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."

Note: Steam Alert…

Chapter 13- For the Love of Family

Jack and Elizabeth rode back toward the barn, feeling very complete as a couple, but worried about what to expect from her father. As they approached the paddock, his hand was wrapped firmly around hers; they stopped and under a full sky of stars, he leaned down covering her lips with his.

"I love you, and no matter what happens, remember that…" he assured her as he helped her down from her horse.

She felt his hands on her waist as she slid from the saddle to the ground. She turned around and smiled, "Jack Thornton, I was truly blessed when you entered my life. I'm thankful for every single day that we have together."

He leaned her back, deep against her horse, and pressed his lips into hers. They separated slightly, only to have their lips touch several more times, each kiss more powerful and passionate than the one before.

"Ah-Hem…" Mr. Thatcher clearing his throat brought both of them back to reality.

"Father," Elizabeth called out as she stepped out from behind Jack.

"Mr. Thatcher," Jack spoke up, as he stepped back in front of Elizabeth.

"I'm not here to fight…stand down, Constable," Mr. Thatcher remarked.

"Jack…his name is Jack, and he happens to be your son-in-law. He's a part of this family, and he's a huge part of my world," Elizabeth yelled.

"Your mother and I have talked; I don't agree with your decision, but she's made me realize that I need to accept it if I want you in my life," Mr. Thatcher commented.

"Jack and I will take care of the horses, and then we'll be heading to the Hamilton Inn for the night," Elizabeth advised.

"Please don't leave, Elizabeth. There are more than enough bedrooms here to accommodate everyone," He stated.

"Bedrooms? Father, Jack and I are married; one bedroom will be plenty," She replied as she stepped from behind Jack, and took hold of his hand in hers.

"Of course, Elizabeth," he conceded.

Elizabeth released Jack's hand and walked toward her father, "I do love you, but you must accept my decision. I love who I love; my heart can't be forced to feel for someone what it doesn't. Please accept that, and please accept Jack. We both want, and need you in our lives, but we don't want the turbulence that has been felt so far." She leaned in and kissed her father's cheek, "Jack and I will be inside shortly."

Mr. Thatcher took that as his cue to leave. He walked to the barn door, slid it open, and stepped outside, "I do want you in my life, and you will need me again… especially after he leaves you alone," he whispered.

Jack and Elizabeth fed, hayed, and watered their horses, locking each stall as they left. He placed his hand on her waist, and directed her to a tack box by the feed room where they sat down to discuss her father's confession of love.

"Jack, I know what you're thinking…" Elizabeth began.

"Oh, you do? So what is it that I'm thinking?" He asked.

"You're thinking that my father can't be trusted; that we need to be careful, watch our backs, and not just assumed that he speaks the truth," Elizabeth responded.

"Well, you really do know me," Jack said and then laughed softly.

Elizabeth smiled, kissed his cheek, and then grabbed his hand as she led him toward the sliding barn door, "Let's head to the house so we can get settled in our room. We need to get back to Hope Valley soon; I'm sure that Abigail is worried, and you need to go see your mother."

"Don't you mean we need to go see my ma?" He asked. "Bill was going out to tell her that I'm alive, but he doesn't even know that we're married. I know she would love to meet you."

Elizabeth wrapped her arm through his as they started back toward the house, "Of course…I know she will be excited to see you, but I am looking forward to meeting her too."

On the path between the barn and the house, Jack stopped. She walked a step ahead before turning around to face him, "Is something wrong?"

Jack looked away momentarily, "I have something else I need to do after I see my ma."

"What is it?" She asked.

Jack gently led her off the path to an opening lit by the moon, where they sat side by side on a bench,

"Jack you're scaring me; what is it?" She hesitantly asked.

Jack took a deep breath, "I need to go to Tulgley's Pass and see Constable Newman's fiancé. Caroline needs to know how he felt about her. On evenings when we had free time, we'd sit outside and talk about the two of you…wondering what you were doing, and if you were missing us even half as much as we were missing you."

"Yes," she responded.

"Yes?" Jack asked.

"Yes, I was missing you as much as you were missing me, and if I'm totally honest, probably more," She stated, the sadness of that time visible on her face.

"That's not possible…" Jack said with a smile, trying to lighten the mood of the obvious dark time in both of their lives. "Elizabeth, before I met you I certainly had no plans to fall in love, let alone get married. After Rosemary…"

"No Jack, let's not talk about her. I know she's no longer in the picture and let's leave it like that," She stated.

Jack smiled, "Yes, she has long since been out of my picture, but I want you to know how I feel…"

She settled down; her expression was warm and inviting, "Go ahead…I want to know!"

Jack continued, "Before I met you, I had no plans to fall in love with anyone, let alone get married. I built a wall around my heart, refusing to let anyone in." His emotions were showing through as tears filled his eyes, "I kept telling myself that I didn't need anyone; that I could be happy by myself, with just my friends, and my work. There were several years that I'd refused to feel anything, or allow anyone to get close to me. Then you arrived…You walked right in; I felt things for you that I'd told myself I'd never feel again. I knew it was real, because there were times when I'd thought I'd lost you, and it was the worst hurt I have ever felt. I can only assume how you felt when you were told that I was dead, and now I have to face Caroline; she deserves closure, and it's important for her to know beyond any doubt that he loved her."

Elizabeth placed her hand tenderly on his face as she gently wiped the few tears that fell, "Jack, you are the most wonderful man that I have ever met. Please never lose this tender side of yourself." She leaned over and captured his lips with hers.

"It's not Mountie-like though," he responded.

"Yes, but you can be strong in your job, and save the tender side for me…Please?" She asked.

"I love you," Jack replied as he responded to her kiss with one of his own.

"Jack, may I go with you to see Caroline?" She asked, almost begging.

Jack stared into her beautiful blue eyes, "I was hoping you'd want to go."

She leaned in and gently pressed her lips to his, "This should not come as a surprise Jack, but I don't want to be away from you. Because of the selfishness of others, we've been pulled apart, and I don't want it to happen again. Besides, I know how difficult the meeting with Caroline will be for you."

Jack's expression darkened; thinking about Caroline turned his thoughts to what Elizabeth experienced after having been told that he was gone…but quickly realizing that Caroline won't awaken from her nightmare.

Elizabeth easily felt his hurt, "Jack I hope you know that his death was not your fault."

"I know that, but I can't help but feel somewhat responsible to Caroline…I need to talk with her, and make sure she knows what was in his heart. They had just gotten engaged, and had such wonderful plans. It really reminded me of us and our hopes for the future," he responded.

Jack wrapped his arm around Elizabeth, and pulled her close. No words were spoken; they weren't needed. Each one knew what the other was thinking; it wasn't long ago that they faced the possibility of living life without the other.

Jack stood and held out his hand for Elizabeth, "I guess we need to get back to the house." As she stood with his help, he framed her face with his hands and pulled her into him. Their lips touched, and it was a kiss so slow, so sweet, it was as if they were melting together.

"Let's get back to the house so I can show you how much I love you," She remarked with a sly smile.

"If we were going to the Hamilton Inn, I think I'd feel more comfortable. Besides, you are wearing me out Mrs. Thornton…not that I'm complaining," Jack advised her as he laughed. Her lips were soft and inviting, making it difficult for him to think of anything else.

She pressed her lips behind his ear; the soft warmth of her voice soothed him, as she trailed kisses down his neck… "I'm sorry, Jack. No pressure; I just love you so much and I can't help wanting to be with you all the time. I'm satisfied to simply lie next to you with your arms around me as I sleep."

"Elizabeth, I never feel pressure from you," he said, "But this is your parent's house." Jack was apprehensive, but his desire for her was so strong; he was quickly losing all sense of where they were. He kissed her deep and slow, with such passion, that it caused her head to pound and weakened her knees. His fingers tightened around her waist; she felt the heat, passion, and strength of his embrace, as each one recognized the threat of getting caught.

"Jack you didn't have a problem with it earlier. Relax and enjoy the moment," she breathlessly suggested.

Jack leaned back slightly, "Well, before we were a distance away from the house; we weren't as likely to get caught. Now I can see the house, and everything seems so much closer. I'm not so certain that you would feel so romantic if we were visiting my Ma. Maybe we should go to the Hamilton Inn for the night."

Elizabeth took his hand, "Let's go Jack. The sooner we get to the house, the sooner we can be alone," she said as she started walking toward the house.

Jack didn't move…

"What's the matter, Jack?" She asked, recognizing his hesitancy.

"I'm not one for wanting everyone in the house knowing what we're doing," he responded.

"Jack, there are people at the house, but we will have our own wing…no one will be around," she advised.

He took her hand and began to gently tug her toward the house, "What are we waiting for then?"

As they entered the front door, Lyndon met them to take their bag, "Your father told me to have your old room fixed up for the night, Miss Elizabeth."

"Thank you Lyndon, but we will be staying in the guest wing tonight. Oh, and by the way, we're married now, so I guess Miss Elizabeth won't do. Can you just call me Elizabeth?" She asked.

"Well, Miss Eliza… Mrs. Elizabeth," he smiled at his mistake, I don't think speaking to you so informally would be appropriate.

"I understand, and I wouldn't want to get you in trouble. This is my husband, Jack…Constable Jack Thornton," she stated.

"Welcome Sir," Lyndon replied as he took their single bag and headed up the stairs.

Jack took Elizabeth's hand as they followed Lyndon to the second floor. As they reached the landing, they were stopped by a voice from below…

"Elizabeth, I'm glad you're here…well, you and Jack," Mrs. Thatcher called out.

"It's only for the night, mother. We have to leave in the morning," Elizabeth advised.

Mrs. Thatcher smiled softly, "I understand. It's just wonderful to see you…to see both of you." She stood silently as she watched Elizabeth lead Jack down the hallway to the guest rooms.

They walked to the end of the hall; Jack looked around as they stood at the closed door of their room for the night, and realized how right Elizabeth was…there was no one else around. He opened the door, took her by the hand and led her into the room. Lyndon delivered their suitcase to the room, and Elizabeth excused herself as she left to take a nice hot bath.

"Who was that?" Elizabeth called out as she heard a knock on their door.

The bathroom door slowly opened as Jack stepped inside, "A bucket of champagne, strawberries and cheese and crackers were just delivered to us."

"What?" Elizabeth was completely shocked as Jack teased her with a strawberry; placing it to her lips before pulling it away as she opened her mouth.

Jack helped her out of the tub, wrapped a warm, plush towel around her as he rubbed and dried her.

"Who is this from?" She asked.

"Your mother and the note says your father too, although I'm not sure I believe that," Jack responded.

Elizabeth slipped into one of Jack's shirts, which fell seductively off one shoulder, "Maybe he really is coming around…stop looking at me like that; I'm not going to assume that he has truly accepted us," she said as she waved her hand in a gesture between the two of them.

"My look has nothing to do with your father…how is it that no matter where you are, how dirty you may be, or what you're wearing, you are without a doubt the most beautiful thing I have ever laid my eyes on?" He asked as he swept her up into his arms and walked toward the bed.

Elizabeth wrapped her arms around his neck; he could feel the warmth of her breath on his skin as she gently nibbled on the lobe of his ear…

"You're killing me Elizabeth, but I can't think of a better way to go," he said breathlessly as they fell onto the bed.

Elizabeth quickly removed his shirt; her tongue worked circled on his skin, as her fingers gently massaged his straining muscles. Jack was surprised, but pleased at Elizabeth's assertiveness in reaching for his belt buckle, opening it and unzipping his trousers. She knew the intensity of his love and desire for her as his body responded immediately to her touch.

Jack rose up on one elbow; the fingers of his other hand tracing the outline of her body, as her skin tingled from his touch. Jack leaned down and kissed the skin that was exposed under his shirt, which forever in his mind would now be her shirt. His fingers began working the remaining buttons on her shirt, exposing more of her skin as the garment was pulled away from her body and tossed to the floor. His eyes looked deep into hers, wanting, caressing, piercing the very depths of her soul.

His body rose slightly as Elizabeth slipped his trousers down his legs, dropping his pants in the pile joining the clothes already on the floor. Jack rolled over, carrying her body with him. He drew her more firmly against his body, his mouth covering hers; a kiss, slow, yet deliberate, tender, yet passionate, sweet, yet demanding. The warmth of her lips flooded his body, spreading out to his limbs. Her tongue slipped across his salty skin as she whispered breathlessly, "I love you" into his ear. In that moment, the family tension melted away, as her heat, her scent entered his every sense, and she was truly his.

They collapsed onto each other; his arms wrapped securely around her body, as she rested her head on his chest. She closed her eyes and smiled; she'd found that everlasting passion that she never thought possible, having only dreamed about a complete love before meeting him.

Several hours later, she awoke, and slipped out of bed without awakening him. She wrapped her shirt around her before sitting out on the balcony to write in her journal. She flipped to the next blank page and began to write…

"Family can be many things…a trusted friend, a support system, a crusader, and a shoulder to cry on. But it can also be judgmental, hurtful, demanding and unwilling to compromise. Family is brought together as much by love as it is by blood, and often times, those held the closest have no blood in common. Many times those in positions of familial seniority assume by virtue of their age and experience that they hold the key to knowing what's best for each person. Not allowing each member to grow into their own stifles their creativity, inevitably leaving them tied only to what they are allowed to experience. Making mistakes and learning from them is an essential part of life. But refusing to allow our children to spread their wings and fly, suffocates them, leading them to seek anything simply as a means to escape. Be part of a family, but stand firm, never allow anyone to paint you grey. Be bold, find those colors that signify your strengths, your dreams, your desires, and cover your canvas."

Elizabeth closed her journal, resting it in her lap. She shivered slightly in the crisp early morning air, but was suddenly warmed as Jack wrapped his arms around her shoulders from behind.

"Can't sleep?" He asked.

"I slept, but I just have some things on my mind, and I needed to write them down," she replied.

He pulled her hair away from her shoulder, and gently kissed her neck, "Is there anything I can help you with?"

She turned slightly in the chair and smiled, "Jack, just being near you helps more than you will ever know."

"Are you hungry?" He asked.

"My heavens Jack…Now who is the one who only has lovemaking on their mind?" She giggled.

"Um… well yes, but I was actually thinking about food," he replied with his own soft laugh.

Elizabeth stood up and walked to her suitcase to pull out an outfit to change into…

"You stay here and relax. I'll go get us something to eat…that is if I don't get lost," Jack stated as he kissed her before slipping out the door.

Elizabeth had just stretched out in bed, when she was startled as the door opened…

"Hey, how do I get to the kitchen?" Jack asked.

Elizabeth laughed, "The house is bigger than it looks…"

"This house is big no matter what way you look at it," he replied.

Elizabeth sat up in bed, "You go down the hall to the stairs; go down to the first floor, take the hallway behind the stair case and you'll walk right into it. Are you sure you don't want me to go?"

He walked over, and kissed her gently, "No, you stay here and rest. We need to leave for home in a few hours. Do you realize that Abigail doesn't even know we're married?"

"I'm so excited. I can't wait to see everyone," She replied as she watched him walk out the door.

"Umm, he sure is a fine looking man, and I'm so lucky he's mine," she thought as she closed her eyes.

Several hours later she awoke to find Jack sleeping in the chair beside the bed. She glanced down, and his hand was gently wrapped around hers. As she slowly wiggled free from his hand, he began to stir…

"I'm sorry Jack. I didn't mean to fall asleep," she whispered.

Jack grimaced as he tried to stretch.

"Come over here and stretch out; I'll give you a massage," she offered.

She pulled the bedding back and scooted over allowing Jack room to slip in beside her. "Oh Jack, you're so tense. Your muscles are so tight; you need to relax," she stated as her fingers began to work on his back. After a few moments, she leaned down and said, "We need to get our things packed and get ready to leave. Oh, by the way, what did you bring up from the kitchen?"

Jack explained, "I tripped over a box, and woke up the staff. The cook came in and put together a tray for us. When I got back you were already asleep. I just sat the tray down, and fell asleep in the chair. I think it was sandwiches and cookies."

Elizabeth jumped up, "I'm hungry; let's see what we have here."

"Wait, my muscles still need you…" he called out.

*Knock, knock, knock…

Elizabeth started for the door…

"Elizabeth," Jack called out as he jumped up from the bed, and motioned with his hands the fact that she was only dressed in his shirt.

"Oh, right… Who is it?" She called out.

"Your father…"

Elizabeth grabbed her robe, wrapped it around her, pulled the collar up high, and cinched the belt tightly at her waist before opening the door.

"Good morning Father," Elizabeth remarked as she kissed him on the cheek. "You're up early this morning."

"I know you two are planning to leave this morning, and your mother and I wanted to make certain that you got this before you left," he advised as he handed her an envelope.

"What's this?" She asked, as Jack stepped up to stand beside her.

"It's obvious that we didn't give you two a wedding, or a wedding gift, and we'd like to make up for that," he replied.

Elizabeth was excited that her father had come around and "finally" accepted her husband. Jack, on the other hand, could see her father cringed as he said the word "wedding," and he was far from certain that Mr. Thatcher was welcoming him into the family.

As Elizabeth opened the envelope and pulled out the contents, she gasped as she looked at the amount on the check… "$10,000?"

"Your mother is down the hall and would like to speak with you before you leave. I'd like to have a moment with the Constable," he demanded.

"His name is Jack," Elizabeth reminded him, as she squeezed Jack's hand on her way out the door.

"Well, since you felt the need to rush to a wedding, and I'm assuming you have no place to live once you return to Hope Valley, this should help with your new home," he pronounced to Jack.

"Mr. Thatcher, that's not necessary. When I asked Elizabeth to marry me, I knew that it would be my honor to take care of her, and I plan to do just that," Jack remarked.

Mr. Thatcher stifled a smirk, "Constable, I hardly think that you will be able to care for Elizabeth in the way she is accustomed."

Jack was proud of the man he'd become, and was honored that people respected him as a Mountie, but also as a person. However, at this particular moment, when thinking of what was best for Elizabeth, and what she deserved, he felt somewhat insignificant…until…

"Father…" Elizabeth huffed.

Mr. Thatcher spun around, "I thought you were going to see your mother."

"I can't believe you. You talk about family and forgiveness and wanting to repair relationships and then you…" she began.

"It's okay, Elizabeth. He does have a few good points," Jack advised.

"It's most definitely not okay, Jack. Father, for your information, we have a home in Hope Valley," she advised as she tore up the check and handed it back to him. "If you will excuse me, Jack and I have to get dressed and on our way."

"Elizabeth, I'm just trying to help," Mr. Thatcher replied.

Elizabeth walked to the door, and waited for her father to step out into the hall, "Once you can accept this," she stated as she held out her hand showing the paperclip on her finger, "Then maybe we'll have more to discuss."

"A paperclip? Elizabeth, he didn't even buy you a wedding band?" Mr. Thatcher exhaled sharply while shaking his head from side to side.

"I consider it inventive… If you hadn't kept us from marrying the way we wanted to on the ship, we wouldn't have been forced to be so creative. I love my ring, and I love my husband," Elizabeth said as she closed the door.

Jack walked up to her and wrapped his arms around her, "You're shaking…are you okay?"

"I am now," she replied. "Let's get out of here and back home where we belong."

"Elizabeth, you told your father that we had a home in Hope Valley," he remarked.

"Yes," she acknowledged.

"But we don't," he reminded her.

"I know that, but I couldn't let him think that he had the upper hand," she stated.

"I'm sorry, Elizabeth," Jack stated remorsefully.

Elizabeth framed his face with her hands, "Jack, I'd live in a tent with you forever if necessary."

"I love you," he said as he leaned down and captured her lips with his, "but that won't be necessary. I'll get us a house."

"And we'll make it a home," she responded. "I love you too, Jack," she smiled. "Now let's go home."

To be continued…