Chapter 125
Jack escorted Elizabeth to her car and opened the passenger side door. He tried to be a gentleman. However, he could not keep from looking at all of her. Those jeans were his weakness. When she stepped beside him to get into the car, he noticed her backside. He took a deep breath trying to calm himself down. She smiled when she noticed he sneaked a peek and was satisfied he was still attracted to her. She was secretively afraid that the pregnancy and her changing body may not be as attractive to him. She couldn't hide her smile.
"Thank you, Jack." She flirted.
Jack placed his hand on her back and slowly slid his hand down her back. He wanted to play this little game with her but quickly realized he was already losing the game. He instantly knew he shouldn't have placed his hand on her back or allowed it to roam down her back if he was wanting to control himself.
Elizabeth's breath caught in her chest when his hand touched her back and slowly began a downward slide. She closed her eyes as she settled into her seat. She was trying to gain control of her breathing. She smiled when she noticed the small beads of sweat that was forming on her top lip. When Jack closed her door, she let out a shallow breath and wiped the sweat away. This was going to be a long doctor visit.
…
Charlette arrived about ten minutes after Jack and Elizaeth left for her doctor visit. Charlette knocked and then entered the house without waiting for Grace to answer. She knew Grace may be busy.
"Grace…I brought us some lunch from Abagail's."
Grace walked out of the kitchen carrying Beth. "Oh, that's great. Baby Jack is laying on a blanket on the floor in the living room."
Charlette was already walking toward her grandson while Grace was speaking. Grace placed Beth on the floor beside her brother and laid down opposite of Charlette. The two babies were laying between them. Charlette was closer to their heads while Grace was closer to their feet. Grace would play with their feet and laugh when they would try to kick. Charlette would rub their cheeks and the babies would turn their heads toward her finger.
"Charlette, I believe we have the two best grandbabies ever."
"Grace, I always knew you were a smart lady."
"So." Grace stated rubbing Jack's little foot. "What do you think they will do when they are older?"
"Oh…I think these two will give their mommy and daddy a run for their money. We may get a phone call one day telling us that they duct taped their parents to chairs or something." Charlette laughed. "I think Jack and Elizabeth will have their hands full."
"Oh, I agree." Laughed Grace. "Is it just me or do they look very smart?"
"I think you are right. They already are sensitive to touch, and they seem to always look around at their surroundings."
"Do you think they will follow their parents' footsteps and be a school teacher and law enforcement?"
"I'm torn with that one Grace. I loved Tom and I love Jack. I was proud of them for their work and desire to serve people, but I lost Tom because of his work. Jack has been injured a couple of times. I have always worried about his profession. I'm proud of him, but I am also a mother. I don't know if I can handle one of these little ones following Jack's profession."
"I know. I'm proud of Jack, but I worry too."
"He's good at his job, but that doesn't keep a mother's heart calm when the phone rings." Charlette smiled and rubbed Beth's cheek.
"I know my Elizabeth was always meant to be a teacher. I wouldn't be surprised if she passed that trait down to one or both of her babies."
"Well, as grandparents we are to love them unconditionally. We will support them in anything they want to do."
"I agree with you, Charlette. We love these two with everything that we have, and we will become the best grandmothers in the history of the world."
They spend the next little while just playing and admiring the little ones. The babies were enjoying their time with their grandmothers.
…
Frank met with the church board wanting to complete all the plans for Adam and Charlette. Their plan was for the church to offer a building for Adam and Charlette to work with the teens who wanted to learn home repair. However, after talking with Jack, Frank quickly realized that Adam and Charlette would rather work out of their shop. Everything was already set up and the home was close enough to town that it wouldn't be any trouble for kids to come and work on projects.
The plan was to get with Adam and see if there were any tools they needed for the teens. The church board set aside money to purchase anything they needed. The board also wanted to let the couple know that they appreciate all their hard work on the projects for the people in the community. For this, they decided to send them on a week's vacation since neither Adam nor Charlette would allow them to pay them.
Frank knew they loved their trip to Montana and Yellowstone. So, they decided to purchase them two open dated tickets for a week away to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. With the new babies, they were certain that they wouldn't want to leave any time soon. Maybe they would use it for their one year anniversary.
…
Adam walked into Abagail's looking forward to his day. He already had picked up the next load of lumber to begin the new project for an older couple who needed a wheelchair ramp and for the first project for the high school kids who will begin their new projects learning carpentry. Adam was ready to retire from teaching, but he was looking forward to sharing his experiences with wood working. It was a small taste of teaching without having to stand in a classroom all day.
He also knew Charlette and Grace was babysitting while the babies' parents were out to a doctor appointment. He wasn't willing to miss out on that fun. But for him to crash their little grandma party, he needed to bring treats.
"Hey Adam, what are you up to today?"
"I'm about to crash a party but I need to come with bribes that will get me in the party."
"Party?"
"Charlie and Grace are babysitting today for a little while. I want to join their little fun, but I better bring a bribe that will get me in the door."
Abagail laughed at his statement. "Adam, I always thought you were a smart man. You may be right. What are you thinking?"
"Well, I know Charlie's favorite is your chocolate cake with ice cream. Do you know what Grace's favorite dessert is?"
"She loves the carrot cake."
"Great. I will take a chocolate cake with your ice cream and a carrot cake to go. Plus, I will take a vanilla shake with two cherries and no whip cream."
"Have a seat. I'll have those ready for you soon."
"Hey mom." Henry shouted as he came from the kitchen.
"Henry! This is a business. You know you are not suppose to yell."
"Sorry mom."
"Now, what is it that you want?"
Adam couldn't keep from laughing at the scene before him.
"I was wondering if Emily and I can go to the movies. Would that be ok with you?"
"That's fine with me. What does her parents think?"
"They are coming here now. They will take us to the movie theater and then they want to go shopping. Then they will pick us up when the movie is over."
"That's fine with me. I'll text your father and let him know."
"Thanks mom!" He shouted as he ran back into the kitchen.
Abagail shook her head.
"I remember all the battles I had with my oldest son about yelling in the house. He never had an inside voice."
"I think that's Henry."
"How is he liking that baseball travel team?"
"The season is over for now. They start back up in the spring. He really enjoyed it. Even though he was the youngest on the team, he won the team's MVP."
"Wow! That's impressive. You may have a future professional baseball player on your hands."
"It's a little too early to think that, but he does love it."
"How is he and Emily doing?"
"They are doing well. I guess you can say they're dating, or whatever these kids are calling it these days.
"That's great. She seems like a very nice young lady."
"She is. Frank and I have fallen for her." Abagail did not say anything about Henry's declaration of him marrying Emily. Henry didn't know that his parents knew. She wasn't about to break that trust.
…
Charlette opened the door and noticed a smiling Adam holding a to go bag from Abagail's. Instead of opening the door to allow him in, she closed it a little so he couldn't see inside.
"What are you doing here?"
"Charlie, I believe I could ask you the same thing."
"I'm visiting with my friend."
"So, in visiting with your friend, who are you holding?" He sassed.
She closed the door a little bit more. "No one." She smiled.
"Sure…I know what you two are up too." He stated pointing his finger at his wife. His smile growing on his face.
"Who's at the door, Charlette?"
"No one." Charlette stated as she turned her head.
Adam saw his chance. He placed his foot inside the door.
"Young man…what are you doing?"
"I'm hoping my beautiful, intelligent, caring, and compassionate wife will allow me to invade her party with her friend and the most precious babies in the world." He gave her his best, sad eyes.
Charlette stared at him trying to hold strong.
"He can come in if he has something good in those bags." Grace yelled.
"I do."
"What do you have?" Challenged Charlette.
"Well, I have chocolate cake with two scoops of ice cream from Abagail's for you." His smile growing.
Charlette opened the door a couple of inches. "What else?" Grace stated.
"I have the biggest piece of carrot cake that just came out of the oven from Abagail's for you."
"Sold!" Proclaimed Grace.
"You're lucky you're cute." Charlette stated as she opened the door.
"Awe, you have Beth." Adam stated as he stepped into the house. "I even have a treat for Rip."
"You went all out, didn't you?"
"Yes, Grace. I knew I had to or else I wasn't getting in this house."
Both ladies laughed while Adam walked into the kitchen and place the bag on the kitchen island. He pulled out the rawhide bone for Rip. Rip accepted the bone quickly and walked into the living room laying on his pillow in front of the fireplace. Adam pulled two forks out of the drawer and opened the containers of the ladies.
"Alright you two…give me those babies while you eat your treat."
"Not so fast, young man." Both ladies stated at the same time.
"I knew I would have to pull out the big guns…" He reached into the bag and pulled out two candy bars. One white chocolate Hershey candy bar for Grace, her favorite. Then he pulled out a chocolate Hershey bar for his wife, her favorite.
Grace walked up to him and took the carrot cake and carried baby Jack back to the living room without saying a word. Charlette did the same carrying Beth and sitting down next to Grace.
"I guess a grandmother's love for their grandbabies is more than their love for their favorite candy bars." Adam huffed with a slight smile.
…
Both Jack and Elizabeth smiled as they sat in the waiting room of the doctor's office. As hard as he tried, he just couldn't keep from looking at his wife. He had goosebumps when he helped her out of the car, and she kissed this cheek and whispered thank you into his ear. He tried to keep his body from shivering at the feel of her breath on his ear, but he just couldn't control it. He scolded himself for staring at her backside when he opened the office door, but he just didn't care. He looked at his wife's hips anyways. She was a beautiful woman and her being a mother only made her more beautiful.
For Elizabeth, she was feeling the same way that Jack was. When he placed his hand on the small of her back, she almost melted. His cargo pants and black polo shirt with is name on it fit him perfectly. The hiking boots gave him a little bit of a rustic look. He was wearing his normal cologne that she had committed to memory a long time ago. She loved that smell. His dimples were in full dimple mode. She lost herself in those dimples each time he smiled. She had to close her eyes a couple of times on the drive to the doctor's appointment because she thought she was going to lose control.
She also loved the fact that he was sneaking glances at her. With her body changing so much over the pregnancy and with her body not quiet back to her pre-pregnancy normal, she was afraid she wasn't as physically attractive for him as she once was. All the glances and gentle touches was screaming to her that he loved her and desired her. That made her feel better about herself.
When they sat down in the waiting room chairs waiting for her name to be called, Jack placed his right hand on her left leg toward the inside of her thigh. She jumped at his touch. It was driving her crazy. However, Jack felt her jump and thought he pushed too far. He slowly slid his hand off her leg and took her hand. He embarrassingly looked up and saw her confused look. Before either could say anything, the nurse opened the door and called out her name.
…
Adam huffed. "Alright you two…one of you must give up a baby."
"Who says?" Challenged both Grace and Charlette.
"But I brought your favorite desserts from Abagail's, and I also brought your favorite candy bars." He defended himself.
"And we are very grateful for that act of kindness."
Adam stared at his wife as she spoke. "Yes…and doesn't that mean you have to share?"
Grace sat back enjoying watching the two banter back and forth. Her smile plastered on her face.
"Again…who says?"
"Charlette…"
"Don't you Charlette me, young man. We didn't ask you to crash in on our time with our grandbabies." Charlette nodded toward Grace.
"That's a lot of 'our' in that statement, dear."
The staring contest continued until Grace finally spoke up. "Here Adam. You can hold Beth until I get back from the bathroom." She laughed at his ridiculously large smile and him rubbing his hands together.
"Come to grandpa my little princess." Adam awed when he took her. "See, she loves her grandpa. She's a grandpa's girl."
"And why do you say that?" Asked Grace.
"Look, she's smiling."
"Adam, she is not smiling."
"Sure she is." He teased. "She's a grandpa's girl." At that moment, Beth kicked her legs. "See! Aren't you little cutie. You're a grandpa's girl." Adam stated as he lightly tickled her tummy.
…
"Alright, Elizabeth. Your blood pressure is perfect. Have you been taking the medication?"
"No. I haven't taken the medicine since my last appointment."
"Perfect. Your heart rate is good, and your oxygen is really good. Now, let's step on the scale."
Elizabeth sighed. This wasn't her favorite part of the doctor visit. The nurse leaned forward to look at the scale. She leaned toward Elizabeth who refused to look at the scale. "Good job, girl. You are just a few weeks post birth and you are only seven pounds to your pre-pregnancy weight."
Elizabeth quickly turned her head toward the nurse. When she saw her smile, she looked down at the scale. Her smile grew when she noticed the nurse was correct.
"I can't believe it." Stated a shocked Elizabeth.
"Whatever you are doing, keep it up. You're doing great. Alright, let's head to room three. The doctor will be in shortly."
Elizabeth smiled the whole walk to the room. She has been trying really hard to get back to her normal weight. She reached for Jack's hand on the walk.
Once in the room, she noticed he was a little shy holding her hand. "Jack, what's wrong?"
Jack exhaled. "I'm sorry about earlier."
"What do you mean?"
"Out in the waiting room."
He was confused by her look of confusion. "When I touched your inner thigh in the waiting room, you jumped. I'm sorry."
"For touching me?" She asked very slowly.
"I'm sorry, Elizabeth. I…I just lost my mind. You look gorgeous and you are wearing my favorite pair of jeans. I just…I just…" His voice trailed off. He was rubbing the back of his neck looking at the floor.
Elizabeth shook her head. "No Jack. It wasn't what you think. I loved your touch."
"Then why did you jump?"
"Jack, I have missed you over the last few months. I miss our times together." Her face began to turn red in embarrassment. "I dressed up with you in mind for today's appointment. I want us…" Her voice trailed off. "Jack, I jumped because that was the first time you touched me romantically in months due to the pregnancy and me healing. I know we have had our intimate moments during that time, but it could never lead to anything. Today, it can lead to something…something I have been thinking about for a long time now. When you touched me, I felt the love you have for me. I also felt the desire you have for me. I have been worried about my body since the pregnancy. It has changed a lot over the last few months. I was worried…"
Jack cut her off. "You were worried I wouldn't find you sexy?"
She didn't answer his question. She just nodded her head.
"E-liz-a-beth." He drew out her name. "You know how much I love you. If you don't know it by now, I have done this completely wrong."
"I know you love me."
"And you are seductively gorgeous to me. You were before you were pregnant. You were while you were pregnant. And you are right now." He exhaled a long breath. "Elizabeth, you have to know I desire you. Not because you wear a certain size of clothes, or you weigh a certain amount. Elizabeth it's who you are. It's your smile. It's who you are. And yes…you are gorgeous. I want you…all of you." He leaned in and kissed the tip of her nose.
"Jack…" She reached for his cheek. Both jumped a little when the knock on the door interrupted their moment. Both exhaled a long breath. Jack actually growled his frustration. Elizabeth chuckled at his expression.
"Good afternoon, you two." The smiling doctor stated as she walked into the exam room.
…
Emma accepted the phone call from SRO John Henry. They talk regularly because of the programs the police department helps with through the school system.
"Good afternoon, SRO Henry. What may I do for you?"
"Good afternoon, Emma. Please, like always, call me John."
"Very well, John. What are you up too?"
I have been contacted by the head of the SRO supervisor. He would like to schedule a meeting with Jack and Elizabeth along with myself."
"Oh. May I ask what this is about?"
"It's about the programs we are running in our school system and the high school. The state is impressed with the results that we have had over a semester. He would like to speak with Jack and Elizabeth concerning those programs. He's hoping to gain insights in doing these in other school districts."
"Oh, that sounds nice. I will have to check his schedule. May I get back with you next week?"
"Absolutely. There is no rush in this."
"Thank you, John."
"Emma, you all have done wonders for the children in the school system. I can tell a difference already and we have only done this for one semester."
"I believe you are right. I know Jack is ecstatic about the results so far."
"I'll schedule something with Jack and Elizabeth. I will get with her and see what she thinks with the babies."
"If need be, the babies will be welcomed. Whatever works best for them. My higher ups are excited about what is happening in Hope Valley."
…
As the doctor sat down on her stool and asked her questions, Jack and Elizabeth was sneaking glances at each other. Their smile was reserved for each other. The doctor didn't notice the electricity that was in the air.
"So, how are you feeling, Elizabeth?"
"I'm feeling good. I don't feel any little pains as I did before. I can lift what I want to lift without hurting."
"That's great. The blood pressure looks great. Keep an eye on it for another week. If it stays normal like it has over the last couple of weeks, you don't have to worry about it any longer."
Elizabeth smiled. She was grateful they took her blood pressure before her little conversation with Jack. If they would take it now, the doctor would be concerned. Elizabeth smiled and politely answered all of the doctor's questions. However, she wasn't giving Elizabeth the answer to the question she was hoping to have answered.
"Now, have you two though about birth control when you're free for intimacy?"
"We have decided when we got married that we will leave it up to God's plan." Elizabeth stated.
"Ok. Just know that you are able to become pregnant now."
Elizabeth shook her head. "We know. This is just something Jack and I have decided."
"Great. Now…" Elizabeth slightly rolled her eyes as the doctor continued on with her next question. Jack smiled at his wife's expression and blew her a kiss. Elizabeth gave him a smirking grin as she answered the doctor's question.
…
"Alright young man, you need to give Beth up. You have had her long enough." Charlette sassed.
"Are you kidding me?" Adam gasped. "I just got her a few moments ago."
"I came back from the restroom almost an hour ago." Stated Grace.
"Really?" Adam looked at his watch. "Wow!" He stated in surprise.
"Now, it's my turn." Stated a determined Charlette.
"But look at this little princess. She's a grandpa's girl." Beth was settled into Adam's arms and was just looking up at her grandpa. She was content and comfortable. Adam frowned when Charlette reached for her granddaughter. Beth made a face that she wasn't too happy until she settled into Charlette's arms.
"She's grandma's girl."
"I think they are grandparents' babies." Adam stated smiling.
With baby Jack looking at up at Grace, she stated. "I completely agree. I believe these are grandparents' babies." Grace smiled as she rubbed her grandson's face.
…
After ten minutes of more questions, the doctor was finally reaching the end of her questioning. "One last question." She began and Elizabeth sighed and shook her head as she answered the doctor's question before she was even finished asking the question. "Well, I think this is the end of the road for us, Elizabeth. You are looking great, and I wouldn't change a thing."
"Thank you, doctor. I appreciate everything you did for me and my babies."
"Well, you were a great patient. You did everything you could for you and your babies. You did very well."
"Thank you, doctor." Jack added.
As the doctor stood, she shook Jack's hand and Elizabeth gave her a hug. The doctor opened the door and began to step out.
"Oh…" Elizabeth stated. "Doctor, I have one more question." She stated very quickly. "Is it…am I…" She blushed as she tried to ask her question.
"You are free to have intimacy. Just be careful. You are healed, but it has been several months since the last time you shared that moment with each other. Don't push it." The doctor gave them a slight smile. "I'll see you two soon." The doctor teased.
Jack's and Elizabeth's face turned red with embarrassment. When the doctor walked out of the exam room, Jack and Elizabeth reached for each other's hand at the same time. When their hands connected, their fingers tingled. Their smile grew even more. At the same time, they began to pull each other out of the little room.
Jack pulled Elizabeth closer to him as they walked toward her car. He had to have her closer. "Where are we going? Our mothers are at our house."
Jack's heart stopped, and he shivered when he saw her seductive smile.
"I have a plan." She stated in a bit of a husky voice.
"What's the plan?"
"Do you trust me?" She batted her eyes at him.
Without hesitation, "With everything I am."
"Great. Let's go!" She pulled him toward the car.
…
Jack had no idea where his wife was taking him, but he didn't care. She had her hand on his thigh and that was all he could think about. Each time she moved her fingers to rub his leg, he shivered. She smiled at his reaction.
"Turn here."
"Are you sure. This isn't even a road."
"I'm sure. Turn here."
Jack turned the car onto a dirt road and slowly made his way down the road.
"It should be down this road about half a mile."
"What exactly should be down this road?"
"There is a small cabin beside a pond."
"How did you know about this?"
"Does it matter." She teased.
Jack shrugged his shoulders.
"Abagail's friend owns it. She arranged for us to have it for the evening."
"Oh…" Jack's smile grew. He has missed his wife and was excited about spending some time with her.
When they turned right beside the large tree, the small cabin came into view. It was a very nice, small cabin. They saw smoke coming from the chimney. Without taking too much time looking at the outside of the cabin, Elizabeth pulled Jack toward the cabin. She didn't have to pull too hard before Jack was matching her step.
When they stepped onto the front porch, Elizabeth reached for the thermometer hanging on the post. She took it off the hook and a key was hanging behind the thermometer. Jack smiled at her as she stepped forward to the front door.
"How did you know?"
"I planned this. Abgail helped. I knew our family will be at our house and I knew today would be the first time we could be together." She blushed a little. "Jack…I have missed us over the past few months. I know it was difficult on both of us. The babies are taken care of for the next couple of hours. Our mothers have our phone numbers, and they can reach us if they need us. We don't have all night, but we have a little bit of time.
Before Elizabeth opened the door, Jack spun her around and pressed her against the wall. It wasn't a gentle push, but not too hard of a push. She knew his desire for her. She inhaled a breath when he pressed his body against her and placed a kiss on her lips that she has been dreaming about all day.
"Elizabeth, I love you."
"I love you, Jack." She stated as she placed her right hand on the back of his head. With her left hand, she placed it on his lower back and pulled him to her with some effort.
Jack placed his hands on her hips and locked her belt loops with his fingers and pulled her closer. They both moaned at the long lost contact of their bodies. Their kiss intensified the longer they stayed on the porch kissing. She nodded toward the door as their lips continued to touch and express their love for each other.
The door closed to candle lights and food on the table. There was a note sitting on the food, but candles and food was not on the young couple's mind. As the door closed, Jack took Elizabeth's hand and turned her to him. He placed his hand on her lower back. He pulled her close to him. Unlike during her pregnancy, they were able to stand facing each other while their entire body was touching. His dimpled grin made her breath catch in her chest. As if they have done this their entire lives, they began to sway side to side. Their smiles couldn't grow any bigger than they already were.
They relished this moment of dancing. Jack held Elizabeth as a precious jewel that he was afraid of losing. She welcomed his hold. He was so loving and protective holding her. She loved the way he loved her. He spoke every love language she had.
"Jack…" She drew out his name with a long breath. "Please take me to bed."
His smile made her lose her train of thought. She actually felt light headed.
"Elizabeth…" He drew out her name. "Please let me know if this is too much just after pregnancy."
"Jack, remember several weeks ago after the arrest of Miranda."
"Yes." He sighed. He knew exactly what she meant.
"I want to try something new."
Jack picked up his wife in his arms. Her lips found his neck and he carried her to the only other room in the open concept cabin.
…
Jack and Elizabeth laid side by side on top of the comforter completely spent on the queen sized bed. Their bodies were covered with sweat. They were holding hands. Instead of trying to speak when they knew they couldn't, they squeezed each other's hand. Jack couldn't move and Elizabeth's hearing was muffled. They have no idea how long they laid there holding hands, but they weren't complaining. Their time together was better than they could have imagined.
"If I…" Both stated at the same time. They laughed at their timing.
"You go ahead." Jack smiled.
"If I remember correctly, I believe I remember seeing food on the table."
Jack laughed. "I was going to say that."
Elizabeth leaned over and gave her husband a kiss on the cheek. "Let's eat and them maybe we can practice again."
"That sounds perfect." Jack playfully kissed her on the tip of her nose.
Abagail had made them their favorite meal from the café. Baked chicken with corn and broccoli cheese casserole. There was a note on top of the trays telling them that the ice cream for their dessert was in the freezer.
Their smile was not going away on their faces anytime soon. This afternoon was perfect. After their meal, they enjoyed some more intimate time together on the couch. They couldn't make it back to the bedroom. After a couple of hours, they cleaned up after themselves and made their way to their home and their babies.