Chapter 18

By Randi Elkins

I am cooking breakfast while Elizabeth feeds the baby, and little Jack stands close, just admiring his baby sister. It has been a couple of days since Elizabeth gave birth. Rosemary and Lee left the next morning to take sweet Sophie Beth home for the first time. I still can't believe I have a baby girl of my own. I can't help but stare at my beautiful family from across the room. Little Jack is adjusting well to having a baby in the house. We have taught him to be gentle with her and he is an amazing big brother. The last few nights have been long and I can tell Elizabeth is tired. Sarah Katherine has been up so frequently that little Jack hasn't been sleeping either so Elizabeth has found little time to rest. I am helping but she insists on being awake to be with Jack because she doesn't want him to think she doesn't care. I don't think he would be jealous but Elizabeth is such a great mama that she stays with him. I am going into work this morning for a little while to relieve Nathan. He has been covering both our shifts ever since Elizabeth had the baby. I have asked Abigail to come help with the kids while I am at work. I am hoping she can convince Elizabeth to rest.

There is a knock at the door. I assume it is Abigail, but to my surprise, it is Elizabeth's mother. "Mrs. Thatcher, what a surprise. We weren't expecting you. Come in, come in, let me get your bag. Elizabeth there is a surprise here." "Well, I couldn't be here when she had sweet Jack and I was determined to help with this sweet one. We were surprised to get the call that she had delivered Sarah Katherine so early. We were worried about both of their health but it seems that they are both doing well. Where is my new granddaughter?"

We rounded the corner into the parlor, and Elizabeth's eyes grew large, "Mother, I wasn't expecting you. What are you doing here? We were planning a trip into Hamilton in a few months to let you and Father meet Sarah Kathrine." "I wasn't very well going to wait months to see her when I was just a drive away. I missed this with Jack since I was in London with Viola, and I wasn't going to miss it with this new little darling. May I hold her?" "Yes, of course, but wouldn't you like to freshen up first? The trip had to be wearing on you." Elizabeth said with a smile. Her mother nodded, "No, no, I am fine. I want to see my sweet granddaughter and of course, my grandson. Jack come give grandmother a hug. I have a surprise for you in my bag."

Little Jack just stood there and looked at her. He hadn't been around her very much, and she was a stranger to him. Mrs. Thatcher walked to her bag and pulled out a small red wooden train. She smiled at him, "Look what I brought you. Come get it so you can play." Little Jack perked up but didn't go to her. She went to him and knelt. "Here you go, sweet one. I know you don't know me very well but I hope to change that while I am here helping your mother with your new little sister." He smiled and took the train. "What do you say to Grandmother for your new train? Say, thank you." I instructed. He smiled and quietly said, "Thank you." He turned and laid on the floor rolling it on the carpet.

"Now let me see this sweet girl. Elizabeth, I just love the name you and Jack chose for her. Sarah Katherine is such an elegant name, and the reason for choosing it is so special." Mrs. Thatcher said as she sat next to Elizabeth on the couch. "May I hold her?" Elizabeth with a slight hesitation, "Of course, be gentle. She just ate and you are in a good dress." "Don't you worry about that. It's just a dress." Mrs. Thatcher said as she gently settled with the baby in her arms.

Abigail knocked as she came through the door, "Jack, Elizabeth it is just me. I have come to stay with Elizabeth and the baby." I stepped around the corner and in a whisper, "Elizabeth's mother showed up unannounced this morning." Abigail's eyes widened slightly, "Really? How is Elizabeth taking the surprise?" "She is taking it well, but I can tell Elizabeth is a bit hesitate with her mother handling Sarah Katherine." "That can be expected. Her mother wasn't around when Little Jack was born and Elizabeth is unsure of how well she will care for the baby." Abigail said as we walked into the living room.

Abigail greeted, "Mrs. Thatcher, what a pleasant surprise. I know you are excited to meet this sweet girl. Isn't she just perfect." "Oh, Abigail, how lovely to see you again. Yes, she is perfect and I am excited to see both of my grandchildren."

Nathan is expecting me, and I still must get the rest of my uniform on but I am not sure how Elizabeth will take to me, leaving her now that her mother is here. "It looks like you ladies have everything under control so I am going to excuse myself to finish getting ready for work." I turn to head up the stairs, "I believe I will come with you and get into some clothes." Elizabeth said.

She stood, and we walked up the stairs together. We got into our room and I shut the door and immediately Elizabeth began, "Why would she show up unannounced as if I don't have enough to take care of, now I have to entertain my mother. Don't get me wrong I am glad to see her but she has little experience with children. We had a nanny for as long as I can remember, and when she was in London visiting Viola, there was a nanny. I will have to keep an eye on them." I walked up to her wrapping her in a warm embrace, "Abigail is here and will make sure everything runs smoothly. You need to try and get some rest today while they are here with the children. You are tired and worn. You won't be good for anyone if you don't get some rest. I am not planning on being gone all day but Nathan needs some relief for a while. He has been so wonderful covering for me while I have been out, and I want to make sure he knows how grateful I am." I turned and grabbed my coat off the hanger. Elizabeth just stood there a moment. I could see how worn down she was. "Before you get dressed and go back down why don't you rest a while. Abigail is there with your mother. Little Jack is playing with his new toy and Sarah Katherine will be asleep soon since she just ate. Elizabeth walked to the bed and sat down. I think I will. I know I need the rest. Will you let mother and Abigail know that I will be down after I rest a while?" I went to her and kissed her forehead. "I will let them know. Try not to worry about anything and rest. I love you and I will see you when I get back."

"Elizabeth decided to lay down and rest for a while since the children were in such great care. When Sarah Katherine gets hungry just wake Elizabeth." I bent down next to Jack, "You be good for Grandmother and Ms. Abigail while mommy is sleeping and daddy is at work." Abigail smiled, "That is great. I was afraid she would continue going until she dropped." I kissed Jack on the forehead and headed to work.

As I came into town, I met Nathan on the road. "Are you doing morning rounds? I told you I would be in after Abigail arrived to help Elizabeth." "I know but I wanted to have it done before you came on so you wouldn't have to worry about it. I thought you might enjoy the quiet for a while at the jail so you could rest some as well. I know caring for Elizabeth and the kids can't be easy." "Do I look that tired?" I asked with a smile. "No, but when I was there yesterday, I could tell how hectic things seemed. You and Elizabeth are learning to balance two children, a home, your jobs and maintain your relationship. That is a lot to adjust to." I nodded, "You are right; it is but I wouldn't change it for the world. I am so excited to be here during these times since I missed little Jack being a baby. But let me finish rounds. It will be nice to get some fresh air. You take some time for yourself. You must be worn out too after covering both of our shifts. I am going to pick up my shifts as much as possible but Elizabeth's mother has made an unexpected visit, and Elizabeth isn't exactly comfortable with her being with the kids alone." "You do what you need to and we will make due. If you are sure you want to finish rounds, I think I am going to take Allie fishing for the afternoon since I have been working so much these past few days." Nathan waved as he rode back toward town.

It is nice to be in nature for a while. It gives me time to connect with God and reflect on my many blessings. I never would have thought that life would take us on the journey we have been on but I am grateful to be where I am. I have my beautiful wife, a son that bears my name and a new little princess. I get the privilege to do the work I was called to as a Mountie. I live in a beautiful town where I consider the people here more like family than friends. When I was assigned to Coal Valley, I was less than thrilled to be here but now Hope Valley is my home. I found the life God intended for me here. I stopped on the hill that overlooked the town. What a beautiful place I get to raise my family.

I turn backed to finish my round, and as I did, I meet a stranger on the path. He was well-groomed in a nice suit, finer than what we were accustomed to seeing in Hope Valley. I stopped to greet him, "Hello, I am Constable Jack Thornton. Are you headed to Hope Valley?" The gentleman smiled, "So you are the legendary Jack Thornton? It is an honor to meet you sir. I was hoping to meet you once I got back into town." Who was this man and how did he know me? "I seem to be at a disadvantage because I don't know who you are." "Oh, how rude of me, I am Lucas Bouchard. I am the saloon owner. I have been out of town taking care of a personal matter for quite some time but I am looking forward to being back in Hope Valley." He said as he rode closer reaching out his hand. We shook hands. "I have heard of you but had begun to think you were a figment of everyone's imagination. I have been back for a long while and wasn't sure if I would ever get a chance to meet you." I said. "I was here when you first came back but I had to leave before you woke up, and I came back for a couple of days while you were at home recuperating after your relapse. I had to go back to San Francisco to tend to my business there but I am back for good now." He explained. "Well, Mr. Bouchard, it is nice to make your acquaintance. I was made aware of the danger you brought to Hope Valley when you first came here and the danger you put Elizabeth in. That is in the past but I hope there will be no other incidents like that in the future. Elizabeth speaks very highly of you and she is usually a good judge of character. I will trust her judgment and welcome you back to Hope Valley." "Thank you, Constable, it is nice to be home. It will be nice to be back with my friends. I will let you finish your ride. It was very nice meeting you." I tipped my hat and we rode off in different directions.

I finished my rounds, still thinking about Mr. Bouchard. Elizabeth thinks highly of him and I will trust her but I think I will check with Bill to see what he has to say about him.

I notice Lee walking into the mercantile and decided to see how he and Rosemary are adjusting to being parents.

"Lee, how is Rosemary and Sophie Beth? How are you enjoying fatherhood?" I asked as I walked toward him. He looked exhausted, a feeling I know all too well. He turned back and met me in the street. "They are doing wonderful. I just came to pick up a package a friend back east sent Rosemary. Some of her theater friends sent some gifts for Sophie Beth. And fatherhood is the most wonderfully exhausting job I have ever had. Sweet Sophie Beth is such a good baby, but she does require a lot of care. I can't imagine what you and Elizabeth are dealing with since you have two little ones to care for. How is little Jack adjusting to having a baby sister?" "He is doing really well with it. He is so sweet and gentle with her. Elizabeth takes extra care to spend time with him while Sarah Katherine is sleeping. I am glad to hear that Rosemary and Sophie Beth are doing so well. Is there someone with Rosemary now while you are out?" Lee nodded no, "No, I left them both sleeping. I figured since they were resting, I would run into town to get these few errands done. I needed the fresh air, and Rosemary wanted the package so it worked out well. It looks like you have gone back on duty." Taking my hat off, "I have, at least part-time. Nathan can't cover both our shifts for too long. But Abigail is with Elizabeth. And Elizabeth's mother made an unexpected visit so she is with them as well. During my rounds this morning, I met Lucas Bouchard. What do you think of him? Elizabeth as told me a little and she seems to think he is a good guy but something seems off to me." "Oh, Lucas, he gives that impression to everyone when he first meets someone. He is a smooth-talking gambler but he is harmless. After the incident at the saloon when he first got here, there have been no troubles with him. He is very active in the community. He, of course, helped Elizabeth open the library, and he had been an asset ever since." "Oh, he was the donor for the library. I knew there was a donor but I was aware of who it was. Elizabeth always dreamed of having a library. It was very nice for him to do that for her. If you say he is a good guy, then I will trust you and Elizabeth. You better get finished with your errands and get back home in case Rosemary needs you." He smiled with a chuckle, "You are right. I don't want to upset Rosie."

I went back and sat on the porch of the jail, just watching the people as they went about their business. I see Lucas come out of the saloon with 2 packages all wrapped up. He put one in his saddlebag then he heads my way. "Constable Thornton, I have a gift for you and Elizabeth for the new baby." He walked up and handed me the package. "There was no need for the gift but I am sure Elizabeth will appreciate it very much. Thank you. I will let Elizabeth unwrap it when I get home. It will mean more to her since she is your friend." Mr. Bouchard got a puzzled look on his face. "Constable Thornton, are we not friends? I hoped we would be." I really haven't known him long enough to call him my friend but I don't want to offend it. "Mr. Bouchard, I am sure we will be but I believe friendships are built. They don't just happen once you meet someone. But to get us off on the right foot, you can call me Jack." "Well, then you may call me Lucas. Please give Elizabeth my regards and I hope she likes the gift."

I am curious what a saloon owner would give a baby but I will let Elizabeth open the package.