Hi #Hearties, I hope you enjoy chapter Twenty-one...
Special Heartie shoutout... Wishing fellow #Heartie Cindie Henrich a very Happy Birthday!
Elizabeth walked into her classroom an hour earlier than she needed to the next morning. Her recent trip to Boston and of course her unexpected, yet very welcome guest, named Jack Thornton, kept her distracted during most of her spring break. She realized she was returning to work after a week-long hiatus without a single lesson plan for the day.
An hour later, Elizabeth reread what she felt to be a reasonable lesson plan, which consisted of a fresh list of spelling words, multiplication tables by twos and threes, and one activity which she thought her students would really enjoy, writing a story and drawing a picture of their favorite spring break moment.
Elizabeth began to smile as she recalled her favorite spring break moment… when she and Jack professed their love for each other in the gazebo while in Boston… and every moment with Jack since then.
"Good morning, Ms. Thatcher," Ms. Henrich greeted when she stepped into the classroom. "Did you have a nice time visiting your family over spring break?"
"It was amazing." Elizabeth gushed. She quickly cleared her throat, hoping Ms. Henrich didn't notice. "How was your spring break?"
"Lovely." Ms. Henrich gave Elizabeth a knowing glance.
Soon the bell rang, and children slowly began dwindling into the classroom. "Good morning, children." Elizabeth greeted, cheerfully.
"Good morning, Ms. Thatcher." The children called in unison.
"If you'll go ahead and take your seats we'll get started. We have a busy day ahead of us.
A multitude of groans and grumbles could be heard from the children, who weren't quite ready for their holiday to be over.
Elizabeth generally loved her job but this morning she couldn't help but agree with her children's vocal distaste of returning to school after having ten days off. She would have loved nothing more than to sleep in. She inadvertently began to fantasize lying in bed, with Jack's arms wrapped around her refusing to let her go.
"May I have your attention for the morning announcements?" Principal Hudgins' voice over the intercom snapped Elizabeth out of her reverie. "I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe spring break…"
After the morning announcements, Elizabeth lined her students up and led them to their weekly computer class with Ms. Kelley.
Elizabeth was cornered by Ms. Henrich as soon as she walked back into the classroom. "Okay, Ms. Thatcher, what's going on with you?"
"What do you mean?"
"I saw the way you reacted when I asked you how your spring break was." Ms. Henrich explained. "Come on, out with it."
Elizabeth opened her mouth to speak, when the door swung open and in walked Aly. Elizabeth let out a sigh of relief.
"Aly are you alright?" Elizabeth asked. "It's not like you to be late."
"That's my fault," Jack explained as he walked in behind Aly.
Elizabeth tried her best to contain the smile that gradually began to spread across her face at the sight of Jack, handsome as ever in his police uniform. She slowly walked toward the door.
"I was a little…" Jack looked up, noticing Ms. Henrich, "… distracted last night." He admitted, as he stole a glance at Elizabeth, who was staring at the floor in embarrassment. "I received a text from Stacey late last night asking me to bring Aly to school this morning. I was exhausted when I got home and didn't check my phone and went right to bed. I was on my way to work when Stacey called asking me where I was, and I had to rush to get Aly."
"So, you're running late for work just to get Aly to school and now you're here talking to me?" Elizabeth questioned.
"Actually, I usually leave for work a half hour earlier than I need to, just to be on the safe side, "Jack explained," You and Aly are more important anyway. He thought inwardly, "But I'm sorry Aly's late."
"It's okay." Elizabeth replied. "It's good that you aren't running late."
"Well I better get going, or I will be running late." Jack remarked. He stepped toward Elizabeth, to kiss her, but abruptly stepped back when he remembered that Ms. Henrich and Aly were watching them. "See you later, Munchkin." He gestured toward Aly. "He faced Elizabeth and gave her a discreet wink before turning toward the door, which caused Elizabeth's cheeks to grow hot.
"Bye, Uncle Jack." Aly called after him.
Elizabeth acknowledged Aly. "The rest of the class in the computer lab if you want to head down there."
"Okay, Aun…" Aly paused, and covered her mouth. "I mean Ms. Thatcher." She quickly rushed out the door and down the hall to join her classmates in the computer lab.
"Alright, Ms. Thatcher." Ms. Henrich commanded. "There is definitely something going on with you and Detective Thornton. What is it?"
"We need to catch up." Elizabeth remarked hoping to change the subject. "How would you like to have dinner with me tonight afterschool?
"I would love to!" Ms. Henrich exclaimed. "We used to have dinner together and go over lesson plans and talk often. It's been a long time since we've did that. I miss it."
"Me too."
"Then you can fill me in on what's going on," Ms. Henrich continued, "Or you can just tell me now."
So much for changing the subject. Elizabeth thought. "No can do." Elizabeth remarked, glancing at the clock on the wall. "It's time to go get the kids." She rushed out the door, before she accidentally spilled the beans.
Jack walked into the station with five minutes to spare. He was relieved to see Pimental was already there and sitting at her desk.
"It's about time you showed up, Thornton." Pimental remarked. "I was getting ready to send a search party to look for you."
"I have five minutes." Jack countered.
"Well you're usually here for twenty minutes by now." Pimental recalled.
"Well I had to go pick Aly up at home and drop her off at school." Jack explained.
"Now it's all making sense." Pimental commented.
"What is?"
"Come on, Thornton." Pimental replied. "You know you can't get enough of Aly's teacher."
The smile that graced Jack's face didn't go unnoticed by Pimental.
"Ha, I told you so." Pimental boasted.
"You're obviously feeling better." Jack acknowledged, hoping to change the subject.
"Thank goodness." Pimental confirmed. "I thought this flu was going to kick my butt; I couldn't let that happen."
"Well I'm glad you're feeling better." Jack replied. "It was bored out my mind yesterday without you here."
"Excuse me, Thornton!" Pimental chided. "Imagine how I felt when you decided to take a spur of the moment trip for a week, and you're going to whine about me missing one day?"
"Touché." Jack chuckled.
Are you going to tell me what's going on with Ms. Thatcher or not?"
So much for changing the subject. Jack thought to himself.
"How about you and me going to dinner tonight after work, for old times' sake?" Jack said, instead.
"Sounds great, Thornton."
Jack pulled out his phone to send Elizabeth a text when one immediately came through…
Elizabeth: Ms. Henrich is on 4 dinner
Jack: Pimental too I was just getting ready 2 text u.
E: Great c u later.
J: c u later. Luv u
E: luv u 2
"Children please be seated." Elizabeth announced to her students after lunch and recess that afternoon. "I have a fun assignment for you."
"What are we going to do, Ms. Thatcher?" Opal asked.
Elizabeth walked around the room handing each student a sheet of paper. "I want all of you to write about you favorite spring break moment and draw a picture." Once each child had sheet of paper, she returned to the front of the classroom. "Once everyone is finished whoever wants to can share their story with the class. "She sat down at her desk."
"Yay!" The class exclaimed in unison. They immediately set to work.
Thirty minutes later, the students were finished and ready to share their stories with the class.
"Alright, who wants to go first?" Elizabeth asked. She chuckled when twenty-one hands shot up.
"Okay, Lilly why don't you go first."
Lilly Anderson excitedly stood from her desk and made her way to the front of the class with her paper in her hand. "My favorite moment of spring break," She read, "Was when my mommy told me I was going to a big sister again. She said it's too early to know if it's a boy or a girl. I really hope it's a boy because I already have a little sister. Daisy is three and a meanie. A baby brother would be fun."
Eli Benson was the next one to go. "My favorite moment of spring break was when my dad came home. He's in the army. My mom told me dad was de… dep…" He looked towards Elizabeth.
"Deployed," Elizabeth caught on to what Eli was trying to say.
"Deployed., Eli repeated, "To a country…" He paused. "… I can never remember the name of the country, but it's far, far away. He surprised me and my mom. He came home earlier than he told us he could. I'm so glad my dad is home."
Finally, it was Aly's turn to read. "My favorite part of spring break," She read, "Was when I went horseback riding with Uncle Jack…"
Elizabeth knew where this was going, she opened her mouth to speak but she wasn't quick enough.
"… and Ms. Thatcher," Aly continued.
Elizabeth looked at the floor and shook her head.
"What?" The class shouted.
"You went horseback riding with Ms. Thatcher?" Emily asked.
"Uncle Jack was there too." Aly explained. "They're boyfriend and girlfriend." She whispered loudly.
"Oooh." The class said.
"We knew you liked each other." Opal chimed in.
"Alright children settle down." Elizabeth's face grew hot as she stood from her desk chair. "We shouldn't be discussing this at school."
Principal Hudgins' voice on the intercom for the afternoon announcements was music to Elizabeth's ears. It meant it was the end of the school day.
"Alright children gather your things, so we can get ready to go home."
The children obliged and lined up at the door to wait for the bell to ring.
"Ms. Henrich do you mind taking the children?" Elizabeth asked.
"Not at all, Ms. Thatcher." Ms. Henrich made her way toward the door.
When the bell rang Ms. Henrich stepped out in the hall followed by the line of children.
"Aly would you come here for a moment?" Elizabeth asked calmly.
Aly reluctantly made her way toward her teacher.
"Aly, why did you say that?" Elizabeth asked as soon as they were alone.
"You asked us to write about our favorite spring break moment." Aly explained. "I had so much fun going horseback riding with you and Uncle Jack."
"I had fun with you too sweetie." Elizabeth admitted. "But it wasn't appropriate for to announce to everyone that Uncle Jack and I were boyfriend and girlfriend."
"Well you are, aren't you?" Aly asked. She wasn't sure why Ms. Thatcher was so upset.
"Well yes." Elizabeth confirmed, "And I love Uncle Jack very much, but it wasn't up to you to tell everyone. Do you understand?"
"I didn't know it was a secret." Aly replied.
"It isn't really." Elizabeth explained. "But you telling everyone isn't the way I wanted them to find out."
"I'm sorry, Ms. Thatcher." Aly said, "Am I in trouble?" She asked, nervously.
Elizabeth sighed. "No, sweetheart, I just wanted to talk to you."
"Okay," Aly hugged her teacher. She turned her head and whispered in her ear. "Can I still call you Auntie Beth?"
"Of course," Elizabeth confirmed, "But remember only not in front of the other boys and girls."
"I remember."
"Okay go on before your mom wonders where you are."
"Bye Auntie Beth." Aly whispered.
"Bye, Aly."
As soon as Aly was out of sight, Ms. Henrich returned to the classroom. "Alright, Ms. Thatcher, I really know something is going on now."
"I guess since Aly's story, I'm busted." Elizabeth shook her head.
"You have to tell me now." Ms. Henrich urged.
"I was going to tell you." Elizabeth explained. "That's why I invited you to dinner. Jack and I agreed we wanted you tell you and Pimental together."
"Tell us what, together?" Ms. Henrich prodded.
"That Jack and I are dating exclusively."
"I knew it." Ms. Henrich boasted. "And I'm so happy for you."
"Thank you."
"How did it happen?"
"Can we save something for the dinner conversation please?" Elizabeth asked.
"Of course." Ms. Henrich agreed. "I'm sorry."
"It's alright," Elizabeth assured, "Only if you promise to act to surprised when we tell the two of you."
"How's this?" Ms. Henrich gasped and placed her hands on her face, trying to act surprised.
"We'll work on it." Elizabeth chuckled.
"What time is dinner?"
"Seven at the Starlight Café." Elizabeth answered.
"Okay see you then."
As soon as Ms. Henrich was gone Elizabeth pulled out her phone to send Jack a text.
Elizabeth: The secret is out! your goddaughter spilled the beans at school today.
Jack: Lol what did she say
E: Long story tell u tonight just wanted to let u know that Ms. Henrich knows but she is still coming.
J: ok c u tonight luv u
E: cant wait luv u 2
At seven o'clock sharp, Jack pulled into the parking lot of the Starlight Café, followed closely by Pimental. He immediately noticed Elizabeth's car. "Good she's already here." He said to himself. He stepped out of his car and waited for his partner to approach. The two of them made their way inside the restaurant.
"Good evening sir," The hostess greeted. "Two for dinner?"
"Actually," He leaned closer to the hostess. "We're meeting someone I believe they're already here."
"Oh yes," The hostess recalled. "I do remember someone came in about ten minutes ago and said she was meeting a couple people. Follow me." She led the way to a table in the far corner of the restaurant.
Pimental was surprised to see Elizabeth and Ms. Henrich seated at the table they were quickly approaching. "Thornton, what's going on?"
"There are you two are." Elizabeth acknowledged. She stood from her seat.
"Hey sweetheart." Jack greeted with a grin. He leaned forward and kissed her cheek. He gestured a friendly nod toward Ms. Henrich.
"Wait sweetheart?" Pimental asked, when she lowered herself into the chair next to Ms. Henrich. "What's going on?"
Before anyone could answer, the server approached to take their orders.
"What's going on?" Pimental reiterated as soon as the server walked away.
"Well," Jack gently placed his hand on top of Elizabeth's. "Elizabeth and I invited the two of you here this evening because we wanted to tell the two of you together that…"
"We're dating." Elizabeth completed Jack's sentence.
"What?" Pimental asked excitedly. She glanced toward Ms. Henrich. "Why aren't you surprised?"
"Well, Ms. Henrich explained. "Little Aly spilled the beans at school today. Apparently these two, went horseback riding over spring break and took Aly with them."
"It all came out when I asked my class to write a story about their favorite spring break moment." Elizabeth confirmed.
The server returned to their table with their food and left again.
"Well I'm happy for the both of you." Pimental stated before taking a bite of her dinner.
"Thank you." Jack and Elizabeth said in unison. Jack picked Elizabeth's hand from the table, bringing it to his lips.
"And I told you so, Thornton." Pimental slapped his arm.
Jack and Elizabeth laughed. "I told you she would rub this in my face." Jack told Elizabeth.
"Well you deserve it." Pimental remarked. "You're one stubborn man. Just go for it!"
"I'll remember that."
"Well," Ms. Henrich chimed in. "You told me at school you would tell me how this all happened."
"As you know," Elizabeth began, "I went to Boston to see my family. I didn't tell Jack, and he was worried he had done something to upset me."
"So, I followed her." Jack chimed in. "She told me she loved me in the gazebo with the moon dancing across the lake."
"How wonderful." Ms. Henrich swooned.
"So that's where you were." Pimental chided. "You went after your girlfriend, leaving me to fend for myself."
"Yep," Jack remarked with a smirk. He took a sip of his drink.
"When's the wedding?" Pimental asked, jokingly.
Jack, spewed his drink all over the table. "Not anytime soon." He admitted. "We both agreed to take things slow."
"Yes," Elizabeth confirmed. "After my ordeal with Charles, I just want to take my time this go around."
"That's understandable." Ms. Henrich commented.
"Of course," Pimental agreed, "But don't take too long."
"We'll know when the time is right." Jack replied. He squeezed Elizabeth's hand.
After dinner, Pimental and Ms. Henrich went their separate ways, leaving Jack and Elizabeth in the parking lot. Jack glanced at his watch. "It's only 8:15, you want to come to my place, or I can go to yours. It doesn't matter, I'm not ready to say goodnight to you."
"I think my place is closer." Elizabeth replied.
"Great," Jack leaned forward and kiss her lips. "I'll meet you there." He opened her car door for her and allowed her to climb inside. He watched her leave the parking lot and pull out onto the road before he headed to his own car.
Thirty minutes later, Jack was sitting on the sofa in Elizabeth's apartment, with Elizabeth resting her head on his lap. He was softly stroking her hair. "I can't believe, Aly told the whole class about you and me." He chuckled.
"I know." Elizabeth replied.
"And all because of an assignment you had them do."
"Honestly I didn't think Aly would write about that." Elizabeth answered. "I'm sure there were many other fun activities she did with her mom during the break."
"I'm curious, Ms. Thatcher," Jack asked. "What was your favorite spring break moment?"
Elizabeth lifted her head from Jack's lap and looked in his eyes. "When you followed me to Boston." She whispered before connecting his lips with her own. "And I told you I loved you." She kissed him once more. "And you kissed me and told me you loved me too."
"Mine too." Jack replied. He kissed her once more. He cradled her face in both of his hands. "We are okay right?"
"Of course, why wouldn't we be?"
"Well if you recall you almost walked out on me last night." Jack explained. "Actually, you did walk out on me."
"Sorry about that." Elizabeth closed her eyes, "But you did come after me. I should have realized you would. You did follow me all the way to Boston."
"Well I love you, Elizabeth." Jack advised. "I will always go after you."
"I'm so glad." Elizabeth proclaimed. She returned her head to his lap, closed her eyes, and yawned.
"Do you want me to go so you can get some rest?" Jack asked.
"You don't have to." She sighed.
"Are you sure? You're exhausted."
"Yes, I'm…. zzzz."
Jack chuckled. He leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. He gently removed her head from his lap and stood to his feet. He knelt down and placed one arm under the bend of her knees and the other behind her back, and gingerly lifted her in his arms. He carried her to her bedroom, gently laying her on her bed. He removed her shoes from her feet. He pulled the bedding over her body… all without waking her up, much to his surprise. He opened Elizabeth's nightstand drawer looking for a pen and paper. He located a small spiral notebook with an ink pin clipped to it. He couldn't believe his luck. He ripped a clean sheet from the back of the notebook. He clicked the pen and wrote a little note.
Dearest Elizabeth.
You fell asleep on me. I didn't want to wake you, but I had to leave. I hope you don't mind. I carried you to bed, so you'd be more comfortable. I'll see you tomorrow… I promise. I love you so much sweetheart.
Yours forever, Jack.
P.S. I'm glad the secret is out, by the way.
Jack folded the letter and wrote Elizabeth's name on it. He returned the notebook and pen to the nightstand drawer. He leaned the note against the lamp and made sure it was secure and that Elizabeth would be sure to see it when she woke up. He gently kissed her cheek. "I love you, Elizabeth Thatcher." He whispered, before turning off the lamp and heading out the door.
Early the next morning, Elizabeth woke up in her bed not sure how she'd gotten there. The last thing she remembered was lying on the sofa with her head on Jack's lap. It was sill dark out, so she rolled over to turn on the bedside lamp, when a piece of paper against the lamp caught her eye. She picked up the paper and noticed her name on it, in Jack's handwriting. She unfolded the paper and began to read the letter from Jack.
With a smile on her face, Elizabeth finished the letter. "I love you too, Jack Thornton." She whispered. She kissed the note before returning it to the nightstand. She grabbed her phone and checked the time. She was surprised that it was only 4 a.m. "I don't want to call Jack and wake him." She said to herself. She decided to send him a text instead. I found your note. I'm sorry I fell asleep. Thanks 4 taking care of me. I luv u 2. She pressed send and placed her phone on the night stand. She was surprised when almost immediately she received a text in return.
Jack: Anything for u sweetheart, don't you know that by now? What r u doing up awake at this hour?
Elizabeth: I should know by now and I can ask u the same question btw.
J: I was asleep but then my phone went off and woke me up.
E: Sorry I didn't mean to wake you.
J: it's ok. Now back to my question why r u awake?
E: I woke up and thought it was later than it actually was then I saw your note and how could I sleep after that?
J: Well try to go back 2 sleep 4 a couple hours you have 21 kids 2 look after soon you'll be miserable if u don't get some sleep.
E: I will if u will.
J: sounds good. I luv u sweetheart.
E: luv u 2.
To be continued.
Thanks for reading. Reviews are always welcome.