Chapter 76

Sitting in the car in Amanda's driveway, Elizabeth reached over and took Jack's hand.

"Are you hungry, Bellisma?"

"I am. Thank you Jack for including me today."

"You're welcome. I have been meaning to talk to you about this, but it has been busy over the last couple of days. As much as you want to or can, I would like to include you in this. I know you are busy, and you pour all of yourself into your students."

Elizabeth smile at his compliment and his desire to include her. "I would like to be if possible but I'm not sure if I can with work. During the summer would be easier if I'm not at the school working on my classroom." She thought about it for a moment. "Plus, with the twins coming, I don't know what the schedule will look like."

"Very true. I didn't think about that. Why don't we play it by ear? If you can, you'll come."

"Perfect. Now, me and the Little Peanuts are hungry. Feed us, please."

…

As Jack and Elizabeth walk into the café, they notice Charlette sitting at the counter with Adam.

"Good afternoon, mom, Adam."

"Good afternoon, ma, Adam."

Elizabeth and Jack stated together. Charlette smiled in surprise at seeing her kids. Adam stood and shook Jack's hand and hugged Elizabeth. Charlette hugged both of her kids.

"Are you two out eating lunch?"

"Yes, mom. We just went to visit someone today. Now, my husband is going to feed us lunch?"

"Us?" Charlette looked around but didn't see anyone.

"Me and the Peanuts."

"You mean Ig and Iggy?" Sassed Jack.

"Pardon me?" Asked Adam.

"Ig and Iggy…my babies."

"Thomas Jack Thorton…you are not calling my grandbabies Ig and Iggy!" Stated Charlette with both hands on her hips and a scary teacher face and mom's voice.

Elizabeth laughed. She leaned over and softy said to Jack. "I told you."

"Ma, I am not naming them Ig and Iggy. It is their nickname. I do not know if they are boys or girls, and I am not calling my children It."

Charlette looked at her son and then turned her head to look at Elizabeth. "Are you ok with this?"

"Well…not really, but he has always called them Ig and Iggy. I don't know why he chose those names, but I understand his reasoning." Elizabeth leaned toward Charlette and whispered were only she could hear her. "Plus, he gets this goofy little look on his face when he thinks he wins, and I like that look."

Charlette matched her posture and voice. "This one here has that silly look too. How does that look work on us? Aren't we intelligent women?"

"I don't know, but it works every single time."

Charlette leaned back and looked at her son for a moment. "Fine, but I better never hear you say those names and you better not use them after the twins are born."

"Mom, I'm not twelve anymore." Then he flashed her that silly look. "Would you two like to sit and eat with us?"

"Oh, we don't want to interrupt your lunch plans."

"Mom, you would never interrupt our plans. Please join us. Jack has to go back to work soon."

Charlette and Adam joined them for lunch, and everyone enjoyed the easy flowing conversation. As they ate, Jack would watch Adam. Adam was attentive with his mother and very kind with her. It was easy to tell he loved her completely and she loved him. Jack was beginning to see them as a couple. He was lost in thought and just staring at Adam.

Elizabeth reached under the table and took Jack's hand and gave it a squeeze. He broke his gaze from Adam and looked at his wife. Without a word spoken, "Are you alright?" Her eyes asked.

He gave her a smile back and nodded his head. He loved this type of communication. He has never had anything close to this before with anyone.

When lunch was over, Adam told the group that he had to go back to his shop and work on a project for a family that was needing a wheelchair ramp installed. He would be in his shop for the rest of the day.

"Lizzy, if you don't have any plans, could we spend the afternoon walking the town and shopping?"

"That sounds great, mom. I would love some time with you."

"Great. I need to get back to the office so I can work on Samuel's case." Jack stated.

Jack leaned down and kissed both sides of Elizabeth's baby bump. "I love you Ig and Iggy."

Elizabeth and Charlette shook their heads.

"Be good for mommy today." He stood and smirked at Elizabeth. "That should give you some time to enjoy yourself." Then he kissed the tip of her nose.

When the men left, Charlette looked at Elizabeth. "Lizzy, what was the smirk for?"

"Well." She began shaking her head. "Jack thinks the babies listen to him. When he tells them to be good for me, I'm not sick. When he doesn't, I am sick."

"He does know that is only a coincidence right? The babies can't hear him yet."

"I've told him, but he doesn't care. He thinks they listen to him. The funny thing is, when he says it, I haven't been sick once."

Charlette shook her head in disbelief. "It can't be…?"

"I know right…but so far, he has been right every time."

…

Viola spent the day at work working on a few projects that needed her attention before she left tomorrow. She was feeling accomplished in how much she was getting done. The large loan department was going well and actually started to turn a profit. Occasionally, she would send James a text or he would send her one. It was a reminder that they were on each other's mind.

She was enjoying their flirty conversation. When her phone buzzed, she assumed it would be James. She was shocked to see Lionel's name on the screen. She debated for a few moments to whether accept the call or not. Finally, she decided to answer.

"Hello, this is Viola Thatcher." She used and emphasized her last name. She had it changed back when she accepted this new job and in filing for a divorce.

"Thatcher. You're not a Thatcher and haven't been for a few years."

She sighed. "I changed it back. Is there something you need?"

"I wanted to speak to my wife."

"You are speaking to her, but I am your wife by title only until the divorce is finalized."

"Don't you think you have taken this far enough? I believe it's time you stop playing this silly game of yours and come home where you belong."

"Silly game?" Her voice was raising. "You cheated on me countless times. I know of four times, but I know that there are more women. Now, what is it you want?"

"I told you."

"That is never going to happen. We are finished."

The more she spoke to Lionel, the more Vi was getting angry. She was finished with that season of her life. She wasn't happy that it ended this way, but she was not going backwards in her life. She was now feeling like the old Vi but more mature. She was comfortable in who she is now, and she was happy with her job. She was also happy with James.

"Viola, I think we need to sit down and talk about this."

"Never going to happen. You used all your chances. Now, if you need anything else from me, here is my lawyer's information. Please contact her if you have any questions."

"Viola, we need to work this out!"

"Lionel, you need to listen to me. There is nothing to work out. You used me, cheated on me, drove a wedge between me and my family. We are finished! Now, this conversation is finished. Do not call me again." With that last statement in a tone, he hasn't heard before, she ended the call.

Viola sighed and looked up to see James standing at her office door with his fist raised about to knock on the door frame. He had an embarrassed look on his face.

"I'm sorry you had to hear that. How much of it did you hear?"

"Well, it started at 'We are finished!' and the scary tone that followed. Would you like for me to come back later?"

"No. I would prefer you to stay."

"I was coming to see if you would like to go grab lunch somewhere?"

Vi looked at her clock on the desk. "Perfect. Let's go and you're driving."

James smiled. He understood her words and her tone. He had the same feelings working through his divorce with his wife. As long as Viola was going in the direction she is going and their relationship were still going forward, he would be patient.

…

Elizabeth and Charlette enjoyed their time together shopping. Charlette was by all accounts her mother. They laughed with each other and shopped at three different stores for maternity clothes. She found pants, shirts, nice blouses, and a few dresses that would grow with her.

Charlette loved this time because she never thought she would have any opportunity to shop like this. Her shopping experiences were always with boys. There just wasn't too much variety and bright colors for boys.

The afternoon was filled with girl talk. Charlette shared things about Adam and how they were progressing. Elizabeth shared the work on the house and how she was feeling about the pregnancy. When Elizabeth shared her concerns about getting her classroom together, Charlette offered to help. Elizabeth was grateful for the help. Both ladies enjoyed their time together.

…

Jack worked at his desk for a few hours. In that time, he worked over a couple of things with Bill. He was supposed to leave today for his weeks' vacation, but pushed it off until tomorrow. Lee stayed to help with the case but headed home a little earlier in the day. Jack couldn't wait until he came back fulltime. Lee was going to be a great asset.

During that time, Emma called a few times working the case and getting Jack information. He didn't understand how she always had information for him.

"Emma, two questions. First, how do you know all of this since you aren't working here yet? Secondly, don't you still have a job there?"

"Chief, don't worry about any of those things. Now, I emailed you an attachment concerning Samuel's father. I don't know if it will be helpful, but it may break something loose."

"It's not Chief."

Ignoring his statement. "Also, Lee will be there next week around Thursday or so. He has his paperwork he needs to fill out and email back to me. So far so good."

"Thanks, Boss Lady. You were the best possible hire for this job."

"Chief, I am not the Boss Lady." Both laughed at the banter.

…

Jack kept thinking about the previous night and his struggle missing his father. His questions still lingered. He sent his customary text to Elizabeth and grabbed his keys.

"Chief, I'm heading out. I have my cell if you need anything. I'll be back later."

"See you, Jack." Bill called out.

…

Jack pulled into the driveway of a nice house. He sat in the car for a few minutes. He was trying to work this out in his mind, but he just didn't have answers to some of his questions. He tried to google the information, but he was getting overloaded with everyone's opinion.

He sighed and decided if he didn't get out of the car now, he wouldn't. He just hoped this was going to work. He closed the door and walked around the house. He knew Adam was home, but he had a project he was working on in the shop.

Adam looked up from his table saw to see Jack standing in the doorway of his shop. Adam immediately turned off the saw and stepped around it toward Jack. He was nervous something happened. He couldn't think why Jack would be here.

"Jack, is everything ok? What's wrong?" Adam had a worried look on his face.

…

Viola and James were sitting at the table enjoying their subs.

"James, I feel like I need to explain."

James cut her off. "Viola, you do not need to explain. I have walked the path you are on. It's a difficult path to walk."

Viola offered him a little smile. "Thank you."

"I believe our relationship is moving forward at our own pace, and I am ok with that. The only thing I ask is if you would like to make a go of your marriage again, just tell me. Please don't string me along."

"I will never want to go back to him. It is over and I am grateful for it."

James smiled at her. "Viola, it is no secret I like you a lot. To be honest, I am moving toward loving you, but I don't know if I am there yet. I enjoy your company and would like to be with you more."

"I feel the same way."

"Great, now, what are some of the things you want to do on our weekend away?"

"How long will we be at the conference each day?"

"We should arrive around eight and leave around four or five. After that, we have the time to do whatever we want."

"We'll figure something out."

…

Adam walks up to Jack with a worried look on his face "Jack! What's wrong? Is it Charlie? Please don't say it's Elizabeth and the babies."

"No Adam. Everyone is fine."

Adam took a deep breath. After rubbing his hand across his forehead, he noticed Jack's expression hasn't changed. "Jack, what's up?"

"Not much. Just a little tired."

Adam offered him a small smile. Charlie is right. That man can't hide his emotions from his face. "Hey Jack, if you have a minute, I would like to show you something."

"Sure." Jack followed Adam into his workshop. It was a typical workshop, not clean but cleaner than a normal shop. Jack noticed a beautiful bookshelf in the corner. It was just like the one at Julie and Tom's house, but this one is a different color.

Adam followed his eyes over to the bookshelf. "Do you like that?"

"I do. It's beautiful. That is Elizabeth's favorite color. It looks just like Tom's."

"Well, you're not supposed to know about it yet, but your mother made that for you and Elizabeth as a welcome home present."

"Ma made this?" He said as he reached out to brush his fingers over it. "I didn't know she could do things like this?"

"Well, I helped but she did the lion's share of the work. Jack, this is meant to be a surprise."

"I won't say a word." Jack nodded as he placed his hands in his pocket.

Adam walked over to a little fridge he had in a corner and pulled out two bottles of water. He flips one over to Jack and pulls out a stool for him to sit.

"Sorry, but I don't drink alcohol."

"No problem. I don't drink alcohol either. Thanks for the water."

Adam nodded. He wasn't sure what Jack wanted, but he figured it had something to do with Charlette, but he wasn't so sure. This seemed different somehow.

After taking a long drink of water, Adam leans forward and places his elbows on his knees. "Jack, I have found out in life that it is just easier to spit it out and then figure out what comes next."

Jack chuckled. "I agree. I have some questions that I need help figuring out."

"I'm here to listen, but why didn't you go to Charlie? You two are very close and she is an intelligent woman."

"She is an intelligent person. However, she can't help me with this?"

"Oh…"

"Yeah…"

Adam sat up straight. He was willing to help, but thought Jack needed to share in his time frame. He didn't want to push him. They have gotten along fairly well, but they weren't extremely close.

Jack cleared his throat and looked down at his bottle of water. He fiddled with the cap for a few moments and cleared his throat again. "Last night…" Jack shared what happened last night concerning his father and how much he missed him.

Adam nodded and encouraged Jack to share those memories. Adam didn't push, but allowed Jack to speak freely.

"All of this made me realize I don't have anyone to help me answer my questions."

"Questions?"

"Yeah. I've figured some of this out on my own, but I have never done this before, and I don't know what to do. Pa had always been really good at answering those types of questions."

"Well, I'm not your father, but I am willing to listen and help if I can."

Jack nodded his head with thanksgiving in his eyes.

"I'm a father of twins and I don't know what to do for Elizabeth."

"Oh…My Sondra and I had twins."

"Yeah, I forgot about that."

Adam spent about forty five minutes talking with Jack about Sondra's pregnancy and what it was like to carry twins. He told Jack about all the things she needed since her pregnancy was different.

"Jack, listen to your wife. Don't assume she needs help with something and then persist that she needs that help. Let her tell you or, better yet, show you, where she needs help. Then help her. She is a strong woman, and she will have a difficult time in realizing she needs help. Sondra would push herself to the limit and then realize she needed help. Not one time did I scold her for not asking. When she asked, I helped without the smart remark."

"But isn't it bad for the babies or for her if she pushes too much?"

"Only if she puts herself in danger, but Jack, Elizabeth is a smart woman. She will push herself because she is a little stubborn." Both men laughed because they knew it was true. "But she loves those babies more than anything. When she finally realizes she needs help, she will ask for it because she will not put those little ones in danger. Jack, as much as you love those little ones, she loves them more. She will protect them with her life."

Jack nodded his head. He knew it was true. He also knew his Elizabeth will be a terrific mother.

"There are ways of helping her without her knowing about it."

Jack leaned forward listening. Adam had Jack's full attention.

"For example, when you are making dinner, unload the dishwasher while the food is cooking. Wash what dishes you can while you are waiting. You may not be able to finish all the dishes, but you just unloaded the dishwasher and have a good start on the dishes. Or fold the towels while the food is cooking. Jack, life isn't about the big things. Life is about the little things that someone does for you because they love you."

Jack nodded his head.

"She may realize what you are doing, or she may not, but the reason why you are doing those things does not change. You want to help your pregnant wife. I would always do the dishes while I cooked, and Sondra never noticed me doing it. However, she wasn't as exhausted at the end of the day. Elizabeth will love you for it even if she doesn't notice it."

Jack was intently listening to everything Adam was telling him. This was exactly what he needed. A conversation with an older man who has walked this path before. The fatherly advice Adam was giving him was a godsent. They spoke for a total of two hours.

"Adam, thank you for talking with me."

"Jack, you are welcomed. Anytime you want or need to talk, my shop is always open." He laughed at his joke. He noticed the look on Jack's face. "Jack, I will never try to take Tom's place. I know I would never be able to do that. I am certain that man could walk on water. But if you ever need an ear, I'm here. I'm not going anywhere."

Jack couldn't say anything. He nodded his head. Adam fully understood what it meant. Adam walked Jack back to his truck.

"I'm sorry I took you away from your project for a couple of hours."

"I'm retired, Jack. The project will be there tomorrow. It's no big deal."

Normally for the two, they would shake hands when they left. This time however, they gave each other a little hug.

"Thank you." Jack stated sincerely.

"Any time, Jack." Adam answered in the same tone.

…

"Viola, you really don't have to come and sit through a kid's baseball game."

"I know, but you need someone on your side. Those parents can get testy."

"Don't I know it." He laughed. "Thank you for being there. It means a lot to me."

She gave him a big smile. She thought her phone conversation with Lionel would cause an issue between them, but James understood. He went through the same issues with his ex-wife. She didn't know the full story, but she knew enough of it. For the first time, she felt like she was in an appropriate adult relationship.

"Oh, in case you haven't figured this out, Mr. James." She smirked at him. "This is a relationship between us."

His smile grew at her words. "I know, and for the first time in a few years I am excited about a relationship." He flirted back.

"Now, get me back to work. I can't be late for my next meeting."

…

Jack walked into the apartment after an afternoon in the office following his meeting with Adam. He felt better since their conversation and was able to answer many of his questions. The answers he didn't have wasn't as paralyzing as they were. He felt like he was given the information to find those answers. His respect and relationship with Adam grew today.

His last text from Elizabeth said that she would be home in about forty five minutes. She was enjoying her day with Charlette. Jack decided to take Adam's advice. He began to make baked chicken and baked mac-n-cheese for dinner. After getting everything started, he spent that time working on the dishwasher and then the dirty dishes.

"Elizabeth walked in the apartment with about ten minutes left before the meal is done. "What are you doing in there detective?"

"Chief to you. I'm making dinner. It should be ready soon."

"You're not chief yet." She smirked. "Great! We're hungry!" She stated as she wrapped her arms around him. "Why are you unloading the dishwasher and washing the dishes?"

"I was just waiting on the food to cook, thought I would be productive." He stated shrugging his shoulders."

Elizabeth smiled at her husband and then leaned in and gave him a gentle kiss.

"How was your day with Ma?"

"Oh Jack! It was a great day. We went shopping, we stopped for ice cream, and just walked around talking. I enjoyed spending time with her today. I couldn't ask for a better day." She happily sighed.

"That's great, mere chaude."

"Mere chaude?"

"It's French."

"What does it mean?"

"Well, Mrs. Thorton, you will need to look it up." He sassed her with a huge grin.

"Well. I'm going to put these clothes away."

"Don't forget to take your phone with you so you can google it." He laughed. "Please leave the clothes out, I would like to look at them."

She shot him a look. "How did you know that was what I was going to do?"

He gave her that silly look.

"Wait, don't answer that question." She sassed. "I'll leave the clothes out on the bed, and we can look at them after dinner. So, to save me time, what does mere chaude mean?" She stated as she placed her arms on top of his shoulders and began to play with the hair on the back of his head. She scooted a little closer to him but wasn't touching. She was flirting with him.

"What does what mean?" He forgot about their discussion with her flirting. He loved it when she played with the hair on the back of his head. Elizabeth could easily make his brain quit working with the simplest things.

Now she was the one giving him the victorious smile. She loved that she had this effect of him. "What does mere chaude mean?"

"Oh…right, that." He paused for a moment. "Elizabeth, can we go to bed?" He playfully wiggled his eyebrows.

"What about dinner?"

"We'll order take out."

She laughed at him. "Now, detective, what does it mean?"

Jack placed his hands on her hips and slowly, but seductively, pulled her to him. Once they touched, he moaned. He slowly ran his hands to the small of her back. Once there, he pulled her in a little more. "It's French and it means hot mother."

She always loved his nicknames for her, now he has a new one with a different meaning. She swooned at his explanation. "Jack, can we go to bed?" She gave him a seductive smile.

"What about dinner?" He sassed.

"We'll order take out." She stated.

They were enjoying this playful side of their relationship. He turned his head to look at the timer. "Elizabeth, we have two minutes until dinner is ready. Would you like to make out until the buzzer sounds?"

They kissed and held each other until the buzzer sounded on the oven. The chicken and baked mac-n-cheese were done.

Jack released his hold on her and she sighed. She missed his presence. Instead of standing there alone, she followed him to the oven. She wanted to be with him.

"Jack, that smells amazing."

"I hope it's good."

They sat down at the table side by side, and their legs were touching for the entire meal. They had to be touching. Elizabeth shared with Jack about her time with Charlette and everything they did. Jack shared about his day and a brief note about seeing Adam. He did not share with her everything they talked about, but he didn't want to keep the visit a secret. Jack discussed Emma's moving date and how much she has already been working from Oklahoma City.

After dinner, they curled up on the couch together to watch a movie. Both were tired, but they were enjoying the contact between them. Instead of another girly movie, he talked her into watching a comedy. At about nine o'clock, his cell phone buzzed.

"Thorton." He answered the phone on speaker.

He heard a little boys whispered voice on the other end. "Chief Thorton, my dad is outside my window trying to break in."

Jack shot straight up from the couch. "Samuel, run to your mother! I am on my way!"

"Go! I'll call it in." Exclaimed Elizabeth.

Jack took a quick second and smiled at her and ran his hand across her tummy. Jack ran out of the house without any shoes on. He didn't take the time to put them on.

Elizabeth heard his truck door slam shut and the tires screeching as he quickly pulled out of the driveway and down the street. She offered a quick prayer for his, Samuel's, and Amanda's safety.

Instead of sitting on the couch thinking about how many ways this could go wrong for Jack, she learned it was best to keep herself busy. She stood to walk into the kitchen to clean up after the meal. She was grateful to only find the dishes from the meal was left. Jack had used aluminum foil pans to bake everything in so all she had to do was throw them away and wash their two plates and cups. She was excited the dishwasher was already unloaded with the clean dishes and most of the dirty dishes were already placed in the dishwasher. They were not in there the way she would have done it, but she was grateful she didn't have to deal with it.

She was finished with the kitchen in less than five minutes. She was thankful Jack took the time to clean.

…

Jack slowed down about a block from Amanda's house. He turned his lights off so he would alert anyone he was coming. He has been talking to Chief Avery on the radio. "Chief, I'm here approaching from the west. I'm parking half a block away and will approach on foot. I will keep radio silence."

"Copy, Officer Hicks is five minutes out approaching from the east. She will do the same."

"Copy."

Jack parked the truck and slowly closed the door. He walked on the sidewalk until he was about one hundred feet from Amanda's house. He could see the living room light on and no other lights. He walked through the yard and was at her neighbor's house by the corner hiding behind a shrub. He took a moment to listen. Hoping he could hear something.

Jack heard pounding on the window and looked to the back side of the house. He saw a figure in the shadows beating on the window.

At least he isn't in the house. He thought to himself. With no immediate danger, he waited a few moments to see if this guy is alone or if he had someone with him. After not hearing anyone else, he slowly made his way beside the neighbor's house hiding behind several shrubs that were planted beside the house. It wasn't a solid wall of shrubs, but there were enough to provide good cover.

Once in position, he measured the man. Jack wanted to know how tall he was and how muscular the man seemed to be. Then he heard a voice coming from inside the house.

"Leave me alone! Get away from me! Mr. Thorton will get you!" The voice was Samuel's. Jack heard a little fear and a little anger in the tone.

"Who?" The man yelled back. "I knew it!" He shouted.

Jack saw his opportunity. The man was confused just for a moment and Jack knew he had to act. Both Amanda and Samuel had to be scared. With the man's attention concentrated on who Mr. Thorton is, Jack jumped into action.

"Freeze! You're under arrest!"

The man turned to face Jack. "Who are you." He stated out of surprise as Jack was running toward him.