Chapter 24

The Ceremony

It was Friday morning. Elizabeth had sent a note home yesterday that there would be no school today because of the ceremony. The children were excited, unbeknownst to Jack but everyone from their community was going to be there. He had left early to do his morning rounds so he would be back in town in time.

Charlotte had finished her new dress, it was a light beige in color with lace around the neck, cuffs. There were pleats down the bodice that made it form fitting. It was the fanciest dress she owned. She had not made a dress like this since before her husband had died. She had polished her shoes to a spit shine. She reached into her top drawer and pulled out the box that she had planned to give her son on this special day. She came out and sat at the table having a cup of coffee while she waited on Lizzy.

Elizabeth came out and gasped, Ma! Why are you so dressed up and is that a new dress? Yes dear. Today is a very special day for me! This is the first ceremony that I've been able to attend for Jack! I wanted to have something nice to wear for it. It took me until last night to finish it!

Now I feels underdressed, Elizabeth says. Yes Lizzy you are underdressed, why don't you wear that beautiful blue dress of yours? Ma? What aren't you saying? I'm not at liberty to say but please change while I hold my grandson? Yes ma'am, be right back. Elizabeth yells from the bedroom and asks, does Jack know? I don't believe he does. Elizabeth changed and fixed her hair and spritzed a little perfume on.

They got The General hitched to the buggy. Elizabeth didn't ask why, she knew Charlotte wanted a part of her husband to be a part of this, what ever this was. Elizabeth held Jarrick, he was wearing a red shirt, blue pants and brown booties. He had gotten this outfit as a gift from Rosemary and Lee while they were in Coal Valley. She called it his little Mountie outfit!

They pulled into town a few minutes before the ceremony. They didn't see Jack so they got out and stepped up on the boardwalk. They sat in front of the ice cream parlor.

A couple minutes later her mom and dad stepped out and touched her arm. She jumped up with excitement and hugged them! She leans back from her dad, looks him in the eye, this is a big deal isn't it? Yes My Little Beth! Dad please don't embarrass him, he thinks he was just doing his job. Well I don't plan on embarrassing him but he's not the only one being awarded. He kissed her cheek and led them over to the NWMP office. He had them stand just to the right of the door on the boardwalk. He knocked on the door. That was the cue. Every Mountie stepped outside in their dress uniform. They saw Deputy Commissioner and solutes immediately. He returned the solute.

Jack looked out and saw his entire community standing out in the street. He swallowed hard but stood at attention. All of a sudden he saw Elizabeth and his Ma standing there all dressed up. He knew there was more to this ceremony than he thought. He doesn't smile or anything because it wasn't aloud while at attention.

Deputy Commissioner steps up and begins, I want to welcome all of you here to celebrate these accomplishments of every one of these men. It had been a long time coming but it's finally happening today! Each of them has gone over and above in the line of duty. They risked their own lives to protect others. They've put their lives on the line to serve others. They have put their own lives on the line to protect their brothers in red.

If you remember back a few months ago, the Webster brothers were on the loose, because of their heroic efforts, they put their lives on the line to help capture them, I want to thank them here today.

Superintendent Collins, Sargent Major Covington, Sargent Pendleton, Corporals Harrison and Thorpe, Constables Roberts, Evans, Green, Brown, Cole, Carver and Greenwood. Please step forward. The Commissioner pinned the Medals on their serge. They solute and stepped back in line.

Now you all are aware of the Hair Clip Rapist Daniel Weatherby. It took a team effort to capture him. I want to thank those men today. Sargent O'Riley, Corporal Burke, Constables, Thornton, McMurphy, Livingston, Edmond, Edmonton, Forest, G. Green, Weaver, Jacobs, Jacobson, Johnson. Please step forward, he pinned the Medal on their serge. They solute and they stepped back in line.

Now a few weeks ago there was the capture of Alvin Roark in Coal Valley. I want to thank those men here today because this man was untouchabl. These men put their heads together and had a fool proof plan to capture him. Constables Thornton, Everette, Morgan, Jenkins, Reed, Pauls, Perkins, Reading, Tucker, Fredericks, Townsend. Inspector Avery. Please step forward. He pinned the Medal on their serge. They stepped back in line.

Constable Thornton led that capture, so today he's being promoted to Sargent Jarrick "Jack" Thornton, please step forward. He pinned his Sargent pins on his serge. They solute and he stepped back in line.

Deputy Commissioner winds up his speech by saying, to those of you from out of town there will be an envelope in your box waiting on your return. For those of you here in town will have an envelope in your box.

Men there will be a dinner in your honor tonight at the restaurant at 1800 hours. If your wives or girlfriends or parents would like to accompany you, they are welcome to join you at the dinner tonight. Dismissed. Everyone applauds and whistles to congratulate them!

Jack left the line and joined his Ma and Elizabeth. Elizabeth kissed his cheek and said, congratulations Sargent Thornton!

Charlotte steps up and hands Jack the box. Ma what is this? You didn't have to get me anything. She kissed his cheek and says, please open it son. Jack takes the box and opens it. In the box was a pocket watch. Jack says, Maaaa, noooo. Yes son, I gave this to your father when he was promoted to Sargent. Now I think it's fitting to pass it on to you to commemorate your promotion to Sargent. Jack let's the tears fall and hugs her and says, thanks Ma, I will cherish it always! Elizabeth wipes her tears as well.

They all hug until Jarrick starts to whine. They step back and Jack takes him and says, sorry little man. Didn't mean to squish you. Jack guides Elizabeth down off the boardwalk with his hand on her low back while carrying his son. Everyone in their community steps up one at a time to shake his hand and congratulate him and to tell him how proud of him they were. He thanked them all. Let's go get some lunch then we can go home and come back for the dinner, he says.

Jack catches up with Phillip and Lydia. Hey Lydia, do you think you could watch Jarrick while we are at the dinner? I want Ma to be with us. Sure, Jack, just bring him by on your way out. I've been wanting to spend time with him!

Ma? Yes son. I've asked Lydia to watch Jarrick tonight because I want you with us . Oh son you don't really need your mother tagging along, do you? Yes Ma I do, he replied.

Everyone got their baths and dressed. Elizabeth packed Jarrick's things in his bag. Jack went out to get the buggy hitched up to The General. He really appreciated his Ma bringing him earlier. He had cleaned the buggy for the evening.

Elizabeth had brushed his dress uniform serge. She made a mental note as to where the pins went before she took them off to brush it. She hung it back on the hanger and placed the pins back on. Jack came through the door and noticed. He walked up to her and said, good job Bella. You got them in the perfect position! Thanks Hon. I want you looking your best tonight. Yes ma'am he chuckles. She kisses his lips and says, I want you to know how proud of you I really am! Thank you Bella, that means a lot to me!

She looks over at their clock and says, we have an hour before we have to take Jarrick to Lydia's. I want to nurse him before we go then I'll put my dress on. Is your Ma ready? I don't know but I'll go check, be right back.

He went looking for his Ma. She wasn't in her room or in the house. He stepped outside and she was standing next to The General talking. Jack walked up to her and asked, Ma are you alright? Yes son, just talking to this old man here. You know your father would be so proud of you! I hope I can always strive to make him proud! He would be son! I'm proud of you as well! Are you ready Ma? She just nods.

They drop Jarrick off with Lydia. Lydia says, I'm so excited to be able to watch him. I've been wanting to spend some time with him! Elizabeth handed him to her and kisses his cheek and runs her hand gently over his hair. We should be back around nine. That's fine, enjoy yourselves, he'll be fine. Can he have pudding, I made some today, Lydia asked? Yes he can. He nursed before we left so he should be fine but if he wants it he can have it. She kissed him once more before getting back in the buggy.

In town Jack pulled up to an empty spot and helped the ladies out of the buggy. He held out both elbows, one for Elizabeth and one for his Ma. He walked up to the restaurant and was escorted back to the private dining room. The doors were opened for them and they walked in. They were met by their mom. She took Elizabeth's arm and led them over to their table. Jack walked up the table and pulled Elizabeth's chair for her, then did the same for his Ma. He sat between them.

After a few minutes of conversation Deputy Commissioner stood and tapped his butter knife on the side of his glass to get everyone's attention. Alright everyone the food has been brought in and before we fix our plates I would ask Rev. Alden to ask the blessing. Rev.

Alden stood and said, kind Heavenly Father we come before you to ask that you bless this food for the nourishment of our bodies. Father we ask that you watch over everyone here tonight as they travel and in their lives. Father they put their lives on the line every day. We ask that you go before them Lord, bless them and keep them Lord. In Jesus name amen. Everyone said amen.

The men that had a woman with them pulled out their chairs and walked them over to help their plates. Once all the women were seated the rest of the men fix them a plate and sat down at their table. Deputy Commissioner and his Elizabeth were sitting with the high ranking officers.

Jack was seated at the table with O'Riley and Burke. There was plenty of banter going around the tables. Well, I guess a desk job is in your future, Burke teases! Jack laughs but replies, if I have any questions, I'll be sure to contact you first! They all laugh. They were a 3 more like brothers than comrades, brothers in red. O'Riley speaks up and puts his 2 sense in by saying, hey Burke, how many times did you call me to ask questions? They laugh! I think he should call me instead because I've had my desk job longer! Everyone at the table laughs! I guess you have plenty of backup, hon! Jack chuckles and replies, that's enough out of you Bella! She swats his arm but laughs herself!

After dinner everyone was led into the small ballroom. The music was soft but could be heard over the entire room. Tables were all around the room leaving the entire center open. Jack escorted his Ma and Elizabeth to a table. He asked, would you ladies like something to drink? They look at the drink table and said, I would like coffee son, I would like punch please Hon. Jack left to get their drinks.

Bill Avery walked up to the table and sat next to Charlotte and asked, how have you been Charlotte? I've been great. I'm living with Jack and Lizzy now. I'm enjoying myself quite well! How have you been Bill? I've been good. Jack told me you had moved in with them. I'm glad to hear you aren't living all the way out there anymore by yourself! Tom used to worry about you all the time. Yes we didn't have the neighbors then. It was just me and the boys when he was reassigned. I told him that not to worry because he had taught me well how to handle things.

Would you care to dance, Charlotte? I don't know Bill I haven't danced since my Tom...Come on Charlotte. It's just two friends sharing a dance. Besides I have my eyes on one back in Coal Valley. Alright Bill, just two old friends. He held out his hand and she took it.

Jack came back and set their drinks on the table. He held out his hand to Elizabeth and she nodded and took it. He lead her out onto the dance floor. He says, this is nice. I've never been to a ceremony like this but I've never been to one where there were so many awards given either. Usually I just had mine sent to Ma. Yes she gave them to me. I've been trying to decide where to hang them. I was thinking over Jarrick's crib. I will hang them wherever you want them. Ma had them hanging in my old room at her house.

I'm having a wonderful time Hon! Me too Bella! I love anytime I can dance with you! Me too Hon! After a couple of hours dancing and talking with O'Riley and Burke Jack said, we are fixing to go. We have to pick Jarrick up from Phillip and Lydia's. They said they're goodbyes and Elizabeth says, hon we need to say goodbye to mom and dad before we go. Ok but remember no one can know they are related except for the men from here. They headed over to Deputy Commissioner and his wife. They thanked them for such a wonderful evening.

Elizabeth and her mom lean in and Elizabeth whispered, we'll see you at the house in the morning for breakfast. I know there's a certain someone that would love to see you! Yes! We'll be there about seven thirty, mom says.

Jack shook the Commissioner's hand and thanked him for everything. Jack walked his Ma and Elizabeth out to the buggy. Charlotte says, I had a good time. I haven't been to one of those dinners since your father was last promoted to Staff Sargent. It's changed since then. Back then there was only a small dinner but this was nice! It was Elizabeth said.

Ma if they have the Christmas Mountie Ball this year and we're able to go would you go with us? Yes, I will. I'll keep my grandson. No Ma they usually have babysitters. I would love for you to go to the Ball with us. We'll see son. I've never been. Your father never wanted to go because of it being Christmas and not wanting to be away from you boys at Christmas. That's the only time he really had off.