Author's Note: In the final scene of this chapter, it's mentioned that the children are chasing fireflies. This chapter takes place in late November, so I realize there wouldn't actually be fireflies that time of year. I almost took them out, but then I remembered WCTH S10ep11 ostensibly takes place around November (election season, plus S11ep1 is set in spring & Elizabeth says 4 months passed since end of S10). Yet Elizabeth tells Lucas the night he's at her house before leaving for Capital City that Allie and Jack are outside catching fireflies. So I figured if WCTH can have summer fireflies in November, I can too! :)

CHAPTER 2b:

Late November 1921 (still)

The subsequent days follow the same pattern – responsibilities, friends, and distractions make the days pass quickly. But to Elizabeth, the small hours of the night when she can't sleep are still long and difficult. Somehow, almost a week goes by. Despite Elizabeth repeatedly asking Bill, all he can tell her that he's hearing from his contacts is that the Mounties are still working to capture the highwaymen.

Finally, one morning seven days after Nathan left, Elizabeth is walking out of Yost's Mercantile when she hears someone calling her name. Turning, she spots Bill approaching and stops to let him reach her. She feels her heart start racing, sensing he has news. "Bill, what is it?" she demands impatiently.

"I just got word. The Peterson gang is in custody, en route to Granville Penitentiary."

"That's good news, right?! Does that mean the men –"

Bill interrupts, "Yes, the mission is complete, so all Mounties are returning to their regular posts."

"When?! How long until he's back?"

"Well, I can't say for certain. There may be some paperwork and debriefing, and we don't know how long his trip home will take because we don't know exactly where he's at. But you know he's going to be pushing himself to the limit getting back as fast as he can."

Tentatively hopeful and excited for the first time since he left, Elizabeth hugs Bill and exclaims, "Thank you, Bill! I have to tell Allie and Little Jack!"

Smiling at her enthusiasm, Bill watches her take off across the street to the soda fountain where she left the children earlier while she ran some errands. Mei looks up, startled, as Elizabeth bursts through the door. Wondering at the uncharacteristic behavior, Mei greets her questioningly, "Hi, Elizabeth – is everything okay?"

Struggling to restrain her smiles, Elizabeth replies, "Hi, Mei. Yes, I just need to talk to Allie and Little Jack." Turning to the pair, she requests, "Would you two come with me?" They hop down from their stools and follow Elizabeth out into the street.

"What's going on, Mrs. Thornton?" Allie questions her.

"Yeah, what's going on, Momma?" Jack echoes adorably.

Stopping, she turns to face them, finally releasing the grin she'd been holding back. She meets Allie's gaze and nods. Suddenly, the teen's eyes widen in delighted understanding. "Really? Dad's on his way home?"

Jack pipes up, "Mountie Nathan's coming back? Yay!" The three hug, laughing in relief and excitement.

Later that day, as twilight descends around them, Elizabeth watches from her perch on the steps as Allie helps Jack hunt for bugs. At the children's insistence, the trio spent all afternoon outdoors close to the house, rushing through dinner, eager to catch the first sight of Nathan riding back into town. They ignored Elizabeth's cautions that today was probably too soon, and it might even be a few more days. Noting the encroaching darkness, Elizabeth sighs before calling out, "Okay, you two, it's time to come inside."

Predictably, they both protest. "Just a little longer, Momma?" "Just five more minutes, please?"

Cocking an eyebrow at Allie, Elizabeth reminds her, "That's what you said ten minutes ago."

When she stands with her arms crossed and her no-nonsense look, the children realize there's no budging her further. Reluctantly, they start toward the door. Just as they reach the steps, however, all three of them hear hoofbeats. Turning back, they stare anxiously as far as they can see in the increasing darkness. Suddenly, a rider on horseback comes into view, the telltale red jacket giving away his identity before he can be seen.

Shouting with joy, Elizabeth, Jack and Allie rush to meet him.

"Dad!" Allie screams, running ahead. Elizabeth watches as Nathan spots them and jumps down to meet the sprinting girl, swooping her in his arms. Holding Jack's hand, Elizabeth slows as they approach, gladly giving Allie this first moment. But even as he continues hugging his daughter, Nathan's eyes find Elizabeth as they always do, and their gazes lock. A silent conversation passes between them before they speak a word to each other – his eyes declare, "I'm home." and hers wordlessly reply, "You're safe."

Leading Newton, Nathan walks arm in arm with Allie to where Elizabeth and Jack stand waiting a few feet away. "Elizabeth," he says. Just one word, but so full of meaning.

Nathan," she responds in an equally loaded tone, their eyes still locked on each other, drinking the other in.

"Mountie Nathan, you're back! I missed you!" Jack pipes up happily, breaking the adults' intense stare.

Glancing down, Nathan releases Allie and bends to hold his arms out for Jack who runs into them. "I missed you too, Jack."

All the while, Elizabeth scans him thoroughly, cataloguing every possible detail – his uniform has wrinkles and dirt smudges, he's walking a little stiffly, his hair is windblown, and his face is haggard. He looks exhausted, but, she gratefully notes, uninjured.

As the foursome walk back to Elizabeth's house, Allie and Little Jack pepper him with questions and random bits of news from the last week until Elizabeth interrupts, "Hey, you two. It's getting late, and Nathan looks pretty tired. Why don't we let him go rest? You can see him tomorrow and talk his ear off then."

Tying Newton to the porch post, Nathan smiles at her gratefully. Allie asks, "Can I come home with you?"

The adults share a look, thinking it would be easier for her to move back tomorrow, but understanding Allie would be comforted just being under the same roof as her dad again. "Of course, kiddo." Nathan answers.

"Allie, why don't you go gather up your things," Elizabeth suggests, "or at least what you'll need for tonight. You can get the rest tomorrow. And don't worry about breakfast – just come over and eat here with me and Jack before we have to leave for school."

"Jack," Nathan adds, "can you go help Allie gather her things? I need to talk to your mom just a minute."

'Okay!"

"Come on, Jack," Allie encourages, holding out her hand to help him up the steps.

Nathan and Elizabeth watch the kids until the door shuts behind them before turning to each other. With a sob of relief, Elizabeth gasps, "Nathan!" and hurls herself in his arms. He instantly wraps her tightly in his embrace, and they share a passionate kiss. Several toe-curling minutes later, they break apart. He draws her with him to sit on the top porch step, still wrapped in each other's arms. She rests her head on his shoulder and places her free hand on his chest, feeling his heart beat beneath her palm. "I missed you… so much."

Kissing the top of her head, Nathan takes her free hand in his and holds it tightly. He replies, "I missed you too. You never left my thoughts."

"Thank you so much for the flowers and note you left. Words can't describe how much it meant to me. The note is almost worn out from how many times I've handled and read it this past week."

"You're welcome. I hoped it would help a little."

"It did… more than you can know. Not to say that anything could have made this easy. …But Nathan, are you truly unhurt?"

"Yes, I promise. Plenty stiff from so much time in the saddle and very tired, but nothing a little time and sleep won't fix. And being home."

"I'm so glad," she breathes out in relief. "It's just that you look…" she breaks off.

He smiles faintly and slants an eyebrow, waiting. When he sees she isn't going to finish her thought, he teases dryly, "Is this your tactful way of saying I look bad?"

Keeping perfect step with him as usual, Elizabeth smirks. "Fishing for compliments, Constable?" Before he can reply, however, she sobers and sighs, too relieved he's home to continue their banter. Hugging him tighter where her arm is around his waist, she admits, "Actually, you don't need to fish. I'll tell you every day that, no matter what, you always look good to me and that you are the handsomest man I know."

Touched, Nathan replies, "And you're the most beautiful woman in any room. Always." Their lips meet in another kiss, this one interrupted by the door opening behind them. Standing, they keep their arms around each other as they face the children.

"Ready, Allie?" Nathan asks.

"Yes."

"I need to take care of Newton before turning in. Do you want to wait for me at home?"

"No, I'll come with you and help," Allie offers, eager to spend more time with her dad.

"Well," Elizabeth remarks wistfully, "as much as we'd like to join you, I'd better get Jack to bed."

"I'm not sleepy, Momma!" Jack protests, but his words are belied by the huge yawn he lets out just then.

The other three laugh fondly before parting.

Allie hugs Little Jack and Elizabeth, "Thanks again for letting me stay with you."

"It was really my pleasure, hon."

Nathan says goodbye to Jack, then he and Elizabeth lock eyes again. "Goodnight," he says softly.

"Goodnight."

Holding hands, Elizabeth and Jack watch Nathan and Allie walk away, leading Newton, until the darkness swallows them. Smiling down at her little boy, Elizabeth cajoles, "Okay, Jack, if you're quick about brushing your teeth and putting on your pajamas, I can read two chapters in your book."

"Okay, Momma. Let's go!"

Elizabeth laughs and leads him inside, shutting the door on the night, knowing she'll sleep well for the first time since Nathan left with a heart finally at peace again.

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Early the next morning, Elizabeth helps Jack start his breakfast, then rushes to answer the knock on her door, opening it to reveal Nathan and Allie. The three exchange greetings, all beaming – Nathan and Elizabeth just to see each other again and Allie because she gets to tease the pair.

"Hey, Dad," the teen sing-songs, "why don't you show Mrs. Thornton what you're holding behind your back?"

Nathan tosses the girl a knock-it-off glare and sighs, "Thank you, Allie, but I think I can handle this part without your assistance. Why don't you go sit down?"

Completely unabashed and pleased with herself, Allie agrees, "Okay. …And don't worry, Mrs. Thornton, I'll make sure Jack finishes his breakfast if you'd ….like to stay out here for any reason." Without waiting for a response, Allie darts past them to join Jack at the kitchen table.

Torn between amusement and exasperation, Nathan and Elizabeth look at each other and laugh, shaking their heads.

"I don't know whether to be impressed by how good she is at taunting us or offended that she thinks I need that much help," Nathan wonders aloud, still chuckling. With a small flourish, he presents her what he had behind his back – another small bouquet of autumn wildflowers.

Eyes widening in delight, Elizabeth accepts them. "Thank you!. They're lovely. It's very sweet and thoughtful of you, but you didn't need to do that this morning when you still have to be so tired."

"If it's for you, it's always worth it."

Blushing at his sentiment, Elizabeth assures him, "Well, Allie is mistaken if she thinks you need any help being romantic. As I've told you before, if your skill in this area improves much more, I worry for my health – skipping heartbeats, and a racing heart can't be good for a person."

Stepping close enough to touch, he leans in until their breaths mingle. He murmurs silkily, "Well, we can't have that, can we? Seeing as I consider it my solemn duty to take care of your heart." On the final word, he closes the remaining distance, pulls her in with both arms, and kisses her. Breaking apart, she sways slightly toward him, her equilibrium clearly disrupted. He observes her stunned reaction with no small amount of satisfaction.

Shaking her head as if to clear it from a daze, Elizabeth meets his amused expression. Whacking his arm playfully, she grabs his hand and pulls him with her, "Come eat before we have to get going."

After finishing breakfast and working together to clean up, Nathan, Elizabeth, Allie, and Jack start the walk toward school. Squeezing his hand, Elizabeth asks Nathan, "So Bill is still covering for you for a day or two, right? Does that mean you might actually take it easy today and get some more rest?"

"That's right, I won't be going to the jail today."

Narrowing her eyes suspiciously at his unusual evasiveness, Elizabeth digs further. "I notice you didn't say you'd be resting like you should. What exactly are your plans today?"

Refusing to meet her eyes, he shrugs. "Nothing big."

"Oookay. Well, do you want to join us for dinner tonight?"

"Actually, beautiful, I can't tonight, but I'll see you later in the evening,"

Elizabeth is more confused than before, but their arrival in the schoolyard saves Nathan from further interrogation. He wishes them a good day and makes his escape. Elizabeth looks after him, still curious.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

That evening, as Jack plays with his wooden trains on the floor, Elizabeth cleans the kitchen after dinner. Suddenly, she hears a commotion outside. Looking out the window, she can't believe what she's seeing. In the road in front of her house is a team of horses pulling a wagon stacked with hay bales, and on those bales sit the Coulters, the Canfields, Faith, Bill and a number of children. Elizabeth opens her door just as Nathan jumps down from the box at the front of the wagon and strides towards her. "Elizabeth. Hi"

"Nathan, what's going on?"

"I promised Jack a treat when I returned, so I thought he'd like a hay ride and some marshmallow roasting, a time-honored fall tradition. I asked Mr. Parker to borrow his wagon and team, and he kindly helped with the hay bales too. There was plenty of room, so I invited a few people to join us."

Blinking back tears at his thoughtfulness and at all the trouble he went to, Elizabeth smiles. "Let me just get Jack."

Looking behind her, Nathan smiled. "No need."

"Momma, what's this? Hi, Mountie Nathan."

"Hi, Jack. How would you like a hay ride and then some roasted marshmallows?"

"Oh, boy! That sounds great!"

"Well, then, come here!" Nathan picks up the little boy and sets him in the back of the wagon where Allie and her friends quickly take him to sit with them.

Still in disbelief, Elizabeth waves at everyone..

"Well, are you coming, beautiful?"

"Let me just grab our jackets."

When she returns, Nathan holds out his hand to her.

Smiling, she takes it, and they walk to the front where he helps her into the box. Jumping in after her, he takes the reins, and with a flick of his wrist, the wagon carrying the merry, raucous group rolls forward. A short time later, Nathan pulls up to a clearing where a large bonfire has been built with a roaring blaze, warding off the autumn evening chill. Shocked, Elizabeth says, "Nathan, I can't believe you did all this!"

"Well, I didn't do it alone. Lee and Joseph helped me with the bonfire and arranging some logs for benches, Minnie made hot chocolate, and Ned donated all the marshmallows."

"Still, it was your idea. You've made Allie, Jack, and the other children very happy – the adults too!"

Everyone clambers out of the wagon and finds a place around the fire. Bill passes out sticks, Minnie pours hot chocolate, and Emily distributes marshmallows. Soon, everyone is happily engaged. Allie and her girlfriends chatter away. Lee and Faith have their hands full preventing Goldie and Lily from putting marshmallows in their hair or other places they shouldn't. And Elizabeth catches up with Rosemary while Nathan supervises Jack's roasting efforts. Soon the boy's face and hands are suitably sticky. The other adults converse pleasantly as some of the children start a game of tag nearby. Once Jack has eaten his fill, Allie invites him to join her and her friends chasing fireflies.

Looking around, Nathan searches for Elizabeth. Finding her still with Rosemary, he approaches the two women but has eyes only for Elizabeth. "Hi, Rosemary," he greets with barely a glance in her direction.

Seeing her friend instantly lose sight of everyone but Nathan and amused at their transparency, Rosemary responds slyly, "Hi, Nathan. Everyone is so glad you're home safe and sound. Isn't that right, Elizabeth? …Elizabeth?"

So lost in staring at Nathan, Elizabeth registered Rosemary's until her name was called a second time. Shaking herself and blinking several times, Elizabeth belatedly responds, 'Hmm?"

"Never mind," Rosemary chuckles. "I think I'd better go see just how much marshmallow stickiness Goldie has managed to get on herself. See you two later!"

Eyes still locked, Nathan offers his hand and Elizabeth takes it. "Jack is with Allie. Come sit with me a minute?"

The pair stroll to the edge of the clearing barely illuminated by the firelight and sit close together on a large flat boulder.

Elizabeth leans her head on his shoulder. Still incredibly moved by his thoughtfulness and selflessness, she addresses him. "Nathan, I can only imagine how rough and exhausting it was, tracking that gang through the wilderness for a week. On top of that, for you to have gotten home as quickly as you did, I know you had to have ridden all night and day with hardly any rest. Then, your first day home, instead of taking the day off to recharge in peace and quiet somewhere, you did what you always do. You put everyone else before yourself and spent all day preparing this incredibly special experience for the kids and our friends." Looking up at him admiringly, she concludes, "You amaze me, Nathan Grant." Then in a lighter tone, she adds, "…But you know, you constantly putting yourself last and not taking care of yourself just makes me all the more determined to prioritize you and care fo you myself."

Echoing her tone, he happily concedes, "I think I can live with that." Then, with a sigh and a self-deprecating smile, Nathan squeezes her waist where he has his arm wrapped. "I'll admit it was a long, hard week – mentally and physically draining. And yes, I'm still a little tired and sore. But Elizabeth, spending time with you and the kids, that's all I thought about while I was gone. And now –doing a little bit of extra work to see Jack and Allie and everyone else happy – it revives me more than anything else could. And being with you is more restful to me than sleep."

Deliberately misunderstanding, Elizabeth slants an eyebrow and teases, "Are you saying I put you to sleep, Constable?"

Grinning and shaking his head, Nathan disputes, "That's not what I said."

Squinting in mock irritation, Elizabeth asks again, "Are you saying my company is boring?"

Pursing his lips and glaring playfully at her, Nathan scoffs, "Elizabeth, you are many things, but 'boring' is not one of them!"

She regards him speculatively. "I can't tell if you mean that as a compliment or not."

Breaking into another grin, Nathan drops a kiss on her nose. "I'll leave that to your capable interpretive abilities."

Just then, they hear Jack call out, "Momma, come see what I found!"

Looking at Nathan with a playfully fearful expression, Elizabeth softly tells him, "He's reached the age where he's fascinated by anything creepy-crawly. …How about you look first?" Laughing, Nathan stands and offers his hand to help her up as Elizabeth calls to her son, "We're coming, sweetie!"

Hand in hand, they rejoin their children and friends around the fire. For that moment, everything is right in the world.