(Sorry for the wait my friends, but decided not to chop this long chapter into two. Hope you enjoy. As a recap, the Thatcher's and Mrs. Thornton have arrived for the wedding of Elizabeth and Jack. As Jack and Elizabeth enter the cafe to greet everyone, Jack's mother has made an interesting discovery hiding in the settee cushion...Enjoy and please let me know what you think...thank you all for your support! )
Chapter 51 "What's a Bridal Luncheon?"
As Mary Thornton held up "Marco's Midnight Passion", all eyes went to Abigail since it was her café. Abigail moved nervously, "Oh…well…I've never…"
"That must have been left there…." Elizabeth started.
"Oh, let me see that!" Julie walked over and took the book from Mary, "This looks fascinating! Jack, would you like to borrow this?" She glanced at Jack, who looked away.
Mary Thornton watched Julie Thatcher flip through the pages, "You would perhaps be the one here to enjoy that…"
"Romance is good for everyone Mrs. Thornton," she turned to Elizabeth, "right sister? You've learned a lot about romance lately!"
Jack sighed and turned around. Elizabeth marched over to Julie, "That's quite enough, go put that book upstairs," she said through gritted teeth.
Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher just sat silently as the scene unfolded, although Mrs. Thatcher suspected the book to be one of Julie's romance novels that she always seemed to have her nose stuck in. She only smiled politely at Mary Thornton.
Abigail prepared tea and coffee for everyone, slightly annoyed and yet amused at Julie's antics.
William broke the tension, "Well, we have a lot to do for the wedding…don't we?" He looked to his wife.
"Yes dear, so get on that would you," she responded and lifted her tea cup, getting a chuckle from everyone.
"Actually, we just need to sit and write out the itinerary for the next few days," Elizabeth stated, "we can do that tomorrow after we go to our beautiful house and unpack all those crates," she reached for Jack.
Jack smiled at her, "Well, that's a good idea, but you don't have to help." He thought of a few surprises he planned and wasn't sure having her there was a good idea.
Mrs. Thatcher stood, "Perhaps the ladies can stay here and make Elizabeth's list and plan a little party for the happy couple."
Elizabeth smiled. Julie came down the stairs, "A party? I'll help."
Jack raised his eyebrows and leaned to Elizabeth's ear, "Hope she brought you a nice party dress."
Elizabeth coughed a laugh and gave Jack a gentle elbow, glancing at his dimpled smile.
After a nice meal in the cafe, everyone was busy talking about current events, changes to Coal Valley and of course the pending wedding.
William Thatcher stood and said, "Well, tomorrow the men will work at the house and you ladies can do what you need to do," he stretched his arms, "besides Jack and I need to have a man to man talk anyway."
Jack's head snapped up at that statement and he took a big gulp of water.
"What do you have to talk to him about, may I ask?" Mary Thornton asked.
"That's for Jack and I to discuss," William touched his wife's arm, "let's take a walk dear. Excuse us everyone, we'll see you tomorrow."
Jack touched Elizabeth's hand under the table, she looked at him and he nodded toward the kitchen. Jack stood, excused himself and Elizabeth followed.
"What is it? Is something wrong?" Elizabeth touched his arm.
"Everything's fine, I just want to take a little walk soon. I want to get a good sleep so I can tackle all those crates tomorrow," he kissed her cheek, "just want to make sure we can take a walk."
Elizabeth smiled and took his hand, "Yes, we'll take a walk…and talk about father." She knew her father's comment unsettled Jack.
Jack smiled, "Thank you." They returned to the café, "Mother, we're going to take a walk."
Mrs. Thornton looked up at her son, "What does that man want to talk to you about?"
"I don't know, but I'm sure it's nothing to worry about," Jack smiled.
"Don't let him talk you into going into business with him!"
Jack frowned, "I doubt that he will try to do that."
"Just remember, that he's a business man and sometimes they can be manipulative."
"Mother, I imagine its marriage advice he wants to share."
"Oh, well…yes, man to man, perhaps you're right dear," Mary stood, kissed her son's cheek, "have a nice evening dear, I believe I'll help Mrs. Stanton with the clean up here. You go take your bride for a romantic stroll," she felt embarrassed jumping to conclusions.
Jack squeezed his mother's hand, "Okay mother, just relax, okay? I'm not intimidated by William Thatcher."
Jack went to Elizabeth and slid his hand around her waist, "Can we get out of here?"
Elizabeth nodded, "Julie, will you help Abigail please?"
"Okay, I suppose… since there's nothing else to do," Julie began gathering dishes.
Jack and Elizabeth hurried out the door. Jack was quiet and pensive as they headed to their grove of trees.
"Jack, when are you going to ask me?" Elizabeth held his arm a little tighter.
"What could he possibly want to talk to me about?" Jack blurted out, his shoulders raised, hands spread out in front of him.
"Jack, it must be man talk, the birds and the bees?" Elizabeth tried not to laugh.
Jack's mouth hung open as he turned to her, "Oh no, please. I can't talk to him about that," he ran his hand through his hair, "you're his daughter!"
Elizabeth stuck her tongue out, "Oh Jack, just listen to him," she tugged his collar and stepped closer to him, "I doubt you need any advice…hmm?"
Jack grinned slightly, displaying those dimples and looked away, "Elizabeth…"
She touched his face, turning him to face her and kissed him.
"Just let him talk, he may be nervous too and must feel an obligation to talk to you." She licked her lips, "Unless you think you may need a little advice…or have some questions…hmm?"
Jack put his arms around her, "Oh no…I don't have any questions and I don't need any help," he buried his face in her hair and toward her neck, "I know what I want to do."
"Thought about it a few times have you?" She closed her eyes at his movements.
He laughed, "Yeah, a few times." He pushed against her neck.
"Then I have nothing to worry about?" Her voice got softer.
"I don't think you'll be worrying," he kissed her ear. "You'll be swooning…"
"You know how I love to swoon," she rolled her head to the side.
"How about you? You going to make me swoon?" he kissed her neck.
"I was thinking of making you do something else…"
"Really? Like what?" he kissed her shoulder through the fabric of her dress.
She raked her fingers through his hair, "I believe I'm too much of a lady to tell you," she looked down.
The corner of Jack's mouth curled, "You can give me a hint…"
She touched each button on his shirt, starting at the top, "I don't think you need a hint Jack…" she rubbed the bottom button near his belt and looked up at him.
Jack coughed, "Ahh, okay," he rubbed his chin and stepped back, "Lets go back to town."
"What?" She was surprised he stepped away.
His head swayed, "I can't…I can't do this…" He moved to her, "Elizabeth… when you talk like that….and we kiss... I can usually push it out of my mind, but not always. I just love you and you make me love you so much," he looked away.
She ran her palm down his face, "I can't wait to be your wife and I'm sorry if I got a little carried away…"
"No, no you didn't…" He stepped back, "How about we dance for a few minutes."
She put her arms up in position but didn't move close to him.
"What? You going to treat me like Hamilton now and dance a mile away from me?" He joked, "Come over here."
Elizabeth rushed against him, "Don't you dare mention his name."
"Hmm, sorry. I'm glad you danced apart from him…far apart," Jack pulled her closer.
"Despite what he did, he was a gentleman when he was with me Jack," she held his shoulder firmly.
"Good and now he's gone, even better." Jack put his cheek against her head, thankful that he was the one that captured her heart.
Eventually they headed back to the café, "I'll see you for breakfast? I think everyone will be here early," Elizabeth clasped her hands.
"Yes, I'll be here, us burly men are going to the house," he took her hands.
"Yes, don't let my father get hurt, he isn't as burly as the rest of you," she said.
"I figured he'd be standing around giving everyone orders," Jack smiled.
"You're probably right," she smiled.
"I usually am," Jack tilted his head.
Elizabeth squinted, "Oh we'll see about that."
He kissed her before she could continue. "I set myself up for that one."
"You did," she stepped closer, "Come here, Mr. Right," she tugged on his button.
"Hey," he looked down at her hand on his button, "don't do that…"
"Quiet down Mr. Right…" she kissed him. They kissed and hugged good night before Jack headed back to the jail.
Upstairs, Julie had her nose stuck in a book as Elizabeth entered. "Sister, about time you're back. What were you and Mr. Mountie doing?"
Elizabeth looked at her sister, "Oh nothing, just being passionate under the stars…" she exaggerated her tone to tease Julie.
Julie giggled, "I imagine his passion is quite enchanting, like right out of this book!"
"Oh Julie, you and that book."
"I hope you've read some sister, it will teach you how to be a wife."
"We won't need a book," Elizabeth began to undress, "I won't need that book, a cookbook yes, but not that book."
"Maybe not at the beginning," Julie giggled. "Wait til mother shows you some of the things she brought. We talked tonight about taking them to your house tomorrow."
"Should be the next day, after the men have unloaded all those crates."
"And then we'll have a party!" Julie was excited.
"I think 'party' is your favorite word," Elizabeth sat on the bed and picked up her journal.
"Oh sister, just think soon you'll be married, aren't you excited?" Julie drew her knees up to her chest and hugged them. "Remember when we were little and we used to pretend we were getting married? You always married the prince in the castle!"
"Oh Julie, I remember you wanted to marry a pirate!"
"Imagine all the adventures!" Julie giggled.
The next morning, Jack headed to the house early. As he walked through the still empty rooms, he envisioned his life there with Elizabeth, enjoying their morning coffee in the kitchen, helping with the laundry, sitting in the parlor in front of the fire and not having to say good night and leave each other. He chuckled thinking of Elizabeth burning food in the kitchen. He knew it would be wonderful and he was looking forward to it. He walked into their bedroom where several boxes were piled in the corner. Jack noticed a box in his closet and opened it, "Gardenia Surprise!" He laughed at the bottles of bath bubbles. He opened the card in the box, "Jack, Here's to a clean and bubbly life! Julie". Jack shook his head appreciating the gift.
"Jack? Are you here?" Elizabeth was at the front door followed by Julie.
Jack came around the corner, "Hey," he walked right past Elizabeth's opened arms to Julie and hugged her, "Thank you so much."
Elizabeth watched, her mouth open, "What's this about?"
Julie was all giggles, "Gardenia Surprise!"
Elizabeth remembered, "That's what was in the box? Oh Julie."
Jack then kissed Elizabeth's cheek, "I'll let you use some."
"Thank you Mr. Bubbles," she said. "Here, we brought you a basket of treats from the café."
"Thank you. Okay, you better leave, everybody else will be here and we have a lot of work to do." Jack took her hand and led her outside. "I'll see you later." They shared a sweet kiss and the girls headed back to the café.
After a busy day unpacking crates and moving furniture, Jack was out behind the house chopping wood when William approached him.
"Jack, I'd like to talk to you…if you can spare a few minutes," William said.
Jack nodded, "Certainly, Mr. Thatcher." He felt his stomach knot slightly.
"Beautiful home you have here, I feel fortunate that my daughter will have a nice place to call home."
"So do I sir," Jack put the ax down.
"So Jack, I thought we'd have a man to man talk, that okay with you?"
Jack nodded.
"So tell me Jack, what do you know about women?" He asked bluntly.
Jack's brow wrinkled, "What does any man know about women?"
William gave him a questioning look.
"Well, I mean part of a woman's charm is her mystery," he glanced at William, "isn't it?"
"I suppose you're right, they are mysterious. That's why you have to know how to treat them," William crossed his arms across his chest.
"Treat them?" Jack was intrigued.
"Yes, it's like when you get a puppy, you have to be gentle and show them the way. You know, once a little time goes by things fall into place."
Now Jack was confused, "Are you saying having a wife is like having a dog!"
"No…no, not really. Just you have to help them learn things, because they don't know…"
Jack looked around, controlling the anger building within, finally putting up his hand to stop William, "I think a woman and a man learn things by having respect for each other and caring for each other, not from one telling the other what to do."
"Well, that's very practical I suppose. Times have changed, when I got married, well, Mrs. Thatcher didn't know anything, she was a pup….err, a bit nervous, but things worked themselves out."
Jack stared ahead, still shocked that this man would refer to his wife, or any woman, as a dog. He shook his head vowing never to let Elizabeth know what her father said.
"Jack, you know my Beth didn't have a lot of beau's back home, you'll have to be gentle with her," William said.
Jack put his hand up again, needing the end this bizarre conversation, "Mr. Thatcher, I appreciate you wanting to have a talk with me, but my relationship with Elizabeth is a personal and private thing, between her and I. It's very precious to me and with all due respect, I think we'll be just fine and don't really need anyone's advice," he began to walk away to stop from saying something further that he may regret, "I'll see you back at the café."
William stood still for a moment, before shouting after Jack, "And our conversation was between you and I too."
Jack looked back, "Absolutely." He rolled his eyes thinking how he would never tell anyone about their conversation, as he hurried back to town. He wanted to block the conversation they just had. Jack wanted to believe that William was just nervous and blundered his way around his speech.
He was so relieved to see Elizabeth on the porch of the café.
"Hi, what are you doing out here?" He stayed in the street looking up at her.
"I was just waiting for you actually, I was thinking about going to the jail to see if you were there," she stepped down to be closer to him.
"I'm filthy, don't come too close," he smiled, "although I'd really like that about now."
"Did you have a bad day?" She was concerned and stepped closer, "and I don't care how dirty you are," she said softly.
"No, just a lot of work," he wanted to touch her.
"Well, come in, you can have something to eat and I'll tell you about my day," she put her hand out.
"I'd rather just have a cool drink and sit with you, if that's okay," he took her hand and they went into the café. "Where is everyone?"
"At the saloon," she poured him a glass of lemonade and joined him on the settee.
"At the saloon? What are they doing over there?"
"Just talking and maybe eating chili," she grinned.
"Even though I'm pretty dirty, I just have to be close to you right now," he whispered.
She took a deep breath as he moved closer, "Did something happen?"
"No, I just like being near you," he laid his head on her shoulder, getting comfortable as she began updating him on the plans.
"Well, we talked quite a bit about flowers. I don't care so much about what kind of flowers we have, mother does, but I'll just be happy with whatever is pretty, won't you? We have the food all planned out and the photographer mother hired will take some photos outside, won't that be nice? We'll have everything packed so we don't have to worry about that, father said he would provide our transportation of course. Does that sound all right Jack? Jack?" Elizabeth looked down at Jack. Jack yawned several times. "Jack?"
Jack rubbed his eye, "Sounds good…I'm sorry, I can't stop yawning."
She touched his face, "Oh Jack Thornton, my poor dear…how I love you…" she whispered.
He yawned again, "Hmm?" He rubbed his right eye as he put his left arm around her.
"Jack, you worked really hard today at the house and you're exhausted," she took his hand. "You need to go and get some real sleep."
"I think you're right, more work to do tomorrow," he stretched. "I'm sorry ….but you had a good day, made all your plans?"
Elizabeth shook her head, "Yes, it's all planned, you just have to show up!"
"Oh don't you worry, I'll be there!" He pressed his lips into her cheek.
He walked to the door, "Good night, I'll see you tomorrow."
"Wait…Jack, did my father ever talk to you?" She put her hand on his side.
Jack's face grew serious and he looked away, "He did, it was nothing really." He touched her face, "He just told me to take good care of you," he kissed her lightly, "I love you."
"I love you too," she strummed her fingers on his side, making him laugh softly, "that's the face I like to see."
"Good night Elizabeth," Jack kissed her one more time and left.
The next morning Elizabeth cornered her father before he left the café, "Is everything okay father?"
"Yes dear, wonderful," he smiled, taking a scone, "Mrs. Stanton sure knows how to bake."
"Hmm, and Jack, did you have a talk?"
"Oh yes, he's a fine young man. I admire his confidence."
Elizabeth nodded, feeling better that her father did not attack Jack's character, "Yes, he is a fine man father and I love him and I know he would never hurt me." She kissed her father's cheek, noting his slight smile and nod.
The next few days were busy with wedding plans and arrangements at the house. Elizabeth finally had the opportunity to try on her wedding gown. Julie squealed with excitement, "Remember when we were little and used to put mother's petticoats on our heads and pretend it was a veil and we'd tie the bed sheets around our waist so we'd have a long train flowing behind us?"
Elizabeth smiled, "Yes, I remember…" her hands glazed over her gown, "but this is real and so lovely. Does it look okay?" She moved in front of the mirror, checking from every angle. "Speaking of veils, where is it?"
Mrs. Thatcher walked in, "Right here, just unrolling it so there are no creases. I also have the tiara."
"Oh it's so beautiful mother and awfully long," she watched as her mother handled the delicate lace.
"It's supposed to be long, it gets tucked on your arm and then we can button it onto the back of the gown later, so you can dance," she lifted the tiara, "isn't this just exquisite?"
Elizabeth was relieved to see it wasn't as large and grand as she remembered. "Adorned with flowers, it will be just perfect." The Thatcher women busied themselves preparing Elizabeth and once complete, they all agreed, it was perfect. "Do you think this is too low?" Elizabeth tugged at the scooped neckline.
"Well, of all my girls you are certainly the most….endowed, so it actually suits you quite nicely Beth. Doesn't show anything inappropriate and only enhances that tiny waistline of yours. You look beautiful my dear and you will make a lovely bride."
"Thank you mother."
Julie stepped close to her sister, "That new husband of yours will be delighted to see you as his beautiful bride and even more delighted to unbutton all those tiny buttons on the back."
Elizabeth thought about that for a moment and put her hand to her mouth and giggled with her sister.
The next day, Jack arrived at the café dressed in his brown suit. Elizabeth was upstairs and Abigail took advantage of the time to speak with Jack.
"I'd like your help with something Jack," she wiped her hands on her apron.
"Sure, what is it?" he asked.
"The women and I are planning a bridal luncheon for Elizabeth," she said.
"What's a bridal luncheon?" Jack wondered.
Abigail smiled at his innocence, "We have a get together to give her gifts and we have lunch, it will be very nice."
"Sounds nice but what can I do to help?"
"We'd like it to be a surprise for Elizabeth, so if you could take your time coming back from church, so we can get all set, before you bring her back, we'd be able to surprise her. I think she'd be so happy, don't you?"
Jack smiled, "Yes, of course, she'd be very happy. I'll do that for you."
"Thank you Jack," she turned, hearing Elizabeth coming down the stairs.
Jack cleared his throat as he saw her, in her lilac and yellow dress, her hair pulled up slightly, smile on her face. "Hello," Jack's voice cracked.
Elizabeth looked at him, "Where are you going?"
Jack cleared his throat, "I've come to escort you somewhere…"
She was suspicious, hands on her hips, "Where?"
Jack stared into her eyes, "No questions, just come with me…please."
She looked at Abigail, who was silent but glanced up with a mischievous smile, "What's going on?"
"Nothing, I just want you to take a walk with me," Jack put his hand out.
Elizabeth took his hand and they left the café. Jack noticed Elizabeth's smile, "What? There's nothing going on!"
"I was just remembering a time when you asked me to take a walk with you…"
"Ahh, I remember," Jack squeezed her hand, "and if I recall correctly that walk ended quite well for me, hmm."
"Ended quite well for both of us, didn't it?" she smiled.
"Yes, we talked about U.S. Presidents, didn't we?" He teased.
She shook his hand, "Jack Thornton!"
He laughed and pulled her close, "Oh yeah, we also did this…" he kissed her.
Once at the house, Jack opened the door and gestured with his arm for Elizabeth to enter, but as she crossed the threshold he put his arm in front of her. "I really would love to carry you across the threshold, but I am going to wait until you're my wife for that, okay?" His face was inches from hers.
Elizabeth felt herself blush as she nodded, "Of course."
"I want to show you everything we did," he took her hand and led her to the kitchen, "here's your favorite room," he laughed softly, "do you like the table and chairs?"
She nodded, "Very much, such a lovely shade of wood." She rubbed her hand across the back of a chair. The doorway to the formal dining room was trimmed with deep red draperies, Elizabeth touched them, "This my father's idea?"
"Well, yes, he did ask about putting those up. I told him he should ask you, but he thought you'd like it," Jack put his hands in his pockets, "do you?"
"Yes, they're lovely," she looked over her shoulder at Jack and smiled. "The parlor next?"
"No, not yet," he put his hand out, "first the bedroom. Come on."
Elizabeth took his hand and followed him to the bedroom. "Oh my goodness, Jack!" Her hand went to her chest, "this is just beautiful…I love the furniture."
"I'm glad you like it, I really wanted this four poster bed. I think the carving is so nice." Jack ran his hand up one of the posts.
Elizabeth crouched down and touched the carpet between the fireplace and the bed, "It's so fluffy," she smiled. Jack crouched down in front of her, "We can sit here and watch the fire…and maybe you'll share a kiss with me once in a while," he ran his thumb over her hand.
"Maybe I will," she said softly and then touched the settee at the foot of the bed, "this is beautiful, I love the velvet."
"Look in your dressing room," Jack motioned for her to look behind her into her large closet.
Elizabeth rushed to her special dressing room, "Oh Jack, I love the little dressing table and the stool, it's so pretty."
"Your mother bought the mirror and we'll bring your mirror from Abigail's to stand in the corner," Jack smiled. "Come on, lets go look at the parlor."
The room was large with two sofas cranberry in color with tapestry pillows and a large oak coffee table. There were two large upholstered chairs of deep blue with cranberry piping trim. A large Persian style rug was on the dark wood stained floor. Elizabeth covered her open mouth with her hand as she turned to Jack. He walked to her, "Hey, no tears, unless you don't like it." He looked at her questionably.
"No, of course I love it, it's all perfect," she reached for him and pulled him to her, kissing him.
"Hmm, wait, one more thing I want to show you," he ran his tongue across his lip, "come here."
"What?" she asked as she followed him to the corner of the room where a beautiful secretary desk sat. Made of rosewood inlaid with flowers in each corner. Topped with a blotter and an ink pot and several journals, the top one monogrammed with a "T" and a beautiful white lamp. The chair seat and back were upholstered in a beautiful needlework of flowers and ferns. "Jack, this is so beautiful, I just love it."
"It's your wedding present," he whispered, watching her reaction and enjoying it, "I know how you love to write in your journal and I thought this would be a nice spot for you to sit at night and write, if you want." He walked to the side and opened a drawer, "this drawer locks if you want to keep anything personal or private in there," he glanced at her nervously.
"Jack, I don't have anything to hide, but that's very thoughtful of you," she was touched by his gesture and his beautiful gift. "What a wonderful gift Jack, thank you."
Jack finally breathed and smiled. He pointed up to the wall, "And this…"
Elizabeth looked up and there was a framed sketch of their grove of trees, "Jack! You drew our place, with the lanterns…wait, this is from the night you proposed! Oh Jack, it's so wonderful." He came to her side and she leaned against him, wrapping her arms around him, "Thank you Jack, what perfect gifts, you're so wonderful," she fought the tears that were building, "May I sit at my desk?"
He looked at her face, "Yes, of course." He held the chair for her.
She ran her hands over the top, "So lovely, I'm so blessed."
"You look good sitting there," he smiled, "you'll look even better as Mrs. Thornton."
She went to him, "Thank you, I look forward to that," she looked over his shoulder, "and sitting on a sofa snuggling with my husband."
"Hmmm, he kissed her neck, that will be fun," he led her to the sofa, "lets practice."
To Jack's delight Elizabeth was very responsive to his kisses and touches, he rubbed her shoulder keeping her close. She touched his face, then ran her fingers through his hair, "Jack, you made us a beautiful home, I'm so lucky to have you in my life. I'm so grateful," she kissed his ear, "I promise to try to make you happy," she slipped her hands under his jacket and around his back.
Jack rolled his head back, "I'm already happy. I'm so grateful for you too. You fill my life with joy Elizabeth." He kissed her repeatedly before pulling back. "I'm glad you like the desk."
"I love it, thank you," she bit her lip. "I love the drawing too, you're so talented," she looked down.
"Just a hobby. Maybe I'll draw a picture of my beautiful bride after our wedding."
Elizabeth smiled, "We could fill these walls with your beautiful drawings Jack."
"Just think of all the wall hangings to come, a few wedding photos…pictures of our children…'
She sighed and kissed him, "Jack, I'm so blessed."
"We're going to be very happy here," he touched her face, "my sweet Elizabeth."
They sat on their sofa a long while, dreaming of their future.
The next day, after church Jack had promised to get Elizabeth to the café for her surprise Bridal Luncheon. He was so nervous that he would say the wrong thing and he tried to delay their arrival to allow the ladies time to set up their party.
"Jack, you're so quiet, is everything okay?" she tugged his arm.
"Yes, just thinking about the next time we go to church…"
Elizabeth inhaled and moved closer to him.
"I ordered a new red serge jacket, I hope it comes in this week," he said.
"I'm sure it will," she stopped and faced him, "but just remember I'm marrying the man who wears that red serge jacket and I know you'll be the most handsome groom anyone has ever seen."
"Well not sure I can live up to that, but I am certain that you will take my breath away," he brought her hand to his lips, "just like you do everyday."
At the café, Jack suggested they use the dining room door rather than the kitchen door. Elizabeth didn't seem phased and walked up the steps to the door. Jack reached in front of her and swung the door open.
"Surprise!" The room was filled with women. Every table covered in a white tablecloth topped with a jar of flowers. Elizabeth saw a table with pretty wrapped packages, "What in the world.." Her hands covered her mouth and she turned to Jack, "You're in on this?"
"Yeah, welcome to your Bridal Luncheon," he kissed her cheek, "it was all my idea," he joked and tilted his head.
Elizabeth giggled and hugged him, "Thank you, and this is why you walked so slowly back here!"
Jack laughed and as Elizabeth hugged her guests, he walked to the kitchen where he found William Thatcher eating. He sat down, the two men simply nodded to each other and Jack took a sandwich and an apple and excused himself, heading back to the jail to catch up on paperwork.
Elizabeth was so overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of her family and friends. "This is so marvelous…I can't thank you all enough. Look at all these wonderful treats, Abigail, you've been very busy."
"Not just me, everyone made treats. We want to give you a celebration for your new life," she hugged her friend. "So, come over here and sit down, before we eat, I have a special gift for you," she handed her a wrapped package.
"Thank you," Elizabeth sat looking around the room, "this is so overwhelming," she opened the package, "A journal?" She began to flip through the filled pages, "Oh my goodness…" She got emotional and clutched the book to her chest, "Abigail…"
"Shortly after you and Jack became engaged, we thought a nice gift would be to buy an empty journal. Each of us took the journal for a few days and wrote recipes, household tips and ideas for you. Even the children participated, there are special messages in the back from them. We hope you enjoy it," Abigail's hands crossed her chest.
Elizabeth gasped from her tears, "It's a gift of love. How could I not enjoy it, and cherish it," she inhaled and wiped her eye, "thank you all so much, this is wonderful." She looked around at a lot of teary women, "I love you all so much, I will always cherish this wonderful, very special gift."
"Okay," Abigail gave her a moment then took the book, "you can look at everything else later, but for now lets eat!"
Elizabeth spent time with Carla and the twins, Cat, Florence and all her other guests. Julie seemed to enjoy playing hostess and chatting with several guests.
Mrs. Thatcher sat next to her daughter, "Elizabeth dear, I received a telegram, your sister won't make it, her husband has had an appendicitis attack and they rushed him to the hospital for surgery. She sends her sincere regrets but promises to be at the party we will host for you back in Hamilton."
"Oh no, I'm so sorry she won't be here, I'll have to send her a telegram," Elizabeth said, "I don't know when you're going to host a party for Jack and I mother, we'll be so busy."
"We have plenty of time to talk about that dear, lets just enjoy this day and look at that table overflowing with gifts."
"These are the most amazing women mother, I told you that. Isn't that journal wonderful?"
"Yes, it is. What a gift, something to keep and pass along," Kate Thatcher touched her daughter's arm.
Mary Thornton interrupted, "If there are any empty pages, perhaps your mother and I could write a message or two in that journal."
Elizabeth nodded, "I'd like that."
After eating, Elizabeth began opening gifts. The ladies presented her with a beautiful handmade quilt and lovely linens for every occasion. She excitedly opened each package. There were beautiful knitted blankets and embroidered tea towels. White pillow cases with yellow piping and tablecloths with matching napkins in various shades of pink and yellow. Elizabeth giggled as she opened several cook books complete with pretty aprons.
After all the gifts were opened and the ladies began to leave, Elizabeth looked at each gift again, lovingly touching each handmade creation, admiring all their incredible talents. Her mother watched from the corner, so proud of the young woman her daughter had become and wonderful wife she would be.
As several women helped Abigail clean up, Elizabeth got very emotional and excused herself leaving the café. Julie started to go after her, but was stopped by her mother, "Let her go dear, she needs to be alone."
Abigail put down a stack of dishes, concerned for her friend, when Jack came in. "Hi, how'd did everything go?" He looked around, "Where's Elizabeth?"
"It was wonderful Jack," Abigail said, but Julie took Jack's arm and led him to the dining room, showing him all the gifts.
"These ladies made all these beautiful gifts for her, isn't it wonderful?" Julie said as Jack looked at the gifts.
Jack nodded taking in all the handmade gifts, "Excuse me Julie," he went to Abigail, "Where's Elizabeth?"
"Jack, she left here, she was overwhelmed. I don't know where she went but I believe she was crying."
Jack nodded, "I'm sure she was. Thank you Abigail."
Jack hurried out toward the house, knowing Elizabeth would be in the meadow, processing everything that had happened. He prayed she wasn't upset over the display of all the skills she didn't have, the sewing, the knitting, the embroidery. He stopped when he saw her, facing the water, her skirt and her hair blowing in the soft wind.
He approached her but kept his distance, "Elizabeth….Elizabeth, I hope you aren't upset. You received such beautiful gifts… and don't even worry if you can't make those nice things. I know you're worried about that…"
"No, Jack…," she faced him but kept her distance, "I finally realize that I can accept the way I am. All those amazing women who have skills and talent to create those beautiful items and have the passion to sew and cook. That's not me…as much as I want it to be, it isn't. My skill and talent lies in teaching the children, preparing them for the future," she walked closer to him, "and my passion…my passion is you and the love I feel in my heart for you." She took his hands, "I know that if I ever need a fancy napkin or a gourmet meal," she took a deep breath while holding his hands, "I know where I can go for those things. My teaching the children and my love for you and the family we're going to make is enough…more than enough for me."
Jack thought his heart would burst from her words, he squeezed her hands, "Elizabeth…" his voice barely above a whisper as he looked into her eyes. He couldn't say anything else, he just leaned in and kissed her.
She touched his face, "I love you Jack, let's get married."
He nodded, pulled her closer and kissed her again.