"Rosemary!" Elizabeth greeted her friend with enthusiasm. "How was the honeymoon?"
"Oh, Elizabeth I can't wait to tell you all about it. It was exquisite. But first, I've heard you've started planning the Christmas pageant without me. I know there's not much time left, but..."
"Oh, Rosemary, of course not. We would never plan such a big event without you. I've only worked with the children on their parts and they've begun making decorations, just to help take some of the load off, but Florence, Molly, and Dottie were eagerly awaiting your guidance and direction to begin the plans. They have some wonderful things to show you and get your opinion on," Elizabeth winked at Abigail out of the corner of her eye.
Rosemary clasped her hands together.
"Oh aren't you a darling? Trying to bear some of my weight in my absence. You're a true friend, Elizabeth. I don't know what I'd do without you. Which is why I can't wait to share all my wonderful honeymoon ideas with you. We'll have you a wonderful adventure planned in no time."
"Whoa, there, Rosemary," Elizabeth laughed, trying to hide a deep blush. "Why don't you focus on the Christmas pageant for now."
"You're probably right. There's so much to do and so little time. Ahh," she gasped. "I'll have to get Lee and some of his men to help me get the best tree."
She made grand gestures with her arms. "It has to be bold and full and green..."
"Well, we will let you get to that, Rosemary. It seems like an awful lot of work in such a short time, but if anyone can do it, you can," Abigail reassured.
"Oh, thank you, Abigail. And when I get everything rolling, Elizabeth, we'll have coffee and I'll tell you about our trip."
"That sounds lovely, Rosemary."
"I must be off. So much to do..." her voice trailed as she hurried out of the cafe.
As soon as the door shut Elizabeth exhaled.
"I'm tired just thinking about what she has planned," Elizabeth joked.
"Oh, my, she certainly does have enough energy to manage, though, doesn't she?"
Elizabeth smiled. "Sometimes I envy her that. If I had half her energy...well, I should be going. I will see you this evening, Abigail."
"Have a good day at school, Elizabeth."
...
"Well, hello, there. You look a little lost. Could I help you find something? The hotel, perhaps? It's right over there..." Rosemary pointed to the saloon. She put her hand beside her mouth as if to whisper, but not really saying quietly, "It's in the saloon, which is, at first, a little off-putting, but don't you worry, this little town will grow on you in no time."
"I seriously doubt that," the man replied, dryly.
"Oh, I thought that at first, but here it is almost two years later and I'm still here and, in fact, just married the man of my dreams, so we're settled in Hope Valley for a while. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised."
"Hmph," the man snorted.
"Oh, where are my manners? My name is Rosemary LeVe...I mean Coulter. Rosemary Coulter. It's such a pleasure to have you in our town."
"Thank you dear. My name is Grace. This is my husband William. Could you possibly tell us where we could find Elizabeth Thatcher?"
"Well, she should be at school. I'm sure she'll be done soon, but if you'd like I could show you..."
"That won't be necessary. Could you direct us to the constable?" the man asked.
"Well, of course. The jail is right there down the street, but I'm afraid you won't find him there. I'm told he's traveling with his mother back to Hope Valley as we speak. I believe he's still a few days out."
"Oh," Grace replied.
"You must tired from your journey. And hungry," Rosemary interjected. "The food at Abigail's there is the best in town."
"I suppose we could use something to eat," Grace said.
"Fine," William agreed, and let Rosemary lead them to Abigail's Cafe.
The door to the cafe opened and Abigail turned to greet the arrivals.
"Good mor...Grace?" she formed a question in utter surprise.
"Oh, Abigail, dear, it's good to see you again," Mrs Thatcher smiled.
"You know each other?" Rosemary asked in surprise.
"Rosemary, this is Mr and Mrs Thatcher. Elizabeth and Julie's parents," Abigail replied.
Rosemary formed a large "O" with her mouth and before she could respond, Julie came out of the kitchen carrying the coffee pot. She nearly dropped it at the sight of her parents.
"Mother? Father?"
"Hello, Julie. It's so good to see you, dear."
Julie sat the coffee pot down and rushed to hug her mother.
"It's good to see you, too," she gushed, but quickly the smile left her face. "If you're here to drag me home..."
"Come, Julie, let's not discuss our family matters here. Your mother and I will enjoy a nice lunch. Elizabeth raves about Abigail's cooking, so we shall see if she is correct," Mr Thatcher interjected.
"Well, I have never tasted food this good before," Julie replied, smiling at Abigail. "I'm sure you will find it most agreeable. Here, let's find you a table."
She led her parents to a table in the corner and Abigail went to the kitchen with Rosemary following close on her heels.
"Abigail? Does Elizabeth know her parents are here? Was she expecting them?"
"Oh, no, Rosemary, I certainly think not. "
"Should we go tell her?" Rosemary questioned.
"No, no. Let's get the Thatcher's settled first. Elizabeth will be home from school soon. Let's not interrupt her and the students."
"If you think that's best," Rosemary replied.
"Yes. I think so. Now, didn't you have a pageant to plan?"
"Oh, yes, you're right. But someone should attend to Elizabeth's parents..."
Abigail smiled.
"We can manage here, Rosemary. And I'm sure they would like to talk privately with Julie. And Elizabeth when she returns. Didn't you say you had a lot to do to get ready for the pageant?"
"Yes, yes. You're right. I really should be going. You'll let me know if you need anything?"
"Of course. Thank you, Rosemary."
Rosemary bid her goodbyes and headed out. Abigail delivered the Thatchers' food and left them alone to eat it.
"Julie, darling, are you alright?"
"I don't know, Abigail. I don't know why my parents are here if they aren't coming to drag me back home. But in the letter they didn't say anything about coming here. I never would have thought they would..."
Abigail touched Julie's shoulder and smiled.
"Don't get all worked up just yet, Julie. Give them a chance to tell you why they are here. There's no use jumping to conclusions."
Julie took a deep breath.
"You're right, I suppose."
Mr and Mrs Thatcher complimented Abigail on the meal when they were finished.
"I see my daughters were correct, Mrs Stanton. Your food is outstanding."
"Thank you, Mr Thatcher. But, please, call me Abigail."
He smiled. A rare thing for William Thatcher.
"Then call me William."
"Yes, Abigail," Grace added, "the food was delicious."
"You must be tired from your trip," Abigail said. "Julie can show you to the hotel."
"That would be lovely," Grace said. "I'm quite tired."
"Alright, then," William agreed. "Julie, could you please show us?"
"Of course, Father."
Julie led them to the hotel and got them settled.
"Elizabeth will be home from school soon," she said. "If you'd like, you can come back to Abigail's and we can all talk."
"We wouldn't want to impose on Mrs Stanton," Grace said.
"It wouldn't be an imposition," Julie replied. "She's family to us."
"Speaking of family," her father began, "Where is your husband?"
"He's gone to Buxton with other men from the sawmill. They are getting supplies to bring back."
"So, he's working at the sawmill?" Grace asked.
"Yes. He just started there. We're very grateful he found work so quickly," Julie replied.
"And a salary from a sawmill will provide for you and a baby?" William asked.
"Perhaps we can discuss this more after we've had a chance to rest?" Grace interjected.
"Fine," William relented. "We will come to the cafe after your mother has rested."
...
Elizabeth opened the door to Abigail's and rushed in.
"It's getting quite chilly out there," she began. "It's even starting to smell like Christm..."
She stopped short of finishing the word when she noticed her parents.
"Mother? Father? What are you doing here?"
"Well, hello, Elizabeth. We thought maybe you'd be a little happier to see us," her mother smiled.
Elizabeth rushed to hug her.
"I'm very glad to see you, I'm just surprised, that's all," Elizabeth quickly said.
She hugged her father.
"After your letter," she continued, "I certainly wasn't expecting you to come to Hope Valley."
"I convinced your father that perhaps he was a little rash in his response to you. He was persuaded to come here with me and talk to you and Julie face-to-face."
"Mother, father, I appreciate that, but I am not returning to Hamilton," Elizabeth replied.
"Why don't I leave you alone?" Abigail asked. "Please let me know if I can get you anything."
"Oh, Abigail, we shouldn't impose on your hospitality," Grace began.
"Nonsense," Abigail replied. "I'll just be straightening up out front."
"Elizabeth, honey, no one said we were here to force you to come home."
Grace said.
"Force, no," her father said, "but strongly encourage."
"William..." her mother chided.
"It's alright, mother," Elizabeth reassured her. "But I'm sorry, father. I'm not going to change my mind. My life is here now. Hope Valley is my home."
"Elizabeth, how can you abandon your family and your home for some frontier town?"
"I don't expect you to understand the life I've chosen, but I just want you to trust me. Trust that I know what's best for me," she pleaded. "You raised me to be strong and brave and to take care of myself. Let me do that."