Hi Hearties, sorry for the delay... I was not intending to take this long to post this chapter, but a little bit of writers block detained me... but didn't stop me! Special Shoutout and thank you to LisaNY for proofing for me and to Cindie Henrich for allowing me to bounce ideas off her and for listening to me whine about having writers block...

Without further ado here's chapter three... Hope you like it!

Chapter Three

Jack finally had his Elizabeth back in his arms where she belonged. He felt a smile slowly form on his lips. Suddenly his eyes shot open and he sat up in his bed. He was disappointed to see that Elizabeth was nowhere to be found. He rubbed his hands over his eyes, "It was just a dream." He groaned. This wasn't the first time he had that dream. There were several nights in which he was haunted by the nightmare of Elizabeth accepting Charles' proposal, but this time it was different. He couldn't quite put his finger on it. "Oh yeah," He chuckled to himself. All the other times he had had the dream; he had awakened shortly after seeing the stagecoach and Elizabeth disappear from sight. This time however, Elizabeth had returned to him before he woke up.

As much as he wanted to see Elizabeth this minute, his rounds weren't going to make themselves and besides; she had school. He would have to wait at least until he finished his rounds. He rolled out of bed and quickly dressed. He headed to Abigail's for a quick cup of coffee before heading out.

"Good morning, Abigail." He greeted. He headed to help himself to the coffee.

"Good morning, Jack." Abigail smiled at the constable. "Would you like some breakfast?" She reached in the oven and pulled out a fresh batch of blueberry scones.

"I'll just have my coffee…" Jack eyed the pastries. "…and one of those scones. They look delicious."

"Help yourself." Abigail chuckled.

"Thank you, Abigail." Jack took a bite. He quickly scarfed down the rest of the scone and drank his coffee, then headed for the door. He once again turned around to face her.

"Abigail?"

"Is something on your mind?" Abigail asked.

"I was wondering if you could help me with something." Jack answered.

"Anything, Jack!" Abigail enthusiastically replied. "You name it."

Elizabeth was sitting on the steps of the schoolhouse watching her students play during lunch. She was hoping that Jack would come by during his rounds. He'd been really quiet lately, as if something was bothering him. She wished he would confide in her, but she couldn't get him to tell her what was on his mind. She let out sigh, "He'll tell me when he's ready." She mumbled to herself.

The time ticked away and soon it was time for Elizabeth to call the children back inside to resume their lessons. Jack never showed, much to her disappointment.

Jack returned to town from Union City later than expected. He had wanted to see Elizabeth during lunch but had was called away unexpectedly to deal with a minor issue. He traveled as fast as Sergeant could go in order to get back to Hope Valley in enough time to walk Elizabeth home from school. He couldn't get the dream out of his head. He wanted to talk to Elizabeth about the dream, but he wasn't sure what to say or how she would react, so he remained silent about it. Elizabeth told him she said no to Charles. They had since worked through their issues and their relationship was stronger than ever. So why was he suddenly having these dreams where she had said 'yes'?

His mind wandered back to when Elizabeth was angry with him over the Billy Hamilton fiasco. He recalled Abigail's advice, "There will be a man, a good man, who will approach Elizabeth with honorable intentions and she will be taken."

Jack didn't consider Charles a good man in his book. A good man would have never proposed to a woman who was involved in a courtship with another man. He was however Elizabeth's best friend from childhood and if that was the case, there was a good man hidden in there somewhere deep down inside. Wasn't there? He was so devastated when he walked up the steps of the church, with a diamond ring burning a hole in his pocket, only to find Charles on bended knee with the same intentions.

Jack shook the memory away as he arrived at the schoolhouse in time to see Elizabeth walking down the steps.

"Hello, Ms. Thatcher," he greeted with a smile, "would you like an escort home?" He offered his arm.

"Hello, constable," she returned the greeting, "I would love an escort," she accepted his outstretched hand, "but I'm heading to Abigail's for dinner. Care to join me?"

Jack suddenly seemed distant, as if he didn't hear a word Elizabeth said.

"Jack are you alright?" Elizabeth asked with confusion

"Hmm?" He turned to face her.

"I asked you if you wanted to join me for dinner at Abigail's."

"I would love to," he replied, "but I'm not hungry. I just got back from Union City and I'm pretty tired. Can I get a raincheck?" He kissed her cheek.

"Sure. You should get some rest," she squeezed his hand. "I love you."

"I love you too," He gave her a genuine smile.

When Elizabeth arrived at the café, she went into the kitchen and sat at the table. "Good afternoon, Abigail."

"Hello Elizabeth," Abigail handed Elizabeth a cup, "…help yourself to some tea." She as she exited into the dining room.

"Thank you." Elizabeth stood, headed to the stove and then returned to her seat with a full cup.

Abigail returned to the kitchen and joined Elizabeth at the table. "How was school?"

Elizabeth was staring out the window and didn't even acknowledge that Abigail had spoken to her.

Abigail placed her hand on top of Elizabeth's. "Elizabeth, is everything alright?"

Startled by Abigail's touch, Elizabeth jumped and turned to Abigail. "I'm so sorry, Abigail. I have something on my mind."

"Want to talk about it?" Abigail asked her friend.

"It's Jack." Elizabeth answered. "I think something is bothering him, but he won't talk to me about it."

"Have you asked him about it?" She went to the stove and fixed a plate for herself and Elizabeth and returned to the table.

"He always says he's fine." Elizabeth took a bite of her food.

"Well you know Jack isn't good at expressing his feelings." Abigail assured. "I'm certain he'll talk to you when he's ready."

"If he wants to talk to me at all," Elizabeth replied, barely above a whisper.

"What was that?" Abigail asked.

"Maybe he doesn't want to talk to me at all." Elizabeth said more loudly. "He hardly acknowledged my existence just now when he walked me here. And when I asked him if he wanted to join me for dinner, he said he was tired. It was as if he couldn't wait to get away from me."

"Now Elizabeth," Abigail defended. "You know that isn't true. You know how much Jack loves you."

"Then why hasn't he asked me to marry him?" Elizabeth inquired. "I know he bought that land with the intention of settling down, but maybe he's changed his mind."

Abigail looked at her plate trying to hide a smile. She couldn't tell Elizabeth what she knew. She was sworn to secrecy after all.

"Abigail," Elizabeth queried, noticing her friend's expression, "what's going on? Do you know something?"

Suddenly the door swung open and in walked Frank. "Afternoon ladies," he acknowledged.

Abigail let out a sigh of relief. Perfect timing. She thanked Frank inwardly for temporarily diverting Elizabeth's attention.

After delivering Elizabeth to the cafe, Jack slowly dawdled back to the jail. He stepped inside the jailhouse. Rip's greeting startled him. He reached down to pat the dog on the head, "I guess I'm a little on edge today."

Jack began unbuttoning his red serge and continued to his bedroom to change out of his uniform. He returned and sat down at his desk. He opened his desk drawer and pulled out a photograph. It was the photograph he had taken of Elizabeth when he took her to his favorite spot to tell her the dreaded news that he was being reassigned to Cape Fullerton. Staring at that photograph took him back to the time when he walked into the saloon and asked her to dinner.

"…And Elizabeth please do consider this an act of courtship." He said before placing a gentle kiss on her hand. Then he'd gotten the dreaded news. He was receiving his dream posting… a posting that was no longer his dream. Though he had not told her he was already madly in love with Elizabeth Thatcher. He let out a chuckle. When he first arrived in this sleepy little coal mining town, she was the reason he wanted to leave, but as time went by, she rapidly became the reason he wanted to stay. He once again reached in his desk drawer and pulled out the small blue box. He opened the box and gazed at the ring inside. He wanted so badly to put that ring on her finger, but seeing Charles on bended knee had stopped him and then the dreams began. He then remembered what his mother had told him. "Jack, you have been seeing Lizzie for a long time now. It's time to ride or get out of the saddle." Things had not been easy for them, just like he told his mother. But he knew Charlotte had been correct, and he was ready. A big grin quickly spread across his face.

The next day, Elizabeth was teaching her students arithmetic when a loud knock came on the door of the schoolhouse. "Come in," She called to the mysterious visitor, "the door's open."

The visitor continued to knock on the door, causing Elizabeth to set her book on the desk. "One moment, please." She addressed her pupils.

Elizabeth then made her way to the door and opened it to see Jack, much to her delight, looking so handsome in his uniform sitting on his horse.

"Jack, what are you doing here? I told you the door…"

"Are you Ms. Elizabeth Thatcher?" Jack interjected.

"Jack, what's going on?" She scrunched up her nose in confusion. "You know who I am."

Jack noticed how she scrunched up her nose. It drove him crazy when she did that. He wanted to jump off of Sergeant, take her in his arms and kiss that very nose. Stick to the plan Thornton! He silently chided himself. He quickly regained his composure, reached in his pocket and pulled out an envelope.

"This is for you," he said as he handed it to her.

She accepted the envelope and noticed it said Urgent on the front. "Jack what is this?" She questioned.

"Have a good day, ma'am." Jack tipped his hat, winked, and kicked his horse's sides to get him to trot. He looked back at Elizabeth who still had quite a look of confusion on her face, but he couldn't help smiling.

"What was that all about?" Elizabeth wondered. As much as she wanted to tear open the envelope and see the contents that very second, her students were waiting for her to continue their lessons. She returned to the classroom and noticed the children scrambling back to their seats. It was obvious they were eavesdropping.

"Alright children, settle down," she called, "we have a lot of work to do before lunch."

During lunch, Elizabeth whipped out the mysterious envelope and pulled out its contents.

Dear Elizabeth,

I wanted to wait until after school to formally ask you, but unfortunately I have been called away to Buxton for the rest of the day. If you would feel so inclined, I would love for you to meet me at the place where we shared our first dance, tonight at 6:00 for a romantic dinner. I can't wait to see you. I'm sure you'll look beautiful. Always remember I love you.

Yours,
Jack

Elizabeth couldn't help smiling, "The café," she whispered. She began contemplating what the evening might hold. Wondering what she would wear. She suddenly couldn't wait to spend her evening with Jack.

Elizabeth daydreamed the rest of the lunch period away. Before she knew it, it was time to call the children back in to continue their lessons.

At the end of the school day, Elizabeth dismissed her students and headed home to get ready for her wonderful evening.

When Elizabeth walked in her row house, she let out a sudden gasp. Hanging behind her desk by the window, was the most beautiful dress she had ever seen. She walked over admiring the light blue dress with the dark blue floral embroidered lace overlay and shiny silver buttons. She noticed a folded up piece of paper lying on her desk that read Elizabeth. She opened the paper and began to read the note.

Dear Elizabeth,

I hope you like the gift. I hope you will wear it tonight. I can't wait to see you in it. You're going to look so beautiful. See you tonight my love. I'm looking forward to our evening.

All my love,
Jack

"Oh Jack," Elizabeth whispered. She ran her hand across the silky fabric of the dress, "It's beautiful." She removed the dress from the hanger and rushed to get ready for her evening.

Elizabeth slipped the dress on, admiring the way it fit her perfectly. She took a look at herself in the mirror, "Jack Thornton, you never cease to amaze me." She pinned her hair up on the sides, letting her loose curls flow down her back. She then rushed out the door and headed to the café with a smile on her face. She couldn't wait to see Jack.

Elizabeth was expecting to see Jack waiting for her when she arrived at the café, but he wasn't there. She walked into the kitchen and found Abigail sitting at the table.

"Abigail, have you seen Jack? He left me a note for me to meet him here."

"He was here." Abigail replied trying to keep a straight face to avoid giving anything away. "He was called away unexpectedly however. You look lovely by the way." Abigail admired Elizabeth's dress.

"Thank you, it's a gift from Jack. What happened?" Elizabeth was trying to hide her devastation.

"He wouldn't tell me." Abigail pulled a folded piece of paper out of her pocket. "He said it was official Mountie business." She handed the paper to Elizabeth. "He wrote this note before he left and told me to give it to you."

Elizabeth slowly opened the note.

Elizabeth,

I feel so horrible about this. I couldn't wait to see you, but some things can't be avoided. I shouldn't be more than an hour. I still want to see you for some alone time. If you feel so inclined meet me at 7:00 at the place where we first said I love you.

Jack

"The mine," She whispered, "I'll be there! Abigail I have to go. Jack says he should be done with whatever he's doing soon and wants me to go meet him at the mine."

"The mine?" Abigail asked.

"It's where we first said I love you to each other." Elizabeth explained with a smile.

"I remember." Abigail replied. "Just be careful."

"I will," Elizabeth let the kitchen door close behind her.

Elizabeth arrived at the mine. "Jack, are you here?"

No answer.

"Jack?" She looked around glad she was just at the opening of the mine and that it was still light out. After a few minutes she decided that Jack would be detained longer than he had planned and started to leave when something shiny caught her eye. She noticed a silver chain lying on the floor of the mine. Next to the chain was another note with her name on it. She picked up the necklace and noted the blue heart shaped pendant that matched her dress perfectly.

"Oh Jack, it's beautiful." She put the delicate chain around her neck and fastened the clasp, "but I'd rather see you." She then picked up the note:

Dear Elizabeth,

Sorry! I'm still delayed. It will be dark soon. I don't want you at the mine alone while it's dark, but I still want to see you. I miss you, beautiful. Please accept my apologies. If you do, please meet me at the place where we first met and you immediately captured my heart.

Jack

Post Script, I promise I'll be there.

"The saloon," Elizabeth smiled finally realizing that Jack was playing a little game with her. Though she should be angry at him for sending her on a wild goose chase when she was so looking forward to seeing him, she was starting to enjoy this little game and wondered where he would send her next.

When she opened the door to the saloon, she was shocked at the view. The entire room was decorated with flowers and lanterns. A single table was covered in a white table cloth with two lit candles, two champagne flutes, and a bottle of champagne on ice sitting on the top. She looked around a noticed the barkeep behind the counter.

"Did you do this Mr. Trevoy?"

"My lips are sealed, Ms. Thatcher," Tom Trevoy replied.

Elizabeth turned back toward the table. She smiled remembering the time she was sitting at that very table and Jack walked in and asked her to dinner. She then remembered that all they had to offer at the time was chili and cornbread. She suddenly felt guilty for her response that she was planning on cleaning out her closet that day. She chuckled, it did turn out alright… eventually.

Elizabeth then remembered another time Jack had asked her to dinner. She couldn't help smiling at the memory of how he came into saloon at the end of the school day clearly nervous and said…

"I've come to ask for your hand." Jack's voice startled her. She was shocked to hear him say the very words that were going through her mind at that moment.

She whirled around to notice Jack standing in the doorway of the saloon, leaning against the frame. He was wearing the blue suit that she always thought he looked so handsome in. Her heart was doing flip flops inside her chest at the sight of him

"Are you formally asking me to join you for supper again?" She asked still recalling the memory.

"Not this time." He walked toward her and took her hand into his own. "I was right, that dress looks beautiful on you."

Elizabeth's heart started pounding, anticipating the next words that would hopefully come out of his mouth. "What are you doing, then?"

He led her to the table. "Let's sit down. I want to talk to you about something." He pulled her chair out for her and allowed her to sit down before sitting in his own chair.

Mr. Trevoy then approached their table carrying two plates. "Here's your dinner, Constable." He set a plate down in front of each of them.

"Wow, this definitely isn't chili," Elizabeth acknowledged. "This looks delicious."

"Thank you, Tom." Jack grinned.

"Hope you enjoy this," Tom chuckled, "you wouldn't believe the trouble I went through to see that you have the saloon to yourself… even for just an hour."

"Well we appreciate it." Jack glanced at Elizabeth.

"Enjoy your evening." Tom then disappeared up the stairs to his room.

"You said you wanted to talk to me about something," Elizabeth said with concern as soon as they were alone, "Is there something wrong?"

"No! Of course not!" Jack exclaimed abruptly. He thought for a moment. "Well not really. Just something I would like to discuss."

Elizabeth didn't want to admit, but she was starting to get a little nervous, wondering what Jack wanted to discuss with her.

They began their dinner. "So how is it?" He asked.

"Delicious." She took a sip of her champagne. "But I'm enjoying the company better."

Jack grinned.

They finished their dinner, which to Elizabeth's surprise, also included one of Abigail's apple pies for dessert. Also to her surprise, Jack still had not told Elizabeth what was on his mind. Though she was trying to hide her anticipation, she was getting antsy.

"Jack, you're driving me crazy!" She exclaimed. "Will you please just tell me what's on your mind?"

"Alright, I'll tell you," He offered his hand, "but first let's take a walk."

"It's dark out," Elizabeth countered.

"I'll keep you safe," Jack exposed his dimples to their fullest. "Have I ever let you down?"

"Of course not," Elizabeth placed her hand into the safety of Jack's.

The stars shone brightly in the night sky as they sat down on the bench overlooking the lake. They admired the reflection of the moon dancing over the water.

"Elizabeth," Jack took a deep breath.

"Are you sure you're alright?" Elizabeth questioned. "You seem nervous."

"I-I'm fine," Jack stammered and squeezed her hand. He hesitated before he continued, "Elizabeth," he said again.

"Yes?"

"Do you remember the last time Charles was in town?" He asked nervously.

"I wish I could forget," she answered with an exasperated tone.

"It absolutely killed me to witness him on bended knee in front of you." Jack began caressing her arm.

"I told him no, Jack." Elizabeth placed a hand on his face. "I told him no because I loved you, because I couldn't imagine life without you."

"I know," Jack placed a gentle kiss on her cheek. "I love you too."

"Why did you bring that up?" she queried.

"I have been having these dreams…" Jack answered. "…nightmares actually."

"What kind of dreams?" Elizabeth asked.

"You accepted his proposal," Jack replied quickly

"What?" Elizabeth exclaimed.

"You accepted his proposal," Jack repeated, "and you went back to Hamilton with him. Then I would wake up devastated."

"Jack," Elizabeth assured, "I promise I would never marry Charles Kensington…"

"Let me finish." Jack interjected. "The past few times I had the dream I woke up after you left, except this last time."

"What happened the last time?"

"You came back to me." He ran a finger down her cheek. "You have no idea how happy I was that you came back to me."

"I will always come back to you." She gently squeezed his thigh. "Wait!" She exclaimed as realization hit her. "Is this why you've been so quiet lately?"

"I didn't know how to tell you or how you would take it," He replied, "that is until this last time."

"Jack," Elizabeth chastised, "you know you can tell me anything."

"I know, my love." He leaned over and kissed her cheek. "Forgive me?"

"Of course." She stated. "There really is nothing to forgive."

"There's something else I never told you." Jack continued.

"What?" She asked nervously.

Jack had never intended to tell this to Elizabeth, but in light of recent events, he had been given the courage to tell her. "That day I saw Charles on bended knee," He began but hesitated, "I had a ring in my pocket."

"What?" Elizabeth was shocked. "You've had a ring all this time?"

"Yes," he answered shyly.

"So you wanted to go on a ride that day with the intention of proposing to me?"

"Yes."

"But you still haven't."

"No."

"Why not? Don't you want to marry me anymore?" She felt like crying. She didn't know what to think.

"That couldn't be farther from the truth," Jack assured.

"Then why?"

Jack stood and pulled her with him. He turned her to face him. "Elizabeth please don't be angry." He rubbed her hands and continued, "You know I have hard time expressing my feelings. It was becoming easier with you and then Charles…" He closed his eyes to compose himself. "I guess I just crawled back in my shell after that."

"Oh Jack," Elizabeth assured, "I'm not angry, but that was a long time ago. I do however know how hard it is for you to express your feelings."

"It is, but it doesn't need to be." He cupped her face.

He pulled her to the bench prompting her to take her seat next to him. "I also want you to know that when I was sick with pneumonia, I knew you were there and refused to leave my side. You will never know what that meant to me to wake up to your beautiful face."

"You knew I was there?" She questioned.

"Of course I did." He gave her hands a tight squeeze. "I heard you calling my name. I wanted to come back to you. I tried to come back to you. But I wasn't strong enough," He reached up to brush a stray curl from her face, "but during that ordeal, I realized something very important."

"What's that?"

"Well do you remember in the mine when you said you didn't think you were brave enough to spend your life with me?"

"Yes."

"You do realize that you proved yourself totally and completely wrong," He chuckled. "You are brave enough to be a Mountie's wife."

"I just knew I loved you and didn't know what I would do if anything happened to you." Elizabeth cried. "I felt so alone."

"My ma even told me to ride or get out of the saddle." He continued.

Elizabeth giggled.

"And you catching Rosie's bouquet had to be a sign." Jack added.

"Well Constable, with that in mind what are you waiting for?" Elizabeth teased.

"Be patient," Jack answered. "That was our New Year's resolution after all… to be patient, to be kind, not to rush, to take our time. Ring a bell?"

"Yes I remember," Elizabeth tried not to show her disappointment. "But we also agreed not to take too much time."

He reached in his pocket, "exactly what I was thinking," he pulled out the box opening it to reveal the ring and presented it to her,

Elizabeth gasped, "Oh Jack it's so beautiful!" Her eyes were shimmering.

He dropped to one knee, "Elizabeth Thatcher, I love you more than words could ever express. You are my entire world. I can't imagine my life without you. I want to have babies with you. I want to grow old with you and everything in between. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife? Marry me?"

"Yes, Jack Thornton, yes!" Elizabeth cried, tears cascading down her cheeks. She allowed him to slip the ring on her hand. She then fell to her knees in front of him as he leaned forward and captured her lips with his own. They both fell to the ground and rolled toward the lake, stopping just before they reached the water, their arms and legs tangled around each other.

Thanks for reading stay tuned for more coming soon...