Author's Note:
I love this chapter. It is one of my favorites. I have laughed rereading and editing this chapter several times. I hope you enjoy it!
Chapter 89
Adam and Charlette enjoyed their previous day together. After watching the press conference and then talking to Jack on the phone, they packed a backpack with a few snacks and water and left the cabin behind for the day. They stopped a couple of times to hike a few trials. As promised, they found a place to eat lunch. It was a nice little place that they enjoyed. They meet young couple who were on their honeymoon and enjoyed their conversation with them. Their day was full and enjoyable.
Adam woke up with Charlette in his arms and a smile on his face. He never thought anything like this would happen for him again. He never looked for it after Sondra passed, but he is thankful that Charlette is in his life.
"So young man, why the big smile?"
He was startled by her. "I thought you were still sleeping?"
"No, I just woke up. Then I saw this silly grin on your young face."
"You know, Charlie…I'm two days younger than you."
"Two days younger is still younger, whippersnapper."
"Yes, Cougar." She playfully smacked his arm.
Today was a built in lazy day for them. They knew most of their honeymoon was sightseeing, which meant a lot of driving. However, today was a day to just relax. If they wanted to sleep in or do something, then they would.
"What would you like to do?" She asked but she wasn't looking at him.
After a few moments of silence, she looked at her husband. He had this silly grin on his face and his eyebrows raised.
"Well, I could think of something…"
"This is what I get for marrying a younger man."
"Any complaints?" He flirted.
Without saying a word, she captured his lips in a passionate kiss that answered his question.
…
Jack woke up when he felt a tight grip around his stomach. "Are you ok?"
"I'm fine. I just can't believe this is the last time I will wake up in this apartment. I have lived here for three years, almost four."
"Are you going to miss it?"
"It was my first apartment by myself. In college I lived in the dorms. Not only that, but it is also our first place together."
"It is."
"It's the place where we were together for the first time. It holds a lot of my memories."
"True. Are you ready to move into your dream house?"
"Our dream house." She corrected him.
"Yes."
Their house was finally finished. There were a few things they wanted to do. They repainted many of the rooms and added a kitchen island with stools and a bar to eat on. Elizabeth has been so excited about the whole process. Today was the day they would be moving into their first home. She was excited about it.
"Jack, how are we going to do this since you have to work today?"
"I have a plan."
"Please share it with me."
"Ok…first, your mother and Beth will keep a close eye on you. If you pick up a box or even slide a box, they will call me. I will come and sit on your lap until everything is completely done."
She smirked at him. "So, I have two sitters?"
"Absolutely, and I have paid them, so they will tell on you."
"What exactly did you pay them?"
"G.B.T."
"What's G.B.T.?"
"Grandma. Baby. Time."
She laughed at his silly sense of humor. "That may actually work."
"I know. I tried cash but they just weren't interested."
"So, since I can't lift anything, what am I supposed to do?"
"You and your two hoard of collaborators will direct traffic. You three will tell the movers where to take everything. There will be chairs for you three to use if you get tired of bossing people standing up." He teased.
"Who are these movers?"
"Twelve young men from the high school football team."
"Really?"
"Oh yes. SRO Henry knows one of the assistant coaches very well. The coach agreed for the boys to help us move as credit for their daily workout. We are not allowed to pay them, but we can feed them. So, Abagail is making enough food for them all. She will bring everything by around lunch time."
"Wow, you really worked everything out."
"Yes, I did. That's why your two accomplishes will tell on you if you touch anything you shouldn't. You have twelve strong young men at your deposal."
"Fine." She huffed. "I'll be good."
"If you aren't, I will know about it before you are even finished." He warned her.
"You know…" She began as she scooted closer to him and began kissing on his neck. "Since this is our last day in our first apartment, maybe we need to make the most of this time before everyone gets here. We could be bad together." She flirted as she nibbled on his ear.
She laughed when she felt him shutter. Then she moaned when his warm hand slipped underneath her shirt and his hand began rubbing her back. Slowly, his hand traveled down her back, and he playfully started playing with the top of her shorts.
"Jack…" She moaned as his hand slipped just inside of her shorts.
"Elizabeth, I would like to try something new…" She immediately froze. She loved when he said that. Whatever was going to happen, she knew she would love it.
…
Elizabeth reached up and wiped away a small amount of sweat on his forehead. "Jack…that was…" She couldn't say anything. Instead, she squeezed his hand.
He squeezed her hand. "Elizabeth…" He tried to say something, but he just couldn't.
After a few minutes, his brain engaged. "Elizabeth, that was incredible." He said with a long exhale of breath.
"Jack….I love you."
"I love you."
Suddenly, she stopped when she heard something. "Jack!" She stated with a muted tone tinted with fear. "Did you hear that?"
"Hear what?"
After a moment, she heard it again. "That Jack! Someone is in the house!"
"Oh…yes. That's just mom. She is probably making herself some coffee before she heads to the hotel to change. She will be back shortly."
"Jack…she's in the apartment? Did she stay here last night?"
"She did. She was tired and I suggested she sleep on the couch."
"Jack!" She gave him an exasperated look.
"What?" He asked confused.
"Jack, we were just intimate with my mother in the next room." She gasped at the thought.
Jack looked at her confused. He couldn't understand what the issue was.
"Jack, she could have heard us." She swatted his arm.
"Elizabeth, we weren't that loud. Plus, you are pregnant. She knows we have been intimate."
"Yes Jack, but not in the room beside us." She was beginning to freak out a little.
"Sweetheart, what's the problem?"
She couldn't think of anything. She simply stared at him.
"What?" He stated again.
"Quit being such a man." She stated with a laugh. "I don't think I can look at her this morning."
"I'm never going to understand women." He stated shaking his head. "Would you like some breakfast?"
…
"Tom, when are you going over to Elizabeth and Jack's apartment?"
"I'm going when you do. I have to work a little this morning, but I should be off sometime after lunch. Jack is supposed to have some guys from the football team come over and help since he has to work today."
"Too bad he couldn't get off today."
"Well, it's his first day and all."
"Yeah. I should be ready in fifteen minutes."
"Great. Let's stop by Abagail's to have breakfast, then we will head into work and then try to get over to help at a decent time."
"That sounds great."
"Ready for school to begin?"
"I am. That is the first time ever that I am excited about school starting." She laughed at the absurdity of the statement.
"Yeah, I was never excited about school beginning."
…
Elizabeth sheepishly opened the bedroom door and walked out. She was avoiding her mother's gaze. Her and Jack's intimate time was really good this morning and there were some noises. She just knew her mother had heard them.
Grace was leaning against the counter holding a cup of coffee. It was the only cup left unpacked. She smirked at her daughter's awkwardness as she walked into the kitchen.
"Good morning, Elizabeth. Did you sleep well?"
Oh…my…gosh…she knows! She was mortified. She refused to look at her mother. "I slept really well. I was tired."
"Yes, yesterday was a big day. A good day but a busy one too."
"Yes."
"Are you excited about moving today?"
"I am. Jack said you were going to the hotel to change?"
"Oh, I have already been."
Oh thank goodness. She wasn't here. "It's great to have you here with us."
"It's great to be here. I guess you are excited about moving out today."
She raised her eyes to look at her mother. "What do you mean? I have always liked my apartment. You know that, but yes, I am excited to move into our first home."
"I can imagine you are. That is always a special time in a couple's life. This house will be perfect for you all."
"It will be. I can't wait to move in. Did Jack tell you about the plan?"
"Yes. You can't touch anything, or we throw something at you then call him."
"Well, not that plan, but yes." She laughed. "There are some high school boys coming to help. Abagail will bring food for lunch."
"Yes. He told me about it last night when you asleep on the couch. I picked up some snacks for them."
"I'm sorry about that."
"Don't worry about it dear, but I can imagine you are excited to be moving out with the weird things here."
"Weird things? Mother, what are you talking about."
"Well…all those weird noises this morning. That must be impossible to sleep through." She tried her best not to laugh.
"Mother!" Elizabeth gasped for air. "What… Did you…? Oh my gosh…I'm going to go and hide somewhere."
"Elizabeth, stop being so dramatic. It's only natural. Plus, you two are expecting twins, so that wasn't your first time."
"Mother!"
"Elizabeth!" Grace laughed at her daughter's red face. "That must have been a great wake up call." She sassed wiggling her eyebrows.
"Mother…! Please stop talking." Elizabeth closed her eyes trying to will herself to be invisible.
"Good morning, ladies." Jack stated as he walked out of the bedroom. He was wearing his new clothes. They were nice casual pants, hiking boots, and a Hope Valley Police shirt with his name and title on the left side of his chest.
"Oh, I bet it is a great morning." Exclaimed Grace.
"Mother!"
Jack stopped and looked at the two ladies in front of him. Grace had a smirking look on her face and Elizabeth's face was beet read.
"Oh…" Jack whispered.
"Yes…oh…" Elizabeth stated as she threw a towel at Jack. "Jack." She squealed. "She heard weird noises this morning…." She couldn't continue.
"Grace…"
"Alright kids. Let's act like adults here. We are not children anymore. That is very natural and a fun time in a married couple's life." She smirked at both of their red faces. Elizabeth was holding her hands over her face and Jack had his hands in his pockets. "I don't understand how two people who are so in love with each other can be so easily embarrassed by intimacy."
"We'll, I didn't know you were here."
"Grace, at eight thirty this morning, there will be twelve young men from the football team, along with Coach Johnson, to begin loading the moving truck. Coach Johnson will be bringing the truck. He works at the rental place during the summer. He won't be staying, but he will introduce the men to you all. He will give you his cell number, but he promises the men will do a great job."
"Thanks Jack. We will put them to work."
…
On his way into the office, Jack called Abagail.
"Hey Jack. How are you this morning?"
"I'm good, sis. Hey, when you bring the food for the boys today, please make sure you bring enough for an army. I get the feeling they will eat like one. I will come by later today to pay for it."
"No problem, Jack. I will make sure everyone is feed well. Hey, do I need to bring drinks?"
"No, Coach Johnson will have Gatorade for everyone for the day. If you can, please bring some desserts too."
"Already planned on it. Frank and Henry will be there to help too."
"That's very nice of them, but they didn't have too."
"They wanted too. Plus, Henry was excited to meet the high school football players."
"You are great, Abagail I wouldn't know what to do without you."
"It's what family does for family."
"You are correct, Abagail. You are family to us. Thank you."
Jack's phone buzzed. "Oh, I need to take this. It's the Boss Lady."
"Tell Emma hello for me."
…
"Hey Boss Lady. Good morning to you."
"Good morning, Chief."
"It's not Chief.
"Well, actually it is." She sassed.
Jack rolled his eyes. "What do you have for me?"
…
Grace opened the door when the doorbell rang. "Oh…" she gasped as she looked at the very large young men standing in front of her. She turned her head and shouted. "Elizabeth, we better call Abagail and order more food."
A young man in front of the group laughed. "Yes ma'am. We have six linemen here and they eat a lot."
One of the large boys shoved the guy. "Watch it little man. I'm one of those guys that keep you alive."
"Alright boys." An adult man stated as he made his way through the group. "Good morning, ma'am. I'm Coach Johnson. These young men are here to help Chief and Mrs. Thorton this morning."
Elizabeth walked up standing behind her mother.
"Good morning, Coach Johnson. I'm Elizabeth."
"Yes ma'am." He extended his hand to shake her hand and then her mother's. "Now, these men will be at your disposal today. Just point them in the direction you want them to go, and they will do a good job for you."
"Thank you. They will be a great help to us."
"Hey Franklin!" The coach said in a louder voice.
"Yes, coach."
"You know the rule…correct?"
"Yes, coach. If Mrs. Thorton touches anything heavier than a spoon, we call Chief Thorton and then tape her to a chair until he gets here." He said seriously with no hint of sarcasm.
"Good, Franklin."
Elizabeth huffed and rolled her eyes. Grace let out a loud snort. The group of men laughed and snickered.
"Mrs. Thorton, these men are here to help you. Please use them and allow them to do whatever you need."
"Thank you, coach."
When the coach left, Elizabeth invited the young men into the living room.
"Alright boys, as you can see there isn't a ton of stuff. Now, before we begin, I have snacks for everyone."
"Thank you, Mrs. Thatcher, but you don't have to do that."
"I insist." She stated with her mother's voice. "I picked them up on my way here this morning."
"Alright young men, let's have our snack and then we need to get busy." Elizabeth stated in her teacher's voice.
She was surprised how fast they folded and agreed with her. How can that voice work on twelve huge teenage boys but not on Jack? She thought to herself. The men grabbed their snacks and then sat down on the floor in the living room.
"Mrs. Thorton, do you teach fifth grade at the school?" The young man named Franklin asked.
"Yes, I do."
"You were my sister's teacher last year. She loved you. Her name is Emily."
"Oh, yes. I love her. She is such a sweet girl."
"Thank you. She is going with some boy who was in her class. Do you know who he is? I haven't meet him yet."
"Oh…yes I do. He'll be here in a few minutes to help. My best friend and her husband adopted him."
"Great."
"Wait, why do you want to know?" She asked with a concerned voice when she saw his expression.
"I haven't meet him yet." He stated rubbing his hands together with a little chuckle.
With her best scary teacher face and voice. "Now young man…you will not scare Henry. He is a good boy. You will be nice to him. He looks up to you and he has been so excited about meeting you all. You will be nice! Understand young man?"
Everyone was scared to death and was frozen. "Yes ma'am." All twelve stated at the same time.
The biggest guy leaned over to the person standing beside him. "That's the scariest thing I have ever seen. She's scarier than Coach Blackburn, even when his blood vessel is popping in his forehead." He whispered.
No one dared to laugh. Grace walked into the kitchen so she could hide her giggling.
"Mrs. Thorton, where would you like for us to begin?"
…
"Alright Boss Lady, what's up this morning?"
Emma stared at Jack for a moment. "Good morning, Chief. We have a busy first day today. You and Lee will be discussing Miranda. I changed the meeting with SRO Henry until tomorrow. I know you are meeting with the doctor for your visit with Elizabeth. I thought you could meet with him and then go to the doctor visit. Elizabeth said she would be at the school working on her classroom. You guys could just leave from there."
"That's sounds great. Thank you."
"Here is the folder with all the information about the programs for the SRO." After handing the folder to Jack, she continued. "The mayor would like a few minutes with you this morning. He is scheduled to come by at eleven. That would give you enough time to meet Elizabeth for lunch today. I hear Abagail is bringing food to the apartment for the football boys."
"Yes, she was shocked when I told her how much food to prepare."
"I bet. Hey, did you really tell them to tape Elizabeth to a chair if she lifted anything heavy?" She laughed.
"Yes I did." He stated with pride. "Anything heavier than a spoon."
Emma shook her head in disbelief. "Jack Thorton, she will have your head if you did that."
"I'm not even sorry for saying it. She needs to take it easy, and I know her, she wouldn't stand around and do nothing. She would jump right in the middle of the action and do what she felt necessary."
"Yes, you are right, but she will still have your head."
"What else do you have Boss Lady?"
…
Elizabeth picked up her phone to text her husband.
E – Did you really tell them that?
Jack looked at this phone while talking to Emma and then laughed.
J – I absolutely did and I am not sorry
E – You told them to tape me to a chair?
J – Yup
E – Really?
J – Really…and I am not sorry for it. Let them do the work, please.
Elizabeth huffed before his next text.
J – 831
E – 831
E – I'm not an invalid
J – No you're not but you are not able to work like everyone else too. And I know you would jump right in and do the work like everyone else
E – Well…
J – Tell me I'm wrong
E – I love you
J – I love you. See you at lunch
…
Elizabeth took half the young men and Grace took the other half. The men worked so hard that Elizabeth and Grace had a hard time keeping up with them. As soon as they sent two off carrying something, there were two others waiting for instructions.
Frank and Henry joined the group after their snack when they began helping. Franklin watched Henry for a moment trying to size up his little sister's boyfriend. Then he caught Elizabeth stern look. He withered immediately.
"Franklin, instead of trying to intimidate him, why don't you get to know him. He plays baseball and he has been looking forward to meeting you all. He looks up to you all. He sees you all like heroes."
"Yes Mrs. Thatcher."
Elizabeth was used to working with fifth graders, but there was no mistake that she was in charge of these young men.
Franklin asked Henry if he would help carrying a table outside to the truck.
"Are you Emily's brother?" Henry finally asked.
"I am." Franklin stated.
"I thought I remember seeing your picture at her house."
"Yeah…so you are my little sister's boyfriend?"
"Yes, sir. I am." Henry extended his hand to shake Franklin's hand and told him his name.
They spent the morning talking and getting to know each other. As much as Franklin didn't want too, he was beginning to like this little guy.
The boys had the apartment and the storage building packed onto the truck before lunch. Grace called Abagail to see if the group could come to the café to eat lunch instead of having her deliver the food. Abagail was excited for the change. She didn't know how she was going to carry all the food she had prepared.
Abagail looked up when she heard the door open and the loud ruckus. She held her breath. "Oh…my…they are huge." She whispered.
Elizabeth walked up to the group. "Ok young men. Have a seat over there. There will be a young woman named Mary who will come and take your drink order. When the food is ready, they will bring it to you. Now, have fun and enjoy each other's company, but remember this is a business. Not too loud please."
"Yes, Mrs. Thorton." They all said at the same time.
She gave them a large smile and thanked them for all their work so far.
"Hey sis. How is it going?"
"Great. They already have the apartment and storage unit packed and loaded. They all worked hard."
"Already? That's fast."
"Yes."
Abagail looked up and noticed that Henry was in the middle of the group. All the guys were talking to him like he was part of the group. Abagail couldn't remember him with a bigger smile than what he had on his face.
"What's up with that?" She nodded her head toward Henry.
"The young man sitting beside him is Franklin. He is Emily's brother."
"Oh, how is that going?"
"Well, see for yourself."
"Looks good to me."
"Yes."
Elizabeth, Grace, and Abagail stood back and was amazed at how much food these young men ate. Everyone ate two large plates of food, and the lineman was on their third plates. Mary and another waitress were constantly refilling their drinks. There was constant movement around the table. While they boys enjoyed themselves and their conversation, there was never a time where they were too loud. The conversation was fun to listen too.
Jack walked in the café when lunch was about finished. His meeting with the mayor went a little longer than he thought it would.
"Jack!" Elizabed called out when she saw him.
"Sweetheart. How are you?"
Jack took a couple of minutes to fill her in on his day so far and she did the same. He looked up to see a large young man approaching the table. He gave Elizabeth a warm smile.
"Mrs. Thorton. Chief." He stated looking at each of them. He reached into his pocket and handed Jack a handful of tickets.
"What's this?" Asked Elizabeth.
"Chief, you're on your own." He stated and walked back to the group.
"Why?" Jack called out before he reached the group.
He looked toward Elizabeth. "She's by far scarier than you ever could be." He turned around and walked to his seat.
"Oh…" Stated Jack.
"Did you try to bribe them?"
"I did. I guess free tickets to the fair doesn't go as far as it used too." The group laughed.
Elizabeth spent a few minutes telling Jack all about the morning. Jack was shocked that they were already done with the apartment and the storage unit. She also assured him that she hasn't lifted a thing. "We've been too busy telling them what to do next. By the time we tell one of them something, there was another one waiting."
"Yes. They are very quick." Grace stated. Beth will meet us at the house to help us."
Jack shared with Elizabeth about the meeting with Lee and their discussion concerning Miranda. He didn't go into too much detail.
"Jack, I was thinking…I know she is a criminal, but she doesn't act like a typical criminal."
"What do you mean?" Asked an intrigued Jack.
"Well, she doesn't think or act like your typical criminal. I don't think you can catch her in a normal or typical way. You may have to think out of the box."
"Interesting…" Jack stated in a thoughtful manner. He was silent for a couple of minutes. You could tell he was processing her information. "That's a very interesting point, sweetheart."
"Thank you."
Grace leaned in. "Have you ever seen boys eat so much?"
Elizabeth placed her left hand on her tummy. "If these are boys, I hope they don't eat like that, or we will need to get second and third jobs." She laughed.
"I wasn't that bad as a teen." Jack laughed.
Abagail walked over with a tired look on her face. "Wow!" That was all she had to say. Everyone knew exactly what she meant.
Elizabeth laughed. "I think they are about finished."
"Are you sure?" Asked Jack.
"Yeah. Watch this." She smirked.
"Alright young men. Dessert is served. You have ten minutes before we head to the house. A very nice woman named Beth will meet us there."
"Yes, ma'am." The group of men said at the same time.
Jack leaned over. "How did you do that?"
She smirked and shrugged her shoulders. "I'm just good."
"Yes, you are." He smirked back bumping his shoulder with hers.
…
"Mother, your room is the first door on the right upstairs. That is your room."
"Oh, Elizabeth. The house is absolutely beautiful. I can't believe all the things you did. I love that kitchen island with the stools and eating area on it. And don't get me started on the colors."
"Thanks mother."
The colors were a perfect match of what Jack and Elizabeth both wanted. The colors were vibrant without being too bold. All the appliances in the kitchen were new and stainless steel. The kitchen island was large with stools. The dining room table she purchased from the girl's weekend fit perfectly. It was like it was made for the space.
Elizabeth noticed the beautiful bookshelf sitting in the corner of the living room. This was the one Charlette made. Elizabeth walked up to it and ran her fingers over it. The color was her favorite color. The bookshelf was perfectly made. It was so much better than the one she saw at the craft fair.
"I don't know where Jack found it, but it is gorgeous."
"Charlette and Adam made it for us for a house warming gift. It's gorgeous and it is my favorite color." Said a smiling Elizabeth.
"I believe she did a great job of it." Smiled an amused Grace.
"It's amazing and the color is my favorite. I'm not sure how she did it, but I love it."
"Have you spoken to Charlette lately?"
"No, mother. I haven't."
"I miss seeing her." Grace stated with sadness in her voice.
"You two have grown closer over the months."
"We have. We talk every week."
"Really?"
"Yes."
Elizabeth was grateful her mother and mom got along so well. They were from different backgrounds, but they loved each other. The love for their children was the beginning point, but their relationship was based on mutual respect.
"Mother, why don't you get your suitcase into your room before the men get here? We need to be ready to keep them busy."
Grace opened the door to the first room, and she lost her breath. "Oh…my…" She stood in the doorway unable to move.
Elizabeth walked behind her knowing what the room looked like. She wanted to see her reaction. She placed her hand on her mother's shoulder. "Mother, what do you think?"
"Oh, Elizabeth. It's gorgeous. This is marvelous for a guest room."
"Well, it's not a guest room."
"What do you mean?"
"It's your room."
"My room?" She spoke just above a whisper. Elizabeth almost didn't hear her.
"Yes, mother. Jack wanted this to be your room."
"Jack?"
"Yes. He mentioned it and I completely agreed. We wanted it to be your room when you come and visit."
The room was lavender, Grace's favorite color. There was a beautiful queen size sway bed with a dark maroon comforter. There was a design of a flower in the middle of the comforter. There was a tall up right dresser that matched the bed. There was a white armchair in the corner with a tall lamp just behind it. Grace thought it would be perfect for reading. There was a small bedside table with a clock and a lamp on it. On one wall, there was a picture of each of her children. In the center of the pictures, was a picture of her and William. Grace couldn't control her tears.
"Elizabeth, why would he do this? This is too much."
"He wanted you comfortable when you visit. We hope you visit often. We may need help with these two." She stated holding her bump. "We would love for you to be here as often as you can be."
"Oh, Elizabeth. This is better than my bedroom at home. This is beautiful. I can't believe you two did this."
Elizabeth was grateful her mother loved her bedroom. She knew Jack would be happy that she loved it. Before she could say anything, Elizabeth heard a knock and the front door open.
"Mrs. Thorton. Are you here?"
Elizabeth squeezed her mother's arm and turned to leave without saying anything. Her mother needed a moment to herself.
"Hello men. Now, let's get going. We have a lot to do."
…
"Charlie, I love our time here, but why don't we go home tomorrow?"
"What?"
"We both miss home. This has been the greatest honeymoon, but we both want to be home helping Jack and Elizabeth move. They are moving today. They have their doctor visit tomorrow and they learn the sex of the babies. Are you telling me you don't want to be there?"
"Adam, we don't need to cut our honeymoon short."
"Charlie, we can still be on our honeymoon." He mentioned raising his eyebrows. "We can do what we have been doing here at our home."
"Our home." She loved the sound of that. "Ok, if you're truly ok with that."
"I have already changed the plane tickets and told the cabin rental that we are checking out in the morning."
"Adam, thank you."
"You're welcome beautiful."
She loved this man. She did want to be back in Hope Valley, but she didn't want to ruin her perfect honeymoon. They have had a great time together. Their intimate time together has been perfect. Their time together visiting different locations and the beautiful scenery is something she will never forget. Their time walking together holding hands or simply laughing at the table together eating a meal only made her fall in love with that precious man more.
"Ok Charlie, why don't we pack. We must leave early in the morning to make it back to the airport in Bozeman."
"Before we do that, there is one more thing we need to do."
"Yeah, what's that?"
She turned to head to the back deck where the hot tub is. On her way through the kitchen, she picked up a bottle of the fake medicine he jokes with. She raised it above her head and gives it a shake.
"Oh…I love that woman."
Charlette giggled at his remark. "Let's go whippersnapper. We're wasting time."
…
After several minutes of looking at the room from the doorway, Grace stepped into the room. She ran her fingers over the foot of the bed and then the dresser. There were several pictures of her family on the dresser. The more she looked around the room, the more items she noticed. Over the bed, hung two sketches. She noticed both Jack's and Elizabeth's signatures on the sketches. They were of landscapes but almost matched perfectly. Jack's sketch was on the right and Elizabeth's was on the left. Both were done before they had met. On the small bed side table with the lamp and clock, there was a picture of her and William and a picture of the ultrasound with Baby A and Baby B written on it above their respective heads. She sat on the bed to gain control of her emotions. It was then she realized the bed was more comfortable than her bed at home. As she looked around, there were many candid pictures of her entire family. Some were on the walls and others were on the dresser.
She was overwhelmed by their offer of the room. Their attention to detail was impressive and she couldn't wrap her mind around everything they did. The tears just flowed.
She pulled her phone out of her purse. Through the tears, she struggled finding the right keys.
G – I have no words…
J – No words needed
G – Jack…
J – You're welcome mom. We hope you use it often
G – Jack…
J – I love you, mom
That was the first time Jack professed his love for her like that. She lost all control of her emotions at that point. Her tears flowed freely.
The sound of the young men carrying something up the stairs brought her out of her emotional tail spin.
"No Duffus! She said first door on the left."
Franklin was shaking his head. "Lineman…"