I'm sure all of you #Hearties will enjoy this chapter! ;) Enjoy! Thanks for your continued support.
The next day, Jack went over to the café where William was doing some paperwork and enjoying some tea. "It's now or never," Jack whispered to himself. He approached William and said, "Mr. Thatcher?"
William looked upon hearing his name and gestured to the seat across from him, "Constable Thornton, please sit down." Jack did as instructed, "What brings you over to see me?"
Jack took a deep breath and said, "I wanted to ask you a question sir. Actually, I wanted to explain something to you and then ask you a question."
"Go on," William nodded indicating that Jack could start his explanation.
"I realize Elizabeth is your daughter sir and I realize you want to do anything in your power to protect her," Jack said, "And I understand that Elizabeth and I have only been courting a short while."
William nodded and sighed, "But I appreciate all you have done for her."
"Sir?" asked Jack confused.
"Elizabeth has written home about all of the things you've done to protect her. She just never mentioned the courtship part," said William.
"Oh," said Jack, "But every time I saved Elizabeth from something, the more I fell in love with her. You and Mrs. Thatcher have done a fantastic job because you raised an amazing young woman. Elizabeth is smart, beautiful, confident, caring, everything I want in a woman and everything I'm sure you wanted her to be."
William smiled and said, "Thank you, that means a lot to me and I'll pass the message onto Kate for you."
"Anytime sir," said Jack, "Now to the question part. And you can say no, you can say it's too soon, but I just want you to consider it for me."
"Yes," said William.
"What?" asked Jack confused again.
"Yes, you may have Elizabeth's hand," responded William.
"Are? Are you serious?' smiled Jack, laughing lightheartedly.
"Did you expect me to say no?" chuckled William.
"Well, kind of yes," admitted Jack.
"Listen Constable, I assigned you here to protect Elizabeth. Yes, it may have been because I didn't think she could handle this lifestyle in Coal Valley," admitted William, "But by the way you talk about my little girl, my little Lizzie Beth, I couldn't think of a better man to be her husband and a better man to be with her to protect her. To be my son-in-law. To be the father of my grandchildren. I will admit, I was shocked when Julie mentioned the courtship, but Kate helped me see you. The real you," stated William, "Now go get the girl Constable," he smiled.
Jack stood and shook his hand, "Thank you sir. Thank you so much sir. You don't know how grateful I am sir."
William chuckled on Jack's behalf, "You're welcome Constable. And please, call me William."
"William?" asked Jack, "Are you sure?"
"You're going to be family soon," said William.
"Elizabeth hasn't even said yes yet," said Jack raising his eyebrows.
William patted Jack on the shoulder, "I have no doubt in my mind. I know my Lizzie Beth will say yes."
Jack smiled, "Have a good day sir, uh William." Jack exited the café and headed back to the jail where he took out his hidden stash of cash. He counted how much money he had and he had just enough for a ring without going completely broke, "She's worth it. My sweet Elizabeth is worth it," he thought. He put the money inside his jacket pocket and headed over to the jewelry store.
"Jack!" shouted a female voice from behind him.
"Oh no! I can't tell her right now. It'll ruin the surprise," he thought. He turned around to find Elizabeth running towards him, "Good morning Elizabeth."
"Hi," she said giving him a quick peck on the cheek, "How are you?"
"Great. More than great actually," he thought, "Just fine. But I really can't talk right now. I have some important errands to run."
"So do I actually," said Elizabeth, "I have to run over to get some supplies for the last few weeks of school."
"Good. That's in the opposite direction of the jeweler," Jack thought, "I guess I will see you soon my sweet Elizabeth. Oh by the way, could you stop by the café…" said Jack, "How much time do I need? Oh I can explain everything to Abigail after I get the ring today." "Tonight at eight?"
"Of course," she chuckled, "Wait what about Mommy, Daddy, and Julie?"
"I think it will be okay with them," said Jack.
"Okay then, tonight at eight," she giggled, "Do I have to torture you with my cooking?"
"No, just bring your lovely self," said Jack, "It's all about you tonight." He kissed her softly.
Elizabeth embraced the moment but then pulled back and looked at him skeptically, "What's that supposed to mean?"
"You'll see," he smiled, "Don't be late!" Jack walked away.
"Okay," Elizabeth chuckled and shook her head as she watched Jack's retreating figure, "That man still baffles me sometimes," she thought.
Jack went to the jeweler and picked out small, but still beautiful diamond ring and then headed over to the café where he explained everything to Abigail. She was delighted to help him get ready. And at eight o'clock on the dot, Elizabeth arrived and was overtaken with shock by what she saw. Flowers, candles, and of course her handsome Mountie, "Jack," she whispered softly.
Jack walked over to Elizabeth. he didn't want to wait a second longer. He started his speech, "Elizabeth Victoria Thatcher, when I first met you, I'll be honest I thought you were a spoiled princess. I hated the idea of having to babysit you. But my feelings for you are so different now that I have gotten to know you. I love you, and I have a question for you." he got down on one knee and pulled out the ring. Elizabeth began to cry tears of joy, "Elizabeth, you'd make me the happiest guy in the world if you became Elizabeth Thornton. Will you marry me?"
Elizabeth opened and closed her mouth several times. Why now, of all times, could she not be able to talk? She knew exactly what she wanted to say. It took a few more moments before she softly whispered, "Yes."