Chapter 108
The next few weeks flew by very quickly. James and Viola married in a small ceremony at a beautiful wedding location located about an hour outside of Hope Valley. The place was rustic and very beautiful. Viola's entire family was present, including William. Everyone could sense the tension between William and his middle daughter and her husband. While they spoke, it was short. Grace strictly warned William not to push the issue with Elizabeth and/or Jack, especially with Jack.
Viola and James left that afternoon for their honeymoon destination. James planned a two week honeymoon in Italy. His mother and father honeymooned there, and he loved to listen to his mother talk about Italy. He had always wanted to go.
They stayed at the Sana Caterina resort in Amalfi, Italy. The resort was built on a rock cliff that overlook the Mediterranean Sea. Viola couldn't have thought of a more beautiful place on earth. She would have never thought James could have picked such a beautiful place. Their two weeks there was a perfect beginning to their marriage.
…
Julie was thriving in college. She never took her education seriously. It was something that she was expected to do. However, since the time she spent with Elizabeth in her classroom ignited a fire deep inside of Julie. She was focused and determined to finish this degree and begin to help children. She wanted to help with special needs children to teach them an outlet through painting or drawing. She still desired to do that; however, her desire to serve children in whole were growing too. Elizabeth told her that she should have the ability to teach both. This only added to Julie's excitement.
Tom's job was going extremely well. Business was up throughout his region. Morale was at a all time high. His employees were working hard and receiving the benefits from that hard work. Without the other knowing it, both Tom and Julie were counting down the days so they could begin to grow their family of two.
…
"Good morning, Ms. Florence. What can I do for you?" Jack answered his phone when it vibrated.
"Jack, you need to come to the school now." She stated with urgency.
"I'll be there in about forty-five minutes to pick Elizabeth up for our seven month doctor visit."
"No, you need to come now."
"Is Elizabeth and the babies ok?" He asked in a frantic voice.
"The babies are fine. Elizabeth is having a moment in her classroom. She is in her planning period. She doesn't know I'm calling you. She's having a bad day."
"I'm on my way."
Jack stood from his desk and walked out into the hallway. "Emma." He said in a raise voice so she would be able to hear him. "I'm going to pick up Elizabeth and head to the doctor's office."
She looked at the clock and noticed it was a little too early for him to leave. When she turned to look at Jack, she noticed his facial expression, she didn't press the issue.
"I have my phone if you need me."
"Thanks, Chief."
…
Jack quickly parked into the school's parking lot. Today was Wednesday and their seven month check up with the doctor. Elizabeth's blood pressure has been slowly pushing the high end of normal but still within normal range. The pregnancy was great. She has been a little more emotional lately due to the pregnancy, but only with sentimental issues. This Friday was the last home game for the football boys. Maybe she was emotional over that, but the young men haven't told her about her and Grace walking out with them. That was scheduled for tomorrow. Grace was also coming in tomorrow with William. This will be the first time William has been in their new home. While Elizabeth and her father's relationship has improved some, she was still a little guarded. Jack thought maybe she was getting a little nervous with him being in Hope Valley. The closer he walked to the school office, the more nervous he became.
"Good morning, Jack. She's in her room."
"Is she ok?"
"I think so, just a little emotional."
"Thank you Ms. Florence. I'm sorry I don't have anything for you."
"It's ok, Jack. I know you were rushed." Ms. Florence smiled but inside she was a little sad because he didn't bring her anything. Jack has spoiled her with small tokens of gifts each time he came to visit. She was used to it.
Jack stepped to Elizabeth's door and looked into her room through the small window in the door. He noticed Elizabeth sitting at her desk with her elbows on her desk and her head in her hands. He thought she maybe crying but couldn't really tell if she was. Not wanting to scare her, he knocked before opening the door.
She looked at him with red eyes. She wasn't crying at the moment, but she had been.
"Hot momma, are you ok?"
…
"Charlie, if you don't stop doing that." He warned her with a smile on his face.
They were in their shop working on a Christmas gift for the grandbabies. Every time Charlette would walk by Adam, she would either tap him on his bottom or lightly pinch it.
She gave him a smirk as she walked to the other side of the work bench. With a 'I dare you look', she looked at him square in the eyes. "You'll do what?" She flirted.
Adam couldn't hold back the grin that was overtaking his face. "You listen here woman…" Adam began until he saw her look. Secretly he loved that expression.
Adam sat down his hammer. "Just remember, you asked for this." He teased as he reached for his old tool belt laying on the table. He put it on and then with a smirk, he took off his shirt. He returned her 'I dare you' smile with his own.
Charlette gasped. She loved Adam in his tool belt. She didn't know what it was with him wearing that silly, old thing, but he was devastatingly handsome wearing it. She would always hold her breath when she would see him in it, especially with his shirt off.
"Would you hand me that box of screws?" He asked.
"What?" Her mind wasn't registering his words, only what he looked like in that silly, old tool belt.
"Charlie, the box of screws, please."
"Adam, I think I have a better idea." She trailed off as she began to walk around the work bench.
Adam began walking in the other direction to get the screws. He had a huge smile on his face knowing he bested her for once. That didn't happen often.
"Where are you going young man?" Charlette asked as she began to speed up a little.
"To get something you wouldn't hand me." He sassed as he began to walk a little faster.
…
Elizabeth looked up at Jack and sniffed. Her emotions were out of control at the moment. She lowered her head. Jack quickly walked across her classroom grateful there were no students in her classroom.
"Elizabeth, what's wrong?"
She stood when he was approaching her desk. When he wrapped his arms around her, she leaned against his shoulder and quietly cried. He noticed she wasn't in a panic. That made him believe she wasn't hurt or hurting. He didn't think it was the babies. She has done this a couple of times before. She cried for fifteen minutes over a phone commercial about a little boy who called and talked to his grandmother who lived a few states away. She was so touched by it that she cried when she called her mother and throughout the day when she thought about it. She also cried at the end of a movie when the dog dies. Jack has never seen her cry like that. He knew all he could do was to hold his wife and let her tell him in her time. He couldn't push.
"Jack, it's just horrible."
Jack rubbed her back lightly. He didn't dare push. The last time he did, she wasn't happy about it and let him know it.
"Jack…I just can't believe it. I can't believe it at all!" She exclaimed in between breaths and wiping tears off her cheeks.
"What can't you believe, sweetheart?"
She stepped back and stretched out her arms in the air to her shoulder level. "This Jack. This!" She exclaimed. She stared at her husband waiting for him to notice.
Jack took a moment to look her over. Whatever was causing the issue, must have been a big one. He started at her head to see what the problem was. Her hair was very cute. It was down and part of it was laying over each shoulder. He loved that. Her earrings matched her dress, and they matched each other. She was wearing a beautiful dark blue maternity dress that fit her perfectly. The dress fell all the way to the floor. The light blues and yellows on the floral designs was gorgeous. He knew that couldn't be it.
"Elizabeth, you look gorgeous. I don't see an issue." He stated as he looked her over one more time just in case he missed something.
"Thomas Jack Thorton." She exclaimed. "This!" She stated again.
"Elizabeth, I don't see anything wrong. Just tell me what it is."
She reached down and pulled up her dress enough to see her shoes.
"Huh…" He stated.
Elizabeth huffed. "Is that all you have to say?"
"Well, I have to ask." He stated looking at her feet. "What's with the different colors of shoes?"
She didn't answer his question. She only glared at him.
"Wasn't that on purpose?"
"No, Jack! Why would I do that on purpose?"
"Each shoe matches the dress, it could have been done on purpose. They look good and they go with the dress."
"Jack, why would I wear one blue shoe and one yellow shoe."
Jack didn't feel like he knew the answer to her question.
"Samuel, your partner, stopped me in the hallway when I was returning from taking my class to the gym. He asked me if I was beginning a new trend of wearing different shoes."
As much as Jack tried, he couldn't stop the little chuckle that escaped his lips.
"Thomas Jack Thorton."
"Elizabeth, your dress is long enough to cover up your feet. I couldn't see your shoes until you pulled up your dress up enough for me to see them."
"Jack, I can't see my feet. Your babies are taking so much room that I literally can't see my feet."
"Our babies." He reminded her. She would always say his babies in moments like this.
"You're missing the point, Jack. I can't see my feet. I didn't even know I was wearing different shoes until someone else pointed it out."
Jack gave her his dimpled smile that made her heart flutter and her eyes cut toward him. She smiled and huffed at his smile.
"Officer Thorton, you should sympathize with your very pregnant wife."
"It's Chief Thorton, ma'am. My wife is absolutely gorgeous. Even when she wears mismatching shoes." He slowly walked up to her placing his hands on her hips. He couldn't pull her any closer due to the babies. He kissed the tip of her nose. "Mrs. Thorton, would you please dance with me?"
"Jack, I'm in my classroom. Plus, there is no music." She sighed.
"A classroom with only you and me present. Kids won't be back for a while. Your substitute will be here in a little bit. I believe we have time." He offered her a mischievous dimpled grin. "If you dance with the love of your life, you don't need music." He looked her into her eyes. "Please." He drew out the word and gave her a puppy dog look.
She laughed and shook her head. No matter what she was going through, he knew exactly what she needed to cheer up. Not only that, but that silly dimpled grin of his was her weakness. She looked at that grin for only a moment and nodded her head.
Jack slightly moved to her right and placed his hand on her lower back and gently pulled her to him. He lightly moaned when her body rested against his. He reached for her other hand and clasped her hand into his. She melted when she looked into his eyes. The love that flowed from them were making her knees weak.
They danced in front of her classroom beside her desk for the longest time, but not long enough for either of them. For Elizabeth, this will be the most memorable time she will spend in her classroom. Jack has never enjoyed his time in a classroom as much as this moment.
They didn't speak. They didn't make a sound. They swayed back and forth in perfect timing with each other. Their smiles were filled with contentment and love. While their smiles weren't overly big. it was an intimate moment between them. Their physical intimacy has not been very active between them due to the pregnancy. However, this moment of dancing replaced all of their intimacy frustrations over the last few weeks. They enjoyed their physical intimate moments. However, that wasn't their only intimacy.
They were lost in each other's eyes. Their silent conversation flowed freely. Occasionally, Jack or Elizabeth would lean in for a gentle, small kiss. Elizabeth would sigh when Jack would kiss the tip of her nose. She wasn't sure why this act was so intimate for her, but it most certainly moved her to her inner most being. They didn't hear the classroom door open. Ms. Florence and the substitute teacher stopped just inside of the classroom when they noticed the couple dancing.
"Wow." Stated the substitute teacher.
"Yeah." Whispered Ms. Florence.
The substitute teacher was blushing at the intimate moment she was witnessing. For Jack and Elizabeth, there was no one else in the classroom. They were lost in each other. At the third 'hello' from Ms. Florence, she finally had Elizabeth's attention. She sighed and slowly looked toward her door. It was then she noticed not only Ms. Florence, but another woman. Jack didn't take his eyes off his wife. He was still lost in her.
"Ms. Florence…I'm sorry. We didn't know you were here." At her words, Jack finally broke his eyes from Elizabeth's face and turned toward the door. His face turned red in embarrassment when he noticed a woman he didn't know. Even though he was embarrassed, he refused to release his hold.
…
Viola was sitting at her desk in her office working through some paperwork. Six weeks into her married life and she was ecstatic. She cannot remember a time in her life where she was so happy. James wasn't a perfect man, but he was perfect for her.
Vi's promotion hasn't become finalized yet, but she was in the process of learning her new role. She spent half days performing her duties as a large loan officer. Then she would spend the last part of her day working side by side with the woman she was replacing. She enjoyed the new job and its challenges.
Most days, her and James would spend the evenings making dinner together and then spending time with each other. There were very much still in their honeymoon session of life. Three days a week, they would sit down at the dining room table and work on the books for James' construction company. He always did a good job on the books. His financial person always did a good job. Viola was showing him ways to improve his business. He was so grateful for her inputs. They realized she was saving him money with her thoughts. She improved ordering of products and streamlining quotes for new jobs.
For both James and Viola, the married life was perfect. They wouldn't change a thing.
…
Jack and Elizabeth were sitting in the waiting room waiting for their turn at the doctor's office. She was grateful that Jack went home first so she could change one of her shoes. He reached for her hand when her knee was bouncing.
"Are you nervous?"
"Not nervous. Just anxious."
"Why? Do you feel ok?"
"I'm fine. I'm not sure why I'm anxious.
Jack gave her a confused look. Before he was able to say anything, the nurse opened the door and called their names. Elizabeth gave Jack a smile when he offered her a hand to help her stand. Her babies were making it harder to stand. She was grateful Jack never made fun of her. He remembered what Adam told him during their first discussion in his workshop.
Elizabeth closed her eyes as she stepped on the scale. She wasn't wanting to see any numbers.
"Your weight is perfect for twins, Elizabeth. You are right where we want you to be. Are you walking?"
"I am. Not as far as I was just a few weeks ago, but Jack and I walk each night together."
"How far are you walking?"
"We were up to four miles each day, but we are only walking about a mile, maybe a mile and a half now. I'm just getting too tired to walk four miles."
"Perfect. We wouldn't change a thing. You are right were you need to be. Just continue to walk, even if it isn't a mile. It will help keep your weight under control. It will also help during delivery because your muscles are stronger. Your endurance will also be beneficial."
Elizabeth smiled. She was happy the nurse was content with her efforts.
"Now, let's do the biggie." The nurse stated as she grabbed the blood pressure cuff off the hook on the wall.
"Hum…" The nurse whispered to herself. "Let me do that again." She rechecked and made a note in the folder. She didn't say anything to Elizabeth. She grabbed the automated blood pressure cuff and took her blood pressure again. "Your heart rate is good, and your oxygen level is perfect. The doctor will want to talk about your blood pressure. Now, take this and I will take Jack to room three. Please join us after you place the specimen cup in the pass through. You know the drill." The nurse smiled at her while handing her the cup.
Elizabeth frowned at the nurse when she didn't mention the BP. She noticed it was climbing a little but still within normal range, just barely. She had a feeling the doctor was going to want to put her on medication. She wasn't opposed to medication. She just didn't want to take it.
…
Julie quickly opened the door to Tom's office and ran inside. She was so focused on finding her husband that she didn't notice when the receptionist spoke to her. She walked into Tom's office with one of the biggest smiles on her face that he has ever seen.
"What's up?" He asked Julie.
Without saying anything, Julie ran around his desk and jumped into Tom's arms. "I did it!" She exclaimed loudly.
"Great! What did you do?" Tom matched Julie's energy.
"I made one hundred percent on the test. I ruined the curve for everyone!" She stated bouncing in his arms. She had never made that grade on any test she could remember. She was never into schoolwork. This time around, she was very interested in doing her best. She studied very hard for this test. As a result, she made the best grade in her class.
"Julie, that is great! We have to celebrate!"
"We do, but not too late because I have to study for finals."
"We can make that work. I should be home by five and we can head out to celebrate."
"Perfect."
…
The doctor walked into the exam room after knocking on the door. "Good afternoon you two."
"Hello doctor." Stated both Jack and Elizabeth.
"Now, let's go over your chart and see how you're doing."
Elizabeth nodded her head.
"First your weight is perfect. Please don't change a thing. Keep walking within comfort levels. Don't push yourself too much, but please remain active as much as possible. The benefits are paying off. Your heart rate and oxygen levels are great too. You are doing a great job."
"Thank you." Elizabeth stated and then paused for a moment. "So, what about my blood pressure?"
"You know it's creeping higher?"
"I do."
"Today, it was 140/90. That is the ceiling of normal. Actually, it's clinically considered high. You have two months left. I don't want to wait to keep an eye on it any further. I would like to start you on the smallest dose of blood pressure medicine."
Elizabeth sighed. She shook her head.
"Will this be just during pregnancy?" Asked Jack.
"I would dare say yes to that question. It could go further after pregnancy, but I doubt it."
"Fine. Whatever I must do for the babies."
"There are three medications you could take. They are Labetalol, Nifedipine, and Methyldopa. Methyldopa has been prescribed for decades and is considered safe. Labetalol has been extensively studied and is considered safe. It is increasingly prescribed for pregnant women. It has quickly become the first line in treatment. I would like to go with Labetalol."
Jack nodded his head. Elizabeth did the same. "So, I guess we will do this."
"Yes. It's the lowest dose you can take. Just continue to keep an eye on it like the last few weeks. We will want to keep an eye on it and make sure the medicine is working effectively."
Jack noticed Elizabeth's body posture change. Her back straightened and her shoulders were no longer slumped. He knew she was determined at that moment.
"Everything else looks perfect, Elizabeth. I am very happy. Now, let me please ask a few more questions."
…
"Charlie, what ever comes our way, please always interrupt my work." Adam smiled at his wife. They were laying on his work bench. They didn't make it to the house.
"Maybe next time we should make it into the house to a comfortable bed."
"Well, if you wouldn't pull those little things you do, maybe we would have made it to our bedroom.
"Me? It was that silly tool belt."
"Why does that thing have such control on you?"
"Do you really care to know?"
Adam laughed. "No. Not really."
After finding his clothes, Adam smirked as he put the tool belt back on. He turned to catch the glare from his wife. He laughed at her expression. One hand was on her hip and she raised one eye brow.
"What are you doing young man?"
…
"How is work going?"
"It's fine." Elizabeth answered. "I sit a lot more now than I have ever done before. I have a stool I keep at the front of the classroom that I use most of the time."
"That's great. Any problems while at work?"
"Not really. I do have to use the restroom more often. Mary, my classroom neighbor, watches the kids if I can't wait until changing of the classes. She has helped me with little hints for months now. These are the little secrets she learned when she was pregnant. I can't be on my feet as long but that's what the stool is for."
"That's great. Do you still want to work to the holidays?"
"Yes, if possible."
"Ok. Listen to your body. It may not allow you to, but we can decide that later. Usually, twins come early. I want to wait for at least four more weeks. After that, I will not attempt to stop labor if they want to come early."
"Why is four weeks the magic number?" Asked Jack.
"The babies' lungs are fully formed at thirty six weeks. That's in four weeks. Once we reach that benchmark, I will be happy whenever they decide to make their appearance known."
"We'll do our best." Stated a determined Elizabeth.
"Now, how is intimacy?"
"Well..." Elizabeth started slowly. "It hasn't been active."
"That's normal." The doctor nodded.
"With working all day, she is exhausted at the end of the day. She is usually asleep pretty early." Stated Jack.
Elizabeth reached for his hand. She was as frustrated over their lack of intimacy as he was. The physical side of their relationship was important to both of them.
"If your up to it, Elizabeth, it's ok if you want to. Just don't push it."
She nodded. Jack squeezed her hand.
"It's ok sweetheart. You and the babies need to be comfortable and healthy."
"But Jack, that has always been an important part of our life. I have enjoyed that aspect of us and I miss it."
"I miss it too, but Elizabeth, it's still an important aspect of our relationship. This is just a short season we are in."
"He's right, Elizabeth. You two will figure this out in your way."
Jack gave Elizabeth a reassuring smile.
"Now, let's talk about your father. I understand he is coming in soon. With the last time you two were together, you were rushed to the hospital."
"I was, but we are working on it."
"Let's not have a repeat performance, ok?"
"Yes." Jack answered.
"Now, let's look at the babies."
…
"Hey handsome."
"Hey beautiful. Are you about to take lunch?"
Viola looked at her desk clock and noticed the time. "I could be. Do you have a plan?"
"I do. When can you leave?"
"Anytime would be fine."
"Great, let's go."
She looked up and saw James standing in her doorway of her office. The smile on his face excited her. She loved that silly smile.
"Where are we going?"
"Well, I have takeout in the truck. I saw something I would like to show you."
"Ok…any more details?"
"Well, I was out this morning to look at a potential job and ran across some land that was for sale. I stopped to look at it and it caught my attention. I wanted to show you and get your opinion."
"We're wasting time. Let's go." She stated as she walked past her husband. She was excited about finding potential land and building their house.
James laughed at her eagerness. He stood there for a second looking at her empty office until he heard her voice. "Let's go James!"
…
"The babies are right on schedule. Everything is looking good." The doctor stated as she clicked the mouse to take a couple of pictures. "I seriously doubt you make it to your due date."
"I was kind of figuring that. It's getting very difficult to do things."
The doctor gave her a reassuring smile. "Ok, several months ago I met you outside when the nurse was giving your husband the 'first dad speech'."
Elizabeth laughed at the memory. "Yes, I remember that fondly."
"Great. Now, this is the first mom speech."
Elizabeth cut her eyes toward her husband, and he was smirking.
"First, dad, don't enjoy this too much. Or at least don't show it." The doctor laughed. "Elizabeth, it's perfectly normal for things to become more difficult during this time in pregnancy. Those little Peanuts are taking up a lot of room and they are making things more difficult to do the simplest of things. The nurse and I told Jack to back off and be ready when the time comes to step up and help. Now is that time."
Elizabeth nodded her head. "He has done a good job, mostly." She grinned at her husband. "There are still moments, but he has backed off for the most part."
"Great. I know he didn't back off when you were hospitalized and a few weeks after."
"No, he was in overdrive protective mode."
"Hey…" Jack tried to sound offended.
"Dad, the time to step up is now. She will need help to do things, but you can't do everything for her. She needs to be active, but let's control that activity to things that she can do comfortably."
"Yes, doctor."
"This is your time for the protective husband nature to kick in, but let's not put it on steroids. Continue to follow her lead and never criticized her for waiting unless she is pushing limits to cause issues for herself or the babies. I doubt she would do that."
"She would never do that." Jack stated with confidence.
"Elizabeth, you can't be so stubborn to put yourself at risk. Ask for help."
"Yes doctor."
"Now, the nurse will be in a few minutes with more vitamins and a prescription for the blood pressure medicine. I would like to see you every two weeks now."
…
On their way to Elizabeth's car, Jack's cell phone buzzed.
"Chief Thorton."
"Chief, this is Reid."
Reid was one of the football guys that became very close and dear to Jack and Elizabeth.
"Hey Reid. How are you? Wait, shouldn't you be in class?"
I'm good chief. I'm currently in between classes. Do you have a moment?"
"Yes, give me a second."
He helped Elizabeth into the car and then started it for her so she would be comfortable. "I'll be right with you after this call."
"Elizabeth gave her husband a kiss and began to look at the pictures from the ultra sound.
"Hey Reid. What may I do for you?" Jack asked after closing Elizabeth's door.
"Tomorrow, we plan on asking Mrs. Thorton and Mrs. Thatcher to walk with us for senior night. There are two who are walking with their parents, but the other ten would like to have you two and Mrs. Thatcher to escort us onto the field."
Jack stood silently. He knew they wanted Elizabeth and maybe a couple wanted him, but all ten?
"Chief, are you there?"
"Yes." He was barely able to speak.
"There is also something else we would like for Mrs. Thorton and Mrs. Thatcher to do. May we do that tomorrow too?"
"Yes. When? I leave for the airport in the morning and should be back to Hope Valley around eleven."
"May we do it at our lunch? It begins at noon. The coach and Mrs. Farley said we could all leave as long as we go straight to her school and then back. We would like Mrs. Thatcher to be there too."
"Sure, what are you planning?"
"I'm not trying to be secretive, but we would like to wait."
"That's fine. Noon will work."
"We would like for you to be there."
"Are you sure?"
"Absolutely…we would rather prefer it."
"Why?"
"Well, last week after the game, she cried. It kind of freaked us out a little. We don't know how to handle that." He laughed. "We're just teenage boys."
"I'll be there."
