Chapter 8
The next day Elizabeth walked out of her childhood home just wanting to breathe fresh air. She decided to go for a short walk around town. There were some things she still needed to work through her mind. First, she needed to go back home as fast as possible. Once she determined what was best for her, the desire to go home became overwhelming. Secondly, she was still trying to figure out what to do with Jack. She knew he lost some faith in her, but she was willing to do anything to regain that trust again. She just did not want to regain the faith, she wanted to grow that faith into a life-long love story for the ages. The desire to marry Jack was growing just as much as anything else. She also wanted to order some supplies for her students that she couldn't order in Hope Valley.
Before she realized it, she had walked twenty minutes and found herself in front of a store that she didn't even know Hamilton had. She has never seen it before. She stood in front of the big glass window for so long the clerk thought something was wrong. He stepped out from the counter and opened the door. "Miss, are you ok?"
"Yes, sir. I was just walking and noticed the store. How long has the store been here? I've never noticed it before today."
The young man smiled. He has heard that statement many times. "We have been here almost ten years. My name is Mr. Jay Franklin. I own and run the store. Would you like to come in and look around?" He was hoping Elizabeth would come in and look around because she was a very beautiful lady.
"I would love too but I don't know what I would be looking at."
"I will help you. Have you thought about sketching before today?"
…
"Abagail, would you like to go to dinner with me tonight? I will cook for you for a change."
"What, you know how to cook?" Abagail said with a little sass.
"Not too many things, but I do know how to cook fish. It's my grandfather's secret recipe."
"Well, then I am lucky since I caught all the fish today."
"I'm just not going to win at anything with you am I." Frank stated with a sly smile as he rolled his eyes at Abagail.
"That's a safe bet." She sassed. She was beginning to love spending more time with Frank. There were many things she enjoyed about being with Frank. His humor was one of them. He made her laugh and that drew her closer to him. She loved spending time with him.
Frank shook his head at her sassing him. "Such sass." He laughed. "Now, you need to step out of the kitchen for a while."
"Why? It's my kitchen."
"If you want me to cook the fish, you need to leave. The recipe is my father's secret recipe. Now…get!" He exclaimed as he turned her by her shoulders and gently pushed her forwards.
"Fine." She huffed.
…
Elizabeth walked into her bedroom with a large bag of sketching supplies. The older gentleman from the store helped her pick up things that she would need to begin sketching and a few pointers for beginners. She did not know what she was doing, but something happened while she looked through the front window of the store.
For some odd reason, she felt closer to Jack. Maybe it was because she knew Jack sketched. She wasn't sure why, but she knew it was true. She sat down at her desk and pushed the drawing of the red maple tree in front of her window to the side. She wanted to redraw the tree again with the few little techniques the man taught her. She wanted to compare to see if she was getting better.
…
Jack and JJ step onto the train to head to Hope Valley. While JJ was not looking forward to leaving Toronto, he was excited for a train ride. He never rode a train before today. The more time Jack spent with JJ, he like the little guy. He was funny and very smart. He also had a great sense of humor. "Mr. Jack, could you tell me a little about…where are we going again?"
"We are going to Hope Valley. It's a great town. A little small, but the people there are very kind. Ms. Abagail is simply the best. She is friendly and nice. She owns the café in town, and I usually eat there a lot. I consider her my sister. Pastor Frank is a kind man. I think him and Abagail are courting, but I don't know for sure.
"Would she be my aunt?"
"I think she would love that title." Jack gave him a smile.
"Is there a school there?"
"Yes." At JJ's mention of school, Jack realized that was the first time he thought of Elizabeth in quiet a while. "I think they have to find a new teacher, but it's a nice school. You will find many new friends there. I believe you will like it." While Jack was sad at the thought, it wasn't debilitating like before.
…
Not only did Abagail receive a telegram from Jack when JJ and him stepped off the train at the stagecoach station, she received a letter from Elizabeth.
Jack's telegram informed her that he would arrive back to Hope Valley tomorrow. He stated that he had a huge surprise, and he would need her help. She was excited that he would be back soon but was confused at what the surprise could be.
The letter from Elizabeth was short but to the point. She described the party and all that has happened since. This section from her letter made Abagail smile.
I finally realized what is important to me. My life in Hope Valley is important to me. My job as a teacher is important to me. My friends in Hope Valley are important to me. However, the most important part of Hope Valley wears a red serge and is called Jack. I want a complete life with him. I will do whatever I need to do to make that happen. I know I have some bridges to mend with him, but I will mend those bridges.
I will be leaving tomorrow to come home. I am waiting for some school supplies to arrive that I can't order from Mr. Yost. I wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to purchase some things for the school while I could.
As excited as Abagail was on her best friend's return, there were some questions remained. She hoped that Elizabeth's attitude was true. She has seen firsthand how she acted around Charles.
Jack's surprise was up in the air too and then the arrival of Faith. Faith has arrived and been very beneficial to the town, but she knew how jealous Elizabeth was of her while in Hamilton. How will all this work out when Elizabeth comes back home, if she truly comes hom.
Faith's presence in Hope Valley has been noticed by everyone. She was quickly becoming a valued member of the town. The hospital offered her the permanent nurse position. She was trying to decide what she wanted to do. She was beginning to love the town. Small enough to know people but big enough to keep her busy. Plus, the town was growing but the people kept that small town mentality where they looked after each other. She felt confident enough in her abilities that she could do the job well. She still liked Jack but was uncertain about their relationship. He seemed to enjoy her company but seems to keep a certain distance from her as well. They shared a couple of meals each week since she came to town.
…
Jack's and JJ's stagecoach was thirty minutes late. "Alright JJ, get your books. We are almost there." JJ grabbed his books quickly and then stuck his head out the window. He was eager to see the town. The two days he spent with JJ has drawn them closer together. JJ was a bright kid with a contagious laugh and personality. You couldn't help but fall in love with him. JJ was beginning to really like Jack. He reminded him so much of his daddy.
"Hey Mr. Jack…there's Abagail's Café." He pointed at it with excitement as the stagecoach rode by.
Abagail saw the stagecoach drive by her café. She finished cleaning the last table so she could go see her friend. She missed her little brother. She was also curious about this big surprise. Walking down the sidewalk, she saw Jack step off the stagecoach. He tried to stretch out his tired muscles and then turned around and caught a small boy when he jumped off the top step. Abagail laughed at the site and remembered how little boys can be a little rambunctious at times. She waited to see the boy's mother step out, but she never did. Once Jack sat the little boy down on the ground, they turned around to pick up their bags. This confused her. Where is the boy's mother? Wait…was the surprise the little boy?"
"Abagail!" Jack stated loudly when he turned around and saw her on her café porch. He turned his attention to JJ. "Come on, let me introduce you to Ms. Stanton." Jack's heart melted a little when the little boy reached up and took his hand.
Abagail's heart melted when she saw the little boy take Jack's hand. While she was confused by the gesture, it did bring a tear to her eye. She patiently waited at the edge of her porch for the two to make their way to her.
"Good afternoon, boys." She stated as Jack walked to her and hugged her.
"I've missed you." Jack stated as he pulled away but still held her forearms in the embrace. "Let me introduce you to this young gentleman. "Ms. Stanton, this is Jack. Jack, this is Auntie Abagail." Abagail covered her mouth at Jack's title.
Abagail stepped in front of the little boy and kneeled down to his level. "Good afternoon, Jack. It is great to meet you."
JJ gave her a small, shy smile. He extended his hand to shake. "Good afternoon." When he finally made eye contact with this older woman, his smile grew. He instantly knew she was kind. She was everything Mr. Jack had told him about. He decided at that moment to like her.
"Jack, there are some chocolate chip cookies that just came out of the oven. They're still hot, but if you are careful, you may have two. They are inside the kitchen on the table if you would like them."
"Yes, ma'am…chocolate chip cookies are my favorite!" He exclaimed with a huge smile. Before running through the front door, he gave her a big hug.
"What do you say, young man?" Jack asked him.
"Thank you, Auntie Abagail." He exclaimed as he ran into the café looking for the kitchen. Abagail tried to keep the tear from falling, but she just couldn't help it. "Jack…" She turned her attention to her little brother in front of her. "Who is Jack? Is he the surprise you telegrammed me about?"
…
Elizabeth saw very little of her family. She wasn't sure if they were busy or avoiding her. Nonetheless, she was focused on preparing for her departure She picked up all her supplies for her students and a few more sketching supplies. She said they were for Jack, but to be honest, she was enjoying her new hobby. Her first couple of sketches were awful, but she could see improvement as she began a new project. The next attempt was a landscape with a waterfall and a small lake surrounded by mountains. Halfway through this sketch, she figured this was a little too advanced for a beginner. Then she attempted a bowl of fruit. This went much better. While not perfect and certainly looked like a beginner, she was very pleased with her effort.
Before leaving town, she visited the sketching store two more times just to talk to the owner and learn more techniques. The owner certainly didn't mind spending time with Elizabeth. Not only was she beautiful, but she was also so friendly. Plus, she was so eager to learn and a great student. Each time she tried a new sketch, it was a little better than the previous one. She also purchased some art supplies for her students.
When Elizabeth did see her family, the conversation always ended in an argument. They would not listen to her and only told her what she should be doing. Not one of them ever asked her what she wanted. Nor did they ask her if she was happy.
Elizabeth loved her family. She always has and always will, but she knew her true happiness depended on her taking control of her life. She knew what she wanted, even though no one else understood it. Julie was the only family member who supported her decision. Elizabeth thought she just did this to frustrate her parents, but she was still grateful for her support.
Elizabeth walked into the small coffee shop and quickly noticed Ms. Thorton sitting at a small table drinking a cup of coffee and enjoying a small sandwich. "Ms. Thronton, it is so great to see you again."
"Hello, Ms. Thatcher. How are you?"
Elizabeth joined her after placing her order. The two ladies talked for a few moments. Elizabeth shared that she was heading back to Hope Valley in the morning.
"Oh…may I travel with you?"
"You're going to Hope Valley?"
"I would like to see my son. Tom has been gone for a little while. I stayed in town to catch up with some of my husband's friends at the mountie headquarters here. My brothers aren't expecting me back for a little while. I would like to check on Jack. He says he's doing well, but I would like to see for myself."
"Oh, Ms. Thornton, I would love the company. I know Jack would be happy to see you."
"I will meet you at the train station in the morning." Charlette hesitated for a moment. "Elizabeth, may I ask you a question?"
"Charlette, my intentions are to make amends with Jack and be married to him very soon." She stated with determination. "I know it will take a great effort on my part, but I have no desire to live my life without him as my husband."
"You sound pretty determined."
"I am. The desire to be with him grows each day. I can't explain it."
"My dear, that's the effect of true love. When you made up your mind and set your heart to it, the desire only grows. So, what do you think about winning my son back?"
"I hope he gives me a chance. I know I have to make amends with him and I am willing to do whatever it takes to convince him."
"My dear, I wish you the best, but I know that won't be easy."
…
When Frank walked up, the three went into the café and sat down at one of the empty tables.
"So…?" Abagail began.
"I was summoned to Toronto by my superiors. My academy brother, Steve, and his wife was killed in an accident. For some reason, they had it in their will for me to take Jack, or JJ, if something would happen to both of them."
"Why would they do that?"
"Steve and I became very close at the academy. They appoint you a brother while in training. The purpose is to learn to work as a team. Steve was mine. We became very close during the training."
'Wow. So, they asked you to be JJ's guardian?"
"Evidently. I haven't seen or talked to Steven for several years. After the academy, we were assigned different stations. We just eventually lost track of each other."
"How did they decide on you then? Especially if you two haven't seen each other in quite a while?"
"Well, Steve was under the impression that I saved his life." Jack shrugged his shoulders.
"What happened?"
"Not much. There was a mud slide. We were lucky." Jack stated nonchalantly.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Jack." JJ said timidly.
"Yes." Jack smiled at the boy.
"That's not the way I heard the story."
"You know the story?"
"Oh yeah…"
"Yes." Jack corrected him with a smile.
"Oh yes." JJ gave him a dimpled smile. That smile stole everyone's heart sitting at the table. "My daddy told me that story many, many times. He said you two were camping out during training. He said you wanted to move the camp incase it began to rain, but he didn't want too. It began to rain that night and rained for two solid days."
"It did. It rained as hard as I could ever remember it raining."
"Yes. He said that you two heard a loud rumble. Before either of you knew it, the ground beneath you began to move."
"It did. It sounded like a huge train."
"That's how daddy described it. He said that you grabbed him and pulled him to the side away from the two large trees that your tent was beside. Just after that, the two tress fell when the ground beneath them gave way."
"Yeah…"
"Yes." JJ smirked to everyone's laughter. "You moved him to the other side of the tent. There was another tree that fell, and you pulled him on top of it. You two rode it down the mountain."
"Yes. A ride I hope to never do again."
"He said that he didn't know how you two wasn't buried under the mud or crushed by other trees."
"It sounds like getting on the tree saved your life." Frank stated.
"It did." JJ replied. "Daddy was trapped when the tree came to a stop. He was thrown off and the tree pinned him against some rocks. He said that Jack dug him out and gave him first aid before carrying him the four miles back to base camp. If it wasn't for you, my daddy would have died on that mountain."
"Sounds like you did save Steve's life, Jack." Abagail smiled.
"We were brothers. He would have done it for me if the roles were reversed."
"You did good." Frank teased.
"He told you all of that?" Asked a shocked Jack.
"Oh yes…he told me everything about you. Even that you were courting that crazy Rosemary." JJ tried to sound just like his father, and he made the same hand gesture his father would make when he would say those words. Everyone at the table busted out laughing. "Daddy said you were stupid dating that crazy lady."
Jack leaned over and rubbed the top of JJ's head making a mess out of his hair. "You're smart just like your daddy."
"Mommy said I was smart like her." JJ grinned.
The laughter from the group got much louder. JJ spoke advanced for a five year old. He was funny and had this adorable, mischievous grin when he was being funny or a little playful. Jack was already in love with him. Frank and Abagail were quickly falling for the little boy.
…
After meeting Robert, him and JJ went outside to play. Robert promised to introduce him to the other boys that were in town. Abagail leaned over and lightly touched Jack's arm.
"You're already smitten, aren't you?"
Jack didn't say anything. He didn't have too. His smile said everything.
"What are you going to do? You can't live in the jail with the boy."
"I don't know yet. I was thinking one of the row houses is open and for rent."
"Yes, it's my old house."
"I will need to speak with Mr. Yost to see if I can rent it."
"That will work perfectly." Frank stated. "That boy can't be living in the jail."
"Yeah."
The adults looked up when the front door opened. Mr. Yost walked in holding a telegram. He handed it to Jack. "You needed to see this." Mr. Yost smiled.
"Thank you, Mr. Yost. Before you leave, is there a row house that is open to rent?"
"Sure is. It's Ms. Stanton's old row house. They moved out a couple of weeks ago. It needs a good cleaning and some minor repairs."
"Would I be able to rent it?" Jack asked.
"You want to rent a row house?" Asked a shocked Mr. Yost.
"Yes." Jack took a few moments to share the major parts of the story.
"It's yours, Jack. Just come by whenever you can to sign the papers."
"Thanks, Mr. Yost."
Jack turned his attention to the telegram. The prosecutor in the Toliver case was requesting his presence to go over the evidence for trial. He also wanted to discuss with Jack everything from his perspective. The prosecutor felt everything was in order, but he didn't want to chance anything.
…
Elizabeth had all of her things backed. She had bought several dresses with Viola and Julie over the last four weeks, but she isn't bringing any home with her, except for two nice dresses for church and hopefully a date with Jack. All the other dresses she is leaving in her childhood room. She left extra room for the school supplies for her kids. She was excited about all the materials she bought. There were two large trunks of items.
When Elizabeth opened the door to her bedroom, she saw a teary Mrs. P.
"Are you ok?"
"Yes and no." Mrs. P stated. "I'm excited for you. Yet, I miss you already." Mrs. P just couldn't stop the tears that began to flow.
"I'm going to miss you too. I do hope you come and visit one day. I would love to show you Hope Valley."
"I would love to visit Hope Valley. I would welcome to see the place that you fell in love with."
The two ladies smiled and hugged for a little while. Mrs. P came in Elizabeth's room to help her finish backing. She frowned when she couldn't help because Elizabeth already had every thing backed.
"Bethie, may I say something to you?"
Elizabeth took her by the hand and lead her to her bed. They sat on the edge of the bed. Elizabeth did not release Mrs. P's hand. She gave it a gentle squeeze to encourage her to continue.
"Elizabeth, I want you to be aware of the mountain that stands in front of you. You have been gone for four weeks. In that time, you haven't wrote Jack or telegrammed him."
"I wanted to, but I didn't think this is something that could be said in a letter and certainly not a telegram."
"True."
"The last four days I have sat down and began writing a letter to him, but I just couldn't. This is too important to me."
"Maybe, but all Jack knows is that you have been gone for four weeks with no correspondence at all. Plus, he still thinks you left on Charles' arm as his finance."
"But I didn't." She defended herself. She stopped when she saw Mrs. P's facial expression.
"Maybe not, but you certainly made Jack believe that you did. He doesn't know any of this. He only knows what he knows to be true. To be perfectly honest with you Elizabeth, if I only knew what Jack knows, I would believe exactly what he does."
"I know. I handled this all wrong. From the very moment Charles surprised me in the schoolhouse to this very moment. However, that doesn't change what I want in my life. Mrs. P…I can't imagine my life without Jack as my husband. It's all I can think about. It's all I desire."
"That's great to hear, dear, but don't be shocked if he doesn't believe you at first. The mountain you created will take some time and a lot of effort to overcome."
Elizabeth lowered her head. "I know, but that doesn't scare me. I will do whatever I have to do to convince Jack of my heart."
Mrs. P squeezed Elizabeth's hand. "I love you little one. Now, go and follow that heart of yours."
"Thank you, Mrs. P for everything."
…
"What are you going to do with JJ?" Asked a concerned Abagail.
"I don't know. Superintendent Jackson told me I will not have to travel for a while except for this case. I should only be gone for a couple of days. I guess JJ can go with me."
"Why don't he stay here with me? I have an extra room he is more than welcomed to stay. Only if he feels comfortable."
"I'll talk to him and see what he wants to do. Are you sure you're ok with that?"
"Jack, I'm Auntie Abagail. Of course, I'm ok with that." She sassed.
…
Two days later, Jack was trying to talk with JJ about the trip. JJ wasn't happy about any of it. They have settled into the row house. Abagail and a couple of the ladies jumped right in and had the home cleaned all in one day. Jack and Frank spent half a day fixing what little things that needed to be fixed. The other part of the day was spent cleaning out the small room in the jail house and moving what little things Jack had. He was grateful the previous tenant of the row house left a couch. Frank found Jack a small table with four chairs. During those two nights, JJ stayed with Abagail. Jack stayed with him. Jack was quickly realizing how rough it was when JJ would climb into bed with Jack during the night. JJ would end up kicking Jack several times.
"Do you really have to go?" Wined JJ. He was a little nervous with Jack leaving. He wasn't happy about it. Over the last few days, he was growing accustomed to having Jack around. Plus, he was a little afraid that something would happen to Jack. Just like his parents.
"I do. I have to go for two to three days. Would you like to go with me or would you like to stay with Auntie Abagail? You can stay in the same room we stayed in for the last two nights."
JJ thought about it for a few minutes. He loved Abagail. She was so kind and sweet. She also gave him all kinds of snacks that Jack didn't know about.
"Are we staying there tonight?" JJ asked.
"No. We are staying in our new home tonight. I have to leave in the morning and then I will be back very soon."
"Ok…I think I want to stay with Auntie Abagail."
"That's fine. I'll send a telegram when I know when I'll come back."
"Please send one when you get there too."
Jack smiled. He knew JJ was nervous with him leaving for work.
"Deal. But you can't con her into reading more than two stories at bed time and no more than two chocolate chip cookies." Jack wagged his finger playfully at JJ. He was beginning to wonder if Jack knew about the extra snacks.
…
Midmorning was a busy one for Jack. The first night in their new home was a success until about three. JJ came into his room and crawled into bed with him. Almost immediately JJ began to kick Jack in the legs. Jack was shocked at how powerful JJ's kicks were. When JJ woke up the next morning, he didn't remember any of it.
"Can't we just get something to eat at Auntie Abagail's?" JJ teased.
"Are you saying my cooking isn't very good?" Chuckled Jack.
"Maybe…" Sassed JJ.
"Let's eat. Breakfast is done. However, I'm certainly Auntie Abagail will have something for you too."
"Thank goodness." JJ grinned.
"Hey!" Jack exclaimed as he playfully tapped JJ on top of the head.
…
The train ride was long but at least it was comfortable. The stagecoach ride, however, was long and very uncomfortable. The stagecoach was taking longer because the front wheel hit a rock and busted. It took the driver some time to repair it.
Elizabeth and Charlette enjoyed the company of each other nonetheless. Charlette share a few stories of Jack's youth and Elizabeth shared some of her childhood stories. Elizabeth also shared some stories of Jack over the last three years.
Charlette smiled at her young companion. When the trip began, Elizabeth was talkative. However, the closer they were to Hope Valley, Charlette thought she became more thoughtful and quieter.
"Relax Elizabeth."
"I know, but I have a lot of work in front of me."
"You do. I know my son loves you, but you do have a lot of things to overcome. He thinks you are engaged to that other fella. He feels that you lied to him by omission, but most importantly, he's confused. He hates to be confused. When you show up with another story other than the one he knows, he will be even more confused. Be patient with him. Allow him to work through his feelings. Don't push him or trap him. If you are patient with him, I have no doubt you will win him back. It will take some time."
"Thank you, Charlette."
…
"Alright young man. Listen to Auntie Abagail and Pastor Frank. Do what they tell you and no tricking her to read more than two stories at bedtime."
"Yes, Mr. Jack." JJ paused for a moment. Jack could see that he was having trouble with him leaving. "I love you." JJ whispered.
Jack wrapped the little boy in his arms and held him as tight has he could. Abagail and Frank were wiping tears away.
"I love you, young man. I promise I will be back very soon." Jack stated through tears.
"Promise?" JJ whispered.
"Promise." Jack stated with confidence.
Once on his horse, Sergeant, Jack gave everyone a weak smile. "I will be careful, and I will let you know when I'll be back. Auntie Abagail and Frank…please take care of my boy." Jack nodded his head as he nudged Sergeant in the ribs with his heels.
…
Ten minutes later. Frank left for the church building to work on his sermon for Sunday. Abagail stepped into her café to begin work for the next crowd of people. JJ joined with Robert and a couple of other boys to play around the pond.
The stagecoach topped the hill. Elizabeth has been silent for the last twenty minutes. When she saw the Hope Valley water tower, she couldn't hold back the tears. Charlette reached for her hand and squeezed it.
"I'm home." Elizabeth whispered under her breath.