(Jack's POV)
Ma offered to walk Beth to school so I could go right to work. I found Bill in the jail, which surprised me.
"Bill, what can I do for you?"
"I just wanted to check in. See how you were doing after your trip. I know you were worried about it, but rumor has it, you've got the love bug again."
I rolled my eyes and laughed. "I don't have the love bug, Bill, but yes, I did meet someone." I took a seat across from him and set my hat down on the desk. "Her name's Margaret and I want her to come visit Hope Valley."
"That's quite the step, Jack. How does Beth feel about it?"
"I haven't exactly told her yet. But if things get more serious, then of course I will."
"Do you think Headquarters will send you on more trips?"
"I have no idea. I sure hope not. I think I'm beginning to like being a father more than being a mountie."
"That certainly happens for some people. I'm worried I focused too much on my work sometimes when my son was still alive… oh well, I can't do anything about that now."
"You've got a whole family here now, Bill, don't forget that."
Bill shot me a sly smile, like he didn't believe me. "You'll never let me forget, Jack. But seriously, thank you. How is Beth anyway?"
"Smarter than I often give her credit for. Her birthday's coming up soon, and I'm going to invite Elizabeth's family. Apparently my brother Tom is courting Julie Thatcher again."
"That's definitely going to be interesting. Did I see your mother in town yesterday?"
"Yes you probably did. She surprised me with a visit. I guess she was coming from Brookfield, and she's going to stay through Beth's birthday."
"Well that'll be nice, spending some quality time with her."
"I know, I hadn't seen her in a few months, and it's nice having her around, especially now that Beth's getting older. She calls her Bethie, which always makes me laugh. I'm sure if Elizabeth was still alive… well she'd probably let it happen, for fear of saying the wrong thing to my mother."
"Why does that not surprise me?"
"I know," We laughed to ourselves thinking about the dynamic that was Charlotte Thornton and Elizabeth Thatcher. "I would stay longer, but I should start on my rounds. I'll see you later Bill."
"Bye Jack."
(Jack's POV)
I stopped in the mercantile to drop off my letter for Margaret and then started looking for ideas for Beth's birthday. I always went with more of a simple approach with her birthday, which Beth never seemed to mind. However, every year, I had to convince Abigail & Rosemary to dial it back. Rosemary had just wrapped up celebrating the twins' birthdays while I was away, so I thought that gave her a rude awakening on birthdays. Though knowing her, it probably encouraged her to go even more over the top for the annual event.
I had no idea what to get her this year. I'd gotten her toys, artwork, clothing, basically all of the essentials. This led me to an idea that I swear Elizabeth put in my head herself… I wanted to take Beth on a trip, but not just any trip. A horseback riding camping trip. Elizabeth always loved Sargent and our camping trip we took the kids on back in the day. Why not combine the two and spend time with my daughter? I think Elizabeth would love the idea. Then it was settled. I picked a few things up from the mercantile and dropped them off at the jail for safe keeping, so Beth wouldn't know. Now, I just had to send out the invitations. I was going to send letters, but I realized that I was a little late for that, so telegrams would have to do. When Beth was about two, they installed phones in Hope Valley, so I'm sure I could ring Hamilton if I really wanted to, but honestly, William Thatcher still made me nervous, so a telegram was the safer option.
I sent telegrams to the Thatcher's and to my brother, Tom, and headed back outside for my rounds.
(Jack's POV)
About a week later, I received a letter back from Margaret:
"Jack,
I keep thinking about you too. I've been working a lot but Matthew's been helping more often which is very kind of him. You really left an impact on him when you were here, his grades have gone up and he's surrounding himself with better people too. He wants to go to college, but I'm not sure we can afford it; I just don't know how to tell him. I understand about Beth, and I don't want to push anything on her either, tell her when you're ready. I'd love to see you, Jack, I think about you more than I'd like to admit. You mentioned while you were here that Beth would be six soon, has her birthday already passed? I know it'd be late, but I'd love to send her something, you can just tell her it's from a friend. You are a great father too, I have no doubt your wife would be proud as well.
Best,
Margaret Williams"
I decided that I could not wait, I wanted Margaret here right now. So I went back over to the mercantile and sent a telegram.
"Margaret,
I want you to come visit for Beth's birthday party next week. I know it's last minute, but I want to see you and I want to show you around Hope Valley. Why don't you come a day or two before the party? Whatever works for you, I hope I'll see you soon.
Yours Truly,
Constable Jack Thornton"
Everything was falling into place. Ma could see the excitement when I got home, it almost distracted her from cooking dinner.
"Jack, what's got you so cheery?" Ma asked me while stirring the chili. Beth was sitting on the counter next to her as she cooked, chatting about her day.
I gave Ma a look and then took Beth off the counter and walked her over to the couch. "Beth, honey, there's something I want to tell you. For your birthday next week, I've invited your grandmother & grandfather, Aunt Julie, Aunt Viola & Uncle Lionel, Uncle Tom… and a friend of mine, Margaret. I met her on my work trip and she's coming to visit. Isn't that exciting?"
"Do you think Grandfather will actually come?"
"I'm not sure hun, we'll just have to wait and see." I wanted to know her thoughts on Margaret, because if she wasn't comfortable with it, I'd need to know, sooner rather than later. "Are you okay with my friend coming too?"
"Yeah, does she like cake? Because there's going to be cake at my party." I looked over at Ma and we both giggled a bit.
"Yes Beth, Margaret loves cake, that won't be an issue."
"Okay cool," She turned to Ma then, "Nana, is the chili ready yet? I'm so hungry."
"Did you finish your homework first?" I raised a brow and interjected before Ma could answer.
Beth sighed, "Yes, Daddy, and it was easy. Ms. Fessler just wanted us to practice cursive and read a bit."
"Your father didn't need the little bit of attitude, young lady." Ma set the chili on the table and set the table for the three of us. "Now, come eat, before this gets cold."
My ma's cooking never ceased to surprise me, but it was actually decent tonight. Last time she made chili, there was an odd crunch to it. Beth didn't seem to mind either, she asked for seconds, and then we gave a little bit to Wheatley as a treat too. Next week would be a party to remember, I just hoped I could pull it off.
