Blast From The Past
When it was time for the meeting, Jack moved Asher to Shane's office and got him set up with his toys and coloring books.
"You be good, alright, bud?"
"I be very good."
Shane laughed, "I bet he'll be so good, I'll want him as a partner instead of you."
"Oh man! I could lose my job today!"
"No, silly!" Asher laughed. "Just for a few hours."
"Now go!" Shane said. "He's in good hands. You know that."
"Yeah, I do. Thanks man."
Jack kissed his son's head and headed down the hall with his Ipad full of his notes and into the main conference room. He found a seat around the table and settled in.
"Afternoon, everyone." Bill stood in front of the room. "One of our guests from the Boston Precinct is running a little late. Everyone grab a plate of food and we'll get started shortly."
Ten minutes later...
"Sorry I'm late!" A woman said as she came into the room. "I'm Detective Lewis from Boston Metro PD."
"Thanks for joining us, detective. We're just getting started. You didn't miss a thing."
The woman sat down near the front of the table. Jack had looked up the moment he heard her voice. He pulled out his phone and searched his old contacts. Finding what he was looking for, he sent a text.
"Shortie?"
The woman's phone buzzed and she looked down at it. A look of surprise cast over her face. She looked up, then saw him.
"Thornton, long time no see. Talk after?"
"Sure."
All told, the meeting took an hour. The next course of action was to be decided on later but, for now, at least every was on the same page.
Jack waited just down the hall for Sara, the female detective from Boston to exit the room. He hadn't seen her in years. The last time they talked was not long after he found out he was deploying again.
Sara Lewis was in Jack's class at the academy. They had even been assigned to the same station after graduation. Jack only stayed two years, while Sara stayed on much longer. Back then, they'd been close. Not, love interest close. More like brother and sister. They had attended a formal for the cities first responders once. She and her boyfriend had called it quits about a month before and she had no interest in going alone. Since Jack had planned to attend from the beginning, they decided to go together as friends.
"Looking good, detective." Sara, aka "shortie," said as she walked towards him. "Did I hear them correctly in there? You're a detective now?"
"You heard right. You and I both detectives? I guess they'll hire anyone these days."
"Apparently so!" She laughed. "It's so good to see you!" Her arms wrapped around Jack's neck and squeezed him close.
"Good to see you too, and even on the same case."
"Yeah, some odds right?"
Sara had been on a case years ago that had the same MO. Lots of small, seemingly unrelated robbers, that as Jack had suggested, were leading up to a bigger payday.
"How's Josh?" Jack asked, referring to Sara's boyfriend.
"Good, last I heard."
"Uh oh. I take it you're not together?"
She shook her head. "You know this whole detective promotion? He didn't like it so much."
"What about it? Longer hours?"
"No… it was more he didn't like that I got it instead of him."
"Ouch!" Jack laughed awkwardly. "Well then I guess I should tell you, you can do better than him anyway."
"And I plan to!" she smiled proudly.
Jack noticed her glancing up and down at him. It wasn't uncommon for there to be an innocent flirty banter about them when they were both unattached, but that's all it was. Totally platonic.
"So hey, you want to go grab a bite somewhere? Assuming there's a decent eatery this far outside the city," she teased.
"There's plenty of good food, city girl, but I can't. It's Halloween."
"Are you on duty tonight? Cause you're a little old to be trick or treating."
"I'm not working, but I am taking my kids door to door tonight."
Sara stepped back confused. "Kids? Jack last I saw you was about a month before you shipped out on deployment. You didn't have kids then. In fact, I'm pretty sure you said you were happily NOT dating. What the heck happened?"
"It's a long story. I became a penpal for a grade school class here in town. By the end of my deployment the teacher and I had built a good friendship. When I got back we met, oddly enough at my welcome home party," Jack laughed at the memories. "Anyway, we've been married a few months now and I've never been happier."
"Okay, wow. So these kids you are talking about, they're hers."
"Biologically yes, but I adopted them when we got married so in every way that matters, they're mine."
"This is nuts, Jack! So unlike you!"
"Elizabeth is amazing. I have no regrets. And trust me, this is me."
Shane's office door opened and a little head popped out.
"Dada? You still in meeting?"
"Nope, meeting's over. Come meet an old friend of mine." Asher hurried over and climbed up to be held in Jack's arms. "Asher, meet Sara. Sara, this little monkey is my son, Asher."
"Hi, Miss Sara."
"Hi there," she smiled. Jack was clearly smitten with the boy. Who wouldn't be. His curly hair and infectious smile were to die for. "Aren't you a handsome little man?"
"Thanks."
"Hey, bud, why don't you pack up your stuff in Shane's office and get ready to head home?"
"Then we go trick or treating!!"
"Yup, then we go," Jack laughed. "He's been counting down to this for days."
"Who wouldn't?" Sara smiled. "Asher, what is your favorite candy?"
"I like Reese's! Mommy won't let me have gum, or lollies with gum."
"Yes, that's because Mom said last year you got the gum in your hair."
"Yeah… that was icky sticky. I lost my curls!"
Jack placed Asher back on the ground and he hurried off to do as he was told.
"He seems so adorable," Sara said.
"Oh, he very much is. Just wait till you meet my daughter Mya. She's a real hoot."
Sara shook her head. "This is crazy. It's like I don't even recognize you."
"I'm still me, Sara. I promise."
"Okay, so raincheck tonight. Can we catch up again? Sounds like we'll be on the same case for a bit now."
"Of course."
She leaned in and kissed Jack's cheek. "See you later."
"See ya."
Standing in the doorway just a few yards away was a little boy that was now, very confused.
….
Elizabeth packed up her things and headed to pick up Mya from her elementary school. It had been a long day. Her students were fine, even with the added excitement with it being Halloween. On top of that she couldn't tell if she was hungry, or nauseous.
On the way out she poked her head into the principal's office. It was quiet except for the sound of loud typing from the receptionist desk.
"Hi, Florence. Is Principal Sullivan in?"
"She's at the district office in a meeting. Want to leave her a note?"
"That's okay. I'll shoot her an email later instead."
"You're not leaving us are you? You're one of the best teachers we have!"
"Don't worry, Florence, just wanted to talk to her about how certain kinds of leave work."
"Leave? Like… maternity leave?" Florence gasp. "You're pregnant!"
"Florence, please!" Elizabeth laughed. "I just want to look into my options for the future. That's all."
"Of course." She gave a knowing grin. "I'll start on your baby quilt this week, just in case."
Elizabeth rolled her eyes and smiled. "Thank you, Florence."
….
"What music do you want for the ride home?" Jack asked his son as he buckled him into his carseat.
"I don't know," he mumbled.
Jack looked at Asher. He wasn't his usual bouncy self. In fact, he hadn't been since he got out of his meeting.
He unbuckled him, and picked him up, holding him close.
"What's going on, bud?"
"Nothin."
"Now I know that's not true."
Asher looked up at Jack, a worried look on his innocent face.
"Are… are you going to leave us?"
"What?" Jack gasped. "No way. I'd never leave you. You know that."
"But… do you love that woman? The one that kissed you."
"Kissed me?"
"I saw! She kissed your cheek. You said people kiss when they love each other. That's why you and Mommy kiss all the time. So does she love you? You love her?"
"Wow… um. No. I love your mom. Miss Sara is an old friend. The kiss she gave me was a friendly goodbye, not love."
"That makes no sense, Daddy. I don't kiss my friends."
"Yeah, you don't. Umm…" Jack was struggling. His mind went blank. There were no words coming up that he thought would help Asher right now.
"Is it a big person thing?" The little guy tilted his head in curiosity, his curly hair leaning to one side adorably.
"Yeah, it is. Look, buddy, I am your dad. I love being yours and Mya's dad. I also love being married to Mom. She is my best friend in the whole wide world. I'm never leaving you."
"Okay," he smiled and hugged Jack's neck. "We go trick or treating now?"
"Soon, Ash," Jack laughed, the crisis averted.
Elizabeth and Mya headed straight to Viola's. So when the boys got home, it was just them and the dogs. They let Rip out in the back yard and took Georgie for a walk around the block. No more was mentioned about Sara or Jack leaving them.
The whole thing got Jack thinking though. What would it be like working with Sara now? In the past there was an innocent flirtation between them. Jack knew he wouldn't talk to her like that now. Back then he was single with no prospect of settling down.
His phone buzzed. It was Sara.
"Hey, cowboy. Me and some of the Boston team are grabbing dinner tonight. I know you're busy, but any recommendations?"
"Pete's Pizza is good or Abigail's Cafe. The Tavern has pub fare with an upclass twist. Then there's a Lounge."
"Perfect."
"Is that Mommy?" Asher asked.
"Nope. That was Miss Sara."
"Oooh. What did she want?"
"She wanted to know what restaurants were good around here."
"Chuckie Cheese is my favorite. She should go there."
Jack laughed. "Not sure that's what she's looking for."
Asher shrugged. "Can we go sometime?"
"I'll talk to Mom, but probably sometime."
Once both dogs were fed and settled for the evening, they left for Viola's. Jack couldn't wait to see Elizabeth. She was always on his mind. The idea that she might be pregnant made him even more eager.
Elizabeth was in the kitchen helping Vi with dinner when he arrived. He hung up his and Asher's coats and went to her like a heat seeking missile.
"Missed you," he whispered into her ear as he wrapped his arms around her waist.
"Hey, handsome." She turned and kissed his lips. "How was your day? How's Ash?"
"He's good. What a champ. His eye will be a little gray around the edges though while he heels."
"Poor guy. What about your meeting?"
"That was good too. Little strange. The detective from Boston happens to be an old friend of mine."
"That's handy. You guys work well together?"
"Used too." He shrugged. "Just so you know though, I saw that old friend today in the meeting and…"
"Dinner's ready!" Viola called out to the playroom where all the kids were making a ground zero-like mess.
Elizabeth kissed Jack sweetly. "I should go round up the kids. Can you start plates for them? It's lasagna, their favorite."
"Okay." As she walked away, he snatched her hand, pulling her close for one last kiss. "Sorry. Can't help myself."
Viola grabbed plates from the cupboard and laughed. "My goodness, you two, all hot and heavy still?"
"And for the rest of my life!" Jack grinned.
Lionel walked by and received a whack in the arm.
"Darling! What on earth was that for?"
"Why aren't we more like Jack and Beth?"
"Um, in what way are you referring to?"
"Oh, never mind!"
With a cheeky smile Lionel kissed his wife's forehead.
"I love you, sweet pea. We're great just as we are. I wouldn't trade us for anything. Alright?"
With a few tears she fanned herself. "Okay, yup, I'm good now." She blushed as she went back to dishing up lasagna for the kids.
"Well done," Jack mouthed silently. Lionel shot him a wink.
Elizabeth was down the hall wrestling her youngest towards the kitchen.
"I want to trick or treat! No eating!" Asher whined. It had been a long, out of the norm day for him and it was taking its toll.
"You have to eat first. It's your favorite!"
"Pizza? Tacos?"
"Oh, no. Your other favorite."
"Lazy-ana?"
Elizabeth laughed. "Also known as lasagna."
"Yummmy!" He wiggled out of her hold and bolted to the kitchen.
"Holy moly, that boy sure is something," she sighed.
Passing by the entryway, she heard the text alert noise on Jack's phone. She looked around, but didn't see it.
"Babe, I think you got a text," she called down towards the kitchen. She could see Jack juggling two plates of food while Asher practically climbed up his side.
"Can you check it for me? Just in case its Bill? My phone's in my left jacket pocket.
"Sure." Elizabeth went over and looked again. This time finding his leather jacket on the ground where it must have fallen. She grabbed it and pulled out his phone.
Another text message had just come through. The screen lit up with a picture of a beautiful, model-like, woman's face.
"Sara? Who's Sara?"
She read the text.
"Jack, sorry about before. I've missed you and was just surprised that's all."
The next message read:
"Looking forward to seeing you again real soon. We have a lot to talk about. XOXO"
Immediately, Elizabeth's mind went to the worst possible scenario.
"It's happening again…" she whispered. "Please no, please no."
"Who was it, Elizabeth?" Jack asked as he came up behind her. "Was it Bill?"
"No," she said, trying to hide the wave of emotions hitting her. "Just some woman who's missed you and is looking forward to seeing you. Again."
She handed him his phone and swiftly turned to go up the stairs in Viola's homes. Her feet were moving so fast she was almost running. Then, Jack heard a door slam.
"Crap…"
"You alright?" Lionel asked as Jack re-entered the kitchen.
"Ah, no. I think Elizabeth and I are about to have a fight. Actually, I think she's already having it, but without me."
"What did you do?"
"Not what she thinks. I promise."
Lionel nodded. "Was that the door slam I just heard?"
"Yeah. I don't know which room though."
"Bathroom." Lionel said. "If she's anything like her sister, when she gets mad, she retreats to the bathroom. At least, that's what she does when we are in another person's home. A few years ago when she was pregnant, she would do this all the time at Beth's home."
"Bathroom's the second door on the left right?"
"Yup. Take your time. I'll watch the kids."
"Thanks, brother." With that, Jack hurried out of the room.
"What's going on?" Viola said coming back into the kitchen. Now that all the children were happily eating, it was her turn. "Where's Beth?"
"Hiding in our bathroom."
"Oh no. What happened? They were just making out in the kitchen like 10 minutes ago!"
"Nothing Jack can't fix. Go on, let's eat."
Upstairs, Jack leaned against the door frame and listened. He could hear sniffles and sighs on the other side.
"Lord, give me the right words," he prayed then lightly knocked on the door. "Elizabeth, sweetie. Can I come in?"
"I'm fine Jack. Just go."
"No, you're not fine. I know my wife. Please let me in."
"Tell me I didn't see what I thought I saw on your phone. Please tell me that history is not repeating itself here?"
"It's not, I promise." There was silence. "You don't believe me? I get it. I do. Let me in and we'll talk about it, okay? I'll answer every question as many times as you need to hear it."
After a few more moments of silence, Jack heard the door unlock. He wasted no time getting inside in case she might change her mind. She was sitting up on the bathroom counter in the large space between the double sinks, her eyes cast downward to the tiled floor.
"I love you," he spoke softly, tilting her chin up to look into her eyes. "I truly, truly love you and our life. I will never do anything to screw that up."
"Who's Sara?"
"Sara Lewis is an old friend from the academy. She's been working in Boston as a detective and was pulled into the team to work my case."
"Old friend. Did you date her?"
"Not in the way you're asking, no. We did accompany each other to a formal at the academy when she was going through a nasty breakup and she didn't want to go alone. I had no interest in dating anyone so we went together."
"What is she sorry about?"
"I've never been good at keeping in touch with people long distance. Last I saw her I was in the city and we bumped into each other at a coffee shop. I had just been informed that I would be deploying. Before that I think it had been maybe months if not years since we'd seen each other. We'd text or email, sometimes call. All very platonic."
"She lives in Boston. You live here. That's not a long distance."
"Maybe not, but we were both workaholics. I trained a lot with the guard, and I had my family. Boston could have been the other side of the world for all that mattered."
"But you made a great penpal."
Jack smiled. He kissed her cheeks. "Yes, but that was different. I was falling in love. I am in love."
Tears rolled down her cheeks. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be."
"I wish you had said something though."
"I tried just before dinner started. I said I'd seen an old friend today."
"Though you never mentioned that the old friend was a hot detective chick."
"Ah, is she?" He looked honestly confused.
Elizabeth laughed. "Jack, I saw her picture on your cell. She's gorgeous. Dark straight hair, tan."
"Maybe, but she's not you. Couldn't even come close." Jack slid his hands from her hips, up under her shirt, feeling the warm skin hidden underneath. A deep growl of affection left his lips as he pressed them against her neck.
After kissing her tenderly he whispered, "I've never loved anyone the way I love you. I want to be with you all the time. You're the one, Elizabeth. You're the only one. I'm yours. Do you believe me?"
"Mhmm," she whispered. "I'm sorry, my hormones got the best of me. I love you so much, Jack. I can't imagine my life without you."
"Good thing you won't have to."
Looping her fingers in the belt loops of his jeans, she tugged him even closer, fanning the burning flame in his soul with her kisses.
Jack leaned back slightly. A mischievous grin covered his face. "You know, I could lock that door and we could give that whole baby making thing a try again."
"We could… but it won't work."
"Why's that? Cause we're upstairs in your sister's house? Hiding away in her bathroom?"
"No. It won't work because I'm already pregnant."
"Wait what?" She nodded, biting her lip as she smiled. "I thought you didn't want to take the test for another week."
"I didn't, but then this morning at work I felt miserable. Like, morning sickness and dizziness. I just had to know. I wanted to know if I was carrying your child."
Jack breathed deeply, feeling all his emotions rise to the service.
"I took the test on my lunch break. I had a whole plan on how to tell you. Believe me when I say it was not supposed to happen after I locked myself in a bathroom having a meltdown over your fake affair."
Their foreheads rested together, eyes closed as they soaked in the moment together.
"A baby," he whispered.
"Yeah, ours."
In a wave of excitement, Jack lifted Elizabeth off the counter and fully into his arms, firmly against his chest. Her legs wrapped around his waist as their lips met in a passion filled embrace.
Taking an unbalanced step back, Jack reached over and locked the door. Sitting her back down on the counter, he removed her shirt, followed by his own.
"What are you doing, Mr. Thornton?" She spoke coyly, quickly losing her mind in his affection.
"Loving my wife." He grinned. "We have something to celebrate."
Ten minutes later…
"Mommy, Mommy, Mama!!" Asher yelled as he banged on the door. "I ate. We go get candy now?"
"That boy and his candy…" Jack whispered with a laugh. Kissing his wife one more time before getting themselves back together.
"Mama! Candy please!!"
"Asher William, go get in your costume and I'll be right down."
"Yes!!"
They laughed.
"Ready for your first Halloween as a daddy of three?" Elizabeth asked.
"Definitely!"
