Chapter 130

"You met Charles?" Elizabeth's mind was in overdrive. "How is that even possible?" She said just above a whisper. Since they broke up a few years ago, she hasn't kept up with him. They haven't spoken since the night she broke it off at the park. She didn't know what he was doing or where he was living. She knew nothing about him.

"I did. He was in the group John and I met with today. He didn't talk through the whole meeting until close to the end. I spoke about you and only used your first name. Like I said, he asked if I was married at the end of the meeting. When I told him I was, he asked if I married you. I don't know how he made the connection."

"That's weird. He must have heard about us through the grapevine somehow."

"I'm not sure. Maybe a friend of yours shared the information with him?"

"What was he doing in your meeting today?"

"Well, we meet with the head of schools for the state and for Oklahoma City. I guess he works for one of them There were several people in the meeting."

"Did he do anything toward you?"

"No. He just asked his question about us. That was it. He didn't talk to me after the meeting. He just stared at me. John and I left to eat at Fredrick's then we came back to our hotel."

"I'm grateful he didn't do anything stupid. So, how did the meeting go?"

"Good, I guess. They wanted a particular equation to work in every school system, but that's not how this works. Each community is different, and they need to adjust to their specific needs. The group was having trouble understanding that. Finally, John and I just told them that and that it all depends on the volunteers. I believe they were having trouble understanding the concept."

"Like every other profession overcoming what you were trained to look for to what actually need to happen for change to take place takes time. They'll get it eventually."

"We will meet with the same group tomorrow along with several teachers for workshops. I guess we'll see how it goes. How are my babies?"

"Our babies." She smirked. "They were really great today. They loved all the attention they were getting, but they were exhausted at the end of the day. They feel asleep halfway through their last bottle. They didn't even finish it."

"Oh, that means they will wake up at some point during the night hungry."

"Yes." She laughed. "They will be hungry. I bet the grandmothers will be in here before I even get out of bed to get them." She laughed at the thought.

"You may be right." He laughed. "May I see them?"

"Sure." Elizabeth got out of bed and stood beside their portable play bins. She heard Jack sigh when he saw his babies.

"I miss them." He whispered. Jack was staring at his babies with lovesick eyes only a father could have.

Jack and Elizabeth laid on their beds just catching up from the day. They spoke about the upcoming trip to the craft fair and the meeting he had tomorrow. They just enjoyed the light conversation catching up with each other.

"Jack, I miss you."

"I miss you."

"Are we good?"

"Yes, why do you ask?"

"You seemed upset that I was leaving."

"Well, you laughed at me because I was unhappy that you were leaving."

"I'm sorry I laughed at you. But Jack, you planned this trip."

He sighed. "I did. I know you love the time with your family, but Elizabeth, I miss my family."

"But you were leaving if I was leaving or staying home."

"Yes, but I was leaving because I had too. It was work related. I'm sharing what we do as a police department along with the school system for the community. I was asked to come and share the programs and the ideas. You are leaving for the fun of it. I will be home tomorrow night. You won't be home for another three days. Plus, I won't see my babies for that time."

"Why did you plan this trip of mine if you were unhappy about it?"

"Elizabeth, I'm not unhappy about the trip, I just miss you and the babies. I haven't been away from them for days. How would you feel if you were away from them for days? I planned the trip because you love your family, and you enjoy being with them. You loved it last year and you are loving it this year. It was for you and I'm grateful we can do it, but I still miss my family. The house will be awfully quiet when I'm home."

Elizabeth nodded her head. She did enjoy the trip and loved it last year, even if it was after the major issue they just dealt with before her leaving. She enjoyed the day with the women, and she knew she will enjoy the craft fair tomorrow. Jack's question did hit home with her a little bit. She wouldn't think she would handle it very well if she was away from her babies for days, or even for one night. Jack's trip was work and he would be home by himself for three days while she was enjoying herself with family and friends.

"Maybe you come with us next year?"

"Maybe, but I think you need to have that time with just the girls. I'll find something to keep my mind occupied."

"Jack, thank you for this trip and for everything you sacrifice for me and my babies."

"Our babies."

"Fine…our babies." She smirked.

They talked for a couple more minutes until she yawned. "I need to let you go. I'm sure the babies will be up to eat in a little while. Please tell them daddy loves them and misses them."

"I will. Will you stay on the phone until I fall asleep?"

"Don't we always do that?"

She gave him a smile and settled into her pillow. "Jack…tell me a story." She drew out the sentence. She was already falling asleep.

"When the brave investigator finally convinced the beautiful princess teacher to marry him…" Jack heard Elizabeth's normal light snoring before he even finished the first sentence of his story. "I love you. Bella. I love you Elizabeth and Jack." He whispered into the phone before disconnecting the call.

…

J – I love you three. I am heading into the meeting with John. I don't know when I'll be free, but I will let you know later.

Jack placed his phone in his pocket. He knew his wife would still be asleep if the babies were still sleeping. His little princess was an early riser like he was while his little man liked to sleep like his mother. With as much that was going on yesterday, he thought his family may still be asleep.

When Jack stepped out of his room, John just closed his door. "Good morning, Jack. You rest well?"

"I did John. You?"

"Yes. I'm packed. Would you like to grab breakfast before we check out?"

"Sure, John."

…

Elizabeth woke up a little while later in the morning. She noticed Jack's text and smile at his love for her. She sent him their little text, 831.

She noticed the sun was up and it was later than she normally slept since the arrival of the babies. "The babies must have been exhausted." She mentioned as she pushed the covers back. "I miss Jack. He's such a good heater." She stated as she stretched and reached for her socks. Her feet were cold.

When she walked up to the play pin, she noticed her babies were gone. She laughed to herself thinking that her mother and mom must have gotten the babies out earlier. She knew she didn't hear them cry. So, they must have gotten them out before they even woke up. She walked downstairs and noticed that Charlette had Beth out on the deck holding her and holding her cell phone in the other hand. She was facetiming Adam. Her and Beth was talking to grandpa. Elizabeth laughed when Beth reached for the phone.

She looked into the living room, and she saw Emily laying on the floor with Jack on a blanket. Jack was kicking his little legs and making some sort of sound. He was becoming more vocal. Emily was laughing as she gently tickled Jack's belly.

All the other ladies were sitting around the kitchen table and on stools around the kitchen island.

"Would you like a cup of coffee?" Beth asked.

"No, thank you. I will take some tea." Elizabeth smiled.

"There is still some hot water on the stove." Julie mentioned.

"Are you still dealing with morning sickness?"

"Oh no. I don't like the taste of coffee anymore." Julie moaned. She always loved coffee, but not since she was pregnant.

"I was the same way. Now I don't drink any coffee at all. I just drink hot tea in the mornings." Elizabeth stated as she grabbed a coffee mug from the cabinet. "When are we leaving for the craft fair?"

"Probably in an hour. That should give everyone time to get dressed." Grace stated as she walked down the stairs.

"Did Emily steal Jack from you this morning?" Sassed Elizabeth.

"No. I had to run upstairs for something. She took over." They looked in the living room at Emily playing with baby Jack. "She's so good with the babies." Smiled both ladies.

"I have the babies' outfits laid out on my bed." Elizabeth looked around, "Where's Viola?"

"She's in her room facetiming her husband. He had a question about the house he is showing her." Abagail stated. "I thought they were almost done with it?"

"I think they are." Elizabeth smiled. "Oh, mother. Did I tell you that Jack met Charles yesterday?"

"He did?" Asked Grace with a higher pitched tone than normal.

"Charles was in the meeting with Jack and John. They didn't really talk. At the backend of the meeting, Charles ask Jack if he was married. When Jack said he was he asked if he married Elizabeth Thatcher."

"Wow. What did Jack do?"

"Nothing. He answered the question and that was it. Jack said that Charles didn't say anything else."

"Wow. I'm a little surprised Charles didn't say anything else."

"I don't know if Charles will be in the meetings today or not."

"Well, that could be a little interesting."

"I hope not. I don't know what Charles has been doing since we broke up. I haven't heard anything about him."

"I hope Charles doesn't do anything stupid."

…

Jack and John finished their breakfast at a local mom and pops restaurant. The place may have been small, but the food was excellent.

"So, how do you think it will go today?"

"I'm hoping better than yesterday."

"I think it will." John stated. "While the same group from yesterday will be present, we will have a lot of teachers there. I think they will make the difference."

"I agree. They know what their kids need. They're not looking for a one size fits all program. They only want to help their kids in whatever way they can."

"So, let's get this started. You ready to head that way?"

Jack smiled at his friend and coworker. "Absolutely. Let me send Elizabeth a quick text." Jack pulled out his cell phone and sent his wife their text.

"You do know about the dance trend…don't you?"

"I do. Elizabeth knows too and her face turns red every time she thinks about it." Jack paused for a moment. "John, would you mind keeping an eye out for a guy named Charles. He was in the meeting yesterday."

"Sure, is there a problem?"

"I don't think so, but I'm not sure. He was Elizabeth's ex-boyfriend."

"Was he the guy that asked if you were married?"

Jack nodded his head.

"Don't worry, no one is that dumb to cause an issue in this type of meeting."

…

"Alright ladies, we have thirty minutes to leave for the day."

"I'll get Beth ready." Grace stated.

"I'll get Jack ready." Charlette stated and stopped with a different look on her face.

"What's wrong, mom?"

"I haven't said that statement in a very long time." Charlette's voice trailed off to a whisper remembering all the times she said it when her Jack was young.

Elizabeth reached for her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. When their eyes met, both ladies smiled.

"His clothes are on the right. You two get the babies changed and I will get their bags ready."

…

Jack and John walked into the same conference room they were in yesterday. Immediately Jack and John noticed a somewhat of a cold look from Charles. There were several other individuals present. There was a total of twenty five people. The extra people were teachers and principals from several school districts. The room was fairly full. John leaned over and spoke to Jack.

"Maybe he is dumb enough to say something stupid in this setting." He nodded his head toward Charles.

"Yeah…I hope he doesn't say anything. I have never met him before. I have no issue with him. I didn't even know Elizabeth when they dated."

"Well, let's see how the day goes."

Jack laughed. "Let's hope it goes well. We have to leave later to catch our flight home.

…

Henry ran into the living room with a barking dog chasing him. Henry couldn't keep from laughing. He ran and jumped on the couch with Rip only a step behind him. Henry laughed when Rip landed on him and began licking his face.

Frank stepped into the living room and shook his head at the sight before him. Henry was laying on his back with a grown dog laying on top of him.

"Alright boys." Frank spoke loud enough for his son to hear him. While Rip quit licking Henry, he didn't move. "Why don't we clean ourselves off and we will go catch a movie."

"And lunch?"

"Yes son, and lunch."

As they sat in the car, Frank asked his son where he would like to eat.

"Well, since mom's not at the café, can we go to the pizza place?"

"Why?"

"The café isn't the same without mom there." He shrugged his shoulders.

"Pizza it is."

"How is baseball going?"

"Pretty good. It was a challenge to change from outfield to shortstop."

"Yeah?"

He nodded his head. "One of the older boys didn't like it."

"Oh, did he say something?"

"He did, but the coach heard him and shut him down pretty quick. He was mad I was playing there instead of him."

"Do you like playing shortstop?"

"I do. It's more active and I like that. I don't get so bored."

Frank nodded his head. He knew his son was a little bored playing in the outfield. "It means a lot that you are younger than the other players and yet you are playing shortstop."

"I guess. It's just fun for me. The high school coach was at the last game."

"He was?"

"Yeah. My coach said he came to watch me play."

"But he's the high school coach."

"I don't know why." Henry shrugged his shoulders again. "I doubt he was there for me. I'm just now entering the seventh grade. I have two years before I'm in high school and freshman usually don't play on varsity."

"You may change that." Frank smiled knowing his son had no idea how good he really is. While Henry may be the youngest on the team, he was by far the best player on it. Actually, Henry was the best player on the AAU circuit so far. He was grateful his son just enjoyed playing baseball.

"How are things going with Emily?"

"Good. I enjoy spending time with her. She's a lot of fun."

"She seems like a nice young lady." Frank offered his son a smile.

"She is. She doesn't hit me as much as she used to and I'm thankful for that."

"That's good news." Frank laughed.

"Yeah, I still have trouble catching her when we play. She's fast." He shook his head. "I enjoy spending time with her." He swallowed. "I have to admit, I'm missing her."

"You are?"

"Yeah…it's not that we see each other every day, but…but I guess I could. Now, she's gone, and I can't see her."

Frank laughed to himself knowing he felt the same way with Abagail gone. "Maybe you can text here later?"

"I think I will. I just don't want to interrupt her day."

"Maybe you can text her tonight."

"That sounds good. I'll make sure she isn't hanging around mom. That way she won't steal a look." Herny laughed.

"Yeah…I would if I were you. Mom is doing better, but there is no need to challenge it."

…

Jack and John sat through most of the morning session sharing the programs and the things those programs were doing with the kids. They tried to stress the importance of personalizing the programs for what is needed at their schools. The teachers were excited about the process and understood the importance of picking the programs that was needed for their particular schools and their student's needs. However, the department heads were still having trouble processing that little fact. They wanted a solid, one solution program for everything. Eventually, Jack and John paid more attention to the teacher section of the group.

"So, SRO Henry." A nice older teacher from Oklahoma City Public Schools asked. "What are the protective measures you employ with the volunteers of the mentor program?"

"Great question, Mrs. Thompson. We use the police department to run a national sexual background check, not just at state sexual background check. We also have rules that protect the adult and child. They are not allowed to be in the same room alone. All doors are to remain open. There is no meeting outside of the school unless it is a sporting event or school event. Even then, they are not allowed to be alone with that student. We understand there can't always be two people present, but that doesn't mean that the adult and child should be alone together. The adult is at a public event, there are people around."

"Why a national sexual background check instead of just a state one?"

"Chief, would you please answer that question?"

"Sure, John. Mrs. Thompson, if the adult has an issue in another state, it wouldn't be picked up by just a state's background check. A state's background check only looks at that particular state. A national background check looks for issues in all states."

"That's a good idea." Mrs. Thompson stated as she made notes in her notebook.

"Jack." Charles began for the first time all day until John stopped him.

"It's Chief Thorton." John stated with a little bit of authority.

"Fine." Charles huffed. "Chief Jack." Charles huffed. "Is all of these guidelines one hundred percent fool proof? Will it stop a person intent on doing evil?"

"No, sir. Nothing is absolutely fool proof. We make it extremely difficult for anything improper to occur. There are no second chances. If you break the rules, you will be relieved from the program."

"These guidelines are not negotiable or flexible." John added. "We take these guidelines seriously and everyone who is involved, parent or teacher understands the importance of following them."

"Does that work?" Challenged Charles.

"It does." Stated a determined John. "The volunteers all submit to the guidelines. They sign a pledge to follow them and a piece of paper stating that they understand them. We have had no issue so far. You must understand, we know these people. They are volunteers from the schools, churches, community. We know them by their first names and their spouse's names. I've learned from Chief Thorton that guidelines are essential, but don't forget that you are working with people. When people know you are interested in them, that makes all the difference. Those volunteers are there for the kids. They support them. They cheer them on in their academics and in their sporting events. They genuinely care for those students. That's the secret to this success."

"Surely not every volunteer is perfect." Charles huffed. He glanced and noticed Ms. Thompson's cold stare.

"No one is perfect, sir. However, they have the desire to help these kids. If there is a mistake, we correct it. If they put themselves or the students in harms way, we immediately resolve the issue. There is no wiggle room for that type of behavior, and everyone understands it. They also enforce it themselves. They understand we are there for the kids. We're not there for me or Chief Thorton."

"Moving on." Ms. Thompson interrupted before Charles could ask his next question. "How do you get the volunteers?"

"We put it out in faculty meetings." John began. "Let's look at Mr. Johnson. He works with the young men at the high school, and they formed the Gentleman's Club. He has a passion for young men to grow into men. He is raising his grandchildren due to his son's mistakes. He teaches his grandchildren to be men. When the idea of a mentor group was brought up in the faculty meeting at the high school, he approached Chief Thorton and I following the meeting. He asked if we would be interested in having a group for young boys to learn what it means to be a man. He agreed to all the requirements, and he began the program to meet Monday mornings before school."

"Monday mornings?" Ask Ms. Thompson. "No one likes Monday mornings."

John laughed. "Very true. We had that discussion. Mr. Johnson stated that if the young boys wanted to be men, they would have to learn to do what they needed to do, not only what they wanted to do. The group started with three boys. It stayed that way for three weeks. Mr. Johnson was not deterred by the lack of interest at first. He cared for the ones that showed up. He worked with them with all the passion he had. On the fourth week, he had six. By the end of the school year, he had over thirty young men meeting."

"Yes." Jack jumped in quickly. "They also wear their best clothes on Mondays. They attend school in suits, dress pants and ties, or other nice clothing. The teachers said they can tell a difference in the students during the week as well."

"So the volunteers are the backbone of the program?"

Jack and John smiled at each other. The higher ups we starting to understand.

"Yes, they are the engine."

…

"So," Frank smiled at his son. "How are things going with you?"

"I'm good dad."

"I had a nice conversation with Emily's dad."

"Oh…" Henry faded off.

"Yeah…" Frank gave him a smile. "When you are old enough and you two would like to do that, we are ok with it."

Henry's head shot up. "Are you sure?"

"Yes. We love Emily and she is a great young lady."

"That's great dad."

"Now, when you two are older." He stated firmly.

"I know."

"Are you treating her right?" Frank stated as he placed the straw from his milkshake in his mouth.

"I think so. I ask her if she is happy. I also ask her if there is anything I'm doing that she doesn't like that she needs to let me know."

"That's a great start."

"She asks me the same things."

Frank nodded his head. Frank took a moment to take a deep breath. It was time for his father and son talk concerning intimacy. He never thought he would have a talk like this as a father. He has had several of these talks as a pastor, but this was completely different.

"Son, I know you have talked about this at school."

Henry cut him off. "Yes, dad. We have had sex ed in school."

"Well, that's great, but that is not what I am wanting to talk about."

"I know, dad. You treat a young lady with respect. You don't push anything on her that she doesn't want. With that being said, you don't push anthing on her that you shouldn't. You treat her like she is the most precious person in the whole world. You respect her."

Frank sat back in his booth and stared at his son. How did he get to be so smart? "Ok, smarty pants. How do you know that?"

"I watch you with mom."

"Oh…" Frank sat shocked. He looked at his son completely in love with him. He tried to speak but he was so taken back by what his son said he couldn't.

"Dad, may I ask you a question?"

Frank nodded his head.

"How do you kiss? I don't think I'm doing it right."

"Excuse me?"

"How do you kiss. I have seen you and mom do it, but I think I'm doing something wrong."

"Have you kissed Emily?"

"I have. Three times."

"Didn't you just say that you didn't make Emily do something she didn't want to?"

"I did. I didn't force it, dad. We kissed the first time. She kissed me the second time. I kissed her the third time."

"Oh…"

"How do I know I'm doing it right?"

"Why do you think you're doing it wrong?"

"It's not like it is in the movies or on TV."

"Those things aren't real. You can't compare the two. After you kiss, is she smiling?"

Henry's face turned a little red. "Yes."

"Well, I would say you two are doing it right. But now, you need to take this slow. Don't push it and please don't move it too fast."

"I know."

…

Charles fumed throughout the rest of the session. He never liked the way Elizabeth dropped him when she came back from college after all those years together. Then she moved away almost immediately after that. He recently heard she was married, and he also heard rumor that she just had a baby. In his mind, they would always get back together. He thought her moving away was just for a short period of time. He heard she hasn't dated since they broke up. He was just waiting his time for her to come running back to him.

Now, he is sitting in a conference room staring at the man who had his life. Elizabeth should have been his, along with her father's money and the prestige of marring a Thatcher.

"Jack, how can…"

"Sir, it is Chief Jack Thorton. Not Jack…not Chief Jack…not Mr. Thorton. It's Chief Thorton." John declared in a tone that Jack hasn't heard from him before, even when he was being hard on a group of kids. "When you address him with anything other than Chief Thorton, you are disrespecting his position, him, yourself, your position, and your boss." John stared at Charles. Jack was becoming a little uncomfortable with the confrontation.

Charles huffed. He did not like to be called out like that. Before he was able to speak, Ms. Thompson spoke.

"Mr. Kinsington, you are dismissed. We will discuss this later when these sessions are finished."

As Charles stood to leave. He huffed at the circumstance he found himself in. Jack stood and turned to face him. "Mr. Kinsington, I'm not sure what the problem is. I do not know you. Nor did I know you when you dated Elizabeth. Now, you haven't been together for three years when I meet her. Can we just put this behind us?"

Charles didn't say a word to Jack. He just stared at him as if he was trying to glare a hole through Jack's forehead. Charles was upset his future wasn't what he wanted. He always fancied him and Elizabeth together. Even after all this time apart. Once he laid eyes on Jack after hearing all the stories about him, he knew Elizabeth was out of his control and reach. For some odd reason, the sight of Jack only drove home his frustration.

Jack was grateful that John stepped in and spoke. He wasn't sure what he would have said.

Charles gathered his papers and placed them into his briefcase. He stomped out of the room and headed to his office.

…

Elizabeth found Beth and Abagail holding her babies. Her and Viola was at the same booth were Elizabeth purchased her dining room suit. Viola was looking for some furniture for her new home. Instead of carrying both back packs, Elizabeth joined them since they were only going for a few hours. She prepared the babies bottles and gave them to both Beth and Abagail.

"Here, you feed them. I don't think you will give them up until after they are done eating."

"What makes you think we will give them up after the are done eating?" Sassed Abagail while Beth was nodding her head in agreement.

Elizabeth smirked as she pulled out two diapers and a pack of wipes. "These." She sassed.

"Oh dear, that won't work." Beth stated as she took both diapers in her hand and then placed them on the chair beside her. "We are smart women. We can figure that out."

"That's not the issue." Elizabeth smiled a devilish smile. "It's the smell that comes with the used diapers that's the issue." She laughed.

"Oh dear…we'll get it done. Now, go help Viola figure out her dining room." Abagail smiled as she playfully shoved her shoulder with a laugh.

…

"Well, I guess I was wrong."

"I guess…who would have thought he would say anything?" Jack shook his head. "Thank you for stepping up and saying something so I didn't have too."

"You're welcome. He was getting frustrating to listen to."

"He was. I didn't know what to say."

"That's ok. This way you weren't involved, and he couldn't bring you up." John smiled. "I guess he must have been nicer when Mrs. Thorton dated him back then."

"Maybe. She always said that he started out nice but went controlling after a little while."

"Let's head to the airport. This past couple of days were good once the teachers were involved. They get it and was thankful with the suggested programs.

As they said their goodbyes to everyone, they started to the door to catch a cab for the airport. Jack stepped outside the conference room first and quickly noticed Charles standing close to the door.

"Charles." Jack nodded his head.

"How did you do it?"

"What? Marry Elizabeth?"

"What else?"

"I'm not sure. I love her, not the thought of her."

"What does that even mean?"

"Charles, I believe that is the problem. We were married in about a month of meeting."

"A month?" He asked confused.

"Yes, a month. We have twins. A little boy and a little girl."

"Twins?"

"Yes. I'm sorry Charles, but we must leave so we can catch our plane."

"I'm not done with you." Charles demanded.

"You are now." Stated John. He stepped in between Jack and Charles. "Charles, it is time for you to leave before you find yourself in a lot of trouble.

"Before Charles said anything, he looked up and saw his boss standing there. The look on her face was unmistakable.

Jack smiled at John. John nodded just before both men began walking down the hall.

"I believe Charles will find himself in a lot of trouble."

"Jack, I always though you were a smart man."