FEBRUARY 1ST

Elizabeth stood in front of the mirror in the bedroom, staring at herself in her uniform. She had finally made it from Patrol Officer to Sergeant. It was something she'd wanted so much when Trevor and she were planning it together, planning their partnership, planning their future.

Now, it didn't feel the same. She wanted it, or she wouldn't have accepted it. Now though, she had a new husband and a wonderful little boy to think about. She knew that with the job came new responsibilities and subsequently the possibility of more danger. That knowledge was much scarier than when she wasn't a wife or mother.

"Mama!" Hunter yelled as he ran up the stairs.

"Yes, baby." She wiped the tears from her cheeks and squatted in front of Hunter.

"Bruce is walked. Dad says we need to go or we will be late."

"Thank you."

Hunter cocked his head to the side and stared at her for a moment. "Are you sad?"

"A bit. I'll be ok, though. Let's go."

"Why are you sad? Isn't it good you got a…pre…motem?"

"A promotion," she gently corrected with a smile. "Yes, it's good."

"It means you did a good job, right?" He grabbed her hand and they walked down the stairs.

"Yep."

"Then I'm proud of you, Mom."

"So am I," Jack told her as he kissed her cheek.

"Thank you. Both of you."

Hunter walked out the door. "I'm going to the car," he told them.

Jack looked at her. "Just like any other day, right?"

"Yeah."

Except it wasn't.

….

"Elizabeth Thatcher has dreamed of this promotion for about three years now," Gowan began. "She has worked hard as a Patrol officer, doing more than expected of her for as long as I've had the privilege of knowing her. In 2015, she won the Humanitarian award and in 2016, she won the Commendation for Bravery. She takes her job seriously and proceeds carefully into any situation. Most recently, her bravery and strength while apprehending a wanted drug trafficking ring showed that Elizabeth Thatcher, now Elizabeth Thornton, is the right person for the job as Sergeant in the Philadelphia Police Department." Chief Gowan walked out from behind the podium and stood in front of Elizabeth. "Congratulations, Sergeant Thornton. This is well deserved. I'm proud and honored to be your chief."

He pinned her badge below her name plate. "Trevor would be proud," he whispered. "Raise your right hand and repeat after me."

"I do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of the State of Pennsylvania and faithfully discharge all of my duties of my position here at the Philadelphia Police Department to the best of my ability. So help me God."

Jack held Hunter on his lap, watching Elizabeth repeat her oath. He could see her strength wavering a bit but she held her composure, standing tall and proud.

"She did it, Dad," Hunter whispered.

Jack could see the pride in Hunter's eyes. "Yes, she did, son."

When everyone in the room clapped, Hunter pumped his fist and yelled, "Yay, Mom!"

Jack bit his tongue to not make a peep. Elizabeth looked at them and gave them a smile. Jack was relieved she wasn't mad. Then she looked at the seats next to him and saw her parents and his. She raised her eyebrows at him and he shrugged. "Love you," he whispered.

A few moments later, she walked off the stage and over to them. "Hi, Mom!" Hunter stood on a chair and wrapped his arms around her neck. She couldn't help but hug him back and fight back her tears. He kissed her cheek and let go.

"Thank you, sweetie." She kissed his forehead and then turned to Jack. "Just another day?" She nodded at their parents.

"I…I have no excuse. I know you don't want to hear it but I'm so very proud of you. I couldn't tell them not to come."

She nodded and kissed his cheek. "I love you," she whispered. "Thank you for being here."

"This is where I belong, babe. Right by your side."

The group decided to go to Abby's for a quick lunch before Hunter and Jack needed to be back to school.

"Oh! What's the occasion?" Abigail asked as they walked in.

"Mama's a Sergeant!" Hunter told her.

"She is?" Abigail winked at Elizabeth. "Well I guess her lunch is free then!"

"Abigail you don't need to do that." Abigail walked up and hugged her which brought the tears.

"Oh, dear. This is tough, isn't it?" Abigail led her further away from the group. Elizabeth nodded and wiped her cheeks. "Its another part of saying goodbye."

"I thought I would be ok once I moved….I thought everything was ok now."

"It is, sweetie. I still get upset when I smell cologne that Noah used to wear or I see someone that looks like him. It doesn't mean you aren't happy or that you love your husband or son any less. It just means he still has a piece of your heart. It will just take time to recover."

Jack walked over and wrapped his arms around her. "Babe, this is all my fault. You told me that you didn't want to make a big deal. I'm so sorry."

"It's ok. I'll be fine. I do think we need to eat so I can get to work and you and Hunter to school." She kissed his lips and walked over to the table where everyone was seated.

Within an hour, everyone was headed to where they needed to be with promises that Hunter would be staying at Grandpa William and Grandma Grace's for Friday and Saturday night.

Just before it was time for Elizabeth to leave for home, Jack texted.

"Picking up Chinese for dinner. Anything special you want?"

"Surprise me. Can you get me some Mint Chocolate chip ice cream? A big container please!"

"You got it. TTYS"

"Love u."

"Love u 2"

Knowing it would be a good hour before her boys were home, she went home and took a Jacuzzi bath. She lit candles, used vanilla bubble bath, and put on The Piano Guys to relax herself.

She must have fallen asleep though because the next thing she knew, Jack was next to her. "Beth?"

"Hmm?"

"Beth, honey. It's time for dinner."

She opened her eyes and looked at him. "Dinner?"

"Yeah. I got Chinese, remember?"

"Oh, right. I'll be right down." She sighed and gave herself a few moments to wake up before attempting to get out of the tub.

About ten minutes later, she had thrown on her yoga pants and PPD t-shirt and headed downstairs.

"Mama! I'm hungry!" He climbed up on a stool by the bar and reached for her.

She picked him up and hugged him tight. "I love you, Hunter."

"Love you too."

"Ok, let's eat."

"Can we watch a movie while we eat?"

"No, dinner first, then movie, bud."

She put him down by the table and took both his and Jack's hands to say the blessing.

….

In the middle of the movie, Hunter fell asleep next to Bruce on the couch so Elizabeth got up and made herself a sundae.

She scooped three scoops of ice cream into a bowl, added hot fudge, whipped cream, and a cherry, and then for extra yumminess, she added sprinkles.

"You ok?" Elizabeth jumped when she heard Jack's voice.

"Just fine. Needed some ice cream." She strategically moved her spoon in her dish, getting a little of everything and put it in her mouth, shutting her eyes. "So good."

He moved closer, slipping his fingers around her small waist, under her t-shirt. "Can I have a taste?" She moved forward and kissed him deeply.

"How's that?"

"Good…but I meant from your bowl."

"Oh, ok, but you see, this is mine. There's plenty if you want to make your own."

"Not going to share?"

He tickled the soft skin on her back with his fingertips, moving up and down her spine.

"Nope." She put another spoonful in her mouth and moaned.

"Please, Beth?" He moved his lips to her neck, below her ear. "You smell so good."

"Thank you. Still not sharing." She kissed his cheek and stepped away. "Valiant effort though."

"Mama!"

"In the kitchen, love." She winked at Jack as he prepared his own sundae next to her.

"Ooh! Can I have ice cream?"

"Ask your father, I'm headed to bed."

"Night, Mama."

"Night." She kissed his hair and walked past Jack on her way to the stairs, making sure he knew she wanted him to join her.

"Dad?"

"Huh?" Jack watched her climb the stairs before turning his attention to his bowl.

"Can I have ice cream?"

"Sure, bud." He gave him the bowl he had prepared for himself. "Then it's bed time."

"But it's 7 o'clock! My bed time isn't until 8."

"Sometimes it's good to get extra rest."

"Aw, man."

….

Elizabeth sat against the headboard, reading her book when he walked in. "Hunter in bed?"

"Yeah, but he's not asleep. I guess giving him ice cream before bed wasn't a good plan." Jack locked the door and removed his tie and then his shirt. "Did your ice cream help?"

"Help what?"

"It just seemed like you were drowning your sorrows in mint chocolate chip and sprinkles."

"Don't forget the cherry."

"Beth."

"I'm ok. It's been an emotional day. I could really use a distraction though."

"Oh yeah?" He smirked and sat down next to her.

"Yeah. I'm pretty sure you qualify."

"I can try." He kissed her softly, slipping his hands under the edge of her tank top.

"You don't have to try," she whispered before claiming his warm lips with her own.

…

The end of the school day couldn't come fast enough for Jack that Friday. Hunter was set to go to Elizabeth's parents after school, giving Jack and Elizabeth the time they were craving with each other.

The stack of papers on his desk was nearly completed when a knock came on his classroom door.

"Lee, good to see you."

"You too. Do you have a minute?"

"Sure, just give me a second. Trying to get all my grading done before the weekend."

"That's right! You and Beth are getting some alone time this weekend." Lee smiled as he took a seat in the front row of Jack's classroom.

"Yeah. She talked to you about it?" Jack chuckled.

"She did, yeah. She didn't say a lot, just that she's really looking forward to it."

"That makes two of us. I'll tell you what, being newlyweds and parenting a 5 year old is… well, different."

"I can only imagine." Lee looked around the desk he was sitting in. "Wow, this may be the first time I've sat in the front of a classroom."

"You were a back of the room kind of guy?"

"All the way!" They laughed.

Jack put the final paper on the completed stack and looked over at Lee, noticing he was starting to get nervous. "You alright, Lee?"

Lee nodded. "Can I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"It's about Rosie and me."

"I figured," Jack smiled.

"Yeah… See, I always thought that when I got to this point in a relationship, that I could ask my girlfriend's father for his blessing. Some may call it old fashioned but its how I was raised. I know she still looks to you like a brother and really, you're the only family she has left. So I guess what I'm asking is…. would you mind if I asked her to…. marry me?"

Jack smiled. "You think you can handle a life with Rosie?"

"It will be an adventure," Lee laughed. "I love her, Jack. She's amazing."

"I know. You're a good man, Lee. You have my blessing!"

"Really? Thanks! Can you keep this between us? I mean, you can talk to Beth. She already knows I've been thinking about it."

"Oh, you two talked?"

"No, but I know she knows. She's scary good at figuring that stuff out."

Jack laughed, "Sounds good. When will you ask her?"

"That I still need to figure out. It will be a proposal fit for Rosie, though."

Jack glanced down at the picture of his family on his desk, focusing mostly on Elizabeth's radiant smile. He knew she loved him, but sometimes his insecurities overtook his mind. He knew all about the pain she'd gone through in the past. She could feel that and love him. Right? His pensive look did not go unnoticed.

"How are you doing, Jack? I know the promotion ceremony was hard on Beth. You too, having to navigate how she was feeling."

Jack leaned back in his seat. "I'm so proud of her. She worked very hard for it. I just felt bad that such an achievement had to be tainted with sadness, but I understand it."

Elizabeth had shared with Lee that she was concerned how her emotions were affecting Jack.

"She's never been happier than she has been with you, Jack. Trust me."

"I hope so. I love her so much. Things feel… different this time. I loved Rosie's sister, but what I feel for Elizabeth is…"

"More?"

"Yes. I can't explain it."

"Neither can she," Lee laughed. "Well, I should go. I promised Rosie to help her students with the sets for the play."

"Another reason I'm thankful she has you now," Jack laughed. "That used to be my job."

"Want it back? She's so darn picky!" Lee rolled his eyes as he laughed.

"Nope, you want her, you got her!"

Lee soon left, leaving Jack with his thoughts. It was now very important to him to plan a weekend she wouldn't forget. It was important to him that she feel at peace with their relationship.

….

Elizabeth arrived home first. Her parents had come by earlier to pick up Hunter's things and Bruce. They'd pick Hunter up from the school, giving her plenty of time to put her plan into action. She pulled out the recipe she got from Rosie and placed it on the counter, sorting out the ingredients she needed.

"I can do this… it's just a simple dinner. At least, Rosie thinks its simple. I mean, how hard can Shepard's pie be anyway?"

This weekend was something both she and Jack had been looking forward to. She knew the topic of more children would come up, but it was more than that. She knew the toll her emotions surrounding her promotion had taken on her. She couldn't imagine what they had done to Jack.

Jack, her wonderful, loving husband. She worried that her feelings about her past where leading him to think she wasn't happy in their marriage. Fact was, things couldn't be further from the truth. She was madly in love with Jack. Tonight, she planned to prove it.

After dinner was in the oven, she hurried up the stairs to change. She'd brought a new dress for the night.

While she was upstairs Jack rushed into the house. He sneaked into the kitchen to a stash a special dessert he'd grabbed for them. It was tricky at first. He knew she loved chocolate, and Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream, but he wanted something fancier. He'd called around the city and found a bakery that had a double chocolate mint chip cake ready to sell. So of course he drove the extra 20 minutes to get it.

The house smelled good. Really good. Peeking in the oven he found his favorite meal, Shepard's pie.

Elizabeth descended the stairs, still fussing with her hair. Jack ducked into the downstairs bath, adjusting his tie and hair. "Here we go," he said grinning in the mirror.

He walked out, bumping into her as she headed down the hall herself.

"Hey."

"Hi."

They just stood there, taking in the sight of each other.

"Wow, Beth, you look…" He eyed her form snuggly wrapped in smooth red fabric. Her slender yet muscular arms were left exposed by capped sleeves of her knee length dress. He was speechless.

Elizabeth fought the grin her lips were trying to make. She loved the look in his eyes. Leaning in she kissed the corner of his mouth, letting her lips linger there.

"You like it?"

He nodded, "You're beautiful. I love you in your yoga pants and hoodie, so please don't think I expect this. It's a nice treat though."

"I'm glad," she smiled, feeling proud of herself. For not always feeling like a girly girl, she was happy she could do this for her husband.

While she checked on their dinner, he set the table. He grabbed the red tablecloth from the hall closet, some candles from the top shelf, even putting on some soft music to make the mood.

"We'll be ready in just a minute." She put the casserole dish on the table and went to grab the wine.

"Ok. Be right back."

"Where are you going?"

"Setting something up for later." He wiggled his eyebrows at her.

"Well, alright then," she giggled, loving his playfulness.

In the living room, Jack flipped on the gas fireplace. It had been a favorite place for them to curl up by, and he hoped to enjoy their dessert there tonight.

"Ready, love?"

"Yup. Coming."

Ever the gentleman, Jack pulled out his wife's chair before sitting down. She poured them each a glass of red wine.

Jack lifted his glass in the air, "To my beautiful wife, I can't imagine my life without you. You are everything to me."

Tears slowly trickled down her cheek as she raised her own glass. "To my wonderful husband, I have never been happier than I am with you."

Now it was Jack's turn to tear up. "To us."

"To us!"

Elizabeth served them both salad and a helping of her very first Shepard's pie. It smelled great, she just hoped it tasted great too.

He chuckled as she sat there, hands in front of her as if she was praying, waiting for him to taste it.

"I'm sure it's wonderful, Beth."

"I hope so… I tried really hard."

He took his fork and put a heaping amount in his mouth. A moment later he moaned with delight. "Sweetheart, this is great!"

"Really?" She bounced.

"Yes!"

"Oh, I'm so excited! I know it's your favorite and I really wanted to do something nice for you."

"Well, you knocked this one out of the park. Go ahead, try it," he gestured to her plate.

She took a small bite, and smiled. "It really is good!"

"I wouldn't lie to you, Beth!" he laughed. "Now don't tell Rosie this, but this is honestly the best Shepard's pie I've ever had. She prides herself on hers." He whispered the last part.

"That's funny. It's her recipe I sort of used."

"No way?"

"Yes! Her's didn't have any garlic in it though and you love garlic so I improvised a little."

"Well, whatever you did, please don't forget!"

Dinner was tame compared to normal, yet wonderful. They both loved having the time to talk without being interrupted by a 5 year old with a million questions. Though, at the same time, they missed their little boy.

Once they were done Jack blew out the candles and tended to the dishes while Elizabeth put the food away.

"I'm glad you liked dinner. I'm just sorry I didn't have enough time to make you dessert."

"That's alright. I took care of dessert."

"You did? What is it?"

"A surprise for a little later. For now, how about we take our wine into the living room? I've got the fire going."

She smiled at him. "You read my mind."

In the living room, with their wine resting on the hearth, they sat comfortably, watching the flames dance. Elizabeth sat in between Jack's legs with her back against his chest, his chin resting on her shoulder.

"I love you, Beth."

"I love you too. So much."

Neither said much, they knew Hunter would be calling soon. Instead they simply enjoyed the calm.

Elizabeth's phone rang at 8 o'clock as expected. She answered, placing the call on speaker.

"Mom, Dad you there?"

"Hi, sweetie! We're here."

"Hey bud. How are you?"

"Good! We had pizza for dinner! I made mine. It was awesome! What did you guys have?"

"Mom made Shepard's pie. It was really good." Jack kissed her temple.

"Better than Rosie's?"

"Yup."

"Oh! Leave me some!" They laughed.

"Okay, we'll do that, bud. Hey how's Bruce doing?"

"Bruce… well…."

"Hunter, what did he do?"

"I was in the den. Grandpa and Grandma have the coolest Lego sets."

"And…"

"And Bruce got bored watching me so he…. ate Grandma's purse."

"Oh my!" Elizabeth gasped.

"And Grandpa's shoes…."

'Dang," Jack mutter. "The dog has expensive taste in chew toys."

They talked for a while longer, encouraging Hunter that even though they were having fun just them, they looked forward to picking him up Sunday and spending the day together. Thankfully, he loved being at his grandparents so it wasn't a hard sell. They'd both noticed a change in him since the adoption was final. Hunter seemed more confident and secure in his own skin. It was wonderful to see.

They soon said goodnight to their son, and Jack apologized to William about Bruce. William was gracious and laughed, saying they were just things and no big deal. Apparently he never liked the shoes anyway and now with Grace down a purse, he knew exactly what to get her for her birthday next month.

Elizabeth tossed her phone over on the couch, not wanting to be interrupted anymore during the night.

Jack wrapped his arms tighter around her, pressing her tightly to his chest.

"You comfortable?" he asked as he ran his hand over the smooth red fabric.

"Mhmm. This dress is surprisingly comfortable."

"Good." He kissed her temple.

She wanted to tell him she was sorry. Sorry about crying about the past, sorry about almost pushing him away about the promotion, but she couldn't. Everything felt so good in that moment. So perfect. They needed a night were they didn't have to talk about the past. She wanted to show him that she was content and happy.

"Remember that question Hunter asked me the other day?"

"Why we call black ice, black?"

"No, not that one." She giggled.

"Oh, the who would win in a fight, Batman or Spiderman?"

"No, but the answer to that is clearly Batman."

"You'd make our son proud, babe." They laughed. "Which question then?"

She answered softly, "The one about a baby."

"Oh, that one."

"Yeah." She moved to face him. "What do you think?"

"I think… a baby with you would be completely amazing." He smiled as he cupped her face with his hand. "Before you, I prayed everything would work out with Hunter. Then it would be the two of us, me and him against the world. It would have been a good life but this, what you and I have with him, is so much stronger." She nodded. "To add a baby to our family made from that love, I don't have words for that."

"I want a baby with you too. Someday."

"Just not now?" He leaned back, studying her reaction. Seeing her struggle with her words he added, "You can be honest with me. I'm your husband, remember?

"It's just… I just made Sergeant. I want to do something with that. Not just man a desk."

"I understand that."

"Yeah?"

"Of course I do! So what do you think we wait a year or…."

"3?"

"3?!"

"No, you're right. I don't want to wait that long…"

"Well, maybe." Jack scratched his head. "I don't know. I'd start now so maybe that's why waiting 3 years seems like a lifetime."

She took his hands in hers. He wasn't wrong. 3 years was a long time. They both knew that life could change on you in an instant. Her job was important to her, though. "Lets try in a year."

"Really?" Jack asked excitedly.

"Yeah. It will give Hunter time to adjust and us to get to be a family. You know, give him the attention he really needs. Then… we try for our baby."

"Deal," Jack grinned.

Elizabeth sighed happily. The thought of having a child with this man was overwhelmingly wonderful. She took hold of his tie, pulling him in for a deep kiss. It wasn't an innocent kiss. It was one of passion and desire. Jack quickly matched her love with his own.

"You know," he whispered when they pulled back for air. "I know we said we'd wait a year, but it couldn't hurt to practice."

"Practice?" She bit her bottom lip.

"Yeah." His lips trailed from her lips down to her neck, causing her to lose all focus as he gently laid her back against the floor. "So what do you say?"

She removed his tie and placed it on the floor next to them before focusing on his button down. "I like to practice."