6 months after the wedding
Elizabeth watched Jack play in the grass as she sat on the porch. Elizabeth sighed. Nathan was assigned a mission that was only supposed to last three days but has been a week. She had not heard anything from Nathan. She tried not to think of the worst but it was impossible not to.
To make matters worse, Elizabeth and Allie were not on good terms. The day after Nathan left for his mission, Allie mouthed off to Elizabeth in class. Once they were home, Elizabeth grounded Allie until her father got home. The last six months had been an adjustment for both of them. They had to balance home and school. While there were a few incidents, Allie had never talked back to Elizabeth in class. This left Elizabeth wondering if this had something to do with Nathan leaving on his mission.
Jack ran over to show Elizabeth a rock he had found.
"That's a nice rock, Jack." Elizabeth said. Jack smiled and went back to find more rocks. Elizabeth thought about how Jack would never meet his real father. Elizabeth touched her stomach. She found out she was expecting two days after Nathan left.
"Please God. Let Nathan make it home so he can make so he can hear the news he was going to be a father that Jack never got the chance to hear." Elizabeth prayed silently.
The front door opened and Allie walked out. Allie didn't look so well.
"Allie. Are you feeling sick." Elizabeth asked.
"No." Allie said sharply.
Elizabeth nodded.
"I'm worried about him too." Elizabeth said.
Allie's face softened when she heard those words.
"I'm sorry about mouthing off in class." Allie said.
"I know you are." Elizabeth said. Elizabeth put her arm around Allie.
"When Jack used to go on his missions, I would have to sit here with worry. Of course, I had friends but they didn't know what I was going through. But now that I have you, I don't feel alone." Elizabeth said.
"He should have been home by now." Allie said.
"He'll make it home." Elizabeth said.
"How do you know?" Allie asked
"Because I have faith." Elizabeth said.
As soon as Elizabeth said that, a man in a red serge started riding up.
"Is that dad?" Allie asked.
Elizabeth looked at the figure coming closer to them. It was not Nathan. Elizabeth stood up with Allie. As the figure came closer, Elizabeth realized who it was.
"Gabriel?" Elizabeth called out.
Gabriel rode up to them and he dismounted his horse. He took off his hat. Suddenly, Elizabeth was back to where she was 4 years ago. The night she was told Jack wouldn't be coming home.
"Elizabeth. Allie. How are you?" Gabriel asked.
"Good. But I'm a little worried." Elizabeth said.
"I'm here to relieve that worry. There was a hard rain storm where Nathan was conducting his mission. All the phone lines and wire lines were down. Nathan sent me this telegram. He's in Buxton and will be arriving late tonight." Gabriel said.
Elizabeth let out a sigh of relief, as did Allie.
"Thank God." Elizabeth said.
"Yes. Thank God." Gabriel said with a smile.
"Would you like to come in for some tea?" Elizabeth asked.
"That's kind of you, but I will have to take a reign check. I'm going to go see Bill and then head back to Brookfield." Gabriel said.
Elizabeth hugged Gabriel.
"Thank you for bringing me the news." Elizabeth whispered in his ear.
"It was my honor." Gabriel said. After hugging, Gabriel waved goodbye and headed into town.
xxx
It was getting late that night. Elizabeth put Jack to bed. Allie begged to let her stay up late to see her father. Elizabeth agreed to let her stay up. But as the hours went by, she fell asleep on the couch. Elizabeth stared out the window. Once she saw a figure in red, she went outside and quietly closed the door and ran out to Nathan.
Once Nathan was getting closer, he slowed Newton down and dismounted. Elizabeth and Nathan ran to each other. Once they had met each other, they kissed each other passionately.
"I was so worried." Elizabeth said.
"I know. And I'm sorry. Buxton was the closest place to get a telegram out to Gabriel." Nathan said.
"It doesn't matter, you're home now." Elizabeth said.
"Yes. For good." Nathan said.
"What does that mean? Are you quitting the Mountie's?" Elizabeth asked.
"No. But I have requested that Hope Valley be my permanent posting and that there be no more missions." Nathan said.
"Really?" Elizabeth said.
"Yes. Except for training new recruits at the academy, I'm home." Nathan said.
"I'm glad you are home for good. And are they." Elizabeth said putting Nathan's hand on her stomach.
Nathan's smile grew wider.
"Really?" Nathan asked.
"You're going to be a father, again" Elizabeth said proudly.
Nathan kissed Elizabeth.
"Natey!"
Nathan looked out to the row house to see Jack and Allie running toward them. Nathan ran to Allie and Jack and hugged both of them tight. Elizabeth smiled. After a family reunion, Nathan suggested that they have some pancakes. Allie and Jack excitedly ran back inside. With one hand guiding Newton and his other arm draped around Elizabeth they walked back home.
"I better start building that house." Nathan said.
Elizabeth smiled and kissed Nathan on the cheek.