"You should all be very proud of these tests. You worked very hard and it showed." Elizabeth said as she handed out the spelling tests at the end of the day.

"Are we starting the new science unit tomorrow?" Rachel asked.

"We are, as a reward for these wonderful tests we are going to be spending part of our day outside, we are going to start the study of insects." Elizabeth said as everyone cheered.

"Alright, but that's it for today, class is dismissed." She smiled as the children started to get up picking up their things.

"Don't forget your lunch pails!" Elizabeth called. As everyone was running for the door. As the last child went out Jack walked in.

"Hi Jack" Kate smiled at him

"Good afternoon constable" Elizabeth said as he took off his hat walking up to her.

"Actually I'm here on unofficial business" Jack said.

"Oh I see" Elizabeth smiled

"I came to ask for your hand" Jack said seriously. Kate froze in her spot and Elizabeth's eyes grew wide.

"What?" She whispered.

"Your hand, may I have it?" Jack asked. Elizabeth quickly composed herself as Kate shook her head gathering her books trying not to pay attention. She reached out her hand gently as Jack took it in his larger one.

"Miss Elizabeth Thatcher I was wondering if you would be so kind as to join me for supper Saturday night" Jack said.

"Why are you being so formal?" Elizabeth chuckled.

"Well If you remember my last attempt at inviting you to supper did not go well. This time I want to be very clear that my invitation does not require you to cook" Jack said

"I appreciate your lovely invitation and, I accept" Elizabeth said somehow unable to tear her eyes away from Jack's which were looking at her with a lovely twinkle.

"Ok" Jack smiled and they both laughed a little nervously.

"Is that all?" Elizabeth asked.

"Uhh yeah" Jack grinned.

"Then may I have my hand back?" Elizabeth asked smiling as Jack dropped her hand with a laugh forgetting he was holding it.

"I will assume this dinner does not involve a possible courtship, you have made it very clear that mountie don't have wives. If they wanted you to have a wife they would have issued you one." Elizabeth said her face becoming serious.

"Did I say that?" Jack asked.

"Mmhhmm, several times" Elizabeth raised her eyebrow at him.

"That does sound like something I would say" Jack nodded.

"So I will see you Saturday night for supper." Elizabeth said holding out her hand for a hand shake. Jack took it beginning to shake it.

"Yes, see you Saturday night, and Elizabeth, please do consider this an act of courtship" Jack said gently pulling her hand up to his lips and pressing a light kiss on the back of it. He put it down giving her his classic sideways grin before walking to the door. She turned watching him leave finding herself breathless.

"Elizabeth!" Kate cried when the door closed behind Jack. Elizabeth almost jumped out of her skin, she forgot Kate was still there.

"Kathryn it is wrong to eavesdrop" She said firmly trying to hide her smile.

"Oh come on! How was I supposed to know he was going to ask you on a date!" Kate cried following Elizabeth as she walked to her desk trying to compose herself.

"I suppose it is a date isn't it?" Elizabeth asked her voice nervous as she rung her hands.

"Elizabeth, he really likes you." Kate said gently.

"Get your things" Elizabeth smiled blushing a little as they gathered their books.

"I think you should wear your white dress the one with the pink lace Grandmother got you in England." Kate said following Elizabeth out.

"Oh are you going to talk about this all week?" Elizabeth pretended to be annoyed

"But of course" Kate giggle as they closed the salon doors. They both looked up to see Jack talking to another Mountie who had just gotten off the stage. They looked down the road and a flash or red hair in the afternoon sun caught Elizabeth's eye. There atop a horse rode her favorite cousin in all her gorgeous gown and feathered hat glory.

"Ahhhh Julie!" Elizabeth yelled.

"Julie!" Kate cried both girls yelling and laughing as they raced past Jack.

"What are you doing here?" Elizabeth cried so happy to see her.

"Well You didn't think I would let my two favorite cousins have all the fun in the wild west did you?" Julie asked slipping from the house as Elizabeth pulled her into a hug.

"Did you come by yourself?" Kate asked.

"Of course not, Father got me my own personal mountie." Julie smiled nodding over Elizabeth's shoulder where Jack and the other Mountie were watching them.

"But I am much more interested in meeting your man in red serge" Julie said looking Jack over from their distance.

"Oh you should be!" Kate grinned giving her older cousin a hug. Julie was only three years younger then Elizabeth but she sometimes acted more closer in age to Kate. Elizabeth assumed it was because Julie never had the responsibility she did growing up, she was free to live her life of high society with nothing to do but her hair and make up every morning. After Elizabeth's father had died, Julie's father, the younger of the two brothers had taken over all her fathers accounts in the family business. Julie had grown up summering in the cottage and spending holidays with them. They were very close and Elizabeth and Kate wrote to her almost every week.

"Come on" Elizabeth smiled grabbing Julie's hand as Kate grabbed the reigns of the house and they started walking towards Jack.

"Oh look out for the.. Elizabeth started but it was to late as Julie stepped in horse poop right in the middle of the road covering her clean white boot.

"That didn't happen" Julie whispered.

"Welcome to the wild west" Kate smiled as they walked up to Jack. Julie dropped Elizabeth's hand walking up to him ever the most bold of the three of them.

"Hi, I'm Julie Thatcher, Elizabeth and Kate's cousin." She said offering Jack her hand.

"Pleasure to meet you." Jack smiled giving her a nod before making eye contact with Elizabeth over her shoulder. Elizabeth smiled watching him.


"Here we are, it's not much I am afraid" Abigail sighed dragging the extra mattress into the room and placing it on the floor.

"Oh it's fine Mrs Stanton" Julie said as Kate came in with blankets and pillows.

"Please, call me Abigail, how long did you say you were staying?" Abigail asked looking at Julie's big trunk full of more clothes then she had ever owned.

"Oh don't be alarmed, for Julie this is hardly a weeks worth of clothes" Elizabeth said with a sigh admiring a dress she picked up to hang.

"Oh look at the lace!" Kate sighed as Elizabeth held it up to show her.

"Well you never know what occasion an outfit may call for" Julie shrugged. Kate looked down at her own plain dress biting her lip.

"I do apologize for no warning of my visit, I wanted to surprise my favorite cousins" Julie said.

"Something she has been doing since the day she was born." Elizabeth smiled.

"Well It's no trouble at all, we love to have you" Abigail said with a smile

"I love your home. It's so, rustic." Julie said looking around. Kate felt her mouth drop as Elizabeth turned wide eyed.

"I think what Julie meant to say was…"

"It's ok Elizabeth, rustic works perfect fine for me" The always graceful Abigail said with a smile as she left the room.

"So when are you going to tell me what's really going on?" Julie asked turning to Elizabeth as Kate opened yet another trunk gasping at the shoes.

"Pardon me?" Elizabeth asked.

"Between you and that lovely mountie?"

"You must mean Jack and we are just friends."

"Stop! I saw how you were looking at him. Does he feel the same about you?" Julie asked.

"Who says how I am feeling?" Elizabeth asked making eye contact with Kate silently telling her to keep quiet.

"Please! It's as if there is gravity between you, like the earth pulling on the moon" Julie said sinking onto the bed dramaticaly.

"Oh there's something alright" Kate agreed taking her dirty look from Elizabeth with a giggle.

"Your being dramatic there is no gravity" Elizabeth shook her head.

"Fine, but since when do we keep secrets from each other?" Julie asked pouting her lower lip. Elizabeth turned back to her with a guilty sigh.

"If you must know he asked me to dinner this Saturday night and I accepted. It's his first clear expression if interest." Elizabeth said.

"Oh I knew it!" Julie cried throwing her arms up. Kate laughed again shaking her head.

"this is like something right out of a romance novel, a beautiful, venerable young teacher comes to a coal town and something is awaked in her by a handsome man of the law in a red serge jacket" Julie said wiggling her eyebrows.

"Julie!" Elizabeth cried covering Kate's ears.

"Must you be so inappropriate?" Elizabeth asked.

"So where is he taking you? On a horse drawn carriage ride? It should be white like Cinderella" Julie said waving Elizabeth off.

"This is not a fairy tale, I am not a princess" Elizabeth shook her head opening a box and pulling out a diamond necklace Julie had brought.

"Your pretty enough to be a princess" Kate said holding the necklace up against Elizabeth hoping Julie wasn't making her feel to bad.

"Then to a fancy French restaurant?" Julie asked.

"We don't have those" Kate shook her head.

"He's probably just taking me to the saloon" Elizabeth said easily.

"You mean that dusty old hole you teach in?" Julie asked horrified.

"It's the thought that counts!" Elizabeth said firmly.

"And more important there will be no meddling in my love life understood?" Elizabeth said.

"Me meddle? I never meddle!" Julie cried innocently as Elizabeth crossed her arms giving her a look.

"I don't meddle, I invest emotionally into your well being." Julie said getting to her feet.

"When my favorite older cousin tells me she's in love.." Julie went on.

"Love! I said nothing about love! When I said love life I meant friendly conversation between a man and women." Elizabeth said quickly. Kate bit back her smile, Elizabeth clearly did have feelings for Jack and letting Julie work her up like this was not helping her case.

"Well, whatever you say" Julie gave Elizabeth a little smile before raising her eyebrows and turning to hang another dress.


Julie joined them in class the next morning feathered hat perched on her head as she sat next to Kate.

"Oh Katie your beautiful hair, why must you tie it back so?" Julie sighed running her fingers over Kate's long braid as Elizabeth was teaching.

"I wear it down sometimes, it gets in my way" Kate whispered.

"Oh your hair is up, Elizabeth's is down, I mean goodness look at your clothes" Julie said glancing at Elizabeth in her plain pink shirt and white skirt.

"Its what we wear here. All our other dresses got dirty so quickly, they don't wash well and all the skirts and layers made it to hard to do anything." Kate said fingering the hem of her dress sown by Abigail, at least Elizabeth's clothing was still all store bought.

"But you have such pretty dresses packed away in trunks."

"They are for Sundays" Kate shrugged.

"Well at least tell me Elizabeth will be wearing one on her date with Jack" Julie said.

"Whatever Elizabeth chooses to wear she will be the most beautiful and Jack will love it." Kate said feeling the need to defend her sister.

"I can't imagine her courting in a dress like this" Julie shook her head.

"Jack is different from the men in Hamilton Julie. He cares about more then just the way Elizabeth looks." Kate whispered as Elizabeth turned giving them both a look.

"Problem ladies?" Elizabeth asked.

"No, sorry" Kate shook her head.

"As I was saying, our study of insects starts next week, we are going to be going outside and turning over rocks and looking under leaves and in the grass to see what we can find" Elizabeth said walking up and down the room speaking.

"Miss Thatcher will we be able to catch them?" Rosalie asked.

"Well that's part of what we will be studying, when we find something we can look up if it is safe to touch or not, see what we can find out. We want to make sure we put everything back where we found it because insects are very important to our.. what's the word of the day?"

"Ecosystem" many children cried.

"That's right" Elizabeth smiled.

"What your dear Miss Thatcher means when she says we, is you children of course. I will have you know your dear teacher is deathly afraid of bugs" Julie spoke up making everyone laugh

"Actually we will all be looking together, even me." Elizabeth said shooting Julie a look.

"Well I look forward to seeing that, she's mortified I tell you" Julie said making the children laugh again as Elizabeth forced a smile onto her face.


Elizabeth descended the stairs Saturday night wearing her all white gown. She had left her hair long down her back but tucked the side of it behind her ear with a white flower clip. She wore her best shoes and was sure she wouldn't be able to eat a thing all night with the butterflies in her stomach.

"Oh, you look beautiful" Julie breathed rushing to her side.

"What smells so good?" Elizabeth asked taking a deep breath of something heavenly cooking.

"Oh Abigail is just trying out something new" Julie shrugged.

"Where's Kate?" Elizabeth looked around surprised her sister wasn't here waiting for her.

"Oh she just went to pick up something for Abigail at the shop, don't worry I'll watch her tonight" Julie said as there was a knock on the door.

"That must be him." Elizabeth whispered.

"I'll get it" Julie grinned.

"Why am I so nervous?" Elizabeth said putting her hand on her stomach.

"Your supposed to be."

"But you never get like this"

"I have had more suiters then you." Julie said with a smile before opening the door. Jack stepped in and Elizabeth lost her breath, he was wearing a suite and tie looking so handsome as he gave her a smile.

"Jack Thornton you look…" Elizabeth whispered losing her words.

"So do you" Jack smiled stepping closer to her.

"I brought this for you" He held up a little flower pin.

"It's beautiful" Elizabeth whispered.

"May I?"

"Of course" She nodded and he reached up gently pushing her hair behind her shoulder as he pinned it gently to her dress and Elizabeth had to force herself to remember to breath as his fingers skimmed her neck.

"Ready?" Jack offered her his arm and she took it with a smile to Julie as they walked out the back door onto the porch. They walked the distance of the porch and Elizabeth stepped down the first step when Jack took her hand stopping her.

"Not that way." He said gently.

"Why?" Elizabeth asked as he gently pulled her back up the step opening the building's front door into the cafe. The tables were pushed to the side just one sat in the middle with two chairs. The room was lit with candle light making it glow. Abigail, Kate, Julie and Laura stood by the curtain to the kitchen grinning.

"I thought you were taking me to the saloon." Elizabeth whispered.

"I thought this was a little more appropriate" Jack smiled.

"Welcome to Abigail's Cafe" Laura smiled reaching to take Jack's coat and Elizabeth's shawl.

"This way please" Kate smiled leading them over to the table in the middle. Elizabeth glanced at Abigail who gave her a smile and a wink.

Jack pulled out Elizabeth's chair allowing her to sit before sitting across from her. Abigail ushered Julie back into the kitchen with her as Kate and Laura set out a plate of food in front of both of them.

"How long have you been planning this?" Elizabeth asked.

"That's a secret" Jack said with a twinkle in his eye meeting Kate's smiled as Elizabeth laughed. Kate and Laura hurried back into the kitchen after serving them and Elizabeth didn't think she had ever been alone with Jack for so long. To her delight her nerves soon left her and the conversation flowed easily and light. When they were done eating Kate and Laura hurried back out clearing their plates while Julie hurried to turn on the victrola and music filled the room. Jack nodded his thanks and stood up offering Elizabeth his hand. She took it and stood up glancing back as Julie hurried the girls back into the kitchen closing the curtain behind them.

Elizabeth easily fell into Jack's arms as his hand when to her back the other holding her arm out as they began to sway.

"I have to admit I never pegged you for such a romantic" Elizabeth said softly.

"Well I had some help" Jack said.

"So do you normally wooh your other women like this?" Elizabeth asked gently.

"Sadly I have not had much time to wooh many women." Jack said.

"You much think me naive" Elizabeth laughed a little.

"No it's true, sadly the life of a mountie does not leave much time for courting women, I feel somewhat lacking in the area if I am being honest" Jack said softly still swaying her to the music.

"I see" Elizabeth couldn't hide the smile on her face.

"I feel my efforts tonight pale in comparison to the legions of suiters you much have back home." Jack said. Elizabeth giggled.

"Legions, far from it perhaps" She repeated .

"Then I feel really lucky." Jack said and she realized she was getting closer and closer to him with each step. Oh curse Julie and her gravity talk!

"Elizabeth I…I feel.." Jack started his face just inches from her's.

"You dance beautifully." Elizabeth said quickly nervousness taking over her again.

"Thank you" Jack whispered, they had stopped dancing now but still holding each other.

"I am glad you asked me out to dinner." Elizabeth said softly.

"Me too" Jack smiled and they started dancing again.


Elizabeth climbed the stairs that night with a smile on her face entering her room. Julie was reading on her mattress on the floor and Kate lay in their bed in her classic pretending to sleep position.

"I know your not asleep" Elizabeth chucked as Kate's eyes popped open and she sat up as Elizabeth sank on the bed next to her and Julie jumped up to sit with them.

"You have to tell us everything." Julie said as Kate nodded.

"It was the most enchanting evening of my life." Elizabeth breathed. Julie clapped her hands and Kate let out a little squeal.

"It was beyond anything I could ever dear to dream, it was like, something out of a…" Elizabeth trailed off.

"Romance novel" Kate offered gently.

"Yes, but I have never read anything quite so romantic" Elizabeth said shaking her head as if she was still in disbelief. Kate grinned as Julie grabbed her hand.

"So what will the next chapter bring?" Julie asked Elizabeth had a far off look in her eye.

"I don't know, but it sure feels like something changed tonight, like we are swimming in much different waters." Elizabeth sighed.

"Skinny dipping if that" Julie said.

"Julie!" Elizabeth cried but this time she was giggling with Kate and Julie not reprimanding them.

"Speaking metaphorically of course" Julie said.

"So when are you going to see him again?" Kate asked.

"He want to take me on a ride to his favorite spot, he says he has something to discuss with me." Elizabeth smiled.

"An engagement!?" Julie cried.

"What!" Kate asked her eyes wide.

"No! It's much to early for that" Elizabeth said.

"Isn't it?" She whispered turning back to Julie.

"Love at first sight often leads to short courtships." Julie said. Elizabeth covered her mouth as she giggled and Julie squealed again.

"this is so exciting!" Julie cried.

"Tell it again" Kate asked.

"No it's way past bedtime" Elizabeth cried

"Oh please" Julie begged.

"Alright alright!" Elizabeth laughed as they gathered around her and she started the night from the beginning.


"Good Morning Jack" Abigail smiled at him as he came into the busy cafe the next morning.

"Morning Abigail, I just wanted to come by and thank you for the wonderful dinner last night" Jack said following her into the kitchen as she put some dishes down.

"Oh it was my pleasure, I trust you have a lovely evening?"

"Very much so." Jack nodded.

"Ohh good, the girls are all still sleeping, they were giggling late into the night." Abigail smiled turning to the stove.

"Can I trust you to be discrete?" Jack asked. Abigail looked up from her cooking meeting his eyes.

"Of course, what is it?" She asked wiping her hands on her apron.

"I haven't told Elizabeth this yet, but I received some news. The Mountie who came in with Julie, he brought my orders from headquarters. I received a new post, a post I always dreamed of." Jack said.

"Your leaving Coal Valley?" Abigail asked her eyes widening in shock.

"I have orders I need to listen to, I wouldn't be gone permanently but.." Jack trailed off.

"But you can't be sure things will be the same when you return" Abigail finished. They were both thinking of Elizabeth as Jack nodded.

"Jack you have to tell her" Abigail said firmly.

"I know" Jack nodded, Abigail could see how much he was dreading this in his eyes. After the night he and Elizabeth had just had Abigail knew this would be awful, for both of them.


"Oh goodness me feet are freezing, can we go back to the classroom?" Julie asked following Elizabeth through the woods Monday morning as they children ran around them.

"You were the one who wanted to come" Elizabeth chuckled.

"You could have picked a more suitable lesson."

"And you could have picked a more suitable pair of shoes" Elizabeth said

"Oh goodness Kate is holding a bug! Oh Elizabeth if Grandmother could see her she would fall down dead!" Julie cried as Kate proudly held up a lady bug to show Laura and Anna.

"It's part of the lesson Julie" Elizabeth said also a little proud of her sister as Jack and Patrick, the mountie escorting Julie road up.

"Oh Constable Thornton what a coincidence." Julie beamed.

"Hello" Elizabeth smiled.

"Oh Constable would you mind terribly escorting me back to town? It seems I do not have the appropriate foot wear and I am annoying my dear cousin here" Julie said turning to Patrick.

"Of course Miss" Patrick nodded as he and Julie walked back and Jack dismounted Sergeant walking up to Elizabeth

"Julie's right I'm not here by coincidence, there is something I still need to talk to you about." Jack said before Elizabeth could answer Gabe called her and came running over.

"Look at this slimy bug I found under the rock! What is it?" Gabe asked holding his hand out.

"Oh Gabe! Just give me a moment please!" Elizabeth cried stepping away from his clasping her hands to her chest away from the ugly gray bug on Gabe's hand

"Ok" Gabe nodded running back to the other kids.

"What was it you wanted to talk about" Elizabeth smiled turning back to Jack.

"I will let you get back to your slimy bug, there will be plenty of time for us to talk on our picnic, how about tomorrow? After school?" Jack asked.

"I'll pack the food" Elizabeth smiled.

"Wonderful" Jack nodded as Elizabeth turned away.

"Ohh Gabe!" She shrieked as Gabe held the bug inched from her face.

"What is it Miss Thatcher?" Gabe asked

"Oh, oh dear, just fetch the book" Elizabeth pointed to the baskets of books she had brought as Gabe went running off.


"I'm surprised Julie didn't show up for school today" Elizabeth said as Kate washed the black board.

"She has hardly been around since yesterday morning" Kate agreed.

"Maybe the bugs scared her off" Elizabeth smiled.

"Arn't you having a picnic with Jack?" Kate asked.

"I am, that must be him" Elizabeth smiled as there was a knock on the saloon door and Jack came in.

"Hello" Elizabeth smiled at him.

"Good Afternoon, hi Kate" Jack smiled at her.

"Hi Jack" Kate smiled at him as Elizabeth picked up the basket of food Abigail had made.

"You ready?" Jack asked.

"Yes, Kate after that go right home alright" Elizabeth asked.

"Alright, have fun" Kate nodded.

"By little shadow" Jack smiled as he lead Elizabeth out.


"I can see why you wanted to bring a camera. It's beautiful up here" Elizabeth sighed looking out over the view of the the spot Jack had brought her too.

"Yes it is." Jack said from behind her making her turn when he sounded like he was implying more then just the view.

"The issue one of these for investigative purposes, I didn't have much chance to use it here, until now" Jack said pressing the button and taking a picture of Elizabeth making her laugh.

"That's not fair, why don't we take one of the both of us" Elizabeth offered.

"Ok, come here" Jack said standing in front of the camera and holding his arm out. She stepped into it and he easily put it around her.

"Smile" Jack said.

"I haven't stopped since our supper." Elizabeth whispered as their eyes met for a second.

"Ok, one two three" Jack counted and clicked the shutter taking a picture of them both. Jack sighed walking up and putting the large camera away before turning back to Elizabeth who was still smiling watching him, his stomach was full of dread.

"Elizabeth I need to talk to you about something, as you may recall when I first got to Coal Valley I was…unhappy with my posting" Jack said.

"You were furious" Elizabeth laughed remembering that time not all that long ago.

"I put in a transfer request to Cape Fullerton" Jack went on.

"You wanted to be where the action was, and you were right to be upset, it was your dream." Elizabeth agreed.

"I couldn't see my purpose here" Jack said.

"Are you saying that has changed? Have you found a new purpose?" Elizabeth asked softly.

"It appears my request has been granted" Jack said gently.

"You have new orders?" Elizabeth asked her face dropping and it physically hurt Jack to see how much he had upset her.

"I'm so sorry" Jack said.

"I… I should go, Kate is waiting for me, I promised to be home for supper" Elizabeth said the moment between them suddenly gone as she gathered the picnic basked.

"Elizabeth wait." Jack said.

"No, it's ok Jack, this is your dream" Elizabeth said before turning and walking back to town.


Julie was no where to be found again that evening but it was for the best. Elizabeth sat Kate down after supper and told her Jack's news.

"He's leaving?" Kate whispered.

"Yes, he has to. He's a mountie and he has orders." Elizabeth nodded.

"But can't you beg him not to go? Can't he ask to change his mind?" Kate asked.

"It doesn't work that way sweetie" Elizabeth said. She wanted to be just as angry and upset as Kate but she felt she had no right.

"It's not fair, after the dinner you…" she trailed off.

"I know" Elizabeth nodded biting her lip. Kate stood up wrapping her arms around her older sister tightly knowing how bothered Elizabeth was.

"I'm sorry" Kate whispered.

"Thank you, I am sorry to. I know you and Jack are close" Elizabeth sighed.

"Are you sad?" Kate asked.

"I am a little disappointed" Elizabeth tried to put on a brave face.

"Me too" Kate nodded.

"But we wish Jack well, and we pray he is safe and you can write him letters, I am sure he would love that. And why knows, maybe he will be back one day" Elizabeth forced a smile, Abigail watched them from where she was cooking by the stove.

"What about you?" Kate asked.

"What about me? Nothing has chanced right? We had a lovely evening but… it was one night Kate. I am still me, you are still you and that's all that matters to me." Elizabeth said.

"Ok" Kate nodded.

"Why don't you go up to bed, I will be up shortly, Julie should be home soon"

"Ok, Good night" Kate whispered giving Elizabeth a hug.

"Good night" Kate went over to Abigail.

"You'll talk to her?" Kate whispered. Abigail smiled, Elizabeth may still treat Kate as a child but she was wise beyond her years.

"I will sweetie, good night" Abigail gave her a hug before Kate climbed the stairs.

"So how do you really feel?" Abigail asked joining Elizabeth at the table with a cup of tea for both of them.

"It's my fault, he told me from the beginning, I always knew he was leaving, it was just a matter of when he would be transferred." Elizabeth sighed.

"I have to believe he was not expecting this transfer to come. He would never ask you out or pursue you if…"

"I was a diversion, something to keep him busy until he left. I am just sorry I let myself, and Kate get attached" Elizabeth shrugged cutting Abigail off.

"Your correct in thinking he had no plans to stay, or to fall in love. But I believe he did" Abigail said firmly as Elizabeth looked up at her with tears in her eyes.

"If he leaves he could be hurt, or killed, or meet someone else. I might never see him again." Elizabeth whispered worry filling her face.

"If you to are meant to be together, then nothing will stand in your way" Abigail said taking Elizabeth's hand in her's and giving it a squeeze.


"Good Afternoon Kate" Jack called as Kate walked by him sitting on the steps of his office the next afternoon after school. Kate stomped by him not glancing in his direction.

"Hey Kate" Jack called as she frowned clearly hearing him and he jumped from the porch falling into step beside her.

"You mad at me?" Jack asked.

"Of course I am mad at you! Your leaving, how could you do that to her!" Kate yelled taking Jack back a bit.

"Look I didn't know…"

"You took her breath away the other night Jack. She didn't have suiters in Hamilton, she was always so focused on school and me. She didn't trust anyone, she's been so hurt her whole life she never let herself got attached to anyone except me after mother and father died. She's always afraid of losing someone. And then we came here and you were kind and gentle and you made her laugh, and you made her get attached." Kate said. She couldn't believe the tone in her own voice, she had never spoken to an adult in such a way in her whole life.

"You have to believe I don't want to leave her like this" Jack said.

"I do, I do believe you, because I know how much work you put into making everything perfect for her Saturday night. And it was Jack, it was so perfect and she was so happy. You were so happy, that's why I don't understand why you are leaving." Kate said watching Jack closely.

"When did you get to be so grown up?" Jack asked her tugging on her braid.

"I'm almost twelve now, I know about love"

"Oh you do? What do you know about it?" Jack asked.

"I know that you only cry in a saloon school house when you have had your heart broken" Kate said turning and walking away from him. Jack repeated what she had said again and suddenly took of running for the saloon bursting through there door as Elizabeth started up from her chair where her head had been buried in her hands tears still wet on her cheeks.

"Jack" She whispered as he strode over to her

"I'm not going to do it, I am not leaving Coal Valley" Jack said firmly standing in front of her.

"But, but Patrick is already here. Their not going to station two mounties in this tiny town."

"I don't know what they are going to do but I am going to put in an appeal to stay" Jack said

"But that could mean…" Elizabeth started but Jack cut her off pulling out the chair next to her and sitting down.

"Elizabeth I know what the risks are with my superiors, and I am willing to take them for you" Jack said. A smile spread across Elizabeth's face and they both laughed a minute before the smile disappeared as quickly as it had come.

"What?" Jack asked searching her face.

"Jack, I can't let you do that."

"No, this is what I want" Jack insisted.

"But I can't be the person who keeps you from following your dreams. I can't, you would only end up resenting me" Elizabeth shook her head.

"Elizabeth that is not true." Jack said.

"You may not think so now, but you will. The same way I could never forgive Grandmother if she kept me from coming out west and following my dreams. Jack, I am so sorry but you have to do this" Elizabeth whispered reaching up to cup his cheek in her hand as he looked down unable to meet her eyes.

"You have to go, I know it in my heart, and so do you." Elizabeth said gently. Jack looked up at her now both of their sad eyes meeting nothing left to say.


The next afternoon was rainy as Kate sat on the porch steps watching across the road as Jack sat on top of Sergeant talking to Patrick, the new constable of the town. Elizabeth stood inside the window with Abigail as they watched. Jack gave a nod and nudged Sergeant down the road stopping in front of Kate.

"Still mad at me?" Jack asked gently.

"No, I think your both just nuts." Kate shrugged making Jack smirk.

"You know Rip would really love if you would go and visit him, he's no good at fetch but he likes to go for walks to the pond."

"I'll keep him company" Kate nodded

"You keep an eye on things for me around here? You can write to me anytime." Jack said.

"I will" Kate nodded.

"Take good care of her alright little shadow?"

"I always do" Kate sighed. Jack gave her a nod and nudged Sergeant down the road as Kate watched him leave, unsure of if she would ever truly see him again. In the window Elizabeth watched him ride away clutching her handkerchief to her as Abigail wrapped an arm around her.

"It will be alright." Abigail said gently.

"Of course, I was fine before him, I will be now" Elizabeth nodded as Kate came in giving her a hug. Abigail moved to start on the dishes and the girls silently helped her until there was a bang at the door.

"Abigail! Elizabeth!" Julie's voice called.

"What in the world" Abigail cried opening the door.

"Julie!" She cried rushing out to the porch to where Julie was holding a man up who looked like he was badly hurt.

"Kate run for the doctor, Elizabeth let's get him upstairs" Abigail said as they moved quickly.


thirty minutes later Elizabeth stood in Abigail's bedroom as the man Julie had brought in lay on the bed and the doctor closed his bag.

"It will be touch and go for a while, he has sepsis"

"From the bullet?" Abigail asked.

"Yes"

"He was shot?" Kate asked her eyes wide.

"Katie go wait downstairs" Elizabeth shooed her out.

"I will be back in the morning to see how he is doing, if he gets worse in the night come for me."

"Of course thank you" Abigail said said as the town doctor followed Kate down the stairs.

"This is not adding up, where is this hunting partner of his?" Elizabeth asked turning to Julie not believing the story her cousin had given her.

"Well I don't know, I found him in the forest, I barely got his name out of him" Julie shrugged.

"But he was able to tell you he was hurt in a hunting accident?" Elizabeth narrowed her eyes.

"Yes, that is all he said. You don't believe me?" Julie asked as Elizabeth continued to look at her.

"Well you have to admit something doesn't seem right about this man" Abigail said leaving the room to go downstairs.

"I hope he doesn't turn out to be trouble, need I remind you that this is a house of only women and a child you brought a strange man into." Elizabeth said firmly.

"Jack will save us, he's the hero of this story" Julie said giving her a little smile.

"It's not a story! It's real life! It's real life with consequences and heart break" Elizabeth said covering her mouth as she started to cry.

"What is it cousin?" Julie asked reaching out to Elizabeth.

"Jack's gone, he took a new post he left this afternoon" Elizabeth was crying as Julie pulled her into a hug.

"Oh no" Julie whispered as Elizabeth cried on her shoulder.


"How are you holding up?" Abigail asked walking up to Elizabeth the next day as she watched the younger children playing tag at recess.

"I'm wonderful" Elizabeth said forcing a smile.

"We both know that's not true, but you did the right thing by telling him to follow his dream." Abigail said gently.

"I know your right it just feels…." Elizabeth trailed off not able to put it into words.

"I know" Abigail said gently reaching out to rub her arm where they both looked across the street and Julie was helping Nate, the man she had found in the woods walk across the porch now that he was feeling better.

"I am concerned about that man your sister found in the woods" Abigail said.

"I am worried too" Elizabeth nodded. Poor Abigail had to spend the night on the couch with the sick man in her bed. Elizabeth had kept Kate far from him and had locked their bedroom door that night with a chair to keep anyone from coming in.

"She knows nothing about him and she has taken such a personal interest." Elizabeth sighed.

"I asked the new Constable to pay him a visit" Abigail said.

"Is Constable O'riley worried he is dangerous?" Elizabeth asked turning to Abigail quickly.

"Oh I'm not saying that, I just want to send a message loud and clear that we intend to keep our town safe" Abigail said gently.

"I am afraid Julie sees all of life as a romance novel" Elizabeth sighed turning back to her cousin.

"She's young, she will learn. How did you to grow up in the same family and become so..different?" Abigail asked.

"My father was the oldest, he had the responsibility to the family company when grandfather died. Uncle, Julie's father was always a bit more laid back. Then when Mother and then Father died I had to grow up, care for Kate and figure out what I was going to do with my life, I knew I couldn't just go off and get married and leave her at Grandmothers on her own. I needed to be able to stand on my two feet for both of us. I was eleven years old making adult decisions and caring for a toddler while Julie was still playing dress up and having tea parties." Elizabeth sighed.

"Well I for one and proud of the choices you made, you haven't had it easy but you, Elizabeth Thatcher are one fine lady" Abigail gave her a smile that Elizabeth returned for the first time since Jack had left.


Kate sat in the saloon with Elizabeth the next afternoon after school. Julie being here reminded both girls that they were not paying attention to other lessons the children in Hope Valley didn't need.

"Go over your poetry while I correct the math tests then we can go home" Elizabeth said as Rip let out a whine from where he sat looking out the window. He had taken to hanging around the girls now that Jack was gone. He spent most of his time in the schoolhouse and followed them home to sleep on Abigail's back porch at night. The fact that she made him two hot meals a day didn't hurt either.

"Rip is sad" Kate sighed looking at the old hound dog.

"Jack didn't leave you, he left to follow his dream. He wants to chase pirate and round up bad guys and make the world a safer place. It's noble work and I for one am proud to know him, if it's meant to be he will come back to us" Elizabeth told Rip with a sigh. Rip whined again curling up into a ball.

"Stop Rip, missing him so much is just selfish" Elizabeth said turning back to her papers. Rip let out a sigh again raising his eyebrows at her.

"Look at me, I'm talking to a mutt" Elizabeth sighed.

"It's ok to be proud of Jack and miss him at the same time." Kate said softly.

"I suppose its inescapable." Elizabeth nodded.

"I still think Jack will be back."

"Now your just sounding like Julie." Elizabeth raised her eyebrows at her sister.

"Hope is not a sin" Kate shot back.

"No, but it can sure be painful" Elizabeth sighed and they both turned as Julie walked up to them.

"Elizabeth, you work to much." Julie said sinking into the chair next to them and reaching to drink from Elizabeth's tea cup.

"I am a teacher Julie I'm just grading papers and trying to keep Kate caught up" Elizabeth sighed.

"She's trying to keep busy." Kate said as Elizabeth gave her a look.

"I saw how he looked at you, Jack will be back I am sure, the bonds of love are not easily broken." Julie said firmly as Elizabeth glanced around the saloon.

"Keep your voice down! And love, who said anything about love." Elizabeth whispered as Rip came over sitting beside Kate as she scratched his ears.

"Did you kiss him?" Julie asked. This time it was Kate's turn to raise her eyebrows.

"Of course not! I have only know him a short while and a kiss is something that comes after a courtship." Elizabeth said

"You don't need to know someone a great while to share a kiss." Julie said putting the teacup to her mouth again as Elizabeth and Kate both turned to her with smirks.

"What's going on with you?" Kate asked as Elizabeth crossed her arms.

"Whatever do you mean?" Julie asked.

"Stop those games, what is it?" Elizabeth asked smiling knowing Julie could never keep a secret.

"Well, If you must know, I'm in love!" Julie giggled. Elizabeth's face fell.

"Love?" Kate asked shocked.

"Mmhhmm" Julie grinned.

"What are you talking about? You found a man in the woods and now your talking about love?" Elizabeth asked

"I know how my heart feels"

"Oh Julie" Elizabeth sighed putting her head in her hands.

"No one had ever given him a chance, I won't be another person to just turn my back on him" Julie said sounding determined making Elizabeth even more nervous about her cousins actions..

"I can't even believe what you are saying, you don't even know this man." Elizabeth told her firmly.

"You don't want me to be happy?" Julie asked looking upset at Elizabeth's firm reaction.

"Of course I want you to be happy, but this is crazy." Elizabeth said softening her tone a bit.

"Why because he's not rich and educated?" Julie asked.

"No, it has nothing to do with that, this is about a man's character." Elizabeth said.

"You always think I'm a foolish girl" Julie sighed.

"Kate, take Rip outside ok" Elizabeth asked turning to her sister.

"Ok" Kate nodded standing up and patting her leg for Rip to follow.

"Don't go far" Elizabeth called after her before turning to Julie.

"Do you remember that man I had you look into for me? Billy Hamilton?" Elizabeth asked. Julie nodded.

"Well he completely fooled me. Jack and I were at odds at the time and I thought I could have a future with him. anyway, he turned out to be a con artist who prayed on my emotions. He didn't care about me, he cared about the family fortune. And all I care about is that you don't get taken advantage of the same way I did. Not every man has good intentions Julie" Elizabeth said gently. She looked at Julie who had a worried look on her face as she pulled at her necklace.

"What is it?" Elizabeth asked

"I may not have told you Nathanial's entire story." Julie whispered.

"What is it? Tell me Julie." Elizabeth said firmly.

"He wasn't hurt in a hunting accident. He is part of a gang, but he wants to turn his life around, his brother made him join it's not his fault. But he left, he said he was going to go clean himself up and then come back for me. He is turning his life around!" Julie said quickly but Elizabeth was already on her feet gathering her books and walking out as Julie chased her to the door.

"Kate, Kate come here now" Elizabeth said as Kate was playing in the street. Elizabeth grabbed her sisters hand pulling her with her down the street.

"Don't do this!" Julie cried running after them.

"We have to report him" Elizabeth said firmly.

"No we do not!" Julie cried.

"Well then I do" Elizabeth marched up to the constable office.

"What happened?" Kate asked.

"It's his brothers gang he had no choice, he was orphaned when he was only five and his brother raised him and now all he wants is to become a better man and to share his life with me." Julie said ignoring Kate.

"Are you even listening to yourself?" Elizabeth cried

"What kind of life would you have? That man is a criminal!" Elizabeth said pushing open the doors Julie still chasing her.

"This is why I didn't want to tell you! You don't understand the way that I do!" Julie cried following her into the empty office.

"I don't understand… Kate if I were to ever go off and join a gang don't follow me understood?" Elizabeth asked.

"Sure" Kate nodded still confused.

"There, see Julie, not that hard." Elizabeth narrowed her eyes.

"How can you do this to me?" Julie asked as Elizabeth reached for a pen and paper on the desk.

"To you! Julie, you put everyone in this town in danger, you put us in danger!" Elizabeth said writing.

"Don't be so dramatic, he's gone Elizabeth he can't hurt anyone if he's not here" Julie huffed.

"I have to write the Constable a note and then you and I are going to go have a long talk with Abigail." Elizabeth said firmly and Julie stomped her foot.


"Abigail, we need to talk to you!" Elizabeth called pushing open the back door to the closed cafe pushing Julie inside.

"What is it?" Abigail asked turning from the stove.

"Go on, tell her" Elizabeth said firmly to Julie. She closed her eyes and sighed as Julie told Abigail about Nate.

"Honestly Julie!" Elizabeth sighed when she was done.

"He was part of a gang? He was sleeping in our house!" Kate cried as Elizabeth quieted her.

"I still don't see what you are getting so upset about, he was shot because he was protecting someone else" Julie said innocently.

"That's just what he told you!" Elizabeth yelled.

"We're in trouble." Elizabeth said turning to Abigail.

"What kind of trouble?" Kate asked glancing between Abigail and Elizabeth worried.

"We need to fine the Constable" Abigail said quickly turning to the door when suddenly the cafe door burst open and three gruff men in dark clothing walked in. Elizabeth grabbed Kate shoving her behind her with trembling hands.

"Good afternoon ladies" The first man said.

"Good afternoon gentlemen, is there something we can help you with?" Abigail asked. Her voice was strong and firm, as she stepped in front of the three younger girls.

"We're looking for our friend and we were told you might know where he is"

"If you mean Nate he's already gone" Abigail said

"Oh yeah? Gone where?" He asked and then all three of them pulled out guns pointing them at the girls. Julie gasped as they put their hands up Kate still hidden behind Elizabeth's skirts. Holding her breath.

"Julie, if you know where he went you tell them this minute!" Elizabeth whispered harshly.

"He was shot and it gave him some time to think and he's not interested in a life of crime anymore, you need to let your brother be" Julie said

"No!" Kate whispered as Elizabeth wrapped a hand around her pushing her tighter to her back.

"Brother? Nate Ain't got no brother" One of the men chuckled.

"What?" Julie asked.

"Tie those two up and take them upstairs" The man who seemed to be the leader said pointing to Elizabeth and Abigail.

"Wait! No no!" Elizabeth cried backing up tripping on Kate's shoes as the other two men approached her and Abigail the leader going to grab Julie.

"Well looky here, we got us a little one!" One cried grabbing Elizabeth who couldn't hide Kate anymore.

"Perfect, take her too" The leader said as Kate tried to run but he grabbed her with one strong arm holding Kate and Julie as Elizabeth struggled.

"No!" Abigail yelled.

"You can't take her! She doesn't know anything she's a child!" Elizabeth cried still struggling.

"Yeah, and children make the best hostages" The man sneered.

"Then take me!" Elizabeth yelled.

"Well, I can't say no to three pretty ladies now can I?" He laughed as one tied up Julie and he tied up Kate who was shaking and looked like she was in shock. Abigail was tied up and lead up the stairs as the last man tied up Elizabeth.

"It's ok, its ok" Elizabeth whispered as Kate was shoved into her nearly falling to the ground, guns still pointed at them.

"Out, anyone makes a sound we shoot the little one" The leader said. Kate was silently crying trying to cling to Elizabeth with her hands tied behind her back. The town was dark and silent as the silently slipped through the back and into the woods. They felt like they had been walking for hours when they came upon a little cabin.

"Hey Nate!" One of them men called. Nate, the man who Julie had saved, came out of the cabin laughing.

"I knew you would show up" He chuckled

"We brought some friends."

"I see that, take them inside and tie them up, I buried the loot somewhere out back before I got sick" Nate called.

Kate sat back to back with Elizabeth, with Julie next to them the three of them tied up as the men sat around the table counting the money they had dug up from the back.

"Nate I don't understand." Julie said.

"Julie do not speak to that man" Elizabeth said firmly her thin fingers trying to work behind her back to untie her and Kate. Kate had not said a word since the men appeared and Elizabeth was determined to get her sister out of this.

"You go around kissing any guy who says hello to you and your judging me" Nate chuckled at Julie.

"This isn't happening... this isn't happening" Julie closed her eyes whispering to herself.

"Yes Julie this is happening, this is real. Now it's time to grow up and see the world as it really is" Elizabeth said firmly.

"I'm so sorry Elizabeth. I put you and Kate in so much danger, we're probably going to die here" Julie whispered and Elizabeth felt Kate tense behind her and she so wished she had just one arm to wrap around her sister to comfort her.

"Shh it's ok, if they were going to kill us they would have already. They will probably just take the money and go. Someone will find Abigail and she will tell them. We will be found" Elizabeth said gently.


Back at the Cafe Abigail was tied to the foot of the bed upstairs as she struggled to get her hands free in the pitch black room. Suddenly she heard a familiar voice calling for Elizabeth and then for Kate.

"Jack! Jack help!" Abigail yelled and Jack came crashing into the room with Constable Oriley as they both made quick work to untie her.

"Are you ok?" Jack asked.

"Yes I'm fine but they took Julie and the girls to go fine that Nathanial" Abigail said quickly.

"Where?" Jack asked his eyes growing wide with worry.

"I don't know but there are three of them and they are all armed" Abigail said

"When you took Julie home that day we found the children looking for bugs in the forest, thats when she found Nate, where was that?" Jack asked.

"I'll show you!" Oriley said as he and Jack rushed out.

"Bring them back Jack!" Abigail called after them as she heard them leave in a hurry.


"You know I like your cousin, she's a real lady. And your a school teacher right?" Nate asked walking up to Elizabeth. Elizabeth just glared at him. He smirked at her before turning to Kate.

"And this is your sister? You know, I like pretty little girls." The man said reaching out his hand to run it along Kate's cheek as she jerked her head away.

"Don't you touch her!" Elizabeth yelled suddenly tying to kick him but he side stepped her with a sneer.

"Leave her alone!" Julie yelled.

"Or what?" Nate asked turning his attention to her.

"I hate you" Julie cried.

"Well, now you gone and hurt my feelings" Nate said kneeling in front of her.

"The man who is courting my cousin is a mountie and he will come looking for her so you best leave before…" Julie started

"Well now your wishing me ill, and here I thought you really cared about me. I'm all broke hearted" Nate chuckled.

"Nate Tallaver!" A voice yelled from outside ad they all turned to the door

"Jack!" Kate whispered knowing that voice

"You and your men come outside with your hands up!" Jack yelled and suddenly all the men were at the window pointing their guns out.

"Jack there's four of them and they are all armed!" Elizabeth yelled.

"Shut up!" Nate yelled at her

"What do we do now?" One of them men asked.

"Stop fretting, theres only one mountie, one mountie is a joke against all of us" Nate said

"Not Jack!" Kate yelled

"I said shut up!" Nate yelled going to the girls and untying their hands apart pulling the three of them to stand

"Oww" Kate yelled as one of them men roughly picked her up shoving her out the door. Another pushing Elizabeth out right after her.

"Jack!" Kate cried seeing him standing in the clearing. His mouth was pressed in a straight line and he was the angriest she had ever seen him. Nate pushed Elizabeth out next to Kate and another stood behind with Julie. The three of them stood behind the girls, knowing Jack shouldn't dear shoot them, if he missed his mark by only an inch he would hit one of the girls.

"We got your woman Mountie, what are you going to do now?" Nate asked taking out his gun and pointing it at Elizabeth.

"No! No!" Kate yelled seeing her sister held at gun point starting to struggle against the one that was holding her.

"Kate be still" Jack yelled.

"One Mountie against four is not going to get you very far" One of the men sneered.

"Who says there's only one of me" Jack said.

"show them boys" Jack called and suddenly there was cracking of branches and leaves all around them. Horses nickered and flashes of serge red shown through the trees as Jack shown his lantern on them.

"We're surrounded" One of them men cried.

"So, they are Mounties, they will never fire as long as we have these women" Nate said.

"that's right, so here is what we are going to do, I'm going to take out my gun and drop it. You let these women go and my men will do the same" Jack said dropping his gun to the ground.

"As soon as I do that I lose all my hard work" Nate said. Suddenly Constable Oriley came out from behind a tree shooting at the one man who didn't have a girl to hold in front of him. Kate screamed as the shot man fell back into the house. The two men holding Kate and Julie ran back into the cabin as well as Jack tackled Nate to the ground freeing Elizabeth.

"Tell your men to drop their weapons or my men start shooting!" Jack said grabbing his gun and holding it to Nates chest.

"Put them down!" Nate yelled as his men dropped their guns pushing them out of the cabin across the porch as Constable Oriley jumped to grab them. Kate rushed to Elizabeth who held her tightly to her.

"We're ok, we're ok" Elizabeth whispered over and over as they watched the two constables handcuff all four men. Suddenly one of the horses walked out into the clearing and they saw it was just a riderless horse with a red serge colored cloth draped over something tall sitting in it's saddle.

"It's a fake!" Nate cried.

"Thats right" Jack nodded.

"Jack watch out!" Elizabeth cried as Nate pulled a knife from his boot trying to stab Jack. Jack knocked it out of his hand knocking the man to the ground again and he stayed there realizing he was no match for Jack.

"Oh Jack!" Elizabeth rushed into his arms and he held her tight for a second before looking her over.

"Are you ok? Did they hurt you?" Jack asked searching her for any injuries.

"No we're ok" Elizabeth nodded.

"Come here, are you ok? Oh look at you" Jack sighed gathering Kate into his arms.

"We're ok" Elizabeth sighed as Jack held them both.


It was dawn when they road back into town. Jack in front with Kate on the front of his saddle and Elizabeth clinging to his back. The four men road between them tied to the saddle and Constable Oriley bringing up the end with Julie holding onto him. Jack stopped in front of the cafe helping Elizabeth and Kate slide down then going to help Julie. Abigail came rushing out gathering them up.

"Oh I was so worried! Are you alright did they hurt you?" Abigail asked looking them over.

"I'll get these men taken care of and come back to check on you." Jack told Elizabeth softly, jumping back onto Sergeant as Abigail ushered the girls into the kitchen. Kate knew she should be tired but there was to much energy in her as Abigail sat them on the couch giving them each a cup of tea.

"I can't believe I was so stupid." Julie said softly.

"He played on your innocence and goodness" Abigail said gently sinking into the arm chair across from them.

"I was a fool, I know that now. I will never let myself be so easily used again." Julie sighed

"Thank the Lord we are all ok" Elizabeth said putting her arm around Kate and pulling her into her side.

"And thank the Lord for sending Jack." Kate whispered.

"Yes" Elizabeth nodded.

"He came back for you." Julie said.

"He came back for the town. He heard the gang was near by and wanted to check on us. It's his job." Elizabeth shook her head.

"He didn't have to come back" Julie said.

"Well he is escorting them to prison and I'm sure he will be heading to his new posting after that" Elizabeth said setting her tea cup down.

"Well, I think we could all use some rest, what do you girls say we all go get some sleep?" Abigail asked.

"I'm not tired" Kate said.

"Me either, it's adrenaline, once your in bed you will be" Abigail said gently standing up.

"Yes, come on Katie" Elizabeth nodded pulling Kate off the couch still holding tightly to her sister with no plans to let her go anytime soon.

Kate tossed and turned in bed as Elizabeth lay next to her wide awake and Julie slept on the floor.

"Do you think they would have killed us?" Kate asked.

"I don't know, We will never know for sure. Lets just be grateful that Jack came when he did." Elizabeth whispered.

"Jack may have come back for the town Elizabeth, but he also came back for you. Abigail said he came in here calling for you." Kate said turning to her.

"Kate, I don't want you to go getting your hopes up about Jack. He's a mountie, he may never stay in one place for a long time."

"But we may not stay here for long either." Kate said.

"We have each other, we are both safe, Julie and Abigail are safe. Let's just be thankful for what we have not what we wish for." Elizabeth said gently. Kate nodded softly putting her head down and curling up into her sister. Usually they both liked space between them with they slept but today Elizabeth was glad to have her sister right in her arms.


That afternoon the girls stood on the porch watching the mounties who had come to take the gang to prison. Kate stood next to Elizabeth as she watched Nate and his men lead out of the Jail in Jack's office.

"Will you excuse me for a minute?" Julie asked.

"Where are you going?" Elizabeth asked as Julie stepped off the porch crossing the road. Julie went right up to Nate slapping him across the face in front of the whole town who was also watching. Kate giggled and Elizabeth smiled raising her eyebrows.

"Feel better?" Elizabeth asked as Julie walked back.

"Some what" Julie nodded as Jack came out of the office. Kate watched him make eye contact with Elizabeth and give her a nod before she turned walking away. Jack told the men he would catch up as he made his way over to Kate and Julie.

"You ok?" Jack asked Kate.

"Yeah we're fine, she just can't watch you leave again Jack." Kate said softly.

"I just, I really need to tell her something" Jack said.

"Will you make her sad?" Kate asked.

"No, no I'm hoping its something she wants to hear" Jack smiled at her as Kate grinned nodding toward the door Elizabeth had just gone through. The door to the cafe opened as Jack walked into where Elizabeth was sitting at one of the tabled in the empty dining room.

"Jack" She said surprised to see him.

"When I was out there, and I thought that you might be in trouble, when I thought that there was even a chance you or Kate were in danger and I wasn't here.." Jack started as Elizabeth rose out of her seat.

"You can't be everywhere, you saved all of us." Elizabeth told him trying to make him feel better. It hurt her that he looked so torn up.

"I want you to know that I had nothing on my mind but getting back to you." Jack said walking closer to her.

"Really?" Elizabeth asked

"I was so focused on my job, on doing what I was trained to do, chasing bad guys… Look I don't know whats going to happen next, I don't know where I am going to be tomorrow. But I don't want to regret not telling you what I was thinking. What I am feeling." Jack said stepping only inches away from her now.

"I can't leave without telling you that… I care. I care that your safe." Jack said looking deeply into her eyes so that Elizabeth couldn't have looked away if she wanted to. And she didn't want to as a small crossed her lips.

"I'm good" She said softly and Jack smiled.

"I have to go and escort these men to trial." Jack said.

"I understand" Elizabeth nodded.

"There's forms and paperwork, so I need to go." Jack said.

"I know" Elizabeth nodded.

"See you soon" Jack said.

"You will" Elizabeth let out a sigh of happiness giving him a smile.


That night Julie was brushing her hair for bed while Elizabeth sat in bed writing in her journal with Kate sleeping next to her. Kate jumped in her sleep and Elizabeth reached out rubbing her back for a minute hoping to keep any nightmares at bay. Julie watched her with a little smile.

"Your so good with her, you always have been." Julie said softly

"She makes it easy most of the time" Elizabeth smiled.

"Remember when we were little and used to spend summers on the house by the lake, and I was afraid of the monsters under the bed?" Julie asked.

"I remember well, I agreed to stay up all night and keep a lookout for them" Elizabeth chuckled.

"The only reason I felt safe was because I trusted you to take care of me." Julie said

"I'm your big cousin, It's my job to protect you." Elizabeth gave her a smile.

"I always felt safe when you were there." Julie sighed.

"You know as soon as you fell asleep I went to bed too" Elizabeth laughed.

"Really?" Julie asked

"It's been a long few days, go to sleep now." Elizabeth said as Julie let out a yawn settling into her bed.

"Thank you for taking care of me, I should have listened to you. I was a fool to believe that horrible man." Julie whispered.

"We all make mistakes" Elizabeth said giving her a small smile.

"Thank you for being me big cousin."

"Thank you for being my little cousin" Elizabeth smiled.

"Will you stay up, watch out for monsters?" Julie asked.

"I will" Elizabeth smiled.

"Elizabeth were you scared?" Julie asked.

"I have never been so frightened in my entire life. But nothing compares to how I felt when I was in Jack's arms again" Elizabeth sighed.

"He told you he would come back for you when he went looking for you today didn't he?" Julie asked.

"In not as many words yes" Elizabeth smiled.

"How romantic" Julie grinned making Elizabeth chuckle as Julie lay down closing her eyes. Kate let out a sigh in her sleep curling up towards Elizabeth as she reached down running her fingers through her sister's hair. They truly had been through the most frightening night of her whole life, she couldn't get the look on Jack's face out of her head. Right after he had knocked Nate to the ground and gathered her and Kate into his arms there had been so much relief in his eyes. In all of them really, as scared as she was, the feeling of that trumped everything else. When Julie's breathing became steady Elizabeth blew out her candle laying down herself with a little smile.