"I think a hero is any person really intent on making this a better place for all people." -Maya Angelou

Elizabeth turned from writing on the chalkboard. "Now, with all the great heroes we've been talking about, I want you to look around you for a hero in your life. I'm going to let you think about how people around you show heroic qualities. Then, once you've picked someone who is a hero to you, I want you to write a paper about why that person is a hero. I'm going to give you a whole week to work on this, so spend some time really thinking about it. Then, next Wednesday, we'll read the papers in class."

Cooper raised his head and Elizabeth called on him. "Does the hero have to be someone we know? Because I want to write about Ty Cobbs," he said.

"Well, you don't have to know them personally, but it will make it more special if it is someone in your life. In the end, I will leave the decision up to you," Elizabeth said.

A small flurry of voices erupted, and Elizabeth was glad she left the assignment for the end of the school day. "Class dismissed," she announced, ringing her cowbell.

Seven year old Jack sat in the middle of the school room, hoping he had done his assignment right. As the other students stood to read their essays, they spoke about people like Ty Cobbs, King George, or Jane Austen. Allie had looked over his paper when he asked her for help spelling some words, and she said it was really good. And Emily Montgomery did talk about her mom, and his mother had praised her excellent essay, so maybe he would be okay with his chosen topic.

His time to fret ended when Elizabeth called out, "Next, Jack Thornton-Grant."

Jack walked slowly to the front of the room. He put his paper down at his chest like Allie had taught him while they had practiced together. He looked out at his older sister, and smiled at the funny face she made.

"My heroes are my dads. I couldn't pick one, because I was lucky enough to get two of them. My daddy in heaven, Jack Thornton, gave me my name. Through his stories, I've learned to be brave, always do what I've promised to do, and look out for those who need help. My dad now, Nathan Grant, helped me to learn how to ride a pony, then a horse. He was my friend before he was my dad, and he's still my friend. He has taught me how to respect others, to be humble, and how to be an im-pec-a-ble man. That means he always does the right thing."

He looked up long enough to see Allie give him a thumbs up. She had been the one to teach him the word impeccable, so he was glad he could include it in his essay. He turned back to his paper for the last few sentences. "My dads are both my heroes, because they are both Mounties, and they have both kept Hope Valley safe from many things. I am thankful to have two great heroes."

Jack finished and walked back to his seat. Everyone clapped as they had for the other students. When the clapping ended, they all looked to their teacher, who was dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief. It took her another few seconds to compose herself.

"Well Jack, that was wonderful. Thank you. I think it's time for recess, then we'll finish the rest."

Elizabeth dismissed the students, and they happily raced outside. "Jack?" Elizabeth called out before he could exit.

"Yes?" Jack asked. He knew it - he was supposed to only pick one hero, and now he was in trouble.

But then Elizabeth opened her arms to pull him close to her. Jack asked, "Am I in trouble?"

"In trouble? Why did you think you were in trouble?" his mother asked.

"Because everyone else picked one hero, and I picked two."

"Oh, Honey Bear." She normally saved the endearment just for home, but somehow it felt right in this moment. "I loved your essay. And I know your Daddy Jack would love it too. If you want to share it with Dad after school, I'm sure he will also love it. You are right, you were blessed with two great dads, and it is never wrong to honor both of them."

Elizabeth squeezed her son tight once again.

"Um, can I go play then?" Jack asked.

Elizabeth chuckled. "Yes, you may go play. Have fun!" Elizabeth walked out with him, heart soaring yet again at the incredible gift she had been given. If she were to write an essay of her own, right now her greatest hero would be this amazing son of hers.

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