(Abigail's POV)

"Alright Beth, do you have any homework tonight?" It was our first night alone in the house together, and to be quite honest, I felt for Beth. Frank & Cody had the house to themselves until Jack returned, and I missed them already. I knew that the two of them would be alright, plus it would give them some alone time together. Of course, I'd see them during the day while Beth was at school and I was working, but it wouldn't be exactly the same. But I'd do anything for Jack & Beth, so it was no trouble at all.

"I just finished it, but now I'm hungry."

"I figured that, so I made us some dinner. Country fried steak with green beans." I set the plates down on the table as we took our seats. I could tell Beth was still a little down, but I figured she'd cheer up over time.

We prayed for Jack's safety, and then started to eat. Being in Jack's house felt so lonely with just the two of us, especially since we were on the outskirts of town. If anything were to happen though, I knew how to protect the two of us. Being in this big house though, I could understand why Jack missed Elizabeth so much. This was supposed to be the house they raised their big family in.

"How long is Daddy going to be gone?"

"I'm not sure, only a couple weeks I'd imagine."

"Did my mommy get scared when Daddy left?"

"Oh Beth, your mom was always worried about your dad, but do you know what she did?" Beth shook her head at me. "Your mommy went to school and kept herself busy. She tried to focus on her students to keep her mind off of things. And when that didn't work, she focused on the people in Coal Valley."

"Do you think my daddy would be happier if I did that too?"

"I think that your daddy is proud of you no matter what you do. But I'm sure that if you kept up with your schooling and spent time with people you care about that you'd be a lot happier, which would make him happier in return."


(Cody's POV)

I didn't mind spending the week with Frank. I knew that Mom had to watch Beth. Since Becky was off being an amazing nurse and helping people who needed her, I considered Beth like my little sister. Watching her grow up was so cool, and I wanted to make sure she felt like she had a friend wherever she went in life.

"Frank, what's for dinner tonight?" I liked Frank, and I'm glad he made my mom happy. Becky even came into town for the ceremony. Becky, Clara, and Rosemary were all bridesmaids in her wedding, and an extra bouquet was set aside for Ms. Thatcher as well. I liked Ms. Fessler, but she wasn't the same. It was nice knowing that the two knew each other though, Ms. Thatcher's magic was in all of us.

"Well Cody. I figured we could eat up the rest of our fish from our trip the other day."

"Sounds good to me!" Frank was a good dad to have. He was always there for me and he always included me in things. We try to always go fishing when it's nice out and sometimes we don't even end up fishing, we just talk. It was just nice to have another guy to talk to, besides Robert. Robert was still one of my closest friends, but he had started talking to girls, and that wasn't really my thing. We still try to hang out whenever we can though, I just missed having a male parental figure in my life. Jack was the closest thing I had to a dad before Frank.

"I know this week might be a little weird, not having your mom around as much. But just remember if you need anything, I'm always here."
"I know."
"I love you Cody."
"I love you too, Dad."


Author's Note: Thanks for continuing to support me! I love reading your reviews, so please send me your thoughts. Any ideas for a title change or would you like the continuation of this to be its own story?