AN: This is my contribution to the October Heart Series - Jack's first day of school.
Thank you for taking the time to read it and as always I am thankful for our wonderful admin's who make this all possible.
Jillian
"I know you are excited about tomorrow, Jack, but you need to go to bed." Elizabeth tried to hide her smile as she looked at her son, staring up at her, his eyes pleading. Despite her words, he remained in the lounge, making no attempt to go upstairs to bed. She saw his eyes scan the room, finding Allie in the kitchen.
"But I am not tired, Momma! I still have questions about tomorrow."
"I am sure I have answered every possible question you could have and then some," she laughed.
"I have questions I want to ask Allie. Can I?"
Elizabeth glanced at Nathan and Allie as they dried the dishes, her lips twitching. Her son was nothing if not inventive when it came to avoiding bedtime.
"Jack," she said cautiously. "You can ask Allie two questions, okay?" Elizabeth waited until Jack nodded. "Promise."
"I promise," Jack said, his face solemn. "How long do I have to think about my questions?"
Allie lost her battle to hold back her laughter. A giggle escaped her as she spun around, hiding her laugh with a cough. Nathan managed to hide his smile more successfully as he strolled over to join Elizabeth and Jack on the lounge.
"Two minutes to decide what to ask," Elizabeth said firmly.
"Okaaaayyyyy," Jack said, drawing out the word, extending his time.
"Allie, why don't you sit with us so Jack can ask his questions?" Nathan called out, patting the spare cushion beside him. "The rest of the dishes can wait."
Allie hung the tea towel on the hook before hurrying to join them in the lounge, sitting opposite Jack. Elizabeth smiled at Nathan as he squeezed the young girl's shoulder as she settled in beside him. She loved seeing their closeness and connection. She looked forward to developing a similar bond with Allie and for Nathan to build on his connection with her son.
"I am happy to answer any of your questions, Jack. I remember my first day of school like it was yesterday."
Elizabeth avoided making eye contact with Nathan. There was no way she would be able to hold back her laughter if she looked at him. Neither would ever forget Allie's first day of school. Allie had decided to skip class and go fishing instead. Nathan hadn't discovered she was missing until he went to the school to collect his niece. With Elizabeth's help, Nathan finally tracked Allie down, as she returned from the river, pleased with her fish catch.
"Were you excited for your first day?" Jack asked eagerly. "Did you and Opal and Angela walk to school together?"
"Slow down, Jack, you will waste your questions," Allie reminded him.
Elizabeth rolled her eyes at Allie's words but nodded. Jack could still ask two more questions. Jack looked across at his mother, and she smiled to let him know it was okay.
"No, Jack. I wasn't excited for my first day of school. I didn't know Opal then, and Angela came to Hope Valley much later. I didn't know anyone." Allie hesitated and glanced at Elizabeth, "I didn't know your mum then, and what a great teacher she is."
Allie reached for her father's hand before speaking again. "I didn't go to school on my first day. I tricked my dad into letting me walk into class alone. I ran away for the day and went to the river fishing."
Elizabeth watched as her son's eyes widened in shock at Allie's admission of such disobedience. It was shocking; Allie rarely did anything wrong, especially in Jack's eyes.
"Did you get into trouble," Jack asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
"I did, and my dad made me promise to go to school the next day. I am glad he did. I love going to school now."
"What's the best part of school? Is it when you get to play with your friends?"
"That part is fun," Allie confirmed with a chuckle. "Learning new things is pretty good too. Your Mum is an excellent teacher, and she makes sure we enjoy the school stuff as well."
Allie leaned over and tickled Jack, "You won't be able to enjoy any fun stuff if you're tired. You need lots of sleep when you go to school."
Jack leapt off the lounge, tightly hugging Allie. "Thanks, Allie." Hugging Nathan and then his mother, he said, "Good night. See you in the morning when we walk to school. I'm glad you are going to be my friend at School, Allie."
Elizabeth looked on in astonishment as Jack rushed up the stairs, taking himself to bed. He hadn't even asked for a story.
"Thank you, Allie. Talking to you was exactly what Jack needed." Elizabeth grinned at Allie, "I am also pleased you didn't tell him I smelled of chalk."
"And you were bossy," Nathan added.
Elizabeth and Nathan burst into laughter as Allie covered her red cheeks with her hands.
"I can't believe I said that about you. I am so sorry, Mrs Thornton. I don't think you're bossy."
"But I do smell like chalk?" Elizabeth asked, pretending to be offended.
"No, of course not," Allie exclaimed before she realised, she was being teased. "I am going to take my own advice and go home to bed."
After kissing her father's cheek, Allie jumped off the lounge, wishing him a hurried good night. After kissing Nathan, Elizabeth was pleased that Allie leaned in to hug her, kissing her cheek before waving to them both and heading home.
Elizabeth glanced across at Nathan, smiling when he waggled his eyebrows at her.
"Alone at last!"
"And me with so much still to do before the first day of school tomorrow," Elizabeth countered.
"You are ready, Elizabeth. You have been at the school every day for a week. There can't be anything left to do."
Elizabeth laughed at Nathan's look of frustration and decided to take pity on him. Joining him on the lounge, she leaned in and placed a lingering kiss on his lips.
"You are right, Constable," Elizabeth said, snuggling against his chest. "I am ready and can't think of anything I would rather do than spend the evening with you."
"It's okay if you're distracted by tomorrow. Jack starting school is a big thing."
Elizabeth smiled at him, grateful as she always was for how he just 'got her'. He had been through a similar thing with Allie, and while they laughed about it now, it hadn't been smooth sailing after the first day. Allie had struggled to connect with the other students and make friends. Elizabeth didn't anticipate Jack having the same problem; he had known the children all his life.
Elizabeth worried about Jack's ability to adjust to her being his teacher, not just his mother. She also worried he would resent the other children for taking her attention away from him.
Elizabeth didn't want to show favouritism toward Jack, so when she found out Anna Hayford was home, she asked for her help in the classroom. Anna had returned to Hope Valley after finishing her teaching qualification. Anna explained to Elizabeth that she had yet to be offered suitable teaching opportunities, so she decided to wait for one in Hope Valley. Elizabeth suspected Anna's trouble were in part a result of her altercation with Superintendent Thomas Higgins from the school board. She had challenged his behaviour toward herself and young teachers, particularly Anna. His inappropriate behaviour had gotten him fired, but only after damaging Anna's chances of a suitable posting.
Elizabeth was sad for Anna but pleased she was home in Hope Valley, safe from those who would prey on her innocence. The following day, Elizabeth asked Anna to help her in the classroom, hoping she would be a buffer while Jack adjusted. Elizabeth also wanted to focus on the older children in their final year, and with Anna assisting, she could.
"It is. It's come around so fast it caught me off guard." Elizabeth sighed deeply. "Part of me wants to stop time and have him stay little forever, but another part of me is so eager to see the man he will become."
"I know. The thought that this is Allie's last year of school is exciting and terrifying at the same time." Nathan brushed a lock of hair away from Elizabeth's face and smiled at her. "I will miss her so much when she goes away to school. I am glad I have you and Jack to distract me."
"I don't think anything will really distract you from missing Allie," Elizabeth teased. "I am happy to try, though."
"Now?"
"Allie is only next door."
"Maybe, but practice does make perfect," Nathan whispered as he leaned down to kiss her, capturing her lips in a searing kiss.
Elizabeth leaned into Nathan's kiss, as she always did. After finally admitting her feelings to herself and then to him, she was blissfully happy every moment she spent with him like this. It had taken her far too long to deal with her fear of losing him and admit her true feelings; she didn't want to waste another minute.
"Elizabeth?" Nathan whispered. "Have dinner with me on Saturday night."
"We have dinner together most nights."
"Just the two of us. I will ask Minnie to make us something special." Nathan kissed her again, "I will ask Allie to mind Jack here, and we can have dinner at my house."
Elizabeth stared into his eyes and saw how much this dinner meant to him. Her heart was racing, not just because of his nearness but in anticipation. She hoped she was right about the reason for this special dinner. She wanted nothing more in the world than to be his wife, and if he didn't ask her soon, she might have to take matters into her own hands.
Elizabeth sat in the back row of the classroom, her head spinning. The morning had been a flurry of activity. Lost shoes, lost book bags, burnt toast, and tears had all happened before they could leave for school. When the four of them had finally left for School, Jack was sulky, and Elizabeth was frazzled. Nathan hadn't been able to coax Jack out of his mood. Allie had fared no better, especially when he realised that Angela and Opal were walking to school with them; Jack assumed he would have Allie all to himself.
All the children were unsettled on their first day back. They were excited to be back together, but seemingly, they had forgotten how to sit still. Elizabeth was determined not to interfere with how Anna ran the class but couldn't help but notice she was struggling to keep their attention.
Elizabeth's eyes kept straying to Jack, watching him to see how he was coping. Her first thought was that he wasn't coping well. He was wriggling in his seat, talking to Cooper and Toby, and trying to talk to Allie. Anna was glancing at Jack, too, and then at Elizabeth as though asking permission to discipline him or her to intercede. Elizabeth ignored her, determined not to interfere.
Elizabeth rummaged through her basket, looking for something to distract her from the debacle of the lesson. Despite her promise to herself, she would have to intervene if it was still this bad after morning recess. She would gently take Anna aside, talk to her, and apologise for her son's errant behaviour. It was unlike him to behave in such a manner, but she couldn't address it during class.
"Jack Thornton, return to your seat!"
Elizabeth's eyes shot up and took in the scene before her. Anna stood in front of the room, hands on hips, with her face stern, as Jack ignored her requests and remained standing beside Allie. Elizabeth could see Allie encouraging Jack to sit back down, but he was determined to sit beside her with the older children.
Elizabeth glanced at the clock. If she were in Anna's shoes, she would call recess early and let the children work off some of their energy.
"All right, everyone," Anna called, giving up on Jack. "We will have an early recess; please take your morning tea outside and play."
The students wasted no time rushing from the room. Elizabeth winced at their noisy exit, shaking her head as Jack once again ignored Anna as she called to him. As Jack ran past Elizabeth, he stopped and stared at her, frowning.
"I thought you were going to be my Teacher, Momma?"
"Miss Heyford and I are going to share the teaching. Right now, it's her turn."
Jack leaned toward her and whispered fiercely, "I don't like her. She's mean."
As Anna approached them, Jack saw her coming and ran out the door, pretending not to hear her call his name.
On her way outside to supervise the children, Anna paused beside Elizabeth and shook her head, her face a picture of misery.
"I don't know what is going so wrong. It wasn't like this last year, and at my other placements, the children listened to me."
"It's the first day back, Anna. They are excited to be together again."
"Not Jack. He hasn't even been here before. He isn't paying me any mind at all." Anna glanced outside to where the children were playing, watching the younger children run around, her gaze searching for the child in question. Allie, Angela, and Opal were sitting on the swing set up in the yard, Jack standing with them and happily chatting with Allie. "I don't want to be too tough on him, Elizabeth, but I need to say something to him."
"I know you do." Elizabeth acknowledged. "I wonder if it will help if I leave."
"Maybe just until lunchtime and then come back. If things don't improve, you might have to take over again."
Elizabeth watched Anna leave the schoolhouse, her shoulders slumped in defeat. She should have been enjoying her first-day teaching in Hope Valley; instead, she was miserable, and Jack was most of the reason. Gathering her things, she walked over to the sign in the foyer, tracing her fingers over the words, 'The Jack Thornton School'.
"Jack, I would appreciate it if you could help me today. Our son is not enjoying his first day at school." That was an understatement, she thought, sighing loudly. At least it couldn't get any worse.
"Mrs Thornton! I am so glad I found you."
Elizabeth and Nathan jumped as Anna barrelled into the Mountie office, out of breath and calling for Elizabeth.
Elizabeth had just finished filling Nathan in on the disastrous start to the school year, including Jack's out-of-character behaviour. Given how excited he had been for his first day, Nathan had been as surprised as she was about it. Talking it through with Nathan helped calm Elizabeth, and she agreed that a conversation needed to be had with Jack. They had to explain why he couldn't behave the way he had and to understand why he had. Listening to people talk about what to expect and then seeing it for himself were two different things.
"What are you doing here, Anna? What's happened?" Elizabeth demanded, her stomach clenching with fear. Judging by the look on Anna's face, something was very wrong.
"I can't find Jack."
Elizabeth gasped; that was the last thing she had expected to hear. Grasping the back of the chair, she steadied herself as she listened to Nathan grilling Anna for details.
Jack hadn't returned to class after recess. At first, they thought he was using the bathroom, but as the minutes ticked by, Anna realised too much time had elapsed for a typical bathroom break. Toby had been sent to check on Jack and returned without him, reporting the bathroom was empty. Anna had run outside to investigate for herself, leaving Allie in charge of the class. Jack was nowhere.
Interrogating the class when she returned, she found that no one had seen Jack leave in the last few minutes of their break. No one had noticed Jack leave, so there was no way of knowing which way to start looking.
"Elizabeth, you return to the schoolhouse with Anna. Talk to the children, see if they remember anything that could give us a clue." Nathan stood and reached for his hat. "I will head to the livery for Newton. I'll check Pal is still there as well."
Nathan followed Anna and Elizabeth out of the Mountie office. Grasping Elizabeth's hand, he spoke quietly. "He is going to be fine. We will find him; he can't have gone far."
Elizabeth wanted to believe his words, but her fear was too great.
"Nathan, I need to find him, I ..."
"We will. Please, go with Anna." Nathan glanced at the young woman, nervously pacing as she wrung her hands together. "The children will need one of you to be calm, Elizabeth, and I think, despite everything, it has to be you. At least until I can get Rosemary to join you both."
Taking a shaky breath, Elizabeth nodded, acknowledging the truth of his words. "Go, Nathan. Bring him home, please."
"I will call into the schoolhouse as soon as I can."
Elizabeth was grateful when Nathan wrapped his arms around her, finding strength in his embrace. They would find Jack. He would be fine. They would all be fine. They had to be.
"Whoa, boy," Charlotte Thornton whispered as she reined in her horse. She was sure she had seen a flash of movement off to her right in the trees beside the road. It could have been an animal, but something made her sure it had been a person. A small person! What would a child be doing out here by themselves?
Maybe, she thought, they weren't alone; she just hadn't seen the adult with them. The river was nearby; maybe the adult was at the water's edge. Either way, she had to check. There was no way she could ride on without at least checking.
Charlotte dismounted and tethered her horse to a nearby branch. Carefully, she walked toward the area where she had seen the flash of movement. As she got closer, she considered what she had seen. What was it that had caught her attention? It was a glimpse of something white. Possibly a shirt that stood out amongst the dark green foliage.
Charlotte peered through the undergrowth and discovered she had been right. A small boy was standing on the bank of the river, throwing rocks into the gently flowing water. He appeared to be alone. Stepping forward, Charlotte approached cautiously. She didn't want to scare the child, and there may be someone with him. Someone who might not like her approaching their child.
A twig snapped beneath her boot, and she froze as the boy spun around to face her. She gasped the moment she saw his face. She knew him. It couldn't be anyone else. Not with those eyes. This was Jack. This was her grandson.
"Who are you?" He asked, his voice high from surprise.
Charlotte saw his initial shock turn to fear, and he backed away from her toward the river.
"Stop. It's okay, really," Charlotte said, holding her hands up to show she meant no harm. "Be careful, or you will fall into the water."
She watched him glance over his shoulder, recognising she was right. He stayed where he was, still wary of her.
"Do you want to tell me your name?" Charlotte asked, smiling.
"No. I'm not supposed to talk to strangers."
Charlotte felt a flash of pain in her heart, followed closely by guilt. How had she allowed it to come to this? She was a stranger to her grandson...to Jack's son. Tears welled in her eyes as she scolded herself for allowing her grief over Jack's death to keep her away from Elizabeth and little Jack. To convince herself they didn't need her.
After his visit to Hope Valley, Tom hadn't tried to make her feel guilty about her failure to do the same. Instead, He told her how amazing Jack was, how bright and funny. He talked about what a fantastic job Elizabeth was doing in raising him so he never forgot about his father and how she wouldn't let his memory fade. Tom made sure to mention that Charlotte had unique memories of Jack, which no one else could share.
Tom never once suggested that she visit Elizabeth and Jack, but his message was unmistakable. Wallowing in grief and avoiding meeting her grandchild was not fair to anyone, especially to her son. Elizabeth had never once challenged Charlotte for not visiting, never suggesting that her lack of contact with Jack had hurt her. Instead, she was understanding. Charlotte had used her understanding as permission to stay away, hide away, and make sure she didn't become too attached to Jack, just in case.
Listening to Tom, she realised how much she was missing out on and how much she wanted her chance to know and love Jack's son. She also wanted to apologise to Elizabeth and get to know the man Tom was sure would be the one to help Elizabeth raise Jack.
Swallowing back her tears, Charlotte took one step forward and knelt. She was far enough away not to be threatening but close enough to speak softly.
"I know we haven't met, but we aren't strangers," Charlotte explained quietly. "My name is Charlotte Thornton."
"Thornton? Like mine?"
Charlotte couldn't help but smile; his sceptical expression was so like his father's.
"Yes. Just like yours, Jack." She watched his eyes narrow as he realised, she knew his name. He was confused, and she didn't blame him one bit.
"I am your grandmother, Jack. Your dad was my son, just like your Uncle Tom."
"Momma said you're very busy, and your farm is far away."
"It is. But I couldn't wait any longer to meet you. I'm sorry it has taken me so long."
"Momma didn't say you were coming."
"I wanted to surprise you both." Charlotte could see Jack was relaxing a little more the longer they spoke. She decided to risk upsetting him and ask the question she had been dying to. "Do you know something, though? You're the one who surprised me."
"How did I do that?"
"By being by yourself. I thought for sure I would find you with your Momma."
Charlotte was watching Jack closely, but even if she hadn't been, the guilt was evident on his face.
"Should you be with your Momma?"
"No," Jack responded emphatically, shaking his head vigorously.
"Really?" Charlotte asked, making sure to keep her tone curious. "Are you sure you shouldn't be somewhere other than here? That your mother lets you come to the river by yourself?"
Jack looked down at his shoes, which had shined that morning for his first day of school but were now speckled with mud from the riverbank.
"Jack?" she asked gently.
"It was awful there!" he cried.
"Where?" Charlotte stepped toward Jack, but he didn't back away this time. Her heart clenched at his obvious distress. There was no way she could ignore it.
"School. Allie said it would be fun, but it wasn't. Momma said she would be my teacher, and she wasn't, and then she went home."
Charlotte had no real understanding of Jack's story, only that something had upset him enough to run away. When Jack's face crumpled with tears, she reached for him and pulled him close. When she felt his arms slide around her neck, hugging her back, the tears that had been threatening finally spilled down her cheeks.
"Are you sure he could have come this far?" Bill asked Nathan as they rode along the track from the town.
"He could if he took the shortcut behind the school," Nathan said, his face grim with worry. "Jack has been that way many times; we go that way to get to Allie's favourite fishing spot."
"Tell me again why you think this is where he is gone," Bill demanded.
Nathan knew Bill was worried. He was, too, but when he heard Jack was missing, he knew he would be at the river. The place Allie had gone to when she ran away from school.
"Allie told him the story of her first day," Nathan replied. Bill understood immediately.
"You're right. Let's go, there's a lot of rivers to explore."
Nathan urged Newton forward, Bill and Hero trotting alongside him as they each scanned the area around them. Rounding a curve in the road, the two men halted abruptly, staring at
the riderless horse tethered to the tree, contently grazing on the grass beside the road.
"Do you recognise the horse?" Nathan asked as he dismounted and threw Newton's reins to Bill.
"No," Bill replied, his tone suspicious. "I don't like this."
Nathan slowly approached the horse, looking around for evidence of its owner. The horse raised its head as Nathan got closer and stroked the nape of its neck. The horse let out a low whinny to acknowledge Nathan's attention before swinging its head around to look behind Nathan.
"Mountie Nathan!"
Nathan's head snapped around at the sound of Jack calling his name. Relief flooded him as he saw Jack and realised, he had found him, and he was unharmed.
Nathan focused entirely on Jack, so it took him a few moments to realise that someone was standing beside the little boy. It was a woman dressed in riding pants, a plaid shirt, and a long coat. She was holding Jack's hand.
"Jack," Nathan called. "Can you come over here, please?" Nathan held out his hand to the little boy. He was pleased when Jack dropped the woman's hand and ran to him. Nathan crouched down, and Jack ran into his arms.
Nathan heard Bill approaching but didn't look up. He needed to leave to take Jack to Elizabeth and show her he was fine.
"You had us worried, Jack," Nathan said. He didn't want to scare the young boy or discipline him. It was up to Elizabeth to talk to him.
Nathan saw tears well in Jack's eyes. "Is Momma angry at me?"
"Right now, she is worried about you. You shouldn't have run away, Jack."
"Yes, Mountie Nathan." Jack glanced up at Nathan, his face sad. "Do you think she would be happy if I brought Grandma home?"
"Grandma?" Nathan asked, perplexed at the statement, unable to process what he had just said. Behind him, Nathan heard Bill gasp.
"Charlotte?" Bill cried. "What are you doing here?"
"Can I not visit my family in Hope Valley, Bill?" Charlotte said sarcastically, frowning up at Bill.
Nathan's mouth dropped open when he realised the woman who had been with Jack was Charlotte Thornton. This was Jack's mother, Elizabeth's mother-in-law. What would she think of their relationship? What would she think of him?
"Of course, you can visit Hope Valley; you just haven't in... quite some time," Bill responded, arching an eyebrow as he nodded toward Jack, indicating how long it had been. "Does Elizabeth know you're coming?"
"We are going to surprise her," Jack answered for Charlotte. "Grandma Charlotte said she would take me back to school to find Momma."
Nathan glanced at Bill, gauging his reaction to Jack's news. He knew Elizabeth loved Charlotte, and they still wrote letters to each other. He had also heard the pain in her voice when she asked Tom whether Charlotte would ever be able to meet Jack. Tom had promised her she would...one day. While Elizabeth wanted Charlotte to know Jack so she could see what a wonderful child her grandson was becoming, he wasn't so sure how she would feel about the surprise visit.
"Nathan," Bill said, clearing his throat. "This is Charlotte Thornton, Jack's grandmother. Charlotte, this is Constable Nathan Grant."
"My son, Tom, mentioned you," Charlotte said carefully. "It seems you are quite close to Elizabeth and Jack."
"Momma and I have dinner with Mountie Nathan and Allie all the time," Jack informed her. "Mountie Nathan and Uncle Bill are teaching me to ride my pony. His name's Pal."
"Speaking of your mother and Allie, Jack. We need to get you back to school."
"Can I ride with you on Newton?" Jack asked excitedly.
"Of course, unless..." Nathan trailed off, looking at Charlotte, wondering if she would prefer Jack to ride with her.
"It's alright, Constable. Jack knows who his people are." Charlotte's smile was sad when she continued. "Maybe one day I'll be one of them too."
"I am so sorry," Allie whispered.
"Sorry? For what?" Elizabeth asked, surprised.
"For telling Jack about my first day of school and that I ran away. He must have gotten the idea from me."
"You had no idea Jack would respond to school this way; none of us did." Elizabeth grimaced, "I thought I had prepared him, but I hadn't. If it's anyone's fault, it's mine."
Elizabeth wrapped her arm around Allie's shoulders and drew her close. The two of them were sitting on the steps of the schoolhouse, waiting for news of Jack.
Elizabeth had sent everyone else, including Anna, away on a field trip. There had been no way Anna could teach class, and the students wouldn't have been able to concentrate anyway. The students wanted to help search for Jack, but Elizabeth dissuaded them. Rosemary wanted to stay, too, but Elizabeth convinced her that Anna and the children needed her more. For now, the children were getting a comprehensive tour of the Valley Voice, followed by lunch at the Cafe. They would do the first day of school over again tomorrow.
"They are going to find him; he couldn't have gotten far," Allie assured her. When Rosemary arrived, she told them that Pal was still in his stall in the livery, where he should have been. Wherever Jack was, he had walked there.
"I know, and I am trying not to think of the worst-case scenario." Elizabeth sighed, "I just need to see Nathan and Jack riding toward me."
Elizabeth felt Allie squeeze her hand before jumping up off the stairs. Elizabeth blinked rapidly, wondering if she was imagining the vision before her. Nathan rode toward her on Newton, his red serge bright in the sunlight. Jack was balanced on the saddle in front of him. Elizabeth's eyes flicked to his companions. There was Bill, as she had expected, but there was a third rider, and while they seemed familiar, Elizabeth couldn't tell who it was.
Elizabeth beamed as Nathan spotted her and Allie and spurred Newton into a canter, bringing Jack to her. As they grew closer, Elizabeth rushed down the stairs, waiting impatiently for the two of them. Elizabeth's heart was racing. It was okay; Jack was fine, and Nathan and Bill had brought him back to her. A sob escaped Elizabeth as Jack fell into her arms, leaping off Newton as soon as he was close enough.
"I'm sorry, Momma, I'm sorry." Jack cried, burying his face against her cheek.
"Oh, Jack. I am glad you're alright." Elizabeth tried to slow her tears, but the relief of knowing Jack was alright, of being able to hold him, overwhelmed her.
"Grandma found me! She was going to bring me back, but Mountie Nathan and Uncle Bill found us first," Jack explained, his voice full of excitement.
Elizabeth froze. Grandma? Of course, the rider with Nathan and Bill could only be Charlotte Thornton. When Jack mentioned Grandma, she realised why the person looked so familiar. It was her mother-in-law.
"Nathan! Bill! Thank you so much for bringing him home."
Nathan dismounted and walked to her, touching Jack's back in a gesture of reassurance for both of them. With his other hand, he reached out and fleetingly touched her cheek, hesitant to show affection in front of their visitor. She heard him murmur her name and stared into his eyes, noting how his brow furrowed in concern for her.
"Charlotte! What a lovely surprise. It's wonderful to see you again," Elizabeth exclaimed. "I do wish it had been under different circumstances."
Walking toward the older woman, Elizabeth embraced her, kissing her cheek and hugging her awkwardly as she held Jack in her arms. "Why didn't you tell me you were coming?"
"I don't know," Charlotte admitted. "I wasn't sure it wasn't too late. I spoke to Tom..." Elizabeth watched as her eyes flicked to Nathan. "I wasn't sure if you would have time or space, Elizabeth..."
"There will always be room for you Charlotte. You are Jack's mother, my son's grandmother." Elizabeth exclaimed, surprised at her hesitation. This Charlotte was not the woman she remembered. The Charlotte she knew was bold, confident, brash, and cheeky. "And since when do you call me Elizabeth?"
Shocked laughter exploded from Charlotte, and some of the tension left her body with the rush of her breath. Elizabeth was pleased. She had always known seeing Charlotte would be hard. Their shared loss would bring back the overwhelming grief. Seeing Tom had eased Elizabeth's fear of meeting Charlotte again, but she expected nothing had prepared Charlotte to see Jack. And Nathan. Elizabeth was sure Tom had told her about the two of them. Elizabeth always planned too, and she had even been partway through writing to her, but she never seemed to be able to finish the letter.
"Oh Lizzy! You are still wonderful, my girl," Charlotte wrapped Elizabeth and Jack in her arms, and the two women let their tears fall unchecked.
"I'm sorry," Charlotte whispered in Elizabeth's ear, echoing her grandson's apology. As with Jack, Elizabeth accepted it without question. Charlotte was finally here to meet her grandson, and nothing else mattered.
"Elizabeth. Charlotte?" Bill called. "What do you think about taking this reunion to the Cafe?"
"Can I have cake?" Jack asked, doubt clouding his question. Elizabeth was pleased to realise he understood there would still be consequences for his actions.
"Why don't you and I let the adults discuss what dessert we can have?" Allie suggested as Elizabeth set him on the ground. Elizabeth smiled at Allie and mouthed 'thank you' as the young girl took Jack by the hand and led him toward the Cafe.
"Let me get my things, and I will join you," Elizabeth said, hurrying toward the schoolhouse.
"Wait, Lizzy. I'll come with you, Charlotte called, catching up to her.
Elizabeth looked over her shoulder at Nathan and paused. She turned back to him and Bill and smiled at them both. "Thank you for finding, Jack. For bringing him home. I can't even imagine..."
"Well, then, don't," Bill said gruffly. "And there is no need to thank us. It's what families do." Clapping Nathan on the shoulder, Bill collected Hero's reins and rose into the saddle. "Why don't the two of us meet you there."
Elizabeth looked at Nathan, wondering if he was okay with Bill's suggestion. She hoped he understood there was nothing to worry about from Charlotte.
"I'll save you a seat," Nathan said, tipping his hat at her and smiling the crooked smile she loved so much.
Elizabeth waited until the two men had ridden away before stepping into the schoolhouse, where Charlotte waited near the sign bearing her son's name. Elizabeth watched her trace the letters of his name as she had done when asking for his help earlier. He had certainly come through by sending Charlotte to them.
"He will never be forgotten. Not by this town or me. Definitely not by his son. I tell him about Jack every single day."
"I know, Lizzy. I never doubted you; it was just too painful; I didn't know what to say or do. I am sorry."
"There is no need to apologise. Not to me. I hid myself away for a long time, too. It was only recently I faced my fears over losing Jack and let myself truly love again."
"Nathan?" Charlotte asked, but it was more of a statement than a question.
"Yes. For longer than I admitted to myself or him."
"I am happy for you," Charlotte said, smiling. Slinging an arm around Elizabeth's shoulder as they walked down the stairs, she continued, "I never did like hearing about you and the Governor. He's a bit too...buttoned up and stuffy."
"Charlotte!" Elizabeth exclaimed but didn't argue with her assessment. "Lucas is still a good friend."
"Well, as long as he isn't your husband or Jack's stepdaddy, I'll be nice." Winking, she said, "Now let's talk about this Mountie of yours. When are you two getting married?
"Well, he has asked me to dinner, alone on Saturday night." Elizabeth said, bursting with happiness that Charlotte had accepted Nathan so easily. Although she expected there were some tough questions still to come before Charlotte was completely satisfied.
Walking beside Charlotte, Elizabeth thought about all that had happened that morning. Jack's misbehaving in school had seemed such a disaster a short while ago. Now, she felt only optimism and hope for the future. Charlotte and Tom would help her keep Jack's memory alive, ensuring her son knew what a wonderful man his father had been. Jack would grow up part of a loving family. A large, extended family, including the Thatchers in Hamilton, Charlotte, Tom and of course Nathan, and Allie, plus all their friends in Hope Valley. She thought about how quickly everyone had rallied around her and Jack today, and she knew the old proverb was true. It takes a village to raise a child and the people who lived in her village of Hope Valley were the very best you could hope for.