Author's Note: This is going to pick up immediately where The Beginning left off. I am not going to spend time going over what happened, but just jump right into the story. If you want to know the character development, please read The Beginning.

Chapter 1 – New Year

Jack and Elizabeth had plans to meet Wynn, Elizabeth Rose, Dee and Charlotte at the café for lunch after church and before Charlotte left. After Jack and Elizabeth left the church, they stopped by the jail and picked up Elizabeth's basket and then walked home arm in arm. They didn't talk on the walk home, but enjoyed the lovely night. When they got home, Elizabeth finished heating up the soup that she had made earlier. She sliced some bread and set things on the table before sitting down. Jack said a blessing and then they started to eat in silence. Jack knew that Elizabeth was sad about her aunt, uncle and cousin leaving. Jack was also a little sad about all their family leaving.

"Ma said she would be back this spring." Jack said.

"That sounds good." Elizabeth said. "Wynn invited us to Hamilton. Aunt Elizabeth said that they would help us tell my parents if we wanted. I just don't know how or when we should tell them."

"Well." Jack said. "We will figure out the time. I was thinking a letter, but maybe we should really do it in person. What ever you think is better. I just don't want to make things worse. Lets pray about what we should do. With everything going on, I just don't know if a letter is the right way anymore."

"Agreed." Elizabeth said. "Why didn't you ever tell me that you could sing and play?"

"You never asked." Jack said with a dimpled grin. "For that matter, why didn't you tell me that you speak multiple languages."

"You didn't ask." Elizabeth teased.

Jack just gave her another dimpled grin and shook his head. Elizabeth loved when he flashed his dimples, especially at her. She melted whenever she saw his dimples. She wondered if Jack knew the effect that his dimpled smile had on her. She wrinkled up her nose at Jack and shook her head.

"You know that you are going to have to sing to me sometime." Elizabeth said.

"Well." Jack said. "I can see about borrowing Bill's guitar sometime. Since that was what I used. This was Dee's idea to sing to night. He saw me looking at his guitar when he was at the jail. He let me play a little. It was Dee that learned that Bill had his so he asked if I could borrow it."

"You don't own one?" Elizabeth asked.

"I use to." Jack said. "It was ruined in Fort Garry shortly before I was assigned here. I always planned on getting a new one, but just never have. I think part of it because the one that was ruined was from Dad. He gave it to me for Christmas before died. He was already injured, but I guess he had gotten the guitar before that happened."

"So do you have any other hidden talents?" Elizabeth asked with a sly grin.

"Well." Jack said. "That is for me to know and you to find out."

Jack again flashed her that dimpled grin. Elizabeth liked learning new things about Jack. Now she knew that music was another passion that they shared. They both sung well and she played the piano. She definitely knew what she was getting Jack for his birthday. She also knew that she would have to get Dee to help her, because she didn't know much about guitars. But she thought that it would the perfect gift, especially since he played very well. Elizabeth smiled at the idea.

After supper, they did the dishes up together and then got ready to turn in. They had had a long week and were tired. They also both knew that they would be getting back to work and needed to get into a routine as a couple while working. After securing the downstairs, they headed up to their bedroom together. They got ready to bed and cuddled up together. While they were laying there, Jack was thinking about the plans that he was making for their new house. He wanted to get the drawings done before he showed them to Elizabeth and see if there was anything that she wanted to add. Once they had finalized a plan, Jack knew that he would need to talk to Lee. Jack hoped that they could start on the new house that spring. He wasn't sure how long it would take. He wanted to do most of it himself, but knew that he would need help with certain things, he just wasn't sure how much he could afford to have hired people working on the house. Then he realized that they would never have to worry about money, but Jack really wanted to build the house with his money. He just didn't see how, even with all the reward money he still had. It still bothered Jack about the money, but he was trying to be okay with it since there was nothing that he could do about it. Wynn had been right when he had said that Elizabeth never asked for the money and she willing shared it with those in need.

The next morning, Jack and Elizabeth woke and had breakfast before getting ready to head into town for church. This would really be the first regular church service that they attended as a married couple. Yes, they had gone to the Christmas Eve service, but that was different. Once they were both ready, Jack helped Elizabeth with her coat and then they headed into town. Normally, Jack wore his uniform, but since he didn't go on rounds that morning, he wore one of his suits. He knew that he would have to ride out and check on things later that afternoon. The church service was nice and then Jack, Elizabeth and their group headed to the café for lunch afterward. They all knew that Charlotte was leaving that afternoon and the rest would be leaving the next morning on the stage. Elizabeth knew that she would be in school when the stage left, so she wanted to be able to say her goodbyes that evening. Everyone had a good time at lunch. The ladies stayed and talked to Abigail, while the guys decided to head out on a ride.

Aunt Elizabeth had convinced Charlotte to stay and head out at first light. While the women enjoyed some time with Abigail. The guys rode out toward the settlement to check on things. After checking on the settlement, the guys rode out to check on a few of the farmers a little further out that had not showed up at church. Wynn was impressed that Jack was so willing to go check on people after just missing church. Jack explained that when people came in for church, it might be the only time that they came into town all week unless they needed something. That was why Ned Yost opened the mercantile for a short time before and after church services. He understood that a lot of the farmers were too busy to come into town during the week, even through the winter.

While the guys were gone, the women had a good time and enjoyed each other's company. Aunt Elizabeth expressed how much she was going to miss spending time in the kitchen with Abigail. She also told Charlotte how much she enjoyed reconnecting with her. They all agreed to stay in touch. Abigail reminded Aunt Elizabeth, that she was welcome to come help in the kitchen at anytime. Abigail had made cookies to send with both Aunt Elizabeth and Charlotte. Everyone had a wonderful afternoon and as the supper hour approached, the café was closed, but Abigail fixed a special supper for Wynn, Dee, Elizabeth, and Charlotte as well as Jack and Elizabeth. Everyone enjoyed the time that they had spent in Hope Valley and hoped that they would all be able to get together again. When everyone parted for the night, goodbyes were said and hugs were given. No one was sure when they would all be together again. Charlotte was leaving on horseback at first light. Wynn, Elizabeth and Dee would be leaving on the stage as Elizabeth was starting her school day.

That night when they got home, Elizabeth was in a sullen mood. After helping her with her coat, Jack led Elizabeth to the couch and wrapped his arms around her. He just held her and let her feel what she felt. She shed a few tears but mostly just let Jack hold her. She started to feel better. She knew that their family had to return to their own lives and her and Jack had to find a routine that worked for them. She knew that Jack was her family and they had to build a life for themselves. Yes, they had extended family, but it was the two of them together with any future children that they would have. That was her primary family moving forward.

"Want to talk about it?" Jack asked.

"Sorry." Elizabeth said. "I didn't think that it would be this hard to say goodbye to our families. I hadn't seen Aunt Elizabeth and Uncle Wynn in so long and then to have them stay an extra week to help out was amazing. It guess that it is just hard not knowing when we will see them again. It as also been good spending time with your mother again. I am glad that your mother got along with my aunt and uncle."

"It is okay." Jack said. "We will see them again. We can make a point of going to Hamilton and spending some time with your Aunt and Uncle. I think I wouldn't mind spending time in Hamilton if it involved seeing them and Dee again. Besides, Ma said that she would be back this spring. I have something that will cheer you up."

"What?" Elizabeth asked.

"Well." Jack said. "It isn't public knowledge yet, but Lee asked Rosemary to marry him. They want a spring wedding, but don't know just yet. I know that my mother will be back for the wedding no matter when it is."

"That is wonderful." Elizabeth said. "Those two are so good together."

"Ready to head upstairs." Jack asked. "We both have to be up early."

"Let's go." Elizabeth said.

Jack and Elizabeth banked the fires and secured the doors before heading up. Elizabeth got her clothes ready for the next day before crawling into bed. She leaned up and gave Jack a kiss before snuggling into his side. He wanted her but wasn't going to push her when she wasn't feeling up to anything, especially with all that that had happened. He kissed her and rubbed her arm. It wasn't long and Jack could tell by her breathing that she was sleeping. He tried to sleep, but it was some time before sleep finally claimed him. All that Jack could think about was all the different ways that William Thatcher could try to ruin their lives.

The alarm went off and Jack didn't want to face the morning. He didn't have nearly enough sleep. He leaned over and shut the alarm off and then moved to wake Elizabeth when he realized that she wasn't there. He sat up and looked around the room and didn't see her. He crawled from the bed and got dressed in his uniform. He made his way downstairs and found Elizabeth in the kitchen. She was fixing breakfast and had already made up a lunch for both of them. He went and wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her neck.

"Morning Bella." Jack said.

"Morning dear." Elizabeth said. "Have a seat. Breakfast is almost ready."

Jack sat down and it wasn't more then a couple minutes and Elizabeth joined him. She set an omelet and toast in front of each of them. She reached for Jack's hand and so he could say the blessing.

"Heavenly Father." Jack said. "Please bless this food to our bodies and bless our day. Watch over me as I go on rounds and be with Elizabeth as she resumes teaching. Please watch over our families as they travel and keep them safe. Amen."

"Amen." Elizabeth said. "I was wondering, even if you can't walk me home, I would love for you to stop by the schoolhouse after dismissal."

"I will do that." Jack said. "If there is a reason that I will not be able to make it, I will always send word. I understand the need for a routine and we both will need to adjust to include the other."

"Thank you for understanding." Elizabeth said.

They finished breakfast and Jack left to go out on rounds and Elizabeth did up the dishes before gathering her stuff and heading into the school. She made a quick stop at the café and said one last goodbye to her aunt, uncle and cousin. She promised that they would make a trip to Hamilton sooner rather then later. They in turn promised not to say anything to her family until they had heard from her. Elizabeth turned and walked to the schoolhouse and rang the bell to start the day.

Jack made it back from rounds before the stagecoach left and was able to see Wynn, Elizabeth and Dee off. He knew that his mother was gone, because her horse was gone when he left for rounds. Jack also knew that his mother wasn't big on drawn out goodbyes. He figured that was why she would leave at first light when most people were still sleeping. After the stagecoach left, Jack worked in the office. He had paperwork that needed to get done. He also wanted a chance to split some wood that afternoon, if the weather held. Jack knew that he had to keep busy or he would be sad that everyone had left. He knew that it had to happen, but he had liked having Dee around. Jack was pretty sure that he knew where he had seen Dee before, but still wasn't sure. Jack was also glad that it appeared that Bill would be sticking around as well. As much as Jack enjoyed spending time with Bill and working with him, there was something different about spending time with Dee. Once Jack finished his paperwork, he went out back and started splitting wood. As he was doing that he, started to feel better. After all these years, he was still amazing how much breaking wood with an axe made him feel better.

Once the students had entered the school, Elizabeth was focused on them. She knew that it would take a little bit of time for the children to remember her new name, but that was okay. Shortly after dismissal, Elizabeth was straighten up the classroom when she heard footsteps behind her. She turned and Jack was standing there watching her.

"Have I ever told you how beautiful you are." Jack said.

"I don't know maybe a time or two." Elizabeth teased.

They closed the distance and held each other for a moment. Jack gave her a quick kiss before he pulled back.

"I have evening rounds and then I will be home for supper." Jack said. "You okay walking home by yourself."

"I am." Elizabeth said. "Thank you. I didn't expect you would be able to walk me home every afternoon, but at least checking in helps me not to worry."

"Absolutely." Jack said. "See you later."

Jack gave Elizabeth one more kiss, before he turned and left the schoolhouse. Elizabeth finished gathering her things and headed to the mercantile before heading home. She needed to pick up a few more things. After the mercantile, Elizabeth walked home. She quickly stoked the fire in the large kitchen stove. She then got the roast ready to put in the oven. Once she was done in the kitchen, she settled in at her writing desk and started grading the spelling test that she had given the students that morning. She also worked on a math lesson for the older group. She still had time before Jack was due home so she worked a little on her stories. When she heard boots on the porch, she smiled and finished the thought she was on.

Jack and Elizabeth quickly fell into a routine. They would get up together or Elizabeth would be up before Jack. They would have breakfast together and then Jack would head off on rounds. Elizabeth would tidy up the house before leaving for school. Most days, she wouldn't see Jack until after dismissal. Then he would at least stop by and there were even times that he would walk her back into town and/or home. They agreed to continue to use Mrs Miller for laundry and Elizabeth would wash their personal items herself. So Thursday mornings when Jack left the house to head to get Sergeant for rounds, he would take the laundry and drop it off. Then he would pick it up Friday evening before he headed home.

Before either Jack or Elizabeth realized it, it was Friday of the second week of school. Jack was excited for the weekend, him and Elizabeth had gotten into a routine, but it didn't leave a lot of time together. Since Elizabeth's birthday was the following week, he was planning a special weekend. He had even talked to Abigail about a special supper on Sunday night. She didn't mind and looked forward to doing it for her favorite couple.