Chapter 77

Jack woke up lying on his back. Elizabeth was settled into his side with her head laying on his shoulder. The small amount of wind coming through the open window felt great. It was a little cool, but with the heat his pregnant wife was emanating, it felt refreshing. The birds were especially joyful this morning in their songs.

Today is the day he is leaving the mounties. He did have a small amount of sadness concerning the thought, but the smile won out knowing that he would be a full time father and husband that would be home each night. He had faint memories as a small child walking around the house in his father's mountie boots and hat. He got into trouble more than once when he placed his little brother in the make believe jail he made and wouldn't let him out. He always wanted to follow in his father's footsteps and be the best mountie he could be. He has done that.

Now, his greatest desire was to be a husband and father. He has fulfilled his role as a mountie and did his very best. Now he wanted to be the best husband and father he could be. That was a great drawback from his father's profession. He was away on assignment more than he was home. Jack was proud of his father. He just missed him all the time. He wanted to be a daddy just like his father, but one that was around.

"Are you ok?" Elizabeht's voice broke him from his thoughts. "Are you thinking about today?"

"I'm thinking about tomorrow."

"Isn't that when those guys should be coming back?"

"Maybe, but that's not what I'm thinking about." He pulled her a little closer and tightened his hold on her. She understood the meaning behind the gesture.

Elizabeth wrapped her arm around her husband and pulled herself closer. "What time is it?"

Jack looked over at the nightstand. Before he was able to reach for the small clock, they heard footsteps across the hall.

"Your son can't sneak up on anything."

Jack laughed. "That is very true. Joy was always very petite, and Steve was smaller than me. How can someone so little be so loud?"

"Mommy…daddy…" JJ stated as he knocked on the closed bedroom door. "I'm hungry."

"We'll be right down to make breakfast." Jack stated.

"That boy will eat us out of the house."

"He's a growing boy. He's almost six you know?"

They laughed together until JJ yelled again that he was hungry.

"Let's go or he may try to make himself something to eat."

"I have no desire to relive that moment again."

…

"I believe you may have gone overboard with this." Frank stated as he looked at the banner lying in the floor of Abagail's office.

She had made a large banner to hang up for the ceremony she had planned. She wanted it to be extravagant. After all, Jack deserved all the recognition he would receive, but Jack pleaded with her to tone it down some. He used the argument that he didn't want Silas or Cody to hear about it. Abagail huffed but understood. She also knew he just didn't want the fuss to be over him.

"You should have seen what I wanted to do." She looked down at the banner with her husband.

"Hey, is that how you spell…"

"Don't start with me preacher man!" She warned him. "I'm too stressed already for you to be teasing me. I had Elizabeth double check me." She glared at her husband. His smirky grin was priceless.

Frank loved to toy with her about her spelling. He knew she was an intelligent woman. Her spelling wasn't her strong suit. He jumped when she playfully slapped his bicep.

"Is everything set?" He asked laughing.

"It is. Someone from the mountie office is already here. He's at the café drinking a cup of coffee and eating a scone. A photographer is here. He is taking pictures for Rosemary's and Lee's wedding tomorrow. He said he would take a picture for today."

"Everything is set."

…

Ned and another man who was in the store unloaded the last of the crates from the wagon. The Thorntons' items were delivered. He told Jack he would store everything in his back room until they needed it. Mr. P told him that they would pick the items up on Monday. Another shipment was scheduled for that day. He was just hoping he could arrange the pickup to get everything at once. Ned walked into the front of the store wiping the sweat off his forehead with a handkerchief. He was closing his store for a few minutes for the ceremony. He was grateful the supply wagon arrived a little early.

"Are you ok?" Jack asked him as he walked into the store.

"I am. You first delivery just arrived."

"Need any help unloading it?"

"No. Just finished with Mr. Franklin's help."

Jack nodded his head. "I need to send a telegram to headquarters."

Ned laughed at the memory that just popped into his head.

"What?"

"Jack, I remember on your second, maybe third day in town, you stormed into my store stomping your feet demanding to send a telegram to mountie headquarters. You were so adamant in requesting a transfer from this place."

"Oh…I was as certain as I ever was about anything that I wanted to leave."

"I remember seeing your red serge everyday in my store looking for a response. And now look at you…leaving the mounties so you can stay in Hope Valley."

"I would have never guessed that would be the case."

"You happy with your decision?"

"Ned…I wouldn't choose anything over this life."

"That's great to hear…sheriff."

Jack nodded in head with the compliment.

…

"Alright children let's turn our attention to reading. Emily, would you please read from your reader? The first two paragraphs on page thirteen."

"Yes, Mrs. Thornton."

As Emily began to read out loud, Elizabeth intently listened to her. She was doing very well in reading and seemed to enjoy it. Her teacher trained eyes scanned the classroom. Most kids were listening and paying attention. Her eyes focused on her son for a few moments. He was paying close attention to Emily. She squinted to focus even more. That was when she realized something that Jack had spoken about several weeks ago. She noticed the same look in her son's eyes that she sees in Jack's when he intently looks at her. Her little boy was completely smitten with Emily. Elizabeth knew they were good friends who played together often, but this was a different look to a friend.

"Huh…I may need to pay closer attention to this." She whispered to herself.

Emily finished her reading and proudly sat down beside JJ. He gave her a smile and mouthed the words 'awesome job' as Emily returned the smile. Elizabeth fought against the urge to smile. While she did think he was too young to have a girlfriend, she also heeded Jack's advice not to make a big scene of it if it wasn't inappropriate. She decided just to sit back and watch her boy's friendship without making things uncomfortable for him or Emily.

As the next boy stood to read, Elizabeth glanced at her clock. They had a little while before they would all go to city hall for the ceremony of Jack's retirement and swearing in as Hope Valley's first sheriff. As concerned as she was when he first told her about him stepping down from the mounties, she was at peace with it now. He had convinced her that this was what he wants, and she believed him. Her eyes involuntarily looked into the corner that she usually looks at before leaving the schoolhouse. She knew their initials were engraved there.

Instead of all the mess coming to mind like it had for weeks after she returned home from Hamilton, her hand rested on her belly. She could feel that it was growing. Her dresses have hidden it pretty well, but now her tummy was screaming for attention.

"Oh…good job Timmy." Elizabeth instinctively stated when she heard giggling. She was so lost in thought that she didn't hear a single word Timmy read out loud.

…

"Good morning, Jack." Sam stated as Jack walked into the jail.

"Good morning, Sam." Jack nodded his head. "I sent off a telegram to headquarters informing them of our plan. We should hear back in a little while."

"Hopefully they will go with our decision."

"Me too." Jack noticed his smile as he turned his attention to some paperwork. "Have you been busy?"

"I have. I did rounds this morning. I wanted you to have an easy last day."

"I appreciate that. While I have always enjoyed rounds, it never gave me a smile that big before." Jack sassed.

"Well…" Sam's face turning a little red. "…it's always nice to be on the back of a horse."

"It is."

"I still think it the pretty nurse you ate with last night." Littleton stated as he walked in from the back room where Jack used to sleep. "They were there for a very long time."

Sam didn't take his eyes off the paperwork he was holding. He slowly shook his head while his cheeks grew a little redder by the second. He did enjoy his time with Faith. They had a great discussion. They learned a lot from each other.

"Let's go over this again. If things work out like we want, Silas and Cody should be back at the caves tomorrow or Sunday. They'll have with them whatever they are moving back East. Our crates should be in B. C. and under control of the mounties there along with the man or men moving them all."

"Yes." Sam stated.

"They will want their money." Littleton stated as she poured himself a cup of coffee.

"Yes." Roy stated. He came in when Jack began to go over the plan. "They will."

"They will make themselves known to us. So, Saturday or Sunday, we need to limit our interactions in public. We won't want them to see any of us with Littleton or Collins who will be in their red serge. We still need to be in our civilian attire."

"Jack…you will be in your civilian attire." Sam stated. "And by the way, well done, mountie."

Sam, Roy, Littleton, and Collins all stood and shook Jack's hand offering him good wishes on his new journey and thanking him for all he did as a mountie.

Jack accepted each appreciative handshake with a nod of his head. He felt respected. He returned the kindness through his handshake. For him, it was a special moment with his mountie brothers.

"Limited contact in the streets. Sam and Roy, if we come to the jail, we enter and exit through the back door. Make sure we aren't followed or anyone paying us too much attention." Jack stated. Then he turned to face Sam. "Sam, this is yours now. You are the ranking mountie. You are in charge."

"Jack, this is your case and your town. We all work together." The other mounties nodded their heads in agreement. They were more interested in catching the bad guys than who received credit. That's what made them work so well together. There wasn't pride in the way. Just doing the right thing and getting the job done.

"Any questions…thoughts…concerns?" Jack asked.

"When we hear word from them, Collins and I will head straight to our spots as quickly as possible. I want to be closer than we were last time."

"I agree. We were too far away. If things go south, we wouldn't be much help. We just have to make sure we beat them there."

"What if we plan on meeting somewhere other than the caves?" Sam thought out loud. He wasn't necessarily speaking to anyone in general.

"What do you mean?" Jack asked.

"If we meet somewhere else, we can plan ahead a little better."

"Can we sell that?"

"Jack, I believe we could. If they think this becomes a routine thing, then we wouldn't always want to meet at one location for everything. We can say that it has been our experience in the past that patterns become noticed by others. We transfer crates at the caves, and we exchange money somewhere else. That way a distinctive pattern doesn't become too noticeable."

Jack thought about it for a minute. "That makes sense. We just need to sell them on it."

"With the money signs in their eyes, I think they would go anywhere to get their cut."

"I agree." Jack stated.

…

"Please Bella…please…" Jack whined.

"Dimples…I can't. I have the class to take care of. I can't leave them all alone. I would love to, but I can't leave them. I'm their teacher."

"Ms. Blakely said she would watch them during the ceremony. Please." He gave her his best puppy dog eyes.

"Ms. Blakely will stand with them?"

"Yes." Jack stated. "Perfect!" He exclaimed a little louder than he should have when he saw the answer in her eyes. He was excited that she would stand up with him during the ceremony.

"I love you sweet man."

"I love you."

…

Jack stood beside a senior ranked mountie. He had never met him before. He only spoke briefly with him five minutes before the ceremony was to begin. Elizabeth was standing beside him holding hands. JJ was with his classmates smiling with great pride. Abagail was standing on the other side of the mountie. While the mountie read from his notes and the words were meaningful, Jack thought the few moments in the jail with the other mounties were more meaningful. He accepted the handshake and the certificate with a smile. Secretly, he was glad it was over. He hated being the center of attention.

When the mountie stepped back, Abagail filled the vacancy at the podium.

"Thank you all for coming to honor a great career as a mountie and to celebrate our beloved friend, Jack." She paused as the people began to applaud. The school children all cheer. None louder than JJ. "Now, we are also here to witness the swearing in of Jack Thornton as our town's sheriff." Abagail had to pause again for the applause. "Jack, would you please step toward me?" She asked as she turned to face Jack.

Jack stepped up to Abagail, never letting go of Elizabeth's hand. He needed her strength and presence beside him.

"Jack repeat after me."

Jack nodded his head. He repeated when Abagail would pause after each phrase.

"I, Jack Thornton… do swear that I will faithfully execute… all writs, precepts, and processes… directed to me as Sheriff of Hope Valley… I can lawfully execute and true returns make… and in all things well and truly… without malice or partiality… perform the duties of the office… of Sheriff of Hope Valley… during my continuance therein… and take only my lawful fees."

Elizabeth smiled at her husband. Pride evident on her face. She returned Jack's squeeze of her hand. She knew he was grateful she was beside him.

"I do further swear… that I am not the holder… of any unaccounted for public money… due to this Province… that I am not the holder… of any office or trust under the Canadian government… I am otherwise qualified to hold said office according… to the laws of Canada and Alberta… and that I will support… those laws to the best of my ability… So help me God."

When Jack finished repeating the last line, Abagail forgot all decorum. Instead of shaking Jack's hand, she leaned in for a hug. She tightened her hold on her little brother. She was so proud of him.

"Is this what I am to expect from you, Madam Mayor Abagail?"

"Hush you." She whispered into his ear. "I look forward to working with you to the benefit of our town."

"Me too."

Elizabeth could see the fear in his eyes. Jack knew he was supposed to give a speech, but he hated public speaking as much as he hated being the center of attention. She tightened the hold on his hand and whispered to him.

"Speak from your heart. Find that one face in the crowd and speak only to that person."

Elizabeth began to release the hold on Jack's hand until he tightened his hold. He wasn't letting her go. He led her to the podium where he was to speak.

Jack stepped to the podium with a nervous smile. He ran his thumb over Elizabeth's hand. He looked at her and began to speak loud enough for everyone to hear. Never taking his eyes off her.

"Thank you, Mayor Hogan, and thank you, the citizens of Hope Valley, for this honor of serving you. I want to uphold the law to the best of my ability. I believe that is the best way I can serve you. Hope Valley is my home. The home that I wish to protect."

Then he lowered his voice so only Elizabeth could hear him.

"Elizabeth…I love you with all of my heart. My home is with you. You are my safe place." He took a half a step closer to her. "This place is where we will raise our children. Thank you for believing in me. I do all of this because of you in my life. You are my strength." While he didn't kiss her, she knew the look in his eyes. "Elizabeth, thank you for fighting for us…for me…"

She was completely lost in those seas of emerald. They held her captive and only drew her in further the longer she saw the look of pure love shining at her. The words were moving to her soul. She fell in love with him all over again.

Against his better judgement, he leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. He knew he shouldn't at such a ceremony, but he just couldn't help himself. He smiled when she leaned in as well. He turned his attention back to the crowd of individuals who were present. He spoke in a voice that they could easily hear him.

"I am here to serve and protect you. Please come to me if you have any issues." He nodded his head and stepped back from the podium.

He laughed when he heard JJ cheer from the group of kids. He was louder than anyone else.

"I think he's proud of his daddy."

"I'm proud of him."

"He's doing really well in school too." Elizabeth smiled at her two boys.

"Mrs. Thornton, is it time for a parent teacher conference?" He asked with a smirking grin and mischievous look in his eyes.

"Tonight…eight thirty…after he goes to bed." She flirted.

"I think JJ's going to bed early tonight." Jack stated in a husky voice.

…

Elizabeth tried to get her class back on track with their schoolwork, but they were too excited from the ceremony. She knew the different schedule would throw them off, but there was no calming them down to concentrate on work. After accepting defeat, she took the children outside to allow them to play around the pond. If they played for an hour, maybe that would get their excited energy out of them.

Elizabeth looked on as her students explored the area. The older kids were playing around the water's edge. They were looking for anything that was alive. One noticed a fish swimming while several others found tad poles at the edge under a fallen branch. She had to reprimand one boy who caught a frog and was chasing the girl he had a crush on with it. Her little boy and Sam were trying their best not to get in the water. Elizabeth was firm in her instructions that no one was allowed to get in the water or even get wet.

The younger kids were looking at the flowers and picking up leaves that had fallen. They were comparing their leaves and even picking some of the flowers.

"Class, would you like to share what you have?" She asked as she gathered the kids around a fallen log that was about twenty yards from the pond.

The boy with the frog stood up to show off his catch. Elizabeth flinched at the sight and instructed the boy to immediately take it to the pond and let it go. As soon as he stepped away, she turned her attention to Sally. She had two wildflowers and wanted to describe them as best she could. The whole class turned their attention to the little five year old as she described the flower's vibrant colors and where she found them. Elizabeth smiled at the girl's description.

"I found this!" Exclaimed Joe. He held up an innocent green snake. When he did, all the girls, including Elizabeth, screamed and all the boys looked on with amazement.

"Awe man…that beats my spider." JJ exclaimed as he pulled out a spider from his front pocket.

Alright class!" Elizabeth exclaimed as she shivered at the sight of both animals, especially the fact that her son had a spider in his pocket. "Everyone…and I mean everyone…please take anything out of your pockets that is alive and release them back in the woods. We are going back inside."

Elizabeth stood shocked when four other boys and one girl stand and began reaching into their pockets as they walked toward the woods.

"JJ…you better not have anything else in your pockets!" She stated in a mother's tone.

"Fine…" He whined as he reached into his other pocket.

She gasped when he pulled out four worms. She couldn't understand his fascination with animals and his pocket.

…

Rosemary was walking around the room barking orders and demands. She was not only stressing out, but she was also freaking out. She was to marry Lee in less than an hour and she felt nothing was working out. She felt her hair wasn't cooperating…her makeup wasn't looking exactly like she thought it should…instead of a perfect sunny day, there were a couple of fluffy, white clouds lazily floating in the mostly clear blue sky…it was a tad bit on the warmer side than she wanted. Even though it was very comfortable. She flopped down in a chair in front of a mirror ranting at the reflection about nothing and everything.

Abagail stood at the entrance to the room just watching the spectacle. She liked Rosemary, but there were times when she was too much to handle, and this is one of them. Abagail slightly jumped when a hand rested on her right shoulder.

"What's going on?"

"Oh Elizabeth…" She whispered. "…I think she may actually explode."

Both ladies stood for a few long moments watching the spectacle unfold in front of them. Rosemary was so focused on her ranting that she didn't notice them in the doorway.

"Give us a minute." Elizabeth whispered as she stepped beside Abagail to walk into the room. She closed the door while offering her honorary sister a smile.

"Well…look at you…you look so beautiful. I can't wait to see you in your dress." Elizabeth cheerfully stated.

"Oh Elizabeth…this is the worst day ever!" Rosemary proclaimed theatrically by waving both her hands high over her shoulders. "My hair is a mess…it's too hot…it's cloudy…"

Elizabeth smiled when she interrupted her friend. "Your hair is perfectly wavy and full. The weather is just perfect with the slight breeze that is blowing. It won't be much longer when it will be cold and snowing. The sky is a vibrant color of blue. Now, what is really the matter?" She stood behind Rosemary looking at her reflection in the mirror. She placed her hands on her upper bicep and gave her a gentle, yet reassuring squeeze.

Rosemay let out a long, slow breath. "I'm overreacting are 't I?" Rosemary only smiled when she saw the reflection of Elizabeth smiling and slightly nodding her head.

"It's a big day, Rosemary. You have every right to be a little nervous about the changes that are coming your way. But I know you, you want to marry Lee."

"I do." The faintest of smiles beginning to overtake the worried and frustrated expression on her face.

"Lee is healed completely from that horrible accident. Rosemary, he cares for you…he loves you. You must see that this is a good thing."

"I do." She softened her posture.

"Today is a perfect day to become Mrs. Rosemary Coulter. I do believe Lee is a perfect match for you."

"Thank you, Elizabeth, for reminding me that I am blessed to be marrying a man like Lee."

"You're welcome."

…

"Hey Jack."

"Hey Lee. Are you ready?"

"Yeah…a little nervous."

"Yes, but good?"

"Yes…good. Hey, were you nervous before you married Elizabeth?"

"I wouldn't say nervous. I think I would say anxious. You know our history. I love Elizabeth with all of my heart, and I knew I wanted to be married to her. I guess this is such a big change in a person's life that being, at least, nervous is normal. I would even say expected. However…"

"I am still ready for this even though I am anxious."

"You are a perfect match for Rosemary. Somehow, you can handle all her craziness." Both men laughed. "You're good for her, Lee."

"She's good for me, Jack."

"Let's get this done."

…

"This is a lot." JJ stated as he looked around his classroom and the sanctuary.

"It is a wedding. Don't you know anything about weddings?"

"I'm six. What do I know about weddings?" He shrugged his shoulders.

"You are not six!" Emily corrected him.

"Almost."

"Yes, almost. That doesn't mean you are six. Haven't you been to a wedding before?"

"No. I never have. You?"

"Of course. My mom's sister remarried after her husband was killed. It wasn't as pretty as this one, but it was very nice."

Emily looked around the room again. She thought it was gorgeous with its decorations and flowers. She thought the blue and yellow looked great together. She was thinking she wanted those colors at her wedding someday. Everything just seemed light to her. She loved that atmosphere. Then she looked at JJ.

Like most young girls her age, she dreamed of her own wedding. Beautiful white dress with a church that was decorated with countless flowers. She even envisioned the horse drawn carriage that took her to the church. Her handsome future husband on a white horse sitting tall in the saddle. Since JJ came to town to live with Constable Thornton, they became instant friends. In their kid wisdom, they spoke about courting, but neither of them knew exactly what that meant. She did think that meant handholding. She and JJ held hands a couple of times on their many walks through town, but his hands were always dirty or wet. She didn't necessarily enjoy holding his hand. Once during church, it was nice, but she wasn't sold on the fact that was a requirement. She did hear the older girls talking about kissing, but that was off limits as far as she was concerned. That was just weird…and disgusting.

She did like JJ. They spent a lot of time together and all that time was fun and nice. She often thought he would be the guy she married when they got older, but she wasn't sure.

JJ was looking around at everything and had a little bit of a goofy expression when he noticed all the candles. That didn't make sense to him since it was the middle of the day. She thought he looked adorable with that goofy expression.

"Why would Rosemary have so many candles lit during the day?"

"It adds to the atmosphere."

"The atmosphere?"

"JJ…it makes it romantic." She stated with disbelief in her tone. She saw his confused expression. "Stop being such a boy."

"Emilly, I am a boy." He proclaimed under his breath.

"Good grief…you have so much to learn."

…

The ceremony was perfectly Rosemary. Even with the quick timeframe she had to plan the wedding. Everyone gushed over the decorations, especially the flowers. Pastor Frank did an excellent job with the ceremony. He was professional but did add a little humor into the ritual. Rosemary couldn't keep the smile from fading. She was extremely happy and knew this was the best decision for her life. Lee was a good man and handled her well.

During the reception at the saloon, Jack brought Elizabeth a glass of lemonade.

"Thank you, Jack."

"You're welcome, sweetheart."

Jack sat beside her and reached for her hand. She instantly accepted it, intertwining her fingers with his. He gently held her hand.

"That was a nice wedding." She stated after a few moments of silence.

"It was. They are good for each other. Somehow, he balances out Rosemary's craziness."

"Jack…" She rebuked him. "…you're why our son calls her crazy."

"No, Steve taught him that."

"That's true…Lee does balance her out."

JJ came running up to his parents with a weird expression on his face. Elizabeth reached for her little boy and pulled him onto her lap. He willingly let her. He loved sitting on her lap with his back pressed up against her chest. His legs would dangle to the side of her legs. Elizabeth wrapped her arms around his chest and pulled him closer.

"Now, what is that expression for? I thought you were having fun."

"Oh, I'm having a great time."

"So, what's the problem?"

"Why are weddings so extravagant? This just seems so overboard."

"Weddings are very special. Don't you remember our wedding?"

"I do. It just seems too much."

"Not for the young lady." Jack patted JJ's leg. "This is a special day that Lee and Rosemary celebrate their love for each other. We all come and celebrate with them."

"I guess, but didn't he already love her? Why does he have to go through all of this?"

"To make Rosemary feel special."

JJ looked at his daddy skeptically. He just didn't understand the whole thing. To him, it was just too much.

"JJ, as you are older, you will realize the importance of making the person you love feel special. You should always make your wife feel special."

"Like you do with mommy?"

"Yes sweetheart. Just like daddy does with me. I always feel special."

"So…" He was working through his thoughts. "…that's why mommy always smiles."

Elizabeth nodded her head.

"And that's why daddy always smiles too?"

Jack nodded his head.

"And making your wife feel loved is always a good thing?"

"Yes son, the best of things."

"Huh…" He thought for a few moments. Then he jumped up from Elizabeth's lap after giving her a soft kiss on the cheek. "I love you." He whispered in her ear.

"I love you." She stated as she kissed the top of his head.

"I hope I make you feel special because I love you very much."

"Oh JJ…" She reached up to wipe aways a tear. "…you always make me feel very loved. Thank you."

After taking five steps, he turned to face his mommy. "Mommy is tonight one of those nights I have to go to bed early?"

"Yes sweetheart. You can count on it." She stated never looking in Jack's direction.