Wynn Delaney rode quietly through the empty streets of the small town that had become his first posting. While he was young and, oft times brash as youth can be, he was sobered up to the fact that this life that he had chosen was a dangerous one. It had been a year since the landslide incident that had taken the life of the very man who had saved his life. His instructor, and his friend. When he had been offered the posting at Sergeant Thornton's last assigned post he was hesitant to do so, but many hours spent praying and the need to repay his friend made his decision. So with his head held up high and his red surge jacket crisp and clean the twenty-four year old Mountie rode into Hope Valley.

Elizabeth Thornton sat at her desk, gazing out the open side door of the school house. She stared in the general direction of what would have been hers and Jack's home. She remembered the night she had volunteered to help Mr. Peterson and his children when his brother took ill and needed help for a couple days. It was the second night when Jack had stayed. He talked until she had fallen asleep on his arm. He had spoke about what he would like to do when he retired. He wanted kids that ran around the yard, long nights in front of the fire with the woman he loves growing old with him. She had fallen asleep during his monologue. Funny, now he was the one asleep. She was so lost in thought it scared her when she heard a man clear his throat. She looked up to see a handsome Mountie, hat under his arm, his body at attention. "I'm sorry to disturb you but, are you Elizabeth Thornton"? No matter what course her life was on now it still thrilled her to know that, even in death, she was still bound to, in her opinion, the greatest man Good ever put on the earth. Standing up she smoothed her dress and crossed the room to greet the man. "Yes, and you are"?

"Wynn Delaney. I am the new constable for the area. I wanted to come by and, first and foremost, give my condolences to you ma'am. I was one of the men your husband saved during the landslide. He was a very dear friend, and there has never been a finer Mountie". He spoke formally, but there was no mistaking the love and respect for her husband. "Thank you constable".

"Please, call me Wynn".

"Thank you Wynn. I was just about to finish up. If you have would like I could show you the way to Abigail's Café".

"I would like that. Thank you".

Carson Shepard, not one to worry about the state of his home because of visitors, was now bustling with activity tidying up for his sister-in-laws visit. He was rearranging a case on an end table when there came a knock on his door. "It's open", he called. Faith Carter, Carson's nurse and trusted confidante came through the door. Her blonde hair, usually done up in a bun, flowed down her neck, brushing her shoulders. On her arm was a basket lunch that she, meticulously, had packed just for Carson. "My, I don't think I've ever seen this place so neat". He chuckled. "Rhonda is coming to town for her check-up, she arrives the day after tomorrow. I just want to make sure she's comfortable". Faith smiled, remembering how scared Carson had been. It was understandable that he had been hesitant to perform a life or death procedure, the same one that had taken his wife's life, on someone he loved. But she had never doubted for one second that he was capable of performing the procedure. And so much more. Now his sister in-law was mending very well and Carson seemed, happier. As if successfully completing the surgery on his wife's sister had somehow, not made up for the loss, but finally confirmed within his heart that he was not at fault. And deep down, he supposed, he had always known it. But for most of his life he had counted on solid facts to predict an outcome, not like his mother who had relied on her unwavering faith. Even on her death bed she had shown great strength of character and reliance on God. Recently though he had begun to see what his mother had always tried to teach him. Faith in God and faith in yourself go hand in hand. He realized that as he sat waiting for Rhonda to wake up in recovery. His faith in God had allowed him to have faith in himself. And looking into Faith Carter's eyes he saw that she had always had it. She had showed time and time again that her faith in him had never wavered. Shaking her head she sat the basket on the table. "So, I brought you lunch from Abigail's, if you'd like".

"I'd love to". The beaming smile that lit up her face was all it took for Carson to show his own, wide smile. She just did that.

Abigail Stanton, mayor and proprietor of Abigail's Café sat down with Elizabeth and Wynn and chatted up their new constable. What impressed her at the moment was the ferocity that he attacked his dinner. "Slow down Mr. Delaney, there is plenty to eat", she said, a laugh escaping her lips. "I'm sorry ma'am. It's just been so long since I last had a good home cooked meal. I spent four years training then three weeks traveling to get here ". Both Abigail and Elizabeth looked shocked. "Could you not take the train? If you needed funds we would have gladly wired you the travel fare".

"Oh, no ma'am. I just wanted to get aquainted with the countryside before I officially began my service. Here, I mapped out my way here". With that he pulled out several hand drawn maps, each beautifully and skillfully sketched. Elizabeth felt a test creep down her cheek. The maps reminded her so much of Jack. "Who taught you to draw so we'll"? The question was out before she thought. "It was Sargent Thornton. He caught me one night trying to sketch this pretty girl I saw in town one day. He walked up, looked at the sketch, looked at me and said, 'i would recommend drawing from your heart and not your head Wynn'. From that day I have drawn a specific event from my day. He was a real inspiration to me Mrs. Thornton. I can only wish to be half the Mountie he was". This time Elizabeth could do nothing to hold back the tears. Neither Abigail not Wynn said anything as Elizabeth cried. She was still coping with her lose, and she knew she would for a long time. But at least she moved forward, never looking back at what she lost, but looking at what she had. Friends and family who loved her. And her children. How her students cared for her was simply God given. And not to mention the little Thornton growing inside of her. Jack's final gift to her.

"Leeeee, Lee". Rosemary Coulter stormed into her husband's office with the ferocity of a tornado. She found Lee bent over some books on his desk working through numbers. "Leland Coulter you listen up. And put that pen down". Obediently he gazed lovingly at his flustered wife. "What is it "?

"Lee, please don't do anything rash, but I saw Elizabeth walking to Abigail's with a Mountie".

"Wynn? He's our new constable".

"You knew and you didn't tell me"?

"He stopped by earlier and Asked where Elizabeth was". Rosemary huffed and folded her arms, putting on her best pouting face. Here was her best friend getting involved with an unknown man, and not to long after Jack died, and Lee had had the nerve to brush it off. Lee noticed his wife's face and walked around his desk to hold her, her head falling under his chin, taking comfort in the embrace.

Rhonda Bennett stepped down from the stage onto the platform just outside Abigail's Café. She smiled at the town around her, glad to have a reason to visit. She missed this town and, if she was honest, which she always tried to be, she missed Carson. She hadn't realized how much until she came to see him about her tumor. He had always been a good friend to her and she owed him so much, including her life. Turning back to the stage she reached for her bag, just out of reach. Suddenly a long, red sleeved arm reached the bag and brought it to her. As she turned to think whoever it was her eyes met deep blue orbes that gazed back, the man's mouth gaped open, his eyes starstruck as he took in her beautiful hazel eyes. Shaking himself out of her eyes he held his hand out. "Hi, I'm Wynn Delaney, constable of Hope Valley".

"Pleased to meet you constable Delaney. I'm Rhonda Bennett". For a long moment the two stared at each other. Both were aware of it but didn't want to do anything about it. Finally Wynn shook himself back to reality. "I'm sure you're hungry after your long ride, the Café is right here. Would you like to get lunch"? Rhonda smiled at the offer, but more urgent matters called her elsewhere. "I would love to but I have to meet someone in a half hour. I only have time to settle into my room".

"Of course. Maybe some other time"?

"Maybe tomorrow for breakfast"?

"I would love to. Til' tomorrow then, Ms. Bennett".

"Goodbye Mr. Delaney". Each smiled at the other as they turned and walked away. Wynn couldn't help but look back at the beautiful that had so quickly took over his thoughts. He knew what specific event of the day he would draw. If only he could capture the deep beauty and color of those hazel eyes.

Carson stared at Faith, not understanding how he could have missed her this whole time. For so long he had mourned his wife. Faith had been there for him everyday since he had begun practicing medicine again, and she had always been a good friend. But something had changed the night of his birthday, when she had pulled the town together and in a matter of hours put together a party, just for him. He had walked into the saloon and received the biggest surprise in his life, and the biggest smile ever to grace Faith's beautiful face. Now looking at her he decided that was just as good a time as any to tell her.

"Faith"? Looking up from her plate she was met with a nervous looking Carson. She smiled at how boyish he looked. Looking at his face she felt her face blush with anticipation for what he had to say. "Faith, I was wondering if...". But a knock at the door interrupted him. "Excuse me".

"Of course". 'of course', he thought, 'its not like I was about to say that I love you. Of course that's not what I was going to say. What are you thinking Carson'? It was with a perturbed expression that he opened his door and greeted his sister-in-law. His expression didn't go unnoticed by Rhonda who, after noticing a pretty blonde at Carson's table, smiled at him with happiness and joy. She was glad that he was opening his heart again after her sister, his wife, had passed away in front of him. She remembered how broken he was, packing very little belongings and leaving home. She couldn't believe the gall her oldest sister had to blame Carson. They had known from the start that the procedure was in it's infancy and not a guranteed thing. Maybe Carson was a little prideful in his skill, but he was the best choice for the operation. And she still believed that to be true. And she was right. It was because of him that she now stood in front of her brother and was happy for him.

Abigail Stanton smiled as she heard Cody's quick, heavy footsteps move down the stairs. Never once had she regretted adopting him and Becky. Losing Peter and Noah had been a hard blow to her and she missed them everyday. But her children had been an amazing salve to her heart. As well as her best friend, Elizabeth. It was Elizabeth first who had brought light back to her life. Soon after followed Jack. Dear Jack. How they missed him. He had become a good friend to her and,in some ways, he was like a son to her. And now he was gone. It was like losing Peter all over again. But now there was a baby Thornton on the way and Elizabeth was getting her old pep back. Though, as she well knew, it would never be the same.

"Carson, Rosemary's here with, and I quote, severe morning breath". Carson looked up with intense confusion. "What"?

"She's been throwing up and doesn't want anyone to know".

"Ah, send her in". Carson couldn't help but smile as he watched Rosemary walk in, hand covering her mouth lightly, talking with Faith as she did. "I feel fine I just don't understand why this is happening". Carson had a sneaking suspicion about what it was and after sharing a look with Faith, a little longer than necessary, guessed that she had the same thought. "So Rosemary, how can I help"? Rosemary sat as gingerly as possible, even more than the grace with which she usually did. "Carson, Faith we're friends and I can trust you".

"Of course Rosemary. Besides we have doctor patient confidentiality. So what's wrong".

"Well, besides the smell of cooked eggs making me sick, I'm late".

"As in..."

"Yes. I think I'm... pregnant".

"Well, Rosemary that's wonderful", Faith exclaimed, her eyes gleaming with the joy she felt for her friend. However, Rosemary's quick look stopped her joy in it's track. "No, it's horrible. Lee and I have been planning a trip for weeks now and I had my wardrobe planned out for the trip, I can't just change that. Everything is specific".

"Well, as long as the trip is soon and doesn't take three months you won't be showing".

Rosemary gave a sigh of relief as she stood, offering her hand to Carson. "Thank you so much Carson. You can't imagine the many nights of worry you've spared Lee and myself". Carson took her hand gently and smiled a knowing smile. "Oh, I have an inkling".

As far as Wynn Delaney was concerned Rhonda Bennett may as well be an angel come to earth. In his hands was his specific event put to paper. The waste bin was littered with crumpled pages that were incorrect. No matter how he tried he could not capture the complete and total beauty of her eyes. So he drew her how he had first seen her. From the back. Even so, she still took his breath away.

Henry Gowan had never been the most popular man in town. For his entire life in Hope Valley, and even before, had been full of corruption and greed. It was a well known fact that his assention to the mayoral office was less than honorable; but it had done one thing for the man. It had led him to Abigail Stanton and her steadfast, if not mule headed, morality and honor. For some reason she had not given up on him and not even he could deny how much better a man he was because of her. He had sold his grand home and purchased a piece of land and was currently building a new, smaller home to live in. No, he was most certainly not who he was before and, by God's grace, he never would be again.

Elizabeth sat in Abigail's living room, the older woman moving around her kitchen preparing Elizabeth's requested apple and cinnamon cookies with coffee icing. "I have to say Elizabeth," Abigail said, wiping her forehead, "this has to be the craziest craving I've ever heard of".

"I'm sorry, I don't even know how I thought of it". Her mouth was already stuffed with a sugar cookie and her hand was already reaching for another. Beside the plate sat an unopened letter from Charles Kensington. It had been a few years since Charles had last been seen around Hope Valley. The letter had been Elizabeth's reason for visiting Abigail, the food was just an added bonus to her friends companionship and wisdom. As Abigail pulled the cookies from the oven and began to plate them she noticed Elizabeth pick up the envelope and stare at it. "Are you going to open it"?

"What if I read something I don't like"?

"Unanswered worries are worse than unnecessary precautions Elizabeth. I remembered Charles being a very nice man. I don't know him as well as you do, but I believe he would be very respectful". A tear ran down Elizabeth's face. "He would be". Taking a breath and steeling her nerves Elizabeth opened the letter.

Dear Elizabeth

Despite the circumstance of this letter I pray it finds you well and in good health. It caused me great sorrow to hear of the loss of Constable Thornton. We may have been at odds for your hand, but he was a great man and I could think of no one better to have shared your love. It was this news that had halted my previous letter. It was to inform you that I have chosen to take up my own law practice and I have chosen to do so in Hope Valley. Upon hearing of Hope Valley's previous legal plight it would be prudent of me to offer my legal services. I am aware that you are close friends with Mayor Stanton and it would done a great service if you could please inform her of my thoughts and plans for my practice in Hope Valley.

Onto the subject of your family; your mother, as ever, is a font of energy and wisdom, albeit not always wise but certainly always witty, your father sends his love for you and your child. It heartens my heart to hear this wonderful news. Julie, well, what can I say. She continues to raise trouble, however her newfound portraits and paintings have done a wonderfull work and have brightened the day of the children at the hospital. It seems working with your own students have inspired a love for teaching as she has been employed to teach a weekly class at the hospital. We all miss you, and I hope to see you in the coming months.

Sincerely

Charles Kensington

P.S.

Tom has been visiting Julie very often. I sense a wedding coming in the near future.

Carson stared into the mirror, facing a complete stranger in the mirror. Hair combed over and wearing a suit he may as well have been in a casket. "Rhonda, I don't know why your making me dress like this". From upstairs Rhonda's bell like voice trickled down. "Because you are the best thing to happen to Faith and you need to show her that".

"Couldn't I do that without the suit"? With a face of horror Rhonda appeared on the stairway, dressed up herself. "Carson Shepard, either you wear the suit or I make you dinner for a month".

"With your cooking, I'll take my chances with the suit".

"That's what I thought, now get out of here, I have my own picnic lunch to prepare for".

"Would this picnic happen to be with a certain young mountie"? The visible blush told Carson all he needed to know. His sister-in-law definitely had feelings for their new Constable. He just prayed they both were smart about their feelings for each other and approached a relationship, whatever it may be, clearly and on the same page.

Rhonda's early arrival at the mountie office meant she got to witness Wynn's rushed departure from the office with a rushed, "I'm sorry about this Rhonda, I'll explain when I get back". With that he holstered his rifle, mounted his horse and set of at a hurried pace. "I'm afraid it doesn't get any easier watching him ride off like that", Elizabeth said, walking up to her new friend. Rhonda looked at her with worried eyes. "Does anything involving a Mountie get better"? Elizabeth smiled, all of a sudden feeling like Abigail. "The more you love them the easier it gets to tame them. Though you can never tame them completely".