Chapter 71

Abagail smiled as she reeled in another fish. Her smiled turned into a laugh when she saw her husband's expression.

"Good grief…" Frank shook his head with disbelief. "Abagail, you are a beautiful woman, but gloating doesn't look good on you."

"It's not gloating sweetheart…that's called winning."

"Why is everything a contest with you?"

"Let's see…" She began as she took the hook out of the fish's mouth and placed it on the stringer. "…that makes eight fish."

"Yes dear." He lowered his head. "I love the fact that you can count." He whispered to himself.

"What was that dear?" She sang in a cheerful voice.

"I have two."

"Yes dear."

"Are you finally willing to say that worms beat your artificial lures?"

"I don't think it's the bait."

"I agree with you."

…

"Alright class, make sure you do your work for tonight. It's not too much, only ten pages of reading and a two paragraph summary of what you read from my middle ages. The older ones, please write four paragraphs. For the little ones, one paragraph. If you would like, you may draw a picture of a scene of the story that you liked the best. Now class, have a fun evening. You are dismissed."

"Yeah!" Several students called as they stood to gather their books and other supplies. The weather was nice, and they were looking forward to going outside to play. Some had chores they had to finish before it was dark, but they had a little bit of time before they had to go home.

Elizabeth looked up and nodded to the unasked question from her little boy. She smiled as he ran out of the schoolhouse with Emily, Sam, and a few other of his new friends. She was grateful things were going well with her son in her class. She wasn't sure how all of that was going to work out.

After gathering her things, she looked in her normal corner remembering her and her husband's initials carved in the corner. A smile grew on her face knowing the love of Jack surrounded her during the day. She closed the door and stepped out onto the small porch of the schoolhouse and church. Her eyes looked up when she heard several horses coming down main street. Jack and Reed were in front in plain clothes and two constables immediately following them. She remembered Reed from the time her father was arrested, but she didn't know him very well. She did know Jack very well. She could see the look on his face and knew perfectly well what it meant. His expression of seriousness showed the intensity of his mindset and the frustration too.

Jack looked up and noticed Elizabeth standing on the porch of the schoolhouse. He nodded his head and waited for a quick response before he turned his attention back to where he was going. While the look was quick, he knew she would understand. He loved that about her. She knew him and knew what he was telling her a few hundred yards away without saying a word. He was grateful that part of their relationship was restored after their misunderstanding a few months ago.

…

"Mrs. Thornton…you have a phone call from Mr. Watts." Ned called out as Elizabeth was walking toward the mercantile.

"Thank you Mr. Yost."

"Well, hello Mr. Watts."

"When did you start calling me Mr. Watts again?"

"Sorry Jerry. I just couldn't help myself." Elizabeth giggled in the phone. For her, it was a running joke between them. He was so hesitant at first in calling her Elizabeth. She could tell it was awkward for him. She made the joke to break the ice with him then and continues to do it now.

"How are you?"

"I'm good. How are things in Hamilton?"

"Going really well. We have retained all the customers except two. However, we have gained more than enough to cover the loss. Everything is settled."

"That's the first time you said that."

"It's the first time I believed it. The newspapers have moved on. The company is stronger than ever. The recommendations you and Jack gave have mostly improved things. Moral is getting better. Everything is looking up and going in the right direction for the company and its employees."

"Thank you for all your hard work. This is because of you."

"Of us, Elizabeth…of us. We have all done this together."

"That's nice of you to say, but Jerry, we both know that…"

"Of us, Elizabeth." Jerry interrupted her. He knew she didn't feel like she brought anything to the table, but to be honest, she has been influential in the continued, and growing, business. The business world may not have been her calling, but she was good with people. That was a major plus in the strengthening of the company.

"What may I do for you today?" Elizabeth asked to change the subject.

Jerry smiled knowing full well what she was doing. "First, have you or Jack spoke to the person about the specialized crates?"

"Yes. We spoke about it, and he spoke with the individual. She is on board. She's excited."

"She?"

"Yes. We both feel that she is the perfect person for this. She can ship the crates with the lumber from the sawmill."

"Perfect. What does she need to begin?"

"I'll get her to give you a call. Jack told her to look around for the tools she needs."

"Get her to give me the list and I will ship it out the next day."

"Why the rush?"

"Our current supplier is behind and falling further behind every day. He's costing us money. Plus, he just raised his rates again."

"I'll check with Tyna and will have her to give you word."

"Have her call me. We need to get her busy."

"How soon?"

"As soon as she can. This is getting ridiculous."

"Are you wanting to slowly step away from him?"

"No. We'll stay with him until Tyna is ready to begin. On that day, I will personally call this guy and stop buying from him."

"You don't have a contract with him?"

"No. Even if we did, he isn't meeting his end of the deal. No, get that young lady to call me as soon as possible and we will get her the tools and materials she needs. I would be ecstatic if she was ready tomorrow. If I have to, I will deliver the tools myself."

"I'll work on it."

"Now…" He hesitated to bring up the next part. He knew she wouldn't be happy about it.

"Jerry…" She warned him. She knew the tone he was using. "…what is it that you don't want to talk about?"

"A telephone…"

"No Jerry!"

"Elizabeth, please listen to me. You need one in your home."

"Jerry, I do not need a telephone in my home!"

"Elizabeth…"

"Jerry…"

There were a few moments of silence. He knew she was adamant about not having a phone in her home.

"Elizabeth, as CEO of a huge company, there are times when an emergency will pop up. You know that doesn't happen very often, but it does happen from time to time. Do you really want to walk to the mercantile during the evening when that occurs? If you have one in your home, you will save all that time walking to and from the mercantile. Especially if the weather is bad. Plus, you can speak to your mother whenever you want without the hassle of going to town."

"Are you really using my mother as an argument for me to get a phone in my home?"

"Did it work?" He playfully sassed a little.

"I'll think about it." She conceded.

"Perfect! Plus, the phone in the mercantile can be used for the town people."

"Enough Jerry, I said I will think about it." She laughed as she spoke. He was trying his best to sell it. "Let me talk with Jack and see what he says.

"Nice. I've already talked with him. I'll put in the work order."

"Are you man handling me now by going behind my back to my husband?" The playful tease was evident in her tone.

"Just like when you went behind his back for me to convince him…"

"That's enough. I get it." She shook her head in defeat. "I guess I'm getting a house phone. Who would have ever guessed?" She laughed.

"I believe it will make your life a little easier. Plus, you know I'll only call when it's an emergency."

"Thank you for that. Make sure you get the tools for Tyna and work out a repayment plan with her. She was adamant about paying us back for the tools. She wants to stand on her own two feet."

"I think she will do a great job for us then. I love that mentality."

"You sound like Jack."

"That's a great compliment. Now, tell me about the birthday plans for that little boy of yours."

…

"In two weeks." Lee stated.

"Yes, in two weeks." Rosemary stated. "How's your foot?"

"Getting better every day."

"Can you take off work for a week?"

"I can. Everything is working well. We have begun taking in a few more orders with Thatcher Shipping. The two new saw blades will be here in a month."

"Nice. Now, where are we going for our honeymoon?" She asked hopefully.

"I'm working on it. Now, are you ready to be married?"

"I am but you need to tell me about the honeymoon."

"You will love it." Lee kissed her on the cheek. "Now, I need to get back to work."

"Fine." She huffed. She didn't like not knowing where they were going.

…

Jack sat behind his desk in the jail with Reed, Littleton, and Collins discussing their next step. They were each certain there were more individuals involved than just the two men that Jack and Reed spoke to, but they didn't know how many. They each liked the plan of trying to not only arrest the two men, but to go higher up the food chain to get as many people as they could.

Jack's plan was simple, but everyone thought it was effective. They needed two crates of military weapons. The firing pins would be removed in case anyone tried to steal the guns to use them. He would say that was done once before a justification of doing so. He thought it was an easy sell if the bad guys asked to use the weapons. He would keep one firing pin with him so they could fire one weapon if anyone insisted on trying them out. Reed suggested one more mountie for backup. They each wanted more than one but knew too many would bring too much attention. They didn't want to saturate the place with mounties and give warning to the bad guys. The mounties wanted the bad guys to continue on as normal for them.

"How do you feel about it?" Reed asked Jack.

"I wish we had more backup, but I agree that we don't want too many mounties in the woods or around town."

"Let me go to the mercantile and make a phone call to headquarters. I'll let them know about the extra mountie and then the two crates of military weapons."

…

"Ok…we have two weeks to get this settled."

"Well, I'll make the cake."

"No Abagail. The cake is my responsibility. Will you help me make the food for the party?"

"Are you sure?"

Elizabeth sighed. She hasn't tried a cake since the cake auction during Miner's Day a few years ago. It was a complete failure. While Jack did pay double for the cake than anyone else's cake went for, he wasn't able to eat more than one bite. Not only was it lopsided, but it was also as hard as a stone.

"I have to…" Elizabeth's voice failed off. She looked thoughtful as she pondered how she was going to make a cake, more or less a good cake.

Abagail smiled. She could easily see the determination in Elizabeth's face. This was her first birthday party for her little one. She wanted it to be perfect. As JJ's mom, she felt responsible for making the cake. She was determined the day would be the best possible birthday for her little boy. She knew this was his first birthday since his parents were killed in the accident. She wanted to make sure his special day was just special. However, she also wanted it to be great because it was his first birthday as her son. It had to be special. Abagail got her attention when she reached for Elizabeth's hand.

"Relax. That little boy loves you. You can do anything for him, and he will love it. Don't put too much pressure on yourself by trying to make every little detail of the party perfect. There is only one thing you have to do to make it perfect."

"And what is that?"

"Elizabeth, perfectly love that little boy and he will love everything you do for his party. No matter what you do or don't do."

"I know you're right but…"

"But your mommy's heart doesn't know it." Abagail smiled at the internal struggle waging war inside Elizabeth.

"Yeah…"

"I'll make you a deal. You plan it by yourself. Then I will help you to make that plan a reality."

"Deal." Elizabeth sighed. "Thank you."

"The party will be perfect because you already love that boy perfectly."

"The love you have for your child is just something different." She stated as she placed her free hand on her belly.

"It is." Abagail smiled. She enjoyed seeing Elizabeth as a mother and expected mom.

They heard three little voices before they saw the faces those voices belonged to. Both ladies looked up when the side door quickly opened with the force of a hurricane. The ladies quickly straightened up and acted like they haven't been planning a secret birthday party.

JJ, Emily, and Sam stopped as they entered Abagail's kitchen. JJ stopped when he saw their expressions. He knew something was up.

"Whatcha doing?" JJ looked between both women.

"Nothing." Elizabeth and Abagail stated at the same time.

JJ looked at his mommy for a moment. He slowly walked toward his mother as she was sitting at the small table. He sat on her lap with his back against her chest. She wrapped her arms around him and clinched them in front of him. This was his favorite place to be.

"You know…I have a birthday coming up." He stated as he slowly kicked his feet from front to back.

"Yeah?" Elizabeth slowly asked as she glanced toward Abagail.

"Yeah…I'll be six."

"Wow. You'll be that old?" Elizabeth teased tickling his sides a little.

"Yes. What are you planning?"

"JJ, what makes you think I'm planning something?"

JJ grinned. "Daddy's right, you can't lie with those eyes and that face."

Abagail let out a small snort. "Well, he's not wrong."

"Abagail!" Gasped Elizabeth. "JJ, I know your birthday is coming up soon."

"So, what are you going to do about it?" He snuggled into her lap and chest even more. She tightened her hold on her little boy. She loved him even more.

"Well Auntie Abagail…I guess I should throw something together, but I have some time." She playfully sassed.

JJ gasped at his mother's teasing. He laid his head on her shoulder and titled his head and kissed her cheek. "I know you're up to something."

"Do you now?"

"Yes. I like yellow cake and chocolate icing. May we please have ice cream to and your famous chocolate chip cookies?"

"You want a cake and ice cream and cookies?" Elizabeth emphasized the work 'cake' and 'ice cream' and 'cookies' in a dramatic way as if he was asking for way too much.

"I'm not buying it mommy." He kissed her cheek and then jumped up. He stole some chocolate chip cookies off the counter and then ran out the kitchen. Sam and Emily on his heels.

"No running in the house!" Elizabeth exclaimed without any effect.

"That boy just won't do." Abagail shook her head.

"He's lucky he's so cute." Elizabeth continued to look at the door JJ just ran out of. "I love that little boy." The amount of love in her voice was evident.

…

On the way back to the jail, Reed saw that Collins and Littleton were walking toward the livery. They mentioned they were going to brush out the horses and check on them. They have ridden their horses pretty hard over the last couple of days. Reed walked into the jail and noticed Jack sitting at the desk.

"It's strange to see a mountie working and not wearing a serge."

"That's the oddest thing, I don't feel like a mountie any longer. I kinda feel like a sheriff."

"Are the rumors true?"

"I guess it depends on which rumors you heard."

Reed nodded his head. Jack went into a very quick synopsis of the events that forced him into not reenlisting. Reed shared hope that things could change a little to accommodate the men, but he also insisted that the mounties were a different organization and the demands were high. Which Jack agreed to. There had to be common ground to benefit both sides in a better way.

Jack was being honest. He didn't feel like a mountie any longer. Maybe it was his way of protecting himself against missing the profession. However, he truly believed he did the right thing staying home with his family. He loved his father and was very proud of him because of his profession. The only feeling he had that was stronger was the fact that he wished his father was around more when he was a child. He simply missed his dad when he was gone on duty for weeks and months at a time. He was grateful to be home each night with his wife and son and his future child. He wasn't willing to give that up for a profession. He wasn't just a mountie any longer, he was a family man. He figured a few weeks ago that he could still help people who couldn't help themselves by being sheriff. He was very happy with the trade if that included Elizabeth, JJ, and a future Thornton.

"That's complicated." Reed stated.

"It is. It may not be best for everyone, but it was best for me. I know that for certain."

Reed nodded his head. While he didn't like the fact that Jack was leaving the mounties, he did understand his reasoning and he liked Jack. He also knew Jack was a solid mountie and knew what he was doing. He just had this innate ability to read a situation correctly with very little information for a true assessment. The mounties called that 'mountie sense'. Jack had that in abundance.

"Headquarters stated that we will receive those crates tomorrow. They will ship them on a wagon out of Medicine Hat today with one mountie. He'll camp out overnight and be here tomorrow. Once we receive them, we'll put this little plan into order."

"We'll stash them in the last cave. This should make those two guys comfortable with us. You keep the large stash of cash on you and make sure you flash it to them. That will intrigue them."

"You know they are money hungry." Reed acknowledged. "I bet they will begin to ask questions within seconds of seeing the money and crates."

"You're right. Then we can complain about having difficulty shipping the crates up north. They will think that will be their way in. They will want to help with that since a good portion of their whiskey is shipped up north."

"It's almost perfect."

"Let's just hope it perfect enough for them to want to help."

"They'll do it for a cut." Reed stated as he sat down in front of the desk.

"No more than twenty percent."

Reed thought about it for a moment. "I think the going rate is fifteen percent."

"You sure?" Jack asked.

"Yeah. If they push for more than that, we will tell them we are happy with the money we are making now. They'll see the wad of cash and it will make them want a cut of it. They'll balk for a few moments, but they will fold for fifteen percent."

"Then we will hold firm to fifteen percent or walk away."

"We won't have to walk away."

"Once we make the plans to ship the containers, we can pass that plan to headquarters. After each stop those crates make on the trip, the mounties can arrest the people. Someone in that group will talk about the higher ups."

"I agree. That's the key though."

"It is. We can't make the arrests until after the crates leave their possession."

"That way the next group isn't informed." Jack nodded his head to Reed's statement. The more Jack worked with Reed, the more he was impressed with this guy. He had it. He understood and caught on quickly. You didn't have to explain anything to him more than once. He could easily work it out in his head for himself. He didn't have to have his hand held for him to grasp things. "Stay out of that serge until this is finished. If those two guys come to town, they can't see you in a red serge."

"The mountie is bringing me some clothes with those crates tomorrow."

"Good thinking."

The plan with the crates was simple. Jack and Reed will store them. As far as the whiskey runners will know, Jack and Reed were the whole operation. Littleton and Collins, along with the other mountie, would be hidden in the woods close by for support. If things went wrong, they would immediately jump in for the rescue. Jack and Reed felt comfortable with the plan. There were elements that were dangerous, but that is always the case. The plan was solid.

…

Faith spent the day working on two sawmill workers who fought with a twisted tree trunk. One received several stitches, and the other one was just ruffed up a bit when the twisted trunk wouldn't lay still in the clamps as the blade tried to force its way through the log. He wasn't cut up or had any broken bones, he was just bruised and will be sore for a few days. She also worked on a farmer who tried to repair his fencing and wasn't paying attention to the frayed wire.

Hope Valley wasn't too busy, but it did keep her busy enough. As school began, there was the normal influence of running noses when kids first come together. She was grateful that time frame was coming to an end. She hadn't seen Reed all day and was hoping he was ok. Or better yet, still in town. She wasn't sure what Reed was feeling. She thought he liked her, but they hadn't really spoken about it.

"Are you busy?" Elizabeth asked as she knocked on the door of the infirmary, but Faith didn't she her. She was lost in her thoughts.

"Oh." Startled Faith. "I'm just working on the last of the reports. "Are you ok?"

"Oh, I'm fine." Elizabeth placed her hand on her belly. She wasn't even aware she was doing it.

Faith looked at her for a moment. "Elizabeth, I think you are beginning to show."

"That's what Jack said this morning."

"I couldn't tell until you placed your hand on your belly."

"To be honest, I'm not looking forward to getting fatter portion of this."

"It will be uncomfortable toward the end, but you are doing exactly what your little one needs for you to do. Just think of that."

"Yeah…" Elizabeth smiled at the thought of a baby growing inside that was half her and half Jack.

"That's a happy woman's look if I have ever seen one." Faith chuckled.

"I am truly happy. It took some time and a lot of effort to get to this point, but I'm so grateful we are here." She placed her other hand to her belly. "I wanted to ask you something, but you look like you were lost in thought. Are you ok?"

While the people of Hope Valley are very friendly, Faith would consider them all acquaintances. She didn't have any true friends yet. She would have dinner with a few ladies, but not too many. Certainly not anyone she would open up to about matters of the heart. She didn't think Elizabeth would be one of those people.

"Things are going well. The infirmary is going well. The doctor is pleased with everything I am doing here."

"That's great. Jack always said you were very good at what you do."

Faith nodded her head a little embarrassed with the compliment. "I'm settling into Hope Valley well. I have found myself loving the town and its people."

"That's good."

Faith let out a sigh. She just didn't know if she should open herself up to Elizabeth concerning her feelings concerning Reed. The two ladies were friendly enough, but she wasn't sure if they were close enough to open herself up in such an intimate subject.

"Faith, is there something you want to talk about?"

She signed. "I guess. It's just a sensitive subject."

"I understand. Listen, I know we're not close and our friendship is just beginning. If you want to talk, I'm here for you."

Faith looked into Elizabeth's face and saw a friend.

"His name is Sam."

"Sam?"

"Constable Sam Reed."

"I remember him. He was with the group of mounties some time ago that took my father and former friend to Medicine Hat."

"Yeah."

"He is the one helping Jack now."

"He is."

"Oh…" Elizabeth smiled when she noticed Faith's face begin to change to a slight pinkish color. "Jack is impressed with him. He says he is a good mountie."

"Yeah…he seems to be." Faith's voice trailed off.

"Hey, let's go to Abagail's and have a cup of tea. We can talk there."

"That sounds lovely. Thank you"

Both ladies walked to the café and sat at a table in the corner. They enjoyed a hot cup of tea and a blueberry scone. Faith eventually opened up about her beginning feelings for Sam. Elizabeth contently listened at the semi held back excited tone easily flowing in Faith's words. Faith found herself opening up a little more than she intended to as they walked to the café. She found Elizabeth an active listener. That encouraged Faith to be more open and share.

Elizabeth enjoyed the conversation with Faith. In the beginning, she always knew that Faith enjoyed Jack's presence. She had a feeling that Faith was hoping for a courtship with Jack. She was attractive and with a great personality. Faith also had more things in common with Jack than she did. That was part of Elizabeth's jealousy. She and Jack were having some issues with Charles' presence. That also played a part in Elizabeth's jealousy and uncertainty.

However, her fear and jealousy of Faith wasn't warranted now. She had all of Jack's attention. She knew Jack loved her. Her guard was down. The conversation flowed well. Elizabeth listened to Faith and her questions and concerns. Faith wasn't entirely transparent, but she was open with Elizabeth.

…

Grace smiled as she stood in front of the Next Chance young ladies' home. Things were going well, and everything was settled. The home had been open for a week with no residents. Word was out in the community. Teddy warned Grace that she needed to be patient. Woman who needed the help the home could provide would be a little weary. The women would be running from difficult situations. Their parents would be hiding them until the delivery of the baby. They could be running from unhappy boyfriends. Their back stories could be endless. Many weren't in a good situation. They would be afraid.

Grace and Teddy were walking through the home looking over everything. They looked up when the front door slowly opened. A head with red hair slowly followed the opening. A young lady slowly walked through the door. She quickly looked around. The young eyes landed on Grace and Teddy.

"Hello." Grace stated. "Come in…come in…" She waved as she stepped forward. Teddy remained where he was standing. He wasn't sure what to do. He didn't want to come across as too forceful if the young lady was running from a mean boyfriend.

"Hello." A soft voice returned the greeting.

"Would you like some water or tea? Maybe a sandwich?"

Grace thought the woman looked a little hungry. She was thin. While her clothes were in good shape, they were a little unkept. She thought the young woman may have slept in them for a couple of days.

"Water would be nice." The lady asked as she quickly looked around the house again.

"I'll get it." Teddy stated. He turned toward the kitchen with every intention of getting the water and a sandwich for the young lady. He felt the women needed to talk.

"My name is Grace."

"Grace?"

"Yes. I'm Grace and this is The Next Chance home."

"I've heard of this place."

"Yes. It's new."

This young lady kept looking around and darted her eyes toward the kitchen when she heard Teddy walking into the room.

"Here. I was already going to make a sandwich, so I thought I would make you one." Teddy stated as he handed the young lady a glass of water and a small plate with a sandwich on it. It was rather a large sandwich filled with plenty of meat.

"Thank you." The lady stated. She watched Teddy take a few steps back. She turned her attention toward the older lady. "You look familiar."

"I guess I have one of those faces." Grace bashfully stated.

"You were in the papers a few weeks ago. It had something to do about your husband."

"Yeah…I'm sorry, that was a horrible time for me and my family."

"Why are you here. If I remember correctly, this place is supposed to be for…" Her voice failed.

"My husband did some bad things that caused him to lose many things in this life. He is paying for his actions. I began this home to help young ladies who may need a little assistance for a moment."

"A next chance…"

"That's a great way of saying it." Grace nodded her head. "We all need a next chance every once in a while. I know my family certainly does."

The young lady nodded her head in agreement. She looked around again.

"The house mom, Ms. Abby Ford, isn't here. Abby ran to the store for a few items. She'll be back in about an hour."

The young lady tore her eyes away from the lady and looked over the home again. She was hesitant.

"Do you need a room? The rooms aren't too big, but they are comfortable enough. Plus…" Grace paused for a moment. "…they are safe." She whispered.

The red haired lady quickly turned her attention back to the elegant lady. Their eyes connected for the first time. Grace felt like this young lady was trying to look into her soul.

"Don't you need to know my name?"

"No. There are no questions asked here. If you want to tell, it's up to you. The room isn't dependent on any answers. There is only one question that will ever be asked from you."

"And what is that?" The young lady asked with a full amount of disbelief and untrust in her tone.

"Do you need a room?"

"You don't want to hear what happened to me?"

"No. I don't need to know it. If you would like to talk about it, we are here for you. However, the room isn't contingent on that." Grace gave her a soft, loving smile. "Do you need a room?" She asked again in the same loving manner.

The young lady looked around for another moment. She nodded her head up and down.

"Perfect. Follow me. Your room is the first room on the right up the stairs. The bathroom is at the end of the hall. There are clean sheets on the bed. The closet at the end of the hall beside the bathroom is full of clothes of different sizes. Please feel free to look through and pick out two dresses. Please bring your sandwich with you. Dinner will be at six thirty."

"I can stay here?"

"If you need a room, you have one. Now, come on. We need to get you settled."