Chapter 13

Halfway through dinner, Tom and Jack would glance at each other. They were both confused. Tom was excited about the text he received from Jack about dinner, but now he was uncertain if this was a good idea. The ladies were getting along fine, that was the problem. They were getting along too good. Since the food was delivered, the boys haven't said a word. Julie was sitting to the right of Charlette and Elizabeth to the left. Jack and Tom sat beside their significant others not saying a word to their young ladies because they were so focused on Charlette. They felt left out.

"What's up with that?" Asked Tom.

"I'm not sure." Stated a confused Jack. "Elizabeth and Ma went on a walk while I was gone and when I came back, they were glued to each other. They keep laughing like they are sharing a secret."

"Really? This can't be good for us." Tom replied slowly. He knew this wasn't going to end well for him or Jack.

"They act like best friends that haven't seen each other in years. I didn't think ma would be this quick with them."

"I know. It's a little scary. She never accepted any of my girlfriends like this before now."

"Tom, you never had a girlfriend long enough to learn their name." Sassed Jack.

Tom reached over and smacked the back of Jack's head. "Why would you say that?"

"Well, one Friday you brought home a blonde, and then Saturday for lunch you were with a brunette. Then on Sunday for church you brought…"

"Ok. Ok. It's true, I dated a lot and never one girl for any length of time." Tom admitted.

"You just never meet the right one for you. It seems like you have now. You two getting along fine?"

"Why would you ask me that with her sitting right beside me?" Tom was never comfortable talking like this, especially with the girl and his mother at the same table.

"Look at them Tom. They have no idea we are here. Elizabeth hasn't spoken to me since we ordered our food. It's like they're best friends who haven't seen each other in years." He shook his head at the scene of his mother and his girlfriend laughing like best friends. "I just want to know where mama bear went. I knew she would come in here and take over everything like she always did when she was nervous."

"I know, this is a little scary. I almost would prefer mama bear than this. I don't know what to expect next. I don't like that."

At that moment, Charlette said something that made Julie and Elizabeth laugh so hard they all three snorted. "I just don't understand this." Said a confused Tom.

"Hey, let's step outside for a moment. I want to talk to you about something." Jack said as he watched his girlfriend laugh while wrapping her arm through Charlette's arm.

Before getting up, Jack and Tom both placed their hands on their girlfriend's leg with no reaction at all from them. They were just too engrossed with Charlette.

…

After a couple of minutes when they walked outside, Mary walked over to the table and smiled at the scene before her. Excuse me ladies, do you want dessert?

Julie placed her hand on top of Charlette's hand and asked if she would like dessert. "Oh, dear. I am not sure if I have room."

Elizabeth spoke up, "Why don't we get the chocolate cake? It's a huge piece of chocolate cake and comes with three scopes of vanilla ice cream topped with hot chocolate. It will be enough for all three of us."

"That will be great." Charlette said. "We will take that, but the boys are on their own."

"Yes." Julie stated. "Thanks Mary. Just check with them." With that statement, they looked back at Charlette.

"I will ask them when they come back." Mary said as she stepped away from the table.

"Come back?" asked a confused Julie and Elizabeth at the same time. They looked where Tom and Jack were sitting then realized they were not there.

"They stepped outside about five minutes ago." Mary informed them.

"Really?" All three ladies were surprised.

…

Jack and Tom were leaning against Tom's car. "I don't think they know we left." Said a dejected Tom.

"I believe you are right, Tom."

Jack looked up and saw Ms. Alice walking toward them with her husband, Victor.

"Ms. Alice, Victor. It is so great to see you two. Tom, this is Ms. Alice, she works at the school, and this is her husband Victor. Ms. Alice and Victor, this is my younger brother, Tom."

"Great to meet you two." Said Tom.

Before he knew it, Alice grabbed him into a big hug.

"Oh Jack, I am so grateful you are ok. I was so worried when Victor told me everything that happened."

"Thank you, Ms. Alice."

"Jack, are you sure you're ok? Victor said those robbers shot at you."

"They did, but they didn't get close. I am fine. I promise."

"Oh Jack." Tears were beginning to fall down her cheeks. "Thank you for everything you did for us that night."

"Ms. Alice. It was my pleasure."

"You don't understand Jack. I know this isn't the most important part. You are fine is the most important, but you kept them from robbing us. Our life is wrapped up in that store."

"I'm grateful it all worked out fine then. I wasn't hurt and you kept everything that was yours. It all worked out well."

Alice still had a hold on Jack. She wasn't willing to let him go yet. Elizabeth looked out the window and saw what was going on. The ladies walked outside to stand beside Tom and Jack.

Elizabeth wrapped her arm around Jack's when Alice finally relented her hold on him.

"Where did you get off too." Elizabeth asked Jack.

"Oh, did you finally miss me?"

"Finally?"

"Sweetheart, we have been out here for about ten minutes."

"Oh" Elizabeth was embarrassed.

"That's ok. I am happy you and my ma are getting along well."

She kissed his cheek. "I missed you."

"Sweetie, you had no idea I was at the table during dinner, or I left when I was out here."
He sassed.

Elizabeth huffed, "Fine…That's true…I'm sorry. I didn't mean to ignore you. I was just wrapped up talking with Julie and your mother."

"It's fine, sweetheart."

Elizabeth leaned in to give him a kiss on his cheek and gave him a smile.

"I would offer to walk you home, but it looks like it may rain. I will get us an uber." Offered Jack.

"Oh. I thought you liked walking in the rain."

Jack quickly turned his head to look at her. He noticed the little grin she gave Charlette. Then Charlette let out a small laugh. This made Jack very nervous and a little skeptical at the ladies' time together.

"What do you mean?" Jack asked with an accusatory tone looking the whole time at his mother.

Charlette looked away with a guilty grin and Elizabeth laughed at the exchange.

…

The next morning Jack woke up at his normal time. He prepared for the day and walked out of his apartment to meet Abagail coming out of her house.

"Good morning, Jack. How are you?"

"Good morning, Abagail. I am doing great. Just heading to work."

"Would you like something to eat at the café before you go into work?"

"That would be great. Thank you."

"Well, escort me to the café and the meal is on me."

"I would love to escort you, but it will be my privilege." Said a smiling Jack.

Abagail blushed a little. He is such a great guy "Are you ok from the robbery?"

"Yes. I am fine. Really. I didn't even have a scratch."

"How are you and Elizabeth doing?"

"I think we are doing really well. I'm a little worried about her and my mother."

"I thought they were getting along well. Mary said they were having a great conversation yesterday with Julie."

"That's the problem. I think they are getting along a little too well." Laughed Jack.

"Oh. Are you afraid your mom may be sharing a little too much information about your youth?"

"Maybe. Elizabeth ignored me the whole time at dinner last night talking with my mother. Julie did the same with Tom. We left the table for ten minutes before any of them actually realized we left."

"Oh, poor baby." They both laughed.

Jack's phone buzzed. He looked at it and noticed it was from Tom.

T – Hey bro. you up?

J – I'm always us at this hour. What are you doing up?

T – you mentioned you wanted to talk yesterday when we went outside.

J – yeah

T – what's up?

J – you free for lunch?

T – let me know when and where

"I'm sorry, Abagail. That was Tom."

"That's ok."

They enjoyed their walk to the café. They just chatted about everything and nothing at all. They just enjoyed the company of each other.

…

"Grab a seat, Jack. I will get your usual."

"Thanks Abagail."

Jack waited by surfing the web and glancing at his social media. He did have Facebook, but usually wasn't on it very much. In the police academy, he was warned not to share too much personal information on social media sites. As a result, he just wasn't too active on it. He did notice that his brother changed his relationship status from single to engaged. Jack didn't know what power Julie had over his brother, but he was grateful for it. Tom has settled down and was working toward the present and future. He was excited about that. He wondered if he should change his relationship status.

After reading an article about baseball, his meal arrived. He looked up and smiled at Abagail. Before his first bite, Ms. Florence sat down beside him with a big smile.

"Good morning, Ms. Florence. It is great to see you this morning."

"Good morning, Investigator."

"Please, call me Jack. I have seen you enough that you should call me by my name."

She smiled at his kindness.

"I haven't seen you here this early. Are you playing hooky today at school?" They laughed at his bad joke.

"No. I'm just getting a coffee and a scone to go."

"That's nice. Hey, if you would do me a favor, I will buy your coffee and scone for you?"

"Sure, I haven't had a handsome man buy my meal in a long time." She winked and smiled at him.

"Would you take a coffee and scone to my girlfriend?"

"Sure. Who are you dating?"

"Elizabeth, I mean, Ms. Thatcher."

"Really, I thought you were avoiding her class the last time you and Chief Avery were at school?"

"Well, I wasn't actually avoiding her class." He looked up at her with a face of a little boy who was caught. "Ok. Yes, I was avoiding her class. She was so rude to me the day before that I didn't want to talk with her again."

"I guess that has changed if you two are dating and you want me to deliver her breakfast."

"Yes ma'am. Things have changed. So, do we have a deal?"

"Sure" she said. "May I ask you a question?"

Jack smiled and nodded his head.

"You have been in Hope Valley for less than a week and you were scared to talk to her, isn't this moving a little fast for you two? I don't mean to be nosy. Please tell me it's none of my business if you don't want to talk about it and we will remain friends."

Jack gave her a dimpled smile. "Be careful with that smile Investigator." She smiled.

Jack shook his head. "It is fast as far as the calendar says. I know it has only been a few days since I met her and then our first meeting was awful. But I have gotten to know her really well over the last couple of days. I don't know a lot about her history, but I know her present, and I want to meet her future with her. I am excited to learn everything else about her."

Ms. Florence smile at him. She loved his answer.

"The more I learn about her, the more I lo…, I mean the more I like her. She is great. She has a great sense of humor, and she gives me the right amount of sass. She is kind, funny, and compassionate. She loves her students and does everything she can do for them. My mother was a teacher, and she was the same way. That attitude is important to me."

"Wow." She mentioned just under her breath. "Is this guy for real?"

"I am very happy I was able to meet the real Elizabeth and not just the rude Ms. Thatcher."

Abagail walked up with two coffees and two scones. "How did you know?" Asked Jack.

"Oh, Jack. You will realize I know everything." Said a smiling Abagail.

"She's not wrong." Stated Ms. Florence.

…

On the way to the station, his phone buzzed. He smiled when Elizabeth's face appeared on the screen. "Good morning, Hermosa. How are you? Rest well?"

"I'm sorry, Jack. I was hoping to make it to breakfast but overslept."

"Did you stay up too late with my mother?"

She smiled at his remark knowing it was bothering him a little because he didn't know what his mom shared with her.

"Not too late. I'm just not a morning person."

"I've noticed."

"Very funny, Jack." Said a pouting, Elizabeth.

"I still think I need to practice."

"Practice?" She didn't get the reference. She really wasn't a morning person.

"Yeah. If I get better at this kissing thing you would choose me over sleeping in for a few minutes."

Elizabeth huffed at his teasing.

"Ms. Florence has something for you this morning. Don't stop by the café. Go see her when you arrive at school."

"Did you have breakfast with another woman this morning, Investigator Thornton?"

"I did. My girlfriend chose to sleep in instead of meeting me for breakfast." Sassed a smiling Jack. He was grateful she couldn't see his smile knowing he would be in a little trouble.

"Well, Investigator Thorton, if you continue to eat breakfast with other women, you shouldn't let your girlfriend know." She sassed him. Loving this little, silly game they are playing.

"Yes, Ms. Thatcher. I will take that thought into consideration. Meanwhile, may I convince you to join me this evening for dinner if I can get away in enough time?"

"Well, I would love to spend some time with you."

"Are you sure you don't have any other plans?"

"Plans? Who would I have plans with?"

"I'm not sure." He smiled knowing the next statement will get to her. "My mother is in town."

"Oh, yeah. She is great and I do enjoy our conversations. Especially stories about the past." She knew that statement would drive him crazy since she wouldn't tell him what they have talked about.

"Great." He said with a sigh.

"Jack, I am grateful you are in my life."

"I am grateful you are in my life, beautiful."

"Are you sure?"

"Why would you ask me that?"

"You called me beautiful." She stated just above a whisper.

"I always call you beautiful."

"Yes, you do, and I love it. But you used the word beautiful instead of Nani, Hermosa, Bella, or any one of the others."

"Have a great day love."

…

Elizabeth walked into the school office facing a smiling Ms. Florence. After signing into work, she stood in front of her. "I heard you had breakfast with a handsome man this morning."

"Yes, I did. I must admit, I greatly enjoyed it." She blushed.

"He is great, isn't he?"

"Yes, he is. There is just something about him that is different."

"He is. He is not like any man I have ever met."

Ms. Florence looked at her friend and made a bold statement. "Is that how you fell in love with him so quickly?"

"Florence!" Elizabeth said gasping. "Who said love?"

"Oh Elizabeth. It's written all over your face. And if you look at him while he is talking about you, it is even easier to see. That man is completely in love with you."

While her words were embarrassing, she had to admit they did make her feel special. "Yes, Ms. Florence, I love that man."

"How did you do that in three or four days?"

"To be honest with you, I don't know. My first conversation with him was really bad. But when we talked and got to know each other, I felt like I have loved him my whole life. I know there are so many things I don't know, but I know how I feel deep down in my heart and soul. I feel like he was made for me."

Ms. Florence had tears in her eyes when Elizabeth looked up at her. "That's so beautiful, Elizabeth."

Elizabeth shook her head in agreement. "Before I am late and Ms. Blakely gets mad at me, do you have something for me?"

"Oh yes. There's a note too."

"Thank you, Ms. Florence."

…

On her way to the classroom, she fingered the note. She wasn't sure if she was more excited over the scone, the coffee, or the note. The coffee and the scone smelled great. She knew they were good, but the note is what made her toes tingle. She was lost in her thoughts of Jack when she heard a familiar voice.

"Good morning, Elizabeth."

She turned to see a friend who taught third grade. "Good morning, Darren."

Darren Welch was always a friend, but he wished he could have been more than that. He was a nice guy, but she never felt anything more for him that friendship. Since she moved to Hope Valley, he occasionally would try to convince her to go out with him, but she always refused. She just didn't want to date. She smiled knowing that only Jack could break through her 'Charles Wall'.

"I'm doing well. There is a teacher's meeting this afternoon after school, would you like to have dinner afterward?"

"I'm sorry, Darren. I have plans with my boyfriend."

"I'm sorry, did you say boyfriend?"

"Yes, I have been dating Jack for a few days."

"I'm sorry, Elizabeth. I didn't know." He sounded dejected.

"Darren, you know I only though of you as a friend."

"I know, can't blame a man for trying."

…

She offered him a smile before excusing herself into her classroom. The only thing on her mind was the note in her hand and how much she wanted to read sitting down at her desk, she had about five minutes until her students would show up. Excitedly, she unfolded the note and began to read it.

Uwoduhi (Cherokee – Native American)

Your presence is requested at 1501 Poplar St. tonight at 7:15 sharp. Dress is casual.

Love, Jack

Where is 1501 Poplar St? What are you up to Thorton?

…

Before Jack knew it, it was time for lunch. He spent the morning looking over photos again hoping to see something he missed before now. He read each report along with the pictures trying to shake the feeling that he is missing something. Tom broke him out of his work when his phone buzzed.

T – still up for lunch?

J – absolutely. Thirty min?

T – where?

J – Abagail's

T – see you then

Jack stuck his head into Bill's office and told him he is going to lunch. After, I'm stopping by Victor's store to have one last look around to see if I missed something.

"Sure Jack. Do you think we missed something?"

"No…maybe, but I want to look over things in the light of day. There must be something I'm not seeing. I want to look over everything with a fresh set of eyes."

"What is it, Jack?"

"Boss, I'm not too sure. I think it's something little but I'm just not seeing it."

Ok. Let me know if you need something."

…

Jack arrived at Abagail's with his normal drink already waiting for him at the table Tom was sitting at. Abagail walked up to his table with a smile and her note pad ready to take his order.

"Abagail, you are absolutely priceless. I wouldn't know what to do with you."

She blushed at his words of endearment. "Jack, you are priceless too. Now, before you embarrass me even further, what would you like to eat?"

"May I have a small bowl of chili and a grilled cheese, please?"

"Be ready in ten minutes."

"So, what's up older brother?"

"What do you mean?"

"Jack, I have known you my whole life, literally. I know when something is weighing on your mind. Now, you only have a little bit of time for lunch, so quit wasting time and just say it."

Jack shook his head from side to side. His little brother knew him too well. "Ok, Tom. How did you know Julie was the one for you?"

Tom thought for a second and then leaned his head back with a laugh. "Already? You have known her for less than a week."

"Why does everyone keep pointing that fact out?"

"Well, it's kind of an important point don't you think?"

"I know, Tom. I can't explain it. I feel like I was made for her. I love her."

"In less than a week?"

"I do, Tom. I can't explain it. I just know it."

"How? Jack, you never dated before, not even the Watson twins. I still don't understand that decision."

"I have always told you I didn't want to date just to date."

"I know Jack and I didn't understand that then and I don't know how you did it when you could have dated anyone you wanted…including the Watson twins." Tom teased.

Jack took a moment and remembered all his memories of his father. "I remember all the things pa told me about ma. He taught me how to treat a woman. He talked to me about the difference between love and lust. Not only did he tell me, but he also showed me how to love a woman by how he loved ma."

Tom looked down at the table with a sorrowful look on his face. A tear fell from his eye as he spoke to his brother. "I missed out on that."

"Tom, you were too young when pa died. You couldn't have had that type of discussion with him. You wouldn't have understood."

"Do you think that's why I was the way I was? Why I earned my nickname, Mr. Not One Girl Thornton?"

"You were young, Tom. I didn't provide you enough guidance when you started noticing the opposite sex. Plus, you never meet your equal. I believe Julie Thatcher is every bit your equal."

"Yes. She is. Jack don't blame yourself for my misdeeds. You were young too and took on the responsibility of a father figure. You were the best big brother a guy could ever ask for."

"Thanks Tom. Do you think I'm crazy for being in love after a few days?"

"Normally, I would say yes, but to be honest with you, I fell in love with Julie on our first date. I understand." Smirked Tom.

"There's something about those Thatcher sisters."

…

After lunch, Jack walked up to Abagail. "Abagail, would it be possible to have a few minutes of your time?"

"Sure, Jack. Give me a couple of minutes and I will give you all the time you would like."

"Abagail, you are one of the most precious people I know."

After his meeting with Abagail, he walked over to Victor's store. There were a couple of things he wanted to look at and one item he wanted to purchase.

…

Elizabeth's day was good, but she thought it was the slowest day in history. All she could think about was the mysterious date and Jack's note. "What is he planning?" She mentioned.

"Planning what Ms. Thatcher." Asked Kyle, a little boy in her class.

"Nothing Kyle. Please finish your reading." I really need to pay attention to what I'm doing. Those little ears hear everything. She thought to herself. He hasn't been here long enough to plan something to do. He never ceases to amaze me.

…

After her class was dismissed for the day, her phone buzzed as she came back into her classroom from taking her class to the bus stop. As she picked up her phone from her bag, she noticed her mom's picture. Oh brother. This is going to be a long conversation. She hasn't mentioned anything to her mother about Jack. Not that she was embarrassed by him or anything, it's only been a few days.

"Hello mother. How are you?"

"I'm great dear Beth. How are you? Did you have a good day in school?"

"Yes, I did."

"That's great dear. Julie mentioned she was going to Hope Valley. Have you had the opportunity to see her?"

"Yes mother. I have. She looks great."

"I'm happy to hear that, sweetie."

Elizabeth was getting more nervous. Her mother always pushed for her to date, she knew her mother would be excited. Maybe a little too excited. "Mother, I have something to tell you."

"Julie said she was traveling with her boyfriend. I think his name is Tom?"

"Yes, he is with her. He is a very nice man and a lot like Julie.'

"Oh dear. That can't be good."

"They get along very well. She has matured a lot over the last six months or so. She is actually calling this guy her boyfriend."

"Yes. That is an improvement over all the other guys she was seeing."

"They really are good together."

She didn't want to tell her mother about Julie's engagement. That wasn't her story to tell. However, it was her story to tell about Jack. "Mother, I really do need to tell you something."

"Yes, dear. What is it?"

"Well," she paused before continuing. "Mother, I meet someone."

"That's great dear. You can never have too many friends. You have done a great job of making good friends there. I just wish you found a nice man along with new friends."

"Mother, I have."

"You have what, dear?"

"Found a nice man."

"What!"