THE AVERY HOUSE

Abbie hummed as she made herself a cup of tea. As it steeped, she heard the door open in the parlor. It wasn't entirely unusual because all their rooms except for one was occupied, but it concerned her because it was late evening, around nine.

"Abbie?"

"Yes?" She turned and nearly dropped her cup. "Harrison! You're here? I didn't expect you for another week."

"My boss in Chicago only made me stay a few days so I was able to return sooner than expected."

She found herself staring, taking him in. She had missed him. It didn't make sense because they barely knew each other, but the longing in her heart was there just the same.

"Abbie?"

"Yes. I'm sorry."

"I know it's late, but I was hoping you had a room for me?"

She put her cup down and headed to the office off the kitchen. "We have one left. It isn't the one you had before."

"Wow, you have a lot of people staying here?"

"The whole family is in town for my brother's wedding."

"The whole family?"

"Yep." She smiled as she handed him the key. "Room 2. Behind the stairs."

"Thank you." It was his turn to stare this time. He focused on her beautiful hazel eyes for just a moment.

"Its small but it's cozy."

"I'm sure it will be fine." His fingers itched to touch hers. "It's good to see you again."

"You too."

He headed toward his room but then stopped and turned. "When is your brother's wedding?"

"Day after tomorrow. You should come."

"I'd be honored if you'd go on my arm, Miss Thornton." She smiled at his formality.

"That would be nice, Mr. Yates."

"Good." He smiled and then disappeared behind the stairs.

She walked back in the kitchen to finish her tea and then Caleb walked in.

"Hi, big brother."

"Hey. I heard a man's voice. I didn't recognize it so I thought I'd come make sure you're ok."

"I'm fine. Thank you for worrying, though."

"Who was it?"

"Harrison Yates. He is the new bank president."

"Oh ok. Did he leave?"

"No, he's in his room. Did you need anything before I go to bed?"

"No. I just…"

"Wanted to be nosy?"

"No. I was concerned."

"Caleb, he's a kind man. He's harmless. I'll introduce you to him tomorrow." She stood on her toes and kissed his cheek. "Love you."

"Love you too."

Caleb climbed the stairs to the room he was sharing with Amy, Logan, and Joe. He sat quietly on the bed and sighed.

"Hon? Who was it?" Amy whispered, curious.

"Harrison Yates."

"Who's that?"

"Apparently the new bank president."

"Oh ok. Does that concern you?"

"I don't know. I'm thinking he's more than just the president."

"Meaning?"

"I think Abbie likes him."

"Well, she's old enough."

"Yeah." Even though in his eyes, she'd always be a little girl to him. His kid sister.

….

The next morning, Caleb watched Abbie closely. She walked around the kitchen, obviously adept at feeding a group of people, stirring food, filling coffee cups, setting the table.

Nothing seemed too out of the ordinary until a man he assumed to be Mr. Yates walked in. Instantly the quiet, strong, composed Abbie became nervous, shy, and clumsy.

Mr. Yates walked up to her and smiled.

"Would you care for some coffee?"

"Please," he said with a nod. Abbie blushed deeply as she poured it.

Yep, she liked him. Why couldn't he be a sixty year old bank president?

Amy patted Caleb's shoulder when she saw him clenching his jaw. "Babe."

Abbie looked up at Harrison. "My brother Caleb is here. Would you like to meet him?"

"Sure."

She led him to the table. Caleb got up, remembering his manners. "Caleb, this is Harrison Yates. Harrison, this is my brother, Caleb."

The two shook hands. "Pleasure, Caleb."

"You too. I hear you're the bank president."

"Yes. I hear you're a Mountie."

"I am."

Amy walked over and stood next to Abbie across the room and watched the men talk.

"Don't worry, Abbie. He'll be nice."

"I know. He's so much like Dad. You wouldn't know they aren't related."

"They both love you and want you to be happy."

Abbie nodded and watched again.

"You like him."

"I do. He's very sweet. Before he went to Chicago to move his things, he asked me if he could court me."

"And you said…"

"Yes, of course. I don't know what came over me. We had known each other one day."

"Your heart opened toward him. There must be a reason."

"He told me he'd be honored to have me on his arm for the wedding. It was so formal but it felt right, you know?"

"I do." She gave her a side hug. "I'm happy for you, Abbie."

"Me too. I didn't think it would happen for me." She felt tears burning her eyes and nose.

"What? Why, sweetie? You are lovely and strong and beautiful. Patience was key and now look."

"I just saw everyone else happy with families and I wanted it so bad. More than I wanted to own this boarding house. I mean even Kiki has Cam…"

"Look at him." Amy turned her to look directly at Harrison. He had finished speaking to Caleb and now Lily was on his lap chatting about something.

"He's adorable," Abbie said quietly. He looked up and caught her eye, giving her a wink. She smiled and then decided to busy herself with taking care of everyone else. It was her job after all.

…..

Abbie and Kiki headed over to Sara's to finalize some things for the wedding so Harrison didn't get a chance to speak with her again until that evening on the porch.

"Good evening, Abbie."

"Hey," she said, turning around to look at him.

"Would you care to take a walk with me?" He offered his arm.

She hesitated but then slipped her fingers into his elbow. "How was your day?" she wondered.

"Very nice. After breakfast, I went over to the bank to meet with Ben Jackson. He gave me the keys to the bank and he said I could move into the apartment above on Monday." They took a few steps before speaking again. "I'm not sure I want to move right away though."

"No? It would be really convenient for you."

"Yes, but I wouldn't get to see you every morning."

"Oh." She blushed, grateful for the evening darkness.

"I didn't forget, you know."

"Forget what?"

He stopped and turned toward her. "The question I asked before I left for Chicago."

She stared into his eyes and then looked away, suddenly nervous. "Neither did I."

He offered his arm again and continued walking. "Is it still something you want, Abbie?"

"Yes, very much." He brought his free hand up and held her fingers.

"I'm 24 years old. Does that matter to you?"

"No. I'm 17. Does that matter to you?"

"No. You strike me as a mature, strong woman who goes after what she wants in life."

"I'm not sure how strong I am but owning the boarding house was my dream for years."

"I can see you're strong and I can see why. You come from a strong grandmother and mother and your brothers would do anything to make sure you're safe."

"Did Caleb say something? Sometimes he doesn't remember that I'm his sister, not his daughter."

"He was very kind and very…Mountie-like."

Abbie laughed at that. "Yes, well, he forgets to leave his red serge at home too."

"My dad always said, "Once a Mountie, always a Mountie."

"That's very true."

"What other dreams do you have, Abbie?"

…..

Jay sat in the house on the edge of town, staring at his new office that his dad had built him. It was exactly what he needed for his veterinary practice. Now the only other thing he needed was to marry Sara the next day and everything would be perfect.

He stood up from his desk and headed to the door that led through the kitchen. He ran his hand along the smooth countertops and table, also handcrafted by his dad. Then he looked into the living room and imagined cuddling up with Sara on the couch and in front of a fire when it was cold.

The bathroom had a bathtub, which Sara appreciated, and so did he for that matter. The large bedroom in the back had a freshly made featherbed perfect for them, insisted upon by none other than Jack Thornton Sr.

"Jay?"

He heard Sara call for him from the living room. "Yeah. In our room, sweetie."

"Hey."

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing. Just wanted to see you."

He took her hand and led her to the end of the bed. "You seem concerned about something."

He knew her so well. He'd always been observant and cared about everyone else before himself. She loved that about him. "I guess, I'm concerned about my dad. He will be living by himself after tomorrow and he won't have anyone to take care of him."

"You will, babe. We are only a mile from his house. You can spend all day there if you need to. I reserve the evenings for us though," he said with a wink.

"I love you, Jay." She kissed him softly and then stood.

"You're leaving?"

"Yep. It's time. I have a few more things to pack up and it's getting late."

"This is the last night that you're going to have to leave me. I'm really loving that thought."

"Me too."

He walked up to her and hugged her for a moment. "Fourteen more hours."

"And I'll be Sara Thornton."

"My wife." He kissed her forehead and sighed. He didn't want her to leave.

"Ok, I'm gonna go." She smiled and forced herself to leave him, knowing she'd see him very soon at the altar of the church.

…..

Sara walked into the house, expecting her Dad to be asleep.

"Hi, sweetheart."

"Dad? I thought you'd be asleep."

"I wanted to talk with you." He was sitting on the couch. He patted the cushion next to him.

"Ok. What about?"

"I love you, Sara. You know that."

"Of course, I do."

"The last year without your mom has been really hard. I didn't know if I would make it through sometimes, but I did and it's because of you."

"Daddy, I love you." She leaned against his shoulder. "I don't want to leave you alone." She started crying into his shirt.

"Sweetheart, I will be just fine and I'm never alone. You will be close by and Jack and Elizabeth are just across the field. It's time for you and Jay to find your way."

"I wish…"

"Baby, you can't have both. I want you to concentrate on him now. He needs to be your priority, and Lord willing, make me lots of grandbabies."

She laughed, trying to dry his shirt. "Yes, sir. I love you so much. Thank you for everything you ever gave to me."

"I love you, Sara Rose."

….

The next day….

Jay stared into the mirror over the dresser at the little house. The one that he would bring his new wife home to in just a few hours.

He turned and looked at the bed, covered in a quilt his sisters and mom had made for them. The bed where he would hold her for many years. He had never wanted something so much before.

Yes, becoming a veterinarian was what he wanted since childhood but marrying Sara Rose Thomas would make his life complete.

He moved the vase of wild flowers an inch to the right on the nightstand by the bed. "Perfect."

He smoothed the quilt and then went to check the bathroom. He put a few candles in there to be lit later, if she wanted.

He moved to the kitchen and peeked in the ice box. Cold chicken and potatoes were waiting, courtesy of Aunt Abigail for either dinner or breakfast.

Everything was just perfect.

"Ready, little brother?" Will asked as he walked in the door. "You look passable," he teased, straightening his tie.

"Gee thanks, Will."

"So, you ready? Everyone's waiting on you."

"There are still fifteen minutes until noon."

"Why dawdle? Let's get a move on and you can marry your sweetheart."

…..

Sara smiled as Amy slipped a tiny hair clip through the lace veil laying over her hair. "Its beautiful. Thank you, Amy."

"Anything for my sister." Amy gave her a hug. "I can't believe my baby sister is getting married. I remember when you were born. I delivered you!"

"I know. Time goes by so fast."

"It does. Just remember to enjoy everything that happens. Every baby born, every kiss or hug or touch from Jay."

"I will remember that."

They turned at a knock on the door. "Who is it?"

"Kevin."

"Daddy?" Sara opened the door, Amy kissed his cheek and stepped out.

"Oh, my. You are the so beautiful, sweetheart. You remind me so much of your mother." He kissed her forehead and hugged her carefully.

"I wish she was here," she told him, fighting the tears that filled her eyes.

"She'd be so proud of you." He pulled a black velvet bag from his jacket pocket. He opened it and pulled a silver necklace out with a ring on it. "Baby girl, I thought it was time to give this to you. I know this ring Jay gave you is special from his heart to yours. I thought maybe you'd like your mother's ring too." She touched it gently and smiled. "It has an inscription."

She turned it toward the window. "Our love never fails."

"Your mother's favorite scripture was in Corinthians. So when I bought this ring for her, I had this inscribed but made it unique to her and I. Every time we read Corinthians after that, we changed the words to say our love never fails."

"That's very sweet, Daddy. Thank you so much."

He kissed her cheeks and smiled. "Ready?"

"Very."

….

Three hours later….the little house

Jay opened the door and then scooped Sara up in his arms and carried her across the threshold, placing a mesmerizing kiss on her lips.

She smiled as he gently put her on the floor. "Hi."

"Hi," he said with a dimple filled grin.

"Thank you, Jay."

"For what?"

"Letting me wear your ring and Mama's. It meant so much."

"I know. I want you to wear both. She will always be in your memory."

She nodded and hugged him tight. "I love you."

"I love you too." He stepped away for a second and grabbed a bucket. "I thought you might like a bath, so you can relax."

"That's very sweet. I would like that. I'll be right back."

She walked down the short hall into the bedroom and shut the door. He headed over to fill the buckets to heat water for her bath.

About ten minutes later, she emerged in a short silky robe. She slipped her arms around him from behind. "Almost done, husband?"

"Um, not quite. A few more buckets."

She looked around the room. "Jay, did you clean more in here? It looks spotless."

"Yeah. I wanted it to be perfect."

He took the bucket that was heated and left to pour it in the bathtub. "One more should do it."

"I'm going to go get in. Just come in when it's ready."

"Are you sure? I mean, don't you want privacy?"

She kissed him and smiled. "Not tonight. In fact, I was hoping you'd join me." She walked away, looking back when she got to the doorway, before disappearing from view.

"Holy moly."