Elizabeth and Jack had just finished their first dinner in their new home. Elizabeth placed the last of the cleaned dishes into the cupboard.
"Take a walk with me." Jack took her hand and led her out the front door.
"Is there a reason for this walk?"
Jack looked at Elizabeth and smiled, "Yes, Elizabeth, there is."
They continued to walk down the little path that led back to town. Just around the bend stood a beautiful chestnut mare hitched to a small buggy. Jesse was standing next to the mare, holding on to her.
"What is this, Jack?"
When they reached the horse, Jack turned to Elizabeth, "This is for you."
Elizabeth looked at the horse and buggy and then back at Jack. "What do you mean?"
"We are too far from town now for you to walk and you will not be able to ride a horse until after you have the baby. I bought this for you so you have a way to get to town when you need to."
Elizabeth smiled at Jack and walked up to the horse. She placed her hands on either side of her face and petted her, gently talking to her. Turning toward Jack, she wrapped her arms around his neck and give him a kiss. "Thank you, Jack. She's perfect."
Jack walked over to Jesse. "Thank you for bringing her up here, Jesse," he said as he shook his hand.
"No problem, Constable. Glad to help." Jesse walked to the back of the buggy where he had his horse tied. He untied it, hopped on and rode back to town.
"What's her name?" Elizabeth asked Jack when he returned to her.
"The old couple I got her from called her Rose, but you can name her whatever you want."
"Rose, do you like your name?" She looked the horse in the eye. "She has a very gentle eye."
"Yes, she does. That's why I thought she'd be perfect for you."
"I'll call her Rose. I think she likes her name so we'll keep it."
Jack let out a giggle, "Oh, you do, do you? Trying to have a conversation with a horse again?"
Elizabeth gave Jack and light smack on the arm.
"Want to take her into town?"
Elizabeth eyes lit up. "Yes, can we?"
Jack helped her into the buggy then climbed up himself. He handed her the reigns, gave her a couple pointers, then leaned back with his hands behind his head. "Take us away, Mrs. Thornton.
Elizabeth pulled Rose to a stop in front of the mercantile. Elizabeth went inside to grab a few things they needed for the house while Jack went to the jail to check on things. Bill was inside sitting at the desk, keeping an eye on the prisoners. "Hey there, Jack. What brings you in today? I thought you'd be busy at your new house all day."
"Elizabeth drove the new horse and buggy into town to try her out."
"How'd she like her surprise?" Bill helped Jack find the horse so he knew about the gift.
"She definitely loved it."
Bill filled Jack in with the details of the prisoner transport that would take place the following day. Bill would be escorting them and Jack would stay at Hope Valley. It was strange for Jack to think he wouldn't be along with them, but this is what he had wanted and he was fine with it, it would just take some getting used to.
Jack met Elizabeth at the mercantile and carried her purchases to the buggy. They climbed back in and Elizabeth pointed the mare back toward their home. They took their time going home, looking at the beautiful scenery and watching the sunset. Jack unhitched Rose when they arrived while Elizabeth carried her items into the house. He unsaddled Sargent and tied them both at the back of the house.
"I need to get that pen built right away," Jack said as he walked into the kitchen. "I'll ask Lee if he can spare a few guys to help me with that and the barn before winter hits."
The two of them continued working on the crates, trying to get as much unpacked as they could. Elizabeth was in their bedroom hanging some dresses in the wardrobe when Jack snuck up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. Elizabeth jumped and spun around, almost hitting Jack in the face with her arm.
"Whoa there, ma'am. Take it easy," Jack said teasingly to her.
"Jack Thornton, you have got to stop doing that!"
Jack gave her a long, loving kiss.
"But please never stop doing that," Elizabeth said with a teasing grin.
With one hand placed on her lower back and the other one behind her head, Jack pulled Elizabeth in for a deep, passionate kiss. Elizabeth wrapped her arms around Jack, pulling herself even tighter into him. Jack lifted her up with ease and carried her to the bed, carefully lowering her down. He then walked over to the lantern and blew out the flame.