Chapter 54
Worries
The next morning, Elizabeth woke up, dressed and headed downstairs to the café, where she found Jack sitting at a table, eating breakfast. She looked around. There was no one else in the café. She marched up behind Jack, and wrapped her arms around his neck and placed a kiss on his cheek. He grinned. "Good morning." He said, he returned the favor and placed a kiss on her cheek as well. "How did you sleep?"
"Very well," She replied. She joined him at the table. She swiped a piece of bacon off his plate and brought it to her lips.
"Hey!" Jack protested. "That's mine. Get your own!"
"Sorry!" Elizabeth exclaimed. She placed the half-eaten piece of bacon back on his plate.
Jack picked up the bacon and smiled. He wrapped his arm around her neck. "You know I don't mind." He took the bacon and put it to her lips. Before she could take a bite, he pulled it away.
"Jack," Elizabeth said with a pout.
"If you want it, come and get it." He teased. He placed the piece of bacon between his teeth.
Elizabeth blushed. She looked around the café. When she saw that it was still empty, other than the two of them, she leaned over and took the other half of the bacon in her own mouth, gently touching her lips to his, surprising both Jack and herself in the process. "That's delicious!" She exclaimed with a smile.
Jack returned the smile. With his arm still around her, he pulled her closer for another tender kiss, which inadvertently escalated. They didn't hear the door to the café swing open, nor the footsteps as they approached their table. "Ahem."
Jack and Elizabeth quickly pulled away. "Oh hey mama." Jack said when he saw Maggie hovering over them.
"What exactly did I walk in on?" Maggie questioned, she sat down and joined them at the table.
Jack and Elizabeth exchanged glances and blushed. "Uh… uh," Jack replied, stumbling over his words. "We… we…"
"Jack was just sharing his breakfast with me." Elizabeth answered quickly.
"Well it looks like you were sharing a lot more than breakfast, when I walked in." Maggie stated, with a chuckle.
Elizabeth buried her face in Jack's shoulder, Jack grabbed her hand and squeezed it underneath the table. "She was thanking me for sharing my breakfast with her." Jack said, finding his voice.
Maggie placed her hand on Elizabeth's shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "It's alright, dear. You love my son. No need to be embarrassed. I told you last night, I'm glad he found you and that you love him as much as you do."
Elizabeth lifted her head. She looked at Maggie and smiled. "I do love him." She confirmed.
"It makes me happy to hear you say that about my son." Maggie admitted. "After… Rosemary."
Elizabeth smiled. "Well I am not Rosemary, so you don't have to worry." She placed her hand on top of Maggie's, and glanced at Jack. "I hate that Rosemary broke his heart, but if she hadn't have, I might never have had a chance to mend it."
Jack smiled. "You did a great job at mending my heart." He leaned over and kissed Elizabeth's cheek.
"Yes you did." Maggie agreed. "I've never seen Jack so happy."
Jack stood up. "Well I'd love to stay and chat, but I have rounds to make." He walked around the table and kissed his mother on the cheek. He reached for Elizabeth's hand, walk me to the door?"
Elizabeth took ahold of his hand and prepared to walk with him to the door, as he'd asked. To her surprise, he led her through the kitchen to the back door. When they arrived at the door, she leaned in closer, before their lips touched, he pulled back and walked outside, pulling her with him. When the door closed behind them, he took her in his arms went in for a passionate kiss, taking her by surprise. "I love you so much." He told her.
"What was that for?" She questioned. "Your mom has already mentioned she didn't mind us showing our affection toward each other in her presence.
Jack reached up and touched her face. "Be honest. Kissing me in front of my mother makes you a little uncomfortable doesn't it?"
"A little," She concurred.
"And when we kiss in front on my mother, or anyone else for that matter, it's just a little peck like this…" He placed a quick kiss on her lips to demonstrate. "I'd rather be alone, so I can kiss you like this…" He leaned closer once more and placed another slow tender kiss on her lips. He wrapped her arms around her tightly and lifted her off the ground. He spun her around slowly, managing to not break the kiss. "Now wasn't that better?"
She blushed and smiled. "Much." She leaned forward and placed another kiss on his lips.
"Well gotta run. Will I see you later?" Jack asked
She nodded. He leaned in and kissed her once more. He then released her. She watched him mount Taylor and disappear from sight. She then walked back through the door of the café. She found Abigail sitting at the table with Maggie. She walked over to join them.
"Good morning, Elizabeth." Abigail said with a smile when she saw her approach the table.
"Hello, Abigail." Elizabeth replied, cheerfully, as she sat down.
"Where were you just now?" Abigail asked, with raised eyebrows.
"I was out saying goodbye to Jack before he headed out on his rounds." Elizabeth answered.
"I think he wanted to kiss his girl in private." Maggie chimed in.
Elizabeth blushed, confirming Maggie's remark.
"So Elizabeth have you started any wedding plans?" Abigail asked.
"Not yet." Elizabeth answered. "I guess I should start soon."
"Well I will be happy to help." Abigail said.
"I will be too." Maggie said. "The wedding will be soon. I know Jack will love a hot meal to come home to, after a long day of making rounds and sometimes endless paperwork."
Suddenly Elizabeth burst into tears. Abigail put her hand on her shoulder, and gave it a reassuring squeeze.
Maggie's eyes grew wide as she drew her attention to Elizabeth. "Oh Elizabeth dear, what's wrong? Was it something I said?"
"Elizabeth is just upset, because she the kitchen are not the best of friends." Abigail replied.
"That's putting it mildly, Abigail." Elizabeth remarked. "I can't cook or bake or do anything in the kitchen. I'm getting married in just a few short months." She sniffled.
"Oh dear." Maggie said, slowly. "I had no idea."
Elizabeth became discouraged. She tried wiping away her tears. "I have tried cooking before, but never got the hang of it. Now you probably think I'm not good enough for Jack. He deserves a home cooked meal."
Maggie gave Elizabeth a reassuring smile. "Jack deserves to be happy. And if you make him happy, then you make me happy too."
"Elizabeth, I remember you asked me to help you before you left for Toronto." Abigail recalled. "I told you I would be more than glad to help."
"I'd love to help too!" Maggie exclaimed. "That is if you don't mind."
Elizabeth felt a smile cross her lips. "Maggie, you wouldn't mind?"
"Of course not dear," She answered. "The fact that you want to learn is honorable, and besides I know all Jack's favorite foods. Who better than me to help?"
Elizabeth clapped her hands together with glee. "Thank you both so much." She cried. "I would love to be able to cook for my husband, once we are married. Won't he be surprised to have a home cooked meal, prepared by me, that would actually be edible?
"Yes he will," Abigail and Maggie agreed.
"So when do you want to start?" Abigail inquired.
"As soon as possible," Elizabeth answered, excitedly.
"Great!" Abigail exclaimed.
After a few moments customers starting filing in the café. Abigail got busy, while Elizabeth decided to give Maggie a tour of Coal Valley. She took her to the church and school, and then the construction site of the new house. At the house, Elizabeth introduced Maggie to Adam Miller. When they arrived back in town, Jack was just returning from doing his rounds. "Where did my two favorite girls head off to?" He asked with a smile.
"I showed your mother the church and schoolhouse, and took her to our house." Elizabeth replied.
"How did you like it mama?" Jack questioned.
"Very lovely." She replied.
Jack smiled and reached for Elizabeth's hand. He brought her hand to his lips. "How was your day?"
"Good," She answered. "But I missed you. I have become used to having you around all the time. I almost felt lost when you went on your rounds."
"I missed you too, my love." Jack replied.
Maggie cleared her throat. "Well I can clearly see when I'm not wanted around. I guess I will go see if Abigail would like some help in the café."
"I'm sorry," Jack remarked, with regret in his voice.
"You can stay if you'd would like." Elizabeth replied.
"No, no." Maggie responded. "You two are in love and I know you would like to spend some time together. Enjoy yourselves."
"If you're sure, Mama." Jack replied. "I'm not sure what Elizabeth and I are going to do, but you're welcome to join us."
"Thank you dear." Maggie replied. "Maybe next time. I will just go to the café." She reached up and kissed Jack's cheek, and squeezed Elizabeth's hand. She then continued on to the café.
"So what do you want to do today?" Jack asked. He leaned over and kissed Elizabeth's cheek.
"How about a picnic at our house?" She asked.
"Ah, that would be nice." He said with a smile. "Why don't you go talk to Abigail about preparing a basket, while I go change at the jail? I'll pick you up at the café in about fifteen minutes. How does that sound?"
"Sounds wonderful!" She exclaimed. They embraced each other quickly then went their separate ways.
Jack headed to the jail to change out of his red serge. He walked in and patted Rip on the head. He quickly changed. He didn't want to keep Elizabeth waiting. As soon as he changed, he made his way back to the café. Elizabeth was standing outside waiting for him, picnic basket in tow.
"I'll have you know that your mother was wondering what I was doing, when I she saw me walking into the café without you." Elizabeth stated.
"Well did you explain what was going on?" He asked, just before kissing her cheek.
"I did." Elizabeth replied. "She said for us to have a good time."
"Well I always do have a good time with you." He moved his head and ran his lips across her ear. He offered his arm. "Shall we?"
"Certainly."
They made their way to the construction site of their future home. When they arrived, they spread the blanket down under their special tree. Abigail had packed them some left over fried chicken, apple slices, chocolate chip cookies, and lemonade. After they ate they sat in companionable silence leaning up against their tree. Soon Adam Miller showed up to do some extra work on the house.
"Hello Jack, Elizabeth." Adam said, when he saw them.
"Hey Adam." Jack said. "How is construction going?"
"Coming along nicely." Adam replied. "It's pretty close to being finished. Would you like to take a look?"
"Oh could we?" Elizabeth begged, excitedly.
"Of course." Adam replied. "It is your house after all."
Jack stood up and helped Elizabeth to her feet. He led her to the porch of their home. When they walked inside, they looked around. Adam showed them the makings of a master bedroom with two door frames along the back wall. "One for a closet. One for a bathroom." Adam explained. "Elizabeth, your father asked me to make sure I furnished this house with all the modern conveniences. I am confident you will be quite pleased once the house was all finished."
"I'm sure I will be." Elizabeth concurred. "Thank you so much."
"My pleasure." Adam replied.
They left master bedroom and continued to the other side of the house where there were three other rooms with empty door frames. "What are these rooms for?" Elizabeth questioned.
"Well, Elizabeth," Jack began to explain. "We have talked in the past about starting a family one day."
"Oh, I see." Elizabeth said, as she felt her cheeks growing hotter.
Adam walked out of the room, and continued down the hall a few feet ahead of Jack and Elizabeth.
"Jack why did you say that in front of Adam?" Elizabeth whispered.
"Relax." Jack whispered in Elizabeth's ear. "Adam has two little girls. He understands okay?"
"Okay." Elizabeth replied, though still unsure.
The next stop was where the kitchen was going to be. Elizabeth started to become saddened when Adam showed them where the cook stove would go. Putting a stove in here will be a waste of time and money. Elizabeth thought to herself. She was unsure that she would ever learn to cook, despite Abigail and Maggie's promise to help her as much as they could. She didn't want Jack to see her concern she quickly turned her head, so he couldn't see her face.
After seeing the progress of the house thus far, Jack and Elizabeth made their way back in the direction of town. While they were on their way, Jack noticed a sadness in Elizabeth's eyes, regardless of the fact that it was starting to get dark. She was trying to keep from looking at him so he wouldn't see he sadness, but noticed, despite her tactics. "Is there something wrong?" He asked.
"I'm fine." She answered, unconvincingly.
"Come on, Elizabeth." Jack pleaded. "You know you can tell me anything."
"I'm fine, Jack." Elizabeth repeated. "I'm- I'm just tired."
"Are you sure that's all it is?" He asked.
"Yes." She answered flatly
"Okay." Jack said, shaking his head. "He knew something was bothering her. He wished she would tell him, but he didn't want to push. He knew she would tell him when she was ready… he hoped, anyway.
Once they got to the café, Jack took Elizabeth's hand, and brushed it across his lips. "You know you can tell me anything." He urged. "Are you sure you're alright?"
"I'm fine, Jack!" She snapped, a little more harshly than she intended.
Jack was taken aback by Elizabeth's hostility. He quickly backed away and gripped her shoulders. He sadly looked directly in her eyes.
"Jack I-I'm sorry." Elizabeth cried. "I didn't intend to sound harsh." She quickly wrapped her arms around his neck.
Jack wrapped his arms around her waist. "It's okay." He answered.
"The truth is there is something bothering me." She confessed. "I am worried I will not be able to get a surprise I want to do for you ready by the time we're married and move in our home."
"What kind of surprise?" He asked
"I don't want to tell you." She answered. "I probably won't succeed anyway."
Jack reached up and lifted Elizabeth's chin. "I believe you will succeed." Jack countered. "I have seen you surprise yourself. I believe you can do anything you can set your mind to." He pressed a soft kiss to her lips. "But for the record, you don't have to give me anything, but your love and I know I have that."
Elizabeth smiled. "Always." She confirmed. "But I want to do this surprise for you."
"Okay." Jack replied. "If you insist." He kissed her once more. "Goodnight my love. I'll see you in the morning."
He released her and headed in the direction of the jail.
Elizabeth smiled. She walked into the café, where she found Maggie and Abigail, cleaning after the evening meal. "Abigail!" Elizabeth exclaimed.
"What is it, Elizabeth?" Abigail asked startled.
"How soon do you think we can start those cooking lessons?" Elizabeth asked.
…to be continued…
