Chapter 55

Tom and Julie relaxed in their new house. The house was not set up yet, but all of their belongings were in the house, many items were still in boxes. To save money from hotel rooms, they decided to sleep in different rooms until their wedding.

"Tom are you happy?"

"Yes. I am extremely happy. It's different because I never thought of myself as a guy who would settle down and get married or be so excited about buying a house."

"I agree. I was the same way, but I wouldn't change a thing."

Tom gave her an agreeing smile as the cuddled on the couch a little closer to watch a movie.

"Hey, how did your lunch go with Elizabeth?"

"It was great. I always thought she was just a teacher, but she is much more than that."

"What do you mean?"

"That is her calling. She is a great teacher, and she truly loves her students. After watching her for two classes, I want to be a teacher just like her. I think I could use my love for art to teach kids. Hopefully, I will make a difference in their lives like she does."

"Do you think she is so good because she loves her job or loves the kids?"

She thought about it for a moment. "I believe it's both. She loves her job, and you can see that. Also, she loves the kids, and you can see how she interacts with them."

"You will be a great teacher, Julie." He gave her a smile and a kiss on the cheek.

"Thank you, Tom."

"How is the wedding planning going?"

"Great. Mother and Vi are a big help. Vi is being nice all of a sudden. That is not like her."

Tom laughed. "Maybe she has changed."

"Maybe. Maybe the issue with Lionel changed her."

"Maybe. Do you know exactly what happened?"

"No. She hasn't said too much. Just that she filed for divorce and moved back to mother's and father's."

"I hope she works everything out."

"Me too."

…

After enjoying their meal together on the couch watching the movie Elizabeth picked out, she placed a pillow on her lap and instructed Jack to lay down. He did and she began to run her fingers gently and slowly through his hair and scratch his head. She would also run her fingers over his back hoping to relax him. She could tell it worked instantly. Without falling asleep, he relaxed at her touch.

"Jack, did you have a rough day?"

He sighed. "I did. I am realizing how much there is to this job. I underestimated everything about it. The things that Bill knows and juggles is astonishing."

"You will do fine. Just realize you cannot know it in three days."

"I know, but I don't know that in my head."

"There is a reason Bill told you two to three months. There must be a lot of information to know. It will take time. I know you will get a handle on this quickly."

"Thank you, sweetheart. I just feel inadequate."

"I've never thought you would have felt that emotion."

"Oh…yes, I do at times. I think everyone does at some point in their lives."

"Yes, you are right, but Jack, you will get this figured out and make it your own. Then, you will take it to a level the police department has never been before. I know you are more than capable."

"Thank you."

"Is there anything I can do to help you?"

Jack thought for a moment. "Not yet, but I reserve the right to talk to you later."

"I'm here for you anytime you want to talk."

Jack was grateful for his wife. She was his strength when he was weak. They watched the movie for a few more minutes. Jack was enjoying Elizabeth's attention and it was working well in helping him get over his day.

…

Jack laid with his head on Elizabeth's lap enjoying her attention for a few minutes. During a slow portion in the movie, he spoke. "Sweetheart, I am supposed to find me an assistant at the police department before Bill retires. His assistant, Amy, is retiring when he does."

"He has an assistant?" She asked but didn't want Jack to know she spoke with her earlier today. She didn't like keeping secrets from Jack, but this was different because it was a way for her to help him on bad days.

"Yes. She has always worked with him. Evidently, she helps him a lot. He told me I need to find someone. Amy will stay on until her replacement is trained. Then she is retiring and moving to be closer to family.

"Do you have anyone in mind?"

"I do. Her name is Emma. She is the third floor receptionist at my old job in the investigator's office. She was the receptionist for everyone on that floor. She was very helpful and was really good at her job."

"Do you think she will do a good job?"

"I do."

"Would she move here to work with you?"

"Her and her husband Steve were already thinking about moving. This may be the thing that would encourage them. We worked well together, and we got along well too."

She continued to run her fingers through his hair. The movie was still on, but it was forgotten due to the conversation. Elizabeth thought for a moment. "Can you trust her like Bill trusts Amy?"

"I think so. I wasn't in the office very much, but she always had my back and helped me catch up when I was in the office." He thought for a moment. "I believe Steve would be able to find a job. He works with computers. I think he is an IT guy or something like that. Most of his work is done from home."

"That sounds promising."

"I hope so. I need to find out everything about the job and call her."

"You will have to introduce me to your new work wife." She teased.

Jack shot straight up and turned to face his wife. "Elizabeth, I know you were joking, but please don't ever say that again."

She looked at him confused at his proclamation. "What?"

"Elizabeth, I have only one wife and that is you. I will have a work assistant who I will work with to perform my job, but I only have one wife. I do not nor will I ever have a work wife. Only you have the title of wife."

She smiled at his words. "Jack, I wasn't meaning…"

"I know sweetheart, but I don't ever want you thinking I have another person in my life I consider my wife, even a work wife. You are the most important person in my life. I will work close to an assistant, but I don't want you, her, or anyone else to think of anyone as my wife except you. That is your position and your position only."

She smiled at him. She knew he meant what he was saying.

"I don't mean to be upset about this, but Bella, you are my everything. No one will ever get close to fulfilling your position to me. You are my wife…My soulmate…My love…My everything."

"Thank you, Jack." She leaned forward and gave him a kiss. It was meant to be a sweet, short kiss, but Jack had something different in mind. He placed his right hand on the back of her neck and pulled her deeper into the kiss. He worked his tongue against her lips hoping she would invite the kiss deeper. She instantly welcomed him. He placed his left hand on the small of her back and pulled her to him. She moaned which deepened his desire for his wife.

The kiss poured gallons of rocket fuel on the flame that has been burning inside of her all day. She pressed forward until she pushed him on his back on the couch. She placed her left hand on his cheek and ran her right hand under his shirt. Her toes tingled and that drove her deeper.

"Jack, take your wife to bed."

He rolled her over and she gasped at how easily he did that. He hovered over her for a moment and made eye contact. She melted at the sight of his dimples. He gave her a flirting smile as his fingers worked their way under her shirt. Now her whole body tingled.

Without a word, he claimed her lips again. When he pulled back so they could catch their breath, she stated, "Jack…bedroom!"

He grinned a mischievous grin and it took her breath. "Mrs. Elizabeth Marie Thorton, you are not going anywhere." With that, he captured her lips as she groaned in her excitement. He pulled back just enough to break the contact. "Elizabeth, I would like to try something new."

She visibly shuttered at his statement. Whenever they tried something new, it was always incredible. The first those words created in her instantly took over. It consumed her.

"Jack…" She gasped trying to speak. "Have you way with me."

…

Viola settled into her hotel room beside her parents. She sighed. She was not happy with the way her life turned out, but she wasn't happy with how her life was with Lionel. Their relationship was not like Jack and Elizabeth's relationship or Tom and Julie's for that matter. Looking back over her dating Lionel, she realized that she loved his title and family history. She knew him, but she realized she didn't love him like she should have. She was caught up in the wedding instead of the marriage.

She sighed thinking of her mistake. She moved away family and basically walled them off without talking to them for prolonged periods of time. While she was never too close to her sisters, she did love them her way. She couldn't believe she allowed her husband to create even more distance between her and her family. After watching her two sisters in their relationships, not only was she jealous, but she also had a growing desire to improve her relationship with her two younger sisters.

She noticed a text from her divorce lawyer and decided to give her a call tomorrow. She let out a long sigh. She needed to move forward and she was ready to do so, she just didn't like to be reminded that she failed at her marriage. She felt like she tried her best, but it just didn't work out. She couldn't believe Lionel cheated on her. While their marriage was awful, it wasn't that bad. He didn't just cheat with one woman, he cheated with three.

She closed her eyes and promised herself that if she married again, it wouldn't be because she was impressed with a guy's title or family history. She would only marry for true love. Just like her two little sisters.

…

"Charlie, If I don't take you home in the next few minutes, I won't be going home."

She giggled. They were both very tired from finishing up the two book shelves. Charlette loved working on them. She loved the planning and the building them. She didn't like the painting or staining, but she loved that she did them with Adam. The more she spent with him, the more she wanted to spend with him.

"Adam, the last time we did this, Jack and Elizabeth walked in on us."

"Yeah, I'm glad he didn't shoot me!"

"Oh...Adam. He likes you."

"It didn't feel like it that day or the day they caught us making out in the park."

She blushed at the memory. "Yeah, that was embarrassing but I must admit. I did enjoy it."

"Me too. Now, I have some sleep pants and a shirt in the spare bedroom for you."

She blushed again. "You have sleeping clothes for me?"

Now it was his turn to blush. "I do just in case this opportunity came. I wanted to be prepared."

"You're such a boy scout."

"Well…I was a boy scout when I was younger."

"And you want me to sleep in the spare room." She teased.

"Well, the clothes are in there, but I was thinking…"

She smacked his arm. "Adam, you know that…"

He grabbed her and kissed her deeply. "Charlie, I'm not expecting anything like that until we are married. I just want to fall asleep with you in my arms and wake up with you in my arms."

"Married…?"

"Yes, Charlie. Married. Someday I will ask you, but not today. Also, with my bad knees, I may not get on them to ask you. I hope that is, ok?" He laughed.

"Oh…Adam."

"Charlie, you must know how much I love you. Yes, I would love to marry you some day."

"Adam, I will be ready when you are ready to ask me. And you don't have to get on your knees. I hate my first act as your fiancé would be calling the fire department to get you off the floor." She sassed.

"Charlie, I love you." He laughed as he wrapped her in his arms. "Hurry up woman, you worked me hard today and I am ready to go to sleep."

"Fine, Mr. Sassy." She laughed at his playfulness.

…

The next few days went fine for the Thortons. Elizabeth was settled back into her classroom and school was going really well. Summer break was a few weeks away and everyone was looking forward to it. Jack's week finished off on a strong upside. After his struggles on Wednesday, the next two days went well. He finally realized that there would be a learning curve. Those meetings he hated so much were also beneficial for him. They were laying the groundwork for the things he needed to know. He began to take them seriously knowing they would help him make the changes he wanted to make. He also was learning who he could rely on and who had an agenda just for themselves. Bill was able to see a difference in Jack over the last couple of days. He realized that Jack was learning his stride and was even more comfortable with Jack taking over for him.

Jack texted Elizabeth and told her he would be late getting home. Normally he would get off at a decent time on Fridays, but today was different. His case against Lawrence Jones was progression well but the case was requiring him to stay a little longer today. Elizabeth was going to use that time to finish any school work she had for the weekend so she could have the weekend with Jack. She looked forward to time with him with a couple of days off.

Sitting during her lunch time, her phone buzzed. She assumed it was Jack and answered it. "Hey handsome!"

"Uh…hello." Said the female voice.

"Oh…I'm sorry. I thought you were someone else. This is Elizabeth."

"Elizabeth, this is Beth."

"Ms. Wilson, it is great to hear from you. I'm sorry, I thought you were Jack."

"That's ok dear." She laughed at her new, young friend. She was wanting to set up a time to talk with Elizabeth.

"Are you ok, Ms. Wilson?"

"Please, my dear, call me Beth. I am fine."

"Beth, I'm glad you are well. What can I do for you today?"

"I was wanting to meet with you soon. Would that be possible?"

"Sure. Jack must work over tonight. So, maybe we can meet this weekend?"

"Dear, I was wanting to just meet with you. Would that be ok?"

"Oh. Sure Beth. Is everything ok?"

"Yes. Everything is fine. I was hoping to talk with you about something."

"Would today work for you, Beth?"

After discussing it for a few moments, they made plans to meet after school. Elizabeth was going to meet Beth at her house then they would walk to Abagail's café for an early dinner. Elizabeth was a little surprised that Beth wanted to meet with her without Jack, but she wasn't nervous.

"Great Beth, I will be by your house soon after school. Let's say 3:30 or 3:45."

"Perfect, Elizabeth. I will see you soon."

…

After the last bell for the day, Elizabeth led her students to the bus pick up and laughed as their excitement for the weekend was contagious.

When she turned around, she noticed Darren was standing in front of her about ten feet away. He gave her a quick smile but turned his eyes away from her almost immediately. Their talk before she left for her honeymoon seemed to have worked. Before walking past Darren, she noticed SRO John Henry standing behind Darren. She smiled and nodded at him as she walked past him. She whispered, "Thank you." So only John could hear her. He smiled and nodded at her.

She gathered her belongings from her desk and grabbed her bag. She felt her phone buzzing and looked at it. Jack had sent her a text.

J – 831

E – I love you. I've missed you

J – I've missed you. I'm sorry I'm working late tonight

E – That's ok. Ms. Wilson called me at lunch today and wants me to come by her house. We are going to Abagail's café for an early dinner.
J – That sounds wonderful. Are you buying her house today?

He was half joking and half serious. He knew she loved the house, but he wanted to think about it and take a closer look. He just wasn't ready to buy it so quickly.

E – Maybe ;) She wants to talk about something. She asked me to come by. Will you be ok finding dinner on your own?
J – I'll be fine. I'll text to let you know when I'm coming home

E – Be careful Love you

J – Love you

She had to figure out a way to get him on board to purchase the house, and quickly. She wondered if this was what Beth wanted to discuss. She placed her bags in her car in the back seat and drove her way to Beth's house.

…

Beth was sitting on the front porch in one of her rocking chairs waiting for Elizabeth to arrive. Elizabeth noticed a big smile on Beth's face when she pulled into the driveway.

"Good afternoon Mrs. Thorton." Said a smiling Beth as she stood to welcome her friend.

"Good afternoon Ms. Wilson." She wrapped her new friend in a hug. "I'm so glad you called. I've missed you."

"Oh, Elizabeth. You are so precious."

Elizabeth sat on the rocking chair beside her friend. They may have been a few decades age difference between them, but no one could tell they were new friends. They chatted like old friends. They laughed and giggled as two teenagers were catching up on the day's events. After about twenty minutes, Beth mentioned, "I thought we were doing to the café?"

"Oh, I forgot." Elizabeth stood up and offered a helping hand to Beth.

"Thank you dear. Let's walk so we can gain our appetite."

"Lets' go." Stated Elizabeth. She offered her friend her arm. Beth was grateful an accepted it gladly.

As they stepped off the path and onto the sidewalk, Beth began. "Elizabeth, there is a reason I wanted you to come by and speak with me. There is something I would like to discuss with you without Jack being around. I hope that is ok?"

"Sure Beth, but I must let you know before we talk that I will not keep this from Jack. We do not keep secrets from each other."

"Perfect. You should never keep secrets from your spouse. I wanted to talk with you first so we can get an idea of how to get Jack to agree to our plan." She teased.

"To get Jack to agree to our plan? We have a plan?" Teased Elizabeth.

"We will before dinner is finished." Said a smirking Beth. "Let's eat. We have to organize a plan."

"Ok?" Said a giggling Elizabeth.

…

"Adam, you need to changed clothes if we are going out to eat."

"Give me ten minutes to wash up and change. Do you know where you want to go?"

"I don't care. Just pick something light."

"Subway it is. I'll be back."

She smiled as he walked through the living room and down the hall toward his bedroom. She sat on the couch and looked around. She was becoming more comfortable in Adam's house, and she could see a future here.

"Adam," She yelled. "Are you ready?"

"Charlie, I haven't been back here two minutes. Calm down."

She laughed. She loved pushing his buttons. "It feels a lot longer."

"Always does when you miss the person whom you love." He flirted.

She wanted to say something but was a little too embarrassed to say anything. She just laughed to herself.

…

As they walked down the sidewalk, Beth looked at Elizabeth and smile. Something was different but she couldn't figure out what. She studied a little longer and was lost in trying to figure out what was wrong.

"Are you ok, Beth?" Elizabeth asked concerned.

"I was about to ask you that question. Are you ok, Elizabeth?"

"I'm fine. I don't feel sick, nor do I feel like I am about to get sick."

"Are you sure, dear? Something is off."

"I'm sure. I don't feel bad at all."

"Well, let me know…" Beth stopped her sentence and stopped walking. She turned to face Elizabeth and looked deep into her eyes. She never took her eyes off Elizabeth's eyes. Elizabeth felt like Beth was trying to examine her soul. "May I ask you a personal question?"

"Sure." Elizabeth stated slowly.

"Elizabeth, are you pregnant?"

Elizabeth gasped. "Ms. Wilson. No, I am not pregnant. We have only been married for three weeks? We were never together before our wedding night."

"Elizabeth, that is more than enough time for you to conceive. Are you trying to prevent pregnancy?"

Elizabeth's face turned a little red with embarrassment.

"I'm sorry, Elizabeth. That is none of my business and I am prying too much. Please accept my apology."

"Beth, it is fine. No, we are not trying to prevent it nor are we trying. We decided to put the timing in God's hands."

"I'm sorry Elizabeth."

"Beth, I promise you we are fine. I don't feel pregnant, I don't have any symptoms, and I am not late. I don't think I am pregnant."

"Oh Elizabeth. I know you are! I can see it in your eyes."

"Beth, don't be silly. I have no symptoms of pregnancy. I don't think I am."

Beth offered Elizabeth a soft smile. She knew by the look in her eyes she was, but Elizabeth didn't think so. She wasn't going to say anything else about it. She didn't want to push Elizabeth too far.

"Elizabeth, I mentioned the other day to you and Jack that I'm thinking about selling my home because the upstairs is too much for my knees. I basically live on the first floor."

"I remember."

"Good. Now, you and Jack need to buy it. You need to make memories in that house, and you need to raise a family in that house.

"Beth, since the first night Jack and I walked you home, I have been thinking about it. I feel like we are supposed to live there, but I don't want to pressure you."

"Elizabeth, you are not pressuring me. Remember, I am the one who suggested you buying it. I want you two to live there. I found a nice house for me that doesn't have any steps."

"That's great, but…I don't know."

"Well, I know. The house will be yours soon. What's the hold up?"

"Well, first we need to make sure you want to do this. Secondly, Jack is willing to listen, but he isn't convinced."

"Well, first, I am certain. Secondly, I think we can win Jack over."

Elizabeth loved this woman. She was funny, brilliant, and determined. They arrived at the café and sat across from each other at a small table. After ordering their drinks and food they sat in silence for a few minutes.

Elizabeth looked at her friend, "You think we can win Jack over?"

Beth laughed. "Yes dear. We will do it. He won't know what will hit him."

Elizabeth snorted her laughter. Abagail walked over smiling at her best friend. "Hey sis, what are you up too?"

"Just enjoying dinner with my friend, Beth. Jack is working late tonight, and Beth has agreed to eat dinner with me."

"Oh, that's great. What can I get for you two?"

After placing their order, Beth looked at Elziabeth for a few moments before she spoke.

"I don't mean to push you dear, but I know in my heart of hearts that house belongs to you and Jack. I think you would love to live there, but we need to get Jack on board."

"He said he loved the house, but he wasn't convinced by the dream. I also believe he thinks of it as your house and he isn't convinced you want to put it on the market."

"First, it will never make it to the market. It's your house! Do you think he would like it?"

"I know he would. I think he is protecting himself, so he doesn't get his hopes up."

"Well, let's make his dreams, and your dreams, come true." She teased.

"Beth, why are you so determined to sell to us? You don't know us that well."

"Elizabeth, I may not have known you two for very long, but I am a good judge of character. I know you two are good people. I saw the excitement in your eyes when you saw the house. You two and that house are perfect for each other. I want you two to grow in it, fill it full of love, and babies."

Elizabeth smiled at her friend. "Beth, I do love the house."

"I know dear. Now, let's work on this plan to win Jack over to our side."

…

Frank and Henry stepped into the café looking for Abagail. She smiled when she saw her boys walk in. "There are my two handsome young men. How are you two doing today?"

"We're good!" Said Henry.

"Wow! Why is he so excited?" Asked Abagail.

"The social worker called a few minutes ago."

Abagail instantly grew anxious. They have been waiting to hear if they could adopt Henry. Henry's father would most likely be in jail for several years along with his brother. Henry had no other family members that could take him into their home. Not only that, Frank and Abagail have fallen in love with him big time.

"Good news?"

"The best news!" Exclaimed Frank.

"Oh!" Abagail began to sob.

This caught Elizabeth's attention. "Excuse me for a moment, Beth."

Elizabeth walked up to Abagail who was hugging Frank, both of them were crying.

"Is everything ok?"

"Hello Mrs. Thorton."

"Hello Henry. Is everything ok?"

"Oh, you know moms. They always cry."

"Yes she…wait! Mom?"

"Yes, my social worker said that they could adopt me if they wanted."

With the news, Elizabeth started to cry. Abagail let go of her husband and wrapped her arms around Elizabeth.

"Can you believe it, sis? We can adopt Henry!"

"Oh, that is great news!"

Everyone in the café heard and began clapping enthusiastically. Everyone loved Frank and Abagail.

After a few moments of hugging Abagail again and then hugging Frank, Elizabeth made her way over to her friend.

"I'm sorry about that."

"Don't apologize dear. That is great news. I am happy for them. They seem so happy."

"They are. Henry has had a very difficult few months. Henry's father was the person behind all the burglaries that brought Jack here."

"Henry seems like a very nice young man."

"He is. He has always been a great student and very kind. Too bad his father made some bad decisions."

"Well, we won't hold that against the young man. Seems he has a new outlook on life."

"He does. Frank and Abagail will be great parents to him. They are blessed."

After a few minutes of silence, Beth spoke. "Ok dear. Now it's time to give you and Jack a new outlook on life. What's your plan on winning Jack over?"

"What makes you think I have a plan?" Teased Elizabeth.

"Oh dear. Of course, you have a plan. Who do you think you're talking too? Now, let's figure out how to get you into your house."

"Beth, it's not my house."

"Elizabeth. Yes, it is! You two just don't live there yet."