Chapter 21
Grace and Charlette smiled at each other as they exited the store. Grace wrapped her arm around Charlette's arm and began walking down the sidewalk. "It looks like our family will be one family soon…twice over actually."
Charlette offered a small gentle smile and tightened her grip on Grace, "I believe you are right. I can see it with Jack easily, but I am shocked with Tom. This is just not like him."
"I know what you mean. Julie has always been our wild child, but it looks like she is maturing."
"Tom was always the same way. I am grateful Julie is helping him mature."
The ladies smiled at each other and continued their walk in silence for a few minutes. Finally, Charlette broke the silence.
"Grace are you ok with everything that is happening?"
Grace thought for a few moments. "I really am. I think Jack is perfect for my Elizabeth and I believe Tom is helping Julie mature. I have never seen her so focused. Charlette, are you ok with things?"
"I've always wanted Jack to find the love of his life. I know it's only been a few days, but I do believe he has found it. I think Tom has as well. The time frame worries me a little bit, but I have always trusted Jack. He makes the best decision for himself."
"Well, it looks like we will be family. Let's get some coffee and get to know each other better."
…
Jack and Elizabeth sat on the bench in the middle of the park. He was smiling at Elizabeth's impatience. She was shifting and moving in her seat. She was bouncing her knee and it was shaking the whole bench. He laughed at her antics.
"Investigator Thorton, are you laughing at me?" She stated with her best scary teacher face.
Jack smiled at her. "You look absolutely adorable when you do that." He leaned in gently and gave her a gentle kiss on the tip of her nose.
She huffed at his actions. "Jack, please tell my what my father said."
"Well, he warned me how impatient you are. I can see he didn't underestimate that part of you at all." He said with another laugh.
"Are you quite done having a good time at my expense?" She sassed him with a smile.
"I'm sorry, Elizabeth. You are just too adorable right now. I can't help it." He leaned into her and took her into his arms. "Please forgive me." He spoke just before he captured her lips with his. It began gentle enough, but quickly the kiss deepened into a passionate kiss. He was grateful he was sitting down because he didn't think he would be able to stand.
"My goodness, you are good at that." She stated when they separated.
"I was thinking the same about you. How did you learn to do that so well?"
"I'm not sure. With you, it comes natural."
"Well, I am grateful for that since we will be able to do that whenever we want for the rest of our lives."
"The rest of our lives?"
"Yes, Elizabeth. Your father gave me their blessing."
"Their blessing?"
"Yes. Your mother and father gave me their blessing."
"Oh, Jack." She wrapped her arms around him and held tight with everything she has. Then, she stood and extended her left hand to him.
…
"Well, I think that went better than I could have imagined."
"Yes, Jules. I think it went pretty well."
They sat at the small table holding hands. "Are you ready for this?"
"Yes, Tom. I am. A year ago I would have ran to the mountains to avoid this, but you are different. I can't wait to marry you. I love you."
"I feel the same way. I think you came into my life at the right time. A year ago this would have scared me to death, but now, I can't wait to marry you."
They sat and stared at each other. They discussed what they wanted in their wedding and their future together. Julie was looking forward to finding a small job until school began. She never looked forward to college before, but now she was excited. She finally knew what she wanted to do. Teaching children how to interact with their surroundings through art excited her.
…
"Elizabeth, what are you doing?"
"What do you mean what am I doing? You received my parent's blessing. What are you waiting for?"
Jack have been hoping for this day, but he didn't want to do it this way. They had to leave in a few minutes for his meeting with Bill. He wanted to make the proposal special. He wanted Elizabeth to always remember her proposal. He didn't want to just ask her, he wanted to sweep her off her feet.
"Elizabeth, I can't wait to ask you to marry me, but not like this."
There was no way for Jack to miss her disappointment. "What do you mean 'not like this'?"
"I'm going to ask you soon, Elizabeth, but I want it to be special. Not rushed. We have to leave in a few minutes for my meeting with Bill. I want this time to be memorable for you. I want you to feel special and important to me. I want you to experience how much I love you."
"Jack, I already know those things. I just want to be with you. I want to begin our life together."
"And I promise we will, but I don't want it to be like this. It needs to be special. I will only do this once."
She was in love and frustrated all at the same time. She understood his desire to make it special, but anyway he would ask would be special to her. She didn't need other things to make it special. The ring and him on his knee would make it special enough for her. The war between her emotions were evident in her eyes.
He saw the battle in her eyes. "Elizabeth, I promise you it will be soon. I can't wait to begin our life together, but please be patient."
"Patient. You want me to be patient?" She huffed with a long breath. "Didn't you listen to my father about how impatient I am?" Her lack of patience was winning.
"I didn't need to hear it from your father about your impatience. I already know that."
"Jack!"
"Elizabeth, please trust me when I tell you I love you and I will ask you to marry me soon, very soon."
She huffed. She did trust him, but she never wanted anything more than she wanted his ring on her fourth finger at this moment.
"I promise you Elizabeth. It will be soon."
"I guess you need to purchase a ring."
"Bella, I already have your ring. The engagement ring is my mother's ring and the wedding ring is new, just for you."
She knew how important his parents were to him and she felt important that he would use his parent's engagement ring. She was also grateful the wedding ring was new.
"Fine. I'll wait, but you understand I don't wait well?"
"I know, sweetheart. I know."
"Great. Now let's go meet with Bill before you are late."
Jack stood and gave her a short, but passionate kiss and hug.
"Let's go."
"Jack" she stated while stopping and turned to him. "When I said I would be patient, you realize I wasn't meaning I would be patient for days, right?"
"I know beautiful. I know." He laughed.
"Good. Soon Jack or I will take matters in my own hands."
"I have no doubt." He brought her hand up to his lips and gave her a gentle kiss on the back of her left hand. "We are going to have the best life together."
If she wasn't already in love with this man, she would have been in that moment. Those dimples were on full display and his actions told her how much he loved her. It was the look in his eyes when he kissed her hand. He continued to look into her eyes when he kissed her hand and Those eyes saw her inner soul. She saw complete love and admiration.
…
Henry laid on his bed and looked up from his book. He has settled into Frank and Abagail's house very well. Things were so different now than just a few days ago. He was becoming used to the flow of the house and was starting to feel comfortable. All of that was great, but the thing he loved most other than being safe was the quite. His other house with his father was always so loud with people coming and going at all hours.
Henry stepped into the kitchen where Frank was beginning to make lunch. "Frank, can we go to the café to see Abagail? Maybe we can all go for a walk or something."
Frank smiled down at the little boy and nodded in agreement. "That sounds great. I know she is missing you. Let's go."
Walking toward the café, Henry was quiet. This didn't go unnoticed by Frank, but Frank didn't want to push Henry too much. Finally, Frank spoke up. "Henry, are you ok? You're quite today."
Henry looked up at Frank with a sadness written on his face. He remained quiet but Frank noticed his changed behavior.
"Henry, I can not imagine everything you have gone through over the last few months, but I know you are safe with Abagail and me. You live with us know and no one will take you away from our home. Our home is your home now."
Henry looked up at Frank with a tear streaming down his cheek. "Are you sure you will not want me to leave?"
"Listen, Henry." Frank kneeled down so Henry could look directly into his eyes. "You are with us now. You are not going anywhere. Ok?"
"I think I may need to tell you and Abagail something, but please promise me you won't make me leave your house." He stated with a deep sadness in his tone. His voice was barely above a whisper.
Frank pulled the little boy into a tight hug. He expressed everything he could in that hug. "Henry, no one will ever ask you to leave our house. Abagail and I love you. You are part of our family, and you will always be part of our family. Nothing you can say to us will ever make us leave you."
Henry nodded his head. He heard the words from Frank, but he was afraid of the secret he had overheard his father say a few days ago.
"Let's talk with Abagail when we get to the café. Ok?"
"Sure" he spoke with no confidence coming through his tone.
…
Jack and Elizabeth were walking down the sidewalk to the station. Jack noticed that Elizabeth was playing with her ring finger. She would rub her thumb over her finger as if she was playing with a ring. He didn't think she knew she was doing it.
"Are you missing something?"
"What do you mean?" She asked with a questioning look.
"Have you ever worn a ring on that finger you are rubbing raw?"
She looked down at her left hand and realized why he asked that question. "No, I have never worn a ring on that finger."
"Then why do you act like you lost your favorite ring?"
"I am missing a ring that should be there." She sassed.
"You really don't have patience, do you?" He laughed. He loved the way she was acting. She wanted to marry him as much as he wanted to marry her. Her impatience was adorable.
"I really don't. I know we haven't known each other for very long, but I thought you would have already known that."
"Oh, I know that already."
She tried to stop playing with her ring finger, but she would eventually go back to rubbing her finger after a few minutes. Jack smiled at his impatient girlfriend who will soon be his fiancé if things went well. Her lack of impatience will never change.
…
"There's my boys." Exclaimed an excited Abagail when Frank and Henry walked into the café.
"Hey sweetheart." Frank said as he kissed her check.
Abagail bent down to kiss Henry on the top of his head. "What are my boys up too today?"
"We wanted to come for lunch, but we also want to talk to you."
"Let me get your order in and I will bring it to you in the corner booth in the back. Give me about ten minutes and then we can do both." She noticed Henry's demeanor. She looked at Frank and he gave her a look of concern. "We'll see you soon."
After a few minutes, Abagail sat down with her boys when the food was delivered. Henry offered her a faint smile before he began eating his fries.
"So, what's up? What do we need to discuss?"
Henry stopped eating. He was visibly nervous. His facial expression went from concern to terrified. She looked from Henry to Frank and back to Henry. She reached across the table and place her hand on top of Henry's.
"Henry, what's wrong?"
"Abagail" he began slowly. "I heard my dad say something a day before he was arrested." He continued slowly and barely audible.
"Henry, son, what did he say?" Asked Frank.
Henry looked around and leaned into the couple as if he was telling them a secret. "I heard he wanted the man chasing him to go away."
"Who would that be?"
"Investigator Thorton."
"Did your dad say who would do that?"
"No, Abagail. He was talking to some men late the night before he was arrested. There were several of them over at the house. I was hiding in my bedroom. They scared me."
"Oh Henry sweetie. You are safe now. They will not hurt you any longer."
"Thank you, Abagail."
"I'll talk to Chief Avery and Investigator Thorton so they can be aware."
With concerned expressions, Frank and Abagail shared looks. "I'll go and call Bill while you watch after our boy." Frank stated.
…
"Thanks Frank. Let's keep this to ourselves for the moment, please." Stated Bill. He knew this was a possibility, always is with these types of cases. That didn't calm his nerves, but knew Jack was able to take care of himself. When drug deals go off the rails, anything can happen. This is another thing he needs to discuss with Jack when he comes in the office.
Bill was a little nervous talking with Jack. He wanted Jack to accept the position. He was ready to retire. He thought Jack would be perfect for this position. He was friendly and a people person. He was fair in his dealings with everyone. He knew the law well but put people first. Granted, Hope Valley wasn't a huge city, but he thought there would be enough of the town to make Jack happy. He wanted his town to be taken care of by someone he can trust. Jack was that person. He would be good for the town and the town would be good for him.
Jack and Elizabeth walked into the station about five minutes later. They were both laughing at something she said, and this made Bill feel more confident with his conversation.
"Come in you two and have a seat." Bill knew they were getting closer but wasn't sure how close they were. As a result, he was a little hesitate to begin.
Sensing his hesitation, Jack started. "Chief, what is it that you want to discuss with me?"
Bill looked from Jack to Elizabeth and back to Jack.
"Whatever you need to discuss with me Chief, you can say in front of Elizabeth."
Bill nodded and then began with Frank's call first. "Well, there are two things Jack. I just had a phone call from Frank, and he shared with me something you need to know. Then we will discuss the reason I wanted to see you."
Jack nodded his encouragement for Bill to continue.
"As with many of these types of cases, we will need to have a press conference tomorrow. This brings up two things I need to discuss with you. First, Frank called a few minutes ago and shared something Henry overheard from his father before he was arrested. He heard his father and several other men talking before his arrest."
"I bet I can guess what was said."
"Yes, you probably could. They said they wanted to take care of the person who were causing them so much trouble."
Elizabeth was sitting beside Jack and was taking in the conversation. Then she realized what Bill meant by 'take care of'. "Jack, are they coming after you?"
"Well, these types of arrests always bring this type of threats. We take it seriously, but we never allow it to run our lives. We take precautions for a few weeks but most of the time they do nothing."
Bill agreed but requested Jack take precautions just in case.
"What do you need to do, Jack?"
"Sweetheart, I really don't have to do anything out of the ordinary. I just need to be aware of my surroundings, but I always take those precautions."
Bill added, "It will be a little easier since we know who are involved. Jack, just pay close attention to everything and let me know if you need anything."
"I will Chief."
Elizabeth looked a little shaken by that conversation. She always knew in the back of her mind that Jack's job is dangerous, but this made things more real. Jack saw her apprehension and reached for her hand. He rubbed the back of her hand trying to calm her. She smiled in return for his consideration. It did help a little.
"Great, now Jack we need to discuss the other topic we talked about a few days ago."
"Go ahead, Chief. Elizabeth already knows about it."
Bill smiled at the couple. Maybe they are further along than he thought. He was also hoping that Elizabeth may be the final reason for Jack to take the position.
"Superintendent Johnson called yesterday wanting to discuss your next assignment. He wanted to know what you thought about this potential position. If you're not going to take it, he has a new case waiting for you."
"I have been thinking about it. It certainly has its bonuses." Jack smiled as he reached for Elizabeth's hand again. Instead of trying to comfort her, he was telling her how important she was to him.
"Johnson is ok with you taking this position if you would like it. He knows you were getting tired of the traveling. He thinks this would be a good step for you in your career and your personal life. He thinks you're ready for this new season and he thinks you will excel in the chief position."
Elizabeth smiled at Bill's words. She was hoping Jack would take the position but was afraid it would be a step back in his career. "Bill would this be a good move for Jack professionally?"
"It would in the long run. He would transfer into a role of a detective in the beginning. This would be a lateral move for him. After a few months of training, he will move into the role of chief when he is comfortable with the workload. This would be a step up in his career."
Jack smiled at her interest in his career. She was supportive of him. "So, Bill, this would be beneficial for Jack?"
"Yes, Elizabeth. This would be a step forward for him. The position carries some weight to it. The pay of chief is better than his current position. The benefits are good too. He will have to travel a couple of times a year for training and seminars, but he will mainly stay here. He will oversee the entire police force."
Jack just sat back and watched the conversation. Bill and Elizabeth were discussing his future as if he wasn't present.
"Bill, I am afraid if he takes the job he would be settling."
"I promise he wouldn't be settling. Now, if he continues as an investigator, I know he would eventually take over that program. That would be a higher position than a police chief, but that would take several years before that would happen. Probably closer to twenty five to thirty years. That's thirty years of traveling just like now, if not a little more. Once he takes over the program, his travel would be less but not completely done with traveling."
Elizabeth nodded. She was processing the information.
"Ultimately, the commander of the Investigation Department is a step above a police chief, but not by too much. The lifestyle is the biggest difference. As police chief, he would have roots in a town, good pay, great benefits, and job security. Plus, he will have the respect of his colleagues. He would have the same as a commander, except for the having roots parts. He wouldn't have need of a house because of the traveling. And it's more difficult on the family because of the travel."
"So, this would make sense for Jack to take the position?" Ask Elizabeth. She was hoping this information was appealing to Jack.
"It would if that is what he wants. The roots, for me, was a major reason for my accepting the role of police chief. I've enjoyed this life. I love my home and the life this provided for me. Charlette agrees with me that Jack would excel in this position. I have no doubt he will succeed in this role if he decides to take it."
"How long before he becomes chief?"
"Elizabeth, you realize this position is for Jack?" Bill stated with a laugh.
"Oh, right. I'm sorry, Jack. I didn't mean to take over the conversation. I'm supposed to be here for support, not to take over."
"That's ok Elizabeth. Thank you for your help."
Elizabeth smiled at Jack's response. She was relieved he wasn't upset with her for taking over the discussion. She wasn't trying to run things, but she wanted to make sure Jack took the job because he wanted it, not because she wanted him to take it and stay in Hope Valley. Jack gave her an approving smile and nod.
"I figure it would take him about two to three months of learning on the job to be ready to take over. In that time, he will serve officially as a detective, but he would be working closely with me learning the ins and outs of the chief position. Once he and I are sure he is ready to take over, I will step down in retirement."
Jack looked at Elizabeth to see if she had anymore questions for Bill. She smiled when she noticed Jack smiling at her. She knew she overstepped but she couldn't help it and Jack didn't seem upset by it.
"I do have a couple of questions, Bill."
Bill smiled his encouragement for Jack to continue.
"First, would my seniority carry over to the position of detective and police chief?"
"Yes, they would carry over. You wouldn't lose your time."
"Great. Second, when you retire, would you be available to me for any help I may need?"
"Jack, I have every confidence in you and your ability to perform this job well. When I retire, I plan on staying in Hope Valley, but as a citizen and not a police chief. However, I will always be around if you need me or want to bounce something off me. I know you will not need it, but I will be around if needed."
Jack smiled at Bill's response. He didn't want to lose his seniority and begin from the beginning. He also wanted Bill around for any help if he needed it.
Bill felt confident with the direction of the conversation. He certainly had Elizabeth's support. He thought Jack was going to take it with his expressions and his relief with his two biggest fears. Now, he just needed Jack to take the position.
"So, Jack. What do you think? Do you have any more questions or concerns?"
Jack looked over at Elizabeth. She offered a smile to him and tightened her grip on his hand. He knew her answer by the look on her face. Bill noticed too.
"I will give you two a couple of minutes before you tell me you are taking the position. I will get us all a cup of coffee." Bill stated as he stood and left his office. He closed the door as he left to give them a few minutes of privacy.
After the door closed, Elizabeth leaned over and gently kissed Jack on the cheek.
"Nani, what do you think?"
"I want to answer that question with a little warning for you."
Jack looked a little confused.
"I want you here with me and not traveling all over the state. However, I also want you to do what's best for you. I don't want to influence your decision based on me."
"Thank you, Elizabeth. You do play a major role in my decision. I don't want to be an absent husband and father."
She blushed at his comment about being an absent father. Her father was absent a lot during her childhood and didn't want that either. But she blushed because they haven't talked about children. She wanted children but she didn't want to influence his decision.
"I want a marriage that I desire to be home with my family. I want the type of marriage that people make fun of me because I love my wife so much and want to spend all my free time with her. I want my wife to wait eagerly for me to come home. I want my toes to constantly tingle. I know people can do that while away long periods of time, but I don't think I can."
She fell deeper in love with Jack as he spoke. "Jack, I don't want to keep you from what you truly want to do. I will not step in your way if you want to be commander of the investigators."
"I know sweetheart and I love you for it. I just don't think I can do the commander position and family position well. I know some people can, but I don't think I can. I want an eternity with you."
"Jack are you sure?"
"Yes sweetheart. I am sure."
She needed to hear him say the words. She did not want to leave this to a misunderstanding. "Jack, what do you want to do?"
Jack smiled a mischievous grin. "I'll tell you on one condition."
"What would that be?"
"You have to tell me your favorite nickname."
"My what?" She was stunned.
"You said you have a favorite nickname but you haven't told me. I want to know."
"Are you serious?"
"Absolutely." Jack sat and smiled at her confused look. "I'm waiting."
She huffed after realizing he wasn't going to tell her his decision until she told him. "Fine. My favorite nickname you have for me is Nani."
"Really?" A stunned Jack asked.
"Yes. It's the most unique. The others are great, and I love them, but Nani is so different. I like that one the most."
Jack smiled. Secretly it was his favorite too. "I'm going to take the position as chief. I think it suits me the best and gives me the opportunity to do what I want most, to help people and have a family."
"Would you do me a favor?"
"Sure."
"Would you take today and tonight to pray and think about it? I don't want you to regret it in a few years."
"I will think about it, but I don't think it will change my mind."
"Thank you, Jack. I love you."
"I love you."
Bill knocked on the door and entered. He saw the couple smiling at each other. He had his answer. "So, Jack. Do you have an answer?"
"I do, Bill. But we would like to take the day to think and pray about it. Would that be, ok? I will let you know in the morning."
"Perfect. Jack, you will do a great job here and I know you will come to love Hope Valley as much as I do."