Disclaimer: ***I do not own the characters within, all rights and much respect go to Crown Media, Hallmark, Ms. Oke, Mr. Bird, Mr. Landon, and the creators/writers/actors of "When Calls the Heart". You inspired me to write and I'm not a writer! Feel free to use my story on the show! I'd be honored!***

*~*~Hi Hearties, here's the next chapter already. I hope you're all still enjoying this. This story was supposed to be over a 2 chapters ago but I've expanded it and now there are just a few left. Thank you for your reviews!

In private messaging, many commented on Elizabeth standing up to Sokull. I thought it was important for her to push aside the fear or discomfort, etc. I'm trying to keep everyone in character and I think this is true to Elizabeth's character. She may be Jack's deer but she can hold her own too and do it with intellect and class. :) Ok, enough from me...I hope you enjoy chapter 10!

Chapter 10

Bill and Jack froze and looked over at Rosemary.

"Yes, gentlemen? I'm sorry, I was lost in thought." Rosemary revealed.

They looked at each other and spoke with their eyes. They knew it was not proper to confront a lady in the middle of the street and she admitted that she was lost in thought.

"We were just saying good morning, Rosemary." Jack said, knowing they would take her aside later.

"Oh…" Rosemary smiled and stepped toward them as though she was about to start a conversation.

"Have a nice day. So Jack, as I was saying…" Bill said as he turned and began to walk away. Jack followed his lead.

When they knew they were out of ear shot, Jack began; "Honestly Sokull was really trying my patience this morning. The only thing I got out of him was that Rosemary told him I was engaged to her and that Elizabeth was interested in dating him so he went for her." Jack said in a low voice as they walked down the street.

Bill nodded and matched Jack's hushed tone, "Well when I went back to the saloon last night, Tom expressed his concern for Elizabeth and we began a conversation about Rupert Sokull. Tom said he is certainly a man of low character and drunk most nights. He witnessed Sokull bothering Elizabeth in the past and spoke to him. He said he warned you about that?"

Jack nodded.

Bill continued, "I asked if he noticed any recent changes in behavior or any aggression, considering his actions. He said the only thing that he found odd was that Rosemary came in and specifically asked for him the day before last. She ushered him to a table and spoke to him at length. Sokull repeatedly told me last night that he thought Rosemary set him up."

Jack nodded again and said, "I hate to say it but I'm not surprised after some of the things that she's pulled ever since she arrived in town."

"You were really engaged to that woman?" Bill inquired as they reached the steps of the jail.

"She wasn't like this! I mean she was dramatic in an entertaining way but not like this." Jack said.

"Rosemary and Elizabeth are quite different." Bill pointed out.

"Yes, well Rosie and I grew up together. Now that I'm older and wiser, I realize that I thought I loved her but, now I know that I just cared for her. It's nothing compared to…." Jack began but stopped himself. "Well, anyway…"

Bill smiled and patted Jack on the back. "I already know what you were going to say; it's nothing compared to how you feel for Elizabeth. It's great Jack! Don't take it for granted because you never know what's around the corner." Bill said a touch of sadness in his eyes. Jack knew Bill lost his wife suddenly.

Jack looked him in the eye and said, "Thank you for that reminder. On another note, I delivered the telegram regarding Sokull. Let's hope that we get a quick response and a record."

"Yes, he claims that he has nothing but of course we have to look into it. That and the very fact that if he doesn't have a record or any outstanding warrants, Sokull will not be going anywhere. You'll have to hold him here and release him in about a month. You know harassment is considered a minor offense." Bill scoffed, "Who makes these laws?"

Jack shook his head, "I agree." Jack said and then tightened his jaw. He didn't like the notion that he may have to release Sokull. He wanted him out of town and away from Elizabeth. 'How am I going to tell her that he could end up staying? Then again, Elizabeth certainly took quite a stance with Sokull this morning!' Jack thought. She still managed to surprise him, especially her spirit! He loved that about her.

"So what do you want to do about Rosemary?" Bill inquired.

"It's important that we confront her. I have to tell Elizabeth, Bill. I don't want to but it's the right thing to do. She deserves to know about Rosemary's involvement." Jack said.

"I agree." Said Bill.

Meanwhile over at the café, Elizabeth saw Rosemary eating breakfast. She did her best to stay out of sight so that she wouldn't have to be bothered with her. She helped Abigail as she waited for Jack to return but the clock was ticking away. 'Perhaps he's too busy, I better head out. I have a lot to do before the children arrive.' Elizabeth thought. "Goodbye Abigail, have a good day!" She said as she stepped out of the door.

Elizabeth stepped onto the street and could see Jack and Bill up the road on the porch of the jail. 'There's my knight in red serge!' she thought with a smile.

Elizabeth felt a little disappointed that he wasn't able to walk her like she asked but she was looking forward to spending time with him tonight. 'What a difference 24 hours makes. This time yesterday, I didn't know if we'd ever be together again and now…we finally have our feelings out in the open. He loves me and I him.' she thought with happiness. She was caught up in her thoughts and didn't notice Jack moving through the people in the street until he almost reached her.

She stopped walking and smiled "Hi!"

"Constable Thornton reporting for duty, Ma'am." Jack smiled at her.

"What do you mean?" she laughed.

"Take my arm." He said as he extended it to her.

She took his arm and he spun them around. Elizabeth laughed, "Wrong way, Constable!"

"I told you I would walk you to school but I want to walk you the whole way." He said as they reached the café steps. He turned them back towards the saloon and began to walk.

"Did you leave any biscuits for me?" Jack asked with a spark in his eye.

"Nope!" Elizabeth said mischievously and they laughed. Elizabeth touched his arm with her other hand, "Thank you for walking me, Jack!" she said smiling and holding eye contact with him for several steps.

"Good morning Miss Thatcher, Constable!" People greeted them on the street. Many of them shared knowing looks because they had witnessed Jack defending Elizabeth's honor. Many knew they were courting but now it was obvious that they were in love.

They reached the saloon and Elizabeth stepped inside. They were alone or at least it appeared so. Before their two weeks of misery, Jack would walk her to the saloon and then they'd steal a few kisses once they were alone. 'Will he kiss me today? I don't want to be presumptuous but I want to go back to the way things were so badly.' Elizabeth thought. They were so comfortable in their actions then, it was normal for them to surprise each other with kisses. Jack stepped inside the saloon too, her back was to him.

She turned around when the door closed. They just looked at one another for a moment and they instantly felt that pull. They came together for a passionate kiss.

Elizabeth's heart soared, she was so happy their routine was back on.

"I hope you have a good day." Jack said and then resumed kissing her.

"I hope you do too." Elizabeth said and then kissed him back. "I also hope Mr. Sokull doesn't annoy you so. I saw you had your hands on him before."

Jack groaned. "I can't wait to get him out of town."

"That makes two of us!" Elizabeth said.

"Elizabeth there's something I have to tell you" Jack said as he let go of her. He didn't know how she was going to react. He took her hands instead. "Sokull has made us aware that Rosemary told him that you were interested in him and available to be courted. That's why he went for you last night."

Elizabeth's eyes went wide with surprise but then she looked away. "I shouldn't be surprised!" She was trying to create another obstacle that would come between us, wasn't she?"

Jack suddenly recalled that Rosemary tried to convince him that Sokull and Elizabeth were seeing each other. "You're right." Jack said seriously.

"Well, that certainly backfired!" Elizabeth said with a smile. "Thank God we came together as a result of her little plan."

"I couldn't agree with you more!" Jack said. "Elizabeth, we need to confront her together. Hopefully she'll finally get the picture and leave already."

"I agree. We need to show her our unity. When do you want to do this?" Elizabeth said; ready to face this obstacle together.

"After school?" Jack said.

"Ok." Elizabeth said.

Jack brought Elizabeth's hands to his lips and kissed them. "I'll let you get to work. I'll see you later." Jack said.

"Ok, I'm looking forward to our dinner tonight." Elizabeth said.

"Me too! I have to talk to Abigail about that." Jack said turning away toward the door.

"Jack!" Elizabeth said.

"Yeah?" He said turning around.

"I love you." Elizabeth said softly.

"I love you too...Bella." Jack said and stole one more kiss. He put his hat back on and walked out.

When the students arrived, they noticed that Miss Thatcher couldn't stop smiling. "You seem so happy today." some of the children said. "I'm always happy to be with you!" Elizabeth said but her students could tell something was different. It reminded some of the older students of how she acted when Mountie Jack came back to town.

At the end of the school day, Jack saw Elizabeth dismissing her class. He walked over to her, "Are you ready?" he asked.

She nodded, "I'll be right there."

He then noticed Rosemary in the street. 'Good timing!' he thought. He walked over, "Excuse me Rosemary, can you come with me to the jail?"

"Well of course Jack! I'd go anywhere with you!" she smiled and appeared excited.

Rosemary entered the jail "So Jack, what did you want to talk about?" She was hoping that he had reconsidered, although after last night she thought it was truly over.

Elizabeth stepped inside the jail. "Why is she here?" Rosemary asked as Elizabeth walked over to stand next to Jack.

He put his arm out for her to link with his. "Because we're courting again, thanks to your little plan backfiring." Jack said seriously.

"Rosemary!" Sokull yelled form his cell. "You told me Miss Thatcher was available and that you and the Constable are engaged! What are you trying to pull? Thanks a lot! Now I'm exactly where I didn't want to be!"

"Rosemary, what do you have to say for yourself?" Elizabeth demanded.

Rosemary was stunned for a moment but quickly recovered, "It was true! You two were no longer courting so she was available and Jack and I were engaged…once. So you see, it's all a big misunderstanding!"

Sokull had a look of understanding that came across his face and he settled back onto his cot. He was satisfied with that answer.

"You can try to manipulate things further but it's too late. You're caught!" Elizabeth said.

Rosemary's eyes bulged out in fear. "What?" she said. Jack and Elizabeth noted her facial expression and thought her reaction was a bit over the top. They both found it odd.

"You're caught in the act, Rosemary! How dare you put Elizabeth in danger with this man." Jack said as he gestured towards Sokull.

"Hey!" Sokull said.

At that, Rosemary recovered quickly, the look of fear gone. This was not lost on Elizabeth. 'That's interesting!' she thought.

"Well are you planning on arresting me, Jack? If not, I have something I need to take care of." Rosemary said knowing better.

"No but I want you to know that you can't pull the wool over our eyes. There's nothing here for you Rosie." Jack said.

"It's time to head back to New York and move on with your life." said Elizabeth.

"I really have to get going, good day!" Rosemary said. At that she turned and walked out. She marched directly to the store to send two telegrams; one for her mother and one for Jack's.

To be continued! PLEASE review!