(In this chapter (the last one) we are going to see the last glimpses of our favourite couple and their family. I'm skipping about 5 years of the story and will write what happens to them then in separate chapters.)

...

Elsie and Charles, in 5 years.

This couple has fought through challenges and took all the changes given them. Elsie and Charles have this special bound between them. They raised two young girls to the staircase of adulthood. The girls, Elisabeth and Charlotte made and make their parents proud everyday and will do that for the reast of their lives, just to be who they are. In their lives there has probably been more tragedy and sad moments than instant happiness. Many say that. But when they can enjoy their retirement with their wonderful family, it's all special. Their daughters happily doing what they've dreamed of, Elisabeth taking care of her husband and family and Charlotte in college learning things. What more could they ask?

Half a year after the war ended, Charles discovered his hands shaking. The palsy. His granddad and father had it too and now is his turn to "enjoy" of the price life has given him. It all started with slightly shaking tea cups and a little different handwriting. His wife, as a sharp person realized it as soon as it has started. Charles felt like he was nothing, but in the end she maganed to reassure him that everyone have their own problems and his are not different from anyone else's.

...

"Charles. How many times do I have to tell you this..."Elsie whispers, brushing her hand against his cheek."You are not useless, or a disappointment, you are my husband. The father of our darling girls. I will tell that you everyday if I feel the need to, but I want you to know...This palsy won't change anything between us or Becky or anyone else. We will all love you very much till he end of our days. I don't want you to feel bad or useless. Not in the least. I love you Charles. There is nothing we couldn't get through together. If there is something you can't do, then I'll help. I will always be there for you, darling. Now will you please take me to bed, love...?"

He doesn't say anything in a moment. The tears are now running down his cheeks freely, without him fighting againts them.

"Oh Elsie..."Charles pulls her in his arms, holding her so close."I'm so sorry I'm putting you through this..If someone deserves happiness it's you, my love. I feel like I've robbed your life from you."

"Now hush Charles. As I said we'll get through it, together. I don't want to hear that talk ever again. I'll be fine as long as you shall be happy and I'm intending to keep you happy till my very last breath. So please let me..."Elsie smiles.

"I do love you so terribly much, Els."Charles kisses the tip of her nose.

"And I love you too, my loving husband."Elsie says, her voice soft."I want you to promise me one thing thought."

"And that is?"Charles asks.

"You won't be too hard on yourself, love. That is my job."Elsie whispers as she leans to capture his lips.

"Promise."Charles breathes.

Their lives are truly full, they have all they need. From grandchildren to amazing friends. Their love is getting stronger every passing day. Charles and Elsie Carson.

...

Elisabeth, in 5 years.

Mother to two young lads, Leland and Miles, and their little sister, Rebecca. The mayores of North Valley and wife of one of the most loving man in the world. Mr. and Mrs. Parker. Andrew and Elisabeth got married when the war ended. They have been married now, for about 5 long years. Andrew built them a home when Elisabeth got pregnant to their first son. It's not as big as Elisabeth's childhood home with her parents, but it's their's. Now they hold a family there.

Andrew's mother died a year after they got married. She had a heart attack. Andrew was so broken, he couldn't sleep, wouldn't eat and all the time he seemed to be away somewhere far. All the work with the baby was on the shoulder of Elisabeth. The whole family was like on a cliff, slowly dripping down from it's strong grip. Gladly Elisabeth's parents were always there, taking care of the baby and making sure the young couple could get some time for each other. And when Andrew was back on the stable ground...They finally moved to their new home and started a new chapter of life there.

The birth process to Rebecca was difficult. Young Rebecca has always been the shy and fragile one in the family. When she was born...Everyone feared she wouldn't make it and after that the couple decided to not get pregnant anymore. Elisabeth feared to lost her baby the most. After those moments the Parker family get to enjoy the endless happines. Elisabeth and Andrew Parker.

...

Christmas, Elisabeth and Andrew have been married for 3 months.

"Mama. Oh how lovely to see you."Elisabeth leans to hug her mother.

"Elisabeth...How are you my darling? I see married life suits you."Elsie teases.

"Stop it before you even start, ma."Elisabeth laughs.

"Well well..Mr. and Mrs. Parker."Becky steps inside the hall.

"Aunt Becky."Elisabeth smiles, as she hugs her.

"I want to hear everything about your honeymoon."Beryl tolds.

"Oh really. I think it's my job to asks her about it."Elsie says.

"If I can have a say...No one will hear anything about it."Charles tolds, rising his eye brows.

"Pa! Where have you been hiding?"Elisabeth jumps into his arms.

"I wasn't hiding anywhere.."Charles whispers into her hair.

In that same moment, Andrew and his mother walk in.

"What a welcome party!"He smiles.

"And here he is when we thought he'd abandoned me."Elisabeth walks to him to kiss his cheek."Hello Mrs. Parker."

"Hello darling."Abigail smiles.

"I do hope you haven't repeated any unneccessary stories, El?"Andrew asks.

"I haven't. Not yet I mean."Elisabeth chuckles, making everyone roll their eyes.

"Shall we have our christmas dinner then?"Elsie asks as she leads them in the diningroom.

"Yes please."Beryl agrees."I can help you with..."The two woman dissappear in the kitchen, followed by Abigail.

Soon they are all sitting at the table and enjoying the dinner. Everyone are talking about christmas and what has happened to them in the past few weeks.

Their conversation is disturbed when Andrew clinks his glass with a spoon to get attention.

"Can I have your attention for a minute?"Andrew says, as he stands up followed by his wife."We have an announcement to make..."

"What is it?"Elsie asks."Is everything alright?"

"Elsie dear, let them talk before you jump into any conclusions."Charles tolds, taking Elsie's hand.

"Yes right."She nods for them to continue.

Of course she would be worrying about her daughter. What if something has happened during the honeymoon? Something came up? Elisabeth hums to herself.

"Thank you ma."Elisabeth smiles."I can assure you that everything is completely fine. I'd say you will be very happy about the news we'll be sharing with you."

"Can't you just say it? We are all worrying here."Beryl begs."Do you know anything about this Abigail?"

"No I don't. And I would like to know."Abogail says.

"Oh really. Isn't it obvious?! I'm pregnant!"Elisabeth beams, laughing as her husband pulls her closer and kisses her on the lips.

...

Charlotte, in 5 years.

Charlotte went to London when she turned fourteen. By the time she knew what she would like to do with her life. She was one of the best students in the London college. Charlotte studied to become a teacher. On her eighteenth birthday she moved to Scotland, into her mother's childhood home with her aunt Rebecca to accomppany her, she went to teach at a local school nearby. Everyone liked her and soon before anyone could imagine it, she was on her way to America for a teaching career. As the years went by, Charlotte was offered many places to work, groups to teach and she always went where her heart would lead her.

In America she met this man, named Thomas. He was working at a local hospital as a doctor. They got close very quickly and soon they were already courting. Charlotte visited her family often and one time she brought Jack with her. Elisabeth was thrilled to see her little sister so happy and succesfull and Thomas was really nice. Her parents liked him and her mother encouraged her to marry this man, but Charlotte thought that was too soon. But...When they got back to America, Charlotte got him kneeled in front of her. They got married in England couple weeks later.

By the time they got married, Charlotte could be presented as the rich daughter of the Carsons family. She has been very succesfull on her teaching career. They decided to move into the house in Scotland for the time Charlotte is taking a break and Thomas too. They live their dream now, together and happily. Charlotte and Thomas Barrow.

...

Charlotte by her nineteenth birthday, England.

"Are you sure you want to leave to America, darling?"Charles asks.

"I am. I think this is a chance everyone aren't offered in their lives."Charlotte tolds.

"I'm sure you'll do well, by the experiences you've had in Scotland."Becky says."And we couldn't be prouder of you."

"Thank you, auntie."She smiles.

"I still think it's a big change in your life. Are you sure you are ready to take it?"Charles wonders.

"Pa. I'm pretty sure you know I can make my own decisions. I'd love to go!"Charlotte explains."This is a chance I'm not sure I will be offered ever again. If I want to go I will and if it won't work out...I know I can always come back here."

"Quite right.."Her mother let's her finally out of her embrace.

"Finally."Charlotte chuckles."Ma..I will be back. As you know well enough."

"I know, but it feels horrible to see you go when I remember me holding you when you were just a wee baby..."Elsie whispers, tucking some of Charlotte's loose hair behind her ear.

Charlotte smiles, as she pulls her mother into a hug.

"I will miss you all. Especially you and pa."She says, couple tears sliding down her cheeks.

"I know...I know, love."Elsie cries against her hair.

Then the frontdoor can be heard when it opens and closes soons after that.

"And you thought you could have a party without us?"Elisabeth appears at the doorway, with the young Leland in her arms."What is going on?"

"Charlotte told us she is leaving for a teaching position."Becky says.

"Ah I'm so happy for you, Charlotte! Where is it?"She asks.

"Uhm...In America."Her little sister answers.

"In America?! Awww now I'm not so happy anymore."Elisabeth states."Come here.."

Elisabeth hands her son to his grandfather and swings her sister into her arms for a hug.

"I love you, El..."Charlotte smiles against Elisabeth's shoulder.

"I love you too. The best little sister ever.."Elisabeth embraces the younger woman closer to her chest.

Charlotte can see their parents at the doorway, Charles stroking his wife's back and kissing her hair...Little Leland curling in his arms. She would miss all this when shes away in America, but in her heart she always knows...They'll always wait for her to come back. And so she will do.