Home

It was early December and the snow was coming down in full force throughout the Canadian frontier. Mountie Jack Thornton rode his horse as fast as he could through the thick woods, pushing head on into the cold night towards the next town. It was just a few days prior that he had been released from his duties in the Northern territories after many long months and sent on his way. New orders in hand.

"The next town should be up just up ahead. Maybe we should stop for the night," Constable Michael Gleason suggested as he, Jack, and another Mountie friend rounded the next bend.

"Sounds good by me. What I wouldn't give for a warm cup of coffee right now," Constable Johnson added. "What do you say, Jack? Bunk in the next town with us? You can head straight out to Hope Valley in the morning. Maybe this storm will pass by then too."

Jack looked ahead, contemplating their words. "If it's all the same to you gentlemen, I think I'll keep on through the next town."

"Come on Jack, your fiancé can wait one more day," Johnson teased.

"Maybe, but I can't."

"I don't know, Johnson," Gleason piped in with a grin. "When I made my stop in Hope Valley after the Union City assignment, she seemed awfully eager for his return."

"That's right! You met our dear friend's love, didn't you," Johnson chuckled, smacking Jack on the shoulder.

"I did. I'd be eager to get back too if I was you, Jack. At least have a quick bite with us and rest your horse. You'll be no good to Ms. Thatcher if you die on the trail."

Gleason's words annoyed Jack, but they weren't without merit. They'd been riding hard for a few days now. A little rest might be good.

"Alright. One meal and then I'm off." With that the men continued on through the snow, eager for a break.

Jack couldn't help but think about reuniting with Elizabeth. How would it go? Would she be wearing that outfit he loved so much? Or maybe something new? What would her reaction be to seeing him? All those thoughts kept him moving on, despite the frigid cold.

He had been in such a hurry when he left that he neglected to send word of his return. He grinned like a mad man when thinking of how surprised she'd be. She wasn't one for surprises generally, but this was such a good one. He knew she wouldn't hold it against him long.

A couple hours later the trio of Mounties reached a small farming town. It reminded Jack of Hope Valley in a number of ways. They walked into the saloon and all eyes turned to face them.

"Constables. What brings you three to our quiet town?" the bartender asked.

"Just passing through, sir," Jack responded. "Constable Jack Thornton. This is Constables Gleason and Johnson." They all shook the man's hand.

"You three returning from the chaos up north? I read about it in the papers. Mighty fine job you boys did."

"Thank you sir. All part of the job," Gleason humbly stated.

"Well, come sit and rest a bit. Coffee and stew sound alright for you boys? On the house for your service."

"Well, now that sounds mighty generous. Are you sure?" Johnson questioned. The man nodded and went to retrieve their food as the men took their seats at one of the empty round tables.

"So Jack, what are your plans for when you get back to Hope Valley?" asked Gleason.

Jack thanked the bartender as he placed the coffee pot and cups in front of them before answering.

"Kiss Elizabeth, eat one of Abigail's scones, sleep in a real bed, and get married. In no particular order."

The men laughed.

"I'm looking forward to a real hot bath," Gleason added. "And yeah, sleeping in a real bed sounds like heaven."

"I still can't believe you're actually getting married, Thornton. You're a Mountie for heaven's sake," Johnson just shook his head.

"You didn't see her, Johnson. I'd marry her too, without question," Gleason said with a smile.

"Not a chance, Gleason," Jack smacked Gleason jokingly upside his head. "As for you, Johnson, she gives my life meaning. One day, you'll see."

"Unlikely, but I suppose if you're happy, I'll be happy for you." He held up his mug, clinking it with Jack's.

They enjoyed a hearty meal and managed to rope Jack into a quick game of cards. Saying that Jack's horse, Sergeant, could probably use a little more resting in the stables.

When the game ended, Jack, now a little richer, bid his friends farewell.

"Safe travels my friends," he said shaking their hands.

"You, as well," Johnson smiled. "We'll see you at our next assignment."

Jack sighed. "Yeah, should be interesting."

….

Back in Hope Valley, Elizabeth sat in Abigail's cafe like she did most nights. She enjoyed being surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the town as opposed to the quietness of the row house. The dinner rush was long over at this point as Abigail walked back out into the dining room.

"Elizabeth, are you alright?" Abigail asked. Observing her friends untouched pie and far off stare. "Elizabeth?"

"What? I'm sorry Abigail, did you say something?"

"You've seemed lost in thought this evening. I wondered if you were alright?"

"I'm alright. Oh! This pie looks lovely," she said having just noticed the piece Abigail had placed there almost 20 minutes before.

Abigail excused herself for a moment, asking Clara to fill in for a bit while she talked to Elizabeth.

"Alright now," she said taking the seat across from Elizabeth. "Tell me what's on your mind. You've been staring at nothing for a while now and didn't even notice the pie. You love blueberry pie."

"It's been so long, Abigail. I just can't help but worry this fighting will never end."

"I figured this was about Jack. When did you last hear from him?"

"It's been a while. I've been thinking about our last Christmas together."

"The Mountie Ball in the saloon?" Abigail smiled.

"It was so romantic," she sighed. "And now it's almost Christmas time and here I am. Alone."

"Oh Elizabeth, you're never alone!" She reached across the table taking her friend's hand. "You have me, and Rosemary and Lee and Faith. Not to mention your students!"

"I know, and I'm so grateful. It's just…"

"It's not the same."

"No."

"Well, Christmas is still a couple weeks away. You never know what the season will bring."

….

Miles away Jack's thoughts remained focused on home as he urged Sergeant up a steep hill. Careful not to push the faithful steed to the point of injury, but just enough to keep pressing on through the cold.

Normally he would have stopped and made camp for the night with all this snow, but not today. He was almost home. Home to Hope Valley, home to Elizabeth. Nothing was more important to him than reuniting with her. From what he could see, he was only a few hours out.

"Come on Sergeant. Almost home, my friend. I'll make sure there's a bucket of carrots in your future for all this." He pushed the horse further along the deep, snow-covered trails toward home, hearing nothing but the sounds of the wind and snow as they went.

….

Elizabeth sat in her living room later that night. Tea and a good book in hand. It was well past her normal bedtime, but as usual she just couldn't sleep. It had been so long since she had last heard word from Jack. She knew that even if he'd sent letters recently, the snow they'd been getting would have surely slowed their delivery. She couldn't help but worry if he was safe or warm.

A week prior, the papers had reported that the chaos in the Northern territories was finally ending. There were still groups here and there causing trouble of course, but the overall problem had been dealt with. Jack, as well as a few other Mounties had been listed for their notable contribution to the cause. She was so proud of him, and could only hope that he'd come home to her soon.

Her thoughts of Jack began pulling her attention away from her novel. She pulled out his last letter to her from the pages of her book, and began to read.

My dearest Elizabeth,

I'm sorry I haven't been able to find more time to write you these past two months. Know that regardless, you are always on my heart and mind. Without you I don't know that I would ever make it through this. I keep holding onto the hope that one day soon I will return to you. Times here have been hard. I dare say we are finally making some real progress though.

One thing has been abundantly clear to me in my time here, and that is that life is short, and unpredictable. When I return, I plan on wasting no time making you my wife. I don't want to spend anymore time without you then I have to.

I love you always, Jack

"I'm ready, Jack. I'm ready to be your wife." She wiped a stray tear from her cheek before placing the note back into the book.

She longed to feel his strong arms wrapped around her, holding her close. Or to see the way he looked at her and her alone. As if she was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen. She had spent most of her nights remembering their last night together in the church. Others she'd spent dreaming of the life they'd have together. It all left a strong desire for him in her heart. He just had to come home first so they could take that next step together.

Suddenly the clock chimed in the late hour of the night. She got up, placing her tea cup in the kitchen and began ascending the stairs for the night. She was halfway up before realizing she had left the lamp on in the living room.

Just as she turned to head back down stairs there was a knock at the door. Frightened, she rushed down quietly to the bottom of the stairs, grabbing the cast iron pan from the wall. It was well past time for anyone to come calling.

The visitor knock again and again as she sat quietly.

After the third knock she heard a voice. "Elizabeth?" The voice took her by surprise.

"Jack?" She gasped. She dropped the pan and rushed to the door flinging it open. It was him. Before she could even get a good look at him, she was in his arms.

Jack took a deep breath, taking her all in. She was overwhelming. Her scent, her touch, he was finally home.

"Are you really here?" she whispered when she finally found her voice.

"Yes." He slowly lowered his face, wanting so desperately to feel her lips on his. His nervousness surprised him. This was his Elizabeth. The women he'd been dreaming about and wanting for months.

He kissed her shyly at first, pulling away slightly only to kiss her again, harder. He encouraged her lips apart with his own, deepening the kiss. It was the kiss they'd been waiting for. One filled with all the love and passion they'd been holding inside for months.

He lifted her feet off the ground, carrying her further into the house. Once fully inside, he kicked the door closed behind him, not letting go of Elizabeth for a moment.

She was in heaven. Feeling him so close. Her soft form conforming to his strong one. This was how it should be.

"You are so beautiful," he whispered against her lips as he pulled back slightly.

Inside he was kicking himself for not marrying her before he left. If he had, he'd be taking her upstairs and showing her just how much he'd loved and missed her. He looked into her eyes and immediately realized she felt the same way. Ever the gentleman, he took a small step back, resting his forehead against hers. He didn't want to let go. Not yet.

Just when he thought he had himself under control she moved her hands from his face, down his arms and around his back. Holding him tightly against her soft body. He kissed her again and again. Both enjoying the long loving kisses.

"Tea?" she asked minutes later when they'd pulled apart slightly for air, still holding each other tight.

"Sure."

She walked away, only letting go of his hand when the distance required it. He took off his red jacket, hanging it by the door.

She watched as he walked back towards her in the kitchen. Running his fingers through his hair. It made her heart race.

He looked up at her standing in the kitchen. Just then noticing her nightclothes, which showed off her incredible form.

Jack sat down at what had been his usual seat at her table. She placed a tea cup in front of him, and moved towards her own seat.

"Come here," he whispered, pulling her down onto his lap. She giggled as his lips found the soft skin on her neck. "I love you, Elizabeth."

"I love you, Jack."

They sat there for a long moment before Elizabeth asked the question she feared the answer to.

"Are you home for good?"

"Yes." She sighed with relief. "Well… no actually."

She pulled back to look at him, confused. "Jack, what do you mean?"

He sighed, he'd hoped to wait a little bit longer for this part of the conversation. "I have new orders already."

Her hands fell from his neck to her lap. She couldn't believe it. He was finally home, right there in front of her and he was being ordered away again. It was just too much to bear as the tears began to fall from her eyes like a waterfall.

"Elizabeth." He reached for her, but she pulled away. Removing herself from his lap and pacing in front of him.

"You're leaving me again."

"No," he spoke softly, moving to wipe away her tears. "I'm not leaving without you this time."

"I don't understand," she said slowly.

"I was given new orders, but I told my superiors I would only take the assignment if my soon to be wife came with me." He smiled down at her, showing her his dimples for the first time in months.

She returned his smile, standing up on her tiptoes to kiss him slowly. Jack moved his hand from her face and wrapped his arms around her slender waist pulling her as close as their bodies would allow. The feeling of her without the layers of fabric she'd normally wear excited him to the core. He kissed her how he'd only dreamed of kissing her, fully and with little to nothing holding him back.

"Where are we going?" she finally asked when they broke again for air.

He cleared his throat. Pulling his orders out of his back pocket and handing them to her. He watched as she unfolded the worn piece of paper.

"Hamilton?" she said dryly. "You have orders to go to Hamilton?"

He nodded. "They've asked three Mounties that served in the North to go to Hamilton to be apart of a discussion on how to prevent situations like this from happening again. Also to come up with a plan on what we need to do from now on in the North."

"Hamilton?" she repeated.

He nodded. "There's a big headquarters located there. A number of our highest ranked officers are there as well. I'm needed to report for duty in two weeks. It's only for a month or two. In theory anyway."

Elizabeth's mind raced. She wasn't the same girl who left Hamilton four, almost five, years ago. She wasn't even the same women who left Hamilton after the last time she visited. She was Elizabeth Thatcher, soon to be Thornton of Hope Valley. What would her parents say? What would they expect of her upon her return?

Jack had similar concerns. He knew things between Elizabeth and her parents were different since she'd accepted his proposal. It never occurred to him before this that he'd be stationed, for however short, in Hamilton. Now that it was happening, he had no desire to repeat any part of their last visit there. As a couple, they were solid, and could face anything, but it didn't mean he wanted to push their luck.

He looked into her eyes, seeing the wheels spinning. Taking her back in his arms he kissed her lips softly, speaking to her in a sweet calming voice she'd missed and loved dearly.

"I meant what I said, Elizabeth. Come with me. As my wife."

She looked up and smiled.

"Yes."