Chapter 88

Jack woke up not knowing exactly where he was. It was still dark in the home. He looked up and noticed the ceiling. He knew he was in the new home. The last thing he remembered last night was waiting on his beautiful wife. She had just gone upstairs with their son to put him in bed. Suddenly, he heard a small snore and felt something press against his chest. That's when he realized he was laying on the couch with his back against the back of the couch. Elizabeth was pressed with her back against his chest. She had just settled into his chest. Her hair was tickling his cheek. He loved that feeling. She was lying on his right arm that was under her head. His left hand was resting on her baby bump holding her protectively against him. He blinked a couple of times to force his brain to wake up.

Jack smiled as he looked over her head at the home. It was beautiful in his opinion. As a mountie, he never thought of having a home. This was new to him. He saw Elizabeth's flare all over the place and was grateful for it. He gently pulled her a little closer to him. His love was abounding in that moment looking around at what he had, a home, a family.

When he pulled her closer, Elizabeth eyes fluttered open. It took her just a moment to realize her surroundings. She had laid down in Jack's arms when she realized he was asleep. She had to be wrapped in his arms. She needed to be held, even if he was sleeping.

"Hey." Her voice was full of sleep. "What are you doing awake?"

"I'm not sure. Did I fall asleep on you last night?"

"Yes, I came downstairs, and you were sleeping on the couch."

"I'm so sorry." Jack whispered. "And you joined me?"

"I did. You were supposed to be waiting for me."

"I'm sorry." He whispered into her ear. He loved feeling his wife against him. "I've ran mountie operations that was less taxing than teaching for a day. You work hard." She smiled at his compliment. Her smile grew when he tried to pull her closer. "What time is it?"

"I'm not sure. It's still early."

"Yeah." He elongated in her ear. She shivered when he nibbled her ear then turned his attention to the soft spot below her ear lobe.

"Jack."

"Hmmm." He drew out. Intimacy has been a while ago. He was already lost in Elizabeth simply being in his arms. He could feel her every curve. She was already winning and all she was doing was sleeping in his arms.

"Jack. We may…"

She giggled when Jack cut her off.

"Elizabeth Thornton…if you speak without permission again, I will have to have you stay after class and clean the blackboard."

"Jack…you're not the teacher. You can't just make up the rules." She stated as she scooted back into him a little more.

"I taught all day yesterday. I think I qualify. If you say another word, you will have to have a private conversation with the teacher." He turned his attention back to her neck.

She playfully squirmed in his embrace. If her squirming was an attempt to get out of his arms, it was the worst attempt of escaping in the history of mankind. She moaned when Jack began to nibble on her ear lobe. As much as Jack missed their intimate time together, she was missing their time together just as much.

"Another. Word." She challenged.

Jack stopped his attention on her neck and ear when he heard the challenge in her tone. It was seductive and daring him to do anything about it. He sucked in a shallow breath that never reached his lungs. He raised his eyes from her neck and slowly made their way to her eyes. When they made eye contact, he lost all resemblance of control. His passionate side took over.

Jack turned her to lay on her back. He was molded to her side because of the size of the couch. He gently rubbed her tummy slowly making his way up her torso.

"Jack…we need to go to the…" He cut her off with a passionate kiss.

The kiss was mind blowing. She lost all control She moved her hand to the back of his head. She took a handful of hair and tried to pull him closer. She had to kiss her husband. He knew how to kiss her.

When Jack broke the kiss so they could breathe, she pulled him back down and continued the perfect dance of lips and tongues. After a few long, memorable moments, she broke the kiss but not the connection. Jack placed his forehead against hers. He moved a little, so he was more on top of her. He wasn't completely because he was concerned with her baby bump, but he had to be closer.

"Jack, we need to go to the bedroom." She gasped between each word. She wanted passion and Jack was delivering perfectly on her desire.

"Sweetheart, you're not going anywhere." His voice was husky, full of want.

"But Jack…"

"It's way too early for JJ to be awake. Now, you have spoken without permission. You must do what the teacher says." With that, he crashed his lips onto Elizabeth's lips instantly working his tongue past her lips in search for her tongue. The perfect dance occurred between their tongues, lips, and bodies.

…

Jerry and Joyce sat in the café waiting for the stagecoach to show up in a few hours. Today was the day for Grace and them to make their way back to Hamilton. Jack, Elizabeth, and JJ were supposed to stop by before school to say goodbye to them.

Grace was grateful for the time with her middle daughter and her family. However, she was missing her husband. She desired to see him. Jerry was grateful for the visit as well. Jerry and Joyce grew to love JJ even more than before. They both fell in love with Hope Valley. Until this trip, they didn't understand why Jack and Elizabeth chose this place over Hamilton. After just a few days in this small western town, they understood their decision to stay here.

…

Elizabeth had her arm wrapped through Jack's. He was holding her close. His left hand was on top of her hand. The early morning time together was exactly what they both needed. Their smiles were permanently plastered on their faces.

"Are you two, ok? You two have goofy smiles this morning."

"We are fine son. Are you ready for school today?"

"I am. What did you teach yesterday?"

"Isacc Newton's first law of motion."

"Really? Wow!"

"I heard daddy did well."

"I kind of wished I didn't miss it. But I have to admit, I had a great time with mommy." He squeezed Elizabeth's hand.

"I had a lot of fun with you as well. However, that is the last day you will miss school for a very long time unless you are sick. Do you understand?"

"Until my next birthday." He playfully smiled.

"I'm not so sure about that." Her teacher's voice was strong.

Jack couldn't help but laugh. He enjoyed his day with his little man, and he knew Elizabeth did too. He made a conscious effort to do this each year.

As they walked toward school, JJ handed his mommy a piece of paper. It was his homework.

"What's this?"

"It's my make up work for when daddy and I missed school."

"You mean when your daddy kidnapped you?"

"I wouldn't use the word 'kidnap'." Jack defended himself.

"I would." She laughed. "When did you finish this?"

"Last night after you left my room."

"I thought you were asleep."

"Mommy, it was seven thirty. There isn't a six year old in this world that is asleep at seven thirty." JJ shook his head. "I came down a little after eight to get a glass of water. You and daddy were already asleep on the couch. Maybe you two should be the ones with a seven thirty bedtime." He stated seriously.

"Hush you." She playfully nudged his shoulder at his giggling. "I'll look at this today and will get it back to you tomorrow."

…

JJ burst through the door of the café looking for his grandma. He was excited to see her, but sad that she was leaving. He just didn't like that part.

"Grandma Grace! Grandma Grace!"

"There's my grandson." Grace's excitement matched her grandson's. Elizabeth couldn't help but smile. She never thought her distinguished mother would act in such a way in public.

"You know…that boy just has a way with people."

"You're right Jack."

Jack reached for her hand. He stopped her just before they walked into the café. "Thank you for this morning." He wiggled his eyebrows.

"Thank you. That was nice." She sighed a contented sigh.

"You know…" He began as he pulled her to the side of the door. He stood in her presence and placed his hands on her hips. He gently pulled her closer. He smiled as he quickly kissed her lips. "…I had a day with JJ. You also had a day with JJ yesterday. What do you say we both play hooky from school today and spend it together?"

For the first time in her life, Elizabeth thought about skipping school. She took a half a step closer to her husband imagining what they could do with a whole day together.

"Whatever for?" She smiled as she placed her right hand on Jack's chest. She could feel his muscles tense under her touch. She was always amazed that she still had that effect on him. They shared a passionate time this morning. Yet he still was moved by her simple touch.

"A nap." He sassed. He moved his hands to the small of her back. He lowered his right hand and patted her bottom. She knew he wasn't seriously thinking of a nap.

"A nap?" She seductively questioned.

"Maybe later." He leaned in and kissed her cheek. He worked his way to her ear. "Maybe other things first. Things that make you tired and ready to take a nap."

"Like what?" She gasped loving this little flirting game of theirs.

"Friday." He simply stated.

With the reminder of their special day on her honeymoon, she shivered at the memories.

Their private moment was only broken when they heard their little boy's voice.

"Where did you go?" JJ called out from the dining room of the café looking for his mommy and daddy.

"He needs to spend a day and night with someone." Jack stated at Elizabeth's nodding in agreement.

…

Breakfast was nice. Grace wasn't happy about leaving. Even Jerry and Joyce were a little frustrated with leaving. Elizabeth noticed the time. She needed to be going soon so she could open the school and make sure everything was set up for the kids.

"Oh, you two don't need to make a decision yet, but it needs to be on your radar."

"And what is that, Jerry?" Elizabeth asked.

"My replacement. This isn't needed now, but you two should be having this discussion."

"How much time are we talking here?"

Jerry smiled at Elizabeth. He knew she would want him to stay longer. He loved his job since Jack and Elizabeth took over the company. He felt useful and used in a good way to benefit the company. He rarely, if at all, felt that way with William.

"A year and a half."

"I know you two will enjoy your traveling." Elizabeth smiled. "Any hopes in prolonging that time frame?"

"I'm sorry Elizabeth."

"I know. I just had to ask."

"I have someone in mind, but I haven't talked with Elizabeth about it yet."

Elizabeth turned her attention toward Jack. They haven't had that discussion yet.

"That's fine. No rush yet. I just would like six months to train my replacement. I think that would give the most seamless transition for you two and the company."

"Thanks for that."

"No problem, Jack. That would give me more than enough time to train them and then for you two to train them as well. They not only need to learn the job form me, but they need to learn how you two do things."

"We'll further this discussion soon."

Jerry nodded his head at Elizabeth.

"Now young man, did you ride that bicycle to school today?"

"No Mrs. W. Hopefully Emily and I will be able to ride them today after school if mommy doesn't give me too much homework."

"Hey…I never give too much homework." Elizabeth defended herself.

…

After a tearful goodbye to her mother where she held onto her for a long time on the café porch, Elizabeth made her way to the school with Jack escorting her. JJ stayed at the café with Grace, Jerry, and Joyce for a few more minutes before school. Grace promised her daughter that he would be at school on time.

After setting everything up and making sure things were settled for the children, Elizabeth sat down at her desk and let out a long breath. Today has already felt like a full day, especially emotionally. Her time with Jack was invigorating and much needed. Physically, she felt at peace. Her emotions were beaten down by her mother leaving. She had enjoyed her limited time with her mother. They have greatly grown closer together and cherished their time together.

Elizabeth took a moment to look around the school. She glanced down at her desk and noticed her son's paper. She reached for it and opened the folded piece of paper.

JJ Thornton

'Song of Myself' by Walk Whitman

I'm not sure, but I feel the copy I had wasn't the whole poem. From the part that I read, one small phrase struck me as important. It intrigued me. My mommy in heaven always told me I had a special gift. I understand I am smarter than most people my age, but I never felt different.

Mr. Walt Whitman stated, "I am large, I contain multitudes." Mr. Whitman didn't hide the fact that he may have contradicted himself in the past. However, instead of a fault, he uses it as a sign of growth. His failures, and future failures, weren't the ending nor did it make him any less intelligent. The mistakes were a sign of working and improving himself.

I shouldn't be afraid to fail. In that failure, I learn from those mistakes and grow. Like Mr. Whitman, my failures don't mean that I'm not smart or any less of myself because I'm not perfect. As a matter of fact, in my failures and learning from those mistakes I am large, I contain multitudes.

I have gifts and I should use those gifts not to just benefit me, but I should use those gifts given to me to help others around me. I may be small in stature, but I am much more than my physical self and my future failures. If I'm not failing, that is a direct result of not trying. "I am large, I contain multitudes" allows me to reach for the stars while keeping my feet on the ground.

JJ Thornton

P. S.

I love you mommy

Elizabeth stared at the piece of paper. She smiled and cried at the same time. She was not expecting what she just read. Her little boy gained an insight she didn't fully understand. He took that one simple, six word phrase and summed up his gift and how to use it. She couldn't believe that her son had such a good grasp of this concept.

Elizabeth took her pen. In the upper right corner of the paper, she wrote 'A plus!' and then a smiley face beside it. She was very proud of her little man.

…

"Good morning, William." Teddy smiled as his lawyer and friend stated as William walked into the visiting room. His friend was looking well physically but maybe a little drained emotionally.

"Good morning, Teddy. You look great. How are you?"

"I'm good."

"I wasn't expecting to see you today."

"I haven't been by in a while. I just thought I would stop by and say hi."

William looked at him skeptically. While they were friends, this wasn't necessarily what his lawyer friend would normally do.

"Fine. I was worried about you." Teddy folded under the gaze.

"Why are you worried about me?" William asked as he sat down at the table.

They both looked up when a guard walked by and placed an envelope on the table in front of William. He didn't say anything, just nodded his head in appreciation. The guard walked away as quickly as he approached the table.

"What's that about?"

William shrugged his shoulders. "I'm not sure."

They both started at the envelope for a few moments. Neither saying anything. Teddy broke the silence.

"I received an interesting phone call yesterday."

"Ok?" William stated slowly.

"Remember our conversation a few weeks ago."

"About the early release?"

"Yes. The phone call was odd."

"How so?"

"A gentleman named Jack Jacobs called me. He is in the lead prosecutor's office of Union City."

"Who is he and why would he call you?"

"I'm not sure who he is exactly. He called me about you."

"Me? I've never heard of him. I don't know why he would call you about me or my case. Union City had nothing to do with me or the case against me."

"True. That's why it's so odd."

"Well, what did he say?"

"The first couple of minutes were just pleasantries. He came across as a nice, professional man." William sat back in his chair intently listening to his friend. "Then he turned the conversation to the potential deal."

"This all sounds a little off."

"You're right William. Like I told you when we talked about this, the government will just one day call me and let me know if they decided to release you due to overcrowding. They wouldn't make several phone calls. We would be kept in the dark until they pushed the paperwork through. I will receive the phone call on Tuesday and you would be released on Wednesday. The government doesn't always work effectively."

"Yeah, those code enforcement officers and building guys were always frustrating."

"While that doesn't make any sense, a guy from Union City shouldn't be involved in this at all." Teddy stated. Then suddenly, Teddy's voice trailed off to silence. William could easily see that his friend was processing something. He was lost in thought. William thought about saying something, but he knew his friend. Teddy needed to think this through for a moment.

"Unless…" Teddy paused again trying to piece the puzzle together.

"Unless…?" William slowly stated.

…

Elizabeth was walking around her classroom watching her little ones work on the vocabulary words that were written on the blackboard. Like always, she was holding her little baby bump. As she walked by her little boy, she discreetly touched his shoulder. She gave him a smile when he looked up. He returned her smile and turned his attention back to his paper.

"Emily, would you please come and see me for a minute?"

"Sure, Mrs. Thronton." Emily stated as she stood and followed Elizabeth to her desk in front of the class. "Am I in trouble?"

"No Emily. You are not in trouble. I was speaking with Sheriff Thornton after his little stunt yesterday."

"He really did a good job in filling in for you. It was a lot of fun."

"I've heard that."

"If you need to be out, he would be a better replacement than Ms. Florence."

Elizabeth smiled. She knew Ms. Florence wasn't the kids most favorite replacement.

"I'll try to remember that. Now, he stated that you were very interested in his little study of Isaac Newton."

"Yes, I can't believe he ran into the wall. That was so silly."

"He did what? He didn't tell me that part." Elizabeth looked stunned.

Emily spent a few minutes explaining everything Jack did. Elizabeth couldn't miss the smile on Emily's face. Jack was right. She loved the subject. When Emily finished with her story, Elizabeth reached for the book that was on top of her desk.

"Here Emily. This is a book about Isaac Newton and his first law of motion. Now, it is an advanced book with some enhance theories. Please don't be discouraged if you don't understand some things." Elizabeth was trying to encourage Emily not to be upset if she couldn't understand some aspects. She was hesitant to share the book thinking it may be too much for the precious little girl. However, the excitement in her voice as she told the story about Jack's teaching on Isaac Newton was the clincher for her to receive the book.

As Emily received the book, it was easy to see the pure excitement in her face. She held the book protectively and in awe. She ran her fingers over the edge of it. Then she opened the book and quickly glanced over a couple of pages. Elizabeth smiled. That's what she always did when she received a new book. Elizabeth was beginning to think that maybe she was underestimating Emily.

"Now, take the book and let's get back to work on the vocabulary words."

"Yes, Mrs. Thornton. Thank you for the book. I'll get it back to you soon."

"You're welcome, Emily. The book is yours to keep. I would like to talk to you about it after you read it. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask me anything."

"Thank you."

…

"I'm thinking…what if the government is trying to…"

William wanted to grab his friend by his shoulders and shake him to force the words to come out, but he knew he couldn't do that.

"I think the government is trying to come across in the best light here distancing themselves by releasing a rich, powerful man early. They may not want to come across as favoring a guy like you."

"They have had that problem in the past."

"Yes, but I'm beginning to think that they may be serious with this."

"Are you telling me I'm getting out early?"

"William, I told you before not to get your hopes up. It's just strange for Mr. Jacobs from Union City to call me like that."

William understood his friend trying to tamper his hopes of getting out early, but he was really struggling not to. Missing JJ's birthday was a heavy blow to him. JJ hasn't called him grandpa yet, but he thought of that little boy as his first grandchild. He could only imagine what it would have been like to be in Hope Valley to celebrate their grandson with his precious wife. His expectations were hard to keep under control.

"I know. It's just hard to keep my hopes in check."

"The thing is, Mr. Jacobs talked about you continuing teaching your study of business to the young men."

"I enjoy doing that. I have no problem doing that at all."

"He wanted to know if you would be open to teaching women too."

"Sure I would. I have no problem with women being in the class."

"William, I am beginning to think this could happen. I just don't know when."

…

Frank stood at Abagail's office door watching his beautiful wife work on some paperwork. She has been busy over the last couple of weeks. He just wanted to spend a couple of hours with his wife. He cleared his throat when she didn't look up.

"Hey, what are you doing?"

"Just watching you work. How are you?"

"I'm good. How was the Reynolds family?"

"Good. Mr. Reynolds was sick but doing some better now. They said to tell you hello."

"They are good people." Abagail smiled. The Reynolds were a nice couple who settled into Hope Valley a couple of years ago after retiring. "What are you doing now?"

"Well, I'm feeling very lucky today."

"Do you now?" Abagail's eyebrow quickly raised.

"I sure do. I found a four leaf clover." Frank held up the little plant between his index finger and thumb. He was slowly twirling it.

"Well…what are you thinking?"

"I have the fishing poles outside." He nodded his head toward the front door.

"The same bet?"

"No. I have something else in mind." Frank wiggled his eyebrows.

"I love that you are ever hopeful and persistent. So, what's the new bet?"

"I'll let you know. You up for a challenge?"

Her smile grew at the expression on her husband's face.

"You're on!"

…

Faith looked up when the infirmary door opened. Her smile grew when Sam walked in with a huge smile.

"Hi." He stated.

"Hey. What are you doing today?"

"I was about to leave for rounds this evening. I wanted to check the caves."

"The same ones you and Jack worked at?"

"Yeah. They are the perfect location for bad guys to utilize."

"Sam…"

He knew her hesitation. They haven't spoken about the dangers of his job, but as a nurse she had to know the things he could be involved in. He was hoping she wouldn't turn from him because of this. They have been courting. He hasn't shared how much she has captured his heart. He wanted to tell her, but he was nervous.

"I know Faith. But I can't hide from that aspect of the job."

She exhaled a long breath. "I know." She resigned to the fact.

"Are we ok?" He asked as he walked toward her desk. Like so many other times, she was reading a textbook and had a notepad beside her. She was taking notes. His voice was nervous, and she could easily notice it.

"Yes." Her voice was as strong as she could make it. "I know you have a dangerous job. I just worry about you."

"Well, if nothing else, you can fix me."

"That's not funny." She stood from her chair. A small chuckle escaping her lips. "I just worry about you. You have become important to me."

"Well, I like the sound of that."

"You do?"

"Faith, you must know how important you are to me." She nodded her head and immediately lowered it. "Faith," He began as he placed his finger under her chin. He slowly and gently lifted her face until she was looking at him. "I love you." His voice was very slow. There wasn't any hesitation in his voice. He did love her. He was just nervous telling her, but it was long overdue telling her. "I've loved you for a while now."

"Why haven't you told me?"

"Wait, I tell you that I love you and you ask me why I haven't told you earlier?"

She chuckled at his facial expression.

"Sam, you know I love you."

"I know no such thing." He playfully teased.

She stepped in his presence. She wrapped her arms around him. She placed her head on his chest.

"Sam, I love you."

She smiled as she felt him release a deep breath. She knew he was nervous.

"I just worry about you. I can't help it."

"I'm sorry about that."

"Please don't tell me not to worry."

"What can I do to help you with this?"

"Come back each day."

"I will do my best."

She raised her head and looked into his eyes. They both knew at that moment that this was it for them. They were looking at their person that would walk the rest of their lives together.

…

Jack was waiting on the front steps for the kids to come running out after school was dismissed. He laughed when he heard the cow bells. Within a few seconds, the door flung open and the kids began to run out. They all smiled and waved at him as they quickly passed by. When the kids finally were all out, he stepped into the building loving the look of his wife standing in front of the blackboard. She was speaking to JJ.

"Alright young man, You did an excellent job on your report. Here." She handed him the piece of paper.

"An A plus!" Exclaimed an excited little boy. "Thank you, mommy!"

"You did a great job on it. You earned the grade.

"He received an A plus?" Challenged a doubtful Jack.

"He most certainly did!"

"I only received an A minus."

"That's because you didn't follow the rules. JJ followed the rules and had a great grasp of the information."

"I believe I had a great grasp of the material."

"Yes, you did." Smile Elizabeth. However, you didn't follow the rules."

"Sorry, daddy." JJ smirked.

"It's that face, isn't it?" Jack laughed as he stepped closer toward them.

"No." Defended Elizabeth.

He walked up and looked at the paper. "And a smiley face?" Jack reached for the paper and scanned over it. "P. S. Love you mommy." Jack stated.

Elizabeth and JJ shrugged their shoulders.

"Sure…" Jack smirked. "I didn't stand a chance."

"Is it ok if Emily and I ride our bikes?"

"Sure. Have fun." Elizabeth smiled kissing the top of his head.

They watched their little boy as he hurriedly gathered his lunch pale and books.

"What do you have planned?" Jack asked as they watched their son leave the school.

"I have vocabulary homework to look over. It was a little quiz to see how the students were progressing"

"So, are you busy?"

"The papers won't take too long."

"I can help you grade them."

"What are you wanting to do?"

"I spoke with Faith earlier. Would you like to go on a horseback ride? I will ride another horse and you can ride Sargeant. He's a smooth ride. Faith said you could as long as we go easy."

"A ride with you, I'm in." She smiled.

"I was thinking." He stepped into her space. He pulled her close to his body. She could easily feel his muscles tighten with her touch. His hands rested on the small of her back. They slowly fell a couple more inches to just above her bottom. "We could ride around our property and look over it."

"That sounds nice. We haven't really done that."

"True, we can get a better idea of our property line."

"Yes. I haven't really seen the small pond. JJ has been talking about it."

"Yes," He huskily stated. "We could look at it and all those other things. Also," He lowered his hands a little more to cup her bottom. "We could maybe find a nice, private, little spot for us."

She knew that look in his eyes. "Let's go sweet man."