Chapter 38 This one is for Kim...

Jack and Elizabeth quickly stood upon hearing Bill's entrance. Jack gently touched her face before walking to Bill, "Problem? What problem?"

Bill held a telegram, "Part of the problem is that we've been summoned to Cooperton, and the other part of the problem is that we need to participate in mandatory training."

"Training? You can't be serious."

"Says right here," Bill slapped the telegram on the desk, "Timing is just terrible, you just got back and want to work on the house. If we both go, Pinkerton's will have to keep an eye on things around here."

"Great."

"Only good thing is it is only for 3 days," Bill shrugged.

"Okay, well, I'll just leave you two gentlemen to talk…I'm going back to the café…." Elizabeth walked with her back against the wall toward the door.

Jack didn't miss a beat raising his hand in front of her, "Give me the book."

"What book?" she asked.

"The book behind your back," he stepped closer and attempted to put his hand behind her back.

She squirmed, "It's really my book…"

"And you're trying to steal it…"

"I am not! It's my book," she hugged the book against her chest.

Jack looked over his shoulder, knowing Bill was listening, "Elizabeth….give me the book."

Elizabeth frowned and handed him the book.

"How about a picnic lunch today?" Jack asked, trying to make her feel better.

"That's a lovely idea…"

"I'll be by at lunch time," he winked.

"Okay, I'll prepare a basket," she hurried out the door.

Jack turned to Bill, who stared at him, "Well don't let me interfere with your social life Jack."

Jack blushed and scratched his head, "Ahh, sorry. So when do we have to be in Cooperton?"

"States we have to be at the Sanders Train Station in three days."

Jack shook his head and went to put the book back under his pillow.

"So what book is that you two are reading?" A curious Bill asked.

"Oh…nothing just some novel Elizabeth brought from home…" Jack said. "I wonder what their reasoning is for this training? This isn't something they routinely do, is it?"

"No it isn't…but we've also never had training at a train station before, so should be interesting," Bill headed for the door and then turned, "Jack, have you given any more thought to the plumbing?"

Jack grinned, "I'm okay with the plumbing. Thanks for asking."

"Glad to hear it." Bill left the jail.

Elizabeth decided on a on a new pink and white blouse with a dark pink skirt for her picnic with Jack. She brushed her hair and smiled thinking of Jack sitting on his bed trying not to kiss her. The thought of touching his face, kissing his lips…she dropped the hairbrush, "Oh my!" She smoothed her skirt and headed downstairs to finish packing the basket.

In the kitchen Abigail was busy preparing food for the café when Jack came in. "Expecting a busy crowd?" He asked.

Abigail shrugged, "Can never tell."

Jack sensed her sadness, "Abigail, if you need anything you know you can ask me, right?"

"That's very kind of you Jack. I know you and Elizabeth are there for me and it means a great deal," she wiped her hands on her apron and smiled, "and I'm just fine, thank you."

Elizabeth came down the stairs, "Of course you're fine….why wouldn't you be?"

"Exactly!" Abigail handed Jack the basket, "go and enjoy your lunch."

On their walk, Jack stopped and pulled Elizabeth closer, "How about a boat ride?"

"Sure, that's a wonderful idea," Elizabeth kissed his cheek.

He took her hand and they hurried off to the lake.

"Let me help you," he took her hand and assisted her into the boat. He rowed out a short distance and carefully secured the oars.

"Are you hungry?" Elizabeth asked, not sure why she felt uncomfortable.

"No," Jack said, he laid a blanket on the floor of the boat and slipped off the seat, "here, come sit here, I have a surprise for you," he patted the spot next to his.

Elizabeth carefully moved next to him, trying to adjust her skirt, she turned toward him slightly.

He leaned toward her, "Hi there…"

She smiled, "Jack…what are you up to?"

Jack grinned and reached behind him, "I brought this," holding up the book, "thought maybe we could read to each other."

"Oh my…" she looked away.

"Yes…thought it might be romantic," he said as he opened the book and flipped through the pages. He cleared his throat, "Marco walked the dark street, hearing only nearby horses as he headed for her home. He was filled with a longing to see her, to spend time with her, to kiss her. He had to tell her his feelings soon before she went and found love in the arms of another. He bounded up the steps and knocked on the door. When she opened the door, he gasped at her loveliness, her radiance in the midnight blue gown…"

Elizabeth took the book, "My turn to read. "Ernestina was so happy to see him. Marco looked so handsome, the white ruffles from his shirt creating a glow on his handsome face. His lips turned up in a slight smile as his eyes wandered over her body." Elizabeth glanced at Jack, who was staring straight ahead. "She was glad she chose the gown that accentuated her curves and when she inhaled the pearls from her necklace tickled her skin. She felt his eyes glaring at the necklace…" Elizabeth's eyes darted at Jack, who was now staring at her.

Jack took the book, "Now it's my turn." "Marco walked in, never taking his eyes from her. He shut the door and swept her into his arms, kissing her passionately…" Jack cleared his throat and glanced at Elizabeth who was looking down but she moved closer to him, moving her hand to rest on his shoulder. "Marco enjoyed her response, the way her hands swept up his back to his shoulders," Jack swallowed as Elizabeth rested her cheek against his shoulder. He shifted the book to his other hand as he put his arm around her, "Marco stepped back to look into her dark eyes, they stared back at him with hunger. Marco pressed his hand against her side and squeezed her gently, then slowly moved his hand up and cupped…" Jack snapped the book shut and put it down at his side, "Ahh, that's enough for now." He looked down at Elizabeth and took her hand and brought it to his lips.

She shifted slightly, looking up into his eyes, "He cupped her face? To kiss her right?"

Jack swallowed again, "Ahh, no…but …"

"Do you think they should be married?" She felt uncomfortable.

Jack's brow furrowed at her question, "Well, certain things … I think you should be married for certain things, don't you?"

She nodded, looking at him.

"But kissing is okay, right?" He whispered, trying to keep her comfortable.

"Oh yes…" she stretched and kissed him. Jack moved to bring her into his embrace. The passion escalated and when Jack moved his leg the boat rocked causing them to move and sit up straighter.

"Must be that spider! Shaking the boat!" Jack laughed.

Elizabeth's eyes were wide as she looked around and rocked the boat even more.

"I'm kidding! Sit still or we'll be soaked!" Jack took her arm, "There aren't any spiders…"

"Thank goodness," she licked her lips.

Jack touched her face, "I don't need a spider to get you to jump into my arms, do I?"

"No," she leaned toward him.

"Good, because I forgot to bring one this time," he laughed.

"Jack Thornton!"

"Come here," he pulled her close and kissed her. They stayed in each other's arms for quite a while before eating lunch.

After they finished eating, Jack rowed back to the dock and assisted Elizabeth out of the boat.

"That was nice Jack, thank you."

"Always nice to have a date with you," he took her hand as they walked.

"Jack, remember when you first asked me on a date?"

"Oh yes!" Jack shook his head, "Your closet won that date."

"No, I mean when you formally asked me, when you came to the school and kissed my hand," her voice got softer.

Jack smiled remembering, "Yes, I was so nervous. I was afraid you'd say you had to clean something."

Elizabeth giggled at his comment, but remembered how he asked her, "You were so serious and formal. I had to actually ask you if it was a date, remember?"

"I told you it was an act of courtship."

"Only after I asked," she stated.

"Okay, okay, so I messed that up too!" Jack surrendered.

She stepped in front of him, "No, no you didn't mess that up. It was so sweet and so ….so romantic. I could tell you put a lot of thought into it. I'll never forget it Jack."

"I was determined to get it right. I was determined to get you to say yes," Jack squeezed her hand. "I'm so glad you did."

"I was waiting for you to ask!" She rubbed his arm.

"I smartened up…I didn't want another skunk to get you!" He grinned.

She glanced at him and shook her head.

They walked in silence the remainder of the way, remembering the past. Once at the café, Elizabeth asked, "We didn't talk about your new orders…"

"I hate to go...but it's only a training assignment, just for a few days," Jack said, "the minute it's over I'll be on my way back here."

"Good, I'm glad to hear that," she said.

"Until then I'll be working and helping Adam with the house," he opened the door to the café.

"And spending time with me, don't forget that," she took the basket from his hand.

"Never forget that, that's the best part of my day," he said.

Abigail came into the kitchen, "Bill said you are leaving tomorrow and will be back in three days, that doesn't sound so bad."

"No, could be worse," Jack said, "was Bill here?"

"Still is," she pointed to the dining room.

Jack excused himself and went to join Bill. "Jack, did you have a nice lunch?"

"Yes, very nice. Are we really leaving tomorrow?"

"Yes, got another telegram today, but now it's a shorter training so that's good news," Bill drank from his coffee cup as Abigail and Elizabeth approached, "the less time away the better."

"I agree with that," Abigail said, smiling at Bill.

Jack and Elizabeth exchanged glances.

"Let's go discuss our plans Jack and leave these lovely ladies to their afternoon," Bill stood.

Jack walked to Elizabeth, kissed her cheek and whispered, "Something seems to have changed."

Elizabeth nodded, "I can't wait to find out what happened."

"Thank you for a lovely lunch," Jack said as he kissed her cheek again and headed to the door.

"Abigail, delicious as always, thank you," Bill said.

"My pleasure," Abigail smiled.

After the men left, Elizabeth took Abigail's arm, "What is going on?"

"Nothing, just lunch," Abigail replied. Noticing the look on Elizabeth's face, "It was only lunch Elizabeth."

"Abigail, you once said to me you could tell when two people have feelings for each other. Well, I think I have that gift too," she gently shook her friend's arm.

"We'll see," Abigail shook head.

Later that day, Elizabeth headed to the jail to get Jack for supper. "Hello Elizabeth," Bill said when she entered, "Jack isn't here. He's gone up to work on your house."

"Oh, well I'll head up there, thank you Bill," as she left she turned back, "are you going to the café for supper with Abigail?"

"Would she like that?" Bill asked.

"I believe she would," Elizabeth affirmed.

"Then I will go," Bill smiled.

At their home site, Jack was busy working with Adam measuring and cutting timber. Elizabeth stopped and watched for a moment, admiring both men's determination and ability. The late day sun was warm and Elizabeth's mouth dropped open when Jack pulled his shirt over his head. She couldn't hear what he and Adam said, but both men laughed a bit. Elizabeth thought she should walk back and come in from a different path, giving the men the opportunity to be aware of her arrival. She stepped back and caught her foot on a branch and stumbled down. Jack turned hearing the noise and rushed to her aid.

"Elizabeth, what are you doing?" He pushed the branches away from her leg and freed her foot. "Let me help you."

"I….I was coming here to get you for supper," she squirmed and then tried to stand up, "Oh my ankle."

Jack crouched down and lifted her skirt to view her ankle.

Elizabeth pushed her skirt down, "Jack!"

Jack stood, "Sorry…can you walk?"

"I ..I don't …I…" she tried not to look at his bare chest, but managed to take a step, "Ouch, no, not really."

"I'll carry you back."

Before she could protest, Jack swept her up into his arms, "Come on."

"Put me down, just give me a branch or a stick or something to walk with."

Jack looked at her, "I can carry you."

Adam spoke up, "Jack, use the wagon…we'll all go back."

Elizabeth held on to Jack's neck, "Please put me down."

Jack walked to the wagon and gently placed her down. Elizabeth watched as he picked up his shirt and pulled it over his head. They left the site and went back to town. "Let me help you," Jack assisted Elizabeth from the wagon.

"I'm fine Jack," she took a step, winced but went into the café.

Jack tapped her shoulder, "Look at that…"