Chapter 101

Jack followed Elizabeth's directions to her childhood home. After the fiasco on Make Out Rock, they stopped by a small ice cream parlor for a cone of ice cream. While enjoying their ice cream, Emma called with the day's updates. She held off as long as she could knowing Elizabeth was released earlier in the day. Lee stepped up and took on all that he could, but there were a few things only the chief could handle. To Emma's credit, she kept the list to three things. Jack thanked her for keeping the list short. Emma did warn him that the list when he came home was growing and the first few days back will be long. Jack understood and knew his first few days back to Hope Valley would be long ones.

"I'm not sure what all you did for my family. Emma…" Jack's voice was beginning to crack. "Thank you for stepping up and doing everything you did for Elizabeth and I."

"Jack, you are welcome. May I speak to Elizabeth? Is she up for it?"

Without saying a word, he handed Elizabeth his cell phone. "Thank you, Emma." Elizabeth began. It didn't take long before both ladies were crying. Emma was so grateful everything was ok with Elizabeth and the babies, and Elizabeth was thankful for everything Emma did. She also warned Elizabeth that Jack's list was growing, and he would be busy when he came back to work.

After disconnecting the call, Elizabeth looked at Jack and asked him if he was ready to go to her parent's home. He hesitated in his answer. She knew this had to be hard for him because it was hard for her. The day was great. It gave them several hours to escape the realities of her father, even if the make out session didn't come to fruition like she wanted.

"Jack, are you ok going to my parent's house?"

Jack looked at her and he didn't say anything.

"Would you rather get a hotel room?"

Jack exhaled. It took all of Jack's strength not to scream yes at her question.

"No. Honestly, I don't want to go to your parent's house, but I know you do."

"I do and then I don't." She stated softly.

This was difficult on them for different reasons. Elizabeth remembered the argument and the pain that set off the emergency. Jack remembered seeing his wife lying unconscious on the deck. He also knew his father-in-law would be there. He wasn't sure he was up for that conversation.

When Jack and Elizabeth made eye contact, they saw the storm of emotions in each other's eyes. She knew Jack didn't want to go but was grateful he was willing to because of her. She did want a relationship with her father even though she wasn't sure how that would look like after yesterday. She was serious when she warned her father about leaving the house and never coming back if he continued to treat Jack the same way. They both exhaled at the same time. They gave each other a small smile.

…

Jack turned on the street her parents lived. He stopped at the same spot he stopped yesterday when he noticed the ambulance in the driveway. She squeezed his hand to comfort him. Jack slowly made his way down the street and into the driveway. He parked on the left side of the driveway in front of the garage.

When Elizabeth stepped out, she noticed Jack was still sitting in the car. As she made her way around the front of the car, Jack finally opened the door. He had to take a deep breath and remind himself he was doing this for his wife. He didn't want to make it any harder on her, but he couldn't deny his emotions either.

Elizabeth stopped when she noticed the ruts in the front yard. "What caused that?"

Jack looked at the ruts. "I did. When I pulled on the street yesterday, I saw the ambulance in the driveway. I panicked and drove to the house as fast as I could. I pulled into the yard and slide to a stop."

"Looks like you barely missed the flowerbed and the house." She chuckled. When she saw his expression, she instantly regretted laughing.

She walked in front of Jack and placed her arms on his shoulders and began to play with the hair on the back of his neck. When she finally had his attention, she spoke softly to him. "Jack, why don't we get my bags, and we can go to a hotel. I know this is hard on you."

Jack sighed. He was hoping she would say that it was hard for the both of them. "No, I promised you I would stay here. I know you want to. I'm sorry I'm making this hard for you, but, Elizabeth, I can't deny what I am feeling."

"I know sweetheart. You are not making this hard for me, my father is. I'm sorry everything has turned out like this."

"This is hard for you?"

"Yes, Jack. It is hard for me too. If he continues to treat you like he has, we will never be here again."

Jack nodded. He was sincerely trying to gain control of his emotions, but he just couldn't gain full control of them. No matter how hard he tried, he was losing that battle. The image of his wife lying on the deck unconscious was engrained in his brain for eternity.

"Let's get this over with." He stated in a defeated tone. His shoulders slumped in defeat. She hasn't heard that tone or seen his defeated posture since the moment she took him for granted just before her ladies' weekend away. She knew he was doing this only because of her. She felt bad for her husband and loved him even more because he was trying.

"Maybe it'll get better." He stated.

William walked by the library window when Jack and Elizabeth pulled into the driveway. He watched the interaction and was shocked at Jack's posture. He always saw Jack as strong and confident. At that moment, Jack did not look strong or confident. It was another blow to William and another reminder of how much he must overcome.

"Are you ready?" Elizabeth asked hesitantly.

"If I say no, do we have too?" He let out a small laugh filled with sorrow.

"Jack…" Elizabeth started until the front door opened and Grace stepped out.

"We were getting a little concerned for you two." She stated as she leaned against the handrail.

"We looked around town for a few minutes and then stopped for ice cream." Elizabeth offered her mother a small smile.

Grace noticed Jack's posture and facial expression. She also noticed he was looking at the skid marks in the lawn. She knew this had to be difficult for them. She wanted to fix this but knew she couldn't. She stepped off the last step of the stairs to the porch and walked toward her daughter and son. Elizabeth gave her a knowing look and Grace nodded.

"Jack, I'm sorry for everything. I know this is difficult for you and I am grateful you are willing to stay here after everything that has happened."

Elizabeth looked from her mother to her husband. It was then that she noticed a tear forming in his eyes and the shade of red that was creeping up on his cheeks. He closed his eyes trying to gain control of his emotions.

"Mother, I think we are going to get my bags and find a hotel." She spoke to her mother but never took her eyes off her husband.

"No." Jack stated in a soft, flat tone that they barely could hear. "I promised you to stay here because you want to. I am not going to take you away from your father. I will handle it." Jack turned to get his bag and her small bag out of the trunk of the car. Elizabeth and Grace shared a look.

Jack returned to stand beside the ladies with the bags in his hand. He raised his left hand to indicate for them to walk in front. Elizabeth stared at him for a moment and noticed his slumped shoulders again. She hesitated before she turned to her mother. Her mother had a small tear in her eye, but it didn't fall. Grace could sense the emotions coming from Jack. Grace reached for Elizabeth's hand, and they began walking to the front door.

…

Jack followed Grace and Elizabeth into the house holding his bag and carrying Elizabeth's small bag from the hospital. The house was large. Exactly what he expected from Elizabeth's description. Several people were sitting in the living room and others were sitting around the island in the kitchen Jack notice a couple of shadows on the back deck but couldn't tell who they were.

Elziabeth turned around and looked at the expression on Jack's face. The look of her husband almost broke her. "Jack, follow me upstairs and I will show you my bedroom. You may put the bags in there." He didn't say anything, he only nodded.

Jack followed Elizabeth up the large staircase and walked into the fourth room on the right following his wife. Jack looked around the room. The room was perfectly Elizabeth. There were a few posters, several bookshelves, and a small desk opposite the bed. There was also a small sketching table that had some loose papers on it. He assumed Elizabeth sketched some while she was home.

"Please put the bags on the bed."

Jack nodded and did as she told him too. When he turned around Elizabeth was standing in front of him.

"Jack, I'm sorry for asking you to stay here. I feel like I am being unfair to you."

"I agreed to it. It's ok."

"You may have agreed to it, but only because of me. Maybe we should go to a hotel instead. I think everyone would understand."

That is exactly what he wanted to do. The last thing he wanted was to see Elizabeth's father or have to speak to him. He knew her family missed her. Also, everyone flew in on such short notice, they would want to be with her too. Jack felt like he was in a lose/lose situation. If he requested to leave, like he wanted, Elizabeth would be taken away from her family. If he decided to stay in this house, he would have to eventually be around his father-in-law. Jack closed his eyes and took a deep breath before speaking in a whisper. "No, this is fine."

Again, Elizabeth noticed his slumped shoulders and the tone of his voice.

"Why don't we go down and you can spend time with your family." He offered in a hushed tone. "I'm sure they want to see you."

…

They were downstairs talking with everyone. Jack was in the kitchen talking with James, Julie, Tom, and Adam. As much as he tried, he couldn't keep from looking out on the back deck where he found Elizabeth yesterday. Adam reached for his arm and gently asked if he was ok. Jack could only nod.

William walked into the kitchen and greeted each person by name and to see what kind of pizza everyone wanted. They decided to order pizza for dinner. He spoke to Jack last. Jack couldn't bring himself to look up at him. Everyone in the home knew what happened. So, no one was surprised when Jack ignored William.

William stayed in the kitchen for a few moments writing down what everyone wanted on their pizzas. Elizabeth and Grace were watching intently at the scene playing out in front of them. Elizabeth stood when Jack's posture changed from defeated to annoyed. She instantly saw the fire in his eyes. His shoulders straightened and his back stiffened when William turned to ask him a question with a big smile on his face. He was laughing at something Tom said.

Jack had an intense urge to punch William. The anger was building to a crescendo. He wanted to make a William size hole in the wall. He realized what was happening and decided the best thing he could do at the moment was to excuse himself and leave the kitchen. He didn't want to go on the back deck. He was afraid that would only make him angrier, and he didn't need that now. He needed to leave William's house. He decided his only option was the front porch. He excused himself and immediately made a beeline to the front door.

He didn't notice Elizabeth standing in front of the couch as he walked by. He didn't notice anyone. His head was down. He was concentrating too much on getting out of William's house as fast as he could. When he closed the door, he closed it with a little more force than what was needed.

Elizabeth took a step to follow her husband out to the front porch. Charlette reached up and took her arm. "Sweetheart, please allow me to go and talk to him."

Elizabeth looked at her mom. She wanted to go but maybe he did need to talk with her. "I'm not sure mom…I think I should be the one."

"Please, Elizabeth. I know my son."

"Ok." She said weakly. Still thinking she should be the one to talk to him.

Before Charlette was able to stand, Frank stood up. "Please Charlette, allow me to speak with him."

"Frank, maybe I should." Elizabeth protested again.

"He's hurting. He's lost. He's angry. He is having trouble processing everything, your health scare, and this thing between him and William. His almost losing you and the babies. Maybe I have the words he needs to hear."

Elizabeth didn't know what to do. She wanted to be the one to be there for her husband. After all, it was her father that has caused the whole issue, but maybe that was part of the problem as well. Jack wasn't at a place he could forgive her father and she was willing to do.

"Don't wait on us. It could be a while." Frank stated to everyone as he walked toward his wife and kissed her on the cheek. While his lips were close to his wife's ear, he whispered. "You may want to ask people to leave the living room." She looked deep into his eyes and nodded. She knew what he meant.

…

Frank stepped outside and closed the main door and the glass door. He took a deep breath and prepared himself for the conversation he was about to have with Jack. He noticed Jack was standing in the furthest corner from the front door. He had both hands on the handrail leaning forward with his head down.

"Don't Frank…not now!" He stated with a loud voice but never looking up. The small group in the living room was able to hear it.

"Maybe we need to go into the kitchen and dining room to order the pizzas and get ready for them to be delivered." Abagail stated as she stood.

Everyone understood what she meant. Everyone stood and began making their way to the other side of the house, except for Elizabeth.

Grace took her hand. "Come Elizabeth. Frank has this."

"No mother. Jack is my husband, and I am not abandoning him."

"Lizzy, let's let Frank handle it."

"I will allow him to mom, but I am not leaving my husband. I will remain here in case he needs me." Her tone was respectful toward her mother and mom, but there was no doubt what she was going to do. She wasn't leaving her husband.

"Fine." Grace and Charlette stated at the same time. Grace took Elizabeth's right hand and Charlette took her left hand. They walked toward the large window close enough to hear but not to be seen. Elizabeth wanted to be close enough to Jack so she would know if he needed her.

…

Frank took the punch without saying anything in return. Frank walked about halfway down the porch and sat in a rocking chair. Jack never looked up.

The two men stayed on the porch for fifteen minutes in silence. Jack never said a word, nor did he move. He remained leaning against the handrail with his head down. Frank rocked in the chair looking out over the night sky patiently waiting for Jack.

Without warning, Jack spoke. He wasn't screaming or yelling, but his voice was loud enough to be heard by Frank and everyone inside the house.

"Ma and Pa always told me not to hate anyone. I never really have…until now. I hate that man!"

"Jack, you don't really mean that."

"Frank." Jack turned to face him, his voice raising and fire in his eyes. "Don't tell me how I am feeling."

"Why, Jack? That's not you. You don't hate people."

Jack slammed his fist down on the handrail with such force that it broke the handrail in a couple of places. Elizabeth jumped when she heard his fist coming down on the piece of wood and it breaking.

"How can you stand there and ask me that?" Jack asked incredulously. His voice raising even more.

"Jack, he made a mistake."

"That man…that man…" Jack was pointing toward the house. Jack was trying to speak but his anger was causing him to stumble over his words.

"William."

"Not to me anymore! That man did not make a mistake, Frank. He didn't trip and fall walking down the stairs and dropped a bag. He didn't pick up the wrong set of keys. He thought it out over months. People tried to tell him, but he didn't care! It's all about him!" His voice was not only loud, but it was filled with anger. People inside the house had no problem hearing him speak.

William stood in the kitchen with his head down. He was hearing the words and the tone of Jack's voice. With each syllable, he was realizing the depth of his actions.

To Frank's credit, he allowed Jack to get it out of his system. If Frank had to take that hit for Jack to get over this, he was willing to take the punch. He knew Jack needed to explode. Frank would rather Jack explode on him instead of William. He wasn't sure what Jack would do if he did explode on his father-in-law.

"Elizabeth and I talked to him. Ma talked to him. Elizabeth talked to him. Grace talked to him. He didn't care! All of this happened because that man didn't get what he wanted! How am I supposed to stay here, in that man's house, and pretend nothing happened?" Jack's voice was carrying very well and the people in the house was frozen in place. No one said a word. While speaking, Jack was pointing toward the house in an angry manner.

"Jack, Elizabeth is fine. The babies are fine. Everything will be ok."

"Frank!" Jack shouted. "I ran onto the back porch yesterday and saw my wife…" He gasped at the image in his mind. "My wife laying on the floor unconscious. Two EMTs were standing over her and her limp head was in her mother's lap. I didn't know if she was ok or was going to be ok. I didn't know if my babies were ok."

Charlette hung her head at his statement. She knew exactly what that fear felt like. She felt it when she was told about her Tom was injured and eventually died from his wounds. Grace hung her head at the memories of yesterday. She hasn't been able to step out on the back porch. Elizabeth's eyes immediately watered at the thought of Jack's uncertainty and his pain because he didn't know what was happening.

"But they are all ok."

"Yes! But in spite of that man, not because of him. He's Elizabeth's father. He should be the one protecting her, not…not…"

"Jack…"

"Frank, if anyone hurt Henry, what would you do?" Jack challenged him.

Frank paused for a moment. He knew the answer immediately but didn't want to answer Jack's question.

"See Frank! You would want to protect Henry at all costs. I know you. You would protect him with all that you are. You would do anything and everything in your power to protect your son and he's only been your son for a few months. That man didn't! He was the reason his daughter, my wife, laid unconscious on the ground!" He paused for a moment trying to catch his breath but was failing miserably. Jack slammed his fist down on the handrail again, breaking it the third time. "He's the reason my babies felt pain." Jack stated in a softer tone fighting back tears.

Elizabeth, Grace, and Charlette all stood listening to the conversation in complete silence. Grace and Charlette had stopped Elizabeth twice from going outside. They knew what Jack was saying was difficult for her to hear. They also knew he had to say it. Jack needed to let it out before he was able to forgive. Elizabeth also knew Frank was the right person to do this. He was being open with his feelings. If it was Elizabeth standing in front of him, Jack would hold back not wanting to hurt her feelings toward her father.

"Jack, he is Elizabeth's father and always will be. He is Ig and Iggy's grandfather. Are you going to keep them from him?"

"Frank, why would you ask me that? I would never do that unless he is harming my children. I have already promised Elizabeth, Grace, and him that he will always be welcomed into our home as their grandfather and Elizabeth's father."

"But not as your family member?"

Jack shook his head. "No." He stated softly. "He will be my father-in-law or Mr. Thatcher to me and only that."

Elizabeth dropped her head at that statement. She knew Jack was hurting deep down, but she did not know the depth he was hurting. The three ladies stood by the window holding each other's hand silently listening to Jack open his heart to Frank. Tears was streaming down their faces at the hurt Jack was experiencing. They each thought Frank was doing an excellent job of getting Jack to open up and releasing his anger.

"I will not keep him from his grandchildren if he is doing right by them and I will never ask Elizabeth to forfeit her relationship with her father if she wants it."

"Why not?"

"I know what it means to not have a father around. I lost my dad when I was thirteen years old. My ma did an amazing job raising us. I couldn't ask for a better ma than her." He paused for a moment. A smile graced his face thinking about his mother. "Frank, she was incredible! She stood tall against everything this world threw at her and she did it so well with indescribable strength and grace. She loved us and raised us well, but she couldn't be a father."

Charlette lost all her ability to hold back her sobs at that statement. Elizabeth squeezed her hand and leaned into her shoulder to give her support.

"I am grateful for Adam. He is great and I respect him. I have asked if he was ok if Ig and Iggy could call him grandpa." Jack's voice was beginning to lower in volume. "But if Mr. Thatcher doesn't want a relationship with me, I'm fine with it. I have tried, but he just isn't interested. I am not going to make him like me or be involved in my life. I will not hold him hostage in a relationship he has no desire to have with me."

"Does he want that?"

"Frank, that is exactly what he has done over the last few months. I will just give him exactly what he wants. A superficial relationship with me."

"What do you want Jack?"

Jack turned to face Frank head on with his shoulders square. Frank thought he instantly grew several feet taller. With an ice cold tone to his voice and a look on his face that Frank has never seen before on a human. "I want him to feel what my wife and my babies felt. I want him to feel that same pain." Jack said between clenched teeth.

Frank was a little taken back by Jack's words and especially his tone. He was also shocked with the expression on Jack's face, or better yet, the no expression that was on his face. It was as if Jack was displaced from his normal self. Frank shivered at what was standing in front of him, but he quicky recovered.

"What makes you think he is getting out of this pain free?"

"What do you mean?" Jack asked shocked.

"He is paying a price for his actions. He is hurting too. He knows it was his stubborn pride that caused this entire emergency yesterday. He knows it was him that made his daughter stay in a hospital room for a night. It's his pride that caused this division between him and his family, and with you. He may not feel exactly what Elizabeth Ig, and Iggy felt, but make no mistake Jack, he is feeling pain."

Jack thought about what Frank said. He nodded and made eye contact with him. That was the first time he didn't see fire in Jack's eyes. Frank thought he was human again and not a cold machine. He knew Jack got the worst part out of him.

"Jack, no one is expecting complete forgiveness tonight. It's going to take time. Things will heal and get better. If William changes, things may even be good. I admire that you are open for Elizabeth to have a relationship with her father even though you may not like him. Grandparents are a great blessing to children. Maybe William will become a great father and grandfather. Time will give you that answer."

Jack again nodded. In a soft tone that the ladies could barely hear. "I don't think I can ever use his name again."

"The distance may never be removed completely, but you cannot live in this anger. You must forgive him and release that anger. That may take some time, Jack. You cannot serve God and live in that type of anger. The distance may be completely removed, or it may only be made smaller, but the anger you feel toward him cannot remain forever."

With that, Frank stepped toward Jack and placed his hands on his shoulders. "Jack, I believe in you. You are a good man. Do what's in your heart and allow God to lead you."

"Thank you Frank." Jack lowered his head. "I'm sorry I yelled at you."

"Jack, I'm a pastor, this isn't the first time I have been yelled at."

The men laughed at Frank's statement. Jack sighed trying to release his anger. "Thank you." Jack whispered and exhaled a long, deep breath.

Frank turned around and began walking toward the front door. When he opened the glass door and reached for the main door, it opened with Elizabeth standing in the doorway.

"Thank you, Frank. You were the only person who could reach him."

"You're welcome, Elizabeth. Maybe you should give him a couple of minutes by himself."

"No, Frank. I know him and I need to be there for him. He needs me."

Frank nodded his head. She was right. Jack needed her and she knew how to handle him. He moved to the side and watched Elizabeth walk out the door and toward her husband. Jack had already sat down on a rocking chair and was looking out into the darkness of the sky.

Elizabeth walked to him and moved the other rocking chair closer to him. Then she sat down. He placed his hand on her arm rest with his palm up and opened it. She did not hesitate to place her small hand in his.

In a soft voice, she said, "Me and you."

Without delay, he responded in the same soft voice. "Me and you."

They sat there without a word spoken or a look toward each other. They rocked in the rocking chairs, holding hands, and looking into the night sky.

…

Frank closed the door and noticed Charlette and Grace standing by the window.

"Thank you, Frank." Stated Charlette and Grace nodded her agreement.

"You did well." Stated Grace.

Abagail walked into the living room and met her husband with a hug. "You did great, sweetheart."

"Did you hear all of it?"

"Elizabeth, Grace, and Charlette were in the living room. I'm sure they heard all of it. We were in the back of the house. We heard most of Jack and a little of you."

Frank nodded his head. He was hoping no one would hear what was said, but he knew he was only hoping against hope since they were louder than what he wanted.

…

The pizza was delivered and eaten with Jack and Elizabeth still sitting on the front porch. They continued holding hands and rocking. They haven't spoken, but they have shared a few knowing looks. They had no idea how long they stayed like that. They knew it had to be getting late, but neither of them was in a hurry to leave the seclusion of the rocking chairs and the front porch.

"Are you hungry?" Jack finally broke the silence.

"I am."

It's getting late. Why don't we go in and see if there is any pizza left over? Is pizza ok with you?"

"As long as there isn't too much sauce on it. Since the pregnancy, too much sauce causes me heartburn."

"I'm sure one of the mother's ordered that for you."

Jack stood and offered his hand to help her to stand. She smiled as she took his hand. They walked into an empty house. Only a few lights were on, including the kitchen light. Everyone who slept of the couches the previous night, moved to air mattresses in the library. Elizabeth sat at the bar as Jack pulled two pizza boxes out of the refrigerator. He saw a jar of dill pickles and came back for that after placing the two boxes on the island. Elizabeth gave him a smile when she saw the pickles. It was like he knew what she was thinking.

As she was plating their pizza, he took some time to cut up her pickles into small squares. She whispered thank you as he handed her a bowl with the cut up pickles. He wrinkled his nose when she spread them over her cheese pizza. He laughed as she moaned with each bite. That was his first laugh in several hours.

…

The next morning came early for Jack. He woke up holding his wife and her hair was tickling his face. He smiled. He missed this while he was at the conference. She was snoring and he knew she was sound asleep. He didn't hear anyone outside of the bedroom door. He wasn't sure of the layout of the house, but figured it was full of everyone staying there.

Jack slipped out from underneath Elizabeth without waking her up. He kissed her on the forehead and went to the bathroom to change clothes and get ready for the day. He could hear Elizabeth before he stepped out into the bedroom. He smiled at his precious wife as she slept. He quietly walked out of the bedroom closing the door behind him. He made it downstairs without seeing anyone.

He looked outside of the picture window in the living room and saw where he broke the handrail. He felt bad for doing it. He just felt like he had to hit something, and he was never going to hit Frank. He walked outside and decided he needed to go and get supplies so he could repair the handrail. He jumped into his car and through the GPS he found the local hardware store.

At the hardware store, he bought everything he needed to repair the handrail. He pulled into the Thatcher driveway with his supplies. He also purchased a hammer. He wasn't sure if Mr. Thatcher had one.

After unloading everything, he got busy taking the broken rail off so he could replace it. Before he finished taking the rail off, he heard the front door open. After a few seconds, he looked up and saw William standing on the porch facing him holding a battery drill, a hand saw, a tool bag, and a box of screws. While they may have stared at each other for only a few moments, it seems like hours.

Both men looked uncomfortable. Finally, Jack nodded at his father-in-law. William walked slowly to Jack and place the items he had in his arms and tool bag on the small table beside the rocking chairs. He handed Jack the drill so he could back out the screws instead of trying to hammer them out.

The two men worked on replacing the broken handrail without ever saying a word to each other. Jack finished taking off the broken rail while William measured the new 1x4 Jack had purchased. While William was beginning to use the hand saw to cut the board to length, Jack walked over and held the board so he could cut it easier. After cutting the board, William held the board so Jack could screw the board to the porch posts and secure it.

Elizabeth woke up to an empty and cold bed. She was hoping Jack would be there, but she knew it was later in the morning by the amount of sun light coming into her window. After walking out of the bathroom and putting her robe on, she made her way down the stairs. She noticed her mother and mom looking out the same window they were at last night. She walked up to them and asked them what they were doing.

Grace placed her finger over her mouth asking her to not say anything. She then nodded out the window. Elizabeth took a step forward so she could see outside. She was shocked at what she saw. Her husband and father were painting the replaced handrail.

"How long have they been out there?" She asked.

"I'm not sure. We have been here for about fifteen minutes." Charlette stated.

"Really?" Asked a shocked Elizabeth.

"Yes." Grace stated.

"Have they spoken to each other?"

"I don't think so." Answered Grace. "They haven't said anything since we have been here."

They watched for a few more moments.

"At least Jack hasn't punched him yet." Grace stated with a small laugh.

"Yes, that's something." Stated Elizabeth.

"That's something." Charlette repeated.

The ladies continued to watch the two men finish painting the wood. After finishing the project, they spent a few minutes cleaning up the mess. William placed all the tools back into his tool bag and offered Jack a small smile. Jack returned William's gesture with a very slight head nod. William took the tool bag and walked to the back of the house toward his shed. Jack took the paint brushes and started toward the front door so he could wash them out.

"I don't think they said a word to each other." Charlette stated.

"I believe you're right, but they did do something together without Jack hitting him or them screaming at each other." Grace stated.

"Well, this may be a start at least." Hoped Elizabeth.

"If this is going to happen, it's going to be a very slow process."

"Yes, mother. I think you are right."

When Jack walked into the living room carrying the paint brushes, he noticed the three women standing by the window. He gave a small smile at his ma and mom. Once he made eye contact with Elizabeth, she mouthed thank you and gave him a reassuring smile.

Jack nodded but didn't say anything or returned the smile as he made his way to the kitchen to wash out the paint brushes. Elizabeth was a little surprised by the look of frustration on Jack's face and in his eyes. She was stunned in the fact that he didn't return her smile.

Author's Note:

Just a reminder, this ends the daily posting of chapters. Chapter 102 is the last chapter of them in Hamilton, but i will post it something this weekend. Thank you for reading this story. I hope you are enjoying it. Have a great day!