CHAPTER 10

The following day as Jack was preparing to be released from the hospital, a knock came at his door. William Thatcher stepped in. "Sir," Jack said as he quickly stood, wincing in pain.

"It's all right. Don't get up for me. Constable, I want to thank you for all you've done. Had it not been for you, Charles may not have been caught. I owe you."

"That's okay, sir. I was just doing my job."

William Thatcher waved his hand in dismissal of Jack's protest. "And you do a fine job. But regardless, what Charles did to you, it's not easily forgivable. And I was wrong about you. I'm very sorry. I'd like you to stay with us for the remainder of your recovery, until you are able to return to your job. You and your mother can stay in our guest house…we have plenty of rooms there, and the staff can help with your recovery. We would be honored to be able to do this."

"That's kind of you, sir, but I can't impose."

"No imposition. Really."

"Sir, I just…don't think I can."

"Jack." Jack caught the fact that this was the first time Mr. Thatcher called him by his first name, and it was a surprise. William continued. "I understand. But, you'd be in the guest house. You wouldn't have to come to the main house unless you wanted to. It's all arranged. It's the least we can do."

Jack paused. He really didn't have a good place to stay. "All right, sir," he reluctantly agreed.

"Wonderful! And please, call me William. The car is out front. Once you gather your things, we can be on our way."

When they arrived at the house, Jack began to doubt this decision. This was going to be harder than he thought. Memories of Elizabeth were all around, and he didn't know how he could deal with them. But when he got settled in a room in the guest house, he didn't feel quite as uncomfortable since he and Elizabeth had never spent time together in this part of the estate.

Jack's recovery went well. The staff took good care of him, and he treasured the time with his mother. The Thatcher's family doctor came regularly to look in on him, and he was healing quickly.

Although becoming restless Jack managed through the next couple of weeks. He and William spent some time together talking in the evenings. Jack even ventured to the main house at times. William slipped in stories of Elizabeth and her childhood, which only made her more endearing to Jack but also left his heart aching.

During one of their talks, William said, "Jack, I've said this before. I was wrong about you. I'm sorry. God has been dealing with my heart. Now he's got to work on yours. I know Elizabeth loves you, and I know you love her, too. She is a strong woman. Don't underestimate her ability to get through difficulties. We all know the life of a Mountie can be very difficult and…dangerous. But with God's help, you two can make it through."

Jack was stunned to hear these words come from Elizabeth's father. However, he still wasn't changing his mind. "Thank you, sir, but I've done what's best for Elizabeth."

William nodded, although he didn't agree.

The next day Anna came in and sat down next to Jack as he gazed out the window of his room. "Son, we need to talk."

"Mother, please."

"Hush and listen! You've been brooding far too long. I thought you'd work it out yourself, but I can see that's not going to happen any time soon. Stubbornness runs in the Thornton family.

"Now, I know you and Tom had a hard time of it when your father died. It was the most difficult thing we've ever had to endure. There were days I didn't think I could go on. I loved your father so much. We were best friends. God truly blessed us. I still miss him deeply." She took Jack's hand. "But I wouldn't trade any of my time with him for anything. Our life together was wonderful, and it gave us two very wonderful sons whom I love with all my heart. Tom's gone through a rough time, but I know he's on the path to finding his way again. And you…look at all you've done. And have yet to do. Jack." She lifted her hand to his chin and turned his face to look at her. "Don't push Elizabeth away. You can't make this decision in fear. And don't make the choice for her. She is a strong woman, and I can see she loves you very much. She would be a wonderful woman to have by your side as your wife. She doesn't need, or want, wealth. She needs and WANTS YOU!"

Jack listened in silence to his mother's words of wisdom. She had been through the very thing from which he felt he needed to save Elizabeth. But in listening to his mother's words, he realized he was trying to save Elizabeth from sorrow that might not happen and in so doing, he was actually inflicting more sorrow upon her. Hadn't he done that once before? Had he not learned? He was the one who had told Elizabeth they could face anything together. He wasn't allowing that right now.

Anna touched his cheek. "Jack. Go to her. Make this right. You both deserve happiness—together!" Jack smiled, kissed his mom on the cheek and squeezed her hand. "Thanks, Mother. I'll think on it."

Over the next couple of days, his heart changed, and physically he was much stronger. He was allowed to go back to work on limited hours, but he continued to ponder his mother's words.

One evening he approached his mother in the living room of the Thatcher guest house. "You are right. As always." He grinned. "I'll leave as soon as I can."

Anna smiled, stood up, and gave her son a hug. "That's my boy!" She gave him a kiss on the cheek.

This time Jack remembered to cancel his request for a transfer that would take him away from Hope Valley, and within a couple of days he was able to travel. He made arrangements to leave on the earliest train. His mother would be leaving that same day on another train to go back home. Before leaving the Thatcher Estate, he said goodbye to Elizabeth's family, and had one last brief, yet important, conversation with William.

The driver took Jack and Anna to the train station. They walked in silence as they found a seat to await their separate trains.

"Thanks, Mother. Thanks for getting me back on the right path. And thanks for helping me in the hospital."

"You are welcome. Jack," she said as she looked at him with great love. "I'm so proud of you. And your father would be as well. Don't ever give up on your love for Elizabeth. You two have a very strong connection that's blessed by God."

At that moment, he heard the "All aboard!"

"I love you, Ma. I'll be praying you have a safe journey."

"And I will pray that for you as well, my son. Godspeed. Now go to her."

He gave his mother one last hug and ran to his train. He was more anxious than ever to see Elizabeth.

To be continued...