Chapter 67

Jack saw his bride step out of the Tahoe. She was stunningly beautiful. It has been a long four days. He missed her. When their eyes meet, she took off running toward him. He knew he had to brace himself or she was going to tackle him again. He took a few steps closer then stopped. He braced himself with his arms open waiting for her to jump into his arms. He noticed she was yelling something, but he was too busy admiring her to hear what she was saying. His smile was growing with each step that drew her closer to him.

"I hope she doesn't…" Grace began to say as she saw Elizabeth jumped into Jack's arms at full speed.

Elizabeth was about five feet from Jack at full speed when she jumped toward Jack. Jack placed his left foot slightly behind him hoping to brace himself enough that he wouldn't fall backwards. The night of him at the robbery when she ran to him and knocked him over was replaying in his mind. Elizabeth not a big woman by any measure, but when she had a full head of steam she hit like a professional linebacker.

When Jack opened his eyes, he was laying on his back on their sidewalk. Elizabeth was laying on top of him. Her nose was within a couple of inches from him. She had the biggest smile he had ever seen on her beautiful face.

"Jack! Jack!" She was saying out of breath.

"Elizabeth!" He was returning her excitement. "I've missed you!"

"Jack! Did you hear me!?" She realized from his confused expression on his face he didn't. "Jack! Jack!" She yelled as she grabbed the collar of his shirt. She pulled him up a little and kissed his face. As much as she wanted to scream her news, she had to kiss him.

Jack didn't have an idea of what was happening, but he didn't care. His precious wife was in his arms with her lips on his. Everything else were secondary issues that could be worked out later. He relished the kiss and the feel of his bride in his arms.

When she finally pulled away, she pulled his shirt collar toward her again. "Jack! Jack!"

"Sweetheart, are you ok?"

"Jack! I'm fine. Jack! Jack!" She kept screaming but wasn't going any further in her statement.

"Bella, let's get up off the ground and you can tell me about your weekend."

Elizabeth stood up and offered Jack a helping hand off the ground. When Jack stood, she wouldn't let go of his hand. She stared in Jack's eyes and noticed his dimpled smile. She lost track of what she wanted to say.

"Bella, I have missed you."

Jack's statement pulled her from his dimples. "Jack! We're having a baby!"

Elizabeth was bouncing on the balls of her feet waiting for the news to register for Jack. His dimpled smile faded for a moment processing the statement she just told him.

"A…baby…" He whispered as if he was trying to sort out the information but afraid to say it too loud in fear of saying it would make it disappear. "A…baby…Elizabeth…are…you…?" He whispered in a low voice.

Jack noticed her smile but when he raised his eyes to meet her eyes, he received his answer.

"We're having a baby!" He screamed and matched her excitement."

…

Julie and Vi stepped out of the Tahoe and took Elizabeth's two bags and placed them on the sidewalk. Everyone smiled at the sight before them. They also realized this was Jack's and Elizabeth's moment. They didn't want in intrude. Instead, Vi and Julie stepped away and got back into the vehicle. Without anyone saying anything, Grace placed the car in reverse and left.

As they backed on the street, they heard Jack yell, "We're having a baby!" All the ladies laughed at his excitement.

"We could have sat there for two hours, and they wouldn't have known." Charlette laughed.

"I just hope they step inside before they begin to celebrate." Sassed Julie.

"Julie!" Grace and Viola said loudly to everyone's giggles.

…

Jack picked up Elizabeth in his arms. While he was only a couple of inches taller than Elizabeth, her feet were a couple of feet off the ground. He squeezed her tight and began to spin her around yelling, "A baby! We're having a baby!"

After the second time around, Jack realized he shouldn't be spinning his beautiful, pregnant bride around like that. He didn't want to make her sick. He stopped and slowly slid her down until her feet touched the ground. Their eyes met and their smiles grew.

"Elizabeth…"

"I know Jack."

He slowly leaned forward to kiss his wife. He has missed her and with her leaving after an argument, this kiss was not tame. Elizabeth reached up and took a handful of his hair and pulled him close. She has been wanting Jack since their time in Abagail's office just before she left on the girl's trip. The flame between them were growing quickly, until Jack pulled back.

"Jack…take me to bed." Elizabeth said seductively in her sweet voice. Her eyes were closed and she didn't see Jack's fear.

"Elizabeth…I'm…I'm not sure we should do that."

Her eyes shot open. That statement wasn't what she was expecting.

"Jack. We haven't seen each other in four days. We had an argument just before I left and we didn't have time to make up. Jack…I have been thinking about this for the whole weekend."

"Me too…"

"Then why do you think we shouldn't?"

"Well, you're pregnant."

"Yes. I am. Jack, you can't get me pregnant again." She playfully teased.

"But…Elizabeth. You're pregnant. Is it safe to do that?"

Elizabeth laughed. "Jack, it's perfectly safe. I am not an invalid. I'm pregnant. We can still enjoy our intimacy."

"Are you sure?" Asked Jack. He wasn't convinced.

"Jack. Yes! We can do that. Now, let's go!"

She began to pull him to the apartment. He was still questioning if it was safe, but his desire was beginning to win.

"Wait. Are you sure? I haven't done this before and I don't know."

"Well, I haven't either, but I have been the whole weekend and a long ride home with four mothers who said we can still have intimate moments."

"That's great…wait! Have you spoken about this with our mothers and Alice and Beth?"

"Yes, Jack. I had questions myself."

"They know?"

"Jack, they know where babies come from and why?"

"Oh…"

His embarrassment was amusing to Elizabeth, but she missed her husband and wanted to be with him. She leaned forward and began nibbling on his neck and working her way up to his ear lobe. Jack moaned at her action, and this excited her even more. It drove her to go deeper. Before she landed on his ear, she stopped and he felt her breath on his ear.

She whispered, "Jack…" She said so sweetly. "make love to your pregnant wife. I want you."

All of Jack's concern and resolved left him at her words. He picked her up and walked very quickly to the front door. Once the door closed, he couldn't wait to walk to the bedroom. He pushed her against the closed door with the passion of a husband who hasn't seen his love for a long weekend. Elizabeth's breath caught in her chest and a smile grew on her face. She loved when he did that.

"Jack."

He cut her off with a kiss that weakened her knees, and she began to slide to the floor. He followed her without ever losing contact with her lips. Once on the floor, He took off his shirt and then helped Elizabeth with her shirt. She made eye contact when he took her shirt off and she saw the passion and love in his eyes. This moved her and her smile grew even more. She reached up and grabbed his face with both of her hands. She pulled Jack to her and placed a kiss that he would never forget.

…

Grace stopped and dropped off Alice, Vi, Beth, and Julie at their perspective homes. Reminding each of them not to say anything. It wasn't their news so share. Elizabeth promised they would tell people after she told Jack.

Grace and Charlette stepped into her apartment and found a bouquet of flowers sitting on her kitchen table. She knew who it was from. Grace gave her a big smile.

"Charlette, are you as excited as I am?"

"Grace, I don't think my feet has touched the ground since I found out."

"Me too. Now, go to your Adam."

"I'm fine Grace."

"Charlette, you haven't taken your eyes off the flowers since we walked in. I am fine here by myself."

Charlette smiled. "Are you sure?"

"Go…Go…I'm calling my husband."

…

Abagail walked into her home to a smiling Frank holding a box of Kleenexes. "Oh, no. What happened?"

A smirking Frank winked at his wife. "Nothing yet, but you will need these soon."

Abagail gave her husband a weary look. "What are you talking about old man?"

Henry came running into the kitchen looking for a snack and something to drink. "Hey, mom. I hope you had a great weekend. Me and dad had a great guy time. Where are the cookies? Oh. There they are. Are we eating soon?"

"In a couple of hours." Frank answered.

Frank looked up to his wife and she stood frozen. She had that look on her face that he knew well. Her eyes narrowed and her lips pierced together. She was processing what she heard. "mom…" "dad…". Did Henry just call me mom? Did he just call Frank dad? Her shock wouldn't let her ask the questions that were running through her mind.

"Yes, he did." Frank answered her unasked question while nodding his head up and down.

Abagail was still trying to think this through. "He asked me if he could call me dad. Then, he asked if you would mind if he called you mom."

She smiled. Her smile continued to grow until the corners met the tears that were streaming down her cheeks. "Frank…did he just call me mom?" She began to sob. She has always wanted to be called mom.

Frank handed her the box of Kleenex. "Yes, he did. I knew you wouldn't mind. So, I told him to do it whenever he felt comfortable."

"Oh…other than you, this is the best thing I have experienced."

"Yeah…it's pretty special, isn't it?" Frank stated as he walked over to hug his wife. When she was in this emotion, the best thing to do was to hold his precious wife and let her feel all of the emotions.

…

On her way over to Adam's house, Charlette was excited about the fact that her oldest son was going to be a father. She knew he would be a great father. Her mind focused on Tom. Tom would have loved to see his son as a man and new father. Jack had taken to all the lessons her Tom bestowed upon him. Jack absorbed every bit of knowledge his father was willing to teach him.

She did miss Tom. Tom would have been a great grandfather. She sighed at the thoughts and the fact that they were driving her away from the excitement of Jack and Elizabeth's news. "I love you Tom and I always well." She spoke to no one. "I have a life I must continue to live. I will live it with you in my heart where you will always be. I have meet someone, and I have found myself in love with him. I'm not replacing you. However, he has found a special place in my heart too." She exhaled. "Tom, I do love Adam and I hope you understand."

She looked up and noticed what she thought was a star speeding across the sky. She thought it was strange since it was afternoon. That was their thing, star gazing and watching fallen stars. She took this as a sign. A sign from her Tom that it was ok to hold him in a place in her heart, but that it was also ok to let a good man in another area of her heart. An area she has closed off since Tom's death. "I will never forget you, my love." She smiled. "I am happy with Adam. I think you would like him. Jack and Tom like him."

Before she knew it, she was parked in Adam's driveway. Her excitement grew when she looked up and saw him sitting on a rocking chair on the front porch. They purchased the rocking chairs a couple of days before she left for the girl's weekend.

"Hey handsome. How are you?"

"I'm fine, Charlie. Are you ok?"

"I'm great. I've missed you."

"I've missed you." Adam stood and was walking toward Charlette. "Are you sure you are ok? Your eyes are red. Have you been crying?"

"I have, but with good news."

"Will you share that good news with me?"

"I can't but you will find out tonight. If you're up to it, we are going to Abagail's tonight to enjoy a family dinner?"

"That sounds perfect."

She walked into a hug at the word perfect. She savored the feeling of his arms around her. This was her normal and she was excited about it.

"Adam, I have missed you. I had a lot of fun with the ladies, but it wasn't the same without you."

"I agree. I'm glad you enjoyed yourself, but I missed you. Please don't go away like that again for a little while."

"I promise."

…

Jack and Elizabeth laid on the living room floor completely exhausted and drench in sweat. Their time apart, the argument, and the news of the baby all led up to a passionate time together. Like always, they were holding hands.

"Jack…that was…that was incredible."

"It was Elizabeth, but you aren't allowed to go away again until next year." He chuckled.

"She nodded her head in agreement with a smile on her face."

After a few minutes, they were finally catching their breath and gaining their composer. "Jack, maybe we need to find our clothes and get dressed."

"Nani, I don't think I can move."

She hit him on the shoulder. "What a thing to say."

"Do we have to move? I have just now got you home, can we stay here for a few more minutes?"

She looked at the clock on the wall and realized they had a few minutes before they needed to get dressed and head to Abagail's. "Just a few minutes, we can't be late to dinner."

"Seriously. I haven't been beside you for four days and the couple of days before that wasn't the greatest." He paused. He didn't want to bring up bad memories and destroy the moment.

"I understand." She worked her head to her favorite spot, on his chest beside his neck. She gently rubbed his chest with her left hand and gently kissed his neck.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you or we are going to be late."

She giggled. "How do you want to tell people?"

"Who all knows?"

Elizabeth shared with Jack the story from this morning. How she was sick for a few minutes and answered the bedroom door with all the ladies staring at her. Jack laughed when she reached the part about the three pregnancy tests in the brown bag.

"So…you actually accepted defeat?" He teased.

"I didn't have a choice. I was outnumbered by women who's just as stubborn as I am."

After explaining that she took all three tests, she talked about the time sitting on the patio with everyone waiting for the timer to go off.

"I almost called you to tell you then, but I didn't really know anything."

"I wished you would have called but I understand why you didn't."

"The ladies tried to keep my mind busy, but that was the longest ten minutes of my life." She laughed at the memory of her impatience.

"When the timer went off, we all went into the bathroom. Mother and mom was standing directly behind me with their hands on my shoulder. All of the other women were behind them."

Elizabeth explained what happened when she picked up the first test.

"So, you never looked at the test when the timer went off?"

"No, I didn't have too."

"Why? How?"

"When I picked the first one up, my eyes where closed. When my fingers started to tingle, I placed it back down. I always tingle when it comes to you, but my fingers tingled to a whole new level when I was holding the test. I just knew. I didn't have to look."

Jack sat amazed and completely hooked to every word of the story. Elizabeth laughed at his shocked expression.

"Jack, both of us wanted a love that made our toes tingle. We have that! When I picked that test up and my fingers tingled, I just knew."

"Wow! That's a great story."

"I think so."

Jack was thinking about Elizabeth's dream, the twins, the house, the dog. He was wondering if the dream was just a dream or if it was some insight into their future. What he couldn't realize was that Elizabeth was thinking the same thing.

"Jack, I have to ask…are you ok with the pregnancy?"

She was taken back by his shocked expression. "Elizabeth, why in the world would you ask me such a question?" She thought he looked hurt.

"We haven't been married very long. Maybe you wanted to wait for a little while before our lives completely changed."

"Elizabeth, we walk this life together. Our child…" She swooned over the phrase 'our child'. "Is the best of us. Either today or tomorrow makes no difference to me. As long as we do this together."

"Yeah?"

"Me and you."

"Me and you."

…

Charlette and Adam spent the afternoon on the front porch in their new rocking chairs. The sun was bright, but the breeze was cool and perfect. They held hands as they watch a couple of rabbits jump through the yard and the birds work the lawn searching for worms and bugs.

Adam couldn't wait for Charlette to come by after arriving home. During their short absence, he realized how much she has become part of him. He missed her, but he missed her being in his life. He knew exactly what he wanted in life. He wanted her to walk this journey together. He wanted to ask her when he saw her, but he noticed the tears and was worried something was wrong. So, he didn't ask. Now, when things calmed down he was waiting for the right moment.

"Adam. Adam! Are you ok?"

"Charlie, Are you happy with us?"

"Why would you ask such a question. You know I am."

"If I was younger, I would get on one knee. With my bad knees now, I wouldn't be able to get up." He laughed and then paused for a moment. "Charlie, I have grown to love you with all of my heart. You have become so special to me. I would like to live out my days with you in my life. I love you. Charlette Thorton, will you do me the greatest honor and spend the rest of our lives together? Will you marry me?"

He pulled out the ring as he spoke. She gasped when she saw his ring. It wasn't overly big or too showy, in her opinion it was perfect. It screamed Charlette.

"Oh Adam. I will be honored to spend the rest of my life as you wife."

"Charlie, you have made me the happiest man in the world."

Charlette grinned thinking that title may belong to her oldest son. She met him halfway and her lips meet his. The kiss was more passionate than any before today. She loved the feeling of his lips and the excitement in his face. She was looking forward to being with this man.

…

Jack and Elizabeth decided to walk to the café instead of driving. He was a little worried about the walk being too much for his pregnant wife. She tried to make it clear to him that she is fine. She was just pregnant, not an invalid. She knew this was going to be an issue for the next several months.

"So, are we telling everyone or just family tonight?"

"Basically family. I need to call the doctor tomorrow and set up my first appointment."

"Our first appointment." He corrected.

"Yes, our first appointment. You are not supposed to announce the pregnancy until the second trimester."

"Well…I'm not promising I can keep that secret." Jack said honestly.

"Why not?"

"Bella, how can I? I'm so excited right now I am about to burst. We're having a baby together." The last part he said a little louder. "A little you. How can I not be thrilled about that?" He shrugged his shoulders.

She laughed at his excitement. She was happy he was overly excited about the baby. She didn't know why she was nervous about his reaction, but she should have known better.

When they walked in front of their bench and the water fountain, he stopped walking and turned to her. "Elizabeth, would you please dance with me?"

"Jack, we don't have any music." She said it before she thought. She knew exactly what he was going to say next. Not just the words, but the little smug look he gets when he thinks he bests her. That look infuriated her and made her swoon all at the same time. She wasn't sure how that was possible.

"Beautiful, if you need music to dance then you are dancing with the wrong person." He smirked with his head tilted slightly to the right side and the twinkle in his eyes.

Elizabeth rolled her eyes and smiled at her husband. Without saying a word, she stepped into his space and raised her left hand to meet Jack's right hand. His left hand found its familiar spot on the small of her back. Slowly but with great determination, he pulled her to him until their bodies touched.

She moaned when he leaned in and whispered in her ear. "Elizabeth, thank you for marrying me, for loving me, and for giving me a child."

"Thank you for being in my life. For marrying me and making me a mother."

He brushed his lips across hers in an intimate, yet gentle way.

"Jack…promise me we will always dance like this."

"I promise."

…

Everyone was at the café except for Jack and Elizabeth. Abagail was walking on cloud nine at her new title. She loved the sound of mom coming from Henry. He has called her mom twice since she was home, and it made her cry each time. Frank just smiled at his wife. She always came across as tough, and she was, but she had a beautiful tenderness about her too. He loved her for many reasons, and her toughness and tenderness were at the top of that list.

Adam and Charlette acted like teenagers in love. They were constantly holding hands and whispering as if they were sharing a secret. Tom kept looking at them wondering what was different. Julie scolded him to stop staring at them.

The group had the entire corner of the café occupied. They had a couple tables pulled together to make it where you could enjoy conversation with each person. The door opened and a smiling Jack and Elizabeth walked in. Jack was laughing at something Elizabeth said before walking into the café. They both stopped when all eyes were on them. Without realizing it, Jack raise both of his hands, one was still holding Elizabeth's hand, and said in a very loud voice, "We're having a baby!"

The café came to an immediate stop. It was eerily quiet. Everyone in the café turned to look in their direction.

Elizabeth leaned in, "Great job keeping that secret, detective." She sassed.

Jack smiled with the same smile he gave his mom when he did something he wasn't supposed to as a child but didn't care if he was in trouble or not. "Sorry." He stated. "And it's Chief."

"Not yet." She sassed. Then she smirked at her adorably smiling husband. "Are you really sorry?" She teased back.

"Not really." With the same smile that frustrated her and made her fall in love with him.

After a few seconds, everyone in the café applauded and cheered at the news. Jack and Elizabeth's face turned a little red.

"Jack…how are we going to keep it a secret if you tell everyone?"

He shrugged. "Elizabeth, I'm having a baby with the greatest woman in the world. How am I supposed to keep that a secret?" He smirked and squeezed her hand. "Plus, I never promised to keep it a secret."

"Come on goof ball…we have some celebrating to do." She squeezed his hand and began pulling him to the tables where their family and friends were sitting.

Everyone gave Elizabeth a hug. Several of her closest friends and sister, including Abagail, gave her a kiss on the cheek. All the men patted Jack on the back and all the ladies gave him a big hug. Charlette and Grace both gave him a kiss on the cheek.

As he sat down beside Elizabeth, Mary walked in from the kitchen with their normal drinks. "Mary, did you hear we are having a baby?" He said excitedly.

"Thomas Jack Thorton!" Elizabeth stated in an admonishing tone. "You are such a blabber mouth." She smiled and swatted his shoulder.

"I'm not even going to try to act apologetic because I am not sorry at all." His eyes twinkled and that silly dimpled smile came across his face.

She smiled at him. She loved his excitement. "You do realize you are not supposed to say anything until after the first trimester is over just in case something happens?"

"E-liz-a-beth…I don't care. I am too excited to try to keep this a secret. My precious wife is making me a father. You just know the baby will be just like you. How can that not excite me? Plus, you are going to glow as a pregnant woman and mother. Then, to top it all off, I get to watch you be the mother of my child for the rest of my life." He stated with all the love he held for her. "I'm sorry, but I am not sorry for being excited and I am not able to keep this quiet. I hope this doesn't bother you?" Before Elizabeth was able to say anything. Jack stood up from his seat and with a loud, commanding voice. "We're having a baby!"

Again, the crowd erupted in cheers and applause. Elizabeth shook her head with a large smile on her face. She always heard you wasn't supposed to say anything too early in case something bad happened. However, she couldn't help feeding off the excitement that was emanating from her husband.

…

The dinner and time together were going great. The large setting was great and the last couple of times they did this, it was always a lot of fun too. While talking with Abagail, Henry came up to ask her a question. "Mom, is it ok if I get another piece of dessert?"

Abagail's eyes grew watery, and she nodded her head. She was afraid to say something thinking she may lose all composure again. Elizabeth noticed the tears along with Henry's new title. She leaned toward Abagail. "The mom thing is new." With that Abagail lost all composure and tears started to flow freely. Sensing Abagail needed a moment, Elizabeth reached for her friend's hand and pulled her to Abagail's office. After closing the door, Abagail sat in one of the seats and covered her face with her hands.

"What's wrong?"

"Henry called me mom."

"Yes, I heard. Are you ok with that?"

"I am. It's overwhelming but I do like it."

"Overwhelming?" Asked a confused Elizabeth. "You are going to be a great mother."

"I don't think so. I feel so inadequate."

"How can you say that? You love that boy, and he loves you."

"I know, but I've never been a mother before. I don't know what I'm doing."

Abagail always wanted to be a mother. However, it was never in the cards for her. She grew to accept that, but now with Henry calling her mom, she felt so unworthy. She didn't think she could do it. She felt like she was in way over her head.

"Oh Abagail. You must understand that you will be great at this."

"I'm not so sure."

Elizabeth shook her head. She could see that Abagail will be a great mother.

"He asked Frank if he could call us mom and dad. Frank said it was ok. I love to hear his little voice say mom, but I feel like I'm going to fail him so how."

Elizabeth let out a little bit of a frustrated sigh. Over the last couple of times, it was Abagail who straightened out Elizabeth. Now, it was Elizabeth's turn to straighten out her best friend.

"Abagail, you need to listen to me and listen good. You understand?"

"Did you just raise you voice to me?" Asked a shocked Abagail.

"Not yet, but I am about too." She responded with a tone that left no doubt that she needed to pay attention to her little sis. "Abagail, you are one of the smartest women I know. You are kindhearted and compassionate. You love unconditionally and you take care of the ones you care for. Henry is one lucky little boy to have you in his life. You have already made a difference in his life, and you will continue to do so. He will grow into a fine young man because of you and Frank."

Abagail nodded. She needed to hear this encouragement.

"You will love that little boy better than any woman ever could."

"But I'm not his mother."

"Shush you. Yes, you are his mother. Maybe not by blood, but motherhood is not limited by blood. If family is only by blood, you would not be my sis. And you are ever bit of my sis as my two sisters by blood. Family is not based on blood lines. You already love that boy as a mom. I can see it. Frank can see it. And most importantly, Henry sees it."

Abagail smiled for the first time since stepping into the office. Elizabeth stepped forward and hugged her older sis.

"Thank you." Abagail whispered into her little sis' ear. "I needed that."

"You're welcome. That's what I am here for."

"We are a team, huh?"

"Yeah. Sometimes I kick your butt and sometimes you kick mine."

Both ladies smiled. They knew each were there for the other. That is one of the reasons their relationship is so strong. When needed, the other would step up and speak the truth, share wisdom, or be a cheerleader. Whatever was needed, the other would be it for their friend and honorary sister.

"So, this is you kicking my bottom?"

"Yes. It's about time. You have kicked mine the last couple of times."

"Oh sis, you know we don't keep score."

"No we don't. I love you. Now, are you good?"

"Yeah, I'm good."

"By the way, you will be the best mom ever." Said a smiling Elizabeth.

"That is until you came along." Abagail sassed.