Chapter 22:

Henry was coming back from his little walk after his dance with Abigail. He had had time to think quietly as he breathed in the fresh winter air that had just settled in Hope Valley. He had thought about what had happened with Abigail that evening. After all, he had mostly felt offended by the shame she seemed to have of being related to him in some way. Thus, the fact that she dragged him onto the dance floor in front of everyone was for him the greatest proof of love she could give him. Yes, she told him they would not be here if he had not done all these horrible things. But it was just the truth. He had done horrible things, there was no denying that. Just because they were a couple and loved each other did not mean they could not tell each other the truth.

When Henry found himself near the landing of the saloon, he saw Abigail there with Clara and Cody who seemed to be about to return to the cafe.

"Abigail!" Henry called out before she had time to take another step.

The town mayor turned around and gave him a shy smile. She said something to Clara and Cody who nodded slightly. Cody rushed into his mother's arms, kissed her cheek, and waved to Henry – who waved back – before following Clara back to the cafe.

Abigail then turned to Henry and slowly walked over to him without taking her eyes off him. When she was in front of him, Henry continued to stare at her almost stupidly. What should he tell her? He did not remember. He just saw how beautiful she was.

Silence settled for several seconds. Neither Abigail nor Henry wanted to say anything. Their heads were empty, and they did not want to think anymore. Why keep thinking? Why keep bothering?

Henry and Abigail approached each other and immediately hugged. They pulled away and kissed like they had never done before. They would talk later… Yes, later Henry thought.

As they continued to kiss sensually, Henry took a few steps back to determine if Abigail was ready to follow him. When he felt her pressing closer to him, he smiled. He moved away from her for a few moments and looked at her tenderly, putting a lock of hair behind her ear.

"I love you, Henry." Abigail suddenly said with tears in her eyes. "I'm so sorry, if you could know."

"I know it." Henry shook his head. "I also love you so much. I did not mean everything I told you. I assure you. My words have exceeded my thought. I saw the reactions we got from the locals. And I completely understand you now."

"That was not a reason…"

Henry gently kissed Abigail's forehead and hugged her.

"All of that is behind us now. I don't want us to be apart anymore." Henry whispered.

"The city had to find out anyway. And they will get used to it, I am sure." Cody's mother said firmly.

Henry nodded, unable to shake his fear off anyway. He would always be apprehensive that this woman would leave him. But he was so happy to be with her right now.

Abigail looked up at Henry before kissing him again. As the latter pulled back again to try to take her with him, Abigail gently pulled away, placing a hand on her chest. She smiled playfully at him.

"I must go back home. I must go back to my son. There will be other opportunities Henry."

Henry nodded excitedly. He knew that Abigail had commitments and a lot of responsibility for her son Cody and her daughter Becky, among other things. As Henry watched Abigail walk away to her cafe, he thought of Cody. He had to talk to him. He had to do things right. At the same time, he thought of his son Christopher. He had never told anyone about his son in this town. No one ever knew he was married. He no longer had contact with his son but being with Abigail made him want to reconnect with him. But it was only a fleeting thought, this idea would probably never germinate.

Note – nothing important, no need to read if you don't want to –:

Hi! I wanted to apologize for taking so long to post the sequel. I try to write it, but I don't have much inspiration. Every week I look forward to the new episode of WCTH season 9 and every time I am disappointed. I had so hoped for more Abigail mentions and more Henry-centric scenes. It demotivates me a lot to write. I still love the show and it's still my favorite, but I feel like I don't recognize it anymore. I can't get attached to the new characters and I miss the old ones...

Anyway, I promise you that I'm not giving up on this story and that you won't have to wait weeks for the sequel. Henry should tell Abigail about his son…it might not be easy.

Thank you for the last review I received, this is what motivated me to release a new chapter!