After the dust settled on Julie and Tom's arrival, Jack helped Elizabeth get them settled at her house. Now she, Charlotte, Julie, and Tom were all sharing Elizabeth's small row house. It only took a couple of days for Elizabeth's nerves to become frayed.

"Oh, Elizabeth, you poor thing. You look like you've been put through the ringer," Abigail told her, fussing over her.

"I feel like it, too, Abigail. It's not that I don't love having my sister here, but..."

"But that little house is getting a little too crowded, huh?" Abigail smiled, knowingly.

"Oh, Abigail. I don't know what to do. I have to send my parents a telegram. But what do I say?"

"Elizabeth, is that really all that's bothering you?" Abigail asked, placing her hands on Elizabeth's.

"What do you mean, Abigail? Isn't that enough?" she laughed.

"I just get the feeling that there is more to your frustration than just a house full of guests."

Elizabeth sighed. How did Abigail always manage to see right through her.

"It's silly, really," she lowered her head, ashamed to admit what was really bothering her.

"I doubt that, Elizabeth. You're a very sensible woman. If something is bothering you, there is always a good reason," Abigail said kindly.

"The truth is...I..." Elizabeth stammered, struggling to put her feelings into words. "Well, I am upset at Julie for running away and not even telling me she got married. I'm upset that now I have to be the one to deal with our parents. I'm upset that I have to be the one to straighten out the mess she's made of all of this..."

"But what else?" Abigail pressed.

Elizabeth sighed. Abigail wasn't giving up. She knew that there was more to it.

"Promise you won't think I'm being silly," Elizabeth begged.

"I promise," Abigail replied.

"I'm most upset, I think, because I felt like something big was about to happen between Jack and I, and now...well, now all this changes things."

Abigail smiled.

"Why are you smiling, Abigail?" Elizabeth asked, frowning. "You knew that's what was bothering me?"

"Well, I suspected," Abigail nodded. "But I think you're worrying about nothing. Nothing has changed between you and Jack. Sure it seems Julie and Tom's arrival might have overshadowed you a little, but nothing has changed about the way you and Jack feel about each other."

"I guess you're right," Elizabeth agreed.

"It's just that I thought...I hoped..."

Abigail smiled, knowingly.

"Elizabeth, just because your life doesn't work out like you planned it, doesn't mean it can't still work out for good. Look at me. I never would have imagined myself a widow...a cafe owner. After the accident, I didn't think I'd ever love again; never have a family again, but look at me now. I have you, Clara, Cody, Becky, Jack..."

"Pastor Frank," Elizabeth added.

Abigail blushed.

"My point is, Elizabeth, that just because life takes unexpected turns, that doesn't mean that the good Lord doesn't still have a plan for it all."

Elizabeth hugged her friend.

"Oh, I thank Him every day for sending you to me. I don't know what I'd do without you, Abigail."

"Oh, Elizabeth, darling," Abigail said, taking Elizabeth's hands into hers, "He sent you to me, as well. You came into my life at just the right time-when I needed you the most. We made each other stronger. And you have made Julie stronger, too. But she needs you to help her even more now. Share the strength He has given you with her. I think you'll find it will help you both."

Elizabeth smiled.

"Thank you, Abigail. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to begin preparations for the Christmas pageant with the children."

Elizabeth rose and retrieved her coat from the hook on the wall.

"Oh, I can't wait to see it. I know it will be terrific."

"I hope so. At least it will help keep my mind off other things," she laughed.

Elizabeth stepped outside and headed to the school. She hadn't gotten very far when she heard the sound of footsteps heavy behind her.

"Jack," she smiled.

"I was looking for you," he smiled back.

"Well, I'm certainly delighted you found me," she said coyly.

"How are you?" he asked, his tone changed from playful to concerned.

"Me? I'm fine. Why I wouldn't I be?" she asked with a confused frown.

"Oh, I don't know, because you are living in a small, crowded house, dealing with burdens that aren't your own," he said, touching her cheek with his hand.

"You're so sweet to worry about me, Jack, but I'm fine. A little tired," she grinned, "but fine. I actually just came from a nice talk with Abigail. She lifted my spirits tremendously."

Despite her efforts to convince him she was okay, Jack could sense that something was still off with Elizabeth.

"And having you so concerned about me certainly doesn't hurt, either," she said softly.

"Of course I am, Elizabeth. I...I wish I could help more. I wish there was more I could do to help," he sighed.

She took his hands into hers and looked into his eyes.

"Just being here by my side is all the help I need," she told him.

He moved closer to her, letting go of her hands and moving his around her waist.

"And by your side is where I want to be," he replied, then added, "always" in a whisper.

He kissed her softly and for a moment she forgot all about her sister, his brother, her parents, and every other distraction in her life. For a moment it was just her and Jack and that moment was heavenly.

"Elizabeth, I know things are a little hectic right now, but I want to discuss something important with you when things settle down," Jack said softly.

"Alright," she smiled.

"Then I'll hope things settle down soon," she added coyly.

"Jack, Elizabeth? There you two are," Charlotte called as she walked closer to the couple.

"Mom? Did you need us for something?" Jack asked.

"Well, I stopped by Abigail's looking for Elizabeth and she told me that Elizabeth had just left and she saw you catch up to her and walk with her."

"What's wrong, Mrs Thornton?"

"Oh, dear me, I didn't mean to startle you, Elizabeth. Nothing is wrong. I just wanted to talk to you. About your living situation."

Elizabeth frowned. Was Jack's mom complaining about her sister and Tom in the house? What did she expect Elizabeth to do?

"I feel that my presence is making things a bit more cramped than they need to be."

"Charlotte, no. I know things are a bit tight for now, but we'll figure it out," Elizabeth reassured her.

"Dear girl, you are the kind-heartedest soul I've ever met, but you and I both know that this situation will be unbearable by the end of the week."

"Mom, where do you think you're going to go?"

"Home," she answered Jack, but seeing his mouth shoot open and the reaction in his eyes, she held her hand up and quickly added, "but only to settle things there. I'll be back before the baby comes. Permanently."

"What?" Jack asked, stunned.

"I'm selling the homestead, Jack. There's nothing for me there anymore. You boys are grown, and you both just happen to be here in Hope Valley now. And I'm fairly certain," she said with a wink, "that you aren't going anywhere any time soon."

"But you can't just up and sell our home," Jack pleaded.

Charlotte put her hands on either side of her son's face. She looked him in the eye and said softly, but sternly, "It's not your home anymore, Jack."

She gestured with her hands in a circle then held them out to Elizabeth.

"This is your home now. Tom needs us right now, so at least for the time being, this is his home, too. So, I guess it can be my home, too. That is, if Elizabeth thinks she can put up with me for a while longer."

"Of course, Charlotte. We've loved having you here."

"Again, dear girl, you amaze me. I can't imagine it's been easy having me show up and out of the blue and take over your house," Charlotte smiled, grabbing Elizabeth's hands in hers. "But you have made me so welcome. I can see how much you care about my son and how much he cares for you."

Elizabeth blushed. She gazed over at Jack, who was looking a little flushed himself. She smiled.

"And I am so happy to know he's found someone so loving and caring. You're something special, Lizzie. I see a lot of myself in you, whether you know it or not. Raising two boys, I don't know much about having daughters, but I would be honored to have you as mine."

Elizabeth made a large "O" with her mouth, too stunned to form a coherent thought.

"Mrs Thornton, I..." she stammered, "it is I who is honored."

"Stop with all the Mrs Thornton, mess," Charlotte insisted, flapping her hands as if to shoo the thought away. "It's Charlotte. Now, I better hit the road if I want to make it to Edam by nightfall."

"Mom, why don't I go with you. I could help you handle everything and give you hand bringing all your stuff back," Jack offered.

"Nonsense, son. I can handle everything just fine. Plus, I think you're needed here," she smiled at Elizabeth.

"You should take him with you, Charlotte. We can manage without him for a little while. Plus, I'm sure it would be nice to spend time with your son. It would be good for both of you."

"Have I mentioned how much I love this woman?" Charlotte gushed, squeezing Elizabeth's hands with her own. "If you insist."

"I'll leave a letter for Lee asking him if he can find something for Tom. He should return from his honeymoon by the end of the week," Jack told Elizabeth.

"Don't worry, Jack. I'll make sure he gets it."

"I'll go write it now and get my supplies loaded up."

"I'll meet you at Mountie office in an hour, Jack," Charlotte told him. She hugged Elizabeth.

"Take care. I'll see you soon."

Elizabeth was touched by the affection from this woman she barely knew. Her own parents loved her, there was no doubt, but she was not used the open affection Jack's mother showed to her. It was nice. Comforting.

"Please be careful out there. And hurry back," she smiled.

Charlotte winked at her and dropped Elizabeth's hands. She turned to leave Elizabeth and Jack to say goodbye.

"Are you sure you're going to be okay while I'm gone?" Jack asked, lightly gripping her arms.

"I'll be fine. I wish I didn't have to deal with my parents alone, but that might be for the best. The last time you were with my family wasn't really a high point for us," Elizabeth joked.

"Elizabeth, I've accepted the fact that I will never be good enough for your parents. The only thing I care about is whether or not I'm good enough for you."

"Oh, Jack..." Elizabeth sighed. She touched his cheek and felt her heart swell.

"How can you not see that you are perfect for me? I'm the one who doesn't deserve you. I'm sorry if my parents disagree with my choice. It's not the first time and I'm sure it won't be the last. But you are my choice, Jack."

He kissed her softly, but longingly. Elizabeth was right. They were perfect for each other.

"Be careful," she whispered after he finally broke their kiss.

"I will," he promised. "Never in my life have I had such an important reason to be."