Chapter 80

It had been a long two hours since he and the mounties rode into town with the Macky and Anderson brothers. In one afternoon, they had taken down two thirds of the Toronto Six gang. The two hours were filled with second and third pat downs of the criminals to make sure they didn't have any weapons or anything else that they shouldn't have had. There were phone calls made and telegrams sent. The prisoners' needs were met with visits to the outhouse and food brought in from Abagail's Café. Littleton double checked the outhouses just to ensure nothing was in there the brothers could use for escape or a weapon. They all knew they were going overboard with the safety measures, but this was the Toronto Six. Faith came to check on Cody. His wound was painful, but not life threatening, nor would it be restrictive after a short period of time. She bandaged it. Upon her leaving the jail, she and Sam shared a look that everyone noticed, but no one said anything.

Jack, Sam, Roy, Littleton, and Collins finally took a deep breath once the preliminary reports were finished. The late morning and afternoon were intense. They were all thankful everything went well. They knew it could have easily gone the other way in a heartbeat.

"That was well planned and executed." Sam stated.

"It was. Thank you all for performing your tasks with pride in your work."

"You're welcomed Jack." He heard in several voices.

"If everything is settled here for a little bit, I'll be right back."

"Go see that wife of yours." Sam sassed.

Jack only nodded his head.

…

Jerry and Joyce Watts kept up an ongoing conversation with Grace on the stagecoach as they kept their eyes out the window. They were mesmerized by the ever increasing beauty of the mountains. They were a lot like Grace on her first journey west to visit with her husband. Each time they saw a new mountain, they proclaimed it was the most beautiful one yet. They would make the same statement when they saw a new mountain in the distance.

The ride was rougher for Jerry and Joyce than it was for Grace. She had made this journey before, so she was prepared for it. She was also eager to see her daughter. She just knew Elizabeth would be showing with the pregnancy. Spending time with Elizabeth, Jack, and JJ were her only concern. She was going to miss visiting William, but this time with her middle daughter's family was much needed. It also came at just the right time.

Grace knew JJ was excited about his birthday coming up. In his last letter to her, he wrote three paragraphs talking about his birthday and birthday party. The little boy was excited about turning six. Grace knew her daughter was planning something big, but JJ wasn't sure what his mommy was up to. Grace looked out the window. She smiled when she noticed the familiar mountain range that was coming into focus.

"We'll be there in an hour or less."

"Grace…no wonder Elizabeth decided to move here. These mountains are beautiful. We don't have anything like this in the city."

"We don't." She stated looking at the beautiful green mountain full of trees.

…

Jack looked up as Ned yelled for his attention. He was about halfway between the jail and the schoolhouse. He could feel the morning and afternoon catching up to him. He also saw Abagail following just behind Ned.

"Sheriff! Sheriff! This telegram came for you."

"Thank you, Mr. Yost." Jack stated as Ned handed him the long telegram. There was also a message written on a piece of paper. Before looking at them, he waited for Abagail to approach him.

"Jack. Are you ok?"

"I'm fine Abagail. I think the day is catching up with me."

"I understand. What happened?"

"Let me talk to Elizabeth for a moment then I will meet you in your office to discuss everything."

"That's fine. I'm heading that way now."

"Perfect. I should be there in about fifteen minutes. We will have a town full of mounties tomorrow and probably some press too."

"The press?"

"We arrested four members of the Toronto Six. I'm assuming when word gets out the press will make its way here."

"Well, they will have to behave themselves if they wish to stay here."

"Yes Madam Mayor Abagail."

"Jack…I thought you were finished with that?" She sassed him.

"I'm sorry Madam Mayor Abagail." Jack smirked in a little brother's tone. "You know I should always show you the utmost respect especially in public."

Abagail could only shake her head. However, she did enjoy the banter with her little brother.

"I look forward to seeing you and hearing everything that happened today."

"Yes. We will also need to talk about some potential issues tomorrow."

"Jack, do you think the last two members of the Toronto Six will come here for revenge?"

"If things work out like I think, they should be arrested in British Columbia. I just don't know the answer to that question yet. Time will give us that answer."

"Ok. Go talk with Elizabeth. I'll see you in a few minutes."

"Thanks Abagail."

…

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Thornton. How are you?"

"Frank, it's great to see you." Elizabeth stated as she placed her right hand on her belly.

The kids were a little rambunctious this afternoon. Truth be told, she was too. Since she knew her husband was back safe, she was relieved. She was also nervous with the four men who were handcuffed. The last she spoke to Jack, there were only two. She also saw the exhausted look on Jack's face. She saw a hint of worry as well.

"Are we still ready for the McMahan's farm in a couple of days?" He asked as he sat own beside Elizabeth on the top step.

"We are. The kids are looking forward to it. The bigger ones are already telling each other that they can chop more wood than the rest. I hope you brought a lot of wood."

"I did. Mrs. McMahan already figured everything out."

Elizabeth chuckled. "I believe it's a good thing that the pastor isn't that sneaky of a person. What time do you want us there?"

"I guess you're right about not being sneaky. Nine would be perfect."

"We will be there. I will remind everyone at the end of the school day."

Elizabeth and Frank looked up when they heard JJ call out.

"Daddy!" JJ stated as he ran toward Jack who was approaching the schoolhouse.

"Hey son." Jack smiled as he kneeled down bracing himself for his son's running hug. He wrapped his arms around his son and stood. He held on tight for a few moments longer than normal. Elizabeth watched in awe of the moment she was witnessing. She didn't even notice that Frank stood and excused himself. He slipped to the side and walked away. As close of a connection she had with JJ, Jack had just a strong connection, maybe a little more so since he came to live with Jack after his parent's death.

Jack placed his little boy on the ground and tousled his hair. "Are you having a good day?"

"I am. Mommy gave us extra outside time." His smile grew. "I'll see you at home later."

"I may be late tonight. If so, I'll tuck you in."

"Love you, daddy." He stated as he turned to run after Sam and Emily.

Jack looked up into the eyes of Elizabeth. She was standing on the second from the top step intently watching her husband. Her right hand was resting on her belly. The scene took his breath. His wife was always a beautiful woman. Now that she was showing with their baby, he thought it only made her more beautiful.

"I came back as soon as I could." He stated with a smile as he began walking up the steps.

Elizabeth's smile grew at his words and dimpled grin. She closely watched him walk up the steps. She knew he was safe, but her heart wouldn't completely settle until she spoke to him and touch him.

"I am eternally grateful." Her smile only grew.

Normally they would keep any displays of public affection from the public eyes, but this time it was just different. Jack didn't hesitate to wrap his wife in a hug. Elizabeth immediately wrapped her arms around her husband and expressed her love for him.

"I'm sorry, but I can't stay long."

"I know. You have a job to do. Thank you for coming to me."

"I wanted to say hi."

"Hi."

Jack smiled at her playfulness. "My day is going to be busy. I'm not too sure when I will be home tonight. It's probably going to be a late night."

"I'll leave you a plate warming in the oven if you get home after we are in bed."

"Thank you."

"Jack…if I'm asleep when you get home, please wake me."

"I'll cuddle up with you. I'm hoping I'll be home before bedtime."

"As long as you come home to me."

"Elizabeth, I'll always come home to you. I'm sorry, sweetheart. I need to go and have a discussion with Abagail and then meet with the mounties. I think headquarters will send out the transport team tomorrow. These four was a huge haul for the government."

"And for you."

"For Hope Valley."

"I love you, Jack."

"I love you, Elizabeth." Jack then leaned over and kissed her tummy. "I love you little one."

…

Mr. P and Mr. Johnston stood back in the home carefully looking over the living room and kitchen. They both exhaled and came to the same revelation.

"I say they can move in anytime they want."

"I agree, Mr. P. There are a few small things that should be finished soon, but nothing that will keep them from living here."

"Perfect. I'll stop by and tell Elizabeth."

"If I remember correctly, the last shipment will arrive at Mr. Yost's mercantile tomorrow."

"Yes. That's what he said." He let out a contented sigh. "Mr. Johnston, you did good work."

"We all did good work. There were a lot of hands that built this home."

"I do think Jack and Elizabeth deserves it."

"I agree with you. Those two have made a huge difference in this town and in the people of it."

…

Jack knocked on the door and entered the moment Abagail spoke. He smiled as he saw Abagail sitting behind her desk. She still looked uncomfortable sitting there. He also saw Sam sitting in one of the chairs in front of the desk. He stood when he realized it was Jack.

"Sit Jack. Sam just arrived a moment ago."

Jack nodded at his sister and his friend, Sam. He saw the tea pot sitting on the counter. He poured himself, Abagail, and Sam a cup of tea before sitting in the other chair beside Sam's.

"Ok. I have heard all the rumors. I would like to hear what happened and what's in store for us."

Jack took some time to share with Abagail everything that had happened over the course of the past few days. She knew most of it except for what happened that day and a few details that Jack had to keep from her. She understood and trusted Jack completely. Since it was finished, he shared everything with Abagail.

"So, you mentioned something about the transport team coming tomorrow?"

"I would guess, yes."

"Excuse me." Sam stated. "They will be here tomorrow. They are leaving out today and will camp out overnight halfway. There will be twelve mounties. Three for each prisoner."

"Really?" Abagail asked.

"Yes mayor. These men are dangerous men. We want to make sure they make it to Medicine Hat for trial."

"You caught four of the six. What about the other two?"

"If things are going well, they will be arrested in British Columbia sometime today or hopefully they are already in custody."

"Jack, I'll telegram my academy brother in B. C. He is stationed there. He'll let me know."

"Nice."

"Jack, do you think they will retaliate if they are still free?"

"I don't think they will retaliate. That's not in their makeup. They will, however, try to break the prisoners free during transport."

"Hence the three mounties per prisoners. We want to make sure they are protected and they remain in custody."

Abagail turned her attention from Sam to Jack.

"It's standard operating procedure. Usually it's just two mounties, but with these prisoners, three mounties per prisoner is easily understood. Even if the other two are arrested, there still could be some individuals out there wanting to gain notoriety or goodwill with the gang. If someone could break any of them out, they would be instant members of the remaining gang with instant respect."

"I see. So…"

"Word is just beginning to spread of their capture, we should be fine. Even if someone wants to break them out, they will have to hear about it and then travel here to Hope Valley. That takes time. While they are here isn't the most enticing location to break someone out of custody."

"Jack's right. It will be when they are enroute to Medicine Hat. That's the most likely time to try to break them out. They wouldn't have to work around a jail cell. That is where we are at our weakest."

"Ok."

"Abagail, we will be guarding the jail around the clock. Until we are relieved by the mounties tomorrow."

Sam nodded in agreement, "Two mounties will always be on guard. The other two mounties are camping out behind the jail. They would be only a few feet away if they are needed."

"And I will be around too." Jack stated.

"And the press?" Abagail asked.

"I'm assuming there will be a reporter or two. Usually is with a capture like this."

"That will be your portion of this Jack. They will have questions."

"That will be Sam's part. He's the ranking mountie here. The mounties may send someone with the transport team."

"Our part Jack. You will be front and center. This was your plan and your execution."

"Sam…"

"Jack…this is your town. You are the sheriff here. You will be up there."

"And so will you."

"Fine, but you are the lead." Sam stated in a tone that left no doubt that there wouldn't be any further discussion on the matter.

Jack stared at Sam for a few moments. Sam wasn't relenting in his position. When Jack finally stated 'fine' with a little bit of a huff, Sam couldn't help but chuckle at his little victory.

"You should get used to it, Jack. If I ask for this position, you will have to deal with me."

"Are you? Are you going to request this posting?"

"I am seriously considering it, Mayor Abagail."

"This arrest will grant you any posting you desire. You just have to name the place."

"I know I have no say in this matter, but Sam, I hope you do accept this posting. We would love to have you as our stationed mountie."

"Thank you, Abagail. That is very kind of you to say that."

"Come on Sam…we have prisoners to look after. Littleton and Collins will need some rest before they take over tonight."

…

Grace, Jerry, and Joyce watched as the buildings rolled by as their stagecoach rumbled through town. For Jerry and Joyce, they did not fully understand what to expect. The town was small like they thought it would be. However, it wasn't dirty like they expected an old coal mining town would be. They were expecting black dust to be everywhere. However, there wasn't any coal dust anywhere. There were even flower boxes on the outside of the buildings under the window with beautiful flowers that were budding and well taken care of. For Grace, the town was beautiful. She admired each building as it passed the stagecoach's window.

As the stagecoach came to a stop, Grace opened the door before the driver even attempted to move from his bench seat. When he noticed the door opening, he hurried off his bench and jumped down to open the door. He didn't know who the riders were on his stagecoach, but he knew they were influential.

"Please, allow me." He stated as he reached for the door with his left hand and extended his right hand to assist Grace down the steps to the wood platform.

"Thank you."

Jerry stepped down and assisted his wife. They turned around to see the town as the driver began to untie the trunks and lower them to the platform.

Grace only took a second for her eyes to focus on the schoolhouse. She knew her middle child and grandchild would be at school. She excused herself and made her way to the white building. She knew she shouldn't interrupt the school day. Her daughter wouldn't be too happy with her. However, her mother's desire to see her little one was just too much for the woman's desire not to interrupt school to handle. Jerry smiled at the stagecoach driver and told him that he would take care of the lady's bags when he tried to capture Grace's attention.

Grace intently walked towards the schoolhouse. Her eyes were focused on the front door. She was wondering what her middle daughter looked like in her pregnancy. She just knew her round, little belly would be adorable.

Grace slowly walked up the few steps and quietly opened the door. She gasped, and then smiled, as she noticed her daughter standing by the front chalkboard. Her right hand was pointing to a word on the black board while her left hand was resting on her belly. Elizabeth's stomach wasn't huge by any measure, but you could easily see the little baby Thornton announcing to the whole world his or her presence. Grace thought her daughter was absolutely glowing.

Elizabeth was describing the meaning of the word that was on the blackboard. She was using it as an example in a sentence. She looked up when she thought she noticed a little more light in the room but quickly looked back to her students. A second later when her brain registered what she saw, she looked up again toward the door.

"Mother!" Elizabeth squealed out. "You're here!"

"Elizabeth." Grace softly spoke. She began to walk toward her little one. Elizabeth dropped her chalk and copied her mother's actions. They met in the middle of the bench seats in a warm hug.

"You're here." Elizabeth whispered in her mother's ear.

"Oh, my little one. You look stunning." Grace stated as she tightened her hold on her daughter. "You are glowing. The perfect picture example of a mother."

Elizabeth didn't want to let go of her mother. It was so great to have her mother here. After a few seconds, she finally remembered where she was and what she was doing. Instead of letting go of the hug, she only released her tight grip.

"Class, let's enjoy some outside time for a little while. Play nice with each other."

As Elizabeth spoke, Grace felt little arms wrap around waist.

"Grandma!" JJ called out as he hugged his grandma.

"Oh, my little one. I am so happy to see you."

"You came for my birthday!"

"Of course I did. I wouldn't miss it for the entire world."

"I'm so glad you're here." He held on tighter.

"Me too." Grace smiled at the little boy.

"Let's go class. Enjoy the sun but make sure you remain in the school yard." Elizabeth stated once again. They watched as the children's smiles grew at getting out of schoolwork and playing outside in the sun. The two ladies and JJ remained in the center of the aisle holding each other as the other kids hurried by to go outside.

"So my dear, how are you feeling?" Grace asked as they watched from the top step as the kids played.

"I'm doing very well. I was sick for a little while, but I haven't been sick in a couple of weeks. I still hate the smell of coffee."

"That's great. I hated the smell of coffee too when I was pregnant. That changed afterwards."

"JJ thinks I'm having a girl. He is fixated on having a sister."

"What makes him think that?"

"He kisses my tummy each time he leaves and says bye to his sister."

"What does Jack think?"

"He doesn't care if it's a boy or a girl. He just wants healthy."

"And you?"

"I feel the same as Jack. I just want a healthy baby."

Is Jack still doing well?"

"He is. He's officially the sheriff now. He had a huge case that was settled today. I'm not sure what all happened, but by the rumors flying around town, it had to be huge."

"The stagecoach driver said the Toronto Six gang was taken into custody."

"How did he find out?"

"A phone call when we traded out horses. Word is spreading like while fire."

The two ladies sat on the top step catching up as the kids enjoyed their time outside. There was only thirty minutes of school time left and Elizabeth was enjoying catching up with her mother too much to bring the kids back in. Plus, the children were having way too much fun to end it early.

Elizabeth and Grace spent those thirty minutes simply catching up. Grace filled her middle daughter in on her father and how he was doing. Viola hasn't changed at Grace's dismay. She has tried several times to talk sense into her oldest, but she wasn't listening to reason. As Grace shared about the Next Chance Home, Elizabeth could see her mother's pride shine through in her words and tone. Elizabeth was grateful that her mother found something she could pour herself into and found it rewarding.

…

"What do you think, Sam?"

"I agree with you. I think Roy and I will take the first shift until midnight. Then Littleton and Collins take the next shift until four."

"They could get some rest before everyone leaves out the next day to transport."

"I agree."

"Now, I'll be by early in the morning to help with everything. I'll bring food over from Abagail's for everyone, including you all."

"That sounds great."

"Now…" Jack begun. "…let's get an order for food for the prisoners into Abagail's and then we'll take them to the outhouse one at a time. I would suggest two mounties with each trip."

"I agree. These men are hardened and will have no problem trying something stupid."

"It's going to be a long night."

"Hey Jack, how crazy do you think tomorrow is going to be?"

"We'll be inundated with mounties of all ranks. I bet they are already halfway here."

"I bet. I would dare say there will be a couple of high ranking officers that will be here. They will want to be a part of this."

"I'm afraid you might be right. I just don't want it to be a circus. I also hope there isn't any press that is here."

"I think you know better than to pray for that Jack. This is two thirds of the notorious Toronto Six gang. There will be at least one or two individuals from the press."

"Sam, did you have to say it?"

Sam laughed. "You know this better than I do."

"So…?"

Sam smiled at Jack's question. He knew exactly what Jack was hinting at. "I'm requesting this posting."

"I knew you wanted to work with me." Jack teased as the two men turned toward Abagail's Café.

"You do play a small part in this. We work well together. We think alike." He couldn't help but grin at the thought of a beautiful blonde nurse who has completely captured his attention.

"Let me guess…"

"She said she would like for me to be here."

"You are a blessed man Sam. Faith is a great lady."

"I think so. Let's get busy. We have a lot to accomplish before it gets too late."

…

"Grandma, thank you for coming for my birthday party."

"JJ, I am so excited to be here to celebrate your birthday with you."

He laid his head on her shoulder. They were sitting outside on the porch as Elizabeth was putting the final touches to dinner. She was excited when Mr. P stopped by and told her the good news about the new home. She was excited beyond description. Grace and JJ were enjoying watching fireflies fly around. There were a few kids playing in the field across the row houses. JJ would rather stay on the porch with his grandma and just talk to her,

"What did you get me?" He teased.

"Well, it's a little too close to a little boy's birthday for him to be asking such questions." She sassed him with a huge smile.

"Fair enough, I guess." He flashed her that dimpled smile of his. She knew he was playing her but her grandmother's heart just didn't care. "So…?" He asked again.

"Not a chance, grandson."

Elizabeth stood in the house listening in on the conversation. She was a little shocked at how much her mother loved JJ. She always knew her mother loved her. She just wasn't affectionate, nor did she show it very often. With JJ, Grace was a loving grandmother who cared for her grandbaby. Maybe it was just being a grandmother that brought this Grace to life. Maybe it was the events of her father's actions that changed her mother's actions. Elizabeth didn't care what brought about her mother's change, she was just grateful her mother not only endured that horrible incident, but she was flourishing. Elizabeth was loving this new version of her mother.

"I did bring something from William." Grace teased the little boy. His eyes opened wide with excitement. "It is an advanced arithmetic book from a gentleman in his business class. If I remember correctly, it is from his senior year of university class."

"Cool!" JJ exclaimed.

"Let me go and get in from my carry bag. I brought it with me from my room in Abagail's."

"Don't go. I'll look at it later."

"You don't want me to go and get it now?" She asked a little confused. JJ was always so eager to work on the math problems William sent him.

"No. I'll look at it later. I would much rather spend time with you."

Grace's heart melted at JJ's words and when he scooted closer to her. He leaned into her and placed his arm around her arm and took her hand. She kissed the top of his head and then placed her head on top of his.

"Grandma, may I ask you a question?" His voice was soft.

"Sure sweetheart. What's on your mind?"

"Mr. Thatcher…"

Elizabeth has shared with her mother about JJ's hesitation with William. JJ knew what all happened. He was beginning to open up to William after keeping him at a distance. The letters William wrote to him every week was beginning to make a difference.

"William lost his way for a while. He did things that he thought were right. He wouldn't listen to anyone who disagreed with him. That's called pride. He thought he knew everything. There are times when that lesson is a painful lesson to learn. I honestly believe her has learned from it."

"You think so?" JJ settled a little closer.

"I do. He has changed since his arrest. He hates prison, but he also is grateful for it."

"How so?"

"The lessons it has taught him. It forced him to refocus his priorities. He learned he wasn't all powerful. The things in life that are really important have become important to him again. I have grown closer to him than we have in a very long time."

JJ nodded his head as she spoke. He was intently listening. He wanted to call him his grandpa, but he wasn't sure if he trusted him. The things that he did were hard to reconcile for a little boy. It was hard for an adult too. He was just unsure.

"William told me that he loves you and wants to be your grandfather. He also said he isn't going to force that relationship on you. He knows he must earn that title from you. Only you will determine if that type of relationship is possible. He will not push you either way."

JJ hugged Grace. "I love you, grandma."

"I love you, JJ."

…

Jack slowly walked home. It was way past dark. He was tired and hungry. However, his tiredness was winning by a long shot over his hunger. With all the reports and discussions concerning the four men of the Toronto Six, he was spent physically and mentally. He did feel satisfied knowing they captured two thirds of the notorious gang. However, that excitement was long past its recommendation date. His exhaustion was winning. He sighed when he turned the small curve and saw his shared row house come into view. At that moment, it was the most beautiful object he had seen all day.

There was a small light that was shining through the front window. He knew his boy would be out like a light. He was full speed all day. Once he laid down at night, he slept as hard as he played. Jack knew he would be asleep. He also knew his precious wife would be asleep. He didn't know if she would be in their bed or on the couch. She would try to stay up, but she rarely did. Especially since the pregnancy, she would fall asleep each night at nine. When she taught school, she taught her students with everything that she had. With everything that was going on at the jail, it was already past midnight. The one hundred and fifty yards from the curve to the front steps of the row house seemed like an eternity. It felt like five miles.

He stopped at the front steps and took a deep breath before trying to climb the four steps into the home. He slowly stepped onto the top step. He was just hoping to make it to the couch. He long ago gave up hope of climbing the steps to his and Elizabeth's bedroom. He softly opened the door and closed it. He didn't want to wake up his family. He turned and smiled at the sight in front of him.

Elizabeth was resting with her back to the back of the couch. JJ was settled against her with his back to her. She had her right arm under her head using it as a pillow. Her left arm was snuggly wrapped around JJ's stomach. His little brown head was just below Elizabeth's chin. It was resting on top of his head. He briefly thought back to the first time he saw them together on Abagail's couch. He smiled. Elizabeth has never been so beautiful as she laid on the couch holding their son. He also thought back to his dream he had had more than once. The only thing that was missing was a bassinet and a baby.

Jack slowly walked to the couch and took the small blanket from the top of the couch and spread it out across his loved ones. JJ didn't even move while Elizabeth settled into the couch a little more. Jack was so tired he didn't even take his boots off. He plopped down on the chair beside the couch. He reached for Elizabeth's arm and slowly and softly held her wrist. He laid his head back and closed his eyes.

"Your home." Elizabeth stated without opening her yes. Her voice dripped with sleep.

"I came back as fast as I could."

"For that, I'm eternally grateful." She stated as she tightened her hold on her son. "Are you ok?"

"Yeah…just exhausted and I have an early day tomorrow."

"Jack…"

"Sleep Elizabeth. I'm home and we are all safe. After they all leave tomorrow, things well settle."

"Then we move into our home. Mr. P said the house is finished.

"Nice." Jack stated without opening his eyes. "I can't wait."

"Then we have a birthday to celebrate." JJ's voice was soft and full of sleep.

"Yes son." Jack chuckled.

Elizabeth pulled him closer as they all drifted off to sleep.