Hi Hearties,
Sorry it's been a while since I've given you a chapter. Last time I updated three times in one week and then realised I needed a bit of a break. I hope you enjoy this chapter…
The bedroom was dark but softly lit by the moonlight that was streaming in through the gaps in the curtains.
Jack woke up in a cold sweat and breathed heavily as he tried to recall where he was. He felt Elizabeth stir at his side, and he realised he was home.
"Jack? Are you alright?"
Elizabeth heard his laboured breathing and noticed the tension in his body. She sensed something was wrong and she held onto him a little tighter.
"I'm ok." He said, trying to conceal his concern, not wanting her to worry.
"Jack…" She pleaded with him as she reached out and placed her hand on his cheek.
"It was just a dream." He said, trying to brush off the seriousness of the matter.
"It's been a while since you've had a nightmare." Elizabeth said, thinking back to the times he'd had nightmares soon after returning from the North.
"I guess being in Cape Fullerton brought back some memories."
"It was that bad there?"
"Not as bad as up North, but I saw some things that made the memories seem fresh." He said, his words faltering as he tried to speak. "It's not just the memories from what I saw there, it's the feelings that return, the worry that I wouldn't be returning to you."
Elizabeth noticed the anguish in his voice and felt the tears on his cheek near where she rest her hand. She ran her thumb across a tear and wiped it away.
"Jack, you're ok, just focus on the present, on us." She appealed to him with love and concern in her voice.
"I'm trying."
Elizabeth eventually noticed his breathing settle, and felt his body start to relax.
She leaned over a placed her lips gently on his cheek, noticing the stubble that had grown from the previous day and through the night.
"You want to talk about it?" She asked.
"Not right now."
Elizabeth nodded, she knew how bad some of his dreams had been in the past, and how he wasn't always comfortable sharing the terrors of war that plagued his mind. She knew though that he would tell her when he was ready.
"I'm going to miss you when you go back to work today." She said changing the subject, for Jack's sake.
"I'm going to miss you too sweetheart." He said pulling her in closer and he placed a gentle brief kiss on her lips.
Elizabeth felt his warm breath on the side of her face which made her somewhat sleepy, but sleep would still not transpire. Her heart felt heavy for Jack and she didn't want him to be left awake, alone with his thoughts.
She leaned in and kissed him and felt a quick response from his own lips. The kiss was slow and long, as their lips lingered on each-others.
Jack felt her lean herself against him and he reluctantly pulled away.
"You need your sleep, especially now you're pregnant."
"Let me help you forget." She pleaded with him.
He looked at her, her facial features dimly lit by the moonlight, enough that he could still take in her beauty and recognise the plea in her expression.
"I love you Bella." He said, knowing she was making it hard for him to resist her. He also wondered why he had been so blessed to have such a wonderful wife that always knew the right thing to say or do. He didn't question it too much as he was too distracted by what she was doing to him, and he looked at her longingly and ran his hand through her soft long curls.
"I love you too." She replied and leaned in and closed the distance between them.
Later that morning
Jack dressed in his uniform and headed downstairs to find Elizabeth and Tilly.
Tilly saw him make his way into the kitchen and she ran up to him and grabbed onto his leg.
He picked her up into his arms and noticed a worried expression on her face.
"Dada work?" She asked.
"Yes, I'm going back to work today." He said, realising she recognised his uniform.
He saw Elizabeth placing their breakfast on the table and he leaned over a gave her a kiss on cheek before putting Tilly in her high chair.
Tilly resisted however and held tightly onto Jack's serge. He pulled her back into his arms and sat down and placed her on his lap
"She won't let you go today huh?" Elizabeth said giving him a smile, although she did worry how their daughter would react once Jack left for the day.
Jack juggled with helping Tilly eat while trying not to get food on his uniform, as Elizabeth sat and ate by his side.
Once they'd all finished eating, Jack got up and placed Tilly on the ground and she headed off to into the parlour to play.
"Are you feeling alright today?" Elizabeth asked as she placed her hand on his upper arm.
"I am. Thank you for last night."
"You don't need to thank me."
"I know, but you always know exactly what to say and do, you're the most amazing wife Elizabeth, and I am thankful for that."
"That is sweet of you to say." She said with a smile. "And I think you're the most amazing husband Jack."
He smiled at her reply before continuing.
"I'm thankful you understood I didn't want to talk last night, instead you were a wonderful distraction. Though you're always my favourite kind of distraction." He said pulling her onto his lap before placing a kiss on her lips.
"You need to go back to work today, so don't let me be too much of a distraction now." She said as she played with the hair at the nape of his neck.
"I'll be sitting at my desk most of the day, so it's likely you will be." He said giving her a grin, and she smiled in return.
"Well Tilly and I will have to stop in and have lunch with you then." Elizabeth said just as Tilly re-entered the kitchen.
"I will look forward to it, and on that note, I should go." He said, as he helped Elizabeth off his lap before standing himself.
"I will bring you lunch."
"Thank you." He said before leaning over and placing a kiss on her cheek.
"No go!" Tilly said insistently as she looked up at Jack.
"I need to go to work sweet pea." He said lifting her up and placing a kiss on her cheek.
"No, No, No." She said as she started to cry.
Jack and Elizabeth shared a worried look between them before they returned their attention back to their daughter.
"I'm just going into town to work Tilly, I will be back home tonight." Jack said trying to console her, but she continued to cry.
Jack needed to leave so he handed Tilly over to Elizabeth. Tilly tried to resist at first but ended up accepting Elizabeth's hold on her and burying her head into Mother's chest and crying.
"I'll see you at lunch time." Jack said, and quickly kissed both of his girls and headed off to work.
Elizabeth rocked Tilly in her arms as she tried to settle her.
"Daddy's at the jail today, we're going to have lunch with him in a few hours." Elizabeth said trying to console her.
Tilly settled a little and she looked up at her Mother.
Elizabeth placed kisses on her daughter's rosy tear stained cheeks, and eventually Tilly smiled.
"That's better. Now Daddy isn't going away alright. We are going to see him for lunch and he will be coming home tonight." She said, hoping to get a clear message through to Tilly.
Tilly nodded her head before trying to wriggle out of Elizabeth's arms.
Elizabeth noticed Tilly seemed settled, and she watched her go after Rip who had just made himself comfortable under the kitchen table. Rip was very tolerant of Tilly's active playfulness, and Elizabeth let them be, as she started to clean up the kitchen.
The following day
"We're going to Aunty Abigail's today." Elizabeth told Tilly as she noticed her daughter eyeing off the jail as they walked through town.
Tilly had now become settled and used to Jack's comings and goings, as she realised he wasn't leaving town for the time being.
Elizabeth held Tilly's hand and they entered the Café through the kitchen door.
"Two of my favourite girls, it's good to see you." Abigail said, welcoming them in.
Tilly spotted Cody in the back room, he had his train set out and she quickly made her way over to him.
"Can I help you?" Elizabeth offered Abigail.
"No, take a seat and relax, I'm almost done here." Abigail said as she closed the oven door before returning her attention back to Elizabeth. "You look well Elizabeth, how have you been?"
"I have been well, not a hint of morning sickness this time around."
"Well that must be a relief."
"It is, certainly with having to look after Tilly and manage one day a week at the school."
"Are you and Jack planning on attending the dance tomorrow night?"
"We are, he tells me he's going in an official capacity, but I know he'll find time to have a dance or two."
"I hope he doesn't put it off too long into the night, there's a lot of new men in town with the railroad. I'm sure they'd be willing to share a dance or two with you."
"Jack has already thought about that and has already signed off his name repeatedly on my dance card so it's full."
"Oh well then. I'm sure he'll make his presence known on the dance floor with you then." Abigail said and they both shared a laugh.
"I'm certain, and I would gladly save all my dances for him, but since he's working, I'm just hoping for a couple."
"Well if you need me to take care of Tilly at any time throughout the night just let me know."
"Thank you Abigail, I'll likely take you up on that offer."
Saturday evening
Elizabeth finished up with Tilly's hair, placing a purple bow in her pony tail to match her new dress.
"You beautiful girls ready to go?" Jack asked as he entered the bedroom, noticing Elizabeth and Tilly in their dresses, ready for the dance.
"We are." Elizabeth said giving him a smile.
Tilly ran off out of the bedroom and Elizabeth and Jack slowly followed her out.
"You look very handsome tonight Constable."
"You see me wear this almost every day." Jack stated, seemingly surprised as he was wearing his uniform.
"I do, but you still manage to make me feel a little weak in the knees when I see you in your uniform."
"That's good to know." He said giving her a wink before placing a kiss on her cheek. "Especially since I feel like I have a bundle of nerves about taking such a pretty lady to the dance tonight."
Elizabeth smiled upon hearing his words and took hold of his arm and they headed down the stairs with Tilly.
At the Saloon
Elizabeth smiled as she sat with Abigail and watched Tilly dance with some of her students. They had all taken a liking to Tilly the moment she was born, and Tilly had grown to love the attention from them.
Every so often Elizabeth's eyes would wander over to Jack who was across the room. He was easy to spot in his red serge, although he every so often made his way around the outskirts of the room. Eventually she caught his eye and he gave her a grin. He mouthed "I love you" to her, and she shyly did the same, hoping that no one noticed their private moment. Jack then gave her a wink and she smiled. She smiled in return and then noticed him become more serious as he took in his surroundings, as he returned to his work.
Abigail had noticed the wink and smiles shared between Jack and Elizabeth. She knew she should be used to catching their displays of affection, but she never did. It was beautiful to see and know her two friends were still so in love.
Elizabeth's gaze was still on Jack until an unfamiliar man walked in front of her and obstructed her view. The man kindly solicited her to dance, and although he seemed nice enough, she politely declined. He respectfully accepted her refusal and moved on.
Just as Abigail was about to speak, Elizabeth noticed Jack was at her side.
"You certainly made your way over here quickly." Abigail said to Jack, as her and Elizabeth stifled their laughter at his sudden appearance.
"It appeared I needed to." Jack said, trying to sound innocent.
"You've signed off my entire dance card Jack, I'm just waiting for you to ask me." Elizabeth said in hopes he'd ask her to dance.
"Well in that case, I shouldn't keep a lady waiting any longer should I. Would you like this dance?" He said holding out his hand towards Elizabeth.
Elizabeth slipped her hand into Jack's and stood up before looking back at Abigail.
"You two enjoy yourselves. I'll keep an eye out on Tilly." Abigail told them.
"Thank you." Elizabeth replied, and she let Jack guide her out onto the dance floor.
They held each other in the traditional dance position, and Jack pulled her a little closer.
"I told you I was saving all my dances for you." Elizabeth said as she relaxed in Jack's arms and followed his lead.
"I know, I'm sorry, I should have asked you earlier."
"It's fine. I'm just surprised that it ended up being jealousy that brought you over to me so quickly." She said grinning. "Or was it just that you were concerned?"
Jack laughed, and he tucked a tendril of hair behind her ear as they continued to dance.
"I know it's silly because we're married, but I was a little concerned and jealous."
"It's not silly, but you don't need to be jealous."
"And concerned?"
"I appreciate your concern, but I was fine." Elizabeth informed him.
"I just like to make sure."
"I know you do, and I'm thankful for that."
They shared a smile and continued their dancing in silence for a few moments until they were interrupted by Tilly.
Tilly tugged at Elizabeth skirt and Jack leaned over and picked up their daughter. He placed his other hand on Elizabeth and continued to dance with her as he held Tilly between them. Tilly reached out and placed her hand on Elizabeth's face and Elizabeth kissed her little hand before Tilly looked back at her Father. Eventually she wiggled her way out of Jack's arms and she went off and played with the older children again. Jack and Elizabeth watched her go and as they resumed their dancing.
"This is nice." Elizabeth said, after a few moments.
"The dance?"
"I mean us dancing. It's been a while since we've been able to do this."
"It's been too long Bella."
Jack noticed Elizabeth's gaze on his lips, and he waited for her eyes to return to his. He knew she wanted him to kiss her but was uncertain as to whether she would want him to in public. He gave her a look, requesting her approval. She gently nodded, and he leaned in and gave her a brief kiss, hoping no one would see them.
The kiss left them both wanting more, and Jack took her hand and swept her across the room and off the dance floor. He guided her out of the Saloon, and into the crisp cool night air. Elizabeth leaned into Jack's side as she felt the cold air hit her, and he wrapped his arm around her as he walked her further along the porch out the front of the Saloon.
"What are we doing out here?" She asked a little surprised as he stopped walking and looked at her.
"I just wanted to spend some quiet time with my wife." Jack said honestly. "Is that alright?"
"Of course." She said giving him a smile. "It does feel a little like we're courting again though, sneaking out here in the dark."
"Who say's we're being sneaky?"
"I know your intentions Constable Thornton." She said leaning back against the wall of the building and he placed his hands on her hips and drew in closer to her.
"What are you talking about? I'm on duty, I'm too busy to be sneaking around with you. My intentions are to be here on a official work capacity." He said, pretending to be serious.
"So, you've brought me out here, so you can work?" She said, playing along with his game.
"Well you do like to keep me busy."
"Jack Thornton!" She exclaimed, and he quickly kissed her.
He felt her relax as she returned the kiss.
"You think you can silence me with your kisses?" She asked with a smile on her face.
"Yes." He grinned, and he kissed her again.
Jack then heard footsteps on the porch just behind him. He pulled away from Elizabeth and shielded her from the passer by.
"Please tell me that's Elizabeth with you"
They both recognised Rosemary's voice and Jack turned around to face her.
"Yes, of course it's Elizabeth!" Jack replied, and Elizabeth came around and stood by his side.
"Well you've been so secretive lately." Rosemary said
"Secretive? I've only been home for two days." Jack said a little too defensively.
"Well you do look a little shifty, hiding out here in the dark." Rosemary exclaimed.
"Rosie." Jack warned her.
"Alright, I know you've been away in Cape Fullerton for a month." Rosemary said, her way of apologising. She gave Jack and Elizabeth a smile and she made her way back into the Saloon.
"I told you you were being sneaky bringing me out here." Elizabeth said laughing, once Rosemary was out of earshot.
Jack shook his head and grinned at her.
"Come on, we should get back inside, in case Rosemary starts talking." Jack said, but not before giving Elizabeth another kiss.
He then took her hand and they both headed back into the Saloon.
Monday afternoon
Elizabeth sat at her desk in the school house as she finished off some lesson planning to hand over to Rosemary for the following day. It had been an hour since she had dismissed the children and knew she soon had to head over to the Coulter's to pick up Tilly.
Elizabeth noticed the Church had started to chill, and not wanting to stoke up the fire again she decided to pack up her things and head off. As she opened the door she noticed the blizzard like conditions and decided to wait and see if the weather would settle down a bit. She shivered, shut the door and went over and placed another piece of wood on the fire. She sat down in one of the nearby pews and took out a book to read. Every few minutes she peered out the window to see if the conditions were improving but it didn't seem they were.
Jack struggled through the snow after leaving the jail and making his way to Abigail's, expecting to meet Elizabeth there.
Tilly spotted him from across the dining room and she ran up to him, and he pulled her up into his arms.
"Hello my pretty girl." He said giving her a kiss on the cheek. "Where is Mummy?"
"MaMa at schoo." She told him.
Rosemary then walked over with Johnathan in tow.
"We were meant to meet Elizabeth at my house, but I thought it best to stay here with the weather conditions like they are."
"I'm glad you did, but Elizabeth's not here?"
"No, I'm guessing she's tried to make it out to my place or she's still at the school." Rosemary informed him.
"I better go find her." Jack said, starting to feel uneasy.
"There's at least two feet of snow out their Jack."
"I know, but Elizabeth's pregnant, and even if she wasn't, I couldn't leave her out there."
"Of course you can't leave her Jack. Go, I'll take care of Tilly."
"Thank you Rosie." He said. "Tilly, I want you to be a good girl for Aunty Rosemary alright? I'm going to go get Mummy." Jack told his daughter before placing a kiss on her cheek.
Tilly nodded her head, not realising the seriousness of what was going on, and she went off to play with Johnathan Coulter.
"Be careful." Rosemary told him.
"I will." He said, and he hurried out of the Café.
Jack exited the front door of the Café and shut it behind him. The weather conditions seemed to be worsening and he knew he had to get to the Church fast. Jack trudged through the snow, thankful his boots were waterproof as he knew snow shoes were going to be pointless in the deep fresh snow. The snow significantly slowed him down, but he was persistent in getting there as quickly as he could. As he got closer he noticed Elizabeth making her way down the snow-covered steps of the school house. He called out to her, but she obviously didn't hear him over the noise from the wind. He saw her almost slip in the snow at the bottom of the steps and he called out to her again. This time she looked up and saw him.
"What are you doing out here?" He asked as he eventually reached her side.
"I was worried I'd be stuck here for the night and would need more firewood."
"Come inside, I'll get some in a moment."
Jack saw her almost slip again as she grabbed onto the railing. With ease, he picked her up and carried her up the stairs and into the school house.
Once inside he shut the door behind them and let Elizabeth slide down against him as placed her back down onto her feet.
"I'm glad you're here." She said, taking hold of his hands that she noticed they were icy cold.
"You didn't think I'd come?" He asked surprised.
"I was worried you'd head over to the Coulter's."
"I thought I may have to if you weren't here."
"Do you know where Tilly is?" She asked, wondering if Rosemary was safely home.
"She's with Rosemary at the Café, her and Abigail will look after her."
Elizabeth sighed with relief, but still worried as she knew it would be some time before they would be able to make it back into town to get their daughter.
"You're freezing." Jack said, noticing her shiver and he rubbed his hands up and down her upper arms. "Come sit by the fire while I go get some more firewood."
Elizabeth sat down by the stove and Jack gave her a brief kiss on the lips before heading out to get wood.
"Be careful." She called out, and Jack looked back and gave he a nod.
A few moments later Jack re-entered the Church, his arms full of firewood.
"There's at least three feet of snow out there now. I don't think we'll be going anywhere anytime soon." He said as he placed the firewood down by the stove. Once his hands were empty he brushed some of the snow off himself before sitting down next to Elizabeth.
"I'm worried about Tilly." Elizabeth said with tears in her eyes.
"I know, but she's safe, we can be thankful for that."
"Yes, but she's never spent the night without me Jack."
Jack silently nodded, knowing there wasn't really anything he could say to Elizabeth to console her. He wrapped his arm around her and she rest her head on his shoulder.
"Your feet are all wet." Jack said, noticing her shoes were wet from the snow. "We need to get these off you."
Jack leaned over and undid her laces, then pulled off her shoes and knee-high stockings. She watched him quietly, thankful that he was there to help her, but also wishing he had stayed with their daughter.
"You're freezing Elizabeth, we need to get you warm." He said sitting down on the pew next to her and he pulled her onto his lap and wrapped his arms around her, while making sure her feet were as close to the fire that was safe.
"I'm fine Jack." She said as she brushed the snow out of his hair with her hand. His hair was wet, and his hands were cold, so she knew he must be cold himself.
"Maybe for now, but remember I need to look after the both of you now." Jack said placing his hand over her stomach.
They shared a small smile and she gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"Your coat is wet Elizabeth. Maybe I can find some blankets out the back of the Church."
"There are blankets out back. They're on the far wall, on the top shelf." She told him, as he slid her off his lap and left her sitting on the pew as he headed out to the back room of the Church.
He soon returned with a couple of blankets. He placed them down on the pew and went over to Elizabeth who was now standing by the fire and unbuttoning her coat.
Jack started to help her, and she watched him work his way on the buttons.
Once he'd undone all the buttons he slipped his hands inside her coat and went to remove it.
"Jack, your hands are freezing!" She said jumping back while laughing as she felt his cold hands through her blouse.
"Sorry." He said apologising, all the while having a grin on his face.
"It's fine." She said, giving him a small smile.
Elizabeth continued to remove her coat herself before hanging it over a chair by the fire.
Jack then grabbed one of the blankets and wrapped it around her.
"Thank you." She said smiling at him.
Jack then pulled off his serge and boots and place them by the fire to dry before wrapping a blanket around himself. He then sat back down and pulled Elizabeth down onto his lap again. He noticed her continuing to shiver and he wrapped his arms around her, while pulling his own blanket around her as well.
"I know we're not here in the best of conditions, but this is kind of nice huh." He said, resting his head on her shoulder.
"Yes, it is." She said, leaning back into his chest.
"In some ways it's better than the last time we spent the night here, at least I don't have to leave you in the morning."
"It would be perfect, but I hate the fact that I'm not there to put Tilly to sleep Jack." Elizabeth said with tears in her eyes.
"I know, I'm worried about her too." He said with concern in his voice.
Jack kissed Elizabeth's cheek and then buried his face into her hair and held her a little tighter.
Back at Abigail's Café
Tilly and Johnathan giggled as they ate their supper at the table with Rosemary, Abigail and Cody. The toddlers faces, and the front of their clothing were covered in spaghetti. It seemed most of the food had gone down their fronts, rather than in their mouths.
Cody laughed as he watched them while continuing to eat his supper.
Considering the grim circumstances, Abigail and Rosemary weren't too bothered with the mess, they were just glad the children were happy.
The women then took Tilly and Johnathan upstairs and got them ready for bed. Abigail suggested Rosemary spend the night in Elizabeth's old room. They agreed that both the children could share the crib, it was still in the room from when Elizabeth and Tilly had spent a few nights there while Jack was up in Cape Fullerton.
Both Abigail and Rosemary noticed Tilly's demeanour change and eventually she started to cry. Abigail noticing her distress, picked her up and placed a kiss on the top of her head.
"You miss your Mummy and Daddy huh?"
Tilly nodded as Abigail wiped away her tears with a handkerchief.
"I'm sorry they're not here sweetie, but I know they will be thinking about you right now."
"Want MaMa milkies." Tilly said while crying.
"I know Mummy nurses you at bedtime sweetie, but Mummy and Daddy are stuck at the Church. I'm sure they'll be back tomorrow." Abigail said, trying her best to console her, but knowing nothing would really work.
Once Rosemary had gotten Johnathan to sleep in the crib, she offered to take Tilly and try settle her, so Abigail handed Tilly over to Rosemary. Abigail ran her hand down the side of Tilly's tired sad face and her heart ached knowing how upset Tilly must be without her parents. She then quietly left the room, hoping that with less disturbance, Tilly would eventually fall asleep.
Rosemary patiently walked around the room and rocked Tilly as she continued to sob. After quite some time, Tilly ended up crying herself to sleep in Rosemary's arms.
Rosemary gently placed Tilly down in the crib next to Johnathan and then went and got ready for bed herself.
To be continued….
A/N Sorry to leave it on a bit of a cliff hanger but the chapter was getting long, and I thought an update was overdue. I hope to have the next chapter up before the weekend
BTW If you have some baby names to suggest please do, as I haven't picked one as yet!