Hi Hearties,
Sorry it's taken me a while to get this chapter up. I hope it was worth the wait though. Also, thank you to Kristyn Press who gave me the idea to write up a campfire scene :)
Jack returned home from work early and entered a quiet house. He removed his serge and hung it on the coat rack by the front door before making his way further into the house. He searched the parlour, looking for his wife and daughter and eventually found them in the bedroom upstairs. He stood in the doorway of his and Elizabeth's bedroom, and watched Elizabeth and Tilly sleeping on the large feather bed. He noticed Tilly's head buried into her Mother's chest, while Elizabeth had one arm protectively over Tilly's little body. Tilly had also placed a little hand on Elizabeth's cheek, which was covered by long tendrils of Elizabeth's auburn hair, almost hiding the small display of affection.
Jack leaned against the doorframe and smiled as he momentarily watched over his wife and daughter. He'd noticed that since his and Elizabeth's return from being snowed in at the Church, Tilly had become Elizabeth's little shadow, and rarely left her side.
Jack understood Tilly's insecurities. He knew first-hand what it was like to experience long absences from Elizabeth. He was also aware of the urge to want to constantly be in her presence once they were reunited. He however had no need to feel insecure, and he had his job to return to. Tilly however still had her insecurities, as any child would under the circumstances. Jack was thankful that Elizabeth was an amazing Mother, and that Tilly was blessed to have Elizabeth's undivided attention when she needed it the most. Due to this, he was not concerned, and knew Tilly's insecurities would soon pass.
Jack then quietly made his way back downstairs after deciding it best to let his girls sleep.
Realising it was much too early to start supper, Jack went into the library and decided to do some sketching. He sat down at his desk and got lost in his art work. He was eventually interrupted by the cries of his daughter. He looked up at the clock on the wall and noticed an entire hour had passed. He put down his pencil and went to get up, just as Elizabeth and Tilly entered the room.
Tilly rushed up to him and he picked her up into his arms. She wrapped her little arms around his neck and gave him a smile, her recent cries only evident from the few tears left on her cheeks.
"Hi sweet pea. Did you and Mummy have a nice nap?"
Tilly nodded her head in agreement, just as Elizabeth reached their side.
"You've been sketching?" She asked, looking down at the drawing on his desk. "It's beautiful." She said, as she looked over the sketch which was of Tilly and herself.
"It's not hard when I have two beautiful subjects."
Upon hearing his words, Elizabeth smiled and placed a kiss on his cheek.
"I love you." She told him. Longing to express just an ounce of her feelings, but words never seemed to quite sum them up. Even if she were to write an entire book of her love for him, she knew it would never suffice.
"I love you Elizabeth." He replied.
She noticed the familiar way in which he articulated her name so exquisitely. She knew only Jack could pronounce her name in such a way, and when she heard it, she could feel her heart rate quicken.
"I wuv you too." Tilly said, wanting to join in.
Elizabeth was broken out of her reverie, and her and Jack shared a smile upon hearing their daughter's sweet words.
"Daddy and I love you too Tilly." Elizabeth replied, and then placed a kiss on her daughter's rosy cheek, while Jack ran a hand through his daughter's auburn curls that were so much like Elizabeth's.
"You're both going to love me even more when you hear what I have to tell you." Jack informed them.
"I already love you with all of my heart. I don't think it's possible I could love you more, but go ahead, tell us." Elizabeth said, as small smile played out on her lips.
Jack recognised the smile on her lips, and knew it was due to her thinking about her love for him.
He placed a kiss on her cheek, resisting the way in which he really desired to kiss her. He knew he'd have to wait till they were alone, and right now he was also excited about the news he had to share.
"I have a week's leave approved and I've decided to take you both on a holiday."
"Oh Jack!" Elizabeth exclaimed as she wrapped her arms around him, being careful not to squash Tilly who was in the middle of the two of them.
Tilly had a big grin on her face. The idea of a holiday and noticing her Mother's reaction excited her.
"When do we go?" Elizabeth asked, feeling enthusiastic about the idea of going away on a holiday together as a family.
"Next week."
"Next week? And you're only telling me now?" She asked surprised.
"I didn't want to tell you, just in case my work plans changed. The last thing I wanted to do was tell you we were going, and then being left with the possibility of having to disappoint you both."
"I understand." She said knowingly. "So where are we going?"
"The beach."
"Beak!" Tilly squealed, she was even more excited than Elizabeth now.
"The beach will be wonderful, I haven't been to the Ocean in so long. Mother and Father used to take Viola, Julie and I every year when we were young girls and we loved it. I can't wait to go with you and Tilly now." She replied, and in her excitement, she leaned over and placed several kisses on Jack's cheek.
Jack grinned at her reaction and wrapped an arm around her.
"Well I'm glad you're both pleased." He said, as Tilly bounced herself in his arms due to her excitement.
Why wouldn't we be?" Elizabeth asked.
"I don't know, I thought you'd like the idea, but I didn't realise you'd both be so enthusiastic about it."
"I'm just enthusiastic about the fact you're going to be spending some extra time with us Jack. Going to the beach will just be extra icing on the cake."
"Well I'm glad you're both happy, because I know I will enjoy some extra time with my girls." Jack said, and he gave both of them kisses on their cheeks.
Tilly then tried to wiggle her way out of Jack's arms and he put her down on the ground.
"We've had a tough month, with Tilly having pneumonia and you being so stressed, I thought this might be the perfect time for us to go away." Jack informed Elizabeth, sounding more serious now.
"It really is Jack, I can't wait."
"You'll be alright to travel, won't you? I mean with the pregnancy? I don't want you being uncomfortable."
"I'll be fine Jack, as you know I'm not even half way along yet, and before we know it this baby will be here. It's also Tilly's birthday coming up and then it will be Christmas. This is the perfect time to go."
"Alright, as long as you're certain Bella."
"I am." She said, before giving him a gentle kiss on the lips. "I can't wait."
"Neither can I."
The following week
After catching the train into Vancouver and traveling a further two hours north of the city in a stage coach, Jack, Elizabeth and Tilly arrived in a small coastal beach town within British Columbia.
Tilly who was exhausted from the long journey, slept in her Father's arms, not even realising they had arrived at their destination.
Jack unlocked the front door of the little cottage he had rented for the week and opened the door. He held the door open, waiting for Elizabeth to enter first, before making his own way in.
Elizabeth walked through the cottage which was quaint but very pretty. Although small, it was still much larger than the row houses back in Hope Valley. Upon looking around, Elizabeth found it to be quite charming, and was pleased Jack had found such a lovely place for them to stay. The kitchen was bright and spacious with all the needed utilities, and the living room had plenty of seating, as well as an open fire place on the north wall.
Elizabeth walked through the living room and pushed aside the curtains on the West side windows, which revealed breathtaking views of the ocean.
"Jack it's so beautiful here." She said, taking in the ocean views before looking back at her husband.
Jack placed Tilly, who was still sleeping, down on the nearby chesterfield before making his way over towards Elizabeth. She was taking in the ocean views again as Jack walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her.
"Thank you for bringing us here Jack, it's amazing."
"Not as amazing as you." He said, resting his head on her shoulder.
He brushed back her long curls, gaining access to her neck, and gently pressed his lips against her soft skin. She shivered, not expecting his touch, and a smile formed on her lips. She turned around in his arms and looked up at him.
"I'm pretty certain I'm going to enjoy our week here." She told him, wrapping her arms around his neck, and she felt his arms tighten their hold around her waist.
"Only pretty certain? Cause I know I definitely will." He replied, placing a gentle kiss on her lips.
"You've convinced me now." She said, sounding more affirmative than she previously was. "I know I definitely will."
Jack smiled upon hearing her conviction, and she noticed the dimples in his cheeks make an appearance.
"Before I get too distracted, I think I should start a fire." He said, still holding onto her while briefly glancing over at the fireplace.
"I think you've already started a fire Constable Thornton." She said, tightening her hold on him before letting her lips find his once more. Their kiss lingered longer this time, as they let themselves get caught up in the moment.
"I'm not your Constable here remember." Jack said pulling away, and she noticed the mischievous twinkle in his eye. "I'm just your husband."
"Just?" She queried. "I don't need you to be my Constable. You being my husband is enough… it's everything to me."
Jack smiled and wondered why God had graced him with such a wonderful wife. He didn't reflect too long on his all too frequent thought as his attention was drawn back to Elizabeth. He noticed her bright blue eyes were holding their gaze on his own hazel ones. He knew how easy it was to get lost in those eyes of hers, and he allowed himself to, knowing that resisting was too hard and would be pointless anyway.
Just as Jack was about to kiss her again, they were disturbed by cries coming from across the room.
"Save that for later." He whispered, and Elizabeth gave him a modest smile before making her way over to the chesterfield to attend their daughter.
Jack knew what all her smiles meant now, he was quite certain he had worked most of them out even before they had married. This smile however he knew was a sign of approval and pleasure.
The following day
Jack, Elizabeth and Tilly sat in the sand on the edge of the ocean, building sand castles.
Tilly stood up and then proceed to stomp her feet all over the castle her parents had just created.
Momentarily Elizabeth's jaw dropped, but then smiled upon hearing Tilly's giggles at the pleasure of destroying their creation.
"More!" Tilly requested excitedly in a high-pitched voice, one only obtainable by young children.
"How about I bury you in the sand?" Jack asked her. Both he and Elizabeth noticed Tilly's brow furrow, and the look of worry on her face.
"Let's bury Daddy!" Elizabeth suggested, noticing Tilly's apprehension.
Tilly eagerly nodded her head and started copying Elizabeth who had started digging in the sand nearby Jack.
Once Jack was buried deep in the sand, only his upper chest and head in view, Tilly stomped on the sand over him and giggled. She then tugged at her sun bonnet, trying to remove it, and Elizabeth stopped her.
"You need to leave your bonnet on sweetie." Elizabeth told her as she readjusted the bonnet on her daughter's head.
Tilly reluctantly left the bonnet on, and then ran off towards the water, and Elizabeth hurried off after her.
"You're just going to leave me here!?" Jack called out.
Elizabeth took hold of Tilly's hand just as she reached the water, before looking back at Jack.
She laughed as she noticed him struggling to get himself out of the sand but knew he would be able to make his own way out.
"You didn't come help me." Jack said, feigning a pout as he reached her at the edge of the water.
"I didn't think you needed saving Constable." She said, giving him a grin, before averting her eyes down to her feet where she kicked at the ocean water.
"I keep telling you, I'm not you're Constable here." He said, jokingly.
"Clearly not if you need help escaping from sand." She quipped.
Upon hearing her remark, Jack grabbed her around the waist and pulled her into the slightly deeper water.
"Jack no!" She exclaimed while laughing, as she realised how cold the water was.
Jack relented, as he resisted the urge to pull her down into the water.
They briefly glanced back at Tilly who sat by the water's edge, un-phased by her parent's antics, as she busied herself with the few shells she found amongst the damp sand.
Jack and Elizabeth then turned their attention back on each-other.
"I wish I could kiss you right now." He said, while fixing his gaze on her.
Elizabeth looked around and noticed that other than their daughter, there wasn't another soul in sight.
"So, why haven't you?" Elizabeth queried, as she looked back at him.
"Because I want to give you the kind of kiss I give you when our daughter's not around."
"Oh."
He gave her a brief kiss on the lips, realising that would have to suffice for the time being, and they then drew their attention back to their daughter.
Jack took Elizabeth's hand and walked her out of the water before making their way over to Tilly who was still digging away in the sand.
"We should probably go; this sun is pretty warm." Elizabeth suggested, as she worried about the sun on Tilly's skin.
"It's time to go sweet pea." Jack said, scooping Tilly up into his arms.
"No go!" She exclaimed and tried to resist the hold he had on her.
"Well Mummy and I were planning on going to get some ice cream." Jack said, trying to persuade her with their plans.
"Yes, ice ceem!" Tilly exclaimed, her dimples popping as a smile appeared on her face.
Back at the cottage
Elizabeth started to wipe off the last of the sticky ice-cream on her daughter's face. Tilly pouted and reluctantly waited for her Mother to finish cleaning her face.
"You can have a little play, but then you need to take a nap." Elizabeth informed her once she was done. She then placed a quick kiss on Tilly's clean cheek before she could take off.
Tilly then ran off and went to find her doll, which caused Elizabeth to smile.
After putting Tilly down for a nap, Elizabeth sat down on the chesterfield next to Jack who was reading one of the local newspapers. He put the newspaper down on his lap and turned his attention over to Elizabeth.
"Tilly's still awake?"
"She's singing to herself, she'll be asleep soon." Elizabeth said, reminding Jack of Tilly's newly acquired nap time ritual.
Elizabeth lay her head down on Jack's shoulder before looking out the windows that displayed the beautiful ocean views.
Jack noticing Elizabeth was quiet, decided to turn his attention back to the newspaper. After a few minutes he momentarily looked down at Elizabeth and noticed something wasn't quite right. He set aside his newspaper again and looked at her.
"Bella, what wrong?" He asked, concern apparent in his voice.
"It's nothing."
"It must be something if it's made you upset." He said, wrapping his arm over her shoulders as he noticed tears pooling in her eyes.
"As you know, I was nursing Tilly before bed times, but now it seems she's weaned herself… I just feel upset about it all."
Jack held his arm around Elizabeth a little tighter and placed a kiss on top of her head.
"She's almost two years old, and it won't be long before you have another baby to nurse." Jack reminded her, trying his best to resolve the matter. His words didn't console her however as she only really needed him to listen and understand.
"I feel like Tilly doesn't need me anymore." She admitted honestly.
"Oh sweetheart, please know that isn't true." Jack replied, feeling desperate to quell her concerns. "You are the whole world to that little girl of ours. You're the first thing she wants when waking up, and the last thing she needs before drifting off to sleep."
"I know you're right, but I still feel that I've lost a little part of my relationship with her."
"Part of your relationship may have slightly changed, but as she grows there will be new ways your relationship will develop. Elizabeth… that little girl hangs on every word you say, she's very perceptive of your emotions, and is influenced accordingly. I see how you two unknowingly play-off on each-other, it's beautiful and it reminds me of how close you both are. It saddens me to know that you think Tilly doesn't need you. She loves you with all of her heart, and she's always going to need you."
Elizabeth smiled upon hearing Jack's words, realising how insightful he was towards her and Tilly's relationship
"Thank you Jack, it means so much to me that you understand." She replied, sitting up and placing a kiss on his cheek.
Jack realised the change in her disposition, as she appeared slightly happier. He leaned in and gently kissed her lips.
"What was that for?" She asked smiling.
"For no reason other than I love you, and just because I can."
Once she heard his words she instantly kissed him back and she felt a small smile on his lips as he tried his best at kissing her back through the smile. She then pulled away and looked at him.
"I didn't see that coming." He said, surprised she'd initiated a kiss so quickly. "So, what was that for?" He asked, mimicking her own question from a moment ago.
"Because you're my husband, and because I wanted to." She replied, looking into his eyes and noticing his long eyelashes. "And because I think you wanted me to."
"I am glad I'm yours Bella…and you know me well, I did want you to kiss me." He said with a grin on his face.
"I'm glad I'm yours too, because I love you Jack Thornton."
"I love you too." He said giving her another kiss. "So, I had an idea…"
"Oh, you did did you?" Elizabeth asked with a smile on her face, assuming the direction the conversation was headed, while she played with the hair at the nape of his neck.
"Not that kind of idea." Jack said, grinning at the realisation of the thoughts entertaining Elizabeth's mind. "Although that is a very good idea."
"I'm glad you think so, but tell me your idea first."
"I was thinking we could go back down to the beach and have a campfire tonight." Jack suggested as he twirled a long tendril of her hair between his fingers.
"Sounds wonderful, and terribly romantic."
"Even with an almost two-year-old?" He asked, tucking the strands of hair behind her ear before looking back up into her eyes.
"Even with an almost two-year-old. All I need is you Jack, I trust that you make anything romantic."
"I have to admit you're making me feel a little overwhelmed right now." Jack said, feeling rather humbled. "I really hope I don't disappoint you now."
"You could never disappoint me Jack… You don't need to do anything grand or extravagant, I just want you to be you."
"That's good, because right now I really want you." Jack replied suggestively in a low guttural voice before placing a kiss on her lips.
He felt the curve of her lips form into a smile before she quickly returned his kisses.
"So… we're back… to my… idea now?" She asked between kisses.
"We are, is that a problem?" He asked breathlessly as he pulled away to look her in the eyes.
"Of course not, I want you too." She replied and wrapped her arms around his neck.
Without any further encouragement Jack leant her back against the chesterfield and kissed her intensely, displaying his love for her.
Later that evening at the beach
Elizabeth sat on a blanket with Tilly on her lap as she watched Jack build a campfire.
"Do we have any matches?" She asked, sifting through the basket at her side.
"I have some I found in the kitchen back at the cottage… I wasn't going to try rub two sticks together." He joked while raising his eyes up at her, waiting to see her response.
Elizabeth rolled her eyes at him, before giving him an understanding smile.
Once Jack had got the fire started he went and sat down on the blanket next to Elizabeth and Tilly. Tilly climbed over and sat on his lap and made herself comfortable. He brushed the soft auburn curls out of his daughters face and she yawned.
"Maybe we should start on these marshmallows, before someone falls asleep." Elizabeth suggested, noticing Tilly.
Tilly's eyes lit up upon hearing the word marshmallows and she sat up in Jack's lap.
Elizabeth got out the marshmallows from her basket and found the sticks she'd put aside to cook the marshmallows on. She then proceeded to place marshmallows on the end of the sticks.
"Me do." Tilly said as she went to reach out for one of the sticks in Elizabeth's hand.
"How about you cook one with me Tilly." Jack suggested as he took one of the sticks from Elizabeth.
"Me do pease?" Tilly asked.
"Those were lovely manners, but the fire is dangerous, so you need me or Mummy to help you."
Tilly pouted, but then relented and took hold of the stick with her Father.
Both Jack and Tilly held the stick into the fire and waited until it caught alight. Jack then pulled the stick out of the fire and allowed Tilly to blow out the flame on the marshmallow. Her small lungs couldn't let out enough breath to blow out the fire, so Elizabeth helped her.
"Yuck!" Tilly said as she looked at the black marshmallow on the end of the stick.
"That one did get a little too burnt. You want to try another?" Jack asked.
Tilly shook her head in disagreement and she went over by Elizabeth who was roasting another marshmallow in the fire.
"You want to try some?" Elizabeth asked, as she noticed Tilly watching her take the marshmallow out of the fire.
"No. Yucky."
"Trust me, one day you are going to love these."
Tilly shook her head, and as soon as Elizabeth sat back down on the blanket after eating her marshmallow, Tilly climbed onto her lap.
Elizabeth pulled her shawl up over her shoulders as she felt the night air getting cooler. Jack sat down beside her and helped her pull up her shawl before carefully removing her auburn curls, out from under the shawl. He then gently brushed them back behind her shoulder, and she gave him a small smile.
"Are you getting cold?" He asked.
"You're keeping me warm." She said as she leaned in closer to his side. "We probably can't stay too much longer though, it's getting too cold for Tilly."
Jack looked down at Tilly in Elizabeth's arms and watched her little eyes flitter open and closed as she fought sleep. She looked so sleepy and comfortable, and in some ways, he wished they could stay there all night.
"Maybe we should go now." Jack suggested, putting his desire to stay longer aside, and thinking of Elizabeth and their daughter's needs.
"Just a little longer?" Elizabeth suggested. Thinking about how much she was enjoying herself by the fire with Jack, and that it was likely better to leave once Tilly was already fast asleep.
"Alright." Jack agreed.
Jack wrapped his arm around Elizabeth as they watched Tilly drift off to sleep.
They both became somewhat mesmerised by the flames and warmth of the fire, which caused them to sit in a comfortable silence. Jack placed a gentle kiss on his wife's cheek as they enjoyed this quiet moment together, wishing it didn't have to end.
A/N Thank you for reading Hearties. I hope you're all enjoying this story. I wasn't sure how well I would go with writing this now that the new Season has started. I think I'll be ok though and will be continuing. Sorry it did take me longer to get this chapter up however. The next chapter shouldn't be such a long a wait. Please leave a review, I love to hear from you