Chapter 13 Hope Eternal
7
Chapter 13
Family and Duty
By Randi Elkins
Elizabeth, Abigail and I jumped to our feet surprised to see Rosemary. "Rosemary, is everything alright? We thought you left with Lee." Rosemary continues into the parlor. "No, I was a bit overwhelmed after we shared our wonderful news, so I sat in the dining area for a moment to catch my breath. Elizabeth, are you pregnant? Is that what you were talking about? Was that the news Jack wanted to share earlier?" Elizabeth walked up taking Rosemary's hand. "Yes, I am pregnant. And Yes, that is what Jack was going to share but it was better if we waited. Rosemary this is a time we need to celebrate with you and Lee. We couldn't be happier for you and we know how you shine in the spotlight." Elizabeth said with a wide smile. Everyone chuckled because we know Elizabeth is right about how well Rosemary shines in the spotlight. She is our resident actress so of course she enjoyed the spotlight. "Oh, Elizabeth, I wouldn't mind sharing the spotlight with such great news. Do you know how far along you are? Carson said he believes that I am around 4 months or so. We felt safe sharing the news since we had passed the 3-month mark. We had to tell everyone because I am going to step away from some of my duties for a while. Carson said I needed to reduce stress and to rest a lot. With my history he said we wanted to proceed with caution. But since I was taking leave from the dress shop and from writing my column, we knew we would have to explain. I had already reduced my hours some. Dottie is going to try and hire someone to cover my duties, so we knew we had to share our news. I have been so scared to share because I am afraid, I will lose this baby too." I could see the mixture of sadness, joy and worry in her face. I can't imagine the pain from that kind of loss. About that time Carson walked in with Lee. "Rosemary is everything alright? Lee wanted me to check on you. He said you aren't feeling well. What is wrong?" "Lee Coulter! I told you not to make a fuss. I was just a little lightheaded. I am sure it was from the excitement of our announcement. I rested and now I am feeling better. I was just about to head home but I found out that Elizabeth is expecting as well. She's only about a month behind me. Isn't that exciting, our little one will have a friend that's his age. Isn't that exciting?" Rosemary said with excitement in her voice. Lee and Carson smile. Lee walked up and shook my hand with a pat on the back. "Jack congratulations! Are you excited that you get to see Elizabeth pregnant? You will get to be there for the cravings, mood swings, nesting and the birth. How does that feel?" Carson asked. All I could do is smile and say, "It feels wonderful! I am so glad I am here to help her through it this time. I am looking forward to seeing her with a baby bump. I am sure she is adorable." Elizabeth just shook her head and smiled. Rosemary let out a small chuckle then caught herself. "Jack you should have seen her waddle around. Near the end she could barely walk, sit or get up. But she glowed the whole time. We knew from the start she was going to be a great mom." Abigail said. "I did not waddle. Ok I did have a hard time sitting and standing but I didn't waddle." Elizabeth said with a smile on her face. Everyone let out a laugh. "You most certainly did waddle." Rosemary said. Everyone was smiling and laughing. Elizabeth stood there shaking her head laughing too. "To rescue Elizabeth from the discussion of her pregnant waddle. How are you feeling Elizabeth? I know I just saw you yesterday but how is your nausea." Carson asked. "Oh, it is fine. Not great but I am okay. It is just part of the process." Elizabeth replied. "Is it ever!" Rosemary said. "I have been nauseous terribly. I try to keep something on my stomach to help reduce it but it's hard to eat when you are so nauseous." Carson said in agreement, "Keeping something on your stomach should help and it is important to eat. You want to ensure the babies are getting plenty of nutrients." In unison Lee and I said, "we will make sure they are following doctors' orders."
Later that day Elizabeth and I were home enjoying some down time with little Jack. It is wonderful to be able to spend this time with my family. I can't wait to have our new little bundle of joy here with us. Elizabeth and I had never talked about how many kids we wanted. "Elizabeth have you thought about how many kids you want to have. I don't believe we have ever discussed it. I think 2 children would be perfect. What do you think?" I asked. She sat there a moment, "I think 3 would be nice. Since I have 2 sisters, I think growing up was more fun with 2 playmates." Just then there was a rapid knock on the door. I opened it and Jesse immediately started speaking, "Jack we need you to come quick. Nathan and Bill are escorting a prisoner to Cape Fullerton and there is a guy with a gun in the saloon." "What? Slow down. A gunman in the saloon?" I asked. Jesse took a big breath, "Yes, he was playing cards with Henry and lost. He accused Henry of cheating and pulled out his gun." I turned and Elizabeth was behind me holding Jack Jr. "Go! They need you but please be careful." I nodded. I jumped on Sarge and headed to town as quickly as I could get there.
Arriving at the saloon, there was a crowd standing out front. "All of you need to move back. We don't know what this man is capable of." Everyone started moving down the street as I jumped down. I motioned for everyone to move back further. I looked in the window to see what I was walking into. I saw Hickam sitting next to Henry at the table. The barkeep is back in the corner behind the bar. The gunman appeared agitated and he kept waving his gun between Hickam and Henry. It would be risky going in, but I don't have a choice. I am going in as if I didn't know anything was going on. I may get further in the door that way. Here we go. I opened the door and immediately the gunman pointed the gun at me. "Who are you? What are you doing here? You would be better off if you turned around and left." He said with his gun still pointed at me. "I can't do that because these two are my friends and I can't leave while you have a gun pointed at them." "Well I am going to shoot you along with these two then take what is mine and there is nothing anyone can do about it. Then I'm going to find the Mountie, Jack Thornton and kill him and get out of town. Why would he want to kill me? I definitely shouldn't tell him who I am. I don't know why you want to kill our Mountie or these 2. Just take the money and leave. No one will stop you. Just get out of town and don't hurt anyone." "No, I can't let cheats live and that Mountie has to die he had my brother locked up in prison. I have to avenge my brother's name." Who could that be? I have apprehended countless outlaws in the course of my career. "Who is your brother? What did he do?" I asked. "That doesn't matter I just need to find that Mountie." He turned toward Henry and cocked his gun. I had to think fast. "Well the Mountie you are looking for died about 3 years ago in the line of duty." I said hoping he didn't know the truth. "No, he didn't. You are lying to get me to leave and let your friends live." He looked at Henry and Hickam. Henry spoke up, "It is true Mountie Jack Thornton is dead. One of the ladies in town even wrote a book about him. You can go find out for yourself." I took a few steps further into the saloon hoping I could somehow get the gun. He saw me moving closer. Warning me he said, "Wait right there! Don't come any closer." I put my hands up, "Ok I will stay right here." Then the door of the saloon opened, and Nathan walked in wearing his red serge. The gunman saw him, "I knew you were lying!" and before I could say another word he began shooting at Nathan. Nathan drew his gun and returned fire. I rushed the gunman overtaking him, knocking him to the ground as I took his gun. I jump to my feet with the gun pointed at him. Henry and Hickam ran to Nathan. He had been shot. Gowen tells Hickam to go get Carson. Hickam runs out of the door screaming Carson's name. I tell the barkeep to get the handcuffs from Nathan. I shackled the gunman. "You better hope he lives because the penalty for killing a Mountie is death." I said as I leaned forward get in face. The gunman spat in my face. "That Mountie got what he deserved. He had my brother locked away for life. My mother's heart is broken. She will never see him again." Carson and Faith came in. Faith fell to her knees crying. "Nathan! Nathan! Are you awake?" I understand how she fills. When I had to rescue Elizabeth those few times it was hard to separate Jack the Mountie and Jack the man. Bill came in taking the gunman from me. "I will take him to a cell, you stay with Nathan. I will call Cape Fullerton and let them know what has happened." The gunman surprised, "Nathan? The Mountie that put my brother away was named Jack." I asked him "who is your brother?" "Nate Toliver." I hadn't heard that name in a long time. "Yes, I am the one that captured your brother. Take him away Bill." As Bill was pulling him out the door the gunman was yelling, "I will find you Jack Thornton! You better sleep with one eye opened!" I rushed to Nathan's side. They had him sitting up. Faith was covered in blood. "How is he? Is he going to be ok?" I asked as I squatted down next to him. Carson was obviously very concerned, "Yes he should be. He was hit in the arm. We have stopped the bleeding. I need to get him to the infirmary so I can examine him closer with all the correct supplies. Jack can you help me lift him?" Carson wrapped Nathan's good arm around his shoulders, and I placed my hands around his waist to lift him. Nathan cried out in pain. We weren't going to be able to get him to the infirmary like this. We may lodge the bullet deeper in his arm. Henry spoke up, "I still have my wheelchair from my accident. It's old but still works." Relief covered Carson's face, "Please can you get it quickly! We need to get him laid down." Henry motioned for Hickam to follow. Just a few minutes later they were back with the chair" We carefully got Nathan up, Carson and Faith left with him quickly. I stayed behind to make sure everyone else was ok.
I was headed to the infirmary to help when I hear Elizabeth screaming my name from behind me. I turned around and ran toward her. When she got to me, she threw her arms around me crying, "You're okay! You're okay!" She put her face in the crease of my neck and cried. "Who was shot? Florence called and said that someone was shot? Who was it?" "Calm down, catch your breath. You shouldn't be getting so worked up. It isn't good for the baby." I said. "Jack, I am fine. Who was shot?" Elizabeth said still out of breath. "It was Nathan. Carson said he would be fine. I don't know any details just yet. I was headed there now. Let's go check on him." Just as we got to the infirmary, we could see most of our friends waiting. We had just reached the group when Carson came out, "He will be fine. The bullet didn't go in too deep. We were able to get it out and stop the bleeding. He is resting. Everyone can come by tomorrow and check on him but for now he needs rest. We all voiced our relief as everyone started back to our homes. I untie Sarge so I could walk him home. Elizabeth reached grabbing my arm and pulling me close.
Our walk home was very peaceful. After that ordeal I know I must return to my post as a Mountie. It is my calling and my duty to serve. Elizabeth has given her support and that is what I needed to hear. We made it home. As I was reaching for the doorknob Elizabeth pulled my hand back. I turned to look at her and there were tears streaming down her face. "What is wrong?" I asked as I pulled her close. She buried her face in my chest, so I wrapped her in my arms. We stood there for a moment and I asked again. "Elizabeth, What's wrong?" She looked up at me still crying and through her cracking voice she said, "Jack, I don't want you to return to the Mounties."