"I should have been there. Doug went in my place, please forgive me…"
Elizabeth had excused herself giving Jack and Doug's mother the privacy she felt they needed and if she were to be completely honest, his words had knocked the wind from her..
It wasn't until he had walked Doug's mother out to her carriage did it occur to Jack that Elizabeth had slipped out. Worriedly he had grabbed his hat and headed over to Abigail's knowing she was trying to give them privacy.
"I'm sorry Jack, I haven't seen her since this afternoon. Is everything alright?"
"Yes," his words said, but his eyes conveying the opposite.
"She's worried about you. She knows you blame yourself, and I think there's a part of her that is scared that you blame her." Jack looked up sharply, alarmed by the idea that she would think that.
"I would never,"
"Jack, she knows that. She also knows you're in a battle with yourself."
"I'm going to go find her."
Elizabeth knew that Jack would immediately sought her out the moment he realised she was gone. His words were on repeat in her mind. She found herself walking past her home instead of going into it. She knew she was buying herself time. Bracing herself for the conversation they were about to have.
Jack noticed as he neared her house that it was dark and empty therefore he knew as he knocked that she was not home. When there was no answer, he sprinted to the school house hoping to find her there.
He panicked to find the school house was empty too. He had racked his brain for places she could be but could not find her. In the end he found her sitting outside on the steps of the jail.
"Elizabeth, where have you been? I have been looking everywhere for you." He said rushing towards her. Elizabeth looked up, shaking the cobwebs of her thoughts from her mind.
"I'm sorry, I just wanted to give you some time. I didn't mean to worry you." She said absently. Jack placed his hand on her cheek trying to bring her back.
"Elizabeth," she took a breath before meeting his gaze,
"You want to go don't you?"
"I have to." He dropped his gaze unable to look at her as he answered.
"I know." She replied softly. He looked at her watched the bravery behind the unshed tears. She held the hand that rested so tenderly on her cheek.
"Take me with you." She found herself pleading, the idea of being separated from him unthinkable. Jack brought his forehead to hers.
"No, because this is where you need to be. God called you to be here." She nodded dejectedly. It was a long shot, and she knew it.
"When?"
"Day after tomorrow,"
"For how long?" Jack swallowed,
"It's an indefinite post." Elizabeth's hand released his from her face and stood to her feet. Her movement was unexpected and determined that it took a second for him to register. With long strides Elizabeth walked away hurriedly without a word no longer in control of the tears that began to pour down her cheeks without permission. It took two strides for Jack to reach her,
"Elizabeth," he pleaded but she refused to listen. Propriety be dammed, he wrapped his arms around her waist holding her in place.
"Let me go, please." Wriggling out of his grasp. He loosened his hold on her only to turn her to face him.
"You are everything to me, I'll be back. You have my heart. This is my home." But as he said the words, he saw how he had broken her heart, how he potentially had broken them.
"Just let me go. I can't do this with you right now." Elizabeth broke free from his grasp and ran home.
He followed her to make sure that she got there safely. As she slammed the door behind her, he could hear the gut wrenching sobs that came out of her. His heart felt as though someone had set fire to it. He sat on her porch stairs, listening to her, unable to leave. Wanting nothing more than to break down her door and wrap his arms around her, beg her to forgive him and promise not to leave her, but he couldn't.
Both Lee and Rosemary could hear the sobbing through their paper thin walls and Lee eventually joined his friend on the porch. Wordlessly he had handed him a glass of whiskey. Whilst Rosemary thought they were just in a fight, he knew that Elizabeth's sobs were a result of the decision Jack had struggled to make.
The sobbing had quietened but Elizabeth had yet to light a candle, her row house remained dark from the moment she had walked in. Jack had waited for another half hour before going to check on her. He handed the glass to Lee before using his key to let himself into Elizabeth's row house. The sight of her on her couch clutching a pillow to her chest asleep almost broke him knowing she had cried herself to sleep fearing that he was catching a glimpse of what he was leaving behind. He grabbed the blanket draped on the back of her couch and tucked her in. He caressed her hair gently, trying not to wake her.
"You're breaking my heart. You have to know that I don't want to leave you. That leaving you, is like leaving behind a vital organ. Elizabeth Thatcher, you are my life. I need you to hold on to us. To fight for us. I need you to fight. Please," he whispered.
"I love you Elizabeth," he brought his lips to her forehead before standing to his feet. He paused by the door to watch her for a moment, as though he was taking a picture with his heart. Reluctantly, he closed the door behind him and Lee stood from where he remained sitting on the porch. Jack looked at his friend gratefully.
"I'm going to pack. I want to get everything done whilst she's asleep, so that tomorrow I can just be with her. With or without her permission I am going to glue myself to her." Lee smiled,
"Don't take no for an answer."
"You'll keep an eye out for her,"
"Both eyes, Rosemary and the whole town will too. But yes, I will take care of her for you. I promise."
"Thank you Lee."
"Of course."
Jack had spent the next couple of hours packing and preparing for the day ahead. He checked on Elizabeth again after he had packed and found that she had not moved. He went back to the jail to catch a couple of hours sleep.
Elizabeth woke to find herself tucked in and knew that Jack had been there to do that. As she got up, she noticed that there was a breakfast plate on the table, hot coffee and leaning against the small vase with a rose lay an envelope,
"Eat, get dressed and take a walk with me." As much as her heart hurt, she smiled at his thoughtfulness. She knew that he was doing the right thing, that there was no other way. But she was going to miss him and didn't want to lose him. She was so scared of the danger he was walking into. How she could lose him, the way Doug was lost. Taking a breath and conjuring up as much courage as she could. She ate a bite of the breakfast before getting ready for the day.
As she stepped out of her door she found him sitting on the stairs waiting for her to come out. Without saying a word, he had held his hand out to her. She took it with a small smile, she stepped closer to him and dropped a kiss to his cheek,
"Thank you for tucking me in, and for breakfast."
"You're welcome," he replied with a smile.
It was a quiet but comfortable walk to his land, as they neared he could feel her demeanour change. Inwardly he begged her to hold on, to not bolt. Elizabeth couldn't bear to see his land, to her it felt like a promise that would never be fulfilled. As they stood at the very spot where he had told her that he had bought the property and the promise of a future he envisioned for them she felt her heart tighten. She closed her eyes trying to find bravery within her to stand there with him and convey the faith she was struggling to hold on to. She knew he was trying to remind her of that promise of tomorrow they had talked about.
"Elizabeth," he said quietly trying to coax her out of her thoughts. She took a deep breath before opening her eyes to meet his heartbreaking gaze.
"I don't know if it's fair of me to ask you to wait, I know it isn't…" he began and she interrupted him by placing both hands on either side of his face
"I would wait an eternity for you Jack Thornton," she promised. Jack smiled as he bent down on one knee. Elizabeth gasped realising what he was about to do,
"Elizabeth Grace Thatcher, will you marry me?" With tears in her eyes Elizabeth nodded,
"Yes, yes of course I'll marry you." Jack slipped the ring on her finger before gathering her in arms telling her how much he loved her.
"I love you too." She replied tightening her arms around him never wanting to let him go.
"Jack," she whispered unmoving.
"Yes,"
"Let's get married today. I want to be married to you now. Letting you go will be hard whether we're courting, engaged or married. I just want to be married to you. In all of the uncertainty that is before us, I want the fact that you're my husband be the one certainty. Please," she murmured against his chest. Jack glanced down at his fiancé, who looked up at him her eyes conveying more than her words.
"Are you sure? Because you know I will marry you this minute. Don't you want a wedding? What about your family? Don't you want them here?"
"I just want to marry you, before God and perhaps Abigail and Pastor Frank who can marry us."
"I feel like I am cheating you out of a wedding,"
"Don't, because you're not. You're giving me exactly what I want. It's you and me Jack Thorton, whether in Hope Valley together or apart. It's you and me." Jack brought his lips to hers. He drew her into his arms and held her tightly.
"Nothing would make happier than making you my wife and being your husband."
Hand in hand they hastily made their way to Abigail's café. Abigail smiled as they entered through the kitchen door.
"Well you two are up very early."
"Abigail, we have a favour to ask you." Jack began as Elizabeth grinned beside him,
"Well of course, anything."
"Can you leave the café for about an hour? There's something Elizabeth and I need to do and we need you there." Curiously she looked at them waiting for further explanation but none came. Abigail merely nodded and took her apron off calling out to Bill and Clara that she had to run an errand. Elizabeth looped an arm through Abigail's as they made their way towards the schoolhouse/church.
"Wait, are you two…" she asked in bewilderment. Elizabeth grinned as she nodded showing Abigail her ring who happily wrapped her arms around Elizabeth.
"I don't want another minute to pass that not being his wife." She said quietly into her best friend's shoulder. Abigail looked up at Jack who had tears in his eyes. As happy as he was, she knew that leaving Elizabeth was breaking his heart.
"Of course. Is the pastor ready or are we just going to ambush him?"
"You're the only person we have told so far. We really wanted you to be a part of it." Jack answered.
"Abigail, you're like a sister to me and the best friend I ever had. I couldn't imagine doing this without you by my side." Elizabeth confessed.
"I would be very cross at you had you gotten married without me. You are my family. The both of you. I am here. I will always be here." She promised. Jack knew that last bit was meant for him. It was a promise that she would always look out for Elizabeth and he was grateful.
Frank looked up from Elizabeth's desk where he was working on his sermon when the three of them entered. He saw three happy faces despite knowing that Jack had made the toughest decision in his life thus far.
"Well here's a sight of trouble if ever I saw one. What are you three up to and why do I sense that it's something we could all be arrested for?" he teased as he rose from behind the desk to greet them.
"Pastor, I am shocked." Elizabeth said feigning astonishment.
"I am teasing. Now what brings you by?"
"We were hoping you could marry us? Like now." Jack said as Elizabeth nodded eagerly beside him.
"It would be irresponsible if I didn't start with are you sure?" he said carefully. Both Jack and Elizabeth understood and didn't take offense to the question.
"Yes, I have never been more sure of anything in my life." Elizabeth answered looking at him in the eye and he gave her a nod in understanding. She knew that he was asking for her protection and she appreciated that. Both she and Jack did.
"Well okay then, let me grab something from my quarters. Are you two ready to go?"
"Yes," they answered in unison.
Moments later he emerged from his quarters carrying a somewhat worn out and incredibly loved bible in his hand. They looked at him questioningly as there was a bible sitting on the desk amongst his sermon preparation. He smiled and motioned for them to stand before him. Jack and Elizabeth followed. They turned to each other holding hands as Abigail stood close behind tears already gathering in her eyes.
"We gather here today to celebrate your love for each other, to bring it before God with a promise to honour him and each other. Love isn't easy, and it's not meant to be. There is a love that is rare, and the love that the two of you have for each other is one of those rare jewels. Your love is strong and it has withstood many storms, know that you are both equipped for whatever storms may be ahead of you. Know that God has brought you together, and what he brings together, no man can tear apart." He signalled for Jack to begin,
"Elizabeth, when I first met you I knew that God had placed you in my life. In those first few days I had wondered if it was to grow my character and challenge me," Elizabeth chuckled knowingly.
"…and you have. You helped make the person that I am today. You constantly make me want to be the best man I can be because you believe in the very best I could be but more than that, because you deserve nothing less. I never anticipated that I would fall deeply in love with you, but if I'm going to be honest I think I loved you from the moment I met you. I believe that God had meant for us to be together and our hearts were drawn to each other even if our flesh was too stubborn to admit to it. I cannot imagine my life without you and nothing makes me happier than knowing that the moment we walk out of these doors you are my wife." Elizabeth placed a hand on his cheek,
"Oh Jack, I love you. I love you like no one before in my life. Before you came along I never knew that I was capable of such love. I too believe that God had destined us to be together, because until you walked into my life I didn't know what real love was. In my heart I know that it is part of my calling to be your wife. I know that God's grace is sufficient and always has been. I believe that the days ahead are our best ones yet. He called us to live a life together. We may be separated by distance, but in hearts we will always be together. Whether we got married today or a year from now, in my heart I am already your wife. I am so glad that as we walk out those doors we are man and wife before God and each other."
Pastor Frank discreetly handed a handkerchief to a silently sobbing Abigail. She looked at him gratefully and mouthed a thank you as he gave an affectionate nod in her direction. Jack pulled out two rings from his pocket, he handed one to Frank and the other he slipped into Elizabeth's finger. Surprised he had rings with him she smiled,
"I, Jack Theodore Thornton take you Elizabeth Grace Thatcher to be my wife to have and to hold, for now, for forever and thereafter." when he was finished Pastor Frank handed Elizabeth the other ring and with a tender look she slipped the ring to his finger,
"I, Elizabeth Grace Thatcher take you Jack Theodore Thornton to be my husband. To have and to hold, for now, for forever and thereafter."
"By the power vested in me, I am happy to pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss your bride." Jack grinned not needing to be told twice. Elizabeth laughed as he drew her to him and kissed her.
Pastor Frank and Abigail smiled happily at their friends. Frank gave Abigail's hand a quick but meaningful squeeze as he stood beside her and she looked up at him with a smile.
"Who's up for some breakfast?" Abigail asked after they had all exchanged congratulatory hugs.
"Me, I am starving." Elizabeth replied.
"Hey, I brought you breakfast." He protested.
"I took a bite, but I just wanted to see you."
"I guess that could be forgiven."
"That's so gracious of you. Hang on, how did you have wedding rings on you?"
"It was my parents. I was going to give them to you to hold on, something tangible for what was to come. Luckily, seeing as you demanded I make an honest woman out of you the moment I proposed." He teased as she gave his shoulder a gentle shove with hers. They all laughed heartily. Jack draped an arm around his wife's shoulders and dropped his lips on her temple.
"I wouldn't have it any other way. I love you so Elizabeth Thornton." Elizabeth looked up at him and grinned,
"I really like the sound of that. I love you too husband."
"I like the sound of that."
"And I like the sound of Abigail's breakfast, now let's go." Frank said gently pushing the married couple out of the church making all of them laugh.
The four of them had breakfast at the back of the café, in the private dining room where Cody they ate as a family. Cody joined them shortly when he came down the stairs.
"Good morning everyone," he greeted as he sat himself at the head of the table as the couples were sitting across from each other.
"Morning Cody," they chorused. He ate heartily talking a mile a minute. He turned to Jack,
"Mountie Jack, will you help me with my rope knots tomorrow after church?" his innocent question brought a sudden cloud of reality that hovered over the adults in the room. Jack froze and Elizabeth placed a hand on his leg and gave it a gentle squeeze.
"Hey Cody, why don't you go grab your rope from upstairs and Mountie Jack can help you for a bit now that you're finished with your breakfast." Elizabeth said as Cody's eyes lit up excitedly oblivious to the solemnity in the room.
"Really?"
"Yeah buddy, go on up. We'll go outside for a bit and I can teach you." Cody stood to his feet and ran up the stairs. Elizabeth ran her hands through Jack's hair soothingly and kissed his shoulder,
"He needs to hear it from you. You have to tell him." Jack nodded and placed his lips on her forehead.
"I won't be long, then you and I can spend the rest of the day together. Just us." Elizabeth nodded.
"Take your time."
Jack was teaching Cody all of the rope knots he could remember and watched with great affection as the little boy concentrated hard to master them.
"Cody, I have to tell you something and I have a favour to ask you."
"I have to go away, so I need someone to look after Miss Thatcher. Will you do that for me?" Cody looked up at Jack, tears pooling in his eyes,
"Where are you going?" he asked,
"I have a new assignment and I have to take it."
"But who will be here to keep us safe?"
"Mr Avery will make sure you're all safe."
"But who will teach me rope knots, take me camping?" he asked,
"Oh buddy,"
"Mountie Jack, you're my best friend." Cody said in a whisper,
"And you are mine Cody. I will always be with you in your heart. No matter how far it takes me, I will always be in your heart as you will be in mine. It won't be the same, but I will write. You can write me too. I want to hear all about Hope Valley whilst I'm away."
"Okay,"
"Cody, I need you to look after Miss Thatcher for me okay. Make sure she's looking after herself and make sure she never gets too sad."
"I promise. Jack?"
"Yeah Bud?"
"I'm going to miss you." He said tearfully as he launched himself at Jack. Jack caught him in his arms and hugged him tight.
"I'm going to miss you too bud." Abigail and Elizabeth watched from the window crying side by side.
When Jack and Cody walked through the door Cody made a beeline towards Elizabeth and wrapped his arms around her waist. Elizabeth surprised returned his embrace,
"Don't worry Miss Thatcher, I'll look after you while Mountie Jack is away."
"Thank you Cody, that makes me feel so much better. You don't know how much that helps me. Hey Cody, Mountie Jack and I have a secret and you get to be the first person we tell."
"What is it?" he asked excitedly,
"Mountie Jack and I got married this morning. So you can start calling me Mrs Thornton from now on."
"Really?" he asked happily as they all nodded.
"Speaking of which, Mrs Thornton what do you say we slip out of here without detection and allow Abigail to make the announcements on our behalf?" Jack suggested looking at Abigail who gave him a reassuring smile,
"Why Mr Thornton that sounds very inviting. Not to mention a little mean to Abigail?" Elizabeth added as she looked back at Abigail guiltily.
"It's okay. I'd be honoured to do it. I'll give you guys a half hour head start. Spend the day together."
"We'll come back for dinner, to say a quick goodbye to everyone." Jack replied gratefully giving Abigail a hug.
"Make the most of the time you have." She whispered. Jack nodded in acknowledgment giving her cheek a quick kiss. Elizabeth hugged her friend,
"Thank you Abigail, for everything."
"You're welcome. You can do this Elizabeth. You're the bravest person I know." Elizabeth swallowed the lump in her throat and gave her friend another squeeze before taking Jack's hand and allowing him to lead them out the back door.
They ended back at Elizabeth's row house. Sitting on her couch wrapped in each other's arms comfortably.
"You and the boys can move the rest of your belongings in later if you'd like. So it'll be here when you come home." She said as her head lay on his chest, her hand intertwined with one of his, whilst his free hand ran his fingers through her hair.
"That's a good idea. Maybe tomorrow morning before I ride out. For now I just want to be with you every second I can be."
"Me too." She answered. He couldn't see her face, but he felt the warmth of her tears on his shirt. As she began to shake in his arms he drew her closer to him,
"Hey, look at me." Elizabeth reluctantly looked up and the sight of her tear stained haunted eyes was enough to bring tears in his eyes.
"I'm so sorry," he apologised. Elizabeth shook her head and sat up so she could wrap her arms around his shoulders. Effortlessly he sat her on his lap and hugged her tightly,
"Please don't be sorry. I don't mean to make this harder for you." She said feeling terrible for making him feel guiltier.
"We both knew it was never going to be easy."
"I'm so proud of you Jack. You have to know that. You have to know that I wouldn't have you anywhere else but where God called you to be. I'm just going to miss you so very much. I know in my heart that God will keep you safe, that he will bring you back to me. I am just being selfish, I just don't want to not see you every day. Hug you every day. Kiss you every day. You have spoilt me terribly."
Jack brought her hand to his lips and then kissed her. He poured his love into that one kiss and tears rolled down Elizabeth's cheeks as she tightened her arms around his neck. Jack stood to his feet with her in her his arms as he continued to kiss her carrying her over the threshold of what was now their bedroom. Without putting her down, he kicked the door closed before laying his wife on the bed.
For the hours that followed Elizabeth remained in Jack's arms as he showed her just how much he loved her all afternoon.
They lay in the bath, Elizabeth leaning against Jack, his arms wrapped protectively around her, they talked about their future. Elizabeth knew he was giving them something to look forward to.
"Promise me you'll take care of yourself. That you won't just throw yourself in danger without a second thought. I know it's your instinct and I love you all the more for it, I just want you to be extra careful. To remember that you promised me you are going to come home to me." She pleaded as she looked up at him. Jack kissed her wet nose and found himself hugging her closer to him.
"I promise. Do you promise to keep out of trouble? That you will be taking care of yourself. That you won't be taking any unnecessary risks. That you won't be too sad without me."
"I promise you all of the above, except the last. I can't imagine not being sad when you're not with me."
"I get that, but I want you to keep living your life Elizabeth. I am going to come home to you. I want to hear all about it whilst I am away and especially when I get back. You can be sad, but don't hide yourself in this row house waiting for me. I won't let you. Promise me." She could see how important it was to him.
"I promise. Will you write me?"
"Every day, just don't be surprised if they get sent to you in clusters. I don't know how accessible mail will be."
"I can live with that. I'll write you every day too." She promised.
Reluctantly, they got out of the bathtub to head to Abigail's for dinner. As much as Elizabeth did not want to share her husband, she knew he had to say his goodbyes and still take care of a couple of official Mountie business. As they walked into the café they were greeted with a room full of good cheer and congratulations. Elizabeth looked at Abigail as Rosemary torpedoed towards them with a hug. Abigail looked at her apologetically knowing all she wanted to do was spend the last hours with her husbands. Elizabeth smiled knowing she couldn't be selfish, and the moment the town knew they would have insisted they throw a party, by town she meant Rosemary in particular. Elizabeth returned Rosemary's hug gratefully. She knew that she too would mourn the absence of Jack as one of her dearest friends.
She and Jack mingled arm in arm thanking their friends for their love and support. Jack felt better knowing that he was leaving Elizabeth in a place where she was well loved. He hoped and prayed that she wouldn't be too lonely without him.
Abigail handed both Jack and Elizabeth a glass of champagne so that they were able to toast them into their married life.
"To Jack and Elizabeth, no two people more in love or destined together. We love you! Congratulations." As Elizabeth and Jack hugged Abigail, Frank joined them.
"Jack, I have something for you." Jack turned to Frank as he handed him the very bible he used to marry them earlier that day.
"When I was a different man, I found this book. Or more so this book found me. I spent night and day reading this in my cell. It brought me hope in my darkest days. It lit the path when I didn't know which way to go. It brought me love beyond what I thought I deserved. It brought me here. It brought me home. I want you to have it. May it be your hope when you need it, the light to guide you, the love that comforts and reminds you of what is waiting for you. It will bring you back here. It will bring you home." Jack's eyes filled with tears as he took the bible and hugged Frank gratefully.
"I'll be praying for you kid. I'll be praying for her. I pray for strength, for the both of you."
"Thank you."
Elizabeth found herself crying again as she heard their exchange. Abigail slipped her arm through her friends in attempt to comfort her.
"Come on Elizabeth, come help me in the kitchen." Abigail said softly offering her some reprieve. Gratefully Elizabeth nodded. She kissed Jack's cheek before allowing Abigail to lead her out of the crowds feeling incredibly overwhelmed.
Abigail closed the door behind them as they entered the kitchen. Elizabeth sat down as she struggled to take a breath. Thinking on her feet Abigail handed her a paper bag.
"Breathe into this, in and out." Elizabeth did her best to do as she was told. The last thing she needed was for Jack to come in seeing her that way.
"I can't do this Abigail. I didn't think it could be harder to let him go, but now, after today. I can't. I am not strong enough to do this."
"Oh Elizabeth, it was always going to be hard. But you're wrong. You are strong enough to do this. If nothing else because you have to be. He can't leave with you like this. It would break him more than the idea of your separation already is. As hard as this is for you, think of it from his point of view. The guilt he feels for leaving you. He needs to have a clear head Elizabeth, hold on until his gone. You have to, for him. For his safety, and his sanity." Elizabeth knew she was right and she was grateful for Abigail being her voice of reason, as always. Elizabeth took a deep breathed and gathered as much courage as she could muster and stood to her feet.
"Okay, let's go." Abigail draped an arm around her friend proudly.
"We'll get through this. I'm here." She promised,
"I know, and I am grateful."
She saw that Rosemary and Jack were exchanging goodbyes. Glad that they were able to have a moment to themselves to do that. She and Rosemary have certainly come a long way. She saw Jack glance around the room looking for her. She smiled at him from where she and Abigail had joined Frank and Lee. Moments later he appeared wrapping his arms around his wife's waist from behind placing a kiss on her temple as he did so.
"Have you eaten?" she asked knowing the chances of that were slim,
"Here and there. You?"
"Abigail force fed me in the kitchen," she answered with a chuckle,
"Excuse me folks, I'm just going to go and make sure my husband eats." Elizabeth taking his hand leading him to the table filled with food. She handed him a plate and began to fill it with all of his favourite things. Abigail had certainly outdone herself making sure that most if not all the food on the table were Jack Thornton favourites.
"What about you?" he asked,
"I told you, Abigail brow beat me into eating whilst we were in the kitchen. Besides you're the one that needs to fill up and enjoy Abigail's cooking. After tomorrow who knows what you'll be eating. I on the other hand will more than likely be eating all my meals from this kitchen." She admitted sheepishly. Jack kissed her cheek. Elizabeth smiled at him, took his hand and led him to the seat at the corner. He pulled her to his lap and wrapped his arms around her as he held on to his plate. Elizabeth rolled her eyes at him and brought the fork of Shepherds Pie to his mouth as he took it with a grin.
"At what point do you think it would be polite for us to exit?" he asked whispering in her ear. She laughed putting the now empty plate in her hand on the nearest table.
"I am the wrong person to ask that because I wanted to drag you out of here the moment we walked in." Jack grinned and kissed her,
"I do love you Mrs Thornton,"
"Well that's good, because I happen to love you a whole lot too Mr Thornton." She said as she held his face with both hands bringing her lips.
"Let's go home." He replied his voice breaking with emotion Elizabeth nodded and slipped off his lap. Jack took her hand in his as he began to make his way around the room. She contemplated leaving his side to say his goodbyes but he had kept a firm hold of her hands, he needed her there. It was her that was keeping him standing. Elizabeth obliged and thanked their friends for coming and for their outpour of love.
Jack and Elizabeth walked home in semi silence, she knew he was in deep thought.
"Did you want to grab your things now to being home so you don't have to do it in the morning?"
"The boys and I did it whilst you and Abigail were in the kitchen. I didn't want to waste our morning with that. Everything is already in your spare bedroom."
"You boys are efficient." She teased trying to steer the sadness creeping into his voice.
"We try,"
"I'm so glad we have the morning free of errands. I might just keep you in bed until the very last moment."
"Don't say last," he pleaded. Elizabeth stopped walking and took both is hands in hers as she stood before.
"Hey…"
"I can't think about tomorrow, about leaving you. Not seeing you. Being apart from you."
"Then don't. We have all night long, and we have the rest of our lives. Our being apart is temporary."
"I don't want to lose you,"
"Shouldn't I be saying that to you?" she asked with her head tilted questioningly,
"You're never going to lose me." He said adamantly,
"Then listen to me when I tell you that you're never going to lose me. I will be here waiting for you to come home." Jack kissed her with urgency, with need, with longing. Taking his hand once more, she led him to their home.
Elizabeth fell asleep in his arms and he couldn't take his eyes away from her. He wanted to watch her sleep all night long, committing the image of her, the touch of her to his memory. To his heart. He memorised every freckle in her face, he drew her closer to him as she moulded to naturally into him. Elizabeth turned into his embrace and buried her face against his bare chest hugging him tightly against her as she remained asleep. Jack tucked her head under his chin as his hands caressed her back unwilling to let her go. When he had finally fallen asleep it was Elizabeth who had woken, she found herself edging closer to him, instinctively Jack tightened his hold on her. Eventually she too had fallen asleep. He woke first caressing her cheek gently coaxing her out of her slumber. Elizabeth opened her eyes and she rubbed her nose against his shoulder warming it as she looked up at him.
"It's almost time." Wordlessly she hugged him tighter. Jack brought his lips to hers and made love to her.
She had let them to the bathroom and together they showered. Jack pretended not to see he tears that disguised themselves as water cascading from the shower head. He merely kissed her harder and found himself making love to his wife in their shower whispering how much he loved her as they both cried.
As they came downstairs they saw that Abigail had dropped off hot breakfast for them so that they didn't have to cook, but it didn't matter as neither had much appetite.
They agreed to say their goodbyes at home in the privacy of their own home. Their goodbye at home was filled with endless kisses, promises of what was to come, and I love you's. They walked to town together hand in hand, not at all surprising, the whole town was there to send him off. Elizabeth went to pat his horse, as he said his goodbyes unable to watch. She could hear him go from Bill, to Frank, to Cody and lastly to Abigail. She heard him tell Abigail to take care of her, who only sobbed in his arms. As he walked towards his wife and his horse his resolve began to break. She kept her eyes averted. They were both trying to be strong for the other, and they had said their goodbyes at home. He drew her into his arms wordlessly. Kissed her forehead and jumped on to his horse. With a tender nod to her he began to ride out, as he turned the corner Elizabeth ran after him. She watched as he rode away from her and heart gave out,
"JACK!" she cried out. Without a thought or hesitation Jack rode back towards her and jumped off his horse and took her in arms and kissed her tasting the tears on her lips.
"I love you,"
"Come back to me,"
"I promise,"
"I love you," Reluctantly he kissed her one last time. He squeezed her hand and climbed back on his horse.
"I love you Elizabeth Thornton," he said once more,
"I love you too." She replied wrapping her arms around herself as she watched him ride away.
She stood there long after he was gone. The town has given them the privacy of their last goodbye and she were grateful. Eventually it was Cody who rounded the corner to check on Mrs Thornton. He slipped his hands into hers drawing Elizabeth out of her reverie.
"I promised Mountie Jack I'd take care of you, and I will." He said to her as a promise.