A/N- Thank you for your patience and to everyone who reached out in the chat, email, Facebook, and Messenger with your words of encouragement. You got me out of my head and back at the keyboard. I have had a number of these scenes outlined out and waiting, but just couldn't pull them together.
One complaint I need to vent. While I follow the timeline of the show here, I have always struggled with Jack's Christmas birthday. What was the point of giving season five viewers things like a newspaper or a headstone with DATES when they were just going to throw them away? If Jack returned from the Northern Territories in August/September and was a couple weeks away from coming home from Ft Clay when he died in October, the wedding had to have been in September = young Jack should have arrived the following summer, not in December. I know...television time warp. Those involved with the show were ready to move on. But it clearly did not allow Elizabeth to work out her grief properly, which she later took out on our favorite Mountie, so...
Small note of caution- one teenie little burst of steam, and several digs at my less than favorite saloon owner.
Enjoy!
Chapter Eighteen
Lucas watched impatiently as the servants loaded their trunks into his parents' car. After all of the whispers and rumors that continued to a tail him around Hope Valley, and especially the presence of Constable Simms, he had taken his mother up on her offer to accompany them on their trip to South America. Gustave practically ran the Queen of Hearts without him anyway, and he'd left Hickam in charge at Gowen Petroleum; the bland young man actually had a surprisingly good head for business.
Best of all, the trip had given him time to reflect and reconsider his relationship with Elizabeth. He realized that he given in too quickly when she made the decision to break things off. She had gone on and on about how 'love is worth fighting for', so clearly she wanted him to fight. He was prepared to raise the stakes and show Constable Grant that he would pay any price to win.
Helen Bouchard studied her son. He was deep in thought, mindless of the newspaper he held in his hand. When they had spoken last night, he told her of about his intentions towards the young schoolteacher, starting with his plan to call on her at her parents' house. Vincent and Helen Bouchard were well received within Hamilton society, but neither of them had ever been invited to the Thatcher mansion. She feared the consequences if her son overstepped his place.
"Sweetheart, you simply cannot continue with this idea to court Elizabeth," Helen gently chided. She had hoped their weeks away would heal his troubled heart and help him see a new path for himself.
"You need to move on," Vincent Bouchard added bluntly. "The lady made her choice, and you should respect it."
Lucas shrugged and continued planning. "I'm sure, now that she's spent a few weeks back here where she belongs, Elizabeth has seen that we are right for one another. We can put all those little incidents in Hope Valley behind us, and move forward with our life. It's going to be everything I've dreamed of."
"What about her dreams?" Helen asked, but her son paid her no heed.
Vincent shook his head, sinking into his favorite chair and picking up one of the newspapers that had been stacked awaiting their return. He exhaled and shook his head. "It seems the lady has made her decision." He held the paper out to his wife.
The photo topping the page showed a happy couple exiting a church, their fingers entwined. The bride's other hand was joined to that of a teenage girl wearing a beaded headpiece that matched the bride's, while the groom carried a young boy in his other arm.
Elizabeth Thatcher Thornton and her new husband, Nathan Grant, married in an intimate ceremony this past weekend. Mrs. Thornton-Grant (daughter of shipping magnate William Thatcher and his wife, Grace) is a teacher in Hope Valley, a growing town in Alberta where Mr. Grant serves as the town's Constable. They were attended by their respective children and celebrated with their families and a few close friends. The Thatcher, Thornton, and Grant families ask that in lieu of gifts, well-wishers make donations to the Northwest Mounted Police Widows and Children's Fund or the Hamilton Children's Society.
The Hamilton Post wishes the newlyweds all the best.
Helen read the brief article and studied the accompanying picture. Even in a reproduced photo, there was no mistaking the obvious love between the couple. She had suspected it during her time in Hope Valley, and even more so when she'd read the ending of Elizabeth's book. Her son was setting himself up for failure.
"Leave the paper for him," Vincent suggested, barely glancing up from the next day's edition. "Hopefully he'll see reason before he makes fools of all of us."
Elizabeth quietly watched her son and husband sleep. This was the first time she'd awoken before Nathan, his Mountie training and natural body clock usually brining him awake with the sun while she preferred to sleep later. It had been a bit of a rough night, at least for the two of them. Jack was a sound sleeper but a restless one—he rolled and flailed all over the bed while he dreamed. As a result, Elizabeth found herself kicked, pushed, and at one point nearly smothered by the little boy when he laid across her head. It was a matter of self-preservation that made Nathan hug the child close to him, to avoid either parent suffering actual injury, but the sight now in the early morning light made Elizabeth wish for a camera. Her big, dark, handsome husband with their little blonde cherub nestled against his chest.
Nathan opened his eyes slowly, smiling as he met Elizabeth's gaze. "Good morning," he whispered, glancing down to see Jack still snoring faintly. "How did you sleep?"
"Much better after you corralled this guy," she laughed softly, reaching out to run her fingers first over her son's smooth cheek then up to Nathan's slightly rough one. "Thank you for saving me from a black eye."
Nathan chuckled. "My pleasure. Always ready to rescue a damsel in distress."
Elizabeth smiled. "Is it wrong that I am jealous of my own son?" she asked, offering a cute pout. At Nathan's raised brow she explained. "He's all cozy and snuggled into my favorite spot. I've gotten used to waking up there."
Nathan shifted, laying Jack against the pillow and leaning over him to kiss her. "I've gotten used to it, too," he admitted. "And you are far less likely to hit me while you're sleeping…"
They both laughed, then set about waking their son with kisses and tickles. Jack awoke with his usual smiles and giggles, the nightmare that had brought him into their room long forgotten. As Elizabeth opened their door to take him back to his own room to get ready for the day, she found Allie and Alice looking for him. She happily turned him over to them, locking the door and crawling back into bed.
"Is it 'later' now?" Nathan murmured, already pulling her close and kissing her deeply. They paused, going still when they heard Alice and Archie's voices in the hallway. They both laughed softly as the voices faded away, resuming their amorous intentions.
"Welcome to romance for parents," Nathan said, trailing kisses along her shoulder and collarbone. "Quicker and quieter than the honeymoon."
"But just as wonderful."
Between the lights, bows, wreaths, and massive tree, the Thatcher house was festive and bright and its occupants all in a joyous mood—none more so than young Jack. He was old enough to know that today was his day, and everyone around him shared his excitement.
While Nathan and Elizabeth were away, Julie had planned the boy's birthday celebration. When she told them about it upon their return, they feared it would be an elaborate gathering, but instead she had something more meaningful in mind. The family, including Tom and Charlotte Thornton, would gather for cake and gifts around lunch time, adding the presents left by Bill Avery and the Coulters. Later, they would all attend the Hamilton Children's Society's Christmas party together. Jack and Allie would help distribute the toys and clothes that had been donated, sharing the true joy of Christmas by giving to others instead of only looking to receive for themselves. Elizabeth and Nathan hoped it would be everything Julie intended.
Charlotte and Tom were quite uneasy at first around the fancy Thatcher house. It didn't take long for them to realize that they had more in common with the servants than anyone residing there, but William and Grace made an extra effort to include them in every part of the day. William even spent nearly an hour talking business with Tom while they watched Jack and Allie play.
Jack was thrilled with his new Lincoln Logs and books, and Elizabeth couldn't wait to see him wearing his clothes—play things selected by Charlotte and Alice, and dressier things from Rosemary and Julie. He wasn't quite ready for the baseball and small mitt from Tom, but as it came with the promise of a visit from his uncle in a few months, he loved it. He proudly blew out all three of his candles in one big puff, digging in with gusto when Elizabeth placed the first piece of cake in front of him.
Once all the cake was eaten and the games cleared away, they shared a light dinner before the charity Christmas party. Charlotte and Tom had brought their things with them, and were shown to two guest rooms while everyone else went to their respective rooms to get ready.
"But that's your favorite book," Nathan said, watching Allie add it to the pile of gifts to be donated. "Your copy back home has been read so many times it's practically falling apart."
"I know," Allie replied, shrugging. "That's why Aunt Julie got me a new one. But then she told me about the party, how the kids that will be there don't have much money or many chances for new things in life and I thought…I can buy myself another copy later, with the money I'm earning at the Mercantile. I'm sure a girl there will love Pride and Prejudice at least as much as I do."
Nathan was still in shock when Elizabeth closed their bedroom door. She stopped next to him as he sat shaking his head. "You raised her. It shouldn't come as a surprise that your daughter is such a kind and generous soul."
Nathan looked up, revealing tears in his eyes. "She's become so much like her mothers," he said. "Like Colleen and you. Thank you."
Elizabeth leaned down to kiss him softly, wiping the tears from his eyes as she stood. "Come on," she said, pulling him to his feet. "Let's get you dressed before we're late for Julie's party."
Grumbling good naturedly, he changed into his suit, watching as she refreshed her hair and makeup and then donned another new dress from her mother. He laughed when he realized his green vest matched the ivy leaves embroidered on her skirt.
"Do I want know how your mother manages to keep coordinating us?" Nathan joked as he stood beside her in the mirror. "Not that I'm complaining, but I don't know if I can keep this up once we're back home and I have to fend for myself."
"I'm sure I can manage to keep you looking decent," Elizabeth laughed. "You make it easy, since you look good in just about everything. Your serge, a suit, a tux, everyday pants and a simple shirt…" She trailed off, her eyes glowing as she ran her hands up his chest. The top two buttons of his shirt were unfastened, and she gently fingered the material there as she met his eyes. "You take my breath away."
"I know the feeling," he said, unable to stop himself from hugging her close and kissing her.
"Mom? Dad? Aunt Julie says we're ready to leave whenever you are!"
Elizabeth pulled away, leaning her head against his chest while she waited for her heart to slow and her lungs to resume functioning. She felt as much as heard Nathan's chuckle beneath her cheek.
"And just like Colleen, she is determined to spoil my love life."
Elizabeth laughed, stepping away to fix her lipstick before gathering her bag and a shawl.
The ride to the community center where they were hosting the party was short, but still gave Jack and Allie the chance to admire the city's decorations and lights. Once they arrived, Julie started directing everyone to finish getting thing set up. Even William, now getting around on crutches but still limited in his mobility, was put to work, his daughter handing him the account book and the donation envelopes to catalog.
The party was going well when Elizabeth realized that her son was no longer clutching his toy. "Jack, where is Duckie?"
Her son smiled at her and then pointed to a little girl about his age, sitting on her mother's lap and hugging the stuffed toy. "She was sad," Jack explained. "Duckie made me happy. Now he makes her happy."
Now it was Elizabeth's turn to tear up with pride at the goodness of her child. Nathan wrapped his arms around her waist, his cheek resting on her head as they stood in the back of the room watching everyone. William was reading a story to a group of young children, Jack on his lap and Grace beside them holding another child. Charlotte and Alice were helping some of the young mothers put together gift baskets to take home, filled with treats as well as useful things like socks and blankets. Archie and Tom were taking turns lifting children up to decorate the Christmas tree in front of the window. Allie and a few older girls were reading in a corner.
A little girl looked back at them and giggled, pointing over their heads. Glancing up, they found themselves under a spring of mistletoe.
"Well, we can't break tradition," Elizabeth grinned, turning to wrap her arms tightly around her husband's neck as he gathered her close and pressed his lips to hers.
Lucas closed the door quickly, blocking out the sounds of cars and revelers on the streets. He turned, reaching to unfasten his coat, and froze, his face hardening in disgust. Nathan stood in the hallway outside the community room, his arms wrapped tightly around Elizabeth as he kissed her. Lucas's eyes narrowed as he took in the Mountie's hands, resting well below Elizabeth's waist as he held her close.
"Can I help you?" a voice chimed beside him.
Lucas turned, pasting a winning smile on his face as he took in the young, red-haired woman in front of him. She looked vaguely familiar, but he couldn't say where he might have seen her before. "Good evening, my dear," he said, pouring on the charm. "I hear this is the holiday party to be at this year."
Julie laughed, always one to enjoy a man's attempts at charm. She'd recognized Hope Valley's saloon owner as soon as he turned around, and knew by the bitterness she'd seen in his eyes that he was far from happy to see her sister and brother-in-law's mistletoe kiss. She also realized the Lucas had not recognized her, but rather than take offence she saw it as further proof of her sister's wise decision.
"I'm sorry, sir, but this is a private function," she explained.
"Surely you would welcome additional donations, especially during the holiday season," Lucas cajoled. "Please allow me to join the festivities and help you bring even more joy to those deserving families."
Julie stepped closer and looked him in the eye. "I know exactly who you are and why you're here, Mr. Bouchard, and the answer is still 'no'". He looked at her in surprise, so she stepped back, waving a hand towards a large box on the side table. "If you'd like to make a donation, feel free to leave it there. And thank you for your generosity."
She watched Mr. Bouchard storm off, notably not leaving a donation, then rejoined the party. Everyone, from the youngest children to her parents, seemed to be enjoying themselves. There was plenty of food, various games going on around the room, and a feeling of love and happiness filled them all. After the party, anyone who wished to stay was welcome to join Pastor Michael in the celebration of a Christmas mass.
It was everything Julie had hoped for and more.
Christmas morning was far bigger than anything the Grants, Thorntons, or Jack had ever experienced. Elizabeth took it all in stride, fondly remembering gifts and parties from her childhood, but admitting to Nathan that she now preferred Hope Valley's version of a Christmas party—more like what they had attended the night before. She and Nathan were both taken aback by the large and expensive gifts that her parents gave to them and the children, but their protests fell on deaf ears.
"We have missed out on so much of your lives," William admitted. "We will never get that back, nor can we earn Jack's forgiveness for how we treated him when we were first introduced, but we can be present now and do better by his son. I know that dresses, books, saddles, and trains won't fix the past, but please accept them as our pledge to do better in the future."
Elizabeth placed her hand over his. "You don't have to buy our forgiveness, Father."
"We just don't want the children to expect every Christmas to be this elaborate," Nathan added.
"I don't think you have anything to worry about there," Charlotte chimed in. They followed her gaze to see Jack busy putting the Mountie figures from his uncle and Grandma into the train set from Nana and Grandpa, pushing the whole things in a circle around Julie. Allie was stretched out on the couch next to the fireplace, her new cashmere scarf across her shoulders, Elizabeth's copy of Pride and Prejudice in her hand, and her head on Alice's lap. "You've done a good job. Those kids know what's important in life, and that it isn't things."
The day after Christmas was spent packing and finalizing travel plans. Their train was scheduled to leave just after noon on December 27th, which would put them back in Hope Valley on December 30th. There was a chance that Nathan would have to return for the trial, but for now, it was time for the Grant family to go home.
After his failure to recapture Elizabeth's attention at the charity party, Lucas was all the more determined to make contact with her before he too returned to Hope Valley. Despite his parents' admonishments, he decided to call on the Thatcher house. Well familiar with the man's reputation and history with Elizabeth and Nathan, William met with him alone, informing him that she, Nathan, and the children were busy preparing to leave. Disappointed again, Lucas rushed back to pack his things and then to the train station to arrange his ticket. While he managed to get a first-class compartment, he eyed the private car attached near the rear of the train with envy, vowing to have one for himself someday. When he was unable to find Elizabeth on board, he assumed the children had caused them to miss the train.
William obviously offered his daughter and her family the use of his car again. Clearly, this time the sleeping arrangements would be different, with Nathan and Elizabeth in one room and the children sharing the other. They were thrilled to find Mr. Willington back as their concierge, and he once again offered to take the children to explore while Nathan and Elizabeth got settled in.
They were passing through the dining car when Jack suddenly stopped, crying with fright and clinging to Allie as Lucas hurried towards them. With the steward shielding them, Allie quickly took her brother back to their parents.
"I'm sorry, sir, but no passengers are allowed to board the private car," the porter insisted when Lucas tried to follow the children. "I will let the Grants know you wish to see them and escort you in if they agree." Given the reaction of the children, Arthur doubted the man would be a welcome guest.
Lucas huffed, debating forcing his way past the smaller man, but thought better of it. It wouldn't do for him to raise a fuss on board. Nathan would probably arrange to have him finish the journey in handcuffs somewhere.
"Please let Mrs. Thornton know that Mr. Lucas Bouchard is waiting. I'm sure she will be eager to see me."
The porter narrowed his eyes but nodded stiffly. "I was just about to deliver their dinner orders. I will advise Mr. and Mrs. Grant of your presence."
Lucas scoffed. "I'm sure Mrs. Thornton will be delighted to know I'm here."
The porter smiled politely. "I will tell Mrs. Grant you are waiting."
Lucas followed the man back to the dining car, resuming his seat and waving the server over to bring his food. He had picked up a copy of The Hamilton Post from the stack by the door when he entered and began to read as he ate. He sputtered and nearly choked when he saw the photo on the front page. Thatcher Heiress Weds Again the headline proclaimed. There, in clear black and white, was his Elizabeth, gazing adoringly at Nathan Grant, with young Jack and Allie beside them.
He pushed his plate away, his appetite spoiled.
"I don't want him to take you away again," Jack cried, clinging to his mother.
Elizabeth held her son, rocking him gently while Nathan stood beside them, rubbing his back. Allie hovered nearby, at a loss as to how to comfort her little brother.
"No one is taking your mom anywhere," Nathan vowed, wrapping his arm around both of them. He reached for Allie, tugging her into the embrace. "She is staying right here, with you and me and Allie. I promise."
Jack turned his head to look at Nathan, not loosening his grip on Elizabeth. "No more Mr. Boo-shard?" he asked.
"No, sweetheart," Elizabeth soothed, kissing his forehead. "The only men I plan to go anywhere with are you and Daddy Nathan."
"Good," Jack stated, nodding his head for emphasis. "I don't like Mr. Boo-shard."
Another note: I did some admittedly brief research and could not find out how long it should take to travel across Canada by train in 1919. As a common consensus in other fanfics has been three days, that's what I'm sticking with. I know Jack and Sargent somehow made it from HV to Hamilton and back in a couple of days in 1915, but that is just a little too unrealistic for me. If you know the actual answer, feel free to message me and I will correct my timelines.