Chapter 42 – Surprise for Elizabeth

Elizabeth headed into the saloon to make sure that everything that the children had taken out was picked up and that things weren't left laying around the saloon. Jack came and checked on Elizabeth and helped her pick things up. He had seen, but not heard the exchange with Dottie Ramsey. Jack also had another plan, but he wasn't sure. He wanted to gauge Elizabeth's mood before he took that step. He knew that he needed to do it soon, but was that the right moment, especially with him being in his uniform.

"You weren't surprised when Mr Miller stepped of the stagecoach." Elizabeth said. "You knew didn't you?"

"Yes." Jack said. "It was part of the report I received from Union City. Honestly, I thought he had told his wife. Please don't say anything. I probably shouldn't have even told you."

"I won't say anything." Elizabeth said.

Jack and Elizabeth finished picking up the stuff the children had used. Before Jack left he decided to put his plan into motion. He could see that the exchange with Dottie hadn't left Elizabeth in a bad mood. He honestly wanted to ask her about it, but since she didn't bring it up, he wasn't going to. Jack stopped Elizabeth and looked at her. He had a dimpled grin on her face. If Jack only knew how much those dimples effected Elizabeth.

"What?" Elizabeth said. "Do I have more paint on me?"

"No." Jack said in a more formal voice then he intended. "I need to talk to you."

"What can I do you for you Constable?" Elizabeth asked.

"This is an unofficial visit." Jack said. "I have something private I wish to talk to you about."

"Oh." Elizabeth said. "I see."

Elizabeth turned an continue cleaning up her classroom. Jack walked in front of her, making her stop and look at him.

"Can I have your hand?" Jack asked.

"Beg your pardon?" Elizabeth asked surprised.

"Your hand, may I have it?" Jack said point to her right hand.

Elizabeth place her hand in Jack's outstretched one and he raised it up just a little, turning it so he had her hand turned so her fingers were toward him and her palm was resting on the edge of his hand. Elizabeth just looked at Jack and wondered what he was up to.

"Miss Elizabeth Thatcher." Jack said with a serious look on his face. "I would like to invite you to join me for supper this Saturday night. The pleasure of your company would be greatly appreciated."

"Why are you being so formal?" Elizabeth said with a small laugh.

"Well." Jack said. "If you remember, my last attempt to inviting you to supper didn't end well. This time, I want to be perfectly clear that my invitation does not require you to cook."

"Well." Elizabeth said. "I appreciate … your lovely invitation, … and I accept."

Jack gave her a small smile and softly said, "Okay."

He was looking in her eyes and he just wanted to kiss her. Elizabeth laughed to break the tension that she was feeling. Jack was so nervous, he didn't want to mess it up, but he really wanted to kiss Elizabeth right there.

"Is that it?" She asked.

"Uh, yeah." Jack said with a smile.

"Then may I have my hand back?" Elizabeth asked.

Jack chuckled and let her hand go.

"I shall assume that this supper does not imply the beginning of a possible courtship." Elizabeth said. "You have made it very clear that Mounties do not have wives. If they wanted you to have a wife they would have issued you one."

"Did I say that?" Jack asked.

Elizabeth let out a little chuckle. "Several time, actually." She said.

"That does sound like something I'd say." Jack said shaking his head.

"So I will see you Saturday night for supper." Elizabeth said.

"Yes." Jack said. "See you Saturday night for supper."

Elizabeth put her hand out for Jack to shake it and he did, holding on for a moment longer.

"And Elizabeth." Jack said. "Please do consider this an act of courtship."

Jack then turned her hand, brought it up a little, and kissed it. He then gave her a huge dimpled grin, gently let her hand go and walked out of the saloon. Elizabeth was left standing there bewildered. Elizabeth turned just in time to see Jack walk out of the saloon. When Jack got through the door and pulled it close, he stopped for a second and smiled. He was excited that he had been able to surprise Elizabeth. He looked around before he headed back to the jail. Jack knew he had left Elizabeth stunned by his actions, but that was part of the plan. She wanted a clear intention, well he had done that. Jack also knew that Elizabeth had not been expecting it. Jack just hoped that he was doing the right thing and he wasn't going to get hurt by Elizabeth. The rumors of what his friend had told him from Hamilton were still in the back of his mind. He tried to push them aside and kept telling himself, that if Elizabeth was leaving she would have told him. Jack had made the decision to pursue Elizabeth because he knew he want a future with her. He had long battled with his head and heart about whether or not to get involved with Elizabeth. Jack let his heart win.

It took Elizabeth a few minutes to regain her composure. She looked around the saloon to make sure everything was picked up before heading to the cafe. She went straight up to her room. She wanted to write all about Jack's invitation in her journal while it was still fresh in her mind. Elizabeth was still stunned that Jack had asked. She hoped that this supper would lead somewhere. She really hoped that Jack had come to terms with whatever was holding him back and that by him asking her to supper it was step toward a formal courtship. Elizabeth knew that she wanted to spend her life with Jack. She knew that they had issues that they would still have to work through, but she hoped that they would be able to do that. The only things that Elizabeth wondered about was why Jack had made the invitation when he did. It wasn't that she didn't want to spend time with Jack, but she didn't want him to start something that he wasn't prepared to follow through with.

Later that night, after a quite day at their home, Adam picked up his guitar and played for Laurel and the girls. The girls had really missed Adam's playing and singing. If Adam was honest, he missed playing and singing while he was in the hospital. There had been a time when he didn't think he would ever be able to do it again. Adam decided to sing one of their favorites – Red River Valley.

From this valley they say you are leaving

We shall miss your bright eyes and sweet smile

For you take with you all of the sunshine

That has brightened our pathway a while

Then come sit by my side if you love me

Do not hasten to bid me adieu

Just remember the Red River Valley

And the cowboy that's loved you so true

For a long time, my darlin', I've waited

For the sweet words you never would say

Now at least all my fond hopes have vanished

For they say that you're going away

Then come sit by my side if you love me

Do not hasten to bid me adieu

Just remember the Red River Valley

And the cowboy that's loved you so true

"Play it again, Pa." Jolene begged.

"No." Laurel said. "Your daddy's tired and it is time for you both to head to bed."

The girls got up and gave their dad a hug and headed upstairs to get ready for bed.

"Night, Pa." Jolene said. "I love you."

"I love you, too." Adam said.

After the girls headed up the stairs. Laurel scooted to the end of the couch closer to Adam who was sitting in a chair by the fire.

"They made me sing that to them a hundred times." Laurel said. "They're daddy's girls."

"I missed them." Adam said as he continued to look at the stairs where the girls had gone.

Adam let out a big sigh.

"I missed you, too." Adam said looking at Laurel.

Laurel smiled and then looked down.

"I know I'm never going to be the man I was." Adam said.

"You're the best man I have ever known." Laurel said. "And nothing will ever change that. You need to remember that. We love you and are glad that you are back."

"You know that I am different." Adam said. "Anything else is just wishful thinking. I know better. I am not going to fit in. There is no place for a man in my position. What do I have to offer?"

"Love and guidance for those girls." Laurel said. "And for me, there will never be another man."

"I am not what I was." Adam said.

Laurel stood up and walked over to Adam. She put her hand on his shoulder and sighed.

"I loved you then." Laurel said. "And I love you now. Nothing will change that."

Laurel looked at him, squeezed his shoulder and headed upstairs to tuck the girls in. Adam looked after her for a moment and then sighed. He had hoped that things would have been different and he knew that he should be grateful to be alive when many others weren't but, he wondered how he would be able to provide for his family. Adam was going to give it a couple of days, but he knew he needed to go back to work.

Elizabeth went to bed on Wednesday night happier then she had been in a long time. She had not pushed Jack after she had made her feelings known and granted it had taken him some time, but he made is intentions clear. She was so happy. She wanted nothing more then to start courting Jack. She didn't care what he had planned, she was just happy that he had asked. Elizabeth didn't anything could wrong. She didn't care what her family thought or what they wanted, she knew what she wanted and that was all that mattered. Elizabeth knew that it would be hard to go against her family's wishes, but part of growing up she had learned that she wanted different things then what her family wanted. Elizabeth knew that she would always have money available to her, but she wanted to make it on her own. She drifted off to sleep once again dreaming about a future with Jack.

After inviting Elizabeth to supper, Jack spent the rest of the night at the jail. He was going over everything that he had learned about the mine explosion and tried to figure out what he was going to ask Adam. Jack knew that he just needed the right piece of information and everything would come together. He had read and studied about the mine. He had also talked to everyone that he could about mining. Jack was sure that Adam must know something that would help him. Between what Jack had learned and things he had heard, like Abigail's comments about the company not wanting to spend money, Jack was almost sure that he had enough. He just need more. There was something that was missing. Jack knew that if asked the right question to the right person, he would find that missing piece to tie everything together. From everything that Jack knew about Gowen, he didn't leave loose ends.

Jack just hoped that he would be able to get Gowen and he wouldn't find a way to blame one of the dead miners, especially Abigail's late-husband. Jack wasn't sure he could live with himself if he caused Abigail more heartbreak. Jack also knew that as superintendent, Noah Stanton had certain responsibilities, but as the mine manager it fell to Gowen to make sure that the mine was safe. Jack believed that Noah had done what he could and Gowen chose to ignore what his superintendent was telling him. There was a part of Jack that believed that the explosion also didn't just happen. It was just too much of a coincidence that both Noah and Peter were killed, but the second in command just to happen not be working that day. Only then to be quickly named the new superintendent before the bodies were even buried. The actions didn't seem quiet right to Jack, but he couldn't put the pieces together as of yet.