Chapter 54
"Thanks Jerry. I appreciate your help with this."
"I think you're correct with the call. They have a hard time seeing it from their perspective, but I do honestly think it'll work better your way. It may take them a few days to realize it, but they will when the see it in action."
"I hope so."
"It's just different from the way they have always done it. It doesn't make it wrong, just different."
"Let me ask you." Jack started when they began to walk down the hallway to Jerry's office. "Do you think this will work?"
He thought about it for a few moments before answering. "I had serious doubts about you two in the beginning. First, with more than one boss, things can be very difficult in communications. You and Elizabeth will need to stay on top of it. I was also concerned about the lack of business experience. I didn't know about you other than what Mr. Thatcher and Charles stated. I did know that Elizabeth was never interested in the business."
"True."
"However, I honestly think this just may work. You and Elizabeth work well together. She doesn't seem to like anything infrastructure, but you excel at it."
"I wouldn't say excel, but part of that is mountie training."
"I can see that. She's strong where you are weak. I think it may work out well. Plus, you two are very concerned with the employees. That was something I could never get Mr. Thatcher to understand. He always thought they were expendable. If one wouldn't do the job he wanted, he would just hire someone else. He didn't understand that was a setback due to training and costs."
"I don't know about that, but I understand if someone is happy and feels respected, he or she will do a better job."
"I think that is a lot of common sense. People are a little skeptical with the change, but they are beginning to see good changes."
"And the customers?"
"We are the largest shipping company in Canada. That carries a lot of weight. We have great resources to move merchandise. We have only had two small to medium sized customers leave us. All the others are staying taking the wait and see approach. From the last couple of days, I think they will stay. We are solid with our biggest customers. They won't be going anywhere anytime soon."
"And what are the employees discussing? What are they thinking?"
"To be honest, they don't know. They have a job that pays well. They are happy about that. Mr. Thatcher wasn't so connected with them. They are used to that. They are basically happy enough to do their jobs and receive their paychecks on Friday."
"And they have enough work to keep them busy?"
"Yes, Jack. They most certainly do."
"When Elizabeth comes back, let's discuss the 'happy enough' the employees are feeling. We would want to improve that."
"Yes." Jerry smiled.
…
Elizabeth simply shook her head side to side. She couldn't believe it was Charles who sat down beside her. She wasn't shocked or taken back. He had his little knowing grin that he would have when he felt he was in control. Of all the parks and benches in Hamilton, how did he find her in this park on this bench at this time of day?
"I haven't read the court order from beginning to end, but I am certain it has something in it that states you are not allowed to stalk me."
"Elizabeth, I'm not stalking you."
"How in the world did you find me?"
"I was walking by and saw you enjoying the sun and wind."
"Charles, you cannot see the main street from here. You must be following me to know I was here."
"How is work going?"
She smiled knowing he was trying to change the subject. That was classic Charles when he didn't like the direction anything was going.
"It's going well. I'm assuming you realize that Jack and I have taken over the company."
"I've heard rumors. I didn't think you wanted to move here." He repositioned himself on the bench. He wanted to sit closer to her but knew he shouldn't push the issue very far.
"We are not moving here. Our home is in Hope Valley."
"You can't live there and run Thatcher Shipping."
"We are doing it. Now, what is it that you want that is worth you going to jail?"
"How's work?"
"I don't like the infrastructure part of it. So, Jack is taking that part. He suggested reworking the floor plan and change the staging area in the warehouses."
"He shouldn't do that. He's only going to cause trouble since he doesn't know what is going on. He has no clue what's happening."
"That's odd…the warehouse manager and his assistant was very pleased with Jack's suggestion. They are beginning to implement the changes Jack suggested within a couple of days."
She noticed Charles' frown that disappeared as quickly as it appeared.
"I think you need to go."
"Elizabeth, I think we really need to talk."
"The last time you really wanted to talk, you shoved me against a wall. You tried to pin me by my wrists. You caused bruises on me because you grabbed and held me too tight."
"I'm sorry about that. I wasn't thinking."
"You tried to take something that wasn't yours to take, Charles."
"I'm sorry about that, Elizabeth."
"It's too late for that apology. What would you have done if Jack wasn't there to get me away from you? You were a different person with a different look that day. You would have done something completely out of line."
"You know me, Elizabeth. You know I wouldn't do anything like that."
"I never thought you would have hurt me and cause bruises. I never thought you would have taken something that wasn't yours to take. I don't think I know you like you're implying."
Elizabeth stood firm in their discussion. She remembered when Charles came to the schoolhouse and proposed. When she didn't immediately accept his proposal, Charles tried to manipulate her by using her father and his influence over her. She inwardly smiled knowing things like that wouldn't work now.
Over the last few months, Elizabeth has truly grown into a woman who knew her heart and her destiny. She is living in the middle of her purpose. Jack, JJ, and being a teacher was her purpose. She knew it in her bone marrow, in the deepest parts of her soul. There was no doubt in her mind. Her heart and her mind screamed it with every beat and every thought. There was no one or anything that could come between her and her destiny. She let out a slight chuckle at Charles' feeble attempt to persuade her.
"It should have been us." He whispered.
"Charles…" She let out his name with an exacerbated tone. "…I told you several times that it wasn't us. We were good friends since childhood. We never had that connection that a married couple needs to have."
"Come on Elizabeth…we shared so much together."
"We shared a friendship that you threw away when you shoved me against that wall. How dare you do that?"
"Elizabeth…that was not my intent."
"Charles, yes it was!"
"Elizabeth…" Charles' voice carried the familiar tone when he tried to play Elizabeth to change her mind to his way of thinking. "…it should be us, not you and him."
Elizabeth straightened her back and sat a little taller. She huffed at his statement and insinuation.
"We have discussed that enough already. I am not replaying a discussion we have had several times. I am married to my soulmate, and we have a son. If God willing, we will have more than JJ." Elizabeth straightened even more than before. "Now, you really need to leave." Her voice was resolute. The true meaning behind her words and tone was unmistakable. There was no room for a misunderstanding.
Charles hesitated for a long, few moments. He was still moved by her beauty. Being this close to her was only making him desire her more than ever. He wanted to reach for her hand but thought better of it.
"Viola and father asked me if I would still be willing to accept you after your marriage with that mountie."
"I'm sorry…?"
"They asked if I would still be willing to accept you as my wife. I didn't think so for the longest time. However…"
"I can't believe Viola said that." She shook her head. "You will never have the opportunity to test your theory, Charles."
"Keep close watch on your work, Elizabeth."
"Don't worry about Thatcher Shipping Charles. You no longer work there."
"I remember." The bite to his tone was a new level that she hadn't heard before. "For now." He stated.
Elizabeth stood. If he wasn't going to leave, she was. However, she knew she needed to speak with Jerry about the last part of their conversation. The tone and words set red flags in her mind. She straightened her dress and blouse.
"Charles, be careful. Don't cross Jack or I."
…
JJ and Grace spent a lazy morning and early afternoon around the home. While it wasn't a long journey to the prison, it was an emotional one that zapped her strength. The strangest thing has occurred over the last few weeks. She and her husband were growing closer. She was grateful for that. She only wished it was under much different circumstances. She and JJ spent most of the morning reading. JJ found a crossword puzzle that he worked on throughout the morning. She was impressed with him.
"When is Mr. Thompson coming?"
Grace looked up from her book. "He's here now. He'll take you fishing when we all leave for our visit with William. If you ask him nicely, I bet he'll take you for ice cream."
"Oh…that sounds nice." He bounced in his chair.
"Thank you." Grace whispered while she stared lovingly at her grandson.
He turned his full attention to Grace. "For what?"
"For allowing me to get to know you. For not shutting me off like you could have."
"Daddy says that people should always receive another chance if they are sincere."
"I am grateful for that."
"Thank you for being sincere." JJ jumped from his chair and sat on her lap giving Grace a tight hug. He loved having a grandmother. They were just special.
"Now, why don't you say we get a snack before your mother and father arrive?"
JJ gave her a huge smile and another hug. He kissed her on the cheek. "You're the best."
Grace was just able to hold off the tear until JJ jumped from her lap and ran toward the kitchen.
"No running in the house!"
"You sound like mommy." He called out over his shoulder.
…
"Father…I think we need to look at moving this up." Charles stated as he sat in the plush chair in the library of his father's home.
"Why do you think that way?"
"I spoke with Elizabeth today. She and that mountie have already taken over the company. They have been working with Mr. Watts."
"That does change things a little. Mr. Watts is a valuable asset. I always thought William didn't use him correctly. But Charles, you can't keep pushing your way toward Elizabeth so brazenly. You have been warned by the mounties."
"I was just walking by the park and saw a woman sitting on a bench with her head leaning backs. I was worried if she was alright. I didn't notice it was Elizabeth until I was already standing by the bench."
Charles' father gave him a knowing look. He knew his son's expression when he wasn't being completely honest. He allowed it to slide this time.
"It will take more than a day or two for Elizabeth and that mountie to make any progress. They're not set for this."
"Jack had already made a suggestion and the warehouse supervisor and his assistant liked the idea. They are beginning to implement the idea within the next day or two."
"Really?" The senior Kensington stated with a little unbelief in his tone. "Maybe we do need to look into this sooner rather than later."
"I believe we do."
…
Mrs. P delivered a warm plate of chicken and mashed potatoes and refilled the glass of tea. She looked up when the front door of the café opened. Her husband and Pastor Frank walked through the door smiling. They were evidently in a good mood.
"What has you two so happy this afternoon?"
"Well, I think I may have found us a place with the help of Frank."
"A home?" Mrs. P stated.
"Yes. It's been deserted for a while now. It will need to be fix up but that shouldn't take too long to do."
"Where is it?" She stated. She wanted to be close to Elizabeth so she could help with JJ and any future Thornton babies that may come. However, she didn't want to live too close to them. Not only did the new family need their time, but she also wanted space with her husband too.
"Just on the outside of town. It's about a five minute walk from here." Mr. P smiled at his wife's unasked question. "Elizabeth's house is a ten minute walk from here. The home is halfway between their home and town."
She tried to keep her smile from overtaking her face. She didn't want to be too aggressive with this, but she really did want to be part of her favorite Thatcher's life.
"It's not too close to them?"
"Not too close, however, the property lines do touch. But their home is on a hill and further away. You can't see it from the home. The home is settled in some trees."
"May we look at it?"
"Sure. We can go after the lunch rush if you like."
"That would be perfect. Both Mary and Abagail are here. I do believe Abagail is going to the mayor's office after the rush."
"Great. We'll go when it begins to slow down."
"Who owns this land?"
"Well, no one really." Frank stated. "It was abandoned a few years ago. No one ever goes out there."
"How can we purchase it if we don't know who owns it?"
"You'll have to speak to the mayor. I think maybe the town owns it through forfeiture or something." Frank pondered.
Mrs. P immediately turned to walk toward the kitchen. "Abagail!"
…
"Hey Dimples!" Elizabeth cheerfully stated as she walked into the office she shared with her husband. She smiled when he was sitting in the chair in front of the desk instead of behind it. He never sat in that chair. He always left it open for Elizabeth.
"Hey beautiful. How was your little escape?"
"Educational."
"Educational?" He asked.
"Yes. Do we have a few minutes to speak with Jerry?"
Jack turned his head to look at the clock on the wall. "Just a few minutes. We should be leaving soon to visit with your father. We need to stop to pick up your mother."
"We need to speak with him. Let's go. But first…" She paused as she walked in front of her husband. "…I would like a kiss."
Jack's flirty grinned made Elizabeth's knees go weak. He stood from the chair he was sitting in. He made no effort to avoid her as he stood. His hand slid from her shoulders down her arms to her hand. He gently squeezed her hands and then released them. His hands landed on her waist and slowly moved them to her hips. He rubbed circles with his thumb. Slowly, he moved his hands to the small of her back. She could feel the light pressure from his fingertips. He pulled her in to him slowly.
Elizabeth loved the feeling of her husband. He was intoxicating to her. However, that wasn't the most moving thing he did at the moment. He never broke eye contact. His eyes were lovingly looking into her soul. Those emerald eyes drew her into him with all the love he has for her. She was beginning to enjoy this little flirting game. She also remembered this morning outside of the car. His little teasing and flirting with her.
She stepped closer to Jack. Their bodies were barely touching. She wanted to tease him like he teased her in the parking lot. She was close enough to touch him when she breathed in air but would lose that contact when exhaled. The soft touches were beginning to unravel Jack. When Jack leaned forward, she would lean back. She could see the buildup in Jack's eyes.
"Now, we must see Jerry first and then go get mother."
"What?"
Elizabeth smiled at his statement. She knew she was having the effect on him that she wanted. "Come." She stated. She turned to walk away. She swayed her hips a little more than normal. She knew Jack was watching.
Jack blinked rapidly when Elizabeth left the office. He shook his head trying to calm his body down and to engage his mind.
"Hey! That's not fair!" He stated as he began to follow her.
…
As Elizabeth knocked and began to walk into Jerry's office, she heard a voice calling for her.
"Ma'am…you have a telegram."
"Thank you."
Elizabeth watched as a red faced Jack walked toward her. She held up the telegram for him to notice.
"You're lucky you left the office when you did." He huskily stated.
"And what would you have done if I didn't?" She challenged him in a whisper.
"Friday." He simply stated.
After a second of thought, she shivered at the memory of that Friday on the trail during their honeymoon.
"What do you have?"
Elizabeth could only stare at her husband. She was too consumed with the memories of their time on the trail.
"Elizabeth…what do you have?"
"Oh…a telegram."
"From whom?"
"I don't know."
"Are you sure you're ok?"
She opened the paper and read it out loud.
Jack and Elizabeth –
We are engaged to be married.
– Lee and Rosemary
"Well, who would have guessed that?" Laughed Jack.
"I think they are a good match."
"Yeah…why do we have to meet with Jerry? We need to leave soon."
"I spoke with Charles a little while ago."
"You what?!"
Elizabeth reached for his hand to comfort him. "Come on…I'll tell you together."
As Elizabeth began to pull her husband toward the office, Jack didn't move. He only stood solid and stared at her. The look of concern and frustration was all over his facial expression.
"Elizabeth…" He stated as she stepped toward him.
"Jack…I'm fine. He only talked to me." She was beginning to worry about his expression and his silence. "I was sitting in the park with my eyes closed enjoying the breeze. We only talked. He didn't scare me or concern me. I'm fine."
Jack's face was beginning to turn red. He squared his shoulders in a defensive posture. Elizabeth thought he grew six inches by his changes posture.
"Jack…we need to go soon to take mother to visit father. Let's talk with Jerry and you will hear everything that happened. I'm fine, I promise."
After a few seconds, Jack finally stepped toward Jerry's office. Elizabeth could easily see that he wasn't happy. Jack finally walked into Jerry's office with a very red face and fire in his eyes.
"Jerry, do you have a few minutes?"
"Sure Elizabeth. What may I do for you?"
"I went to the park today while you all were discussing the warehouse issue again." She spent the next five minutes discussing what happened at the park. Jack's face only grew angrier and redder as she told the story. She never let go of his hand. She held no detail back. The story she told was as much word for word as she could remember. She was beginning to be a little concerned with Jack's silence on the matter.
"What did he mean 'keep close watch on your work'?" Jerry asked.
"I don't know. It was kind of odd. Jerry, could he try to take over the company?"
"You mean like a hostile takeover?"
"I'm not sure what they call it but yes. Something like that."
"No, he can't just come in and take over the company. We are not a publicly owned company. Thatcher Shipping is ninety five percent privately owned by you and Jack. The other five percent is owned by a friend of your father's. He has never had a say in the business. He never wanted one. He receives his portion each month and he is happy with it."
"So, Charles just can't take over?"
"No. If Thatcher shipping was a publicly owned company, he could raise enough cash capital and buy out stocks. With enough stocks, he could perform a hostile takeover. However, as a private company, you and Jack would have to sell him the company."
"How are the customers with everything that has happened?"
"I was telling Jack earlier that they are mostly happy or taking the wait and see approach. We have had two smaller ones left, but all the large customers are sticking with us. Some of the medium customers are with us as long as nothing to drastic changes. I feel confident with where we are with all the bad press we had."
"So, what is his endgame?" Elizabeth pondered.
"You." Jack stated. That was his first word he spoke since coming into the office. His tone had a little bite to it.
"Well…I would say you and the company." Jerry added.
"I'm married and we are not selling him the company. So, how is he going to try and take over the company?" She pondered out loud.
"He really can't." Jerry thoughtfully stated. "We're still the largest shipping company. Most customers only care about getting their merchandise to its location as quickly and cheaply as possible. We perform that task very well. The ones that are hesitant with the bad press aren't hesitant enough to leave us. If things run normally for the next few months, we won't lose any of them. We will be as strong as we were before all of that happened."
Jack stood back and was listening to Jerry explain things. He was a little upset with Charles and his approaching Elizabeth in the park. He was also a little put off that she didn't immediately leave. He couldn't understand why she stayed at talked with him. However, he realized that Elizabeth was asking good questions because of their discussion.
Jack was afraid The Hamilton Curse, as he called it, was taking shape again. The Hamilton Curse was what he called when Elizabeth visited Hamilton. It was as if she was two different people. She was one person in Hope Valley and another person in Hamilton. He remembered that he always thought she loved him in Hope Valley and loved Charles and the life of Hamilton when she was in her childhood hometown. This place just has a strong pull on his bride. Since he has known Elizabeth, there were always trouble when they or Elziabeth was in Hamilton. It was a demon he was battling. He hasn't thought of it since before the wedding. However, now in Hamilton, he was fighting that internal demon again. That demon made an appearance when she stayed and spoke to Charles in the park instead of walking away.
"The only way he could cause trouble would be if he worked here." Jack softly stated. His voice was soft and barely heard by Elizabeth and Jerry. Elizabeth's head immediately turned from Jerry to Jack. Not because of the words he said, but by the way he said them. She knew that defeated tone in his voice. When her eyes landed on Jack, she saw the slumped shoulders and his face pointed to the floor in front of him.
"But he doesn't?" Jerry stated.
"What if he wins the court case against him? He may argue that he was just following his boss' orders. If he can win, he may argue that he was terminated without cause." Jack finally looked up but didn't make any eye contact with anyone. "If that's the result, the court would order Thatcher Shipping to rehire him to the same position with the same pay. The only way we could fire him would be with cause."
"What's the chances of him winning the court case?"
"With the court system, it's always a chance Jerry. If he finds a sympathetic judge? If his lawyer can bring just enough doubt? If the prosecutor doesn't do his job well? I don't see how he can win, but maybe he doesn't have to win the whole thing. If he wins just enough, he could still make the argument that he was terminated without cause."
"Surely he doesn't think that way." Jerry stated slowly.
"With Mr. Kensington, who knows how he thinks. He may very well believe that he can win and will be rehired to his previous position. He if thinks that, maybe he thinks he can work his way into the CEO of Thatcher Shipping somehow. Or at least be in a position of great influence. Then he will win your heart again." Jack stated without looking at Elizabeth.
Elizabeth broke the few seconds of silence. "Jerry, put our lawyers on this in whatever way he or she can. At the very least, have them have a discussion with the prosecutor. If they can't be intimately involved, then they need to follow the case as closely as possible. Also, have them look into the different potential outcomes if we do have to hire him back. What course do we have? What limitations there could be? Things like that."
"Smart Elizabeth. I'll do that as soon as we are finished."
"We are finished." Elizabeth turned her attention to Jack. "Jack, please come with me. We need to talk."
"We have a few minutes before we leave. Maybe we need to finish this discussion with Jerry."
"Jerry is on top of it. He has a phone call to make and several discussions to have. He'll let us know what happens. Now, we must have a discussion."
Elizabeth's heart broke a little when she noticed Jack's shoulders slumped a little more. She walked to him and took his hands. She didn't speak until he finally looked up at her. She rubbed her thumbs over the back of his hands.
"We need to talk." She softly stated.
…
Elizabeth closed the door after walking into their shared office. Jack turned to face her in front of the desk. She turned to face her husband and immediately walked in his direction. She didn't stop until she was in his arms. He placed his arms around her and matched her hug.
Elizabeth pulled back from the hug once Jack released the pressure a little. She was still in his embrace. "What's going on?"
"We don't really have time for this…"
"Jack Thornton…there is nothing more important in this world than what's in my arms right now. We don't do pushing things back or not talking about them very well. Our history proves that to be very true. There are no lingering misunderstandings between us any longer. Talk to me. What's going on?"
Jack took a deep breath. She was completely correct. They don't handle misunderstandings well. Every bad issue they have had could be traced back to a miscommunication or lack of communication. He was grateful for her determination in their relationship. He exhaled the deep breath and made eye contact with her for the first time since entering Jerry's office.
"Why didn't you walk away from Mr. Kensington?"
"I'm sorry…?"
"In the park…why did you stay and talk to him? You know what he did to you in Hope Valley. You know what he wants. Why did you stay and talk to him? You could have just walked away."
"I couldn't just walk away from him." Her breath caught in her throat when she saw and felt Jack recoil from her statement.
"Why not? You had no problem walking away from me during that Billy Hamilton fiasco." His pain in his voice was evident. "On more than one occasion you turned and walked away from me."
"Jack, I didn't stay because I wanted to talk to him."
"Are you sure?"
"Are you serious?" He could sense the pain in her voice.
He immediately knew he overreacted with that last question. "I'm sorry Elizabeth. That was uncalled for. I apologize. I know that's not the case. It's just…it's just…" Jack stopped talking. He looked down and closed his eyes. He rubbed the back of his neck. This conversation wasn't going in the direction he was wanting it to go, and he knew he shouldn't have insinuated what he just did. He swallowed and opened his eyes and looked directly into Elizabeth's eyes. He calmed himself for a moment and spoke to her with his heart and with his eyes.
"I am truly sorry. That was uncalled for and completely not true. I shouldn't have said that."
She heard his words, but, most importantly, she saw the love expressed through his emerald eyes.
"Thank you for saying that, Jack." She slightly kissed his lips. "I didn't walk away because I was in an open, public place. I know Charles. I wanted to know what he was thinking. The mounties told us they spoke with him already about following me. So, why is he risking going to jail after their warnings?"
"I think we know the answer to that question."
"Partly, now we know that he had every intention to take over the company. His little statement was so out of context to our discussion. I think the lawyers will find something."
"Yeah. Maybe the mounties should continue to follow you."
"They stopped after they talked with him and he didn't do anything the following day. They just thought everything was ok." She paused for a moment. "Jack, you know I chose you. I'm married to you. We are living this life together."
Jack let out a long sigh. "I know…I'm sorry. It's just…I'm sorry. Please forgive me."
"Are we good?"
"Yes."
"Then you are forgiven. Now, Jerry is on it, and we will know something about what he is trying to do soon. Now, we need to go."
As much as Jack fought against the Hamilton Curse, he knew it was real. He struggled with it. His heart was truly Elizabeth's, and he knew her heart was his. Their little family together is just perfect. As much as he thought he was past all of the things that constituted Hamilton, the Hamilton Curse would rear its ugly head on occasion.
…
William followed the guard into the family room of the visiting area. He was excited to see his wife. They wrote every week and Grace would visit once a week on visiting days. He has been very busy teaching the class of young men. He feels he is making a difference, even in prison. While he was busy, he was missing his wife. Their love has greatly grown since his arrest and imprisonment. That fact surprised him. After thoughtful reflection, he realized that he lost his way a long time ago. He didn't lose it quickly, but it was a slow divergent of the path him and his wife planned so many years before. He was doing everything he could to get their life back on that path.
William looked up to his wife's smiling face. Her smile was radiant. Even more than normal. He assumed it was due to her middle daughter being home. He quickly walked toward the table she was sitting at and gave her a brief, yet passionate, kiss.
"How are you, Gracie?"
"I'm good. I miss you."
"I miss you too."
"It's great to have Jack, Elizabeth, and JJ home. That little boy is just precious."
"I bet. You gush over him in your letters."
"William, you have another visitor."
"Who…wait…"
"I tried, but William, she wanted to see her father."
"Gracie, I don't want her to see me here. Not like this." He held his arms out gesturing to his attire and his environment.
"She doesn't care. She wanted to see her father."
"But Gracie…I was awful to her and to Jack. I'm in prison and…"
"Father." Elizabeth's soft voice broke through the tension.
William had been so consumed with Grace that he didn't notice his middle daughter standing against the wall.
"Beth." He whispered. He stood as she approached. She gave him a hug and held on a little longer than normal. "I'm so sorry for what I did. With how I acted." William lowered his head on her shoulder. "I'm so sorry."
"Thank you for honestly saying that."
Elizabeth never felt her father so broken. She looked at her father. He was very sorry. She could easily see it written on his face. He didn't come across as a strong man like she always saw him. He didn't come across as a weak man either. He was different…a good different, humbler. Grace had told her about him teaching a business class to some of the inmates that would be released soon. She was very proud of him.
"I hear I'm not the only teacher in the family." She redirected the conversation.
"I'm not a teacher." He let out a little laugh as he reached toward his cheek to wipe away a tear. "But I am enjoying pouring myself into some young men who want to improve themselves."
"I know the feeling." Elizabeth laughed. She took a seat beside her mother.
"Did Jack come with you?"
"He did. He's out in the lobby waiting for us."
William lowered his head. He wanted to speak to him but didn't want to push his luck. Grace shared with him about the wedding and all the activities of his daughter and Jack through the letters.
"Father, I have this for you." Elizabeth handed him a large envelope.
William looked up and saw the guard give his approval. William looked at his daughter for a moment and then turned his attention to the envelope. He opened the sealed end and pulled out the item. When he looked at it, his eyes immediately filled with tears, and they ran down both cheeks.
"Oh…Elizabeth…you were beautiful in your wedding gown." He only let go of one side of the photo when he couldn't see it because of his tears. He wiped them away hoping to have a better look. "You look stunning…I'm sorry I missed it."
"There's two more in there."
William looked at his daughter one more time before pulling out the other photos. The first picture was of Elizabeth. The second picture he was holding was one of her and Jack. The smiles of their faces were glowing, even through the photo.
"Wow…you two look great. I'm surprised Jack isn't wearing his surge."
"He said he wanted to marry me as the man, not as a constable."
William could only nod his head. He looked at the last picture and it was one of Jack, Elizabeth, and JJ.
"That is a great family picture. You all look so great together." He looked at the picture again. "You know…if I didn't know you were adopting JJ, I would think he was both of yours."
"The adoption is finalized. He is officially our son."
"That's great. I have a grandson."
Her father's statement surprised her a little. She was grateful for his change.
"I have missed so much."
"Maybe, but we live today and work toward tomorrow."
"Yes, we do." William stated and he tore his eyes from the pictures. I love you, Elizabeth. These pictures are beautiful. Thank you for showing me." He stated as she extended his hand with the pictures to her.
"Those are yours. We have copies for mother and for us."
"Thank you."
"Elizabeth, please tell me about your life with Jack and JJ back at your home in Hope Valley."
Elizabeth leaned back slightly. That was the first time he asked about her life in Hope Valley. The first time he asked about Jack that wasn't derogatory. She smiled knowing he really has changed. As horrible as the ploy was against the sawmill, she had a new appreciation for it. She would never voice it out loud, but because of it, she felt like she had her father back. The one she remembered as a child.
"Jack begins his new role as sheriff soon."
"Do you think he'll be fulfilled in that role?"
She didn't notice the usual bite of sarcasm in his tone when he discussed Jack's occupation. "Yes. His greatest desire in his profession is to help individuals. To stand up for the ones that need someone to stand up for them. He truly wants to make a difference in people's lives. As sheriff, he'll be able to do that. Plus, he'll be home each night." Elizabeth's smile grew at that last thought.
William could only smile at his daughter's happiness. He listened to his daughter in a father's delight due to her happiness.
"JJ is just so precious even though he tries to scare me to death with tadpoles and frogs in his pockets."
William tilted his head back and let out a laugh deep from within. "Oh…that's a boy thing. I did that when I was little too."
Elizabeth could only shake her head at the memories. She took a moment to tell her father about the first time that happened in Abagail's. "…and that wasn't the only time he did that."
"I can't wait to really meet him and get to know him. Gracie has shared a lot of stories about him in her letters." His voice was sincere.
They spent the next twenty minutes just talking about varies things. Elizabeth was a little surprised he didn't ask any questions about the company. She filled him in on the latest things JJ was doing. He filled her in on working with the young men and his joy of teaching them. Grace sat back and listened to father and daughter talk. She would jump in the discussion on occasions, but she wanted them to reconnect after everything that had happened.
The guard stepped forward when he noticed the time on his pocket watch. "I'm sorry Mr. Thatcher, you time is up in five minutes."
"I'm sorry I took so much of your time away from mother."
"It's ok dear." Grace stated.
"I'll find Jack so you and mother can have the remaining time just you two."
"Before you go, I have something for you."
"For me?"
"In the top right drawer of my desk, there is a small tan velvet pouch. I would like for you to have what's inside."
William saw the confusion on his middle daughter's face. He leaned forward and kissed her on the forehead. "I love you, Elizabeth. The pouch and its content are yours. Now, please write to your father."
"I will. I promise." She kissed him on the check and left the open visiting room.