Chapter 24

JJ looked up from his plate. The dinner was good. However, it was much quieter than normal. He knew something was off. He just couldn't figure it out. His dad and mommy were quiet. He thought they were lost in their thoughts. JJ was beginning to wonder if they figured out what he and Sam did.

JJ looked at his dad. Jack just gave Elizabeth a half smile. He knew Elizabeth had a lot on her mind. She may have understood that the accidents at the mill weren't her fault, but she still had a sense of trouble with her friend and family responsible for it. Elizabeth couldn't understand how her father and friend thought so little of her. They really thought she wouldn't last a month out west. They were shocked she lasted three years. The fact that they wouldn't listen to her was infuriating. No matter how many times she told them, they just wouldn't listen to what she wanted. They imposed their thoughts onto her life. She was grateful Lee didn't hold anything against her, but she still felt bad about her family causing the whole issue.

"Mommy, would you like more watermelon?"

JJ's voice broke through Elizabeth's thoughts. She shook her head trying to clear her mind. "I'm sorry, sweetie. What did you say?"

"I asked if you wanted more watermelon."

"Oh…no…I'm good."

JJ knew he was busted. His mommy never turned down watermelon. He remembered the last time he was in trouble with Jack. Honesty is the best answer. He thought to himself a couple of times.

"I think I have something I need to tell you…" JJ's voice softened as he spoke to both his parents.

…

Frank walked into the café to speak with Abagail. He hasn't spoken to her privately since the talk with Mr. Franklin. He was in disbelief about what Mr. Thatcher and Mr. Kensington were trying to do. They knew through talks with both Elizabeth and Jack that her father and friend disapproved of Jack, but this is a bit extreme.

"How can they do this?" Asked Frank.

"Good evening, handsome." Responded Abagail with a sly smile. Her face turned serious with her next statement. "I'm not sure. I met her father and stayed at his home when I went to Hamilton. He was always friendly to me. I would never have guessed that he could do something so mean spirited."

"How do you think Elizabeth is dealing with this?"

"I believed it stunned her to her foundation. She was at a complete loss for words. I could see she was struggling with hearing everything Mr. Franklin was telling her. Frank, do you think he was being honest?"

"I do. I've talked with Jack, and he showed me a little bit of the evidence Mr. Franklin gave him. I believe it's the easiest case Jack will ever turn over to the courts."

"Elizabeth was blaming herself. I know she was going to speak with Lee."

"Lee is a good man. He won't hold what Elizabeth's father and friend did against her. He will understand that Elizabeth had nothing to do with it."

"Lee is a good man."

"Elizabeth is a strong woman. She will work her way through this."

"She will." Frank stated. After a moment, he began to smile.

"What are you up to, preacher man?"

Frank stepped closer to Abagail with a tempting smile. When he reached her, he placed his arms around her waist and slowly, but deliberately, pulled her closer to him. She gasped at his actions. Not because she didn't want him to, but because she did.

Abagail has been working through her feelings and trying to understand them. Since Noah died, she placed all those romantic feelings away in a box. Never to be felt again. That was her old life, and she was dealing with it. Opening the café was a great new start for her. It gave her purpose. With Frank in her life, he was awaking those feelings she boxed up and stored away. She was grateful for him. She struggled with them at first, but after talking to Elizabeth she knew they were ok to experience all those feelings again.

"You have the prettiest eyes…" Frank stated as he kissed her forehead. Then he slowly kissed her temple moving his way to her cheek.

"Jack says that Elizabeth has the prettiest eyes." Abagail closed her eyes as her smile grew. She was loving Frank's attention.

"Jack is a great mountie, but he's wrong on this one. His opinion is skewed." Frank stated just before his lips touched Abagail's cheek.

Abagail shivered at the gentleness of Frank. She loved this man. She scolded herself for shivering. She knew he would have noticed. She didn't have to see his little smirk to know he had one. She didn't like losing to this man, but his actions were driving her crazy. She lost all resolve when his lips touched hers. They were gentle…loving. She could also feel the passion.

"Frank…" She began when he pulled away. "I think we need to talk."

"Ok…" He paused. He leaned a little further away from Abagail. "You know, that's the scariest thing you can say to a man."

Abagail smiled knowing he was right. "It's not bad this time, I promise."

…

"Sam and I chased Emily around with a frog." JJ said it so quickly that Jack and Elizabeth had a hard time understanding him.

"I'm sorry." Jack asked.

"Sam and I were playing with a frog that we found by the pond. I put it in my pocket on the walk home. Emily came up and thought she heard a croak. I pulled the frog out of my pocket, and she screamed. Sam and I began to laugh, and she stated that she hated frogs."

"What is it with you, frogs, and your pant's pocket?" Asked Elizabeth shaking her head. She remembered the time she washed JJ's pants and there were tadpoles in the pockets. She still shivered at the thought.

"They're cool. They jump, they make weird sounds, and they look funny." JJ defended himself.

"Go on…" Jack stated.

"We laughed because she screamed, and we began to chase her with it. The more she screamed the funnier we thought it was."

"So, you scared Emily with a frog?"

"I don't know if I would say scared…" JJ thought out loud. "She did scream, but she was also laughing as we chased her."

"Did you put the frog on her?" Asked Elizabeth.

"No. She said she didn't like them. So, I wouldn't do that. We just had fun. She never touched the frog."

Jack leaned back on his chair. He remembered having a similar discussion with his mother when he was little. Elizabeth caught Jack's smile. She knew he was having a memory from his youth.

"Just don't do it again please. That wasn't very nice."

"Emily was laughing in between the screaming. I don't think she was too scared." JJ defended himself.

"Come on, we need to take mommy home. It's getting late."

"Mommy…" JJ turned his attention to Elizabeth. He had his bottom lip sticking out in a big pouty look. "You're not staying with us tonight?"

The look on his face almost made her change her mind. She knew she couldn't stay, especially after several people already knew she had stayed last night.

"I can't JJ."

"And we need to walk her home." Jack stated.

"Don't Mommy know how to get home in the dark?"

"Yes, son. She knows how to get home in the dark." Jack could keep the corners of his mouth from curling up a little.

"Is she afraid of the dark?" JJ asked innocently as he stood and began walking toward his boots by the door.

"JJ, a gentleman always sees the young lady home. Of course, Mommy isn't too afraid of the dark." Sassed Jack as he stole a glance toward Elizabeth. "But a gentleman always wants to protect the woman he loves."

"Well…I love Mommy. So, I need to take her home." JJ stood. His voice was very protective.

Elizabeth almost melted at the young man's proclamation. The seriousness in his little voice was just too much. The love and protective nature in his tone was easily felt.

"Well…I love her too. So why don't we both walk her home?"

"Sure." JJ smiled as he reached for Elizabeth's hand. "You know, this would just be easier if you two would get married. Mommy wouldn't have to leave. She could just stay here with us." JJ stated as he turned Elizabeth toward the door. "There's enough room in my bedroom. Daddy could put a small bed in it for you. We can share."

"Well…" Elizabeth's face turned red. She looked at Jack for help, but he just had that silly smirk on his face. She scrunched her nose at him as his playful look only grew. "That's something we will have to discuss." She accepted JJ's hand and began to walk with him toward the door.

When Elizabeth turned to look over her shoulder, Jack was convinced she took all his heart. The smile on her face was priceless, but it was the look in her eyes that made Jack forget what he was doing.

…

"Sir, you ready?"

"I am. Let's get going. I have two bags."

"I'll get them for you. We should be in Hope Valley late tomorrow morning. I will have to stop halfway to change out the horses. That will take about forty to forty five minutes."

"That's fine."

"I have food for us. That way we won't have to stop. We'll just have to stop to water the horses and change them out halfway."

"Perfect."

…

The whole walk to the café felt perfectly like a family walk. Elizabeth walked in between her two men. Jack was on her right and she had her arm intertwined with Jack's arm. In her left hand was JJ's little hand. He held tight onto her hand. He was in protective mode. Elizabeth's smile never faded at the little man's actions.

"Now Mommy, you are safe. Will I see you tomorrow?" JJ stated as they stepped up onto the café's porch.

"Yes, sweetie. I will see you tomorrow."

"I love you."

"I love you sweetie. I hope you rest well."

"You too Mommy."

Elizabeth turned her attention toward Jack. Jack wanted to kiss Elizabeth goodnight, but he felt uncomfortable doing it with JJ standing right beside him. Elizabeth saw the conflict in Jack's eyes. She had the same battle in her heart.

Elizabeth looked deep into Jack's eyes. She not only saw the battle in his eyes, but she saw something else. She looked for a moment. Once she recognized his look, she took a step closer to him. She reached for both of his hands.

"Jack…I promise tomorrow will be ok."

He nodded. The realization of Charles coming to town tomorrow began weighing on him. The last time Charles came to Hope Valley, Jack's life was literally turned upside down.

When Elizabeth squeezed his hands, he looked up and locked eyes with her.

"Jack, I know I failed you the last time Charles came to town, but I promise I will not fail you this time."

"Mommy, your nightmare is coming to town?"

Elizabeth smiled at her boy. "Yes, but it will be ok. I promise." She looked up at Jack. She was making both of them the promise. She also saw the hesitation on Jack's face. She wanted to speak with him, but she didn't want to have this conversation in JJ's presence.

"Stay here for a moment. We will be right back." She patted the top of JJ's head.

Elizabeth led Jack to the bottom of the steps just out of hearing for JJ.

Elizabeth stopped walking and turned to face Jack. She stepped into his space. She took both of his hands and held them close to her heart. "Jack, I know I have caused you confusion in the past. Please know that you have my heart. You have my mind. You are my soulmate, not just my friend. You are my everything and nothing or no one will ever change that. Do you understand?" The sincerity in her voice was felt deep down in Jack's bones.

Jack felt relieved. He hated to admit it, but he was nervous about Charles' presence and wasn't exactly sure how Charles coming to town would change things. Jack gave her a smile. Not a full dimple smile, but a smile, nonetheless.

As they walked back up the steps toward JJ, she could still see Jack was a little nervous. She leaned in and kissed his cheek. "I love you, Jack Thornton. Don't you ever forget it." She then leaned down and kissed JJ on the top of his head. "I love you, sweetie. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Good night, Elizabeth."

"Good night, Mommy." Both of her boys stated at the same time.

…

Jack was walking back to the jail early the next morning. He carried JJ over to his neighbor's house. The little boy woke up when Jack picked him up from his bed but was quickly asleep before Jack had walked down the stairs.

Jack's day was busy. He wanted to speak with Mr. Franklin one more time to cover every aspect of the story. He wanted to see if his story changed any during the night. He also needed to give the prisoner his morning routine. Charles was expected to arrive in Hope Valley on the six o'clock stagecoach. Jack also had to perform his morning rounds. There were a couple farmers on the outskirts of Hope Valley he wanted to check on. He also wanted to stop by Johnston's farm to finish their discussion. Jack was looking forward to riding Sergeant on rounds. While riding, he was able to clear his head. He could think something through or not think at all.

During the night, Jack was fighting his fear of Charles coming to town. He trusted Elizabeth's words from last night. He knew she loved him. His fear was rooted in Charles' last visit. After fighting his fears for an hour, he decided to completely trust Elizabeth. She has proved herself over the past week. She was true to her word. While he was still a little anxious, he wasn't burdened by his fears. His trust was in Elizabeth.

…

"Good morning, Constable."

"Good morning, Mr. Johnston. How are you?"

"I'm good. What has you out here this morning?"

"I wanted to check in with you. I was hoping to talk with you."

"That's fine, Constable. I have some coffee in the thermos if you're interested."

"Mr. Johnston, that would be perfect."

"So, what are you thinking about?"

…

Charles looked up when he saw a familiar water tower. The words 'Hope Valley' were painted on the side. He let out a deep breath. He hated this small town. It was dirty. It smelled bad. There were only two places to eat and neither one was up to his standards. "How could she pick this place?" He asked himself when the small stagecoach came to a stop. The only hotel was just a few rooms above a noisy saloon.

Charles stepped out of the stagecoach and stretched. Staying in the small cabin made for a very long night of riding. There just wasn't enough room to be comfortable. The little stagecoach also made for a horrible ride. He felt every bump in the road.

Charles took a moment to look around the town. The driver was getting his two bags off the top. Charles' eyes fell to the jail. He scrunched his nose at the thought of Thornton. He turned to his left and saw Abagail's Café. It was just after ten. He was hoping to quickly find Elizabeth so they could head home. He didn't want to spend any more time in this town than he had too. He was hoping he and Elizabeth could head out on the stagecoach that was supposed to arrive at six. If he could talk her into it, he would rent a horse and wagon and begin earlier. He just didn't want to stay in this town.

Two little boys and a girl, all about the same age, ran giggling beside them. One of the boys almost hit him. "Sorry Mister." The boy stated as he turned his head.

"How can Elizabeth watch after a classroom of kids all day and think it's a calling?" He shook his head.

"Sir, what would you like for me to do with your bags?"

"Leave them here. I'll take care of them."

"Yes sir."

Charles began walking toward the café. He remembered that Elizabeth lived in the upper portion of the café. He assumed she was still living there. He quickly looked up when he heard a familiar laugh.

"Elizabeth…"

…

Elizabeth woke up early this morning. She was not looking forward to Charles coming to town. She hated seeing the hesitation in Jack's eyes. She knew he trusted her, and they had made up a lot of ground over the last week. She was afraid what Charles might do would take the gained ground back. She wasn't willing to give anything for the reconnection with Jack. She was grateful she had the day to think through everything. She had a plan and Jack was ok with the plan. They had planned on meeting for lunch to look over the plan again. Honestly, they just wanted to be with each other.

After helping Abagail in the café during the morning rush, Elizabeth worked on the school building. She was decorating her board and working on her planning for the students. She also wrote a letter to her old professor seeking help with JJ. She wanted to help her boy. She considered him a genius with numbers. She was hoping her professor could direct her in JJ reaching his best. With her letter finished, she wanted to go ahead and take it to the mercantile so the letter could be posted. She gathered her belongings, but before she left, she looked toward the corner where she first noticed her and Jack's initials were. Over the course of her life, this was always the final thing she did when she left school. After the mercantile, she was going to help Abagail with the lunch rush.

Emily turned the corner and gave Elizabeth a huge smile. Elizabeth couldn't help but laugh at the expression on Emily's face. Her smile was huge. Whatever she was thinking about, it made her smile.

"Elizabeth!"

…

Elizabeth's head jerked up when she heard a voice she had known since childhood.

"Charles…" She whispered. Charles was standing twenty yards in front of her with the biggest smile. She saw the look of love in his eyes. It unnerved her a little.

"Elizabeth! It's great to see you!" Charles' smile only grew as he began to walk toward her.

Elizabeth froze. She wasn't expecting Charles to arrive until six that evening. She didn't know why he was in Hope Valley so early. She didn't hear the stagecoach rumble through town. She tried to get her mind to remember the plan, but Jack was supposed to be present with her. The plan involved both her and Jack. With Charles being so early, she was lost for a moment. As Charles approached her, Elizabeth's mind began working. She remembered all the trouble from the last time Charles unexpectantly showed up in Hope Valley. He shocked her in the schoolhouse. She did not handle that situation very well and a lot of that was due to the surprise of him just showing up. She was not replaying that again. There was no way she was allowing Charles' presence to come in between her and Jack again. She has worked too hard for Jack to trust her. Nothing and no one were going to cause doubt in Jack's mind concerning her.

"Charles…" Elizabeth sighed. "…why are you here?"

"Elizabeth…" Charles stated as he closed the distance between them. Elizabeth was on the sidewalk a few yards away from the café door.

"Charles, you shouldn't have come." Elizabeth stated as he reached for a hug. Elizabeth stepped back to avoid physical contact with Charles. "Charles, you shouldn't have come." She repeated herself.

"Elizabeth…you received my telegrams. I told you I was coming to escort you back to Hamilton." Elizabeth, refusing to hug him, threw him off for a moment. He just thought his sudden and early appearance may have shocked her.

"I received your telegrams, but Charles I am not going back to Hamilton." She was resolute in her tone.

"Elizabeth, it's time you come back home."

"Charles, I am home!"

At her remark, Charles decided to soften his approach. Sometimes the Thatcher trait can be stubborn. "How are you, Elizabeth? Are you doing well?"

Elizabeth smiled at his change of action. She knew exactly what he was doing. "I am doing well. Better than I have in a very long time."

"That's great, Elizabeth." Charles paused for a moment. He didn't understand why she was smiling. "Would you like to have some coffee or tea?"

…

Jack finished up his discussion with Mr. Johnston. Both were happy with the outcome of the conversation. Jack was excited about it and couldn't wait to share it with Elizabeth. He sat on the saddle and leaned to his right to accept a jar of jam from Mrs. Johnston.

"Thank you for helping my old husband." Mrs. Johnston sassed. "He has a hard time believing he is getting older and can't do the things he once could a few years ago."

"Clara!" Mr. Johnston gasped.

"You're welcome Mrs. Johnston. Thank you for the jam."

She nodded her head. "Constable, when do you think you'll come by."

"Well, we're not engaged yet, but I don't think that will take too much more time."

"Just let us know when you are ready." Mr. Johnston stated. With that, Jack tilted his head and touched the end of his Stetson toward the older couple and slightly buried his heels in Sergeant's side and turned him toward town.

…

"No. I am fine."

"It's a little too early for lunch. Would you like to take a walk with me around town? The last time I was here, you didn't show me this quaint town."

"No Charles. You have seen the town before." Elizabeth let out a frustrated sigh. "Charles…you really shouldn't have come to Hope Valley."

Charles was unhappy with her continuing to change the course of the conversation. She wasn't yielding to him like she always had. His Elizabeth would never do that in the past. This hick town was beginning to change her. He needed to get her out of here before she completely changed.

"Would you like to sit at a table in the café? It's been a long ride here."

Elizabeth shook her head no.

"Elizabeth…" He elongated her name. She smiled to herself knowing that didn't have the effect on her like when Jack does it. When Jack elongates her name, she actually forgets her name. His soft, yet strong voice, makes her knees weak with pure excitement. "I would like to talk with you about going back to Hamilton with me. We need to fix whatever happened to us in Hamilton a couple of weeks ago."

"Charles, nothing needs to be fix. I found out exactly what I want in my life. I remembered my destiny."

"Nonsense, Elizabeth. This town is no one's destiny." The disgust was evident in Charles' tone. As much as he tried to hide it, he just couldn't. "This little adventure needs to come to an end. We have already discussed this. Your parents are expecting you to come back to Hamilton at the end of the week. We need to head back to Hamilton. Your father is expecting you."

If Charles would have stopped to look at Elizabeth's face, he would have noticed her face instantly change to annoyed. Elizabeth's frustration with her friend not listening to her was getting old very quickly. The blood vessel in Elizbeth's forehead was beginning to appear.

"We need to continue our courtship and plan our wedding."

"There is not courtship, Charles. I have told you many times that we haven't courted. You may have thought we have, but we never did. I have told you that countless times." Elizabeth's tone was beginning to match Charles'.

"Come on Elizabeth. Not all that talk again. No one believes that we didn't court. We did for years unofficially. When you accepted my proposal in that little schoolhouse, it became official. Everything we did together, before and after you accepted my proposal, screams courting. Everyone knew we did."

"Charles, we never courted. We have been best friends since we were four years old. That's it!"

"Come on Elizabeth…" Charles was growing tired of this little game. They've had this conversation many times and he still didn't understand it. The walks, the talks, the parties, and the countless times they were together informed anyone and everyone that they were a couple. It may not have been official until a few weeks ago, but they were courting. "Stop playing this silly game. There is no need to be a tease, Elizabeth. I love you and you love me. It is evident to see. Let's stop playing this girlish game. We are adults and in love. May we begin to act like it?"

"Mommy!"

Charles and Elizabeth heard a little voice yell. Elizabeth immediately looked up and saw JJ running down the road toward her. Charles immediately noticed Elizabeth's facial features change at the little boy's voice.

"Mommy…?" Charles questioned. "Why would Elizabeth smile so big because some kid yelled for his mother?" Charles silently asked himself. He noticed the kid kept running toward them and still calling out for his mother.

Elizabeth opened her arms waiting for the little boy to run into the much anticipated hug. He would often do this. "There's my boy." Elizabeth exclaimed when JJ was about ten feet away.

"Your boy…?" Charles slowly asked when the little boy jumped into Elizabeth's arms. She stood with JJ's arms around her neck. He kicked his legs for a second before wrapping them around her small waist.

"Hey sweetie, what are you doing?"

"Playing around the pond."

"Around the pond or in the pond?" Elizabeth asked skeptically.

"Well, I'm dry…" He sassed with a huge smile.

"I guess you are." Elizabeth's smile only grew. With JJ's presence, she completely forgot about Charles. "What are you doing now?"

"I was hoping Auntie Abagail had some of my cookies."

"She does, but I made this batch. Let me know what you think." Elizabeth smile with pride with her attempt to make something her little boy loved.

"I will." JJ hugged her neck one more time and then kissed Elizabeth on her cheek.

When Elizabeth placed JJ back on the ground, he turned his attention to the gentleman talking to his mommy. "Hello, sir. I'm JJ."

Charles stared at the two in complete disbelief. None of this made any sense to him. "Mommy…? There's my boy…?" Charles mouthed the words, but no sound was made.

"JJ…this is Mr. Charles Kensington. Mr. Kensington, this is JJ, my son."

JJ extended his arm to shake the man's hand. "Mr. Kensi…Mr. K…mommy's…" Elizabeth cut him off before the little boy was able to finish the statement.

"Go and try my cookies. Auntie Abagail helped me make them, but I did it all myself. Please let me know how they are." Elizabeth placed her hand on top of JJ's head and turned him toward the café. She ruffed up his hair a little just before giving him a slight push toward the café.

"I love you, Mommy!" JJ shouted as he ran to the café. He turned his head slightly to speak over his shoulder.

"I love you, sweetie!" Elizabeth exclaimed with a huge smile. She was in love with her new title. She watched JJ run the entire way to the café. She didn't turn around until he was through the door. Elizabeth couldn't help but chuckle at the expression on Charles' face.

"JJ is the son of Jack's academy brother. Steven and Joy were killed in an accident a couple of weeks after I left here. They had it in their will for Jack to take the boy in case something happened to them both. He's been living with Jack ever since."

"He calls you mommy?" Charles barely asked above a whisper.

"He does. I fell in love with that boy within three minutes of meeting him. He has this way of pulling you in."

"So…that's what this is all about?" Charles nodded to the café.

"What do you mean?"

"It's the boy…the children here. That's the pull for you?"

"No Charles. The children play an important part as does JJ. But Charles, this is my calling. This is what I am intended to do with Jack by my side."

Charles flinched at Jack's name. He looked over the town one more time trying to gauge what the pull was for Elizabeth.

"Elizabeth, you can work with children in Hamilton. Children at home have promise and potential for a productive future. They have a future. They're going to be doctors, writers, lawyers. They will lead valuable and productive lives. These children will work at a sawmill, a mine, or be farmers. At home, you would have the opportunity to help shape the minds of children with the proper upbringing."

"For someone who has been a good friend since I was four years old, you know nothing about me. I don't want to be a teacher to children that have their lives laid out in front of them or children with all the possibilities handed to them. I want to make a difference in the lives of people who need me. The people of Hope Vallely like me because I am Elizabeth, not because I'm a Thatcher."

"You're both people Elizabeth. This backwater town has nothing to offer you. That…that constable has nothing to offer you. He can't meet your needs like I can." The attitude in Charles' tone was apparent to anyone who could hear it. He was smug. "He can't give you the life you deserve. He isn't me!"

"Charles…" Elizabeth sighed. "Jack is my soul mate. He is the one for me. I am going to walk my path with that man hand in hand. It was never you and me."

Charles took a step back at her words. They made no sense to him at all. "Elizabeth, we have been unofficially courting for years. Even when that constable was with you in Hamilton the first time, you spent a majority of your time with me. We had several dinners together. At the party at your home, you and I sat at the piano for hours playing together. You never, not once, looked in that man's direction." Charles softened his tone and took a step closer to Elizabeth. She was confused by his actions. He needed to remind her of who he was to her. "The walks in the flower garden where we would talk for hours. The dinners together where we laughed and enjoyed each other's company. Elizabeth, the parties together where we would dance every dance together. Tell me it didn't feel good to be in each other's arms?" He challenged her.

"We did all those things as friends, Charles. There were never any intimate moments. We walked and talked. Yes, we danced, but we were never close like you're implying." Charles took another step closer to Elizabeth. She took a step back to keep the distance between them.

"Maybe that's the problem, Elizabeth. We never took our courtship any further than what proper society dictated."

Elizabeth became a little concerned with his tone and the look on his eyes.

…

Jack had just left Lee's place. He stopped to check on him and to give him updates on the prisoner. He wanted to reassure Lee that everything was taken care of and was in order. Mr. Franklin was the man performing the accidents at the mill under the direction of Elizabeth's best friend and her father. Lee was very happy to hear the problem had been solved. The mill workers were trying to holding their own the best they could, but they were slowly falling behind on orders. With this issue resolved and the engine on the second saw repaired, Lee was hoping to be fully caught up with the orders by the end of next week.

The morning was a perfect, early summer day in Hope Valley. The mornings were just a little on the cool side but warmed up nicely. Jack was taking his time riding back to town. Charles was expected in a few hours. He wasn't looking forward to Mr. Jaws' arrival but was hoping this would finally finish the whole ordeal once and for all.

Jack received a telegram from headquarters informing him that the transport team would be arriving late tonight or early the next day. They were delayed due to an emergency but were leaving that morning. Jack tilted his head back while sitting in the saddle just to allow the sun to shine on his face. Sargeant was walking back to Hope Valley at his own pace.

…

"Charles…" Elizabeth warned him as he stepped closer to her. She took another step back to try to keep the distance between them.

"Elizabeth, we have been playing this little flirting game long enough. Your father has already given me permission to marry you. You have agreed to marry me. Now, it's time we stop playing this game and begin the life we are destined for."

"No Charles." She stepped back again.

"Elizabeth, we have spent so much time together. With your acceptance of my proposal, it's time for us to move our relationship beyond a loving kiss on the cheek."

When Charles reached out for her hands, Elizabeth's back hit the wall. "You need to stop, Charles. This isn't happening!"

Sergeant slowly made the turn into town. Jack had let the horse walk at his own pace. The ride into town was just relaxing. Jack looked up the moment Charles reached for Elizabeth's hands. He noticed Elizabeth stepping back and hitting her back against the building. He also noticed she placed her hands to her side so Charles couldn't take them.

Jack buried his heels into Sergeant's sides, raised the reigns, and leaned forward in the saddle. Sargeant instantly reacted to the instructions and dug his back hooves into the ground as he quickly surged forward and gained speed. Sargeant quickly made up the fifty yards that was between them and Elizabeth.

As Charles leaned forward, he closed his eyes and tilted his head. Elizabeth knew he was leaning in for a kiss. She raised both hands and placed them on his chest. She tried pushing him back, but she only stopped him from getting closer.

"Charles, you need to stop!"

"Come on Elizabeth." He stated as he grabbed her wrists and moved them to her side. He began to lean forward again. This time, he kept his eyes open. "Maybe I should show you want I truly have to offer."

Elizabeth twisted her arm and moved it in the direction away from Charles' palm. This is a technique that Jack has taught her to break away from someone trying to pin your arms down. With her freed right hand. She quickly, and with all the strength she could muster from her petite frame, slapped Charles across the left side of his face. The sound was loud and carried very well. She had hit him so hard that he stumbled back three steps. Charles quickly reached up and placed his hand over his cheek. He couldn't believe how hard she hit him. Charles' face instantly turned red with the outline of Elizabeth's right hand. His face quickly hardened with anger. He began to step toward Elizabeth.

When Elizabeth slapped Charles, Sargeant slid to a stop at the sidewalk's steps. Elizabeth nor Charles knew Jack was there. Jack had jumped off Sergeant before the horse came to a stop. When Charles' face changed and when he took his first step toward Elizabeth, Jack placed his shoulder in the ribs of Charles. Charles hit the ground with such force that all the air left his lungs. He was gasping for air with Jack lying on top of him. Jack pushed himself up just enough for him to throw a punch to the same cheek Elizabeth had just hit. The one punch landed squarely and with enough force that it knocked Charles out cold.

Jack immediately jumped off Charles and turned toward Elizabeth. She was still pushed back against the wall breathing heavily.

"Jack!"

"Elizabeth! Are you alright?" Jack asked as he quickly stepped the seven feet toward his love. "Elizabeth…!"

"Jack! Thank goodness you are here."

"Are you hurt?"

"No…well…my hand and wrist hurts." She stated as she reached for her wrist. She looked up into Jack's eyes and saw fear in his eyes. He was concerned for her. "I'm fine Jack. I promise. He was leaning in to kiss me and he wouldn't listen when I said no."

"I know…I saw when your back hit the wall."

"He just wouldn't listen."

"Elizabeth…are you ok?" Jack asked again.

She reached up and placed her left hand on his cheek. She finally captured his attention when they looked into each other's eyes. "I promise Jack. I am fine."

Jack was quickly looking Elizabeth over trying to make sure she was ok. When he looked up at her face, their eyes connected. After looking into her eyes for a second, his breath slowed. She was fine. Her breath was still fast, but he could see that she was ok.

Jack knew he needed to arrest Charles and place handcuffs on him before he wakes up, but there was no way he was letting Elizabeth go. They were in each other's arms and they were safe. Every time Jack squeezed just a little tighter, Elizabeth would match his actions.

"I love you, Jack." Elizabeth whispered into his ear.

"I love you, Elizabeth." Jack whispered into her ear at the same time.