Chapter 120

The three weeks following the birth of their twins flew by faster than they could realize. The babies were healthy and doing well. Breast feeding was a struggle at times. Elizabeth's body just wasn't producing enough milk for two growing babies. After struggling with this for the first week and a half, Elizabeth took the doctor's advice. She would breastfeed during the day and use formula during the evening and night. This was beneficial on several levels. First, the babies were still getting breast milk and all of its advantages. With feeding the babies formula in the evenings and during the night, it would allow her body to catch up on producing milk. Plus, bottle feeding allowed Jack to feed one of the babies while she fed the other baby. They would alternate each feeding. That way the babies would spend time with both parents. Jack was grateful for the opportunity.

Elizabeth's doctor visit was today, and it was two days before Christmas. Grace has stayed with Jack and Elizabeth since the birth of the twins. She made sure to stay out of the way, only helping when she was needed. It was hard for her. She wanted to spend every second she could with the babies, but she knew this was Elizabeth's time to bond with her little ones. Her routine for the day was to be with Elizabeth and help while Jack was working. When he would come home, she often excused herself to her bedroom or go and visit Julie, Viola, or Charlette. Jack was grateful Grace was helping, but he was grateful for family time at the end of each day.

James' and Viola's house was going, but on the slow side. Viola's patience was not a strong part of the equation. She couldn't wait to move into the new home. She loved the design and the layout, but the weather wasn't as cooperative as she wanted. To make matters worse, they were a week behind because of her.

"James, I don't understand. It rained yesterday, but the sun is out today."

"I know V, but the ground is still soft from the rain. It won't hold up to a big piece of equipment on it."

"James…it's sunny today. The ground will dry out quickly."

James shook his head. "Ok, could you meet me at the new house today at noon?"

"Sure. I'll be there just after noon."

James walked into the bedroom and called his heavy equipment operator. "Mickey, I need you to take the front end loader to my property and be ready to begin work at noon today."

"But James, the ground is way too soft for that big piece of equipment. I'm only going to get it stuck in the first five minutes."

"I know that. Please be ready by noon."

"But boss, I don't understand."

"Neither does my wife."

"Oh…"

Mickey had run this equipment for a long time and understands how some people don't understand why they couldn't work a day after it rained.

"You know this is going to push everything back?"

"Oh, I know but my wife doesn't. Today she will too."

"Good luck with that."

Viola pulled up the driveway they cut out last week. She smiled looking at the big piece of equipment with her husband and another gentleman standing beside it. As she got out of the car, James began walking toward her.

"Good afternoon,"

"Good afternoon, husband. I see they are about to get to work."

"Yeah, for the moment." James turned and waved at Mickey.

"He is going to begin to level the ground. Once he is done, he will bring the backhoe in and dig out the footers for the house."

"Where is that piece of equipment?"

"It will be here next week."

"Next week? Why so long? You said he will have this done in a day."

"He would have if it was dry," He mumbled. She didn't hear him because she stepped closer to the area he was beginning to level.

Viola tilted her head as she watched the huge machine begin to push the dirt. She noticed it began to lean to the left. She also noticed the tracks were making a huge rut. The ground behind the machine was worse and more messed up than the ground before the machine. She turned her head to look at her husband. He was just shaking his head.

"It's not supposed to do that is it?"

"No." James shook his head.

When she heard the piece of equipment begin to sound different, she turned her attention back to the machine. She noticed the smoke coming from the exhaust pipe that wasn't there before. The machine was sounding like it was working harder than before. She reached for James' hand when she noticed the machine begin to sink in the mud. After a few feet, the machine stopped even though the tracks continued to move.

"Oh…" She whispered.

"Yeah. Now, if we don't have rain for the next three to four days, maybe we can get another front end loader here to pull this one out. Hopefully the rain will stay away for us to get this level."

"How far are we behind now?"

"At least a week." He guessed.

…

Viola's attention was brought back to the present when James walked into the room.

"Are you ready? I think there are two, maybe three more gifts we want to pick up. Then we will be done shopping."

Vi walked to her husband and embraced him in a loving hug. "Thank you."

"For what?" He asked as he leaned back from the hug but not releasing the hold on his wife.

"For not making me feel stupid or saying anything when I was so impatient."

He chuckled. "It's fine. You just didn't know."

"No, I didn't but I should have listened to you. However, did you have to prove your point that way?" She sassed.

He chuckled. "Well…you are stubborn, and you had to be convinced totally. Watching a forty ton piece of equipment get stuck in the mud was the best way to show you." He winched when she playfully smacked his chest.

"I guess that's true." She stated at the memory of watching that machine sink in the mud.

"It's out and the footers are being poured today."

She leaned into her husband's embrace. "James, there's something I need to tell you."

…

Julie was sitting on her bed with countless books sitting around her. Tom walked into the bedroom and shook his head. Earlier in the month, he was very accustomed to see this. She would often sit on the bed and study. He would have to slip in and sleep on the edge of the bed while she studied. Now, he didn't know why she had all the books laying on the bed.

"What's all of this?"

"I begin my student teaching in a couple of weeks."

"Yes, at the same school with that lady."

"Yes, Rosemary."

"Ok, so what is the connection between Rosemary and the books on our bed?"

"I'm student teaching with her. I want to make sure I'm prepared."

"I believe you are prepared. That's why you are graduating early and beginning your student teaching now instead of later."

"I know. I just want to be ready."

"You are ready." Tom stated as he kissed her cheek. "We are leaving soon to finish Christmas shopping. Will you be ready?"

"Of course." She sassed. She was rarely on time, and it always drove him crazy.

"Sure."

"Oh, before we go, I have something to tell you."

…

Jack laid in bed with his wife and children. Instead of putting them back into their shared crib, they placed the babies between them. Jack had to be up in a couple of hours, and this was just quicker. He had to get up for work, but he just didn't want to leave his family. Jacob and Miranda both worked out deals, but they will remain in prison for the rest of their lives. The deal included that both Miranda and Jacob would assist in any future investigations if possible.

Jack lightly rubbed his hand along Elizabeth's forearm. While loving his children, he was honestly missing his wife. Their only conversations were holding babies or talking about babies. He wanted a ten minute conversation with her that was just them. He wasn't sure how to say that to his wife. He didn't want her to think he didn't cherish and love his children. Jack laid there watching his family sleep.

The plan for the day was for him to work a few hours this morning and then come home to pick up Elizabeth for her appointment. They planned the appointment around the babies' feeding time. Elizabeth should just finish feeding the babies when Jack would arrive to pick her up. Charlette was coming over to help Grace with the babies. After the appointment, they would come home and pick up the babies so they could finish out their shopping for Christmas. Jack looked at clock and knew he had to get his day started.

He walked out of his bedroom to see Grace sitting at the kitchen island. She slid a coffee cup in his direction. He gave her a huge smile at the gesture. The babies were exhausting, and he needed the caffeine.

"Good morning, Jack."

"Good morning, mom. Thank you for the coffee."

"Jack, instead of coming to pick up the babies for shopping, why don't you leave them here with Charlette and me? Adam will be over later, and he can help. We can feed them formula if you two aren't home before their next feeding."

Jack looked at her. "I'm not sure your daughter will be happy with that." Elizabeth never wanted to leave her babies. Her babies were her responsibility and she took that responsibility seriously.

"I know, but the weather is supposed to be nasty today."

"I'm ok with it if you can convince your middle child."

"Leave her to Charlette and I."

"Oh, that would be fun to watch."

…

Jack walked into his office with Emma following him explaining the morning calls. Regional Director Fields was unhappy with the issue with Thompson, buts since Jack wasn't FBI, he couldn't order Jack to talk with the man. Jack wasn't discontinuing all communications with the Fort Worth office, just with Thompson. Fields understood, but just didn't like it. After their last phone call, Fields was about to call Thomspon.

Miranda's and Jacob's final paperwork was laying on Jack's desk. It was a summary of the plea deals. Jack was happy those cases were finished but wasn't too eager to look through the paperwork. He wanted those two cases finished and not have to think about them anymore.

"Emma, after New Year's Day, please schedule some time with you, Elizabeth, and me to begin the process of analyzing and writing down the facts about those two." He stated pointing to the two files on his desk. "Elizabeth said she would write the final paper."

"Sure. How is she and the babies?"

"They are great. Not enough sleep for the grownups, but babies are sleeping well." He laughed. "Thank you for the mobile for their crib. They love the music."

"You're welcome."

They spent the next ten minutes with Emma guiding Jack through the schedule for the next few days. With Christmas Eve the following day, everything was running on a different schedule.

…

When his meeting with Emma was finished, Lee stuck his head in. "Hey Chief, you have a couple of minutes?"

"Sure Lee. What's up?"

Lee sat down and looked at his boss for a few moments. "Well…there are two things I would like to speak to you about."

"What do you have?"

"In time do you think I will make a good police chief?"

"Yes." Was Jack's immediate response. "I know you will. I think you still have a few things to learn, but you are a bright young man with a good, level head. You work well with people, and you are quick to learn."

"Thanks Chief."

"Where did the question come from?"

"I was approached about a potential opening."

"Oh…Lee, you have to understand I will greatly miss you, but I don't think you're ready just yet. I honestly believe you are well on your way, but not quite there yet."

"I agree. I would like to fulfill that role, but I also feel that I need to grow in some areas."

"Some, but not too many. Lee, you have to understand you will make a great police chief."

"Thank you, Jack. I turned them down."

"Well, that is Hope Valley's benefit…and mine."

"What's the second issue?"

"It's Rosemary."

"Is everything ok?"

"It is. I told her about our conversation before we went into the barn. How we stack the deck in our favor and know everything we can. While it may not remove all dangers, it helps things to go for us."

"Yes. I remember."

"That night was hard on her. The waiting and worrying. She was very grateful that you gave us two minutes immediately after everything was finished to call our loved ones to let them know we were safe."

"Our jobs can be dangerous. There is no need for loved ones to worry for no reason."

"Right. She would like to meet with you when you are available to come up with some thoughts, or maybe guidelines, for the people in charge to better help the families of the people who serve."

Jack leaned back into his chair and gave the idea a couple of minutes of thought. "Lee, that is a great idea."

"She was thinking the ideas you all come up with could be shared with other first responder, not just cops. Maybe all first responders and their families could benefit from this."

"Lee…the more I think about this the more I love it. She will be in control of it. This could be very beneficial. Please get with Emma and let her know what Rosemary wants to do. Get her to free up some time."

"Thanks Chief."

…

"I don't think so, mother. I will come back after my appointment, and I will take my babies with me shopping." Stated a very determined Elizabeth. Grace smirked at Elizabeth's face. It was the same face when she was eight and wanted to read instead of going outside.

"See young lady, that's my point exactly."

"What is?" Elizabeth stated as she put her hand on her hip.

"It is 'our babies' not 'my babies'."

Elizabeth huffed.

"Dear, please listen. You have been with your babies every moment of the day. You are a great mother. I love seeing you being a mother. You are so natural at it. It is very evident to see your love for them. The babies see it too. Their demeanor changes when you have them in your arms."

Elizabeth's stance softened a little at her mother's kind words.

"May I ask, when was the last time you and Jack were alone?"

"Mother, I'm not allowed to have sex yet. It's only been three weeks."

Grace shook her head. "I'm not talking about that type of intimate time. You always told me that you love Jack because of all the intimate times that didn't always lead to physical intimacy."

Elizabeth's cheeks turned a little pink.

"When was the last time you had one of those intimate moments with Jack?"

Elizabeth thought about it for a moment. "It has been a long while."

"Yes. Pregnancy has a habit of stealing those moments. Elizabeth, take a couple of hours after your appointment to spend with your husband…only your husband. Charlette and I will be here with the babies. You will breast feed them just before you leave. If needed, we can give them a bottle if you are not back in time for their next feeding. They take the bottle well. Adam will be over a little after you leave, so there will be three of us with both babies."

"Yes…but…"

"I raised three daughters. Charlette raised two sons. Adam raised twin daughters and a son. I think we have it covered. We know what we are doing." She sassed her daughter a little trying to get her to agree. "You always gushed at how connected you and Jack were. Now, don't lose that connection. Babies will become all too consuming if we allow them. They need to be loved, and you are doing so great at it. Just don't lose that connection with Jack. What you two have should be cherished. Not everyone has that in their life."

"But the babies…"

"Will be well taken care of and we have your cell. Please allow us grandparent time with our grandbabies while you enjoy two or three hours of time with your husband."

Elizabeth was torn. Her mother's instincts wanted to be with her babies. They were her responsibility. They needed her, and she needed to be there for them. However, she was missing the connection with Jack. Every conversation with him was with a baby in one of their arms, if not both arms. Their marriage wasn't in trouble, but she did miss him. When she looked into her mother's eyes, Grace saw the storm.

"Every new mother goes through this battle. We want to be there for our child. We love them and they need us. They need to be protected and loved and no one can do that like a mother. Elizabeth, you are doing so well with loving your babies. Just don't lose what you have with Jack. I'm not asking you to leave your babies. Just allow their grandparents to take care of them for a couple of hours while you continue your relationship with your husband."

"You're right…" Elizabeth sighed. "I know you're right." Elizabeth thought for a moment. "Why is this so hard?" She stated as she rubbed her hands over her face.

"Because you are a good mother." Grace stated before she kissed her daughter on the cheek.

…

Elizabeth walked to the pantry to pull out a small snack. There were two large jars of pickles sitting in front staring at her. "I don't understand why Jack bought so many pickles." She stated as she pulled some vanilla pudding out of the pantry and closed the door.

"You're kidding right?"

"What do you mean?"

"Elizabeth, you went through one of those large jars of pickles a week. You devoured those things. The concession stand at the football game made sure to have plenty on hand just for you."

"Did I really eat all of them?"

"It was so odd. You would eat four or five just at the game. You would even cut them up to have on your ice cream. It was your favorite snack."

"I don't even like pickles."

"I know…that's why it was so weird."

…

Elizabeth was in her room feeding the babies. Grace answered the door before the doorbell rang. She was looking out the front window trying to catch Chalette in case the babies were sleeping.

"So…" Charlette began. "How did it go? Do we have to gang up on her?"

"No." Grace laughed.

"That's great."

"It was touch and go there for a little while. She knows we're right, but her mommy heart is strong."

Charlette laughed. She knew this wouldn't be easy for Elizabeth. "She is such a great mother. She needs these couple of hours to reconnect with her husband. What they have is so special. I don't want them to lose that."

"Me too. That's exactly what I told her."

"Plus." Charlette's smile grew bigger. "You know what this means?"

"We get the babies to ourselves for a few hours." Grace stated with a matching smile.

"So…that's what this is all about, isn't it? Two grandmothers wanting their grandchildren for themselves." Exclaimed Elizabeth holding her two children. She was trying to hide her smile but wasn't able too.

Grace and Charlette jumped at Elizabeth's voice. "Oh dear. When did you get there?"

"At about the 'you know what this means' statement." Smirked Elizabeth.

"You need this time with Jack, dear." Charlette defended their actions.

"Yeah…yeah…" Smirked Elizabeth.

The two mothers were saved when Jack walked into the house. "Burrr. It's cold outside."

"Finally." Charlette stated. Elizabeth gave her a knowing smile.

"Finally?" Jack asked confused. "I'm right on time."

"These two conspirators were needing to be saved. You arrived at just the right time."

"Hush now, you. Give me baby Jack and you need to get going." Grace stated as she reached for the baby. Charlette walked over to take baby Elizabeth from her mother.

"I feel like I walked in on something."

"Hush you two. Now, you need to go. I hope the doctor's appointment goes well. Please text me what she says, and we will see you later today. Take your time."

"Ma, we should be back in an hour."

"I'll tell you later Jack." Elizabeth stated smirking at her two mothers.

…

Jack and Elizabeth only had to wait ten minutes before the nurse called for her to come back.

"How are you feeling?"

"I'm good. My tummy is still a little sore but all in all, I'm good."

"Great. Now the big question."

"It's been fine. I have cut the tablet in half like the doctor stated to do after pregnancy."

"How has it been?"

"It's been really good. Over the last two weeks, the average has been 100/65."

"That's a little on the low side. Your heart rate and oxygen level are excellent. Your weight is doing really well too."

"Yeah, I still have some weight to go."

"You do, but it looks great. With twins, you would have gained a little extra baby weight. I bet you will be back to pre-pregnancy weight soon."

"I hope so."

"You will. Now, let's go to room seven. The doctor will be in soon."

…

Viola smirked when she saw her husband's phone number come on the screen of her phone. "Yes, husband. What may I do for you?"

"You know very well why I'm calling."

"I bet I could guess."

"Well…"

She returned his sass. "Well…what?"

"Woman." He laughed. "Why are you holding out on me. What is it that you said you wanted to talk to me about?"

"I'll tell you tonight."

"Are you really going to make me wait all day for this?"

"I am. Patience, James, patience."

He sighed. He has told her that many times waiting for the weather to improve.

…

"Good afternoon, you two." Stated a smiling doctor as she walked into the room.

Elizabeth and Jack both said hello.

"Alright, first things first. Elizabeth, you need to stop with the half tablet of your blood pressure medicine. I believe your blood pressure will regulate itself back to normal. Please keep an eye on it for two weeks just like before. If it begins to approach 140/90, please call the office. I don't think it will. We will recheck it at your next appointment."

"Thank you." Elizabeth smiled. "I was beginning to worry about it because it was getting a little lower."

"So, how are you feeling?"

"I'm good. Sleep is a little less than normal, but bottle feeding during the night seems to help. Jack is able to help and that reduces that time that we are up."

"How is breast feeding during the day?"

"Really well. The babies are taking to both very well."

"When do you take them to the doctor?"

"Next week."

"Great. Are they growing?"

"Absolutely."

"Do you have any pictures?"

Jack smiled. He pulled out his cell phone. He has filled his phone full of picture of his babies and his wife. He just couldn't get enough of them together. The doctor smiled at the babies.

"They are absolutely adorable. Ok, now, you are three weeks out, so no physical intimacy for the next three to four weeks. How are you healing there?"

"Good for the most part. If I move quickly or try to pick up too much weight and I can tell it, but I'm good."

"Great. Now, listen to your body. Don't overdo it."

"I won't, I promise."

The doctor's appointment went very well. The doctor, Elizabeth, and Jack were very happy with the progress. The next appointment was made in three weeks and Elizabeth took Jack's hand as they walked out of the doctor's office after he helped her with her jacket.

…

Julie was standing in the middle of aisle nine of the pharmacy. Her mind was racing. "Why does there have to be so many options?" She whispered as she placed the box back on the shelf and picked up another box to read the back of the it.

Viola turned the corner and began to walk down the aisle. Her mind was on what she was going to purchase. She did some research on the internet and had it narrowed down to two brands. She wasn't paying attention when she bumped into a young lady standing in the middle of the aisle.

"Oh, excuse me ma'am. I am so…Julie?" She asked in shock when she noticed her sister standing exactly where she was wanting to go. "What are you doing here?"

"Vi." Julie gasped. "What are you doing here?"

"Little sister, are you lost?" After asking her question, she noticed what she was holding in her hand. She had a box that she was looking for. "What's that?"

"Vi, why are you here?"

"Well, it looks like we are after the same thing. The internet says that's the most accurate one. That's what I'm getting."

"You are?"

"Yes. I'm getting two. Just in case I want to check again."

"I was thinking the same thing."

"So, we both think we are pregnant?"

"I think so. I have all the symptoms. You?"

"The same."

Both sisters stared at each other. While they did feel like it was a little awkward, they were excited that they may be pregnant. Then they became excited that they may be pregnant at the same time.

"Well, little one. Don't just stand there. Hand me two of them."

Julie huffed. "You know, you have always been a little bossy."

"Julie, I'm the oldest." Viola smirked. "Plus, you're in the way."

"Oh…here." She stated as she took an extra box for her and then handed Viola two boxes.

"Vi…I'm a little nervous taking this. I have wanted to be pregnant for a while now. Would you like to come over to my house and we can take this together?"

"Oh Julie. I thought you would never ask."

…

"Where are we going?" Jack asked as Elizabeth pulled him out to her car.

"We have a little shopping to do. Then I would like to go and have dessert at Abagail's."

"Wait…what? Don't we need to go and pick up the babies?"

"They're fine with our mothers. Plus, Adam is going to be there to help."

Jack continued to look at her a little shocked.

"I know, but I have missed our time together. I miss us."

"I miss us too, but I know you…are you sure about leaving the babies for a few hours?"

"I am. Mother and mom can watch them. If the babies are hungry, they can bottle feed them while we're gone. Jack, I don't want us to take a back seat. I know I have done that over the last couple of weeks. I can easily lose myself in those two cuties, but at some point, they will go to college and move out of our home, then what?"

"Me and you."

"Yes, me and you but only if we continue to give our relationship attention. I don't want to lose us, and we need to take care of our babies and love them. We will find that common ground. Some weeks may be better than others, but Jack…it really is me and you."

Jack leaned forward and kissed the tip of her cold nose. "I love you Elizabeth Marie Thorton."

The gesture and words melted Elizabeth where she stood. She began to fan herself with her hand. She shivered at his gesture. "I love you, precious man."

…

Viola followed Julie to her home. After parking her car, she was grateful that Tom wasn't home. James wasn't expected home for a couple of hours. Viola took a deep breath and grabbed her brown bag with both of her tests in it. Julie was waiting at her car door waiting for her oldest sister.

"Let's go Vi. The not knowing is killing me."

"My little impatient sister."

Julie huffed at her little remark. Viola went to the hallway bathroom while Julie used the bathroom in her and Tom's bedroom. Viola walked into her sister's bedroom seeing Julie sitting on her bed. Viola sat down and placed a small pillow on her lap.

"What do you think?"

"Well." Julie began slowly. "I'm late and have been sick the past few mornings. You?"

"The same, but I meant what do you think about maybe being pregnant?"

Julie sighed. "I have been wanting this for a while know. We decided to wait until I began my student teaching. I just learned that I am beginning that next month."

"I didn't know that."

"Yeah, I tested out of a few classes and that sped up everything. Tom and I have spoken about this, and we both want a baby."

"Us too." Smiled Viola. "So." She paused as she looked at the timer on her phone. "We have eight minutes to wait."

…

Jack and Elizabeth walked around a few shops looking at something for Emma and Lee. Much to their surprise, they have done most of the shopping online because of the pregnancy. Elizabeth didn't think she could do a lot of walking at the end of her pregnancy. This time together was exactly what they needed. She shared with Jack the conversation with her mothers just before he came home for the appointment. He knew they would come home to the babies wearing something different. The grandmothers were going to spoil the babies no matter what.

During their shopping trip, they stole many innocent touches. Jack would place his hand on the small of her back as they stood to look at something or if he was wanting her to walk in a different direction to see something. She loved when he would have his hand on her back like that. They held hands and she interlocked her arm through his as they walked. She would run her hand up and down his arm. There was no way to count the small smiles towards each other. He would often sneak a kiss on her cheek when she wasn't looking. Their time together shopping was magical. They almost instantly reconnected. The love between them flowed easily.

As Elizabeth was looking at a rack of clothes, Jack smiled when he saw a young couple walking toward him holding hands.

"Good afternoon, Alice, James."

"Good afternoon, Chief."

"What are you two up too today?"

"We are doing a little Christmas shopping. I couldn't do the shopping until today, so we are trying to finish it up quickly." James nodded at Jack. Somehow, Jack understood that James must have just gotten paid.

"So, are you two dating now?"

"Jack. What a thing to ask." Reprimanded Elizabeth as she came over. "Good afternoon, you two."

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Thorton. And yes, we are dating." Stated a smiling Alice.

"Elizabeth, I need to speak with James for a moment."

Elizabeth looked up and immediately into Jack's eyes. She smiled. As busy as their life has been since the babies were born, their non-verbal communication was still strong. She smiled at the discussion they just had with their eyes.

"Alice, would you mind helping me pick something out for my friend? I am having trouble deciding on something."

"Sure, Mrs. Thorton."

After watching Elizabeth and Alice walk away, Jack turned his attention to James.

"So, how are things going with Alice?"

"They are great. We began dating and everything is going well."

"That's great. So the no car thing wasn't an issue for her?"

James laughed. "No. She is ok that I don't have a car. She knows I am saving up for one. She said she loves walking around town with me." James blushed a little.

"So, Christmas shopping?"

"Yeah…" James lowered his head a little.

Jack knew this young man. Something was off. "Alright James. What's up?"

"I wanted to buy her a necklace. She looked at one a few weeks ago, but I can't afford it."

"How much is it?"

"It's sixty dollars. After taking her out to eat and putting money aside for my car, I just don't have it."

Jack thought about it for a moment. "James, would you be able to come by the station a few days after school?"

"I could. I work the weekends and then two days a week. Why?"

"Well, I have a few little things that needs to be done around the station. Would you like to earn the money so you can buy the necklace?"

"I would, but Christmas Eve is tomorrow. Chief, I don't have enough time to earn the money."

"So, here's the deal. I will buy the necklace for you today with the promise of you coming by the station two days a week for a couple of hours each day. You can pay me back by doing that. Let's say I'll pay you ten dollars an hour. You would have to work at the station for six hours. What do you say?"

"You're going to give me the money now? That doesn't make sense. You know my family, right?"

"I do know your family. You are not them. Most importantly, I know you. If you give me your word, that is enough for me. Deal?"

"Deal!" James exclaimed his hand.

"Now, where is this necklace?"

After about thirty minutes, Jack and James found Elizabeth and Alice sitting at the food court sharing an order of chili cheese fries.

"What are you ladies up too?"

"Just enjoying a snack and funny stories about our men." Sassed Elizabeth.

Alice snickered at the men's expression.

"James, this isn't good for us."

"I may be new at this dating thing, but I know that."

Elizabeth couldn't hide her laughter.

When they said their goodbyes, Jack noticed Alice had a bag she didn't have before.

"So, Mrs. Thorton, what did you and Alice do?"

Elizabeth gave Jack a smile that made his knees go weak. "Nothing…"

"Sure."

"I must ask, what did you and James do? He had a bag he didn't have before."

His dimpled grin melted her. She leaned in and kissed his cheek.

"He wanted to buy her a necklace but didn't have enough money. He is saving for a car and after their date, he was a little short."

"And…"

"Well, we bought the necklace. He will come by after school two days a week and do some things around the police station to earn the money. And you two?"

"Basically the same thing. She wanted to buy him a watch. She will be coming by the house to help me out for a few hours until she pays us back."

"I married the most amazing woman." Jack slowly leaned in and kissed her on the tip of her nose. He did not instantly pull back. He stayed within centimeters of her. He wanted to be in her presence. They were sharing the same breath. The look in her eyes made him wish they were alone. The dimples made her knee go weak. They both sighed.

"Come on sweet man. There is one more gift to get and you owe me a piece of Abagial's chocolate cake."

"The best date ever!"

…

Author's Note:

I was greatly struggling with the character of Rosemary. I could not get a story line developed for her in my head. I reached out to a couple of people who write frequent reviews and Ybdavila responded. We shared some ideas through emails. The story line of Rosemary from this chapter on is Ybdavila's. I have written it, but they are her ideas. Thank you Ybdavila for your input.

I have wanted to respond to a couple of reviews who are so kind, but you are signed in as a guest. I cannot respond to your reviews. I just wanted to say thank you for your support.

Have a great day.