Jack gently took Elizabeth's hand as they entered the café. Music filled the room as the Victrola quietly played and Elizabeth looked around the dim candle lit room. It was decorated exactly the way it was when Jack had brought her here for their first official act of courtship.
"Jack." She whispered in awe. "It's beautiful."
"Not as beautiful as you." He said giving her a gentle kiss on the cheek and she looked up at him with a smile.
He guided her over to a nearby table before pulling out a chair and waiting for her to be seated. He then took a seat himself and they both grinned at each other across the table.
Abigail peaked her head through the curtains and smiled seeing Jack and Elizabeth together. She decided to leave her presence unknown for the time being so she silently ducked back into the kitchen to allow Jack and Elizabeth some alone time.
"Shall we?" Jack asked as he stood and offered his hand out to Elizabeth.
She placed her hand in his as she stood and let Jack guide her a little way across the room.
They held each other in the traditional dance position before slowly drawing in towards each other. She leant her upper body against his chest and rested her head on his shoulder.
"It's been a while since I have been able to offer an act of courtship like this with you Elizabeth."
"Courtship?" She looked up at him slightly worried.
"I realise we have passed the courtship period of our relationship now we are engaged, but I want you to know that just because we have moved beyond that, it is still my intention to 'court you'."
She smiled up at him as her heart melted at his words.
"Jack, you have already caught me." She said jokingly with a grin on her face and he laughed.
"In all seriousness Elizabeth, I understand married men can become…somewhat complacent. Life gets in the way, routine sets in, but I want to make it perfectly clear to you that I intend to surprise you, and to woo you for the rest of our lives.
The life of a Mountie may frequently prohibit this but I am going to try my best to do this whenever I can."
"Jack…" She said as her voice trailed off as their lips gently met for a brief kiss.
"Jack, I could not imagine you any other way. If you recall it was a similar night like this when you first surprised me at how romantic you could be." She smiled up at him and continued. "You never cease to amaze me Jack Thornton. You present these enchanting moments to me and sweep me off my feet. You make my heart soar, and just when I think nothing else could seem to compare, you do it all over again."
His cheeks slightly reddened and he gave her a small smile.
"Jack, I may be a little biased as I love you so much, but you are a lot better at this than you think you are."
"You make it easy for me Elizabeth, my only desire is to try please you as much as you do me."
Their lips met again, more passionate this time as she pulled him closer.
Jack and Elizabeth exited Abigail's café and were hit by the night's cold air. Elizabeth shivered and Jack drew an arm around her waist and pulled her closer as they slowly walked down the main road and headed to Elizabeth's row house.
"Jack, I left all my books back at the school."
"Well we will have to make a stop over there."
"Quite convenient." She said rather pleased.
"I would say so." He agreed as they grinned at each other while thinking how pleased they were at stalling their impending departure from each other.
They walked up into the Church and Elizabeth headed for her desk.
Jack stood nearby and watched her pack. His eyes wondered over the Christmas gifts the children had left on her desk.
"Those children really adore you Elizabeth." She smiled timidly. "But not as much as I do." He said and she grinned at him now.
"Jack, it's nice being back here in this building knowing you're not leaving me this time."
"It is, and I'm sorry I had to leave."
"I know Jack, but I understand you had to."
He took a seat in the front pew and watched her pack up as she talked.
"I can't wait till this is over Jack." Her voice sounded upset and she walked over and took a seat at his side.
"Over?" He asked worried.
"You, walking me home and then having to leave…"
He sighed with relief now understanding what she was saying.
"I concur, but it won't be for much longer now."
"How long Jack? I know you wanted to leave this discussion till later but my heart aches not knowing, not making a date for when we will be married."
"Elizabeth, I thought only to put off this discussion until we were somewhere more private. I'm sorry darling if you thought it was my intention to hold off on making plans for our wedding. It was not my intention to hurt you and I have not for a moment entertained the idea of putting off our wedding, it's been quite the opposite."
She sighed with relief.
"Elizabeth, while I was away and thinking of you, all I could imagine was making you my wife. You see, I don't just want you, I need you and everything that that entails. I would marry you tonight if it were at all possible."
"Jack…" She started but was lost for words.
"The day I left Hope Valley and you called out to me when I rode off, it broke my heart Elizabeth. Seeing you upset like that made me wonder if I had hurt you too much. It felt as though I had left you in this town full of people that adore you, and they were there to help you amend the pieces I had broken. There is nowhere else in the world I would have rather left you than with these people but I felt it still may have been too much. You are a strong woman Elizabeth Thatcher but when I left I also noticed your vulnerability."
"Jack, I will not deny the amount of pain it caused me but I meant every word when I said I would wait an eternity for you."
"I know you did and I certainly believed you and still do, but seeing you like that… and having to leave you there, it made me worry that it was too much."
"Jack, I can't even explain the pain I felt in you leaving. When you first told me your posting to the Northern Territories was indefinite it was unbearable. I knew long before then that I would always wait for you. In that moment however, I was left with the idea of you leaving without any hope of your return, and that hurt more than anything.
But then when you asked me to marry you and you promised to come home, it was then my heart soared again and hope returned. The pain of you going was still there but it doesn't compare to the amount of love I have for you.
My heart was broken Jack but you are the one who filled it, and it is fuller than I ever could have imagined.
It was hope and the love we have for each other that kept me holding onto you and waiting"
Jack pulled her closer to his side as they sat on the Church pew. She rested her head on his shoulder and they sat quietly for a few moments.
"Elizabeth, I don't want to wait any longer."
"Neither do I Jack."
"Will you marry me…before Christmas?"
"Of course, yes Jack. I couldn't imagine anything more I would want for Christmas."
"Me too." He said grinning while leaning down to place a kiss on her warm lips. The kiss lingered before they both pulled away and looked at each other.
"Well it's almost Saturday…" He said looking at his clock realising it was almost midnight.
"And Christmas is Wednesday!" She said excitedly finishing off his sentence.
"Is Sunday afternoon too soon?"
"No time is too soon Jack."
Jack wrapped his arm over her shoulders and pulled her closer. She rested her head on his chest and started to day dream about what their wedding day would entail. Her eyes closed and she momentarily drifted off before being slightly disturbed by Jack draping his jacket over her. His body heat and the added warmth from the jacket made her even drowsier and she went back to sleep.
Elizabeth opened her eyes and squinted as sunlight had already made its way through the windows of the Church. She slowly rose her head off Jack's chest and dozily looked up at him.
"Did you sleep at all?" She asked.
"A little." He said as he watched her brush back her hair. It was dishevelled from her awkward night's sleep. "I like seeing you like this." Jack grinned.
She scrunched up her nose in the cute way he knew she only for did him.
"I could get used to this." He continued before leaning in to kiss her.
"Not long now and you will start to." She reminded him and he smiled.
"I should really get you home."
Elizabeth sighed and they both reluctantly got up. She straightened out her hair and skirt as best she could while Jack grabbed her books and a few of the children's gifts she had previously gathered together.
They walked out of the Church and made their way towards the row houses. The air was cool and Elizabeth appreciated that Jack had again wrapped her up in his jacket. It hung long and loose on her but she didn't mind. It smelt like him and it felt good to be in his clothing.
They reached the porch of Elizabeth's row house. Neither of them wanting to part, or even quite sure how they would.
"Elizabeth? Oh Jack." Rosemary said as she bounded out of her and Lee's row house. "Oh, dear." She said noticing Elizabeth's dishevelled hair and clothes from yesterday. Rosemary was dying to know what was going on however had such certitude in Jack and Elizabeth and she adored them dearly so she 'bit her tongue' and decided not to pry into the matter.
Before anything more could be said, Lee came out of the row house.
"Elizabeth. Jack, you're here early." He said as Rosemary nudged him before giving him a glaring look. For once it was her saving him.
"Lee, I am sure they have lots to talk about and lots to plan now Jack has returned."
Jack and Elizabeth both nodded in agreement at their friends.
"Elizabeth I've been meaning to ask you to stop over at the shop for another dress fitting." Rosemary said changing the subject.
Elizabeth had felt somewhat hesitant in making wedding plans while Jack was away. She felt she wanted him with her and to enjoy the excitement of wedding planning together. Rosemary however had convinced her into moving along the plans for the dress.
"Your dress?" Jack queried looking down at Elizabeth.
"My wedding dress." Elizabeth said smiling up at him.
"You may want to hurry up with that Rosie. It will be needed by Sunday." Jack replied.
"Oh my! Sunday? That's tomorrow!" Rosemary was first astonished and concerned she didn't feel she had enough time to finish the dress. Her thoughts adjusted though and she rushed over to Jack and Elizabeth and wrapped both her arms around them at the same time.
"I'm so happy for you both." She said while slowly retreating back over to Lee's side.
"Now Elizabeth, wasn't it a good thing I talked you into these preparation before Jack's return?"
"Yes, it definitely was Rosemary."
"Oh dear. How are we going to find time for all the plans by Sunday?" Rosemary asked worried now.
"We?" Interjected Lee as he tried to stop Rosemary from taking over Jack and Elizabeth's wedding plans.
"Rosemary, Jack and I would really appreciate your help. But until we've made some more plans could you please focus on the dress." Elizabeth said. She did appreciate Rosemary's help but needed to make sure she didn't take over Jack and her wedding day.
"Oh yes of course. You're going to make the most beautiful bride of the century." Rosemary stated ecstatically.
"She will." Jack said giving Elizabeth a smile while pulling her closer to his side.
"Oh and of course I will have to take charge of the Christmas Committee this year as you have much more important things to do. Well you should go… tidy up…" She said motioning for Elizabeth to move on while reminding her of her absence from returning home last night. "And I'll see you at the shop for a fitting soon."
Rosemary made her way back into her row house and Lee nodded at Jack and Elizabeth before turning and following his wife inside.
"So you have a dress?" Jack coyly asked.
"I do." She grinned. "I didn't have much of a choice with Rosemary throwing ideas at me left right and centre. I am so glad she did now though."
"I'm glad she did too. She has been a good friend to you while I have been gone."
"She certainly has Jack. You know Rosemary, it's hard not to smile when she is around."
"Well Miss Thatcher, I think you should go tidy up. We have some wedding planning to do."
She smiled, the idea of making plans for the wedding now made it easier to leave his side.
"I'll go visit Frank and will come find you later after your dress fitting."
Elizabeth nodded and gave him a smile.
"I will miss you."
"I'll miss you too. But I promise to see you soon."
"Not too soon." She reminded him. "I have a dress to try on and don't you dare try and see it before tomorrow." She said playfully and he grinned.
"I will wait, but only till tomorrow." He said before pulling her in for a kiss before he left. He went to leave but she pulled him back. She removed his jacket from her body and place it over his shoulders before giving him one last kiss.
"I'll see you soon Constable." She said in a more serious note.
"You will."
Elizabeth wandered down the steps outside Dottie's dress shop. Rosemary had really gotten stuck into the preparations of Elizabeth's dress so the fitting was quicker than she expected.
Her eyes wandered up and down the street as she looked out for Jack. He wasn't to be seen so she headed over to Abigail's.
Just as Elizabeth entered the café, Abigail rushed over and wrapped her arms around her.
"Elizabeth, I am so pleased for you and Jack."
"Oh Abigail, you already know?"
"That you're getting married tomorrow? Yes!" Abigail excitedly stated.
"I am sorry I did not get here in time to tell you myself."
"It's hard to keep a secret around town when Rosemary Coulter knows." Abigail said smiling.
"You are quite right." Elizabeth said with a small laugh. "Are you busy?"
"Not at all. The morning rush is over so I have some time. Did you want to talk?"
Elizabeth nodded.
The women sat down at a nearby table and made themselves comfortable.
"Firstly, I was wondering if you would do me the honour of being a bridesmaid?"
"Oh Elizabeth of course, I would be honoured." Abigail replied as she reached over the table and gave Elizabeth's hand a squeeze and Elizabeth smiled.
"Was there something else?" Abigail asked as she looked at Elizabeth who looked slightly concerned.
Elizabeth nodded.
"Maybe we should go into the kitchen?" Abigail suggested as she lead Elizabeth towards the kitchen.
"Is everything alright Elizabeth? You looked so happy when you first came in."
"Everything is wonderful Abigail, it's been more than wonderful, things have been perfect since Jack returned."
"So why are you worrying? Is it the rush of the wedding?"
"Oh no. It's not that at all."
Abigail walked over to the settee and encouraged Elizabeth to come sit with her.
"It's just that… things have changed…"
"Changed?"
"Since Jack's return, our relationship has somewhat… intensified…" Elizabeth stated awkwardly, not quite sure how to discuss these sorts of matters.
She knew she could confide in Abigail and that she was the ideal person to talk about such matters but it was not something she was familiar with discussing, even with women.
"Elizabeth, you are both engaged now and Jack has been gone a long time. It's natural that your relationship will continue to evolve."
"I understand that Abigail, I am however worried that… things are awakening that aren't quite meant to yet."
"Elizabeth, you are about to get married, the desire you are feeling for Jack is natural. You don't have long now and you'll be husband and wife."
"I know the wedding is so close now but it still seems so hard to… wait. Yesterday I was at the jail with Jack and I easily could have let my feelings take over. My need to have him nearby is so strong now. Then we headed over to the Church where we ended up sleeping there for the night."
"Your time away from each other has certainly intensified your feelings for each other Elizabeth, and you have been together so long that I can imagine you may feel you are already bound to him as a wife."
"I really do Abigail." Elizabeth nodded.
"Tomorrow will come soon enough, you have the rest of your lives together." Abigail tried to remind her. "I am assuming that when you say you slept at the Church you meant actual sleeping?"
"Oh, yes." Elizabeth said slightly embarrassed. She had minimal education on the matters of physical intimacies within a marriage but she certainly knew what Abigail was implying.
"Then you have nothing to worry about Elizabeth."
"But I do worry."
"Jack loves you dearly Elizabeth, please try not to worry."
"I know, he would never over step any boundaries, but it is also what happens after the wedding that I worry about."
"From what I know of Jack, you really have no need to worry Elizabeth. He will take care of you and the rest will just come naturally to you, I promise."
Elizabeth nodded as she felt slightly better.
"If you are that worried, maybe this is something you need to discuss with Jack. Your wedding is so close now that I would say it isn't too early to talk about these things. Remember you aren't just courting now, you are engaged. You can talk to him about slightly more personal matters."
"Thank you, Abigail, I think I will."
"Now I think you should go find that gentleman of yours. I am sure he is missing you." She said lightening the conversation which gave Elizabeth a smile.
"And while you are gone I am going to start making your wedding cake and whatever else you may need at the reception. Don't you worry, I'll rally up some women and have them helping me in the kitchen in no time."
"Oh, thank you Abigail, that would be so wonderful."
Abigail ushered Elizabeth through the café and out the front door, leaving her to make her way down the road towards the jail.
Elizabeth walked up the steps towards the jail just as Jack opened the door. He rushed down towards her, took her hand and ushered her into the jail before she could say a word.
He shut the door behind him with his foot while placing his hands on her hips and pulling her towards him.
"Someone miss me?" She asked smiling up at him.
He leant over and placed his lips on hers.
"I did." He said between kisses.
Him speaking into her mouth made her a little dizzy and she held on to him tighter, partly to steady herself and partly because she wanted him closer.
Jack's kisses became more intense and she felt his hands run down the back of her corset and he stopped as his hands reached the small of her back. Her mind was reeling as she wanted more but knew they had to stop.
"Jack, I need… to talk… to you." She said somewhere in the middle of all their kissing.
"Now?"
"Well…soon..." She said as she continued to let his lips dance with hers.
She placed a hand around his waist and the other raised up and rested on his cheek along his jaw law.
After a few more kisses it was Jack that interrupted.
"You're right Elizabeth." He said breathless. "We need to talk."
His sudden change surprised her and her worry returned.
Jack noticed and took her hand before placing a gentle kiss on her cheek.
"It's alright. Come sit down." He said as he ushered her across the room.
They sat down together quietly before Jack spoke up.
"You wanted to talk?"
"I do but if you have something to say Jack, please say it." She said with a worried tone.
"Elizabeth, you do not need to worry. If anything, it is me that should be worrying."
"You?"
"Yes me, I am worried I am trying to over step boundaries, pushing you into something we need to wait for, until after the wedding."
"Jack, you've been the perfect gentleman, please do not worry. Our physical needs have…intensified…" she said shyly while gazing momentarily down at the floor. "But you certainly have not coerced me into anything I did not already want."
Jack sighed with relief.
"Jack, it is becoming more difficult to stay within the boundaries but I think we are doing ok considering." Elizabeth said trying to console him.
"Considering?"
"Considering we've waited over four years and have hardly seen each other since our engagement."
Jack nodded in agreement.
"If that's not what is worrying you then what is Elizabeth?"
"It's what happens later."
"Later?"
"After the wedding is over Jack."
"Oh…" He said sounding somewhat disappointed.
"Oh no Jack it's not that I don't… want you." She said shyly and she saw relief wash over his face. "I thought by now you had gotten the impression of how much I want you…" She said more boldly now.
"Kind of? I would say you have made it quite clear these past few days. If that was only 'kind of' I am wondering what to expect after the wedding now."
"Well you will have to wait and see…. But Jack that is what I am worried about."
"What to expect?" He asked.
"And what you will expect."
"Elizabeth, you don't need to worry about that. I know just laying with you will be the most wonderful experience I could ever imagine."'
Her eyes widened as she listened to his words. He noticed and took her hand as he gave her a little grin.
"Elizabeth, I will look after you. Alright?" He said with all the honesty he could muster.
That was all she need to hear and she quietly nodded as relief washed over her.
He wrapped an arm around her and she leant over and rested herself on his side and they quietly sat for a few moments.
"Thank you, Jack."
"No need to say thank you. You are worth much more to me than whatever I could do or give to you."
"Please do not think that Jack. My heart is so full and you mean the world to me. We may not live the life I grew accustomed to as a child but that does not matter to me. I could not even imagine living anywhere but here in Hope Valley now. You give me a lot more than you realise Jack Thornton. Every new day with you in my life has been more than I could dream of, and I know it will only get better once those days start by waking up with you by my side."
Jack's eyes slightly welled as he listened and held her tighter.
"I am looking forward to those days too."
"Not long now." She said smiling.
"Which reminds me, I spoke to Frank. He has plans to head out of town early Sunday afternoon but will be back later a little later. So I was thinking… how does a twilight wedding sound?"
"It sounds perfect." She said smiling.
"Good, then I'll let him know."
"Rosemary said my dress will be finished by tomorrow and I have asked her and Abigail to be my bridesmaids. Abigail has also offered to make us a wedding cake and plan the food for the reception!"
"You have been busy."
"You have no idea. Rosemary has also told me she would organise the decorations for the Church and send a telegram to Julie for me. I expect she may be the only member of my family who is happy to hear the news." Elizabeth sadly stated.
"I will have to contact your Father."
"You will?"
"As you know Elizabeth I did not ask him for his approval to take your hand in marriage. I know I need to at least discuss the matter with him, even if the conversation does not end up favourable."
"I am sorry Jack."
"No need to be sorry. I understand that when I marry you I am also marrying into your family, it is you I chose though and this is a small sacrifice I will accept to have you as my wife."
She gave him a smile.
"So Miss Thatcher, would you do the honour of joining me for lunch?"
"I would love to Constable."
He stood before taking her hand and he gently pulled her to her feet.
"If you don't mind, I thought I would take you to the Saloon, for old times' sake."
"Sounds wonderful Jack."
They walked outside and onto the road. Elizabeth held onto his upper arm as they walked side by side while making their way over to the Saloon.
Jack and Elizabeth stepped out of the saloon after an enjoyable lunch together.
"So where to now?" Jack asked.
"Well I was thinking…" She stated coyly. "Maybe you could move some of your things over to my house?"
"Really?"
"Of course, Jack. We're getting married tomorrow."
"It seems so… official." He said and she nodded. "I like it." He said grinning and she smiled in return.
"So then, let's go pack."
They headed towards the jail and Jack opened the door and allowed Elizabeth to step inside.
"Take a seat Elizabeth, it won't take me long to pack. I don't have too much here." He said looking around the small space.
It felt nice as he finally realised he will have somewhere to call home. The idea of being anywhere with Elizabeth felt amazing but knowing he would now have somewhere to call home after living in the jail seemed wonderful.
Elizabeth found one of Jack's sketch pads and glanced through it while Jack packed up his things.
"I see you have a theme going on here." She said noticing most of the drawings were of herself.
"Yes, I have a pretty one-track mind these days."
She smiled as she looked back down at the pictures of herself.
"Jack, these are amazing." Jack shrugged feeling humble towards her praise of his artistic talent. "Really, they are. Looking at these… I can see how you see me." She said with a gentle voice while looking back up at him again.
He came over and sat down beside her as he watched her finger run along the drawing on the paper.
"It's not so hard when my subject is so beautiful, and I don't just mean your appearance Elizabeth. You're the embodiment of beautiful, inside and out."
She blushed hearing his words.
"I am glad I can still make you do that." He said while watching her cheeks redden.
"Come on Elizabeth, let me take you home."
They stood up and Jack lugged as many things over his shoulder as he could take. Elizabeth picked up his sketch pad and looked around the room.
"Where is Rip?" Elizabeth asked worried.
"He's with Cody. I told him he could take him for a walk with Dasher."
"Thank goodness. I was worried he may have run off to the Coal mines again."
"A trip out there again wouldn't be so bad, would it?" Jack said humouring her.
"I wouldn't normally think so but we have a rather impending event that is happening tomorrow so I would rather not."
Jack nodded as they made their way out the door and headed towards Elizabeth's row house.
Elizabeth opened the door of her house as Jack entered with most of his earthly possessions.
He gently placed them down on the floor as she placed his sketch pad down on her desk in the corner.
"So…" He started, a little unsure of how he should go ahead with the situation.
"Well we could start off with finding somewhere to put all your belongings."
It was then he realised that he hadn't even been in her house since he'd returned to Hope Valley. Not much had changed but he did notice several photos on a side table near the settee.
"I see you have your own theme going on here." He said noticing the photos were all of him, along with one being of him and Elizabeth.
"My mind is pretty focused on one thing these days too." She said with a smile and he grinned. "So, what is it you have to unpack?"
"Mostly clothes."
"Oh, well I guess they would go up in my bedroom."
"I guess so." He nodded.
"So shall we?" She stated as she motioned her hand towards the steps.
"Ladies first."
She made her way up the stairs and Jack followed closely behind. He hadn't seen her room since he had helped her move in a couple years ago. Back then it certainly wasn't decorated with all the womanly possessions he could see in their now. He stood at the door way to her bedroom and continued to look around.
"Jack, you can come in."
Jack lingered and looked around the room. It was somewhat elegant looking especially in comparison to the jail. He wasn't surprised though and knew it would have been mediocre compared to what she had grown up with in Hamilton.
"Jack, are you alright?" She asked as he hadn't made much of a move to enter the room.
"Sure, I'm just… looking. I have never been in a lady's bedroom before."
"Well it's going to be our room Jack, so I want you to make yourself comfortable."
Jack slowly walked into the room and placed his bag down.
"I can make you some space in the cupboard here for your clothes."
He saw all the beautiful dresses she had hung up in the closet and felt uncertain about hanging his own clothing in there. She noticed his hesitation so she started to help him unpack. She handed him some hangers and he hung two of his suits and his spare red serge on another. She took them from his hands and gently hung them up against her own garments. She turned around to continue unpacking when he stopped her and took her hand.
"Thank you."
"Whatever for Jack?"
"For giving me a home."
"Oh, Jack." She realised now that it had in fact been a long time since he had had somewhere to call home. "You don't need to thank me for that."
"I love it here Elizabeth and I am so looking forward to this being our home together. One day though I'm going to build you a beautiful home out on our land. It may not be as fancy as anything in Hamilton but it will be ours. I have already told Lee that I wanted to move forward with the plans to build Elizabeth. I would like you to look over the plans some time with me, this is something I want you to be happy with and I want to do it together."
"I'll be more than happy, just the idea of having our own home together sounds heavenly."
"Anywhere with you is heavenly Elizabeth." He said as he brought his hand to her face before gently kissing her.
He slowly backed away as he remembered he was standing in the middle of her bedroom and he felt awkward kissing her in such a private and personal space.
"Jack it's alright. You can kiss me here."
"Kiss you where?" He asked surprised.
"I meant here in my room!"
"Oh… I" he stumbled as he realised his mistake and became embarrassed.
"Tomorrow night I'll let you kiss me… places."
"You will?" He asked flabbergasted, as he was still trying to recover from his embarrassment.
"Yes, after our wedding!" She reminded him.
"Oh, yes." He smiled now. "Elizabeth Thatcher, I can imagine you're going to be the death of me."
"Well you're just going to have to marry me to find out."
"I will die a happy man then." He said as he rested his hands on her hips and pulled her towards him.
He ran his hand down the back of her corset again and wondered how on earth he would learn to remove one of those things. He didn't dare make mention of it to Elizabeth and instead let his mind wander back to the feel of her lips on his. His hand moved to her face and he gently brushed the tendrils of hair from the sides of her face. Their lips separated but his mind was still focused solely on her. His eyes traced the features of her face as his hand softly traced her jaw line.
She slightly bit her bottom lip and blushed as she noticed the adoration in his eyes and the way he was so being gentle with her.
His eyes met hers and he broke out of his reverie. He gave her a small smile and she smiled in returned.
"I love the way you love me Jack."
He leaned in once more and kissed her, slowly at first and then with more passion. After a few moments they broke away breathless.
"We should probably head down stairs."
"Just a little longer Jack." She pleaded. "I won't be able to see much of you tomorrow, until the wedding that is."
The realisation of this only just came to him and a look of disappointment showed on his face.
"We still have some time, you can stay for supper." She said trying to console him and he nodded before pulling her into his arms before finding her lips on his again.
Elizabeth and Jack headed down the stairs of her house and made their way to the kitchen.
"Shepherd's pie ok?" She asked.
"Anything without lard sounds fine with me." He grinned.
They both shared a laugh as Elizabeth made her way around the kitchen. Jack wandered around the living room. He perceived things from a slightly different perspective now as he knew this was soon to be his home. He made his way over to her desk and his eyes scanned the contents.
"You've been writing again?"
"I have. I've had plenty of time to write since you've been away. Of course, now you are home you're a much-welcomed distraction from my writing."
He smiled and asked. "Would you like a hand?"
"You could set the table for me." She said and Jack went in search of the cutlery.
Once supper was prepared they sat down at the table together.
"This is really good." Jack said after swallowing his first bite.
"Don't sound so surprised." She said smiling. "I did try to make good use of my time while you weren't here. Abigail has been teaching me a few things."
Just then they heard a scratching at the front door. Jack got up to see what the noise was. He opened the door and found Rip sitting in the doorway.
"Aw, Rip you poor boy." Elizabeth said getting up. "Let me get you something to eat."
"You've really got her wrapped around your little paws haven't you Rip." Jack said to Rip with a laugh.
"Feeling a little jealous Jack?"
"I already know I have you wrapped around my finger."
"You do?" She queried pryingly.
"Well you are marrying me tomorrow, and those kisses you just gave me upstairs pretty much let me know that."
"Jack the way you looked at me while up in my bedroom tells me I too have you more than just wrapped around my little finger."
"Well I certainly hope to be tomorrow night."
"Jack Thornton!" Elizabeth exclaimed slightly shocked. "Just eat your dinner."
"Yes mam." He said sitting down. He decided he better not push his luck any further, at least not until tomorrow night.
Elizabeth smiled and placed a bowl filled with Shepherd's Pie down on the floor for Rip before re-joining Jack at the table.
They ate quietly and the only noise in the room was Rip licking his bowl clean.
Once they finished supper they quickly cleaned up before sitting down on the settee to talk.
"I can't wait to see you in your dress tomorrow."
Elizabeth grinned and wondered what Jack had planned to wear.
"Are you wearing your serge?" Elizabeth queried.
"I still haven't decided. What do you think?"
"As you know I think you look very handsome in your uniform."
"But…" Jack asked.
"I know I am marrying a Mountie, and one of the reasons I love you is because you are... That said however, I want to marry you Jack, not just a Constable or what your uniform stands for."
"So, you'd rather I wear something else?"
"I am not going to make the choice for you Jack. I'm happy with whatever you want. I just want it to be you that's standing beside me at the front of the Church."
"Then I think I should wear a suit."
Her eyebrows raised at his answer.
"I don't want to walk in and out of that Church as a Constable. I want to enter as the man you love and walk out as your husband."
Elizabeth leaned over and gave him a kiss.
"I'm sorry Jack. I didn't mean to persuade you in any way. I know how important your job and uniform are to you."
"You're more important to me than that Elizabeth and tomorrow is about us. Not about my job." He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her over before placing a gentle kiss on her temple.
"I wish you didn't have to leave tonight Jack."
"I don't want to."
"Tomorrow night you won't have to." She said looking at him with a grin on her face.
"Well actually I have made plans for us to go somewhere else."
"You have?" She asked excitedly.
"It's nothing elaborate but it will be somewhere nice… somewhere where it's just the two of us."
"Oh Jack it sounds wonderful."
"I'll tell you all about it tomorrow."
She grinned with excitement at the idea of going away with him.
"But for now, I need to go." He said looking at clock. "It's almost 11pm."
They made their way to the front door before sharing another kiss.
"Jack I don't want you to go." Elizabeth said with more urgency than previously. Her worries of him leaving again emerged.
"Elizabeth, don't worry. Our circumstances will be changing very soon. We'll have plenty of time together and your worries will ease. I'm not going anywhere alright?"
"Alright."
"I love you, I'll see you in the morning sweetheart."
She nodded at him and her eyes began to glisten with tears.
"Please don't cry. Just think about the wedding tomorrow and everything it entails. I'm looking forward to seeing you walk down that isle towards me." He said and continued to talk as he tried to cheer her up before he left.
"I can't wait till I make you my wife."
"I can't wait till you're my husband." She smiled now and she felt a little better.
Rip whimpered and they looked over him. He seemed uncertain as to where he was meant to go.
"He seems to have made himself at home here already Jack. If you don't mind I'd be happy to keep him here for the night. He will keep me company."
"He gets to stay and I don't?" Jack teased.
"You a little jealous?"
"More than a little."
"You need to go Jack Thornton."
"I am I am." He said smiling at her before giving her a goodbye kiss.
They heard a disturbance outside and Jack went over to the window and peered out.
"It's Rosemary." He groaned and Elizabeth stifled a giggle.
"Jack just go home!" They heard Rosemary call out. "You're getting married tomorrow and Elizabeth needs her sleep!"
"I really need to build us a house." He said looking back at Elizabeth.
"Don't worry, the walls really aren't that thin. It's Rosemary's prying ears that make it all the worse."
"Rosie I'm leaving soon!" He called out, he couldn't see her now but he certainly heard her reply.
"It's almost midnight Jack."
"I know!" He called out and both Jack and Elizabeth both laughed.
Elizabeth went to open the door before Jack placed a hand over hers just as she tried to turn the door knob.
"In a moment." He said. "I want to pray with you before I leave."
She smiled and he took her hands into his.
"Dear Heavenly Father, we know marriage is a gift a wonderful blessing from You.
You have given me this amazing woman who has promised to become my wife tomorrow. May you please help me to honour her and You in being the husband she needs me to be. May you bless our union together and may it glorify You. Amen."
"That was beautiful Jack."
He kissed her for the last time, knowing full well the next kiss would be when she became his wife."
"I love you Elizabeth, I'll see you tomorrow."
"I love you too."
He opened the door and quietly left. He was thankful Rosemary wasn't in sight. He was happy to be left with his pondering thoughts of the last two days and the excitement of what tomorrow would bring.
Elizabeth momentarily watched him walk away before shutting the door quietly behind her. She took the stairs up to her room and sat on the edge of her bed. She had happy tears trickling down her cheeks.
She heard Rip climbing the stairs before making his way into her bedroom and he sat at her feet.
"He'll be home tomorrow Rip. Then all will be right." She said just as much to herself as she did Rip.
Elizabeth walked out the door of her road house. The cold morning air hit her but the sun shone and it was a glorious day. Whatever the weather was going to be it didn't really matter to her. It was her wedding day and she wasn't going to let anything ruin it.
She headed off towards the Church as she'd arranged to meet Rosemary there.
"Oh Elizabeth. I didn't expect to see you so early." Rosemary said as Elizabeth entered through the doorway.
"I was up so I thought I should come and get things sorted."
"Oh, you poor dear. You didn't sleep well again? Well don't you worry, today is going to be wonderful." Rosemary said trying to cheer her up.
"I am fine Rosemary. I am marrying Jack today, it's hard not to be happy."
Rosemary smiled feeling pleased.
"Come look at these flowers I have to decorate the Church."
"Rosemary these are beautiful, but how are we going to find time to put up all these decorations?"
"Now don't you worry about that. Look, here are my little helpers now." Rosemary said as Opal, Emily, Anna and Hattie enter the Church.
"Hello Miss Thatcher, hello Miss Rosemary" The girls chorused.
"I can't believe you're FINALLY marrying Mountie Jack today Miss Thatcher." Emily stated with excitement in her voice.
"I guess it has been some time coming."
"You can say that again." Anna stated giggling.
"Miss Thatcher?"
"Yes Opal."
"Will you still be our teacher now you're getting married?"
"Oh yes Opal, I will."
"Robert told me that when ladies get married they don't get to be teachers anymore."
"Well some women chose to leave their profession when they become wives but that is not true for me. I will definitely be your teacher when the new school term begins."
Opal sighed with relief and a big smile appeared on her face.
"Alright girls. We have plenty to do. We want this Church looking lovely for Miss Thatcher's wedding don't we." Rosemary said hustling them together and handing out decorations.
They all eagerly nodded their heads and listened to Rosemary as she advised them of what needed to be done.
The Church door swung open and Elizabeth turned around to see who was entering.
"Julie!" She exclaimed as she ran towards her before giving her a hug. "What are you doing here?"
"What do you mean silly. It's your wedding day. I wouldn't miss it for the world!"
"You have no idea how glad I am to have you here."
"Is this your big sister Miss Thatcher? She looks like you." Opal queried and Elizabeth held back her laughter.
"This is actually my little sister Opal."
"Pleased to meet you…." Opal started.
"Miss Thatcher." Julie informed her.
"Well that's going to be confusing." Opal stated matter of factly.
"Well it won't be for much longer. Before the days end your teacher here is going to be Mrs Thornton."
"Mrs Thornton?" Opal asked with a puzzled voice. "I thought you were marrying Mountie Jack!" She exclaimed to Elizabeth with worry in her voice.
"Oh Opal, of course I am." Elizabeth said trying to console Opal's worries but she just looked confused.
"Then why isn't your name Mrs Mountie?" Opal asked in all honesty and Elizabeth held back a laugh.
"Opal, being a Mountie is Jack's job. It's not his surname."
"Oh, well that makes perfect sense then." She said without any further disregard to the matter and she walked off to go help Rosemary with the other girls.
"She's a dear little girl." Julie said.
"Yes, she is."
"Oh Elizabeth we have so much to catch up on before you walk down this aisle." She said guiding Elizabeth to the back of the Church. "But Rosemary here has reminded me I'm also to be your chaperone. The last thing we want is for you to bump into Jack."
"You've been conversing with Rosemary?" Elizabeth asked as she looked back over at her shoulder at Rosemary. Rosemary saw her and gave her a smile before wavering her hand to continue on with Julie.
"Of course Elizabeth. How else do you think I made it here without you knowing."
The two sisters stepped out the Church doors and into the light. Elizabeth squinted her eyes from the sun before noticing a big white tent being erected down near the lake.
"Julie what is this?" She asks pointing in the direction of the lake.
"It's a marquee of course. That's where your reception is going to be."
"Where did you find something like this in Hope Valley?" Elizabeth asks surprised.
"We didn't. Daddy heard you were getting married and he got a rush order and had it sent here. It arrived yesterday afternoon."
"He did?" Elizabeth asked in shock.
"Our Father may not entirely approve of you marrying Jack but I believe his warming to the idea."
"Really?"
"He may not believe that Jack has a suitable social standing to marry his daughter but he knows he's a good man Elizabeth."
"You have no idea how relieved I am to hear that Julie. I am afraid to ask the obvious though, where is Viola?" Elizabeth asked while wondering if her older sister would be coming to the wedding.
"I'm sorry to say I think it's going to be a little more difficult for her to accept the idea of Jack becoming part of the family than Daddy will."
Öh." Elizabeth sounded disappointed. "Ï shouldn't be so surprised."
"Elizabeth, please don't let Viola ruin your day for you. You know how she is."
"And how is Mother?" Elizabeth queried.
"She wanted to be here today Elizabeth, she's too ill to manage to travel out here though."
Elizabeth nodded.
The sisters gave each other a small smile and took hold of each other's arm while heading for the lake.
Jack made his way down the steps of the jail and out on onto the main road. His mind was focused elsewhere.
"You're a sight for sore eyes." He hears and looks up.
"Tom! What are you doing here?"
I'm here for your wedding of course!"
"How did you get here?"
"On the stagecoach… with your almost sister-in-law."
"Tom." Jack said in a warning tone.
"Don't worry Jack, it's your wedding day. I will fill you in with all the details soon enough. How about we head over to the Saloon for lunch?"
"Sounds great Tom."
Later that afternoon at Elizabeth's row house.
Elizabeth stood in her wedding dress and was surrounded by a flurry of excitement. Julie, Rosemary and Abigail were all fussing over her. It was only half an hour until the wedding.
"You really do make the most gorgeous bride Elizabeth." Abigail said while giving Elizabeth a proud smile.
Elizabeth returned a small smile before her thoughts quickly returned to Jack. She wondered if he was already at the Church.
Elizabeth stood their compliantly as Rosemary fussed with her hair and Dottie made sure the dress sat perfectly on her body.
There was a knocked on the door and Elizabeth looked over and wondered who it could be.
Julie ran over and opened the door widely and eagerly.
"Daddy!" Julie exclaimed.
"Daddy?" Elizabeth asked shocked in seeing her Father standing in her door way.
Her Father looked her way and gave her a smile.
"So, this is your house…" He asked knowingly and she nodded as his eyes quickly scanned the room before returning to her.
"You look beautiful Elizabeth. I'm only sorry your Mother couldn't be here to witness this."
"What are you doing here?" She asked, still in shock.
"It's your wedding day, I am here to give you away."
"You are?" Elizabeth's mouth now slightly agape.
She hurried over to her Father and gave him a hug before giving him a big smile.
"Daddy." Julie started. "You have such bad timing. We're about to head over to the Church so you need to go."
He nodded and started to make his way back to the door.
"Ï will see you soon Elizabeth."
She nodded and gave her Father another smile before he left the house.
"So that's your Father" Stated Abigail.
"That's my Father." Elizabeth said still somewhat on shock.
"Elizabeth we need to head over to the Church now! You don't want to keep Jack waiting do you?" Rosemary exclaimed.
"Of course not."
"Well let's go."
Elizabeth made her way towards the front door as Rosemary gathered up the short train of her dress and Abigail collected the bouquets from a vase on the table.
The four women followed Elizabeth out the door, making sure they took extra care of her and the dress.
Oh, Rosemary." Elizabeth exclaimed as she saw Lee and Rosemary's vehicle parked out the front of her row house. It was decorated with white ribbons.
Ï thought it might be wise to let Lee drive you to the Church." Rosemary said to Elizabeth's relief.
Lee held the vehicle door open and Rosemary, Abigail and Julie all squeezed in the back and Lee helped Elizabeth into the front seat before he took the drivers position.
Soon enough they arrived at the Church and Lee helped the ladies out of the vehicle.
"Well it's been lovely escorting you ladies but I have to go find Jack. I'm meant to be his best man after all."
He gave Rosemary a quick kiss on the cheek before he headed up and into the Church.
Elizabeth felt her heart beat faster as she thought of her soon entrance into the Church. She hoped her nerves would calm as she reached Jack's side.
Abigail, Rosemary and Julie all guided her up towards the steps where she saw her Father standing and he reached out his hand to take hers.
"You're sure this is what you want Elizabeth?" Her Father asked.
"More than anything in the world Daddy."
"This is quite a quaint little Church… very pretty."
"It's also the school house where I work. Jack built it for me…" She said reminiscing.
"He did?" Her Father asked in surprised and Elizabeth nodded.
"Jack's going to build us a house just outside of town here. It won't be anything like our home in Hamilton but it will be ours."
"He does sound very handy."
"He is Daddy, and he's so many more things to me. If you just give him a chance you'll get to know him too."
Ï will in time Elizabeth. Maybe some time you and Jack would come stay with us in Hamilton?"
"I'd really like that." She said smiling up at her Father.
The ladies continued to fuss around Elizabeth as she stood on the Church steps and quietly talked to her Father.
"You know I don't like you living out here on the frontier Elizabeth. My only concern is that it's for your safety. That said however, you're marrying a Mountie and although I only know very little of Jack I do know he's very well respected in this town. It's also quite clear your safety is upmost apparent to him.
You know I would rather you back in Hamilton and would wish you to marry someone of a better social standing but at the same time I want you to be happy Elizabeth. If it's here that makes you happy then I can't imagine a better man to take care of my daughter and to be your husband."
"Daddy…" Elizabeth said, her eyes now welling up with tears.
"Elizabeth I've only been in Hope Valley a few hours but I can already see how the people of this town have come together and organised this day to make it special for you and Jack. It takes a remarkable person to inspire all this. It's a testament to you, and to Jack and I'm very proud of you Elizabeth."
Between her tears she gave her Father a smile and reached out for his arm and gave it a gentle squeeze.
"Now now Elizabeth." Julie interrupted trying to settle her sister. "You can't walk into the Church like that, Jack will wonder what could possibly be wrong."
Rosemary came over with a fresh handkerchief and gently dabbed Elizabeth's face, making extra care she didn't ruin her make-up.
She looked up to the closed doors of the Church where she saw Cody and Opal eagerly watching her.
"You look so beautiful Miss Thatcher." Opal said giving her teacher a big smile. "Even more beautiful than you do at school every day."
"Why thank you Opal. You look very pretty yourself."
Opal twirled around in her dress at the top of the steps and smiled.
"So can we start now?" Cody asked eager to get inside. He had had enough of watching all the women fuss over their hair and dresses.
"Cody." Abigail said gently reprimanding him.
"Sorry Miss Thatcher."
"It's alright Cody. I'm sure you're eager to get up there with the other men." Elizabeth said.
Upon hearing her words Cody puffed out his chest and proudly stood tall as he nodded in agreement. Elizabeth gave him a smile before one became apparent on his face.
"So you're ready Elizabeth?" Mr Thatcher asked.
"I'm more than ready." Elizabeth replied.
They all took their places as Bill opened the Church doors and Cody and Opal started to make their way down the aisle.
To be continued…