Written in the Stars
Chapter 1
It was a beautiful day; the sun was shining through the window, as Elizabeth was getting ready for church. She had so much to be grateful for…a job she was passionate about, students that she adored, and a certain Mountie who she cared deeply for. Elizabeth brushed out her beautiful long hair, and placed a comb on one side. She knew how Jack loved her hair to be curly and loose. She took a final look in the mirror, and exited her room.
"Good Morning, Abigail," said Elizabeth as she entered the kitchen from the stairway.
"Good morning, Elizabeth. You look quite happy this morning," remarked Abigail.
"Oh, I slept so well last night. I haven't told anyone, not even Jack, but I am working on a writing project that I hope to finish very soon. If all goes well, one day I may be a published author. I have always wanted to write, but I guess I just never felt that I had the time or talent. I certainly have the time now, with the summer break, and well, as for talent, I guess we will see." Elizabeth said with some hesitation.
Abigail smiled; turned to face Elizabeth, and said, "I had no idea that you wanted to be a writer. The longer we live together, the more we will learn about each other. One thing I know, you are very smart, and I believe that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. Would you mind telling me what your story is about?" She said, hoping that Elizabeth would quench her curiosity.
"Oh, no you don't. I have already said more than I intended to." Elizabeth replied with a visible smirk on her face. "Jack was going to come by this morning to walk me to church. Have to seen him?" Elizabeth said with some concern in her voice.
"No, Bill stopped by this morning on his way out of town. He said something about a problem just outside town, but didn't elaborate, and he said nothing about Jack going with him." Abigail remarked, with a sign of concern visibly showing on her face.
"You have come to care for Bill quite a bit, haven't you? Elizabeth asked.
Abigail smiled and said, "I enjoy my time with him, and I have found him to be a good man, with a kind and considerate heart. I am a little afraid to get too close, because I don't know if he will be staying in Coal Valley."
"Well, I like Bill, and I will be praying that he stays in town. You, two, make a cute couple." Elizabeth said, as she raised her eyebrows, and smiled.
Elizabeth grabbed her Bible, and she and Abigail headed for the door. "I guess we get to walk to church together. Apparently, we won't have handsome Mounties to escort us this morning." Elizabeth said, with disappointment in her voice.
As Elizabeth reached for the doorknob, the door opened and there stood Jack. "I was beginning to think you were going to be a heathen this morning, and miss church services," said Elizabeth jokingly.
"No, I was tied up with paperwork, and lost track of time. I never intentionally miss an opportunity to escort two beautiful women to church." Jack replied, with that sweet smile, and twinkle in his eye; that seemed to appear whenever he saw Elizabeth.
"Do you know why Bill left town in such a hurry this morning?" Abigail inquired, but knowing that some information regarding police matters could not be shared.
Jack stated, "Just something regarding an investigation Bill headed a while ago. He needed to clarify some information in his report. He should be back later today. It's nothing to be worried about." That seemed to put Abigail's worries to rest.
The three headed off to church on this beautiful summer Sunday. The church was still under construction, so the town's people continued to meet at the grove of trees, just on the outskirts of town. Cat Montgomery was very inspiring this morning as she spoke, but was hesitant to call it a "sermon." Once the service was over, everyone said their goodbyes, and headed in their respective directions.
"Elizabeth?" called Jack. "Are we still going on a picnic today?"
"Yes, Jack, if you have the time. We haven't been able to spend much time together lately, and I miss that." Elizabeth replied with a wink, which brought a smile to Jack's face.
Abigail had plans with Cat and Florence, so she headed with them over to the row houses, leaving Elizabeth in Jack's very capable hands. Jack reached over and took Elizabeth's hand, bringing it to his lips and softly kissing it. "So, are you ready to go?" Jack asked.
Elizabeth responded, "I definitely am. We need to go by the café so I can pack the picnic basket. Oh, and don't worry…I didn't do any of the cooking." Elizabeth looked sad, as she had been working very hard on her cooking skills, but felt as if she was making no progress. Jack put his arm around Elizabeth, pulling her close, and giving her a reassuring embrace.
With the picnic basket packed, and Jack's rounds completed, the two headed off to their favorite place by the lake. Jack spread out the blanket, and they sat side by side, gazing into each other's eyes. They had been courting for a few months, and although they each knew how strongly their feelings were for the other, they had not yet openly expressed them.
Jack smiled, but seemed a bit uncomfortable, as he was having trouble getting the right words out. "Elizabeth, you know that when I first arrived in Coal Valley, I was, let's just say, not happy." Elizabeth smiled and began to say something, but Jack stopped her. "Please let me finish before you say anything. I know that I was brought here by your father to keep you safe." Elizabeth sighed, and rolled her eyes, as she thought that they had already resolved that issue. Jack continued, "I'm sorry, Elizabeth, I know this upsets you when I bring up this subject, but I have become very thankful to your father for having me stationed here."
Elizabeth smiled and said, "Why, Jack? I know how much your dream was to be in Cape Fullerton, chasing whiskey runners, and bad guys."
Jack smiled as he spoke, "Elizabeth, priorities and dreams change as we go through life. After Rosemary broke our engagement, I think I felt lost. Not because I truly loved her, although I thought I did at the time. I think that we had been friends for so long, and it was just expected that we would marry." Jack could see a frown come over Elizabeth as he spoke of Rosemary. "Don't be upset, Elizabeth," as he leaned over and kissed her lips gently. "You know that Rosemary and I were never truly meant to be together. I guess I should be thankful to her."
"Thankful?" Elizabeth screamed. "Rosemary has done nothing but bring problems to Coal Valley, and to you and me in particular. Why would you want to thank her?"
Jack leaned toward Elizabeth, kissed her lips gently, and said, "Because she led me to you!"
Elizabeth practically melted into Jack's arms, as he leaned her back on the blanket and began to passionately kiss her lips. Elizabeth wrapped her arms around Jack's waist, running her hands up and down his back, sending a tingle up his spine.
As their kisses became much more passionate, both realized that they were getting carried away. Elizabeth placed a hand on Jack's chest to push him off of her. Jack sat up, apologizing profusely. "Elizabeth, I am so sorry. I need you to know that I care about you so much, and I respect you more than you know. I…I…need you to…" Jack stammered as he tried to say the words that Elizabeth had been hoping to hear.
"Jack, what is it? Elizabeth asked, but hoping she already knew the answer.
Jack stood up, and walked circles around Elizabeth, trying to come up with the words that would adequately describe his feelings. "Elizabeth, you know I told you that priorities and dreams change as we go through life. I am so thankful that my posting here in Coal Valley, no matter how it happened, led me to you. I need you to know…" Jack stopped as he suddenly felt a calm come over him, and then he continued, "I need you to know that I love you with all of my heart. I never thought that I would find a woman who made me feel the contentment in my life that you do. You are the first thing I think of in the morning and my last thought at night."
Elizabeth smiled, and spoke from her heart, "Jack, I think I have known for a while how you feel about me. I see it in the way you look at me; watch out for me and kiss me. I am so happy that I came to Coal Valley, too Jack, because it also led me to you. I can't imagine my life without you. I dream of you every night; worry about you when you are gone, and I'm so happy when you return home…safely. You see, Jack, I love you too!"
Jack reached out his hand for Elizabeth, and helped her stand up to face him. Smiles were on both of their faces, as they each leaned in for a kiss. They each held the other tightly, not wanting to let go. One kiss led to another, and another, until they were lost in the moment. A noise in the woods snapped them back to reality, and they turned to see a doe and fawn exit the woods. They watched as the two deer came down to the lake for a drink, and then just as quickly returned to the woods.
They picked up their picnic basket, and blanket, and headed around the lake, holding hands, on their way back to the café.
Jack inquired, "Elizabeth, I know you love teaching, and I admire the way you care for your students. If you could have one wish, what would it be?"
Elizabeth quickly said, "I wish to be with you."
Jack smiled, and said, "That is already written in the stars. I mean, what is your dream?"
Elizabeth thought for a moment, and then hesitantly responded, "I have always dreamed of being an author. I love books, and to be able to write something that would bring others enjoyment…well, I guess that would be my dream."
Jack took her hand, bringing it to his lips for a kiss, and said, "Elizabeth, if that is your dream, then you should do it."
"Well, actually, Jack, I have been working on something, and it is almost finished." Elizabeth said, with a tone of excitement in her voice.
"Really? What's it about? Me?" Jack said, as he raised his eyebrows and smiled.
"Well, actually, yes!" Elizabeth replied.
"Yes? You wrote about me?" Jack said as he seemed surprised.
"Well, yes and no." Elizabeth responded.
Jack seemed confused as he said, "What does yes, and no mean? Is it about me or not?"
Elizabeth enjoyed confusing Jack, and it sometimes seemed so easy to do so. "Well, Jack, it's a children's book, about a Mountie, children and a dog."
Jack laughed, "You mean even Rip is in the book?"
"Well, who wouldn't love Rip?" Elizabeth replied.
Jack leaned in and whispered, "When can I read this work of art?"
Elizabeth turned to him, kissing his cheek, and replied, "It is almost done. I don't know if I want you to read it. Let me think about it. Besides, if it is published, you would be able to read it. If not, I don't think I would want you to. We will see."
Jack was a little disappointed, because he knew how smart and talented Elizabeth was. He would certainly not tell her, but he once read an entry in her journal, and it was beautifully written. She had left the journal open on her desk in the saloon, and he couldn't help but be drawn to it. "After all, if she hadn't wanted anyone to read it, she would not have left it open." Jack thought.
"Well, I know in time I will get to read it, because I can't see anyone not loving you, or realizing your talent." Jack said so lovingly.
Elizabeth reached over and took Jack's hand in hers and said, "I have enjoyed our time today, Jack. I am so happy that you told me how you feel, because I feel the same way. I don't want to leave, but it is getting late, and Abigail is probably back at the café by now, wondering where I am."
They both leaned in for several soft, sweet kisses, but stopped before things got too passionate. They walked off hand in hand, with a new calm about their relationship. Feelings were out in the open, and they were each very hopeful for their future together.
Jack and Elizabeth reached the café and Elizabeth asked, "Are you coming over for dinner later?"
Jack sadly said, "I would love to, but I have so much paperwork to get finished and sent out by tomorrow morning. I put it off today, because I wanted nothing more than to spend the day with you. Would you like to have lunch with me tomorrow?"
Elizabeth smiled, squeezed his hand, and said, "I would love to have lunch with you tomorrow. Maybe I can get my manuscript finished tonight."
As Elizabeth entered the café, Jack smiled and softly said to himself, "how did I get so lucky?"
To be continued…
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Disclaimer: Elizabeth Thatcher, Jack Thornton, Abigail Stanton, Bill Avery, Cat Montgomery, and the other characters of Coal Valley belong to the Hallmark Channel/Crown Media, and Believe Pictures. Many thanks to Janette Oke, Brian Bird, Michael Landon, Jr, Brad Krevoy, and the entire cast and crew of When Calls The Heart for your many talents in providing us with the best show on television!