By Tuesday afternoon, Gypsy was feeding and taking care of her little colt like the seasoned mother she was. After working on the house for a full shift, Jack checked on the horses and took Newton out for his ride. At the end of the ride, he stopped in at the row house to get supplies for staying in the barn to be close by if Gypsy and her baby needed anything. He was still deciding on the perfect name but had some ideas. Right before he walked back out the door, the phone rang. Jack stopped and stared, trying to decide whether or not he wanted to answer. With a sigh he dropped what he was carrying and picked up the receiver with an annoyed greeting.
"Jack?" he froze when he heard Nathan's voice on the other end. "Is everything ok? I wasn't in the house when your mother tried calling earlier, and the message said something about Gypsy having her baby? I'm sure sorry I missed all of that excitement."
Trying to push his anger aside, Jack answered as politely as he could bring himself to. "I think my mom is at the school, but I'm not sure. I was just getting supplies to stay at the barn tonight during my ride on Newton, but I could leave a message for her to call you back if you prefer to talk to her about Gypsy."
Feeling confused by Jack's cold tone, Nathan wished he were already back home in Hope Valley. "What's wrong, son? You sound upset. I would love to have you tell me all about the birth. I'm sure she would want you to."
"I'm not your son," Jack retorted, then instantly regretted it. "Listen, I need to get back to check on the horses. I'll give my mom a message to call you. Gypsy had a colt and both are doing just fine. Goodbye." As he slammed down the receiver, Jack sat in the chair next to the phone and ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. I should have just not answered the phone, he thought to himself. Suddenly the door opened and scared him. As Elizabeth walked in, he stood and grabbed all of his things before beginning to leave.
She touched his arm and waited for him to look at her. "Jack, please don't stay mad about this. How can I make it better?"
Swallowing the lump in his throat, Jack closed his eyes to hide how he truly felt. "I just need some time, Mom. I have to get back to the horses right now. Oh, and your boyfriend called." With that, he rushed outside and loaded his belongings on Newton and rode back to the barn with a twinge of guilt nagging at him. Matters only got worse when he saw two familiar figures leaving the barn just as he was approaching. A pit in his stomach just aggravated him even more as he tried to ignore the couple while dismounting and leading Newton into his stall.
As he was putting the saddle away, Sarah cautiously approached. "Hey Jack, how was your ride?" she asked, trying to gauge his reaction to seeing her with Jimmy. "I was just taking something to Mrs. Davis from my mom when Jimmy told me his dad delivered a foal this morning and asked if I wanted to go see. When we came here...Jack, I swear I had no clue it was Gypsy. But your colt is beautiful. What are you going to name him?"
"You better not leave your boyfriend waiting," Jack snipped. "I have a lot of work to do."
Sarah's head drooped as she backed away and joined Jimmy in his dad's car. It was becoming clear to her that she didn't have romantic feelings for the man she had been seeing for the better part of a year. Instead, her mind was constantly filled with thoughts of a tall young man who gave her butterflies every time he looked her way. She knew it was time to let Jimmy know he should look elsewhere for a sweetheart. Even if nothing serious ever happened with Jack Thornton Jr, she now knew she didn't feel for Jimmy what she probably should if they were to have a serious relationship that could lead to marriage.
After Elizabeth washed up and made a cup of tea, she picked up the phone to call her beloved. She was relieved when she finally heard his voice, but in a way, it made her miss him even more. "I'm so sorry we've been missing each other so far today," she began. "It was such a crazy morning with Gypsy giving birth, and I had work to complete at the school. Then there is Jack who is still upset with me."
"I don't think it's just you he's mad at," Nathan divulged. "He wouldn't even talk to me when he answered my call before. Please tell me what's going on, Elizabeth."
She took a sip of tea, before finally explaining how Jack had overheard her conversation with Rosemary about Fort Clay. "I'm so sorry, Nathan. I never would have said anything if I had known he would overhear. I believe he knows you aren't to blame for his father's death. He really is more upset about us not telling him sooner; but even then, I'm sure he just needs time to come to terms with everything. Please forgive me for even bringing it up. It needs to be put to rest and in the past." Tears were falling down her face, and all she wanted was the feel of his warm embrace to comfort her aching heart.
On the other end of the call, Nathan tried to push away the guilt he had worked so hard to overcome. "Thank you for telling me what happened, Elizabeth. I don't blame you for wanting to tell Rosemary about Fort Clay. I've thought a lot about telling Jack over the past few weeks. In fact, I planned to tell him when I got back from Union City; but it looks like I'm too late. Right now, though, I want to hear about Gypsy and her baby."
"Oh my goodness!" Elizabeth exclaimed. "Robert and Jack were going to get Newton to do rounds together, when they noticed Gypsy was almost ready to give birth. They immediately got me and Doc Davis over there, and I was able to help calm her through the worst of it. What a beautiful moment watching that little foal be born! Jack is over the moon about the little guy. I know he is going to decide on a name very soon, but I am relieved that mother and baby seem to both be doing well. Gypsy is such a good momma, caring for that little guy with such love and affection. I'm only sad you weren't here with me when it happened."
"That makes two of us," Nathan responded with a touch of sadness in his voice. "Trust me, that sounds like a lot more fun than what I've been knee deep in all day long. But I think I've gotten everything packed up and moved into the cottage so the staff can get the house cleaned and ready for the soon-to-be newlyweds. I should be able to complete my business tomorrow, so as long as Allie holds on until at least the weekend I shouldn't miss that birth at least. How is she doing? I tried calling earlier but she didn't answer."
Always affected by love and concern for his daughter, Elizabeth tried to reassure him. "I've instructed her to stay down as much as possible for the next few days so that the baby stays put until you are able to get back. She's doing great, but definitely wants her dad here to see his first grandchild right after being brought into the world. She told me that having you close to her means so much, because she wants you to be involved in her baby's life. I am glad you've decided to reside in Hope Valley. For me, it is entirely based on selfish reasons."
Her last comment made him snicker, but emotion quickly came to the surface when Nathan thought about his baby girl soon having her own baby. As much as the accident with Rowdy had affected him, he was extremely grateful it had brought him back home to his daughter's family and what he hoped was his future family. "Thank you for checking on Allie for me, Elizabeth. I hate that I had to take this trip right now, but it couldn't be helped. Once I get back, don't plan on getting rid of me very easily ever again."
"Mmmmm. That sounds wonderful," she professed. "I'm going to make some dinner to take over for Allie and Robert. Why don't you try calling her now to set your mind at ease. Don't worry about anything; I will make sure it is all taken care of until you are back safe and sound."
After saying their goodbyes, Elizabeth made a quick dinner and carried it next door. Robert let her inside where Allie was situated comfortably with her feet up in the living room. "My dad told me you would be over with dinner soon. You really don't have to do this, but we do appreciate it very much."
Robert set the food on the counter and began dishing up three plates and placing them on trays so they could eat together and Allie wouldn't have to get up and sit at the table. Elizabeth sat in the chair across from Allie and asked, "How was your appointment today? Do they think you'll make it until your dad gets back?"
"Well, since it's my first baby, they aren't worried about things moving too quickly. Baby is definitely in position and nearly ready; but from Millie's estimation, it could still be a week. Dad seems ready to be back already. He was so disappointed missing Gypsy giving birth. Has Jack picked a name yet?"
Elizabeth tried to ignore the sinking feeling she felt when Jack was mentioned. "I don't think he has decided yet. Hopefully he can figure it out after spending some time up there with mother and baby. He was still pretty upset when I saw him a little bit ago, but maybe he'll have time to think things through and come to terms with it all up at the barn."
Setting trays of food in front of them, Robert settled in next to Allie and joined the conversation. "I'm sorry. I was going to talk to Jack yesterday while doing rounds, but Gypsy kind of changed those plans. I'll stop by first thing in the morning and see if I can get him to talk to me."
"Thank you, Robert." Elizabeth said appreciatively. "Jack is lucky to have many good men to look up to here. I hope he'll survive being in the barn all night alone. Also, I was going to ask, do either of you have some inside information on Jack and Sarah?"
Allie's face lit up into a big grin. "Have you forgotten who you are talking to, Mrs. Thornton? I personally find their friendship very similar to what Robert and I had back when we were close to their age. Don't you worry; I just talked to Sarah yesterday, and she told me nothing serious is going on with them right now."
With a tough Mountie look, Robert added, "Jack and I have come to an understanding about my sister. He knows that if anything goes awry, he has me to contend with."
With a slight chuckle, Elizabeth considered what they had said. "I just found a drawing Jack did of the two of them holding hands on a blanket near the river. It felt more serious than what I had previously seen from them, but I know there is a level of trust I need to have with my son. I just haven't had enough experience with teenage boys, and feel so inadequate to help him right now."
"You are doing great with Jack," Robert assured her. "He's a great young man; and like you said, there are plenty of men willing to step in and help when needed. I know Nathan loves him like a son. Jack won't stay mad at him forever, so have faith that better days are ahead. He'll be fine at the barn, but I can go check on him tonight and tomorrow morning if that would make you feel better."
Elizabeth nodded as relief flooded over her. She began clearing the dishes and washing them before leaving the young couple for the evening. Not wanting to be home alone, she found herself walking the familiar path to the pond where so many important moments had taken place through the years. She stood overlooking the familiar scenery, always struck by the beauty of the area she had decided to make her permanent home. Memories of her late husband Jack, combined with more recent ones with Nathan, lead to tears flowing freely as she contemplated new life and love that had come into her life since returning. As she turned and walked home, all she could think about was Nathan arriving back to her safe and sound in a couple of days.
After unpacking his gear and putting it in the extra room in the barn, Jack went to check on the horses before getting out the basket of dinner he had also brought from home. He watched Gypsy feed the foal, and tried out a few of the names he had in mind for him. Giving a name to his very own horse was a matter he took very seriously, and Jack wanted to make sure he got it right. A noise from behind startled him, and he turned to see Sarah dismounting Lucky. Mixed emotions immediately flooded through Jack when he saw her in a bright yellow summer dress, her dark wavy hair down her back and windblown. It took everything inside of him to not run away to avoid her; but at the same time, he felt an even greater desire to be closer to her.
Seeing Jack caused Sarah to catch her breath as she slid off her brother's horse. He looked at her with an expression she couldn't immediately decipher. "Hello," she quietly greeted, walking over to inspect the little creature drinking from his mother. "What are you going to name him?" she wondered, resting her hands on the stall railing. "He is such a good looking boy, aren't you sweet thing? Doc Davis says the birth went as well as could be expected, so that's great news."
"What do you need?" Jack insisted, more harshly than he had intended. "I mean, I thought you would be with your boyfriend or something."
Looking down, Sarah tried to get the courage to tell Jack the truth. She moved closer to him near Newton, who nudged her shoulder to get attention. She giggled and started scratching his neck with Jack eyeing them both nervously. "Jimmy isn't my boyfriend anymore. I told him I didn't feel that way about him and he deserved someone who did." Sarah looked shyly at Jack to see his reaction. He looked a little surprised, but she could tell he was also guarded.
Hearing words he had longed for Sarah to say for months made Jack happy, but at the same time. he wasn't sure exactly how to process what that might mean for the two of them. As much as he had more-than-friends feelings for her, he also didn't want to ruin the relationship they had built. All that came out of his mouth was, "Oh." He moved closer to her; and Newton nudged him as well, to get even more attention. It lightened the mood as they both set out scratching and petting him until he was satisfied and decided to go eat some hay in the back of his stall.
"So, I guess you are staying overnight with these guys?" Sarah guessed, as she saw his things set out in the attached room. "I best get Lucky back to the livery before Robert knows I took him without asking. I just wanted to check on you and make sure you know that nothing is going on with me and Jimmy anymore. I think he wants a wife soon, and I'm just not ready for that kind of thing right now. Plus, in order to marry someone you have to be in love with them, and I'm just not."
Feeling more bold, Jack took a chance and asked, "Are you hungry? I brought food, and there is enough for two." When she nodded, he suddenly felt anxious but tried to hide it as they walked into the mostly-empty room where a picnic basket was next to some bedding. They worked together to spread out a blanket and organized the sandwiches, fruit, and sodas from the basket.
As they began eating, their conversation flowed more naturally as they spoke of more trivial matters surrounding the goings-on of other youth of Hope Valley. "You really should come join me and my friends for our annual hike up to my favorite waterfall the weekend before school starts. All of the kids around our age leave early in the morning, and by the time we get up there it is hot enough to play in the water for a while before heading back home."
"I do enjoy a good splash in some outdoor water on a hot day," Jack teased, reminding them both of the time they had recently spent together near the river. He quickly cleared his throat and changed the subject before things got awkward again. "I think I've decided on a name for the Colt. I've been mulling it over, and he needs a name that is worthy of horses like Sergeant and Newton. I've decided on Zeus. I've been reading a lot of Greek mythology lately; and even though it is a powerful name for a little guy, I think he will grow into it. What do you think?"
Taking a drink of soda to wash down the rest of her sandwich, Sarah sat back and smiled. "I think it's perfect. He's so beautiful and looks so strong. Speaking of babies, I can't believe I'm going to be an aunt any day. Do you think Allie and Robert will have a boy or a girl?"
Jack began putting things away in the basket as he considered her question. "I guess I haven't thought much about it. But I did have this thought: If my mom marries Nathan, that would kind of make me an uncle to their baby, wouldn't it?" As he pondered, Jack moved the basket and put out his hand to help Sarah to her feet. She readily accepted it and they stood staring straight into each other's eyes, hands still clasped and their faces just inches apart. It was as if time stood still, and they didn't want the connection to be broken.
Surprised by the intensity of her feelings, Sarah couldn't help but wonder what her first kiss might be like with Jack. Jimmy had tried many times to get close enough for that kind of physical affection; but she always declined and told him she wasn't ready for that step in their relationship, even after going out with him several times over the course of nearly a year. Now, only a few months after meeting Jack, it seemed only natural to want that kind of closeness with him. He's only 15, she thought to herself; but she knew that was just an excuse.
Not knowing what to do, Jack felt his heart rate speed up as her scent hit his nose. Her beautiful brown eyes looked at him in a way that felt different than before. He tried to open his mouth to speak, but nothing came out and felt dry. It was as if a force he wasn't in control of took over as he bent his head down toward hers, his lips eager to meet hers for the first time. But right before they touched, he heard someone shout their names in the distance.
"Jack! Sarah!" Robert's reaction stunned even himself. He remembered being a teenager with a crush on the headstrong girl who had eventually become his wife. Constable Grant had been intimidating, so Robert hadn't pushed the relationship too fast, mostly out of fear of what Nathan might do to him. He was protective over his little sister, and felt it was his duty to make sure guys were respectful of her. But as much as Robert wanted to be the hard-nosed defender of his sister, he also desired to be a brotherly figure to Jack. Robert hadn't exactly been surprised to find Lucky missing when he tried to get him at the livery minutes earlier. He didn't usually mind Sarah taking him for a ride; but she hadn't asked, which led him to believe she was going somewhere her brother might not think was appropriate at the time. He had borrowed Bill's horse Betty, since his friend had offered her up to him at any time.
Breaking apart in a flash, Sarah mumbled an apology and quickly left the room. Robert met her near the horses and told her to take Lucky home. He promised to pick him up after he talked to Jack. "Nothing happened, Robert. Don't be upset with Jack. Also, please don't tell Mom and Dad. You know the two of them overreact to everything."
"Don't worry, I actually was coming to talk to Jack about things other than you. But in the future, you might want to avoid being alone like that together when no one knows where you are. As for our parents, I want you to tell them where you went. If you are honest with them about that, I promise not to let on about how you almost got your first kiss just now."
With a little nod, Sarah mounted Lucky and rode home. Her mind kept returning to Jack's strong hand holding hers, his breath on her face. But then she attempted to shut it down right then and there. What was she doing? Why did it feel like the most natural thing in the world to want to be close to this boy who was built like a man? He's just a friend, she tried to tell herself. But in her heart, she knew that was a lie.
Appointments kept Nathan occupied all morning and early afternoon on Wednesday. He met with some of the Mounties at headquarters regarding some unfinished horse business, then had a checkup with the doctor who had been treating him since the accident. Even he was surprised by the remarkable recovery Nathan had made over the past months he had lived in Hope Valley. Nathan's final stop of the day was the jewelry shop. His heart skipped a beat when he saw how their creation had come to life. He paid the fee, then put the tiny velvet box in his pocket for safekeeping until it was time to give it to the love of his life. He wasn't sure how or when, but at least he was prepared when the time was right.
Exhausted from a long day, Nathan returned home to a delicious dinner of steak and potatoes prepared specially for him by Shirley for his going away meal. He was grateful to have completed his entire to-do list in the city, but all he could think about was getting back home. He hugged Shirley, sending her home to her husband with a promise he could take care of the dishes once he finished dinner. After the kitchen was cleaned with everything put away, Nathan went to his office and called Elizabeth's house with no answer. He pulled the tiny box out of his pocket and rubbed the contents with his thumb, satisfied with the fine craftsmanship. With a smile, he picked up the receiver once more to try checking on his very pregnant daughter. Disappointed by no one answering there, he rubbed his sore leg and decided to bathe and get to bed so he could leave at first light.
Arriving home way later than expected, Elizabeth wondered if she had already missed Nathan's call. She hoped he was going to bed early so he would have enough energy to make the long drive home. Thoughts of their reunion and introducing him to Zeus got her excited. Jack had stopped by first thing that morning for breakfast, since had only taken enough food for dinner the night before. He seemed nervous and tiptoed around her, but eventually warmed up as they ate together, and he shared the name he had settled on for Gypsy's baby and his new colt. After he had eaten and changed, Jack headed to work on the new house while Elizabeth went to finish up the last few lesson plans she needed to have done before school started. She noticed Jack riding Newton from afar when she walked home that evening, but knew he would most likely stop in soon for dinner. She quickly whipped up some Spaghetti, which was ready by the time Jack came in and washed up after a long and tiring day. After a quick blessing on the food, she encouraged him to eat while she took some next door.
Allie was on the porch swing when Elizabeth approached. "Hey there, are you hungry? Is Robert working late tonight?" She set the food down and sat next to the very pregnant young woman who looked a little distressed and in some pain. "Allie, is everything alright?"
"I'm fine, Elizabeth. I'm having a few contractions, but mostly I can't get comfortable anymore. I came out here a while ago, but I was worried if I didn't keep resting the pains would get worse or more often. I even ignored the phone a bit ago, and it was probably my dad. This baby better wait until he is home tomorrow. Robert is late, and he usually tells me if he can't make it right home, so I'm mostly worried about that. I was staying out here to watch for him, and so he could help me back to bed."
Elizabeth stood and picked up the tray of food. "I'm going to help you get settled back in your room, then I'll bring dinner for you to keep up your strength. I'll call around to see if I can find Robert. Just let me go put this down in the kitchen, and I'll be right back out to help you." Once she had Allie in bed eating, she made a call to the Mountie office. Robert answered out of breath, letting her know he was nearly on his way home after getting slowed down by a situation outside of town. After she had hung up and was getting another plate prepared for Robert, Jack showed up with her own dished up spaghetti that was getting cold, so she could eat while taking care of the Wolfs. He told her he was going back to spend the night at the barn, and even gave her a hug before leaving, giving Elizabeth hope that his anger over Fort Clay was subsiding.
She settled in to eat, when the phone alarmed her. As Elizabeth answered, a very confused Nathan was on the other line wondering why she wasn't at her own house. "What's going on? Why are you there? Is everything ok with Allie and the baby?" he asked frantically.
"Calm down, gramps. I have Allie fed and in bed. She's close, but should make it another day at the very least. I was worried I may have missed your call since I was so late getting back from the school, but the good news is that I am completely ready for school to start in a few weeks. Now I can focus on taking care of all the new mothers. Did you accomplish all you set out to do in Union City?"
Nathan admired the sparkling diamonds that would soon find their way to Elizabeth and smiled. "Everything is in order, so I can begin my journey home for good as soon as the sun comes up in the morning. I have so much to share with you, but right now I need rest. Goodnight, my love. Tell Allie I love her and to wait just one more day." After hanging up, he went straight to bed and exhaustion took over. Nathan knew the coming weeks would most likely change the course of his life forever.