Chapter 62

Elizabeth woke up earlier than normal on this day. She trusted that Jack has told her the truth about him not reenlisting with the mounties but knew today would be a difficult day for husband. He may have been looking forward to being sheriff and home every night, but he still had to have mixed feelings toward not being a mountie any longer.

When her eyes opened, she didn't feel Jack behind her nor was her head resting on his chest and shoulder. She knew he wasn't in bed. She felt for his side of the bed. His spot was still a little warm. He wasn't up for too long. She glanced around the bedroom. He wasn't there nor his mountie uniform. She quickly got out of bed. Without dressing for the day, she grabbed a robe and tied it as she left the bedroom. As she reached the top of the stairs, she could smell the bacon and pancakes.

Jack was standing in front of the stove flipping the pancakes when Elizabeth reached the bottom step. His red serge was hanging on the hook by the front door with his Stetson hat. He turned to look toward the stairs when he heard footsteps. His smile stopped her before she stepped off the steps.

"Good morning, beautiful."

"Good morning, Jack. What has you up so early?"

Jack shrugged his shoulders. "Sad…joy…is it possible to experience both of those emotions fully and at the same time?"

"I think it can be when things are complicated. Are you ok?"

"I am…I truly am. I'm a little sad that today is my last day. I will miss certain parts of the job. I have done it for a few years."

"You have. You are also very good at it. You're way too young to be a sergeant, but you received that promotion years before you should have. Jack, you have done great work."

He nodded his head at her words. He enjoyed the job, but he didn't feel like he did anything exceptional. For Jack, he was just being a mountie.

"I'm also excited that I have a new job waiting for me. I'm looking forward to that role as well."

"So, you have a huge bowl of mixed emotions?"

Jack kissed her on the lips gently. "Yes, that's a great way of saying it. I know I'll miss some parts of it, but I'm excited about tomorrow."

Elizabeth looked intently at Jack. She looked into his eyes. Jack may not always use words correctly or smoothly, but his eyes always told her everything she wanted or needed to know. She did see the mixed emotions. He was sad his duty was coming to an end. She also saw the excitement of the new job. Most importantly, she saw the love he had for her and JJ. She fought back the sense of nausea as she continued to look into his eyes. She knew he loved her and wanted to be a present husband and father. He wanted a lifetime of last nights, sitting enjoying each other's company and watching their child play. He loved the bedtime reading and hearing his son's footstep thumping around the house.

"You really are content with your decision." She stated softly. While she still wasn't completely sold on his decision, she assumed she would always have a small part of her mind that questioned his decision. She couldn't escape those eyes. They told her that while he may be a little sad at not reenlisting, he would make the same decision every day of his life. She smiled inwardly at the love he always shows her.

"I am."

"So, what's the schedule?"

"Rounds this morning, then reports on those rounds and the trip to Medicine Hat. When that's done, I will be finished and begin my leave. My time runs out in little over a week. At that time, I will no longer be a mountie."

Elizabeth nodded her head. "I'll be at the schoolhouse finishing up my things for the start of school. School begins in two days."

"Are you comfortable where you are with your school work?"

"I am. Today will be just making sure I have everything ready. I should be finished around noon. I'm taking tomorrow off before the first day of school."

"That sounds nice. You need that day for yourself. However…" He warned her pointing his finger at her. "…you are not allowed to visit the new home site." He emphasized the word 'not'.

"I hear you."

"I'm sure you do, but do you understand or a I going to ask JJ to stand guard?" Elizabeth huffed at the insinuation of not listening.

"I'll be at the home site today working on my project." JJ stated as he jumped off the last two steps.

"JJ!" Elziabeth huffed. "I told you…" She stopped when she noticed his expression. She was caught and she couldn't get out of it. "Fine." Elizabeth stated in defeat. "I promise I will not go to the home site today."

"Not until daddy and I say you can."

"Fine." She huffed again. I will not go until you and daddy tell me I can go. I promise."

"We'll see." Sassed JJ as he sat down. He wasn't completely buying what his mommy said.

Jack placed a plate of pancakes in front of JJ and Elizabeth placed the plate of bacon on the table along with the syrup. When she stepped back to the stove beside Jack, he leaned into her shoulder.

"Honestly, how are you feeling?"

She wanted to say that she was feeling great, but those piercing emerald eyes of his pulled out the truth before she knew what she was saying.

"I'm ok. It kind of comes and goes. At this moment, I'm ok. I was a little nauseated earlier."

"I'm worried about you."

"Jack, we've had this discussion before…numerous times."

"Yes, and you keep saying it's because of the pasts few weeks, but Elizabeth, that is all behind us now."

"I know, but it's just been wrapped up. Let's give it a few days. I know it'll settle down."

Jack watched his wife for a few seconds. He didn't want to push her, but he knew something was off.

"I'll make you a deal, if it's not better in five days, I'll visit Faith after school."

"Five days?"

"I promise, If I'm not better in five days, I'll see Faith."

He nodded his head in agreement as he sighed. He wanted to take her to see Faith by the end of the day, but he also knew he couldn't push his wife too much. Her stubborn side would kick in. Today was one of those days he didn't like dealing with her stubborn side.

…

Frank walked down the stairs and into the kitchen area. His wife's back was to him as she was washing dishes. His smile grew. She was too busy and too noisy to hear him. So, he slowly snuck up behind her. As he reached out to tickle her sides, she quickly turned around and yelled "Boo!"

Frank stumbled backwards and landed on his backside. Abagail placed her forearm over her mouth to deaden the giggling. He always tried to scare her, but she ended up scaring him instead. Frank wasn't as quiet as he thought he was.

"I don't even know why I try." Frank huffed as he sat on the floor.

"I'm not sure but it sure is fun to watch you try."

"Do you always have to be right?" He laughed as he stood up.

"It's my curse." She grinned at her husband. She loved his playfulness. She needed that in her life. Frank introduced a sense of happiness and joy. "What are you planning today?"

"I'm going to visit Cat. They missed church and I wanted to check on them."

"One of her little ones is sick. Would you mind taking some soup I have for them?"

"Sure. I'll stop by before I go. I also need to go to church this morning to finish cleaning out some of my things. I tend to leave them out during the summer months. School is beginning and I just wanted to get those things out of the way. After that, I'm thinking about taking Jack to the home site. His leave begins today, and I know he wants to work on the house. I thought I could help him this afternoon."

"You have a busy day."

"A normal day."

Abagail slowly walked toward her husband. She placed her hands around his neck. She didn't pull herself too close because her apron was wet from washing the dishes. "I do believe I have married the sweetest man alive."

"Yeah…" He flirted.

"Yeah…" She gently kissed him.

"Sweet enough to let me win?"

"You wouldn't like it if I let you win." She kissed him again.

"Abagail, do you always have to be right?" He playfully huffed and went in for another kiss.

…

Just as Jack was making the last rounds of his mountie career, he came to a small hill overlooking the town. He stopped Sergeant and the two looked around the valley for a few minutes. They looked over the area remembering all the things that had happened in the town since they arrived on that fateful day. The town has grown some. The buildings are looking a little better. The gravel streets were much better than the dirt ones on those early days. More people were walking on the sidewalks. It was a nice town to live in. Jack reached down and patted Sergeant's neck a few times.

"Well, boy, we did it. Thank you for being a perfect mount for me over the years. You have been the best horse this mountie could ever ask for."

Sergeant nodded his head. Jack smiled. He thought Sergeant was agreeing with him.

"I don't know when the next mountie will come and get you, but I will continue to take care of you until they do. I'm going to miss you."

Jack wasn't one to cry. His training dictated that you bottled up your emotions and bury them deep inside. Over time, he has cried over Elizabeth and JJ. Today, he would add Sergeant to that list. He has depended on Sergeant many times over their time together. There were times his horse saved his life. He trusted this horse more than most people he knows. As he patted Sergeant's neck, the horse turned his head and nudged Jack's leg in total agreement.

"Let's go. I must get you settled out back. It's a great day out and I'll leave you in the small pasture with plenty of green grass to eat. Then I have two reports to fill out. Then I'm done."

Sergeant raised and lowered his head a few times.

"Maybe we'll go for a ride before you leave. This time however, it will be just for fun."

Sergeant nudged Jack's leg one more time. "Let's go boy." He slowly made his way into town.

…

JJ was working at the house on the flower bed. He spoke with Mr. Johnston about where he thought it should go. He left it up to JJ since it was his plan, but he did suggest a couple of places. Emily helped JJ figure out the perfect spot. Mr. Johnston helped him carry the rock to their new location. Like with the house wall, JJ set out a pattern first, then moved the rock in place with the help of Emily.

"How do you do that?" Emily asked looking at the pattern. "It's very cool."

"I'm not sure. I just see it in my head and then I move the rocks around to the pattern I see." He shrugged his shoulders.

"I like it. It's very neat. So is the home."

"I think it turned out really nice. I love the changing colors of it."

"I thought they were changing but I wasn't certain."

"The movement of the sun on the rocks changes the light reflection from them. If you add in moisture, it will bend the reflection even more. Therefore, the light will change with greater variety."

"How do you know all of that?"

"I don't know…I just do. Now, we'll finish this, and Mr. P said he'll help with the dirt to fill this in."

"What flowers are you going to put in it?"

"I'm not sure. I'll need to check with Auntie Abagail. Mommy loves daises but I don't know when to plant them."

They worked a few more minutes finishing the last of the few rocks. "Hey, if we get this done want to go to the pond."

"Sure." Emily smiled. She knew he loved the pond. "We can go fishing tomorrow."

"Perfect."

…

As Jack and Sergeant made their way down Main Street, Mr. Yost came out of the mercantile waving a letter.

"Sergeant Thornton! Sergeant Thornton! I have a letter for you that was sent by carrier." Mr. Yost jogged toward the horse but slowed down to a walk when he was about ten yards from him.

"Thank you, Mr. Yost."

"Hey Jack…thank you for all you have done for us as a mountie."

"You're welcome, Ned. Thank you for all you've done for me."

"You know, I never thought you would stay for this long. I remember you were only here for a day or two when you sent out that telegram demanding a transfer."

"Yes, I was pretty unhappy."

"That's saying it mildly. Now look at you, the new sheriff and building that home."

"Dreams do come true, Ned."

"I'm glad you are staying."

"Thanks Ned."

Jack unsaddled Sergeant and gave him an apple for a treat. He brushed the horse down and released him in the small fenced in area. He walked his way to the jail with the letter still sealed in his hand. He had two reports to type up. Both reports will probably take thirty to forty five minutes. Once that's finished, his leave will begin. He knew he needed to read the letter from headquarters, but he just wanted to finish his reports and his last act of being a mountie would be whatever the letter was about.

Jack took off his Stetson hat and his red serge and place it on the coat rack in the corner. He looked around the jail. This won't be his last time in this space. As sheriff, this will be his place of work as well. It will just be his last time as a mountie. He was grateful for the familiarity going into his new job.

It took Jack forty minutes to finish the two reports. His report from his rounds this morning was the same as he has reported for the last three plus years. Nothing too much has changed. Then he turned his attention to the letter. That's when he noticed it was from Deputy Commissioner Andrew Pearson. He thought it was from headquarters, but it wasn't. He was shocked Pearson would send him a letter. He slowly opened the letter.

Sergeant Jack Thornton –

I wanted to express my gratitude for everything you did while wearing the red serge. You have made it harder for the next man to wear it. You have raised the bar for all of us. Thank you for that.

I know that today is your last day, and you will soon be on leave until your end date. I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you. You have worn the red serge with distinction. Some of your methods are being taught in the academy.

When we spoke in my office, I asked if we could call on you from time to time. I'm holding you to your affirmative answer. Don't be surprised if we reach out for your guidance and or your help in future matters.

On a personal matter, your mount, Sergeant, will be retiring with you today. He is your horse now. I know how a mountie is with his horse. Jack, he is your horse now. You know our motto toward our horses…take care of your horse and your horse will take care of you.

Enjoy your near future with your wife and son.

Sincerely,

Andrew Pearson

Deputy Commissioner

Jack smiled at the letter. For someone in Pearson's position to write a handwritten letter for a man not reenlisting was very nice. It went above and beyond what could have been expected. With that said, he was ecstatic that he could keep Sergeant. He really did have a special bond with his horse. He looked up at the clock that was on the wall. He had thirty minutes 'til noon, when his leave time would begin.

…

"Hey Abagail. How are you?"

"I'm good. I figured you were sneaking around hiding behind trees."

Elizabeth stared at her best friend and then huffed. "Who told you?"

"Jack came by for some coffee before rounds. Then JJ came by for some cookies on his way to the house."

"He had cookies when he left home."

"Really?"

"Yes…he's playing both of us for cookies."

Abagail let out a laugh that only grew at the realization that JJ was actually playing both of them for extra cookies. "I guess he ate some on the way here and then took some of mine for lunch."

"That little stinker." Elizabeth grinned. "We have to step up our game."

"Maybe…hey, that basket that you wanted is ready."

"Thanks, Abagail. Hey, how is the mayor's work going? It seems like forever since we have sat and talked."

"You have a lot that's been going on."

"True."

"How are you feeling?"

"Jack spoke to you didn't he?"

"He's concerned. You can't blame him for it."

"Abagail, it's just an upset stomach."

"An upset stomach that has been that way for several days know. It comes and goes?"

"Yeah."

"Maybe…maybe it's not an upset stomach."

"Why would you say that?"

"Is there anything that causes it?"

"Not really. It hits at different times. The smell of eggs is awful."

"Really?" Abagail tried to calm her excitement. She remembered why eggs smelled so bad for her for a few months. "What about the smell of coffee?"

Elizabeth's head shot up quickly. "How did you know about that?"

"Does the smell of coffee mess with your stomach?"

"Not my stomach, but I'm starting not to like it. It's like the eggs. That one just started in the last day or two." Elizabeth couldn't miss Abagail's smile. "It's just been extremely stressful over the last few weeks. Charles attack, the arrest of father, the trial, and taking over Thatcher Shipping has all been a lot to deal with."

"That's true…but…" She paused for a moment. She wasn't sure if Elizabeth was ready to hear what it could be. She knew Elizabeth wanted a baby with Jack, but they haven't discussed it in depth lately.

"I told Jack that if it isn't better in five days, I would go see Faith."

"That's good. When you go, maybe you should mention something else to her about the possible cause."

"And what would that be?"

…

Elizabeth carried the basket made by Abagail down the short sidewalk toward the jail. She had a surprise for her husband, but the conversation with Abagail was replaying in her head. So much so that she walked right past the jail. She was so lost in her thoughts. She never imagined that she could be pregnant. The thought never crossed her mind, not even once. She was doing her best to tamper down her excitement. She would be upset if she wasn't pregnant. So, she was denying that possibility.

She shook her head when she realized she was lost in her mind and walked past the jail door. She quickly turned around and walked back to the door. She slowly opened the door and smiled when Jack was sitting inside behind his desk. He just looked up at the clock.

"Hey." He stated as he stood to walk around the desk. "What are you doing here?"

"Well, I have a surprise I needed to deliver."

"And what might that be?" His smile only grew with her presence.

"I hear there is a celebration that needs to happen."

"Oh, I hope you didn't plan anything like that."

"I knew you would be upset with me if I did something like that. So, I planned something else."

"Yeah?" He asked looking at the basket.

"You have thirty minutes left before you begin your leave."

"I do."

"Your last assignment as a mountie will be to have lunch with me."

"Really?"

"Yes, we have had many dates in here." She looked around the jail remembering all the times Jack would whisk her away to the jail for an impromptu dinner. "Your last act as the mountie of Hope Valley is to have a lunch date with the local schoolteacher. I have fried chicken, mashed potatoes and rolls from Abagail's. For dessert, I made a blueberry pie."

She loved the look of surprise on his face. It wasn't often she was able to surprise him, and she took great joy when she could. She also saw the love in his eyes. She knew she touched his heart by this simple act."

"You don't have schoolwork to finish?"

"Nope. That is already done. This is something I wanted to do. Nothing is more important than this moment with you. Now, where is that little table we always used?"

Jack quickly walked back into the room he used to stay in and retrieve the small table and two chairs. He sat them up in the middle of the room and helped Elizabeth set out the food. It smelled delicious. Jack couldn't wipe the smile from his face. Elizabeth's simple little act of lunch in the jail touched him deeply.

"Now, how was your day?" He asked her as she plated some fried chicken and potatoes for him. She placed two rolls on his plate and handed the plate to him.

They spent the next thirty minutes eating lunch in the middle of the jail just talking. They didn't talk about the shipping business, school stuff, or Jack's new job. They just talked about everyday, married life stuff. They discussed JJ, the new home, and his playing both Abagail and Elizabeth for cookies. Jack could only laugh at his son's antics.

"That would be something I would have done." Jack laughed.

"I figured." She scrunched her nose. "That sounds like something you would do, and now you are teaching our son to do it."

"I think he came that way." Jack laughed. "I remember the first time he had tad poles in his pockets."

"He scared me to death with those silly things." She shook her head. "I shudder every time I wash his pants."

"I've been on him about making sure things like that are not in his pockets."

"I appreciate that."

"I'm going to ask you one last time and I won't ask you this again."

Jack smiled. "I'm perfectly ok with my decision. Remember, I'm the one who decided it."

She nodded her head in agreement. She lowered her head. Jack reached for her hand.

"Thank you for being concerned with that, but Elizabeth, you really need to understand that this is what I truly want in life." He squeezed her hand letting her know that he was talking about her. Her eyes locked on his eyes, and she knew in her heart of hearts that he was content with his decision.

"Oh, I received this letter from Deputy Commissioner Pearson."

"Really?"

"He said that Sergeant will be retiring today as well. He's mine. I get to keep him as my personal horse."

"Oh Jack! That's great news!"

"Yeah…I'm excited about it."

"I'm so happy for you."

The little time together was perfect in their eyes. Nothing too major was discussed, but they connected during their little lunch. This was one of those moments where it was just them as a young, married couple. They wouldn't change their life with JJ for anything. They loved that little boy more than ever. They just enjoyed these moments of being just Jack and Elizabeth.

"Hey, may I escort you home? My time here is up."

Elizabeth looked at the clock. "Well, look at that…you're no longer a mountie."

"Technically, I am for another eight days. I'm just on leave. Now, that walk home?"

"Come on sweet man."

…

"What are you doing?"

"Emily, what am I always trying to do?"

"Good grief…what are you trying to catch now?"

"There's a small frog." JJ stated as he quickly reached for it on the side of a small, floating log.

JJ missed the frog and landed in the water when he lost his footing on the loose dirt. Emily laughed when JJ hit the water and went under. JJ's head quickly popped up blowing water out of his mouth.

"I almost had him!" He exclaimed.

"JJ…you weren't even close." She tried to state through her laughter. "The only thing you were close to was getting wet.

"Are you going to help me out?"

"Nope. The last time I did that, you pulled me in."

"Oh, I forgot about that. I won't this time."

Emily saw his little mischievous grin despite his best effort to hide it.

"Not happening." She stated firmly.

"I can't believe you're not helping me." He stated as he began to climb out of the water.

"I told you not to do it, but you're too stubborn to listen to me."

"Not too stubborn…but where's the fun in it if you don't take risks?"

"You're risks always gets you wet."

"There are worse things to do then get wet." JJ smirked. "Hey, we need to talk with Auntie Abagail about those flowers for the flower bed."

"And you want to go looking like that?"

"I guess you're right."

"I bet that was hard for you to say."

"Enough from you." He laughed "Come on, we'll stop by the row house so I can change and then we'll go see Auntie Abagail. Maybe she'll have some fresh cookies for us."

"She always has cookies for you."

"Auntie Abagail is the best."

"Does your mommy know she gives you cookies everyday even though she packs your cookies in your lunch?"

"No and you don't need to tell her." He wiggled his finger playfully at her. "Remember, sometimes I give you a cookie."

"One cookie out of six isn't very much." She warned him.

"Fine. I'll give you more than one."

"A true friend." Emily smirked.

…

After changing into some dry clothes and leaving his wet ones by the sink like he was always instructed to do, the little duo make their way to the café. After bursting through the kitchen side door, JJ and Emily made their way to the little island in the center of the kitchen. That's where Auntie Abagail always kept the cookies.

"And how many of those have you had today?"

JJ and Emily turned around at the voice behind them. Abagail was standing there with her hands on her hips trying to sound grown up.

"I'm not sure Auntie Abagail…I didn't count them." He gave her a playful smile.

"Mmhum" She studied the little boy who stole her heart a long time ago. "You two can have three more but that's it for the day. You will turn into a chocolate chip cookie if you keep eating them all.

"A good way to stop that is to stop making them, dear." Sassed Frank.

"Uncle Frank, I think you need to go somewhere else for a little bit." JJ smiled at Frank.

The adults couldn't keep from laughing at the little boy's scared expression.

"Auntie Abagail, we finished the flowerbed today and will put the dirt in it tomorrow. When should I plant daisies in there? Those are mommy's favorite."

"If you want to plant seeds, you need to wait until Spring. If you want to plant flowers that are already up, you should do it now."

"Would you help us? I would like to plant the ones that are already up. I don't want mommy to wait until Spring."

"We can do that. There are some wild ones out by the back of the church."

"Perfect. Thank you, Auntie Abagail." JJ walked into her open arms. "I love you, Auntie Abagail."

"I can help tomorrow too."

"Thank you, Uncle Frank."

"Wait…no 'I love you, Uncle Frank'?"

"Where you serious about Auntie Abagail not making me any more chocolate chip cookies?" He earnestly asked.

"No." He chuckled.

"I love you, Uncle Frank."

…

Jack and Elizabeth walked to the row house arm in arm. It was a nice walk enjoying the sunshine. Jack's last day of being a mountie was a nice one. That chapter of his career was closing, and he was looking forward to the new chapter opening soon. However, that was over a week away. He is on leave for eight days. He needs to speak to Abagail on when his start date will be. In the meantime, he is greatly looking forward to working on the new house. Due to everything that has been going on, he hasn't done too much. Now with over a week off, he was hoping to change that.

"Would you like some tea?" Elizabeth asked as she opened the front door. She noticed the house was quiet. Her little boy must be out at the home site or off playing somewhere.

"No thank you. I would take some water though."

"I'll get you some. I think I'm going to start some water for tea."

"Is your stomach upset again?"

"How did you know?" She asked the question before she thought about it. She didn't really want to tell him because he would insist that she see Faith sooner. She just knew it was because of all the things that had been happening. "Never mind." She shook her head. "A little but not too bad. A little food on my tummy usually helps."

"Elizabeth…"

"Five days, Jack. We agreed if I'm not better in five days I will go and see Faith. It's only been a few hours."

Jack nodded his head. He still didn't like the plan. He was afraid it was a bug or something that she couldn't just shake off.

Elizabeth laid down the basket and walked to her husband. She placed her arms around him and pulled him close. "Thank you for worrying about me. I promise it's not too bad. It comes and goes. It's not constant like when you're sick. I really do think it's just everything going on. It'll settle."

"Five days." Jack exclaimed in a softer tone."

"I promise, five days."

"Now, let me start boiling some water and I'll get you a glass of water." She leaned up and gave him a loving kiss.

Elizabeth walked toward the sink and quickly noticed JJ's wet clothes haphazardly thrown in the sink.

"That boy of yours…" Her voice trialed off.

"My boy…what did he do now?"

Elizabeth picked up his dripping wet shirt to show Jack. "I swear that boy can't go to the pond without getting into the pond. It's like he wants to be half fish or something." She shook her head.

"Maybe you need to teach him to wash his own clothes."

"He would probably just crawl in the sink with the water and swim around." She laughed.

"You may be right. Let me hang this up and I will be in there to help you with those wet clothes.

"Thank you." Elizabeth stated as she placed the wet shirt to the side. Without thinking about it, she picked up the pants and began to go through the pockets to make sure there wasn't anything in there. JJ has done a much better job of getting things out of his pockets as of late. So, she didn't think too much about it. When she placed her hand in the right front pocket, she jumped back as she threw the pants in the sink. "What in the world!?" She yelled out in complete surprise.

"What?" Jack ran toward her and the sink. Elizabeth had jumped back a couple of feet.

"There's something in the pocket!" She gasped. "And it's not a frog or a tadpole."

"What is it?"

"Jack! I don't know. I didn't pull it out!" She continued to gasp. Her hands were clinched in front of her chest.

Jack reached for the pants and pulled out a small trout from the pocket. "It's a trout."

"A fish?!"

"Yes, a small one." The fish easily lay in the palm of Jack's hand.

"Why does he have a fish in his front pocket?"

"Who knows why your boy does these things." Jack sassed.