It was the middle of July of 1917. The sun was shining high in the sky. The birds were chirping and singing. And a certain little dark-haired boy bounced out of his bed and headed into his mother's room.
"Mummy! Mummy! Is it my birthday today?" Oliver Coulter had asked nearly every day for two weeks. Turning four was a big deal for the little tyke. Rosemary laughed as she put her necklace on. She turned around on her vanity stool.
"Yes, my sweet boy! Happy Birthday!" Rosemary said, embracing Oliver and giving him kisses all over his chubby face. "Now, I have a small birthday gift for you. The rest you'll have to open later." She reached down and handed Oliver a small box. Oliver ripped the brown paper off, opened the box and pulled out his very own baseball.
"Wooow!" Oliver exclaimed, his eyes wide. "Thank you, Mummy!" Rosemary gave him another hug.
"Happy Birthday, Oliver! Now, let's get you ready for the day."
"I'm a big boy, Mummy. I'm FOUR now. I can do it." Oliver puffed his little chest out.
"Well, then, run along! Cody, Robert, and Phillip will be here soon to play with you," Rosemary said. Oliver scampered back down the hallway. Rosemary grinned. Having a little one wasn't anything like she imagined. And yes. He was pretty "sticky" at times, and he was constantly finding worms and tadpoles, but Rosemary wouldn't change that for anything. Oliver was a bright light in her life especially during a period of war and darkness.
Cody and Robert had grown up a lot in the last year as they were soon approaching their 14th birthdays and Philip was nearly 9. Despite the age difference, they doted on little Oliver as though he were their kid brother. Oliver loved spending time with the "big boys." They taught him how to fish and how throw a baseball. Oliver was definitely all boy getting into scrapes. Rosemary was glad that he had some sort of male influence while Lee was gone and goodness knows Rosemary could do a lot of things like shoot a gun, ride a horse barebacked, but she could not throw a baseball to save her life. Rosemary had a plan for Oliver's birthday party later that afternoon. She had made a few decorations, a banner, and was up at dawn making a chocolate cake, Oliver's favorite. And it was Lee's favorite too. Rosemary sighed. She and Elizabeth had received a telegram saying that they were on their way home, but that was just a couple days ago. And the telegram left out any details on where they were. The could be crossing the Atlantic for all they knew.
There was a knock on the kitchen door. "Come in!" Rosemary called. Robert, Cody, and Philip entered.
"Hi, Mrs. Coulter!" Cody said.
"Hello, boys."
"Is that a cake you're making?" Robert sniffed. His eyes grew wide as he spotted a bowl of leftover batter.
"Yes, but it's for Oliver's birthday party. Do NOT" Rosemary crossed her arms as Robert took a step forward. "take that spoon and lick my batter." Robert held his hands up and took a step back as Cody and Philip smirked.
"Here I yam!" Oliver said, running into the kitchen. "It's my birthday!" Oliver held out 4 fingers and the other boys chuckled.
"Happy birthday!" They said giving him high fives.
"Mum wants me to let you know that she's treating you and Oliver to breakfast. For his birthday," Cody said, speaking of Abigail. Abigail too doted on Oliver. He was most certainly loved in Hope Valley.
"Oh!" Rosemary said. "I had completely forgotten. Please tell her that I'll be there if half an hour. The cake should be done in about twenty minutes." She knelt down to Oliver's level. "Be good."
"I'm ALWAYS good. Right?" Oliver looked up at Cody.
"Sure is." Cody gave Rosemary a thumbs up. "Come on! We'll play catch out by the school while we wait for your mum." The boys waved goodbye and they ran off. Rosemary laughed again. It was always energizing to see the young folks care-free and still childlike. She was glad that for their sake the war didn't rob them of their childhood. And she was glad that Oliver was still too young to understand everything that had happened. Rosemary checked the stove and the cake was still baking. It probably needed another ten minutes. She hung the banner in the living room, then started to hang streamers. She noticed Oliver's baseball sitting on the coffee table.
"Oh. Oliver forgot his baseball." She said out loud to no one in particular. Then she heard another knock on the door. This time it was the front door. Rosemary grabbed the baseball. "Come in!" she called, walking through the parlor to the front door. "Oliver! You forgot your—" She stopped abruptly. The baseball hit the floor with a loud thud. Her heart stopped beating for a moment and no words found its way out of her mouth. Her eyes filled with tears and she covered her mouth to stifle a laugh. The world stopped spinning for just one moment. Everything. Yes, everything, was perfect once more. Because there Lee stood holding a bouquet of daisies, her favorite. He too said nothing as the emotions were just too much for him to bear at that moment.
"OH!" Rosemary flew into Lee's arms. He grabbed her tightly and held her, both their bodies shaking from the tears running down their faces. They kissed each other several times. Lee held Rosemary's face in his hands. Rosemary giggled, sniffled, and wiped her eyes all at the same time. Lee was finally home. "Oh, my darling, Lee." Rosemary could barely say anything else.
"My love. I never." Lee gulped, attempting to gain control of his emotions. "I never thought I would get the chance to see you. Hold you. Kiss you. again." He wiped the tears from Rosemary's face. "I've missed you. So. So. Much."
"Lee." Rosemary caressed the side of Lee's face. "I love you." She breathed, then kissed him once more. "I never want to let you go."
"I pray you never have to."
Elizabeth Thornton opened the front door, took a deep breath of the warm mountain air and sat down on one of the rocking chairs on the porch. Kate, who was now five months old, had just gone down for her morning nap. Elizabeth was glad as the baby had decided to be up at 4 AM and decided that 4 AM was the perfect time to eat and play peek-a-boo with her Mummy. Elizabeth sat down and opened her journal. She was about to start writing with the new fountain pen her father sent her, but was at a loss for words. Words didn't seem to flow as easily as they once did prior to the war. It wasn't that she had a lack of things to say— no, she had a million thoughts running through her head. It was that she just couldn't get the words from her heart on to the paper. Her heart ached and longed for Jack and she was sure that was one of the reasons why she was having trouble writing. Her mind felt all over the place in her thoughts. How she missed Jack. How he completed her. How she wished he would come home soon. How he was her inspiration. She sighed and shut her journal. And then she had an idea. She went inside to the study where she kept her other journals. She knew just the one she wanted. She pulled out the worn leather bound journal and headed back outside into the fresh air and started to read. As she read the next few pages, she giggled at her younger self. It had been seven years since she set foot in Coal Valley. Her first encounter with Jack was less than pleasant as he thought of her as a "princess" who had "no right being in Coal Valley."
She continued to read. She had almost forgotten about her near-death encounter with Charles Spurlock. And had forgotten about the first Founders Day Play. Rosemary would have probably rolled her eyes at the lack of excitement and pizzaz that first play had. And speaking of Rosemary, Elizabeth had to laugh once more. They were practically sworn mortal enemies. That is until Lee came riding into town on his motorcycle and for them, it was love at first sight.
Elizabeth skimmed the pages that had to do with her visit home to Hamilton. She didn't want to remember the strain that put on her relationship with Jack. So, she skipped to the part about Rip getting lost in the coal mine.
I am afraid. I am afraid of losing Jack. And I'm afraid that I'm not good enough for him as I will never be as brave as he is.
Elizabeth paused reading and looked up. She still afraid of losing Jack. What kept her mind at ease was the trust she placed in God to keep him safe. But being brave. Was she brave? Yes. Yes, she was. She didn't know it then, but so many challenges and obstacles had built her to be the woman she was today.
She continued to read. This time it was about her newly revived courtship with Jack. She wrote every detail down. How he liked her shepherd's pie with paprika. How he was an avid baseball fan. And one day she found out that Jack's favorite song was Danny Boy. She didn't know what compelled her to do it, although she did sing Danny Boy to Kate every night before bedtime, but Elizabeth started to sing quietly to herself as she kept reading.
"Oh Danny Boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling
From glen to glen and down the mountain side…"
And faintly, she heard a familiar tenor voice join hers.
"The summer's gone and all the flowers dying
'Tis you, 'tis you must go and I must bide…"
Elizabeth gasped and jumped out of the rocking chair. Could it be? She ran down the steps and yes. It was.
"Jack!" Elizabeth cried out.
At the sound of Elizabeth's voice, Jack looked up. They made eye contact and he grinned. Jack dropped his bag and Elizabeth ran into his arms. He swooped her up into his arms and kissed her passionately. It were as though they were the only ones in the world and at that moment, they were. Elizabeth held Jack close and Jack held her tighter.
"I-I-" The tears were falling down Elizabeth's face. She couldn't get the words out.
"Shh…" Jack stroked her hair gently and Elizabeth cupped his face in her hand, stroking his cheek. "I've missed you so much."
"Prove to me that I'm not dreaming," Elizabeth said, almost breathy. "Jack."
"Elizabeth." The way he said her name sent shivers up her spine. Elizabeth looked deep into his hazel eyes, which were also glimmering. "I love you."
"I love you too." And with that, they kissed once more. Slowly. Soaking up every moment. Jack held her close and rubbed her back gently and reassuringly. "I'm home now. Home for good."
Elizabeth looked up at Jack, their bodies still close. Her eyes brimming. "You returned to me." Jack nodded and he held her close. Elizabeth gave a sigh of relief. How wonderful it felt to be in the arms of the man she loved so dearly.
Elizabeth stepped back to take a good look at Jack. "I can't believe you're here. How? When?"
Jack gave her a lopsided grin. "It's a long story. But we are all home."
"We— oh, Jack! Did you find Lee?"
"Actually. He found me." Jack said. He didn't want to go into any of the details. Elizabeth looked at him quizzically but was afraid of his answer.
"Well. I'm glad everyone is home safe and sound." Elizabeth put her arm around Jack's waist as they walked to the house. As luck would have it, Bill had taken Darcy and Rip to the jail earlier that morning, so they didn't have to worry about being ambushed by the pups. However, there was one long overdue introduction that had yet to be made.
"Where is Kate?" Jack asked, just then realizing the baby wasn't with Elizabeth.
Elizabeth led Jack to the front of the house. "Kate is asleep in the study."
Jack's heart skipped a beat. "I've been dreaming of this day, Elizabeth." He paused before walking into the house. "She's gonna like me right?"
Elizabeth giggled. "Of course! Don't be silly!"
The walked into the den and Jack's heart was beating out of his chest. He was so excited, nervous, and anxious to meet his baby girl for the first time.
Jack followed Elizabeth into the study and they heard a few coos coming from the bassinet. Elizabeth grinned at Jack as she reached for little Miss Kate.
"Jack," Elizabeth said, her voice full of emotion. "I'd like you to meet your daughter, Kate."
Kate looked at Jack with wide hazel eyes. Her blonde hair had grown in a little and was starting to curl like little ringlets.
"Hi, Kate," Jack said slowly. His eyes spilled over in tears. And just like that, she was wrapped around his little finger. "You're so beautiful. Like your mum. And you're the most precious little girl to have entered my life."
"Do you want to hold her?" Elizabeth asked. Jack paused for a moment and then held his arms out to take the baby. Kate blinked a few times and then studied the scruffy man who was holding her. She cooed and let up a happy grunt. Elizabeth laughed.
"She's quite taken with you, Jack."
"Is that so." Jack grinned, the tears still falling slowly. Kate reached up and her hand hit Jack in the face. Jack and Elizabeth laughed.
"Ah, telling your old man to stop crying like a ninny, eh?"
"Or maybe she's letting you know who's boss around here." Elizabeth joked. Jack sat down on the love seat. He held Kate in a sitting position on his knee.
"Katey-Kate. I know we just met. But I have loved you from the moment I heard you were coming. I prayed for you every single day. You are the light of my world, Kate. I have a feeling we'll be great buds." Jack looked up at Elizabeth and grinned. "Maybe drive your mum mad sometimes." He winked at Elizabeth. "But, I promise you, for as long as I'm around, I'll always be there for you. Forever." Jack kissed the top of Kate's head. Elizabeth walked over and sat next to Jack. They were finally together, for the first time, as a family.
"Oh, dear!" Rosemary quickly pulled out the now burnt birthday cake from the oven. Lee waved the smoke in an attempt to make it dissipate, and Rosemary placed it on the stovetop. She had completely forgotten about the cake. "Ohhh..." Rosemary set the oven mitts on the counter and crossed her arms, then shrugged and laughed. "We'll just have to make a new one." She was too excited to care about a burnt birthday cake.
It dawned on Lee the reason for the cake. "It's Oliver's Birthday today, isn't it."
"Yes, yes it is," Rosemary said. Upon Lee's frown, Rosemary took a step toward him and put her hand on his shoulder. "Oh, Lee. It's okay if you'd forgotten. You had so many other things to worry about."
"I hadn't forgotten exactly. My days are all mixed up. Some days I don't know what year it is if I'm honest. And I didn't get him a gift—"
"You are—" Rosemary interrupted. "The best birthday gift he could ask for." She kissed him lightly on the cheek. "Speaking of Oliver, he is at Abigail's. And I'm sure he is dying waiting to eat those chocolate chip pancakes." Rosemary took Lee's hand and they walked to town. Rosemary chattered excitedly, apologizing after every other story for overloading him with all of the stories and gossip since he'd been away. Lee only grinned and told her he didn't mind. After all it had been over two years since they had any time together. And, Jack was right. Some things stayed the same. Lee was soaking it all in. They would talk about him later as neither wanted to upset the mood.
As they walked on to Main Street, which was unusually quiet for a Tuesday morning, they heard a few boys and a dog in the direction of the schoolhouse heading towards them. Rosemary and Lee stopped walking. Cody came around the corner first and stopped abruptly. Robert bumped into him.
"Hey! Wh—" Robert stopped when he looked up. His mouth dropped open. Abigail had just opened the door to the cafe, but she too stopped what she was doing.
Oliver had stopped walking when the other boys did, but then he saw why. His eyes were drawn to the tall man in the blue plaid suit standing next to his mother. He tilted his head trying to figure out if the man who was standing next to her was who he thought it was. His mother smiled and nodded at him.
"PAPA!" Oliver yelled. He ran as fast as his little feet could take him. Lee crouched down and Oliver nearly body slammed into his father's arms.
"Ollie, my boy!" Lee held him tight, tousling Oliver's hair. "Oh, son. I've missed you."
"I missed you too, Papa." Oliver said. He stood up proudly. "I'm four!"
"You are! I thought you were already six!" Lee teased with him.
"No, just four. Papa, It's my birthday!" Oliver said proudly. Everyone laughed. Sweet Oliver's innocence came out as it never dawned on him how long his father had actually been gone. Rosemary constantly talked about Lee to Oliver, showing his picture, telling him stories, celebrating Lee's birthday, even though Lee was thousands of miles away. Even though Oliver was almost two when his father left, he knew exactly who Lee was. And not only that but Oliver prayed every night for his papa's safe return. "Can we eat now? I'm hungry."
"Yes, yes!" Lee stood up. Oliver grabbed his left hand and Rosemary tucked her arm in Lee's right arm.
"This is the best birthday ever!" Oliver declared as he walked up the steps to Abigail's.
Word quickly spread through Hope Valley that both Jack and Lee were home, thanks to Nurse Faith. That was the busiest day in the history of Abigail's cafe. Everyone stopped by the cafe to see Lee and welcome him back. The love that Hope Valley showed to the Coulters was overwhelming. Even Mayor Gowen stopped to see Lee and to everyone's surprise, announced that at the end of the week, he would be shutting the town down to honor those who had served, as now everyone was accounted for in Hope Valley. Friday evening, there would be a candlelight service honoring and remembering the few that had been killed during the war and Saturday, would be a day of celebration, honoring those who came home. Oliver couldn't stop staring at his father as though Lee were the greatest person alive and wouldn't stop chattering about everything under the son. On their way home, Oliver insisted on showing him all over Hope Valley, as though Lee had never seen it before. Lee only laughed and looked at Rosemary and said, "He gets it from you." As they walked back to their home on the hill, they saw Elizabeth and Jack, who was carrying little Kate, in the distance. Elizabeth's eyes lit up as she spotted the Coulters and she nudged Jack.
"Auntie Beff! Auntie Beff!" Oliver started to run towards them. When Oliver was younger, he had a hard time saying the "Th" sound, but now he could. However, "Beff" just stuck, so Elizabeth was forever now his 'Auntie Beff.' "Papa's home!"
The Coulters and Thornton's met halfway and Oliver seemed to run circles around them. Elizabeth gave Rosemary a hug and turned to Lee and gave him a hug too.
"I'm so glad you're home." She looked at him. "And, thank you." Lee nodded. There was so much to say, but it could wait until later.
"Jack," Rosemary said, stepping forward. "I owe you so much."
"No, you don't," Jack shook his head. Rosemary nodded.
"Yes. Yes, I do. You've always looked after me since we were kids. You're the big brother I never had." Rosemary said. She wiped her eyes and sniffled and laughed. "Goodness. I don't think I've cried this much in a long time." They exchanged hugs.
"Are you going into town?" Lee asked.
"We had planned on it," Elizabeth said. Lee and Rosemary exchanged looks.
"You may want to wait to go. We barely finished our breakfast with everyone stopping by." Rosemary said. "Come," she waved at them. "We'll have lunch on the veranda." She linked arms with Elizabeth and they scurried off discussing what grandeur meal they could cook up for their men. Oliver tucked his hand into Lee's.
"Just like old times, eh?" Jack said.
"It's good to be home." Lee and Jack followed their wives back to the Coulter's home.
Later that afternoon, Jack and Elizabeth, Abigail and Pastor Frank, Tom and Julie, all gathered at Lee and Rosemary's home. Abigail whipped up the biggest chocolate birthday cake for Oliver. Oliver was over-the-moon excited for his cake and had the biggest grin on his face. Everyone sang happy birthday and when it came time to blow out his candles, he paused.
"I gotta think of a wish, huh?" Oliver asked. He looked around the room, then closed his eyes, and blew out his candles. Everyone clapped and cheered and Abigail and Elizabeth took the cake away to cut it.
"What'd ya wish for, buddy?" Lee asked. Oliver whispered into Lee's ear and Lee hid a grin as he gave Rosemary a sideways glance. "Ah, I see."
"It'll come true," Oliver said confidently.
"Really? How do you know?"
"'Cause, I prayed to God that you'd come home on my birthday," Oliver said matter-of-factly. Lee sat in awe for a moment as he was very impressed with his son's confidence and faith. Oliver took a big bite of cake. "Mmm!"
"I better get a bite of that cake." Lee stood up.
"I'll get it for you," Rosemary said jumping up from her chair.
"It's okay Rosie, you don't have to fuss over me."
Rosemary put her hand up and took a step closer to Lee. "Sweetheart. Let me fuss over you." Rosemary said quietly. Lee smiled and nodded before took a seat.
"Can I go out and play now?" Oliver asked, interrupting them.
"Oh my goodness. You have chocolate all over you!" Rosemary said. "Yes, but first, a piece of chocolate cake for your papa, then we need to clean you up. Oh, gracious. Your hands are so sticky!" She whisked him into the kitchen.
Lee looked around the room. However did he get so lucky to have a wonderful wife, a loving son, friends who had turn into family, and a second chance at life. Lee was sure by now that it was only by Divine intervention.
Jack took a seat next to Lee. "This has been some homecoming."
"Jack, you were right," Lee said, noting Rosemary's smile and bright eyes. "Some things don't change and for that, my friend, I am thankful."