(No One's POV)
Jack was on the edge of his seat. Margaret would be arriving any day now. The journey from the Western Territories was a far one, but there was an unspoken understanding between Jack and Margaret that it would be worth it. The two both decided that it would be best if Matthew and Beth met at a later date, so he stayed with some friends while his mother took the leap to Coal Valley.
While at work, Jack would bounce his leg, unknowingly and find reasons to go on rounds constantly. Everyone knew why he was so excited, and reassured him that everything would be fine and he needed to just breathe. Beth was so focused on her birthday and spending time with Charlotte, that she didn't even realize the shift in her father's mood. Charlotte helped Jack plan Beth's birthday, to take Jack's mind off of Margaret's arrival, and also to make sure it got done.
"Abigail, thanks for helping with all of this. Come on in," Jack opened the door all the way and stepped aside to let Abigail in.
"It's my pleasure, I'm just glad you asked. I know you had originally wanted to dial things back."
"Well that was before this turned into a huge family gathering… and maybe a bit more." Abigail raised an eyebrow when Jack said that. "I may have met someone on my trip, and she's coming into town for Beth's party."
"Beth may have told me when she and Charlotte stopped by the other day. She said you had a friend coming to visit that wanted some birthday cake."
Jack couldn't help but laugh. His little girl was a little weasel just like Elizabeth had been known to be at times. But she was also just a kid - a kid with no filter. "Why does that not surprise me that she said that. I don't know if I said this already, Abigail, but I appreciate your help with all of this."
"And as I already said, Jack, it's my pleasure." Abigail set her stuff down and then turned towards Jack. "Why don't I handle things here while you go into town for the afternoon? The party's not until tomorrow, and you seem a bit restless at the thought of staying here with me."
"Are you sure? I don't expect you to do this all yourself. That's why Ma is spending the day with Beth so I can help you."
"Jack, I can handle this just fine, but I appreciate your offer. Why don't you go do some shopping for Beth's birthday or get ready for your guest's arrival?"
Jack sighed. "Maybe you're right. I owe you one for this."
"You're family, Jack; you don't owe me anything. Besides, Beth's going to have the best birthday and that's what matters."
(Jack's POV)
I knew Tom was arriving tonight and the Thatchers were arriving tomorrow morning, so I didn't have a lot to worry about in the guest department. However, I did need to plan more for my trip with Beth.
Most of my camping supplies was still in good shape and intact from the camping trip Elizabeth and I took the kids on near the beginning of us courting. Though it was so long ago now, it still felt like just yesterday that I should've listened to Elizabeth and not told the boys ghost stories before bed. I also remembered our talk about how different life in Hamilton was compared to the great outdoors. But that conversation was also part of the reason why I built our house on this land outside of town.
It was so hard to believe that Beth's childhood and upbringing was going to be so different from Elizabeth's and my own. But that's what being a parent is all about, right? Trying to always make the best decisions for your kids and giving them a life that's even better than the one you had. Beth wouldn't grow up going to cotillions, or always wearing the most high-end fashion pieces. She won't be expected to marry a certain person, just because they come from a good family with money. Beth would just get to be a kid, who could explore and run around town and make friends… and I think Elizabeth would be happy knowing that.
I grabbed some birthday party and general house supplies from the Mercantile, and also checked the mail. As I stepped outside, I saw the stagecoach pull up in town… with,
"Margaret?!" I ran over to the stagecoach and set my groceries down and helped her out of the carriage.
"Hello to you too, Jack. It's been too long." She got out of the stagecoach, and I almost forgot how reserved she was, and I had missed it. Something about it always pulled me in.
"I'm really glad you're here. Welcome to Coal Valley."
"I can already see why you like this town; it already feels much more comforting than my home. Do you live here in town?"
"No, I live out near the fields, but it isn't far. Let me help you with your bags and we can head there now."
"I can get my bags, but thank you for offering. You are quite the gentleman, Jack Thornton." I gathered my own groceries - wishing she had let me help her, but I knew she was very independent - and we headed off.
"It's nice to see you in person. I've enjoyed your letters, but seeing you now is very different."
"I couldn't agree more. How is Matthew doing?"
"Still protective of me. He didn't want me to go; thought it was too soon. But he was also glad to see me happy, and I appreciated the support."
"Beth can't wait to meet you. I told her you were a friend of mine I met on my work trip, and her only request seemed to be that you liked cake."
"Well it seems we'll get along just fine." A small smile emerged from her, and I felt butterflies, everything was going to be just fine.
Author's Note: Long time no see everyone! I'm not gonna lie, I stopped updating this because it felt like most people weren't fans of this story.
I liked writing this alternate ending/"what if?" story to truly show how different our lives can be after just one event (for those who don't know, this is an alternate ending/story to my fanfiction: When Calls Goodbye).
I typically write most of my fanfics for myself (whether people like them or not), but with this one, I didn't see a point anymore, if I'm being quite honest. But I'll continue this back up if people seem to like it a lot.
I also tend to pull characters and storylines from throughout the show, which I've noticed confuses some people. Would it be helpful for me to put at the end of the chapter the season(s)/episode(s) I reference?
Hopefully you enjoy this story again, since it's been over a year since my last update.
All the best, SSXLoverKaoriBrodiMac
