Hi Hearties,
A new chapter for you already! I'm a terrible sleeper so I find I can now make good use of my midnight waking hours by writing! I really enjoyed writing this chapter so I hope you also enjoy reading it.
Thank you :)
The day after Christmas…
Jack woke up with a smile on his face as he realized Elizabeth was by his side. He gently brushed the soft curls from her face and glimpsed down at her. He felt her start to stir and he placed a gentle kiss on her lips.
She smiled and slowly opened her eyes and looked up at him.
"Good morning beautiful." Jack said smiling while caressing her soft skin. His hand travelled over her shoulder and down the length of her arm. She reached over and placed her arm across him before resting her hand on his chest.
She quietly lay in his embrace, his warm skin on hers made her drowsy as she tried to resist falling back to sleep.
Jack placed a kiss atop her head and pulled her in closer.
"I think I could stay here all day." Elizabeth said starting to wake.
"We could you know. Technically we are still honeymooners." He suggested with a grin.
"There's so much to do before the weekend." She said disappointed. "But we could stay here a little longer." She suggested while holding onto him tighter.
A few moments passed and he felt her warm breath on his chest and he noticed her breathing stabilize.
"Elizabeth?" Jack whispered.
"Hmm?" She answered sleepily.
Jack gently moved her and himself so he could see her face again. She looked so peaceful and he didn't want to disturb her. He placed another kiss on her lips and he felt her return the kiss as she began to wake up again.
"Sorry, being married seems to be making me really tired. It must be all this free time we have together."
"No need to be sorry. I love seeing you all sleepy and relaxed in bed with me." He said with a grin and she gave him a small smile.
"I love you Jack."
"I love you too."
"Let's stay a little longer?"
Jack nodded and they lay in each-others embrace before getting up to start the day.
A little later that morning…
"Do you have much to do at the school house?" Jack asked as they made their way over to the Church.
"No, not long at all. I just need to grab a few more things I should have gotten last week, before I got distracted." Elizabeth said realising it was last Friday that Jack had surprised her with his return from the Northern Territories.
"It's been a week already since I returned?"
"So much has happened, it feels like it's been a month." Elizabeth said thinking over their wedding and honeymoon out at the cabin.
"It does, and I've noticed how quickly you've become accustomed to having me around." He said grinning. "You seem a lot more comfortable lately, more content." Jack said giving her hand a squeeze.
"That's because I am." She said smiling. "Everything since our wedding has been so perfect Jack. You know I place all my trust in you, and you're right, I do feel much more comfortable and content since we got married." She said and he leaned over a gave her a kiss on the cheek. She leant into his side and they continued their walk to the Church.
"If you're going to be busy for a little while I think I'll head into town." Jack said as they walked up the steps and went into the Church. "Bill has been so generous to cover for me the past few months and now for our honeymoon, I should at least check in with him. I'll come pick you up afterwards?"
"I need to grab a few things from the Mercantile before we head home. Maybe you could meet me there?"
Jack nodded.
"I'll see you soon." He said placing a kiss on her lips.
"I'll miss you…" She said as she held his hand and gradually let go as he pulled away.
"I'll miss you too." He said leaning in for a quick kiss and she gave him a grin and scrunched up her nose. He gave her a smile as he gently ran his finger down her nose and then headed off on his way.
He looked over his shoulder one last time to see Elizabeth before exiting the Church.
Once he was out of sight Elizabeth walked over to her desk and took a seat. She stacked up some books and piled together some more of the Christmas crafts the children had made for her.
A few moments later she heard the Church doors open.
"Well if it isn't Miss Elizabeth Thatcher. I was hoping to find you here."
Elizabeth looked up and stood motionless in shock.
"Billy Hamilton?"
He nodded and gave her a grin.
"What are you doing here?" She asked angrily as she backed away from her desk.
"I came to see you of course, and you're more beautiful than I remember." He said trying to pursue her.
"What?" She asked in complete shock as she wondered why he would think she would fall for his charms after everything that had happened.
"I came to seek your favour. I thought maybe over the years you may have forgiven me."
"You are deluded if you think I am going to fall for your lies again." Elizabeth stated angrily.
"No lies this time Elizabeth. I promise to only speak the truth and try to win your approval."
"Do you really think of me as that naive?"
"Naïve, no…" He started but Elizabeth interrupted.
"I want you to leave." Elizabeth said between clenched teeth.
Billy ignored her and started to make his way in her direction.
"You heard the lady!" A voice called out.
Elizabeth looked up and saw Bill Avary standing at the back of the Church.
"Alright, I'm going." Billy said as he backed away.
He nodded at Bill Avary as he passed him and exited the Church.
"Are you alright?" Bill asked.
"Um, I'm fine."
"You know that man?"
"I thought I did once." Elizabeth said feeling slightly shaken and not wanting to go into the details with Bill.
"It looks like it was a good thing I showed up."
"Yes it was, thank you. Is there a reason you came by?" Elizabeth asked trying to change the subject.
"Actually, I was looking for Jack. Maybe you could come with me and find him?" Bill suggested. He realized after what had just happened that he should escort Elizabeth into town.
"Thank you Bill, but I will be fine. I have planned to meet up with Jack later."
"How about I go find Jack and send him to come pick you up? I don't feel comfortable leaving you here alone with that man around."
"Alright. Thank you Bill." Elizabeth said somewhat relieved that she didn't have to explain the events to Bill and reassured that Jack would be here soon.
Bill nodded and exited the Church doors.
Once Bill left Elizabeth sat down at her desk and placed her head in her hands. She wasn't sure how long she sat there but the next thing she knew she heard the Church doors open again and she quickly looked up.
"Elizabeth?" Jack asked with concern in his voice as he made his way towards her.
She sighed with relief and stood up and went over to meet him.
"What went on here? Bill told me there was some sort of altercation with you and another man."
"It was Billy Hamilton." She stated with a shaky voice.
"Billy Hamilton!?" Jack said angrily and Elizabeth noticed his jaw tighten.
He looked down at her and noticed tears welling up in her eyes, he knew this wasn't the time to be angry.
"Are you alright? Did he hurt you?" Jack asked looking over her.
"No, I'm fine Jack." She said and he pulled her into his arms.
The shock of what had happened finally set in and Elizabeth cried into Jack's chest.
He ran his hand over her back trying to sooth her as he held her close.
He soon felt her body relax against his and he looked down at her.
"You're really alright?" He asked worried.
"I'm alright, just a little shaken." She said gazing into his eyes before she noticed his tear stained shirt. She gently wiped her hand over it and he looked down at what she was doing.
"Hey, don't worry about that. Come on, let's go home." He said as he wrapped his arm around her and guided her out of the Church.
Later that evening…
After returning home and realising Elizabeth had settled down Jack's anger returned.
"He sure has a nerve showing up here, I can't wait till I get my hands on him." Jack stated sounding somewhat furious.
"Jack don't do anything you'll regret. Billy is a conman but he isn't dangerous."
"I'm not so sure. From what you explained he sounded quite keen to obtain your affections. You don't know what he might do."
"Maybe, just be careful alright… you promise?"
"I will, and I want you to be careful too. I don't want you going anywhere alone, at least until he's found."
Elizabeth wanted to protest but at the same time she felt the need for Jack's presence and protection.
She nodded and he pulled her into his arms.
The next morning…
Elizabeth made her way down stairs and Jack followed her.
"How would you like to go to Abigail's for breakfast? I thought it might take your mind off things." Jack asked Elizabeth.
"Sounds great. I'll just go back and get my coat." She said brushing past Jack in the stairwell and he gently reached for her arm and stopped her.
"Are you alright? You're a little quiet this morning." Jack asked.
"I'm fine. Just thinking."
"Well don't think too much. Please talk to me if you need to."
"I will." She said giving him a small smile. "I promise."
He placed a gentle kiss on her cheek and he continued to make his way down the stairs as she made her way up.
Jack grabbed his coat hanging on the peg at the front door and patiently waited for Elizabeth to return.
She soon came down holding onto her coat.
Before they exited the house he helped her slip on her coat and then opened the door for them to leave.
Elizabeth reached out for Jack's hand and they headed over to the café.
Abigail's Café
Jack and Elizabeth made their way into the Café and took a seat.
Abigail spotted them and went over to see them.
"How are my favourite couple doing this morning?" Abigail asked cheerily.
Jack looked over at Elizabeth waiting for her to reply.
"Is something wrong? You don't look yourself today Elizabeth." Abigail asked with concern in her voice.
"Billy Hamilton is back in town." Elizabeth informed her.
"He has a nerve showing his face around here." Abigail stated. "What does he want this time?"
"It seems he wants….me. He confronted me in the school house yesterday."
"Oh dear. Are you alright?" Abigail asked worried.
"I'm fine. I just hope he doesn't show up again."
"And if he does I will be having a stern word with him and will be making sure he leaves town." Jack stated.
"I'm so sorry Elizabeth." Abigail said placing her hand gently on her friends' shoulder.
"Is there something I can get you to eat?" She asked both Jack and Elizabeth.
"I'll have my usual." Jack said.
"And I'll guess you'll have pancakes Elizabeth?" Abigail asked knowingly.
"Yes, thank you."
Jack took Elizabeth's hand and he gave it a gentle squeeze as Abigail headed off to the kitchen.
"I'll feel better once he's been found."
"Don't worry Bill and I will find him, and once we do he won't be coming anywhere near Hope Valley again." Jack said trying to console her.
Later that day back at the row house…
Elizabeth sat on the settee while trying her best a sewing Jack's Christmas ornament together. It was better late than never she thought to herself.
"Looks like you've learnt a few things while I was away." Jack said sitting down beside her.
"I had plenty of extra time on my hands while you were gone. I picked up a few things up from Dottie and Rosemary, and Abigail even gave me a few more cooking lessons." She said smiling.
Elizabeth continued to sew up the ornament and Jack noticed the concentration on her face.
"What?" She asked smiling as she saw the smile on his face.
"Nothing. It's just you never cease to amaze me."
"Jack, it's just a little ornament. It's not like I'm making a dress."
"No but it reminds me how far you've come since you first came to Hope Valley. When you first got here you couldn't even ride a horse or pump water."
She grinned at him and looked back down at her sewing. Jack gave her a kiss on the cheek.
"Ow." She said as she pricked her finger.
"Your needle attack you again?" He joked and she gave him a smile.
"Sorry, I distracted you."
"It's fine Jack. I liked the distraction." She said gently placing her hand on his jaw line before giving him a kiss in return.
"I'm glad, but I think I'll leave you to it." He said giving her a smile as he got up from the settee.
He made his way over to the kitchen and left Elizabeth to finish her sewing.
Jack heard steps on the front porch and he made his way towards the door just as it swung open.
Billy Hamilton started to make his way in just as Jack grabbed the door in his hand and stopped it from opening any wider.
"Just the person I have been looking for." Jack said glaring at Billy.
"What are you doing here Constable?" Billy asked.
"I live here."
"You do?" He asked shocked. "Sorry, I thought this was Miss Thatchers home."
Elizabeth got up from the settee and went over and stood next to Jack.
Eizabeth looked at Billy disapprovingly but he only seemed to ignore her disapproval.
"Elizabeth, I've been looking for you…" Billy said trying to step further into the house but Jack held him back from doing so.
Billy took hold of Elizabeth's wrist and tried to guide her out of the house.
"Take your hands off my wife!" Jack said defending Elizabeth and he took Billy by force and shoved him out of the house.
Elizabeth stood in the door way and watched the two men.
"Your wife?" Billy asked shocked as Jack grabbed Billy's arms behind his back and pushed him down the steps of the porch.
"Yes my wife, how dare you approach her like that."
At that moment Rosemary came rushing out of her row house. She saw the two men and then rushed over to Elizabeth's side.
"I didn't know she was married." Billy said trying to defend himself as he struggled to get free.
"And you think that's an appropriate way to act around any woman, whether married or not? You disgust me." Jack angrily stated. "I'm taking you in."
"What for, you haven't got anything against me."
"Break in entering and for harassment of my wife."
"Harassment?" Billy smirked.
"Yes, we've been on the lookout for you since yesterday when you showed up at the Church. Now you've turned up here you've made it easier for me to extradite you."
"Elizabeth, wait here with Rosie. I won't be long." He said looking back at Elizabeth while still holding his grasp on Billy.
Rosemary wrapped her arm protectively around Elizabeth and the two women watched Jack force Billy to walk into town.
Back at the jail…
"When I saw her yesterday she never told me she was married." Billy stated as Jack shoved him through the front door of the jail.
"Our personal life is none of your business." Jack said trying to stay calm. He knew Billy was trying to taunt him with his words.
"Maybe not, but you'd think a lady would inform a gentleman she was married if she knew he was trying to pursue her."
Jack turned Billy around and looked him in the face.
"Firstly, Elizabeth and I both know you're anything but a gentleman, and secondly, don't you dare try to convince me to distrust my wife's actions, because it won't happen."
"It seems you did steal her heart, or maybe I should say she stole yours."
"I didn't steal her heart Billy, she gave it to me willingly." Jack stated before hitting Billy square in the face.
Billy stumbled somewhat surprised and Jack grabbed him and threw him into the jail cell.
"And if you say another word you won't be getting supper tonight." Jack said angrily.
Jack locked the cell door and Billy sat down on the bed, wincing as he touched his face where Jack had made contact.
"I'll be back later." Jack stated and he exited the jail and slammed the door behind him.
Back at the row house…
Jack opened the front door of the row house and saw Elizabeth and Rosemary sitting on the settee.
Both women rose as they saw him enter the room. Elizabeth rushed over to Jack and embraced him.
"I think I'll leave." Rosemary quietly stated to Jack who was the only one who noticed her.
"Thank you Rosie." He replied quietly and Rosemary nodded knowingly before she made her way out of the house.
Jack took Elizabeth's hand and guided her over to the settee where they both sat down.
"Are you alright?" He asked her while wiping the tears from her cheek with his thumb.
Elizabeth nodded.
"I was worried about you."
"I'm fine Elizabeth, Billy's locked away now." He said wrapping an arm around her and she rested her head on his shoulder.
"Jack you're hurt." Elizabeth said noticing blood on his fist.
"It's nothing. It's you I'm worried about."
Elizabeth ran her fingers over Jack's red sore fist before bringing his hand up to her lips and he gave her a smile.
"You don't need to worry about me." Elizabeth stated.
"How can I not? You're my wife Elizabeth."
"You've captured Billy so I'm safe now."
"It scared me when he grabbed you."
"I noticed. You went into protective Mountie mode very quickly." She said grinning.
"I think it was more protective husband mode than Mountie." Jack said smiling.
"I know it sounds crazy but I like that."
"I remember a time when the last thing you wanted was protection from your Constable."
"That was a long time ago, before I knew the man who wears the constable's uniform, and now I'm glad he's my husband."
Jack smiled and his dimples showed. He wrapped his arms around Elizabeth before pulling her onto his lap.
"And I'm glad I got to know the Hamilton socialite turned school teacher who made her own way out to the frontier."
Elizabeth leaned in and kissed her husband.
"I'm glad I got to know you as I couldn't imagine ever wanting to spend the rest of my life with anyone but you Elizabeth."
"You'd likely still be waiting for the Mounties to be issuing you a wife?" Elizabeth queried jokingly.
"Quite possibly, and that would never happen." He said laughing. "But if it had, I know I wouldn't have loved her anywhere near half as much as I do you."
"Good, because I love you Constable Thornton, and I'm looking forward to spending the rest of our lives together."
Elizabeth wrapped her arm around his shoulder and leant in and kissed him before pulling back and resting her forehead on his.
"I'm looking forward to seeing what our future brings also." He whispered while looking into her eyes.
To be continued…