Chapter 2

Author's note: thank you very much for all your nice reviews. I hope I won't disappoint you in this second part. I enjoyed very much the writing, so I hope you enjoyed the reading just as much and it will fulfill your expectations.

Only one chapter remains after this one. Read and review.

English is not my native language so I am sorry if there is grammar, tense mistakes

Disclaimer: I don't own the characters within this story. All rights and respect go to Crown media, Hall mark, Brian Bird , Michael Landon Jr, the creators and writers of the show " When calls the heart".

The following morning, while he was approaching the door of the jail, William Thatcher saw Elizabeth and Jack through the window so he stayed up next to the door in order to overhear the conversation, pretending to notice what happened in the street.

Elizabeth came closer to Jack, took his face in her hands .

"I love you Jack and nothing will change that. Whatever my father thinks, I don't mean to leave Hope Valley. My life is here with you." She tenderly told him .

He smiled at her.

"I believe that your father has a different take on that." He noted.

"Well, what a shame. In this case, I will cut off my family." She simply answered.

"Elizabeth, I don't want you to quarrel with your family because of me." He sadly said.

"If they turn down the man I love, so I turn them down. But I know for sure that Julie will be on our side." She affirmed.

The young man smiled when she talked about her younger sister.

"She is fond of you and you probably are in her good graces because of Tom" She added maliciously.

He burst into laughter.

"I love you so much."

Her face lit up and she was not able to refrain from putting herself on tiptoe to kiss him. Straight away he locked her completely in his embrace, deepening their kiss. But they were interrupted by two strong and cold knocks at the door. They pulled apart. She went away from the Jack's desk whereas he was going to sit down there, turning into his Mountie attitude before he said.

"Come in!"

William Thatcher appeared then.

"Good morning Elizabeth, Constable Thornton." William coldly greeted.

"Good morning Father."

"Good morning Mr. Thatcher."

"Constable, I would like to talk to you, if you don't mind."

Elizabeth immediately understood, looked apprehensively at Jack. He nodded.

"I have work to do. The class is soon going to begin." She explained.

Jack got up, escorted her to the door and took gently her left hand that he raised to his lips.

"See you later, Elizabeth." Jack said closing the door behind her.

Then he turned to William Thatcher, knowing that the conversation was going to be tightened.

"I get straight to the point, Constable Thornton." William Thatcher resolutely announced. "I want you to break up with my daughter."

Jack stared defiantly at him.

"Never!" Jack retorted.

"I don't leave you the choice, Constable. The life which you have to offer her is not good enough." William Thatcher snapped at him.

He didn't answer but clenched his fists, clearly understanding the hint. He was not good enough for her. He hadn't a social status, a big mansion; his job was dangerous and he didn't belong to the high society. He wouldn't be good enough for her in the eyes of her parents. His temper started to raise but he controlled himself and looked at him in the eyes.

"I think you don't really know your daughter, Mr. Thatcher. She doesn't care about a big mansion without love and all that you wanted for her. She really likes to teach to the children here and they love her just as much. Besides, all the residents of Hope Valley appreciate her. Her heart is here." he pointed out.

William Thatcher was furious: how did he dare?

"She stays because of you, Constable, and I won't allow it!" He boomed.

"Maybe it is partly true but she doesn't only stay because of me, I assure you." Jack granted.

Then William Thatcher was determined to do what he had planned since the beginning.

"Here is something which will convince you." He took a long envelope in the pocket of his jacket and handed it to Jack .

Jack didn't take it but the anger took over his features.

"How dare you to try to buy me? No sum of money will have so many prices as Elizabeth and the love which she has for me! So if you don't mind, I have my rounds to be made and the town to be protected!" He shouted.

With these words, Jack turned away. He left Mr. Thatcher who yet had the envelope in the hand here, looking at him coldly and Jack slammed the door.

Outside, he mounted his horse and got out the town galloping. He had a job to do and he needed to calm his nerves.

Through the window of the café, Elizabeth saw him pass and understood when she watched his features and the sustained speed of his horse that something had upset him as she was afraid of.

Elizabeth thought about Jack all the day and made sure she avoided her father. She even refused to have dinner with him, when he cornered her after school.

The very evening, after the café was closed, she told Abigail about what happened and her suspicions regarding Jack and her father's conversation after her departure.

Now she was worried because Jack wasn't back yet. Despite Abigail's protests, she took a warm shawl, a blanket and went to wait for him with Rip outside the jail in one of the wicker chairs. After a while, the fatigue took her on the worry and she fell asleep wrapped up in her warm shawl and the blanket.

Around midnight, Jack came to Hope Valley. As soon as he got closer to the jail, he caught sight of a shadow in an armchair of the porch, he quickly understood. She had waited for him and was worried about him. He dismounted his horse, tied him and came gently nearer not to frighten her, memorizing her sleeping face in order to recreate it in his sketchbook as soon as he would have time.

He squatted, stroked her cheek with the back of his fingers.

"Elizabeth." He whispered.

She began to stir and opened her eyes. When she saw him, she threw herself in his arms.

"Oh! Jack, you're finally here. I was so worried when I saw you leave the morning." She explained.

"I am sorry; I had a lot of work. It's late, you should return home." He tenderly apologized.

She was a bit disappointed but he was right. She knew he was safe so she could return home.

He straightened his arm towards her and she slipped her hand in the crook of his elbow. He saw her out of the café.

"I will wait for you after school. If you like, we will go for a boat ride."

"With pleasure."

He stepped forward, slipped her by the waist and slowly kissed her.

"Good night Elizabeth."

"Good night Jack."

She went inside, he waited she turned the latch and get back to the jail.

He knew that the next day would be a hard day for both of them. He had to tell her what happened with her father and she would be very upset.

On the other hand, Mr. Thatcher was not going to give up so easily. Jack was sure he was going to do everything he can to split them up and take Elizabeth back in Hamilton.

To be continued ….