Chapter 35- Welcome to the Family?

Sarah Thornton, Jack's mother, waved to him, as she started walking over to the café. Jack kissed Elizabeth on the cheek, as he sprinted down the café steps to meet her.

"Oh, Jack, I have missed you so much. Why did it take you so long to let me know about you and Elizabeth? I made arrangements to get here as soon as I received your telegram," Mrs. Thornton said as she reached out and hugged Jack. "Where is Elizabeth?"

"She's right over here… Jack pointed to the café, but realizing that Elizabeth was no longer standing on the porch. She was right there. Well, come with me and I will get you some breakfast," Jack took his mother's arm in his and escorted her to the café.

Jack and Mrs. Thornton entered the café, and Abigail greeted them as they sat at the only empty table near the kitchen.

"Good morning, Jack," Abigail said as she brought them both cups, and coffee.

"Abigail, this in my mother, Sarah Thornton…Ma, this is Abigail Stanton," Jack completed his introductions.

"Very pleased to meet you Mrs. Thornton," Abigail smiled as she poured her a cup of coffee.

"Please call me Sarah," Mrs. Thornton said with a smile.

"Well, please call me Abigail. Would you care for some breakfast?" Abigail asked.

Jack chimed in, "Yes, very much so, thank you."

"How do bacon, eggs, fruit and fresh blueberry biscuits sound?" Abigail inquired.

"That sounds perfect, Abigail. Do you know where Elizabeth went?" Jack asked, looking quite puzzled.

"The last time I saw her, she was waiting for you on the porch. I imagine that she left for school," Abigail replied. "I will be right back with your plates."

"Jack, why did Elizabeth run off?" Sarah Thornton asked Jack who clearly had no answer for her.

Abigail returned with their breakfast plates, "Is there anything else I can get you?"

"No thank you, Abigail. I think we have everything we need," Jack responded.

They enjoyed their breakfast, talking about home, Elizabeth, and of course, Rosemary. Jack was somewhat concerned about how Elizabeth's disappearance would impact his mother's impression of her.

They finished their breakfast, and drank a second cup of coffee before Jack escorted his mother to the saloon to obtain a room.

"Mr. Trevoy…this is my mother, Sarah Thornton, and I would like to secure lodging for her in a nice, quiet and safe room please," Jack said as he emphasized "safe."

"Certainly, Constable. I have several vacant rooms available. I will put her at the end of the hall in Room #10. There are no occupants in Rooms #7-#9, so it should be reasonably quiet," Mr. Trevoy responded.

Jack took his mother's baggage up to her room, turning to head for the door, "I'll let you get settled. I'm going to make my rounds, and I will be back to see you a little later. If you need anything, go see Abigail."

"Be careful, Jack. I will see you later, and I hope that Elizabeth will make an appearance," she responded.

Jack wanted to talk with Elizabeth. He didn't understand why she left without meeting his mother. He knew he was later getting to the café, and maybe she was therefore late for school, but "she could have waited a few minutes in order to meet Ma," he thought to himself. Jack rode out of town heading toward the school. Peeking in the door, he was quite relieved to see Elizabeth sitting at her desk, and the children in the middle of a lesson. Realizing that now was not the time to interrupt her day, he left to complete his rounds.

Later in the day, Jack stopped back by the school. Walking inside, he found Elizabeth erasing the blackboard, "why did you leave this morning without meeting Ma?"

Obviously startled, Elizabeth spun around, dropping the rag she was using to clean the blackboard. "Oh, you scared me, Jack. Don't you remember that you aren't supposed to sneak up on people?"

Jack walked up to her, wrapping his arms around her for a hug, "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. Why did you leave this morning without saying goodbye?" Jack asked again as he picked up her cleaning rag and hung it on the blackboard.

Elizabeth looked at Jack, trying to choose her words wisely. "Jack, I was already fifteen minutes late for school. I knew that you would want to spend time with your mother, and wouldn't be able to walk with me. I just assumed that I would meet her tonight."

"Are you done for the day? If so, I would love to walk you home," Jack said as he leaned in, kissing her cheek.

"Yes, I'm done for the day, and I would love for you to walk me home," Elizabeth said as she draped her arm through his, grabbing her empty basket on the way out the door.

Jack wanted to bring up his mother's visit, but was concerned to do so... "I guess we were both surprised to see my Ma this morning."

Elizabeth pulled his arm tighter to her, "you had no idea that she was coming? A little notice would have been nice. I'm looking forward to meeting her Jack, but what if she doesn't like me? I mean, I think most women don't believe that their son's companion is worthy of him." Elizabeth raised her eyebrows, and rolled her eyes when she said, "What is there really for a mother to love about me… I mean I know my mother loves me, but your mother is looking out for your best interest…wanting someone who can cook, and sew. We know that those are not my strong points."

Jack stopped, turned Elizabeth to face him, looking deep into her eyes he said, "Elizabeth, any parent would be so happy to have you in their family. Ma knows how happy you make me…I'm a different person than I was before you. Please don't worry, Elizabeth…She is going to love you." Jack leaned over, kissing Elizabeth gently on her lips. He backed away slightly before pulling her in tightly for a hug, whispering in her ear, "Everything will be fine. I love you, and that's all that matters."

Elizabeth tugged on his arm, and started walking home and said, "Let's get this over with."

"Elizabeth, you act like it's a trip to the dentist to have a tooth pulled. She's just my Ma…I met your parents, and I'm still standing," Jack said, laughing slightly to lighten the mood.

"That's different, Jack. I knew they would love you," she said.

Jack simply shook his head back and forth as they started back on their walk home. They reached the café, and as Elizabeth went inside, Jack said, "We will be back later for dinner."

"Great, looking forward to it," Elizabeth whispered as she closed the door behind her.

Elizabeth went straight to her room. It had been a busy day, and with Mrs. Thornton in town, she had a lot on her mind as well. She stretched out on her bed, and soon drifted off to sleep. She awoke a short while later, having had a horrible dream. She couldn't remember it, but knew it had to do with Mrs. Thornton, and her feeling that Elizabeth was not good enough for Jack. Unfortunately, this would set the tone for her meeting of her future mother-in-law.

"Elizabeth…" Jack called to her from the doorway. "My mother is looking forward to meeting you. Are you ready for dinner?"

"Give me a few minutes Jack. I'll be right out," Elizabeth answered.

"Hey…It will be fine. She is going to love you, don't worry," Jack said, as he tried to put her mind at ease.

Elizabeth came out to the dining room, and walked over to their table. Jack stood and pulled out a chair for Elizabeth.

"Ma, this is Elizabeth Thatcher… Elizabeth, this is my Ma, Sarah Thornton," Jack was finally able to introduce the two most important women in his life to each other.

Elizabeth and Mrs. Thornton exchanged pleasantries with each other. Elizabeth was beginning to feel a little more comfortable, as they all talked about education, family, children, hopes and dreams. Jack excused himself to go into the kitchen for more coffee.

After he left the table, Mrs. Thornton said, "Elizabeth, I am very happy that we met, and I do know how Jack feels about you. If you wouldn't mind, I haven't seen him in quite some time, and I would love to have some time with him alone. Would you mind?

"No ma'am, I don't mind at all. I'm sure that you two have a lot to talk about," Elizabeth responded, trying not to appear concerned about the alone time she was requesting with Jack.

Jack returned to the table with a tray containing more coffee and three slices of apple pie. As he started to serve the dessert, Elizabeth feeling suddenly uncomfortable around Mrs. Thornton, stood up and excused herself.

"Thank you, Jack, but I don't care for any dessert. I will excuse myself, and you enjoy your time together." Elizabeth was trying to get out of the room before she felt the need to cry.

Jack stood to go after Elizabeth, but his mother grabbed his hand, "let her alone, son. She apparently has some thinking she needs to do." Jack and Mrs. Thornton ate their pie and drank their coffee. Jack kept looking back toward the kitchen, hoping to see Elizabeth emerge.

"Jack would you take me for a walk around your lovely town?" Mrs. Thornton asked.

Jack stood, taking his mother's arm in his, and they headed out the café door. They stood out of the porch talking.

"Well Jack; tell me more about Elizabeth… Why is she the one you want to marry? Mrs. Thornton asked.

"Ma, I don't know what happened with Elizabeth. Please don't hold that against her. She is quite dedicated to her students; well actually to everyone she meets. Elizabeth is caring, considerate, intelligent, thoughtful, and family oriented, and she is the most beautiful woman," Jack couldn't help expounding on all of Elizabeth's virtues."

"Well son, I am very happy to hear that you listed beauty at the end. I wouldn't want you to be interested in her just because she is a beautiful woman," Mrs. Thornton reached over and squeezed Jack's hand. "What is the difference between how you feel about Elizabeth, and what you felt for Rosemary?"

"There is no comparison, Ma. I think with Rosemary, we had known each for so long, and marriage was the next logical step. Logical in the sense of time spent together, but I don't believe that I loved her. I'm thankful that she broke up with me."

"Marrying her would be a big mistake, Jack," Mrs. Thornton said.

Jack and his mother were deep in conversation and had no idea that Elizabeth was standing in the doorway of the café. Hearing Mrs. Thornton's response, Elizabeth assuming that she was referring to her, stepped out on the porch to say her peace. "Mrs. Thornton, I know we have just met, and you know nothing about me other than what Jack has told you, or what you see. I love Jack, and I want nothing more than to be his wife. I can't believe that you would come here, and in a matter of a day decide that he would make a mistake if he married me…"

"Elizabeth, wait…" Jack tried to interrupt her.

"No Jack, I have decided that I am meeting my fears head on, and instead of hiding, I'm saying how I feel…" Elizabeth exclaimed. "Mrs. Thornton, I know that you knew Rosemary very well, but you need to know, I had nothing to do with their relationship falling apart. When she showed up in Coal Valley, I stepped out of the picture, because if it was meant for Jack to be with her, then I would not stand in their way. Jack chose me, but if you are not able to welcome me as a member of your family, I will have to accept that. I will never come between you and Jack. Family means way too much to me to ever do that. Jack, us…we… will never work if both of our families are not in agreement. We will need help along the way. Both of our parents have had long lasting marriages…something to be proud of and strive for. I just can't do it Jack if your mother is not in favor of us together."

"Elizabeth, you have no idea…" Jack again tried to interrupt her.

"That's all I have to say. I'm sorry Mrs. Thornton that you came all this way for nothing. Well, if nothing else you can enjoy some time with Jack." Tears were falling down her cheeks as she turned and ran inside.

Jack ran after her…

"Jack, stop," his mother yelled to him. "Let me talk with her, son."

"Ma, she has it all wrong. I have to go talk with her…you have no idea the problems we have had just because of misunderstandings," Jack held the door open for his mother, who headed for the kitchen, where she saw Abigail at the sink.

"Abigail, where would I find Elizabeth?" Sarah asked.

"I didn't see her come in, but her bedroom is right there," Abigail said pointing to Elizabeth's door.

"Knock…knock…knock," Mrs. Thornton was hoping that Elizabeth would be willing to talk with her. There was no answer, and she knocked on the door again…still no answer. Mrs. Thornton opened the door slightly, and saw Elizabeth lying across her bed, and it appeared that she was crying. She walked inside, "Elizabeth, may I talk with you?"

"I don't feel like talking anymore, Mrs. Thornton," Elizabeth said, refusing to pick her head up from her pillow.

"That's okay, Elizabeth, because I have plenty to say… You are far from the princess that I heard about when Jack first came here. Beautiful, yes, but certainly capable of taking care of yourself, and not in need of a man to do so. I admire your dedication to your students, and family, and especially to my son. Elizabeth, you misunderstood what I said…"

"How can I misunderstand when you say "marrying her would be a big mistake, Jack?" Elizabeth sat up in bed facing Mrs. Thornton.

"Elizabeth, you misunderstood…I was not talking about you, I was referring to Rosemary. It would have been a mistake for Jack to marry Rosemary," Mrs. Thornton said, as she reached out and held Elizabeth's hand.

Elizabeth, obviously mortified at the speech she had forced Jack and Mrs. Thornton to listen to, closed her eyes, wishing that she could simply fade away. Mrs. Thornton sat down next to Elizabeth, wrapping her arms around her and hugging her tightly.

"I'm so sorry…I'm so, so sorry," Elizabeth kept apologizing.

Mrs. Thornton leaned back looking in Elizabeth's eyes, "don't you say another word, Elizabeth; any mother would be so happy to know that her son has found someone who loves him as much as you. Your concern for my feelings and love of family tug at my heart. You are everything Jack told me you were, and more. I want to get to know you, Elizabeth, but I love Jack, and I trust his judgment. He loves you more than anything, that's enough for me!"

Jack was outside the door trying to listen to what was happening between his mother and Elizabeth. Suddenly the door opened, and Jack was surprised to see his mother and Elizabeth standing side by side. Elizabeth's eyes were slightly red, and her cheeks were tear stained.

"Jack, you take Elizabeth for a walk. You two need to spend some time together. I'm going to turn in and I will see you both for breakfast," Mrs. Thornton kissed Jack on the cheek and hugged Elizabeth before walking into the dining room.

"Jack go walk her home, I will wait for you on the swing," Elizabeth pushed him out of the kitchen and toward the front café door.

"Ma, wait…let me walk you to your room," Jack caught up with her on the porch. He slid her arm through his and they walked toward the saloon.

"Jack, I'm sorry if my coming here has caused any problems with you and Elizabeth. I'm sure that its stressful meeting your future mother-in-law, but I want to tell you this Jack… If you let that woman get away, then you are not as smart as I've always thought you were. She is perfect for you… Anyone who will stand up to their fiancé's mother has got spirit!" Mrs. Thornton went into her room, watching as Jack took the stairs two at a time, on his way back to Elizabeth, before closing her door and retiring for the night.

Jack ran back to the café, finding Elizabeth sitting in the swing with her head back, and eyes closed. "Elizabeth, are you alright?"

"Why did you let me go on and on telling your mother off without stopping me?" Elizabeth said, clearly embarrassed.

"I tried to tell you, but you were on a roll," Jack said with a laugh. "Elizabeth, you don't have to worry about my mother…she really likes you, and she is happy for us." Jack sat down on the swing, putting his arm around Elizabeth and pulling her closely to him. "I love you," he whispered.

Elizabeth sat up, looking at Jack and said, "How can your mother like me; I just met her, and I've already told her off. I'm so embarrassed, Jack. I don't know what got into me. I heard her say "marrying her would be a big mistake," and I did the worst thing possible, and jumped to conclusions."

Jack turned the conversation away from his mother's visit, in hopes of getting Elizabeth to relax. They sat in the swing with his arm around her rubbing her upper arm with his fingers. She leaned her head on his shoulder, and he sang to her while they rocked back and forth in the swing.

Abigail stepped outside to let Jack and Elizabeth know that she was on her way to bed.

"We will make sure that we lock the café when she comes back in for the night, "Jack said as he leaned over and kissed Elizabeth on the top of her head.

"Jack…she's asleep," Abigail laughed.

"I seem to have that effect on her," Jack said as he gently shook Elizabeth, waking her.

"Oh, I'm sorry, Jack. I didn't mean to fall asleep," Elizabeth leaned over kissing his lips. "I guess we should say good night."

Jack stood, pulling Elizabeth to her feet. He wrapped his arms around her, kissing her lips tenderly, before opening the door and seeing her safely inside.

Elizabeth walked back to her room, and sat on her bed, "I can't believe that with all the praying I have done, and the realization that you should not jump to conclusions, that's exactly what I did," she thought to herself. Elizabeth opened her journal, flipping to her most recent entries, and read…
"There is a big difference between what you think you know, and what you actually know.
Take time to obtain all the facts before jumping to conclusions. Too often we think of those situations or people who frighten us most… never giving them the benefit of the doubt. Always strive to be the type of person that you would want to meet. In doing so, you are less likely to be accusatory, and more likely to be accepting."

"I hope that Mrs. Thornton can truly forgive me for my outburst. I guess if nothing else, I am passionate about her son," she thought.

The next morning, Elizabeth was up early getting things ready for school and was lost in her own thoughts. A knock at her door drew her attention away from school matters, "Come in," Elizabeth said, assuming that it was either Jack or Abigail. Mrs. Thornton walked in carrying a package of some type.

"Do you have a few minutes, Elizabeth, before you head off to school?" Mrs. Thornton asked.

"I certainly do. I was hoping that we could have breakfast together," Elizabeth smiled.

Mrs. Thornton walked over to Elizabeth's bed and sat down, patting the side of the bed encouraging Elizabeth to take a seat. Elizabeth sat down beside her. Mrs. Thornton took Elizabeth's hand in hers and smiled. "I hope you were able to sleep last night dear. It was never my intention to come here and cause you any worry. I can see how much you love my son, and I truly have never seen him happier…that has to be attributed to you. Please accept my apologies for any negative reactions you thought you read into my behavior. I would very much like you to accept this from me…" Mrs. Thornton handed Elizabeth a package, hoping that she would accept it as gift welcoming her to the family.

The package was heavy and Elizabeth had no idea what it could be. She opened the package and smiled at the most beautiful handmade quilt she had ever seen. It was an off white color, with green leaf trim, and covered in Lilacs. "You made this? Mrs. Thornton…It's beautiful."

"Thank you. After Jack told me about you, I started working on it. I could see through his letters that he was falling in love with you, and it wouldn't be long before he asked you to marry him. One more thing, Elizabeth, please call me Sarah."

Elizabeth smiled…Thank you so much for the quilt, Mrs. Thornton, uh Sarah. This will be a beautiful addition to our home. Would you like to join me for breakfast?"

Elizabeth and Sarah walked into the dining room and sat at a table by the window. "I wonder where Jack is," Elizabeth thought. The two women sat and were enjoying a cup of coffee when Jack walked in.

"Ma, I walked over to your room to get you. I was worried when I knocked and you didn't answer," Jack sat down to join them.

"Jack… your mother, I mean, Sarah, brought me the most beautiful handmade quilt," Elizabeth said as she reached over squeezing Sarah's hand.

"Does that mean…" Jack started to comment.

Sarah smiled at Jack, turned to Elizabeth and said, "Yes… Welcome to the family, Elizabeth."

To be continued…