Chapter 46
Emily poked her head in the café's side door looking for JJ. He just stepped into the kitchen holding a pot of coffee in both hands. His smile grew when he noticed his friend standing in the doorway. Abagail noticed and nodded toward the door.
"Go and have fun. Be back at five."
"Thanks Auntie Abagail."
"Nothing in your pockets please."
JJ threw up his hand in the air as he ran through the kitchen toward Emily. "Love you, Auntie Abagail."
JJ joined Emily on the front sidewalk of the café.
"Would it be ok if we go by our home first? Then we can go to the pond?"
"Sure. I have my fishing pole already there with yours."
"Thanks for taking that home with you the other day. I can't believe if forgot it there."
"No problem. Why do you want to go by the house? Haven't they just started to work on it?"
"They have, but I want to see how it's going."
"When are Constable and Mrs. Thornton coming back?"
"They left yesterday. So, it will be five days. Then we will leave for Hamiton a day after they are here."
"Why are you going there?"
"I'm not real sure. Something to do with the shipping company, but I don't really know."
Emily and JJ walked to the home site just talking about nothing. JJ noticed Mr. Johnston and Mr. P talking to a group of men. They were all holding shovels. The men were digging the foundation for the home. JJ wasn't too sure, but he was a little surprised they had already begun that work.
"What are you two doing up here." Mr. P asked.
"We just wanted to see what all you were doing."
"We're working on the foundation. Mr. Coulter will have some logs for us in three or four days."
"Nice. May we help?"
"Not yet. Maybe when we begin later. You two need to go and have fun. Be kids for a day."
"We're going fishing." Emily stated.
"Why don't you two catch us dinner. Mrs. P or Mrs. Abagail will make it for you two."
"Great." JJ and Emily smiled at the thought of them catching enough fish for everyone.
They looked around for a few minutes before heading to the pond. The sun was bright but wasn't too hot.
"Well, how does it feel having a mommy and daddy again?"
"Ask me that in a few days when they get back."
"Why?"
We were only together as a family for a few days before they left. Now I'm with Auntie Abagail for a week. It's hard to feel like a family when my family isn't here."
"True…but you know you are a family…right?"
"I do. It's just that they had to leave to learn about each other." JJ shrugged his shoulders.
"What do you mean?"
"Mommy and daddy said that a good part of the honeymoon is for the newly married couple to get to know each other better. They said it's also for them to rest some after the wedding planning."
"Constable Thronton and Ms. Thatcher has known each other for three years. What is there for them to learn?"
"It's Mrs. Thornton now."
"Oh…sorry."
"It's ok. I'm not too sure what else there is to learn about each other. Daddy already knows what mommy's favorite flower is and her favorite color. What else is there to learn?" Emily just shrugged her shoulders. "After three years, they should already know enough about each other."
"True. Maybe they just need to rest."
"I suppose…they said that I don't understand because I'm too young. Auntie Abagail said the same thing. They said that I will figure it out when I get older." He shrugged his shoulders.
"I guess. I don't think they would lie."
"Yeah, I trust them."
"So…"
"Loser digs the worms for the next time we fish?"
"Sure." Emily smiled. "Now, you need to pay up for the last time we fished."
"I know. Stop gloating, Emily."
…
"Jack looked out the train window as it began to slow down. He was ready to get off the train. While the seats were somewhat comfortable, he couldn't really get comfortable enough to rest. Elizabeth was resting on his shoulder. His hand was resting on her thigh. It was just a long train ride confined to one seat.
Jack kissed Elizabeth on the top of her head as he caressed her cheek. "Sweetheart, it's time to wake up. The train is beginning to slow down."
Elizabeth began to move a little. She always did that before waking up. He thought it was cute.
"Sweetheart…Bella…" He kissed her again on the top of her head. "It's time to wake up."
"Jack…are we there?" She asked without raising her head from Jack's shoulder.
"Yes. We're here. We are almost to the train station."
Elizabeth moaned as she stretched. "I miss the first class compartment." She stated as she tried to stretch her legs. She moaned again as her cramped muscles ached as she stretched them. She opened her eyes to see Jack's expression. "Jack, I didn't mean it that way."
"I know. I'm sorry."
"Jack, you know I wouldn't trade this for anything in the world." She reached for the ring on his finger. "Please let all that stuff go. We are one now. We are married and we face this life together."
"True. With what was left in our account, we could probably upgrade to first class on the trip home."
"That's a thought." She stated as she continued to make her limbs move. "You understand how happy I am, right?"
Jack nodded his head.
"We could live in a shack or a mansion…as long as we are together with JJ, I don't care where we live or what we have or don't have."
"I know. I'm sorry."
"Jack, where did this come from? We have been married a few days now. Why now?"
Jack exhaled a long breath. There were days he still struggled with this. "I think it was the reminder that I am going back to Hamilton…" His voice trailed off to silence.
Elizabeth reached for Jack's hand. She gently squeezed it. The smile on her face encouraged him to open up to her. After all, she is his wife now. He knew he was safe with her. They both agreed when they reconnected that there were not going to be any more misunderstandings. Everything needed to be discussed. While emotions were part of that, they wouldn't allow emotions to lead the conversation.
"The first time when we were in Hamilton when your mother was supposed to be sick. You and Mr. Kensington sat at the piano for an hour or so playing together, your father told me that one of his greatest fears was that you would wake up one day realizing everything you gave up. He didn't want you to regret not having the life you deserved."
"When did you and father talk that night?"
"When you and Mr. Kensington played on the piano. You never looked up from him or the piano. I guess that seed of doubt is still there. Then when you said this wasn't a first class compartment…" Jack looked down. "I can't afford a first class compartment on a train. I'm just worried you would finally realize at some point that you weren't living the life you could be living and would regret it." Jack took a deep breath and continued when Elizabeth squeezed his hang again. "I guess the trip to Hamilton, the train seats, and your father's statement just came back with a vengeance all at once."
Elizabeth positioned herself so Jack would look into her eyes. Once she knew she had his full attention, she began to speak in a soft and loving tone. "Jack, you know my heart. You know my desires. I regret so much of my time in Hamilton with you. I really wish I could go back in time and change that. You once told me that we can't live in the past. I said I'm sorry for my actions and I meant it. However, I choose not to live in the past. We have reconciled and we are together now. We've learned from our mistakes, and we are moving forward…together. We are married and I am not looking back. The only life I would ever regret is one where you are not in it. I love you, Jack Thornton."
Jack smiled at his wife. She loved him. He knew the thought was ridiculous, but she didn't make him feel ridiculous at that moment. She encouraged him and was with him. She was truly happy with what they had. He didn't have to impress her or give her material things for her to be happy. She was his perfect soulmate. He knew it. She was happy to be Mrs. Elizabeth Thornton.
"You don't have to give me the world Jack. You are my world. If you give me your heart, I will be the most blessed woman in the world."
Jack interrupted her when he gently placed his lips on her cheek. He gently and slowly kissed his way to her lips. The kisses weren't deep. She was barely able to feel the pressure of his lips. After a gently placed kiss on the lips, he leaned his forehead against hers. He looked deep into her eyes. "Thank you, Elizabeth, for the reminder."
She nodded her head. This was one of their deep, intimate connections they would share throughout their lives. Jack was frustrated with himself for having that feeling. He wasn't sure why. He never felt inferior before, but Hamilton and that whole situation made him doubt himself. Jack smiled at his wife. She handled everything perfectly. He was grateful for her.
"And thank you for not making me feel like an idiot."
"You didn't make me feel like an idiot when I wasn't making the best decisions. You're my husband, I'm not supposed to make you feel like an idiot. We walk this life together."
"We make each other stronger."
She smiled when he squeezed her hand. They were still sharing the same breath when he continued.
"We had a bumpy road to this time in our lives, but I do believe our road will be perfectly us. It may still have bumps and things we don't want to deal with, but I can't imagine you not being by my side. You are my strength."
"And you are mine."
"Forever." Jack smiled.
"Forever." Elizabeth smiled.
"So, what do you say? Want to go for a walk with me around San Fransico after we check in?"
"Sounds perfect. By the way, where are we staying?"
"We have a small cabin about a twenty minute walk from the Marina District."
"And how did you know about that?"
"A mountie I knew from the academy. He was from San Fransico. I telegrammed him and asked for any suggestions. He highly recommended it. He reserved it for me, and he paid for it. I need to reimburse him."
"That was nice of him."
"He tells me it's a great location. It's secluded but not too far away for a long travel to the city. It's beside a lake."
"When can we go?"
"He volunteered to meet us here at the train station and will take us to the cabin. We just need to get our bags and stop by a mercantile to pick up some supplies."
"Let's get our bags. I'm ready for this adventure to begin." She kissed him quickly before standing. "Hey, are we good?" She asked as Jack stood.
"Yes, thank you."
…
Tom and Julie sat at their small apartment kitchen table enjoying their dinner. The trip back from Hope Valley was nice and uneventful. His work was going well. He was in line for a promotion if he continued working as hard as he has been. Juile's school was beginning soon. For the first time, she was excited about school. She was looking forward to beginning her journey as a dress designer.
"Are you ready for school? Do you have everything set up?"
"I do. My books are ordered but they haven't arrived yet."
"Are you looking forward to it?"
"I am. I've never been that way before, but I am now."
"I believe it's because you have found your calling."
"I think you are right." She looked at her husband. "Are you happy with your job?"
Tom thought about it for a moment. "I am for now. It has helped me get settled. The work isn't the greatest, but I am in line for a promotion. It's paying our bills now. So, I am thankful for that. I don't think I want to do this my whole life, but I'm ok for now."
"Tom, I just want you happy."
"I am happy with you. Now, get your degree. By then, maybe I will have a better idea of where I want to land."
"Deal."
…
"There he is." Jack called out from the bench where he and Elizabeth were sitting. They waited for about five minutes. A man about Jack's age and sized jumped out of a car and fixed his serge. He looked around and quickly saw his old friend sitting with a gorgeous woman.
"Jack!" He called out.
"Paul!" Jack stood still holding Elizabeth's hand. When Paul walked up to the young couple, Jack gave him a hug.
"Hey, how are you?"
"I'm good. So, you are married?"
"I am. Paul, this is my bride, Elizabeth. Elizabeth, this is my friend from the academy, Paul."
"It's great to meet you, Elizabeth. Jack…how in the world did you convince her to marry you?"
"I honestly don't know."
"Well, at least your married now. It's too late for her to back out."
"Don't you know it." Both men laughed.
"Are you two ready to head to the store? Then I will take you to the cabin. We are meeting another mountie friend of mine. I am leaving you the car so you two have the option of walking or driving. San Fransico is a large city. He will take me back to the station."
"That's very kind of you." Elizabeth stated.
"Well, I kind of owe Jack here." Paul stated as he patted Jack on the shoulder.
…
Frank stepped into the café after a day of riding to visit some people on the outskirts of town. After that was finished, he made his way to Jack's and Elizabeth's new house. He wanted to help out as much as he can. He noticed a large wagon with several logs on it heading toward the home site. He followed the wagon to the base of the hill. While the hill wasn't a huge hill, they had to attach four more horses to the team to pull the wagon up the hill. There was no need to wear out the horses when they didn't need too. Frank jumped off his horse to help the men with the horses. The logs would be there waiting for them.
Frank spent almost two hours helping Mr. P mark the logs. With that done, it would be easier for the men to begin placing the logs in their proper place.
The men were working on the foundation of the home, but Lee's men began working on the logs for the home. Instead of just keeping the logs at the mill site, they decided to go ahead and ship them to the home site. When the men were ready, they would begin assembling the walls.
"Good evening, young man." Frank stated as he ruffed up JJ's hair. "What are you doing?"
"Just waiting for dinner. You?"
"I guess the same."
Frank walked into the kitchen to see his wife. While that still sounded a little odd to him, he loved this season in his life. He was married and Abagail was the love of his life. He was loving this season of life in was in. They were married and will be leaving for a honeymoon within a week.
Their plan was simple, a nice little getaway to a mountain cabin where there were hiking trails, a good sized mountain lake to fish, and a place for a horseback ride if they decided to explore. He just needed Jack and Elizabeth to hurry to come back home so they could leave.
Abagail looked up and she noticed her husband standing at the opening between the dining room and the kitchen. He was standing still just absent mindedly looking at her. She didn't think he was concentrating on anything in particular. He looked like he was lost in though. It took her two times calling his name before she got his attention.
"I'm sorry…" He shook his head trying to bring his mind back to the present.
"Where were you in your head?"
"Oh…our honeymoon." He whispered as she slowly walked around the kitchen island where she was working cutting up carrots.
"Oh…" She smiled at his expression.
Their time together was incredible for both of them. She was a little surprised. It wasn't that she didn't love Frank, she was just a little stunned her first husband never came to mind. She still loved Noah, but she was in a different part of her life. She assumed she would always have a special place for her first husband. However, Frank was her present and her future. Noah wasn't forgotten, but she was living in today, not the past. And she was grateful.
"Where you now?"
Frank wrapped his arms around her waist as he stood behind her. He tightened his hold on her. "I was…would you like to know what I'm thinking?" He flirted.
"I'm hoping it's what I'm thinking?" She flirted right back.
Their marriage and times together have woken up that part of them. She smiled as he tightened his hold.
"I love you, Mayor."
She scrunched up her nose at his teasing. "That's sweetheart to you dear."
Frank kissed her on her neck. He had every intention of working his way to her collar bone. He knew she loved it when he paid attention there. That was until they heard a little voice standing in the doorway.
"You two are as bad as mommy and daddy." JJ shook his head. "Aren't you two hungry?"
"Yes." Frank answered. Abagail elbowed him in the stomach because of the tone in his voice.
"Be nice!" She sternly whispered.
Abagail turned her attention toward JJ. Now, why don't you take your seat. I'll have dinner ready in a couple of minutes?"
"Thank you, Auntie Abagail and Uncle Frank."
…
Jack, Elizabeth, and Paul stepped out of the car once it stopped beside a beautiful, small cabin nestled on top of a small hill overlooking a ten acre lake. From the scenery, you would assume it was a long way from the big city, but it really wasn't. Elizabeth looked around and marveled at the beauty of the trees and the lake. She couldn't imagine a more beautiful place to stay for the next few days.
Jack and Paul began to grab the bags and carry them to the cabin. Elizabeth began with the bags from the store. She was so used to the mercantile at Hope Valley. The store in San Fransico that Paul took them were huge. She imagined stores in Hamilton must have been like that, but she never went to them. After unloading the car, another vehicle pulled up and a gentleman about Jack's and Paul's age stepped out with a huge smile.
"Good afternoon." The man stated to Elizabeth. Jack and Paul just stepped inside for Paul to show him everything. Elizabeth went to the car to pick up one last bag she forgot about.
"Good afternoon. You must be looking for Paul?"
"Yes, I am. He said he has an academy brother and his new wife traveling here today."
"Yes. That would be Jack Thornton and I am his wife, Elizabeth." Elizabeth noticed the frown on the man's face.
"Nice to meet you. My name is Nick."
"Nick, nice to meet you." Elizabeth stated but held onto her bag instead of shaking his hand. Something seemed off with this man. She couldn't figure it out, but there was something in his gaze that made her feel uncomfortable. She exhaled a slow breath when Jack and Paul stepped out of the cabin. When Jack approached her, she immediately took his hand.
"Jack…Elizabeth, this is Nick. Nick, this is Jack and Elizabeth Thornton, I told you about them. At the academy, Jack beat me in academics and shooting, but I did beat him in the obstacle course time."
"By two seconds Paul…by two seconds." Huffed Jack. He still wasn't happy that he couldn't beat Paul's time on the obstacle course.
Nick reached for Jack's hand and shook it. Elizabeth continued to hold onto Jack's hand and with the other hand she held the small bag. Jack quickly glanced at her when she squeezed his hand. He immediately squeezed her hand in return. He also pulled her a little closer to his side. He didn't know what was going on, but he knew she wanted to be beside him. Jack and Paul heard the car pull up, so he knew Elizabeth and Nick weren't outside very long together.
"Nice to meet you, Nick. Thank you for picking this guy up." Jack nodded toward Paul.
"No problem." He smiled as he looked at Elizabeth.
"Hey Jack, if you two are anywhere close to the middle of town, stop by headquarters. I would love to show you around and introduce you to some of my other brothers there."
"Thanks, but I'm not going to headquarters while I'm here."
Paul looked at Jack with a questioning look. He was a little surprised by the abrupt answer from Jack. Usually, a visiting mountie would quickly take up an offer like that. The mounties were a tight knit group. The more people you knew, the better teamwork was. You never know whom you may run across on the job. A working friendship was always best.
Jack noticed Paul's look. "First, I'm on my honeymoon. I don't want to take Elizabeth to mountie headquarters. Secondly, I'm leaving the mounties in a little less than two months."
"You're quitting?" Nick blurted out.
"My contract is up at that time. I'm not reenlisting."
"Jack…you were the best cadet in the academy. You made Sergeant years before you were supposed to. Don't you know they use that silly red tablecloth arrest as a teaching tool."
Jack just shook his head. No matter where he goes, some mountie always brings up that silly tablecloth arrest.
"Wait! You're the guy who did that?" Nick asked.
"Yeah…" Jack shook his head. "Paul, I'm stepping away from the mounties. They put me in a difficult situation, and I refused an order that shouldn't have been given. I'm appealing it but realized that they would hold it against me. So, I'm retiring from the mounties. I will be the first sheriff in Hope Valley after my contract is up."
"May I ask what happened?"
"Do you remember Steve?"
"Sure I do. He was your academy brother and the only one that beat you."
"Yeah…. he married just after graduation."
"Yes, I remember that. To a nice woman named…Joyce…Janet…?"
"Joy."
"That's right…Joy. He married over his head with that one."
"I'm convinced she felt sorry for him." Jack and Paul shared a laugh. "They married and had a child. They named him Jack."
"After you. I thought they may do that after you saved his life during that mud slide."
"Anyways, they were killed in an accident."
"I'm sorry to hear that. What does that have to do with you leaving the mounties?"
"To make a long story short, they asked me to take Jack, or who they call JJ. Superintendent Jackson told me that I wouldn't have to travel if I took him since he lost both of his parents. I wasn't married or any possibility of marriage at that time. My major concern was that I would be reassigned. I couldn't do that with a kid."
"Jack, fathers leave all the time with families that they leave behind."
"Yes, Nick. I was one of those mounties that traveled a lot at a moment's notice. I was also raised by a mountie who was gone months at a time."
"Nick, there isn't a man alive wearing a red serge that I would trust my life to more than Jack Thornton." Paul's voice was stern and unyielding. He didn't like Nick questioning Jack.
Jack nodded his respect to Paul. "I was given a temporary assignment for six to eight weeks."
"Which would have turned into at least twelve weeks." Paul stated.
"Yes. I appealed the assignment because I wasn't going to leave my family."
"I understand that. Now, if you two are available for lunch or dinner while you are here, I would love to catch up with you Jack. I would also enjoy getting to know you, Elizabeth. We need to leave you two to your honeymoon. The last thing you two want to do is sit here talking shop. Now, enjoy your time here. If you need anything, you know where to find me."
"Thanks Paul." Jack stated as he shook his hand. Paul shook Elizabeth's hand. Then she immediately reached for Jack's hand again when he shook Nick's hand. Elizabeth wouldn't release Jack's hand or the bag to shake Nick's outstretched hand. Jack and Elizabeth watched the two mounties walk to the car and pull off the property.
"Are you ok? Did anything happen before I came outside?"
"Not really. That Nick guy just gave me the creeps."
"What do you mean? Did he do or say anything inappropriate to you?"
"No. It was just the way he was looking at me. It was like he was admiring me too much or something. I can't explain it."
"Elizabeth, you don't have to explain it. Always trust your gut until you know for certain."
"Thanks Jack. Now, show me the cabin."
…
"So, Mr. Lewis, what do you think?" Grace waited patiently as Teddy was thinking through the plans for the young women's home. He had always known Grace to work with the food bank on occasion, but this was beginning to be interesting.
"Are you sure?"
"I am. I have thought about it, and I want to do this. I have spoken with William concerning this, and he is in agreement."
Teddy looked at this friend for a few moments. She was always a very nice woman. He wouldn't call her forceful or independent by any measures. However, the version of Grace sitting in front of him was a force to be reckoned with. She was a strong woman who knew what she wanted to do. She was pushing forward to accomplish it.
"This isn't my field of expertise, let me run it by Ron. He is a friend I went to law school with. This is the field where he works. He can assist me in handling this."
"Thanks Teddy. I appreciate it very much. I would like to get started on this very soon."
I'll reach out to Ron tomorrow."
"Thank you, Teddy." Grace exhaled a breath. She was getting excited about this.
"May I ask, how are you doing?"
Grace gave him a smile. "Well, to be honest, I wished this would have never happened. I do believe William finally realized what he did was terribly wrong."
"I agree. I sent off the final payment for everything today at William's urging."
"Thank you for helping with his sentencing and having him so close by."
"Grace, that was all Jack and the person he knew."
Grace nodded her head.
"And everything else?"
"Well, I think my Christmas card list is smaller. Some people have shunned me because of it, but others have stepped up and become really good friends. I value true friendship now more than ever."
"I'm sorry you have to walk through that."
"Me too, but I'm grateful for the lessons I have been taught."
"I also see a stronger woman than before."
"I had to be."
"True, but you have met this situation head on and have taken control of it. Look at you Grace, we are sitting here because you are starting a home for young women and their babies. You would have never done that in the past."
Grace sat taller at the compliment. She really has grown over the last few weeks.
"What are you plans here?" Teddy asked about the huge house she was living in.
"I'm not too sure. Jack and Elizabeth will be here next week. I think I'm going to take three months to get my feet under me better before I make any big decisions concerning my things. I don't want to make a hasty decision that I will regret like selling my home or moving too quickly."
"Very smart, Grace."
"I just don't know yet. So, until those three months are up, I will keep everything as is. That gives me time to figure things out for the next three years and after."
Teddy reached for Grace's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "You are doing better than you think you are. Mary and I would love to take you out to dinner soon."
"That would be lovely. How is Mary doing?"
"She's doing well. She asks about you all the time."
"We need to spend some time together and catch up on life."
"I'll tell her. She'll be in touch to set a time for us all to eat."
"Anything else Teddy?"
"No, Mrs. Thatcher. I'll be in touch after I speak with Ron, and he directs me as needed. I'll let you know. Are you sure you about the name?"
"I don't know what we will call it, but Thatcher will not be part of the title. This isn't about the Thatchers." Her tone was resolute. Teddy was truly happy for his friend.
…
Abagail sat at the mayor's desk reading over a report from the mountie headquarters. They had finally gone through all the books and papers from Gowen. They had a total of everything that Gowan owned and what the mountie's sold to repay what they could. It didn't come to the total of everything he stole from Lee or Hope Valley, but it was nice to recover a good portion of the total. The money was going to be very helpful for Hope Valley.
She smiled as she placed that report down. She was grateful that the saga of Gowen was finally finished. While he did plead not guilty in court, the D. A. assured her that Henry Gowen would be in jail for a long time. There was no way he was getting out of it. The next report was from Jack. He had made several suggestions for the role of sheriff. He made those suggestions from their meeting before his wedding when they discussed the sheriff's work before he presented Abagail his resume. She knew Jack was the right person for the job. She agreed with the suggestions. However, she did add a couple that she thought was important.
Abagail really did want a regular meeting with Jack to discuss any issues in Hope Valley. Even if there wasn't anything major happening, she wanted to stay on top of things and have open communication between the mayor and sheriff. She learned in her short time as mayor that she needed the information. People were always asking her something and she didn't like not knowing the answers. Plus, with the way Gowen ran things, open communication was essential in earning, and keeping, the trust of people.
As she sat down Jack's notes, but before she picked up the next folder of papers, she stopped and looked up. "Mary…Mary Graves…" She whispered to herself. She has been thinking about who to ask to join her in the café. She wasn't looking into selling part of it or having a partner again, but she needed someone she could trust to help her run the café. A manager of sort, if you will. Mary had helped in the past and she knew her well. The most important thing was that she could trust and rely on Mary. She needed to speak with Frank about it, but knew he would be ok with her decision.
At that moment, she felt she was going to be ok with both jobs. She was concerned about how she was going to be mayor and devote enough time to be the best for Hope Valley she could be. However, the café we her lively hood. She finally felt she could do both and do them well.
…
The day wasn't late, but Jack and Elizabeth decided to stay around the cabin for the rest of the day. The lack of good sleep and traveling yesterday and during the night was tiring. They had enough supplies from the store they would be fine. The log cabin was beautiful, and the view of the lake was tremendous. They decided to walk around the lake. No destination in mind. Just a nice leisure walk enjoying the company of each other. Jack did find some fishing items in the closet and decided he wanted to try his luck in the lake later on in the week.
Jack closed the cabin door and accepted Elizabeth's outstretched hand. The temperature was perfect. The sun was shining bright, but the shade of the many trees kept the sun from being too hot. Elizabeth admired Jack wearing jeans and a button up shirt. He had the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. She just wasn't accustomed to seeing him in jeans. He was always in his mountie uniform. She was wearing a light yellow dress that flowed well. It was very comfortable. She did change her boots for the walk.
The walk around the lake was relaxing and quiet. Other than pointing out some wildlife and different scenery of the lake, the walk was done in silence. The silence wasn't awkward. It was welcomed. Jack would help Elizabeth over a fallen tree on the trail or over a rock. He would often steal a quick kiss from her. Elizabeth would pull him closer on occasion just to feel his presence.
Jack finally broke the silence. "Are you ready for school to begin?"
"Almost. I spent time before the wedding working on things. If it was to begin tomorrow, I would be ready enough. Just a few things I need to do. I believe while we are in Hamilton, I may do some shopping for materials that we can't get thru Mr. Yost."
"That sounds great."
"Are you ready to be sheriff?"
"I am, but I'm more concentrated on the next two months. I need to get the mountie stuff wrapped up before I can think too far ahead." Elizabeth nodded as he spoke. "The appeals process should be easy enough. With me not reenlisting, I'm not sure if the higher ups will take it personally and make it difficult for me with the time I have remaining or if they will just buy their time with me leaving not long after. Abagail and I still need to finalize the duties of sheriff, but I trust her."
"I believe you can work well with her."
"I think so too. When I allow myself to think about it, I look forward to it."
She smiled at Jack. He was always concerned with what was directly in front of him. He did look ahead to prepare himself, but never too far ahead where he would miss something now.
"And you taking over the shipping company?"
"We are taking over the shipping company." She reminded him. "Next week in Hamilton will be telling I believe. We will sit down with Teddy and Mr. Watts. The first few days may be a little difficult."
"Yeah." Jack smiled.
"But I trust you."
"What do you mean?"
"You said once that we can do anything together. I trust you."
Jack tightened his hold on his wife's hand. "I do believe that. We will have a lot to learn, but I think you are most capable of doing the job."
"Jack…we are doing the job. We!" She emphasized the word while gesturing with her free hand between them. "Please stop saying that it's only me. We will do the job. We will learn it and with Teddy's and Mr. Watts' help, we will figure it out."
Jack loved it when she was forceful like that. She was adorable when she was determined. He leaned in just enough to lightly kiss her on the lips. While she was determined and head strong, when he did things like that, it instantly calmed her. She didn't know how he did that.
The rest of the walk around the lake was just perfect. They continued to speak about school, the shipping job, and JJ. Nothing was too serious in their discussions. It was just typical married talk and they both loved it. There were stretches of quiet times and talking times. The walk was gorgeous due to the scenery. Elizabeth loved seeing the deer pounce around the trees and Jack loved listening to the birds.
By their accounts, this was one of the best things on the honeymoon.
