(Chapter Eleven)

Meeting the 'Someone'

Elizabeth had told Jack about Charles' surprise return to Hope Valley. Jack was a bit worried but then he remembered that Elizabeth had said no to Charles before and chosen to marry himself instead. She could not change her mind now; and even if she could, Jack knew that his wife loved him and always would. She also told him that Charles wanted her and Jack to meet him at the saloon at seven o'clock the next night. Jack agreed to go, but was very hesitant at first. But he soon softened up when he realized that Charles would not be visiting with Elizabeth alone.

It was 6:30 when Elizabeth and Jack started their walk to the saloon. They arrived early as they knew they would.

Both the Thornton and Thatcher families were raised to never be late. The saying was "if you are not early, you are late."

They were both surprised to find Charles at a table deeply involved in conversation. They slowly walked over to where he sat across from a young lady.

"Excuse us," Jack said quietly as they approached the small, round table.

"Oh, hello Jack – Elizabeth. I'm glad you're here – Please, sit down," he said, motioning with him arm for the two to be seated. "I would like to introduce you to someone."

Elizabeth recognized the young lady at once. She was surprise that Jack did not seem to notice anything familiar about her. Well I suppose men don't notice things as well as women she thought to herself. Then she remembered, Jack had been away when Sofia came through Hope Valley. She was about to say hello to the woman, but Charles was speaking again.

"This is my friend – Sofia." She missed a few words, but caught onto the ones she received.

I thought she had gone to San Francisco. How did they ever meet? Elizabeth's thoughts tumbled over each other.

"Hello Sofia," Elizabeth quickly remembered her manners and forced herself back into the present. Jack followed with a friendly greeting. "How did you two meet?" Elizabeth verbalized one of her many questions.

"Well, it's a long story," Sofia chuckled softly.

"Long stories are the best, and we have the time," Elizabeth said, and Jack silently agreed by giving her hand a slight squeeze under the table.

"Well –" Charles began. "It just so happened that Sofia here was looking for a building job, and my mother wanted a kitchen expansion. Sofia designed it, and we became friends over the years."

"That was a very short version of the very long story," Sofia put in, and they all had a good laugh.

"So, why did you come to Hope Valley?" Jack asked to get the conversation moving again.

"Well, I visited my friend – Rosemary – here in Hope Valley a while back, and I love the people here. It's such a harsh ride out here; so when I found out Charles was coming here too, I asked if we could go together," Sofia answered politely.

"I had no idea you had been here before. The reason I thought to introduce you and Elizabeth was I knew you two would get along so well. I didn't know you two already knew each other."

"This certainly is a small world," Sofia chuckled.

After a few minutes of silence, Jack directed a question to Charles. "Why did you decide to come?" he asked.

"Well, the truth is, I missed having Elizabeth as a friend. After she said no to me, I was heartbroken. I thought she loved me the way I loved her. And I just wanted to make things right between Elizabeth and I – and between us, Jack. Can we ever be friends after what has happened?"

"I see," Jack said slowly. Charles looked at Elizabeth with pleading eyes.

"Of course, Charles," Elizabeth said, hopeful that she was right.

"I wonder," put in Sofia. "Do you know if Ca – uh Doctor Shepherd is still in Hope Valley?"

"Yes – he is," Elizabeth answered.

"Well, I will have to pay him a visit. He was the one who taught me how to believe in myself."

Elizabeth nodded, but secretly wondered if there might be something more going on.

"How long are you planning on staying?" Jack asked the question for both to answer.

"I'm not sure yet," Sofia answered. "Maybe a few days, or weeks, maybe months. It depends on when Charles is leaving."

"I plan on staying for a few weeks, maybe longer. It depends how well I get along with the people here," Charles gave his answer.

Jack glanced over at Elizabeth, sending her a silent message. She understood his look of worry, and relayed a message that seemed to say "Don't worry, Jack. I love you. Nothing will change that. Nothing."

Jack seemed to relax after seeing the comforting look in his wife's eyes.

"The people here are very friendly," Elizabeth responded. "I'm sure you will get along with them just fine."

Jack agreed, and Charles seemed pleased.