A/N

YAY ya'll get an update! Finally! Taking four classes this semester so I've been busy! I also just got back from a mission trip in Guatemala and a work crew weekend with Young Life! Sorry for the long wait, I'm swamped with college and work stuff!

Chapter 20:

"Well, we should probably hit the sack. See you in church." Abigail said, taking Cody and exiting the house.

"She's right. See you tomorrow." Jack and Bill said.

"We should probably leave too." The Colters made their exit.

"I'm going to bed." Elena said.

The next morning, Elena woke up and decided to go back to sleep. She didn't wake up until Elizabeth and then Jack shook her awake. She sat up with a start.

"What time is it?" Elena asked bleary-eyed.

"Time for church in ten minutes," Jack said.

"Get changed. I made toast that you can eat on the way." Elisabeth said.

Elena hurriedly got changed and ran a brush through her luscious brown hair. She chose to wear a yellow dress with a green belt. She then met Jack and Elisabeth outside. They made it to the church just in time. After the church, Jack left for his new assignment. There were tears and smiles and hugs and kisses. He rode off into the sunset.

Elena moped around the next day. She did, however, fill out reports for Bill to sign that afternoon, and also made her patrols. She was just about to lock up the jail when she heard someone enter the jail.

"Ma'am, what are you doing here? And why are you wearing a surge jacket?" A masculine voice said from behind her. His voice was condescending and Elena instantly wasn't a fan.

"I'm a Mountie. I was instated around a month ago. I'm Bill Avery and Jack Thorton's partner here." Elena said.

"I'm the new Mountie. The name's James Smith. Now get out." Smith said flatly.

"Have a nice day." Elena said walking out of the jail.

Truth be told she was happy to take a break. She had been working hard since she arrived in Hope Valley. Well, no that was a lie. She didn't like not working but did not want to get into the new Mountie's way. She walked to the cafe. Abigail looked up in surprise.

"Elena, I thought you'd be at the jail." She said, cleaning one of the tables.

"The new Mountie is here. He is not the nicest of men either. Nothing like Jack." Elena's voice broke off at the end.

"You miss him a lot don't you?" Abigail stated a fact that was well-known throughout Hope Valley.

Elena nodded, with a shrug.

"So, I figured I could help out at the school in the morning and in the afternoon I could help out here. I need to keep myself busy." Elena frowned and stared out the window hoping Jack was still safe.

"Of course," Abigail said.

"See you this afternoon." Elena walked out of the cafe and towards the school.

It was wonderful walking weather and Elena enjoyed being out in the sun. When she arrived at the school, the children were doing math.

"Elisabeth, have you seen Elena and Cody? She said she was going to help out this afternoon, but I haven't seen her anywhere." Abigail said worriedly.

"Cody and Elena went on a walk but they should have been back by now. Let's walk up to the mine. I know they like to play up there. Maybe we can get Carson to help us search." Elizabeth suggested.

"Ok. Bill can take care of the cafe." Abigail and Elisabeth hurriedly went to the infirmary to get Carson who decided to help them look.

They went to the mine, but the two children weren't there. They scoured all over the trails calling for Elena and Cody. It was starting to get dark when they went back to town and got up a search party. The new Mountie was 'busy' so he was not able to help. The search party consisted of Frank, Bill, Carson, Lee, Hickam, Murphy, and Jesse. They searched all around Hope Valley.

Finally, Frank and Abigail smelt smoke.

"I can see a campfire!" Frank said running toward the light.

"Carson, we found them!" He yelled.

"Ms. Abigail. Where's Carson?" Elena said leaning over an unconscious Cody.

"Right here, what happened?" Carson and Elisabeth had met up with them.

"He was climbing a tree and he fell. He hit his head and he landed wrong on his arm. I knew I shouldn't move him. And I couldn't bring myself to leave him here." Elena's voice broke off into sobs.

"You did the right thing. Are you ok?" Carson said surveying Cody.

"I'm fine. I just want to go home." Elena said crying.

"Is Cody going to be ok?" Abigail asked nervously.

"He should be." Carson said making a splint.

"Good. I was so scared. I wish Jack was here." Elena said softly.

"Let's go home." Carson said.

Over the next month, Cody recovered. It was getting close to Christmas now. Cody and Elena has brought Frank and Rosemary into their confidence and were planning a Christmas concert with the students from the school. Elisabeth had no idea about this either. No one knew if Jack would be home for Christmas. The new Mountie had already taken leave and wouldn't be back until the New Year. It was December 25

Elena was sweeping the jail when two hands closed over her eyes.

"Guess who" The voice said.

Elena shrieked happily and whipped around.

"Jack!" She screamed and jumped into his arms.

"I missed you so much! How long can you stay? I assume you're not here to stay." Elena said half heartedly.

"I can stay until the new Mountie here comes back. I missed you too. How's Elizabeth?" He asked walking Elena out of the jail.

"She's fine. She misses you but she's fine." Elena said holding tightly onto his hand.

"You know that dress looks pretty good on you. You should wear them more often." Jack said nudging her.

"I know. And I do since I am no longer Mountie of Hope Valley for now. Can I tell you a secret?" Elena asked eagerly.

"Of course, you can tell me anything." Jack said looking down at her.

"Rosemary is making a special Christmas dress for me. I'm going to wear it to the Christmas Eve service. And I heard there's going to be another surprise as well." Elena said happily.

"That's wonderful. Let's go see Elizabeth, shall we?" Jack said pointing the way.

"Sure, but I have to drop by the Colters for a while so you and your wife can have some time." Elena said, smirking and running ahead.