Chapter 47

Jack pulled up the horse and buggy outside one of Buxton's largest Hotels. He had passed the Hotel numerous times in the past when visiting Buxton and thought it would be the ideal place to spend with Elizabeth on their anniversary. It also happened to be within close proximity of Mountie Headquarters, which was an added bonus.

Jack quickly jumped out of the buggy before going around to help his wife out. A Hotel porter assisted them with their luggage and made arrangements for the horses which left Jack and Elizabeth free to head straight into the hotel.

Jack took Elizabeth's hand as they walked through the hotel lobby and headed for the front desk. He grinned as he noticed her eyes grow wide as she took in the Hotels furnishings. He gave her hand a squeeze and she brought her attention back over to Jack.

"I didn't think you'd be so impressed." He said, knowing she would have certainly seen finer places in Hamilton.

"I guess I wasn't expecting us to go somewhere so nice, especially here in Buxton."

"It's our anniversary, I wanted to bring you somewhere special."

"Thank you Jack." She said, placing a brief kiss on his cheek.

Jack checked in at the front desk and was handed a key before they made their way up to their room.

Upon entering they found the room to be rather large with lots of natural light entering through the wall height windows. A chandelier also hung from the high ceiling and caused a warm light on areas of the room that weren't so close to the windows.

Elizabeth sat down on the large four poster bed to rest her injured knee. She knew if she pushed herself too much it would cause the swelling to return.

"This place is beautiful Jack." She said looking around the room.

"Maybe so, but not as beautiful as you sweetheart." He said while sitting down on the bed beside her.

She gave him a small smile and took hold of his hand.

"How's your knee?" Jack asked attentively, remembering her knee had been dislocated a few weeks ago and still required rest.

"It will be fine once I've had a rest, it's just been a long day."

"Good, because I have something planned for us tonight."

"You do?"

"Tomorrow is our anniversary after all. Unfortunately, I'm going to have to work over at Mountie Headquarters for a few hours tomorrow, but I thought we could do something to celebrate tonight."

"Sounds wonderful Jack. I'll take a rest and then I'll be all ready to go."

Elizabeth went into the ensuite to freshen up and change out of her travelling clothes while Jack unpacked their luggage. Once returning to the bedroom she found Jack had pulled back the bedsheets for her and she made her way over to the bed. Just as she lay down, Jack made his way over towards her and pulled up the sheet and blanket for her.

"Your leg's comfortable?"

"It's fine." She replied. "You're not going to join me?" She asked, somewhat disappointed when she realised he wasn't coming to bed.

"I have some planning to do. You rest, and you'll find out about it later."

"Oh." She stated, and he placed a gentle kiss on her lips.

Elizabeth ran her hands through his hair, trying to deepen the kiss while hoping to encourage him to join her.

"Elizabeth…" He said breathing her name between their kisses.

"Hmmm." She said, while realising he was now laying down by her side.

Jack slowly pulled away and rested his head on her forehead while their laboured breathing settled.

"You will be the death of me Elizabeth Thornton."

She smiled upon hearing his words, knowing all too well how easily she could entice him.

"Sweetie you have no idea how much I want to join you right now but there's something else I need to do… something for you. Just let me do this for you ok? Then we can continue this later."

She nodded and gave him a smile, knowing he would have some romantic gesture up his sleeve for the evening.

"Alright." She said understandingly, and he placed a kiss on her forehead before readjusting the blankets over her body.

He ran his fingers through her hair and he watched her eyes close while noticing her relax. Before long he realised she was asleep and he got up off the bed and started his preparations for the evening.

Just over an hour later

Elizabeth opened her eyes to a very dimly lit room. She sat up in the bed and looked around, realising the room was decorated with dozens of little tea candles. A small smile made its way onto her lips before she started to wonder where Jack was.

"Jack?"

"I'm here." He replied while quietly standing with his back to the bedroom door as he took in her reaction. "Sorry, did I wake you?" He asked while making his way towards the bed.

She shook her head and sat up higher against the headboard as he sat down beside her.

"You did all this?" She asked in amazement.

Jack nodded as he took hold of one of her hands and brought it to his lips.

"You really needed to ask?" He playfully joked.

"No, I really didn't." She said smiling, knowing her husband all too well that she needn't question or be surprised that he would do such a thing.

Jack then noticed a sparkle in Elizabeth's eyes and a smile on her lips, and he realised she'd noticed the trail of rose petals across the floor.

Elizabeth pulled back the blankets and swung her legs down the side of the bed before placing a soft lingering kiss on Jack's lips.

"I guess that means you like it?"

"I do, and I love you."

"I love you too Bella."

Jack took her hand and helped her out of the bed. She then realised the trail of rose petals were making a path way towards the ensuite. She raised an eyebrow at him and he motioned for her to go ahead and follow the trail.

She slowly made her way past the petals and went into the bathroom. In the bathroom she found more lit tea candles surrounding the room, they also surrounded the rim of the bathtub which was already filled with water and bubbles.

Elizabeth stood there, taking in the sight of the room while Jack waited for a reaction. She took a moment and he pulled back her hair and placed a gentle kiss on her neck.

"Why don't you hop in, I'll be back soon." Jack said encouraging her before turning to head back into the bedroom.

"Jack, wait." She said, reaching out for his hand before he got too far away from her.

"Thank you, I love it."

"And I love you." He said giving her a smile.

She pulled at his hand to bring him closer and placed a kiss on his lips.

"Just hold that thought." He said reluctantly pulling away. "I'll be back soon alright."

She nodded and then watched Jack walk out of the bathroom before preparing herself to get into that bath.

Elizabeth lay in the warm bath water, looking over the flickering tea candles that surrounded the edges of the bath. She found the warm water and flickering lights relaxing and felt she could have easily gone back to sleep, especially since Jack certainly seemed to be taking his time.

"Hey, don't go to sleep on me." He said, noticing Elizabeth's closed eyes.

He climbed into the bath behind her and she lay her back against his chest.

"I'm just relaxing, but to tell you the truth, I think I could have fallen back to sleep. Since you're here now, there's no chance of that."

"That's good to know." He said as he placed a kiss on her shoulder while wrapping his arms around her waist.

"So, we've really been married three years." Elizabeth said, speaking as much to herself as to Jack.

"It's gone so fast, but at the same time feels like it was only yesterday."

"I know what you mean." She said as she took his left hand that was resting on her stomach and played with the wedding band on his finger. "Jack?"

"Hmmm?"

"When did you know that you wanted me to be your wife?"

"I've never told you this?"

Elizabeth shook her head.

"To be honest, it was pretty much around the same time you knew you wanted to be my wife."

"Our first date?"

"I had an inkling then, but it was when my request to Cape Fullerton was granted and you told me to go. That's when I knew."

"I told you to leave and that's when you knew?" Elizabeth asked surprised as she turned around to face her husband.

"You made me put myself first even though I knew you wanted me to stay. You encouraged me to follow my dreams Elizabeth. You saying that, that meant the world to me." He said with such meaning as he brushed back a wet tendril of her hair that hung down the side of her cheek.

"You have no idea how hard it was for me to tell you to go." She said, and he noticed her eyes welling up.

"That's not something you ever have to worry about Elizabeth. Me going away is always going to be difficult, but it's always temporary. We're married now, so no matter how far apart we are, I will always be your husband and you'll always be my wife. No one can take that away from us."

Elizabeth felt overcome upon hearing his words and leaned into him and softly pressed her lips against his. Jack felt her warm tears on his cheeks and he pulled away to look her in the eyes.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you sad."

"You didn't Jack, I'm mostly happy, just a little sad." She said as she ran her fingers across the bubbles resting on his chest.

"You are?" He asked, and she looked up from his chest and into his eyes.

"I'm sad due to reminiscing over our time apart, but I'm so happy because I'm yours."

"I get that. It was tough being apart for so long, and I'm so happy to be yours too Bella."

Elizabeth lay her hands on his chest and pushed him till his back was against the bathtub. She then leaned in and captured his lips with her own, more passionately this time. Jack wrapped his arms around her, mostly due to his desire to want her closer, but also to steady her in the water. Her long-wet curls fell across his face as she leaned over him and they continued their kisses.

"Elizabeth." He breathed heavily. "It's getting cold in here, maybe we should get out before we get carried away."

"Alright. But I think we were already pretty carried away." She said breathlessly while giving him a smile.

He playfully kissed her on the nose and she grinned before he helped her sit upright in the bath and they got out.

After wrapping themselves in towels they headed out of the bathroom. Jack motioned for Elizabeth to head into the bedroom first and she lead the way. She took only two steps into the bedroom and stopped dead in her tracks. Jack, not expecting her to stop, almost ran into her. He steadied himself as he rest his hands on the sides of her shoulders.

Elizabeth saw a table that had been set up in the bedroom which was covered in rose petals and candles.

"How did you do this?" Elizabeth asked, turning around to face him as he took hold of her hips once more.

"Well it's not like I cooked, I did have some help." He said, pointing out the dishes that had been brought in by room service. "I thought you'd appreciate staying in, especially with the long day and the fact you need to rest your knee."

"This is amazing Jack." She said, as she dived into his chest and wrapped her arms around his neck.

She then felt her towel start to drop and she pulled back from him before tugging the towel back up.

Jack jokingly gave her a frown and she gave him a shy smile.

"It's not like you're hiding something I haven't seen hundreds of times before." He said, helping her straighten up the towel as she wished.

"Hundred's?" She asked surprised.

"I would think so, we have been married three years, and…" Jack said until Elizabeth cut him off.

"Alright, alright, I get your point." She said, blushing furiously.

"I love that I can still make you do that." He said, kissing her on the cheek. "So, you hungry?"

"A little."

"Oh." Jack said, sounding slightly disappointed after all the trouble he had gone to organising their dinner.

"I might be a little hungry later.

"Later?"

"Yeah, after." She said, slipping her fingers into the top of the towel that was tightly wrapped around his waist.

"After what?" Jack asked obliviously.

Elizabeth rolled her eyes at him and smiled.

"Oh." He said, now starting to catch on.

"Actually, I want to change something tonight. I want to be with my husband before dinner." She said giving him a smile. "Unless you're too hungry."

"You know, all of a sudden I've realised I'm not hungry at all."

"Are you sure because…" Elizabeth started but Jack cut her off.

"I only want you." He said before quickly wrapping his arms around her and seizing her lips with his.

He then quickly picked her up and carried her across the room to the bed.

The following morning

Jack buttoned up his red serge as he watched Elizabeth who was still peacefully sleeping.

He placed a gentle kiss on her cheek, not wanting to wake her but knowing he needed to leave for work. She stirred and looked up at him with her sleepy eyes.

"Oh, you're going?" She asked, feeling disappointed as she noticed he was already dressed in his uniform.

"I am." He said as he sat down on the side of the bed.

"I wish you had woken me earlier."

"I wouldn't have dared, I already kept you up too late last night."

Jack and Elizabeth shared a smile as they both recalled last night's events.

"It's our anniversary though Jack." She said while sitting up in the bed.

"I know, but since we don't have the girls with us I thought you deserved a sleep in. Plus, you look like such an angel when you sleep, I couldn't make myself wake you." He said, running his hand affectionately down the length of her arm. "If you like, you can meet me for an early lunch. Then we can head back to Hope Valley."

"I'd love to. I'll do some shopping for the girls and then I'll come by."

"Sounds great, I've left the address to Mountie Headquarters on the dressing table alright." He said, giving her one more kiss.

"I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too, my beautiful bride." He said, reminiscing how three years ago to the day she had walked down the aisle of the Church towards him as his bride. "Happy Anniversary."

"Happy Anniversary my handsome groom." Elizabeth said and leaned in and kissed him.

They shared a smile and then Jack stood, lingering as he was slow to let go of her hand, but then turned and left.

Elizabeth was then left with her thoughts of the day she walked towards her groom and became his wife.

Later that morning.

Elizabeth walked into Mountie Headquarters feeling a little daunted. The building was bigger than she expected for a smaller town like Buxton, and she had no idea where she was meant to go to find Jack.

Upon discovering a front reception area she headed over in that direction but was stopped by a Mountie along the way.

"May I help you Miss?" The Mountie questioned.

"Oh yes, I'm looking for Constable Jack Thornton."

"Sorry I don't know the name. Was this in regards to an open investigation?"

"Oh no I…"

"Would you like me to take your bags?" He said, noticing the shopping bags Elizabeth was carrying.

"I'm fine thank you." She said, noticing he appeared to be overly helpful but tried to think nothing of it.

"Well, I'm sure someone at reception could help you." He suggested, and she noticed him avert his eyes away from her as trying to hide something.

"Thank you." She said, feeling somewhat uncomfortable and she headed over the front desk.

Across the room, unbeknown to Elizabeth, Jack was speaking to Superintendent Collins.

Jack had noticed his wife enter the room and was now failing to give Collins his full attention. She was always a welcome distraction, but he knew this wasn't the time. He'd usually find it easier to focus back on his work but he realised she was receiving a significant amount of attention from a number of Mounties ever since she'd entered the room.

"Constable?" Collins enquired, as he also quickly picked up what was going on across the room.

"Yes?"

"It seems your wife is distracting not only you, but all my men in the office. Maybe you should make yourself known to the other Mounties. Then I might have a chance at all of you getting some work done."

"Uh, yes Sir…" Jack replied awkwardly, thinking that was the best request he'd heard all day as he was eager to do just as was suggested.

"Good. Then come see me in my office before I leave."

Jack nodded and then hastily made his way over towards Elizabeth. He stood by her side as she seemed deeply engaged in conversation with another Mountie.

"Constable Thornton." The Mountie said suddenly standing as if to attention once he noticed Jack come into view.

Jack looked over him dubiously as he noticed his awkward glances and aversion to keeping eye contact with him.

"David." Jack said, giving the Mountie a nod. He hardly knew the man but had met him earlier that morning.

"Oh Jack, I didn't realise you were here, I've been looking for you."

"It seems so." Jack said somewhat bluntly as he looked over at David.

Jack then noticed the shopping bags in Elizabeth's hands and without verbalising it, offered to take them for her. She handed them to him and then wrapped her hands around his arm.

"I'm sorry, I didn't realise you were..." David said, starting to stumble. "I apologise, I never caught your name Miss."

"Elizabeth Thornton."

"Oh Thornton, I didn't realise you had a wife Jack."

"It's Constable Thornton, and yes I do." He said, wrapping his arm around Elizabeth.

"Yes, sorry Constable." David said, continuing to apologise profusely.

"Elizabeth, I need to speak with you." Jack said, and she nodded in agreement.

"Good day Constable and Mrs Thornton." David said before stepping away from the desk.

"Where are we going?" Elizabeth asked, as Jack lead Elizabeth down a corridor and then into an empty room.

"Getting you out of here."

"Why?" She asked obliviously.

"Did you not notice the two men who were making advances on you in there? Plus all the attention you were getting from the other men in there."

"I think you're being a little overprotective Jack. Is this because we're in the city?"

"No it's not, it was so obvious Collins even noticed it." He said while placing the shopping bags down on the nearby desk before returning his attention to Elizabeth.

"Superintendent Collins?" She asked surprised.

"Yes, he wants his men back at work, you're distracting them."

"I didn't do anything to distract them."

"I know you didn't intentionally sweetheart." Jack said, his voice softening as he noticed her naivety. "But just your presence can be a distraction."

"Oh." She said, but she only somewhat understood. "Jack?"

"Yes."

"Are you jealous?"

"What? I… No…"

She smiled as she listened to him stumble upon his words.

"I think you are Jack, but you should know you don't need to be."

"I know, and you know I trust you, but it's those men that I dont trust." He said as his mind started to waiver as he felt his back press up against the wall as Elizabeth neared closer to him and his gaze travelled down to her lips.

"Jack?" She asked, noticing his distraction.

"Hmm?" He said, now looking back up into her eyes.

"When we leave here I'm going to take your hand as we walk through that office, and I will proudly walk by your side to let all the men in that room know I'm yours."

"Elizabeth Thornton, you are the best wife ever."

"I try." She said giving him a smile. "But before we go, can we do one thing?"

"What's that?"

"Will you kiss me?" She asked.

"Of course, you know I'd never turn down a kiss from my beautiful wife."

"Well we are at Mountie Headquarters."

"There's other Mounties you'd rather be kissing?" He asked jokingly. "Cause it seems like you have plenty of options."

"I didn't notice, not until you pointed it out anyway. Plus the only man in a red serge I've ever looked twice at is you."

"Really?"

Elizabeth nodded.

"From the first time I laid eyes on you as your rode past me at the Coal Mine, you made me take a second glance."

Jack grinned upon hearing he words.

"You made me do a double take that day too." He admitted.

"You did? How did you not know I wasn't already married or one of the widows?"

"Well I initially thought you could have been, but then I noticed you were surrounded by a sea of children. I thought they couldn't possibly have been all yours. Plus, you seemed to have some sort of authority about your presence, even though, not long after that I did assume you we're a bit of a Princess."

"Jack Thornton!" She said, giving his upper arm a gentle slap and he smiled.

"But you know I was entirely right."

"How so?" She questioned defensively, seeming somewhat surprised.

"I soon learned you could look after your own stubbed toes, but you were… you are a princess, and I mean that in the best possible sense because now you're my princess."

"Jack…" She said, her voice trailing off as she pronounced his name.

"So I'm guessing now would be a good time for that kiss, after all I don't see any Mounties here." He said as he noticed her eyes now travelling to his lips.

"I see one, and he's my favourite." She said, looking up into his eyes and giving him a smile.

Jack then pulled her in closer and proceeded to kiss her more intensely than she first expected. She ran one of her hands through his hair and he pulled away.

"What's wrong?" She asked, her voice breathless.

"Nothing." He said, not really wanting to admit his problem.

"Tell me Jack."

"I'm at work, the last thing I need is to walk through the office with tousled hair and my wife on my arm."

"Really? I thought that's exactly what you'd want all the other Mounties to see."

Jack did like what she was suggesting and while pondering on the thought he noticed her biting her bottom lip, trying to prevent herself from smiling. He grinned, and her action only caused him to want her more. He then kissed her again, and the idea of having messy hair was forgotten.