Chapter 78

Jack gingerly sat down at the small kitchen table to a smiling Elizabeth.

"What's up?"

"What do you mean?" Asked a grinning Elizabeth.

"I'm not sure…you're up to something?"

"Jack Thorton. I am not up to anything."

Jack smiled at her knowing she was up to something. As easily as she can read him, he can read her.

"Sure." He smirked at her.

They sat together and enjoyed the breakfast of pancakes. They talked about their new house. In a couple of weeks, the house should be ready. They made a few changes and were waiting for all the work to be finished. They were also going to give it a few extra days for the paint fumes to get out of the house. The doctor visit was quickly approaching in a couple of weeks as well. This appointment they would be able to tell the sex of the babies if the babies were cooperating. That is, if Jack and Elizabeth wanted to know. They have been going back and forth on that.

"My dream continued." Elizabeth offered.

"It's strange that you just pick up on the dream like a sitcom or something."

"It kind of is, but I have been enjoying the dream to be honest with you."

Jack nodded his head. He has too. Elizabeth told him the dream and smiled at knowing the story of him being scared of her would get to him.

When she reached that section of her dream, her smile grew to overtake her face. "You know, I wasn't scared of you on that second day. I just didn't want to talk to you."

"That may be partially true. You didn't want to talk to me, but you were a little scared of me." Stated a proud Elizabeth with her shoulders back and her chest out just a little.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, how many times have I scared you?" Smirked Elizabeth.

Jack just stared at his precious wife with a little smile creeping on his face.

"I scared you yesterday as I walked into the bathroom when you were shaving."

"I was surprised, not scared." Defended Jack.

"Sure, detective. Sure, you were." Sassed a smiling Elizabeth.

"That's Chief."

"Not yet." She smiled her victorious smile at him. "Here are two pain pills to take with you. Your next one you can take is at noon. Now, listen to what your body is telling you and please take it easy today. Don't do anything to make it worse." She gave him a stern look.

"I promise I will do my best."

"I will talk with Amy this morning." She stated under her breath.

She played with her food for a few minutes. While she loved the dream, there was something about it that made her nervous. The harder she tried to figure it out, the more confused she became about it.

"Sweetheart, what's on your mind?"

Elizabeth sighed. "I don't understand why I don't know my daughter's name. I know where we live. I know my son's name and his new nickname. I even know the dog's name, but I don't know my down daughter's name."

"That is a little odd. Why do you think that is?"

Elizabeth shook her head from side to side. "I don't know and it's starting to bother me." She sighed trying to figure this out.

"Don't stress out over it too much."

"You don't think it means something bad is going to happen to her?" Her worry expressed itself through her voice.

Jack reached for his bride's hand. I wouldn't put too much thought into this. It's a dream."

"Yes, but Jack, the dream is coming true."

"It's a coincidence. In your dream, our daughter is happy and healthy. She is running with her brother, and she talks to us. I think it is something little and insignificant."

She tried to offer him a smile, but she couldn't. She sighed when she noticed his smile. "It's going to be fine, Elizabeth. Trust me." She squeezed his hand.

They sat for a couple of minutes before he had to leave for his day. Elizabeth was wanting to check out Jack's new office and spend a couple of hours at the school to continue to work on her classroom. Julie was going to stop by to help since she didn't have to be at work until noon.

…

Jack stepped into the station after hanging up the phone with Adam. He had called him to ask a favor. Jack was excited about his plans. Adam was looking forward to helping him. Since their talk, their relationship has developed into a strong friendship of respect.

"Detective Thorton. How are you?" Asked Amy. Bill's assistant will be his assist this week. She will work with Emma when she arrives in a couple of days.

"I'm ok. A little sore but I'm doing good. I have an appointment with Amanda's ex-husband in a couple of minutes."

"Yes, also, Lee called this morning. He wanted to start a little earlier if possible. You need to call him later. Emma is on her way and will be here soon. You need to call her. She has something for you."

Jack stared at Amy. She stared back at him. "What?" She asked.

"I think my greatest decision was to hire Emma as an assistant. Bill said hiring you were his greatest decision. I'm beginning to think you and Emma will run this station."

Amy laughed. "Well, we help out."

"I think it's a little more than that. Thank you for helping me out this week."

"No problem, Chief. Now, let's get this phone call out of the way and you can interrogate Amanda's ex-husband. Also, you need to listen to your body and do what it says. Don't over do it."

"I'm not the Chief. It also sounds like you have already spoken to Elizabeth." He chuckled.

"Maybe…" She smirked.

…

Jack sat down across from Mr. John Cooper, Amanda's ex-husband. Jack's initial thought was that John was trouble. He looked like he had just come down from a weekend drinking binge. John stood a little over six foot tall with a somewhat muscular build. John watched Jack close the door and sit down across from him. His scowl never left his face.

"Good morning, Mr. Cooper."

"Officer." Was John's curt response.

Jack offered him a small smile. "Mr. Cooper, let's cut to the chase. Why were you at Amanda's house last night? Why did you try to abduct Samuel the other day?"

"What do you mean I was at Amanda's last night. I wasn't there."

"Yes sir, you were. I was the person who tackled you and placed you under arrest."

"Oh, so that's why I have a couple of broken ribs."

"Yes, and I have a separated shoulder. Were you so drunk last night that you don't remember what you were doing?"

"I guess so. I don't remember being there and I don't know why I'm here."

"You were there trying to break into Amanda's house to get to Samuel. Why did you try to kidnap him the other day?"

John stared at Jack. He didn't like him because he's a cop. He also realized quickly that he wasn't getting out of trouble easily.

"What's in it for me?"

"Well, John, maybe a little help, but not much. You were arrested because you tried to kidnap your son. You showed up to your ex-wife's house with every intent to break in and kidnap Samuel. You are not walking out of here today."

John huffed. He really didn't remember last night's events, but his ribs did hurt. He could see that this man was favoring his shoulder.

"Well, I don't remember last night at all. I don't remember being at Amanda's or the incident with you."

"So, there is nothing you can do about that then. Why did you want to kidnap Samuel?"

"I didn't really. I was just tired of my ex-wife. I have to pay her child support and I never get to see him."

"Does she with hold him from you?"

"Not really. My schedule is always busy. I don't have time to come to this town every other week to pick him up."

"So…let me get this right. You don't make too much of an effort to pick up your son. You are tired of paying child support. So, you decided to kidnap him?"

"I guess."

"John, that makes no sense at all."

Jack's opinion of this man was only getting worse. John had no desire to be a father to Samuel. Jack's thought went to the programs he wanted to start at the school. The men becoming father figures to the children and the big brother/big sister program. Samuel would be a perfect fit for those programs. He needed to start on those programs earnestly to have them set for the new school year.

John shrugged his shoulders.

"What were you going to do if you were able to kidnap Samuel?"

"I'm not sure if I thought that far ahead."

Jack was finished with this man. He was getting nowhere with him. He stood to leave. He gathered all of his papers and looked at John in the eyes. "John, there is nothing you can do to help yourself here. You will be going to jail for a long time."

As Jack began walking out of the room, John began yelling for him. "Officer! Officer!"

Jack turned around but didn't say anything.

"What can I do to help myself out a little here?"

"Nothing." Jack stated as he closed the door.

…

Amy met Elizabeth at the back door of the station so she could secretly look over Bill's office.

"Thank you for doing this, Amy."

"No problem, Elizabeth. You should have enough of an allowance to decorate the office. A new desk, chair, some decorations. Things like that."

After looking over the office, she took out the sketch pad she brought to make a quick sketch of her plans. She was happy with the ideas she came up with. As she turned the corner to leave, she bumped into Jack. Jack jumped back out of surprise and a little fear.

"Please don't tell me you are still scared of me." She smirked at her husband.

"I'm not. I didn't want to run you over. Why are you here?"

"I was missing you. I'm on my way into my classroom to meet your mother and Julie for a little bit."

Jack looked at her suspiciously. Elizabeth didn't make eye contact for fear she would give away the secret.

"Beautiful, would you like to try again?"

Elizabeth huffed. She didn't always like the fact that Jack could read her so well. "I'm working on something for you. Now, I am not telling you what it is. So, don't even ask." She gave him a stern look while lightly pointing her finger into his chest.

"That's not your scary teacher face, but you are still adorable." He leaned in and kissed the tip of her nose. "Now, I must go make a phone call. I love you. Have a good time with Ma and your sister."

Elizabeth huffed again. She wanted her scary teacher's face to work on him, but it hasn't worked, not one time.

After Jack left, Amy took the sketch from Elizabeth. "I will get this to Emma when she gets here. She can take it from here. You can't be in there once they begin painting."

"Ok. Here is the name and number for the couple that I mentioned to Emma about painting."

"Great. I will get in touch with them today."

…

Viola was wrapping up her day at the bank. She finished all of her projects that she needed to finish for the weekend. She has been excited about the trip all day. They had a two hour drive to get to their hotel rooms and decided to grab something on the way and eat in the truck. She left the office about thirty minutes before she planned. She wanted to get a head start at her apartment.

Her bags were already packed. One suitcase of clothes and one bag of bathroom items. She had an outfit to change into laying on her bed when she got home. She hasn't been this excited in a very long time. She was looking forward to spending time with James. They have been getting closer over the past few weeks and their relationship was taking the necessary steps in moving forward.

As she walked into her apartment, her phone buzzed with a text from James.

J – When will you be ready?
V – Just walked into the apartment. Bags already packed. Just have to change

J – Fifteen minutes?

V – More than enough time

J – Great. I'll be there in ten min

V – Front door open

James was just as excited to spend the weekend away with Viola. He did have work to do, but he wasn't having a booth set up or anything. He will spend the days making contacts with potential suppliers and potential customers. The evenings he will have free, and he was wanting to spend them with his date.

…

"Thank you, mom, for helping me with my classroom."

"You're welcome dear. Too bad Julie couldn't come with us. How are you feeling today?"

"It's ok. She was called into work a little early. I'm a little sick throughout the day but nothing too bad."

"Jack didn't do his thing this morning?" She laughed still not believing that actually works.

"No. I was sassing him too much this morning. He wouldn't do it." She pouted.

"Elizabeth, that can't really work." Charlette said as she shook her head.

"I know mom. I don't understand it, but it does. I can't explain it. It makes no sense to me, but every time he says something to them, they listen, and I don't get sick at all."

Both ladies just smiled at each other. They knew it couldn't work, but Elizabeth couldn't deny the result.

"How is he doing with his shoulder?"

"Good. It's still sore but ok. He just has to take things slow and easy for the next couple of days."

"That doesn't sound like him."

"Yeah…Amy is on it when he is at the station."

…

Adam's phone vibrated in his pocket. "Hey Jack." He answered when he saw Jack's name on the screen.

"Hey, Adam. How are you?"

"I'm good. When are you wanting to come over to the shop?"

"Maybe in a couple of days. I don't think my shoulder will allow me to do too much before then."

"Perfect. If I may ask, what are you wanting to build?"

"Well, I would like to keep this a secret from Elizabeth. I would like your help with making two toy chests for Ig and Iggy."

"I can't believe Charlie lets you call them that." He laughed.

"Well, Ma doesn't have too much of a say. They are my children."

"True."

"I would like to make it where they couldn't smash their fingers when they close the lid. I would also like to have their names engraved on the inside of the toy chest, maybe on the bottom?"

"That is very doable. We will also put no slam hinges on the lid, so it doesn't slam shut. We can cut part of the front off where it meets the top, so their little fingers don't get caught by the lid. We can use a router to engrave the names if you want."

"Thank you for your help, Adam. I greatly appreciate it."

"No problem, Jack. You can keep them in my shop until you are ready to take them home. I have a place in the back of the shop where they will be safe."

"Thank you so much for doing this. I haven't worked with wood too much and I want them to be very nice. Something they will want to keep for a long time."

"I will help you, but you will do most of the work. That way you can say it's from daddy."

Jack smiled at the title. "Maybe we will tell them it's from daddy and grandpa?"

At Jack's words, Adam froze. He liked Jack and they have grown closer since their big talk, but he wasn't expecting to be called grandpa.

"Adam, would that be ok with you?"

It took Adam a few moments to say anything. With tears slowly falling down his cheeks, "Thanks Jack. That means so much to me coming from you."

…

James let go of Viola's hand so he could pay the nice lady at Chick-fil-A's drive thru. They had plans to sit and eat when they get to their destination, but they were both a little hungry now. This little meal will keep them until later.

"Here sweetheart."

Viola began looking through the bag to get out her and James' food. She got his sandwich ready and handed it to him after he pulled back onto the interstate.

"Thank you."

"James, I'm having so much fun."

"Viola, we just left Hope Vally a little bit ago and stopped for a snack."

"Yes, but this is fun. I am looking forward to being with you."

They smiled at each other as they began eating their dinner. He explained what he normally does at this conference. How it is a vital part of his construction business. He forms solid business leads with potential customers and suppliers.

"You mentioned that I could be helpful, but I don't know the construction business. I don't know how I can help you."

"Well, you have a strong business mind. You are an intelligent woman and I think you will be fine. If you get too bored, you can go around town to find something else to do." He was hoping she would be with him. He wanted her thoughts, but he also just wanted to be with her.

"I'll just stay with you if you don't mind." She knew she made the right decision by the smile on his face.

…

After a good but long day with working on her classroom, eating lunch with her mom, and cleaning the apartment, Elizabeth decided a nap was in order. She laid down on the couch and placed her hands on her belly. "Ok you two, you are wearing mommy out today. I don't know what I'm going to do during school, but you need to take it easy on me, ok?" After a minute of laying on the couch, her stomach turned and she ran into the bathroom. She barely made it before she became sick. After rinsing her mouth out, she laid back on the couch. "You two aren't listening to me." She sighed as she laid her head down on a small pillow.

Her phone buzzed and she noticed Emma's number. "Hello Boss Lady. How is driving going?"

"Are we really going to do this?"

Elizabeth snorted in laughter. "How are you?"

"I'm fine. We stopped for the day. We should be in Hope Valley in a day or so. I received the picture and your text about Jack's new office. It looks great. You are talented at sketching."

"Thanks. Jack and I both like doing it. His father taught me."

"I didn't know he sketched?" She spoke out loud. "I know about the story of you and Jack's father. That's just weird and great at the same time."

"It is. Yes, he sketches. I'm surprised you didn't know that."

They talked for about ten minutes. They caught up like old friends and discussed the office. Elizabeth shared the color she wanted it painted and where her sketching project was going to go. Their friendship was becoming a good relationship.

…

Jack walked into the apartment at the end of the day. He had texted Elizabeth about dinner but did not receive a reply. He knew she had to be sleeping. He decided to pick up something for dinner. He slowly opened the door and could hear Elizabeth before he could see her. Her snoring was becoming more prominent, not too much yet, but certainly louder than it was. Jack just shook his head. He knew she would argue with him if her told her.

He placed the Chinese food on the counter and grabbed a couple of plates. He got the food ready and placed them on the small coffee table in front of the couch. Jack then sat down at her feet and gently lifted her feet and calves on his lap. He gently rubbed her calf and the top of her feet. He knew she liked his soft touch.

After a few moments, he placed his hand on her baby bump that was growing. He leaned toward her belly and began to speak softly. He didn't want to wake up his wife.

"Hey babies. It's daddy. I love you." He gently rubbed her bump. "I promise to always love you and I will do the best I can. I will not be perfect father. I will mess up from time to time but know that I will always love you. You two and your mommy are my priority. I hope to show you my love every day.

Mommy is taking such good care of you. She already loves you more than you can imagine. You two are so blessed to have her as your mommy. She is the best."

Elizabeth laid still. She woke up when he began to rub her tummy. She was interested in what he was telling the babies. She couldn't help the tear that fell at hearing his words.

Jack knew she was awake. When he sat down, she was loudly snoring. However, she was laying silently now.

"She will always love you and teach you right from wrong. I will tell you this secret though." He paused seeing if Elizabeth was still listening. "Your mommy has this scary teacher face when she is trying to prove her point or get her way. It looks pretty scary, but she is not scary at all. Just hug her, kiss her and she will melt in your arms." He chuckled at his words.

Elizabeth tried not to smile and laugh, but she couldn't help it.

"Are you listening in on this private conversation, Mrs. Thorton?"

"Detective Thornton, it's not eaves dropping when you are rubbing my belly and talking to it at the same time." She sassed. "Plus, as big as it is getting, it's kind of hard not to talk to it." She frowned.

"First, you are not fat. You are pregnant with our babies. I think you are looking very sexy right now." He wiggled his eyebrows. "You are doing everything you are supposed to be doing to keep our children healthy. Now, please do not say you are getting fat. Secondly, it's Chief."

"Not yet." She smirked. "Do I smell something good?"

"It's dinner time. Are you hungry?"

She nodded her head. Her stomach was feeling better since she was sick earlier.

"Are you ok?"

"Yes, I was just sick earlier and tired. So, I decided to take a nap."

"You were sick?"

Jelly beans…I wasn't wanting to tell him that. Now he will never let me live it down. She thought to herself. When she sat up, she noticed his grin.

"Don't say it." She playfully warned him.

Jack smiled and handed her the plate of food. "I didn't say anything." He pleaded.

"You didn't have too. Your silly grin said it all." She smirked at him. "By the way, how did you know I wasn't sleeping when you were talking to the Peanuts?"

"Well…"

She cut him off. "If you say the word snoring, I will throw something at you."

…

Julie laid back against Tom. Their life has been busy over the last few days. His travel due to work went extremely well. Business was up and so was morale of the employees were good and that was always a good thing. Julie's part time work was going well at Draw-N-Things. Her boss was hoping she would stay when her school began. He left it up to her, but he was hoping.

"Are you ready for school?"

"I am. I am actually excited about going to school. I have never been that way before."

"I think you have found your path in life. It's good to see."

"I think so too. It feels good."

"I would have never thought about being this way just a year ago."

"I know."

Julie sighed and snuggled into Tom's side a little more. She was content with her life. She loved Tom and she loved the house they bought and decorated. Her job was going well and she was meeting many people with the same love of art as she has. With each passing day, she knew this path her life was on was the right choice for her. She knew she could make a difference in the life of children and special need children through art. She also thought she could be a benefit to teaching an art class. Her hope was to widen the horizons of children through art.

…

After settling into the hotel room, Viola knocked on the door that separated her and James' room.

"It's unlocked sweetheart." James responded.

She walked through the door and smile at James unpacking his suitcase. "Do you always unpack your suitcase?"

"I do. Don't you?"

"No. Why would I unpack my suitcase when I will only be here a couple of days?"

"Why wouldn't you?" He sassed.

She smiled at his comeback. She never thought about unpacking just for the weekend.

"Are you ready to head out to grab dinner?"

"What would you think about ordering delivery? It's been a long day and it would be nice to relax a little."

"I agree." He stated. "Have you looked into options?" He sassed knowing how organized Viola could be. He knew she already narrowed down the options to two restaurants.

Vi smiled knowing full well that James was sassing her and giving her a hard time. "Mexican or Italian?"

"Let's do Italian." He offered her a smile.

After placing the order for delivery, she sat on the edge of his bed and turned the TV on searching for a movie to watch. "Is there anything you want to watch?"

"Please, for the love of life, let's not watch a girly movie. I don't think I can handle another one."

She laughed at him. The last couple of times they have watched movies she loved. She loved watching romance movies with him. Not only because she loved those movies, but how uncomfortable he was watching them. "Are you sure you don't want to watch a girly movie?" She teased.

"Absolutely, why don't we watch a comedy? Something funny."

"Deal."

"Something that we don't have to think through. Just something we can laugh at."

She looked through the guide and came across a movie she hasn't watched before. She has heard a little about it but didn't know too much about it. "Hey, what about this?" She selected the channel, and the beginning scene came on.

"Oh, this is a good, silly, and stupid movie. You'll laugh and you're not too sure why. The bathroom scene is hilarious."

"There's a bathroom scene?"

"Oh yes, it will change your life." He laughed. "And I'm not sure if it will be a good thing."

"Ok…" Vi elongated. "What does the title mean?"

"Mean? Viola, one thing with this movie is that you cannot over think it. Just go with it and laugh. Don't think while you watch it."

"So, the title doesn't mean anything?"

"I didn't say that, but it goes with the movie very well."

"Huh…Dumb and Dumber…it does sound interesting."

"Oh…it is. Trust me."

…

"So, what are we going to do?"

Lawrence looked around the bar seeing if anyone was paying attention. "I'm not too sure. That Thorton guy is making it hard for us. He is too good to be true."

"I know. I hear he has a wife who is pregnant. She is…"

"Don't even go there. He and all of his cop buddies would come down on us until there was nothing left. No one, and I mean no one, touches his family. We don't want to start a war that he will finish."

"That's true. We will have to come up with something. Any idea LJ?"

LJ took a moment to think. "We need to be careful and make sure we don't stand out too much. This Thorton guy will pounce if he has an opportunity. We need to play everything smart."

…

Viola couldn't remember the last time she laughed so much. The movie was what she would call silly stupid. She laughed way too much during the bathroom scene. She even snorted a couple of times. James laughed more at her than he did the movie. She was hilarious. He was falling for this woman and was certain he fell even more as a result of this evening.

The dimly lit room drew his attention to her. Her hair was long and swept over her shoulder. The light from the TV was the only light in the room. He thought she glowed.

He slowly reached and placed his hand on her mid thigh. He felt her body tighten. So, he gently squeezed her thigh and released it. He didn't want to push her too much. His desire for this woman was intense and increasing by the moment, but he knew she was coming out of a difficult marriage. He remembered when he was divorcing his ex-wife, it was a difficult roller coaster of emotions. He didn't want to make her life more difficult.

Viola slowly turned her head to look into James' face. She saw something that was normal for him - caring and love – but those emotions were not common for her. Lionel did not exude any of those emotions. Everything was about him and only him. With James, she saw love. He was concerned about her. The look in his eyes made her grow weak. She took a deep breath trying to control herself. This is the first time in years that her body was screaming for affection.

"Viola, I think I need to take a shower and get ready for bed." James stated even though that was the last thing he wanted to do. For the first time since his divorce, his wanted a woman. His wife's relationship was great to begin with, but quickly turned as she began to see other men. The last two years of their marriage was only going through the routine. There was nothing there. Since his divorce, he wasn't interested in a relationship. Now with Viola, he wanted a connection.

"Is a shower what you really want?" She flirted.

James let out a very long, slow breath. He was trying to hold it together and she could see that, but his mind wasn't winning the battle.

"Not really…at least not a shower by myself. But I don't want to push you and I want to make sure this relationship works for more than one night." He honestly believed the words he just said, but he hated to say them.

"Well, let's make sure we do this right then." She smiled at him.