Chapter 7

Jack looked up from his book when he noticed the train slowing down. He leaned to look out the window and noticed a train station in the distance. Over the last few weeks when Jack had downtime, he would only think about Elizabeth. He would replay that evening with Charles and her in the schoolhouse. He would think about his and Elizabeth's time in the mine. He just couldn't figure out the whole situation. His mind would think back on their first kiss on the hill top. Along with the last few times on his daily rounds, this train ride wasn't consumed with thoughts of Elizabeth. He was a little proud of himself. Elizabeth was still in his thoughts, but not as consuming as she was. Especially over the last week, he noticed his thoughts on Elizabeth was fewer and little less painful. He would describe them as remorseful that the relationship didn't work out. He was becoming ok with it to some degree.

Once the train stopped and the conductor gave the all clear sign, Jack stood and grabbed his bag. As a mountie, he traveled light. He reached for his second bag that had all the paperwork and reports he wanted to turn in to his superiors. He was also hoping to obtain a new map of the surrounding areas of Hope Valley. Jack turned his attention to the two mounties that was standing by the bench at the train office.

The older mountie stepped forward. "Constable Jack Thornton?" He asked in a mountie's tone.

"Yes, sir. I am Constable Jack Thornton."

"Please come with us to headquarters. We have something important we need to speak with you." The mountie didn't smile. He only nodded his head. He outstretched his arm offering for Jack to walk ahead and that it was time to walk to the mountie headquarters.

…

After stepping in the front office of headquarters, Jack's old instructor from the academy approached him. "Constable Thornton, it's great to see you again. I haven't seen you since your graduation from the academy, but I have heard great things about you."

"Thank you, sir."

"You have been making people take notice with your efforts in Hope Valley and techniques that isn't taught in the academy." Superintendent Jackson stated with a small smile.

"Thank you, sir. Yes, it has been some time since I last saw you. I hope you are doing well?"

"I am. I know you must be anxious to know why we sent for you. Let's go to my office so we can talk in private."

Jack's mind went into overdrive. His first thought was that he was being transferred from Hope Valley. He laughed to himself thinking back when he first arrived in Coal Valley. He hated the town and would leave in a moment's notice. However, now his chest tightened at the thought of having to leave the town he fell in love with. Through the whole process, Elizabeth did not enter his thoughts. He chose Hope Valley as his permanent posting mainly because of her, but now his love for the town and its people occupied his mind.

"Jack, please sit. Let's talk informally."

"Yes, sir. What may I do for you?"

"Do you remember your academy brother, Steve Johnson?"

…

Before Elizabeth left her room, she turned and smiled at Ms. P. No words were needed, Ms. P understood the information behind the look. When she turned back around to Charles, his arm was still extended, and a look of excitement was in his eyes. However, Elizabeth did not reach for his arm. She gave him a weak smile as she walked past him and lead him to the library. Viola was standing just behind Charles. She had a huge smile on her face. She was excited her sister finally decided to do what she was supposed to do.

When she closed the door to the library, she turned to Charles and let go of the breath she was holding. She wasn't holding her breath because she was scared or nervous, but she knew what she was going to say would hurt her best friend. She wasn't sure if they would still be friends in twenty minutes.

Charles began, "Elizabeth, what is it you need to discuss?" He stepped forward and reached for her hands. Elizabeth kept her hands clasped in front of her.

Elizabeth's face grew serious as she began to speak, "Charles, there has been a huge misunderstanding, and most of it has been my fault. I told you the last time I was in Hamilton that you needed to move on from me. That you needed to stop pursuing me because I was in a relationship with Jack and we were trying to make things work through a difficult time."

Charles interrupted, "Elizabeth, I remember what you said, but you and Jack were not in a good place because of his scoundrel brother. You told me to move on, but we still wrote letters to each other. You just needed time to work everything out in your mind. I knew you would see that Jack wasn't your future. I knew…"

"Charles." Elizabeth stated, but Charles didn't stop talking. "…you would eventually see that I was…"

"Charles!" Elizabeth stated with authority which confused him. He never heard that tone with Elizabeth before now. "I let things get out of hand with us, but there was never going to be a future for us. Also, Tom is not a scoundrel. He may have had his problems, but Julie was driving the car, not him. I told you for you not to have you pursue me more, but to step back and not to ruin our friendship."

Charles felt like he was just punched in the stomach. Did he really hear what he just said? "But Elizabeth, you told me a day before we had a date. We enjoyed dinner together at the restaurant on Elm Street and then took a slow walk in the downtown section with the community garden. It was perfectly romantic. We had a terrific evening together. You were just confused with that mountie."

Elizabeth continued, "Charles, that was a night out as friends. You have always been a good friend, my best friend. I have enjoyed every second we have spent together, but Charles, we have never courted. We have been friends since we were four years old."

While Elizabeth was trying to be respectful, she was determined for Charles to hear her. She knew the mixed signals she must have given him. Today, there were no mixed signals. She was respectful toward her lifelong friend, but she was letting her feelings be known. Most importantly, she was making sure they were heard…clearly.

"See," Charles stated, "we are made for each other."

"No, Charles. We are not in the way you are implying. We are friends and friends only. There was never anything between us. Nor will there be anything between us. We have never courted. We have spent a lot of time together. I am sorry I have let you believe there was a chance of a relationship between us, but Charles, you need to hear me, we are friends and only will be friends."

Now it was Charles' turn to interrupt her. "I don't understand how you can say that. We have been on countless walks through the parks and flower gardens. We have had numerous lunches and dinners together alone. Often getting you home later than what was appropriate. And how many parties have we been together where I was the only person you danced with? Most importantly, tonight's party is for us. We are announcing our engagement."

"Charles! We are not announcing our engagement because we are not engaged!"

Elizabeth and Charles stood staring at each other. Charles has never seen her standing so tall. She seemed resolute in her decision. He couldn't understand what was happening. Everything she was saying was completely opposite of what he thought. None of this was making any sense to him.

"In Hope Valley, you said yes."

"No Charles, I said yes that I would come to Hamilton to talk with my father. I am sorry if you thought I meant I said yes to your proposal."

"Elizabeth, how can you say that? With everything we mean to each other, how can you say that? If you don't feel that way about me, why would you do everything you've done with me?"

"Honestly, I think there are a couple of reasons. I was never one who dated often, and I don't know how those types of relationships work. You were comfortable and easy to be with. You were safe. That's the easy answer. Now, I will admit I greatly enjoyed the attention you gave me. You made me feel good about myself. There were never any situations that became complicated."

She could see the hurt on Charles' face. She didn't want to be mean or hurtful, but she needed him to hear her and understand her. There wasn't going to be any more misunderstandings or assumptions. Charles was speechless while he was trying to comprehend everything.

"Charles, you are a good friend to me, and I hope you continue to be a friend, but that can only be all there is. If you continue to pursue me as more than friends, then we must break all connections. My heart belongs to Jack. I need to make amends with him. He holds my heart and my future."

Charles' chest tightened and Elizabeth did not know the expression that was printed on his face. "Elizabeth, surely you can't be serious?" Along with disappointment, Elizabeth noticed anger in his voice. "You choose that backward town over Hamilton? You choose that small school with country kids who will never amount to anything of importance to the private schools here and educated kids with all the potential? And you choose that…that…that mountie over me?" Elizabeth could hear the disgust in his voice. "That mountie will never be able to provide for you in the manner you deserve. He's just a simple mountie. He will never amount to anything."

Now, Elizabeth was angry. If Charles would have stopped to look at Elizabeth's face, he would have witnessed a look he has never seen. "Charles! Enough! One more word that disparages Hope Valley, my life there, or Jack and that will be the last word you ever speak to me! Do you understand me?!"

Before he was able to respond, Elizabeth stated, "I believe you need to leave before we each say something that we can never rebound from. I will get in touch with you if I want to talk."

They stood and stared at each other for several moments. No one said anything or moved. Elizabeth's attention was drawn to the door when she heard it open. There stood a smiling Ms. P with Charles' coat in one hand with the other hand outstretched gesturing for him to leave.

Charles never moved a muscle. He just stood staring at Elizabeth. Finally, Elizabeth walked toward the door and quietly said thank you to Ms. P. Ms. P gave Elizabeth a small smile as she walked by to her room.

…

Superintendent Jackson sat behind his desk and looked in Jack's direction but never looked into his eyes. Jack thought this was odd. Jackson was a lifelong mountie. He was well trained and thought like a mountie. He behaved as a mountie. A mountie always looked someone in the eye. With Superintendent Jackson avoiding his eyes, Jack became very concerned. Jack's thoughts went to the talk being personal in nature. Maybe something concerning his mother or brother?

Jackson took a deep breath and looked Jack in the eyes. "Jack, I have news I need to share with you concerning Steve. Do you know he married six years ago just out of the academy?

"Yes. I was part of the ceremony. His wife's name was Joy. I became friends with her through him."

"Yes. They were married and had a little boy. They named him Jack, after you."

"Really? They named their son after me? Why would they do that?"

"Don't you remember what you did for him in the academy? You saved his life in that mudslide during training. If it wasn't for you, he would have died."

Jack just lowered his head. He did remember that accident, but he still felt like he didn't do anything that any other person wouldn't have done.

"I just happened to be the person closest to him. Anyone would have stepped in to help him. I didn't do anything special."

"Well, you are the only person who thinks that way. Listen Jack, Steve served under me for the last 3 months. He credited you with saving his life. He admired you and the work you are doing."

"What a minute, you said 'were', did something happen between them?'

…

A few minutes after arriving in her room, a knock almost knocked her door down. Elizabeth was expecting this. She was a little surprised it took this long. When she opened her door, she was shocked at the person standing in front of her. "Viola. What are you doing here?"

Viola stomped into Elizabeth's room with an attitude to match. "How could you do this to him?" She huffed without even looking in his direction. "I just saw Charles in the library. He told me what happened. How could you?"

"Do what? Be friends with Charles? Move away? Decide what my life should look like?'

"You made Charles believe there was something between you two more than just friends. We all thought you were courting. You two had an understanding."

"No. I told him when I was here the last time, not to pursue a relationship with me. I was not interested in him as a suitor. He wouldn't give up. I admit, I enjoyed his company and his attention, but I was never interested in him as a husband. That was you and father pushing that on me. I wasn't strong enough to stand up to everyone who told me how to live my life. I will not allow that anymore."

Viloa stood with her mouth open unable to speak. If it was any other topic, she would be impressed with Elizabeth, but she was still angry with her. "Elizabeth, you are throwing away your best life. That mountie will never live up to Charles."

"Viola, Charles can never live up to Jack. And please do not disrespect Jack by calling him 'that mountie'. You will respect him because of the type of man he is. He may not have a title like Sir Lionel, but he deserves respect."

"How can you say Charles will not live up to that man? He will never have the job or influence that Charles has. He will never make that much money. He doesn't' have the breeding like Charles and Lionel."

"Do you even like Lionel? You two don't act like people who are in love. You two are so dry with each other."

"Elizabeth, how can you say that? I love Lionel and he loves me."

"Yes, and it's your choice to do so. I only ask for the same consideration. This is my life, Viola. I will make decisions concerning it. You nor father will dictate to me about my life anymore."

…

"Yes, Jack. Something did happen and that's why I sent for you. There was a terrible accident and both Joy and Steve were killed. Jack, who they call JJ was injured but is recovering well. JJ stands for Jack Junior, it's a nickname for the boy."

"I'm sorry to hear about Steve and Joy." Jack sighed. He really liked Steve. They grew very close during academy training. "They were very good people. I'm glad that Jack is doing better. What is going to happen to him now that his parents are gone? I don't think Steve had any family left. Does Joy have any relatives that can step in to take Jack?"

"No. There is no family that can step in and raise JJ. This is where you come in."

"What do you mean?"

"Well…they made you Jack's guardian in their will if something ever were to happen to them. He's yours now, Jack."

…

Abagail sat down at the table just hoping to have five minutes to herself. She was exhausted from the busy lunch rush. She heard Frank step in from the side door. Their relationship has been a little touchy. Frank was a good man. A good man with a bad history. Abagail admitted it took her a little while to get past that fact, but she realized that Frank was a good man. Whatever his past was, it was not his present or future. Over the past few weeks and months, he has proven himself to her.

Frank tried to sneak up on Abagail, but she smiled as he approached. He always tried to trick her, but he never did. Just before he reached to cover her eyes, she jumped up and nearly scared him to death. He jumped back and trip over his foot. He landed on the floor gasping for air. "Why do I even try?" he stated with a tired, frustrated voice.

"I don't know but I am impressed with your determination." Laughed Abagail.

"Very funny." Frank sassed as she stood.

"Did Mr. Youst say anything about a telegram from Jack?"

"No. I just left from the mercantile. He didn't say anything."

"Frank, I'm not ashamed to say I'm a little worried about him."

"Do you think it has to do with his trip or Elizabeth?"

"Both, I guess. But I have a weird feeling about this trip. I'm afraid something life changing might be happening. I'm also afraid about him and Elizabeth."

"I have the same concerns about him and Elizabeth. She has been gone for a while and she has never contacted him. Are you sure she isn't engaged to Charles?" Frank asked.

"I trust Elizabeth. She told me in her last letter that she isn't. As confused as I am, I still trust her. However, I'm afraid Jack still thinks she is engaged to Charles. I tried to tell him that she isn't, but he doesn't believe me."

"I don't blame him." Frank stated as she placed a cup of tea in front of Abagail along with a scone. "All evidence points in that direction."

"True. I don't think he is over her, but I can tell he is beginning the process of moving on. I can see his smile returning."

"Yeah, and his laughter too. Do you think it's too late if she comes back?"

"When she comes back." Abagail corrected Frank. He slightly nodded his head indicating some doubt. "The hole she is digging is getting deeper by the day. It will take her some effort to overcome everything."

…

Jack sat in Superintendent Jackson's office shell shocked. His mind was running rampant with incoherent thoughts. He couldn't understand why they would do that. He was also struggling with the thought of him being a father figure to a boy he didn't know.

"Jack...! Jack...! Jack...!" Superintendent Jackson's voice grew louder each time he called Jack's name. He could only imagine what was running through Jack's mind. "Jack! You need to take a deep breath. Do you need a glass of water?"

Jack finally found his voice. "No. I'm good." Jack rubbed his face with his hands. He stared at Jackson. "Why would they do this? Didn't they have anyone else who could step in and take the boy?"

"You were the only one they knew who they trusted to raise their boy into a man. They knew you would take good care of JJ and raise him to be a good person. They trusted you."

"Sir, how am I going to do this? If the mounties wanted me to have a wife, they would have given me one. If I don't have a wife, how can I have a child?"

"Oh, you must have had Instructor Jones." Jackson laughed. "He says that all the time. Did you know that his wife left him early into his service and he never got over it? That's why he always said that. Of course, we can have a wife and family. It is difficult on the family, but not impossible when the right woman is involved. Some have incredible marriages when both parties make it work."

That statement made Jack think about several things. "Sir, how can I raise a child without a wife? What happens when I need to travel for work, or I am reassigned to a new location? I don't have a wife to help watch the child when I am gone?"

"First, you are permanently assigned to Hope Valley. You will not be reassigned. You may have to leave for a few days here and there, but nothing too long. Secondly, you will not have to travel for a little while if we can help it so you can figure this out. You will have to travel for a couple of days for the Toliver case, but that's it for now. Third, Jack, Steve and Joy trusted you. Steve talked quite often about you and how you are. They trusted you completely and only trusted you to raise their son.

"Sir, I just don't know. I don't know if I can do this…" his voice trailed off as he thought of all the things this was going to involve. If Jack was honest, he always wanted to be a father. His father was great, and he loved him dearly. If he ever became a father, he wanted to be like his dad.

"Jack, would you meet the boy before you say no?"

…

Viola left Elizabeth's bedroom still thinking that Elizabeth was wrong, but she did make some valid points. However, society dictated that she needed to accept Charles' proposal and take her place. How could she do anything else? Then she noticed something she didn't expect. She was a little proud of the stance and argument she made. Elizabeth was still wrong in her eyes, but this was a different Elizabeth.

Viola stood just outside of Elizabeth's bedroom door staring at it. How could her sister really think that? How could she give up her life in Hamilton for her life in Hope Valley? That little town was of no importance. Viola has never been and will never go to that town. She did listen to Julie's description of it when she visited. It sounded horrible. She also couldn't understand how Elizabeth picked that mountie over Charles. Jack will never live up to Charles, nor could he give her the life she is supposed to have.

As Viola walked down the long hallway, she passed a smiling Ms. P. They didn't speak to each other, but each knew the look in the other's eyes. Viola just shook her head. She knew Elizabeth was her favorite.

…

Jack and JJ sat on opposite ends of the small table. They just stared at each other. Jack thought JJ looked just like his father. His brown eyes and chin were just like Steven's features. He had Joy's nose and wavy brown hair.

JJ thought Jack looked like his father with the red serge jacket and his mountie hat. They both looked at each other with a little uncertainty. JJ spoke first. "Mr. Jack, how did you know my parents?"

Jack was surprised with the young boy's speech. The young man spoke clearly and with confidence. Then he remembered Joy was a schoolteacher. At the age of five, almost six years old, the boy spoke clearly and distinctly. "I knew your parents before they were married. I went through the academy with your father, and we became very good friends. I meet your mother through your father when they started dating."

"You were my daddy's friend?"

"Yes, I was."

"Are you the Mr. Jack that daddy always talked about?"

"I believe so. We were very close while learning how to be mounties."

"Daddy always said you were a good man." Once JJ knew who Jack was, he was a little more welcoming to Jack's presence. Not because he liked Jack, he didn't know him enough yet, but his daddy told him Jack was a good man and anything his daddy said was the truth.

"Mr. Jack, where am I going to live?" The little boy said with sadness.

For some reason, this question broke Jack's heart. He instantly felt the overwhelming desire to protect this little guy, but he still didn't know how he would be able to do that. "JJ, your mommy and daddy wanted you to live with me if something ever happened to them. Would it be ok if you come with me for a while?"

JJ had tears in his eyes. He missed his mommy and daddy, but knew they were gone. "Mr. Jack, do I have too?"

Jack stood and walked around the table and kneeled, so he was looking JJ in his eyes. "I know how you are feeling. I lost my father when I was young too. I lived with my mom, but I always missed my dad. I know things are confusing to you now, but this is what your parents wanted. I'm not sure how to do this. So, I will make a lot of mistakes, but if you help me, I will try my best to be there for you just like your daddy wanted me too."

JJ had a look of a deep thinker. He had the same expression as Elizabeth did when she was deep in thought. "Wow, where did that thought come from?" He thought. With a small voice and his head bent down, JJ stated. "Ok."

…

Elizabeth sat down at her desk that was in front of a window. She pulled out a piece of paper and grabbed a sharpened pencil. She has never tried to sketch anything before, but for some odd reason, she found herself trying to draw the large red maple tree that was in front of her bedroom window. She worked on it for about half an hour. While it wasn't good, it was a very nice try for a beginner. She found sketching the tree to be relaxing and calming. "Maybe that's why Jack likes to do this so much?" She asked herself.

The knocking sound finally caught her attention. She sat the pencil down and walked to the door. There stood her father with an unpleasant look plastered on his face. "Hello father."

"Elizabeth, what are you doing?"

"Well, I am trying to learn how to sketch. Would you like to look at my first attempt?"

"What…you're what? No, I don't care about that. What is this nonsense concerning Charles? We are having a party downstairs to announce your engagement. Why are you up here doodling on a piece of paper?"

"Father, I am not engaged to Charles. I was never engaged to Charles, I…"

Her father cut her off, "Charles said you were, and you came back with him from that place."

"Father," Elizabeth started with a frustrated tone, "Did you ever ask me? You rarely spoken to me since I arrived. I never agreed to marry Charles."

"Elizabeth, it's time you take your head out of the clouds and come home to do what you are supposed to do. This little adventure is over! It has lasted longer than it should have."

Her father certainly had her attention now. "Father, my life is not just an adventure. It's my life and I should live it how I want to live it. My going out west was not an attempt to find myself or find adventure before I marry. I moved west to fulfill my purpose, my destiny. I have made a difference in the lives of the people in Hope Valley, and they have made a difference in my life." She took a deep breath. "I love them, and they love me, not because of my last name but because of what I do. I have become a valued member of Hope Valley because of my talents and my works. I love it there and cannot imagine living anywhere else."

"Elizabeth, quit being ridiculous. You are a Thatcher, not some schoolteacher in some backward western town. That town is no one's destiny."

Of all the things Mr. Thatcher could have said, that was one of the worst. "Some schoolteacher…? Do you think that little of me and what I do?"

"It's time to come home and marry Charles. It's time to do what you are supposed to do. I have given my blessing to Charles. I only give my blessing to one person. I will not support this trip anymore."

Elizabeth stood tall. She remembered when Ms. Thornton told her to stand up to her family but do it with respect. Elizabeth spoke clearly and with great confidence. "I am not asking you to support me. I am asking you to let me live my life my way. It's my life, not yours." Elizabeth's anger was starting to grow inside her, but she has been able to control it. That was until her father's next statement.

"Stop being a child. I will not continue to pay for this little adventure. You need to do as you are told."

While Elizabeth always did what was expected, she never truly liked many aspects of it. Now was the first time she felt completely disrespected. Acting like a child she thought."Father, I will not be dictated to any longer. I will live my life. I will make my own decisions and you can keep your money and your blessing. I don't need either one."

Mr. Thatcher looked intently into his middle daughter's eyes. She was standing firm in front of him. Her shoulders were square, and she was looking him directly in his eyes. He never remembered this stance from her before. He huffed as he turned around and slammed the door on his way out.

"Who is acting like a child now?" she stated under her breath. That moment she made up her mind. There is no way she will be staying in Hamilton any longer than she needed. Two maybe three days longer to pick up some school supplies that she could get easier here than ordering from Mr. Yost and she will head home. She returned to her desk hoping sketching would calm her mind.

Upon hearing another knock on the door, Elizabeth let out a large sigh and called out, "Come in." Much to her surprise, Ms. P opened the door with the biggest smile Elizabeth has ever seen. Ms. P walked straight to Elizabeth and engulfed her in the biggest hug. As the hug continued, Ms. P whispered in Elizabeth's ear, "Bethie, I am so proud of you! You are the mature woman I always knew you would be." Elizabeth couldn't see Ms. P's face, but she could feel the pride in her voice and sense the smile on her face.

"Thank you. I could not have done any of this without you on my side."

"No, you took the first step. Now it's time to take the next step and that may be the hardest step to take."

"Jack" Both ladies stated at the same time.