Hello everyone! First of all, I am SO SORRY for not updating sooner. I have finally finished Spring 2016 semester (happy dance) and now I have more time to update all my stories. Please read and review! Reviews are always appreciated! Enjoy #Hearties!
Jack and Elizabeth stepped off the carriage once they arrived in Coal Valley. Elizabeth smiled and looked around town. While it had been nice to be home for Christmas, she was glad to be home in Coal Valley, "So Mrs. Thornton, does it feel good to be home?" asked Jack.
Elizabeth kissed Jack on the cheek and said, "It feels wonderful Constable."
"Yoo hoo! Jack! Elizabeth!" shouted Rosemary.
"Oh no." said Elizabeth rolling her eyes.
Rosemary ran over to the couple and said, "Elizabeth you are absolutely beautiful!"
"Easy for you to say," chuckled Elizabeth lightly.
"I mean it you're absolutely glowing," said Rosemary, "Anyway, did you hear the news?"
"We just got back from Hamilton Rosemary," reminded Jack.
"Oh right," said Rosemary, "Anyway, they're shutting down the coal mines due to the dangerous conditions. Apparently they're replacing it with a saw mill."
"It won't be Coal Valley then," said Elizabeth somewhat confused.
"Well on New Year's Eve, they're going to rename the town," said Rosemary, "And we're going to have a big New Year's Eve celebration."
"I didn't know Coal Valley had New Year's celebrations," said Jack.
"Well they didn't before now. I'm organizing the first Coal Valley New Year's Eve celebration!" said Rosemary excitedly, "Hickam has been helping me get everything ready. And one of new saw mill employees, the owner has been very helpful too."
"Saw mill owner?" asked Elizabeth surprisingly.
"Leland Coulter, he's responsible for opening up the new saw mill," said Rosemary.
"Rosemary," said Hickam approaching the group, "You said you want to talk about fireworks at this celebration."
"Aw yes!" said Rosemary, "Well I have a lot to do. See you both later. You look great Elizabeth!" shouted Rosemary running after Hickam.
Jack shook his head lightly, "Good old Rosemary. Always making things…interesting for a town."
Elizabeth smiled at her husband, "I can't believe we missed so much in so little time."
"I'm wondering who this Leland guy is," said Jack, "Well I'm getting kind of hungry. How about some lunch at Abigail's café?"
"Sounds wonderful Constable," said Elizabeth. She smiled and rubbed her abdomen lovingly when she felt the baby kick, "I think someone else is hungry too."
Jack crouched down and kissed his wife growing middle, "You like Abigail's food too buddy?"
"You, Tom, and Julie all are sure it's a boy," giggled Elizabeth.
"Well that's what the ring test said," smirked Jack, "And Father's always have a good intuition."
"So you say," smiled Elizabeth as the couple walked into Abigail's Café. Abigail was sitting at one of the tables with another man with shoulder length grey hair and a greying beard. Jack and Elizabeth didn't recognize the man.
"Jack, Elizabeth, I wasn't expecting you guys," said Abigail standing and embracing the young couple, "How was your trip?"
"It was lovely," said Elizabeth, "My sister's wedding was beautiful and everyone is thrilled about the baby."
"Of course," said Abigail, "Um, Jack, Elizabeth, I'd like to introduce you both to Frank Hogan, our new pastor. Frank this is Constable Jack Thornton and his wife, Elizabeth Thornton. She's our school teacher for the children," said Abigail.
"Nice to meet you Pastor," said Elizabeth shaking his hand.
"You too Mrs. Thornton, Constable," said Frank shaking Jack's hand.
"Oh please call me Jack, sir," said Jack.
"And you can call me Elizabeth," she said.
Frank nodded and said, "Well I have some business to take care of at the church as well prepare Sunday's sermon. Thank you for lunch Abigail."
"You're very welcome Pastor," said Abigail as Frank left.
Jack and Elizabeth watched Frank leave the café and Elizabeth asked, "So, new pastor?" she questioned, "Just curious, what happened to Reverend Anderson?"
"Well there were some issues while you both were in Hamilton and we got a new pastor because of those issues," said Abigail, "Pastor Frank is a great preacher though. I'm sure you both will enjoy his worship this Sunday."
"Well we both wish reverend Anderson all the best," said Jack.
"So have you heard about the new saw mill and the name change occurring?" asked Abigail pouring some tea for Jack and Elizabeth.
"Oh yes," chuckled Elizabeth, "We ran into Rosemary on the way here. We haven't even had time to take our bags home."
"Well how about I make you both lunch while you go home and drop off your bags. Then you both can come back and we can all eat," said Abigail.
"Sounds great Abigail," said Elizabeth. The couple took their belongings home unpacking as much as they could before they headed back over to the café. The group of three sat down though they had barely gotten through grace before Elizabeth began her meal.
"I can see eating for two is starting to catch up with you," chuckled Abigail.
"Yes I swear I'm starving all the time," said Elizabeth.
"Well as long as the baby is healthy," said Abigail.
Jack put down his fork, "So Rosemary mentioned this new owner of a saw mill…."
Abigail smiled, "Yes. His name is Leland Coulter. Most everyone calls him Lee. He seems like a genuinely nice guy. I think both he's taken a liking to Rosie and vice versa."
"Oh really, we didn't notice," joked Elizabeth. After the three of them finished their meals and their conversations, Jack and Elizabeth stood to leave.
"Well thank you for lunch Abigail, we both really appreciate it," said Jack.
"It's no problem Jack. I know you both have your hands full. And soon you'll really have your hands full," she said happily rubbing Elizabeth's abdomen.
Elizabeth gave a nervous chuckle, "Sooner rather than later. I'm more than halfway through the pregnancy."
"Only nineteen more weeks," smiled Jack apprehensively.
Abigail embraced them both, "You both will be wonderful parents. And you have the entire town and God to help you."
Jack smiled and took Elizabeth's hand, "And we have each other, right honey?"
Elizabeth smiled and kissed Jack and said, "We'll always have each other."