Chapter 26
Hi Hearties,
Sorry for the confusion with the previous instalment. I tried to post the previous two chapter as Chapters 24 part 1 and 2 but I found part 2 posted as Chapter 25. Therefore, I had to edit the chapter title and the only way to do this was to delete the chapter and repost it as Chapter 25 instead of "Chapter 24 part 2". Hope that make sense, if not don't worry, you haven't missed anything. This is the first chapter the takes off after the previous two Christmas chapters.
Only one week now until the Christmas movie so I know you all must be as excited as I am! Since I am in Australia I will be watching it on Boxing Day (the day after Christmas) on Amazon.
I hope you enjoy this instalment. Would love a review if you have the time.
Happy reading
7 months after Christmas
Elizabeth put her daughter down for a nap before making her way out onto the front verandah of their house. She took a seat and waited as she knew Jack would be returning home from work soon. She was exhausted after the long day, Tilly was ten months old now and close to walking, so she was keeping her very busy.
Elizabeth sat back in the chair and kept an eye out on the horizon for the first appearance of Jack's red serge. As she waited she became sleepy and every so often her eyes closed. Once she spotted his serge and Sargent she got up from her seat and stood over by the railing near the steps and waited.
She noticed he started to ride faster and realised he must have spotted her waiting.
When Jack got close, he stopped Sargent at the front of their house and quickly dismounted.
"Hello Constable Thornton." Elizabeth said as she smiled and swung her hips and her skirt twirled.
He grinned back at her, thinking about how her smile and actions were irresistible to him, and he knew she knew it. He didn't waste his time taking Sargent out to the barn, he quickly tied up the horse and raced up the stairs to greet her.
He placed a kiss on her lips and she responded just as eagerly.
"Hello Mrs Thornton." He said, finally finding the time to greet her.
He took her two hands and held them before giving her a smile.
"Where is Tilly?" He asked.
"She just went down for a nap. How was your day?" Elizabeth asked as he let go of her hands and they made their way into the house.
"Not bad, but I have some somewhat good news and some not so good news."
"Neither sound very appealing." Elizabeth said starting to get worried.
"One of them may be. Which do you want to know first?" Jack asked.
"The somewhat good news."
"Well, I was speaking to Abigail today and as you know the Mother's still haven't found a teacher to replace you." Jack said as he removed his serge and placed it over the back of the dining room chair. "Apparently their expectations are extremely high, it seems they're trying to find a teacher they believe to be as exceptional as you. Abigail believes at this rate they're not going to find anyone."
"They didn't think I was satisfactory when I first arrived in town."
"No, they didn't but you're undermining yourself Elizabeth. Once this town got to know you, they have been proud to have you as their teacher. They're so pleased what you've done for their children and for this community."
"I guess so." She said feeling humbled by his words.
"I know so. Whoever replaces you has big shoes to fill."
Elizabeth smiled at Jack's compliment as they both sat down on the settee.
"So where exactly is all of this going? I thought the Mothers were happy sharing the teachers position."
"Tilly's ten months old, which means these women have been taking on this role for ten months. As you know most of them are widows, they're finding it difficult to keep up with the school work."
"I'm not surprised." Elizabeth said as she was wondered where this was leading.
"They were wondering if you would be willing to fill in for a day or two a week?" Jack asked cautiously as he wasn't sure what Elizabeth would think of the idea of returning to work so soon.
Elizabeth was silent for a moment as she tried to process her thoughts.
"What about Matilda?"
"You could take her, or leave her with Rosemary for a few hours a week." Jack suggested.
"I'm sure she'd love to be at the school, and she would love to spend more time with Johnathan" Elizabeth said. "But she's so young, I don't know how I'd leave her."
Jack smiled, he knew the separation would likely be harder for Elizabeth than it would be for Tilly.
"As you said, you could always bring her to the school."
"She'd be such a distraction to the children, and myself."
"I'm sure Rosemary would be very accommodating in helping you out."
"And you don't mind if I went back to work?"
"It's not every day, and I just want whatever makes you and Tilly happy." Jack said as he took her hand and placed a kiss on her knuckles.
"Maybe I could accept just one day a week and see how it goes."
"Maybe?"
"I'll talk to Rosemary first and see what we can work out, then I'll let the Mother's know my decision."
Jack nodded, and he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and she leant into him.
"So, what is the bad news?" She asked.
"It seems we've had some unsavoury visitors come into town who are causing a ruckus overnight at the Saloon. I've also heard word that a number of them have been eyeing off the bank and infirmary, therefore I'm going to need to keep a close eye on them."
"Overnight?" Elizabeth asked as she ran her fingers over the palm of his hand as she listened intently.
"Unfortunately, yes. I'm planning to stay at the jail tonight, and possibly for the next few nights if need be, just to keep an eye on them. I've asked Abigail if she'll come out and stay with you, and Bill has said he'll come out and keep an eye on the perimeter of our property a couple of times throughout the night. We don't have any reason to think they have any interest in coming out here, but I'm not taking any chances."
Elizabeth nodded as she understood, and Jack continued. "I'll come out here every chance I get though."
"I'm just glad you won't be far away Jack."
His arm that draped across her shoulders held onto her a little tighter.
"Be safe." She said, and he placed a brief his on her lips and then took her hand and brought it up to his mouth and kissed the back of her hand.
Four days later
Elizabeth had agreed with the Mother's that she would teach one day a week at the school, and it was now her first day back at school.
Jack had just spent his third night out at the jail and Elizabeth was starting to miss him. He usually came home early in the morning to help with Tilly and have breakfast and also in the evenings to have supper before heading back to the jail. She found it was not the ideal time to return to teaching, but she was still looking forward to the day ahead. Abigail had been a great help, but she had to leave early in the mornings to open the Café and then would return just as Jack was leaving in the evening.
Elizabeth had fed Tilly and was rushing around the house getting her things together for school as she wondered where Jack was. He was usually here earlier than this.
It started to get late, so she decided she'd stop in at the jail on her way to the school house.
Elizabeth placed a frilly pink and white bonnet on her daughter's head. Tilly's slightly curly tendrils of auburn hair stuck out from the edges of the bonnet and hung almost to her shoulders. Tilly pulled an unappreciative face as the bonnet was placed on her head and Elizabeth smiled as she tried to tie a bow under her chin. She then picked Tilly up before grabbing her basket and heading for the front door.
"Let's go see that Daddy of yours." She said as she held Tilly on her hip and she closed the front door behind them.
Elizabeth made her way down the verandah steps and saw Jack just ahead of her.
She walked toward him, and as they met he gave both her and Tilly a quick kiss on the cheek.
"Sorry I'm late." He said as he took Tilly from Elizabeth's arms.
"I was worried."
"I thought you may have been, there's nothing to be concerned about though. I just had an early visitor and had some matters to attend. I'm really sorry I couldn't be here, especially this morning." Jack said as he placed his one free hand on the small of her back.
"It's alright, I understand." She said giving him a smile. "You can walk me to school?"
"Definitely." He said as they made their way into town.
Tilly clapped her hands on Jack's chest and pulled at the leather strap of his uniform to get his attention.
"Hello Miss Tilly." He said giving her a smile. "I hope you've been good for Mummy."
Tilly grinned, and Jack kissed one of her rosy red cheeks.
"She's missed you." Elizabeth told him.
"I've missed my girls." He said rubbing his hand over Elizabeth's back and then looked at Tilly and giving her a smile. Tilly brought her hand up to Jack face before pulling her hand back. "I'm sorry, I'm a bit prickly today." He said before looking over at Elizabeth. "I haven't even had time to shave yet."
"I noticed." She said giving him a smile.
"So, what's your plan at the school today?"
"I've heard the children have been quite unsettled with the change of teachers, so after lunch I plan to take them out on an excursion into the forest for a Botany lesson."
"Then I will come."
"I don't need an escort Jack, plus Rosemary has said she'll stop in today in case I need some help with Tilly."
"With all the commotion going on in town, I'd rather be there if you and the children are going to head out in to the forest."
"Alright." Elizabeth said relenting, she was also somewhat pleased she would have some more time to spend with Jack. They hadn't seen much of each other lately.
"I'll come by and have lunch with you, then we can head out if you're ready." Jack suggested, and Elizabeth nodded, liking the idea.
Jack and Elizabeth arrived at the Church and she realised she was quite early as she hadn't needed to stop over at the jail.
"I didn't have time to nurse Tilly this morning, could you keep any eye out in case the children arrive while I feed her?"
"Of course."
Elizabeth gave Jack a brief kiss and then he placed their daughter into her arms.
"I won't be long." She said as she headed into the Church.
Jack sat down on the Church steps and gazed over the pond as he waited for either Elizabeth to return or for the children to arrive.
"Good morning Mountie Jack." Philip said, breaking Jack out of his reverie.
"Good morning Philip." He said as he patted the step at his side to suggest Philip take a seat.
"How are you and your Father?"
"We are good thank you. Is it true Mrs Thornton is going to be our teacher today?" Philip asked eagerly. He was pleased when he'd heard she was meant to be returning to the school, even if was only one day a week.
"She is. She's just attending to Matilda."
Philip nodded just as Elizabeth headed out of the Church doors.
"Hello Philip." Elizabeth said with a smile and Jack and Philip stood up.
"I'm so glad you're back Mrs Thornton." Philip said as he gave her a hug.
"Oh." Elizabeth said as she looked over at Jack with a small smile as she hugged Philip in return. "I'm glad to be back."
More of the children started to arrive and they excitedly greeted Elizabeth before they headed into the school house.
"I should probably go; will you be alright here?" Jack asked.
"I'll be fine, Tilly is asleep now, and Rosemary has said she'll stop in before lunch."
Jack nodded, he looked around and saw more children making their way over towards them. He desperately wanted to kiss Elizabeth, but with present company around it wasn't suitable to do so.
"I love you." Elizabeth said as she stood and shared a look of understanding with Jack, she was hoping for a goodbye kiss herself.
"I love you too." He said taking her hand and giving it a squeeze.
He stepped back and gradually released his hold on her hand before he turned and headed off back into town, and Elizabeth made her way into the school house.
A couple hours later.
Elizabeth struggled with Tilly in her arms who was wriggling and trying to make her way back onto the floor. Elizabeth eventually gave up again and let her daughter crawl around at the front of the room, hoping she wouldn't distract the students again.
"Does anyone know what the study of plants is called?" Elizabeth asked as she addressed the class. "Yes Emily?"
"Botany." Emily replied.
"Very good, that's correct." Elizabeth said, and Emily's face beamed proudly. "This afternoon we are going to go out into the forest and collect some plants."
All the children cheered in excitement right before Jack entered the double doors of the Church.
The children went quiet and their heads swung around as they heard the doors of the Church open.
Elizabeth realised it would be close to impossible to regain their attention, so she picked up her cow bell.
"Children, you can head off to lunch now." She said as she rang her cow bell. Tilly started to cry, and Elizabeth placed the bell onto her desk and hurried to pick up her daughter.
The children excitedly greeted Jack on their way out, all pleased to see that Mountie Jack had come for a visit. Once they were all outside Jack walked up to Elizabeth and took Tilly from her as she continued to cry.
"Someone isn't so impressed with the cow bell." Elizabeth told him. She had realised that Tilly cried every time it rang.
"Maybe I need to get you a proper teachers bell."
"I hope not, I love this cow bell." She said giving Jack a quick kiss after noticing the school room was empty. "Hopefully Tilly will get used to it quickly."
"Da Da." Tilly said, and he looked back at his daughter and gave her a smile. She grinned up at him, now in a much happier mood.
"How has your morning been?" He asked Elizabeth.
"Challenging, but we managed quite well." She said, and Jack nodded. "We should head outside so I can keep an eye on the children."
Elizabeth picked up their lunch from her desk and they then headed out of the Church.
They took a seat on the Church steps as Tilly climbed off Jack's lap and crawled down the two remaining steps. She made her way onto the grass and Emily, Anna, Hattie and Opal noticed her, and they came over. The girls sat down on the grass near Tilly played with her, and Tilly squealed with delight at all the attention.
Elizabeth smiled as she watched her daughter with the older girls.
"I miss you." Jack said quietly as he leaned over closer.
"I miss you too." She said looking from the girls, to Jack at her side.
"I really want to kiss you right now." He whispered into her ear.
"I really wish you could." She said with a shy smile.
He took her hand and held it on his lap and gave her a smile.
"When will you be back home?" Elizabeth asked, referring to when he will no longer have to spend his nights at the jail.
"Hopefully sooner rather than later. Last night was quiet but I want to stay another night or two just to make sure."
Elizabeth nodded and pulled out their lunch and handed Jack a sandwich.
"I understand, but I really want you home."
"I know, I wish I could be home too."
Jack and Elizabeth finished their lunch before rounding up the children, and they all started to make their way out towards the forest.
Elizabeth and Jack lagged behind the children as they watched them play, as they headed further into the forest. Anna and Hattie took each of Tilly's hand's and helped her walk for a short distance through the forest.
"I think we'll stop here children." Elizabeth called out. "I'd like you to collect as many different species of plants as you can, and we'll take them back to the school house."
Jack went and picked up Tilly, and Anna and Hattie headed off to find some plants.
Tilly tugged at one of the top buttons of Jack's serge and Elizabeth noticed the button start to come loose.
"I think I'll need to sew this up for you." She said as she gently tried to pry Tilly's hands from the button.
Jack gave her a surprised look.
"What? I have had some practice now, I think I can sew a button." Elizabeth exclaimed.
"I believe you, although I have to go back to the jail tonight, so I may need to do it myself."
Tilly squirmed in Jack's arms and he placed her down on a soft part of the forest floor and she happily explored her surroundings.
"Mrs Thornton, look what I found." Albert said as he held out a flower.
"That's beautiful Albert." She said admiring the flower.
"It's for you."
"Thank you." She said taking the flower, and Albert headed off to find more treasures within the forest.
"You know I've always thought he liked you." Jack pointed out.
Elizabeth shrugged and gave him a smile.
"I'm going to have to step up my game now." He continued.
"You a little jealous?"
"Of Albert, no. But if it were another man, then yes. After all, you are mine Bella."
Elizabeth smiled and wrapped her arms around Jack's strong upper arm and leant into him. She loved it when he used that term of endearment on her and she especially liked the fact that she was his.
"I wish I had found you that flower first." Jack admitted.
"I don't need a flower sweetheart, I just need you."
"You have no idea how much I need you right now Elizabeth."
Her eyes grew wide at his bold suggestion in front of the children, even though she knew it was impossible for any of them to hear.
"Maybe I could come to the jail tonight?" She suggested, deciding to be bolder herself.
"I don't want you doing that."
"Why not?"
"It's a jail." He said, not wanting his own desires to override the fact that Elizabeth and their daughter would spend the night somewhere he deemed to be inappropriate.
"I want you back home Jack, I need you too." She said longingly, and he brushed back a stray piece of hair from the side of her face and tucked it behind her ear.
"Look what I found Mountie Jack!" Opal exclaimed interrupting them as she held out her hand and showed him a cricket.
Elizabeth took a step back and Jack grinned. The cricket jumped from Opal's hand and Elizabeth let out a gasp and hid behind Jack.
The cricket was nowhere to be seen but Jack turned around and protectively place an arm around Elizabeth before turning back to face Opal who was giggling.
Once Elizabeth recovered she remembered Tilly and quickly picked her up from the ground.
"Mrs Thornton doesn't like crickets?" Opal asked Jack.
"She doesn't like any kind of creepy crawlies." Jack told her, and he gave Opal a wink and she grinned.
Opal then headed back off with the other children and Elizabeth gently swatted Jack on the arm.
"What?"
"You didn't have to tell her." Elizabeth exclaimed.
"She was bound to find out, all the other children already know."
Elizabeth recalled the day Jack had saved them from the snake Caleb had brought to school, and the time Julie had visited Hope Valley and revealed to her students her dislike of all bugs.
She shrugged her shoulders and then looked down at Tilly who had grabbed a long strand of her hair.
Jack helped release Tilly's grasp from Elizabeth's hair and then took Tilly from her arms.
Tilly went for his button again, but Elizabeth quickly held back her hand. Tilly then began to wail, and Jack tried to bounce her in his arms to try settle her.
"We should probably get back to the school now anyway." Elizabeth suggested, and Jack nodded.
Elizabeth rounded up the children with all their collections as Jack continued to try settle Tilly. Her cries eventually stopped and they all made their way back to the school house.
All the children headed inside while Jack and Elizabeth stood outside the doors of the Church.
"I'll see you this evening for supper." Jack said.
"I thought I was coming to the jail?"
"You were really serious about that?"
"Yes…"
"Elizabeth, I don't want you and Tilly to have to spend the night at the jail."
"I want to."
"You're sure?"
Elizabeth nodded.
Jack looked around and she followed his gaze. He noticed no one was in sight and he placed a gentle kiss on her lips. He felt the smile on her lips before she returned the kiss. He then reluctantly pulled away and stood back.
"I'll see you later Bella."
"At the jail."
"At the jail." He repeated, confirming their arrangement.
Late that afternoon at the jail
"You're here." Jack said as he saw Elizabeth enter the front door of the jail with their daughter in her arms.
"Why are you so surprised?"
"I thought you may change your mind."
"I'd never change my mind about wanting to spend time with you." Elizabeth said placing a kiss on his lips.
"Yes, but the jail isn't the most appealing place to stay." He said looking around at the somewhat grim surroundings.
"I'm happy anywhere, as long as I'm with you Jack."
"Well you can bunk in my old bed, I'll take the other cell where we put all the prisoners."
"I thought you'd share with me." Elizabeth said sounding disappointed.
"Well we could, but there's not much room."
"That's fine with me." She said as she grinned up at him.
Jack shook his head and smiled at her, he liked the way she could surprise him.
"I may not be able to stay here all night, I need to do rounds of the town later tonight."
"That's alright."
"I'll need to go get Tilly's cradle from the house." He said continuing, giving out all the reasons as to why she may change her mind.
"That's alright too."
"You'll have to tell Abigail." He said, remembering that Abigail had been staying at the house with her.
"She'll understand." Elizabeth replied. "I'm starting to think you don't want me here."
"I do I want you here sweetheart." Jack said pulling her into his arms. "I just think you and Tilly would be safer at home."
"Safer at home than we would be with you?" She asked surprised.
"I just meant safer at home, out of town. If something happens here I don't want you and Tilly to be confronted with it."
"We'll be fine Jack. The last place they'll come is the jail."
"Unless I have to bring them in."
"Then we'll stay at Abigail's for the rest of the night if we have to."
"You have an answer for everything." Jack said as he kissed her on the temple.
"It seems I have to if I want to be with you."
"Alright, well if you're certain, I'll go get Tilly's cradle and I'll be back soon."
"I'm certain."
They shared a quick kiss and Jack made his way out of the jail. Elizabeth went over and sat down on Jack's old bed and nursed Tilly while she waited for him to return.
Jack was taking longer than she expected and she noticed Tilly had fallen asleep. Elizabeth lay Tilly down on the bed before she lay down herself and waited patiently.
Not long after, Jack entered the jail with Tilly's cradle in his arms.
"Elizabeth?" He asked as he searched around the jail.
He found Elizabeth and Tilly asleep on his bed and he smiled. He knew she'd had a busy week, with him being away, returning to school, and looking after an active toddler. He let them sleep as he made his way to his desk and went through his paperwork.
Half an hour later he heard a little voice calling out "Ma Ma" and he went to check on Elizabeth and Tilly in his bed.
He noticed Elizabeth was still asleep and Tilly had placed her little hand on Elizabeth's face and was trying to wake her. He smiled at the interaction, and then headed over to the bed.
"Sshh, let Mummy sleep." He whispered as he carefully pried Tilly from Elizabeth's arms and picked her up.
Jack went out to the front porch and sat down with Tilly in his arms. Rip who always spent his days with Jack at the jail made his way over and sat by Jack's side. Jack had his full attention on Tilly and Rip howled.
"You jealous boy?"
Rip barked.
"Ssss." Tilly said, and Rip whined.
"Tilly's right, we need to be quiet." He said to Rip. "Mummy's asleep inside isn't she." He said looking at his daughter.
Rip lay down and Jack gave him a pat. His tail wagged, and in time he went to sleep.
Tilly bounced on her chubby little legs and then tried to wriggle out of Jack's arms.
"You can't play out here near the road pumpkin." He said, not wanting to let Tilly down. "How about I tell you a story."
"Boo."
"I don't have a book sorry. Daddy will have to make up a story."
Matilda smiled and settled in Jack's arms as she looked up at him and waited for the story to begin.
"Once upon a time there was a beautiful princess, who came to Hope Valley." Jack started. "And one day a reluctant Mountie also came to town. Although he wasn't so reluctant to be there once he got to know the beautiful princess."
"Ma Ma?"
"Yes, exactly like Mummy." Jack told her, and he continued. "One day the valiant Mountie saved the princess from some naughty men. It was then the Princess invited the Mountie to lunch. He suggested they go out on the row boat and she agreed."
"Boat." Tilly said.
"Yes, you like boat rides too." Jack said, remembering Tilly liked going out on the row boat with Elizabeth and himself.
"So, the Mountie and Princess ate lunch together on the row boat, but then the Mountie noticed a spider sitting on the Princess' shoulder."
Tilly shook her head, and Jack noticed she didn't seem happy.
"You don't like spiders either huh?" Jack asked, and she continued to shake her head. "Well the Princess' didn't either."
"Ma Ma?"
"Yes, Mummy is the beautiful Princess." Jack admitted before continuing the story. "And the Princess was so scared she leapt across the boat and into the Mountie's arms. The Mountie didn't mind as he had secretly taken quite a liking to the Princess, and then he carefully removed the spider from her shoulder."
Tilly grinned up at him and he continued.
"The Mountie was then disappointed as the Princess' removed herself from his hold and sat back down on the other side of the boat."
"Ma Ma."
"Yes, Mummy is the Princess."
"Ma Ma." Tilly said, and she held her arms up in the air. Jack followed Tilly's gaze and noticed Elizabeth standing in the doorway of the jail with a grin on her face.
"How long have you been standing there?" He asked as his cheeks slightly reddened.
"Long enough." She said grinning down at Jack. "A valiant Mountie huh?" She said taking Tilly in her arms as her daughter continued to reach up for her. She then sat down next to Jack.
"Oh…so you heard most of it." Jack said, and she nodded as she laughed.
"It was nice to hear a little of your side of the story."
"Maybe you'll tell me your side then?" Jack asked hopefully.
"Well the Princess was elated when the brave Mountie took her out on the boat."
"She was huh?" Jack asked as he grinned.
"And in the end, the Princes realised she was surprisingly thankful for the spider, because it was what brought her into the handsome Mountie's arms."
Jack leaned over and kissed her cheek.
"I like your side of the story." Jack said as he gazed into her deep blue eyes.
"I like yours." She replied as she returned his gaze and they got lost in each other.
They grinned at each other before they were disturbed by Tilly who started to bounce with her knees as she stood up on Elizabeth's lap.
"I think little Miss here liked you're story too." Elizabeth said as she looked at her daughter and back to Jack and gave him a smile.
A few hours later
Jack and Elizabeth finished their dinner together in the jail. Tilly hadn't been interested in eating much and was already playing on the floor with Rip. She tugged on his ears, but Rip didn't seem to pay her any attention as he lay on the floor and put up with it.
Jack started to clean up after their meal and Elizabeth went and scooped Tilly up into her arms.
"Hey Miss Tilly, I don't think Rip appreciates it when you do that." She said as she carried her daughter over to the bed and changed her diaper. Tilly kicked her legs as she lay on her back while Elizabeth tired to dress her in some warmer night clothes.
"I need to go do my rounds, I won't be long." Jack told Elizabeth as he gave her a kiss on the cheek before briefly tickling Tilly's tummy and she kicked her legs again and giggled.
Elizabeth nodded and momentarily looked over at him and gave him a smile before returning her attention to Tilly.
Jack made his way out of the jail and Elizabeth finished attending to Tilly.
"I think I have a book for you somewhere." Elizabeth said as she went searching through her basket.
She sat down on the bed with Tilly and placed her on her lap as she pulled out the book.
"Boo."
"Yes book." Elizabeth said as she turned the pages.
As Elizabeth read, Tilly would loudly babble, then as she turned the page, Tilly would go quiet and wait intently for Elizabeth to start reading again.
"Clever girl." Elizabeth told her, and she continued to read once more.
After her story, Elizabeth nursed Tilly and then placed her into the cradle, she was much getting much too big for it now, but it would have to suffice for just one night.
A couple hours later Jack returned and found Elizabeth sitting on the bed reading. He sat down next to her and she placed her book down on her lap.
"Seems quiet again tonight." He told her as he took her hand in his. "If there's no disruptions in town tonight I'll come back home tomorrow night."
"Good, I miss having you in our bed."
"I miss being in our bed, with you…" He said placing a kiss on her temple and she gave him a small smile. "I'll just clean up and I'll come to bed soon."
Jack washed up and changed before he returned to Elizabeth who was now sifting through his sketch pad at his desk.
She noticed most of the pictures were of her and Tilly and she smiled.
"You ready for bed?"
Elizabeth nodded and looked up from the sketch pad and stood before walking over to the bed with Jack.
He lay down on the bed and reached up his hand and pulled her down with him.
"There's really not much room on here. You're sure you want me to sleep in here with you?" He asked.
"I'm sure." She said as she tried to make herself comfortable.
Jack then pulled her into his arms and swiftly brought her over the top of his body and onto the other side of the bed near the wall.
"Jack!" She said surprised. "What did you do that for?"
"I don't want you to fall out, I think it's best if you sleep on that side."
She smiled in appreciation of his thoughtfulness and leaned in and kissed him. She then lay on her side as there wasn't much room to sleep in any other position, and Jack wrapped an arm around her and pulled her in for a kiss.
He then jolted suddenly as he nearly fell out of the bed, he let go of his hold on Elizabeth as he worried he'd bring her down with him. Elizabeth ltried not to laugh as he regained his balance and made himself comfortable on the bed again.
"You wouldn't have laughed if I'd fallen and brought you down with me." He said with a grin.
"I still might have." She said raising her eyebrows at him.
"Maybe I'll go sleep on the other bed." He suggested. He didn't want to, but he was wondering how willing she was to share the bed now she'd realised the limited space.
"Don't you dare." She said wrapping an arm around him and pulling him closer.
He grinned as he realised she still wanted him there with her.
"I think we should sleep." He said as he pulled the blanket up over her shoulder and started to play with her long strands of hair.
"I thought you wanted to…" She started but he interrupted.
"I do, but it can wait. I'm just happy to have you here with me while we sleep."
"I am too." She said giving him a smile.
Jack put out the lantern before adjusting the blanket again and wrapping his arm around her.
"Good night." He said placing a kiss down onto her shoulder as he pulled her into his chest.
"Good night." She said as she reached out in the dark and found his face. She let her fingers trail down his jawline before she brought her hand down and rested it on top of his, and they went to sleep.
A few hours later Elizabeth woke to find herself alone in the bed. She heard footsteps in the jail and started to worry.
"Jack?"
"It's just me." He said as he came over and found her in the bed.
"I need you and Tilly to go over to Abigail's for the rest of the night."
"Now?" She asked as she sat up in the bed.
She looked up at the clock on the wall and realised it was almost 2am.
"Yes, I need to bring someone in for the night. We had some disturbances around the Bank again and I need to bring someone suspicious in, so I can question them in the morning. Bill is bringing him in as soon as you and Tilly have left."
"Alright." She said standing up and Jack noticed her shivering. He swiftly pulled off his serge and wrapped it around her small frame. She watched his hands do up the buttons and then he looked up into her eyes. "Thank you." She whispered, and he smiled.
Tilly was still fast asleep, and Jack went over and carefully picked her up from the cradle.
He then went to the front door and peered out to make sure no one was around before taking Elizabeth over to the Café.
Abigail had given him a key in the instance something like this happened, and he unlocked the kitchen door and then took Elizabeth and Matilda upstairs to Elizabeth's old bedroom.
"I'll be back in a moment with Tilly's cradle." He said as he placed their daughter into Elizabeth's arms before rushing back off to the jail.
Soon enough he returned with the cradle and Elizabeth placed Tilly back down to sleep.
She removed his serge somewhat reluctantly, it was comforting having it on, but she knew he needed it more than she did. She draped it over his shoulders and he placed his arms through the sleeves. She did up the buttons before resting her hands on his chest and looking up at him. She noticed he'd had his eyes on her the whole time and she smiled. She leaned in and gave him a gentle kiss which he eagerly returned, and the kiss became more passionate. He unwillingly pulled away and he rest his forhead on hers.
"I need to go." He said looking up at her, and she nodded. "I shouldn't be too long. You go back to sleep." He said as he noticed Elizabeth bring a hand up to her mouth and yawn.
She lay down in the bed and Jack pulled the blankets over her body before he leant down and placed a kiss on her cheek.
"Be safe." She said looking up at him and he nodded.
Jack headed off to the jail and Elizabeth tried to sleep. She worried about him, but soon sleep got the better of her and she was out like a light.
The next thing she knew was the morning light hitting her eyes and she rolled over in the bed. She looked down beside the bed, and saw Jack asleep, sitting up against the wall.
She heard Tilly happily babbling to herself in her cradle and she got out of bed and picked her up.
She brought Tilly into the bed with her just as she heard Jack start to stir.
Elizabeth looked over at him as he squinted his eyes due to the sunshine beaming in through the window. His sleepy eyes found her bright blue ones, and he met her gaze.
"What are doing down there?" She asked, wondering why he was sleeping on the floor.
"I hopped into bed with you, but I fell out." He said, his voice still sounding groggy from sleep.
"Jack, are you alright?" Elizabeth asked with concern as she hurried out of the bed and sat down next to him on the floor with Tilly on her lap.
"I'm fine." He said as she ran her hand through his hair.
"Are you sure?" She asked, now placing a hand gently on his cheek, as she needed more reassurance from him as to whether he was okay.
"I'm sure." He said giving her a small smile. "How about we go downstairs and have breakfast?"
"Sounds wonderful." She replied and they both got up from the floor. They then washed up and dressed themselves, as well as Tilly, before heading downstairs to the café.