Chapter 104

The ice cream following the football game was a great way to end the day. When Elizabeth and Grace walked through the door, they changed their shirts before getting the ice cream ready. Their shirts were soaked from all of the sweat from the ball players. While normally that would be disguisting, these young men were their boys. They just didn't care. The ladies met Jack in the kitchen where Rip was resting on the floor beside him. He was beginning to get all the ice cream out of the freezer.

Instead of the twelve football boys, there were nineteen teenagers who showed up, that wasn't including Henry and Emily. Along with the twelve young men, three brought their girlfriends and two other football players showed up along with two cheerleaders.

Grace made it her job to welcome each person into the house with a hug and a kiss on the cheek. Then they were immediately welcomed by Elizabeth, while Jack worked on getting bowls and toppings.

"What's this?" A cheerleader asked.

"Those are pickles that are cut up for a topping for ice cream."

"I'm sorry…" Asked a confused young lady with a disgusted look. "Did you say pickles? Who puts pickles on ice cream?"

Jack laughed at her expression. "I could tell you, but I think I will let you experience seeing it for yourself."

The young lady's facial features contorted in pain when she saw Elizabeth put more pickles into her bowl than ice cream. Then she topped it off with chocolate syrup. Jack gave the cheerleader a knowing smile when she tried to say something but couldn't think of anything.

"Told you." He said to the young lady.

The night at the Thorton's house was terrific. They all sat outside on the back porch and just laughed and talked. Elizabeth was getting tired due to all of her yelling, but there was no way she was going to miss out on all of this excitement. Rip made sure to visit everyone allowing them to pet him. Then he settled at the feet of Elizabeth for the rest of the evening.

Elizabeth and Grace gave everyone a hug and a kiss on the cheek as they began to leave. Jack hugged all the young ladies and fist pumped all the young men. They promised this was going to be a every game tradition. Jack, Elizabeth, and Grace enjoyed it just as much as the teenagers did. Elizabeth loved that the house was filled with people and laughter.

…

Jack laid down in bed beside his beautiful wife who was already curled up with her bed light out. He thought she was asleep. He leaned over her and kissed her on the cheek.

"I believe our group is growing." She stated with sleep filling her voice.

"I believe you are correct, sweetheart. Are you ok with that? Are you ok with doing ice cream here after the games?"

"I am on both accounts. I hope we can help them all in some way, but this is exhausting. I will have to nap before the games."

"Oh, dear. I don't think it's the ice cream is the reason you are exhausted."

"Well, then detective, what is your synopsis?"

"I think it's the creation and the leading of the mom tribe." He laughed. "I have never seen you that way before."

She blushed. "I can't believe mother and I acted that way. I couldn't help it. It was so exciting and I wanted the football boys to know that they had someone on their sides. For many of them, they didn't have anyone."

"So you and mom decided to take that on?"

"I guess we did. She's working on shirts for us."

"Shirts?" Jack asked but realized his wife was beginning to slow down in speaking. When she did that, she was quickly falling asleep.

"I love you."

He thought she mumbled it back, but couldn't tell.

…

Jack woke up to a sprawled out Elizabeth laying on the bed. Her legs were on his side of the bed. She was laying on her back with her arms stretched out without a cover over her. She was always cold but being pregnant was starting to make her hot. Now she didn't sleep with a blanket. She would begin with a sheet but would usually lose it sometime during the night. To be honest, he was missing her cuddling up to him. He loved it even though he knew she was just cold and wanted to get closer to her heater.

Elizabeth's snoring was loud, and he knew she was sleeping sound. He kissed her on the cheek and slide out of bed. She didn't even move. After throwing on a t-shirt and socks, he stepped out into the kitchen to prepare coffee and to decide what to make for breakfast. He found Grace sitting at the kitchen island talking on her cell phone with it on speaker.

"Yes, Norman. I need two jerseys. I have Elizabeth's measurements, but she is growing with the pregnancy."

"Perfect Grace. I will make her two. One that will fit for a while, and then another one that is bigger. She can grow into it. I already have your measurements. Do you know what colors?"

"I'll send you a picture I took last night."

"Perfect."

"Now, on the back where the name usually is, I want 'Our Football Boys'."

Jack just leaned against the counter smiling at his mom.

"Great. Any particular font?"

"No, whatever you think is best. I trust you."

"Do you know the number?"

"Numbers…there are twelve of them." Grace told him each number of their boys.

"Any particular way you want this?"

"No. You have never disappointed me, and I know you will do great with this."

"Let me research this and I will see what I can do."

"Thank you Norman. I really appreciate this. Oh, they have a home game this coming Friday, is there any way you can get them to me at Jack's and Elizabeth's house by Friday?"

"I will begin to work on it now. I should have the design done today or early Monday. We will do them then and then I will overnight them to you. You should have it Wednesday, or Thursday at the very latest. I just need the mailing address."

"Norman, you are great. Thank you for doing this for me."

"No problem Mrs. Thatcher.

When she disconnected the call, she gave Jack a smile as he placed a cup of coffee in front of her with her favorite creamer.

"Thank you." She stated.

"What's that all about?" Jack nodded toward the phone.

She explained about the shirts her and Elizabeth saw last night and that they wanted something to honor their football boys.

Jack gave her a smile. "You two aren't going to paint your bellies next week are you?" He sassed.

"Jack Thorton!" She squeaked. "What a think to say to your mom."

She huffed when he kissed her on the cheek. She knew why Elizabeth had a problem of telling him no.

"Jack, if I start breakfast, would you run up to my room? There is a bag on the bed."

"I will, but I would probably wait on breakfast. Your daughter isn't moving yet. She's exhausted from last night."

"That was a lot of fun." She smiled at the memories.

…

Viola laid in bed wrapped in James' arms. She couldn't take her eyes off the ring he placed on her left hand. Her previous ring may have been bigger, but it couldn't begin to compare to this beautiful ring. Not only was the ring exquisite, but the love that stood along with it made it the most beautiful ring she has ever seen. She was excited about her promotion at work, that will take effect in two weeks, but it was the man laying behind her that made the smile not go away. She felt loved, appreciated, and wanted. He supported her and celebrated her accomplishments more than she did. He encouraged her when she failed, and he challenged her to reach for what she wanted. Now she understood what Elizabeth and Julie meant when they said their husbands were perfect for them.

During their impromptu candlelight dinner in his small dining room to celebrate her promotion, James asked her to marry him. It wasn't at the fanciest restaurants or the most eloquent, rehearsed speeches, but she wouldn't change a moment of it. It was perfect. She jumped into his arms before he even finished the question. For the first time in her life, she was truly happy.

She turned over and spent a moment to look at her fiancé. He was a handsome man. She found him incredibly attractive, but that wasn't what drew her to him. He was James McKay, and that was everything. He was a great man and was perfect for her. She smiled when he reached for her to draw her closer in his sleep. She couldn't resist this man and she had no intentions of trying.

She scooted closer to her fiancé and began to nibble on his neck. She smiled when he began to move a little. Her desire for him had no interest in being gentle. While still nibbling on his neck, she pushed his shoulder so he would lay on his back. As he rolled, she rolled too so she was sitting on top of him. When his eyes opened, he reached for her hips. She smiled and continued the onslaught on his neck moving her way up to his ear. There were no words spoken. There wasn't a need to speak. They loved each other completely with the passion of two people completely in love and about to begin their forever love together.

…

On Jack's way down the stairs with Grace's bag in his hand, his work phone buzzed.

"Hey, Boss Lady. What' up?"

"Chief, you need to go to Fisher's farm on the south side. It's about fifteen miles from the courthouse. Lee is on his way and he is expecting you."

"What's this about?"

"Lawrence. I'll text the address."

"Thanks."

When he reached the bottom of the stairs, he turned toward Grace. "Mom, I have to head out to work."

Jack walked into his bedroom and found Elizabeth still sleeping in the same position. He just smiled at her snoring as he walked into the closet to pull out a pair of brown cargo pants and a black polo shirt with his name and title on it. He decided on hiking boots since he was asked to go to a farm. He smiled at his wife but didn't kiss her. He didn't want to wake her up. He did blow her a kiss and then blew Ig and Iggy a kiss. He did kiss Grace on the cheek when she handed him a travel mug of coffee.

"I'll text later." He stated as he walked out of the house.

Grace decided to call William before Elizabeth woke up. There has been no communication between William and Elizabeth since their visit to Hamilton. Grace and Elizabeth hasn't spoken about her father during this visit. Grace's intention was to give Jack and Elizabeth all the time they needed to process and work out what they wanted to do. She was not going to rush them.

"Hey, Grace. How are you this morning?"

"I'm fine, William. And you?"

"I'm good. What are you all up to today?"

"Jack just left for work and Elizabeth is still sleeping."

"She is?"

"Yes. We have a long day yesterday." She told him everything about yesterday and the fun at the football game and the time with the boys at Elizabeth's house following the game.

"You do realize we are not moving to Hope Valley don't you Grace."

"Well…I wouldn't say move, but I do plan on staying for this week. The boys have a game on Friday I want to go to. I may travel back home on Saturday or maybe Monday."

"You're staying that long?"

"Yes. Also, when the babies are born, Charlette and I plan on helping as much as possible. I may come for a week at a time every other week to help. Charlette will help the week I'm not here, but we haven't figured that out yet."

"Have you talked to them about me?"

"No. I told them weeks ago that they are in charge of this. You will not push them in this. They walk this path at their speed." She warned him. The determination in her voice was unmistakable.

"Yes, dear." William was still a little defeated about the whole situation, but knew he wasn't in control of it. He was taking he medicine he created, but he didn't have to like it. "How is she doing with her blood pressure?"

"It's still on the high end of normal, but within normal range. She has a doctor visit on Tuesday before school begins on Wednesday. I want to stay and help with all of that along with the game on Friday."

"I'm a little surprised you want to go to a football game. You were never into sports."

"I'm not, but these boys are just special. Jack thought Elizabeth and I were going to paint our bellies and wear cheese hats." She laughed as she told the story of the game and the other mom's joining them yelling. She was a little embarrassed that Jack left because of their screaming, but she was just too excited she wasn't going to change a thing.

They spoke for a few more minutes until she heard Elizabeth wake up and was moving in her bedroom.

"Grace, I just want to talk to her."

"That's the problem, William."

"What do you mean?"

"You should want to talk to Jack too. You're missing out on so much because of your stubborn pride. You have no idea what you're missing." She shook her head.

"I just want to talk to my little girl first, then Jack."

"When she says so, not you. Now, I love you but I need to let you go before she comes out of her bedroom."

"Would you please take a picture of her house. I would love to see it. And please tell her I said hello."

"You can say hello to her when she decides to call you and she can show you a picture of the house then. I'll talk to you soon." She ended the call before he could protest further. He needed to know he wasn't in control in this situation.

"Good morning, dear. Oh…you must have slept hard." Grace noticed her little bit of bed head.

"I slept well. I must have been tired. Where's Jack?"

…

Jack pulled into the Fisher's farm. He noticed a beautiful farmhouse. He didn't see Lee's car. So, he decided to follow the gravel drive that went by the house. Once he passed the house, he saw a large barn and just past it he noticed Lee's car and a police cruiser with its lights on. He parked beside Lee's car and then noticed a tow truck pulling down the same gravel road he was just on.

Jack took a moment to look around to make himself aware of his surroundings. This was something that was reenforced with his surprise meeting with Miranda in the barn. He walked to where Lee was waving for him. He was standing by a pond.

As Jack approached, he noticed the top of a dark color vehicle just above the water line. "What do we have here?" He asked Lee.

"Chief, this is a dark blue SUV. It is titled to Lawrence. A scuba diver has already retrieved the license plate number along with the VIN number. It's Lawrence's car."

"Ok, how long before we can get it out of the water? And I am thinking it was just noticed this morning?"

"Yes, sir. Mr. Fisher noticed it this morning on his way out to his hay field. The tow truck just arrived, I would say about thirty minutes or so. Maybe Lawerence will be in it?" Lee thought out loud.

"He's not here. It may be his car, but he won't be in it."

Jack turned to talk with Mr. Fisher. He didn't notice it two days ago when he cut the hay. He only noticed it this morning when he was on his way to rake the hay so he could bail it. Jack noticed a tractor and hay rake attached to it parked just ahead of Lee's car. Mr. Fisher told Jack everything he knew, which wasn't too much. The night before, he was out repairing fencing and didn't get back home until after midnight. He had to fix the fence so his cows wouldn't get out.

"Mr. Fisher, after you arrived at home, you didn't notice anything or hear anything?"

"No, chief. I didn't."

"Thank you, sir." Jack spoke with Mr. Fisher for few more minutes about his farm.

As he walked back, Jack noticed a couple of different tracks that was fresh in the mud. "Lee, have you looked at this?"

"No sir, we have been concentrated on the car."

"Has anyone been over here?"

"No sir, it's just been me and the officer. Mr. Fisher hasn't been over there since I have been here."

"I wasn't over there for a few days. This is basically a cow pond. There's no fish in it or anything."

"Lee, cast those please."

Jack walked around the pond with Mr. Fisher. He wanted Mr. Fisher around if he had any questions.

"I'm not sure yet, Mr. Fisher. But I'm inclined to believe a couple of young teenagers stole the car and was joy riding. They didn't know the pond was here and just ran off the road into it. The tracks are heading toward the barn. I bet they just ran scared to death since you haven't seen or heard anything."

"They could still be here?" Asked the older man.

"I don't think so, Mr. Fisher. We will look around before we leave. You would have noticed something if they were. You have lived here for a long time and you know everything about this land and it's noises. If something was off, you would have known. I'm sorry we have interrupted your day. I promise we will be off your property as soon as we can."

Mr. Fisher nodded his head. He appreciated the chief's forwardness and his desire not to disrupt his day any more than he had too, but he also understood they would be there as long as they needed to be there.

After the diver attached the tow truck to the SUV, the tow truck driver pulled it out of the pond. Lee quickly looked into the car hoping to find Lawrence, or at lease some clues to where he was. After looking in the hatchback, he sighed when he didn't see anything.

Lee walked to up Jack. "How did you know he wouldn't be in there?"

…

Miranda answered her phone. This was her go to guy. She trusted him completely.

"The Chief found your old problem's car. Some teenagers stolen it from his cousin's house and went joy riding. They wrecked it into a pond."

"Is there any way they can follow it?"

"Absolutely not!" The man stated with determination.

"How?"

"Miranda, when I said that your problem is taken care of and gone, I mean it's gone. There is nothing to find…anywhere."

"Thank you."

"All there is a couple of teens stolen a car and wrecked it joyriding. The chief may try to pin it on you, but there is no way possible. It's simply a stolen car."

"This old problem seems to still be haunting me."

"I wouldn't say haunting, it's simply a dull headache, but nothing that will cause any issues other than annoyance."

"Thank you."

She sat silently for a moment thinking. She trusted this man completely. If he said it was finished, then she knew without a doubt it was finished. Her first reaction was to send him to check on things, but knew that was an overreaction. She needed to keep her distance.

"If I may make a suggestion…" The man began but hesitated to seek her permission.

"What's on your mind?"

"I think you need distance here. Don't send anyone to check in on this. It's a stolen car. Don't give the Chief any thoughts to follow here. He will quickly follow this and that will led to the teens. Let him find this on his own without any other thoughts to chase."

"That's what I was thinking. Thank you for the heads up."

"No problem, boss."

She ended the call, and her mind was running through all the scenarios. He was right, she needed to make sure she didn't give the Chief any avenues to chase, but she was intrigued by this man. A person in her position couldn't allow herself to be emotionally involved. That only causes trouble when you have to deal with emotions, but the Chief was an interesting man.

…

"Miranda isn't a fool. She knows who she is and holds her people up to a very high standard. Anyone not meeting that standard, is tossed to the side. I believe Elizabeth is correct, we will not catch her by normal techniques. Her picture will never be on a wanted poster. We need to start looking at this differently."

"What do you have in mind?"

"I'm not certain yet, I believe I need to follow up with Elizabeth."

Jack's phone buzzed. "Don't follow empty rabbit trials."

Everyone noticed Jack's smile. Even Mr. Fisher's cows noticed the smile on Jack's face. "I've found your weakness…" He stated to no one.

…

"Viola called and said she wanted to come over for a minute. She is excited about something. She just talked so fast I had a hard time understanding her."

Elizabeth laughed. "Yes, she was always that way."

"What do you think it's about?"

"I'm not sure. I bet it has something to do with James."

Grace sat down at the dining room table where Elizabeth had papers laying everywhere. She was working on her school items she needed finished by Wednesday. She already had things done for Monday's Inservice. She grinned when her phone dinged with the sound of her babies' heartbeat.

"Hey handsome."

"Hey beautiful. How is your day?"

"Good. Doing some work. You?"

"The same. How is your BP?"

"It's good. Checked it about an hour ago. It was 137/83."

"That's good. Hey, you up for a small walk. I need to speak with my person."

"I can be persuaded." She blushed for a moment. "Is there a reason for this walk?"

"There is. I would like to pick your brain for a few minutes."

"Ok." She sounded a little disappointed. She was hoping for a little fun time with her husband. She missed him this morning.

"I should be done here in about an hour. Then I'll head that way. I'll shoot you a text when I'm heading home."

"Perfect."

Grace gave her a knowing smile. "I think I really should get those earphones." She sassed.

"Mother!" Elizabeth gasped.

"Tell me the disappointment in your tone wasn't due to the fact he just wanted to take a walk and talk." Grace challenged her second daughter. Grace slipped her a smile Elizabeth knew all too well.

"Well…"

"Elizabeth, I am grateful you are enjoying all aspects of your marriage." Grace wiggled her eyebrows. "That is an important aspect of marriage."

"Well, I do enjoy that part of marriage." Elizabeth's face grew very red.

Grace patted Elizabeth's hand. "You know, after the talk there is no reason not to."

"I can't believe I am having this conversation with my mother." Elizabeth shook her head.

"It's called adult conversation, my dear."

…

There was a knock on the front door of Elizabeth's house and Julie just walked in.

"Wasn't you taught manners, little one?"

"Oh Elizabeth. When have I ever knocked before entering your room?"

"This is my house."

"I know, sis. I didn't see Jack's truck here, so I knew it was safe to walk in."

Elizabeth rolled her eyes. "Why are you here?"

"Vi called and told me to come over. She has some big news she wanted to tell us."

With that statement, Viola walked into the house after she knocked.

"I'm going to start locking my door." Elizabeth murmured.

Everyone could see the pure excitement on Viola's face. She wasn't even trying to hide it. She was bouncing on the balls of her feet, and she was giddy.

Julie leaned over to Elizabeth. "Does she seem a little too happy to you?"

"Oh, if I didn't know better I would say she was giddy."

"Guess what?! Guess what?!" Vi started, but before anyone could answer she screamed. "I'm getting married!" And stuck out her left hand.

Elizabeth, Grace, and Julie just looked at each other. "Yeah…we figured." Deadpanned Julie.

Viola huffed. "Well, aren't you excited for me?"

The three ladies laughed at Viola's facial expression.

"Yes, we are!" Shouted Julie. "I was just playing with you. Now, let me see that rock."

Grace and her three daughters smiled and laughed with each other. Everyone was truly excited about Vi's news. They knew her and James was perfect for each other.

"Why is there four loud women in my house yelling. You would think I was at another football game." Jack stated as he walked into his home.

"Jack!" Elizabeth stated with excitement and rushed to him. "I've missed you." She exclaimed as she kissed him on the lips. It was a little more than just a peck on the lips.

"I've missed you too. Are you all ok?"

"I'm getting married!" Viola shouted.

"Great!" Jack stated. "James is a good man, and he is one lucky man."

"Thank you."

They talked for a few minutes. Elizabeth kept stealing glances at her husband. He was wearing a pair of cargo pants that fit him perfectly. They hugged him in every possible way that was good in her opinion, especially his bottom. She sighed as he turned his back looking into the cabinet. She loved him in hiking boots. The cargo pants and the hiking boots gave him an outdoorsy look. The black polo was nice and not too loose. The black showed off his arm muscles. She loved Jack clean shaven, but he did look good in a two day old beard growth. He didn't have time this morning to shave, and he was looking hot in her opinion. Too bad my house if full of people. She thought to herself.

Grace noticed the look in her daughter's eyes. She smiled to herself.

"Jack…" Elizabeth drew out his name. "You said you wanted to take a walk and talk about something to get my opinion?" She wanted to take a walk but could care less about the talk. She loved that he always wanted her thoughts on things, but today was not one of those days she wanted to talk.

Grace laughed to herself knowing full well what her daughter was up too.

"Oh, yes. We can go in a little bit. I know you want to visit with your family."

"No." She stated a little too quickly. "Maybe we should go now? In case rain comes in."

Everyone looked out the window and noticed a bright, sunny day.

"Maybe you should go now. I was thinking maybe we can all meet later for dinner." Grace threw her daughter a lifeline. Elizabeth smiled but didn't look at her mother.

"How's your BP?" Jack asked not catching on.

"It's fine. Now, let's go." She stated abruptly.

Jack looked at his wife a little confused. He watched her walk across the living room quickly and pick up her pair of shoes.

When Elizabeth told her mother they will be back soon, Grace leaned in and whispered. "No one says you have to talk first." She wiggled her eyebrows at her daughter. "Have fun."

Elizabeth started to walk toward the front door, but Jack started toward the back door.

"Where are we going for this walk?" Elizabeth asked as she turned around and followed Jack.

"I thought we would walk to the pond since the trial is cleared.

Elizabeth couldn't stop the smile growing on her face. Maybe we will talk later.

…

Jack reached for her hand as they stepped out of the back door and walked down the stairs. Once on the grass, Elizabeth wrapped her arm around Jack's arm and snuggled as close as she could and still be able to walk.

"Oh my…" She whispered. "He smells good."

"What?" Jack asked.

"Nothing, handsome."

I hope we can make it to the pond…I just hope we can make it out of the back yard. She thought as she snuggled closer to him.

Once they stepped into the woods, Jack spoke. "Elizabeth, I think…"

Elizabeth stopped him when her lips crashed onto his. The action caught Jack off balance for a second. He wasn't expecting that at all but he wasn't complaining. She deepened the kiss and her tongue searched for his tongue. When he moaned at her action, it only drove her deeper. He pulled away a few seconds later to breathe but she never allowed the separation. She immediately followed him and kept her lips pressed on his. She reached behind his head and pulled his head closer to deepen the kiss. She reached with her left hand and grabbed his bottom. She pulled him as close as her belly would allow.

As much as Jack was trying to keep up with her actions, she was pressing forward. Elizabeth pressed his back to a tree. He was thankful he had something to lean on. His knees were growing weak with his wife's actions.

She broke the kiss to take his shirt off. He took the opportunity to say something.

"Elizabeth…"

"Hush Jack. Make love to me now!" She breathed heavily.

When his shirt was off, he opened his mouth again. "Jack! I said hush. Take me…now!" She commanded. She latched onto his ear and bit down. She smiled as he whimpered in pleasure.

"The house, Elizabeth. They can…"

"Jack, I said hush. I don't care." He was taken back by her forcefulness. "Jack…" She trailed off as she kissed and sucked his neck.

Jack didn't know what was going on or what happened. All he knew is that his beautiful, sexy wife wanted him and he was very excited about it. He didn't know how or where this was going to happen. "Elizabeth…"

"Jack, I swear…if you say one more word, I'm putting you in time out and you are standing in the corner of the classroom!"

He smiled when he reached and grabbed the bottom part of her shirt, and she immediately raised her arms for Jack to pull it off.

…

Jack and Elizabeth laid on a grassy section of the path drenched in sweat. They were lucky enough to find a grass cover portion just a few feet away. They were holding hands and every so often, one would squeeze to express their love for each other. Words were not forming in their brains at the moment. Their love making was intense, satisfying, and passionate. Since their wedding night, their intimacy has been perfect according to Jack. He wouldn't want to change one second of their shared time together. Before now, they had only made love outside one time. It was when they were on the side of the volcano overlook when they were sketching on their honeymoon. He was beginning to see other options for the pond instead of just fishing and family gatherings.

"Whatever you do Jack…" She gasped to catch her breath. "Don't you dare take my blood pressure."

"Elizabeth," He drew out her name still trying to catch his breath. "I don't think my body is working at the moment."

After a few minutes, they began to get dressed. They were very thankful that they owned the lots on both sides of their house and the lots behind there house. There wasn't a house close by.

"Are you ready for our walk?"

"Walk?" He asked.

"You said you wanted to take a walk to the pond?"

"I did?"

"Yes, you said a walk and a talk." She smiled knowing the effect she had on him. It made her feel good that she had that affect on her husband.

"I honestly don't remember."

"Seriously?" She smirked.

"We do that," He pointed to the grassy spot on the ground. "And you expect my mind to work. You expect too much out of me woman." He flirted.

"Let's take that walk and maybe your brain will engage by the time we make it to the pond."

"We own a pond?" He sassed.

…

Jack and Elizabeth arrived at the pond in just a few minutes. The football boys did a great job clearing the path. They found a fallen tree that was perfect to sit on. Jack shared with Elizabeth with what he could about his morning and his thoughts concerning Lawrence and Miranda.

Elizabeth was even more convinced that they would have to find a new way to find her. She wasn't a normal criminal. Jack was in complete agreement with his wife.

"The strange thing was that she sent me a text." Jack showed her the text.

"Jack, why is that strange?"

"Well, it's completely unnecessary. If you eliminated someone and the police found their car, the last thing you want to do is to contact the police. Even if it was just a pure coincidence, you don't want the police to follow an avenue that they don't have any evidence on. They may accidently find something."

Elizabeth thought about it for a little bit. "So, what made her contact you? She's not dumb or would put herself in a situation she couldn't control."

"I agree. My thought is that this is personal with her and me. It's a game to see who is smarter."

Elizabeth nodded. "I don't think it's a game of who is smarter…" She trialed off in thought. "Jack, I think she has a crush on you."

Jack looked at her stunned. "What did you say?"

"Think about it Jack…she made no contact with Bill, and he was a good chief. She is unknown by everyone. She is too smart to put herself at risk. She evidently put people close to her that she truly trusts, and if she has an issue with someone, she is able to eliminate them."

Jack nodded while he was processing her thoughts.

"So why you and not Bill?"

"I don't know."

"For some reason, she picked you. If she wanted to play a game of chess, she could have chosen Bill. He would have been an worthy adversary. She has a crush on you. That's why she picked you and that's why she couldn't stop herself from sending you a text. She knew better than to text you, but she couldn't keep from it."

"So, what do you think?"

"I think you need to play this little game with her. You need to flirt with her and she will eventually slip up. You're good at noticing things, it won't be a big slip up, but you will notice it."

"I think you maybe right, but, Elizabeth, there is no way I'm flirting with her!"

"Jack, I know you won't do it because you like her, but think about it…"

"No!" He shook his head side to side vigorously. "I fan the flame with one woman and one woman only!" Jack was referring back to his vows to Elizabeth.

"Jack, I know that."

"Great, then you won't ask me to flirt with someone else."

"But Jack…"

"Elizabeth. I am not flirting with another woman for any reason!" His tone and his facial features left no doubt that he wasn't changing his mind. Elizabeth loved him even more for it. She was the only person who had his attention, and she knew it. She truly felt blessed because of it.

She leaned over and gave him a kiss that softened his body posture and his facial expressions. "Thank you, Jack."

"You know you are the only one in my life I think that way with…right?"

She nodded her head with a slight blush on her cheeks.

"I think you are right, but instead of flirting, maybe I can try to win her over as a friend?"

"Yes, maybe share something with her? Maybe a bad day or something."

"Yes, make a connection but nothing too personal. Something superficial that she takes as personal?"

Elizabeth nodded. "I think that will work."

"The more contact she makes with me, the more opportunities she has to make a mistake."

"My thoughts exactly." Elizabeth stated as she bumped his shoulder with her shoulder.

Jack looked at his watch. "We may need to get back soon so we can get ready for the celebration dinner for Viola."

"True. I'm just enjoying this time with you, intimacy, time spent together, and a talk…it's a perfect day." She sighed.

"We have about ten minutes…would you like to make out?" He gave her his patented dimpled smirk that stopped her heart every time he looked at her like that. "

When he saw her grin, he leaned in and gently placed his lips on hers. The kiss was so soft she barely felt it. "Me and you." He stated as he pulled back a fraction of an inch.

With a satisfied grin, "Me and you." She replied.