Chapter 115

Jack answered the door when he heard the doorbell. Elizabeth, William, and Grace were watching a football game on the TV. Elizabeth was watching the game in between closing her eyes for a few seconds each time. Elizabeth and Grace were becoming big football fans. Jack still didn't think they knew what was going on, but because of their football boys, they liked the sport.

When Jack opened the door, he saw the smiling face of a middle age woman with a backpack over her shoulders and holding a very large table that was folded up in half.

"Good afternoon. I assume you are Kaye?"

"I am. You must be Jack?"

"Yes, ma'am. Thank you for getting my wife in today."

"No problem. Where would you like for me to set up?"

"There is a room upstairs that would be perfect. May I carry that table for you?"

"Yes, that would be perfect. Thank you."

The conversation caught Eliabeth's attention. With a little effort, she stood from the couch and made her way to her husband.

"Hello, I'm Elizabeth."

"Hello. I'm Kaye. Jack sat up a pregnancy message for you today."

"A pregnancy message?"

"Yes, it's geared toward pregnant women. I have a special table that suits a woman's baby bump."

"Well, as you can see, I have more than a bump." Elizabeth stated rubbing her tummy.

"Not a problem. The section for the woman's belly is adjustable."

Elizabeth turned to face her husband. "You set this up?" She asked a little surprised.

He gave her a smile. "I did. I thought you would enjoy this."

She leaned forward and gave him a soft kiss on the cheek. "Thank you."

"That's so thoughtful." Stated Grace as she walked over. "I've never heard of a pregnancy message."

"Yes, it's perfect for pregnant women. I will work areas of concern for pregnant women. It's specialized with pregnancy in mind."

William looked on with surprise. Jack was everything a man would want for his daughter. It was just another reminder of how much he willingly gave up.

"Now, please go and change while your husband helps me get this table upstairs. Please give me about ten minutes and then I'll be ready for you."

"What should I wear? I have never done a message before."

"Well, most customers wear a pair of shorts and no bra. They usually have a robe they take off once in the room. But you need to wear what makes you comfortable. I will remain out of the room while your husband helps you onto the table."

Jack carried the table up the stairs. He helped Kaye set up the message table. He also brought a small table for Kaye to place some candles on and a small radio. After helping Kaye, he walked downstairs and into their bedroom. Elizabeth was tying her robe as he opened the door.

"This is very sweet of you, husband."

"I thought you would like it. I know you are carrying our babies and those muscles of yours must be exhausted. Maybe this will help you relax."

"Thank you for thinking of this."

"Well, Rosemary mentioned it."

"And you made the appointment. Thank you."

"Let's go and get you relaxed."

Jack walked Elizabeth up the stairs and to the room beside Grace's room. He knocked as they entered the room. The light was off, and three candles were lite. It wasn't dark, but it did have a relaxed feel. She also had a small scent of lavender that was filling the room. The table was set up. Instead of a flat bed, there was a section for her belly and her breasts to fit while she laid on her stomach. The pad was thick and there was a hole for Elizabeth to lay her face. There were also two padded wedges of different sizes that was on a shelf under the table.

"Jack," Kaye began. "Please help her onto the table and let me know when she is ready for me to come in." Kaye also gave him a quick run through of how to adjust the table. She also informed the couple that she would make the final adjustments when she walked back in.

When the door closed, Jack helped Elizabeth out of her robe. He couldn't help but to sneak a peek at his wife. It has been a little bit since he saw her without a shirt on. Elizabeth saw him steal a peek and she leaned in and gave him a kiss. "I miss us too." She whispered. He helped her onto the bed and turned toward the door. Elizabeth decided to wear a pair of Jack's boxer shorts and not bra.

Kaye walked in the room and began to speak with Elizabeth to see where she wanted the message to concentrate on her. "Elizabeth, usually a pregnant woman will lay on her belly for twenty minutes for the message. Jack has paid for an hour. If you're comfortable after twenty minutes, we can go longer if you want. Most of the message on your back or the back of your legs. This table will support you belly. We will just go with what makes you comfortable."

"How will we do this if my belly is uncomfortable?"

"I will get you up with the robe in front of you. The table moves and you can sit and recline, and I can work your legs and shoulders. It's completely up to you."

"Let's start with you working on my back and my legs. That is what bothers me the most."

…

"V. Hey V."

"Yes James."

"Are you busy?"

"No. Why?"

"If you're willing, let's go to our property and walk around it. I would like to take a look at it."

"That sounds great. Let me get my shoes on."

"I would like to see where the house will sit and see what we've got. That may help us narrow down some ideas on the house."

"Oh. I would love that. Let me grab my pencil and paper."

"I already have that. I'm just waiting on you to get your shoes on."

"Alright…alright…I'm coming."

They held hands as they drove the ten minutes to their property. Both of their excitement was growing. They were looking forward to this next chapter in their lives.

"James, would you like children?"

"I would. You?"

"Yeah. When?"

"Well, we've talked about it before. To be honest, I'm ok with trying now, but you are the one starting a new job. You need to figure that out."

"I have spoken with the person I'm replacing. She said that the job won't be affected by my pregnancy."

"Are you ok if we began trying now?"

Viola thought about it for a moment. "I think I would be. I would like a baby with you."

"Alright, so beginning today we stop protection?"

"Yes, I will stop taking birth control."

"If it happens quickly, will you be ok with building and decorating a home?"

"I would be. Excited even."

"Great."

…

Tom stopped at the kitchen doorway when he saw his wife studying. She had three open books in front of her with several pieces of paper laying around her. He smiled at his beauty as she tapped a pen against her teeth. Her hair was in a messy bun and her look of concentration was adorable. He leaned against the door frame just to watch her. His heart was full and completely in love.

After a few minutes, she looked up and noticed her husband leaning against the frame staring at her.

"What are you up to, husband?"

"Just watching you work so hard. I'm proud of you."

"Thank you."

"You're cute too." He flirted with her. "Can you take a break?"

Julie looked down at her papers and books. "I think I can for a few minutes. What's on your mind?"

"I would like to take a walk."

"Let me grab my coat."

As they made their second round around the neighborhood, Julie spoke up. "I'm sorry I am always studying."

"Please don't apologize for working hard at school. You deserve the opportunity to do your best."

"Thank you, but I feel that I have been ignoring you."

"You have been busy. That is different than ignoring me. I understand you are working hard, and I am ok with it. I get it."

Julie gave him a smile. "Tom, I have been thinking. I want to stop working."

"Are you sure?"

"I am. I have wanted to for a while now, but I was afraid everyone would think I'm just quitting another job."

"I don't believe they will think that." Tom stated as he squeezed her hand. His confident tone gave her encouragement.

"I work around fifteen hours a week. During that time, you are home alone. I could spend that time with you instead of working. We live on what you make. We put my salary in the savings. We have a little in there already."

Tom nodded. He missed his wife but did understand her working and going to school.

"I would rather spend time with you than building up a savings account."

Tom gave Julie a smile. "I like the sound of that, but Julie, you can't make that decision based on me alone."

"I haven't. I've made this decision because I have missed you."

"I love you, Julie. Whenever you want to stop working, just let Steven know."

"Thank you." Julie leaned in and kissed her husband gently on the lips. She was missing her husband as much as he was missing her. She wanted to spend what little time she had with her husband, not working at Draw-N-Things. While she loved her job, it was just a part time job. She loved Tom much more than a job.

…

Elizabeth laid perfectly still as Kaye began to rub warm lotion on her back. Kaye's intention was to begin with her shoulders where Elizabeth mention was tight. Then she would make her way to her lower back. The room smelled lovely with the lavender, and she was instantly relaxed. Kaye was a professional and knew exactly what she was doing.

Jack leaned against the doorway admiring the view of his wife. She was laying on the table with just his pair of boxers on. He loved his wife and thought she was a beautiful woman. The weeks of no intimacy was difficult for the both of them. Especially for Jack at this moment. For all intents and purposes, his gorgeous bride was unclothed laying on a table. He closed his eyes trying to calm himself down.

Jack turned and began walking out of the room before opening his eyes. He knew if he looked at his wife again, he wouldn't leave. He walked down the stairs and into his bedroom. He looked through the closet until he found his small, black case. It was a little dusty since he hasn't touched it in a long time. He walked into the kitchen carrying the case and found a bottle of water in the fridge. After grabbing the water, he walked onto the back porch and found a seat. He slowly opened the case and pulled out his old saxophone. While he hasn't played it in a long time, it was still in perfect shape.

He placed the mouthpiece in position and moved his fingers a couple of times to get them loose. After getting comfortable on the edge of the chair, he began playing the instrument softly. Except for the time he played on their honeymoon, he hasn't played for a long while. He played softly for a few minutes to try to find his rhythm. When he felt comfortable, he increased the volume a little to a comfortable level. He didn't want to be too loud and disrupt Elizabeth's peaceful message or Grace and William watching TV.

Jack found his rhythm quickly and became lost in the music. He was playing the George Michael song. The same song he played for Elizabeth on their honeymoon. While the music was getting his mind off of a shirtless Elizabeth, she was still constantly on his mind. Jack would close his eyes while playing and images of Elizabeth would race through his thoughts. Her smile was so beautiful. He loved the way she would sway from side to side when he would walk up to her. Her laugh was better than any music he has ever heard. Her little victorious smile that he loved and hated so much was priceless. All of those things and so much more made up Elizabeth, but those eyes was what drew him in each and every time and held him captive. Those blue eyes were memorizing. He could spend his entire life looking into those eyes and never grow weary from doing so.

As Jack began to play a little louder, Elizabeth let out a small laugh when she heard the song that he played during their honeymoon. As Kaye worked her magic, Elizabeth's mind calmed down quickly, and thoughts of Jack flashed before her. That silly smile he would get when he thought he won was intoxicating. She couldn't understand how she loved and hated that little smirk so much. She loved those eyes of his. The wordless communication was so important to her and the closeness it provided was off the charts. He had the ability to make her laugh. Those dimples were unspeakably gorgeous. She prayed for her children's health and well-being. The only physical aspect of her children she prayed for were for them to have Jack's dimples.

As Kaye worked her shoulders and then her lower back, Elizabeth was shocked how comfortable she was laying on her stomach. The intention of the message table was to cradle her baby's bump perfectly. It felt very comfortable to her. This was the first time in several months she felt like she wasn't carrying the weight of the babies. With the sound of Jack playing in the background, Elizabeth fell asleep long before Kaye moved to her legs.

Kaye smiled at Elizabeth's comfort. She relaxed so quickly and was beginning to snore. Kaye was grateful Elizabeth shared with her the troubled spots before the message. As Kaye continued to work, Elizabeth snored louder. She turned the radio up a little louder, but Elizabeth was winning that contest.

…

James and Viola were walking around their property. James explained the location of the house and Vi was grateful for him answering her questions. She didn't understand all the technical things, but the knowledge he was sharing was helpful. By his answers, she was able to narrow down some things she was questioning. She wanted the garage on the other side of the house and flip the inside of the home. Her and James wanted to keep the group of trees to the side of the house and clear a view more of the trees in front and back to improve the view.

"The people will be here in a week or so to begin leveling off the land where the house will be. They will also cut in the driveway better. Then the foundation will be poured if weather permits. At this point, we need to finalize the house plans. We don't have to necessarily pick the colors yet, but the foot prints needs to be settled by Wednesday. That will give us enough time to pull permits and get going."

"I can do that. Today was very helpful."

"Great. Let's get home and make the corrections to the plans we have. Then tomorrow, we can pass those along to the architect and get this started."

"Before we leave…" Viola started as she walked into his open arms. "Why don't we take a few minutes to share our new piece of property as a married couple?" She flirted.

…

Jack continued to play. It was a great distraction for him. He was lost in his thoughts of Elizabeth and playing the saxophone that he lost track of time. He looked up when the door opened. Kaye gave him a big smile as he stopped playing. Jack noticed she had the same backpack as before.

"Jack, you are very good with that."

"Thank you. A little hobby of mine. I haven't played in a while."

"I couldn't tell. That's the first time I gave a message to a concert."

"How did it go?"

"Well, she's snoring and hasn't moved in the last forty five minutes." Kaye chuckled. "I think it was very relaxing to her."

"That's great. I was hoping for that. I'll help with the table."

"Well…" Kaye began slowly. "She's still asleep on the table."

"Oh…well, let me go wake her and I'll pack the table for you."

"That's ok, Jack. Let her sleep."

"Is it ok for her to sleep like that?"

"Typically I would say no. However, she felt so comfortable with the table supporting her belly, she didn't want to move. Let her sleep for another thirty minutes then I would wake her if I was you."

"What about your table?"

"I'll come by and get it tomorrow."

"I'll have to take it to the police department. Is that ok?"

"Sure, I'll be by around nine to pick it up. I have an appointment at ten."

"Perfect." Jack reached into his pocket to get the money to pay Kaye. "Thank you again for this."

"You're welcome. Thank you, Jack, for calling."

"Would it be possible for you to come here once a week to do this?"

"Sure."

"Can we do it on Saturdays instead of Sunday?"

"Absolutely. I'll make it the last appointment of the day in case she falls asleep again." She laughed.

"Perfect. Let me walk you out. Would you like a water to go?"

"Yes, please. That's very kind of you."

…

Jack walked into the high school Monday morning with a bag of thirty ties. He was joining Mr. Johnson this morning with the Hope Valley High School Gentleman's Club to teach the young men how to tie a neck tie. He even had some bow ties. He didn't know how to tie those, but Mr. Johnson did. They meet before school every Monday. Mr. Johnson is the history teacher and volunteered to show the young men how to be men. It was really simple things that fathers teach their sons, but these young men were never taught those things. Mr. Johnson taught them how men shake hands. The importance of carrying yourself with confidence but not arrogance. How to look a person in the eye when speaking to them. The young men were excited that someone was willing to show them things and to spend time with them. Many of them didn't have a father figure at home. The ones that did, wished their father figure wasn't there. The group started with three men. A few months into the school year, and the group now stands with twenty five young men who came to school early every Monday morning.

Jack walked into Mr. Johnson's classroom to a full group of smiling young men. As part of their Gentleman's Group, they would dress up every Monday. Dress pants and dress shirts were expected. However, khakis were ok if they were nice along with a button shirt. The young men wanted to step it up a little and add ties to the outfits for Mondays.

"Good morning, gentleman." Jack smiled.

"Good morning, Chief." All the men said at the same time. They also said it loudly. Mr. Johnson taught them that a young man speaks clearly and loud enough to be heard.

Jack's smile grew at these young men. This is exactly what he hoped would happen with this group. "Alright men, I have ties and bowties. The men from church yesterday gave these to me. Each one can pick one and that is your tie. The men said they would go through their tie selection and will bring me more next Sunday. So, if you don't find one you like today, that's ok. You will have the opportunity to look next Monday. Just pick one so we can learn how to do this."

"Yes sir." The young men stated.

Jack and Mr. Johnson spent the next ten minutes explaining and showing the young men how to tie a neck tie. They showed them the Windsor knot and a normal knot. Afterwards, the men tried doing it by themselves. Jack and Mr. Johnson would walk around the classroom helping each young man who needed help. Some caught on quickly and others took a few minutes to figure it out.

Jack was helping a young man work on a Windsor knot. He had already mastered the normal knot. "Chief, may I ask you a question?"

"Sure, James. What's on your mind?"

James took a moment to look around making sure no one was paying too much attention. "I would like to ask this girl out on a date, but…" He trailed off.

"But?" Jack asked in a hushed voice.

"First, I have never asked a girl out. What if she says no?" James exhaled. "Plus, I don't have a car. I have a job, but I haven't saved enough to buy a car yet."

Jack gave him a smile. "James, first and foremost, if a girl is only interested in you because you have a car, she isn't the girl for you. You can go out on a date without a car. You just have to plan it. She will be more impressed that you took the time and effort to plan a date more than a car." Jack gave him a reassuring smile. "Now, if you like this girl enough to want to go on a date with her, you need to find a way to ask her out."

"But chief, she is way out of my league."

"James, have you seen my wife?" Jack chuckled. "She is way out of my league. Sometimes you have to take a chance. She may or she may not agree to go with you, but you won't ever know unless you ask."

"How do I ask?"

Jack had his full attention. "With the things you are learning here. You do it with respect, making eye contact, and you bring her flowers. Young women love flowers."

"I can do that."

"I know you can. You are a fine young man. Now, you are a gentleman. I expect you to treat her as a gentleman should treat a young lady." Jack smiled as he pointed his finger at James' chest.

"Yes, chief."

"Now, when are you thinking about asking her out?"

"I would like to take her out this Friday if she will. I get paid on Fridays and I will have enough for a date."

"Perfect. Go by the florist today after school. I will let them know you are coming by. Buy her some flowers and put it on my tab."

"She loves daises. I think I will get them for her."

"Perfect. They have great daises there."

"Thank you, chief, but I will buy them myself."

Jack gave him a smile of support.

"Now, how can I take her out on a date without a car?"

"Well, does she live in town?"

"Yes. We both do,"

"Perfect. That will make it easier. You go to her house and meet her parents. You walk her to where you want to take her."

"That might work. Mr. Johnson says a gentleman always walks with a young lady with the guy walking closer to traffic."

"Mr. Johnson is a very smart man."

"We can go and eat. Then what?"

"Well, you need to find out what she likes. If she likes to paint, go to Draw-N-Things. I did that with Mrs. Thorton on a date. We painted. She loves to sketch. She loved the date and it wasn't a expensive date."

"Alice doesn't like to paint."

"What does she like?"

"She likes astronomy."

"Maybe you can take her to the park and stargaze. Ask her questions about what you two are seeing. But don't just ask, James. You need to listen to what she says."

"That would work. Maybe we could dance like you and Mrs. Thorton dance."

"You've seen that?" Asked Jack with his face turning a little red.

"Sure. I think everyone has. It's become a thing with the guys. They take their girlfriends to the park and dance. They call it the Thorton."

"The Thorton?"

"The Thorton dance. They say you do it without music. I don't know how to dance without music."

Jack's face turned bright red. Elizabeth will die of embarrassment when she finds out. "James, you do it with respect. You don't need music to dance with someone you like. When you go to her parent's home to pick Alice up, you tell her parents where you are going and ask them when they want her home."

"Ok."

"Then you have her home fifteen minutes before curfew."

"Why so early?"

"Well, you can take that extra time now, or you can impress them and possibly have a second date with her."

"I think I will choose the second date."

Jack gave him a huge smile. "Smart young man. Now, let's try that Windsor knot again."

…

Jack walked out of the high school thirty minutes later than he wanted. He spent that extra time standing at the front door welcoming the students. Most fist pumped him or gave him a smile. As he walked to his truck, he sent Elizabeth a text.

J – I love you, Nani

E – I love you, Dimples. How did it go?
J – Great! But I've learned something this morning

E – Yeah…what's that?

J – Well, would you like to meet at Abagail's for dinner?
E – Sure. Is that what you learned?

J – Afterward, we can go and do the Thorton

E – Do the what?

J – The Thorton

E – What in the world is the Thorton?

Instead of texting, he called his wife.

"Hey Dimples. What are you talking about?"

"Do you have a moment?"

"Sure, my class is working on a worksheet. I'm standing by the door."

Jack explained what James told him. He could sense her embarrassment over the phone.

"Jack Thorton…you better be playing with me!"

"Sorry sweetheart. We have a dance named after us."

"Are you telling me that the high schoolers go out on their dates, and they dance in the park like we do, and they call it the Thorton?"

"Exactly."

"This is all you fault. You and your dancing with no music thing." She waved her hand in the air. "Jack Thorton, now I have to teach my students with that thought running through my head."

"Hey." Jack stated. "I thought you like when we dance like that?"

She blushed. "I love it. It's so romantic and intimate. But Jack, they call it the Thorton."

"I'm sorry sweetheart. Would you like to come to the next Gentleman's Club meeting and talk to the young men about it." He smirked.

"Not on your life. I never thought a dance would be named after me."

"Are you ok?"

"I'm fine. A little embarrassed but I'm good."

"I guess we can just dance in the house. It will die out eventually. You know teenagers." Jack was getting concerned that she wasn't too happy.

"You better never stop dancing with me!" She exclaimed in her teacher's voice.

…

Jack walked into the station to Emma's look. "What?"

"You're late, Chief."

"I'm sorry. I stayed at the high school after the club welcoming the students."

"How is that going?"

"Great. Most students acknowledge me now. The Gentleman's Club is going really well. Mr. Johnson is doing a great job with them."

"That's great. Now, you need to get to work. You have a job to do."

"Yes, Boss Lady. What's going on?"

"The mayor called and the approval for you to hire two officers was given the green light. I just posted it this morning and we already have six applications. It's only been posted for thirty minutes."

"Wow. That's a lot."

"I guess people want to work for you. The posting will close the end of next week. Then you need to narrow it down."

"Great. We will work on this together. What's next?"

"You have a conference call with Superintendent Johnson and FBI Field Director Jack Thompson."

"I just spoke with them yesterday."

"I know. They want to make sure you are set on working on the project they want. They're eager for you to get started on it."

"I will do it, but it will take some time. I have a job here and a wife that is very pregnant. They come first. That is something they will have to realize."

"Then you need to stand firm. They will push."

"Thanks for the heads up. Hey, Kyle from the high school plans to attend the police academy this summer. Could you please get the academy on the phone for me in a little bit. If he does well, I want to hire him here."

"I'll get them for you in a few minutes. His work study through the high school with us begins in January."

"Great. Let's get him a little taste of the police station, but he is not to be put in any danger."

"Understood."

"Now. Let's look at the afternoon schedule…"

…

"Ok class. Now, please pass the work sheets forward. How did you do?"

Her class smiled, and she heard a range of good to great.

"Now, let's pull out our history books. We will be looking at the Civil War."

Most of the class groaned. She expected that. Most of the time, her student groaned at the beginning of the Civil War, but the more they learned about it the more they grew excited.

"Mrs. Thorton was that your husband you were speaking with earlier?"

"It was. I'm sorry. I don't like to answer the phone. However, I usually do when Chief Thorton calls."

She noticed her class smiling at her.

"May I ask a question?" A little girl in front asked.

"Sure." Stated Elizabeth as she sat down on the stool.

"What's the Thorton?"