Chapter 15
Charlette, Abagail, and Frank sat around the small kitchen table snacking on cookies and scones while drinking coffee. They were very excited about the date Jack and Elizabeth was still on. None of them knew what the couple was doing. Jack was tight lipped about it.
"So, Charlette. What do you think about Elizabeth and Jack?" Abagail asked while reaching for another chocolate chip cookie.
"Jack has always been a fine young man. He never dated as a teenager. When he went to college and then the academy, he always said he was too busy with school work and training to be involved with a young lady. When he earned this job, his excuse was he was too busy building his career. I was always worried he would push that part of his life off too long,"
"Why would he do that?" Asked Frank.
"From what I have gathered, he was always afraid of disappointing his father and me. Jack has always held his father to a very high standard. Tom was a great man and I loved him dearly, but he wasn't perfect, close but no one is perfect. Jack saw the way his pa would love me, and he wanted that. He saw how his friends in high school would be in a relationship one week with the love of their life and then in two weeks be in another relationship with someone else who happens to be the love of their life. He just didn't want that."
"Boys do tend to hold their dads to a high standard."
"Yes Frank, they do. Especially Jack. I would tell him his dad was a great man, but no one is perfect. I don't think he believed me. I knew when he would fall for a young lady, he would do it with all of himself. I just didn't think it would take this long. It is great to see."
Abagail smiled, "That boy certainly loves that girl."
"He does, and it does this mother's heart good to see it. I have only wanted the best for him."
Both Frank and Abagail nodded their heads agreeing with her statement.
"Abagail, honestly, what do you think about Elizabeth? What I know of her she is perfect for my Jack."
"I consider her my little sister when she moved here about three years ago. She is a special young lady, and she loves that boy of yours completely. I have only known her to date one guy. They dated the last two years of high school and all through college. They went to different colleges so they didn't see each other very much in those four years."
"Why would they do that?"
"For Elizabeth, it was comfortable. Charles was nice to begin with but changed over time. She never wanted to date too much so she used her relationship with Charels throughout college to turn guys down. I don't believe they were ever serious. When she moved home after graduating, she broke it off with Charles after a couple of months. She had changed and grown over her four years away from home. She's had a couple of young men here try to date her, but she just wasn't interested."
"You can see the love between them." Frank began. "It wasn't that way when they first met, He was so infuriated with her."
"I heard." Laughed Charlette. "I can't believe he was too scared of her to go back to her classroom the second time." They all laughed at her statement.
"How can some investigator be so scared of a teacher?" Chuckled Frank.
Charlette gave him her best scary teacher face, "We have our ways young man." Frank quickly became quiet and Abagail and Charlette laughed.
"Charlette, are you ok with how fast this is going?" Asked Abagail.
"I normally would be worried, but with Jack, I have always trusted him to make his own decisions. I just want him happy. If they are truly happy and love each other, who cares if it is one week of one year?"
Abagail smiled and nodded in agreement.
…
Elizabeth took Jack's arm and began walking toward the park. Both were quiet as they walked. They were processing the evening. For Jack, this was the best night he has ever had. He enjoyed the company of Elizabeth, the activity was fun and fulfilling, but the presence of Elizbeth was the best part. Her giggling, her laughter, the smell of her perfume, her presence made the evening perfect no matter what they did.
For Elizabeth, she felt the same way. Jack's planning of the evening made her speechless. He was so kind. Their presence together was great. They had the whole evening together but gave each other space to paint. They would lean in and look at the other's work, but he wasn't pushy or overbearing. The evening was perfect.
Jack stopped walking and turned to face Elizabeth. They were in the center of the park, and he gently reached and took both of her hands in his. She was amazed how perfectly her hands fit in his. He slowly and gently leaned in and kissed the tip of her nose. She secretly loved when he did that. He was so gentle when he did. The act moved her to her foundations.
"Elizabeth," he said quietly, just barely a whisper. "I want you to know how much I love you. I know all of this has happened fast, very fast, but that doesn't change what I feel for you. We could be together for one week of for two years, and my heart will still be completely yours. You are everything to me. I love you completely."
Elizabeth looked intently into Jack's eyes. She noticed love, honesty, pure devotion. This moved her to her soul.
"I love your eyes. I look into them, and I lose myself and I'm better for it. I love the way you giggle and laugh. The sound is music to my ears. I swear you have a special way you giggle, and laugh reserved just for me. Like my own special ring tone. I haven't heard that sound with others. I love the way you give me sass. The look in your eyes and on your face just before you sass me is intoxicating. I love the mischievous look you get on your face when you experience something new or you are about to push my buttons."
"Oh, Jack." Was all Elizabeth could say.
"I love the way you treat your students. I knew you loved them like your own when I first meet you with Henry. You became upset when I asked you if you knew Henry was hungry. You were offended that I thought you didn't know your students."
She smiled knowing he was right.
"I love how you and Abagail talk with each other. The joy on your face when you are with others. I love that look of contentment."
"Jack, I" He cut her off.
"I love the way you sway back and forth when I am walking up to you. It's like you are excited to see me. I love the way you make me feel loved and appreciated. You have the gift of making others around you feel special. Elizabeth, I love you for so many reasons. It's not just one thing, it's all of you. Everything about you demands that I love you and I am so lost in you. I love you completely, Elizabeth. With every ounce of who I am, I love you. I want to learn everything about you. I want to know what makes you excited and happy. I want to know what makes you sad. I want to know what drives you. Elizabeth, I want to know everything about you, completely."
Jack's words touched a part of Elizabeth that has never been explored before. She was motionless and speechless. Mainly because of how moving those words were, but also for fear if she did something he would stop. Her soul was touched by this man, and she loved every moment of it. She didn't want him to stop, and she was trying to memorize everything he was saying.
Jack felt like he was fumbling over his words. He wanted to express to her everything he was feeling in his heart and mind, but he just didn't feel he was doing a good job. In his mind, his inexperience of the matters of the heart was winning over his desire to tell her how he feels. He continued to share with her hoping she was understanding his rambling.
"I know everyone tells us we are moving too fast, but how fast is too fast when I know what I want. I want you, all of you. I want to share everything of me. The good days and the bad days. I want to walk this life with you every step of the way. I want to lay down beside you each night and wake up with you beside me for every day of my life. This is moving fast, and I won't deny that. I just don't care. You are the love of my life, Elizabeth."
Jack reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet ring case. She gasped when she saw it.
"Elizabeth, I want you to know how serious I am concerning us. I love you with every ounce of who I am, but I have to do this right, or I wouldn't be the man my father raised me to be. Please know that I have every intention of asking you to marry me. I will do everything I can to win your heart every day. I don't deserve you or your love, but I am going to try each day you allow me. But I must talk with your father first. I must ask for his permission. We are old enough that we don't need his permission, but I must ask him first. Then, whether he gives it or not, I will be coming to you to ask for your hand. Are you ok with that?"
She couldn't hold back her tears, nor did she try. She was lost in Jack at that moment. He opened his heart to her and shared himself with her. She has never felt so connected with anyone else, and she loved him for it.
He was beginning to worry by her silence that he was moving too fast. He started to backtrack. "I'm sorry if I'm moving too quickly, Elizabeth. I didn't mean to. We can slow down if you think this isn't right."
She stopped him with a kiss that stopped his heart. They have shared kisses before but nothing this passionate and this wanting. She didn't know if anyone else was in the park with them and she didn't care. She needed this man, and she didn't care what other people thought. His words and actions moved her in a new experience she never thought was possible outside of a movie or a novel.
After the kiss, she gave him one of those mischievous looks that he loved so much. "Investigator Thomas Jack Thorton, you better not take too much time!"
She saw the look of contentment on his face. "Where you really worried I would turn away from you."
"Well, your silence was starting to scare me."
"Jack, I am completely in love with you too. I'm not going anywhere. Now, you heard me about not taking too much time, correct?"
"Yes ma'am, Ms. Thatcher."
With that, they shared a few more kisses before going back to the car.
…
Tom and Julie walked out of the movie theater discussing the movie they just watched. They were enjoying their time together. They were supposed to be back to work in three days. On their way to visit Jack, they were looking forward to going back home, but now they were beginning to think of Hope Valley as home.
"Julie, I have a job interview tomorrow. Are you sure you want me to do this? If I get the job, we would be moving here. Are you sure you are ok with us moving here?"
"I am. I like it here. Beth is close and we are making friends of our own. This is starting to become home. I think we can move forward here."
They continued their walk enjoying each other's company. Tom was a little nervous about the job interview. He felt qualified for the job, and he thought he could do the job well. However, change is still a little unnerving.
…
Jack took Elizabeth home and they spent a few minutes saying goodbye to each other on her front step. Since the engagement talk, things have changed between them. The kisses were more intimate and the longing to touch each other was stronger. Since their walk in the park, their desire grew for each other. The future was put in front of them, and they both were looking forward to meeting their future together.
"I love you, Nani. I hope you rest well."
"I love you too, Jack. Can I see you tomorrow?"
"If I can get lunch at the same time as you, may I come by your school and we can have lunch together?"
"That sounds lovely, Jack. I look forward to it. Just let me know if you can come."
"I will. May I practice a little more before I have to leave?" He wiggled his eyes while asking.
She didn't answer his question. She took his shirt collar and pulled him in until their lips collided. She whimpered a little and it encouraged him to push the kiss a little deeper. He couldn't get enough of this woman.
…
Jack smiled at his phone when it buzzed as he pulled in Abagail's driveway. He knew who it was before he even looked. He parked the car and looked at his phone. On his screen was a picture of Elizabeth from earlier tonight. She had texted him to make sure he was home safe.
E – Are you home yet?
J – What do you mean yet?
E – You have been gone forever
J – Sweetheart I have been gone ten minutes
E – Seems longer
J – yes it does
E – I see a short engagement in our future
J – I agree
E – if you will ever ask me
J – I will. I promise
E – you better
E – oh, I put my father's number in your phone
J – when did you take my phone?
E – don't forget to call him
J – good night love
E – good night.
Jack laughed at her eagerness for him to call her father. She seemed as excited as he was about their future engagement. He planned to call her father tomorrow to introduce himself and set a time for them to meet. He had to do this in person.
He walked up to his room and was startled to see Abagail, Frank, and his mother still sitting at his little kitchen table. "Oh no!" he replied under his breath. He knew the questioning was not going to be good.
"Well, son. That must have been some date."
"Yes, ma. It was. How do you know that?"
"It's late for one thing. But I believe it's the silly look on your face that tells me the most."
"Ma" Jack said warningly. "Be nice."
"Oh Jack. I hope the date went well?"
"It did Abagail. I had a great time and I think Elizabeth did too."
"That's great son. What did you do?"
"We went to the new store called Draw-N-Things with a seminar with Steve Ross. He is Bob Ross' son, and he teaches his father's techniques. We painted three paintings in two hours. Afterwards, we went for a nice, romantic walk in the park a couple of blocks down the street. It was a great evening." He said as he looked off in the distance reminiscing about the evening.
"Wow!" Frank said. "You are making it hard for the rest of us men, Jack."
"Yes honey, maybe you need to take lessons." Said a hopeful Abagail.
"Yes, dear."
"So, Jack. Is there anything else you need to tell us?" Said Charlette.
"No."
"Are you sure?" She knew her oldest son. She knew he was holding something back.
"Yes ma'am. That is what happened tonight."
"Sure." Said a skeptical Charlette. "Oh Jack, make sure you use Spray-N-Wash on that shirt, or the stain will never come out."
"What stain?"
"The lip stick stain on the collar." She smirked while the others laughed.
…
The next morning was typical for Elizabeth. She struggled to wake up. She let out a slow growl as she crawled out of bed. Her morning was more hurried than normal because her mind was not focused on getting ready for work. She finally got out of bed and headed for the shower after hitting her alarm for the fourth time. She had a difficult time going to sleep. Her mind wouldn't shut off. The evening ran through her mind, every special second of it. Every thought brought along the feelings she was experiencing at that moment. The painting under the direction of Steve Ross was incredible. She learned so much from him and thought she could apply some of those techniques to sketching. Then she thought of the jewelry box Jack purchased for her. She thought of the ring box and how excited she was over it. She really was looking forward to becoming engaged and then married to Jack. The walk in the park was as magical as all the other parts of the night.
To her amazement, the painting, the jewelry box, the ring box, or the walk wasn't the most important part for her. For her, the reasons Jack told her why he loved her was the most treasured moment. All the others made her feel special, but what he told her was beyond special. That moment touched her heart and soul. He was so open and honest with her. It wasn't her looks that he loved about her, but the things that made her who she was is why he was in love with her the most. Lying in bed thinking about what he said hours earlier still moved her to tears.
Jack flooded every aspect of her time. She heard her phone buzzed. She looked at the screen and saw the picture she snuck of Jack last night. Jack was sitting in front of his easel working on the second painting. He was concentrating and had his tongue sticking out a little. He was determined on what he was doing. She realized he stuck his tongue out while concentrating on things. She thought it was adorable.
J – Good morning Bella. Have a great day. Your to do order is ready at Abagail's.
She smiled to herself. She was quickly getting used to being spoiled by Jack. She also wondered how frustrating she will make him by not being a morning person. He seems to be, but she certainly isn't. "I hope this doesn't cause too many problems." She spoke out loud.
She settled quickly into her first few classes and hoped Jack was able to join her for lunch. During a few minutes while her students was catching up on late work, she picked up her phone to text Jack. She normally wouldn't use her phone during school hours, but things were different with Jack in the picture.
E – Have you called my father yet?
J – Sweetheart, you just gave me your father's number last night.
She gave him the scary teacher look when she read his text and sent him the picture of it.
J – Sweetheart, it's only been a few hours, maybe twelve hours. And that picture isn't fair!
E – Thomas Jack Thorton
J – Elizabeth Marie Thatcher
E – Thomas Jack Thorton in our time frame twelve hours is like six months.
J – Elizabeth Marie Thatcher I will get this done. I promise. I had to sleep and then work today.
E – Today, Jack Thorton, today! Do you hear me?!
J – I love you Bella. See you in an hour
E – I'm sorry. I love you too
…
Jack walked into the school's office to a smiling Ms. Florence. "Good afernnon, Ms. Florence. It is so great to see you today."
"Good afternoon, Investigator Thorton."
"Ms. Florence, seeing your smiling face has made my day. Thank you. Please call me Jack. I think we are good enough friends for you to use my name."
"Very well, Investigator, I mean Jack. Are you here to see Ms. Thatcher?"
"Yes I am."
"Just go back. You do not need to sign in as long as I know you are here."
"Ms. Florence, I have a piece of chocolate cake from Abagail's for you. I hope you enjoy it."
"Jack, thank you. I love her chocolate cake. You are so sweet."
…
Jack was walking down the hall when a gentleman walked up to him and extended his hand, "Good morning. You must be Investigator Thorton?"
"Yes sir. I am Investigator Jack Thorton. How may I help you today?"
"I just wanted to meet the man who took away my opportunity for happiness."
"Pardon me, sir." Jack was completely confused.
"Why are you here?" The man said curtly.
Jack grinned. As an investigator who traveled to different stations, he was accustomed to coming across people who were upset with his presence. Many detectives and police officers were upset he was called in. They felt like he was intruding on their turf. This was nothing new to him.
"Well, it really depends on what you mean by 'here'?" Jack said with a slight grin toward this man. "Sir, I am here at the request of your Police Chief Bill Avery to help in an investigation."
"That's not what I'm talking about." Demanded the man.
"Oh, then you are wondering why I'm at school since I am not a teacher?"
"Yes!"
"Well, Mr. I'm sorry sir, what is your name?"
"Darren."
"Well, Mr. Darren, I am in school to have lunch with my smart, funny, beautiful girlfriend." Jack smiled even bigger at the mention of Elizabeth. He still couldn't believe she was his girlfriend.
"Yes, that one" Stated Darren with a raised voice.
"Ok. How may I help you with my eating lunch with my girlfriend?"
"You don't live here. Why are you dating her?"
"To be honest with you sir, I have no idea why she chose to date me. She is so far above me I don't understand why. She is certainly dating down. I hope she doesn't catch on how far below herself she is dating."
Darren looked at Jack in disbelief. He wasn't expecting what Jack said.
"I do know this; she is a special young lady with the world at her fingertips if she wants it. She is a funny person with a quick wit. I love her eyes. Have you seen them? Oh…My…Word. I get lost in those blue eyes. I'll tell you a secret." Jack leaned in for a moment as if he was sharing a secret. "When she looks at me with those eyes and then smiles at me, I can't say no."
"Well, that is a great piece of information to know." Mentioned Elizabeth as she stepped out of her class.
Darren jumped at her presence and Jack smiled.
"Good afternoon, Nani. I brought Abagail's."
"Oh Jack, that is perfect. Did you think of dessert?"
Jack smiled and held up his other hand which held a small brown paper bag and shook it slightly. "Of course, Nani, who do you think you are dealing with?"
"Oh, a man after my heart. Jack, would you please set the food up for us in my classroom on my desk. I would like to have a word with Darren for a moment."
Jack saw the look in her eyes and knew he had no desire to witness her scary teacher face actually coming alive. "Sure thing, Belle. I will have things ready. Take your time." He gave her his dimple grin and she forgot what she was doing.
After Jack walked in the door, she stood in the middle of the hallway lost in those dimples.
"Elizabeth. Elizabeth. Are you ok?"
"Oh. Yes, Excuse me Darren. I am having lunch with my boyfriend."
"I thought you wanted to talk with me."
"That's ok, Darren, I would rather spend time with Jack." She turned to walk into her classroom, but then she turned to look at Darren for a moment.
"You will not disrespect my boyfriend again. Understand."
She did not have a scary teacher face or even an angry face. Her expression was bland and serious. This scared Darren more than any other look she could have given him.
"But Elizabeth." He started.
She cut her eyes at him and that stopped him in mid-sentence.
"Darren, you have tried for three years to get me to entertain your advances. I always told you no. I have no desire to date you. I am not trying to be mean, but you are not listening to me. You are a friend and always have been, but a replay of today will end that relationship. Understand?"
She didn't wait for him to respond before turning and walking into her classroom.
…
Upon entering her room, Jack had all the food laid out on paper plates with a single daisy in a plastic cup in the middle of her desk.
"Oh Jack. This is beautiful. Thank you for lunch."
"My pleasure, beautiful. Let's eat before it is cold."
She sat down and smiled at Jack as he passed the food to her. "Jack, please let me explain everything about Darren."
"Elizabeth, you do not need to explain anything to me. I trust you with my heart."
"Jack, I feel I need to explain."
"Bella, if you want to that's fine, but I trust you. You are not expected to explain this to me."
"Why not?"
Jack stood and walked over to the side of her desk where she was sitting and kneeled down so he could look at her in her eyes. "Elizabeth, I am not kidding when I tell you I trust you. You have never given me a reason to doubt you. Not one. Honestly, I do not trust him, but I trust you. And if you tell me we are good, then we are good."
She looked into his eyes and knew he was being honest. She didn't doubt him. She knew he trusted her.
"Sweetheart, I am not taking you for granted. I know I must work every day to win your heart. And I am willing to do that every day of my life. I will strive to be the man you deserve. I hope you do not realize you deserve more than me. I will give you everything I have every day. I promise."
Instead of saying anything, she leaned in and kissed him with the love she had for him. When they pulled apart, he leaned in and kissed her on the tip of her nose. She sighed with delight. After a few moments of silence while eating, she explained the whole situation with Darren. How he wanted to date her when she arrived and that she always turned him down in a polite way. She just didn't feel anything for him romantically. After her explanation, he gave her a dimpled smile and took her hands into his.
"I trust you, Nani. With everything I have, I trust you." He looked at her affectionately.
"Jack, I love you." She looked at him affectionately. After a few moments of silence, she gave him a look he was beginning to know so well.
"Jack, did you."
He cut her off before she finished. "I called and he didn't answer. I left him a message and then I called the home number you gave me, and I spoke with your mom for about forty five minutes. I know now where you get your inquisitive nature from." He sassed.
She playfully swatted him on the arm. "Jack, what a thing to say."
He smiled at her. "I promise I will talk to him today. I am trying. I can't wait to be married to you, Ms. Thatcher."
He walked up to her and gave her a soft kiss on the nose, "I promise I will talk with him today, but you know I want to ask for permission in person, not on the phone or through text."
"Today, Jack Thorton, today! Do you hear me?!"