I Miss You

(Hello my favorite people...it's been a while...I hope you are all well and enjoying all these wonderful stories about our favorite show, I know I am. In this chapter, I have borrowed something from 'Little House on the Prairie', see if you know what it is...)

Jack opened the bathroom door and noticed Elizabeth was still asleep. He pulled the towel tighter around his waist and went to his dresser to prepare for the day.

Elizabeth opened one eye and smiled at the view of her handsome husband wrapped only in a towel. She admired his strong, broad shoulders and sleek muscular back. She sat up to more fully enjoy the sight.

Jack turned and saw her biting her bottom lip, "Good morning beautiful, sleep well?"

Elizabeth nodded as he walked toward her, "Yes of course, you were right here beside me."

Jack grinned, "Well you better wipe that look off your face and get ready for school."

Elizabeth grumbled, "Oh, I thought it was Saturday."

"Nope, one more day, you can do it."

"Can you come over here and help me?"

Jack was willing to play along, "I know you'd rather stay in bed, but you need to get up and get ready or you'll be late." He extended his hand to her.

"Are you going to make your rounds dressed like that?" She pointed to his towel.

Jack put his hands up, "I was thinking about it…"

"Some of the ladies would certainly appreciate their Constable."

"Then maybe I should do it," he turned slightly, flexing his arm muscles.

"Well, would you come to school and walk me home?" she licked her lips.

Jack turned to her, "School?" He walked to her and put his hands on the bed, on either side of her, "Sure, at least at the school I'd be able to get away from all the ladies in town."

Elizabeth's eyes went wide, "Jack!" she reached for him.

"We have to go to work," he whispered as he fought to ignore her lips so close to his.

She touched his face but he backed away, "Jack?"

He held his towel in place, "You better get up Mrs. Thornton."

Elizabeth watched him go back to his dresser as she rubbed her belly. She got out of bed, pulled on her robe and headed to the kitchen where she took a muffin and headed back to the bedroom to dress for the day.

Jack, now fully dressed, smiled, "I'll get the wagon and I'll bring your basket too," he looked at her belly, "and I'll pack you some lunch too."

"Thank you Jack."

"You're welcome, just don't take too long, teacher can't be late," he nodded and left.

Elizabeth entered her closet, stopping at her reflection in the mirror. She gave the muffin a frown placing it on her dressing table. "No wonder he doesn't want me, I look like a balloon!" She sighed, selected a blue dress and headed to the bathroom.

Jack waited in the wagon, thinking of how difficult it was to resist his beautiful wife, but knowing he never wanted to rush through their time together. He watched as Elizabeth walked toward the wagon, and offered his hand.

"Thank you," she sat next to him.

Jack clicked the reigns and they headed to town.

At the jail, Bill was looking over paperwork when Jack arrived. "Jack, good that you're here, you have an assignment."

"Assignment? What is it?"

"Only three days down in Calgary," Bill placed the notice on the desk.

"That's not good. I hate to leave…with Elizabeth and all," Jack reviewed the paper.

"I realize that, you take that assignment, I'll take the next one, which involves being away for possibly a month or more," Bill replied.

Jack looked up, appreciative of the gesture, "Thanks Bill, I hate to do that to you."

"Not a problem Jack, in fact I bet you can take care of that assignment in only two days."

"I hope so…but now I have to break it to Elizabeth," Jack scratched the back of his head.

"Calgary?!" Elizabeth shouted as Jack told her his news that evening at home, "Why do you have to go? Can't Bill go instead?"

"Bill will actually take the next assignment, which is much longer, so he's doing us a favor. I will do everything I can to make this the shortest trip possible," he walked closer to her, "you know I don't want to be away from you."

"Is it dangerous work?" she touched his chest.

"No, it's actually about the railroad, so it should only be a few meetings, go over plans…make sure its all done properly. They are approaching things more cautiously now since the avalanche earlier this year," he touched her cheek.

"Okay, as long as it's not chasing bad guys," she pouted, "wait, avalanche?!"

Jack smiled, "No bad guys and the avalanche was during construction not in the meetings beforehand. Don't worry, I'll be safe and come right back to you," he kissed her hand, "but I'd like you to stay with Abigail while I'm away."

"Why?"

"I don't want you out here alone," he stated.

"Jack, I'm perfectly capable of staying here and taking care of myself," she protested.

"I know you are, but will you please listen to me…I'd feel better if I knew you weren't alone," he put his arm around her.

She caressed his cheek with the back of her hand, "Well, I suppose if it would make you feel better," she answered reluctantly.

He nodded, "You'll miss me, won't you?"

She looked into his eyes, "You know I will," she slid her arms around his neck.

"Ah, I'll miss you too," he gently kissed her.

"So let's not waste our time talking," she took his hand and led him to the bedroom.

"I like the way you think Mrs. Thornton," Jack happily followed.

The next morning Jack prepared to leave as Elizabeth was in the kitchen preparing breakfast, "Jack, are you hungry?"

"Starving," he walked to her and hugged her, "someone helped me work up a good appetite."

"Hmm, who would do that to you?" she giggled into his shoulder.

"Oh, I don't know….but she has beautiful blue eyes and luscious pink lips…"

She pushed back, "And a big round tummy!"

Jack placed his hand on her tummy, "We have to prepare for this little one, because Christmas is coming and then she'll be here, my little peach."

"No, you mean little Thurston," she turned back to the stove.

"Thurston? Thurston Thornton? No child of mine is going to have a name like that."

Elizabeth laughed, "Thaddeus?"

Jack's shoulders slumped. "Please tell me that isn't some Thatcher family name."

She puts their plates on the table, "No, I'm just teasing, but the baby won't be Peach Thornton either."

"Better a Peach than Thurston Thaddeus Thornton!"

Elizabeth giggled as she tried to hide her smile behind her coffee cup.

When they arrived in town, Elizabeth felt overcome with sadness as they entered the jail, "I can't wait until you come back."

Jack was glad they were alone, "I know, it will go by fast, you'll see."

"No it won't. But I'll be okay," she rubbed her tummy, "we'll be waiting for you."

"You can come over here and keep Rip company. Maybe little Arthur can come over, he liked his new friend 'Pip', he can bat him on the head a few times!"

"I don't need a dog, I need you," she walked closer to him.

Jack licked his lips and walked away, feeling the emotion of leaving her and fighting with his decision. "You know, we should have brought your things so you can go to Abigail's."

"I'll do that later," trying to ignore her own feelings.

"I don't want you carrying heavy things," he smiled, "remember, I've carried your suitcases!"

"Very funny, but I won't have to bring much, I can go home during the day can't I?" She walked past him.

"Sure," he reached out and pulled her close, "I'm sorry to leave, but I promise I'll be home as soon as I can."

"Just be careful," she held his face and kissed his lips, "please… be careful."

"I will…I love you," he held her tightly and kissed her. He grabbed the satchel on his desk and opened the door. He kissed her cheek and mounted his horse, "You take good care of Peach."

"You mean Thurston, I'll take good care of Thurston!" She waved.

Jack shook his head, gave her a smile and was on his way.

Elizabeth covered her mouth to keep from gasping aloud the gut wrenching feeling that overwhelmed her, "Please keep him safe," she whispered. She slowly walked back home.

Elizabeth kept busy at home before heading to the café. As she busied herself helping Abigail, she felt tired and uncomfortable, "I think I'm going to go home Abigail."

"Elizabeth, you know you are more than welcome to stay here until Jack returns."

"I know, but I think it's perfectly fine for me to stay at home," she rubbed her belly, "the way I am, my own bed is most comfortable for me."

Abigail thought about it, "Well, I can understand that, but as long as you're sure."

Elizabeth nodded, "I am, and I'm also sure I'll fall asleep as soon as my head hits that pillow."

Meanwhile, Jack was busy at Calgary town hall where they convened a special session to meet with the railroad officials. The meeting at times was confrontational and Jack clearly expressed the need to maintain the way of life in Hope Valley while still welcoming growth and prosperity. He was surprised that several railroad officials asked him repeatedly about the town saloon. Jack was quick to define the business' reputation as well as the town's propriety while not making it sound like a backward, non-progressive community that resisted change. The railroad officials wanted assurance that the town could offer its passengers appropriate hospitality, while Jack pressed them for their definition of hospitality. The railroad succeeded to Jack's description of the town's amenities. The tone continued as Jack then brought up the incident at Rogers Pass, where an avalanche killed over sixty men. Safety was his main concern as many residents of Hope Valley would likely be employed to work on this section of the railroad. Some men bristled at Jack's inquisition, but most defended their attention to optimizing the safety standards and procedures of the railroad's work. By late afternoon the meeting concluded and Jack was confident the railroad was sufficiently prepared to pursue the spur line in Hope Valley, despite the few men who Jack felt had high standards and contemplated testing his morals.

After the meetings finally adjourned, Jack was tired, not being accustomed to attending intense meetings with so many opinions and manipulative businessmen, but he knew he defended his town and expressed what they were looking to gain from the railroad rolling into town. After a quick meal in the hotel dining room, he retired to his room eager to get some sleep. He opened his satchel and retrieved a photo of his beautiful wife, missing her and hoping she was okay and enjoying time with Abigail at the cafe. The knock on the door interrupted his gaze at his wife's photo. He was surprised when he opened the door to see a petite blonde woman in a tight red dress with feathers on her shoulder, "May I help you?"

The woman looked him up and down, "Well my, my, I certainly hope you're Jack Thornton."

"I am…" Jack held the door.

"Well I am relieved to hear that," she dragged her eyes up and down him again, "I've come here to keep you company this evening. May I come in?" She looked around him attempting to step into the room.

"Ahh, there must be a mistake, Ma'm. I'm not in need of any….company," he firmly held the door to keep her out and give her a firm hint.

"Oh come on, a handsome man like you must enjoy female companionship," she reached for him.

Jack put his hand up, "No thank you, really. I must insist that you leave."

"Ah, that shiny wedding band you're wearing, is that the problem?" She leaned in and whispered, "no one will have to know. Your lucky lady won't even know I've been here. I'm sure we can have a lot of fun together."

"Who sent you here?" Jack asked, firmly blocking the entrance.

"Oh, some of those ….ah, no one," she mumbled, remembering she wasn't supposed to let on.

"Please tell whoever sent you here that I am not interested. Good evening."

"Well, okay," she turned, but looked over her shoulder at him, "but if you change your mind…"

"I won't," Jack quickly closed the door as he heard her laughing going down the hall. He shook his head, thinking of several possible men who would send him some 'company'.

The next day Jack approached a railroad official before the meeting, "Were you responsible for the visitor to my hotel room last evening?"

The man's eyebrows shot up, "Visitor? What are you referring to Constable?"

"Mr. McCord, I'm bewildered as to why you would do such a thing, my duty here is clear, I want to insure the railroad is a good fit for Hope Valley and operates under strict guidelines that follow all safety protocol. Surely you want the same thing and wouldn't attempt to bribe me to be lenient on following any laws."

"Of course Constable, as do other members of the committee. The woman who visited you must have seen you and followed you to your room," he reached into his pocket for a cigar and offered one to Jack.

"No thank you," he turned to leave, but turned back, squinting at the man, "And I never said it was a woman who visited me."

McCord tapped his cigar on his hand and shook his head.

Back in Hope Valley, Elizabeth went to the café and enjoyed dinner with Abigail. When Bill came into the café, Elizabeth asked about Jack.

"I haven't heard anything, so I guess we'll take that as good news," Bill said as he joined the ladies for dinner.

"I suppose, but I do hope he is on his way home," she responded.

"He could be, I saw the agenda for the railroad meetings and looked like pretty standard sessions."

"Wouldn't the Mayor have to attend these meetings?" Abigail asked.

"Not this round, although he could have, but do we really want the Mayor involved any more than necessary? Besides, Jack represents not only the law but also the town. When he comes back he'll update the Mayor."

"I'm sure he'll look forward to that," Elizabeth quipped. After their meal, Elizabeth headed home, hoping it would be the last evening she would spend alone, but feeling proud of her husband after listening to Bill's comments. She sat in the parlor and picked up her knitting, "Okay, lets get this baby blanket done before the baby comes." She soon dozed off in the chair and, upon waking up, decided to head to bed.

The next day, Jack reviewed maps and other documents with the team of railroad executives. Satisfied that the plans were solid, he decided to head home. He couldn't stop thinking of Elizabeth and wanted to get home to her, although he did have a calmness knowing she was staying at the café. He thought of being a father, hoping he could spend enough time with the baby and be supportive to Elizabeth. He sighed thinking of the responsibility, but he was confident that together he and Elizabeth would raise this baby and more to come. He rushed up to his hotel room to pack and get on the road home.

In Hope Valley, Elizabeth headed home after school, she was anxious to have a cup of tea, correct her student's spelling tests and put her feet up. She rushed into the house and immediately removed her shoes. After correcting the tests, she retrieved to the parlor where she resumed knitting her baby blanket. Far from perfect, she was still proud that she managed to create the soft blanket and eagerly set about adding more rows.

Jack made good time riding home, although it was early evening and beginning to get dark when he arrived in town, he went directly to the café to see his wife. Abigail was surprised to see him, "Jack, glad you're home safe and sound."

"Thanks Abigail, it was an easy assignment so I was able to leave earlier than anticipated. Is Elizabeth upstairs? May I go up?" He pointed to the staircase.

"Elizabeth isn't here Jack, she must be at home."

"I thought she was going to stay here with you?"

"She said she would feel better in her own bed, she is at the point where she is feeling uncomfortable," Abigail crinkled her nose.

"Oh…right," Jack paced to the stairs and back, "well, I won't bother you anymore, I'll head home."

"No bother Jack, she's probably asleep."

"Yes," Jack nodded and opened the door. He was surprised to see Bill and two other men on horses outside the café. "What are you doing?" He asked Bill.

"Jack, glad you're back. I may need your help. I received a telegram that a couple of outlaws might be heading our way, so we're just checking the area, making sure things are okay."

Jack was concerned, "Where have you checked? Have you been out my way?"

Bill's hesitation told Jack all he needed to know and he charged full speed to his house. "Please let her be safe," he muttered as he urged his horse on, "if anything happens to her…"

He stopped at the front porch, leaped from his horse, drew his revolver and charged through the front door, startled to see her shoes in the entryway. He stopped when he saw her in the parlor and quietly approached her. He crouched in front of her, relieved to hear her breathing and see the knitting across her beautifully round belly. He set his revolver on the floor and touched her knee, "Elizabeth?"

She moved slightly and he took the baby blanket, even with no knowledge of knitting he could tell it wasn't the perfect specimen, but how he loved the crooked edge and different patterns that was evident throughout the small blanket. He shook his head and placed it on the table.

"Jack?" She mumbled, "Am I dreaming? Jack, are you home?"

"Yes, I'm here…" he whispered.

"Oh Jack, I must…oh Jack you're home!" her hands flew to her cheeks, "I'm so glad you're home!"

As Jack touched her leg, Elizabeth saw the revolver on the rug, "Oh my, were you planning on shooting someone?"

"Only all those boyfriends I figured you had here keeping you company," he smirked, "you know I'm a jealous man."

Elizabeth smiled and then squinted, "Oh well then, it's a good thing I had them all leave hours ago. Why do you think I feel asleep in the chair…"

Jack's eyes grew wide, he reached for his gun and stood, "So that must be why you left the door unlocked and took your shoes off in a hurry in the hall? I guess I'll have to go after that Marco…"

She jumped up, threw her arms around him, "Marco! You're not going anywhere Constable. A million Marco's could never take your place," she kissed him.

"Hmmm, I'm glad to hear you say that," he touched her face.

She gave him a squeeze, "I missed you."

Jack laughed softly at her strength, "I can tell …would you like to show me how much you missed me?"

She bit her lip, "I'd love to, so why don't I draw us a nice bath while you go put the horse that I'm sure you jumped off of before you ran in here into the barn for a rest."

Jack swung his head, "Ah you know me too well my love."

She tapped his nose, "Yes I do, so hurry up and take care of that so you can join me in the bathtub."

Jack quickly ran out the front door to do his chore.

Elizabeth laughed at Jack's exaggerated exit, went to the bathroom and generously added Gardenia Surprise to the warm bath water and climbed in. She kept still as she heard Jack removing his clothes in the bedroom and slip into the tub behind her.

"Oh this is wonderful," he said, sliding his arms around her, "I missed you so much," he kissed her neck.

She fought tears, "Me too."

"Hey, don't cry, I'm back, everything is fine," he rested his chin on her shoulder, his arms securely around her.

"I know and I'm so grateful. I didn't sleep very well without you," she pressed her head against his.

"I know the feeling," he nuzzled his face against hers, "sorry for the scratchy face."

"I love that scratchy face," she turned and they shared a passionate kiss. They stayed together in the warm water, Elizabeth feeling safe, protected and loved in Jack's arms.

"I never want to leave again," he kissed her ear. "Elizbeth?"

"Hmm?" she ran her hands up his strong arms that were wrapped tightly around her.

"Thank you…thank you for letting me do my job, for being brave. I know you didn't think you could be brave, but you're the bravest woman I know."

"Jack, don't make me cry," she squeezed his forearms.

"And thank you for one more thing," he whispered.

"What?"

"For putting Gardenia Surprise in the water," he laughed softly into her hair.

"Jack," she splashed water.

"Can we go to bed now?"

"I thought you liked the bath?" she turned slightly.

"I do, but I want to love you so badly right now," he kissed her cheek, "I need you Elizabeth."

She looked into his eyes and they climbed out of the tub. Jack took the towel and tenderly dried her skin as she sat on the edge of the bed. He softly kissed her belly as she ran her fingers through his hair, so glad he was home and with her. He placed the towel on the chair and gently lay her back on the bed, entwining his fingers with hers as he kissed her lips. "Are you cold?" he asked.

"Never, when you're near me," she sighed and swung her leg over his hip.

"I have to admit I couldn't think about you too much when I was away," he rubbed her thigh.

"Why is that?" she was breathless at his touch.

"Well, I think you can figure that out," he softly chuckled as he dragged his lips down her throat.

"Oh, yes…," she sighed, "oh that feels so good."

Their touches continued, gentle, loving, tender until she pushed him onto his back, "You're driving me crazy."

"Sorry, is that a bad thing?" he pulled onto his body.

"No, it isn't," she threw her head back as his hands seared her skin like the flames of a fire. She couldn't help repeating his name over and over as she pressed her fingers into the muscles of his chest. Their eyes met and she leaned forward and covered his lips with her own, eliciting a low, steady moan from his throat as his hands grabbed her head to keep her in that exact spot. She nibbled his bottom lip gently and felt him raise his hips in response. She held his face tightly and whispered "I love you Jack Thornton."

"I love you…..I love you," he said breathlessly. Their passion soared until both could barely catch their breath, "Elizabeth….."

"Shhh," she covered his lips with her finger.

Elizabeth moved carefully to lie on her back, she took Jack's hand and placed it on her belly.

Jack gasped softly, "Oh…"

She looked at him.

Jack moved to place his face closer to her belly, "Hello my baby." Jack's eyes were wide with wonder as he looked at her belly, the waves of movement fascinating him.

Elizabeth watched her husband get emotional touching their baby as it moved at the touch of his hand. She fought tears at Jack's loving gaze, his eyes always so expressive, no need for words in this tender moment. She covered his hand with her own, gripping his fingers. Jack lay his cheek against her skin and turned slowly and placed a gentle kiss on her tummy, "I love you, my precious baby," he kissed Elizabeth's hand, "I love you both with all my heart."

to be continued...please let me know what you thought...