Jack and Mike walked into the busy downtown precinct. Wincing, Jack placed the bag of frozen peas he grabbed from his freezer back to his jaw. They headed straight to their desks, which sat facing each other and waited for Lucas with information about the attacker.
Mike pulled a bottle of tylenol out from his desk drawer and tossed it to Jack. "How's it looking?" Jack lowered the ice pack to show Mike. "Dang." Mike winced. "It's swelling pretty good."
"The guy got the jump on me."
"That's about all he got by the look of it. You look fine otherwise."
"I guess that's good." With a groan, Jack took the meds offered.
"You recognize him at all?"
"I didn't get a great look but maybe. I can't place him though."
"Jack," Lucas walked over and stood next to the desks. "Glad you're here. It appears we have a bit of a situation."
"What kind of situation?" Lucas handed Jack a New York drivers license of the man that attacked him. Jack read the name, and his eyes doubled in size. "You're kidding me?"
"Nope. I guess we know why he kicked the crap out of you."
"It wasn't like that. I got a couple hits in. I had it completely in hand." Jack looked down at the name on the license again. Charles K. Thatcher. Elizabeth's brother. "Where is he now?"
"I have him sweating it out in interrogation room 3."
"Okay. I'll handle this." Jack stood, took the handcuff keys from Lucas and headed back towards holding.
"Want me to prepare booking?" Lucas asked with a smirk.
"No. He and I are going to have a talk and then pretend this never happened."
"Oh," Lucas shook his head. "Good luck with that. He doesn't seem like the forgive and forget type."
As Jack reached the interrogation room, he stood in front of the one way window looking at Charles. He looked beyond annoyed. He's lip was busted a bit and his face was red from Jack defending himself. This was not at all how Jack envisioned meeting Elizabeth's brother.
"Here we go…" Turning the doorknob, Jack walked into the room and sat in the chair across the table from Charles.
"What the… What were you doing in here?" Charles pulled back as far as he could while still cuffed. "Officer Bouchard! Hey! Somebody!"
"Relax, Charles. I'm not going to hurt you."
"How'd you get in here?"
"I'm a cop. This happens to be my precinct." Charles face went pale. "What? You didn't know that I was a police officer?"
"No… my father left that part out. I do remember, however, him telling me you took advantage of my sister."
"Is that how he phrased it?"
"No. Apparently you worked your magic on him too. He actually likes you. I'm not buying it."
The two men stared each other down for a moment.
"I'll make you a deal." Jack began. "I'll take off the cuffs if you promise me two things. One, you won't hit me again."
"And the second?"
"You hear me out."
Charles took a breath, "I don't think so."
"There is a third option." Charkes looked up. "I can call my friend back in here and have him book you for the night. The cells back there we had recently redone. You might like them. Not sure how much sleep you'll get, though."
"Okay, okay." Charles huffed. "I don't believe you'd actually do that, but I'm not willing to risk it. I suppose your terms seem fair."
"So we have a deal?"
"Sure."
Jack moved to take the cuffs off. When he did, Charles rubbed his wrists.
"Did your cop pal really have to cuff me over a few punches?"
"We take people beating up on cops pretty seriously around here. Now about Beth..."
"Look, you can say whatever you want, but I won't buy it. I know my sister. She doesn't do this. You know the number of men she's dumped because they wanted more than she was willing to give? So what did you do, huh? How'd you manipulate a strong woman like her?"
"I promise you, Charles, it wasn't like that at all. We met, spent time together, talking for hours and hours, and I fell in love with her. I love her. She loves me too."
"Dad said something to that effect. Still…"
"Have you talked to Beth about this? At all?"
"No. This is between me and you."
"No, it's between you and us."
Charles winced. "Us? Seriously, what do you want from her? What's your angle here?"
"No angle. I meant what I said. I love her. I want a life with her. For us to get married and raise our child together."
Instead of speaking, Charles stared down the man in front of him. Was this guy for real? For Elizabeth's sake he wanted to believe it. He just wasn't ready to trust this guy yet. Cop or not.
Jack phone began to buzz. "It's Beth."
"You can't answer that now," Charles sputtered.
"You can't be serious."
"I am. Ignore the call. She can't know about this," he said gesturing around the room.
Jack rolled his eyes and answered the phone anyway. With as much as he missed his love, he wasn't passing up a chance to hear her voice. "Hey, sweetheart."
"Hey! I thought you were going to call earlier. Everything okay?"
"Yeah, everything's fine. Just a bit of a situation I had to deal with. I'm at the precinct right now."
"Are you okay?" The worry was clear in her voice.
"Don't worry, hon. I'm alright."
"What about Mike and Lucas, are they okay?"
"Everyone's fine. I just had a run in with a thug on the street outside my apartment."
"Unbelievable," Charles scoffed.
"You had a what! Wait, who was that?" Elizabeth questioned.
"Way to go," Jack whispered covering the phone, then turned it on speaker.
"That voice…" Elizabeth continued. "It sounded like…"
Charles rolled his eyes from his seat. "Hey, Bethie," he muttered.
"Charlie? Are you kidding me?" she gasped. "You attacked Jack?"
"Yup," Jack answered. "Got me right in the jaw."
"Charles Kensington Thatcher!" Elizabeth yelled over the phone. "How could you?"
"Maybe if someone had called me to tell me what was going on and I didn't have to hear from Dad that my sister was pregnant by some guy, I wouldn't have felt the need to go after him!"
"Don't give me that. I tried calling you but you didn't call me back."
"I was busy! You know what it's like for me at the firm now. I'm not sorry. I did what I felt was right. To protect you."
"Unbelievable."
"You said that already."
"Dang it, Charlie! You always do this! You're like a bull in a china shop. When will you realize I can handle myself? I am the older one of the two of us, remember?"
"Give me a break… you're only older than me by like 15 minutes."
"15 minutes older is still older, dear brother."
Jack did his best to hide his amusement at the sibling banter he was witnessing. Elizabeth was giving Charles quite the tongue lashing.
"Now," she continued. "I love Jack. He is wonderful, kind and oh yeah, the father of my child. Your niece or nephew, by the way. I need him alive and well."
"Fine."
"Now apologize to Jack."
"You're kidding me, right?"
"No! Now, Charles!"
Jack hid his smirk as he made eye contact with Charles.
"I'm not gonna lie. I'm not sorry I hit you, but if what you said to me before is true, I'm glad I didn't hurt you too much."
"Charles!" Elizabeth yelled.
"I'll take it." Jack extended his hand to Charles and the men shook on it. "Hey, Beth, I'm gonna make sure Charles gets out of the station safely and then head home. Can I call you then? I want to hear how painting our new home went today."
"Yes, I'll be waiting. Love you."
"What about me?" Charles spoke.
"I love you too, Chuckie."
Jack burst out laughing.
"Okay... so you're still mad." Charles rolled his eyes. "I'm sorry, Beth. I was just looking out for you."
"I know. I forgive you, but don't you ever do that again. I truly love Jack Thornton. You don't have to protect me from him."
"Okay, if you say so."
"I do."
Jack hung up the phone and began walking Charles out of the princit, making sure no charges were being filed. Mike offered to drive Charles back to his car before taking Jack home. Just as they were getting into the car, Charles turned to Jack.
"You better be as good as she thinks you are."
"I'll do my best to be. You have my word."
….
A few days later, before the sun was even making an appearance in the morning sky, Jack was up standing in his father's kitchen watching the old coffee maker take its time brewing. The day before, he, his dad and his friends moved all his belongings into a moving van and his car. He handed the apartment keys over to his building manager and went to stay with his dad for his last night in Newark. As bittersweet as it was, he was more than ready to hit the road.
"Morning, son," Tom said, rubbing his eyes as he entered the kitchen. "Did you sleep at all?"
"I slept enough. Coffee?"
"Yes, please." He grabbed his favorite coffee mug out of the cupboard and handed it to Jack. "You have a good farewell party last night? Sorry I was asleep when you got in."
"That's okay. It was good. The guys at the station all chipped in and got me a gift. We loaded it into the truck last night." Jack filled his father's mug and handed it to him.
"Nice." He took a sip. "Gowan says you've done great work for him. He's sad to see you go."
"Yeah, I picked up on that. He's being very gracious about it. Mostly anyway." Jack laughed to himself remember the comments made by his former boss. Gowan said if any of Jack's fellow officers tried to jump ship in the next year he would blame Jack and he'd owe him a poker game.
Tom grabbed a day old donut out of a plastic tupperware container. Jack watched as his dad ate the bear claw in about four bites.
"Slow down, Pop."
"Too good for that, son. Even a day old."
"Whatever you say," Jack laughed, grabbing one for himself and dipping it into his coffee.
Letting out a contented sigh, Tom said, "When are the boys getting here?"
"Mike texted me a few minutes ago. He's picking Jess up and they'll be here soon."
"Sounds good to me. Why don't we load the last few things in the truck?"
The two Thornton men were out in the dark drive loading their luggage into the back of Jack's old Ford Escape when Mike pulled up in his car.
"Who's ready for a road trip?" Jesse said hopping out of the passenger seat. "Where do you want us?"
"Why don't we start out with you and Mike in my car and Dad and I in the truck."
"Let's do this." Mike gave a tired smile. "As much as I hate you leaving, it's time to get you back to Beth."
"Yes, please!" Jack said with a grin.
….
Elizabeth awoke that morning after sleeping through the night for the first time in days. For a moment, she felt healthy, normal. Then suddenly, it all went away. She swiftly rolled out of bed and ran towards the bathroom, closing the door behind her.
In the kitchen, Clara and Faith heard the noise of morning sickness and frowned at each other.
"Well, Beth's up." Faith said as she began making toast and tea for Elizabeth.
"How long is this supposed to last?" Clara asked. "I feel so helpless!"
"Everyone's different. Could be another month."
"Another month?" Clara exclaimed. "That can't be healthy!"
"We'll keep an eye on her till Jack gets here. If she gets too bad we take her in to the hospital."
"I'll be fine," Elizabeth said with a moan as she entered the room. Carefully she lowered herself into a chair at the kitchen table. "I just need to try and get something in my stomach. That's all."
"Tea and toast coming up."
"Thanks." She picked up her phone and began going through her texts and emails. Opening a text, she smiled brightly.
"I take it Jack messaged you?" Clara teased. "You don't smile like that for nothing."
"As a matter of fact, he did." She showed Clara a picture of Jack, Mike and Jesse standing in front of a "Welcome to Virginia" sign. The text said, "We're making great time. Can't wait to see you," with an emoji heart at the end.
"So sweet," Clara gushed. "I have a feeling we won't see you much after you move in with Jack and all," she teased.
"That's crazy. You're my best friends. Of course we'll see each other. Things will just be a little different, that's all."
Faith placed the tea and toast before Elizabeth. "You thought at all about getting married? I remember you said Jack was all ready to do it when he was here last, but you weren't."
"No, I wasn't. Before Jack left though, I told him I was ready whenever he wanted to ask me."
"Really!?" Clara squealed. "Why didn't he just drop on one knee right then?"
Elizabeth laughed. "I don't think he had a ring, and besides, he wants it to be special. Memorable."
"I would expect nothing else from that guy."
"I miss him," Elizabeth admitted.
"We know you do."
"No, I mean I really, really miss him. Like, my heart is actually aching without him here."
"That's good. After all, he is the man you'll marry before too long."
"I know. It's just weird. I've never felt this way before. It's a little frightening."
"I know, but don't worry. Even though you guys had a more complicated start, you know your heart is in good hands with Jack."
"I do. He's a wonderful man, and I know he'll make a great father and husband."
….
After 13 hours of driving, the guys checked into a room at a motel in Nashville, Tennessee.
"Well," Tom groaned. "This road trip thing is for the young men like yourselves. Old men like me, I think life is better sitting in a big, old recliner."
"I appreciate you coming, Dad."
"It's worth it son. Back pain and all." Tom took off his shoes and laid down on one of the beds. Before he could utter another word, he was asleep.
"I think he's got the right idea," Mike yawned.
"You did most of the driving today," Jesse said. "Why don't you catch a few winks? Jack and I will head to the Bar and Grille we passed on the way in. You can meet us when you're ready."
"Works for me." Just like that, Mike was out.
Pulling out his phone, Jack took a picture of the two grown men snoring away. "Should I send this to Faith so she knows what she might be getting into in the future?"
"Definitely," Jesse laughed. "I give them a year tops before one of them moves to be closer to the other. They talk as much as you and Beth do."
"It's good. I like Faith. I think she's good for Mike."
"I think so too."
"What about you?"
"What about me?"
Jack shrugged. "I don't know. You and Clara seemed to hit it off well on the trip. I know you guys talk some."
Jesse sighed. "She's a successful woman with a fancy job. I'm a medic."
"Who saves lives for a living while earning credits towards a doctorate. Don't act like that's nothing."
"I know, but it's taking me forever."
"You're good at what you do, Jess. Clara would be lucky to have you."
Hs shrugged. "We're friends. That's all we've committed to for now."
"I understand."
They walked down the street to a loud but cool looking bar and grille establishment. They could hear the building long before they saw it. There was a live band that night. The center of the restaurant had been turned into a dance floor while a band played from the stage. They grabbed a table and ordered a round of drinks.
The third song that the band played was a cover of Kane Brown's, Heaven. Each line made Jack's heart ache for Elizabeth. He picked up his phone and stared at the picture of them on the homepage. He couldn't help but wonder what she was up to in that moment. Was she okay? How was she feeling? Was she missing him as much as he missed her?
"Dude, that's like the tenth time you checked your phone since we got here," Jesse said five minutes later.
"I know. Sorry. I'm just worried."
"I thought she told you she was fine."
Jack sighed. "Yeah but she gets really sick at night, Jesse. I feel bad that I'm not there. I mean it's partially my fault she is in this situation."
"Jack, we are in Nashville and this band is great. Just enjoy the show and text her after."
Jack nodded and put the phone in his pocket.
They listened to a few songs and then ordered some nachos and jalapeno poppers.
Just as the country band started playing another slow song, Jesse nudged Jack. "Don't look now, stud, but there's a beautiful girl looking at you." Jack turned and looked anyway. "I said don't look! Man, for a cop, you are lousy at following directions."
"Yeah, yeah."
"Hey there, handsomes," a feminine voice said in Jack's ear as she sat in the chair next to him. "How are you guys doing tonight?"
Jesse smiled. "Just fine, thank you. How are you?"
"Great. This music is really good." She put her hand on Jack's arm and left it there. "Are you enjoying it?" she asked him.
"Um yeah. Its…its fine." He wasn't a stranger to women flirting but at this point, he wasn't going to reciprocate at all. In his heart, he was married with a child. He gently moved his arm away.
"Where are you boys from?"
"Technically Newark," Jesse offered. "But Jack here is moving to Phoenix."
"Phoenix, huh? Why's that?" The band switched songs. "Oh! Let's dance! I love this song." She grabbed his hand and tried to pull Jack up out of his chair.
"I'm sorry, I don't really dance."
"Everyone dances. My guess is you are better than you think."
"I appreciate it, but no thank you. I'm in a serious relationship."
"And where is this person that you are in a serious relationship with?"
"Phoenix."
"Ah, that's why you're moving. Alright. Well, I hope she knows how lucky she is to have a guy that will be loyal to her when you're thousands of miles apart."
"I'm the lucky one. I assure you."
She nodded and turned her attention to Jesse. "So what about you? Care to take a spin on the dance floor?"
"Sure! In a platonic fashion, of course."
The woman laughed. "I guess I'll take it."
While Jessie danced, Jack stepped outside on the front porch of the restaurant, away from all the noise, to call Elizabeth. He prayed she'd pick up. He needed to hear her voice.
"Jack?" she answered quickly.
"Hey, sweetheart. I miss you."
"I miss you too. Where are you?"
"Nashville. Dad and Mike are sleeping. Jesse and I went to grab a bite to eat. How are you? Feeling any better?"
"Sort of. I started craving a burrito from this one restaurant that's not too far from our new house. I hope I don't regret it later, but I ordered a combo and then came back home. Guess where I'm sitting right now?"
"Hmm, out on the back patio by the pool?"
"Nope. I am in baby Thornton's room."
Jack felt his heart melt at the sound of the phrase "baby Thornton." She was ready for them to promise each other forever just as much as he was.
"You know, I bought the baby a little something before I left Newark."
"Oh yeah? What's that?"
"A New York Yankees hat. He or she will have to grow into it a little bit but it's perfect. I figure until it fits we can just hang it up in the room like a decoration."
"We could... but it may clash with the LA Dodgers onesie that I got."
Jack groaned. "Oh, you've got to be kidding me?"
"Nope," she laughed. "Jack what are we going to do? Isn't there an old saying "a House divided cannot stand?"
"The way I see it we have two options. Option one, one of us has to give up our favorite team for the others."
"Nope. Not happening. Next option?"
"Well, if we can't agree on one team, I guess we've gotta make it interesting."
"What do you mean by interesting?"
"I say we make a bet every time our teams play against each other. The stakes are, loser makes the winner a dessert or treat of their choice."
"I think I like the sound of this. Hope you like to bake! I'm already coming up with ideas."
"I do, but I think it will be you who will be doing most of the baking, sweetheart."
"I seriously doubt that. Now, what about the baby?"
"I guess we have to let he or she find their own way. They'll tell us who they're siding with when they're ready."
Elizabeth couldn't stop laughing. "I love you, Jack Thornton. So much. Come home soon, okay? I don't want to be without you any longer than I have to."
"I'm coming as fast as I can, sweetheart. I love you."
After hanging up the phone, Jack heard the sound of someone walking down the sidewalk towards him.
"Your dad said to bring him a doggie bag," Mike spoke. "He's still pretty tired. How is it in there?"
"Food's good. So is the music. Jesse's in there dancing right now if you want to check that out."
Mike laughed, "Now that I've got to see! The boy's got no rhythm on the dance floor. No matter what he thinks."
Jack laughed in agreement. "I'm gonna take a walk. I'll see you in there in a bit."
"Sure thing."
Jack walked almost a block down the busy Nashville city street. It seemed like every store front had some sort of music filling the air. Just as he was about to turn around and walk back, he stopped in front of a well-lit jewelry store with a black awning over the entryway. There in the showcase window, he saw it. The perfect engagement ring for Elizabeth.
The bell jingled above the door as Jack entered the fancy establishment. A well-dressed man was standing behind the glass counter cleaning up for the night.
"We'll be closing in about 10 minutes, young man."
"That's okay. I don't need much more time than that," Jack said with an excited grin. "There's an engagement ring in your showcase window I'd like to have a look at, if that's okay."
"Of course." The man put his cleaning rag down and walked over to the showcase window. He pulled out a display box that had a dozen rings in it. "One of these?" he questioned.
"Yes. It's this one right here. May I?" The man nodded. Jack carefully picked up the ring and examined it carefully. He didn't know a lot about jewelry. Just what little he could remember from his geology classes in high school, but what he did know was this ring was perfect. The large aqua stone in the center reminded Jack of the crystal blue Hawaiian waters, but more importantly it reminded him of tge beautiful, glistening blue of Elizabeth's eyes. All around the aqua stone were sparkling rows of diamonds.
"I'll take it."
….
Wednesday morning, Elizabeth and Faith finished packing up all her things in the apartment. She was grateful Faith was using her day off after four long work days at the hospital to help her move. Though she expected some of Faith's willingness was due to the fact that she would soon see Mike.
It was unclear to Faith what exactly was going on between her and Mike. They talked daily both on the phone and through texting, but still their lives were in different sides of the country. Was there even a future for them? This is what Faith was mentally chewing on as she carried boxes down from their apartment to Elizabeth's car. All the furniture was being left for the guys once they unloaded Jack's stuff from the truck.
Sweating in the Arizona summer sun, Faith stepped back into the cool apartment and headed straight to the freezer.
"Feeling the heat, are we?" Elizabeth teased when she walked out into the living room and saw that Faith had stuck her head in the freezer.
"Yup, and this helps." She closed the door and smoothed back her wild curls. "Any news from the guys?"
"Jack just texted that they're about an hour out. Want to head to the house? You can dunk your head in the pool if it helps. I'll even let you dive right in if you want."
"You know, I just might," they giggled. Faith splashed her face with water then went to grab another box. "Lets go, Juliet. Time to see your Romeo."
….
An hour and a half later, Jack turned into his new neighborhood. He felt himself relax for the first time since before he'd left Phoenix. He was home.
"Good grief," Tom said with a laugh. "This is a swanky hood, son."
"I know. All the money advice you and Mom taught me really paid off. I'm grateful I can provide for Elizabeth and our child."
Tom smiled. "I'm proud of you, son. Your mom would be too. You're turning what could have been a really bad situation into something good."
"Thanks, Dad." Jack admired his Dad immensely. Having his approval meant more than he could ever explain.
Faith was outside the house carrying in another box when she heard the sound of a large truck turning on the street. Hurrying inside, she dropped the box of books in the middle of the entryway.
"Beth! They're here!"
Jack backed up the truck in the drive and jumped out. "Beth?" he called out as he ran into the house. His heart racing with anticipation. "Beth, are you here?"
"I'm here!" Elizabeth called from down the hall as she ran. "Oh my gosh! You're here!" She leapt into his arms. The warmth of his embrace could be felt deep down at her core. A few tears began trickling down her cheeks."I missed you so much!"
"What's this?" he spoke softly. "Tears?"
"I know, I'm a mess. Hormones," she giggled as he wiped her cheeks. "You're really here, with me, in our new home. It all just felt like a far off dream. I missed you so much."
"I missed you too." He cupped her face in his hand and pressed his lips to hers softly. "I love you," he whispered.
"I love you too."
Tom walked into the house just in time to catch the lovebirds in an embarrassing lip-lock. With a bright red face, Tom cleared his throat, making his presence known.
Elizabeth jumped back, hiding behind Jack. "Oh my goodness!"
"Sorry," Tom laughed. "Should I come back later?"
"Sorry Dad…" Jack could feel the heat in his neck rise over being caught. "Dad, I'd like you to meet Elizabeth Thatcher. Beth, this is my dad, Tom Thornton."
"Pleasure to met you, sir. You have a wonderful son."
"Pleasure's all mine, Beth." Tom stepped forward and gave his future daughter-in-law a hug.
Faith appeared in the room. She'd ducked into the bathroom to freshen up before seeing Mike.
"Jack! Good to see you!" she spoke cheerily.
"You too! Dad, this is one of Beth's best friends, Faith Carter."
"Ah, Mike's special friend."
"Yes, sir," Faith blushed. "Is he here?"
"Just outside," Tom answered.
"Thanks!" With that she rushed out of the house.
"I'm gonna go check on the boys and ah, give you two a moment to finish what you started there." Tom exited the house laughing all the way.
"Good grief! I can't believe your dad just saw that…"
"Saw what? This?" Taking her by surprise, Jack pulled her against his body and kissed her again.
A moan slipped past her lips just before they parted. "Yes, that."
Jack's hands moved from around her waist to rest on her still flat stomach. "How's our little peanut doing?"
"Seems good. Doctor's appointment is the day after tomorrow. Do you start work already or can you come?"
"I'll be there." He kissed her temple. "I wouldn't miss it for the world."
