Chapter 21

Abagail walked down the steps to her kitchen on this beautiful Monday morning. She rested well and was looking forward to the day. She loved her café and enjoyed her customers. The café gave her a purpose in her life after her husband and son died. It took her a while to find her purpose, but she was grateful she found it. She lit a couple of lanterns to give her enough light to begin the dough for the biscuits.

She was startled when there was a knock on her door and then it opened.

"Frank!" Abgail exclaimed, trying to catch her breath. "What are you doing here this early?"

"I thought I would come and see if you needed any help."

"I wouldn't turn down help."

Frank stepped up to Abagail and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "What would you like me to do?"

"Would you get the stove ready? There is some wood on the back porch."

"Sure."

Frank walked outside for a couple of minutes and came back in with an arm full of wood. He began the fire in the stove and came back to stand beside Abagail. He had a little nervous look on his face and Abagail caught it in the low light of the lanterns.

"So…what's up with you this morning?"

"What do you mean?" Asked Frank.

"You look a little nervous…maybe anxious."

Frank exhaled a long breath. He was nervous and wanted to speak with Abagail concerning something, but he wasn't sure how receptive she would be to his idea. Finally, he just decided to come out with it.

"Abagail, you know how I feel about you. I am in love with you."

"Yes." She stated as she worked the dough. "I love you too."

"Abagail…"

"Frank, just say it."

"I'm hoping this is leading to us being together." He waved his hand between them.

"What do you mean?" She asked as she stopped working the biscuit dough. She turned her body to face him.

"Abagail, I don't want to court you just to court you. I hope this is leading to us becoming married."

Abagail blinked rapidly. After Noah died in the mine, she never thought of being married again. Frank was opening her heart to new levels she never thought would be possible. She inhaled a quick breath, but it didn't reach her lungs. Even with the shock of the conversation, she couldn't hide the smile from the corner of her mouth.

"Well…" She began quietly. "I don't think people our age should court just to court with no end destination in sight."

"Great!" Frank stated as he leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. He was very nervous. He knew she loved her first husband. "With that settled, let's get breakfast going."

Abagail smiled at this precious man before her. She knew they were right for each other.

…

Elizabeth snuggled into the source of her warmth. She wasn't awake yet, but she was beginning to move a little. As she snuggled into her warmth, she refused to open her eyes. She felt extremely comfortable and protected. She could smell Jack's scent and it made her smile. She felt Jack's strong arms wrapped around her, but she just thought she was dreaming. This wasn't the first time she had had that dream in the last few days.

She was laying on the couch with Jack. She was facing Jack in his arms with her head on his shoulder and neck. His right arm was under her head and his hand was on her upper arm. His left arm was laying across her hip and his hand was on the small of her back. He had a tight hold on her. She was completely pressed against him. She was warm and comfortable. Her sleepy mind didn't care about the environment at the moment.

Jack slightly shifted and tried to pull her a little closer. He opened his eyes when he realized something was tickling his face. He quickly realized it was Elizabeth's hair. He jerked slightly when he noticed that Elizabeth was firmly in his grasp. Her hand was wrapped around him holding him. After just a moment, he tightened his hold on her. He knew it was improper that she stayed the night. It was even worse that they slept together on the couch, but he didn't care right now. Elizabeth was in his arms. Her hair was on his face, and he was smelling what made Elizabeth…Elizabeth. Her perfume…her shampoo…the lavender smell was filling his senses and he thought it was the most perfect morning. She was completely pressed against him from head to toe. There wasn't a thing he would change. He tightened his grip on her a little more wanting to be closer to her.

When Jack tightened his hold on her for the third time, Elizabth opened her eyes. In her sleepy state, it took a moment for her to realize where she was. She took a deep breath and inhaled all of Jack's scent. That's when her brain kicked into gear and realized she was laying in Jack's arms.

"Jack…! Jack…!" She gasped. "You need to wake up!" She tried to move but Jack only tightened his hold on her. "Jack Thornton! You need to wake up!"

"I'm awake, Bella." Jack stated slowly.

"What are you doing?" She asked panicking. "You shouldn't have done this!" She exclaimed but made no effort to change their position.

"Shouldn't have done what?" He asked with a smile. Elizabeth's head was still resting on his neck and shoulder. She couldn't see his smile.

"You shouldn't have allowed this to happen…" Her voice in a panic. "Jack…"

"Elizabeth…it's ok. We're fully clothed and nothing inappropriate happened."

"Jack…!" Elizabeth exclaimed in a panicked voice. "We need to get up. It would be scandalous if people knew I stayed the night. Please get up!" She pulled back just enough to see his face. "Jack! Stop smiling!" She exclaimed. "I need to walk home before anyone realized I stayed the night."

"Good morning, mommy." JJ stated as he walked up to the couch. "Did you stay the night last night?"

"I…I…We…" Elizabeth just couldn't get her brain to engage. She buried her head in Jack's neck.

"JJ, we were talking last night and feel asleep talking. Jack stated as he began to rub her back with his finger. He was a little embarrassed, but he couldn't avoid how great she felt in his arms.

"Great! Maybe mommy will stay for breakfast." He turned to rush out the back door to use the outhouse.

"Well…he seems unphased by this." Jack stated with a smile.

"Jack, I can't believe you allowed this to happen."

"Elizabeth, you fell asleep while we were talking. I tried to wake you up about midnight, but you just wouldn't move."

"I don't remember that." Elizabeth stated without moving her head from Jack's shoulder and neck. She was enjoying her current situation even though she was a little embarrassed by staying the night.

Jack smiled as she tried to snuggle a little closer to him. He wrapped his left hand that was on the small of her back further around her. He tried to pull her closer.

"Jack, we need to get up." She stated as she settled closer to him with his efforts.

"When JJ comes back…I don't want to lose this." He whispered as he placed his head on top of her head.

…

"Are you awake?"

"Yes Tom. I am. Are you ready to get our day started?"

"Sure. What is the plan?"

"I'm not too sure. Do you have anything you would like to do?"

"Not really. Why don't we go over to Abagail's for breakfast?" Tom asked.

"That sounds good. I would like to catch up with Elizabeth."

"I would like to catch up with Jack before we have to head back."

"Let's get going…I have a feeling this place will become noisy soon."

The room in the saloon was surprisingly comfortable when the crowd went home for the evening. The problem is that they usually stayed late.

…

Elizabeth tried fixing her hair as Jack made pancakes on the stove. JJ looked up when Elizabeth walked back into the kitchen.

"Mommy, you said you and dad were courting last night…" JJ asked slowly.

"That's correct." Elizabeth smiled. She couldn't keep the smile off her face.

JJ turned his attention to Jack. "So, you are courting mommy?"

"I am. Are you ok with that?"

JJ nodded his head enthusiastically. "Is that why mommy stayed over last night?"

"No." Jack stated as he walked toward JJ who was sitting at the table. "We are courting, but it isn't proper for a couple to spend the night together before marriage. We were talking after Elizabeth tucked you in bed. We fell asleep not knowing what we were doing. Before we knew it, it was morning."

JJ was deep in thought. "Well…maybe you two need to get married." He stated without looking up. He said it as a matter of fact.

Jack's and Elizabeth's eyes immediately met. Their smiles grew by the look in the other person's eyes.

"Maybe…" They both stated at the same time.

…

Charles sat at the small table in the corner of the café in the lobby floor of his hotel. He looked at the blank piece of paper in front of him. After taking a sip of coffee, he began to write out the telegram for William.

Mr. Thatcher –

Will leave for Hope Valley tomorrow on the stagecoach at the request of Mr. Johnson. The next phase will happen today. Since I'm stuck here for the day, I will visit a couple of our customers and touch base with them. I'll let you know when I arrive in that little town tomorrow.

Charles looked up when the waitress stepped to the table. "Miss, is the telegram office at the front desk?"

"No sir. Turn right past the front desk. It is the first door on the right."

"Thank you."

"May I get you anything else?"

"No. I am fine. Thank you."

Charles stood to make his way to the telegram office. He wanted to work on his discussion with Elizabeth, but he had to keep his mind occupied with something other than just Elizabeth. He was becoming anxious. There was just too much time for him to think with this delay. He also decided to send Elizabeth a telegram informing her that he would be arriving sometime tomorrow. He welcomed the distraction of work.

…

After breakfast, Jack, Elizabeth, and JJ left for town. Jack needed to head to the jail for a little while. He needed to work on reports and perform his morning rounds. Jack extended his arm for Elizabeth to accept as they walked. She gladly placed her arm on the inside of his arm with her hand resting on his forearm. JJ took her free hand and held her hand for the entire walk. Anyone who saw them would think of them as a family. They looked like it, but, most importantly to them, they felt like it. Jack and Elizabeth were grateful there weren't too many people out so early. The ones that were just thought they were out for a walk. They were beginning to think that no one knew she accidentally stayed the night at Jack's house. They loved the time sleeping in each other's arms, but they were grateful no one knew.

Jack ruffled JJ's hair when they were standing in front of the café.

"Be good, young man. I'll be back for lunch."

"Great." JJ stated after he already turned to go into the café. He just knew Auntie Abagail had chocolate chip cookies waiting for him.

Jack turned his attention to Elizabeth. He thought she looked beautiful with her slightly messy hair. Her smile was big this morning, but it was those eyes that drew him in. He knew he was powerless against those eyes.

"Bella, I'll see you for lunch?"

"Yes." Elizabeth smiled at him. Her eyes traveled to Jack's perfectly shaped lips.

Over the last few days, they have walked through the fire. Both have admitted to JJ that they were courting again. He kissed her on the cheek, and she did the same, but that wasn't what she desired most. She wanted to feel his lips on hers. She bit her bottom lip in anticipation of finally feeling Jack's lips. She inched closer to him. Both of their hearts were beating a little faster with desire. As Jack began to lean in for a kiss, they heard someone clear their voice. They turned their heads to see Mr. Yost standing beside them.

Jack sighed. "Good morning. How are you?"

"I'm sorry, Constable." Ned's face was a little red with embarrassment catching the young couple in an intimate moment.

Elizabeth stepped back a little in frustration. She was ready for an intimate kiss. It was driving her crazy because they haven't since she returned from Hamilton. She closed her eyes trying to tamper down the feelings she was experiencing.

"I have a telegram for Ms. Thatcher."

Elizabeth opened her eyes. "Thank you, Mr. Yost."

Elizabeth reached her right hand to accept the telegram from Ned. She looked at Jack and remained looking into his eyes as she opened the telegram. She moved beside him so they could read it at the same time.

My Dearest Elizabeth –

My travel was unexpectedly held up at the stagecoach depot. I will be on it tomorrow. I will be in that town later tomorrow. I look forward to seeing you soon. I love you.

– Charles

Elizabeth closed her eyes and sighed. That was the last thing she wanted to happen. She finally felt Jack was opening himself up to her again. He was beginning to trust her. They accidentally spent the entire night together after a perfect Sunday with each other. Their kiss, their first kiss in a long time, was interrupted by a silly telegram from Charles. She just knew this was a setback for her and Jack. She slowly opened her eyes to gage Jack's response.

Jack flinched the moment he saw the sender's line. Charles was just that bad penny that will always be there. After the initial shock, Jack reminded himself that Elizabeth had told him over the last few days that she chose him. She not only said the words, but her actions were screaming that fact. He refocused his attention on the fact that Elizabeth chose him and not Charles.

"I'm sorry, Jack." Elizabeth's voice was broken.

"It's not your fault, Elizabeth."

Elizabeth searched Jack's face for the explosion she thought was going to happen, or at least him shrinking back into his mind. She was a little shocked when she saw calm. His voice was soft. She also thought it was a little apologetic.

"I wonder what could be so important that it would delay him?" Jack asked out loud. Elizabeth wasn't certain if he was asking her or just asking himself.

"I'm not sure. Jack…"

"It's ok, Elizabeth."

Before Jack was able to step toward Elizabeth, he noticed Mr. Johnston standing on the jail's porch. Jack sighed. "I'm sorry, Elizabeth. I need to go and see what he needs." He nodded toward the farmer in front of the jail's door.

Elizabeth looked in that direction. She also noticed people walking. Even though she wanted to kiss Jack senseless, she knew she couldn't in the middle of main street with people around.

Jack leaned a little closer to Elizabeth. She could feel his breath on her cheek when he spoke.

"I hope you have a great day. I'll be back for lunch with JJ if you would like to join us at the café."

Elizabeth's emotions and desires were winning at the moment. She couldn't speak. She simply nodded her head in agreement.

"Bye Bella."

"Bye, Dimples."

Elizabeth watched Jack walk away and take the jail porch steps two at a time. She noticed the old man's smile when Jack spoke to him. She didn't take her eyes off Jack until he disappeared into the jail house after the older man walked in. It took her a couple or moments for her brain to kick in and win against her desires.

…

After speaking with Mr. Johnston, Jack finished his cup of coffee and grabbed a couple of items. He needed to begin his rounds. On his way to the livery, he noticed Frank and Abagail sitting on the front steps of the café.

"Good morning, Constable." Frank said in a very cheerful voice. "It's a great morning, isn't it?"

Jack raised his eyebrow at Frank's joyfulness. "Good morning. Yes. It is a great morning."

"I hope you rested well last night." Abagail snickered at Frank's statement.

Jack looked in Abagail's direction and noticed her silly smile. "You have already talked to Elizabeth, haven't you?" Jack knew they were busted about the previous night.

The couple broke out in laughter. Jack's face immediately grew red with embarrassment. "Listen, nothing happened. Before we knew it, it was late. We just fell asleep talking." Jack was talking quickly, and it was hard to understand him. His words were running together rather quickly. This caused Frank and Abagail to laugh even more.

Elizabeth opened the door and heard Jack rattling off the sentences. She knew he spoke fast when he was nervous or embarrassed. She laughed under her breath but figured she needed to rescue him from their teasing.

"Good morning, Jack. It's great to see you again."

"Again?" whispered Frank.

"Good grief" Jack sighed.

"Be nice!" exclaimed Elizabeth.

Abagail laughed even louder at the exchange between everyone. "Jack," Abagail stated between laughs.

Jack smiled and looked at Frank and Abagail. "So, you two are seriously courting." He smirked.

"Wait, how did you know?"

"I'm a Mountie. I know things." Jack stated with enthusiasm as he puffed out his chest.

"Do you and Elizabeth have any news for us?" Abagail teased with a huge smile. She has already heard everything from Elizabeth. She felt she needed to explain things to Abagail.

"Not yet." Teased Jack. He winked at Elizabeth. Her face immediately turned a pinkish color.

"Hey Frank, when I get back from rounds, I would like to speak to you about something involving the mill."

"Sure. I'll be at the church until lunch."

"Perfect."

…

The morning went well for Jack and Elizabeth. Elizabeth helped in the café for a little while before working on the new school year's plans. Jack's morning went well too. Rounds were great and went by easily. Later in the morning, he looked up and noticed it was about lunch. He placed the papers he was working on in the top drawer of his desk and made the journey over to the café. He was looking forward to seeing Elizabeth.

Elizabeth was in the church sitting in the corner on a chair. She was working through some papers to have them ready. She leaned down to pick up a couple of books that were laying on the floor beside her. When she glanced around, she noticed something she had never seen before. In the very corner of the room, on the base boards, she noticed an engraving. She kneeled to take a closer look. Where the two baseboards met, was the initials JT and ET. Jack's initials were on one base board and her initials were on the other board. They came together at the connection of the boards. Elizabeth looked around the room before focusing on the base board again. After a few moments, she stood to walk to the next corner. To her surprise, that corner was exactly the same. Jack's initials and her initials met in the corner. She checked the other corners in the room. Each corner had the same initials.

Elizabeth stood at the last corner staring down at the initials. Her hand was over her mouth. Without anyone knowing it, Jack was expressing his love to her. She spun around looking at each corner. She was reminded that she was surrounded by Jack's love. This touched her heart. She closed her eyes and thanked God for Jack. When she opened her eyes, she remembered the time frame of Jack building the church and schoolhouse. She was in Hamilton when her mother was sick. She remembered that Jack had questions and concerns about her and Charles. Yet, he still gave his reward money to purchase the materials for the schoolhouse and the church.

Then her last conversation with Rosemary came to mind. "What is taking you two so long?" was Rosemary's question. Elizabeth really didn't have an answer to that question. Both she and Jack were a little young and lacking in courting experience. Both were trying to find their way in a new town, but that was three years ago. They are established in the town and in their professions. She knew exactly what she wanted in life. She turned and looked at each corner again. She knew Jack loved her. She determined at that moment that they weren't playing games any longer. They made it through the last few weeks. They were together now. It's time to grab hold of their life and fulfill their destiny.

…

Jack was inside the café with Tom, Julie, and JJ. They just sat down and ordered their drinks. Jack informed Abagail that Elizabeth was supposed to be joining them soon. They were going to hold off ordering their food until she came.

Elizabeth walked from the church to the café with purpose. She needed to see Jack. Her mind was swimming with the images of them together with JJ. She could also feel Jack's lips. She even realized that the initials in the corner of the schoolhouse would not have to change. Her initials wouldn't change when her and Jack married. She couldn't control her mind from thinking about her and Jack's future together. Honestly, she wasn't trying to hold the thoughts back.

She opened the door of the café and her breath caught in her chest and her knees went weak. There, two tables in the dining room, sat, Julie, Tom, JJ, and – most importantly – Jack. Wow! How can any one man look so good? She didn't correct herself with that thought.

She took the first step into the café. Before she closed the door, a loud explosion was heard in the direction of the mill. The sound caught everyone's attention. Jack stood and hurriedly walked to the front door. "Stay with mommy." Jack exclaimed.

Jack walked toward the door where Elizabeth was still standing. "Jack" she mentioned breathless. Elizabeth remained beside the doorway. When Jack approached her, she gave him a deep smile.

"Elizabeth…please watch JJ."

"Jack!" He stopped and turned around in the door frame standing beside Elizabeth only a foot away from each other.

Another word was not spoken. Instead, she placed her hands on his chest and pushed him back against the door frame. "We need to talk as soon as you can." It wasn't a question or a demand. It was just a statement. After that, she leaned in and gave him a kiss. Not just a normal kiss, but a kiss that he felt every emotion she was having. His lips went numb and tingled all at the same time. He didn't understand how that was possible. It wasn't an extra long kiss, but a kiss that told him she loved him. When she pulled away, she smiled at him in a way that made him even weaker. Now was his turn to be unable to speak. This was the first intimate kiss between the two of them since her trip to Hamilton and more intimate than any kiss they had shared before.

"Be careful and come back to me as soon as you can." She smiled and gave him another, albeit lighter, kiss than before, but it still left him numb and tingling.

Elizabeth winked at him and walked to the table he had just left. Jack stood there with no ability to speak or move. He watched her walk away and then sat down beside Julie. He didn't move until a customer asked him to move so he could leave the dining room. "Oh, I'm sorry." He stated as he glanced back to the table where Julie, Tom, JJ, and now Elizabeth was sitting and looking at him. Tom sat with a huge, cocky smile on his face. Julie smiled at her older sister with only a smile a younger sister could give. JJ just looked between Elizabeth and Jack with a smile on his face. Elizabeth was facing Jack and was giving him a sassy smile and mouthed, "I love you. Come back soon."

Jack tilted his head as he looked at her. Finally, Jack regained the ability to think and smiled at Elizabeth and turned to run toward the mill. While running, he tried to replay the whole thing in his head, but he could only think about the kiss. That kiss that left him numb and tingling all at the same time. He didn't know how that was possible.

Halfway to the mill, Frank came running from a side path that was a short cut the kids used from the church to the edge of town. "Are you ok?"

"I'm fine Frank. Remember what we talked about earlier."

"Got it."

Jack and Frank were about a quarter of a mile from the mill. They could see the billow of smoke rising in the sky. Frank nodded at Jack. Frank continued on the main road to the mill. Jack took a small path that led away from the mill toward the small encampment area. Jack wasn't on the path just a few feet when he saw a man running in front of him.

"Frank!" Jack yelled.

Frank heard him. He stopped and backtracked and went into the woods on another smaller trail. He was hoping it would lead to the same destination. He couldn't see Jack or the man, but he could hear them running.

Jack was following the suspect, chasing him through the woods. He was slowly catching up to him. The man noticed Jack but didn't notice Frank. Frank was making his way ahead of Jack and the man. The path Frank was on was a straighter path than the curvy path Jack was on. When the man tried to jump over a tree that had fallen across the path, he stumbled just enough for Jack to catch up to him. Jack stepped on the tree and then jumped off the trunk and landed on the back of the man. As they tumbled on the ground, Jack landed on top of the man. The gentleman tried with all of his might to escape capture, but Jack was on his back. The man finally was able to turn over, facing Jack. The man continued to fight against Jack. Finally, Jack landed a punch on the man's cheek, knocking him out.

Frank arrived just after the punch and stood over the two men. "Hey, need any help?" He asked with a little smirk.

Jack rolled off the man and laid on his back. He was trying to catch his breath. "I don't have my handcuffs. Do you have any rope?"

"No, but I'll go to the mill and get some. We are just a few minutes away."

Once he left, Jack looked down at the man that was unconscious trying to see if he recognized the man. He was average height and weight. Light brown hair that reached his shirt collar and a trimmed beard. Nothing stood out and Jack did not recognize him. Frank walked up with a length of rope ten minutes later. Once secured, Jack asked Frank if he knew him.

"I don't think so. He may look familiar, but I don't think I know him. Is he the person who had been doing all of this?"

"It seems to be him. Who else would be running away from the mill and then run from me when he saw me."

"Let's get him out on the road and I will walk to the mill to check it out while you baby sit this gentleman."

"Let's do it." Frank stated. "I'll grab the feet and you grab his shoulders."

…

After a few moments of silence, Julie let out a deep breath. "What was that?"

"What?" Asked a smiling Elizabeth.

"That…!" Julie began to fan herself with her hand. "I want to take Tom back to our room."

"Julie!" Elizabeth admonished her younger sister.

"Really…?" Asked an amused Julie. "You push Jack against the door and plant a kiss that could only be described in the trashy romance novels I read and I'm the one in trouble?" Sassed Julie.

Elizabeth's face turned red by her action. She did not feel bad for doing it. She loved every moment of the kiss.

…

Jack arrived at the mill to several people there working on containing the fire. They did a great job of putting the fire out and saving everything. While there was damage, it wasn't too much. Jack did find the modified blasting cap. It matched the previous ones that were found.

Jack walked back to where he and Frank placed the man. Frank was standing a few feet beside the man.

"He woke up about fifteen minutes ago."

Jack nodded his head.

"I wouldn't let him move in case he tried to hide evidence or run away."

"Very smart, Frank."

"Sir." Jack stated. "What's your name?" Jack looked toward the man who was squirming around where he was sitting.

"Not on your life, Constable." The man stared coldly at Jack.

"I'm going to check your pockets."

"You can't do that!" The unknown man stated.

"Yes, sir. I can."

"Constable, I need to use the restroom."

Jack nodded his head. "Ok, but first I will search you to make sure you don't have anything."

At that the man's face fell.

Jack asked the man a second time. "What's your name?"

The man just stared at Jack without saying a word.

"Do you have a name?"

The man continued to look at Jack. Finally, he said, "I need to use the restroom. There's a large tree over there that would work fine."

While speaking to Frank, Jack never took his eyes off this man. "Frank, would you search around that tree for weapons or anything else? I will search him while you do that."

The man's face dropped down completely. He knew he was caught.

Frank walked around the tree and found a box partially hidden under the leaves beside the tree trunk. There was a gun and a knife inside the box.

Jack helped the man to his feet and began to search him for any weapons or evidence. While feeling around his vest pocket, he felt something hard and round. Gotcha, he thought. Jack reached in and pulled out a modified blasting cap that wasn't used. It was identical to all the others. He smiled because he knew he had enough evidence to arrest and prosecute the man.

Frank walks over to Jack with the box in his hands. "Here Jack. You will want to look at this. This was hidden beside the tree he wanted to use. There is nothing else around the tree."

"Thanks Frank." He turns to the man, "Ok. Let's go. It's safe for you and for us now."

The man groaned as Jack led him to the tree so he could relief himself. Jack made sure to stay within arm's reach just in case the man would try to run away.

Afterward, Frank gathered the new blasting cap and the box while Jack grabbed the man and all three headed to town.