A/N:

Thank you for following my little story. I trust you are enjoying reading it. Have a great day!

Chapter 69

"I'm sorry….did you say something?" Jack asked while shaking his head trying to get his mind to stop daydreaming.

"Jack, I've been calling you. You look lost in thought. Are you ok?"

"Oh, I'm sorry. I am perfectly fine. I was just thinking…" He trailed off.

"About?"

Even though he shouldn't be embarrassed, he was. This was his wife. He shouldn't feel bad about staring at his wife, but he was. The thoughts that were running through his mind was making his face turn red.

"You." He embarrassingly said because his wife caught him daydreaming.

"Oh." She said nervously tucking a stray hair behind her ear. "I hope it was good?"

"It was." Jack gave her a smile. She thought she saw a flirty look in his eyes. "I'm a little early. So, would you like to take a walk before the doctor appointment or maybe lunch?"

Her smile gave him her answer. "Let me get my stuff." She kissed him on the cheek and then turned to walk to her desk to grab her things.

The kiss was nice, but after all the daydreaming he was doing, a kiss on the cheek was not enough. He followed her to her desk. When she stopped and leaned forward to grab her purse and bag, she felt Jack's strong hands land on her hips and slowly moved toward her belly. She could feel the heat coming off of his hands. She also felt him press up against her. She loves it when he would hug her from behind. He would also nibble on her neck, and she loved that too. Her girlfriends would say it was still the honeymoon season of their life together. However, she knew in her heart she would never get tired of Jack's affections, and he would never tire of showing her.

When she straightened up, he moved one hand from her stomach and slowly moved a couple of stray hairs from her neck. He had every intention of paying close attention to her neck. As his lips lightly touched the skin of her neck, she inhaled a long, slow breath as goose bumps covered her arms and neck. She leaned her head back to grant him better access as she spoke. "Jack." She elongated his name. "What are you doing? We have an appointment in a little while."

"Yes…in a little while." He stated as he continued the assault on her neck. "E- liz-a-beth, I love you."

She sighed at him because he elongated her name. If he only knew what that did to me? She shook her head slightly. She loved it when he did that. "Jack, I thought you mentioned a walk?" She asked hoping to change his mind.

"Really? I'm doing my best to seduce you and you are thinking about taking a walk?"

Elizabeth laughed at his declaration and pouty tone in his voice.

"Elizabeth, what must I do to change your mind about taking a walk?" He asked as his hand that was laying on her stomach began to move. He inserted his finger into her front belt loop and pulled her closer to him. He placed his right hand that moved the stray hair to her cheek and slowly rubbed her cheek and neck. He continued his assault on her neck. He would slowly nibble and kiss as he went from her lower neck and moved up her neck. He reached the spot just below her ear and she could sense his smile.

"You better not!" She stated in a panting tone.

She felt his smile increase. He was proud of himself. "Nani…I love you."

"I love you, Dimples."

"I need you." He whispered into her ear. The breath from his words were driving her crazy with want.

She turned in his embrace and grabbed his shirt collar. "After the doctor visit, Jack. Then you are mine!" She said as she collided her lips against his. He moaned at her action. She dove deeper into the kiss trying to convince him of the passion she had for him.

"I'm going to hold you to that." He smirked.

"Let's go before we never leave my classroom."

"You say that like that's a bad thing." He flirted.

…

With hours before his game, Henry was already dressed in his uniform. It was his first game of the summer, and he was beyond ready. Henry ran into the kitchen to get something to drink, and he heard Frank laugh. "Son, what are you wearing?"

"My uniform. It's game day!" He exclaimed as if Frank could have forgotten the big day.

"Yes, but why are you wearing it so early?"

"It's game day." He exclaimed again. He couldn't understand why his dad didn't get it.

"Ok…ok…at least take the white pants off before you get them dirty before the game. You can leave the jersey on." He laughed and shook his head as Henry began to protest.

"But dad…it's game day."

"I know son, but your mother will punish us both if you look like you already played the game before you actually play the game. Keep the jersey on but at least change the white pants."

Henry huffed as he walked back into his room to do as he was told.

…

Jack and Elizabeth left the school and decided to walk around the school track. Their walks were important to them. It wasn't the destination that was important. The most important aspect of the walks was that they were together. At times they would have serious talks and solve any issues that needed to be discussed. There were times they would walk but didn't say a word. Other times they would talk casually about the weather or the days they had. It didn't really matter what was discussed or not discussed. They were together. These walks reconnected them as a couple, as one. Over time, these walks became essential to them.

"Jack, when do you think we will move into the house?"

"Well, the contractors should be done is a week or so. Once they are done, we just have to paint and then we are ready."

"I can't wait. I have been dreaming about that house for a long time now."

"Well, since we have only been married for a couple of months, you haven't been dreaming about it too long." He teased.

"In our time, it is a long time." She sassed.

Jack hesitated for a moment. He knew he has been over protective since she told him about the pregnancy, but he couldn't hold his tongue. "How are you feeling about the baby?"

She smiled knowing he was trying to control himself. "Today has been a good day. I think keeping some small snacks close by has helped today." She has been suffering with morning sickness. She usually deals with it during the afternoon.

"That's great."

"Jack, would you like a boy or a girl?"

"I was thinking about that this morning. Having a boy would be great. I could teach him how to be a man like my father taught me. I can teach him to play sports and do all the guy things men do with their boys. However, having a girl would be great too. She would be just like you. Having a mini you would be terrific. I can have daddy/daughter dates. Play with her and do all the things she would love to do." His smile grew talking about his child. "What about you?"

"I think I'm like you. Having a little you running around the house would be great. I would have to keep a close eye on him if it would rain." She laughed thinking of the stories Charlette shared with her. "I can imagine all the little things he would get into. However, having a little girl would be great too. I'm not sure."

"I think if the baby is healthy, I will be the most blessed man in the world. I don't care if the baby is a boy or girl."

"I agree."

"I just want Ig to be healthy and growing like he or she is supposed to be growing. And I want you to be healthy."

"Ig?"

"Yes, Ig."

"What is an Ig?" She asked confused.

"Well, I refuse to call my child an it. He or she is too important to be called an it. I don't know if it is a boy or a girl. If the baby is a girl, she wouldn't want to be called a boy's name. If the baby is a boy, he wouldn't want to be called a girl's name. So, I gave our baby the nickname of Ig."

She shook her head. She understood his reasoning, but did he really have to use the name Ig. "Jack, could you come up with another name other than Ig? I don't know if I want my baby to be called that."

"Our baby." He corrected her with a large smile. "That's my nickname for our baby until they are born. Then I will use his or her name." He said proudly.

Elizabeth chuckled and shook her head. She tightened her hold on his hand. She loved his silly nature. "Well, I agree with you about not calling our baby an it, but I am not using Ig."

"What are you going to use?"

"I think I will use Peanut."

Jack laughed. He knew she would use some cute little name. "Ig will be so blessed to have you as their mother."

"Thank you for saying that, Jack. Peanut will be blessed to have you as their father."

"We will be a blessed family."

…

Jack and Elizabeth were waiting in the doctor's waiting room about fifteen minutes before their appointment time. For the second time, Elizabeth had to put her hand on Jack's bouncing knee. He was excited and nervous and couldn't keep still. She was trying to pass the time by reading a magazine off the side table, but Jack was making her sick with all the bouncing he was doing.

"Jack, please stop bouncing the seat. You are making me sick."

"I'm sorry."

To Elizabeth's relief, the nurse opened the door and called her name. Jack and Elizabeth both stood and offered a smile to the nurse who was holding the door open. They stepped into a small room where they took her height, weight, checked her blood pressure, and heart rate. Following that, they gave her a little cup and instructed her to the restroom. "When you are finished, just place it is the pass through beside the sink and go to room four. Jack, if you will follow me, I will take you there."

" Can't I just go with Elizabeth?" He asked without really thinking through the question.

"No. I think Elizabeth can handle this portion of the doctor visit on her own." Said a smiling nurse.

"Thank you." Elizabeth whispered.

The nurse smiled at Elizabeth and gave her an understanding nod. "When you're finished, please join us, but take your time."

Once in the examine room, the nurse looked at Jack. "While you wife is occupied, let me give you the normal first dad speech."

Jack smiled a weak smile. "The normal first dad speech? This doesn't sound good."

"Your wife is pregnant. She isn't an invalid."

"Wait, have you planned this with Elizabeth? She has said that to me more than once."

"No, I haven't. If she has told you that more than once, don't you think you should be listening to her? Jack, it is normal to feel that way. Just remember, she is just like she was before she found out she is pregnant. Now, later in the pregnancy, she will need more help with normal things, but not now. Elizabeth's body is going through many changes. Let her work some things out on her own."

Jack nodded his head. He knew he was overbearing at times, but to hear a nurse say it meant something a little different. "What am I supposed to do? I just want to help her. I want to be there for her. I don't want her to struggle through this without me."

"Take her lead. If she needs help or if she is struggling, then step in and help with her permission. Don't hover and don't become overbearing. You love your wife, and it is easy to see."

"I will try. I just don't want her to struggle unnecessarily when I can help."

"And that's admirable, but Jack, you must follow her example and let her tell you when she is ready for that help."

Elizabeth was standing outside the door listening to the conversation between the nurse and Jack. She was thankful the nurse was having this little chat with her beloved husband. She knew he meant well, but this was getting to be too much at times. The doctor walked by and saw Elizabeth standing by the door listening with a small smile.

"The first dad speech?" The doctor nodded toward the partially closed door.

"Yes."

"If I were you, I would wait until she is done."

"I wouldn't think of interrupting that conversation." She laughed.

"Just remember, he loves you with all of his heart and is only wanting to take care of you…even if he is taking it to the extreme." Both ladies let out a small laugh. "I'll be in there is a couple of minutes.

Elizabeth was grateful for Jack. She remembered Janice, a friend from school, who would constantly complain that her husband was so detached during her pregnancy last year. He wasn't at all helpful and that frustrated her. Jack was always trying to help with the house work, cooking, and everything else. The problem was that he was always under foot trying to be helpful, even when she didn't need it.

She knew at some point in her pregnancy that she would need the help, but she wasn't there yet. She tried to get him to dial it back, but he couldn't. He did for a day or so, but it never lasted very long. She loved him for it, but there were times he was being too overbearing. She was hoping this little conversation with the nurse would make a difference.

…

Viola stepped out of her office in the bank to take a meeting with a Mr. James McKay. She was enjoying her new job at the bank and thought things were going well. She was in her element in the financial world. This meeting with Mr. McKay should go well. If it did, then the bank would extend a large loan to his company. His business would be a good catch for her in this new job.

As she walked out of her office, a gentleman caught her attention. This was the first man to do that since she left Lionel. She just wasn't looking for a guy at the moment. However, this guy captured all of her attention. She walked into the hallway table that held a vase of flowers. She scolded herself about being distracted. Vi, get a hold of yourself. What in the world are you doing? She reprimanded herself. This is a business. Get it together. You have a job to do.

Her secretary stood as Vi approached her. Ms. Thatcher, This is Mr. McKay from McKay's Construction Company. Of course it had to be him. She shook her head trying to get it into the game. Mr. McKay, this is Ms. Thatcher.

Viola didn't realize that James was as dumbfounded as she was. He was lost in his own thoughts of this woman standing in front of him. He reached out his hand by instinct and Vi slowly took it. When they touched for the first time, something weird happened to the both of them, their fingers tingled. What in the world is happening? Is this what Elizabeth talked about with her and Jack. I must talk with her about this. Her mind was so busy she didn't hear what her secretary was saying to them.

James' hand felt warm for some odd reason. He felt her presence with her touch and was relieved she hasn't let go of his hand yet. His hand just fit in his. After his messy divorce, he swore off women. He concentrated on his business and shut himself off to any potential relationship. However, there was something different about this woman.

Vi was happy that her secretary stepped up and directed them to Vi's office. When she let go of Mr. McKay's hand, she missed the feeling of it. She never remembered this feeling with Lionel. As her secretary led them to her office, Vi was welcoming the few moments to gain control of her mind and emotions. She lost that control when Mr. McKay extended his arm for her to walk into the office first. Oh…a gentleman too.

…

Elizabeth knocked and opened the door when she heard the conversation change topics. After sitting on the exam table, the nurse spoke up. "Elizabeth, your weight and blood pressure are perfectly normal. Your heart rate is up just a little but that is normal with pregnancy. We are waiting on the urine test. How many home pregnancy tests did you take?"

"I took three."

"All were positive?"

"Yes."

"Ok. Now, the doctor will be in to see you two in a few minutes."

When the nurse left and closed the door, Jack looked at his precious wife. "Thank you for waiting to enter the room until the nurse was finished with her speech to me." He teased her.

"You're welcome. Wait, you knew?"

"Yes, I did. I'm sorry I've been overbearing. I was only trying to help. I knew I was overstepping, but I couldn't help it. I was just wanting to help you out and take care of you."

"I know."

"Elizabeth, when I am doing it again, please let me know. If you have too, throw something at me to get my attention."

Elizabeth laughed. "Does the permission to throw something at you have an expiration date?" She sassed.

Jack pretended to be hurt by clutching his chest in mock agony. He thought for a moment. "Elizabeth, I know I am supposed to apologize for telling people about the pregnancy before the proper time too. To be honest, I am not sorry for that. I hope I didn't hurt you or frustrated you. I was just so excited; I couldn't help it."

"That's ok Jack, but did you have to tell all of Oklahoma City?"

Jack gasped. "Oh, you must have talked to Emma." He said a little embarrassed. "I'm sorry. I'm just so excited I can't keep my mouth shut. I say it before I can stop it."

…

"Mr. McKay, what may I, I mean we, do for you today?"

"First, please call me James."

Viola smiled at this man. "If you will call me Viola?"

"Viola…that is a unique name. I like it."

"Thank you. I was named after my great grandmother."

"Do you know what it means?" He asked.

"Viola is Italian and Latin origin meaning violet." She never had anyone ask that before. For some odd reason, she was impressed.

"That's very interesting. I'm guessing you must like the African Violets or the Verbean Violet flowers."

"Well, James. You have impressed me. Yes, those are my two favorite flowers. How did you know that?"

He smiled, and she noticed she liked it. "Lucky guess." He shrugged his shoulders.

"I also like any flowers that are violet."

I need to remember that!" He made a mental note.

"Now, James, what can I do for you?"

"I am looking to expand my business and I need an business loan to purchase the initial machinery to accomplish this."

"I see. Do you have your financial reports over the last three years?" She was grateful for the conversation to turn back to business. However, she was wanting to talk to him more.

"I do. I have the last five years."

She took her time to look over the financial reports and asked questions if she had one. She was impressed with how well his company was run. It was a sound company with good financial reports, except for four years ago.

"James, I must ask, what happened four years ago. The business did ok that year but didn't make as much money as the other four years."

James sat silently for a few moments. "Well…I went through a nasty divorce that took a lot of my time and energy. My business suffered a little during that time. However, we didn't lose any money. The three years following were really good."

"Yes. Better than just good. I'm sorry about your divorce. I know that can be difficult."

"Are you speaking from experience?"

"Yes, unfortunately I am going through one now. My divorce should be finalized in a couple of weeks."

"I'm sorry to hear that. It is never easy."

"No, it isn't easy."

There was a silence between them for a moment. It wasn't too awkward, just reflective on their individual situations.

…

At that moment, the doctor walked into the room with a smile on her face. She wasn't trying to, but she did hear the conversation. "Good morning, Jack and Elizabeth. How are you two this morning?"

With a smile, Elizabeth looked up and greeted the doctor. Jack did the same thing after Elizabeth finished.

"So, I hear a certain young man is excited?" The doctor smirked without looking up from the file she was reading.

Jack lowered his head. "Yes." He whispered.

"Well, Elizabeth, you are doing well. Your weight is normal, your blood pressure is normal. Your heart rate is up just a little but nothing to worry about. The urine test came back positive. You are pregnant." She paused to see the two smiling faces in front of her. This reaction was always welcomed for the doctor. She has lost track of how many unhappy faces she sees when she delivers this type of news.

"Elizabeth how are you feeling?"

"Pretty normal, but I do have bouts with sickness. Usually in the afternoons, which makes no sense to me since it is called morning sickness." She shrugged her shoulders.

The doctor let out a small laugh. "Yes, morning sickness can happen at any time. Have you tried dry toast and ginger tea? They normally help. Try to avoid anything too spicey or greasy. That will help too."

"Thank you."

"When was your last period?"

"About five or six weeks ago." Thought Elizabeth. "But I'm not too sure. I do remember that it was very light and only lasted a day or two."

"Great." The doctor paused for a few moments. "Now, the big question…would you like to hear the heartbeat?"

Jack jumped from his seat and said yes much louder than he wanted too.

"Oh…someone is excited." Laughed the doctor.

"You have no idea!" Laughed Elizabeth while shaking her head.

"Well, in my position, I love it when dads are excited."

Jack stopped. That was the first time he was called a dad. His eyes teared up at the new title.

"Let's perform an ultrasound and we can narrow down the due date."

…

"Mom! Where have you been?"

"What do you mean, 'Where have I been?'" Asked a confused Abagail. "I've been right here."

"My game is to begin shortly."

"Henry, it is to begin in three hours."

"I know, but we have to pick up Emily. I need to get changed into my uniform, and I need to be at the ball field early so I can warm up."

Abagail laughed at his enthusiasm. "I know, my dear son. We have plenty of time to do all those things."

"Mom, I don't want to be late." He whined.

"Henry, I promise we won't be late." She stated.

Abagail walked into the living room to a smiling Frank. "I had to force him to change out of his uniform four hours ago so he wouldn't get it dirty."

"Well, he is back in it now."

"I heard him say he needed to change into his uniform." Asked a confused Frank.

"He has his whole uniform on except his socks." Both shook their head.

"I am so glad he is excited, but does he have to be so excited?" Sighed Abagail.

"I know. This is his first game. He will calm down some when the excitement wears off."

"I hope." She sighed. Abagail walked into Frank's embrace. She loved her expanded family. Her life was certainly busier now with Henry, but she wouldn't change a moment of it.

"What do you think about him and Emily?" Frank asked.

"For now, I think it's ok. They are young and they act like really good friends."

"Yeah. We may just need to keep a close eye on them."

…

"James, I need to run this by my boss, but I am recommending that we go ahead with the loan. You are a good investment for the bank. Your company is doing well and have for the last five years. The loan you are wanting is to grow your business and not keep it afloat. Your payment history is great. I do not see any issue that would cause us any concern."

"Thank you, Viola. That is great news."

"Give us a couple of days to get the paper work finalized and we can hand it over to you and your people. Then we can move forward." She stood with a smile and extended her hand for a handshake. Secretly, she was wanting to know if her fingers will tingle again.

James stood. "I think this will be a good business decision for both of us."

"I agree."

James reached out his hand and gently took her hand in his. The moment they touched, her fingers tingled, and his hand felt warm. I really need to talk to Elizabeth about this.

"Viola, I hope this isn't improper…" He paused for a few moments. Viola was hoping this was leading where she thought it may be going, but she was hesitant too. "I don't want to pressure you or overstep, but I would enjoy having coffee with you."

Viola's smile grew even though she was trying not to be professional. She was excited he wanted to meet outside of the office, but she was scared. He seemed like a nice guy, but she was just getting out of a marriage. She didn't want to jump into another relationship. Before she knew what she was saying. She stated. "I would like that too. Maybe once the paperwork is finished, we can celebrate with coffee."

"That sounds perfect, Viola. I look forward to that time. I'm sorry, but I need to head out. I must run back to the office for a few moments to finish out a project. I have something tonight I cannot miss." He looked at her with his kind, soft hazel eyes. "Thank you for all of your help today with the loan and thank you for agreeing to meet me for coffee at some point." James reached into his pocket and pulled out his business card. "Here is my cell number on the card, whenever you would like to get together, please get in touch with me."

"Here is my cell phone number too."

"I'll get it from you when we meet for coffee."

He noticed her confused look.

"I don't want you to feel pressured. You have my number. Please feel free to use it at any time. When you are comfortable, you can give me your number."

She smiled at his kindness and thoughtfulness. "Thank you, James."

With one final smile, he left the office. She watched him as he walked out of the door and turned left to go to the lobby. "What just happened?"

…

On cue, a nurse walked in and handed the doctor some gel and asked Elizabeth to lay back and to lift her shirt. "Now, this gel will be a little cold. Now dad, stand by your precious wife and we will see if your little nugget will cooperate this afternoon."

The nurse turned the monitor toward the doctor so Elizabeth and Jack couldn't see it. She also handed the doctor a pair of headphones which the doctor immediately put over her ears.

The gel was very cold, and Elizabeth gasped a little when it was applied. "I'm sorry, Elizabeth. I know it's cold."

"That's ok. I wasn't expecting it to be that cold."

The doctored moved the wand around for a few moments. The Thortons were having a hard time being patient. They watched the doctor intently as she closed her eyes and was listening attentively. They were relieved when she opened her eyes and stared at the screen. The doctor slowly removed the headphones and turned up the sound so her patients could hear.

The room immediately filled with the sounds of their baby's heartbeat. It was the greatest sound they have ever heard. "The heartbeat sounds strong and very fast." Stated the doctor.

Tears immediately filled Elizabeth's and Jack's eyes.

The doctor paid close attention to the screen and was clicking the mouse often. "Well, as you can hear, the heartbeat is strong and clear. This is a good sign." The doctor paused as she moved the wand. "Well, we have a surprise."

Both Elizabeth and Jack stopped looking at each other and turned their attention to the doctor.

"Surprise?" They both asked.