Chapter 24

"Chief Avery, do you know of any issues this afternoon?"

"No. Just the normal chatter following a drug bust, but nothing particular. Besides, the state troopers will be here to help in keeping an eye out."

Superintendent Johnson nodded his agreement. There was normally someone upset about a drug bust of their friends and they often talked, but usually nothing too seriously would come from it. However, he had a strange feeling concerning the press conference later this morning. "Bill, make sure they are up to date with the latest information."

"What's going on Johnson? What are you thinking?"

"I don't know. This is a pretty big bust you and Jack did. These individuals are the type that would retaliate. I don't want Jack's news about him taking over for you when you retire to end badly."

"Understood."

…

After lying on the wooden floor of the overlook for a few more minutes kissing his incredible fiancé, they stood and sat at the small table with the candles and food. Jack opened the container and offered it to Elizabeth. She wouldn't let go of his hand.

"Jack, how did you do all of this?"

"I had a little help."

"Jack."

"Can't a guy have a few secrets?"

Elizabeth stared at her fiancé. "Secrets are usually not a good thing, but I guess I can let you slide this one time."

Jack smiled at her. He could tell she likes to be in the know. "James, the officer who works here, helped me get the candles and the speaker here. We passed him on the trial."

"We did?" She asked trying to think of the people they passed on the trail.

"Yes. I owe him now, but he was kind to help me."

"Jack, I am sorry I was so grumpy this morning. I am not a morning person, but you went above and beyond in your proposal this morning. I don't know what to say."

"You gave me the perfect response." He gave her his patent dimple smile.

"This" she waved her hand around the waterfall and everything else he done, "this is better than anything I could have imagined. Jack, you…" She was truly speechless.

"Elizabeth, you are worth more than anything I could ever do. I love you and I hope you don't mind settling for me."

She squeezed his hand and inched her chair closer to him. She looked down at their hands and couldn't tell where her hand stopped and where his hand started. Then she noticed her new ring. Her smile grew at the simple, yet beautiful ring.

"Are you sure your mother doesn't mind giving me her ring?"

Jack smiled. He leaned in and kissed his future wife. "She was the one who offered it to me when I told her I was going to propose."

"Really? You talked to her about this? Wait…how long have you been planning this?"

Jack lowered his head. His face was slowly turning red. "Yes. I speak to my ma often. There have never been secrets between us. She could always read me, and she always knew what I was thinking before I thought it. I talked to her a few days ago."

"A few days ago? Jack, a few days ago I didn't even know you." She laughed at the absurdity of that statement considering they were engaged now.

"Elizabeth, I started falling for you for you during our five hour dinner on the second day I knew you. I realized you weren't mean during that dinner. You were so nice and smart. Each time I looked into your eyes I fell deeper. Before I knew it, I was falling in love with you."

"Jack…I love you." She couldn't think of anything to say. She was completely in awe of this man. She couldn't understand it. All of this was happening very fast. Normally she hated change, but this was perfect. She looked at the ring again, it was all perfect, the ring, the proposal, the scenery, and especially the man. "I promise I will cherish this ring and you forever."

"That's why ma wanted you to have it. She knew you would take care of her ring. Well, your ring now."

Elizabeth wanted to say something. She had countless thoughts running through her mind. His honesty with how he felt for her touched her to her core. He was so genuine with her, so open with his feelings. Jack would often say that he wasn't good with expressing himself, but she couldn't believe it. She knew no one was perfect, but he was perfect for her. She wanted to tell him so many things, but there were too many thoughts running through her mind. Her mind was overloaded with the love she had for him.

They looked at each other for a few minutes in silence. Both were taking in the moment they were sharing. Neither ate the food that was in the containers, they were too busy staring at each other.

"Jack, do we really have to head back to town? I want to stay here with you."

Jack looked down at his cell phone to see the time. "Yes, Bella. We must head back to town for the press conference. Bill wants me there with him. Plus, he is introducing me as the new detective and future police chief when he retires. He thought it would be a good time to do it all at once."

She pouted. She did not want to leave the beautiful place. She didn't want to leave this moment.

Let's go, fiancé."

"Fiancé…I love the sound of that!"

With one last kiss, they gathered the few items and began their short journey back to the car.

…

"Have you heard anything from Beth?" Asked William.

Grace shook her head no. "I haven't heard anything from her. She hasn't returned any of my phone calls or texts."

"Jack hasn't responded either. Do you think what I'm thinking?"

Grace bounced in her seat. She was hoping their guess was correct. They looked up when Julie spoke. "Good morning mother, father. Have you heard from Bethie this morning?"

"We were just talking about that dear. We haven't heard a word from her."

"Or Jack" Added Charlette.

"Hmmm…I wonder why? I know she isn't a morning person, but she's usually up by now." Wondered Julie.

Tom placed his phone down. "That's strange. Jack isn't answering his phone either."

"I wonder what they are up too?" Grace thought out loud.

…

Ellizabeth and Jack were back in their car heading to town. They had just enough time to make a stop. "I think we should go to Abagail's before we head to the police station." Jack stated.

"Why?"

"I thought you would want to be the one to tell Abagail."

Elizabeth smiled. Jack always thought of her first. "That sounds great. Hey, I have several calls and texts from Julie and my mom."

"I have some from my ma too, and Tom."

"Do you think they know?" She stated holding up her hand.

"They can't. I didn't tell anyone. My mom gave me the ring three days ago."

"I just received another text from mother. Wait…three days ago?"

Jack smiled at her. He didn't realize what he said.

"Your mother gave you her ring three days ago?" She asked again.

"Well, it's actually your ring now. And yes, my ma gave me the ring three days ago."

"Jack, we have only known each other for a little over a week."

"Yes, and now we are engaged. How could I do that without a ring?"

"But…three days ago?"

"I knew I wanted to marry you. Plus, you warned me not to take too long, remember?"

She blushed. She did push him pretty hard. Her impatience was shining that day.

"You know, if you don't want it, I could always give the ring back to my mother." He sassed.

"Not on your life Thomas Jack Thorton. This ring is not leaving my finger…ever!"

Jack smiled at her determination. "I've known I wanted to marry you. Now, we have about twenty minutes before we get to the café, when are you thinking our wedding should be?"

…

With an hour before the press conference, Bill and Johnson were wrapping up the security perimeter. "Bill, I have a gut feeling that someone will try something stupid today. This is a big event for Hope Valley and they may want to make a point."

"I get it. We have almost everyone involved in the robbery case arrested."

"Yes, but not the drug ring. Someone will be upset that their drug shipments are disrupted or snitched on."

"Let's just keep an eye on things."

…

The whole group, Julie, Tom, Charlette, Grace, and William was sitting at a coupled of tables that was pulled together enjoying coffee and tea when Jack and Elizabeth walked into the door holding hands. Elizabeth had turned the diamond into the palm of her hand wanting to surprise Abagail. She was hoping Abagail wouldn't notice the ring. She wasn't going to take it off.

"Do you get the feeling they know something?" Elizabeth quietly said to Jack when they stopped just inside the door. The whole group was looking at them like they caught them in a big secret.

Abagail and Mary walked up to the side of Julie. The staring contest continued. Jack tightened his grip on Elizabeth's hand. "This is getting awkward." He stated quietly while continuing to look at the group in front of him.

"Yeah. I feel like we were just caught sneaking in after curfew." Elizabeth whispered. "Do you think we should tell them all at once?"

"I don't think we have a choice unless you want to pull Abagail to the side to tell her first. Good luck with that though."

"Yeah, I don't think they will let us do that."

"Well?" Began Charlette. "Is there anything you two need to tell us?"

Jack leaned over and whispered into Elizabeth's ear, "I think they know."

"No kidding, Investigator." She sassed. "But how?"

"I would say my ma. She could always see through anything I did."

Jack and Elizabeth stood tall and face their family and friends. They tightened their hold on each other and smiled a huge smile toward everyone.

"Well, we have some news I think you all already know about. Jack asked me to marry him this morning and I said yes." She turned the ring around on her finger and held up her hand so everyone could see it.

The café exploded in cheers. The women rushed Elizabeth with hugs. She held out her hand so they could see the ring. "Oh Elizabeth, that is a gorgeous ring." Grace said.

"Oh dear, that ring looks like it was made for you." Stated Julie.

Abagail couldn't form the words. She just smiled and looked into her best friend's eyes. She gave her a hug and held on as tight as she could for as long as she could. Finally, she said, "I love you, sis. I am so happy for you."

Everyone had their turn and Charlette was last. Elizabeth stood in front of her with a tear in her eyes. "Charlette, thank you for trusting me with your engagement ring. It is perfect."

"Elizabeth, I couldn't think of a better person to give it too. Tom gave it to me with all the love he had for me, and I cherished it every day of my life. I knew you would do the same. And now, the ring is yours."

Elizabeth wasn't trying to hold back the tears now. She wrapped her arms around Charlette and didn't let go. She whispered in Charlette's ear. "Thank you, mom. I love you and thank you for raising such a great guy."

At the word 'mom', Charlette lost control and she began to cry. "I always wanted a daughter." Elizabeth smiled at her, and they hugged again.

William walked up to Jack after Tom gave him a brother hug and said congratulations. William looked into Jack's eyes and offered him a smile. "Jack, congratulations. I trust you will love my daughter with everything you have."

"Yes, sir. I will do my best."

"I have no doubt that you will. Jack, I wish you two would wait a little longer, but I understand you two love each other. Just take care of each other."

"Yes, sir. I will."

…

After several minutes of hugs, congratulations, and tears, Jack needed to make his way to the station so he wouldn't be late for the press conference.

"Elizabeth, would you like to walk with me, or do you want to stay here for a few more minutes with our family?"

Our family That phrase made her gasp. She realized his family was now her family and she was excited about that. She was uncertain and Jack could see that in her eyes.

"I would love for you to stand up with me during the press conference, especially when they introduce me as the new detective and future Police Chief. You don't have to be with me during the questioning portion. Why don't you walk with our family, and you can join me later?"

Jack always made sure to think of her first. She was grateful he did that. She made a point to do the same with him. He deserved to be taken care of as he took care of her. She walked up to him and placed her arms over his shoulders. Jack returned the favor and placed his arms around her slim waist. They looked into each other's eyes and all they saw was love and respect. Once again, they had an entire conversation with just their eyes. She was grateful for him.

Finally, Jack offered her a smile, "I will see you later, Nani. Have fun with your family." He gave her a kiss, not caring who saw them. His love for her took over.

"I will see you in a few minutes. I will also join you during the announcement."

"Thank you. I will see you soon. Please be careful."

With another kiss, Jack released Elizabeth from his arms and smiled as he turned away and headed toward the door.

"So, sis, when is the big day? Tomorrow?" Sassed Abagail.

"Well…"

…

Jack walked in the station to an active scene. There were people walking around and others standing in circles talking. He finally noticed Bill and Johnson standing in Bill's office. He knocked on the door frame of the open door and captured Bill's attention.

"Come in Jack. We need to talk to you about something."

Jack walked in and shook Bill's and Johnson's hand.

"Jack, I hate to lose you in the investigator department, but I believe you will excel in this position as police chief. I know you will do well."

"Thank you, sir. I look forward to working together with the investigators in the future if the need arises."

Superintendent Johnson squared his shoulders and took on a stance of a senior officer. "Jack, we have had some grumbling through the grape vine that some people were not happy with you and Bill closing the robbery case and the drug ring."

"Yes, sir. The Chief has shared that concern with me yesterday. Sir, how serious are you taking these threats."

"We always take these types of threats seriously."

Jack nodded his head, He was thinking for a few moments and turned to Bill. "Chief, I asked Elizabeth to stand up with me when you introduce me as the new detective and future police chief. Should I ask her not to do that? I don't want to put her in danger."

"Having her up with you would be nice Jack. There are state troopers here to keep an eye on the crowd. There shouldn't be a large crowd for this, there usually isn't. She would be safe. By the way, is there an announcement you need to make?" Bill grinned at him.

"Well…I asked her to marry me this morning and she said yes."

"Congratulations!" Said Bill and Johnson together.

"Is this why you wanted to take the position?" Asked Johnson.

"Not really, but Elizabeth did play a role in it. I was tired of the constant travel, and I wanted to settle down in one place. She is a huge bonus."

"Wait, you're engaged to a woman you meet just over a week ago?" Asked Bill.

"Yes, I am."

"Wow!" Both Johnson and Bill stated. "That was very fast!" Exclaimed Johnson.

"Well, how fast is too fast?" Questioned Jack.

…

"So dear, have you and Jack talked about a date yet? I know you are only engaged for an hour or so, but you two seem to move very fast." Asked Grace.

Elizabeth blushed at her mother's statement. They have talked about it, but not a specific date yet. "Well, we didn't have a lot of time to talk about it on the way here, but we did a little bit."

"With how fast this relationship is moving, I would dare say you would be married within the month." Charlette smiled.

"Jack did say he wanted to be married soon, but he wanted to look for a place for us to live."

"That's a good idea, Bethie." Her father stated. He was thinking he might need to talk with Jack to see if he was allowed to help.

"Yes, but I told him I don't want to wait too long."

"Well sister, how long is too long? A few days?" Sassed Julie.

Elizabeth glared at her younger sister hoping she would drop the matter.

"Actually, we talked about getting married in two weeks, but we haven't decided yet."

"Two weeks!" Everyone said surprised.

"That means you will only know each other for about three weeks before marring. Elizabeth, don't you think that is too fast?" William exclaimed.

She sensed a little frustration in her father's voice. She looked around everyone walking with her, and she noticed a little hesitation on their facial expressions.

"We haven't decided anything yet." She stated hoping that would calm their nerves a little. She quickly realized that her hope wasn't justified.

"Bethie, you may need to really think about this. This is very fast."

"I thought you liked Jack, father."

"I do. But you must admit this is happening extremely fast. You two can't possibly know each other very well. Maybe you are allowing your hormones to guide your thinking."

Elizabeth's face turned red with a little bit of embarrassment and a little bit of anger in what her father suggested. "Father, how could you say such a thing? I love him. I'm not in lust with him. Jack has been such a gentleman toward me. You should want my boyfriend and fiancé to act that way toward your daughter. He has always placed me first in everything."

"Elizabeth" Grace tried to calm the situation. "Your father isn't condemning Jack, but you do have to admit that this is happening at the speed of light."

"Maybe, but that doesn't make it wrong. Besides, we haven't set a date yet. We just became engaged an hour or so ago. Give us some time to make a decision together." A little bit of attitude was dripping from her words. She was feeling attacked by her father.

Abagail made her way to Elizabeth's side and reached for her arm. "You ok sis?" She asked quietly.

Elizabeth let out a sigh. She looked at her best friend's face and felt comfort. Abagail always had a way of comforting her. Elizabeth offered her a small smile in return to her question.

"Your father loves you, don't ever forget that. He is just nervous about the speed of this relationship. Give him a little bit of time to digest everything. He will come around."

Again, Elizabeth smiled at her friend. What she was saying was making sense, but the hurt was still written on her face. Elizabeth tightened her hold on Abagail's arm as they continued to the police station.

…

Standing with Chief Avery and Superintendent Johnson, Jack kept looking for Elizabeth. He hasn't seen her yet and was becoming a little nervous. He couldn't believe how attached he was already to this woman. He needed her. She was a source of strength for him. He was also a little nervous about the potential retaliation. Finally, he saw her and their families walking into the room. He excused himself and walked directly to her. As he approached Elizabeth, he knew something was wrong.

When he stepped in front of Elizabeth, he embraced her and asked her to take a walk with him. He didn't give her an opportunity to respond before excusing themselves and taking her hand and leading her away.

As he could tell something was wrong with her, she could tell something was wrong with him.

"Jack, what's wrong?"

"Nothing sweetheart."

She knew something was bothering him. He was always attentive, but she knew something was different. They may not have known each other for very long, but she could read him as easily as any book she owns.

"Jack, talk to me. What's up?"

He knew he wasn't going to get out of this, but he wasn't willing to forget what was hurting her. "Fine, but you go first. What is wrong?"

She sighed. "On the walk here, my father was questioning the speed of our wedding. He said that it was too fast, and he was basically wanting us to wait."

"We haven't set a date yet."

"I know. I mentioned maybe two weeks and they started to freak out."

"It may be longer than two weeks." He began.

"It may be less than two weeks too." She finished.

"There's my little impatient Bella." Jack smiled at her. He would never admit it to her, but he loved her impatience at times. He knew he wouldn't always like it, but he did for now.

She gave him a scary teacher face with her hands on her hips.

If she only knew what that did to me she wouldn't do it again. He smiled at her. "You are so adorable when you do that." He stated as he leaned in and kissed the top of her nose.

That never works on him but I do like his response to it.

"Yes, it may be less than two weeks, but sweetheart, that is between you and me. We decide that, not our families. I hope they approve of our decisions, but their disapproval will not change my mind. I will marry you when we decided to get married."

"Me too." She smiled for the first time in a while. Jack had a way of comforting her. She was grateful for his instance of them standing together and doing what they decided to do, not what other people wanted them to do.

"Yes, our relationship is on warp speed. It has happened very fast, but we are not kids. We are smart adults who know what we want."

"Thank you, Jack."

"You're welcome beautiful. Are you ok?"

"Yes. I am fine. Now, what is bothering you? Your turn."

"I may not want you on the platform with me today."

She gave him a confused look.

"There have been some rumors of retaliation against Bill and me for the arrest of the drug ring. This is pretty common on these types of cases."

"But wasn't it the robberies?"

"Yes, but it also involved some drugs. When you interrupt the drug flow, it can get a little messy."

"Will you be safe?"

"Yes. There are state troopers in the audience keeping an eye out. We don't think anything will happen, but we are always cautious with these type of threats."

"Well, if you are safe, so will I. I belong beside you, Jack. I want to stand beside you."

"You do belong beside me. I couldn't think of any place I want you to be, but I want you safe."

"I am safer beside you. When you are being introduced as the new detective and future police chief, I will be standing beside you." Her tone let him know that she was determined to be beside him and there was nothing he could say or do that would change her mind.

This is the time where I don't like her stubbornness. Jack sighed and reached for her hand. "Let's go, Nani, we have some place for us to be."

She smiled knowing he wasn't too happy with her being beside him due to the threat, but she was grateful knowing they were a team.

…

William was waiting for his middle daughter to return from her walk. He had concerns but it wasn't about Jack. He liked him. His concern was the time frame. He didn't like how the discussion went on the way to the station.

Elizabeth and Jack turned the corner and they slowed down their speed when they noticed William standing outside the station. They walked up to him, and he cleared his throat. "Elizabeth, may we talk?"

When she hesitated, Jack stepped in and spoke. "Sir, you can speak with both of us."

"Jack, I believe I need to speak with my daughter privately."

"With all respect sir, you can speak to the both of us." Jack spoke with a firmness in his voice but still respectfully.

"Jack."

"No. Sir, you are her father, and you will always be respected as her father. You will always be welcomed in our home, but you will need to respect our decisions. I will always respect you, but Elizabeth is my fiancé. She will be my wife soon. It is my duty to walk beside her. Our decisions are our best decisions. We will talk them through and share our thoughts with each other and then we will come to a decision as one. And our decisions need to be respected, even by you sir."

Willaim actually respected Jack more with his stance on this. He didn't like the fact that he was losing his little girl, but he was grateful she was marrying a man who walks beside his daughter and respected her.

"I understand. Elizabeth, I am sorry for my questioning the speed of this. I still think it is too fast, but you are an intelligent young lady who knows what she wants. I apologize for what I said. Please forgive me."

Elizabeth offered a smile to her father while holding Jack's hand. "Father, I know this is fast, but we are truly in love with each other. I want to spend my life with this man. I want to raise a family with him. If we were to be married next week or in two years, it will not change what we feel for each other."

William nodded his head but didn't say anything.

"Father, I will always be your little girl, but this is what I want to do. I will be marrying Jack soon. Can you accept that?"

"Yes, Elizabeth. I certainly can accept that. Jack, my concern is not about you. It is just how fast this is happening."

"I understand, Wiliam. Are we good?"

William looked at Elizabeth and she gave him a smile. He smiled back at his daughter. He did love her and respected her as a young woman, but his father's instinct was still strong. He honestly thought this was too fast. If they truly loved each other, what would waiting a few months hurt? He also knew his daughter well and knew this wasn't the time to push the issue.