Chapter 56

Elizabeth and Beth's conversation lasted a couple of hours discussing the house. Elizabeth was shocked that Beth kept calling the house her house. Elizabeth was getting very excited about the possibility of buying Beth's house. When she took Beth home after dinner, Beth showed her the whole house, every corner and every room of the house. Elizabeth had to help Beth down into the finished basement and up the stairs to see the upstairs. The more she saw of the house, the more Elizabeth loved it.

"Elizabeth, please come in the house for a cookie and I will tell you and show you more of the house."

Elizabeth offered her friend a smile. As much as she wanted the house and felt that it was going to be her house, she didn't want to push Beth. However, Beth was the one who kept pushing the house onto Elizabeth.

"Elizabeth, the house sits on ten acres."

"Ten?"

"Yes. See the tree line behind the back fence, the property goes past that, and the lots on both sides is yours. Most of the ten acres are wooded, but there is a stream back there somewhere."

"Your house Beth, your house."

"Your house Elizabeth, your house." Sassed Beth.

"We never had any reason to deal with the extra land. We just didn't want neighbors too close. So, when we bought the land, we bought both lots on the side and the lot behind those properties."

"That's a good idea. Beth, how much are we talking about here? What's the price?"

"Don't worry about that yet. We will discuss that later."

Elizabeth smiled. She saw so much of herself in Beth. Beth knew what she wanted and pushed until she obtained it. Elizabeth was the same way, but she was a little more reserved than Beth.

"Beth, the money aspect is important. We need to make sure we can afford it without getting into financial trouble."

Beth gave her a comforting smile. She reached for Elizabeth's hand and looked at her for a few moments. She wanted Elizabeth's full attention before she spoke. "Elizabeth, I do not need the money. My late husband left me with a good pension and a retirement fund. I also have my pension from the school district. We have no children. When we bought this place, we paid cash for it. I am comfortable. I want this place to be a part of a growing family and help in their lives. I want that person to be you and Jack."

"But Beth…"

Beth cut her off. "We will make this respectable and doable for both sides. Please…just trust me in this. Maybe…" She hesitated because she was nervous she was going to overstep her boundaries. She quickly fell in love with this young couple. She wanted to be part of their lives. "…just maybe you and Jack will allow me to be a small part of your life. Maybe I can be an honorary grandmother or aunt or something."

Elizabeth wrapped her into a tight hug. "You are very special to Jack and me already. You are part of our family. We would love to have you more involved in our lives."

Both ladies were crying. Their relationship was cemented at that moment.

…

The weekend flew by rather quickly. Frank, Abagail, and Henry were on cloud nine the whole weekend considering the adoption was in motion to be finalized. Adam and Charlette were growing closer together with each time they shared together. Julie and Tom were getting their house in order and working toward their wedding that was just under a week away. Viloa and Grace were in town helping Julie with the wedding planning. Julie decided she wanted her and Tom to set and decorate the house. William's work required him to stay home a few extra days, but he would be in Hope Valley by Wednesday. Elizabeth and her father's relationship was still strained. They have tried to work it out, but she knew he was still not too happy about the quick wedding.

…

Friday evening was only a few hours away. Elizabeth and Beth's plan to help Jack along on the thoughts of the house was set to begin later that evening. Beth had asked for them to join her for dinner. She wanted to cook for them and have them in the home. This was the beginning of the ladies' plan.

Just before lunch, Jack arrived at the school. He wanted to have lunch with his bride, but he also wanted to talk with the principle and the SRO officer about some programs for the kids. He was getting excited about the new job. Once he realized his learning curve was going to take some time, he stopped getting stressed out and was beginning to enjoy the process of learning the job.

"Ms. Florence, it is great to see you today. How are you?" He smiled at her as he walked into the office. He has become to like Ms. Florence.

"Well, good morning, Detective. I hope you are doing well today?"

"I am."

"I thought your appointment with SRO Henry and Principal Blakely isn't until after lunch today?"

"That's true. I was hoping I could sneak in and have lunch with Elizabeth."

"Oh…she will love that!"

"I hope so. May I go to her class?"

"Absolutely." Ms. Florence noticed the brown bags he was carrying. She was hoping he had something in there for her. She was becoming spoiled with his little gifts each time he visited. He always brought her something.

"I almost forgot; I have something for you. I hope you like it."

Ms. Florence smiled. "Detective, I am sure I will enjoy it. Now, what did you bring me?"

He laughed at her eagerness. He knew what she liked. "I brought you a grilled chicken breast, with a baked potato from Abagail's. I also have a special dessert for you too."

"Detective, you are spoiling me. Are you trying to soften me up for something?" She sassed.

"No ma'am." He smiled. "I just want to say thank you for all you do for me. You helped to get Elizabeth off for our honeymoon, and then all the time you just let me visit her during class hours. Plus, I know you helped with getting me the meeting with Ms. Blakely and SRO Henry. I can't thank you enough for all you do."

"Jack, I would do anything for Elizabeth. She is precious. And I would do anything for you too. I have a feeling that you are going to be great as the Chief. I have a feeling you are wanting to do something for the kids. I will do anything for the children."

"Ms. Florence, you are the best!"

She blushed at his words. "Jack…you say the kindest things."

He offered her a big, dimpled smile as he walked out of the school office. He walked down toward her classroom and smiled as he walked by some of the students. Many were getting to know him since he married the best, and most liked, teacher.

He stopped at Elizabeth's closed door and noticed her standing in front of the class beside the chalk board. He couldn't really hear what she was saying. However, he could see her. She was constantly moving. No wonder she is always tired. She gives her students her best each day. She would move in front of the chalk board and then move to stand beside it. Her arms were always in motion, and she was animated while talking. He was lost in watching her that he didn't notice SRO Henry approach him.

"Hey Detective Thorton."

Jack jumped at his words.

"Good morning, Officer Henry."

"You know, it's illegal to stalk someone?" He laughed as he said the sentence.

"I didn't know you caught me. But look at her, can you blame me?"

"She is the best. Hey detective…"

"Officer Henry, please call me Jack."

"If you call me John?"

Jack nodded and smiled.

"With what happened before your wedding, everything is going smoothly. I have been closely watching Darren and he hasn't done anything wrong."

"Thanks for taking care of that. I appreciate everything you did for Elizabeth."

"You're welcome. I look forward to the meeting with you in an hour or so."

"Me too. I hope we can work together."

"Anything for the kids."

"Now, go take your bride to lunch with her class."

…

Viola was waiting on her mother so they could go have lunch together. The last few days have been great for Vi. She was truly beginning to get over her issues with Lionel. She was not blameless for the mistakes in her marriage, but the lion share of the issues she did not create. He was cheating with more than one woman. To make matters worse, he didn't care.

Viola enjoyed seeing Julie and Elizabeth in their relationships. She was becoming aware of her attitude and how she treated her family when she was with Lionel. She allowed him to change her. More importantly, he only brought out how she was on the inside. She was learning how wrong she was. She has already apologized to her younger sisters, now it was time to apologize to her mother.

When her mother knocked on her door, she hurried to open it. Grace noticed the sad look on her oldest daughter's face. "Viola, is there anything wrong?"

"No mother, not now." She opened the door further and invited her mother inside. Once settled, Vi began. "Mother, I must apologize for my actions over the last few years. I became a person I wasn't happy with and instead of changing, I allowed myself to get worse instead of changing. I never should have shunned my family. I am so sorry. I hope you will forgive me."

"Oh…sweetheart. I love you." She hugged her daughter. "Now, all is forgiven. Let's move forward."

Viola smiled at her mother. "Thank you, mother."

"Let's go get lunch. I'm starving."

"Great, let's go."

…

Jessica, a nice girl sitting in the front row, noticed Jack looking through the window. She was the one who caught him when he signed beautiful in ASL before the wedding. She waved at him and gave him a smile. Elizabeth's class like him almost as much as they loved their teacher. It didn't take long for the other students to notice Jessica was looking at Detective Thorton.

In the middle of her teaching, Elizabeth did not notice the first couple of students who lost attention in what she was teaching. When she noticed her first two rows against the door giggling, she looked at the door and noticed her husband making silly faces at her students. She chuckled and hid a giggle. She placed her hand on her hip and tapped her foot on the floor. That caught her student's attention. When they looked her way, she gave them a scary teacher face. They immediately stopped laughing and giggling. They all straightened up and gave Elizabeth their full attention.

Jack noticed he lost the attention of the students. He looked toward his beautiful wife and notice her scary teacher pose. He laughed. He still didn't understand how she could be so gorgeous when she was trying to be so scary. He opened the door and walked toward Elizabeth. He waved at the class and gave them a huge smile. Some shyly waved back at him but kept their attention on Mrs. Thorton.

"You are absolutely adorable when you do that!" He stated in a whisper. "If it wouldn't get me in more trouble, I would kiss you on the nose right now."

She sighed knowing she couldn't get him with her look. That man! She thought. "May I help you, Detective Thorton?"

"That's Chief Thorton, Mrs. Thorton." He sassed.

"Not yet." She sassed back.

"I was hoping to have lunch with you and your awesome class?" Jack turned to the class and gave them a silly, over exuberate wink. The class laughed at him. Elizabeth shook her head with a small giggle escaping her lips.

"Sure, it's about time and I believe I have lost their attention."

"I'm sorry." He stated with his eyes looking down.

"It's ok Jack. It's time for lunch anyways. Class, gather your things and let's head to lunch."

As they walk toward the cafeteria, Elizabeth asks, "So, what's in the bags?"

"Well, I have our lunch from Abagail's, and I have a treat for your class. I brought them chocolate chip cookies. I also have a few cookies that are sugar free just in case."

"That's very sweet of you Jack, but I don't think you have to buy their love. They already like you."

"Well, Mrs. Thorton, I am known far and wide for my sweetness." He gave her a deep, dimpled smile.

I'm in so much trouble. A simple smile should not have that much power over me. She reached for his hand, "Let's go sweet man."

It didn't go unnoticed this was the first time she held his hand in school. His smile grew when she squeezed his hand and tugged him to the cafeteria.

…

"Charlie," Adam began when he looked up from the rotten subfloor he was kneeling over. Charlette and he was working on the floor of an older gentleman who couldn't physically do the task anymore. Frank asked if Adam if he was willing to help the man out. When Adam called Charlette, she was more than happy to join him. She has quickly loved doing these projects with him. She was learning a lot, but she also enjoyed being with him. "May I ask you something?"

"Certainly. What's on your mind?"

"How do you feel about getting married again?"

She dropped the crowbar and looked up at him through her safety googles. "Adam, are you asking me to marry you?"

Adam rubbed the back of his head. "No…not yet. I would not ask you kneeled over a rotten floor in the bathroom of a stranger's house. I was wondering where you stood on the subject."

He has really fallen for her over the last few weeks. She was a great woman who he could easily see himself with. She was strong when she raised her two boys after her husband was killed. He loved that she was willing to go with him on these projects. Not only did she go along, but she was a great help and a quick learner. She was an asset on these work trips and was growing dependent on her help. Plus, spending so much time with her speed up their relationship in his eyes and heart.

"I know I said we would take our time, but I have really fallen for you. If marriage isn't where you want this to lead to, I would like to know now before I invest my whole heart and life to you."

She blushed at his words. She was in love with him. She never thought of marrying again after Tom died, but that was before Adam. "Well, marriage with a good man is a true blessing. It is a noble state and I loved being married."

"Ok…that doesn't really answer my question." As he laid down his hammer.

She thought for a moment, "I wouldn't rule it out." She teased.

"You wouldn't rule it out?" He questioned.

"The man asking should be an honorable man and he needs to make me feel special and in love with him."

"Well, you tell me you love me."

"I do tell you and I do love you."

"So, if I were to ask…"

"Well, you should ask if you want the answer. I don't like playing guessing games." She sassed him with a huge smile.

He gave her the biggest smile she has ever seen. Without saying a word, he reached for his hammer and began removing the nails and the sub floor.

Her smile grew knowing she would be asked an important question soon. She just needed to speak to her two boys.

…

Ms. Alice smile grew when she noticed Jack and Elizabeth walk into the cafeteria. She also noticed they were holding hands. "They have it bad." She mentioned in a low voice.

"Yes they do!" Replied Ms. Florence. The ladies laughed at the statement.

The lunch with the kids and Elizabeth was perfect. They sat at tables that were close enough to each other so everyone could listen and participate in the ongoing conversations. Elizabeth couldn't believe how well her students accepted Jack. She couldn't believe how much fun he seemed to have with them. Before they knew it, other students from the other classes were beginning to listen in and join in the excitement too. She closed her eyes for a moment to offer a thanksgiving prayer for Jack. Her life was good before him, but he took her joy to another level.

Jack noticed she was quiet and looked to his bride. Her eyes were closed but she had a big smile on her face. He waited until she opened her eyes. "Bella, are you ok?"

"Perfect!" She smiled.

When their lunch time was over, the majority of the cafeteria's children were in their little corner. The noise was loud but wasn't obnoxiously loud.

Jack reached for her hand and gave it a tender kiss. Her toes tingled. She thought that would end with all they have shared, but he still moved her with the simple gestures of love and adoration. "I have a meeting with Ms. Blakely and SRO Henry. I won't be able to escort you back to your classroom."

"That's ok, Jack. I understand. Thank you for joining us for lunch. I think everyone had a great time."

"I know I did. Hey, are we still on for dinner with Beth?"

She smiled. She was excited about the house and excited about spending more time with Beth. They have gotten to be good friends. "Yes, we need to be at our, I mean her, house at six. Will that be a problem?" She smiled at almost calling the house theirs instead of Beth's.

"No problem. Hey, why do I feel like you're up to something?" His look questioning her.

"I have no idea. Maybe you feel guilty about something." Why does he have to be so good at reading me?

"I feel like you're up to something, but you are so cute I won't hold it against you today." He teased as he reached for her hand and lightly squeezed it. That simple act spoke to her heart. She knew exactly what he meant by that action.

…

Jack walked into the school's office and smiled at Ms. Florence. "Jack, Ms. Blakely and SRO Henry are in her office, just head on back."

"Thank you, Ms. Florence."

Jack walked into the office after knocking on the door frame.

"Good afternoon Detective Thorton. May I introduce to you SRO John Henry. He has been the school's SRO officer for the past five years."

"Good to see you again John. Mrs. Blakely, please call me Jack."

"Alright Jack. This is your meeting. What can we do for you?"

"When I take over for Chief Avery, I want to focus on two aspects of Hope Valley. We will not forget all of the other things of the police department, but these two things will be important to me."

Jack laid out his plan to have as many programs for families and children as possible. He was still researching which programs would work best for the town and its people. Jack discussed the focus on families in providing for them the information and resources to improve their lives. Drug enforcement and education programs. Literacy and job training classes for the adults. This will be done by the state, but he was hoping the school could be useful in the literacy program as well. Ms. Blakely liked his enthusiasm for helping families.

"This is as close to an immediate impact on our community as we can get. If the family unit is stronger and improving, that will help our community, our children, and other residents."

"That's great detective. Now, you mentioned the kids."

"Yes, ma'am. The kid's impact will take longer on the community, but that is the long game. Once they get older and become adults, they will be better prepared and better adults. It will make my job easier and your job too."

Jack discussed the state's program for kids, drug education, literacy, extracurricular activities involving the police department and a Big Brother/Big Sister program could be worked out. "These are part of the programs I would like to implement." He stated.

"What are the others?" Ms. Blakely asked.

"That's where I need help from you two. What areas do you see a need for the kids? Your guidance here will help me search the state's programs so we can utilize the resource we have to better fit our community."

"That's a great idea, Jack." John stated.

Ms. Blakely agree. She stated, "When do you need to know these?"

"Not today. Look around and see what you would like to happen. A wish list if you will. I can't say I can make your wish list come true, but we can pair up with the state and give the kids more resources to pull from. This will help them now and in the long run." He took a breath. "John, with permission from Ms. Blakley and your superiors, I would like to work closely with you in some, or all, of these programs."

"Well, years ago, I was part of the police force. They were over all the SRO's but now the school board is over us."

"Ms. Blakley, could you help in this?"

"You want to take over and become John's superior?"

"No ma'am. I just want to work with him. He is on the front lines here. He knows more about these kids as a whole better than I ever could. He will be the point man on campus. I will come to him for most things while keeping you informed on everything. I need help setting that up with you and the school board."

Ms. Blakely smiled at him. "If it is ok with John, I think we could arrange for him to work closely with you and then let me know what is going on when I need to know about it."

John nodded his head in agreement. "I would love to work with you concerning these kids."

"Just one thing, Ms. Blakely, I would rather you know exactly what's going on instead of when we think you need to know about it. I understand your schedule is extremely busy, but what if we give you a weekly report and highlight anything major coming up? Either John or the police department can send you an email once a week with that report."

Ms. Blakely looked at John and he gave a nod of approval. She smiled, Jack, I think we can work with that. We can make this work and work on the programs when we figure them out and when the time is right."

"Perfect, Ms. Blakely. It will probably be next school year since you are almost at your summer break."

"That sounds great Jack."

He couldn't have been happier with the meeting. Ms. Blakely was happy with the direction Jack wanted to go once she realized Jack was wanting to work with them and not have them work for him. John was excited with the thoughts Jack had. He had wanted to start a few programs in the past few years but couldn't get approval from his superior because of the lack of funding or disinterest from the higher ups. Now, he had someone wanting to work with him. He was excited.

After the meeting, John walked Jack out of the office and to the front door.

"Jack, thank you for including me on this. I think it is great and I do have some ideas."

"Thanks John. Maybe I can come over one day next week and we can talk."

"That would be great."

"John, I just don't want to include you. You will be the go to guy here. Nothing will be done without your input and stamp of approval. You won't have to do all the leg work, but I would like to have you involved in everything that you deem necessary. You will be my go to guy. I will call you, not Ms. Blakely."

"That sounds great Jack. I think it will be a great benefit for the kids. I think it may pay off a little bit faster than you think it will."

"If that's the case, then it will be better than I could have imagined."

After talking with John for a few more minutes, Jack excused himself. He needed to meet with Bill and then do a few jobs around the police station before the dinner at Beth's house. He still couldn't get over the thought that they were up to something.

…

Beth was working on dinner for Jack and Elizabeth. She kept playing the plan over in her head. It was her desire to get this done and done tonight. The plan was to take a few weeks to fully implement, but Beth wasn't always the most patient person. When she wanted something, she would push and push until she accomplished it. Or at least that was what her late husband would say. Now, Elizabeth and Jack were in her sights, and she wanted this to happen…now.

She planned for the lasagna was placed in the oven with the timing for it to come out fifteen minutes after Jack and Elizabeth was scheduled to arrive. She wanted it to be fresh and hot. She already had the salad made, rolls ready to put in the oven with the last ten minutes, and corn was already on the stove. Now, all she needed was for her guests to show up.

Jack walked into their apartment with fifteen minutes to get ready. He noticed Elizabeth was sitting at the kitchen table with a sketch pad laying in front of her. She was concentrating on her sketch and didn't notice Jack coming in. He stopped and admired her for a moment before clearing his voice.

"Oh…Jack. I'm sorry. I didn't hear you come in." She hurriedly closed the sketch pad. She was sketching the house. On this sketch, she was working on the landscaping around the house. She already sketched the living room and kitchen. She knew she was getting ahead of herself, but she couldn't help it.

"Give me a couple of minutes and I will be ready."

She gave him a smile and followed him into the bedroom. As he entered, he was taking off his tie and dress shirt. Elizabeth stopped in the doorway and admired what was standing before her. Jack was shirtless and his belt was loose, so his pants sagged a little lower on his hips. He didn't know she was staring at him.

"Hey Elizabeth!" He yelled before turning around. "Where is my…" He jumped when he noticed her standing in the doorway. "My goodness! Elizabeth, you scared me!"

"You know, I wouldn't tell Chief Avery that you are still scared of a little school teacher. He may not want you to take over for him." She teased.

He huffed at her words. "What are you doing Mrs. Thorton?"

"I was just watching my husband. What is it you were wanting to know?"

"Do you know where my blue shirt is with the thin white stripes?"

She laughed. "Yes. It is hanging in the closet. A nice pair of jeans would go with that perfectly."

"Thank you."

"Elizabeth what do you and Beth have planned?"

"What makes you think we have something planned?"

He gave her a look. "Really? First, I know you. You have this look like you are up to something."

"Who? Me?"

He walked toward her, still without a shirt. Her breath caught in her chest. He placed his hands on her hips and slowly pulled her closer to him. She placed her hands on his chest. Oh my! Maybe I shouldn't have done that!

"Elizabeth, have we already bought this house without me knowing about it?" He was half kidding and half serious.

"House?" She was lost in the feeling of his bare chest as she slowly moved her hands caressing his chest.

"Yes, dear. Beth's house?"

"Oh. I haven't bought the house." She moved her hands from his chest to the back of his head. She began playing with the hair on the back of his head. He loved it when she did that. He also loved the look in her eyes when she was flirting with him.

"Do you already have a plan to buy the house?"

"A plan?" She asked innocently. Seriously, how does he do that?

He leaned toward her and gently placed a small kiss on the tip of her nose. "Come on sweetheart, give me a couple of minutes and we can go. You and Beth have a plan to execute."

As he walked away, she was dumbfounded. First, she couldn't understand how he knew they had a plan. Second, she couldn't forget the feeling of his chest. Her fingers could still feel his skin and her toes were tingling.