Chapter 42

When Elizabeth finished walking around the café looking at all the photos from their past, she noticed the door opening to the café and she saw Jack. In her excitement for the evening, she ran to him and jumped in his arms. She held on tight and refused to let go. She forgot that she was in the middle of the café with family around. Even if she did remember that little fact, she didn't care. Her Jack was there.

"I love you, Jack. I'm glad you're here."

He smiled and kissed the tip of her nose. She closed her eyes and sighed.

"I hope that was a good sigh."

"The best."

Elizabeth stepped back and then Jack noticed the café. "Wow. How did they do all of this and why?"

"I don't know but Abagail said she had help. I can't believe they did all of this for us."

"I bet it was for you. They love you, Elizabeth."

"For us Jack."

She led him around the café to show him the decorations and the pictures. When Jack walked to the table with the picture of him running in the rain without any clothes on, he moaned and dropped his head.

"I'm going to get her." He said shaking his head.

"She loves you."

"Yeah. I know but did she really have to use that picture? I don't have any cloths on, and you can see my bottom."

Jack reached and took the picture and laid it face down. When he turned to look at the next table, Elizabeth reached and placed the picture back on the table correctly. She laughed to herself knowing Jack would not like it. She didn't care. The picture was just too cute not to be seen by everyone.

When they reached the table with the picture of her and Office T, Jack reached down and picked up the picture. At first, he smiled and then the smile faded. He touched the face of his father trying to remember everything about him. He tried to remember the sound of his voice and the way he felt when his father would hug him. Elizabeth wrapped her arm around him and told him the story. He laughed and told her that he picked that one out. It was his father's idea to have it embroidered.

Once the tour of the cafe was complete, the couple was engulfed by family. They were waiting and watching the two walk the café and reminiscing over the pictures. Friends quickly arrived and everyone mingled. The evening was perfect. Jack and Elizabeth stood in the middle of the café and welcomed all of their friends and coworkers. Ms. Florence came and gave each of them a hug. Elizabeth wasn't sure, but she thought she held onto Jack a little longer than she did her.

"I think I need to keep an eye on her. I need to step up my game, so I am not out played." She smirked when Ms. Florence walked toward the snack table. .

"I love you, Ms. Sassy."

"Mrs. Thorton tomorrow."

He sighed, "I love the sound of that."

Tom walked up with two guitars and handed one to Jack. "Come on bro, it's time to play."

"Wait…you play the guitar?"

"Yeah, my pa taught me."

"Wow, I'm impressed. You never cease to amaze me."

Jack and Tom played a few songs and two requests. The café was loud and joyous. Everyone was having a great time. Some even danced during the music. There was plenty of laughter, love, and fun.

…

Abagail, Julie, Grace, Frank, Elizabeth, and Jack were sitting at a table. Enjoying talking and watching everyone else enjoying themselves. People were sitting at tables or standing in groups of people talking a laughing with each other.

"Oh, Elizabeth, do you remember when you were ten years old, and you used to…"

"No I don't! And neither do you!" The table erupted in laughter.

"Now Elizabeth. You know some of my stories when I grew up. Don't you think it's fair I know some of yours?"

"Fine" She huffed.

Julie continued with the biggest smile and bouncing in her seat. "Elizabeth was eight and she always would play dress up. She would sneak in mother's room and steal some jewelry. She did it so often mother threatened her not to do it again. Anyways, she took mother's big, shiny necklace and put on her most fancy dress. She played Cinderella. Officer T had her believing she was a real, true life Cinderella."

"Well…he told me so often I actually believed him." Defended Elizabeth.

"She also took mother's makeup and decided she wanted to look like Cinderella. She put on so much make up that it took mother almost an hour to wash it all off."

The table laughed at Elizabeth's expense. Jack took her hand and kissed her on the cheek.

"So, here is Beth dressed in a beautiful dress, with mother's most expensive necklace, and wearing five pounds of makeup. She was standing on the kitchen table waving at her subjects."

"Uh…oh. This doesn't sound too good." Laughed Abagail.

"She stepped too close to the end of the table and it flipped with her. She landed on her bottom. The table hit the chandelier and it fell and broke all over the dining room floor. When the table flipped over, it broke two of its legs."

"Yes, father was furious I broke his chandelier and his dining room table. Then mother was mad because of those things too but also because of the jewelry and all the make up I wasted." Elizabeth frowned as she spoke.

"I bet you looked adorable." Jack smiled.

"Not enough to get out of being grounded for two weeks."

Jack leaned over with a smirk. "I promise I won't ground you if you dance on our dining room table."

She squealed Jack's name as she hit him on the shoulder. This made the table erupt in laughter even more.

"Oh, Elizabeth, do you remember when you would go outside when it was raining…"

"Julie. Please hush."

"Wait, outside when it is raining?"

"It's nothing Jack. Julie…shush."

Jack leaned in, "I will find out this story."

"Not on your life, Thorton!"

…

Abagail stood and got everyone's attention. "Now everyone, it is time to open the presents."

"Oh, Abagail, you all didn't have to get us anything. This wonderful party is more than enough."

"Now hush little one. We wanted too. Now, have a seat in the middle and we will gather everything for you."

Frank sat two chairs in the center of the room, and everyone gathered in front of them. The first present was from Abagail, Frank, and Henry. Henry drew them a picture and both of them loved it. Frank and Abagail purchased them a set of pictures to go in their new home. The first picture was from their first date They had taken a picture with Steve Ross and all three had huge smiles on their faces. It reminded them of their first date. The second was a picture of just Jack and Elizabeth in front of the town's water fountain in the middle of the park. They were sitting on their bench. They were both laughing. They have spent a lot of time on that bench in front of the water fountain.

Elizabeth hugged Abagail and thanked her for her precious gift.

Julie handed Elizabeth the one she purchased. Elizabeth sat it down by her side like something may jump out of the bag at her and said, "I'll open that one later." Everyone laughed at her expression. She could only imagine what the gift from Julie was.

"That's probably a smart idea." Julie giggled while Elizabeth's face turned red.

Next up was Charlette. She handed a big box to Elizabeth and a smaller box to her son. Jack opened his gift first at the request of his mother. Jack paused after opening the box. He looked up to his mother and back to the box. He wiped a tear away and stood giving his mother a big hug.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome, my boy."

Jack sat down and looked into the box. He couldn't bring himself to reach in and take the items out. He smiled thinking of the memories the box contained.

Elizabeth leaned over to look in the box. She was surprised but didn't know it's significance. "What's that?" She asked.

Jack looked at his fiancé and then back into the box. Slowly he reached in pulled out several vinyl records. There were about twenty of them. He slowly thumbed through them knowing exactly what records were there.

He looked up to his mother and she smiled at him. "I have the record player too, but I didn't want to wrap it. I have it at Abagail's and Frank's. It will be in Elizabeth's apartment when you get back from your honeymoon. Elizabeth leaned over and nudged Jack's shoulder.

"These are my father's records. We used to sit on the floor in the living room listening to the records every Sunday after church when he didn't have to work. We would sing and goof around listening to them. It was a great memory we shared. That's how I began to love music."

"Wow. That's a great memory."

"Yeah." Jack stated while he was lost in his memory.

"Lizzy, would you please open your gift?"

Elizabeth looked back at Jack to make sure he was ok. He gave her a reassuring smile and nodded toward her big box. She slowly opened her box taking meticulous care of not ripping the wrapping paper. This drove Jack crazy.

"Bella, you know that wrapping paper is meant to be ripped."

She smirked at him knowing this was driving him crazy. She finally had the wrapping paper off and opened the box. One hand flew to her chest, and another covered her mouth. She placed the box on the ground and immediately jumped into Charlette's arms. She cried in Charlette's embrace.

"I take it that you are happy with the gift?"

"Mom, I can't believe you did that!" Elizabeth exclaimed between tears falling down her cheeks.

Elizabeth sat down and Jack handed her the box. Slowly and with great care she reached in the box and pulled out the doll sitting on top. It was a beautiful Cinderella doll. The box was full of them. There were six in the box.

"These are the dolls that Tom had purchased for you. I told him he needed to purchase a few ahead of time so he wouldn't have to make late night runs to the store when he found out you were coming with your father."

"He picked all of these out?"

"All but one. I picked that one." Jack said while pointing to the next one in the box.

Elizabeth took time picking up each doll and looking at it closely. She handled them with the greatest care as if she was holding the most precious item in the world. She admired it and then turned her attention to the next doll. Everyone was patient with her while she looked at each doll.

"Mom, I can't believe you did this. This is…" She couldn't imagine the thoughtfulness of Charlette in thinking of this gift.

"You're welcome, dear. You meant the world to Tom, and you mean the world to me. I can't tell you how grateful we are with you joining our family. There were a couple of times I was going to give them away to a charity, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it."

Elizabeth hugged Charlette again and everyone gave her a couple of minutes to compose herself.

Abagail continued to hand out gifts and she finally reached Elizabeth's parent's gift. Again, she carefully unwrapped the gift. "You are never allowed to help our children open Christmas and birthday gifts." Jack whispered to her. She smiled but didn't acknowledge him. Jack wasn't certain, but he believed she unwrapped even slower than before he said something. He shook his head with a small laugh.

"She opened the present and smiled. Her parents gave her several gifts. There was one plate and bowl with a note saying these were part of a set that will be waiting for them when they get back from the honeymoon. There were also pictures from both her and Jack's childhood in an album.

Then she stopped when she noticed the gift at the bottom of the box. The bottom of the box held a medium sized jewelry box. Tears instantly came to her eyes, and she looked up to her mother. The jewelry box was her grandmother's. Elizabeth has always admired the box when she would visit her grandmother's house. It was special to her.

She ran her fingers over the top of the box and admired the intricate embellishments on the box. The box made her think of her childhood and all the times she had with her grandmother. The memory made her smile and cry at the same time.

"Dear, there is more to the gift. Look inside."

Elizabeth looked at her mom. The box was more than she could ever imagine. She didn't know what could be more to the gift. She slowly picked up the box and opened the top. Inside was jewelry from her mother and grandmother. She always played dress up with her mother's and grandmother's jewelry. It was some of her best memories as a child. She looked at the jewelry and remembered every piece from her childhood. She always wished she would get these someday.

"Oh mother…I can't believe this." She was at a loss for words.

"My dear one, enjoy them and know you are loved."

Her mother wrapped her arms around her middle daughter in a hug of comfort. They shared a hug for a long time.

The wedding party was perfect. They were tears of remembrance and tears of joy, and plenty of laughter from everyone. The party was winding down and Abagail noticed Jack was sitting by himself looking lost in thought.

"Jack, are you alright?"

Jack looked up at his older, honorary sister. "I'm fine Abagail."

She grinned at him. "Jack, you should know by now I know everything."

He laughed because he knew she was right. "You know…sometimes that is infuriating." He laughed as he reached for her hand.

Abagail squeezed his hand while sat beside him. "Maybe…but not today." She hesitated for a moment. "Are you missing your father?"

"Yes. No." He sighed. "I am a little. I wish he could be here." He looked for Elizabeth and saw that she was talking to Frank and Ms. Florence. "I'm worried about the honeymoon. I hope she likes the plans I made."

"I'm sure she will love it. It's not the destination that will impress her. I think it will be the company."

"I hope I won't disappoint her."

"Jack, she loves you with her whole self, everything will be perfect. Don't stress out and enjoy your trip."

"Thanks Abagail."

"Hey, what's the big secret with the honeymoon? Where are you going?"

He chuckled. Everyone was always asking this. "If I tell you, can you keep a secret?"

"Absolutely!"

…

Elizabeth moved on to talk with her mother and oldest sister.

"This is so lovely, Lizbe."

"Yes, it is. I loved every minute of it. Everyone was so gracious and kind in doing this for us."

"I believe they love you." Grace said.

"Mother, can I speak with you for a moment?"

Vi excused herself and they settled in the booth in the back that was the most private.

"Mother, I'm a little nervous about tomorrow."

"Dear, it's normal to be nervous for your wedding. It's a big commitment."

"I'm not nervous about the wedding. I am excited about that. I am nervous about what happens after the wedding." She said embarrassingly and under her breath.

"Oh. My dear, everything will be fine. Don't worry."

"Mother, I have never…he has never…we have never explored that part of our relationship."

Grace took Elizabeth's hand and gave her a motherly smile. "Elizabeth, that moment when you two give yourselves to each other, it will be magical. It won't be magical because it will be your first time. It will be magical because it is with the love of your life. Take your time and enjoy the moment. Don't rush or force anything. Just love each other and everything will be perfect."

Elizabeth smiled at her mother. They had the talk about becoming a woman and the birds and the bees talk, but this is the first time they talked about intimate matters. Her mother just wasn't the type of person to talk about this type of stuff.

"Thank you, mother."

"Elizabeth, just love each other. Plus, you will have the chance to find out what you both like and don't like together. That's the fun part." She grinned mischievously.

"Mother!" Elziabeth exclaimed.

"Oh dear. Calm down. We are both adult women."

"But still."

"We'll talk when you get back from your honeymoon." She smirked.

…

Elizabeth looked around and found Jack in a conversation with Abagail. It must have been a good conversation because Abagail was laughing. She walked up to her best friend and smiled.

"Abagail, would you do me a favor?"

"Sure Elizabeth. You name it!"

"Our wedding is small and intimate, but I need a Maid of Honor. Would you please be my Maid of Honor?"

Tears started to flow from Abagail's eyes. "Oh Elizabeth. What about your sisters?"

"I am asking my sister. You are important to me Abagail. You have been my friend, my confidant, and my older sister for the last three years."

Abagail couldn't compose herself enough to answer. She hugged Elizabeth and nodded her head.

"Thank you, Abagail."

…

Elizabeth looked in Jack's direction. "Hey handsome, Take a walk with me?"

"Absolutely."

"Jack!"

"Elizabeth!"

Charlette and Grace yelled at the same time.

"You two are not allowed to see each other on your wedding day."

"I know." They both said together.

"And your wedding day begins in twenty minutes." Charlette stated tapping her foot with her hands on her hips and a scary teacher face expression.

"Is that what I look like?" Asked Elizabeth.

"To your students, yes. But to me, you look adorable."

"Thomas Jack Thorton! You better listen to me."

"I will ma. I promise. I will not see her after midnight."

"Elizabeth Marie Thatcher!"

"I know mother. I promise I will be back here before midnight."

"You better be young lady, or I will ground you."

"You can't do that anymore." Sassed Elizabeth.

"Yes, I can, little sassy one. I can until four o'clock tomorrow."

Elizabeth rolled her eyes like she did as a teenager.

"Don't roll your eyes at me young lady."

…

Jack and Elizabeth walked through the park to their favorite bench in front of the water fountain. The evening was perfect. They celebrated their love with friends and family. They felt loved by everyone and was excited to have a few minutes alone with each other.

"I didn't know you can play the guitar?"

"Yeah. My father began to teach me before he died. Afterward, the teen pastor at our church took over and continued to teach me. It was the only thing that kept me in church."

"I'm sorry you had to experience that."

"Me too. I loved the picture of you and my father on the table." He stated with a hint of sadness along with a smile.

"I did too. I asked Abagail to keep that one for me."

They sat quietly on the bench for a few minutes enjoying each other's company. The night air was refreshing.

"Jack, I can't wait for tomorrow. I am looking forward to our wedding."

"I am too. It seems like we have waited forever."

"Hardley. Just a couple of weeks."

"Elizabeth, I have waited for twenty eight years for you."

"Jack, we were made for each other. We are going to have the best life together."

"Yes, we are. I better get you back before curfew or we both will be grounded."

"Yes. I don't want to be grounded for my wedding."

"Come on sweetheart. Let's get Cinderella home before midnight."

Elizabeth smiled as she reached up to accept Jack's hand.

…

After hearing her phone chime, Charlette looked down and smiled. It was a text from Adam.

A – I hope you are having a great night

C – It was a lot of fun

A – Great. How did the talk with Tom go?

C – Just like we thought. He's still processing

A – I spoke with John tonight

C – And

A – Just like Jack. Scared at first and then accepted it. He's looking forward to meeting you

C – oh my. I think it is worse to meet children than parents

A – I agree. I just wanted to say good night

C – Were you missing me?
A – Absolutely Charlie.

C – I miss you

A – Have a good night

"Was that Adam?" Asked Frank.

"How did you know that nosey?"

"You had a silly, shy teenager smile."

"Funny, Pastor man. Thank you for talking with me about this. You were very helpful."

"You're welcome, Charlette. Have you told your boys about him yet?"

"Yes. Jack is doing better with it than Tom."

"Did his back ground check show anything?" Laughed Frank.

"I didn't give him Adam's full name."

"That's going to be fun."

"Don't you know it."

…

"Nani, would you make fun of me if I tell you something?"

"No, Jack. What's on your mind?"

"I'm going to miss you tonight. I have gotten used to fallen asleep with you next to me."

"Jack, we haven't stayed together for a few nights now."

"Please don't remind me of that." He laughed. "We have fallen asleep on Facetime. While it's not the same, it's close because your beautiful face is the last think I see, and your voice is the last think I hear. Is Facetime out of the question tonight?"

She laughed. "I have the same problem. I think our parents won't allow us to do Facetime either. Maybe we can still talk."

He pouted. "It's not the same."

She stopped just before the last turn to the café. She knew their time was short. They had eight minutes until midnight. She pushed him up against an outer wall of a store and stared in Jack's eyes. She told him how much she loved him with just her eyes. Saying goodnight was harder than she thought it was going to be.

She leaned in and kissed his lips gently. She was wanting to tease him, but the kiss backfired and actually made her want to kiss him again. Before she had the opportunity to kiss him, he leaned in and kissed her. The passion was growing between them until Julie came around the corner and interrupted them.

"I knew I would find you here." She used the tone of the youngest sister who caught them.

Breaking the kiss but not the hold, "What do you want, dear little sister?"

"Mom sent me for you and Charlette send me for Jack."

"We know now leave us be!"

"Not on your life. I was threatened to be grounded by two mothers. I am not going back there alone. You are to come with me, and Jack is to meet his brother at Frank's house."

"Give us a moment to say good night."

"Sure, you have one minute."

Elizabeth rolled her eyes and waited for Julie to leave.

"I'll turn my back, but I am not leaving. I am not getting grounded!" With that, Julie turned around.

Elizabeth and Jack laughed. "This is incredible. How old are we?"

"I'm sorry Jack."

"Don't be, it's my mother too."

They spent their minute in each other's arms and shared a passionate kiss that had to hold them over until the next day.

Before Elizabeth walked into the café, she receives at text at midnight.

J – Happy wedding day! 831

…

Jack walked to his apartment feeling a little lost. The night was perfect. Well, the day was perfect. He was able to spend some alone time with Elizabeth on their ride earlier. Then the party was perfect too. Spending time with friends and family celebrating the love he shared with Elizabeth was great. They laughed, reminisced, and day dreamed about their future.

When he was walking up the driveway, he noticed Tom and Frank sitting on Frank's porch waiting for him.

"Jack, the party continues." Shouted Tom.

"No thanks, brother. I'm not that type of guy."

"I know, that's why we have cards. Join us for a couple of hands."

Jack laughed. "Ok, a few hands but that's it."

…

Elizabeth walked in with a smile across her face. Today is the day she will marry her true love. In sixteen hours, she will walk down the aisle to a smiling Jack and begin their life together as husband and wife.

"Well, there is the bride of the day." Exclaimed her mother. "She even had time to spare." She sassed.

"Yes mother. Would there be anything else worse than being grounded on your wedding day?" She sassed. "How old am I?"

"Come and sit with us for a few minutes before we retire for the evening." Viola stated.

"So, Vi, how are you and Lionel doing?"

She dropped her head for a moment and offered her sister a grin.

"What's wrong?"

"I wasn't going to tell you, but we broke up. I filed for divorce. It just wasn't what I thought it was going to be."

"I'm so sorry Vi."

"It's ok. We'll talk about it later. Today is your wedding day and we need to concentrate on you."

"Are you sure?" Elizabeth asked with concern in her voice.

"I'm positive, Lizbe."

"What can I do to get you to quit calling me that?"

"Nothing my dear sister. Now, tell me…" She paused to look around making sure they were alone. "What are his kisses like?"

Elizabeth and Viola sat for fifteen minutes getting caught up on life. This is the first time they talked like this in a few years. Elizabeth shared with her about her life in Hope Valley and her relationship with Jack. It was a great sister talk. Finally, the day was catching up with Elizabeth. After her second yawn, she decided to call it a day.

…

Elizabeth walked into her apartment for the last time living there alone. She looked around the kitchen and living room knowing that the apartment will be hers and Jack's. She loved her apartment, but she was looking forward to sharing it with Jack. There were a couple of Jack's things already there, but they decided to move things in after they get back from their honeymoon.

She walked into her bedroom and noticed the pictures they painted from their first date. Both were landscapes. Her painting was of the mountains, and she remembered getting frustrated with how it was turning out. Steve gave her quick advice that worked out well. Jack's painting was of a barn with a pond beside the barn. She knew he had sketched for some time. The paintings side by side looked like they belonged to the same scenery. That date was perfect in her mind. They were together and enjoying an activity side by side. They shared time together without actually being together. They stole glances and smiles at each other and they commented on the other's painting.

The walk afterward was still fresh in her mind. The jewelry box he purchased for her was beautiful and was displayed on her dresser. She ran her fingers over the top of it and remembered the thought when she first saw it in the box. She thought it was too much money for Jack to spend on her, but she realized in that moment what he thought of her. She remembered seeing the box in Victor's store and Jack must have noticed that she like it.

Then she looked down on her ring finger. During their walk, Jack made his intentions known. He showed her the box the ring was in but didn't show her the ring. He said he wanted to ask her but wanted her father's approval. She never wanted anything in her life more than that ring at that moment. She should have thought it was too fast. After all, that was their first date, but she knew her heart and knew what she wanted. She rubbed her fingers across her ring and smiled at the thought of everything it meant. She would be with Jack for the rest of her life. That thought in itself made her smile.

Her phone buzzed.

J – 831

J – I emailed you a packing list of things you need to pack for our honeymoon. I will see you tomorrow at four o'clock sharp. I'm so excited I can't stand it.

She laughed at his excitement. Then she opened the email and laughed even louder.

E – That's it? You know we are gone for two weeks, don't you?

J – I know

E – Shouldn't I pack more things?
J – what exactly do you think we will do that will require more clothes than that? :)