Chapter 99

William sat on the fifth floor waiting room mostly by himself. Occasionally someone would come over and talk with him for a few minutes, but mostly he sat alone lost in his thoughts. The argument looped in his mind each time he closed his eyes. As horrible as that was, the moment his daughter said 'ouch' for the first time and reached for her belly, drove the pain in his heart even further. William watched as each family member leave the waiting room to visit Elizabeth and then noticed their smiles as they came back in. He wanted to go and visit her, but he was afraid his little girl didn't want to see him. He didn't think he could handle that.

Without realizing it, Grace sat beside her husband. She reached and touched his shoulder. That made him jump.

"Oh, Grace. I'm sorry I didn't know you where here."

"That's ok, William. How are you?"

William let out a long, deep breath. "I don't think I can answer that question right now."

Grace nodded.

"Grace, I think I have ruined my relationship with Jack and Elizabeth."

Grace gave him a tight, half smile. "I think you can repair it with Elizabeth, but I'm not sure about Jack."

William just nodded his head. "Grace, why did I do that?"

Grace wanted to answer that question but wasn't sure if she should.

"Grace, you have always been honest with me even when I didn't want to hear it. I am asking you, please." He pleaded.

"Well, you are the most stubborn person I know. You are so accustomed to getting your way at work that you don't know how to handle things when you don't."

"Yeah…"

"Why do you have such a problem with Jack?"

"I don't. I like him."

"William…if you want me to be honest with you, you have to be honest with me."

William nodded in agreement. "I think I was bothered that they didn't listen to me. I gave Jack my approval, but he wouldn't wait like I told him he needed to do."

"No, you gave Jack our blessing, not approval."

"Yes…I did." William took a few breaths. "I wanted them to wait. I didn't think they had enough time together for a lifelong commitment."

Grace laughed. William looked at her with a strange look. "Do you know who you sound like?"

"Who?" Asked a confused William.

"My father."

"Grace, that's uncalled for. Your father didn't like me, and he told me and showed me that all the time."

"William, what's different from how my father treated you and you treated Jack?"

Grace saw the thought process in his eyes. She also saw the moment he realized what he really did. He didn't answer her. He only slumped his shoulders. No matter how hard he tried, William's father-in-law didn't think William was good enough for his little girl. He had tried to convince William and Grace to hold off getting married. For William, it was always a sore spot in their relationship. Now he realized he just did the same thing with his son-in-law. It was a rift between him and his father-in-law for their entire relationship.

"I can't fix this can I?" William asked slowly.

"Honestly, I don't know. I offered for Elizabeth and Jack to stay at our home if they wanted to, but I also told them we would get them a hotel if they would be more comfortable there."

William nodded his head.

"The worst part was when Elizabeth asked if they were welcomed at our home."

Grace saw William winch at taking the punch. "I never meant to make my daughter feel unwelcomed in her home."

"When you make Jack feel unwelcomed, you made Elizabeth feel unwelcomed. They have this saying they say all the time."

"What's that?" He asked intrigued.

"They say, 'you and me'. They started saying that on their honeymoon. Evidently, Elizabeth wanted to parasail, but you know she is scared of heights."

"Did she really parasail? Grace, she has trouble climbing a small step ladder."

"I know." Grace laughed. "Elizabeth was interested in doing it as they watched others parasailing. Jack told her he would do it with her if she wanted to. You know Elizabeth, she had to watch and examine everything first."

"Yeah, she always had to have things figured out before she did anything."

"Jack told her that they would go and at any time she wanted to back out, they would. He encouraged her to do it and she did. The first few minutes she had her eyes closed and wouldn't look at anything. She finally opened her eyes to look at some large sea turtle. Then she realized it was peaceful and beautiful. She said it was one of the best parts of their honeymoon."

"Really?"

"Yeah. She knows she is Jack's strength and Jack knows he is her strength. While they were talking about the parasailing, one of them made the statement 'you and me' and it has become their motto. When they are facing a difficult time, they always say 'you and me'. It reminds each other that they are stronger together and they will make it through the situation together."

William nodded. "Grace, how do I fix this?" He paused for a moment. "Can I fix this?"

"With Elizabeth, I think you can. She loves you. However, you hurt her by the way you were acting toward Jack. I tried to warn you, but you were too stubborn to listen to me. Love her and listen to her. Let her tell you what she wants to say without interrupting her or defending yourself."

William nodded his head in agreement. "With Jack?"

Grace thought about that for a few minutes. "I don't know, William. I just don't know."

"I realized he never used my name after the incident. He said, Mr. Thatcher or my father-in-law."

"Yeah…I noticed that too. He would tense up when you came by. It will take some time if it is fixable."

William let out a frustrated breath. He really didn't like his father-in-law. He would keep Grace's dad at a distance because of his father-in-law's attitude toward him. The relationship would be considered strained at best. Now he was realizing that he put himself and Jack in the same situation Grace's father put him in.

…

Elizabeth was grateful for so many family and friends that was worried about her. She still couldn't believe they each came to Hamilton on such short notice. The act touched her deeply. With each visitor, Jack would sit beside her bed holding her hand and caressing it. Most visitors sat on the edge of her bed with her sisters holding her hand, but Abagail laid down with her. Elizabeth welcomed the act of love and cuddled with her for several minutes. The love between the self proclaimed sisters were very evident.

When the last person left, Elizabeth asked Jack if he would go and get her mother.

"Are you sure, sweetheart? You have had a busy day and you must be tired."

"I am a little, but I would like to talk to my mother before it gets too late."

"I'll be right back."

Jack walked into the waiting room and walked up to Grace and William. Jack ignored William and only spoke and looked at Grace. "Mom, Elizabeth would like for you to come back and be with her for a moment."

"Sure, Jack." Grace reached out and accepted the arm that Jack was offering.

On the way back to Elizabeth's room, Grace lightly pulled on Jack's arm and stopped him in the hallway. "Jack how are you doing?"

"I'm good."

"Jack, don't lie to your mom! I know we have all focused on Elizabeth and the babies, but how are you doing?" She emphasized the word 'you'.

Jack sighed. "I guess the best way I can answer that question is to say that I am beginning to processing everything."

Grace nodded her head. "Make sure you and Elizabeth are talking. Ok?"

Jack kissed her cheek. "Thank you, mom."

Jack opened the door for Grace, and they saw a smiling Elizabeth sitting up in the bed.

"Elizabeth Marie Thorton, you need to be reclined back and resting." Jack stated.

"Jack…I'm not an…"

"Hold it right there, young lady." Jack had his hand on his hip and was mirroring her scary teacher face and posture. "You can't use that excuse for a whole week, maybe longer."

"Jack…" She elongated his name and batted her eyes at him. She knew his weaknesses. She was trying to convince him to let her sit up in bed.

"No! No Jack and not the eye thing." He closed his eyes so he couldn't see her batting her eyes. "You need to rest, and you will rest. Now, lay back." He commanded with a slight smirk.

"Fine." She huffed matching his smirk.

Grace didn't even try to hold back her laughter at the two. "You two are perfect for each other."

Jack made her lay back but did incline the bed a little more, so she was sitting more upright. He kissed the tip of her nose. "Now, I'll leave you alone so you can speak to your mother."

"No, Jack. I would like for you to stay if you don't mind."

"Are you sure, Bella?"

"Yes."

Jack took his normal seat beside Elizabeth and handed her a cup of water. Grace sat on the edge of the bed where Elizabeth patted for her to sit. After taking a sip and handing the water back to Jack, she began.

"Mother, Jack and I haven't talked about where we will be staying when I'm released from the hospital tomorrow. We will talk about that in the morning and let you know. Is that ok?"

Grace nodded her head. "I don't want to push you either way, I just wanted you to know you are welcomed at the house."

Grace and Elizabeth saw Jack tense at the statement. Grace knew Elizabeth was right when she said that Jack couldn't hide his feelings from his facial expressions.

"We'll let you know in the morning after we talk."

Jack simply nodded.

Elizabeth and Grace spent the next thirty minutes having an open and honest discussion concerning her father. Jack didn't say a word. He just sat and listened while caressing the back of Elizabeth's hand. For Elizabeth, Jack's simple act of love gave her all the encouragement to speak honestly about her father. The discussion was not fill with tension. Grace shared what her and William just talked about in the waiting room. Elizabeth was honest with how she felt about her father's reaction to Jack over the last few months.

Grace shared her feelings about the situation as well. She also shared her conversations with William over the last couple of months as well. She also shared that she hasn't seen William this broken. She thought he really was affected by today.

Jack wasn't convinced by any means. In his heart, his and Wiliam's relationship was broken. At the very least, it was altered by today's events. He wasn't sure if he would ever be able to have a true relationship with that man. For the first time in his life, he was ok with that thought.

Elizabeth asked some difficult questions and Grace was thoughtful and honest with her answers.

"Thank you, mother, for talking with me."

"Any time, love. I am so grateful all is well."

"Mother, would you tell father I would like to talk to him…"

Jack squeezed her hand. "Elizabeth…I don't…" Those were the first words that he spoke since the conversation began.

Elizabeth cut him off. "Please tell him I would like to talk to him in the morning. I'm tired and I think I am ready to get some sleep."

"If you're sure?"

"I am. In the morning please."

"I'll tell him."

…

After Grace left, Jack walked back to the bed beside Elizabeth. "Sweetheart, is there anything you need?"

"I need you to lay down with me. I'm getting tired."

Jack laid beside his wife and wrapped his arms around her the best he could. He could feel her tense body relax as he held her. He gently ran his fingertips lightly over her back. She could still feel that he was tense.

"Jack…I need…"

"Sshh…it's been a long day. We'll talk about it in the morning. Ok?"

She nodded her head.

"I have my beautiful wife in my arms and she is going to be fine. Ig and Iggy are ok too. This is all I want for the day to end."

"I agree."

After a few minutes of silence. Jack continued to rub her back. In a very soft voice, "Elizabeth, you are never allowed to do anything like this again."

She wasn't sure if she was supposed to hear him or not. "I promise." She stated just as softly.

"Me and you."

"Me and you."

…

The whole family crashed at the Thatcher's house. There was enough room for everyone. Some had to sleep on couches, but everyone was comfortable. Julie and Viola were sitting in the kitchen at the small table drinking their hot teas.

"What do you think really happened?" Viola asked.

"I'm not sure, but I have gathered enough parts of conversations to know father was involved."

"Yeah, I think Elizabeth exploded on him for the way he has been acting towards Jack."

"What do you mean?" Julie asked.

Viola explained what she knew and what little Elizabeth has shared with her over the last week or so. Julie was stunned. Her father was always nice toward Tom and made sure he would spend time to talk with him when her father called her.

"I can't believe he would do that." Julie asked in disbelief.

"I know. It doesn't take a genius to figure out that Jack is perfect for Elizabeth."

…

When everyone drove to the Thatcher's residence, everyone noticed Jack's rental car in the front lawn. There were skid marks in the grass. The car stopped just short of the front flower bed by a mere few feet.

William insisted that he would take care of the car himself. He felt like he had to do something, and this was what he could do at the moment. He backed the car off the lawn and parked it in the driveway. He took the time to drag the water hose out and wash the clumps of dirt off the car. He even got his rake out to smooth the ruts out as best as he could.

He was a little hurt that Elizabeth wanted to wait until the morning to talk with him, but he perfectly understood. He was grateful she was willing. He was just hoping it would have been tonight.

Once he was done with the car and lawn, he excused himself and went to his bedroom. He showered and dressed for bed. He sat out on the private balcony and thought. He has been thinking all afternoon and it was exhausting. The self examination over the last few hours were difficult. He faced truths about himself he didn't know, and many of those truths he didn't like.

When Grace excused herself and went upstairs to their bedroom, William was already in bed. She didn't know if he was asleep or not, but she didn't want to wake him if he was sleeping.

…

Jack woke up with his wife's hair tickling his check. He smiled. He has missed that over the last few mornings. They must have slept hard, because they were in the same position. Before he was able to move, there was a light knock on the door. The nurse stuck her head in.

"Are you guys awake?"

"I am." Jack whispered.

"I just wanted to check her vitals this morning."

"That's fine."

"You guys must have slept hard. I didn't wake you when I would come in during the night to check."

"I'm sorry. We didn't hear you."

"That's ok. Now, let's see where we are this morning."

The nurse pushed her code into the machine, and it began to take Elizabeth's blood pressure and other vitals. Her heart rate was excellent and oxygen level was fine as well. When the nurse saw the blood pressure numbers, she reset the machine and checked it again.

"Her blood pressure is 136/86. Is that what it has been running?"

"Yes, the last time at the doctor's office last week was 135/84."

"That's border line, but that was the counts I was getting all last night."

"That's comparable to what she was getting at the doctor's office and what she was getting at home too."

"Thanks. I will make that note in her file. The doctor will be here soon."

"Thank you for taking such great care of her."

"You're welcome."

…

When the nurse left, Jack snuggled up to his wife. He was loving the feel of her in his arms. He has missed this over the last few days when he was at the conference. Jack closed his eyes just living in the moment. Before he fell asleep, he received a text form his mother stating that they would be leaving in the next twenty minutes to head to the hospital. Jack smiled at the love of his family.

Before Jack was able to close his eyes for the second time, Elizabeth began to move a little. She would always do this before she would wake up. She opened her eyes to see her husband smiling at her. She loved the feel of his arms around her. He tightened his hold on her and she sighed.

"I love you Nani."

"I love you, Dimples." She sighed again. "Has the nurse been in yet?"

"Yeah. Your blood pressure has been running about the same. Maybe we can get out of here today."

"I hope so."

She hesitated for a few moments. They both knew they had to talk, but they were not looking forward to it.

"Alright, sweetheart. Let's get this over with."

"Yeah, what are your thoughts?" She asked looking at her husband.

He paused for a moment. He wanted to choose his words carefully. He wanted to be completely honest with her, but he also wanted to share with her exactly how he felt. They have always done that.

"I want to start our conversation with this preface." She nodded for him to continue. He tightened his hold on her. "I will always respect Mr. Thatcher as your father and he will always be Ig and Iggy's grandfather as long as he treats you and them properly, but Elizabeth, I can't see a time where he and I will be fine."

"I know Jack. I'm sorry this has come to this."

"It's not your fault sweetheart."

"I know, but…I don't know. Honestly, what do you want?"

"Honestly?" He asked.

She nodded. "Yes, honestly. Jack, remember you are speaking to your wife."

"Please don't think less of me, but I want him to feel the pain he caused you and my babies. Elizabeth, I was so scared when I stepped up on the patio and you were unconscious. I didn't know if you were alive or not. I didn't know if my babies were alive. I was so scared…"

"I'm sorry, Jack."

"Me too, sweetheart. I'm sorry I feel that way, but I do."

"Jack, you are allowed to feel the way you feel."

"What do you think?"

"I think I feel like I did before the whole thing. When he disrespects you, he disrespects me. If you are not welcomed into their home, then I am not welcomed. By being welcomed, I don't mean that they open the door for you and then he ignores you the whole time. You must be part of the family.

"I don't know if I want to go to your childhood home." He stated in a soft voice. "I don't know if I want to be around your father." He said it so softly she had difficulty hearing it.

Elizabeth sat quietly.

"I'm sorry, sweetheart. I know he is your father, and I will bury my feelings for him. I do not want to keep you away from your father and I do not want you to feel bad to spend time with him. He is welcome to our home but know there will be a distance between us that I'm not sure will ever be fixed."

"No, I understand Jack. I really do. I do feel there is a distance between us and him now. I wish it wasn't there, but I do believe it is there."

The conversation was difficult for each of them. William was her father, and she loved her father. However, his attitude had to change toward her husband. For Jack, he couldn't get the image of his unconscious wife laying on the floor out of his mind. Their conversation was honest, and both were able to share their true thoughts and feelings without having to hide or sugarcoat any of it. Elizabeth still felt that he was holding a little back because it involved her father.

"Would you be ok if we stay at their home for the next few days and for them to visit us at our home?" Asked Elizabeth.

Jack sighed. He didn't really want to. He had no desire to be around his father-in-law, but he also wasn't willing to stop Elizabeth from spending time with her father. He would just have to figure out how to make it work.

"Truth being told, no. I don't want to, but I will for you."

She nodded.

Elizabeth knew it was difficult for Jack. Heck, it was difficult for her, but he was her father. If he was willing to try, so was she. However, if he kept the same attitude as before, they would not be back. She shared those thoughts with Jack, and he agreed. She knew he didn't want to, but she also knew he understood what it meant not to have your father around. She was grateful Jack was willing to engage, even if it was on a limited basis. She wasn't going to push Jack. She completely understood his point of view.

…

Emma was in the office early. She knew Jack was going to be gone for the week, but with Elizabeth in the hospital, she wanted to make sure Jack was covered at work. They spoke briefly last night, and she quickly spoke to Elizabeth. Emma counted her blessings that Elizabeth and the babies were going to be fine.

On today's agenda, she wanted to narrow down the issues she needed to speak with Jack about later. The smaller the list, the least Jack would have to deal with. She knew she couldn't keep everything off the list, but she was hoping to keep it small. She also knew the first few days Jack would be back, that the list would explode. However, they will deal with that then. Today, was taking care of Jack so he could take care of Elizabeth.

"Good morning, SRO Henry. Do you have a few minutes to talk to me?"

"Yes, what may I do for you Ms. Walkins?"

They spent a few minutes talking about the programs they were beginning in a short four weeks. She knew the SRO could carry the load for the next few days. These programs were Jack's baby. He wanted them taken care of. She also spoke with John Henry concerning something for Elizabeth.

"I believe I can help with that. I know a few people who would be willing to step up. Don't worry about it. Consider it finished."

"Thank you John. I appreciate it."

…

The entire family arrived at the hospital by eight thirty. They all slept hard, but none really rested well. While Elziabeth was doing fine and the babies were ok, the day still weighed on them. They did stop on the way into the hospital by a donut shop to pick up some sweets and breakfast items for everyone.

The mood of the group was by far better today than yesterday. They were more talkative and more upbeat. They still had some questions about what happened, but Grace didn't want to say anything until William had his discussion with his middle daughter. William was still quiet and reserved. The truths he faced yesterday and last night still weighted heavy on him.

…

While the family waited in the waiting room, the doctor stepped into Elizabeth's room.

"Good morning, Elizabeth and Jack."

"Good morning, Dr. Miers."

"How are you feeling, Elizabeth?"

Elizabeth and the doctor spoke over the next ten minutes about her vitals and how she was feeling. The doctor was encouraged that Elizabeth was feeling normal and her energy was coming back, but her blood pressure was a little worrisome. The numbers were in normal range, but barely. Dr. Miers shared the same concern as Elizabeth's OBGYN.

"Keep a very close eye on those numbers, Elizabeth. They worry me a little bit, but they are not causing any trouble yet. Make sure you get back in with your doctor next week. Please check your blood pressure five times a day and keep record of them for your doctor. Don't be shocked if she will place you on medication at some point."

"I've been researching this. It sounds very serious."

"Gestational hypertension can be very dangerous for you and the baby. It can cause preterm labor and even give you many issues after delivery. Preeclampsia and eclampsia are a major concern for you. Preterm delivery is a major issue for the babies. That's the scary part of this. The best part is that this is treatable. Keep a close eye on your blood pressure numbers. Let your OBGYN know immediately if it climbs higher. Consistently take your medication if prescribed. If you do those things, I see no issue for a normal labor and delivery."

"Thank you, Doctor Miers."

"You are welcome. Now, I can't stress this enough. Make sure you communicate with your OBGYN. She needs to know everything that is going on. Reduce your stress. I'm not sure what caused yesterday's episode, but make sure you avoid stressful situations. They will make your blood pressure go up."

"Yes, doctor."

"Now, give us about two hours and we will let you get out of here. Ok?"

"Perfect."

Rest for the next two days and as long as your numbers remain the same, you are free to fly home."

"Thank you for everything you have done for my wife."

"You are welcome."

…

Once the doctor left the room, Jack and Elizabeth sat on her bed and just enjoyed each other's company. They both knew the conversation with her father was due, but they just wanted a few moments together. A lot has happened over the last twenty four hours and they just wanted to catch their breath. Finally, Elizabeth made eye contact with Jack. They knew what each was thinking.

"Jack, would you please go and ask mother, father, and mom to come and see me? I want to talk to my father, but I would like the others to be here."

Jack nodded. "We do this but on one condition." Jack stated firmly.

"What's the condition?"

"If your blood pressure numbers climb above 140/90, I will throw everyone out. The conversation is finished."

"Deal. But I also have one condition."

"What is it?" Jack asked standing tall.

"You have to give me a kiss."

Jack softened his stance. "Deal."

He slowly sat on the edge of her bed and looked into her eyes. "I love you, Elizabeth." With that statement, he gently kissed her lips softly. His lips lingered over hers for a few moments after the physical connection was lost. He wanted to be in her presence. Their eyes smiled at each other and expressed their love.

"I'll be right back."

…

Jack walked down the hallway thinking how many ways this could go wrong. He wasn't happy about this, but he trusted Elizabeth. However, he wasn't kidding about throwing everyone out of the hospital room if her numbers rose.

Jack stepped into the waiting room to his entire family. As they all approached him, he held his hands up in a way that asked them to slow down with the questions.

"The doctor was just in, and Elizabeth, Ig, and Iggy are doing well. We should be able to leave in a couple of hours and we must follow up with the OBGYN at home next week. Elizabeth must keep a close watch on her blood pressure, but nothing has changed. They are doing well."

"That's great." Several people told him at once.

Jack stepped closer to the three individuals who was standing close to each other. "Ma, Mom, and Mr. Thatcher, Elizabeth would like to see you before the whole family comes back."

Each nodded in agreement. Jack turned and began walking toward Elizabeth's room. The three followed closely behind Jack. Jack felt his stomach turn when he stated his father-in-law's name.

Just before walking into Elizabeth's hospital room, Jack turned and faced the group. He looked directly at his father-in-law and spoke only to him. His tone was harsh and cold. "I have told Elizabeth that if her blood pressure climbs to 140/90, I will end the discussion and throw everyone out. Is that perfectly understood?" Jack's turn could only be described as a professional cop's tone. Grace and Charlette stated that they understood while William nodded his head up and down.

As Jack walked into his wife's room, he stepped to the side wall opposite the bed. As Grace and Charlette walked by, he reached out to them and gently touched their arms. He pulled them to stand beside him. William walked to the foot of the bed facing his middle daughter.

The room was quiet and filled with uncertainty. No one spoke for a few minutes. Finally, Elizabeth broke the silence.

"I promise not to yell if you promise not to."

William nodded his head. "I promise."

William felt defeated. He wasn't sure what was going to be said, but he feared he lost his daughter.

"Father, I'm not sure what is going on with all of this. I cannot understand how you have such disdain for Jack and myself for not abiding by your wishes for us to wait."

"I do not have disdain for you."

"When you have disdain for my husband, you have disdain for me!" Her face grew a little red.

Jack looked up at the monitor and noticed the numbers were 138/89. He nodded toward Elizabeth and then the monitor. She smiled at him and took a calming breath.

"Father, in our vows, Jack and I became one. One person pulling toward our future. When you disrespect him, you are disrespecting us. That is completely unacceptable. You and mother raised me to take a stand for what I believe and to stand up for myself."

"Yes."

"For whatever reason, you hold our decision to be married after a few short weeks against Jack. Jack and I agreed to get married so quickly. Actually, I was the one pushing him to seek your blessing. I gave him a deadline of one day to talk to you because I wanted to be married to him. Yes, it was fast, but so was your relationship with mother. Mom's relationship with Officer T was even faster."

Grace and Charlette nodded their heads.

"I am happily married with the perfect man for me. He isn't perfect, but he is my soulmate. We work toward our future together. God has blessed us with two babies. I will not allow you to harm them again." With that statement, a tear fell down her cheek. "Our relationship has taken a hit since yesterday. Your stubbornness toward Jack has grown into a division between us. I have only found out the depth about this a few days ago because Jack withheld it from me. He was protecting our relationship at the cost of you continuing to disrespect him. He took that hit for you. He will no longer do that."

Elizabeth took a deep breath. Grace began to take a step forward, but Jack gently took hold of her hand. He shook his head no when Grace looked at him.

"Jack has agreed to stay at your home. He doesn't want to, but he is doing it for me. You are my father and I love you but make no mistake father. If you disrespect him one time, we will leave and never come back. We will not keep our children from you as long as you are doing the best for them, but you will forfeit our relationship. The ball is completely in your court."

Jack stepped forward and hesitated before he spoke. "Mr. Thatcher, for the moment…" Jack hesitated. He was still angry with his father-in-law, but he didn't want to burn the bridge down where Elizabeth wouldn't have a relationship with her father if she wanted a relationship. He would give anything except for his family for a short conversation with his father. He didn't want to take that relationship away from his wife. He exhaled trying to pick his words carefully.

"Mr. Thatcher…I…um…" Jack growled after taking a deep breath. Charlette reached for his hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. Then Elizabeth locked her eyes with him. He calmed immediately and walked toward his wife and taking her outstretched hand.

"Mr. Thatcher, for me, you crossed the line when you endangered my wife and my children all because you didn't get your way. We listened to our hearts instead of you. If you can't live with that, then I am sorry for you. I promised mom and I am promising you that I will not keep you from your grandkids as long as you treat them right. As for you and me, let's just say there is a distinct distance between us, and I am not sure if there is a bridge big enough to cover that distance."

Elizabeth squeezed his hand giving him her support. Through his hand, she could sense his every muscle in his body was tense. She was proud of her husband. She knew if it was up to him, he would completely shut him out and she could understand why. However, he was bending over backwards giving her father a chance because of her. She loved him even more because of it.

"Are you ok with this?" Asked Elizabeth.

"I am." William stated. "I want to apologize for my attitude and my actions. However, I understand an apology without changed behavior is nothing more than manipulation. I will prove myself over time if given the chance." William sounded very sincere.

Jack looked up at the monitor and her numbers were within normal range. He sighed. He was really afraid that this was going to raise her blood pressure. And to be honest, he was wanting to physically through his father-in-law out the door.

"Great. Now, once I'm released, Jack and I am going out to lunch at my favorite sub place when I was in high school. We will be home a little later."

"Great. Jack, we drove your rental car so you will have it."

"Thanks ma. I appreciate that very much."

Grace stepped up and kissed Elizabeth on the cheek. "I thought you two did very well." She turned toward William and Charlette. "Why don't we give them a few minutes to gather themselves and get ready to check out?"

…

Both Elizabeth and Jack exhaled a breath they didn't know they were holding.

"What do you think?" She asked looking into Jack's eyes.

"I'm not sure. I'm not ready to forgive and forget. In light to be completely honest with you, I would like to have some distance between him and myself."

"I understand. I think it went better than I expected. He did seem sincere. I guess time will tell."

"Yes it will." Wanting to change the subject, he asked. "Now, where is this place you're taking me for lunch?"

"It's my old hang out for subs. Many of my friends would hang out there after school or on the weekend. It's called Frasier's. They have the best subs in town. You're going to love it!"

Author's Note:
I hope you are enjoying this. I will post chapter 100 tomorrow and then chapter 101 the following day. After chapter 101, I will go back to my normal routine of posting chapters. Thanks for hanging with this story.