(Jack's POV)

As Beth and I approached the schoolhouse, I let out a small gasp. My thoughts immediately imagined what life would've been like had Elizabeth lived to see the new building…


Elizabeth gasped in pure awe. The church was finished, with a big red bow at the bottom of the steps. Rosemary and the schoolchildren were waiting patiently outside, next to the bow. As soon as they saw her, it was chaos- the good kind of chaos.

"Ms. Thatcher!" The kids cheered as they ran over to her. Hugs, tears, and conversations erupted before Elizabeth's eyes. She was so happy to see them all, these were her kids too, and she had missed them dearly.

"Oh, how wonderful it is to see you all again! I am so happy that you all are doing well."

"Ms. Rosemary did a good job teaching us, but we sure did miss you."

"I missed you too, Opal. I missed each and every one of you."


"Constable Thornton?" I blinked and was brought back to reality, as I looked up and saw a woman standing at the top of the stairs. "I'm the schoolteacher, Ms. Francine Fessler." As I shook her hand, I recognized her from years past.

"Francine, you're a friend of Elizabeth Thatcher's, aren't you?"

"Elizabeth Thatcher?" Francine's eyes lit up. "We took the board exams together, such a wonderful woman with a heart of gold. I had no idea she lived here."

"That's my mommy." Beth smiled up at her new teacher.

"It's a long story," I tried to explain to Francine. I bent down to match Beth's eye level. "Alright you, I'm going to talk to Ms. Fessler for a moment, but why don't you go find a seat inside?"

"Okay. I'm going to find Cody. I love you, Daddy."

"I love you too Beth." I gave her a quick hug and then she was on her way inside, her brown braided pigtails bouncing, as she skipped into the school.

"I understand it's been awhile since you've visited the school."

"You could say that. I visited Elizabeth back when the school was in the saloon. About Elizabeth-,"

"Constable, you don't have to explain if you don't want to. I know we're only just now meeting, but I know what happened. Small town, word goes around fast, but I'm sure you already know that. I just hope that I'm half as good as Elizabeth was, she sure left big shoes to fill."

"I have full faith in you. I've heard how great you are with the children, Beth's going to love you too."

"Thank you, Constable,"
"Please, call me Jack."
"Jack, if there's anything you need. Help with Beth's schooling, or even just a friend… you know where to find me." With that, Francine rang her teacher's bell, and my heart hurt for a moment. Elizabeth's cow bell sat on the side table in my room, longing for the day it would be used by her once more.


I entered the jail to find Bill drinking some coffee and reading the paper. "Jack, how was dropping Beth off today?"

I took a seat and poured myself a cup of joe as well. "Five years, Bill. Five years ago, Elizabeth and I were just getting started. It's just been Beth and me for five years. Most days, it doesn't hurt anymore. Beth's smile distracts me and lightens up my world. Days like today though, I can almost see her in front of me."

"Sounds like you could use a drink. One that's stronger than the coffee." Bill winked at me and I chuckled a bit.

"True, but not on the job. Here, or as a parent. I just have to keep my head up. It's just the first day of school, things can only go up from here."