Chapter 11

Author's note: I hope you are enjoying this journey with me. I know the time frame is fast, but that is part of the story. I hope you enjoy this chapter

Jack handed the signed notes over to Bill. Bill thanked him and dismissed him until the next morning. When Jack and Elizabeth started to leave, they noticed Alice and her husband, Tom and Julie, and Frank and Abagail all standing there waiting for them. Jack was fine. This was not the first shooting he was involved in, but these were never easy. When they walked up to the waiting group, everyone started to ask him questions at the same time. Elizabeth felt Jack tighten his grip and she spoke up first.

"Jack is fine. He wasn't hurt at all, but it has been a long day for him. He is exhausted, physically, and emotionally. Thank you for your concern and he loves you for it. I am taking him to my home. He will sleep on my couch tonight because I do not want him to be alone. He leaves for work at eight in the morning but will be at the café at seven. You can come and see him there. Thank you for your love and concern for him, but I am taking him home for him to rest and sleep."

With that said, she slightly tugged on his arm and lead him down the street. She could have called an uber but she thought the walk and fresh air would help him process the evening. Abagail leaned over and stated, "I think she is good for him."

Tom thought for a second and realized she was right. "I know she is. She is taking care of him when he probably can't do it at this moment. He would handle it the best he could, but he would struggle with it. She just took charge of the moment."

"That's Bethie for you. She always takes care of the ones she loves." Stated Julie.

"Do you think she does?" Asked Frank.

"Absolutely." Stated Julie and Abagail at the same time with confidence.

"What about him?" Asked Julie.

"Without question." Answered a confident Tom. "I have never seen him like this. It wasn't because he didn't have choices, he just decided to wait. He has never been like this."

"Well, how long do you think?" Asked Abagail.

"Not long at all." Answered Julie. "She loves him completely.

…

Jack and Elizabeth slowly walked toward her apartment. They took their time and she sensed he needed it and the silence too. He appreciated her and her knowing and giving him what he needed to process the evening. Occasionally, one would squeeze the other's hand and offer a smile. It encouraged both of them just being present with each other.

"Bellissima, may I ask you something?" Jack asked as they stepped on her path to her front door.

She smiled and encouraged him to continue.

"Are you alright?"

"Jack, I wasn't the one that was shot at. Shouldn't I ask you that question?"

"Please Bellissima. I need to make sure you are ok with tonight. Are you handling everything ok? My job and its potential dangers?"

This was the conversation he was scared to have with her. His parents were the best parents he could imagine having. There were times his mom struggle with her husband's profession and its dangers. And she was the strongest person he knew.

"Jack, I am going to be honest with you, but you need to let me finish, ok?"

"Oh no" he stated softly. This was what he was afraid of. He stopped walking knowing that her next words were going to be, and he was afraid to hear them. This relationship may be new, but he knew this is what he wanted.

"What?" She asked.

"I'm sorry." He looked down. He couldn't look into those beautiful blue eyes and hear her crush his heart. He braced himself as she began to speak.

She sensed his posture changing. He tensed up and wouldn't look at her. "Jack, would you please look at me?"

He couldn't pull his eyes off the ground.

She reached up with a gentle finger and placed it under his chin. She slowly and gently pushed his chin up until he was facing straight ahead, but he still wasn't looking at her.

"Jack, please look in my eyes."

"I can't beautiful." It shocked her a little that he actually used the English word for beautiful. "Please Jack. I need you to look at me so you can see I'm being honest with you."

He raised his eyes to hers and a small tear escaped his right eye. He quickly wiped it away hoping she didn't see it. He wasn't so lucky. She saw it and reached up to wipe it away.

"Jack. When I heard the gun shots I panicked. We have only dated a few days and I was scared I lost you in that moment. I know it sounds weird to say this after three days, but Jack, I can't see my future without you in it. You have quickly become my everything." She continued to look at him in his eyes. She saw fear and pain in those windows to his soul. She knew he was nervous she would just walk away from him before things got too serious between them.

"Jack, I am not going anywhere. You are my future and that excites me. I see the fear in your eyes that I am going to walk away. Jack, I can't do that. I don't even know your middle name, but you are the most important person in my life. I couldn't walk away from you like I couldn't walk away from breathing. We have grown so close over the last three days that I miss you as soon as you leave the room. I wake up thinking about you. When I think of my future, you are always prominent in those thoughts."

Jack wasn't expecting this. He knew she would walk away from him. He had no doubt. But her words were starting to sink into his mind.

"I was so scared. I couldn't think straight. All I wanted to do was go find you. To make sure you were safe. I guess I will always be a little afraid at what might happen, but that fear cannot overcome the love I have for you."

"You love me?" He asked shocked.

"Did you really think I didn't" She sassed.

"I was afraid to hope." He smiled a small smile. I was going to tell you at dinner tonight, but Mary interrupted us."

"I know. I couldn't stand it. I was wanting to hear you say it."

"Was that why you were quite during dinner?"

"Yes. I was hoping you would finish your statement."

"I think I learned a very important boyfriend lesson tonight."

"Yeah, what was that?" She said as she shuffled closer to him.

"Never let anything go unsaid." He smiled at her and reached for her small waist. He pulled her into him and stared into her eyes. "Elizabeth…wait, what is your middle name?"

She chuckled. "It's Marie."

"Elizabeth Marie Thatcher. I know we are still getting to know each other, but I love you with all my heart. I am yours in every way possible. I love you."

He was so sincere she almost melted in his arms. She heard his words, but she also saw the love in his eyes. It was true love, unconditional love.

"Jack…wait. What is your middle name?"

Jack is my middle name. I was named after my father, Thomas Jack Thorton. Mom started calling me Jack so I wouldn't be confused with my father."

"Well then, Thomas Jack Thorton. I love you with everything I am. I love you with my entire heart and I am yours in every way possible."

They smiled at each other, until they both leaned in for a kiss. All the kisses before were perfect, but this kiss was different. They have proclaimed their love for one another. They walked through a scary time and were still devoted to one another. The difficult conversation was had and understood between them. Their love was now known, not just assumed. The kiss just didn't tingle their toes, it reached to their bone marrow. The kiss was different, more intense, more meaningful, more passionate.

"Come on Jack. You need some water and then rest. You have had a difficult day."

"Wait, no practicing?" He sassed.

"You don't need practice."

"Yes I do."

"Trust me, you don't."

"I humbly disagree, Bella."

"Why would you say that?"

"Well, if I was any good at this kissing thing why do you always chose to do something else?"

"What are you talking about?"

"You chose walking over kissing me the other day. Now, you chose me to drink some water and going to sleep over kissing me. I think I need to improve so you will chose kissing me over the other stuff. But I can't get better at kissing if you won't let me practice." He wiggled his eyes at her while giving her his full dimple grin.

Oh, that man! He will be the death of me.

With her best scary teacher face, she placed her hand on her hips. "Listen here Investigator Thomas Jack Thorton."

His knees grew weak with her saying his full name and the stance she was taking.

"You have had a long and difficult day. You do not need to practice kissing. You are already the best kisser I have ever kissed. We will practice tomorrow. Now young man, get inside and drink your water so you can get some sleep. You need your rest." She tried to sound stern, but the smile didn't leave her face."

As he stepped forward toward her front door, "See. That's what I'm talking about! You chose everything over kissing me." He dodged her hand when she went to swat him on the arm. He laughed all the way up the steps to the front door.

…

Bill was looking over the crime scene when he noticed something very small on the back wall beside the file cabinet. It was a very small splatter of blood. Jack must have hit one of the suspects. By the amount of blood, it must not have been a direct hit, but a grazing of the skin. But there was enough blood to run a DNA test. He only hoped the profile was on the data base to make a match.

He carefully collected the drops of blood and sealed it in a plastic, evidence bag. He personally delivered the evidence bag to the lab and expressed his desire for the evidence to be processed as soon as possible.

…

"Tom, are you ok?"

"Yes Julie. I am ok. This isn't the first time Jack was shot at. You never really get used to it, you come to accept the possibility of it happening."

"That's great, but that isn't what I'm talking about."

"You mean Elizabeth stepping up and taking over caring for him?"

"Yes, handsome."

"Jack deserves someone who loves him and will help him when he needs it. I haven't seen him this happy ever. It's past time for him. I am ok with it as long as she loves him. It's my mom I am worried about."

"Why is that?"

With their dad dying in the line of duty, any danger Jack was in with his job scared Charlette to death. She would go into mama bear mode and be over protective for weeks. Both brothers hated it when she did it. She wouldn't back off for anything. Now Tom was afraid how she would react to Elizabeth stepping in as care giver.

"I just hope she doesn't go mama bear like she normally does." He shook his head hoping this wouldn't be an issue.

"Bethie is strong willed too. This could be interesting." She laughed.

…

Elizabeth handed Jack a bottled water and instructed him to drink it. He playfully rolled his eyes as he took the top off and started drinking the water. She walked down the hallway to retrieve some sheets and a blanket to make the couch into a bed. By the time she came back into the living room, Jack was leaning back against the couch asleep with half the water bottle empty.

She took a few minutes to look at him. His hair was a little messy, his clothes was wrinkled, and his mouth was slightly opened with his head leaned back on the couch. He looked adorable. The events of the evening did scare her, but they did not compare to the love she had for this wonderful man. His love shone through his actions. She adored the names he called her, and it touched her more than she was willing to admit. She giggled every time she thought of them. She wasn't falling in love with this man, she already loved him. It was almost like she was created for him, and he was created for her.

They didn't know much about each other's background, but it didn't matter. She didn't know about his past relationships, and he didn't know too much about hers. They didn't know the secrets nor the full extent of their passions on certain subjects, but that just didn't matter. They were drawn together by something more than just attraction. She knew she couldn't fight the pull towards this man, and she didn't want to fight it.

She walked over to the couch and bent down on one knee and slowly and gently slip off his shoes. She smiled when she realized his feet didn't smell. She raised his feet on the couch, and he laid down without opening his eyes. When she unfolded the blanket to place on top of him, he reached out for her.

"Bella, would you please lay down with me?" His eyes never opened.

"Jack, I don't know if I should."

"Only cuddling, I promise nothing will happen." He smirked but his eyes remained closed.

How could she deny his request? After he moved to the back of the couch, she laid down on her right side with her back against his chest. He wrapped his left arm around her and place his hand on her stomach and pulled her against him. She settled in and realized she fit perfectly against him. As if she was formed to fit flawlessly against him. His warm breath on her neck was beginning to drive her mad with want. She adjusted just enough to move his breath off her neck and immediately missed it.

"So" Jack began with his eyes still closed. "How many men exactly have you kissed?"

She felt his body relax and she knew he was asleep. She thought about getting up and going to her bed, but there was not a chance she would leave his arms. She closed her eyes and was asleep withi minutes.

…

She woke up the next morning facing Jack and wrapped in his arms. She was warm and loved how he smelled. She looked up and saw him looking at her. "Are you watching me sleep?"

"Yes. You are beautiful when you sleep."

"I highly doubt that."

"Well, you are. And you are adorable when you snore."

"Jack Thorton! I do not snore. Ladies do not snore. I…Do…Not…Snore. What a thing to say!"

He laughed. She did snore. Not too loud, just cute little snores. She was adorable when she argued like that. He pulled her closer to stop her rant. She settled in and soaked up his presence.

"Jack," she paused not knowing how to proceed.

"Yes, Nani?"

"I have never done this before."

"What, sleep on the couch." He sassed.

"No. not that."

"I haven't done this before either. I have never slept with anyone before, it's a little odd, but I must admit I did rest the best last night with you here."

"You really haven't slept with anyone?"

"Which one? Sleep as in physical activity or sleep as in sleeping."

"Either one." She said blushing. She nudged her head closer to his neck hoping he wouldn't see her face turning red.

"Elizabeth, I haven't done either one. I have never been with anyone, and I have never slept with anyone in my arms. This is all new to me."

"The Watson twins didn't entice you?" She giggled.

"I never wanted that type of relationship. I'm not kidding, Bellissima, I never dated. I wanted what my parents had. Have you?"

"Which one?" She giggled again.

"Either one."

"No. I did date that guy for six years, but we were not that close. We never slept together, either one. He was never going to be that guy. I wanted more before I gave myself to a man."

They both rested in each other's arms enjoying the closeness and warmth from each other.

"You never did answer my question from last night."

"I thought you were sleeping."

"No, just resting."

"Sure. I have kissed two guys. Charles of course, and a guy in high school named Adam. We went to a school dance my sophomore year. It was just the one kiss. You?"

"A couple other than you, but nothing serious. The most serious one was when I went to the homecoming dance at school. It was a friend of Tom's girlfriend. She didn't have a date and Tom's girlfriend wouldn't leave her home alone. While we were dancing, she kissed me."

"Really?" She asked finding it hard to believe that Jack wouldn't have kissed more than that.

"I could ask you the same thing."

"True."

"I never wanted to date to date. I guess I could have kissed more girls if I wanted too. I saw how my father treated my mother and that was what I wanted to be. I wanted to be just like him, in every way possible. He is my hero." A tear formed in his eyes but didn't fall.

"That testifies to your character."

"Thank you. I feel I should warn you about what's coming."

"About what's coming?" She asked concerned.

"Yeah, mama bear will be here sometime today."

"Mama bear?"

"Yeah. My mother."

"She's coming here?"

"She will now because of what happened last night."

"Oh. Ok. So, mama bear?"

"She was never too excited about me following my father's footsteps. She was proud of my father and what he did, but when I became a cop, she worries. When something bad happens, she panics. She goes all mama bear and overly protective."

"Oh. Should I be worried."

He tightened his grip on her. "No. What's not to love? She will love you because I do. She will try to protect me from every little thing and will try to take care of everything, every…little… thing. She won't be mean just over protective."

"I think I can handle that."

"Yes, Bellissima. She will love you."

They held each other for a little while longer. They just didn't want to break the connection. She sighed when she mentioned they both needed to go to work.

"Bill texted me earlier and said I didn't have to come in today until noon and then only for a couple of hours. Then I have the rest of the day off. Too bad you have to work today. I would enjoy spending the day with you."

Elizabeth reached for her phone and sent a text. A few seconds later she received a text back and smile at him. "Now you can."

"Who did you text?"

"Ms. Florence, the front desk worker, at school. I asked for a sub and she said she will get one. I hardly take any days off, so I have a large number of days saved up."

He smiled thinking about spending the whole day with her. "Wait, what did you text to her?"

"Nothing important." She blushed.

"E-liz-a-beth"

"You can't say my name like that, Jack."

"Why not?"

"I like it too much." She blushed but wasn't embarrassed. "I told her I had a day with a handsome young man."

"Oh, do you? Maybe I can meet him."

…

Bill walked into the office and was hoping to receive the lab results from the blood. He was disappointed he didn't have it but wasn't surprised. His phone rang not long after sitting at his desk.

"Good morning Charlette. How are you?"

"Bill. I am fine. What happened last night?"

He heard about the mama bear thing, but now he was experiencing it first hand, it was a little scary.

"Jack walked in on a robbery in progress. He is fine. Nothing happened. He didn't even get a scratch"

"Bill, don't you lie to me!"

Wow, she's good! "Charlette, I am not lying to you. He didn't get a scratch. He is perfectly fine."

"Bill, you are lying out of omission. I know he was shot at."

"How in the world did you know that?"

"I called Tom this morning. That boy could never hide anything from me. He opened up like my favorite book." She laughed knowing Tom could never keep a secret from her. From childhood, he always admitted to what he did. He was that way as an adult too. Especially when Jack was concerned. He had no problem telling on his older brother.

"Yes, the suspects shot at him but missed him by fifteen feet. They weren't even close."

"That doesn't matter! You said you would take care of him!"

"I'm doing my best, Charlette, but you know the job and"

"Don't say it, Bill.!"

"So, when are you coming?"

"I'm at the airport now. My plane leaves in thirty minutes."

"Am I picking you up or is Tom?"

"You are. I already got everything out of Tom I can. It's your turn now."

"Great, I look forward to it."

"Pardon me?"

"I will be there."

…

After several minutes of cuddling on the couch and smiling silly at each other, Elizabeth got up and went to her room for a quick shower and to change.

Jack decided to make them breakfast and was exploring her kitchen for pans and food. On the counter he saw a sketch lying beside the fridge. It caught his eye. He picked it up and examined it closely. He knew she sketched, but this was really good. It was the sketch that put her in the bad mood on the first day they meet. He noticed the details of the sketch. She took the time to get things right, and everything was pin point on.

He took note of the two people in the sketch. They were walking on the sidewalk in the middle of Hope Valley. He recognized some of the stores in the background. The couple looked like Elizabeth and him. With all the detail work in the sketch, the faces were blank and void of detail. If you just looked at the faces, you couldn't tell who the two individuals were.

Elizabeth walked in and noticed Jack holding the drawing. "What do you have there?"

He turned the page around and asked if she sketched this. She agreed with a smile, and he praised her talent. "Who are these two people? Are they us?"

Elizabeth laughed at the memory of that piece of paper and all the havoc it created. "That little sketch caused the whole drama of our first meeting."

"Really?" Inquired Jack.

"Oh yeah. That's why I kept it."

"How did it cause the drama?"

First, I never sketch people. I always do landscapes or buildings, or things like that. When I drew that I wasn't thinking about what I was sketching. I was just doing it to clear my head."

"Yeah, I like to do that too."

"When I realized I drew people instead of something, I think it got in my head a little. I didn't know who the guy was, and it bothered me. I dreamed about that silly sketch the entire night. I dreamed the man was wearing blue dress pants, white button down dress shirt, and a red striped tie."

"Huh."

"Yeah. I was at Abagail's and telling her about the sketch and she was teasing me that it was my new boyfriend or something like that. The whole morning, I just couldn't get it out of my head. Then you showed up."

"Wearing blue dress pants, a white button up dress shirt, and a striped tie." Jack stated remembering the morning very well.

"Yeah. It freaked me out a little bit. It was like the sketch came alive, but the thing was I haven't meet you yet. I couldn't think straight and that caused me to be rude."

"I was so frustrated with you that day. I remember talking with Abagail about the Ms. Thatcher I meet that morning and ranted about how rude you were. She never told me your first name. She talked about a friend who taught there by the name of Elizabeth. I didn't know it was the same person."

They laughed at the memory. "Well, I'm grateful you are not holding that against me now."

"I quickly realized that was not the person you are."

Jack's phone buzzed with a text from Tom. "Oh no."

"What's wrong Jack?"

"You will meet mama bear later today. She is at the airport ready to take off."

After glancing at the sketch one more time, he thought of a perfect first date. He wanted to share this with her and hoped she would enjoy it. He found himself very nervous taking her out on their first date.