Chapter 25:

Wedding Bells and Cow Bells

Part 2b

Author's Note: Hello, Fans! Thank you for all your support in my story. You mean a great deal to me. I love all the reviews. They keep me writing.

The site is having difficulties with showing the reviews and emails. So, I will read them as soon as I can. Working on my story and I am proofing a friends as well. Hope to get that sent via FF email as soon as I can.

I just hope that you will all continue to like what my head comes up with in the chapters to come. So, without further adieu, here is Part 2b.

Jack and Shawn had been silent on their way to the train station. Each one lost in his own thoughts regarding Elizabeth Thatcher. Jack was confident in knowing that he and Elizabeth were strong in their relationship and neither he nor she had to worry about what Shawn had intended to do... break them apart. Jack thought back to his last good bye to Elizabeth.

"No one will ever come between us. If anyone else tries in the future, we'll just take care of it and you and I will be stronger together." Jack glanced around not seeing anyone, he kissed her on the lips. Jack's lips moved against her lips so sweetly, eliciting soft moans from Elizabeth as they continued to exchange kisses. No one would ever be able to come between them, their bond was too strong.

Jack had meant every word. He left with full confidence that he and Elizabeth could weather any storm or meddler. He looked over at Shawn. Shawn was looking out his window, but could sense that Jack was looking in his direction. He looked back at him.

"What is it, now, Constable?" Shawn inquired a bit perturbed.

"I was just thinking about how I'm glad you are on this case and that you are far away from my Elizabeth. We both know that you would rather be back in Hope Valley trying to win her heart." Jack accused.

"Well, right now I am focused on this case, Constable. I hope our personal dislike for each other won't impede our working together. Can I trust that you will stay diligent in your duty to guard me and get me safely to and from the trial?" Shawn inquired.

"You can be assured that I will do my due diligence regarding your safety." Jack responded, his 'Mountie stare' intact. "I will ask that you keep your focus on the trial. I expect that you will conduct yourself as the gentleman you supposed to be when we first met. Having that said, there will be no talk about Elizabeth on this trip, you understand?" Jack countered.

"Yes, Constable. I am amenable to your wishes." Shawn promised. 'For now, I am.' Shawn thought inwardly.

A few hours later, Jack and Shawn boarded the train and were on their way to the trial in Medicine Hat.

Elizabeth let the children go an hour early that day as she had some business at the mercantile and then she was off to meet Abigail to go over the meal for the reception. She was elated after the last few days, being thrown into wedding planning and discussing all the activities that Abigail and Clara had planned for her. She missed Jack, but she knew that he would be back soon. At least that's what she kept telling herself. It had been nine days since he left. The trial had proved to be quite challenging in regards to the evidence. Jack had sent her a telegram that his and Denny's testimony had proved to be just what Shawn Henry needed to convince the jury that The O'Connell Gang needed to be sentenced to the max allowed by the law.

She had received a few other telegrams, which she had read several times in the passed four days. She recalled them now as she made her way to her room.

"My Elizabeth~

I am willing myself to get back to you as soon as I can. This trial is going well. I hope to be back in your arms by this Saturday. I long to kiss your sweet lips and walk with you to our spot on the hill, where our lips first met.

Forever Yours~

Jack"

Elizabeth swooned at the thought of Jack holding her and kissing her under a blanket of stars. She was back in her room as she recalled the latest telegram. This was the fourth and final telegram she would receive before he returned in two days time.

"My Elizabeth~

I received your telegram regarding our trip to Hamilton. I agree that we need to make the decisions together. No matter what your parents say, you and I will make our wedding, ours and not theirs. I love you, Elizabeth. We will make this wedding an event to remember, to cherish. We can discuss travel plans when I get back to Hope Valley, to you.

Shawn Henry has said that he will be coming to Hope Valley for one night then he'll head back to Hamilton. That's good news, as I am getting tired of him.

Until we meet again this Saturday, my Lizzie. Remember that you have my heart and I will always return to you.

Forever Yours~

Jack"

Elizabeth sighed and leaned against her pillow. She was ready for the day to be over. Just two more days and she would see her Jack again. She fell asleep thinking about him kissing her 'hello'.

In Hamilton, Mr. Thatcher had received his daughter's latest telegram. He was not thrilled that she was resolved to wait for the Mountie to travel with her. He had much rather have a different escort, but he knew as they were engaged, he had less than an ideal say in what his daughter would do. That Mountie, he had to admit was a good match for her, but he had wanted her to have the wedding in Hamilton among all her family and friends. After all, she had grown up here and this was all she knew, until she moved to that little Hope Valley of hers. He had to come up with a way to keep them here for the wedding. He had to get them to see that it would be most beneficial to them to have the wedding here and not in Hope Valley. Mr. Thatcher was sure he knew what he was talking about. He had to be right, hadn't he? He had agreed to not visit her while her Mountie was away, but he so wanted to see her and speak with her, alone. He had thought about sending Charles, but then he reminded himself of the last trip he and Charles had made. He didn't think that even Charles would agree to go, after what he went through in Elizabeth's final refusal of his hand. Charles had been crushed and he had been sullen the whole way home. Charles remained an invaluable asset to the company, but he did not come around as much as he used to. Mr. Thatcher had to admit that he missed his company. He had been grooming him to one day take over Hamilton Shipping as his son-in-law...his dreams had been crushed that day as well. He did, however trust Elizabeth's judgment and knew that she had indeed found the right man for her. He said a prayer that all would work out for them and then he went back to work.

Jack and Shawn had finally been able to leave for Hope Valley. Jack couldn't wait to get back to his Elizabeth. Shawn couldn't wait to see her and try one last time to convince her to come back to Hamilton with him.

In Cape Fullerton, neither of them spoke as they waited for the stage. Jack had said all he needed to say. As far as he was concerned, Shawn didn't need to say more than he already had in the last few hours. Just before they left for Cape Fullerton, Shawn gave Jack a piece of his mind. Jack recalled the conversation now, as they waited for the stage to take them to Hope Valley.

"You don't know Elizabeth the way that I do, Constable." Shawn seethed.

"You're right, Mr. Henry. I know her better than you ever will." Jack countered.

"That's rich." Shawn scoffed. "I've known her since college."

"You may have known her in college, but you have not been around her for several years." Jack protested. "She has changed a lot since college. People change and when they do, they can be a completely different person than anyone had known from their past."

"I'll prove to her that she is better off with me." Shawn threatened.

"You keep thinking that if it gives you comfort." Jack quipped."Now if you don't mind, I am tired and I have cases to get back to when we get back to my Hope Valley." Jack rested his head against the window frame and shut his eyes.

Shawn looked out the window and vowed to not speak another word to Jack as they made their way to Hope Valley.

Jack neither knew nor cared what Shawn did next, he just wanted to get home to his Elizabeth.

Elizabeth let out the children and quickly gathered her basket to get ready for the stage that was due to arrive at nine. Rosemary had graciously offered to entertain the children while she went to meet the stage. She couldn't wait for a particular Mountie to come home. She had missed him so much. Elizabeth knew that Shawn would be coming with him but she hoped that the two of them could catch up without his company. She was sad that he had pushed so hard for a relationship with her, that he ruined the chance of a friendship. She resolved to put Shawn in her past. She was done with what happened. She needed to focus on the future. She needed to focus on her future with Jack Thornton.

Having freshened up, Elizabeth sat down in the depot at quarter 'til nine She was composed, hands folded in her lap, but inwardly she was abundantly giddy. She looked up at every sound as she waited for the stage to come into view. Elizabeth was ready to plan their trip to Union City for wedding dress shopping and other wedding preparations. She was even looking forward to their trip to Hamilton where Jack and she would stand up for what they wanted for their wedding. It was finally nearing four. The stage was due to arrive any minute now. Elizabeth stood up and held her hands together to calm her down. She had been praying for a safe journey and hoped that the stage had not been delayed. She looked into the distance and there it was...the stage that carried the most important man in her life. Jack Thornton.

Jack Thornton had been longing to take Elizabeth Thatcher into his arms. He was minutes away from that very moment. He could hardly contain his excitement, but as a Mountie, he was composed and very respectful to the other passengers. They had picked up a family on their way from Union City, the stages last stop before Hope Valley. Shawn had remained silent and Jack was grateful for that, but he had hoped that Shawn would have gotten on the train in Union City instead of coming back with him. It couldn't be helped, Shawn had been determined to see Elizabeth again. Jack was adamant that it would be over his dead body. Shawn laughed at that and didn't say anything else for the rest of the trip.

Nine o'clock, sharp, Jack saw Elizabeth waiting at the depot. She was standing, holding her hands together. 'She's trying to keep calm.' Jack thought chuckling to himself. The stage reined in and Jack all but jumped out of the stage. He reached Elizabeth and picked her up into his arms and swung her around. The onlookers all stopped what they were doing and witnessed the young couple with pride as if they helped them get back safely. Shawn had been looking at Elizabeth since he could see her from the stage, but now he felt sick to his stomach as she was in the arms of another. He was done for the day. He grabbed his bags and headed towards the saloon hotel. He glanced back at the happy reunion, regretting it immediately as he saw Jack kiss Elizabeth's sweet lips. Shawn turned and entered the saloon, slamming the door.

"Hey, careful, sir." Tom bellowed as he walked by with an order he was taking to a table by the window. "The doors are strong, but I'd like to keep them in good condition for several years."

"Stow it!" Shawn commented, rushing up to his room that Tom had agreed to keep for him.

"Well." Tom replied baffled. "I suppose his company will no longer be pleasant."

Jack grabbed his bags and offered his free arm to Elizabeth, who gladly accepted it. Linked as closely as decorum would allow, they walked over to the jail to drop off Jack's things, stealing glances and smiling broadly at each other.

'Jack is home! My Jack is home!' Elizabeth beamed inwardly.

Jack released Elizabeth's arm and set his bags inside his room. He swiftly came back to her side and pulled her close. Elizabeth returned his smile as he leaned in, pressing his lips to hers. Her lips moved with his in perfect harmony. Their tongues danced in unity. With each kiss, they were welcoming the other one back into their arms. Jack pressed her body closer to his at the small of her back. Elizabeth leaned in as close as possible, wrapping her arms around his neck. Jack's kisses elicited the sounds that delighted him every time they escaped her lips between kisses. Elizabeth ran her hand down his back and was dangerously close to his back side. Jack reached back and grasped her hand, stepping back.

"That's our cue, Elizabeth." Jack quipped, giving her a knowing smile.

"What?" Elizabeth asked, somewhat baffled why he suddenly stopped their romantic reunion.

"Elizabeth." Jack said in his breathy tone. "We need to be careful. If we get carried away, we won't be able to stop." Jack ran his hand up her arm, then resting it on her cheek.

"I know you're right, Jack." Elizabeth sighed resignedly. "I'm sorry. I just missed you so much. I wish we were married right now." Elizabeth pressed her cheek into his hand giving him that heart stopping smile that he had been dreaming about since he'd left for Medicine Hat.

"It would be nice to be married right now, but you know what you want for our wedding." Jack reminded her, raising his eye brows.

"Yes, we have discussed it." Elizabeth responded. "Once again, you're right." She released a big sigh.

"I'd love to continue this discussion, Elizabeth, but I have some paperwork to finish before lunch." Jack smiled apologetically. "Shall we continue at noon? I should be able to take a break then."

"Yes, that would be wonderful." Elizabeth smiled.

"Until then, Lizzie." Jack lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles.

Elizabeth rang the cow bell and the children filed out the door with their lunches heading to recess. Jack was waiting to the right of the steps as Elizabeth descended the stairs. Jack offered his arm and they walked over to the blanket he had set out for their impromptu picnic. Elizabeth sat facing the children and Jack sat next to her, keeping a respectable distance.

"How did your morning go, Jack?" Elizabeth asked as she handed him a roast beef sandwich.

"It's been uneventful." Jack smiled his thanks as he took the sandwich and unwrapped it.

They sat there in companionable silence, eating their sandwiches while watching the children play. After they were finished, Elizabeth rested her hand on top of Jack's which was between them.

'I love her boldness.' Jack thought as he returned her smile.

"I hope to go to Union City this weekend to look at wedding dresses. Would you be free to escort me?" Elizabeth asked, leaning in slightly, batting her eyelashes.

"I should be able to escort you, Elizabeth." Jack responded hesitantly. "Wouldn't you rather have Abigail go with you?"

"Do you not want to go?" Elizabeth inquired. She started to remove her hand.

"No, it's not that, Elizabeth." Jack grasped her hand. "I just thought you'd want to keep your dress a secret until our wedding." Jack explained.

"We're not going just for my wedding dress, Jack darling." Elizabeth smiled coyly.

"We're not?" Jack questioned, raising his brow. "What else would we need from Union City?"

"There is a gentleman's shop next to the dress shop. I want to get your suit while we're there." Elizabeth smiled.

"Is that so? How do you know about the shop?" Jack inquired.

"Abigail told me that's where she and Noah had gone for their wedding attire." Elizabeth answered. "She said it was worth it to spend the money to get them the dress and suit that they wanted to help make their day memorable." Elizabeth continued.

"I see." Jack replied. "What is it?" Jack asked noticing Elizabeth's sudden change in expression.

"He's here." Elizabeth stated pointing to the man walking up behind him.

"Shawn." Jack stated. "What is he doing here? He should just head home to Hamilton now. There is no point to him hanging around now that the trial is over and the jury convicted The O'Connell Gang."

"Is there something you are not telling me, Jack?" Elizabeth asked. "You seem more upset than usual."

"Shawn said that he wanted to say good bye and speak to you one more time regarding you going back to Hamilton with him." Jack turned to face her. "I told him it would be 'over my dead body!'" Jack responded fervently.

"Jack!" She beamed. "That is actually sweet of you to say. A bit over the top, but still quite sweet." Elizabeth gushed.

Jack smiled back, helping Elizabeth stand and then turned to face their unwelcome lunch guest. Jack stood in front of Elizabeth, holding her hand protectively as Shawn approached. Shawn came up to them, not bothering to shake the hand that Jack had stiffly offered. He was giving his 'Mountie stare' as Shawn began to speak.

"Hello, Elizabeth." Shawn began. "May I speak with you, Elizabeth? In private?"

Jack couldn't believe the forwardness of this man. She was having lunch with him and in front of the children Shawn had asked her to speak with him privately. The children may not have seen them talking, but if he escorted her away from them, the children would definitely take notice and start asking questions. Jack would not allow that to happen. He held Elizabeth's hand firmly, giving it a squeeze. Elizabeth returned his gaze and gave him a nod to continue on her behalf.

"You may not speak with her in private, Mr. Henry." Jack protested. Whatever you have to say, you can say to the both of us." Jack remarked.

"Elizabeth?" Shawn questioned, looking at her and ignoring Jack's remark.

"Yes, Shawn. I will not be speaking with you in private. Have your say and then please leave Hope Valley." Elizabeth requested firmly.

"Are you sure? It seems that this Mountie is speaking for you, Elizabeth. I would gladly take you away from here and we could start over in Hamilton. Would you like that?" Shawn offered.

Elizabeth could not believe the audacity of this man. He had changed. He was not the man she knew all those years ago. She had heard enough. He was calling Jack's intentions into question and that just would not do. She squared her shoulders and stepped from behind Jack's protective stance.

"That is enough, Shawn! I once saw you as a friend, a very good friend." Elizabeth spoke low and with feeling. "Having you question Jack's intentions is not allowed. He is neither speaking for me, nor is he keeping me here against my will." Elizabeth exhaled deeply.

Jack stood behind her, ready to step in if necessary, but he knew his Elizabeth had it handled. He smiled broadly as Elizabeth continued telling Shawn that she would not be going with him to Hamilton.

"Furthermore, I do not wish to see you ever again. You have done nothing but try to come between us and that will not do as a friend of mine, long time or not." Elizabeth continued.

"Elizabeth? Please reconsider? I love you!" Shawn stated boldly.

Jack's jaw dropped. He couldn't believe that Shawn would make that declaration after she so vehemently refused him.

"Shawn Henry! You need to go back to Hamilton and never come to Hope Valley again. I'm tired of men from my past telling me they know best for my future. I have had way too many men come into my life and try to ruin what I have with Jack. I will not let anyone else come in between or try to come between us. Leave now, Shawn. We are no longer friends." Elizabeth turned to face Jack.

"Elizabeth!" Shawn breathed, not believing that she could ever mean that. "Elizabeth?" Shawn asked.

Jack pulled Elizabeth into his arms as she began to sob. He shook his head at Shawn. He motioned for him to leave. Shawn had lifted his hand to rest on her shoulder, but Jack intensified his stare to deter him from touching her.

Shawn walked back to the saloon hotel to prepare his luggage. He had looked one last time towards where he left Elizabeth in Jack's arms. He wanted to say good bye, but he knew that he had blown his chances. He had pushed too far. Elizabeth would never change her mind. He had to learn to accept that. He just never thought he would be one of the men in her life that would have to say good bye forever.

Shawn Henry sat in his seat, as the stage made it's way out of Hope Valley an hour later.

Elizabeth had several questions to answer when she and the children resumed their lessons that afternoon. She did not want to have this conversation with them, but they had all become so invested in her that she thought she would address some of their concerns as a class.

"Now, children, I will tell you that what you witnessed at lunch was my saying good bye to a dear friend. I understand that you want to know more, but it is nothing for any of you to concern yourselves with." Elizabeth sighed. "Now, if you would all please open your readers to page twenty-seven, we'll read this poem and then I want all of you to write about what this poem makes you feel."

Later that evening after dinner, Elizabeth and Jack were walking to the pond. Jack held Elizabeth's arm firmly, yet tenderly. She was his. He was hers. They knew that no one could ever come between them. Through all the recent challenges that life had thrown at them, they had come out on the other side all the better for it. They were stronger together.

Elizabeth sat down on the blanket that Jack had laid out for them. Jack sat next to her, reaching for her hand. Elizabeth's hands were cold. Jack took the thermos of hot chocolate he had brought and poured her a cup. She gladly accepted it, taking a drink and letting the hot liquid warm her from within. Jack poured himself a cup and leaned against the tree which was next to the blanket they shared. Elizabeth set her cup down and scooted closer to Jack, resting her head on his chest. Jack wrapped his arms around her pulling her closer.

"Did you want to talk about what happened at lunch?" Jack inquired as he rubbed Elizabeth's arm.

"Jack, I don't want to think about the past." Elizabeth exhaled as she settled in as close to him as possible. "I'd rather focus on the future, with you." Elizabeth looked up at him. "Planning our wedding is the topic that I am most interested in."

"I'm amenable to that idea, my Lizzie." Jack responded kissing the top of her head. "I love you, Elizabeth." Jack lifted her face to look into her eyes.

"I love you, too, Jack." Elizabeth replied as she gazed back into his eyes.

She saw all the love he had for her in those hazel eyes. Jack leaned forward and pressed his lips to hers. Elizabeth kissed him back with as much passion as he was giving. Jack placed his hand behind her head and laid her on top of the blanket. He was balancing his body over hers as he kissed her fervently. Elizabeth deepened the kiss, pressing herself into him. Jack's tongue moved against hers in harmony. Elizabeth released a moan as Jack continued to delight her senses. A warmth overtook her body as she had hoped this moment would never end.

After a while, they sat up, knowing that they had to keep their hearts in check. They both knew that they had to stop. Jack leaned against the tree, pulling Elizabeth to lean into his chest. She sighed contentedly. They were silent for several moments.

Elizabeth had been wanting to talk to Jack about their trip to Union City. She knew he had been traveling for several weeks for the trial and other official Mountie business, but he had said that he would go with her. She broached the subject as carefully as possible.

"Jack?" Elizabeth began. "Are you still..." Elizabeth trailed off.

"Am I still, what, Elizabeth?" Jack encouraged. "You needn't be hesitant, Lizzie. Whatever it is, I'm sure my answer will be 'yes'." Jack chuckled.

"I wanted to go to Union City this Saturday, and hoped that you still wanted to join me?" Elizabeth inquired hopefully.

"I said I would go, and I meant it." Jack sighed. "Don't you remember? You asked me this the other day." Jack laughed again.

"I guess with all the traveling you have done, I wasn't sure you would want to go." Elizabeth replied.

"I'm going because you want me to go and I want to make sure you are safe." Jack replied. "Besides, I admit that I am curious about the gentleman's shop that you want to take me to." Jack smiled as he pressed her closer to him.

It was time to go to Union City. Jack and Elizabeth boarded the stage and headed out bright and early that Saturday morning. A few hours later, Jack helped Elizabeth down from the stage. They walked arm in arm to the dress shop.

"I guess this is where I leave you, Elizabeth." Jack acknowledged.

"Yes, Jack. I want my dress to be a surprise." Elizabeth admitted. "Besides you have your own wedding attire to shop for. I'll see you in a few hours?"

"A few hours? Is that all?" Jack teased. He pulled her in for a quick kiss.

"Jack!" Elizabeth exclaimed. "We're in public." Elizabeth protested.

"That hasn't stopped us before, Lizzie." Jack replied winking, as he turned to go into the gentleman's shop, leaving her breathless.

A few hours did go by, and Elizabeth had tried on several dresses. She was getting a bit discouraged, but she knew she would find the perfect dress. Jack had found and purchased his suit. He was waiting in the front of the dress shop. Elizabeth had to hurry as she saw the uncomfortable expression he had on his face as she disappeared into the back room yet again. Elizabeth showed him a few of the dresses, but she knew she was getting closer to choosing her dress, so she opted to not show him the last six dresses. At length, she finally decided on a gorgeous gown that she knew would make Jack's mouth drop to the floor. She smiled at herself in the mirror and the dress clerk agreed that she had truly found the best dress for her. Elizabeth had the dress boxed up and left the back to meet Jack.

"A few hours." Jack stated. "That's all, right, Elizabeth!" Jack exclaimed. "I do not concur with your assessment of time in this case." Jack chuckled.

"I'm sorry, Jack. I wanted to find the perfect dress for our wedding and there were just so many choices." Elizabeth replied sheepishly.

"It's alright. As long as you found the perfect one, this trip was worth it." Jack smiled taking the box from her and offering his free arm.

Jack and Elizabeth headed back to Hope Valley. Abigail had packed them a lunch for the road home and each one of them ate their roast beef sandwich in companionable silence. Once they were finished, Jack pulled Elizabeth close to his side and she rested her head on his shoulder. They gazed out the window imagining their wedding day.

That following Tuesday, Jack was filling out paperwork before he had to meet Elizabeth for lunch. He was ready to see her again. Elizabeth had been so busy with wedding preparations that Jack hadn't seen her at lunch in a few days. She worked with Abigail regarding the decorations and Clara was making the bridesmaids dresses. Her tasks were getting finished, but she still felt that there was a lot left to take care of. Jack had told her that he was taking care of the honeymoon prep and that his mom had agreed to pay Abigail for the food. Abigail declined the offer at first, but after a very convincing letter from Charlotte Thornton, she graciously accepted.

Charlotte Thornton had wired Elizabeth to welcome her to the family. She had promised to come meet her before the wedding and help with any last minute details. She was due to arrive in two days. Elizabeth was excited to meet her, but also a bit apprehensive. Jack assured her that his mom would love her as much as he did. Elizabeth smiled at his assurance, but inwardly, she was not too sure.

Author's Note: Charlotte Thornton makes her grand entrance. Let the fun begin. Thank you for sticking with this story. I know it seems to be coming to an end, but I did promise to have after wedding stories. So, I hope you'll keep reading. Some of our stories are up to 80 chapters. I am writing this story as long as I am inspired to do so and as long as the story is keeping everyone entertained. I love how it is unfolding, and I don't always know where my 'pen' will take me. So, thanks again for the kind reviews and faves, as they keep me going.