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!

Hearties, Sometimes I wish I published my story completed so that you, the reader, have the same natural flow of the weekly episodes or chapters of a book. I intentionally write each chapter or episode (wink) so that the story can flow with continuity. I hope as I bring up things from past chapters that you will recall the events. A lot sure has happened in these 21 chapters! Even I'm surprised, lol! Thank you so much for reading and your reviews, THIS IS ALL FOR YOU, HEARTIES!

Love Never Fails

Episode 21

Jack walked into the jail and found Moore sitting at his desk completing paperwork. There were four men in the jail cell who were griping about being caught. "Looks like we got a few more, huh?" said Jack.

"Yes, looks like the magician tactic is working…so far." Moore said not looking at Jack.

"It will." Jack said.

"Row houses covered?" Moore said while typing.

"Of course. I see the town is." Jack said. He wanted to talk to Moore about placing Constable Nelson at the café.

"Yes, you said cover all the businesses and I did. The saloon is clearly covered. I took the liberty of placing a Mountie at the north and south end of the street, the mercantile…and the café." Moore said as he glanced at Jack from the corner of his eye.

"Mmhmm." Jack muttered. As much as Jack wanted to engage in an argument with Moore, there was a little part of him that felt that Moore was right about Elizabeth taking priority. 'I love her, how could she not?' Jack thought. Any man wants to protect the woman he loves but he was concerned for the people of his special little town. He hoped that all of the mothers and their children slept better tonight with the Mounties stationed all around.

Jack was up early to complete his rounds and met with the Mounties to give a rundown of what they learned the night before at the saloon. Constable Smith stated they did not get any information about Barth other than he was staying in different places. The Mounties learned that many of the miners didn't like the men but they were good workers and Gowen like them. It was noted that Gowen seemed to take a liking to Barth and another man, Phillips, who were often seen talking.

Jack glanced at the clock and noted the time. Elizabeth asked him to walk her to school and he was almost 15 minutes late. He felt torn, he wanted to go but he had to finish his meeting.

Meanwhile at the café, Elizabeth kept watch of the clock. She glanced into the dining room and out the window on a number of occasions.

"Jack's still not here?" Abigail asked in surprise.

Elizabeth shook her head, "No, I'm sure he's busy."

"Oh, hello!" Rosemary said coming into the kitchen, "Everything was very good Abigail." She began. "Hi Elizabeth, I couldn't help but to overhear your conversation. You know, you'll always be second best when it comes to being with a Mountie. Duty and honor before, well…anything or anyone for that matter. I know firsthand growing up as a Mountie's daughter. You should probably consider your decision to date a Mountie if you have a problem with that."

Abigail turned to look at Elizabeth who just stood there for a moment. "Why can't you leave town already?" Elizabeth thought. Elizabeth realized that she said that out loud as she watched Abigail's eyes grow wide and Rosemary's jaw drop.

"I shouldn't be surprised by that; Jack was my fiancé after all. Of course you're jealous considering you two are only courting." Rosemary said pointedly.

Elizabeth inhaled deeply and Abigail had to think quickly.

"Did you need to pay your bill?" Abigail asked firmly.

"No, I left it on the table." Rosemary said sweetly.

"Well then you should be on your way." Elizabeth said as she opened the door for her to exit.

Rosemary stormed out of the café just as Constable Nelson walked into the kitchen. "Thank you, ma'am. Breakfast was delicious!" Nelson said.

"I'm glad you enjoyed it." Abigail said as Elizabeth grabbed her basket of books.

Elizabeth checked for Jack one more time. She couldn't help but be a little worried. "Ok, I can't wait any longer or the children will get there before I do." Elizabeth said looking at the clock. "Wish me luck. I'll see you later!" Elizabeth said as she opened the door.

"I hope no one bothers you and the chidlren today. Please be careful, Elizabeth! Oh wait, why not have Constable Nelson walk you?" Abigail suggested.

"That's fine, Miss Thatcher. I'd be happy to walk you, ma'am." Constable Nelson offered.

"Ok." Elizabeth said feeling a bit relieved that she wouldn't have to deal with any riff-raff alone.

Jack left the jail as soon as the meeting was over. He walked out onto the busy street as miners and townspeople were moving about. He began to walk toward the café when saw Elizabeth walking beside Constable Nelson across the way. Nelson appeared to be walking her to school and he felt that little pang of jealousy in his heart again.

Jack rushed over to them right away, "Thank you, Constable. I'll take her from here." said Jack.

"Ok, have a nice day." Nelson said as he nodded to them.

"Good morning, Jack! I was a little worried about you." She said brightly as she took his arm and squeezed it. "Constable Nelson offered to walk me when you didn't come by."

"That's nice." Jack said tersely.

"What's wrong?" Elizabeth asked with concern.

"Nothing." Jack said. He didn't want to admit that he felt like Nelson took his place again. Elizabeth looked at him with confusion. "I want to walk you." Jack said quickly as he placed his hand over hers, "So…did you sleep well?" Jack said.

"Yes." Elizabeth said looking at Jack. "You know, it's a relief that I can walk to school without looking over my shoulder. Thank you." Elizabeth said softly.

"I'm glad to be of service, ma'am." Jack said with a smile as they walked up to the schoolhouse. Jack took her basket from her so she could unlock the door. He kept watch around the area until she opened the door and they went inside.

"Well, I'm glad I got to see you this morning." Elizabeth said as she placed her things on her desk. "Thank you, Constable." She said as she walked toward him.

"I'm sorry I was late, Elizabeth. I had a meeting with the undercover Mounties. Your magician tactic was wise, we already caught 6!" Jack said with a smile.

"That's great!" Elizabeth exclaimed. "So…will you walk me home?" she asked.

"Of course but I'll see you before then." He said with a smirk recalling his conversation with Gabe last night.

"Ok." Elizabeth said wondering what he was up to. "Thank you again, Mr. Thornton." Elizabeth said.

"You're welcome, Miss Thatcher." Jack said as they felt that familiar pull to each other and kissed, they moved back slowly but were drawn into another kiss. They could hear the children and their mothers approaching.

"Have a good day, Mountie Jack!" Elizabeth said playfully as she stepped away.

"You too." Jack said as he opened the door and the children began to file in.

Later in the day, the clock in the classroom struck 12:25. Some of the children looked at each other nervously. Elizabeth glanced at the clock and noted the time too. Her stomach dropped as she thought of taking the children outside for recess but it was a warm and beautiful late September day. She toyed with the idea of keeping them inside but they were restless and needed to run around. Elizabeth suddenly heard the school door open and she cautiously looked to the back of the room to see who entered.

A big smile came across Elizabeth's face as Jack walked in and sat in the last seat of the classroom. "Mountie Jack!" Many of the kids said in excitement.

"Constable Thornton, what brings you by?" Elizabeth asked feeling relief and her heart flutter at seeing him.

Jack looked directly at Gabe, "I'm here for recess, Miss Thatcher."

Gabe smiled and nodded at Jack.

"You are?" Elizabeth asked surprised.

"I thought we'd play a game today…" Jack addressed the class, "it's called 'Help Mountie Jack Catch the Bad Guys'. What do you say? Do you want to play?" Jack asked the kids.

He received a resounding yes from the children.

"Good! When the bad guys show up, I need you all to come inside right away. This way you're all safe. Gabe, I want you to be the last student in so that I know the coast is clear. Ok?" Jack asked.

Gabe saluted Jack.

"Alright, I have two Mounties outside who are going to watch over you as you play. They're waiting in the woods so let them do their job. I'm going to watch over you from the schoolhouse. Don't forget, when those men come, all of you come inside right away. Ok?"

The children nodded their heads in agreement.

Elizabeth couldn't stop smiling. "Ok boys and girls, you're dismissed for recess."

"Let's go!" Gabe said encouraging his peers as they all ran outside.

Elizabeth walked to Jack who was still sitting. "You just made all of those children very happy!"

"What about their teacher?" Jack said standing up as he looked at her intently.

"Yes, very much so!" Elizabeth said as she took his arm, kissed his cheek and walked with him outside.

"I'm going to hang back here in the doorway. If the men come, I want to surprise them." Jack said.

Within ten minutes, the three men made their way to the schoolhouse.

"Jack! They're coming!" Elizabeth said with panic in her voice.

"Ok relax, I'm right here. We're going to get them." Jack said from the doorway of the schoolhouse, just out of sight. He motioned to the Mounties waiting in the woods on the other side of the children. The Mounties nodded and pulled back a bit.

"Children!" Elizabeth called as she had in the past when they showed up. The children noticed and walked inside with smiles on their faces. Elizabeth counted her students as they walked passed her. Gabe entered and nodded at Jack.

"Move the class up to the choir loft. No one comes down until Miss Thatcher or a Mountie comes to get you all, ok?" Jack said. Gabe nodded and directed his classmates to safety.

Jack watched Gabe go and once the children were gone, he drew is gun. He watched from the doorway as the men approached Elizabeth. A look of sheer determination came across his face.

The Mounties in the woods slowly made their way toward the men from behind. Elizabeth began to back toward the schoolhouse.

"Hello, Elizabeth." Barth said taking her hand and kissing it. "Mmm…you taste sweet!"

Elizabeth stepped back further and tried to pull her hand away, "Please, don't touch me!" Barth's grip was tight.

The two Mounties quickly pounced on Barth's accomplices from behind as they covered their mouths and placed their guns to the men's heads. "Get on the ground." They whispered to the men.

Barth was so focused on Elizabeth that he had a look of shock when he looked up and saw Jack behind Elizabeth with his gun drawn. "Move away from her, Barth!"

"Thornton? Is that you? What are you doing here?" Barth still held Elizabeth's hand tightly and pulled her to him as she pushed back. "I thought you looked familiar." He said to Elizabeth but then turned his attention to Jack. "Didn't you have a picture of her with you?"

Jack stared at the man down the barrel of his gun as Elizabeth struggled to loosen his hold on her.

Barth pulled Elizabeth harder against him, "I knew there was something special about you."

Jack looked as though he would kill him. "Your men are already down and you're outnumbered." Jack said confidently.

Barth turned to look behind him at the other Mounties and Jack sprang into action by closing the distance between them. In one swift motion, Jack pulled the gun to Barth's head and got between him and Elizabeth. He cocked the barrel back, "Let go of her, now!" Jack demanded.

Barth released Elizabeth at seeing the look in Jack's eyes and the compromising position he had him in. "Come on Thornton! We were jail buddies, surely you don't mind sharing!"

Jack slugged the man knocking him to the ground. Jack rolled him over and placed the handcuffs on. "I hear you've been causing a lot of trouble Barth; scaring the town, Miss Thatcher and her students. I know what you're wanted for. Inspector Avery has the evidence to convict you and I'm going to make sure you pay for what you did to that poor saloon girl!" Jack said before he stood up and walked to Elizabeth.

"Are you alright?" Jack asked Elizabeth as he hugged her.

"Yes, how do we find ourselves in these situations?" Elizabeth asked as she pulled back to look at him.

"I don't know, you couldn't write this stuff!" Jack said. "Gabe took the class up to the choir loft so they wouldn't see anything in case things got ugly. Take a look at these men, are you sure they're the ones that keep coming around." Jack asked. "Are there more?"

"No," Elizabeth said looking at the three men, "…these are the men that show up." The Mounties nodded at Jack as they grabbed their criminals.

"Good!" Jack said as he pulled Barth to his feet. "In that case, I hope you and you're your class enjoy the rest of your day, Miss Thatcher!" Jack said with a smile as he tipped his hat to her. Each Mountie walked away with their respective criminal.

"Thank you, Constables!" Elizabeth said before she quickly ran into the schoolhouse. "Children! Children, guess what?"

The children peeked over the edge of the loft at the sound of their teacher's voice and enthusiasm.

"What?" some children asked.

"What is it?" said another student.

"You did very well and helped Mountie Jack and the other Mounties catch those pesky visitors. You're free to go play. I think we should have extra recess today!" Elizabeth said with glee.

The children erupted with cheers as they ran down the stairs and outside. The children cheered and clapped once more as they watched the Mounties in the distance as they approached the bend just before town.

Elizabeth breathed a sigh of relief as she watched her now carefree students play and enjoy themselves for the first time in two weeks.

When Barth and his accomplices didn't return to the mine from their lunch break, Gowen asked a Pinkerton officer to look into their whereabouts. Gowen had a new interest in Barth after discussing a business proposition that involved Coal Valley's lovely school teacher.