A week after the kiss…

Elizabeth had an idea. They had both been so busy with work that they hadn't seen each other except across the yards as she arrived home at night. A wave across the yard wasn't enough for her anymore.

She texted him from her desk at work. "Pizza & movie. My house 2nite. 7 o'clock."

"Yes ma'am."

"Sorry. Was that bossy?"

"Maybe a bit. I don't mind tho."

She took a breath and stared at her phone before she typed the next sentence. "I miss u."

"That's nice 2 hear. I miss u 2."

"Ham & Cheese 4 Hunter?" She remembered. Jack loved that she remembered.

"Yep. C U soon."

"Hey, Thatcher." Lee leaned against his desk smiling at her.

"Yes, Lee?" She quickly turned off the screen on her phone, shoving it in her pocket as she prepared to leave.

"How are things with your friendship?"

"Good." She tried to keep her tone even, not giving away that it was now more. Her tone was good but she could feel her cheeks heating up.

"Beth." She met his eyes. "I'm happy for you."

"Thanks. Me too." She was. She was on that new relationship high, even though they hadn't even had a real date yet. So basically, she was on the first kiss high and she didn't want to come down from it. "I need to go. I'll see you Monday."

"Did you want to go out to dinner tonight? My treat."

"Rosie busy?"

"Yeah."

"Sorry, I have plans." She smiled and then walked out before he mentioned her friendship again and she couldn't hold it inside.

She drove home wanting to change and shower before they came over. As she got ready, she decided to wear her dark wash jeans and the new sweater she bought a few days back. It was a soft pale pink with a modest v-neck. She felt pretty in it and she thought Jack would appreciate her trying a bit with her appearance. After all, most of what he'd seen her in lately was sweatshirts and yoga pants. The sweater was a nice change.

She smiled at her reflection, scrunching her curls, leaving them loose. She added a tiny bit of lip gloss, another recent purchase and then went to order the pizza. Thank goodness Rocky's delivered because that was Hunter's favorite.

After ordering, she flipped on her gas fireplace and went to set out the paper plates and napkins.

Snowball walked up to her, rubbing against her ankles, begging. "Hungry, Snow?"

As she fed her, she heard a knock. She smiled nervously and took a deep breath before walking quickly to the door.

"Hi!" she greeted with a smile. Hunter didn't say much but he waved and then walked right to the living room.

"Hunter, please don't go wandering around Miss Thatcher's house. Remember your manners," Jack told him.

"I'm not wandering. I'm sitting on the couch," he answered back. Jack smiled and sighed.

"Are you coming in, Jack? Or are you going to eat your pizza on the porch?"

"Sorry." He stepped in and handed her a bottle of wine. "In case we want something other than milk or water."

"Thank you. We could open it now. Pizza should be here in about ten minutes."

He nodded but didn't move. He just stared at her, his eyes looking into hers and then briefly flicking to her mouth and then back to her eyes. The need to kiss her was even stronger than the first time. "You look beautiful," he whispered.

"You look nice too." It was such an understatement. His gray sweater made his green eyes pop. He looked beyond amazing. "Jack…"

"I'm hungry," Hunter called out from the living room.

"Pizza will be here soon, bud."

"Is it Rocky's? I only like Rocky's. Did you tell her that?"

"Hunter James, that's bordering on rude. Wherever she got the pizza from will be fine." Jack followed Elizabeth into the kitchen as she poured their wine. "I'm sorry, he might be a little testy tonight. He had a rough afternoon," Jack told her quietly.

"What happened?"

"I'll tell you later." She nodded.

"Hey, Hunter? Do you want a juice box?" Elizabeth asked him.

"What kind? I only like apple."

"Hunter," Jack warned.

"I have apple," she told him, taking the juice out to him. "If you want, we can watch a movie while we eat dinner." She turned the tv on and switched to Netflix.

"Thank you for the juice," he told her.

"You're welcome." She handed him the remote and let him search for what he wanted to watch.

Elizabeth went back in the kitchen and picked up her wine glass. "How was your day?" she wondered.

"It was ok."

"Just ok?"

"Saturdays are rough sometimes because of that thing we will talk about later." She smiled again and sipped her wine.

Somehow Elizabeth standing, leaning against her counter, sipping her wine made him want to kiss her even more than before. He set his wine glass on the counter and walked over to stand in front of her. "You look beautiful," he told her as reached for her hand.

"You already said that," she teased, taking another sip of wine as he stepped even closer.

"I really mean it." He took her glass and set it down too.

"Jack, Hunter can see us, you know."

He looked at the boy who was watching his Lego movie again. Chances were, he would never even notice but on the off chance that he looked their direction, he decided instead of kissing her, he'd hug her.

She stepped willingly into his arms, her forehead fitting perfectly between his shoulder and neck. "Good grief, you smell good," she blurted. His aftershave smelled so much like a man should, in her opinion. Clean, a bit spicy, almost like vanilla. She felt wanted and needed at that moment and wished the hug could last forever but the pizza arrived.

"Pizza's here, Hunter," Elizabeth told him as she set the food on the counter by the plates. "Can you please pause the movie?" she asked.

He obeyed, surprising Jack considering his mood. Hunter came over and stood next to Jack. "Thank you, bud," Jack said as he kissed the top of his head.

Snowy wandered into the room then to see who these people were that were in her house.

"A kitty? You have a kitty?" Hunter asked, sitting down on the floor in the kitchen.

"That's Snowball. I call her Snowy or Snow."

"She's so cute! Hi, Snowy!" The cat purred and rubbed up against Hunter, begging for his attention.

"Can I have a kitty, Jack? Please?"

Jack had known that was coming. He had assumed it was going to be a dog, though. "We will see."

"You can come visit Snowy if Jack says ok," she told Hunter.

Dinner was good, Hunter finished his movie, and then fell asleep on the floor by the fire under a blanket Elizabeth had placed over him, Snowy right next to him.

Jack moved closer to Elizabeth on the couch and slipped his arm around her. "What should we watch now?" she asked him, flipping through her Netflix queue.

"You pick," he suggested.

She turned and looked at him. "You like watching old movies?"

"I'm not picky." He was perfectly happy holding her.

"That's not what I asked," she said quietly, glancing at his lips. They were perfect.

"I'd rather just watch you," he flirted. He ran his fingers through her soft curls, thoroughly distracted.

"But do you like old movies?"

"I don't know." He couldn't take waiting anymore. She was centimeters away and Hunter was sleeping. "Beth," he whispered before claiming her lips.

She was pretty sure she'd never experienced a more perfect kiss. Their first kiss had been wonderful and she would always remember it but this one made her want to stay with him forever. Him and Hunter. The three of them, a family.

As they pulled apart, Jack felt his world become whole again. She was who he wanted and he was ready but Hunter wasn't there yet. He still didn't quite trust Elizabeth and moving any further past where they were now couldn't happen until all three of them were ready.

Elizabeth kissed his jaw and sighed, wrapping her arm around his waist. "What happened with Hunter today?"

"We went to Child Protective Services to meet with his social worker. We go every other weekend. Hunter's mom is supposed to meet us there."

"She didn't come?"

"No. She stopped showing up a long time ago and CPS can't get a hold of her. Hunter is not handling it well. Every time we go and she doesn't show, he gets angry and acts out."

"What happens now?"

He turned and looked at her. "Faith, his social worker, asked me if I would want to adopt him. It won't be much longer and his mom's rights will be terminated."

"That's wonderful, Jack. He belongs with you."

"I hope the judge sees it that way. I mean, I'm a single guy. Usually two parents is ideal."

"You have taken care of him for over two years. That has to count for something."

"To me it means everything. He means everything."

She looked at him watching Hunter, love very apparent in his expression. "Everything will work out, Jack."

He turned his head and kissed her gently. "Thank you." It felt so good to talk to her, to know she was on his side. "Hey, your ring. You took it off?"

Her hand touched her neck as she nodded. "It was time. I just needed to be ready to say goodbye."

"That must have been hard."

"Not as hard as it would have been even a month ago." She threaded her fingers through his. "You really helped me, Jack."

"I didn't do anything."

"You were my friend and you supported me and didn't rush me. More than that though, you've been through the same thing." She felt a tear slip down her cheek. "I'm so grateful for you."

He kissed her again and then settled in to watch a movie.

…

A couple days later Elizabeth stood in her kitchen finishing up her kitchen clean up from dinner, singing along to the music filling the air. She was happy again. Happier than she had been in a long time. Having Jack and Hunter over for dinner had gone really well. That was a week ago.

Since then they'd shared more texts and phone calls and the occasional stolen moment when Hunter was asleep. They didn't want to rush him, especially with all the uncertainty happening in his own life.

She was just finishing with the last dish when her phone buzzed. She picked it up and smiled at the text. It was Jack.

"Hey."

"What are you up 2?"

"Cleaning up from dinner then taking a bath. Long week. Night shift 2night."

"A bath huh? I'll b right over."

"Jack Thornton!"

"I'm kidding, don't worry. What time's ur shift? Come over for a bit after H is asleep?"

"11. Love 2."

"C U then."

Two hours later Jack sent her a text once Hunter was asleep. She grabbed her phone and rushed out, eager to see him.

He stood just outside the side door waiting for her, looking up just as she crossed their yards. His deep dimpled grin making her smile.

"What are you smiling about Mr. Thornton?"

"Who me? Just thinking about something."

"Something good?"

"Oh yeah." He took her in his arms kissing her deeply. She tasted of mint tea and smelled like jasmine, his new favorites. "I've wanted to do that all day."

"Me too," she smiled, kissing his chin.

He left one arm around her and guided her to the new porch swing. Something he'd just purchased. For them. Elizabeth pulled her legs up onto the seat, curling up as close as possible.

"So night shift huh? Is that dangerous?"

"Yes and no. That pretty much sums up my job though." She looked over into his eyes, seeing his worry. "I'll be fine, Jack. I'm actually riding with Lee tonight so it's not like I'll even be alone."

"Oh, good. That actually makes me feel better."

"You worry about me?" she teased, patting his stomach.

"Yup. Get used to it." He kissed her again, soft and sweet. "So I got some news."

"What is it?"

"Faith called. They want me to come in tomorrow afternoon to discuss moving forward with the adoption should Jamie's rights get terminated."

"Jack that's huge!"

"I know. This meeting is huge. To think that I could actually become Hunter's dad."

"It's amazing, Jack. I want this so much for you both. Do you still think it will be hard to sell a judge on?"

"That's the thing. I don't know. You hear cases all the time where a kid gets sent home when maybe they'd be better off with the foster family. I mean, CPS does their best but sometimes things happen. Maybe I'll know more tomorrow."

What neither Jack and Elizabeth realized was Hunter was standing just inside the house watching and listening.

…..

Jack left school, getting a sub for his last two classes and drove across town to CPS. He was so nervous. After constantly scanning the radio stations for 5 minutes, he just turned it off.

"God, I want this. I want to be Hunter's Dad. More importantly, I want what's best for him. If that's me, please make a way. Open the doors that need to be open and help the judge to look favorable on me. If…" he sighed, wiping a tear from his eyes. "If I'm not what's best, all I ask is that you take care of him. Please? Whatever happens in his life, please don't leave his side."

He pulled into the familiar brick building, taking a couple moments to collect himself before walking in.

The friendly receptionist looked up and smiled at Jack, letting him know Faith would be there shortly.

Jack took a seat on the other side of the room, outside one of the conference rooms. He looked through the tall stack of magazines next to him, picking up a parenting one and ESPN with a article on youth hockey. He laughed looking at his choices. He was a dad.

He read through both magazines and then began playing a game of words of friends on his phone before picking up another parenting magazine. It was almost 30 minutes past when his meeting was supposed to start. He was halfway through an article on how to help your picky eater branch out when he heard a woman yelling in the room behind him.

"You can't do this! That's my son!"

"Jamie…" Jack gasped. She was there. Thank goodness Hunter was safe clear across town. He tried not to listen, but with her volume, it was kind of hard not to.

"You never told me about any visits!"

"Ms. Wade, we have. Several times. You've missed every visit within the last 2 months," Faith's voice was kind, yet stern.

"So what? I had things to do. Haven't you ever had things to do or do you just sit here looking all smug and mighty at people?"

"Ms. Wade…"

"You aren't taking away my rights to my boy. He needs a Mama. That's me."

"You know what needs to be done in order to keep your rights."

"I'm done here!"

Jamie yelled a few nasty words at Faith and stormed out. Jack sat there holding the magazine up over his face, praying not to be seen.

"You're all tricksters!" Jamie yelled before slamming the door being her.

Jack lowered the magazine a moment later and sighed. The only thoughts in his mind were how he would do anything to keep his boy. He leaned forward, resting his head in his hands for a bit.

"Jack?" Faith was standing next to him now. She placed a hand on his shoulder. "Sorry about that. She was supposed to be here early today, but was very late. I tried to get her out before you got here but…"

"Its okay. She was so worked up she didn't notice me."

Faith let out a sigh of relief. "Good. You ready?"

Jack looked at the clock on the wall. "Can I have one moment? Looks like I'll be cutting it close to pick up Hunter."

"Oh no, do we need to reschedule?"

"No, after what I just saw… I need to do this."

Faith smile. "You're a good man, Jack. Take your time."

Elizabeth sat at her desk at work, tired and annoyed. After her long night shift, she had been called back in to the office in the afternoon. Someone she and Lee had arrested the night before was ready to talk, but only to them. She was just finishing up the report and ready to do nothing but fall into her bed and sleep for a week.

Her phone went off next to her. Seeing Jack's name on the screen she answered immediately.

"Jack! How'd it go?"

"Hasn't happened yet."

"Really? Sorry, I thought it was a little earlier."

"It was. I got here and Jamie was still meeting with Faith."

"Oh no…"

"Yeah. I'm so sorry to do this but I need to ask you a favor."

"What do you need?"

"I'm afraid I won't make it in time to pick up Hunter from school. If I call ahead can you pick him up for me?"

"Oh… you think he'll be okay with me?"

"I think so. He's been getting to know you and sees you around home more."

"Yeah, except I got called back into the precinct. That's where I am… in uniform."

"Oh." Jack thought for a moment. "I think it will be okay. You've spent time with him lately. It's not like he doesn't know you."

"You sure?"

"Yeah, I'm sure. As long as you're comfortable."

"Of course, I'm happy to help."

"Thank you! I really appreciate this, Beth."

"Of course Jack. I'd do anything for you two."

…..

Elizabeth pulled into the school parking lot 10 minutes before the final bell and went straight to the office.

The office manger jumped up at the sight of an uniformed officer. Apparently the uniform had that effect on more than just Hunter.

"Officer, how may I help you?"

"Its personal, not professional."

"Oh now that's a relief. What can I do for you?"

"My name is Elizabeth Thatcher, I'm here for Hunter Wade. Jack's in a meeting and asked that I get him today."

"Little Hunter. Oh we just love him here!"

"He's really great," Elizabeth smiled.

"You just take a seat. I'll call down to his classroom and let Mr. Hickam know to send him here at the end of the day."

"Thank you!" She took her seat on the chairs facing the windows toward the hall. This way she'd see him when he walked down. She pulled out her phone, rereading text messages from Jack since they'd gotten together and smiled. It was unreal how happy and content she felt. For the first time in a long time, she had hope and joy for her future. It was a wonderful feeling.

The bell rang and the hallways filled with kids, all in a hurry to get somewhere.

Hunter made his way to the office as told. Keeping an eye out for Jack. As he got closer to the hall he stopped. He didn't see Jack, but Elizabeth in her uniform. His mind rushed back to the conversation he'd overheard last night when he'd come down for a drink of water. What he took away from that was that there was a chance he could be taken away from Jack.

Elizabeth turned around making eye contact with the little boy, seeing fear in his eyes just before he took off running on the opposite direction.

"Shoot!" Elizabeth rushed out of the office trying to keep an eye on him as he ran through the crowded hall.

He turned a corner and she was afraid she would lose track of him all together. Thankfully, as she turned the corner herself she saw him duck into a room at the end of the hall.

She reached the door and noticed the room was a library. "Great." she muttered. "There's got to be a million places for him to hide in there."

"Looking for someone?" the nice older librarian asked.

"Yes, a sweet little boy with curly brown hair. He probably looked angry or scared."

"Hunter Wade?"

"Yes!"

"And may I ask what you want with that dear boy?"

Elizabeth explained the situation and the librarian smiled sympathetically, seeing the worried look on her face. She pointed to a row of books at the end of the wall.

Elizabeth slowly walked over, peeking around the corner. Hunter sat in the corner, eyes closed with his knees tucked up against his chest. The sight broke Elizabeth heart.

"Hunter?"

He looked up with watery eyes, "You promised!"

"What, sweetie?" she took a seat on the floor next to him.

"You promised you wouldn't take me away from Jack!"

"Hunter, I'm not here to take you away!"

"Yes you are! I heard you and Jack talking last night. He said sometimes things happen and kids have to go home and now you're here as a cop."

"Hunter you shouldn't be listening to people's conversations."

"Why? So you can keep secrets from me?"

"No, sweetie. Sometimes when you listen to conversations like that, you misunderstand what the people are saying."

"What's that mean?"

"Means you hear it wrong."

"Oh…"

"Mhmm. Jack and I were talking last night about how much he loves you, and how special you are."

"Jack doesn't want me to go away?"

"Never!"

"Then… why are you here?"

Elizabeth wrapped her arm around the boy and he visibly relaxed, which melted her heart. "Jack had a meeting and was running late. He didn't want you to worry so he asked me to come get you and make sure you got home safe."

"Home to Jack?"

"Yes."

He stared at her for a moment before standing up and reaching out his hand. "Okay."

"Thank you Hunter," she smiled. As they walked down the hall Elizabeth came up with an idea. "You hungry?"

"All the time. Jack says I'm growing."

"I bet he's right. What do you say we head over to Abby's Diner for a snack?"

"Nachos?"

"You got it."

"And maybe root beer?"

Elizabeth laughed. "Why not?"

….

They sat in a booth in the back of the diner enjoying their nachos and root beers. Hunter didn't say much, but seemed relaxed. Finally he spoke again.

"Sorry I ran away."

"I understand. Its ok."

"You're nice, but cops are scary."

"We're not supposed to be."

"The ones that took me away were." He looked down at the big plate of nachos. "They were waiting at our house looking for us. We got home and they tried to take Mom. She was mad. There was a lot of yelling and Mom tried to run away. One guy took me from her and put me in his cop car. I tried to get away but I couldn't. I cried a lot."

"Oh, Hunter…"

"They put bracelets on Mom's hands and took her to jail. I don't know why. I guess she did something bad."

"I'm sorry that happened to you, sweetie."

"I love Jack. I'm safe there. Mom had lots of friends. Sometimes they were nice, sometimes they were mean. Sometimes she'd take me places with her, but forget and leave without me. Jack doesn't do that."

"No, he wouldn't do that."

Hunter shook his head. He knew it was true. "Jack has nice friends. Like Rosie and Jesse. You're nice too."

Elizabeth eyes filled with tears at the little boy in front of her. He was so strong, and had been through so much.

"I think Jack really likes you."

"I like him too."

"If you stay, can I stay too?"

"Of course! You were here first," she teased, making him laugh.

"Okay."

Jack was inside working on the dinner when Elizabeth and Hunter pulled in. He turned off the burners and went outside to greet them.

"Hey guys! How'd it go?"

Hunter looked over at Elizabeth, who nodded for him to answer. "I ran away, but it's okay now."

"You ran away?" Jack looked panicked for a moment but he saw how calm Elizabeth was though and relaxed a bit.

"Someone overheard part of our conversation last night and got scared. He thought I was taking him away."

"Oh no, buddy. I'm sorry! What were you doing out of bed?"

"I was thirsty."

Jack sighed. "Next time let me know you're there please?"

"I will." He looked sad. Jack wrapped his arms around him and told him he loved him.

"Come on bud, dinner is just about ready."

"I'll talk to you later," Elizabeth said for a smile before turning to go home.

"Miss Thatcher?" She turned back around facing them. "You want to have dinner with us?"

Jack felt his heart fill with joy. Was Hunter ready to accept Elizabeth? He looked over and nodded to Elizabeth to answer.

"I'd love that. Can I go change first?"

"Yeah. You look prettier without the uniform."

"Hunter James!" Jack laughed.

"What? It's true!"