Chapter 35

The walk back to the café was very slow. Jack and Elizabeth just weren't interested in leaving each other. Jack fell in love with holding Elizabeth while he slept. When she snuck into the bedroom, he knew it wasn't right. However, he loved the feeling of holding her throughout the night. He didn't want to wish her goodnight. Therefore, he walked slowly back to town.

When Elizabeth stepped onto the café porch by the side door, she turned to watch Jack take the last step. She slowly stepped toward Jack. She placed her hands on his chest. The fire inside of her was still simmering from the time on the couch. In her nervousness, she began to play with Jack's shirt button. While her face was facing his chest, she looked up with her eyes only.

"Jack…I love you. I'm sorry I pushed things too far earlier."

"Elizabeth…I was the one who pushed you. I'm sorry."

Both of them let out a slow breath. Each of them wasn't struggling with lust. They were trying to control their passion. That passion was raging inside of them. It was almost to the point of consuming them both. The passion between them had been controlled over the last three years. Since they fully gave their hearts to one another without holding anything back, the passion only grew in intensity. It was important for them to do this the right way. It was just getting difficult to hold the passion back.

Jack placed his finger under Elizabeth's chin and gently raised her face to look at him.

"I love you with all that I am."

"I love you, Jack."

Slowly, and keeping the passion under control, Jack leaned forward and place a gentle kiss on Elizabeth's lips. She gasped at the gentleness of Jack's actions.

"I'll see you in the morning?"

"Yes."

"May we talk about the temporary posting?"

"Sure."

With one more gentle kiss, Jack raised her hand and kissed the pack of her hand. "Elizabeth, I believe we should get married soon."

"Yeah…"

"I don't like leaving you at the end of the day anymore. You spoiled me last night."

"Yeah…" Elizabeth whispered. "We're getting married next Friday."

"Yeah…about that…" Jack spoke slowly. "What if we moved that up to Thursday?"

"That's a great idea, Jack. But I have a better idea."

"Yeah…?"

"We're getting married on Wednesday."

"You always have the best ideas." Jack smiled. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"Goodnight Jack."

"Goodnight Bella."

Jack continued to hold Elizabeth. He just didn't want to let her go. He leaned his forehead against hers and just inhaled a deep breath. He just wanted to be in his person's presence.

With one last kiss on Elizabeth's forehead, Jack turned to walk away but stopped on the top step. "I'll leave the door unlocked." Her breath caught in her throat at his flirting. Jack smiled when her face turned red instantly.

…

Jack followed his nose down the stairs after a restless night's sleep. JJ was his usual brutal self while sleeping. Jack lost count of how many times the little guy kicked him. Jack wasn't certain what he was smelling, but it smelled heavenly. Jack heard humming coming from the kitchen.

"Good morning, Jack. Take a seat and I'll get you some coffee."

"Thank you, Mrs. P, but you don't have to get me coffee. That smells great. What is it?"

"It's bacon and French toast."

"I've never had French toast."

"It was one of Elizbeth's favorites growing up."

"It looks better than it smells." Jack inhaled a deep breath.

"Is JJ awake?"

"He is. He's getting dressed."

"Did you rest well?"

Jack frowned at her question. "That little guy was brutal kicking me all night."

Mrs. P laughed. "Kids can do that. Was there another reason you didn't rest well?" Teased Mrs. P.

"What do you mean?" Jack asked until he looked up and saw her teasing expression. "Never mind."

"It's amazing how quickly you can become used to something." Mrs. P stated as she sat down a plate full of French toast and bacon. She also placed a bottle of syrup beside the French toast.

"Where is Mr. P?"

"He said he has a project that he needed to work on today."

"Have you thought anymore about moving here?"

"We have. Elizabeth said she would be ok if we did. I believe we will begin looking for something today."

"That's great." Jack smiled when he took a bite. "Oh my gosh, that is delicious."

"Thank you Jack."

"You may need to speak with Elizabeth today."

"Ok. Is everything alright?"

"Yes. We have moved up the wedding to Wednesday." Jack's face turned a little red.

"That's a good idea…especially after last night."

Jack's head shot up quickly.

"Relax. My husband didn't say anything. I was on the top of the steps. The water Jacob came down to get was for me. We didn't want to embarrass you two."

"Thank you."

"You two need to be careful. It is great to experience that." She gave Jack a knowing smile. "But that needs to be done in the scope of a marriage."

"Yes ma'am. Nothing like that happened. I wouldn't do that."

"I know. Just be careful. When passion leads love, sometimes common sense and knowing what is right loses to the passion of the moment. When love leads passion…Jack, there isn't anything in this world that can compare to that moment."

Jack nodded his head. "Thank you, Mrs. P."

"Sure Jack." Mrs. P walked toward him. "I know Jacob and I are getting to know you. Jack, I think you are an honorable man." She leaned over and kissed him on top of the head. "Now, you need to finish your breakfast. You have a busy day today."

"Thank you, Mrs. P."

…

Grace was sitting with Julie and Tom. She was trying to get closer to Julie and begin the process of learning about Tom. She just knew what her husband told her. She was determined to make up her own mind about what she knew concerning people.

Abagail and Frank were sitting in the corner enjoying a cup of coffee. He was about to leave to visit a couple of farmers that were on the edge of town. They haven't been in town for a couple of Sundays. Jack told Frank that he should visit them. They were alright, but a pastor's visit would be nice. Frank almost had Abagail convinced, but she had to go to the mayor's office for a few things.

Jack was approaching the jail. He had plans to meet with Elizabeth just after nine to discuss his temporary posting. He wanted to hear Elizabeth's voice on the matter.

As he walked in, he noticed Superintendent Jackson and Sargeant Adams sitting at his desk. Constables Jackson, Richardson, Franks, Williams, and Reed were all standing throughout the jail. They looked busy this morning. It made Jack wonder what was going on.

Lewis and Charles were each sitting on the opposite ends of the cots. Neither of them looked happy. Gowan was his moody self. William sat on the edge of his cot looking like he has the weight of the world laying squarely on his shoulders.

Franks walked up to Jack. In a whisper, he stated. "Everyone is on edge this morning. Jackson received a telegram that has made him upset."

"And that has caused all of this?" Jack stated looking around at all the tension in the room.

"Yes, if he's unhappy, everyone will be unhappy." Franks gave Jack a slight smile.

Jack walked up to his desk and stood in front of it. He noticed a file marked, Prisoner Transfer.

"Sir, what is the latest on the transport? These men have been in my jail long enough."

"Yes, Thorton. The transport team will be leaving in the morning. Everyone will be going with them except me." Jackson stated. I will be staying for the ceremony for you. It will be tomorrow afternoon after these men leave."

"Yes sir."

"Constable, may we speak privately?"

"Yes, sir."

"Let's go to the backroom."

Jack nodded his head for the superior officer to walk first. After closing the door, Jackson began speaking.

"Let's talk casually."

Jack nodded his head.

"Jack, have you made up your mind about reenlisting?"

"I am leaning in a direction, but I haven't talked with Elizabeth yet."

"Care to tell me?"

"Not until I speak with Elizabeth first. She is my fiancé, and we need to work things out first. As soon as we do, I will inform you."

Jackson huffed. He really wanting to know Jack's intention. The telegram came from his superior officer informing Jackson that Jack's reported leaving the mounties better be a joke. He was firmly unhappy with the news. Jack would never know it, but he was a rising star within the mounties. While there were some that believed Jack was only a mountie because of his father's death in the line of duty, no one believes that now. Jack has earned his spot within the Mounties' ranks. His arrests in Hope Valley have been impressive. The academy was using his use of the tablecloths as a teaching tool for the students to think of their surroundings and use what you have. There were times when you had to think differently and be resourceful.

Jackson's superior came down on him pretty hard over the reasoning of Jack's potential departure. Jackson really didn't initiate Jack's temporary posting, but he was all for it when he heard of the recommendation. His superior officer approved of Jack's permanent posting to Hope Valley. If Jack was not going to reenlist due to Jackson's approval of the temporary posting, the superior officer would come crashing down on his head like a Western Canada hailstorm.

"Jack…"

"Sir, you have placed me in a position that we discussed at length in your office weeks ago. You assured me I wouldn't be leaving, now you are telling me that I will be leaving for a good length of time. I can't leave my family like that."

"Jack, the mounties are made up of men who leave their families all the time."

"Yes sir, but JJ has experienced a tragedy with losing both his parents. That has only been a few weeks ago."

"What's your plan if you leave?"

"Sir, I need to speak with Elizabeth before I inform you of that decision. We haven't spoken about it yet. I'm not sure what I would do if I left the mounties."

"Jack, we can't lose you as a mountie."

Jack nodded his head. This was hard on Jack. He has only dreamed of being a mountie. It's all he has ever wanted to do. He desired to follow in his father's footsteps in making his own path as a mountie on his own. He felt he was doing that very thing. However, his heart has changed with the addition of that little boy. Then with his reconnection with Elizabeth, he couldn't stomach the thought of leaving for weeks.

…

"So, Tom, what are you doing?"

"Mrs. Thatcher, I'm working at a rock quarry. In another month or so, I should be in line for a raise. They are happy with my work."

"That's great Tom. And you, Julie, are going back to school?"

"I am. I will have about two years left."

"I believe fashion design is a great choice for you. That is something you love."

Grace, Tom, and Julie sat at the table and had a great conversation for a good hour. Grace asked a lot of questions and Tom and Julie were happy to answer. This was the first time in a long time Julie could remember a conversation like this.

"Mother, how are you doing?"

"I'm trying to get my feet under me, dear. A lot has happened in the last few days. I can't believe William would do what he did. It just doesn't make sense to me."

"Yes. I can't believe it either. Father was always a little head strong, but this is completely out of character. How is father?"

"I'm not sure. We are having to wait until he arrives in Medicine Hat and speaks to the prosecutor there. Jack thinks he can work out a plea deal for less time." Grace just couldn't say the word 'prison'.

"That's great. Please let me know if I can help you in anyway."

"Thank you."

…

Elizabeth was standing in the middle of the schoolhouse looking around. She was imagining the wedding ceremony next week. She really didn't know if she could wait that long. The times with Jack grew more intimate with every moment. The physical times have certainly become more intimate. She was grateful for the passion, but knew they had to keep that in check until after the ceremony. She thought upon those moments with great fondness and anticipation of what would come, but that wasn't the only intimacy she was thinking about. Just their time together doing anything brought them closer. From watching JJ play across the road in the field to washing dishes together. They were growing closer each time they were together.

Elizabeth read all of that in books, but she never knew that could be true in real life. She would read a couple of Julie's romance novels and one or two from her Aunt Agatha, but regulated all of that to novels, not real life. With Jack and JJ, those intimate times were very real and very powerful.

Elizabeth closed her eyes, and she could see the decorations and the flowers in the church. She smiled knowing her and Jack was going to be married in the church he built for the town. She imagined the archway across the front of the church with wildflowers intertwined throughout. She could imagine Cat playing the piano. She smiled seeing Jack standing in front of the church. Everything was beautiful in her mind. She was secretly grateful that her and Jack's wedding would be the first wedding in the church. To her, it just seemed proper.

Elizabeth looked up when she heard boots on the wooden floor. She let out a contended sigh when she saw Jack walking in her direction.

"Good morning, beautiful."

"Good morning, Jack. How are you?"

"I'm good. I've missed you."

"Me too. You sleep well?"

"No. JJ kicked me all night."

"Poor baby." She reached up and ran her hand slowly down his cheek.

"Do you have a few minutes to talk? I need to meet with Abagail shortly. She wants to discuss a few things."

"Sure. Would you like to sit here or outside on the front steps?"

"Are you ok with outside? It's a beautiful day."

"Sure." Before leaving, she glanced over her shoulder at the corner she always looks at before leaving. Her smile grew knowing what she was looking at.

"So, what's on your mind?" Elizabeth asked as they sat down on the top step. She reached for Jack's hand as she asked the question. She thought she knew what he wanted to discuss, but she wanted him to take the lead since he wanted to speak to her.

"Well, what are you thinking about the temporary assignment?"

"Well, I'm not happy about it, but I think we can make it work. I don't want to wait to get married for two months, but I will wait."

"We could get married before if I leave."

"Jack, I don't want to get married and be married for one day and then you leave for two months. As hard as it will be, I would rather wait until you come back. I want to spend some time with you after our wedding."

Jack smiled. He really wanted that too.

"What if I refuse the order?"

"Can you really do that?"

"I can. I can appeal the order. I have a good cause to appeal the order due to Superintendent Jackson granting me Hope Valley as my permanent assignment."

"How will that affect you within the mounties? Will it hurt your career?"

"It will cause me some issues. Promotions would be more difficult and probably fewer and longer time in between them. Even if I win the case, there is usually some type of blow back as a result. People's feelings get hurt and their egos become part of the equation."

"Jack, you can't do that to your career. You have worked too hard to get to where you are to throw it all away. We will just have to make it work.

Jack lowered his head. "My reenlistment is up soon. I could retire." He knew where she stood on this before asking her.

"Jack…that's not an option. You are called to be a mountie. I couldn't ask that of you just like you couldn't ask me to walk away from teaching. It is part of you. You can't do that."

Jack tightened his hold on Elizabeth's hand. She leaned her head against his shoulder.

"We'll make it work. We'll wait to get married. I will stay with JJ at the row house. That way he isn't uprooted for two months. Is that ok with you? I believe it would be easier for him. While you are gone, he would still have his home. Just make sure you write to him, and me, very often. I think JJ and I will be ok."

Jack laid his cheek on top of Elizabeth's head. She was willing to work to accomplish what is best for them. It was no longer Jack or Elizabeth. It was them together working toward one primary goal…their family.

"We'll have the ceremony the day after you come home. Just let me know and I will have everything ready. While you're gone, I can move my things into the row house. When you come back, I'll stay with Abagail the night before the wedding. Everything will already be settled at home."

"I don't like the sound of that."

"I don't either, but it is where we are at. I believe this is the best option available for us. This also allows me to grow closer to JJ. We'll make it work. I promise."

Jack took a deep breath. He wasn't happy with the situation at all.

"Your father will be transported tomorrow to Medicine Hat. He will be in front of a judge within a week. That's when the D. A. will be involved with him personally. They will meet with

Mr. Lewis following his appearance with the judge. That's when they will discuss any possible plea deals."

Elizabeth nodded her head.

"I wish I knew what will happen, but I just don't. It will depend on what the D. A. wants to do. Then it will depend on your father."

"Thanks Jack. We need to talk with Mr. Lewis and let him know that we both will take over the company. We will work it together."

"I guess we should do that before he leaves with your father. We should do that sometime today."

"Have you seen him?"

"I haven't. I'm sure I will. I will tell him that we need to speak to him concerning your decision. Your mother was at the café with Tom and Julie."

"How was that going?"

"Good. They were having a civil conversation."

They sat on the top step talking through some things. The conversation continued with her father and Jack's possible temporary assignment. Elizabeth discussed with Jack her thoughts on JJ and his gift for numbers. They shared a few more thoughts on the wedding. Elizabeth tried to convince Jack to share where they were going on their honeymoon, but Jack was adamant about not sharing that information, which drove Elizabeth crazy. She didn't like not knowing.

Throughout their whole discussion, they never released their hold on each other. For Jack and Elizabeth, this was an intimate time together. They were alone just talking. When JJ is around, he would carry most of the conversation or would be with Elizabeth or Jack. They loved that time with him. It felt like a family, but they also freely admitted that they needed this time too. Just the two of them. They even discussed how to do that once they were married.

"What time do you meet with Abagail?"

"In about twenty minutes. Would you like to walk with me?"

"Sure. I'll walk you to the mayor's office. Then I'm going to go to my room and begin to pack a few things."

"Perfect."

"Are you ok with everything? Elizabeth asked.

"I am the best I can be. You?"

"I want you happy. I will follow you anywhere. We do this life together, as one."

Jack nodded his head. "As one."

…

"So, you ok with getting married after Jack and Elizabeth?"

"I am." Abagail smiled. She was in Frank's embrace standing behind the mayor's desk. They weren't too close, but they were in each other's arms.

"Then we will take a small honeymoon."

"That sounds lovely. Any thoughts on the honeymoon?"

"I have some thoughts." He playfully smirked.

Abagail playfully smacked his chest. "I bet you aren't willing to share those thoughts, are you?"

His smirk gave her the frustrating answer. "Nope." He sassed with a laugh.

"You shouldn't keep secrets from your wife."

"That's easy, you're not my wife yet. When you become my wife, I will share that information with you."

"That's not funny, Pastor." She swatted his chest again.

"So, does that mean we can get married sooner?" He wiggled his eyes.

"Excuse me." Jack sassed. "Is this the type of things I can walk into at any given time in this office?" Jack's teasing expression was in full view.

Abagail laid her head down on Frank's chest. Frank kissed the top of her head.

"If I'm lucky, then yes." Frank playfully sassed.

"Good grief." Whispered Abagail with embarrassment.

"Frank, I believe I have an appointment with your fiancé."

"Oh, right." Frank stepped back. He kissed Abagail on the cheek. "May I see you later?"

"Certainly."

"Jack, is Elizabeth at the church?"

"No. she is in her room."

"Great. I"ll be at the church doing some work."

"Hey Jack. How are you today?"

"I'm fine Mayor Abagail." Jack teased as he nodded at Frank and walked to the chair in front of Abagail's desk.

"Jack…we have talked about the title before. You agreed you wouldn't say that anymore."

"In reality, Mayor Abagail, I didn't agree to that. You told me I wasn't going to call you that anymore." Jack sassed with a little brother's tone.

"Fine." Abagail huffed. "Let's begin with the issue with Gowan and Lee."

"Ok. What's on your mind, Mayor Abagail." Jack teased.

"I have spoken with Sargeant Adams. We have quickly reviewed the town's ledger with Gowan's private papers. We don't have a final total yet, but the mounties will be refunding the money we know as of today. It will not be all of it, but it will be a beginning. We also have a temporary total of what he stole from the town. We will be given a check for that amount as well. Once headquarters have a final total, the town and Lee will be given what is due them."

"That's great, Mayor Abagail. I know the town and Lee could use it. I'm almost certain part of Mr. Thatcher's sentence will be complete reimbursement of the cost of damages to the mill. That will include any expenses related to repairing the mill and lost work time."

"That's great. Now, I have a couple of other things I would like to speak to you about."

"Great. What do you have for me?"

…

Elizabeth walked into the café. She noticed JJ was sitting with her mother. He was adamantly telling a story. Grace was sitting on the edge of her seat listening to the boy. JJ had this way of drawing you in. No one was immune to him.

Grace let out a laugh when JJ finished. "That sounds like my Beth."

"You call her Beth?" JJ asked.

"I do. It's like your name is Jack, but your daddy called you JJ. It's kind of like a nickname."

"Did mommy have any other nicknames?"

"Don't you dare answer that question, mother!" Elizabeth stated as she stepped closer to the table.

Grace leaned closer to JJ to whisper to him. "We'll talk later." She grinned at the little boy.

"Thank you." JJ stood and gave her a hug. He turned his attention to Elizabeth. "Hey mommy. When are you and daddy getting married?" JJ asked all the time. He was so anxious for them to be a family.

"Well, we have decided to move it up to Wednesday."

"Wednesday?" Grace gasped.

"Yes mother. We are getting married on Wednesday. Most things are already planned. Everything is ready."

"I would dare say you two will get married before Wednesday." Stated Mrs. P as she walked in from the kitchen. She was helping at the café while Abagail was at the mayor's office. Since Abagail wouldn't let her pay for meals, she felt she needed to do this to help.

"Mrs. Pacifico…" Grace stated. "Do you really think so?"

"I do, Mrs. Thatcher. Especially after last night."

Elizabeth's head popped up looking at Mrs. P. She knew her mentor's facial expression.

"Oh…" Elizabeth lowered her head.

"Don't be embarrassed, but I asked Jack to be careful."

Elizabeth nodded her head. Her face was completely red. Mrs. P took Elizabeth's hand as she sat down a cup of tea.

"It's ok. I promise. I fully understand. Just be careful. You have waited this long; these few remaining days will go back quickly."

"Not quick enough." Whispered Elizabeth.

Mrs. P gave Elizabeth's hand a squeeze. She knew exactly what Mrs. P was telling her.

"So, if you are getting married on Wednesday, we need to get planning done on a couple of things."

"Ok. Let's do this." Elizabeth sat down at the table.

"Mommy, can I go out and play?"

"May you go out and play?"

"That's what I asked." Grinned JJ. Elizabeth could only shake her head at his teasing.

"Sure. No playing in the pond." Elizabeth emphasized the word 'in'.

"Fine." Pouted JJ to everyone's laugher.

As he walked out of the room, Grace called for him. JJ turned around and looked in her direction.

"We used to call her Floppy when Beth was four."

"Mother!" Squealed Elizabeth.

"Oh, I forgot about that. That's a good one." Mrs. P laughed.

"Floppy?" Questioned JJ. He began to walk back to the table. "I think I would rather hear this than play at the pond."

Elizabeth rolled her eyes and then shot her mother an exacerbated look.

"What? It's a grandparent's right to spoil their grandbaby."

Elizabeth sat stunned. She didn't think her mother would ever think that way toward JJ. She didn't think she would ever shun JJ, but she didn't think her family would accept him like this.

"I'm trying, and I'm beginning to see things I haven't seen before." Grace lowered her head a little. "Plus, that little boy just captures your heart, and he won't let it go."

All the ladies nodded their heads at what Grace stated as JJ climbed on Elizabeth's lap. He settled into his mother's lap and arms like always. He loved sitting like that. Elizabeth wrapped her arms around his little body. "Now, no telling your daddy this story."

JJ nodded his head. He was eager to hear the story.

"When your mother was four, if she didn't get her way, she would just flop on the ground and pitch an awful tantrum."

"You didn't?" Gasped JJ.

"I was four." Defended Elizabeth.

"She only did it a few times."

"What made you stop?"

"Mother spanked me." Elizabeth whined.

"I think that was the only time I spanked you." Grace stated thoughtfully.

"It was all you needed to do."

"Floppy…"

"JJ…" Warned Elizabeth.

…

Jack and Abagail discussed the transportation of all the prisoners. They discussed his and Elizabeth's wedding plans. Abagail was getting excited about their wedding. She has been waiting for this for three years now. She knew they had belonged together for a long time. They just couldn't get out of their own way.

"That's great, Jack."

"Thank you. So, when are you and the pastor getting married?"

"Not long after you two. We just want to wait until you two get back from your honeymoon."

"You know, you can get married the day after. We could leave for our honeymoon the next day."

"Jack, I'm not asking for you two to postpone your honeymoon. Even for a day."

"You aren't asking. Elizabeth doesn't know yet, but we aren't planning to leave until the next day. I couldn't arrange it any earlier, especially since we moved it up a couple of days."

"Oh…"

"See, you won't be asking us to do something we wasn't going to do anyways. As long as you don't get married late in the day."

"We're talking about a noon wedding."

"That will work for us."

"Let me talk to Frank."

"Fair enough."

"Where are you two going?"

"Well…I have things figured out and planned, but it's a surprise." Jack was unwilling to share the plans.

Abagail knew she wasn't going to get Jack to tell her. So, she moved on. "Now, I have some thoughts on the job duties of the sheriff. The first two years will be appointed by the mayor. Then the next three years will be suggested by the mayor and voted by the city council. After the first initial five years, it will be a voted position by the registered voters of Hope Valley every five years."

"That sounds like a good plan."

"We took some advice from the mounties and surrounding areas. The sheriff will be in control of all things Hope Valley. The mounties will still have a posting here, as you know, but the sheriff will be in charge. The mountie will work hand in hand with the sheriff. If there is anything concerning the Providence of Alberta, the mounties will be in charge."

"That's typically how things work. It usually works very well. Especially if the sheriff and mountie can work together well."

"I'm glad you are happy with this. Now, do you have any recommendations on job duties?"

"I do. The sheriff should take control of the rounds. He should be involved with the town people on a personal basis. The mountie may ride along with him, but the sheriff needs to be seen by the people often."

"Just like you." Abagail smiled.

Jack lowered his head at her compliment. "He should also have regular meetings with you. At least once a month if not more often. Certainly, more often if the need arises. The mayor and the sheriff need to work together for the betterment of Hope Valley."

"I like that. I feel the lines of communication should be open and free flowing."

"Yes, Mayor Abagail."

"Jack…" She warned him.

Jack ignored her glare and continued. "Technically, the town owns the building the jail is in. Since the town never had a sheriff, the mounties just took it over."

"So, that is the town's building?" Abagail asked a little surprised.

"Yes. It should house both the sheriff and the mounties. Both can have desks in there."

"That is easy enough. Now, do you have any recommendations for sheriff?"

"I do. Here is his resume. I have one recommendation."

…

"Lee, do you think this is doable?"

Lee looked over the sketch from Elizabeth and the plans from Mr. Johnston. He looked up to Mr. Pacifico and smiled. "Yes, it's doable. It will be about another week before we can begin cutting the wood. We are still catching up on orders. The earliest we could be caught up with is first of next week. Probably will be closer to end of next week."

"That's fine. Jack and Elizabeth are getting married next week. We can't get this done in two weeks."

"Well…" Mr. Johnston stated. "It may be doable in a month if the cards fall in our favor."

"What do you mean?"

"If the weather holds and we have enough help, we can get very close to having it accomplished."

"I have done that type of work before. Not necessarily building a new house, but a lot of repairs on Mr. Thatcher's place and mine. I'm willing to work on it." Mr. P stated.

"I'm sure a few men from the mill would be willing to work on it too. I know there are some men in town that Jack has helped that will want to work on it."

"It might be doable." Stated Mr. Johnston. "It will be a major undertaking, but just maybe…"

"Let's give it our best try." Lee stated. "I owe him everything."

"I don' think he sees it that way, Lee."

"Probably not, but I certainly think of it that way."

…

"Jack, I think you may have made a mistake."

"No mistake, Mayor Abagail." He smiled at her confusion.

"Jack, I asked if you had any recommendations for sheriff."

"I understand."

"Jack…"

"I have one recommendation."

"Jack…"

"Abagail, that's my resume. I would like to be considered for sheriff."

A/N:

As I wrote this chapter, I really thought it would be a big surprise for Jack to apply for sheriff of Hope Valley. I often thought this would be a curve ball no one saw coming. However, several people on Facebook guessed it right away a couple weeks ago. I was the one shocked that so many people figured it out so quickly. Some of you are really good at this. I'm not as secretive as I think I am.

Thank you for following this story. I hope it brings a smile to your day.

I have begun working on another J&E story. It is set in modern times. Jack and Elizabeth meet when he moves to Hamilton with his family. They are beginning their senior year in high school. I may post the first chapter in a week or so. A Misunderstanding will take priority until it is completed.