(Elizabeth's POV)

Today was the day I was going back to school and I was looking forward to being back with the children full-time. I was so excited to be in the new schoolhouse, away from all of the memories of getting sick. I think it would've been a lot harder for me to go back to teaching if the school was still in the saloon.

"Are you nervous this morning?" Jack asked and then kissed my cheek as he entered the kitchen. I felt so thankful to be in our new house together. I couldn't imagine Jack having to live here all by himself without me…

"A little, I feel like it's been so long I might forget what to do."
"Elizabeth Thornton forgetting how to teach? Now that's the most ridiculous thing I've heard all morning." I smiled back at him, as I finished prepping my lunch and took the last few bites of my breakfast. It was nice to just be getting ready like this. Even though we would shortly be parting ways, it still felt like we were part of a team.

I got to school early and walked through the church doors. Everything was so quiet as I strolled down the aisle and set my lunch and books on the desk. I looked out at the pews for a moment and took a deep breath. Everything was going to be okay. I then opened the door to get some chalk and found a note inside.

"Remember to breathe, you're going to do just fine.

Love, Jack"

I gasped and then got curious. I opened all of the desk drawers and there were notes in each one. I didn't look at them though, wanting to savor each one for different days, but the thought of Jack writing all of these just for me made my heart soar.

After writing the first assignment for the day on the chalkboard, I grabbed my cowbell and headed outside. When I opened the church doors, I didn't even have to ring the bell, for everyone came running. "Mrs. Thornton!" The children yelled as the ran to hug me. I walked down the steps, as to avoid kids tripping up the stairs.

"Oh hello everyone. I've missed you all so much!"

"We've missed you too." Emily replied.

"Alright everyone, we can all catch up during recess or after school, but right now we have lessons to learn!" I divided up assignments. Pairing up older kids with younger ones for some reading time, then we'd split up later for math.

"Mrs. Thornton?"

"Yes, Opal?" I had missed Opal, I'd missed all of the children terribly. They were all so curious about the world, and I was so glad I was still here to answer their questions.

"You're not going to leave us again, right?"

I knelt down beside Opal's desk. "Oh honey, I don't plan on leaving again. But the world works in ways we can't plan. However, I can tell you that I'm here right now and I'm not planning on leaving you all anytime soon."

"I'm so glad you're back. Things weren't the same without you here."

"I'm glad I'm here too."

"And now you're married to Mounty Jack!" Emily chimed in.

"Indeed I am." I smiled and blushed, thinking of how lucky I was to be married to Jack, teaching these children, and living in this town. "We need to focus on class right now, but we can finish catching up during recess."

"Mrs. Thornton, I have something to tell you." Cody ran up to me as I stood by the end of the stairs during recess.

"And what would that be?"

"Frank's going to propose to my mom!"

"Oh Cody, that's wonderful! Are you excited?"

"I think so. He makes me mom happy, and I like having him around."

"But I'm sure it'll be weird having another parent in your house."

"Yeah, but I know my parents would be happy that I'm happy."

"I'm glad you're thinking of it like that. Does Becky know?"

"Frank sent her a telegram, and she sends her love. He's proposing this week, but he kept that part to himself so it's a surprise to me too."

"Well I'm sure whenever it happens, it'll be something to remember."

Cody smiled at me and ran back to his friends.

I couldn't believe Abigail was going to be engaged. I was so happy for her, for she deserved the world. After everything she had gone through in her life, and everything she had done to help me, I just wanted her to be happy.

After school was out, I rang the bell to dismiss everyone, and began to gather up my things. As I walked out the door, I saw Jack walking towards the schoolhouse.

"Shouldn't you be at work, Constable?"

"I took a half day. I wanted to be here when you finished your first day back." I linked my arm in his, and we began to walk into town. "And I want to hear all about it over lunch."

Apparently Abigail wanted to hear about it too. I spent the afternoon just gushing over the children to Abigail & Jack, as we dined on country fried steaks. Rosemary & Lee were on a day trip, but as soon as they returned, I planned on seeing Rosemary to fill her in on the details as well.

I felt my spark coming back to me, little by little. I began to tear up just thinking about it all.

Jack squeezed my hand and looked over at me. "I know it's a lot, but just remember that you were meant to stay, to be here with us. Everything is alright."