Chapter 44- Friends Have Your Back

Elizabeth sat on the swing for a few minutes, attempting to gain her composure before heading to school. She soon realized that sitting in the swing, "their swing," would do little to ease her mind, and take away her sadness. She went into the café, gathering her basket and her shawl before heading to school.

Elizabeth reached the road which led to their house, and seriously considered taking a detour to "check things out," but realizing it was late, she walked straight to school. Walking into the building, she found Jack sitting at her desk.

"What are you doing here? I thought when you left me earlier that you were heading out of town," Elizabeth asked, quite surprised that he was still in town.

Jack looked up with sadness in his eyes…

"Jack, what's wrong," Elizabeth asked as she moved toward him.

Jack smiled, and said, "I love you so much, Elizabeth. When we said our goodbyes earlier, I had every intention of heading out of town. As I passed the school, something made me stop."

"Well, I'm glad you did," Elizabeth said with a smile as she walked closer to him.

Jack stood, walked around from behind her desk and they met… Her hands planted firmly on his shoulders, as his hands were on her hips. They moved closer to the other until their lips met. Several soft kisses later, Elizabeth heard the children on the porch outside, and she backed away. The door opened and in walked most of the children.

"Good morning children," Elizabeth greeted them.

"Good morning Miss Thatcher," The children squealed in unison.

Elizabeth took Jack's arm, leading him toward the door, "Children, I am going to see Mountie Jack on his way. Please put your lunch pails on the back table, and take your seats. I will be right back."

Jack and Elizabeth stepped outside, standing away from the watchful eyes of the children.

"Jack, you never told me…Why didn't you leave town?" Elizabeth asked.

Jack leaned down, kissing her cheek, then raising back up he took her hand and led her over to Taylor… "You know Elizabeth, I love you so much."

"Jack, I know that. I love you too, but I don't understand; you have never had trouble leaving town before," she remarked.

Jack took her hand, bringing it to his lips, "Before I met you I didn't have any reason to stay in one place. Now this is the only place I want to be." He smiled as he threw the reins over Taylor's head, turned to Elizabeth and said, "I'm going to miss you. Just know that I am going to be thinking of you. Please don't let the wedding plans bring you down. Try to enjoy everything. I will get home as soon as I can, and help you." Jack turned to mount his horse.

Elizabeth put her hand on his shoulder, causing him to turn and face her… "Jack, before I fall asleep at night, my last thought is what it would be like to be in your arms. That will happen soon, but now you have a job to do; people depending on you! I will be here waiting for you, on that you can be certain…I love you Jack Thornton!" Elizabeth squeezed his hand, turned away and started back for the schoolhouse. Tears were beginning to pool in her eyes, and she didn't want Jack to worry more than he already did…as if that were possible. She heard the sound of hooves heading down the road, and she turned to watch him disappear around the bend, "Goodbye Jack…Hurry home!"

Elizabeth wiped her eyes, and headed back into her classroom.

"Miss Thatcher, is Mountie Jack going to be home in time for your wedding?" Rachel asked; a question that appeared to be on the mind of all the children.

Elizabeth walked to the front of the classroom, "Children, I'm not worried about Mountie Jack returning in time, and you shouldn't be either. Now, let's start our day." Elizabeth was hopeful that teaching would take her mind off of missing Jack, although she had her doubts.

At the end of the day, Elizabeth released the children to return home, and watched as each one headed off with their friends. She gathered her basket and shawl, locked the building, and started for home. As she passed the road leading to their house, Elizabeth stopped as curiosity was getting the better of her. She told herself that she was not snooping, only checking to make sure that everything was fine, so she headed toward the house.

As she reached the steps to the porch, she felt a sense of foreboding, realizing that Jack trusted her and she was about to let him down…even if he didn't know it, she did. She turned away from the house, walking down to the water, trying her hand again at skipping rocks. Most tries ended with the rock making a loud "splash" as it immediately disappeared under the surface. However, she smiled at her last attempt, which brought about three skips, and a feeling of success. Elizabeth turned and headed for home; knowing that she had not let Jack down. However, she scanned the house on her way by, just on the chance that his surprise would be in plain view…in which case she would not be snooping. But alas, she saw nothing, so she headed back toward the café.

"What are you doing out here this afternoon?" Bill called to Elizabeth as he was heading to the house, and she away from it.

"I just came down…" She began to say.

"To snoop?" Bill jumped in.

"I most certainly did not," she responded, but knowing that initially that was her intention. "What are you doing…Checking up on me?" She asked.

Bill dismounted his horse and walked over to Elizabeth, "Not really checking up on you, but Jack did tell me that he had a surprise here, that he didn't want you to see yet. I actually came by to walk you back to town, but when I got to the school you were gone."

"Well, I saw nothing here that would be considered a secret, so it remains safe," she said with a smile.

"May I walk you back to town? I promised Jack that I would keep an eye on you while he's gone," Bill asked as he offered to carry her basket.

"Yes, thank you, I would appreciate the company," she responded.

Bill walked Elizabeth to the café, advising her that he would be back for dinner after he took care of Rip, Biscuit, his horse, and cleaned himself up.

"Thank you for walking me home. I'll let Abigail know that you will be back soon," Elizabeth replied as she headed into the café.

Elizabeth walked through the dining room, and found Abigail sitting at the kitchen table enjoying a cup of tea.

"Would you like a cup?" Abigail asked.

"Yes, I would, but you sit still, I can get it," she responded. "Oh, Bill said that he will be by for dinner in a little while."

"Thank you, but how are you doing, Elizabeth?" Abigail could tell that Elizabeth was depressed.

Elizabeth looked up, Abigail cold see the sadness in her eyes…

"I know as a Mountie's wife, there will be times when Jack has to be away…But I don't have to like it, just accept it. I don't like it, but I am trying to accept it," Elizabeth wiped a tear that fell down her cheek.

Abigail took Elizabeth's hand, squeezing it slightly, "Elizabeth, you are a strong woman, and you will get through this separation. Before you know it, Jack will be back and you will be walking down the aisle to marry him."

Elizabeth smiled as she stood from the table, "I just hope he makes it home in time for the wedding." Elizabeth placed her cup in the sink, and retired to her room to write Jack a letter.

Elizabeth sat at her desk, pulled out her pen, and began to put her thoughts down on paper.
"Dearest Jack,
I know you just left today, but I am already feeling emptiness inside. I don't want you to worry about me; I will be fine, just sad that you are not here with me. I dream of the time when neither of us has to say goodbye, and we greet each new day in the arms of the other. I will try to stay busy planning the wedding, and I shouldn't have to bore you with any of the details when you return. I will take care of it all, just please make sure that you make it back in time. Stay safe, and know that I love you more each and every day.
Love Always, Elizabeth

Elizabeth had so much more that she wanted to say, but the more she thought about Jack, the sadder she became. "I know he will be fine, and I have faith that he will return in time for the wedding," she whispered. Elizabeth pulled out her list for the wedding plans and started checking off those items which had been completed. Knowing that there were still many things left to do before her wedding, she sat down making another list of the most important things…Those items that she could not have her wedding without…
The church- ✔
Reverend Anderson to officiate- ✔
Dress- ✔
Flowers- ✔
My bouquet- Julie will bring it
Pack to move-
Food for Reception- Abigail, Cat and Florence
Music- Violin (I wish)… Cat (Piano)
Housing for my family- Check with Mr. Trevoy

Looking at her list, Elizabeth was certain that she was missing very important items, but she kept her list out to add to as needed.

After dinner, Elizabeth went outside to sit in their swing. Sarah, having helped Abigail with the cooking for the dinner meals, finished up, and stepped outside to sit with Elizabeth.

"Are you okay dear?" Sarah asked, sitting down beside Elizabeth on the swing.

"I'm fine, Sarah. I just miss Jack," she responded.

Sarah reached for Elizabeth's hand, giving it a slight squeeze, "I know how that can be. I know that empty feeling you get when they leave. But he is doing an important job, and when you think of it like that, I think their absence is a bit easier."

Elizabeth smiled, "I understand, and I am very proud of the work he is doing. I just worry that he will be kept away longer, and we can't get married if he isn't here."

"Don't you fear Elizabeth…Jack will be here, and I would imagine that it will be sooner than you think," Sarah replied.

They sat quietly in the swing for what seemed like hours. Sarah could sense that Elizabeth wanted company, but wasn't interested in talking. She seemed to be content in her own thoughts. They sat watching miners, and families enter and exit the café, and once everyone was gone, Bill and Abigail left for a quiet walk together.

"Well Sarah, I guess I had better turn in. Thank you for sitting with me; I'm just sorry that I wasn't better company," Elizabeth said as she stood from the swing. "Would you like me to walk you home?"

"No dear, I can make it home just fine on my own," she replied, hugging Elizabeth before she walked down the steps and headed for her room at the saloon.

Elizabeth walked into her room and sat on her bed. Pulling out her journal she wrote…
"One day someone will look at you with a light in their eyes that you have never seen before. They will look at you as if you are everything they've been looking for their entire lives. Wait for it…The best is yet to come. Truly be aware of what it is and what you want, because regrets are hard to live with if you let that special someone walk away!"

Elizabeth closed her journal, clasped her hands together and said a prayer before drifting off to sleep.

A week passed, and although Elizabeth had sent Jack several letters, she had not yet received any word from him. She knew he was busy, but simply missed hearing his voice, or reading something that he had written and touched with his own hand. "How am I going to make it until April 20th without him here," she thought.

Abigail and Sarah kept her as busy as they could, but they could see how sad she was. Abigail had a brilliant thought… "Why don't Bill and I take Elizabeth to Winnipeg for the weekend? She will be able to see Jack, which should bring some light back into her eyes. Elizabeth and I can share a hotel room, and Jack and Bill can stay on the post."

Sarah's eyes brightened and a broad smile came over her face, "I think that is a wonderful idea."

Abigail ran the idea passed Bill, who was all in favor of a weekend trip, and he agreed that Jack and Elizabeth needed to see one another.

"I will send a telegram to Jack," Bill responded.

Abigail and Sarah went inside to talk with Elizabeth. Squeals heard inside the café verified that Elizabeth was in favor of the trip. Plans were made to leave on Friday morning. Sarah agreed to teach the children so they would not fall behind in their lessons. They would return on Monday

Although Bill made several attempts to find someone to patrol Coal Valley while he was gone, no other Mounties were available, which meant that he could not accompany the women. Both Abigail and Bill were saddened by this turn of events, but still felt that Elizabeth needed to be able to spend time with Jack. So, it was decided that the women would leave on Friday, and return on Sunday.

Bill knew that Jack would be excited to see Elizabeth, but he still felt uneasy about the women travelling alone. He didn't have all the information, but there was concern regarding a band of outlaws that had been robbing coaches and trains. Although no one had been hurt as of yet, there was a report of a woman being taken hostage. Luckily she was released unharmed as the bandits left one of their hideouts.

The day to leave was upon them. Elizabeth was more excited than Abigail had seen her in a long time. Unbeknownst to Elizabeth, Bill pulled Abigail aside, providing her with a firearm, just on the chance that they encountered trouble on the way. Abigail was well versed at firing a gun, but they felt it best not to worry Elizabeth by providing her with this information.

Elizabeth brought her journal to read, and to write as the inspiration struck her. She sat back thinking of seeing Jack…putting her arms around him, and feeling his around her…
" Life is short, adventures, intentional or not, bring about good and bad changes in our lives. But in the end, we will truly only regret the chances we chose not to take, relationships we were too afraid to commit to, and decisions that we waited too long to make."

Elizabeth sat looking out the window, thinking about Jack. She and Abigail talked about the men in their lives. Abigail admitted that Bill was becoming very important to her, and she could see herself opening up to a new love.

They had been traveling most of the day, and weren't far from Winnipeg. Elizabeth was nervous, because she didn't even know if Jack had received Bill's telegram advising of their visit. Hearing noises from the driver, Abigail looked out the window, and observed four men on horseback blocking the road, causing the coach to come to an abrupt stop.

"Get on the floor, Elizabeth," she said, as she looked through her bag for the firearm Bill gave her.

In the distance thundering hooves could be heard. Both women were scared, as they began to hear gunshots, and yelling. They remained on the floor; Abigail continued searching her bag for the firearm. Finding it, she pulled it out, pushed herself and Elizabeth as far away from the door as possible and waited.

"Oh my Abigail, where did you get that?" Elizabeth whispered.

"Shhh," Abigail said softly, aiming the gun toward the door.

All of a sudden, the area was quiet. Before they knew what happened, the door flew open, and a familiar voice could be heard…

"Elizabeth? Abigail?" Jack called from outside the stagecoach. "Whoa, Abigail, put that down," Jack yelled as he backed quickly away from the coach. "Is it safe?"

"I've put it away, Jack," Abigail yelled.

Jack jumped in the coach, grabbing Elizabeth and helping her to get down to the ground. He turned to help Abigail, but Elizabeth wrapped her arms around him and he couldn't move. "What are you two doing here, and where did you get that gun, Abigail?"

Elizabeth was crying and couldn't speak. Abigail took over telling Jack about their wonderful plan to get Elizabeth to Winnipeg to spend some time with him. "Didn't you get Bill's telegram?" Abigail asked.

"I received a telegram, but didn't have time to read it, because we left the post immediately after hearing about the plans of these outlaws," Jack replied. "I'm so glad we got here in time. Why isn't Bill with you?" Jack asked, somewhat disappointed that knowing about the outlaws, Bill would allow the women to travel unaccompanied.

Elizabeth broke her hold on Jack, wiping her eyes, and gaining her composure. "I feel to blame, Jack. I mean, Abigail and Bill knew how much I was missing you and he wasn't able to get another Mountie in town so he could leave for the weekend. I think if it weren't for the fact that I have been so depressed since you left, he wouldn't have let us go alone."

Abigail jumped in defense of her friend, "No it isn't your fault, Elizabeth. Bill knows that I am a capable marksman; he wanted to come, and he tried his best to get someone to come in for the weekend, but it just didn't work out. Thank heavens for the Mounties, but I believe that we would have been fine."

Looking around, Elizabeth asked, "Did anyone get hurt?"

Jack responded, "Nothing serious… two of the outlaws were shot in the arm. No Mounties were injured."

Elizabeth reached her arms around Jack again, holding him tightly.

Slightly embarrassed by the outward display of affection in front of the other Mounties, Jack broke Elizabeth's hold on him and stepped away slightly…much to her surprise.

"Is something wrong, Jack?" She asked, misinterpreting his lack of affection.

Jack helped Elizabeth and Abigail up into the coach for the short ride into Winnipeg. "Nothing's wrong," he responded.

As the coach went on its way, escorted by the Mounties, Elizabeth turned to Abigail and said, "I don't know why, but Jack doesn't seem happy to see me."

Abigail laughed softly, "Oh Elizabeth, wait until you two are alone, he will then show you how happy he is. He is embarrassed to show affection in front of these men he is working with."

"Oh, so it's okay for him to show affection in front of people at home, but when I do it here, he doesn't like it?" Elizabeth snapped back.

"Elizabeth, I don't think he means anything by it. Back home he is comfortable with everyone. These are men he has to work with," Abigail responded.

The coach pulled into Winnipeg, stopping in front of the hotel. As the door opened, there was another Mountie there to help the women down. Jack approached too, reaching for Elizabeth's hand, but she placed hers with the other Mountie, as he helped her down.

"Thank you sir," She said with a smile.

Jack, feeling confused, helped Abigail down, whispering to her, "What happened here?"

Abigail responded in a hushed tone, "She thinks you aren't happy that she is here."

Elizabeth was waiting for the driver to hand her bag down from the top of the coach. As he brought her bag to her, he offered to carry it into the hotel.

"Thank you sir, that is most kind of you," Elizabeth said as she turned to climb the steps of the hotel.

Jack, realizing what he had done, raced over, taking the bag from the driver, "I have it, thank you."

"That's not necessary, Jack. I can carry my own things…especially since I wouldn't want to embarrass you in front of your friends," Elizabeth said as she reached for her bag.

"Stop it, Elizabeth…I'm sorry," Jack pleaded.

Elizabeth and Abigail checked into their room, heading upstairs to rest before dinner. Jack insisted on carrying their bags, but still receiving a cool reception from Elizabeth.

"I'll be back to take you ladies to dinner later," Jack remarked as he headed out the door.

"If you're sure that I won't embarrass you," Elizabeth said as she closed the door in Jack's face.

Abigail simply shook her head, laughing softly at "young love." She sat on the bed, calling out to Elizabeth to sit with her. "Elizabeth, give Jack a break. He wasn't aware that you were coming for a visit, and he is trying to maintain a business relationship with the other Mounties. It has nothing to do with how he feels about you."

Elizabeth looking down at the floor, responded, "I know what you are saying but I can't help being disappointed that he doesn't seem as happy to see me as I was to see him."

"Part of it is surprise, because he wasn't expecting us, and part of it is relief that you weren't hurt in the exchange of gunfire with the outlaws," Abigail tried to reason with her. "Please put what happened aside so it doesn't ruin your visit."

Jack returned to the post, walking into his bunk house, and hearing hushed voices amongst his comrades.

"Hey Jack, who were those beautiful women on the stagecoach today? Maybe you could introduce us to them," Constable Aaron Lang asked.

Several of the other Mounties jumped in begging Jack to introduce them to Elizabeth and Abigail.

Jack, not thrilled with the teasing, but more upset with the attention Elizabeth was garnering from the other Mounties, stated, "Knock it off. The women are Elizabeth Thatcher and Abigail Stanton…"

The men chimed in, "They are beautiful, please introduce us."

Constable Lang spoke up, "I asked first…I get the first introduction."

Jack had enough of them talking about Elizabeth and Abigail, finally setting them straight, "Elizabeth Thatcher is my fiancée, and Abigail Stanton is her very good friend, and she is courting Investigator Bill Avery. So, hands off of both of them."

"Well, Jack all I can say is that if I had been away from my fiancé for this long, I would have given her a warmer reception than you did," Constable Lang remarked.

Jack lay on his bunk reflecting on what happened, and what he needed to do to salvage his time with Elizabeth. Jack headed back to the hotel to talk with Elizabeth.

Softly tapping on their hotel room door, Abigail answered and invited Jack inside.

"Where is Elizabeth," he asked.

"She is in the bathroom. She will be right out," Abigail responded.

Elizabeth walked out, surprised to see Jack standing in her room. "What are you doing here?"

"Abigail we will be back for dinner. Do you mind if I take Elizabeth with me for a little while?" He asked.

"No by all means, please do…Enjoy yourselves," she replied.

Elizabeth, still not happy with Jack, snapped back, "Don't you think you should ask me? I don't think I care to go with you anywhere."

Abigail stood there shaking her head back and forth and thinking about "young love, and the pride and feelings that get hurt and in the way." Abigail hoped that Jack would take hold of the situation, before it got more out of control.

Just then, Jack grabbed Elizabeth's arm and said, "You're coming with me," and out the door they went.

Jack pulled her downstairs and out the front door of the hotel before letting go of her arm.

"Elizabeth, please know that I was so happy that you weren't hurt today, but then I was very surprised that you were actually on the stagecoach. I'm sorry that I didn't show you how happy I truly was to see you," Jack tried to explain.

They continued walking to a beautiful gazebo on the outskirts of town. Jack held his hand out to help her up the steps and they took a seat. The gazebo was deserted, and they were very much alone.

Elizabeth said, "Jack, I'm sorry that you didn't know I was coming for a visit. I've written you several letters, but I've heard nothing from you. Then to get here, and you act like you don't want me around…What am I suppose to think?"

Jack looked into her eyes, but remained quiet.

Elizabeth stood up and began walking to the stairs to leave.

Jack grabbed her arm, "You aren't leaving until you listen to what I have to say."

"Well, talk then. I can't read your mind. Is something wrong? Did you get out here with the other men, and decide that Coal Valley and marriage is not what you want?" Elizabeth kept asking questions, but giving him no time to answer.

Jack took her in his arms holding her tightly. Initially she did not reciprocate, but soon softened, and her arms found their way around his back, drawing him closer to her.

"Elizabeth, I love you more with every breath I take. I wasn't expecting to see you today, but that isn't the same as not wanting to see you," Jack took her hand bringing it to his lips, "I am very happy to see you." Looking around and seeing no one, Jack touched his lips to her cheek as he whispered in her ear, "I'd like to show you how happy I am to see you…"

Elizabeth leaned back slightly; her look softened, and the light returned to her eyes. She smiled, inviting him closer to her, but still playing a little game, and making him work for any passion she would provide.

Jack gently moved Elizabeth back toward the gazebo railing, placing his hands on either side of her face, gently stroking her cheeks with his fingers. Elizabeth's hands were on his waist; as he came closer to her, she pulled him tighter, her hands reaching around his back. Their breathing was more rapid as their lips touched with a passion that each had only recently been able to dream about. Jack's lips went from hers to her cheek, moving down, his breath on her neck brought about a soft moan from Elizabeth. Neither one wanted to stop, each one looking for a more private place to be, but finding nothing appropriate.

Elizabeth rested her head on his shoulder, "Jack, I do love you, and I want to be with you, but not here. We've waited this long, we can wait a bit longer, right?"

Jack held her tightly, kissing the top of her head, "I love you so much, Elizabeth, and waiting will just make our wedding night much more special. Are we okay now…Do you forgive my lapse in judgment?"

"I'm never able to stay angry with you for long, Jack," Elizabeth responded.

Jack and Elizabeth walked back to the hotel hand in hand. Abigail was sitting on the bed talking with Bill when they walked into the room.

Elizabeth was shocked, "how did you…I mean, when did you…"

Bill laughed, "A few hours after you left, several Constables came through town. Jack, you remember Constable Franklin, from the Academy?

"Yes, I do. I didn't know he was out in our area though," Jack replied.

"Well, he agreed to stay in Coal Valley for a few days so I could come here. Abigail filled me in on the outlaws… I'm sorry Jack that I let them travel alone. I'm glad everyone is okay," Bill explained and apologized.

"Are you ready for dinner?" Elizabeth asked Bill and Abigail.

"Well, I thought maybe you two forgot I was here," Abigail responded.

Jack opened the door and the two couples headed downstairs to the restaurant.

They enjoyed a wonderful dinner, and also had the opportunity to dance. The next day, Jack and Bill took Elizabeth and Abigail on a tour of the city, both so happy to have their women on their arms, much to the envy of the other men in town. They thoroughly enjoyed their visit to Winnipeg, and Elizabeth, knowing that her wedding was in a few weeks, was thankful for this time away with Jack.

Unfortunately, their time together was slipping away, and it was soon time to board the stagecoach for home. Although Jack was thankful that Bill would be accompanying the women back home, he hated to see Elizabeth leave him, but knew in his heart that he would be back with her soon.

Jack kissed Elizabeth as she stepped forward to board the stagecoach.

"I love you, Jack," she whispered.

"I love you too," Jack replied.

Remembering the misunderstanding they had when she first arrived, Elizabeth giggled, and asked, "Would you yell that to the whole world?"

Jack leaned over whispering in her ear, "I love you."

Elizabeth said, "Jack that really isn't letting the world know how you feel."

Jack gently placed his hand on the side of her face, softly kissing her lips, "Don't you know by now…You are my world!"

To be continued…