Author's Note: Hopefully, this time I post, nothing goes crazy on the site! If you read my last chapter and left a comment, would you let me know? Not sure if the site ate the comments or what! LOL. I'd love to hear what you thought about the reunion.

Also! I started to write an Epilogue, but then I thought… what about a sequel instead? Would you be interested in reading what happens in the year following the homecoming? Let me know! I'll even give you a sneak peek into the first chapter of the sequel: New Beginnings

Sneak Peek: New Beginnings: A Sequel to Return to Me

August 1917

It had been a few weeks since Jack and Lee's return home to Hope Valley. Life was starting the settle down once more. But for Elizabeth, a piece of her heart struggled with a decision she needed to make soon and quickly. Jack had taken Kate out to town for the morning so that Elizabeth could do a few things around the house, plus Jack used any excuse he could to have "father-daughter" bonding. Elizabeth set the broom aside, grabbed a pen and left a note for Jack so he didn't worry about where she was. She stopped to pet Rip and Darcy, who were lounging on the front porch and headed on her way. The path forked and rather than going right to town, she went straight. Right towards the schoolhouse. School wouldn't start for another several weeks. However, Elizabeth a tug to go to the schoolhouse. As she reached the steps of the schoolhouse, she looked up at the beautiful white building. Teaching meant so much to her. This was where she taught students, not just writing, reading, and arithmetic, but kindness, thankfulness, teamwork, and empathy. This is where laughter rang out and where hugs were given.

Elizabeth walked down the aisle, touching each desk. Elizabeth could name all the students she taught over the years— even the ones who had come and gone. Like Bo, Wyatt, Gem, Rosaleen, Rachel, Cassandra, Gabe, Miles, Albert, and so many more. She watched other students grow physically and mentally, like Cody, Robert, Opal, Phillip, Emily, Hattie, and Anna. She watched other students achieve their dreams like Becky.

Elizabeth walked around to the desk. The cowbell that Jack had gotten her several years before still sat there and she still didn't have an official school bell. But that was okay. Elizabeth didn't have the heart to replace the silly cowbell. She opened the top drawer and started pulling things out. Old readers, and old slate, pencils, chalk. There were a few photographs of each class she had taught since arriving in Hope Valley. Then she pulled out a large card. Elizabeth smiled as a teardrop fell. She quickly wiped her eyes and opened the card slowly.

"You brought sunshine to our lives."

This card was given to her from the very first students she taught. Elizabeth closed her eyes and held the card close to her heart. And that was the exact reason why making the decision to stop teaching so hard.

The door to the schoolhouse creaked open. Elizabeth opened her eyes expecting to see students walk through, out of habit, but it wasn't. It was just Jack. He headed down the aisle to meet her at the front of the classroom.

Jack smiled at Elizabeth and said, "Kate is with Rosemary. I dropped her off when I saw your note." Jack led her to the front pew and they sat down. He turned to face her. "What's going through your mind, sweetheart?" Elizabeth stayed facing forward, staring at the teacher's desk and chalkboard in front of them. She sighed.

"I have to give up teaching."

Jack nodded. He had a feeling this was what she had been struggling with. Ever since Mayor Gowen asked Elizabeth if she would continue to teach, Elizabeth had seemed lost in thought and almost distant. As though something was bothering her.
"You don't have to give it up," Jack said. "It's what you love."

Elizabeth turned and faced him. "It is. But my family. I love my family more."

"Elizabeth." Jack took Elizabeth's hand in his. "You don't have to give teaching up. Abigail and Rosemary have said that they can watch Kate while you teach, and I can always take time off." He rubbed her hand gently. "You don't have to give up your passion and calling."

"But Jack—" Elizabeth said, tears forming, "What if my passion and calling has changed? My heart longs to be home and raise Kate and the other children we may have." After having Kate, Elizabeth discovered a new-found joy she had never experienced before— motherhood. She loved her dear little girl. She loved watching her grow and discover the world around her. She enjoyed every moment of motherhood. When Elizabeth realized that teaching would take up so much of her time, that's when Elizabeth started to re-evaluate her priorities. She certainly did not want to quit altogether, but then Elizabeth realized, she would always be teaching. She would be teaching her children as they grow. And Elizabeth could tutor the children as needed. So, she wasn't completely throwing her love for teaching out the window. But still. Teaching was everything she had ever known and loved. To resign was stepping into the world of the unknown. But, wasn't that life? Life didn't always pan out the way she thought it would— in fact, it turned out better than she could have ever dreamed. To resign also meant to take that leap of faith into the unknown.

"And that's okay too," Jack said interrupting her thoughts. "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." Jack quoted Ecclesiastes 3.

Elizabeth sighed. She handed Jack the card. He opened it and remembered that particular day the students gave her the card. It was the same day that Haley's Comet passed over Hope Valley, and it was the same day they solidified their relationship. Jack read the note inside. No wonder Elizabeth struggled with making this decision. She loved each and every one of those children as her own. She seemed to read his thoughts. "But the children— they make it so hard."

Jack nodded. "Whatever you decide, I'll support you."

Elizabeth closed her eyes for a moment and nodded. She knew what needed to be done. "I think it's time. At least for now."

**Author's Note: Thank you again so much for reading! I appreciate all the encouragement throughout the writing of this story. Here's to an exciting season 5!