Are We Or Aren't We?

Much to the Thornton's dismay, the day after Elizabeth came home was your typical busy Monday. It took every bit of energy they could muster to drag themselves out of their lovely cocoon in their room after a late night of "catching up."

When Elizabeth stepped out of the shower, Jack was in front of the sink messing with his hair.

"I may need a haircut. It's kind of unruly nowadays."

"I like it." She wrapped the towel around herself and moved to give his cheek a kiss. "It gives you a hunky wanderer look."

"Oh yeah?" He grinned. "Maybe I'll keep it a little while longer then."

"Good." She kissed him again, letting her lips linger over his awhile, driving him to the brink of losing control.

"Do you have to go to work today?" he mumbled against her neck as he kissed her soft skin, taking in the warm vanilla scent.

"I do, and so do you."

She was right, so with one more deep, passion-filled kiss, he let her go and went to wake up the kids.

Elizabeth came down a few minutes later, hair done up in a french braid, and a white and black, floral print, layered cami dress with a grey criss-cross, crop top sweater.

"Looking good, Mrs. Thornton," Jack said with a wink, handing her a bowl of oatmeal with berries.

"Yummy," she smiled. She gave both of her children a kiss on the top of their heads before sitting down.

"Coffee?" Jack asked.

"Tea actually. I'm feeling a bit off."

"Maybe you got our stomach buggy, Mama." Asher spoke, his mouth full of oatmeal.

"Maybe, how are you feeling?"

"Good. No more sick. Daddy says we can go to school today."

"It's been over 24 hours. I'll keep my phone on me at work in case I need to go get them, but I bet they'll be fine."

"Sounds good."

After breakfast, Elizabeth packed the kid's lunches as well as ones for her and Jack while he helped the kids get dressed.

"No fair!" She heard Asher yell as he ran down the stairs. She met him at the bottom, with both dogs at her heels. "Mya is so mean!"

"Why is that, sweetie?"

"She says I can't wear my halloween costume to school. I want to! I want to be Marshall Puppy at school!"

"I'm sorry, sweetie, but she's right. No costumes at school. We want to save it for Halloween."

"No fair!" he pouted. "When's that?"

"Wednesday."

"When's that going to be?"

"Well, it's Monday now so lets count. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. Three days."

"But that's forever!"

"It will be here before you know it." She kissed him. "Wait, you're being Marshall? I thought Chase was your favorite."

"He is. That's why Daddy's being Chase. He's a policeman so it's perfect."

Elizabeth giggled. "Does he know he's dressing up as a dog?"

"I think so."

"What is Mommy going to be?"

"I don't know," he shrugged. "That's up to Mya."

When Elizabeth was piling the kids in the car fifteen minutes later she asked Mya about Halloween.

"We're princesses, Mommy. I'm Jasmine and you're Belle."

"Oh, I love Belle! Thank you."

"I picked it because you practically are Belle."

"Does that make me the Beast then?" Jack poked his head in the car on the opposite side of Mya and buckled Asher in.

Mya laughed, "I guess so. But you're much nicer."

….

Five minutes outside of the station, Jack's cell went off in the car. He pushed the button on the touch screen of his car to answer it.

"Hey, Shane, how's it going?"

"It's a Monday alright. Meet me at Victoria's on 9th Ave."

"The jewelry store? Let me guess, we've got another robbery?"

"You guessed it. See you in a bit."

Jack ended the call and took the next opportunity to make a U turn.

He pulled up to the busy crime scene and flashed his badge to be let through.

"What are we looking at Shane?"

"Good question."

After assessing the situation, both men headed to the station and immediately began pouring over the evidence from both this case as well as the numerous other robbery files.

"I'm telling you, these serial robberies are beginning to get on my nerves," Shane said, tossing a stack of papers on the table in front of him.

"I know the feeling. We're missing something." Jack leaned back in his chair. "I have a thought."

"Is it a breakfast sandwich? Cause I could use one of those right now."

"Nope, but that's a good idea too. I'm calling an old Guard buddy of mine." He picked up his cell phone and made a call. "Nathan Grant? This is Jack Thornton. You still work for a security company in the city? Great. I'd like to pick your brain for a bit. When can we meet?"

…..

Tom took off work a little earlier than usual. Things between him and Julie were still uneasy. They tiptoed around each other, trying not to rock the boat.

So he decided that night to show her how he felt since words didn't seem to be enough. First he texted her, asking her to come to his condo for dinner. Then he headed to the grocery store to get her favorite foods.

While he wandered the aisles, he received a text accepting his dinner invitation. "Wear that green dress I love so much," he texted, a smile on his face.

"What's the occasion?" she answered back.

"Any evening spent with you is a special occasion," he told her. Putting his phone in his back pocket, he finished his shopping and headed to set up the condo for their night.

….

Jack drove into the city to meet with Nathan. He parked his vehicle in the underground parking garage under the building for Azure Enterprises, the high tech security firm Nathan worked for. He took the elevator to the 8th floor. The large metal doors parted and Nathan was standing there.

"Well, look at you, wearing a suit," Jack teased. "That's a far cry from our desert days."

"Hey, I like these threads and look at you! That leather jacket you're wearing is at least 10 years old."

"It was a gift, and it's still fashionable. At least I think it is, I don't really care."

They gave each other a brotherly hug.

"My office is just this way."

Sitting down in Nathan's office, Jack went over the case details that he was approved to give. Nathan sat silently as he poured over the information. Minutes later, he put the stack of papers down and began to spin side to side in his desk chair.

"My theory is that these have all been committed by the same guy or group of guys," Jack stated.

"If it is, they're up to something more than this."

"Exactly."

"I'll say this, these guys are good. Not leaving much of a trail. So tell me, what can I do?"

"They aren't taking the things you would expect. A few files of information but that's it. It's almost as if they're practicing for something bigger."

"Let me see those papers again." Nate took them back from Jack and made quick work of looking at each of the buildings involved in the case. "What security systems are these companies using?"

"I'm not sure. The bank did say they'd recently upgraded to the newest system. One that's used by many here in the city. Sounded like it cost them a pretty penny too. That could mean something."

They talked a while longer about the case and life in general. After grabbing a bite to eat, Nathan walked Jack back to his car.

"You know, if you ever get tired of working crimes, I bet I could get you a nice office here."

"What, and have to come to work in a suit? Not sure that's my thing. Though I'd look good in one, I assure you."

"I bet," Nathan laughed. "Just not as good as me. Think about it, okay?"

"I will, but I'm happy where I am. I have a family now."

"That's why I mentioned this, though. This job is safe and pays very well. You'd even have regular hours and vacation time."

Jack nodded slowly. "That is worth considering. Thanks, man."

"Anytime."

….

Mya and Asher were asleep before Jack even finished the third bedtime story. He put the book on the dresser then carefully cradled Asher in his arms and carried him across the hall to his room.

"Goodnight, son, Daddy loves you." He wrapped the blankets up over Asher's chest and placed his favorite stuffie with him.

Back across the hall, he dimmed the lights and finished tucking Mya in.

"I love you, Angel." He kissed her cheek and left to find his beautiful wife downstairs.

"Well, Mya and Asher are asleep," Jack told Elizabeth, flopping on the couch next to her.

"Oh, yeah?" she said, shutting her book.

"Mmhm. So, I was thinking that we should maybe turn in too."

Her eyes lit up and she smiled. "Let's go!"

They hurried up the stairs to begin their night of wedded bliss but as soon as they locked their door, someone rang the doorbell, eliciting a bark from both dogs.

"Seriously? Its nine pm," Jack groaned, rolling from his hovering perch onto his back next to Elizabeth. "Don't they know recently married people live here?"

She giggled and gave him a kiss. "Hold that thought, honey. I'll make them leave."

She hurried down the stairs and looked through the peephole. "Julie."

Julie looked up at her as she opened the door. "Am I just not marriage material?"

"Huh?"

Julie walked in, tugged off her boots and sat on the couch.

"I thought this was it!"

"This was what?"

"It was a perfect night, Beth. He cooked. Got me flowers. But nothing."

"What exactly were you expecting?"

"A proposal of course."

"I thought you weren't ready to get married."

"Oh, who listens to me anyway? I do want him to propose. He just seems to be taking his time."

"Okay, well, I say just be patient then."

"Me? Patient? Did you forget who you're talking to?"

"Good point. You could always ask him."

"Are you serious?"

"Well, yes. It is the twenty-first century."

"I know I'm all for women being capable of anything and all but it's the man's job, Beth."

The sound of Jack clearing his throat on the stairs startled them both.

"Oh, my gosh!" Julie blushed at her brother-in-law sans shirt. "Hello, Jack."

"Julie. You doing alright?"

Julie looked back at her sister and noticed her wrinkled attire. "Oops," she laughed. "You want your wife back?"

"Kind of, yeah." He grinned. "Only if you're okay, though."

Julie looked back and forth. Her sister and Jack were giving each other knowing smiles. "Actually, I think I'm good! And thanks to Beth, I have a plan. Night you two!"

"Julie, what are you…."

"I'm going to be the woman in my relationship! Take charge and make my future dreams a reality!" She slipped on her boots and was out the door before anyone could stop her.

"What was that about?" Jack asked coming down the stairs.

"Nothing, it's fine."

"You sure? Because I'm pretty sure hurricane Julie is about to go after my brother."

"Yeah…" She wrapped her arms over his shoulders. "But tell me, what would you rather do? Involve ourselves in their "will they, won't they" relationship, or take me upstairs and enjoy our very amazing relationship?"

Raising herself up on her tiptoes, she teased his neck with her lips, making him moan with delight.

"Tom's a big boy," Jack grinned, grabbing the bottom hem of Elizabeth's shirt and pulling it up over her head before pulling her close again. "I'm sure he can handle it."

….

Tom blew out the candles around the living room and took their dishes into the kitchen. He was so confused.

The evening had gone well, he thought. But after dinner and after they danced to a few of her favorite songs, her demeanor changed. Almost like she was disappointed or mad.

"I'll never figure out women," he muttered, starting the dishwasher.

He removed his tie and loosened the buttons on his shirt. The front door opened, followed by the sound of footsteps of a person on a mission.

"Julie? Did you forget something?"

"Yes. I forgot to tell you that I love you, Tom." She walked into the kitchen and stood in front of him, taking his hands. "I love you, but I'm frustrated. I thought tonight was going to be something it wasn't."

"What do you mean?"

"You told me it was a special occasion. You had me wear this dress. You made my favorite meal. The candles and the flowers." She shook her head. "It doesn't matter. Clearly I was wrong."

"Okay… What did you think was happening tonight?"

"I don't want to say. If you're not there or not interested then I'm staying quiet this time."

"Oh, come on, Jules!" he huffed. "Just tell me what the heck is going on here so I can try and keep up. I love you, but this relationship is starting to feel like a circus!"

Her frustration was building. She walked out of the kitchen as if to leave, but she couldn't. That would be childish and she knew it. She was a mere six feet from the door with Tom at her heels when she spun around.

"I love you. Do you love me?"

"You know I do!"

"Good, cause I love you. I only hope I haven't been such a pain that you'll never ask me to marry you."

He laughed.

"Thomas Thornton! This isn't funny! I want to marry you."

"That's good to know," he smirked.

"Why on earth are you smirking at me?"

He pulled something out of his back pocket.

"You see this? This is your engagement ring."

"You're kidding!"

"Nope. I had a plan too." He looked at his watch. "There's still time. See, you ran out before the last song. You up for another dance?"

"Oh...okay," she smiled bashfully.

He took her hand and used his phone to start the song on the bluetooth speaker.

"Let's dance, babe." Tom pulled her into his arms as the singer in the song began singing the words to "The Way You Look Tonight."

Julie felt the sting of tears as he sweetly sang along.

"I love you, Jules," he whispered. "Everytime I look ahead to my future, you're in it. There's not a single idea and dream I have that doesn't involve you."

"Oh,Tom…"

"Shh, let me finish." He kissed her forehead. "You're beautiful, smart and funny. You can let your emotions get the best of you and sometimes you resemble a high school drama queen."

"Are you trying to propose or insult me?"

"What I'm saying is that I know you, and I love you. But I don't want to chase you. I want to love you for the rest of my life. I want to know that you love me and that we are a team. For us to be content and happy in that love."

"May I speak now?"

"I suppose you can," he smirked.

"I love you. I want a life with you. I want a family with you. You're sweet and handsome. Brilliant, too. But you don't always tell me how you truly feel. It's like you expect me to know or just not care but I do! I care so much it hurts. I need you to trust me. Trust me with your feelings. The big, small, scary, all the feelings. I promise to control my crazy if you'll share yours with me."

Tom smiled, "I can do that. I won't be perfect at it."

"And you think I will be?" She laughed. "We'll manage like we'll do everything else."

"Together."

"Together."

Tom bent down on one knee. "Julie Angela Thatcher, will you share this life with me? Trust me, be patient with me, love me, as I will you?"

Tears streamed down her beautiful face. "Thomas James Thornton, I will. Forever."

….

Jack walked up the stairs and down the hall to the master bedroom with two glasses of water. He handed one to Elizabeth and then crawled back into bed.

He took a large gulp of water and then laid back with a contented sigh.

"You are an amazing wife. In every way."

"Glad you're happy," she said smiling, running her fingers over his chest and curling up. She loved his embrace. Feeling his heartbeat, the warmth of his skin on hers. They laid there in silence.

"You alright? You seem quieter than usual." He grabbed the water glass from the nightstand, taking another sip.

"I think I'm pregnant."

He sputtered and coughed, spitting water all over the place. "What? Are you sure?"

"No, it's just a feeling. I had the same feeling with Ash and Mya."

"How long have you had this feeling?"

"A week. I didn't say anything because I didn't want to disappoint you or myself. I want this, Jack."

"It's gonna happen, babe. Do you still have a test in the bathroom cabinet?"

"Yes, but I'm not ready yet. Let's wait one more week. I think if we are pregnant like I think, we won't get a false positive."

"If that's what you want, I'm on board."

Elizabeth adjusted her position on the bed to hover over Jack, lightly kissing his lips. "You on board for another round?"

Jack held her tight, rolling them over so now it was him hovering. "You have no idea."

…..

Asher woke up at 4 AM on the morning of Halloween. He couldn't contain his excitement.

"Why can't I wear my costume?" He whined at the breakfast table. "It's Halloween right now!"

"Sorry, love," Elizabeth spoke sweetly as she kissed his head. "I will pack it in my bag along with the rest of our costumes. After school were heading to Aunt Vi and Uncle Lionel's for dinner and trick or treating."

"Is Daddy coming too?" Mya asked between bites of her breakfast.

"That's the plan!" Jack entered the room dressed for work. "I have a meeting this afternoon with someone from the Boston police department but I should be out in plenty of time.

"You have your costume? We're going as paw patrol buddies, remember?" Ash asked.

"I remember, bud. Mom's got me covered."

"Sure do!" Elizabeth walked into his arms, kissing him soundly.

"Ummm, how many days you gonna do that?" Asher asked. "You've been married for months!"

"Hate to break it to you, bud, but I hope to be kissing Mama for the rest of my life."

"Aw man! Why?"

"Because we love each other. And when you're in love, you just want to kiss them all the time."

Asher just groaned.

"Maybe you should just move to Grandma and Grandpa Thatcher's."

Asher looked over to where Elizabeth was making their lunches. "Mama, so do Grandma and Grandpa kiss?"

"Yup. All the time."

"What?!" he cried out. "Does everyone kiss?"

"Yes, everyone does. When you're older, you'll understand," Jack said messing with the boy's hair.

"Nope. I never ever getting old. Kissing is gross."

The couple laughed. Giving each other a short tender kiss.

"Is your meeting over lunch or should I pack you something?"

"Lunch is being catered by Chipotle, I'm all set."

"That sounds good. Maybe I'll make enchiladas this week."

"I could definitely go for that. Hey…" he looked back to make sure the kids weren't paying attention. "How are you feeling?"

"Just peachy. Why do you ask?"

Jack rubbed his knuckles over her flat midsection.

"Babe, I told you. It's too soon to really know."

"But you had a feeling."

"Jack, please don't let yourself get carried away. It's just a feeling. I shouldn't have said anything." With a sigh, she left to put the kid's lunch boxes in their bags.

Jack watched as Elizabeth walked away, shoulders tense.

"Crap…" he muttered.

"What'd you say, Daddy?" Mya asked.

"Nothing, angel. When you guys finish breakfast, put your dishes in the dishwasher and feed the dogs okay?"

"Got it," they said together.

Jack walked into the living room where Elizabeth now was. She was standing by the big window facing the front yard. Staring.

"I'm sorry," he said, wrapping his arms around her waist. "I'm glad you said something. I need to be quiet and give you the time I promised I would. My excitement just gets the better of me."

She turned to face him. There was a small, soft smile on her face. "You are pretty excited, huh?"

"I am. The way I look at it, at some point in our future we will have a third child. Three! I love our life, babe. If it happens now or a year from now, I'll be just as excited. Let's just take each moment as it comes. Each beautiful, amazing, sometimes chaotic moment. Okay?"

She laughed.

"I love you, Jarrick Thornton. Don't ever stop being you."

"I love you, Elizabeth Thornton."

The sliding door to the back deck opened with a loud thud.

"Emergency! Emergency!" Mya yelled, causing both parents to come to her at a run. Elizabeth stopped at Mya but Jack ran straight out the door to find Asher and the dogs.

"What is it, sweets?" Elizabeth asked.

"I may have done something… but it was a total accident!!"

Outside, Jack sprinted to Asher's side. He was laying on his back covering his face with both dogs hovering over him.

"Ash, what happened?"

"Mya hit me with a ball!" he cried. "She broke my face!"

Jack moved the boy's hands away from his face. Poor Ash had a gash just under his eye. It was bleeding quite badly.

"Ouch! Looks like you may need some stitches."

"My eye!"

"Don't worry, we'll fix you up!" Jack swept Asher up in his arms and carried him back towards the house, both dogs running around his feet.

"How bad is it?" Elizabeth asked and she and Mya came out to meet them.

"Nothing a visit to the emergency room won't fix. I'll take him before work."

"Are you sure you can be late?"

"Of course."

"I'm sorry Ash…" Mya whimpered.

"Next year, instead of soccer, learn baseball," he growled.

"It wasn't my fault!"

"Doesn't matter now. Mya, go get your stuff for school."

"Mommy," Asher whined. "Am I gonna miss trick or treating?"

"I don't think so, sweetie. Daddy will take you to see the doctor and he'll make it all better, okay?"

"Okay."

Jack called into the station to let them know he'd be late. They each kissed the kids goodbye and each other.

"Call me when you know more, okay?"

"I will. Don't worry, babe. He'll be alright." He kissed her lips again. "I should get him to the hospital."

"Yes. Go."

….

Traffic was light on the way to the hospital. Asher did a great job keeping the damp cloth and ice pack on his wound.

"You carry me in, Daddy?" Asher asked once the Pilot came to a stop in patient parking.

"You bet."

Much to Jack's relief, there was a friendly, familiar face standing at the nurse's stations just beyond the check in desk.

"Long time no see." Faith put her tablet down and walked over to Jack and Asher. "What do we have here?"

"Head versus baseball. Baseball won."

"Oh no!" She moved the cloth from Asher's eye. "Looks like stitches to me. Let's get you in to see the doctor."

Two hours later they walked out with Asher sporting a dozen stitches and an ice pack.

After unlocking the car, Jack lifted a mopey Asher into the back seat. "What do you think, bud? Ready for school?"

"No school," he whined. "I want to go home."

Jack frowned, "No can do. Unless you think the dogs can watch you."

"Rip is very responsible."

"Maybe…" After texting Elizabeth, it was decided that Ash would spend the day with Jack at work. That brought a huge smile to the little boy's face.

"Daddy Asher day! Daddy Asher day!" He chanted as they walked into the police station.

"Well if it isn't Detective Thornton and Cadet Thornton," Bill said kneeling down to Asher's level. "What happened here? You come face to face with a bad guy?"

"Just my sister and a baseball."

"That happen this morning?" They nodded. "Ouch. Well welcome. What's your assignment?"

"Behave in Daddy's office and don't break anything."

"Sounds like a good plan."

"Yeah! Then he said we could get ice cream. But I can't tell Mommy because then I can't have candy later. It's Halloween, you know?"

"I do know! It's a busy night for us policemen."

"That's what Daddy said, but he's gonna try and come trick or treating tonight with me. It's his first year as my dad!"

"I'm looking forward to it, but for now let's go to my office and get you settled."

"Are you able to attend the meeting still, Jack?"

"Yeah. Since you only needed one of us, Shane said he'd chill with Ash while we meet."

"Good. I want you there. Apparently this detective they have coming in might have the missing pieces we've been looking for."

"Glad to hear that. I want to put this case behind me."

"Don't we all." Bill laughed.