Disclaimer: I do not own the characters within this story. All rights and much respect go to Crown Media, Hallmark, Brian Bird, Michael Landon, Jr., the creators, actors, and writers of the show "When Calls the Heart."
As many of us Hearties were saddened by the cliffhanger, this is simply my rewritten version of what happened at the end, and a few days later! Bring on Season 3…PLEASE!
Love Prevails
Jack approached the schoolhouse, well aware of the precious item contained in his pocket. Although he knew that he loved Elizabeth, and wanted nothing more that to marry and raise a family with her, his mind was whirling…as if a tornado had touched down in his head, scattering all of his thoughts. Climbing the stairs, he observed that the door was open, which he felt was rather unusual. As he reached the top step, he caught a glimpse of Elizabeth, standing in front of her desk… "Charles? What is he doing?" Jack thought to himself, as if he could make the visual in his mind have a more acceptable explanation. Jack inhaled sharply, a look of shock, and then anger came over his face. Jack stepped out of the doorway so he would not be seen. He could hear voices, but was unable to understand the words spoken between Charles and Elizabeth.
"Charles, what are you doing?" Elizabeth could barely get the words out. Her heart was racing, and she was beginning to feel flushed. She continued, "We discussed this…well maybe not this exactly, but Charles, you know I care a great deal for you, but as a friend only. I don't love you like a woman should love her husband."
Charles stood from his kneeling position, and took Elizabeth's hand in his…
Elizabeth pulled away from him, and stepped back several feet…She was becoming uncomfortable with his romantic advances, but didn't know what else she could do or say to make him understand that her heart belonged to someone else…Jack!
Charles walked toward Elizabeth, entering a comfort zone that she had imposed between them, "Elizabeth, this life is not for you…Jack can't give you what I can!"
Elizabeth, previously happy that she had expressed her desire for a strictly platonic relationship with Charles, was becoming saddened at what she felt would be the loss of a long time close friendship. "Charles, we have been friends for a very long time. You should know me by now…There is more to life than money and material things. I don't need things, but I do need Jack," Elizabeth stated sternly as she walked passed Charles heading for the schoolhouse door.
Jack felt as though he couldn't breathe…He could handle a bank robber with a gun as a result of his Mountie training; he knew how to react in dangerous situations, but he was lost now. One thing he knew, he had to confront the situation. He took a deep breath, and prepared to cross the schoolhouse threshold.
As Elizabeth walked passed Charles, he grabbed her arm, turning her to face him… Holding both of her forearms, he leaned in and firmly kissed Elizabeth's lips, catching her completely off guard…
Jack looked in the doorway preparing to enter and confront his fear, when he looked up and saw them in a kiss. Feeling as though his heart had been ripped from his chest, he turned, headed down the steps, jumped into the carriage he had brought for their afternoon ride, and headed away from town.
Elizabeth broke away from Charles, and for the first time in their friendship, she felt nothing but anger… She slapped him soundly across the face, "Don't you ever do that to me again. Charles, you have made it so that we can no longer continue this friendship. I'm sorry if you can't understand it, but my heart belongs to Jack Thornton. It always will! Please leave, Charles. I may feel differently about our friendship at some point, but right now, I think it's best that we have no contact with each other. You need to let go of whatever these feeling are that you have for me and move on." Elizabeth walked to the door, looking outside, thankful that Jack had not yet arrived.
Charles followed Elizabeth to the door and stepped outside, "Just know that I'm always here for you, Elizabeth. I'm not ready to give up on us…"
"US? Charles there is no us. Please just leave, and don't contact me," Elizabeth demanded in a raised voice.
Elizabeth walked back to her desk and sat down. She began to cry, realizing that she had handled Charles advances all wrong, and had allowed him to become too close to her. She loved Jack, and knew that continuing to spend time with Charles, even as a friend would be unfair to both men. She took a few deep breaths, trying to compose herself before Jack arrived.
Jack rode back into town, and returned the carriage to the Livery. He walked back to the jail, and changed out of his suit, and back into his red serge jacket. He slipped the ring box into the back of his desk drawer, locking it for safe keeping. He sat at his desk, trying to make sense of what had just transpired. "How could I have read her so wrong?" He asked himself.
Several hours went by, and Elizabeth was still at the schoolhouse waiting for Jack. She kept walking to the door, and perusing the area, but there was no one around. She became angry at being stood up, but then worried that possibly there was an emergency, that as a Mountie he was required to handle. She packed up her basket, and headed for home.
As Elizabeth entered the café, she saw Abigail greeting diners, and serving plates of food. "Have you seen Jack by any chance, Abigail?"
"No I haven't…Weren't you two going for a ride today?" Abigail responded.
Elizabeth raised her eyebrows, shrugged her shoulders, and frowned, "I thought so, but apparently not. He never showed up." She put her basket down, and proceeded upstairs to her room. Elizabeth walked to her window, glancing down on the street below. She observed people coming and going, but no sign of Jack. She became more worried, as it was not like him to stand her up. Elizabeth walked downstairs into the kitchen, "Abigail, I'm going over to the jail to see if I can find out what happened to Jack."
"Elizabeth…" A familiar voice was heard coming from the direction of the Livery.
"Charles, please…" Elizabeth began sternly.
Charles jumped in, "Don't say anything…I'm leaving, but know that I'm not giving up. Jack will disappoint you, and when he does, I will be here to pick up the pieces of your heart." Charles was in a carriage that he had rented from the Livery. As Elizabeth turned and headed back toward the Jail, Charles clicked the reins, and headed out of town.
Elizabeth walked into the Jail and found Jack at his desk…his desk drawer open, and deep in thought. "Jack…Jack?" She called out to him several times.
Jack finally looked up and the hurt in his eyes was visible as he slammed his desk drawer.
"Jack, what's wrong? You look like you've lost someone," she said with an obvious tone of concern in her voice.
Jack stood from his chair, "I believe I have," then he walked out the door of the Jail without uttering another word to Elizabeth…Leaving her standing alone and confused.
Elizabeth stood on the porch and watched Jack walk into the saloon. The longer she watched, the more confused she became. She sat in a chair on the porch awaiting his return.
It was dark when he walked around the corner of the Jail. "Jack," Elizabeth called out startling him.
"Yes, Miss Thatcher…What can I do for you?" He responded.
Elizabeth followed him into the Jail, "What's wrong with you, Jack?" She asked.
"What do you mean?" He responded very coldly.
"We were supposed to go for a ride today, remember?" She replied.
"I had some things come up. I'm sorry," he answered without ever looking at her.
"Could we go for a ride tomorrow?" She asked.
Jack walked about his office completing menial chores, "I think I'm busy tomorrow."
"How about the next day?" Elizabeth asked.
"I'm not sure," Jack responded.
Not understanding why, but realizing that she was definitely receiving the cold shoulder, Elizabeth turned and walked to the door. "When you figure out your schedule, if you would like to work time in with me, then just let me know. If not, that's fine too," Elizabeth said as tears slipped down her face. She was hoping he would stop her, but no other words were spoken.
Elizabeth drug her feet walking back to the café. She was sad, and angry, but had no idea why. "What could have happened between yesterday and today to upset Jack so much?" She thought.
"Did you find Jack?" Abigail asked.
"Yes, but he won't talk to me," Elizabeth said as she sat down at the kitchen table. "I don't know what's wrong. We've been so happy since…well you know…we got everything out in the open in the mine, and now this…"
Abigail sat down next to Elizabeth, took her hand, giving it a squeeze, "Always remember to keep the lines of communication open. Shutting down is the worst thing you can do."
"I'm trying to talk, Abigail. Jack is the one shutting down," Elizabeth sounded distraught. "I'm going to my room. If Jack comes by…Oh, who am I kidding…He won't."
Elizabeth walked into her room and sat down at her desk, pulling out the new journal sent to her by her sister, Julie. She generally felt so much better after putting her thoughts down on paper. It seemed to help her put things into perspective.
"Why are relationships so complicated? Do words have to be so difficult to speak? In the short distance from our hearts to our mouths, the feelings we have and understand, are unable to be expressed. Communication, spoken and nonspoken, is essential in any relationship. But why should communicating be expected from one and not the other? Harsh words, those spoken in haste and without thought will last long after any argument. The tongue, though it has no bones, is very strong, and capable of breaking a heart. In retrospect, in order to understand others, it may be necessary to hear what they do not say…What they may never be able to say. But it is important to note that in ignoring someone, you are only teaching them what is needed to live without you."
It was now early morning, Elizabeth and Jack were both in their respective bedrooms unable to sleep, and thinking of what had happened the previous day. Jack was unable to forget the visual of Charles on bended knee proposing to Elizabeth, and then of them kissing. Elizabeth was at a loss…of course she was present when Charles proposed and subsequently kissed her, but she vehemently turned him down, and "Jack wasn't there anyway, so why is he so angry?" She asked herself. She continued lying in bed staring at the ceiling, wiping tears as they escaped the sides of her eyes.
As morning came, and the sun began peeking through the clouds, Elizabeth got up and dressed…ready to start the new day. As she headed toward the schoolhouse, she passed Jack on his way to the Livery to tack up Taylor. "Good morning, Jack," she called out to him.
"Good morning, Miss Thatcher," Jack responded without even looking her way.
"Jack Thornton, you stop right there," Elizabeth called out in a raised voice.
Jack stopped, but did not turn around.
"Jack, please talk to me," Elizabeth pleaded with him to open up and tell her what was wrong.
"I don't have time right now to talk. I need to start my rounds. Besides, there isn't anything to talk about," Jack said coldly as he started back on his way to the Livery.
"Nothing to talk about?" Elizabeth walked quickly to catch up to him. "Are you serious?" Elizabeth stopped and watched as he continued to walk away. "Jack Thornton, if you keep going, don't expect me to be waiting for you when you decide you want to talk."
Jack stopped briefly, but without turning around he said, "We'll talk later. Oh, give Charles my regards!"
"Maybe I'll be available," Elizabeth said rather curtly. She turned around and headed for school. As she walked toward school, she continued mumbling, "First he stands me up, and then he won't even talk to me, as if I'm at fault? I can't believe his nerve! Wait… Give Charles his regards? What is that supposed to mean?"
Jack walked into the Livery, turned around and sat on a hay bale, watching Elizabeth as she walked away. Unconcerned about anything or anyone else around him, Jack spoke softly, "How could she even consider a marriage proposal from Charles after everything…I mean everything we said…opening our hearts, putting our feelings on the line. I just…"
"Constable…Is everything okay?" Mr. Trevoy asked as he approached Jack from the back of the Livery.
"Oh, yes…I'm fine. Just thinking out loud," Jack responded.
Jack tacked up Taylor and headed out of town on his rounds; knowing that he had a job to do, but his thoughts were certainly elsewhere.
Elizabeth walked to school, the more she thought about her conversation with Jack, the angrier she became, "Men talk about not understanding women, but men…they are an odd group," she thought.
At lunchtime, Elizabeth kept looking around, hoping that Jack would make an appearance, but her disappointment at not seeing him continued throughout the day. After the children left school, she finished up grading papers, gathered her belongings and headed for home. She walked past the Jail without even glancing in that direction.
Unbeknownst to Elizabeth, Jack was inside the jail watching her through the window. He was angry with himself for not telling her how he felt…how hurt he was that she would even entertain a marriage proposal from another man. But he also knew that he loved her; needed to talk with her…fight for her! Jack finished up his paperwork, straightened up his desk, made sure the drawer containing the ring was secured, and went to bed. He lay in bed unable to sleep, thinking of what he could say to Elizabeth to make her understand how he felt for her. Once morning arrived, he headed over to the café, hoping to see Elizabeth before she left for school.
"Good morning, Abigail, may I see Elizabeth?" He asked.
"As far as I'm concerned you can, Jack…" She began to respond.
Jack started up the stairs, heading for Elizabeth's room…
"Jack, she isn't here," Abigail called out, catching Jack as he reached the top stair. "She hasn't talked to me, but she has been in a surly mood since yesterday. I wish I knew what happened…Do you have any idea Jack?" She asked, already knowing that Jack could shed some light on the situation.
"Where's Charles?" Jack asked.
"Charles? He left for Hamilton yesterday. Why are you asking about Charles? You know that Elizabeth loves you, Jack," Abigail said in her usual comforting tone.
"Did you know that he proposed to her?" Jack asked, with a hint of sadness in his tone.
"Yes, I am aware of that. How did you know?" Abigail inquired.
Jack looked down shrugging his shoulders, a frown on his face, "I was there…"
"Well Jack, Elizabeth could have used your help…" Abigail began to say.
"She…uh they looked like they were doing fine from what I saw," Jack said as he interrupted her thought.
"Jack, what did you see?" She asked.
Jack walked over to the kitchen table and took a seat. The mere thought of Charles and Elizabeth together made him unsteady. "I saw Charles at the schoolhouse proposing to Elizabeth…" Jack said as he bowed his head, covering his face with his hands.
Abigail sat down across from Jack… "Jack, do you seriously think that she would accept a marriage proposal from Charles?"
"Abigail, I saw her kissing him…They looked quite cozy," Jack responded.
"Why do men have to be so hardheaded? Don't answer that…You don't have any idea!" Abigail responded in a matter of fact tone of voice. "For your information, Jack, Elizabeth turned Charles down as kindly as she knew how, and that kiss you saw… Well Charles forced that upon Elizabeth. If you had stayed around you would have seen her slap him, and send him on his way…effectively terminating their friendship."
Jack sat there stunned. He was embarrassed to have Elizabeth and Charles see him at the schoolhouse during what appeared to be an intimate moment. He now felt foolish; for everything he thought he saw, he now realized he had misinterpreted. "I need to talk with her…to apologize." Jack excused himself from the table and ran out the front door, heading for the schoolhouse.
Elizabeth arrived back at the schoolhouse, having intentions of completing work, but once there, the desire to work was gone. She was sad, hurt, disappointed and angry. She pulled her journal out of her basket. As a tear fell down her cheek, she opened to the next blank page and began to write…
"Relationships, whether platonic or romantic, can place a strain on one's heart. Most people don't get tired of loving… That magical, sweep you off your feet kind of feeling, where even a rainy day appears bright. However, people do tire of being hurt, taken advantage of, disappointed, and left alone! In any relationship, you should never promise not to disappoint the other, as that will inadvertently always happen. However, it is safe to promise that as a result of your disappointment, you will not run away, but stand firm and face the situation with consideration, and grace. Relationships crumble because one or both of those involved shut out the other. In order for this relationship to work, each person needs to care enough to fight for the other, compromise or sacrifice for the other…Miss the other when they are gone, no matter the distance or time, believe in the other person, and the strength of the relationship; stand by your partner during the worst of times, allowing yourself to laugh together during those times of joy. To be able to say, I love you enough to spend the rest of my life with you, should that be your desire, but would step aside and let you go if in your heart, this relationship…Us, is not what you want. However, I need to know…Continuing to push me away will effectively close our joining doors, and the love I may feel for you will slowly disappear."
Elizabeth closed her journal, wiped the tears that were falling from her eyes, and prepared to start her day. She still had time before the children were due to arrive. Hearing a noise, she looked up, and saw Jack walking through the door…
"Please Elizabeth… Hear me out," Jack was pleading for a chance to explain.
Angry at how he had been treating her, but remembering what she had just written in her journal, Elizabeth sat down at her desk, looked up at Jack with kind eyes, and said, "I'm listening…"
Jack started up the aisle toward her desk, "Elizabeth, I haven't been completely honest with you…"
"Oh, really…" Elizabeth replied. "You lied to me? Jack that isn't like you."
"Elizabeth, please just let me finish…" Jack said as he smiled nervously. "When I told you that I had something that came up and I couldn't get here to take you for our ride, that's where I lied… I was here…"
Elizabeth, realizing where this was heading, inhaled deeply, and although she sat quietly listening, her heart began to race…
Jack continued, "When I arrived, I found it unusual for the door to be open. I made it to the top step and I saw Charles down on one knee, obviously proposing to you. I felt my heart being ripped from my chest."
"Jack, I never saw you," Elizabeth was obviously surprised.
"I know…I stepped away from the door, trying to figure out what to do. As soon as I decided that I was going to confront Charles, I saw you kissing him… so I left. I believe now that I may have misunderstood your involvement." Jack continued, his face appearing flushed.
"Misunderstood my involvement…" Elizabeth was unable to hold her tongue, "Jack, he kissed me, and if you had stayed a minute longer, you would have witnessed me slapping him and sending him on his way. My friendship with Charles is effectively over, and I'm not sure right now how I feel about us," Elizabeth said, saddened by the fact that Jack would even think that after everything they had been through that she would entertain a proposal of marriage from someone other than him.
Just then, the door flew open and the children began rushing inside.
"Would you go for a walk with me later so we can talk?" Jack asked.
"Maybe," Elizabeth said as she walked passed him to greet the children. She stood at the door waiting for the last child to enter. She continued to hold the door, waiting for Jack to pass through.
As he walked through the door, Jack stopped and whispered, "I love you Elizabeth… Please don't tear us apart!"
Elizabeth stepped outside, out of earshot of the children, "Me, tear us apart? Jack Thornton, you have got some nerve. I love you too, but is that enough to keep us together? We don't communicate Jack." Keeping in mind her recent journal entry… "I won't say it's just you…Neither of us communicate with the other as we should. If something bothers us, we shut down. Misunderstandings begin with a lack of communication." Elizabeth looked around, and seeing no one she kissed Jack on the cheek… "I love you, but I'm very angry with you right now. I've got to go… I'll talk with you after school," Elizabeth turned and walked back inside, closing the door behind her. "Okay, children…settle down. Let's get started on our lessons."
"At least she's talking to me," Jack thought to himself as he headed to his horse and out to start his rounds.
As the day went on the children were busy doing their lessons. They were working independently, but would come to Elizabeth's desk if they needed help.
"Miss Thatcher," Rosaleen called out as she approached Elizabeth's desk, "I don't understand this problem…"
Elizabeth went over the problem with her step by step, leaving Rosaleen with a smile on her face, as the light of understanding went off in her head. Before heading back to her desk she asked, "Miss Thatcher, why are you and Mountie Jack angry with each other? My mommy said that you love each other. Isn't it important when you love someone to forgive them if they do something wrong?"
Elizabeth smiled, as a light had also gone off in her head as well… "Forgiveness is important Rosaleen… Now go back to your desk and see if you are able to work this next problem." Elizabeth sat at her desk, thinking of the simple words of wisdom she had just received, and knowing that Rosaleen was right.
The children finished up their lessons and headed out for lunch and recess. Elizabeth sat on the schoolhouse steps, her journal and a pen in hand, and began to write…
"Forgiveness… such a small word, but one with a powerful meaning. It is difficult at times to release the pain and hurt that settles in our hearts. True inner peace cannot be reached until you let go of the feelings of hurt, anger, disappointment and possible loss. For holding on to negative feelings takes up the space in your heart needed for love, compassion, hope, and happiness. As we forgive, we must also learn from those mistakes we make. We are human, and mistakes will inevitably occur. However, we never make mistakes twice… After the first time, it then becomes a choice of which we are quite capable of correcting before it happens."
The children returned to class for their afternoon lessons. As the end of the school day approached, the children were happily collecting their lunch pails, as they scooted out the schoolhouse door. Elizabeth looked around, but she saw no sign of Jack. She went back inside to gather her belongings, and her thoughts. She heard the door open, and looked up…
"How was your day?" Jack asked.
"Rather enlightening," she responded.
"How so?" He inquired, feeling somewhat hopeful in that she was pleasant and talking to him.
"I had a wonderful lesson today on forgiveness with Rosaleen," Elizabeth put her basket down, and walked toward Jack.
As she approached him, he took off his hat, setting it down on one of the desks. Jack raised his eyebrows, gave her a smile which showed off his dimples, and held out his hand to her… "Are you no longer mad at me?" He asked softly.
Elizabeth took his hand as they started to walk out of the schoolhouse. They walked hand in hand around the pond, "Jack, I love you… I'm not perfect, and I don't expect you to be either. We both have a problem with jumping to conclusions…knowing things are one way without getting all of the facts. I'm sorry that I didn't tell you about Charles and his proposal…"
"And the kiss…Don't forget about the kiss," Jack reminded her.
Elizabeth looked at Jack out of the corner of her eye, and frowned, letting him know that he was again walking on shaky ground.
They walked to the beautiful bench that Jack had built and placed by the pond. It was there for anyone to use, but in his mind it was theirs. They sat quietly, each one gathering their thoughts…wanting to say what was in their hearts, and say it so that the other would understand.
"Jack…" Elizabeth began.
"Elizabeth…" Jack spoke at the same time.
Both began to laugh, which lightened the mood somewhat.
"Jack," Elizabeth began again, "I do love you. I don't see myself with any other man, but…"
"No buts." Jack jumped in. "Buts are never a good thing!"
Elizabeth smiled at his obvious discomfort, "No Jack… But if we are going to stay together, we have to learn to communicate. We can't shut down and refuse to express how we feel. We're human, and there will always be mistakes made, but learning from them is the important thing. Jack…I know how hard it is for you to say what is in your heart, but we need to feel comfortable enough with each other to do just that…say what's in our hearts."
Jack took Elizabeth's hand in his, bringing it up to his lips where he kissed it gently. "Elizabeth, I love you, of that I am completely certain." Jack knew that he wanted to ask Elizabeth to marry him, but this was not the time. "I see us together raising a family, and many, many years from now rocking our grandchildren on the front porch of our home."
"Jack, are you asking me to marry you?" Elizabeth asked; a hint of excitement in her voice.
Jack stammered. Nothing would please him more than to propose to Elizabeth, but he wanted it to be perfect…He wanted them to be perfect. "Uh…um…I'm, well…I…"
"Jack, stop," Elizabeth laughed. "I'm only kidding."
Jack felt as though his heart had stopped…Not because he didn't want to propose, but because he did!
Jack and Elizabeth walked around the pond holding hands…talking, effectively clearing the air, and releasing all of the bad feelings that had taken up so much space in their hearts. They started walking back toward the school so Elizabeth could get her basket to carry home.
As they reached the steps of the school, Jack stopped, causing Elizabeth to stop and turn toward him.
"Is something wrong Jack?" She asked.
"No, everything is perfect…" He responded, as his fingers touched under her chin, lifting her head slightly, allowing her lips to meet his. Her arms found his muscular shoulders as she swept them around his neck, pulling him closer.
"I love you, Jack Thornton," Elizabeth whispered.
"I love you too," Jack responded with another gentle kiss.
Elizabeth walked inside the school, grabbed her basket, and joined Jack back outside.
Jack led Taylor as he held Elizabeth's hand and they walked back into town. He accompanied her to the café, "Elizabeth, will you have dinner with me tomorrow night?"
"I would love to Jack," She responded as she leaned over, gently brushing her lips across his cheek.
Jack tied Taylor to the post in front of the café, and walked Elizabeth to the door…
"Would you like to come in for some dinner, or pie or something?" She asked.
"I would love to, but I have something very important to attend to…" Jack said as he looked around, finding the street bare, he leaned over, capturing her lips with his. Jack watched as Elizabeth walked inside the café. He turned and jumped down the steps, mounted his horse, and headed for the Sawmill.
"What can I do for you, Jack?" Lee welcomed Jack as he walked through the office door.
"Good afternoon, Lee," Jack responded. "I need eight 4 x 4's about eight feet long, and I need them by tomorrow morning. Do you have any available?"
Lee stood from his chair and walked toward the door leading out into the lumber yard, "I believe I do, but Jack, what is this for?"
Jack laughed softly, "It's a secret…"
They went through the 4 x 4's in the pile and pulled out the best 8, setting them outside of the yard.
"I need to go to the livery and get a wagon to pick them up," Jack informed Lee.
"Higgins…" Lee yelled to one of his workmen, "Would you go hook up the horse and wagon so the Constable can use it please."
"Sure, Mr. Coulter. I'll meet you out front, Constable," Higgins responded.
"That's not necessary, Lee, but I do appreciate it," Jack thanked Lee, shaking his hand before heading to the front of the Sawmill.
The 4 x 4's were loaded onto the wagon and Jack headed back toward town. He ran into the Mercantile, and spoke with Mr. Yost, handing him a list which contained a few items he needed. Once he finished his shopping at the Mercantile, he headed back toward the outskirts of town.
Elizabeth stepped outside the café with a cup of coffee, and watched Jack leaving the Mercantile. She called out to him several times, but it was as if he was in another world…He never looked up from what he was doing. "Hmm, I wonder what he's up to…" She thought. She walked back inside, and busied herself helping Abigail clean the kitchen and dining area. "Has Jack asked you anything about dinner tomorrow night?" Elizabeth asked.
Abigail stood still, obviously deep in thought for a moment, and then replied, "No, he hasn't said anything to me… Why?"
"He asked me out to dinner, and I was just wondering what he had planned," Elizabeth said as she put the last of the clean dishes away.
"Whatever it is, I'm sure it will be magical," Abigail responded with a smile.
Elizabeth walked upstairs; sat on the side of her bed, pulled out her journal, and began to write down her thoughts…
"Life is full of changes, some good, some bad, some are expected, and others are not. In order to move throughout life, change is essential…What happens today affects tomorrow, and how you respond to a particular situation is greatly influenced by previous decisions. One change can bring about numerous emotions, and often times many of these, including joy, love, peace, contentment, hope and happiness can be attributed to the feelings we have for others…There is nothing like the excitement you feel when he touches your hand, your cheek, your lips, or the peace that comes over you sitting next to him, doing nothing but listening to him breath softly. When that certain person crosses your path, be willing to truly open your heart…For true love will come to those who have hope even though they have faced disappointment, have faith even though they have been betrayed, and love, even though they have been hurt before."
Elizabeth closed her journal, sat it in the drawer of her bedside table, and quickly fell asleep. She awoke the next morning to the sun shining brightly in her window. She got dressed and headed downstairs.
"Would you care for some breakfast this morning?" Abigail asked.
"I think I will take a plate over to the jail for Jack," she responded.
Abigail fixed Elizabeth a plate of bacon, eggs and a biscuit, and sat it down in front of her at the kitchen table. "Jack has already been here and eaten," Abigail remarked.
"Already?" Elizabeth asked, so surprised that he didn't at least say good morning to her.
Abigail poured them both cups of coffee and sat down at the table, "He said that he had something that he was working on, and would be gone most of the day."
"Hmm, that's odd. I hope he didn't forget that he asked me out for dinner tonight," Elizabeth thought to herself, but the words softly crept out of her mouth.
"You have nothing to worry about, Elizabeth. Jack will be here, and I know you will have a magical time," Abigail assured her.
"Do you know something, Abigail? You can tell me…" Elizabeth did her best to find out what Abigail knew, but she wouldn't budge!
Elizabeth went about her day, helping Abigail in the café… in between trips to the café door looking for Jack. It was getting later in the afternoon, and she went upstairs to get dressed for her date.
Jack finished his project and returned home to get cleaned up in time to pick up Elizabeth. He wasn't sure what to wear, but decided that casual was what he felt the most comfortable in. Halfway to the Livery, he remembered something and headed back to the jail. He turned RIP out for a few minutes, and then headed back toward the Livery.
Elizabeth came downstairs wearing the blue skirt with delicate yellow flowers, and pale yellow top which matched the flowers…a gift she received on her last visit home from Julie.
Jack walked in the back kitchen door. He tried to tell Elizabeth how beautiful she looked, but the words did not pass his lips…All he could do was smile.
"Have a nice time you two," Abigail said as Jack took Elizabeth's hand in his and they headed out the door.
Elizabeth assumed that since they were not eating at the café, that they would be dining at the saloon. So once she stepped off the stairs, she turned to head toward the saloon…
"Not that way," Jack said as he took her hand and led her to the carriage.
"What's this?" Elizabeth asked.
"It's a carriage," Jack responded, obviously nervous.
"I know it's a carriage, but why?" She asked.
"It's a secret," Jack said as he took her hand and helped her into the carriage.
They sat side by side, with no open space between them as Jack clicked the reins and the horse began to trot. Elizabeth put her arm through Jack's, resting her hand in the crook of his elbow, and leaned her head on his shoulder.
Jack directed the carriage a short distance out of town to the grove of trees, which were situated in front of the lake that they used to go to before the schoolhouse was built by the pond. By this time, it was dusk, and he helped her down from the carriage, took her hand and led her through the path to the lake.
Once in the open, Elizabeth was in awe of the sight before her… Down by the lake, Jack had set the posts in various areas. Hanging from the posts from hooks were lanterns, some set for brighter light, and others more dimly lit, providing a romantic glow. Baskets of flowers were set throughout. Off to the side was a table set for their dinner, which included roasted chicken, green beans, potatoes, Abigail's famous biscuits, and a chilled bottle of wine.
Jack excused himself momentarily as he headed over to crank up the Victrola. A beautiful, soft romantic tune could be heard, bringing the birds out of hiding with their own sweet melodies…
"May I have this dance, Miss Thatcher?" Jack asked as he held out his hand to her.
Elizabeth gently placed her hand in his, and he led her out onto the grass lined dance floor. Looking deep into each other's eyes, they found themselves lost… Lost in the moment; lost in the solitude…lost in the love they felt for each other.
After several dances, Jack led her over to a picnic table that was beautifully decorated with a red tablecloth, and a colorful and fragrant centerpiece of wildflowers. They sat down to their meal, but neither one ate much… They talked about things that were important to them, important for their future.
Elizabeth was so impressed with the time Jack had taken to make the area so beautiful. It was just them, and she was so in love with this man.
"What do you want for your life, Elizabeth?" Jack asked.
Elizabeth sat there for a moment, obviously thinking of how to respond… "Jack I want what most people want. I want love, satisfaction in knowing that as a teacher I have made a difference, security of a good man, children, and wonderful friendships. What do you see for your life, Jack?"
Jack smiled, and said, "I see for myself, much of the same things as you, Elizabeth. I want love, the satisfaction of knowing that as a Mountie I've made the lives of others better, a good marriage with a woman that I love dearly, children, and wonderful friendships."
Jack pulled the bottle of wine from a basket, and poured each of them a glass. "Here's to love and happiness…" Elizabeth raised her glass as they lightly clicked the rims together before each of them took a sip.
Jack sat his glass on the table and stood, walking over to Elizabeth. She put her glass down and prepared to stand…thinking that he wanted another dance. Jack walked closer, and his nervousness was quite evident, but charming as well. He bent down on one knee, reached in his pocket, and pulled out a box… "Elizabeth, I love you. I know that we have had problems, but I believe we have worked through them, and have come out stronger on the other side. I want you by my side in good times, and bad…I want to be your strength when you have none, share dreams with you, raise a family with you, laugh and cry with you."
Elizabeth's heart was pounding so hard that she just knew each beat could be seen through her skin. She felt tears well up in her eyes…Looking at Jack she caught a glimpse of several tears falling down his cheeks. She smiled nervously, reaching over to wipe them so tenderly with her fingers.
Jack opened the ring box and said, "Would you do me the honor, Elizabeth, of becoming my wife?"
The moon could not have cooperated more on this most special of nights. The ring, a blue sapphire, surrounded by diamonds was in a simple white gold setting.
Elizabeth was taken by the simplicity of the ring…It was everything that she had ever dreamed of…ever wanted, "but how could he have known?" She thought.
Jack barely got the words out, before Elizabeth screamed, "Yes, Yes, Yes, I will marry you!"
Jack pulled the ring from the box and placed it on the ring finger of Elizabeth's left hand, "I love you." Jack stood and gently pulled Elizabeth out of her chair and close to him. They could have been in the middle of a crowd, but at this moment…at this very special time in their lives, they would still have only seen each other. Jack's arms swept around her waist and Elizabeth's found his strong shoulders, reaching her arms around to his back, one hand running through his hair as their lips touched.
Jack led her to their dance floor. They held each other tighter than they had ever before as they danced, and laughed and cried tears of happiness.
Elizabeth couldn't help but stare at her ring…It was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. It was both given and received from a place of complete hope, trust and love.
Seeing Elizabeth staring at her ring, Jack was a bit self conscious…realizing that it most likely was not as glamorous as the one Charles had presented to her. "Elizabeth, do you like the ring? I mean, I know it isn't big, but maybe at some point we will be able to get you a bigger one."
Elizabeth smiled, finally taking her eyes off of this beautiful symbol of their love. "What, Jack…I'm sorry, did you say something?"
Jack smiled back at her, knowing that what he knew of this woman, that she was not pretentious, and did not need or want a lot of material things… She was in love with him, and with the ring he had picked out.
Elizabeth leaned forward, touching her lips softly to his…their lips parted slightly, and they were lost in each other…
As the music stopped, Jack took her hand and led her back to the table where they toasted their love, their engagement, and their future happiness together. He kept watching her stare at the ring, "Is it okay?" He asked.
Elizabeth looked up at him… She appeared to be surprised that he would even ask such a question…She loved the ring! "Jack, as young girls, Julie and I would sit and talk about our weddings, and engagement rings…I drew a picture of the ring I always dreamed of receiving. I slipped the small piece of paper in my bag, and have carried it with me as a reminder to wait for what I truly want in life. No one but Julie has ever seen it." Elizabeth reached over, opening her bag, and inside a small compartment she retrieved a piece of paper that she handed to Jack.
He opened the paper, and there, drawn by a child's hand was the most beautiful picture he had ever seen. It was a blue sapphire, surrounded by diamonds, in a simple unpretentious setting.
"How could you have possibly known, Jack?" Elizabeth asked, as tears streamed down her cheeks.
Jack cupped her face in his hands as he kissed away her tears, "I love you Elizabeth Thatcher." He took her hand and they started to walk back to the carriage.
She stopped, causing him to turn and face her…She wrapped her arms around his neck, holding him close and whispered, "I have never loved anyone as much or as completely as I do you, Jack Thornton."
As they separated slightly, their lips touched, and the passion felt by each one was ignited. Jack took her hand in his and proudly walked down the path to the carriage…Having arrived as a single man, but leaving engaged to the woman of his dreams!