Hi Hearties,
I really hope you're enjoying my fic, please let me know if you are!
I also hope you sometimes notice my references to past episodes (sometimes I quote a line here or there or I hint back to a scene) I hope you're picking them up!
I hope you're enjoying the drama I've added with Billy Hamilton. It has been somewhat satisfying writing Jack and Elizabeth putting him in his place lol.
Happy reading Hearties. I hope you enjoy it.
Chapter 8
Jack stood at the stove flipping pancakes as he waited for Elizabeth to come downstairs.
"Have you finally decided what to wear to Church this morning?" Jack called out.
"Finally?" Elizabeth said as she stood at the top of the stairs with her hands on her hips and a smirk on her face.
Jack shrugged his shoulders, momentarily not knowing what to say without getting himself into further trouble.
"You always look beautiful whatever you wear." He said after a moment while giving her a smile.
She removed her hands from her hips and smiled as she made her way down the stairs.
He noticed how quickly her mood changed and sighed with relief.
"You're very sweet Jack." She said giving him a kiss on the cheek. "It's our first Church service together as a married couple though, I want to look nice."
"You always look nice. Whatever you wear, or don't wear…"
"Jack Thornton!" Elizabeth replied gently hitting his upper arm as she blushed.
"Well, it is true." He said pulling her into his arms.
Elizabeth looked into Jack's eyes which she noticed had softened. She then gazed down at his lips before leaning in to kiss him. He returned the kiss and pulled her in closer.
"Jack, the pancakes!" Elizabeth called out as she noticed the pan next to them starting to smoke.
Jack grabbed the fry pan and hurried out the back door.
When he returned he found Elizabeth laughing.
"I'm glad it wasn't me this time."
"Well you did distract me." Jack said somewhat defensively.
"You were the one who started the distracting."
"Well it is hard to concentrate sometimes when you're around Elizabeth."
"Really?" She asked and he nodded and they both laughed.
"So how about toast for breakfast?" Jack asked.
"Sounds good to me."
An hour later in town
Jack and Elizabeth walked down the main road hand in hand.
"I need to go in and check on Billy. How about you go in to Abigail's and I'll meet you there soon?"
"Alright." Elizabeth said and Jack kissed her on the cheek.
They reluctantly let go of each other's hand and went their separate ways.
Elizabeth headed into to the café. She noticed the closed sign up on the door but knew Abigail was likely inside.
"Hello Mrs Thornton." Cody called out as he exited the kitchen.
"Hello Cody."
"If you're looking for Mum, she's already gone to Church."
"I was actually. Would you like to walk with me and Mountie Jack to Church then?" She offered.
"I would but Robert said he'd come find me so we could walk to Church together."
"Alright, don't you boys be late."
Cody nodded.
"I can walk you out if you like Mrs Thornton?" Cody politely offered.
"You're quite the little gentleman Cody, I would be delighted if you walked me out."
"You're welcome." He said as he stood tall and offered his arm to his teacher.
Elizabeth took Cody's arm and she smiled to herself as they headed out of the cafe and onto the porch.
"Thank you Cody. I'll see you soon."
"You sure will Miss Thatch… Mrs Thornton."
Elizabeth headed over to the jail in search of Jack, she entered the front door and looked around and noticed he wasn't there.
"I didn't think that Constable of yours would allow you in here with me here." Billy called out from his cell.
Elizabeth looked over at Billy a little surprised at first and then glared over at him.
"Jack's not here?" She asked choosing to ignore Billy's taunting.
"Nope, so you don't know where he is either? You look mighty pretty to be going out like that without the Constable."
"I'm on my way to Church." Elizabeth said defensively.
"Alone? I hope you and the Mountie haven't parted because of me."
"You have quite the ego don't you Billy. You really think you could come between me and Jack?" Elizabeth stated now quite irritated with Billy.
"There was a time where I did once, remember."
"That was a long time ago. Before I saw through your lies, and before I really knew Jack." She said defensively.
Billy shrugged.
"I can't imagine what you'd see in him. It must that red serge."
"You don't come close to being half the man Jack is, and why I love him is none of your business." Elizabeth said glaring at him while keeping her distance from the jail cell.
Meanwhile out the front of Abigail's Café
"Cody, have you seen Mrs Thornton?" Jack asked as he passed the café.
"She said she was heading over to the Church." Cody replied while throwing his baseball up in the air and then catching it.
"Great, thanks. I hope we will see you at Church soon?"
"Sure will Mountie Jack."
Jack gave Cody a nod and then headed off towards the Church.
Jack walked into the Church where a small number of the congregation had started to arrive. He spotted Abigail and walked up to her.
"Hi Abigail. Have you seen Elizabeth? I was meant to meet her at your place."
"No I haven't. Is she alright?"
"Other than the issues with Billy Hamilton, yes she's fine."
"But that's worrying you?" Abigail asked concerned.
Jack motioned for her to move to the side of the Church where others would not over hear their conversation.
"I am a little Abigail."
Abigail looked at him for a moment and sighed.
"The skunk may have returned but this time the deer is content in knowing the bear will protect her." Abigail said but Jack didn't seem entirely satisfied upon hearing her words.
"Jack, Elizabeth will be fine. Her pride is no longer hurt, and she is proud to have you as her husband. She now knows you protect her out of love. She is not going to worry about Billy as she knows you're around for good." Abigail said before continuing. "Now you're married you will begin to realise that your relationship will in some way be quite a different experience for Elizabeth. She would be more content in your love for her, she knows you are fully committed to her as her husband now. You are her everything." She said trying to reassure Jack. "Forget about the skunk trying to hurt her, because she has, she's only thinking about the bear."
"Thank you Abigail." Jack said giving her an understanding smile. "You're right, but I will sleep better when Billy is out of town."
"You're right in worrying that Billy may try to hurt her, but I know he won't get far with you around, and Elizabeth knows this too." Abigail said with a smile while giving his arm a gentle squeeze.
"Thank you for the reassurance."
"Well you better go off and find your wife. I'm sure she's wondering where you are."
Jack nodded and made his way out of the Church.
Back in town…
Jack walked down the main road as he saw the jail's front door open.
"Elizabeth." He said rushing up to her. "What are you doing here?"
"I was looking for you." She replied as she took Jack's hand.
"Sorry I got caught up with Bill before coming to find you." Jack apologised. "Are you alright? Billy didn't say anything improper, did he?"
"He did, but I told him what I thought." Elizabeth said with confidence.
"I could go in there and speak to him." Jack suggested trying to head in the front door and Elizabeth held his hand not letting him go.
"Jack, it will be fine. It was somewhat therapeutic finally telling him what I think of him."
"Alright. As long as you're alright?" Jack asked making sure once more.
"I promise I am. Let's go to Church."
Jack nodded and took Elizabeth's hand as they made their way down main street and headed for the Church.
"What did Bill have to say?" Elizabeth asked as they walked past the lake.
"I have been putting off telling you but I'm going to have to escort Billy to Cape Fullerton this afternoon."
"This afternoon? It's New Year's Eve tomorrow Jack." Elizabeth said disappointed.
"I know and I'm sorry, but I promise I will be home for the festivities."
"Festivities?" Elizabeth asked puzzled.
"You haven't heard yet? I bumped into Lee earlier, he said he and Rosemary are planning a big bon fire by the lake. Rosie insists it won't be as wonderful as fireworks, but it does sound fun."
"It does." Elizabeth nodded.
"I promise I'll be home in time alright."
"Alright." Elizabeth said with more confidence now and they headed through the Church doors.
During the Church service.
Jack and Elizabeth were seated in a Church pew near the front as Frank took the service. Opal had come over to greet her beloved teacher and Mountie and had taken a seat, squeezing herself in between the two of them.
Elizabeth gave Jack a small smile as she noticed Opal had fallen asleep and was leaning against Jack as she tightly held onto Brownie.
As the service ended Elizabeth brushed the strands of hair out of Opal's face while trying to wake her up.
Opal sat up and smiled up at Elizabeth and then at Jack.
"Opal, since Mountie Jack is going to be out of town tonight, how would you like to come over for that sleepover I promised you? That's if it's alright with your parents."
"Mountie Jack you're going out of town?" Opal asked concerned as she looked up at Jack.
"Yes, but I'll be home tomorrow."
"Oh, that's good." She said sounding cheerier before looking back over at Elizabeth. "I would love to have a sleepover!" She said sounding rather excited now. "As long as Brownie can come too."
"Of course. I would be delighted to have the both of you over." Elizabeth replied with a smile. "How about we go find your parents?"
The three of them got up from the pew and started to make their way towards the back of the Church.
"Oh Elizabeth, how are you doing? I've been so worried about you since that incident with Billy Hamilton." Rosemary asked.
"I'm fine Rosemary. Jack will be escorting Billy to Cape Fullerton this afternoon."
"Oh dear, well if you need anything you know I'm right next door." Rosemary reminded her as she placed her hand on Elizabeth's arm.
"Brownie and I will be looking after Mrs Thornton tonight." Opal piped up.
"That's sweet dear. Mrs Thornton is blessed to have all you children caring about her." Rosemary said looking down at Opal while giving her a smile.
"It looks like your baby is coming soon Miss Rosemary." Opal stated honestly, in the way only a child can.
"Hopefully not too soon." Rosemary said placing her hand on her stomach.
"Let's go find your parents now Opal." Elizabeth said as she gave Rosemary a smile.
A few hours later back at Jack and Elizabeth's row house…
Jack pulled on his red serge as he got ready to head off to Cape Fullerton.
"Here don't forget this." Elizabeth said handing him some food she'd prepared earlier.
Jack gave her a small smile and took hold of the bag she held out.
"Promise me we'll say our goodbyes here. I don't want you coming to the jail and being faced with seeing Billy again." Jack said with concern in his voice and Elizabeth nodded.
"I'll miss you." He said while placing his hand on the side of her face.
"I'll miss you too." She said as she leant into his hand and her eyes started to well up.
"I promise I'll be back tomorrow, it will only be one day." He said trying to console her.
"One day away from you feels like a week."
"I understand. I'm sorry Elizabeth, you know I have to go."
"Be safe" She whispered and Jack held up her hand and kissed the rings on her finger.
Jack then picked up his bag and headed out the front door and Elizabeth followed him.
She stood in the doorway and he turned around to face her.
"I want you to know that all I'll be thinking about is getting back to you."
Elizabeth smiled between her tears and Jack leaned in and kissed her.
He then back away before making his way down the porch steps.
"Jack." Elizabeth called out and he turned around once more. "I love you."
"I love you too."
Jack then headed off towards town, he didn't look back as he knew it would be too hard to see his wife and not return to her side.
A few hours later at the row house…
"Mrs Thornton, Brownie and I are so pleased you invited us for a sleepover."
"You're both welcome, I love having you here. It's getting late though, I think you should go up and get your night clothes on."
"Alright." Opal replied and she ran up the stairs and into the spare room.
Elizabeth sighed, Opal was a welcome distraction but it was hard not having Jack around, especially so soon after the wedding and honeymoon.
She then heard a brief knock and before she could reach the front door Rosemary entered.
"I hear you have a guest, and I thought you might need cheering up so I bought cake." Rosemary said and Elizabeth gave her a smile.
"Oh, Miss Rosemary! Is it chocolate cherry cake? Cause that's my favourite!" Opal exclaimed as she rushed down the stairs.
"It just so happens it is dear." Rosemary said placing the cake down on the table.
"Oh, thank you Miss Rosemary. Can we please have a piece now Mrs Thornton?"
"Well since this is a special occasion, yes, why not."
Elizabeth got out a knife and three plates and they all sat around the kitchen table.
"When I get older I'm going to marry a Mountie." Opal randomly exclaimed as Elizabeth served her a piece of cake.
"Before you make your decision you may want to reconsider." Rosemary informed her.
"Why would I want to do that?" Opal asked puzzled.
"It's a hard life having a Mountie in the family." Rosemary said reminiscing of days gone by when her own Father was away. "It's nice knowing I have a husband who will be coming home every night."
"Mrs Thornton does miss Mountie Jack an awful lot." Opal said looking at Rosemary and then over to Elizabeth.
Elizabeth gave Opal a small smile.
"She does, but you know what Opal, sometimes you can't help who you fall in love with. So if you fall in love with a Mountie and he's in love with you then it's meant to be."
Elizabeth gave Rosemary a smile.
"Rosemary is right. It's difficult being married to a Mountie but being in love makes it easy to be married to Jack."
Opal nodded and continued eating her cake.
"Maybe we should put Brownie aside, we don't want to have to give him a bath." Elizabeth said noticing Opal with chocolate cake smeared all over her hands and face. She carefully took Brownie off Opal's lap and sat him on the other side of the table.
"Children, they're adorable, but they're such sticky little things."
"You better get used to it. In a few weeks from now you'll have one of your own." Elizabeth reminded her, and Rosemary gave her a smile.
New Year's Eve
Elizabeth sat on the front porch of the row house and eagerly waited for Jack to return. It was late afternoon and she worried he wouldn't make it back in time for New Years. She looked out towards the lake and noticed the men from the timber mill building up a huge bon fire.
"He will be her soon." Lee said.
Elizabeth turned to see Lee and Rosemary next door out on their porch.
"We are going to head over now. Would you like to join us?" Lee asked.
"Sure." Elizabeth replied as she wrapped her shawl up over her shoulders and made her way down the porch steps.
Down by the lake.
"Jack still not here?" Abigail asked and Elizabeth nodded 'no'. "It's harder now being that you're married, isn't it?"
"If you'd asked me a week ago I wouldn't have been able to believe that, but yes, it is." Elizabeth said before continuing. "It was so unbelievably hard when Jack went away to the Northern Territories, but now we're married and he's only gone for a day… I can't even explain it."
"Elizabeth, you've both only just gotten married, and you're much more emotionally, mentally and physically entwined now. It's understandable that it's difficult for you both to be apart, if only for a day."
Elizabeth nodded and Abigail gave her a hug.
After a moment Elizabeth looked up over Abigail's shoulder and saw someone riding into town. The rider clearly had on a red serge and Elizabeth knew it had to be Jack.
Abigail turned to follow Elizabeth's gaze.
"You go, I'm sure he's missed you as much as you have him."
Elizabeth hurried off in Jack's direction. Jack had clearly spotted her in the distance and rode in faster. Before Jack reached her, he jumped off his horse and hurried over to his wife. He pulled Elizabeth into his arms and swung her around.
"Sorry I'm so late…" He started but he was interrupted by Elizabeth placing kisses on his cheek and then lips.
"Don't be sorry, I'm just glad you're here." She exclaimed and he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her in for a more passionate kiss this time. The kiss lingered and eventually they pulled apart somewhat breathless.
"I missed you Jack."
"I missed you too."
"I was starting to get worried."
"I thought you might. I had some paper work to fill in this morning before I left Cape Fullerton but I tried to get back as soon as I could."
Elizabeth nodded and he took her hand before heading over and taking the reins of his horse.
"Is it awful that I don't want to go back and join everyone else right now? I kind of want you to myself." Elizabeth admitted.
"Not at all. I feel the same. How about we go drop off Sargent at the livery and then we go out for a boat ride."
"Everyone can see us out there." She said looking out at the lake.
"Well it's semi private, and if they saw us head off to the row house they would definitely make presumptions about what we're up to."
"And what sort of presumptions would those be Jack?" She questioned him knowingly.
"Presumptions that would become reality if I were to take you home right now."
"That wouldn't be so bad." Elizabeth stated with a grin.
"No it wouldn't, but I think we should probably join in with the New Year's festivities first."
"You're right. I can wait."
Jack pulled her closer to his side and placed a kiss on her cheek as they headed towards town.
Half an hour later, out on the lake.
"It's quieter out here than I thought it would be." Elizabeth said sitting in the row boat and looking out over Jacks shoulder at the people now gathered by the lake.
" I was hoping we'd get far enough away so no one could hear us."
"You have something to tell me?"
"Just that I want to tell my wife I love her without the whole town overhearing."
"I love you too." Elizabeth said as she leaned over and kissed Jack. The boat slightly wobbled and Jack reached out to steady Elizabeth until the boat settled. In doing so he let go of one of oars and it dropped out the side of the boat.
"Jack, the oar!" Elizabeth exclaimed as she noticed Jack was still busy trying to support her that he hadn't noticed he'd let go of the oar.
Jack started paddling at the water to direct the boat towards the floating oar but it was no use.
Elizabeth tried to stifle a laugh but Jack caught her.
"You were the one who got us into this predicament." He said smiling.
"I'm in trouble now because I kissed you?" She asked laughing.
"Not exactly. You could never be in trouble for that." Jack said and they both grinned at each other.
"Maybe someone will see us." Elizabeth stated as she started waving her arm in the air.
Jack started to row with the one oar they did have, he managed a few meters but wasn't having much success.
"I think Lee's seen us!" Elizabeth exclaimed as she saw Lee starting to head out in another row boat.
Jack sat back in the boat and gave up trying to row.
"Well this didn't go exactly to plan did it." Jack said slightly disappointed.
"No, but I've still enjoyed myself."
"I missed you while I was away. I was hoping we could talk."
"I missed you too, but we have plenty of time to talk later, I'm just happy you're here with me to ring in the New Year."
Lee then came within earshot and first rowed over to grab the oar floating out in the lake. He then made his way over to Jack and Elizabeth's boat and handed Jack the oar.
"Has marriage made the two of you crazy? What on earth are the both of you doing out here in this weather, not to mention it's almost dark."
"We thought we'd just take some time out here." Jack stated.
"I know you just got back from Cape Fullerton Jack but the last thing I was expecting was to rescue you from the middle of the lake. I'll have to say you've certainly given Rosemary something to talk about."
"I'm sure she'll be proud to tell everyone that her husband saved Hope Valley's Constable and his wife from the lake." Jack said with a laugh.
"I'm sure that's not all she'll be saying." Lee said laughing himself as he started to row towards the shore.
"You're probably right." Jack replied as he followed Lee back to the shore.
Once at the side of the lake, Jack jumped out onto the shore before helping Elizabeth out of the boat.
Rosemary had been standing at the shore waiting for them all to return.
"I saw you two canoodling out on the lake." Rosemary stated.
"Canoodling!" Elizabeth stated while blushing.
"Rosie, that was hardly canoodling." Jack said trying to defend himself and Elizabeth.
"Then I'm glad I don't know what you'd consider canoodling." She said bluntly in only the way Rosemary can.
"Rosemary, you're embarrassing the newlyweds." Lee said trying to tone down the conversation.
"Oh Lee, I've known Jack nearly my whole life, and they're married now." She said waving her arm in Jack and Elizabeth's direction.
Lee looked over at Elizabeth and Jack and shrugged his shoulders.
"How about we go see the bon fire. I hear Abigail made marshmallows." Elizabeth said trying to change the topic of conversation.
"Marshmallows?" Jack asked.
"You've never had them? They are amazing, we can toast them on the bon fire." Elizabeth informed him.
"Toast them? I'm not so sure..." Jack replied.
"Elizabeth's right, they are amazing!" Rosemary exclaimed as she took Lee's hand.
Jack nodded and he held Elizabeth's hand and the four of them headed over to the bonfire.
Jack and Elizabeth sat down on a log by the bonfire and Elizabeth rested her head on Jack's shoulder as they gazed into the fire.
Her eyes slowly closed and she tried her hardest to keep them open.
"The warm fire making you dozy?" Jack asked noticing how tired Elizabeth was.
"It's been a busy week. With the honeymoon earlier in the week and then Opal staying over last night. I'm just tired."
"I can take you home if you want?" Jack asked.
"No, I'm fine. I like it here and I want to wait in the New Year with you."
"It's been a big year for us." Jack stated.
"We weren't as patient this year."
"But I don't feel we rushed."
"No, we still enjoyed the time we took." Elizabeth said and they smiled at each other knowingly.
"We did."
"You asked me to marry you."
"And you said 'yes'" Jack said grinning.
"You had to go away..."
"And I came back to you." Jack said as he continued to finish her sentences.
"We got married…"
"And you made me the happiest man in the world."
"Then there was the honeymoon, I think that was my favourite part." Elizabeth said smiling.
"Really?" Jack asked slightly surprised.
"Don't get me wrong, the wedding was beautiful. I loved that we declared our promise to each other publicly in front of our friends, but the honeymoon was just about us. It was something we could share with each other and no one else. You made it so special for me Jack."
"I couldn't have said it better myself. It was special for me too Elizabeth."
Elizabeth smiled and Jack leaned in a placed a gentle kiss on her lips. She then lay her head back down on his shoulder and he wrapped his arm around her a little tighter.
"Have you two newlyweds recovered from your little boat trip?" Abigail asked with a smile as she sat down on the log next to Elizabeth.
"You saw that?" Elizabeth asked.
"I think the whole town did!" Abigail exclaimed and Elizabeth winced at the thought. "You've certainly given everyone something to talk about."
"Lee certainly did save the day." Jack said and they all shared a laugh.
Abigail held out a plate to Elizabeth and Jack that she was holding on to. "Marshmallow?"
Jack looked reluctantly at the offering with a furrowed brow.
"Have I ever given you reason not to like my cooking?" Abigail asked.
"I guess not." He said as he took one and tried it. "They're good. I'm not so sure about this roasting idea I've heard of though."
"Well I'm going to roast mine." Elizabeth said. "I'm going to go find a stick."
"I'll leave you to it then. It's almost midnight and I haven't seen Cody for a while, I better go find out where he is."
Abigail headed off and Elizabeth got up from the log and Jack followed her, she found a stick nearby and stuck her marshmallow on the end.
"Here let me do that for you." Jack offered.
"I can…" Elizabeth started but realised there really was no need to protest and she handed the stick over to Jack.
"I know you can." He said giving her a smile.
He found a safe area near the bon fire and held the stick in the fire, it quickly lit up and he pulled it out from the fire.
He held it up and Elizabeth quickly blew out the flames.
"You're really going to eat that? It looks a little black."
"It's meant to be." She said as she took the stick off Jack and tried some. "Come on, be a little adventurous." She said offering him some.
He cautiously leant over and ate what was left on the stick.
"It's alright."
"Only alright?" She asked.
"It's a little sweet."
"It's meant to be, it's mostly sugar."
"Well I have enough sweetness in my life already." Jack said leaning over and placing a kiss on Elizabeth's cheek and she smiled at him.
"It's almost midnight everyone!" They heard Rosemary call out.
Jack and Elizabeth held each-others gaze as they heard the crowd in the background count down the New Year.
"I think we're going to have a good year." Elizabeth stated.
"I know we are, and I know a perfect way to ring in the New Year." He said as he wrapped his arms around his wife.
"How's that?" Elizabeth asked knowingly as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Like this." Jack said and he leaned in and kissed his wife.
To be continued…
Hope you enjoyed reading
The wedding, honeymoon, Christmas and New Year's are over but I still have plenty of ideas flowing so I intend to keep this fic going, at least until Season 5 starts. I need to write to save my sanity, the wait for Season 5 is driving me crazy!
BTW, marshmallows did exist in the US in the early 1900's! (I did my research ) So I'm guessing they did in Canada also. I'm not so sure they roasted them though but since this is fiction I thought I'd just throw it in anyway.