Chapter 49

Elizabeth woke the following morning and felt Tilly's little feet resting on her stomach. She opened her eyes and saw her daughter splayed across the bed, still fast asleep. She smiled at her daughter's usual bedtime antics and then glanced over towards Jack's side of the bed. She'd expected him to be home after returning from fixing the buggy that broke down on the way home from Buxton. But his side of the bed was empty. Feeling anxious, she sat up, carefully shifted Tilly into the middle of the bed and tucked her in before quietly leaving the room.

She hurried downstairs hoping to find Charlotte and was shocked when she saw Jack at the bottom of the staircase.

"Jack!" She exclaimed as she hurried down the stairs and dived into his arms.

He wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted her down from the bottom step.

"I'm sorry." He said, noticing the anguish in her face before it quickly turned into relief. "I did get home late last night."

"I didn't know… I was so worried… I woke up… and you weren't there." She said between placing kisses on his cheeks.

"I'm sorry, I didn't think about how you'd worry if you woke up without me. I should have stayed in bed." He apologised as he pulled her in again and closed the distance between them.

"Its fine Jack." She said, now feeling relieved knowing he was home.

"You sure didn't seem fine and I can feel your heart beating a mile a minute."

"You always make my heart race." She told him as she gave him a sweet smile, trying to convince him not to worry.

"Maybe so, but I don't believe it was for a good reason this time."

"It's slowing now, maybe if you kissed me you could quicken it up again." She suggested, hoping to distract him as she didn't want him to concern himself.

They both leaned in and shared a soft yet passionate kiss until they heard the front door open. They quickly pulled back from their kiss but were still wrapped up in each other's arms when they saw Charlotte enter through the front door.

"You two didn't have enough time together on your little trip to Buxton?" Charlotte teased them.

"Ma!" Jack exclaimed as he let go of his hold on Elizabeth. He knew without looking, that his wife's cheeks would be blushed, so he took hold of her hand to give her some reassurance.

"Alright, I'll leave you two alone." Charlotte said with a grin as she made her way into the parlour and left the two of them alone.

"I'm sorry." Jack said, returning his gaze to Elizabeth as he ran the back of his hand down the side of her flushed cheek.

"You don't need to apologise for your Mother, she's my family too remember. Plus, there's no reason to apologise, we know she's staying in the house, it's to be expected she will be walking around in our home."

Jack placed a gentle kiss on her lips, trying to show gratitude for her understanding.

Just then they heard Tilly cry out from upstairs.

"I'll get her." Jack said as he let go of his embrace on Elizabeth and started to make his way upstairs.

They then heard Abby's small cries coming from the same room and Elizabeth started to follow Jack up the stairs.

"Daddy!" Tilly exclaimed as she sat up in the bed after seeing Jack enter the room.

"Hi sweet pea." He said, picking her up off the bed. "Boy I missed you." He said placing a kiss on her cheek. Tilly then gave him a sloppy wet kiss in return which caused him to smile.

Elizabeth picked Abby up out of her cradle, but her daughter continued to cry.

"I think someone is wet and hungry." Elizabeth said, realising her daughter needed her diaper changed and recognised her hungry cry.

"I'll get breakfast started, come down and join us when you're ready." Jack said as he noticed Elizabeth would have her hands full for a while.

"Thank you Jack, we'll be down soon."

Jack carried Tilly downstairs and left Elizabeth to attend to their baby.

"Ma, please tell me you're not cooking." Jack said as he entered the kitchen and saw his Mother.

"I'm not cooking."

"Are you just saying that to make me happy?" Jack asked, heading over to see what she was up to.

"Don't worry, I'm only making coffee." Charlotte said, and she noticed the frown on her son's face. "Coffee for myself." She insisted.

Jack knew his Mother had been doing well at backing off with the cooking and allowing Elizabeth free reign of her own kitchen, which made him feel relieved.

"Good morning Tilly." Charlotte said, greeting her granddaughter.

"Morning Gamma." Tilly said with a smile.

"You look happy this morning, must be because Mummy and Daddy are home huh?"

Tilly nodded her head and a smile played out on her lips before she lay her head down on Jack's chest.

"How about some oatmeal for breakfast?" Jack asked Tilly and he placed a kiss on top of her head.

"Gamma cooking?" Tilly asked.

"No, I will be cooking."

"Okay." Tilly replied, sounding pleased.

"You can help me if you like." Jack suggested. He noticed a beaming smile on Tilly's face upon hearing his suggestion.

"Ma?" Jack started.

"Yes son."

"Once I've got this oatmeal going could you please watch Tilly and try to keep Elizabeth indoors? I have something to do outside."

"A surprise for Lizzie?"

"Something like that." He replied, not wanting to let his Mother know what he was up to.

Twenty minutes later

Elizabeth entered the parlour and found Charlotte and Tilly playing on the floor with the blocks.

"You're looking spry this morning." Charlotte stated as she saw her daughter in law enter the room.

"I did sleep well. Maybe it's because Jack was there, although I did get quite a shock this morning when I woke and thought he wasn't home."

"I'm sure you did sweetie. I'm really glad he's home though." Charlotte replied understandingly, as she supportively placed her hand on Elizabeth's upper arm. "So, you have plans for the day?"

"Johnathan has invited Tilly over for a playdate so we're heading over to the Coulter's later."

Tilly's eyes grew wide and a big grin made an appearance on her face as she overheard her Mother. She jumped up and ran over to Elizabeth and climbed onto her lap, vying for her attention since she had Abby in her arms.

"You excited about seeing Johnathan?" Elizabeth asked, seeing the excitement in her daughter's face while trying to give her some attention.

"John's now?" Tilly asked.

"After breakfast alright."

"I was going to head into the Saloon to play a game of poker later, I can give you a lift over to the Coulter's in the wagon if you like? I know I'd never hear the end of it from Jack if he knew I allowed you to walk into town with that bad knee of yours."

"That would be wonderful Charlotte. By the way, where is Jack?" Elizabeth asked, starting to wonder where her husband had gone.

"He had something to do outside, he said he wouldn't be long."

"Oh, okay."

"You know I've never told you, but I think it's wonderful that you and Rosie have been able to become such good friends. It's a testament to your character Lizzie."

"Oh… well… thank you Mum." Elizabeth replied, surprised by Charlotte's statement.

"I always knew Jack and Rosie were like oil and water and that it would never work out. You on the other hand surprised me right away. I knew you were special, and that you and Jack would be perfect together."

"Really, so soon?"

Charlotte nodded.

"I understand that Rosie's arrival into town must have been a thorn in your side for some time. As you now know though, she does have a big heart. Her big personality can often get in the way of seeing that, but it seems you've gotten past that and discovered the real Rosie."

"It was difficult for some time, especially since Jack and I had only just started courting. But I can assure you that Rosemary is now one of my best friends and I can't imagine not having her in my life. The community of Hope Valley would sure be a different place without her."

"I'm glad. You have no idea how pleased I was to see you as each other's bridesmaid's. You know I've known Rosie since she was a young child, so she will always hold a special place in my heart. In saying that though, I may not have known you as long, but I hold you in a very special place in my heart too Lizzie. That's extra special because you chose to be my son's wife and became a Thornton."

"Well it was an easy choice to want to be Jack's wife, but thank you Mum, it's very sweet of you to say." Elizabeth replied. "I know we have our differences, but really I couldn't have asked for a more wonderful Mother-in-law."

Just then Jack stepped in the room and interrupted their conversation.

"I just need to steal away my beautiful bride for a moment." Jack said offering his hand to Elizabeth as he pulled her up from the settee.

She gave him a puzzled look and took Abby from her arms before handing their baby over to his Mother. Elizabeth gave Charlotte a questioning look and she shrugged her shoulders.

"Me go too?" Tilly pleaded.

"You stay with Grandma, we'll be back in a moment." Jack told her. He noticed the pout on Tilly's face and was reminded of how she looked so much like Elizabeth.

Tilly then made her way over to Charlotte, feeling a bit dejected but realising her parents weren't going far.

"Where are we going?" Elizabeth asked as Jack took her hand and lead her out of the parlour.

"You'll see." He said as he opened the front door and escorted her outside.

"Jack I'm still in my nightgown…" She said but was stopped by the sight before her. "What is this?" She asked as Jack walked her down the porch steps and she noticed a row of white rose bushes that had been planted out the front of their porch.

"I know you love roses, so for our anniversary I got you seven rose bushes. One for every year I've known and loved you." He said while wrapping an arm around her as they both looked over at the roses.

"Jack, they're beautiful." She said admiring the roses that were out in bloom before returning her attention back to her husband. "Thank you, I love them."

"I'm glad, and I plan to add another bush every year on our anniversary."

"That will be a lot of roses." She said, thinking of all the years they had ahead of them.

"It will be, but we have a lot of land." He reminded her.

"We do." She replied with a smile before looking over at the roses again. "This is amazing Jack. You're amazing." She said, kissing him on the lips. "You know I couldn't have asked for a better husband."

"He's pretty impressive this husband of yours, is he?" He joked.

"He certainly is, and he's very special to me."

"Tell me more." Jack said while wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her closer.

"He's very charming, thoughtful and handsome, and a wonderful Father. I love him very much." She said while wrapping her arms around his neck.

"He sounds perfect."

"He's perfect for me." Elizabeth replied, and he noticed a dreamy look in her eyes as she thought over her words.

"Well I know for a fact that this husband of yours thinks he has the most amazing wife."

"Really?" She asked as a smile played out on her lips, and Jack nodded.

"He thinks she's everything he could have dreamed of and more. She's the most amazing wife and mother, and is the most beautiful woman he's ever laid eyes on… I love her very much."

"YOU love her?" Elizabeth asked with a giggle, noticing his slip in the conversation as he got caught up with his words.

"You know what I mean." He said with a grin on his face and he leaned in till their foreheads were touching. "I love you Elizabeth Thornton." He whispered.

"I love you too." She said as she gently nuzzled her nose against his.

Jack then leaned in and softly grazed his lips against hers, eventually she returned his gentle kisses with more amorous ones and they got caught up in the moment.

After a few moments they heard the front door open and they reluctantly broke away from each other's lips.

Tilly came running down the porch steps and headed straight for them. Jack scooped her up into his arms and she wrapped an arm around his neck.

"You like Mummy's new rose bushes?" He asked her, and she nodded.

"We go John's now?" She asked, not really interested in the roses as she was too excited about seeing her best friend.

"Mummy will take you after breakfast." Jack reminded her. "Breakfast!" Jack said to himself, remembering he'd left the oatmeal on the stove.

He hurried inside with Tilly who had started to giggle at his antics, and Elizabeth followed them inside.

Jack placed Tilly down on her feet and then quickly pulled the pot off the stove as the oatmeal had started to burn and smoke.

Elizabeth tried her best at holding back her laughter as she watched Jack. She was thankful her days of burning everything in the kitchen were behind her.

"Ma why didn't you take the oatmeal off the stove?" Jack asked as he noticed his Mother enter the kitchen while he pried open one of the nearby windows to air out the smoke-filled kitchen.

"You told me to stay out of the kitchen." She bluntly replied.

Jack sighed and then looked over at Elizabeth who had a smile on her face which she quickly tried to hide. He surprised her though and smiled in return which caused her to smile back.

"Come on, I'll take you girls to Abigail's for breakfast." He told them.

Tilly jumped up and down in excitement at the idea of eating at the Café while Elizabeth went over and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

"I know you can cook." She told him, hoping to ease his worry about burning their breakfast.

He gave her a quick kiss and then they all made their way upstairs to get ready to go into town.

Later that morning at the Coulter's row house

Elizabeth and Rosemary sat out the back of the row house while Tilly and Johnathan ran rounds around the gazebo.

"Oh Johnathan!" Rosemary said, standing up as she noticed him start to trample through her garden and Tilly was about to follow suit.

Tilly halted but Johnathan kept running until Rosemary caught up with him.

"Johnathan Leland Coulter!" Rosemary exclaimed. "You know not to trample through my garden."

"Sorry Ma." He said with a frown on his face as he quickly made his way out of the garden.

"How about you and Tilly go play in the new sand box Daddy made you?"

Both Johnathan and Tilly's eyes brightened, and they looked at each other and smiled.

"Come on Till, I'll show you where it is." He said, taking his younger friends hand and pulling her across the backyard and over to the sand box.

She eagerly followed him, trying hard not to stumble over her feet as she tried to keep up with her slightly older. Eventually she did fall, and she went tumbling down onto the soft grass, almost pulling Johnathan down with her.

Elizabeth went to stand to go over and help her daughter as she noticed the upset look on Tilly's face. However, before she got to her feet, Johnathan had already pulled Tilly up onto her feet again.

"Sowee." He said to her and she gave him a smile before they continued on their way to the sand box.

"Those two… one minute they're the biggest trouble makers in Hope Valley and the next they're the sweetest little angels." Rosemary told Elizabeth as they both sat back down.

"I can't agree more. When they're together it's either one way or the other."

"So, you were telling me that Faith has moved in next door." Elizabeth said, returning to their previous conversation.

"Oh yes, it's been wonderful having a neighbour again, especially Faith. Although you do know Lee and I still wished you and Jack were still there."

"That's sweet of you to say Rosemary. However, I'm not sure we'd even fit in there now that we have Abby. It's a good thing Lee has been onto building your house finally, I'm sure your row house is feeling smaller now Johnathan is getting older." Elizabeth said, looking down at her baby in her arms.

"On that note, there's also a reason as to why Lee has been hurrying with the new house."

"There is?" Elizabeth said, raising an eyebrow as suspicion filled her mind.

"There is. I'm expecting another baby in six months."

"Only six months? I'm surprised you kept it from me for so long."

"I really didn't want to, but Lee convinced me. After all Johnathan is three and a half now so we were expecting another to come along sooner, but well that didn't happen. But it made this one a pleasant surprise." Rosemary said, resting her hand on her stomach.

"That's wonderful Rosemary, I'm so pleased." Elizabeth said, and both women stood up and shared a hug.

They were then disturbed as Tilly cried out and both woman looked over towards the sand box. Both children were covered in sand and Tilly was rubbing her eyes and crying, and Elizabeth and Rosemary hurried over to the children. Rosemary took hold of Abby as Elizabeth attended to Tilly. She picked her up out of the sand box and brushed her down, and then noticed her eyes were red and filled with sand.

"Oh Tilly." Elizabeth said sympathetically. "Let's go inside and give your eyes a wash."

Elizabeth picked up her red teary-eyed daughter and carried her into the row house.

"Johnathan what happened here?" Rosemary asked as she noticed her son with a sullen look on his face.

"Me and Tilly were throwing sand." He reluctantly admitted.

"Well as soon as Tilly comes back you apologise alright."

"Yes Ma."

"That poor little girl. I think you need a lesson on social etiquette Mister."

"What's sowkle quiet?"

"It means you need to learn to be a little gentleman."

"Oh, like Daddy?" Johnathan asked.

"Yes, like Daddy."

Johnathan nodded his head, believing he understood now.

"Daddy wouldn't throw sand at you."

"That's correct, and as soon as Tilly is back out here you can tell her you're sorry."

"Just like Daddy?"

"Yes, your Father is good at apologies." Rosemary replied as she thought how she was always right and that Lee was always the one apologising.

Just then Johnathan got up out of the sandbox, brushed himself off and headed over to Tilly who had just exited the row house with Elizabeth.

"Sowee Tilly." He said, and then kissed her on her rosy cheek.

She smiled, and her Thornton dimples made an appearance as she forgot how upset she was.

"We pay hide and seek?" Tilly asked.

"Sure, I'll hide first. You come find me." Johnathan said, and he ran off.

"Little angels." Elizabeth said quietly to Rosemary.

The two women shared a smile upon watching the children as they ran off.

"He told me he was going to apologise like his Father." Rosemary said.

Elizabeth and Rosemary laughed and then sat back down and watched the children play.

A/N Sorry it took me so long to get this chapter up. I hope you enjoyed it though. I'm already well into writing the next chapter so I should have another up before the weekend..