Hi Hearties,

Sorry it's been a while since I've updated. I really hope you like this chapter though :)

Chapter 54

Elizabeth's POV

I stepped out the backdoor of our homestead and felt the spring sunshine hit my face. I squinted as I made my way out but smiled as I realised it was going to be the perfect day for Hope Valley's first annual picnic basket charity auction.

Rosemary and Florence were both continuing to teach at the school and had been constantly complaining to me about the need for new school materials. I decided to take it upon myself to arrange another charity event to pay for the needed materials. I'd chosen to organise a picnic basket auction, where bids were placed on a picnic basket, and the winner gets to have a picnic with the owner of the basket. The entire town seemed to be quite excited about the event which pleased me, however I had arranged to hold the event on our property, and with the large number of those interested, I was starting to wonder if I should have held it elsewhere.

I made my way towards the tables Jack had previously set up. I arranged some tablecloths over them, and just as I finished the last one, I felt a tug on my skirt. I looked down to see my youngest daughter Abby, now almost two years of age, look up at me. She smiled as she noticed my attention on her, and her dimples made themselves apparent in her rosy red cheeks. Other than having my long auburn hair, she was all Jack, unlike Tilly who was the spitting image of myself. Abby reached her arms up towards me, resting them on my slightly growing stomach as I was now four months' pregnant with our third child. Abby wasn't at all interested in the baby inside my stomach though, she just wanted me to hold her. I pulled her up into my arms, kissed one of her rosy red cheeks and put her back down as I informed her I had to get ready for the party. She was satisfied after receiving some attention, and she ran off to play with her older sister.

I straightened out the last tablecloth again and was about to head back into the house until I felt familiar strong arms wrap around my waist from behind. I felt Jacks lips press down on the back of my shoulder, and a smiled before turning around to face him while still within his embrace.

"Seems like a perfect day for the picnic basket auction." I told him.

"Rain or shine, any day I'm home with you is perfect Elizabeth."

I smiled upon hearing the familiar way in which he pronounced my name. If I paid enough attention to it, it always gave me fluttery feelings within my stomach, and my heart would beat a little faster.

"Home?" I questioned him, realising what else he'd had to say. "So, you're not planning to take me on a picnic?" I asked slightly disappointed, hoping that he hadn't forgotten to bid on my picnic basket.

"I certainly am, and this time I've made sure I have a lot of money on me. Just in case any Billy Hamilton types decide to show up." He said with a grin on his face.

"There will never ever be any other Billy Hamilton's in my life ever again Jack."

"I know you wouldn't entertain their interest, but that doesn't mean they won't be around."

I wrapped my arms around Jack's neck and placed a soft kiss on his lips.

"Well if they do come around, I won't even notice them because my eyes are always on a certain Mountie."

"I'm sure glad there's only one Mountie in Hope Valley then." Jack said playing along.

I playfully rolled my eyes at him and pulled him in closer.

"It's not all Mounties that I'm attracted to." I said giving my husband a smile. "There's only one particular Mountie I'm interested in, and it's not because he's a Mountie, it's the man in the uniform that I love. Although I do also believe he's the best Mountie in all of Canada."

"He must be very special then."

"He really is." I said, my voice lowering, and Jack leaned in to kiss me.

I felt his strong arms embrace me a little firmer which I was thankful for as his kisses were making me a little light headed. The moment didn't last too long though as Tilly and Abby came along, their little arms embracing our legs, and Jack drew back from the embrace he had on me. The girls in all their excitement didn't even blink an eye at the affection Jack and I were showing each other. They were fairly used to it though, so it was just their normal, and how they expected Jack and I to show affection towards each other. After informing them our visitors would be arriving soon, they ran off to play again and left Jack and I alone to set up for the party before the rest of the towns women came to help.

An hour later

Almost the entire town had arrived, and our property had become quite the event. All the women's baskets were placed on the tables we had set up, and there was a flurry of excitement amongst the adults as well as the children.

Bill had agreed to run the auction, and he did a great job at that. As the auction started the children were distracted by the candy apples Rosemary had brought to share with them. Tilly ran off with Johnathan Coulter and the older children, most of whom used to be my students, while Abby sat on my lap, quietly sucking on the toffee on the apple. Her sticky hands often caught in my long tendrils and I started to wish that I had tied it back. I noticed Jack looking at me from a distance, and I started to think maybe having my hair down wouldn't be so bad, it's possible I could convince him to help me wash it later. He gave me a smile before I was again disturbed as our toddler's candy apple got caught in a large wad of my hair. She tried to free it with no avail and I winced as it tugged on my long strands of hair. Before I knew it, Jack was by my side, helping to pry my hair off the sticky candy while preventing Abby from pulling. Eventually my hair was free, and I thanked Jack as he pulled Abby off my lap and brought her up into his arms. I ran my fingers through my hair and could feel the matted mess.

"I'll have to do something about that hair of yours later." Jack said to me suggestively as he grinned at me.

"I was hoping you would." I said with a small smile as I was reminded of my previous thoughts.

Jack sat down by my side just as we were disturbed by Rosemary's fluctuating vocal tones of worry and desperation as she talked to Mike Hickam. From what I could gather, her basket was up for auction and Lee was nowhere in sight.

I heard Bill state his final call of 50 cents, and Rosemary started to beg Mike to bid on her basket.

"Rosemary, I've already won a bid on Katie's basket. I can't bid on both baskets and take you both to lunch."

"No, you'd just be bidding for Lee. He will pay you back Hickam!" Rosemary pleaded. Mike didn't seem to be swaying in his opinion fast enough and Rosemary pouted.

"I would, but I don't want everyone to think I'm wanting to take the both of you on a picnic, especially you being a married woman." He exclaimed, sounding rather concerned as to what the town would think of him. By the look on Katie's face she also looked a little upset at the idea. Rosemary seemed to pick up on this and she turned her attention over to Katie as well.

"If you bid on my basket, I'll not only make sure Lee pays you back with interest. I'll design you a beautiful dress for your first date, for free!"

I noticed the awkward glances shared between Katie and Mike.

"How do you know we aren't already courting?" Mike asked, trying to be even bolder now as he stood up to Rosemary.

"You're slower than Jack Thornton was to ask a woman to court him, you can't fool me. Either way, I promise to make you a beautiful dress Katie."

I tried to stifle my laughter, but Jack noticed me, and he gave me a playful glare.

"Well you did give me that "Mountie's don't marry speech" and it really slowed things down for us Jack, amongst other things." I told him as I wrapped an arm around him affectionately, hoping my honesty wouldn't deflate his ego too much.

"I know, but I was worth the wait, wasn't I?"

"You certainly were." I said placing a kiss on his cheek.

We then turned our attention back to Rosemary, Mike and Katie. Rosemary must have made some arrangement with him as Mike placed a one dollar bid on her basket and Rosemary looked very pleased. It was then that Lee made an appearance and his brow furrowed as he heard Mike place a bid on his wife's basket. Rosemary gave Lee a glare and he noticed his mistake. His arm quickly shot up in the air and he instantly bid five dollars. Rosemary's glare quickly returned to a smile as Bill finalised the bid. Lee then walked over to his wife and took the basket from her hands.

"That was a close call." Jack said to me and I returned my gaze towards him.

"It was." I said with a smile. "I hope you've taken my basket into more consideration than Lee did with Rosie's."

"I told you I've come prepared." He said patting his pocket where his wallet lay, and I gave him a smile.

We turned our attention back to the bidding just as Carson's bid of three dollars for Faith's basket was finalised.

Next up was Florence's basket. I knew her cakes always sold well, but she certainly wasn't as good a cook as Abigail. I was taken by surprise when a bidding war between Mr Jenkins and Ned Yost started. Bill could hardly accept the bids as fast as they were being made. The two men's arms were swiftly rising up and down into the air and an ending bid didn't appear to be in sight.

"Maybe I should join in." Jack said with a laugh as he looked over at me and I raised an eyebrow at him. "It would raise more money for the school." He said quickly as he realised his mistake. "Don't worry I'll keep all the money I have for you." He said placing a kiss on my cheek. He always knew I couldn't resist his kisses, even one as simple as on the cheek, and he gained my forgiveness instantly. I relaxed by Jack's side and then looked down at Abby who had fallen asleep in his arms. Her candy apple sitting on her lap, now sticking to her dress. She had her thumb stuck in her mouth, a habit she had started while Jack had been out of town on Mountie business. I took the sticky candy apple from her lap and returned my attention towards the bidding again. Ned Yost's bid of seven dollars had been finalised by Bill and he made his way over to Florence. He offered to take the basket from her and I noticed her cheeks redden.

"Maybe I was wrong about Hickam." Rosemary said as she sat down by my side. "If anyone's slower than Jack it has to be Ned." She said, nodding in Ned and Florence's direction. "The two of them knew each-other before any of us even arrived in Coal Valley."

"You're right, but in Jack's defence, he was very respectful at pursuing me, and he was the best suitor I could have ever asked for. I don't regret one moment of his pursuit in courting me, or of our courtship, even if it was longer than expected." I said, feeling the need to defend Jack, even though I knew Rosemary didn't mean too much by it.

"I know, Jack is certainly one of the good ones." Rosemary admitted as she looked at the both of us and then gave us a smile.

I was then interrupted by Bill as he informed me that it was now my basket that was up for bidding. I walked up to the front of the table and stood near my basket as I waited for the bidding to begin.

Jack put in the first bid of one dollar which would usually be more than satisfactory. I figured though since I was a married woman, bidders would be deterred and therefore my basket wouldn't sell for anywhere near as much money as the others. I raised an eyebrow at Jack, now thinking the bid to be a little meagre.

"Jack Thornton, you need to do a better job than that!" I heard Rosemary say as she glared at him. I stifled my laughter just as Jack shot his arm up in the air, but not before someone else did.

"Two dollars" A man's voice called out. I recognised the man to be Kevin, the town's new Blacksmith. I hadn't been introduced to him yet, so I was unware as to whether he knew who I was.

I glanced over at Jack and noticed a look of surprise on his face and I bit my bottom lip. He didn't look too pleased about having to battle it out with someone else to win a bid on my basket. Maybe it was a touch of jealousy there, but I wasn't so sure. After all, he was certainly affirmed in my love for him.

"Three dollars!" Jack called out quickly, and by his response I knew for a fact that he must be jealous. As much as Jack was sure of my love, I realised he certainly wouldn't be comfortable with me having a picnic with another man.

The bids quickly went back and forth between Jack and Kevin, and I began to get a little worried that Jack may in fact not take the final bid. I noticed Jack glare over at Kevin but that only seemed to encourage the man more. With a proud look on his face, Kevin looked over at Jack and put in a bid of ten dollars. Kevin then looked at me and gave me a wink and I quickly looked over towards Jack, now desperately hoping he'd do something to get us out of this awkward situation. Jack however had already hurried to his feet and made another bid.

"Fifteen Dollars!" He called out loudly and I smiled at him. I was hoping this attempt would finalise the bidding as I worried now that Kevin may in fact have an interest in me, and not just my picnic basket.

Bill grinned as he noticed Jack's look of desperation, then glanced over at Kevin who was looking at Jack, as he held two hands up as if to say he was backing off. Bill then approved Jack's bid of fifteen dollars and I breathed out a breath I didn't realise I was holding.

Jack placed Abby in Rosemary's arms and then hurried up to me and took my basket. He then proceeded to place a kiss on my cheek before wrapping his arm around me protectively. I knew his affections were not only out of desire, but also to put on a display for Kevin to let him know I wasn't available. Jack's display of affection and the reason for it didn't bother me, I was actually somewhat relieved at being saved from having a picnic with a man I didn't know. I then gave Jack a small understanding smile before he ushered me back towards Rosemary and our daughter.

"That got a little heated." Rosemary said as she handed my sleeping daughter to me.

"You're a married woman, who in their right mind would try to out bid a woman's husband?" Jack argued, although he wasn't angry at myself or Rosemary.

I shrugged, not knowing how to answer, as I did find it a little unusual myself. After all, Jack was the town's Mountie, usually new comers and even visitors quickly realised the two of us were married, especially when I was the town's teacher.

"It's over now, and you won." I said, trying to help calm him. "You'll always win when it comes to me." I whispered into his ear so Rosemary couldn't hear.

Upon hearing my words, he seemed to come to a resolve and I noticed his body relax.

"You're right, it was silly of me." He apologised, and I noticed him calming down as his tone of voice regulated.

"It wasn't silly Jack. I know you tried to save me out there as you knew I would have found it awkward to have to picnic with a stranger, especially a man. As for those possessive public displays of affection, I would have been more worried if you hadn't reacted that way, and I admit I even appreciated it, maybe even more so as I felt more vulnerable than usual due to being pregnant." I said, as I wrapped my arm around him. "Plus, I want to save all of my picnics for you." I told him as I looked up at him and gave him a smile.

"I have the most understanding wife imaginable." He said, placing a kiss on my cheek and I smiled.

"And I have an understanding husband who knows exactly what I need." I said as he pulled me a little closer to his side.

"You ready to go Rosie?" Lee asked as he came over and offered his arm out to his wife.

"Where's Johnathan?" Rosemary asked.

"Bill has said he would take him for the afternoon. Maybe he'll watch Tilly and Abby too." Lee suggested.

"He already offered his babysitting services to us. He makes a great Sheriff but I'm not sure how he'll go with three young children. If you're alright with-it Elizabeth, then I am." Jack said looking over at me while waiting for an answer.

"My only concern would be that he knows what he's in for. When Johnathan and Tilly are together you know the kind of trouble they can get into. Abby should sleep for another hour however so if he keeps a close eye on them it should be fine."

Jack nodded knowing all too well the kind of antics their eldest daughter and Johnathan Coulter could get up to when together. Last time he and Lee were left looking after the children they had wreaked havoc with Jack's paints and made a terrible mess of themselves, the animals, and even Lee and himself. Elizabeth and Rosemary had returned to what appeared to be a disaster zone, and no one wanted a repeat of something like that.

People had started to disperse now as they were all heading off on their picnics. I headed inside with our sleepy toddler to put her down for a nap. Jack followed me in and helped me wipe her sticky face and hands from the candy apple, and he then removed her shoes before I placed her into her new little bed which Jack had made for her. Abby hardly stirred through the whole ordeal much to our relief, and we both kissed her cheeks before heading out of the bedroom to make our way back downstairs.

Tilly and Johnathan raced through the house until Jack swept the both of them up and informed them to settle down as Abby was sleeping up-stairs.

I informed Tilly that her Uncle Bill would be looking after her and Johnathan, and suggested she look after her little sister and play nicely with her when she woke up. Abby was so used to having myself or at least Jack there when she woke, so I was worried she may get upset, but knew she may settle easier just by Tilly's presence.

Lee and Rosemary headed off, and after saying goodbye to Bill we did the same. As we walked down the steps of our front porch I noticed Kevin making his way towards us. I momentarily looked over at Jack who wasn't far behind me and we stopped when Kevin reached us.

"I just wanted to introduce myself and apologise about what happened earlier." Kevin started, as I noticed he presented a much less confident approach than he had earlier with me. "I'm Kevin, I'm the new Blacksmith in town."

"Elizabeth Thornton." I said introducing myself. Jack the proceeded to step forward and shook his hand and informed Kevin of who he was.

"Thornton… you must be the town Mountie then?" Kevin said, looking even more worried than when he had first approached us.

"I am." Jack said firmly, not yet giving Kevin any sign of accepting his apology.

"I'm sorry about the bidding war that went on here. I didn't realise the two of you were married."

"You didn't consider I could have been her suitor, or fiancé?" Jack asked he wrapped his arm around my waist.

"I noticed Elizabeth wasn't wearing a ring." He started. "I assumed you were single." Kevin pointed out as he looked from Jack to me.

"My fingers are swollen due to my pregnancy, I had to remove both my engagement and wedding rings." I said looking down at my bare ring finger.

"Well, now I feel even worse knowing that you're pregnant."

I had accepted Kevin's apology, but I wasn't sure as to whether Jack had. I felt his strong stance by my side as he rest his hand on my lower back. I certainly couldn't blame Jack for being jealous and protective for the wrong reasons - I knew how affirmed and strengthened we were in our love for each other, and it was only moments ago we had discussed how my pregnancy had left me feeling vulnerable about the awkward situation with Kevin. In Jack knowing that, I knew for a fact it would have been what was encouraging him to be even more protective. I was certain in time he'd forgive Kevin, so Jack's attention towards me was welcomed, and I felt somewhat calmed and reassured by his protectiveness.

After he did in fact accept Kevin's apology, and we assured him that no harm was done, I noticed both men relax a little. We all said our goodbyes on friendly terms and Jack and I continued on our way to have our picnic.

"It's a little disappointing he doesn't have a picnic to go on." I told Jack as he held our picnic basket in one hand, and with his free hand he laced his fingers through mine.

"I've forgiven him, but I wouldn't go that far. He's a good-looking man, are you sure you wouldn't rather be on a picnic with him?"

I knew Jack's last statement wasn't serious and I playfully rolled my eyes at him.

"I'm perfectly happy with you my Mountie, and you're much more handsome than he is." I said giving Jack some further reassurance.

"I saw that wink he gave you during the bidding, and he didn't bid on any other baskets. He was saving his bids and hoping to have dibs on you."

"Dibs on me?" I asked surprised. I thought Jack was over this matter with Kevin, but I now wondered if he still hadn't let it go.

"Yes, that's what he was hoping for." Jack replied as we arrived at our favourite picnic spot on our land, it was right near the log where Jack had engraved our initials many years before. We'd had many special moments here, Jack's favourite being when I told him I was pregnant with our first child.

"Well it did appear that way, but it was all a misunderstanding, and you don't have to worry as you're the only man who ever has, or ever will have dibs on me."

"Except for maybe Billy Hamilton." Jack reminded me as he lay our picnic blanket out while I winced upon hearing Billy's name.

"I'd hardly say he had dibs on me, as you say."

"His words did appeal to you Elizabeth, even though it was all a scheme."

"Please don't remind me." I told him as we both sat down on the blanket. I did not want to be reminded of the painful memories from the past. "You're my only sweet talker Jack, and I know your words are true."

He gave me a smile and I saw his dimples make their appearance. I gazed down from his eyes to his lips as I waited for him to kiss me. He surprised me though by quickly pulling me onto his lap and he grinned upon noticing my surprise. Just as I felt his warm breath on my lips he pulled back. My eyes shot open and I gave him a questioning look.

"Your lip staring just now…. it was for my words wasn't it? Not just a kiss." He asked.

"You're a sweet talker Jack, but your lips are just as good at kissing as they are with sweet words, maybe even better." I told him with a smile. I saw in his eyes that he longed to kiss me, but I also saw uncertainty about what he thought I wanted. "I think we've spoken enough this afternoon. I was hoping you'd kiss me, and not just another peck on the cheek like you've been giving me all day."

He smiled while one of his hands wrapped around me and held me in place on his lap, while the other ran through my hair and we both leaned in till our lips met. His kisses felt like they seared my lips, not in a painful way, but as if they were leaving their mark on me. I didn't want him or myself to stop but after time my burning lungs drew me to draw back and take in some much-needed oxygen.

"See, isn't this much better than talking." I told him once I gained my breath, and we both shared a smile.

I then felt a drop of rain hit my nose and Jack wiped it off with his finger.

"I guess we didn't notice the grey sky or feel the rain." He said as he slid me off his lap, stood himself up, and then took my hand to help me up.

"I guess we were a little distracted."

"We were."

"The weather was so nice this morning." I said as we quickly grabbed our belongings.

"We have plenty of days ahead of us for another picnic."

"We have." I agreed, and Jack took my hand and we hurried home in the rain.

As we neared the house we heard the cries of children and Jack and I quickened our pace to get inside.

As soon as we opened the front door, Tilly came running up to me. Her cheeks were rosy red and stained with tears as she continued to cry. I pulled her into my arms as Jack attended to Johnathan Coulter who was also crying. I tried to ask Tilly what was wrong, but she was too upset to say anything coherent.

Just then Bill came in from the back door with a concerned look on his face and I felt my heart sink.

"What's wrong?" I asked as as he hurried towards us.

"I can't find Abby, it was like she was hear one moment, and then gone the next." Bill said frantically. He apologised profusely but I didn't hear his words. Jack had taken Tilly from me and he was now holding me up. Without his arms around me for support I'm not sure I would have still been standing.

"How long has she been missing?" I heard Jack ask him.

"Twenty minutes at the most." He replied.

I knew then that Abby couldn't be far. I knew her favourite place to play hide and go seek was under her new bed. She had been so proud that Jack had made the bed for her, and it was now her new hiding spot. I raced upstairs hoping to find it there. Upon entering the girls bedroom which they shared, I got down on the floor and looked under Abby's bed. I pulled out Brownie, Abby's favourite teddy bear that Opal had given me when I was pregnant with Tilly. I then pulled out and threw aside her pink blanket I knew she wouldn't sleep without, and then her doll that Jack and I had given her for Christmas, but Abby wasn't there.

I got back up onto my feet and saw Jack standing there. He knew my reasoning for searching under the bed first and when I shook my head at him, tears started to stream down my cheeks. Even through my anguish I noticed the hope drain from Jack's face.

"We'll find her Elizabeth." He insisted.

I heard the strength of assurance in his voice as his Mountie training kicked. He knew what was needed right now, for Abby and for myself. He knew that if I saw him upset, I would fall apart and then I'd be of no help.

"She's likely gone looking for us, and she's barely two years old. She couldn't have gone far." Jack said as he took my hand and lead me back downstairs.

"It's only 2pm so there's still plenty of daylight left, it's raining but it's not cold, and she has little leg's so she can't get far. We're going to find her Elizabeth. Alright?" He looked right at me and I nodded my head in agreement. "Take Tilly and Johnathan and go to the Coulter's, if you don't find her on the way then get their help. I'll get Bill to search our property and I'll ride into town and start up a search team." I nodded again as I tried my hardest to pay attention to what he was saying. "You'll be right to take the children, won't you?"

I worried I must have looked a fright to him as it wasn't often that he couldn't count on my strength. I breathed in a breath and then let it out, just as Jack had taught me so many years ago when I'd first met him, as tried to relax. I knew I had to pull myself together if I was going to be of any help.

"I'll be fine Jack. I'll take the children and get help from the Coulter's." I repeated to him as I regained my voice.

Jack gave me a quick kiss and then patted the children on the head before hurrying off to get Sergeant. I wiped away my tears as I knew I wasn't going to find a small two-year-old amongst the prairie if I had tear filled eyes. I then took Tilly and Johnathan's hands and informed them to look out for Abby as I lead them towards town.

Tilly said something incoherent to me amongst her cries. Once getting her to settle, I asked her again what she was trying to tell me. Upon understanding, I swung around and looked for Jack who was about to enter the barn.

"Jack!" I screamed out in desperation as I hurried back towards the barn while bringing the children along with me.

I saw him turn and look in my direction, and he then came running towards me.

A/N Sorry to leave it at a cliff hanger here. I promise to have the next chapter up tomorrow though. Please don't worry though, I promise everything will turn out ok :)