As Faith stepped outside into the hot Arizona sun, she scanned the front yard for any sign of Mike. At first she saw nothing, then the sound of movement from the back of the truck caught her attention followed by Mike's infectious laugh. She rushed over, anxious to see him.
"Mike?" she called out as she got closer.
"Hey!" Mike jumped off the back of the truck and opened his arms for Faith to walk into, which she did right away. Holding her close, he pressed his lips gently to her forehead. It was sweet and tender. As Faith leaned back slightly, Mike took the bold move to kiss her lips. Faith was surprised, but certainly didn't mind at all. All their facetime, phone calls and text messages had brought them closer over the past almost 2 months.
Up in the back of the truck, Jesse watched the reunion. He couldn't help wondering how he should greet Clara later when he saw her. As far as he could tell, they weren't really at the same place as Faith and Mike and definitely not where Jack and Elizabeth were. So what were they? What would she expect when they saw each other?
"Hey Jess!" Faith hopped up into the truck to give him a hug. "Great to see you!"
"You too, Faith." He meant it. When they'd met these girls back in Hawaii, Jesse never in a million years would have thought they'd be on his list of great friends.
"Clara was so bummed she couldn't get off work. Meetings and all. She'll get here as soon as she can though."
"Cool," he grinned.
Back in the house, Jack and Elizabeth gave Tom the grand tour. He was very impressed, and not just by the house. What impressed him more was watching his oldest son by the side of this young woman. Jack was a good man. He'd be a great husband and great father. Tom had known it already, but it was even more clear to him watching Jack now that Elizabeth held his heart and would for the rest of his life.
For Tom, it brought back so many memories of Charlotte and him when they were young and as their love grew. He couldn't help but miss her terribly in that moment.
"Will you be staying with us, Mr. Thornton? We have the room." Elizabeth's sweet voice broke into his thoughts.
"I thought about that. You kids need to enjoy this time as a couple. This is your first home. I'll be around and I'd love to get to know you more, Beth, but I'll stay at Bill's. It's been a while since I've seen him too."
"You sure, Dad? You won't be in the way."
"I'm sure." He grinned. "Enjoy this time. Once my grandchild enters this world it's a whole new ball game."
"Okay, but know you're welcome if you change your mind." Elizabeth nodded in agreement to Jack's remarks.
"I'll remember that. I promise."
Tom, Faith, Elizabeth and the young men soon began working together unloading and unpacking.
Just after lunch, Jack was in the living room trying to hook up the largest TV Elizabeth had even seen outside of a large department store or sports bar. It was at least 75".
Apparently the large device had been Lucas's at one point but he'd lost it to Jack one night in a poker game. That seemed to be a common trend among the boys. Poor Lucas wasn't thrilled the TV had now moved clear across the country and his chances of getting it back had dwindled.
Jack told Lucas he would just give it back to him, but to Lucas, he'd lost it fair and square and would only take it back if he won it back.
"Let's just call it an early wedding present," Lucas said with a laugh to Jack before he moved.
Elizabeth walked over to him on her way from the garage to grab another box. "Think it's big enough?" she teased.
"You don't like it?"
"I didn't say that." She sat on the floor next to him and gave him a kiss. "It's just different for me that's all."
"Just wait till we watch your Dodgers on this baby. You'll love it."
With another kiss and a smile she went back to unpacking.
Jack watched her with a smile on his face as she walked away.
"Be careful, babe. Don't lift anything too heavy."
"Don't worry, I'll be smart."
Elizabeth shook her head as she passed Jesse and stepped into the garage.
"Hey, Jack, where do you want this?" Jesse asked, carrying in a box of Jack's.
Walking over to see what box Jesse was carrying, Jack pointed him down to the guest room. Jesse went in but while in the room he called Jack to come inside.
"Dude," Jesse whispered. "Isn't this the guest room?"
"Sort of, yeah. That's what it will be used for eventually anyway."
"Okay…" Jesse laughed. "Why aren't you and Beth in the same room? You are together right?"
"Yes, of course we are. Why do you ask?"
"I don't know. Considering the situation I just figured you'd skip the whole roommate bit and just, you know, live together."
"I guess I get that, but we're trying to take a little time here."
"Time? Time for what?"
"To date each other. To get to know each other better."
"Well, ok. That's a bit backwards but it makes sense," he said a little sarcastically.
"It does actually. Jess, it isn't just Beth and me anymore. There's a child in the mix. One that needs his or her parents to be in a loving, stable relationship. So, we are taking a little time. Building a solid foundation for our family to grow on."
"Yeah but…"
Mike stepped into the room with another box, having heard most of the conversation, "Let it go, Jess. It's Jack's life. He needs to make the choices that work for him and Beth now."
He nodded. "Sorry, man. Really."
"No worries." Jack smiled. "Trust me, I know we're doing everything differently than expected. I just can't lose her and I want to do everything I can to make it right for us."
Jesse stuck out his hand to his friend. "I trust you. I'm sorry."
"No worries, we're okay."
That was the end of that conversation, and the boys went back to work as if nothing tense had just happened.
When Clara showed up to the house after work, Tom, Mike, Jack and Elizabeth had headed back to the girls' apartment to bring over the last bit of her things. Mostly furniture.
"Hello? Anyone here?" Clara said entering the home.
"Hey!" Faith called out. "In the kitchen."
"Goodness, look at this place! Looks great!" She smiled. "Where is everyone?"
"Doing one last run to our apartment. Clara, you should see Jack and Beth, they are so adorable, it's crazy. Oh, and Jesse's on the patio trying to put together a grill or something. Go say "Hi" then come here and help me unpack the kitchen."
"Alright, I'll go see him but then I'm changing before I lift anything." She was still dressed in one of her best work outfits. In general, she was a shorts and t-shirt kind of gal, but at work she dressed more upscale.
Out on the patio, Jesse sat on the ground staring at an instruction manual. Random metal pieces were scattered around him as he muttered to himself.
"Whatcha doing there?" Clara said with a smirk.
"Hey!" he jumped up.
"Hi," she smiled.
Jesse put down the metal grill parts and walked over to her. She looked gorgeous dressed in her black skirt with it's small slit on the side and navy blue sleeveless blouse.
"You look awesome."
"Thanks," she blushed. "Work clothes you know." To her, he looked amazing. His muscular arms all tanned and in perfect view with his sleeveless tee. It was very distracting. "I should go change and help you guys. I just wanted to, you know… say hi and all."
"Yeah. Um, it's great to see you. I'd hug you… but you look all fancy and I'm covered in dust and grime from moving boxes and stuff."
"Oh, well then I'll be right back." With a small laugh, she hurried back into the house.
Jesse watched her go until she'd completely disappeared into the house. "Wow," he said to himself. He finally had an idea of what Jack meant when he'd said Elizabeth had stolen his heart and breath with one glance.
"Oh boy…"
….
After a long, hot day of moving, Jack ordered pizzas and salads from a place Elizabeth recommended and they all ate around the pool at the new house. Jack's dad had already headed up to see Bill, promising to come back the next day.
"What are you guys planning on doing the next day or so you're in town?" Elizabeth asked as she reclined back against Jack's chest in one of the pool side chairs, feeling at home and at peace together.
"Not sure," Mike scratched his head.
"I want to take Jess to El Cantina. You'll love it!" Clara said, taking his hand for a moment and giving it a light squeeze.
"I'm game." He squeezed back. "I love Mexican."
"I remember," she smiled and Jesse's heart just about stopped. No wonder his friends were losing their minds. Now he was too.
"How late are you working tomorrow?" Faith asked Clara.
"Not at all, actually. I took tomorrow off."
"Oh man, so jealous! I have to work till 4." She turned to Mike. "I tried to get it off but after taking time off for Hawaii, I don't have much leverage."
"It's ok," Mike smiled. "Maybe we could do dinner together?"
Jesse and Jack both looked at each other with proud smirks. They'd never seen Mike so forward, not that this was incredibly forward, but for Mike, it was. Asking Faith to dinner in front of all of them. He must really like her.
He did.
"Yes! That would be awesome."
Mike draped his arm around her, pulling her closer to his side. Accepting his affection, Faith's body melted into him.
"I have an idea," Jack spoke. "Mike, you want to come check out the station I'll be working at tomorrow? I need to check in with the chief and make sure all things are squared away for my start date."
"Sure, what time?"
"I don't know. Maybe around 9. I'll pick you up at the girl's place."
"Works for me."
"What about you two?" Clara directed her question to the love birds. "You and Jack have any fun plans for tomorrow?"
"Unpacking," they said together. Their friends laughed.
Jack kissed the top of Elizabeth's head. "If it's alright with you, Beth, I was thinking of inviting my dad over for dinner tomorrow."
"Sounds great. I'd love to get to know him better."
At about 9:30 that night everyone decided it was time to turn in. Mike and Jesse were staying at the girl's apartment on air mattresses in the living room. Jack had told him it was fine to stay with him and Elizabeth, but the guys wanted to give the couple some alone time now that they'd just moved into the house together. As much as Jack wouldn't have minded having his friends stay with him, he really appreciated the time with just Elizabeth.
….
Soon the house was quiet. That's when the full reality of what their life was sank in for Elizabeth. She was now living with Jack. Not her friends. Jack. The man who's baby she was carrying, the man she loved. Suddenly overwhelmed by everything she curled up around the blue couch pillow in the living room, hugging it to her chest.
Jack walked back in from seeing their friends out and saw her staring off into space. He tilted his head to the side and watched. Her mind must have been spinning madly, he could just tell.
Instead of going back to the living room, he stepped into the kitchen and began rummaging through cupboards and boxes. The downside to having Faith and Clara unpack the kitchen was he wasn't entirely sure where things were.
"Jack?" She called, hearing all the ruckus. "What are you doing?"
"Making my beautiful love some tea."
That made her heart melt. "Thank you."
"Of course," he shot her a dimpled grin. She would never tire of that smile.
When the tea was ready, he brought hers and the one he made for himself over to the couch. Sitting beside her, he wrapped his arm around her shoulders. She welcomed his warmth and strong loving presence and leaned in. Letting her soft form conform to his.
"So." She snuggled in close as could be.
"So…"
"Is this a little strange? Me and you. Alone in our house?"
"A little, maybe. I've never lived with a woman before. Well, my mother, but I'm not sure that counts."
"It doesn't," she laughed.
"Are you happy?"
"Yes, very much."
He kissed the top of her head. "Me too."
"It's just... different. I don't know how to explain it. I think I'm a little overwhelmed about all the changes that are coming up for us."
"I understand. We're both planners. We like to have every detail meticulously figured it out. It's kind of hard to do when all of a sudden everything changes."
"And then there's this little one," she rested her hand on her belly. Still flat but they both knew of the precious cargo that laid within. "I'm actually pretty excited for the appointment and to hear the little heartbeat. I think it will make it feel very real."
"More real than the constant nausea and exhaustion you've been feeling lately?" he teased.
"Yes," she laughed. "More real than that."
Curled up together on the couch, Jack turned on the TV and handed Elizabeth the remote. As she scrolled through the options, she noticed the Yankees were playing on channel 6 and selected it.
"Did you just pick the Yankees game?" he asked with a smirk.
"What can I say? The Dodgers don't play for another couple of days. Might as well watch your team lose."
"Hey now!" he exclaimed. "Those there are fighting words! You better be careful."
"Oh really? Or what?"
The cute and innocent yet mischievous grin on her face was enough to get his heart pounding hard. He had so much love for this woman it was almost unbearable.
"Well, I guess I'll just have to do this!"
Before she could think, he began tickling her sides and she fell into a fit of laughter.
"Okay, okay, okay!" she laughed, out of breath. "I fold! Maybe they won't do so bad tonight after all."
"That sounds a little better," Jack laughed. "I love you, Beth. I hope you never forget it."
"I know you, you won't let me forget."
When the game was over, Jack turned off the TV and walked Elizabeth to her door holding her hand firmly in his.
Stopping just outside the master bedroom doorway, Jack stared deep into her eyes. He could feel every part of him yearning for her. This beautiful, intelligent loving woman would one day be his wife. That day couldn't come soon enough.
Dipping his chin slightly, he caught her lips in a slow burn of a kiss. The sweetness of honey from her tea still present in her mouth drove Jack even deeper. Then reluctantly, he broke the kiss.
"Goodnight, Beth."
"Goodnight."
Now it was Beth who initiated a kiss. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she pulled him against her body and began unintentionally teasing him with a string of sensually charged kisses.
"Beth…" He was going to say they really should say goodnight, but he couldn't. Instead he pulled her against his chest and kissed her like it was her touch keeping him alive.
"Okay," he finally said. "If I don't go now I may not be able to."
"And if we keep this up I might let you." She kissed his cheek, lingering there a moment. "I love you, Jack Thornton."
"I love you too, Beth. See you in the morning."
Walking into his room, Jack flopped back on his bed and sighed. He meant what he'd said to Jesse earlier. They needed a firm foundation. He just hoped it didn't take too long. It wasn't just the physical closeness he desired. His love for Elizabeth was powerful. He wanted to be her husband. Her best friend, forever and ever.
"Soon, Jack. Soon." He rolled over, turning off his light and drifting off to sleep.
Down the hall, laying on her bed under the ceiling fan, Elizabeth tried to slow down her heart and mind, but she couldn't. Visions of the future that could be before her danced around in her mind. A baby and a marriage to a wonderful man that made her feel butterflies with a single look. Her best friend.
She glanced down at her empty ring finger. "We'll be okay, baby. Your daddy is really something special. I promise, we'll give you a good life. One where you will always be loved."
…..
Across town in a fancy condo neighborhood in a golf course country club, Tom and Bill sat on the back patio of Bill's home shooting the breeze and talking about the old days.
"You remember that case back in '84?" Bill started. "It was a series of homicides where the guy left a card from a deck of playing cards?"
"How could I forget? The guy somehow managed to walk into the station and leave the empty card box on my desk."
Bill laughed, "I thought you were going to pass out in your desk chair!"
"Could you blame me? Charlotte had just told me that night before work that she was pregnant with Jack. I was a mess of emotions. All good ones until that jerk did that."
"That's right! You were so over the moon when she told you."
"I was and I was again when she told me about Tommy. Now it's Jack's turn."
"That's right," Bill learned further back in his chair. "How are you feeling about that, Grandpa? I'm sure this whole deal came as a surprise to you."
Tom chuckled. "That's a bit of an understatement. Jack's always been so by the book. What can I say, though, he's doing right by his family now. Moving out here and all. I'm proud."
"Good. You should be from what I can see."
Tom allowed himself to get a little lost in thoughts of the past. "The scariest thing for me when Char told me she was expecting was wondering will I be around to watch them grow. With being an officer and all, I never imagined Char would go first."
"It's not fair. She should see this."
"Tell me about it." Tom took a sip of his drink. "Promise me, Bill, you'll look out for my boy? He's a daddy now. He needs to be here for Elizabeth and the child."
"You know the job, Tom, but I'll do my best."
"That's all I can ask for." Tom shook his old friend's hand. "I gotta say, Bill, you've got a great place here."
"You're right about that one. You know… there's a nice little condo just a few doors down that's for sale. I know the guy. He might give you a deal."
"Are you suggesting I leave Newark?" Tom laughed.
"I might be. Jack will be here now. Your grandchild too."
"There's still Tommy, but I don't think he'd mind. I can't though."
"Why? Don't tell me it's Gowan?"
Tom laughed. The three of them had been like the three amigos back at the academy and for many years after.
"It's Charlotte. I can't leave the city we were married in and raised our family. She's buried there. I'd just feel like I'm abandoning her."
"You know it's not like that, old friend. She'll always be with you in your heart."
"I guess so. I don't know. Maybe it'd be nice. Like you said, I'd be closer to my grandchild. I could school you in golf every weekend."
"On second thought, stay in Jersey."
They laughed together. It felt good for Tom. Maybe a move was the right call.
