Author's Note:

As you continue this little story of mine, I trust you are enjoying this journey. I am having fun writing it and I hope you are having fun reading along.

Chapter 30

Julie woke up to a weird sensation. She was comfortable and warm, which is not like her. She is always cold, but not today. She is comfortable, almost a little too warm. She exhales a comfortable breath and relaxes back into her pillow. Then she felt something that shocked her. She quickly turned over and was face to face with her fiancé.

"Tom! What are you doing here?"

He slowly opens his eyes and sees a frantic looking Julie staring at him eye to eye.

"Tom! What are you doing here?" She repeated.

"You mean here in my bed in my room?"

"What?" Julie sits up on the bed and looks around the room. She finally notices that she is indeed in Tom's room.

"How did I get in your room?" She asked when she looks back at him.

"You fell asleep laying on my bed last night. I wrapped you up in a blanket and then I got a blanket for me."

"Oh, I see that." She blushed. Julie settled back into her pillow.

"Julie, I love you. I would never take advantage of you."

Julie felt embarrassed because she thought the worst of Tom. "I'm sorry, Tom. I just woke up and was surprised."

"That's ok sweetheart."

:Are you ready to fly back today to wrap up our life there and begin our new life here?"

"Yes. Let's get ready."

…

Elizabeth and Abagail stood looking at each other. Jack was still there, but they didn't notice him. The time may have been only a few moments, but it felt like hours. Jack kept looking between Elizabeth and Abagail. He knew nothing happened, but Abagail didn't know that. He was worried about Elizabeth's reputation.

"Why, yes they are the same clothes. I am on my way to my apartment to shower and change for work." Elizabeth teased with a younger sister tone. She never took her eyes off Abagail.

"Are you now?" Smirked Abagail. She gave Elizabeth a look from head to toe. "They don't look wrinkled. What did you sleep in?"

Elizabeth glared at her adopted sister. Abagail knew her well and she was having a little fun at their expense. "Jack let me borrow and pair of shorts and a shirt to sleep in."

"That was awful nice of him to give you some clothes to sleep in. Did you sleep?" A small grin turned up the corners of her mouth. Abagail was having a lot of fun at their expense.

"Yes, I did. It was a great rest and that's all that was done." She stated confidently.

Abagail's grin turned into a bigger smile. She was enjoying this.

"Jack is leaving tomorrow, and we wanted to spend time together. Our dinner with my parents last night didn't go so well and we just wanted to spend time together before he leaves."

Jack felt out of place. The two ladies weren't paying him any attention. He was afraid that Abagail would get the wrong idea.

"Did you enjoy your slumber party?" Abagail continued with the teasing.

"Yes, it was great. We talked and rested very well."

"I know that apartment isn't too big. It's only one bedroom and that couch is horrible to sleep on." Sassed Abagail.

"I wouldn't know." Elizabeth beamed with a little bit of attitude and a smile.

"Hu…hum…"

"Abagail…stop it. You are scaring Jack. You know me and you know I wouldn't do that. Yes, I stayed with Jack and all we did was talk and sleep."

"Just talk and sleep?" Sassed Abagail with her big sister tone.

"Well…we did kiss."

"A lot." Sassed Jack catching onto the little game the best friends and sisters are playing.

"Jack! That's not helping!" Laughed Elizabeth.

"Like she didn't figure that out on her own."

"Yeah, like I couldn't figure that out on my own." Teased Abagail.

"Abagail, nothing like that happened. After dinner, we walked around the town and ended up here late. Instead of taking me home, I stayed with Jack. We talked some more. We did kiss…a lot and went to sleep in his room. That was all."

"I know, Elizabeth."

"Then why are you giving me so much grief?"

"Oh Elizabeth, I give you grief because it is fun."

Elizabeth huffed. "Fair enough."

…

While Elizabeth showered and dressed, he waited for her in the living room playing on his phone. He sent a text to his landlord in Oklahoma City to let him know he will be moving. He started the process of closing accounts and preparing to move. He didn't hear Elizabeth walk into the room. She sat on the couch, and he jumped a little.

"Please don't tell me you are still scared of a little school teacher?"

"How did you get to be so quite?"

"I'm a teacher! We are required to be quite so we can catch kids doing things they are not supposed to be doing."

"Huh…that's why my mom was so quiet when I was growing up."

Elizabeth laughed. She loved being with Jack, no matter what they are doing. Life with him is going to be so much fun.

"Do you think Abagail believed you this morning?"

"I know she did. We have talked a lot about that before. She knows me and she knows I wouldn't do that before marriage."

Jack nodded. "Elizabeth, I am going to miss you. I have become accustomed to being with you. However, I think we need to hurry up and get married. It's getting harder to be with you without being with you."

Elizabeth laughed. "I know exactly what you mean. I have never had that problem before, but I do understand."

"You mean you didn't have that problem with that Chuckle guy?" Jack sassed. He wasn't jealous of Charles, but he didn't like the guy either.

She leaned in and pushed his shoulder with her shoulder. "I never came close to feeling that way about him. What about you? Those Watson twins didn't tempt you?"

Jack laughed. "No. I was waiting."

"Waiting?"

"Yes, I was waiting for you."

She swooned at his words. She leaned in and kissed him passionately on the lips.

"I've been waiting for you too. Now, these eleven days are going to be difficult to wait." She laughed as she admitted she wanted him too. She has never felt this type of connection with any man before. She definitely felt it with Jack. She couldn't wait to be with him. She blushed each time she thought of their time together.

"I feel your pain. You do something to me, Elizabeth. To be honest, I am happy you do. I know our relationship, once fully explored, will be better than I could ever imagine."

She couldn't say anything. She kissed him again. This kiss made the first kiss seem tame. Their passion for each other was growing by the day.

After pulling away slightly to catch her breath, she said, "Jack, I think I need to leave before I am late for work."

"Yes, Bella." With a smirk he added, "See what we can do when you get up early?"

She swatted him on the shoulder as she stood and laughed. "Don't expect me to become a morning person. That is not going to happen."

"Challenge accepted."

"Take me to work and then you can pick me up so we can spend the evening together before you leave town. I need to meet with mother to have a final fitting on my wedding dress. Then I'm all yours for the rest of the day."

"Great. We have one stop to make when I pick you up."

"Really, where do we need to go?"

"We need to pick up our paintings from Draw-n-Things. I received a text yesterday stating our paintings are ready."

"I can't wait to see them." She was reminiscing about that date. "Jack, that was the best evening. I still can't believe you planned that."

"Why do you sound so surprised?"

"Who would have guessed an investigator could be so sweet and romantic?"

"I need some work, but I do have some skills."

"Jack, you have been the best boyfriend and now you are the best fiancé. I can only imagine what you will be like as a husband." Her smile grew as she thought about it.

"Do you really want to base the rest of your life on a week or so of experience?" He snickered.

"With you…absolutely. Now, get me to Abagail's for breakfast and then to school before I get in trouble with Ms. Blakely."

…

Julie and Tom were flying back to their homes today. They were stopping by at lunch on their way to the airport to tell Elizabeth goodbye. Chalette, Grace, and William were leaving tomorrow, along with Jack. Charlette and Jack will fly back to Oklahoma City together so she can help get him packed so he could get back to Hope Valley as quickly as possible. Elizabeth knew she would see her mother next week but was not sure about her father.

Elizabeth was sitting at her desk while her kids were gone to gym. She was beginning to realize that everyone would be leaving over the next two days. Jack's leaving was weighing the most on her. She couldn't believe how much she was going to miss this man. She hoped he would miss her as much as she was going to miss him. She sighed just thinking about being away from him for several days.

"Is that a good sigh or a bad sigh?" Julie asked as her and Tom walked into her classroom.

"Both, I guess. Are you two ready to head back home to begin wrapping things up?"

"Yes." Both Julie and Tom answered at the same time.

"Yes, sister, we are ready to get this new chapter of our lives started."

"I understand how you two are feeling. Jack leaves tomorrow and I hate to think about it. However, I know when he comes back to Hope Valley our life together will begin. I can't wait!"

"How did we get to this point?"

"I don't know Julie, but here we are. Any regrets?"

"Absolutely not. And you, older sister?"

"No! Not a moment of regret. Well, except for father and his attitude."

"I don't know what has gotten into him. Will that affect you two at all?"

"No. His attitude will not have an effect on us. I have told him to stay away from the wedding if he is not going to be supportive. I don't want to be surrounded by that negativity on my special day."

"What would you do? Who will walk you down the aisle?"

I will live my life with the love of my life. Jack is it for me. If there is a problem, it is not of our making. Jack and I have done nothing wrong. If he stays away, I will ask Frank to walk me or maybe mother."

"Wow! You become engaged and you grew a backbone. I'm impressed. I also agree with you. You two have done nothing wrong. Jack is perfect for you. I don't understand it. Yes, for you, this is very fast, but no faster than Tom and I or mother and father."

"Exactly! Jack's parents were married rather quickly too."

They enjoyed the rest of their lunch time together. When it was time for Julie and Tom to leave, both sisters cried tears of joy and sorrow.

"I am going to miss you. I can't wait until you move here. It will be great to see you all the time."

"I agree, Elizabeth. This will be great. Oh, have you talked to Viola yet?"

"No. I need too I guess."

"Since Viola and Lionel started dating and were engaged, she has changed. I haven't talked to her in a very long time."

"I agree with you, Elizabeth. I haven't seen her either and I agree with you about her changing. I don't know what had gotten into her."

"You two be careful and I will see you soon." She stated as she hugged Tom.

…

Abagail walked to the school to pick up Henry. She took the time today to pick up her boy and to say hello to Elizabeth. She walks into her friend's class just before the final bell dismisses the students for the day. Abagail smiles when she sees Henry talking and laughing with two of his friends. Once the bell rings, Henry looks us to see Abagail standing talking to his beloved teacher. He smiles at her thinking how grateful he is that she is in his life.

He jumps to his feet and quickly makes his way to Abagail. He throws his arms around her waist and tightens his grip as much as he could. He didn't care if the whole class saw his affection. He lived long enough without a mother and without true love that he was going to enjoy every moment of positive attention he could get. Abagail hugs him and holds on tight to match his affection.

"I hope you had a great day?"

"I did. Ms. Thatcher was nice to us today. She didn't give us any homework."

Ms. Thatcher playfully gasped and gave him a smiling, scary teacher face. "Henry! What do you mean I was nice today? I'm always nice."

"Yes, ma'am, you usually are, but today you were especially nice. I think you are going to miss Investigator Thorton."

"What do you mean, sweetheart." Asked a confused Elizabeth.

"Ms. Thatcher, we all know he is leaving, and you are sad."

"You are very perceptive young man."

Henry looks toward Abagail, "What does perceptive mean?"

Elizabeth and Abagail smile. "It means you notice things." Abagail stated.

…

Jack walks in a few minutes later smiling at the sight before him. Elizabeth, Henry, and Abagail are standing around Elizabeth's desk laughing and talking. He stands in the door way admiring the scene. She is the best person I have ever meet. She truly loves people and enjoys being around them. Everyone loves her.

"Jack!...Jack!" She was trying to get his attention. "Jack!" Finally, she captured his attention.

"Yes" He was slightly embarrassed he was caught day dreaming.

"Are you ok?"

"I am. I am here looking at the most beautiful woman in the world. Why wouldn't I be ok?" He gave her a flirting smile.

"Oh, were you now? I don't think Frank would appreciate you goggling at his precious wife."

Abagail laughed at the exchange.

"Well" he started walking toward Elizabeth and lightly wraps his arms around her. "She is a very beautiful woman, but I think of her as my sister so it would be weird if I thought she was the most beautiful woman. You, however, are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen and somehow you have agreed to marry me." He leaned in slightly kissing her on the tip of her nose.

She gave a contented sigh. "Jack, I love you."

"I love you, Bella. Now, we need to get going so we can pick up the paintings and you have an appointment with your mother."

At that statement, she smiled knowing she will be wearing her wedding dress very shortly to have it hemmed.

…

Both were excited after leaving Draw-N-Things. The paintings were beautiful, and the frames made them perfect. "I will have to find a place for these in our house so we can remember our first date."

"That was a special date, even if I planned it." Jack smiled at the memories from that day.

"It was special. I hope we have many more times like that."

"We need to make it a priority."

She was grateful Jack always wanted that closeness as a couple but also understood it wasn't always his responsibility. They were quickly learning that their relationship was their responsibility, not just the other person's job. Along with Jack, she knew she needed to make the same effort as Jack.

…

Jack dropped Elizabeth off at her parent's hotel and Grace was inside by the fireplace sitting in an oversized chair. William wasn't around and this made Elizabeth wonder if he had chosen to stay away. She didn't express her thoughts when she and Jack walked up to Grace. She was lost in a magazine waiting for her daughter and didn't realize they were walking up.

"Oh dear, you startled me. Are you ready to head out?"

"Yes, mother. I am ready."

"Great, let me send a couple of texts and then I'm ready to go."

Elizabeth was wondering who her mother was texting. She quickly finished the second text and stood to give Jack a hug and kiss on his cheek. "Let's go. They will meet us at the store and then we will grab dinner."

"Who will meet us?"

"Charlette. She will meet us at the store for the fitting and then we will eat somewhere."

Jack smiled and he was excited at the thought his mother was included. Elizabeth pulled Jack into a hug and a gentle kiss on the lips. She was never one for public displays of affection, but then again, she never had anyone she wanted a public display of affection with. It wasn't a deep kiss, but a kiss that let Jack know that he was loved. After the kiss, they both looked at each other and sighed at the same time. Grace shook her head at the display. She was grateful her daughter found true love.

"Let's go love bird, we have a scheduled appointment to keep." Sassed Grace.

…

The final fitting went smoothly. The dress required very little alterations and the shop owner promised it will be done by Monday. Charlette and Grace found mother dresses and they would be finished by Monday as well. Julie promised to get her dress and bring it with her next week. Everything was coming together.

They sat down at the little Italian restaurant to relax and enjoy each other's company.

"Elizabeth, what do you recommend?" Grace asked.

"Just pick anything on the menu. I haven't had a bad meal here yet."

All three ladies ordered and was enjoying their meal. Elizabeth sat back and watched her mother and Charlette talk. They truly enjoyed each other, and Elizabeth was grateful these two ladies were friends. She has grown close to Charlette, and she appreciated her second mother. Charlette wouldn't allow Elizabeth to call her mother-in-law. Charlette said that mothers were not called 'in laws'. Elizabeth began calling her mom since she used mother for her biological mom. This worked out well and it warmed Grace's heart that Charlette accepted her daughter so willingly.

"Mother, I have to ask, what has father decided?"

Charlette look stunned. She knew through Jack that he was struggling but what was he to decide.

"He hasn't said." Elizabeth lowered her head.

"I'm sorry, decided what?"

"Charlette, my husband is being stubborn. He feels that this is happening too fast. He is mad that he isn't getting his way with them waiting for a little bit of time."

"So, he is thinking about not coming to his own daughter's wedding?" She was completely stunned.

"I don't know."

"Well," Charlette began, but was so frustrated she couldn't finish her statement.

…

Jack and Elizabeth sat out on two chairs in front of his little apartment beside Abagail's driveway. They were close enough to hold hands and he enjoyed the physical touch.

"Bella, what type of life do you want?"

"Type of life?"

"Yeah. Kids? No kids? How do you want to spend our evenings? Do you want to cook, or do we share that activity? How are we going to work the household? Do you want to travel? Stuff like that."

"Oh. That's a lot to consider."

"I know, but the down side of how fast this is going, is that we haven't had the time to discuss things like this. For me, I would like kids, but maybe not immediately. However, if God sees that for us, I would be happy with that too."

"I agree. I would love to have kids, but not too many?"

"How many is too many?" Jack asked.

She thought about it for a few moments. "Absolutely no more than five, but more than one, closer to three."

He smiled at her statement. For him, three would be perfect.

"I love Abagail's cooking and I am sure we will continue to go there, but I don't really want to eat out all the time."

"I agree. I am not the greatest cook, but I can cook a few things."

Jack thought for a moment. "Why don't we do this, who ever is home first, will start dinner and when the other person comes home, they can finish the meal or help with it? Plus, maybe we can learn together."

"That sounds like a nice plan, Jack. I don't think one person should always do the chores unless they want too."

"I agree." He stated with a smile.

"Elizabeth, I want to do things together. I know you will need time for yourself, and I understand that. I want you to keep your friends and enjoy your alone time, but I want us to grow together and that happens when we do the little and big things together."

She smiled at him and nodded her approval. "Communication is the key, Jack. We need to learn to talk through everything no matter how big or how small. We need to be able to discuss how we feel about any topic with the freedom to feel what we feel. We need to listen and communicate with each other."

"Yes. However, I have always struggled with that aspect of life. Please be patient with me and help me along the way. I have trouble with saying what's on my heart, but I promise I will always try as long as you help me." Jack stated with honesty.

"I promise if you will do the same with me."

"Always."

Jack thought for a moment while he rubbed his thumb across the back of her hand because he wanted to make sure he stated this correctly. She could sense that he was tensing up a little.

"Jack, you are talking privately with your fiancé. Please feel free to say whatever is on your mind."

He gave her a smile of appreciation and tightened his hold on her hand. She has come to realize that he did that when he felt close to her or wanted to comfort her.

"It's about intimacy, Elizabeth. I have never been with a woman. Actually, I haven't been very close to a woman before. I have always kept my distance to make sure I kept my promise to myself. I don't want to disappoint you. You deserve much more than I will be able to offer."

"Jack, I love you with all of my heart, mind, and strength. You could never disappointment me. Also, I have never been with a man. I may disappoint you. Maybe we can learn this together? We will figure this out, I promise."

"I love the sound of that!"

They spent over two hours discussing every topic they could think of. These were not only the big conversations, but the everyday things couples do. What chores they hated and which ones they enjoyed doing. What type of house they wanted to live in. Both where animal lovers and were delighted when they realized they were dog lovers. They discussed the different foods they liked and which ones they didn't. He already knew she wasn't a morning person, and she was a little disappointed he was. Both of them were a little bit of night owls. They enjoyed the same TV shows, but neither were big TV watchers. They loved music and found their music tastes were almost identical.

Without realizing it, this was the most intimate time they have spent together. This time brought them closer together as a couple. They were learning the little things about each other that drew them closer. Elizabeth didn't notice the time until she received a text from Abagail

A – Are you sleeping in the driveway. It's getting late

E – Maybe

A – would you like a blanket?

E – No thank you. Just talking and lost track of time.

A – No problem. Enjoy your talk

E – We have. It's been wonderful

"Jack, you fly out in the morning?"

"Yes, eleven. I know you must work tomorrow, so Bill will give my ma and me a ride to the airport. He was ok with doing that.

"I'm sorry I can't take you. With the two weeks I will be taking off for our honeymoon, which you still haven't told me where we are going, I couldn't take another day off. Plus, we have a state test tomorrow, and they prefer a teacher to give it instead of a sub."

"I understand. It's ok. I will be back Monday or Tuesday. Just a few days. I am still working on the honeymoon. Will you be able to live without me during that time?" He sassed.

"Honestly…I'm not sure. These few days will be very difficult. I like having you around."

"Elizabeth, I don't want to take you home." Jack paused for a moment. The words were difficult to say. "I know I have no right to ask you again, but would you please stay with me tonight."

"Jack, I have a bag in my car. There is no way I am leaving you here tonight when you will be gone for a few days."

They shared a smile. Jack stood and walked to her car to retrieve her bag. He walked up to her, and she extended her hand for him to take. He smiled and took her hand without hesitation. They walked together to the apartment stairs.

"Elizabeth, our life will be wonderful. We will have our struggles and our ups and downs, but we will walk this life together no matter what comes our way."

"Jack…can we just get married now? I know a minister." She smirked.

"Soon, Bella, soon."

…

A loud, constant knock brought William and Grace out of their thoughts.

"Who in the world is that at this hour? Don't they know what time it is?" A frustrated William said as he stood up from the chair and slowly walked over to the constant pounding of the door. He looked through the peep hole but couldn't see anything. Slowly he opened the door and was shocked at who he saw glaring at him.

"Charlette." He stated slowly. What can we do for you at this hour?

Charlette nodded but didn't say anything to him. She stepped in the room enough to make eye contact with Grace. "Grace, I'm sorry to interrupt at this hour. Please excuse us for a moment. We will be back in a few minutes."

With that, Charlette grabbed William's arm by his sleeve and dragged him out of the hotel room. She pulled him so quickly that he didn't have time to complain or shut the door.

"Oh, he is in so much trouble." Laughed Grace as she stepped forward to close the door.