When the Past Haunts Part Full Chapter

Billy Hamilton was like a predator hunting his prey; He was stalking Elizabeth and Jack all day ensure he would find the perfect time to strike. He watched as Elizabeth and her family and Jack get into the carriage knowing fully well Elizabeth seem settling nice back in her rich home. He needs to keep following her every move Jack's too, catch at his weakest.

In the carriage, it was the most awkward for everyone especially Elizabeth caught between a rock and hard place two men, one man she had grown fond since college, On another side, Jack who has ease not being afraid of taking her hand, which by the look of her mother, didn't like one bit. She didn't understand how her mother could be so dismissive of her and Jack courtship. Elizabeth knew she had to make her intentions clear to her mother that she loves Jack and wants to make a life with him Coal Valley.

Elizabeth's mother, she need a plan, she thought that if she invited Edward that Elizabeth would recognize how much love they for each other once. But I guess, it wasn't not that simple. So she had to back up she need to stir the pot a bit expose Jack's faults. So she started by asking,

"So Jack, tell me what is a life of Mountie like."

Jack knew it was being put on the spot, "Well, miss it can be dangerous but fulfilling. "

"Fulfilling how?"

"Well, Mrs, Thatcher, I save people, God gives me the strength and the will to protect people in Coal Valley, just like Elizabeth finds it fulfilling in teaching that admire most about her," Jack added

Elizabeth smirks know Jack was trying his to express his admiration towards it was sweet to hear.

"Mother," Elizabeth added, "I admire the courage, Jack has, he is not just Mountie but has an amazing artistic talent, and well know for his eye in art we should go to art gallery together. What you think a mother?"

"Maybe, when you visit next time dear, Edward, tell us why did do want to be a constable and not mountie."

"Well, pure and simple Mrs," Edward reply, "They travel way too much." look to Jack, "No offense, Jack, how can Mountie like yourself would ever to settle down."

Jack was about to answer, but Elizabeth insisted, "Jack, may I answer."

"Be my Guest," Jack answered

"Edward, some mounties are not like, Jack, Some believe that they can't settle down, but Jack's father was Mountie, he fell love got married, It is not about the job Edward, it is about what he believes in."

Curious to know Edward asks Jack,"So what do you believe, Jack."

He sighed, remembered what Elizabeth's father don't think just say what is in your heart.

"Well, Edward, I believe in that love in the most powerful thing in the world, and if you love someone the way I love Elizabeth then nothing can tear it part. "

So moved by Jack words kisses him on the cheek, "That is why love his man, he is never afraid to say what is a heart. "

Julie chimed, "A man after my own heart, you are sure lucky sis." Julie turns asks her mother, "Mother, what do you think."

Elizabeth mother sighs know this going to be a lot harder than originally though, sighed put on a brave face and said, "Wise and sweet words, Jack."

After 15 minutes awkward carriage ride they made to the restaurant for dinner and entertainment.

Mrs. and Mr Thatcher and Julie were the first out as Edward followed but waited as Elizabeth got out next Edward the gentleman that he held his hand for her grab on if she fell, Elizabeth felt she had herself stablize to adjust getting out the carriage with Jack behind her so she politely said,

"Thank you, for the offer my friend, but have Jack behind me to escort me go on ahead. "

"As you wish, then, " Edward somewhat disappointed in not having the joy of release touching Elizabeth again but it was understandable as her heart lies with someone else. Before Edward entered the dining room, he saw Elizabeth's mother alone. He walked towards her needed a word with her.

He offered first, "Here let me take your coat." Edward helped with Mrs. Thatcher's coat and was curious to know "Where is Mr. Thatcher."

"Nature's calling my dear," Mrs. Thatcher informed Edward, "So tell me Edward, how delighted are you to see Elizabeth again, she looks lovelier when you saw her."

"Indeed, she does Mrs. Thatcher, , May I ask why did you invite me here this evening."

"For you and Elizabeth to get reacquainted again after all it;s been years."

"5 years five months two days to be exact, a lot has changed,"

"My dear Edward, please don't be such downer, give up hope before this Jack came along she was mess heartbroken, and all the time went on went on how she missed and wondered about you."

" she has."

"She has you just need to push harder Edward, don't let Jack stand in the way in showing Elizabeth how you loved and missed her for five years, five months and two days. Get her alone, maybe dance or two and whisk her away, and you just might whisk her heart."

Back outside the restaurant Elizabeth and Jack get out the carriage. Jack was making his way to the dinning hall when Elizabeth stops him kisses him without warning him which knock Jack for a loop, and he asked her after the kiss

"What was that for?"

"To show you have absolutely nothing to worry about, You have no need to be Jealous as I and Edward are only friends now just like you and Rosemary."

"I see, well thank you for reassuring me." He smirks kissing her back as he offers his arms which Elizabeth accepts and they walk in the dining hall.

Across the restaurant in bushy and wooded area Billy Hamilton was trying not to get nauseous of the display of affection with Jack and Elizabeth one of the many downfalls of stalking but it is worth the piece know after tonight there will no good kiss goodnight.

Jack and Elizabeth enter the dinning hall as Edward comes towards them and politely asked Jack,
"Jack, since you had the lovely pleasure in accompanying Elizabeth inside do you mind if I accompany to the table."
The jealous male part Jack wanted to scream no but he trusted Elizabeth's judgement and decision far than his so he replied,
"That decision is not mine to make, Edward its Elizabeth ask her and I not object to what ever the answer is."
"Elizabeth, may I."
"Edward as much as I may, I won't I would like Jack to escort me back, but I promise you and I will chat and catch up in life as lead now."
"Look forward to that then" Edward bowing out gracefully but not yet feeling defeated.

The dinner was more socially awkward than the carriage once again Elizabeth's mother just went on about Edward's many accomplishments Everytime Elizabeth was getting frustrated, Jack could tell so he stood up from his chair, and he ask Elizabeth to dance. She accepted of course, but when Elizabeth saw that distant look on her face pointed at Jack Elizabeth had enough she loved her mother but she need to say what was her mind. So Elizabeth decided before dancing,

"Before dancing though, excuse me Gentlemen, me and my mother need to use the powder room for a moment."

Elizabeth and her mother excuse themselves Elizabeth contains herself once she enters the powder room, and her mother reaches to sink and Elizabeth yells.

"Mother, what are you doing?"

"Excuse me, what is with tone my dear."

"You are making, Jack like he does not exist, and why you deem it necessary to flaunt Edward;s accomplishments and not Jack."

"Because Jack does not even compare to Edward's outstanding upbringing. Can't understand why you even let me know, He thinks fond of you dearly you know."

"Mother, I love Jack, not Edward, I am marrying Jack."

"Whatever you say, my dear but ask me this, what life would rather live, a life, where a man can make you safe and secure right here at home, with a Mountie who cart you anywhere to he, is assigned, you not seeing your family not teaching tell me Elizabeth what life you want .

"A want life that makes me happy, and I am happy with Jack in Coal Valley."

Elizabeth's mother said nothing and she knew what she had it do. She walked away hand motioned to Edward. Edward made his way towards Elizabeth's mother and asked."

"I promise you, breathe a word to anyone."

"Of course not, what is Mrs." my daughter is she leaving home and never coming back, Edward if you love her like I think do you must stop her give her a reason to stay."

Elizabeth leaving for good he could not have that something must be done.

Elizabeth exited the powder room. And was surprised to see Edward pop out right in front of her which gave her a fright.

"Sorry, if I frighten you, Elizabeth."

"It is okay, you are the one person who I need to see."

", then come with me I know the place where we can talk privately." offering his arm which she accepted.

Elizabeth's mother saw the two them move toward the private patio; she made her next move by informing Jack and the rest of the table of Elizabeth's whereabouts. Elizabeth's mother made her way back to the dinning table as all the men stood up once more, but Jack looked as he did not find Elizabeth by her mother's side, so she asked Mrs. Thatcher,

"Where is your daughter, Elizabeth."

"Oh she must have wonder off again, she like doing that, Jack used to it," she turns pretends to Elizabeth knowing full well where is she and she said,

"Oh there, she there is Jack" As she points Elizabeth's direction

Jack rushes out the pointed direction but suddenly stop to find Edward and Elizabeth enter the patio trying not to let a certain feeling of Jealous, it overwhelmed when Jack hears the whisper of Elizabeth's mother saying, "Looks like they are catching up, isn't that sweet reliving old warm memories."

Jack walks in anger thinking going somewhere for fresh air or calm down, Elizabeth's mother sat getting disappointed looks from her husband and daughter Julie, Julie couldn't her behavior stand so stood up and said,

"Mother, Sometimes, you can be so so" she could not stomach the words in how to describe her mothers actions, Once Julie left, Mr. Thatcher was about to ask what was to up.

"I want to hear it; you want yours daughter home this is the only way, I can it possible."

Edward and Elizabeth enter into the patio, which shown a beautiful view of the city lights, and sky and Elizabeth said,

"How miss this part?"

"Elizabeth, don't have to miss, you can stay here."

Elizabeth sighed, "Edward, my life is not here anymore, I moved, that is why I need to talk to you."

"Wait" Edward did not hear yet it not until he Elizabeth knew what was in his heart. "Elizabeth before you say anything more, there is something I need to say."

"Edward, please don't make this harder, than it already is for me."

"Please, Elizabeth listen to me."

"Edward, don't say it."

"I love you, Elizabeth Thatcher, I have loved since kids were, and when we separate, my biggest regret was letting you go. I know you still care, I can see it in your eyes, " Edward walking towards stroking her forehead to wipe the hair hiding her eyes.

"Edward, of course, I care, you are my dearest friend, and I always think of you with fondness, but I am sorry. I love Jack; he is home, he makes me happy."

Elizabeth kisses him on the cheek. Walks away, Edward, upset near tears, but those tears turn to fury as he grabs tightly to Elizabeth arm she screams "Ow, Edward, you are hurting me."

Edward's hisses, "I am hurting you, you are the one who is hurting my heart, you and your mother lead me on to believe you still love and care for me, and what you expect me to believe you are happy and in love with Mountie fellow."

Jule, notices from a far her sister in trouble, she wastes no time and proceeds to get her Jack and her family.

"Edward, Let me go, right now, and I swear no harm will come of you, I am sorry that my mother lead you think I loved you, she wants me here to be at home, but my heart doesn't lie here it lies with Jack, you have to accept," Elizabeth pulls out his grip tries to enter back into the dining hall, but Edward block her tells her.

"I will prove you how much you love me, Elizabeth Thatcher, grabs her arms Elizabeth scream, Edward was just about to force a kiss on Elizabeth, Edward feels a tug, pulling him forward, the next Edward knew, BOOM, a punch in the face, that knocked Edward down on the ground and a bloody nose. Julle, couldn't help but cheer.

"Yes, a to go Jack, the Mountie,"

Jack didn't matter what Julie say all that matter was Elizabeth he carse her and asked "Are you all right he did hurt you."

Elizabeth hugs him ensuring him, "I'm alright now that you are here."

Elizabeth looked at her mother, and that when knew something she excused herself walked towards Edward still on the ground wiping his bloody nose,

"Should be a shame of yourself young man, putting your hand a young woman like my daughter" Then she hits with her purse some many times Mr. Thatcher, had to pull her away so the police can arrest Edward for assault. Once Edward was arrested, and after Mrs. Thatcher contain herself she made her way towards Jack and Elizabeth.

"Elizabeth, my sweetheart, forgive me, and Jack thank you for protecting and loving me daughter she deserves to be happy."

"You are alway forgiven mother," Elizabeth said,

"No, need for apologies, Mrs, Thatcher, and your welcome my honor to serve, love and protect your daughter."

"What an exhausting night, then," turns to Mr, thatcher," mind if go home darling."

Mr. Thatcher said, "Come on along then everyone."

Elizabeth asked, "Mind if we stay."

"What for?" Elizabeth mother asked

"Me and Jack need to finish our dance" Elizabeth winking and smile at Jack who happy to oblige her.

Part 3 will be coming a lot more dancing and danger ahead.