Made For Each Other

Chapter 8

Jack was excited to go to the train station with his mother. He always loved it when Laura would bring him to watch the train pull in and out with the clickety clack of the wheels against the rails, the puffing sounds of the steam, the high pitched almost musical sound of the whistle, the clang clanging from the bells, the screeching of the brakes and the low whooshing hiss sound he would hear as it let off steam when it came to a stop.

But today was even more exciting than normal for him because people he knew were going to be getting off the train that stopped at the station. His mother had told him that they were coming for the wedding on Saturday. But at four and a half years old and never having been to a wedding before, or at least not one that he could remember, to Jack people coming to visit simply meant more people to play with or, like Auntie Abigail, to tell him stories and make cookies with him.

So, when he saw Nathan ride up and dismount Newton, as he did almost every time the train came into Hope Valley, Jack excitedly ran over to tell him that his Aunt Julie and Grandpa Thatcher were coming. Nathan smiled and putting his hand on Jack's head said, "That's wonderful Jack! I am sure you will have lots of fun with your family."

Then, turning his gaze towards Elizabeth who had walked over to where Jack and he stood, Nathan said, " s-o-o… I guess it's really getting close now, you must be feeling excited."

Elizabeth noticed that he had dropped his gaze as he said the last words rather than keeping her eye contact. She hadn't stopped to think whether watching the wedding preparation and activities taking place might be awkward for him after he had put his heart on the line and told her that he loved her. Now, as if for the first time, she realized just how good of a man he really was to remain a true friend to her and little Jack, and even Lucas despite any feelings of disappointment, heartache or loss he may have personally been feeling.

Realizing that she hadn't answered his question but instead was standing there staring at him she quickly said, "Yes! It will be especially nice to see my father again as it has been more than a year since I last saw him."

Nathan smiled and said, "Well, I hope you have a good family reunion then."

"Thank you, Nathan," Elizabeth said sincerely, truly meaning it.

The train pulling into the station drowned out any chance of further conversation and so their attention turned to watching the disembarking passengers.

Elizabeth was more than surprised when she saw her mother getting off the train along with her father, Aunt Agatha, and Julie. Rushing up to give them all hugs in disbelief she said to her mother, "I thought you had doctor's orders not to travel?"

"Well, I couldn't miss another wedding!" Grace Thatcher said genuinely happy to see her middle daughter again, "and the doctor feels I am doing much better now, so as you wouldn't change your wedding to Hamilton..."

Her mother raised her eyebrows and gave Elizabeth one of her looks that always meant she didn't fully approve, "…I simply had to come to this backwoods place for myself. I have not seen one ounce of civilization since we left Calgary! Though your Aunt Agatha and Julie have assured me that the rooms at your young man Lucas's hotel and ... ". She paused and gave a disapproving look, "saloon" speaking the word as if it pained her to even allow it to come out of her mouth. "...are quite passable shall we say, and I certainly hope it is true."

While the women were chatting on the platform William Thatcher and Little Jack headed to where the porters were unloading the freight cars, so that he could collect his Pierce-Arrow Model 48 Touring car along with the ladies' luggage.

Julie, disinterested in her mother's complaining, scanned the platform, and finding something more interesting sidled over to the Mountie on duty. "Now, how did I miss seeing you in your dashing uniform when I was here before?" she gushed, giving him an alluring look and batting her eyelashes. "I do so love a man in uniform."

Nathan politely smiled and in a very professional tone said "Welcome back to Hope Valley Miss Thatcher. I hope you enjoy your stay."

"Well, I certainly shall, especially if I can see you more often," she replied with a dreamy look in her eyes.

"Julie!" scolded Elizabeth who was walking down the platform towards the station building with her mother and aunt. "You will have to forgive my sister's forwardness," she said to Nathan. Then taking Julie's arm. "I am surprised you are still single the way you act around every man you meet."

"Well, I often find window shopping is every bit as much or even more fun than the actual making of the purchase", Julie said, turning to cast another starry-eyed glance at Nathan.

Mrs. Thatcher sighed, while Elizabeth rolled her eyes at her baby sister and Aunt Agatha put a hand over her mouth to hide a giggle. Nathan also tried to hide his amusement at just how very different these two Thatcher sisters were and simply tipped his hat before saying, "Have a good day ladies."

Jack was enthralled with his grandpa's big touring car and William Thatcher thoroughly enjoyed letting him sit on his lap and pretend to be driving it as he brought the car around to collect the four ladies who were waiting for him.

In the flurry of activity around the arrival of her family Elizabeth was left with little time to think of anything past what was happening in the moment. First there were the introductions to Lucas which to Elizabeth's relief seemed to go quite well. Getting her mother, sister and aunt settled into their rooms took a bit more doing as it seemed they had brought most of their Hamilton wardrobes with them. They all shared a lovely dinner together at the Queen of Hearts to which Mrs. Thatcher gave her genuine compliments to the chef.

Rosemary, who was thrilled to meet Mrs. Thatcher, invited all the ladies to come to her house the next day for lunch and a dress fitting. With so many extra sets of arms it wouldn't matter if it was during Goldy's nap time or not.

By the time Lucas drove her and little Jack home Elizabeth was happy but tired, while Jack, totally exhausted and up past his bedtime, had fallen asleep between them. "Well," Lucas said, after helping her carry Jack into the house. "I think that the evening went quite well and once my parents get here on Friday we will have a Full House," giving her a wink.

Elizabeth shook her head at him using poker terminology again, but smilingly gave him a kiss good night. Then before turning out the lights. She sat down for a moment to make a note in her journal of the day's happenings, minus her morning dream or the strange feeling she had when giving Nathan a hug.