Chapter 37

Elizabeth walked into the school office to sign in for work. "Good morning Ms. Florence. Thank you for working your magic. I appreciate your effort in having me off beginning Wednesday."

"Well, that wasn't my idea."

"No? Then who's idea was it?"

"Elizabeth, who do you think?"

"Jack?"

"Yes, Jack. He just asked if I could arrange it. You have so many vacation days and sick days built up it was easy. He said he wanted you to have enough time to finish things up, to enjoy your family, and to have time for yourself. He's such a sweet man."

"He is very thoughtful."

"If I was younger, I would give you a run for your money with Jack." Both ladies giggled.

"I bet you would too. I'm not sure I would win that one. Jack thinks the world of you. Thank you Ms. Florence for all you have done with this. It means a lot to me." She smiled and nodded her head at her friend.

"You are welcomed, dear. I hope you enjoy your time together. Where are you going on your honeymoon?"

"I have no idea. Jack won't tell me." She pouted. "It's a surprise. He has arranged everything. I don't even have a packing list yet."

"Let's be honest Elizabeth, what would you need to pack? Are you going to leave the room very much?"

Elizabeth gasped, and notice Ms. Florence's face was as red as her own. Both laughed at the statement.

"Well…" An embarrassed Elizabeth began. "If I had my way, we wouldn't leave at all."

With that, Elziabeth turned to walk to her classroom. As the door was closing, she heard Ms. Florence say, "You go girl!"

…

The first two classes for Elizabeth were going well. It was a good distraction for her to keep her mind off of Friday. She was grateful for the extra day off. That gave her comfort that she would be able to finish all the plans and then enjoy time with her family and not feel rushed. After her second class, Elizabeth had her planning period. Forty five minutes with no children. She usually used this time to finish any lesson plans that needed to be finished or changes if they were needed. She also used this time to finish any grading that should have been finished. Lately she also used this time to text Jack. Elizabeth was always an independent person. She was surprised how consumed she was with Jack. He was in her every thought. To be honest, she was perfectly fine with the arrangement. She knew she was in his every thought too.

After pulling out her phone but before she could text Jack, she heard a knock on her door. She looked up and exhaled a deep breath. "Good morning, Darren. How are you today?"

They shared the same planning period, but never used it as a time to talk. He was not someone she wanted to deal with today.

"I'm doing well Elizabeth. And you?"

"I'm great."

"Do you have a moment to talk?"

"Sure, but just a moment. What's up?"

…

Jack spent his morning trying to catch up on his paperwork concerning his transfer. Bill used his friendship with a person in the state office to consider Jack a transfer instead of a new job. Jack was able to keep his seniority and vacation time. Jack was very appreciative of this, and grateful Bill was giving him time off for the wedding and honeymoon since he would just be starting his job.

After finishing all paperwork, he was handed his first case as detective of Hope Valley. The town was a small town, but a growing town. If it continued, Jack would have to hire new police officers within the first year of becoming the chief. The case was a report of vandalism and a break in of a small bike shop beside the school. He looked at his watch and knew Elizabeth was about to enter her planning period.

Jack leaned into Bill's office and told him he was heading out to Jake's Bike shop to investigate. Bill waved him on since he was on the phone. Before pulling into the school, he stopped by Samantha's Flower shop to pick up some daisies for his fiancé.

Ms. Florence smiled as Jack walked in the office. "Good morning Ms. Florence. I trust you are having a great day."

Ms. Florence's face turned pink at the sight of Jack and the remembrance of Elizabeth and her conversation earlier that morning. "I'm doing well, Jack."

"I am going to talk to Elizabeth for a moment."

"No problem, Jack. I hope to see you later."

Before Jack left, he walked up to the end of the counter and then around to stand in front of Ms. Florence. He handed her a bouquet of wildflowers. "Thank you for all you did in getting Elizabeth's time off organized and then finalized. We both appreciate it." With that, he leaned in and kissed her on the cheek and gave her a half hug.

"You're welcome, Jack. I hope you both have a great wedding and a perfect marriage."

"Thank you."

"So, what are you planning for the honeymoon? Elizabeth stated that you are keeping that from her."

"I am making it a surprise. We will have to travel a little but that is why we are taking two weeks instead of one."

"That sounds interesting, but you need to make sure you give her a packing list."

"I will. Thank you." He gave her a smile and then turned to walk out of the office to head toward his fiancé's classroom.

…

Charlette had a flustered morning. Her dreams were incoherent. She did dream of Tom but she also dreamed of Adam. She didn't know what to make of it.

She woke early and was sitting at the kitchen table sipping on her second cup of coffee when Frank strolled into the room looking for his caffeine fix.

"Good morning Charlette. Did you rest well?"

She looked at him but didn't answer his question.

"I'm sorry. Was the bed uncomfortable?"

"No, the bed was perfect. I just didn't have a restful sleep. I guess I have a lot on my mind."

"I'm sorry to hear that. Is it Jack's marriage, or Tom's marriage?"

"No."

"Are you missing your Tom thinking he should be here at this time in his sons' lives?"

"Yes. That's part of it."

"Are you…struggling with…" Frank was having a difficult time bringing up the next question.

"Just say it, Frank." Charlette was always forward. She didn't believe inside stepping issues.

"Well, is it Adam?"

Charlette spit out her coffee that she had just taken a sip when he asked. "Excuse me?"

Frank looked at her. In his counseling style, he would always leave the majority of talking to the person, not himself. He would ask questions that would help the person think about their situation. He didn't want to force them into any particular path but guide them as they worked out their thinking or feelings. He was a great listener and gave helpful advice. He didn't answer her but smiled at her.

She realized he put her at peace with his smile. She opened up to this man, which wasn't her style at all. "I am missing my Tom. He should be here for this. He would have loved to see Jack as a man." That was part of her problem. She should be missing Tom, and she was, but there was also Adam seeping into her mind. "I meet someone yesterday that threw me for a minute."

"Yes, I noticed. And I would say for more than a minute." Frank smiled as he said it.

Charlette laughed. His little joke broke the emotional tension she was feeling. "You noticed that huh?"

"You would have to be blind not to see the connection between you and Adam yesterday when you two shook hands. The way you two were looking at each other like scared little puppies."

She blushed. "Is it wrong so close to Jack's wedding and missing Tom for that to have happened?"

"Charlette, you have a lot on your mind in the next few days. I don't want to overload you, but I would like to give you some advice."

She smiled and encouraged him to continue. She respected this man and was grateful for his advice.

"You will always miss Tom. No matter the season of life. He loved you with everything he had, but he wouldn't want you to stop living and close yourself off to the world around you. Its' been almost two decades since his passing. Developing a relationship with someone else after all these years isn't a bad thing. You are not forgetting him at all. You are living the life you are dealt with at this moment. Take your time. Go at the pace you are comfortable with. If it's with Adam or someone else, you are not diminishing Tom at all. Be honest with yourself, the way you are feeling, and with your boys."

Charlette smiled realizing this guy was good at what he did.

"If it is Adam, he is a good guy, but he experienced a loss too. He may be having the same feelings you are having at this moment."

She didn't think of that. He did lose his wife years ago.

"Take a deep breath Charlette. Nothing must be decided at this moment. If you are interested, take time to get to know him. You don't have to do this at warp speed like Jack and Elizabeth." They both laughed. "Don't try to micromanage every second or every little feeling. Enjoy this time and if Adam is meant to be a part of it, he will be part of it."

He smiled as Charlette stood. He kissed her on the top of her head and began to walk away.

"Frank, how did you get to be so smart?"

"I've lived with Abagail for many years now."

She giggled at his response. "Maybe…but I tend to think that was all you. Thank you for your words of wisdom."

He nodded and stepped back to continue his work for the wedding and Sunday's sermon.

Charlette thought on his words and advice. He was right, moving on wasn't forgetting. She didn't know how Tom or Jack would feel about this. She didn't even know how she felt about it. She decided to follow Frank's advice. This didn't have to be decided at this moment and if Adam was meant to be a part of her life, it would happen at its own pace.

…

"Elizabeth, would you please accompany me to dinner tonight? I think we need to talk about the possibility of us."

"Darren, what are you doing? You know I am engaged to Jack, right?" Elizabeth stated in an aggravated tone.

He nodded his head, unhappy to be reminded of her engagement. "Yes, I have heard the rumor. Don't you think you are going too fast with this? You barely know him. You could be making a huge mistake."

"Darren. I am not making a mistake. I am happy with Jack. Yes, it has been fast, but this is what I know I am supposed to do. I am made for him, and he is made for me. We are soulmates."

"Don't you think we could be great together?"

"No. It wasn't meant to be us. If it were, I would have accepted your request a long time ago. We are friends and friends only."

Darren lowered his head in defeat. She noticed his expression changed.

"Darren, I'm sorry you feel this way, but it just wasn't meant to be." She didn't want to hurt his feelings. It wasn't in her to be cruel, but she also didn't want to give him any false hope in regards to them.

"I understand. Can we remain friends?"

"Sure. We have always been friends." She smiled at him.

He walked a few steps closer and reached to give her a hug. She tentatively gave him a hug and Darren kissed her on the check.

As soon as that happened, they both jumped when they heard Jack's voice. "Excuse me. I'm sorry to interrupt. Should I come back later?"

Elizabeth saw the shocked look on Jack's face. She immediately left Darren's embrace and rushed toward Jack. His facial expression never changed. He stood still not knowing what to do.

"Should I leave you two alone?" He barely asked above a whisper.

"No!" She looked into his eyes and saw the confusion and something she hasn't seen before. She couldn't figure that one out yet.

"I think I need to head back to my class." Darren said and left without saying another word. Elizabeth didn't look in his direction. Her soul focus was on Jack.

Jack simply watched him leave. His mind was working to process what he saw but was struggling with what he had seen and what he knew.

"Jack. Jack." Elizabeth tried to gain his attention, but she couldn't. In their short time together, she realized Jack could never hide his feelings from his facial expressions. However, she couldn't read his expression now.

"Jack!"

Jack finally turned and looked at Elziabeth, but he didn't say anything.

"What are you thinking?"

"I'm not sure."

Elizabeth took his hand and was grateful he didn't pull away. She escorted him to her desk and sat him down at her desk in her chair. She knelt in front of him so they could be eye to eye.

"Jack, what are you thinking?" She asked again.

He looked at her and then she realized the unknown look. It was confusion and hurt. Her eyes immediately started to water but no tears formed and fell down her check. In their short relationship, they have both realized how important communication was to them. They had always been able to talk things through. Many times, that communication was through looks.

"Jack, he came into my room and asked me out again."

"So you hugged him, and he kissed you?" He asked completely confused.

"Jack" she drugged out his name. He looked into her eyes and only saw love and compassion. He was confused. He knew what he saw when he walked into the room. He saw their embrace and the kiss on the cheek, and he knew what he saw looking into her eyes. "I told him no. That it was never going to be him. He asked if we could be friends and I said yes. Then he hugged me and kissed me on the cheek. I was surprised by the hug, but I was shocked by the kiss on the cheek."

Jack hesitated for a moment before saying anything. "So, you didn't agree to go out with him?"

"Jack, how could you ask that?" She was a little hurt he asked that question.

"Elizabeth, I walked into your classroom and saw you hugging a guy I know has feelings for you and seeing him kiss you on the cheek. I'm confused!"

The hurt she felt about him asking her that question turned into a hurt by his confusion of the situation.

"Jack, do you trust me?"

"With everything I am." He answered without hesitation. She was relieved by his unwavering declaration.

She told Jack everything that happened from the moment Darren walked into the room to when Jack appeared. She looked in his eyes the entire time. She also held both hands and gently rubbed her thumb on the back of his hand. She noticed the look in his eyes were beginning to change. Hurt was no longer there, but the confusion still was.

Jack was grateful at her forwardness. She kept eye contact the entire time and there was never a hesitation in her voice. Her voice was soft, yet strong.

"Jack, do you have any questions you want to ask?" She didn't want to push him but was willing to tell the story all over again if he needed her too.

Listening to her explain the situation, he looked into her eyes. He saw love, compassion, and hurt. His inexperience in dating was coming to the forefront. He trusted her completely, but he was still confused by what he saw.

"Elizabeth, I trust you. I am just confused. I know you would never cheat on me. Seeing you hugging Darren and him kissing your cheek threw me."

"If you trust me, why would it confuse you?"

"Elizabeth, do you trust me?"

"Yes." She answered without a second thought.

"If you walked in on Frances from Oklahoma City hugging and kissing me on the cheek, what would you feel or think?"

She didn't think about that from that viewpoint. She hesitated for a moment. "I would be like you. I would trust you and feel confused."

"Exactly. That is where I am at the moment."

She thought for a moment. "Wait right here Jack. Don't go anywhere."

He nodded and watched her walk out of the classroom. She walked with a purpose. He closed his eyes and tried to clear his head. She walked back into her room a couple of minutes later. She noticed him sitting there with his eyes closed. Her heart went out to him. She understood why he was confused. She would have felt the same way if the roles were reversed. She also knew there was nothing between Darren and her. This was a huge misunderstanding and they needed to work that out…now.

"Jack. "He startled and opened his eyes. He gave her a small smile when he saw her standing there. "Take a walk with me."

"Can you? I know you will have class soon."

"I asked the teacher next door to keep an eye on my class if they get back before I do. The next period is her planning period. Come on. Take a walk with me."

She took his hand and gave it a slight tug. It was a command, not a question. She did not let go of his hand, even walking down the hallway. That did not go unnoticed by Jack. She was always guarded about showing attention like this in school. He loved her determination at the moment. That meant a lot to him.

They stepped outside and began walking around the track that went around the playground. The first two trips around the track no words were spoken. They just held hands and slowly walked. Occasionally they would bump shoulders and smiled when they did. The third trip around, Elizabeth began to say something, but Jack spoke before she did.

"I'm sorry Elizabeth."

"Jack, you have mothing to be sorry for. I am sorry."

"You have nothing to be sorry for either. You didn't initiate the hug or the kiss."

"No, I didn't but that doesn't matter. I should have…"

"Elizabeth. I trust you. I'm a little confused still but I am not confused about us. You said nothing happened and I trust you."

"Thank you Jack, but I need to explain."

"I think you already have. Twice actually."

"Are you still confused?" She was wanting him to understand, but she had to admit she would have been the same way if she walked in on a woman hugging and kissing him. She would have been hurt and confused too. She couldn't hold that against Jack. However, she was determined for him to completely understand.

"I'm not sure if confused in the correct word to use. I don't know what word would be right. I think it's my inexperience in relationships that is causing part of this problem."

"No, Jack. I would have been the same if Frances hugged and kissed you on the cheek and I walked in without hearing the conversation. If you would have heard what we talked about you would have understood."

He saw the expressions in her eyes and knew she was being truthful with him.

After a few moments of silence but looking into each other's eyes. "So, I guess this was our first disagreement?" He said with the first dimple grin since the who ordeal started.

"Jack Thorton, this is not our first disagreement!" She stated as she placed her hands on her hips and gave him her best scary teacher face.

She knew the effect this had on him and secretly loved she had this power over him. Jack almost melted when she did this. He laughed as he leaned in and kissed the tip of her nose gently. If her scary teacher pose and scary teacher face touched him and made him fall in love with her all over again, kissing the tip of her nose had the same effect on her. It was so gentle and caring. The simple act moved her to her core. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath at his gesture.

"Our first discussion comes to mind."

Jack smiled thinking about that five minute meeting. "Oh, but we weren't dating then."

"No, but that was our first fight."

"I guess so."

She gave him a mischievous smile and then leaned in like she was going to tell him a secret. "I hear the best part of fighting is making up afterward." She noticed the goose bumps on his neck.

As he stepped closer to her and took her into his arms, "I don't think I like you having this much control over me." He stated as he gently kissed her on the lips.

"Hum…I think I like it." After another kiss. "I need to get back to my class. Are we good?"

"Yes, Bella. We are good."

She swooned at his nickname. She knew everything was going to be alright. They slowly walked back to her class just before her students arrived. Both were grateful that everything was out in the open and dealt with.

Jack gave her a light kiss on her cheek when her students burst into the room. The girls giggled and many of the boys sighed at the sight.

"Alright class. Settle down. We have work to finish." She shook her head and knew they were not going to let it go anytime soon.

…

Before Jack reached his car to head to Jake's Bike shop, his phone buzzed. He read the text from Elizabeth and smiled. It was a simple text, "831". He sent her the same text and smiled that this precious woman will soon be his wife. I can't wait to live life with that woman!

Jack spent three hours at Jake's. He did find a couple of fingerprints, but something seemed off. Instead of the glass shards being on the inside of the building, they were on the outside. If breaking the glass from the outside to get in, the majority of the shards would be on the floor of the building. However, most of the shards were outside. Someone was on the inside when they broke the glass. After looking around, he spoke with Jake about everything and how things were going.

"Jake, have you had any issues before today?"

"No, sir."

"Any employees you had to fire or let go recently?"

"One, but I don't think he would have done this. He was a little bit of a wimp. I don't think he has it in him to do anything like this."

Jack thought about this for a moment. In all reality, this would have been a good opportunity for the man to do this. He wouldn't have to have the courage to face anyone. "What's his name and why did you have to let him go?"

"His name is Steven. I caught him sleeping on the job. I had to let him go late last week."

They spoke a little longer. Jack gave Jake his new card and told him to call if anything else comes to mind. Jack also informed him he would be in touch in a day or two.

Jack had a thought about what happened, but he needed more proof before anything could be done.

…

Charlette walked into the grocery store to pick up a few items. She wanted to get a few snacks for Elizabeth and Jack for their traveling. She wanted to thank Abagail and Frank for letting her stay with them. She can't cook, but she can bake. She was going to make them a cake to say thank you. Trying to find the right cake mix, she wasn't paying attention and backed into a buggy. She jumped and immediately turned around apologizing for bumping into the buggy. She was shocked to see a certain man standing in front of her.

"Adam!" She exclaimed.

"Charlette!" He exclaimed.

They stood and stared at each other like embarrassed little kids staring at their school crush. Both were too shocked and too nervous to say anything. They stood like that for a few seconds but to each other it seemed like an eternity.

Finally, two teenagers came running up to Adam and gave him a hug. "Mr. Richardson, it is great to see you." Said a smiling young lady. "I just passed my driving test." She showed Adam her driver's license with the biggest smile possible while she was bouncing on her feet.

The young man beside her spoke, "Thank you for all your help. She would never have done it if it wasn't for you." And gave Adam a hug.

"You're welcome Susan. You did all the work."

"Mr. Richardson. You are being too kind. I couldn't have done it without you. Thank you."

Each teen gave him another hug and Susan kissed him on the cheek. Before leaving, they turned toward Charlette and smiled. Susan gave her a smile and a small wave. Charlette couldn't keep from smiling at the young lady.

Adam watched the teens grab something off the shelf and walk down the aisle. When they turned the corner, he turned back to Charlette and notice she was staring at him with a small grin. He knew what she was thinking.

"Susan was struggling with her driver's test." He leaned in as if he was about to share a secret. "She struggles with dyslexia. When she gets frustrated, her dyslexia worsens. I just helped her with techniques to help calm her. Then we went over the driver's book, and she talked me into helping her drive. Her mother was happy for the help." He laughed when he said the last part. He also grimaced a little because she scared him several times at the beginning.

He noticed her expression. "In the beginning, she scared the living daylights out of me a few times, but with some practice she became a very confident driver. I bet she passed with flying colors." Both laughed and enjoyed the sound of each other's laugh.

"How long did you help her?"

"Getting her calmed down and through the book took the longest. I would say three to four weeks. Once that was mastered, the driving part went very fast. Maybe a week or a little longer."

"That was very kind of you to give her all that time." This story made Charlette smile. He was a kind man to devote himself to help this young lady who was struggling. She also enjoyed watching him radiate the joy from Susan.

"To be honest, I think I enjoyed it more than she did. I taught high school and ran across students with dyslexia before. They are smart kids, they just see things differently. Once you figure that out, it is easy to help them. Plus, the joy of seeing them 'get it' is always the reward for me." The smile he had on his face soften her heart.

"Adam, would you like to join me for coffee?" She asked the question before she knew it. She was a little shocked at her forwardness but wasn't upset she asked the question.

Adam smiled before answering her question. She knew instantly his answer. She also liked his smile.

"Charlette, I would love too. Can we meet in an hour? Would that give you enough time to finish your shopping and get the cold items to your home in the fridge?"

She smiled at his thoughtfulness. "I'll see you at the coffee shop around the corner on Jefferson Street and Wall Street in forty five minutes."

"Perfect, I look forward to it."