It was nearly sunset when Jack returned Newton to his stall before finishing the chores and nightly feeding in the barn. After giving Zeus and Gypsy the attention they demanded, and saying his goodbyes to Newt, he securely closed up and wandered over to the house. As much as he loved Robert, Allie, and baby Colleen, Jack longed to be back sleeping in the solace the big home he shared with his mom and Nathan provided. Quarters were a lot tighter in the Wolf home, and he was learning that Colleen loudly made her demands known in the middle of the night. Using the spare key, Jack opened the side door then went inside and up the stairs to his bedroom. He ran his hand over the new drafting table and stool his now-father had built for him and longed to get good use out of them. He picked up his large sketch pad and some pencils, while his mind was flooded with images of Sarah in his room when they expressed their feelings of mutual love and kissed. He began drawing the scene from memory, having every inch of her beautiful face memorized from doing so many sketches of her in recent months.
Getting lost in his work, Jack didn't notice voices in the house until there were footsteps on the stairs. He quickly turned over the drawing and wiped excess pencil smears from his hands on a cloth he kept nearby. Just as he opened his bedroom door, a startled Allie holding a very alert Colleen was just nearing the room.
"Oh good, you are here!" Allie exclaimed. "Robert asked me to drive and pick you up for dinner since he was running late at work; but when I saw the barn closed for the night, I hoped you had just come up to the house." Colleen squealed and reached for Jack, who readily took her and began making silly faces that caused the little girl to coo and giggle. "You really are good with her," Allie commented, admiring her 'little' brother's knack for entertaining his niece. "I certainly don't blame you for seeking out some peace and quiet after spending time in our crazy household."
Colleen smacked Jack in the face with her excited flailing hand, making him laugh. "Naw, it's not so bad. I was just testing out my new drafting table and stool. Your dad is not only good at what he does, but really does seem to care about me."
"Our dad loves you, Jack. You are every bit a son to him as I am a daughter. I learned a long time ago that biology really isn't an issue for him." Allie stopped and thought for a moment before continuing. "I know he always wanted a biological child of his own, but he would never treat them differently than you or me. That man is more loyal and loves more deeply than anyone I've ever known. Right now, he's making a pretty big lifestyle adjustment; but pretty soon I think we'll all settle into our new family dynamic like it's been that way forever."
Allie was at the top of the list when it came to reasons he was happy for their new blended family, but he planned on taking that information with him to the grave so she didn't get a big head. "Come on, sis. We better make sure Robert's dinner is ready before he gets home so he thinks you are actually a good wife to him," Jack teased as he walked into the hallway. "I'll either keep Colleen on my lap, or I could always drive," he volunteered.
Shaking her head, Allie smirked. "You know I'm not letting you drive." He was actually content to hold his niece, who suddenly became very sleepy. As they drove, she snuggled into his chest and dozed. "She always loves the hum of the car engine," Allie explained. "Every time she gets held on a drive she's out like a light."
When they arrived back at the house, Jack carefully slipped upstairs and put Colleen in her crib before quietly sneaking back out of the room and closing the door. He met Robert in the little hallway to the stairs, home from work and already changed for dinner. Jack put his finger to his lips, signaling for them to be quiet until they got downstairs.
Allie was dishing up the vegetables and putting everything on the table when they reached the dining area. "How did the horses look?" Robert asked Jack as they washed their hands before sitting down.
"Good," Jack answered. "Zeus is wanting to eat more all the time, and I'm going to need Gypsy to go out for a longer ride tomorrow because she seemed restless this afternoon. Maybe Allie would want to ride her? She definitely prefers women riders."
A look passed between Robert and Allie, and eventually he was the one to speak. "Or Sarah could take her while you ride Newt."
"I wasn't sure what day she would be back in town," Jack admitted, doing his best to not show a strong reaction to her name. "Did you hear how her exams went?"
Ever the proud brother, Robert smiled. "Of course the official results will be mailed to her in a few weeks, but I have no doubt she did very well." Allie gave her husband an encouraging nod, and he gestured back. "We didn't want you blindsided, which is why I'm letting you know that we will be ringing in the new year with the rest of my family here tomorrow night. They invited us there, but we all agreed it would be easier here so we can put Colleen to bed when she gets tired."
Jack shrugged. "That's fine," he commented casually; but inside, he was anything but calm.
Five days into their belated honeymoon, the Grants finally left their little love nest in Nathan's Union City cottage and headed west on a train bound for the coastal town of Vancouver. Elizabeth was learning that her husband had quite a network of Mountie friends all over the countryside, and one was generous enough to offer his family vacation home on the beach for them to stay in for their last few days before beginning their journey home. Shirley and Elizabeth both shed tears when they had to say their goodbyes. Nathan struggled to keep their secret from the woman who had been like a mother to him for many years; but Elizabeth promised once the rest of their family and closest friends in Hope Valley were told, they would call Shirley right away.
It was almost as if once the baby had been discovered by the expectant parents, it was determined to make its presence known. Elizabeth's once-flat stomach seemed to suddenly have a defined little bump, and she was glad to have brought some looser fitting dresses that were more comfortable as they traveled. Nathan now understood that not only did her glow come from her contentment in marriage, but also because she would soon be a mother again. Never had she looked more beautiful in his eyes. He touched the little bump every chance he got, wondering what their baby would look like, and if it would be a son or daughter. They had one of each; but secretly, he hoped for a little girl who would resemble her mother. Either way, experiencing the birth of his very own biological child would be a moment long overdue and a miracle he could have never dreamed would actually happen for him.
Sixteen years between pregnancies had caused Elizabeth to forget a few things…like how frequent trips to the restroom made traveling more difficult. Not only had that been an issue on their train ride to the coast, but her nausea from the motion was in full force. She asked for peppermint tea, which seemed to help; but Elizabeth didn't dare eat anything else until they were on solid ground. After arriving in Vancouver, Nathan hired a driver to take them to the beautiful little home on the beach. She breathed in the salty sea air and immediately felt rejuvenated…and hungry.
Nathan stood behind his wife and put his arms around her, looking out at the ocean as the sun was beginning to lower in the horizon. He whispered into her ear, "Not a bad view for the last few days of our honeymoon, eh?"
Murmuring her approval, Elizabeth let herself melt into her husband's strong arms as they watched the sunset over the ocean and listened to the waves. Although the break from reality and time together was wonderful, she couldn't help but long for home and for their family to all be together. It would be the first New Year's Eve she would spend as a married woman, but also the first one since Jack was born that they wouldn't be eating their favorite holiday snacks and toasting with cider or mugs of cocoa. Not even realizing a few tears had slipped down her cheek until Nathan began wiping them away, Elizabeth looked up and smiled up at her husband, noticing the last rays of sunshine had fully disappeared.
"Let's get inside where it's warmer and settle in so we can celebrate the end of a magical year and rejoice in what's to come in this new year." He placed a loving hand where there was now a growing miracle that only they knew about. Once inside the cute little home, they noticed a blazing fire lit in the fireplace and a beautiful dinner all laid out on the dining table. "It looks like Steven really came through for us tonight. We'll have to thank him and his wife Ellie tomorrow when we meet them for New Year's Day brunch."
A loud growl erupted from Elizabeth, setting them both into a fit of giggles. "I think this baby is trying to tell me something," she snickered. "I wasn't able to keep much down on the train, but now on solid ground I'm famished."
After washing up, they enjoyed a nice turkey dinner that ended with hot cocoa and pumpkin pie. Knowing that staying up until midnight wasn't a realistic possibility, they kissed and made a toast at 9:00, reasoning it was now 1931 on the East Coast. They wondered how their other family was celebrating but didn't wonder long as they drifted off in each other's arms in no time after such a long day of travel. Even the fireworks off the coast didn't disturb them.
After dinner, Jack helped Robert wash the dishes while Allie and Sarah went upstairs to put Colleen to bed. Richard and Mary, still tired from their trip, decided to forego the festivities and went home to go to bed early. Allie convinced her in-laws to let Sarah stay after Robert promised to make her a bed in Colleen's room to keep distance between the two teenagers. But also, after observing the awkwardness they displayed after returning from riding the horses; the adults all figured the two of them would create their own space.
After Robert took the final dish from Jack to dry, he turned and quietly asked, "What happened on that ride? You and my sister act like you can't stand to be in the same room together."
Glaring at him, Jack grunted, "Ask her. One minute we were laughing and having a good time, then she basically told me I'm too young and immature. I guess she got an eyeful of college guys and suddenly I'm not good enough. Plus, she thinks she can do better than a Mountie."
His own defenses went up, and Robert's eyes narrowed. "Did she actually say that? I might just have to chat with Sarah about that."
"Chat with Sarah about what?" a voice responded. Sarah walked down the last two stairs and entered the now-clean kitchen. "Am I an interesting topic of conversation?" Looking directly at Jack, she saw his face turn bright red.
Humiliated, Jack grabbed his coat and went outside into the frigid darkness. Somehow, Sarah Wolf got under his skin like no one else. Her comments about the guys she had met and the life they could provide, unlike the simpler one of a Constable like he planned on becoming, cut deeper than he wanted to admit. It was hard enough to think about how she would be gone in only a few short months; but now he knew Sarah would easily be snatched up by another guy, and the thought nearly tore him apart.
Because it was so dark outside, he decided against a walk. Instead, Jack sat on the porch swing and closed his eyes. Memories of New Year's Eve from the past flashed through his mind. It was then he realized just how much he was missing his mom. She had always told him that ringing in the new year was their holiday. Every year they would stay up late and make a toast with apple cider in their finest crystal flutes. He was happy to have Nathan in their lives now, but Jack was a little irritated that his parents had decided to honeymoon during one of his last holiday seasons before he left home for good. Then chiding himself for being selfish, he stood and nearly ran right into a bundled-up Sarah.
"Sorry," he mumbled, scurrying away.
Reaching out and grabbing the front of his coat, Sarah gasped as he stopped and turned to face her. "Jack," she muttered. "Forgive me? I know I got carried away with all my talk of college."
Feeling her shiver, Jack instinctively pulled her into a hug to warm them both a bit. "You are going to do amazing things, Sarah. It's just hard to hear about, because I'll miss you so much."
"I'll miss you too, Jack." Aware of his nearness, she backed up and looked at the front door. "Let's go back inside. I'm pretty sure you are going down in chess tonight."
Laughing, Jack shook his head. "You'll never beat me at chess, Sarah Wolf. You better give up that notion right now."
They joined Allie and Robert in the living room and played games until right before midnight. Allie presented them each with apple cider in the flutes Jack recognized from home.
"Your mom wanted me to tell you that her only worry going on her honeymoon this week was missing out on New Year's Eve with you, Jack. She made me promise I would toast with you this year. Here's to a healthy and happy new year as a family. We are grateful for the union of Nathan and Elizabeth so we can finally be together the way it was always meant to be."
"Hear, hear," the rest of them joined in, quietly of course, so as not to wake up a sleeping Colleen. Robert kissed Allie as the clock struck midnight; then after finishing their glasses of cider, they all went to bed.
Sleep didn't come easily to Jack, so he got up for a drink of water. Allie appeared at the same time in pursuit of the same thing. "I hope I wasn't too loud," Jack apologized in a whisper, handing her the full glass he had just poured before filling another.
Allie smiled and motioned for them to sit at the table. "No, I was having a hard time falling asleep. My mind won't stop thinking, just like Robert won't stop snoring. I thought you would be tired after a long day and staying up late."
He yawned, and the two of them chuckled. "I guess I'm a little tired," Jack admitted. "I'm just missing Mom more than I thought I would. I hope she's having a great time with Nathan…I mean, Dad. It's just different when they aren't around."
Before Allie could respond, cries came from upstairs, and she gave her little brother a sympathetic look. "Sorry. Try to get some sleep. Our parents will be home in a few days, and you won't have to listen to a baby cry all night anymore." She squeezed his arm and hurried up the stairs to take care of little Colleen.
Jack finished his glass of water and placed both cups in the sink to be washed in the morning. But before he made it back to his room, he heard the squeaky stair and looked over to see Sarah standing in her nightgown and robe with a sheepish grin on her face.
He went back and poured another glass of water, taking it to where she stood on the stairs and holding it out without saying a word. He watched her take a few small sips, then she moved slowly toward him as she held the glass close to her chest. "Jack," she rasped quietly as she stood next to him. Setting the water on the counter, Sarah reached out and touched Jack's shoulder. "I lied," she confessed. "I didn't meet any college guys who were even half the man you are. I'm not sure I even want to leave home anymore. Everything I know and love is here in Hope Valley. It's a big, scary world out there."
Wanting nothing more than to agree and beg her to stay, Jack knew that wasn't what was best for either one of them. "Sarah," he began, looking deeply into her dark brown eyes. "You are going to college and becoming the best midwife in the entire country. If you are meant to use those skills back here in Hope Valley one day or it happens to be elsewhere with a husband, you'll be grateful for the formal training you received. I'm terrified of what Mountie training will be like, but I know it is my calling. Promise we will at least stay in touch with letters no matter what happens."
"I promise," she softly vowed. Heart pounding, Sarah lightly brushed her lips over Jack's before scurrying up the stairs and collapsing on her bed in the nursery with tears streaming down her face. In her heart, she knew she would never love anyone as deeply as she did Jack Thornton, Jr; but they both knew it would take a miracle for them to eventually end up together.
Jack put his fingers to his lips and closed his eyes, savoring the sweet feeling of Sarah's kiss that still lingered. He didn't know when or how, but he was determined to one day ask her to be his forever. Emotionally spent, Jack was finally able to sleep without even being disturbed by the baby the rest of the night.
Even through bouts of morning sickness, Elizabeth was able to enjoy their two full days exploring Vancouver, and frequently breathing invigorating sea air as they watched the ocean waves all bundled up on the porch of the beach house. "We should bring Jack back here in the summer," she suggested to Nathan on their final night before the long train ride home. "Allie, Robert, and Colleen should come as well. What fun we could all have together."
"Mmmm," Nathan murmured, his head resting on his wife's shoulder. "But it might have to be next year, because I'm afraid you won't be doing much traveling this summer."
Patting her barely-swollen belly, Elizabeth smiled. "I nearly forgot. Yes, we'll have to do it when the baby is here and grown a bit." A cold breeze was their cue to go inside and warm up by the fire one last time before traveling back to their family and home.
Nathan held the woman he had loved for over a decade that night after she was softly snoring, knowing that the growing child inside of her would complete their blended family and fulfill dreams he thought were long gone. He couldn't wait to shout the news from the rooftops, and was most excited to share it with their kids. Knowing they would have a granddaughter older than their child together was amusing, but made their family even that much more special. It felt good to finally feel completely loved and have a real home…a place where he belonged.