Chapter 27

Jack woke up and stretched his tired limbs. He smiled in knowing that he would get to see the love of his life today. Hopefully for breakfast, but he doubted it. He planned on surprising her for lunch at school.

With one last stretch, he got out of bed and headed toward the shower. After getting dressed and stepping out onto the small porch of his apartment, he looked toward Abagail's house expecting to see her. This has become their morning routine. Abagail had a crew that would show up early at the café to get things going for the morning rush, but she was always there early. The last few days they have met in the driveway and walk to the café. This morning was no different.

"Good morning, Jack. How are you?"

"Good morning, Abagail. I am fine. You?"

She smiled as he walked up to her and giving her a hug. "I am fine too."

"May I walk with you to the café."

"Oh, Jack. We have done this for a while now. Of course, you can. I would be upset if you didn't."

As they walked to the café, they had small talk, nothing of importance. Both liked it that way. They got to know each other and just shared whatever was on their minds.

When they walked into the café, she asked if Jack wanted something to eat. "I would love something. Let's do a couple of pancakes and side of bacon, please. I would also like a hot cup of tea."

"Give me ten minutes. Do you think Elizabeth will be here for breakfast this morning?"

"Oh Abagail. You know her better than I do."

"Alright, I will get her breakfast ready to go." They both laughed.

…

Elizabeth didn't open her eyes until she hit her alarm the third time. "This is ridiculous!" She said out loud to no one. She realized she was in bed and had no idea how she got there. "That silly man must have carried me." She said out loud. Then a small grin came to her face thinking how sweet Jack was.

She slowly got out of bed while rubbing her eyes. As she made her way into the bathroom to get ready for her day, she looked into the mirror as she passed by it. She stopped and backed up a couple of steps when she noticed something on her forehead. She leaned toward the mirror and noticed it was a post it note. She ripped it off her forehead so she could read it.

"I love you, Bella. Your breakfast will be ready for you. – Love Jack"

She laughed at his antics. Did he really have to leave a post it note on my forehead? She thought as she started the shower.

…

She walked into the café hoping to see Jack, but he wasn't there. She saw Mary and waved. Mary noticed the ring immediately and shrieked. She ran around the counter and gave Elizabeth a hug. "Elizabeth, that is a beautiful ring!"

"It was Jack's mother's engagement ring. She gave it to Jack to propose to me. Isn't it gorgeous?"

"It is. Oh my, Elizabeth. It is stunning."

Both ladies were smiling when Abagail walked up to both ladies.

"Your to go order is ready for you. You better head out or you will be late."

"Oh Abagail. What would I do without you?"

"You would go hungry and be late for work. Then Ms. Blakely would fuss at you. Now go!"

She reached for the bag and started to leave money on the counter.

"Jack's already taken care of it."

Elizabeth shook her head. She should have known. She looked in the bag and noticed a note. She loves his notes. They were always short and sweet. Well, except for the post it on her forehead this morning. She didn't have time to read the note now, but she would as soon as she arrives at school.

…

Elizabeth rushes into the office to sign in. Ms. Florence smiles at her then notices the ring. "Oh, Elizabeth. Is that what I think it is?"

Elizabeth smiles and nods.

"It is absolutely beautiful! Did that investigator give that to you?"

"Yes, he proposed yesterday." She said with a giddy tone. Elizabeth never remembered a time she was ever giddy. She extended her left hand to show Ms. Florence the ring better.

"Elizabeth, it looks like a family heirloom. It is breath taking."

"It was his mom's engagement ring. She gave it to Jack to propose to me. I think it's the most beautiful ring I have ever seen."

"I agree. Now dear, you better head to your classroom before Ms. Blakely catches you."

She smiled as she turned to head to her classroom. She made it with about five minutes before her students arrived. Just enough time to eat and read the note from Jack.

"Good morning, Bella. Enjoy your breakfast. I love you! Your lucky fiancé."

She sent him a short text to tell him she loves him.
E – I love you

J -I love you

E – Thanks for breakfast

J – You're welcome

E – I love your notes

E- Did you really have to leave a post it note on my forehead?

J – I love you have a great day

…

"Dear, why don't you text Elizabeth and see if she and Jack could meet us for dinner. I need to apologize to her and to Jack as well."

Grace sent the text and received a reply that she needed to check with Jack to make sure he could make it. As she sat down at the small kitchenette drinking her coffee, William sat down next to her. "Grace, may I ask you a serious question without you getting mad at me?"

Grace knew this usually wasn't good when he began a conversation that way. "Dear, are you still struggling with how fast this is going?"

William lowered his head and said that he was.

"Dear, you really need to trust your daughter. You spoke with her yesterday and you know exactly how she feels about this. I will not stay away from their wedding or any potential grandbabies they may give me because of you. I will hate that they will miss out on one of the greatest blessings in their life because you couldn't get over how fast their relationship went."

With that, she left her cup of coffee on the small table and went to the bathroom to shower. While stepping into the shower, she prayed that God would help William accept this before he loses Bethie and her future.

William walked over to the door that led out to the small balcony. He stepped out and leaned against the railing. He really didn't have a problem with Jack. Jack was a good guy who loved his daughter the way a father would hope she would be cared for. They would work together for a future they both wanted. That was everything that was important. After about twenty minutes of thinking, he was still at an impasse.

Grace walked out to the balcony and asked what he wanted to do today.

"I need to make a few phone calls back home to make sure everything is working fine. After that, I am free for whatever you want to do."

"Great. Let's meet Julie and Tom for lunch. They will be planning their wedding soon too."

William exhaled a long breath. "I expect this type of think from her, but not Elizabeth."

"Either way, you better accept it, or you will miss out on so much that is truly important in life." She warned him before heading back into the room.

…

Julie read the text from her mother and agreed to meet at a small sandwich shop close to their hotel.

"Hey Tom, we are meeting with my mother and father in an hour and a half for lunch at that small sandwich shop close to their hotel."

"That sounds great. What do you make of yesterday with them? For Jack, it seems very quick, but I have never seen him so happy or in love. It is almost disgusting."

Julie slapped him on the arm. "I know. I am the same with Elizabeth, but I trust her. She is a smart lady and knows what she wants. If she is comfortable and happy, I am on her side. She deserves to be happy.

"I feel the same way with Jack. He deserves the best."

…

The morning progressed well for both Elizabeth and Jack. Elizabeth was busy with her students, all twenty four of them and Jack was busy learning the ropes of this particular police station. He was also wrapping up the arrest of Snake and tying to connect any dots he could. After filling out the paperwork for his transfer from the investigator department to the police department in Hope Valley, his transfer became official. He is now Detective Jack Thorton. It felt a little strange, but he was eager for the new role. His alarm on his phone went off. He knew he needed to leave to surprise Elizabeth and have lunch with her.

On his way to her school, Jack stopped by the florist to pick up some flowers for Elizabeth. He picked up some tulips hoping she would like them. He walked into the school office fifteen minutes before Elizabeth's lunch time. Ms. Florence smiled when she saw Jack approach. He pulled out a tulip and gave it to her. "Here you go Ms. Florence. I'm surprising Eliza…hum Ms. Thatcher for lunch, but I wanted to give you this before I head to her classroom.

"Jack, you didn't have to do that." She blushed at the flower. "You are such a good man. I talked with Elizabeth this morning. I understand you two have some news."

"Yes, ma'am. We are engaged. I can't believe she said yes."

"Jack, do you really think she would have said no?"

"You never know." I better head back to her classroom. Do I need a pass?"

"We have talked about this before, just tell me you are here. That will be enough."

"Thank you, Ms. Florence."

She smiled as he turned to walk away. "No woman in their right mind would say no to him."

"I'm sorry, did you say something?" Jack asked as he turned around to look at her when he reached the door.

"Oh…no. Have a great day, Jack."

…

Elizabeth was listening to her students taking turns reading in their readers. She enjoyed this time in the classroom. She loved reading and always hoped she could pass that love down to her students. She also enjoyed watching the kids grow in their reading abilities. She could see their confidence grow with each passing week.

She started to think about her wedding day. Like most little girls, she always pictured herself in a large church with countless flowers and a beautiful white wedding dress. A horse drawn carriage waiting for them outside to hurry them off to the perfect honeymoon. She chuckled at the thought of her dreams when she was little. Now, those were not her dreams. She wanted small, intimate affair with her and Jack's closest friends, a beautiful dress and the most perfect fiancé standing with her. She found the most perfect fiancé and a beautiful dress, now she just needed to set a date.

She didn't notice Jack step behind her or the student stop reading when Jack walked in. She was lost daydreaming. Some of the kids started laughing and it still didn't get her attention. Jack reached from behind her and placed his hands over her eyes. This caught her attention. She jumped off the edge of her desk and screamed. Everyone started to laugh, especially the children.

"Jack! What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to surprise you and have lunch with you and your cool kids."

The boys in the class cheered knowing he was a cop and the girls giggled because of how cute he is. Elizabeth was still trying to catch her breath, "When did you come in?"

One of the kids in the front roll answered, "He came in when you were daydreaming."

Elizabeth smiled down at Jessica and blushed because she was caught daydreaming instead of paying attention. "Oh…well…It is almost time, but we have enough time for one more student to read their portion before we head to the cafeteria."

Jack stood off to the side so he wouldn't disrupt the student who was reading. Elizabeth looked over at him and he made a gesture that she didn't understand. He started with his thumb pointing at his chin and rolled his fingers in front of his face. Then, he popped his hand open, almost like an explosion. She was intently watching Jack when she heard a little girl giggle in the second roll.

"Aileen, you shouldn't giggle when someone else is reading out loud."

"I'm sorry Ms. Thatcher. I saw what Investigator Thorton did and thought it was adorable."

"You understood what he did?"

"Yes ma'am. My grandfather is deaf, I know ASL (American Sign Language)."

"That was sign language?"

Jack had an adorable look on his face. He was busted and he knew it. He also knew the whole class was about to hear what he did. He was about to be in trouble with a bunch of kids, and maybe their teacher.

"Yes, ma'am. That was ASL."

Elizabeth looked at Jack and notice the look on his face. She gave him a questioning look.

"Ms. Thatcher, it means beautiful. He was calling you beautiful."

It was then the whole class erupted. The boys were groaning, and the girls were giggling over the gesture. If Elizabeth could find a hole to climb in, she would. She knew the kids would never leave this alone. Jack's head dropped. He never thought a student would know what he was doing. He was afraid Elizabeth would be very upset with him.

Knowing she wasn't going to be able to regain control of her class, she told them to gather their belongings and get ready for lunch. She looked over at Jack and saw his look of regret.

"Ok class, before we leave there is something you need to know. Detective Thorton and I are engaged to be married."

Again, the class erupted with cheers and groans.

"Now, let's go to lunch."

Jack very slowly walked toward Elizabeth as the children lined up in an orderly fashion.

Elizabeth leaned in and whispered, "Are you ok?"

"Yeah. I'm so sorry about that. I didn't think anyone in your class would know ASL. I didn't mean to embarrass you."

"Do you think I'm mad?"

"No…not mad, maybe upset that I did that. I'm sorry."

"Look at me Jack, do I look upset?"

Jack really looked at her for the first time since it happened. She didn't seem upset. She was smiling. "No. I don't think so."

"I'm not mad, maybe a little embarrassed because the kids will never forget this. I am grateful the man I love always find new ways to show me how much he loves me."

Jack felt relieved. He thought he over stepped, but she was fine with it. It was then he noticed he was breathing.

Elizabeth and Jack followed the long line of her students toward the cafeteria. They didn't hold hands because of the children, but the walked close enough that their arms would touch.

…

"Bill, what are you going to do with yourself?"

"Well, I'll show Jack the ropes of being a police chief and then I will retire."

"When do you think you will do that?"

"I don't think it will take Jack too long to catch on. I figure in a couple of months or so."

Johnson and Bill sat at his desk munching on come chips. "After retirement, what are your plans?"

Bill thought about this for a few moments. "I'm not sure. I want to rest for a little bit, but I do plan on traveling a little while I can. Other than that, I don't really know."

"You'll figure it out."

Both men talked a little while longer. They were excited about Jack and his engagement. They knew he would be a very good police chief and husband to Elizabeth. Johnson was saddened to be losing Jack, but he understood his desire to have a family and roots in a home town.

"The state should be here tomorrow to pick up Snake for transport. The Harvey's will remain here for a week or two until the state decides what it wants to do with them."

"Do you think Jack can stay here or will he need to go back with you to finish up his cases?"

…

Grace and William met Tom and Julie at the little sandwich shop just a couple of blocks from the hotel. It was a small place but very nice. After ordering a meatball sub for William and Tom, Grace ordered a turkey sandwich with black olives and lettuce. Julie ordered a tuna sandwich on an everyday bagel. Sitting with their drinks waiting for the sandwiched to be finished and delivered to their table, Grace asked Tom what he thought about Jack's new job and him moving to Hope Valley.

"I think he will like it here. Julie and I do too. We put a bid on a house just outside of town and we are waiting to hear back from the realtor. Jack seems to like it here very much."

"What do you think about how fast their engagement happened?" William asked to no one in particular.

Tom laughed. "That's the funniest thing. Jack has always been a bit of a planner. He never does anything impulsively. Once he knows what he wants, he pursues it with everything he is until he gets it. For Jack to move this fast, he must love her beyond what I can describe. I have never seen him like this before now."

Julie jumped in. "That is so much like Bethie. She is a planner too. She always moves slow in everything, especially a relationship. She must really love Jack. She is always so sensible and for her to push him to propose, it was funny."

"She pushed him to propose?" Asked William.

"Oh dear. You should have seen her texts to him about asking you for permission. She actually set a time he had to ask you." Julie and Grace laughed at the memories of Elizabeth's impatience.

"I didn't know that." Said a shocked William.

"Father, mother, how are you handling their quick engagement?"

"I'm handling it well, dear." Mentioned Grace.

William sat silently sipping his tea. Their sandwiches were delivered, and he remained silent.

"Father?" Asked Julie again.

"To be honest, I am struggling with it. I think it is too fast."

"Do you have a problem with Jack?"

"No, Julie. I don't. It's just how fast this is happening. They simply can't know each other well enough to base an entire life together."

"Father, don't you think she knows what she wants? Plus, Tom and my relationship happened almost as fast."

"Yes, but not a little over a week."

"True, it was two weeks."

Julie and Grace chuckled.

"Father, I have seen how they look at each other and how they are together. Your hesitation will not keep them from getting married whenever they want. You need to accept this, or you may lose part of your relationship with her."

"That is what she said to me.

William told Tom and Julie the one-sided conversation Elizabeth had with him before the press conference the day before.

"Good for her."

"Julie, how can you say that?" Asked an aggravated William.

"Father, Elizabeth isn't a child you can control. She is a smart and independent woman who has lived on her own for three years in a town she didn't know anyone when she moved here. She has established herself as a great teacher and developed life long friends. She knows her mind. You need to accept this or you may risk losing her."

"I know. I am happy for her. I just wish they would wait for a while before they are married."

"That's not going to happen!" Stated Grace, Julie, and Tom at the same time. Everyone laughed except for William.

…

Elizabeth and Jack followed her students into the cafeteria. They smiled at listening to her students talk about their teacher's engagement. The girls said that Jack was dreamy, and the boys thought the idea was disgusting.

"Jack, do you think the idea is disgusting?" Elizabeth laughed.

"Absolutely not. What is disgusting is that I will have to leave in two days."

"You have to leave?"

"I must leave to wrap up my case load and fill out exit papers for my job. Plus, I will need to pack up my apartment so I can move here. That reminds me, I need to find a place here to live. Maybe I can rent the apartment from Abagail."

Elizabeth didn't even think about him having to leave to wrap things up. "How long do you think you will be gone?"

It really depends on what the department wants to do with all the cases I am working on or if they will let me wrap those cases up here. My apartment is very small with little stuff. I wasn't home enough to collect too much stuff. I will basically need to pack my clothes and gather a few belongings. That will only take a day or two for that. Everything else I will donate to charities."

"You have to leave?" Elizabeth was having a difficult time learning that he would be leaving. She didn't know how long he would be gone. She just didn't consider it before.

"Sweetheart, are you ok?"

"I don't know." She said as they grabbed their trays and started through the line.

When Alice saw them coming, she had a huge smile on her face.

"The lunch is on me today."

"Why would you do that?" Asked Elizabeth.

"I understand we need to celebrate."

"How did you hear so quickly?"

Alice laughed. "Are you kidding me? Ms. Florence has told everyone she has seen today. Plus, that is all the kids are talking about coming through the line."

Elizabeth blushed at the thought of everyone knowing.

"Are you upset they all know?" Asked Jack.

"How could I be upset? I am marring you."

Jack returned her statement with a smile. "Thank you, Ms. Alice for the lunch. That was very kind of you to do that." He smiled at her.

She patted him on the shoulder as he walked by behind Elizabeth.

When they sat at the table, Jack looked at Elizabeth and was wondering what was going through her mind.

"Bella, are you mad at me for leaving or for people knowing about us so quickly?"

"Jack, I'm not upset that people knowing. I am just a little surprised that the news traveled so fast."

"Are you upset that I have to leave to finish things at my old job?"

"No. I am not mad. I just didn't think about it, but I guess you do have to pack up your things and finish out things at your job."

"My old job." He reminded her.

"Yes, your old job." She softly smiled at him.

"I will be back very soon. I would say a couple of days to no more than a week or two."

"A week or two? Jack, that would be longer than we have known each other."

"Two weeks would be the longest, but I honestly don't think it would be that long. I think a week would be the longest, but I don't think it would be that long."

She remained silent. She wasn't eating her food or looking at Jack. This worried him.

"Elizabeth, please talk to me." Jack pleaded.

"I was just surprised. I just didn't think of you having to leave, but I should have."

"It's ok. I just have to wrap things up and get my stuff packed. I will be back as fast as I can. I promise."

"You better!"

"I will. I have too much here to not come back as quickly as possible. We have a lot we need to discuss before I leave."

"Like what?"

"Well…like when are we going to get married? Where are we going to get married? Where are we going to live once we're married? How long are we going to wait to try for children? Do we want to build or buy a house?"

"Yes. We need to talk about all of that. That's exciting and scary all at once. Oh, my parents want to meet for dinner tonight. Is that ok?"

"Sure." She sensed his hesitance."

"Jack, no matter if my father is happy or not, we are getting married, and I would prefer soon."

"Yesterday, you mentioned two weeks."

"Yes, I did."

"Are you settled on two weeks?"

"Jack what are you getting at?"

"Well, I was thinking…"

…

Tom's phone buzzed in his pocket as they left the sandwich shop. He let go of Julie's hand to reach into his pocket. He realized the number on the phone was the realtor's number. He quickly answered it and put it on speaker so Julie could listen.

"Hello. This is Tom and Julie."

"Good afternoon, you two. I hope you are having a great day." Said the realtor.

"We are. Just finished lunch."

"That's great. I am calling about the bid on the house you submitted a couple of days ago. The seller finally got back with me."

Tom and Julie instantly became nervous. Yes, there were other homes for sale, but they both fell in love with this house. It was perfect for them. It was three bedrooms with two full baths on two acres of land just outside of town. The back yard was even fenced in with a wooden fence. They thought it was perfect for them.

"I hope you have good news for us." Said a nervous Julie.

"Well, it's only good news if you still want the house. The seller accepted your bid. You can move in the house in about four weeks."

The realtor had to take the phone away from her ear when Tom and Julie screamed in excitement.

"So, I take it you still want the house?" Laughed the realtor once they stopped screaming.

"Yes."

"Well, we need to set a time for you to come by my office so you can sign some paperwork and you will need to get with your bank to start the process on your end."

"The bank is already settled. We just have to give them the contract and they will take care of the rest." Sometimes it is great to be a Thatcher. "Can we come by today to sign the papers."

"We can't do it today. I must get the papers finalized and printed off. My assistant is working on it today. She will have them ready first thing in the morning. Would 9:30 in the morning be ok?"

"We will be there!"