Clouds had moved in, and light snow was falling when Jack and Allie arrived at the train station to retrieve their parents from the belated honeymoon, they had been on during the Christmas holiday. Jack's mind flashed back to the past year when he stepped off a train on this very platform and their lives all changed forever. It felt like a lifetime ago, but the only way he could describe what he felt in the present moment was profound gratitude. An arm slipped through his, and he looked at his sister Allie with a warm smile.
"I bet you're thinking about how excited you'll be to sleep in your own bed tonight without Colleen waking you up at all hours," she teased.
Shaking his head, Jack quipped: "Naw, I was thinking about how I could do without all the sass I get from my big…er, older…sister." He joined her in chuckling before taking a more serious tone. "Honestly, I was just reminiscing about the past year and how glad I am that Mom made the choice to come back here. Now we have Nathan, and you; not to mention, this entire community of Hope Valley."
Allie let out a contented sigh. "For the first time in my life, I feel like I have a complete family. I probably should have felt that way when I married Robert, but I always worried about my dad. I didn't know how he would ever make it through his accident and losing the Mounties, since he was pretty much married to his job for all of those years. It felt like his purpose had been lost. When I decided to quit teaching for a while to be a mom, I looked up Elizabeth and requested that the board try to get her to come back here and teach. She is the reason I became a teacher; and to be honest, I did have ulterior motives with the hope that maybe she could reconnect with my dad. They both needed each other, and my plan worked! Getting the best little brother was icing on the cake. I loved you when you were little, but now having someone who relates to me on so many levels like you do is a blessing."
Not sure he had ever seen Allie cry before and being used to her teasing him more than having serious conversations, Jack felt a little uncomfortable and unsure how to respond. Luckily, a train whistle gave him a pass. "Here they are," he observed. "Do you think they will like the dinner we have planned for them at your house? I hope they are ok with not going directly home after such a long trip."
"I'm sure a nice warm meal and seeing their family will be just what they need," Allie promised. "Then we can get them home and to bed."
Jack rolled his eyes. "Please don't ever say that again," he begged.
By that time the train had stopped, and people began exiting. Both "kids" waved when they saw their parents.
As the train approached Hope Valley, Nathan lightly nudged his sleeping wife whose head rested in the crook of his arm. He brushed his lips over her brow and breathed in the intoxicating smell that had captured his senses and made him long for her from the moment they met. It had taken a lot of years for his desires to become reality, but his dreams were finally coming true. He placed a loving hand on their growing child as Elizabeth raised her head and looked around.
"Are we home?" Elizabeth asked, a sudden wave of nausea threatening to erupt as the train slowly came to a stop. She put a hand over her mouth and took a deep breath through her nose, concentrating on anything but losing her lunch on the train.
Nathan's brow furrowed, feeling helpless and worried about the health of Elizabeth. "Do you need to visit the restroom before we get off the train?" he softly whispered while stroking her back.
Shaking her head, Elizabeth stood and moved into the aisle. "It will be best for me to get back on solid ground and walk in the fresh air for a few minutes." She picked up one of her bags, which Nathan immediately took from her while simultaneously picking up their other suitcases. He let her lead the way to the exit in hopes it helped her get some relief.
When they stepped outside, they saw Allie and Jack standing together, snow gently falling which made Hope Valley look like a wintry dreamland. Both Nathan and Elizabeth waved to the kids, the fresh air and solid ground immediately improving the mother-to-be's constitution. All four of them exchanged long-awaited hugs and Jack helped Nathan with their luggage, while Allie slipped her arm through Elizabeth's and began chatting about all of the latest news of the past ten days. Once at the car, Jack informed them about the family dinner before driving the short distance to Robert and Allie's home.
When they walked inside, Colleen squealed with delight as Nathan twirled her around and snuggled her close. He kissed his granddaughter's head and imagined what it would be like to do the same with his own baby in a matter of months. As if reading his mind, Elizabeth put her hand on his back. As if she knew something, Colleen pointed at her Nana's stomach with wide eyes and continued to babble.
Robert soon called everyone over to where he had just finished placing serving dishes piled with food in the center of the beautifully set table. After offering a blessing on the food, they began eating while the newlyweds shared about their trip to Union City and the coast. "I wish I could have been at the Mountie Ball to see you honored Nathan," Robert said. "I hope to take Allie again next year. We haven't been since the year we were first married."
When they had finished the main course and Allie started serving dessert, Jack poured them all glasses of apple cider. "I know it isn't New Year's Eve, but I still want to toast the start of this year with my entire family."
It felt like the perfect moment to share their big news, so after a silent look and nod of approval from Elizabeth, Nathan stood and held his glass up. "I have a few words I would like to say before we toast. First of all, I didn't know how happy this blended family would make me. I had an idea, but it's so much better than I could ever even put into words." He put his hand on Elizabeth's shoulder to garner strength as he tried not to let the tears out that were nearing the surface. "Allie, you have been the joy of my life. Adding Robert and bringing little Colleen into our family just multiplied that joy. Then, when Elizabeth was brought back into my life…Jack, you became the son I always longed for, and it felt like our wonderful, blended family was complete. I used to think that having a biological child was the only way I would feel like a real father, but you two proved that I could be a dad even without shared blood. God has blessed us all so much already; however, miracles apparently have not ceased to exist. It looks as if we will be adding a special surprise to our family this summer."
Standing and raising her own glass with one hand, and the other hand resting on her tiny tummy bump, Elizabeth giggled when she saw the confused looks on the other faces in the room. "Cheers to our little baby Grant and the best New Year's gift we could give to you."
Allie nearly scared Colleen with a loud scream as she rushed to smother her parents in hugs and kisses. She was followed by Robert, who enthusiastically congratulated his in-laws. Jack sat quietly, still taking in the news. Not wanting to appear upset, he finally joined the group with his own round of hugs and kisses. They toasted and drank the cider, then the men cleared the dishes and began washing while Allie and Elizabeth sat in the corner discussing pregnancy and motherhood, Colleen cooing in an attempt to join in what she saw as a very exciting conversation.
Robert and Nathan talked Mountie business, with some fatherhood chatter mixed in, making Jack feel even more isolated. He slipped away unnoticed and went into the guest room where he had been staying. His things were packed in his bag, ready to be put in the car for the short drive back to the house with his mom and dad. He was still learning his place in the family after the wedding; but now, a new little sibling was being added into the mix. It bothered him that he felt mixed emotions. Shouldn't he just be happy? Why was there an awful pit in his stomach? A knock at the door brought him out of his thoughts, and he tried to swallow the lump that had formed in his throat. Nathan opened the door and peeked inside.
"Jack, is your bag packed? Your mother is exhausted and starting to feel ill. We should probably go home and get ready for bed." When he stopped talking, Nathan noticed the pained look on Jack's face. He understood how their news might take some getting used to, especially for Jack, but decided to let him process a little longer before they discussed it further. "Will you drive us home, son? I would like to sit in the back and make sure your mom doesn't get sick; plus, I'm plumb tuckered out after such a long day."
Smiling at the chance to drive Nathan's car again, Jack readily agreed and picked his duffle bag off the bed. "Sure thing, dad." After saying goodbye to the Wolf family, the Grants were driven back to their beautiful home on Jack Sr's land. Jack Jr made sure his parents were settled, then walked to the barn to take care of the horses. After making sure the food and water was full, he sat on one of the benches next to the stalls. A new baby brother or sister, Jack thought to himself. Images of his baby niece Colleen ran through his mind, causing a smile to spread across his face. I've always wanted a younger sibling, but I thought it was too late. He shuddered a bit, thinking about how he got a sibling; but before his thoughts could linger there, he heard the barn door open.
It hadn't gone unnoticed by Nathan that Jack didn't seem all too thrilled with their announcement. He had suspicions of why that might be the case, but he knew a little man-to-man chat might help clear the air. He saw Jack very contemplatively sitting next to Newton, who perked right up when he saw his former boss enter. Nate walked over and gave his trusty horse some love before sitting next to his newly acquired son.
After a few minutes of silence, Jack was the first one to speak. "I thought you would be asleep by now. I'm sure that train ride was long."
"Jack," Nathan began, "Do you want to talk about the big news we just dropped on everyone? I'm sure you have feelings about it. So much change in such a short amount of time has to be difficult for you."
Tears spilled out of Jack's eyes before he even knew what was happening. "I don't know why I'm crying," he croaked. "It really is such wonderful news, and I've always wanted a little brother or sister. What's wrong with me?"
Pulling him in for a hug, Nathan let Jack get his emotions under control before continuing. "Look, we are all wrapping our heads around everything that's happened over the past several months. I was probably more shocked than anyone about this baby. You can always talk to me or your mother about how you feel. Just don't hold it all inside. Now, what do you say we turn in for the night?" Nathan let out a huge yawn and it found its way to Jack.
"I am excited to sleep in my own bed tonight," Jack admitted. "Colleen is teething and screams quite a bit in the night. But I guess we should get used to having that happen in our house pretty soon."
Eyes widening, Nathan realized Jack was right. His peaceful nights were about to be a thing of the past. Letting out a little groan, he thought to himself: I'm too old for this! But he knew it was a thought that might be best kept to himself. "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it," he decided out loud. Father and son made their way across the yard to the house. Jack went upstairs, and Nathan found Elizabeth sound asleep in their room. As he changed for bed, Nathan hoped he was up for the job of raising a child from birth at his age; however, his fears dissipated once he had the woman of his dreams wrapped in his arms and he drifted off with visions of a little girl that looked just like her mommy running straight in his arms shouting, "Daddy!"
Elizabeth woke up to the smell of coffee, eggs, bacon, and pancakes. At first, she thought Nathan had gotten up to make her breakfast; but she rolled over, and their faces nearly touched. She brushed her lips against his lightly, then hopped out of bed and hurried to relieve her ever-shrinking bladder. After changing into a casual winter dress, she made her way into the kitchen. Jack was loading up plates of food and pouring coffee into mugs. She didn't have the heart to tell him the smell of coffee made her queasy, but instead filled her mug with milk and sugar to try and make it palatable. "Thank you, son. I'm glad we had this extra day of school break so I can get settled from vacation and work on my lesson plans before going back tomorrow. Did you have a good time while we were away?"
Motioning for her to sit at the already-set table, Jack nodded. "It was fun to spend time with Allie, Robert, and Colleen. I worked on some drawing projects, took care of the horses, went riding, and got to really spend time bonding with the Wolf family." He didn't mention that it included Sarah, but Jack assumed his mom had that figured out already.
"And did you get your kiss on New Year's?" she teased, a sparkle in her eye.
Rolling his eyes, Jack felt heat rise up his neck. "Moooom," he moaned. "I won't ask about your kissing habits, if you don't ask about mine. Ok?"
Shaking her head, Elizabeth frowned. "Not ok, young man. I'm a married woman now, and you are far too young for a serious relationship. Just be careful, please," she pleaded, taking his hand in hers. "You'll always be my little boy, Jack. Having another child will never change the way I feel about you: My handsome, sweet boy."
"Stop embarrassing him, Elizabeth," Nathan playfully scolded her as he walked into the dining room. "He's so grown up; he is making us meals while we sleep in. Well done."
They ate together and laughed as they shared stories from the past ten days they spent apart. A knock at the door startled them, but Nathan quickly jumped up and went to answer it. He was a bit surprised to see Sarah Wolf standing there wearing riding clothes and holding a big, covered pan. "Hello, Mr. Grant," she greeted, shyly. "My mother wanted to bring you a casserole for dinner tonight since you just got home. I wondered if Jack wanted me to ride Gypsy for him this morning."
"Come join us," Nathan offered, taking the casserole dish and motioning her inside. She signaled to her father who nodded then drove off. "Jack made plenty of food this morning, so you might as well eat before riding."
Jack nearly choked on his eggs when Sarah walked in. "What are you doing here?" he asked a little abruptly. "I mean, it's good to see you, I just didn't expect you to come over today."
"She brought dinner for us," Nathan remarked as he held up the dish before disappearing into the kitchen to put it away for later.
With a knowing smile, Elizabeth looked at Sarah, then at Jack, and shifted her focus back on the girl who had stolen her son's heart. "Sit down and tell me all about your break and the college entrance exams."
As she began talking, Jack took the opportunity to leave the room and collect himself, as well as a plate of food for their unexpected guest. Their arms unintentionally brushed as he set the plate down, and he hoped no one noticed the way her touch affected him. She looked up and their eyes locked for just a moment as she communicated her appreciation. "Thank you," she whispered. Instead of sitting down, Jack went upstairs to get ready for riding. At least, that's the excuse he used. In reality, it was getting more difficult to be with Sarah Wolf and not fall deeper in love with her. He knew she was getting ready to go to college in a few months, and his desire to join the Mountie's a year later was as strong as ever. It just wasn't the right time. God, he prayed. Please help us only desire friendship until we can act on our romantic feelings sometime way in the future. For now, I'm putting it into thy hands to guide us where we need to go to become who we need to be for one another. In thy Son's name, Amen. Peace washed over Jack. He knew not only would God the father help him; but at times like these, he was certain his father Jack was looking down and helping him as well.
After pulling on his riding boots, Jack returned to the kitchen where Sarah was drying dishes while Nathan washed, and Elizabeth put everything away. "I can take over drying if you are ready to ride Gypsy for me," Elizabeth suggested. "I won't be riding horses for a while now anyway," she stated, rubbing her belly. Then realizing what she had done, Elizabeth laughed. "I guess the news is going to get out anyway. Sarah, you are one of the first to know that we are expecting a baby this summer!"
Sarah first looked at Jack, seeing his surprised face that the news had slipped out, then back at Nathan and Elizabeth who were both beaming. "That's wonderful!" she exclaimed, giving her favorite teacher a hug. "I am available to ride Gypsy for you anytime. She's such a great horse. I think Jack and Newton enjoy the rides also."
Before anything else embarrassing could be revealed, Jack took Sarah by the arm and led her to the barn. "So, that was weird," Jack complained as he prepared to put the saddle on Newton. Sarah was brushing Gypsy and turned to face her best friend.
"Do you want to talk about it?" she asked, her voice full of understanding. "I'm sure this is all a little strange for you." She set down the brush and walked over to him, putting her hand on his strong back. "I'm here to listen, whenever you need to talk."
Her touch always melted him. Instead of feeling calmer, he longed to take her in his arms and forget everything else. She smelled amazing, but he closed his eyes and remembered the prayer he had said in his room. Opening his eyes, Jack turned and looked down into her beautiful eyes, so full of compassion. "Thanks," his voice cracked with emotion as he barely got that one word out of his mouth. "Am I a bad person for not being excited about this baby?" he asked, not sure he wanted an answer.
"I would say you are pretty normal to feel that way," Sarah said, grabbing his hand. "I would be mortified if my parents had another baby at their age. None of us want to think of our parents that way." A little giggle erupted from both teenagers at that thought, and Jack shook his head ferociously.
"Don't ever say that again," he warned, grabbing Sarah in a hug and spinning her around. A few minutes later they were both out of breath from laughing and twirling around. Jack's hands naturally fell to her waist, and Sarah's held onto his muscular arms.
Jack's large stature always made Sarah forget his age; his tenderness frequently caused her to become weak in the knees. How was this sixteen-year-old boy so deep, and how did he understand her better than anyone else? He was her best friend. Many girls her age were in relationships they hoped were heading for marriage when school got out for the summer. She had different hopes and dreams that went beyond becoming a wife and having a house full of children right away. Jack insisted that his calling was to become a Mountie, and she already knew that wasn't an easy life. She attempted to step back, but her shoe hit the wall. She was trapped in the arms of Jack Thornton, Jr, but was in no hurry to free herself.
Walk away, Jack scolded himself. Mounties have self control. Just back off and saddle the horses. But instead of heeding the warnings from the voice in his head, Jack gently moved a stray hair from her face behind her ear. For the slightest moment, he saw Sarah's eyes move to his lips, then back to his eyes where her desire was clear. Don't, his head gave one more attempt at a warning, but he gave into his physical desires instead. His lips met hers gingerly at first. He always tried to be respectful and stay in control. Somehow, her hands had found their way into his hair and she pulled him closer; but before he had time to really enjoy their kiss, the barn door swung open and they abruptly pulled apart.
Not necessarily surprised to see Jack and Sarah locking lips in the barn, Nathan wasn't upset as much as he was concerned. "I'm just heading to my shop," he stuttered and hurried past them. He would definitely have another chat with his son on this matter when he returned from working the horses.
Jack ran his fingers through his hair, trying to calm his racing heart. He went back to work on the saddles, and once both horses were ready, he handed Gypsy's reins to Sarah. They both mounted and began riding without a single word having been spoken. When they got to "their" spot at the creek and the horses wanted a drink, they dismounted and looked out at the wintry landscape.
"I'm sorry, Jack," Sarah apologized. "You were vulnerable, and I took advantage of that. I don't know what's wrong with me."
Taking her into his arms for a friendly hug, Jack kissed her head. He felt stronger and more in control after riding in the fresh air. "Change does bring vulnerability, Sarah. Everything in our lives is about to change. You are going to college, and I'm joining the Mounties. My mom got married and is now having another child. You have been my rock…the one steady thing I've had since I got here. I love you, but it isn't time for us to be more than friends. I'm so sorry I sometimes let my body take control of my head. Nathan is trying to help teach me how to have more discipline. That will be important moving forward in my life and career."
"I just have one request," Sarah said with determination. "Let's make a pact to only be friends until the day comes when we are ready for something serious that leads to marriage. But I would like to have one more kiss without interruption right now. Then, moving forward, we must also make an effort to get to know other people and not rely so much on each other."
After thinking it through, Jack agreed. "Ok, let's do it." They shook hands, then realized they were standing in the exact same place where they had first kissed. Knowing this would possibly be their last one, Jack suddenly felt a bundle of nerves pass through him. "Sarah, just promise you won't ever forget me."
"Not possible," she promised, her hand stroking his strong jawline. "You'll always be my first love." Her heart was breaking, but she also was satisfied with their decision. She initiated their final kiss. Her hair was down and flying wildly in the cold wind. Her cheeks had gone from pink due to the cold wind, to flushed a darker red due to the flood of hormones rushing through her.
Knowing this could be his last time to kiss anyone until after he was officially a Constable, Jack responded to Sarah and kissed her long and slow. He memorized the way her lips felt on his, so he would never forget. While he was pulling away, the two of them said "I love you" in unison.
Sarah brought her fingers to her tingling lips and took a deep breath. "You are something else, Jack Thornton. I have no doubt you are going to change the world."
"You've already changed mine," Jack sighed. He grabbed her hand. "Let's get these horses home, my friend."