Grace sat in the sunny parlor just before three in the afternoon. The room was cozy and warm as the light from the sun and the burning wood stove made it nice and toasty. It was a welcomed contrast from the snow covered ground outside.

Viola was upstairs checking on the baby and Elizabeth was due to arrive any minute. It was tea time at the house and Grace wanted to enjoy it with both her daughters. so much so that she telephoned Elizabeth to request her presence. She'd heard from Viola how things had gone between her and Elizabeth the day before and was not pleased.

"Viola dear, you have to accept that your sister chose a different path. If you'd only see her and try to understand, you'd know it was not the wrong choice, just a different one," Grace had pleaded with her oldest daughter the night before.

"Mother, you can't be serious!"

"You're mothers right." William added. "Regardless of how we feel things should have turned out Viola, this is how things are. If you want Beth in your life, you have to accept her and Jack," William added.

"This is unbelievable!" she'd said and stormed out.

A chill ran down Graces spine at the memory. She wanted her family back together so badly. She thought about the message from Julie that was burning a hole in her dress pocket. She'd hoped to get her two oldest back on track before Julie arrived. Maybe then they could all work together to help Julie with whatever mess she had found herself in.

Elizabeth walked into the parlor, still shivering slightly as she rubbed her hands together.

"Good afternoon, Mother," she smiled.

"You too, dear!" She stood and went to greet her. "My dear, you're frozen. Please tell me you didn't walk here in this weather?"

"Oh, Mother it's fine. It didn't take long and it's a beautiful day.'

"It's unbearably cold."

"That's why I wore my Hope Valley jacket," she laughed. "I was feeling a bit pent up and needed a walk. I walk almost everywhere at home."

The two women sat down. Grace hurried to pour Elizabeth a hot cup of tea.

"What will you do when you're with child? Jack can't expect you to walk everywhere then."

"He doesn't expect me to do it now, actually. I do it because I enjoy it." She took a sip, drinking in the warmth of her tea. "I imagine when the time comes I'll just get a wagon to ride into town. Especially from our land. It's a bit further out than the row houses."

Grace just shook her head. "Thank you for coming dear."

"I'm here because I love you Mother. Truly, I do."

Viola entered the room carrying her daughter, much to everyone's delight. Viola had hoped having little Chloe in the room would add a sense of calm to their discussion. After her talk the night before with her parents, and again before bed with Lionel, she knew she had to try and bend her opinion when it came to her sister's life. She just wasn't sure how. She was who she was, and she'd always thought Elizabeth was more like her. It was a tough adjustment to make, to say the least.

"How's my precious granddaughter this afternoon?" Grace squealed, a reaction the girls weren't use to, but found charming.

"She's doing well. I think she'd be better if she'd sleep more."

"Not sleeping at all?" Elizabeth asked.

"Not at night. Which means I'm not sleeping."

Elizabeth put her tea cup down on the table. "May I? It will let you enjoy your tea."

"You don't mind?" Viola asked surprised.

"Of course not! I want to hold her as much as I can."

"Alright, here you go. She just ate so you may want this." She handed her a cloth. "Baby spit up is horrible on one's dress," she said wrinkling her nose.

"Oh I've had much worse on me over the past few years."

"I assumed as much," Grace laughed. "That's why I sent you so many dresses when you first moved out there. Once you said your friends daughter, Clara, I believe, was becoming a seamstress I just sent money."

"It was appreciated, but not necessary, Mother."

"I know, but it's hard having you so far away. It helped me to feel like I was doing something."

"I understand, thank you."

Viola watched Elizabeth pace around the room. Her smile was of pure joy. One she wasn't sure she'd seen since they were children. Grace noticed too.

"Should I be expecting another grandchild sometime soon?" Grace teased Elizabeth. The thought made Viola uneasy. Accepting Elizabeth's life was going to be harder than she thought.

"Oh, not yet that I know of," Elizabeth laughed. "Though we're aren't doing anything to stop it, that's for sure."

Viola gasped, "Elizabeth really, you're speaking of private matters!"

"In her defense, I did ask," Grace laughed. "Besides, we're all family here and it's encouraging to know one's daughters are happy in their marriages. So many women aren't these days. It breaks my heart. I love your father as much as the day we married. More even, if that's possible."

"You and father are wonderful together," Elizabeth smiled.

"I agree," Viola smiled as well.

"It took a lot of work on both our parts but yes, I agree." They laughed.

Chloe fell asleep in Elizabeth's arms. Claiming her aunt for the rest of the afternoon. Not that Elizabeth minded. She was already looking forward to the day when she and Jack would have their own child. A boy, maybe with Jack's cowlick. Or a girl with her curly brown hair and Jack's dimples.

Jack arrived to the Thatcher's estate right after work. James opened the door for him and once Jack had dusted as much of the snow off as he could, he entered.

"Thank you, James. It's really coming down out there."

"Indeed! Would you like me to ask Mr. Thatcher if you could obtain the services of one of his drivers? You and Mrs. Elizabeth shouldn't have to walk like that all the time."

"Did Elizabeth walk today? I told her to call for a taxi car."

"She did indeed walk," James laughed then leaned in to whisper, "Here's a tip I'm sure you already know, Mrs. Elizabeth and her sisters are quite stubborn."

"You are very right," Jack laughed.

"Jack, is that you?" Lionel called out as he descended that stairs. "So good to see you!"

"You as well Lionel. Welcome back!" he said shaking the man's hand.

"Oh, come now, we are family now." Lionel teased giving Jack a hearty hug. Not something Jack expected from the skinny British man. "Congratulations on your marriage. Elizabeth is truly special."

"I would have to agree," Jack smile as they walked further into the house. "How are you? Married life all you hoped it would be?"

"Viola is a wonderful wife. Though I feel as though sometimes she isn't as happy as she would like to be. My work can be very demanding. I suppose you know all about that."

"I do. I feel like the key is going to be making sure they feel as special as we can make them when we are there. Maybe then us not always being around won't hurt as much."

"Married less then a month and already I'm learning from you," Lionel laughed. "You're a good man, Jack."

"Well, at least one of you thinks so," he laughed.

"Ah yes, Viola can be quite stubborn. Hang in there, chap. She'll come around."

They walked the rest of the way towards the parlor with Lionel sharing stories from their journey back home. Jack was glad to see Lionel again. He was a good and understanding man. A true ally to Jack in the Thatcher home.

"Ladies, look who I found," Lionel said announcing Jack.

"Hello ladies," Jack smiled as he walked over to his wife. "And this must be the beautiful little girl I've heard so much about."

"Yes, our daughter Chloe," Lionel said with pride, kissing his wife's cheek.

Jack couldn't help but smile at the darling baby. "Better watch out Lionel, she's got the Thatcher women's beauty already." The room laughed.

"Would you like to hold her?" Elizabeth asked sweetly.

"Of course." Jack careful took the baby and rocked her in his arms. "She's so tiny. Hi there, precious."

"Look at them," Lionel whispered to his wife. "How can you say they aren't right together?"

Viola sighed. She saw it too.

Soon Chloe began to fuss. Viola took her from Jack, barely making eye contact with him as she did. Jack wasn't bothered, he know this would take time. Elizabeth on the other hand was furious.

Once Viola and Lionel had left to tend to the baby, Grace spoke up.

"I'm sorry about Viola, Jack."

"It's alright, Mrs. Thatcher. I understand."

"Well, I don't," Elizabeth huffed. "She's being ridiculous."

"We talked about this, she'll need time."

"Jack, she barely spoke two words to me all afternoon. Then you come in and she won't even look at you!"

"Bella, come here." Jack wrapped her in his arm. Not caring that Grace was in the room. "I love you. I don't need your sister's approval for that."

Elizabeth sighed, "I love you too."

William arrived home not long after and the family all changed for dinner. The rest of the night, Viola was pretty quiet. Making a few sly remarks here and there about Jack's life or their relationship. Each time receiving a gentle foot tap of reprimand from her husband.

William was also quiet. Grace had shared Julie's letter to him the night before, which made him a nervous wreck. He wanted his daughters back. Whatever it took.

The family enjoyed their after dinner drinks near the fire later that night. Lionel was very curious about Jack's trials up north and asked many questions. Jack did his best to answer what he could. It was hard to look back, so many dark memories.

"I don't know if you know this Jack, but your name made it into the papers. Even here in the city," Grace stated.

"I didn't…" Jack was completely surprised.

"It appears you did some heroic work up there, Jack. You should be proud." William said with a straight face. "We are proud too."

Elizabeth was almost in tears when she saw a small genuine smile stretch across her father's face as he patted Jack's back.

"Thank you, sir. That means a lot."

"Constable Thornton," Viola spoke. "If I may ask, will you be leaving Elizabeth often? I mean now that you're married, can the Mounties still just send you wherever they'd like?"

"His name is Jack…" Elizabeth muttered under her breath.

Jack squeezed her hand before he answered. "My marital status unfortunately makes little difference to the Mounties most of the time. I do hope not to be called away again like I just was though."

"You and me both," Elizabeth said wrapping her arms around his waist.

"That's a bit irresponsible isn't it? To marry Elizabeth just to have to leave her again."

"Viola, please," Lionel quietly pleaded.

"We don't know what tomorrow holds. No one does. But we love each other and we want to walk this life together, whatever comes." Jack's voice remand calm as he spoke. He could feel Elizabeths body tense, then relax slightly as he spoke.

"What happens when Beth is alone and there's no one to care for her? I've read stories. Women whose husbands love their jobs more than their wives. They are left alone to raise their children and once their husbands don't return they are left all alone with nothing. Is that what you want for her?"

Now it was Jack's turn to tense up. His mind drifted back to the life he had growing up, his mother doing everything she could for them after his father was killed. He thought of the families he had seen ripped apart in the north. Viola had laid out Jack's greatest fears in one breath.

"Viola you are out of line," Elizabeth spoke firm. "I'm not going to give up the most amazing love I could ask for for what might happen. If the worst should happen…."

"She'll have us." Grace interrupted. She could see the pain in Jack's face and it broke her heart. "Jack, she'd be taken care of, and any children too, of course. We're all family now."

Jack nodded. Happy to see the sympathetic look of reassurance from his mother-in-law.

Viola shook her head as she stood. "This dream you're living in will crumble. Mark my words."

"Viola Jane." William said sternly as she kept walking out of the room. Lionel apologized and excused himself to follow after his wife.

The room was silent. No one knew what to say to follow such a conservation. William quietly excused himself a moment later, leaving Grace with Jack and Elizabeth.

He walked into his office and slammed the door. His family was ripping at the seams and he blamed himself. How on earth could he make things right again? After taking a few moments to breathe he rushed back out, needing to have a stern conversation with his oldest daughter.

As he reached the stairs he noticed Jack and Elizabeth dressing to leave.

"Heading home?" he asked.

"Yes, it's time," Elizabeth voice was dry and cold.

William slowly nodded. "The snow's piling up. May I suggest our driver take you home?"

"We'll manage." It was clear Elizabeth was still mad.

"Beth, please?" William pleaded.

She looked over to Jack who nodded.

"Alright," she sighed. "Thank you, Father."

William hurried off to notify the driver.

"Will I still see you again tomorrow for Christmas?" Grace asked hopeful.

"Of course," Jack smiled.

"Wonderful. You'll be staying in your old room, Beth. Hope that's alright."

"Yes, it will be just fine. I'll be here again in the afternoon and Jack will arrive after work." Elizabeth softened a bit as she talked with her mom.

"Alright. We shall see you then. Elizabeth, if I send a car for you will you take it tomorrow? I hate to think of you trekking through the cold again."

"I'll have the trunk tomorrow for our stay, so yes, I'd appreciate the ride."

"Very well!" Grace was happy the fiasco with Viola hadn't driven them away for good.

"We'll send Roger," William chimed in as he re-entered the room. "He's driving you tonight, he's the best in the snow."

"Thank you, sir."

As Jack turned to leave, William opened his mouth to speak. The words were in his mind, he just couldn't seem to get them out. With Jack's hand on the door, he knew if he was going to saying anything it was now.

"Jack, my daughter's words… they were unjust. The life Elizabeth has chosen is scary for me as a parent. One day you will understand. Regardless, you are a part of this family now, and should not be spoken to like that."

"I appreciate that. Thank you, sir."

They said their goodbyes and were off. Once the car pulled out onto the road, they both let out a breath they didn't know they were keeping inside. Elizabeth rested her head on Jack's strong shoulder.

"I love you, Jack."

"I love you too, Bella. Don't let her get to you."

"I won't. You alright?"

"I think so," he sighed. "She wasn't completely wrong. She sort of explained my childhood. Sometimes things happen, bad things, and there's nothing you can do."

"I think if you asked her, your mom wouldn't regret a single moment she spent as your father's wife. I know I won't regret any moment that I'm yours."

"Then I'm the luckiest man in the world." He kissed her head as he held her tightly to his side. "I think you should talk to Viola."

"Excuse me?" She sat up giving him a narrowed eyed look. "About what?"

"I think there's more to this than just her dislike of our marriage. Lionel mentioned he'd been gone a lot and she doesn't seem as happy in their marriage. Maybe she needs a friend."

"Then she needs to be less of a rude, insensitive…"

"Bella." He warned. "She needs her sister. I just know it."

"Fine," she sighed. "I'll try."

"Thank you." He pulled her back into his embrace, taking in the scent of her that he loved so much. It stirred a feeling inside of him, one he was glad not to have to suppress anymore. After all, she was his wife now.

"You look like you're thinking very intently about something, love."

"I am, actually," he grinned. "We have to pack a trunk to bring to your parents tomorrow but after that… what do you think of a nice, hot bath?"

"Hmm, with or without you?"

"Your preference. Personally I'd enjoy it much more if I was with you."

Elizabeth giggled, thankful for the glass that separated them from the man driving them home.

"I think some time together in a nice warm bath sounds perfect." She moved her lips to his cheek, then placed a trail of kisses all the way to his neck. "Maybe we do that first, pack later."

"Elizabeth, the driver…" Jack whispered.

"He's focused on the road." she said before moving back to kiss him. "I'll stop when the car does."

"Oh, wow." He gasped as she continued. "I am one lucky man."

A couple hours later…

"I'm too tired to pack. Maybe we just shouldn't go tomorrow."

"Not a good idea, Bella. As far being tired, maybe we should have just gotten dressed after the bath instead of…"

"Bite your tongue!" she giggled. "I love being married."

"I do too. Very, very much."

Elizabeth placed one more dress and set of shoes in the trunk. "We could just stay here for the holiday. You shouldn't have to deal with my toxic sister."

"No Bella, we talked about this. We told your parents we'd spend Christmas with them at the house. Your mother especially is looking forward to it."

"But five days? With Viola!"

"She wont get used to me if I'm not around."

"I suppose you're right. I just want to enjoy our first Christmas together."

"And we will. No matter what, we are still together. That's the most important thing." He kissed her lips and closed the trunk.

"I know. I suppose we should be there if Julie shows up too. Any word from Tom?"

"Nothing. We've talked only a little bit here and there. He could be doing anything with his life right now and I wouldn't know."

"I'm sorry, Jack. Once we've fixed things with my family we should figure out how to get in touch with Tom. Maybe even pay him a visit."

"That sounds nice. We were on good terms when he left for Port McNeill. I just miss him."

On a train 12 hours outside Hamilton…

Julie stirred in the bed of the train compartment. She was exhausted, but couldn't sleep. Her mind was full of different ways in which seeing her family again would play out. So much had changed. She wasn't the same person she was when she left. She was better, stronger, more grown up in some ways.

She rolled over, staring at the man laying next to her as he read his book.

"Do you know how handsome you are?" she smiled.

"Stop trying to bribe me into changing my mind," he said. Not looking up from the page.

"You sure this is a good idea?" she asked. He was right, she was hoping he'd changed his mind about the whole trip so they could just go home.

"I'm very sure. We're doing what needs to be done."

"They won't like this."

"I know. We can't change that. But it's time."