After their dinner date, Jack walked Elizabeth home from the café. They stopped in front of the house and he said, "Well it was a pleasure to spend the evening with your company Elizabeth Thatcher."
"The pleasure was mine," she responded, "I enjoyed our meal together. And I also enjoyed other aspects of this evening."
Jack smiled and said, "Shall I see you tomorrow Elizabeth?"
"I'm sure you will. If not you'll probably go out of your way," she giggled.
Jack leaned in and kissed Elizabeth before pulling back, "Good night Elizabeth."
"Good night Jack," she said and he headed towards the jail. Elizabeth went into the house where Abigail was still up washing dishes.
"So how did it go?" Abigail asked her friend.
"It went very well," said Elizabeth.
Abigail turned around and could see the expression on Elizabeth's face. She could easily see that Elizabeth was hopelessly in love. Abigail could tell Elizabeth really cared about Jack and she knew Jack cared about Elizabeth as well, "Jack spent awhile planning that second date."
Elizabeth chuckled lightly, "Why does that not surprise me? He always wants to make sure everything is perfect and be the perfect gentleman."
"Well it's a way to please everyone. And to win a woman's heart," smiled Abigail.
"Well he's one this woman's heart," sighed Elizabeth, "He asked whether or not we were courting tonight."
Abigail grinned and asked, "Well?"
"Well what?" asked Elizabeth
"Well what did you tell him?" asked Abigail taking Elizabeth's hand.
"I mean, I told him that having dinner together and kissing are usually done when two people are courting," said Elizabeth, "And I kind of said it would be okay if we are considered courting."
"Elizabeth, there is nothing to be ashamed about that," said Abigail, "You both care about each other and Jack is crazy about you. he wants to do everything in his power to protect you. And when you meet the right person, you just know it. When I first laid eyes on my Noah, I can't even begin to describe how I felt."
"Well obviously, that worked out. I mean… before you know," said Elizabeth softly.
Abigail smiled sadly, "Yes. But I would've have rather known Noah and lost him than to not have known him at all. So I'm saying, take a chance, because you, Elizabeth Thatcher, can handle anything that comes your way."
Elizabeth smiled confidently, "You're right. Thank you for talking with me."
"Hey that's what friends are for aren't they?" asked Abigail, "Now it's late and we have services tomorrow. Shall we get ready for bed?"
"Yes Mom," said Elizabeth jokingly. The two girls got ready for bed. Elizabeth changed out of her dress and into her nightgown. She curled up under her covers and fell fast asleep, hoping she would have dreams of her and Jack Thornton together
The next day, Abigail and Elizabeth headed to services together, where the two women spotted Jack already sitting there, "I'll leave you two alone if that's okay?" said Abigail.
"Yes, of course, that's fine," said Elizabeth as she walked over and took her seat next to Jack, "Good morning Constable."
Jack looked over at Elizabeth and said, "Good morning town teacher."
"I trust you had a good night last night?" asked Elizabeth.
Jack nodded, "Other than a certain animal likes to cuddle with me and take up leg room."
Elizabeth chuckled lightly, "Certain animals have the tendency to do that," she said knowing Jack was referring to Rip.
Jack slowly took her hand and rubbed soothing circles on the top of it as Reverend Anderson took his place up front, "Before we get started, I am proud to announce that construction for the new church as well as the new schoolhouse will begin next week, thanks to the generous donation from Constable Jack Thornton. Jack, would you please stand to be recognized."
Everyone slowly turned towards Jack and didn't fail to notice the hand holding between the young Mountie and teacher. Jack let go of Elizabeth's hand and stood, "It was my pleasure. Anything for the good of the children and residents of Coal Valley." After services, the congregation stood and did their normal conversing. Abiagial joined Jack and Elizabeth with Cat Montgomery with her.
"Constable, I just want to say thank you again for your donation. You have no idea how much it means to all of us and the children. Speaking of which where are my three?"
"I told you it was because of Mountie Jack," said Emily coming over to her mother with her brothers.
"Good morning Ms. Thatcher, Mountie Jack," said Gabe politely though he was still slightly amused by his sister's observations.
"Nice to see you Gabe, Miles, Emily," said Elizabeth.
"Elizabeth, Abigail and I were going to go have some lunch back at my house. Would you and Constable Thornton like to join us?" asked Cat.
Elizabeth turned to Jack, "Well I do have some Mountie duties to fulfill but I suppose I could eat before doing so," answered Jack.
"Good," said Cat, "And I promise, I'll make sure my kids behave themselves."
"Oh don't worry, this being a small town, I'm certain everyone will find out soon enough," said Elizabeth, "Not to mention I'm sure my students will be asking me many questions tomorrow."
Cat chuckled, "The curious minds of children. Come on kids, time for lunch."
"Are Ms. Thatcher and Mountie Jack joining us?" asked Miles.
The couple looked at each other before turning to the Montgomery children and nodded.
"Yeah," said Emily happily following her mother, siblings, Abigail, and the young couple as they all made their way back to Cat's house.
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