Chapter 22

As they finished their tour of the house, Julie looked over at Tom to gauge his reaction. It was then she realized he had been watching her for her reaction. "What do you think love?"

Julie smiled. "I think I love it. Do you think we can afford it when I start back to school?"

"With the new job and its salary, yes I do. I think we can easily afford it. I love it. What do you think?"

"I love it, Tom. I just don't want to put us in a financial struggle."

"Do you realize how cute you are when you are being financially responsible?"

They both laughed at his silly joke. This was a big step for both of them. They were both so free spirited, settling down never crossed their minds. Now, they are getting married and looking at buying a house. Times have certainly changed for them.

"I think we should place a bid on the house."

"I agree, Tom. Let's do it now."

After placing a formal bid a little below asking price, the couple walked down the sidewalk excited and a little nervous. This was a nervous time for them, but they were more excited than nervous.

"We did it babe. We placed a bid for a house. An actual house!"

"I know. It feels so weird, but I am so excited. When do you think we will hear back about our offer?"

"The realtor said two to three days. I feel good about it."

"Me too. I already have plans on what colors to paint each room."

…

Henry reached for Abagail's hand. "Ms. Abagail, do you think Investigator Thorton will be alright."

She could sense his nervousness. She knew Jack could take care of himself, but she was a little nervous too. She wanted Jack to be safe. She has grown to love him like a brother. Plus, her best friend is in love with him.

"I'm sure he will be fine. You did the right thing in telling us and now he knows too. He can be ready in case something happens."

"I don't want anything to happen to him."

"I know." Stated Frank.

"Think of it this way." Abagail began. "If you know Ms. Thatcher is giving you a test tomorrow in math, you can study for it tonight and be prepared for it tomorrow. Right?"

Henry nodded his head. "I hate math, but yes, I can study for it."

"And by studying for it, you are ready for it and make a good grade in it."

Henry nodded while looking down at the sidewalk still holding her hand.

"Yes." Frank stated. "Jack knows that there is a potential problem, and he can be ready for it just like you are ready for a test."

The little boy was thinking what they were saying. "So, it was a good thing?"

"Yes, Henry. You did a good thing. Now, Jack can be ready and prepared for whatever comes his way. You are a brave young man."

Henry offered his first smile since they began their walk. Frank and Abagail knew Henry was a good natured kid. He was smart and brave. He did have a few issues he had to work through because of his father and uncle. They knew they had to be patient with the young man. He desired to do the right thing; he was just unsure of himself.

…

"Jack, do you feel good about your decision?"

"I do."

"Are you sure?"

"Sweetheart, do you think I am making a wrong decision?"

This stopped Elizabeth in her tracks. "Jack, no. I do not. I want you to stay, I just want to make sure you are staying for the right reasons."

"Sweetheart, I need you to look at me."

She avoided his eyes. She wanted to be strong, but in this moment, she was afraid he was making the decision solely on her wants.

"E-liz-a-beth" He elongated each syllable. I have never loved my name than I do right now. How does he says it that way. "I love you and I want to be with you as a family. I want this. I wanted a change before you came into my life. With you in my life, I know for certain this is the right move for me, for us."

She looked into his eyes looking for confirmation. She saw love, tenderness, and truth. She knew he wasn't saying these things to make her feel better. He said them because he meant them.

"Jack, I love you. I didn't mean to make you think I don't want you here. I really do and I was only afraid I was pushing you too much to stay."

"You aren't, Bella. I want to be here with you as much as you want me here. I am making this decision for the best of us. If that is the case, then it is the best decision for me. We are one. This is how it works."

"But Jack, we aren't married yet. Heck, we aren't even engaged yet." She sassed him.

"Yet, sweetheart. Yet." He gave her a smile that made her knees weak.

They walked a few minutes holding hands without a destination in mind. They were enjoying being in the company of the other. She would squeeze his hand occasionally and Jack would rub his thumb over her hand. Each act was calming and expressed their love.

"Hey, I have a thought. Tell me something about yourself that I don't know."

She tapped her finger on her bottom lip, "This could be fun. Let me think about that for a minute."

How can someone be so gorgeous just by tapping her finger on her bottom lip. "Why is it everything you do makes you look adorable?" He asked.

"You just love me."

"Yes. I do."

She thought for a few moments and a smile crossed her lips.

"My first kiss was at my thirteenth birthday party. A group of friends were playing spin the bottle and the bottle landed on Adam. The next spin landed on me. He was a good friend of mine."

"Spin the bottle? Really? What happened?"

"Well, with chanting from our friends, he kissed me. It was so awkward. It was really quick, and he almost missed my lips. We were both so nervous."

They both laughed at her memory. "Oh, I wish I was there."

"It was horrible. I didn't kiss a boy again until my junior year of high school."

"Was that Charles?"

"No. It was another boy who I went out with a couple of times. It just didn't work out. A few months after that, I started dating Charles. He was the third boy I kissed. And you make the fourth."

"Is that why you are so good at it?" He sassed.

"Very funny Thorton. What about you? How many girls have you kissed?"

"Well, my first kiss was when I was fifteen. We would hang out with friends, but never dated. Every time we were together we were always with a group. One night at the bowling alley, we found ourselves alone at the concession stand getting sodas. We were standing in the corner waiting for our order and she leaned over and kissed me."

"What did you do?"

"Well, I wished I was smooth, but I wasn't. I was shocked and just stood there. I didn't know what to do. When I tried to kiss her again, the man behind the counter showed up with our sodas."

"Oh man." They laughed together. "That must have been embarrassing."

"Oh, it was very embarrassing."

"What was her name."

"Emma Watson."

"Wait, was she part of the Watson twins?"

"You remember that?"

She laughed at his expression. "Of course, I remember the Watson twins."

"Yes, she was part of the Watson twins. Her sister was so mad a day later when she found out. She snuck up a few days later and walked up to me and grabbed me and kissed me. I didn't even know who it was until she finished."

"You were awkward, wasn't you?"

"Oh, Bella. You have no idea. I wasn't cool by any standards."

"So, who else?"

"You."

"Your first two kisses were one time only?"

"Yes and very rushed. I didn't want to date just to date. I wasn't interested in that. I watched my friends suffer through breakups and watched them repeat it over and over. I just didn't want that. I wanted to date to marry."

She shook her head. She couldn't believe he never dated anyone before and only in passing kissed two girls. "Jack, you are the perfect boyfriend. You are a great kisser. How can you be so good at those things and never done them before?"

He embarrassingly laughed. "It's you, Elizabeth. Thank you but I don't feel like I am good at those things. I want to be the best everything for you. I feel like I'm sinking here but I am trying to be what you want."

She stopped walking and stood in front of him. She was grateful for him. She was grateful for his desire to be everything for her, but he didn't understand he already was her everything. She couldn't think of anything to say, so she did what came naturally to her. She leaned in and passionately, but gently, kiss his lips.

…

Charlette and Grace meet for dinner to discuss everything. They have only recently met, but they felt like they had a connection due to Officer T. Julie and Tom's wedding would be in a few weeks, and they needed to get that organized. There wouldn't be too much that needed to be done because they wanted to keep things simple. They also wanted to talk about Jack and Elizabeth's upcoming wedding.

"I know things aren't official yet, but I feel like it will happen soon."

"I agree Grace. I think they will move quickly in this. How do you feel about it?"

"Honestly, I worry it is happening too fast, but I trust Elizabeth. I know she will do the best for her."

"I feel the same way with Jack. He has always made the best decision for himself. This is happening very fast, but I do trust him. I have never seen him act this way toward a woman before. He could have dated in high school and college, but he never did. I think Elizabeth is his first serious girlfriend. I hope he isn't getting lost in that fact."

"Elizabeth dated one man during her last two years of high school, and they dated throughout college, but they weren't close. They barely saw each other; I think she just dated him to avoid other guys in college. Once she moved back home after college, she broke it off withing a couple of months. I don't believe she was ever serious with him."

"So, how can two inexperienced individuals randomly find each other and fall in love in less than a week? Not only that, but they will also be engaged sooner than later and will be married not long after that."

"Charlette, I think you have everything in a nutshell. I don't know. I do know I have never seen Elizabeth this way before. Viloa was the oldest and liked to remind everyone of that fact. She always tried to prove how grown she was. Julie was the impulsive one. She never did anything for any length of time, boys, jobs, or school. Elizabeth was the thinker. She always knew what she wanted and worked toward it. She never was serious about any one guy. I think she concentrated on her schoolwork too much for any serious relationship."

Charlette laughed at the similarities. "Jack is a lot like Elizabeth. He took his studies seriously and never wanted to date very much. I can't really think of a girl he was interested in. Tom is a lot like Julie. Maybe that's why they get along so well. I think they are good for each other."

"I agree with Tom and Julie. He has helped her mature."

"I think they help each other mature."

Both moms sat and enjoyed their time together talking about their families. Both had some concerns about the time frame of Elizabeth and Jack's relationship, but they couldn't deny their attraction to each other. Overall, they were happy for their children.

…

"So, what else do I need to know about you?" Asked Elizabeth.

"Do you know I know how to play the violin and the saxophone?"

"Really?"

"Yes, it was important to ma for us to know how to play an instrument."

"So, why violin and the saxophone?"

"I loved the sound of the violin. I also love the look of the instrument."

"And the saxophone?"

Jack became a little embarrassed. "Well, I always thought the saxophone was sexy."

"I bet it's sexy when you play." Elizabeth blushed at her own comment when she stated it under her breath.

They walked up to an intersection where an older lady was standing at the corner waiting to cross traffic. Jack let go of Elizabeth's hand and walked up to the older lady. "Ma'am, may I escort you across the street?"

"Oh, young man. That is very kind of you, but it is not necessary."

"I would be honored too. I don't get to escort a beautiful woman very often." Jack gave her a dimple grin. The older lady smiled and his gentleness.

"That would be fine young man as long as your beautiful lady friend doesn't mind. My name is Ms. Wilson."

Elizabeth smiled and stepped behind Ms. Wilson and Jack. Jack offered his left arm for the lady to take. Ms. Wilson smiled at him and took his arm gently.

"I haven't had a handsome man escort me across the street in a very long time."

Jack blushed at her compliment.

"Ms. Wilson, this is my intelligent and beautiful girlfriend, Elizabeth Thatcher." Then he leaned in as telling her a secret. "She will be my fiancé very soon." He gave her a big smile. Elizabeth tried to listen to what he said but she couldn't hear him. Ms. Wilson smiled and tapped his arm.

"We are going to eat dinner would you please join us for dinner at Abagail's Café?"

Jack looked back at Elizabeth seeking her approval. She gave it to him with a gentle smile and a nod of her head.

"Oh, young man. I am on my way there now for dinner, but you and Elizabeth don't want an old lady crashing your date."

The light turned for them to cross and Elizabeth stated, "Ms. Wilson, Jack and I would love for you to join us for dinner. Would you please reconsider and eat with us?"

"Please Ms. Wilson." Jack added.

"Well, how can I say no to the both of you? I would love to eat with you. Thank you so much." She smiled at the young couple.

After walking across the street, she continued to hold onto Jack's arm and Elizabeth followed behind them. Elizabeth smiled at Jack and his kindness. She knew in her heart that Jack was a good man and she fell for him a little bit more in that moment. He was so kind and gentle with Ms. Wilson.

…

Abagail left her two boys to go back to the café to help. She was surprised at how fast she was falling for Henry. He was such a good boy. He was thoughtful and considerate to everyone. He was always thankful for whatever he received and was willing to help out whenever he was asked.

The café was a little busy and she was grateful for her staff. They were good at what they did. All the customers loved the food and the waitress staff. She looked up when she noticed Ms. Wilson walking into the café with Jack and then Elizabeth following. Ms. Wilson was a semi-regular customer and Abagail enjoyed her company when she was in the café.

She walked up to the trio with her usual smile. "Good evening. How are you all doing?"

"We are great, Abagail. This is Ms. Wilson, and she has graciously agreed to eat with us." Jack said introducing her to Abagail.

"Oh Ms. Wilson. It is great to see you again. How do you know this young couple."

"This young man walked up and escorted me across the busy intersection. Then they invited me to eat with them. How kind is that?"

"Yes. They are very kind. So, a table for three?"

"Yes, ma'am." Jack offered his arm again when Abagail led them to a booth. Jack and Elizabeth sat on one side and Ms. Wilson sat on the other side.

Ms. Wilson smiled at Elizabeth and Jack. She could see they were in love. It made her miss her late husband. "Elizabeth and Jack, how long have you been dating?"

Both started to blush. "Well, we met a week ago."

"A week?" Asked a confused Ms. Wilson.

"Yes. About one week ago. I came her on a temporary job assignment, and we met."

"Wait" she leaned toward Jack and whispered, "I thought you said she will be your fiancé very soon?"

Jack leaned in, "Yes ma'am. I did." He gave her a dimpled smile.

"Be careful with that smile young man. That will get you into trouble."

"It will get me into trouble." Stated Elizabeth with a soft laugh. After a few moments of silence, both ladies busted out laughing when they looked at each other. Elizabeth decided at that moment she really like this woman.

"We meet a week ago and we just fell in love very quickly. I can't explain it. It just happened that fast." Stated Jack.

"I understand. My late husband and I meet and were married in a little less than a month. We were married for fifty three years before his death three years ago."

Elizabeth reached across the table and held her hand, "I'm so sorry for your lose." Jack and Elizabeth stated at the same time.

She offered a friendly smile at the young couple. "How did you two met if you are only here for a temporary assignment?"

"Well" Elizabeth began, "the first time we meet he was scared of me. His boss warned me to be nice to him because he was scared of me."

Ms. Wilson laughed out loud and tilted her head back. "That must be some story."

"I wasn't scared. She was mean to me." Defended Jack to no avail.

Elizabeth and Jack shared their story together. Each took turns to share certain parts of the story. Ms. Wilson was having a great time listening to the entire story. She laughed and shook her head with a huge smile.

"Wait, you're that investigator that Police Chief Avery brought in to help?"

"Yes ma'am I am."

"Well, your kind of a celebrity from what I hear."

"Oh, Ms. Wilson. I am not a celebrity."

"And you are the fifth grade teacher at school?"

"Yes ma'am. How did you know that?"

"I'm a retired teacher myself. I have heard great things about you. My Herald and I moved here ten years ago. I was still involved in the school as a volunteer when we first moved here. I still have some friends in the school system. They all have told me about this perfect Ms. Thatcher who is the best teacher."

Elizabeth blushed at her compliment. "That is very kind of them to say that, but I wouldn't agree with them."

"Oh dear. If what I have heard is true, you are truly amazing. But I do find it hard to see you as scary."

Both ladies laughed at that statement at Jack's expense.

"I wasn't afraid." Stated Jack.

"Sweetheart, you avoided me the next day at school and your boss warned me to be nice to you. He said he couldn't have a police officer who was afraid of a little school teacher."

All three laughed at that statement. They enjoyed their meal together. The conversation was never ending and was filled with laughter. Ms. Wilson shared with them about her life with Herald and her teaching career. She was a great story teller and both Elizabeth and Jack hung on every word. Before anyone knew it, they were are the café for three hours.

"Oh dear. I need to be going home. I didn't realize how late it had gotten."

"I'm sorry, Ms. Wilson. I didn't realize the time either. Let me go pay for our meal and we will walk you home."

"You do not need to pay for my meal young man." She stated with a bit of a teacher's voice."

"I'm marrying a school teacher and my mother was a school teacher. A scary teacher face and voice doesn't work on me any longer." Jack laughed as he got up and walked to the register.

"What are you going to do with that man, young lady?"

Elizabeth shook her head. "I don't know. My scary teacher face doesn't work on him. He says I'm adorable when I try to use it on him."

Ms. Wilson smiled. "I'm sure you will think of something, dear."

Jack walked up to the table with both ladies laughing. "What's so funny?"

"Nothing." Both ladies answered at the same time.

"I don't believe either of you, but you two look adorable so I guess I will let it slide this time." He gave both of them a smile with full dimples.

Ms. Wilson leaned in toward Elizabeth, "Dear, you are in trouble with that smile."

"Don't I know it." She whispered back.

Jack and Elizabeth walked Ms. Wilson back to her house. This time both Elizabeth and Jack both offered Ms. Wilson their arm to escort her home.

The conversation flowed as easily on their fifteen minute walk to her home as it did in the café.

"Ms. Wilson, I have greatly enjoyed our evening with you. Thank you for agreeing to spend time with us." Stated Elizabeth. Jack smiled and nodded in agreement.

"Thank you both for asking an old lady to spoil your evening. I had a great time."

"May we please do this again?" Asked Jack.

"That's very kind of you, but please don't feel obligated."

"We would love to spend more time with you, Ms. Wilson. We greatly enjoyed our time with you tonight and we would love to spend time with you again."

Ms. Wilson looked at Elizabeth with a tear in her eye. She nodded in agreement and gave each of them a kiss on the cheek and a small hug for Elizabeth. "I'll pray for you two."

"Thank you. Ms. Wilson, would you please be our guest to our wedding when we get married?"

"That's very kind of you, young man, but you aren't even engaged yet. Get on with it and let me know. I would be delighted to be there."

"I'm working on it, ma'am." Jack smiled at his new friend.

Ms. Wilson disappeared into her home, and they waited to hear the click of the lock on the door.

"Jack, that was the best evening."

"I agree, Bella. We need to stay in touch with her. She is priceless."

"I love her home. It is beautiful. I wonder if the inside is as great as the outside?"

"Knowing her, I bet it is even better."

…

William walked into the room after taking a shower and notice the smile on his wife's face. "What's the big smile for, sweetheart?"

"I was just thinking about our daughters. Julie seems to be finally growing up and starting to become the young lady that we always thought was in her somewhere. She and Tom seem very happy with each other. I think they are perfect for each other. Then Elizabeth and Jack. I can't imagine a better match for our middle daughter."

Now there were tears with her smile.

"I know sweetheart. Jack and Elizabeth seem so perfect for each other. I still worry a little about their time frame, but I trust her. I'm also grateful that Tom seems to be a great match for our Julie. They seem to help each other grow and mature."

William sat down beside Grace on the little sofa in the living area of their room. He reached for her hand, and she took his without hesitation. "I pray for them and hope they have a life filled with love."

William smiled at his bride. She was always a little soft hearted and knew her soft heart toward her girls. They only hoped that Viola wouldn't be so distant.

…

As they walked off Ms. Wilson's porch, Jack and Elizabeth smiled at each other. They really enjoyed their evening with their new friend.

"She was so precious."

"Yes, Nani. She was. She was such a sweet lady."

"So, Investigator Thorton."

Jack secretly loved it when she called him that. He knew she was sassing him.

"I hear you are getting engaged soon." She stated without looking in his direction.

"Where did you hear such a rumor?"

"A sweet little old lady told me that you were planning to ask a young lady for her hand in marriage."

"Huh, you know older people hear what they want to hear." He sassed playing her game.

Elizabeth playfully hit him on the bicep. "You better not take too long, or that young lady may become impatient."

"I think that beautiful young lady is already impatient."

"I think you're right. So, I wouldn't waste too much time." She warned him.

Jack stopped walking and wrapped his arms around her slim waist. He interlocked his fingers on her lower back and made eye contact with her. She placed her forearms on his shoulders and played with the hair on the back of his head and looked into his eyes. She had his full attention, and he had her full attention.

"E-liz-a-beth"

Good grief, why does he have to say my name that way.

"I love you with all of my heart. The more I learn about you, the deeper I fall for you. I promise you; I will not take too much time to ask for your hand. I just hope you are prepared when I do."

"Jack" she drew out his name. "I will be ready."

"Good, Ms. Thatcher. Soon. Very soon."

A/N:

I hope you are enjoying this journey. This, and the next chapter, were fun chapters to write. The next chapter, Jack asks an important question…