That afternoon back in valley springs, the phone rang at the Mountie station. On labor day in September 1989
Valley springs Jail, Lee said (then he listened for a moment) OH MY!... YES...YES... Ok, I'll let him know. We'll be in Santa Clarita by tomorrow morning ... Yes, thankyou for letting us know. Goodbye. Lee said (then run out to find . He found him pretty quickly in the mercantile. He waited patiently and then caught the older man by the door.)I need to talk to you. Privately. Lee said
Alright. How about back at the jail? Bill said (as Lee nodded then the two headed to the jailhouse)
So what's going on? Bill said (Lee took a deep breath and began)
Well there is no on their way to say this, Bill. There is a chance that Jack Thorsten might actually be alive. Lee said
What?! How is this possible?! We buried him not even two days ago Bill said
I was told that it was a case of mistaken identity. Actually Constable Thorsten, if it is him, was later found, unconscious with no identification. He's been in a coma for all this time. They want you to confirm his identity. I have some business in Santa Clarita So I can accompany you. Lee said
Thank you, Lee. I don't want Elizabeth to find out about this until we know for sure. I'm going to go by the café and talk with Abigail. I'll tell her not to say anything to Elizabeth until she hears from me. Bill said
Sometime later when Bill told Abigail what Lee had said she was understandably shocked, but she promise not to tell Elizabeth anything until she heard from him. Bill and Lee took the next stage out of town it took them several hours to get to Santa Clarita and visiting hours were over by the time they arrive. They found a room for the night and headed to the hospital first thing after breakfast the next morning Lee told Bill to go on in and he'd find follow in a little bit he had to do some business first the nurse led Bill into Jack's room Jack was asleep at the moment but Bill went over to the bed quietly when he looked at the man in the bed, his eyes filled with tears. He looked at the nurse and doctor)
(shakily) It's him. That's Jack Thorsten. Bill said
You positive? The doc said
Yes. One hundred percent. Bill said
Alright. I will destroy the death certificate. As soon as Constable Thorsten gives us the name of his friend, we can make a new can make out a new certificate and finally gave his family some closure. The doctor said
OK I'll stay in town until he's ready. I'm need to make a phone call and let know back home. Bill said (The nurse told him where in the phone was, but before he could go Jack Awakened. He looked around the room and his eyes landed his friend.)
BILL! Jack said (in surprise) bill helped his friend sit up and then pulled the younger man into a big hug.
Jack! I can't tell you how good it is to see you! We thought you were dead! We had a funeral! We buried you! Elizabeth is going to be, well...happy's not a strong enough would to describe how she'll react when she'll told! I haven't called Abigail yet. I was just about to. We want to prepare Elizabeth. It will be a shock. A happy shock. But a shock. Bill said (jack nodded with tears in his eyes.)
I am so sorry you all had to go through this. I had no idea. Jack said
Jack don't you dare apologize! You had no control over this. You were in a coma! How could you know or done anything about it? We are just so happy you really alive. Bill said (As he pulled the Mountie into another big hug.) (then Lee came into the room.)
So you really are Alive! That's great! Welcome back. (Lee turned to bill) The nurse told me you have agreed to stay until jack can travel. I have to get back. (Turning to Jack) Would you like me to give a message to Elizabeth for you. Lee said (Jack took the picture and asking for a pen. Then he wrote on the back of the picture, corinthiens 13:4 and 13:7-8 Handing the picture to Lee)
If she saw me buried, my wife is going to need solid proof that I'm really I'm coming home to her. This version is special to us both. She'll know it's from me. Jack said
I promise to get it to her, jack. I have to head out now. Lee said
My sister said you needed some cheering up my friend a familiar voice com for the hallway. Frank said
Frank. Lee, Jack, Bill. said
Popped out of Flowery in shock. Lee, Bill. Oh, dear jack are you okay. Frank said
Yes I'm alright. Thank, Frank. Jack said
I would love to stay and chat my friends but I most go. Lee said
Lee, give the photographer to Abigail. I think Elizabeth's will need her their when she finds out. Bill and Jack said
Alright. I'll do that. All see you in town soon. The whole town is going to be... surprise and very happy, for lack of stronger word... that you're coming home and are alive. Lee said
Lee, who's the woman in photography. Frank said
I don't know. How is this woman special to you and Elizabeth Jack. Lee said (in the door way)
Because that was before your time lee and frank i'm not sure if you were around bill but that was one for The first photo of Elizabeth when we were dating. That I took. Jack said
Alright I Really have to go Lee. said
I'll call Abigail and give her the news. I'll tell her to wait to tell Elizabeth until Lee gets back with the photographer. Bill said
Thanks, bill. You're a great friend. Jack said (as Bill squeezes his friend shoulder and headed out to find the phone. Abigail burst into tears of joy when she got the news. She promised to wait for lee before telling Elizabeth the news. She quickly got herself together after hanging up since Elizabeth would be home school at any minute.)
The next day, lee returned after Elizabeth had left for school. He went straight into the cafe and handed Abigail the picture. Her eyes filled when she read what was on the back.
Jack's right. She'll know for sure it's from him. Abigail said to lee.
Are you gonna tell Elizabeth? Lee said
I really want to run to the schoolhouse and tell her right this minute. But I think it's best to wait till she comes back this afternoon. Abigail said
That's probably a better plan. I'll wait to inform the others until I hear from you. Lee said
Thank you, Lee Abigail said (as he headed out of the cafe)
(When Elizabeth got back to Abigail's at the end of the schoolday, she found Abigail waiting for her. Corey nearly bumped into his teacher when she stopped short.)
Mom, can I have a snack to share with Robert and the other guys? And can I take dasher and go play my friend? Corey said
(She shook herself mentally) of course, son. You know where the cookie and milk are. Make sure you're back in time to do your homework before supper. Abigail said
Thanks mom! Bye Mrs Thorsten! Corey said (as he ran out of the room)
Bye Corey. Have fun! (With a slight chuckle. Then she looked at Abigail who had gone pale and had a serious look on her face.) Abigail? Is everything ok? Elizabeth said in concern
(She took a deep shaky breath) Sweetheart, comme sit down. There's something I need to tell you. Abigail said
Abigail? What is it? Elizabeth said
Well, I don't exactly know how how to tell you this ... Abigail said
Abigail, is something wrong? You're scaring me! Elizabeth said
Well, Elizabeth, there is just no easy way to break this to you. Honey, Jack is alive. Abigail said
Abigail, that's not funny.I saw him lowering into the ground. How could you joke with me about that? Elizabeth said
Elizabeth, just listen to me. We got a call from the hospital in Santa Clarita. They have a John Joe who had been in a coma for about a month and three weeks. He awakened yesterday and told them his name was Jack Thorsten. Abigail said
He was confused or lying! Elizabeth said (exclaimed) (still not ready to believe or get her hopes up.)
No, Elizabeth. The hospital called Bill and Lee to Santa Clarita. Bill called here after he saw the man and talked to him. There's no doubt it's Jack. (As tears Safley fell upon her eyes.) Jack figured that you might not believe it right away. He sent Proof back with Lee. Abigail said (as Abigail took the picture from her apron pocket and handed it to her friend. Elizabeth looked at it in gasped)
I...I thought this picture had been carried away in the mudslide. It wasn't with his personal things. Elizabeth said (softly)
Look at the back. Abigail said (encouragingly) (as Elizabeth turned the photo over on is filled with tears. She looked up at Abigail with the tears running down her face.)
What was written upon the back was first Corinthians 13:4 and 13:7-8
Love is patient and kind;love does not ever or boast; it is not arrogant or rude.
Love bears all things,believes all things, hopes all things, enduring all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.
It is Jack! He's alive! My husband is alive! (With that Elizabeth collapsed into her friends arms and the two rocked back-and-forth. Abigail had tears running down her cheeks as well. Eventually, The woman stop crying.) When can I see him? Elizabeth said
The doc wants him to stay a couple of days. Bill is staying with him until he is well enough to travel. I am waiting for a telegram from him. It will say when they are headed back. Abigail said
(She's suddenly thought of something.) Abigail, if Jack is alive, who did we bury? There must be someone out there worrying about a missing a loved one. Elizabeth said
Bill send Jack identify the man as one he supposedly die trying to save his name was constable Jack Fowler. The doctor will contact the family and then I suppose they will come to Valley Spring for a rapper memorial service. Abigail said
(She sighed) That poor family. Elizabeth said (as Abigail nodded in agreement)
Meanwhile at the hospital in Santa Clarita (jack was anxious to get out of that hospital and back home to Valley Spring. The doctors were poking and prodding him. He was getting fed up with tests and hospital food. He wanted his wife. He needed to see and hold his wife.)
Just be patient Jack. They'll send you home at least by tomorrow. Bill said (As He patted him on the shoulder )
I don't want to go home tomorrow. I want to go home now! Jack said
I know. But you'll just have to wait until the doctor says it's ok. Bill said (as he tried to reason. Luckily for both the men, the doctor came in at that moment. He checked jack over.)
Constable, You are doing very well. I am sending you home tomorrow. The doctor said
Thank-you Doctor! Thank-you so much! Jack said (grinned) (he was so excited that he hugged Bill who chuckled as he hugged the man back. Then they both shook the doctor's hand. Then Bill went to call the Mountie office to Lee when they would arrive in Valley Spring. He told Lee to get the news to Elizabeth and Abigail. )
That evening back in Valley Spring
Valley springs Jail, Oh, hi Bill, Lee made dinner plans. But he said he needs your message. (then he listened for a moment) Ok tell him right now. Hickman send
(Rosemary and Lee were invited to supper at the cafe and they were told the good news at the same time as Corey was. )
Do you mean to tell me we actually buried the wrong man? That Jack is coming home alive? Rosemary said (in shock)
It's true, Rosemary. Abigail said (Before she could say anything else, Hickman come in)
Lee, Bill just called. He said him and jack will arrive here in valley spring the day after tomorrow. Before noon. I thought we buried him. No disrespect Elizabeth. Hickman said
None taken. But we actually buried the wrong man. Elizabeth said
It's true. Rosemary, and Abigail said
(Upon a loud commotion and everyone cheered and there was all around)
Elizabeth, Rosemary and I are so happy for you. I'm going to get the man together to finish working on the house. It's almost ready. We've been working on it for you and the baby as a surprise, but now we can do it to help Jack. Hopefully you'll all be able to move in if not the day Jack gets back, at least not long after. It just needs one thing that Jack and I stored in the attic. Do you mind if I pick it up while you're at school tomorrow for it's perfect in the new house Lee said
Oh, Lee. Thank you. You're a good friend. No, of course you may. But I didn't see anything but cobwebs and empty boxes up there. Elizabeth said (as she giving him a hug.)
You wouldn't know if you weren't looking for it that was the purpose. Jack want to give it to you. Lee said
I will help you decorate, Elizabeth. There is an art to making a house a home. Rosemary said
Oh, Rosemary. You don't have to do that. I'm sure I can manage. Elizabeth said
Nonsense. You'll need a lot of help. Especially in your condition. I will be there every step of the way. You and Jack are two of my dearest friends after all. Rosemary said (as usual, not taking no for an answer.)
The next day (Jack resurrection was the talk of the town) at the schoolhouse
Mrs Thorsten, is it true that Mountie jack is alive and coming back tomorrow? Timmy said
Yes, Timmy. It's true. Elizabeth said
But how is that possible? Anne said
Yeah, we saw him be put in the ground! Robert said
Well, The people who dug the man out made a mistake. We all make mistakes, right? Elizabeth said
Yes. The children said in chorus
But How did they make that mistake, Mrs Thorsten? Emily said
Yeah. The other Mountie didn't look like Mountie jack did he? Little Opal said
No, Opal. The other Mountie was hurt so badly that they couldn't tell who he was from his face. Mountie jack lost his badge when he was in the mudslide come and it somehow ended up next to the other man. Elizabeth said
I'm glad Mountie jack is coming back, mrs Thorsten. I was really said when I thought he was dead. Holly said
Me too, holly, me too. Elizabeth said (held back tears) (opal jumped up at that moment and ran up to Elizabeth, throwing her little arms and brownie around the woman. Looking up at her teacher)
Now I can really thank Mountie Jack! For saying my life! Opal said (as she hugged Elizabeth)
Yes, you can, opal. And I know that Mountie jack will like that very much. Elizabeth said (as the other students all crowded around their teacher for a group hug.)
The next morning, (school was called off. This was the day bill and jack were arrive on the stage. Everyone in town waited anxiously, soon they heard the sound of the stage coming down the pathway. Elizabeth couldn't control herself any longer. She took off running to meet the stage coach.) (The stage had to still come all the way into town.)
JACK! Jack! Elizabeth said (screaming) ran along beside it.
(As soon as it had stopped, Jack opened the door and jump out the the coach.)(Elizabeth threw herself into her husband's arms, sobbing. Jack was crying as well. In fact almost everyone watching this scene unfold had tears of joy running down their faces and the ones that didn't were smiling hard enough to make their faces hurt. The couple clung to each other for a very long time)
I missed you So much, love. Jack said (as he pulled back)
I missed you, too! Oh jack! I can't believe it's You were dead! Elizabeth said
I know! I heard. I am so sorry for what you want through! Jack said
No jack! Don't say that. It wasn't your fault! I'm just so glad we have another chance! I love you, sweetheart. Elizabeth said
I love you too! So very much! (As he looked down and caught sight of her expanding belly. That could only mean one thing.) Elizabeth, are you ...are we? Jack stammered. (Elizabeth nodded as she was pulled into another huge hug and kisses as they pulled back)
We'll talk about this later. Right now I think the rest of our family wants to welcome you back home. Elizabeth said (as the two walked back to their friends and family) (when Jack and Elizabeth reached the group, Jack was immediately pulled into humping hug by Rosemary)
JACK! I'M SOO glad you're OK! Elizabeth was a complete mess when we heard you dead! Rosemary said
ROSEMARY!, Elizabeth said exclaimed, (but she was laughing)
Well at least I definitely know you missed me as much as I miss you. Jack said
Did you ever doubt it. Elizabeth said(Jack pulled her in and gave her a big passionate kiss)
Never! Jack said (as he turned he was pulled into a Big hug from Lee)
Buddy, Don't you ever do that to us again.! We need you here. Things are never in the same without you, and for a while we thought they'd never be the same again! Lee said
It's good to be back. Lee. Jack said (as Abigail hugged him)
Oh, Jack! Abigail said (tearfully) (has Jack hugged her more tightly)
Thanks for taking care of my wife and baby while I was gone. Jack said
We're family. There is nothing I wouldn't do for you both. Abigail said shakily
Hi Mountie jack. Corey said (Jack swung the boy up into a hug before putting him down and returning the salute)
How've you been ? Have been practicing the pitching and catching like I taught you? Jack said
Uh huh! Will you practice wihth me now that you're back? Corey said
Corey. Jack just got back. I'm sure he needs and wants to spend time with Elizabeth. Lee said
True. But I'll come find you later today, Buddy and will play catch. Jack said
Oh boy! Thanks Mountie jack! Corey said
You're welcome, Corey! Jack said (as he heard a voice yell)
Mountie jack! Mountie jack! Opal said (Before jack felt about 40 pounds crashing into his legs. He looked down and broke into a big smile.)
Hi, Opal! Jack said (as swinging the little girl up into a hug.)
I'm So glad you're back! Now I can say thank you! Opal said (jack looked at her, confused)
Thank you for what, honey? Jack said
For saving my life, Silly! In the fire! Opal said
Well, Angel, I was glad to do it! You are a very special little girl and we all love you very much. Jack said (opal hugged the Mountie)
I love you too, Mountie Jack. (as jack kissed the litter girl on the cheek and set her back down. Then opal went over and hugged her teacher) I love you, mrs Thorsten. I'm happy that Mountie jack came back and you're smiling again. Opal said
I love you too, sweetheart. I'll see you tomorrow. Elizabeth said (as all of the other students all hugged Jack and Welcome him back and so did the other townspeople. Then jack and Elizabeth told everyone goodbye. As Elizabeth hugged Abigail.)
I'll come over later and get my things thank you for taking care of last few weeks especially! Elizabeth said (Abigail hugged her back)
Oh, Elizabeth. I love you both so much and I'm so happy for you. Abigail said
Thank you, Abigail. We love you too Elizabeth said (As Jack took her hand and lead her back towards The row house. Once they, jack led her to the couch.)
How long have you known we're having a baby? When are you due? Jack said
Well, I found out the day you were supposed to come back. The night after we found out you had died. For we plan the funeral three weeks later well we planned on buried you or not you actually. I haven't been feeling well for a while actually since I left you and your temporary post I was run down and emotional. I thought it was just grief and guilt. It was Abigail who actually was the one to figure it out. Carlson confirmed it. As far as when I'm due, it could be anytime just before Christmas in the next four months. Elizabeth said
Well now that I am back I should really get to work on that house so we have room for the baby. And the cribs so Our baby will have some place to sleep. Jack said
Oh jack. I have dreamed about that day. Our family and our new home! Elizabeth said softly.
Soon, my Darling. Very soon! Jack said (before kissing his wife again.)(As the two spent several hours just enjoying being together. That enjoying being together. That evening they heard over to Abigail's for dinner. Elizabeth didn't want to spend a lot of time cooking. She also needed to get her things and jack had a game of catch to play. They didn't stay long, heading home right after dinner. They had a lot of alone time to catch up on.)
The next day was September 9 1989, jack stayed home and rested and Elizabeth went to school. At then end of the day, she went straight home to jack. They hadn't been home for long when there was a knock at the door. It Lee and Rosemary.
We need you two come with us. Lee said
Where? Jack asked
It's a surprise Rosemary said (excitedly, grabbing Elizabeth by the hand jack and lee followed and the four headed out of town towards Jack's land when they arrived. The couple was astounded. Not only was practically the entire town there waiting for them, so was their house!)
Jack, Elizabeth, we wanted you to have a place to move into right away. When we found out you were alive, Jack, Lee gathered the town together and we got to work to finish this place for you. Abigail, Rosemary and some of that and the other women all decorated the inside. Bill said (Elizabeth looked A little nervous so Abigail learned towards her)
Don't worry Clara and I kept her reigned in. You'll like what we did I think. Abigail said whispered. (When the group went inside Elizabeth was relieved to see a few flowers vases, and some simple but beautiful curtains in the windows. Jack and Elizabeth Word touched when they saw the kitchen table and chairs that have been made by Lee, Bill, Martin, and Carlson. On the table there was a beautiful tablecloth made by the townswomen. Elizabeth immediately hugged all her friends. She had tears in her eyes and Jacquees feeling emotional too.)
Thank you all. This means A lost. We love you all. Jack said
We love you both too. Bill said
We'll help you move in your things in whenever you're ready. Martin said
We're ready anytime you are. Elizabeth said
(Everyone Laughed.) (Over the next couple of days the Valleyspring family helped the couple move into their new house. When they were finally move in)
There days later
Now I can begin working on the crib. Jack said
Our baby will look so sweet sleeping in that crib. Daddy and I can't wait to meet you, little one. Elizabeth said (laid her head on her husband's shoulder, Then, rubbing her belly)
Daddy love you, angel. Jack said (as he placed a kiss on his wife's growing belly.)
Angel? Elizabeth said
Yes. And she's going to be beautiful, just like her mom. Jack said
Or maybe He'll be handsome just like his daddy. Elizabeth said
Either way, our child's are going to be perfect. Jack said
Yes. Perfect. Agree'd expectant mommy. Elizabeth said
The next day on Monday
(Elizabeth have a chat with Carlson. Jack went with her. And after Carlson asking questions about how Elizabeth is feeling, he got his stethoscope out and put it to the woman's belly. As he listened, his eyes widened, making the expectant parents a little nervous.)
Carlson, What's wrong? Is my baby ok? Elizabeth said (Carlson listened for a little longer than to the parents.)
Well, your babies are just fine! Carlson said
Twins?! Elizabeth said (laughing and crying at the same time.)
Yes. Two babies. 👶👶 Jack looks like you'll be building another crib. Carlson said (There was no response from that. Just a loud thunder and crash. Carlson,Faith and Elizabeth looked down to see the father-to-be out cold on the floor.)
Jack!? Elizabeth said shrieked
