Cat Montgomery greeted them at the stage coach stop outside the mercantile as soon as they stepped off.
"Welcome home!" She smiled greeting each women with a hug.
"How are you? Not to tired I hope, we have a big of a surprise planed for you" Cat said as they pulled their bags down.
"A surprise?" Kate asked.
"Yes, come on this way" Cat started leading the way to the Saloon. Kate followed close behind her, Abigail was walking with Clara pointing out each building to her but Elizabeth lingered back looking around quickly. The town was quite but she could hear voices and chatter coming from the saloon with what she assumed was a party. She glanced towards the Mountie office, she would be lying if she said she wasn't a little disappointed Jack had not been there to greet them.
"Here we are" Cat smiled and she opened the doors to the saloon as everyone yelled out surprise.
"Hi!" Kate cried running to join the other children in the corner.
"Come on let me introduce you to everyone" Abigail lead Clara away gently as Molly and Florence came over to greet Elizabeth.
"How was your trip? you must tell us everything about Hamilton" Florence said
"Oh well it was wonderful to see my family and friends again" Elizabeth said politely her eyes still scanning the room.
"How is your grandmother?" Florence asked.
"Much better, thank you for asking" Elizabeth smiled trying to keep her attention on them.
"Well we are glad you are back in time for school to begin, I know the children are looking forward to it" Molly said.
"I have missed all of them so much, and all of you." Elizabeth smiled.
"Though presume you missed someone in particular the most." Cat said raising a teasing eyebrow as they turned to see what she was looking at. Jack was just walking through the door hanging up his coat.
Elizabeth watched him as he turned giving her a smile when his eyes found hers in the crowed.
"Jack!" Kate ran over giving him a hug.
"Hey! there she is" Jack smiled catching Kate in his strong arms almost making her tiny frame disappear.
"Well, I think we can assume Miss Thatcher will be occupied the rest of the evening. Come on ladies" Molly smiled as the three women walked away and Elizabeth didn't even bother trying to apologize as she watched Jack set Kate back onto her feet after giving her a sweeping hug. Elizabeth made her way over to them.
"I have been looking for you" she said.
"I just got back in from Rock creek, it's good to see you" Jack gave her a smile.
"You too" Elizabeth whispered warmly returning his smile.
"Oh Elizabeth! Kate welcome back!" Rosemary cried breaking up their greeting as Rosemary dramatically flounced her way over with a man trailing behind her.
"I'll get you a drink be right back" Jack whispered slipping away.
"This is Lee, Lee built the saw mill and is going to run it. He's turning the town around for sure!" Rosemary said.
"Well I don't know about that, but I think it will help the people around here. Leeland Coulter. It's nice to meet you, I have heard a lot of things about you two around town." Lee said shaking Elizabeth then Kate's hand. Kate grinned as Rosemary draped over his arm, it would seem Lee had done more then just help the town, he had helped Rosemary get over Jack too.
"It's so wonderful, I can't tell you how awful a feeling it was when I would lose an older student because he had to go work in the mine." Elizabeth said. Lee was shorter then Jack, and a bit heavier, with dark hair. He offered the girls a warm smile and seemed to not be bothered by Rosemary's dramatics as he patted her hand on his arm.
"Here you are" Jack said handing both Elizabeth and Kate a glass of lemonade.
"Thank you, Mr Coulter when will your mill be open?" Elizabeth asked.
"Tomorrow, and it's our saw mill As far as I am concerned the sawmill belongs to everyone in town." Lee said.
"Including me?" Rosemary asked.
"Especially you" Lee told her making her giggle as Kate and Elizabeth made eye contact.
"In fact tomorrow the first board cut is going to be yours" Lee said.
"Wow well how about that my very own board." Rosemary said making Kate laugh.
"Oh I love this song! Lee ask me to dance?" Rosemary said as another song came on and people began dancing.
"Rosemary would you like to dance?" Lee asked.
"Hmm let me see, yes!" Rosemary said pulling Lee out onto the dance floor.
"It was nice to meet you" Lee said allowing himself to be pulled.
"You too" Elizabeth smiled watching them.
"Kate! Come on" Laura called her over from across the room.
"See you later" Kate smiled to Elizabeth running back to her friends.
"Oh it's so good to be back. I new I missed it, but I had forgotten how much until we got here. I can't believe I left for so long" Elizabeth smiled watching her sister laughing and at ease again.
"It is good to have you home" Jack said softly.
"Are you going to ask me to dance?" Elizabeth asked
"No" Jack said and she felt her face fall a little but he was smiling at her.
"Take a walk with me?" He asked offering her his hand. She placed her hand in his as he lead her out of the building.
"Close your eyes" He said when they were out on dusty main street.
"Jack"
"Come on I will help you" Jack said taking her hand and stepping behind her his other hand going to her waist to lead her from behind. Elizabeth caught her breath for a minute in surprise before smiling and closing her eyes. She felt Jack lead her slowly behind the building to where she knew the lake was and a big field behind the buildings on main street. She found herself completely trusting Jack who was sure of her steps.
"Keep them closed" he whispered slowly stopping her.
"Ok, open" He said. She opened her eyes her head turned toward his voice. He gave her a little smile before looking past her and she turned to see what he was looking at.
"Oh, Jack" was all she could whisper. Across the little lake easily accessible from the end of main street was a beautiful new church. Steeple on top, white siding, steps leading up to a big double door. Big windows and she could just imagine how beautiful it was inside.
"It needs a few finishing touches but it will are ready by the time school starts" Jack said when she found she still didn't have any words.
"You did that?" Elizabeth whispered.
"I had help" Jack brushed her off lightly.
"It's wonderful" Elizabeth sighed with contentment.
"Welcome home" Jack smiled at her.
Elizabeth and Abigail hurried to turn the storage room into a bedroom for Clara. It was small but it comfortable fit a bed and a trunk for her clothes. Elizabeth felt bad but there was no way her and Kate would both fit in there and Abigail wouldn't hear of them renting a room in the saloon. Clara was also going to be working in the cafe, which was helpful to Abigail during the day and meant the girls didn't have to rush home to help after school. Elizabeth knew Abigail wanted to get to know Clara who was technically her daughter-in-law.
"Ahh Kate, Miss Thatcher good morning" Florence said when they ran into her at the mercantile the next morning.
"Good Morning Mrs Blakely" Kate smiled.
"I assume Constable Thornton showed you the new school house?" Florence asked turning to Elizabeth.
"He did, he has done such a wonderful job." Elizabeth smiled.
"You should have seen him, that man was pounding nails like he was Noah bracing for the flood. When we got word you would be returning in a few days I think he worked straight through the night to have the walls up." Florence said making Elizabeth laugh.
"He wanted to get it finished before you came home" Florence said softly.
"He made it for you" Kate nodded.
"He built it for the town" Elizabeth shook her head.
"No, she's right" Florence nodded at Kate as the door opened again and they all saw Jack walk in.
"Good morning" Jack greeted them.
"Good morning" Florence, Elizabeth and Kate said at the same time making Kate laugh as Jack gave them a strange look.
"It's chilly today" Kate said
"It is" Jack nodded heading over to a shelf as another man came in behind him. Kate recognized him as Nellie and Patrick's father. He owned a farm just outside of town. Kate often played with Nellie after school and she had gone to the farm a few weeks ago to see new kittens they had.
"Mr Harper, what brings you to town?" Florence asked.
"Hello ladies, you see I am kind of in a bind. Are Blakely I was hoping you could help me?" Mr Harper asked.
"Of course, as long as I can" Florence nodded.
"You see my brother has fallen ill and he has a ranch near Jameson. I need to go out for a day and night to help him. I was hoping you could look in on the kids while I was gone? Nellie can do most of the chores, and Patrick he tries his best but I would really feel more comfortable if there was someone there to watch over them" Mr Harper said.
"I am sorry, I would if I could but I have to take my youngest to the doctor in Buckstin" Florence sighed.
"Of course, thank you anyway" Mr Harper nodded turning to leave.
"I could do it!" Elizabeth called after him. Kate looked up at her surprised and heard the clink behind them of Jack dropping something probably just as surprised.
"Are you sure Miss Thatcher. It's an awful lot to take on by yourself" Mr Harper said as Jack walked up to the counter next to him to buy something.
"Mr Harper, I may have been raised in the city but I am a Hope Valley women now. Besides Nellie is helpful and Kate can come and help out."
"Well it is only a day, thank you I really do appreciate it"
"It's my pleasure" Elizabeth smiled Mr Harper turned whispering something in Jack's ear. Kate just made out him asking Jack to check on them.
"I don't need anyone to look in on me." Elizabeth said firmly making both men turn to her.
"And Constable Thornton is far to busy to look after me. Isn't he?" Elizabeth said aiming her last words at Jack looking for him to agree.
Mr Harper just nodded patting Jack's back and leaving.
"I ummm" jack started then just pointed to the door quickly leaving himself. Kate burst out laughing as Elizabeth tried to frown but was smiling too.
"Watch the latch on the chicken pen. If you don't latch it tight the chickens get out and believe me you do not want to wake up with chickens scattered all over the acer" Mr Harper said tossing his bag into the back of the wagon as Elizabeth followed him around getting her instructions. Mr Harper would be gone for one night until the afternoon on the next day. Kate was secretly looking forward to staying on the farm for a night.
"Just keep the animals fed and you will be fine. The kids will fill you in on everything else"
"The indoor chores Pa?" Nellie asked.
"Oh yeah, it's going to get real cold at night so I would get the fire going first thing in the morning, Nellie isn't allowed to do that yet."
"Of course, at about what time?" Elizabeth asked.
"Four would be good"
"Four AM?" Elizabeth couldn't hide her horror.
"And remember to secure the doors when you go to bed, theres a couple wolves around here who think they are house pets"
"wolves?" Elizabeth repeated.
"Yeah, but they are not strong enough to break down the door" Patrick said.
"As long as it's locked" Nellie added.
"Umm you might want to wear something a little less dear to your heart" Mr Harper said pointing to Elizabeth skirt and dress. After spending so much time in Hamilton this was what Elizabeth considered very plain.
"Oh I will be fine in this" She shrugged.
"Suite yourself" Mr Harper shrugged.
"Alright kids you be good you hear? Thank you so much for doing this Miss Thatcher."
"Of course, have a safe trip" Elizabeth smiled. Mr Harper flicked the reigns calling to the horses as the wagon started to move, rolling right through a mud puddle splashing onto Elizabeth's skirt. Elizabeth looked horrified as Kate tried to hold back a laugh.
The evening passed quickly, Elizabeth made dinner and Kate was more then happy to help with the animal chores. Nellie was a few years older then her and Patrick was only eight but they had fun chasing chickens and playing with the barn kittens. Elizabeth was becoming quite the cook and dinner was actually really good and they all played a card game after. Nellie and Patrick went into there rooms for bed Elizabeth slept on the sofa and Kate slept on the floor next to her. The wolves howled but Elizabeth double checked the door and Kate found it wasn't hard to sleep by the warm fire.
Elizabeth lay wrapped up in her shawl, she had fallen asleep reading her book. She felt like she had just fallen asleep when she was jolted awake.
"Miss Thatcher" Nellie was whispering. Elizabeth jumped awake to see her and Patrick hovering over her holding the lantern.
"Oh children, what are you doing up? It's the middle of the night" Elizabeth said.
"It's four o'clock we always get up at this hour" Nellie said.
"Already?" Elizabeth asked. She had slept but she wouldn't call it a restful sleep and it felt like she had just dozed off again.
"Shall we have some breakfast?" She asked sitting up, at her feet Kate squinted in the light.
"We have to do the chores first." Nellie said.
"Oh, I see, what are they?" Elizabeth asked feeling like her brain was in a sleep deprived fog.
"We have to muck the stalls" Patrick said.
"Mmhmm mmhhmm, whats that?"
"We clean up after the cows and horses"
"clean up what?" Elizabeth asked.
"You know, the muck" Patrick said.
"Ohh" Elizabeth's eyes widened in horror as Kate let out a giggle.
"We'll get started" Nellie said as she and Patrick headed tp the barn.
"I was going to let you sleep but for that laugh you are coming to help" Elizabeth said raising her eyebrows at Kate.
"Seeing you muck a stall is worth it" Kate grinned.
Elizabeth stood at the water pump onto of the well that afternoon trying to get the water out but nothing was working. Her arms were starting to get sore and she was just about to give up when Jack came riding up in his regular clothes.
"I said you didn't have to look in on me" Elizabeth said although she wasn't altogether disappointed to see him.
"Let me help" Jack said hoping or Sergeant and walking over.
"I think it's broken" Elizabeth sighed.
"Just grab the handle" Jack said placing his large hands over her small ones so he was almost flush against her back.
"Is this necessary?" Elizabeth asked.
"Yes" Jack said looking at her seriously but with a twinkle in his eye.
"Bend your knees and lift all the way up." Jack said.
"You mean all the way down?" Elizabeth corrected him.
"No, up" Jack said. Elizabeth lifted the handle.
"All the way" Jack said helping her until it would go no further.
"Now down" Jack said as he let go letting her do the work.
"There, again your priming the well head" Jack said helping her pull up again.
"Ok one more time" He said hooking the bucket onto the opening, Elizabeth pushed down and water came streaming out.
"Good" Jack smiled stepping back.
"This is a new low point I couldn't even figure out how to pump water" Elizabeth laughed as she kept moving, filling the bucket.
"Well no one said life on a homestead was easy"
"I didn't expect it to be easy, but I didn't expect it to be like this" Elizabeth laughed.
"Then this probably isn't the best time to tell you I got a telegram from Mr Harper and he has been delayed a day."
"Another day?" Elizabeth sighed.
"That's why I'm here to help" Jack smiled.
"Jack I can't ask you to help" Elizabeth shook her head. Jack reached out cupping her cheek smiling as he gently rubbed some dirt off her face with his thumb making her smile.
"That's better" He whispered letting her go gently.
"Why don't you go inside and start dinner, and I will take care of the work out here" Jack said softly.
"Thank you Jack" Elizabeth smiled.
"Your welcome" Jack chuckled as she hurried inside and he picked up the water pump to finish.
The kids came back from playing in the barn just as Elizabeth was finishing dinner.
"Wonderful just in time, go wash up and we can eat" Elizabeth smiled as Jack came in with an arm full of firewood.
"Mountie Jack!" Patrick smiled at him.
"Hey, I thought I would come help out, your father is delayed so he won't be coming back tonight but he will be here tomorrow." Jack said.
"Ok" Patrick shrugged hurrying off to wash up as Nellie started to set the table.
"Jack did you come to check on Elizabeth?" Kate asked smirking at her sister.
"No, I came to deliver a telegram, she was pumping water as I pulled up all by herself" Jack grinned.
"To bad you weren't here earlier you missed her mucking stalls" Kate said.
"Ohhh, oh that is unfortunate" Jack laughed as Elizabeth made a face at both of them.
"I will have you know I did a whole one all on my own after the children left me!" Elizabeth cried.
"She did, if you ever consider a change of professions I bet it would be perfect for you" Kate laughed as Elizabeth pretended to snap the rag at her.
"Go wash up for dinner" Jack said playfully pushing Kate to the well outside.
"What is this Miss Thatcher?" Patrick asked as they all sat at the table.
"It's hearty vegetable stew do you like it?" Elizabeth asked. Patrick just shrugged.
"Constable?" Elizabeth asked turning to Jack.
"Well, it hardly compares to your chicken fried steak." Jack said with a grin and Kate hid a laugh.
"Very funny" Elizabeth said narrowing her lips into a thin line.
"I suppose I could have a little more" Jack smiled handing her his empty plate to be refilled.
Jack settled into the sofa just as Elizabeth finished the dishes. It was late but the children were all asleep and the chores for the day done. Kate curled up by the fire in her blanket bed on the floor as Jack sat watching the flames jump. Elizabeth was just about to join him when Patrick called out for her. Jack watched her disappear into the small bedroom.
"Patrick it's late what are you still doing up?" He heard her whisper. He silently listened to her soothing voice as she talked Patrick out of his fear of the dark. She was so amazing with children, with all the children. He knew all these children had been through a terrible trauma not so long ago and she had truly brightened their lives. She was so patient and kind and knew each one by heart. He was smiling to himself as Elizabeth slipped back into the main room pulling the warm quilt up higher on Kate's sleeping form before collapsing into the small sofa next to Jack.
"I have never been quite so tired in all of my life" Elizabeth sighed.
"You were great in there with Patrick" Jack said.
"You heard that did you?" Elizabeth asked her cheeks going a little red.
"Mmhhmm, from Hamiliton to Hope Valley to the home stead, if they could see you know" Jack said making Elizabeth chuckle.
"I thought I managed quite well today thank you very much." Elizabeth said.
"You did." Jack said quickly reassuring her as they both looked into each others eyes. Elizabeth was the first to turn away glancing back at the fire.
"You seemed rather at ease." Elizabeth said softly as Jack reached out stroking the back of her hand with his thumb. He's hands were calloused, had been since he was young. He never knew a hand could be so soft until he had felt her's.
"Where did you learn to be so handy?" Elizabeth asked.
"My uncle had a ranch back east, when my father died he took us in. Gave my Ma time to grieve, and for two young boys like me and Tom there was no better place to find trouble." Jack said glancing at Elizabeth who gave him a soft but sad smile. Jack had brought up that his father has passed away only once and it was brief. She could see the pain it still caused him even if he laughed it off now.
"It was hard work but we loved it. My uncle even offered me the ranch a few years ago" Jack said. Elizabeth slid down a bit resting her head on his broad shoulder looking into the fire.
"Why didn't you take it?" She asked softly.
"It wasn't me calling."
"How did you know?"
"I just knew, I love this kind of work though, it gives me perspective which is hard to come by these days. I don't know, maybe one day I will get a farm of my own, an old house, dew on the grass, waking up to the rooster in the morning, children running around out in the field. Curling up by a warm fire with someone I love." Jack was gazing into the fire suddenly realizing he was rambling as he turned realizing Elizabeth had gone quite.
"Elizabeth" He whispered glancing down seeing she was asleep on his shoulder. Jack smiled settling back into the couch a little getting comfortable.
"Good morning" Elizabeth smiled as Patrick came into the kitchen the next morning.
"I missed chores?" Patrick asked looking around the sunlit bright kitchen.
"I'm sorry" He sighed.
"Oh that's alright, The girls just went to see the kittens but they should be back soon. Why don't you sit and eat breakfast." Elizabeth said placing a plate in front of him and ushering him into the chair.
"I know you needed your rest, how did you sleep?"
"Really good, thanks for tucking me in." Patrick smile.
"Kate used to be afraid of the dark too, I know all the tricks." Elizabeth winked at him as Jack came inside with an arm full of wood followed by Nellie and Kate.
"Good morning" Jack smiled.
"Morning, someone has been busy today" Elizabeth smiled at him as he loaded the wood box.
"I wanted to make sure you had enough firewood before I started my rounds" Jack said as the girls sat down at the table with Patrick splitting the last biscuit.
"That looks like more then enough, did you sleep alright?" Elizabeth asked handing the girls a jar of jam.
"The loft in the barn is softer then my bed in the jail." Jack said making them all laugh.
"I'm sorry about that" Elizabeth chuckled.
"Was there another option?" Jack asked softly so the children wouldn't hear him. Elizabeth turned to him wide eyed wanting to look horrified but couldn't hide the smile on her lips.
"No" she said and Jack smirked.
"I will be back this afternoon to check on you." Jack said.
"You don't have to do that." Elizabeth said smiling.
"I know." Jack grinned back.
"Thank you Jack."
"Your welcome" Jack smiled slipping out the door as Elizabeth smiled after him.
"Alright, the cow is milked" Elizabeth said coming in from the barn with a bucket.
"We fed the pigs and Patrick brushed the horses" Nellie said as the girls walked over.
"Perfect" Elizabeth smiled.
"Looks like you didn't get a lot of milk" Patrick glanced into the half full bucket.
"Yes turned our gertrud was a little grumpy this morning." Elizabeth sighed.
"Did you warm up your hands first? She doesn't like cold hands." Nellie said.
"I did not know that." Elizabeth sighed. They all turned as a wagon was pulling up.
"Pa!" Patrick cried as he and Nellie ran to great him.
"Oh thank heavens" Elizabeth sighed with relief.
"All done with your time on the homestead?" Kate chuckled watching her as Patrick and Nellie ran to great their father.
"I enjoyed some aspects of it, but it's a lot to manage on my own." Elizabeth sighed.
"Well, next time Jack will just have to stay longer." Kate teased.
Church was held in the new church/school house the next day. Kate and Elizabeth were finally introduced to the new pastor, Frank Hogan.
"I have heard a lot about you Miss Thatcher, seems your the reason we got this new church." Paster Hogan said shaking her hand making Elizabeth blush a little.
"We are glad you are here, it has been a good long time since we felt we could worship on Sunday without the mine looming over us" Abigail said swooping in to save Elizabeth.
"Well I am happy to be here, seems a town like this has a lot to offer a man." Paster Hogan said before turning to greet others who were coming in. Kate got her first glance of the inside as she followed Abigail in. There were two rows of wooden benches five rows in each. Each bench was long enough to hold three students easily, maybe even four if they had to. There was a stove in the back to stay warming the winter, and a big blackboard in the front right behind a large and fine looking teachers desk. Kate smiled at Elizabeth as she too took in the room finally finished. There were maps and pictures on the walls and a large book case in the back already stocked with Elizabeth's books. The wood floor was smooth and the benched gleamed and with wide windows let in plenty of sunlight.
"It looks amazing in here" Kate whispered taking a seat between Abigail and Elizabeth.
"I almost can't wait for the new term to start tomorrow." Elizabeth grinned
"Jack did a wonderful job didn't he. He was out here night and day while you girls were gone" Abigail nodded as Rosemary and Lee slid into the seat behind them. Kate waved to Laura who sat with her parents across from them. Paster Frank was just about to close the doors when Jack slid in giving him a nod as he slipped into the seat next to Elizabeth.
"Sleep in the morning Jack?" Elizabeth whispered teasingly.
"Nope, I have a surprise for you after church, want to go for a ride?" He asked.
"Alright" Elizabeth smiled as Paster Hogan went into the front of the room. They all stood and started to sing the opening hymn.
"Anna wants to know if Laura and I can go to her house for lunch." Kate said running up to Elizabeth as she slowly descended the steps from the church chatting with Cat Montgomery.
"Alright just be home for dinner" Elizabeth nodded.
"Thank you!" Kate smiled hurrying off to join her friends.
"Elizabeth, you ready?" Jack asked.
"yes, where are we going?" Elizabeth asked saying goodbye to Cat and Abigail as she followed Jack through town.
"I think you are ready to take your own horse out" Jack said giving her a smile leading her over to Sergeant and another house tied up outside the livery.
"Really?" Elizabeth asked nervous. She had enjoyed riding with Jack but she was a little afraid to be in total control of such a big animal on her own.
"This is Jem, she's old and slow and very sweet, don't worry I will be right with you the whole time." Jack said. Elizabeth quickly mounted the house and Jack handed her the reigns before hopping onto Sergeant.
"Let's ride this way, your ready." Jack told her confidently as Elizabeth nudged Jem and they rode alongside heading out of main street and into a field away from town. Elizabeth got more and more comfortable as time passed and when they made it to a hill Jack suggested they stop and rest. He hoped off Sergeant before helping Elizabeth down and they went to the end of the hill overlooking their little town.
"To be honest I am a little disappointed" Jack said.
"Why?"
"I don't think you need riding lessons anymore" He said making them both laugh a little.
"Doesn't mean I wont ask for them" Elizabeth said softly. He smiled at her with a little twinkle in his eye as they both took a minute to look down at the people walking along enjoying their Sunday.
"I'm proud of you, you really stepped up for Mr Harper and the kids."
"Thank you, if I'm honest I feel a bit guilty about it." Elizabeth sighed.
"Why?"
"I think there is a part of me that volunteered for selfish reasons, it's hard to explain." She said softly.
"No I think I understand, from the time we are young, people assume we are not capable of certain things, sometimes we just need to prove them wrong." Jack said with a little shrug. Elizabeth nodded surprised he could put into words so easily what she couldn't understand.
"I think sometimes I am so focused on my future I lose sight of the more important things right in front of me" She said softly reaching out to take Jack's hand. His hands were so large they made her little one all but disappear as he gave it a squeeze and grinned at her.
The next morning Kate never felt so excited to start school agin as she walked next to Elizabeth.
"May I sit with Laura?" She asked.
"You may because you are in the same grade, but you have to work." Elizabeth said giving her a look.
"I'm so excited to have a real desk, do you know where everyone will sit?"
"It will be like in the saloon, youngest children up front and oldest in the back, I am hoping to have two children on each bench maybe even three with the younger ones." Elizabeth was just as excited as Kate. As they walked up to the school house some of the other kids were already playing outside as Kate went to join Anna who was watching the older boys play catch. Elizabeth walked up the stairs looking back smiling as the children playing as Jack suddenly walked up.
"Hello" He greeted her.
"Here to enjoy the fruits of your labor?" Elizabeth asked smiling.
"Not quite, I brought you something" Jack offered her something wrapped in a handkerchief.
"Your so sweet" Elizabeth said taking it.
"I ordered you a teachers bell but it hasn't arrived yet so I thought this would do in the meantime" Jack said as Elizabeth unwrapped it and pulled out a cow bell.
"A cow bell?" She asked raising her eyebrows as Jack biting back a smile.
"To honor your accomplishments on the homestead" Jack said smirking at her in his teasing way.
"Well Miss Thatcher school is about to start, shouldn't you…?" Jack asked glancing at the bell in her hand. Elizabeth wrinkled her nose at him making him laugh as she rang the cow bell and all the children started running over.
Jack smiled at her and nodded.
"Welcome back" Elizabeth greeted all the kids.
"Cow bell?" Kate asked climbing the stairs.
"Jack got it for me" Elizabeth said glancing at Jack unable to hold back her laugh.
"Great idea" Kate laughed giving Jack a high five as he tipped his hat to Elizabeth and turned to leave.
"Get inside" Elizabeth smiled as all the children took their seats and Kate slipped past her. Elizabeth stepped into the school house turning to close the big wooden doors behind her just as Jack turned to look back on his way down the path. They smiled at each other before she closed the doors and started the day.
