Chapter 18

Jack had walked Elizabeth to school that morning before finishing his rounds and was now sitting at his desk in the jail. He sifted through the piles of paper work that had built up.

He heard the front door of the jail open and he looked up and saw his Mother walk in.

"Ma, what are you doing here?" He asked as he stood up.

"What do you mean? You should have known I would pay you a visit as soon as I found out you and Lizzy were having a baby."

Jack walked over to his Mother and gave her hug.

"I'm glad you're here, a bit of notice would have been nice though."

"Oh, I won't bother you, I'll be staying at the Saloon."

"You're not a bother, and you're welcome to stay with us. I know Elizabeth will insist upon it."

"Well if you're sure."

"I am."

"Alright, well it's settled then."

"I am pretty busy and Elizabeth's at school, but you're welcome to make yourself comfortable back at our place, the front door is unlocked."

"You don't lock your doors?"

"Ma, I'm the town Constable, I think I'd know if there was a need to."

"Alright Jack. Well, I'll drop my bags off there now."

"It's the last of the row houses on the right when you head out of town." Jack informed her.

"I know, I've been there. I'll get dinner started before the both of you get home from work."

"Ma, I think Elizabeth would rather cook."

"Nonsense, I'm sure she'd appreciate it. She's pregnant, she can put her feet up."

"Alright you can cook but only under one condition." Jack warned.

"What's that?" Charlotte asked with her hand on her hip.

"You don't use any lard."

"No lard?" She asks shocked.

"Yes, and no excuses." Jack insists. "Elizabeth has really mastered her cooking skills the past couple years and I don't want you upsetting her. She's a little more emotional lately due to the pregnancy."

"But using lard isn't interfering, and as I recall it was you that put your foot in your mouth and upset Elizabeth about her cooking skills the first time I met her."

"Ma, please." Jack pleaded.

"Alright." Charlotte agreed. "I'll see you later."

"You will."

"By the way, what are you doing with your hair? It looks like you haven't cut it since you've been to the Northern Territories."

"Ma!"

"I'm just saying."

"Elizabeth likes it."

Charlotte shrugged but smiled to herself as she left the jail. Jack leaned back in his chair and sighed before he got back to his pile of paper work.

Later that afternoon

Elizabeth made her way home, she was exhausted after the long school day. She walked in the front door of the row house and found Charlotte standing at the stove.

"Mrs Thornton?" Elizabeth asked somewhat surprised.

"What's this Mrs Thornton business? You're my daughter in law now Lizzy, you can call me Ma." Charlotte insisted as she headed over towards Elizabeth.

The two women hugged as Elizabeth stood there still somewhat in shock.

"Jack's told me I could stay here, I hope that's alright?" Charlotte asked.

"Yes, of course it is." Elizabeth said giving her a smile.

"I only plan to be here a few days, I hope to be of help, not a hindrance."

"Well thank you, but what brings you to Hope Valley?"

"You and Jack of course, and because I heard I have a little Grandchild on the way." Charlotte exclaimed.

Elizabeth and Charlotte shared a smile.

The front door opened, and the two women looked over to see Jack entering the house.

"Jack, you didn't tell me your Mother was coming to visit."

"I didn't know myself until she showed up a couple of hours ago." He said as he shut the door behind him and headed over to the two women.

Jack gave Elizabeth a smile and Charlotte noticed the small exchange between the two of them.

"So, what's for supper?" Jack asked as he looked over at the stove.

"Shepherd's Pie, without the lard." Charlotte informed him.

Jack and Elizabeth shared a worried look as Charlotte looked over at the stove.

"Well I have to say I'm glad I won't have to cook tonight." Elizabeth said.

"That's exactly the reason I thought I should get supper started."

"You really didn't have to." Elizabeth said trying not to be too insistent.

"It's my pleasure."

Jack, Elizabeth and Charlotte all sat down for supper. Jack and Elizabeth struggled through part of their pepper filled Shepherd's Pie as best they could so as not to disappoint Charlotte.

"I will clean up and then turn in for the night. I had a long ride last night to get here today." Charlotte informed them.

"We appreciate it Ma, but I keep reminding you, you should get the Stage Coach."

"Nonsense, I can just as easily ride myself."

Charlotte got up from the table and started tidying the kitchen as Jack and Elizabeth shared a look.

Once Charlotte was done, she said goodnight and started to head up stairs to the spare room.

"Let me know if there's anything I can get you." Elizabeth informed Charlotte.

"I will, but I'm sure I have everything I need. Goodnight."

"Goodnight." Jack and Elizabeth said in unison.

"I'm starving." Exclaimed Jack as soon as he noticed his Mother was out of sight.

"Good, because I'm hungry too."

"I'll make us something."

Jack headed into the kitchen and started putting some sandwiches together.

"Am I really as bad of a cook as your Mother?" Elizabeth asked sounding concerned.

"Definitely not, you've certainly improved. Even in the past when you didn't have as much success with your cooking, at least you were only burning things, not adding unusual ingredients like lard and pepper."

Jack wrapped his arm around her and placed a quick kiss on her lips. "You tried so hard with your cooking skills, and I love your cooking now, I promise."

Elizabeth gave him a small smile as she felt relieved upon hearing his words.

"Maybe we should have supper at Abigail's tomorrow night though. I think it's going to be difficult to keep my Mother out of the kitchen." Jack said, and she nodded in agreement.

"Her cooking skills aside, I am glad she's here." Elizabeth said.

"Good, because as much as she annoys me at times, I'm glad she's here too."

After eating their sandwiches Jack and Elizabeth headed upstairs to their bedroom and got ready for bed.

"Jack what is this?" Elizabeth asked as she noticed a bookcase against the wall in their bedroom.

"A bookcase."

"I see that, but where did it come from?"

"I made it. I brought it in here this morning while you were at school to surprise you. With Ma being here I forgot all about it."

"You made this?" She asked as she bent down and ran her fingers over the wood.

Jack had made the bookcase to match the crib he had bought in Hamilton which he was planning to surprise Elizabeth with when they moved into their new house.

"I made it for the baby." Jack said.

"It's beautiful Jack, I love it, and I love you."

She turned around and faced Jack. He noticed tears glistening in her eyes and she leant over and softly kissed him. She pulled away and he gently placed his hand on her cheek. She leant her face into the palm of his hand and smiled at him.

"I love you too." He replied and then he took her in his arms and placed his lips on hers again.

They broke the kiss and looked into each-others eyes. Jack placed his thumb on her cheek and wiped away the remaining tears.

"You should get some sleep, I know you're tired."

"I am, but are you ready for bed?" She asked hoping he was also ready to turn in for the night.

Jack nodded and they both dressed and got into their night clothes.

Elizabeth lay in the bed as she waited for Jack. A moment later he climbed in and scooted over towards her and lay by her side. He placed his hand on her stomach and she smiled as she knew he was thinking of their baby.

Elizabeth's eyes opened and closed as she felt Jack's hand run gently over her stomach as she tried to fight sleep. He noticed her drowsy state and he stilled his hand and watched her drift off to sleep. He pulled the blanket over the both of them, and switched off the light and went to sleep.

Next morning

Jack headed downstairs and found Elizabeth and his Mother in the kitchen.

He went over to Elizabeth and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

"How did you sleep Ma?"

"Good, once the two of you stopped your chattering."

Elizabeth pierced her lips together and looked over at Jack.

"Don't worry, I couldn't make out most of what you were saying." Charlotte let them know.

"Jack surprised me last night with a bookcase he made for the baby." Elizabeth said deciding to inform Charlotte what they had been discussing the night before.

"My son is quite the romantic, isn't he?"

"He is." Elizabeth said taking Jack's hand and gave him a smile, while Charlotte noticed their exchange.

"I never used to know my boy was such a romantic."

"Ma."

"Well you were never like this with Rosie."

"Ma!" Jack said a little more insistently this time.

"What? You weren't, I thought Lizzy would like to know that."

"It's alright Jack, it is nice to know." Elizabeth told him.

"I know the both of you are good friends with Rosie now, I thought that was all in the past." Charlotte continued.

"It is, Jack's just worrying about me." Elizabeth said as she gave Jack's hand a squeeze as she looked over at him and she tried to reassure him that she wasn't worried about the conversation.

"You're so much like your Pa Jack." Charlotte told him. "You know me though, I'm not really the romantic type. I should have appreciated his charms more while I had the chance. Lizzy though, she's much more receptive of your charms than I ever was with your Pa."

Elizabeth blushed as she heard Charlotte's words. She knew that Jack and her had been somewhat affectionate in front of Charlotte but she didn't realise Charlotte had been so perceptive of it.

Jack noticed Elizabeth's cheeks redden and without thinking he wrapped an arm around her waist to console her. She leaned into his side a little and was thankful, although she was not entirely over her embarrassment.

"Not being more appreciative of your Pa's romanticism, that's one thing I really regret."

"Ma he knew you loved him." Jack said trying to console his Mother.

"Yes, he did." She said knowingly. "But don't the two of you have jobs to get to?" She asked trying to change the subject. Charlotte never saw the point of getting upset about things.

"We do." Jack replied. "Do you have plans for today?"

"I thought I'd head to the Saloon and see if anyone was up for a game of darts. Maybe I'll walk into town with you when you head to the jail." Charlotte suggested.

"Sure, I always stop at the Church first to walk Elizabeth to school." Jack informed her.

"Oh well, I don't want to impose. I'll let you have some time to yourselves."

"Its fine, we'd like for you to join us." Elizabeth informed her.

"No, I'm imposing into your lives enough by staying here."

"You're not imposing Ma, we love having you here." Jack said.

"Either way, I'll make my own way into town." Charlotte insisted.

Later that afternoon

Jack returned home from work and entered the row house. He shut the door behind him and noticed the house was quiet. He then noticed Elizabeth with her head down on her desk fast asleep.

He headed across the room and picked up the blanket from the settee before heading over to Elizabeth. He carefully placed it over her and gave her a gentle kiss on top of the head. She slightly stirred but didn't wake. Jack then headed out of the house and sat out on the front porch.

As he sat he soon noticed his Mother heading towards the row house. He sat quietly until she got closer.

"Elizabeth's asleep at her desk. I think we should leave her until she wakes."

"I'm not surprised, she is pregnant, and she did look quite tired this morning." Charlotte said as she took a seat next to Jack.

"I know you Ma, up at four o'clock every morning. Was Elizabeth up very early with you this morning?"

"She did come down at five. I'm surprised you didn't hear us. Though you and Tom always were heavy sleepers. I'll try to be quieter tomorrow, so I don't disturb her."

Jack nodded as he looked out at the view.

The front door then opened, and Elizabeth made her way out. She looked dozy and her hair was slightly dishevelled from sleep.

"Sweetheart, why don't you go lay down for a while?" Jack said getting up out of his seat.

"I'm fine Jack."

"How about we all go out to Abigail's for supper tonight? Then you have some time to rest before we go?"

"Alright." Elizabeth agreed, as Jack ushered her back into the house in her sleepy state as Charlotte waited out on the porch.

"Are you sure you don't want to take a nap?" He asked again. He headed over to the settee as she looked far too sleepy to be walking around.

"No, I'll wake up soon." She said yawning as she sat down on the settee next to Jack.

She rested her head on Jack's shoulders as she tried to open her eyes and fight against the need for sleep. Jack wrapped his arm over her shoulder and she leant into him and quickly fell back asleep.

A few moments later Charlotte entered the row house and saw Jack and Elizabeth over on the settee. Upon seeing them together she quietly backed out of the house and decided she'd return later.

The next day

Jack had left early that morning to start his rounds, he'd left Elizabeth and his Mother to finish off breakfast together. He had plans to head out to the new house and get some work done, as well as take his Mother along.

"I've noticed Jack's really come out of his shell the past few years, and I think it's because of you." Charlotte said as she sat down next to Elizabeth at the table in the kitchen.

"Me?" Elizabeth asked somewhat surprised.

"Yes, he was a quiet boy when he was younger, then I was so glad he had the confidence to follow in his Father's footsteps and become a Mountie, but I still saw he had some reservations about himself. I see him with you though and I notice how he's really grown."

"It's kind of you to say that, but I believe it's Jack who has done all the work to get himself to where he is."

"He has, but your love for him has certainly given him the strength and courage to do that. I'm thankful that you're looking after my boy."

"Well he certainly does a good job at looking after me. I'm not so sure you'd make that statement though if you'd met me during my first year living in Hope Valley. Jack's been a great support since I arrived here, it was a tough first year for me here. There were a lot of things I had to learn, a lot of things he taught me."

"Jack has told me a little about your life in Hamilton, it certainly seems to me like you're doing extremely well here."

"I have grown into my role here, and at the same time Jack and I were growing in our relationship together."

"I'm proud of the both of you, and I'm so glad you're having this baby soon."

Elizabeth smiled.

"Jack so proud of you too, and about this baby." Charlotte continued.

"Well I'm very proud of him for so many reasons, and he's been a wonderful husband. I know he's also going to be an amazing Father."

Charlotte nodded in agreement and smiled as she appreciated hearing Elizabeth's words about her son.

"Well I should head off. That husband of yours will be waiting for me." Charlotte said as she got up from the table and started to quickly tidy the kitchen.

"Leave that, I have plenty of time before I have to get to school. Go find Jack, I know he's eager to show you the house."

"Alright, but just this once." Charlotte replied as she stopped tidying the kitchen. "I hope you have a good day at the school."

"I'm sure I will." Elizabeth replied, and Charlotte headed out the front door.

Charlotte found Jack at the jail and they headed off on their horses out to Jack and Elizabeth's land.

"You have a lot of help, so it seems." Charlotte said as they neared the house and saw a number of men working.

"We have, the people here in Hope Valley are good folks, they've been a real support to both Elizabeth and I."

"I'm so glad you're happy here Jack." Charlotte said as she jumped off her horse.

"You know I wanted to be in Cape Fullerton a few years back, but now I couldn't imagine being anywhere else."

"I'm glad to hear that son."

Jack and Charlotte headed over to the house.

"This is going to be a wonderful home Jack."

"I hope so."

"It is, and does Elizabeth like it?"

"She does."

"You don't worry that she wants more?" Charlotte asks as she recalls Elizabeth being accustomed to a much different lifestyle.

"You know, I don't anymore. I know this is exactly what she wants. She loves it here in Hope Valley and she's much happier here than in Hamilton."

"I think part of that reason is because of you."

"Yes, it is, but Hope Valley is her home now."

"And if you get stationed somewhere else?" Charlotte queried.

"She's aware of that and that's something we'll deal with if it arises."

"I'm glad to hear." Charlotte nodded, and she looked over the house. "She is something special that girl of yours."

"I know, and you have no idea how much."

Charlotte noticed the smile on her sons face as he talked about Elizabeth.

"And I know I don't have to tell you to look after her, or this baby that soon will be here."

"No you don't, there's nothing more in the world that I'd want to be doing." Jack told her.

The next morning

Jack, Elizabeth and Charlotte stood out the front of the row house as they said their goodbyes.

"I hope you'll come visit again once the baby is born." Elizabeth said to Charlotte.

"Of course I will. Now you too take care of each other."

"We will Ma." Jack said as he gave his Mother a hug.

Charlotte then hugged Elizabeth before getting onto her horse.

"And you'll send me a telegram as soon as the baby is born, won't you?"

"I will." Jack replied.

Charlotte smiled at the both of them and then turned her horse around and started her journey out of Hope Valley.