I'm really on a roll at the moment, third chapter this week, and I have to say I think this is one of my favourites! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did writing it.

Chapter 31

Jack and Elizabeth entered the front door of their house after the long journey back from Hamilton.

Tilly who had had enough of being restrained through most of the trip home was eager to run, Elizabeth put her down and she straight away made a beeline for the parlour.

"Where does she get all that energy? I'm exhausted." Elizabeth exclaimed as she realised how tired she felt after the long trip.

"I thought you might be. I took the day off work tomorrow, Bill said he'd cover for me for an extra day." Jack informed her.

"He did? Oh that's wonderful." Elizabeth said as Jack placed their luggage on the floor over by the staircase.

"I also thought I'd take it off because it's your birthday tomorrow." He said as he walked over and placed a kiss on her cheek.

"I was wondering if you remembered."

"You should know I'd never forget. I thought we could spend a nice quiet day together."

"Sounds heavenly, but we have already celebrated my birthday in Hamilton."

"And that night didn't end so well."

"We had a beautiful evening out dinner and dancing. Tilly had a minor accident while Julie was watching her, but it didn't ruin my night. I can't imagine anything sweeter than spending the night with you and our daughter." She said placing a gentle kiss on his lips.

"Well I'm glad you're happy, but I still plan to help you enjoy your birthday tomorrow." Jack informed her, and she smiled upon hearing his words. "I'll just bring in the last of our things."

Elizabeth nodded, and then headed off to the parlour to find Tilly, to make sure her fourteen-month-old active toddler hadn't gotten herself into any trouble.

The following day.

Jack, Elizabeth and Tilly sat out in the row boat in the middle of the pond.

Jack constantly struggled to keep Tilly still as she continued to repeatedly try look over the edge of the boat. Elizabeth held onto the side of the boat as it frequently rocked from all the movements.

"Sorry." Jack apologised. "This was meant to be more relaxing."

"It's fine Jack, I am enjoying myself."

"Yes, but it's your birthday Bella."

"We have a toddler, this was pretty much what I was expecting when we decided to bring her out with us on the row boat."

"I know, you're right." Jack admitted.

"Fishy?" Matilda asked as she looked up from the murky water and back at her parents.

"Yes, there's fishies in there, I'm not sure you'll be able to see any though." Jack informed her.

Matilda scrunched up her nose and then leant her chin back down on the edge of the row boat as she looked back into the water for fish.

Jack and Elizabeth shared a smile as they watched her.

"Maybe one day you'll have to take Tilly fishing." Elizabeth suggested.

"Sounds like a plan, but today you're the birthday girl so we are going to focus on what you want to do."

"I'm just happy I can spend the entire day with my handsome husband."

Jack smiled upon hearing her words.

"Well I'm glad, but I'm not so sure you're going to be so happy to be here right now." Jack said cautiously.

"Why is that?"

"Because there's a spider in the boat…"

Elizabeth followed Jack's gaze and saw a spider crawling next to her, down the side of the boat. She hastily made her way into Jack's arms to get away from the spider and he grinned. Tilly then noticing her Mother's panic, started to squeal in fright and jumped into Jack's other arm.

"Jack! You know how much I dislike spiders!" Elizabeth exclaimed as she noticed the grin on his face.

"I'm sorry but how can I not be pleased? I now have two pretty girls throwing themselves at me." He laughed.

Elizabeth rolled her eyes at him before relenting and giving him a smile.

Tilly now getting past the initial shock, then started to cry as she wondered what was going on. She climbed onto Elizabeth's lap and snuggled into her chest.

Jack pulled Elizabeth onto his lap and wrapped his arms around both of his girls. Tilly's cries soon settled, and she peaked her head out, as she lay the side of her face on Elizabeth's chest while watching the water. Eventually she wriggled out of her parents hold and she sat down on the floor of the boat and played with her doll.

Elizabeth sat between Jack's legs and he reached over to pick up the spider. Elizabeth leaned back on Jack's chest as she tried to get further away from the offending insect, as he placed it further away. They watched it crawl off further down the other end of the boat, and Elizabeth once again started to relax in his arms.

"Happy now?" He asked as he turned his attention back to Elizabeth and she nodded.

Jack swept back the long tendrils of Elizabeth's hair, creating access to her neck, and he gently pressed his lips down onto her skin.

Elizabeth grasped onto Jack's leg as her body shivered as she felt his warm lips on her skin.

"Jack…" She whispered.

"Hmm." He said as he trailed kisses up her neck.

She didn't reply so he continued kissing up her neck and then onto her cheek.

"You want me to stop?" He asked in between kisses.

"No… I mean… Yes." She said, slightly pulling away from him and turning so she could see into his eyes. "I mean yes, but I don't want you to."

"We can continue this later?"

"I think that would be a good idea." She said giving him a smile as she took one hold of one of his hands.

"Okay." He said as he lifted her hand a placed his lips on the back of it.

Tilly then stood up and the boat started to sway, Elizabeth quickly grabbed her and pulled her back into her arms before helping her sit back down onto the floor of the boat

"Maybe we should head back to shore, it's getting a little hot out here anyway" Jack suggested once he'd regained balance of the boat.

"I think you were the one that was creating the heat Constable Thornton, not the sun." She said, giving him a knowing look.

He grinned upon hearing her remark, and placed a quick kiss on her cheek.

"I'm not sure about that, I was starting to feel a little delirious from the heat as soon as you jumped into my arms Mrs Thornton."

"Well it's a good thing you weren't so delirious the last time you discovered a spider in the row boat."

"Maybe I was, I just didn't want you to know." He said, his gaze fixed on her.

She sat there astonished not sure what to say. After processing what he said, she gave him a shy smile.

"Well it's a good thing you didn't kiss me that day Jack. I think I would have been quite shocked."

"You didn't want me to kiss you? Because the way you looked at me as you sat in my arms gave me an inkling that you wanted to."

"I never said I didn't want to kiss you that day." She informed him.

"Oh, so you did want kiss me?"

"I did, but I'm not sure I was quite ready."

"I understand, which is exactly why I knew to wait." Jack said.

Elizabeth wrapped her arms around Jack's neck and gave him a brief kiss on the lips.

"I don't like waiting anymore though." She whispered.

"Neither do I."

Elizabeth got up and moved back over to her side of the boat and sat down, Jack feigned a look of disappointment before giving her a grin.

"I think we should go back to shore." She suggested.

"Before things get a little too heated again?" He said as he picked up the oars.

"Again? I think they already are…"

They both grinned at each other and Jack started to row back to shore.

Once they arrived, Jack helped Elizabeth and Tilly out of the boat. He then pulled the boat up onto the shore, and then went over to Elizabeth and took her hand.

Tilly ran ahead of them and they watched her through the tall green grass.

"I thought we should head to the Mercantile to see if we have any mail, there could be a few things waiting for us since we've been in Hamilton."

"Good idea. I was thinking of stopping in and seeing Abigail, it's been a while since I've caught up with her."

"She'd like that." Jack replied.

Jack let go of Elizabeth's hand and hurried up ahead and scooped Tilly up into his arms.

"Hey Missy, we're going into town, not to the Church." He said as he noticed her heading in the wrong direction.

"Schoo" She said to Jack.

"There's no school today, so no kids to play with." Jack told her. He knew Tilly loved visiting the school house on Monday's when Elizabeth was teaching, just so she could visit all the children.

Tilly wriggled in his arms and he let her down again, this time she ran up ahead towards town, she then ran back to Elizabeth and tugged on her skirt.

"See Aunty?" Tilly asked as she looked up at Elizabeth.

"Yes, we're going to the Café to see Aunty Abigail." She said giving her daughter a smile.

Tilly then grasped onto both her parent's hands and tried to pull them apart. Jack and Elizabeth let go of the hold they had on each other's hands and each took hold of one of Tilly's. Tilly smiled up at both her parents as they continued to make their way into town.

Once they arrived, Jack headed over to the Mercantile while Elizabeth went over to the Café with Tilly.

Jack walked up the steps towards the Mercantile but stopped as Bill made his way out the front door.

"Just the man I was looking for." Bill said as he noticed Jack. "I have an urgent telegram for you."

"Thanks." Jack said as Bill handed him the telegram.

Jack silently read through the telegram before looking up at Bill.

"I'm sorry, I guess you've been expecting something like this for some time now." Bill said noticing the concerned look on Jack's face.

Jack nodded.

"Can you keep this to yourself, at least until tomorrow? I don't feel I can break the news to Elizabeth today, it's her birthday."

"Certainly, you have my word." Bill said as he gave Jack's upper arm a pat.

Bill then headed off down the steps as Jack made his way into the Mercantile.

Elizabeth sat Tilly on her hip as she carried her into the Café. They entered through the kitchen door and found Abigail rushing around the kitchen.

"Oh Elizabeth." Abigail said stopping, as she saw her friend enter the room. "It's so good to see you. I missed you all while you were off in Hamilton" Abigail wiped her hands on her apron and hurried over and gave Elizabeth a hug.

"I missed you too Abigail. As much as I enjoy the luxuries Hamilton has to offer, I'm so glad to be home."

"I'm glad, and how is my little Angel?" Abigail asked as she held her hands out and Elizabeth placed Tilly in her arms.

"She's wonderful, she got very spoilt by all the family, and had a lovely time with Aunt Julie."

"That's lovely." Abigail replied. "And a little bird reminded me last week that it's your birthday today. Happy Birthday Elizabeth." Abigail said giving he another hug.

"Thank you. I've been very spoilt myself. Jack took me out dinner and dancing in Hamilton, and now today he's taken the day off work to spend with me, he even bought me a new leather-bound journal and a bottle of lemon verbena."

"You have been spoilt, I always knew that husband of yours would be a keeper." Abigail said giving her a wink.

"He certainly is." Elizabeth said with a smile.

"Before I forget, this is for you." Abigail said picking up a basket and handing it to Elizabeth, while juggling Tilly in her other arm.

"What is this?" Elizabeth asked, seeming somewhat surprised.

"Just a little something for supper. Consider it a birthday present."

"Thank you so much Abigail. This will be wonderful." Elizabeth said, she placed the basket down on the kitchen table in front of her, and sat down on one of the stools at the table.

Jack then entered the café and made his way over to Elizabeth.

"It's good to see you home Jack." Abigail greeted him.

"It's good to be back." He said, his voice sounding solemn and serious. "You ready to go?" He said looking down at Elizabeth as he placed his hand on her shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze.

"Sure." She said standing up.

"Sorry to leave so soon Abigail, it's been a busy few days though." Jack said apologising.

"I understand." She said as she handed Tilly over to him and he took his daughter in his arms.

Jack placed a kiss on Tilly's cheek, and then took hold of Elizabeth's hand.

"We'll see you tomorrow." Elizabeth said to Abigail.

"Looking forward to it." She said as she gave them all a smile.

Jack nodded, and they made their way out of the kitchen door and headed home.

Later that evening

Elizabeth was in the nursery, sitting down in the rocking chair and nursing Tilly. She noticed her daughter getting extremely drowsy and she carefully placed her in her cot. She gently pat her daughters back for a couple of minutes to make sure she was completely settled, before quietly making her way out of the nursery.

She walked down the staircase and saw Jack standing at the bottom of the steps wearing a suit. She smiled thinking about how handsome he looked, but also wondered what he was up to.

"Jack what are you doing?" She asked as she stopped at the last step and stood in front of him.

"May I have the pleasure of your company this evening?"

"Why are you being so formal? Are you going to ask me for my hand again?" She said, trying not to laugh.

"Again?"

"The first time you asked me out for dinner, well the first time when you officially asked me and made it perfectly clear that it was your intention to court me, you asked me for my hand."

"I did?" Jack asked surprised.

"Yes, and I wasn't sure whether you meant literally at first." She laughed. "I was somewhat shocked."

"I imagine you must have been, I'm glad I didn't realise, otherwise I might have lost my courage to ask you to dinner." Jack admitted.

"I'm glad you didn't then, as you asking me to dinner was the most wonderful surprise."

"I'm so glad I asked you too, but tonight I want to ask you again." He said taking her hands in his own.

"You don't have to ask me, we eat dinner here almost every night…"

"Just play along with me okay?" He asked with a grin on his face.

"Alright." She said smiling.

Jack wrapped his arms firmly around her before picking her up, swinging her around and lifting her down from the final step on the staircase. She gave him a smile and he slowly released her as she slid down his body before her feet touched the ground.

Jack then offered her his elbow which she took hold of and he walked her into the dining room.

"Jack this is beautiful." She said as she noticed he had placed candles and red roses on the table and had already set out the evening meal that Abigail had prepared for them.

Jack held out a chair for her and she sat down. He then went and pulled a chair up right next to her and sat down himself. He felt her hand slide over his thigh as it searched for his hand. He lingered as he enjoyed the feel of her hand on his thigh, he then looked into her eyes and gave her a smile. He then searched for her hand under the table and took it in his.

"Happy Birthday Bella." He said as he leant over and gave her a brief but meaningful kiss.

"Thank you. This is amazing Jack, you really didn't have to do all this."

"Of course I did, you're the most important person in the world to me sweetheart, this was a way of me trying to show you that I love you."

"I love you too sweetie, and I know you love me because you show me every single day. Every time you smile at me, or when you call me Bella." She said giving him a smile. "Or whenever you make me laugh, or use those dear words you say to describe your love for me. I especially know you love me in the way you touch me, and not just when we're making love, but in all the gestures and affection you give me throughout the day, and sometimes even at night when I feel you reach out for me. You've always been good at grand gestures in displaying your love for me Jack, but it's also the little ones that are just as important."

"I'm glad you notice them, because they're often not intentional, they come naturally from my heart. My heart that is so full of love for you."

Jack noticed tears starting to fall from Elizabeth's eyes and down onto her cheeks. He wiped them away with his thumb before resting his hand on the side of her face. He felt her lean into his hand and saw her close her eyes. He leaned in and placed a soft kiss on her lips and she willingly responded. Their kisses gradually got a little more passionate before they pulled away and rest their fore heads on each-other's.

"Maybe we should eat before we get carried away." Jack suggested as he sat up while continuing to keep his eyes on her.

Elizabeth smiled and nodded her head.

After supper Jack excused himself from the table and informed Elizabeth he'd be right back.

Elizabeth cleared the table and put out the few candles that Jack had decorated the table with. She picked up once of the roses and brought it up to her nose and took in the scent.

She then saw Jack descend from the stairs and make his way over to her side. He carefully took the rose from her hand and placed it down on the table before taking her hand in his and he silently walked her across the room and up the stairs.

He stopped outside their bedroom door and he encouraged her to enter the room first.

She stepped inside, and upon looking into the room she covered her mouth with her hand. She noticed an array of tea candles around the room and dozens of rose petals laid out over the bed.

"Jack." She whispered as she looked back at him and he smiled.

She turned back around again to look at the display in front of them and he wrapped his arms around her waist from behind. She leaned back into his chest as she took a moment to take everything in.

"This is beautiful, when did you have time to do this?" She asked.

"I've been planning, but I only set it up just now."

"You're amazing, you know that?" She said, and she turned around while still in his arms and kissed him.

Her hands roamed through his hair and their kisses intensified. He slowly walked her across the room while not letting go of his hold on her or letting it interfere with their kisses.

"I love you Elizabeth Thornton." He said breaking out of the kiss as he stopped at the side of their bed.

"I love you too." She said with tears in her eyes.

Jack then pulled her down onto the bed with him, and he showed her how much he loved her.

Jack and Elizabeth relaxed in the bed, tangled in each-other's arms as they waited for their laboured breathing to settle.

Elizabeth lay her head in her customary position between Jack's shoulder and neck. She turned her head and pressed small kisses onto her husband's neck as she felt his hands slowly run up and down her back.

She moved up the bed to be eye level with him and she noticed tears in his eyes. She noted that this was not entirely unusual, but she did suspect a trace of sadness in his facial features.

"Jack, is something wrong?" She asked quietly, with concern apparent in her voice.

"Why would something be wrong?"

"What we just shared here was beautiful, but I know somethings wrong sweetheart. I know how the way you cry when you make love to me, but this is different." She said, her voice sounding gentle and compassionate while being filled with worry for him.

"Can it wait till tomorrow Bella? It's your birthday, I don't want to spoil it." He said, trying his best to be strong for her.

"Jack, you're hurting, I need to know what's wrong."

Jack sighed and placed a kiss the top of her head.

"I won't be able to sleep not knowing. Please tell me." She pleaded, and he returned his eyes onto hers.

"I received a telegram today while we were in town." Jack started, and Elizabeth held her breath waiting for him to finish. "I've been called to Cape Fullerton."

"Jack…" She said letting out her breath, as she started to realise she was starting to hear what she suspected.

"There's been a series of bank robberies and they need urgent back up. The Mounties haven't even given me a request, it's an urgent demand."

"How soon do you need to go? How long will you be gone?" Elizabeth asked with desperation in her voice.

"I'll be leaving the day after tomorrow, I'll be gone for about a month."

"Then I will go with you." She insisted.

"As much as I want you to, you can't. You and Matilda need to be here where you're safe, not in a busy and dangerous city by yourselves. I'll be away long hours throughout the day and night, I need to know you and Matilda are safe and that won't happen there. Our daughter also needs stability, I can't give her that in Cape Fullerton, so you're going to have to be the one to give that to her here."

Elizabeth nodded in understanding, as tears welled up in in her eyes.

"I'm so sorry Elizabeth, especially to have to give you this news now. I feel like I've ruined our evening."

"I'm glad you told me Jack, and you haven't ruined our evening. It was perfect and will be something I will continue to remember and cherish."

"We can do this right? I've been gone much longer before."

"You think we can't?" Elizabeth asked, feeling worried.

"I know we can Bella, it's just that it feels like my heart is breaking whenever I have to leave you for more than a day."

"I understand, my heart aches too, and a month seems like an eternity."

"And to leave Tilly, maybe she'll forget me." Jack said, his voice breaking as he spoke.

"Oh Jack, she won't forget you." Elizabeth said holding onto him a little tighter as her tears fell down her cheeks.

"If she doesn't forget me, she'll think I've left you both."

"No she won't, because I'm going to remind her every hour of the day just how much her Daddy loves her, and how he will be home again soon."

"You promise?"

"You know I will."

Jack silently nodded.

"I'm so sorry Bella."

"You don't need to apologise sweetheart. I knew this is what I was signing up for when I chose to be with you, this is our life, we will get through it. As long as you promise me to be safe and come home to us."

Jack leant his head against Elizabeth's and their noses brushed against each other as the tears on their cheeks mingled through their touch. He started to kiss away her tears before leaning back to look into her eyes. He took her hand and placed his lips on the back of her hand where her engagement and wedding rings sat, and she knew it was his silent way of promising her that he'd be careful and return home.

Elizabeth rest her head on Jack's chest as she silently sobbed, thinking how she would be facing the following month ahead without Jack. She worried about the unknown dangers he'd be faced with, and how they would plague her mind while he was away.

Jack felt her body tremble from her cries as he ran circles on the warm skin of her back to try console her. He soon noticed her settle as he recognised the gentle rise and fall of her body, and he knew she was asleep. Jack wiped the tears from his eyes with the back of his hand and sighed, regaining some comfort in the fact that Elizabeth had been able to sleep. He carefully leaned over and turned off the lantern on the bedside table before returning to her side. He gazed up at the ceiling and thought about what lay ahead of him in Cape Fullerton, along with all the concerns in regard to leaving Elizabeth and Tilly on their own. His eyes were sore from crying, and they soon became heavy. He rolled over and placed his arm around Elizabeth's slim waist and took comfort in the fact that she was in his arms in this moment. He inhaled the scent of lemon verbina perfume on her skin that he had given to her that morning for her birthday, and the feel of her soft skin on his own. He nuzzled his face into her soft curls that lay on the pillow they shared, and the warmth of her body started to relax him, and he drifted off to sleep.

A/N Hi Hearties, I thought I'd add a little drama, hoping that now you've seen the Christmas Wishing Tree you can handle a little here. Don't worry though, Jack won't be gone for too long! I will have him back soon.

I hope you enjoyed this sweet moment even though it was filled with sadness. I will have more up soon