Surrounded by the love of a good man and dear friends, Elizabeth felt confident that Jack's good name would quickly be restored. So with that, she turned her thoughts to her final preparations for the beginning of another school year. A smile spread across her face as she imagined introducing herself to her students but this time as Mrs Grant. Mrs Nathan Grant. She would never tire of wearing his name. Even this trouble with Hargraves could not steal the peace and joy that filled her newlywed heart.
Elizabeth gathered a few supplies and her notebook and headed outside to work. The late Summer sunshine was too much to resist. Settled into a comfortable spot on the front steps of the school with her things spread around her, she lifted her face toward the warmth of the sun and allowed the gentle breeze to play with her hair. Her eyes closed she didn't notice the Mountie approaching her.
Nathan was walking through town when he noticed his bride, sitting on the steps of the school, preparing for her new school year, enjoying the beautiful day. He couldn't resist a quick visit with his love. As he got closer, he saw her lift her face to the sky, soaking in the last of Summer's golden sunshine. He knew she didn't notice him getting closer so he took advantage of that to admire her beauty. His heart was hers so entirely. Some days he still couldn't believe she was his wife but every morning waking up by her side confirmed this glorious truth.
"Mrs Grant, you're looking beautiful today." Nathan's cheeky greeting made Elizabeth smile broadly.
"Constable, flirting on the job I see." she replied teasingly, her eyes admiring him in his red serge. "Do you have time to sit with me?" she asked, clearing a place right next to her on the stairs.
"Always." Nathan replied and took a seat next to her, taking her hand in his. They quickly chatted about each other's day of work, laughed at their kids antics that morning, and stole a few kisses before he had to leave again for his rounds.
Nathan took a couple steps before turning back, grinning. "Elizabeth, I was wondering if the teacher might like a Mountie escort to school on the first day."
Elizabeth stood and joined him. She slowly moved in for a kiss and then replied quietly, "I think the teacher would love that. But I was planning to walk with Jack on his first day of school. I don't want to miss it." She kept her hands on his chest, her eyes looking up into his apologetically.
He wrapped his arms around her waist, "Of course! I wouldn't want to miss it either. We'll walk together as a family."
"I'd love that." She snuggled into his embrace, enjoying a few more moments of closeness before they both returned to work.
The rest of the week went by quickly and before they knew it, it was time for school to begin. Jack woke up extra early, excited to finally join his mom and Allie in the classroom. Nathan got up with him and together they made scrambled eggs and bacon for their girls. Allie and Elizabeth descended the stairs together, talking and laughing when they noticed the delicious smell and table set with special dishes. Their first day of school as a family was off to a great start.
Together, they walked to school, ahead of the crowd. Nathan hugged Allie and Jack. The little boy saluted up at Nathan as he pulled away from the hug. Nathan smiled and saluted back to his boy. They said goodbye and Allie led Jack to find a seat. Outside, Nathan and Elizabeth snuck a kiss. "Have a great day today, beautiful." he said, still close to her lips. "Thank you Nathan. You too." Elizabeth sighed deeply, enjoying his closeness.
Seemingly out of nowhere, the rest of the children had arrived. Giggles alerted the happy couple to their presence. Nathan and Elizabeth laughed, feeling a little embarrassed to be caught by her students, and quickly said goodbye for the day. Excitement filled Elizabeth. She loved teaching, she loved these students, and she loved this school.
The Jack Thornton School. Her eyes misted as she read the sign, following the kids into the classroom. Once again, she breathed a silent prayer that his reputation would be restored and determined to leave the matter in God's hands. Today, her focus was on starting the school year and she was anxious to begin.
"Good morning students! My name is Mrs Grant." Elizabeth started with a bright smile.
The day seemed to fly by. Everyone was full of new energy and joy. Older students were happy to be back together and new little students sat with wide eyed with wonder at this new world of learning.
At the end of the day, Allie left with her friends to get ice cream and Jack walked home with Elizabeth. Sleepy from his first big day at school, he held her hand as they walked.
"Did you have fun at school, my darling boy?" Elizabeth asked. It was bittersweet. Her son was growing up so quickly but she thoroughly enjoyed having him in her classroom.
"Yes mommy. I saw some friends and I like sitting at the front." He sounded happy but Elizabeth could tell there was more he wanted to say. "Mommy, do I call you Mrs Grant at school?"
There it was. How did I not think of that? Elizabeth silently chided herself. "Oh Jack, that's a great question. When we're at school, in front of the class, you can call me Mrs Grant like everyone else. But I'm still your mommy even at school and when it's just the two of us, it's okay if that's what you call me." She placed a kiss on his hand. That seemed to calm his concerns and then their home came into view.
Jack fell asleep on the couch as Elizabeth began to get things out together to make supper. It had been a big day for her little boy. She dreamed of years ahead teaching him and other children she and Nathan would welcome into their family. Her cheeks flushed at the thought. Before she could allow herself to dream for too long, the door opened and Allie walked in. She set down her things and headed straight to the kitchen where Elizabeth was.
"How was your day today, Allie?" Elizabeth had felt her heart soar with joy as she had watched Allie in the classroom today, no longer just her student but her daughter.
"It was good, mama. And we had a blast at the ice cream parlour after. But it felt a little strange to call you Mrs Grant after the last few weeks." Allie answered honestly, as Elizabeth knew she would.
"Jack said the same thing. But I have to say, I loved having both of you there today with me." Elizabeth pulled Allie into a hug.
Just then, Nathan arrived home. In his hands he carried a couple large brown paper bags. "I hope you didn't start cooking already. I thought the teacher could use the evening off so I stopped by the cafe."
Elizabeth's heart warmed at this simple, thoughtful gesture. This is why she loved him. "Nathan, thank you! That's so kind of you. I had just chopping a few veggies so far. They'll keep. This smells so good." Elizabeth unpacked the bags of food revealing Minnie's perfectly fried chicken, garlic mashed potatoes, and corn on the cob. Allie set the table while Nathan gently woke Jack from his nap.
They all enjoyed supper together. Jack who had found a second wind after his nap was chattering away telling Nathan all about his first day at school, where he sat, his friends, recess, everything. Allie was more subdued but happily shared about her day and trip into town with her friends. She was so quickly becoming a young lady and not as excitable as Jack.
The first week of school passed uneventfully but happily. Everyone settled into their new routine. By Thursday, Jack even managed to stay awake after school. That night, Nathan let Elizabeth know that he'd have to leave for work early the next morning, before she would be awake but he'd be back at the usual time.
Friday morning when she woke up, she reached for him and then remembered. Elizabeth got up and went down the stairs to begin her day. She turned toward the kitchen and stopped. On the table was a simple but lovely bouquet of freshly picked wildflowers. They reminded her of their recent wedding. Leaning against the vase was a letter with her name. She picked it up and read it quickly.
I planned a date for us tonight.
Just me and you.
I can't wait.
Love you.
Elizabeth felt butterflies as she read his note. A date night alone. She couldn't wait either! It was then that she noticed the two lunch bags packed for Allie and Jack. He must have made them before leaving. How did I get so lucky?
She prepared breakfast for their children and then got ready for school with a new lightness in her step. All day her mind wander to the evening ahead with her distractingly handsome husband.
As school ended, Minnie arrived. "Hello Mrs Grant, I'm here to pick up Allie and Jack. Nathan arranged for them to spend the night with us. We are happy to have them."
Elizabeth was surprised. "Oh! Okay I'll have to pack some things for them."
"It's all been taken care of." Minnie replied smoothly, patting Elizabeth's hand. "Enjoy your evening, Elizabeth." She smiled kindly and left, holding Jack's hand. Elizabeth could hear Minnie's musical laugh and Jack's happy voice as they walked away. She quickly gathered her things and headed home.
When she walked in, she found Nathan in the kitchen. Wearing an apron with a dish cloth tossed over his shoulder, this certainly wasn't the sight she expected when she arrived but it sure made her smile. He was carefully preparing their dinner. She noticed the house was tidy and toys all cleaned up. Elizabeth felt a new serge of love for this man. Nathan turned to her then, "Why don't you change and relax for a little while? I'm almost done here. Then we just have to wait for it to cook." He seemed slightly nervous. It was well known that Nathan wasn't the best cook but Elizabeth knew whatever he was making was clearly made with love.
When the time came, supper was simple but very good. There was a small baked ham, buttery mashed potatoes, and fresh yellow beans. Nathan had nothing to worry about. Elizabeth showered him with compliments, genuinely enjoying the meal and his thought and effort. They ate together at their table by the light of a single candle. Cozy and close, enjoying every bite and every moment. Elizabeth was quite convinced he could have served stale bread and neither would have noticed, both so entranced with each other.
"I wasn't sure if you would want to kiss the potatoes first." He teased. Elizabeth scrunched up her nose in response but rewarded him with a kiss instead.
"I don't need to kiss potatoes anymore. I have you to kiss." she spoke softly.
After dessert, they sat on the front step in the cool evening air, enjoying a hot cup of cocoa. "I'm sure you've had fancier dates before but I hope you enjoyed this evening. I just wanted to celebrate your first week of school…and an excuse to get you alone."
"Nathan, why would I want candles when I have all the stars with you? Tonight has been amazing."
Nathan smiled. It was common knowledge that Ned struggled to keep candles in stock for a time. But they had the stars.
"So tell me - I know the school is named after Jack, how did that come to be?"
Elizabeth was a little surprised at the question. "Well not long after I came to Hope Valley, well it was called Coal Valley at first, Jack built the school to surprise me. And for the town of course. But it was a surprise. I was visiting Hamilton and when I came back, there it was. When he passed, the students and Abigail who was mayor at the time, named the school after him."
Nathan sat quietly and listened. "I'm grateful you've had great love in your life. We will prove his innocence."
"I know we will. And Nathan, I'm grateful I've found you - the love of my life." Elizabeth gazed into his eyes sincerely.
"Then will you dance with me?" Nathan wrapped his arm around her, not waiting for a response.
Under the moon, with a sky full of stars, they danced. Nathan held Elizabeth close as they swayed and then he quietly sang just to her,
Your eyes of blue, your kisses too,
I never knew what they could do.
I can't believe that you're in love with me.
Notes: The song was a popular 1920s love song, I Can't Believe That You're in Love With Me by Jimmy McHugh