PRECINCT

Elizabeth knocked on Chief Gowan's door.

"Come in," he said loudly.

"Chief, may I speak with you?"

"Have a seat, Elizabeth." He gestured to the chair across from him at the desk. "How are you? I see the bruise is healing a bit."

"I'm just fine, thank you."

"Good. I heard that the woman you arrested is due in court the day after tomorrow."

"Yes. That's what I need to speak to you about."

"Ok. Go ahead."

"I'm seeing someone."

"That's good. You've seemed happier as of late. I guess it's going well?"

"Yes, very well. He has a foster son, Hunter, who he is trying to adopt. He's been with him for a few years now and there have been developments that relate to the woman I arrested."

"I'm not following."

"Jamie Wade, sir, is Hunter's birth mom."

"The woman that….is his mom? Were you aware of that when you apprehended her?"

"Yes and no."

"Explain."

"When we arrived on scene to make the arrest, I was only aware of her first name, sir. I actually assumed Jamie was a male. After the arrest, when we booked her, I was made aware of her full name."

"I see. So having you in court could be looked at like a conflict of interest. Is that your concern?"

"Yes, sir. I'm asking that Lee be assigned to the court instead of me since he was present."

"Very well. Lee will make the court appearance. Can you send him in here?"

"Yes, sir. Thank you."

"Thank you for making me aware of the situation." She stood up to leave but Chief stopped her. "Elizabeth, two things."

"Yes, sir?"

"One, I'm very happy for you and I know that Trevor would want you to be too."

"Thank you, sir."

"Two, I know you've been working toward Sergeant. This arrest clinched it for you. I'm recommending your promotion and subsequent raise."

"Are you serious? Thank you so much, sir!"

"You're welcome. I'm proud of your work, Thatcher. Very proud." She smiled and then left the room walking on air.

Her first thought was to call Jack but he was still in class. So she texted.

"Hey, love. Call me when u get a moment."

She didn't expect a phone call immediately so she set her phone aside and looked at Lee. "Lee, Chief wants to speak with you."

"Ok, thanks, Beth."

AT THE SCHOOL

Jack checked his phone when the final bell rang for the day.

He saw her text and smiled as he dialed. "Hey, Beth."

"Hi!"

"What's going on? You sound really happy."

"I am. I can't tell you why right now, but do you think you can get a sitter for Hunter?"

"I might be able to if Rosie isn't going out tonight."

"Not your parents?"

"No, they're out of town for their anniversary."

"Oh. Ok, if you can't that's fine. We can celebrate with Hunter too."

"Beth, I'll do my best."

"Ok, love you."

"Love you too. I'll let you know."

"Ok. Bye."

She really wanted another date with just Jack but Hunter came as a package deal…she knew that. If she was going to be his mom one day, they were going to need to do family stuff too. She would just make two plans. Two dates, one with Hunter, one without.

AN HOUR LATER

Elizabeth heard her phone vibrate on her desk.

"Hey, Rosie said she would watch H. So it's just u and me, babe."

"Wonderful. Six pm. My house."

"Are we going out?"

"Nope. Date at my house."

"C U then."

Elizabeth clocked out an hour early and drove home to get things ready. On the way home, she picked up Chinese takeout, knowing what he liked. She also went to a few other places to complete her plan.

Just before six, she turned off the lights and lit a bunch of candles to create the atmosphere she wanted. She put the food in serving bowls after heating it up a bit and then set it on the table. Next she turned on her fireplace and fed Snowy so she wouldn't bother them.

Last, she got dressed in a new dress she bought, casual but dressy at the same time. She rubbed her vanilla body lotion on her exposed skin and smiled as she heard the doorbell.

"Good evening, Mr. Thornton," she greeted as she opened the door. She had to fight the urge to drop her jaw when she saw him. "Good grief, you look hot," she muttered.

He leaned against her doorway, in a navy suit, white button down dress shirt, collar open, holding a single red rose in his hand. His eyes were dark and he had the subtle unshaven look she didn't know she liked until this moment.

He stepped inside, his dimples popping as he looked at her. "You look amazing, Officer Thatcher." He kissed her cheek and then handed her the rose.

"It's Sergeant Thatcher to you," she teased.

"Sergeant? You got it?"

"Yes! That's why I wanted to celebrate."

He swept her into his arms and gave her a long, slow kiss. "Congratulations, babe. I'm so proud of you."

"I'm actually proud of myself, if I can say that and not sound too pretentious. I've been trying for this for so long."

"You deserve it, babe, and obviously your boss thinks so too."

"Yeah. Are you hungry? I got Chinese for us. Extra tofu in your hot and sour soup."

"Yum. Yes, I'm starving."

After eating their beef with broccoli, she handed him a fortune cookie, keeping one for herself. "You first," she told him.

"Ok, mine says, Kiss the Girl." They chuckled. "Sounds like wise advice." He leaned over and kissed her twice. "What does yours say, babe?"

"Decide what you want and go for it." She stared at it and then walked into the kitchen and attached it to her fridge next to the picture of Jack and Hunter.

Jack walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. "I guess you've already done that. You got your promotion."

"I also moved here and said goodbye to Trevor. Then I fell in love with you and Hunter. I love both of you, Jack. So much. Please always always remember that, ok?" She turned as her tears rolled down her cheeks. "To have a second chance at loving someone so completely…it's amazing."

"It is." He leaned down and kissed her gently. "We love you too."

She looked at the clock on the microwave. "Let's go see him. I want to tuck him in." Jack smiled and then started blowing out the candles in the kitchen and dining room.

"Good grief, babe. Got enough candles? I'm going to run out of breath."

"Shush, Jack. I'll help."

Two minutes later they were on their walk across the yards.

When they arrived, Hunter looked up and smiled. "Elizabeth! I missed you." He ran over and hugged her waist.

"I missed you too. I came over in case you wanted me to tuck you in."

"And read me three books?" He gazed up at her, still holding her waist.

"Three? If they're short."

"Or one long one?"

"You got it."

"Awesome! I'll go get it."

"Hey, buddy, don't I get a hello?" Jack asked him but he was already up the stairs.

"Feeling left out, love?" Elizabeth teased. "Why don't you come too?"

"No, no, that's ok. You two have fun. I'll talk to Rosie."

"Actually, since you guys are here, I made plans to go see Lee."

"Ok, I'll just sit down here all by myself then."

When it was time, all three of them cuddled together on Hunter's bed to read. Hunter yawned after the first book.

"You look pretty," Hunter told her.

"Thank you, buddy. That was a nice thing to say." He leaned his head against her arm and yawned again.

"Will you come over on Christmas?"

"I'm sure I will."

"No, I mean, so we can open presents together and have breakfast."

"If you want me to, I will."

"I do."

"Should we say prayers before you get too tired, Hunter?" Jack asked.

"Ok." Hunter slipped his small hand into Elizabeth's and then his other hand into Jack's. "Dear God. Thank you for Jack and Elizabeth. Please help him to be my Daddy one day and then maybe Elizabeth can be my Mommy." Elizabeth kissed the top of his dark curly hair and looked at Jack. "Please help her to be safe at work because her job is dangerous. Please also help Jack to see it's a good idea to get me a puppy. It will teach me sponsibility. Through Jesus name, Amen."

"Oh gosh," Elizabeth blubbered. "You are a wonderful boy, Hunter Wade. I love you."

"I love you, Elizabeth." He raised his arms for a hug and then closed his eyes.

…..

Later that week Lee sat in a cold courtroom waiting for the hearing to start, his knee bouncing impatiently as he sat. He pulled out his phone as it vibrated. It was Elizabeth.

"Any news?"

"No. They just brought her out though."

"Should start soon."

Jamie sat up front, a serious look on her face.

"Looks like you got a few punches in during that brawl." Lee texted. "You know, before she knocked you out cold."

"Hey I tried. I just didn't want to hurt her that bad."

"I hear ya."

"Keep me posted, alright?"

"Of course Beth."

"All rise." a voice called out.

"It's go time. ttys."

Lee put his phone in his uniform pocket and stood up as the judge entered the courtroom.

Once all was said and done, Jamie was about to be ushered back out of the courtroom. The next 5 to 10 years of her future decided for by the city of Philadelphia.

Lee watched as a man with short curly hair about Jamie's age stood up and walked to the front. They were given a moment to talk, before she would be taken back. Lee was curious, but too far away to hear clearly. Then as he was walking away he heard a familiar name uttered between them. Hunter. Lee took a step closer to hear what the couple was saying about Hunter.

"This is it, I'm done. They'll take him away for good, you know." she told the man.

"Jamie, I'm sorry."

"You should be."

"Look what do you want from me?" There was frustration in his tone.

"Lee?" another officer called out, stealing his attention from the conversation he'd been eavesdropping on.

By the time Lee was done talking with the other officer, Jamie was being led away and the man was gone.

…..

Across town, Jack and Hunter walked around the Christmas tree lot run by the Lions Club. With Christmas two weeks away, it was time to decorate for the holidays.

"Okay bud, what about this one?" Jack stood in front of yet another tree, the 4th option he'd given Hunter on this lot. They'd already been to one other lot. For some reason Hunter was being very particular.

"No, its not perfect."

"Hunter, its a tree. They're all the same."

"No they aren't! Elizabeth said to pick out the perfect tree while she was at work. Then we'd all decorate together tomorrow night. So there has to be one!"

Jack let out a quiet laugh, "Hunter, it's just an expression."

"But it's our first Christmas with her! There has to be a perfect tree!" Hunter pouted. Jack could see how important it was to him. Fact was, this Christmas was important to him too.

Jack knelt down in front his him. "Okay, let's take one more walk around the lot. Maybe the perfect one is here just waiting for us."

"Okay!" Hunter took Jack's hand and they walked around the lot for the third time.

Jack kept checking his phone. He knew Jamie's trial was today was taking place.

"Why do you keep checking your phone? Worried about Elizabeth?"

"Nope, just checking the time. We want to be home with the tree before she gets back. And I need to make dinner before the hockey game tonight."

"Oh right." Hunter thought for a moment. "Who's going to sit with me during the game tonight?"

"Elizabeth."

"Does she have a shirt? She can't cheer for the bulldogs without something!"

"I got her covered, bud."

"Okay good."

Jack's phone rang with an incoming call from Faith. "Hey bud, you go look for the tree while I take this." Hunter nodded and walked to look at more trees.

"Hello, Jack here."

"Hi, Jack. Its Faith."

"How'd it go today?"

"Well, Jamie was sentenced to 5-10 years in prison."

"Really?"

"Well, between the drug trafficking and the assault on a female police officer."

"Right… did the judge say anything about her parental rights?

"Yes…. as of today, Hunter is a ward of the state."

"Meaning what exactly?"

"He is clear for adoption."

Jack sighed. As much as he wanted to be Hunter's father, this process was hard. He didn't like what Jamie was going through or the effects that it would have on Hunter.

"Jack, I know its hard, but right now I need you to be patient. I've submitted your request to the family court judge. Assuming he grants the adoption, which I believe he will, it will take time to get everything in order before its official."

"No, I understand. I do have a question though, about how long might it be? Roughly, of course."

"My hope is that they'll grant it before the New Year. The rest could take longer. By February, I would hope everything could be all tied up nicely for you guys."

"Great." A sigh of relief left Jacks lips. "May I ask one more question?"

"Of course Jack! That's what I'm here for."

"Thanks. So, Elizabeth, is in Hunter's file right? Since she's been watching him some and all that?"

"Yes she is. Do I need to take her off?"

"Gosh no! I'm hoping to make it more… permanent."

"And you're wondering if this will hinder the adoption at all?"

"Yeah. Timing wise."

"That's a good question. As long as everything is out in the open there shouldn't be a problem. Your file states that she is a committed part of your life and that she has good interactions with Hunter."

"Hunter loves her."

Faith laughed, "I know. He told me when we last met. He also mentioned he wanted you two to be his parents."

"Yeah, he's brought that up before with me too."

"It's good Jack. None of this is going to hurt your case. You've done everything you can to give Hunter the best life possible. That speaks volumes."

"Thanks Faith. Keep me in the loop."

"I will! Trust me."

Hunter walked around the lot again while Jack was on the phone. He knew it was Faith, and therefore probably about him, but was right then more focused on having the best Christmas ever. The perfect tree just had to be there somewhere. He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw it. The perfect tree. It was tall, but the little boy thought it would fit in the house fine. It was wide, just perfect to store all his presents under.

"Jack! The perfect tree is real! I found it."

"Pst, hey Hunt!" A voice whispered from somewhere close. "Over here."

Hunter looked around. At first he didn't see anything but then he noticed a man standing behind one of the trees waving to him, someone he recognized as one of his mom's old friends. A tall man with short curly hair.

"Mr. Tolliver?"

"Yeah, you remember. How are you kid?"

"Good… why are you here?" Hunter looked around for Jack, feeling a bit unsafe in the current situation.

"I ah, I saw your Ma today. She has to go away for a while but wanted me to check in."

"Oh… Okay."

"So, you're good?"

"Yeah. Is she alright?"

"She is yeah, she just got herself into a pickle. You know those stupid cops always causing trouble."

"Oh." Hunter could hear Jack calling out to him. "That's my dad. I need to go."

"Your dad?"

"Foster dad. He's really nice. I want him to be my real dad."

"Hunter!" Jack called again. There was worry in his voice.

"Bye, Mr. Tolliver."

"Hey, keep this meeting between us alright, little man?"

"K, bye." Hunter ran off to Jack.

"Bye… son," he whispered.

Nate Tolliver slipped back out of the tree lot and into the car with his friend who had been waiting rather impatiently.

"You gonna tell me why we just stopped at a Christmas tree lot? You trying to get into the spirit or something?"

"That was my kid."

"What? Jamie's boy?"

"Yeah."

"Huh. With Jamie going away for bit, whatcha gonna do about him?"

"Nothing."

"Really?"

"I signed my rights away when the boy was born. Jamie never told him I was his dad. I'm just a friend who came and went. Besides, I don't have time for that."

"Yeah, but that was all when you thought Jamie had him, not some stranger. And with her not running the operation here I imagined you'd step back in."

Nate watched as Jack and Hunter paid for their tree and carried it over to the car. "That must be him. The foster dad."

"Doesn't look so bad."

"No I guess not. The boy seemed to like him. I wonder though, maybe we should see what can find out about this guy."

"Sure. It'd be the responsible, parental thing to do." The men laughed as they drove off.

….

After a quick dinner, Hunter sat on his bed upstairs, dressed in his jeans and kid sized bulldogs hockey jersey Jack had specially ordered for him.

They were all going to leave for the game as soon as Elizabeth got home from work. His mind, however, was on other things.

Out of all his mom's friends, Mr. Tolliver was the nicest, but that wasn't saying much. The man seemed to come and go as he pleased. Hunter knew very little about him. Right now, he was worried. Why did he come talk to him? Why did he go see his mom? And why was he not supposed to say anything about it?

"Hunter, she's home. Time to go," Jack called up the stairs. He hadn't told Hunter about the trial or the change in parental rights. Jack wasn't trying to keep it from him, but with how busy their day was, it just didn't seem right, and as far as Jack knew, no one else was going to say anything to him.

Elizabeth had parked her car and ran into her own house to change. She ran over a few minutes later and let herself into Jack's home.

"Sorry I'm late. So much was going on today and I'm still learning about my new responsibilities. I didn't even eat dinner yet. I feel like such a mess!" She rambled so fast. Jack found it adorable.

"Do I at least get a kiss?"

"Of course you do!" She grabbed him gently by his tie and pulled him in for a slow smoldering kiss. "How's that?"

"Perfect," he grinned. "Now, put this on."

"What is it?"

"It's a team hockey jacket." He said as she pulled it out of the bag. "It matches mine."

She took off her jacket and put the dark navy blue one on instead. "I love it!" She kissed his cheek. "Thank you."

Hunter ran down the stairs as soon as he heard Elizabeth's voice.

"Elizabeth, you're here!"

"Of course. Ready to cheer for the bulldogs!"

"Yeah!"

They piled in to Jack's car and drove to the high school's arena.

Jack left them right away to warm up the team, leaving Hunter to show Elizabeth the best place to sit.

"When Grammie and Pop come we sit up here."

"Sounds good. Where do you sit if they aren't here?"

"With Jack on the bench."

"Oh, are you okay sitting here with me?"

"Yup, I want to."

"Ok good," she smiled. "Hey, looks like the snack stands open. You hungry?"

"Can I have nachos?"

"Of course. I think I'm gonna grab a hot dog. I didn't eat much today."

"Why?"

"A lot was going on today. It happens sometimes."

"Were you safe?"

"Yes, sweetie, I was safe."

"Good."

They grabbed their food and went back to their seats. Hunter gave Elizabeth the rundown of the players he knew and his thoughts on the new ones. He also did his best to explain the rules but truth be told, he knew about as much as she did.

Elizabeth didn't care though, she was spending time with him, that's all that mattered. At some point, this loving little boy stole her heart. She tried hard not to think of herself as a mother figure at first, out of fear of losing him. The reality was though, she loved him like a son.

They ate and watched the first two periods together. Hunter loved watching with Elizabeth. She really got into the game and thoroughly enjoyed cheering for the team. After the 2nd period, the score was 3 to 4 in the Bulldog's favor.

During the break before the final period, Elizabeth purchased hot chocolate for her and Hunter. Something seemed off with him. She noticed as the game went on he had grown more and more quiet. He seemed to jump every time the person behind them moved suddenly. Something was up for sure. She just needed to get him to open up.

They were in the warm area where food was sold, just outside the rink itself, sitting in one of the booths that lined the wall up above one of the goals. It was a perfect spot to warm up and watch the players warm up for the next period.

Hunter was lost in his own mind. The encounter earlier had him on edge, he didn't know what to do. He looked up at Elizabeth, who sat next to him on the booth. Her arm wrapped around him made him feel safe and loved.

"Elizabeth?" His voice was just above a whisper.

"Yeah, sweetheart?"

"Can I tell you a secret?"

"Sure! I like secrets sometimes. Is it a good one?"

"I don't know." He stared down at his hot chocolate.

"Hunter, what's wrong?"

"I saw one of my mom's friends today."

"Where?" She tried to hide the concern in her voice with a smile.

"The Christmas tree lot. He said she had to go away for a while. I think she got arrested again."

"Hunter, does Jack know about this man?"

"No. He said not to tell. I was scared."

The hair on the back of her neck stood on end. "Hunter, did the man say what he wanted?"

"No. He just asked if I was okay."

"What did you tell him?"

"That I was fine."

"Did you tell him where you lived or who Jack was?"

"No… I was scared. I didn't want Mr. Tolliver knowing anything."

"Tolliver?" That name sounded very familiar to her.

"Yeah. Mom called him Nate think."

Nate Tolliver, Hunter's dad. She knew now why that name sounded familiar.

"Elizabeth, I didn't want to see him. What if he takes me away?"

Elizabeth mind was racing. "Hunter, it's going to be okay. You did good. You didn't tell him anything that he could use to find you and then you told me. That was good. I wish you had told Jack right away, but I'm glad you told me."

He nodded.

The warning buzzer went off signaling that the next period was about to start.

"I have an idea, Let's get some dessert and go enjoy the rest of the game. We'll finish talking about this after."

"Okay. I love you, Elizabeth."

"I love you too, Hunter. Always."

Back at the house, Jack laid on his back next to the fireplace. Elizabeth's head resting on his chest, a snoring Hunter curled up with them.

Once they got back home, they all sat down and had a talk about the day. Jack explained about Jamie's situation, and the direction things were going. Hunter was sad for his mom, but wanted to stay with Jack, Elizabeth too.

Neither Jack or Elizabeth shared who Nate really was. Instead they told Hunter that until things were straightened out he was to stay with an adult at all times. He agreed.

Jack ran his hand gently up and down the smooth skin on Elizabeth's arm. He loved their moments like this. Everything seemed as it was meant to be.

"Love, you alright?" Elizabeth whispered.

"I thought you were asleep."

"Nope. Just thinking. What about you?"

"I can't believe how bad I screwed up today. I never should have let him out of my sight."

"Jack, it happens. You weren't away long and nothing bad happened."

"But it could have." Jack sighed, resting a protective hand on Hunter. "We're so close Beth, I will do anything to keep our boy."

His words gave her butterflies. "Our boy." That's certainly how it felt. Especially as they laid there together.

"I wish I knew if Nate was planning on trying to claim him," Jack whispered.

"I looked him up when you gave me his name over a week ago. He's got a record as long as my arm. If he tried, I don't think he'd stand a chance."

"I can't lose him. It will crush me."

"I know. It will crush me too. We'll call Faith in the morning, tell her what happened, and go from there."

"You're right." He sighed. "I should get this guy to bed."

"Few more minutes? I don't want to let him go yet."

Jack smiled and kissed her head. "Sure. When you're ready."