This is a long chapter for this story. Settle in and enjoy. Thanks for sticking with this story.
Chapter 82
Jack was ecstatic about the mounties and the prisoners were out of his jail. The last week or so was just too much for his liking. The group was safely off to Medicine Hat. They have been gone for a couple of hours. He and Sam finished with their respective reports. Sam had his mountie reports. Jack only had a sheriff's report to do. It wasn't as detailed as the mountie reports that he was so accustomed to filling out. Out of habit, and a little bit of wanting a more thorough report on file, he continued the mountie reports as his sheriff's report. They were finished. He had one for his files and one for the county's file. This was a little bit of an overkill, but he was perfectly ok with it. Jack noticed the time when he looked up at the clock.
"Hey Sam, I'm heading out."
"Me too." Sam stated.
"Going to see your girl?" Jack teased.
"Probably doing exactly what you are doing?"
"Seeing your girl it is." Jack laughed as he grabbed his hat. "See you tomorrow."
"I'm looking forward to it."
…
Sam opened the infirmary door and noticed Faith sitting at her desk. She was looking over a textbook and a few pieces of paper. He didn't want to disrupt her, but he had missed her the last few days. While they may have seen each other in passing, it wasn't enough.
Faith looked up and then back at her textbook. After two seconds, she quickly looked up into Sam's eyes. A smile flirted with the corners of her lips. She was relieved he was standing there.
"Sam." Faith whispered.
"Faith. I hope I'm not disrupting you."
"No…no…come in. How are you? Are you ok?"
"I'm fine. The prisoners and mounties have left town. Reports are filled out and things have settled down a little. I just need to mail in the reports."
"Great." She stood. She adjusted her dress and blouse. She began to mess with the few hairs that were hanging down the sides of her face. She was worried about how she looked. She stopped fidgeting when she heard Sam chuckle. She may have been worried about how she looked, but Sam thought she was gorgeous just the way she is, messy hair and all.
"I was wondering if you wanted to have dinner with me?"
"Now? It's early."
"Oh, I guess it is. We can wait if you would like."
"No!" She started a little too forcibly than she wanted. "I would love to have dinner with you."
"Well, it is early like you stated. Would you like to go for a ride and then we can have dinner."
She smiled at his precious words. "That sounds lovely."
"Are you free now?"
"Yes. I am."
He glanced toward the textbook and papers on the desk. "What is all of that?"
"Oh." She hesitated to share with him what she was doing. If they were courting, she needed to share everything with him. "Well, I was studying."
"Studying?"
"Yeah. I'm working with the doctor that is over me. I would like to become a doctor."
"Really? Oh Faith, that's incredible!"
"You really think so?"
"Of course. Why wouldn't I?"
"Well, most doctors are men. I.."
"You would be a great doctor. Does that mean you will be moving away to university?"
"No. My training as a nurse and my years practicing covers a good portion of my studies. There is a program that I can study under a practicing doctor and earn my degree that way. Dr. Andrews has agreed to help me do this."
"Wow, I'm courting a very intelligent woman."
"Sam." Faith's voice was embarrassed.
"We are courting…right?" He playfully teased.
"I remember you asking such a question."
"Yes, I also remember you agreeing." He sassed. "Now, do you have time for that ride?"
"Let's go."
…
Jack took the first step when he heard the familiar cow bells. He couldn't help but laugh when he heard them. The story came to mind of why he gave them to her. He opened the front door just before a steady line of students began to flow out of it. He heard his wife's voice.
"Now students, don't forget your lunch pails and make sure you read chapter six and answer the four questions at the end of the chapter."
Jack was certain the children didn't hear or, at least, didn't care what she stated. After the last student ran out of the school, Jack stepped through the door. Elizabeth and JJ had their backs to the door. They were cleaning the blackboard.
"Well, isn't this a sight." Jack called out.
"Daddy!" JJ called out as he turned around. He dropped his cleaning rag and began to run around the desk to his daddy.
Elizabeth whispered "Jack" as she turned around. She watched her son jump into Jack's arms. He picked up his boy and hugged him tight with his eyes closed. After a few seconds, he opened his eyes and they instantly connected with her. Elizabeth couldn't stand the distance between them any longer. She dropped her cleaning cloth and quickly walked toward her husband. Even though he still had JJ in his arms, she wrapped her arms around the both of them.
"I'm not complaining, but why are you here?"
"I'm done for the day."
"Really?" Her tone hopeful.
"Yes. I am working tomorrow during the school field day and then I'm off Saturday through Wednesday. Abagail is making me take that time off since I began working earlier than my start date."
"That's great."
"Yeah, I can move us on Saturday."
"Into our new home?"
"Yes, into our new home."
"Are you and JJ going to allow me to see the inside now?" Elizabeth sassed. Her two boys wouldn't let her go into the home until it was finished.
"Yes. I guess I have too." Jack sassed back. "I'm going to miss the row house, but I am looking forward to our new home."
"Me too."
"I'm hungry," JJ whined.
"You're always hungry"
"Well Elizabeth, he is a growing boy."
…
Grace was sitting in Abagail's Café with Jerry and Joyce enjoying a cup of tea. Jerry and Joyce were enjoying their time in Hope Valley. The town wasn't anything they were accustomed to, but they loved it, nonetheless.
They took the day and looked at Tyna's operation. Jerry was greatly impressed with the young lady and her work ethic. He had already asked if she would be able to increase the output of the special crates by two each week. That would push Tyna to five full days a week. If the crate was complicated, then she would have to work on Saturday to fill the order. She felt comfortable with the increase. She also realized if she was to increase in the future, then she would need to hire someone to help her. She wasn't sure how that would look in the future. Tyna wasn't one to sit back and do nothing while watching someone else work. She also knew she couldn't do it by herself. Maybe she could take the measurements of the product and create the crate while someone else built it. She could always jump in and do the manual work when she could. She would figure that out when the time came. She was excited about the business opportunity. It was a steady income with a bright future in store for her.
The trio looked up when the front door opened and Jack, Elizabeth, and JJ walked in. Jack and Elizabeth were laughing at something JJ said. Grace smiled at the family in front of them. She waved them over when JJ looked up and saw his grandma.
"Grandma!" JJ yelled as he began to run toward her.
"No running inside!" Elizabeth called out. She could only shake her head at her little boy. No matter how many times she had told him not to run inside, he couldn't remember it. She turned her attention to Jack. "I believe he gets that from you."
"Me?" He tried to sound shocked, "Why would you say that?" He folded under her knowing stare. "Fine. I did run in the house all the time."
"I figured that, Jack. I meant the not listening part." She chuckled.
"Hey...!"
Elizabeth took his arm and began to escort him to the table. She was happy to win this little game. She loved it when she got one over on him. However, she wanted family time with her two boys. Jack had been busy over the last few days and they haven't seen each other. She just wanted to have time with Jack and JJ. While she loved her mother, she didn't want to spend time with anyone else.
"Whatever happens here, we go home by ourselves." She stated as she continued to smile at her mother. She moved a little closer to him as they walked to the table.
"You better make that happen." Jack's voice was husky.
"Deal!"
"Deal!"
"Good afternoon mother." Elizabeth stated as she leaned over and kissed her mother's cheek. Jack said hi and smiled at her. He shook Jerry's hand and nodded at Joyce. He didn't know her other than by name.
"Jack and Elizabeth." Jerry stood and shook Jack's hand. He gave Elizabeth a soft hug.
"We heard you were coming."
"Yes. We couldn't miss this one's birthday." Jerry hugged JJ. During their visit in Hamilton, Jerry got to know JJ a little.
"Is that the only reason?"
"Mostly. We do need to talk some business, but nothing too much."
"Great." Jack jumped in. "Tomorrow is Friday and the field day at school. Maybe some business talk tomorrow night. Saturday is us moving into the new home."
"Tomorrow night it is over dinner or one day next week."
"Not on my birthday!" Declared JJ.
"Of course not! We have a birthday party to go to."
"I knew it!" JJ stared as knowing look at his mother. "I'm so glad you can't keep secrets."
"I guess that's a good thing." Elizabeth shook her head. She had tried her best to downplay the party, but JJ was certain he was having one.
"So, Mr. W, what did you get me for my birthday?"
Joyce couldn't keep from laughing. She covered her mouth trying to deaden the sound.
"You have to be patient, young man."
"Mr. W…I'm five and seven eights years old. I don't have patience."
"You're not kidding." Jack and Elizabeth stated at the same time slowly shaking their heads.
JJ didn't look away from Jerry. He was working his pouty face for all he had. What he didn't realize was that his pouty face wasn't very effective. Especially when people knew he was just trying to get his way.
"So…?"
"Fine, we bought you a car."
"A car! Cool! Wait, you didn't get me a car. I can't look over the steering wheel. Plus, I'm not old enough to drive."
"Oh…that's true. I guess Joyce was right when she said I got you the wrong gift." He teased.
"You're not going to telling me, are you?"
"No young man, but I do enjoy watching you try your best." He laughed.
JJ leaned into his friend and wrapped his arm around him. "Fine. I guess I can at least say I tried."
"A good effort."
"So dear…" Grace interrupted the conversation. "…what do you have planned after dinner. It's still early. Would you like to have tea with me latter and talk?"
"We are going home. It's been a very long, few days." Elizabeth stated. "Jack is exhausted and needs to get to bed early. So does JJ." Elizabeth fought with every ounce of strength she has to keep from her smile growing on her lips. She was striving to keep her face from turning red with the thoughts that was present in her mind. She has missed her husband.
"But I'm not tired." JJ spoke as he turned his attention toward his mother.
"I…We…"
"We have had a busy and hard few couple of days." Jack spoke to save his beautiful wife. "We need to rest. We have a busy day tomorrow with the field day and then with moving the day after."
"So, I guess I'm going to bed early tonight…again." His dead panned voice made everyone laugh except for his parents.
The time at the café was fun and enjoyed by everyone. Elizabeth knew the early dinner was a little odd, but she was hoping for family time at the house later. She didn't want to spend time cooking a meal. She would rather have that time with her family. Hopefully, some alone time with Jack after JJ's bedtime. If she had to, she could make a snack for everyone by cutting up apples or something if they were hungry later.
True to his word, Jerry didn't talk about business. He was enjoying his time in Hope Valley as much as his wife. Grace spoke a little about things in Hamilton, including the Next Chance Home, but JJ carried out most of the conversation. He didn't even try not to talk about his birthday coming up. He was just too excited. Elizabeth and Grace shared knowing smiles during his talk. Joyce caught the looks and determined to check in to see if there is anything she could do to help. JJ was quickly winning her heart. He just had a way about him.
…
"I have officially requested Hope Valley as my new posting."
"Really?! Oh Sam, I am happy for you."
"I am looking forward to the new assignment."
Faith paused for a moment, "I have to ask, are you sure?"
Sam stopped his horse. He turned slightly in his saddle to face Faith. She stopped her horse and matched his actions. She accepted his hand when he stretched it out to her.
"Faith, I am excited about his posting for several reasons. I enjoy working with Jack. We think a lot alike and we work naturally together. I do believe we can make a difference for the betterment of the people of Hope Valley. I have grown to love this territory. It feels like home. I've never had that in my adult life." Faith nodded her head in agreement. "The most important thing about this posting is you." He squeezed her hand. She looked up and their eyes connected. "I am looking forward to where this may go. I believe we may have something special that is developing here."
"Me too." She stated looking intently and lovingly in his eyes.
Sam leaned forward just an inch. He wanted to kiss her, but he didn't want to force her. After that slight movement, he hesitated. Then he noticed that she leaned in matching his movement. That, along with her smile, gave him the encouragement and boldness to lean in until their lips gently touched. A small dusting of wind came upon them at that moment. They felt feelings neither one of them had felt before.
…
Jack sat on the top step of their row house. Elizabeth was on the step in front of him. She leaned back with her left elbow resting on his thigh. Jack was leaning slightly forward with his forearms resting on her shoulders. His hands were dangling in front of her. Every so often, he would rub her upper chest or her forearms. He would steal a kiss by kissing the top of her head. JJ was sitting on the step in front of his mommy. Both of his arms were resting on Elizabeth's thighs. He was leaned back into her as much as he could. Several times he would lean his head back on her tummy. It was his way of including his baby sister.
The conversation covered many topics. None of which were important. JJ did try to get more information about the birthday party, but to no avail. His mommy and daddy just weren't giving him insider information. The sun was beginning to kiss the mountains. There was a bowl of popcorn that was sitting on the same step as Elizabeth. They were still full from the early dinner. JJ had just finished the plate of chocolate chip cookies Auntie Abagail had sent home for him. He loved her cookies, but he loved his mommy's cookies more. She used double the chocolate chips in her recipe. He would never tell his Auntie Abagail that bit of information.
"Daddy, would you teach me how to ride a horse?" JJ asked when someone rode by on their horse.
"No." Elizabeth quickly answered.
"Yes." Jack answered at the same time. Jack leaned forward to look at Elizabeth's expression.
"Why don't you want JJ to ride a horse. He needs to learn."
"He's too young."
"I was riding a horse before his age."
"My son is too little."
"Mommy, I'm almost six."
"True, but you are my little boy."
"I'll always be your little boy. I just don't want to be a big boy and not know how to ride a horse."
Elizabeth stared at her little boy for a few moments, then she turned her attention to her husband. Jack was looking over her head to the field across the street. He wouldn't look in her direction. He was biting his bottom lip trying to keep from laughing. She was being an overprotective mother. When Jack didn't look in her direction, she pinched his leg. Jack jumped and giggled at her actions. She finally relented and spoke.
"Fine. Let me think about it."
"If you haven't gotten me anything for my birthday, a pony would be a great present for a six year old." JJ spoke never looking at his parents.
"I'll keep that in mind." Elizabeth chuckled.
"We can take turns riding him at my birthday party."
"Party?" Elizabeth questioned.
"Yes mommy. You know, you are not fooling anyone with that story." He stated as he leaned a little further into her.
…
Jack woke up when a small gust of wind came through the window. It had blown a part of Elizabeth's hair across his face. She had usually put it up so it would stay off her face. He missed waking up with her hair tickling him. Her hair was splayed across her neck and face this morning. He felt her pressed against him and loved every sensation of it. The memories from the previous night came to mind.
JJ stayed with his parents on the front porch for a few minutes. He tried his best to get them to tell him about his party and their gift to him, but they weren't budging. After admitting defeat, he kissed his mommy's cheek and then her belly. He told his sister goodbye and went across the road to play with a few of the kids from school. Elizabeth placed both forearms on Jack's legs and leaned back against him. He leaned forward and kissed the top of her head.
"This is nice." She sighed.
"It is. This is everything I thought of as I stepped down from the mounties."
"You still good with that decision?"
"For nights like this, I wouldn't trade anything for this." He squeezed her with his legs. He kissed her on the top of her head again, He snaked his arms around her and clasped his hands in front of her chest.
"I've missed you." Her voice was so soft. Normally she would be hesitant to be so vulnerable with anyone. It made her feel a little weak, but not so with Jack. He was her soul mate, and they were completely open with each other. Especially after their misunderstanding that led to the last Hamilton debacle.
"I missed you. I'm sorry I had to work so much over the last few days."
"That's ok Jack. I know it won't be the norm, I just missed you."
"I missed you. Abagail gave me some time off beginning Saturday."
"That's great. I'm looking forward to moving into our new home, but I will miss this one."
"This place holds a special place for us, doesn't it?"
"It does. Our first dinner was here. That was the night you told me that my dress wasn't my dress because it was too short and too tight."
Jack laughed. "Oh, I remember that."
"Yeah, I was so frustrated with you. How did you know that? And how did you know that I wasn't disappointed that it was you who came for dinner?"
"I was a mountie, Elizabeth. I am trained to notice things. I also noticed that black eye?"
"You had to notice that." She playfully sassed as she leaned back a little more. "And the me not being disappointed that it was you?"
"That was a guess." He smirked. She didn't have to see it to know what he looked like. "I'm grateful you were happy to see me."
"I wouldn't say happy…I was frustrated with you."
"I was frustrated with you as well." He kissed her cheek. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm feeling good. I haven't been sick in a while. I do admit I am tired at the end of the day a little more than normal."
"You are absolutely adorable." He patted and then rubbed her tummy.
Jack remained close long after he touched her baby bump. He couldn't help himself. Life has kept them away from each other. She slept on the couch last night while he slept in a chair. Tomorrow would be busy with the field day. And then they would be meeting with Jerry. They had no idea how long that would take. Their phone calls with him usually lasted several minutes. With him in person, they could only guess how long they would spend talking about the company.
As Elizabeth leaned on him, he felt every inch of her. It was driving him crazy. It just wasn't her being physically close that was his undoing. It was her natural scent. Her shampoo. Her faint perfume. The way she naturally smelled. It was a combination he couldn't refuse. Not that he was trying to. "E…liz…a…beth…" He elongated her name.
His husky tone…his drawing out her name…his breath on her neck and in her ear was just too much for her. Without thinking about where she was, she quickly turned around and kissed him with the passion that was built up inside of her. She began to run her fingers through his hair and pulled him closer, deepening the already passionate kiss. From the very beginning of their physical relationship, Jack had this unique ability to read her inner desires. Even if she wanted passion, he knew that she may need loving gestures. There were times she wanted passion and he provided that. There were also times she wanted slow, loving gestures, and he gave her passion. Somehow, he just knew. He could read her with the greatest of ease. Today, he matched her passion. He placed his right hand behind her head and pulled her closer to him. His tongue slightly touched her lips before she opened her mouth and granted him all the access he desired. Elizabeth pulled back gasping for air. Every part of what made Elizabeth, Elizabeth was on fire. She was completely consumed with Jack Thornton.
"JJ! Time for bed!" Jack called out.
"Awe man…" JJ whined from the field.
…
Jack played with the strain of hair that woke him. He gently twisted it around his finger and then pulled his finger away unraveling the strain. The sun was barely introducing itself to the new day sky. The night was still winning the battle. Elizabeth jerked slightly in her sleep. Jack knew she would be awake soon. She would normally jerk a little just before she woke up.
He slowly ran the tip of his index finger up and down her bare back. She shivered just before she spoke with her voice full of sleep.
"Good morning, love."
"Good morning, sweetheart." He continued to run his finger slowly up and down her spine.
"Jack, that is very nice." She snuggled closer to her husband burying her face in his neck and shoulder.
"You were incredible." He whispered. He didn't have to see her face to know it was a little red with embarrassment.
"Jack…"
"Am I wrong?"
"No." She softly stated.
"I have a new rule."
"Yeah." She murmured.
"You are not allowed to sleep in a nightgown." He grinned as he continued running his fingertip up and down her back.
"Don't be silly. I have to have a gown on. What happens if JJ comes in our bedroom during the night?"
"Rules are rules young lady."
"Jack."
"Elizabeth…I would like to make love to my wife." He stated as he slowly kissed the top of her head. Then he purposefully kissed her cheek and made his way to her lips. As passionate as Jack was last night, he was just as lovingly showing her his love this morning. His caresses and touches were barely felt but was doing their intended purposes. She loved every moment of it.
"I thought you were never going to ask." She paused after each word gasping for air. His actions were moving her to her core.
…
"Alright class. We are leaving for the field day in five minutes. Please use that time to make sure you have all the items you brought from home. You do not need to worry about lunch or snacks. Mrs. McMahan had told me that she will provide food and snacks for everyone."
Her classed bounced in their seats with pure joy. Not only were they going to have fun, but they were also going to have it outside of the classroom. As much as they loved their beloved teacher, they were still kids. They would rather spend the day outside in the sun doing fun activities than sitting in a classroom learning arithmetic. The kids jumped up from their benches and began to gather all their tools and other items.
"Well…look at this group." Mrs. McMahan called out with a huge smile from the edge of her porch. Elizabeth was in front of her class. The students were in a neat grouping behind her.
"Good morning, Mrs. McMahan." Elizabeth called out followed by the students.
"I would expect the students are excited this morning." Mrs. McMahan chuckled as she hugged Elizabeth. "Thank you for coming this morning."
"They are very excited." Elizabeth smiled at the precious older lady. "Thank you for having us. The students are excited about the field day."
"I think they are more excited about being out of the classroom." Mrs. McMahan chuckled.
"I think you are correct. However, all I have heard this past week or so is the fact that one is going to out chop the other in the wood splitting contest."
"Boys." The older lady shook her head. "But before we get started, I have a little snack of chocolate chip cookies and lemonade for everyone."
"Yay!" Shouted JJ. Elizabeth only shook her head at her little boy.
…
"Come on, young man." Jack called out. "We've need to get the horses saddled and head out to Mrs. and Mrs. McMahan's farm."
"I know! I'm coming!" Called out Sam.
"You know, as a mountie…"
"Don't even finish that statement." Sam stated as he stood up from his desk. They have added a small desk that matched Jack's for Sam to us. "I'm coming." Sam nodded his head. "This is one of the many perks of being a mountie in a small town."
"Absolutely. I always thought being a mountie in a large town was everything. Once I settled here in Hope Valley, I learned the true essence of life."
"Yeah…I think I am seeing that now. Now, let's go. You are making us late."
"Me?" Jack huffed.
…
"Alright young men. The rules are simple. Each of you has a three foot log in front of you. The first person to chop through the middle of the log wins. Any questions?"
"No, Pastor Frank." He heard each young teen state.
"On the count of three you begin." The young men nodded. "One…two…three!"
The four young teens brought the axe above their heads and brought them down with force. They were swinging their axes with the greatest care possible and with the most speed imaginable. The two oldest boys were in the lead. Jordan was halfway through his log first. Rodney was just behind him. The second half of the log was all Rodney. He gained and then surpassed Jordan with just inches from the end. With one last swing of the axe, he broke through the log. He straightened up with a huge smile on his face. A few seconds later, Jordan broke through his log. Jake and Chuck brought up the rear just moments later.
"Well done Rodney and Jordan. Rodney, you win."
"Yeah!" He shouted. Him and Jordan had been challenging each other all week about who would win.
"Good job." Jordan acknowledged Rodney's win.
"Thanks. You made it difficult."
"Alright all…now it's time for the younger ones." Pastor Frank stated as the younger boys stepped up with their axes. Their logs were smaller in diameter than the older boys.
Three boys took their positions and brought their axes down with the same intensity as the older boys. They just didn't have the power they had. The younger ones worked their way through the logs. After some time, Steve won the contest with just two swings faster than the next boy.
Jordan redeemed himself with the next contest. He won the wood splitting contest pretty handily over Rodney. Steve continued his winning streak by being first in his age group with wood splitting. He barely beat out the second place finisher.
Now it was time for the younger boys to get in the mix. Elizabeth was adamant that the younger boys wouldn't use axes. She claimed it was her teacher's instinct to kick in. However, Frank thought it was her mother's instincts because this was JJ's age group. She never would admit to it even though everyone thought so.
The wood carrying contest was simple. The boys had to carry the newly split wood from the pile and stack it against the side of the house. The one who stacked the most pieces of wood will win the context. They had a certain amount of time to accomplish it. There was an extension built on the home with a roof on it. The four boys lined up with the whole class watching. The contest wasn't as intense as the older boys, but there was certainly an air of competition in the air.
Jack and Sam stopped their horses just a few yards away. JJ looked up and noticed his dad's grin. He returned it and then turned his attention back to the pile of wood in front of him.
"One…two…three…go!" Frank yelled.
The boys reached for a pile of wood with little thought. They just bear hugged a small pile of wood and began to walk quickly to the extension. Except for JJ. As quick as he could but with thought, he stacked pieces of wood in his arm. He grabbed pieces that were close to the same size.
At first, Jack thought he was going way too slow. Then he realized what his little boy was doing. He was using his greatest strength…his mind. While JJ may have been a little slower than everyone else, he had double the pieces of wood than anyone else. He began stacking his wood as the others were finishing theirs. He wasn't that far behind, but he had more wood than they had.
"Huh…I never thought of doing it that way before,"
"I hadn't either. However, he has more wood than the other boys and he isn't that far behind." Jack stated.
They intently watched the contest unfold. For the trips back and forth, JJ was just behind the boys. As they left the pile, JJ would come to the pile. While he may be a little behind them, he was way ahead on the pieces of wood that he had stacked.
"You have forty five seconds. Enough time for one last trip." Frank called out.
The boys grabbed the last armload and turned to run back to the extension. JJ reached down and picked up some pieces. He stayed true to his plan. He thought he had to be ahead of the other boys, but he wasn't for certain. He rummaged through the last pieces making sure he grabbed the ones that was close in size. With an arm full of split wood, he stood and made his way to his portion of the pile in the extension. As he placed the last pieces on his pile, Frank called time.
Elizabeth and Mrs. McMahan stepped forward to count the four different piles. The four boys stood back intently watching the process. The two ladies finished their first pile and wrote the number on a piece of paper. When they finished counting their last pile and writing the number down, the two ladies compared their list. Mrs. McMahan nodded her head in agreement.
"Ok." Elizabeth stepped forward and spoke loud enough for people to hear. "The second place winner is Sam with a count of seventy eight pieces."
Everyone cheered as Sam stepped up and gave a little wave. He was excited.
"The first place winner with one hundred and nineteen pieces is JJ."
The class began to cheer. JJ wasn't the most athletic or the most physical kid. So, with him winning, he became very excited. As he stepped forward, he reached for his suspenders and lowered them off his shoulders. Then he took the bottom of his shirt and quickly raised it over his head. Then he twirled it a couple of times over his head and threw it to the side. Then he began to flex his little muscles posing just like he and Jack would often do when they would chop wood together.
Frank began to laugh when he saw the spectacle in front of him. It took Elizabeth a moment to realize what her little boy was doing. She gasped at his gesture. Jack just laughed and shook his head. He knew he was in trouble with his wife.
"Jack…Johnson…Thornton…!" Elizabeth called out in a loud mother's and teacher's voice once the shock wore off. "What are you doing?! Put your shirt back on!" She called out as she stepped forward.
JJ posed for another second or two before his mother's words sunk in. When he stopped posing, his face turned a little red in embarrassment. He looked around and found his shirt a few feet away. As he stepped toward it, Mrs. McMahan spoke up.
"Alright, lunch is ready. Please make your way to the front porch." She knew Elizabeth was flustered and needed a moment. She was thankful she didn't overstep when Elizabeth nodded in her appreciation.
The class chuckled as they dispersed and made their way to the front porch for sandwiches and cut pieces of fruit.
"I'm sorry mommy." JJ stated as he pulled the shirt over his head and ran his arms through the arm holes.
"What were you thinking?"
"I don't think I was thinking. I just got caught up in the excitement of the moment."
"Caught up in the excitement of the moment?" She questioned him.
"Great job son." Jack stated as he jumped off Sargeant. "Why don't you go and have your lunch?"
"Thanks daddy."
The couple watched as he ran off toward the front porch.
"I blame you." Elziabeth stated as she looked at her husband and poking him in the chest.
"Me?"
"Yes, you. You two always do that when you chop wood. You two stand on top of the pile taking off your shirts and flexing like that. You taught him that."
"And how would you know that Mrs. Thornton?"
"You…you two…always…" She was flustered. She didn't realize she let her secret out that she watches her husband chop wood.
"How would you know that JJ and I always take our shirts off while we chop wood? And we act silly posing and showing our muscles?"
She stared at her husband for a few moments. She was at a loss for words. Finally, she spoke. "Jack, that's not important. It's time for lunch. We don't have too much time." She stated as she turned to walk toward her students. "Aren't you coming?" She called out over her shoulder never looking back at him.
…
After lunch, the children gathered around the creek where Jack picked some of the river rock for their new home. It was time to see who could catch the biggest and most fish in an hour and a half. This was the last contest of the day. They still split up in age groups As the boys were seeing who could chop and split wood, the young ladies were working on their own contests. Sarah won the fastest canning contest and Connie won the fastest sewing. Now was the time to bring both boys and girls together. Frank, Mrs. McMahan, and Elizabth thought this would be a good way to end the first field day. They knew the kids would be tired from all the contests through the day.
Not only was their canning, sewing, wood chopping, splitting, and stacking, they all also completed in a tug of war, egg carrying contest, hay stacking, and two groups of boys and girls that consisted of four each worked on rebuilding a chicken coup. To the boy's frustration, the girls easily won that contest.
Mr. McMahan had enough poles for the children to all have one to fish. He also had enough worms for each child. JJ was a little surprised he won the wood stacking contest, but he felt comfortable with the fishing contest. He just knew he would win. All the adults, Jack, Elizabeth, Frank, Mr. and Mrs. McMahan, Sam, and Faith all walked around to keep an eye on the children. They were also keeping track of the fish they caught.
In the older group, Jordan and Susan were both tied. They had four fish each with Susan having the biggest fish so far. It was a nice eighteen inch brown trout. JJ and Emily were tied for the younger group with three fish each. JJ had the biggest fish so far with a fifteen inch rainbow trout. Sam jumped for joy when he caught his third fish, a sixteen inch rainbow. It tied him with JJ and Emily and put him in first place so far for the biggest fish.
JJ glanced towards Emily. He wanted to see how she was doing. He was a little surprised when he noticed a huge smile on her face. It was almost like she was holding onto a secret. He was so focused on Emily that he missed a nibble on his hook. By the time he noticed and tried to set the hook, he was too late.
Frank checked his pocket watch and called out that everyone had ten minutes left. Mrs. McMahan smiled at the excitement of all the children. They were all enjoying themselves no matter if they would win or not.
Susan smiled as she set the hook and pulled in a very nice nineteen inch brown trout. "Nice." She grinned when Mr. McMahan told her how big her fish was.
"You've got to be kidding me." Jordan shook his head. "She's impossible." He muttered under his breath.
"Everyone…you have three minutes." Frank called out.
"I would say the field day has been a huge success."
"Yes, I agree Jack. The kids are having fun and we have gotten a lot done for Mr. and Mrs. McMahan."
"I think they have enough wood to last them all winter."
"I agree along with several jars of canning and all mending accomplished. Today has been a huge success."
With just a minute or two left, Emily noticed her line beginning to move in the water. She knew she had her opportunity. She waited patiently for the opportune moment. She felt the tug and she set the hook. She knew instantly this fish was not just a fish. As she battled the fish, Frank called time for everyone to stop fishing. However, since she already had the fish on, it would count. After bringing in their own hooks, the other students began to gather around to watch Emily battle the fish. Finally, she pulled in a huge brown trout. Frank walked up and measured the fish. It was a twenty inch fish.
"I believe we have a winner. Susan won the older group with the most fish caught and the biggest fish caught. Emily won her age group with the most fish and the biggest fish."
"Great, she's going to be hard to be around." JJ laughed. He was the first to congratulate his friend.
"Alright class. Let's make sure we thank Mr. and Mrs. McMahan. Then we need to clean up our mess before we leave. It's almost time to go back to the school."
Every student hugged Mr. and Mrs. McMahan and thanked them for everything. The kids and adults greatly enjoyed their time today. The older couple made sure to thank each student for their help. Mrs. McMahan made sure to have enough cookies for each student to snack on the way back to the school building.
Jack and Elizabeth led the group to the schoolhouse. Jack was holding onto Sargeant's reins with one hand and held Elizabeth hand with his right hand. Frank walked among the group talking to all of the students. Sam and Faith walked behind the group. Mr. and Mrs. McMahan stood and watched the whole group leave.
"This is a great way to spend a day."
"It is Faith. I'm also glad you didn't have to be used today."
"Me too. I do think it was smart for Elizabeth to have me here just in case."
"I agree. This is a great way to spend a day at work."
"You ok with days like this every so often?"
"Sure. Jack said a small town would have perfect days like this."
"Good." Faith sighed. She was hoping Sam would be ok with being in a small town. He seemed just fine with the idea.
"You will have to do this every so often. Everyone including the adults, enjoyed themselves.
"I agree." Elizabeth smiled. "It was a perfect day except for your son taking off his shirt and showing his muscles to everyone." She shook her head at the memory.
"Why is he my son when he does something you disapprove of?" Jack playfully sassed.
"My son would never do anything like that." She smirked as she held her head high.
"Well, our son did win. And he just got excited and lost his head for a moment."
"I would say." She laughed at Jack's pride.
"You never did answer my question."
"And what question was that?"
"How do you know that JJ and I take our shirts off and flex when we chop wood?"
"Oh look…there is a Cardinal." She tried to change the subject by pointing out a bird on a limb of a tree.
"I'm surprised you could see the Cardinal with the image of me without a shirt on running through your mind."
"Yeah…you have a perfect…wait!" She shook her head trying to get the image out of her head.
"Come on Bella. We need to get the kids back to the schoolhouse. Then we have a dinner date with Jerry."