Chapter 29

Jack had planned to take Elizabeth out for the evening for an early birthday present while they were still in Hamilton. He and Julie waited with Matilda in the parlour as Elizabeth finished getting ready upstairs in the bedroom.

"Maybe I should go check on her?" Jack asked, as he placed his daughter into Julie's arms.

"I'm sure she's fine…"

Julie's words trailed off and went unnoticed by Jack as he hurried out of the parlour.

Upstairs, Elizabeth carefully placed the hair comb in her hair that Jack had given her for Christmas. She got up from her seat at the dressing table, found her purse and then made her way out of the bedroom.

Jack entered the foyer just as Elizabeth started to descend the staircase. He noticed she was wearing the same dress she had worn on his first visit to Hamilton. It had been four years ago, and he thought about how she looked just as beautiful now, as she did that first time he saw her descend from the same stairway towards him.

He stood transfixed in his position at the bottom of the stairs as Elizabeth gave him a smile while making her way towards him. Her overwhelming beauty took his breath away, so much so that he was reminded of how he felt during their courting days.

Julie stood at the side entrance of the foyer as she watched Jack and Elizabeth.

"It's a good thing your Daddy isn't holding you right now. He looks a little weak in the knees." Julie said to Matilda as she smiled. She then retreated into the parlour with her little niece, to leave her sister and brother in law alone.

As Elizabeth approached Jack she noticed the mesmerising look in his eyes.

"Bella you're …" He started as he struggled to process his thoughts and put them into words.

"Stunning?" She asked, remembering hearing something similar once.

He took her hands in his before he started to reply.

"You are, but I'd rather use my own choice of words this time." He said as he was reminded of the time he stood in the same spot next to Charles and they had watched her descend the staircase. "I remember the last time I saw you wear this dress, back then there was so much I wanted to do and say to you but couldn't." Jack said as he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer. "I'm so glad I can tell you now, because Elizabeth you look strikingly beautiful." He said as he looked into her eyes and captured her gaze. "You're so becoming that you take my breath away, and while I find your physical beauty alluring, it's also your inner beauty that captivates me, and makes me so proud to have you as my wife."

Elizabeth blushed as she listened to his words, and he placed a gentle kiss on her cheek where he noticed it start to colour.

"You look dashingly handsome yourself." Elizabeth said as she placed her hands on his chest and looked over him and noticed the suit he was wearing. "And there was also a lot more I wanted to do and say to you that night also."

"There was?"

"I would have kissed you right here in front of Charles if it would have been appropriate to do so."

"You would have?" Jack asked surprised.

"Yes, why are you so surprised?"

"You just seemed captivated with your life here in Hamilton that night."

"I was a little, I got caught up with the music and with old friendships, but as you know, Charles was never anything more to me than a friend."

"I know."

"So why aren't you doing to me what you wanted to that night?" Elizabeth said as she gave him a suggestive look.

"I could ask the same of you."

Elizabeth glanced up at him and noticed his gaze was on her. She admired his long eyelashes, his hazel eyes, and the fact that they looked blue this evening, which were brought out even more by the navy-blue suit he was wearing.

As they both got lost in each other's glances, and forgot where they were, they closed the distance between them and their lips met. Their kisses passionate at first, before becoming slow and lingering.

Jack rest his forehead on Elizabeth's just as they heard a small cry come from over in the parlour. They looked into each-other's eyes and smiled before breaking the distance between them.

Without needing to say a word, Jack took Elizabeth's hand and they both headed towards the parlour.

As they entered the parlour, Julie hurried over and placed Matilda into Elizabeth's arms. Matilda's cries slowly started to dissipate once she realised she was in her Mother's arms.

"Oh Tilly." Elizabeth said trying to settle her daughter. Elizabeth was worried herself, she knew she would soon be leaving her daughter for a few hours.

"She seems a bit unsettled, maybe if you nurse her before we go she'll feel better?" Jack suggested as he understood Elizabeth's and his daughter's concerns.

Elizabeth nodded in agreement and went off to find a place to nurse her daughter, somewhere quiet where Tilly wouldn't be disturbed by other members of the family or servants.

"You are good, with both of them." Julie said with a smile.

Jack slightly shrugged, feeling humbled.

"So where are you going tonight?" Julie asked changing the subject as she noticed Jack become subdued after hearing her comment.

"The Royal Connaught Hotel for dinner and dancing."

"I've never heard of it."

"It's a new hotel here in Hamilton." Jack informed her.

"The Royal Connaught?" William said as he entered the parlour and Jack nodded. "I heard they've been working on it for a few years now. Is this where you're taking Beth tonight?"

"It is Sir."

William took note at how easily Jack became so cautious and respectful towards him. He did however look forward to the day when his son-in-law would be consistently comfortable with him.

"I have yet to go there, but I've heard only good reports, I'm sure Beth will thoroughly enjoy herself."

"I hope so."

Elizabeth then walked back into the parlour with Matilda and stood by Jack's side.

Matilda looked much happier and she reached her little hands up towards Jack and he took her in his arms.

William then handed Jack the keys to one of his vehicles.

"Thank you." Jack replied.

"I hope you both have a wonderful night." William said.

Jack gave him a nod while Elizabeth gave her Father a smile and he headed out of the room.

"Well Miss Tilly, you are going to stay with your Aunt Julie for a few hours." Jack told his daughter. She gave him a big smile with her dimples showing, not understanding the entirety of her Father's conversation.

Jack gave Matilda a kiss on the cheek, and Elizabeth did the same before he handed his daughter over to Julie.

"There's diapers in the nursery, but if she needs anything from home you'll find it in my bedroom." Elizabeth informed Julie.

"I'm sure we'll be fine Elizabeth." Julie said, hearing the concern in Elizabeth's voice.

"I'm sure Tilly will be fine, but if you do need us, please contact the hotel." Jack informed Julie.

"We're going to a hotel?" Elizabeth asked surprised.

"We are." Jack said slightly disappointed that he had given away part of the surprise. "And we should go, it's getting late."

Elizabeth went over and picked up Tilly's doll from the settee and handed it to her daughter.

"If she's upset she loves to hold onto her doll, and she loves it when you sing to her…" Elizabeth started but Jack reminded her again they needed to go.

"She will be fine." Jack said, his voice sounding gentle as he tried to console her.

"I know I just…" Elizabeth trailed off.

"I know." Jack said, letting her know that he understood.

Once Elizabeth knew that Jack understood how she felt, that was all she needed to feel reassured and was ready to go.

They said their goodbyes to Julie and then to Matilda, she had a little cry but didn't entirely understand they were leaving the house, so she was mostly happy to have her Aunt to play with.

Royal Connaught Hotel

Jack walked through the Edwardian style hotel with Elizabeth on his arm. They passed the large granite columns through the foyer of the Hotel, and Elizabeth looked up at the chandeliers that hung from the high ceilings.

"Jack this place is exquisite. However, did you find it?"

"I recal reading about it in the Hamilton newspapers. It only opened a few months ago."

"You read the Hamilton newspapers?" She asked surprised.

"When we're in Hamilton I do."

"Well I'm glad, because this place is beautiful."

"I'm glad you like it." He said as he leaned over and placed a brief kiss on her cheek.

Jack then made his way towards one of the hotel's restaurants.

"Miss Thatcher?" Queried the Host at the front desk of the restaurant.

"Oh, Mr Timmins, it's actually Mrs Thornton now." Elizabeth said, surprised to see someone she recognized.

"I'm so sorry, now that you mention it, I do recall reading of your marriage in the society pages a while ago."

"It's been almost two years. This is my husband, Jack Thornton." Elizabeth informed Timmins, and the two men shook hands. "Mr Timmins was a waiter at one of the restaurants that Julie and I used to frequent." She told Jack, and he gave her a slight nod in understanding.

"I don't mean to speak out of place, but you are very lucky man to be married to one of the Thatcher sisters. I wouldn't have predicted any of them marrying someone from the West."

"I know how fortunate I am." Jack said as he looked over at Elizabeth and gave her a smile.

I was somewhat surprised to hear you headed off to the frontier for a teaching position Mrs Thornton, and I believe you're still residing there?"

"I am… we are in Hope Valley." Elizabeth replied.

"And she's quite the exceptional frontier woman now." Jack proudly stated, informing Timmins.

"That sounds like quite an accomplishment Mrs Thornton, I know you must have found a remarkable gentleman to have married someone from the frontier."

"I certainly did." Elizabeth said looking up at Jack while giving his hand a gentle squeeze.

"And I should not keep you from your evening, do you have a booking under Thornton? If not I'm sure I could get you in somewhere."

"I did make a reservation." Jack informed him.

"Here it is." Timmins said as he looked down at the bookings on his desk. "Let me show you to your table."

Jack and Elizabeth followed Timmins over to their table and Jack pulled out Elizabeth's seat, he waited for her to be seated before taking a seat himself. Timmins then placed a napkin on both of their laps.

"A waiter will be right out to see you. I hope you both enjoy your evening."

"Thank you." Both Jack and Elizabeth replied.

"It was lovely to see you again." Elizabeth informed Timmins and he gave her a nod before making his way back to the front desk.

After finishing dinner Jack stood up from the table and walked over by Elizabeth.

"Would you care to join me for this dance?" He asked, as he offered his hand out to her.

"Of course, I'd love to." She said smiling up at him as she took his hand.

Jack lead her out onto the dance floor and they slowly started to dance in each other's arms.

"It's beautiful here Jack." She said, as she looked up over his shoulder at the hanging chandeliers. She noticed the soft light they gave off in the dimly lit room.

"Not as beautiful as you Bella." He said, and she brought her eyes back to his and gave him a shy smile.

Jack brushed a tendril of hair from her face before pulling her a little closer and placing a gentle kiss on her cheek. She leaned in a little closer, and held onto him a little tighter and enjoyed the affection he was giving her.

"I miss this." She said quietly, her lips not far from his ear.

"This?" He asked pulling back so he could look into her face.

"Just us."

"I miss us too." He said understanding what she meant, and he pulled her closer again.

"As much as I love Tilly, it is nice to spend time alone with you."

"I concur." He said as they continued to slowly dance.

"Maybe we could get Julie to babysit a little more often while we're here in Hamilton." Elizabeth suggested.

"Sounds good, I'm sure Julie would like that."

They silently continued to dance a little while longer, until Jack broke their silence.

"Did I tell you how much I love you in this dress Mrs Thornton?"

"I recall you saying something a little earlier."

"I'm so glad you didn't buy a new dress."

"Why is that?"

"There's something alluring about the fact that the last time I saw you in this dress that you weren't my wife."

"Really?"

"Uh huh, it would have also been nice if I were your husband back then. It might have saved some of the drama with your Father."

"You're right, but can we please not think about that now. Father is more than happy we're married now, he adores you Jack."

"He accepts me because he knows I adore you."

"He more than accepts you Jack."

"I guess so."

"I know so." Elizabeth replied. "So, you were going to tell me a little more about the first time you saw me in this dress."

"Well I think I told you earlier what I thought of you when I first saw you in this dress, but I don't think it's appropriate for me to tell you what I wanted to do with you when I saw you in this dress. The first time, and tonight."

"Why not? We're married now."

"I mean here, out in public." Jack said looking around before returning his eyes to Elizabeth's.

She looked up at him with puppy dog eyes and he felt himself relenting.

"Without saying too much, the first time I saw you in the dress, well, all I wanted to do was kiss you right there on the spot."

"I wanted to kiss you then also." She said. "And tonight, when you saw me?"

"Tonight, I wanted to scoop you up in my arms, carry you upstairs to your bedroom, and show you how much I love you." He whispered as he let his lips linger near her ear.

"We could have done that." Elizabeth said suggestively as she pulled back and looked into his eyes while running her hand through his hair just above his ear.

"With your sister and then rest of the family all knowing what we were up to?" Jack asked surprised.

"Ok maybe not." She said blushing at the idea. "But maybe later tonight?"

"Definitely, later tonight." He said letting his lips linger on her cheek as he spoke, and she smiled upon hearing his words.

"So, can we go now?" Elizabeth asked eagerly, and he gave her a grin.

"Sure."

They pulled out of their embrace and Jack took her hand and led her across the room. They went back to their table where he found their bill and placed their payment and a tip down on the table.

They then headed towards the front door before they were stopped by Timmins.

"Mr and Mrs Thornton. There's a phone call for you."

Jack and Elizabeth hurried across the room as they followed Timmins to the front desk. Timmins handed Jack the phone which he eagerly took hold of.

"Julie?" He asked, suspecting it would be her.

Elizabeth stood close to Jack's side to try listen into the conversation but all she could hear was Tilly's cries.

"Yes Jack, it's me." Julie started with concern in her voice. "Tilly fell while climbing out of her crib, she's alright but she's irreconcilable. I have tried everything to console her, but she won't settle."

"It's alright, we're on our way now."

"Oh good. I'm so sorry, I thought she was asleep."

"Don't worry Julie, we'll be there soon."

Jack handed the phone receiver back to Timmins and Jack took Elizabeth's hand and they hurried out of the hotel.

"What's wrong Jack?" Elizabeth asked, concern apparent in her voice.

"Tilly's fallen out of her crib, she's alright, just very upset."

"Out of her crib? I didn't even know she could get out of her crib!"

"I didn't either."

They hurried out to the car and Jack drove them back to the Thatcher Mansion.

Jack and Elizabeth entered the house and hurried up the stairs as they followed the direction of their daughter's cries.

They found Julie with Matilda in the nursery, the both of them looking rather distressed.

"I'm so sorry, I don't know how she got out of the crib, I thought she was asleep." Julie said as she handed Matilda over to Elizabeth.

"It's alright Julie, accidents happen." Jack replied.

"Ma Ma." Tilly cried as she recognised Elizabeth.

Elizabeth looked down at her daughter whose red face was streaked with tears as she continued to cry. Elizabeth held her up to her chest and Tilly's screams settled into a sob.

Jack looked over at his daughter and brushed back the damp strands of her auburn hair as she buried her face into Elizabeth.

Jack observed where a lump on the side of Tilly's forehead had formed, and he motioned to Elizabeth to take a look. Jack then noticed the look of concern on Elizabeth's face and he wrapped an arm around her.

"She'll be alright, its just a little bump." He said trying to console her.

Elizabeth silently nodded as she held onto Tilly a little tighter and rocked her in her arms.

Julie then decided she should leave the three of them alone. She gently placed her hand on Elizabeth's arm in recognition as she made her way out of the room.

Matilda continued to whimper as her little hand tugged at Elizabeth's dress near her chest.

"I'll nurse her, she'll feel better and likely sleep."

Jack and Elizabeth headed out of the nursery and back into the bedroom with Tilly. Elizabeth sat down on the bed, loosened her dress as best she could and brought her daughter up to her chest.

Tilly's cries stopped and the three of them relaxed into a peaceful silence.

Jack sat down on the bed next to Elizabeth and looked on with admiration at his wife and daughter. He was always in awe as he watched the two of them together while nursing.

"It could have been so much worse Jack." Elizabeth said quietly.

"I know, but it wasn't, so we don't need to think about that."

She nodded and gave him a small smile before looking back down at their daughter. Matilda was still nursing while reaching a hand up a playing with a long strand of Elizabeth's hair, she then wriggled while trying to sit up and Elizabeth pulled her into her arms. She had a few small cries and Elizabeth handed her over to Jack while she fixed up her dress.

Jack looked down at his daughter before she buried her face into his chest and continued to whimper.

"Why don't you go get ready for bed while I have her." Jack suggested.

Elizabeth nodded, and she got up and went into the bathroom.

Once ready for bed Jack handed Matilda back over to Elizabeth. Elizabeth lay down on the bed on her side and she lay her daughter down next to her as Jack went off and got ready for bed.

Elizabeth looked down at Matilda and ran her fingers through her daughter's auburn curls, trying to settle her soft cries.

"It doesn't seem she'll go back into the crib tonight." Jack said, noticing that his daughter was still upset.

"I'm too scared to put her in there." Elizabeth said worried.

Jack lay down on the bed and carefully placed his arm on Elizabeth's waist, not getting too close to her as Tilly lay between them.

"She'll be alright." He said trying to console her.

"I thought she'd be asleep by now." Elizabeth said.

Jack and Elizabeth looked down at their daughter in between them, who's bright eyes looked up at them and while giving them a smile.

"Maybe I could tell her a story." Jack said, and Matilda looked up at him and he noticed a slight sparkle in her eyes.

"I like your stories." Elizabeth said as sheremembered the last one he told about the Mountie, the Princess and the spider in the row boat.

"Once upon a time there was a beautiful Princess." Jack started as he smiled at Elizabeth before looking back down at Tilly.

"The Princess was a little worried because she thought the Mountie had lost interest in her."

"She was?" Elizabeth asked surprised.

"Shhh, you'll see." Jack said, and he continued his story. "A…" Jack stopped as he pondered on his choice of words. "charismatic woman from the Mounties past had arrived into town."

"Oh." Elizabeth said, realising he was referring to Rosemary.

"The Mountie however was not at all influenced by this woman from his past and he knew the Princess was the one he wanted to spend the rest of his life with."

"He did? Even back then?" Elizabeth asked, and Jack nodded.

"He did know, and he decided to build the Princess a school house and a Church for the whole town."

"MaMa?" Tilly asked as she looked up at Jack, she certainly knew where the school house and Church was back home in Hope Valley.

"Yes, a school house for Mummy, so she had somewhere to teach all the children."

Jack noticed Elizabeth looking tired as her eyes open and closed.

"And on that same day the Mountie took the Princess on their first special walk."

Elizabeth's eyes opened, and she looked over at Jack and smiled. He leaned over and gave her a brief gentle kiss and she closed her eyes again.

"The Mountie and the Princess were both relieved to realise that neither of them had any intentions of leaving the Kingdom of Coal Valley any longer, and they were very happy." Tilly happily kicked her legs as she continued to look up at Jack and he gave her a smile. He ran his hand over her cheek and her little fingers grasped onto his hand. "The Mountie then presented the Princess with a drawing of them both that he had spent many hours on. The one just like you see hanging in the stairway at home. Then, the Mountie was completely certain that the Princess wanted to kiss him." Jack said as he looked up at Elizabeth. He noticed her fighting sleep as she wanted to listen to the story. Her eyes closed again but her hand reached out for his, and she held onto it. "So, they took each other's hands and the Mountie knew that the Princess was the only one he could ever love like he did her, and they shared the most amazing kiss the Mountie had ever experienced."

Jack looked up from his smiling daughter and over at Elizabeth. She gave him a sleepy smile as she squeezed his hand.

Tilly kicked her feet on the bed and Jack returned his attention to her.

"And that was just the beginning of their love story, but for tonight, that will be the end of our story Miss Tilly." He said rubbing her tummy. "Mummy is falling asleep and you need to sleep too."

"No seep Da Da." Tilly said with a yawn.

"Yes sleep. Look at you two sleepy girls." He said looking over at Elizabeth, he noticed she was now fast asleep, and Tilly was soon on her way as she squirmed and made herself comfortable.

Jack then ran his hands through Tilly's hair until she fell asleep. He then turned out the light on the bedside table and then made himself comfortable in the large bed and went to sleep himself.

A/N Hope you enjoyed this. The initial intention was to end this off a little steamy but the end result was just a sweet moment with this adorable little family. I hope you all thought it was adorable anyway.