Chapter 1

The school room was an atmosphere of excitement and activity. It was the last day of the term before Christmas. The children bustled around the room while Elizabeth cleared her desk. It was scattered with handmade Christmas gifts the children had given her. She smiled at the sight of them as they revealed the care the children had for her.

Her heart was full, though it dearly ached for Jack. He was still up in the Northern Territories fighting the good fight and she missed him more than she could have imagined.
"Almost time to go children." She called out wearily.

"I'm going to miss you Miss Thatcher." Opal exclaimed with a small sigh as she wrapped her little arms around her teacher's legs.

Öh... Opal, I'll miss you too. School will start up again in two weeks and I will see you almost every day in town." Elizabeth reminded her. She then bent down and gave Opal a gentle hug in return.

She would miss all the children, they were a wonderful distraction from the long days and nights she'd had since Jack had left.
She had also realized the need to keep herself busy and occupied, especially now that school would be over for the year. Her and Rosemary had agreed together that they would take charge of the Christmas Committee this year. After last year's surprises, they thought it best to work together as a team.
With Christmas less than a week away she was finding it hard to get into the Christmas spirit. She was missing Jack and was finding it difficult to face the holiday period without him.

"It's time to go home everyone. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas..." She called out in a cheerier voice as she rang the cow bell.

Opal took off with the other children and Elizabeth heard the loud clutter of feet on the wooden floorboards as the children made their way outdoors.

"Miss Thatcher?" Cody called out.

Öh, Cody." She said surprised, thinking all the children had left.

"This is for you." He said handing her an envelope.

Öh thank you, I thought you'd already given me this beautiful pinecone as a gift." She said as she held up a large decorated pinecone that she'd intended to take home.

"This is from Mum, she gave it to me during recess this afternoon. She insisted I remember to give it to you at the end of the day."

A small smile appeared on Elizabeth's face as she noticed the pride in Cody's voice as he mentioned his Mother.

"Well please let her know I said thank you."

"I will." He called out as he rushed towards the door to catch up with his friends.
Elizabeth looked down at the envelope as a gust of cold December wind entered the room from the doors as Cody exited.

She wondered what Abigail could possibly want that couldn't wait. She had planned to head over to the café soon after school ended.

Elizabeth carefully opened the envelope and read the contents.

"Take a walk with me..."

She took in a small breath and thought how Jack surely couldn't be here in Hope Valley.
She stood in silence for a moment as she ran her finger over Jack's written letters on the paper. She was momentarily lost in her thoughts of Jack until another gust of cold wind woke her from her reverie.
She looked up and there standing in the double doors was Jack.

"Jack?" She asked almost disbelievingly.

Without hesitation, she rushed towards him.
The room seemed larger as it felt like it took forever to reach him.
As she ran into his arms she almost knocked the two of them over. He steadied himself and then her body against his. Their lips quickly met, tender at first but then more passionate with need.
His hands found her face and he gently caressed her skin and pushed back the tendrils of hair that hung down the sides of her face. She felt how gentle he was with her and she placed her hands behind his back and pulled him towards her as she felt the need to have him closer.

Ëlizabeth?" Jack replied in between their kisses and his need for air.

"Mmm hmm." Her words breathed into his mouth. It had been too long since she'd felt his warm lips on hers and now she didn't want to stop, even to speak.
Eventually they pulled away breathless.
Her red slightly swollen lips turned into a smile as she looked up at him and noticed he already had his eyes on her.

"You're really here?"

He nodded.

The surprise and emotional turmoil she was feeling of having him here now surfaced. Tears fell from her glistening eyes and made their way down her cheeks. Jack placed a hand on the small of her back and his other hand settled on her cheek as he wiped away a few tears with his thumb. He leant over to kiss her cheek, the taste of her salty tears and her soft skin on his lips felt like the best thing he had experienced in months. He breathed in her sweet scent, it felt so familiar even after all these months. She felt like home to him and his heart couldn't have been fuller. He looked down at his beautiful fiancé, their foreheads pressed against each other. She was now smiling again through the tears and he smiled in return.

"I missed you so." She said while trying to hold back small whimpers. "I missed you too Elizabeth."

They grinned at each other now, both giddy with the thought of being together again. She leant into him again and rest her head on his chest as he gently wrapped his arms around her. They stayed like that for a few moments until her cries settled and he felt her body calm and relax against him.

"So was there a reason for this walk?" She playfully asked as she looked up at him.

"Well I don't think I can out do our last walk" he said thinking back to his proposal "but I'd really love to take a walk with my fiancé."

She gave him a smile and he gave her a quick kiss. Her nose scrunched up and she gave him playful grin. He smiled back and took her hand and led her out the door of the Church.
Her heart was bursting now and she felt as giddy as a young school girl. Jack guided her down the steps of the Church and she slightly stumbled. Her hold on him became tighter and he caught her just in time.

"I don't mind you making a habit of that." He said grinning as her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

Although she felt slightly embarrassed, it wasn't the first time, and likely not the last this would happen. She was much more comfortable being in his arms now and he certainly seemed to enjoy it, therefore she didn't mind it so much herself.

"Are you alright?" Jack asked with concern in his voice. She nodded and they continued.

"Wait" she said with surprise in her voice and he looked at her questioningly. "When did you get here? Cody must have received that letter from Abigail two hours ago! Have you been holding out on me Jack Thornton?" She said somewhat exasperated as she realised she had a dozen unanswered questions from him.

"I'd never hold out on you Elizabeth Thatcher." He replied in all honesty. "I just needed to clean up and I had a little organising to do."

"I wished you'd come straight away Jack." She pleaded.

"And disrupt you and your class? I don't think I could have resisted kissing you the moment I first laid eyes on you. It would have been highly inappropriate in front of the children..." She smiled and nodded in agreement as he continued "I arrived in town almost three hours ago. I figured since it's the last day of the term I thought it best to let you direct your attention to your work. I know how important your students are to you."

"I still would have been more than happy if you came through those doors in the middle of class Jack."

"I know Elizabeth but I thought since I've... we have... waited this long that I could wait a few more hours, and now I can have you without any disruptions for the rest of the year." He said grinning down at her.

"For the rest of the year! Jack, you'll be here for Christmas and New Year?" Elizabeth exclaimed with great excitement in her voice and he nodded.

"So how long are you home for?" She pleaded with desire needing to know his answer. She desperately wanted to know how much time they had before he had to leave again.

"My posting here in Hope Valley is now indefinite..."

When hearing that she jumped into his arms and he swung her around.

"I'm glad to know your pleased." He responded.

"You have no idea how pleased Jack!"

"I think I have a little idea."

Yes, she nodded and agreed to herself, she really did know he had an idea. She felt quite comfortable in knowing how much he adored and loved her.

Their hands met again and they continued to walk around the lake.

Snow started to gently fall.

"I think this will have to be a short walk." He said and she looked somewhat disappointed upon hearing his words. He removed his serge and placed it gently over her shoulders.

"Jack you'll get cold." She said worrying.

"I'll be fine. I've been in much worse conditions the last few months, and now I have you to keep me warm." He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her closer. She slightly rested her head on his side and they continued their walk.

"What was it really like up there Jack?"

She saw pain in his eyes which made her worry.

"Not now Elizabeth." he said gently. "I want today just to be about us." She nodded knowingly and they continued the last length around the lake.

They slowed their pace, although it was cold they didn't want the walk to end. He looked down at her as the snowflakes settled amongst the curls of her long hair, on her nose and her cheeks. He ran a finger wiping away the ice from her cheeks and then gently down her nose. His eyes gazed over her facial features as he continued to remove the small snowflakes from her hair. She noticed his eyes gazing at her and she gave a small smile.

"I love you Elizabeth Thatcher." He whispered, so close to her ear that his warm breath on her made her body tingle.

"I love you too." She softly replied.

They shared another gentle kiss before finishing their walk around the lake.

"I guess I should walk you home."

"Home?" She asked worried.

A panic hit her as she realised the strong emotional pull he now had on her. The thought of Jack leaving her side even temporarily somewhat made her panic. The need to be near him now he had returned was so strong. It was understandable after the experience of the last few months but these feelings still scared her.
The months apart had really pulled at both of their hearts.

She was uncertain though whether he was just as torn at the idea of leaving her as she was him.

"I will come back for you soon. I have something special planned." He said coyly.

"Really?" She asked, her mood lifting as she was eager to find out what he'd planned.

Jack walked her to her door. He noticed the disappointment on her face as she stood stalling at the front door of her row house.

"Come with me." He said desperately.

"What?" She asked puzzled at his sudden change of mind.

"I don't want to leave you here as much as you don't want me to go." He stated honestly in a serious tone. "Come with me, I have a few things to take care of at the jail but I'd be more than happy if you wanted to come along."

She gave him a smile and eagerly took his arm before they both stepped down the steps of her house and headed into town.

As they entered the jail Rip got up and made his way over to Elizabeth's side.
She bent over and gave him a pat, all the while Jack's mouth was agape.

"So I see something happened here while I was gone." He said with a small laugh.

"I'm not sure what happened but it appears Rip really seemed to take a liking to me."

"It appears so."

"A few times I found him sitting at my front door waiting for me as I returned home from school." She exclaimed. "It was sweet having him here. It was like he understood we had something in common, that we could miss you together."

"It may be a little more than that. You are a pretty likeable Elizabeth." Jack replied as he gave her a gentle kiss on the cheek.

Jack then squatted down to Rips level. "So, did you miss me boy?"

Rip however seemed somewhat distracted by the female attention as Elizabeth continued to pat him over his ears and head. As soon as she stopped though he made his way over to Jack.

They fed Rip and then thinking it was time to go Elizabeth headed towards the door.
"Umm" Said Jack, and Elizabeth looked at him puzzled. "All I've worn for months is this uniform and I'm dying to get out of it."

Elizabeth blushed and Jack noticed her cheeks redden.

"I didn't mean..." he fumbled with his words. "Uh, you should wait outside."

Elizabeth nodded, still not wanting to leave though.

Pushing aside her shyness she boldly turned and headed towards Jack again. "Have I ever told you how handsome you look in your uniform."

"No Miss Thatcher you haven't. But handsome is definitely an improvement from "kinda cute" "He said with a small laugh.

She bit her bottom lip before replying "Definitely more than "kinda cute" Maybe once you've made me your wife I'll elaborate on the "handsome" as well" She grinned.

His heart burst with pride at the idea of her becoming his wife and he was also a little excited about the idea of her becoming more open and honest in how she would verbalise her desire for him.

"I could elaborate plenty more myself." Jack responded playfully.

"Really?"

"You have no idea." He grinned and she raised an eyebrow at him.

He saw her interest but he knew she was too much of a lady to query him further.

He took both her hands and pulled her towards him. She eagerly complied as the distance between them felt too much. Her lips met his in a mind-blowing kiss. His lips felt warm and soft yet manly and strong. The kiss was passionate and desperate as they realised the strong need they had for each other. Becoming engaged and being apart from each other for so long had certainly caused their relationship to move forward and intensify.

"Jack..." She murmed between kisses.

Jack pulled back and looked at her, thinking she was questioning him.

"Don't stop Jack..." She said quietly pleading with him.

She breathed in and he eagerly returned his lips to hers. He pulled her closer as he noticed her demand for him. It surprised him and drove him forward as he too desired more. His hands ran through her hair and his fingers tangled through the tresses all while their kisses became more desperate. He felt her hands slowly run up his chest and over his shoulders until her arms wrapped around his neck. His hands ran down the lengths of her hair, and continued down her back before sliding down her sides till they stopped on her hips.

Things felt so perfect and so right. He knew Elizabeth awakened things in him he had never felt with anyone before but they had gone through too much and he loved her too much to let anything happen that they would later regret. His greatest desire was to be her husband before he let their physical intimacy continue to develop any further.

"Elizabeth..." He breathed heavily. "I really want this, more than you know. But I really need to stop."

"I'm sorry Jack." She said pulling back.

"Oh Elizabeth. Please don't be sorry." He said sadly, disappointed in himself for making her think she had done something wrong.

Elizabeth seemed to calm at his words and she gave him a small smile before reading the worry on his face.

"Jack, it's not just you. You have no idea how much I want you." He looked at her not sure if he was hearing right so she continued. "I mean in every physical sense that a man and woman want to be together." She quietly said.

She was shy but felt now that they were engaged it was a little safer and more comfortable to admit to certain aspects of what marriage will bring.

He smiled relieved to hear her say that. He knew that she loved him but he was never entirely sure of what her physical desire was towards him.

"I think we need to get married Jack...and soon."

He grinned at her words before replying. "I think waiting four years and being months entirely apart is a long enough wait Elizabeth, but we have so much to plan."

"Jack, there's not so much to plan. All I want is you..."

"And all I want is you too sweetheart, but are you sure?" He asked with a little doubt and she quietly nodded.

He loved her eagerness but also worried. He thought of her upbringing and all that it had entailed. He's sure she once would have expected much more from a wedding than he could ever give her, but to now give her even less due to the need to rush made him feel unsure.

"I've never been so sure about anything in my life." She stated trying to console him.

"Elizabeth, you're my everything. I don't want you to have so little just because we're rushing."

She understood his thinking. It was much easier now to understand him, especially his worries.

"It's not a rush Jack, as you said we've waited over four years, and I'm not missing out on anything. The only way I feel I'm missing out is from not having you as my husband right now..." She trailed off the last words with a desperation for him.

The thought of him being her husband filled him with pride but he felt guilty for not making it happen sooner and he apologised.

"I'm so sorry it's taken this long Elizabeth."

"Don't be sorry Jack, our courtship hasn't been simple. Life got in the way... It's not your fault, please don't think that you're to blame because you're certainly not. There has been so many events that has caused us to put our lives together on hold."

"I promise you Elizabeth, I'm not going to let life continue to get in the way anymore... We will talk about this again soon alright?" He said lightly brushing the side of her cheek with his hand.

She gave him a smile and he smiled in return.

Rip gave a small whine and they were shaken out of their reverie.

"We have to be somewhere." Jack said remembering his plans.

"We do? Where?"

"You'll find out soon enough." He said as he took her hand, opened the door before pulling her out into the main street.

"Jack, I thought you were going to change!"

"Oh I am." He exclaimed. "I got a little distracted."

"Only a little?"

"Maybe more. You do easily distract me Elizabeth."

She grinned and pulled him in for a kiss while pushing him back into the doorway and into the jail.

"What are you doing?"

"Jack, you're not paying attention."

"I am paying attention." He said coyly while leaning in for another kiss, but she stopped him before their lips met.

"You're meant to be getting changed."

She saw his face wince at the rejection and she quickly pulled him back into her arms for another kiss. She felt a smile on his lips as they met hers.

"I like it when you pay attention to me." She whispered. "But I really want to know where you're taking me so please go get changed." She begged him.
He happily obeyed and retreated inside. Just as he went to close the door behind him Rip made his way out and made himself comfortable next to Elizabeth. Jack laughed and shut the door as Elizabeth was left to wait out on the porch with Rip to keep her company.

Jack soon exited the jail wearing a smart suit.

"Oh Jack..."

"Yes"

"You're all dressed up and I'm still in my school clothes." She said sounding disappointed.

"You look beautiful." He stated looking at her longingly.

"I have paste down my sleeves from the children's crafts and now dog hair all over my skirt."

She said while trying to brush Rips hair off her skirt.

"He certainly did make himself comfortable." Jack replied as he now noticed the dog hair on the soft blue material of her skirt.

"He is very loyal." She said in Rip's defence. "He does like to keep me company when you're away."

"I was just inside the jail..."

"It was still too far away for my liking."

Jack wrapped an arm around her and pulled her towards him before placing a gentle kiss on her temple.

"Is that better?"

"Much." She said with a smile as she wrapped her own arm around his back.

They stepped down the porch stairs and headed onto the main road.

Before they got far a familiar voice called out to them.

"Jack! Elizabeth!" They stopped in their tracks and turned to face Rosemary rushing towards them.

"Oh Jack, I'm so pleased you're back, and with Elizabeth." She said giving Elizabeth a smile. "You have no idea how you broke this poor girl's heart did you?" Rosemary continued now looking at Jack.

Jack winced at thought of hurting Elizabeth.

"Rosemary..."Elizabeth tried to interrupt but her words went unheard.

"You don't know how many nights I came to Elizabeth's aid after hearing her cries at night."

Rosemary was truthful and Elizabeth couldn't blame her, she had been a God send during Jacks absence. The two women had spent many a late night talking and praying for Jacks safe return. Rosemary herself had even prayed for peace for Elizabeth as she noticed her anguish and nights of restless sleep.

Lee now made his way over and noticed he was walking into a somewhat awkward conversation. It was nothing unusual to him now as he'd become accustom to having Rosemary around.

"Glad to see you are home Jack." He said as the two men shook hands.

Lee then took Rosemary's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.

"Yes Jack." Rosemary interrupted again. "I'm glad to see you home. We have missed you dearly not being around Hope Valley, things have not been the same here without you. Not just for Elizabeth, but for everyone."

Jack gave her a nod and a smile as he noticed how Lee's presence seemed to have softened her tone and mannerisms.

"I see congratulations are in order for the both of you." Jack said changing the subject to yet another obvious one.

Rosemary gasped and placed a hand on her stomach.

"Sweetheart don't be so surprised, you are in the later stages now." Lee said pulling his wife closer towards him.

Elizabeth looked at Jack and gave him a smile.

"A new baby will be arriving in Hope Valley in February." Lee said with pride in his voice.

Jack let go of Elizabeth to give Lee a congratulatory pat on the back before returning to his fiancées side. Elizabeth quickly wrapped her arm around Jack again which didn't go unnoticed by Rosemary.

"Well we better leave you inseparable young love birds to it." She said while giving Elizabeth a small smile and Elizabeth smiled back.

The two couples made their separate ways and Jack and Elizabeth once again continued down the main road.

"Mountie Jack, Mountie Jack!" Called a small voice from behind them.

It was Opal, her little legs running as fast as they could towards Jack and Elizabeth.

I'm so glad you are back home Mountie Jack." She said as Jack scooped her up in one arm while holding Elizabeth's hand with the other.

Elizabeth grinned, she loved seeing the way in which Jack was so caring with her students.

"Miss Thatcher has been so worried about you. But I knew God was looking out for you." She grinned. "I prayed you would be home for Christmas, and you're home already!" She exclaimed with glee.

Elizabeth's heart melted realising the depth of care Opal had for her and Jack.

"From what I've heard you've been taking good care of her." Jack said as he remembered reading in Elizabeth's letters about Opal's sleepover.

"Brownie has been taking good care of her too!" She piped up while holding up Brownie in her arms for Jack to see. "He even had a sleepover with her."

She gave Jack a tight squeeze with her little arms before grinning and wiggling her way back down to the ground.

"Well I'm so pleased to hear that Opal. You'll be happy to know that Miss Thatcher has me back in Hope Valley for good now."

Opal grinned a big smile up at the Mountie and her teacher. She gripped Elizabeth's skirt before giving her a hug around the legs.

"I'm so happy you're happy Miss Thatcher." She said before skipping off down the road, leaving a trail of dust behind her.

Elizabeth and Jack both smiled from the sweet exchange with Opal.

"So Brownie took care of you while I was gone?" Jack asked holding back a laugh.

"For just one night, it was very sweet of Opal to give him up for me."

"One night is more than I've had." Jack joked.

"That's not entirely true..." She said as he looked puzzled. Her face took on a look of disappointed as she realised he didn't remember.

"My last night here. The night we got engaged..." He said remembering and Elizabeth nodded. "It was a beautiful night Elizabeth but not entirely what I imagined it would be."

"Jack, it was perfect. I couldn't have dreamt of it being more enchanting than you made it."

She said while feeling her own heart skip a beat as the memories of the night came rushing back to her.

"Yes but that night also caused you much sadness Elizabeth." Jack stated solemnly.
"That part doesn't matter now you're here. I only remember the best parts." She said while gazing down at her engagement ring.

He took her hand in his and placed a gentle kiss on her hand where her ring sat. He looked back up in her eyes and gave her a gentle smile.

"Wait Jack, you imagined it?" She asked now surprised and he looked at her quizzically. "You imagined our engagement?"

He smiled and nodded his head. I imagined it so many times for the past three years, you have no idea!"

"Three years Jack?" She asked surprised.

Ït was a long time coming. I had this ring with me over two years ago so I had a long time to plan."

"Then what stopped you from giving it to me all this time?" She asked with a puzzled look.

"Firstly it was Charles' proposal."

Öh Jack..."She said her voice full of hurt.

"Ï knew after being down in the mines with you that you were the only one I could ever imagine being my wife, I think I even knew before then. I had the ring on me the day I was meant to pick you up after school..."His voice trailed off and his voice choked at the memory.

"You were going to propose to me that afternoon?" She asked her own voice now shaky.
Jack nodded.

Tears fell down her cheeks as she saw the hurt in his face and realised how much pain this must have caused him.

"Jack..." She pleaded.

He took her hand and pulled her over to a quiet corner of a building in the busy street. He leant her back against the building wall and stood in front of her, shielding her from a passer-by.

She realised even during his own pain he always protected her and put her needs first.

Her tears continued to fall and she reached up to place a hand on his pained face.

He leant into her hand and he relaxed a little.

"You know if you'd asked me that day. I would have said yes." She told him with a gentle voice.

He gave her a small smile.

"But that doesn't matter now Jack. What matters is now." She said continuing as she realised her words were consoling him. She leaned in and gave him a gentle kiss, partly due to desire and partly to try ease his pain. It seemed to work and he relaxed a little more.

"We should really move on Elizabeth or we will never get to... your surprise."

She smiled realising he almost 'let the cat out of the bag.'

He went to leave but she gently pulled on his coat until he was close again. "Wait Jack."
He gave her a curious look before she continued. "I love you Jack Thornton." She said as she gave him a sweet gentle smile.

"Ï know you do Elizabeth, and I will never tire of hearing it." He gave her a gentle kiss before continuing. "I love you too."

They took each other's hands and slowly made their way back out into the noisy street.

"Mountie Jack!" Called out a voice.

"Just when I think I might get you all to myself." Elizabeth whispered to Jack and he gave her a grin.

They both look over to see Cody heading their way.

"Mountie Jack it's so good to see you." Cody exclaimed as he gave him a salute.

Jack smartly saluted him in return before they both returned to a more relaxed stature.

'It's good to see you too. I hope you have been looking after your Mum and Becky."

"I sure have Constable." Cody said with a proud grin. "And Rip too."

"Well he certainly seems like he's been well taken care of while I was gone."
Cody nodded.

"Cody we'll catch up soon ok. Miss Thatcher and I have something important to do right now."

"Öh I know. Mum told me..." Cody trailed off remembering the happenings were to be a surprise.

He looked at Jack now, his voice taking on a serious tone. "Just make sure you keep that kissing to yourself." Cody boldly reminded them with no shame in his voice. "You know I've caught you more than once now. Miss Thatcher is a real lady, I know because she's my teacher and Mum's best friend. You had better not be kissing her when other people are around now you hear. Or at the very least not until you're married."

Elizabeth cheeks turned red as Jack held back a laugh.

"I'll make sure it does not happen again." Jack said with a serious tone. More for Cody's sake than his own.
Cody nodded in agreement and made his way off down the street.

"Oh dear!" Elizabeth said once Cody was out of ear shot.

Jack could only grin. Elizabeth gently slapped him on the arm in slight frustration.

"He's my student Jack!" She stated somewhat mortified.

"He didn't seem too phased about the issue. I was quite proud of the boy, it appeared his intentions were only to protect your virtue."

She smiled at that thought, and pondered on Jacks comprehension of the situation.

"You know Jack Thornton you may come more in handy than I initially thought." She said with a little surprise in her voice as his eyebrows raised. "There may just be some ideas about the young boys in my class you may be able to give me insight in to from time to time."

"Maybe, and maybe Men too." Jack suggested.

"Men? There is only one man I'm really interested in."

Ï am glad to hear that." Jack replied with a grin.

"He's a very intriguing gentleman and I can't wait to find out more about him once he becomes my husband." She said teasing Jack a little and he continued to grin.

"I can't wait till you're my wife Elizabeth." He said, his voice now sounding rugged and breathy to her. "We'll talk about this later tonight ok sweetheart? When we're somewhere more private."

She smiled and nodded as Jack's words played through her mind and then broke his gaze as she realised she'd forgotten they were in the middle of the main road.

"Elizabeth..." He said as he waited for her eyes to meet his again. "We really have somewhere we need to be."

She nodded and they made their way down the street once more.

The sun was starting to set and the weather chilled. She leaned into him as they finally made some distance down the street.

He stopped in front of Abigail's Café.
"Here?"

Jack nodded.

"Ï thought it might be nice to reminisce and remind you of our first formal and official act of courtship."

She smiled at him as he opened the front door of the café to allow her to enter. She stepped through the doorway and he followed her closely before closing the door behind them.