the first place- that Bill had been right about me from day one. I got angry at her and told her to leave."

Now they were getting somewhere... Henry was finally admitting that he was taking responsibility for things he said and did.

"After Nora rejected me, I grew angry at the world and you weren't available- you were with Frank"

That stung slightly, considering the fact that before he left, she and Frank had a disagreement mainly concerning her friendship with Henry. Frank claimed he didn't trust Henry, but honestly, Abigail felt that Frank was jealous of her and Henry together… she still couldn't figure out why?

Abigail was brought back to attention when Henry continued.

"...I was bitter… I took my anger out on everyone else, especially you- made deals that cost the lives of so many others...and the worst part is I have to live with that every day of my life for the rest of my life…"

He looked at her again as hope and gratitude flashed in his eyes.

"I've become a better man, a better person by your example, Abigail...but I can never wipe away the sins that I've committed against you and against our town…" his head down, he shook it sadly.

"As far as the daisies go, I guess I wanted to say I'm sorry. Anyway..."

It was at this point that Henry's voice broke. Tears had filled his eyes… he felt the need to bawl like a baby, as Baby Jack had earlier…

"I'm not a good man, Abigail. That's why I keep telling you that you keep seeing what you want to see! You want me to be a good man and I want to be a good man... but my reputation is not such. I feel like it's too little too late…"

He started to cry and Abigail, her heart officially chastised, took him into her arms and cried with him as she rocked with him back-and-forth.

This was the man she was meant to care for... not when they met, but now!

Now, today, as they lived in Hope Valley, 25 years after they met, he was her responsibility, and she was his… they were meant for each other now to take care of each other… to be sure that the weight of the world didn't wait too heavily on the other's shoulders.

Whether that came by romantic ties or not, Abigail didn't know.

She knew she wanted to get to know him and she realized she could love him romantically if that was what his heart was set on…

No more wasted time… she scolded herself

She had spent so much time learning Noah, getting to know Bill, loving and feuding with Frank, that after Noah passed her anger and hurt and blinded her from seeing the need of the man that truly needed her.

Henry Gowen, this sweet, sensitive, hard-working, attractive man who feared God and wanted to do more than waste his life away being bitter and angry and using others. Abigail felt that now was a time for a true repentance.

Henry, can you give me your hands?

I may continue with Henry's and Abigail's prayer and the next chapter this just seems like a good place to stop for now. please let me know what you think!

(1)- In this story Jack and Elizabeth find out much sooner that she's pregnant before Jack has to leave. They make a plan where if anything happens to Elizabeth and Catherine, that Abigail would be Jack's godmother.