Chapter 43
The packing list from Jack was simple.
Hey Nani –
Here is the list for packing for our honeymoon. See you soon!
Three bathing suits.
Three nice dresses
Three casual outfits for day trips
Three casual outfits for dining
Three sleeping clothes (optional of course)
Basic toiletries
If we need anything else, we can get it once we are there.
I love you
Jack
"I love that silly man!" She said to herself. I think I will add a few things, but at least this is helpful.
…
The morning was typical for both Jack and Elizabeth. Jack was up early and already had breakfast. He decided he needed to burn off some of his nerves and excitement, so he decided to go on a run. He was given strict instructions by Abagail on what route he was able to take. He was not allowed to be anywhere close to Elizabeth's apartment or the café.
Elizabeth hit her alarm for the third time before she rolled over. A smile creeped on her face when she realized that today was the big day for her and Jack. She reached for her phone to text Jack. She already had one from him. It was a simple text that made her smile. "831". She texted the same message back to him.
She stretched and decided she had to talk to him since they were not allowed to see each other today. I don't know who made that rule, but it's a dumb rule!
"We'll, good morning, Nani. You are up early this morning. Is it a special day?"
She smiled at his playfulness. "Jack, it's too early for you to be giving me a hard time!" She said sternly but knew he enjoyed the game. "And yes, it is a special day. Did you forget?"
"No. I am counting down the hours."
"What are you doing? It sounds like you are breathing hard,"
"I'm out for a short run."
"How short?"
"Three miles."
"Three miles! That's not short."
"I'll get you used to it,"
"Don't count on it. Hey, since you're an early morning person and I am clearly not one, do you think this will be an issue between us?"
"We will work it out. You never know, I may turn you into a morning person."
She laughed at his comment. "Good luck with that!"
They spoke for a couple of more minutes until she heard a knock on the door. "I better go. I think my bridal squad just showed up. I love you!"
"I love you. Have fun with your tribe."
…
Elizabeth was told the night before that some people would be by in the morning to help her. Elizabeth wasn't sure what exactly she needed help with but welcomed the company any ways. At the very least, the company would keep her busy.
When the knock on the door happened the second time, Elizabeth opened the door to her surprise. There was her mother, Vi, Julie, Abagail, Alice, and Charlette all smiling at her. Without an invitation, the ladies started to stream into her apartment with bags in their hands and everyone of them talking a mile a minute.
"What's going on?"
"We have the day planned for you." Her mother began. "We have some gifts now, then we will wait for you to shower and get ready, then we have nails and hair before lunch. Then we meet at the church at two o'clock to begin getting ready for your big day."
"After nails and hair, I am breaking away to join Jack for a little while. If that is ok with you?" Charlette asked.
"Mom, I am grateful to be spending time with you today. Thank you!"
"I'm just tagging along. I hope you don't mind."
"Of course not Alice. Thank you for joining us today." Turning to face the group, she asked. "You said gifts. Didn't you all do that yesterday?" Asked a confused Elizabeth.
"Oh, dear sister. Yesterday were gifts for you as a couple, these are for you. Well…mainly they're for Jack but you must give them to him." Smirked Julie with her eyebrows moving up and down.
"Julie!" Exclaimed Elizabeth.
"Well, this may help with grandkids." Softly spoken by both Grace and Charlette.
"Mother! Mom!" Shouted by an embarrassed Elizabeth.
"Oh dear. Let's be honest here. We are all adult women."
"Yes mother, and Jack is a hottie." Exclaimed Julie.
Elizabeth just shook her head with a tint of red on her cheeks. They gathered in the living room sitting in chairs and on the couch. The first gift was from Alice. It was two tank tops that crossed in the back with matching short shorts. They weren't sexy per se, but comfortable casual for house wear.
"Thank you, Alice. They look amazingly comfortable."
"I hope you like them and will enjoy them."
The next gift was from Vi. It was a beautiful deep purple, silk gown with matching silk robe. The color was beautiful, and the outfit was sexy without being too much for Elizabeth and her modesty.
"Thank you, Viola. It is beautiful."
Grace and Charlette gave her the same type of outfit as Vi did. Grace's gift was white with matching silk robe and house shoes. Charlette's was black and more fitting than the others. Elizabeth's embarrassment grew at seeing them.
"Dear, quit acting like a child." Her mother laughed. "You need some of these now that you will be a wife."
Elizabeth buried her head in her hands. Her embarrassment was shining through at the moment. All the ladies smiled at her awkwardness concerning intimate conversation.
Abagail was next. "Well, at least I know the pastor's wife wouldn't give me something embarrassing." Stated a confident Elizabeth.
Abagail grinned. "I don't know if I would necessarily say that." She smirked.
Elizabeth pulled out something and immediately shoved it back in the bag. "Abagail!" Elizabeth shouted with embarrassment.
All the ladies laughed at Elizabeth's expense.
"Let's see it!" Shouted Julie.
Elizabeth slowly pulled the outfit out of the bag and unfolded it. It was a beautiful blue carter set with matching stockings. The fabric was a little see through, and Elizabeth could see that it would be a snug fit.
"Oh, Elizabeth. That is gorgeous!" Vi raved.
"That will certainly get me grandkids!"
"Mom!" Elizabeth spoke while looking at Charlette.
"What? That will make Jack stupid." The ladies laughed. "At the very least it will make him dizzy."
Again, Elizabeth buried her head in her hands after placing the set back in the bag. She finally looked up at Abagail and just stared at her.
"What? Just because I am a pastor's wife means I'm not a woman?"
All the ladies laughed at Abagail's statement and Elizabeth's reaction.
The next gift was from Julie. Elizabeth hesitated to open this gift. Knowing Julie, it could be anything. Julie sat with a huge smile on her face. The anticipation was killing her.
"Just remember Julie, we will be having a party for you soon."
"You can get it a Victoria's Secret." Smirked Julie.
There were two gifts in Julie's bag. The first gift was just like Abagail's but much more revealing and with a lot less fabric.
"My gosh Julie. The care label has more fabric than the outfit itself." Stated Elizabeth in a soft tone.
"I know, isn't it gorgeous?"
Elizabeth shook her head. Everyone was enjoying Elizabeth's uncomfortable reactions.
"The next gift goes along with it." An amused Julie stated.
Elizabeth slowly reached into the bag as if there was a monster in there waiting to grab her. She pulled out a box that had a picture of furry dice. Elizabeth looked up at Julie with a confused look.
"Oh, I know that." Exclaimed Alice. "You roll the two dice, and you must do what it says. For example, one dice has a command. Like, kiss or touch. The other dice has a place. Like, lips or chest." Everyone stared at Alice wondering how she knew the game.
"What, someone working in the cafeteria with kids all day at school isn't a woman?"
After a second of silence, everyone busted out in laughter.
"I have to get one of these." Exclaimed Grace and Julie at the same time. This made the laughter grow even more. The ladies were having the time of their lives.
…
After the gifts, Elizabeth left for a quick shower and to get ready for the day. The ladies straightened up the mess and the rest of the living room and kitchen while Charlette made coffee for everyone. The ladies also brought over some pastries to enjoy before leaving.
"Do you know where they are going on their honeymoon?" Asked Vi.
"No. Jack has been very quiet about the whole thing. He wants to surprise her." Said Julie.
"That's sweet." Exclaimed everyone.
Abagail sat back with a smile. She was the only one who knew what Jack had planned. She loved his idea and thought Elizabeth would love it.
…
Jack walked back into his apartment to grab a shower and get ready to meet his brother and mother for lunch. He looked around his little apartment that Frank and Abagail allowed him to use when he came to Hope Valley. Once he would get back from the honeymoon, he would be moving into the apartment with Elizabeth.
He smiled at the kindness and thoughtfulness of Abagail and Frank. They have quickly become like family to him in the short time of him being in Hope Valley.
He left an hour later to join his family at a small diner on the outskirts of town. It was far away from Abagail's café. He wasn't too happy with being forbidden from town, but he didn't have a choice.
Jack walked in and noticed his mother and Tom immediately. After joining them, they place their orders for food.
"It feels weird not eating at the café."
"I know son, but you don't want to risk running into Elizabeth. They are out enjoying the day today and will stop in there after Abagail closes early to check on everything for the reception.
Just after the food arrived at their table, Charlette looked up and gasped. This caught Jack's and Tom's attention and they turned to see what or who caught their mother's attention. All they could see was a gentleman walked in who haven't noticed them. They watched their mother watching this man intently while he waited to be seated at a table.
Tom looked at his mother. "Ma, do you know that man?"
She didn't respond to Tom. She couldn't take her eyes off of him. Finally, she returned her gaze back to Tom. "I'm sorry. Did you say something?"
"Mom, are you alright?" A confused Tom stated.
Jack looked at his mother who kept stealing glances at the man, and then looked at the man. It was then that the man looked in their direction and smiled. Then, a look of fear took over his expression.
"That's him, isn't it ma?"
"Who?" She was playing dumb.
"Adam." Said Jack.
"That guy?" Asked Tom.
Charlette looked down without saying anything. Her face was bright red. They boys have never seen her that embarrassed.
"I'll be right back." Stated Jack as he stood and began to walk away.
"Jack! Jack!" Exclaimed Charlette in a whisper but determined voice.
As Jack approached the man, Adam took his eyes off of Charlette and looked at Jack in his eyes and straightened his posture.
"Adam?" Asked Jack.
"Yes. I am Adam. You must be Jack."
"Yes sir." Jack was now standing in front of the gentleman. They looked in the eyes of each other for a few moments.
"Jack. I am sorry. I didn't know you would be here. I don't want to cause any issues on your special day. I will go somewhere else to eat. Please give Charlie my best." He started to turn to leave but Jack spoke.
"Charlie?"
An embarrassed Adam began. "I'm sorry. It's what I call her. I mean give Charlette my best."
Jack chuckled a little. "Sir, would you like to come and eat with us? Our food just arrived."
Charlette was watching the conversation intently and trying to listen but couldn't hear what they were saying. Tom was watching too but would steal glances at his ma.
"No Jack. This is your special day. You need to spend it with your family. I don't want to be a bother. Just give Charlie, I mean Charlette, my best. I will talk with her soon."
"Adam, please join us for lunch. I'm asking."
Adam let out a long sigh. "Jack. I understand we need to meet and talk. I look forward to that time, but this is your day. Your family's day. You need to enjoy it with your family. We will have our time to meet and talk. I promise." Adam was trying to be respectful of Jack and his family and Jack knew that. He was grateful at Adam's respect for his family.
"Thank you for that, sir. I appreciate you thinking of me and of us. But please, join my family for lunch. I insist."
Adam leaned in as if telling a secret. "I'm not going to win this am I?"
Jack laughed. "No sir, you will not. At least you are a smart man."
Both men laughed.
"Please join us."
Adam shook his head in defeat. "Lead the way, Jack."
Charlette's eyes grow wider when she noticed Adam was following Jack to the table.
…
Alice, Grace, Vi, and Julie joined Elizabeth sitting at a table while the manicurists worked on their nails. The morning has been fun, but now they were missing Charlette.
"I'm amazed at how quickly Charlette has joined into the family." Grace said.
"I know. I miss her not being here but understand that she wanted to spend time with Jack." Elizeabeth answered.
"I like that you call her mom."
"Thanks mother. She told me that I was not her daughter-in-law. I was her daughter. Since then, I call her mom. She seems ok with it."
All the ladies awed and smiled at the comment. The ladies were getting different colors on their nails and Elizabeth was getting a French style on her nails. The white tips would match her white wedding gown perfectly.
"How excited are you, sis?"
"Vi. I can hardly stand it. I can't wait. It's killing me not to see him today."
"Maybe, but I know you have been texting each other throughout the morning."
Elizabeth looked down like she was busted for doing something bad as a child. "I can't help it."
"Neither can he. He texts you too." They all laughed.
"Has Jack not really told you anything about the honeymoon?" Asked Vi.
"Not a single hint. I did get an email from him last night with a suggested packing list. That was a little helpful."
"A little?" Asked Vi.
Elizabeth pulled up the email and showed to the group.
"Well, that's not a lot of stuff." Said Vi.
"You've seen Jack Thorton. Do you think our dear sister will let him out of the bedroom." Exclaimed Julie.
"Julie!"
"Well, I wouldn't." Declared Julie.
"I didn't on my honeymoon."
"Mother!"
"Elizabeth!" Exclaimed a smiling Grace.
…
The look on Charlette's face was amusing to Jack. He has never seen her so shocked. Tom stood as they approached.
"Tom, this is Adam. I guess you can say he is our ma's special friend."
Charlette gave her oldest son a look.
"Adam, this is the spoiled youngest brother, Tom."
Adam reached out his hand and Tom reached and shook it. Adam was relieved when Tom shook his hand.
Adam pulled out the seat across from Charlette and beside Jack and Tom.
"I'm sorry to crash your lunch. I didn't know you would be here, or I would have gone somewhere else."
"Adam, it's perfectly fine." Said Charlette. "What are you doing today?"
"I'm just running errands. I'm working on a small project at home and needed some supplies at the lumber yard. I didn't notice the time and decided to stop here for lunch on my way."
Charlette smiled at him and both, Jack and Tom, caught it.
"So, Adam. Tell us about yourself." Said Tom.
"Tom!" Charlette gave him a scary momma face.
"What? We might as well take this time to get to know your boyfriend."
"Ouch!" Tom squealed when Charlette kicked him under the table.
Adam laughed and then placed his order when the waiter walked up asking to take his order. Afterwards, Adam looked at Tom and then to Jack.
"I'm sure Charlie, I mean Charlette, has already told you a little about me."
"Charlie?" Asked Tom.
"Drop it, Tom." Commanded Charlette.
"Let's do this." Adam started. "Since you know the basics about me, why don't you guys ask whatever you want too. Oh, and by the way Jack, congratulation on your wedding today."
"Thanks, Adam."
With that suggestion, the boys began peppering Adam with all kinds of questions. Where was he born? Where was he raised? What he did for a living? Did he always want to be a teacher? How long was he married? How many children did he have? The questions were never ending. It lasted the entire meal. Every so often, Adam would look up and Charlette would offer him an apologetic look. He would just smile and continued answering the questions.
When the dessert was being served, Charlette spoke up. "Now boys, you have questioned poor Adam enough for today. He has been very gracious in answering all of your questions, but this has gone on long enough."
"Just one more question ma?"
"Go ahead Jack, but this is the last one for today." They knew she was serious with her tone. Adam smiled at them.
"What are your intentions with our mother?"
"Jack, Tom, we are getting to know one another. We went on a coffee date and spoke for two hours. We have talked on the phone and through text. We are planning on going out on a date sometime after the wedding. I just wanted things to slow down for her before we went out. I want to spend time with her and get to know her. Wherever God takes this, He takes it. I'm just grateful she answers the phone when I call."
Charlette blushed at his answer, and it didn't go unnoticed by her boys.
"I'm sorry Charlie and you two, but I need to get to the lumber yard before they close."
"I'm sorry my boys kept you so long for lunch. I hope you will have time to work on your project."
"It's fine, Charlie."
Adam stood to leave but not before grabbing the ticket for the meal."
Jack began to protest but was cut off by Adam.
"Jack today is your special day. Enjoy your time with your family and your wedding. I hope it's memorable for you and Elizabeth. I will be praying for you two."
"Thank you, sir."
"I'll walk you out." Charlette said.
This caught the boy's attention, Tom smirked, "Not too long you two."
Charlette smacked the back of Tom's head as she walked by.
"Oh, before I leave Jack. My name is John Adam Richardson. My birthday is March 20, 1964. I'm 58 years old and was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma."
Jack's face turned red.
"Why would you tell him all of that?" Asked Charlette.
"It will make the back ground check easier to find."
Everyone laughed.
Adam stood tall and gave the group a devilish grin. "When I turned sixteen, the first snowfall when I had my driver's license, I did donuts in the school parking lot. I got a ticket for that. Then one speeding ticket not long after that and when I was seventeen my friends and I was busted doing mailbox baseball. We had to replace fourteen mailboxes. I'm not sure if that will show up or not." He smirked with a smile. Then he turned to pay the bill and Charlette followed him outside.
…
When they stepped outside and was standing beside Adam's truck. Charlette spoke. "Thank you for being so gracious to Jack and Tom today. I am sorry they asked so many questions."
"Charlie, it's fine. They should have asked a lot of questions. We are almost dating after all, and they haven't meet me yet."
"Almost dating?" Grinned Charlette.
"Almost, but hoping," Grinned Adam.
"I'll talk with you tomorrow?"
"Sure." He leaned in and gave her a hug. He held on a little longer than normal for friends. "By the way Charlie, meeting the children is way worse than meeting the parents." He laughed as he opened his truck's door.
Tom and Jack were looking out the window watching. They were not being coy about it.
"What do you think?" Tom asked.
"I'm still not sure, but I think I like him." Jack answered.
"Yeah. Me too."
Charlette walked back into the diner and sat down with her boys. "Way to spy you two?"
"What? You did that to me all the time." Tom said.
She smacked him on the back of the head. "It's different."
"I don't think so."
"So, what do you two think?" Asked a nervous Charlette.
The boys took their time in answering. "I think I like him. He was very gracious answering all of our questions and he seemed like a straight shooter. I think you two may match."
"Are you two ok with me going out on a date with him?"
"I still have my reservations. I think I like him, but I still want to get to know him more." Jack answered honestly. Tom agreed.
"Thanks you two. I appreciate that a lot."
…
The afternoon passed quickly. The café was being perfectly decorated by the staff hired to prepare the café and the food for the reception. Elizabeth was at the church pacing back and forth in the room where she was going to get dressed.
"Dear, are you that nervous?"
"No. Not nervous. Impatient maybe. Certainly excited."
Grace smiled at her daughter. "Don't worry, Elizabeth. This will be perfect."
"I haven't seen father all day. How is he doing?"
"He is giving away his daughter, not too well."
"About the other thing?"
"Still struggling with that part, but he has come to terms with the time frame."
"I meant no disrespect."
"Elizabeth. You are a young lady who has matured into a great, young woman. You have lived your life the way you wanted to for a long time now. I trust you completely. I think you and Jack are perfect for each other. If you get married today or a year from today, you two are still perfect for each other. Time will not change that. I know this will work out perfectly."
"Thank you. Mother, once I get dressed in thirty minutes, could you arrange for me to see Jack before the wedding?"
"Elizabeth, you will not see that man before you walk down the aisle!"
"Mother, I don't agree with that silly superstition, but to make you happy, can we do it and not see each other?"
"Let me think about it." Grace shook her head in amusement. Grace could sense Elizabeth's eagerness to see Jack. Being in the same church without seeing each other was becoming too much for her to take.
…
Jack sat in his room waiting for time to pass. He was ready to marry his love and time was dragging slowly by. "Ma, do you think we can move this up?"
She laughed at his eagerness. "Jack, take a deep breath. You will be fine."
"Ma!"
"Young man, deep breath and calm down."
"Do you think I could see and talk to Elizabeth before the wedding?"
"No! You may not see her before the wedding."
"Ma, I don't agree with that superstitious stuff. What if you can arrange it so I won't see her but talk to her?"
"Let me think about it." She could sense Jack's uneasiness. He wasn't anxious or overly worried, he just missed Elizabeth. He needed to see his person. The one who calms him and the one he relies on. He needed his fiancé and best friend.
…
Fifteen minutes later, Charlette knocked on the door of the room where Elizabeth was dressing.
"Ladies, it's me, Charlette."
The door opened and Charlette stepped inside. She instantly stopped in her tracks. "Oh…Lizzy. You are stunningly beautiful. Oh…my dear…I don't know what to say."
"Do you honestly think so?"
"Oh Elizabeth. I have never seen a more beautiful bride."
Charlette stepped to her and took her hands into her hands.
"I think my son will pass out when he sees you. You are picture perfect."
Elizabeth blushed at her mom's statements. They did make her feel better. "Thank you, mom."
Charlette turned to Grace. "Jack was wanting to see Elizabeth before the ceremony."
Grace cut in and said no.
"I understand Grace, and I agree with you. However, what if we blindfold each of them and we can escort them?"
"Perfect!" Exclaimed Elizabeth. "I'll be ready for that in five minutes.
"Elizabeth. I don't…"
"Enough mother. I am doing this with or without your help. I can't wait to see him."
Charlette laughed. "That's what he said when I told him no."
"Your children will be stubborn." Exclaimed Grace.
"The best and worst of us." Elizabeth smiled.
…
Grace and Charlette agreed to a blindfold meeting in the small classroom beside the downstairs bathroom. Grace prepared Elizabeth and Charlette prepared Jack. Each one guided their child to the room. Charlette was first followed by Grace about two minutes later.
The moment Elizabeth walked into the room both smiled.
"Wait, I thought you said you couldn't see out of that blindfold?" Asked Charlette.
"Ma! I can't see anything."
"Well then, how did you know when she walked into the room? You smiled the moment she walked in."
"Ma, I just knew. I could feel her."
"And I guess you were the same?" Asked Grace.
Elizabeth smiled and nodded her head.
"Fine, you two. You have three minutes together and no one, and I mean no one, takes the blindfold off. You understand me?" Said Charlette in her best teacher's voice.
"Yes ma." "Yes mom." Were their answers.
Grace escorted Elizabeth to where Jack was standing and placed them facing each other. They found each other's hands with no effort. The moment they touched their smiles grew. When they heard the door close, Jack released Elizabeth's hand and reached for his blindfold. He knew he promised his mother he wouldn't take it off, but he had to see her. He needed to see her more than he needed his next breath.
He didn't know that Elizabeth was doing the exact same thing. She promised her mother not to take the blindfold off, but she had to see him too. She couldn't stop herself.
The blindfolds came off at the same time. Their breaths caught in their chest and their eyes locked onto each other.
"Jack" She drew out his name. "You promised you wouldn't take your blindfold off." She chastised him.
"Elizabeth" He drew out her name like she did. "How would you know I took my blindfold off if you didn't already take yours off." He sassed. "And you promised too."
"Oh…I guess that's true."
They both smiled like kids who was just caught doing something fun that they were not supposed to do.
For Elizabeth, Jack was the most handsome man she has ever seen. His eyes were shining, and his dimples were on full display. He was standing tall and strong. Just like the time when she first noticed him walking out of the café on the day they met. She reached up and touched his cheek. She had to touch his face. She noticed his face was smooth and she smelled his normal cologne. "Oh Jack. You are so handsome. You're perfect."
For Jack, Elizabeth was the most beautiful woman he has ever seen. Her smile stopped his heart for a moment. She was so beautiful in her wedding dress. Her hair was in loose curls and was coming across her shoulders. Her blue eyes were shining and drew him into her. He reached up and gently pushed her hair behind her shoulder. She shuttered at his touch. He placed his hand on her cheek. He had to touch her face. "Oh Elizabeth, you are gorgeous. You're perfect."
They were completely lost in each other. The world could have stopped spinning and neither of them would have known. They continued to touch faces and hold hands. Then they leaned into each other so their bodies would touch. They both gasped when it happened.
"I love you Thomas Jack Thorton!"
"I love you Elizabeth Marie Thatcher!"
With that declaration, their lips sweetly meet in a short, loving kiss. That kiss fueled the next kiss that was just a little more. When their lips meet for the third time, everything was gone except the person in front of them.
They didn't hear their mothers when they opened the door and entered the room. "I knew this was a bad idea."
"I agree, but I think he would have exploded if we didn't do this. He relaxed the moment he knew she entered the room."
"I agree. She was the same way before coming here. When she knew he was here, I could feel her relax. They have it bad for each other."
"They do." She was happy her son was so completely in love. "Do you think they know we are here?" Smirked Charlette.
"Oh…they have no idea." Grace laughed.
"What should we do?" Charlette asked while tilting her head sideways a little.
"I think I will need to fix her lipstick." Grace sassed.
"And I will need to clean his lips off."
"Well, let's get this done before they miss their own wedding."
A/N:
The wedding is next...I promise! I hope you are enjoying this journey. Have a great day!