END OF APRIL

Jay walked Sara around their home, trying to support her as she labored.

"Where is the doc?" He had gone three hours before to get him and Cam had assured him he would find him and send him over. "Three hours, Jay!"

"I can deliver the baby if I need to."

"No you cannot. You deliver horses and cows and sheep. Not humans!"

"Same difference," he said with a shrug.

"No, it's not, Jay!" He snorted. She smacked his arm. "I'm not a cow!"

"Of course, you are most definitely not a cow, but honestly…"

"Just stop. This is your fault anyway."

"What is?"

"This!" she gestured to her large girth, swollen with child. She paused to contract, holding on to him, leaning against him. A few moments later, she breathed out and then her water broke.

"I'm pretty sure getting pregnant was a joint effort."

She glared at him, making him smile. "If you say I'm beautiful…"

"Wasn't gonna!" he said, hands up in the air. Even though she was. He didn't take anything seriously that she said. He knew it was the pain talking. She probably wouldn't even remember she said those things when the pain lifted. Once they held little Matthew or Eva, the nice, sweet Sara would return.

"Knock knock!"

"Doc! Thank goodness," Jay told him.

"Sorry this took so long. I see your water has broken, Mrs. Thornton."

"Yes," she panted.

"Well, let's get you in bed and see how far along you are."

…..

Elizabeth, Jack, and Kevin arrived later and sat in the living room waiting to hear the first cries of a newborn.

"Elizabeth?" Dr. Beckley said as he walked in the room.

"Hi, Jon."

"Sara is asking if you'd come in."

"Sure." Elizabeth squeezed Jack's hand and then walked into the bedroom.
"Sara?"

"Mom," she said with a smile.

"Hi, sweetie. How are you doing?" She kissed her forehead and held her hand a moment.

"I was thinking that since my mother is gone now, that you might like to be in here?"

Elizabeth looked at Jay, asking. He nodded. "Sure, Sara. Whatever you would like."

"I'd like you to."

"Ok then." Elizabeth took the chair that was at the desk in the corner and sat down next to the bed. "I'm happy to stay."

For the next few hours, Sara continued hard labor and finally it was time to push.

"You can do this, baby," Jay whispered in her ear.

"I love you, Jay."

"I love you back."

"Push Sara!" Dr. Beckley told her.

…..

An hour later, those first cries drifted out to the grandfathers in the living room. They laughed and hugged, grateful for the life God had given their family once again.

"Twenty seven," Jack whispered.

"Congratulations, Jack. That's amazing."

"Its number seven for you, old man," Jack teased.

"Yes, I suppose it is."

"So I heard you sold your house?"

"Yeah. Too hard to stay there and I figured at my age, since I have the means, I might as well travel and go where I want to go."

It had been hard for Jack over the last two years to watch his good friend struggle with losing his wife. "I think that's good then. Where will you go?"

"I think I'll split my time between here, Hope Valley, and wherever Caleb and Amy happen to be."

"Well, Papas," Jay said as he walked in. "Who wants to meet, Matthew Kevin Thornton?"

Kevin immediately teared up, hearing his name with Matthew's. "Matthew Kevin?"

"Yeah, Pop. We wanted your name in there. You mean a lot to us." Jay placed the tiny bundle in Kevin's arms and smiled.

"Jay!" Elizabeth yelled. He immediately panicked, running back in.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing. She's ready for number two."

"What?" Jay sat down next to Sara and held her hand.

"Remember when you said there might be two in there?" Sara asked him.

"Wow." After just two pushes, Oliver Jack Thornton was born, screaming.

Jack and Kevin looked up, confused temporarily, when they heard the cry.

"Twins!"

….

Later that afternoon…

Kiki sat on the log by the stream, thinking and dreaming of Cam. As the winter and spring had gone on, she had become a better cook, thanks to all the wonderful wives in her life. She was a champion dishwasher and bed maker. She even watched her little sister and nieces as much as possible to get her bearings in mothering.

Now, she was letting herself think of being his wife and having his babies and cleaning his dishes and making their bed. It was certainly a pleasant thought.

"Kylie?"

She turned and smiled. Gosh, he was handsome. He had grown a few inches in the last few months and his strawberry blonde hair was even lighter and his eyes a green blue. "Hey, Cam."

She was lovely, standing in the spring sun, her blonde hair draping her shoulders perfectly. His fingers itched to run his fingers through it.

"What were you thinking about?" He walked up and tucked her hair behind her ears and smiled. "Beautiful Kylie."

"I was thinking about you."

"Oh yeah?"

"Yeah. Seven more months," she told him, a dreamy, far away look in her eyes. She touched his arms and moved closer. "Time needs to go faster, I think."

He dropped his head down and captured her mouth, kissing her until she needed to breathe.

"I agree."

"Sara and Jay had twins," she blurted. "Boys. Matthew and Oliver."

"That's nice for them."

"I'm going over tomorrow to help her clean."

"Ok. All day?"

"No, just until lunch when Carlie takes over. Why?"

"I thought maybe we could go on a horseback ride and have a picnic."

"Sure." She took his hand and they started walking back to town. "Cam?"

"Yeah."

"I'm thinking of working at the boarding house until we move in July. Abbie will have a new baby so she will need some help for awhile."

"That's a good idea. I can't believe you're moving away."

"It's a good thing. You are leaving too and a change will be nice, I think."

"I'm not leaving until the end of August though."

"Are you trying to say you'll miss me, Cam?" she teased.

"More than I could ever tell you."

"I'll miss you too."

….

About a month later it was time for Abbie and Harry to meet their little one. It was three weeks early but the baby inside her didn't seem to care.

He or she was in a rush it seemed. Abbie felt her first pain just after breakfast was served at the boarding house. It just started as a twinge in her back. Then as the minutes passed, the pain intensified and shot around to her stomach and down her legs, causing her to gasp and hold on to the counter for strength.

"Grandma!" Abbie shouted, hoping she could hear her.

She didn't come but Warren certainly heard her from his room.

"Mrs. Yates? Is the baby coming?"

"Yes! Can you get my grandmother please? She's upstairs."

Just as he walked upstairs, her water broke. She found a dishrag and attempted to mop up her mess with her foot, knowing she couldn't bend down.

"Abbie?"

"Grandma. This baby is coming. Can you please help me walk home?"

"I'll carry you," Warren offered, seeing the urgency. "If you'll allow me?"

Another pain hit and she realized she didn't have much of a choice. Walking wasn't an option. "Yes, please."

Warren scooped her up. He and Charlotte rushed to the bank and headed up the back stairs. Charlotte popped her head in Harry's office. "Baby's coming. Best hurry."

Charlotte rushed up the stairs and then into the apartment. "Warren, please fetch the doc."

"Yes, ma'am." He ran out the door.

"Ok, Ab, let's get you into bed."

Harry rushed in just as Charlotte had slipped a dry nightgown over Abbie's head.

Abbie groaned and held on to Charlotte, panting and groaning more. "Oh, gosh. I need to lay down. I think I need to push."

Charlotte had seen plenty of births and helped in a few so she decided to help as much as possible while they waited for the doc.

She pulled a knife from her pocket and handed it to Harry. "Can you stir the coals in the stove and heat this up? I'm going to see if Abbie is ready."

Harry rushed to the corner and did as she asked, keeping a close eye on the bed.

"Ok, Abbie, let's try pushing. When you feel the pain, go ahead." Abbie nodded and looked over at Harry.

"Ok, I'm ready," she groaned, baring down.

"Good good, sweetheart. Longer next time and harder."

Harry walked back over with the knife and grabbed Abbie's hand. "I can't believe it. It's happening so fast."

He kissed her forehead as she breathed, waiting.

Another moment and it was time to push again. And she did. "I see the head, honey."

Twenty minutes later, Lynne Caroline Yates was born into her great-grandmother's arms. "Oh, aren't you a lovely girl? Just like Mama." Charlotte cut the cord and then bathed her, careful to keep her warm. Then she placed the babe into Abbie's arms. "Congratulations, sweetheart. She's beautiful."

"Thank you, Grandma. So much." Abbie and Harry, both crying tears of joy, marveled over their daughter.

….

A week later, Cam and Kiki graduated. They were both really ready to move forward with their lives, even though it meant a few months of separation.

Jack, Elizabeth, and their kids were going to be moving in about a month so a lot of preparation was happening in their household.

After the graduation, Jack hopped a train for Hope Valley, Kevin tagging along, to make sure the house was ready.

He took along three trunks of books, clothes, and kitchen items to lessen what they would need to move in the next month.

As they pulled into Hope Valley, Jack started feeling nostalgic.

He thought about the very first time he had ridden into town on Sergeant. Little did he know, a few days later he would meet the most lovely, yet infuriating, woman he would ever know.

He chuckled. "What's funny, Jack?"

"I was just thinking about when I first met Elizabeth. Did I ever tell you that story?"

"No. I've always wondered though."

"Well the first time I saw her, I had just ridden into town and heard commotion at the mine. She was there, young and beautiful, surrounded by children, one of the littlest boys in her arms. I assumed at the time, incorrectly of course, that he was hers."

"School children?"

"Yeah. I couldn't take my eyes off her, but I forced myself to break up the fight that was impending. Then the next day was when I met her. Good Lord in heaven, she was everything I told myself I wouldn't have but everything I absolutely wanted."

"You're lucky, Jack."

"I am. So are you."

The men stepped off the train and onto the platform, Jack a bit stiff from the long ride, his limp more pronounced.

"Dad!"

"Hey, Will."

"Papa!"

"Hi, Brookie. I missed you." Jack handed Will his cane and picked up Brooke. "Boy, you're sure growing up fast."

"I'm gonna be five soon."

"Amazing." He kissed her cheek and set her back down and then hugged Will.
"Son, good to see you. How's Ashley?"

"Very pregnant. We should probably get home. I brought the wagon."

"Great. Let's load the trunks then."

"I'm going to head to Mason and Marie's," Kevin told them. "I'm anxious to see my great-granddaughter."

"Ok. Let them know I'll be by tomorrow," Jack told him.

"I will." Kevin walked off.

"Is he ok, Dad?" Will asked Jack as they watched him leave.

"He's struggling. Losing Maggie….its hard to recover. He's sold his house and then he's just going to travel."

They carried the trunks to the wagon and then headed home. On the way, though, Jack stopped in the telegraph office to see Mike and to send a telegraph to Elizabeth.

TO: ELIZABETH THORNTON

HARRIS TOWN

HONEY,

MADE IT TO HOPE VALLEY. CAN'T WAIT TO CALL IT HOME AGAIN.

LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU,

SEE YOU SOON

JACK

A MONTH LATER

Cam held onto Kiki as if his heart might break. In reality, it felt like it. Knowing he wouldn't see her again until December was killing him.

"Babe? It's going to be ok."

"No, this is so hard." He kissed her softly, fighting his tears. "I don't want you to go. Let's get married now."

"Our train leaves in two hours. All of my things are packed to leave."

"So we will move them to a room at the boarding house. We can stay there until it's time to go to Alberta."

She stepped back and looked him in the eyes. "Cam, you're serious."

"Yes. I can't be without you for five months. It won't work."

"Ok. Let's go inside and tell my parents."

They walked inside. "Mom, Dad?"

"Yeah, babe. One more trip to the wagon and it's all packed," Jack told her.

"Dad, can you find my trunk, please?"

"Kylie, it's under everything else on the wagon."

"I need it. I decided I'm not going with you."

"What? Of course you are."

"No, Daddy, Cam and I want to get married now. I need to stay with him."

"You're serious?"

"What's going on?" Elizabeth asked as she walked in the room.

"Cam and I are getting married now."

"What? I thought….nevermind," she said with a smile. "Cam, you better go get Pastor Frank and Abigail and your family. Kylie Hope, ride to town to see if you can borrow Abbie's dress and get all your brothers and sisters. Fast, we can't miss the train!"

Jack also headed to town to grab two train tickets for Cam and Kylie's honeymoon.

An hour later, the family was all gathered and Cam was standing next to Drew and Pastor Frank waiting for the music to start.

Jack stood outside with her parents and Abbie, her matron of honor.

"Ready, sweetheart?"

"Yes. I'm ready." And she was. The man she loved more than anything stood inside waiting for her and they were about to start their lives together. What could possibly be better?

"Cameron, Kylie, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride," Frank said.

Cam smiled down at her, almost not believing that she was his wife. It was a dream come true. He leaned down and kissed her sweetly, remembering they weren't alone but still conveying his love. "I love you, baby," he whispered.

She touched his cheek and kissed him in return. "I love you."

"Congratulations!" everyone said, clapping.

Jack walked over and kissed Kylie's cheek and then shook Cam's hand. "Welcome to the family, son. Take care of my baby girl."

"I will, Mr. Thornton. I promise."

"Call me Jack."

"Ok. Thank you, Jack."

He pulled two tickets from his pocket. "Looks like you two have a train to catch this evening."

"Oh! Dad, thank you," Kylie said, hugging him. "You didn't have to do that."

"Of course, I did. Enjoy Deer Falls. It's a beautiful place."

Kylie smiled shyly at her husband. It felt so different to call him that.

"Ok, Elizabeth, Bradley, Charlie, Lydie, we need to leave in twenty minutes for the train," Jack yelled.

Lydie heard him but she didn't want to go. Not without Kiki. She wasn't supposed to stay behind.

Elizabeth found her on the stairs. "Honey, I need you to check your room one more time. Make sure there's nothing left behind."

"No! I'm not going without Kiki!"

"Excuse me? First, don't yell or tell me no. You know better than that, Lydia. Next, you are going. Kiki and Cam will visit but she's married now."

"Sorry, Mama." A big, fat tear rolled down her face. "I don't want to go."

"I know but we have to. Now lets be brave and go check our rooms and say goodbye, ok? It's time for an adventure, love."

Frank had driven the wagon to the train station to load everything that they were taking, leaving Kiki's trunk and boxes behind.

Abigail pulled Elizabeth aside, tears in her eyes. "Elizabeth, from the moment I first saw you, I knew you were going to be amazing at everything you would do. I'm going to miss you, my friend."

Elizabeth hugged her tightly. "I love you. We will write and you need to come visit."

"Ok, we will."

"Oh! I'm glad you're both here," Carrie said walking up. "Wanted to tell you that I'm pregnant," she said with a smile.

Carrie hugged Elizabeth. "I love you, Mom. I'll never forget how much love and kindness you've given me over the years. You helped me so much when I lost Natalie and…I couldn't have gotten through that without you."

"I love you too, Carrie. So much. I can't wait to meet this new one."

"Babe, we need to go!" Jack told her from the doorway. After more hugs from everyone, Jack, Elizabeth, and their three youngest drove to town to make the train.

Cam took his new wife's hand as they stood in the now empty house. "So, Kylie Beckley, what should we do? Our train leaves at five. That's four hours from now."

"One second." She ran out the door and caught up to Drew. "Drew! You weren't planning on moving to the house today, were you?"

"Nope. It's all yours, Mrs. Beckley," he told her with a wink. "Congratulations, by the way."

"Thank you. I love you."

"To the moon and back, little sister!" he called as she ran back to her husband.

….

ON THE TRAIN

Jack sighed as he sat down in their compartment. "Lydie, promise me something."

"What, Daddy?"

"That you won't get married until you're at least twenty five."

"That's old!" she said with a giggle.

"Yeah but this giving away my daughters thing isn't something I enjoy. I want to keep you as long as I can." She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his nose.

"I'll always be yours, Daddy. Promise."

Elizabeth smiled at them. Life certainly had a way of changing over the years. Their family had certainly grown but yet had become smaller too. They only had three kids living with them now and now, they were going home again, to where it all started. Life had come full circle.

They had twelve children, thirty grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Their life was full of people and love and laughter. For that matter, it always would be.

It all started with two people from seemingly different worlds meeting that one day in the saloon. That one handshake, chalkdust and all, started it. Those butterflies had started fluttering and quite honestly had never stopped.

"Elizabeth?"

She turned and smiled, tears rolling down her cheeks. "Yeah?"

"What's with the tears?"

"Who knew someone wearing a red serge, riding a black horse, could change my life forever?"

"Any regrets, love?"

"Not a single one, Jack Thornton."

AND NEITHER DO I, READERS. I CANNOT BELIEVE IT IS FINALLY FINISHED. THIS HAS TRULY BEEN AN UNBELIEVABLE EXPERIENCE FOR ME TO WRITE THIS SERIES. I'VE ENJOYED STARTING WITH CHARACTERS THAT WE ALL KNOW AND LOVE AND PUTTING MY OWN SPIN ON THEM. I'VE LOVED EXPLORING A NEW HOPE VALLEY AND HARRIS TOWN WITH THEM, INVENTING CHILDREN AND STORY TWISTS.

IN MY HEAD, THESE ONES WILL LIVE ON, EVEN IF NOT ON PAPER. MANY MANY MORE GRANDCHILDREN AND GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN WOULD BE HAD AND WHO KNOWS WHAT ELSE.

I LEAVE THEM NOW KNOWING THEY ARE HAPPY AND THEIR LIVES ARE FILLED WITH HOPE AND LOVE.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT.

UNTIL NEXT TIME,

KKSAUNT1