The next morning Elizabeth woke with a smile on her face. She had been dreaming about telling Jack she was having a baby. In her dream he was so excited, then he started to become overprotective of her, not letting her do anything to serve the celebration meal she had prepared. Elizabeth sighed at the memory. She knew Jack would be just like he was in her dream. She then shook her head and told herself it was too soon to be thinking about babies.

She got up and started to get dressed, thinking about the things they had talked about last night. She had told Jack she would like a house with a big living room with a fire place, a wrap- around porch where they could place a swing and a couple of rocking chairs. Jack wanted to have 3 bedrooms built with room to add on if need be. He also wanted Elizabeth to have a library; he knew her love of books and decided she needed a sanctuary, a place where she could also do her school work. She insisted that Jack have a desk in the library too or that they splurge on one of those big desks that two people can use. The house was coming together nicely and Jack had yet to purchase land and wood. Jack was going to see Adam Miller after his morning rounds.

The school day flew by. Cassandra had noticed the ring on Elizabeth's finger. Cheers erupted in the school house when Elizabeth confirmed that she was engaged to Mountie Jack. It took a while to get the children to calm down and start their lessons but Elizabeth didn't blame them. She had been having a hard time concentrating since the proposal too. At the end of the day, she waited a few minutes to see if Jack would stop by to walk her home. He never showed but that wasn't uncommon. He would stop by for dinner or let someone know if he was working on a case.

When she walked back into town, Mr. Yost came running towards her calling her name. "Miss Thatcher, I have a telegram for you." He handed the piece of paper to her.

"Thanks, Mr. Yost." Looking down at the telegram, she thought to herself "This can't be good if I am getting a response already." She walked up to the swing, put her basket down and opened the telegram.

"Dear Beth,

Your mother and I were shocked to get your news about your engagement. We fear that you and Jack may think we would be unhappy. We have done a lot of thinking and talking since the two of you visited. Your mother could see how much you love Jack and he loves. She pointed out that you having a Mountie husband out in Hope Valley was good; Jack would protect you with his life.

We couldn't be happier with your news. We look forward to seeing you walk down the aisle in 8 weeks. A letter will follow with are travel arrangements. Your mother wants to know if there is anything she can do to help with your plans. I would also like to help in whatever way you would like. Maybe you could use some help in furnishing your home. I would be happy to give you a check to make purchases.

See you soon,

Love,

Father

Elizabeth was crying as she read the telegram. She couldn't believe her parents had recognized her love for Jack and his for her. The only part of the message that troubled her was the mention of the check. She and Jack had agreed to use their money that they had saved to furnish their home. However her father said he wanted to help in whatever way they wanted. She would talk to Jack and get his opinion. She stood up from the swing to head inside to get started on grading papers when she heard a familiar voice call her from behind.

"Hello, Sweetheart. How has your day been?" Jack inquired as he dismounted from his horse and walked up to kiss her. "I missed you today." He said after the kiss. Then he noticed her tear stained checks. "Elizabeth is something wrong?" He asked, concerned.

"No nothing is wrong Jack. Everything is wonderful." She gave him another kiss then urged him to sit down on the swing. "I got a reply from my parents." She handed him the telegram and waited while he read it. A big smile broke out on his handsome face.

"Elizabeth, I can't believe it. They are really accepting me as their future son-in-law." He pulled her into his arms and hugged her tightly.

"Jack, what do you want to do about Father's mention of a gift?" She was a little scared of his answer. "I don't know that I want to accept a check. Knowing my father, it will be for a huge amount and I don't think I want that. I meant what I said about using our salaries to live on." She looked at him with a worried expression.

Jack took a deep breath before answering her. "I am not sure, Elizabeth. I figured the check would be for a large amount. It would however be a wedding gift from your parents. It would be wrong to turn away a gift. I mean we could ask him to purchase furniture for us but we could to that ourselves with the gift money. If you have any other ideas I would love to hear them."

Elizabeth let out a big breath. "I was thinking the same thing, Jack. Either having them buy us some furniture or using the money to purchase the furniture ourselves. That way we get to pick out what we like."

"Then it's agreed we will accept the check as a wedding gift." He kissed her again. "Do you want to go for a walk before dinner? Or do you have some work to do before school tomorrow?"

"Well I do have papers to grade, but they are essays I collected today. They can wait. I would love to take a walk with you."

"Great, because I think I may have found the perfect piece of land for us to build our home and raise our family. Before I purchase it, I want your opinion." His eyes showed his excitement and he offered her his arm.

More plans coming up!