Chapter 106

The package from Norman arrived on Thursday. Jack and Elizabeth were at work and Grace was enjoying a quiet late morning sitting on the front porch. She realized this house was perfect. It was quiet and she loved it. She has enjoyed her time with Jack and Elizabeth. She knew she needed to go back to Hamilton, but she wasn't wanting too. Her time with Elizabeth has brought them closer. She wasn't just Elizabeth's mother anymore; she was her friend.

When Grace opened the box, she gasped at the contents. Norman out did himself. The jerseys were a perfect match to the football jerseys. On the back portion of the shirt where the name was usually at, was the phrase, 'Our Football Boys'. On the back of the jersey, were twelve small footballs with each of the young men's jersey number inside the football. On the front of Grace's jersey was 'Adopted Grandma" written in small letters at the top. On the bottom hymn in front was written, 'Mess with one, mess with us all'. Unlike the back, the numbers on the front were just small numbers sewn to the jersey in different patterns. She loved the shirts. There was a short sleeve and a long sleeve jersey. Norman made a long sleeve for when it was colder. The long sleeved shirt had the boy's first name on the sleeve, six on each side.

Norman made the same for Elizabeth, but he made two jerseys and one long sleeve shirt that was much bigger. The one jersey would fit now and she had a little room to grow The second jersey and long sleeve shirt was much larger. She could change into those two as she outgrew the smaller jersey.

"Norman, you did so much more than you should have. These are pure perfection."

"Thank you, Mrs. Thatcher. I kept the pattern on file. If Elizabeth outgrows her two larger shirts, please let me know. I can up the size and ship them out to her quickly."

"Norman, I don't know what to say…"

"Grace." He stated in a quiet voice. "You have done so much for me, and we have had this relationship for a long time. You don't have to say anything."

"Thank you, Norman."

"Now, go enjoy them and have a lot of fun. You know how to find me."

…

Elizabeth wasn't able to be on the conference call with Superintendent Johnson and Chief Avery, but the three men did have a good talk with Elizabeth's thoughts on Miranda. The main thought from the call was that Elizabeth was correct, Miranda wasn't a normal criminal and she wasn't going to be caught like one. Since the weeks the investigator's office has been involved, they haven't learned anything concerning her. She was truly a mystery.

The group did agree with Jack that the text concerning chasing a rabbit trail was interesting. Both Avery and Johnson thought Jack was correct that she was interested in him, but they didn't agree that it was a game of intellect like Jack thought. They agreed with Elizabeth that she had a crush on Jack. Jack was still adamant about not flirting with her. The group wanted her to continue to communicate with Jack. That was the only way they were going to get her to slip up. Jack had to become friends with her.

He devised a plan to pull her into helping him solve an unrelated case. This would help him to see her thought process. Bill agreed to help whenever Jack needed him and be a sounding board and an extra ear. Lee was also very helpful in this.

"Lee, I'm stepping outside and calling Mystery Girl. I'll be back soon and I'll catch you up to what she says."

"Sure thing, chief."

"Mystery Girl? What is he talking about, Lee?"

"Rosemary, he is making a phone call about a case he is working on. He wants my input afterwards."

"Is he cheating on Elizabeth? He shouldn't be doing that since she's pregnant."

"Rosemary! What are you talking about? Why do you jump to the least likely reason?"

"Well, is he?"

"That's so absurd I am not even going to answer that question. How is work going?"

Rosemary was hired as the new theater and choir teacher at the same school as Elizabeth. She was excited about the job.

"It's great. I'm about to each lunch and hoping to see Elizabeth."

"You better not say anything to her about Jack and what you think."

"Lee, would I do something like that?"

"Rosemary, I'm warning you."

…

Rosemary sits down at the lunchroom table beside Elizabeth. They haven't spent much time together with everything that has been going on over the last few weeks.

"Good afternoon, Rosemary. How are you today?"

"I'm better than you. My dear, I'm so sorry."

"Rosemary, what are you talking about?"

"Elizabeth, why is it the wife is always the last to know?"

Elizabeth looked at her very confused. "Rosemary, what are you talking about?"

"I heard Jack talking to Lee early this morning and he said he was calling a mystery girl."

Elizabeth laughed out loud. "Rosemary, she isn't a mystery girl, her nickname is Mystery Girl. She is someone whom Jack is trying to catch."

"Oh…I didn't know."

Elizabeth rolled her eyes.

"So, any plans for tomorrow night? If not, would you and Jack like to come over to each.

"I'm sorry, Rosemary, but we already have plans."

…

Jack came home later that day with a huge smirk on his face. He wanted his little gift to be a surprise for later but didn't know if he was able to keep it to himself.

Elizabeth and Grace met him on the porch enjoying a glass of tea waiting for the pork chops to come out of the oven. The sides were already finished.

"The perfecting ending to a pretty good day." Jack smiled.

"How's that, hubby?" Elizabeth asked as he leaned down to give her a gentle kiss on her lips.

As Jack moved toward his mom, he stated. "Coming home to two beautiful woman is always a perfect way to end a day." He kissed Grace on her red cheek. Then he bent down and gave Rip a few pets before moving to the rocking chair beside his wife.

"Son, you say the silliest things." Grace huffed.

"What's in the bag?" Elizabeth asked.

"Well, I was wanting to wait until later to give this to you, but I think I need to give it to you two now."

Usually Elizabeth is excited about his small gifts. He always did a great job with his gifts, but the look in his eyes was making her a little nervous.

"What are you up too, officer?"

"That's chief to you, ma'am." He flirted toward his wife.

She gave him a questionable look. "Spill it, mister."

Jack handed her the small brown bag. "This is for you and your mother." He stated trying not to laugh but was failing miserably.

Elizabeth opened the bag and pulled out two bottles of body paint. Both colors were a match to the football colors. "What's this?"

"It's body paint. I though you two would want to paint your bellies."

"Jack Thorton!" Both ladies squealed at the same time.

Grace's face turned red, and Elizabeth stared at her husband in disbelief.

After Jack walked into the house to check on dinner, Elizabeth leaned over. Grace interrupted her. "I am not painting my belly and showing it to everyone!"

"Neither am I! However, I have a thought." Expressed Elizabeth.

…

Adam sat on the rocking chair sipping on his cup of coffee. Charlette was still inside the house getting ready to spend the day with Grace. Her and Grace wanted to spend a little bit of time together before Grace left for Hamilton. She planned to head back on Saturday. Jack and or Elizabeth could take her to the airport without having to miss work.

Adam thought over the last few weeks. When the emergency occurred with Elizabeth, he had no problem stepping up to take the lead with his family. That is exactly what he thought of Jack, Tom, Julie, and Viola. He was the person Emma called with any questions, concerns, or updates. He was the person the Chief of Police in Hamilton contacted as well. He wasn't sure if he should take that position, but he did when it was needed, and he didn't feel guilty or unworthy during that time. It was only afterward he questioned it.

Charlette stepped out on the porch with her cup of coffee and an extra cup for her husband. She smiled as her husband was staring over the handrail looking into a small field by their house. She was grateful that he did step up during that trying time with Elizabeth and Jack. She knew he had a discussion with Jack at the hospital the day of Elizabeth's emergency. There were moments she still missed her Tom and she assumed she always will. However, she did love Adam and was thankful he was in her life and the head of their family.

Charlette was a strong woman. She led her family during the darkest hour any family could face. There was a struggle at first. However, she directed her little family through years of growth. She stepped up and stepped up well. She was proud of herself for bringing her family through that dark hour. Along with Adam, she was grateful he stepped beside her to lead this family. He didn't take it over. He stepped up along side her and they were each other's help mate.

Her smile only grew as she watched her husband as she walked toward him. He startled a little when she placed the coffee mug on the table.

"I'm sorry, sweetheart. I didn't mean to scare you."

"I'm always amazed at how quiet you are."

"I'm a retired teacher and a mother. It's a requirement for both professions." She grinned at her husband.

Adam laughed. He loved this woman and her silly personality. "I guess so. I better stay on my toes and make sure I'm not doing anything wrong."

"You better believe it young man." She pointed her finger at him while letting out a soft laugh.

"So, beautiful, what's the plan for today?"

She informed Adam on her and Grace's plan. They were meeting for a late breakfast and then a day of shopping, strolling the town, and gossiping. Grace made sure that Charlette knew she had to be back at Elizabeth's home by four o'clock. Elizabeth was going to be home and they had to prepare for the game that evening. Adam and Charlette agreed to go to the game and come help with the ice cream after the game.

"That sounds perfect, Charlie. I hope you have a great day."

"What's your plan?"

"I'm not too sure. I want to make a little baker's shelf for a young couple in church. They have a small apartment and need some cabinet space, but they don't have too much room."

She was a little sad she couldn't help. "Could you wait until tomorrow and we both could do it?"

He laughed knowing she wanted to help. "Maybe…" He flirted. "What's in it for me?"

"You get to spend the day with me wearing my flannel work shirt." She fluttered her eyes.

"Deal!" He stated enthusiastically.

She laughed at how quickly he answered. He thought she was gorgeous in that old shirt. "I'll pick up the wood today so we can work on it tomorrow."

"Deal."

…

After arranging his schedule for the day with Emma, Jack stepped out to Bill's picnic table to make a phone call.

"Well, good morning Chief Thorton. I'm a little surprised you would call me."

Jack could sense the smile on Miranda's face through her tone. "Good morning, Miranda. I hope I'm not calling too early?"

"No, like you I am an early riser. I've been up for a little while." She paused for a moment. "Chief, what may I do for you today."

"Two things."

"Go ahead."

"First, you would do me a favor if you would call me Jack."

Her face couldn't stop the smile that was growing. "I believe I can do that for you."

"Great, thank you. Secondly, I would like to pick your brain concerning something I am working on."

"Excuse me?" Asked a shocked Miranda.

"I have something on my desk that I am struggling with, and I would like to ask your opinion on it."

"Jack, you want my opinion?" She asked questioningly. She had a feeling that something was off, but she was too excited that he wanted to hear her voice on the matter that her mind lost the battle against her heart.

"Yes, but with one caveat."

"What might that be?"

"You must keep it to yourself. Only one person here knows I'm working on this. It's highly sensitive. You told me I could trust you." He paused letting this sink in. "If you speak this to anyone, it will blow my case and I will lose everything I have worked on. We will not speak again because I wouldn't be able to trust you."

Every criminal cell in Miranda's body was telling her to run. Run away as far and quickly as possible. She didn't need this. It wasn't best for her drug business. However, this was Jack. She most certainly had a weak spot for this man.

"Jack, I'm not sure if this is a good idea. I'm not sure if I can help you."

"Well, I was just hoping to hear what you had to say about it. I though you would bring forth an insight that I may have missed. Too bad we can't work with each other."

Miranda thought about it again for a moment. "Ok, I'm not promising anything, but let me hear what you got, and I can let you know if I can help or not."

Jack smiled. He knew he had her at that moment. She was so good at being unknown that the police had nothing on her. The only way they could get anything on her was for her to talk. Jack needed her to talk, and he wanted to begin to build his knowledge of her.

"Great. I can give you the high lights now, but I don't have the file in front of me. I will have to talk with you at another time to discuss the details of it."

Miranda was excited knowing she will talk to Jack soon.

"Great, but I will have to call you. I change cell phones often and numbers too."

"Yeah, I know. That's why I can't catch you. I was surprised this number worked."

"I change burner phones every couple of days or so."

"Miranda, I can't stress enough that I need your confidence on this."

"I understand, Jack."

Jack's initial thought was to make up a fictitious case. Something that he could control all the information he would give to her. He could work the pieces of evidence to get the information he would like to have. The more he thought about it, he figured with Miranda being so conscious and on top of everything, she would check out the case to make sure it was legit. When he spoke to Elizabeth concerning this, she completely agreed with him.

He knew Miranda is running drugs and maybe other things. She had no problem taking care of anyone who wasn't doing what she wanted them to do, but there was another level to commit human trafficking. He thought she couldn't do that. He called Superintendent Johnson and asked for an extremely difficult human trafficking case he could use to gain information on Miranda.

Jack began to tell her the highlights of the case hoping to draw her in. The story turned her stomach and she consented to help Jack. Her only hesitation was that she had to be the one to contact Jack. She did change phones and numbers often.

The only thing Jack learned about Miranda during this phone call was that she often changed her cell and her number. Since she used burner phones, she still had to contact her group often with her new number. He didn't think that would be helpful, but he was excited just to learn something.

…

Grace and Charlette were sitting at Abagail's enjoying a late breakfast. They had a few ideas of what they might do today, but none of it was set in stone. For each of them, it was kind of a lazy day.

Charlette got quiet for a few moments. Everyone in the family knew everything that happened while they were in Hamilton, but no one knew the follow up of the story. No one knew what Elizabeth and Jack decided. Charlette was thinking since Grace has been with them for the past almost two weeks, she may know. However, she just didn't want to ask.

"Alright, dear friend. Out with it!" Grace stated when she noticed Charlette's lost in thought expression.

Charlette smiled at her friend. Over the past few months, they have grown very close to each other. They respected each other and loved each other.

"Have you spoken with Elizabeth and Jack concerning William?"

"I have been with them for almost two weeks, they haven't said one word concerning William." Grace could see the turmoil in Charlette's eyes. Charlette wanted answers, but Grace didn't have any answers to give and that frustrated Grace just as much as everyone else.

Charlette nodded her head. She wanted answers but knew not to push Jack or Elizabeth.

"I just don't know, Charlette. I wanted to ask, but I promised Jack and Elizabeth that they were in charge with this. They make the decisions on when to end this or if it is ended."

"What's your thoughts?"

"First, let me tell you that I love my husband. He has always been a good man to me. With that said, he has created a huge problem. He greatly overstepped and caused an issue I do not think he can overcome completely. I do believe there will always remain a scar between him and Jack and Elizabeth."

"Both of them?"

"Yes, I fear he has with both of them. Even if Elizabeth forgives him, she will not forgive him completely with how he acted toward her husband or how he was with her on the patio."

Charlette just sat there. She didn't know what to say.

Grace continued. "Jack has been wonderful to me. He has treated me like nothing has happened. I know he was very frustrated with William, but he hasn't held that against me."

"He loves you Grace, you must realize that."

"I do." She whispered. "Elizabeth has been the same way. I am so grateful for the time we have shared. I can certainly see that we have grown closer together. I am eternally grateful for that."

"The old saying states that you raise your children and then you can become friends when they get older."

"I cherish the time I have with her. She is such a strong, elegant lady. She loves completely and is so compassionate. She has turned into a lovely lady."

"Just like her mother." Charlette stated as she reached and lightly squeezed Grace's hand. Grace nodded her head slightly while she wiped a tear away from the compliment.

"Charlette, somehow, you and I did something right with those two children of ours."

After a few moments of silence, Charlette said something that was on her mind. "I can't believe they stayed at your house after the incident. I don't think I could have done that."

"If I had it to do over again, I wouldn't have volunteered for them to stay. I think it was grossly unfair to Jack. He has a major issue with William, and I think he has the right to have that issue."

"I think he does too, but he can't live in that hate."

"True...William had the same issue with my father, and they did not get along with each other at all. I told him that he created the same relationship with Jack that he had with my father. William never forgave his father-in-law."

"I hate that they have this in their lives."

"I agree. I have never seen William so broken like this. Even when he came back from his walk with you." Grace chuckled at Charlette's expression. "I think it's from more than just the divide he created with Elizabeth. Time with tell."

"Yes, time will tell."

"I'm surprised you didn't explode on William?"

"Oh, I wanted to." Charlette answered honestly. She had every intention of exploding all over William the first moment she saw him. Her mom's and grandmother's heart were full of fear and was looking for the person responsible for it. "However, that wasn't my fight to have. That was Jack's. He is married and he needed to figure things out with Elizabeth. To be honest, that's one of the hardest things I had to do, to sit back and not do anything."

"I agree. I wanted to explode all over William too. We did have some discussions about it and why I think it happened, but I didn't end him like I wanted to."

"I think Jack and Elizabeth handled it well."

"Me too."

The ladies spent the afternoon in fun conversation after the in depth talk from brunch. They slowly made their way through a few shops and just enjoyed the afternoon together. Many times, the ladies would walk arm in arm and laughing. From other people's view, they were like sisters. No one would have guessed they were in-laws.

…

Tom and Julie stepped out of the registrar's office at the college. Her classes start on Monday. Today was picking up her final class schedule and signing some paperwork. She was excited and eager to begin this journey in her life. She wasn't sure who was more excited, her or Tom. Tom had taken the day off from work because he didn't want to miss this opportunity to begin this journey with his wife.

"Most of my classes are in the Walker Fine Arts Building."

"Would you like to walk over and see if we can find your classrooms and parking?"

"Sure." She said happily. She was really excited about classes beginning.

They walked across the open grass area that was filled with trees. The weather was perfect with enough wind so the sun wasn't too warm. Once the sun went down, it would be a little chill in the air.

"Tom, I know I said you didn't have to come today, but I am grateful you did."

"Jules, I would have missed this for the world. This is so much fun." He leaned over and gave her a light kiss on her lips, and they continued toward the fine arts building.

They found all her classrooms and a parking lot that wasn't too far from her main building. Instead of heading home, they decided to walk the campus. It wasn't a huge campus, but it was beautiful. They stopped by the student lounge to grab some food for a picnic. They found a beautiful tree and decided to sit under it to eat.

"Julie, may I say something to you?"

"Of course, Tom."

"Since our talk about a baby…"

"Tom, I know I hit you from left field with that. I'm sorry I did, but that was how I was feeling."

"Do you still feel that way?"

She nodded her head. She knew they talked about waiting and it wasn't fair for her to change her mind so abruptly, but she couldn't help it. She wanted a family with this man.

"Great, because I can't wait!"

"What?" She shook her head shocked. She always thought he wanted to wait.

"I want a baby, now. I close my eyes and see you holding our baby and I can't imagine anything else."

"What about waiting for a year."

"I know and I still think we should. You have every right to finish college so you can do what you want, but Julie, just know I want a baby with you."

Julie's smile was growing by the second. "Perfect, now, how am I going to wait a year?" She sighed. "You know I am not a very patient person."

Tom laughed. "Trust me…I know."

She playfully smacked him on his bicep.

"I close my eyes at night and all I can see is you holding our baby. It excites me."

"Me too."

"Now, do well here and learn all you can. Then get that job you always wanted, and we will have a baby."

She sighed a contented sigh. "That sounds perfect."

"Yes…perfect."

…

"Emily, are you coming to the game tonight?"

"Yes Henry I am. Are you still doing the ball boy thing?"

"Yes, I'm sorry I can't sit with you." He was excited about being on the sidelines with the guys but was going to miss being with Emily.

"That's ok. Maybe we can do something after the game."

"That would be nice. I'll ask my mom if we could."

"Have you thought any more about the possibility of the travel baseball?"

"A little. I like the sound of it, I just don't want it to overtake my life. As I get older I know it will become more but not now."

"That sounds smart."

"What do you think, Emily?"

"I think you are thinking this through. I can tell you're a little bored while playing."

"Yeah, a little bit. That guy says this will be more challenging. Would you please come with me to some of my games?"

Emily smiled at her boyfriend. He wasn't sure about all of this dating thing, but he loved spending time with Emily, and they got along very well. They have held hands a couple of times and that was nice.

"Absolutely, if you want me too."

"I do. Hey, I have to catch the bus. I can't miss it again. I'll see you at the game?"

She smiled. "Yes, you got in a lot of trouble when you missed it last time. I'll see you later."

…

Elizabeth's day was finally over. She was tired, but excited about the football game later today. Jack texted her earlier and told her that he would have to meet her and Grace at the game. There was a couple of things that popped up at the last minute that he had to take care of. She was a little disappointed but understood. She stopped by Abagail's to pick up dinner for her and Grace. Jack said he would just get something at the game.

Elizabeth walked into her home and sighed. She loved her home and the newness of it hasn't worn off yet. Her mother was standing at the kitchen island with a piece of clear plastic laying over it. On top of the clear plastic was the body paint that Jack had purchased earlier in the week.

"Hey sweetheart. Let's eat and you can rest. Then we will get ready and head to the game."

"Oh mother, that would be perfect. I see you have been busy."

"Yes, and I can't wait."

…

Jack walked out of his office with a sense of accomplishment. The signups of the school's programs were more than he expected and that alone made his day. The conversation with Miranda went well, but he was hoping he would have learned more. He just needed to remind himself it will be a process. Lee was doing a great job. While he was tired, he was excited about tonight. He was wondering if Elizabeth and her mother were going to scream their heads off again or was it just a first time excitement. He shook his head laughing at the memory of his distinguished mom and perfect wife waving their shoe at the refs and yelling "Ssshhhooo!"

He parked his truck in the parking lot of the high school and waved at a couple of people as he walked up to the ticket booth. He smiled at the nurse from the doctor's office was in the ticket booth collecting people's money and handing out the tickets.

"Chief Thorton, it's great to see you."

"It's great to see you too. I didn't know you helped here?"

"Yeah, it helps the school. I have a replacement that comes at kickoff so I don't miss my son playing."

Jack gave her a warming smile. "I think I should have a ticket waiting for me and Elizabeth."

"Elizabeth and Grace have already been through. They got here a little while ago." The nurse laughed. Jack gave her a confused look. "My son reminded me four times today that you are on the free pass list. Enjoy yourself, Chief."

"He's a good boy."

"He is. He really enjoyed the fishing trip and the ice cream after the game last week."

"We're doing it again this week. If he wants to bring someone, he is more than welcomed too."

"Thank you for doing that."

Jack offered her a smile and walked into the gates. He made his way to the concession stand to purchase two pickles for Elizabeth, two bottled waters, and some other snacks for his wife and mom. He would come back for his stuff after delivering everything.

When he began to walk toward the bleachers, he was a little surprised to see Adam standing by the fence not too far from where he stood last week.

"Adam, what are you doing here?"

"Grace invited Charlie and I to come."

"So, where's ma?"

Adam nodded his head toward the bleachers. "I'll be here." Adam stated with a smirk.

Jack looked at him a little confused but didn't say anything. As he climbed the five steps to the bleachers, he noticed a group of players running on the field. Then, he heard his wife and mom. Somehow, they were louder than the previous week. As he raised his head, he stopped mid step and almost tripped over the first bleacher step.

Jack looked up and noticed his beautiful wife standing in a group of fifteen woman all standing and cheering for the few players who just ran onto the field. She was wearing her football jersey she just received yesterday, but it was the face paint that captured his attention the most. She had her entire face painted in the school colors with the paint he purchased her as a prank gift. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail to keep her hair off her face. His eyes traveled to her left and notice his mom wearing the same type of jersey with her face painted too. His ma was to Elizabeth's right shacking pompoms and cheering too. There were several women in front, besides, and behind them.

Jack stared at the scene in front of him. All the ladies were cheering loud and shaking pompoms. The closest person to the group of women were about twenty feet away. They were loud, joyful, and enjoying themselves. He just shook his head. He looked again hoping his eyes were playing tricks on him. Once the ladies stopped cheering and began to sit down, Elizabeth noticed Jack standing at the bottom of the bleachers. She gave him a huge smile when their eyes connected, and she waved for him to come up and join them.

Jack slowly made his way up to the group of women. He only recognized two women outside of his wife, mom, and ma. The other ladies all smiled at him when he approached. The woman sitting behind Elizabeth leaned forward and whispered something into her ear that made Elizabeth's smile grow even bigger. She nodded her head in agreement. Jack didn't want to know what was said.

"Hey, love." Elizabeth said as he stepped closer to her working his way around the group of ladies.

"I see the mom tribe has grown." He nodded to the other women.

"Mom tribe?" One woman asked.

"I love it. We're the mom tribe!" Another lady stated and the group all cheered.

As he started to hand his mom and his wife their snacks, "I'm sorry, ma. I didn't know you were here, or I would have gotten you something."

"That's ok, son. Adam has already gotten me something."

"Here, het mamma. I have you some water, a diet coke, and two pickles. One for now and one for later."

"Thank you, Jack. That is very nice of you." She lightly kissed his cheek.

"I think I'm going to get me something too."

She gave him a knowing smile. "I'll see you after the game."

"Please, make sure your blood pressure doesn't go too high with the yelling."

"No promises, love." She smirked at him.

As Jack shook his head and kissed Elizabeth's lips tenderly, he turned to walk away.

"Het mamma?" Asked another mom.

Elizabeth grin turned into a smile. "It's Swedish. It means 'hot mother.'"

When Jack heard the group awe, he had no desire to know what they were talking about. His eyes were focused to the spot of the fence he was going to spend the evening standing beside Adam.