Chapter 78

Jack opened the white door leading into the church and schoolhouse. They weren't running late, but they were close. Frank hasn't stepped behind the pulpit. Everyone was beginning to make their way into the sanctuary to find their seats. Emily gave JJ a smile and a small wave. They were a few rows apart. Elizabeth was the first one in their normal, second row immediately followed by JJ. Jack sat at the end of the aisle. He placed his left arm on the back of the pews and began to play with Elizabeth's hair. He loved playing with her hair as much as she loved when he did. It was very calming for her.

After singing three hymns, Frank stood and opened his Bible. He spoke from Psalm twenty three, focusing on verse five. Especially the last portion of the scripture where it stated that 'my cup runneth over'. Frank focused on the fact that God just doesn't fill your cup with what you need, he fills it up to the point that it runs over the rim and touched everything around it.

Jack felt Frank was speaking directly to him. Jack felt his life was truly blessed by God. The whole misunderstanding was completely behind them. Their lives, while not perfect, was everything he wanted. He's a sheriff now. He is still protecting people and he loved that. He is married to a woman that challenged him intellectually and physically. She is his perfect soulmate. They have a perfect little boy and a baby on the way. For Jack, life was perfect. Each time Frank mentioned about their cups overflowing, Jack would stop playing with Elizabeth hair just long enough to caress her shoulder. After looking at him the second time he did that, she understood what he meant when their eyes connected. Just like Jack, her cup was overflowing.

After church and speaking with a few people, Abagail invited them over to the café for lunch. She wasn't open on Sundays, but they ate in her kitchen. The time together with Frank and Abagail was a great time to catch up.

…

"William! It's great to see you."

"You too, Teddy. I hope you and your wife is doing well."

"We are. I'm sorry I didn't come by yesterday. Something popped up. I needed to take care of it before I was able to get away."

"It's fine, Teddy. It's good to see you."

Teddy looked at his friend for a couple of moments. He looked different. He hasn't been to visit William in several weeks. He has been busy with everything at the company with Jack and Elizabeth taking over.

"You look great, William."

"Thank you."

"Listen…we need to talk…"

"Wait Teddy…" William cut him off. "…Jack and Elizabeth are in control of Thatcher Shipping. I don't want to know anything that is going on. They are in control, not me. I have no desire to speak about the company. As long as Gracie is getting what she should be getting, I don't want to know anything about it."

"That's not what I need to discuss with you."

"Oh…I thought you were here to report to me."

"No. I know where you stand as far as the company is concerned. I wouldn't do that unless you ask me a direct question about the company."

"I have no desire to know anything. If I need to know, Jack or Elizabeth will get in touch with me, but they know my wishes too."

"That's great William. I am grateful you have found peach in that regard."

"So friend, what's on your mind?"

"This is about you…"

…

Grace finished placing the last of her items in her travel bag. Her suitcase was already packed. She was going through her carpet bag for the second time making sure she had what she needed. She double checked to make sure the advanced college book was in her bag for JJ. She glanced at her clock. She had thirty minutes to leave for the train station. She would catch the train for an overnight trip to Calgary. Her private compartment was reserved a week ago. After her arrival in Calgary, she would catch the stagecoach for her long journey west. While she hated that portion of the uncomfortable trip, she did love the scenery. She was greatly looking forward to those views again.

After making her way down the grand staircase, there was a knock at the front door. A smiling young man was waiting for her. He took her two bags and escorted her to his car. He was hired by the company to drive her to the train station. The day's weather was nice but beginning to have a hint of cooler air in the breeze. Fall was quickly approaching.

"Mrs. Thatcher, we should be at the train station in twenty minutes."

"Thank you, young man."

…

After a nice lunch, Jack excused himself to step outside in the backyard. Elizabeth was with Abagail in the kitchen working on dessert and cleaning up the dishes from lunch. Honestly, they were talking about birthday party plans as they worked. Frank had excused himself upstairs to look for a book that one of the farmers was hoping to borrow. When Jack closed the back door, he turned to look out over the back portion of Abagail's property. In doing so, he noticed Abagail's wood pile was very low. It had been a while since he chopped some wood. Frank had taken over his job of chopping wood for the cafe. He hasn't had time to do it since planning the field day and working with some other farmers on the outskirts of town.

Jack took off his dress shirt. He didn't want it to get dirty or sweaty. He didn't want JJ to give him the same lecture he has given his son over the matter. He did have on a thin underneath shirt. He was also waiting for a telegram from Medicine Hat concerning Silas and Cody. Their undercover guy was to give him a heads up on their departure back to Hope Valley.

The axe and sharpener were beside the dwindling wood pile. He passed the sharpener across both sides of the axe for a couple of minutes, then turned his attention to the unsplit pile of wood on the ground just off the porch. He sat the first log on the huge chuck of wood. He gripped the end of the handle and lined up the head of the axe to the piece of wood. With a smile on his face, he brought the axe above his head and then brought it down with force on top of the log. The medium size log split in two as the axe traveled through it. With the first sound of the splitting wood, he knew how much he missed this activity.

Chopping wood was always a good way for Jack to work through his problems. It was a stress reliever of sorts. For Jack on this Sunday, he didn't have any issues to work through. While his life has been busy, it was good. Today was just replenishing a wood pile for a friend and sister. This time was just enjoying the act of splitting wood and enjoying the sun.

…

"Well…what did he say?"

Silas had just sat down at the small table beside Cody.

"The crates are finally on their way. There was some type of issue with the tracks that had to be repaired before the train could take off. It's all repaired now, and the train just left an hour ago."

"That's great. What about Jacob?"

"The group are all in on the shipping of those weapons. We make this trip all the time. They were excited to add those weapons to the haul." He stated with a smile as he grabbed his mug and took a big drink of his beer.

"And the cut?"

"He was even happy with the cut." Silas smiled.

"That means we can keep five percent just for us."

"It does, Cody. Not only do we keep that five percent for us, we also will be receiving our normal cut on top of that."

"Nice." Cody smiled as he took a drink of his whiskey. "Silas, that's going to be a nice chunk of money."

"It is. Plus, if we can get more business from those two, we can make even more."

"They talked like they could move more crates."

"True…we are about to make a lot of money."

"We are. They will be loading the wagon in the morning. We head out at first light."

"This trip just got more interesting…and profitable."

"Drink up brother. Today, we celebrate!"

…

Elizabeth's head shot up when she heard the first strike of the axe. She knew that sound and knew where it was coming from. As Abagail continued to speak, Elizabeth could only hope that it was her husband that was causing the chopping noise. A quick glance showed that her husband and Frank were both unaccounted for.

"What do you think?"

Elizabeth shook her head. She hadn't heard what Abagail stated. Her mind was on a potential sweaty Jack. "What?"

"Are you set for JJ's birthday?"

"I am. Mrs. P said she has all the decorations in. They are at her home."

"I have all the food set."

"Perfect."

As the axe ripped through another piece of wood, Frank stepped off the last step. "Where's Jack?"

Elizabeth and Abagail looked up.

"I thought that was you outside chopping wood."

"No sweetheart. I was upstairs looking for this." He lifted up the book in his left hand. "It must be Jack."

"I guess." Abagail stated.

"I told him not to worry about it."

"He must have stepped out back and saw the wood pile getting low."

"I'm sorry about that. I was going to chop wood tomorrow."

"Frank, you have been busy the last few days. I understand."

As Frank and Abagail spoke, Elizabeth could only imagine her husband standing without a shirt on and holding an axe. Without even having to concentrate, she could see the sweat rolling down his forehead and cheeks. She had always thought a person sweating like that would be gross, but with Jack, it was extremely sexy.

"Excuse me. I'll be right back." She quickly stated when the image of Jack's thin undershirt sticking to him came into the forefront of her thoughts.

…

Elizabeth quietly closed the back door behind her. Jack had his back to her. He didn't notice she was there. She was correct. His thin shirt was sticking to him. When he would bring the axe down, she could see his back muscles flex. She fanned herself know full well how those muscles felt with no cloth between her fingers and his back.

She watched him for a few moments. He looked relaxed. Many times, when he chopped wood, his body was stiff…rigid. Like he was working through an issue in his mind. That was not the case today. He was already relaxed. His body flowed effortlessly as he worked the axe. She was doing well holding herself together admiring her husband work until he bent over and picked up two pieces of wood he just chopped. The view of his backside was perfect. She sighed at the sight.

As Jack straightened up and tossed the two pieces of wood on the pile, he heard something. He quickly turned around to see his beautiful wife leaning against the porch post. She took his breath. He froze in place. Her hair was a little messy from working in the kitchen and with the slightly wind blowing it. A few strains of hair were lazily blowing in the wind. Her right shoulder was pressed against the post with her right hand hanging freely to her side. Her left hand was resting on her baby bump. This was the first time he noticed her bump easily. You could see it, but you had to really search for it. Now, it was noticeable without looking for it.

For some odd reason he couldn't describe, his wife was more beautiful at that moment than he had ever seen her. She was stunningly beautiful in her gown at the little mountie ball he had in the saloon for her during Christmas. However, that didn't even compare to now. Her left hip was sticking out just slightly because she was leaning on the porch post. He quickly inhaled a shallow breath when his body realized it needed the life giving oxygen. His mouth opened twice to say something, but it just wasn't connecting to his brain. Without realizing it, he dropped the axe. It landed beside and a moment later the handle feel to the side.

Their eyes connected. The whole world could have been on fire and collapsing around them and they wouldn't have noticed. They were so consumed with each other. Their desires, their wants, their communication flowed freely between them without ever saying a word.

"I married a beautiful woman." Jack whispered. His brain and mouth finally connected. "She's even more beautiful on the inside than she is on the outside." He wanted to walk to her, but his legs were cemented to the ground.

Elizabeth wasn't sure if she was supposed to have heard him say it, but she did. It touched her heart. Not only did her husband find her physically beautiful, but he also loved her for who she is…not just what she looked like. Their connection wasn't just emotional...their connection was tangible. They could feel it. Taste it. Smell it. It was alive just as much as they were. In this moment, they could only stare into the eyes of the other.

…

"Me!" William proclaimed. "How can this be about me? I'm doing exactly what I should be doing."

"Yes."

"I haven't been in trouble one time. I do my prison job even though I hate it. I am teaching this business class to the young men…"

"William…you are not in trouble." Teddy cut him off. "You need to calm down and listen to me."

"Then what in the world can it be? Teddy, I have changed. I'm not the same arrogant man that walked in this prison months ago. Truly, I believe I had begun the change before then. It has only continued."

"I agree. I also like this change. I also know Grace is enjoying this change in you."

"Then what is it about me that makes them unhappy?"

"That's just it William, they are not unhappy. I was called into city hall two days ago by a Mr. Jacobson."

"Who is that?"

"He is in charge of the prison system of all eastern Canada."

"Teddy, why is the world is he contacting you? Are you in trouble?"

"William, I am about to tell you something, but you have to stop interrupting me." He stated curtly to William. He knew how impatient William could get at times.

"I'm sorry. Go ahead."

"Mr. Jacobson called me in to his office in Hamilton. He had some news concerning you."

"I know they worked out a deal for me to be close to home. Is there an issue with that arrangement now?" His voice was very shaky.

"William." Warned Teddy.

"Sorry." He nodded for his lawyer to continue.

…

"Mr. Watts…Mrs. Watts…" Grace looked in shock at the couple in front of her. She didn't know them extremely well. He had worked for her husband for a few years, but they were not social friends. Elizabeth has raved about him since she took over the business. "It's a surprise to see you two here."

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Thatcher." Jerry stated as his wife nodded her head in agreement. "We are on our way to Hope Valley to visit Jack and Elizabeth."

"Plus, there is a birthday party we were invited to." Ann added with a smile.

"You're going to Hope Valley?"

"We are. How could I miss a six year old's birthday party. Especially that young man."

"You've met JJ?"

"Of course. I do believe he is the apple of your daughter's eye."

"He is." Grace chuckled. "That boy is priceless."

"We are going for that but also to meet with Jack and Elizabeth."

"Is everything going well?"

"It is going very well. There is nothing bad about this visit."

"Plus, my sweet husband promised me a trip out west. He thinks this is his way out of it." Grace smiled at Ann's statement.

"Elizabeth spoke so highly of you, Mr. Watts."

"Please call me Jerry."

"And me Ann."

"Only if you call me Grace."

Jerry and Ann smiled their agreement. When they heard the call to board their train, they turned their attention to the train. Jerry took his wife's travel bag and his while Grace took hers. When they found their compartments, they were pleased it was beside each other's. Elizabeth spoke so well of Jerry that Grace was hoping to get to know him better.

…

"Mr. Jacobson and his board are facing a major hurdle within the prison system. They are beginning the discussions of trying to solve their problem."

"Teddy, how does that have anything to do with me or my case? My case is settled, and a plea deal has been reached and approved. I have paid the fines that were levied against me. You withdrew those funds on the day we received that total. I was forthright in my affidavit and was willing to testify at the trial. Since I was arrested, I have been an open book about the whole situation. I was instructed that everything has been settled."

"It was, but now they may want to make a change to the agreement."

William instantly became worried that they wanted to transfer him to a prison in Alberta. If there was an issue in Eastern Canada's Prison system, it would make sense for them to transfer him. His fear was that he would be so far away from Grace that she wouldn't be able to visit him every week. He was reliant on that. They have grown closer together. He couldn't imagine not seeing her every week. Once a week is hard enough. He didn't want to imagine going months without seeing his precious wife's face.

"Isn't there something legally you can do to keep them from changing my plea deal? I have followed through with my end of the agreement. Don't they have to follow through with their end? Wouldn't this set a bad precedent on their behalf?"

"William, you will welcome this change if it goes through." His smile confused William a little.

"Well, what is it?"

"The prison system is experiencing major overcrowding. It is only expected to grow worse over the next few years if the trend continues. They are planning to build more prisons, but that takes some time."

"It does take time to build things. So, what does all of that relate to me?"

"You are considered non-violent."

"Ok?"

"Violent crimes are considered murder, rape, assault with a deadly weapon…crimes like that. They are discussing early release for non-violent criminals." Teddy gave William a few moments to process what he just told him. He could see his mind working. When William's eyes opened wide, he knew his friend was beginning to understand.

"Are you saying I'm getting out of here early?"

"Not yet. They are only beginning the process of talking. Nothing is settled yet, but there is a chance. There is also a catch if they go this route."

"What is the catch?"

"They would like for you to travel here once a week to continue teaching the young men the class you are doing now. They may be interested in you going to another prison and teaching the same class there. If you are granted early release, you will serve the already agreed time of probation. The remaining time you should have been in prison will be served as additional probation time."

William paused for a few more moments. "Teddy…if they are talking conditions of changing my plea agreement, then they have already begun the discussions."

"Mr. Jacobson only told me they were beginning to discuss issues. However, I agree with you. I believe it is further in the discussion than they portray."

"What time frame are you thinking?"

"I have no idea. There is no way of knowing that until they say something. We can try to guess but we have no idea of knowing that. Any guess could be just as right as it is wrong."

William leaned back in his chair. The bomb Teddy dropped in his lap was staggering. He never imagined he would get out early. From how the judge talked at his sentencing, there was no hope of getting out of his three year sentence one second early. He was trying to tamper down his excitement.

"I'm assuming there would be travel restrictions. If you give enough notice, you should be able to travel if you still meet your parole officer."

"I can go and visit Elizabeth, Jack, JJ, and the new baby?"

"Given enough notice, I will think so. William, I must warn you…let's not get too far ahead of ourselves. We simply don't know if this is going to happen or not. The government can be a little fickle at times. Normally, I will receive notice out of the blue without prior notice."

"I need tell Gracie?"

"I wouldn't want to get her hopes up and then have them crushed."

"Teddy…I'm not hiding anything else from my wife. That cost me more than I ever want to pay."

"I understand, but you are not deceiving her. You are protecting her. What if she thinks you are getting out early and then this doesn't come through? She will be crushed. She has gotten her feet under her. She is doing well. The Next Chance house has been really good for her."

William rubbed his face. He understood what Teddy was saying. It made perfect sense. He didn't want to set Grace up for a huge disappointment if it didn't work out. He also promised himself that he would not deceive her ever again. He was going to keep his word at all costs. He just didn't want to crush her if these talks ended up going nowhere.

"William, why don't you do this? Write her a letter. Explain to her everything that is going on and why you didn't tell her. Tell her everything. Write the date on it. When you find out for certain either way, you can give her the letter. I honestly believe she will understand your reasoning."

William gave it serious thought. That sounded like a good way of protecting his wife without possibly hurting her. He still felt like he was doing something wrong by not telling her. He also didn't want to get her excited and then this rumor turned out to be just a rumor.

"Teddy…I want to protect my wife. I also don't want to deceive her."

"You're in here because you deceived and manipulated things. You lost sight of yourself. You're not doing that this time. You are conflicted on what is the right thing to do. A few months ago, you weren't troubled at all. You were eager to do what you thought was the right course. That's the difference William. With the letter, I do believe Grace will perfectly understand why you did it this way."

William rubbed his chin for a moment. "I'll write the letter but understand I'm not happy with this, but I do think I would be more unhappy crushing her hopes."

"I would write that in the letter. Tell her everything you are thinking and why you chose this path. Leave nothing out."

"Thanks Teddy."

"When I find something out for certain, you will be my first call."

"Thanks."

…

Sam came around the corner of the livery eagerly looking for his horse. While he did make rounds this morning, he was wanting to spend some time on his horse that wasn't work related. He wanted to spend some time in the open air and enjoy the sun on his face. He was seriously considering Jack's proposal for him to request this posting. He knew he could work with Jack. They thought along the same lines and had this unique ability of just reading each other. He was beginning to enjoy the town. While it wasn't huge, it was nice and had enough of what you want. He also knew it was big enough to keep him busy.

He settled his horse to the cross ties and began to brush him before putting the saddle on him. His connection to the horse is strong. When he heard someone clear their voice, he looked up over the back of his horse.

"Faith." He whispered.

She saw the joy of seeing her in his eyes. "Sam. What are you doing?"

"I wanted to go for an easy ride." He stated as he stepped from behind his horse. He stood by the hind quarters of his horse with his hand resting on the horse's back. "It's been crazy busy the last few days. I just wanted to take a few moments to breathe. Plus, I have some thinking to do."

"It's a lovely day for a ride."

"What are you doing?"

"I had the same thought. The infirmary is closed today. No one had needed me this morning or afternoon. I just thought a lovely ride would be relaxing. I'll let you go on your ride by yourself."

"Would you like to ride with me?"

Faith's faint smile took over the corners of her mouth. She wanted to shout yes, but knew he wanted some alone time to think. "That would be nice, but you just said you had some thinking to do. You can't do that with me hanging around."

"You wouldn't be hanging around. We would be together." He gasped when he heard the words he spoke. With courage he didn't know he possessed, he stated. "The thinking I need to do…it would be nice to talk it over with someone. Would you be willing to talk with me about it?"

"Sure." She smiled.

They brushed their horses and saddled them with little discussion between them. It's not that they didn't walk to talk. Somehow, today felt different between them. Almost as if they finally recognized their feelings for each other and that brought out their nervousness. They did share quick glances and small smiles. Sam felt like a teenager again.

"You don't get tired of riding?" Faith asked as she settled in the saddle and nudged her black horse forward at a nice walk.

"No." He replied coping her. His well trained horse followed the command. "I grew up riding."

"But you ride all the time as a mountie."

"I do. This isn't mountie work. When I'm working, there isn't much joy in riding. My mind is on the task at hand. This is just being on a horse and enjoying the sunshine." He paused for a long moment. Trying to figure out if he should say the next sentence in his mind. Before he realized what he was doing, his tongue was forming the words he was speaking. "Plus, I'm with you."

Faith kept her head straight and a little down. She wasn't sure if she was supposed to hear his last statement since it was softer than his other one, but she most definitely heard it. The smile formed instantly. "This is nice." She softly stated.

Even through his shock, he smiled at her response. "Maybe…" The whispered to himself. "So Faith, what's your story?"

"I grew up wanting to be a nurse. My mother was a nurse and I wanted to follow in her footsteps."

"Was?"

"She passed away when I was little. Somehow, being a nurse makes me feel close to her."

Sam nodded his head in agreement. "My mother died when I was little too. She worked in the mountie's office in the town we grew up in. She helped with tasks around the office."

Before either of them knew it, they were already out of town and deep into their conversations about their childhood. While it wasn't the same, their childhoods had a lot of similarities. It was another string that was drawing them closer.

"So, you mentioned you had something you wanted to talk to me about?"

"Yes." Sam smiled at the easy going conversation. There were a few silent moments, nothing was awkward or pushed. It just flowed well. "Jack has been talking to me about asking for the posting in Hope Valley."

"Really?" Her excitement was easy to hear in her tone.

"Yes. We have discussed it."

"What are your thoughts?"

"The town seems nice. Not too big but not too small. I would be the mountie in town with Jack being the sheriff."

"Do you think you could work with him in that arrangement?"

"I do. We would have our own roles. We seem to work well together."

"Those are two big draws to Hope Valley." She stated.

"It is…but there is another one that I am trying to figure out." His voice was shaky.

"And what is that?"

"You." He stated with more confidence than he possessed inside of him.

"Me?" She smiled hoping this was leading to where she wanted it to go. She pulled on the reigns of her horse.

Sam pulled on his horse for him to stop. He turned the horse, so he was facing her since he was a few feet in front of her. Their horses were about head to head. He was scared to death. What if he took the posting only to find out that Faith wasn't interested in more than friendship with him. It would be awkward to be living in the same town as her, especially if she began courting someone else. His heart was demanding he tell her what was on his heart and mind for a few days now. When he wasn't concentrating on work, Faith was always forefront within him. He also didn't want to leave town and not know if he had a chance with her. His heart was screaming at him that she was good for him. As scared as he was, he couldn't pass up the opportunity with this precious lady if she was willing to get to know him. The fear of not knowing her true feelings outweighs his fear of speaking honestly with her. He just had to put his heart out there for her to accept or reject. Then, and only then, he could truly live with the outcome.

"Yeah…" His voice was a little squeaky.

Faith reached up and placed a small spray of hair behind her ear. Her face turned red with embarrassment. "I think I like that."

"Really?" His voice was even higher.

"Yes. I would like that."

"Me too."

She couldn't help but notice the ridiculously large smile overtaking his face. She knew he was excited.

They shared silly, large smiles with each other. Without saying another word, Faith nudged her horse forward while Sam turned his horse to walk in the same direction. He noticed that her horse was walking a little closer to him.

…

Jack looked up as Mr. Yost quickly walked toward him. Ned had interrupted the intense gazing between the couple.

"Sheriff, this came for you from Mountie Headquarters."

"Thanks." Jack stated. He turned his attention from Ned to his wife.

"I also received a telegram from Medicine Hat. Your other items will be delivered on Tuesday."

"Thank you, Ned."

After watching Mr. Yost walk away, he turned his attention to the telegram he was now holding.

Sheriff Jack Thornton –

This ends tomorrow – Monday – at your discretion.

– Superintendent Johnson - NWMP