A/N: Hello, dear readers. Please forgive me for the long break in posting. Life has been crazy, and for whatever reason, I haven't been inspired to write fanfic. Hopefully, this chapter will help spark the other two I have planned for New Dawn. And I haven't forgotten about Call of the Heart—I will resume working on that once this fic is done. I hope you're all doing well! God bless.
Oh, and a quick note about the time period: if WCTH can ignore WWI, I'm gonna take a page from their book and ignore WWII. ;)
July 1941
Jack Thornton Grant galloped toward Hope Valley. His trusty steed, Blaze, ate up the miles in record time. Anticipation grew in Jack's heart. In less than twenty minutes, he would surprise his family.
A grin spread over his face. Mom and Dad would be thrilled to learn of his new posting. For that matter, so would his nine siblings. A light pang hit his heart. For the last seven years, he'd been away from home, first training to be a Mountie, then being stationed at posts away from the town he'd grown up in. He'd visited as often as he could, but it never felt like enough. Everyone else remained in Hope Valley. Sometimes, Jack felt like he was missing out on family life.
Now, he was coming home for good. No more missed birthdays or Christmases or anniversaries. He'd be working with his brother-in-law, Cody Stanton, to keep law and order in the town he loved, close to the family he loved.
Only Cody knew Jack was returning. He'd agreed to keep the secret, sounding rather gleeful when they talked on the phone. Jack only hoped the man could come up with a plausible reason for his excitement. He knew Allie would sniff out the fact that something was up. His reporter sister had a nose for finding secrets.
Jack leaned forward. "Almost there, Blaze. Almost home!"
His horse whinnied, picking up on his excitement. The animal leapt forward in a burst of power. Jack laughed and hunched down. Wind whipped against his face, nearly dislodging his hat.
The first sight of his family's land had his eyes stinging with tears. Finally. He slowed Blaze until they stopped. He took in the familiar vista, heart full to bursting. While the rest of Hope Valley changed and grew over the last decades, home remained the same.
A flash of pale blue caught his attention. Jack turned his eyes toward the forest lining their property. Someone moved slowly through the trees. It was probably one of his siblings or the neighbors, but nonetheless, his Mountie senses went on alert. Jack slid from Blaze and crept toward the person.
"Come on now," a soft voice murmured. "I won't hurt you. Come out." A long pause, then: "Here, kitty, kitty."
Jack grinned. He knew that voice as well as any. Pushing aside a large branch in his path, his eyes landed on his childhood best friend, Reagan Coulter. Or rather, the back of her. She crouched low to the ground in front of a bush, cooing at the animal inside who mewed loudly back at her.
Reagan darted into the bush. Moments later, she emerged with a tiny ball of calico fluff. The kitten protested a minute before it relaxed and began to purr.
"Still an animal lover, I see."
Reagan yelped and spun around. Blue eyes wide, she gaped at him for long seconds before flinging herself into his arms. "Jack!"
He enveloped her in an embrace, closing his eyes. Boy, he'd missed her. The scent of vanilla mixed with honey filled his senses. Classic Reagan.
Sharp claws dug into his uniform. He drew back and scowled at the cat. Of course the critter would ruin the moment.
A sharp slap stung his arm. He jumped back. "Ow! Hey, what was that for?"
Reagan planted a hand on her hip. "You know perfectly well what that was for! I haven't had a letter from you in months! Months! Neither have your parents, I might add. We've all been wondering what in the world happened to make you drop off the face of the earth."
He bit back a smile. Reagan might not be Aunt Rosemary's biological daughter, but she certainly had her flair for the dramatic. "Aw, c'mon, Rea. It hasn't been that long."
She tossed her blonde curls. "It most certainly has, Constable Grant. I have half a mind to ignore you for the duration of your trip."
"As if you could," he teased, grin fully unlocked.
Reagan harrumphed. She frowned fiercely, but Jack saw the twinkle in her eyes. He advanced, arms outstretched. "Nothing a good tickle fight can't fix."
She squealed and ran. He gave chase. Reagan had good speed—he'd give her that—but her petite frame could never outrun his large one. He slid one arm around her waist, pulling her to a stop. The kitten mewed its outrage as his hand found the sensitive spot under Reagan's neck. She gasped with laughter. When she tried to pull away, he trapped her against his body. "Surrender?"
"Never!" Her voice faded as another peal of laughter left her.
"All you gotta do is say I won, Rea, and the tickling stops." He paused long enough to let her think.
She looked over her shoulder, mouth open to respond. Whatever she'd been about to say never came. Their eyes locked. Something strange lurched in Jack's gut. It felt like she was tickling him. Whatever this sensation was, it felt an awful lot like attraction. But that was impossible. This was Reagan, his friend from toddler-hood. He absolutely could not be attracted to her. Not when Aunt Rosemary made no secret of the fact that she wanted them together. No way, no how …
"Reagan Coulter! What in the world are you doing with that young man?!"
Their connection shattered. Reagan's eyes widened. "Oh, no," she muttered. "Mrs. Finch."
The town gossip. Jack winced. "Should we make a run for it?"
Reagan looked like she wanted to smile, but she forced her face into a serious expression. Jack let her go when she pulled away. Together, they turned. "Hello, Mrs. Finch."
Her face twisted in confusion. "Jack Grant? What are you doing here?" The frown returned. "And what, exactly, are you two doing? Are your parents aware of this … liaison?"
Heat burned his cheeks. "There is no liaison, ma'am. I stumbled upon her on my way back home. She found a kitten in need of rescue."
Reagan held up the kitten in proof. "Nothing untoward at all, Mrs. Finch." Under her breath, she whispered, "You'd think we were teenagers instead of adults in our mid-twenties."
Jack smothered his amusement. "We'll just be on our way now." He held his arm out to Reagan. "Can I offer you a ride? Blaze can handle two people."
"Of course." She lifted her chin, gliding by Mrs. Finch. "See you later, ma'am."
Jack tipped his hat, well aware of the older lady's sniff. Her eyes followed them as Jack swung onto his horse, then held the kitten while Reagan got up behind him. He passed her the small cat. "Are you planning on keeping this fluff ball?"
She grinned. "Of course." One arm slid around his waist to keep balance. "So, Jack, what are you doing in Hope Valley?"
"Ah, ah. You'll find out with everyone else when I get home."
He could practically see her pout behind him. "Not even a teeny-tiny hint?"
"Nope."
She exhaled. "Fine. Then hurry up. I want to know what's brought you here."
"Hurry up, huh?"
Her arm tightened. "I'm not opposed to a gallop."
"Duly noted, Miss Coulter." Jack gave Blaze a command. The horse sprung forward, racing like the wind. The feeling of freedom coursed through Jack again. But this time, it felt better—and he suspected it had everything to do with the friend holding on behind him.
Reagan sat with her family and the Grants, enjoying the welcome dinner Aunt Elizabeth and Uncle Nathan had put together for their son's arrival. There might only be four Coulters, but the Grant family seemed to be ever-expanding. Besides Nathan, Elizabeth, and their ten children, Allie and Cody had four kids of their own. Sixteen of them crowded around the table, making twenty people total. Reagan overheard Nathan whisper to Elizabeth that twenty people is a lot! Judging from her aunt's reaction, there was some private joke between them that brought up a good memory.
Joy sparkled in Elizabeth's eyes as she gazed at her son. Reagan knew better than most just how much Jack's mother had missed him. In the years since he'd been gone, Reagan and Elizabeth grew close. So close that Reagan had shared her deepest secret with the woman. It had been unintentional, but after years as a counselor, Elizabeth knew how to make a person feel comfortable enough to share anything.
Even if it pertained to her own son.
Reagan brushed back a section of hair that perpetually fell into her face. She really should pin it in place. A glance at Jack showed him looking her way, a grin on his lips. Reagan felt a flush begin, and she silently thanked God she was wearing face powder. Jack always teased her about her lack of care when it came to doing her hair, something Mama couldn't quite understand. It was just easier to let it hang free. But sometimes it was rather inconvenient.
The hair fell forward again. Reagan let out a sigh, then stood. "I'll be right back."
"No need." Jack was on his feet in a flash. Reagan's heart thumped ridiculously hard as he approached. He held out a hair clip and winked. "Mama has quite a few of these hanging around. I borrowed one in case you found a need for it."
How had he known? She reached for the clip. Their fingers brushed in the process. Warmth cascaded through her, side-by-side with a deep longing. Would it always be like this? Her in love with her best friend, him oblivious to her feelings? Another sigh tugged her heart. At least he'd be gone again soon, and she could nurse her unrequited love in private. But the thought of him leaving filled her with dread. She affixed the clip to her wayward hair as she sat.
Elizabeth touched her shoulder and leaned close. "Someday he'll wake up and realize you're the perfect woman for him, Reagan."
The whispered words provided a bit of comfort. Reagan smiled and whispered back. "Thanks, Aunt Elizabeth."
Nathan tapped his glass with a spoon. All eyes turned to him. He smiled, his gaze on his oldest son. "Well, Jack, now that supper's finished, suppose you tell us what brings you to town and how long you'll be staying?"
Jack leaned back in his chair. That lazy grin Reagan loved so much spread over his face. He looked at his brother-in-law. "Cody, how's it been being the town's only Mountie since Robert was transferred to Alberta?"
Cody shook his head. Reagan couldn't be sure, but it looked like he was fighting a smile. "Tough, Jack. Real tough. So much so, I put in a request for another Mountie to be stationed here immediately."
Elizabeth gasped, her hands flying to her mouth. Allie's eyes lit up. Nathan stared between Jack and Cody, a slow smile tugging at his lips. Mama let out a squeal, clapping her hands in clear excitement.
Reagan hardly dared to hope. It sounded like … maybe … ?
Jack whooped. "I've been transferred to Hope Valley! I'm staying!"
Pandemonium broke loose. Jack disappeared in a sea of hugs and happy shouts. Reagan sat rooted to her chair. He was staying. She'd see him all the time. Their friendship could resume what it had been before he left for training.
Hope rose swiftly inside, followed quickly by despair. How in the world was she going to keep her love for him a secret? It was hard enough when she rarely saw him. But now? She might have to watch him fall in love with one of the young women in town. That would gut her. And there'd be no shortage of women who'd like to be Jack's girl. The man was handsome, kind, brave-a lethal combination for any woman.
Amid the cacophony of noise and celebration, Reagan slipped out to the porch. She inhaled the summer night air deeply, trying to find a measure of calm. It amazed her how torn she felt inside over Jack's revelation.
"Can I join you?"
Reagan looked over her shoulder. Mama stood there, hands clasped loosely. Reagan nodded. Her mother leaned against a porch rail, looking up at the stars twinkling brightly. It was quiet for so long, Reagan almost asked Mama what was wrong. She never stayed this silent. Finally, Mama looked her in the eyes. "Sometimes, my dear girl, risks are necessary to move forward with what we want in life."
Huh?
Her mother took her hands. "I know you've harbored feelings for Jack since you were a girl."
Reagan's mouth fell open. "Did Aunt Elizabeth tell you?"
Mama chuckled. "No. We've known for years, honey. You wear your heart on your sleeve, though I doubt Jack has noticed." She rolled her eyes. "Silly man. As if he could do better than my girl."
Warmth rushed to her cheeks. "Jack sees me as a friend. That's all."
"Exactly." Her mother hiked a brow. "So you have two options. You can continue to pine after him and stay in a tortuous friendship, or you can let him know how you feel."
"Let him—!" Reagan gasped. "Mama! I can't do that!"
"Why not? It'll get you out of this limbo you have yourself in. I've watched over the years as you've fallen deeper and deeper for the boy. Something has to give, Reagan." She leaned closer with a wink. "My vote is you tell him. Or show him."
"Sh…show him?"
Mama hugged her. "It's up to you, sweetie. Think about it." Her gaze sobered. "Or you could lose him forever to someone else."
The thought twisted Reagan's insides as her mother went back into the house. She gripped the porch railing. What would be worse? Losing Jack to another woman, or losing his friendship if she admitted her feelings and he didn't feel the same?
Suddenly restless, Reagan crossed her arms over her middle and began walking. The Grant property was expansive, connected to their own, and she knew the forests and meadows so well, she could walk them in her sleep. Which was good, considering how dark it was now. Blindly, Reagan headed down a path toward the old treehouse Nathan had built years ago. The rope ladder still held strong. She hauled herself up, then lay on the floor and looked up at the stars. They winked at her, steady against the roiling emotions churning her stomach. She wasn't sure how long she laid there before someone came crashing through the trees. "Reagan? Reagan!"
Jack's voice sounded panicked. She blinked, rubbing her eyes. "Up here." Her voice was raspy. Had she fallen asleep?
He scaled the ladder faster than she expected. His face came into view, tense and hard in the starlight. "No one knew where you went, Rea! How could you just disappear like that?"
She pushed herself into a seated position. "I … I just meant to go for a walk. I'm sorry. I must have fallen asleep."
He exhaled hard and pulled her to her feet. Reagan's heart thundered when he wrapped her in a tight embrace. "I was so scared. And I thought …"
His voice trailed off. Reagan pushed back to put a couple inches between them, palms resting against his chest, eyes searching his as best she could in the dark. "You thought what?"
He exhaled. "I thought you might be disappointed that I was staying in Hope Valley."
"What?" She blinked. "Jack, I'm thrilled that you're staying. You're my best friend. It's good to have you back." Even as she said the words, a traitorous whisper inside said it might be easier if he'd left again. Another whisper said him leaving would have nailed another stake through her heart.
"Good." She heard more than saw the smile on his face. His eyes glittered as he reached up. "Your clip is askew."
Her hands flew up to fix it, but he shook his head. "I've got it, Rea." He unfastened the clip—that must have been disturbed while she slept—and slid it back in place before snapping it shut. "There. That's better."
Reagan's heart beat faster. Standing this close to him was the sweetest torture imaginable. She tried to take a step back, but her feet wouldn't move. Jack put a hand on her back. "Rea? Are you alright?"
Show him how you feel.
Her mother's voice rang in her head. Reagan's breaths came rapidly. Could she? Was she courageous enough to take that step?
Jack's hands came up to frame her face. "Hey. What's the matter?"
His touch was her undoing. Reagan took a deep breath, gripped his shirt in her hands, and pushed up on her toes. Their lips met. A rush of sensation coursed through her, dizzying and terrifying and thrilling.
A grunt of disbelief sounded from Jack. Reagan's eyes snapped open. What had she done? Mortified, she began to pull away.
His arms locked her in place. His head tilted, his lips pressing more firmly against hers. She might have started the kiss, but he took control of it now. And oh, what a beautiful feeling it was! Reagan's eyes drifted shut again. Her body melted into his. She didn't want to think or analyze what this might mean. She just wanted to feel. Being in Jack's arms had only been a distant hope for so long. The reality was much sweeter than she'd dreamed.
By the time he pulled back, Reagan couldn't think. Her cheeks were flushed, her heart thudded heavily, and a lovesick smile stretched across her face. She rested her head against his chest with a sigh. "Oh, Jack."
She could feel the thump of his heart against her cheek. It raced in time to her own. Her smile grew. He couldn't kiss her like that without harboring his own feelings for her, could he? She snuggled closer.
Jack gently disentangled himself from her. "Rea, I … I don't know what just happened. I think … I should go."
What?
She stared at him, mouth falling open. "What do you mean, you should go? After what we just shared?"
"Um … yeah. Yeah. I need to think."
Her heart plummeted. She folded her arms over her chest. Walls rose in defense. She'd laid her heart bare with that kiss, and this was his response? "Fine. Go."
"Reagan …"
He reached a hand toward her. Reagan flinched. "Don't. Just go." Her voice broke. "Please."
Several seconds ticked by. His heavy footsteps soon sounded, followed by the slight creak of the rope as he descended. Reagan heard him walk away. Only when the sound of his footsteps faded did she allow herself to sink to the floor and dissolve into tears.
A week later, Reagan still avoided him. Jack didn't blame her. He kicked himself daily for walking away after that incredible kiss. He shouldn't have done it, but truth be told, the intensity of his feelings frightened him. Reagan had been his friend for so long. These strange new feelings threatened the bonds of their friendship.
He couldn't lose her. Yet his foolish actions might have done exactly that.
After his shift, he returned home to help his father with a woodworking project. Dad seemed to know Jack needed to process something. They worked in silence for a good while before his father finally broke it.
"Alright, son, you've had a week of moping. Don't you think it's time to share what's on your mind? And don't try telling me it's settling into your new job."
Jack grimaced. "That obvious, huh?"
"Oh, yeah." Dad ran sandpaper over a table. "If I had to guess, it's girl trouble."
"How'd you know?"
Dad chuckled. "It's only been since you left to find Reagan after your welcome home dinner. When you came back, something was clearly the matter. And I've noticed Reagan hasn't come around at all since that night. Highly unusual."
Jack huffed. "Sometimes it's blasted inconvenient having a former Mountie for a father. Has anyone told you you're too observant?"
His dad laughed. "So I'm right."
No point trying to deny it. "Yeah."
"What happened?"
The story came spilling out—how he'd freaked out over Reagan's disappearance, then found her in the treehouse. His entire body warmed as he recounted the kiss she'd started … and he'd more than finished. Jack still couldn't believe he responded so strongly to her innocent kiss. Powerful emotions he'd never felt before flooded him in that moment, and they hadn't let go since. Reagan was all he could think about.
When he finished talking, his dad was quiet for several moments. When he spoke, his words were quiet. "Sounds to me like you're in love, Jack."
"With Reagan?" He swallowed. "But … we're just friends. That's all we've ever been."
"Really?" Dad's brows arched. "Tell me something. When you were away all these years, how did you feel when you received her letters?"
What did that have to do with anything? Still, he knew his dad had a point somewhere in the odd question. He always did. "It felt good. I looked forward to getting them."
"In the same way you looked forward to letters from your family?"
Jack flushed. "Well … no. Not really." In fact, while he loved reading letters from his parents and siblings, it had been Reagan's letters that brightened his day and made him eager to finish his shifts just so he could curl up and devour her words.
Dad nodded. "And when you imagine life without her? How does that feel?"
A knot formed in Jack's stomach, but his father wasn't done. "Or how about imagining her with another man? Sharing a kiss with him the way she did with you?"
White-hot jealousy burned his gut at the thought of Reagan with someone else. His hands clenched into fists. Dad eyed them, then turned a knowing smile on Jack. "That's what I thought. You never did like it when other boys showed her attention in your school years." He dropped the sandpaper and clasped Jack's shoulders. "You want to know what I think? You've been so focused on friendship all this time, you didn't realize you fell in love with your best friend. You'll probably never know when exactly it happened. Just that somewhere over the past years, friendship turned to love." Dad squeezed his shoulders, then released him. "The only question is, what are you going to do about it?"
Jack drew in a deep breath. "I suppose I should start by talking to her."
"Good plan." Dad's smile quirked, full of humor. "You'll have to get past Rosemary first. Though something tells me she'll be thrilled by this. She's insisted since you were small children that you'd marry someday."
Jack groaned. "She's going to be insufferable over that."
Dad laughed. "It's in good humor. She just wants you both to be happy. Preferably together." He grinned. "I'll let you in on a little secret. I've been hoping for something to develop between you and Reagan as well."
"What?" Jack's mouth dropped. "Since when?"
"Since a couple weeks after Connor's birth. When your mother and Rosemary pointed out the fact that Reagan was in love with you."
If his jaw fell any lower, Jack would have to pick it up off the floor. "That long?" His baby brother was ten years old. Never would Jack have guessed Reagan to have feelings for him. Not until the moment she kissed him. But for over ten years? His heart sped up.
"At least that long." Dad gave him a look, then pointedly glanced out the window. "Look at that. It's a beautiful evening. Perfect for a walk with a special someone."
Jack grinned. "Thanks, Dad." He hugged his father. "You're the best."
Dad's strong arms hugged him back. "Anytime, son. Now go make things right with Reagan."
He didn't need to be told twice. Jack tore out of the workshop and across his parents' property. He didn't stop running until he reached the Coulters' front porch. Danny answered his knock. Reagan's younger brother regarded Jack with narrowed eyes. "Reagan doesn't want to see you."
Danny might be younger, but his protective nature ran deep. Jack held up his hands. "I need to talk to her, Danny. Please."
"Is that Jack?" Rosemary bustled to the door. "Well! My daughter has been in a state ever since you broke her heart, young man! What do you have to say for yourself?"
His aunt might be on the dramatic side, but Jack had a feeling there was truth to her words. His own heart twisted at the thought of how he'd hurt Reagan. "I need to tell her I love her."
Rosemary's face softened. "I'm glad to see you've finally come to your senses." She turned away and cupped a hand around her mouth. "Reagan! You have a visitor."
Danny harrumphed, his arms crossed over his chest. "If you hurt her again, you'll have me to deal with."
"Noted."
"Who's here, Mama?" Reagan's sweet voice floated over him. Rosemary stepped aside, giving Jack a glimpse of his friend. Her hair fell in loose curls around her cheeks and she wore a simple blue dress that accentuated her eyes. The kitten she'd found slept in her arms. She was breathtaking. How had he not noticed before?
Her gaze landed on him. Eyes widening, she backed up a step, shaking her head. Jack pushed into the house. "Rea, please. We need to talk."
"I have nothing to say to you." Her voice shook.
He closed the distance between them. "I was a fool last week. Please, let me explain."
She stepped back again. Defiance sparked in her eyes. She raised her chin. "Unless you're here to proclaim your undying love, I don't want to hear it."
Her words were bold, but he heard the vulnerability beneath them. Jack took her arm and leaned closer. "That's exactly why I'm here."
"What?" she gasped.
So much for their walk. Looked like he was going to make a declaration right here in the Coulters' living room. Jack took the kitten and set it gently on the floor, then grasped Reagan's hands. "I've had time to think. All these years, I've assumed my feelings for you were simply friendly in nature. But a talk with my dad brought everything into focus. What I thought was only friendship—somewhere along the way—turned into love. You're my best friend, my confidante, my companion. I love you, Rea. If you're willing, I want to court you."
Tears shone in her eyes. Her free hand pressed to her mouth. "I'd like that. I've loved you for so long. I thought it would remain one-sided."
Jack let his forehead rest against hers. "I reacted badly after our kiss. Please forgive me. I was confused by the strength of my feelings and didn't handle it well."
"No kidding." Laughter danced in Reagan's eyes. She slid her arms around his waist. "I forgive you, Jack. On one condition."
"Name it."
She smiled. "Kiss me again."
Sweetest condition ever. He lowered his head, his lips finding hers in a way that felt natural and right. As their kiss slowly intensified, Jack had a feeling theirs would be a short courtship. They already had a solid foundation of friendship. His parents always said that was a perfect bedrock for marriage.
Was he really thinking of marriage already? The thought should terrify him. Instead, he felt joy rise inside.
Someone gripped his arm and pulled him away from Reagan. Jack blinked, disoriented. He looked to the side to see Reagan's father shaking his head and trying not to smile. "I like you, Jack, but you're not going to waltz into my home and kiss my daughter senseless while I watch," Lee said.
"Lee!" Rosemary hissed. "They were having a moment!"
Jack's face burned as he realized the entire Coulter family witnessed everything that just transpired. Danny eyed him from the corner, but the young man was smiling. Lee let go of his arm and grinned. "For the record, you have my blessing, kiddo."
"Thanks, Daddy." Reagan blew a kiss to her father, then took Jack's arm. "Why don't we go for a walk?"
"Perfect."
They strolled outside arm in arm. Jack kept her close by his side, reveling in the crazy turn of events that cemented their relationship into one more than friendship.
It was amazing what a single kiss could accomplish.