Chapter 52

Elizabeth and Ms. Wilson spoke for a little while longer. They talked about Elizabeth's dream and the house. Ms. Wilson was convinced the house belonged to Jack and Elizabeth while Elizabeth was not as certain. She needed to discuss things with Jack. The chocolate chip cookies came out of the oven, and they were perfect. They looked and tasted just like Ms. Wilson's cookies. Elizabeth was beaming with pride. Ms. Wilson placed them all in a sealed quart sized bag. "Here dear, take these home for you two. You can have them during the week."

"That's very kind of you. Thank you Ms. Wilson."

"You're welcome, dear. I have never seen anyone do it perfectly on the first try. You must have a hidden gift."

"I had a great teacher." Elizabeth thought for a moment. "Ms. Wilson, may I say something and not offend you?"

"Yes dear."

"I will need to talk to Jack about the house. We haven't really discussed it in great detail, and I haven't told him about my dream. If this works out, please do not sell us the house because you feel like you have too."

"Dear, remember when we talked in the park earlier? I mentioned I was thinking about selling it because of my knees and there were too many steps."

Elizabeth nodded in agreement.

"My only hesitation is that I wanted this house to be enjoyed, loved, and lived in. I want little feet to run up and down the stairs and hallways making joyful noise for years. I want the people who purchased the house to love it as much as I do. This beautiful house deserves that."

Elizabeth smiled at her friend. "Thank you, Ms. Wilson. Can I get back with you later this week?"

"Only on one condition."

"Yes?"

"Please call me Beth."

"Your name is Elizabeth?" Asked a surprised Elizabeth.

"Yes. Harold always called me Beth."

"Beth, thank you for your kindness."

"Elizabeth, it is no secret that I liked you and Jack from the moment we meet at the intersection. You two were so kind to an old lady. I enjoyed our dinner and our time together. I consider you two as my friends. I would love for you two to raise your children here and fill this house with love and memories. Plus, we have the same name. If that isn't fate then I don't know what is."

Elizabeth wiped a tear from her cheek and reached to give Beth a hug.

"No tears, Elizabeth. If you cry, I cry."

Elizabeth laughed. "Deal."

"Now, we may need to wake that husband of yours up or he will not sleep tonight."

…

William was preparing for work the next day in his study. His mind was replaying everything over the last few weeks. His life has changed in major ways. His middle daughter was recently married, and he bemoaned the division he caused in their relationship, even if it was temporary. His oldest daughter has moved back home and looking for a new start in her life after separating from her husband. His youngest daughter was getting married in two weeks and has completely changed from a free spirited young lady who did anything without forethought to a young lady who was in love, purchasing a house, and going back to college. His family has certainly changed.

He was lost in thought when he heard Grace clear her throat. She was leaning against the door frame of his study watching him look out the window onto their little swimming pool in the back yard.

"Are you ok William?"

"Yes dear, just thinking about all the changes that has occurred in our family over the last few months."

"Yes, the changes are staggering."

"Yes, they are."

"So, what do you think about them?"

William took a deep breath and slowly let it out. "One is married to a good man and will begin their life together very soon. The other is on the cusp of doing the same thing in two weeks. The oldest is moved back here and looking for a change as she is divorcing her husband who was seeing another woman."

"Wow! When you say it all at once, it's a lot!" She chuckled. "Elizabeth and Julie are doing well and Vi is looking for her footing and she will find it quickly."

"Have you heard what she is planning?"

"I don't know. She mentioned Hope Valley since her two sisters are there."

"What is it about that place that is drawing our family there?"

She laughed. "It is a very special place. Elizabeth loves it there. I think she was terrified that Jack wouldn't accept the position of chief and continue with the state investigator's office."

"Would she have moved with him?"

"I would think so, but I know how much she loves it there and her school. Julie loves it there enough that her and Tom bought a house and will be moving there this week."

"And now Viola is considering it."

"Yes."

"No Grace. We are not moving to Hope Valley."

"I don't think we will move there, but I do see more time spent there because of our family being there. I also see grandbabies in our near future."

"Grace." William warned. "They have only been married for two weeks and Julie isn't married yet. Please don't push them in this area."

"I know, but I can still secretly want." She smirked.

"Grace, you will be a tremendous grandmother!"

"We're going to spoil our grandchildren." She stated enthusiastically.

…

Beth and Elizabeth walked into the living room. Elizabeth noticed her husband was still asleep on the couch with his head resting on the arm rest. She imagined him sleeping like this on their own couch in this house, their house. She shook her head trying to get the image out of her mind.

"Jack, sweetheart. You need to wake up."

"What?"

"It's time to wake up."

"I'm not sleeping. I'm watching the game and resting my eyes."

Beth and Elizabeth smiled at each other. "My husband used to say the same thing. Maybe they're programed that way." Beth said shaking her head.

"Maybe. They're lucky they are so cute."

Both ladies laughed. The two ladies really have become good friends.

"Ladies, did you have a nice afternoon together." A smiling Jack said while sitting up and trying to get his hair to calm down.

"We had the best time, didn't we Beth?"

"Beth?"

"Yes, my name is Elizabeth, but my husband always called me Beth. Elizabeth has a nice surprise for you."

"Really? A surprise?"

"Beth showed me how to make her famous chocolate chip cookies."

"Really? That sounds great."

"Yes, Beth did it on the first try. I haven't seen that before."

"Well, my Elizabeth is a very talented lady."

Elizabeth blushed at his compliment.

They said their goodbyes and they started down the path to the sidewalk. Elizabeth turned to look over her shoulder to admire the house one more time. Against every effort, she was beginning to think of the house as hers.

"So, we are on a first name bases with Ms. Wilson?"

"Seems that way. She is a precious lady and I like her a lot."

Jack squeezed Elizabeth's hand at her smile. They enjoyed their walk back to their apartment. The walk was quiet and leisurely. A few people waved and smiled at them. They never let go of each other's hand during the walk.

Once they walked into their apartment, Jack turned to Elizabeth. "Sweetheart, why don't you rest on the couch, grab a book or watch a movie. Just rest while I make us dinner."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. You were so kind in letting me rest today. After dinner, we need to get our things together for work tomorrow."

She frowned. "I have been living in this bubble with you for the past two weeks. We were together all day every day and now you will be gone for a large portion of my day." She pouted.

"I know. I am not looking forward to it at all. I have been spoiled with you, but we knew this day was coming."

"Yes…but I still don't like it." She sighed. "I guess that is why we need to work at our marriage."

"I wouldn't use the word 'work'. Me loving you and being with you isn't work. It's not difficult or a hardship. We just need to make sure we make it a priority in our schedules."

"Yes, you are most important to me."

"Yes, Nani, you are most important to me too. Now, go and relax while I make dinner."

"Yes detective."

"Chief."

"Not yet." She smirked.

…

"Do you know if Jack and Elizabeth are trying for a baby or are they waiting?"

"Elizabeth told me they have left it in God's hands. They are not trying to get pregnant nor are they preventing it. They are letting God take control. Whenever it happens, it happens."

William smiled. He was greatly looking forward to having a grandbaby. "What about Tom and Julie?"

"I don't know. I haven't talked with her about it yet."

William shook his head. "Grace, these past few weeks and months have been a lot of change, but I would say a good change."

"I would too. I look forward to spoiling the grandkids."

…

Elizabeth decided to recline on the couch with her feet tucked underneath a blanket. When Jack realized she didn't turn the TV on, he turned the speakers on and played music from one of his playlists. Elizabeth giggled when the first song was the song from his little saxophone concert in Hawaii, Careless Whisper. She relaxed into the couch with a blanket wrapped around her and a book in her hands and music softly playing. It didn't take her very long to fall asleep. She has never felt so at peace in her life.

Jack finished with the baked teriyaki chicken, roasted red potatoes, and baked mac-n-cheese. Jack did enjoy cooking, but his food range was limited. After setting the small table with everything, including a small vase of flowers, he called for Elizabeth. When she didn't say anything, he went into the living room and noticed she was sleep on the couch. Like always, she was lightly snoring. "Why is she always adamant that she doesn't snore?" He shook his head. He took a moment and admired his sleeping, beautiful wife before waking her.

A blanket was wrapped around her legs up to her hips. One arm was resting on her hip and the other arm was holding her book to her chest. Her head was resting on the armrest of the couch and her hair was sprayed around on the small pillow her head was on. Her mouth was slightly opened. He admired his wife. She was absolutely beautiful. She was also precious with how she was interacting with Ms. Wilson. He admired her and how she treated everyone in her life. Each person in front of her was important and she treated them that way. Marrying this precious woman was the best decision he would ever make in his life.

"Elizabeth, dinner is ready. Would you like to eat?"

Elizabeth fluttered her eyes as she slowly opened them. She smiled when she saw Jack kneeling in front of her. He leaned in and gently kissed the tip of her nose. "Nani, dinner is ready. Are you ready to eat?"

She nodded her head. Jack reached for the blanket and placed it on the back of the couch. Elizabeth placed her book on the side table then took Jack's hand that he offered to help her up. When she stood up, she kissed his cheek and asked what was for supper. "Jack, dinner smells great."

They enjoyed the dinner and the conversation. So far in their marriage, many things have changed, but their communication hasn't changed at all. As a matter of fact, their talks have improved.

"Jack, before the wedding we talked about buying a house or buying property and building a house. Have you given it any more thought?"

"Not really. Each one has advantages and disadvantages. If we build, we can have the house exactly how we want it, but it may not be in the best place. If we buy a house, it may be in a great location but not the house we exactly want."

"Yes, it can be tricky. What if we find a house pretty close to what we want and in a great location?"

Jack thought about it for a few moments. "I think that would be a no brainer. Do you have anything in mind?"

She hesitated for a little bit. She wanted Jack to reach the same conclusion, but she didn't want to push him there. "I may have…"

"Did you and Ms. Wilson already put the house under contract?" He grinned.

"Maybe…wait. How did you know?"

"I told you I was resting my eyes."

"How much of that did you hear?" She looked shocked.

"Enough to know we need to have a talk with Ms. Wilson."

She shook her head. She didn't know why she was surprised. Her husband was always perceptive. "Did you hear about the dream?"

"I did. Twins and another baby on the way?"

"That was the dream."

"Do you put a lot of stock in dreams?"

"Not usually, but that dream felt real."

Elizabeth told Jack about the dream and every detail she could remember. Jack was a little disappointed that she couldn't remember the kid's name. The house was eerily like Ms. Wilson's home. While they didn't make a decision, they did decide to ask Beth if they could take a closer look at the house. What they saw so far, both they were happy at the house.

Jack followed Elizabeth into the bedroom to get their things together for their work tomorrow. Jack placed his gun safe in the top shelf of the closet and showed Elizabeth how to work it.

"Jack, I have never fired a gun before."

"If you would like to learn, I will teach you how to handle a gun safely and how to fire it. I have to have one with me here, but we need it to be in the safe, especially if we have children."

"Yes, I think I would like for you to show me how to use it safely. Just in case I need too. That way I wouldn't be a danger when I pick it up."

"We will take a Saturday and I will take you to the gun range."

Elizabeth gathered her supplies for school. She always loved her job and her students, but she was having a hard time getting excited about school. She wanted the honeymoon to last longer.

Jack could see the struggle she was having. "Elizabeth, could we go out on a date tomorrow? I know we will be tired after going back to work, but maybe we could do an early dinner?"

She smiled at his kindness. "Jack, that sounds great. I may have to stay a little later than normal to play catch up."

"Yeah, me too. We will play it by ear. Is there any place you would like to go?" Jack asked.

"Let me think about it and I'll get back to you."

"That sounds good."

They stayed busy for a few minutes wrapping up loose ends. Every time they passed each other; they made a point to touch. Nothing significant, just small touches and gentle smiles. Each touch was driving the other crazy, but they didn't know it. Elizabeth walked past Jack and slowly ran her hand across his bottom as she walked by. Jack immediately stood and turned his head as she walked past. He couldn't see the smile on her face. She knew she got him with that move.

Elizabeth was standing at the dresser looking for something on top. She didn't hear Jack approaching. Suddenly, Jack wrapped his arms around her midsection, and she jump and yelled at the surprise. Immediately, Jack latched onto her most sensitive spot. He nibbled her ear and gently sucked on her ear lobe. The harder she struggled to get out of his hold, the tighter he held onto her and paid even more attention to her special spot. This was driving her crazy with desire.

"Jack…"

"Shush. Elizabeth, I want to take my wife to bed. I would like to try something new."

She shuttered at his suggestion. Each time they tried something new it was amazing. Her knees went weak when she saw the desire in his eyes. She matched his desire and he lost focus of what he was doing.

"Jack, you're wasting time. Take me to bed."

…

The next morning came early. Jack was up and already had his things sitting at the door waiting to leave. Elizabeth had no desire to move. She just hit the snooze button for the second time. Jack placed a soft kiss on her forehead and whispered, "I love you. Have a great day." He smiled when she didn't move.

After the fourth snooze went off, Elizabeth finally began to stir. She felt Jack's side of the bed and noticed the cold sheets. She frowned when she didn't hear him in the apartment. She missed him already.

After her shower and dressing for the day, she walked into the kitchen and notice what Jack left for her. On the kitchen counter, she found a travel mug with coffee in it. She really needed the caffeine today. There was an apple sitting on top of a note. She laughed at the apple and smiled at the note. Jack's notes usually were short and not really that important, but she loved them, nonetheless. She realized the notes showed her Jack's love for her. He thought enough to take the time to write her a short note. She picked up the piece of paper and unfolded it.

Good morning, Bonnie –

To say I will miss you today is the greatest understatement in history. I love you! Teach those young minds well. I'll miss you!

- Your blessed husband

She reread the note just to hear his voice in her head one more time. She placed the note down and took a drink of her coffee. She pulled out her phone and googled the word 'Bonnie'. She knew what it meant, but she wanted to know what language it was. After a quick search, she found out that it was Scottish. She smiled at the fact that he would take time to do something so simple, yet meaningful. When she noticed the time, she grabbed her bag and headed to the café.

…

When Jack walked into the station, he noticed things were a little quiet. He knew he was a little early, but he wanted to get started on his assignments. He was also eager to begin shadowing Bill around. Through his communications with Bill, Jack knew Bill wanted to get Jack started learning the ropes.

"Jack, it's great to have you back. I hope you enjoyed your time away?"

"Hey Chief. I had a great time in Hawaii. How is everything here?"

"It's been good. We had some issues from the Harvey's arrest."

"What issues? Why didn't you call me?"

"Jack, you were on vacation. We had one small player from the group trying to step into the leadership role. He is wanting to take over."

"How bad?"

"Nothing too bad yet, but we need to figure this out quickly."

"I agree. What do you have?"

…

When Elizabeth opened the door to the café, the first thing she saw was her best friend's huge smile. "Well, good morning newlywed. How are you today?"

"Abagail. I am doing well. I just wanted a refill on this and a scone."

"You have a travel mug?" She asked as Elizabeth walked up to the counter.

"I do as of this morning."

"Ah, what else did he do?"

"There was an apple and a short note."

"You need to get him to tell Frank some of his secrets."

"Frank does a good job on his own."

"My husband does, but not on Jack's level."

"I'm not sure why he does it, but I am forever grateful he does."

The ladies talked for a few minutes then Elizabeth's phone buzzed.

J – Don't stay too long at the café chatting with Abagail

E – How did you know?

J – You don't want to be late and give Ms. Blakely a reason to fuss

E – Jack…how did you know?

J – I love you sweetheart. Have a great day.

She giggled and showed the text to Abagail.

"How does he do that?"

"I have no idea, Abagail. I need to get going before I get in trouble. Have a great day"

"Have a great day, sis." Abagail laughed watching her little sis run out of the café.

…

Tom looked at Julie and both smiled. "We begin our live together. I can't wait."

"Me either. It's exciting to begin this journey with you, Tom."

"Ok, here we go. Are you ready to start loading the truck?"

"I am but we are having help, right? We aren't doing this by ourselves."

"No, I have help coming in an hour. I thought we could get started."

They spend the next forty five minutes getting boxes separated inside the apartment to make packing the truck easier. There were going to load her apartment first and then head to his apartment. He didn't have too many things.

When Tom's friends showed up, they had the truck loaded within a few hours. Then they headed to Tom's and had his loaded in a couple of hours. After stopping for lunch, they were off. Tom was driving the big truck and towing his car. Julie was driving her car. Both were excited to begin this new life together.

…

"Good morning Mrs. Thorton." Said a cheery Ms. Florence.

Elizabeth smiled at the sound of her new name. "Good morning, Ms. Florence."

"Did you have a great honeymoon?"

"The best."

The ladies smiled at each other. Ms. Blakely walked out from her office. "Nice to have you back, Mrs. Thorton. It's great to have you on time."

"Ms. Blakely, I am rarely late." She stated flatly and rolled her eyes. "It is great to be back. Now, I need to head to my class before my students arrive."

"Mrs. Thorton," Ms. Florence stated. "I hope you have a great day and maybe we can talk later?"

She smiled as she walked out the office door. She headed toward her class grateful to be back. As much as she missed Jack, she was grateful to be back doing what she loved. She took her phone out of her back pocket and texted Jack, 831.

Once she stepped into her classroom, she stopped and closed her eyes while taking a deep breath. Before she knew it, it was time for her students to arrive. As soon as her students walked in the classroom, they ran to her and gave her a big hug. They missed their precious teacher.

Emily ran up to her teacher and said, "Ms. Thatcher, it's great to have you back. We missed you!"

"I missed you all too. Now, let's take a seat before we begin."

After all the students were seated, she wrote her new name on the board. "Class, my new name is Mrs. Thorton."

"I'm sorry Ms. Thatcher…I mean Mrs. Thorton." Emily said.

"Don't worry about it class. It will take a few days to get used to calling me Mrs. Thorton. You are so used to calling me Ms. Thacher." She gave them a reassuring smile.

The first class took Elizabeth a few minutes to get back in the grove of teaching again. She hit her stride soon afterward and she felt at home standing in front of her class.

…

Jack sat in his office for an hour discussing the new issue with Bill. This new guy's name who is trying to take over is Lawrence Jones. Everyone called him LJ. He was a seller but had bigger aspirations since the Harvey brothers are gone.

"All of this is a rumor now, but my informant has always been reliable in the past. I will need to introduce you to him."

Jack offered him a smile. They talked about the case for a few more minutes than the discussion changed to the work of chief.

"Jack, there are a lot of things you will need to learn in this new job. I have every confidence in you to do the job well. There are two things you need to learn very quickly. First, make sure you have a great assistant. He or she will be the one you work with often. They handle all of your information and guide your schedule. They need to have your back and you need to trust them with everything."

Jack nodded. "Is Amy staying?"

"Only long enough to train her replacement. She wants to retire and move to Tennessee where her daughter and granddaughters live. She did say she will stay on as long as you need her too but was hoping to retire in a few months."

"I will have to thank her for her generous offer. I wish she was staying but I understand. I think I may have a couple of people in mind. I just need to convince them to move."

"Well, I would begin to work on it. They are important to you."

"So, what's the second thing?"

Bill smiled. "I know this sounds weird, but I have found it to be true. Whenever you are working with another agency or group of people, never work with the head person. They always have an agenda and sometimes that agenda is not best for the case or the people. You should always work with the person directly beneath them. They don't have an agenda and only want to do what is right. You will avoid a lot of quick sand if you do that."

Jack thought about it for a few minutes. He has dealt with many bosses who seemed to have something else that was more important than the case at hand. "You know, that makes sense."

"I have been bogged down too many times with personal agendas and the case suffered. I've learned that lesson the hard way on more than one occasion."

"Thanks Bill."

Bill and Jack spend two hours going over parts of the job. Bill gave him insights and people to see and people to avoid from his past experiences. Jack was very appreciative of all the information. He knew Bill was good at his job and now he was learning how good Bill was at it.

"Just remember Jack, this job is about people. Take what I give you and make it your own. Use it, adapt it but you need to make the job your job, not mine."

"Thanks Bill. This is certainly helpful.

…

Before heading to county lawyers' office to meet with the District Attorney, Jack wanted to surprise his bride. It has only been a few hours, but after two weeks of being around her constantly, the few hours seemed like days. He stopped by Abagail's to pick up a surprise for his wife.

"Jack how are thing going on your first official day?"

"Great Abagail. There is a lot of things to remember. I don't know how Bill does it so well."

"Hang in there young man. You will figure it out."

"May I pick up two pieces of your famous chocolate cake?"

"Yes, you may, but I don't know if it is famous?"

"Oh, the two ladies who are about to receive it thinks so."

…

Jack walked into the school's office to a smiling Ms. Florence.

"Ms. Florence, it has been forever since I saw your smiling face. Why have you stayed away so long?"

She blushed. "Young man, it was you who decided to get married and went away for two weeks."

"Yes, it was the best decision of my life." He gave her a dimpled grin.

"I can see that. Is there anything I can do for you?"

"Well…" He began blushing. "I have something for Elizabeth I was hoping you could deliver for me."

"You know, you could go back and give it yourself."

"I normally would, but I am pushed for time. I need to get to a meeting soon."

"I would be happy to deliver it for you. Is there anything else?"

"No, the note is in her bag."

"She's mentioned she loves your notes."

"Oh, I also have this for you too."

"Is that what I think it is?"

"Maybe." Jack grinned as he placed the two bags on the counter and turned to walk out.

"I hope you have a great day Ms. Florence."

When Jack left the office, she smiled, "I will now."