Disclaimer: I do not own the characters within this story. All rights and much respect go to Crown Media, Hallmark, Brian Bird, Michael Landon, Jr., the actors, creators, and writers of the show "When Calls the Heart."
Chapter 1- From Dreams to Reality
Elizabeth Thatcher was a beautiful thirty year old woman with long wavy brown hair that she preferred to wear in a pony tail. Her eyes were blue, but based on the shade you could often tell her mood. When her eyes were deep blue with golden flecks she was often happy and feeling somewhat carefree. When they were blue with a greenish tint, she was often worried or had things on her mind. However, sky blue meant that she was angry and her eyes had the ability to pierce right through you. Elizabeth was such a kind and giving soul that most of her friends never recalled ever seeing that color.
Elizabeth grew up in Charlottesville, Virginia. Her family was wealthy and from the time she could remember, she was always dressed in the best, most expensive clothing. As the years passed and she began to develop her own style, she found herself to be more comfortable in a pair of jeans and a flannel shirt than she ever was in Coco Chanel or Donna Karan.
Throughout her teen years when most of her friends were concerned about clothing brands, high school dances, cheerleading practice, and whose invitation to the big dance they would accept, Elizabeth was busy volunteering at the local animal shelter, and bringing home abandoned or injured animals. She had quite the menagerie, and fortunately for her, the family had the acreage and monetary resources to care for whatever homeless animal needed her help.
Many years had since passed; she worked hard to graduate in the top of her class from Auburn University, and then, thankful to several veterinarians in her area who wrote letters of recommendation, she was accepted into the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, located on the campus of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia.
She had wanted to be a veterinarian for as long as she could remember. Initially, the time seemed to pass slowly, and it appeared as though her three years there would never be completed. With classes, labs, studying and helping out with various veterinary clinics, there was absolutely no free time for anything but sleep, and there wasn't much of that taking place either.
During her first year of Vet School, although busy, she felt quite alone. Concerned that she would be too busy to care for her, she left Fancy, her black Labrador Retriever at home with her parents.
As her second year of Vet School approached, she advised her parents that Fancy would be accompanying her. Although they voiced their concern that she would not have the time to care for her properly, truth was that they were quite attached to the dog and hated to see her leave.
While at school, Elizabeth woke up early each morning and took Fancy for a run. However, she was fairly certain that these outings meant so much more to her than they ever did to Fancy, who was quite comfortable staking out her claim to the right side cushion on the love seat in Elizabeth's apartment.
Her final year of school seemed to fly by. Although she was looking forward to getting her career started, there was so much information to take in. The thought of being responsible for the animals of others was becoming more real and she wondered how ready she really was. Feeling that she still had so much to learn, she often wished that her final semester was much longer.
Upon graduation, she went to work for a local Vet, getting her feet wet and learning everything about what she'd always wanted to do, run her own practice.
She watched as this practice grew by leaps and bounds, adding additional veterinarians and support staff, but losing what she felt was important, an emotional tie to the clients. Having taken in everything she could in the four and a half years she'd been there, it was now time to more on.
The winters were cold in Charlottesville, and Fancy was now getting on up in age. She suffered from arthritis, but thankfully it wasn't severe and was supported by joint care supplements and an occasional Tramadol when necessary.
Elizabeth sat in her parent's den and advised them of her plans to open her own vet clinic in Virginia Beach.
"But dear, there are places here that we can renovate for a vet clinic. You don't need to move away," her father advised.
"Dad, the winters are cold and hard on Fancy. The weather is milder in Virginia Beach. Besides, I want to make my own way; I need to prove to myself that I can be successful. I'll be far enough away that I'll be on my own, but still within visiting distance," she stated. Although she had made up her mind, she found herself trying to win over her parents to her plan.
Jack Thornton was a 30 year old Sergeant on the Virginia Beach Police Force. He was a local boy, born and raised on the water. He graduated from First Colonial High School, and then, to satisfy his parents, he received a business degree.
Although men usually love to see their sons follow in their footsteps, Tom Thornton knew the life of a police officer was physically dangerous, and emotionally trying on their loved ones. He was happy to see Jack move in another direction.
Mr. Thornton stood proudly in the stadium as his oldest son received his degree in Business Administration from Ohio State University, unaware that his life would quickly take a different turn.
Unfortunately, Mr. Thornton was killed shortly afterward during a high speed chase following the robbery and shooting at a local Pizza Hut restaurant. That event set the wheels in motion for Jack, who decided that the Business world would truly never be his dream.
Although Mrs. Thornton wanted her sons to be happy and pursue their dreams, by Jack entering the police academy, she was experiencing her worst nightmare. As a mother she knew that she would always worry about her children, but Jack's chances of injury were increased simply by his choice of profession.
Upon graduation, Jack took his rookie position seriously. He was placed with Officer Bob Burnell, a former K9 officer who had returned to patrolman status several years ago when his dog, Sampson, a Belgian Malinois, died of cancer.
Jack couldn't believe how comfortable he felt in the uniform and in performing his job duties. He took the opportunity to learn everything he could, and was surprisingly interested in Bob's many stories during his time in the K9 department.
Six months later, Jack was patrolling alone. Although he loved being a patrolman, something was nagging at him to pursue K9 work. Several years later, he was accepted into the K9 department, placed specifically in the drug and explosives division.
Maverick was assigned as his K9 partner 3 years ago, and together they had become the envy of every K9 team. Jack had recently been promoted to Sergeant and head of the K9 department. He proudly accepted his new position, wishing that his father had lived to see this day.
Several years passed and Jack seemed content to work most of the time, leaving little opportunity for a love life. He consistently professed his happiness and fought the many opportunities that others took to set him up with "beautiful women." Jack was adamant that when "the right woman came along" he would know it. Having no desire to simply date around, and knowing that any woman he spent time with would have to love animals, he was content to dive completely into his work, waiting for the right woman; that is if she even existed.
Sitting in a room at the Police Academy and K9 training center in Chesapeake, Virginia, Jack stood at the front of the class with his drug sniffing dog, Maverick, a yellow Labrador Retriever. Many of the teams were from adjoining cities, so for a lot of them, this was the first time that they had met.
"Good morning; I'm sure that most of you know Sgt. Thornton, but those of you who don't, he is with the Virginia Beach Police Department assigned to the K9 department, and is the drug and explosives leader. This is his partner, Maverick, who sniffed out a kilo of cocaine while investigating a ship at the Newport News docks last month.
"Maverick and I are here today to show you some of the exercises that are done to prepare you for K9 scent work." Jack took hold of Maverick's leash, "Let's step out back and put him through a test exercise."
As the officer/dog teams circled around, they were shown several packets containing marijuana, heroin, and cocaine, mixed in with packets of oregano and sugar.
Jack kept Maverick's attention while the various packets were placed in different hiding areas. Once completed, Jack took Maverick from area to area. If Maverick made a "hit" he would immediately sit, and bark, and his favorite ball was tossed into the area. He proved how talented he was by finding each of the illegal substances, while bypassing the sugar and oregano.
After the training session was completed, Jack loaded Maverick up into his police issued Expedition for the ride home. Jack ran inside his townhouse, called RIP, his older Bassett Hound. Although he was slow, Rip did make it outside to the front yard before realizing that a car ride was expected, to which he turned around and headed back toward the door.
Rip was not a dog who loved travelling. As such, most of his trips were reserved for visiting the Vet. As an elder dog, he had developed diabetes but Jack made certain that he received his daily insulin shots and his blood work was monitored regularly.
Jack picked up Rip and loaded him in the Expedition with Maverick riding for moral support. They made the twenty minute drive to the Hillside Clinic and stepped into a full waiting area.
The Vet Techs usually fought over which room to place Jack in, each one wanting to be the person to help him. Several of the technicians had even been bold enough to ask him out for coffee, which he graciously declined. They never saw him with a woman, but often wondered if his lack of interest meant that there was a Mrs. Thornton at home.
The truth was, Jack very much enjoyed the company of women, but he was getting to the age where he wanted more. Not that he was expecting to walk down the aisle at any moment or even within the next few years, but he was not interested in just casual dating. He hadn't met the woman of his dreams just yet, but he was certain that when she entered his life, he would know it.
While there, Jack decided to pull blood on Maverick as well. He planned to do it on the sly, as the department had their own Vet that they worked with.
Shelley pulled blood on Rip and Maverick, but before leaving the room she tried to work her magic on Jack. "Hey Jack, do you like baseball?" she asked.
"I love baseball," he replied before realizing what he might be getting into.
"Well, I have two tickets to the Norfolk Tides game on Sunday. Would you like to go?" she asked.
He found Shelley to be sweet, and quite attractive, but at 21 years of age, a little younger than what he preferred. "Sunday…oh, I appreciate the invitation, but I'm working."
Forty-five minutes later Dr. Marvin Henderson entered an exam room with Jack, Rip and Maverick following close behind.
"Jack, everything looks good with his blood work. Actually both of them look great. Unless you notice any changes, I think we can let Rip go for another three months," Dr. Henderson stated.
"Well, I know that he's pleased to hear that," Jack stated as they said their goodbyes. Rip and Maverick took a treat from Shelley, and they headed out to the counter to pay.
On the outskirts of town, Elizabeth sat on the tailgate of her truck, thinking about all the work it took to get her to this point. The brand new building with fresh paint was up and the landscaping and parking lot were completed. She was thankful to her father who floated her a loan for the incredible state of the art medical equipment. She was also blessed by numerous friends who showed up yesterday to finish installing the fencing around the back of the property. It finally became real as she hung a shingle on the entryway post announcing "Bay Breeze Veterinary Clinic." She felt a strong sense of pride as she read further… "Elizabeth Thatcher, DVM."
Elizabeth took money she'd received from a trust fund set up by her grandparents to purchase a small 3 acre farmette in the Pungo area of the city. It was country living at its best. The evenings were peaceful, with the exception of the occasional cricket choir, and on a clear night, you would swear that you could reach up and pull constellations from the sky.
Her best friend, Faith was one of the people who came to help when Elizabeth was trying desperately to get everything ready for her clinic's grand opening. They had been friends since childhood and Elizabeth was excited to have her in town for a few days to share in her dream.
On this particularly clear and quiet evening, they sat out on the porch, each one with a glass of wine in their hand and talked.
"Okay, you've been here for awhile now, so who are you dating…spill it girl," Faith said with a soft laugh.
"I don't have time to get involved with anyone right now. You know me Faith. This…this right here is what I've wanted my entire life," Elizabeth reminded her.
"I know, but there is more to life than just work, no matter how fulfilling it is," Faith commented.
"Having my own Vet clinic has been my lifelong dream. I'll have time for romance and relationships later," Elizabeth responded.
Faith shook her head, "You know that it doesn't always work that way. Actually, most times you meet your perfect match when you least expect it. What will you do if that happens?"
"I guess maybe my dream will change, or I'll add on to it," Elizabeth remarked before finishing her glass of wine.
Elizabeth enjoyed her visit with Faith and appreciated the help she provided, but she had more on her mind than meeting her "Dream Man" as Faith often called him. The following morning they sat out on her porch for one final conversation and cup of coffee before Faith headed back home.
"Maybe one of these days I'll move here," Faith stated.
"You'll always have a place to stay," Elizabeth replied as they hugged and she watched Faith drive off of her property.
Elizabeth spent the final day before her opening doing a thorough cleaning of her clinic. Once finished she locked the doors and headed home. She wanted to relax before what she hoped would be a big rush for services beginning in the morning.
Elizabeth loved the evenings on her farm. When she had time, she enjoyed sitting out on her porch in the swing, her journal in her lap and a pen in her hand as she put her feelings down on paper. This particular evening, she was enjoying a glass of wine as she thought about her grand opening tomorrow.
She was nervous; more accurately, she was petrified. She needed to show her parents, and herself, that she was capable of being out on her own and running a business that provided a much needed service without bankrupting its clients.
She took a sip of wine and sat her glass on the table beside her. She opened her journal and took a peek at several of her entries from years ago, when she was still in school. One in particular caught her eye…
"My heart is in it; my hands are steady and my brain is consumed by the need to know more, the need to know everything necessary to make a difference. But am I ready? When the time comes will I be able to make important decisions in a split second? Will I be able to handle the outcome?"
She read that entry several times and then remembered the day it was written…several months after graduation from Vet School, and just before starting in her first actual job as a veterinarian. She believed herself to be qualified, having graduated in the top 10% of her class, and passing her State Boards on the first try. However, she had also come to know that although knowledge and skill were extremely important, compassion, sincerity, and understanding were also valuable characteristics of a successful vet.
She nervously clicked her pen, flipped to the next blank page and attempted to cleanse her soul by releasing her emotions. As she thought, the Veterinarian's Prayer came to mind…
"Dear Lord
I ask that you guide my hands…and fill my heart with compassion and love,
as I tend to the animals that are brought before me.
When I am tired…. grant me the energy to persevere.
When I am unsure, grant me the wisdom to make the right choices…
When I am saddened… grant me the ability to share my sorrow,
When I am running behind schedule…grant me the patience to focus on
what is in front of me.
When I am overwhelmed, grant me a quiet space to collect my thoughts,
fill me with a thirst for knowledge so that I may remain current in my thinking.
Help me to comfort and console all of those who experience some form of tragedy or loss.
And finally, Lord allow me to extract the best from every day so that I may continue to greet each new dawn with enthusiasm and dedication…for this profession to which I commit my life."
Elizabeth gained comfort in the prayer and only hoped that she could live up to the expectations she had placed upon herself.
Monday morning…
Lee Coulter, Jack's best friend from his college days, stopped by the precinct on his way into work. While Jack pursued a degree in business, his heart was in Law Enforcement. Lee also received a business degree but unlike Jack, this was his dream and he was thankful for the recent promotion to vice president of the local branch of Bank of America. His wife, Rosie, worked part time as a seamstress until the birth of their twins, Quinn and Sydney, both girls. She and Lee decided that it was best for her to stay home full time, especially while the children were so small.
"What are you doing Friday night?" Lee asked. "And don't make up something."
"I'm not sure, why?" Jack replied. He was all too familiar with Lee's usual "set up" routine, and wasn't about to open himself up to one more disastrous date.
"Rosie's cousin is coming in town and we thought…"
"No…"
"Jack, you need to…"
"No…"
"Jack, you need someone to cuddle with, and you know, I love you and all, but it isn't going to be me," Lee laughed even as Jack shot him a glance.
"Are you firm on that?" Jack laughed, hoping to push the conversation in a different direction.
"Jack, I worry about you. Everybody needs that special someone in their life, and I'm afraid that you're just working all the time and not considering what else you need in your life," Lee commented.
"Lee, I'm fine. I'd prefer to find my own love interest if you don't mind," Jack stated as he was flipping through the morning paper. Before turning to the back page he stated, "Hmm, a new Vet office is opening up nearby. I wonder if Rip would rather go there."
"Jack, we were talking about women; you know the ones you can snuggle up with at night, and you want to talk about your dog? I think I've figured out why you don't have a girlfriend," Lee grabbed the paper from his desk. "Now, Friday night, Jennifer is wonderful, you'll love her."
"Lee we have known each other forever. You know my dream has always been to head a K9 department," Jack stated with a frustrated breath. "I'm sorry Lee, but…"
"But nothing. What's going to happen when you find this perfect woman?" Lee asked.
"It hasn't happened yet, so I won't hold my breath," Jack stated sarcastically.
"Don't you want to get married and have kids?" Lee asked.
"I know what you're doing…"
"What?"
"You're in a house with nothing but estrogen, and you want me to fall prey too, and it isn't going to happen," Jack remarked. "I love Rosie and the girls, but I just don't see myself tied down right now in a relationship."
"Okay, but what if you meet the perfect woman?" Lee asked.
"I never said that she had to be perfect, just perfect for me. And as for my dream, well dreams can change. I just don't see it happening any time soon," Jack stated firmly, hoping that Lee would back away from the subject.
"Okay, well Jennifer is beautiful and no one says that you have to marry her, or that you even have to have a second date, but it might be fun to just meet someone new. I mean, you never know, she really could be the one," Lee continued to push.
"Lee…no, we have scent training Friday afternoon, and I don't know how long it will last," Jack stated.
"Okay then, we'll play it by ear, and hope you get done early enough," Lee stated and was then out the door before Jack could comment further.
Jack opened the paper again to the ad he'd just seen, "Hmm, Bay Breeze Veterinary Clinic…Elizabeth Thatcher, DVM. Well, Dr. Thatcher, you certainly are beautiful. But the question is, are you a good Vet?" he whispered as he closed the paper and tossed it into the trash can.
Several days passed and Elizabeth had a few new clients for basic services such as shots, nail trimmings, and ear cleanings. Animal Control brought in an older dog that had been hit by a car, but despite her best efforts, his injuries were so severe that he needed to be euthanized...
"Are you okay," Kelly, Elizabeth's Vet Tech asked as she walked passed Elizabeth's office and found her sitting in the dimly lit room.
She turned on her desk lamp. "I've never gotten used to losing a patient. No matter the age or injury I just wish I could help them all," Elizabeth stated as she gently wiped her eyes.
"You know, sometimes helping them means putting them out of their misery," Kelly commented as she sat down in the chair beside Elizabeth's desk.
"I saw you with that dog," Kelly's eyes began to water, "Even in the few moments you were with him, he felt your love. When you put him down, you held him, and I heard you singing to him. I've worked for several Vets; you are the only one who ever took the time to do that."
With both of them now in tears, Kelly continued, "You are a wonderful, caring Vet, and don't you ever change or doubt yourself."
Elizabeth smiled weakly, "Thank you."
After Kelly left her office, Elizabeth pulled her journal from her desk drawer. She wiped her eyes again, flipped to the next blank page and attempted to release her feelings onto the paper…
"Although I have thanked those who have taught me, encouraged me, and pushed me in this path, they continue to deserve much gratitude in getting me where I am. I am in awe of the confidence others have had in me, even when I have doubted myself.
I pray for good days; those times when loss bypasses my door; where decisions are made quickly and with a positive end result. I pray for days when sadness does enter in, that I am able to ease the pain of animal and loved ones alike. Having been there on several occasions myself, I do understand the sadness and suffering.
Life and loss; it's the happy and the sad; the running of the gamut from bliss to heartbreak often within a very short span of time. I know that I can't save everyone but I do believe that I have the skills to make a difference in them, for them, and in those who love them."
Friday…
Following the loss of the elder dog, Elizabeth made it a habit to bring several of her dogs with her each morning, just in case blood transfusions were needed. Unfortunately her waiting area was empty so she took the time to do checkups on her own dogs, Fancy, Sebastian, Cambie, Lipton and Heinz.
Everyone passed with flying colors as they were released to happily play in the enclosed back yard.
Jack and Maverick headed out to work with several other K9 teams in the open fields of the country. Hunting season had been over for months and with the woods surrounding them, it was quiet and a wonderful place to work.
They had been working for several hours when the quiet was shattered by the sound of hounds baying. Suddenly several deer were flushed from their hiding place in the woods followed closely by the sound of gunfire.
Each officer pulled their weapon, but the damage was already done. Maverick fell to the ground only a few feet away from Jack.
The deer dispersed and several hunters who initially exited the woods, turned and ran, knowing that they were illegally hunting on the property and out of season.
Several officers gave chase, eventually apprehending two hunters five miles down the road. They were taken into custody while a decision by the Commonwealth's Attorney on the appropriate charges to file against them was made.
"I need help; Maverick's been hit," Jack yelled. He bent down and observed as the light seemed to be disappearing from his eyes. His gums were still pink, but even that was fading and it was evident that he was going into shock.
Jack took off his shirt, ripped his sleeve off, stuffed it against his chest wound and cinched it securely using his belt.
"Andy get my car," Jack yelled as he tossed him the keys and carefully picked Maverick up.
Andy reached Jack's vehicle and called in the "Dog Officer Down" as he drove through the field to Jack.
Jack loaded Maverick up into the Expedition and slid in beside him, "You drive," he stated sharply.
"Where to? Our Vet is 45 minutes away," Andy advised.
"Drive up Princess Anne to Muddy Creek. There's a new Vet that just opened," Jack nervously replied as he pulled his phone from his pocket.
"This is Sgt. Thornton. My K9, Maverick, was shot. We're on the way to Bay Breeze Veterinary Clinic. I need you to call them and have them waiting. He's losing blood; they need to be ready…" Jack's voice was wavering.
"Elizabeth," Kelly yelled.
"Is something wrong?" Elizabeth ran out to the waiting area.
"A police dog was shot and is on his way in," Harper, the receptionist replied.
"Kelly, pull my guys in from the back. Get Mandy to help you…I need blood pulled from Sebastian, Cambie and Lipton. Save Heinz in case we need more later," Elizabeth responded as she ran to the operating room to start up the monitoring machines and hook up the brand new oxygen tank.
There was no mistaking the blue lights and siren as it flew into her parking lot. Jack carried Maverick in his arms, hesitantly releasing him when they entered the exam room and he placed him on the table.
Before Elizabeth knew it, her parking lot looked like a crime scene with multiple police cars and officers moving in and out of the building.
The entry wound was easy to find, but through examination it became equally apparent that it did not exit his body.
"He needs surgery, so who do I need to discuss this with?" she asked.
Captain Farmer stepped forward, "This dog is very valuable to our department. Do what you have to in order to save him."
Jack's only concern was for Maverick and obtaining the best care for him. As such he commented, "How much experience do you have? I mean, would he be better off with another Vet?"
"I'll be glad to do whatever you prefer, but I assure you, I am quite capable of this surgery," Elizabeth stated firmly.
"Whether or not I can save him…whether anyone can save him, I won't know until we open him up and see what damage has been done internally," She admitted.
Understanding Jack's concern she added, "I'll be glad to do my best to stabilize him if you would prefer to transport him elsewhere.
"Jack, Maverick doesn't have time to play around with Vets," Captain Farmer stated. "Dr. Thatcher, you have my permission to do the surgery."
"Okay, does he have any medical issues that I should be aware of?" she asked.
Remembering that blood work was just pulled on Maverick the other day, Jack raced to his vehicle for the results. He ran back inside and handed them to Kelly who immediately took them to Elizabeth.
Jack took a seat alone, needing time to process the horror before him. Trying to pull Jack from his grief, Captain Farmer took a seat beside him.
"Jack, Dr. Thatcher sure is beautiful…"
"Huh?" Jack's glance left the floor as he looked up at Captain Farmer. "What did you say?"
"Dr. Thatcher…she sure is beautiful," he repeated.
"I hadn't noticed. Right now I just want her to be a great Vet," Jack replied as he quickly wiped a tear as it slipped down his cheek.
"Have faith, Jack. Something tells me that she knows what she's doing," Captain Farmer stated before stepping outside to take a call from the Commissioner.
The waiting area was standing room only as Harper did her best to keep the coffee pot full. She watched one officer in particular who seemed to be sitting alone, staring out the window, periodically wiping his eyes.
"Can I get you anything, sir?" she asked.
"That's my dog back there," he stated as he finally turned from the window and made eye contact. "Is Dr. Thatcher good?"
"She's the best and highly qualified. I've worked for several Vets, and I personally think that she's the best," Harper advised.
Two and a half hours later, Elizabeth stepped out into the waiting area. Having heard how the Brothers in Blue stand together, she was not surprised by the number of officers who had arrived to show Jack support.
Jack was in the middle of a conversation when he saw her. He didn't even excuse himself; he simply rushed her, "How is he?"
As the officers seemed to circle around her, she focused her attention on Captain Farmer and Jack. "He's alive but very weak. The bullet entered his lung just above his heart, tearing two holes before settling in his liver. Unlike other organs, the liver will regenerate, so if we can get him passed the next few days, I think he'll have a good chance for survival.
"May I see him?" Jack asked.
"Certainly, come with me," Elizabeth replied as she led him through the door and toward the back part of the facility. "Sgt…"
"Thornton…Jack Thornton," he introduced himself.
"Sgt. Thornton, don't be upset because he's still receiving blood and we're keeping him sedated," she explained, "So he has several IV's."
They walked into the back room where Maverick was lying on the floor on several warm, fluffy blankets as Kelly monitored him.
"The blood…where did you get it? Do you just keep it on hand in case it's needed?" Jack asked.
Luckily I brought my guys in today for their checkups. I had Kelly and Mandy pull blood from them in case it was needed. Good thing I did, because it was," Elizabeth stated as she excused herself, giving Jack some time alone with Maverick.
A short while later Elizabeth stepped into the room and found Jack lying on the floor, his arm around Maverick and they were both asleep.
Elizabeth squatted down beside them, "Sgt.?" She whispered.
Jack jumped, startling her and knocking her backward.
"Oh, I'm so sorry," he stated as he stood up and held out his hand to her.
She laughed softly, "That's okay. No harm done."
"Just so you know…you should never sneak up on a police officer," Jack advised her.
"I'm sorry. I wasn't intending to sneak up on you. I just wanted to suggest that you go home and get some rest. I'll be here with him," she stated as she checked his vital signs.
She could tell that Jack was exhausted. "He won't be alone. I promise," she stated as she went to pour her fourth cup of coffee that night.
"Hey Doc…oh, I'm sorry, I mean Doctor Thatcher," he called out as she walked toward the door.
"Doc is fine," she answered.
"I'm sorry about earlier. Maverick is more than a police dog to me. So I'm sorry if I came across abruptly," he explained.
"No need to apologize. I completely understand," she smiled warmly. "Sgt. Thornton, would you like some coffee?"
"No thank you, but I would like you to just call me Jack," he replied.
"Okay Jack and you can call me Elizabeth," she responded.
"I think I prefer Doc…" he stated with a dimpled smile.
To be continued…
