Chapter 67

Jack made sure that Reed was settled in Jack's old room in the jail and that he wired in his situation to headquarters. Jack promised to come by in the morning to fill out his report and attach it to Reed's. Reed refused the invitation to Jack's home for dinner. He was tired and his arm hurt a little from the grazing of the bullet. He just wanted to crash and rest. He also remembered how good Abagail's food was. He was looking forward to eating there again. He decided to get some food to go and just eat it in the jail alone.

Jack stepped out of the jail and turned to head home. He was looking forward to spending the evening at home with his family. For some reason, he missed them terribly. As he approached the café, Abagail stepped out.

"Hey Jack. Everything ok? We heard about what happened."

"Yeah, everything is fine. Constable Reed was shot at coming through looking for a criminal."

"Did he catch the guy?"

"No. We don't know who shot at him. He was grazed and Faith cleaned it up and bandaged it. We rode back out where it happened, but we couldn't find anything. He's staying in the jail tonight. He'll probably be by in a little bit to find dinner."

"Was he one of the mounties that were here a few weeks ago?"

"He is."

"Is he the gentleman you spoke to me about?"

"He is. I haven't spoken to him yet. So, please don't say anything to him. I'll talk to him before he leaves."

Abagail nodded her head. "Jack, I guess you just started with your duties here."

"No, I'm still on leave with the mounties. I rode out with another mountie."

"I know you don't begin the sheriff position until one day next week but come by before your start date. I would like to talk to you about everything. I want things to go as smoothly as possible."

"I will Abagail." He paused for a moment. "Hey, Elizabeth has spoken to me about what you are wanting to do concerning strengthening the community."

"Yeah, what do you think?"

"I believe you are a great mayor." He stated without any hesitation. "I knew you were the right person for the job."

"Thank you, Jack."

"You probably know that Thatcher Shipping is expanding their business with Lee and the sawmill."

"Yes. Elizabeth and Lee both mentioned it. Something about her plan to centralize purchasing wood for each region."

"Yes. Instead of purchasing from various different suppliers all over the province, she suggested using one lumber yard for each region. Lee does a great job and we wanted to use him for this region. He gladly accepted."

"He has already filed the appropriate paperwork to expand."

"Great. I have a thought, but I need to run it by someone."

"May I ask what it is?"

"We want certain boards and crates for shipping. What if we can get someone to open a business here to make specialized crates for us. Lee will still ship boards that our people will make into crates, but we are in need of specialized crates. That takes a lot of time and effort on our part to make those things and to store them. We don't build them in house. We have a supplier, but they are not doing a good job with it. If a young guy would be willing to do that here as their work, we could use them. They could ship them on that spur line that's coming our way."

"Would they make a good living on it?"

"I couldn't imagine them not making a good living. They're special in dimensions. They would provide a nice job for someone. We could keep them busy. They won't make tons of money, but they would make enough money to support a family easily. Maybe even hire a couple of guys."

"Any ideas who could do this?"

"I have someone in mind. Let me talk to them and see if that is something they are interested in. If they aren't interested, I would like to see who you have in mind."

"Perfect. I have one or two that may be interested. Just let me know."

"Thanks Abagail. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Bye Jack."

…

Elizabeth worked around the row house. She loved this little home. It was special to her. She lived here with Abagail when she first came to town. Now it's the first home she and Jack shared together. However, since she saw her new home, she was wanting to move into it soon. It was larger than her row house, it wasn't massive or even considered large by most standards. She did think it would be considered large by Hope Valley standards. However, it wasn't ostentatious. She was already planning where everything was going to go. She needed to check with Jack to see when she needed to wire the stores in Medicine Hat and Hamilton about shipping the items they bought.

JJ has been in and out of the house all afternoon. He was a typical boy. He played hard in the field with the other kids. He and Emily seemed to be joined at the hip most of the day. She wanted to talk to him about that, but she knew Jack had spoken to him about it.

Life over the course of the week was busy. School began and that meant she was bringing home essays and other work to be complete so she could return them in a timely manner. She also was making tests for the coming week. She was also working on making sure where each student was in their learning abilities. Jack was busy with the new home. She loved him for all his hard work, but she felt he was trying to make up for lost time when others were working on the home, and he couldn't. Then today with whatever happened with the constable. With all the busyness, today's little session beside of the mercantile lit a fire inside of her. She wanted time with her husband.

With that thought in her mind, she made plans with Mr. and Mrs. P. They stopped by on the way home after leaving Jack and spoke with them about JJ staying the night with them. He has asked about staying with them, but they just never worked out a time. Tonight, Elizabeth made the time. She loved JJ and wouldn't change any moments with him. She just wanted some time with her husband.

Elizabeth was a little surprised when JJ handed her the piece of paper with the math question on it. Her father stated that JJ shouldn't be able to solve it. That it took the gentleman several weeks to do it. It only took her son a couple of days while working on it a couple of hours each time. Much to her shock, there were very few erase marks on the page. She had no idea if he was right or not. She will send it off with her letter to her father when she takes it to the mercantile.

…

Reed stepped into Abagail's and took a deep breath. The various smells were incredible. He remembered those smells well when he was in Hope Valley weeks ago. He noticed his mouth was really watering with just the memory of Abagail's food. As a mountie, he wasn't accustomed to eating great food on a regular basis. He was really looking forward to tonight's dinner. He quickly made his way to the counter to place an order.

"Excuse me. May I place an order to go?"

"Sure. You must be Constable Reed. Jack told me about you."

"Yes ma'am."

"I remember you from a few weeks ago. Thank you for all you did during that time."

"You're welcome, ma'am."

Reed placed his order and sat at the table that Abagail suggested. The café wasn't too busy, but there were a few people enjoying their meal and the company of the people they were with. When the door opened, he didn't even look up. It wasn't the first time the door opened since he sat down waiting for his food.

"Well…hello. How is that arm doing?"

Reed jumped at the sound of the soft voice behind him. He quickly turned around and saw a smiling, and nervous, Faith standing behind him.

"Oh…" He quickly stood admiring her smile. "…it's ok. Starting to ache a little but nothing too bad." He stated moving his arm around to prove to her that it wasn't too bad.

"That's great."

"Thank you for helping me earlier."

"No problem." Faith quickly glanced at his eyes then, as suddenly, she looked away. "Are you ordering take out or are you waiting for it to be brought to you?"

"I ordered take out, but…"

"Faith, would you like your normal?"

Faith looked toward Abagail. "My normal would be good." She nodded her head.

"Have a seat with the constable as we get your food ready."

Reed and Faith quickly glanced at each other. Both of their faces were growing a little red. They were embarrassed.

"Please, have a seat." Reed extended his hand to the empty seat.

"Thank you."

It wasn't long before Abagail brought their food to the table on plates instead of to go containers. While Reed's face grew redder by the moment, Faith glanced a knowing look toward Abagail.

"What?" Asked a smirking Abagail.

…

Jack whistled the entire walk home. He was a little tired from working on the new home and then working with Reed to look for any evidence, but he did feel good about getting some things accomplished. He turned the corner just moments after hearing the children playing in the field. He knew his little boy would be in the middle of the action. He was right. He and Emily were chasing one of the smaller ones. All three were giggling. He looked toward the home and smiled when his bride was sitting on the second step. Her elbow was resting on the top step. She was enjoying watching and listening to the kids play.

"Hey beautiful." He flirted.

"Hey handsome."

The tone of her voice and the look in her eyes made his heart stop for a moment. He leaned over and gave her a soft kiss on the lips. The kiss lingered much longer than what should have in the presence of others. He just couldn't help himself.

"Sounds like they are having fun." He nodded toward the children.

"They are. They've been playing for about an hour."

"It doesn't sound like they are slowing down." He sat beside her. His hand instantly finding hers.

"I've missed you." She stated leaning into his side.

"Yeah…" He welcomed her closeness. The little make out session this afternoon only increased his desire for his wife. He was missing her. He only hoped she was missing him. "Something smells good."

"Oh…I have dinner ready for us. I'm just keeping it warm until you were home."

"Should I call in JJ?"

"He's already eaten."

"Oh?"

"Yeah…you know your son. He's always hungry. He couldn't wait."

Jack looked into the house and noticed a small bag that was packed. "Hey, what's with the bag?"

"That's JJ's bag."

"Is he in trouble?"

"No. He's going over to stay the night with Mr. and Mrs. P."

"Really?"

"He's been wanting to for a while now. They've also been asking for him to come." She inched closer to Jack. "Plus…I would like some alone time with my husband."

The look in her eyes completely stole Jack's ability to speak. All of his senses were on high alert. He could smell her perfume. The lavender and vanilla scented shampoo danced along with the wind. He felt her presence and the light touch of her hand. The wind was slightly blowing and the sun felt incredible. While he noticed all of those things, he couldn't remember any of them later. This woman held him in the palm of her hand. He did the only thing he could do in that moment. He said, "Hi."

Elizabeth giggled knowing that he was lost in her. She grew up in high society. Intimacy wasn't discussed openly. As a matter of fact, she could never remember having that discussion with her mother. Maybe an extremely short conversation when she was younger, but she couldn't remember for certain. It was Mrs. P who gave her that little discussion. She was always a little shy with that topic. With Jack, however, she felt no hesitation at all in expressing her love to him. She was surprised she initiated intimacy as much as he did.

Jack had this unique way of reading her desires. He just knew what she liked and wanted. He also knew when to be passionate or loving. When she wanted passionate Jack, he just knew. When she wanted a loving Jack, again, he just knew. He even knew what she wanted when she didn't know herself.

"Jack…"

"I'll get the bag."

"Jack…" She grabbed his arm to keep him from getting up. "…they'll be here in an hour."

"An hour?" He whined. He was ready for time with his wife now.

…

"Mr. P…what's that smell?"

"I don't know…I catch it every so often, but I don't know what it is."

"It smells like fish."

"That doesn't make any sense. I haven't cleaned any fish nor has Mrs. P made any."

"Maybe it's just coming from the pond." JJ turned his attention back to the chess board. "So, the castle looking thing can move forward, backward, or either side as many blocks as you want it?" JJ asked.

Mr. P was teaching him how to play chess. JJ was hesitant at first but was quickly beginning to enjoy the game. He loved the strategy of it all.

"That's correct. The Bishop can only move diagonally."

"That's right." JJ took his black Bishop and moved it four places to the left capturing Mr. P's knight.

"Wait a minute." Mr. P sat up quickly in his chair. "What did you just do?"

"You'll learn young man that he hates to lose."

"Mrs. P…isn't there something else you should be doing?" Sassed Mr. P.

"This is awesome." JJ sated as he watched the two older people banter back and forth. He was enjoying his time with them. JJ was comfortable in their presence. He has grown to love them and think of them as his grandparents. "Come on Grandpa P…it's your turn." JJ stated and then turned his attention toward Mrs. P. "Grandma P…do you have anymore chocolate chip cookies and milk?"

The older couple paused for a moment. They looked at each other trying to confirm they just heard what this little guy stated. Their smiles grew and their eyes watered at the easy way he changed their names. Mrs. P leaned over and kissed him on top of his head. "Two cookies and half a glass of milk."

"Four cookies." JJ stated without looking up.

"Two cookies." Her voice was firm.

…

With the hour waiting before Mr. and Mrs. P arrived to pick up JJ, that time served Jack well. He was able to control his mind and body. They sat and watched the kids play in the field. Elizabeth prepared the plates of food and brought them out to the porch so they would eat. They were enjoying the sounds of the kids playing.

When Mr. and Mrs. P picked up JJ, Jack asked Elizabeth if she wanted to take a walk with him. She accepted hoping it wasn't going to be a big discussion type of walk. Jack closed the door and extended his arm for her to accept. She accepted it willingly and easily.

Their walk was calm and easy. They were in no hurry with no destination to go. They chatted about everything and nothing. No heavy topics were discussed. This was just a young married couple out enjoying a walk. No solving teaching issues or company plans. No talk of a five year old or his soon coming birthday. No family talks. Just two people out taking a leisurely walk while they enjoyed the company of each other.

Often, Jack would pull her a little closer by moving the arm she was holding closer to him. She would squeeze his arm and pull him closer. They just couldn't get close enough to each other. After their second stroll around the pond, they made their way toward the row house when the sun was about to kiss the top of the trees. They weren't worried about the daylight. They were minutes from their home. They knew the way.

As they turned toward home, Jack stopped walking. He turned to face his wife and she did the same. They were inches apart. He reached for her other hand. When she accepted his hand, he squeezed both of her hands and held on a little tighter than normal. He began to rub his thumb over the back of her hand. Elizabeth found that action very soothing. He looked into her eyes for several long seconds before speaking.

"Elizabeth…thank you for coming back to me and not giving up on us." Jack's voice was soft and sincere. The look of love was oozing out of every pore of his skin and dripping from his words. "I have so much because of you…" He exhaled a long breath. "I'm sorry I'm not saying this right." He shifted. "I love you and thank you for fighting for us. I wouldn't trade what we have for anything in this world. You…JJ…this little one…"

"I love you, Jack. I wasn't willing to give up on this." She stated as she inched her way closer to him. They still weren't touching, but she could feel the heat coming off him.

"For that I am eternally grateful. We have what we have because of you."

"We have what we have because of us. You were willing to let me prove myself to you."

"Thank you for loving me…for loving JJ…" His words trailed off for a second. "Thank you for allowing me to be a husband and a father to our little boy and to this one." He stated looking at her slim tummy. She hasn't begun to show yet.

"I wouldn't give this up for anything. It's been a crazy journey over the last few months."

"Yeah…" He whispered as he stepped closer. "Elizabeth…I love you with all that I am."

Ever since their make out session beside the mercantile, her desire for Jack grew slowly. It was a small burn that only intensified during the day. It increased when she arranged for JJ to stay with Mr. and Mrs. P. She knew they would have time just themselves without the fear of little ears being close by. When she saw Jack walking home, it only increased her desire for him. She wanted fireworks, the passionate Jack that her body was screaming for.

However, Jack was slowing down this little journey. The time together walking was perfect. It made her body slow down. She was a little frustrated at that part. She was secretly hoping he would push the issue on the walk. She was imaging a few moments in the woods. Jack was moving the passionate desire into a loving evening. She didn't think she wanted a loving evening. She didn't want the flowers and soft music. She wanted the passionate Jack. But now…but now she wanted her husband that was standing in front of her. The loving Jack that spoke so sweetly to her. Who loved her and cared for her. The loving husband whose voice drew her in and the dimpled smile that held onto her with the greatest of ease. She was grateful Jack knew her so well.

"Elizabeth, I would like to make love to my wife."

Elizabeth's mind wasn't working. He was so sincere and loving. The tone of his voice was a little wanting and that moved her to her innermost being. Here was her husband who she didn't think she could have wanted anymore a few minutes ago, was driving her crazy beyond anything she could imagine. With the loving manner that matched his, she began to gently tug him toward the row house.

As they made their way around the curve in the road, he pulled her down the winding footpath. They have shared time there before during one of their passionate times. Tonight however, was a loving time together. She looked at him skeptically at where he was leading her.

"I can't wait until we get home." He whispered.

…

"Alright young man, why don't you clean yourself up and get ready for bed. When you're done, I'll read you some stories."

"Four stories." JJ stated.

"Two stories and you get to pick them out."

"Perfect. Hey, did you ever find out what that fishy smell was coming from?"

"No. Someone must have been cleaning fish upwind or something. I haven't smelled it in a while. Now, go and get ready for bed. Make sure you wash your face and clean your teeth."

"Yes Grandma P." JJ lovingly stated.

After cleaning up and walking to the small guest room, he began to smell the fishy smell. He thought that was odd since they haven't smelled it in a while. As he walked into the room, the smell was getting stronger.

"Grandma P." JJ called out.

Mrs. P was already accustomed to her new title. She walked into JJ's room and immediately scrunched up her nose at the odor.

"What did you bring into this house?"

"What?" Defended JJ. "I was with you when I came into this house. You picked me up at my house."

"True…" They looked around for a moment and then they began to walk around the room to see if they could find the smell. They checked the closet and the dresser. When Mrs. P walked toward the bed, she noticed the smell was getting stronger. The only thing on the bed was the bag JJ brought with him. She picked it up and took a deep breath. She almost immediately pushed the bag away. It landed on the bed. "It's in your bag!"

"My bag? Why would it smell?"

"I was about to ask you. Why does your bag smell?"

"How would I know that? I didn't pack it. I'm just a kid."

"Who did?"

"Mommy did."

Mr. P walked into the room. "What in the world?"

"This young man brought that smell into the room. It's something in his bag."

"I didn't bring it! I didn't pack it!"

"Who did?"

"Grandpa P…who do you think packed my bag?"

Mr. P walked toward the bed and instantly could tell the smell was coming from the bag. He reached down and opened the bag. The smell instantly increased, and everyone pinched their nose.

"Wow…that smells really bad."

"Did you leave a fish in your pocket?"

"No. I haven't been to the pond in a few days. Plus, mommy said she placed clean pants in there for tomorrow."

Mrs. P looked into the bag and didn't see any pants. She didn't see a clean shirt for tomorrow either. The only thing in the bag was a pair of pajamas laying perfectly folded in the center of the bag.

"Good heavens! That smells horrible!"

Mrs. P reached into the bag and pulled out the pajamas. It felt weird. She began to unfold the pajamas.

Mr. P and JJ leaned over pinching their nose and saw a medium size fish inside the pants of the pajamas.

"What in the world?"

Mr. P let out a loud laugh. "I think your mommy just got you back."

"What do you mean?"

"When you and your daddy pulled that prank on her with that fish in both of your pockets."

"Oh…that's a good one." JJ laughed.

"Take it outside." Mrs. P pointed toward the front door and stared at JJ. "And you, open the windows." She looked at her husband.

"What am I going to wear to bed?"

"Good question." Mrs. P wondered.

"Now I understand why Elizabeth gave me a second, smaller bag." Mr. P stated.

…

When they began the small little walk on the footpath to their secret spot, the sun was still out. It was dusk but the light was still enough to walk by. Now, it was completely dark. Neither one of them knew how long they were in the woods. They just didn't care. Their time together was magical. Their voices, legs, and minds wasn't working. They didn't know how many pleasurable moments they shared, but it was completely satisfying for them.

The young couple finally made their way to the row house. The dinner was way past cold, but neither would change their time together on their trail for a hot dinner. Elizabeth offered to heat up dinner and Jack could go upstairs to change. Jack gave her a kiss that lingered on longer that a normal kiss. With familiarity, he placed his hands on her hips.

"I'll be right back."

She lovingly looked Jack in the eyes. "I'll be here."

Jack kissed her again and turned to walk upstairs. He was completely lost in his love for his bride. Their evening was perfect. He turned into their bedroom and changed clothes. He decided to take a moment to change into comfortable clothes after washing his face. He changed into comfortable clothes and went to step into his house shoes. His right foot was halfway in the shoe when it hit something. He jumped back. When he looked down at the shoe, he first smelled something.

"Was that a…" His voice trailed off.

He walked toward the top of the steps. "Elizabeth!" He loudly stated. He could hear her chuckle. "What was that?"

"Your dinner is warm." She stated without answering his question.

…

Frank walked into the kitchen to make him a tea. He was tired from a long day and just wanted to relax before bed. He found his beautiful wife sitting at the little table sipping on a cup of tea.

"Hey, the water is still warm if you would like a cup."

"Thank you. I would love a cup." He stated as he made his way to the stove after getting a cup from the cabinet. "Hey, you ok?"

"I am. A little tired I guess."

"Too much going on?" Frank asked as he sat down beside his wife. He had kissed her on the top of her head before taking a seat.

"A little…"

"I do think you should hire someone to help with the mayor's stuff. Gowan had a helper."

"I was told that."

"That person can help you and do some things while you are here."

"Do you think I should hire someone here so I can spend more time at the mayor's office?"

Frank sat his cup down and turned his full attention to his bride. "I'm not one to tell you what to do. Even if I was, you wouldn't do it just because I told you to." Abagail chuckled at him knowing he was correct. "This place is your calling Abagail. If I were you, I wouldn't neglect or pass off your calling to someone else. You love it here and you love the people. The mayor job was thrusted upon you because of Gowan's arrest. I know you feel a sense of duty to the people of Hope Valley. I'm grateful you feel that duty, but that is not the same as a calling."

Abagail nodded her head She knew how smart her husband is. It was true. She wouldn't do anything just because he told her to. She was a strong woman. But she also trusted her husband and would completely listen to him and his opinion. Often times, she would follow his advice. It was always solid advice.

"If you hire a secretary or an aide, they can do the small mundane things that takes up so much of your time."

"Like what?"

"Filing, scheduling, paperwork that doesn't require your signature, things like that. That will free you up for the responsibilities of your duties. Plus, it gives you time here."

"And with you."

"Yeah."

"I'm sorry I have been so consumed with that other job."

"You have been trying to find your footing. I get it. I know Gowan did things wrong, and you want to do the complete opposite, but not everything that man did was wrong. He had a secretary. That doesn't mean you can't have one too."

"I guess I was so afraid of doing exactly what he did that I refused to do anything he has done."

"Understandable but having someone help you in that office isn't dirty."

"Any recommendations?"

"I just gave you great advice, do I have to do everything for you." He sassed with a growing smile.

"Funny preacher man."

"Just get someone you trust. Mary is doing great here and it's helping you out a lot. I think you can get the same results from that type of person in the mayor's office.

"Thank you, Frank."

"You're welcome, Abagail."

…

"Did you really have to put a stinky fish in my slippers?" Jack asked as they settled on the little couch enjoying a cup of tea. Dinner was nice and the night was quiet. Everything was put away from dinner and they just settled down to rest before going to bed.

"Wasn't it you who put that fish in your pants pocket to scare me?"

"You are a mother of a little boy. I didn't think anything could scare you." He teased.

"Jack Thornton! You know I don't like insects!"

"A fish isn't an insect."

"You know what I mean. And what's with all the little 'that's fishy' statements." She tried to hide her chuckle as she placed her head on his shoulder.

"You can fuss all you want, but I know you enjoy our humor."

"Do you now?" She challenged him.

"I can see the laughter in your eyes."

"How in the world do you see the laughter in my eyes?"

"They light up. I also see that you bite your bottom lip trying not to laugh. You know, I remember when I was the only guy that would make you do things like that. Now I see you doing it all the time to some other little brown headed guy."

"That boy has stolen my heart."

"I thought I did that." He kissed the top of her head.

"You have. You bring a smile to my face that only you can do."

"I love you, Elizabeth."

"I love you, Jack."

"How are you feeling about the pregnancy?"

"Perfect. I can't believe there is a part of you and part of me growing in here." She placed her hand on her still flat tummy. Jack placed his on top of her hand. "I just wish I wasn't so sick at times."

"Faith said that will pass soon enough."

"Have you talked to her about this?"

"I have. I don't know what to expect, but I wanted to help out when or if I could."

"That's sweet of you."

"Didn't you know that I'm known far and wide for my sweetness?" He flirted.

"Are you now?" She flirted back.

"Do you think it's a boy of girl?"

"I don't know. JJ said he wants a girl. He's said it so much he may be disappointed if he gets a brother."

"He'll cope. We talked about it one day. He said that his job is to teach him or her."

"Really?"

"He said that he has to teach his little brother or sister how to get out of trouble with you." Jack laughed.

"He certainly knows how to do that."

"Is that why he didn't get in trouble like I did with his part of our little fish prank?"

"Oh, he didn't get off free from payback."

"What did you do?"

"I placed a fish in his pajamas."

"You what?" Jack sat up. He couldn't keep from laughing.

"I placed a fish in his pajamas. I bet it's stinking pretty good by now."

"Oh…that's genius…and evil."

"I have a son. I need to step up my game."

"What is he going to sleep in?"

"I secretly gave Mr. P a second bag with instructions not to give it to him immediately."

"Nice, Mrs. Thornton." He chuckled. "So, my payback was a fish in my slippers. I'm not sure I'll ever get the smell out of them."

"You will. It may take a few days, but I have faith in you." She patted his chest.

The evening was just idle chatting about the pregnancy and about JJ. They were looking forward to this new season of their life. JJ was going to be a great big brother and both Jack and Elizabeth was excited about having another child.

"Are you ready for bed?"

"Yes, but I'm not tired." Elizabeth sweetly answered with a lot of flirting in her voice.

"Perfect. I'm not tired either." He stood and extended his hand for her to take.