Chapter 103

Jack woke the next morning with his wife in his arms. His smile didn't leave his face. The night before, Elizabeth pushed for intimacy, but Jack was very hesitant due to the blood pressure issue and their time together on Make Out Rock, but his wife convinced him. She was in her bedroom where she had spent some time daydreaming as a teenager about her future husband. She didn't want to pass up this opportunity. She wasn't sure if they would be back to her childhood home or not.

Jack was not wanting to let his wife go. He knew he had been overbearing with the blood pressure cuff, but his fear of something happening to her drove him to take her blood pressure every couple of hours. He was grateful Elizabeth didn't push back. She was allowing him this indulgence for the moment.

After discussing the travel arrangements with Adam, they realized everyone was going back on the private jet Adam's son, John, arranged. Everyone was thankful for the travel arrangements. Jack noticed the time and knew he could let his wife sleep a little longer. He knew she needed her rest and he was willing to let her rest as long as she could.

After laying with his wife in his arms for a few more minutes, his phone buzzed. He figured it was Emma. He wiggled his way out from under Elizabeth and quietly walked onto Elizabeth's private patio.

"Good morning, Boss Lady."

"I'm sorry… Boss Lady?"

"I'm sorry, I thought you were someone else. Who is this?" Jack didn't take the time to look at the caller ID since he was rushing to get outside so he wouldn't wake up his wife.

"Chief Thorton, I'm a little hurt you don't recognize my voice."

"Miranda." Jack slowly stated in disbelief. "How did you get my number?"

"Oh Jack. I told you I reserve the right to get in touch with you if needed." She let out a small laugh. "I was wanting to check in and see how the babies and Elizabeth were doing. I understand she has had a difficult past few days. Is she, Ig, and Iggy doing well?"

"How did you know about that?"

Jack regretted asking that question the moment the words passed his lips. He felt it showed weakness to Miranda. That was something he didn't want to do with her.

"Jack, I know a lot of things."

Jack realized her reach covered more than he thought.

"I guess so…Elizabeth and the babies are doing well."

"I am sorry you all had to deal with this. Your first visit to Hamilton, Elizabeth's hometown, should have been a good visit."

"That's ok. How are you doing Miranda?"

She smiled at his attempt to change the subject. She leaned back in her office chair looking out her window to the large tree in front of her. A smile growing on her face. "I am doing well. Just staying busy."

"Yes, tying up loose ends tend to take up one's time and energy."

"Yes, it does." Miranda smiled. She knew Jack figured out everything. However, she also knew her people did an excellent job and left behind no evidence. "That time is behind us now. No need to fuss with old history."

"Miranda, what may I do for you today?"

"Jack, I have already told you. I wanted to check in on your family."

"Why did you talk with Elizabeth at my news conference?" Jack wanted to try to change up the direction of the conversation.

"I saw her and thought I needed to introduce myself to her. Jack, you married up. She is a special lady."

"She is. Miranda, I believe I need to warn you again. If you harm my family, I will come after you with everything I am."

"I know Jack. Jack…" She hesitated for a moment. "We must have trust between us. If I tell you something, please understand it will happen. When I say your family isn't to be touched, they will not be touched. That is partly why Lawrence needed to go."

"Did he intend to harm my family?"

"That wasn't the only reason, but it did play a small part in my decision."

"Miranda, I don't know if I can trust you."

"Jack, for this to work out between us, you have to learn to trust me."

Jack and Miranda spoke for another five minutes. Both tried to gain more insight from each other, but neither was successful. Jack felt it was a game. A game that Miranda enjoyed playing. Once off the phone with her, Jack's thoughts turned toward what Elizabeth stated about she isn't a typical criminal. The more he thought about it, the more he thought she was correct. He was looking forward to his phone conversation with Superintendent Johnson and Bill. He also wanted to add Elizabeth into that call, if possible.

…

When Miranda hung up with Jack, she called Jimmy.

"Did you finish?"

"We did. The old farm is a perfect location for our transfers. It's out of the way and quiet. It's been abandoned for years. This will work well for us."

"Great. Now, let's not make the same mistakes that Lawrence made. Be visible but not too visible."

…

The morning flew by quickly and before they knew it, they were all on the private jet. Each couple separated themselves from each other. For the first time, Elizabeth felt Jack relax. He was happy to be leaving Hamilton, and hopefully everything behind.

When the plane landed at the airport, the group found the same police van waiting for them. Jack was surprised, but knew Emma was going to have a plan. When the plane landed, she called.

"Hey Boss Lady."

"Hey Chief. How are you and Elizabeth?"

"We're good. Emma, thank you for everything. I don't know what we would have done without you."

"You are welcome, Jack. Anything for you two."

"I appreciate everything you have done."

"Jack, take the rest of the day off to spend with Elizabeth. Get her home and settled. When you come in tomorrow, be ready for a long list of items to accomplish."

"Thanks, Emma. We'll manage it."

"Yes, you will, but it will take a few days. I just wanted to warn you."

"Considered me warned." He smirked.

"Great, Chief. Now, enjoy your day with your wife, then you need to get to work. You have a job to do." She smirked back. "Hey Jack, may I speak with Elizabeth before I let you go?"

"Hey, Emma. Thank you!"

"How are you feeling?"

…

The next three weeks flew by quickly. Elizabeth's doctor visit went well with a warning to remain calm as much as possible. The doctor stressed the importance of keeping close watch on her BP. Her blood pressure was still on the high end of normal but was acceptable for now. The doctor warned Elizabeth that medication may be in her future. She still had to keep a close eye on it by checking it five times each day. The doctor also stressed the importance of rest times throughout the day. Elizabeth needed to listen to her body. When it told her to get off her feet, the doctor stressed to get off her feet. When her body told her to nap, then she needed to nap.

The weight she has gained was good, healthy weight. While the doctor was pleased with that, she wanted Elizabeth to begin walking each day. Elizabeth was never an exercise person, but she would do anything for her babies. The emergency situation engraved in her that she was responsible for the care of her babies. This was something she took to heart. She was a mother and her children's health were important. The doctor asked her to begin with two miles a day with the hopes of building up to four miles a day.

Jack worked hard for three days to catch up. He pulled fourteen hour days with Emma working beside him. He was grateful for her help. He knew he wouldn't catch up if it wasn't for her. He also learned everything she did for him, Elizabeth, and their family. When Elizabeth learned about everything, the planning and getting her entire family on a plane in just over an hour of finding out and the things she did for Jack at working keeping them off his list so he could concentrate on her instead of work, she and Jack planned and paid for a short weekend trip for Emma and Steven. After several attempts, Jack couldn't convince her. So, he handed Emma over to Elizabeth. Emma couldn't argue with Elizabeth. As stubborn as Emma could be at times, Elizabeth could be too. It only took a two minute face to face conversation with Elizabeth for Emma to accept. The short weekend trip away was her and Jack's way to say thank you for everything.

Jack was grateful Elizabeth would come by the office and bring lunch and eat with him. While that time was short, he was grateful for any time he had with her while he pulled long hours trying to catch up.

The three weeks was a great time for them to be a little distant from her parents. Elizabeth and Jack did not speak to her father during that time. However, Elizabeth spoke every other day with Grace and Jack would speak to her about twice a week.

Over those three weeks, Jack and Elizabeth discussed the whole issue with William. Jack was open with his thoughts and feelings towards her father. Through open and honest communication, they came up with a plan that both Elizabeth and Jack could easily agree with and both be happy. Jack would limit his conversations with William, but not ignore him. Elizabeth was free to talk with her father whenever she wanted, but she wanted to add another two weeks to the original four weeks. If he wanted to come and visit, Jack was ok with him staying at their home if he wanted. Jack insisted that all of this depends on William's attitude changing. Elizabeth was in complete agreement. Six weeks of no contact with her father and then it will depend on him.

…

It was Thursday and Elizabeth laid in bed going over the to do list she had written on a pad of paper.

Dinner with Beth

Football game and ice cream for the young men after their football game the next day

Grocery store run for dinner with Beth. Tons of ice cream for the young men. Groceries for Jack and I

Clean the house

Pick up mother today at noon (I need to leave by 10:45)

Give Rip a bath

Jack rolled over hoping to wrap his wife into his arms. That was usually his first act each morning. This morning Elizabeth was sitting in bed with her back leaned against the headboard.

"What are you up too, Mrs. Thorton?"

Elizabeth turned the pad of paper over to show Jack what she had written.

"I'll give Rip a bath tonight after Beth leaves."

"That may work. Mother can help me with the grocery run after I pick her up at the airport. That would save time. Maybe she will help me with cleaning the house."

"It's not too dirty, maybe she will help. It shouldn't take too long."

"At least you don't have to worry about getting your classroom ready."

"Yeah…I don't know why John. Mary, Alice, and Ms. Florence did that."

John, Mary, Alice, and Ms. Florence took the job of decorating Elizabeth's classroom. They continued with the theme she had already started. They followed the notes and pictures that Jack took from Elizabeth's notes. Ms. Florence would send a couple of pictures and Jack and Elizabeth was very happy with what they did.

"Well, they love you more than you think." Jack stated with confidence. "I'm grateful they were willing to step up and help you."

"Me too. Now, how about the dinner with Beth?"

I'm ok with what you wanted to make. I should be home early enough to help. Plus, with your mother here, she could help and keep the pressure off you. The ice cream with the football boys tomorrow after the game should be easy enough."

"Yeah, I'm not a sports person, but I am looking forward to going to the game. I haven't been to a high school football game since high school." She smiled.

"Me too…you know…I always thought pillow talk would be different than this." He laughed.

After looking at him for a moment, she let out a loud laugh. "True, but I wouldn't change a moment of our life. This walk we are on is perfect in my opinion."

"I agree. Now, I must get going or Boss Lady will have my head on a platter." At that moment, Jack's phone buzzed. "Here." He stated handing her his phone as he got out of bed. "Tell her I'm on my way."

"You're scared of her, aren't you?" Sassed Elizabeth.

"Elizabeth, I'm the chief. I'm not scared."

Jack was at the sink shaving after his shower. He only had on a pair of shorts. Elizabeth stood at the bathroom door admiring her view. Like Jack's opinion of her, she thought he is the most handsome man alive. In her eyes, he's perfect. She tilted her head slightly just looking at her husband's body.

"Looking good there Thorton."

Jack jumped and quickly turned to look in her direction.

"Sure…officer. You're not scared of anything, including a little teacher." She turned to walk to the kitchen giggling the entire way."

"It's chief." He exclaimed as shook his head.

…

The airport pick up went perfectly. She was excited to see her mom and to have her there for a few days. Grace was excited to be with Jack and Elizabeth. She was eager to see how much the babies have grown. Grace insisted on purchasing the ice cream and the toppings for the football boys. Both, Elizabeth and Grace, fell in love with their football boys. Elizabeth and Jack agreed to take them on to check on them and be there for them in any way they needed. The football boys fell in love with them. They were grateful for Jack and Elizabeth. They wasn't used to people to invest in them. Several have already been over to fish in the pond. While they did that, they would always spend a little time to help clean the brush around it. It was their way of paying the Thortons back for their support and love.

School was starting next week. Elizabeth was ready for the start of the school year. She reports back to work on Monday with kids beginning on Wednesday. Elizabeth was grateful for Grace coming. Her mother would be a great help for the dinner with Beth, and the last weekend before her work began.

Grace was looking forward to the football game too. Like Elizabeth, she wasn't a sports fan, but she was a fan of the football boys. She was also looking forward to the ice cream with them after the game. Grace didn't have any boys and the girls didn't bring too many boys over, so this was all a new experience for her. She was loving forward to every moment of it. Even if she didn't understand why teenage boys acted the way they acted sometimes.

…

Beth showed up at the Thorton's home with a huge smile on her face and a platter full of chocolate chip cookies. She knew tonight may not go exactly like she wanted, but it was a done deal in her mind. She was hoping the cookies would be a peace offering.

Beth stepped into the living room to a warm hug from Jack, Elizabeth, and Grace. Every time she came to the house, she fell in love with it all over again. She loved what the young couple did and knew selling them the home was a great decision.

After hugging her, Jack looked at her and knew she was up to something. She had the same look she had when her and Elizabeth was trying to convince him to buy the house.

While still holding her in an embrace, Jack stated. "Ok Beth…out with it."

Beth huffed. She always thought she had a good poker face. Her late husband was the only person who could see through her façade. However, she quickly knew Jack could see through her too.

"What makes you think I'm up to something?" She asked innocently.

"Beth…" Jack elongated her name. Elizabeth laughed knowing how effective that was.

"Jack." She stated in a scary teacher's tone. "Do you know how infuriating that is when you do that?"

"Oh…I know exactly how infuriating that is." Laughed Elizabeth.

"Fine, I need some advice. I've been asked to do something that I am certain is right, but the person I need to share it with won't be happy."

"Ok. What's up?" Jack asked.

"I've been given something and asked to give it to someone who is a little prideful, not bad prideful. The gift is needed but the person who is supposed to receive it will not want to accept it. It's not bad, but the person will think the gift is too much."

"Well," Grace began. "That sounds like a great gift."

"It is."

Elizabet thought for a moment. "Is the gift needed?"

"I believe it is, maybe not at this moment but eventually."

"Will it be beneficial for the person?"

"Absolutely."

"Well, the person should accept it because if they refuse, they will not allow the person giving the gift to receive the blessing." Jack stated.

Beth's smile grew immensely. She knew they will be unhappy still, but she had them.

"Well…with that said…" She handed Jack an envelope. Jack and Elizabeth just looked at Beth.

"What did you do?" Asked Elizabeth.

"Well…" Beth stated shyly. "I started a college fund for your little ones."

"Beth…" Jack began with a little frustrated tone. "You shouldn't have."

"I know Jack, but I wanted to. Now, please do not refuse me of my blessing."

"Oh…that's a little bit of a low blow to use my words against me." He said with a little chuckle.

"I know, but I needed all the help I could get, and I also brought cookies."

"You pulled out all the big guns, huh?"

Jack slowly opened the envelope and pulled out the paperwork. Elizabeth moved beside him so she could read the paperwork along with Jack. They were reading the cover sheet with all the high points of the paperwork. As they read, Elizabeth was the first to realize the gift.

"Beth, you paid off the house loan and then took our money and placed it in a college fund for my Peanuts?"

"Our babies." Jack corrected her.

"Yes. I forgave the loan at the bank. Took the money you placed in escrow that was left and transferred it into two college fund accounts. I added a little to it. When the babies are born, all you need to do is add their names to the account. Both of your names are already on each account. All the paperwork is in the envelope. The bank assured me everything is in there. Plus, the banker promised me that by the time the babies are ready for college, there will be enough in each account for them to go to any college they desire."

"Beth…you shouldn't have." Elizabeth whispered.

"Jack and Elizabeth…you two are family. I know I'm only the adopted grandma, but I do think of you two as family. I also love the Peanuts as my grandchildren. I wanted to do this. I know twins are expensive and I just wanted to help in my own way." She wiped a tear away from her cheek. "Please, allow me to do this."

Jack took a couple of seconds to look at her and then look at the piece of paper. "From the look of this piece of paper, I believe it is already done."

"Yes…my late husband always told me I get tunnel vision when I want something. All you have to do is sign where the stickers are."

"Yes, I vaguely remember that a couple of months ago."

Everyone laughed at the memory of how stubborn Beth could be.

"Jack…Elizabeth…Please accept this gift from me to your babies. Now you can take the monthly payment you were going to make and raise your babies with not so much concern for finances. Plus, with a small investment, their colleges are already paid for. "

Jack looked at Elizabeth and their eyes connected. They both just knew.

"Fine, but with one compromise." Elizabeth stated.

"Ok…" Beth elongated with a bit of hesitation in her voice.

"We drop the adopted grandma title and just use Grandma B." Jack stated.

"Jack and Elizabeth, please just…wait! Did you just say…?" Her voice trailed off.

"Deal?"

"Deal!" Beth squealed.

The meal was excellent, and the conversation flowed freely between family members. Beth was grateful Jack and Elizabeth were receptive to her gift. Jack and Elizabeth were grateful their children had college funds, but still thought the gift was too much. Elizabeth took her on another tour of the finished house. The house was complete except for the nursery.

On their tour, "Beth, you shouldn't have done that. We are ok financially. It would have been a little tight, but very doable."

Beth stopped walking and grabbed Elizabeth's shoulders. "Elizabeth, of course you and Jack would have done it and I'm sure would have done it very well. Now, you can still do that but not have to pinch pennies. Now, you and Jack have said thank you, can we please put this behind us and not mention it anymore? It is a gift out of love and love only."

Elizabeth wrapped Beth into her arms. "Fine, but this is it. You gave us a house and two college funds. You are finished giving us gifts."

"Fine. I won't get you and Jack any other gifts."

"And the…"

Beth cut her off. "Now I'm a grandma, I can spoil my grandkids if I want." She sassed. "Now, show me the back porch." Beth wrapped her arm around Elizabeth's arm and began walking toward the back of the house. Elizabeth leaned over and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

…

Jack, Elizabeth, and Grace arrived at the high school about an hour before the football game. They were reminded throughout the day by several of the football guys that they had tickets waiting for them. After waiting in line, they stepped up to the ticket booth.

"Hello Chief, Mrs. Thorton, and I assume you must be Mrs. Thatcher." The polite teacher asked who was working the ticket booth.

"Yes, ma'am. That's us. How did you know?" Asked Elizabeth.

"Oh goodness…I have had twelve football players talk to me to make sure I know that there are tickets waiting for you three. Plus, they have sent up two injured players who can't play tonight to remind me. They are very eager you three are here. Chief Thorton, you get in free because you are the chief. They showed me pictures of you three so I wouldn't miss you."

"That's so nice of them" Grace stated.

"They seemed very excited. They also made sure I knew that you three will always have tickets here waiting on you."

Jack, Elizabeth, and Grace found good seats. Jack sat on the end beside Elizabeth and Grace sat beside her daughter.

"This is exciting." Smiled Elizabeth.

…

Viola called James after her meeting with her boss. Even though James answered the call on the third ring, Vi thought it took him forever.

She didn't give him time to speak. "James! James! Are you there?"

"V…are you ok. Is there something wrong?"

"No! I just met with my boss…" She began.

"And…" James' excitement was now boiling over. They have been waiting on the meeting for a while now. The news about the promotion was due soon. "You better tell me, woman!"

"James! I got it!"

"I knew it!" He shouted. "I knew you would!" His voice only grew louder.

"Oh, James. Thank you for everything."

"V, you did this! You got it!"

"I can't believe I got it!"

"V, you were the best option. We've got to celebrate!"

"Yes, we do!"

"I'll be by you house in an hour."

"Can you come now?"

"I need to shower. I'll be there in forty five minutes."

"I'll meet you at your house."

"Perfect!"

…

There were several people who stopped by to say hello. The anticipation of the evening was growing. Elizabeth and Grace were getting caught up in the excitement. The high school's band, while small, did a great job of playing. This only added to the excitement. They noticed some of the football guys when they came onto the field to warm up. They stood to watch the players begin running around the field. Several of the guys saw them and gave them a discreet wave. This only added to the excitement.

They also noticed that Henry was on the field. Elizabeth had to text Abagail to see why."

E – Why is Henry on the football field?

A – The guys asked him and the coach to see if he can be a ball boy

E – A ball boy?

A – Yeah. Not sure what that means, but he was so excited. He gets to go to all the games and be on the sidelines

E – Oh, he'll love that!

A – He was so excited he couldn't sleep. Him and Franklin became very close when he stayed with Emily's family

E – That's great. Are they still dating?

A – Yes

Elizabeth placed her phone in her pocket when the rest of the team ran on the field to warm up. Elizabeth and Grace found all of their boys by their jersey numbers. They waved at each of them and eventually the boys waved back. They could see the smiles through their facemasks.

Every time one of their boys would catch a pass, they would cheer. Jack smiled at them and told them that they were just warming up. Elizabeth and Grace didn't care. They were just excited, and that excitement continued to grow. Jack was quickly beginning to realize tonight was going to be a loud evening.

"Maybe we should take your blood pressure?" Jack asked.

"Jack, we just did before we left the house. Please, I feel fine. Give me tonight?"

Jack smiled. He knew he asked a lot about her blood pressure, but he didn't care. He was going to protect his wife and children at all costs. "Fine, I'll give you tonight, but if your face turns red, I'm checking it."

"Fine." She huffed.

Once the game started, Jack was shocked at how loud Elizabeth and Grace were. They were by far louder than anyone else in the stands. Each time one of their boys did anything, they would stand and shout or clap. Jack was certain that his two ladies didn't have a clue what was going on. They were just following the crowd.

After a couple of minutes, people were starting to turn their heads and look toward them. He placed his hand on Elizabeth's thigh and gently squeezed it. She turned her head to look at him and gave him a huge smile. "This is so much fun! I don't know exactly what's going on, but I am having so much fun!"

"Maybe you shouldn't scream so much."

"What?! I'm supporting my boys!" She exclaimed.

"Can you do it a little quieter? Everyone is staring."

"Jack, it's a football game. That's what people do."

Before he could say anything else, Franklin threw a touchdown pass to another one of their boys. Grace and Elizabeth jumped to their feet and cheered. Grace was vigorously waving her pompoms she purchased as they entered the stadium. Elizabeth turned to her mother and gave her a high five. Jack thought that was the first time he has ever seen his wife high five anyone.

Jack just laughed at his wife. As he leaned over to kiss his wife a few minutes later, she jumped to her feet screaming at the ref.

"Oh! Come on! Do you need glasses?!" Elizabeth started.

"You've got to be blind!" Grace screamed.

Both ladies began booing the referee. Jack leaned over and tugged her slightly on her arm.

"What?" She looked at him.

"Sweetheart, Grace, would you like something to drink?"

"Sure, whatever they have."

"I'll be right back."

Jack came back to the same scene when he left. Both ladies were standing and screaming at another call from the ref. He just couldn't believe the sight before him. His usually quiet, poised, beautiful wife, standing screaming her head off. And then there was Grace. She was a distinguished woman. She was always so polite and well spoken. He simply shook his head. After handing each lady a bottle of water and a diet drink, he gave Elizabeth the largest pickle he had ever seen. She smiled and gave him a tender kiss as a thank you. Jack finally handed Grace a bag of chips.

"I'll be right back."

"Jack, where are you going?"

"Well sweetheart, I didn't have enough hands to carry anything for me."

"Oh, thank you."

"I have my phone if you need anything."

She gave him a smile just before she jumped up screaming at the ref again.

Jack didn't really need or want anything, he just needed to escape his wife and his mom for a few minutes. They just couldn't sit still very long without screaming. Not only were they cheering for their boys, but they were also yelling at the refs.

He did purchase a drink and a hotdog. Then he found a place to stand by the fence. Jack smiled. Even though he was a little way away from his wife and mom, he could clearly hear them. He just shook his head each time they yelled.

…

James pulled into his driveway and jumped out of the car. V was sitting on the front step of his porch. When she saw his truck pull in, she stood. She ran toward him and jumped into his arms when he stepped out of the truck.

"Thank you!"

"V, why are you thanking me?"

"You always believe in me. You are my greatest cheerleader."

"V, you need to realize that you did this. You made a huge impression on the upper management of the bank in such a short time. You worked hard and they saw the effort you put into it." James emphasized the word 'you'.

"James, you helped push me to what I wanted. You've always supported me. Thank you for that."

"V, I'm always your biggest supporter. I will always be here for you."

Instead of answering him, she gave him a kiss that made his knees weak.

"Wow!" He barely stated. "Let me take a quick shower and we will go out and celebrate."

After a second kiss, she looked into his eyes. "Maybe, we order deliver, and we take that shower?"

"V, you always have the best ideas." He stated as he claimed her lips again.

…

Jack was leaning against the fence watching the game and listening to his insane wife and mom yell at anything and everything. He just shook his head. When he felt the fence move, he turned his head to his left to see a man lean against the fence.

"How's it going?" Jack asked.

"Great, I had to get away from the mom tribe." He stated as he shook his head.

"The mom tribe?" Jack asked.

The man looked over his shoulder and Jack followed his gaze. Not only was it Elizabeth and Grace standing and shouting, but there was also another woman standing beside Grace just as animated.

"Who's that?" Jack asked.

"Oh, that's Susan. That's my wife."

"Oh…the pregnant lady is my wife, Elizabeth, and the older lady screaming her head off is her mother, Grace."

"My wife decided to join your wife in yelling. Wait…is that Elizabeth Thorton?"

"Yes, sir. My name is Jack and that is my wife, Elizabeth."

"Nice to meet you, Chief. I'm John. Your wife used to be a Thatcher?"

Jack nodded his head.

"My Suzzie was in her class last year. Suzzie always said she was so soft spoken. I've meet her once and she was so quiet and nice."

"She always has been until tonight. I have expected to find them when I came back from the concession stand to have their bellies painted and wearing cheese hats."

John laughed. "Yeah, the night is still early. Oh wait, there is another woman standing with them."

"I simply can't believe this."

"Well, it's nice to meet you Chief. I have heard so much about you and your wife."

"I hope it's all good."

Jack and John stood at the fence for the rest of the game except of the last minute of the game. They enjoyed their conversation and laughed at their wives, and the other women who joined them.

"Well, I guess we better go and see if we can convince our wives to go home."

"Good luck, but I don't think they will leave until the game is over."

"I know. We're up by fourteen and I bet they won't move."

…

As Jack made his way up the stands, he realized there were seven woman standing around his wife and mom. He simply shook his head in disbelief. Elizabeth and Grace were holding one of their shoes over their heads waving them from side to side yelling, "Ssshhhooo…" at the refs.

When he stood beside Elizabeth, she finally noticed he was back. "I was wondering where you got off too."

Jack gave her a knowing look. "Did you really notice I wasn't here?"

She looked at him and knew she was busted. "Well…"

"Yeah, I thought so." He laughed.

Elizabeth huffed. "Well, I know you're here now." She kissed him on the cheek.

"Where did you get off too."

"I was standing by the fence with a couple of other husbands watching the game and the mom tribe."

"The mom tribe?" She asked confused. "What's a mom tribe?"

"Well…I'm talking to the leader and charter member."

"What are you talking about?"

"Elizabeth, look around you. It's your mother and seven other women screaming their heads off."

She looked around and notice all the ladies' faces were a little red from screaming. She was hoping Jack wouldn't ask to take her blood pressure. "Oh, Jack. We weren't that loud."

"Sweetheart," He sassed. "I was half expecting to find you and your mother's belly painted wearing a cheese hat."

"Jack!" She swatted his arm. "What a thing to say to your pregnant wife. Wait, people actually do that?"

The buzzer finally sounded when it hit zero. Jack turned to his wife. "Let's go sweetheart. The boys will be over soon."

"Hey, let's go and talk to them. I see other people talking to some of the boys."

"Let's go." Jack knew he wasn't going to win this battle.

…

As Jack helped Elizabeth and Grace off the steps leading to the field, a couple of the boys came running over.

"Thank you for coming." The boys stated with large smiles. "I would give you a hug, but we're all sweaty."

"You better give me a hug young man!" Stated both Elizabeth and Grace. Elizabeth stepped up and hugged one while Grace did with the other gentleman. By the time they switched hugging the young men, the other ten came over. Each young man hugged each Eliabeth and Grace. By the time they hugged the last football player, Elizabeth's and Grace's shirt was wet from sweat." While they didn't enjoy that aspect of the hugs, the boy's smile told them it was worth it.

"We're sorry about your shirts, Mrs. Thorton and Mrs. Thatcher."

"Don't think a thing about it." Grace stated.

"Now, you are all coming over for ice cream, right."

"Yes ma'am."

"Great. Now, if you want to bring anyone, please feel free too."

"Would it be ok if I brought my girlfriend?"

"Absolutely. Now, go get changed and we will see you at our house soon."

"Yes, ma'am. Before we go, may we get a few pictures with you two?" They all stated together.

After taking individual and some group pictures, Elizabeth and Grace watched as their football boys walked away laughing and talking. It did their hearts good to see their smiles and hear their laughter. Some of those boys had a difficult home life.

"Dear, I noticed a couple of shirts that some women were wearing. It had something written on them like 'My grandson is #90'."

"Yes. I saw some like that too." "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"

Grace smiled. "Yes, it can say 'Our Football Boys' and have each of their jersey numbers on it."

"Oh, mother. That would be perfect."

"I'm on it!"