Chapter 39

Elizabeth decided to start on dinner. Jack texted her to tell her he will be there in a little over an hour. Since she was making dinner, he was going to bring a dessert. She was hoping it was the chocolate cake from Abagail's. She decided on parmesan chicken with green beans, corn, and rolls. She wasn't great in the kitchen, but she could hold her own. Since she was single; she didn't have to cook too much. She looked forward to cooking more often.

She decorated the table with a couple of candles and turned on some soft music. She wanted tonight to be special since the misunderstanding earlier that day. After looking around her apartment, she sighed at the thought in a few, short days Jack would be her husband and they would live here together. It warmed her and she couldn't wait.

Jack stopped by Abagail's to pick up the chocolate cake that Elizabeth loved so much. After the morning they had, he wanted things to be special. He stopped to pick up two sets of flowers. One bouquet of colorful wild flowers with short stems to set in the middle of the table. He loved flowers on the table but not too tall so you couldn't see over them. The second bouquet was daisies of varies colors for Elizabeth. He wanted her to feel special.

Standing at her door, his hands were too full to knock. He kicked the door and waited for Elizabeth to answer. When she opened the door, he exhaled a breath at the beautiful woman in front of him. She was dressed in a beautiful blue skirt that fell down to her ankles. It flowed as she moved and matched her eyes perfectly. Her shirt was light yellow color with three quarter sleeves and fit her perfectly. He wanted to speak and tell her how beautiful she looked, but he couldn't form the words. No matter how hard he tried, he just couldn't engage his mind. She always had this affect on him. She took his breath and he was helpless against it.

Elizabeth noticed Jack standing in front of her door with two bouquets of flowers and a to go box she recognized from Abagail's. She noticed he changed from his clothes from earlier in the day. He had on dark jeans with casual dress shoes and a button up shirt that was untucked. The sleeves were rolled up just below his elbow. His eyes were fixated on her and a dimpled smile plastered on his face. He was quite literally breath taking. She gasped for air when her lungs demanded oxygen.

They stood in her doorway looking at each other. She was lost in him. He was lost in her. Finally, he gained the ability to speak.

"E- liz-a-beth" She melted when he said her name like that, and she remember when Darren did it earlier today and how she felt. There was no comparison between the two. Jack drew her in with his words. He embraced her with just the word. She always felt a warmth that overtook her. He didn't have to force anything. "You look stunning. I…um…I don't think that describes how beautiful you look."

She smiled at his words. "Jack, you look very handsome yourself." She said as she looked him over one more time. "Come in Jack. Let me help you with those flowers."

He then realized he was holding flowers. "Oh, yes. I forgot about those. These are for you and the wild flowers are for the table."

"How could you forget about the two bouquets of flowers you are holding?" She asked but she thought she knew why.

Softly he said, "You."

When she slowly extended her arm Jack thought she was going to grab one of the bouquets of flowers, instead, she pinched his arm.

"Hey! What was that for?" He winched.

"I just wanted to make sure you are real." She chuckled then reached for a bouquet. He jumped back which made her giggle.

"I thought you were going to pinch me again." He teased.

After taking both bouquets of flowers and walking into the kitchen she turned her head over her shoulder and spoke. "Jack, there is one thing I need to share with you and two questions I want to ask you."

He nodded his head to encourage her to continue.

"First, while I was gathering all of my belongings after school today, Darren stopped by my classroom." She told Jack everything that happened. From his veiled threat, her thinking this morning was on purpose to cause a rift between Jack and her, and Mr. Henry's involvement. "Mr. Henry is saving all the recordings and storing them for me. If I have any other issues with Darren, I will use those against my compliant.

For Jack's part, he was visibly upset. He was beginning to not really like him. He wanted to lay a hand of Darren. He kept his cool though, but it wasn't easy. Elizabeth asked him if he was ok.

"Bella, shouldn't I be the one asking you that question?"

"Jack, I'm fine. It was a relief when Mr. Henry showed up and he was so helpful, but I don't really think Darren would have done something horrible."

"Elizabeth…" Jack breathed trying to calm himself. He knew all the statistics of assault and how hard it can be to prove them. He didn't want to scare her, but he didn't want to let it go by with her thinking everything was normal. "It could have been much worse, and we don't know what he would have done if it wasn't for the SRO officer."

"I know, Jack." She exhaled. She knew what Jack meant because she thought of it too. While it did frighten her a little, she was mostly angry with Darren's actions. "Anyways, I informed him he is to never speak to me again unless it is school related. If so, I will file a complaint against him with the school and school board with the saved recordings. Plus, Mr. Henry has suggested he will keep a closer eye on him."

"He kissed her on the cheek. I'm grateful you are ok."

"I am. Now, are we good with everything that happened today?

"Yes." He thought for a moment. "May I ask you something?"

She nodded for him to continue.

"Why didn't you push the issue with Darren?"

"Well, I thought about it, and I am pretty sure I have enough evidence to pursuit a case. However, he really didn't do anything that was too bad. He pushed more than he should and wasn't taking no for an answer. He would have lost his job, but nothing more than that."

Jack nodded. "I still wish you would talk to someone."

"I talked to SRO Henry. He is on the case. He has all the recordings and programmed the surveillance system to keep track of him. Wherever he goes within the school, he is being recorded. If he talks to me with anything other than school related topics, I push the issue. If he pushes with another woman, we have two individuals who can push the charges. That makes a stronger case against him. Most of those cases is he said she said. With two of us, it's a she, she said he said case."

"That makes sense, but I still…"

"I know, but SRO Henry is on top of it now with all the surveillance equipment. He is watching him the entire time he is on school grounds and not just with me. I feel more protected now then before."

"Ok. As long as your comfortable, I'm ok with it, but the moment he steps out of line with you or any other female, you press all the charges you can."

"Agreed. Are we good?"

"Yes."

"Are you sure? I don't want this to hang over our heads."

"I'm fine. Still a little confused but I am ok. I promise."

She didn't want to push it but took his word that they were good. Now she wanted to ask her second question. It has been on her mind for a while now and she was determined to find out.

…

Charlette sat on the porch of the Hogan's house and was lost in thought. Her coffee date with Adam went exceptionally well. They talked openly well with each other concerning their late spouses. There were no awkward pauses in the conversation, and she was fascinated by this man. She had never thought of dating since her Thomas died, but now she was reconsidering.

She didn't want to forget about Tom. They had two children together and a love that would last a lifetime, but Frank and Abagail were right, she wasn't too old. She still had a life. Especially with Jack and Tom moving on into a new season in their life. What would she do? She didn't like the idea of sitting on the couch doing nothing. She freely admitted to herself that she loved the thought of walking to the coffee shop knowing a man was waiting on her. She was nervous and scared to death, but she like the feeling of the nervousness. It made her feel alive in a way she hadn't felt in many years. She could have done without the feeling scared part.

She looked at her phone in her left hand and debated about calling him. She sighed. She just wasn't sure what she should do. Instead, she sat it back down on the side table and let out a long breath. She closed her eyes. She remembered Tom and so many memories they shared as a mother and father and as a husband and wife. After reminiscing for a few minutes, she was shocked to realize that Adam snuck into her memories somehow. She was thinking how cute he looked when he was embarrassed by admitting he didn't like coffee but wanted to meet her again. How she was on his mind since their first meeting.

She reached down and picked up her phone again. Instead of calling, she thought she would send a text. It wasn't the same as calling. She could text him whenever she wanted and if needed, she could text back later.

C – I enjoyed meeting you at the coffee shop today

He texted back within a minute.

A – I did as well. I enjoyed getting to know you more today

C – Me too

After a couple of minutes, he texted back.

A – Are you ok with today?
C – what do you mean?

Instead of texting back, Adam called.

"Hello." Charlette answered.

"I'm sorry to bother you by calling, but I don't text too well when it is more than a few words." He laughed at his lack of texting skills. She found herself laughing too. "I remember you saying you haven't dated since Tom passed and I was wondering are you ok with our little date today."

"I am. I think I'm still working through some things, but I enjoyed your company."

"I understand. I am too. I never thought I would have gone on a date again."

"Yeah. Me too."

"Charlette, are you sure you are ok with maybe going to dinner sometime? I don't want to push you too much."

"Adam, are you ok with going to dinner sometime?"

He laughed. "Good one turning the question back on me." She laughed. "Charlette, I would not be honest if I said I haven't thought about it a lot since this afternoon. I am sitting on my porch thinking this through. It has been a long time since my wife passed. I don't want to forget her but I do have some life left to live. I'm thinking I can do both. I can remember her and my love for her and still continue on with my life."

Charlette thought on that for a moment. "That's well said, Adam. I think I am thinking the same thing."

"Well, if it is ok with you, let's have dinner soon and we can see if we would like to do it again."

"That sounds perfect."

They talked for a few more minutes before disconnecting the call. He had to call his oldest son and Charlette needed to check in with Tom.

…

"What's on your mind, Nani? I can see that mind of yours working."

"Jack, how are you such a perfect boyfriend and fiancé if you never dated before? You always do the right thing."

"To be honest, I don't feel like I'm doing a very good job. I feel like I am trying to play catch up. I question and doubt everything. I feel like I am failing at this." He let out a slow breath.

"Seriously? Jack, you are so far ahead of the game. How do you do it?"

"Thank you but I feel like you are giving me way too much credit. I remember some of the things my father did and I try to do those things in my own way. Ma told me that I need to be me, not my father."

"That's good advice."

"With you, it just comes naturally. I don't think about it. I just know. Does that make sense?"

She blushed. "Yes, it does. I just don't understand since you haven't had a girlfriend before."

"When I do something that makes you smile or you approve of, I remember that and try to do it again. I want to make you happy. You are my first priority. I want you to be so eager to get home that you can't stand it. I want you to feel treasured. That's what my father taught me. Now, I don't do exactly what he did, but I want that type of relationship."

"Jack, would you dance with me?"

"Elizabeth, you paused the music. There is no music to dance too,"

She smiled mischievously at him. "Detective, if you need music to dance you are not dancing with the right person."

He smiled at her using his words against him. Our life is going to be great he thought to himself. He slowly stepped closer until he was in her circle. He took her right hand into his left and placed his right hand on the small of her back. Slowly but deliberately, he pulled her closer to him. The anticipation of their bodies touching was overwhelming. When their bodies touched softly, their breath caught, and they looked into each other's eyes. The world around them did not exist. They danced in the kitchen beside the table until they heard the alarm for the chicken in the oven. Elizabeth grumbled something inaudible as she stepped away from Jack to pull the chicken parmesan out of the oven.

Jack walked up behind her and placed his right hand on her back and took a deep breath. "Elizabeth, that smells delicious."

"I can't cook too many things, but I can make a few meals. I haven't had to cook much, but I look forward to doing it more often after you move in."

"I believe you are doing a great job so far."

After their delicious meal and fun conversation, Jack answered his phone when he noticed it was his mother.

"Hey Ma. How are you?"

"I'm great Jack. Am I interrupting anything?"

Jack touched the speaker button on his screen. "Hey mom. Are you doing ok?"

"Hey Lizzy. I'm sorry, I should have known you two were together. I'll just call back later."

"No Ma. What's on your mind?"

"Jack, I don't want to be…"

"Mom, you are not a bother. What's on your mind?"

Charlette loved the fact that Lizzy calls her mom. She knew that feeling of gratitude will never go away and she was grateful for it.

"Well, can we meet tomorrow? There is something we need to discuss."

"Are you ok, mom?"

"I'm fine, Lizzy. I promise."

"Would dinner be ok since we both have to work?"

"Perfect. I would like you both to be there if that is possible?"

"We'll be there. Abagail's at seven thirty?"

"I'll see you then,"

…

Adam sat on his porch in his favorite rocking chair enjoying the night air. Over the last couple of days his world has been turned upside down. He enjoyed his life. He loved his wife and the live he carved out for himself after Susan's death. The volunteering at church with the teens was a great distraction. It gave his life purpose after retirement. He would spend evenings like this and reminisce about her. Tonight, along with Sondra, he is thinking about Charlette.

Before her death, Sondra encouraged him to continue to live his life. She knew he would box himself off but encouraged him to live a life he would be happy with, even with another woman if he fell in love again. Adam remembered that conversation well, but never could imagine doing it. Now, he was thinking it might be a possibility.

…

"Jack, are you staying the night tonight?"

"Nani, I think I need to go home."

Eliazbeth couldn't hide her disappointment. She loved falling asleep in Jack's arms and waking up beside him. "Why?"

Jack squirmed and shifted from side to side. He didn't know how to say what he was struggling with. "I don't think it would be a good idea."

"Why? You have stayed before, and I have stayed with your too. Why is tonight different?"

"The closer we get to our wedding, the…" his voice trailed off. His inexperience was getting in his way.

"The…?"

"I want you!" He blurted out. "The closer we get to our wedding the more I want you. I don't know if I can be with you and not be with you in that setting." He nodded toward the bedroom.

"Oh…"

"And the way you look tonight, with the beautiful skirt and blouse. The way your hair is laying across your shoulders and the way you smell…" He took a deep breath and closed his eyes trying to control himself.

"Jack" she elongated his name this time.

"And that doesn't help!" He exclaimed. She smiled knowing full well the emotion he was dealing with because she's dealing with the exact same emotions.

"I understand Jack. I have the same problem. I want you too. It's hard to wait until Friday."

Jack smiled and lowered his head.

"But Friday, we no longer hold back! Deal?"

"Deal."

…

Jack closed the door to his apartment and walked straight to the shower discarding his clothes on the way. After a short, cold shower, he grabbed a bottle of water and laid down in bed. He plugged in his cell phone and tabbed the screen a couple of times. After the first ring, he saw his beautiful fiancé laying in her bed on her side with the biggest smile on her face.

"What's that beautiful smile for?" He asked as he settled in his bed.

"I knew you would facetime me."

"You were pretty confident?"

"Absolutely!"

"What would you have done if I didn't?"

"That thought never crossed my mind. I knew you would."

Jack smiled at her confidence in him. Grateful she loved him but nervous at the confidence she had in him. What if he failed at one point?

"Jack, what's wrong?"

"I was just wondering what you would do when I fail you at some point."

"What do you mean? You would never fail me on purpose."

"No, not on purpose, but you know I will at some point. Like what would you think if I didn't facetime you today?"

"Jack, that's the point. You would never fail me on purpose. I knew you would call because you love me. When you fail me, it will be completely on accident. That is the difference. When it's done on purpose, it is done out of disrespect, out of lack of love. When it is on accident, it is a mistake. You will apologize and we will move past it."

"Bellissima, you deserve so much more than I can offer, but I am eternally grateful you chose to love me." His dimpled smile made her forget to breath.

"Jack, I didn't choose to love you. I was made for you, and you were made for me."

They smiled at each other like love sick teenagers and talked about their day. Their future together and she tried with all of her might to get him to tell her about the honeymoon. "That reminds me, I need to get you a packing list."

"Yes, detective. You do!" She huffed.

"I will get it to you tomorrow or Thursday the latest. It will depend on work. If I can solve this new case by tomorrow, I can have Thursday off. If I can, can we please spend the day together?"

"Then, detective, you need some sleep so you can get to work and do a good job. I would never turn down a day with you."

They laid in bed and talked with each other as if they were side by side. This was truly an intimate moment between them. After about thirty minutes, she noticed Jack was slowing down in speaking and his eyes were closing.

"Good night, my love. In just a few days, you will be officially mine and we will not fall asleep on the phone again."

Without waking up, Jack smiled and settled into his pillow falling asleep with her sweet voice in his ear.

…

Wednesday was a busy day for both Jack and Elizabeth. Jack showed up at Abagail's for breakfast, which was already ordered and paid for by Elizabeth. She texted Abagail the night before after Jack fell asleep to make the arrangements. Jack ordered a special treat to take with him and paid for that himself.

Before heading to work he texted Elizabeth, "831". He scooped up his special treat and headed to the school. There was someone he wanted to meet. He walked into the school office to a smiling Ms. Florence.

"Jack! Good morning." Stated a happy Ms. Florence.

"Good morning, Mrs. Florence. I trust you are having a great day."

"I am…now." She smiled at him. "I'm sorry, Jack, but Elizabeth isn't here yet. She has never been a morning person. But she does have Thursday and Friday off."

"Thank you for that. You are a godsent."

Ms. Florence blushed at his compliment.

"I have something for you." He handed her a brown bag with two to go boxes in it.

"Jack, you are spoiling me." She opened the bag and found a container with a raspberry scone and a blueberry scone. The second container had a piece of Abagail's famous caramel apple pie. "Jack! Thank you for breakfast and for a dessert for lunch. That was so kind of you."

Jack smiled at her as a way of saying you're welcome. "Ms. Florence, I would like to see Mr. Henry. Would that be possible?"

"Absolutely Jack. He is in his office. Turn right out of the office and his office is the third door on the right."

"Thank you Ms. Florence and thank you again for arranging Elizabeth's time off. I know that's not your job, but you were very helpful." His dimpled smile was thanks enough for Ms. Florence.

"Don't mention it, Jack. I was happy to help."

He offered her a small wave as he turned to walk toward Mr. Henry's office. Ms. Florence dreamily watched Jack walk away. Kelly, another office worker was watching the whole scene spoke up after Jack left. "He sure is a nice looking man and so kind and polite."

"Yes, Kelly he is."

"Does he always bring you treats when he visits?"

"Yes, he does."

"That Ms. Thatcher is one lucky woman." Both women laughed until a student walked in the office.

…

Jack knocked on Mr. Henry's open door and walked into his office after Mr. Henry asked for him to come in.

"Mr. Henry, my name is Jack Thorton. I am Elizabeth Thatcher's fiancé."

"Yes, nice to meet you Detective Thorton. Please have a seat. What may I do for you today?"

"Well, I just wanted to say thank you for assisting Elizabeth yesterday."

"I am grateful I was walking by when it happened. We all think the world of Ms. Thatcher around here."

Jack smiled at his statement knowing everyone loved Elizabeth.

"Did she tell you everything that happened?"

"She did. I am grateful you keep it from escalating."

"Me too. I wished she would have filed a complaint with the school and sent it up to the school board, but she was adamant about giving him another chance. I gathered the recordings from yesterday and the previous recordings she asked for. They are all digitally stored. She has enough proof in those recordings to have him fired, but probably not enough for an arrest."

"Thank you for doing that Mr. Henry.

"Detective, please call me John."

"If you will call me Jack?"

They shook hands and a friendship was formed in that moment. They spent about thirty minutes talking and offering each other any help if needed. Not only was this a working friendship, it was a true friendship too. Even with the age gape, they had a lot in common.

As Jack stood to leave, John shook his hand. "I promised Ms. Thatcher, and I am promising you, I will keep a close eye on that Darren guy."

"Thank you, John. That makes me feel so much better knowing you are taking care of her here."

"John, here is my cell number, if you need anything here at school or out of school, please call me."

"I will Jack. Here is my number as well. Our paths usually don't cross, but if you need anything from me, please call me too."

They shook hands again and Jack left for the station.

…

Elizabeth ended up taking a half day off to pick up her family at the airport after they were told the rental care wouldn't be available until late evening. Elizabeth pulled up to the airport parking lot to pick up her mother, father, and oldest sister. She was a little surprised Viola was coming but was hopeful things would be better between them. She sat in the terminal waiting for the plane to land. She pulled out her phone and sent Jack a text.

E – I'm here waiting on the plane to arrive

J – Glad you made it safely

E – I miss you

J – I don't like sleeping without you. I miss you too

E – You didn't have to sleep without me, you know

J – If you wanted to wait until Friday then we did!

E – I know, I have the same problem

J – Are we good?
E – Perfect. Why would you ask that?
J – I know you wasn't too happy with me deciding to leave

E – I wasn't but completely understand. Two more days and you will never leave me again

J – Why do you do that?

E – Do what?

J – How in the world can I concentrate with that thought running through my head?

She loved Jack's playful side. To be honest, she was struggling with the waiting aspect of their relationship like he was. She did not like him leaving last night. She wanted him to stay, but she also knew if he did, she would have pushed too far. She smiled thinking she didn't care if it did go too far. It was important for her to wait until marriage. She always thought that aspect of a relationship should be shared between husband and wife. She was just ready to be Jack's wife.

She looked up when she heard her mother call her name. She sent one last text to Jack.

E – family just got off the plane. Talk to you later. 831

…

Jack sighed at her text. The last time her family was in town, her father was being a little difficult and cause his future bride some friction. He just wasn't happy with the drama, and he didn't want it in their lives with just a couple of days until their wedding.

Jack was happy with his recent case against Steven Johnson. He heard back from the police department a few counties over and they forwarded their lab results. He was waiting on his lab results to see if there was a match. He was almost certain there would be. Things were too similar between all the cases and Johnson was the only thread that ran through each case.

"Hey Jack" Bill started as he stuck his head in Jack's office. "Let's grab lunch and we'll discuss the Johnson case. That way I will be up to date, and you can have tomorrow off."

"Boss, I'm not sure if I will have everything together for an arrest today."

"That's fine. You basically have it finished. You're just waiting on the lab result. You have everything else taken care of. We'll meet quickly at the end of the day to you can catch me up on the latest."

"Then lunch is on me."

…

Elizabeth hugged her mother and father. She turned her attention to Viola. It has been a long time since she saw her older sister.

"Vi, you look good."

"Thank you, Lizbe. You look great too."

"What can I do so you will stop calling me that?" Elizabeth laughed. Vi has always called her that nickname and Elizabeth hated it from the first time she heard it. Vi always pulled the older sister card and used it anyways.

"I'll think of something." This was her patent answer.

"You have been thinking about that for my entire life."

"So, Lizbe. Tell me about this man of yours."