Chapter 1: Christmas Eve
It was a cold, lustery day in Hope Vally. Christmas Eve was the date to be exact. Elizabeth had just finished rehearsing the Christmas day skit with the children.
She was told to come for the tree lighting ceremony. "I will be right there, I need to write a letter to Jack and grab my shawl".
"My dearest Jack" she began. Tears began to fall unbidden with just the start of the letter. Being away from her Fiancee on Christmas was the hardest thing ever.
"So much is happening in Hope Valley. Rosemary and Lee are expecting a baby! I am the ONLY person in town that knows right now (it's a Christmas surprise for the town).
I do however have her permission to tell you as you aren't here. Rip passed away, he just refused to eat and drink Bill said. I think his heart was broken with you being gone.
I know mine is, but I carry on as I KNOW I must. Jack, I miss you so much it hurts. I wish you could be here to see the Christmas Parade after the Tree Lighting ceremony and the children tomorrow.
The children tell me frequently they "miss Mountie Jack", though I don't think anyone in Hope Valley feels your absence QUITE the way I do. Cody said he hopes you make it home as it just isn't Christmas without you.
Boy do I EVER know that! Every day you are gone my heart aches for you a little bit more. I long to feel your embrace and have you kiss me. I know you are up North fighting the good fight, doing your duty. You told me being with a mountie wasn't going to be easy. I see that, and yet I wouldn't change a moment of it Jack. I realize you will NEVER be able to stay home with me forever. Duty will call you away again, but I know you will be home when you can. Know that no one misses you as much as I do my love. I long to see you, my greatest wish is that you would be home for Christmas. That we could share a kiss as passionate as last Christmas after the Mountie Ball.
I would write more, but someone is at the door and I must go. Probably time for the tree lighting ceremony. Come home safe Jack and never forget that I love you. You are my everything! Your Elizabeth.
As Elizabeth signed her name, the knocking intensified. "Just a minute she called" wondering to herself who it could be at this hour on Christmas eve. It was about 9 at night, her letter had taken her 2 hours to write.
She supposed she'd missed the tree lighting. Elizabeth dried the tears that had been falling and started to open the door with a "How may I help you?" Before she had the door open all the way, she heard a "Yes Elizabeth (whispered)
You can kiss me the way you did the day I left". The voice came from the shadows and Elizabeth stalled in opening the door. "It can't be Jack" she said to herself "I must be dreaming, Jack would have written or telegraphed if he was able to come home for Christmas. There is no way he is here. And yet that voice sounds JUST like him." Since the door was partly open and Elizabeth was frozen in thought, the visitor opened the door all the way. Elizabeth took a step back as she wondered who would be bold enough to do that. "JACK!" she exclaimed excitedly. It was her fiance Jack Thornton surprising her for Christmas. "Hello Elizabeth, are you going to stand there all night talking to yourself or are you going to kiss me?" He reached out his arms and Elizabeth ran into them "Oh Jack I thought I was dreaming" she said as she kissed him passionately. He grabbed onto her and ran his fingers through her hair and carressed her cheek. He didn't want to let go. "I've missed you so my sweet, sweet Elizabeth". The last word, which was whispered, sent a shiver through her body. He grabbed her hand that her engagement ring sat on and kissed it. "I see you haven't given up on me, or the promise we made to each other". "Oh Jack! I told you I would be here when you came home, and I am. I want to be Mrs. Thornton, I will wait, rather impatiently, but I WILL wait".
Elizabeth threw her arms around Jack and kissed him more passionately than before. He pulled her tightly to him almost crushing her while he closed the door with his foot. "Can't let the snow in sweetheart". Elizabeth didn't even know it had started to snow, nor did she care. She was caught up in her fiancee. "Oh how I've missed you so Jack!" she said, finally breaking the kiss. "I know you have to go back up north but a part of me wishes you could stay here with me. I miss you so much my love". "I know Elizabeth, I feel the same way. It's taking every ounce of control I have to not beg to stay with you tonight. When you kiss me like that, it does things to me sweetheart. I rather like the feeling. I can't wait until I can be your husband and it be PROPER for me to stay with you and kiss you all night".
Elizabeth liked the fact that since Jack had been gone to war he had become bolder with his speech. He wasn't as reserved when it was just the two of them. Suddenly she realized she could give Jack his Christmas present now.
"Jack, let me go" He was still clinging to her. Jack released his grip and she ran to grab his present. Hiding it behind her back, she started. "Jack, I hate to have to tell you this, but well read this letter first". Jack read the letter and upon learning about Rip, he started crying. "But it's ok Jack, I am sure it's too soon, but I bought you a Christmas Gift. We can raise him together if you'd like" Elizabeth pulled the surprise, a PUPPY from behind her.
"Merry Christmas Jack" Elizabeth said. Another knock came at the door, Elizabeth answered and was greeted by Abigail who was beaming ear to ear. "Well I see you got your Christmas Present. Do hurry they are about to light the tree".
"Abigail did you know about this"? Elizabeth inquired, she was VERY curious now how many people knew and were keeping Jack's secret. "Yes, but we will talk after the tree lighting, do hurry!"
Elizabeth grabbed Jack by the hand and rushed out the door forgetting her shawl. Seeing that she was shivering in the gently falling snow, Jack took off his jacket and put it around Elizabeth. "We have to keep you warm my sweetheart"
he said. "Jack you are so sweet. I have missed you!" Elizabeth said and then kissed him once again before they both had to break away to go to the tree lighting. During the tree lighting ceremony Rosemary asked for the town's attention.
"Ladies and Gentleman" she said "Lee and I have an announcement to make. First and foremost, and most importantly Constable Jack Thornton is home on Christmas leave. He brings with him a mountie needing Christmas inspiration." The entire crowd started clapping and cheering for Jack. Well wishes and hugs were exchanged by those closest to Jack and Elizabeth. "That being said, and NOT taking away from Jack's moment, Lee and I have an announcement. We are going to be parents. We decided we would like to tell all of our friends together. Merry Christmas all!" The town erupted into cheers again. The tree was lit and the entire town suddenly became more festive. Somehow having Jack home and hearing Rosemary's news put everyone in the Christmas spirit.