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!

I hope you enjoy this one.

Love Never Fails

Episode 25

Jack walked toward Mr. Thatcher with a feeling of determination. Finding Lewis' note in his sketchpad reminded Jack of the speech his friend gave him when they went their separate ways.

'Love never fails Jack, as long as you don't allow it to. Sometimes you have to fight for it!' Lewis said.

Jack was nervous but determined to face Mr. Thatcher. He wanted Elizabeth and he was willing to do whatever he had to do to win the man over and then he'd try again with Elizabeth. "Mr. Thatcher" Jack said as he extended his hand. "I hear you wanted to speak with me, sir."

"Yes Jack, it's good to see that you've made it back here." William said shaking his hand. "Can I buy you a drink?" William asked.

"No, I don't drink but thank you." Jack said. "Tom, I'll just have some water, please." Jack called to the barkeep before he sat down.

William nodded, "Very well, I wanted to talk with you about Beth and your courtship." William said directly, the businessman and father suddenly appeared before Jack.

Jack swallowed hard, "Ok." He said. He felt his mouth dry up and was thankful that Tom placed a glass of water in front of him.

"It's quite apparent to me that you care deeply for my Beth. I witnessed your trial and heard about your adventurous journey to Toronto. I also saw how you protected her during that shoot out in front of the court house. I'm also well aware of how you rescued my daughters after they were taken by those bank robbers." William said. "She loves you, Jack. As her father, I need to know what your intentions are with my daughter." William asked. "Do you plan to ask for her hand? I know you've been engaged before. Do you take marriage seriously? My daughter is not just another notch on your bedpost."

Jack was shocked. "Whoa, wait a minute!" Jack said as he held his hand up. "I respect and love your daughter, Mr. Thatcher. I take offense that you would suggest that I would treat Elizabeth like some…some…"

"Object?" William asked.

"Yes!" Jack said with his brow furrowed. "I was engaged once but I've never felt for anyone the way I feel about Elizabeth. I'm sorry, I know when you assigned me here to look after her that you didn't expect this. I did my best to look after her for you and keep her safe...and I fell in love with her along the way." Jack admitted.

William was happily surprised by Jack's conviction; it was just what he was hoping for. He wanted to hear from Jack and see his good character for himself.

Jack looked down at the table, "I…I didn't realize I had fallen in love. I mean…I knew I had feelings for her…strong feelings. The kicker is I wasn't even happy here! I was supposed to go to Cape Fullerton until you requested my presence here. I had requested and waited for that transfer and it finally came but I was so torn. Elizabeth encouraged me to follow my dream and that she didn't want to hold me back. I think that made me fall in love with her even more." Jack said as he glanced up at William.

"Go on." William encouraged.

Jack inhaled deeply and continued thinking he made it this far might as well, "I left and it was so hard to be away from her. I knew how dangerous the Tolliver Gang was and the moment I learned they were in town; all I could think about was getting to Elizabeth to protect her. I turned around immediately and rode all day and all night to get here…my poor horse was beat." Jack said with a small slight smile.

William smiled slightly as well. He was captivated and found himself leaning forward as he listened. "So what happened next?"

"When I got to town, Elizabeth and Julie were already gone. My mind raced with where they could be? How could I save them? Are they hurt? They took them to a cabin and held them hostage. I had peeked in the window and saw them tied up." Jack stopped talking for a moment and looked away.

William felt the fear and concern for his daughters at hearing their experience. He saw the same fear and concern reflected in Jack's eyes. William had his confirmation. He knew without a shadow of doubt that Jack truly was in love Elizabeth. William touched Jack's shoulder, "Hey, you saved them in a very ingenious way." William said.

Jack was suddenly snapped back to the present moment. "Yeah but I would have been here if I didn't take that transfer. I didn't want to go but Elizabeth encouraged me, so I convinced myself. Elizabeth and Julie would have never been taken in the first place if I were here."

"You don't know that." William said.

"I just…" Jack stopped himself.

"What Jack? Get it out of your system. What?" William encouraged him.

"I don't know what I'd do if anything ever happened to Elizabeth." Jack said before he looked William square in the eye. "She's everything to me, Mr. Thatcher. I love her more than anything."

William sat frozen for a moment before a big grin spread across his face. "I'm so glad to hear that, Jack! What more could a father ask for than a good, honorable man who's so in love with his daughter that he does everything in his power to serve and protect her." William raised his glass, "To serving and protecting!"

Jack sat a little shocked at William's enthusiasm but smiled and raised his glass of water.

"There's just one thing I'm confused about." William said as he placed his glass down.

"What's that?" Jack asked a bit nervously.

"I didn't have you stationed here." William said.

"You didn't? I was told a powerful man requested a Mountie to be stationed here. I assumed it was you." Jack said.

"I'm hardly a powerful man. I like to think I am when I'm at the head of my dinner table." William smiled and then gasped, "I know who did!"

"Who?" Jack asked.

"It must have been God!" William said lifting his glass to Jack again.

Jack smiled "I'll drink to that!" he said before the men shared a small laugh. Jack turned serious again as he noted William's fancy cufflinks and gold watch. Jack thought about the Thatchers' desire to have a wealthy suitor for Elizabeth.

"Mr. Thatcher, I appreciate your approval. It means a great deal to me but I'm well aware that you and your wife want Elizabeth to have a suitor who is wealthy. I know you want a suitor that can give her the lifestyle that you gave her." Jack said feeling tense.

William held his finger up to stop Jack, "Now, now, that was my wife who wanted that! I kicked and screamed the whole way. The Lownes were our friends and we revisited an old idea of the past to set Clayton and Elizabeth. I know my Beth, and I knew she wouldn't go for it. She has her own hopes and dreams and does not…easily bend." William said carefully.

Jack smiled, "She's stubborn." slipped out.

"She takes after me!" William said pointedly.

Jack's eyes went wide for a moment at the fact that he could have offended him, "Strong willed." He recovered.

William smiled, "No, she's stubborn!"

Jack smiled with relief. "Well I'm just as stubborn sometimes."

"We had no idea that you and Elizabeth were courting, Jack. Julie said you two were in love but Julie enjoys her…stories."

"But a Mountie salary is modest means at best." Jack said wanting to make sure he was clear.

"So? You're not a bum Jack, you're a Mountie! You're an exceptional Mountie at that!" William said as he leaned back and folded his arms. "Why from what I hear they're going to be training men in your likeness."

"Oh you heard about that?" Jack said feeling a bit self-conscious about it.

"Yes, you can train a lot of Mounties with $10,000!" William said.

Jack's head shot up at that number. "How did you know that's how much was donated? They didn't publish that in the newspaper. I only know the amount from Commissioner O'Keefe's telegram."

The corner of William's mouth turned up into a smile, "You wouldn't accept our gesture of appreciation, Jack. What's a man to do?"

Jack stared in shocked. "Mr. Thatcher….that's quite…quite a gesture." Jack realized that he really did have William's approval.

"Canada needs more men like you, the whole world does!" William said.

"Thank you but I didn't want to accept anything." Jack said. "I prefer to stand on my own two feet as a man. I would never ride on anyone's coat tails."

William sat up straighter, "I understand, Jack. I respect that which is why I figured since you wouldn't accept the money that I'd make that donation in your name. Elizabeth doesn't even know."

Jack nodded.

William looked at Jack for a moment, "Jack…I hope you and Elizabeth work things out and that you will call upon me soon to ask for her hand. You have proven yourself to be the finest suitor. I'll be waiting."

Jack was surprised but knew what he wanted, "Mr. Thatcher, may I have Elizabeth's hand in marriage?"

William beamed, "Yes, you may!" he said shaking Jack's hand vigorously. "Of course I wouldn't be a proper father if I didn't tell you that if you ever hurt my Beth, I'll have your head for it! Got it?" William said seriously and with force.

"Yes, sir!" Jack said as he sat up straight. "I'll do my best to make her happy, sir…happy, healthy and safe. Of course I'm not going to ask her for a while. I need to get back in her good graces and finish courting her. You asked what my intentions are when we sat down so I figured I'd go ahead and ask."

"I'm glad you did and I'll keep this between us until you ask her. I'm looking forward to more testosterone in the family. To live with four women was…exhausting at times. I hear you've landed yourself in the doghouse so-to-speak."

"Uh, yeah." Jack admitted as he ran his fingers along the rim of the table. He wondered what Elizabeth told him.

William laughed, "Oh, it will be the first of many times you mess up Jack. The key is finding the woman you want to fight with and make up with. Relationships have highs and lows, peaks and valleys. I have inadvertently found myself in the doghouse more times than I care to admit over the last 34 years of marriage. The key is to love and forgive…well that and think before you speak!" William said.

Jack nodded, "Yeah." The men laughed.

"Well sir, I need to head out. We have two criminals left in town and I need make sure my men get them. I want them out of here before the dance tomorrow night. The Mounties are needed in Lethbridge and need to head out soon." Jack said as he stood.

"Yes, I heard of the recovery efforts." William said as he stood as well.

"Thank you for everything you said. I'll keep all of it in mind." Jack said as he shook William's hand.

"No, no, thank you for everything. You know, I wouldn't have been so welcoming to you if you had not already proven yourself." William said.

"I understand." Jack said thankful that this conversation went way better than he had ever anticipated. "I'm sure I'll see you around before you go."

William nodded, "Good luck!"

Jack walked to the livery and retrieved his horse to make his rounds. "Jack!" he heard William call. "Jack, I forgot to give you something!" William said as he rushed after Jack.

"Yes?" Jack said before he noticed a man looking into the back window of the blacksmith's barn.

William noticed Jack looking passed him and turned around. They witnessed the man climbing through the window. "Looks like you found one of your criminals."

"Yes! Excuse me!" Jack said as he tied his horse to a post and made his way toward the building.

"Wait! I can help you!" William said as he began to follow Jack.

Jack looked back at Mr. Thatcher. "No it's better if you stay here. I don't know what we're dealing with, you'll be safe here." Jack said. He couldn't help but note that this is exactly what Elizabeth had done in the past; apples do not fall far from trees.

"Nonsense! I was in the Royal Navy. I know how to use a service revolver and a rifle." William said as he pulled Jack's rifle off his horse.

Jack stared for a moment, "You're not going to take no for an answer are you?"

"No." William said.

"Ok but please, you have to listen to me!" Jack said wondering how he would explain this to Elizabeth especially if her father got hurt.

They moved in slowly and took in the perimeter of the building. Jack could hear the man moving things around inside. "Ok, I need you to cover me at the window." Jack whispered. "Please don't shoot unless I say so. If you have to shoot, aim low because we need to bring this man to justice. Let's not kill anyone tonight." Jack whispered.

William nodded and Jack moved to the doorway and positioned himself. "This is Constable Thornton, I saw you go in there. Come out with your hands up!" Jack commanded.

William noted the change in Jack's voice and felt pride that he was helping out. He steadied the gun through the window and waited.

"You're outnumbered come out or I'm coming in!" Jack commanded again.

The thief ran to the window and was shocked to see William there waiting with the gun pointed and ready. "Hold it right there!" William said.

Jack heard William and ran as fast as he could around the corner. "Let's go, out!" Jack said as he pulled the man by the collar out of the window. "Keep that hold steady, Mr. Thatcher."

Jack pulled the man to the ground but he began to squirm and tried to break away. "Stop fighting me!" Jack yelled. The man was running on adrenaline and punched Jack.

"Freeze or I'll shoot you!" William yelled.

Jack punched the man, rolled him over and cuffed him. "Thank you, Mr. Thatcher." Jack said between breaths.

William stood with the rifle still aimed, he didn't move for a moment.

"Are you all right?" Jack asked.

William finally moved the rifle down and looked at Jack. "Yes…I…I haven't felt a rush of adrenaline like that in years!" William laughed. "I feel fantastic! That was incredible, Jack!"

"You did a good job. Thank you." Jack said as he touched his lip which was bleeding a little from the scuffle. "I need to get this man to the jail."

"Yes of course, let's go!" William said.

William entered the café with a huge smile on his face.

"Where have you been? I was beginning to get worried!" Elizabeth said as she rushed to the door.

"I was out fighting crime with Jack!" William said as he rubbed his hands together.

Elizabeth's mouth dropped open in shock, "You what?"

"Yes, we had a nice talk and then we caught a bad guy." William said matter-of-factly.

"Well I'm glad you two had fun." Elizabeth said in mild annoyance as she folded her arms. She was still angry at Jack and was a little annoyed that William was so enthusiastic about him.

"Well it wasn't all fun and games, it was serious! Jack got hurt while he fought the man." William said on purpose.

Elizabeth immediately went from annoyed to worried, "Jack got hurt?" she said softly. "Is he all right? Where is he?" she spoke quickly with panic in her voice.

"He's at the jail." William said trying to sound innocent.

"Ok" Elizabeth said as she grabbed her shawl and quickly left.

William and Abigail shared a knowing smile.

Elizabeth rushed to the jail and walked inside to find Jack nursing his split lip and typing up a report.

"Jack! You're hurt, let me see!" Elizabeth said with concern as she moved toward him.

"Elizabeth!" Jack was surprised but happy at her actions considering he knew she was still angry at him. He removed the bloody cloth so she could see.

She got face to face with him to get a good look at his lip. "Oh! It's not a big cut but it's still bleeding." Elizabeth said as she dabbed it and gently rubbed his cheek. They looked into each other's eyes and felt that familiar draw. They began to close in on each other to kiss when the jailed criminal cleared his throat.

"Um…you need ice on that." She quickly walked to his icebox in the back room.

Jack stared at the criminal for breaking the moment. "What?" the criminal said.

Jack shook his head as the door opened and six Mounties walked in for their orders.

Elizabeth returned with the ice packed in the cloth. "Here you go."

"Thank you." Jack said sincerely with a small smile.

"You're welcome." She said as she returned the smile.

"Evening, sir, ma'am." Constable Nelson said trying to be cordial.

"Constable." Jack and Elizabeth said simultaneously as they both recalled why they were at odds and their smiles left their faces.

"Good evening." Elizabeth said and left promptly.

Jack sighed and hoped he could work things out with her tomorrow, especially before the dance.