Chapter 1: One More Day

It was a beautiful fall morning in Fort Hope, Massachusetts. Elizabeth Thornton was slowly waking up as the morning sun hit her face. She had never been a morning person. It always took her awhile to become aware and snap out of what her husband affectionately called "zombie mode".

"What in the world?" she thought, finally waking up enough to realize she had something stuck to her forehead. She pulled off the neon pink sticky note and laughed.

"Good morning sleeping beauty,

Out for my run, then I'm yours for the day. How about Abigail's for breakfast this morning?

Love you,

Jack"

She looked over at the alarm clock. 6:20am. Normally she'd just roll over, pull the covers over her head and go back to sleep. Not today. Today she was determined to make the most of the time she had. She had been dreading the next two days ever since she'd heard the words "deployment" leave his lips a few week prior.

Her husband Jack was a 1st Lieutenant in the United States Army. They'd moved to Fort Hope a few years before. Newlywed and ready to start their new adventure together. During those years, they felt blessed not having had to be apart much at all. Even though the current deployment wasn't their first, it was going to be their longest one to date. Six to nine months. That was the estimated time span. The very thought made her sick to her stomach.

"Focus on today Elizabeth," she told herself. "Today, he's with you."

While waiting for Jack to return from his run, she dragged herself out of bed, being careful not to step on Rip, their trusty albeit lazy basset hound. He was sprawled out on the floor snoring loudly.

"Least I'll have you, you silly dog," she spoke sweetly to the sleeping hound.

Down stairs, Jack had just arrived back home. He quietly took off his sneakers, placing them in the hall closet. He went to the kitchen, downing a glass of water before heading back upstairs. Stepping softly so not to waking his wife is she was still asleep.

Reaching their doorway, he grinned ear to ear. Pleasantly surprised to find Elizabeth out of bed, wearing only his old blue Columbia University tee. He sneaked up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her close. She moaned as he began slowly kissing her neck.

"Hmmm, I'm gonna miss this." She turned to face him, kissing his lips and running her fingers slowly up and down his muscular arms. "Good run?"

"It was. Its unseasonably hot out though."

"I can see that," she laughed scrunching up her nose at him. "You're covered in sweat."

"What this?" He peeled off his shirt and gestured to himself. "I guess I better go shower then."

"Probably…" She was getting more and more distracted as his lips found their way back to her neck.

He slowly moved his lips up to her ear, softly whispering, "Well then, you're coming with me beautiful." She let out a delighted squeak as he lifted her up in one effortless motion. Her legs now wrapped around his midsection, kissing him deeply as he carried her away.

….

The bell jingle over the door of Abigail's Cafe, causing the older women who owned it to look up. She smiled watching the young couple walk in hand in hand.

"Good morning! Your favorite table by the window is open," Abigail spoke sweetly to Elizabeth and Jack. "I'll be right over with some coffee."

"Awesome! Thank you Abigail," Jack replied as they took their seats.

"How are you doing?" Abigail asked glancing lovingly back and forth between the two as she poured their coffee. "Ready for tomorrow?"

"As far as the men and I are concerned, we've been well trained. I believe we'll do our job well. But personally, nothing will make me ready to leave Elizabeth." Elizabeth gave Jack's hand a loving squeeze.

"This isn't going to be easy for either of us," Elizabeth added looking down.

"I'm sure." Abigail gave Elizabeth's back a gentle rub. "Well, rest easy Jack, knowing she'll be well looked after back home."

"I appreciate that." Jack spoke in an almost mournful tone, but still expressing his appreciation. Not taking his eyes off Elizabeth, he lifted her hand to his lips.

"I'll be ok guys. I will miss you terribly but I'll be ok." If she was honest, she'd admitted that she was pretty scared of the whole thing, but the last thing she wanted to do was worry Jack any more than he already was.

"Oh we know that Elizabeth. I also know what's going on in Jack's mind right now. My late husband was the same way. It helps for them to know that even though we are capable on our own, we have people around us just in case."

Abigail Hogan was a fighter. She'd married young to her high school sweetheart, Noah Stanton, who enlisted in the army right after graduation. Together with their son Peter, they served their country as a family for many years. Moving around every couple of years as the job required. For reasons they'd never fully understand, God called Noah home during his last deployment.

After such a devastating loss, Abigail chose to stay in the Fort Hope area and opened "Abigail's Cafe". It had been a dream of a hers for so many years she had almost forgotten all about it. Being an Army wife and mother was a full time job as it was.

As time went on, she became a role model for many young women in the Fort Hope community. Helping them through deployments and being a rock for others who shared the same unfortunate fate she had.

Peter grew up, and followed in his father's footsteps. He enlisted and married his highschool sweetheart, Clara. Part of Abigail had wanted to stop him from enlisting. She wanted to convince him to do anything other than take a job where she'd worry about him everyday and worse, possibly lose him the same way she'd lost her husband. It didn't help that whenever she looked into his eyes, she saw so much of Noah. The same heart and desire to serve others. She prayed for a long time for strength and guidance and in time, God gave her the peace she need to support her son's decision with faith and hope instead of fear. She was proud of Peter, just like she'd been proud of Noah.

She also found new and unexpected paths in her life as well. She met and fell in love with a man named Frank. Frank had moved to the area to take the head pastor job at a local church. Being a bachelor at the time, and a terrible cook, he found his way to Abigail's Cafe most days. The two hit it off right away. They were now happily married and had just recently adopted two wonderful kids, Becky and Cody, from foster care.

Both Jack and Elizabeth admired Abigail immensely. She had been a great mentor and friend to them from the moment they'd met. It really put Jack's mind at ease knowing she would be with Elizabeth while he was away.

As the couple quietly sat eating, Jack held Elizabeth's hand securely in his. Fiddling with the engagement and wedding band he had placed there a few years prior.

"One of the best days in my life was when I gave you this ring," he spoke pointing to her engagement ring. "The second was when I placed this one next to it." He straightened the two rings on her finger. "They fit perfectly together"

"Just like us". Elizabeth lift Jack's hand in both of hers giving it a tender kiss. "What am I going to do without you?"

"You'll have Rip."

"Good old Rip." She giggled. "The day your brother gave him to us as a wedding gift I thought he'd lost his mind! But really, I've loved having him with us."

"Tom is pretty crazy. And you're right about Rip. Though the four hour drive from Vermont to Massachusetts felt more like ten with his constant howling." They both laughed remembering the how stressed the move made their poor hound.

"I'm glad General Avery is deploying with you. I know you won't be working closely with him daily. I just like the idea that he'll be with you."

"He's a good man. I'm honored to have the opportunity to serve with him." Jack managed to say in between bites. "I'm really glad that Lee and Rosie will be close by for you. I'm sure it will be a comfort to have your best friend around."

"It will be. I'm glad they moved out this way last year."

Lee and Jack had grown up together in a small town in Vermont. The two were like brothers. Having been there for the best and worst of each other's lives. After high school the two moved out to NYC for college, Lee majoring in business while Jack did ROTC with a major in political science.

Rosie and Elizabeth grew up together as well. Spending their childhoods in the Boston area, then later moving to NYC for college where they met the guys. The ever theatrical Rosie majored in drama and writing, while Elizabeth's love for children lead her to major in early childhood education.

Lee knew as soon as he met Rosie that he would one day marry her. For Rosie, an energetic free spirit, it took a bit longer. It had been Lee and Rosie who introduced Jack and Elizabeth. As much as they both had hated the idea of being set up back then, they were forever grateful for it now.

"I made Lee promise to look after you while I'm gone by the way. Help around the condo as needed. He's good with cars too, so call him if anything happens."

Elizabeth's prideful and determined personality took over. "I don't need babysitting, Jack." The sass was just pouring out of her. Her hands were placed on her hips emphasizing her adorable stubbornness. The sight caused Jack to grin for a moment.

"Please beautiful, remember what Abigail said? It helps me to know you have people that are looking out for you." His gaze turned more serious. "I'll feel even better if I know you'll accept a little help IF you need it."

The vulnerability she saw in his eyes brought a few tears to hers. She knew this was hard for him just as much as it was for her, and she did want to ease his worry.

"I'm sorry Jack," she said, moving her hand to his cheek. "Thank you for making sure I'll be taken care of. I guess all the help will be nice, you know, in case another family of spiders moves into the condo."

Jack let out a loud laugh. "That was hilarious. To come home and find you sitting on the porch in the cold, with your journal."

"What? I was just giving them their space…" They both laughed.

" You know, I really love you."

"I really love you too."

Once they finished their meals, they thanked Abigail and prepared to leave.

"Will Cody be here after school?" asked Jack. "I promised to swing by later to say goodbye to him."

"Oh he'll love that. He adores you so much Jack! And yes, Frank has some meetings this evening so he'll be bringing him by before then."

"Alright, we'll see you then!"

"Good. Now go enjoy your time together!"

"Oh we will!" Jack winked, making Elizabeth blush. "Thanks Abigail"

"So Mrs. Thornton, where to next?" Jack asked as they headed toward the car.

"That my dear husband is up to you!" She hugged his arm tight. "I'm so glad we were both able to have today off. Especially with the deployment tomorrow."

"I know, it feels great not to have anything to focus on other than us for a change." He wrapped his arms securely around her, leaning her up against her car door. They shared a long sweet kiss. Forgetting they were out in public view.

"Well…" Jack said when he was finally able to pull himself away. "Other than coming back here to see Cody and calling my mom, I'm up for anything. I said my goodbyes to Lee and Rosie yesterday."

"What about your brother?"

"Oh Tom? I called him last night. You know think he was out with your sister again," he added, as they climbed into the car.

"How could you tell?"

"He was happy for one, and I heard a laugh in the background that sounded an awful lot like yours."

Elizabeth just shook her head and smiled.

Tom and Elizabeth's younger sister Julie met when they both were visiting their siblings in NYC. Trouble seemed to follow them everywhere that trip. Even causing lot of tension in Jack and Elizabeth's relationship. Thankfully they were able to find a way through it. Coming out stronger than ever.

Elizabeth was so nervous when she found out both Tom and Julie were attending colleges in the same area of Florida. Things seemed to be good now though, as long as no one brought up that NYC vacation.

The couple headed for home, deciding on a nice long walk on the trails behind their condo. They grabbed Rip, waking up him from a nap and headed out.

Being a work day, the trails weren't very crowded. In fact, they were the only ones out for most of it. They enjoyed the quiet sounds of nature around them as they talked about their thoughts and dreams for the future. Choosing to focus on the good, instead of the scary uncertainty of tomorrow.

"I was thinking… by the time I'll get back, you'll have been teaching at Northeast Elementary for about three years right?"

"That's right."

"Think they'd be willing to give you some leave?"

"I don't see why not. Especially if I gave them enough warning. What are you thinking about?"

"I was thinking… well, that it might be a great time to umm... "

"To start our family?"

"Yeah." Jack stopped walking to face her, not letting go of her hand and smiling bashfully with his dimples. "If you think we're ready when I get back that is."

"I was thinking the same thing. I just didn't want to overwhelm you with the thought right before you leave." She stood up on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek.

"That thought Elizabeth, is part of what's going to keep me going strong till the day I come home." Giving her a quick kiss on her nose they kept walking hand in hand.

They continued along the path till the came to a clearing with a small pond. Jack let Rip off leash allowing him to waddled over under a big maple tree. He quickly decided that place was as good as any for another nap.

Jack and Elizabeth sat nearby on a bench. He wrapped his arm around Elizabeth as she rested her head on his shoulder.

"This is what I want to remember when I'm gone. You and me." He gently kissed the top of her head. "Hmm, and the smell of your hair. What is that anyway?"

"Lavender," she laughed. "I want to remember the warmth of being next to you. The way you're stroking my arm right now." She looks up at him, "The way the light catches in your eyes, and these dimples. I've lost count how many times those dimples have gotten you out of trouble!"

"Oh, I know." He smiled as she laughed, snuggling closer to him. "I love your laugh, and how easy it is for me to get you to smile. I'm going to keep that beautiful smile in my mind until I see you again."

They stayed by the pond for most of the day, continuing to make plans for their future. Not letting their fears and the "what if's" get the best of them.

….

After their walk they headed back out to the cafe. Elizabeth drove to give Jack some time to talk to his mom. Charlotte Thornton was a talker. So for Elizabeth, being able to only her Jack's side of the conversation was entertaining.

"Yes Ma… no… no I'll be fine… yes I packed enough socks… yeah… hu uh, uh hu, no, seriously Mom?! Ok, ok yeah I'll tell her. Love you."

"How is she?" she asked as Jack hung up.

"Oh same as always," he said with a smile. "Told me not to 'sass' my superiors the way I was apparently sassing her." They both laughed. "She also wanted me to tell you that you're welcome to come visit her in Vermont while I'm gone."

"You know I might just do that. I love it up there and your mom."

"I'm glad you guys get along so well. I know she can be a lot to deal with at times."

" Of course Jack, she's your mother. I love her dearly. The only thing is…"

"What?"

"Do you think she'd let me cook if I visit? Or maybe take her out to eat? A person can only eat so many of those… interesting meals."

Jack shook his head and laughed. "Yeah, Mom does seem to think lard belongs in everything."

"Eggs Jack! She put it in eggs!" The two filled the car with laughter.

….

"Lieutenant Thornton!" yelled a young blonde boy as soon as Jack walked into the cafe.

"Hey Cody!" Jack opened his arms giving him a big bear hug, lifting him off the ground. "How was school? Did you have soccer practice today?"

"Yeah. It was alright. I miss baseball though."

"I'm sure you do, it's your favorite. You know I should be back in time to help you with hitting before the next season. What do you say we hit the batting cages when I come back?"

"Really? That would be awesome!" Cody was practically bouncing. "I can't wait."

Elizabeth headed over to the counter to see Abigail. The two women watch the conversation continue between Jack and Cody. Elizabeth couldn't help but smile. She knew without a doubt that Jack would make a wonderful father someday.

"How has the day been going?" Abigail asked, breaking Elizabeth's focus on the boys.

"It's been really nice. As much as I hate what tomorrow will bring, I think we're about as ready as we can be."

"It will be hard, I won't lie to you, but you are two of the strongest most determined people I know. You'll get through this." She placed her hand over Elizabeth's.

Jack and Cody walked over to join them.

"Mrs. Thornton? If you need me to help with Rip while Lieutenant Thornton is away, I can do that for you!"

"That's so sweet Cody, thank you! I have a feeling Rip is going to miss Jack almost as much as I am. It may help him to have a friend."

"Well Cody, let's say our goodbyes so these two can enjoy the rest of their evening."

Jack leaned down and hugged Cody. The boy held on as tight as he could.

"Lieutenant Thorton, can I email you while you're away?" he asked drying his watering eyes with his sleeve.

"Sure you can bud. Though I may not always have internet where I am, so you can send me letters too."

"Ok. Come back soon alright?"

"I will." Jack ruffled Cody's hair and smiled. Fighting back his own tears.

Jack walked over to give Abigail a hug. "You'll take care of her?" he whispered.

Abigail nodded, tears streaming down. She hadn't known Jack for more than a few years, but he was family. They both were. "Of course I will. We're gonna miss you. Be safe."

Watching Jack say his goodbyes was making tomorrow seem more real. Bringing forth a lot of emotions Elizabeth wasn't ready to face just yet.

"Well, we should be going now." Jack took Elizabeth by the hand and began to leave.

"Elizabeth," Abigail called out before the reached the door. "Remember, I'm here for you, okay?"

"I'll remember, thank you. I don't think I'd be able to get through this without you." She was trying her best to hold it together, but felt she was losing that battle.

Seeing the struggling inside her young friend, Abigail went to her, hugging her tight.

The two then walked back out to their car. Elizabeth tried to hide the tears that were now spilling out, but Jack could sense the change in her demeanor without even looking at her. As they reached the car he took hold of Elizabeth arms, gently making her face him.

"Sweetheart?"

Elizabeth kept staring at her shoes. I don't want him to see me cry. I want to be strong for him.

"Elizabeth, look at me." He cradled her face in his hands, wiping the tears with his thumbs. He wanted to make it all better, but feared there was little he could do at this point. He had his orders. Nothing could change that.

"You're leaving tomorrow." She finally choked out. "I've known this would happen. It's part of your job, and yes you've left before. But Jack…"

"I know." He rested his forehead against hers. "Six month is a long time."

"Six to nine…"

"One day at a time okay? We'll write, email, and I'll call or skype when I can."

"It's not the same."

A few moments passed before Jack mustered the courage to say out loud the concern that was eating away at him. Something he'd always worried would happen.

"Do you regret it?" His voice cracked. "Marrying me? Marrying a soldier?"

Elizabeth looked up at Jack in shock. "Jack Thornton don't you ever suggest that." She took his face in her hands now, kissing him with all the love she had inside her. "I will never, EVER regret us. NEVER. You are everything to me. I'm not going to say that I'll ever like this part of the job, because I don't think I will. But Jack, I'm proud to be your wife. I'm proud to be the wife of Lieutenant Jack Thornton. A brave, strong man who's been called to serve his country, to protect what is good."

Jack let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. "I love you. You're amazing, you know that?"

She shook her head. "I don't know about all that, but thank you. I love you too."

"We're going to be okay?"

"Yes. This is hard, really hard. We're okay though. Always."

The rest of their night was spent at home. They had a romantic candlelit dinner of shepherd's pie with cherry cobbler for dessert. As they were cleaning up the kitchen, Elizabeth turned on Pandora to her favorite Jazz station. Jack just stood back for a moment watching her dance around the kitchen singing along to Frank Sinatra's "Summer Winds" as she put dishes away. She was absolutely beautiful. She danced as if she was floating around on a cloud. When the song ended and the next began he took her in his arms for a dance.

"May I have this dance Mrs. Thornton?"

"I'd be delighted Lieutenant."

"Well it's a marvelous night for a moondance

With the stars up above in your eyes

A fantabulous night to make romance

'Neath the cover of October skies"

"You're so beautiful," Jack crooned as he was beginning to get lost in the blue seas of her eyes.

"And all the leaves on the trees are falling

To the sound of the breezes that blow

And I'm trying to please to the calling

Of your heart-strings that play soft and low"

"You're not so bad yourself love." She danced on her tiptoes for a moment to kiss up by his temple. A weak spot for him.

"You know the night's magic

Seems to whisper and hush

And all the soft moonlight

Seems to shine in your blush…"

Elizabeth was swooning. "Moondance. This reminds me of our first real date."

"Can I just have one a' more moondance with you, my love?

Can I just make some more romance with a' you, my love?"

She began to giggle as she glided out the kitchen, into the dining room through to the living room in Jack's arms.

"That was a great night."

"Hmm, yes it was."

"Tonight's better though." He smiled.

"Oh?" She grinned playfully back at him as he twirled her around.

"Well I wanna make love to you tonight

I can't wait till the morning has come

And I know now the time is just right

And straight into my arms you will run"

She melted into him as he pulled her in close. His voice soft and full of desire, "That night I walked you home, kissed you on the cheek goodnight." His lips lingered on her right cheek. "Tonight's different." He moved his lips to cover hers, gently parting them, kissing her fully. "Tonight when this songs over, I get to take you upstairs to our room and do a lot more than kiss you on the cheek."

They didn't wait for the song to end. They didn't even make it out of the living room, the first time anyway.