Chapter 14
Elizabeth felt bad for sitting on the stairs listening to Jack's and Abagail's conversation, but she was grateful she did. Elizabeth knew she couldn't change what happened in the past. She was grateful that she knew exactly what Jack was struggling with. The hurt and the uncertainty in his voice was all she could bear. It almost broke her physically and emotionally. Her world was crashing in around her until she heard the answer to Abagail's question. As she wiped several tears away, her smile grew. "He still loves me…I truly have a chance to show Jack that I love him and only him." She didn't care that the opportunity to show him her true heart was a huge uphill battle. She only concentrated on the fact that he couldn't walk away from her. That gave her all the hope she needed to pursue Jack. There was nothing that could force her to give up on Jack. Overhearing this conversation only gave her more hope.
The conversation also cemented in her mind that she needed to talk with Jack again. The previous conversation was just the beginning. She knew it would take more than just one discussion to fix all that she had done. She also knew, and was even more certain of, that she just had to love Jack in every opportunity she had with him. Her promise to him that he would never doubt her love for him was important. This conversation only reinforced that thought.
She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't know JJ was standing on the top step of the stairs. He looked at her for only a moment before heading down the steps toward her. She was brought out of her mind by the little boy's monstrous noise. JJ couldn't walk quietly down the stairs even if his life was dependent on it. Elizabeth quickly stood.
"Whatcha doing?"
Elizabeth turned around to see a smirking little boy. "Alright young man…first, you need to quit sneaking up on me." She playfully warned as she placed her hand on his shoulders.
"I was only walking down the steps. I didn't sneak up on you. You are always lost in your head daydreaming." JJ smirked a little with an adorable grin.
"Secondly…" Elizabeth continued. She wasn't going to let his cuteness and humor distract her. "It is 'what are you doing?' not 'whatcha doing?'" Elizabeth smirked with a full smile.
"Whatever you say, Ms. Elizabeth."
Elizabeth almost melted at the little sassy tone in his voice. His eyes just sparked as he enjoyed giving her a hard time.
"Now, let's go downstairs."
"Yes, ma'am." He put his hand around her waist and pulled her closer to him. She reciprocated the gesture falling deeper in love with this little guy.
"By the way…from this day forward, you are not allowed to place any living thing in your pockets ever again, understand?"
"What did I have in my pockets that were alive? The frog jumped out of my pocket before I came into Auntie Abagail's."
"Tadpoles." Elizabeth stated in a deadpan voice.
"Oh…I forgot about those."
"I didn't when I accidentally found them."
JJ couldn't keep from laughing at Elizabeth's facial expression.
…
"Hey Lee. Are you settled?"
"Hey pastor. I am. I'm just enjoying the nice breeze on this warm day."
Lee was sitting on the front porch in a rocking chair relaxing. His foot was hurting with the moving from the infirmary to his home. While he didn't place any weight on his foot, just the jostling around made it painful.
"I've been helping Jack on the incidents at the sawmill. Does anyone with you use blasting caps?"
"No. We cut down the wood ourselves or we purchase specific logs if a customer wants a certain type. We replant trees all the time, but we don't mess with the stumps. No one on my crew has any reason to work with blasting caps."
"Does people in your line of work ever use blasting caps?"
"None that I can think of. I'm sure there are some, but I have never used them. It just isn't something I have use for. I know some companies that will purchase a piece of land that wants it cleared. They will call someone like me in to clear the land. Once we're done, we are usually gone before the blasting caps are used."
"I know Jack has asked, but can you think of anyone who would have an issue with you or your mill?"
"I can't think of anyone. I have a good crew and the work is good and busy. My closest competitor is too far away to be an issue. We are not after the same wood areas. We get along well."
"Thanks Lee. Let me know if you need anything."
"I will pastor. Thanks."
…
"Nurse Faith Carter?"
"Yes, ma'am. I am Nurse Faith Carter. How may I help you?"
"Nurse Carter, my name is Charlette Thornton. I am Jack and Tom's mother."
"Oh Ms. Thornton. It is so great to meet you. Jack and Tom have spoken very highly of you."
"I just wanted to thank you for taking such great care of my son, Tom."
"You're welcome, Ms. Thornton. I enjoyed getting to know your sons. I just wished it was under different circumstances."
"I hear rumors that you are moving here full time?"
"I am. I was offered the infirmary by the Buxton Regional Hospital. I am in charge of it while under the direction of a doctor who will be traveling through once a month."
"Jack tells me you are more than capable of such a posting. He speaks very highly of you."
"That's very kind of him to say that. I think the world of Jack."
Charlette smiled at the beautiful young woman. She was also beginning to wonder who this young lady was to Jack.
…
Jack looked up and lost his breath for a moment. Elizabeth and JJ had their arms around each other holding the other person close. He could see the love they had for each other. He knew at that moment that his hope of keeping them from growing closer to each other was mute. He didn't want them to become too close in case he and Elizabeth didn't work out. He didn't want JJ too attached to Elizabeth. He shook his head trying to fight back his emotions.
Jack raised his hand with the blasting cap in his hand. "Young man." Jack began a little too stern for Elizabeth's liking. She pulled JJ a little closer to her. "Where did you find this?"
JJ looked at the object and realized what it was. "I found it by the big old oak tree. I thought it looked different."
"What oak tree?"
"The one by the mill."
"The old squatters camp?" Gasped Abagail. She stopped knowing that she may have overstepped her place. JJ was Jack's boy and it was Jack's job to ask the questions. Not as a mountie, but as a dad.
"Yes, ma'am." JJ lowered his head. He knew he was in trouble for playing there when he wasn't supposed to be there.
"Didn't I tell you not to play there?"
"Yes, Mr. Jack. You did." JJ let go of Elizabeth's waist and broke free from her grasp. She wasn't so willing to let him go. She had an internal desire to protect this little boy. She also knew JJ wasn't supposed to be playing there. He had to learn his lesson, but she still had a huge desire to protect him.
Jack watched JJ walk toward him. He looked Jack in the eyes, but Jack could see he knew he was in trouble.
"We were playing and climbing the tree. When we climbed down, I tripped over a branch that was broken. When I stood to dust myself off, I found it."
"Was it beside a tent or where someone slept?"
"No, sir. It was out in the open by the small trail by the tree. I guess it was about twenty feet away from the base of the tree." JJ kept eye contact with Jack while speaking to him.
"Did you see anyone?"
"We did. I don't know who it was, but Robert has seen him around. He works at the mill."
This was the first time JJ was in trouble with Jack. Jack was trying to figure out how much he should punish JJ. All the kids knew they weren't supposed to play there, but all the parents knew the children did anyways.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Jack."
Jack looked at this little boy standing in front of him. He admired that JJ kept eye contact throughout the whole conversation. He stood tall even though Jack could see that he was scared. Jack was proud of him for taking responsibility and acting like a fine young man. Jack looked toward Abagail who was nonchalantly shaking her head no. Then his eyes turned to Elizabeth who was just standing behind JJ. Elizabeth took a couple of steps to stand behind JJ. She put her hands on his shoulders for support.
"I'm sure he is sorry, Jack. He knows he made a mistake." Elizabeth defended JJ.
Jack thought about it for a moment. He kneeled in front of his little boy. JJ followed Jack with his eyes.
"JJ…thank you for admitting where you were and what you were doing. I'm proud of you for standing up and telling me the truth. I know that must have been scary."
JJ nodded his head. Elizabeth tightened her hold on JJ.
"JJ, why were you playing where Jack has told you not to be there?" Elizabeth asked.
"That's the biggest tree in Hope Valley that we can climb. Most of those men are not around during the day. We thought it was safe enough since on one was there." JJ looked back and forth between Jack and Elizabeth. He felt like he was looking at his mother and father.
"You knew Jack said not too?"
"Yes, ma'am. I did know that."
"Will you do it again?" Elizabeth looked up into Jack's eyes. "Oh…I'm sorry Jack. I know it's not my place."
Jack nodded his head and looked at JJ when he began to speak.
"No, ma'am. No, sir. I will not do that again."
Jack gently squeezed JJ's biceps. Elizabeth wanted to reach down and touch Jack's hands. She hasn't touched him in over five weeks. It was physically killing her to be this close to Jack without touching him. For some reason, this moment felt like a family time together with just the three of them. She tried to keep her mind from thinking that, but it was too late.
"Is there anything else you need to tell me?"
"Evidently, I'm not allowed to put anything that's still living in my pockets anymore."
Jack hid his smirk as he looked at Elizabeth. "Well, you are allowed to do that as long as you tell us that you have done it. Ok?"
"Great!" JJ smiled. Jack intentionally avoided Elizabeth gasp and stare.
"Now, I appreciate you being honest with me. However, I can't let your actions slide by not punishing you."
"I understand." JJ stated.
"Jack…" Elizabeth and Abagail stated at the same time.
"Since you were honest with me and told me everything." Jack stated before both ladies continued with their statement. They knew they shouldn't have said anything, but this was their JJ. "The punishment will be a lot less then if you lied to me or didn't tell me all of it."
"I understand." JJ stated.
"No stories tonight after dinner. You will wash the dishes following dinner and then go to bed."
"Yes, sir! I can do that!" He was expecting a lot worse than that.
Elizabeth and Abagail smiled at Jack and then at JJ. They thought Jack handled everything very well. Abagail thought Jack did well punishing JJ, but keeping the punishment light since JJ was truthful and upfront with everything was perfect in her opinion. For Elizabeth, she thought Jack was the sexist man alive being a father. All she wanted to do was to kiss Jack senseless. She could still see that his shirt was a little wet from the sweat. That just brought the images to her mind of a few minutes ago when he was chopping wood. Her face was starting to turn red with the memories. This was the first time she didn't scold herself for having such thoughts. Her hand was just inches from his when he was holding JJ's arm. She should have just taken it.
"Are you ok? Your face is turning red."
Jack's words broke Elizabeth from her daydreams. "What?" She asked flustered.
"Are you ok Ms. Elizabeth? You have been doing that a lot lately."
"What do you mean?" Asked a concerned Jack.
"Well, earlier her and Abagail were staring out the front window toward the street at Mr. Yost's wagon and Ms. Elizabeth's face was a little red. Then just a few minutes ago, she was upstairs looking out the…"
"I'm fine, JJ." Elizabeth stated so quickly that everyone had trouble understanding her. Her eyes darted to Jack, but she was trying to avoid full eye contact.
"Alright young man let's say our goodbyes. We need to go home. I have evening rounds and dinner to make."
JJ smiled at Jack. He turned his attention to Abagail. "Thank you for everything, Auntie Abagail. I love you." He mentioned as he wrapped his arms around her waist.
She wrapped her arms around this little boy and kissed him on top of his head. "I love you, JJ."
JJ squeezed her one last time before letting her go. Then he turned his attention to Elizabeth. He ran the short distance to her enveloping her in his little arms. "Thank you for washing my clothes today and for everything you did for me." He squeezed extra hard around her waist to show her he loved her. "I love you, Ms. Elizabeth."
Elizabeth didn't even try to hide her tears. She pulled JJ a little closer to her and wouldn't let him go. "I love you, JJ." She kissed him on the top of his head. She kept her lips on him longer than was necessary. She just didn't want to lose contact with this precious little boy. After several seconds of holding each other, JJ finally let go but kept the touch between them.
"Ms. Elizabeth, may I see you tomorrow?"
"I sure hope so."
"I would ask you to come eat with use tonight, but Mr. Jack's cooking isn't the best." He leaned forward to whisper that part.
"Hey!" Jack stated. He tried to act offended.
"Plus, I'm in trouble and I have to go to bed after washing the dishes. We wouldn't have time to spend together."
Elizabeth melted at his little smirk. This little boy had her entire heart in the palm of his hand.
"Oh…I'm sorry about the tadpoles in my pocket. I'll let you know if there is anything in there from now on."
"Thank you." Elizabeth smiled and then hugged him again. Everyone in the room could easily see the love between them.
Jack stood back and watched the scene. Several emotions were running through his mind. He was a little nervous how deeply attached JJ was becoming to Elizabeth. He was sincere with his discussion with Abagail. He did love Elizabeth, but he was also cautious with her. He just didn't know her heart. The rational side of his brain was wrestling with the love side of his heart. He wasn't sure which side was winning. With his eyes open at the moment, the love side was winning. He could see the love between the two. However, when he closed his eyes, he could still hear her say 'yes' to Charles in the schoolhouse. He knew if Elizabeth would leave again with Charles, it would crush this little boy. JJ was already completely in love with Elizabeth.
Jack looked up into the eyes of Elizabeth who was looking at him. He felt like she was trying to look into his soul. She was trying to understand his facial expression. She was frustrated with herself that she had lost the ability to read him like her favorite book. Jack had a confused look on his face. She also thought he was battling something in his mind. She sighed at her frustration at his expression.
Their talk wasn't great, but it was a start. She wanted to talk with him again. She had to express to him that he was the one in her heart. She wanted him. She wanted a life with him with all of its challenges. That life was the only future she could see. She hesitantly, and without thinking, reached her left hand out to him. She was desperately wanting to touch him. She was standing too far away from him to touch him. She quickly drew her hand back when she realized what she was doing.
Jack and Elizabeth stood seven feet apart. They were lost in each other's eyes. They couldn't look away. They could not tell you how long the time frame was. When JJ let go of Elizabeth's hands, it broke the connection between her and Jack. Elizabeth felt like they had a moment.
…
True to his word, Jack made dinner for him and JJ. The young boy ate his food and then washed the dishes. He gave Jack a hug goodnight and went straight to bed. He didn't protest nor did Jack have to remind him. Jack came very close to changing his mind concerning JJ's punishment, but knew he had to stick to his word. He had to be consistent. His father taught him that.
Just like every night since JJ came to live with him, Jack spent a few minutes straightening up the living room. Jack swore the boy's things just multiplied during the day. Jack was beginning to appreciate his mother more since he was a single dad. He never understood how hard his mom worked until now.
Jack's day was tiring, but his mind was running too fast to shut down. He found a piece of paper and sat down at the kitchen table. He wanted to take a few moments to sketch something. That usually was the trick to slow his mind down. The key was to not think, but to just sketch whatever came to his hand. His head shot up when he heard a knock on the door. While it wasn't too late, it was too late for a visitor. He was afraid he was needed at the saloon.
"Ma…what are you doing her this late?"
"I was just walking around and found myself here."
"Come in. Would you like something to eat or some coffee?"
"Coffee would be great if you already have some but don't make any on my account." Charlette smiled as she walked through the door Jack was holding open.
"I'll have some in just a moment."
Both settled at the table after Jack placed a cup of coffee for his mother along with a small plate of chocolate chip cookies.
"You baked cookies?" Asked a surprised Charlette.
Jack laughed. "Oh heavens no. Abagail always sends cookies home with JJ. She spoils that boy beyond measure."
"She loves that little guy."
"She does. I wouldn't know what do to without her. JJ stays with her a lot during the day while I'm working."
"He does. I also find that he spends a lot of time with Elizabeth." Charlette stated with a small amount of teasing.
Jack didn't answer her. He only looked in her direction wondering what she was trying to get at. His mother was never one to pull any punches.
"I spoke with Nurse Carter today." Charlette changed the subject. She smiled when Jack gave the same expression as a child when he was trying to figure her out.
"She's a great nurse. Hope Valley is blessed to have her as the nurse."
"She's the same nurse that looked after your brother after his car accident."
"She is."
"That's when you met her?"
"It was." Jack looked at her skeptically. "Why all the questions about Faith?"
"You call her Faith?"
"Ma…" He stated in a warning tone. "Just say what you came here to say."
"What makes you think I came here with an agenda?" She looked away when she noticed Jack's expression. She knew she was caught.
"First, when you answer a question with a question. You do that to avoid answering it. Secondly, I have known you my whole life. I know you." He sassed with a grin.
"Fine." Charlette huffed. "What is going on with you and Elizabeth and with you and Faith?"
…
Elizabeth sat on the edge of her bed thinking. So many thoughts were running through her mind. The moments with JJ during the day were amazing. She never liked washing clothes, but washing JJ's clothes was just different. She loved every moment of it except finding the tadpoles. The hug with him before he and Jack left was special. She could still feel his little arms wrapped around her. The extra squeeze from him just melted her. She wiped away a joyous tear with the memories.
Her attention was then taken back to Jack. His hand was just within inches of hers. She could almost feel his touch. She missed the feeling of his hands. She took it for granted, but not anymore. She knew she missed out on so many things. Her mind traveled back to their talk yesterday. While it was contentious, she felt Jack had to let out his emotions. There was still a lot of ground to cover and make up for, but she honestly felt they took the first step of that journey. She just wished it was a bigger step.
Overhearing Jack's and Abagail's discussion was helpful. She knew what she needed to concentrate on to show Jack her true heart. She was convinced he still loved her but was concerned she may have let things go too far. She was just praying it wasn't. She sighed at the thought of Jack declaring to her on top of the hill that he chose her instead of Rosemary. Now she knew she allowed Rosemary to come between her and Jack to some degree. Her inexperience in courting caused her jealousy and uncertainty. She knew Jack cared for her, but all she could see was Rosemary's past with Jack.
The racing from thought to thought lasted for an hour. It was exhausting. She stood to change clothes for bed. When she opened her drawer to find a certain sleeping gown, she felt something on the bottom of the drawer. She picked up the piece of paper and unfolded it. She smiled at the memory it created. Shortly after their little rowboat ride when she jumped into Jack's arms because of the spider on her shoulder, Jack drew her a little sketch of a spider in the air as she was jumping into his arms. The smile on his face was huge. She admired it for a moment. She could still feel his arms around her. His smell was still present and the grin on his face made her desire for him to only grow.
Then the memories of him chopping firewood came to mind. She had to shake her head to stop herself from pondering on those images too long. She looked at the sketch one more time. "Elizabeth, you have missed out on so much with Jack, but not anymore." She stated out loud to herself. "You will no longer mope around and do nothing. This is your life. Quit wasting it away on moping around and hoping things will change. Live your life the way you want it and with whom you want." Her smile grew. "Jack Thornton, you will be my husband soon and we will be a family with JJ." She stated with great confidence. She made her mind up at that moment that she was done sitting around defeated. She was going to start taking her life into her own hands.
…
"Ok…" Jack drew out. The two questions were a little surprising to him. "First, Faith is a good friend. I met her when she was taking care of Tom. We have a lot in common and we developed a friendship quickly. She's nice and is a great nurse. We are lucky to have her here. Plus, I'm grateful to have a friend close by."
"And…?"
"And what?" Jack asked back.
"How do you feel for her?"
"I just told you."
Charlette huffed. "You know exactly what I meant, young man."
"She is a friend, end of story. Elizabeth was jealous of her while she was watching over Tom, but she had no reason too."
"Does Faith have feelings for you?"
"I don't know, Ma. We have never discussed it."
"Could you have feelings for her?"
Jack thought about it for a little bit before answering. "As of now, no. I'm so confused with Elizabeth that I don't know what to think. Given enough time, maybe. I think any man would be blessed to have Faith's attention. She's great and beautiful, but I'm not ready for anything like that."
Charlette nodded her head. She knew her son was being honest. She could read him like an open book.
"And Elizabeth?"
"That's much more complicated." He stated softly.
"I heard about her and JJ's time together tonight."
"Yeah…I'm afraid they may be getting too close." Jack stated slowly in deep thought.
"I believe they are already close, almost like a family. You must see that, son. Elizabeth enjoys spending time with JJ as much as he does with her."
"Don't you think it may be too soon for them to connect so well?"
"Son, what is it that you expect from Elizabeth?"
That was Jack's hesitation. He knew what he wanted with her. He wanted a family. He wanted a future. He wanted a lifetime. However, he didn't know what she wanted.
"I'm just worried he is getting too attached to her."
"You listen to me, and you listen good." She stated with her mom face.
He hated her mom face. Her eyes would close to a small slit where he could only see a small part of her eye color. Her vein would pop out in her neck and her face would turn a slight red. Along with all of that, her left fist would ball up and rest on her hip. While all of that was bad, what he hated the most was that she was always right.
"Elizabeth is doing everything right. She loves that little boy. He has a place in her heart. I see the way she looks at you and she is doing everything right with you. She wants more from you but she is keeping her word and giving you time. What are you waiting for? I see it in your eyes and how you look at her. Son, you don't want time."
"Ma, things are different now with JJ. It's not just me. He is part of the equation, and I don't want his heart to be broken if she chooses that man and Hamilton."
"Jack, you're an idiot! She has already chosen you and chooses you every day. It's time you make up your mind." With that statement, she stared at her oldest son.
Jack felt like a little boy again. There was only one thing worse than her mom face, it was her mom stare. As a boy, he always was worried she would stare a hole through him. As an adult, he felt the same way.
He started to say something, but she put up her hands to stop him. "That's enough. You either ride or get out of the saddle. Elizabeth has admitted she made a mistake and has apologized for it. She has also corrected it as far as I am concerned. Get your head out of the past and see what you have in your present."
Charlette never had a problem with stating her mind. Jack was always grateful for that, but he also hated it when it was directed at him.
"Jack," Charlette stated with a calm voice. "You need to see the Elizabeth that is in front of you today, not the Elizabeth of yesterday." With that, she turned around and left the room.
"Ma…" Jack stated. "Why did you come here yelling at me? You act like I am a bad guy for wanting to think this through."
"Jack, I didn't come here to yell at you."
"Ma, you called me an idiot. I am tired of being the bad guy. You are acting like Elizabeth did this years ago. It wasn't! It was only a few weeks ago. She lied to me. She left with a guy who proposed marriage to her. She spent intimate time with him after his proposal. She was gone for weeks, and I never heard anything from her."
"Jack…"
"No Ma…I have always respected you and I love you, but you can't come here and yell at me because I have doubts. Of course I have doubts. Elizabeth has given me every reason to question everything. Yet, you come here accusing me of dragging my feet and making her jump through hoops. Elizabeth made me prove myself for weeks to show her I wasn't interested in Rosemary. All the while, I tried my best to avoid Rosemary and Elizabeth knew that. Elizabeth did not try to avoid Mr. Kensington. She left on his arm."
"I know." Charlette whispered. She knew Jack was right, but he had never spoken to her like this.
"She went out on dates with that man. They spent numerous intimate times together. I went to propose to her the day I walked in to see Mr. Kensington on his knee. I told her that I loved her. I did everything in my power to show her that I love her. Yet, she leaves with her childhood friend who just proposed. He escorted her to all those dances they attended together. She danced countless dances with him. He would escort her home and kiss her before leaving. Somehow, I'm entirely in the wrong here." Jack stated shaking his head. "She had weeks to work through her thoughts and feelings with Rosemary, yet I only have one day. JJ's heart is part of this decision. That little boy just lost his whole family not long ago. I believe he is adjusting well, but he is still working through things. What if he gets too attached to Elizabeth and then she just leaves when he shows up again?"
"I don't think she will do that."
"She already has!" Jack huffed. "JJ's heart would be crushed if she left. How can I fix that?"
They stood staring at each other in silence. Charlette knew she overstepped with Jack's outburst.
"Son." She began slowly. "I can see the love between the two of you when you are looking at each other. I see the love she has for you when she talks about you, and you do the same with her. I know she messed up. She has admitted to it, but Jack, you can't hold that against her forever."
"I'm not, Ma. It's been one day since we talked…one day. I think I should be entitled to more than one day to make sure she knows her heart. You may see the love in her eyes, but that love didn't keep her from accepting his proposal and leaving with him the next day. Even if she didn't accept his proposal, she still left with him the next day knowing full well what he thought and wanted. While still knowing that, she spent so much time with that man. What in the world am I supposed to think? If I had done that with Rosemary, she would have completely written me off years ago. Somehow, she gets a complete pass. If I would had done what she did and you would have found out about it, you would have whipped me and then you would have probably hung me."
Charlette chuckled at the last part. "I probably wouldn't have hung you, but you would have received a whipping."
Jack grinned. "So, have you whipped Elizabeth yet?" He sassed.
Charlette lowered her eyes. Her heart was torn. She liked Elizabeth and thought she was perfect for her son. She knew Jack loved her. However, Elizabeth has caused the majority of the issues they are facing. She had to allow her son to work through the issue in his time frame and in his own way.
"Promise me you will give Elizabeth the opportunity to show you what she wants to show you."
"I hope you are right, Ma. I hope she is sincere in what she says. I hope…" His voice trailed off.
"I believe you will be surprised at what is in her heart."
Jack nodded his head. He was truly hoping his mom was right about Elizabeth, but he just didn't know.
A/N:
In celebration of my birthday today, I was able to finish and post this chapter. I hope you enjoy it. Thank you for following this story. Have a great day!