Leaving Elizabeth had never been part of the plan, in fact, it was the part that was most difficult. It wasn't the time away, it wasn't the danger, or the new leadership – it was leaving her. He wished duty didn't call him to faraway places, but this was the way it had to be. It hadn't taken him long to make the decision a second time; he needed to fight in the northern territories for his country and for Doug. He had taken a moment to pray about it, but God was opening a clear path to take on this position. Unfortunately, the peace and strength he felt toward his decision had not yet reached Elizabeth.

He hated to see her cry. It hadn't happened often. Elizabeth was stoic in her emotions. She showed joy and excitement, or worry, but fear and tears? Not often. It wasn't very Hamilton of her to fall apart in tears. Now in almost the past twenty-four hours, he had been the only source of her crying. It tugged at him, making him question his decision.

When she had overheard him in the church, he tried to explain, make her see it rationally, get her to understand the reason behind his decision. But it was the word indefinite that had broken her. Her next words stunned him. Never had she asked him to leave her alone or fought against him. She had never run away from him. It scared him – her crumbling. And so, he proposed. Not because he was afraid he had lost her, but because he wanted her to know, be sure, that he was committed to her, that he loved her, and that he wanted her to be his wife. The proposal brought them a small happiness, and the feeling of slipping that ring on her finger comforted him. He could leave knowing she understood they had a future, and he hoped that would bring her some peace.

Still, after their small engagement party, the sadness lingered. He met her in the church, surrounded by silence and candles. She was staring off into space in front of her, and he could only imagine what she was thinking. Was it their future in front of her? His safety? He needed to make sure she knew he was coming back to her. He would do everything in his power to return. She had looked at him with those blue eyes, on the verge of tears, full of worry, and he could only take her hand into his own, holding it close to him. Her body settled tightly against him, resting her head on his shoulder. He felt the deep release of held breath leave her as she was comforted by his close form. They spent the night seated next to each other, hands and arms intertwined. While she slept, he could only think of the future.

He envisioned her there in Hope Valley, waiting for him. Her chestnut hair pulled off her face, a smile across her beautiful lips. He wondered where she'd be when he rode back into town. Would it be night? Or during the day at school? He only knew he would sweep her up in his arms and kiss her and hold her tight.

As the night drew on, he considered them further down the line. Earlier that day he had seen two women with a baby, and his mind had instantly replaced one with Elizabeth. It wasn't the first time he had thought of having a family with her, but it was real this time. He was leaving to go to a war of sorts – to fight an enemy that could easily become a threat to all of Canada. He wanted to make it a safer country for them, for their future family. A family he'd someday come home to at the house he built, one with a wide front porch, a barn, chickens and goats, and children underfoot. There was Elizabeth too, his beautiful wife, always waiting for him to come home.

But this night, the sun rose, the rooster crowed, and he was leaving her behind. Not as his wife, only as his betrothed. It would have to do until he returned. In his mind, when he came back they'd have the wedding she always dreamed of as soon as possible, then he would start working on their home. But for now, he'd have to wake her up from the peace she had finally found in her sleep.

As he had said his goodbyes on the main street, she had faced away from him, focusing instead on petting his horse. He knew why, and it broke his heart. She didn't want him to see her cry, or anyone else for that matter. So, even though it was difficult, he put his own tears away to be strong for her. He gritted his teeth as they hugged one last time – her arms clenching tightly to him. He could hear her breath hitch, and he only begged his own body to restrain. If he broke, she'd have nothing to hold on to. He mounted his horse and gave her one last glance. He saw her brave smile, a gift to let him know she'd be okay. But he knew different.

Rounding the corner and galloping slowly out of town, he heard the raw cry. His name. He turned the horse around, speeding back to her, her frail form wracked with sobs. Wasting no time, he dismounted and swept her into his arms, fixing his lips on hers. He needed to say goodbye this way as much as she. Her kiss was tearful and full of need. They had kissed plenty of times before, but never like this, not in desperation. He could feel that in her touch; she was trying to hold on as long as possible. He grasped her hand to kiss the sapphire ring he had given her, hoping it would help her focus on the promise he had made. She kept her forehead attached to his, crying, watching him. And though he didn't want to say goodbye to her, not like this, not with her in tears and broken, he knew he had to. He kissed her one last time and saw the anguish on her face as he pulled away. He couldn't look anymore. Remounting his horse, he left with one more glance to her.

It was agony to him, to gallop off, leaving her there alone in the middle of the street, but duty called. He knew now he would do his best to return to her.

A/N: I do not own any of of the When Calls the Heart Series. I was inspired and encouraged (thanks CaitlinWCTH) to write another chapter for this and wanted it to be in Jack's point of view. I just hope I did him justice. Thanks for reading and your reviews! xoxox Brie