Thanksgiving Day

Elizabeth rolled over and immediately covered her nose with her hand. Coffee. She loved coffee but right now, repulsive.

"I brought you breakfast, babe," Jack said, walking carefully with a tray to her side of the bed. "How are my wife and babies this morning?"

"Please, take the coffee away! Is that…biscuits and gr…?" she bolted past him into the bathroom and emptied her stomach.

He looked down at the delicious breakfast he had prepared and frowned. It sure tasted good but it didn't look all that appetizing now that he thought about it. He took it downstairs and made her some toast, jam on the side and cut up some strawberries and put them in a bowl.

"Ok, let's try this again." He put the tray down next to her and cupped her cheek. "How are you doing, sweetie?"

She nodded and smiled. "I can't believe I'm actually having a baby."

"Two," he reminded her.

"Yes, two." She looked over at the food he brought. "You know, I think I want a smoothie."

"Like the shakes you drink in the mornings? Is that safe?"

"Yeah. I asked the doctor. As long as I don't have more than two servings a day and it's not my only source of protein, it will be fine. Mine actually has a good type of protein that is healthy for babies because it's what is found in breast milk."

"You've done your research."

"I have. I want them safe too, Jack."

He nodded and kissed her forehead. "I'll make your shake."

"Thank you, love."

She got up and took a shower and slipped on her yoga pants and Philly PD t-shirt and put her hair in a ponytail.

She placed her hand on her tummy, lifting her t-shirt to look at it. It was still flat but she knew with two of them in there, it wouldn't stay a secret for long.

"Twins," she laughed. "Amazing."

She met him downstairs, feeling less nauseated and more like her normal self. There was still a smell of coffee and other items in the air but she decided to try to ignore it. "Thank you," she said, accepting the glass from him and taking a sip.

"I added blueberries and banana to it."

"Mmm. It's so good," she said taking another sip.

"Happy Thanksgiving, Beth."

"Happy Thanksgiving."

A few hours later, they got dressed and drove to Tom and Charlotte's for dinner.

"Ok, so we aren't telling anyone tonight, right?" Jack asked.

"Right. I think waiting until Christmas is a better idea. I do have to tell the Chief tomorrow though."

"Yeah."

"But then Lee will need to know why I'm on light duty and you know what that means."

"Rosie," they groaned together.

"She can't keep a secret, Beth, and she's going to be so excited to be pregnant at the same time as you."

"I know. I will ask Lee to keep it to himself if at all possible." She stayed silent for a moment and then squeezed Jack's hand. "Thank you for making me breakfast this morning, love. That was very sweet of you."

"You're welcome. I just have to remember the aversion to coffee and the other food we won't mention."

"Hopefully only for a few weeks." Jack watched as she subconsciously placed her hand over her tummy, as if protecting the lives within. She was going to be an awesome mother to their babies. She already was to Hunter but to love and nurture their own…it was something he looked very forward to being a part of.

When they pulled into his parent's driveway, they sat for a moment and then took a deep breath. "Ready?" Jack asked.

"Yeah. I'm ready."

As they walked in, their senses were overwhelmed. Charlotte had decorated with fall leaves and pumpkins and twinkle lights.

The amazing smells of dinner floated through the kitchen to the foyer where they had walked in.

Then there was Hunter and Bruce. "Mama!" Hunter ran toward them and wrapped his arms around her waist. "I missed you."

"I missed you, love. Did you have fun spending the night?"

"Yeah. It was fun. I helped Pop decorate."

"You did? Grammie didn't do it?"

"Not me," Charlotte said, walking in. "The kitchen is where I want to be. I don't see a reason to decorate for anything other than Christmas, but my Tom, bless his heart, thinks every holiday should be obvious to those who walk through the door."

"As it should be," Tom said, walking over to kiss Elizabeth's cheek and hug his son. "Good to see you," he told them and then he and Hunter went into the living room to watch football.

"I'm going to go watch the game. You gonna be ok?" Jack asked Elizabeth, kissing her cheek.

"Of course! Scoot. I'll help your mom in the kitchen. I can chop veggies or something."

As the women headed into the kitchen, Charlotte offered her coffee.

"Oh, no thank you. Do you have any tea? Peppermint, maybe?" She had read that it settled a stomach so she wanted some. She was feeling a bit queasy.

Charlotte looked at her for a moment and then went to her cupboard. "I do have peppermint."

"I'll take some, thank you."

Charlotte boiled some water and then opened the oven to baste the turkey, however at the sight of the partially raw meat, Elizabeth had to fight her stomach and pretend as if she didn't want to throw up her lunch.

"So, about another two hours and this monster of a turkey will be done. Twenty pounder!"

Elizabeth took a sip of her tea and closed her eyes, thinking of anything but the poultry in the oven.

"Beth?" Her eyes popped open.

"Yes?"

"You ok?"

"Of course. What can I help you with?"

…

Charlotte could tell Beth had something going on. She guessed she was pregnant but she wasn't going to say anything. It was obvious if you paid attention. Jack asking if she would be ok, wanting peppermint tea instead of coffee, closing her eyes when she saw the turkey in the oven and then to cap it all off, declining a glass of wine which Charlotte knew for a fact she enjoyed in the evenings. Jack was even more attentive than normal and she caught them whispering when they thought no one was watching. If she wasn't pregnant, she would be shocked.

Once everyone had gone home, Charlotte thought about it. Another grandbaby would be wonderful. How would it work with her on the police force though?

"Char, are you coming to bed?"

"Yes, dear. I'm coming."

"Something on your mind?"

"What happens to female cops if they get pregnant? I mean, a rhetorical question of course."

"Well, since its rhetorical…." he said with a chuckle. "It depends on the department and their policy."

"Its dangerous, Tom. Should she….I mean the woman keep working?"

"She, I know you mean Elizabeth, would talk it over with her husband and then they would make a decision. Personally though, I think a pregnant woman typically is not ill and can perform most duties just fine. I'm sure if she were eight months pregnant she wouldn't be comfortable in a bulletproof vest or something of that nature."

Char nodded and slipped under the covers. "I'd be awfully worried."

"Char, is she pregnant?"

"I think so but from the looks of her, it's really early. I'm sure they will tell us when the time is right."

"I'm sure they will, dear."

….

The next morning, Elizabeth felt terrible but she drank her shake courtesy of Jack, and then dressed in her uniform and headed to work.

As soon as she arrived, she headed in to see the chief. She knocked on his door.

"Come in."

"Chief. May I have a few minutes of your time?"

"Of course, Sargeant. Have a seat."

"I have something of a personal nature I need to discuss with you."

"Ok, Beth. What can I do for you?"

"Sir.."

"Henry."

"Henry, I'm pregnant."

"Oh! Congratulations, Beth. You do look a bit under the weather."

"Yes, the morning sickness is kicking me today."

"My wife was miserable during that time."

"Henry, I wasn't aware you had children."

"I don't. She was never able to carry a baby full term."

"Oh, I'm so sorry."

"No, I am. I shouldn't have told you that. I don't want you to worry about this baby at all. You are healthy and strong."

"Babies." She smiled.

"Babies?"

"Yes, twins."

"Oh my."

"Yes. Now I don't expect special treatment here. I do get tired easily but as you said I'm strong and healthy."

"Yes, but policy requires me to put you on light duty the same as I would if you were ill or injured."

"I know. Could I continue my work normally until I start showing?" She didn't want preferential treatment.

"No, I'm sorry. Light duty effective immediately. You understand that, right? I mean, it's you and two babies."

"Yes sir. Thank you."

"You're welcome. When are you due, Beth?"

"Very end of June."

"Congratulations again. Oh, hold on." The chief turned back to his computer and began typing away. "The hearings for Murphy and Tolliver begin next week. I'm assigning Lee to appear and testify. You don't need that kind of stress in your condition."

"I can handle it sir."

"I understand that, and I believe you. The assignment still stands though. If you chose to appear in court it will be of your own volition and you will have the freedom to step out if need be."

"Of course, sir." She didn't like it, but she respected it. She also knew Jack would be happy with this. Something told her he wouldn't like his pregnant wife in the same room with Tolliver again if they could help it. "So as far as today, where would you like me?"

"If you're up to it, there are about four reports that need to be filed. Seems we have a fraud ring going on involving debit cards at the local banks."

"Ok. I'm on it."

"Very good."

"Sir, if we could keep this between us."

"And Lee? He is your partner."

"Yes sir. Would you like a latte? I think I'll take Lee to get some coffee."

"Yes, that would be great."

She walked back to her desk and grabbed her hat. "Lee, coffee break?"

"Definitely." He grabbed his hat and they headed to his patrol car. "All business this morning, huh, Beth?"

"What do you mean?"

"You walked in, serious as can be, and went straight to the chief."

"Yeah. I had to discuss something with him. And now with you." She didn't fill him in until they arrived at the coffee shop though. "Remember our last conversation here? About me possibly being pregnant?"

"Yep."

"Well, I'm due June 30th."

"Congratulations! That's wonderful!"

"With twins."

"Holy moly!"

"Right? It's crazy."

"Wow, ok, so what's the plan? Light duty, right?"

"Yeah. I don't know about our partnership…I won't be out a lot."

"I'll miss you but those babies are the most important thing. Whatever it takes, right?"

"Of course." Yes, she would do whatever it took to keep her babies safe, but it would be very difficult to be sidelined for nine months. How could she do her job as Sargent from her desk?

"This is going to drive you nuts, isn't it?"

"Yes it will but I'm so grateful, Lee. I can't even believe the blessings of having two babies and Jack and Hunter." Her tears rolled down her cheeks. "I don't deserve…"

"Stop! You absolutely deserve all the good things in life, Beth Thornton. Don't ever say you don't."

When he opened her door for her, he pulled her out of the car and hugged her. "Thanks, Lee."

"Let's go get you some tea."

"Thanks. One more thing… for now, no telling Rosie." Lee swallowed hard. This wouldn't be easy.

…..

That afternoon at the school arena, Jesse and Jack stood on the ice watching the varsity boys hockey teams run agility drills back and forth. They had a big game tomorrow night. Vacation or no vacation, they were expected to practice.

Jack was thankful for Jesse's focus as his mind was elsewhere for the day. Earlier while at the house he sat at his desk running through numbers in Excel. He had a plan, one he was hoping Beth would be on board with.

Off to the side Hunter sat in the penalty box reading the 4th book of the Magic Treehouse series. Only looking up every so often as the players sped past.

Each time Jack glanced over at him he felt the joy swirling inside him. The day Hunter first arrived in his life, he had no idea what the future held. He never imagined they'd be this blessed.

"Hey, Cole?" Hunter called over the junior right wingman on the team.

"What's up, little man?"

"I'm trying to read. What's this word? T"

"Extravagant."

"Really? What does that mean?"

"Huge, fancy, rich… elegant."

"Cool. I understood all but that last word you said."

Cole laughed.

"Cole!" Jesse yelled. "Time to get back in the line up."

"Gotta go, little man. Talk to you later."

"Thanks!" Laughing at the sound of the new word he'd just learned he turned back to his book.

Ten minutes later after a long day of sitting at her desk, Beth headed to the arena. When it was time to clock out, she hurried to change into her street clothes before hopping into her car. The excitement of the babies growing inside her made her want to be near Hunter even more than usual. He was her first child, always would be.

Jack saw her as she entered and skated over.

Jesse rolled his eyes and laughed. "That's okay Jack, I'll run this whole practice on my own."

"Good," Jack grinned back at him. He stepped off right onto the floor mat in front of his glowing wife.

Beth giggled as he wrapped his arms around her waist. He was a good 3 inches taller than normal with his skates on. She stood on her toes to reach him, pulling him down to her level slightly. Oh, how she'd missed him today.

"Ow Ow Ow!" The team called out, teasing their coach as they smacked their sticks against the ice and cheered.

"Alright. That's enough boys! Back to work!" Jack said pulling himself away from Elizabeth.

"A little distracted today?" She bit her lip, referring to Jesse's earlier comment. Jack sighed and buried his face in her hair for a moment before answering.

"You have no idea. So tell me, how'd it go with Lee and the chief?"

"Both went great. Chief assigned me to light duty which was expected but stinks. I spent today filing reports." It was clear by her facial expression she was less than pleased.

"I'm sorry, hon. It will all be worth it when we hold our babies in our arms. You have to believe that."

"I know. That will get me through this. How's our boy? I want to see him." Jack pointed over to the penalty box. He laughed at her giddiness as she hurried off to see him.

"Hi, love," she said stepping into the box.

"Mom! Look how far I am in my new book!"

Elizabeth stepped in and kissed his head. "That's wonderful! We'll be looking for the next in the series before you know it."

"Oh yeah! These are awesome. I love reading."

"Good!"

….

Julie stepped out into the chilly air after spending all day in the art studio space. She'd been busy working away at a painting due the week after break. It was almost finished and to her surprise she really liked how it was coming together. She was grateful all her recent all-nighters were paying off.

A breeze blew through, causing her to wrap her plush jacket tighter around her thin form. For a split moment, it made her think of Tom. She always felt so warm and safe in his embrace.

It had been almost 3 weeks since she'd heard from him. The last time Charlotte and Tom Sr. had invited her over for dinner they explained to her that Tom rarely called them on these trips. He was usually in some remote area and would do his best to immerse himself in the culture. As it was, he'd already managed to call Julie more than Charlotte expected given his history.

"He loves you, dear," she'd said. "Have no doubt about it."

Julie knew she was right. Tom loved her. He made a point to make sure she knew that every time they talked. Even if it was just for a short time. She just needed to hold onto that for the next few weeks. If they were lucky, he'd be home for Christmas. That's all she wanted.

Her phone rang just as she was about to duck into the subway. It was Elizabeth.

"Hey sis," she answered. "How are you, Jack, and my favorite nephew doing?"

"It's me, Aunt Julie!"

"Hunter! Hey, sweetie!"

"Can you come over for dinner tonight?" We're having leftover thanksgiving food and playing games."

"Do your parents know you're calling me right now?" she giggled. She knew she had spent an awful lot of time there after Tom left.

"Yup. I asked. We're heading home from Dad's hockey practice right now. Please come!"

"How can I turn down an offer like that? See you soon!"

She hung up and instead of taking the train, she took a cab over to their home. When she stepped out onto the sidewalk, she saw Hunter and Bruce in the front window waving at her. It warmed her heart. Beth had a good life. Maybe one day she'd have all this too. A home, a husband, an adorable little boy. There was so much love there.

….

Lee's car pulled into his driveway 2 hours later than usual. It had been a long day. He already missed working side by side with Beth. Chief Gowan had wasted no time matching Lee up with a new temporary partner. Emphasis on the "temporary". Lee made it clear that when Beth was ready, he wanted her back as his partner. Gowan didn't hesitate to agree.

Unfortunately for now Lee was paired up with, Graham Lester, a rookie cop fresh out of the academy. It was Lee's job to show him the ropes for a bit.

The day had started out well enough. That was until they were chasing a perp through a busy city street market. Lester took out a fruit vender instead of the perp, leaving Lee to catch him on his own. It might not have been so bad if the guy hadn't been twice Lee's size and pure muscle. He hadn't checked, but he was pretty sure his back and side were as black and blue as the night's sky above him.

He dragged his tired body inside, smelling the wonderful aroma of turkey chili coming from the kitchen. Along with his wife's beautiful voice.

"Hey, Rosie."

"Lee!" She placed the ladle down and rushed towards him.

"Hey, sweetie. How was your day?"

"Good. You and Elizabeth catch all the bad guys?" Lee knew he had to play this close to the vest. Beth wasn't ready for everyone to know about her pregnancy. And if Rosie knew, everyone would know.

"It was eventful, that's for sure."

Rosie flung her arms around him, making him wince. "Oh honey bunny, what's wrong?"

"Other than that nickname?" he teased. "I'm fine. Just a rough day at the office." He lifted his shirt, showing her his battle wounds.

"Oh dear. You and Elizabeth face a giant tonight?"

"Basically, yeah. But not Beth. Me and Graham Lester."

"Who's that and what happened to Beth? Is she alright?" Rosie gasped as she reached for her phone.

"She's fine, sweetie. Just…" Lee almost gave away Beth's news. "Chief Gowan just wanted to… switch things up a bit. That's all."

"Switch things up? Whatever for?"

"You know… training." He shrugged. "Lester is a rookie. Its my job as a senior officer to train him up. Make sure he settles in well and all that."

"Alright…" She wasn't convinced.

"This wouldn't happen to have anything to do with the fact that you thought she was pregnant, does it?"

I knew I shouldn't have said anything… He thought to himself. "Nope. And I was wrong about that. So what's for dinner?" He quickly changed the subject. Hoping that at least for now, she'd leave it alone.

…..

Across the way, Jack thoroughly enjoyed doing bedtime with his son. Not only did it help him escape the Thatcher sisters who were downstairs watching Hallmark Christmas Movies, but it gave him real quality time with Hunter. He knew things would change when the babies came. So after bath and teeth brushing, Jack climbed up into Hunter's bed with him and they took turns reading, one paragraph at a time for two chapters.

When he left, his son seemed sound asleep, hugging his bear and parrot close.

"Night, Hunt. I love you," Jack whispered.

"Love you… too… Dad…" Hunter's soft mumbles carried over the sound of the ceiling fan.

As Jack made it down the stairs, he realized the usual sound of the sister's movie commentary was missing. Either they were completely engrossed in the movie about a school teacher and her cookie making escapades or something else was going on.

Sure enough, as he quietly walked into the living room, he found his wife and sister-in-law curled up under a blanket, their heads resting together as they lightly snored.

Grabbing his phone he took a quick picture. He emailed it to Tom right away.

"Look what I have here, bro. We're lucky men. Miss you. Be safe. - Jack"