Sorry it took me so long to update this story. I started a new one and have been working on it; A Time In Hope. Thank you for your patience.


Julie and Tom's wedding was in two weeks and Jack, Elizabeth, Laura and the twins were on the train pulling into Hamilton. As they walked off the train, they were greeted with hugs from William, Grace, Julie and Tom. Julie and Grace each took one of the twins, Jack and Tom picked up the luggage and they all loaded into two cars and headed toward the Thatcher house.

It was two weeks of chaos once Jack and Elizabeth arrived. Dress fittings, tux measurements, cake tastings, floral appointments and everything involved with a Hamilton wedding. Names cards were done for the tables in neatly drawn calligraphy, center pieces were arranged of pink and white peonies, lavender roses, fuchsia stock, pink wax flowers and some dusty miller for a mild touch of green. The perfectly tied lavender bows were ready to hang on the pews and two large floral arrangements were put together for either side of the alter.

The bridesmaid dresses were beautiful shades of pink, lavender and purple taffeta. The backs dragged slightly on the floor with large bows draping down from the small of their backs. Lace covered their arms and bodices. Julie's dress was a gorgeous white silk covered in white lace. It too had lace sleeves with a full skirt and five-foot train. Only the most extreme for a Hamilton Thatcher. Elizabeth was thankful that she'd gotten married in Hope Valley; this was all too much to suit her; but she knew it was perfect for her sister.

The morning of the wedding, the women were getting their hair done and make-up on in a private room at the church; while the men were in their own area, goofing off and slowly getting dressed.

"It's a big day, little brother." Jack said as he slapped Tom on the back.

"Yes, it is." Tom said nervously as he tried to tie his tie; unsuccessfully.

"Here, let me do that." Jack unknotted the tie and retied it into a perfect bow.

"Thanks, Jack." Tom stepped in front of the mirror as he slipped his tuxedo jacket on. "I just don't know about these monkey suits, but Julie insisted."

"Tom, you look great. You are marrying a Thatcher."

"So you did you."

"Yes, but our wedding wasn't here in Hamilton so we didn't have to put on a spectacle." Jack laughed and slapped his brother's back.

"Lucky you." Tom added.

"It will be just fine. Once you see Julie in her white dress, you'll forget about all of this."

"I hope you're right."

"I am, trust me."

The women were in their dresses and helping Julie into hers. Elizabeth worked her way up the many buttons on the back, daydreaming about her own wedding to the love of her life. Shortly after the dress was on, William stepped into the room where Julie was getting a touch up on her make-up; her auburn hair was pinned up with a few curled tendrils hanging on either side of her face. Julie turned to see her dad watching her, tears welling in his eyes.

"You look beautiful, Julie."

She stood and gave her dad a hug. "Thank you, daddy." She brushed a tear from his cheek. "Don't cry or I'll cry and ruin my make-up." She gave him a half grin.

"But you're my baby. My last daughter that I have to give away."

"Oh, daddy." She stood on her tip toes and wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Are you girls almost ready? It's about time for me to walk you down that aisle."

"Almost, dad. We just need a few more minutes."

"Okay, I'll wait outside the door."

There was a knock at the door and Jack opened it to find his mother.

"Hi, Jack. Just wanted to stop by and see Tom before the ceremony."

"Come in, ma."

"Oh, Tom. You look handsome."

"Thanks, mom."

"I have something for you." Charlotte held up a small box. "This was your dad's and I know he would want you to have it."

Tom opened the box that held his father's pocket watch. "Mom." A tear slipped down his cheek.

"Your father received that on his wedding day from his father. I know if he was here today, he would pass it on to you."

Tom hugged his mom, "Thank you, mom."

Charlotte left to wait her turn to be seated, leaving the men alone. Tom looked at Jack, feeling guilty, "I'm sorry. I'm sure you would have wanted this."

"No, Tom. That was for you. Ma gave me dad's compass the day I left to become a Mountie."

"I didn't know that. That's great." Tom's eyes moved to the floor. "I wish dad was here."

"Me too."

The music began, the men were standing at the front of the church with the pastor, and Ellen Wright began her slow walk down the aisle in her purple dress carrying a bouquet of peonies and roses. Lana Goodwin was next in her lavender dress, walking to the slow beat of the music. Then it was Elizabeth's turn with a pink dress, locking eyes with Jack as soon as he came into view.

Jack watched his beautiful wife make her way down the aisle; thinking that she was even more gorgeous now than the day they met. Even after all these years, Jack could make Elizabeth's heart skip and she grinned and looked away as she neared the front.

The music changed to the Wedding March and everyone stood. The doors opened to Julie with her arm on William's. They began to slowly walk forward, her silk and lace train trailing behind her. Her auburn hair was piled up with a long veil edged in lace flowing down her back. She held a large bouquet of lavender roses and pink peonies with ribbons trailing down almost reaching the floor. Her grandmother's pearl necklace and her mother's pearl earrings finished off her bridal look with elegance.

With Tom's first sight of her, his heart almost stopped. He took in a deep breath to keep from fainting, his heart began racing and his palms were soaked with sweat. He wiped his hands against his pants as he watched his beautiful bride walk toward him, nervously rocking back and forth. Jack reached up and touched his shoulder to try to calm him.

William and Julie stopped as they reached Tom. William, holding Julie's hand, offered it to Tom. Julie placed her hand in his and stepped forward to take her place in front of him as William stepped to stand next to Grace.

The service was short but perfect; the vows were said, rings exchanged and Tom kissed his wife. Each couple exited the church and waited outside. Tom picked up Julie and spun her around before setting her back down and kissing her. The wedding party all circled them, hugging and congratulating them. The guests began to exit the church, everyone giving them best wishes before going to the Thatcher house for the evening dinner and party.

Jack held Elizabeth close as they mingled among the guests. Dinner had been served and eaten and the music was beginning. Tom and Julie took their spot in the middle of the floor and began their first dance as husband and wife.

Elizabeth watched them, how they looked into one another's eyes. "They are truly in love."

Jack looked to see what she was seeing, "Yes, I believe they are." He returned his attention to Elizabeth. "But not as much as I love you."

Elizabeth looked him in the eyes, a single tear slipped down her cheek. Jack wiped it away and kissed the spot it had just dwelled.

"I love you so much, Jack."

The song ended and another began. William joined Julie on the dance floor for their father-daughter dance. Jack was standing at Elizabeth's back, his arms wrapped around her as they watched them dance, swaying slightly back and forth to the music.

A new song started and Jack took Elizabeth's hand and pulled her to the middle of the floor. Others joined them as they danced gracefully around the floor. Jack and Elizabeth never took their gaze from one another, soaking in every second, their love evident to anyone who looked at them.

The evening continued with dancing and visiting. Jack and Elizabeth each held one of the twins as they talked with Aunt Agatha.

"These two are absolutely precious," she said as she held Lilly's hand.

"Thank you, Aunt Agatha. We think so too." Elizabeth smiled as she looked down at Lillian.

Agatha looked out in the crowd and caught eye of Tom and Julie, still dancing. "This was such a beautiful wedding. Tom and Julie are good together."

"Yes, they are. Though they had me a bit worried at the beginning." Elizabeth laughed.

"Yes, they had a rough start." Jack added.

"But it all worked out in the end." Agatha replied.

"Yes, it sure did." Elizabeth said as she watched her sister dance with Tom.

The following morning, Joseph woke them, sitting up in his crib, blabbering in his baby words; having a conversation with his toy teddy bear. He smiled when he saw his daddy reach in to pick him up, revealing his two bottom teeth that had just come in.

"Look at my big boy. Were you talking to Teddy? Did you have a nice conversation?" Jack smiled as Joey reached for his face, patting his daddy's cheek.

There was a stirring in the other crib and Lillian's head popped up, peeking over the edge and smiling.

"Ba ba ba ba." She said with her arms up.

Elizabeth went to her and picked her up, kissing her on the cheek.

"Ma ma."

Jack spun around, looking wide eyed at Elizabeth. "Did she just...?"

"Yes, I think she did." Elizabeth said with a huge smile. "Did you say mama?"

"Ma ma." Lillian said again.

"Oh my goodness." Elizabeth exclaimed, hugging Lilly tight.

Jack walked over and put his free arm around his wife, kissing her on the cheek.

"She said her first word, Jack."

"She sure did. She's a smart one, just like her momma."

Elizabeth turned to Jack and kissed him. "Our babies are growing too fast."

"It's all so exciting though. Seeing them learn new things and seeing their personalities come out."

"Yes, that is true. They are a couple adorable little things aren't they."

Elizabeth nursed them while Jack changed and dressed them before they went down for breakfast. As Elizabeth finished with Joey, Jack had Lilly lying on her back while he moved her legs back and forth, making faces at her. Lilly was laughing with that infectious baby laugh that they loved.

"You are the best dad, Jack." Elizabeth said as she stood behind him holding Joey.

Jack stood and kissed Elizabeth, "And you are the best mom." He kissed her again, harder this time. "Thank you."

"For what?"

"For making me a dad."

"Well, I couldn't have done it without you." She winked and shoved him.

Jack bent down and picked up Lillian and the family of four walked downstairs to join the rest of the Thatchers for breakfast.

Five days after the wedding, their train pulled into Hope Valley and the Thorntons and Laura stepped off to a welcoming group of friends.

Abigail snatched Joey from Elizabeth and Rosemary reached for Lillian from Laura. Lee helped Jack load their bags into his car as the women listened to details of the wedding.

All of them headed to Abigail's for dinner where they were joined by a few others; including Henry, Bill, Faith and Carson. Everyone filled Jack and Elizabeth in with all they had missed while they were away; while Abigail served everyone beef stew and bread with peach pie for dessert.

After dinner, Lee and Rosemary drove Jack and Elizabeth home while Henry drove Laura home. Rosemary helped Elizabeth get the twins inside while the men carried in the bags.

"How are you feeling, Rosie?"

"Really well right now. Morning sickness was horrible at the beginning and I was always exhausted; but feeling great now."

"That's wonderful. Only a few months to go before we meet the dear little one."

"I know. It has felt like a lifetime since we found out we were expecting yet at the same time it feels like it has flown by. Does that make any sense?"

"Total sense. I felt the same way when I was pregnant with the twins."

"The waiting is excruciating!"

"Yes, it was. But he or she will be here before you know it."

"Yes, I suppose. But I'm not always the best at waiting."

"I have noticed that about you." Elizabeth said, grinning at her friend.

"Well, it is wonderful to have you back."

"It's great to be back. We had a wonderful time in Hamilton, seeing my family, but I missed Hope Valley and our friends."

Jack and Lee joined them in the front room. Lee put his arm around Rosemary's waist, "Ready to go home, Rosie?"

"Yes." She handed Lilly to Jack. "So good to have you both home."

"Thanks, Rosie," Jack replied. "Good to be home."

They said their goodbyes and Rosemary and Lee left for home. Jack and Elizabeth got the twins put down for the night and went to bed themselves.

Jack pulled Elizabeth to him and ran his hand down her arm and across her hip. He pulled up her nightgown and ran his hand down her bare back. Elizabeth pulled Jack's face to meet her own and kissed him.

"I love you, Elizabeth Thornton."

"I love you, Jack Thornton."