Chapter 128

The spring months came quickly, but not fast enough for everyone. The weather was a wanted change to warmer temperatures. This allowed Elizabeth to take the babies out more during the day. She fell in love with the pond area, especially since Jack and the young men did everything they discussed. There were chairs, a picnic table, and a play area. Her and the babies would usually spend two to three days each week at the pond. Elizabeth could easily see her babies playing there but was still uncertain if she would allow them to jump off the rocks into the water.

Jack's job was going well. The department ended up with four new police officers instead of the two that was originally planned. The city council approved the hiring since the town was beginning to grow. Three of the four officers were younger and the fourth was in his late thirties. They were excited for the opportunity to work under Jack. Jack's reputation has only grown within the police circles.

…

Early Saturday morning, Frank, Abagail, and Emily joined Henry at the ball field waiting for his tournament game to begin. This was the fourth tournament of the season. Henry was excelling on the AAU team, even though he was younger than the rest. Henry was naturally talented at baseball, but his coach thought his love for the game just made him even better. Henry was moved from center field to play shortstop. Henry liked it much better. He would often get bored in the outfield. He didn't have that problem at shortstop.

Henry looked up from the dugout and saw his family coming down the path from the parking lot. His smile grew when he saw Emily. They were still going together, and he couldn't be happier. Since their first kiss a few months ago, they have only kissed three other times. Each kiss was short but brought smiles and tingling toes with each kiss. When he made eye contact with Emily, he offered her a small smile and a quick wave.

Emily returned his wave and a smile that made Henry's smile grow. He still didn't understand how she had that affect on him, but he loved to hear her laugh and see her smile.

"Come on young lady, let's hit the concession stand while Abagail gets us a place to sit."

"Perfect, Frank."

…

Jack noticed his phone chime as he was sitting with Emma working on their schedule. There was a picture of Elizabeth laying on a blanket with the babies beside the picnic table at the pond. Rip was laying just above her head and all four was smiling.

J – Awe…you all look so cute. I wish I was there

E – We miss you

J – I miss you all

E – Are you busy

J – What's on your mind

E – It's Saturday. Are you working all day

J – No. Should be done by one

E – Meet for lunch with this loud group at Abagail's

J – I would love too

Jack turned his attention to his assistant. "Let's go Emma. I have a late lunch date."

"The school system wants you and SRO Henry three days after graduation to go to Oklahoma City to meet with their state's education board to discuss the mentorship program. They will pay for airfare and hotel for you two."

"Let me see…" Jack stated as he looked at his personal calendar. He had plans that he was working on for Elizabeth. He wanted to do something like what he did for Elizabeth last year for the end of school year. He wanted to send all the ladies away for a weekend trip. He figured the women will want the babies to go with them.

"That will work." He stated looking up from his phone's calendar. Emma had a confused look on her face. He shared with her about his plans but reminded her to please keep it a secret.

"Oh, Jack. She loved last year's trip and I know she will love this year's trip."

"I hope so."

"The trip to Oklahoma City will be two nights and three days." Jack nodded his head. "Elizabeth submitted her work to the FBI and they would like for you two to come out to Quantico at the end of June. They would like for you to discuss the arrests you have made. They have requested ten days."

"I won't do ten days. Let's do five days."

"I'll let them know."

"I know they want more, but I have a job here. I will not neglect Hope Valley for that long. The citizens pay me to be their police chief, not a traveling spokesperson."

Emma smiled knowing that Jack wanted to help, but his heart was in Hope Valley. "Graduation is on the tenth. The police department will need to provide security for graduation. The high school requested four officers to roam around."

"Perfect. Ask for volunteers for the assignment. If we don't get them, select them."

"Perfect. So, graduation on the tenth, leaving for Oklahoma City on the thirteenth, and then Quanitco at the end of the month for five days."

"June is working to be a busy month. I'll plan the ladies' getaway when I'm in Oklahoma City. I know the ladies will want the babies with them."

"Yes, try to keep the babies away from that group."

"Not on your life."

…

Frank sat back and laughed at his wife and Emily. They were by far the two loudest people in the stands. They didn't boo the umpire. Frank would always squeeze his wife's leg if she began on the umpires. So, Abagail turned all her attention cheering on Henry and his teammates. Emily was copying everything Abagail was doing. Emily's smile was contagious when Henry did well.

"I'm going to the restroom and then getting a snack." Frank stated between the yelling.

"May I go with you. I need to go to the restroom too." Emily asked sitting up.

"We'll be back, sweetheart." Abagail smiled at the small group.

Emily reached for Frank's hand to help her stand and to steady herself as she walked down the bleachers. After the restroom and while they were waiting in the concession line, Frank nudged Emily's shoulder with his arm.

"We love having you around, Emily."

"Thanks for having me and letting me come. I enjoy it."

"I hope you will be around for a long time."

"Me too." Frank gave her a smile.

…

"The FBI would like for you to work the M&M case."

"Why in the world do they want that?"

"Because they are having trouble forming a plan."

"For goodness sakes…" Sighed Jack. "The M&M case is their case. Jacob told me everything he knows, and I passed that up to them. They know everything I know."

"Well…" Emma began. "They don't know everything you do."

"Like what?" Challenged Jack.

"How to catch him."

Jack shook his head. "I don't work for them." He stated. "They will have to work around my schedule here. I can't neglect Hope Valley."

"Understood. A gentleman named Bob Coats will be calling you to set up a conversation on this."

Jack nodded his head. Jack determined in that moment that the FBI would take all the time they could if he allowed them. He wanted the criminals to be caught, but he worked for the citizens of Hope Valley, not for the FBI.

…

Henry ran off the field when his game was over. His coach had already dismissed the team. His team lost, but Henry played a great game. He hit one home run and made several outs. He walked straight into a hug from Emily.

Abagail smiled and leaned over to Frank. "I believe we have already been replaced."

Frank smiled and kissed his wife on the forehead. "Not quite replaced, but Emily is certainly hanging around for a while."

"I agree, and I couldn't be happier."

"He will always need his mother."

Abagail smiled at the statement and her smile grew even more when Henry walked toward her with his arms open after releasing Emily.

"Good game, son."

"Yeah, but we lost."

"You played well and did your best. You did your part. Within a team sport, that's all you can possibly do."

"Yeah. I still don't like it."

…

"Hello, this is Chief Jack Thorton. How may I help you today?"

"Chief Thorton, this is Special Agent in Command Bob Coates."

"Yes sir. Emma told me you would be calling me. How may I help you, Special Agent Coates."

"Please call me Bob. I don't like the formalities."

"Only if you will call me Jack."

"Great, Jack. I am looking for help."

"I was told that, but you must understand, I already have a job that takes the majority of my time. The people of Hope Valley expect me to perform my tasks here before I jump on an airplane and go somewhere else."

"I completely agree. If I thought I could get you to work for me, I would pursue that course. However, from what I hear you are very happy there."

"I am."

"So, I can't steal you away?" He laughed.

Jack matched his laugh. "No. I am happy here and content."

"Great. I would like to hire you as a consultant on the case involving M&M."

"Hire me?"

"Yes. We will pay you for your help, but you do this on your time schedule. I would love to push the issue and say that the faster you help us the faster we get him off the streets, but let's be very honest here, we wouldn't have a name or know anything about him if it wasn't for you."

Jack nodded his head. He liked this so far, but he wasn't sure if Bob was being completely honest with him.

"Through your work, we know about him and the potential problems he brings to the table. We would like for you to help us form a plan to arrest him."

"Why me?"

"You arrested Miranda without incident and without a gun even being drawn. I've read your report and the other officers who was present. Including the report of the arrest of Jimmy. You have a knack of planning successful arrests."

"That's kind of you."

"We would like for you to plan the arrest of M&M and consult with us on how to best perform that plan."

"May I talk to a few people before agreeing?"

"Yes, on your time schedule. We are at your mercy."

"Fine, I'll get back with you."

"Perfect. I also understand you will be in Quantica at the end of June."

"Yes."

"I would love to meet with you for lunch."

"I will try, but I will be with my family."

"Well, if possible, I would love to meet you and get to know you a little bit more. Your family is more than welcomed to attend. I would like to speak with your wife, Mrs. Thorton. She played a role in your tracking Miranda."

…

Graduation would be in a couple of days, and everyone was excited. Jack's and Elizabeth's boys were excited. They have worked hard in their studies, and all were graduating. Eleven were attending further education in a college or trade school and Kyle, the twelfth member was set to join the police academy just a few weeks after graduation.

Only a couple of the twelve knew they would be attending college before Jack, Elizabeth, and Grace came into their lives. For the others, their mentors opened their eyes and their minds to the possibility of more in life.

Elizabeth opened the door to find an excited Johnathan bouncing on his feet. She could tell he was excited. Before doing or saying anything, he grabbed her into a huge hug.

"Thank you, momma."

She smiled at his title for her.

"You're welcome, but why are you thanking me?"

"I did it." He stated handing over a piece of paper inside an envelope. "With you, the chief, and Mrs. Thatcher, I did it, but especially because of you."

Elizabeth was getting excited just because he was excited. When she looked at the front of the envelope, she noticed it was from Oklahoma State University. "I didn't know you applied to Oklahoma State?"

"I did at the last minute. They have a good vet school. I knew it was a long shot."

"Johnathan, you better not be playing with me right now." She stated in a very excited voice. She was waging her finger at Johnathan.

He laughed at her. "I'm not playing. Open the letter and read it."

"Johnathan, you did it!" She yelled after reading just the first couple of lines of the letter. "You did it! You're in and in the track of veterinary medicine. Once you graduate with your bachelor's degree, you will begin the vet school there." She started to jump up and down. "You did it! Johnathan…you did it!" She yelled again and wrapped him into a hug.

"Only because of you."

"Don't be silly, Johnathan. You worked so hard on this. You were the one who did all the work. You applied yourself and worked hard. Oh…Johnthan…you did it!" She cheered.

"I did it because you believed in me."

"Of course I believe in you. You are capable to do anything you want." Her smile couldn't leave her face.

"Momma," He stated quietly. "I would like for you to keep the letter."

"Why?"

"As a way to say thank you for everything you did for me. I made a copy of it so I can have the information I needed, but I would like for you to keep the original."

Elizabeth wiped away a few tears as she gently folded the letter and placed it back in the envelope carefully. "I'll put it in my drawer."

Johnathan smiled. He knew she had a special drawer she kept all her important papers.

…

Jack came home to a very excited Elizabeth a couple of hours later. She was walking around the kitchen holding Beth like she was on cloud nine. When she heard the door open, she floated to the edge of the kitchen to give her husband a hug and a kiss. It was a deep kiss that surprised Jack a little.

"Wow! Someone is feeling good today."

She nodded her head and handed him the envelope.

Jack studied her face for a moment and then looked at the front of the envelope.

"Oklahoma State University addressed to Johnathan. Elizabeth…is this what I think it is?"

"Read it." She stated as her smile continued to grow.

"We are proud to inform you that you are admitted to the Oklahoma State University at Stillwater in the pre-veterinary program beginning this fall. On completion of your undergraduate, you will be attending the veterinary school with a concentration in large animal veterinary medicine." Jack smiled as he read the statement. "Elizabeth, he did it!" He said in a loud voice as he picked up his wife and baby. He twirled her around once and placed her back on the ground. "He did it!"

"I'm so proud of him." The pride in her voice was easy to hear. "I need to call mother."

"You haven't called her yet?"

"No. I was waiting for you. I wanted to tell you first."

Jack smiled at her thoughtfulness. Where's Jack?"

"He's laying on the floor in the living room. He finished his bottle first. Little miss here just finished."

"Does he need changing?"

"He does. Be careful though…" She smiled at the danger of changing their son.

"Yeah, I know. I learned the hard way yesterday." Jack shook his head at the memory of being peed on by his son. Evidently, baby Jack likes to pee as soon as the diaper comes off.

"Mom said you did the same thing when you were a baby." She smirked at him.

"Are you blaming me for this?"

"Absolutely. He's your son."

"He is." Jack stated with pride. "And I wouldn't change a thing." He stated as he walked toward his son. He looked over his shoulder. "Except peeing on me."

"I'll change this one then it's time for their nap."

"Are we having the young men over on Saturday after graduation?"

"We are. Are you still grilling out?"

"I am. I'm looking forward to it. Adam said he will help."

"Perfect. Mother and Father will be here Friday. She's excited."

Jack kissed Elizabeth and Beth on the cheek. "I love you both, now I need to change this little guy."

Jack walked up the stairs to the kid's nursery. He began changing his son being careful to make sure baby Jack was covered at all times. Jack laughed at the struggle he was having trying to place the clean diaper on him. He heard Elziabeth walking up the stairs and then her giggling at the doorway.

"I'm beginning to think the whole mother curse is real." Elizabeth stated with a slight chuckle.

"I agree. Ma always said I would do this." He shook his head in disbelief. "There's no way I was this bad."

"I bet you were." She sassed. "He had to get that from somewhere." She cut her eyes to him trying to see his reaction.

"I'm sure he has that part of him from the Thatchers." Smirked Jack.

"Hey…" She tried to sound offended but couldn't because she couldn't stop the giggling.

"Let's get them changed and let's get the stroller out and go for a walk around the neighborhood."

"You always have the best ideas."

…

Jack sat down beside his wife on the bleachers at the football stadium with Beth in his arms. He gave her a large grin. She tilted her head trying to figure out why he was grinning so big.

"I half suspected you to have paint on your face sitting on these bleachers."

She elbowed her husband in the ribs before he was able to finish his teasing. She cut her eyes in his direction and a grin growing on her face.

Jack couldn't help himself. He reached over and began to pull her pink blouse up a little so he could see her tummy.

"Don't you dare, officer!" She warned him.

"It's chief, ma'am." Jack tried to keep from laughing but couldn't help himself. He also had to tighten his hold on his daughter. The babies were six months old now and were becoming a lot more active. They were not interested in sitting still for long periods of time.

"So, no paint?" Jack smirked.

"If you ask nicely…" Elizabeth flirted with her husband.

"Give me my grandbaby." Charlette stated as she approached the family.

"Which one?" Sassed Elizabeth.

"The one you're holding. He is just like her mother, beautiful and full of sass."

"Hey!" Cried Elizabeth.

"She has you figured out." Laughed Grace as she stepped up to the family.

"May I hold my granddaughter." William asked.

"Sure, Mr. Thatcher. Just know she is beginning to wiggle a lot more now."

"Oh, you are beautiful. Just like your mother." William smiled as he accepted his granddaughter from Jack.

…

When the students began to walk onto the field, the excitement within the group was growing. Elizabeth, Grace, Charlette, and a couple of other mothers who were part of the mom tribe began to cheer. They just could help themselves.

Jack leaned over to whisper into his wife's ear. "Do I need to go and stand by the fence?"

Elizabeth shiver because of her husband's breath on her ear and then gasped because of his statement.

"Maybe…" She smirked. "And I'm not embarrassed at all. They deserve all the applause they can get. Teens are always criticized for what they do wrong. They need to be applauded when they do something right, and my boys have done well."

She couldn't help but smile at Jack's grin. He leaned in and lightly kissed her on the tip of her nose. "You're the best mother."

"Jack…" She tried to reprimand him, but her smile continued to grow, and her face turned a little pink.

Jack kissed her again and stayed close to her. He wanted to be in her presence. "I love you, Nani."

After all the speaking sections of the ceremony, it was time to introduce each student to accept their diploma. Jack looked over at his precious wife when the first roll of students stood and began to slowly make their way to the platform. He was a little taken back by the look on her beautiful face.

"Are you ok?"

"Yeah, I didn't think I would feel like this."

"Like what?"

"Like my child is about to graduate. I honestly feel like their mother."

"I agree. In all the important ways, you are their mother, especially Johnathan. Many of them don't have a mom or a good mom at home."

"I just wanted to do right by them."

"And you have. They know what it means to have a mom who loves them. You are the best!"

She nodded her head and wiped a tear from her eye.

"I feel like their father. I'm not sure if I could be any prouder than I am right now."

"Me too. I agree."

…

Elizabeth, Grace, and Charlette cheered loudly for each boy's name mentioned that was part of their mom tribe. When their boy's names were mentioned, they would stand and cheer. Grace had brought an air horn that she would blow two short blasts with each name. The first time she did it, Jack clearly jumped. She had scared him.

"Seriously, officer." Elizabeth laughed.

"You're kidding right.?" Jack tried to be offended but was failing miserably. "Who would have thought mom would have an air horn?"

Elizabeth quickly glanced at her mother and smiled.

"I guess being a grandmother changes a person."

"Old people trying to get into heaven." Jack shook his head.

Elizabeth playfully smacked his bicep. "Thomas Jack Thorton, behave yourself." She gave him her scary teacher's voice.

Elizabeth's breath caught in her chest when she saw his facial expression change from playful to a look she knew all too well and loved. She immediately saw the love and passion in those eyes.

Jack leaned into whisper in his wife's ear. Before speaking, he hovered close to her. He was enjoying her scent and the closeness of his wife. The scary teacher's face and voice still moved him. She gasped when he moved her hair off her shoulders.

"Nani, would you like to meet me under the bleachers?" The moment he said the word 'bleachers' he bit down on her ear lobe.

She jumped to her feet at the loving act. Her ear was a place he knew how to work for his advantage. She inhaled quickly and realized she was lucky with the timing. The moment she jumped. The spokesperson announced one of their boy's names.

She collected herself before sitting back down.

"Officer, you need to control yourself." She flirted as she reprimanded him.

"I can't if your hand remains where it is." He laughed when he saw the confusion on her face.

She looked down and noticed her hand was dangerously high on his thigh. "Oh…"

…

Elizabeth and Grace rushed the football field as soon as the ceremony was finished. They had to see their boys. When they stepped off the last step of the bleachers, they noticed most of their boys were walking toward them.

"Momma! Grandma!" The boys yelled. They began to run toward their adopted mom and grandmother.

"There's my boys!" Stated Grace and Elizabeth as they began to hug and kiss each boy on the cheek. With each kiss and hug, they congratulated each young man and wiped away a joyful tear.

The time together on the corner of the field was heartfelt by everyone. It didn't take long for all their boys to come for their hug and congratulations. As customary after a football game, there were pictures with each individual boy and groups of boys with both Elizabeth and Grace. Some individuals with each lady as well. There was a large group photo that the boys insisted Jack and the babies were in. Johnathan and Reid held the babies.

Before long, there were other football players and cheerleaders came over wanting pictures with Elizabeth and Grace. Two young ladies from Elizabeth's mentor group who volunteered came over with their cap and gowns wanting pictures. The whole process was taking a little over thirty minutes.

William stood on top of the walkway of the bleachers watching the whole spectacle unfold before him. He could easily see the love flow between the young people and his middle daughter and his wife. Grace and Elizabeth certainly loved those boys. They talked about them all the time and you could see the love in their eyes when they did. Anyone can see the love of these young individuals had for Jack, Elizabeth, and Grace. Their eyes would light up when they were around his family. He also saw the protective nature of the young ones around his grandchildren. William laughed when he heard the boys fighting over who was going to hold the babies.

"It's my turned to hold Little E." Reid sated.

"Not on your life. I just got her." Mason defended himself.

"Where's Little J?"

"I just got him, and he isn't going anywhere!" Exclaimed Samantha. She was a cheerleader and was at the Thorton's home after the first game.

"You've had him for a while now." Stated Reid.

"Just try to take him!" Declared Samantha as Little J reached for her glasses.

William laughed at the banter. This group of young men and ladies loved his family. It was good to see. It also reminded him of the things he has lost.

…

With the warmer weather, the party was moved to the pond. Everyone carried something, which made it much easier. The late afternoon air made the day perfect. Laughter was contagious as Rip ran around the groups of people soaking in all the petting and love they were willing to give.

Many of the boys brought fishing rods and were enjoying catching fish. They were also teaching some of the other girls to fish. Samanta was catching more than everyone else. As hard as the boys tried to catch her, she kept out fishing everyone.

There were many of the guys who were jumping off the rocks into the water. The whole group was enjoying themselves. Jack, Adam, and Kyle had started a fire in the fire pit the boys had previously made. Many of the guys gathered around it to just chat.

"What is waiting on me in a couple of weeks?"

Well Kyle, it is going to be a tough four months. There is physical training, gun range training, classroom work, negotiation, and de-escalation training among several other aspects of the job. They will train you in every aspect of the job. There will be times where you feel like they are force feeding you the information."

"Sounds intense."

"It is. However, I know you will do a great job. You will work hard and succeed like you always do. Kyle, I have faith in you."

"Thanks chief. Any suggestions?"

"Listen. Pay attention. Do what the instructors are telling you to do. And above all else, do your best. If you do all that, you will be perfectly fine."

Kyle nodded his head. "I'm nervous but excited."

"Remember, you can't break any of my records."

"I promise I will do my best."

…

When Adam got up and went to the coolers for a bottled water, Elizabeth slipped behind him and gave him a half hug.

"Hey dad. How are you?"

"I'm great, sweetheart. How are you?"

"I'm good. Do you have a moment?"

"For you, you can have all of my moments." Adam took her hand and lead her to a fallen log about ten feet from the water's edge. The babies were safe among the teens.

"What's on your mind?"

"I'm a little nervous about the visit to Quantico in a few weeks. I'm not used to getting in front of cops. I'm not geared to that. I'm a teacher."

"Yes, and you are a good teacher. Remember, that is what they want you to do. They want you to teach them. They may not be fifth graders, but they will be your students for a few days."

"Yes, but this isn't math or history I'm teaching. This is their world, not mine. I don't know what they know."

"But sweetheart, that's the point. They don't know what you know. You played a vital role in the capture of Miranda, and they want your point of view in how you did that. They can't see it from your point of view. They were not trained to think in that paradigm. They want you to teach them. Approach it like you are a teacher and they are your students. You are there to teach a topic and they will learn from you."

Elizabeth nodded her head. That made sense to her, but she still felt under qualified.

"Just like always, you need to be confident. If you don't believe in yourself, then no one else will."

"Thanks, dad."

"Anything for you my dear."

"How does it feel to be a grandpa?"

"I wouldn't change it for anything in the world. When one of those little ones looks at me and smiles, I fall deeper in love. It's impossible not to."

"You know, I think you are their favorite."

"I know so." Adam sassed.

"But you didn't hear that from me."

"I heard nothing dear but thank you."

Elizabeth and Adam sat for the next few minutes just talking about life and the twins. They would often look around the pond at the varies groups of people. Some were in thoughtful discussions while others were laughing at something that was said. There was a group of young boys and young girls jumping off the rock while other groups were on the other side of the pond fishing.

"You and Jack have a good life, sweetie."

Elizabeth matched Adam's smile. "We do. This is what I have always wanted. A loving husband and children. To make a difference in the lives of kids. However, I never quite pictured teens being such a huge part of that equation, but I am blessed."

"I think it's great they call you momma."

She smiled at that memory. "I think it's great too."

"You and Jack are making a great difference in their lives."

"I sure hope so. They are great kids, and they deserve any help they can get."

…

Alice walked up to Elizabeth as they both approached the coolers to grab a water.

"Mrs. Thorton, it's great to see you again."

"Alice, it's great you could come today. How are you and James?"

"We're good." Alice blushed. "We're a couple now."

"That's great. Is that going well?"

"It is. Evidently James was nervous to ask me out because he didn't have a car. He was afraid I wouldn't want to date him because of it."

"Well, most young ladies a car is important to them. However, from what Jack has told me about James, he is a good, young man."

"He is." Alice's smile grew larger.

"Alice, may I ask you a question?"

"Sure, Mrs. Thorton."

"Do they really call that dance the Thorton?"

"Oh…they do. All the teens do the Thorton. Even my younger sister talks about it. She's excited to do it one day when she is older. I've even seen her practicing it in her room. It's the most popular thing to do on dates."

Elizabeth's face turned bright red. "I can't believe it's called the Thorton." She stated slowly shaking her head.

Alice's face was turning a little red too. "I think it's the most romantic thing ever. James is so gentle when we dance without music. He said it has to be done that way."

"To be honest, Alice, it's so much better without the music."

"Does Chief Thorton do that often with you?"

Elizabeth leaned in as if she was telling her a secret. "Yes, but not enough." Both ladies laughed.