Chapter 49

Frank and Abagail were walking around their shared bedroom packing the last bit of clothes for their honeymoon. Like Jack, Frank hasn't shared with his bride where they were going. He wanted it to be a surprise.

"Are you ready?"

"How in the world can I be ready when I don't even know where we are going? I don't know what to pack." Huffed Abagail. She teased Elizabeth with her impatience, but now she is experiencing the frustration her little sister had. It was a little infuriating.

"I told you what to pack."

"That was a little helpful, but not very nice!" She pointed her finger at her husband.

"Abagail, you don't have to control everything."

"Watch it." She smirked at her husband.

Frank walked up behind his wife and wrapped his arms around her middle. She placed his hands on her small tummy. He enjoyed their banter. Abagail was one who liked to be in the know. It was killing her not knowing where they were going for four days. It was originally supposed to be three days, but Frank pushed it back an extra day. Frank nuzzled his lips on her neck. He knew his wife enjoyed his attention there.

"Frank!" She playfully warned. "If you continue with your current trajectory, we will not make the stagecoach."

"That's not a problem…we're not taking the stagecoach." He tightened his hold on his wife. While Abagail squirmed to get out of his grasp, she didn't put forth her best effort. He couldn't see her smile grow at the playfulness between them. The more she squirmed, the more attention he played on her neck.

"Mary is downstairs and in control of the diner…"

"Yeah…" She gasped as he lightly sucked on her neck.

"And we don't have to leave this early…"

"hum…mmm…" She tilted her neck to the side so he would have better access to it.

"And we're already packed…" He stated in between kisses and nibbling on her neck.

Abagail reached for Frank's hands. She turned in his arms and was now facing him. He placed his hands on her hips and pulled her against him. He only changed sides of her neck. He wasn't willing to let go of her neck. As much as she loved his attention there, he enjoyed her neck as well.

"Frank…" She gasped as she latched onto her neck.

Elizabeth was in a dizzy running around her bedroom. Jack was awake, but he wasn't moving too quickly. He was still in bed watching her panic over packing. He was exhausted from yesterday. He chopped enough wood for the café for over a week while he would be gone. His thoughts did not leave further than his brief encounter with Elizabeth and her promise of their time together after JJ went to bed. He worked another couple of hours at the jail trying to get caught up somewhat before leaving for another week.

Jack, Elizabeth, and JJ made a quick trip to the new house to see what was accomplished. They were amazed at the progress the men made in just one week. They walked around looking at the outer walls and figuring out where each room was. Her boys still wouldn't tell her about the two piles of rock that was out front. JJ and Jack would just grin at each other.

Dinner was takeout from Abagail's. It was delicious, but it was the looks shared between the young couple that stole the evening. The more Jack thought about their discussion during chopping wood, his excitement and anticipation was only building. Elizabeth knew what her little trick did for Jack. She loved every moment of it. She could see the build up in Jack's expression. While she enjoyed the effect she had on him, she didn't calculate the effect his looks were having on her. She was anticipating their time together just as much as he was.

The two kept a close eye on the clock. They held out until eight o'clock before sending JJ to bed. He wanted both parents to read to him at bedtime. While they loved reading to him and spending that time with him, the stolen looks, and innocent touches between them only feed the raging fire inside of them. JJ was taking forever to fall asleep.

Once he was asleep, Jack and Elizabeth quickly picked up the row house. They did it in record time. Everything was going great until Elizabeth walked by Jack, and she slid her hand across his lower back. That was the final act that set the raging fire inside of Jack loose. He turned to face her. She could see the look in his eyes. She slowly backed up with her hands in front of her trying to keep him at a distance. She had wanted to take the lead, but the look in Jack's eyes was removing that desire. The passionate Jack that she wanted was raging in front of her. While she may have been backing up making an attempt to get away from Jack, it was the slowest attempt to get away from him. Jack reached her in three steps. He picked her up and carried her up the stairs into their bedroom. He unleashed every ounce of passion he had stored up in his body and she welcomed every bit of it. Their time together was magical and intense. They were exhausted and immediately fell asleep.

"Don't you think you need to get up?"

"Who has the ability to do that after last night?" He flirted as he sat up.

"Jack…" She tried to admonish him but was failing in her attempt. "…We have packing to do and a stagecoach to catch."

"Elizabeth, would you come back to bed with me?" He asked in a soft voice as he took back the cover. She realized he didn't have any clothes on from their time together last night.

JJ blasted through the side door of the café that led to the living room.

"Haven't you taught him to knock before entering a room?" Elizabeth chuckled.

"Haven't you taught him to not run in the house?" Jack smiled.

Jack and Elizabeth admired their boy as they began to take the steps toward the café's porch.

"He's a very intelligent boy, but when he gets excited, he loses all of his knowledge." Jack shook his head.

"He gets that from his father." Elizabeth teased in a soft breath.

"Are you complaining, Mrs. Thornton?"

"Not complaining, Mr. Thornton…thankful." She stated without looking at her husband.

Jack and Elizabeth entered the café and saw JJ and Abagail standing at the little kitchen island looking over a big batch of chocolate chip cookies. Abagail was placing them in a bag.

"What?" Abagail asked when she looked up at Jack and Elizabeth's expression. "He's taking a long trip, and he needs snacks. Plus…I'm Auntie Abagail."

The young couple chuckled at Abagail's defense of her spoiling the boy. Elizabeth walked toward the cookies and picked one up.

"They're good, but they don't have as many chocolate chips as your do mommy." JJ stated as he shoved one in his mouth.

"JJ…don't speak with your mouth full."

"Since your mommy started making them, Mr. Yost doesn't have any chocolate chips left. He's always sold out." Sassed Abagail. She knew Elizabeth always puts in way too many chocolate chips because of JJ.

Elizabeth pretended to be insulted. She gasped at the teasing. Abagail became a little confused at the expression on Elizabeth's face.

"I'm a little surprised Auntie Abagail had time to make the batch of cookies this morning." Sassed Elizabeth.

Abagail looked up trying to understand Elizabeth's remark. She studied her younger sister for a moment. Elizabeth nodded toward Abagail's neck with a growing smirk.

"You have something on the left side of your neck, Abagail." Elizabeth's tone was that of a younger sister's voice that caught her older sister.

Elizabeth saw the confusion turn into understanding. Abagail's face turned instantly red at the knowledge that Elizabeth knew what her and Frank were doing earlier. Abagail reached for her collar and adjusted it. Elizabeth's little smirk continued to grow.

"I'm surprised you had time to pack this morning."

"What?" Challenged Elizabeth.

"I would be careful, little one." Abagail sassed in a big sister's tone. "You have a matching one on the right side of your neck."

"Where are you taking Abagail?" Jack asked as he and Frank walked toward the livery. Jack volunteered to help him get the horse and carriage ready. Jack had about twenty five minutes before the stagecoach was set to arrive.

"A good friend of mine has this cabin in the mountains about a two hour carriage ride from here. It over looks a beautiful mountain lake filled with trout. It's very quiet and peaceful there."

"That sounds perfect. That also sounds like the place we stayed in San Franciso. Are you taking fishing gear?"

"Jack, I'm not leaving that lake until I beat that woman at fishing!" The determination was fierce in his voice.

Jack let out a loud laugh. "I may never see you again."

"That's very true." Frank stated softly as they walked into the livery.

Mr. Watts stood in the doorway of Mr. Lewis' office after knocking on the door. Teddy looked up and offered Jerry a smile.

"Mr. Lewis…do you have a moment?"

"Sure. Please call me Teddy."

Jerry nodded his head. "If you will call me Jerry?"

"What may I do for you, Jerry?"

"May we have an open and frank discussion without it leaving this office?"

"Sure." Teddy didn't know Jerry very well. They have spoken on several occasions and what he knew of him, Teddy liked him.

"Elizabeth and this guy named Jack…" Jerry paused for a long moment. He didn't want to come across as disrespectful. However, until they arrived tomorrow, he was responsible for Thatcher Shipping, and he took that job seriously. He didn't want anyone to lose their jobs. For Jerry, the job was the people who worked here. "…are they capable of this?"

Teddy leaned back in his chair. He thought the question was valid. Jerry didn't know Elizabeth very well and probably only heard about Jack through William's tinted lenses. He felt the question was full of concern, not disrepute.

"I know Elizabeth a lot more than I do Jack. I got to know him a little while I was in Hope Valley. He seems like a good man."

"Can he do this job and do it well? Or Elizabeth for that matter? She was never involved in the business side of things. She would attend something every so often with her father, but she never took an interest in the business."

"Elizabeth understands more than you think she does. She may not have been front and center, but that was by her choosing. However, she does know more than she is given credit for."

"A lot of people depend on this company for their livelihood."

"They understand that."

"And this Jack fellow? All I have ever heard about him was from Mr. Thatcher and it was never good."

"Do you know about Mr. Thatcher's deal?"

"I do. I don't understand how he received such a great deal. Only three years and in a low security prison so close to Hamilton. He should have received many more years and be in a prison out west somewhere."

"That was because of Jack."

"What do you mean?"

"Jack called in favors so Mr. Thatcher would be closer to home for Mrs. Thatcher."

"Why in the world would he do something like that for Mr. Thatcher?"

"I have asked myself that same question several times. Even though he doesn't like Mr. Thatcher, he didn't want to hurt Elizabeth or Mrs. Thatcher."

"He did that for a man and woman who didn't like him very much? Wasn't they dead set against him courting Elizabeth?"

"They were. He loves Elizabeth and didn't want to bring unnecessary burden on her or her mother."

Jerry leaned back in his chair. "I wouldn't call that unnecessary burden. They deserved whatever the court system would have handed out to him."

"I agree, but Jack didn't want to cause any more trouble for Mrs. Thatcher and especially for Elizabeth."

Teddy could see that Jerry was weighing what he just heard. He was having a little bit of trouble understanding why Jack would do such a thing.

"You will find that he will set aside his personal feelings to do what he thinks is the right thing."

"That's a good trait for a CEO. Has he ever done anything like this before?"

"No. He's a mountie and about to be the sheriff of Hope Valley. He isn't educated in the finest of universities, but Jerry, make no mistake about it, Jack Thornton is a very intelligent man."

Jerry nodded his head. "And the co-CEO and co-ownership?"

"I questioned that one too." Teddy spoke honestly. "After talking with both of them, they were adamant that they could do it together. Elizabeth would only do this together with Jack. She kept saying that they were better as a team."

"For the employees of the company, I pray this works out."

"How are things going?"

"Well, the newspapers are moving on to the next story. We have taken a small hit, but we haven't lost too many customers. We haven't lost a major customer yet. The majority are waiting to see how things play out. I think if Elizabeth and Jack come here and settles a few things quickly, everything will be back to normal very soon."

"Then things will be back to normal very soon. I have all the faith in them."

"Anything I can do to help them succeed, please don't hesitate to ask me."

"They already have plans for you, Jerry."

"Should I be concerned?"

"Absolutely not. They want to work with you and learn from you. You will be a valuable resource for them."

Jerry excused himself and walked back to this office. He felt better about his discussion with Teddy, but he still was a little concerned with the whole arrangement.

Teddy watched Jerry walk out of his office. He knew the hesitation Jerry had and rightfully so. He also knew Elizabeth and Jack would remove that hesitation within ten minutes of meeting them. He also knew the plan they had for him. Teddy always thought William didn't use Jerry to his fullest potential. He knew Jerry would very much welcome the role Jack and Elizabeth had for him.

Jack stepped off the stagecoach first in Toronto. He helped Elizabeth down and then JJ jumped into his arms. He and JJ helped unload the bags from the top of the stagecoach. The driver was very appreciative.

While this may have been the last place JJ lived before moving to Hope Valley, it didn't feel like home to him anymore. He has become to think of Hope Valley as his home. He looked around the platform.

"Daddy, may we go somewhere once we are checked in at the train station?"

"Sure. Where would you like to go?"

Jack noticed JJ's nervous look and body posture. He kneeled in front of his boy. "I have had a thought I would like to run by you." JJ nodded his head. "Let's get checked in and store our luggage. We have about three hours before the train leaves. Let's then eat at your favorite restaurant. But first, I would like to go and visit your parents' graves. Would you be ok with that?"

JJ nodded his head. Jack then looked at Elizabeth. She did the same thing. She really wanted to go but she didn't want to make it harder for JJ.

After checking in at the train station, they were allowed to store their bags relatively easily since they had a first class compartment under the name Thatcher Shipping. Jack discreetly asked the gentleman at the counter if he knew where Welch Cemetery was located. After getting directions, they decided to walk since it was only a ten minute walk. They have been sitting for so long a walk sounded good to everyone. JJ pointed out the place he wanted to eat on the way. His parents would take him there all the time.

They easily found the cemetery and Jack followed the headquarters' directions where Steve and Joy were buried. With very little effort, they found the headstone of Joy and Steve Johnson. JJ stood in the middle with Jack to his right and Elizabeth to his left. They each had a hand on his little shoulders. They were standing at the foot of the grave.

"Mr. Jack…" They noticed he used Jack's name instead of calling him daddy. That was the first time he had done that since he started calling Jack daddy weeks ago. "Would you go with me?"

Jack nodded his head and both of them walked the short distance to the head stone. Elizabeth remained at the foot of the graves. She had small tears flowing down her cheeks. Her hand remained on JJ's shoulder until the distance demanded she let go.

"Mommy…daddy…" JJ began.

"Is this where we are staying?" Asked a surprised Abagail.

"It is. Are you ok with it?" Frank asked when he pulled on the reins of the team of horses pulling the small wagon to a stop.

"Oh Frank…it's gorgeous."

"I think so. Plus, there are a lot of trout in that lake."

"We're going fishing?"

"Sure. We can fish, hike, relax, horseback ride…whatever we decide to do. We have four days here."

"This is perfect."

"Now, let's get the wagon unloaded and the horses taken care of."

"Then we can go fishing." Abagail stated as she jumped off the bench seat.

"Same rules as before?"

"Sure, the loser cleans and cooks the fish."

"I'm not leaving here unless I beat you."

"Frank…I have the café at home. I can't move here." Abagail sassed her husband.

"Funny woman."

She couldn't contain her laughter. It echoed across the valley. Frank could only shake his head at his precious wife.

"Come on. Let's get busy so I can beat you fishing."

"It is fun to watch your try." She giggled. "It's always great to have a goal."

"Mommy…daddy…I miss you." JJ bowed his head. After a long few seconds of silence, he continued. "Mr. Jack has done a great job raising me. Thank you for asking him to take care of me. I asked him if he was alright with me calling him daddy. He said he was and that he would share that with you. I hope you are ok with it." JJ squeezed Jack's hand. "I love him like I love you. He is also adopting me. I wanted to keep the Johnson name. So, I'm adding Thornton to the end of my name. My new name is Jack Johnson Thornton. I like it. I belong to you and to him. I hope you are ok with it." JJ smiled when a butterfly landed on top of the headstone. He took it as confirmation. "This is Ms. Elizabeth. She married daddy and I am calling her my mommy. She said she will share the title with you. She loves me just like you did."

Elizabeth couldn't hold in the tears anymore. She cried without any embarrassment.

"I love you and I miss you. Just know that I am happy and well loved. Thank you for that."

JJ released Jack's hand and reached for the top of the head stone. After a second, he turned to walk toward Elizabeth. He walked straight into her arms. She held him while Jack took a moment to speak to Steve and Joy.

"You two did a great job with that little guy. He is perfect. I can see both of you in him. I hope I am doing a good enough job raising him that you two would be proud of. Thank you for changing my life. When I was asked to take him, I couldn't imagine him in my life. Now, I can't imagine him not in my life. Thank you for this precious gift. I just hope I will make you proud."

Jack stood silently for a few moments. He turned to see Elizabeth holding JJ with him in her arms resting on her hip. His head was on her shoulder. His arms were wrapped around her neck and his legs wrapped around her waist.

"Are you ready?"

He looked into the eyes of his bride. He understood completely.

"Hey you, why don't you come to me?" He reached for his son. Elizabeth handed JJ to Jack and immediately turned her attention to the headstone a few feet in front of her. She was grateful that Jack understood her. She slowly walked to the side of the grave where Joy was buried. She kneeled and placed her hand on the headstone. After looking at it for a few moments, she lowered her eyes to the ground in front of the stone. She spoke so softly that Jack and JJ couldn't hear her. This was personal just between the two women.

"Mrs. Johnson, my name is Elizabeth Thornton. I'm sorry we never met. I married Jack Thornton a little less than two weeks ago. I met your son a few weeks ago after I came home from Hamilton. Within two minutes of meeting your son, I fell in love with him. He just captured me immediately and I couldn't fight against it. He saved my life. Maybe not literally, but he honestly saved my life and my future.

"I made some dumb decisions and left home for my hometown. When I came back home, my boyfriend was at odds with me. I had a lot to overcome. Your son, JJ, was a huge piece of the puzzle that brought us back together.

"I fell in love with JJ completely. You did such a great job raising that little boy. I'm sorry you didn't get the blessing of raising your son. He is very special. Mrs. Johnson, he asked me if he could call me his mommy. He said I would share that title with his mommy in heaven. I hope you are ok with it. I know he isn't my son biologically, but Mrs. Johnson…I love your boy just like he is mine. My heart doesn't know that he isn't biologically my son.

"I will never be as good of a mother as you were, but I promise you today that I will love him with all of my heart. I promise you that Jack and I will do the best we can with him. I promise to build on the foundation you and Mr. Johnson have begun with him.

"Jack and I have adopted him. The adoption will be finalized soon. He wanted our last name, but he also wanted to remember you and Mr. Johnson. He has a picture of you two on his bedside table. He has not forgotten about you two. Jack and I will not allow that to ever happen. Mrs. Johnson…thank you for giving me this opportunity to be his mommy on earth just like you are his mommy in heaven. I promise you I will do my best with him."

Elizabeth let out a long breath. She closed her eyes and prayed a prayer to thanksgiving for JJ. She opened her eyes after saying amen. She spent a few moments lovingly brushing leaves off the top of the headstone. After cleaning off the headstone and looking at it for a few more moments, Elizabeth stood. She tapped the top of it twice while whispering 'thank you' and then wiped away tears from her eyes. She turned and Jack was still standing in the same spot with JJ in his arms. She walked into a hug from Jack. He wrapped his free arm around her. She wrapped her arms around him and JJ.

"Are you good?"

She nodded her head. She had it resting on Jack's chest.

"That makes six." Sassed Abagail.

"I can count, dear…why does everything have to be a contest with you?" Frank huffed.

"Asked the man who is losing." Laughed Abagail.

Abagail just placed her sixth trout in the bag to Frank's two. Frank could only shake his head at his gloating wife. She was very proud of herself.

"I like the way you cook the fish."

"We're not done fishing yet." He emphasized.

"True…oh, look at that…I do believe that makes seven." She sassed when she began to reel in the next catch.

"For crying out loud!" Frank huffed.

Jack stared out the window as the skyline of Hamilton came into view. He has been quiet the last couple of hours. JJ and Elizabeth have been reading. Jack had a book in his lap, but he hadn't looked at it for a little while now. He let out a long breath as he took in the city's view.

"Is daddy, ok?" JJ whispered.

"He is…Hamilton isn't his favorite town. He doesn't have the best memories here." Elizabeth whispered.

The train ride was nice in the first class compartment. The bed was just enough for Jack and Elizabeth to sleep on. JJ was on the bunk bed just above them. He loved it. He called it adventure sleeping since he was so much higher than normal. He loved this much more than his first train ride with Jack. They were in general seating when Jack took him to Hope Valley.

The stop in Toronto was an emotional stop. The restaurant was a hit with Jack and Elizabeth. They thought their son did a great job picking it out. They made it their place to eat each time they were in Toronto to catch the train. JJ enjoyed stopping by his parents' graves, but he was ready to move on after telling them about Jack and Elizabeth. He loved them and would always keep them in his heart. His heavenly mommy was right, the heart grows so it could love more people.

Elizabeth was grateful to have the opportunity to speak to JJ's mother. Her promise to Jack when she came back to Hope Valley was the most important promise she will ever make. Her promise to Mrs. Johnson was the second most important promise she would ever make. In her mind and heart, JJ was her child.

JJ nodded his head. He continued to look at his daddy. He slowly stood from his comfortable chair and moved to a chair beside Jack.

"Is that Hamilton?" JJ asked as he nodded out the window.

"It is. That's the town your mommy grew up in."

"It's huge!" JJ gasped. "I've never seen buildings that tall before…and so many."

"It is." Jack whispered.

"What are we doing today?"

"I'm not too sure. I know we are going to mommy's house to see Grandma Grace. I don't know any more than that."

"The house I grew up in." Elizabeth gently corrected Jack. She could see the tension in Jack's facial features. This place still has a horrible hold on him.

The train finally came to a stop. The Thornton group stood to gather all their belongings. The porters were set to meet them on the platform with their luggage. Elizabeth took everyone's books and placed them into her carry bag. Jack grabbed JJ's items and gave them to Elizabeth to place in the bag. Once she did that, he took the bag from her so he could carry it. Their eyes met. She was a little saddened by his expression and he was grateful for her expression of care.

"Do we have to walk?"

"No JJ. I'm sure mother sent a car for us."

Jack picked up the bag and extended his arm for Elizabeth and JJ to walk in front of them.

When they stepped off the train onto the platform, JJ turned around to look at everything. It was much larger than he has ever seen. He also thought it was very fancy. Jack waved at the porter he recognized as the man who took their bags at check in.

"Sir, are you ready?"

"Thank you, sir. Let me help you with those bags."

"No, Mr. Thornton. I have them. Just lead the way."

Jack looked at Elizabeth. "Do you know if the car is here?"

Elizabeth strained her neck a little looking around for a face that she'll remember. After looking for a moment, she noticed Mr. James. He has been a driver for the family for years. She noticed him waving.

"There Jack…"

Jack followed her eyes. He noticed a man waving in their direction. Before the porter was able to bend down and grab the luggage, Jack reached down to pick up two bags. "Let me." He stated as the porter stared at him. He reached down and picked up the last two bags.

JJ's eyes popped out of his head when the driver turned onto the driveway of the Thatcher residence. He poked his head out of the window trying to take in all his eyes could see.

"You lived here?" He asked.

"I did."

"This place is huge!" He gasped. "You lived here with your mom, dad, and two sisters…just the five of you?"

"Yes. I grew up here. It's the only place I lived until I moved to Hope Valley."

JJ stepped out of the car and turned three hundred and sixty degrees looking at everything. "Mommy…where's the pond?"

Elizabeth shook her head at that memory. "Of course, you would remember that."

Everyone's attention was drawn to the front door when it opened. A smiling Grace was standing in the doorway. "You're here!" She exclaimed. "It's so great to see you." She stepped out of the house and began to walk toward them.

Jack thought that was strange. The times he was here before, Grace never met him at the door. As a matter of fact, it was several minutes before he would see her each time. Grace went straight to Elizabeth. After hugging her, she turned her attention to JJ. She hugged the little boy and then turned her attention to Jack. He was a little surprised when she hugged him.

While Jack and a butler carried the luggage in the house, Grace and Elizabeth took JJ's hand and escorted him in the house. JJ looked in awe as he walked into the large home. He couldn't believe his mommy lived here.

Grace, Elizabeth, and JJ were sitting enjoying some chocolate chip cookies and milk when Jack found them. The butler escorted Jack to Elizabeth's old bedroom. Jack was a little surprised they were staying in Elizabeth's childhood bedroom. JJ was in the room beside them. Elizabeth gave him a warm smile as he sat beside her. He ruffled JJ's hair as he stole a cookie from the plate.

"It's not as good as mommy's cookies, but is there really a thing as a bad chocolate chip cookie?" He stated just as he shoved another bite in his mouth.

"I'll work on it." Grace stated with a smile." It was her first attempt at making the cookies. She had the cook help her, but she did it herself. She felt it was something a grandmother was supposed to do.

"The key is chocolate chips…and a lot of them." JJ laughed.

"True." Elizabeth stated.

"What's the plan for today?" Grace asked. "It's still a little early."

"Where's Viola?"

"She went shopping for her wedding. I'm not sure when they'll be back."

"How is she doing with all of this?" Elizabeth asked. The true meaning of her question was easily understood.

"She won't talk about your father. I believe she is embarrassed by the whole ordeal. She's upset you are taking over the company. She feels that she should be the one taking it over."

"About what I was expecting."

"Yes." Grace whispered and nodded her head.

"And my marriage?"

"She hasn't said anything to me about it."

"How are you with everything?"

"I have been shunned by a few people but I am doing well."

"I'm sorry." Elizabeth stated as she reached for her mother's hand.

"To be honest…I'm not. I have learned true friendship throughout this whole thing. The people I am with now are my true friends. They care for me not because what we could do for them."

"I understand that completely."

"We are set to go to the offices tomorrow."

"I'm looking forward to taking JJ around Hamilton." Grace smiled.

"You don't mind?"

"No…it's my grandma's joyful duty. Now, there is something I need to share with you and Jack."

"I don't think that's a possibility."

"I wouldn't go so far and say that."

"Viola…why wouldn't I say that? She made her choice. She decided to stay in that hick town. She decided to marry that…that…that mountie."

Viola sat down her fork and placed the cloth napkin on the table to the left side of her plate. She repositioned herself in her chair. She intently looked at Charles.

"I don't think her, and that man will last. There is no way Elizabeth would choose to stay in that town!" She stated confidently.

"She already has. She married that…" Charles cleared his throat and lowered his voice. "She married that mountie and had me placed in jail. I was in that jail for days and then escorted like some type of criminal on the back of a wagon. Then stood in front of a judge in a town that was actually named Medicine Hat." He shook his head in disgust. "She's not leaving him."

"Maybe…" Viola took a sip of her wine. "If she did…, would you be willing to step in?"

Charles sat back in his chair. He still loved her. He assumed he always would. However, she most certainly didn't pick him. She married a man that is so below her social status. Would he be tainted if he were to marry her? While he did love her, he wasn't very happy with Elizabeth right now. He couldn't imagine a scenario where there would be a possibility of anything like that could happen.

"I don't know, Viola. I just don't know." His voice trailed off.

"Charles, I know what she has done has been extremely hurtful. But I also know that you still love her. You have for years."

He didn't say anything. He slightly nodded his head and then lowered his gaze to the plate in front of him. He let out a small sigh.

"What makes you think she would be willing to leave him so soon after picking him?" Charles just couldn't bring himself to say his name.

"She's taking over Thatcher Shipping. There is no way she can run that company back in that hick town. She will have to move here."

"So?"

"Can you see that hick town mountie moving to a big city? He wouldn't be able to make it here."

"He could transfer to the mountie's headquarters here."

"Mother said he is getting out of the mounties. He's taken over as sheriff of that little town."

"I heard that rumor. I also heard that they are staying there and running the company from there."

"Come on Charles…you know that's not a possibility. They may try that, but you know it's not going to work. With him taking that sheriff's job, he will be required to stay there. She will be here running the company."

Charles nodded his head.

"That type of separation if difficult on a marriage. She will get accustomed to her life here again. She will love the restaurants and shops here. She will become too busy to make regular trips there. They don't even have a phone there. They can't talk. Even if they had a phone, she would be too consumed with Hamilton. Don't you remember the two trips she made back to Hamilton with Jack? She barely made an effort to spend time with him. She was always with you. This place has a huge pull on her. She can easily say she doesn't want this life when she isn't here, but she can't say that when she is immersed in Hamilton. Even when Jack was here, she was with you all the time. She didn't leave the first time with Jack when mother was ill. She wasn't that ill. She didn't go back because she didn't want to go back."

"But she did go back."

"After a long period of time. Now she will have the pull of the company. Those little farmer's kids and sawmill's kids can't pull her away from the company."

"But they already have."

"Without the pressure of the company. Now she will be running the company. You know that role, Charles. It is very time consuming. She can't be the CEO and teacher. Plus, you know the pull her family has on her. She will work very hard on the company out of her sense of duty to us all. She stepped out three years ago because she knew we were all here. Now with father away, she will feel guilty."

"You didn't see her in that town. She was adamant about staying there and being with him."

"The newness of all of that will wear off soon. Don't underestimate the power of the company."

"I'm just not sure."

"Trust me."