Chapter 60
Times are Changing
It had been a few weeks since Jack and Elizabeth came back from the campout. They came back to the surprise of the engagement of Lee and Rosemary. She was so happy that Rosie had found happiness here, and she seemed like a totally different person since her arrival in Hope Valley. She wasn't a loud and jealous woman anymore, she totally turne her life around to a more mature member of the town.
Lee had sold Jack the lumber that he had needed to build the ranch, and he had gotten a good start on the construction. The sawmill was doing very well, so Lee felt it best to hire some more help. Jess Flynn decided to leave his job at the merchantile, and went to go work with Lee. Clara had finally recognized the looks from Jesse, so they had recently started dating. The biggest change of the town, was something that everyone was going to have to get used to. Little did they know, Henry had been debating on whether to see his saloon and to go work for Lee as well. This past week, he had made the choice to sell the saloon. On the other side of town, Lucas had decided that he had grown tired of the hotel business and he had always wanted to be a bartender. The next day, it was found out that he had sold the hotel and bought the saloon from Henry. So as of right now, Hope Valley didn't have a hotel, but the saloon did have some rooms above it.
"Alright boys and girls, I know that it's nice outside, but I have to remind everyone of their homework. It's due tomorrow so please don't forget." She couldn't help but laugh as all the children groaned while heading out the door. She was just about to leave herself when she heard a knock on the door.
"Lee how are you? What brings you by?" Elizabeth was happy to see him, he had been such a good friend to Jack his whole life, so she was his friendship was important to her as well.
"Do you remember the woman who ran the bed& breakfast in Union City, when we went to testify against Billy Hamilton?" She nodded.
"Yeah I do, Miss Fiona Miller right? She was very sweet, and she treated us very well. Why,what's going on?" By now Elizabeth had gotten all of her stuff together and they headed out the door.
"Well it just so happens that a woman that looks very much like her just got off the stage. She then proceeded to go to the merchantile and put up an ad that she is looking for employment. I wonder what brought her to Hope Valley. Can I walk you to town?" Lee asked as Elizabeth finished locking the door.
"Thanks Lee, but I'm going to run by the homestead. Jack is working out there today, because Nathan told him that he could handle things here in town."
"Well then, may I walk you to Jack's homestead Miss Thatcher?" He held out his arm, she laughed and took it.
Meanwhile at the homestead, Jack was working hard. Summer was just around the corner, so it was getting hotter as the days went on. As Elizabeth and Lee walked up, she could see the sweat glistening on his face and upper body. Jack had his shirt off, so she could see his muscles as he was mixing the cement with the spade.
"Hi Jack, it looks like you're getting alot of work done." She was trying not to stare at her handsome boyfriend, because this was the first time that she had ever seen him without his shirt on. "Would you like some lemonade?" She got out a cup out of the basket that she had brought with her.
"Of course I would, thanks sweetie. I could use a break." She was trying to keep her head down so that he wouldn't see how red her cheeks were getting.
"Hi there Lee, how's it going? He shook his hand in a hearty shake, instead of a sweaty hug. Thanks for walking Elizabeth over."
"No problem, anything for my best friend. I wanted to talk to you about something. Ever since Jesse and Henry came to work for me, I've found that I have more time on my hands. With the wedding coming soon, I can really use something to keep my mind off of that ha ha. So I want to not only sell you the lumber, but I want to give you my time. Would you let me help you build your ranch?" Just then Jack got a big smile on his face.
"I would be so grateful for your help Lee, thank you!"
" For right now, I think that you have probably worked enough for today. Elizabeth pinterjected. Why don't we grab some dinner at Abigail's?"
"Sure that sounds great, I'll just have to go home, shower and change. Lee, would you and Rosemary like to join us?" Jack offered,picking up his tools.
"Absolutely we will, thank you for asking us. Can we meet you at the restaurant in about an hour?" Jack looked at Elizabeth, she nodded, so the plans for dinner were set. Later on, Jack and Elizabeth stood on the sidewalk when Lee and Rosemary came up arm in arm. Lee gave Jack a friendly brother pat on the shoulder.
"Man, it's been ages since we've been able to have dinner together." Following their women inside to a table, they pulled out their chairs for them. Abigail brought over some water for them and asked if they were ready to order. They all decided on the special, which Abigail said she would bring it out soon. All 4 of them sat together and had such a good time talking with each other. Just then Rosemary looked at Lee and he nodded his head at her.
" Jack, Elizabeth, there is something that we would like to ask you both. We were going to ask you seperately, but then we thought tonight would be the perfect opportunity. Elizabeth, you have been there for me ever since I came to Hope Valley. When all 3 of you came to see my show in Union City, I immediately knew that you were someone special, and you were the kind of person that i wanted to be like. I consider you my best friend and would be so happy if you would be my maid of honor at our wedding. I need someone to stand up with me when I say I do, to this guy." Rosemary giggled and poked Lee in the side and gave him the smile that she was famous for.
"Oh Rosemary, I would be so honored to share your special moment with you." Elizabeth's tears started, so of course Rosemary's did too. Jack patted her hand, then Lee took his turn.
"Hey Pal, now it's my turn. Jack buddy, what can I say? You have been there for me ever since we were little boys. As Rosie said, you have always been there for us, my whole life. We have been best friends ever since our families became friends. Even though the passing of your dad was a sad time, the way our families came together and became a family to your mom and your brother was just amazing. Jack, I would be honored if you would be my best man and be a part of our special day."
"Of course, I will Lee. Thank you so much for asking me. Elizabeth and I are so happy to be able to participate in the happiest day of your lives." By then Abigail had brought over their dinner and they all dug into their beef ravioli with garlic bread.
A couple weeks later, Elizabeth found herself in Abigail's living room. Abigail had offered to do both of the ladies hair and makeup.
"Oh my goodness, you both look gorgeous! We should get ready to head over to the church." Abigail smiled and handed them their flowers. Are you nervous Rosemary, because you know dear you have ever right to be."
"Abigail, I have waited for this moment my whole life and I couldn't be more ready. Let's go!" Elizabeth made sure that the coast was clear, making sure that everyone was at the church instead of on the street. She helped Rosemary outside and together they all walked to the church.
Meanwhile at the church...
Lee stood up at the front with Frank and Jack,nervously waiting for his bride to be. Sensing his friend's mood, Jack put his hand on his shoulder, hoping to bring Lee some calmness. He turned, smiled and shook his hand.
"Jack, I never realized the meaning of the words best man until now. Thank you Pal for everything." Lee actually had tears in his eyes.
Just then the music started and little Opal started down the aisle, letting the rose petals fall every few feet. Then came Elizabeth in her pink dress, everyone was looking at her, but she only had eyes for her handsome man at the front. Fourtunately, he only had eyes for her as well so no one seemed to notice. They were in their own world where only the two of them existed. Right then the music changed to the bridal march and Rosemary made her way down the aisle toward the man she loved. It seemed like forever to reach him but when she did, they just looked at each other.
"Wow, I must be the luckiest man in the world." Lee looked in amazement of how beautiful she looked in her dress.
"Not half as lucky as I am." Rosemary was still in awe of how happy she was now and how they were about to start their journey together as husband and wife.
Jack's eyes connecte with Elizabeth's and held her gaze. Not knowing how much time had passed since they started a conversation with the eyes of the other, they suddenly heard Frank speak.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife. Lee, go ahead and kiss your bride." Lee grinned and gave her their first kiss as mand and wife. Everyone I present Mr and Mrs Coulter." They headed down the aisle, Elizabeth and Jack joined arms. Halfway down, Rosie made a face at Lee, realizing that she still needed to toss her flowers. She tossed them and they went up up up and right into...
