Chapter 36

Back at the Church

The blizzard outside wasnt letting up so Jack and Elizabeth were spending the night in the Church. Jack had brought a few more blankets out from the back room of the Church and placed them down on the floor in front of the fire.

Elizabeth sat down on the blankets while Jack placed another log of wood into the fire. He then joined her as he sat down on the blankets and faced her. She gave him a smile before looking out the window and was surprised to see the night sky. The afternoon had gone rather quickly, considering they had not had much to do.

"Did I ever tell you I love your knees?" Jack blurted out.

Upon hearing him, Elizabeth quickly turned her gaze back to Jack.

"Oh…" She said, surprised at the sudden revelation.

"Oh?"

"Well I'm wondering when this fascination with my knees started?" Elizabeth asked cautiously.

"Long before it should have." He admitted while placing his hand under her skirt and resting it on her knee. "But that doesn't matter now."

"No, it doesn't." She said, as she watched his hand, before returning her eyes to his.

He scooted forward, their legs touching as he kept his hand on her knee, and then he leaned forward and kissed her.

Once he pulled away he noticed her smile, but with tears in her eyes.

"Bella, what's wrong?" He asked with concern.

"I miss Tilly." She said.

"I miss her too. She's safe with Rosemary and Abigail though, so maybe we should try enjoy the alone time we have together."

"You're right, and I am enjoying being here alone with you sweetheart."

"So, maybe we can find something to do to pass the time, a distraction maybe?" Jack suggested.

Elizabeth noticed Jack running his thumb over her knee, and she didn't hear a word he said.

"Sorry?" She asked, realising she didn't hear him.

"It seems you're already distracted." He said with a grin.

"I am." She said, as she placed her hand over Jack's that was resting on her knee.

"You want me to stop?" He asked, noticing where she lay her hand.

"I didn't say that."

Jack leaned in, wrapped his arms around her and pulled her onto his lap. She wrapped her arms around his neck and then he proceeded to kiss her.

"Elizabeth… you have no idea… how glad I am… that you're my wife right now." Jack said in between kisses, as she placed a hand on his cheek.

"Because last time we spent the night here we weren't able to do this?" She asked, fairly certain what he meant.

He grazed his lips on the side of hers as he waited for her to finish talking.

"Exactly." He replied, before they found each-others lips once more.

The following morning

Elizabeth woke up the following morning, she felt Jack's warm breath on the back of her shoulder as his arms were wrapped around her while he slept. Her body ached from sleeping on the hard floor and she felt the need to move. She carefully rolled over to face Jack, hoping not to disturb him, before lying still in his arms and watching him sleep. After a few moments she couldn't resist any longer and she leaned in and gently pressed her lips against his. She noticed him stir and then felt him respond to her kiss, as he kissed her back.

"Good morning gorgeous." He said opening his eyes and giving her a smile.

"Good morning." She said, placing her hand on his cheek as she looked into his sleepy eyes.

"It's cold in here." He said, holding onto her a little tighter.

"It is, but you're keeping me warm."

"Maybe so, but I think I should put some more wood on the fire." Jack said, giving her a quick kiss before sitting up and making sure she was still covered by the blanket.

"We're going to be here all day?" She asked, sounding worried as she sat up and pulled the blanket up with her.

"I hope not, but it's quite possible. I know you need to eat though, so I'm thinking that if things aren't worse than yesterday, maybe I could head into town and bring something back."

"Jack, if you can get in to town then surely I can come with you." Elizabeth insisted.

"Bella, you're pregnant. I don't want you out there in that weather." Jack said, his voice calm and he noticed her relax.

Elizabeth sighed as she watched him place a log in the fire.

"I know you're right, but I really need to get back to Tilly, for more than one reason." Elizabeth said, realising how much she missed her daughter but also noticing the tightness in her chest as she hadn't nursed her daughter all night.

Jack realising what she meant stood up and pulled her up with him. He then wrapped the blanket around her firmly making sure she was warm.

"Wait here, and I'll go see what the conditions are like outside, alright."

Elizabeth nodded and patiently waited for Jack to return.

It wasn't long before he re entered the Church through the double doors.

"It looks a little better than it was yesterday, and it's not snowing right now."

"So we can go?" Elizabeth asked excitedly.

"I think we could make it, but I want you to promise that if you're struggling or getting too cold, I will bring you back, or you'll let me carry you."

"I promise." Elizabeth exclaimed, knowing not to push the limitations of what was Jack's concern for her. She knew she desired independence in certain circumstances, but she wasn't going to challenge that this time, and she appreciated his concern for her and their unborn baby.

"Alright then, let's get dressed and head off while it's not snowing."

Jack and Elizabeth dressed and then grabbed their coats and shoes from by the fire. They then tidied up quickly and left the Church to head into town.

Abigail's Café, mid-morning.

"Jack, I think you can put me down now." Elizabeth said as Jack walked up the steps and onto the porch of the Café.

He placed her down onto her feet when they reached the front door and she gave him a smile.

"Thank you Jack, I do appreciate you looking after me."

"I know you do, and I know at times you like to do things for yourself also."

She kissed him on the cheek and he gave her a smile before opening the front door of the Café.

They walked through the dining room and walked a little faster when they heard Tilly crying out the back.

"Oh my goodness, how did you both get here!" Abigail exclaimed as she saw Jack and Elizabeth enter the kitchen.

"With great difficulty." Jack said as they continued to walk into the kitchen.

Tilly who was sitting on Rosemary's lap over on the settee, heard Jack's voice and stopped crying. She looked over at her parents and climbed off Rosemary's lap and ran towards them while starting to cry again.

Jack scooped her up into his arms and kissed her rosy red tear stained cheeks. Tilly then reached out to Elizabeth, and Jack handed her over to his wife. He noticed the tears in Elizabeth's eyes and he wrapped an arm around her and placed a kiss on her temple.

Tilly buried her face into Elizabeth's chest and sobbed, as Elizabeth kissed the top of Tilly's head and ran her hand gently through her daughters long auburn curls, hoping to settle her.

"We missed you so much Tilly." Elizabeth said through her tears, as she rocked her daughter in her arms and Tilly's cries settled. "I'm so sorry I wasn't here for you." Elizabeth said, feeling awful about what had happened.

Tilly looked up at Elizabeth and noticed her crying, and she placed her little hand on her Mother's cheek. It was a gentle touch of sweet reconciliation and concern, and Elizabeth realised that it wouldn't be long before her daughter would be alright. Tilly gave her a slobbery kiss on her cheek, and Elizabeth smiled.

"Ma Ma no cry." Tilly said sounding worried. She looked from Elizabeth and then over to Jack, hoping he could fix the problem which she didn't understand.

"I'm crying because I'm so happy to see you baby girl." Elizabeth said, and she gave Tilly a kiss on the cheek.

Jack nodded to show Tilly he agreed, which caused her to smile, and she appeared satisfied that everything with her Mother was alright. Jack leaned over and kissed Tilly on the head and she reached over and placed her hand on his cheek, feeling the stubble on his face that she wasn't used to.

Tilly then settled back in Elizabeth's arms and Elizabeth noticed her watching Cody and Johnathan play across the room. She went to put her down, but Tilly clung tightly to her blouse. Elizabeth brought her back into her arms and Tilly rest her head on her chest.

"Milkies." Tilly said pulling at Elizabeth's blouse.

Elizabeth remembering again that Tilly had missed her bedtime feed thought it best to nurse her. She was hoping it would also provide some needed comfort and reassurance to Tilly, which she still appeared to be needing.

"I'll be upstairs." Elizabeth told Jack and he nodded as he understood.

"Elizabeth." Abigail called. "You need to get out of those wet clothes, I'll bring up a dress for you soon."

"Thank you Abigail." Elizabeth replied and both women shared a smile.

Elizabeth headed upstairs to her old room to nurse Tilly while Jack stayed downstairs and offered to get some firewood as he noticed Abigail was running low.

He soon walked back in with an armful of wood and put it down in its place by the stove.

"How was Tilly while we were gone Rosie?" Jack asked, as he passed Rosemary in the kitchen as she gave Johnathan a drink of water.

"As expected, she was quite upset you and Elizabeth weren't here. She was up late but did get some sleep. I had her in the crib with Johnathan, I think that may have helped."

"Thank you for taking care of her."

"You and Elizabeth are more than welcome."

"It looks like we'll be here for another night." Jack said, changing the subject. If the kids don't mind sharing the crib, it might be best if you and Elizabeth share the room together upstairs. I'll sleep down here for the night."

"Thank you Jack. I'm guessing you didn't have a very comfortable night last night either, sleeping on the Church floor." She said, as Johnathan ran off to play with Cody again.

"I'm used to it, I'll be fine." He reminded her.

Rosemary nodded, knowing all too well the life of a Mountie.

"Are you alright Rosie?" Jack asked, suspecting Rosemary was worried.

"It's just…" She started but was somewhat speechless. This surprised Jack and made him realise she must be quite worried.

"Lee?" He asked, and she nodded. "You think he's in trouble? I can go out and look for him."

"There's no need, I'm sure he's at home and completely fine. Thank you though."

"It's hard not to worry during times like this."

Rosemary nodded in agreement.

"He's a resourceful man, I'm sure he's fine. He's likely worried half to death about you and Johnathan. I hope he knows you're here."

"He does."

Jack nodded.

"Well, I should get lunch started before the boys start complaining we don't feed them." Rosemary said, changing the subject.

"Do you have anything Elizabeth can eat now? She hasn't eaten since lunchtime yesterday."

"Of course, I'm so sorry I didn't realise. With Tilly being so upset and me worrying about Lee, it slipped my mind, I apologise."

"It's fine Rosie, it's completely understandable."

"Here, take some of Abigail's blueberry muffins for the both of you and I'll have some sandwiches made up soon."

"Thank you."

He took the muffins and headed upstairs to find Elizabeth.

Jack stood in the doorway of Elizabeth's old bedroom and watched his wife and daughter. He smiled as he saw Tilly reach up to touch Elizabeth's face as she nursed.

Elizabeth smiled down at her daughter before noticing Jack's presence. She looked up and gave him a smile and then realised Tilly had also noticed Jack as she squirmed in her arms while trying to sit up.

Elizabeth sat her up, and Tilly reached her arms out for Jack. Jack handed the plate of scones to Elizabeth and picked up Tilly and placed a kiss on her cheek.

"Feeling better now sweet pea?" He asked her, and she gave him a shy look and nodded before resting her head on Jack's shoulder.

"You sleepy now? Aunty Rosemary told me you were up late last night, and I'm sure Mummy's milk is making you sleepy." Jack said, as he looked down at Tilly as she yawned. "You want to take a nap with Mummy? I think she may be a bit sleepy after last night too." Jack said, winking at Elizabeth who gave him a knowing look.

"No nap Da Da." Tilly said looking up at Jack, but then rest her head back down on him again.

"Alright."

"She will nap." Elizabeth whispered to him as she got up and stood by his side.

They then made their way downstairs and joined everyone in the kitchen.

"You three look tired. Go rest, lunch will be ready soon." Abigail told them as she saw them make their way down the stairs and into the kitchen.

"Thank you Abigail." Elizabeth replied.

Jack sat down on the settee with Elizabeth by his side. He had Tilly resting her head on his chest and Elizabeth resting hers on his shoulder. He soon noticed both his girls had fallen asleep and he decided to relax and enjoy the quiet time he had with them.

Abigail noticed the three of them on the settee from the kitchen and she smiled over at Jack and he smiled in return.

Later that afternoon

Elizabeth placed Tilly down in the crib. She had fallen asleep again and was clearly tired after her late night and from all the crying.

"Did I tell you how much I like you in this dress?" Jack whispered, coming up behind Elizabeth and wrapping his arms around her as he noticed her in Abigail's dress.

"It's too tight and the hem is way too high." She said looking down at her lower legs, before turning around and facing Jack. She walked forward in his arms, guiding him backwards so they moved further away from the crib so as not to disturb Tilly.

"I noticed." Jack said raising an eyebrow at her as he continued to walk backwards with Elizabeth in his arms.

"I'm not surprised." She said, stopping near the doorway. "I recall you noticing this last time I wore one of Abigail's dresses many years ago."

"And thankfully you're not mad at me for noticing this time."

"Well no, the circumstances are different now, and the way you went about it last time infuriated me."

"I didn't mean to infuriate you, well maybe I did a little, but at the time I thought you looked very attractive, just as you do now." Jack told her honestly.

"Hmm." Elizabeth said unsure.

"You're pregnant Elizabeth, and this dress looks tight in all the right places to me." Jack said resting his hands on her hips. "It's a good thing we're snowed in and there's no other men here though." He said suggestively.

"Jack." She exclaimed. "I'm only eight weeks pregnant, or so I think."

"Whether you're pregnant or not, you always look beautiful to me." He said, and he noticed her demeanour soften. "You're not sure how far along you are?

"Well it's hard to pin point exactly when…which time…"

"Ah." Jack said understanding as he grinned and gave her a quick kiss.

He noticed her scrunch up her nose and smile at him in the cute way that she did only for him.

"Maybe you should go see Carson?" He suggested, and she wrapped her arms around his waist.

"I will sometime this week."

"Good, let me know when you've organised it and I will come with you." He replied, brushing back a tendril of her hair and tucking it behind her ear. "I suggested to Rosemary that you both share this room tonight. Apparently Tilly and Johnathan slept quite well together in the crib."

"That's sweet." She said thinking of the children. "So you'll sleep downstairs then?"

Jack nodded.

"I miss our nice warm feather bed." She told him.

"At least you'll be more comfortable here than you were last night."

"The Church floor was hard, but I was pretty comfy in your arms."

Jack leaned over and placed a kiss on her lips. The kiss became a little more passionate as he held onto her a little tighter and closed the distance between them.

"Jack… Rosemary might come in." Elizabeth said in between kisses, and he pulled away.

Jack then felt the door bang against his back as it opened. He swung around and saw Rosemary entering.

"I heard my name?" Rosemary asked.

"Uh, we were talking about how you two ladies will be bunking in here tonight." Jack told her, looking a little embarrassed but thankful that Rosemary didn't appear to have any inclination as to what she had just walked in on.

"Oh yes, that sounds like a good plan don't you think Elizabeth?"

"It does." Elizabeth said, pursing her lips while trying to hide her embarrassment.

"Did I just walk in on something here?" Rosemary asked, as she started to notice Jack and Elizabeth's awkward behaviour.

"Its fine Rosemary. Was there something you needed to tell us?" Jack asked.

"Oh yes. Supper is almost ready, so you might want to come downstairs."

"Thank you, we'll be down soon." Elizabeth replied, and Rosemary made her way out of the bedroom and back out into the hall.

Jack and Elizabeth stifled their laughter and looked at each other.

"Come on, lets go eat, before we wake up our daughter." Jack said, and he took her hand and lead her out of the bedroom and downstairs.

A/N I hope you enjoyed this chapter as this one was another one of my favs. Thanks for reading