William and Kate sat there stunned for a few more moments before William asked, "Is this true Elizabeth?"

"Elizabeth. Daddy never calls me Elizabeth unless he disproves something," she thought nervously. Elizabeth looked down and said, "Yes it's true Daddy. Jack and I have been courting for a few months now."

"And how long have you known?" Kate asked Julie.

"Only a few weeks Mommy," said Julie.

Kate nodded, "Julie, would you please leave your sister, Jack, and I alone for a minute. We'd like to speak to them."

Julie nodded and left the room. William and Kate looked back over at Jack and Elizabeth, "Mommy, Daddy, I can explain," said Elizabeth.

"There is nothing to explain here Elizabeth," said William, "I did not assign Constable Thorton out to Coal Valley so he could be your, you know, partner."

"Daddy…" stuttered Elizabeth.

"You already have too much on your plate with the move and your teaching. You don't need to deal with a courtship on top of that," explained William harshly.

"But Daddy…"

"Elizabeth Victoria Thatcher, I've heard enough. Constable Thornton, may I have a word with you?" asked William gesturing for Jack to follow him outside. Jack followed him while Elizabeth ran upstairs to her room. She slammed the door and fell on here bed sobbing into her pillow. She loved Jack more than anything and her father hated that fact.

Elizabeth heard a soft knock on the door, "Lizzie Beth?"

"Yes, come in," she answered.

Kate slowly opened the door and entered the room. She sat down next to Elizabeth on the bed, "Can we talk?"

Elizabeth shrugged her shoulders, "there's not much more to talk about. Daddy said how he feels."

"I know," said Kate, "I know. but I didn't get to say how I feel. I think it's wonderful that you and Jack are in a courtship."

Elizabeth sniffled and asked, "Really Mommy? You really do?"

"Of course Lizzie," said Kate tucking Elizabeth's hair behind her ear, "I knew it from the moment you introduced us?"

"How?" asked Elizabeth.

Kate chuckled, "Why would he be here otherwise?"

"Oh," Elizabeth chuckled, "I wish Daddy would understand."

"He'll get there Lizzie," said Kate, "I just think he's more shocked than upset. He didn't expect his baby girl in a courtship that's all."

"But how do I get him to understand?" asked Elizabeth.

"You just have to give him time Lizzie," said Kate, "He'll get used to it and accept it soon."

"I hope so," Elizabeth sighed.

Kate smiled, "You love him don't you?"

"Daddy? Of course," said Elizabeth confused.

"No, I mean Jack?" asked Kate sincerely.

Elizabeth took a deep breath and said, "Yes, more than anything or anyone in the world."

Kate nodded and said, "I'm going to try and talk to your father. Do you want the dor closed?"

Elizabeth nodded and said, "Yes, thank you Mommy."

Kate left and quietly latched the door behind her not more than five minutes later there was another knock at the door, "What now?" asked Elizabeth only to find Jack on the other side.

"Wow, you sure know how to treat a guy," smirked Jack.

"Sorry, I didn't realize it was you," Elizabeth apologized, "Come in." Jack came into the room and Elizabeth closed the door, "What did Daddy say to you?"

Jack sighed, "He said you're his little girl and that I should protect you with all my might. And that if I hurt you he'll hurt me."

Elizabeth looked down, "But did he say anything bad?"

Jack smiled, "He also said that if his daughter had to be courting someone, he's glad that it's me and not Edward Montclair."

Elizabeth laughed and covered her mouth with her hand, "Edward was always a wild child."

"So he's not competition?" Jack asked jokingly.

Elizabeth shook her head, "Despite what Mommy always thought, I never planned on courting or marrying Edward."

"Good," said Jack coming towards Elizabeth, "Because I love you more than anything in the world Elizabeth Thatcher. And I have a question. How much longer are your parents in town?"

"A few more days, why?" asked Elizabeth.

"Because I need to ask your father about some things before they leave," said Jack causally.

"Things? What things?" asked Elizabeth curiously.

Jack took Elizabeth's hands and said, "It's a surprise my sweet Elizabeth." Elizabeth nodded knowing Jack wasn't going to tell her anymore, "Well I really should be going I have to make sure Rip is fed. See you later tonight?"

Elizabeth smiled and kissed him, "Okay annoying Mountie," she chuckled.

"You're never going to let that go are you?" asked Jack shaking his head.

"Nope, but you're my annoying Mountie," Elizabeth laughed and kissed him again. Jack smiled and laughed as he left the room and headed back to the jail. Rip perked up when he heard Jack enter.

"Hey, boy so what do you say, time to prepare what I'm going to say to Mr. Thatcher about Elizabeth? I have to ask him before I ask her the same thing." Rip just went back to sleep.

Thanks to everyone who consistently reviews! Let me know what you think will happen next! XOXO!