(Jack's POV)
I walked back to the schoolhouse and waited for school to let out, so Beth & I could walk home together. The bell rang, and she came bouncing down the stairs, her braids bouncing with her and she smiled at some of the girls walking out with her. I was so glad she had made friends today, I was worried about her, but I knew she'd be strong and happy, just like her mother.
"Daddy!" Beth ran over to me and jumped up to hug me. "I had a such a good day today. Ms. Fessler was so nice and I'm friends with Natalie," Beth waved to her friend and we started walking home as she held my hand.
"That's so good, I'm glad you had a nice first day." I had to tell her when we got home, for I'd have to leave in a few days to get to the Western territories in time. I couldn't imagine how she'd take it. I knew she wouldn't fully understand where I was going, and to be quite frank, she didn't need to know. I just wanted to make sure Beth was safe and happy - that is, and has always been, my number one priority.
When we got home, Wheatley greeted us at the door, and I was reminded of Rip for a moment, hoping he was with Elizabeth and knowing they had each other made me smile.
"Why don't you take Wheatley for a short walk, while I make us dinner?" I said to Beth and she happily ran out the door with our favorite four-legged friend. I went upstairs and changed, then began to cook dinner. As I cooked, there was a knock at the door.
"Grace, it's been a long time. Come on in." I was more than surprised to see Elizabeth's mother standing in my home, seeing as the last time I saw them was at Elizabeth's funeral five years ago. Sure, we tried to stay in touch, but it was too hard for all of us. When I adopted Beth, I wrote to them, inviting them to come meet her, but William did not seem too thrilled I had adopted a child and still said she was Elizabeth's daughter. Just like I tell Beth though, without Elizabeth, I wouldn't have Beth.
"I'm sorry for just stopping by, but I decided if I wanted to meet my granddaughter, I'd just have to do it myself." Grace took a seat at the kitchen table.
"Granddaughter?" Beth asked from the doorway, as Wheatley ran into the house.
"Beth, this is Grace. Grace is Elizabeth's mother, your grandmother."
My mom was never around much either, living her life solo and also keeping track of my brother, but she Beth a few times when she was little. But most days it was just the two of us, but that's all we needed… each other.
"Hi Grandmother, I'm Beth." Beth smiled and went in for a handshake, making Grace chuckle.
"Hi sweetheart, may I give you a hug?"
"Okay, hugs are great." I could already tell that Grace needed this trip, and that she was hiding the real reason why she was here.
We ate dinner, then Beth did her homework, and I tucked her into bed. After making my way back downstairs, Grace was sitting by the fireplace, with Wheatley asleep in her lap.
"She's such a bright young girl, Elizabeth would be so glad you two found each other."
"I think the same thing everyday."
"You know Jack… I'm not just here because of Beth."
"I had a feeling. Is something going wrong?"
"I just… I don't feel right being with William anymore. It's hard to admit, especially because in the eyes of God, we're supposed to be together 'till death- well, you know. But I just don't feel the same around him as when we were first courting. I don't know what to do, and I needed to get away."
"Does William know you're here?"
"Yes and no. He knew I was taking a trip, I just didn't exactly say where I was going."
I leaned forward in my chair. "Grace, William's probably worried sick. I know he's not always the best, but from what I remember, he does still care about you and your well-being."
"I suppose your right. Elizabeth definitely made the right choice by marrying you."
"I'm just glad I had the chance to have her in my life, even if it was only for a short while. I just hope I can raise Beth in a way that would make her proud."
"Well I'm certain she most definitely is."
We sat in silence for a while, staring into the fire and pondering our thoughts.
"Grace… I have to go away soon. On a Mounty trip to help with something. I'm worried something's going to happen and Beth will be all alone."
"Oh, Jack. From what I understand, you are one of the bravest, strongest, and most loving people Elizabeth knew, and she is going to be watching over you and Beth the entire time you two are apart."
"You're leaving?" Beth stood at the top of the staircase, with tears in her eyes, gripping her teddy bear. Opal had given it to her when she outgrew it, in honor of the late Ms. Thatcher.
I went up the stairs and held Beth in my arms, as I brought her down to Grace. "Yes, honey, but only for a little bit. I have to go on a work… a work adventure."
Beth's eyes grew wide. I wanted to make my leaving something exciting, instead of something to dread for her. "An adventure?"
"Yes ma'am. I'm going to meet other mounties and we're going to go on a secret mission." I looked over at Grace and winked at her, signaling to play along. "But before I go, your grandmother is going to stay with us, and then Abba is going to stay here with you while I'm gone."
"Oh boy, we're going to have lots of people here. It'll be a party!"
"Exactly Beth. I party with all of the people who love you very much."
Beth, still sitting on my lap, turned towards Grace. "Did you love my mommy very much?"
"Sweetheart, of course I did. Your mommy was my whole world, and I loved her and her sisters dearly. Your mommy may not have gotten the chance to meet you, but I know she loves you even more than I loved her."
"I'm excited to spend time with you." Moving on from one thing to the next again, I see. With this girl, she tends to bounce ideas around faster than I can keep up sometimes, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
"Me too. But it's getting late, why don't you go back to bed?"
"Okay. Daddy? Will you tuck me in again?"
"I'd be more than happy too." As we walked back upstairs together, Wheatley followed us upstairs and fell asleep at the end of Beth's bed. He must've been able to tell she was still sad, so he wanted to cheer her up and keep her company. "Goodnight Beth."
"Goodnight Daddy."
