Words cannot express how sorry I am for taking so long with this chapter. There were quite a few things that needed to be set up as well as some emotional beats that I really struggled in getting to. And honestly, and I hate saying this because it's so stupid, but it's been hard to write this after Daniel Lissing left the show. But I'm back on track and I should be updating more regularly now (my goal is every two weeks). So if you're still out there and still following this story, please read, review, and enjoy the newest chapter of I and Love and You.
Teddy Cooper was a kind and gentle child who's sweet tooth was common knowledge to Hope Valley's townsfolk.
Rare was it for the citizens of Hope Valley to see Teddy without a sweet from Mr. Yost's mercantile (always given freely by the older business owner). One wouldn't know what to think if Teddy didn't have a biscuit or turnover from Abigail's Cafe (always presented with a pleasant grin from the matronly owner) in his hand. It was considered bad form in the summer if Teddy Cooper didn't have a beard from the blackberry juice spread across his face after a day of picking the bushes that grew wild out by Ms. Rosie and Mr. Coulter's house. His sweet tooth was as infamous in Hope Valley as the flood that had forced his family to relocate to the railroad town several years ago.
So was his curiosity.
A litany of questions about animals and the woods were on the tip of his tongue if he spotted Mountie Jack in town or Sheriff Bill. Inquiries about books and math and history were always ready whenever he ran into Mrs. Thornton when he and his mama ran into her at Ms. Abigail's Cafe. His bright green eyes sparkled whenever he inquired about the railroad to his father. Like most five-and-three-quarters year old boys, trains were Teddy's favorite subject of interest.
It was his curiosity that had him sitting on the rickety dinner table chair, watching his mother carefully as she stirred a pot on the small coal stove in their cozy little house. It was a game they played, Teddy and his mother. He would watch as she chopped up ingredients or inhale deeply the scents that wafted around in their tiny kitchen as he attempted to guess what dish she was making.
It was a soup, he knew. It smelled of sweet corn and cooked onions. He watched his mother's practiced movements as she finished cutting up potatoes before pouring a large jug of cream into the pot. He listened as the liquid began to boil.
"Are you makin' chowda' Mumma?" Teddy's thick Quebec accent made his mother smile.
"That's right, dear," his mother answered, her back still turned to him as she stirred the bubbling soup, "it's the perfect thing on a cold day like this. Dont'cha ya think?"
Teddy smiled and nodded his. Chowder. He could almost feel his teeth biting into the salty and sweet clams, the warm soup running down his throat and filling his belly.
Teddy's mother glanced over her shoulder to look him over, a softy, happy smile painted on her lips. Teddy's grin grew wider at the sight of her.
"Would you do me a favor and wake up Puppa? Tell him supper's almost ready."
"Okay, Mumma," Teddy answered, already jumping down from his chair and walking down the narrow hallway to his parents' bedroom.
His tiny hand turned the chipped brass doorknob as Teddy peeked into the room. His father had been working nights at the smithery making spikes and ties for the railroad and had taken to sleeping during the day while Teddy was at school.
"Papa," Teddy's voice was soft as he walked into the room to stand next to his slumbering father's side, "Papa."
Teddy reached out his hand to shake his father awake when he saw it. His father's tobacco box.
It normally sat on the fireplace mantle in front of his parents' bed, safely out of Teddy's reach. Not that he wold open it anyway. His father had strictly forbade it, telling Teddy that only grown men were allowed to touch the ashy brown shredded leaves that sat inside it. Teddy glanced over at his father again, still dead to the world and oblivious to his son's quiet presence.
Teddy's fingers itched as he curled them into fists, attempting to curb the curiosity bubbling up inside him, begging him to raise the lid on the simple wooden box.
Without realizing it, Teddy held his father's tobacco box in his hands, raising the lid to peek inside.
In it was his father's pipe tobacco, the leaves smelled slightly like blackberry and charred wood. And nestled in the corner of the box, tucked beside the tobacco was a small burlap pouch. Teddy's eyes narrowed curiously as he took a look at his father, still asleep, as he pulled the ouch from the box and opened it.
Caster sugar? Teddy thought to himself. Why does Puppa have caster sugar with his tobacco? Teddy stuck a finger into the pouch, his sweet tooth singing in the back of his mouth. Teddy's face scrunched up at the taste of it. The sugar was different, slightly bitter and unlike any he had ever tasted. It felt odd on his tongue, too. It was fizzy and his tongue felt slightly numb… but it was pleasant. Teddy stuck his finger in the pouch again for another taste.
A grunt and the sound of rustling bed sheets caught Teddy's attention as the boy quickly shut his father's tobacco box and shoved the sugar pouch into his tiny pants pocket. He watched as his papa's eyelids fluttered, blinking the sleep from his eyes as he shot up and moved to sit on the edge of the bed.
"Hello, Mon Nounours," Teddy's father greeted his son, his French accent thicker in the first few moments of waking up than it was throughout the day, "what are you up to?"
"Mumma asked me to wake you up and let you know that dinner is almost ready," Teddy smiled brightly at his father, proud of executing his mother's instructions. He could see his father's gapped tooth grin that was hiding underneath his thick mustache.
"Well then," Teddy's father rose to his feet, lifting Teddy up to rest on his hip, "let's go and see if she needs help dressing the table. We gentlemen should not keep a woman waiting, should we?"
Teddy shook his head as his short little arms wrapped around his father's sturdy neck, "No, sir. We gentlemen don't keep a woman waiting."
Teddy felt a rumbling laugh build up in his father's chest before the older man gave a hearty chuckle and carried Teddy out of the room, completely oblivious of the small burlap pouch missing from his tobacco box.
"I cannot tell you how happy I am to be going home, today," Jack groaned as he moved to sit back down onto the cot that he had occupied for the past few weeks. He watched as Elizabeth smiled brightly, so happy and exhilarating that it stole Jack's breath. He watched Elizabeth as she moved to check on Thatcher, still resting peacefully in his pram.
"Be careful what you wish for," Elizabeth teased, "At least here you get uninterrupted sleep and three decent meals."
"I feel sorry for you, honestly," Jack smirked as Elizabeth's head whipped around at his quip. Love and affection and a strong desire to kiss her pulsed through Jack as he watched Elizabeth's lips curl up into another smile.
"And why is that?" Elizabeth asked curiously.
"I'm still going to be a bit useless for a while, I'm afraid," Jack answered honestly as he gestured to his bandaged shoulder and wrapped abdomen. His arm was strapped tight against his chest to minimize any movement, to prevent Jack from tearing any stitches.
Elizabeth walked over to stand directly in front of Jack. His legs were spread apart and it was just enough space for Elizabeth to stand between them as she placed a hand on either side of his face before lowering herself to plant a sloppy, affection kiss upon his lips. Jack couldn't help but laugh against her mouth and Elizabeth didn't try to stop the giggle that escaped her lips.
"Then it's a good thing that our son eats every three hours at a time and sleeps every four. I swear he actually plans out his schedule ahead of time. I could set my watch to that boy of yours."
Jack chuckled, "Why is it that you only refer to him as my son when he is being even the least bit precocious?"
Elizabeth giggled, "Because you're too wonderful for your own good, Jack. I have to have something to tease you about?"
"And my snoring isn't one of those things?" Jack questioned her ridiculous answer.
Elizabeth smiled again before planting another kiss onto his lips, this one tender and delirious and delicious and Jack wanted nothing more than to sweep her up into his arms and kiss her senseless.
"No, Mr. Thornton," Elizabeth whispered against his mouth, "I'm afraid that I find your snoring far too amusing and endearing. It's rather annoying, really. Everything you do, even the annoying little habits, I've missed far too much to make any qualms about."
Jack smiled brightly and Elizabeth's heart soared.
"Give it a few months," Jack replied, his tone teasing and suggestive, "You'll be tired of me and wish I was out of the house and out on my patrol again in no time."
Elizabeth pulled him in for another kiss, brushing her lips softly against his, "I could never be tired of you, Mr. Thornton."
Jack wrapped his good arm around her waist as Elizabeth lowered herself down for yet another kiss, "Good answer, Mrs. Thornton."
Elizabeth chuckled deep in her belly as she placed a loving hand against his cheek before carding her fingers through his hair. He had been given a clean shave yesterday and a haircut earlier this morning. Aside from the large bruise and deep cut on his cheek, which was already beginning to turn yellow and scab over, he looked much like he had before. Everything, aside from a few bullet wounds and broken bones, was all falling back into place and returning to normal and Elizabeth couldn't help but hold her breath.
"I got to see Jeremiah yesterday," Jack remarked nonchalantly.
"And how is Mr. Tremblay," Elizabeth asked, her hand moving to play with a small curl of hair that had fallen on his forehead.
"He's doing well. He's been up and active and his leg isn't giving him much trouble anymore. He's actually been helping Abigail out at the cafe. He's been helping build a few new sets of tables and chair for her."
"Oh, that reminds me," Elizabeths started, "Abigail wanted a word with you about designing an addition to the cafe. Apparently she's gaining more customers by the day and running out of space to put them by the minute."
Jack smiled brightly, "It's nice to know that I'm good for something around here, I guess. I was worried the town was getting along fine without me."
Elizabeth gave a half hearted laughed at her husband's remark, "I'm afraid we were all at a standstill without you Captain."
Jack reached for Elizabeth's hand that was resting on his cheek. He knew she meant it as a joke but her remark held a barely concealed pain. Guilt tugged at his heart and Jack looked up at Elizabeth, her smile now gone, replaced a thin grimace. It was a dead giveaway that Elizabeth was fighting the urge to cry. How many times had he made her cry this past year? How many times had he made her feel alone and abandoned?
"I'm sorry," Jack whispered, his voice suddenly hoarse.
Elizabeth's eyes narrowed and brow crinkled as concern etched itself into every contour of her face, "Jack," she whispered.
"I… I should have been here," Jack spat out, "I should have been here for you and Thatcher. I…."
"You were right where you needed to be, Jack," Elizabeth's voice was stern and commanding and forced Jack to look up from the spot on the infirmary floor that he had been staring at. He was scared to look her in the eye, scared of what he mind find swimming in the beautiful blue depths of her gaze. But all he found was love. Love and determination and acceptance and home. Elizabeth gave him a weak smile as she brushed her fingers delicately through his hair.
"You fought the good fight, like you always do. You fought to bring a dangerous man to justice and you helped save a good man from an unjust death. And let's not forget how many other lives you've made safer with all that you've done this past year. I don't want you to feel guilty about anything you've missed Jack. There's no need."
Jack gave Elizabeth a sweet, shy and dimpled grin and in that moment vowed to spend the rest of her life to make Jack smile as often as possible.
"Jeremiah is a good man," Jack remarked, more to himself than to Elizabeth.
"He refused to leave your side for the longest time. Tom finally had to promise that he wouldn't leave you until I could come."
Jack's smile deepened, "Sounds like something Jeremiah would do."
"He's exactly how you described him in your letters," Elizabeth remarked, "I'm so glad you had him with you, Jack."
"Me too," Jack paused for a moment as Elizabeth's other hand moved to rest atop his. She watched silently as the darkness that clouded Jack's face moments ago once again sank into his gaze.
"What is it?" Elizabeth asked quietly
"I'm sorry," Jack began to apologize again, "I'm… I'm so happy to be home with you and Thatcher. I'm so happy to be back. It's just," Jack struggled to explain. He wasn't like Elizabeth, wasn't good with words. It was through actions and deeds that Jack used to express himself. How could he help her understand the dark and dangerous thoughts that endlessly ran through his mind these days? How could he explain the pain and anger that had taken space in his heart without his permission? How could he make her understand that more than anything, he feared that somehow, he had tainted this beautiful town and their beautiful family simply by returning? Jack finally settled with, "I'm afraid, Elizabeth."
"Of what?" Concern was laced in every breath she took. He could feel it in the air, feel it in her touch. Jack's eyes closed at the pain in her eyes. He was so tired of causing her pain.
Jack opened his mouth, praying the words would simply form and he wouldn't have fight so hard to search the corners of his mind to find the right thing to say.
"Captain Thornton," Constable Roy called out abruptly as he opened the infirmary's front door.
Jack and Elizabeth pulled apart from each other to look up at the man who had disturbed the quiet calm of the young family. Thatcher began to squirm in his pram, a sure sign that he was beginning to wake. A sudden surge of annoyance flared through Jake's veins. He watched as Elizabeth picked up the baby and placed him on her chest and began to sway gently.
"I'll thank you to speak a little quieter, Constable," Jack's words were sharp and caught Constable Roy off guard as he suddenly noticed the baby in Elizabeth's arms.
"I apologize, Mrs. Thornton," Nathaniel spoke quietly to Elizabeth, remorse evident in his voice, "I didn't see the baby."
"It's quite alright, Constable Roy," Elizabeth quickly forgave the young Mountie as she shot Jack a quick glance and a silent order to let Constable Roy off the hook. Jack's grimace was enough confirmation for her that he understood her.
"Leave it to you to find the proverbial needle in a haystack but remain completely oblivious to a newborn baby," a gruff voice sounded out behind Nathaniel. Nathaniel turned slightly to watch as Corporal Matthew VanNoppen trudged into the small infirmary. Jack and Elizabeth watched as Matty gave Nathaniel a quick pat on the shoulder, a clear sign that his sharp words had been more of a playful tease than harsh critique.
Nathaniel gave a small eye roll to Matty's remark and a small nod to Elizabeth before turning his attention back to Jack, "I'm sorry to barge in, Sir. We would have done this sooner but we've only just got back into town from the campsite."
Jack's eyes narrowed, "I thought you visited the campsite weeks ago? What could possibly be left to find?"
Nathaniel and Matty looked at one another for a moment before Corporal VanNoppen spoke up, "Jack, were you able to locate and obtain Lao's business ledger and manifest before the ambush?"
"Yes," Jack replied quickly, "I put it in my pack about an hour before we started taking fire. I've told you both this."
Jack didn't miss the slight wince that flashed across Elizabeth's face at the mention of the battle that very nearly took his life.
"And do you remember anything that was written in it?" Matty continued his questioning.
Jack shook his head, "It was written in Chinese, I'm assuming. I couldn't read any of it."
"Well," Matty drawled," that's damned unfortunate since it's missing from your rucksack."
"Someone stole it? How is that possible? Jeremiah and I were the only ones left alive. There was no cover for anyone to hide behind. We would have seen if anyone was alive."
Matty replied quickly, "The only thing we could think of is that someone found the campsite while you and Jeremiah were riding into town."
"And in the commotion all eyes would have been on us," Jack finished for him, "It would have given the thief plenty of time to leave town unnoticed, get to the camp sight and find the ledger and ride back before anyone noticed their absence."
"Which is why we've gone back to the site several times," Nathaniel finally spoke up, "We were searching the territory around the camp sight to see if there were any signs of tracks, any clues as to who might have interfered with scene."
"And did you find anything," Jack's voice was sharp and short. Elizabeth called it his Mountie voice. She would often tease him about it when they were courting, while they would sit down and tuck in for dinner as he recounted what had happened during his rounds. She didn't dare tease him about it now.
Matty shook his head, clearly disappointed in the lack evidence surrounding the campsite.
"But how would they have known where the camp sight was," Elizabeth threw out the question.
Matty chewed on the inside of his cheek as he wracked his brain, "Well, it was obvious that Lao and his accomplices had been at the sight for a while. They had food stores and medical supplies."
"Whoever it was must have been in constant communication with Lao," Nathaniel chimed in.
"And someone close enough to Hope Valley to hear about the ambush," Jack finished for them, "Have you talked to my brother, Tom about any of this? He's one of the foremen for the railroad? I can have him keep a look out for any suspicious activity amongst the workers."
Matty and Nathaniel nodded in agreement before glancing at one another, "There's something else, Jack."
Jack's eyes narrowed, "Well spit it out, Corporal."
"We found this at the camp sight," Nathaniel spoke up quickly.
Jack glanced over to Nathaniel as he walked as quietly as possible over to Jack's bed, careful not to disturb Thatcher. He pulled out a small, shiny object from his pants pocket and placed it squarely in Jack's palm.
"Does this look at all familiar to you? Was Lao or any of his associates wearing anything like this?"
Jack studied the cufflink carefully, its onyx setting and the small diamonds circling it. He took note of the shape and shine of the center diamond, wracking his brain for anything that looked familiar. He noticed as Elizabeth's eyes narrowed at the sight of the cufflink, her jaw clenching as she scrunched up her nose slightly… a sure sign that she was thinking.
"I'm sorry," Jack started as he held out the cufflink to give back to Constable Roy, "I didn't see Lao or anyone else wearing anything like this."
Nathaniel's head lowered in defeat as he took the cufflink back, "We were hoping you could identify it. We think whoever it belongs to was-"
"Wait," Elizabeth said sharply, "may I see that?"
Jack glanced over at her curiously. Nathaniel and Matty shared a look before Nathaniel placed the cufflink into Elizabeth's outstretched hand. Elizabeth's eyes narrowed even more as she held the cufflink up to the light. She was searching for something, looking for a clue that she knew was there.
"Do you recognize this, Mrs. Thornton," Nathaniel asked.
"I do," Elizabeth replied. She looked up at Nathaniel, Matty, and then to Jack. She locked onto her husband's gaze. Her heart began to thunder in her chest and agony seemed to swirl in her belly, "This cufflink belong to a partner at Thatcher Shipping."
"What?" Jack's voice boomed and echoed throughout the infirmary, "Elizabeth, you can't honestly think that your fath-"
"No, of course not," Elizabeth cut Jack off as she continued, "that's not what I'm saying."
"Then what are you saying, Mrs. Thornton," Nathaniel replied.
Elizabeth looked up from her inspection of the cufflink to find Nathaniel and Matty with stark, scrutinizing gazes.
"My father gives these cufflinks as a gift whenever a new financial officer makes partner. He orders the same style every time. Look at this," Elizabeth moved down to Jack, pointing out a set of script marks on the back of the onyx and silver plated stud. Jack's eyes narrowed as he read the inscription: 17/3/10.
"March 17th, 1910," Jack spoke the date aloud before handing the cufflink off to Nathaniel for his own inspection.
"So we are looking for an employee from Thatcher Shipping that was made partner in March, three years ago," Matty stated as he turned his focus from the cufflink to Elizabeth, "Would you have that information off the top of your head, Mrs. Thornton."
Elizabeth bit her lip and shook her head, "No. My father doesn't talk about Thatcher Shipping with me or my sisters. My mother may know, though. She's just across the street at the cafe."
Matty nodded and moved to the infirmary door, glancing over his shoulder to Nathaniel, "I will go over and ask Mrs. Thatcher if she knows anything and send a telegram to William Thatcher requesting any information."
Nathaniel nodded in agreement, "I will start up a report to send over to Superintendent Collins immediately."
"What can I do," Jack replied instinctually and Elizabeth's blood went cold.
"Jack," Elizabeth began to chide him, to remind him that just because he wasn't on death's door anymore, that he was finally starting to recover didn't mean he was ready to go out and save the world. Luckily, Corporal VanNoppen beat her to it.
"Absolutely nothing, Captain," Matty's voice was stern and resolute.
Jack's jaw clenched in response, though Elizabeth couldn't tell if what was from frustration or if what was pain from the slight twist he gave to his abdomen when trying to stand up.
"We need you healthy, Jack," Matty's voice turned softer, not out of pity or concern, but care, "we need you healthy and recovered and right now that means getting ready to go home with your wife and son. You worry about you right now."
Jack felt a tender hand fall on his good shoulder and a sudden sense of embarrassment washed over him. Jack wasn't too big of a man to admit that he took pride in his physique. From his first day in the academy, Jack had passed every physical test with flying colors. He had always been able bodied, prepared for whatever physical and mental challenges were thrown his way. And to sit here, physically incapable of doing anything, Jack couldn't help but feel emasculated by it all.
And somehow, he knew that Elizabeth knew what he was thinking, knew what he had been about to do. He wanted to rise up out of his chair, bullet holes and broken bones be damned, and go out and fight and end this depressing episode of misfortune that had come to Hope Valley. She knew him so well that the simple twitch of the muscles in his neck compelled Elizabeth to place a calming hand on his shoulder… on his good shoulder. Even in her dogged determination to prevent him from harming himself, Elizabeth's first instinct was to treat him tenderly, ever mindful of his wounds and the dire truth that he had nearly succumbed to his injuries. And as he felt the warmth and love and concern seep into his skin from the mere touch of her hand on shoulder, Jack felt guilt again rising up in his veins.
He chanced a look over his shoulder to see Elizabeth's face set. Her face was blank, devoid of any emotion and Jack knew what he had just done. Lord help him, he was so tired of hurting her.
"You're right, Matty," Jack replied, his eyes never leaving Elizabeth's face. She glanced down at him as he spoke and Jack gave her a weak grin in an attempt to reassure her. Elizabeth's lips twitched and Jack watched bitterly as tears began to well in her eyes as he watched relief flood through her, "I'm no good to you if I'm not fully recovered."
"Darn straight," Matty replied before moving his attention to Nathaniel, "Let's get outta here so the Thorntons can go home. Jack," Matty glanced back at his commanding officer, "We will keep you updated on whatever we find. Mrs. Thornton, thank you. We were at a dead end without your help."
"Happy to do it, Corporal," was Elizabeth's stoic reply. Her tone and the way her shoulders were set told Jack that she was still a little shaken up at the thought of him returning to work so quickly. Jack watched her as Elizabeth's gaze followed Matty and Nathaniel out the door.
An uncomfortable quiet settled into the infirmary.
"Elizabeth," Jack called out to his wife softly and she turned her attention from the closed door back to his face. He reached out and gently grabbed her hand. Elizabeth's jaw clenched several times as she stared at their interwoven fingers before finally looking at him.
Jack gave her a soft, dimpled grin, the kind he knew she couldn't resist, "Let's get out of here and head home."
Jack raised himself up so he was standing beside Elizabeth. His legs were still a little shaky from a severe lack of use over the past few weeks, but they were getting steadier. Jack raised his good hand to brush a few stray strands of Elizabeth's auburn hair behind her ear. He let his calloused hand rest just beneath her jaw, his thumb stroking the soft skin of her cheek. Elizabeth's eyes closed of their own accord and her hand moved to hold his firmly in place.
"Let's go home, Elizabeth," Jack whispered, "all three of us."
He watched as she blinked back the tears that had begun to form around her sapphire eyes. Elizabeth looked into her husband's eyes, happiness, relief, and resolve pooling in the depths of her gaze.
"I'd like that, Jack," she whispered back.
Jack smiled brightly, his dimples on full display which only made Elizabeth smile through her tears.
Thatcher began to cry, finally awake from his pre dinner nap.
"Sounds like your son agrees with me," Jack remarked and Elizabeth laughed.
"Why is he always my son when he is even the least bit ornery," Elizabeth asked.
Jack chuckled, "Because you're too wonderful for your own good, Elizabeth. I have to have something to tease you about."
"And my stubbornness isn't one of those things?" Elizabeth questioned her husband. Jack smiled again before kissing her lips softly, his touch gentle and full of promise and adoration and Elizabeth wanted nothing more than to wrap her arms around Jack and kiss him senseless.
"No, Mrs. Thornton," Jack whispered against her mouth, "I'm afraid that I find your hard head often acts along with your tender heart. And I'm far too mesmerized by your compassion to ever be put off by it. So yes, I'm afraid all I have to tease you about is our son who sometimes gets cranky after his nap."
"Give it a few months," Elizabeth replied, her tone teasing and suggestive, "You'll be tired of listening to me, Julie and my mother fight. And it will be my stubborn, hard head that will be the culprit."
Jack chuckled before he pulled Elizabeth in for another kiss, brushing his lips softly against hers, "I could never be tired of you, Mrs. Thornton."
Elizabeth wrapped her slender arms around his trim waist, ever careful of his ribs and bullet wound, "Good answer, Mr. Thornton."
Thatcher cried again and Elizabeth giggle softly before placing a lingering kiss on Jack's freshly shaven cheek before walking over to their son and pushing his pram out of the infirmary.
"Don't you worry, little one," he heard Elizabeth whisper to their son, "you, me and Papa are finally going home."
Jack followed them out and shut the door behind him.
Teddy Cooper was a kind and gentle child who's sweet tooth was common knowledge to Hope Valley's townsfolk.
Rare was it for the citizens of Hope Valley to see Teddy without a sweet handed out by old man Gowen. One wouldn't know what to think if Teddy didn't have an oatmeal cookie or scone from Ms. Florence (always presented with a pleasant grin from the woman as she walked to the bake sale fundraiser). It was considered bad form in the summer if Teddy Cooper didn't have a beard from the blueberry juice spread across his face after a day of picking the bushes that grew wild out by Mountie Jack and Mrs. Thornton's house. His sweet tooth was as infamous in Hope Valley as the flood that had forced his family to relocate to the railroad town several years ago.
So was his curiosity.
Teddy, after making sure his mama was asleep across the hall while his father was back at work in the smithery, climbed out of bed and over to his small chest of drawers. He sneakily opened the top drawer and pulled out the small pouch of the caster sugar from his father's tobacco box and quickly poured the contents into his mouth and swallowed. The sooner he got rid fo the sugar the better, so as not to feel the wrath of his mother for spoiling another meal with sweets.
Teddy's heart raced in excitement as the sugar ran down his throat.
There it is! From the bottom of my heart, whoever is still out there reading this story, thank you. Thanks for sticking with me and with this story. I am a fanfic reader like you and nothing is more frustrating than wanting more chapters of story after months of waiting. Like I said, my goal is to updated every two weeks so keep your eyes peeled!
Please leave a review as well! They are a great motivator.
-grayhello22
