Chapter 57
Viola and her mother sat inside the little restaurant talking. Grace had a question she wanted to ask but was unsure. Their relationship was restarting, and she didn't want to create a setback.
"Go ahead mother. I can tell you want to ask something." Vi knew her mother and could always tell when she was thinking something.
"Why did you get married without telling anyone?"
Viola let out a long, slow, deep breath. "I think I got caught up in Lionel. He manipulated me and I allowed it. I should have never done that. We were in England, and I just lost myself. Once I realized what all I did, I was ashamed. I felt like I needed to make it work since I gave up everything for it. I held on to that relationship way too long."
Grace nodded her head. She was still hurt that she wasn't invited to her oldest daughter's wedding.
"I distanced myself trying to make this work. I was only adding to the problems, and it made everything worse. Before I knew it, I was in over my head."
"Well, now you are taking steps to correct the issues and to improve you. That is a good thing, and we are here to help in any way we can."
"Thank you, mother. You have been a godsent even when I treated you so bad."
"We all make mistakes, dear. Now, the most important thing is that you are making amends and working on your life. I am proud of you." She reached for her daughter's hand and lightly squeezed it.
Viola promised herself she would never let anyone else control her like Lionel did in the past. She wasn't closed off to a relationship if it was anything like her sisters, but that new guy better be the real deal.
…
Walking to Beth's house, Jack reached for Elizabeth's hand and gave her a smile. "So, are you going to let me in on this plan you two have worked on or are you waiting for your accomplice?"
"Jack Thorton! What a thing to say."
"Oh, so you are having to wait for your partner in crime."
I swear, that man can read my mind. How does he do that?
"You know, it's a little unfair for you two to set me up with food before you lower the boom on me." He teased.
"I wouldn't say it's a boom." She whispered while thinking over the plan.
"So, there is a plan? I knew it!" He gave her a little smirk. The same smirk he always gave her when he was gloating.
Elizabeth rolled her eyes and huffed. "I'm not admitting to anything."
"So, is this a 'no comment' thing or a 'I want to speak to a lawyer thing'? Oh, I know, it's a 'I want to talk to my accomplice to get my story straight' thing." He laughed.
"Thomas Jack Thorton!" She huffed. "You need to be nice!"
"Me be nice, I'm the one walking into the lion's den."
"Hush you!" She laughed. "Now, give me a kiss. We're almost there."
After the gentle kiss, they walked quietly to Beth's house. It was about a ten minute walk and Elizabeth used the time to try and rework the plan. The plan was supposed to begin as a surprised comment, but he knew. She wasn't sure how he knew this, but he did. Maybe I'm not a secretive as I thought?
"You are pretty secretive, but you have some tells that gives you away." Offered Jack with that same silly smirk.
She shot him a shocked look. Instead of saying anything, she tightened her grip on his hand and continued the short walk to Beth's house in silence.
…
Beth was sitting on the front porch waiting for the couple to arrive. The lasagna was set to come out of the oven in twenty minutes and the bread needed to go in the oven in ten minutes. She smiled when she saw the young couple walk up the sidewalk and step on her walking path. "They belong in this house." She mentioned to herself. They need this house, and this house needs them. She knew it in her bones. Now, she just needed to convince Jack of this fact.
As soon as they walked up, Beth stood for hugs from both Elizabeth and Jack. Elizabeth kissed her on the check and whispered in Beth's ear. "He knows."
Beth looked a little shocked at her friend but didn't say anything. After sitting for a few minutes, Beth mentioned she needed to step inside to put the bread in the oven. "Excuse me for a moment."
"I'll help." Called out Elizabeth.
"Awe…get with your accomplice to work out the same story." Jack whispered.
Elizabeth tapped him on the top of his head as she walked past him but didn't say anything as he chuckled.
Once they were in the kitchen, Beth looked shocked at Elizabeth. "How did he find out?"
"I have no idea, but he knows something is up."
"Did you tell him?"
"Absolutely not! But somehow, he knows. I don't know how he does it, but he knows we have a plan. He says I have a tell or something."
"Don't worry, I couldn't get anything past Mr. Wilson. That man could read me like his favorite book."
"How do they do that?" Laughed Elizabeth shaking her head.
"I think they love us so much they pay attention to us. It's sweet and frustrating all at once." Both ladies laughed at the truth Beth just said.
"So…?"
"Well, Elizabeth. I guess we just come out with it and see where the chips fall. Is he against the idea?"
"No. Just hesitate, I think. We haven't talked about it in depth. I believe it's the same reasons we discussed earlier."
Beth nodded her head. She understood, but that didn't change her determination to make this happen. "We'll make this happen." Beth stated with determination. Elizabeth offered her a confident smile.
…
Frank, Abagail, Henry and one of Henry's friends were watching a movie while eating popcorn. These were the type of nights that Henry loved and longed for. The sense of safety and peace is essential to him. The life with his father before the drugs took over his life, was decent. They struggled with things, but it wasn't so bad. When the drugs took over, his life was bad. He had many sleepless nights due to so many people coming over at any time. Many of those people scared him.
"Frank, would you pause the movie so I can go and get us more popcorn?""
"I'll get it." Henry called out.
"Why don't we do it together?"
"Perfect." He stood smiling at Abagil.
When they walked into the kitchen, Abagail spoke. "Henry, thank you for your willingness to always help."
"You're welcome, Abagail."
"You are a nice young man. Frank and I are blessed to have you in our lives."
"Thank you." He whispered with tears pooling in his eyes. It has been a long time since someone was excited to have him around. He loved being in this house and hoped he would never have to leave.
"Let's go young man. We have a movie to finish watching."
He offered her a smile as he placed the empty popcorn bag in the trash.
"I'm surprised Frank hasn't fallen asleep yet."
"Yeah." Henry laughed. "He always falls asleep but always denies it." They laughed as they walked into the living room and noticing that Frank was already dozing off.
…
"Charlie, are you ok? You have been very quiet."
Charlette was lost in her thoughts. She enjoyed her time with Adam and was excited with all the time they spent together. It didn't really matter what they were doing, as long as they were together. She hasn't felt that since Thomas. There lies the problem. She felt that she was disgracing Tom's memory with her love for Adam.
"I'm fine."
"Charlie…something is wrong. What is it?"
"Tom."
Adam nodded his head in understanding. "I should have kept my mouth shut." He mumbled to himself.
Charlette heard him but didn't say anything at first.
"Would you like to go home?" He asked. "We don't have to go out to eat. I could take you home and you can have the evening to yourself."
That caught her attention. She remembered all those years of evenings alone. She never really liked them all the time but grew accustomed to them. She was never ready for a relationship until now, and she was allowing the memory of her late husband to affect her time with Adam. She never wanted to forget Tom. He was her husband, and she was grateful for every moment they had. However, this time with Adam showed her that she still had a life to live. She needed to find the balance of remembering her love of Tom with her new love of Adam.
She looked up and saw the hurt in Adam's face. "Adam…"
He cut her off. "Charlette, I believe I may have pushed too hard with us." He sighed. "I'm not certain you are ready for this relationship. I'm sorry I pushed you."
It did not go unnoticed that he used her name instead of his nickname. She lowered her head at the hurt she caused him and the hurt of hearing her name.
"Adam, I'm sorry. I am trying to find a balance between my past and my new future."
Adam and Charlette exhaled a slow breath trying to calm emotions. Along with Charlette, Adam loved his wife too and it was difficult for him at first. He never thought of falling in love again, but he knew he did. His talk with Frank was helpful working through his feelings of his past and his present. Charlette was his love, but he was questioning if she was ready. Charlette could see the doubt on Adam's face. She began kicking herself for her doubts.
"Charlette, let me take you home and you can have the weekend to think this through."
"Adam, I…"
"I think you need to figure this out without the pressure of me being around." He lowered his eyes to the ground.
"Adam…"
"Charlette, take the weekend. You need to figure this out before we take this any further."
"Are you backing away?"
"No Charlette. I am all in. I am giving you the opportunity to back away if that is what you want."
This is not what Adam wanted but he knew the relationship couldn't move forward if feelings weren't dealt with.
"May I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"How have you handled your wife and me?"
"At first, it was difficult. I felt I was cheating or something, then I would go home and realize she wasn't home and wouldn't be coming home. I love her and still do, but I also know she isn't coming home. It's not fair, but this is where I am. When I first met you, I felt I was betraying Sondra, but then realized I wasn't, and I hate being alone now. It was my normal until you arrived, but I realized I didn't like it any longer."
Charlette nodded her head in agreement. He dealt with the same thing she is dealing with now.
"I enjoy being around you and I have fallen in love with you. I realized I can still love Sondra and love you at the same time. I'm not loving you and then going home to Sondra. Now, let me take you home."
"What if I don't want to go home?"
"Then I will take you wherever you want to go." He stated as he opened the car door for her. He wasn't going to give her an option. She needed to figure this out for them, but, most importantly, she needed to figure this out for herself.
In defeat, she stepped toward the car and sat down on the front seat. Her mind was reeling with emotions. She felt horrible that she hurt Adam. She felt she was betraying Tom. She was frustrated because she did enjoy spending time with Adam. She loved him and didn't doubt that. When Adam closed the car door, a small tear formed in her eye and fell down her cheek.
…
"I'll go and get Jack." Mentioned Beth. "If you could get the utensils out of the drawer, everything else is set."
Elizabeth smiled and walked toward the drawer where Beth pointed.
Beth stepped out on the porch and noticed Jack leaning against the rail. He looked like he was lost in thought. He reminded her of her late husband. "Mr. Wilson looked like that way when he was thinking about something serious."
Jack was startled by her voice.
Beth laughed. "Are you afraid of every school teacher?" Smirked Beth.
Jack laughed. "Maybe. I was just lost in my thoughts."
"I understand." Beth took a deep breath, it was now or never. "Jack, I think you and Elizabeth should buy this house. It will be a great house for you two and your growing family."
"Beth, Elizabeth isn't pregnant. Our family isn't growing yet."
Beth smiled. She knew Elizabeth was pregnant but no one else did. "Maybe one day your family will grow, and you need a house to grow in."
Jack nodded his head. "Yes, but we talked before our wedding that we would start to look for land or a house after our wedding."
"Well, it's after your wedding."
"We have been home for one week."
The conversation was not going in the direction she wanted. "Jack, I want you to have this house. It's been a great house for me, but not in the season of life I am in now. It's too big for just me. My knees don't like the steps and I get lost in it." She laughed.
"But why us?"
"Elizabeth loves it. You know about the dream?"
"I do. So, we are supposed to buy a house because of a dream?"
"Are you against the house?"
"No, Beth. It's a lovely house."
"Ok, please explain to me your issues."
Elizabeth heard them talking and she walked to the window to look and listen to the conversation. She felt bad for spying, but her curiosity was too powerful to control. She tried to stay out of sight but wanted to make sure she could hear.
"I just heard about this a couple of days ago. This is new to me, and I don't want to jump into a huge commitment with very little forethought. I don't want to push you out of your house. I don't want you to think you have to sell to us. I don't even know if we can afford this. We haven't run any numbers yet, and it already seems like a done deal between you and Elizabeth."
Now she knew what Jack's problems were. "I understand this is fast for you, but make no mistake, I am my own person. I don't do things just because other people want me too. Plus, I was the one who brought this up, not you or Elizabeth. I will be selling this house. I have already found a smaller house that is perfect for me. Now, I am not selling this house to just anyone. This place means too much to me."
Jack laughed when he noticed her stance. She had her hand on her hip and was tapping her foot. She had a scary teacher face with a stern expression. "Do all teachers have that scary teacher face?"
This made Beth stop her rant. She was a little taken back by his reaction.
"You are almost as adorable as Elizabeth when she does it." He took a step to her and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek.
Beth huffed. "Jack Thorton…why you little…"
She stopped when she saw his dimples grow. Elizabeth is in a lot of trouble with that smile. "You know young man, that smile will get you in a lot of trouble." She stated shaking her finger at him.
Elizabeth giggled from her place at the window. "It gets me in trouble." She breathed with a smile growing on her face.
"Beth, I know you and Elizabeth have a plan and what tonight is all about."
"Tonight was about dinner with friends, not pushing a house on you."
When she noticed the look on Jack's face, she felt something she hasn't felt in years. That was the same expression her late husband would have on his face when he knew better and she didn't convince him.
"Fine, yes." She huffed. "I want you two to buy this house. I honestly feel like this house is yours already. I close my eyes and I see you and Elizabeth here with your family. I can hear tiny footsteps filling this house. This house deserves that and so do you two. My late husband always said I was impatient and would push too much at times. Especially if I felt something in my bones. Jack, this house is already yours."
Elizabeth left her perch by the window and walked out onto the porch. "Jack, I'm sorry we planned this. I think we just got caught up in the excitement. I know I did."
"We did." Said Beth.
"I never wanted to push you into buying a house, but, Jack, I honestly feel like this house is already mine. I am sorry for that. I know this needs to be our decision and not just my choice. We need to do this as a couple from beginning to end and I have kept you out of the process. Honestly, I didn't mean too, but my heart fell in love with this house before I even saw it. Once I walked through the house, I lost all of my common sense."
Jack smiled.
"Beth, what we did wasn't ok, but I was only trying to make Jack agree to my wants. I shouldn't have done that. We are a team. I shouldn't have tried to trick him into something I want so much. This is our decision, not just mine. And we need to agree on it without the pressure from the other person, especially on such a life time decision."
"We…dear. We did this. Jack, I'm sorry. Mr. Wilson said I always lost all common sense when I wanted something, and he instantly didn't agree with me. I didn't mean to go behind your back, but I'm afraid I did to some degree."
Jack thought for a few short moments. He was looking down when a smile came across his face. Elizabeth and Beth were a little confused at his reaction.
"Alright ladies, let's go eat." Then he turned his attention to his bride. After gently kissing her on the tip of her nose, he stated. "Then we can tour our new house."
Elizabeth's breath caught in her chest. She stared at her husband as he opened the front door and walked inside. She turned to look at Beth. She saw the same expression on Beth's face that was on her face. A look of complete shock.
"Did he just say…?" Both ladies gasped at the same time.
…
Adam drove Charlette to her house in complete silence. They were working through their thoughts and emotions. Adam was kicking himself for pushing too hard. Charlette was frustrated with herself for feeling she was betraying Tom when she knew she wasn't.
Once in Charlette's driveway, Adam stepped out of the car and walked around to open Charlette's door. She did not immediately get out. She just stared straight ahead. When he extended his hand, she looked at it and then accepted it to help her stand. He released her hand as he escorted her to the front door.
As they stood on the front porch, she could sense Adam's tension. She was growing even more frustrated because she was the reason for it.
"Charlette, I will call you early next week. I hope you have a good night." He leaned in and gently kissed her cheek. When he pulled away, she reached up and touched the place on her cheek where his lips touched her.
"I'm not leaving until you are safely in your house." He stated as he reached for the keys that were in her hand. He unlocked the door and opened it. He handed her keys back to her and gently placed his hand on her forearm and offered her a weak smile.
With the door still open, she watched him walk back to his car. She wanted to say something…anything, but her brain wasn't working. After sitting in his car, he offered her a small smile as he started the car and backed out of the driveway. She watched him drive down the street until she couldn't see the car anymore. She exhaled and walked into her house.
For the first time since Tom's death, she felt alone. She looked around the house and noticed how quiet the house was. She heard the refrigerator's ice maker kick on and she heard the clicking of the second hand of the wall clock. Other than that, the house was silent. When she sat down on her favorite chair, she realized it was too quiet.
When Tom passed, she enjoyed the quiet. It allowed her to work through her thoughts and allowed her to mourn. For the first time, she realized she didn't like it so quiet anymore. She wasn't the same person anymore. It has been almost twenty years since Tom passed away. He wasn't coming back. Most importantly, she realized she loved Adam and that didn't take away the love she had for Tom. She still remembered Tom and loved him, but she also loved Adam. She realized at that moment the greatest gift of the human heart. You don't lose memories when you love again. Actually, your heart grows with the unique ability of loving more, not less. There was room for Tom in her heart and Adam too without losing memories. She noticed her heart grew to accept Adam.
She jumped up from her chair and marched to her car. She loved Tom and always will, but she also loved Adam and he needed to know it without a doubt.
A few minutes later, she pulled into his driveway and was shocked that his car wasn't there. She slowly pulled the car to a stop and noticed there were no lights on in the house other than the small lamp in the corner of the living room that he always left on. She began to worry about him. "Where is he?" She asked herself. Slowly, she got out of the car and walked toward the house. She sat on the top step of the front porch and began to wait for him to come home.
…
For the first time in a long time, Viola and Grace enjoyed their evening together. They sat at a little restaurant enjoying their food. However, the best part of the meal was the conversation between mother and daughter. They shared about life recently and everything that has happened. Viola was impressed with Julie's life choices recently and how she is going back to school.
"So, what are you planning to do now?"
"I am still working that out. Moving here is still on my mind, but I need to find work here before I can do that. Thank you for letting me stay at home until I figure this out."
"Of course dear. You can stay as long as you want."
"I have an interview on Monday."
"You do? Where?"
"At the bank. They are looking for a loan officer that would be over large loans. They have had issues in the past and they want to concentrate on that department. It was a money maker in years past, but the issues have cost them money over the last couple of years."
"Wow! That sounds great for you."
"I think so. I know I can do the job and the bank was impressed with my resume. So…"
"Sounds like you have a good chance in getting the job."
"We'll see."
They enjoyed the conversation for a few more minutes and then decided to talk a walk. Grace showed her daughter around town to the areas she knew bout. They ended up in the park on the bench in front of the water fountain. They sat and enjoyed the weather. With the sun doing down a little, the temperature was perfect with a slight breeze.
"What do you feel about dating again?"
Vi was a little surprised by the question. "Well, I am in no hurry. I do think I learned my lesson."
"So, if you were approached…?"
"I'm not sure. I'm not turned off by it, but I'm not sure today is a time to start."
"Well…"
"Good afternoon, ladies." A younger gentleman approached the two women.
Vi looked at her mother with a knowing look.
"Good afternoon." Grace responded and Viloa offered a small smile.
"I noticed you two walling earlier. You must be new to the area."
"We don't live here. We are visiting family." Stated Viola.
"Oh, too bad. Have a nice evening ladies."
Grace shot Vi a knowing look.
Vi looked at her mother. "What?"
Both ladies laughed. For Grace, it was great to have her oldest daughter back. She also felt relieved that she was getting over Lionel.
…
Jack sat down at the dining room table that was set for three. He had to wait for Beth and Elizabeth to come in from outside. He figured his last statement shocked them. He didn't realize how much it would have shocked them, but it must have shocked both of them. He laughed at himself. He loved it when he was able to get one over his wife.
Beth and Elizabeth stood on the front porch staring at each other. For all of their planning, none of it went the way they worked hours on.
"Did you hear what I heard?" A shocked Elizabeth asked.
"I did, but I'm not sure what exactly happened." An equally shocked Beth stated.
"Did he say, 'look at our house?'"
"That's what I heard, but at my age I'm not sure if I heard it correctly." Beth laughed quietly.
Both ladies tried to control their excitement but was failing at it.
"What happened?" Asked Beth.
After thinking about it for a few minutes, it finally donned on Elizabeth. She began to speak slowly, and her voice was heavy with regret. "Jack has always wanted my input, even with things that did not include me. Even early on in our relationship, and even before our relationship, he always wanted my opinion."
"And we excluded him from this." Beth stated understanding what Elizabeth was saying.
"Yes, Beth. When he was given this opportunity to be chief, one of the first things he did was approach me and wanted my opinion. He wanted to discuss it with me. I felt awkward because we just started to date, but he kept telling me he wanted to hear my voice on the matter. He said it wouldn't make his decision for him, but he wanted my thoughts. It was important to him. He would discuss aspects of the case when he could because he wanted my input. It has always been important to him."
"That's a great quality to have in a husband. Someone who wants to hear your thoughts on everything and who actually listens to your opinions."
"It is." A thoughtful Elizabeth stated. Then she lowered her head. "How could I keep him from this? We are a team! I excluded him from the whole process when he always wants my opinion. Oh, Jack…" She stated as she turned around toward the door.
Beth felt bad for her role in this, but Elizabeth felt worse. She did not give her husband the same consideration he has always offered her. She became so caught up in the excitement of their house that she didn't really seek Jack's opinion.
She immediately walked into the door and straight to Jack. She had tears in her eyes and that made Jack stand up when he noticed. She wrapped her arms around Jack and squeezed him tighter than she ever had. "Jack, I am so sorry! I didn't ask for your opinion, and I should have. I'm sorry." She snuggled her head into his shoulder.
"It's ok, sweetheart."
"No. It isn't."