Hi everyone, this took much longer then I had planned, but here it the alternate ending where Jack does die. The times is the same as in the show so it's soon after the wedding. I was going to make this a separate one shot but it kind of only makes sense in this story because of Kate and the different relationships that revolve around her so I thought I would tack it onto to end of here. Again, Jack does die it's sad so feel free to not read it! I just really liked exploring how Kate would fit into the grieving process and how that would effect Elizabeth. Anyway this is just a single chapter I won't be writing anymore for these characters.

Elizabeth Thatcher smiled as she looked around the busy Saloon. The whole town was celebrating the birthday of their beloved doctor and he had just arrived. The room was alight with people laughing and talking and a few had even taken out instruments to play as Rosemary stated to sing. These were the moments that gave her that warm and fuzzy feeling inside that truly made Hope Valley home.

"Oh I left Carson's gift on my desk at school" Elizabeth said suddenly.

"Oh I will walk with you" Abigail said as they quickly both put on their coats walking out into the night laughing. They both turned when the door opened again and Kate came hurrying out shrugging on her coat.

"Oh! I was just going to get the gift we left for Carson on your desk." Kate said surprised to see Elizabeth and Abigail.

"We were headed there as well, want to walk with us?"

"Sure" Kate said as Abigail linked arms with Elizabeth and they started the short walk to the school together. Suddenly a horse nickered in front of them causing the three women to look up from their conversation. In the dark night and shadows cast only by the moon Kate made out a rider in a mountie hat and her heart skipped a beat.

"Jack" Elizabeth whispered in shock and Kate grinned.

"Jack!" Elizabeth called again letting go of Abigail to hurry forward a laughter in her voice. Kate grabbed Abigail's hand in excitement as the rider got closer and his face was illuminated by the light. He was a mountie, but it wasn't Jack, Kate let out a sigh of disappointment.

"Oh, I'm sorry I thought you were someone else" Elizabeth smiled politely. Kate knew she must be just as disappointed, Jack wasn't due home for another two weeks but it would have been nice if he had surprised them. The rider dismounted slowly picking up the reigns and leading his horse the few more steps closer to Elizabeth as Kate and Abigail went to join her.

"I am looking for Elizabeth Thornton." He said slowly.

"I am Elizabeth Thornton." Elizabeth said her voice cracking a little. If a mountie was coming to give them news in person, and judging by the look on his face, she suddenly felt her stomach drop. Abigail reached out grabbing Elizabeth's shoulder as none of them took their eyes of the man in front of them. He was silent for a minute seeming to not know what to say.

"Is he hurt?" Elizabeth asked softly.

"No Ma'am" The Mountie said. Abigail wrapped her arms around Elizabeth's back supporting her and grabbing Kate's hand at the same time in a desperate attempt to provide comfort to both girls.

"Just tell me he's alive?" Elizabeth asked in a whisper. The mountie said nothing. Kate was sure her heart stopped, her brain did for curtain. Jack? Jack wasn't dead, he was coming home in two weeks. He would never die on them, they just became an official family. Abigail's eyes filled with tears.

"No, no no no" Elizabeth said back away from him her voice going from a whisper but getting louder with each no that left her mouth.

"No No Jack! No no no!" Elizabeth was screaming now, crying in a way that Kate had never heard her before, and never wanted to hear again. Elizabeth's whole body seemed to give out despite Abigail's attempt to keep her up, she crumpled to the ground crying for Jack. Abigail rubbed her back soothingly as Elizabeth screamed in agony. Kate had stood numb since Elizabeth had first started to cry but she seemed to snap out of it as she rushed to Elizabeth's side slipping on the ground next to where Elizabeth had crumpled to her hands and knees.

"It's ok, its ok. Jack is going to be ok, it's ok. Get up Elizabeth, come on get up!" Kate said quickly, yelling over Elizabeth's sobs trying to gather her older sister in her arms as Elizabeth was gasping for breath her sobs not getting any lighter. Abigail was crying silently now, just her hand resting on Elizabeth's back. Kate put her arm under her sister trying to pull her up to her feet. If she could just get her on her feet it would be fine, but Elizabeth was limp on the ground.

Outside the saloon people had heard her cries and had come outside. They saw the seen in front of them and knew what had happened. Faith and Carson ushered people back inside while Bill, Lee and Rosemary hurried over. Rosemary heart was breaking at the scene in front of her as Elizabeth sobbed and cried, Abigail was silently crying next to her rubbing her back, Kate was still on her hands and knees next to her sister trying to talk to her and comfort her, but it was clearly no use. Rosemary felt tears of her own in her eyes for Jack but she knew she couldn't deal with it now.

"Elizabeth, sweetie let's get up, come on, we can't stay in the street" Rosemary whispered gently. If Elizabeth was aware of anyone around her she gave no notice. Rosemary glanced at her husband giving his questioning eyes a nod.

"Lee will help you alright, let Lee help you" Rosemary said gently before stepping back allowing her husband to go forward. Lee bent down scooping Elizabeth off the ground into his arms where she was crying into his neck.

"Take her to the cafe, put her upstairs." Abigail whispered as Bill gathered her into a hug. Kate had stood up with Lee had lifted Elizabeth and she still stood by her sister.

"It's ok, it's ok, Jack will be back it's ok, he's wrong." Kate was saying though it was probably impossible for Elizabeth to hear her over her crying which had not let up.

"Come here darling, oh come here" Rosemary gathered Kate into her as Lee started toward the Cafe with Abigail and Bill as his heels. The mountie had seemed to disappear in the shadows of it all, but Rosemary could see Carson and Faith talking to him by the saloon door.

"He's lying! He's lying, Jack is coming back. He promised he would come back!" Kate yelled.

"Oh Darling, I know, I know this is so hard." Rosemary whispered.

"But we just got his letter yesterday. He was coming home in two weeks. We were going to plant the apple trees on the land near the new house." Kate said.

"I know, I know." Rosemary said pulling Kate into her as Kate wrapped her arms around her waist her whole body was shaking and her own legs felt like they would give out.

"Oh sweetie its ok, it's ok" Rosemary cooed. Across the street Lee had already carried Elizabeth inside, Bill and Abigail turned at the door seeing Kate and Rosemary hadn't moved.

"Oh sweet girl" Abigail cried moving to go back outside but Bill stopped her.

"You can't take care of both of them, as much as you want to. Go to Elizabeth I will bring Kate to you" Bill said gently. Abigail nodded hurrying inside as Bill turned going to Rosemary.

"Kate, it's ok" Bill said as gently as Rosemary had ever heard him speak to anyone.

"I want Jack" Kate cried lifting her head a tear running down her cheek.

"I know, come on let's get out of this cold, come on" Bill gently tucked Kate into his side leading her across the street as Rosemary still held her hand. Inside Abigail's, Lee was coming down the stairs and he gathered Rosemary in a hug knowing his wife was upset as well.

"Abigail is with her, I think she passed out from breathing so irregularly. She was crying so hard she couldn't catch her breath. She's ok for now." Lee said softly so Kate wouldn't hear him.

"Oh Lee what are we going to do?" Rosemary asked burying her head in his neck.

"I want Elizabeth" Kate said wiping her eyes.

"Why don't you let Abigail get her settled…" Bill started.

"No, I want my sister, she needs me." Kate yelled pulling away from Rosemary's reach.

"Let her come" Abigail called from the top of the stairs. Kate turned her back on all the other adults racing up the stairs. Abigail was waiting for her at the top catching Kate in her arms as Kate let out a fresh batch of tears.

"Where is she?" Kate cried.

"She's resting, She may have passed out from getting so upset." Abigail said gently. Kate rushed into the bedroom. Elizabeth was laying curled up in a ball her face and eyes red. Abigail had put her in a nightgown and she seemed to be sleeping, but her breathing was still coming in gasps like her body was still trying to regulate itself.

"Here sweet girl" Abigail unbuttoned Kate's dress quickly helping her into a nightgown of her own before Kate crawled into bed next to Elizabeth. She cuddled up as close as she could putting her forehead on her sisters.

"It's ok, it's alright. Elizabeth its ok" Kate whispered smoothing her sister's hair back and running her thumb over her tear stained cheeks. Elizabeth didn't move as Kate continued.

Abigail sat with them for a while. After a while Kate wouldn't speak just rubbed Elizabeth's back and brushed her hair away. Eventually Abigail got up to see to the other people. Kate lay awake just focusing on her sister. There was noise downstairs late into the night. Many voices that floated up the stairs but Kate chose not to listen to them. She didn't want to know. It was dead of night when it went quiet again, Kate guessed it was well past midnight. Abigail came back upstairs as she had many times the past few hours. This time she dimmed the lamp leaning over Kate.

"Why don't you sleep sweetie? I will sit with her." Abigail offered.

"I won't leave her" Kate said firmly.

"Alright, I will sit here then" Abigail picked up a blanket settling into a rocking chair on the other side of the bed.

It was a long night, Kate thought she might have just started to doze when Elizabeth stirred, suddenly she let out a moan and started sobbing again. Abigail sat her up quickly as Kate rubbed her back both of them trying to sooth her. Elizabeth calmed down quicker then before, Abigail offered her some water and Kate lay back down with her. This time Elizabeth pulled her to her tightly holding onto her. They were silent for a while, the rest of the night they were awake, Elizabeth crying softly as Abigail kept trying to offer her water and Kate did everything she could think of to comfort her. Elizabeth was no longer sobbing in agony but she was inconsolable. Kate and Abigail cried with her on and off until dawn when Elizabeth seemed to exhaust herself again falling into a restless sleep. Abigail stood wiping her eyes, covering Elizabeth with the quilt lovingly tucking it around her.

"Sweetheart why don't you go lay in my bed and get some rest" Abigail whispered.

"I'm not leaving her" Kate said.

"Kate I really think…"

"I'm not leaving her Abigail, ever. Suppose she wakes up alone? I won't leave her" Kate said more firmly then she had ever spoken to another adult.

"Alright, I will go start breakfast" Abigail nodded turning to the door.

"Not hungry" Kate said. Abigail paused is if she were about to turn around and argue with Kate but thought better of it and just left the room. Kate heard her footsteps go down the stairs and move around the kitchen. Kate slipped out from under Elizabeth's arm and went to the window looking out. The sun was rising over the lake, it was promising to be a warm and beautiful spring day. Kate reached out quickly closing the shutters and drawing the curtain. The sun had no right to rise over a world where Jack was no longer here. Kate glanced at Elizabeth who was even crying a bit in her sleep. Nothing would be the same ever again, nothing mattered. Jack had been in Hope Valley since they got here, to Kate, Jack was everything that was Hope Valley. He had been her first friend, someone to joke around with, he had loved Elizabeth with all his heart sweeping her off her feet and saving them both. He was their family, he was her brother, and the closest thing to a father she ever remembered having. Kate felt herself getting angrier and she brushed away more tears going to join Elizabeth in the small bed again.


"Elizabeth sweetheart this isn't good. Let's get you up, come on Jack would want you to be ok" Abigail spoke gently pulling Elizabeth from the bed hours later. Elizabeth allowed herself to come as Abigail slipped a shawl around her shoulders leading her down the stairs. Kate followed numbly as they went into the kitchen. The cafe was closed today, despite it being Sunday, usually the busiest day of the week. Abigail gently nudged Elizabeth into a chair at the table placing a cup of tea and a slice of cake in front of her, knowing it would probably go untouched. Kate went to the window. It was brighter now, mid morning, the sun high. The church bells started to ring and people were walking past the cafe. Many glanced over, quickly turning away when they saw Kate in the window. Rosemary gave her a sad wave Kate didn't return.

"Are you going to church Abigail?" Kate asked not turning from the window.

"Not today" Abigail said gently as she slipped into the chair next to Elizabeth gently placing the fork in her hands as if she were a small child.

"I'm just not hungry Abigail" Elizabeth whispered.

"How about some tea, or coffee? You should put something in your stomach" Abigail said gently.

"I can't bare to, I think I would be sick" Elizabeth shook her head.

"Elizabeth…"

"Leave her alone Abigail" Kate said firmly going to her sister's side.

"Katie" Elizabeth said, it was supposed to come out firm, disciplining her for talking to Abigail in such a way. But she had no strength and it was more of a sigh.

"It's ok." Abigail told both sisters gently getting up and moving to the sink to put the rest of the food away.

"Abigail, Kate should eat something." Elizabeth said, her voice was different, weak, like it took all her energy to speak just a few words.

"I'm not hungry" Kate said

"Please, Katie" Elizabeth begged.

"Alright" Kate nodded as Abigail gave her a smile placing a bowl of soup in front of her, chicken noodle, Jack's favorite. Elizabeth burst into tears again as Kate left her bowl untouched going to her sister's side wrapping her arms around her neck as Elizabeth cried into her shoulder. She calmed down after a while excusing herself to use the bathroom as there was a knock on the door. Abigail went to open it allowing Laura inside.

"Hi Kate" Laura said softly.

"Hi" Kate said still in her night dress looking over her friend.

"I was wondering if you wanted to go for a walk, we could go by the treehouse" Laura offered.

"Not today" Kate shook her head.

"Kate, why don't you go get some fresh air. I will stay with Elizabeth" Abigail said gently.

"No." Kate said. Jack has built the tree house for Kate and Laura last summer. They would sit up there for hours reading and talking and playing cards Elizabeth hated so much. Kate never wanted to see that tree house again.

"Maybe tomorrow Laura," Abigail said softly.

"Mrs Stanton is there school tomorrow?" Laura whispered.

"No, not this week" Abigail said as Kate glanced at the door Elizabeth had just gone through. Today it was almost to much for them to just breath, she couldn't ever imagine sitting in a classroom again, or Elizabeth being able to teach.

"Let me know if you need anything ok?" Laura told Kate softly.

"Thank you" Kate managed to give her best friend a smile before Laura left and the door was closed again.

"Some fresh air might do you both good." Abigail said softly.

"I'm just to tired." Kate sighed. For some reason it as taking all her energy just to stand up and go through the movements of life today.

"Ok, that's ok, your allowed to be sad for a while." Abigail said soothingly brushing Kate's hair back.

Elizabeth went to bed early exhausted from little sleep and crying on and off for an entire night and day now. Kate lay with her until she fell asleep and was sure she was out soundly before slipping out of the bed and putting on her dress for the first time since yesterday. She crept down the stairs. Abigail was in the cafe talking softly to Rosemary and Cat, the curtain closed.

"I just don't know, I have been where she is. It's the most awful feeling in the world. I remember feeling like it hurt to breath. She and Jack were just married I can't imagine how that is. They were in the best part of their marriage, so in love, newlyweds." Cat said

"I worry about Elizabeth very much, Kate is having a hard time as well." Abigail nodded.

"Of course she is, the poor dear. She followed Jack around everywhere, I can't imagine what she is going through." Rosemary sighed.

"She was taken to him before Elizabeth was, they don't know this town without Jack in it. I don't know if Elizabeth can bare to even stay. I fear this will break them both and make them want to move away." Abigail sighed.

"It must be so hard, he is everywhere, I mean goodness he built the school house. There's no place for them to get away from him and breath" Cat whispered.

"Maybe a small trip. After the funeral it might do them both good to go back to Hamilton for a while. Get out of Hope Valley, be with family. Have people to take care of them, it would be to much for Elizabeth to work and run the house herself in such a state." Rosemary's voice floated through. Kate frowned, Their family was here, but she also knew to go back to Grandmother's for a while, might be a good idea. There people ran the house and if Elizabeth wanted to spend her day in bed no one would blink an eye.

"They are so attached, I don't think Kate has let Elizabeth out of her sight since they found out. She feels responsible for the wellbeing of her grieving sister, she hasn't even given herself a minute to come to terms with it. I think both of them are still in shock." Came Abigail's soft voice.

"It's to be expected, the poor dears, I think we are all in shock still." Rosemary sounded like she was crying a little.

Kate shook her head slipping out the back door making her way to the jail. Bill wasn't there but the door was open and she slipped in. None of Jack's things were here anymore, he had moved them all to their house after the wedding. But for some reason to Kate this was still Jack. This was where she could always find Jack during the day. This is where he taught her to play poker, and how to handcuff someone. This was Jack. She went to his desk sitting down in his chair looking over the papers. His neat handwriting covered the pages. A picture of him and Elizabeth sat on his desk, and one of the three of them the he had drawn was framed next to it. Kate was smiling between them, she still remembered that day. His extra sweater he always kept as work sat on the coat rack and Kate went to it. Slipping it on bring the the sleeve to her nose. It smelled of Jack. Of outdoors and wood-fire. When she turned her head the collar smelled of Elizabeth's shampoo and Jack's aftershave all mixed into the soft sweater he would have wrapped around him when she came to visit him at work in the winter. One she often stole for herself to wear when she was helping him around the office. Kate burst into tears hugging it to her, she started to cry, not the soft tears she had around Elizabeth, but the real gut wrenching sobs that made her head hurt. She didn't hear the door open and Abigail slip in.

"Oh sweet heart" Abigail whispered pulling her into a hug as Kate cried into her dress.

"It's ok Kate, let it out." Abigail whispered pulling Kate over, she sat down on the bed in the jail pulling Kate into her.

"Why does God do this Abigail, why did he take Jack?" Kate asked.

"Jack was hurt, he was in pain and God wanted to help him not be in pain anymore. He took away Jack's pain because Jack was such a good person."

"But what about us? What about Elizabeth, she's in pain" Kate cried.

"I know, sometimes we don't know why God does things. It's his will and we have to trust that." Abigail said gently.

"I don't, I hate it! I want Jack! I want him back." Kate sobbed.

"I know, I do too" Abigail sighed wrapping Kate up in her arms.

"Is Elizabeth awake?" Kate asked whipping her eyes.

"No, sweetie, You can be upset, she is resting you don't have to worry about her."

"He promised he wouldn't do this. He promised me when he went away that he wouldn't leave her. She lost so much already. She couldn't lose him."

"Kate I believe with my whole heart that if it was up to Jack he wouldn't have left Elizabeth for anything in the world."

"I found Jack's sweater" Kate said holding up her arm to show the sleeve.

"I see that, it smells like Jack, I remember he wore this to your birthday last year." Abigail said making Kate smile.

"It doesn't feel like he's gone. I expect him to come in here any minute and tell me to get out of here. He used to get so mad when I sat in the jail cell. He said he never wanted to see me in a jail." Kate said glancing up at the door as if expecting Jack to come.

"It's shock. It will take some time. Grief can be slow and you just have to let yourself feel it and lean on people to help you." Abigail said. Kate nodded and tears started sliding down her cheeks again.

"I didn't get to say good bye. They left on their honeymoon, he promised to come back. I didn't get to tell him how much I would miss him. I really thought we were going to be a family." Kate choked out.

"Oh sweetie you were, you are. Jack loved your sister, and you with his whole heart. He will always be with both of you." Abigail whispered.

"I want Elizabeth" Kate whispered.

"Ok, lets go back home" Abigail said standing and putting an arm around Kate and the left the office crossing the street quickly. Kate climbed the stairs slipping back into bed curling around Elizabeth still crying. Elizabeth awake with a deep breath.

"Jack" She whispered as her eyes popped open and she just found Kate curled into her smelling like Jack.

"You two need each other." Abigail said gently from where she was standing at the foot of the bed. Elizabeth sat up pulling Kate to her, comforting her sister for the first time since their lives were flipped upside down.


Kate wordlessly followed Elizabeth through the grave yard. They had been gone two weeks. For two weeks they had gone back to stay at Grandmother's in Hamilton. Grandmother was gone, spending the spring in London but everyone was still there running the house. That was what Elizabeth needed, and Kate too, to not have to do a single thing. No one came calling, no one was in the house except for the sisters and the maids. The first week Elizabeth had hardly gotten out of bed, she only ate when Kate begged her too and she hardly spoke. Kate never left her side, for a whole week. The second week Elizabeth finally started at least getting dressed for the day and moving to sit in the sitting room. She dressed in only black, making her already sickly pale skin look almost see through. It hurt Kate to look at her, but still she never left her side. After two weeks it was time to come home, but Elizabeth had asked the stage driver to let them off a mile outside of town at the grave yard. Elizabeth walked through as Kate held tightly to her hand, knowing exactly where they were going. Elizabeth got to the grave looking at the stone like it didn't have her husbands name on it. Kate hardly remembered the funeral three weeks ago. It was like her brain had blocked most of it, only remembering little snippets of that day. She had stood right here, next to Elizabeth, Abigail on Elizabeth's other side. Everyone from town was there as well as many mounties. Elizabeth had been numb all morning, not speaking, hardly moving, Abigail and Kate had dressed her, brushed her hair. Abigail even pulled out the makeup they used for the wedding trying to put some color into Elizabeth's pale cheeks, as if that would keep her from passing out, which was a real concern. It was a cold day, colder then it should be in the spring. Bill had talked about how brave Jack was, risking his life to save two other men.

When Kate first heard how he died the day before the funeral, she was mad. She was so mad at Jack she went outside to the street and yelled at the sky. Bill had to come get her and drag her inside as everyone in town stood watching. Kate didn't stop yelling until Abigail forced her to go lay down with Elizabeth again who had been sleeping for almost 12 hours. Kate was so mad at Jack, how dear he do this to her, to Elizabeth. How dear he give his life, their life, to save the men he was training. It wasn't until hours later when Elizabeth woke up and Kate was combing through the knots in her sisters hair that she remembered what Jack had said. That the boys where were not all that much older then herself. Jack had risked his life coming to her rescue a few times, it was selfish of her to be grateful he did that for her, but mad he did that for someone else. That night when Elizabeth had fallen into a restless sleep again Kate had gone to the window and apologized at the sky, she hope Jack forgave her.

After Bill spoke about how brave Jack was, Abigail spoke about how wonderful of a person Jack was, how he was so kind and friendly. He meant so much to this town. At the end she tearfully promised him that his darling Elizabeth would always be cared for. It was then that Elizabeth started to cry, leaning heavily on Kate and Abigail as the mounties started their gun solute firing them off and Rosemary led the children in singing Amazing Grace. Elizabeth cried all her tears for then day then going numb for the rest of the day, the girls left on the stage the next morning.

"Do you think he knows we're here?" Kate asked softly as Elizabeth knelt next to the stone.

"I pray he does" Elizabeth sighed running her hand lovingly over it. It was one of the nicer ones in the cemetery. Most were just wooden crosses made by families, this was a large smooth stone with the letters carved into it, sure to last. Grandmother had paid for it, sparing no expense. She couldn't offer Elizabeth the comfort she needed, she didn't even come home from London to see her, but she did give them this.

"Come on, they will be worried that we didn't get off the stage" Kate said gently pulling Elizabeth from the ground. Kate's bright pink coat was a striking contrast to Elizabeth's black one as she wrapped an arm around her sister leading her out to the dirt road. Elizabeth was still wearing all black, Kate had worn black to the funeral but the next day when she had gone to put on her black dress Elizabeth wouldn't let her. Getting more worked up about it then Kate had ever seen her. She insisted that Kate couldn't wear black anymore, that she couldn't stand the sight of her sister in black. Kate didn't point out that that was exactly how she felt about the way Elizabeth dressed. Since then she had worn her brightest colored clothes trying to cheer her sister up some.


The walked into town slowly and silently. As they rounded the corner they saw Bill, Abigail, Rosemary and Lee standing at the stage stop, their suitcases at their feet. Kate wanted to run to them but Elizabeth's already slow steps seemed to slow even more at the sight of their friends. Their friends waited until they made their way over before standing to greet them.

"We were so worried." Abigail said pulling Elizabeth in for a hug. Elizabeth was stiff in the hug, something that took Abigail back in surprise. She reached down to hug Kate who seemed to melt into her arms wanting to stay there forever.

"We made a stop on the way" Kate said gently.

"We got your luggage from the stage." Bill said.

"Thank you" Kate gave him a small smile.

"Would you like to come in and have some tea, I baked a little cake" Abigail offered. Kate glanced up at Elizabeth who was looking at her feet.

"Maybe some other time, we are tired from trip." Kate said gently taking Elizabeth's hand in her's again.

"Let me give you a ride home" Lee said nodding over at his car parked across the street. Kate glanced up at Elizabeth again. It broke Abigail's heart to see her friend like this. To see the rolls so reversed, Elizabeth not speaking, Kate seeming to read her sisters thoughts and speak for her. She wondered how long this had been going on, possibly weeks. She should have insisted on going with the girls to Hamilton.

"We have been sitting for a while, the walk will do us good" Kate shook her head reaching for the bags with her free hand.

"I will take these and leave them at the house for you." Lee said picking them up quickly and crossing the street to his car. Rosemary who had been silent this whole time looked at Elizabeth sadly.

"Can we get you anything?" She asked.

"No, thank you" Elizabeth spoke up for the first time and Abigail noticed how horse her voice was, like she hadn't used it in a while. Her eyes filled with tears as she took her friends hand unable to stop herself.

"I will stop by later with some dinner" She said.

"Thank you Abigail" Elizabeth said meeting her eyes. Abigail took in her friend, her skin was white as a ghost, her cheeks were sunken in and she had dark circles under her eyes. Elizabeth stepped off the porch into the road Kate with her still holding her hand as they started down the path to the row houses.


Elizabeth went to bed when they got home, Kate lay with her until she was asleep before getting up and moving downstairs. She looked around, Jack had only lived here a short time but he was everywhere. His slippers by the fireplace, his coat on the hook, pictures, his art work, his hair comb. Kate took out the feather duster and started cleaning up dusting everything after being away for two weeks. She brought the suite cases upstairs unpacking her things in her room. The sun was setting when Elizabeth got up Kate heard the creak in the floor as she moved around.

"Hi, did you sleep well?" Kate asked. Elizabeth nodded running her fingers through her hair. Kate felt like Elizabeth had been sleeping for weeks. She was always tired, but sleep was the one time Elizabeth was at peace. A knock on the door made them both look down the stairs.

"That will be Abigail" Kate said gently. Elizabeth just nodded as Kate went down the stairs opening the door.

"Hi, I brought you some fried chicken and mashed potatoes with gravy and some biscuits" Abigail said with a smile as Kate let her in.

"Thank you, it smells wonderful" Kate said closing the door behind her and following Abigail over to the table.

"How are you girls? Did you get some rest?"

"Yes" Kate nodded as Elizabeth came downstairs wrapping her shawl tightly around her.

"Sit down it's still warm" Abigail said grabbing two plates and filling them up with food. Kate sat Elizabeth down in front of a plate before joining her and Abigail sat with them. Kate was starving, there was no food in the house and they hadn't eaten since leaving Hamilton. She took a big fork full before turning to Elizabeth who was sitting with her hands tucked into her lap unable to look at her plate.

"Here, look just eat this" Kate said gently breaking the roll in half and handing a half to Elizabeth. She bit into it slowly as Kate went back to eating. Abigail watched her worried, Elizabeth was normally very thin, but since coming back she had clearly lost weight. Her usually perfectly fitting dresses hung from her body as if they were to big, her cheeks were pale and sunken in, even her hair had lost it's usual bounce hanging straight and limp down her back, she wasn't even pulling it back like she used to.

"How about some cookies?" Abigail raised an eyebrow forcing a smile onto her face as she offered the plate to Elizabeth.

"Not right now." Elizabeth shook her head gently.

"Alright, well they are here when you are ready." Abigail said softly.

"I should do the dishes." Kate said standing up and taking both plates to the wash bin.

"Oh let me, you sit and relax, how about I make you a cup of tea?" Abigail said quickly standing and taking the plates from Kate.

"I think I might just go to bed." Elizabeth said softly.

"Alright, of course, you had a long day." Abigail nodded.

"I should go" Kate said glancing at the stairs as Elizabeth started to climb up.

"Of course, I will clean up and see myself out." Abigail nodded quickly.

"thank you" Kate nodded as Abigail pulled her into a warm hug.

"You let me know if you need anything, at anytime."

"I will, thank yo" Kate nodded following Elizabeth up the stairs. Abigail sighed watching them before putting all the leftover food away.


Elizabeth was standing in the kitchen looking out the back window the next afternoon. Kate sat on the sofa knitting a blanket, Abigail had shown her how to knit when they first moved here but Kate never found an interest in it. Now in two weeks she had almost finished a blanket. Turns out it was the perfect activity to do will sitting with her sleeping or silent sister. The knock on the door startled them both as Elizabeth glanced at it.

"I will get it" Kate stood up opening it surprised to fine Abigail, Rosemary and a few of the school children at the door.

"Hi" Kate said waving Elizabeth over.

"Hello" Elizabeth said no emotion on her face as she came to the door. A stark contract to how she usually treated the children in town with a smile and excitement in her voice. Even Kate was thrown off as her face and tone as she looked over the children.

"I know it's a lot, we met on the path here." Abigail said giving her a smile.

"We won't stay, the children just want to say hello, and I did too" Rosemary said kindly.

"Well I am very happy to see you all" Elizabeth said numbly. Kate reached out her hand grasping Laura's tightly. She had missed her best friend dearly.

"We missed you" Emily said.

"Not as much as I missed you" Elizabeth said. Her voice was not as sweet and happy and excited as it always was when she addressed the children. Opal reached put hugging Elizabeth around the waist and Elizabeth patted her head.

"Come children, we should go" Rosemary said gently.

"Can you come over later?" Laura softly asked Kate as Rosemary helped the younger ones down the steps. Kate glanced bat at Elizabeth who was watching motionless.

"Not yet, maybe in a few days." Kate whispered.

"Laura, are you coming with us?" Rosemary asked.

"Yes, coming, I'll see you soon." Laura gave Kate a quick hug following Cody down the steps.

"Good bye" Elizabeth whispered as the children waved going back down the path to town.

"How are you?" Abigail asked stepping into the house and closing the door behind her.

"A little numb" Elizabeth shrugged.

"It's to be expected" Abigail said gently rubbing her arm soothingly.

"Excuse me I just need to get my shawl" Elizabeth said climbing the stairs as Kate turned from the window where she had been watching them leave.

"How are you sweetie?" Abigail asked playing with the end of her hair.

"Fine" Kate offered her a smile that didn't reach her eyes.

"Kate, I know you want to take care of your sister, but your allowed to have feelings too" Abigail said gently.

"No, not right now" Kate shook her head as Elizabeth came back down the stairs.

"I brought you something, can we talk?" Abigail asked gesturing to the sofa. Elizabeth nodded sitting down as Abigail and Kate sat on either side of her. Abigail turned to the girls.

"Before Jack went to the Northern territories he came to visit me, he said if something should ever happen to him he wanted you to have this." Abigail said softly pulling out a envelope. Kate sucked in a breath as Elizabeth took it in her trembling hands. It had Elizabeth's name on it in Jack's neat hand writing. Elizabeth bit her lip holding it.

"Do you want me to stay?" Abigail asked tears in her own eyes watching her friend. Elizabeth quickly shook her head, her tears starting to fall.

"Alright, you know where to find me if you need me." Abigail whispered pressing a kiss to Elizabeth's cheek before standing up. Kate walked her to the door.

"And you too, I'm here for both of you." Abigail told her gently.

"Thank you" Kate whispered giving her a hug and closing the door behind her before turning back to Elizabeth who was still staring at the envelope.

"Do you want to open it?" Kate asked softly.

"No" Elizabeth whispered quickly putting it down on the side table.

"Alright, let's put it here for safe keeping, until your ready ok?" Kate whispered placing it in a little box on the table. Elizabeth nodded dabbing a handkerchief at her eyes. Kate sat down beside her pulling her into a hug.


Later that day Kate walked with Elizabeth down the road in town. They desperately needed some sort of food in the house and Elizabeth had surprisingly wanted to come along with Kate offered to go to the mercantile. They rounded the corner and both stopped short seeing Bill outside the mountie office talking to another mountie who was handing him the reigns of a horse. Bill saluted and the mountie road off and Kate could see it was Sergeant Bill was holding. Elizabeth sucked in a breath as they both watched Sergeant pull against his reigns, clearly nervous and on edge. Elizabeth hurry across the street as Bill tried to calm him having no effect on the large horse.

"Hi Boy, hi Sergeant, it's ok." Elizabeth whispered as the horse suddenly calmed recognizing her and nuzzling her head as she rubbed his neck.

"They brought him back, Sergeant is your horse now, Jack would have wanted you to have him." Bill said gently.

"He's so worked up" Elizabeth whispered noticing the horse was tense unless she was petting him.

"He has been through a lot, does Kate want to ride him? I bet that would help, I know she took him out a lot with Jack." Bill asked glancing across the street where Kate was watching them leaning against a porch beam. Elizabeth looked at her too, the furthest she had been from her in weeks. From here Kate looked small, as she hugged her arms around herself. Her eyes were unsettled as she seemed to look everywhere but at Sergeant.

"Maybe some other time" Elizabeth whispered.

"Alright. I'm going to take him to the livery and get him settled there"

"Thank you Bill" Elizabeth whispered walking back to Kate and taking her hand as they continued on their walk.

Abigail was watching the girls from the window biting her lip. She knew Elizabeth was working her way through her grief. This was a stage of it, one Abigail hated but she knew her friend would move out of it. Kate on the other hand had showed little emotion. She had cried once, and gotten angry once. But other then that Abigail knew she had been caring for Elizabeth day and night being everything to her. It was to much, sooner or later, they were both going to crack.


"Thank you for inviting us to dinner" Kate said that night as they sat in Lee and Rosemary's house.

"Oh you both are always welcome here" Rosemary said setting the plates down at the table.

"Looks wonderful" Lee smiled picking up his fork

"Yes, thank you." Kate nodded taking a bite.

"Do you not like the food?" Rosemary asked Elizabeth concerned that her friend had not even picked up her fork.

"Oh, no I'm sorry it looks wonderful" Elizabeth said

"She hasn't had much of an appetite lately, we're still building it back up." Kate said gently.

"Of course, it's to be expected, why don't I put your plate in the stove for you, keep it warm and then when your feeling up to it you can eat, or take it with you for later" Rosemary offered kindly taking Elizabeth's plate from the table. Elizabeth visibly relaxed and Kate gave Rosemary a kind smile. The usually loud and unfiltered Rosemary was being so calm and easy.

"I thought maybe we could meet tomorrow morning before school, we can go over the lessons the children have been doing." Rosemary offered sitting back down.

"That would be lovely" Elizabeth nodded.

"I can meet you out front. We can walk to school together, I can even stay for a little while while you get settled in." Rosemary offered.

"Thank you, I would appreciate that." Elizabeth nodded. Kate glanced at Rosemary who was biting her lip as she looked at Elizabeth. Kate understood why, Elizabeth and Rosemary usually made such easy conversation, they were good friends and could chat for hours. Now Elizabeth seemed hardly able to make eye contact and holding a conversation with her was near impossible.

"How has school been going?" Kate asked.

"As well as can be expected, everyone is a bit…distracted. They were, are, very worried about you both." Rosemary said giving Kate a soft smile.

"Maybe it will be good to get back to school tomorrow, maybe it will feel normal." Kate shrugged glancing at Elizabeth as if she was still talking her into going.

"Perhaps." Elizabeth nodded.

"The children will just be so happy to see you both. I think it will make you feel better to be around them." Lee nodded.

"I hope so." Kate sighed.

After dinner that evening, Kate sat sewing a ripped hem of her dress as Elizabeth stared into the fire in the wood stove. The flames crackling and jumping, the only noise in the house.

"Do you want to go to Abigail's for breakfast tomorrow before school?" Kate asked softly. Elizabeth just shook her head not looking up from the fire.

"We don't have much for breakfast, but there's bread and cheese and jam. I can stop by Abigail's on the way to school tomorrow, ask her to pack us a lunch. And maybe we can stop at the mercantile on the way home." Kate offered.

"That's a good idea." Elizabeth nodded.

"Are you worried about school tomorrow?" Kate asked. Elizabeth didn't say anything.

"I'll help you, maybe you could ask Rosemary if you could just start with a half day. You have still been tired lately maybe she could take over in the afternoon." Kate suggested.

"Perhaps" Elizabeth nodded.

"Can you just talk? please? Kate felt her voice raising as she frowned at her sister.

"Katie, what..?" Elizabeth turned to look at her for the first time all evening surprised at the tone in her sister's voice.

"I can't take this anymore, it's to quiet. I know you miss Jack and your sad and awful but I just need my sister! Just a little bit I just…" Kate trailed off her voice getting think with tears, instantly regretting what she had just said. She had made it over three weeks being calm and collected and taking care of Elizabeth but something in her had just snapped. She couldn't do it anymore, she needed her sister back, just a little piece, something had to feel normal again. But she had to, she had no right to ask Elizabeth to do more then she could, and Kate knew she could barely handle just getting up in the morning.

"I'm sorry." Kate said quickly brushing a stray tear away as Elizabeth looked at her shocked.

"I'm sorry that was wrong of me, I shouldn't have yelled I must be tired or something." Kate said quickly looking back down at her dress picking up her sewing needle again, not really expecting Elizabeth to say anything. To her surprise Elizabeth stood from her chair going to sit by Kate on the sofa, she gently took the dress and needle from Kate's hands putting them beside her.

"I'm sorry Katie, I know I have been awful lately…" Elizabeth whispered.

"No it's, it's not your fault. No one can imagine what you are going through. I am sorry I lost my temper, I know you are doing the best you can." Kate said softly.

"But it's not good enough, I'm going to try and do better ok? Tomorrow we will go to school, and maybe have tea at Abigail's after, and go to the mercantile and get what we need. I'm sorry, I'm going to try ok." Elizabeth whispered. Kate nodded wiping another tear as it rolled down her cheek. Elizabeth sighed pulling her sister into her and holding her tightly.

"Come here. I'm sorry I have been so out of it lately. We're going to be ok, you and me right?" Elizabeth asked softly.

"You and me" Kate whispered.


"The children missed you so much, I'm sure they will be on their best behaviors today" Rosemary said as she walked to school the next morning with Elizabeth and Kate, filing them in on the lessons. Elizabeth had just silently been listening, or Kate thought she was listening, it was impossible to tell. Kate knew she certainly wasn't, her mind was racing with each step. She desperately wanted to see her friends, but this felt to normal, life wasn't normal. Life couldn't possibly be normal without Jack anymore.

"We are all right here for you, anything you need" Rosemary said placing her hand on Elizabeth's arm comfortingly, she was speaking so quietly and calm, so unlike herself. Elizabeth stopped when the school house came into view and Kate felt her stomach roll and she thought she might be sick. She looked at the school. The school that Jack had lovingly made for Elizabeth.

"Elizabeth?" Rosemary asked and Kate snapped out of her own mind to see Elizabeth choke out a sob shoving the books she was carrying into Rosemary's hands and suddenly take off running.

"Oh Elizabeth" Rosemary sighed sadly turning to Kate who was clearly holding back tears.

"Rosemary, I don't want to go to school today" Kate said looking up at her with such sad eyes that Rosemary felt her heart breaking.

"Oh darling, I understand, why don't you go with Elizabeth. I will teach school today. It's alright, I will come check on you two tonight." Rosemary said gently. Kate nodded running after her sister.

Elizabeth crashed through the back door of the cafe so fast Abigail almost dropped the pie she was holding in surprise. When she saw her friend sobbing she did dropped it on the stove, opening her arms to her friend.

"Oh Elizabeth" Abigail cooed pulling her into a hug and this time Elizabeth melted into her, hugging her back seeming to hold on for dear life.

"Oh sweetheart it's ok" Abigail spoke softly as Kate came to the doorway catching up to her. It was hard to see Elizabeth so upset but at least she was showing some emotion now. The numbness was passed.

"It's ok come on let's sit you down." Abigail half dragged Elizabeth over to the couch sitting her down and sitting down next to her still holding her close as Elizabeth cried into her neck.

"I know, I know it's alright." Abigail whispered smoothing back Elizabeth's hair and rubbing her back.

"Come here Kate, it's alright." Abigail said as Kate watched them biting her lip. Abigail held out her arm and Kate sank into her other side as Abigail held both her girls close to her.

"You are both going to be alright." Abigail said gently soothing them both.


Elizabeth complained of a headache when she had calmed down and Abigail sent for Carson to come look at her. Abigail knew it was just grief Elizabeth had to work through, but a part of her hoped Carson could at least find a way to perk up her appetite. She was worried about her friend. Kate watched as Carson felt her sister's neck and checked her pulse.

"Have you been sleeping?" Carson asked.

"More then I should be." Elizabeth sighed.

"And eating?"

"Not so much" She shook hear head glancing at Kate.

"Well you are going through a lot, it's to be expected that you don't feel like yourself for a while." Carson said gently.

"That's what I figured." Elizabeth nodded.

"At least try to get in three meals a day, even if it is only a little bit. Sometimes going back to normal life can help with the grieving process." Carson offered.

"I will try that." Elizabeth nodded as Cason started to pack up his things.

"How are you doing Kate, are you feeling alright?" Carson asked turning to her.

"As well as can be expected." Kate said with a little shrug.

"Good, let me know if either of you need anything, why don't you stop by in a few days Elizabeth and we can see how your doing."

"Alright, thank you." Elizabeth nodded. Carson gave them a polite nod before letting himself out of Abigail's kitchen. Kate went to sit beside her sister in the silent room. Abigail had gone to the mercantile giving them both some space when Carson was here, but now everything was to silent by themselves.

"I'm sorry I couldn't go to school today." Elizabeth said softly.

"I don't think I could have gone inside either. Elizabeth, I don't want to return to a normal life without Jack." Kate whispered. Elizabeth just nodded, silently reaching out to give her hand a squeeze.

"Abigail was talking to Rosemary, before we left for Hamilton, she said she was afraid that we would leave. That we wouldn't be able to stay here because Jack was everywhere." Kate whispered glancing up at her sister.

"What do you think?" Elizabeth asked softly.

"I think that this is our home, and where our family is. But it's so hard to be in a place where Jack was everywhere and now he's gone. I keep expecting to see him, keep remembering him in each space."

"I know, I do too. We both couldn't even go into the school house today. I can't imagine going into his office, or the saloon, walking by the lake." Elizabeth sighed.

"Are we going to stay here?" Kate asked almost afraid of the answer, though she didn't know which one. She couldn't imagine leaving, but she didn't know how they would bare to stay.

"We don't have to decide anything just yet. For now let's just keep this between you and me, let's give it a few days and see how we feel." Elizabeth offered. Kate nodded agreeing with her.


"Kate!" Laura called as Kate and Elizabeth left Abigail's that afternoon to walk home.

"Hi" Kate gave her friend a smile as Laura caught up to them.

"Good Afternoon Mrs Thornton." Laura said softly as if she didn't know how to react around Elizabeth. This didn't surprise Kate, but it took the smile from her face, Elizabeth and Laura had always been close since she and Kate had become friends years ago. Laura was never uncomfortable around Elizabeth.

"Good Afternoon Laura, why don't you girls walk home, I might stop and speak with Rosemary." Elizabeth gave them a little smiled glancing back as Rosemary was leaving the school house.

"I'll see you at home." Kate nodded as she and Laura kept walking and Elizabeth stayed behind.

"How are you?" Laura asked softly. Kate just shrugged.

"I'm not really sure how to be, everything feels so wrong."

"Rosemary told the class Elizabeth still wasn't feeling well. That she wasn't ready to come back today."

"I think it's probably still to soon." Kate nodded.

"We miss you guys, do you have to stay with her? Doesn't she want you to come back to school?"

"I… I wanted to come today, but when we got to the school house, the thought of going inside… I couldn't. I thought I might be sick. It just feels so strange, I can't stand to be in that place without Jack." Kate whispered.

"I'm sorry, I should have know…"

"It's alright, I didn't expect it to be so hard, last night when we were talking about going I thought it would be fine."

"It will get better thought right? You and Elizabeth will come back to school?" Laura whispered.

"I don't know." Kate sighed.


The next afternoon Kate sat silently as a few of the women were gathered in Abigail's parlor. Abigail had to practically drag Elizabeth out of the house to get her to come for afternoon tea. She had skipped breakfast but Kate had somehow talked her into a decent size lunch. At home with just the two of them, Elizabeth was starting to seem a little better. Kate even got a smirk out of her when she was teasing her earlier. But it was still hard, the grief was slow and felt like it would always have a permeant place in their house. The thought that they might be leaving lingered heavy over both of them. Kate didn't think she wanted to go, but it felt impossible to stay. Now as she watched some of their close friends talking to Elizabeth about how they dealt with losing their husbands after the mine disaster, Kate was wondering if they would pack up and leave that very night. She bit her lip watching her sister from the staircase as Elizabeth sat numb listening to them. Kate appreciated their efforts, but this felt like the last thing Elizabeth needed, even Abigail couldn't seem to get through to me.

"I remember I felt cheated when Peter died." Clara said softly. She had been just as silent as Kate but now she spoke up. She instantly had Elizabeth's attention and Kate suddenly realized just how much these two women had in common. Both widowed so young in their life, and as newlyweds.

"We had just been married, we were supposed to have this whole great life ahead of us. I remember feeling so cheated out of the life we could have had. We didn't get to do any of it together." Clara said.

That's how I feel." Elizabeth said suddenly, Kate looked at her surprised, her voice sounded mad, like she was angry.

"Cheated, we had talked about all these hopes and dreams, we were hardly married a week when he left, I don't know how to live without Jack." Elizabeth went on almost yelling now her face was hard and Kate wasn't sure what to think. Elizabeth had been either numb or crying for weeks now, this was an entirely new emotion.

"I used to think the same thing." Abigail said softly causing everyone to turn to her.

"When my Noah and Peter died, I didn't know how to keep on living. I had lost my family and my place in this world. It was so hard just to breath sometimes. And then this young teacher came into my life, and she brought with her this quiet and reserved little girl." Abigail said turning to Elizabeth. Elizabeth's face softened as tears gathered in Abigail's eyes.

"I understand how hard it is for you here Elizabeth, for both of you." Abigail said holding her hand out and Kate came to stand next to her as Abigail squeezed her hand.

"But you have to know it will get better. You both have a while life here, a community to support you, and a family that loves you. I fear that if you pick up and go to Hamilton or somewhere else, you won't have that, and I know from experience that having each other, and having your family is the only thing that will help you get past this. I love you both so much and you are both my family." Abigail said.

"Your our family too Abigail" Kate whispered.

"And that is such a blessing." Elizabeth nodded giving her a little smile despite the tears running down her cheeks.

"Elizabeth." Kate said a little later as they sat in Abigail's sitting room, everyone else had gone home and Abigail was serving lunch.

"i think we should stay." Kate said softly as Elizabeth looked up at her.

"I think we should too." Elizabeth nodded giving her a little smile which Kate returned.

"Our family is here, Abigail is right, how are we going to feel better if we leave them all behind."

"And Jack is here. It's sad to remember now, but maybe one day we will be gad that every street corner and building is fulled with wonderful memories of him." Elizabeth nodded.

"So we're staying in Hope Valley?"

"Yes, this is our home, it was our home before Jack was such a big part of our lives, and it will be our home after." Elizabeth nodded. Kate give her a smile putting her arms around her giving her sister a warm hug that Elizabeth returned.

"Well it looks like you to are in good spirits." Abigail gave them a little smiled as she came back into the kitchen.

"We decided to stay, we need you, and everyone else here." Elizabeth said. Abigail smiled and gave them both a hug.

"Well let me send you two home with some dinner, you have had a long day." Abigail smiled starting to put a plate together for them to take home and Elizabeth voluntarily started chatting with her. For the first time since Carson's birthday Kate was starting to think that life was almost starting to feel normal again.


As they were leaving the cafe Elizabeth stopped to talk to Abigail on the back porch as Kate glanced across the street at the livery. Sergeant was pacing his stall back and forth, she knew that meant he needed to run. Jack rode him all the time, for work and fun and she didn't think anyone had ridden him since Jack. Kate knew Jack would hate to see him like this. Wordlessly she left Elizabeth's side going to the fence and Sergeant trotted over lowering his head to her as he always did.

"Hi boy" Kate whispered petting his nose. She remembered all the rides she had taken with Jack on the back of him. They did a lot of their bonding in the early days with Sergeant.

"Hi, Jack would be so happy your home, this is where you belong huh? I bet you miss him too. Good boy, oh Sergeant." Kate whispered suddenly throwing her arms around the horses neck and sobbing into his mane. Sergeant stayed still as if he understood.

"I miss him Sergeant, you should have come back together" Kate cried as she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned suddenly seeing her sister behind her.

"I miss him" Kate whispered between sobs.

"I know sweetie." Elizabeth nodded and Kate clung to her hiding her face in Elizabeth's neck crying as Elizabeth smoothed her hair and held her tight.

"Oh Katie I know, he loved you so much." Elizabeth whispered, her voice was calm and soothing. Abigail reached out with tears in her eyes rubbing Kate's back. It was almost like Kate had waited for Elizabeth to work through her grief before feeling her own. Like Kate knew they couldn't both crumble so she had allowed Elizabeth to crumble and start to pick herself back up before she let herself feel the pain.

"Let's go home ok?" Elizabeth asked when Kate caught her breath.

"No, no I want to go for a ride" Kate whispered petting Sargent again.

"You want to take Sergeant for a ride?" Elizabeth asked surprised.

"Jack would want us to ride him, Sergeant was his family." Kate nodded.

"Your right, ok, Can I ride with you?" Elizabeth asked wiping Kate's cheeks. Kate nodded as Sergeant nicked to them.

"I will take this, just come pick it up when you are done." Abigail smiled taking the basket of food from Elizabeth.

"Let's go" Elizabeth gave Kate a little smiled as they quickly saddled up the horse and Elizabeth climbed on. Kate swung up behind her putting her arms around her sister's waist as Elizabeth turned Sergeant towards the path through the woods they used to always ride with Jack. Kate closed her eyes as the wind blew through her hair and Sergeant's sure footing and strong muscles trotted them through the path. She felt Elizabeth give a sigh that almost fell content as Kate imagined riding these trails before so many times.

"There's the place Jack knocked off his hat remember? He was teasing you and looking back and suddenly the wind blew and a branch caught his hat knocking it into the air, he was so surprised." Kate smiled remembering Jack's face.

"I remember." Elizabeth chuckled. Sergeant nodded his head trotting as if he remembered too.


The next morning Kate walked beside Elizabeth as they approached the school house.

"Do you want this?" Kate asked offering Elizabeth the apple in her hand. Though Elizabeth's mood had improved her appetite did not and Kate knew it was starting to worry Abigail and Rosemary as well as herself.

"Not now, maybe at lunch." Elizabeth shook her head as they stopped in front of the stairs.

"I think today is a good day to go back to school." Kate said softly, trying to talk herself into it as much as her sister.

"You can stay out here, the other children will be along anytime now." Elizabeth offered.

"Maybe I will just put my books down now." Kate said gently and Elizabeth gave her a smile. She reached out taking Kate's hand as they both slowly climbed the stairs opening the front for slowly. The classroom looked the same, Kate knew it would but somehow that surprised her. She took a deep breath looking around squeezing her sister's hand. Before letting it go and going over to her desk to put her books away. Elizabeth slowly made her way to the front of the room running her hand over her own desk.

"I can wait with you until it's time." Kate offered softly watching her.

"No, I'm alright, you go see your friends, I'll ring the bell in a minute." Elizabeth gave her a smile. Kate nodded going back down the stairs as the other students started walking to school. Kate sat on the steps and Laura was soon running up to her.

"Mrs Coulter said you might be coming back today!" Laura said giving her a big hug as Kate returned it.

"We're back." Kate smiled.

"Mrs Thornton is too?" Laura asked. Kate's smiled faltered at the name but she nodded.

"Yes, she's ready to come back."

"Thank God! We missed her so much! She's better then?" Laura smiled.

"She missed everyone too. She still isn't herself, but she's getting better and this is an important step." Kate nodded.

"We want to do everything we can to help, what can we do?" Cody asked walking over with many of the other children following him as they gathered at the bottom of the stairs.

"Let's just be extra kind and loving today." Kate said.

"We promise." Emily nodded.

Inside the classroom Elizabeth sat at her desk running her fingers over the wood where Jack had carved her name. She remembered when he had done it. He had said it might be her desk now, but someday when they were married and had a house full of children there would be another teacher in town, and he wanted everyone who sat her to know that this was the desk of the great teacher Elizabeth Thatcher.

"Well, here we go." Elizabeth whispered making her way to the back of the classroom.

Elizabeth opened the door her cow bell in hand. Kate smiled to see it as all the children turned to look up at her.

"Goodness, your all right here! I guess I don't need the bell today." Elizabeth smiled.

"Welcome back!" Laura cried as Opal rushed up the stairs to wrap her arms around Elizabeth's legs. The other children followed wrapping their teacher in a big group hug as she tried to gather them all into her arms.

"I missed you all." Elizabeth smiled wiping tears from her eyes.


"My, this is a sight for sore eyes." Abigail smiled walking up to the table filling the two tea cups.

"Sitting in the cafe?" Kate asked glancing up at her from her homework.

"No, the two of you sitting together doing school work." Abigail smiled as Elizabeth looked up giving her a warm smile taking a sip of tea.

"I might even dare to say I missed it." Kate rolled her eyes making Abigail chuckle ad Elizabeth shot her a teasing look.

"How was your first day back?" Abigail asked sitting down across from Elizabeth.

"Easier then I thought, the children were all wonderful, and once the day started going it felt, normal. It felt good to be back to normal." Elizabeth said with a little smile.

"And it's good to see your smiled back." Abigail whispered softly

"Thank you, well we should be getting home, we can make some dinner and I will help you with your homework." Elizabeth said. Kate nodded starting to pack up her things.

"Oh, actually, can you stay for just another minute? We have something we wanted to show you." Abigail asked giving them a smile.

"We?" Elizabeth asked.

"Yes, come on." Abigail lead them back into the sitting room where Rosemary, Clara and Florence were standing smiling at them.

"How lovely to see you all." Elizabeth smiled as Kate peered around them. Rosemary's lips were pressed together as she grinned, the way she only looked when she had a secret.

"We made something for you." Clara said softly. They reached down lifting a handmade quilt. Kate gasped as she looked at it, red and white covered in hearts and hand sown words.

"We wanted you to remember that even on your worst days you are always wrapped in love." Abigail said softly.

"It's so beautiful." Kate whispered knowing how much work they must have put into it, it had only been a few days.

"Thank you so much, you are all such a blessing, I am so lucky to have you all." Elizabeth sighed giving them a warm smile.

"And we are lucky to have you. You are such a wonderful person Elizabeth, we wanted you to remember that we are always here for you." Rosemary gave her a warm smile.

"Well then, who want's coffee?" Florence asked picking up the pot.

"Oh" Elizabeth let out a little gasp covering her mouth.

"I'm sorry, the coffee just has a strong smell" Elizabeth whispered as everyone turned to her.

"Yes, like coffee" Clara nodded.

"Excuse me" Elizabeth said rushing past them out the door. Kate frowned as Abigail looked confused before raising an eyebrow and hurrying after her, Kate at her heels.

"Oh, I'm sorry Abigail, that smell just threw me. I'm better now" Elizabeth said quickly giving them a smile when they caught up to her on the front porch.

"The smell of coffee made you nauseous?" Abigail asked.

"Yes, it's never happened to me before" Elizabeth shrugged.

"It has to me, Elizabeth you have been run down and tired, loss of appetite, headaches" Abigail said as if checking things off

"And now the upset stomach, is she sick?" Kate asked worried glancing between Abigail and her sister. Elizabeth felt like her brain had stopped working, she knew what Abigail was getting at but she couldn't believe it, she was wiling Abigail to say it, to make it be real.

"No, Elizabeth, your going to have a baby." Abigail said. Kate's eyes widened turning to her sister. Elizabeth smiled as tears gathered in her eyes. It was like she didn't know if she should laugh of cry.

"A baby?" Kate whispered. Elizabeth let out a little laugh, the first in almost a month.

"A baby" Abigail nodded as Kate rushed over pulling her sister into a hug.

"Elizabeth! Your having a baby." Kate smiled as Elizabeth held her laughing.


That night Kate lay next to Elizabeth in her bed but instead of trying to sooth her sister to sleep, the girls were chatting as they always used to.

"Is it true pregnant women crave certain food?" Kate asked.

"That's what I have heard, but I can't say I want any kind of food yet." Elizabeth said gently.

"Well, I think you should crave Abigail's apple pie. You know as soon as you tell her she would be making three a day, and I would like having a never ending supply of that in the house." Kate said and Elizabeth let out a small giggle. Kate marveled at the sound, oh how she had missed giggling with her sister.

"You may get as large as I am going to if that happens" She said making Kate smile.

"I will help you, you know. I know when you and Jack were engaged you said you didn't expect anything more from me. And that I would just be the fun aunt not the constant babysitter. But things are changed and I will step up and be whatever you need me to be. You raised me, I can help you raise your baby." Kate said turning to Elizabeth.

"Thank you Katie. Oh truly what would I do without you." Elizabeth sighed turning to face her sister.

"Do you think the baby will look like Jack?"

"I pray it will"


The next morning Kate sat down at Elizabeth's type writer.

"Are you going to let me read your stories?" Elizabeth asked as she showed Kate how to load the paper.

"Not yet. They aren't for you, I want them read to the person they are intended for first." Kate said as Elizabeth opened the drapes letting the sun light into the house.

"And who are they intended for?" Elizabeth asked.

"The baby"

"Oh your writing children stories?" Elizabeth smiled turning to her.

"No, I'm writing real stories, about a wonderful hero who gave his live to save others. I want to write down Jack's stories so the baby can hear all about his adventures" Kate said softly.

"That sounds wonderful Katie" Elizabeth smiled at her.


"Alright JJ time for bed" Elizabeth said drying the last of the dinner dishes.

"Mama I want to play with my new trains" The toddler said holding up his wooden train.

"Well you have all day to play trains tomorrow. And I think Auntie has a really special surprise for you since yesterday was your birthday" Elizabeth raised her eyebrows.

"Auntie?" JJ called his blue eyes lighting up.

"Yes I do, now that you are three I wanted to show you something I made for you before you were even born" Kate smiled walking over to them, a thick stack of papers in her hand as she sat on the sofa.

"Come sit with me" Kate patted next to her as JJ scurried up to sit by her.

"May I listen?" Elizabeth asked.

"Of course" Kate smiled as Elizabeth settled next to them, the small boy between them.

"Before I was born?"

"Well I started it before you were born, but you were a baby by the time I finished. Do you know how we tell you your Papa was a hero and he watches over you from heaven?" Kate asked.

"And that I was the gift Papa sent to Mama so she would still have a part of him." JJ nodded. Elizabeth gave a watery smile as Kate nodded.

"That's right, Well I wrote down all these stories about your Papa, and Mama and I are in most of them too. And now that you are three, I thought you might want to hear them, and this is a book you can keep forever and always have these stories with you" Kate said.

"I want a story about my Papa!" JJ cried.

"Alright let's see" Kate laughed opening the cover page she had made. She skipped over any where Jack had saved them from gun point, or when he had nearly drowned when the river flooded. Those could be read when JJ was older.

"How about when Papa made the school house for Mama? Or when Papa brought Mama to the mountie ball he made in the saloon… Oh I know, when Papa came home to surprise Mama and me at Christmas?" Kate asked.

"Yes Christmas!" JJ cried

"Alright, well, the year Mama and Papa got engaged they put up a wishing tree in the middle of the town, remember they did that last year? Well Mama and I both put on the tree that we wished your Papa would come home. And he surprised us both and came home for Christmas… " Kate read the story of their last Christmas with Jack. As her son listened wide eyed, hanging onto every word, Elizabeth wrapped her arms around his little body pulling him into her lap and lowering her nose to his dark hair. Abigail always said she loved the smell of a new baby and when Jack JR was born she used to smell his head and declare he was the only baby to smell not like a new baby. At the time Elizabeth had laughed waving her off. But as JJ grew older Elizabeth realized her smelled familiar to her. He smelled of outdoors and fresh. And she knew it was impossible but somehow he smelled of the aftershave Jack always used to use. When she buried her nose in his hair and closed her eyes she would swear she would feel like she had Jack wrapped up in her arms. She missed Jack dearly every day, but Jack had sent her this little angle who had filled the hole in her heart in a new way.