THE GRANDPARENTS

Jack and Elizabeth were stunned to see her father standing in the café. "Father, what are you doing here?"

"Where's my grandson?" William Thatcher looked around the room.

"Where's mother?" Elizabeth smoothed her dress and walked over to her father, hugging him, "your grandson is upstairs."

William looked around, noticing the table set for two and lack of other patrons, "What have we here?"

Jack walked over, extending his hand, "Welcome Mr. Thatcher."

"Yes…yes, Jack, nice to see you," William forced a smile. "Beth, go help your mother."

"I'm right here," Mrs. Thatcher entered the kitchen tugging on her jacket, "it's so cold here and we should have arrived much earlier. How are you dear?" She hugged her daughter.

"So where's the boy?" William asked impatiently.

Jack greeted Mrs. Thatcher, "I'll go upstairs and get him."

"Why are you here? Are you living here?" Mrs. Thatcher straightened her hat and removed her gloves, "where is the baby?"

"Okay, lets all calm down a minute," Elizabeth sighed, holding her hands up, "Jack and I are having dinner here and Abigail is watching the baby."

"Well, you shouldn't let someone else raise your child," Mrs. Thatcher huffed.

"She's watching him while we ate dinner mother, I hardly consider that raising him," Elizabeth replied.

"Ah, well I suppose you're right," Mrs. Thatcher sighed, "My that dress is…well, quite the dress my dear."

Elizabeth touched her dress, "What's wrong with it?"

"I didn't say anything was wrong with it, did I? It's just a bit snug. I mean, your figure seems to have bounced back, in most places anyway."

Elizabeth ignored her mother's comment.

Mrs. Thatcher knew she'd been heard, "In any event, we couldn't wait to get here to see our grandson."

Elizabeth looked around, "And me? And Jack?"

"Yes of course dear, all of you," she glanced into the dining room, "could we get a cup of tea?"

Elizabeth rolled her eyes, "I'll heat the water," and proceeded to the stove.

Upstairs, Jack delivered the news of the visitors to Abigail, "Oh my, well, may as well get it over with," she checked the diaper and straightened the wiggly baby's clothes before handing him to Jack.

"Thank you…hopefully they won't be staying very long," Jack cradled Cole is his arms, "are you coming down?"

"In a minute, you go ahead," Abigail smiled.

Downstairs the Thatcher's removed their overcoats and broke into smiles as Jack entered with the baby.

"Here he is," Jack said proudly.

"Oh my! He's beautiful!" Mrs. Thatcher clasped her cheeks.

"Of course he is," William stepped closer, "fine looking boy."

"Oh William, he's just beautiful."

"Handsome boy, yes indeed," William said, puffing out his chest, "let your mother hold him."

Mrs. Thatcher gently took Cole into her arms.

Elizabeth was surprised at the tug it made on her heart and she reached for Jack, who gently rubbed her back watching the Thatcher's beam as they looked over little Cole.

"How was the delivery dear?" Elizabeth's mother inquired.

Elizabeth raised her eyebrows, looking at Jack, "It was an experience I'll never forget."

"Well next time you can be sedated," Mrs. Thatcher quipped.

"Mother! I don't believe that's necessary," Elizabeth replied.

Jack shoved his hands in his pockets, a gesture Elizabeth knew indicated he was uncomfortable. She wrapped her hands around his arm, "I couldn't have done it without Jack and Abigail, they were my support."

William Thatcher took the baby into his embrace, not listening to Elizabeth. Elizabeth leaned closer to Jack, "It looks like they're smitten."

Jack smiled, "Of course they are, that's my boy they're holding."

"Our boy," she whispered into his ear, getting a smile from her husband. "Don't think I've forgotten our conversation, we'll resume later."

Jack wiped his lip, "Ah, sure."

"Been a while since I've held a baby, but I think I remember," William said.

Abigail came down the stairs, "You look like a natural to me Mr. Thatcher. I don't want to interrupt, but welcome back, so glad you can meet your handsome grandson."

"Yes, hello, thank you Mrs. Stanton." Grace Thatcher smiled.

"Will you be staying at the Saloon?" Abigail stayed at the bottom of the stairs.

"No, we'll stay with Jack and Elizabeth," Mrs. Thatcher said, "we want to be close to the baby. We want to experience a baby in the house again, don't we William?"

"Well, I suppose," he grinned.

Jack and Elizabeth exchanged a look, "There's only a bed in one of our spare rooms."

"That's all we need dear. I don't care to stay in the saloon, Vernon will stay there."

"Mother, did you bring a lot of things?"

"Yes dear, of course I did," she smiled at Jack, "you always need things. Julie wanted to come but decided she will come on her own later. She's so independent these days," she waved her hand as if not understanding Julie.

Elizabeth couldn't help but smile, "Well mother she's spreading her wings, I'm proud of her."

William cleared his throat, "So, the boys name? Did you mention it?"

Elizabeth walked to her parents, "His name is Daniel Cole Thornton."

"Daniel? Good name for a boy," her mother stated.

"Yes, strong name for a man as well," William responded, "Daniel Thornton…a good name for a businessman."

Elizabeth turned to Jack, "Yes, we like the name and it certainly will be a strong name for whatever profession he may choose."

Jack could only nod.

"Why don't we head to the house, I'm sure you're tired from the trip. You can have tea there mother," Elizabeth went outside to greet Vernon. "So wonderful to see you."

"Miss Elizabeth…my pleasure to see you again and now look at you, a mother. Life is a blessing isn't it?" He took her hands.

"Yes it is…a true blessing," she smiled brightly, "I hope my parents were well behaved on the trip."

"Well, between us," he leaned closer, "your daddy is a bit stressed but I think this trip will do him good."

Just as Elizabeth was about to question his statement the others came out and they were quickly on their way to the house.

Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher walked slowly through the house and Elizabeth felt their inspecting eyes. Jack knew she was uncomfortable. "Don't worry about anything," he whispered in her ear as he gave her waist a squeeze.

Elizabeth smiled, appreciating his support and then walked down the hall, "Let me get you some fresh bed linens and you can get settled."

"Thank you dear, where does the baby sleep?" Mrs. Thatcher asked.

"In his cradle in our room," Jack answered.

"Lovely," she smiled at Jack.

"That makes perfect sense, come along Grace," William headed down the hall following his daughter. "This room certainly needs some things."

"Well, we've been a little busy," Elizabeth said.

"Not a problem, tomorrow we'll take care of it," he smiled, "we've brought things. Your mother has enjoyed spending my money on all kinds of things."

"Jack?" Mrs. Thatcher approached Jack.

"Yes Ma'm…"

"We've brought some things for the baby, is that okay with you?" Her voice soft and hesitant.

Jack smiled, "Thank you Mrs. Thatcher, your daughter and I appreciate that, and your grandson will too."

"Splendid, we'll take care of it tomorrow. I'd like to buy some furniture for him as well," she watched for Jack's reaction.

"We can discuss that tomorrow," Jack nodded.

"Fine then, but Mr. Thatcher doesn't have to know, this will be a gift from me," she touched his arm and then headed down the hall.

Jack tilted his head as he watched her, thinking it was an odd comment for her to make. The baby's cries broke his thought and he attended to his son.

Elizabeth came into the bedroom and dramatically collapsed back onto the closed door. "I wish they would have given us some warning of their arrival."

Jack smirked, "And spoil their joyous surprise!"

"Oh Jack, I'm sorry. But they're here and we'll make the best of it and then they'll be gone."

Jack rocked the squirming baby in his arms, "I know…they needed to meet our little guy."

"Yes, and I'm sure he's hungry," Elizabeth began unbuttoning her blouse and sat in the rocking chair. "Jack?"

"Yes," Jack began preparing for bed.

"Ahh, don't think I've forgotten that you have something to tell me... a confession I recall."

He looked over his shoulder at her, "I know…maybe later, in bed?"

Elizabeth sighed, "Okay, but as soon as Cole is finished here, I'm getting ready for bed and then you need to start talking."

Jack nodded, "I'll be right back." He went to the kitchen, had a drink of water and headed to the bathroom. He stopped when he heard the Thatcher's raised voices. He didn't want to hear their discussion so he continued into the bathroom.

When he returned to his bedroom, Elizabeth was in her closet, so he said good night to Cole and climbed into bed. He looked twice when Elizabeth came to the bed, "Why are you wearing that?"

She looked down, "It's a nightgown Jack."

"Kind of revealing isn't it?"

"Are you complaining?" her hands on her hips.

"No but with your parents here and all…"

She climbed onto the bed, "Well they aren't in this room now are they?" She stayed on her knees and leaned in to kiss him.

Jack's only response was to caress her arm.

She sat back on her feet, "Okay Jack, I'm ready to hear your confession."

Jack sat up, plumped the pillows behind him, "Oh right, my confession…okay…" he cleared his throat and glanced at her.

"Oh no, is it another woman!" Elizabeth leaned on her hands.

"What? Of course not! How could you even say that!"

"I didn't think of it before," her breathing became heavy, "Oh Jack."

"Elizabeth! That's ridiculous," he crossed his arms across his bare chest.

She bobbed up and down, "Then tell me, what is it!"

"It's…it's nothing…"

Her eyes were wide, "Jack Thornton, you barely touch me, there must be a reason. Have I changed so much that you don't find me attractive? I think I've lost all the weight and my figure is pretty much the way it was…" she smoothed her nightgown over her tummy.

Jack rolled his head back, "Oh please, that's not it…"

She interrupted, "What then, tell me what it is! What is this confession of yours?"

He moved so fast and so close she pushed back, "Elizabeth…I don't….I'd hate…." He looked down.

"Yes…?"

"I don't want to get you….you know…in the family way again…not so fast…."

Elizabeth looked at his wonderful man she loved with all her heart, "What?"

"I don't want to get you pregnant!" He raised his hand, "There, that's it, my big confession."

Elizabeth pursed her lips and then bit her bottom lip.

"You think that's funny?" Jack's brow wrinkled creating a dent between his eyebrows.

"Jack, my sweet… darling…Jack…" she held his face before jumping out of bed.

"Where are you going?"

She ran to her closet and came back holding a book in front of her face, her eyes peering over it.

"What's that?" Jack looked up at her, feeling slightly embarrassed and nervous.

She sat on the edge of the bed, "This my darling is a book all about women's health," she opened the book and flipped to a certain page, "there are several chapters on pregnancy and post pregnancy…."

"Yes…"

"Women who nurse their babies are not likely to become pregnant while they are nursing," she pretended to read as she glanced up at Jack.

Jack took her words in and shook his head before tapping the book, "Is there a chapter in there about stupid husbands of new mothers?"

She smiled, "No."

Jack took the book and placed it on the bed, "Well, my beautiful teacher gives me a lesson."

"You should have said something to me about….your fear."

"Well…." He searched for the words, "I felt…I didn't….I…"

She touched his face, "I know Jack," she moved closer and tenderly kissed him.

"I'm just a man…" he laughed softly.

"Yes, my man," she kissed him again.

He pulled her closer, "I'm a….stupid…man." His lips traveled across her face.

She giggled, "No you're not, you're caring…and kind…and considerate," she sighed deeply every time his lips touched her skin, "and strong…and loving…oh Jack," she crawled onto his lap as their lips danced together in an intimate combination of touching, pressing, pushing and pulling, just as their hands did the same on their bodies. Before long they were lying down, rolling over each other, Jack tugging up her nightgown as her hands raked down his back. She missed the touch of his skin, the aroma of their closeness, the feel of his body against hers. "Jack, this is…."

"Wonderful?" he whispered.

"Yes…wonderful," she cupped his face in her hands, tears brimming, "you silly man."

"I'm sorry, I should have told you….," he kissed her palm, "instead of acting like a…a priest."

Elizabeth giggled, her eyes wide at his comment, "I'm so glad you aren't a priest and that it wasn't something I did."

Jack shook his head, "Of course not, I think you need a break between babies," he looked down.

"If we're going to fill this house with little Thornton's we can't have too long of a break, now can we?" She placed her finger under his chin, awaiting his reply.

He kissed her hard, grinding his lips against hers as they held each other tightly. Their passion came to the surface.

"Beth?" Mr. Thatcher called from the hallway.

Elizabeth sat up, "Jack…," she scrambled out of bed, threw on her robe and cracked the door open, "What is it, is everything okay?"

"Yes, everything is fine, your mother wants a cup of tea…a cup of weak tea," he pointed to the kitchen.

"Oh…well, do you want me to do that?" Elizabeth glanced over her shoulder at Jack.

"It's just hot water and tea, I suppose I could do it," he scratched his head.

Elizabeth headed to the kitchen and began filling the tea kettle.

"I heard you talking, I knew you weren't asleep," Mr. Thatcher said, "is the baby asleep?"

Elizabeth swallowed, "Yes, Cole is sleeping…Jack and I…were…talking."

"Ah ha," Mr. Thatcher was looking around the kitchen.

Elizabeth put the tea into the infuser and into the cup, not looking at her father.

"It's okay dear, I can handle it," Mr. Thatcher stood behind her touching her shoulder, "go back to bed, I'll take care of this."

Elizabeth nodded, "I think I will, I'm…tired."

"Good night dear."

"Good night," she hurried back to the bedroom.

Jack was propped on his elbow waiting, "Is everything all right?"

She slipped her robe off, "Yes, mother wanted tea. I guess she can't sleep, having one of her headaches I suppose."

"I have an ache too, come here," Jack held the blanket up for her.

Elizabeth moved under the blanket into Jack's waiting arms. "How can I help?"

Jack smirked, "Oh I think you know," as he rolled over her, his lips finding hers.

"Jack, do you hear that?" Elizabeth whispered.

"Hear what? Cole's asleep," he kissed her neck as he pushed her nightgown strap aside.

"My parents! I hear them talking," she squirmed.

"I don't hear them," Jack sucked the tender skin of her shoulder before kissing it softly, "I love your skin."

"Jack…" she pushed on his shoulders.

"What, is something wrong?"

"Jack, I can't…"

"Can't what?"

"We….we can't," she pushed him again.

Jack propped onto his elbow, "Can't? Why?"

"My parents are in the next room!"

"So?"

"They can hear us," her eyes were wide.

Jack leaned and kissed her, "We'll be very quiet."

"I'm serious," she pushed him again.

"I am too, I'll be quiet," he touched her face.

"Jack…"

"I'll keep you quiet too, I promise," he smiled and kissed her ear.

"I can't…I won't be able to look at them tomorrow."

Jack looked at her, "You just said they aren't in this room now!"

"Will you be able to look at them if they knew?" she asked.

Jack sighed and rolled onto his back.

"I'm sorry," she pulled the blanket up to her chin.

"Just call me Padre," he grumbled.

After several minutes Jack slid closer to his wife and laid his head on her shoulder, "Maybe they're asleep now."

Elizabeth listened, "No, I don't think so."

"Well, they have to sleep sometime," Jack ran his fingertips down her arm.

"Shh, I think they're awake, I hear them," she held her finger to her lips, "listen…"

"The only thing I hear is my heart banging in my chest for you," Jack whispered.

She turned her face to his, "Jack, I can't….just the thought of them in the next room."

Jack snuggled against her, "I understand….I love you."

She kissed the top of his head, "I love you too."

"You owe me," he whispered.

She rolled her eyes, "Oh Jack really…"

The next morning Elizabeth busied herself in the kitchen while her parents tended to Cole and Jack was busy in the barn. "Breakfast is ready," she announced in the hallway.

Jack came in and inquired as to plans for the day.

Mrs. Thatcher spoke up, "I would like to get our things from the carriage, maybe you could go to town and arrange that dear."

William put his coffee cup down, "Yes, I'll go to town with Jack and talk to Vernon about bringing out all the things you bought."

Grace forced a smile, obviously concerned about her husband's tone, "Well, it isn't anything extravagant; I know how Elizabeth feels about that."

"Thank you mother, babies grow out of things so quickly…" Elizabeth said.

Jack felt the need to add, "We appreciate your generosity…"

"I know…we know you do. It's our grandson!" Grace said as if reminding William.

Later in the day, Jack readied the horses for he and William's trip to town. "I'll stop by the mercantile and get the items on this list," he tucked the list into his pocket and kissed Elizabeth, "you'll be okay here with your mother?"

"Of course, she'll enjoy rocking Cole while I wash diapers," she hugged him.

"Hopefully your father is okay…seems a little stressed," Jack hugged his wife.

"Yes, but he'll be fine."

"See you later," Jack said as he kissed his son and the men headed out.

Elizabeth made tea and her mother laid a sleeping baby into his cradle. "Is everything okay?"

"Yes, he's dry," Grace looked back toward the baby.

"Yes, I know …I meant with father," Elizabeth poured tea.

"I think he is restless from the long trip, that's all. It will be good for him to get outdoors and ride, he hasn't been out of the office in a while," she sipped her tea.

"I hope he reminds Jack of that and takes it slow," Elizabeth was concerned. "It looks like snow, it's been so cold lately."

"If it snows, your father will be right back here, he doesn't care for snow," Grace looked toward the window.

In town, William made his arrangements with Vernon and waited for Jack to return from the mercantile. Vernon walked to the bar, "Mr. Thatcher, let me buy you a drink."

"Now I should be the one doing that, thank you Vernon," he smacked his lips, "don't suppose they have good scotch."

"If its cold and wet, it's good," Vernon grinned.

"Sounds about right," William tapped the bar and the ordered a bottle.

After two drinks, Vernon said, "You know, this trip will do you good, get away from all that business and seeing Elizabeth and her family," he raised his glass, "here's to your grandson!"

William clinked his glass and threw back the cold liquid, "He's a special boy."

Jack entered the saloon and was glad to see William with Vernon. He walked over and greeted them, "Glad to see you both unwinding a bit."

"Join us," Vernon reached for a glass for Jack and poured from the bottle.

"Cheers," Jack saluted before swallowing the strong liquor.

"I know you aren't a drinker, but that's pretty good stuff," William boasted.

Jack nodded and put his hand up as Vernon went to pour another, "One is more than enough for me. We should head home, Elizabeth will want to prepare dinner and I've put it in our saddlebags. Vernon you're welcome to join us."

"Thank you Jack, I'm planning on hitting the hay early tonight, so I'll stay here," Vernon replied.

"Okay then, we'll see you tomorrow," Jack then looked to William, "shall we get going?"

"Okay," he tucked the bottle under his jacket and they headed out.

As they passed the café, Abigail ran out, "Jack! Here take this home with you."

Jack took the bag, "What is it?"

"Just some biscuits and scones, I wanted to bring them out earlier, but it was a busy day," she looked up, "we're in for a storm I guess."

"Thanks Abigail," Jack said, "Yes, sure feels like it. We better get going," he led the way out of town.

They came upon a downed tree blocking the road and Jack veered off onto a dirt path, "This won't take us out of our way, just follow me."

"What else could I do? I have no idea where I am," William said with a sarcastic tone.

After a few silent moments, Jack felt he had to converse and make sure the man was okay, "Good to see Vernon, he's a good man."

"He's the best. Oh Jack, Grace and I talked about setting up a trust fund for little Cole, for his future, he'll need a good education," William took a swig from the bottle.

"Ahh, yes he will and a trust fund isn't necessary..." Jack didn't like that William was still swallowing the scotch.

"What are you going to do, save for his future?"

"Of course we are," Jack replied, hearing the effects of the liquor in William's tone.

"My money isn't good enough for you?"

"I never said that," Jack replied quickly, "I…We are very grateful for your attention."

"My attention," William shook his head, "everyone loves my attention. Let me ask you something…" His horse passed Jack and he turned.

"Yes?"

"I work hard for my money and if I want to give some of it to my grandson, it should not be an issue," William said.

"Right…so what's your question," Jack looked up, the snow had started.

"What? Oh, my question, why …its not really a question," William gripped the reigns.

Jack was glad he put the bottle back into his coat.

"I was just going to say, I know you're in a hurry to have a family, why you wasted no time getting Beth pregnant, but don't have too many…"

"Mr. Thatcher, let's just head to the house, the snow if really starting to come down," Jack wanted to put a halt to the conversation. He urged his horse past William.

"You don't want some parenting advice?" William tugged the reigns and his horse began to turn.

"Not out here," Jack looked at him.

William leaned forward and his horse lunged toward Jack's steed causing the animal to rear up. As Jack tried to control him, William's horse bolted forward, Jack released the reigns and fell from the horse.

William watched, "Jack! What are you doing? Jack?" William kicked his horse and he began to chase Jack's horse. He was unable to stop him, he shouted and pulled the reigns, but the horse would spin around and gallop forward. He found it impossible to control the animal and just let him lead the way home. After traveling for what seemed like an hour, the snow continued and William worried about holding on in the blinding snow. Eventually he made it to the house and much to William's relief Jack's horse was near the barn. William practically fell from the horse, gave him a slap on the hindquarter, "Go to the barn!" He stepped toward the house, slid the bottle of scotch under the porch and stepped up to the door.

Elizabeth rushed from the kitchen, smiling, "I'm so glad you're finally home, it's late and the snow seems….to be….where's Jack?" she asked noticing her father alone.

William brushed snow from his sleeves, "Isn't he here?"

"No…no he isn't," Elizabeth replied.

To be continued...(please leave a review...I've changed it up a bit..hope you like it..)