The Day Before
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Elizabeth walked solemnly down the sidewalk. The sky was overcast and rain was on the horizon. The dark, heavy clouds were puffy with unshed droplets as they moved across the morning sky in Hope Valley.
It matched her mood; it reflected her feelings.
She was supposed to be getting married tomorrow. She should be walking on the clouds rather than dreading them.
She made her way toward the schoolhouse for what was supposed to be her final day before a week off for the honeymoon.
She glanced toward the sky once more. If there were even to be a honeymoon. With each passing hour, that appeared less and less likely.
She tried to take Bill's advice to heart and trust that Jack was safe. She'd prayed for his hasty return and while everyone from Bill to Abigail to Rosie had told her that Jack not returning yesterday as had been expected was nothing to be overly concerned about, her heart still skipped a beat in anticipation of the unknown.
She hugged her notebooks to her chest tightly as a low thunder rumbled in the distance. As she made her way down the main street, she heard a familiar voice call her name.
"Elizabeth!" She paused to turn and gave a tight smile as Abigail approached, wiping her hands on her familiar apron as she did so.
Abigail stopped just in front of her and winced. "Uh Oh. I know that look. Still no word from Jack?"
"No." She expelled a worried sigh she couldn't hold in.
Abigail patted her arm sympathetically. "I'm sure he'll be in today."
Elizabeth nodded. "I hope so. I just don't understand why he hasn't sent word." She bit her lip.
"Oh Elizabeth, he'll be back; I just know it and…this rain is going to clear and you two will be married right out there by the water just like you planned."
"What if…" She paused not wanting to finish. "What if it's just not meant to be?"
Abigail shook her head. "Elizabeth, God has led you two safely to each other so far. He's not going to abandon you now."
She nodded and reached for her own faith for what seemed like the thousandth time. "I probably need to get on to school."
Abigail gave her a little squeeze. "You come by this afternoon and we'll go over a few last minute details."
Elizabeth was about to respond when she heard a loud wail from up the street. Both the women whipped around toward it.
"Mizzz Thatcherrrr!" Ned Yost stood at the front of the store waving a piece of paper in the air.
Elizabeth and Abigail immediately looked at each other and then took off toward the store.
Ned pushed the paper into her hands as soon as she approached. "It just came this morning!" He turned back to his doorway to give her some privacy.
She looked at the paper and then at Abigail almost afraid to open the folded edges.
Abigail prodded her. "Go on! See what it says!"
She slowly turned it up and opened it.
She let her eyes scan the few words on the page as she held her breath.
Finally, she let her eyes drift closed tight as she pulled the paper to her and clinched it to her breast.
As the first light raindrops fell from heaven, a lone tear escaped down her cheek.
####################
Jack sat in the spacious, neat office of the Lethbridge Headquarters waiting on the Commissioner to return. There was much excitement around headquarters this morning. It wasn't often that remnants of an entire gang were brought in alive.
Jack had ridden hard and reached the drop point to find the Mountie squadron waiting on him. They'd immediately been alarmed when he had arrived without the prisoner they'd been expecting in tow. He'd quickly explained that the gang was nearby and in hiding and the detachment had made their way to find the gang quickly gathering their camp and preparing to ride out. Another hour and they might have been near impossible to track down.
Jack had helped his fellow Mounties surround the weary group and they'd been brought in without bloodshed. He felt he'd done his duty and now that the group was in custody, he was ready to head home. The exuberant Lethbridge Commissioner had insisted on putting him up in his own home last night until he could come in and give his official report this morning. And while he appreciated the hospitality-warm soup and a soft bed-, he really needed to get headed toward home.
Impatient, he stood and walked to the window to look at the position of the morning sun. If he left now, he could ride hard and make it. He noted the darker clouds back toward home and hoped he wouldn't run into inclement weather that would slow him.
He tried not to think of Elizabeth's worry. He'd told her he would be back by late yesterday. Obviously, he hadn't anticipated the delay of the capture and necessary statements and reports that had pressed him to come all the way into the city station. He'd wanted to send a telegram yesterday but by the time they had the gang to headquarters, it had been too late and he'd had to wait until the Lethbridge telegraph office opened this morning.
His message to her had been simple.
Unexpected delay. Be there for wedding. Keep faith in me. Love Jack.
Sighing, he returned to sit again in the fine leather chair as his eyes trailed to the wooden clock on the Commissioner's bookshelf. The tick of it was loud in the silent room. The time pressed on him. He needed to leave now if he were to have any chance of making it home in time for the wedding and he'd have to ride extremely fast and hard to do it.
His thoughts scattered as the door swung open and two men walked in with the Commissioner.
He rose instantly from his seat.
Commissioner Lars Walker walked over toward him and he immediately saluted and his chief superior responded in kind before taking a step back and using a sweeping hand to indicate the men trailing him.
"Constable Thornton, this is the mayor of our esteemed city- Mr. Hardie." He moved aside and the rather tall man reached a hand out to shake. He returned the handshake with a smile. "Nice to meet you Sir."
The mayor indicated a smaller man beside him. "This is my aide, Mr. Weathers." Jack reached to shake his hand as well.
Commissioner Walker then took the conversation. "Constable, we all want you to know just how much the headquarters here and the city appreciate what you did yesterday. We've been chasing the rest of the McTierney gang for months but had no idea they had gotten so far south."
Jack nodded. "Just doing my duty Sir."
The Commissioner nodded. "Yes, from what I understand from your direct superiors, you've gone above and beyond your duty to God and Country for the last few years."
The mayor then spoke up. "As such, the city would like to hold a celebration in your honor this afternoon. We want to give you a token of our appreciation."
The Commissioner beamed as Jack felt his stomach fall. He tried to school his face to show no emotion but could hardly do so. The two men in front of him were beaming at each other and therefore, didn't seem to notice his lack of response.
Before he could say anything, his superior spoke again. "And Constable, at this celebration, we would like to grant you a formal offer as a Staff Sergeant here at Lethbridge Regional Headquarters. We need intelligent, sound men like yourself training other men to guard our fine city and province."
The way the Commissioner said the statement indicated that he knew what an honor the post would be for Jack. And Jack knew too.
The rank was one of importance and some prestige; the pay raise even better.
But it wasn't what he wanted. He knew that as well as he knew his own name. Not now. Probably not ever. His place was in Hope Valley. By Elizabeth's side. But he needed to be careful not to offend.
He took a small moment to gather his thoughts and think through his coming words.
"Gentlemen, I cannot tell you both how honored I am by both offers."
He said nothing more for a moment and the two men beamed with pride.
He set his jaw. "However, I regretfully must decline both."
Both men were shocked but the mayor was the first to speak. "Constable! Surely this is quite a promotion for you?"
Jack nodded. "Yes Sir, there is no doubt about that. However, in my time in Hope Valley, I have discovered there are more important things than rank or station in life."
The Superintendent scratched his jaw for a moment and leaned back slightly against the desk, studying Jack intently.
"Constable, it is my understanding that you are to be married soon?"
Jack fought a smile. "Yes Sir. Tomorrow actually." He paused. "If I make it back in time that is."
The Commissioner nodded thoughtfully. "Well, we certainly don't wish to hold you from such a great day."
Jack felt relief wash through him upon realizing that his superior wasn't going to push him to stay. "Thank you Sir."
"However, we do still want you back here to work." The Commissioner was firm and resolute in his request.
"Sir, I have come to firmly believe that my calling is in Hope Valley and in serving the people of that town and surrounding area."
The Commissioner again scratched his jaw thoughtfully.
"This young lady of yours? What are her interests?"
"She is the town's schoolteacher Sir. And I might say, a most excellent one."
The mayor spoke up. "I will certainly speak to the school board here about adding her on and at a nice raise I'm sure as well."
"That is very generous mayor but she too believes our place-together- is in serving the residents of Hope Valley."
The mayor's eyebrows raised at Jack's continued resolve. "What is so special about this place Constable that you would turn down such advantages to stay there?"
Jack fought an instant smile that came to his lips. "Well…It's hard to say exactly Sir. Folks there…we just all care about each other…and we all pitch in and help wherever we need to and there's a spirit of getting things done the right way that doesn't exist just everywhere and…"
He trailed off as he noted the bemused expressions of all three of the men. "It's just…um, it's special."
The mayor spoke up. "Well, I guess I can understand your devotion to such a place Constable but surely you will do us the courtesy of staying for a celebration this evening."
"Mayor, I normally would be honored to do so but I am scheduled to be married to the most wonderful woman on God's green earth in about 24 hours and I'd really like to be there."
The mayor started to voice more opposition. "But surely Constable you can delay…"
"Mayor…" Commissioner Walker interrupted the mayor and took a step toward Jack and placed a hand on his shoulder. "You truly love this woman so much young man?"
Jack stared back into the dark, kind eyes. "Yes Sir, more than I ever imagined I could love anyone."
The older man nodded. "And this place? You love it so much you are willing to pass up a career opportunity of a lifetime?"
He gave a slow nod. "At one time I believed there was nothing more important than being a Mountie Sir. And while I do see things differently now, I still believe it is a part of my calling in this life…I believe in serving my country and I believe my past actions have shown that."
The Commissioner nodded his head. "You have indeed served with distinction and honor Constable."
"Then Sir, I hope neither of you will take my refusal today in a wrong spirit but as the pull of my heart, my spirit and my soul to what I believe to be a greater calling."
The older man slowly padded Jack's shoulder and Jack felt his resolve strengthen even further.
"You go home Constable. You take your woman to wife and you love each other." He gave Jack a small smile.
Jack let loose a quick, relieved breath. "So I'm free to go Sir?"
The Commissioner gave him a tight smile. "You go on now and ride safely young man."
Jack couldn't help the smile that broke over his own face. "Thank you Sir!" He saluted and turned toward the door.
"Oh but Constable…" Jack turned back to him. "We'll be in touch soon."
Jack gave a tight nod, not knowing what was meant by the parting comment. However, at the moment, he didn't care. He strode out of the office and down the hallway toward the stables. He was going home to Hope Valley.
Home to her.
Home to them.
##########
Elizabeth pulled her journal out for the last time.
Well, the it was the last time she would pen an entry as an unmarried woman so she wanted to make the entry memorable.
She glanced toward her window at the slight twinkle of the dim lights from town now bouncing on the glass pane.
Jack hadn't made it home this evening. She knew his arrival could never before nightfall if he'd left at the time he'd sent the telegraph. And with the steady rain today, she knew he had to have lost some time. Yet, her mind wandered to him. Where was he? He would have to make camp in the woods and sleep on the ground another night. Poor Jack. She so wanted to be out there with him, keeping him company.
Just knowing he was near made her feel safe and loved.
And so tomorrow afternoon, if Jack indeed made it home timely, they would be married. It was Jack's intent to ride the short few miles up to Jasper Mountain to Bill's cabin but she felt now that he might be tired from his journey and might rather stay the first night here at her place.
Their place.
She had to get used to the idea. It would take time she supposed. She'd lived alone for some time here in Hope Valley and had never shared space with any man other than her father.
He and Mother always had their own suite of rooms at home anyway so she had never really dealt with the day to day things that being near a male household member entailed.
Her sisters were all neat and tidy and she knew Jack was as well with his disciplined Mountie training. She was satisfied that they were going to be quite compatible in that way.
She enjoyed cooking for Jack as well and knew from their many meals together in the past that they would also have no problem with conversation. They both enjoyed debate and quick wit. His intelligent mind challenged her own. They both enjoyed reading and she could imagine a quiet evening in front of the fire doing so in each other's company. He also had his artwork to keep him busy when he wasn't working and of course she had her writing. They both enjoyed and appreciated each other's talents.
It was the other, less oft spoken item that made her pause. It was the one she wasn't well versed in. She could read poetry to him, debate a political point, or entertain him with a song or piano piece with ease but she had much less notion how to behave with her husband in the most private sitting.
The women she depended on for help in town had been kind but not completely clear. Even Abigail's good advice was a bit short of what she felt she needed to know to be prepared. Abigail had insisted that she trust her instincts and depend on Jack and not fret over it but to enjoy him.
Certainly, she was beginning to understand what that entailed. When she had forgotten herself and she had ceased to think in Jack's arms, it had become much too easy to let the cascade of feelings wash over her. She hadn't wanted to stop touching him, kissing him.
She had most definitely wanted…more.
Even if she weren't sure what 'more' would be like.
The unknown of it all was what gave her hesitation. She had always been a planner, a thinker. Yet, these feelings…this…thing that happened between them…it stole all sense of reason from her when it began.
And yet, it felt incredibly…right.
She sat a few more quiet moments, letting her pen rise from the paper to her lips.
She rose from the chair and walked over to the window. As Abigail had predicted, the rain had tapered off and now the sky was dark except for a few bright stars.
Was Jack sleeping under the stars tonight?
She leaned until her forehead rested on the coolness of the windowsill letting all of her worries and fears drift away. Finally, she gave a happy, satisfied sigh and let a small smile light upon her lips.
In less than twenty-four hours she would be with Jack and she would become 'Mrs. Elizabeth Thornton'.
And her new life would begin.
#####################
Jack pulled his small leather knapsack under his head and shifted beneath the thin blue regulation blanket once more. At least it wasn't raining tonight on him as it had most of the day. He had slept in much worse conditions than this.
He opened his eyes to see the bright stars shining down on him and wondered if Elizabeth were looking at them too.
Tomorrow night he would sleep in a more comfortable bed. With his wife at his side. The thought made him smile.
How wonderful and yet strange it would be.
He knew from time he'd spent with her that she liked to curl around him and he imagined she would do that in their bed together too. Her slender arms would rest on his shoulders as she burrowed her nose against his neck. He could almost feel her in his arms as he felt his body relax from the day's ride.
He'd ridden hard toward home and he knew he should arrive in Hope Valley a few hours after sunrise. He'd have time to bathe and shave and get into his dress suit.
He could hardly believe it was finally going to happen. In less than twenty-four hours, he would be a married man.
It wasn't something he'd ever planned for. It really wasn't something he'd ever believed he wanted. He briefly let his mind flicker to the offer from the Lethbridge Commissioner. Just a few years ago, he would have jumped at the chance to take such a post. His career had been all that had mattered and all he had convinced himself ever would. After several romantic failures-most due to his dedication to his work-he had, for all intents and purposes, given up on the idea of a woman in his life as a permanent fixture. And he'd been fine with that decision. Content and resolved in his future.
And then, he'd taken a long look into the beautiful blue eyes of one young and wet behind the ears schoolteacher and had fallen hopelessly in love for the first time in his life. Elizabeth had struck him as a thunderbolt and owned his heart as surely as the night owned the moon and stars.
He had known she was dangerous to his heart; his career ambitions. Yet, as he'd turned the Commissioner down earlier, he'd had not one regret. He'd had not one pause or question in his mind that the only choice he wanted to make was to be with his wife as they began their life in Hope Valley. He would always do his duty and yes, he knew at times that might ask him to be away from her but he would always do just as he was doing now-hurry home to her.
She would open the door to their home and welcome him with open arms. She'd place a soft and then…more passionate kiss on his lips as her warm, soft body pushed up against him and promised of even more in the darkness of their private quarters.
Their children would squeal his name- "Daddy!" as they jumped around him and could barely wait their turn for a hug and a squeeze. He would give them each attention and tell them stories as they sat around a warm fire together. They would fall asleep and he and Elizabeth would gently put each one to bed with kisses and tenderness.
And then, he'd take her hand and lead her to the quiet of their room…their bed.
He would slowly lead her to sit and he would cherish looking at her in the lamplight.
It was on this beautiful thought that his mind finally drifted…
And he slept.
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