Early Friday morning Kate yawned trailing after Elizabeth and Charlotte as they walked through town.

"Morning ladies!" Jack called riding up to them.

"Morning" Elizabeth perked up seeing him.

"Do you know you are the first person we have seen all morning? Seems folks around here like to sleep in." Charlotte said.

"Your mother had us up at four thirty." Elizabeth told Jack trying not to sound annoyed.

"Again." Kate muttered frowning making Jack chuckle.

"Well you know what they say early bird gets the worm" Charlotte smiled putting her arm around Kate's shoulders.

"Is that what's in the baskets?" Jack asked smirking.

"Berries" Elizabeth said holding up her basket full of raspberries.

"Nothing like a good country breakfast, fruit, bacon, eggs." Charlotte smiled.

"Scrambled" Elizabeth nodded giving Jack a look, he knew she hated scrambled eggs.

"With lots of lard" Kate nodded earning a sympathetic smile from Jack this time.

"Well if you come by a little later I would love some of those berries, right now I have to bring Rip for a walk." Jack said.

"Are you sure you have to go?" Elizabeth asked looking up at him.

"Oh don't worry it will give us more time to get to know each other." Charlotte smiled.

"Your mother was telling us how when she was a teacher she used to walk to school in snow drifts ten feet deep." Kate said.

"Ten, when I was a kid they were five" Jack gave Charlotte a teasing smile as she rolled her eyes at him.

"Enjoy your walk" Jack chuckled nudging Sergeant to start walking again.

"Did you know when he was a little boy, he used to sneak out of the house and run around in the rain, without a stitch of clothing on." Charlotte told Elizabeth loud enough for Jack to hear.

"Really?" Elizabeth cried grinning as they turned to Jack and Kate didn't try to hide her giggle.

"Ma!" Jack sighed. Turning back to them, "why don't you come in now, I can take Rip for a walk later" Jack sighed as he tied Sergeant to the post outside leading them into the jail. They all looked up surprised to see Faith there with one of the settlers who was working the mine a little further north, he had a deep cut on his shoulder.

"Jack! I'm so glad your back!" Faith cried.

"What happened?" Jack asked as Charlotte hurried to help Faith.

"There's a mudslide, at the mine, it's bad theres a lot of people injured." The man said.

"Stay with him! I will get as many men as I can to help ride up there" Jack said hurrying back out with Kate and Elizabeth following him.

"Go to the row houses knock on doors, we need as many men as can come." Jack told Kate, she nodded running off to the row houses.

"Go to the mercantile and tell Mr Yost, we need medical supplies and blankets and food. I'll get people from town." Jack told Elizabeth.

"Of course!" Elizabeth nodded rushing across the street. Jack nodded running into the saloon looking for help.


"Maybe I should come to the mine with you." Faith said packing a bag for Jack with any extra supplies she had.

"We can't risk you getting hurt." Jack shook his head.

"I will set up the school as an extra infirmary." Faith said.

"Good idea." Jack nodded a she hurried off and he tied the bag to Sergeant's saddle. Kate stood with him watching as all the men from town were preparing horses to ride out. All around her people were saying good bye. Rosemary was hugging Lee and Abigail was talking to Frank looking worried as she helped him pack a wagon. Kate chewed her lip realizing this was more serious then she first thought as she watched all the adults around her worry.

"Hey, it's going to be ok" Jack told her gently and she knew he was watching her.

"What if there's another land slide?" Kate asked.

"there might be, but we will be careful, look theres enough of us to take care of each other, and we can't leave those men alone up there." Jack said.

"I know" Kate nodded. Down the road Elizabeth and Charlotte were hurrying over with a bag full of food.

"You help your sister alright? We all have to do our part, you help out here and I will be back as soon as I can" Jack told her giving her a hug.

"Ok" Kate nodded as he let her go.

"Go to the side, let's load up!" Jack called to the men as Kate nodded walking to stand on the porch of the Cafe as Elizabeth and Charlotte walked up handing Jack the bag of food to be packed. Charlotte gave Jack's hand a squeeze giving him a nod as she went to stand by Kate. Jack put the food in the wagon before reaching out and pulling Elizabeth to him. She didn't think he had ever held her so tightly before, and she dreaded that he would have to let go in a moment.

"Don't worry, I will see you soon" Jack told her softly.

"You better, or I won't forgive you." Elizabeth gave him a brave smile. He returned it, before hopping onto Sergeant and she stepped back putting her arm around Kate firmly standing with Charlotte and Abigail.

Let's ride!" Jack called out and Kate watched breathless at almost every single man from town followed Jack down main street out of town.


"Alright everyone, as you can see, our school house is going to be very busy today so we will be moving class to Abigail's Cafe." Elizabeth said leading the class outside as Faith and some of the other women started moving cots and blankets and bandages into the school.

"I have to go out of town for a little while but Miss LeVeaux has agreed to be your teacher for today." Elizabeth said.

"Hello children, I know this is a big treat for you and I promise, we will have lots of fun" Rosemary told the class. Only the ten youngest children were there today, the oldest boys like Gabe and Caleb were helping around town with all the men gone, and Laura, Anna and Rachel were helping Faith. Kate was going to ride out to the settlement with Elizabeth and Abigail.

"Our kind or fun or your kind of fun?" Robert asked looking worried about the last time Rosemary had to take over the school.

"We can come up with something together." Rosemary said giving him a smile.

"Miss Thatcher, is it true a bunch of people from the settlement got killed in the mine in the mountain?" Hattie asked.

"We don't know what happened yet, but Mountie Jack and the men went to help." Elizabeth said softly.

"Is the mud going to come here?" Cody asked.

"No, our town is up higher and we are safe." Elizabeth assured all the students.

"Why do you have to go?" Little Opal asked softly. Elizabeth knelt down taking her hand.

"Do you all remember hearing about the children at the settlement? Their daddies are working in that mine and when they hear what happened they are probably going to be very scared. Kate and I are going to go help them today." Elizabeth said as Kate came down the stairs saying good bye to Laura and Anna.

"But you will come back right?" Opal asked.

"Miss Thatcher always comes back, and I will take care of you until she does." Emily said wrapping her arm around Opal's shoulders.

"Thank you Emily" Elizabeth gave her a smile standing up again.

"How long will you be away?" Rosemary asked as the children seemed to settle.

"Probably most of the day by the time we get out there and ride back." Elizabeth said.

"Really? That long?" Rosemary asked.

"Are you having seconds thoughts about teaching?" Elizabeth asked.

"Oh no the children and I will be fine" Rosemary shook her head.

"Then what is it?"

"It's just.. I will feel better when we are all back here again. Together and safe." Rosemary said softly giving Kate a smile.

"Me too" Kate nodded squeezing her hand and Elizabeth gave her a smile and a nod.

"Alright children, let's go." Rosemary said leading the children to the cafe.

Kate stood at the edge of the tent at the settlement watching Abigail tell the women about the mudslide at the mine where most of their husbands were working. She looked away at the shocked sad faces of the women as Abigail tried to comfort them.

"Miss Thatcher, why is Mama crying?" Maggie asked looking up from the story Elizabeth was telling the children after gathering they away.

"There was an accident at the mine, a mudslide." Elizabeth said softly as Kate turned to her.

"My Papa is there." A little boy named Harper said softly.

"I know, a lot of Father's are there. But all the men from Hope Valley rode out to help, and they are going to do everything they can." Elizabeth said softly. The children all watched the mothers who were still gathered looking upset. Elizabeth nodded to Kate who pulled the string closing the tent flap.

"Do you all know the silly song about the bear in town?" Elizabeth asked as the children turned back to her shaking their heads.

"Oh it used to be Kate's favorite, she used to laugh so much. I will teach you, ready?" Elizabeth started singing to the children and before Kate knew it they were all singing and giggling with her.

It was late in the afternoon when Kate and Elizabeth followed Abigail through the kitchen door of her house shocked to find the cafe silent. Elizabeth peaked in sharing a look with Kate when she saw all the children laying down as Rosemary hurried over with her finger to her lips.

"I just got them all to sleep" Rosemary whispered going into the kitchen.

"I'm surprised they went to sleep! They never sleep at school." Elizabeth said surprised.

"Well I was desperate, we ran out of things to do. And I may have bribed them a bit" Rosemary sighed.

Kate covered her laugh as Elizabeth and Abigail looked surprised.

"Oh I can't wait to hear this." Abigail muttered as they waited for Rosemary to go on.

"I told them I knew a man who worked in the circus, the ring master himself and I promised them if they were good and went to sleep that… I would bring the circus to town." Rosemary said.

"Yay!" Kate grinned.

"Have you given any thought to how your going to convince Lee to bring the circus to town?" Abigail asked.

"Not.. exactly" Rosemary shrugged.

"I would wait until after the honeymoon" Elizabeth said making them all laugh softly.


"When are they coming?" Kate asked late that night as she and Laura were rolling bandages in the school house turned hospital. None of the men were back yet and as night fell she was starting to worry.

"We can't know, they may have camped there for the night, but we need to be ready." Cat Montgomery told them softly.

"I hope this is enough." Elizabeth sighed cutting more strips.

"You can never have enough when something like this happens." Abigail shook her head making up a cot.

"We are not prepared to run a hospital, we don't even know how many are injured" Florence sighed.

"We have already searched the whole town, we will just have to make due with what we have" Elizabeth told her.

"God doesn't give you more then you can handle" Abigail nodded.

"Alright! alright! I know what you are all thinking so you might as well come out and say it" Rosemary cried throwing her hands up.

"Say what?" Kate asked. Looking around to faces just as confused as her.

"If we're short on bandages, we can use the fabric I ordered." Rosemary sighed.

"Fabric, what fabric?" Cat asked.

"You know perfectly well what fabric, the ones for my bridesmaids dresses" Rosemary said. Kate gasped turning to Elizabeth shocked.

"Rosemary… are you sure?" Elizabeth asked softly.

"Yes, I am sure, I will get it." Rosemary nodded leaving the school house quickly.

"Underneath that chatty dramatic skin she has a big heart doesn't she?" Kate asked Elizabeth softly.

"The biggest" Elizabeth smiled to her.

"Rosemary LeVeaux volunteering to shred her own bridesmaids dresses, life is full of surprises." Abigail agreed.

"Here we are, might I just say, these will be the most elegant bandages in the history of medicin." Rosemary said a few minutes later handing Elizabeth rolls of fabric.

"Thank you Rosemary." Elizabeth gave her a smile as they both picked up a pair of scissors.

"Jessie" Kate cried looking u as one of the men from town entered.

"Are the men back?" Abigail asked.

"They will be here in the morning, Constable wanted you to know theres at least 20 minors who were injured, some are looking pretty bad" Jesse told Faith.

"We will do what we need to do." Faith nodded.

"Are the men from Hope Valley safe?" Kate asked.

"They're all fine." Jesse nodded and Kate felt the whole room let out a breath of relief.

"There's another problem, on my way back I saw a log jam at the river, there'a lot of water being packed behind there. The settlement by the river is right in the path, they are going to get wiped out." Jesse said.

"What happens if the people don't get out before the flood hits?" Kate asked.

"They aren't going to make it" Jessis shook his head.

"We don't have time to wait for the men to get back. We are going to have to ride out there and evacuate the settlement." Abigail said taking charge as everyone seemed to turn to her.

"We will have to find places for them in town" Elizabeth said.

"Cat, go to the row houses, see if anyone there can take some of these people in." Abigail said. Cat nodded grabbing a lantern and going out into the dark.

"We can put some beds in the saloon, Florence your in charge of that.

"I'll get right on it." Florence nodded waving a few of the other women out to help her.

"We need to find food for them, who knows how long they will be here." Elizabeth said.

"We will feed as many as we can in the cafe, Clara I'm going to need your help" Abigail said turning to her.

"the minors, the settlers, their families plus everyone who lives here? We still won't have enough to go around." Clara said.

"Yes we will, I was expecting 70 guests for my reception with a choice of four entrees, we should be fine." Rosemary nodded.

"Rosemary, your wedding dinner?" Kate asked.

"Will be just as wonderful even if it is grits and beans." Rosemary shrugged.

"I could use some help in the kitchen" Clara said.

"Of course" Rosemary nodded and they left.

"I could help Clara" Kate said.

"You should get some sleep, I'm going to need you girls to ride out to the settlement with me first thing tomorrow morning. We will need at least two wagons for everyone, I need you to watch the children while Elizabeth and I drive" Abigail said.

"Of course" Kate nodded.

"There's nothing more we can do now, meet me at the stables at dawn and we will go as fast as we can." Abigail told Elizabeth.

"Alright" Elizabeth nodded.


Kate hopped from the wagon as soon as Elizabeth brought the horses to a stop. Abigail quickly told everyone what was going on, they had seen how high the water was and Kate could tell how worried Abigail was as she and Elizabeth scrambled to help everyone take as much as they could carry and pack things up.

"We need to move faster!" Abigail yelled helping a women pack up blankets.

"Kate, help Edith with the baby!" Elizabeth yelled. Kate hurried to the far tent.

"Here, I've got him" Kate said scooping up baby Oliver as his mother tried to gather all his things.

"How much time do we have?" Edith asked.

"Not enough, come on we have to hurry." Kate said leading her over to the wagon. Elizabeth helped her in and Kate handed her the baby.

"I will get the children, you get the horses ready to move." Elizabeth said. Kate nodded climbing into the wagon seat as the back was now full of people.

"Alright let's go!" Abigail yelled as she and Elizabeth lifted the children into the back of the wagon.

"Where's Maggie?" Kate asked noticing the little girl was missing.

"She left her doll by the tea party she was having in the woods, she went back to get him." Harper said.

"Where was the tea party?" Elizabeth asked.

"Under the pine tree by the river" Harper said.

"Oh no!" Elizabeth gasped and was suddenly running down the path.

"Elizabeth no!" Kate and Abigail called after her.

"Jack!" Kate yelled seeing him suddenly ride up on the road.

"Jack! Maggie is missing, they thing she went down to the river" Elizabeth cried.

"I'll get her, you get everyone out of here!" Jack yelled turning Sergeant and riding back.

"Elizabeth we have to go!" Abigail cried climbing into the seat of one wagon. Both wagons were loaded with people but at least everyone was out.

"Alright everyone hold on" Elizabeth said climbing up next to Kate, she flicked the reigns and followed Abigail's wagon out of the settlement.


Things were just as busy in town then in the rushed settlement. The wagons from the mine were arriving as well and Faith was directing them where to take the injured men.

"Jack probably beat us back if he was on Sergeant, why don't you go see if he and Maggie are at the school?" Elizabeth asked as she and Kate climbed down. Kate nodded hurrying down the street as Elizabeth helped the children climb out the back directing people where to go.

"Is there room in the solon?" Elizabeth asked.

"Yes, we can take a few more" Florence nodded.

"This way" Elizabeth ushered the men from the wagon in.

"He's not at the school" Kate said walking up.

"Have either of you seen Jack?" Elizabeth asked Florence and Molly

"No dear" Molly said sadly.

"Elizabeth!" Kate's voice called across the road making them turn. A man from the settlement road up with Maggie on his horse in front of him.

"I found her wondering on the trail, the settlement is washed out there's nothing left" He said as Lee and Elizabeth hurried to him. Lee picked Maggie up setting her on the ground as Elizabeth knelt in front of her.

"Maggie, did you see Mountie Jack?" Elizabeth asked. Maggie nodded.

"Where is he?" Elizabeth asked giving her a friendly smile but even from across the road Kate could see the worry in her eyes.

"The water took him away" Maggie whispered. Kate's heart skipped a beat as Elizabeth's mouth fell open in horror. Suddenly she jumped up running down the road.

"woah woah" She called to a house near by settling him before swinging up onto his back.

"Elizabeth where are you going?" Lee called running after her with Kate at his heels.

"I have to find Jack, everyone who can find a horse follow me!" Elizabeth said loudly leaving no room for argument. She reached down pulling Kate up behind her.

"You heard her mount up!" Bill called and suddenly everyone was gathering the horses again.

"Someone needs to tell Charlotte" Lee said quickly picking up the reigns to his own horse.

"I will tell her and catch up with you!" " Bill said quickly. Kate held tight to Elizabeth as she raced outside of town most of the men following them. Kate closed her eyes saying a prayer that they would find Jack safe.


The trail to the settlement was washed out. There was mud everywhere and the river ran higher then Kate ever thought it could. Elizabeth stoped their horse by the highest part.

"It's safer to go on foot from here" Bill said catching up to them with everyone else close behind. Elizabeth slipped off the saddle landing in the mud ankle deep. Frank Hogan reached up helping Kate down setting her in the mud. It was up to her skirts and their hems dragged but neither of the girls paid it any mind.

"Jack!" Elizabeth called watching the rushing water.

"Jack!" Kate yelled into the woods.

"Let's fan out, we will find him, he probably just hunkered down somewhere to dry off" Lee offered.

"Fan out, stay in sight of the person next to you but keep space" Bill ordered.

"Jack!" Elizabeth called again starting to walk down the mud path. Kate moved to follow her slipping in the mud. It was cold and wet instantly seeping into her clothes making her shiver. Elizabeth reached back to pull her up.

"I got her." Frank said lifting Kate back to her feet her dress sticking to her.

"Thank you" Elizabeth gave him a weak smile.


Kate lost track of how long they searched calling for Jack. It felt like days but it could not have been more then a few hours. Elizabeth's voice changed as the time passed. Starting with mild annoyance that she had to come out here and fetch him, turning to worry and fear and then almost disappearing all together as it got horse from yelling.

"Jack!" Kate yelled into the rushing water her own throat dry and hurting but she didn't dare stop.

"Jack!" Elizabeth's voice was loud this time on the verge of tears as Kate turned to see Elizabeth running down the side of the bank sliding in the mud as fast as she could.

"He's here!" Elizabeth yelled. Frank was close by and he came running as fast as Kate did looking down the bank.

"Kathryn stay there!" Elizabeth yelled before Kate had a chance to slid down the bank after them. Jack lay over a branch keeping just his chest and head out of the cold rushing water. He was not moving as Elizabeth called to him trying to pull him from the water but she wasn't strong enough.

"Jack!" Elizabeth yelled again trying to wake him. Tears stung Kate's eyes as Frank finally made it to Elizabeth's side bending over Jack.

"He's alive, I can feel his heart" Frank said and Kate felt air rush from her lungs.

"Here! Over here we need help!" She yelled in the direction of voices that came running. Lee got to them first hurrying down the bank with Jesse at his heels. Frank, Lee and Jesse lifted Jack from the water carrying him up the bank. Bill slid down helping Elizabeth back up her skirts and coat black from kneeling in the mud. Other men came quickly with the horses. Bill swung up on one and they placed Jack in front of him so he could ride home with him.

"I'll ride ahead and tell Faith to be ready for him. Bring him to Abigail's" Frank said jumping on another horse and racing back to town.

"Go with Lee" Elizabeth told Kate firmly swinging up onto her horse and racing after Bill who was already gone.

"Come on, up you go." Lee said gently lifting Kate onto the saddle and climbing up behind her.

"We're going to check the settlement one last time, see if we can find anything worth saving" Jesse said some of the men behind him.

"Good. I'm going to take her home. Be careful, the rain is still falling and the ground is so wet." Lee said. Jesse nodded riding off as Lee pointed his horse toward town going slower then Elizabeth and Bill who had raced out as risky speeds given the uneven ground. Kate was quiet, shivering in her now soaking wet coat and dress, but mostly just worried about Jack.

"Let's get you home and dry." Lee said softly nudging the horse a little faster.


The town was quieter as Lee pulled his horse up in front of the cafe. Rosemary came running over.

"Thank goodness, I saw Jack, they were getting him settled." Rosemary said quickly as Lee slid down helping Kate off.

"How was he?" Lee asked

"I don't know Faith had just gotten there" Rosemary shook her head sadly.

"I need to find Elizabeth" Kate said making her way into the cafe.

"Kate let's get you dried off first, come on darling, you'll catch your death in that wet dress." Rosemary said gently but Kate shook her head already inside the door.

"Let her go" Less said gently as Rosemary watched her worried. Kate climbed the stairs quickly, hearing voices from the bedroom she and Elizabeth used to share. She slipped into the doorway, Jack lay on the bed still not awake as Faith was placing a warm rag on his forehead. Abigail, Charlotte and Elizabeth stood by the foot of the bed watching. Elizabeth had seemed to hastily changed into an old dress she kept at Abigail's and out of her muddy skirts. Kate slipped in going to Elizabeth's side as her sister put her arm around her not taking her eyes off of Jack.

"He's suffering from exposure, we need to keep him warm." Faith was saying.

"Shouldn't he be in the infirmary?" Abigail asked.

"I can treat him here, and I think he will be more comfortable, my worry is this, his finger nails are blue" Faith said gently holding Jack's hand out for them to see.

"What does that mean?" Elizabeth asked.

"It could be pneumonia, it's to soon to tell" Faith said gently. Kate bit her lip looking up at Elizabeth.

"I have to go tend to the people from the settlement, but I will be back soon to check on him. Send for me if anything changes, keep him warm and try to force water into him" Faith said.

"Faith, I'm really glad your here" Elizabeth said softly.

"Please let me know if you need anything" Faith gave her a weak smile before leaving the room.

"Well we will all take shifts caring for him." Abigail started to say.

"No, I will do it" Elizabeth said firmly letting Kate go and sitting on the edge of the bed taking Jack's hand in her's.

"Elizabeth it's a lot of work and it may be days…" Abigail started.

"I will do it" Elizabeth said again even more firm not taking her eyes off of Jack.

"I would like to stay?" Charlotte asked Elizabeth gently.

"Of course" Elizabeth nodded and Charlotte settled into a chair a few feet away.

"Come on sweet girl let's get you dried up and changed" Abigail whispered looking at Kate still soaking wet.

"I want to stay." Kate said.

"Katie please go" Elizabeth sighed turning to look at Kate for the first time.

"Come on I have a warm bath for you and your dress is hanging up by the fire getting nice and warm" Abigail gently ushered Kate out of the room. With a nod from Elizabeth, Kate allowed herself to be led out.


"Feeling better?" Abigail asked as Kate came down the stairs fresh from a bath in her clean dress.

"Yes, thank you" Kate sighed as Abigail sat on the sofa gesturing for Kate to sit at her feet taking her damp hair in her hands and starting to braid it.

"Any word from Elizabeth?" Kate asked softly.

"No news is good news, it means he is resting comfortably" Abigail said gently. Kate nodded as Rosemary came rushing into the door.

"Oh there you are, how is he?" Rosemary asked.

"He's resting, it's too soon to tell" Abigail said gently.

"Oh poor Jack, poor Elizabeth! you know I lost an uncle to Pneumonia, and a neighbor, it's a terrible thing" Rosemary shook her head. Abigail glared at her nodding to Kate who was watching Rosemary with wide eyes.

"Of course they were both old and Jack is so young and healthy." Rosemary said quickly.

"Did you need something?" Abigail sighed.

"Yes, I wanted to let you know that Lee and I will keep Cody as long as you need. He is out playing with Rip now the poor dog. And that Paster Hogan is setting up a prayer service for tonight for Jack." Rosemary said gently.

"Thank you" Abigail gave her a smile.

"Oh course, I will get out of your hair, let us know if you need anything" Rosemary said quickly leaving again as Abigail finished the braid in Kate's hair.

"Did you ever know anyone with pneumonia?" Kate asked turning around to face Abigail.

"I did, a young man like Jack, he turned out just fine after some rest. He went on to have a beautiful wife and children." Abigail said gently.

"I'm scared" Kate whispered.

"I know, it's ok to be afraid. Jack means a lot to you, it's understandable we are frightened. But he wouldn't want you to worry yourself sick over him. We will get through this together" Abigail told her gently pulling her in for a hug.

"Is that true, about that man with the wife and kids, or did you just make it up so I would feel better?" Kate asked.

"It's true, cross my heart." Abigail said firmly making Kate smile a little.

"Can I please go see them?" Kate pleaded looking up the stairs.

"Go quietly and ask Elizabeth, but don't stay long" Abigail said gently. Kate nodded giving her a hug before tiptoeing up the stairs.

"Come on Jack, don't make me a lier to that little girl" Abigail sighed watching her.


Kate crept onto the landing knocking onto the open door as Elizabeth and Charlotte looked up. Jack lay propped up on pillows, Elizabeth sat next to him resting against the headboard a cup of water in her hands.

"Do you need anything?" Kate whispered feeling shy suddenly.

"Come here sweetie let me look at you" Elizabeth gave her a smile waving her over. Kate crept next to her as Elizabeth gathered her in a hug before putting her hand to her forehead.

"You ok, all warmed up?" Elizabeth asked. Kate nodded.

"You want to sit with us for a while?" Elizabeth asked. Another nod as Kate settled onto the edge of the bed into Elizabeth's side and they all sat in silence for a while.

"You know when Jack was four he was sick, I sat up with him day and night for a week." Charlotte said softly.

"What did he have?" Kate asked.

"I never knew, we were in the middle of no where, there was no doctor around, just this awful fever. I want to be mad at him for what he did today but truth is I can't. He was just doing his job." Charlotte sighed.

"He saved a lot of lives" Elizabeth nodded.

"It would be so unfair to lose two good men today" Charlotte whispered.

"Very unfair" Elizabeth agreed.

"I think I need some air." Charlotte's voice cracked as she stood up leaving the room. Kate leaned into Elizabeth more hiding her face as tears sprung into her own eyes.

"Why don't you go back to Abigail sweetie, let Jack rest and you can come back later." Elizabeth said gently.

"Ok" Kate whispered and Elizabeth was surprised she didn't argue with her just slipped out the door. Elizabeth turned to look at Jack still laying there unmoving.

"Jack, you have to wake up. Somehow I knew from the minute we first met that you and I were meant to be together. I'm sorry if I ever did anything to hurt you Jack. You know Kate adores you… and I… I need you Jack. I know God meant for us to be together. You can't leave me. Not now." Elizabeth whispered her hand on Jack's chest her face resting close to his. Jack didn't move, he didn't wake up. Elizabeth sighed sitting back waiting.

Kate made her way downstairs, Charlotte was no where to be found but Abigail turned from the stove.

"How is he?" Abigail asked. Kate shrugged and Abigail wondered if letting her go up had been the wrong choice.

"I wish I could do something to help." Kate sighed.

"Well I am making Jack's favorite chicken noodle soup. The biggest batch that you ever did see. He's going to need something warm and filling when he wakes up" Abigail said placing her hands on Kate's shoulders and sitting her down at the table.

"I need these carrots cut, and the onions peeled and the potatoes chopped, can you do that?" Abigail asked placing everything on the table.

"Yes" Kate smiled taking a knife in her hand.

"Good." Abigail turned back to the stove.

A few hours later the sun was almost down as Abigail took the soup from the stove top. Kate and Charlotte were sitting at the table drinking tea.

"Smells wonderful, Jack will be happy to have this" Abigail smiled at Kate.

"Can we make him some of the cookies he likes too?" Kate asked.

"Oh it may be a few days before he's up to eating that, perhaps we can put that off until tomorrow" Abigail whispered making Kate smile.

"I'm going to go check on Elizabeth, see if she will eat something." Abigail said climbing the stairs. She went into the bedroom, Elizabeth was now propped up against the footboard with a small knitted blanket covering her, seeming to be asleep. Abigail went to her side gently feeling her forehead wondering if she should have forced Elizabeth into a warm bath too after being out in the cold mud and rain. The last thing they needed was Elizabeth sick.

"Elizabeth" Abigail whispered rubbing her arm as she knelt next to the bed. Elizabeth jumped awake in an instant.

"Ohh shhh it's ok" Abigail whispered soothingly as Elizabeth caught her breath turning to Jack.

"I guess I fell asleep" Elizabeth sighed sitting up a little.

"Why don't you come down and eat something?" Abigail offered.

"I'm not hungry" Elizabeth shook her head.

"Jack would want you to take care of yourself."

"I'm not leaving him Abigail" Elizabeth sighed.

"Alright" Abigail knew there was no point in arguing with her.

"Do you think he know's I'm here?" Elizabeth asked.

"Of course he does, he knows you haven't left his side."

"I feel so alone" Elizabeth whispered her voice cracking as tears fell from her eyes.

"Oh, your not, your not dear it's going to be ok." Abigail soothed pulling Elizabeth to her for a hug letting her friend cry on her shoulder.


When Abigail came down a little while later Charlotte and Kate were still at the table.

"How is he?" Charlotte asked.

"No change" Abigail sighed picking up a teapot.

"Elizabeth won't leave his side, I'm going to bring her some tea and bread" Abigail glanced at Kate.

"I don't know who we should be worried about more, her or him" Charlotte sighed as Abigail placed a few rolls on a plate.

"I know how she feels."

"So do I, I will bring up the tea" Charlotte sighed reaching for the plate and cup.

"Charlotte, it's ok to cry" Abigail said gently.

"Crying doesn't do anyone any good" Charlotte said firmly before climbing the stairs as Kate watched her.

"It will be ok sweet girl, have some soup." Abigail placed a bowl in front of Kate and picked up another for herself joining her at the table.

"What if Jack dies?" Kate whispered.

"It won't happen." Abigail said firmly.

"But what if he does, Abigail it will break Elizabeth's heart." Kate whispered.

"We can pray for them. We can help them out, Elizabeth is taking good care of him." Abigail said gently taking Kate's hand in her's.

"I don't know what we will do without Jack."

"luckily you won't have to find out. Eat your soup sweetheart."

"I'm not hungry either" Kate sighed.

"None of that. Elizabeth is up there taking care of Jack. You and I are down here taking care of Elizabeth. We can't take care of her on an empty stomach. Further more we're not going to give her a reason to worry about you when she's already worried enough about Jack. You need to put some of that into you." Abigail said firmly using a tone she rarely used with Kate.

"Yes ma'am" Kate nodded taking a spoonful.


When it was dark people started to gather outside the Cafe. Abigail and Kate put on their coats to join them. Each person carried a candle and they passed around the flame until every candle was lit. It lifted Kate's heart to see the whole town gather outside the cafe. Abigail went to stand by Charlotte giving her hand a squeeze. Rosemary put her arm around Kate holding her close as Paster Hogan moved to the front of the crowed. He led them all in a prayer asking God to heal Jack. Kate looked up at the window where she knew Jack was and saw Elizabeth's face watching them.

Elizabeth tied back the curtain going to sit by Jack again.

"Everyone is out there, they are all praying for you. Do you think you could get better for them?" Elizabeth asked moving the rag from Jack's forehead.

"Or me?" She asked running her fingers through his hair. Jack lay still.

"It's ok, I will wait. Just like our new years resolution. Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not rush but takes its time." Elizabeth sighed.

"But not to much time" Jack's groggy voice muttered hardly above a whisper. Elizabeth turned to him wide eyed sure she had imagined it before Jack's eyes opened slightly meeting her's.

"Jack!" Elizabeth cried jumping forward and covering his cheeks with kisses.

"Oww" Jack muttered.

"Sorry sorry!" Elizabeth cried lightening the kisses trying to hold herself back. She pulled back to look at Jack before he gave her a weak smile and she leaned down meeting their lips.

"How do you feel?" She asked.

"Wonderful" Jack moaned but gave her a smile as she quickly poured him some water holding the cup so he could drink.

"I have to go tell them your awake. I will be right back!" Elizabeth cried sprinting down the stairs. She flung open the door just as the crowed was ending a moment of silence making them all jump.

"He's awake" Elizabeth cried tears running down her eyes. Kate gasped as Everyone cheered. Rosemary pulled her into a bone crushing hug as Bill picked Opal up tossing her into the air as people clapped and hugged each other. Charlotte hurried in as Elizabeth disappeared back inside.

"That a boy Jack" Abigail smiled up at the window.


That night Abigail and Charlotte went to the school house to give Faith a break from working there. Elizabeth and Kate would stay in Abigail's room so Elizabeth could care for Jack. Kate helped Abigail pack bags of rags and clothes to bring to the school.

"Lock the door behind us. You should go to bed soon and get some rest. I will be back in the morning to make you three some breakfast." Abigail said.

"Ok" Kate nodded

"Help Elizabeth out, but try and get some rest, you all had a trying day and need a good nights sleep. See if you can talk Elizabeth into laying down for a while if Jack is sleeping." Abigail said.

"I will" Kate nodded.

"Alright, good girl, sleep well, I will see you in the morning" Abigail said giving Kate a hug and following Charlotte out into the night as Kate closed the door behind them and they heard it lock.

"Well, if I didn't know better I would say that was your little girl" Charlotte smiled at Abigail as they started their walk.

"Kate holds a special place in my heart. Both of those girls do, Elizabeth is a dear, dear friend but Kate… Kate came to me when I was morning the loss of my own child. She was shy and scared and had no one in the world but her sister. I was a mother without a child and Kate was a child without a mother. I am so lucky to have both those girls in my life, they mean the world to me, as does Jack. You should see the three of them together, them make quite the little.. well family. Jack and Elizabeth love each other more deeply then I have ever seen. And your son is so kind to Kate, truly he is so patient with her. He never shoos her away to get alone time with Elizabeth, he includes her, he taught her to ride a horse, and fish. You raised a wonderful young man Charlotte."

"Well it appears you had a hand in making those girls who they are, I am just glad everything is going to be alright now." Charlotte smiled.

"Praise the lord" Abigail sighed.

Kate had closed the door behind Abigail dimming the lamp and climbed the stairs. She changed into her nightgown and braided her hair off to the side before crossing the landing peeking into Jack's room. She hadn't seen him yet, Faith went up to check him as soon as he woke up but by the time she was done he had gone back to sleep, his body still so tired. He was resting now, though he looked much better, his cheeks were pink again. Elizabeth sat by his bed in the rocking chair reading her book silently.

"Hi" Kate whispered. Elizabeth put her book down smiling at Kate as she walked in.

"Faith said he was alright?" Kate asked going to Elizabeth who slid over making room in the small chair for Kate to squeeze in.

"He is, he needs to be in bed for a few more days, and he has a bit of a cough. But he will be fine with some rest and good food." Elizabeth smiled.

"I am so glad, I was worried."

"Me too, thank you for stepping up today." Elizabeth whispered as suddenly Jack stirred waking up with a cough. Elizabeth quickly helped him sit up to catch his breath.

"Hey there little shadow" Jack smiled at Kate when his coughing stopped.

"Hey, you look better" Kate smiled.

"Feeling better, although you may have to tell your sister to get some rest, I hear I have been running her ragged" Jack said looking at Elizabeth.

"You have done no such thing, are you hungry?"

"No, I could use some water though."

"I'll refill the pitcher" Kate said quickly reaching for it.

"No I will, you make sure Jack stays here" Elizabeth said standing up and going downstairs.

"She was worried." Kate said softly.

"I know, I'm sorry I worried everyone so much." Jack said seriously.

"Don't you ever do that to her again. She can't stand to lose you Jack." Kate said firmly.

'Yes Ma'am" Jack nodded with a twinkle in his eye.

"Jack this isn't funny, she's my sister and I will tell you to be serious about this. Elizabeth has lost so much."

"I understand, I am sorry she was so worried. Believe me, I don't want to ever do anything to hurt her." Jack said taking Kate's hand in his.

"Good." Kate nodded as Elizabeth came back upstairs handing Jack a glass of water.

"What are you two up to?" Elizabeth asked looking between them.

"Just talking about how lovely you are." Jack said as Kate nodded.

"I must look a sight" Elizabeth sighed patting down her hair.

"You are the most beautiful sight I ever did see" Jack said making Elizabeth blush.

"That's my cue to go to bed" Kate giggled standing up she gave Jack a warm hug and he held her tight before letting her go. Kate got into the warm bed smiling, the light from across the hall casted a dim shadows and the soft murmur of Jack and Elizabeth talking floated into the room and Kate was sure she had never felt more grateful then she did right at that moment.


In the weeks that followed life returned to normal. Jack recovered quickly, within days he was sitting at the table for meals and in a week he was back to sleeping in his own bed and working for part of the day. They all helped to rebuild the settlement, school started again and Elizabeth even felt she was developing a taste for Charlotte's cooking. Before they knew it a few weeks had passes and they were at Abigail's getting Rosemary dressed for her wedding. Kate and Elizabeth stood around the table finishing the flowers as Abigail and Charlotte helped Rosemary with her hair.

"I think this is perfect" Abigail smiled placing the clip in.

"thank you" Rosemary smiled.

"It seems to me like you found the right man for you" Charlotte said.

"I did" Rosemary smiled.

"I want you to know that even though you aren't marrying Jack, you will always be like a daughter to me" Charlotte said.

"Thank you, that means so much" Rosemary smiled turning to Abigail as she did her vail.

"And I think you found the right man too" Charlotte said turning to Elizabeth who looked up at her.

"Thank you" Elizabeth smiled.

"I didn't just come here to check up on the women my son has been writing home about, I don't believe in meddling in people's affairs."

"Even if its your son?"

"Especially if its my son" Charlotte said making Elizabeth laugh.

"I know you and I are very different people, but I like to think we have somethings in common that makes Jack care so much about you and I."

"I think so too" Elizabeth smiled.

"I want to tell you, the way Jack writes about you, he adores you and your sister. I find it so admirable what you did for her, for the both you. I came here expecting to find a different women then you truly are. You didn't always have it easy, you had hardships and you made choices putting family before yourself and that is one of the most noble things a person can do in my book. You are a strong, brave women Miss Thatcher, raising a sweet, brave little girl." Charlotte said softly as they both turned watching Kate giggle with Rosemary about something.

"Thank you, that means so much coming from you. Kate and I both adore Jack very much. He means everything to us here." Elizabeth said softly.

"I know it hasn't been easy having me underfoot, but next time I'm here I would love for you to teach me how to make your shepherds pie."

"Deal" Elizabeth smiled.

"Alright, you are all set" Abigail said as they all turned to Rosemary.

"You look amazing" Kate grinned.

"Lee is a lucky man" Elizabeth agreed.

They made their way into the church. First Opal the flower girl, then Cody with the rings. Abigail followed after then Kate and Elizabeth. Kate looked up smiling at Jack who was standing next to Lee as his best man. She grinned at him as he winked at her then looked past her, his eyes landing on Elizabeth. They took their places at the front as Rosemary came down looking as pretty as a picture in her white gown and Kate knew Lee couldn't stop grinning if he tried. The wedding was beautiful as Rosemary had always wanted. In the end she linked arms with Lee making their way down the aisle. Elizabeth followed after with Jack then Kate and Abigail. Before leaving the church Rosemary stopped glancing behind her before tossing her bouquet over her shoulder. It flew through the air practically landing in Elizabeth's surprised arms. Everyone in the church let out a giggle as Elizabeth's cheeks turned pink and she glanced at Jack out of the corner of her eye. Kate laughed watching her sister before Elizabeth glanced back at her meeting her smile. Kate laughed as Jack held his arm out and she ran ahead to link into his other arm. Elizabeth grinned at her as Kate giggled as they left the church.