Elizabeth made her way over to Jack who was sitting at her desk. She placed a hand on his shoulder as she peered over to see what he was doing.

"That's beautiful Jack." She said as she looked over his sketch.

She noticed it was a painting of the Church overlooking the pond. She peered further over Jack's shoulder at the area in which he was working and noticed what looked like a Mountie and a young lady with an umbrella sitting in a row boat.

"Jack Thornton!" Elizabeth exclaimed as her mind came to a realisation.

"What?" He said sitting back in his chair. "I thought you'd like it." He said somewhat surprised at her reaction.

"Like it? It was an entirely fictitious portrait when you painted us… that first time." She exclaimed as her mind reeled back to a time four years ago.

"Oh… so you know?" He said grinning as he realised she wasn't talking about the painting in front of him.

"Yes I know Jack! It was your handy work that painted that tiny likeness of us on the Founder's Day back drop, wasn't it?"

Elizabeth noticed the grin on Jack's face and he gave himself away entirely.

"I can't believe I didn't realise this sooner."

Jack shrugged and placed his hands on her waist before pulling her down onto his lap.

"I only painted it because even back then I wanted to do this." He said as he leaned in a gently kissed her.

"Even back then?" Said asked, her voice softening as she looked into his eyes.

Jack nodded.

"You didn't want to then?" He questioned her.

"Yes, I definitely did." She admitted as she thought about how even prior to that day she had desired to kiss him.

"But it would have been highly inappropriate at the time." She continued.

"Maybe if I'd been clear of my intentions to court you sooner it wouldn't have been."

"I was such a lady, I think I still would have been surprised if you'd kissed me back then."

"Was?" Jack asked with a smile. "You still are quite the lady."

"You know what I mean." She said looking at him and smiling. "There are certain ways a single lady should behave before and during courtship." She said sitting up straighter while trying to explain herself without much avail.

"Well I'm glad we're past that stage, and you are still my lady, bella" Jack said wrapping his arms around her waist and she leaned her back onto his chest and smiled.

She recalled back to the time he'd called her bella many years ago. Maybe he had been more intentional in wanting to court her than she'd initially thought at the time. She smiled thinking about it and Jack felt her smile as their cheeks touched as she leaned back into him.

"Why the smile?" He asked.

"I was just thinking about when you last called me that."

"It was rather bold of me wasn't it."

"It did take me by surprise, but I liked it." She said admittingly and Jack smiled.

She looked down at the painting again and studied the picture of them in the boat.

"I can't wait till the weather warms up. Then we can go out on the boat more often."

"Me too. But for now, there's other ways we can keep warm." Jack said as he gently placed a finger under her chin and tilted it so she was facing him, and he placed a gentle kiss on her lips.

An hour later in Lee Coulter's office.

Rosemary made her way into Lee's office and headed behind his desk to where he was sitting.

She placed a gentle arm on his back as he was caught up in a sea of paperwork. He noticed her touch and looked up at his wife and gave her a smile.

"How's my little squidget going?" Lee said touching Rosemary's stomach as he talked to their baby.

"Oh, Lee. You and that name." Rosemary said as she gently swatted him on the shoulder.

"You have to admit it's more endearing on a baby."

Rosemary nodded but the look on her face didn't assure him that she was entirely convinced.

"Sweetheart, you do know we need to come up with an actual name for the baby." Lee said more seriously as he looked up at her.

She nodded but the discussion was broken as a man entered Lee's office.

Lee stood and nodded at the man before looking back at Rosemary.

"Rosie sweetheart, I need to get back to work. I'll come find you soon and take you out to lunch alright?"

Rosemary smiled at Lee and nodded, she felt content in knowing Lee would spend time with her later.

She made her way out and nodded at the man in greeting as she made her way out. She exited the front door and closed it behind her before heading out onto the street.

"Jack, Elizabeth!" She called as she saw them across the street and she hurried over to them.

Jack and Elizabeth turned their heads as they recognised Rosemary's voice calling out.

"Oh Elizabeth, you're looking a little under the weather. Maybe it was that boat trip out on the lake the other night?" Rosemary stated with concern in her voice.

Rosemary was unsurprisingly brutally honest, but Elizabeth knew she meant well.

"I think I just need to catch up on my sleep from New Years." Elizabeth replied as Jack supportively gave his wife's hand a squeeze

"Well I hope you get some rest." Rosemary said as she gave Elizabeth a smile.

"We're heading to the café for lunch, just having a quiet day."

"Well I hope you newlyweds enjoy your time together." Rosemary said giving them both a smile.

"We will Rosie." Jack said.

Rosemary gave them both a smile and headed over to Dottie's apparel as Jack and Elizabeth made their way to the café.

"I'm sorry, I knew I shouldn't have taken you out to our land and then in the row boat the other night. It's been really cold." Jack apologised, now worrying about Elizabeth.

"Jack, I'll be fine, I just need to catch up on a little sleep." She said and placed her hand over her mouth as she wearily yawned. She rested her head on the side of Jack's upper arm and they continued walking.

"Ok, but after lunch we'll head home, and you can have a rest. I think I could do with a nap myself."

She nodded in agreement, she knew Jack was speaking out of concern and she was too tired to protest.

"I just need to grab something from the jail. Can I meet you at Abigail's?" Jack asked, and she quietly nodded.

Jack kissed her on the cheek and hurried off towards the jail leaving Elizabeth not far from the Café.

Elizabeth walked slowly towards the café, not paying much attention to anything.

"Elizabeth?" A somewhat familiar voice called, and she looked up.

"Charles?" She asked in shock and she stopped dead in her tracks. "What are you doing here?"

"Your Father sent me here, we have more business dealings with Lee Coulter."

"I hope he didn't send you to check up on me."

"Certainly not, but I did hope I would run into you." Charles replied.

Elizabeth quietly nodded as she wrapped her shawl tighter around her shoulders. She wasn't sure of what else to say to Charles, their last encounter had been when he had proposed, and that had certainly ended awkwardly.

"I'm sorry if things are awkward between us Elizabeth. I do so hope we can still be friends?" Charles said trying to meet her gaze as he noticed her averting her eyes.

She nodded, unsure of what to think of his intentions.

"Now isn't a good time Charles. I'm about to have lunch with Jack."

"The Mountie?"

"Yes."

"Would you consider having lunch with me sometime before I leave?"

"I'm not so sure Charles."

"We're old friends, there's no harm in that." He said reaching out for her arm but she backed away.

"Charles." She said with a warning tone.

"Not even for old times' sake Elizabeth? Surely I could be better company than that Mountie." He said reaching out and taking her forearm.

"That Mountie is my husband, and I'd appreciate it if you took your hands off me." She said in a much sterner voice now.

"Oh, I didn't realise." Charles stated as he slightly backed off.

Jack noticed the altercation from the porch of the jail. His blood boiled and he hurried towards Elizabeth and Charles.

Elizabeth turned as she noticed Jack by her side. He reached down and took her hand in his. Relief washed over her, and she was pleased to have Jack by her side.

"Is everything ok here?" Jack asked.

Neither Charles or Elizabeth spoke so he continued.

"I'd appreciate it if you kept your hands-off Elizabeth." Jack said sternly while looking at Charles.

"Yes. We're just old friends catching up." Charles said trying to smooth things over.

"I think it was a little more than that." Jack said as Elizabeth gave his hand a squeeze.

"Charles, can you please just leave." Elizabeth pleaded as she didn't want the altercation between them to escalate.

Jack protectively wrapped his arm around Elizabeth as he felt rather possessive of her, and it somewhat surprised him.

"I thought we were going to catch up?" Charles queried.

"I don't think that's a good idea." Elizabeth stated.

"You've changed your mind now he's here?"

"I never agreed on anything Charles, just leave."

"I think you better listen to my wife." Jack said while letting go of Elizabeth before he took a step towards Charles.

Charles stood his ground and looked over at Elizabeth. In defence Jack stood in front of Elizabeth to shield her and Charles was forced to meet his eyes.

"If you're not going to listen to her, then I'll make sure you'll listen to me." Jack insisted.

"What, you'll lock me up in that jail of yours?"

"If that's what it comes to, but I'd strongly advise you to leave now."

"Alright." Charles said backing off. "I'll see you later Elizabeth."

"No, you won't Charles. If you can't show any respect to Jack, then we can't be friends." She boldly informed him.

"I'm sorry it's come to that." Charles said, and he headed off, making his way down the street.

Jack held out his arm offering it to Elizabeth and she took it as they made their way to the Café.

"I am so furious with that man." Elizabeth said once Charles was out of earshot.

"I don't think you'd want to know what I think of him."

"Jack, if you're angry with him I understand." Elizabeth stated. "I do have childhood memories with Charles, and due to that it is somewhat disappointing it's come to this. He really is in the past though Jack. If he's not going to respect you or our marriage, then I don't want him to be a part of our lives."

Jack nodded and felt relieved at hearing her words.

"I think I'm a little more than angry at him though." Jack admitted.

"Are you jealous?" She said detecting a semblance of possible jealousy in his face.

"Maybe a little, I do certainly start to worry while his around."

"Jack, we're married now, there's no need to worry." She stated somewhat surprised.

"I know, and I'm so content in knowing that you're my wife." He said while reaching his hand up to her cheek and tucking a loose tendril of hair behind her ear. "I'm glad you stood up to him on my behalf. I have to admit though, whenever I see that man it makes my blood boil. He is obviously still trying to pursue you, I saw the way he reached out to you. It made me feel a little possessive, seeing him touch you like that."

Elizabeth smiled, she liked the thought that she was his. She certainly didn't want any other man touching her and it was endearing to know that Jack was so protective of her.

"I'm glad you showed up in time Jack." She said while placing a gentle kiss on his cheek to thank him.

"What are Mountie's for?" He asked with a grin.

"I like to think of you more as my husband." She said smiling at him.

"I do too." He said taking her hand again.

"In all seriousness though, Charles knows I don't want him in my life, in our life Jack, hopefully that will be the last we see of him. And you have no need to worry, I am yours Jack. No one could ever take me away from you."

Jack smiled at Elizabeth before he looked around the street to see if anyone was around. He held her hand and pulled her up the steps and leant her back on the wall of the cafe.

"I love you bella" He said whispering into her ear.

Upon hearing his words, she blushed and felt as if her heart was melting.

"I love you too sweetheart." She whispered back.

Jack looked into her eyes before he leaned into her and his lips found hers. Their kiss lingered slightly longer than what was appropriate for being in public. Jack couldn't resist though as he noticed the desire she had for him in the way she kissed him back.

"I'm glad I can still make you do that." He said pulling back and noticing the pink in her cheeks. He placed a hand on the side of her cheek and caressed it as she smiled.

"So, are you two lovebirds coming in for lunch or not?" Abigail called out from the front door of the café.

Jack and Elizabeth broke out of their reverie as they heard Abigail's voice and they looked over at her. Elizabeth averted her eyes and blushed a deeper shade as she realised their friend had caught them in a private moment together.

Jack took Elizabeth's hand and they headed over to Abigail.

"Come on you two, I'm so glad you're here." Abigail said smiling as she ushered them into the Cafe.

Back in Lee's office

"Lee, I am not comfortable with that man you had in here earlier." Rosemary said storming into his office.

"Charles? He's in town for business."

"You didn't see him out there on the street with Elizabeth!" Rosemary exclaimed.

"He does know her from Hamilton Rosie." Lee said calmly, trying to settle her down.

"They weren't just talking Lee. He was actively trying to pursue her, and all I can say is that thankfully Jack showed up, otherwise I was going to go over there and speak my mind."

"Maybe that wasn't his intention Rosie. Whatever did happen, I am surely glad Jack did show up, for more reason than one."

"Well that man certainly has a nerve!" Rosemary exclaimed as she forged ahead in agitation over the way she had seen Charles approach Elizabeth.

"Excuse me?" Charles said as he overheard while entering Lee's office.

"Well here he is now. Mr…" Rosemary stammered as she tried to recall Charles name. "Mr fancy pants from Hamilton."

Charles raised an eyebrow and looked at Rosemary.

"Yes I mean you." She exclaimed.

"Rosie..." Lee said as he stood up from behind his desk and tried to intervene before his wife continued to say anything improper. His words went unnoticed though and he realised it was already too late to stop her. He certainly knew there was no stopping Rosemary Coulter when she had something to say.

"You should know better, treating Elizabeth like that!" Rosemary continued as she glared at Charles.

"I don't think that is any of your business." Charles said, his voice stern but calm.

"It certainly is my business!" Rosemary exclaimed. "Jack and Elizabeth are my friends. How dare you do that to Elizabeth! And the way you disregard their marriage like that!" Rosemary said shaking her head at him.

"Well if you're going to be like that I'll take my business elsewhere."

"You just do that!" Rosemary said threateningly, she was glad to hear that Charles would be leaving. Lee walked from behind his desk and made his way over to Rosemary's side.

Charles looked at Lee for a response.

"You heard my wife. We're not interested in your business Charles. I'm sure Elizabeth's Father wouldn't be too impressed to hear how you've treated her."

"Is that a threat?" Charles asked imposingly.

"No it is not, I wouldn't stoop that low. But I am sure the news will get back to William Thatcher without me having to inform him. He's also not going to be happy when he finds out you've been turned down business by the town his daughter resides in."

Charles knew Lee was right and he stormed out of the office without saying anything further.

"Oh Lee." Rosemary exclaimed as she was proud Lee supported her stance and had stood up to Charles.

She wrapped her arms around her husband's neck and placed a quick kiss on his lips. Lee grinned and looked at Rosemary, he noticed how excited she was by the twinkle in her eyes and he leaned in and placed his lips on hers once more.

Back at Abigail's Cafe

Elizabeth sat in the kitchen as she watched Abigail tidy up the last of the mess from the lunch rush.

"I'm sorry I can't help Abigail, I'm just so exhausted." Elizabeth said placing her head in her hands and she rested her elbows on the bench.

"Too many late nights?" Abigail asked slyly looking over at Elizabeth.

"Oh…no, well...yes, but I don't think it's that." She said admittedly, While slightly embarassed.

"You're not…" Abigail said coaxingly.

"Not what?" Elizabeth asked not having a clue what Abigail was asking.

"Pregnant…" Abigail encouragingly suggested.

"Surely not, I mean it's too soon." Elizabeth said as Abigail took her by surprise. It wasn't something she'd considered.

"Elizabeth you're married. It's never too soon."

"I know, but… really? You think so?"

"I know so." Abigail stated with certainty.

"You're that sure?" Elizabeth asked shocked now.

"You've been tired and feeling unwell for days now Elizabeth. The last time you were here you came storming in, devastated after Jack had shown you the beginnings of your new house! You were upset over the fact he was planning to build you a new wardrobe. I'm sorry to say, but you were being somewhat irrational. He certainly had honourable intentions and you reacted very emotionally."

"I was pretty emotional that day…" Elizabeth said recalling.

"Elizabeth, I've seen this enough times over the years that I feel it's pretty safe to say you're pregnant. I know you, and I'm closer to you than any of the other women in this town that I've helped with their pregnancies. I'm quite sure that something is going on with you and I'm certain it's pregnancy."

"Really?" Elizabeth asked as she hesitated to accept the thought. She felt she could only entertain the idea if she certainly knew it was true.

Abigail nodded, and Elizabeth smiled.

"You're going to have a baby." Abigail said taking her into her arms for a hug.

Abigail's bolder statement now knocked the reality into her and her excitement grew.

"I don't know how I could have been so oblivious." Elizabeth stated as she hugged Abigail.

"You and Jack are still newlyweds, you both have a lot going on. It's not surprising neither of you took notice." Abigail said while pulling out of the hug and looking at Elizabeth.

"I'm a little surprised." Elizabeth stated somewhat anxiously.

"Elizabeth, you're the best teacher in the world. I see you with your students and I know you're going to make an amazing Mother."

Elizabeth smiled at the idea of becoming a Mother, and of Jack being the Father of their child.

"Now you go find that husband of yours. His likely missing you, and I know your news is going to make him the happiest man in the world."

Elizabeth smiled, thinking over the idea that she was carrying Jacks child and that they would soon be parents.

"Ok, but please don't breathe a word of it to anyone until I've told Jack."

"I wouldn't even think to let anyone know before he found out." Abigail replied. "Now off you go."

Elizabeth exited out the kitchen door and shut the door behind her. She stood in silence outside the door and placed her hands on her stomach and smiled.

Just as she was about to head off she noticed Jack in front of her as he headed in her direction.

"You ready to go home." Jack asked as he smiled and took her hand.

She nodded no, and Jack looked at her puzzled. He could clearly see she was in a good mood by the look on her face, so he was somewhat confused.

"Take a walk with me." Elizabeth asked him, her voice soft and pleading.

"Is there a reason for this walk?" He asked her while grinning.

She nodded excitedly, not wanting to say a word. She squeezed his hand before gently pulling him along with her as they headed off down the main road.

To be continued...

Hi Hearties,

I hope you enjoyed this chapter, would love a to hear from you if you have time. I hope to have another chapter up in a few more days.

Thanks for reading.