Thankfully Mayor Gowen had decided to reinstate the New Year's Eve plans. The town returned to rushing about gathering items and decorating for the children's talent show, refreshments, and fireworks. In year's past, New Year's Eve was always a time for Hope Valley to come together. It made Elizabeth happy to see the event back on schedule. Rosemary oversaw the committee and delighted in ordering people around. She had sent Elizabeth to decorate the church for the talent show, as well as corral the children as they practiced their talent. Elizabeth welcomed the distraction. She and Jack had barely spoken in the last couple of days. She wondered if anything had come of his plan to return to Cape Fullerton. While she understood that this was what they should have expected all along, it didn't stop her from being disappointed. Having Jack around the last couple of weeks had gone from a short annoyance to enjoyable. She never expected to fall in love with him, the man who had insulted her on their first meeting. Actually, she never expected to fall in love with anyone this quickly. Being with Jack had made chills run through her body in a way she had never experienced before. When he held her she tingled all over, low in her belly, down through to her toes. Other times, her heart could only swell when he was gentle and protective. When she thought of the few men she had dated in the past, none were like Jack. None had challenged her, or protected her, or made her laugh in the way that he did. She wasn't ready to let him go.

Keeping busy was helpful. Today was New Year's Eve, and Elizabeth was finishing up with the decorations in the church. Abigail helped as they strung up a garland from one corner to the next. "Well this should do it." She said with a smile. "Let's get those poinsettias arranged. Lord knows Rosemary will probably have us move them again." Abigail rolled her eyes with a laugh as she and Elizabeth moved toward the front of the church.

"Morning ladies." Bill said as he carried a box into the room. "I have more decorations. Rosemary asked me to bring them by."

"I can't imagine what." Abigail said. They started to go through the box. Bill took a moment to look around the church.

"It's looking great." Bill complimented.

"Thank you." Elizabeth folded her arms across her chest. "Bill, have you seen Jack today? Is he coming by to help?" She watched him closely as he drew in a sharp breath and started to shake his head. The couple hadn't spoken since that night when he promised he'd figure a way out for them to be together.

"Not sure. Last I saw, he was packing up his truck."

Elizabeth dropped her arms and glanced over at Abigail. "Packing?" Bill nodded. "But I thought he was leaving tomorrow." Bill shrugged.

"I haven't spoken to him. Offered him a job here, but he hasn't answered me." Elizabeth's eyes widened. "I wouldn't worry, Elizabeth. It's a big decision." Elizabeth nodded, but felt no comfort. "Well, I'm off. I'm sure when I get back to the station there will be something else for me to bring over. Keep up the good work ladies." He nodded and waved goodbye as he left the church. Elizabeth turned, clutching the edge of the pew. She felt Abigail's hand on her shoulder.

"Elizabeth, are you alright?" She shook her head. She hadn't known that Jack had been offered a position with Hope Valley's police department. Even though Elizabeth would like to think the decision for Jack was easy, she knew that was wrong of her.

"Abigail, maybe Jack and I moved too fast." Abigail began to protest. "I feel like I'm second guessing every feeling I have about him." Elizabeth slumped down in a nearby pew. Abigail slid in next to her.

"You want Jack to take the job here."

"Of course."

"And learning that he didn't has you questioning his feelings for you." Elizabeth nodded. "Oh Elizabeth, that doesn't mean he doesn't care for you, or even that he doesn't want to stay here. Maybe it's just taking him some time." She reached for Elizabeth's hand. "Sometimes love does take time. You just have to have faith." Squeezing her hand, she got up from the pew. "It will be okay."

That evening, Elizabeth readied herself for the New Year's Eve talent show and fireworks. Even though she didn't feel much like celebrating, Elizabeth knew she had to go. The children would be disappointed. They were so cute as they prepared, often taking time during recess to practice their singing or piano playing. Hopefully, their performances would lighten her spirits. She hadn't heard from Jack, and she was beginning to wonder if he left completely. No one could say whether he was going for good, just that they had seen him pack the truck. If he did leave without saying goodbye, she wasn't sure if she ever wanted to speak to him again. That was not the kind of man she wanted: one who disappeared with the passing of the wind. Her fingers shook as they worked to finish pinning up her hair. Anger was replacing the sadness. She groaned as she forced the last hairpin into her twist. It would have to do. Elizabeth slid the dark navy blue lace dress over her hips, reaching around to pull the zipper up once she had adjusted it. A knock at the door stopped her. "Just a minute!" She called from upstairs, figuring it was Rosemary rushing over with some last-minute demand. The zipper was stuck. Elizabeth groaned again and headed down the stairs holding the dress in place with one hand. She whipped open the door. "Jack."

"Hey." He stepped through the door. Elizabeth watched him as he passed through. "Ready to go?" He asked, unbuttoning his wool coat. She closed the door, holding onto her dress.

"What are you doing here?" She asked.

"What do you mean?" He stepped toward her. "We're going to the talent show."

"Jack, I thought you left for Cape Fullerton."

"Without saying goodbye?" He ran a hand through his hair, shaking his head slowly. "Elizabeth." He held onto her free hand. "I would never leave you without saying goodbye. I only went to Buxton with Hickam to pick up some more fireworks. Did you really think I would leave?"

"I don't know, Jack." She pulled her hand out of his and rubbed her temple. "We're going to be late, and my dress is stuck." She looked over her shoulder, groaning again.

"Let me see." His hands nimbly reached for her waist, turning her. "Tricky zipper." Elizabeth felt his fingers graze her spine and she sucked in a breath. "Sorry, they're cold." He tugged lightly before getting the zipper to smooth back up its track. "There we go." Elizabeth felt his heavy hand on her shoulder, the light squeeze before turning around.

"Thank you, Jack." She leaned up and kissed his cheek. "I guess we should go." He nodded. He helped her into her coat and they left for the church. She clasped his hand tightly as they walked toward the building, glad he was beside her and not in Cape Fullerton. She quietly scolded herself for even thinking Jack would leave without a goodbye. On the other side of that relief, the thought that he may have to leave back to Cape Fullerton lingered. She wondered what he had decided about the job Bill offered him.

"Penny for your thoughts?" He asked. She smiled.

"Just hoping for snow." The lie stuttered out. The last thing Elizabeth wanted was to bring up the job offer or Jack's decision. It wasn't the time.

"Pretty clear for snow." He squeezed her hand. "Looks like the whole town made it out." He gestured to the mass of people filing into the church.

"The children will be so excited."

The talent show went off without a hitch. Cody and Robert did a glittering magic show, evoking laughter from everyone. Some of the girls sang Silent Night, and Timmy played the piano. Elizabeth remembered he was one of the few children nervous about the talent show. They all did a wonderful job and left the crowd in a standing ovation. Elizabeth made sure to compliment each of them before Rosemary was calling everyone outside for fireworks. Jack waited for her by the back, helping her into her coat again and holding her hand as they descended the steps outside. "Fireworks are the best part." Jack said as they found a place off to the side. Elizabeth nodded. "Are you okay?"

"Yes." She squeezed his hand. "This New Year's Eve has turned out pretty special." Around her people began to count down the new year. "With you." Jack grinned back. He turned his head, glancing quickly at those around him counting down. They were seconds from fireworks. He pulled Elizabeth closer, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. Fireworks started to explode in radiant colors overhead. "I love being here with you." She whispered looking up at him.

"Me too." He wrapped his arms around her waist and leaned down, taking her lips with his own, hugging her body closer. "Happy New Year, Elizabeth."

"Happy New Year, Jack."

Jack and Elizabeth entered her home well into the New Year. People had hung around the church for a short while after sharing good wishes. Elizabeth yawned as she removed her coat. As tired as she was, she needed to talk to Jack about his plans for tomorrow. He had to leave for Cape Fullerton, but whether he'd be back in Hope Valley or not, was yet to be answered.

"Tired?" Jack rubbed her shoulders as they made their way to the couch.

"Yes." Elizabeth sighed. She settled into the couch.

"I should probably get going then." Elizabeth took his hand and pulled him toward the couch.

"No, sit with me for a bit. I think we need to talk." His eyebrows went up with a twist of his lips. She rolled her own eyes. "Don't we?"

"We do." He took a seat, unbuttoning his own coat.

"So, Bill told me that you were offered a job here." Jack leaned back into the couch.

"Really?" She nodded. "I was going to tell you that, but I wanted to make my decision first. There was a lot to think about."

"I can imagine." She paused looking down at her hands, wringing in her lap. "What did you decide?" Elizabeth was afraid for the answer, her heart hung in the balance.

"Elizabeth, in the short time we've known each other, I've fallen in love with you. No matter what I thought, I couldn't rationalize being away from you or Hope Valley. I've fallen in love with this town too. I love you Elizabeth."

"I love you too, Jack." They embraced and shared a kiss. When Elizabeth pulled away she looked into Jack's eyes, searching for assurance that he was making the right choice. "Are you sure?" Her hand lingered on his cheek.

"Elizabeth you're the one, the only one. Wherever you are, is where I want to be." He kissed her again.

For three weeks Jack was in Cape Fullerton. He needed to give his two weeks' notice, but also take care of his apartment, moving, and some opened cases at work. In Hope Valley, Elizabeth waited anxiously. She couldn't wait to spend more time with Jack, working on the relationship they had already started.

Jack drove into town after having braved a snow storm. He was tired from the mountain roads and ready to crash. But before he headed to his same apartment above the police department, he wanted to see Elizabeth. The original plan had been that they would have dinner together, but the storm had derailed him a couple of hours. It had lightened to flurries as he pulled in front of Elizabeth's row house. She must have been waiting because as he ascended the steps, she opened the door. She was snug in a sweatshirt, her arms wrapped around her body.

"Hey." He said as he leaned in to kiss her.

"Glad you made it safely." She stepped back into the house, Jack following her. "I ate, but I figured you might be hungry, so I kept a plate for you. I'll warm it up." She started toward the microwave, but Jack latched to her arm and softly tugged her back. He enveloped her in his arms holding her tight before his lips descended on hers. The kiss was long and languid; Jack taking his time to remember the curve of her mouth and taste of her lips.

He pulled away slowly. "I've missed you." He leaned his forehead against hers.

"I've missed you too." She laid her head on his chest and kept her arms tight around his waist.

"I'm here now. I'm not going anywhere, Elizabeth." He looked down at her upturned face. "Not ever." He kissed her again, keeping her tight against him. The couple was finally together, ready to begin exploring their new relationship in their beloved Hope Valley.

The End.

A/N: I do not own any of the When Calls the Heart series. Thanks for all of your support and wonderful reviews over the course of this fanfic. I certainly did not anticipate it taking me this long to finish, but I appreciate you hanging with me. xoxox -B.