Chapter 44
The next couple of days went by the same as the others. Jack and Elizabeth greatly enjoyed their nights and some mornings together. They took extra precautions with the thin walls. Much to their surprise, the precautions were more difficult than they could have imagined. Their intimate time together was perfect for them, and to their amazement, a little louder than they thought.
They loved their time with JJ. Their evenings as a family were perfect in both of their eyes. They spent it together sitting on the small porch watching JJ play in the field or they would all sit on the sofa reading. One night was them sitting at the kitchen table just talking. There was only one day that Jack had to work late.
Today was the day Elizabeth's best friend was getting married. Abagail and Frank were excited. They didn't think this day would ever come. Elizabeth's excitement concerning being married was rubbing off on her best friend. While she and Frank were older, the excitement, while different, was just as real. Frank has never been married, but he was looking forward to spending the rest of his life with this precious woman.
Abagail was excited about the upcoming marriage. Since the loss of her husband, she just wasn't interested in a relationship. Then with the debacle with Bill, she certainly wasn't looking for a man. However, Frank wasn't the typical man. He came into her life and just settled himself in without even trying. Abagail thought that was an important part. He didn't force anything. Their friendship developed quickly on its own. Today was the day she was marrying him. While her previous husband was on her mind a little, she has come to terms with those loving memories. She wasn't cheating on her husband. He still held a place in her heart, but she has a life she needs to live. Frank was a great addition to it. She also made it important not to compare Frank to her first husband. She loved Frank just as much. He deserved his place in her heart as well.
…
"Good morning, everyone. Let's get this process started."
"Yes, Judge Thomas."
"From this paperwork, I see that I have three cases that are connected."
"Yes, sir. I'm D. A. James Scott. I'm representing the government in those cases."
"Mr. Scott. I am under the understanding that these cases are connected, and you have two plea deals?" Thomas asked without even looking up from his papers. He was quickly scanning them. As a judge, he was very efficient with multitasking.
"Yes sir. A Mr. Louis Franklin and a Mr. William Thatcher."
"Thatcher…?" The judge looked up from his papers. "William Thatcher from Hamilton and Thatcher Shipping?"
"Correct sir."
That was when Judge Thomas looked around his court room and noticed a few reporters with paper and pencil taking notes. He shuffled through the paperwork and quickly found William's plea deal. He scanned it quickly and placed it to the side. He wanted to get through the others first before the circus began with William.
"Very well…let's begin with Mr. Charles Kensington. Is he with us this morning?"
"Yes sir."
"Mr. Charles Kensington, would you please stand?"
Charles stood from a table he was sitting at on the side. His lawyer was with him and stood as well.
"Mr. Charles Kensington, you are charged with simple assault of a Ms. Elizabeth Thatcher, planning and orchestrating damage to a sawmill in Hope Valley, and attempted murder and bodily damage of a Mr. Leland Coulter through your planning and execution of the scheme to damage the sawmill. Sir, how do you plead, guilty or not guilty?"
"Not guilty, sir." Charles spoke at the urging of his lawyer.
"Very well. Mr. Scott, what do you think about bail?"
"Mr. Charles Kensington worked feverishly on the planning and execution of the plan to destroy the sawmill. As a result, there was bodily injury to Mr. Leland Coulter. He is still recovering from his injuries and will be for the next few weeks. There were monetary losses incurred by Mr. Leland Coulter as a result, along with the pain and suffering he has endured. Mr. Kensington assaulted Ms. Elizabeth Thatcher when he arrived in Hope Valley. He pushed her against a wall leaving bruises on her wrist and upper arms. He was only stopped when Ms. Elizabeth Thatcher slapped him and caused him to take a step back. That is when Constable Jack Thornton knocked him to the ground and punched him. It rendered Mr. Charles Kensington unconscious. The D. A. office requests no bail. He has the money and the wherewithal to skip on bail."
"This Ms. Elizabeth Thatcher, is she related to the other suspect in this case?"
"Yes sir. Ms. Elizabeth Thatcher is Mr. William Thatcher's middle daughter."
"Very well." The judge looked toward Charles. The judge was looking him up and down.
"We will argue at trial that Mr. William Thatcher and Mr. Charles Kensington conspired to shut down the mill in Hope Valley so Ms. Elizabeth Thatcher would be forced to move back to Hamilton. They were hoping Ms. Thatcher would get married to Mr. Charles Kensington."
"This sounds a little complicated."
"Yes, Judge Thomas. It is a complicated and a strange case."
Judge Thomas leaned back in his chair. He looked at Charles and his lawyer, then back to D. A. Scott. He rubbed his chin for a moment. Then he sat tall in his chair.
Charles' lawyer stoke up. "Mr. Kensington comes from a prestigious family. He has no reason to skip bail. He is well known in Hamilton. His greatest desire is to clear his good name in this manner and continue with his life. Everything concerning Ms. Thatcher was a complete misunderstanding between a couple in the middle of a disagreement. Mr. Kensington was only following orders from Ms. Thatcher's father. He was being a dutiful employee. Judge Thomas, there are countless people who will testify to the good nature of Mr. Charles Kensington. There are also numerous people who will testify that Mr. Kensington and Ms. Thatcher were in a courtship and engaged to be married. The misunderstanding on the stagecoach station was just that…a misunderstanding. There was no evil intent. The young couple were in love and became frustrated with a misunderstanding. He loves Ms. Thatcher. He would not intentionally harm her. They have been friends since they were four years old. They have been engaged for the last seven weeks. Concerning the sawmill and all those allegations, he was simply following Mr. Thatcher's request."
"Mr. Charles Kensington has been employed by Thatcher Shipping for four and a half years?" The judge asked.
"Yes, sir. He has and with an impeccable work record. He was in line to replace Mr. Thatcher when he retired. He was being groomed for the position."
Judge Thomas leaned forward in his chair. "Bond is usually equivalent to one month's salary. In this case, bond is set for two months of Mr. Kensington's salary. He is also restricted to Hamilton or Medicine Hat. If he is set to travel between the two, he must sign in with local law enforcement one day before travel and then check into the new city on the day of arrival. Other than traveling between Medicine Hat and Hamilton for this trial or other related issues regarding this trial, all travel is forbidden. If he is found in contempt of this order, bond will be revoked without reimbursement. Mr. Kensington is not to have any contact with Ms. Elizabeth Thatcher. Do you understood Mr. Kensington?"
"Yes, Judge Thomas." Charles smiled to himself and then turned his attention to his father who was sitting in the first row. His father nodded his head in agreement.
D. A. Scott cleared his throat. "Judge Thomas, Ms. Elizabeth Thatcher is now married to Constable Jack Thornton. She is now Mrs. Elizabeth Thornton."
Charles flinched as the judge nodded his head.
"Noted. Now…" Judge Thomas looked at this papers that was on top of his desk. "…where is Mr. Louis Franklin?"
…
Elizabeth walked up the stairs in search of her honorary sister. She opened Abagail's door when she heard Abagail ask her to come in.
"There are you." Elizabeth stated as she walked into the room. She noticed Abagail sitting on the edge of her bed. "Are you ok?"
Abagail looked up and slightly nodded her head. Elizabeth walked over and sat down on the bed beside her friend. "What's up?"
"Elizabeth…I'm a little nervous."
"Why?"
"I'm getting married…after all this time."
"Well, it has been a few years since your husband died."
"It has. I don't know what I'm supposed to do. I don't know how to be a pastor's wife. I'm too old to get remarried." Her voice trailed off with the thought.
Elizabeth reached for her hand and gave it a tight squeeze. "First of all, you are a very smart woman. Being a pastor's wife is a calling. Abagail…you have been the glue to this community for years. You truly love people. You care for people. That is what being a pastor's wife is all about."
"And the old thing?"
"When Frank looks at you with one of his little looks, what do you feel?"
"His little smirk is adorable."
"Do you enjoy being with him?"
"Sure."
"You enjoy fishing with him? Him coming here to help you at the cafe? During your walks?"
"Yes." Her face was beginning to turn a little red.
"I think your red face is your answer. You are not forgetting your first husband. You are living the rest of your life."
"I can never forget my husband."
"I don't think Frank would ever ask you to do that. Can you imagine living your life now without Frank in it?"
"Absolutely not!" She immediately answered.
"Isn't that your answer?"
Abagail nodded her head.
"I'm not sure it's nerves…"
"Well, smarty pants, what do you think it is?" Sassed Abagail like a big sister.
"I think you are deliriously happy, and you don't know how to handle it."
"Frank is a good man."
"He is, and you are a good woman. I do believe you two are good for each other."
"Yeah…"
"Plus, tell me you haven't had happy thoughts about this evening." Elizabeth sassed while wiggling her eyebrows with a laugh.
"Elizabeth!" Abagail huffed in shock.
"Am I wrong?" Challenged Elizabeth.
Abagail's smile gave her the answer. Elizabeth knew Abagail was a little nervous, but she also knew her older sister wanted to be married. It was easily seen when she and Frank were together.
"Now… allow love to lead the way. It will always lead you to the place you are supposed to be."
"Wait…you are giving me my own advice."
"Yes…it's great advice."
"True."
…
Mr. Louis Franklin stood up with his court appointed lawyer. They stood in front of the judge as he read a few pieces of paper. He slowly read the letter from Jack, paying close attention to the actions of Louis and his role in all of this.
"Mr. Scott."
"Yes, Judge Thomas."
"I'm under the understanding that you are open to a plea deal."
"Yes, Judge Thomas. As you can see from your file, Mr. Louis Franklin was the person who performed the acts at the request of Mr. William Thatcher and Mr. Charles Kensington. The evidence is quite clear."
"I see that. I am reading a letter from Constable Jack Thornton who said that Mr. Louis Franklin was very helpful in gathering evidence against Mr. Kensington and Mr. Thatcher."
"Yes sir. He was very helpful in gathering evidence. He assisted Constable Thornton in identifying the people in charge of the scheme against the sawmill."
"Do you have the plea deal set?"
"Not quiet, Judge Thomas."
"What's the hold up?"
"Mr. Louis Franklin wants no jail time in the plea deal."
"Mr. Franklin, that will never happen. You will absolutely serve time either through a plea deal or if found guilty at trial." The judge turned his attention to the D. A. "What's the deal you offered?"
"Mr. Louis Franklin will surrender his contract license so he will no longer be able to purchase or work with explosives. He will serve two years in minimum security prison, and six years of probation."
"Judge…" Mr. Franklin's lawyer stepped forward. "My client assisted Constable Thornton in solving the case."
"He did, however, he is not getting off with no jail time. Mr. Scott, is this your final offer?"
"Yes, it is."
"Mr. Franklin, you may accept the plea deal or go to trial next week. What's your answer to the plea deal that was just offered."
"Fine. I'll accept it."
"Great. Your time in the Hope Valley jail will count toward your two years. Bailiff, please take Mr. Louis Franklin in custody."
Louis mumbled as he was escorted out of the courtroom. He knew the two years was a gift, but he was still hoping he would get just probation.
"Now, Mr. William Thatcher. Is your attorney present?"
"I am, Judge Thomas. My name is Teddy Lewis. I am Mr. Thatcher's attorney." Teddy stepped forward with William right beside him.
Judge Thomas leaned back in his chair once again looking over the file in his hands.
…
Jack stood in front of the church with Frank waiting for Abigail and Elizabeth to appear. Jack was remembering just a few days ago when he was in the same spot waiting for Elizabeth. He could only smile at the memories. The first few days of married life were absolutely perfect. He couldn't wait to go on their honeymoon beginning tomorrow. He loved JJ with all his heart. He would never want things to be different. However, as a newly married young man he would like a few days with just his wife. There was a time yesterday when he would have almost given everything he had if he could have a few minutes during the afternoon without JJ being around. He felt bad wishing JJ was at Abagail's just for a little while. However, he loved his little boy. He was just wanting a few days with just him and Elizabeth. He knew Mrs. P and Abagail would take great care of his boy.
"It's different when you're standing here instead of there." Frank nodded to where Jack was standing.
"Want to trade places?" Jack teased.
"Not for anything in this world. Jack, I'm ready for this."
"You are marrying a precious woman."
"I am. Now, if she would just get here." He sighed.
The church was as full today as it was with Jack's and Elizabeth's wedding. Everyone knew and loved Abagail. She really is the heart and soul of the town. Plus, everyone loved Frank. He came into town with a loving heart. Even when the news of his past came out, many people were weary, but they quickly remembered that was his past. He is a good man and worthy of their respect. Abagail was a leader in that area in helping people move past Frank's history.
Frank's head shot up when he heard the door open. Jack's smile only grew when he noticed his beautiful wife standing in the door frame wearing a cream colored dress. He thought she was a beautiful woman. She took his breath with just a simple smile.
…
JJ waited his turn, but walked up to Frank when he had a moment when no one else was around him congratulating him on the new nuptials.
"May I ask you something?"
"Sure." Frank smiled at the little boy who had stolen Abagail's heart, and his as well.
"Since you married Auntie Abagail, does that mean you are my uncle too?"
"I would like that, but you are the one who decides that."
"Well, Uncle Frank. I would very much like that."
"Great. I would love that too."
"So, are you moving in here?"
"I am. I will be here when you stay with Auntie Abagail beginning tomorrow. Are you ok with that?"
JJ thought about it for a moment. "You know Auntie Abagail makes me chocolate chip cookies…don't you?" JJ challenged him.
"I know. Those are only your cookies." Frank stated as he gently poked his index finger in JJ's chest.
"Then you can stay."
Frank let out a loud laugh. This little boy is just too much.
JJ walked up to his mommy and daddy dancing in the middle of the café. He tapped Jack on the shoulder. "Excuse me…may I cut in?"
Jack turned around and looked down to see his little boy standing there with a smile.
"May I cut in?" JJ asked again.
Jack turned his attention toward Elizabeth. She had a smile on her face and slightly nodded her head. Jack took a step back as Elizabeth extended her hand and placed it in her little boy's hand.
…
The judge glanced up from the papers to look in the direction of William and Teddy and then quickly looked back down at his papers. He slowly looked back in the two men's direction. He noticed a distinguished man standing in a very defeated position. He studied William for a moment. William's head was down. His shoulders were slumped, and his hands were clasped in front of him. This man did not look like a rich, powerful man that he is. He has never met William Thatcher, but he has heard of him. Everyone has heard of William Thatcher and Thatcher Shipping.
"Mr. Lewis, I am under the understanding there is a plea deal?"
"Yes sir, Judge Thomas. We have a plea arrangement with the D. A.'s office."
"Mr. Scott…?"
"Three years in a low security prison close to Hamilton…" Grace shuttered when she heard the word prison. "…eight years of probation upon release, full monetary restitution to the sawmill of Hope Valley for any costs in regard to repairing the sawmill, medical reimbursement for any medical care for Mr. Lealand Coulter, and an agreed amount for Mr. Leland Coulter in respect to pain and suffering."
"Three years seem low to me, Mr. Scott?"
"It's a nice plea deal for sure, sir. However, Mr. William Thatcher has accepted all responsibility for his actions. If we take just this case, it would demand much more time. However, if we look at the whole of Mr. Thatcher's life, we may see this one incident does not define who Mr. Thatcher truly is."
"Mr. Scott has been very generous with the plea deal." Teddy spoke up. "He is correct that this one horrible incident doesn't define who my client is as a person. He has spent his adult life's work building a successful company. He has donated countless totals of money to charities. While this scheme was horrible, it doesn't define him."
"Why did he plan this scheme to destroy the sawmill in Hope Valley? I doubt Mr. Thatcher has ever heard of Hope Valley."
"A very misguided case of love for his daughter, sir."
"Please explain."
William took his lawyer's arm. "If I may?" William spoke very softly. Grace had a hard time hearing him. She had never heard him speak so softly and broken.
"Go ahead, Mr. Thatcher." Thomas leaned back in his chair.
"I was a man and father who thought he knew everything…"
"I'm sorry sir. You will need to speak up."
William nodded his head. While he raised his voice a little, he never looked up.
"I was a man and father who thought he knew everything. I had it in my head that my daughter, Elizabeth, needed to live her life the way I wanted her to live it and marry the man I thought she should marry. When she refused to go with what I wanted, I came up with this idea. If I could close the sawmill in Hope Valley, then people there would have to move. That is the main source of income in the town. We were going to offer them jobs once they moved. With families leaving, there would be no kids to teach. Then my daughter would move back home and then resume her courtship with Charles. I planned and financed the whole operation. Charles helped with the planning and with some of the execution, but it was solely my idea and my plan."
"Did you honestly think this would work?"
"I did, Judge Thomas. No families mean no kids. That means no teaching job. My daughter would have to move home. Then my plan for the rest of her life would come to fruition." William continued to look at the tabletop in front of him.
"Did you ever ask her what she wanted?"
"No sir, I did not."
"Did she ever tell you?"
"She tried, but I was so certain I was correct that I wouldn't listen to her."
"Are you willing to testify concerning the trial against Mr. Charles Kensington?"
"Yes sir, I am."
"Mr. Scott?"
"We are satisfied."
"Mr. William Thatcher, do you know that by accepting this plea deal you are admitting to the role you played in this crime?"
"Yes sir, I do."
"What do you plead?"
"Guilty sir."
"By accepting this plea deal, Mr. Thatcher is permanently removed as owner and CEO of Thatcher Shipping. It is written in the bylaws of the company he began over two decades ago."
"I see." Judge Thomas stated. "Mr. Lewis, Mr. Thatcher, I accept this plea deal between you and the D. A. office. The time you have served in Hope Valley will not be counted. Mr. William Thatcher will serve the entire three years in a low security prison. He will not be released one day early. If all monetary reimbursements are not paid in the next month, this plea deal is void. Do you understand?"
"We do, Judge Thomas. Mr. Thatcher is ready to pay the sawmill back entirely today. We are waiting to hear back from Mr. Leland Coulter. Whatever he asks for his pain and suffering he will receive without question within one week of receiving the total."
"Very well. Mr. William Thatcher, I find you guilty of the crimes against you. I accept the plea deal. You will be transferred to a low security prison within two days. The Province of Alberta will determine the location. Mr. Thatcher, after your time is served, what are you going to do?"
"Sir, I have a lot of making up to do. I need to make up to my wife who has stood by me for our whole life. To my children, especially Elizabeth and her husband, Jack Thornton." Charles flinched at William's words concerning Jack and Elizabeth. "And to the rest of my family."
"That may take time."
"Time I am willing to put in. Nothing in this world means more to me than my family. I have learned that over the course of the past few days."
"This is a little unorthodox, but Mr. Thatcher…what did you learn from all of this?"
"I was an know it all idiot who wouldn't listen. That will never happen again. The lesson will never be forgotten."
"I wish you the best sir."
William nodded his head. He turned his head to face Grace. In a soft voice, he stated. "I'm sorry, Gracie. I love you."
She smiled. "I love you. We'll get through this."
William nodded his head. The bailiff stepped forward. William extended his arms without the bailiff asking. Grace flinched when she noticed the handcuffs being placed on her husband. She was immediately grateful for Jack's actions when he didn't handcuff William in front of her or had his hands covered with a jacket.
"Anything else, Mr. Lewis."
"Yes sir."
…
"I can't wait until I am married."
"Why is that sweetie?" Elizabeth asked while she danced with her son.
"Well, you get married and then you get to leave with your wife and spend all this time away from people. You get to know her better. I don't know what that means…don't you already know her? I mean, after all you did marry her. You wouldn't marry a stranger. You married daddy but you have known him for three years. What is it that you don't already know?" JJ shrugged his shoulders.
Elizabeth's eyes went wide, and her face turned red. Jack was watching his two most favorite people dancing. He could only imagine what his inquisitive little boy was saying. He laughed at Elizabeth's reaction.
"JJ…!" Elizabeth elongated his name is complete shock and a little horror. "I do believe that is a question you need to ask your daddy."
"He told me that he would tell me when I am older."
"That's good."
"He also said the noises I've been hearing at night, and sometimes in the morning, is new to the house and I will understand that later when I'm a little older."
Elizabeth's mouth opened and closed a few times, but no sound came out. She was just flabbergasted at this conversation. She just didn't know what to say. She didn't realize she had quit dancing with her son. She quickly looked up at Jack. While he was laughing, he did have a curious look on his face.
Elizabeth had thought that she and Jack were being quiet during their intimate times together. She knew they weren't completely quiet. "That house needs to be built." She exclaimed under her breath.
"Mommy, do you think those weird sounds will follow us to our new home?"
…
"I have a file for a name change of Elizabeth Marie Thatcher to be changed to Elizabeth Marie Thornton."
"Why give this to me? Why not file it with the court?"
"Three reasons sir. First, Ms. Thatcher was recently married. She wanted to change her name as quickly as possible. Secondly, she is taking over Thatcher Shipping. She and her husband, Constable Jack Thornton, will be taking over the company. She wanted the name change set for the takeover. Thirdly, and most importantly, they are adopting a young boy by the name of Jack Johnson. Along with Mrs. Thornton's name change, you will find adoption papers for Jack Johnson along with a name change request for Jack Johnson to Jack Johnson Thornton."
"Yes…I see that. There is also a letter from Mountie Headquarters recommending the adoption."
"Yes sir. Mr. Thornton and Mr. Johnson were academy brothers. Jack Johnson's parents died in an accident, and they had requested Constable Jack Thronton to take care of the boy if that were to happen."
"I see."
"There is a representative from headquarters if you have any questions concerning this."
"No concerns. I take it everyone is in agreement with this?"
"Yes sir. I am here as their lawyer requesting this on their behalf."
"Very well." Judge Thomas quickly looked at the papers and then signed them. He handed them to the clerk and asked her to file the papers and telegraph the needed information to the providence's main office. The papers will be posted in the mail in a day or two. "It's official, Mr. Lewis."
"Thank you, Judge Thomas. You have made them very happy."
During the whole discussion of name change and adoption, Charles fumed. He heard every word. He still couldn't figure this out. How was it possible for the events over the last few weeks to happen so quickly and so differently? With each word, he fumed more and more. His father leaned over and whispered into his ear.
"Don't worry, son. We will figure this out."
"I'm sure it's too late."
"It's never too late, son." The senior Mr. Kensington patted his son's leg.
…
Jack, Elizabeth, and JJ were walking back to their home after the small party for Frank and Abagail. They were excited for their friends. They were happy and excited about their futures together. They met Emily on the way to the row house. JJ was up front with her playing.
"Do you know what our son said to me while we were dancing?"
"No. How could I know what he said."
"He has heard us."
"What do you mean he has heard us?"
"Noises that are now normal for our home."
"Oh yeah." Jack chuckled a little until he saw Elizabeth's blushing face. "What?"
"Jack Thornton!" Elizabeth gasped in a hushed tone. "He has heard us, and you told him it was a new normal sound."
"Well…I'm really hoping it is a normal sound." Jack blushed with a flirty tone to his voice.
"Well…me too." Elizabeth whispered.
Jack tightened his hold on her hand. "That has been a very nice part of our marriage. I know it may not always be this normal, but I'm hoping it's not uncommon." Elizabeth smiled at his words.
"He asked if the new sound was going to the new house."
Jack couldn't keep the smile from taking over his face. "Well…I hope it does."
"Me too."
"Now, we have to pack tonight, we are leaving tomorrow around noon."
"Where are we going?"
"I'll tell you tomorrow."
"Really?" Elizabeth huffed. How am I supposed to pack if I don't know where we are going?"
"Well…I would pack three dresses for dinners out on the town. Then a few normal everyday dresses. Maybe bring those riding pants you have. We may go for a ride."
"I guess that helps a little. Are you really not going to tell me?"
"Nope." Jack teased. "I'll tell you on the stagecoach tomorrow on our way to the train."
"Well…I guess I don't have a choice."
"True." Jack playfully smirked as he gently tapped her on the bottom.
Elizabeth quickly looked up and gave Jack a warning look. His dimpled smirk made her knees weak. "Careful." She warned him.
"And if I'm not…?" He sassed. The challenge was visible in his eyes.
"Jack." She squealed.
"Promise me I'll have a private conference with the teacher later tonight."
"Jack Thornton. You are incorrigible. "
"What do you expect…you are the one who has sent JJ to bed early. That boy thinks his new bedtime is at seven thirty."
Elizabeth scrunched her nose at him. "Well, you are the one who wakes up early." She flirted.
"Yeah…" A dreamy look crossed his face. He closed his eyes at the memories of the nights and mornings they have shared since their marriage.
"Come on sweet man." Elizabeth tugged on his arm. "We need to pack."
"We will be home for two days before we need to head to Hamilton?"
"We will be home for one day. Are you ok with going back there?"
"If I say no, do I have to go?" Jack stated. His playfulness quickly disappeared in his tone.
"I'm sorry, but yes. We must go to Thatcher Shipping to get things settled before the school year begins." Elizabeth stopped walking and turned Jack by his hand to face her. "Jack, I'm sorry but we have to get things settled at the company before we become too busy here. I know you don't want to go, but we do have to meet with Mr. Lewis and everything else. I'm sorry Jack." She squeezed his hand.
Elizabeth knew Jack's trips to Hamilton hadn't been very good trips for him. The whole debacle with Charles, how her family treated him, and then with Julie and Tom. This trip isn't for fun or picking up from a mess. This trip was work related. They had to meet with several people and have everything finalized with Jack joining her as CEO and owner. She was already officially in control of the business, but there was paperwork for Jack to become official.
Jack nodded his head.
Wanting to change the subject, Elizabeth asked about Jack's end date from the Mounties.
"I'm not too sure yet. We are taking a week for our honeymoon and a week for the trip to Hamilton. I don't know the amount of leave I have. I do have seven weeks until my contract runs out."
"So, at least seven weeks?" She asked as she looked up and saw her son running with Emily.
"At the most, probably less than that. I don't usually take leave, so I have several days built up."
"And when will you begin your work as sheriff?"
"Abagail said to take a day or two between leaving the mounties and beginning work here. I won't have leave built up with the new job. So, we will have to stay around here for a while. You ok with that?"
Elizabeth nodded her head. She still wished he would have stayed with the mounties but understood his reasoning of why he left. She supported her husband just like he supported her. They were in this together.
"Do you think the appeal process will last seven weeks?"
"It usually last four weeks or so. If that's true, I will have three weeks or less once it's settled. If I lose the appeal case, they may still send me, but I highly doubt it. By the time I get there and then get back here to fill out leave forms, I would only be there a little over a week or so."
"Are you sure you're still ok with all this?"
"For evenings like this, absolutely." Jack nodded between her and JJ. His arms were outstretched. "I love this. Walking home in the evening with you. Watching JJ running around with his friends. Being able to have dinner with my family. Being with you all is well worth any price. Now, I can do this almost every day. I wouldn't trade this for the world. I am truly happy with my decision. I wouldn't trade this for anything in the world. Are you ok with this?"
"Honestly…I still think you should have stayed with the mounties, but I fully understand your reasoning. I love the fact that you will be here with me every day." She snuggled into Jack's side as they walked. "I want you here with us." She nodded toward JJ. "Jack…this is perfect."
"I agree."
She snuggled a little closer. "After dinner, why don't JJ go to bed a little early?"
"You must be the smartest woman in the world."
"Maybe…but I think I just love my husband."
…
Frank checked the doors of the café and made sure all the lanterns were out. With a small candle, he made his way up the stairs. He saw the faint light coming out of Abagail's room. He has never felt so excited and so nervous at the same time. He knew his new wife must have a mixture of emotions right now. While he did want to be with his new wife, he was going to love her first. She we more important than what he wanted.
Abagail slowly opened the door before Frank knocked. He had his hand raised to knock.
"There you are."
"I was just checking the doors and lanterns downstairs." She could see his nervousness. "I was wanted to check on you."
"I'm good."
Frank finally noticed what his new wife was wearing. She had on a satin, dark blue robe that was loosely tied at the waist. Her hair was neatly brushed. She had a little bit of makeup on. He couldn't see the nightgown she had on under the robe, but he could see a little bit of her cleavage. That was odd. She had never worn a dress that showed any cleavage before that he could remember.
Abagail's grin began to grow from the corners of her mouth when she noticed the sweat that was beginning to form on Frank's upper lip. The grin grew to a smile when she noticed where he was looking. She was grateful she was able to entice her husband.
"Frank, would you please join me in my room? Excuse me…our room?" She nodded toward the bedroom.
"Are you sure?"
"Frank…I believe you need to take your wife to bed."