Chapter 41

Thursday morning was busy for both Jack and Elizabeth. While they had the day off, there were things that needed to be done. They had plans to meet for lunch, but that seemed like a lifetime away. Elizabeth was spending time with her mother and oldest sister to finish the touches for the wedding. It was a small wedding and there weren't too many things to do, but her mother insisted to make sure things were perfect. Jack was about to head to the airport to pick up Tom and Julie. They have been texting each other all morning. The have missed each other. It's been less than twenty four hours since they have seen each other, but they still missed each other. She was surprised at how much she wanted to be with him.

Their wedding is tomorrow. That would officially be the beginning, but for the both of them that beginning already started. Neither knew exactly when it started, but they both felt it, nonetheless. They were one. When one needed strength, they found it in the other. When one needed a calming reassurance, they found it in the other. They were best friends. They sassed each other and that was playful. The only thing they were waiting for was the part of their relationship they were both waiting for their wedding night. Both were nervous but excited they would be making that journey of discovery together.

…

Jack was sitting at the airport waiting for his brother's and Julie's plane to arrive. While waiting, he was stressing out over the honeymoon plans. He has been working on them for a little while now. Honestly, they were finished, and all accommodations were reserved, but he was still stressing over them. He was hoping Elizabeth would be happy with what he decided to do.

He wanted to surprise her. However, that secrecy was also adding to the pressure he felt. If she was unhappy with his arrangements, then the secret would be for nothing. He knew she would like them, but he didn't want her to just like them. He wanted her to love them, for Elizabeth to be swept off of her feet. Something she will remember for the rest of her life with excitement and a smile. He rubbed his face in his hands again agonizing over the plans. The one person he wanted to discuss this with he couldn't. It was a secret for her.

…

Jack smiled at his brother as he and Julie walked through the terminal.

"Jack. Tomorrow you will be married to a ball and chain. How does it feel to lose your freedom?" He smirked until he noticed Julie's expression.

"I'm just kidding, sweetheart."

She didn't say anything but continued to stare at him. Tom wilted under the pressure from his fiancé. "I was just kidding sweetheart. I didn't mean anything by it." He wilted under the stare from Jules.

"Jack laughed at the exchange. A few months ago, Jack would have no problem believing that was how Tom thought, but now he knew better.

"Tom, when you see ma later today, promise me you will take Julie with you and keep an open mind and a shut mouth."

"Is there something wrong with her?"

"No, but she does have some big news to share with you."

"You already know about it?"

"Yes, I do. Take Julie and listen!" He used his big brother's voice. Jack had no problem being the big brother.

"Fine. I trust you. We are meeting with her at four o'clock and then the whole family will have a party.

"Perfect. Now, let's go. I have a lunch dated with a beautiful woman I don't want to miss."

"You have it bad, don't you?" Tom sassed.

"More than you know and I couldn't be happier about it." He smiled at his brother.

…

The trip back to Hope Valley was uneventful for the trio. Elizabeth and her group finished out everything. She was amazed at how easily the wedding planning was going. It made her feel that this was another sign of their marriage was meant to be. She normally didn't think like that, but she was too excited not to see everything as proof.

Elizabeth was sitting at Abagail's Cafe waiting for Jack. He went back to his apartment after dropping off Tom and Julie. Elizabeth was sitting with her two sisters and her mother. Her smile grew when the door opened, and Jack walked in. He was wearing blue jeans and a loose t-shirt. Somehow, he looked more handsome than she remembered. She jumped to her feet and hurried off to him. He caught her in his arms and placed a kiss on her cheek.

"Hey Bellissima. I missed you!"

"I missed you Dimples. Are you ready for our trip?"

"What trip? You haven't told me anything. I thought we were just meeting for lunch."

"No. I have something planned."

"Aren't you going to tell me?"

"Where are we going on our honeymoon?" She smirked.

"Touche, my love. Touche."

Elizabeth turned and walked back to the counter to pick up three brown bags. On her way back to Jack, she told her family bye and walked right past Jack without looking at him. She reached the door and turned to look at him. "Are you coming?"

He shrugged his shoulders and smiled at her family. "Wherever it is, I'm ready. Let's go." He called out.

Instead of walking to his truck, Elizabeth walked to her car. She placed the bags in the back seat and took her place behind the wheel. She blew the horn at Jack because he was standing staring at her. Whenever they were together, he always drove, but not today.

He sat in the passenger seat of her car, and she offered him a mischievous smile. "Are you ready to have a nice afternoon?"

"I'm with you, beautiful. It's always a nice time."

…

Charlette smiled as she dialed Adam's number. Her smile grew even more when she heard his voice when he answered.

"Hey Charlie. How are you doing today?"

"You know, of all the nicknames I have been given, no one has ever called me Charlie."

"I'm sorry. Is that a bad thing?"

She smiled at his kindness. "No." She said embarrassingly. This man had a way of touching her heart.

"How did your talk with Jack go yesterday or do I want to know?" He let out a nervous laugh.

"His fiancé was there, and she helped with him. He was shocked at first, but he came around. He reacted the way I expected for him to react."

"Ok. What does all of that mean?" He was anxious too.

"Adam, it was good. He questioned things but came around. He is still a little hesitate but that is because he doesn't know you."

"I'll be surprised if he hasn't already run a back ground check on me." Adam laughed.

"He would have if I told him your full name." She laughed as well. "I can't believe he wanted to do that already.

"Well, if it was me, I would have."

"Adam, what a thing to say!" Charlette chided.

"Charlie, he just loves you. Are you talking to Tom today?"

"Yes. He's the emotional one, but I think his fiancé and older brother will help. Have you spoken to your children yet about us"

"I have left a message for them. They didn't answer their phones. They are supposed to be coming in a few weekends for a short visit, but I haven't heard anything back yet. I will talk to them when they call."

"How do you think they will react?"

"John is the typical oldest child and a lot like your Jack. He will be shocked at first but will come around quickly. He will settle down after the shock wears off. Jennifer and Joyce will struggle for a little while. They were so young when Sandra passed that it still bothers them, but they are mature young women. They will come around, but it may take them a little longer. John will reign them in."

"You alright with that?"

"Yes. For now. I would like to get to know you."

"Me too." She hesitated to tell him what Jack said about inviting him to the wedding. Finally, she told him. "Jack asked me if I wanted you to come to the wedding tomorrow."

"That's very kind of him to do that, but…"

"But?"

"Please don't take this the wrong way, Charlie. But we are just getting to know each other. Plus, tomorrow is a time to celebrate Jack and Elizabeth and their families, and that includes their father, Tom. Their first time meeting me shouldn't be then. I would love to be with you, but not tomorrow. I don't think it would be best. I hope you understand?"

"I do understand. I told him no. It's not that I don't want you around, but like you, I didn't want their first time meeting you to be at Jack's wedding." She was grateful he understood. "Tom and Julie will be leaving Sunday. Would you be willing to meet with them sometime on Saturday or Sunday?"

There was a long pause, and she was afraid she may be pushing too much. "It's ok if you want to take things slower."

"No, Charlie. That's not it. I was thinking I don't know what's worse, meeting the parents or meeting the children?" He laughed nervously.

Charlette busted out laughing. "I'll have to let you know."

…

As they drove down the road, a great song came on the radio and Jack reached to turn it up. Before long, they were both singing loudly. They smiled at each other and took turns singing the chorus. This was a fun, simple time together that reenforced their love for each other. This was just spending time together being silly. After the fourth song, Elizabeth pulled into a long, dirt driveway. Jack haven't been in this part of town. The pastures were beautiful and the barn at the end of the driveway was magnificent. It was bright red with white trim. Above the center doors was a large horseshoe with a star in the middle painted in white.

Elizabeth stopped just outside of the barn and started to get out of the car.

"Where are we and what are we doing?"

"Patience, Jack. Patience."

A tall man walked out of the barn with a large smile on his face. Jack thought he was in his mid thirties and was wearing jeans, a long sleeve t-shirt, with cowboy boots. He walked straight to Elizabeth and gave her a big hug in which Elizabeth reciprocated. Jack watched the whole thing waiting for Elizabeth to introduce them.

After hugging Elizabeth, he turned to Jack while talking to Elizabeth. "So, this must be Jack. The man who finally won your heart."

"Yes. This is Jack Thorton, my fiancé and my husband beginning tomorrow. Jack, this is Fred, Fred this is Jack."

Jack and Fred shook hands. "Jack, Fred is Victor's brother. He owns this farm."

"It's great to meet you, Fred. You have a beautiful farm. "

"Thank you. Elizabeth, I have everything ready just like you asked."

"Perfect. Jack, would you mind grabbing those three bags in the back seat of the car?"

Jack looked at her puzzled for a moment and then went to get the bags.

"You didn't tell him you were bringing him here?"

"No. I wanted it to be a surprise."

"Well, it looks like you succeeded."

She smile at the fact she surprised him. He was always doing things for her, and she wanted to step it up and do things for him.

Jack walked up with the bags and noticed the two were smiling big. "So, I get the feeling Fred here knows what we are doing."

Fred let out a laugh. "Jack, walk through the barn and your surprise is waiting for you just outside on the other side." Then he looked at Elizabeth and spoke softly so Jack couldn't hear. Jack's horse is named Seargent and is completely black. Your horse is Hawk and is brown and white."

"Thanks Fred. I owe you."

"You do not. I still owe you. This is just beginning the pay back. Enjoy your time. When should I expect you two back?"

"Figure about three hours. We have dinner with our family tonight."

"Great. I will look for you two then. Have a great time."

…

Tom and Julie meet in the foyer of the hotel ready to meet his mom for lunch. He was beginning to get a little anxious about what his ma wanted to discuss with them. He was quite walking to the café and Julie picked up on it.

"Tom, calm down and breath. It will be ok. Just remember what Jack said, listen and hear her out."

"I know Jules. I am getting nervous about what this could be about. Whatever you do, please put your hand over my mouth if I say something stupid."

"I most certainly will." She sassed.

Charlette was sitting down at the same table when she spoke with Jack. It was the most private area of the café. She stood and hugged both Tom and Julie. She wasn't as close to Julie yet as she was with Elizabeth. She hasn't been able to spend the time with Julie, but she was growing to love her.

After sitting down and placing their drink and food order, he looked at his mother. "Ok, ma. What's going on?"

She smiled at her youngest son. He was blunt like her, at times that was not the best of things.

"Jack told me to keep mouth shut and to listen."

"Smart man." Smiled Charlette.

"And I was told to put my hand over his mouth before he says something stupid." Julie laughed.

"Ok…well…that sounds like fun." She laughed. Charlette took a deep breath before she continued. "I have meet someone.?

…

Jack walked through the barn with the bags. Elizabeth was bedside him with a smile on her face. She was hoping he would enjoy this. He stopped when he walked out of the double doors and say two horses standing tied to a fence with saddles on them.

"Elizabeth…" he paused for a moment. "What is this?"

"Jack, as a detective, I would have thought you knew two horses when you saw them. Does Bill need to rethink his decision?" She joked.

"I can see they are horses. Why?" He was confused

"Well, there are two horses each wearing a saddle. There are two of us." She was enjoying this little game they both played with each other.

"Elizabeth, are we going for a trail ride?" He asked with enthusiasm.

"I hope you like the surprise?" She said hesitantly and hoping he would be ok with it.

"I used to ride all the time as a kid. I can't believe you arranged this. This is perfect." He responded with the excitement she was hoping for.

"Let's go. We're wasting day light." She hoped onto Hawk and Jack was petting his horse, Sargent. He placed the bags in the saddle bag of his horse then hopped on. He noticed Elizabeth had already made it down to the beginning of the trail. He kicked his horse and started in a canter with a smile on his face. "This is going to be awesome!" He said to himself.

…

"You meet someone? A man?"

"Yes, son. I have."

"How could you do this…" At that moment, Julie's hand covered his mouth. Tom took a moment and exhaled a deep, slow breath. He gave Julie a look that he was ok.

"Ma, I'm sorry."

"It's ok, Tom. I know this is hard for you."

Charlette took a few minutes to explain everything that happened from the beginning to today. She left nothing out and was grateful they listened to her without interrupting. She knew this was because of Julie. She noticed Julie squeezing Tom's hand every so often.

Julie began, "So, are you happy?"

"Yes, I am. We are just getting to know each other. I talked with Jack and Elizabeth yesterday."

"That's why he told me to listen and keep my mouth shut." Said a smiling Tom.

"Yes. That's why. He knew you would take this hard."

"Did he take this hard?"

"Yes, son. He did at first, but Lizzy helped him. We talked and he is ok for now."

"For now?"

"I think he is still processing it."

They all sat silently for a couple of minutes.

"Did Jack run a back ground check on this guy?"

Charlette laughed. "Not yet. I didn't give him Adam's full name yet just for that reason."

"Adam?"

"Yes, his name is Adam." She told them about Adam and his back ground. To their credit, they listened.

"Tom, are you ok with this? Charlette asked without any confidence.

Tom took a moment to think of his answer. Usually, he wouldn't. He would just blurt out what he felt, but now, he held his tongue for a moment.

"Not yet, but I will be." He told the truth.

"I can accept that."

"Ma, does this Adam guy make you happy?"

"So far, he does. We just began talking and we are taking this slow."

Tom thought about this for a moment. "Ma, honestly, I don't know. I want you to be happy, but I don't know if I can handle seeing you with any one else other than pa."

Charlette understood Tom's way of thinking. She knew this would be difficult on him. She didn't want to push Adam or their potential relationship on him, but she was wanting to see where this could go.

"If you don't want me to see him, I won't." She said with a hint of sadness.

"No," Julie began. "Charlette, we want you happy. This is just surprising to Tom, but he loves you and wants you happy."

"Thank you sweetheart."

"Ma, I do want you happy. You will have to give me time."

"I can do that. I was wondering if you wanted to meet with us on Saturday for lunch or maybe Sunday before you leave?"

"Can I think about it?"

"Sure honey. We can wait if you would like.

Tom rubbed his face processing his thoughts. "Ma, I'm not trying to be difficult."

"I know sweetheart. It's a lot to take in. You take all the time you need."

"Was Jack ok with this?"

"Not fully. He freaked out at first but settled as we talked. You know your brother."

"Yeah, the level headed, older brother."

They talked for a few more minutes. Charlette was trying to put Tom at ease and he was honestly trying to understand. Julie smiled at the family she was marring into. There was love. There was also a free flow of emotions and understanding of those feelings. Tom was struggling with this, and his mother understood.

At the end of lunch, Charlette hugged Julie and turned to her youngest son. Tom stood with his arms open waiting for a hug. She smiled and wrapped her arms around her boy.

"I love you, ma."

"I love you, son."

…

Jack and Elizabeth rode for about an hour and a half. When the trial allowed, they rode side by side and usually holding hands. When the trial was narrow, Jack usually followed behind. Honestly, he enjoyed the view. He loved his fiancé and thought she was the most beautiful woman on earth. He also took that time in trying to work through his vows. He wanted to express to his love how much she meant to him, but he always struggled with words. He knew what he felt in his heart, but somewhere between his heart and his mouth there was a disconnect.

Elizabeth stopped in a clearing by a creek and jumped off her horse. They gathered their bags from Abagail's and set up a picnic beside the water. For Jack, this was perfect. He loved nature and the sound of running water. He was grateful Elizabeth did this for them.

"Elizabeth, thank you for planning this today. The horse back riding, the picnic, the water is just perfect. This is the best way to spend time with each other before our wedding." His smile told her how much he loved this time together.

"Jack, you deserve this. I am glad you like it."

He leaned toward her and placed a soft kiss on her nose. With a smile, he moved to her cheek and then to her lips. After a few moments, he moved his way up her jaw line kissing and nipping until he reached the spot below her ear.

"Jack…" she said in a warning tone.

He smiled at her reprimand but continued toward her earlobe. As soon as his lips touched the soft skin of her earlobe, she moaned and jumped back.

He giggled at her and then laughed when she stood with her hands on her hips and her best scary teacher face. Before she was able to say anything, Jack spoke.

"Have I told you how adorable you are when you do that?"

"Jack, I am not suppose to be adorable."

"I'm sorry, Nani, but you are." He stood and kissed her on the tip of the nose.

"Jack, you can't do that until tomorrow." She was breathing heavy just thinking about it.

"Tomorrow it is." Jack smirked.

"I hope…I…um…"

"I know. Me too. I hope you are satisfied with me."

She smiled and embraced him into a warm hug. "Jack, we will walk this path together and it will be wonderful."

…

After an afternoon of horse back riding and spending time together, she dropped him off at his apartment so he could shower and change for their wedding party at Abagail's. Abagail had closed her café for the evening to host the party. William and Grace made sure that Abagail didn't have to work it. They had it catered by a friend of Abagail.

"Bellissima, today was perfect. Thank you for the afternoon together."

"I'm glad you liked it, Jack."

"I did." With that statement, he kissed her with love and walked into his apartment.

"I think you two need to get a room." Abagail said with a huge grin.

Elizabeth jumped at her friend's presence and then smiled. "One more day…" She huffed while shaking her head. Both ladies giggled at Elizabeth's frustration.

…

Elizabeth just finished her shower and was applying a small amount of makeup. She wasn't one to wear a lot of makeup, she liked the natural look. She picked up a new dress while they were having the final fitting of her wedding dress. The dress for tonight was a light blue material that flowed easily. There were small flowers on it and the dress fell to her knees. She loved the dress and thought it made her eyes pop.

Instead of driving to Abagail's, she decided to walk. She wasn't nervous, but very excited and thought the walk would help calm her and burn off some of the excitement. When she walked into the café she froze. The sight before her took her breath. The café was absolutely beautiful. It was decorated with many different types of flowers, the lights were low, and there were pictures in frames at each table.

Abagail noticed her little sister standing in the doorway and walked toward her. When Abagail was standing in front of Elizabeth, she finally saw her friend.

"Abagail….how…how did you do this so quickly? I was just here a few hours ago."

"I had help. We wanted tonight to be special for you and Jack."

"Abagail, this is perfect. But why?"

"Elizabeth, you mean the world to us. You are a special lady who deserves so much more than this. We want you to feel loved. I am so excited for you!"

"Thank you, sis."

Elizabeth took a couple more minutes to look around the café. She was here daily, but today was different. She wanted to take it all in. She walked around each table to look at the pictures. There were some of her as a child. Her favorite of the dress she wore that was in her father's office that Officer T noticed was there too. There were some of Jack as a kid. She laughed at the one where Jack was about three years old running around outside in the rain with nothing on. You could see his little backside in the photo just before he turned the corner of the house.

When she walked in front of the next table, her breath stopped. The photo was of her and Officer T. They were in a diner with her father when they were visiting his warehouse. Officer T was squatting in front of her. She had her arms wrapped around him in a big hug. He was kissing the top of her head and had a hug smile on his face. She stared at the picture for a moment and then she took her finger to run along the edge of the picture in the frame. She remembered that picture. It was the last picture they had taken together. It was about three weeks before he was killed. She remembered the flashback.

"Cinderella, you take care of yourself."

"I will Officer T. You take care of yourself too. Be careful chasing those bad guys."

"I will, I promise. Make sure you study for your math test next week."

"I will, I promise."

"How are you doing with sketching?"

"I love the sketch pad and pencils you gave me, but it is hard."

"Cinderella, take your time. Don't push it. You will get better as you do it."

She sighed. "I am trying my best."

"Don't try too hard. Let your mind wonder and then draw what you see. Let it relax you and, whatever you do, don't give up."

"Thanks Officer T. I won't, I promise."

Oh, before I go, I have something for you."

Elizabeth smiled and bounced on the balls of her feet knowing exactly what he had for her. Officer T took a bag he had beside him and handed it to her. She eagerly took it from his hands and began pulling out the tissue, throwing them to the ground. Officer T and William laughed at her antics. She pulled out a beautiful Cinderella that was about fifteen inches tall. On the top of the doll's shoes, was embroidered "My Cinderella".

"Oh…Officer T…I love it!"

Tom kneeled in front of Elizabeth, and she instantly wrapped her arms around him. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her on the top of her head. His smile was big. Anyone could easily see the love between them. This was their typical way of saying goodbye, but this time they held each other a little longer than normal.

Elizabeth was lost in her memory. She didn't notice the tears running down her face or the fact that Charlette was standing beside her. She noticed the picture Elizabeth was holding and still running her finger around the edge of it.

"Lizzy, he loved you very much. He always wished you would come with your father so he could see his Cinderella. I think the boys were getting jealous of you two."

"Oh, mom. I loved him too. He was always so kind and loving to me. I loved the dolls, but that wasn't the thing I loved the most."

"I know sweetie. He was always so excited to get you a doll. He always struggled with it. He said he didn't have a daughter and didn't know how to buy for one." Charlette laughed.

"I loved them. He always did a great job picking them."

"He took Jack a few times, but Jack could care less about dolls."

"He told me. He said he picked a couple of them out just to get out of the store faster." Both ladies laughed at the thought of two guys trying to pick out a doll.

"Mom, thank you for everything."

"You're welcomed."

"Mom…I mean it. You have been so supportive of us even though you had to have a few doubts about all of this."

"I did have doubts when I heard about you and how fast this thing between you and Jack was developing. Then I met you, and that doubt was instantly gone. I think I fell in love with you as fast as Jack did."

Elizabeth lost all control of her emotions. Tears flowed without restraint, and she wasn't ashamed of it. While hugging, Elizabeth whispered into her ear.

"Mom, I wish Officer T was here. You deserve that. But I am grateful you found someone that excites you."

"Charlette was matching Elizabeth's tears. "Thank you. I never knew how great it would be to have a girl in the family."

"A daughter in the family." Elizabeth grinned.

"Having a daughter is wonderful." They hugged again and began to gain control of their emotions.

"Come on Lizzy tonight is supposed to be a fun evening."

"I love you, mom!"

"I love you, kiddo."