Disclaimer: ***I do not own the characters within, all rights and much respect go to Crown Media, Hallmark, Ms. Oke, Mr. Bird, Mr. Landon, and the creators/writers/actors of "When Calls the Heart". You inspired me to write and I'm not a writer! Feel free to use my story on the show! I'd be honored!*** I do quote Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" in chapter 4 so all credit to him.

***Hearties, I'm just getting up the nerve to post it now because this is my first time writing. Reading all of your stories has given me courage to post it. My only hope is that you all enjoy it while we wait for S2.

Description: Jack and Elizabeth are happy in their courtship but meddling Rosemary and some issues of the past have them questioning whether they're truly meant to be. (You know they are but enjoy the ride!)

"Meant To Be?"

After the kiss, Jack and Elizabeth resumed their courtship. They resolved to get to know one another on a deeper level considering they were curious about their lives before Coal Valley. They spent a great deal of time talking. Elizabeth already knew that Jack was a very intelligent man as a result of that little test she gave him. She was surprised however to learn what a well-rounded man Jack truly was; an artist, a writer and a singer too! Jack was surprised everyday with Elizabeth's intellect and to learn that she had traveled a great deal with her father. She had seen many things that he had only read about in books. They told each other their "life stories" so they wouldn't have any other surprises from the past as they moved forward.

They were thankful for that because a few days later, a new Mountie came into town. Jack was surprised when the Mountie walked into the jail stating that he was there for Elizabeth. At that very moment, Elizabeth walked into the jail to see Jack and came face to face with the Mountie. Recognizing the man immediately, Elizabeth and the Mountie embraced. A little part of Jack was feeling a tad bit jealous of this man and Elizabeth's familiarity. Upon introductions, he recalled that Elizabeth spoke of this Mountie and their relationship. Jack was quite happy however when Elizabeth took his hand and proudly proclaimed that they were courting. The happy moment ended quickly as Elizabeth questioned what brought her friend to town.

"I have orders to retrieve you, Elizabeth. Your father has sent me to ensure that you take the next stagecoach out of town for the job at the prep academy." Said the Mountie.

Elizabeth clung to Jack's arm, afraid she'd have to go. "I've already sent my response to my father and I told him I am staying here! I'm not going anywhere! No one will change my mind, no one!" Elizabeth said in a panic.

The Mountie stepped towards her with his hand out; "I'm sorry…" he began but was quickly cut off by Jack.

"Don't even think of trying to force her, I WILL stop you!" Jack stated firmly as he moved forward holding Elizabeth behind him.

Relief flooded them both when the Mountie smiled and held his hands up, "Take it easy! That will not be necessary, Constable! I was about to say that I'm sorry for making her upset. I'm sure you're well aware that Elizabeth is quite stubborn." Elizabeth shot him a look over Jack's shoulder. "Mr. Thatcher figured she wouldn't go but he wanted to try. Your father wants you to be happy and safe, Elizabeth. You know that. He said if this makes you happy…"

Elizabeth moved around Jack, "Yes! Tell him I've never been happier and I'm certainly safe." Elizabeth said as she looked at Jack.

The Mountie promised he'd inform Mr. Thatcher that all was well. "You're a lucky man, Constable Thornton. Be good to each other." And with that, the Mountie rode out of town.

With their latest crisis averted, Jack and Elizabeth felt free to continue to explore their relationship. Both were staying in town and both of their respective past relationships were not hindering them.

Jack and Elizabeth fell into a little routine as they spent time with one another every day. They enjoyed several weeks of romantic dinners, walks, dances while listening to records or Jack's singing, and a great deal of kissing. They were like two magnets and often found themselves in situations where they couldn't resist squeezing in a kiss before anyone would notice.

On Saturday, Jack saw Elizabeth passing by the jail. Taken by her in that moment, he just couldn't resist the opportunity that came to mind. He noted the people in the street as he stepped out onto the porch and called to her. "Excuse me, Miss Thatcher? I have that item you were looking for." Jack said looking serious.

"I'm sorry? What item are you referring to?" Elizabeth said with a confused look on her face. As she stepped onto the porch of the jail, Jack said, "It's right in here on my desk." As soon as she was close enough he pulled her into the jail and kicked the door closed. "I've missed you." he said, as he pulled her to him for a quick but passionate kiss. A huge smile spread across his face as he released her. He then quickly turned and opened the door. "Well I'm sure you'll make good use of that item!", Jack announced as he placed his hat on his head. Finally recovering, Elizabeth smiled and stepped out to leave, "Oh yes, I will. Thank you, Constable." They walked out onto the street and went their separate ways as if nothing happened; although they both failed to hide their smiles.

Jack surprised Elizabeth with little moments like this quite a few times. He did little things to show her his affection. Jack never expected her to turn the tables on him.

One afternoon, Elizabeth walked out of the saloon with two of her students. They were on their way to the row houses so that she could tutor them. The children called, "Mountie Jack!" as he approached them. Jack slowed his horse and quickly dismounted. The children loved to pet the horse so as they ran over to him.

"Constable, I'm glad you came by. I have a little problem that I'm hoping you can help me with." Elizabeth started seriously but ended with a small smile.

Jack tipped his hat to some of the people in the street as he walked over to Elizabeth. "Happy to help Miss Thatcher, how can I be of service?" Jack said with a smile.

"It's this door; it's creaking and much too noisy! Here, step inside and I'll show you where it's coming from. Children I'm right here if you need me! See this Constable?" Once she knew they were hidden by the saloon door, she moved up to him and gently placed a kiss on his lips. Surprised, he reached for her but she moved away quickly with a giggle. "Ok children, time to go! So I'd really appreciate it if you could fix the door, Constable." Jack was taken back. 'Did she just use my own move on me? Ooh, I'm going to get her for that!' Jack thought with glee.

"Wait! I think I need you to show me again." Jack said hoping to get her back over to him.

"Sadly, I don't have time now. I'm on my way to the row houses to tutor." Elizabeth said matter-of-factly. "Oh…it will be dark when I leave. I don't have a lantern with me..." Elizabeth said as the realization hit her.

"Hmm…that is concerning, Miss Thatcher. I'm glad you brought that to my attention. What time will your tutor session end?" Jack inquired.

"5:30." Elizabeth said.

"I'll be sure to solve that problem for you." Jack said confidently.

Elizabeth smiled with relief, "Ok!"

At that point, Rosemary stopped on her way into the saloon. "Hello, Jack!" She didn't even acknowledge Elizabeth or the children. Jack simply nodded at her.

"Time to go, children!" Elizabeth announced.

"Jack, do you remember when…" Rosemary began to chatter but Jack tuned her out as he watched Elizabeth and the children walk away. He sighed heavily wishing he was going with them instead of being left with Rosemary.

At 5:30, Elizabeth was finished tutoring and stepped outside of the house. She was expecting that Jack would have left a lantern on the porch of the home but there was nothing there. She was concerned because it was quite dark with only a small crescent moon in the sky and she would have to navigate the woods in order to get back to the café. Elizabeth knew she had better get going because Abigail would be holding dinner for her. 'Perhaps Jack forgot or is caught up doing something. Hopefully Rosemary has nothing to do with it', Elizabeth thought. 'Why can't that woman leave already? Jack has made his intentions clear on a number of occasions. What's keeping her here? Perhaps Jack or Bill should investigate that.' Elizabeth thought with a sigh.

As Elizabeth moved towards the end of the row houses she thought, 'I'm never going to be able to see where I'm going in the woods, it's too dark. I can't believe I forgot to grab a lantern! I better knock and ask if someone could lend me one.' Just as that thought crossed her mind, she heard a horse whinny up ahead and saw the light from a lantern lighting a bright red jacket; he was waiting for her!

"Jack! I was worried you were too busy or may have forgotten!" She smiled with relief and quickly rushed over to him.

"How would I forget about you? I think about you all the time." Jack smiled as he moved closer holding up the lantern.

Elizabeth could feel herself blushing as she took the lantern from him. "Thank you!"

They reached for each other and kissed.

"Of course," Jack said with his arm around her, "I'm glad you said something. I wouldn't want you to be walking all alone out here in the dark."

"I appreciate it, Constable." She pulled back but he still held her waist.

"Oh no, you're not getting away from me like you did earlier at the saloon." Jack said with a hint of mischief in his voice.

She giggled and said, "Come on, I'm sure Abigail has plenty for dinner, if you'd like to join us."

"I'd love to, as long as we don't become dinner for some wild animal out here in these dark woods. It's a good thing you're going to walk me back and protect me!" Jack teased releasing Elizabeth as she laughed. He took hold of the horse's reigns and offered his arm to her. They walked all the way back to the café talking about their day and enjoying each other's company.

It was the little moments like this that made them so happy together in their courtship. If this was how it was now after only a few short weeks of courtship, what would it be like a year from now? They smiled unaware that the other was thinking the exact same thing. They were both feeling as though all the obstacles of the past were out of their way. Neither could recall ever being happier but Rosemary was still in the picture and behaved…at first.

Ever the actress, Rosemary viewed the world as her stage and preferred to be the leading lady in the spotlight. She came to town for a reason and she had a few ideas of how to meddle with their relationship. The two of them were just so happy over the past weeks that frankly, it made her sick.

Keep reading for chapters of romance and action for Jack and Elizabeth and to find out the reason why Rosemary returned to Jack's life. She's hiding a secret!