Disclaimer: I do not own the characters within this story. All rights and much respect go to Crown Media, Hallmark, Brian Bird, Michael Landon, Jr., the actors, creators, and writers of the show "When Calls the Heart."

Note… Sorry guys, this chapter seemed to grow in length, and I had to split it up. I promise though that I'll post the second half tomorrow!

Chapter 13- Commonwealth Classic- Part 1

The barn was already busy when Elizabeth pulled into the driveway. The trailer was hooked up, straw for bedding, hay, feed and water buckets were loaded into the extra compartment.

Elizabeth pulled Bugsy from his stall and clipped his whiskers, and the hair inside his ears. "You are looking mighty handsome this morning Bugs. Do you promise to take care of me this weekend?" He shook his head up and down.

"WOW, he sure is smart," Chris commented as he approached.

"Yes he is, but watch this," she tapped Bugsy in front of his shoulder and he shook his head up and down. "That's how I get him to answer," she laughed.

Elizabeth pulled up a stool, and carefully tied off, in blue and white yarn, each one of the intricate braids going down his neck. She wrapped his legs and was ready to load him in the trailer.

The trip to Culpepper was uneventful. Elizabeth sat in the back seat in between Chris, and Joanne. Once the sun decided to make an appearance, she pulled her journal from her bag.

"What's that?" Chris asked.

"It's just a journal. I write about my feelings," she replied. She opened it to the next blank page and began to fill it with her thoughts…

"The sun has risen and my heart beats anew. It's time for a fresh start, as I replace the negativity in my life with only positives. Moving forward, my future suddenly feels bright, and I look excitedly to each new day…"

"What are you doing, Chris?" She asked as she looked down beside them.

He smirked, "Oh, I'm sorry. I thought that was the buckle to my seatbelt."

"No, yours is attached to your seatbelt. This one is mine. Hands to yourself," Elizabeth quickly demanded.

"Sorry, I didn't mean anything," he apologized.

Elizabeth smiled and returned to her journal…

"The sun has risen and my heart beats anew. It's time for a fresh start, as I replace the negativity in my life with only positives. Moving forward, my future suddenly feels bright, and I look excitedly to each new day. Sometimes people walk into your life, and you know immediately that for whatever reason, they were meant to be there. They were meant to serve some useful purpose in your life. To provide you with a life altering lesson; to help you realize who you are, or who you are meant to become. Suddenly, you lock eyes and from that moment on you realize that they are meant to affect you in some profound way. I don't deserve you, Jack Thornton, but I am grateful for your kindness, understanding, love and support. I can only hope that through this journey that I can be as much a blessing to you, as you have become to me."

They made it to Fredericksburg before Elizabeth felt the need to lay her head back and close her eyes. She awoke an hour and a half later leaning on Chris's shoulder with his arm around her.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to do that," she moved quickly. "I didn't drool on you, did I?" She joked, attempting to make light of the situation.

"No, I'm good, and my shoulder is here anytime you need it," he remarked.

"Chris, leave her alone. She has that handsome cop to lean on," Joanne jumped in.

"I'm just teasing…" he started to explain.

"Oh good, we're here," Elizabeth was never so excited to reach a show site in all her life. Let me out of this truck…

Elizabeth unloaded Bugsy and walked around as Stacy made arrangements for their stalls. The horses were bedded down and Stacy called a meeting before the riders tacked up and took to the ring.

"Okay, this is an important show. Have fun, ride hard, but most importantly ride fair," Stacy placed her hand in the middle of the group and they all followed, before bringing their arms up in a victorious cheer.

Elizabeth tacked up Bugsy and headed for the ring.

"Heads up," Elizabeth heard a familiar voice from behind as she quickly moved out of the way. Oh great, Stephanie. My day is now complete.

"I see you finally made it, Elizabeth," Stephanie yelled as she cantered by. "I figured you would need more time to practice and warm up."

"Pay attention to your own horse Stephanie," Lori Santos, Stephanie's trainer yelled.

Elizabeth and Bugsy warmed up and took a few practice jumps before heading into the arena for schooling over the course. She was surprised and shocked to see George enter the ring.

"George, I didn't think you were coming," she squealed.

"I can't let my prize pupil tackle this alone. Besides, I was hoping to see your folks. When are they coming in?" he inquired.

"They were coming today, but Dad has a meeting this afternoon, so they'll be here tomorrow night in time for the party. Are you able to stay?" She asked.

"You bet. I want to be here to witness you having the ride of your life. Did your young man come with you?" He asked.

"Who, Jack? No, he's working and couldn't get away," she replied; her sadness was evidenced by the frown on her face.

"So, you have no date for the party?" he asked sadly.

She forced a smile, "I'm afraid not. I guess I'll just hang out with my parents."

"Will you save me a dance?" He asked.

"Of course," she promised with a smile.

George took hold of Bugsy's bridle and led him out toward the railing, "You only have fifteen minutes before they clear this ring and get started with the afternoon classes. Walk around and show him each fence, especially the oxer, and the triple in-n-out." He watched as Elizabeth did as instructed.

"So George, It looks like it may be between our two girls this year," Lori remarked as she watched Stephanie and her horse glide over the fences.

"Maybe so, but I'll bet on my girl any day. You better hope they don't have to switch horses in the equitation phase, because if they do, Elizabeth can out ride Stephanie any day of the week," he stated firmly.

George watched as Elizabeth picked up a canter and headed for the first jump. Bugsy was lying back until Elizabeth sat deep and pushed him forward with her leg. "Damn that girl can ride," George said under his breath. He continued to watch intently as she headed down the back line. First she flew over the brick wall and then the triple in-n-out. He counted in between each jump, two strides and then one. "That was beautiful, Elizabeth," he yelled as he clapped his hands.

Elizabeth finished up with a rail down over the oxer, but she patted Bugsy and told him "you're a great boy. I love you buddy!"

George walked her out of the ring as the gate was closed to further schooling. "Elizabeth, you can't let the nerves get to you now. He's jumping beautifully, and your riding is brilliant. However, you can be your own worst enemy. Keep your mind clear, ride to the distance, feel your horse, and above all else, be a good competitor and have fun."

Elizabeth needed the pep talk. She had barn friends that were showing, so she had people to hang out with, but she wanted her real friends there, and she really wanted Jack.

Her class was way down on the program, so she untacked Bugsy and took him for a leisurely walk. She pulled out her phone…no texts or messages. I'm sure he's busy, she thought.


She sent a text, but assumed that it may take a while for him to respond…

"I'm here, warmed up and waiting for my class…"

Almost immediately he responded, "Didn't want to bother you. How's it going…?"

"U R never a bother. I'm excited, George is here…"

"Sorry I couldn't be…"

"That's OK, I understand. Guess who is…?"

"Who is what…?"

"Here…"

"Who…?

"Chris…"

"Doogie Howser is there…?"

"Who's Doogie Howser…?"

"Never mind. Y is he there…?"

"Stacy invited him…"

"Gotta go. I'll C U soon. Love U…"

"Love U back…"

Jack slipped back into his patrol car, turned to Marco and said, "Can you handle the security detail tomorrow?"

"Sure why," he asked.

"I need to be in Culpepper with Elizabeth. This is a really big deal to her, and no one is there to support her," he replied.


Chris walked up to Elizabeth invading her quiet time with Bugsy, "Hey Elizabeth, who is the girl on the grey horse over there, as he pointed toward the water trough.

"That's Stephanie Farnsworth," Elizabeth replied.

"Is she dating anyone?" He asked.

"I have no idea. We aren't the best of friends." She acknowledged.

"Would you do me a favor and introduce me?" he suddenly seemed shy.

"Sure, come on," she led Bugsy over to the trough and Chris followed.

"Stephanie…this is Chris. Chris…this is Stephanie. I hope you two hit it off," she stated as she walked away. Good, hopefully he will have someone else to occupy his time, she thought.


The first hunter class of the Commonwealth Classic was only a few classes away. Elizabeth mounted Bugsy and slipped off to the back of the barn for a final encouraging pep talk from George. "Elizabeth, you have the softest hands of any rider I've ever worked with. Horses respond well to you. Not only that, this horse loves you. Tell him what you want him to do, but allow him to take care of you. Now, go out there and have some fun."

The loud speaker clicked on, "Now entering the ring is number 279, Bugsy Malone, owned and shown by Elizabeth Thatcher."

Elizabeth picked up a posting trot and completed her hunter circle before moving into a canter. Course number one required her to take the two outside fences on either side of the ring, and then to cross diagonally over the oxer, and the brush jump before coming up the inside line over the triple in-n-out.

Her heart was beating so loud that she was certain that everyone ringside could count its beats. The first four fences were beautiful. Her diagonal line was exquisite, and the triple in-n-out was flawless. Her score… 92.8.

Several other competitors took their turns, but the closest anyone came to her score was Carrie Baydush with a 90.2.

Stephanie was the final competitor and as expected, her round was the closest to perfect of any of the exhibitors…94.6.


Elizabeth didn't know what to expect from the two remaining classes tomorrow. She understood that there was one over fences class that was judged on equitation, and then the under saddle class. She sat in the stall with Bugsy and told him how proud she was to call him her friend as she fed him a bag of carrots and several pristine apples.

"Hey, we're going to get some dinner. Would you like to come?" Stacy asked.

"I'd love to but my parents were able to come in today instead of tomorrow. I'm waiting on them to get here, and they're taking me out to dinner," Elizabeth stated as she headed to the barn truck to retrieve her purse before they left.


"Hey Jack, how are you this evening?" Rosie asked as she answered her door. "Come on in, but you know Elizabeth isn't here."

"I know, but when I'm here I feel closer to her. Besides tonight is International Date Night, and I am without a date," he stated as he plopped down on the sofa.

"Well actually, tomorrow is International Date Night, but I'm certain you could find a date if you wanted," she joked, but he didn't find it amusing.

"The only woman I want to date is hours away from here. Oh, and the real kicker is this…did you know that that doctor, that Chris guy went with them?" Jack asked.

"Oh he's nice, and quite the catch," Rosie nonchalantly stated. "It's a shame that you have to work tomorrow. We're riding up to Culpepper for the show and the dance tomorrow night."

"What dance?" Jack asked.

"Oh I'm sorry, Jack," Rosie put her hand over her mouth as if she had let the cat out of the bag. "She didn't say anything to you, because she knew you couldn't be there. It's quite an affair from what she said. The winner of the Commonwealth Classic thingy is announced there."

"Is it a fancy dance?" He asked.

"Well, she took a formal gown, so I'd say it is," Rosie stated as she perused her mail.

"What time are you guys leaving, and can I ride with you?" He asked.

"We're leaving around 1pm. Lee has to work in the morning, and that was the earliest that he could get away," she advised.

Jack stood and walked toward the door. "Does she know you're coming?"

"No we wanted to surprise her," Rosie smiled.

"OK, I'll be here before 1pm tomorrow. Thanks Rosie," Jack stated as he headed out the door.


Elizabeth's parents were late arriving, but still made it in time to take her to dinner. They spoke casually about many topics, but Jack's name was never mentioned. Finally, Mrs. Thatcher stated, "Elizabeth, about your young man…are you still seeing him? I mean I was hoping to meet him this weekend, but you're alone."

Elizabeth frowned…

"Oh no, your father really liked him. You broke up?" Mrs. Thatcher reached her hand across the table and squeezed Elizabeth's arm.

"No, we didn't break up. I'm just disappointed that he wasn't able to come with me. We're fine though and I'll see him on Sunday when I get back." Elizabeth explained.

Following dinner, Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher dropped Elizabeth off at her hotel before checking into their usual room in the Hyatt Regency, located a short distance away.


It was 10pm, and Elizabeth dialed Jack's number. It rang several times, but eventually went to voice mail. She realized that her battery was extremely low, and plugged her phone into the truck's battery charger before going into her hotel room for the night.

Jack checked his phone after taking his shower, and immediately called her back. "Please Elizabeth, answer…" He tried several more times, eventually leaving her a text message.

"I miss U. Tried 2 call, no answer…"

It went unanswered.


The following morning Elizabeth showered and dressed for the show. She grabbed her show coat and Ariat field boots, an extremely expensive gift from her parents and headed for the door. She met everyone at the truck and they headed for the show grounds.

She didn't see Chris until they pulled up at the show site, and he was staying pretty tight to Stephanie. Looks like they've hit it off, she thought, and she couldn't have been happier.

Jack woke at 5 am and although his alarm was set for 6, he could not go back to sleep. He checked his phone, still no response to his text message. He got up, dressed and started out for Culpepper.

Jack left the following message on Lee's voicemail, "Hey Lee, I'm going on up to Culpepper to watch Elizabeth. I should have gone last night and I…well I just should have. Anyway, I'll see you guys there this afternoon."

"Whose phone is this? It's buzzing…" Stacy looked amongst the group as they unloaded the truck.

Joanne spoke up, "That's Elizabeth's."

"Elizabeth's what?" Elizabeth called out as she closed the escape door on the trailer and headed back to pull her belongings from the truck.

"Your phone?" Stacy held it up for identification.

"Yes, that's mine," and she took possession and immediately scanned for any missed calls or texts.

"I miss U. Tried 2 call, no answer…" She smiled at his missed text. He missed her and was thinking about her. Now I don't really care what happens today.

"U awake…"

"I'm at the show site…"

"My parents R here. Mom was hoping 2 meet U…"

Her rapid succession of texts was met with no response.

"OK, I'll stop texting. Guess U R sleeping. Miss U 2…"

Jack had pulled into Starbucks, grabbed a venti House Blend, black, and was still in the parking lot when he checked his phone.

"I'm here. Was in Starbucks getting coffee…"

Elizabeth stopped in her tracks when her text alert sounded.

"You're there. I miss U…"

"I'll B home 2morrow, probably 2 ish… Can we C each other…?"

"Can't wait 2 C U…" I'm on my way, baby!

"Stay safe today, and I'll C U 2morrow…"

"Don't eat dirt…"

"Nope saving my appetite for dinner 2 nite…" LOL

Ride safe. Tell Bugsy 2 take care of U…"

"He always does…"

"Can I call U…?"

"Yes…"

Ring, ring…

Elizabeth could feel herself tearing up, "I miss you, Jack." She closed her eyes as she listened to him talk.

Still wanting his trip to Culpepper to be a surprise, he said, "I miss you so much. Elizabeth, when you look out into the crowd of people, I'll be there in spirit. When you feel the cool breeze and the sun on your face, just know my arms are wrapped around you; and when you feel that you have no more to give, just know that I'm beside you, supporting you."

"Are you okay, Elizabeth?" Chris asked as he walked by, noticing a stream of tears slipping down her cheeks.

"I'm fine," she mouthed the words before turning away to finish her conversation.

"Be careful today, Jack," she implored.

"You too. I'll see you soon," he replied.

"Not soon enough. I won't be home until tomorrow," she reminded him.

"Oh right. I love you; just remember that!"

"I love you too. I have to go get Bugsy out. I'll call you after the show to let you know how we did. Bye…" she advised before their conversation ended.

"Bye," he said, but the phone had already disconnected.


As the 10 o'clock hour drew near, Elizabeth tacked up Bugsy, slipped on her boots and riding coat and headed for the warm up ring.

Elizabeth watched as Stephanie paraded around the ring with her nose in the air as if she were so much better than everyone else. She wanted to beat her so badly, but knew that it was going to be tough. She had confidence in Bugsy, and she knew that if there was a horse around that could do it, he would. However, above all, she remembered the words of Stacy and George "ride fair and have fun."

The loud speaker called for the exhibitors in the Commonwealth Classic Under Saddle class to enter the ring. There were thirty horse and rider pairs, requiring the judge to split the class in order to adequately observe each horse. Elizabeth and Stephanie were placed in separate groups with Stephanie's group taking the rail first.

Elizabeth sat quietly on Bugsy listening as the announcer called out the various commands. She looked into the crowd and saw mostly strangers, excluding her parents. She closed her eyes, visually thinking about her conversation earlier with Jack. She could feel his arms around her and his warm breath on her skin. She was thankful for the horse underneath her as she felt her legs would be weak if she attempted to stand. She could feel his lips, soft and minty tasting and she wished that she could click her heels three times and have him transported in time. I wish you were right here, right now, Jack. She opened her eyes and suddenly, something immediately drew her attention to the parking area. She knew it couldn't be him; he would have told her if he was coming, wouldn't he?

To be continued…