Chapter 16
Sitting at a small table at the local bar, Jimmy Harvey looked at his brother with a very upset look on his face. "James, I can't believe you did that! This is starting to get out of hand."
"Jimmy, we needed the money. I didn't want to do it, but we had to have the money, or we would have been in a lot of trouble. We will get that watch back. I know you want our mother's watch back, but we were short last week. We can't be short again. We'll get the watch back. I promise."
"Things are getting out of hand quickly. That new guy at the police station is causing a lot of trouble. That Chief was bad enough, but this new guy will push everything over the cliff."
"I think his name is Thorton or something like that." Jimmy stated. They both looked around to make sure no one was paying attention to them. "We need to solve our problem before it's too late."
…
Julie kissed Tom on his cheek as he left for the job interview. If this works out, he should be in a good position to move him and Julie to Hope Valley. The potential new job was an upgrade to his job back home, so he was excited at the possibilities and nervous for the outcome.
"Listen babe, you will do well. Just relax and be yourself. Ok?"
"I'll try, Julie. I know there is a lot riding on this job. If it works out, we could move here and begin our life soon."
"Don't put too much pressure on yourself, babe. If this doesn't work out, you will find another job. So, relax, be yourself and breath."
Tom smiled at his fiancé. He wasn't used to this type of relationship, but he was beginning to enjoy everything it offered. He liked that Julie was a little free spirit like he was, but she was always in his corner and was a great encourager to him. He was quickly learning to depend on her.
…
Jack stood up and gathered the trash from his lunch with Elizabeth. As he was cleaning up, she seemed quiet. While they haven't known each other very long, he could read her like his favorite book.
"Please, Elizabeth, what is wrong."
She looked at him without saying anything.
"Elizabeth, I may not know your dog's name when you were a kid, but I know when something is wrong with you. Please talk to me." He pleaded.
"Alright investigator. I just don't want what Darren did earlier cause a rift between us."
"Elizabeth, do you love him?"
"No" she stated with determination.
"Are you going to date him?"
"No" she stated again with determination.
"Will you sneak around with him behind my back?"
"Jack, I would never betray you."
"Elizabeth, I know that. I am not sure how all this dating stuff works. I admit I was a little jealous at first, but then I remembered you. I trust you. I love you, and I am comfortable with placing my trust in you. Your love for me squashes my jealousy."
"Really?" While she may not have been very close to Charles, there were still scars.
"Would you lie to me?"
"No."
"Then we are good. Just keep loving me and that will get me through any shortcomings I have."
"Are you sure you haven't dated many women before?"
"I am sure. Besides, you are the one I have been waiting on for my entire adult life.
She stepped into his space, and he welcomed her. The warning bell rang, and the students would be arriving within a couple of minutes. One of the things they both enjoyed about their relationship is their unique ability to have a conversation without words. They could read each other's faces and read the words in the eyes of their loved ones. Before breaking the embrace, he kissed the tip of her nose and whispered, "I love you, Bella."
She smiled and repeated the same sentiment to him.
…
The day was a normal day for Elizabeth. Her school day was great, and she decided she wanted to see her best friend.
"Hey sis, you're here early. What's up?"
"Hey you, would you have some time to talk?"
"Sure, I'm not too busy. Let me talk to Mary and let her know I'm taking a walk."
"Thank you."
After talking to Mary for a few moments, she walked up to Elizabeth and offered her arm. "Let's take a walk and you can tell me what's on that mind of yours." Elizabeth smile at her honorary sister who knew her so well. After walking a few minutes, they sat down on a bench in front of the town's small water fountain.
"Ok, Elizabeth. What's up?"
She took a deep breath and slowly blew the air out. "I just wanted to catch my breath for a moment. This relationship with Jack is going at warp speed and I am barely keeping a hold on things."
"Are you wanting to slow things down? Are you beginning to feel uncomfortable?"
"Absolutely not. He has been here almost a week, in that time frame I was very rude to him, we began to talk, I began to like him and then I fell in love with him, and now we are talking about getting married."
"Yes, that's a lot. Wait! Did you just say talking about getting married?"
She shared with her about Jack's discussion about proposing but wanting to wait until he could speak to her father face to face.
"Is that what you want, Elizabeth."
"It is. I know it's fast, I'm just worried it's too fast."
"Are you sure you're ready for marriage?"
"Abagail, I have been pushing Jack to speak to my father. I have given him the deadline of today." She said with a grin.
After a couple of moments of silence, both ladies laughed at her eagerness for Jack to propose.
"If you want this Elizabeth, then what's the problem?"
"I just want to make sure we aren't going too fast. I don't want Jack to regret this. I don't want to slow this down unless it is leading us to a bad outcome."
What I know of Jack, he makes good decisions for himself. Charlette trusts her son enough not to put a roadblock in front this relationship."
She shook her head. "Abagail, I have never wanted anything more in my whole life than Jack Thorton and our life together. I can't really explain it. I know it's fast, really fast, but I can't stop what I'm feeling."
"My advice is to make sure you are happy with your decision and make sure you are ok with the speed of this, then I say run with it at whatever speed you are comfortable with."
Elizabeth smiled and looked at her sister.
"You are a smart woman, Elizabeth. I know you will do what is best for you."
"Thank you, Abagail."
"I must ask you something. May I?"
"Abagail, you are my sister. Ask whatever you want."
"Did you really put a time limit for him to talk to your father?"
Elizabeth showed her the text and both ladies laughed. "I really can't wait to marry that man."
"I know Elizabeth. I am excited for you two."
…
Tom stepped out of the building where the interview took place. The job would be as a salesman with very little travel. He would over see five different regions which meant mostly phone conversations, following up on details, and visiting a region once a month. He could visit all five regions in one week. So, out of each month, he would travel for one week. He needed to check with Julie to make sure this would be ok with her before he would accept their offer.
"Hey babe, how did it go?"
"It went well."
Tom told her all about the job. The time and travel requirements and the bonuses and salary. The salary would more than double what he is making at his other job.
"Wow babe. That's a lot!"
"It is. I was also thinking, we could get a small house and you could go back to college if that is what you want to do. I know you have talked about it. With this new job, you could do that."
"Tom, I don't have to go back to school."
"Jules, is that what you want to do?"
"I would like to finish school. I have two years to get my degree. It would help us in the long run with a better job for me."
"Would you be happy?"
"Yes. I would."
"Then it's settled. I take the job, we get married. We buy a small home, and you go back to college."
"Are you sure?"
"Can we begin this tomorrow?" Smiled Tom.
"Look at us, acting all grown up." Sassed Julie.
"Who would have guessed. I do look forward to beginning our life together. I guess Jack is right."
She gave him a quizzical look.
"Jack said I was a good man who would grow up with the right woman in my life. He said all the other relationships was me running away because they were not meant for me. He thinks you are my soulmate. And I agree with him. I am here to love you, Julie."
With a tear in her eye, she looked at him. "I am made for you too, Tom. Together we complete each other."
…
Jack was working at his desk looking over the last crime scene photos. He was missing something but couldn't put his finger on it. Chief Avery walked by and took a seat in front of Jack.
"Jack, I want to thank you for all your hard work on this case."
"Your welcome, Chief, but we haven't solved anything yet."
"We have come a long way and it's because of you."
"Bill, it's because of us. We have worked together and tossed theories back and forth. We have worked through them all together."
"You are very humble Jack. We are here because all those theories were yours."
"Ours, Bill."
"We both know better. Have you thought about that other thing we talked about?"
"The other thing?"
"Yes. Any thoughts?"
"If it's still an option, I would love to talk to you further about it. I need a few small details worked out before accepting."
"Let me know when a good time for you would be. We need to make this happen, Jack."
Jack smiled. He wanted the job. Mostly because he would be there with Elizabeth, but there were more reasons than just that. He wanted a home. A place he belonged. His current job required a lot of travel, so he only rented small apartment. He wanted a home, his own home. He also wanted to slow his work life down. He was only called in on cases where the local police departments needed help. He still loved the excitement, but not every case had to be that exciting. He wanted a simple crime to solve every once in a while. This offer from Bill met all of his wants and desires in a potential job.
His phone buzzed and it brought him out of his thoughts. He recognized the number from his earlier call that morning.
"Good evening. This is Investigator Jack Thornton."
"Good evening, Investigator Jack Thornton. I'm William Thatcher. I am Elizabeth's father."
"Hello sir. Thank you for calling me back."
"No problem, young man. I received your message, my middle daughter's message, my youngest daughter's message, and my wife's message that it was imperative I contact you today." He laughed.
"I'm sorry about that. I didn't know they all called you."
"Well, they all called me, and my wife also visited me at the office today. Evidently my survival depended on me calling you today."
Jack laughed. "I completely understand. My life depended on me talking to you today as well, or at least according to Elizabeth."
Both men laughed thinking how focused Elizabeth could be when she had her mind set on something.
"Mr. Thatcher, I would like to meet with you in person. Do you think that would be possible next week?"
"Do you think Elizabeth will let you wait that long to meet with me?"
"Probably not. At least not happily, but I am working on a case, and I cannot get away until possibly next week."
"Well we wouldn't want my daughter to be to upset. My wife informed me we will be traveling to see Elizabeth this weekend. Would that be ok for a visit?"
"Yes sir. That will make Elizabeth and myself very happy. Thank you, sir."
"Investigator Thorton, I believe my middle daughter's boyfriend should call me William."
"Oh, you know about that?"
"Yes, my wife told me."
"I'm sorry sir I haven't been able to talk with you before now."
"I understand things are moving quickly. I was under the understanding you desperately needed to talk to me about something."
"Yes sir. But I can't do it over the phone."
"I believe I understand."
There were a few long moments of silence. The silence was awkward and difficult for Jack.
"Jack."
"Yes, Mr. Thatcher."
"Jack, please call me William."
"Yes sir."
"Jack. Grace spoke to me when she visited today. She told me you two were dating."
"Yes sir. We are. Just about a week."
"How long have you two known each other?"
"About a week."
"Jack, I'm under the understanding you walk to speak with me concerning Elizabeth and your future."
"Yes sir. That is correct."
"And you two have been together for about a week?"
"Correct, sir."
"And you want to talk to me about your future together?"
"Yes, sir. I would welcome the opportunity to speak to you about Elizabeth and our future."
"After a week? Don't you think this is moving too fast?"
"It seems that way, sir. If you are alright with this, I would prefer speaking to you personally concerning all of this. I hope you agree it is more appropriate to speak face to face."
William thought for a moment. This seems too fast. Grace and his relationship went fast compared to anyone's standards, they were dating and engaged within four months of meeting and married in less than one year. But a week and this young man wants to talk about a future. He knew what he wanted to discuss. He thought it's just too fast.
"I agree young man. Let's have this conversation this weekend in person."
"Thank you sir. For agreeing to meet with me and coming to town so we can talk. You don't realize how much trouble you are saving me from."
"I know Bethie, I think I understand the trouble I am saving you from." William laughed at the memories of all the disagreements with Elizabeth due to her impatience.
"Jack, while I am talking with you, do you have a moment?"
This made him even more nervous than he already was. "Yes, sir. You may have all the moments you want."
"Grace said you informed her of your mom's name, Charlette Thorton."
"Yes, sir. That's my mother's name."
"Your father's name was Tom Thornton?"
"Yes sir. Tom and Charlette Thornton. They were married until my father passed away in the line of duty when I was a teenager. How did you know that?"
"His name was Tom, Thomas Thorton?" William asked again. He couldn't believe it.
"Yes, sir. Did you know him?"
"He died in a domestic call?"
"Yes, sir. How did you know that?" The confusion was evident in Jack's voice.
"We'll talk when Grace and I arrive tomorrow night."
"Yes, sir. I look forward to meeting you and your wife."
…
It was late when Jack left work. He wanted to get ahead on the case before the Thatchers arrived this weekend. He was a little nervous meeting, William. He seemed like a decent enough of a man. He was a little on edge, but it was his daughter Jack wanted to talk to him about. He would naturally be on edge. But it wasn't just that part of the conversation that unnerved him. William sounded like he knew Jack's parents. He knew his father's name and how he died. That unnerved him and he couldn't figure out how he would know his father.
…
Jack has been texting Elizabeth all evening. She was on edge about Jack talking to her father. She tried to slow this down, but she just couldn't. This train was in motion, and it couldn't go fast enough for her. She knew she was pushing Jack but couldn't stop it. Honestly, she wasn't trying to stop it. She took Abagail's advice, and this was the speed she was comfortable with. She knew she would be married to Jack soon and the thought excited her beyond description.
E – So, you talked to my father?
J – Good evening to you too sweetheart. He sassed.
E – I'm sorry Jack. Good evening. Did you have a good day?
J – It was a wide range of emotions.
E – How so?
J – Well, I had a great lunch with my smart, beautiful girlfriend
E – And…
J – Then I was warned by her want to be boyfriend
E – Jack.
J – I'm teasing you, Hermosa
J – I worked on the case
E – Anything else?
J – I talked with Bill about the case and the other thing
E – Yeah?
J – Yeah. Looking promising
E – Anything else
J – I may have spoken with an older gentleman today too
E – Jack…
J – I spoke with your father
With that last statement, his phone buzzed with a call. Without any surprise, it was Elizabeth.
"What did he say!?" She almost yelled into the phone.
"Well, hello, gorgeous. How are you doing this afternoon?"
"Jack" she stated with a huff. "What did you guys talk about?"
"Sweetheart, what do you think we talked about?"
"Jack. Why are you holding out on me?"
"It's a little funny sweetheart."
"You shouldn't make fun of me."
"I'm sorry."
"I'm sorry, too. I have been so consumed with this that I have forgot all about you. Please forgive me?"
"If you will forgive me for teasing you."
"We're forgiven."
She smiled while listening to his voice. His voice relaxed her. He told her about the conversation with her father and her parent's visit in a day or so. She heard about the visit from her mother. After Grace visited her husband at the office, she called her middle daughter and they talked for over two hours. When they couldn't be together, they texted or talked. Their communication was special. Nothing was off limits with each other.
Jack was quiet for a long time. She knew she was consumed with the issue of her father and Jack asking for his permission, but he forgave her. So, she knew it wasn't that. He was too quiet. She knew something else was bothering him. They may not have known each other for very long, but she could read him as easily as any book she owns.
"Jack, what's wrong?"
"What? I'm sorry, Elizabeth. What did you say?"
"I asked you what is wrong. You are quiet."
"Nothing, Elizabeth. I'm a little tired."
"I know you must be tired, but something is wrong."
"How do you know?"
"Well," she started. "You are quieter than normal. That's not like you. Second, you called me Elizabeth. You don't call me by my name unless I am sassing you. You always call me Bella, or Belle, or the countless other names. I know you, Jack. I know something is bothering you."
Jack smiled even though she couldn't see him. "I love you, Bella."
"I love you too Jack. May we facetime? I want to see you."
Her phone switched to facetime mode when she touched the button that almost instantly appeared on her screen when she asked.
"There are those beautiful dimples. Now handsome, what's the problem?"
"I'm not sure. Something your father said has me wondering."
"Was it something about us? Remember, we are getting married no matter if he approves or not. I want this, Jack."
"Me too, beautiful."
"Jack, I know I have been pushing you about talking with him,"
Jack cut her off. "Beautiful, please do not apologize for being excited about marrying me. I know I don't know anything about dating, but if you were not excited about marrying me that would be horrible." He smirked into the camera on his phone.
"Jack, I'm not waiting patiently here. I'm unfairly pushing you to do something you simply can't do until my father gets here. But Jack, I know something is not right with you."
"I love you." Then He sighed. "While talking to your father, he said something that has me confused. He sounded like he knew my father."
"What did he say that made you think that?"
He shared the portion of the conversation, and she did agree it was odd. She did concede that her father had many acquaintances due to his business contacts. "I guess it's possible, but what are the chances of them meeting years ago?"
"I'm not sure. I don't know why it shook me the way it has, but it has."
"Jack, where do you want to get married?"
"I would marry you anywhere, but I do have one weird request."
"Would you share it with me?"
"I would like the reception to be at Abagail's She is such an important person in our lives, especially yours. Plus, that's where I learned the real you and we have grown closer together in that café."
"Oh Jack, that would be perfect. But should we be planning a wedding and reception since we are not engaged?"
"Formalities. My dear, we are getting married, and I would bet we will be married sooner than later."
"Not soon enough." Smirked Elizabeth.
…
Elizabeth woke up the following morning like always, smacking the alarm's snooze button for the third time. "I hate mornings!" She said to no one.
"Why do you hate mornings so much?"
She jumped at the sound of Jack's voice. "Oh, my goodness. Why are you here and how did you get into my apartment?"
"You really aren't a morning person are you? You told me to come over this morning because you wanted to have breakfast before school since your mom and dad are coming in this evening. You told me where the extra key is. That's too obvious of a hiding spot by the way, you need to find another place for it."
"Oh, right. I think I remember that now. But why are you here so early?"
"It's not early. You need to hurry and get ready, or we will not have time for breakfast."
"Ok. Ok Don't push me."
"Are you always going to be this um…"
"Cranky" she finished for him.
"Are you always going to be this entertaining in the mornings?"
"I don't think you want to know that answer." She said as she got up and stretched before heading to the bathroom.
"You look beautiful."
"Jack, now I know you are lying." She laughed as she continued to head to the shower."
…
Jack sat on the couch and began to look through his phone. Several things were running through his mind. He was nervous with meeting Elizabeth's parents. He has spoken to them but only briefly, except for Grace. She asked a lot of questions during their phone call. He instantly found her funny and enjoyed their talk. The case was going well. They were closing in on proving their theories, but they were waiting on their one break to prove everything. He was planning a special time to propose to Elizabeth. She knew it would be coming soon, especially after Jack's talk with her father. He still wanted it to be special. He just didn't know how yet.
He didn't hear her walk in the living room. She touched his shoulder and he jumped at her touch.
"Such a brave investigator." She sassed.
"Hey" He tried to sound hurt.
"How can such a brave investigator be so scared of a school teacher. This is the second time you were scared of me."
Jack stood up and she saw the look in his eyes.
"Jack" She gave him a warning.
"Yes, Bella." He smirked.
"Jack, you better not." She warned again.
He slowly walked toward her with his hands up ready to grab her. She backed up warning him with her eyes.
"Jack. No. JACK!" As he reached for her to tickle her. He recently found out how ticklish she was.
He pulled her into an embrace and began tickling her. She fought against him but couldn't break free. She couldn't remember laughing so hard.
He leaned in and hovered close to her lips. While he wasn't tickling her anymore, his closeness was not allowing her to catch her breath. He slowly leaned in and gently place his lips onto her lips. The kiss was not full of passion like many of their other kisses. This kiss was full of love. Full of a want to begin their life together.
She always loved the kisses when they were filled with passion, but this kiss was different. This kiss was filled with love. With a love that was filled with the future. The future of a love with a man who adored her. A man who truly loved her. This kiss was an intimate telling of a love story yet to be fully told.
She was so lost in him that she didn't realize the time. She didn't realize she needed to go to work or she was going to be late.
Jack leaned back and smiled his dimpled grin which made her forget whatever was going on at that moment.
"Bella, we need to get you to work."
"Work?"
"Yes. Fifth grade teacher. Shaping young minds to reach their true potential."
"Oh, yeah. That job."
"Jack, that was"
"Awesome?"
"I was thinking incredible, but awesome will work."
"Elizabeth, I can't wait to be married to you."
"Let's go before you make me late. I'll call Abagail to place a to go order."