(Abigail's POV)

After seeing Beth off the school, I went back to the Cafe, but was overwhelmed with thoughts of Elizabeth. I knew how badly Elizabeth wanted to be a mom someday, but I also know how proud she would be of Jack, and of Beth too.

Five years without my best friend has probably been one of the hardest things I've done. That, and losing my husband and son all of those years ago. Some days, it felt like Elizabeth's presence was everywhere, and other days, it was hard to believe she was here in the first place in a strange way. But of course she had been here, for she graced us all with her presence and shaped this town.

I started to tear up in the parlor of the cafe when Frank walked in from doing his morning rounds. He'd go check on the town and see if anybody needed his prayers… maybe I did today.

"Abigail, what's the matter?" Frank came up beside me, holding me and rubbing my back.

"Oh nothing," I said, wiping my tears. "Just with Beth going to school, I started thinking about Elizabeth. She's missed out on so much, and yet I know she's up in heaven, extremely proud of her husband and daughter."

"I am completely certain that is the case. I know she was your closest friend, but just know that this whole town will continue to look out for you. I will look out for you."

"Thank you, Frank. I love you so much."

"I love you too." We shared a tender kiss, and then Frank began helping me as I finished preparing for the breakfast rush."


(Jack's POV)

Because things were slow at the jail, I decided to go to the Mercantile and see if Beth & I had any mail.

"Morning, Ned! Any mail for the Thornton family today?"

"Jack, I'm so glad you stopped by! You actually received a telegram from the Mounty Headquarters today."

"Oh. I wasn't expecting anything," Ned handed me the envelope, as I started to wonder what the reason for the message was. "Thanks Ned, have a good day."

"Take care, Jack."


I got back to work and sat down, anxious to open my letter, but I wanted to wait in case it was something to worry about. Headquarters knew I didn't want to do anything too dangerous right now, so I was hopeful it wasn't anything to bad.

"Whatcha got there, Jack?" Bill was going through old paperwork, trying to figure out what needed reorganizing, and what information could be destroyed and discarded with.

"I got a telegram from Headquarters, and I'm not sure what to think of it."

"Well, you might as well open it. Whatever's in there isn't gonna change no matter if you delay knowing or not."

"You've got a point there." I took out my letter opener, and cut through the envelope, awaiting what was inside…

"Constable Jack Thornton,

Your presence is requested on a mission. You need to report to the Western territories in one week's time to help secure the area. This trip doesn't have an end date, you'll be there as long as it takes.

For any questions, please contact Sgt. James Houston.

Best,

Mounty Headquarters of Canada"

My heart sank deep into my chest. The Western territories weren't dangerous, but they were still causing problems, as far as I was aware. Leaving Beth when she was little was hard, but if anything had happened to me, she wouldn't remember me to begin with. Now, we had built up a bond, and I couldn't risk her losing the only parent she's ever known. I started to panic, I didn't know what I was going to do, because I had no choice, to be quite honest with myself.

"Bill, they want me to go help secure the Western territories. I have to be there in a week."

"That doesn't make sense. You told them-,"

"They know, Bill. But let's be honest with ourselves. I'm good at my job & I'm a hard worker. Parent or not, they need me for this. Besides, Headquarters has let me take a step back for long enough."

"Well, what are you going to do?"

"I would say have Beth stay at Rosemary's, but between work and the twins, that'd be too much. I'll probably ask Abigail."

"Are you okay, Jack?"

"I don't know, Bill. I haven't been away from home in years, and I'm worried. I don't want to leave Beth, what if something happens to me? I just can't imagine…"

"Jack, Beth's going to fine, we'll all look after her."

"It's not just about her. I don't want to leave her. She's the only piece of Elizabeth left. I don't want to lose her just as much as I don't want her to lose me."

"We're going to figure this out, pal. It's going to be alright."


Author's note: So sorry it's been a while! I'm trying to get back into writing my fics, so let me know what you think! Would you like me to start writing the sequel to the original while I continue this alternate ending as well? I love hearing from everyone, so thanks for your continuous support over the years!