Chapter 33

Elizabeth was sitting at her desk grading papers during lunch. Jack had been gone for one day and she missed him, but the project he asked her to do was a godsend. It kept her busy and her mind off of how much she was missing him.

Her phone buzzed and she was excited to see that it a call from Jack.

"Hey Dimples. I miss you!"

"Hey Bela. I miss you! Are your students being good for you today?"

"Yes, they are. It's been a good day. What are you doing?"

"I am about to go into a meeting with my boss to discuss my current cases and who I need to hand them off too."

"That doesn't sound like too much fun."

"We'll meet for a couple of hours to discuss who gets what case, but it should be fine. I'm only required to bring one case with me and finish it when I'm in Hope Valley."

"I'm glad they will let you do that."

"Me too or I would be here for another couple of weeks."

"Jack, don't say that out loud. It may come true." She sassed.

They talked for about ten more minutes until it was time for Jack to attend the meeting with his boss. They took their time saying goodbye. They wanted to make sure that each other knew how much they were missed and loved. This time apart was not easy on either of them.

She looked up and noticed her students walking through the door. She smiled at them. They were a great class. She enjoyed them and they were a good distraction during Jack's absence. "Ok students. Please take your history books and turn to chapter ten. We will be looking at the Boston Tea Party today."

Her students groaned. History wasn't their favorite subject. Elizabeth smiled. She knew they would like this story of history.

…

Julie and Tom were looking forward to starting their new life in Hope Valley. Tom had already begun working on his new job's paperwork. They began packing their respective apartments. They were not under the time crunch Jack was, but they were getting excited.

"Hey Jules, Jack mentioned that ma was thinking about moving to Hope Valley since Jack and I were relocating there. How would you feel about her moving there?"

"I would be ok with it."

"She is thinking that would be a good move since all of her family will be there. Plus, I think she is looking forward to grandbabies."

"I hope she isn't expecting that too soon."

"She isn't from us. I think she is hoping to get some from Jack and Elizabeth."

"Good. I want children with you, but I think I want to wait a little while."

"I completely agree. It would be nice for it to be just us for some time."

…

Jack finished his three hour meeting with his immediate boss. His boss agreed, for the most part, about who should get what cases. There was only one case where his boss disagreed with Jack on. Jack didn't know it, but he was a super star as an investigator. He really was on the track to take over the state's investigators office in time. His boss was going to miss him.

"Jack, I understand why you are leaving, but I am going to miss you around here. You have always done the best work out of everyone."

"Thanks boss. That's very kind of you to say."

The men shook hands and Jack told him a little about Hope Valley and his new job. He also shared a little about Elizabeth. Jack's boss was very happy for him.

He wanted to talk to Elizabeth and give her the good news about his cases, but knew she wasn't quite finished with school. He knew she had teacher/parent conferences today that began an hour after school finished. That would give her just enough time to make it to Abagail's for a quick bite to eat before heading back to school.

Instead, he sent her a text. He has been doing this throughout the day. The texts weren't long, but she loved them nonetheless. They showed her that he was thinking of her.

J – I miss you. All went well with the meeting. Tell you later.

E – I miss you. That's great to hear. I want you here with me!

J – I love you

E – I love you

…

After the school day, Elizabeth wanted to go to Abagail's and then go home to finish out her school work. Then, she wanted to work on Jack's project. She was excited and wanted to do a good job. She missed Jack, but the project redirected her attention. She thought of him while working on his project, but it was good thoughts. However, she couldn't do that today. She had a long list of parents she had to meet with. Most of the time this was a smooth process with very little issues, she was hoping today was one of those days. Her heart wasn't in it. Her heart was in Oklahoma City.

Her phone buzzed with the text from Jack. She smiled and sent him a reply.

E – I miss you more than you can think. Looking forward to us skyping later. I should be home around 7:30. Love you!

She noticed the time and the first parent meeting will be in an hour. If she would hurry, she could make it to the café for a fast, early dinner and then back in enough time for her meeting. She texted Abagail her order.

…

Charlette worked all day on packing and arranging for different charities to pick up the items that Jack wanted to donate. Things were going well, and she was excited about how quickly everything was progressing. At the same time, she was sad. Her little boy was moving and getting married. She knew their relationship would change; she just didn't know how much it would change. The talk they had on the airplane was a turning point in their mother/son relationship. She felt like it deepened since that was a topic they haven't discussed too often before. She was looking forward to this new season of their relationship.

She let out a long, drawn out sigh as Jack walked through the door. He immediately noticed her posture and wondered if she may have worked too hard today on packing.

"Ma, are you ok? You seem like something is off."

"I'm fine son, just thinking."

Jack walked to the fridge and took out too bottles of water and asked his mother to join him at his little kitchen table.

"Jack, I am fine."

"Ma, I have known you my entire life. I know when you are happy and when you are not happy. I know when I have pushed too far and need to take a step back before I get into too much trouble. Something is wrong with you so why don't you save us some time and effort and just tell me?"

"Alright smarty pants. How did you get so observant?"

"Pa."

Charlette laughed at his answer. Her Thomas was always paying attention and noticing the little things. It made her happy most of the time but at times it drove her crazy because she couldn't hide things from him.

"Everything is changing, and I don't handle change well. This is a great change, but still a change."

Jack smiled at his mother. It is true. She hated change. "Do you think it is changing too fast?"

"Son, I trust you. Do you think it is changing too fast."

"No. I know from looking at just the time aspect, it is, but it isn't for me and for Elizabeth. We are both happy with our relationship."

"Then, no. It isn't happening too fast. I trust you son."

"Ma, is it a bad change?"

"No son. I have grown to love Elizabeth dearly. I couldn't imagine a better person for you. She is perfect for you."

"So…it's just the change?"

"Jack. It is… You and Elizabeth should be married…you two need to be married. It's just that you are moving and so is Tom. This is a lot of change all at once."

"Plus, with you may be moving too."

"Yeah. That too." She let out a long breath. "Jack, I am happy for you. I am happy for Tom. I look forward to the next season of your life. I think you and Lizzy will have a great life together."

"Lizzy?" He laughed at the nickname his mother gave his fiancé.

"Yes, Lizzy." She smiled. "I will get used to this change quickly. Make sure you talk to Lizzy about me moving there. I don't want to be a bother."

"Ma, it won't be a bother. I think she likes you more than me any ways." He dodged her left hand that was trying to hit him.

…

Elizabeth made it back to the school before her first parent meeting. She smiled and waved at Ms. Florence as she passed the school office. She walked into her classroom to see Alice placing something on her desk.

"May I help you, Ms. Alice?" She looked like she was busted doing something she wasn't supposed to be doing.

Oh, Elizabeth! You scared me to death. How did you get so quite?"

"I'm a teacher. There are times when we have to be quiet. What did you do that makes you look so guilty?"

"You're not suppose to know I did this. I didn't think you would be back so soon."

"Do what?" Ask an inquisitive Elizabeth.

Alice stepped to the side of the desk so Elizabeth could see what was on her desk. There was one small yellow and orange daisy in a small vase, a piece of chocolate cake with a plastic fork, and two small containers of milk. Elizabeth was smiling so big that her face was beginning to hurt. Alice returned her smile.

"Let me guess."

Alice smiled. "That man was so worried about you having something to eat that he asked if I would do this for you. That man truly cares for you!"

"He does. He is so thoughtful."

"I hope you return the thoughtfulness."

"What do you mean?" Asked Elizabeth.

"The small acts of love must be delivered both ways. It cannot only be done by one person. If that is the case, the person doing all the effort will grow tired. His or her cup will run out if someone isn't filling it. Does that make sense?"

"It does. He always does things like this. He says I do it too, but I don't think I do it as well as he does. I need to do a better job."

"I learned that lesson with Victor. He is a lot like Jack. After about three years of marriage, he quit doing the little things that he always did. And to be honest, I loved those little things. After about two weeks of that, I became concerned our marriage was in trouble."

Elizabeth was captured in Alice's story. "What happened?" She asked with a look of concern in her voice.

"He said that he thought I didn't care about those things. I didn't return his gestures and I quit commenting on the things he did. I took it for granted."

"What did you do, Alice?"

"I stepped up my game." She giggled with an embarrassed look on her face.

"Oh" said an embarrassed Elizabeth. "Was it worth it?"

"Have you ever seen me not smiling?" Smirked Alice.

"Good for you." She stated as she high fived Alice.

"Just love him and he will love you. Everything else will be perfect."

"Thank you for your advice, Alice."

…

In between meetings, she would nibble on the cake and send text messages to Jack. Nothing too important, just sweet little phrases of love.

When the door opened about half way through the allotted time, she saw Frank and Abagail walk through the door. She gasped at the thought of something bad had happened to Jack.

"Frank, what are you doing here?" She asked with a concerned tone in her voice.

"Elizabeth, it's parent/teacher conference. This is our allotted time."

"Allotted time?" Asked a very confused Elizabeth.

Abagail stepped up and took Elizabeth by the hand. The look in Elizabeth's eyes gave Abagail what she needed to know.

"Sweetheart, we are here for Henry. This is our time to meet with his teacher."

"Oh." She looked between Frank and Abagail.

Abagail turned to look toward Frank and stated, "She thought you were here in your official capacity."

"Oh. I'm sorry, Elizabeth."

"No. No. I just freaked out for a moment." Stated an embarrassed Elizabeth.

"Elizabeth, it's ok to freak out for a moment. Jack is good at what he does. He will always do his best to come home to you."

Elizabeth began to explain how well Henry is doing since he moved in with the Hogans. He has settled into who he was before all the bad stuff with his father. He grades were improving and he was engaging with his friends again. It did Elizabeth's heart good to share the positive things in Henry's life.

"Thank you sis. That means so much to us."

"Frank, Abagail…you are making a positive impact on that young boy's life. Keep doing what you are doing."

Both Frank and Abagail had an unshed tear in their eye. They loved Henry and was hoping the court system could see the positive impact on Henry's life. They wanted to keep Henry in their lives.

"Elizabeth, would you mind…"

She cut off her friend by handing her an envelope with Frank, Abagail, and Henry's name on it. "I have written a note to the court detailing all the changes in Henry's life since the arrest of his father."

Abagail was speechless. All she could do was hug her friend. Frank followed his wife with a hug himself.

…

After finishing up all of her meetings, she was heading home. They all went well except for one. That one never went well, but she wasn't giving up on that student. She walked into her apartment with the single daisy Jack had Alice deliver to her room.

She thought about what Alice told her. She knew Jack was affectionate, she felt she was too, but admitted that Jack was out doing her on the topic. She determined that she would step up on showing Jack the little things that shouted her love for him.

With no knowledge of Jack's favorite restaurant in Oklahoma City, she called Jack's mom. "Hey Lizzy, how are you?"

"Lizzy?"

"Yeah, if that's ok with you? I always give nicknames."

Elizabeth has heard all the variations of her name. She liked Beth, but none of the others. However, she did like it when her soon to be mother-in-law said it.

"You know, I never did like that name but it's not too bad when you say it. I think it's ok."

"Well, thank you. What can I do for you?"

"Actually, I have two things. First, what is Jack's favorite restaurant there and what does he normally eat? Plus, what would you like. Dinner is on me tonight."

"He loves Fredrick's. It's a great restaurant within walking distance from his place They have the best chicken and roasted potatoes. I will take the same, but you don't have to do that."

"I know. I want to. I want him to know I am thinking of him."

"That's very sweet of you, dear."

"Thanks mom."

Charlette gushed at Elizabeth's name for her. She was hoping that Lizzy would feel comfortable with her and consider her family.

"So, what's the second thing you needed."

"Oh, yeah. What is Jack's nickname?"

"Oh, I'm not sure if I should say it. He wouldn't want me to tell you."

"That good, huh?" Elizabeth said giggling.

"Well, let's say this. As a kid, he came across a black and gold animal that could fly. He was scared to death of it. He must have been four, maybe five. After watching it hiding behind the rocking chair on the front porch, his curiosity took over. He was always a curious child."

"Oh, mom. This is going to be good. What was the animal?"

"Can you guess that way I wouldn't be the one to tell you?"

Elizabeth thought for a moment. "A black and gold animal that can fly..." She thought for a moment. "A bumblebee!" She exclaimed loudly.

"Jack is right, you are a smart lady. Anyways, his curiosity took over and he began following this bumblebee. After about five minutes the bumblebee decided he was tired of this little boy following him and it started chasing Jack. Jack took off his shirt and threw it at the bumblebee and ran around the front yard just screaming. I thought someone was trying to kidnap him or something. I came running out of the house ready to fight some guy. Instead, I see jack running and trying to swat something behind him."

"Oh no. What happened next?" Elizabeth was completely captivated by Charette's story.

"This is the funny part. After running around the yard in big circles, he decided jumping into the pond would be his best option. I tried yelling at him, but he wasn't listening because he was too busy screaming. He took off to the pond to get away from the bumblebee. I'm not sure if the bumblebee was evening chasing him at this moment. After jumping in the pond, he wouldn't come out."

"Why not?"

"He thought the pond was his protection. He didn't see the bumblebee but knew it was around somewhere. I couldn't get him out. Two hours later when Tom came home from work, he had to go into the pond to carry Jack out."

Elizabeth laughed at the story. She could see Jack as a little boy running around the yard without his shirt. "Thank you for telling me this story mom."

"Just remember dear that I didn't tell you his nickname."

"I promise. I'm going to call in the order and have it delivered. I'll let you know when it will arrive."

"Thank you, sweetheart."

…

Elizabeth called the phone number Charlette gave her and placed the order for the food and drinks. She also spoke with the nice woman who took her order, and she was willing to help Elizabeth with her request.

After hanging up, she texted Charlette to let her know when the food was going to arrive. Afterward, she just didn't have it in her to work on grading any papers or tests. She was too tired to work on the project. She made herself a sandwich and sat down on her comfortable couch to watch something on the TV. She didn't care what she watched, she was missing Jack and wanted to cuddle on the couch with him.

She thought over the last couple of weeks. She was amazed at what happened in such a short period of time. Two weeks ago, she was happy. Sure, she wanted a relationship, but she was fine without one too. She was happy with her life. Now, she was excited about her life and her future. Jack fit in to her life seamlessly, like he was always supposed to be by her side. He made her feel alive in ways she never knew existed. Then Charlette was a great addition too. She was hilarious and great to talk too. She was truly blessed.

With the long day of teaching, missing Jack, and the parent/teacher meetings, she didn't last long on the couch watching the show. She woke up to the buzzing of her phone.

…

The day was Thursday and Grace and William had been home for a couple of days. Both were shocked when the doorbell rang at this hour. They looked at each other confused as William started to walk to the door. His confusion only grew leaps and bounds when he opened the door and saw their oldest daughter standing there with a couple of suitcases.

As Viola walked into the living room of her childhood home, she heard her mom on the phone. She was talking wedding cakes with someone. She waited patiently while she listened to her mother finishing up the conversation.

"Mother, who are you talking to about a wedding cake, and who needs it?"

"Viola, you really should keep in touch with your sisters."

"I know mother. We're just so different. Julie is a tumble weed who can't figure anything out. She lives for the next moment and never thinks two seconds ahead. Then there is predictable Elizabeth. She is so down to earth and so focused on her projects; she doesn't let anything spontaneous come into her life."

"Those are not your sisters anymore. Julie is engaged and will be married in a couple of months. She is moving to Hope Valley and will begin her studies again."

"Really, what got into her."

"She has matured over the last six months. What about you? You have gone with Lionel for two years now. Are you truly happy?"

"Mother, we are happy?" She wasn't ready to share her news with her parents just yet.

"Two years and we rarely see you and you don't talk to your sisters. How happy are you?"

"Mother!"

"Viola, you always treated your sisters like they were beneath you. You always reminded them that you were the oldest."

"Well, mother. I am the oldest."

Grace loved her oldest daughter, but she wasn't as perfect even though she acted like she was. Elizabeth and Julie were always the closest of friends. Violia just wasn't interested in that type of friendship with her younger sisters. That is why they haven't been in contact very much over the last two years.

"Mother, who is the wedding cake for?"

"Elizabeth. She is getting married in eight days."

"What?! Did you just say eight days?"

…

Jack walked out of his station and was looking forward to going home. He was tired and wanted to sit down and relax without having to think of a case. The meetings were getting to be too much. He didn't like to sit behind a desk all the time. He liked being involved in people's lives. He liked getting to know them and connecting with them. He was a relational type of guy. That was one of the reasons he like the police chief job. There were times he would have to be behind a desk, but there were also many times he would be out of his office in the community. He was beginning to look forward to the change.

Plus, he missed his fiancé. They would text throughout the day, usually short texts because both were busy, but that just wasn't enough. He wanted to hold her hand. He wanted to look into those blue eyes of hers and lose himself. He wanted to hear her laugh and see her facial expressions. Simply said, he just missed his love.

Charlette smiled as she watched Jack close the door and settle on the couch.

"Long day, son?"

"Yes, trying to wrap everything up is going well but it is exhausting. If everything goes as it has the last coupled of days, I should be able to leave Sunday evening and head back to Hope Valley. I should be able to drive it and be there late Monday evening."

"That's great son. I can go back with you to help with the driving and to keep you company."

"I would greatly appreciate that. Thank you, ma. Oh, I forgot to bring something home for dinner. I'm sorry."

"That's fine dear. Food will be here in about twenty minutes. Fedrick's is delivering."

"Oh, that sounds great."

"I thought you would like that."

…

"Did you just say that Elizabeth is getting married in eight days? That would make it next Friday."

"Yes dear. She is getting married next Friday. I was ordering her wedding cake today."

"When I talked to her last time, she wasn't dating anyone."

"And when was that?"

"Several months ago."

"She met Jack a little over a week ago."

"A week! She met him a week ago and she is getting married to him in eight days? Is she pregnant?"

"How dare you ask that question?" An aggravated Grace asked. "You know your sister."

"I know. I'm sorry. I just don't understand all of this. This doesn't sound like her at all."

"You should see the two of them together. It is pure love, Viola. They will melt your heart."

Viola took a couple of moments trying to comprehend everything. Her sister…her sister who didn't date met a man, fell in love with him, and will marry him all in a two to three week period. This isn't her sister at all.

"Who is this guy she is marrying?"

"His name is Jack Thorton. He works out of Oklahoma City, and he is a state investigator."

"Elizabeth is moving to Oklahoma City? She wouldn't leave her school!"

"She isn't leaving her school. Jack is moving to Hope Valley. He has accepted a detective position in Hope Valley."

"Why would he take a step back in his career?" She stated with a little disgust in her voice.

"First, he is not stepping back in his career. He will be a detective for about three months before he assumes the position of Police Chief in Hope Valley."

"Really?" Asked a stunned Viola.

"Yes. He was in Hope Valley at the request of the current police chief to help with a difficult case. That's how he met Elizabeth."

Grace went through the whole story for her oldest daughter. She did leave out the part that William knew Jack's father. She wanted to share that last. She shared the horrible first meeting with Jack to how quickly they fell in love with each other.

"Wow! That's a great story. I can't believe that would happen to Beth. That is so not like her. She has always been so predictable."

"You haven't heard the strangest part yet."

"There's more?"

…

Jack dozed off on the couch waiting for the food to arrive. He was grateful for his mother. She was a huge help in packing his belongings. With her help, he would be able to leave sooner than expected.

While Jack slept, Charlette answered the door, and the delivery guy was standing there with their food and drinks. She forgot how great Fredrick's smelled. She was looking forward to dinner.

"Jack, the food is here."

He shifted a little but refused to open his eyes. That was until she passed by with the food and he was able to smell his dinner.

"Ma, that smells great. Thank you for ordering food."

"Jack, I didn't order the food."

"I didn't order it." Jack thought for a moment. "Well, if we didn't order it, then who did?"

"I think you may need to read this." She handed Jack an envelope.

He looked at the hand writing on the front of the envelope and did not recognize the hand writing. He quickly opened the envelope and glanced down at the signature. The note had Elizabeth's name signed to it, but it wasn't in her hand writing. He looked to his mother for clarification.

"She called me today and asked for your favorite restaurant. She wanted to buy you dinner. I guess she had someone write down the note she wanted to pass along to you."

He smiled at this love's gesture. "She is so good at showing me how she loves me." He mentioned under his breath.

He looked up at the beginning of the note,

My Dearest Bumblebee –

"Bumblebee…" he thought for a second. "Ma!"

"Uh-oh."Charlette stated as she turned to walk to the kitchen ignoring Jack.