William Tells

(I have changed this chapter so many times! I hope you enjoy it anyway and thanks for reading)

Elizabeth rushed to the door and peered out, "Is Jack taking care of the horses?"

"His horse is out there, he'll be along," William said as his wife approached him.

"Father! Where is Jack?" Elizabeth asked.

Grace helped her husband with his coat, "William, has something happened?" she whispered.

"Jack will be along, don't worry," William assured her.

"Did you just leave him out there? Is he hurt? What happened?" Elizabeth was growing increasingly worried.

"He'll be along...the horse...the horse must have thrown him."

"Why didn't you go back to help him?"

"My horse! My horse just took off and we ended up here," William walked toward her, "He'll be fine, Jack will be along."

Elizabeth was angry, "I don't believe you! If anything's happened to him..." Elizabeth threw her coat on, "Mother please watch Cole, I'm going to the barn." She hurried out not listening to her mother telling her not to. The snow had stopped and the moon made the coating of snow sparkle, but Elizabeth marched right through it calling out hoping to hear her husband respond from the barn. With no response, she knew what she had to do and she mounted Jack's horse and set out to look for him. Her worst fear was that he had fallen and was lying in the snow injured. She prayed that was not the case.

Jack brushed himself off and climbed up the small embankment he slid down when his horse threw him. He was not happy that his horse was nowhere to be seen and he began walking in the direction of home. His ankle began to throb slightly and his shoulder felt banged up but he ignored that because he was angry that William had seemingly abandoned him. He blamed it on the alcohol but also on William's argumentative obsession with money, which Jack now realized was a bigger issue than he'd ever imagined. He planned to talk with William privately so not to worry Mrs. Thatcher and Elizabeth. He stopped, hearing Elizabeth yelling his name. "Elizabeth! Over here!"

Elizabeth was so happy to see him she almost fell off the horse as she prodded him on. "Jack! Oh Jack! I was so worried!" She fell into his arms, "Are you hurt?"

"No, just banged up a bit, took a tumble," he hugged her tightly, "is your father at the house, is he okay?'

"Yes…he seems fine…but what happened?" She looked him over making sure he was okay.

"A detour in the road forced us to take the path," he pointed, "guess the snow cover fooled the horses and they didn't like it."

Elizabeth knew that wasn't the full story, his horse knew the terrain too well and Jack was a good rider, but right now Jack was safe and that is what mattered most to her. "Would you like to ride?" she asked.

"No, I'd like to hold your hand and walk with you," he smiled as he tugged the collar of her coat a little closer to keep her warm. "Even though we had some snow, it doesn't feel so cold anymore, now that we're together."

She handed him the reigns, took his free hand and they walked toward home.

"My father seemed to think you were home ahead of him," she said.

"Was my horse in the barn?"

"Just outside of it," she sighed, "did you argue Jack?"

Jack looked down at her, "No, I never argue with my horse."

She tugged his arm, "That's not what I meant."

"Well, let's just say your father is a bit stressed. We had a drink at the saloon with Vernon. Your father enjoyed that."

"He always has enjoyed a brandy in the evening," she surmised.

Jack nodded, "Guess he was trying to relax," he squeezed her hand. "Maybe this time with his daughter and grandson will help him to relax and appreciate his family."

Elizabeth looked at him, "Jack that's a wonderful thing to say and I hope you're right."

"Well, I know I appreciate my family," he brought her hand to his lips and kissed it.

Once in the barn, Jack tended to both horses and Elizabeth filled their oat pails. "I'll head in…"

"No wait," Jack stopped her, "come here."

Elizabeth walked to her husband, "What is it?"

He held her by her shoulders, "I love that you came looking for me, thank you."

"Oh Jack, I was so worried that something terrible had happened to you…"

"Shhh, no," he gently touched her face, "I'm fine and back where I belong," he kissed her.

She wrapped her arms around him, relieved all was well, "Come on, you must be starving."

"Hey, maybe later we can come back out here," he wiggled his eyebrows.

"Oh Jack…really!"

He laughed as he grabbed her hand and they ran to the house.

On the porch he stopped her, "One thing Elizabeth, has your mother said anything about your father, is something troubling him…?"

Elizabeth grew concerned, "No, she didn't say anything other than this trip would be good for him." She noticed Jack's look, "I can ask her if you think I should…?"

"No…don't ask her, I'm sure everything is fine," he took her hand as he opened the door.

"So glad to see you both," Grace Thatcher said as Jack and Elizabeth entered the kitchen, where William was seated at the table drinking tea.

"All is well," Jack said, glancing at William.

"Well of course it is. He knows this land…this area better than anyone. I told you ladies not to worry," William seemed annoyed.

The baby let himself be heard and Elizabeth excused herself to tend to him.

Mrs. Thatcher went to the doorway, "I'm going to take a bath and go to bed, good night."

Jack made a cup of tea and sat across from William.

William looked up from his tea, "Glad you're okay."

"So am I," Jack ran his tongue over his lip, wanting to control his anger and be patient, "What was that all about out there?".

William sat straighter, "I want to provide for my grandson."

"I expected that," Jack rubbed his thumb along the cup.

"I'd like to set up a trust now, while the funds are available," William stated.

"Mr. Thatcher, if you don't mind my asking, are you having problems with your business?"

"No, no I'm not, but there's always competition out there and anything could happen," he sighed, "and it's my money and Elizabeth is my daughter, and if I want to give a gift I can do it."

Jack thought about his last statement, "Elizabeth and I appreciate your generosity and don't mean any disrespect but we do want to provide for our family."

"Well Jack, I'm part of that family, aren't I?" William stared at Jack. "Don't forget she was in my life long before she was in yours and hopefully she remembers that."

Jack felt he understood William's underlying message, "Mr. Thatcher, your daughter cares about you very much...your wife and your other daughters as well. But now that she's a grown woman, she has chosen her life...here with me in Hope Valley. Now we have a son and we're making our way..."

William stared down at his tea cup, "It's been an adjustment...her not being around."

"I understand and I know you must miss her very much," Jack nodded.

"I want to set up that fund for Cole, when I return," William put his hand on the table, "You won't have a problem with that will you?"

"No, of course not," Jack sighed knowing he was in delicate territory, "if you want to give your grandson a gift, it will be for him and him alone, when he is older and knows what to do with it."

"That's what I want to do, I have a successful business, don't I?" he slapped his hand on the table.

"Yes, you've built a reputable, successful business," Jack said.

"I've done that Jack, in all kinds of business climates."

"I'm sure it hasn't been easy," Jack replied.

"No, not always. So if I want to provide for my family, I shouldn't have an argument about it," he stared at Jack, "because it could all be gone tomorrow…"

"Has someone…betrayed you? Can I do anything to help?" Jack asked.

William smiled slightly, "When and if I need the Mounties, you'll be the first one I call Jack," he went to the sink with his tea cup. "Maybe my grandson will come work with me one day."

"That's always a possibility," Jack smiled. "I've learned that family is everything sir. Remember, that while you've built a great company you've also created and developed a wonderful family and that's more success than a lot of men have."

"Thank you, I do have a wonderful family….spirited women that they are!"

Jack laughed, "True, they certainly are!"

"Yes, although I'm not getting any younger and lately I've been feeling my age Jack. I do apologize about this evening, I'm glad you're all right and I appreciate your not saying anything to the women."

Jack stood, "Just stay away from the scotch for the rest of your trip."

"Good idea," William patted Jack's shoulder, "good night."

"Good night." Jack watched the man go down the hall, feeling he understood the man a bit more, but also remaining concerned that William was holding back. Cole's cries brought his attention back to his family and he went to the bedroom. "Who's making all that fuss in here?"

"Well it isn't me," Elizabeth said as she changed Cole's diaper, "your son decided to make a big mess."

Jack waved his hand, "And a stinky one..phew!"

"Watch him while I go dispose of this…gift," Elizabeth held the diaper out in front of her and hurried from the room.

Jack bounced Cole in his arms for a minute before placing him in the cradle, "Time to sleep now buddy."

Elizabeth left the washroom and overheard her parents talking.

"Did you argue with Jack?"

"Of course not, don't be absurd!"

"Tell me what happened? Did you have too much to drink?"

"Grace, go to sleep!"

Elizabeth continued to the bedroom, surprised to find Cole lying in his cradle kicking his blanket. Jack wasn't in the bed and she gasped slightly seeing him standing in the doorway of her closet, "You scared me, what are you doing in there?"

Jack looked down at his feet on the threshold, "Technically I'm not in here, I'm in the doorway waiting for you."

She walked up to him, "Jack, I'm so glad you're okay."

He caressed her upper arms, "Course I'm okay."

"My father drank too much didn't he?"

Jack thought for a moment, "I think he may have had a little too much to drink, in a short amount of time and it affected him. I also think he isn't accustomed to riding a horse and lost control of him and that's what happened," he took her hands, "now don't worry about that anymore, now it's time for me to lose control."

She couldn't help smile, "Oh really?"

"Ahh ha," he led her to her little stool in the closet at her dressing table, "take a seat."

Elizabeth sat down and Jack began giving her quick kisses as he unbuttoned her blouse. She looked down, "What are your intentions?"

"Oh I think you know," he kissed her nose and she laughed. She rubbed his arms, feeling his muscles. When he finished unbuttoning her blouse he looked into her eyes, "I love you."

She cupped his face, "I love you too," kissing him sweetly, "you have the most wonderful eyes."

"Thank you, yours are pretty special too," he smiled.

Jack moved behind her and carefully took hold of the collar of her blouse and let the silky fabric slide down her arms. Elizabeth giggled as she slid her arms out and gathered the blouse in front of her, clutching it against her chest as she felt Jack maneuvering her corset. He whispered, "Put your hair up in one of the clippy things." She quickly obliged and Jack kissed her shoulder, "Thank you."

He kissed the back of her neck and her shoulders rose in response. "Relax…" Jack whispered as he finally freed her of her corset and laid it aside. Only his lips touched her skin as they pressed sweet kisses down her spine…soft at first…light…becoming more intense as they traveled lower down the soft, smooth skin of her back. She giggled slightly at first, but the tingly sensations soon took over and she sighed at the feelings he was stirring inside her. She felt chills travel through her entire body and she clasped the blouse tightly against her chest as his lips went lower and lower.

Just when she thought she'd scream and jump from the seat, she felt his finger along the waist of her skirt as he undid the buttons and felt his lips…oh those sweet Jack lips… they kissed her freshly exposed skin sending more tingling sensations through her. She smiled as he slowly gathered her blouse into his hand and then quickly tugged it away. He pulled the clip from her hair, freeing her bunched up curls, and spreading the golden strands across her shoulders and down her back. "You have beautiful hair, it's so soft," he said as he combed his fingers through the silky length. "I've always loved it, up or down, it's always perfect." Elizabeth giggled, feeling so enchanted.

Jack stayed close behind her as he continued touching her hair and fighting with himself not to touch her anywhere else - even though his body was screaming for her. Every time she sighed with pleasure he smiled.

Elizabeth felt her heart beat rapidly as his fingers pressed on through her hair and grazed her skin. She rolled her head when his hands finally rested on her waist and he kissed her shoulder.

"Look at me," he spun her around on the stool and stared into her eyes before he began kissing her body. She ran her fingers through his hair, enjoying every sensation, whispering his name over and over.

He finally stood, tilting his head in invitation to the bedroom and offering his hand. She took his hand and followed him to their bed. Jack glanced at Cole, glad to see the baby boy was fast asleep. He carefully pulled back the covers and she quickly slipped between the cool sheets, reaching for his hand.

They didn't speak, their looks and touches told them everything they needed to know, every expression they wanted to convey. As they lay down in each other's embrace, their lips joined in a succession of sweet kisses. A quiet, devoted love. The only sound to break the silence was their bodies gliding over the sheets. Their kisses became deeper filled with a need for more. They held hands, a little tighter with each movement. It was so slow, passionate, deep and so wonderful. Jack kissed her ear and she sighed, sliding her leg up his. They were lost in the world they created…a world they shared…a private world.

The next morning, Jack was in the barn tending to the horses. He smiled thinking of being with Elizabeth the night before. He knew he was a lucky man to have such passion in his life and he began to whistle as he brushed the horse.

"You're happy this morning, glad to see you aren't dwelling about our ride last night," William stated as he entered the barn.

Jack stopped, flipped the brush in his hand, "Mr. Thatcher, I'm a blessed man and I appreciate the life I have. That alone makes me a very happy man. As for last night, nothing to dwell on, is there?"

William nodded kicking a bit of straw with his foot, "You're an honorable man Jack. You made me do some thinking last night. I too have a blessed life and I'm going to try to relax and enjoy it more."

"I'm glad to hear that," Jack walked to a shelf, "here, you can brush that horse, I think you'll find it very relaxing."

William was hesitant, but he began brushing the horse.

Inside the house, Grace held Cole while Elizabeth was at the stove. "He's the cutest little baby, so happy."

"He does have a good disposition," Elizabeth looked over her shoulder smiling at the sight of her mother holding her son. "Mother…is everything okay with father?"

"Yes dear, I think he needs to slow down, take time off, I've been urging him to consider it," she replied.

"That's a wonderful idea, he's earned that," Elizabeth smiled, she planned to discuss a few things with her father later.

"Yes he has. The business is going nicely so he should be able to," she gently rocked the baby on her shoulder.

The men came in from the barn, "Something smells good!" Jack said loudly as he went to Elizabeth, "Oh, it's you!" he buried his face in her neck, eliciting laughs from everyone.

"Oh Jack really," an embarrassed Elizabeth handed him a plate, "please put this on the table."

"That's my name sometimes, Jack Really, did you know that?" Jack smiled.

"Wait a few years, you'll get a few other names and they might not be nice ones!" William chided.

"William…really!" Grace said and again they all laughed.

To be continued…