Jack's hand flailed around for the alarm as it rang loudly. Once silent, he rolled back over wrapping his arms around Elizabeth, loving how her soft warm body fit perfectly against his. He loved this time in the morning.

For the past few days since they'd arrived in Hamilton ,Jack and Elizabeth enjoyed total wedded bliss. After their dinner with the Thatchers, they spent their days lounging about their new home, reading or drawing by the fire, walking through the snowy park close by, and just enjoying being together.

Today was their last day before Jack was to officially start his new assignment. As excited as he was to begin the job, he'd miss the uninterrupted time with his wife.

"Jack?" she groaned. "Why did you set the alarm?"

"Not a morning person, are we?" he teased.

"I am, when I need to be. I don't believe today was one of those days though."

"No, its not. I'm trying to get back into a routine for tomorrow."

Elizabeth rolled over, stretching her body half over Jack's. "But you aren't going in today. Today, you're still mine."

"Yes, Mrs. Thornton, I am." he grinned as he rolled her over onto her back. "Or are you all mine?"

"Maybe a bit of both."

…..

After spending a large chunk of the morning enjoying the closeness of being husband and wife, they got up to start their day.

"How would you like to start the rest of our day?" Jack said as he entered the kitchen. He wrapped his arms around her waist. "Hmm, breakfast smells good."

"Technically it's lunch, even though it's an omelet and bacon."

"Really? What happened to breakfast?" he laughed.

"It came and went two hours ago and we had other plans." She blushed thinking back to the love they'd shared that morning.

"That was a great way to spend a morning. In fact, I think our morning plans were much better than food." His dimpled grin making her blush again.

"I agree. Now sit before I burn your food."

Jack did as he was told, grabbing the paper off the table as he sat. In addition to their home's dining room, there was a small table in the kitchen, perfect for the two of them.

"I was thinking, we should probably go into town today and see about getting that tux for me. You know, the one your mom insisted I get for New Years."

Mrs. Thatcher called the day before instructing them to each go to specific stores to get their outfits for the New Years wedding reception. Making it clear that it was all to be charged to her account.

"That's a very good idea. It may take time to get fitted and this way it's in the works before you start back up at work." Jack nodded. "I suppose I should go in tomorrow while you're at work to look for a dress. I can't believe the fuss she is making over this, though. It's just a party."

"Not to them." Jack took a big sip of his coffee. "They missed our wedding, remember? To them this is like a wedding. Looking at it that way, I'd say they're being pretty calm."

"I suppose you're right." She plated his omelet and bacon and took it to him at the table. "I am excited to see you all dressed up in your suit. Even though I know you'd be more comfortable in your red serge."

"I would, you're right," he laughed. "But I'll do this for your mom. What's one night?"

"Did you hear my father the other night, though? 'He's a decorated war hero, why are you making him wear a tux?'" Elizabeth mimicked. "I think he was actually rooting for you!"

"Go figure," he grinned.

As they ate, Jack continued to read the morning's paper. He skipped the articles about the conflicts in the northern territories coming to an end. He'd lived that, no sense in reading about it. There was an article about some new car the Ford company was about to introduce to the market. Another about a opera singer from Italy starting a tour in North America. Nothing Jack felt pertained to him at all.

Then he came to the feature article. It was a major news editorial talked about the different aspects of the conflict with Germany in Europe. With the year 1913 coming to a close, there was much speculation as to what the next year would bring. War seemed to be unavoidable.

Having just been heavily involved in the conflict in the north, Jack could only imagine what turmoil a war in Europe would cause. He prayed it would never come to that.

Jack was so lost in thought as he read, he didn't hear Elizabeth trying to gain his attention.

"Jack, everything alright?"

"Yes, of course." He placed the paper down on the table. "Sorry, lost my head in an article."

"About the trouble overseas?"

"Yeah. From what I read, sounds like it has potential to be a real mess."

"I think you're right." she paused, afraid of the answer to the question she needed to ask. "If it does come to a war, you think you'll you have to go?"

Jack sighed, he had been thinking the same thing. "It's hard to say. I'm not a soldier, but a peace officer. I would imagine my place will be here." She let out a breath of relief. "That's not to say it won't get so bad that I would be needed elsewhere." He saw her tense up, this was not how he wanted to spend their last day of freedom. "Let's not borrow troubles from tomorrow just yet, okay Bella?"

"You're right." She leaned in kissing his lips and turned her focus back to her breakfast.

After they'd finished their meal, they got dressed to head out into the city. It was cold day, but not too cold that they couldn't enjoy the walk into town. Each time the wind picked up, Elizabeth would simple bury her face in Jack's shoulder. Something he didn't mind in the least.

As they walked up to the men's clothing store Grace had mentioned, Jack just stopped, surprising Elizabeth who was in a hurry to get out of the cold.

"I'm not sure about this…" Jack stated.

"Jack, you said you'd do this for Mother." She couldn't help but smile. He looked like a little boy being sent to the headmaster's office for punishment.

"Yeah, I was wrong. I'm just going to wear my dress uniform."

"Alright, I won't argue," she shrugged. With her arm still linked through his, they turned and walked away. She was willing to support him completely.

Jack groaned loudly once they were few a store fronts down.

"Now what, dear?" She bit her lip to control her amusement.

"I promised your mom," he sighed. "Let's go back."

"If you say so."

They walked back towards the fancy store. Once inside, Jack looked around at all the suits and tuxedos around the room, having no idea where to start.

"Bonjour!" a well dressed salesman spoke as he came from an office in the back. "My name is Gerard, how may I help you today?"

Jack was still lost looking around the room, so Elizabeth spoke. "Bonjour, my name is Mrs. Elizabeth Thornton. My mother, Mrs. Grace Thatcher, sent us here to acquire a tux for my husband."

"Ah yes! The New Years wedding reception. Very elegant. Would you like to get started now?"

Elizabeth nodded.

"Wonderful. Now lets see, what is it you looking for exactly, sir?" He asked with his thick french accent, making it so Jack had to really be paying attention to understand.

"I guess I'm looking for something that will make my mother-in-law happy." Jack said with a smile.

"Well that we can do, don't you worry! I've made many suits and tuxedos for Mr. William over the years. I know exactly what she likes. Take a look along this wall here while I get set up to measure you."

"Measure me?"

"You want a suit that fits, yes? Looks good? Then we have to measure."

"Elizabeth?" Jack looked at her pleading.

"It is how its done, love, I'm sorry."

"Alright… I'll go look."

Jack and Elizabeth perused the latest lines in men's fashion, trying to find anything that Jack would feel comfortable in.

"That one looks ridiculous," Jack pointed to one of the first ones. It have a long lapel and long tails.

"Yes, I think we'll just ignore that one."

"This one's not so bad though." he pointed to one near the end.

"No, it's very nice actually. Sleek and handsome, really."

The salesman came out just then. "Admiring that tuxedo there? I just made one like that for Lucille Kensington's son."

"As in Charles Kensington?" Elizabeth asked wide eyed.

"Yes, that is the one. So sir, you like the tux?"

"Nope, moving on." Elizabeth laughed at her husband's quick response.

"Maybe you have one similar to this, but not like the one you sold the Kensington's?" she asked hopeful.

"I will look. One moment please." Elizabeth was still giggling as the man ducted back into the backroom.

"Can you believe that? I find one thing in this costume shop and Charles's already had his hands on it."

"Well think about it this way, he may have the tux, but you have me," she flirted, kissing his cheek.

"If there was a contest, which there isn't, I definitely would have won." He smiled as he wrapped her in his arms, giving her a long, loving kiss.

Gerard walked back in unphased, but still his presence made the newlyweds jump apart.

"My apologies," Jack said as he wiped his lips.

"Oh please," he waved his hands. "I'm French. Do as you please."

He held up two different styles for Jack. Both similar to the one he liked before, but different enough not to be confused as the same.

"Here you go Monsieur, either of these please you?"

Jack walked up and looked at the tuxes. Neither one was really him, but he did have to admit they weren't that bad.

"Maybe this one here?" He pointed to the one on the left. "Elizabeth, what do you think?"

"I like that one too. I think it's even more handsome than the one over there." She gestured back to the one they learned Charles had purchased.

Jack didn't know if she was just saying it or believed it, but either way, he was content just the same.

Within minutes Gerard had Jack dressed and standing on a platform for alterations. Jack never felt more on display in his life.

"Let's see," the tailor muttered as he circled Jack. "Dis is good, no? Just a little in here and little more there. Hmm, you are very tall, you know that."

"Thanks… I think." Jack was so uncomfortable as he watched himself in the mirrors. Elizabeth sat back in one of the fancy armchairs.

"Your calves, they are thicker than the average man," the tailor observed. "You an athlete or something like that?"

"I'm a Mountie." Jack spoke direct.

"Ah, a handsome Mountie. You are a lucky woman." he winked at Elizabeth.

"Oh, I'm very aware of that," she giggled as Jack shot her a playful glare.

Gerard spent a few more minutes taking notes and placing some pins. "Très bon, now you may change out of this and I shall have it done in plenty of time for your reception."

"Thank you, sir," Jack said stepping down and headed to the changing room.

"When you come back we shall discuss accessories."

"Excuse me?"

"Cufflinks, handkerchief that sort of thing. What will you be needing." Jack stared blankly at him. "Ah, so we are doing a whole package. Very good!"

Elizabeth laughed out loud as Jack's mouth opened and shut repeatedly. He was at a loss for words.

Twenty minutes later, they stepped back into the winter air.

Jack wrapped a arm around his wife, holding her close as they walked. "That was exhausting."

"I know, but you looked very handsome standing up there. Might be hard for me to keep my hands off you." She walked snuggled next to him, hiding from the cold breeze.

"Did I look suitable enough that I won't embarrass your parents at this thing?"

"Jack," she stopped walking and turned him to face her. "Please don't worry about them or whatever anyone in this silly city thinks. I don't care, and I don't want you to either."

Jack sighed. "I know, I'm sorry."

"It's fine. I just want you to remember that you are enough for me. Okay? Whether in a tux, your uniform, a flannel shirt or..."

"Okay, I think I understand," he chuckled. "Though what was the last thing you were going to list?"

"Or in nothing at all…" she grinned bashfully.

"Ah, well I feel that same way about you. Thank you Bella."

"Anytime, love." She leaned in to kiss his cheek. "Now, let's find a cafe. I could go for some tea."

"Your wish is my command, my dear." He kissed her hand and lead her down the busy sidewalk.

At Thatcher Manor….

"Grace? What is this?" William walked into the library where Grace was reading, holding a sheet of paper.

"That's the updated guest list." She looked up from her book briefly then back down.

"For…"

"The New Years reception, silly."

"My dear, there are close to 40 people on this list. I thought we were planning a simple affair."

"Oh be serious, William." She placed her book on her lap, realizing this wasn't going to be a simple conversation.

"I am, dear. We have to tread lightly with Beth on this."

"What are you afraid of? Her storming out like Julie?"

William ignored her question. "Look at this list, the Asters, Jones, Fabre's? You even have the Kensington's on here."

"What's wrong with that? The Kensington's are still our friends. All the damage has been repaired. Besides, Charles is very happy in his new relationship. You've even said yourself you've never seen him happier."

"You're right." he sighed. "I'm just going to ask one question, are all these people who you really want to spend that evening with? Or are you trying to prove to them that our daughter didn't make the mistake they think she did?"

"William Thatcher…" Grace said shocked. He was right, though. Once Charles had returned from Hope Valley, word spread like wildfires that he had been turned down for a middle class Mountie. "The Thatcher-Kensington fiasco" as it was referred to by some, was page one news for weeks. The general consensus was that Elizabeth had thrown her life away to be a country bumpkin in a no name town, all for a fleeting romance.

Grace knew they were wrong. She'd seen how her daughter looked at Jack, and read countless tales of their relationship in her letters. There was no doubt that Elizabeth had found her true love. Grace was happy for that. Better to have less but have love than to have everything at your disposal and not know true love, she thought.

"Is it really so wrong if it is the latter, William? To want to prove to them all how little they know about our family? About Beth?"

"No, I suppose not. But we need to remember who this night is for."

"Fair enough," she sighed. "I suppose I can take one more look at the list."

"That's all I ask, dear." He kissed the top of her head and turned to leave, stopping at the doorway. "It's nice seeing Beth again. She really does seem completely happy."

"He's a good man, dear. I hope you can get to know him while they're here."

He gave her a weak smile, "I will certainly try."

….

Across town, Jack and Elizabeth walked into a quaint little cafe not far from their home. The smell of baked goods and coffee filled their senses when they entered. They sat at a table for two nestled next to the fireplace.

"Why is it so much colder here than it is back at Hope Valley?" Elizabeth asked, rubbing her arms for warmth.

"It is a little further north, I guess." He shrugged.

"It's warm for you though isn't it?" she chuckled.

"Yes actually it is. The north felt like the arctic when I left. So glad I wont be going back there any time soon."

"You think they'll send you back someday?" she said nervously.

"You never know. I hope not."

Jack took her hand, making a warm feeling rush through her. She knew the life of a Mountie was challenging, and unpredictable. She hoped she was ready to rise to the challenge. She shook it off, deciding today was not the day to worry about the future.

"Oh, I forgot to ask, have you been able to get word to you cousin living here?" she asked, breaking the silence.

"I called, but it turns out Lauren went back home for the holiday. I should see her sometime in the next few weeks though."

"That's good. I'm looking forward to meeting more of your family."

"Yeah, I promise she's not as rough and rugged as Tom or my mother." They laughed at the thought. "But she's tough. She helped her dad out a lot on the farm before finally going to nursing school."

"Was it hard for her to leave?"

"It was. When my aunt died, she wanted to do what she could to take care of her dad. Mom moved back and decided to stay put there, that made it easier for her I think."

"I can understand that."

"Yeah. I'm rather surprised she likes it here in Hamilton though. She was always a small town girl."

"People can change."

"True," he smiled.

They stared down at their fingers woven together on the table. So much had changed in the past few weeks. It seemed like only days before he was freezing out in a tent with 9 other Mounties. Now he was sitting in a classy cafe in Hamilton with his beautiful wife. Tomorrow things would change again, but at least they'd still be together.

"I hate that you're going back to work tomorrow." Elizabeth pouted, interrupting his thoughts.

"Me too. Just think, at least I'll be coming home to you at the end of the day." He brought her hand to his lips.

"I do like the sound of that."

"It will be okay, Elizabeth. I promise."