Chapter 75
Tom is leaning against his car as Julie walks out of Draw-n-Things when her shift is over. She is tired from her work but happy. She isn't paying attention as she walks toward her car.
"Hey beautiful!"
"Tom!" She looks up to see her handsome husband beside her car.
"Tom!" She yells again as she begins to run in his direction. "Tom! What are you doing here?" She states as she jumps in his arms. She pushes him against his car and he holds on for dear life.
"What are you doing home? I wasn't expecting you until the day after tomorrow."
"I finished early and I missed you." He ends his statement by kissing her with the passion of a newlywed who has been gone from home for a few days.
After pulling away from her husband to catch her breath, "I have missed you."
"Me too. Now, let's go to the café to grab some dinner."
"No. Let's go home first." She said seductively.
Tom's knees went weak. He grabbed his wife's hand and turned her around to get her into his car. "Let's go!"
…
Viola has been mulling over James' proposal the entire day. She had to admit, it could very well be fun to go away with him to the conference for the weekend. The offer of her own hotel room was a great bonus. She loved spending time with him. She wanted a relationship with him, but she wanted to go slow. Her scars from Lionel were still fresh.
After curling up on the couch under a throw blanket, she turns the TV on and chooses a chick flick. With her ice cream in one hand and a box of tissues on the side table beside her, she calls Elizabeth to get her opinion.
"Hey Vi. What are you doing?"
"Hey Lizby. Do you have a couple of minutes to talk? I have something I need help working through."
"Sure, what's up?"
Vi spends a few minutes giving Elizabeth all the details on the potential weekend away. Elizabeth was beginning to like this new Vi. She was more open than ever before and more friendly.
"Well, if he is offering a room just for you, I think it would be fine if you don't want to pursue that type of relationship."
"I just want to move this along slowly."
"Well, at the baseball game, you two seemed to be working fine."
"I think we are. We enjoy each other's company."
"Well, didn't you just answer your own question? Take this at the speed you want and feel comfortable with. Don't push it and don't pull away." She smiled remembering when Abagail shared that same information with her.
They spent the next few minutes with Elizabeth explaining what is happening with Jack. Along with a little fear in her tone, there was also pride.
"That's awful." Exclaimed Vi.
"Yes. I don't know when he will be home."
…
It is getting late, and Elizabeth hasn't heard anything from Jack since his quick phone call hours ago. She was grateful the child was safe, but she knew Jack was pursuing the suspect. That was all the information she had. She has spoken with Abagail a few times. She called Elizabeth to check on her. Elizabeth was comforted by her friend's loving concern.
Before she laid down on the couch to wait for her husband, she made Jack a couple of sandwiches and placed them in the fridge for Jack later. She didn't think he would have time to eat. She changed into her normal sleeping shorts and one of Jack's t-shirts. She wanted to smell him. After laying on the couch for a few minutes, she fell asleep. This pregnancy was beginning to sap her energy.
Jack opened the door to his apartment just after one in the morning. His body was exhausted. With his time with Elizabeth the night before, he hasn't slept in over a day. Their hunt for Samuel's father turned up nothing. He felt confident he was no longer in Hope Valley but wasn't satisfied he was not sitting in a jail somewhere. Before closing the front door, he heard his wife. She always snored. It was a light, almost faint snore but a snore nonetheless. He found it amusing she would always argue that she didn't snore. With her pregnancy, her snoring was getting a little louder with her pregnancy advancing. It wasn't annoying or to the point of keeping him awake at night.
His bride was laying on the couch with a blanket over her legs resting at her waist line. Her hand was laying on her baby bump, almost in a protective manner. She is going to be a great mother. He thought to himself. He noticed she was wearing one of his t-shirts. He loved seeing her in his cloths. He wasn't sure why, but he loved it. Her hair was in a bun on top of her head. He never told her, but he loved it when her hair was in a messy bun. Her mouth was slightly opened, and a snore would escape every so often.
While Jack was exhausted, he knew he couldn't go to sleep. He had to wind down first. He walked into the kitchen to grab something to drink and smiled when he noticed the sandwiches. Then he realized he was hungry. He hasn't eaten since he received the phone call at lunch. He grabbed the sandwiches and a glass of tea. He turned the TV off and thumbed through his father's records.
With the kidnapping suspect being the father and the reminder of his own children, he was missing his father. His father was so important to him. He just wanted to pick up his phone to call his dad to see if he was being a good husband and encouragement for becoming a first time father. He just wanted to speak to his dad.
Jack sat down in front of the record player and placed one of his favorite records on and placed the needle down to begin the music. When the music started, he turned it down so he wouldn't wake Elizabeth. He closed his eyes and reminisced about his father. They would sit on Sundays after church and just listen to record after record. He remembered all of his father's stories and advice on things. He remembered how kind his father was, but how he also taught Jack right from wrong.
The music washed over him and brought back all the memories of his dad. Without realizing it, tears began to trickle down his cheeks. Jack had so many questions about becoming a father. When to discipline? When to listen? When to speak? How to help his wife out during pregnancy and after the babies were delivered? How to keep his relationship with Elizabeth alive with the busyness of his job and the babies. In that moment, Jack was overwhelmed.
Elizabeth woke up to an odd sound. She slowly opened her eyes and began to look around when she noticed music playing. Her eyes focused on Jack, and she noticed his shoulders were slightly shaking up and down. She saw him raise his hand and wipe his cheek. In that moment, her heart hurt along side her husband's heart.
She slowly pulled the blanket off herself and walked up behind her husband. Jack did not notice her being there. He was lost in his memories. She lowered herself behind her husband and slide her legs on each side beside him. She scooted closer until she was completely against Jack's back. She wrapped her arms around his chest and pulled him back against her. She kissed the side of his head and then placed her chin on his shoulder. There wasn't a word spoken. They sat like that with tears flowing down their faces.
The night before was special. Their intimacy lasted the entire night. They lost track of time. The only thing in the world was each other. They both enjoyed themselves and had no idea how many pleasurable moments they had throughout the night. As special as last night was physically, this moment was more intimate than they could ever imagine. With no words, their tears spoke to each other and brought them to a new level of intimacy they didn't know existed. She held tightly onto her husband. They didn't realize their breath and the motion of their shoulders were in sync with each other. They were truly one.
They sat that way long after the record quit playing. Her legs were beside him with his back against her chest. Her arms were still wrapped around her husband holding tight. Eventually, the tears slowed and then stopped. Jack took a deep breath. Before he could say anything, Elizabeth stood up and offered him her hands to help him stand. He stood and gave her a faint smile. She pulled on his hand and lead him to the bedroom. Once inside, she took off his shirt and then walked toward the dresser to pick up his sleeping shorts. She placed them on the bed and proceeded to undo his belt and then his pants. She pulled them off and offered him his shorts.
She placed his pants on the chair while he put the shorts on. She gave him a soft, warming smile as she pulled the blanket and sheet back. She crawled into bed and patted the side of the bed beside her. He laid down on his back and she scooted beside him and placed her head on his shoulder and chest. She laid her hand on his chest and made small circles with her index finger. She placed her leg over his and snuggled into her husband. After about ten minutes, she felt his body relax. His breathing slowed to his normal rate when he slept.
She closed her eyes and said a quiet prayer. She was thankful he was safe and home with her. She was grateful she was in his arms. She was relieved they had an entire conversation with no words spoken. She was there for him, and he knew it. She was thankful he found peace in her. She was God's gift to him. She was grateful Jack was able to use her strength and found comfort in her arms. Finally, she prayed a prayer of thankfulness in their one heart.
She laid awake for almost an hour to make sure he was resting well. Each time he would jerk, she would hold onto a little tighter with either her leg or her arm. She was thankful she was able to be there for her husband in a way that he needed.
…
Jack's eyes opened to the sun light filtering in through the curtains. Elizabeth's hair was sprayed across his chest and neck. He loved it when he woke up that way. He didn't move the entire night nor did she. He tightened his hold on her and sighed.
"I hope that is a good sigh."
A smile took over his face.
"Thank you for last night, Elziabeth." He paused for a moment trying to find words.
"I know Jack. I know." She tightened her hold on him.
"Elizabeth,"
She stopped him. "I love you."
"I love you."
"Me and you."
"Me and you."
They laid that way for a few more minutes. They were enjoying their time together. Without saying it, they both felt more as one than ever before.
"Are you hungry?"
"I am starving. I didn't eat last night. Thank you for the sandwiches."
"You're welcome."
"I bet they were good. Sorry I didn't eat them."
"Jack," She stated playing with the hairs on his chest "It's ok."
She paused for a few minutes. She wanted to make sure he was ok, but she didn't want to bring up all the emotions from last night.
"Are you ok?"
"Yeah. I am because of you."
"Sometimes you are my strength and sometimes I am your strength. This is what we promised each other."
Jack nodded his head and pulled her closer. Each day their love for each other grew, but today and last night their love multiplied a thousand fold.
…
Vi rolled over in her bed and picked up her phone. She texted James.
V – When do we leave on Friday?
James texted back within a couple of minutes.
J – We will leave after work. It's a two hour drive. I'll call this morning and add another room to my reservation.
V – Perfect.
…
Henry ran down the hallway and pounded on Frank and Abagail's bedroom door. Today was his first day helping at the café. He was excited to be with his mom for a little while, but he was also excited to be making a little bit of money. He had something he wanted to purchase for Emily. After that, he wanted a new bat for baseball.
"Come on, mom. We're going to be late."
"Calm down young man. We are not going to be late." She stated as she opened the door. "Now, go get you some cereal and I will be in there in a few minutes."
When she turned around, she heard Frank laughing. "You know, you could take him to work with you." She smirked.
"I offered, but he wouldn't get paid with me."
"Ah, so that was the reason he is so eager."
"Yes. He has plans for a bat and something for Emily."
"Something for Emily?"
"Yeah. I'm not sure what it is, but he has been thinking about it since we went to the baseball game a few weeks ago."
"How appropriate is that since they are just out of the fifth grade?"
"Well, I don't think he is buying her an engagement ring." Frank chuckled. "We will see what he wants to get her."
"Ok. He's growing too fast."
"Yes…time will do that. Have you noticed how much he has changed since he has been here?"
"I have…"
"Mom, are you ready?" Her boy yelled from the kitchen.
"Good heavens. I think he is going to drive me nuts today."
"He just may. Call me when you want me to come and get him." He laughed. "Maybe we can tag team him."
"Maybe."
…
Jack and Elizabeth sat at the kitchen table enjoying the breakfast she made for them. "Thank you for breakfast."
"You're welcomed, Jack."
"Thank you for last night too."
"Jack, you are welcome, but you don't have to thank me. I was being your wife."
"You are the best wife. I want you to know how much I appreciate you and how you handled last night. You were there for me when I needed you. You didn't push me or make me talk about it. You were just there and that was what I needed."
"Well, we did have an entire conversation last night."
Jack smiled knowing exactly what she meant. "Yes, we did. I am truly blessed to have you in my life."
She smiled at him and reached across the table and took his hand in hers. "Me and you."
Jack gave her hand a squeeze and returned her smile. "Me and you."
About half way through their breakfast, Jack asked if she was still able to go with him to visit Samuel.
"Yes. When do you want to go?"
"Anytime today. When will you be finished at school this morning?"
"I planned on being done at noon."
"Perfect. I will pick you up." He smiled at her. "How has your morning sickness been?"
"Better. I think the dry toast helps a lot."
With a knowing smirk, "I don't think it's the dry toast. Could it be anything else?"
She shook her head. There was no way she was going to admit that it was him telling the babies to be good was the reason. She couldn't live with him or the smirks he would give her. "I'm not sure." She playfully teased.
"Well, we both know it even if you don't want to admit it."
"You know, they say the babies can't hear anything yet."
"Well, I'm not anything. Plus, you talk to the babies all the time." He smirked.
Before she could respond. He stood up to take his dishes to the sink. He took her dishes to the sink as well. Like any time he would leave, he came to her and kneeled down in front of her to her baby bump. "Ig and Iggy." He stated as he placed both hands on her belly. She secretly loved it when he did this. She knew he was going to be a great father. "I love both of you. Be good for mommy today, ok? She didn't sleep much last night because she was worried about me, and she took care of me. Now, you two play nice with each other and be good for mommy. I love you." He smiled as he kissed both sides of her tummy.
He stood and was facing Elizabeth. "I love you. Thank you for being a terrific wife and mother."
"Jack, I'm not terrific."
"Elizabeth, you are perfect for me, and you are perfect for my babies."
She could feel the love exude from him. She loved every moment. He leaned in and kissed the tip of her nose.
As he stepped toward the front door. "I'll come by at noon to pick you up. We can decide then if we want to eat first or do the visit first."
"Sounds good."
…
Halfway through the morning shift, Henry has been doing a great job. He was eager to work and was happy dealing with the customers. The customers were enjoying his presence. He did everything with a smile. Abagail was pleasantly surprised. She figured he would do well for the first hour and then things would turn. However, he was still going strong going into the third hour.
Mary stepped up beside Abagail. "I think he is having a lot of fun."
"Seems that way. Make sure he isn't making your job harder."
"He has been great. He has done everything we have asked of him."
"Yeah, he is a good boy."
"Yes, he is. You have done a great job with him."
Abagail smiled at the compliment. "Well, he makes it very easy. Plus, he has his eyes set on a couple of things. So, that might play a role in him working so hard today."
"Maybe, but I still hold to my earlier statement." Mary gave her a warm smile.
…
Viola has spent the whole morning in her office thinking about the weekend with James. For him, it was partially a work weekend, but she was looking forward to spending some time with him after the conference. With him just making contacts, he would have a little more freedom. The more she thought about it, the more she was getting excited.
James was thinking the same thing. He was excited she agreed to go with him. He just reserved a second room for Viola. He was planning where he could take her out to eat, maybe a movie. He just wanted to spend more time with her. He was hoping this weekend away would be a nice next step in their relationship. It was new, but he knew he wanted to spend time with her.
J – I am looking forward to spending time with you this weekend
Viola smiled at the text.
V – Me too
J – I have to umpire a game tonight.
V – Does all games get that intense?
J – Only when parents are involved :)
J – Can we leave by four tomorrow? That will get us there to catch part of the booths that night. The big stuff doesn't happen until Saturday.
V – Sure. I can get off early
J – Perfect. I'll pick you up at your house at four
V – I'll find something to do while you are working
J – Well, I won't have a booth. I just walk around and look at booths. When I'm interested in something, I stop and talk to them.
V – Sounds good.
J – Well…I was hoping you would walk with me. But if you get bored, you can go and do something
V – You want me to walk with you?
Viola wasn't expecting that. Lionel rarely wanted to be with her and certainly not when he was working. He just wants to be with me?
J – Of course I do. I want to spend time with you. Why do you think I asked you to come? But if you don't want to or if you're bored, you can go and do something else, and we can catch up later. Plus, if you see something I don't, you can say something.
Vi sat speechless. This was not what she was used too.
J – Are you still there?
V – Yes. See you tonight
J – I have a game
V – I know. I think you need one person on your side no matter what call you make
…
Jack walked into the school a little after noon to pick Elizabeth up for the visit with Samuel and his mother. The morning has been exhausting for Jack. While he slept, he didn't sleep great. Elizabeth was a great comfort for him during the night. Every time he would move, she would hold on to him a little tighter. He smiled at the memory of his wife taking care of him.
The case against Samuel's father was iron clad. They had Samuel as a witness, but they also had two other witnesses whose description of the suspect was dead on to Samuel's father. Now, they just had to find him. While the police department were pretty confident he wouldn't try again so soon, they were still patrolling Samuel's neighborhood frequently.
He turned the corner of Elizabeth's doorway and was instantly stopped in his tracks. His beautiful wife was standing in front of her desk at profile. Her hair was in a ponytail down her back. She had on a nice shirt with nice jeans and tennis shoes. The shirt showed off her baby bump pretty well. This woman was carrying his children and protecting them against everything. Her hand was on her belly while she studied a piece of paper in her hands. There was a tea bottle on the desk along with a half eaten snack. Ig and Iggy must have been nice to her today. They do listen to their father. He smiled at the thought.
"Elizabeth, you are one beautiful woman!" He exclaimed.
Elizabeth jumped a little. She was lost in reading over her class roster and wasn't paying attention to her surroundings. "Jack, you startled me."
"I'm sorry, sweetheart." He stated as he walked closer to her.
When she wrapped her arms around him, she whispered into his ear. "How are you doing today?"
He smiled understanding she meant how was he handling last night.
"I am doing good. I was just missing my father. I have so many questions and I would have loved to hear his opinions. Plus, he would have loved his grandbabies."
"Yes, he would have. He was so good with me. I loved him dearly and not because of the Cinderella dolls."
They smiled at each other.
"Thank you again for last night."
"Jack, you are welcome." She gave him a soft smile and a light kiss on the cheek. "Now, are you ready to leave?"
"Yes. Are you at a good stopping point?"
"I am. Why don't we visit first and then we can get some food if you have time."
"That sounds great. Has Ig and Iggy been good to you this morning?"
She knew instantly he was fishing for a compliment and acknowledgement that the babies were obeying him. She smirked at him.
"As long as I have a little bit of something in my belly, they seem to behave a little bit better."
"Sure, sweetheart. That's it." He gave her the expression she loved and hated so much.
"Let's go handsome before your face freezes like that."
…
Jack and Elizabeth walked up to the house holding hands. He tightened his grip on her hand as he reached with the other hand to push the doorbell. Before he was able to push it, the door flew open. Samuel was standing there with the biggest smile on his face.
"Hey partner!" The little boy exclaimed loudly.
"Hey partner. How are you today?"
"Good."
"Is your mother home?"
"Yeah. Come in and let me get her."
"Please go get her first."
Samuel ran off leaving her door open. Elizabeth leaned over, "Partner?"
Jack smiled. "He was traumatized yesterday and was having trouble talking about things. When I was talking to him, I called him my partner. It seemed to help. I guess he decided to stay with it."
Elizabeth gave him a smile. She knew she made the right decision in her life to marry this man and to be the father of her children. She tugged on his hand.
"Jack, you are going to be a great dad." She thought she saw a tear in his eye. She leaned over to give him a kiss on the cheek.
When she pulled away, a woman appeared in front of them standing in the doorway. "Good afternoon, Chief Thorton. Thank you for coming by today to check on us."
"Hello Amanda. It's not chief, it's just Jack. This is my wife, Elizabeth Thorton. I hope it's ok she came with me today?"
"Absolutely. Please come inside." She stepped back and opened her arm to invite them in.
Both Jack and Elizabeth smiled at her hospitality and entered the clean home.
"May I offer you anything to drink? Maybe water?"
"I would take some water, please." Elizabeth stated. Jack refused anything to drink.
Elizabeth and Jack sat on the couch. Her hand intertwined with Jack's and her other hand was on her belly. Amanda walked in the living room with a bottle of water for Elizabeth.
"Samuel, why don't you go play in your room."
The little boy smiled at his mom and then walked over to Jack. "Thank you." Then gave Jack a hug. He looked at Elizabeth. "I think I have seen you before at school."
"Yes, you have. I am a fifth grade teacher there. I used to be Ms. Thatcher, now I'm Mrs. Thorton."
"I've heard of you. Everyone wants you to be their teacher."
Elizabeth gave him a warm smile. That is the greatest compliment she has received as a teacher. "Thank you."
With that, Samuel ran off to his bedroom.
Amanda smiled at Jack and Elizabeth. She noticed Elizabeth's hand on her little baby bump. "If I may ask, how far along are you?"
Elizabeth gave her a knowing smile. "I'm a little over two months. We are having twins."
"Wow! Congratulations you two. That is so exciting."
"We think so." Saying a beaming Elizabeth.
"How did Samuel sleep last night?" Asked Jack.
"Pretty good. It took him a little longer to get to sleep than normal but slept well once he was asleep."
"That's great. It's normal for a child not to sleep well. Here is a phone number from social services who can help if Samuel is having trouble sleeping. Or for you if you are too." Jack handed Amanda a piece of paper.
"Thank you Chief."
"Please, Amanda. It's not chief. Is there anything my wife or I can do for you?"
"I can't think of anything." Amanda smiled.
They spent a few minutes just talking on the couch together. Amanda was friendly and open about her relationship and divorce from her husband. Jack shared with her that they were still looking for her ex-husband. Amanda sighed but was grateful they were looking for him and with the extra patrols in the neighborhood. After about thirty minutes of talking, Jack stood to excuse himself and Elizabeth.
"Chief, before you go, may I ask you a question?"
"Absolutely, but first…I am not the chief."
"Chief, I know who you are. You are taking over for Chief Avery when he retires soon. You are the talk of the town. And you Elizabeth, you are a teacher at the school. Samuel recognized you."
"Yes, I recognized him too. I think he was in the third grade."
"Yes. He is excited about entering the fourth grade."
"Amanda, I want you to know that everything I know about this is confidential. I will not say anything to anyone concerning this. If Samuel has any issues at school, he can just come to see me. Ok?"
"Thank you for that, Elizabeth. Now Chief." Jack just shook his head with a chuckle. "Is this the new normal?"
"I'm sorry? New normal…?"
"I seriously doubt it is common for a police chief and his wife to come and just visit a complete stranger after something happened to them when they are perfectly fine. Plus, you were very adamant about the police officer staying with us yesterday until I felt comfortable enough before they left. And we won't mention how many times I have seen a police car drive by my house very slowly last night and this morning."
Elizabeth beamed at her husband.
"Well," Jack started as he rubbed the back of his neck. Elizabeth knew this was his sign of being nervous. "I just wanted to make sure you and Samuel were safe."
"I believe it is more than just curiosity." Amanda smirked with a grin.
"Well, I wanted to make sure you and Samuel are ok. Plus, I asked Elizabeth to come with me because she is so great with children. I knew if Samuel was having any problems, Elizabeth could help him. We are a team."
Without realizing it, Elizabeth had a tear roll down her cheek. Amanda gave her a knowing smile.
"Well, if this is the new normal for the police department, we are in great hands."
Jack's face turned a little red in embarrassment.
"So, Elizabeth." Amanda turned her attention to Elizabeth who was still wiping a tear away. "Do you know if you are having little boys or little girls?"
"No, we could find that out at our next appointment in a couple of weeks."
"Ig and Iggy are doing really well."
"Ig and Iggy?" Asked a laughing Amanda.
"He refuses to call our children It and since we don't know what we are having yet, he calls them Ig and Iggy." Answered Elizabeth.
"You let him call them Ig and Iggy?" Laughed Amanda.
Elizabeth glanced at Jack and noticed his silly look when he feels like he won. "See that goofy grin, Amanda…it works every time." She shook her head. "I call them my Peanuts."
Amanda looked at Jack and began to laugh. "I see your point."
They talked a few more minutes at the front door. Jack and Elizabeth made sure that Amanda knew if she needed anything to contact the police department.
…