PHILADELPHIA PD PRECINCT

"Lee, do you know any good realtors?"

"Realtors? Sure, I used Flo Blakely from HV Realty. Are you moving?"

"Yeah. I think it's best."

"How far are you moving?"

"Not too far. Don't want a lengthy commute." Elizabeth didn't make eye contact with Lee, she just kept working on her computer.

Lee walked over, pulled a chair next to Elizabeth, and leaned toward her. "I think it's a good idea, Beth."

She kept her eyes on her screen, but slowed her mouse movement. "I need to do something. I'm so lost."

He put his hand on her arm to get her attention. "I am too. That's why I suggested…"

"I know. I don't….I'm not comfortable with therapy. I need to do this my way." She sat back and looked at him. "I could use your help, though."

"You got it. Just tell me what you need."

"First, I want to thank you for being patient. I have been pushing you away but you didn't give up on me."

"Beth, we both lost him. We are both struggling. I think we need each other."

"Me too." Before she succumbed to tears, she took a deep breath. "So, Flo Blakely?"

"Yeah. I think I have a business card." He handed it to her and then looked her in the eye. "Let's go get some coffee."

"Ok." They walked to Starbucks a few blocks away.

As they waited for their order, they chatted. "So, what made you decide to move, Beth?"

"My friend Abigail helped me to see that holding on to Trevor and all the memories was stopping me from being happy. I cry whenever I think about him or look at his picture or sit in my living room thinking how he never came home that night and that I will never see him again. I barely sleep and I don't eat well. I'm just skating by and I don't want to be that way."

"For me, I blamed myself. I was in that car, Beth. He walked up thinking he was just going to get the guy's license and registration and maybe if I'd gone instead…"

"You might be the one gone now, Lee."

"I know it wasn't logical but I still felt it was my fault. I know now that it wasn't."

"Copper 1, Copper 2, order up!"

She smiled at the barista and walked up to get their coffee. "Which one am I?"

"1," she said. "Have a great day, ma'am."

"You too." She walked over to Lee and handed him his cup. "Ok, Number 2, let's get back to work."

Jack had just finished teaching his 3rd class of the day. He couldn't help but be distracted by his own thoughts. Something about the beautiful Officer Thatcher was sticking with him, no matter how hard he tried to shake it. He wasn't looking for anyone in his life. He was pretty sure he wasn't ready. And now he just felt guilt at the thought of finding another woman attractive.

He was ready to break for lunch when he realized he had been so busy that morning getting Hunter ready, he completely forgotten his lunch. Instead of spending money on the mysterious food in the cafeteria, he decided to head down the street to one of his favorite places and see an old friend.

Jack walked into Abby's diner and walked right to the counter.

"Jack Thornton! It's been too long!" the owner and Jack's good friend Abigail said as she came around the counter to give him a big hug.

"Hey Abigail. Good to see you."

"Here for lunch?"

"Yup, got any specials?"

Before much time had past Abigail had placed a delicious looking sandwich and fries in front of him. They chatted while he ate, catching up on life for a while.

"You alright Jack?"

"Of course. Why do you ask?"

"I've known you for a while, Jack, so tell me, what's bothering you?"

Jack took another bite of his sandwich, staying silent for a long time. "I noticed someone yesterday."

"You noticed someone? A woman kind of someone?" Jack nodded. "And I assume this is the first woman you've noticed since Brenna?" He nodded again.

"I feel like I'm betraying her in some way."

"Oh Jack, you aren't betraying her at all. I watched the two of you, you were a devoted and loving husband to her."

"She deserved it."

"And you, dear Jack, deserve to be happy again."

"I'm ok. I'm not depressed anymore."

"That doesn't mean you're happy."

"No, I suppose not."

The conversation drifted off to lighter topics and before Jack knew it, it was time to head back to school.

"Lunch was great as always, Abigail. Thanks!"

"Anytime, Jack! And bring that boy in soon, its been ages since I've seen him."

"Will do."

"One more thing…" she said stopping him at the door. "This person that you noticed, what was she like?"

Jack let out an involuntary chuckle. "She's a cop."

"A cop?" Abigail was surprised and even more curious now.

"Yeah, she uh, pulled me over for speeding," he shook his head and smiled. "Anyway, have a nice day Abigail."

"You too Jack. You too."

At lunch, Elizabeth left a message for Flo asking for a return call. She didn't expect it to happen so soon, however. By the time she clocked back in, her phone had a voicemail.

"Good afternoon, this is Flo Blakely from HV Realty. This message is for Elizabeth Thatcher. I would be happy to assist you in selling your current home and finding your new one. Please email me or call at your convenience and we can set up a time to meet. Have a fabulous day!"

The woman was so bubbly, Elizabeth could barely handle it, but she would give her a shot. She needed to give her a shot. She called her back quickly and agreed for her to come over that evening at 5pm.

She arrived home that night at exactly 5pm, just as Flo arrived. "Hi, I'm Elizabeth Thatcher," she said, shaking her hand.

"I'm Flo. Nice to meet you, Officer."

"Just Elizabeth." They started walking up her sidewalk and into her home.

"The outside needs some landscaping," Flo told her.

"Yeah, I don't really have a green thumb."

She walked to the door and unlocked it, flipping the light switch. "Meow, Meow!" Snowy greeted.

"Hi, Snowy. How's my girl?"

"A black cat named Snowy?"

"Snowball actually. I found her abandoned in the snow when she was just a couple weeks old. It made sense to me."

"Well, I have to say, regardless how the outside looks, the inside is immaculate and is in good condition." Flo walked around the living room and made her assessment. "You married, Elizabeth?"

"No, ma'am. "

She was staring at the engagement picture above the TV. "What happened?"

Apparently super bubbly on the phone and nosy went hand in hand. "Killed in the line of duty."

"I'm so sorry." Elizabeth nodded.

"That's why I'm looking to sell. Too many memories here. I need to move on."

They finished the assessment and agreed on hiring a landscaper to tackle the yard. Once that was done, pictures would be taken and the house would be listed.

Elizabeth told her what she was looking for in her new home, including the price range. "I see. Well, I have a few that I can show you if you don't mind a fixer upper."

"To some extent, I am pretty handy. When can we see them?"

"I'll give you a call tomorrow."

Jack picked up Hunter and headed home for some quality soccer time in the back yard. With his lesson plans done for the rest of the week, he was able to just enjoy himself.

"Hunter goes to the left... he goes to the right… he shoots.. he… SCORES!"

Hunter laughed. This was his favorite time of the day, one on one time with Jack.

"Alright bud, time to call it a day."

"Oh come on! Next point wins?"

"I'd love to but it's almost dinner time, and I have no idea what we're eating tonight."

"I can help with that." They both looked up as a curly haired blonde woman stepped out onto the deck. "Good evening, boys!"

"Hi, Rosie!" Hunter called out as he ran to her.

"Hey there, big man! How is my favorite kindergartener doing today?"

"I'm good! Just beat Jack at soccer."

"You didn't beat me!" Jack said with a playful grin.

"Yes I did!"

Rosie laughed at the exchange. "Well, I brought dinner for you tonight."

"What is it?" Hunter asked.

"Chicken cordon bleu, I learned how to make it in my cooking class!"

"Sounds weird."

"Hunter…" Jack said giving him a warning tone.

"I mean, sounds delicious Rosie." Hunter gave his best smile, causing the two adults to laugh.

"That's better, bud. Care to join us, Rosie?"

"I was hoping you'd ask, brother," she gave him a warm smile.

"So is this the cooking class you joined to meet guys?" Jack whispered.

"As a matter of fact it is."

Jack laughed. "You realize the only men in those classes are ones who are there to make the women in their lives happy?"

"Not true! I may have met someone."

"You're kidding."

"Nope! He's a very attractive police officer!"

"Not as attractive as mine," he spoke under his breath.

"What was that?"

"Nothing. Let's eat!"

They all sat down to a dinner that was so wonderful, even Hunter had seconds. Rosie hung out at Jack's until after bedtime. She read a story to Hunter as he had requested before letting Jack finish with bedtime.

Once the little man was snug in his bed, Jack came down the stairs and joined Rosie in the kitchen.

"I opened a beer for you." She held it out for him.

"Thanks. You want anything?"

"I have my wine," she said holding up the glass as they clinked them together.

With the kitchen cleaned, they headed out to the living room.

"I haven't been here in awhile. I like what you've done with the place," Rosie teased, knowing not much had changed in the house in the last year.

"You know it's a work in progress."

"I do, and honestly what you've done is wonderful." She walked down the hall and could see straight into Jack's office. She noticed her sisters book on the edge of his desk. Rosie walked in and ran her hand gently over the cover. "She would love what you've done."

"I think so too."

"But you know… you don't have to build it for her anymore. She's… well she's not coming back."

Jack leaned back against the wall and sighed. "I've gone through that book there and finished everything how she wanted it. Problem is… she never finished with the whole house," he laughed. "Now I don't know what to do with the rest of it. I keep hoping she'll somehow tell me how to finish but…" he shook his head.

"I'm sorry, Jack."

"Here's a thought, you could always help. Tell me what you think she would like."

"Oh, Jack be serious. You know as close as my sister and I were, we were like night and day. Besides, you knew her better than anyone."

"And yet, I have no idea what to do."

"Maybe you need to stop trying to do all of this for Brenna…"

"I know that," he sighed. "I just… I don't know who or what else to do it for."

Rosie took his hand and led Jack out to the living room.

"Now tell me, what is your favorite part of this whole house?"

Jack thought about it for a long moment and smiled. "Hunter's room. I remodeled it just like Brenna had it in her notebook. We wanted it to be as gender and age neutral as possible. We didn't know what kids we'd be taking in, you know?" Rosie nodded. "Once Hunter came to stay and I knew it was going to be long term, I asked him what he wanted. We painted and decorated it together."

Rosie watched Jack's face, it would brighten up whenever he talked about Hunter, and grow sad at the mention of her sister. She knew Jack had truly loved Brenna, but she also knew just how much Brenna loved him. She wouldn't want Jack to live like this.

"Look Jack, there's something I wanted to talk to you about."

"Please tell me you aren't trying to get me out there again?" he groaned.

"That's exactly what I'm trying to do. Jack, it's been three years. Just think about it?"

"Fine, I'll think about it."

THE NEXT DAY

Elizabeth received a phone call first thing the next day regarding listings that Flo was excited to show her. Her heart pounded when she thought of how fast it was all happening. Lee offered to go with her to the houses for moral support for which she was grateful.

The first one was iffy. "Flo, I know that I have very little room to talk seeing as how there are landscapers at my home right now fixing my yard, but really? There's no grass, no trees…it's obviously not new construction…"

"Yes, it needs work but let's see the inside before we make any judgments."

Elizabeth looked at Lee who smiled and shrugged. "Can't hurt to look," he told her.

Two minutes later they were back outside. "Cockroaches? Dead spiders. A mouse. No," was all Elizabeth needed to say before they hopped back in Flo's vehicle and drove to the next one. "Clean. Add clean to my list of requirements for a home I want to buy."

The next home at least had grass and trees in the yard. They walked inside and Elizabeth was instantly confused. "Um does anyone else feel like this kitchen is leaning? Like if I let go of this counter I could fall over?"

"There may be an issue with their foundation," Flo said. "Nothing that can't be remedied. Let's head to the bathroom down the hall."

They walked down the impossibly narrow hallway that couldn't be up to code and into a bathroom. "It has shag carpeting. Who would do that? The color is like pea soup."

"You could always put tile in," Flo told her.

"Can we see something else that maybe doesn't need so much work?"

"For your price range, dear, I'm afraid in this neighborhood, a fixer upper is what you'll end up with."

"Maybe I should just stay where I'm at," she mumbled, feeling the wind go out of her sails quickly.

Lee took her hand. "Hey, Beth. This is only the second house. We will find a house for you that is perfect, or at least has potential. This is your chance to start over again and to be happy. Don't settle." She shook her head and let a tear fall.

"Maybe I'm not ready."

"Yes, you are and Trevor would want you to be happy again." He kissed her cheek and smiled. "Let's see the next house."

They saw two more houses but nothing was what Elizabeth wanted to deal with. She forced herself to try not to give up. Lee was right. She was ready to move on.

After Flo dropped them back at the station, Lee asked if she wanted to get dinner at Abby's.

"Sure. I'm starving."

"You, Beth? Lately you've barely eaten anything."

"I know. I'm trying to do better." They got in Elizabeth's car and drove down the street to the diner.

"Look who it is," Abigail said with a grin.

"Hi, Abigail," Elizabeth greeted with a hug. "I don't think I've introduced Lee to you. Lee Coulter, this is Abigail."

"I've seen you in here," Abigail confirmed. "But it's nice to place the face with the name, though." She moved the dirty dishes off the table next to them. "Have a seat. Coffee?"

"Yes, please," they said in unison.

Across the room, Hunter pulled on Jack's sleeve. "Yeah, bud? What's up?"

"Why are they in here? Don't let them take me, Jack." He looked at Hunter's face which now showed a bit of panic and fear.

"Who? No one is taking you from me." Jack turned and saw two police officers being seated by Abigail. "The police officers." Jack figured Hunter was remembering when the police came to his house and took him from his mom and took him to DCF.

"Yeah. Let's go home. I just want to go."

"What about dessert? I thought we were going to celebrate finishing the first week of school."

"I don't want ice cream."

"Hunter, I promise you. They aren't here to take you away. I bet they're just hungry."

Abigail walked over right then. "Ok, Hunter, my boy, here is your vanilla ice cream with hot fudge. I added a few sprinkles too." She winked at him and handed him a spoon. "Hey, what's wrong?" She bent down and rubbed his back.

Hunter stared across the room instead of answering Abigail. "Hunter, Abigail asked you a question." When he didn't respond, Jack spoke up. "Something is bothering him about the police officers across the room."

"I don't want them to take me away!" he said a bit louder than necessary.

"Take you away? Why would they do that?" Abigail asked. "You know what? Those are my friends. They are just here for dinner, like you and Jack."

At that moment, the woman cop walked toward them to visit the ladies room. As she got closer, Hunter climbed onto Jack's lap and buried his face in his neck. Jack just about choked on his pie when he recognized her. She nodded as she walked past to the bathroom.

He couldn't help but follow her with his eyes. "I can introduce you if you'd like," Abigail told him, a grin on her face.

"We've met."

"Oh…she pulled you over?"

"Yep." He grinned and stroked Hunter's back.

"She's beautiful, don't you think?" He nodded, watching the bathroom door, waiting for her to walk back through.

Elizabeth walked out of the bathroom a few moments later and stopped. The man talking to Abigail was him. The man she pulled over. The one that caused her to feel after so long a time of not feeling anything.

Abigail brought her over and gripped her arm, not allowing her to escape. "Elizabeth, look who's here," she teased.

"Mr. Thornton. Good to see you."

He stood up and grinned. "I'm glad it's not involving lights and sirens again."

"Yeah," she said, a faint smile crossing her face. Good grief, his dimples were distracting. "Behave yourself and that shouldn't be a problem."

"Yes, ma'am." Although, he'd gladly speed again in a different area if he could guarantee being stopped by the beautiful woman standing in front of him.

Abigail sensed a bit of discomfort or unease so she started a different subject. "Elizabeth, how's the house hunt going?"

Elizabeth sighed. "Not so good. It seems like every house in my price range is ready to fall in on itself or has shag carpeting in the bathroom." A wisp of curly hair escaped Elizabeth's tight bun and fell across her cheek. It took all Jack had not to reach up and tuck it behind her ear. Instead, he rubbed Hunter's back.

"I think there's a house in my neighborhood going on the market. I'm not sure what you're looking for but its North St. on the east side." It was in his neighborhood but he didn't mention it was right next door to him and Hunter. It was risky. He knew nothing about her except that she was a cop, needed a place to live, and didn't wear a ring on her hand. What he did know was he wanted to see her smile. He wanted to know more about her.

"Oh. Thank you, Mr. Thornton. I'll let my agent know." Her eye caught his and for that brief moment she felt at ease. Like somehow, some way, things were going to work out and it involved the handsome man before her with the incredible green eyes and deep dimples.