Watching the Father Christmas movies while I edit this and WOW is seeing a "modern day Elizabeth" messing with me trying to picture this Elizabeth while I reread.

Jack swung the ax over his head and brought it down snapping the piece of wood in two. His hand was starting to burn with the effort but his mind was racing and there was some comfort in his anger when he was able to break the big logs. He had changed from his suite to his regular clothes and lost track of the amount of times his ax had connected with the wood, but he was sure there were enough for two winters now.

"I have been looking everywhere for you!" He turned slightly as Elizabeth came down the path smiling. He found he couldn't meet her eyes.

"The church was low on firewood" He said picking up another block of wood and putting it down.

"I thought we were going for a ride after school?" Elizabeth gave him a teasing smile trying to catch him in forgetting.

"We were, you had company" Jack said flatly picking up the ax.

"How did you…" Her face was shocked her eyes wide.

"I cant to pick you up after school and Charles was there on bended knee" Jack said cutting her off swinging the ax down so hard Elizabeth jumped.

"How much did you hear?" She asked.

"Enough to know I shouldn't be listening, so I left" Jack shrugged.

"I told him no Jack." Elizabeth said firmly.

"But he wouldn't have been there if he didn't think he had a chance"

"I never gave him any reason to believe that" Elizabeth was keeping her voice strong but soft. He was angry enough for the both of them and she was trying to keep another fight from breaking out. She understood his anger, what an awful thing for him to see.

"Why is it that every time I think the past is in the past something like this happens?" Jack asked.

"I don't know! Because life is messy, because people are messy." Elizabeth sighed her mind racing.

"Maybe somethings are just not meant to be" Jack said softly looking at her. Elizabeth felt herself struggling to keep her emotions from pouring out again.

"You don't meant that" she said

"I don't know what I mean right now" Jack muttered playing with the handle of the ax.

"Jack! We can't go back, not when we have come this far" Elizabeth said firmly. Why oh why did this keep happening to them.

"it's over with Charles, once and for all" She told him firmly just as she had just finished telling Charles.

"I don't know if I believe that" Jack shook his head.

"Then let me convince you" Elizabeth said closing the steps between them she put her hand on the back of his neck and gently pulled him closer putting her lips on his she kissed him gently but froze after a few seconds when she realized he wasn't kissing her back. His lips frozen not pushing her away but not welcoming her either. Elizabeth pulled back looking at him and felt the tears threatening her eyes. She quickly turned so he wouldn't see her cry and made her way back down the path. She winched when she heard the crack of the ax again.


"Elizabeth?" Kate asked surprised when Elizabeth came into the kitchen looking upset as Kate helped Abigail hang the New Years Banner in the cafe.

"What are you doing here? Where's Jack?" Kate asked.

"In the woods somewhere cutting firewood" Elizabeth sighed taking off her coat.

"But I thought you were going riding together, I saw him he was very excited, and acting a little funny." Kate said.

"We were, something happened" Elizabeth whispered going to join them in the empty cafe.

"Well what happened?" Abigail asked.

"Charles came in early, apparently he arrived on the stage yesterday to surprise me and today he came by the school house asking for my hand." Elizabeth said softly.

"Charles proposed!" Clara cried as Abigail looked shocked.

"Oh Elizabeth" Kate whispered softly.

"I was totally shocked" Elizabeth shook her head.

"The stage coach just left, I saw a rather dressed up man getting on it, he didn't look very happy" Clara said.

"That would be Charles, he isn't used to hearing the word no very often" Elizabeth sighed. Kate dropped her end of the banner going to wrap her arms around Elizabeth gently.

"Does Jack know what happened?" Abigail asked as Clara took Kate's place and the hung the banner quickly tuning to Elizabeth.

"Jack overheard most of it" Elizabeth sighed.

"Oh no" Kate whispered.

"Ok we need to sit down" Abigail said ushering them all over to a table as Clara quickly poured Elizabeth a cup of tea.

"Was Jack upset?" Clara asked.

"He thinks I gave Charles hope" Elizabeth cried as if it was the most outrageous thing she had ever heard.

"Well I suppose that is a natural reaction, after all he did purpose" Clara said.

"Charles is a dear friend, I always knew his feelings were stronger but I was always honest with him"

"It's not your fault that Charles misread your friendship as something more" Abigail told her gently.

"I know, Jack just needs a little time" Elizabeth said softly reassuring both herself and Kate who was watching her worried.

"I don't blame him, and you are smart to give it to him." Clara said.

"Thank you" Elizabeth gave her a gentle smile.

"You have changed since you have come back from Hamilton" Abigail said gently.

"How?" Elizabeth asked.

"You know who you are now" Abigail said making Elizabeth smile.

"And who I am not, and now that I have that figured out…"

"Look out Hope Valley" Abigail finished for her.

"Look out world" Elizabeth said making the four women smile.

"You are going to be alright, and Jack is going to come around once he has some time" Abigail said reassuringly as she got up going to the counter in the cafe.

"That's strange I baked a pie earlier and now it's gone" She said frowning.

"You probably served it at lunch" Clara said.

"I suppose I must have" Abigail frowned to herself picking up a plate of cookies and bringing it to the table for them to munch on.


"Hi Mr Coulter, Abigail was wondering if you wanted to put in a lunch order for your men again tomorrow" Kate said entering Lee's office where he was chatting with Rosemary and Florence Bleakly. Kate smiled at the older women.

"Oh yes thank you for reminding me one minute" Lee said going to talk to his crew as Kate turns to Rosemary.

"Oh Kate did you hear the wonderful news?" Rosemary cried in her loud dramatic way.

"No, what?" Kate couldn't help smiling at her.

"I wrote to the paper and now a reporter from a news paper in San Fransisco is coming here!" Rosemary cried.

"Really? Why?" Kate asked.

"To do a piece on how we celebrate new years! They are doing pieces on frontier towns and I convinced them to come to Hope Valley!" Rosemary smiled.

"But, we don't really do anything for New Years here" Florence said with a little frown.

"Well this year we are going to celebrate in style!" Rosemary cried.

"How?" Kate asked with a smile.

"A grand ceremony in front of the church! Just you wait, we will be ringing in the New Year together in a way fit for the papers" Rosemary said.

"Well Rosemary I wish you luck" Florence said sounding like she wasn't so sure Rosemary would pull it off.

"A party would be wonderful, let me know if I can help" Kate said.

"You can! Spread the word this is going to be a grand event!" Rosemary sang.

"I can't wait" Kate laughed as Lee came back hanging her a slip of paper.

"Thank you Mr Coulter, good day" Kate smiled heading back to the cafe.


Elizabeth stepped out of the cafe the next morning with Kate as they were leaving for school. Kate stopped when she noticed Jack standing at the stage coach stop.

"Elizabeth" He called spotting her and walking over.

"I will meet you at school" Kate said softly taking their books from Elizabeth she gave Jack a little smile heading down the road.

"I was thinking about our conversation" Jack said softly.

"And?"

"And I don't understand how Charles could have showed up if you hadn't encouraged him." Jack said softly.

"Jack I was very clear with Charles, and I was just as surprised to see him here as you were." Elizabeth said as the stage pulled up behind them. Jack turned quickly letting out a sigh when he saw another constable getting of that he had been waiting to meet with.

"Can we talk about this tonight?" Jack asked.

"Whenever you are ready." Elizabeth nodded not wanting to rush him, but also hating this feeling that was lingering over them. Jack nodded and was about to leave before he turned back.

"Elizabeth, you were very convincing before" Jack said giving her a little smile before walking away. Elizabeth smiled to herself before hurrying to catch up with Kate.


"Have you made any New Years resolutions yet?" Elizabeth asked as she and Jack were leaving the saloon after having dinner together.

"Have you?" Jack asked.

"Yes, to be patient, to be kind, not to envy… but to trust" Elizabeth said raising her eyebrow slightly at Jack.

"First Corinthians" Jack nodded recognizing it.

"My favorite passage" Elizabeth nodded.

"It's not that I don't trust you" Jack told her as they began walking down main street.

"Then what is it?" Elizabeth asked.

"Charles is everything I am not, high society, social status. I mean you and he have a lot in common." Jack said.

"Only on the surface. Jack you said things could be hard for us because we come from two different worlds. But you also said we can face anything if we do it together." Elizabeth said softly.

"I did" Jack nodded.

"Do you still feel that way?"

"Do you?" Jack asked. Elizabeth stopped walking suddenly reached out taking his arm forcing him to turn and look at her.

"With all of my heart." She said softly looking into his eyes so he would know she meant it.

"It will be a new year, this could be a new start for us, not to rush, to get things right." Elizabeth went on gently.

"Yeah, thats probably a good idea not to rush" Jack nodded, his mind wondering to the ring he still had stashed away in his desk drawer.

"I think so" Elizabeth nodded.

"To proceed cautiously" Jack nodded.

"Not to cautiously" Elizabeth gave him a little smirk wrapping herself around his arm as they started walking again.

"To take our time" Jack nodded.

"And enjoy the time we take?" Elizabeth asked.

"Well, I am all for enjoying this" Jack whispered making Elizabeth laugh as he walked her home.


"Who would like to come up to the map and show us where New York City is?" Elizabeth asked as many hands shot up in the air.

"Yes Anna" Elizabeth smiled as Anna got up going to the map and pointing.

"That is right, now New York City is famous for a very special thing on Yew Years. In 1907 they designed a big ball that lights up and when the clock strikes midnight on the New Year the ball is dropped down a giant flagpole and there in a big celebration" Elizabeth told the class.

"Have you ever been to New York City Miss Thatcher?" Laura asked.

"My father took me once when I was young. It's full of tall tall buildings and people everywhere. There is so much to see you, don't know where to look" Elizabeth nodded giving the class a smile.

"Did you go Kate?" Rachel asked.

"I don't think so" Kate shook her head.

"It was a bit before Kate was born." Elizabeth nodded.

"Will you go again?" Gabe asked.

"I would like to, perhaps some day" Elizabeth nodded.

"Are we going to have a giant ball at our town celebration?" Emily asked.

"No, but we are going to be putting on a special New Years program" Elizabeth said as they children cheered and smiled at each other.

"We aren't getting started on that until tomorrow, right now we are going to get started on our arithmetic" Elizabeth said. The cheers turned into moans.

"Shall we finish our Christmas cookies fist?" Elizabeth asked smiling when she was greeted with a chorus of yes's.

"Laura will you pass around the tin please?" Elizabeth asked.

"Miss Thatcher, there's a boy outside, I have never seen him before" Miles said raising up a little to look out the window. Elizabeth went to the window to look.

"I don't see anyone" she said.

"He went around back" Miles said.

"Alright, stay in your seats and finish your snack we are starting math in five minutes" Elizabeth said opening the door and stepping out onto the back steps. She leaned over the stair railing seeing a little blond boy a bit younger then Kate filling a sack with chopped wood they kept stacked under the stairs for the school.

"Hello" Elizabeth called not wanting to scare him, the boy jumped anyway looking at her with wide eyes.

"I am Miss Thatcher, would you like to come in for some cookies? You can meet the other children" She said giving him a smile walking down the stairs. The boy dropped his sack full of wood and took of running through the field into the woods the bordered the town. Elizabeth sighed watching him go.

"Who was it?" Kate asked when she came back in.

"I'm not sure, he ran off" Elizabeth said.

"I wish I could run off instead of stuck doing math." Gabe said making some of the children laugh.

"Alright, I know sometimes it's hard to remember but education is a privilege not given to anyone and we should be grateful for it right?" Elizabeth asked.

"Yes Ma'am" Gabe nodded.

"Now let's open our math books, First years do the problems on the board please, fifth years up to my desk with your slates, everyone else silently at your desk" Elizabeth said returning order to her class.


"Don't forget to practice your lines for the New Years play" Elizabeth called as she ran the bell dismissing school and all the kids race out into the sunny cold air.

"Button your coat Miles it's winter!" Elizabeth cried shaking her head at the older boys who ran to the field to play baseball despite the cold. Jack smiled walking up to her with Rip trailing after him.

"I thought you might need some help carrying your books home from school" Jack said as Elizabeth smiled at him.

"That's the best offer I have had all day" She nodded.

"May I walk home with Laura then?" Kate asked walking up to them.

"Alright but don't be long, it's cold, you don't want to be sick for New Years." Elizabeth said.

"I won't" Kate nodded as she and Laura walked down the steps chatting.

"She doesn't run anymore, last spring she would have run off giggling" Jack frowned a little after the girls who were walking slowly chatting and laughing at the older boys playing.

"They aren't such little girls anymore" Elizabeth chuckled at him as they walked into the school house. Jack didn't see happy with this statement as he continued to frown after them as Gabe and Christopher went over playfully teasing them trying to get them to play baseball.

"I wanted to ask you, there was a young boy behind the school house today, light hair about ten years old. I have never seen him before, do you know who he might be?" Elizabeth asked.

"There's new settlers down in the valley he's probably from there just wondering" Jack said.

"I asked him inside but I think I might have scared him off" Elizabeth sighed.

"Well, I was scared of my teachers when I was a boy too"

"Yes but I am not a scary teacher" Elizabeth smiled.

"I don't know, I have seen your scary teacher face" Jack said with his classic smirk and a twinkle in his eye.

"Jack Thornton I do not have a scary teacher face" Elizabeth cried putting her hands on her hips trying to look angry.

Jack put his own hands on his hips narrowing his eyes and pursing his lips trying to make the face she did. Elizabeth gasped her mouth hanging open in a smile.

"You better be careful or your face might freeze like that" She giggled.

"Well I know one way to make sure it doesn't" Jack grinned at her.

"What's that?" She asked. Jack glanced towards the door and she did too wondering what he was looking for until his hand was around her waist pulling her to him for a kiss. But before they could meet Rip let out a bark surprising them both as they jumped.

"Easy boy" Jack said smiling at him before pulling Elizabeth close again causing Rip to bark louder watching them.

"What did you forget to feed him today?" Elizabeth laughed.

"No, I don't think thats it" Jack frowned a little as they both turned to the dog now. Jack reached out putting his hand on Elizabeth's arm causing Rip to bark again.

"What are you doing!" Elizabeth laughed.

"No I'm testing a theory, I think he's jealous" Jack said.

"Excuse me" Elizabeth gave Jack a look.

"I have seen it before. When I joined the mounties Tom got a dog, and when I came back for a visit he wouldn't let me near him without barking up a storm." Jack said.

"You can't be serious" Elizabeth crossed her arms shaking her head still smiling.

"Rip and I go way back" Jack shrugged.

"Well animals love me, Rip and I are just going to have to work things out." Elizabeth said looking down at Rip who was watching them closely.

"I know, why don't I take him with me for a few days. Kate will love having him and Rip and I will be best friends before you know it" Elizabeth cried.

"It might not be as easy as you might think, he can be a tough customer" Jack said.

"Well I can be tough too" Elizabeth said putting her hands on her hips.

"Ok, he's all your's" Jack nodded. Elizabeth grinned picking up her coat.

"Come on boy! Let's go find Kate, she will be so excited and we can get you a snack" Elizabeth smiled at Rip heading towards the door.

"Come on" she patted her leg when she turned back and saw he wasn't following her. She started walking towards the doors again and Rip turned back to Jack.

"Go" Jack whispered nodding towards Elizabeth. Rip let out something that sounded like a moan of annoyance if Jack had ever heard one, before slowly walking after Elizabeth who had turned just in time to see him following her and gave Jack a proud smile. Jack chuckled shaking his head as he picked up her books following them out.


Kate sat up when Rip growled low in his throat. The old dog had all but ignored Elizabeth since she had taken him home that afternoon, but he had been attached to Kate and now he lay beside the bed as Elizabeth was up writing in her journal. Both girls turned when Rip glanced at their bedroom door growling low in his throat again.

"What's wrong Rip?" Kate whispered.

"Oh Kate, it's probably nothing" Elizabeth said when Abigail came into their room peeking through the doorway.

"Your both here? I thought I heard something downstairs?" Abigail said frowning a little.

"No we are here, and Clara left on the stage to go visit her friend" Elizabeth shook her head.

"A robber?" Kate whispered.

"Probably not, come on quietly" Abigail said leading the way down the stairs. She froze when she did indeed see someone moving around the dark kitchen.

"It's a child" Elizabeth whispered as they looked over the railing silently. Abigail reached for the oil lamp quickly lighting it filling the room with light as the boy froze from where he was grabbing apples from the table.

"If you were hungry you should have just asked" Abigail said firmly as Kate and Elizabeth stood behind her.

"I will put everything back, please just let me go!" The boy said quickly starting to empty his bag again.

"Whoa! Hold on young man! Why don't I get you some fried chicken instead?" Abigail asked stepping towards him her voice soft now. Kate glanced up at Elizabeth who was smiling kindly, bless Abigail and her big heart.

"Yes please" The boy said. Abigail nodded going to the ice box as Kate looked him over, he was a small boy, maybe a few years younger then her. He had blond hair that was in desperate need of a cutting and clothes that looked dirty and to big. Clearly he was someone who needed a good meal and some care from them. Elizabeth walked over to the table in the kitchen pulling a chair out for him to sit.

"Your the boy I saw outside the school house aren't you?" She asked recognizing him as Kate hurried to fill a glass of water and get a plate.

"What's your name?" Elizabeth asked sitting down across from him as Kate handed him the water taking a seat next to her. He just started at Elizabeth not answering her.

"Tomas Edison?" Elizabeth asked raising an eyebrow and giving him a smile.

"No, it's Huckleberry Finn" Kate said joining in her game and they were both rewarded with a little chuckle from the boy.

"My name is Cody" He whispered.

"Where are you from Cody?" Elizabeth asked as Abigail walked over with his plate. Cody ignored her question again turning to Abigail.

"Can I have some potatoes too?" Cody asked. Abigail raised an eyebrow at him clearly waiting for something.

"Please?" Cody asked.

"Coming up" Abigail gave him a smile.

"Why don't you go get dressed and fetch Jack" Elizabeth told Kate softly. Kate nodded hurrying upstairs and put on her dress and coat hurrying back down and slipping out the door. She crossed the dark street knocking on Jack's door. He opened it quickly surprised to see her before worry filled his face.

"What's wrong? Why are you alone, where's your sister?" He asked quickly.

"We're fine, a little boy was in Abigail's kitchen, he was trying to steal food. She made him a plate but Elizabeth said to fetch you." Kate said.

"Alright, let's go" Jack nodded visibly relaxing shrugging on his coat and following her back into the kitchen.

They watched quietly as Cody ate his plate clean. Kate didn't think she had ever seen someone eat so fast in all her life.

"This is good" Cody smiled at Abigail.

"I bet your mom makes cobbler just as good too. When your finished why don't I take you home" Jack said. His voice was kind but firm, Cody may be a child but Jack wanted to make sure he knew stealing was wrong.

"I better go" Cody said standing up and reaching for his coat.

"Oh hold on there buddy." Jack said putting a hand on his shoulder gently to keep him from running.

"Cody, we need to know where you live" Elizabeth said gently.

"Your parents must be worried about you" Abigail nodded.

"I can take care of myself" Cody frowned.

"Oh I know you can, but it's not safe for you to be out alone this late" Jack nodded.

"I'm not telling" Cody said firmly. Kate glanced at Elizabeth who was looking up at Jack.

"Then I guess you will just have to come back to the jail for tonight" Jack said. Kate knew he had no intention of putting Cody in jail, but it was a scary enough threat.

"What? No, I can't go to jail. Becky won't know where I am!" Cody cried his eyes going wide.

"Who's Becky?" Kate asked.

"Your sister?" Abigail asked. Cody nodded.

"She's sick" He said softly.

"Honey, you need to take us to her so we can help her." Elizabeth said gently.

"I can't"

"Why not Cody?" Jack asked

"She said if I tell anyone about us they will send us back" Cody said looking down at his scuffed and dirty boots.

"Did you run away from home?" Abigail asked.

"I don't have a home" Cody said bravely as if he couldn't be bothered, but clearly he was.

"I'm guessing you don't have a mom or a dad either do you?" Elizabeth asked gently taking hold of Cody's hand as he shook his head at her.

"Please Cody, I bet your sister is as hungry as you were, a hot meal would do her a lot of good" Abigail said softly. Cody looked up at her and hesitated for a minute before nodding. Elizabeth smiled softly as they all hurried to put on coats.

"Kate grab the lantern" Abigail said as Kate lit and held it firmly as they followed Cody out.


"This way" He said leading Kate and the three adults through the woods to a little clearing just out of sight of the town. There was a little camp there with a small fire and a tarp tent with a girl laying down under it. The girl quickly sat up when they approached. She looked to be about sixteen with long brown hair, wrapped in a worn blanket with dark circles under her eyes.

"What are they doing here?" She cried as Cody sat down next to her. She started coughing and Abigail quickly knelt next to her.

"We just want to help" Elizabeth said softly as Kate held the lantern closer so Abigail could look at her.

"We don't need your help" the young girl said.

"It's ok Becky" Cody told his sister.

"No it's not!" Becky cried

"She's burning up with fever" Abigail said gently running her hand over Becky's forehead as she started coughing again.

"Alright let's get you out of here" Jack said gently.

"I will put the fire out, Kate help Cody grab whatever they need" Elizabeth said quickly as Kate knelt down helping Cody grab the few other clothing and thing they had putting them into a worn bag. Abigail wrapped Becky in the blanket and Jack knelt lifting her into his arms as Elizabeth put out the fire leaving only the lantern to light the dark woods.

"Kate go first with the light." Elizabeth said softly as Kate started down the way they had come lighting the path for Jack to follow carrying Becky with Cody close at his heels as Elizabeth and Abigail followed.


They settled Cody and Becky into Clara's room since she was gone for the next week celebrating the holiday with friends. Abigail got Becky a hot meal as Elizabeth and Kate headed to bed since it was now the middle of the night.

"This house is getting crowded" Kate said softly as she got ready for bed the second time that night.

"Abigail has a big heart, bigger then her house." Elizabeth agreed with a little smile.

"She would never turn anyone away" Kate nodded.

"And thank God for that." Elizabeth agreed.

"What's going to happen to Cody and Becky?" Kate asked as Elizabeth slipped into their bed beside her. It wasn't lost on Kate that her and Elizabeth could have very well ended up like Cody and Becky.

"Well, I don't think Abigail is in any rush to send them out into the cold that's for sure. Hopefully with a hot meal and a warm bed and some rest Becky will feel better. Maybe someone in town will take them in or maybe we can help them find family somewhere" Elizabeth said softly as she blew out the candle.

"I think Rip is a watch dog after all" Kate said leaning her arm over the bed to scratch his head.

"I think he just heard Cody opening the bread box and was hoping he would share" Elizabeth chuckled.


Kate turned, buttoning her coat the next morning as Abigail came down the stairs from bringing Becky some breakfast in bed.

"I started the coffee and the stove is warming, hopefully the breakfast rush isn't to busy. How is she?" Elizabeth asked.

"I would feel much better if she saw a doctor" Abigail sighed starting to make the pancakes for the cafe.

"Doctor Willkons doesn't make his rounds until after New Years" Elizabeth said referring to the country doctor in the area. He was the doctor for three other towns. He was always busy on the days he passed through town. For the most part people turned to Jack for emergencies because he had first aid training. And Abigail and Cat Montgomery were usually caring for the pregnant women and new mothers in town. Everyone was always willing to help each other out.

"Ned Yost said there's a new hospital in Union City." Abigail suddenly remembered.

"We were head to the mercantile on the way to school." Elizabeth said quickly picking up her books and a bag as Kate grabbed their lunch pail.

"We will wire the hospital and see if they can send someone" she finished as Kate was already opening the door.

"Thank you" Abigail nodded as the girls hurried out. Abigail had just turned back to the stove when Cody came running down the stairs.

"I'm going back to camp, but I will be back to see Becky before dark." he said.

"It's awful cold in the forest. Wouldn't you rather stay here with your sister where it's warm?" Abigail asked. Cody frowned a little reaching into his pocket.

"I only have three pennies, how much would it cost?" He asked holding the coins out to Abigail. Abigail bit her lip to hide her smile trying to take the little boy seriously.

"Well I will tell you want. Maybe we can make an arrangement. The cafe is about to open up and I don't have any help today. Do you think you could help me out?" Abigail asked.

"Sure can!" Cody cried.

"Alright it's a deal" Abigail smiled holding out her arm and Cody shook it smiling at her.

"Now I need you to go set the tables nice and neat" Abigail told him.

"Yes Ma'am!" Cody cried running into the cafe dining room as she smiled after him shaking her head.


"Good morning Thatcher girls" A voice called from behind them as they were climbing the stairs to the mercantile.

"Good morning Jack" Kate smiled

"Morning" Elizabeth grinned.

"What do you have in the bag?" Jack asked nodding towards the paper bag in Elizabeth's hands.

"Nothing, just something I need repaired at the mercantile." Elizabeth said quickly tightening her hold on the bag.

"Something I can fix?" Jack asked taking a step towards her.

"No" Elizabeth cried hiding the bag behind her back. Jack gave her a look as Kate struggled to hold back her laugh.

"It's nothing really" Elizabeth said.

"It wouldn't have anything to do with Rip would it?" Jack asked raising his eyebrow. Now Kate had to cough to cover her laugh remember the lovely gift from Rip they had woken up to this morning. Elizabeth sighed knowing she was caught and reaching into the bag handing Jack a shoe that had clearly been chewed.

"I think it's time he came home" Jack chuckled looking over her shoe.

"No That would be admitting defeat!" Elizabeth cried.

"Oh and Thatchers never admit defeat" Jack said nodding.

"Never" Elizabeth said taking her shoe back.

"I don't know what the problem is, he likes me just fine" Kate shrugged as Elizabeth elbowed her.

"Well it's different I think, Elizabeth and I tend get closer." Jack said nodding at Kate who wrinkled her nose a little as Elizabeth widened her eyes.

"I mean.. I just mean…" Jack started.

"I know what you mean, I'm going to go send that telegram for Abigail" Kate said laughing a little.

"Thank you" Elizabeth nodded as Kate went into the building.

"To far?" Jack asked.

"No, I just haven't spoken to her about all this yet. I suppose we need to have a talk, I just want to let her settle into it. It bothered her when we were not getting along." Elizabeth sighed.

"Yeah, I understand. Whatever you need to do. I know she's important and if she's uncomfortable it's something we need to take care of." Jack said.

"Thank you, that means a lot. She will be fine, I am not worried."

"Good, I'll see you later, let me know how you make out with the shoe" Jack said giving her a smile and touching her arm lightly as he made his way down the road.


"Miss Thatcher, is there really going to be a war on New Years?" Miles asked during class.

"I don't think so, why?" Elizabeth asked.

"Someone said there was going to be a New Years revolution" Miles said. Kate and Laura smiled at each other.

"It's resolution stupid" Gabe called to his brother making some of the older boys snicker.

"Gabe" Elizabeth frowned at him silencing them all.

"What's a resolution?" Rachel asked.

"A resolution is a promise we make to ourselves to do something different in the new year" Elizabeth said.

"I want to make a New Years resolution to read" One of the older boys called.

"That's a good one!" Elizabeth smiled.

"More Caption Billy and his Bloody Pirate Adventures" The boy finished making the class laugh.

"How about a resolution to read more Dickens or Shakespeare?" Elizabeth asked as the class groaned.

"Alright, we can talk more about that later, but for now class dismissed, enjoy your lunch." She said reaching over to her desk and ringing her cow bell. The children cheered gathering their lunch pails and hurrying outside to play.


"Did you like school Cody?" Kate asked as she sat with him on the front porch that afternoon. Abigail had walked Cody to school that afternoon insisting that little boys who lived with her must attend school and learn. Cody didn't seem happy with it at first but as the day went on he seemed to be happier.

"It was fun, your sister is a good teacher." He said shooting a marble he had found in the dirt.

"She is, the other kids are nice too." Kate nodded.

"At my old school we had classes in the barn."

"We used to have classes in the saloon until Jack built the school house over the summer" Kate nodded just as Jack was walking by.

"Hello, how was your day?" Jack asked giving Kate a smile.

"It was good, Elizabeth just took Rip for a walk a little while ago if your looking for her."

"I actually have a telegram for Abigail, seems the doctor she asked for from Union City will be here tomorrow afternoon." Jack said.

"Wonderful, I will tell her" Kate nodded.

"Actually Kate, I was wondering if..." Jack started but they both turned when they heard Elizabeth yelling from down the street a ways.

"Rip! Please?" She cried patting her knees for the dog to follow her but Rip stayed rooted in his spot.

"You better go help" Kate laughed.

"See you later" Jack chuckled making his way over to her.

"Rip, come! Rip, please!" She begged him again. Rip just whined at her as she stomped her foot.

"Should I even ask?" Jack asked as he walked up to them.

"I took him for his walk"

"and"

"And he chased a rabbit through the mud by the pond and wouldn't come back. And then I slipped and fell" Elizabeth sighed.

"Well, dirt becomes you" Jack said trying to hold in his smile glancing down at the mud on her skirt. Elizabeth shot him look hands on her hips.

"This used to be my favorite skirt" She frowned.

"I think he's worn out his welcome."

"No no no no, giving up now would be a sign of weakness. And he has only just started to respect me, right?" Elizabeth looked down at Rip who stood between them wagging his tail.

"Rome wasn't built in a day. Come on boy!" Elizabeth said patting her leg again for Rip to come and started walking towards the cafe. Rip watched her then looked up at Jack.

"Go on" Jack said softly. Elizabeth turned in time to see Rip following her.

"See, its working" She called back to Jack.

"Of course" Jack nodded giving her a smile.


Kate waited for the stage coach right after school the next day when Laura walked up.

"I don't think I want to sing in the new years show" Laura said sitting down on the bench next to Kate.

"Why not? You were so excited when Elizabeth asked you?"

"I know, but it's only a few more days and I'm nervous"

"But your a good singer" Kate said trying to encourage her friend.

"I'm afraid I will forget the words. The whole town will be looking at me! And the reporter Mrs. Coulter got to come here, he's going to write about how awful I was" Laura moaned

"It won't be bad. I'm sure you will do great. And you won't be up there alone."

"I guess" Laura sighed.

"And Elizabeth gave you the part, that must mean she thinks you have a good voice, and that means something coming from her because she has a good voice too." Kate said.

"She does? I have never heard her sing." Laura said. Kate shrugged.

"She doesn't often, but voice lessons went along with piano and drawing and all the other ones we had in Hamilton. I was never very good but Elizabeth is amazing. She said she gets it from our mother, I guess she had a beautiful voice too." Kate shrugged.

"Do you miss her? Your mother?"

"I never knew her. It's nice to have the idea of her, Elizabeth speaks so highly of her and I know she misses her. But its difficult for me to miss her when I didn't even know her." Kate said as the stage came around the corner.

"That's the doctor for Becky" Kate said standing back as it rolled out. She watched a man in a suite step out and look around.

"Doctor Burns?" Kate asked.

"Yes?" He turned to her.

"Hello sir, I'm Kathryn Thatcher I can take you to Mrs Stanton and Becky" Kate said.

"Wonderful, thank you" He nodded and she quickly lead him into the back door of the cafe.

"Abigail, the doctor is here" Kate called softly opening the door.

"Oh wonderful! Please come in, I will take you up to the children" Abigail said greeting him as Kate bega her homework at the table. Abigail came down to clean up from the lunch rush at the cafe and Elizabeth came home from her walk with Jack just as the Doctor was coming back down.

"How's Becky?" Abigail asked.

"Improving, another few days of bed rest and she should be just fine" He gave Abigail a kind smile. Abigail gave a sigh of relive.

"That's good news" Elizabeth smiled.

"Have you thought about what you're going to do?" The doctor asked.

"Going to do about what?" Abigail asked.

"Well when the young lady recovers there is going to be no reason to keep the children here. They are runaways form the orphanage I assume?" He asked.

"Yes" Elizabeth nodded softly.

"Then they will need to be placed in a home or brought back to the orphanage"

"I don't think they should go anywhere right now" Abigail said

"No, not right now. But you will need to do it eventually" The doctor said. Kate glanced up at Abigail who said nothing.

"I am staying in the saloon until the new year so I will be by to check Becky later and please come get me if anything changes.

"We will, thank you" Elizabeth said and saw the doctor to the door. None of them saw Cody lurking on the stairs listening to them.


"Alright, Kate will you bring Becky this tea? And ask her if she thinks she will feel like joining us at the table for a little while for dinner since she's doing better." Abigail asked a little while later.

"Sure" Kate nodded taking the teacup and climbing the stairs peeking into the storage room, turned Clara's bedroom that Cody and Becky were staying in.

"Becky?" Kate asked opening the door seeing the bed empty.

"Becky!" Kate called again looking in her and Elizabeth's room them Abigail's room finding them both empty. Kate went down the stairs frowning finding Abigail and Elizabeth outback hanging laundry.

"I can't find Becky" Kate said.

"Well she isn't supposed to be out of bed" Abigail frowned a little.

"Did you see Cody?" Elizabeth asked.

"No, I checked all upstairs they aren't there" Kate shook her head.

"Becky!"Elizabeth called going back into the kitchen.

"Cody!" Abigail yelled checking the front porch as Kate checked the cafe dining room.

"They aren't here" Elizabeth said when they met back in the kitchen.

"Kate go get Jack." Abigail said. Kate nodded throwing her shawl around her shoulders running out into the street spotting Jack walking from the mercantile.

"Jack!" She called running to him. He must have hear the worry in her voice because he turned quickly.

"What's wrong?" He asked.

"It's Becky and Cody. We can't find them, I think they ran away from Abigail's." Kate said.

"How long have they been missing?"

"I don't know, They were there right after school but that was almost 2 hours ago now" Kate shook her head.

"Well if they are on foot they couldn't have gotten to far."

"Becky is sick, she's still supposed to be on bed rest" Kate said.

"Im going to search north towards the river where their camp was, maybe they went back there" Jack nodded.

"What if they didn't go that way?" Kate asked.

"See if Lee can spare some men. Tell them to head south and make sure they know what the kids look like." Jack said quickly already turning towards the stables for Sergeant.

"Ok" Kate nodded running to the sawmill office.


Elizabeth found Abigail out on the porch as the sun was almost all the way down.

"It's getting late" Abigail sighed wrapping her coat tighter around her.

"Don't worry, Jack and Lee will find them." Elizabeth said firmly.

"They were safe here, why did they run away?" Abigail asked softly. Elizabeth turned to see tears threatening Abigail's eyes.

"I don't know. But they have been out on their own before, they will be alright" Elizabeth said gently.

"Becky is so sick. She shouldn't be out in the cold." Abigail sighed.

"Abigail, they will be ok" Elizabeth said softly placing her hand on Abigail's arm.

"From your lips to Gods ears" Abigail said giving her a little smile holding her hand tightly.

Jack came back when it was dark out. Becky was limp on Sergeant coughing as Elizabeth and Kate hurried her up to bed and Abigail rushed to make something warm for her. Cody sat on the couch watching everything silently, knowing he was in trouble.

"Becky is asleep." Kate said coming back downstairs a little while later getting a bowl of soup to sit down and eat realizing it was way past dinner and she was hungry.

"Thank you, here put something solid into you" Abigail said handing her a roll as Elizabeth came down the stairs.

"She's resting, but her coughing is worse in her sleep. I'm going to the saloon to see if Dr Burns can come by in a little while." Elizabeth said coming down the stairs.

"I can get him" Kate offered quickly.

"No you eat, besides you shouldn't be in the saloon this late." Elizabeth said slipping into her coat.

"Arn't you supposed to be seeing Jack tonight?" Abigail asked.

"He will understand, I'll see him tomorrow"

"Thank you" Abigail gave her a smile as Elizabeth slipped out.

"Am I in trouble?" Cody asked when Elizabeth was gone.

"No sweetheart you are not in trouble, but I would still like to know why you ran away" Abigail said nodding for Cody to sit at the table as she put down another bowl of soup for him.

"I heard you and the doctor, you were going to send us back. I don't want to go back." Cody said sitting down.

"I know this is hard for you to understand Cody, but you have to have faith. You have to know in your heart that God is watching over you and he has a plan for you, even if you don't know what that plan is." Abigail said gently taking a seat between Cody and Kate as the table.

"Does he have a plan for you?" Cody asked her.

"Yes, but there have been times in my life that I have been very scared and very sad too. Kate as well, and Miss Thatcher. In this house we have had our share of hardships." Abigail said gently. Cody turned to Kate who nodded.

"Did you run away?" Cody asked Kate

"When we first came here I wanted to. I hated it, I was scared and I wanted to go home. But then we found Abigail, and made friends and now this is the best home I could ever hope for." Kate told him.

"Whatever the reason God has a plan for you and Becky. And sometimes we need to go through hardships to get here. Kate and Elizabeth are here because their parents died as well, a long time ago, but that was a hardship for them. But without that hardship they would not have found the happiness they did here. God put you and Becky here for a reason and you are both not going anywhere until your sister is well and back on her feet and that is a promise from me to you," Abigail told Cody firmly.

"Even if Dr Burns says?" Cody asked.

"Even so. Now eat your supper." Abigail said giving him a smile.

"You better listen to her. She gets serious about her food, no empty bellies in this house." Kate smiled at Cody who picked up his spoon and started eating.


The next afternoon Elizabeth found Rip out on the back porch when she brought him his dinner.

"Alright Rip, your favorite. Pot roast" Elizabeth said softly placing the bowl in front of him. Rip sat up turning away from her.

"It's really quite delicious, I made it myself" Elizabeth sighed sitting down next to him on the porch. Rip turned up his nose not even looking at the food he usually scarfed down at mealtime.

"What do I have to do to get through to you!" Elizabeth sighed frustrated.

"Allow me" Elizabeth looked up to see Jack walking over. He say down by her and Rip moved to sit next to him as Jack pet his head.

"Rip old boy I think it's time you and I had one of our heart to heart chats. Now I know this is hard for you, before this it has just been you and me. Just two old bachelors set in our ways, laughing scratching, walking around in our long-johns" Jack said glancing at Elizabeth who was pressing her lips together to keep from laughing at that image.

"But it's going to be New Years soon, and it may not be the two of us much longer." Jack went on. Hearing this wiped the smile off Elizabeth's face as she looked back at Jack seeing he was serious, and this thought took her breath away.

"So I am going to need you to stop giving Elizabeth such a hard time. Now she doesn't play fetch like you do, and she's no good at chasing squirrels, but she smells good, and she looks nice. And she's pretty special to me, so she needs to be special to you too ok boy?" Jack finished looking warmly at Elizabeth as he finished his speech to Rip making her smile and blush. Rip turned from Jack sniffing at the pot roast and started eating. Elizabeth looked up beaming at Jack who was smiling at her.

"Now, shall we take that walk?" Jack asked offering Elizabeth his hand as he stood up.

"I would love to" Elizabeth smiled taking it as he pulled her up.


"Elizabeth!" Abigail yelled as Elizabeth was leaving the Jail an hour later after saying good bye to Jack.

"What is it?" Elizabeth asked sensing the tone in Abigail as she hurried over.

"Becky is burning up with fever! I'm going to Dr Burns." Abigail said.

"She was fine an hour ago when I left" Elizabeth said surprised.

"I know, Kate is with her now."

"I'll go help Kate" Elizabeth cried rushing back to the cafe as Abigail hurried to the saloon.

"Kate!" Elizabeth called hurrying up the stairs.

"Here, we're here!" Kate called back as Elizabeth rushed into the small bedroom where Kate was trying to put a cool rag on Becky's forehead. Becky seemed to be fighting her off shaking her head as she moaned but she was so weak even Kate being smaller then her had no trouble.

"Alright, your alright" Elizabeth soothed as she sat on the bed gently taking Becky's hands.

"She's so hot" Kate said looking worried at Elizabeth as she held a weak Becky down trying to calm her.

"It's ok Becky, Abigail is coming back with the doctor" Elizabeth whispered.

"Where's Cody?" Elizabeth asked Kate.

"Downstairs Abigail won't let him up" Kate said as she tried to cool Becky again. Abigail hurried in followed by Dr Burns.

"How is she?" Abigail asked,

"The same" Kate said as Elizabeth hurried out of the way so the Doctor could see her. Kate lingered in the hallway the tiny room hardly able to hold all the people it was.

"Take these!" Doctor Burns said quickly pulling the blankets off Becky. Elizabeth reached for them tossing them onto the floor.

"Bring me some cold compresses or ice"

"I'll get it" Kate said hurrying downstairs.

"We need to bring her fever down now" He said sounding very worried.


"The sudden onset of a high fever means that the infection is likely caused by a parasite" Doctor Burns said sitting with Abigail and Elizabeth an hour later after Becky was resting more comfortable. It had been a tense few hours but they seemed to have brought her fever down.

"I have treated her with what I can, but we will have to wait and see what happens" He said shrugged his coat.

"Thank you" Abigail said softly still worried.

"I will be back first thing in the morning but someone should check her often and come get me if there are any changes"

"We will, thank you" Elizabeth nodded holding the door open for him and closing it behind him.

"Cody is asleep, you should go get some rest" Abigail told her softly.

"No, you are so tired, I'll sit with Becky for a little while."

"You have school to teach, and the New Years program tomorrow. I'm not opening the cafe so I can rest when she does. Go on I'm going to make some tea, I will wake you if I need you" Abigail said gently but in a tone that told Elizabeth there was no arguing with her. Elizabeth nodded climbing the stairs, Cody was sleeping on a pile of blankets on the floor in the hall and Kate was sitting in the room with Becky.

"Kate, come to bed, Abigail is going to sit with her." Elizabeth called softly. Kate got up following Elizabeth to their room as they both got ready for bed.

"Is Becky going to be ok?" Kate asked as Elizabeth blew out the candle.

"I hope so. Dr Burns gave her something, she needs rest and time."

"That was scary" Kate sighed.

"It was, thank you for all your help today."

"I'm just glad they are here with us and not in the woods still." Kate sighed.

"Me too." Elizabeth nodded in the dark.


"Will you take Cody with you to the celebration tonight?" Abigail asked New Years eve as the sisters were getting ready to go in their room.

"Your not coming?" Kate asked sliding a clip into her hair. She was wearing one of her fancy Hamilton dresses for the occasion. A light blue dress with beading all over the top. Elizabeth was in a grey dress that caught the light and seemed to sparkle every time she moved.

"I want to stay with Becky" Abigail said softly.

"Of course, I will look after him, is he ready to go?" Elizabeth asked.

"Yes, just saying good night to his sister" Abigail nodded.

The celebration started in the church well after dark. Paster Hogan asked for a blessing for the new year. Mayer Gowen said some words and Rosemary even put on a little performance. Kate noticed the reporter taking notes on everything and she hoped he was impressed by their little town. There was also a big unveiling of a piano that everyone had chipped in to buy for the church. It was a big, beautiful, brand new piano and Kate couldn't wait for a chance to try it out. It would sound beautiful at mass on Sundays and she had a feeling Elizabeth would play it often for the children as well. One of the women from town did a little reading for the new year and then it was the children turn. Some of the older boys did a play, the little girls sang a song. Kate recited a poem about new beginnings with Anna. When it was Laura's turn she glanced at Kate who gave her friend a strong nod and a smile. Laura stepped forward from the group, she got in a few lines in a shaky breath before she seemed to freeze. She had forgotten the words or was to nervous to go one as everyone waited in silence for a few seconds. Kate glanced at her sister who was standing off to the side to support her class and Elizabeth immediately stepped forward next to Laura putting a gentle hand on her shoulder and started the song again. Her sweet voice flowed through the room and Kate didn't miss how some very impressed eyebrows shot up from the crowed. Rosemary too seemed to smile pleasantly at Elizabeth as she nodded to Jack who jumped up to join her. Kate grinned at how their voices melted together filling the room as Laura found her voice again and Kate stepped forward taking her friends hand joining them as they whole room started to sing Amazing Grace welcoming in the new year. The song ended and Laura grinned up at Elizabeth thanking her as the doors in the back opened softly and Abigail walked in supporting Becky who still looked slightly pale but much better then Kate had ever seen her.

"Becky!" Cody cried racing down to hug his sister as Abigail helped keep her upright.

There was some talking and visiting after as the town gathered to enjoy snacks and refreshments and admire the piano. Cat Montgomery sat down and played a little tune and before anyone knew it Rosemary was calling everyone to gather outside because it was almost midnight. Kate put on her warm coat and scarf bundling up against the winter night and put her arm around Becky helping her from her chair and to walk outside where Abigail took her arm supporting her. Doctor Burns made his way over to them as Cody ran over.

"Is Becky all better?" Cody asked the doctor.

"Not yet, the medicine I gave her yesterday made her better for now, but she will need to come back to the hospital with me for more treatment to make sure it is really all gone."

"How long will that be?" Kate asked

"Could be a few weeks, it depends on the treatment." Abigail said softly.

"Am I going with you to the hospital?" Cody asked Becky.

"You can't." Becky said sadly shaking her head.

"You are a word of the state Cody, Becky is not old enough to take care of you. You need a family you can stay with while Becky gets better" Doctor Burns told him.

"Cody is leaving too?" Kate asked sadly.

"Actually, Cody will be staying with us. Until Becky is better and out of the hospital, Cody will be with me." Abigail said giving the little boy a smile.

"Really?" Cody asked surprised.

"As long as you do as your told, and go to school."

"Cross my heart!" Cody cried excited as Kate smiled at them.

"Alright everyone it's almost midnight!" Rosemary yelled drawing everyone attention to her. On the other side of the pond Kate saw some of the men from town setting up the fireworks. Elizabeth and Jack came to join her with a smile.

"It's so exciting" Kate grinned at them as people around them started counting down. When they got to one everyone cheered as the fireworks started going off.

"Happy New Year!" Kate smiled hugging Elizabeth then Jack as light filled the dark sky.

"Happy New Year Abigail" Kate turned to her giving her a warm hug.

"Oh Happy New Year darling! I have a feeling it's going to be a good one" Abigail gave her a smile as Kate turned back to watch the fireworks.

"Could anything be more perfect then New Years?" Elizabeth asked with a content sigh as she watched the sky light up with color.

"I can think of one thing." Jack whispered close to her ear as he slid an arm around her waist his warmth hitting the side of her body.

"What?" Elizabeth asked turning to him truly wondering what could be better.

"This" Jack whispered before pulling her just a little closer an leaning in to kiss her. Her hand went up tracing his strong jaw line as she allowed him to linger closer then they ever had before with people around, to content to care. Kate glanced up seeing them before smiling to herself turning back to the fireworks.

"You know Abigail, I think your right" Kate smiled as Abigail winked at her.


"What a wonderful celebration." Elizabeth smiled as she brushed out her long hair.

"It was, it makes me feel like something great is going to happen this year." Kate agreed.

"I am sure many wonderful things will happen, do you have any resolutions for the New Year?" Elizabeth asked as Kate pulled on her night gown.

"Yes, I want to get better at piano now that the town has one. I want to help at least one person every day. And I suppose I could work harder at aromatic." Kate gave her a little smile.

"Those sound wonderful." Elizabeth gave her a smile as they both climbed into bed.

"And you, what are your resolutions?" Kate asked.

"Well I want to become a better teacher to my students, I want to learn something new every day, I would like to become a better cook this year." Elizabeth said.

"And keep kissing Jack?" Kate asked giving her a sly smile.

"Katie" Elizabeth rolled her eyes biting her lip her cheeks turning pink.

"Are you guys courting now? Like really courting?" Kate asked softly.

"We are." Elizabeth nodded, now not able to bite back her smile. It faltered after a minute though when Kate didn't say anything.

"I have been meaning to talk to you about this." Elizabeth said turning to look at Kate fully.

"What's to talk about anyway? I'm happy if you are happy, you know that" Kate gave her a shrug and a little smile.

"I know you said that, but it feels like something about this is bothering you, please talk to me, I thought you liked Jack."

"I do, I love Jack"

"And you have been the one routing for us to be together for as long as I can remember." Elizabeth added.

"Yes, your right. I just hate when you guys fight. I mean, you get together and everything is good and he's around all the time and you are happy, and then something happens and he's gone and your upset, and I feel like I can't talk to him or see him and then I miss him and I miss you being happy." Kate said softly.

"I'm sorry." Elizabeth sighed

"it's not your fault. I know that's how things go sometimes." Kate said with a little shrug.

"Well, I think its important you know that, that isn't going to happen anymore. Jack and I did a lot of talking and we are both committed to this. We talked about the problems we have had in the past. We have decided not to rush, to go slow and figure everything out together. There is a new form of trust we have built these past few days and it feel like we are really moving forward together."

"Good, I'm really happy for you. Jack is great, and I know how much you both care about each other." Kate gave her sister a smile.

"Katie, I don't want you to ever feel that you can't go to Jack. No matter where he and I are in our relationship, he cares about you a great deal and if you ever need something he will always be there for you. No matter what, he wants you to come to him." Elizabeth said softly.

"I know, It was more a solidarity to you think."

"Thank you, but I don't think we will have that issue anymore. You are so important to me, and to Jack. And it's important to both of us that you understand how much you mean to us. That no matter what our future holds, your included in it." Elizabeth said watching Kate to make sure she understood what she was telling her.

"Your the best sister" Kate gave her a smile.

"So are you, but again, we're not rushing, we're taking our time and making sure we get things right, so it's going to be just you and me for a while yet." Elizabeth promised her as she blew out the candle on their night stand.

"You and me forever right?" Kate asked laying down getting under the big quilt against the cold winter night.

"Forever" Elizabeth said firmly laying down next to her.

"But it's ok if Jack comes too" Kate whispered into the dark room.

"I love you, Happy New Year Katie" Elizabeth grinned giving her sister a hug.