"We can't just come visit our daughter and family?" Grace asked much too innocently.
"Sure, but you never come visit without letting us know you're coming. What's going on?"
"Just tell her," William said.
That was the moment that Julie dropped Quinn off and Abigail dropped off Connor.
"Mom, Dad! What are you doing here?" Julie asked.
"I don't mean to interrupt," Abigail said, "but, we need to get to the bakery, Julie, and since I'm your ride…"
"Yes, of course." She bent down and kissed Quinn. "Bye, Quinn. Love you."
"Bye, Mom."
After they left, Elizabeth got Connor and Quinn situated with their own Cheerios and took her parents in the living room.
"So what did you want to tell me, Dad?"
"We bought a house."
"You already have two, what's a third?" She internally chastised herself for her sarcasm.
"We sold the one in Boston and the one in Hawaii is on the market."
"You're joking."
"No, Beth. Totally serious."
"So where is this house you bought?"
"On Truman St."
"Two roads over? In this subdivision?" Elizabeth could not believe this was happening. She couldn't deal with her parents living two roads over.
"Libby!" Rylee called from the next room.
"Coming, Sweetheart." She looked at her parents and walked out of the room.
She walked in the kitchen to find Quinn and Connor both on the counter. "Libby, done," Rylee told her.
"Ok, baby. You go play in the other room."
Rylee scampered off and she turned to look at the boys. "Quinn! What's going on?"
She looked at him and then signed to Connor, "No, down." She set him on the ground and stared at her nephew.
"Well? You know you aren't supposed to be on the counters."
"I know, but I'm hungry, Aunt Libby."
"I gave you Cheerios but if you want more, you ask me. It's dangerous to be up on the counters, especially Connor."
"Ok, I'm sorry."
"Quinn, I love you, buddy. I just want you safe." She hugged him close. "Do you want fruit?"
"Yeah. Connor does too."
LUNCHTIME
By lunchtime, Elizabeth still didn't have answers as to why her parents bought a house so close to her and were selling the others. She was so busy with her three "Little Bees" that she hadn't even sat down yet.
Syd emerged from her room, dressed in a sundress with a sweater,
considering it was fall in Michigan.
"Gramps, Grams! What are you doing here?"
Grace stood up and hugged her granddaughter. "Sweetie! Don't you look lovely?"
"Thank you. I didn't know you were coming."
Elizabeth agreed with her daughter's statement. They'd been at the house all morning and she still didn't understand.
Elizabeth walked into the kitchen to call Jack. She texted first, "Can I call u?"
"Sure," he texted back.
She pushed the call button and waited for him to pick up. "Honey?" Jack picked up. "What's wrong?"
"Jack, they sold their house in Boston and then bought a house here. On Truman! What are they doing?" She stepped out on the porch for privacy.
"I don't know. On Truman?"
"Yes, Jack. I don't understand. This is crazy. I haven't lived near my parents in over fifteen years."
"Maybe it won't be all bad. We'll have an extra babysitter."
"That obviously isn't the reason they're here. They don't even know I'm pregnant yet."
"Maybe you should tell them."
"I wish you were here."
"We can tell them later, together. Ok?"
"I need to make lunch for the kids."
"Elizabeth, it'll be ok. I love you."
"I love you too." She hung up and took a deep breath and then went inside.
Once it was nap time, Syd, having the day off work, brought her laptop into the living room while the kids, and Elizabeth slept.
Grace was concerned. "Why is your Mom leaving the kids with you?"
"She needs to rest. I'm just giving her a break. We do this every day. Don't worry, Grams."
"Every day?"
"Yeah. I remember how tired I was at the beginning of my pregnancy."
"Are you saying your Mom is pregnant?"
"You didn't know? Uh oh. Maybe I wasn't supposed to say anything."
Syd's heart dropped. She didn't know they were keeping it a secret.
"William! Did you hear that?"
"Yes, dear. I'm sitting right here."
"Don't you have an opinion?"
"Yes, but I've learned in our forty two years of marriage, to keep them to myself." He winked at Syd, causing her to smile.
"Very funny," she responded.
"Besides, you have more than enough opinions for the both of us."
"Will!"
"Grace, Rylee is sleeping right over there. You might want to keep your voice down."
But, it was too late. Rylee sat up and looked around. She didn't know those loud people. She did know Syd though. "Syd?" she whimpered. "Up?"
Syd put her laptop on the ground and went to pick up the little beauty. "Shhh. Time to sleep."
She sat back in the recliner and rocked Rylee, stroking her pretty blonde curls. "Song?"
"You want me to sing?"
"Ya," she nodded. "Pease."
Syd chose a hymn and started. She didn't normally sing in front of anyone but she'd been told that she had a nice voice. Her parents could both sing, she just thought that particular talent had skipped over her.
Before long, Rylee was sleeping peacefully.
"That was lovely, Syd. You sing beautifully."
"Thanks, Grams. So what are you guys doing here?"
"We bought a house."
"Another one? Where?"
"On Truman."
"Like two streets over?"
"Yeah."
"What about Boston and Hawaii?"
"We sold the one in Boston and are selling the one in Hawaii."
"You're moving from Boston to Dillon?"
"Yes, and we want you to move in with us."
AFTER DINNER
Elizabeth made tea for herself and her parents after dinner. Jack wasn't a tea drinker.
She sat down next to Jack at the table, setting her hand on his leg. He grabbed her fingers to reassure her. "Mom, Dad we have news."
"Oh you mean that you're pregnant?" Grace asked. "We already know."
"Oh. We were going to tell you after a few more weeks. It's still really early."
They sat silent for a few moments. Then Jack spoke up. "Elizabeth told me you are moving here?"
"Yes, we are. We think it's best," Grace answered.
"Best?" Elizabeth asked, biting her tongue.
"Yes, Beth. In light of everything that's happened lately, and now especially since you are pregnant, we definitely need to step in." Elizabeth squeezed Jack's leg.
"What do you mean, step in?"
"Well, you obviously need some help. Frankly, dear, you're in over your head."
"With all due respect, Grace, we are doing just fine," Jack said. "You obviously are welcome to live close by, but we are handling everything."
"Are you?"
"Mother, what are you insinuating?"
"I'm not insinuating anything, Beth. I'll come right out and say it. You let your daughter sleep with her boyfriend and now she's having a baby, at seventeen. That's not handling things."
Elizabeth used all of her willpower not to yell at her overbearing mother right then.
"So we bought a house and we want Syd to live with us."
"No, ma'am," Jack protested. "Our daughter and grandson belong with us here. She will not be leaving to live anywhere else."
"She is an adult," Grace informed him, as if he weren't aware.
"Yes, I am, Grams. I am an adult, a mother, and I am the one who will choose where we will live." Syd was standing in the doorway.
"Syd," Elizabeth started.
"I'm sorry, Mom, but I need to say this. They aren't being fair."
"Syd, sweetie. We just want to take care of you," Grace informed her.
"Grams, first, they didn't let me sleep with Gavin. It was my choice. They didn't know that I went out that night."
"They should have known."
"You didn't know, Mother," Elizabeth blurted. "I snuck out countless times, and you didn't know, did you?"
"What are you talking about, Beth?"
"When Jack and I were dating, I snuck out."
"Of course you didn't."
"Yes, I did. Tell her, Jack." Jack's eyes closed.
"So much for her parents liking me," he thought to himself. "Elizabeth, I don't think we need to bring that up now," he said quietly.
"Why? What can they do, ground me?" She looked at her parents again. "Dad, what are you thinking of all this? You haven't said a word."
"Beth, this has nothing to do with me. Your mother came up with this hair-brained idea all on her own."
"Will!"
"You did. I don't agree with you. I won't mind living here to be close to our grandchildren, great-grandson, and daughters, but we can't control everything."
"That's not what I'm trying to do."
"Yes, it is. I will not take Syd away from her parents unless that is what she wants."
"I don't. I'm perfectly happy here, and I plan on staying here with Noah as long as Mom and Dad will let me."
LATER, GUEST ROOM/NURSERY
"Grace, don't be mad."
"Will, you sold me out. You made it sound as if I did this all on my own."
"You did. I allowed you to do it, to take control, because that's unfortunately what I always do, but this was all you. I'm not going to be a part of you pushing our family away."
"I'm not doing that!"
"Yes, you are. I think it will be a miracle if Beth talks to you after this."
Grace turned over, her back facing him.
"Goodnight, Grace."
William was met with silence.
AROUND MIDNIGHT, KITCHEN
Elizabeth sat at the table, drinking her tea, crying for all it was worth.
"Beth?" William walked in and sat next to her. "Why aren't you resting, sweetheart?"
"Do you really think that poorly of me? That I'm a terrible mother?"
"Of course I don't." He grabbed her hand and squeezed. "You are a wonderful mother."
"That's not how it seems."
"Honey, I don't agree with your mother."
"You sold your house and you're moving here. Are you sure you don't agree?"
"No, I don't. I love my family and I'm not getting any younger. I want to be close to you."
She stood up and put her teacup in the sink. "I'm going to be a grandmother, Dad. Noah William will be here in a few short months." She placed her hand on her own tummy. "I wonder sometimes if I will be able to handle it all, but then I remember…"
"You have Jack?"
"Yeah. He's so excited to be Papa Jack. It makes me love him even more. When I remember that, I know everything will be fine."
"It will. I have no doubt." He walked over and held her against his chest. "Your mother loves you so much. In her own mind, she's helping you."
"So I need to be patient with her?"
"Yes, my dear, sweet Beth. That's all I ask."
"I'll try, Dad."
"Good. So you snuck out, huh?"
She looked at him and smiled, shyly. "Yeah. I couldn't help it. He was adorable and I loved him. I had to see him."
"Well, I can't really ground you now."
"You could, but I think once I have my own house, sending me to my room has lost its threat."
"I guess so." He laughed gently and kissed her cheek. "I love you, Beth. Don't doubt yourself."
"I love you too." She smiled and yawned.
"Beth, go to your room," he said, in a mocking tone.
"Ok. Sounds good to me." She smiled again, relieved at least one of her parents was on her side.
She slipped into their room, locking the door. She removed her robe and moved the covers back gently, so she wouldn't disturb Jack.
"You're back?" he mumbled as he moved up against her, snuggling her neck.
"Yeah."
"Talking to your Dad?"
"Yeah. He sent me to my room." She chuckled and kissed Jack's nose. "Its not really a punishment, though."
"Mmm. I suppose not. I can't believe you told them that you snuck out to meet me."
"I was making a point. Don't worry, Mom still thinks you can do no wrong. Me, on the other hand…"
"Maybe she's just trying to help."
"You sound like Dad."
"Hey, remember that night we snuck out to the drive in?" He kissed her ear, tickling her with his lips.
"I'll never forget it." He touched her finger, moving the engagement ring around and around, the one he had given her that night. He wouldn't forget it either.
Twenty years ago, Dillon
They were dating at the time and had been for nine months. He had called her early that day to make sure she could go. She had always found a way before, so she said yes. At the time, Dillon still had a drive-in theater that played old movies until midnight. That night, Jack knew it was playing Casablanca, her favorite movie, so he picked her up at the corner at 9:30.
When she got in his Jeep, he noticed how long her legs looked in the skirt she was wearing. "Hey, Elizabeth."
"Hey there." She leaned over the console and kissed him. "You look good."
"So do you." He held out his hand and she placed her fingers in between his.
"Where are we headed?"
"You'll see."
"No hints?"
"Nope, but you'll love it."
"I'm sure I will." He put the Jeep in drive and pulled away from the curb. Five minutes later, they pulled into the Dillon Drive-in and she gasped. "Jack. Casablanca? This is awesome! I'm so excited."
They found a spot pretty close to the screen and then he went to get them something to eat. After ten minutes, he brought back her favorite, a chocolate shake and malted milk balls. "Thank you. Aren't you hungry?"
"No, not really." He smiled and then settled in as they waited for the movie to start.
"Thank you for this, Jack. It's very sweet."
"You're welcome."
She couldn't put her finger on it, but it felt like something was bothering him.
"I finish my course next week, the one for EMT certification."
"Oh, that's great, Jack. What's next after that?"
"I need to get my bachelor's in Fire Science. I am still going to apply at the Station though."
"Will they hire you without a degree?"
"They should, as long as I have my EMT certification."
"Are you nervous?"
"Yeah, I guess. I just want to make my Dad proud."
"Sweetie, he is proud. I can tell." He grabbed her hand and kissed her fingers. "I'm proud of you."
"I love you, Elizabeth."
"I love you."
He stared at her for a moment, with such intensity that it made her blush. "Jack?"
He opened his console and pulled out a small black box. She gasped, putting her hand over her mouth.
"Marry me, Elizabeth. I know we're young…"
"Yes," she blurted, before he could finish.
"Yes? You didn't even let me…"
"Yes, Jack. I will marry you." She smiled and kissed him again and again. "Soon."
"After the semester ends?"
"That's three weeks. My parents will kill me."
"What do you think they'll say when they find out you sneak out to see me all the time?"
BACK TO CURRENT TIME
Elizabeth turned toward Jack. "I'm so glad I went out to meet you that night."
"Me too."
"We should go somewhere now."
"Like where?"
"The park, by the river."
"The park? It's almost November."
"We can keep each other warm," she said as she moved closer, her arm around his waist. "What do you think?"
"Ok, let's go."
Ten minutes later, dressed in sweatshirts and jeans, they hopped in his Jeep and left the house, heading to the park, feeling like teenagers.
He held out his hand and she placed her fingers in between his. "Déjà vu," she whispered.
"You should be resting, my love," he said, kissing her hand.
"I should be here with you. This is what I want right now."
"After all that happened today, how are you doing, really?"
"I'm sorry that my relationship with Mom isn't better than it is and I'm sad she doesn't see me as a good mother, but I'm not going to let it bother me anymore."
"Because you are a good mother." He squeezed her hand. "You believe that don't you?"
"I don't know."
"You never doubted it before Syd got pregnant."
"Yeah, well." She looked out her window and fought her tears.
They pulled into the parking lot of the park and got out to walk to the river.
Jack put his arm around her waist, pulling her close while they walked down the path. "New jeans, babe?"
"No, these are the same ones I've had for years."
"Oh, well you look hot." She laughed, but was flattered by his flirting.
"You're a goof. Don't get too used to me in them, because I'm pretty sure, I will not be wearing them for very much longer. They're tight already and once my tummy grows, no more hot jeans."
He turned her toward him and wrapped his arms around her waist. "Nothing hotter than the sight of you keeping my baby safe and warm."
"Really?"
"Mmhmm. Trust me." He kissed her cheek and then her lips and then rested his chin against her head.
"Jack?"
"Elizabeth."
"I'm freezing. Let's go get warm in the Jeep."
"I got a better idea. Let's go home and light a fire and go to sleep."
THE NEXT MORNING
Liam and Jack made breakfast again for everyone. When Elizabeth emerged in her robe, her face resembled a pale shade of green. "Honey? Are you ok?"
"I made tea for you, Mom," Liam said, trying to be helpful in not serving coffee.
Elizabeth held up one finger and then ran to the bathroom.
"Maybe no tea for your mom right now, Liam."
A few moments later, she sat in the living room, still in her robe. Jack sat down and handed her a bottle of water and saltines. "Here you go, babe."
"Thank you." She leaned against him and sighed. "What time is it?"
"Jack looked at his watch. "7:30."
"Ok. You need to go to work and Liam needs to go to school."
"No worries. Lee isn't here yet and Liam doesn't have school. Teacher conferences or something."
"Oh. I forgot. Can you go tonight?"
"Conferences? Sure. 7:00, right?"
"Yeah." She stood up and ran to the bathroom once more.
Syd came out of her room, looking bright and cheerful. "Hey sweetie. Mom's sick today, can you help her a bit?"
"I have to get to work early. It's our last day open for the season. We have to get everything done by closing."
"Oh, ok. I think Liam made you breakfast."
"Thanks, Daddy."
It was decided that Liam would help Elizabeth with the kids until around three when Jack would come home to help.
Elizabeth came out just when Rylee showed up with Lee. "Libby!" The precious little girl never failed to bring a smile to Elizabeth's face, even now, when she felt terrible.
"Hi, baby girl." She reached down and picked her up, hugging her tight.
"Libby? E-Os pease."
"You want Cheerios?"
"Ya," she nodded, her blonde curls bouncing.
"Ok, maybe I'll have some too."
As they walked in the kitchen she found Liam cleaning up and doing the dishes. "Liam Thornton. What are you doing?"
"I'm cleaning up. Isn't that what you want?"
"Yes, but I've never seen you do it without me asking before. Thank you."
She slid Rylee into her highchair and then went to get her Cheerios.
"What do you need, Ma? I'll get it."
"First, give me a hug."
"Sure, what for?" He hugged her briefly and blushed when she kissed both of his cheeks.
"I love you. You are my favorite son."
"Well, I'm not sure how to take that since I'm your only son."
"Thank you for helping today. I appreciate it."
"Sure, Ma. I want to help take care of you. Dad says it's important for you and Syd to rest."
"That's true." She made a mental note to thank Jack later.
"Ok, so what do you need?"
"Cheerios please."
"Do you want milk?"
"No." For some reason, the thought of milk was repulsive. "Dry would be better."
He brought the box to her and sat down too. "Is it true that Grams and Gramps are moving here?"
"Yes, it's true."
"But why? Move from Boston to Dillon? That doesn't make sense."
"To me either, bud. Gramps says he wants to be close to us."
The door opened and in walked Connor and Quinn with Julie and Abigail. "Morning Aunt Libby!" Quinn yelled even though she was a foot away.
"Shhh, Quinn. I'm right here." She popped a Cheerio in her mouth and smiled, kissing his cheek.
"Can I have Cheerios, please?"
"Yes, sit right here." She turned and smiled at Connor. "Hi," she signed.
"Cereal?"
"Yes," he signed and nodded, opening his arms for a hug. When he pulled back from their hug, he signed "Love you."
"Love you," she signed back, kissing his forehead.
"Are you feeling ok, Elizabeth?" Julie asked. "You look pale."
"No, just a bit of morning sickness. I have Liam here to help me today."
"You're pregnant?" Abigail and Julie shrieked.
"Shhh ladies, I'm right here. Now I know where Quinn gets it from." She smirked and ate a few more Cheerios.
"Well, we're going to work. Let us know if you need help."
"With Liam and the Thatchers in there, we'll be fine."
William and Grace emerged a short time later. Connor had taken to William the day before, maybe because he didn't have a Grandpa and maybe because he knew sign language. Either way, it helped Elizabeth.
Grace peeked her head in the kitchen. "Mom, do you want something for breakfast?"
"Coffee, maybe?"
"I'll make it, Grams," Liam offered.
"Mom can't be around coffee right now. Or tea. Or eggs."
Elizabeth chuckled. "Making a list, Liam?"
"Yeah, I don't enjoy the sound of puking."
"Liam Thornton. Don't talk about that in the kitchen please. Add milk to that list."
"Sorry. Anyway, Grams, I make pretty good fried potatoes. Want some?"
"Sure, I'll try." Grace wanted to talk to Elizabeth but it would need to wait until later.
