Chapter 8

Tom walked Julie to the hotel. "I think that went pretty well."

Julie looked in his direction and squeezed his hand. "Yes, I agree. I think there is something between my sister and your brother."

"I had the same feeling. They seemed close. That's strange for Jack."

"Has he never dated before?"

"Yes. He just wasn't into dating to be dating. He always wanted what ma and pa had. He wasn't willing to settle."

"Did they really call you Mr. Not One Girl Thorton?"

"Yeah. I was pretty bad. I just didn't care to date one girl for very long. I would get bored and move on within a week. Did they really call you Ms. Noncommittal Thatcher?"

Julie laughed. "Absolutely. I was just like you. A guy would interest me for a couple of days and then I would get bored and move on."

"I guess we are a lot alike."

"We are, and we are both different now."

"I agree."

…

Elizabeth stopped walking and faced Jack. In their short time since they met, she never considered that Jack didn't live in Hope Valley. She never thought of it. "Jack. That is a big decision to make. What do you think?"

"Well…I have been growing tired of the traveling. I enjoy the job, but I want to have a home, not a place to stay for a few days or a couple of weeks. I am home maybe one to two weeks a month and traveling for the other time of the month. I want a home, a dog, and eventually a family. I can't have that with this current job."

Elizabeth nodded and encouraged Jack to continue.

"I love helping people. Bill ensured me that being the chief I would still have the opportunity to help people. He called my mother and asked her if I was willing to consider the position. That's when he asked her if I would be willing to come here to help him. He has been wanting to retire for a while now but hasn't felt good about any potential replacements."

"Do you think you could do the job? Would you want to do the job?"

"I am well trained, and I know I can do it. I need to look into all the things Bill does and what the job requires, but I think I would. I like the town so far and…" His voice trailed off.

"And…?"

"I know this is new for both of us. And I may be rushing things in my inexperience, but….but you are important to me. I don't know if this is how fast things usually go in relationships, but I am wanting to see where this goes." He said without looking at her. Then he tilted his head slightly to catch a glimpse of her face.

Her face showed a little bit of panic. Thirty minutes in the relationship and he is talking like this?

"Elizabeth. Elizabeth." He stated trying to get her attention. "I see the panic in your face. I am not proposing marriage. I just want to be honest in that you are important to me, even though we have only dated for thirty minutes. I'm not trying to scare you or push you, it's just how I feel." Jack was starting to worry he shared too much too soon.

The more she talked with Jack the more she was swooning because of this precious man. "I'm sorry Jack. I know you aren't pushing. It's just…It's just I am not use to a man being honest with me like this. I dated Charles for the last two years of high school and all four years of college and he never spoke like this."

"I'm not him. I'm just being me, nothing special."

"And you are wonderful. He pushed, lied, manipulated, and tried to control me. I'm not used to someone like you."

"I'm sorry you went through all of that."

"It's alright Jack. I know you are not like him. I'm sorry I brought him up."

"E-liz-a-beth." He drawled out each syllable of her name.

Wow, I have never loved my name more than when he says it like that. How does he do that?

"Why did you stay with him so long? I'm sorry Elizabeth. That is none of my business."

"Jack, you can ask me anything you want. For you, I am an open book. In high school he started out nice, then became controlling. I left the state to attend college and didn't see him or talk to him very much. I didn't come home very long during the summers. I was working or taking a summer class. I would use him as an excuse to turn guys down who asked me out. When I graduated college and moved home, he didn't change. I broke up with him after about three months after I moved back home. I moved to Hope Valley not long after that. I haven't dated anyone since."

"Thank you Elizabeth. So, what do you think about the position?"

"Jack, it's your job and your life. It is really your decision."

He reached for her hands to gather all her attention. "Yes. It is my decision, and I will make the right decision for me. And you are part of that decision. You have a part in this equation. I know this relationship is new, but you play an important part of it. I want to know what you think. It won't make the decision for me, but it will help me make it."

Elizabeth was once again taken back by his honesty. "Jack, how are you single?"

"Honestly?"

She nodded.

"I was waiting for someone like you. I was waiting for you."

She couldn't help it. She stepped closer and claimed his lips once again.

Once that kiss was finished, she stated, "I would love to have you here with me. I want to see where this leads. I feel like we have the potential to have something special. But you need to make this decision based on what's best for you. Ok?"

"Thank you for telling me how you feel. Honestly, I am leaning to taking it, but I still have a few questions that needs to be answered."

She couldn't keep from getting excited about him moving to Hope Valley. She was being honest with Jack. It was his life and he needed to make the best decision for himself, but she was hoping that the best decision was for him to move to Hope Valley. She didn't like change too much. However, this fast moving change with Jack did not concern her at all. He was just different from any man she ever knew, and she was loving every minute of it.

"Thank you for wanting my opinion. That means a lot to me."

"You're welcome, Elizabeth. My parents always talked things through. Pa always wanted Ma's opinion when he had to make a decision. He didn't always agree with her point of view, but he always wanted it. I think that is how it is supposed to work."

She reached over and pinched Jack on the arm. "Ouch. What are you doing?"

"I just wanted to see if you are for real."

He looked at her confused. "What?"

"Jack, guys don't think that way."

"Well, I guess I'm different. This is just how I was raised by my father. He died in my early teens, but I remember the lessons he taught me. I want to be the type of man and father he was."

"I wish I was able to meet the man who raised you. He did a great job."

Jack blushed at her compliment. They walked silently back to her apartment. They enjoyed the silence and the closeness of holding hands. They were just enjoying the moment together. Elizabeth led Jack to the front porch of her apartment and stopped at the front door. "Would you like to come in for a few minutes?"

"Normally I would say yes, but I really need to go to my apartment. I am working on about three hours of sleep, and I am starting to crash. May I have a rain check?"

She wrapped her arms around his neck and played with the hair on the back of his head. He really like that. After countless minutes of kissing, he said his good nights and started to walk down the path to the sidewalk. She remained on the front porch watching him walk away. "He knows how to fill out those pants." She mentioned under her breath.

She noticed he immediately stopped and turned around and began walking back to her. She smiled as he approached her. She was a little afraid he may have heard what she said.

"You can't do that Elizabeth."

"Do what?" She asked surprised swinging side to side.

"Stand there looking so beautiful and not expect to be kissed senseless." He smiled at her.

"What makes you think I don't want to be kissed?" She flirted at him.

"Well, you did want to continue our walk instead of kissing" He sassed. "I promise I will get better at that so you would rather kiss then take a walk."

She was bouncing on her toes until he was standing in front of her. Then she grabbed the collar of his shirt and pulled him hard into her and placed a kiss on his lips that made his knees go weak.

After the kiss, they looked at each other. Feeling the need to say something, he said, "Hi."

She laughed and said "Hi. Was there something you wanted?"

"Wanted?" He asked confused. She had a way of making him lose his train of thought.

"You came back."

"Oh. Yes. I was wondering if I can have your phone number?"

She laughed. She reached for his phone and entered her name and number. "There you go. Make sure you use it! Ok?"

His dimpled smile melted her where she stood. He gave her a quick kiss on the tip of her nose and turned to head to his apartment.

Before he was on the sidewalk, her phone buzzed. She looked at it and read a text from him. "I just wanted to make sure you gave me the right number :)" She looked up and noticed him looking at her with a silly smile. He waved and turned around continuing to walk toward Abagail's apartment.

"I think I'm falling in love with that silly man." She said out loud. That fact scared and excited her.

…

For the entire walk back to his apartment, Jack couldn't help but smile. He replayed the entire conversation and all the kisses in his mind. He was afraid he was a little too forward with some of the things he said. He was honest but thought it may be too soon to say some of the things he did. But, wow, the kisses. He never knew that was possible. The closeness they experienced made him want to turn around and walk back to her place. He was so lost in thought that he walked past his apartment and was at the end of the street before he realized what he did.

He laughed at himself walking up the driveway. "Well, that must have been some night?" Asked Abagail. She was sitting on the front porch and witnessed the whole thing.

The voice scared Jack and he jumped a little. "Oh, Abagail. What are you doing out here so late?"

"You know, Jack. I could ask you the same question. Did you have a nice walk with Elizabeth?"

"Yes. The best walk." He smiled at the memories of the evening.

"Oh, really?" An amused Abagail mentioned. She was practically giddy with his excitement.

"Yes. We had a great walk and a really good talk."

"That's great Jack. Would you like a hot cup of tea?"

Jack knew he was tired, but he was too excited to sleep. Thinking a cup of tea would help him sleep, he agreed.

"Have a seat, Jack. I will be back in a couple of minutes." With that, she stood and walked into the house to make hot tea.

"If I were you, I would be careful." Frank stated as he walked out.

"Why?"

"That woman has plans in her head and you play a major role in her plans." Frank chuckled. He knew his wife well.

"And what plans would that be?"

"Young man, I don't think you need me to explain her plans. After all, I hear you are a good investigator. If you don't know by now, you may need to change professions."

Jack laughed at the man. "I believe you are correct, sir."

A moment later, Abagail stepped out with a tray of cups and a pot of tea. "So, Jack. Good evening?" She began.

Jack looked over at Frank and gave him a knowing look.

"What?" She asked.

"Nothing dear."

"Jack, don't you dare believe everything this man says." She stated while glaring at her husband.

Jack laughed at the banter. He also noticed that Abagail would look at her phone and type something back. He figured it had to be Elizabeth.

"If you really want to know, Abagail, you could just ask her yourself." He smiled.

She looked shocked at first then gave them a smile knowing she was busted.

"Well, I guess I could." She teased. "But I would like to hear your side."

Jack took a sip of tea and then took a deep breath. He had no need to gather his thoughts, he was just playing with Abagail.

"Don't play with me young man!" She warned. "I can see it in your face."

"You know, Abagail? If I would have had a sister, I think she would be a lot like you."

"I'm not sure if that is a compliment or not, but I will take it as a compliment. Now, how did the walk and talk go?"

"I had a great time. She is great to spend time with and to talk too." He wasn't too sure how much information was appropriate to share. He didn't think it was right to share everything. So, he tried to keep it short and simple.

"A great time, huh.?"

"Dear, quit pushing so hard. Let him have his evening to himself if he wants. It's none of your business." Frank stated with a worried look on his face. He didn't want his beautiful wife to push too much.

"Elizabeth said you two had a great time. Did you guys rehearse what you would say?" She sassed.

Jack was starting to get uncomfortable with all the questions and pushing from Abagail. He shifted in his chair and avoided eye contact with her. She sensed his uneasiness.

"Jack, I am so sorry to push you like this. It's just Elizabeth is a sister to me, and I love her greatly. I saw how you two looked at each other and how you talked during your meal tonight. You got along so well, and I became excited. Maybe a little too excited. I know she hasn't dated since she arrived in Hope Valley, and I know about Charles. She is a special young lady, Jack. I just want her happy."

Jack reached over to touch the top of her hand, "Thank you for looking out for her. I promise you I will treat her with the upmost respect."

"I know Jack. Thank you."

He smiled and nodded at her with gratefulness.

Frank spoke up trying to change the subject. "Any new leads on the case, Jack?"

"Yeah. We are making some progress. Nothing concrete yet, but we are heading in that direction."

"That's great, Jack."

"It is. We are worried the crimes will escalate into someone getting hurt."

Jack stood up from his seat after noticing Abagail smiling at her phone for the countless time tonight. He figured she was getting all the information from Elizabeth. "I think I will turn in. I didn't sleep much last night and it's been a busy day."

"I say." Sassed a giddy Abagail. "One last chance, Jack."

"Well, I don't think I should kiss and tell, Abagail. No matter how many times we kissed." He sassed with a small smile. This left Abagail speechless. Without another word, he turned to head toward his apartment.

Both Frank and Abagail sat speechless until her phone buzzed again. "I think I will leave you to it." Her husband stated as he stood and walked back into the house.

Instead of texting Elizabeth back, she called. "Hey sis. What's up?"

"Frank and I just finished our tea with Jack. He just went to his apartment."

"Oh, how was he?"

"He was fine. Although he is like you, he wouldn't give me too many details."

"What did he say?"

"Just that you two had a great walk and talk. He wouldn't spill too much. Now, it's your turn sis. How did it go? And don't think about leaving out any details!"

Elizabeth laughed. "Abagail, it was perfect. He was such a gentleman and honest with his intentions. I'm not use to that. He didn't hold back. He told me exactly how he felt and what he wanted. He even wanted my opinion on something important in his life. Abagail, It…Was…Perfect…" She was grateful Abagail couldn't see her ridiculously large smile.

Abagail basically bounced in her seat. "Oh Elizabeth. That is wonderful. I have been praying for this."

"Abagail." Warned Elizabeth. "Please let us get to where we are going on our own."

"I know. I know. I am just excited for you two. You looked so great together at the café."

"The evening was perfect."

Abagail laughed. "You've said that already."

"Oh" an embarrassed Elizabeth stated. "Did he tell you we are dating?"

"Wow! No, he didn't. That was fast. Are you ok with that?"

"Absolutely. He was so genuine and honest. If I could place an order for a man, Jack would exceed any of my dreams. He told me he thinks we have something special, and he wants to see where this goes."

"Oh, Elizabeth. I am so excited for you." She paused for a moment then asked, "So, how was the kiss?"

Elizabeth was glad they were on the phone so Abagail couldn't see her red face. "Abagail." She warned.

Jack wouldn't say anything.

"Well, I am not going to kiss and tell no matter how many kisses."

"You little stinker. That is exactly what Jack said."

The two ladies spend the next twenty minutes giggling on the phone with each other like they were teenagers. They talked about the evening without going into too much detail. Elizabeth shared how excited she was about the relationship. Then her phone buzzed with a text from Jack.

"Good night, Bella. Tell Abagail not to keep you up too late because you have school tomorrow."

How does he know?

"Good night, Jack. Sleep well. I will hopefully see you tomorrow?"

"Absolutely"

…

Jack woke the next morning early like usual. He showered and dressed for the day. He decided to walk to the café, hoping to see Elizabeth. When he walked in, he noticed Bill sitting at the table but didn't recognize anyone else in the café. He headed to sit with Bill and Mary stopped him and asked if he wanted his usual. Jack nodded yes and smiled at her. Mary stated, "Elizabeth isn't an early bird. She always stops here for something on the way to school, but it's usually a scone and a coffee to go."

Jack smiled and thanked Mary for everything. He sat with Bill waiting for his food. "Did you have a good night last night, Jack?"

"I did. It was a really good night."

Bill looked at him suspiciously but didn't push. Over their meal, they chatted about the case and what was planned for the day.

…

Elizabeth had a difficult time waking up. She slept fine when she went to sleep. Her and Abagail talked for a little while about Jack. Elizabeth was so excited she just couldn't sleep when she laid down. Her mind replayed the entire time with Jack. "That man sure knows how to kiss." She said as she sunk her head into the pillow.

…

After hitting the snooze button for the fifth time, she finally dragged Herself to the shower. She dressed and hurried to the café hoping to get a glimpse of Jack. Much to her disappointment, Jack already left. "Sorry sweety, he left about ten minutes ago, but he did leave you this." Stated Abagail reaching for a coffee, a blueberry scone, and a note.

She accepted the coffee and scone. Then she opened the note.

"Nani – I hope you have a great day. Enjoy breakfast but don't be late for school. – your lucky boyfriend."

"That man must be the sweetest man alive." She said out loud. But what does 'Nani' mean?"

After her second period class, she had a ten-minute break. She sent Jack a text thanking him for the coffee and stone. She wished him a good day. She knew Bella was Latin for beautiful, but she never heard of Nani. She pulled up the google website and looked up the word. After looking through a couple of definitions, she came across the one she knew Jack intended. Along with a Greek origin, Nani also had a Hawaiian origin. In its Hawaiian roots, its meaning is 'beautiful'. Elizabeth swooned at Jack's actions. "How can one man be so sweet?" she said out loud.

"It's easy when his girlfriend is you." His voice startled her. She jumped to her feet and turned to see Jack standing in the doorway of her classroom holding a single daisy. Breath Elizabeth. Breath. She reminded herself.

She walked to him and into a hug with his arms open. The hug instantly relaxed her. "Thank you for breakfast this morning and for the daisy. How did you know they were my favorite?"

"You are welcome. I saw them in your flowerbed last night and just guessed, and hoped, they were your favorite. I hope this is ok?" Asked a nervous Jack.

"Oh Jack. This is perfect. Thank you." She kissed his cheek. She wanted to do more, but knew it wasn't appropriate with kids around. Jack looked in her eyes and knew the battle she was fighting. He smiled at her and nodded slightly. "I agree, but can we, maybe, you know, do that later?" He asked embarrassed.

She was certain she fell even deeper for him because of his embarrassment.

"I'm sorry. Do what later?" She flirted with a grin.

He pulled her a little closer to him and kicked the door closed with his foot. "I promised you last night that I would get better with that. The only way I can get better is if I practice. I was hoping you would help me with that." She laughed as he wiggled his eyebrows.

"Jack, you are already perfect in that area. I don't know if I can handle it if you get better." She stated with a little pink shade coloring her face.

"Well, I think we should test your theory." Jack didn't know how he flirted with her so freely. He was never that way before with anyone, but it came natural with her.

Elizabeth felt her knees weaken with his words. What she couldn't realize was that his knees were weak too.

"There is one think I don't understand with you, Nani." She looked at him confused.

"Why does my toes tingle when you touch me?"

She remembered their conversation earlier about the type of love she wanted. A pure, toes tingling type of love. She wanted to say something but couldn't form any words. In that moment she leaned forward to kiss him, forgetting where they were, he leaned in and met her halfway. It was a quick kiss, but both understood its meaning.

"I can't stay. I was stopping by the front office for something. While I was here, I had to stop and say hi. I hope that is alright?"

"I'm glad you stopped by. May I see you later?"

"I hope so. Depends how the day turns out. I will let you know when I know. Is that ok?"

"Yes. Perfect."

He smiled that dimple smile at her and kissed the tip of her nose quickly. He turned to leave.

"Hey Jack." She called him before he turned out of her classroom.

"Yes"

"For someone who is inexperienced at this dating thing, you are doing it perfectly." She blushed at her words.

He didn't say anything, with his smile he didn't have too. He blew her a kiss and turned to leave.