Disclaimer: I do not own the characters within this story. All rights and much respect go to Crown Media, Hallmark, Brian Bird, Michael Landon, Jr., the actors, creators, and writers of the show "When Calls the Heart." Any real people noted in the chapter are just there for storyline purposes.

Thank you to bbflabradors for being my sounding board, and writing partner. Thank you to everyone who has written such kind and encouraging reviews. I really do appreciate it.

Chapter 3- Godly Men

Elizabeth smiled at hearing that Jack would be leading Riley's team. It wasn't because she knew that he was accomplished in sports, although she assumed that with his athletic physique that he was. It wasn't because she was excited because Riley himself seemed to be. It wasn't even because he was a police officer and there was an unwritten certainty that she could trust him, although she did. It was because Jack seemed to be the first man, other than family members who really seemed to care about Riley.

Riley looked up from his vigorous game of kick ball and rushed over to hug Elizabeth. "Mom, look who's here. Sgt. Jack came to see us," he was so excited, pointing her in Jack's direction as if she hadn't noticed him standing a few feet away from her.

Elizabeth giggled nervously, "Honey, he didn't come here for us. He knows Ryan."

Jack couldn't help but to notice how Elizabeth's eyes sparkled and voice calmed when speaking to Riley. It certainly appeared that for all intents and purposes, she was his mother. The fact that she didn't physically give birth to him made no apparent difference.

They both watched as he hugged Jack before running off to again join the kickball game.

"I'm sorry; he didn't mean to imply that you came here just to see us," she stated, a hint of embarrassment in her voice.

"I guess it just goes to show you how small the world is. I had no idea that you were related to Ryan," Jack replied.

Mary stuck her head out the back door, "Do you guys need anything?"

"No, I'm good," Jack replied before looking over at Elizabeth. "Would you like something?"

"No, I need to get going. We have church in the morning and I need to go over his Sunday school lesson before bedtime," she stated to Mary in reply to Jack's question. "But thank you."

"Hey buddy…" Elizabeth called out into the yard, disrupting the kickball game. "We need to get going."

"Mom, can't I play for a little while longer?" be begged from the comfortable confines of his friends.

"Sure, you could, but then you'll be too tired to go over your Sunday school lesson. So please, come on, let's go," she stated, her voice was firm but still loving.

Riley said his goodbyes to his friends and begrudgingly returned to the deck. As they headed for the back door, Riley turned toward Jack, "You should come to church with us; shouldn't he, mom?"

"Riley, Sgt. Jack may have his own church," she replied, feeling herself becoming even more embarrassed each time Riley opened his mouth.

"Oh…do you love Jesus, Sgt. Jack?"

"Riley…" Elizabeth tried to usher him inside.

"Elizabeth, it's okay." Jack bent down on one knee and found himself at eye level with the small boy. "Yes, I very much love Jesus," Jack responded. "Maybe sometime I'll come to your church. What church do you go to?"

Riley turned and looked toward Elizabeth for guidance.

"We go to Willow Creek Community Church, over on…" Elizabeth began to say as she observed the surprise on Jack's face. "Is something wrong?"

"That's the church I go to," he replied. "Again, it's a small world."

"Hmm, I don't believe I've ever seen you there, but then again with 10,000+ attendees at each service, I guess it would be a surprise if we had run into each other."

In a span of 30 seconds, Jack quickly realized where he would be the next morning.

Riley hugged him, "Sgt. Jack, I hope I see you at church tomorrow."

Elizabeth opened the door and lovingly shoved Riley inside. "I'm sorry if he put you on the spot. You know how kids can be."

"No, no spot here. Maybe I'll see you tomorrow," he replied as he disappointedly watched her walk out the door.

The following morning, Elizabeth was helping Riley tie his dress shoes before heading for church.

"Mom, can I ask you something?" he asked.

"Sure honey; you can ask me anything," she responded as she knelt down in front of him.

He opened his mouth but was hesitant to let the words escape.

"What is it honey?" she asked.

"Why don't you have a husband? Is it because of me?" he asked. His question was innocent but immediately brought a tear to her eyes.

"Of course not; why would you think that?" she asked as she held his hands in hers.

"Because Tommy at school said that you don't have a husband because no one wants me," he stated as his own tears began to fall.

Elizabeth pulled him into a hug. She held him for a few moments while she gathered her thoughts. Pulling him back slightly, she was now eye to eye with the love of her life, "I love you; never doubt that, okay?"

"Okay…"

"You are without a doubt the most important person in my life. Please don't worry about me. I'm not looking for a husband, but if the right man, a Godly man comes along and he loves me and you, then we'll look at it at that time, okay?" her tone was soft and loving and quickly put the little boy at ease.

She took his hand and they headed for the door. "What about Sgt. Jack?" he asked.

As they walked out onto the porch she asked, "What about Sgt. Jack?"

"He likes me, and I'll bet he likes you too," Riley replied.

"Honey, Sgt. Jack is a very nice man, and I agree that he likes you. However, I'm sure he has a wife or girlfriend," she stated. He's too handsome and sweet not to be attached somehow.

"Okay, well maybe there's someone at church…" Riley's voice trailed off as they headed for the car.

"I'm sorry; what did you say?"

"Nothin'…"

Elizabeth dropped Riley off at his Sunday school class before heading down the hall and upstairs to her own classroom. She couldn't help but scan the mass of people, searching for Jack, or for that matter, anyone else she knew. She took a seat, opened her Bible and prepared herself for the class.

Down the hall and downstairs Riley put his children's Bible on the table and slipped just outside the door to watch the crowds as they headed to their respective classes.

"Hi Riley," a man's voice was barely heard through the mingling crowd.

"Oh Hi, Mr. Poplin," Riley remarked as he immediately turned to head back in his class.

"Are you looking for someone? He asked.

Riley remembered his manners and turned around to face Mr. Poplin. "I'm keeping my eyes open for a nice Godly man."

Mr. Poplin stopped at his Sunday school class door, "Are you looking for any particular reason?"

"He's for my mom; she needs a boyfriend," Riley stated calmly, as if he were asking for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

"I didn't know that," Mr. Poplin responded with a soft laugh as he turned to look at his daughter, Clara Stanton. "Well, maybe you'd better let her do the searching."

"I would, but I'm afraid that she'll find someone who doesn't like fishing, and catching frogs, and won't want to read me bedtime stories," Riley commented as his eyes continued to scan the people who were still walking the hall. Riley's voice turned somber, "I love it when my mom reads to me."

Mr. Poplin was a kind older man who had two sons, a daughter and six grandchildren. He observed the concern in Riley's eyes as he bent down and gathered the young boy's attention. "Your mom is a very smart woman. She is going to make sure that any man who comes into your family will be perfect for both of you.

Riley's Sunday school teacher came out to encourage any stragglers to hurry to their class. Riley said goodbye to Mr. Poplin and his daughter, stepped inside his class and took his seat.

"I'll meet you outside after class," Mr. Poplin advised his daughter as she headed upstairs to her class.

Clara barely made it into her class before the door closed. She took a seat behind Elizabeth in the back of the room.

"Why are you late? Is your dad okay?" Elizabeth whispered.

Clara snickered, "We were talking to Riley,"

Elizabeth quietly turned around in her seat, "Riley…what about?"

"You and Godly men," Clara laughed softly as she observed Elizabeth's eyes widen.

"What about me and Godly men?"

"Uh hum," the pastor's wife cleared her throat to gain everyone's attention.

Elizabeth turned around in her seat, but was unable to concentrate on the lesson. Her thoughts were occupied by visuals of men lining up outside the sanctuary waiting to meet her. Nausea settled in the pit of her stomach as she wished that she had not turned on the TV last week to watch "The Bachelor" while Riley was awake.

As soon as the class was over, Elizabeth rushed out the door, down the stairs and weeded her way through the crowd to reach Riley's class.

She found him standing just outside the door talking with a very handsome man. "Is that…? No, that can't be…"

"Mom, look who I met…" Riley called out as Elizabeth walked up.

"I see," Elizabeth responded. She turned to the man who was standing a few feet away and assuming that Riley had tried to reel in a boyfriend for her she was mortified. "Hi, I'm Elizabeth. I'm sorry if he was talking your ear off."

"Not at all. You know, he told me you were beautiful, but that's not even close," he stated. "Oh, I'm sorry, my name is Jimmy Garoppolo."

"Oh, I know exactly who you are. The San Francisco 49ers is his favorite team, and you are his favorite quarterback," she stated as she pulled Riley into her body, prepared to cover his mouth if he tried to speak.

He walked with them passed the sanctuary.

"Mom, what about the church service?" Riley asked.

"We have something to take care of this morning sweetheart," she stated with a smile while she was certain that the usual rosiness in her cheeks was now fully fledged red.

Jimmy casually walked with them out to the parking lot, each one choosing to bypass the 11:00 church service. Elizabeth was desperate to get Riley and herself to a place where they could have a serious conversation. Jimmy simply wanted to ask her out, especially since he already knew from Riley that she didn't have a boyfriend.

The conversation flowed, mainly because Elizabeth was afraid to give Riley a chance to tell Jimmy anything else about her life.

Surprised to actually meet a celebrity at church she stated, "I guess I just assumed if you played in San Francisco that you'd live there too." She wasn't certain why she wanted to know, but Riley had remarked more than once that #10 was the best.

"Well, I have a place in San Francisco, but during the off season, or in this case when I get a few free days, I head home to see my folks," he replied.

They reached Elizabeth's car; she opened the door and buckled Riley into his booster seat. She turned to face Jimmy, who remained onsite, apparently with something he wanted to say.

Elizabeth still felt uncomfortable with what Riley may have told him so she attempted to leave the scene as quickly as possible.

"Elizabeth, I know that we just met, and I'm not going to be here very long, well at least not this trip, but Riley here tells me that you aren't seeing anyone. Will you have dinner with me?"

She was stunned and before she could answer he stated, "I'm a Godly man. I mean, we met here at church; where is there a better place to find someone?"

"I'm sorry, I really do appreciate the offer, the offer…sounds like I'm a horse running through the auction.

"I wish you'd reconsider. It isn't often that I meet a beautiful woman with such high moral standards. After all, we're here at church."

He's a man. If he only knew how high he probably wouldn't waste his time, "Yes, but as you can see, we skipped out on the church service, so they must not be but so high."

"Would you reconsider? We can drive separately; a restaurant of your choosing…"

"Really, I appreciate it, but I'll have to say 'no,'" she stated as she started to walk around to the driver's side of her Mustang.

"Nice car," he added before he started to walk away. Before she could open her door he turned around, "Coffee, at least agree to have coffee with me."

Somewhat intrigued, and feeling that a cup of coffee was innocent enough she agreed. "Okay, a cup of coffee. Do you know where Bridgeport Coffee Company is on S. Morgan?"

"Yes, I love that place," he replied.

"I need to take Riley over to my cousin's and I'll meet you there in say an hour, okay?" she asked.

"That's perfect. He turned around to leave, but quickly spun back around, "You aren't going to blow me off, are you?"

"No, I'll be there," she promised.

Mary opened the door in her pajamas commenting that this was the first Sunday that they'd had to sleep in and lounge around.

"I have a favor to ask…"

"Sure what is it?"

"Mom's got a date…"

"Riley, we need to talk about this, and we will young man," she stated sternly, although she couldn't help but understand his desire for a complete family.

"You have a date? WOW, that church of yours is a meat market," Mary remarked.

"The church is a meat market?" Riley asked. "I didn't see any meat there."

"Mary was making a joke; forget about it, and I really mean forget about it," Elizabeth stated as her stern look transferred to Mary.

"So, you have a date; with who…? Mary asked.

"That would be with whom, and his name is Jimmy. It's just for coffee, but could you watch Riley for a little while?"

"Mary, it's Jimmy Garoppolo," Riley squealed excitedly before running into the den to play video games.

"The San Francisco 49ers quarterback, Garoppolo?" Mary seemed just as excited.

"Why don't you go meet him," Elizabeth stated as she quickly filled Mary in on Riley's quest to find her a boyfriend. "No telling how many men he told about me this morning. It's just so embarrassing."

"Well go meet him, but I want a play by play when you get back."

"I'm sorry. I forgot to ask if you guys had plans today."

"No, I need to get moving anyway. Ryan has some guys coming over later today, so I'm just cleaning and making snacks. Riley will be fine," Mary assured her.

"Riley, you behave now," Elizabeth stated as she kissed his forehead and walked out the door.

She walked into the coffee shop 15 minutes late but found Jimmy seated at a booth along the window.

"I thought you weren't coming," he stated.

"I'm sorry; I ran into traffic on the way here from my cousin's and didn't have your number to call you," she explained.

"Well, I can take care of that," he stated as he picked up her phone and dialed his number. He inserted her information in his phone, and his into hers before placing it back on the table. "There, now you can reach me."

The way they met aside, she had to admit that she was enjoying their talk…and the coffee. However, she also knew that this would go nowhere, as she wanted someone who would be around. Six months here, three months there, a few weekend trips home wasn't what she was looking for.

"So, do you like football?" he asked.

"Well, if I'm perfectly honest, I watch it because of Riley. My favorite sport is basketball," she replied.

"Hmm, maybe I need to switch to hoops then," he joked, whish elicited a smile from her that drew him in further.

Several hours later, he walked her to her car. She unlocked the door and turned to thank him.

"Now will you have dinner with me?" he asked.

"I'm pretty busy with school and Riley and now he's playing basketball, so I don't know if my schedule will mesh with yours," she stated.

"I'll make it work. I have your number and I'm gonna call you," he stated leaned in and kissed her cheek.

She slipped in her car and pulled out of the parking lot as he watched her disappear.

"I hope mom has fun today. I'm worried about her," Riley nonchalantly stated.

"Why are you worried about her, honey?" Mary asked as she had him helping her in the kitchen.

"All of my friends have fathers and she doesn't have one."

"Honey, she has a father."

"No, I mean she doesn't have a boyfriend or a husband, and I think its cause of me," he stated as tiny tears began to slip from his eyes.

"Oh Riley, that simply isn't true. You mean the world to her, but when she finds someone, she wants to make sure that he is going to be good for you too."

"Maybe like Sgt. Jack? He likes me and he teaches me things."

"Well, maybe but it has to up to your mom to find him, okay?"

"Okay. Can I go play video games now?"

"Sure honey; go ahead."

Mary heard a bunch of voices in the den and went out to offer some of the snacks she had prepared. She observed Jack, still dress in his Sunday best, his knees on the floor, eye level with Riley, and she watched.

She observed a spark in Jack's eyes that she hadn't seen in quite some time, and Riley also appeared excited to see him. Jack glanced around, presumably looking for Elizabeth before Riley hugged him and headed for one of the bedrooms to play video games.

"Can I help you with anything?" Jack asked.

"No, I've got it."

"I saw Riley; he was so cute. He asked me if I like fishing and catching frogs and reading bedtime stories. Kids come up with the funniest stuff. Is Elizabeth here?"

Just then Riley ran back into the kitchen for something to drink. "Sgt. Jack, my mom has a date." As quickly as he ran in, he was again gone.

"A date? Who does she have a date with?"

"Some guy who plays football…"

"Football, I play football…"

"No Jack, I mean professional football."

"Garoppolo? I heard that he went to the church, but I've never seen him there."

"Well you've never seen Elizabeth there either and she attends regularly. Apparently he met Elizabeth this morning and didn't waste any time asking her out. Maybe someone I know better not waste any time."

The front door opened and quickly closed again. Elizabeth stepped through the group of men congregating in the den and made her way into the kitchen.

"Oh Hi, Jack. You look really nice," she stated.

"Thank you, you look beautiful," he responded as Mary watched the sparks seemingly fly between the two.

"How was your date?" Jack asked, his tone was seemingly abrupt. Part of him wanted to know, but he also worried that his heart would explode from the answer.

"It was nice. It was just coffee, but he wants to take me to dinner."

"You aren't going are you?"

"Why shouldn't I?"

"Don't you think that Riley and you deserve a man who will be around for you, for both of you? Not someone who's gone a good portion of the year."

"Jack, it was coffee and a possible dinner. I'm not walking down the aisle…yet," she teased.

Jack grumbled as he left the kitchen and returned to the den to hang out with the other men.

"What's wrong with him?"

"Do you even have to ask?"

"Apparently I do because I don't understand his tone."

"Elizabeth, I may be wrong but I think he's interested in you, both of you."

"How am I supposed to know if he doesn't say anything?"

"Elizabeth, you two just met. Jack is a great guy and not one to rush things; unlike this Jimmy guy who meets you and immediately asks you out."

"Nothing will come of this 'Jimmy guy' as you call him, but he is nice and I enjoyed talking with a male who's main interests aren't cartoons, Cocoa Puffs, and video games."

Jack walked back into the kitchen, "Elizabeth, I'm sorry about before. It's really none of my business."

Before she could say anything he excused himself and left the room.

"He is a nice guy, Elizabeth. He's the type of man you and Riley need. You can depend on him, and he's no player, not like I'm sure that Jimmy guy is."

Elizabeth took a deep breath and ventured out into the den to see if she could speak privately with Jack.

"Where did Jack go?" she asked Ryan.

"He said something came up and he needed to leave."

Note: Thank you to my dear friend, bbflabradors for helping me with my chapter and writing. I have great respect for all of the fan fiction writers out there; you all do a wonderful job. I'm sorry, bbflabradors that I used to tease you about your writing and how much time you devote to it. I really thought that it would be easy and I could crank out the chapters quickly. I have now swallowed crow!

With work, family life and PTA obligations it's hard to find a lot of free time to write. I am trying to get bbflabradors to take over the story. If not I'll still write, but the chapters may not come often. I'm not certain that the story is what people want anyway so it may not really matter. Do you have a preference?

Thanks again to all the fan fiction writers out there. You have opened my eyes to your true dedication, and the enjoyment you provide is beyond measure.