"Why are you doing this?" Jack asked his mouth set in a firm line.

"Doing what?" Elizabeth whispered.

"Trying to push us apart?"

"I'm just trying to be honest with you, Jack don't you see? I'm trying to tell you I am afraid of losing you. I am afraid you are going to die." She was openly crying now trying to control her tears as Jack shook his head gently his own eyes dry but emotion pouring from them almost as much as Elizabeth's when she looked into them.

"Nobody knows what the future is going to bring. All I know is what I feel for you, the question is, what do you feel for me?" Jack asked softly. Elizabeth looked up at him and it took all Jack's strength not to wipe her tears from her cheeks, she was truly breaking his heart. He had never felt like this before, he had never met someone who challenged his ability to control his emotions so much. He just wanted to wrap his arms around her and comfort her and promise her everything would be ok. But he couldn't, that wouldn't solve anything, and he needed this thing between them to be solved. Elizabeth opened his mouth to say something when they heard a dog barking deeper in the mine.

"Rip" Elizabeth whispered as they both turned toward the sound. They both picked up a lantern following the sound into the tunnel of the mine. There was a fork in the mine path and they both stopped to listen to try to figure out what way to go.

"He's down here" Elizabeth said lifting her lantern down the mine shaft going left.

"No that's an echo he's this way" Jack said pointing down the other side and starting to walk expecting Elizabeth to follow him.

"No he's this way" She said firmly going down the shaft to the left not looking back, Jack turned with a sigh.

"Rip!" Elizabeth called lifting her lantern trying to see further down the mine. Suddenly there was a low rumble like the thunder outside and she looked up just as rock and wood started falling from above her, she had no time to move before the big crash and everything started falling on top of her.


Jack had just started after her when he heard the creaking and then the big crash as the ground under his feet shook. He heard Elizabeth scream and then the still silence of the mine. But it only lasted a second before he was running, calling for her.

"Elizabeth!" He yelled racing through the mine so fast he didn't think his feet were hitting the ground.

"Elizabeth!" Jack cried rounding the corner at a sprint, his heart stopping when he saw her lying on the ground buried in rock and wood pillars from the waist down.

"I'm ok Jack, it just knocked me down" Elizabeth said sounding breathless but he was relieved to hear she was ok as he hurried to her side.

"Is anything hurt or broken?" He asked her kneeling beside her.

"I don't think so"

"Ok, take my hands, easy, easy go slow" Jack said helping to pull her from under the rubble.

"Oh my knee" She winched as she sat up.

"Ok, just rest for a minute" Jack said softly not wanting to move her to much incase she was really hurt. She caught her breath looking a little paler then he would like when suddenly there was a rumble above them. Jack looked up as more rock fell from above them. He covered Elizabeth's body with his own as she let out a scream and suddenly rolled her over him and back under as he rolled them both a few feet away just in time as more rock and wood fell just where they had been sitting.

"Are you alright?" Jack asked as the dust settled around them.

"I'm fine" Elizabeth gasped putting her head down from where it had been buried in his neck, trying to catch her breath.

"We need to get you back to the fire" Jack said softly sitting up and carefully helping her to sit.

"We need to find Rip" Elizabeth said.

"Later, right now I need to make sure you are ok. Take this" He reached for the lantern handing it to her.

"Ok, I'm going to get you up slowly ok? Slowly." Jack said.

"Jack really I don't need any help… OH!" She gasped as he stood lifting her with him as he stood, carrying her tightly to him one hand on her back the other under her knees.

"I'll be the judge of that" Jack said as Elizabeth struggled to comprehend what was happening, trying to remember if she had ever been this close to a man in all her life besides her father. She certainly didn't think she had, and she would by lying if she said she didn't love the feel of being so safe and wrapped up in Jack's arms after just being so afraid. Jack began walking back to the fire as Elizabeth found her arm around his neck and he was carful not to bump or jostle her.

"Here, easy now, there we go" He said softly lowering her down onto a blanket by the fire. Elizabeth smoothed her skirts as he sat down next to her.

"May I?" Jack asked nodding toward her leg. Elizabeth hesitated, oh why did it have to be her knee?! Her knee was so far up her leg, why couldn't it at least be her ankle, ankles weren't so bad! But to show her knees, not only was it terribly unladylike but incredible inappropriate! She didn't think any man had ever seen her knees since she had been younger then five! But this was Jack, and he was asking because he cared and he had training in first aid. And, it was Jack… she was certainly closer with Jack then any other man, he had just carried her in his arms for goodness sakes! Elizabeth nodded pulling up her skirts just enough for her knees to peak out. Jack reached down gently putting his hand over her right knee making her jump and her eyes widen. Luckily he didn't seem to notice as he pressed and squeezed a little.

"It seems to be alright" Jack said gently.

"It's the other knee" Elizabeth whispered.

"Oh, sorry" Jack put his head down quickly moving to her other knee. It was possible he was just as uncomfortable as her Elizabeth realized and that put her at ease a little. Jack gently felt her other knee.

"It's a bit swollen and looks like you might develop a bruise, but no cuts and it's not broken. I think as long as you rest it for the next few days you will be just fine." Jack said.

"Thank you" Elizabeth said softly lowering her skirt back down.

"Why am I so cold" she shivered wrapping her coat tighter around her.

"Your in shock." Jack said softly reaching for the blanket he had been sitting on and wrapped it around her shoulders letting his hand linger on her back.

"That helps, thank you" She whispered.

"You will feel better soon" Jack assured her letting her go to sit by the fire stroking it so the flames jumped hoping to warm her.

"This is all my fault" Elizabeth sighed

"How so?"

"I let Rip out"

"That was an accident, you didn't know. It's like Kate said, I always leave the door open for him to come and go, you had no way of knowing." Jack said. Elizabeth started laughing softly and he turned to her amused.

"It's crazy, I spend so much time worrying about what would happen to you, and look what happened to me." Elizabeth said with a smile.

"Well you just proved that being a school teacher is just as dangerous as being a mountie" Jack smiled at her.

"Apparently I did" Elizabeth returned his warm smile.

"I just wish you had picked a less dramatic way to make your point" Jack smirked at her that was entirely friends now as she made a face at him making him chuckle. Jack looked back to the fire before turning to her his face serious now.

"You know, I hear, that the best part of arguing is making up." Jack said softly his face getting a little closer to her's with each work.

"I have heard that too" Elizabeth nodded trying to match his serious face. Jack nodded leaning a little closer gently taking her cheek in his strong hand when they suddenly heard more barking.

"Rip" Elizabeth whispered. Jack gave a frustrated chuckle.

"I will get him, you stay here" Jack said softly grabbing the lantern again

"I'm not going anywhere" Elizabeth assured him as Jack went back into the mine.


Elizabeth felt the wet nose nudge her arm as she turned to see Rip coming up beside her with Jack following him.

"Rip you naughty boy" Elizabeth whispered pulling the dog under her arm and petting him as Jack walked around to sit by her again.

"How are you feeling?" Jack asked reaching over to pet Rip as well.

"Almost as good as new" Elizabeth smiled.

"Good" Jack nodded. One of the horses made a noise drawing their attention to the entrance to the mine surprised to see the rain had stopped and the sky was lightening up.

"Storm has passed, we can head back to town if you are up for." Jack offered

"Couldn't we stay here just a little while longer?" Elizabeth asked softly.

"Yeah, what for?"

"In here it's just the two of us, and out there, everything is, complicated" Elizabeth whispered. Jack nodded gently.

"I know exactly what you mean" He sighed and they were both quiet for a moment.

"But whatever challenges we have to face out there, I believe we can take them on together." Jack told her gently.

"It really feels like we have been given a second chance today" Elizabeth whispered.

"And I don't want to waste it… especially now that I have seen your knees" Jack said with a twinkle in his eye Elizabeth hadn't realized she had missed until she saw it.

"Jack" She whispered giving him a look as they both laughed. Jack grew seriously suddenly as he reached out taking her cheek gently in his hand again but this time he didn't move to kiss her. He stroked her soft cheek gently with the pad of his thumb looking into her eyes.

"I love you Elizabeth Thatcher" He said firmly. Elizabeth felt it take her breath away as he said it. No man had ever spoken those words to her before, she expected them to feel so special and they did, but something about the world leaving Jack's mouth felt so natural as well.

"I love you too" Elizabeth whispered her heart pounding so hard she was sure he could feel it as she didn't take her eyes from his. Now his hand moved a bit as he gently pulled her to him and her hand found it's way to the back if his neck as their lips met. The kiss was different, full of emotion and longing. Lasting longer then they had ever before and she wanted to melt into his arms when he pulled away, tucking one of her long curls behind her ears.

"Let's go back" he said and she nodded giving him a smile.

"Here, go slow" Jack said helping her to stand and walk over to where the horses were tired

"You shouldn't be riding on that knee" Jack said and she gasped when he boosted her up onto Sergeant.

"You ok?" He asked.

"I'm fine" She gave him a smile watching as Jack quickly put out the fire and tied everything onto her borrowed horse before tying him to Sergeant and hopping up behind her.

"Just relax, I will get you back" Jack said softly his lips only inches from her ear.

"I know" She gave him a smile as Jack whistled for Rip and gave Sergeant a nudge and they started home.


Abigail was just going out the door when she saw Jack helping Elizabeth across the street, Elizabeth clearly limping a little.

"What in the world! Come in come on!" Abigail cried as she held the door open and Elizabeth hobbled in Jack holding onto her elbow.

"What happened?" Kate cried rushing down the stairs.

"A beam fell on her knee when we were in the mine." Jack said.

"What!" Kate cried.

"Oh Elizabeth!" Abigail gasped

"Jack looked at it, It's fine just a little bruised nothing wrong with it" Elizabeth said quickly. Kate raised her eyebrows as her sister. Jack had seen Elizabeth's knees?! Elizabeth gave her a look and Kate understood not to talk about it now.

"Well you need to rest it for sure, but nothing is broken or sprained" Jack said.

"Well Kate and I were going to go fishing with Paster Hogan, but we will stay and take care of you." Abigail said as she and Kate put their coats down.

"You will do no such thing I am perfectly fine" Elizabeth sighed.

"I really think I should stay and take care of you" Abigail said worried. Elizabeth opened her mouth to argue but Jack cut her off.

"I'll stay and take care of her." Jack said quickly. Elizabeth quickly locked eyes with him as they held each other's gaze missing Abigail's raised eyebrows and Kate grinning between them.

"Ok, we won't be long, come on Kate." Abigail called.

"But…" Kate started.

"Come on Kate the fish are biting" Abigail quickly ushered Kate out before she could say another word closing the door behind them. Elizabeth took off her coat as Jack seemed to glance around the room not sure what to do with himself.

"You should go upstairs and rest" Jack said as Elizabeth sat on the couch.

"Jack, as much as I like the idea of you waiting on my hand and foot I am not an invalid" Elizabeth playfully rolled her eyes.

"Just a very bad patient" Jack said.

"Well you could get me that blanket" Elizabeth nodded to the blanket hanging over the side of the couch she was sitting on, giving her hair a little flip over her shoulder for good measure. Jack quickly crossed the room placing it on her lap as he sat next to her. He reached out rubbing the arm she was leaning on from her hand to her elbow.

"Now I don't feel like resting." Elizabeth said meeting his eyes.

"That's because your still talking." Jack said his eyes holding a teasing twinkle but his face serious.

"Well, we don't have to talk." Elizabeth said softly a little surprised at herself for being so forward but also feeling totally at ease. Jack smiled at her now as they both leaned forward at the same time and their lips met for the second time that day. Elizabeth gave a content sigh as he wrapped an arm around her softly pulling her a little closer, their lips never parting.


Abigail fried up the fish they caught and Jack stayed for supper like he often used to. Kate was relieved everything seemed to be back to normal as Jack teased her over dinner with his fish head making her laugh. Elizabeth walked him out and they lingered on the porch for a while as Kate got ready for bed. Elizabeth slipped into their room smiling as Kate looked up from her book.

"You look like you had a nice afternoon storm adventure." Kate raised her eyebrows as Elizabeth started taking off her dress and putting her nightgown on.

"How was fishing with Abigail?" Elizabeth asked ignoring her question.

"Paster Hogan is nice, he makes her laugh and smile a lot." Kate said.

"That's wonderful, Abigail deserves someone who makes her so happy."

"Thats what I told her" Kate nodded as Elizabeth sat down and started braiding her hair to the side as she did every night.

"Were you scared in the mine?" Kate asked.

"Yes, I mean when the mine starts falling in on you it's very scary. But Jack was there thank God."

"Good old Jack." Kate smiled as Elizabeth wrinkled her nose at her.

"What did happen between you two? You were so at odds when you started this day and suddenly…"

"It's hard to explain, but when I was so scared and Jack was scared but brave, it was like, the only thing I wanted to do was tell him how I really felt. Beyond all the frustration we had towards each other lately, there was so much emotion. We talked about a lot and were honest and took the time to listen to each other." Elizabeth smiled.

"And? What emotions did you have?" Kate pressed her as Elizabeth went to sit beside her picking up her own book from the night stand.

"That we truly cared about each other and.. others" Elizabeth said.

"That you love him?" Kate asked raising an eyebrow. Elizabeth narrowed her eyes at her but nodded.

"And… does he feel the same?" Kate asked.

"He does" Elizabeth nodded and Kate squealed.

"You said it right! He told you he loved you? And you told him?" Kate asked.

"Yes, yes we said it." Elizabeth laughed trying to shush her.

"I knew it! I knew it!" Kate cried.

"Quiet now." Elizabeth said softly and Kate calmed herself.

"Elizabeth, are you happy?" Kate asked.

"I am very happy" Elizabeth smiled.

"Me too" Kate grinned.

"Go to sleep now" Elizabeth laughed. Kate blew out her candle and put her head on her pillow as Elizabeth opened her book.

"You love him, wait until Julie hears." Kate whispered wiggling her feet. Elizabeth just chuckled shaking her head.


"Elizabeth how are you? Sit down get off the knee" Abigail said quickly as the girls came down the stairs the next morning.

"I am fine, truly Abigail it feels much better today" Elizabeth assured her as Kate set the table for breakfast.

"Jack told me what happened in the mine, it sounds awful" Abigail said gently forcing Elizabeth to sit at the table anyway.

"It was, and then it wasn't" Elizabeth said softly.

"I can assume we will be seeing much more of Jack around here?" Abigail asked.

"Oh you sure will" Kate spoke up placing the plates on the table.

"Kathryn!" Elizabeth shot her a look as Abigail laughed.

"Oh Elizabeth it's no secret. When you and Jack are good you are so good. Besides the walls are thin and when you two are giggling in the middle of the night it always means good news" Abigail said making them laugh.

"Well I hear you had a nice time fishing" Elizabeth said turning to Abigail

"I had a very pleasant time" Abigail smiled turning to the stove.

"Eggs will be done in a minute and I already packed your lunch so you should sit and rest your leg until your off to school" Abigail said.

"Thank you" Elizabeth gave her a smile as Kate finished setting the table and Clara hurried in with a box full of sugar and flour.

"Clara just in time have a seat" Abigail said.

"Thank you, Elizabeth this came for you when I was at the mercantile" Clara said handing Elizabeth a telegram.

"No! No we just got back, I won't go back to Hamilton again!" Kate cried as Elizabeth took it skimming the letter.

"We don't have to go back" Elizabeth said her lips pressed together in a thin line.

"Well what does it say?" Kate asked

"Charles is coming" Elizabeth sighed.

"Oh no" Kate whispered.


"Hi Jack" Kate said passing the jail office a few days later as he came out.

"Hey! What are you doing here?" Jack asked quickly his eyes going wide.

"Why are you all dressed up?" Kate asked noticing he was in a nice suite.

"I… I have to do something, come here!" Jack said pulling Kate into his office almost knocking her off her feet. He reached out to steady her.

"School is out early?" He asked checking his pocket watch.

"Elizabeth said since it's Friday and we all did so well on our spelling tests we could get out early, I thought this morning she said she was going riding with you?" Kate frowned still trying to figure out why Jack was so dressed up.

"Yes, yes riding, where is she?" Jack asked.

"She's at the school cleaning up and waiting for you, did you forget?"

"Of course not!" Jack said quickly.

"But you said you had someplace to go all dressed up, you can't go riding dressed like that" Kate said. Jack was only ever in his uniform or his everyday button-downs and pants. Never so dressed up unless they were going to a fancy dinner in Hamilton.

"I, I know, why don't you just run along and I will see you tonight" Jack said.

"Alright… are you coming for dinner?" Kate asked.

"Why don't we come pick you up, after our ride. You, Elizabeth and I can have dinner, the three of us."

"Alright… Jack why are you acting weird?" Kate asked.

"Not weird, this is how I act." Jack shrugged. Kate raised an eyebrow looking so much like Elizabeth Jack almost burst out laughing if he wasn't so nervous.

"Alright" Kate said heading towards the door.

"Hey Kate" Jack called after her making her turn.

"You know that, your sister means a great deal to me." Jack said softly.

"I know." Kate nodded.

"I truly care for her, and her happiness. And I also truly care about you. I never had a little sister but I imagine if I did, she would be just like you. You mean a great deal to me Kate" Jack said.

"You mean a great deal to me too Jack, and not just because you constantly save my sister. You make me feel at home, no matter where we are. Here or Hamilton, if your with us it's home" Kate said softly. Jack smiled pulling her into a hug as her arms wrapped around his waist.

"Your my home too Kate." He whispered.

"Are you all dressed up for Elizabeth?" Kate asked.

"I am" Jack gave her a little smile.

"Good luck Jack" Kate whispered giving him a wink. He kissed the top of her head as they walked out

"See you later" He said watching Kate make her way to Abigail's as he turned towards the school house touching the little box in his pocket again. His stomach rolling with butterflies but unable to take the smile off his face.


Elizabeth was finishing washing down the board and gathering her books when there was a knock on the school house door. She frowned turning a little, no one knocked on the door everyone just came in. She was expecting Jack to meet her for their ride but he wouldn't knock.

"Come in" she called and was surprised when Charles walked in.

"Charles, I wasn't expecting you for a few more days, you said your meeting with Lee wasn't until Monday" Elizabeth said as Charles strolled over to her.

"I needed to see you." Charles said.

"Charles… I don't… Elizabeth started but before she could finish he was in front of her and suddenly down on one knee opening a little box with an engagement ring in it. Elizabeth felt her mouth drop open as her mind tried to comprehend what was happening.

"Oh my" she whispered.

"Elizabeth, will you marry me?" Charles asked.

Jack strolled up to she school house pleased to see the door open. He touched the little box in his pocket for the hundredth time in the short walk. It felt like it was burning a hold in him but also he was afraid to lose the most precious thing. He knew he should be nervous, asking a women to marry you was a big deal. But he wasn't, his talk with Kate had put him at ease, he was confident and ready as he climbed the steps smiling to himself he looked up and stopped dead. There, in the middle of the school house was Charles on bended knee holding out an engagement ring to Elizabeth. Jack quickly turned hiding behind the door so they wouldn't see him. He couldn't believe this was happening, he couldn't believe how much this hurt. He never thought a heart could physically break but now he wasn't so sure. His hurt quickly turned to anger as he slipped silently down the steps marching back home to change. He couldn't even look at Elizabeth right now, he couldn't bare to hear her and Charles.