Chapter 132

"Hey Vi, I need to go. We are leaving in about twenty minutes for the airport."

"Thanks for the advice. I love you and be careful with my niece and nephew."

"I will. Enjoy that house of yours."

"I will if James ever lets me in it."

"Why is he not letting you in it?"

"They finished painting last week. He said we needed to give it a solid week, if not longer, for the fumes to get out."

"It doesn't take that long for the fumes to leave."

"Would you please call and tell him that?" Viola pouted. She wanted in her new home. She thought James was being overprotective. While she loved her husband's caring nature, this was a little excessive.

"I've already fought those battles and I'm not doing that again." Elizabeth smiled at all the battles she had with Jack about him being a little too much during her pregnancy.

"Do they really have to love us that much?" Vi laughed.

"Yeah, but you have to love them because of it." Elizabeth laughed. "We'll see you when we get back."

"Love you, little sister."

"Love you, big sister."

The proclamation was a little different for them. They were never that close, but over the last few months they have grown closer. Both sisters were grateful for it.

…

"Are you ready?" Jack asked as he walked into the bedroom. His babies were laying on the bed kicking their arms and legs at the sound of his voice.

"We will be in about three minutes."

"Is Ma and Adam meeting us here?"

"No, they are meeting us at the airport. There isn't enough room for all of us in my car."

"Oh." He looked at the suitcases Elizabeth had packed. Not only was she not a light packer for herself, evidently, she isn't a light packer for the babies either.

"How long are…"

"Don't you say it, officer." She pointed her finger at him. JT began to cry.

"You should be nicer to me. See, TJ don't like it when you are mean to me." They have started using baby Jack's nickname from Elizabeth's dream. It was less confusing that way.

"Don't even try to pull my son into this conversation. You know that is his bored cry." Elizabeth laughed when she walked to the bed to pick up her son.

"Our son." Jack smirked when he bent over to pick up his daughter. "Do you think they will do well on their first flight?"

"I hope so. I packed toys in their bags. They'll have us and mom and dad with us. We should be able to get them there with not too much drama."

"I'm grateful my parents are coming, but you should have convinced Adam to not pay us back."

"I told you, Jack. You should have called him and insist on them not doing that."

"Why would I do that? He or Ma, wouldn't listen to me."

"Exactly, what make you think they would listen to me?" Challenged Elizabeth.

"Well, they like you more."

She laughed. "That may be true." She sassed, "But they are still stubborn."

…

"Come on beautiful, we need to leave so we can be on time."

"I'm ready." Charlette stated standing by the front door."

"How do you do that?" He chuckled.

"I don't want to be late. We need to help the kids with the bags when they get to the airport."

"Jack said that Elizabeth isn't a light packer."

"Plus, she will have a lot of items for the babies. They will need help."

"Let's go, woman. Your burning daylight."

"Did you already pay them for the airplane tickets and the hotel?"

"I did last week. Elizabeth fussed at me, but I told her it was of no use."

"She accepted it?"

"Oh heavens no. She wouldn't take the money." He smiled at his wife's confused expression. He loved that he could confuse her at times.

"What did you do?"

"I went to the bank and deposited the money into their account."

"I married a smart man." She stated as she closed and locked the front door.

"You better believe it." He swatted her on the bottom as she walked beside him to the steps.

…

"How are you doing?"

"I'm fine."

"I only ask because you are normally at the café by now for a few hours."

"Yeah, I wanted to take the morning off. I'll go in later today."

Frank smiled at his precious wife. She was such a hard worker. She normally didn't take a morning off. She loved her job.

"Ok?" He asked. "Is there something you want to do or do you want the morning for yourself?"

"Well…" She smiled a seductive smile. "Henry just left to go to a friend's house for a couple of hours and then Ann will pick him up. I think they are going somewhere today and invited Henry to go with them."

"Yeah, I think they're going to the national park that's close by. They plan on having a picnic and just exploring."

"Yes. So…we have the day to ourselves."

"Wow! It has been a long time since we had a day to ourselves. We always took it for granted."

"Yes. So, what would you like to do on our day off?"

"Well…" Frank said as he closed his concordance and stood from the kitchen table. He began walking toward Abagail with a flirty smile. "I have a couple of ideas."

…

"There they are, Adam. Let's go."

"Charlie, they parked five spaces from us. We're fine. Why are you so motivated today?"

"It's the babies first flight. They need all the help they can get with the bags. I don't want Jack and Elizabeth to be stressed."

"Everything is going to be fine."

"And how do you know that young one?"

"Have I been wrong about these things before."

"Enough from you." She playfully smacked his arm.

"Come on woman. I'll go get a luggage cart from the front while you help with the babies. I will be right back."

…

Elizabeth stepped out of the car as the back door opened on the other side. She knew her mom was already unbuckling the baby that is on that side. She heard Charlette began to baby talk to her son.

"Give me an intelligent woman, place a baby in front of them and their IQ drops seventy points immediately."

"Hush you." Charlette scolded her son. "Get the suitcases out while Adam goes and grabs a luggage cart. If I remember correctly my daughter doesn't pack light."

"Hey!" Exclaimed a shocked Elizabeth as she picked up her beautiful daughter. "I have two other humans to back for now and you wouldn't believe the things that they require."

"Yes, dear, but we could have bought some of those things after we land."

"Jack." She warned him.

"Mamma calda." Elizabeth gushed at the title he used.

"You haven't called me that in a long time." Her face turned a light color of red.

"How in the world did my son, my oldest son who avoided women at all costs, become so romantic?" Charlette shook her head.

"Is this the treatment I'm going to get this whole trip?" Jack sassed.

Jack reached into his pocket for his cell phone. "Hey Boss Lady."

"Hey chief. Before you head out, I have a couple of things you need to be aware of." Jack shook his head at the two women staring at him.

"Emma is a godsent for him at work, isn't she?"

"She is. She does so much more than anyone realizes. She keeps Jack on track and makes sure he is where he needs to be with the information he needs at that moment."

"No jealousy there?"

"None. She is a trusted friend and I love her to death. She only calls when she has to and never abuses that privilege."

"That's great."

"Every time I call or show up at the station, I never have to wait. She escorts me straight back to Jack or puts my call through. She also lets me know if Jack is having a tough day. I'm aware of it before he is home."

"That would be so helpful."

…

"What do you have for me?"

"I sent you two emails for your guest lecture. Just go to the hotel front desk to print them off or someone at FBI headquarters can do that for you."

"Thank you."

"The emails have the updates Elizabeth changed at the last minute. There isn't a lot, but some. Plus, you received another application."

"We are not hiring."

"I know. Someone heard you may be hiring. If the word is out, you will receive several more."

"Why did you forward me an application when we are not hiring?"

"It's from Kyle. He is doing well at the academy. He wanted to work on his resume and wanted to make sure you look it over for him."

"I already told him the job is his when he graduates."

"I know. I think he is nervous. The instructors have told him that he is in front of all his classmates."

"That's great news."

"There is also a personal note at the end." She smirked.

"He's close to one of my records, isn't he?"

"Well, let's say he is very close to two out of three." Emma laughed. She knew the threat he told Kyle.

"That won't do."

Emma laughed. "He's excited about working for you. He just wanted you to have his resume."

"Please keep it. When he graduates, he begins work one week afterward."

"Why a week?"

"Well, I was going to give him two weeks to get settled and rest up, but if he beats one of my records, he only gets one week." Jack sassed.

"I'll let him know. Now, enjoy your time away with family and do Hope Valley proud."

"I have every intention to. I have my cell, let me know if you need anything."

…

Jack turned around to see Adam struggling to put a suitcase on the luggage buggy. He laughed when he realized the suitcase was one for the babies. "Just wait until you reach Elizabeth's." He smiled. "Let me help you, Adam. You haven't gotten to the heavy ones yet." He smirked looking toward Elizabeth.

Elizabeth huffed. "Is this what traveling with you all together will be like?" She sassed.

"Come on sweetie, let's get checked in while the boys get the bags finished.

…

The flight was uneventful, which everyone was excited about. Elizabeth was concerned that the babies would have a difficult flight, but they enjoyed most of the time in Jack's and Adam's arms.

Quantico, Virginia was a nice town. There was a car and driver waiting for them at the airport with a name card with their name on it. Once loaded, the driver took them to the hotel which was beautiful. The group decided to freshen up and then meet for dinner. There was a nice restaurant in the lobby of the hotel. The meal was excellent, and the group had a great time with each other. On the way back to their room, Jack stopped by the front desk and asked if he could print something off.

Jack and Elizabeth, while carrying the babies, walked into their room. Their room was a joining room with their parents. After about ten minutes, there was a knock on the door between the rooms.

"I'm surprised it took them ten minutes." Jack smiled.

"You know." She began with a flirting smile. "If they take the babies for a little while, we could enjoy some time with just us."

Jack stopping walking and looked at his wife. When he saw her smirk, he reached for the babies' bags to get their bottle ready. Elizabeth smiled at his enthusiasm.

"Come in you two." Elizabeth smiled.

"Hey, what would you two say if we take the babies out on a stroll. The night is beautiful, and we haven't taken our walk today."

"Dad, are you sure?"

"Yes. We have sat all day and we need to walk, maybe you two could have a few moments together…alone." Adam whispered the last part.

"Really?"

"Sweetheart, I was married with twins. I know how time consuming twins can be. Take this time together and text me when you two are ready for your babies."

"Is mom ok with this?"

"Charlie is spending the late afternoon with her grandchildren. She isn't asking any questions." Adam stated with a mischievous grin.

"Thank you." Elizabeth whispered with a pink face.

…

When the door closed, Elizabeth ran to her suitcase. She frantically opened it and started throwing clothes on the bed looking for something special she packed. She was hoping to have an opportunity to use it but wasn't sure if she would. She was grateful she packed it. She didn't even look up when the bathroom door opened, and Jack walked out.

He stopped to look at his wife. To him, she almost looked panicked. "Elizabeth, are you ok?" He frowned when she didn't stop to look up. He walked up to her and placed his hand on her shoulder. She jumped at the touch. She also found the item when he touched her. She quickly turned around and placed the item behind her back.

"Elziabeth, are you ok?" He looked around and didn't see the babies or the stroller. "Where are the children?"

"I'm fine." She tried to act normal but was failing miserably at it.

Jack tilted his head to the right and looked at her not believing what she just said.

"Mom and dad took the babies for a walk."

"Are you ok?"

"I'm fine. I'll be right back." She scurried off to the bathroom. She stepped into the bathroom and quickly closed the door without making eye contact with Jack.

"I love that woman, but sometimes she is a little weird." Jack mumbled to himself as he began to pick up the clothes she flung on the bed and placed them back into the suitcase.

…

Frank and Abagail laid in bed under the covers in the arms of each other. Their afternoon together has been magical and something they both needed. Since Henry came into their life, their life has been hectic. They wouldn't change too much.

"Did I keep you away from something important?" Abagail asked as she snuggled closer to her husband.

"Nothing more important than this." She squeezed his wife in a tight hug. "I love you."

"I love you. So, what's the plan for the rest of your day."

"Well…" Frank smirked. "Why don't we go out to eat. Maybe walk the town like we used to and window shop. Then we can come home and do this again."

"That sounds like the perfect day."

"I think so."

As they walked the town after eating, their conversation flowed freely like always.

"Frank, I think I want to hire an assistant manager at the café."

"Really?" He was a little surprised. His wife loved her café. She was a hard worker and didn't think she would ever slow down.

"Yeah. Our life is busy. The café is doing great, and we can afford to do this. Plus, it will free me up more. I can be more present for you and Henry."

"We love you. You are present for us. Every time Henry needs you, you are there for him and I have no complaints."

"I know, but there are times I'm at work and you and Henry are home. I would prefer to have more time with you two. I don't plan on not working, but maybe step back on a few things that could be passed down to someone else. That will free me up more to do other things."

"Well, that sounds lovely." He tightened his hold on her hand. "Do you have anyone in mind?"

"I do. I was thinking Mary. She has worked with me for several years now. She knows the business extremely well and everyone loves her."

Frank thought about it for a moment. "I believe that is a great choice."

"I think I will talk with her tomorrow."

"I've been thinking what James said a few months ago."

"What is that?" she asked.

"He mentioned the church is getting too crowded. He said that we need to go to two services or build a larger church."

"I remember. The church has been full lately."

"Yeah. Any thoughts?"

"Well, two services will require more of you."

"It would. Is that your hesitation?"

"No. My hesitation is that if we go to two services we won't worship together. We will be separated. I think you have established a tight family. I'm not sure people would like to worship at different times."

"I was kind of thinking the same thing."

"Can the church afford a new building?"

"I believe we can. I haven't included the treasurer yet, but I have been looking at the church's finances, they are healthy. I think we may be able to do it."

After thinking about it for a moment, Abagail turned to her husband. "I know my vote doesn't matter, but I say we build."

"Your vote is the most important to me." He leaned in and kissed his wife. "I will speak with the church board the next meeting. This means we will be busy. Would you be willing to help me?"

"Of course."

…

Jack was sitting on the small couch in the little sitting area of the hotel room. He had his notes from the material he was using for the classes. He wanted to refresh his memory. When the bathroom door opened, he looked up quickly and then looked back at his notes. Instantly, he slowly looked up to his wife standing in the doorway of the bathroom. She braced herself with her hand against the side of the door.

Elizabeth was wearing an elegant and beautiful deep purple night gown. It was silk with spaghetti straps. The hem of the night gown just touched the floor. The upper half of the night gown snuggly fit her upper body perfectly. Once the bottom portion of the gown slipped past her hips, it flowed freely to the ground.

The beautiful body of his wife made Jack's heart stop. He couldn't breathe, move, and his brain wasn't functioning. He was simply admiring his gorgeous wife. He opened his mouth a couple of times to speak, but no sound was able to form. After looking Elizabeth over a couple of times, he saw her smile. The smile was beautiful. It was also a little shy. To Jack, she was adorable when she was a little shy. Then he looked into her eyes. Those eyes were his weakness and strength. He would lose himself in those deep seas of blue. He tried to stand, but his legs were not working. He didn't even hear or feel the papers slipping from his grasp and fall to the ground. He was completely lost in the sight of his wife and in her blue eyes.

Elizabeth was getting a little nervous at Jack's silence. The night gown was new. She hoped he would like it. She did have her pre-pregnancy figure back, but their intimate time together was not as active as before. The babies just demanded a lot of time. They did spend time together and she was grateful for it, but she missed the frequency they previously had. Her nervousness instantly left when their eyes met. She saw the complete love, but more importantly, she saw the completely awe he had for his wife. She felt so loved by Jack in everything he does for her. Her smile grew when Jack tried to stand twice but couldn't. She knew she had the effect on him that she wanted.

"Jack, would you please dance with me?"

Jack heard what she asked, and he wanted to scream "yes" at the top of his voice. However, his mouth just couldn't form the words. After his second failed attempt, he slightly nodded his head. He just couldn't take his eyes off his wife, especially her eyes.

Elizabeth's smile grew when she noticed he didn't stand up. She knew she was having the effect on him that she was hoping for. He truly loved her. It wasn't just a physical love. She loved that aspect, but that wasn't it. He loved her completely with every aspect of who he is. It wasn't just about sex. It wasn't a need that needed to be met. He loved her as if she was a precious gift, not just an avenue to meet his needs. She walked toward him very slowly.

Jack noticed her walking toward him, but he still couldn't stand. He also noticed how the night gown flowed as she walked. If he was able to express his feelings, he would have said that she was walking seductively, but to the honest, she was just being his wife. She held him in the palm of her hand, and he was perfectly fine with it. At the moment, he couldn't form any thoughts. He just admired his wife.

When she stood in front of him, he still didn't stand. She was standing two feet in front of him. However, he couldn't do anything about it. He wanted to reach out and touch her, but his arms weren't working properly. She reached down and took both of his hands and helped him to stand. When their hands touched, they both felt tingling. The tingling wasn't just in their hands or feet. It flowed throughout their entire body.

As Jack began to stand, he never broke eye contact with Elizabeth. The act made her fall deeper in love with him. As he stood, she stepped a little closer to him, but they were not touching. He closed his eyes when he smelled her perfume, but immediately opened them again because he missed her eyes.

"Elizabeth." He barely spoke. She gasped a little at the tone of his voice. "Would you please…" He stumbled over his words. "Dance with me?"

She giggled when he asked. She knew he didn't remember her asking. She loved that she could make his mind stop working. Just like Jack held her in the palm of his hand, she held him the same way. While she relished that ability, she knew she would never take it for granted or abuse it. She was completely in love with this man.

"I would love too."

Jack gasped at the sound of her voice. Elizabeth backed up a couple of steps to move away from the sofa. Jack immediately followed her. Jack took her hand into his and slipped his other hand around her until it found it's normal spot on the small of her back. Slowly, but with great purpose, he began to pull her closer until their bodies touched. Then he pulled her a little closer just to make sure they were touching. She gasped when their bodies touched. She felt like she was in control of the whole situation until that moment. She saw his dimpled grin grow. She was instantly lost in those dimples.

"Jack."

"Elizabeth."

They each stated at the same time. Their silly smile toward each other spoke everything their mouths couldn't say. He leaned in and kissed the tip of her nose. She sighed at the loving gesture. After hovering there for a few moments, he slowly left a trail of kissed as he made his way to her ear. She shivered thinking where he was heading with his lips. When he reached her ear, he didn't immediately capture it. He hovered there for a moment. She felt his warm breath on her, and chills ran over her entire body.

"Elizabeth…you are breath taking." She shuddered at the husky tone in his voice. When he slowly took her ear lobe into his mouth, she moaned. Her knees buckled and she dropped a couple of inches. Jack tightened his hold on her to help her stand. She melted in his arms. "Jack…" She stated as he began a slow journey to her spot on her neck that she loved. Her goose bumps only grew as she anticipated what he was going to do when he reached her spot.

Dancing was long forgotten at this point. Jack was paying attention to the special spot on her neck. She reached up with her right hand and took the hair on the back of his head into her fingers. She gripped the hairs tightly. She slowly ran her left hand down his bicep and onto his hip. She interlocked a couple of fingers into his belt look and tried with all her might to pull him closer. While they were completely touching, it simply wasn't close enough for her.

"Jack!…Bed!…Now!..." She struggled to say trying to catch her breath and calm her mind.

Jack smiled knowing he had this effect. He knew he held his precious gift in the palm of his hand. He also knew he would never abuse that fact.

"Elizabeth, I don't want to have sex with my wife…I would like to make love to my wife."

Elizabeth knew her heart stopped at his words. She lightly pulled his head back enough for her to look into his eyes. There were no words spoken. Their eyes told each other everything.

Their time together was passionate but loving. They took their time with each other. They made sure to pay plenty of attention to the special places of their soul mates. Their caresses were loving and gentle. Each touch expressed their love for each other. Neither one of them had their own desires in their mind. For Elizabeth, she did her best to please her husband. Everything was done with him in mind. For Jack, it was the exact same thing. Only Elizabeth's desires were in his mind. The afternoon was spent loving each other unconditionally.

…

"Should we go back?"

"No Charlie, not yet. Let's go to the park that's across the street from the hotel."

"But we've been gone for a couple of hours."

"Yes, and the babies are great. They haven't cried one time except when they were hungry."

Charlette looked at her husband with a questioning look. "What are you up too?"

"Charlie, it's a great evening. The babies are doing well, and we are walking."

"Yes, but you're up to something."

"Me?" He tried to act offended.

"Maybe we should go back." She pondered out loud.

"Nonsense! TJ and Beth are happy. We have another bottle for each of them and we have plenty of diapers and wipes."

"What are the kids doing since we…" Her voice trailed off. "Wait, you planned this so they…"

"Yes. They need this time together."

"Adam!"

"Charlette are you telling me that no one watched the kids so you and Tom could have some time together? You know how children are. Can you imagine having twins? They need this time with just the two of them."

"Well, you could have just said something."

"You are spending the afternoon with the grandbabies. Why are you complaining?" He sassed. "Plus, you are spending it with me."

She smiled at his teasing. "That's true. Why don't we go to the ice cream parlor before heading to the park?'

Adam's silly grin gave her his answer.

…

Jack and Elizabeth laid in bed completely exhausted and content. No words were spoken over the last couple of hours. The only communication was done by their loving touches and through their eyes. At the same time, they squeezed each other's hand to express their love for each other. When Elizabeth turned to her side, Jack slid behind her and wrapped his arms around her. He pulled her close and she enjoyed feeling him against her.

"When you're ready, let me know and I will text dad."

"Why?"

"They will bring the babies back."

"Oh…wait! You planned this with him?"

"No. It was his plan. He said he would take the babies for a little while and for us to text him when they can bring the babies back." She hesitated for a moment. "Jack, that was perfect. I don't want us to lose that."

"You made it perfect. We won't lose that. I promise."

"Are you sure?"

"We are in a season of life with twins. They require a lot of time. We may not be able to be as intimate as we would like, but intimacy isn't defined by how many times we make love."

Her mind went back to their honeymoon when they talked about the frequency of intimacy. "So, intimacy isn't how often we make love, but that we have the opportunity to make love when we desire each other?"

Jack smiled remembering the conversation too. "Yes. I would love to be more intimate, but Elizabeth, we are busy and sometimes intimacy isn't possible. There are times we are just exhausted."

"I would like to continue to make it an important part of our marriage. I understand about the babies and things, but Jack, I will not lose this in our marriage. This is important to me."

"Ok, we make more of an effort to have this time together."

"Perfect. May we continue to hold each other close?"

"Perfect."

They spend another thirty minutes in the same position just talking. Nothing of importance was discussed, but the intimacy continued far longer than just the physical touches their shared earlier.

…

Adam smiled when his cell phone buzzed in his pocket. He noticed a text from Elizabeth. It was a smiley face. Adam emailed a picture of the babies. They had ice cream all over their face. They loved chocolate ice cream. Their smiles were huge as they had a handful of ice cream. Charlette warned him that he would get in trouble. He said he would play the grandpa card.

Elizabeth laughed when she saw the picture. She handed her phone to Jack so he could see it. He laughed knowing Adam was going to pass down his love for ice cream to his grandchildren.

A – We have to finish our ice cream and then get them cleaned up a bit. That may take a while. Be back soon

E – No rush

E – Thank you for this time

A – You're welcome