"So, plans changed again?" Bill asked as he and Jack walked down main street.
"They did, for the better thankfully." Jack nodded.
"Sounds like you have a lot in life falling into place, getting to keep your home, Kate getting married..."
"Well not yet, let's not rush that bit." Jack said quickly.
"Of course not, but still."
"Thanks for always being so willing to jump in and help out Bill."
"Well that's what I am here for. I'm glad your hanging around too."
"Hey why don't you stop by for dinner tonight, Kate is making a roast and she always makes way to much."
"I won't turn down a hot meal." Bill smiled.
"Great, come on by after work, and bring your guitar we will have a little sing a long after dinner, Elizabeth can play a piano."
"Sounds good see you tonight." Bill grinned.
"It's the strangest thing, Elizabeth was packing a few crates of clothes to leave for the winter, I went up to the attic today and they were unpacked." Kate said rolling the dough out on the table.
"Oh, well maybe she needed them." Abigail said not looking up from her book
"Maybe, they have stopped talking about leaving, and they seem so much more at peace." Kate frowned a little.
"They probably decided to just leave it in God's hands, if there is nothing they can do about it, it's not worth dwelling on."
"I suppose so, I just don't see how they can come to terms with it so easily."
"What do you have planned for this weekend?" Abigail asked hoping to change the subject
"Well Eric want's to take me on a picnic tomorrow."
"In November!?" Abigail cried.
"He wants to." Kate said with a little shrug and a chuckle.
"Is he making lunch?"
"Yes, lunch and bring hot chocolate."
"Well it has been a mild fall so far, winter will be among us soon enough, you mine as well enjoy the weather before we are trapped inside all winter."
"Are you sure your all set after lunch today?" Kate asked.
"Of course, of course, Rosemary is coming to help with lunch and Clara and Jesse are coming over for a nice quiet dinner just the three of us."
"I bet you can't wait for that baby to come." Kate smiled.
"You have no idea, I already have so many blankets made and little sweaters." Abigail smiled.
"Elizabeth brought over a basket of newborn clothes Lily wore, It's hard to remember when she was so little she is so big now."
"They grown fast." Abigail smiled.
"Alright, the pie is in the oven, do you mind if I take off? I promised Abby I would spend the afternoon with her."
"Of course, go go enjoy your day off."
"Thanks, have a good dinner with Clara and Jesse." Kate waved putting on her shawl and heading out the door. She stopped outside Jack's office knocking on the door. Bill answered, the only one working on a Saturday.
"Hi, just brought you by some leftover from yesterday to have for lunch." Kate smiled handing him a paper bag.
"Thank you." Bill smiled.
"Have a good day." Kate grinned
"Alright, you were right, November is to cold for a picnic." Eric said making Kate laugh as they walked hand in hand back into town from the valley behind the school house.
"I loved it anyway." Kate smiled.
"And you are cold to the bone, We'll have to stop by Abigail's and get some hot tea." Eric said swinging their picnic basket in his free hand.
"Well I won't say no to that. But I did love that fried chicken you made."
"Well i will be sure to pass that on to Rosemary, she gave me the instructions...and hovered over my shoulder while i was making them." Eric said making Kate laugh again. They looked up as a crowed had gathered outside Jack's office.
"I wonder what's going on there?" Kate asked.
"Probably a new wanted poster up."
"That does seem to attract quite the crowed." Kate agreed
"We must find some other form of entertainment around here." Eric muttered as they joined the group and Kate covered a chuckle.
"What's going on?" Kate asked sliding into place next to Elizabeth.
"Oh Katie, something awful happened." Elizabeth said covering her mouth with her lace glove. Kate glanced around the people gathered. Clara was softly crying into Jesse's neck, Rosemary was holding back tears, Abigail was holding Lily close looking upset. Everyone gathered looked very upset.
"What happened?" Eric asked squeezing Kate's hand.
"Something happened to Bill, Jack came by to invite him to Sunday dinner..." Elizabeth let out a soft sob covering her mouth again. Kate felt her breath leave her as her stomach felt like it fell into her boots.
"He's gone?" Kate whispered the words Elizabeth couldn't seem to say.
"We think he might be." Rosemary nodded.
Kate looked around at all the people gathered trying to find her breath as Eric pulled her into him holding her tight. Carson came out a few minutes later followed closely by Jack who slipped by him and went to Elizabeth gathering her up and holding her tight. Kate could tell just from watching Jack what Carson was going to say before he said it.
"I think it was his heart, he is gone." Carson said just loud enough for the gathered crowed to hear. Kate felt like her own heart had stopped as a collective gasp was heard from the people gathered around outside. Kate felt Eric put his arm around her and she buried her head in his neck.
"I can't believe it." Rosemary whispered as Lee rubbed her back gently. Jack pulled Abigail into a warm hug without letting go of Elizabeth. Kate reached out squeezing her sister's hand trying to breath.
"I know this must be really hard for you." Eric said softly holding Kate's hand tightly as they walked home. No one had seemed to know what to do after getting the news, the town had basically closed down and everyone had gone home to be with their families.
"Bill was like a grandfather to me, and a father to Jack, He's William's godfather. He has always been such a big part of our lives here, I can't believe he is actually gone." Kate said softly.
"I know, I'm sorry, he seemed like a really good guy."
"One of a kind that is for sure, he was so stuck in the times. He hated anything the moved us forward, you should have seen how much of a fight he put up when Jack put the telephone in the office, he refused to use it to this day." Kate smiled softly.
"Stubborn, sounds about right." Eric chuckled.
"The thing was, he was usually right. Once they had a message to pass on to Lee's office, Jack was just going to call and Bill insisted on walking over would be faster. Jack wanted to prove him wrong so the minute Bill left Jack went to call. Rosemary was running the switch board that day. Bill had gone, passed on the message and come back to the office before Rosemary has put Jack through to Lee." Kate laughed. She stopped suddenly, laughing felt so wrong right now. The house loomed in front of them reminding Kate that then day was about to get even worse.
"Want me to stay?" Eric asked softly.
"Yes, but we have to tell the kids and Abigail is coming over as soon as she sent the telegram to Cody. I want to be able to be there for everyone. Maybe you could come over after dinner and we could go for a walk?"
"Of course, I will see you soon, i love you." Eric said softly giving Kate a gentle kiss goodbye.
"I'll be in town if you need me." Eric said softly leaving Kate on the porch and walking back. Kate slowly opened the door, the house felt buried in gloom as Elizabeth turned from where she was sitting at the piano bench softly playing a low sad song.
"Do the kids know?" Kate asked softly.
"No, I was waiting for you and Jack." Elizabeth sighed. Kate sank down on the bench next to her as Elizabeth put her arm around her.
"How are you?" Kate asked softly.
"A little numb, still in shock I think. How are you?"
"The same, it doesn't feel real." Kate said softly.
"I know, it's normal, it will take a few days to set in." Elizabeth sighed. They both turned as hoof beats sounded outside the house.
"Jack is home, will you go call the kids in?" Elizabeth asked. Kate nodded going to the back door as Elizabeth went to the front to greet Jack.
"Hey can you all come here for a minute." Kate called. The kids jumped from the trees they were playing in and ran to the back porch.
"Do we have to come in?" Will asked.
"Mama and Papa have to talk to you about something, and I think Aunt Abigail is coming over." Kate said.
"Yayy" Abby smiled as they went inside. Kate helped them take off their shoes and coats as Jack came in.
"Hi Papa!" Tommy smiled running to great him. Jack swung him up but instead of tossing him in the air like he usually did he just held Tommy tight hugging him to him. Tommy being the soft soul that he was patted his father's back holding him tightly too.
"Why don't you all have a seat on the sofa, we have something to tell you." Elizabeth said softly. Kate and the kids gathered on the sofa, Elizabeth sat in the easy chair and Jack pulled up the piano bench. Lily crawled over pulling on his pant leg and he lifted her into his arms settling her on his knee.
"Something sad happened today we need to tell you all about." Jack said softly. Kate felt Abby tense next to her and she wrapped her arm around her. Jack opened his mouth to talk but nothing came out, as if he didn't know how to tell them. Elizabeth reached out squeezing his hand.
"Mr Bill's heart was sick, he was ill very suddenly and he passed away, he went home to heaven today." Elizabeth said softly. Kate squeezed Abby close to her as she felt her shaking.
"Well can't Dr Shepherd fix him?" Tommy asked.
"No sweetheart I am afraid he was to sick" Jack said softly.
"He died?" William asked softly.
"Yes sweet boy he did." Elizabeth nodded. William got up climbing into Elizabeth's lap as she buried her nose in his hair.
"That's sad isn't it Papa?" Tommy asked not fully upstanding.
"Well, we are sad that he is no longer with us and that we can't talk to him or see him anymore. But we are happy that he is not in any pain and that he is in a better place now." Jack told him gently.
"If we pray really hard will God send him back?" Will asked softly.
"No, no that is his forever home now." Elizabeth whispered. Abby lay her head on Kate's shoulder and Kate held her tightly every breath felt like work. Kate didn't understand how the world could still be turning with out Bill Avery on it.
"What's going to happen now?" Abby asked softly.
"We are not really sure. Things will be closed for a while, probably no school for a few days. There will be a funeral for Mr Bill in a day or two. A lot of times when something sad like this happens people find comfort in being together, but sometimes they like to be alone too." Elizabeth said softy.
"It can be hard the first few days when we lose someone, people around you might feel sad for a little while. It might bring a big smile to someones face if you can give them a hug or even just a smile." Jack said softly.
"I can do that." Will said bravely.
"I don't want to be around anyone else." Abby said softly.
"That's ok too." Elizabeth gave her a little smile. They turned as there was a knock and Abigail let herself in. Will jumped up and ran over to her with Tommy at his heels. Abigail knelt down gathering both boys into her arms and holding them tightly. Abby pulled her knees up to her chest resting her chin on them watching them. Kate reached out brushing stray hairs back into Abby's braid, she could tell that people being upset was making Abby uncomfortable.
"Hey, let's go for a ride, is that alright? We'll be back before dinner?" Kate asked turning to Elizabeth who nodded. Kate took Abby's hand and they slipped out the back door putting their shoes on on the back porch.
"Where are we going?" Abby asked as Kate whistled for Gracie who came trotting over.
"We can just got for a ride, get some air." Kate said softly. She jumped onto Gracie's back and pulled Abby up behind her.
"Can we go to the grove?" Abby asked.
"You bet" Kate nodded gently nudging the horse south. They rode in silence, and Kate found herself feeling like she could breath again as she relaxed into the horse letting Gracie lead the way. At the grove she stopped, slipping off the horse and helping Abby down. Kate watched as Abby went to the hill looking down at their little valley below.
"It's so quiet." Abby said softly. Kate nodded, on Sunday afternoons the town was usually busy with people visiting and spending time together. It did look a bit like a ghost town today as nothing seemed to move.
"What's a funeral like?" Abby asked.
"It's sad, but it's a chance to say goodbye. Abigail said before the funerals are for the living. There will be a church service, and he will be buried and then there is usually a lunch or gathering after."
"Mama said there won't be any school for a few days?"
"Usually people take time to grieve and have a pause in their life. A death of someone you care about can be hard the first few days, it helps to have some time of quiet." Kate nodded.
"Did anyone you ever care about die?"
"Well you know my Mother and Father did, but I was so young, I don't remember that. My grandmother died right before you were born, but I wasn't exactly close to her. I don't have much experience with it. But your Mama has a lot of experience with feeling like this. She remembers when our parents died and it was really hard for her."
"I don't like talking about things that make grownups sad." Abby muttered shaking her head.
"I know, I don't like to see people I love sad either. But I think you will be surprised by how much it makes everyone feel better when they can talk about how they feel." Kate offered softly. Abby just shook her head not saying anything.
"Alright, you don't have to" Kate sighed wrapping her arm around her.
"Now since Bill didn't have any blood family there is no one we need to notify, and no family." Rosemary said.
"He had family, we were his family." Jack said firmly.
"Of course, I just meant, no one to please, we can do his funeral up Hope Valley style, in our own way." Rosemary said softly. Jack, Elizabeth, Kate and Abigail sat with Rosemary and Lee in the empty cafe the next morning. Clara and Jesse had taken the boys fishing, Abby had refused to go and sat in the kitchen reading her book and watching over Lily as she napped.
"Well Kate and I will handle the food, we can all come here after and have finger sandwiches and tea and coffee." Abigail said, Kate nodded in agreement.
"Well that's settled, we still need the funeral and the gravestone.
"I'll take care of that, I'll make sure he gets a Mountie funeral. Jack said firmly.
"I was hoping you would handle speaking at the service, I mean you were the closest to him." Rosemary said.
"I can do that too." Jack nodded.
"Can you handle both?" Lee asked.
"I'll help" Elizabeth said taking Jack's hand in her's and giving it a squeeze.
"Well that's that then, I'll spread the word that the service will be on Wednesday." Rosemary nodded closing her notebook.
"Are you two still going to visit the orphanage next weekend?" Elizabeth asked.
"No, maybe the weekend after, we don't want to leave Aaron so soon after all this." Rosemary said softly. Jack got up going to the window looking out.
"I understand, William has been having a hard time too, and Abby, all of us really." Elizabeth sighed. Abby came from the doorway of the kitchen holding Lily as she fussed.
"Mama she's awake." Abby said.
"Coming." Elizabeth sighed glancing back at Jack before going to feed the baby.
"Oh Jack, do you know where the boys have gone off to?" Rosemary asked finding Jack on the cafe porch a little while later as she held Lily
"Jesse is going to bring them by the house later, why don't you and Lee come for dinner? I'm sure Elizabeth and Kate would love the company, they were cooking up a storm yesterday." Jack said.
"Yes, I was to, nervous energy. I have a way to many trays of brownies, I'll bring some over for after dinner." Rosemary said. Jack nodded.
"Elizabeth said to tell you shes going to stay with Kate to help cook for Wednesday, Abby is staying with her."
"Sure, this little girl and I can go home and take a nap." Jack smiled taking Lily and waving to Elizabeth through the window.
"Lee went to get some papers from the mill and deliver the paychecks." Rosemary said as they both stepped onto main street walking the gravel road.
"How are you doing Jack?" Rosemary asked.
"Well I'm alright, just feeling a little run down." Jack sighed tucking Lily's blanket around her and switching her in his arms. She patted his cheek with her little mitten as if comforting him.
"Are you sure? Jack we both know Bill had been in your life a long time. I mean he had history with you father, that must be hard." Rosemary said softly. While she had a big heart, it was unlike Rosemary to be so soft spoken.
"I suppose it has reopened a few old wounds." Jack sighed clearing his throat.
"Have you told Charlotte?"
"She's up north, I sent a letter but I don't know when she will get it, certainly not in time to attend." Jack shrugged slightly.
"I'm sorry Jack, I know how hard it was for you to lose your father, to have to go through it again..."
"It's fine Rosie really, I have to go make a call into Mountie Headquarters in Hamilton, can you take her actually?" Jack asked.
"Of course" Rosemary nodded taking Lily in her arms.
"Thanks, I'll come get her when I'm done here." Jack nodded climbing the steps to the mercantile to make his call.
The next morning the town was quiet. School and businesses were closed still. Jack was home from work, The sky was threatening snow as Kate sat on the couch with Abby listening to her read out loud from her book. Elizabeth was planning her lessons in the kitchen as Jack sat by her reading the paper. The boys played quietly with the train set on the rug and Lily napped in her cradle at Elizabeth's feet. It seemed that everyone felt like that had a weight on their chest. Kate wasn't sure how their world as still turning without Bill still in it. But somehow they had all woken up that morning just as they had the morning before. It was almost easier having children in the house Kate figured, Abby was not quiet herself but the boys didn't really understand and Lily was still all smiles. When the church bells tolled noontime Kate stood up from the couch feeling stiff from sitting around all morning.
"Are you going to the cafe?" Jack asked.
"Yes, I want to have plenty of time to prep for tomorrow. We have a lot of people to cook for. And knowing Abigail she will want to host people after the wake tonight."
"Will you come back here and change or should I bring you dress?" Elizabeth asked
"I'll come back and change."
"I'll make sure to iron your black dress."
"Thank you." Kate muttered, their conversations all morning were so serious and to the point, like no one had the energy to say anything extra.
"Are we going tonight" Abby asked watching the adults as she leaned over the back of the couch.
"Not tonight darling Nurse Faith is watching all the children in the school house." Elizabeth told her gently.
"But I want to go with you" Abby said her eyes turning red like she might cry. Abby had been attached to an adult's side since yesterday, she had crawled into bed with Kate last night, as if she was afraid more people she loved would disappear too.
"I know, but it's just to much for a young girl. But all your friends will be there, and after you can come with us for a late night treat at Aunt Abigail's." Jack told her gently.
"Yes sir." Abby sighed turning back around, Elizabeth got up and went to sit by her as Kate slipped out the door buttoning her coat. Eric was walking up the path as Kate pulled on her mittons.
"Hi" She greeted him.
"Hi, i figured you would be on your way to the cafe I thought I would come walk you." Eric said softly kissing her cheek before taking her hand.
"Thank you, I wasn't looking forward to the long walk on my own to be honest. My thoughts are not my friend right now." Kate sighed.
"I know, these next few days are going to be hard. But I'm here for you, whatever you need."
"I'm not sure what I need yet, but you just being by my side is helpful enough." Kate said softly looking up at Eric. He gave her a little wink before kissing her again softly.
"Anything to make you feel better." He whispered brushing a curl from her forehead.
"I don't enjoy feelings, They are hard, and lately everyone seems to be feeling big emotions. Abby is like that to, she want's to hide from them, yet doesn't want to be alone." Kate sighed as they started walking again.
"It's hard for everyone, your family for sure I expect. I know he was family to you all."
"Especially Jack. But we will get through it, we always do." Kate forced a little smile onto her face for a second.
"It's going to be alright." Eric said softly pulling her close and kissing her forehead.
"Are you sure you can manage?" Elizabeth asked as she hung the kids coats on the hook in the school house."
"I'm sure, Florance and Molly are going to come help, Clara offered as well. I will have more hands." Faith nodded.
"We can come get them if you need us." Elizabeth said.
"No, you guys stay, you were the closest thing to family to Bill, people are going to want to pay their respects to you." Faith said.
"Thank you, but please, if she gets fussy send word." Elizabeth said glancing at Jack who was tying to talk Tommy into letting go of his leg.
"I will, but take you time, I will have plenty of help" Faith said softly. Elizabeth turned to Abby who was standing right behind her watching Will and Aaron drawing on the chalk board.
"Help Nurse Faith please, and take care of your sister." Elizabeth said softly handing Lily to Abby gently.
"I want to go with you." Abby said softly.
"We won't be long, we will come get you all in an hour or so and you can come to Aunt Abigail's with us." Elizabeth said gently rubbing her cheek. Abby just nodded and took her baby sister to join her small group of friends sitting in a circle.
"You ready?" Elizabeth asked Jack softly buttoning her coat up as Faith scooped Tommy away from Jack. Jack nodded offering Elizabeth his arm. They went back into the cold walking towards town. Elizabeth could feel Jack getting more tense with each step, by the time they were standing outside the saloon he was breathing rapidly and his jaw was set tight.
"We can wait." Elizabeth whispered as Jack looked out the window at all the somber people gathered inside talking and comforting each other.
"I don't know if I will ever be ready." Jack said softly.
"I know." Elizabeth nodded wrapping her arms around her. Jack held her close burying his nose in her hair and taking a deep breath.
"Alright, let's do this." Jack said softly.
"I'm here for you." Elizabeth nodded squeezing his hand tight before they walked inside together.
"Well, we got through tonight." Abigail said softly as she sat back in her chair. Kate nodded. They sat around the table with Eric, Jack, Elizabeth, Rosemary and Lee. Tommy was asleep in Elizabeth's lap, William and Aaron were almost asleep in their father's laps.
"I think it was a lovely wake, Bill would have been happy." Elizabeth said softly.
"We should get home, the funeral is early tomorrow and it's going to be another long day." Rosemary said softly. Lee nodded.
"We should get this gang home too." Jack nodded.
"Will you be alright tonight?" Kate asked Abigail.
"Of course, go home with your family I'll clean these dishes and head to bed myself." Abigail nodded hugging them all tightly.
"Eric why don't you hope in with us we can give you a ride home." Lee said lifting Aaron into the car as Rosemary put her arm around him holding him up in his sleep.
"Oh I..." Eric started glancing at Kate.
"It's ok, take the ride home I'll walk home with Jack and Elizabeth." Kate said softly.
"I'll come get you in the morning." Eric whispered folding Kate into his arms and holding her tightly. Kate nodded and he kissed her quickly before climbing into the car.
"Come on all." Jack said softly passing Tommy off to Kate and picking Will up, the little boy almost instantly asleep on his shoulder. He took Abby's hand in his strong one walking ahead. Kate shifted Tommy onto her shoulder holding her sleeping nephew close as Elizabeth walked beside her carrying the baby.
"How are you?" Elizabeth asked softly as they walked in the dark. Kate gave a little shrug.
"How is Jack?" Kate asked.
"Struggling, it was a hard day." Elizabeth sighed. Kate nodded as they walked in silence for a few minutes.
"Did Eric say anything?" Elizabeth asked. It had been two weeks since Eric had bought the land from Jack and Kate still didn't know. Though Elizabeth supposed it wasn't a great time to being something like that up now.
"Just that he was here if we needed anything."
"He is a good man." Elizabeth smiled softly.
"He is" Kate was smiling softly to her self.
"What's with that grin?" Elizabeth asked teasing her.
"I just... I understand a big part of love now I think. I knew I loved him before, but now I feel so sure of it."
"Oh yeah? What's making you so sure?" Elizabeth asked.
"That as awful as this all is, he make me feel better. Being with Eric makes me feel like it's all going to be alright." Kate said softly.
"That my dear is exactly what love is." Elizabeth smiled softly.
