I'm back Hearties! Hope you enjoy this chapter. I tried to make it really sweet. And just think, only 22 more days until the 2 hour season 2 premiere of When Calls the Heart! I can't wait! As always, please read and review!
The residents of Coal Valley were all gathered in the café for Jack and Elizabeth's wedding reception. There was plenty of food and of course the newlyweds were receiving many congratulations. Even some of Elizabeth's students were in attendance at the reception. Eventually, William stood and tapped his glass to propose a toast, "Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls. I would like to propose a toast. First off, I would like to toast my beautiful daughter. My Elizabeth, I have had the privilege of having you as my daughter and watching you grow into a beautiful young woman. And now I have a handsome son-in-law. Just remember, you need to protect my little girl."
"I will sir," said Jack.
"Can I go?" asked Julie excitedly.
"Does she have to go?" asked Elizabeth.
Julie glared and Elizabeth smirked at her, "Well it looks like I finally got my fairy tale ending. But I couldn't be happier to have you as my brother-in-law, Jack. I know you both are going to live a happy life together."
Abigail and Cat also stood and began to speak, "Elizabeth, I am so happy you found your truelove and that you can know both share your lives with each other and with God," said Cat.
"I've watched Elizabeth go from a timid new resident to a confident, caring, and brave woman. Someone with the true spirit of Coal Valley," said Abigail.
"Mrs. Thornton?" asked Emily from where she was sitting with her mother and brothers.
"Yes, Emily?" asked Elizabeth.
The Coal Valley kids that were in attendance at the reception all came forward and handed Jack and Elizabeth cards of congratulations which they had all decided to make at home s Elizabeth wouldn't find out about them until the wedding. Elizabeth started to cry and jack smiled brightly, enjoying the many drawings and messages from the children.
"Are you okay Mrs. Thornton?" asked Rosaleen.
"Yes," said Elizabeth happily, "I just couldn't think the best day of my life couldn't get any better. Until now. I feel so blessed to have everyone I love here with me today. My family, my friends, my students, and my wonderful new husband. Thank you all for being here with Jack and I today. I love you all."
Later that night, after the reception, Jack and Elizabeth settled into their house for the firt time so they could spend their first night together husband and wife. Jack started the stove so he could make dinner and so Elizabeth could make a valiant effort to help make dinner, "I guess I really should try to improve my cooking skills since we're married now," Elizabeth chuckled lightly.
"It doesn't bother me to cook, my sweet Elizabeth," said Jack as he started the stew.
"Yes, but I can't clean or sew either. There are no wifely duties I'm good at right now," said Elizabeth.
"But you make up for them in other qualities," said Jack.
"Oh yeah, like what?" asked Elizabeth.
"You're a wonderful teacher, a caring young woman, you're great with kids, and you believe in everyone and see the best in everyone," said Jack wrapping his arm around her helping her stir the stew, "And you committed yourself to spend the rest of your life with a handsome, annoying Mountie."
Elizabeth turned around to face Jack, "You're never going to let that go, are you?"
"Hey every couple has to have their inside joke don't they?" asked Jack and kissed her, "Thank you Elizabeth."
"For? For what?" she asked.
"For making this day the best day of my life. For making me realize that Mounties can find love. And for bringing out the best in me," Jack confessed.
Elizabeth grabbed Jack's hands, "And thank you, for never giving up on me, for believing in me, for keeping me safe, for keeping Coal Valley safe, and most importantly, for being Jack Thornton."
The couple kissed long and hard before sitting down for dinner. After dinner, the newlyweds cuddled by the fire before going to bed after a long day, but a wonderful day never the less. Elizabeth put on her nightgown and Jack put on his pajamas before the couple climbed into bed. Jack kissed Elizabeth on the temple and said, "Good night my sweet Elizabeth. I love you. And I promise to never stop loving you."
Elizabeth rolled over and kissed Jack once more and said, "I love you too sweetheart. I promise to love you for a lifetime."