Chapter 91
One week before Christmas found a new layer of snow on the ground as the kids made their way to the last day of school before Christmas break. As much as JJ loves school, he tried to convince his mommy that she needed to cancel school because of the weather. She sighed at his arguing. She knew it had everything to do with the holiday break coming up the next day. There may have been two new inches of snow that was on top of the three inches from a week earlier, but this was Canada after all. Five inches of snow wasn't even a small concern for the residents of Hope Valley. Snow for several months was just a normal day of life for people in Canada, especially in the province of Alberta.
The human side of Elizabeth didn't want to walk outside in the weather. It was cold and still spitting snow a little. As she looked out the sink window, she could easily see the beauty of the weather. She also noticed the wind as the branches of the trees swayed under the wind's influence. To the best of their calculations, Elizabeth and Faith thought she was about seven months pregnant. She felt like she most certainly looked like it. She hasn't seen her toes in about a month. She frowned at the thought even though her two boys would tell her often that she was gorgeous. This morning, however, their voices were losing the internal battle at how she was seeing herself. Her human side was also losing the internal battle with her teacher's side.
"That's enough complaining young man." Elizabeth turned her attention away from the beauty outside her window. "This is the last day. You will not have to go back to school for two weeks. Now, please go upstairs and finish getting ready. Make sure you wear your thick socks."
"Yes mommy." He stated as he got up and took his plate to the sink. He gave her a weak smile as he placed the plate down. He brushed his shoulder against her side. Then he kissed the side of her baby mountain. That's what Elizabeth has begun to call her tummy. "I love you little sister."
JJ has done that for so many days in a row. Probably for about five months now that she doesn't even try to correct him anymore. Every time she did, he would just politely wave his hand and kiss her tummy again with that knowing little smile that he had. To be honest, Elizabeth bought in to his line of thinking. Somehow, he just had this way of knowing things like that. Just like with all of his birthday presents, he knew before he opened the gift.
"Hey JJ…" Elizabeth called out as her son reached the stairs. "…smile, you get to go to school today."
JJ did smile. He loved school, just not today. Secretly, he wanted to go riding with his daddy. Their horse riding lessons were a great time for him, for them together. He loved spending time with his daddy. JJ took the riding lessons seriously and not only because Jack required it. JJ really loved the horse and wanted to learn how to ride. He just thought it would be a good day in ride in the new snow with his father.
Jack came down the stairs and stopped where JJ was standing. He tussled his hair. "If things go well for me today, We'll take the horses out after school. But first, you need to do as your mommy says with a genuine smile, work hard on school, and do your best."
"And your work?"
"I'll do it with a genuine smile, work hard at my job, and do my best. Plus, Mountie Sam will be back today. That will help. Now, I need to get going. I have rounds to make this morning."
"Be careful daddy. Make sure you wear your thick socks."
"I have two pairs on. Now…" He nodded up the stairs.
"I don't know what's gotten into him." Elizabeth stated as Jack walked toward her. "I don't think he is trying to be disrespectful. He's just not as excited as he always is for school."
"I think he's just excited about the break."
"Yeah…me to."
"It's also his first Christmas since Steven and Joy has passed."
"I didn't think about that."
Jack wrapped his arms around his beautiful bride. "It's kind of hard to remember. It just feels like he has always been ours. We're not trying to be impolite or cold hearted, we just love him as a son."
"I think you may be correct. I also think he just wants to spend time with you on a horse."
"He has gotten pretty good with that." Jack smiled. He could tell Elizabeth still wasn't too eager for the gift a few months ago. After all, she was a mommy with a mommy's protective heart.
"That's what he keeps telling me." She smiled at all the times JJ would tell her about the riding lessons. Elizabeth hasn't missed a lesson, yet JJ would give her a minute by minute run down of everything that happened with the excitement of a six year old. She loved the excitement on her son's face, even if it did involve a huge horse.
"Now, you don't seem as excited about school today either."
"I'm not. I'll do it with a genuine smile, work hard at my job, and do my best." She smirked at her husband. He could only shake his head at her teasing him. They were all ready for a small break. "You're still happy with being sheriff?"
"I am." He wrapped his arms around her a little more. She would often ask. She knew he did, but every once in a while a small doubt would creep into her mind that he would begin to resent his decision to leave the mounties. "It's not that much different than the mounties. I work in law enforcement, and I am serving people. Plus…"
"You're protecting people that needs to be protected." She sassed him by repeating one of his favorite phrases.
"Alright Mrs. Thornton. You keep this up and I will push for your job."
"There are times I am certain the kids would love to have you as their teacher. They still talk about the day that 'Sheriff Thornton did such a good job'." She tried to use a child's voice to repeat their common phrase. The statement always brought him joy. Some of that reason was that it slightly irked Elizabeth. "Watch it Sheriff Thornton or I will run against you for sheriff in a few years."
"You better not! The community loves you more than they love me." He kissed the tip of her nose. "I am very happy being sheriff. Sam and I work well together. I feel like I am making a difference in the community member's lives. I wouldn't trade anything for it. Plus, it's not too different than the mountie work. I don't have all the superiors over me telling me different things at times. Abagail is great to work with. If I can justify why I did something, she's fine with my decisions. That doesn't me she doesn't question me on things, but if I can make a valid argument for why I did something, she's good with it even if she disagrees."
"She's good that way. But you are correct, she will question you in a good way."
"Yes. I like that she does. It keeps me on my game." He chuckled. "She usually fusses at me because I laugh at her."
"Why would you do that?" Elizabeth challenged leaning back just enough to look into his eyes."
"I just remember she doubted herself so much when she became mayor. She really thought she couldn't do the job well. I can't think of anyone who could do it better."
"Me too.
"Come on mommy…let's get this over with."
"Excuse me?"
"I'm sorry." He genuinely stated. He gave her his best smile. "Let's go to school so we can become better people."
"Uh hummm." She grinned at her son. "Grab your jacket. Daddy and I will get ours. We'll leave in two minutes."
"Three minutes. You two haven't kissed yet."
"That's true, Sheriff Thornton. You haven't kissed me yet."
…
Sam stood outside of the jail watching a few town's people walk by as the day was beginning. He kept patting his front pocket making sure for the countless time that morning that his little gift was still there. He couldn't keep his nerves from coming to the surface.
"Mountie Sam!"
"Sam!" He called out. They shared the same name and the little guy thought that was the coolest thing. "Why are you out so early?"
"Mom needed to go to the mercantile before school. I'm out of pencils." The little boy ran up to him. "I haven't seen you in a little while. Sheriff Jack said you were out of town."
"I was for a little while. I'm back now."
"Good. Are you ready for Christmas?"
"Yes. Are you ready?"
The little boy shrugged his shoulders as he looked at his mother. When she turned her attention away from him, he nodded his head to let Mountie Sam know he was. He just didn't want his mother to know.
"Well, enjoy your last day of school. Be nice to Mrs. Thornton and you enjoy your Christmas."
"I will."
Sam nodded at the little boy's mother. When they continued to walk down the sidewalk, he patted the outside of his pocket to make sure the little box was still there.
…
"You two have a good day."
"You too, daddy."
Jack kissed his bride on her lips and began to leave the schoolhouse. The room wasn't warm yet, but he had a roaring fire in the stove. It wouldn't take long for the room to warm up. It would be fine within a few minutes when the students would arrive. JJ didn't want to play outside by himself, so he staying in to help his mommy get things ready for the day.
Elizabeth had made plans for the children to enjoy a little bit of an easy day. The first half would be filled with arithmetic and then a two writing projects. The first writing project would describe what each one would like to receive for Christmas. The next project would be what a perfect Christmas would look like in their little eyes. Arithmetic and writing were two subjects that she wanted each child to excel at. She would often spend a little more time on those two subjects. She felt that writing aided in reading and understanding.
The older children would be expected to write in a formal style of writing and each assignment would be expected to be a full page. For the smaller children, they were expected to write a half a page and it didn't have to be in a formal style like the older kids. She did want their best efforts with sentences. If the younger ones didn't know the words, she would accept their best neatly drawn pictures to express themselves.
"Mommy, I'm sorry I was not so excited about school this morning."
"JJ…that's alright. There are days when coming to school isn't the most fun thing to do. I understand that, but school is important. We can't simply dismiss it because we would rather do something else that day. I truly believe that education is the key to a better life and a better future."
"Daddy says that you came to Coal Valley because your calling is to teach children who may not have the best opportunities in life."
"He said that, did he?"
"Several times." JJ thought for a moment. "Are you the reason they changed the name from Coal Valley to Hope Valley?"
"What? No JJ. I am not that reason. The coal mines were closed and the sawmill opened. The judge ruled in favor of the widows. That gave them a new hope in life. Their husbands and, in some instances, their children didn't die in vain. That gave them hope that the lives of their loved ones wasn't in vain. This also gave the widows and children hope that life could be better."
"And with a good teacher, that hope IS increased."
Elizabeth nodded her head.
"So, in some ways you are the reason." His voice had a little bit of pride.
"No son. I am a small part of equation of Hope Valley that consists of so many people. Look at Abagail. Look at Frank. Look at Cat Mongomery. There are so many others. The best part of this community is that we help each other. That is the secret of Hope Valley and the hope we all have comes from so many different people."
JJ smiled. He still believed his mommy was part of the reason. She would never admit to it.
"Well, you and daddy are my hope for a good future." He whispered.
Elizabeth wasn't sure if she was supposed to hear him or not. She wiped a tear away.
"And you, my son, are a good reason for my hope. I love you, JJ."
"I love you, mommy."
…
"Abagail!" Jack called out as he walked through the dining room and into the kitchen.
"What may I do for you, Jack?"
"I just wanted to check on you, Madam Mayor." He gave her a little brother's grin.
"You listen here, young man." Her sister's tone was strong.
His smile only grew by her stance. He loved picking at her at times. He walked up to her and place a hand on the middle of her back and his right hand found her baby bump. He kissed her on the cheek. "You are just like my Elizabeth."
"And what does that mean?" She cut her eyes to him expecting more teasing.
"Gorgeous…beautiful…glowing…perfect example of a mother." He kissed her on the cheek again.
"Listen to him dear. He's correct." Frank stated. "Plus, you always say that he is a smart young man."
"You said that?" Jack asked.
"Frank, you talk too much." Abagail sassed pointing her index finger at him. She turned her attention to Jack. "Why are you always touching my belly?" She honestly didn't mind if Frank, Jack, or JJ would touch her belly, but they were the only ones allowed.
Jack shrugged his shoulders. He really couldn't explain why he loved that so much. Maybe it's because he knows there is a little life forming in there? Maybe it because Elizabeth's and Abagail's stomach is so hard, and he just couldn't fathom the whole process? Maybe it just intrigued him. His nightly routine is to cuddle up with Elizabeth in their bed and fall asleep with his hand cradling her belly. It didn't matter if she was sleeping on her back or on her side. He would gently caress her stomach with his fingertips as he drifted off to rest.
"I just wanted to cheek on you and make sure you are well before I head into the office."
"Is Sam back yet?"
"Yeah…he should be back in the office this morning."
"That's good."
"Frank, let's grab lunch. Are you available?"
"Sure. Meet you here at noon?"
"Let's make it one. Is that, ok?"
"Yes. I'll be getting back from escorting my beautiful bride to her office."
"You're doing mayor work today?"
"Yes. This is the last official day before Christmas. Leroy Jones is coming in this afternoon. He wants to begin a business making wagons. He thinks he can make a go of it."
Jack thought bout it for a moment. "I think he can too. He's a good worker. Plus, with Lee's expansion of the mill already being done, he could get him the lumber."
"Yeah, Leroy's very excited about it."
"Good for him." Jack smiled at Abagail with a large ridiculous smile.
"What?"
"Frank, do you remember all the times she complained that she wouldn't be good at this job?"
"Don't even start with me, Jack! I have done nothing. Just like Tyna, Leroy will make a go of this or not. It will all be decided by his hard work and him making the right decisions." She paused for a moment. "You know…" She thoughtfully stopped. "…Leroy and Tyna…"
"Jack, why do all women think they always know a perfect match for someone. They are always match making."
"I'm not touching that one, Frank. You are on your own." He shook his head. "Madam Mayor, may I get a coffee to go?"
"Help yourself." She nodded toward the coffee pot.
…
The class day wasn't the hardest Elizabeth has had. It wasn't the easiest either. The children all groaned through the arithmetic lesson. She knew that would be the case. That's why she tackled that project first. The writing projects went well. They may have groaned at the very beginning, but the kids enjoyed listening to everyone's reports. There were smiles and laughter at the stories that was told. Some where funny and others were mindful of the importance of the holiday.
To each child, they were just like her and JJ. They liked school, just not today. The last day before Christmas break excitement was just too much to control. Elizabeth didn't complain too much. The students worked hard all year. They deserved an easier day, especially on the last day before break.
During lunch, she made sure to walk around the classroom. She wanted to make sure she spoke with each child. She also wanted to do this outside of the official teacher relationship. She just wanted to make sure they had a small connection with each other.
After lunch, she assigned a small reading assignment. She didn't want to add to the work, but she wanted to buy some time so she could talk with each child privately at her desk. This was her custom to do every so often.
"Emily," Elizabeth whispered when the little girl stepped beside her desk. "You have done great work so far this year. I can really see improvements in your weakest subjects."
"Thank you, Mrs. Thornton."
"I also have noticed that you come to life when we study science."
"Yes. When Sheriff Thornton taught for you that one day, I really felt a connection with it."
"He has told me that."
"Too bad I can't do anything about it."
"What do you mean?"
"There isn't really any female scientists."
"Sure there is. Marie Curie discovered the radio active elements radium and polonium. She coined the term 'radioactivity'. She share the Nobel Peace Prize in Physics in 1903. That made her the first woman ever to earn the award. Women may only be beginning to make leeways in the scientific field, but don't let anyone tell you that you can't do something because you are a female."
"Yes, Mrs. Thornton."
"Plus, you are more than capable of doing this is you apply yourself."
"Thank you." Emily smiled at the encouragement from her teacher. As JJ's mom and her teacher, she really loved Mrs. Thornton.
"Now," Elizabeth whispered as she leaned in to ask her next question. "…what did you get JJ for Christmas?"
Emily leaned in to answer. "I got him a saddle bag. It was my father's old one. I cleaned it up and oiled it down. It doesn't look new but it does look very good."
"Oh Emily, he'll love that."
"Thank you." She whispered as Elizabeth reached for her hand and gave it a slight squeeze.
"Now, enjoy your break and continue to chase those dreams of yours."
"I will make you proud."
"You already have."
Elizabeth spent about three minutes with each student. She took this time to check in and encourage them. This time was tailored to each child to encourage them in their own talents.
…
Grace walked into the prison visitor center with a large tin of cookies that she has made. With her weekly visits, she has become to know many of the guards. They were always so kind to her. At first, they followed all the protocols that was required. However, over the last few months they have relaxed the incoming visitor protocols. They have gotten to know her and William.
William has done nothing but been a perfect inmate. He also is teaching the class for young men to give them some life skills. Some men had already been released and have done very well with the lessons William taught them. He also helped them find jobs with some business connections he had. Those young men were working hard not to let William down. For many of them, he was the first man in their life that believed in them. There was no way they were going to let their teacher and mentor down.
Along with the young prisoners, William had assisted with several of the guards sons too. He gave them the same work and handouts he gave the prisoners. They would write him asking questions and he was always quick in answering. The guards knew the reason why William was in jail, but that wasn't the man he is no. He had the guard's respect. That was rare.
"Good morning."
"Good morning, Mrs. Thatcher."
"Grant, we have spoken about this." She playfully warned him.
"Yes, Mrs. Thatcher." The guard spoke with a smile. "I'm sorry ma'am. I respect you too much to call you by your given name. Plus…"
"Your mother would have your head on a platter." She laughed at their running joke each time they discussed this. "Now, I have these for all of you. Would you like some?"
"What do you have?" He leaned forward over his desk.
"Chocolate chip cookies. I'm sorry, but that's all I know to bake. They are my grandson's favorite cookie."
"Well, we have that in common." He rubbed his hands together. He took three cookies. After he settled those three in his left hand, he quickly reached for another one with a little grin she thought looked just like JJ's grin.
"You're as bad as my grandson." She shook her head.
"I'm sorry. I can't help it." He took his first bite before sitting back down on his chair. He spoke while trying to wipe a chuck of chocolate from the corner of his mouth. "Mr. Thatcher should be in the room in a few minutes. He stood and leaned forward as he whispered. "You'll have some extra time today. Merry Christmas."
"Thank you, Grant. Merry Christmas." She gave him a smile.
Grace took a little longer getting to the visiting area. She stopped and gave each guard she knew some cookies. They were all thankful and grateful for her generous gift. She was just as grateful and thankful to them for all the liberties they gave her and William. While neither asked for the liberties, they were grateful for them. Like most visits, the guards gave her a large, warm smile. Today those smiles seemed to be a little bigger than normal. They were all happy for her smiling face just before Christmas and especially for the cookies.
…
Jack stepped into the jail with two cups of coffee. He placed one down on Sam's desk. Sam glanced up and then turned his attention back to the piece of paper he was holding. Jack felt that something was a little off. He didn't ask, but knew something was different.
"Anything pressing?"
"Not that I can tell." Jack stated as he sat down. Ned had already dropped off some mail. He spent a few minutes opening and reading the letters. There was one from the Province of Alberta and another one from mountie headquarters requesting help from Jack and Sam on an issue. Jack was grateful that they weren't needed until after the new year.
Jack glanced up and noticed that Sam was lost in thought. He patted his leg and then turned his attention back to the wanted poster that was in his mail.
"Who's that?"
"You probably have a copy in your stack." Sam stated. "Looks like someone is trying to fill the void of rum running."
"I bet it's in the next envelope." Jack looked at him for a moment. "What's up with you?"
"What do you mean?"
Jack didn't answer him. He just looked at him with a mountie stare.
"I guess all mounties have that look." Sam chuckled at his response.
"I suppose. Elizabeth doesn't necessarily like it that I figure things out before she wants me too."
"How do you…" He began but stopped talking. He gathered his words after a few seconds of silence. "…It's hard to be patient."
"It can be. As a mountie, we are trained to be patient. It's what keeps us alive."
"Ever struggle with that?"
Jack reached for his shoulder. "Yeah…I was impatient. I was tired of sitting in the woods wanting a hot meal while I was watching a bank robber. I got impatient and went in for the arrest. I didn't realize his partner was hiding watching me. That's when he got me."
"Yeah, I read that report. I was referring to something personal."
"Oh…" Jack paused "Sam, you know our work, A sheriff and mountie faces trouble almost every day. Many times, trouble searches for us and finds us without any notice to us."
"True."
"I've learned with my relationship with Elizabeth is that once I know what I want in my life, I don't waste time to go for it. Years of training won't allow me to just jump headfirst into something. However, once I know what I want, I don't waste any time going for it. What if I wait too long and then something happens on the job?"
"Yeah…" Sam stood up. Once again, he patted his front pocket.
Jack watched Sam pull down his serge. He walked to the front door and placed his winter coat on and then place his Stetson on his head. Without saying a word, he opened the door and then walked through it immediately, closing it behind him.
"I guess I'm doing rounds by myself." Jack stated.
…
Sam walked across the street and straight into the infirmary. Usually he would knock, but not today. He was on a mission.
"Thanks Faith." Lee stated.
"Your fine Lee. With your injury, I'm not too surprised that the cold would bring some pain. Chances are you will have arthritis settle in that foot. Cold weather and incoming rain may be an issue that brings a tad bit of discomfort in that foot area."
"Great."
"It won't be too bad. The foot healed very well. You have a few scars, but they are diminishing nicely. I'm happy with your progress. Are you experiencing any problems?"
"No. The latest snow caused a little discomfort."
"I would use thicker socks when it's colder. I would also begin to sleep with socks if you don't. Make sure you do your best to keep your feet dry and as warm as possible. That will all help."
"Thanks Faith." Lee stated when the infirmary door opened.
"Sam." Faith stated as Lee stood up.
"Mr. Coulter…Faith." Sam stated as he stood in the middle of the doorway.
"Thanks again Faith." Lee nodded toward her. "Constable." Lee nodded as Sam stepped aside to allow Lee to leave. He was buttoning his jacket as he left.
"Is everything ok?" Faith asked as she walked toward Sam.
Sam nodded his head.
"Come in. It's too cold to stand there with the door open."
"Oh…" He whispered. He stepped into the open room and looked around. No one else was around. That was the final confirmation in his mind.
He knew this wasn't the place. He also knew this wasn't the time, but he couldn't keep himself back any longer. The box in his pocket had been burning a hole for a couple of weeks now. He was planning a special dinner at the café on Christmas Eve. Then a short walk to the pond. While on the little dock, he was going to propose. He hoped and prayed she would accept his proposal.
Like a typical mountie, he has chased countless criminals and stared down the barrel of too many guns he could ever count. He had never experienced fear like he has at this moment. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. When that didn't work, he took another deep breath.
Faith watched the scene in front of her. Nothing made sense. Sam was truly struggling with something. She took three steps to close the distance between them. She reached for his hands. They instantly interlocked their fingers.
For Sam, her gentle, loving touch was everything. It calmed his fear and his mind. He instantly felt peace. He knew without a moment's thought that Faith was his person. She just had this way about her.
"Faith…" His voice began a little weak. It grew as he spoke. "…please trust me this isn't how I had planned this. I…I just can't wait any longer." He let go of her hand and reached into his pocket. He pulled out the ring box. He stepped back and kneeled down on one knee. He opened the box to show her a modest, beautiful diamond ring. "Faith, I don't have many material items in this world, but I promise you I will give you the two things I completely own…my life and my heart. Faith, would you please marry me?"
Faith watched the man she loved step back and kneel. She heard every word he spoke. True to Sam's nature, the words wasn't over the top elegant, but they were very meaningful. She wouldn't change a moment of it. She nodded her head.
"Yes Sam, I would love to marry you."
…
"Gracie, do you have special plans?"
"I do William. The church is having its choir special in two days. I'm really looking forward to it."
"That sounds lovely dear. Oh, did you get the gifts off in time?"
"I did." She smiled. That is something the old William would never have asked. That was Grace's job and he never troubled himself with such things. "Julie wrote." She stated as she reached into her purse. "I brought it for you to read. You'll be impressed with her work in school. Her and Tom are doing really well."
"And Viola and Lionel?"
"They are still planning on a spring wedding."
"Any changes in our oldest child?"
"No." She shook her head. "I'm not giving up hope on them, but she still isn't happy with everything."
"I'm…"
Grace stopped him before he was able to apologize for the countless time. "I'm not giving up. There is still hope."
William nodded his head. "Like always, you're correct."
"Are you doing ok?"
"Yeah…it is just hard being in here at this time. I have come to accept this is my place for the next three years. I have become content with it. The business class has been a godsent for me. I truly feel like I am making a difference in these men's lives. Then you and your weekly visits. Gracie, I don't know what I would do if you didn't come here. You are my rock…my foundation."
"You are mine as well."
"I honestly don't struggle with being here except for special days."
"Like JJ's birthday and holidays?"
"Yeah."
Their attention was drawn to the door when it opened. Then someone's throat cleared.
"Teddy." William and Grace stated at their smiling friend who was standing in the doorway.