I mashed a few peas and placed them within Ellie's reach before taking another bite of chicken pot pie. "Oh, Julie called today."

"She did?"

I nodded. "She said she heard from the McClarens. It turns out they don't want to take Callum, they just want to stay in contact with Tom and Julie so they can know how he's doing. They also asked if they can visit him sometime."

"That's good."

"Mhmm. I think it'll be good for him to be able to know where he came from."

"Good," he repeated. He kept his gaze down on his plate, absentmindedly pushing the food around with his fork.

"Jack." I reached across the table and touched his hand. "You seem distracted."

He finally looked up and met my eyes. "I'm sorry. There's just a lot on my mind."

"Mountie business?"

"Yes." He sighed. "I'd tell you about it if I could."

"I know you would." I set down my fork. "Is it anything dangerous?"

"Not really."

"Would you tell me if it was?"

"You already worry about me enough. I'd rather not add to that if I can help it." He squeezed my hand. "But I promise this one really isn't that dangerous. It's just a lot of investigating right now, and that's why I'm having trouble putting it out of my mind."

"Okay…"

"Elizabeth." He waited until I looked up, his gaze intense. "I promise."

"I believe you."

"Mama." Jane had been silent as she watched the exchange between me and Jack, but now she spoke up. "You sad, mama?"

"No, Janie. I'm not sad."

"Mad?"

"No, I'm not mad, either. I'm fine, Janie."

"Dada, you sad?"

"No, Janie. I'm fine, too."

"Jane, just eat your dinner, and then it's bath and bed time."

Jack and I were quiet for the rest of the evening, not speaking to each other again until after the girls were in bed.

He sat beside me on the sofa, taking the book from my hands and placing it on the table. "What's going on, Elizabeth?"

I sighed, my eyes filling with tears. "I had the nightmare again last night." I knew I didn't need to elaborate. He knew exactly what I was talking about; he had heard about the nightmare many times over the years.

A look of concern covered his face. "Why didn't you say anything?"

I shrugged. "I don't see a need to tell you every single time I have a nightmare."

"Well, I suppose you don't have to tell me every time, but if it's bothering you, you shouldn't be holding that in."

"I thought they'd gone away after you were promoted. But I'm fine, Jack. Really."

"I'm sorry, Elizabeth." He slipped his arms around me, pulling me to his chest. "You really don't need to worry about me with this case. I apologize if I've made it seem like a bigger deal than it is."

"You haven't." I moved to sit in his lap, snaking my arms around his neck. "Let's just go to bed."

"You're sure you're okay?"

I kissed him softly. "Positive."

...

Jack's eyes were on me when I woke up the following morning.

"Hey." He placed a hand on my cheek. "Are you okay?"

I nodded. "I'm fine, Jack."

"Just fine?"

I smiled at him, leaning in to press my lips to his cheek. "I'm wonderful, because I'm married to the most caring, loving, handsome man in the world."

"In the whole world, eh?"

"Don't make me take it back."

He gasped, feigning shock. "You wouldn't."

"You're right." I kissed him deeply. "I wouldn't, because it's all true."

"I love you."

"Love you more," I mumbled against his lips.

"What do you say we have breakfast at Abigail's today?"

"I was just thinking one of her scones sounds good right now."

"Perfect."

...

"Well, I'm stuffed." Jack leaned back in his chair. "And as much as I would love to sit and relax with you and the girls, I need to get to work." He stood and walked around the table to give me a quick kiss. "Have a good day. I'll be home for dinner."

"Stay safe."

"I will." He leaned down and kissed the top of Eleanor's head. "Bye, Ellie girl. I love you."

"Dada." Jane held out her arms.

Jack lifted her up and hugged her. "I love you, Janie. Have fun with mama and Ellie today. I'll see you later." He lowered her back into her chair, then kissed me one more time. "I love you."

"I love you, too."

I stayed in the café with the girls for a few minutes after he left, making sure he would be out of sight so Jane wouldn't try to chase after him.

It was warm when we stepped back outside, the summer sun climbing higher in the clear, blue sky. We weren't in a hurry to be anywhere, so I let Jane lead the way. She walked slowly, keeping her eyes on the ground where her feet were disturbing the gravel.

Ellie gazed out at the people milling about, smiling shyly when they waved at her.

Eventually, we ended up in front of the dress shop.

"Pat?" Jane reached for the door, turning back toward me when she couldn't quite touch the doorknob.

"I don't know if Patrick is here today, but we can check." I pushed the door open, and she hurried in ahead of me.

"Hello, Elizabeth." Clara looked up from the counter. "How are you?"

"I'm well, thank you. I hope we aren't interrupting anything. Jane just wanted to see if Patrick was here."

"He's in the back with Rosemary."

"Did I hear my name?" She entered the room, Patrick and Hannah following her closely. "Oh, hello, Elizabeth. What brings you by?"

"Nanie!" Patrick's face brightened when he saw his friend.

"Pat!" She ran over to greet him.

"That." I chuckled and pointed at the children.

"It's actually good that you came by. I have a favor to ask you. Could you and Jack watch Hannah and Patrick for a few days?"

"Of course. Is everything okay?"

"Yes. Lee has some business in Union City, so we've decided to make a weekend of it. It's been a while since we've had some time to ourselves."

"Oh, wonderful. You two will have such a nice time."

"We will." She sighed contentedly, a smile playing on her lips. "We're leaving on Friday morning, so we can bring them by after breakfast, if that's okay."

"That sounds great."

"I imagine those two will have the best time." She nodded toward Jane and Patrick, who were passing a little toy horse back and forth.

"I think you're probably right about that."

...

I smiled when I opened the door and found the Coulters standing there. "Good morning." I ushered them all inside.

"Pat!" Jane came running over when she saw her friend.

Rosemary lowered him to the floor, and he nearly tackled Jane to the ground in his attempt to hug her.

Lee chuckled as he placed a small suitcase beside him. "Well, I guess we don't have to wonder if Patrick is enjoying the weekend while we're gone."

"No," I agreed, laughing softly as I watched the toddlers chatter excitedly with each other.

"Thank you again for watching them."

I lifted Eleanor higher on my hip. "Oh, it's no trouble at all. We'll have fun. Right, Hannah?"

She nodded from where she was partly hidden behind Rosemary's skirt.

"We should be off, then."

"Patrick, come say goodbye to mama and daddy." Rosemary squatted down and waved him over.

I took a step back to let them all say goodbye to each other. After lots of hugs and kisses and reassurances that they would be back soon, Rosemary and Lee left, and I found myself alone with four children.

"Well, what should we do today?"

Hannah shrugged, looking a bit forlorn.

"Are you okay, sweetheart?" I put my hand on her shoulder.

"I want mama and daddy to come back."

"Oh, Hannah. They'll be back before you know it. And guess what." I knelt down in front of her. "They're going to call on the telephone tonight before bedtime, so you and your brother will get to talk to them."

"Really?" Her face lit up.

I nodded. "Really."

Though she had been living with Rosemary and Lee for two years, she still experienced some anxiety when she was away from them for any significant period of time, so we had come up with the idea for them to call while they were away, just to alleviate some of her fears.

Just the prospect of talking with them later completely changed her demeanor, and she happily started suggesting things we could do to pass the time.

We spent most of the day outside, enjoying the beautiful weather. Hannah even helped me prepare sandwiches, fruit, and lemonade for lunch, which we enjoyed out on a blanket in the yard.

We finally returned inside when it was time for the little ones to nap. It took longer than I would have hoped to get Jane and Patrick to sleep; for nearly twenty minutes, they just lay next to each other and giggled.

Thankfully, they were still napping when Jack came home a bit later. Ellie was asleep in my arms, and Hannah was curled up on the chair with a book in her lap.

"Hi," Jack whispered, a smile spreading across his face.

"Hi, Mountie Jack!"

"Everyone having a good day?"

I nodded, bouncing Ellie gently when she began to stir.

"Mrs. Thornton said we can go to Abigail's for dinner."

"Well, that sounds great." He stepped across the room and kissed me softly. "Hi."

"Hi. You're in a good mood."

"We solved the case. The one that's been bothering me."

"Oh, that's wonderful."

He reached over and touched the top of Ellie's head. "And, I get to come home to you and some wonderful children. That's enough to put anyone in a good mood."

I kissed him again. "You're sweet."

"I should probably go get changed out of my uniform if we're going to Abigail's."

"I'll be here."

...

Jane and Patrick toddled along ahead of us, their hands connected between them. Hannah was riding on Jack's back, and Eleanor was leaning against my shoulder.

"Jane, Patrick," Jack called out when they reached the steps leading up to the café. "Wait right there, please."

I reached around them to open the door.

"Well, look who we have here." Abigail smiled when we all entered the café. "Are Miss Hannah and Mister Patrick spending some time at the Thornton house?"

Hannah nodded as Jack lowered her to the ground. "Mama and daddy went out of town. We get to talk to them on the telephone tonight!"

"Wow. That sounds very exciting. I'd better get your food to you really quickly tonight so you don't miss that call."

"I want fried chicken, please." Hannah hopped up into the chair Jack pulled out for her.

"Make that two, please." Jack helped Jane and Patrick into their seats as well.

"You know what, just bring some for everyone. Please and thank you."

"Coming right up."

...

Hannah ran to the entryway and peered out the window as soon as she heard the car pull up. "It's mama and daddy!"

Jack came down the stairs with the suitcase packed full of Hannah's and Patrick's things. "Perfect timing."

I opened the door before they had a chance to knock. "Hello, you two." I smiled and invited them in.

"Mama!" Hannah threw her arms around Rosemary.

"Hello, Hannah-banana. I'm so happy to see you again." She kissed her daughter's forehead.

"Did you and daddy miss me?"

"Of course we did, sweets." Lee reached down and lifted Patrick into his arms. "Thank you so much for watching them."

"We're happy to watch them anytime. We had fun." Jack ruffled Hannah's hair.

"Now, I imagine Jane won't be too happy to see Patrick go." I chuckled and picked her up. "They were inseparable the entire weekend. They would even hold hands while they slept."

"Well, that's just darling." She reached over and touched Patrick's cheek. "It won't be much longer before we're planning a wedding for these two."

"Rosie," Lee warned.

"I'm kidding! Mostly."

I laughed and shook my head. "You'd better not be too disappointed if they're never anything more than friends."

"And you'd better be ready to hear 'I told you so' if they are!"

"And on that note, we should probably get them settled back in at home."

...

Before I knew it, summer was nearing a close. The days started cooling off, and the trees were showing the first signs of the impending autumn.

With school beginning again, we were transitioning back into our old routines. Eleanor would still spend days at the schoolhouse with me, and Jane would spend most of her days at the dress shop.

I finished doing up the buttons on Jane's dress and laced up her little boots. "Just a few more years, and you'll get to be in my class, Jane."

"I go school!"

"That's right, Janie. You'll go to school." I tapped her nose, and she giggled. "But today, you get to go see Aunt Rosemary and Miss Clara, and you'll get to play with Patrick and Sammy."

"Love Pat."

"I know you do, sweetheart." I kissed her forehead. "Just don't tell Aunt Rosemary that. Now," I helped her down off the bed, "let's go get your sister and head to town."

...

A few days later, I sat on the sofa with a book open in my lap. My eyes were on the page in front of me, but I wasn't focused on the words printed there.

My mind was spinning. I had been feeling off since I woke up—it was more than just the exhaustion of being at the end of the first week of school—and I had stopped by the infirmary on my way home from the schoolhouse. I knew something wasn't right, but I hadn't expected the diagnosis I got from Carson.

Now, I was trying to decide how to tell Jack—or even if I should tell him.

When he came home, I kept my eyes down, mumbling responses to the questions he asked. He obviously recognized that something was going on, and he started pressing me on it.

"Elizabeth, what's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"Is it the nightmare again?"

"No, Jack. It's not the nightmare." I sighed and stood up, moving toward the door. I couldn't tell him.

"Elizabeth." He grabbed my arm, not tightly enough to hurt but enough that it was a struggle to break free from his grasp. "Talk to me."

"I can't." I took my shawl from the hook by the door and pulled it around myself. "The girls are upstairs. I'll be back to feed Eleanor later, but there are leftovers in the icebox in the meantime. I just need some air, Jack."

"Elizabeth." His voice was soft, pleading.

I left the house without looking back and just walked. I didn't pay attention to where I was going; I just let my feet guide me.

It was early evening, and the sky was growing darker as I walked. After a while, I considered turning around and going back home—realizing I may have overreacted a bit—but then I caught a glimpse of the schoolhouse in the distance. It had always been a safe space for me, and I found myself drawing closer.

As I continued walking toward it, a pain suddenly rolled through my abdomen, and everything went black.