Chapter 34
Jack stared at his mother with his mouth open and no words coming out. He was mortified at the thought of his mom telling Elizabeth that story. On one hand, he couldn't believe she would have shared that story. However, knowing how close his mother and Elizabeth have become he wasn't surprised at all. He just didn't like it.
"Did you really tell her the whole story or did you just share the name?"
"What fun would it be if I just told her the name?"
"Ma!"
"I'm sorry son but it's a really cute story."
"Ma! Why did you tell her that? Wait, I know you. What else have you shared with Elizabeth?"
Charlette lowered her gaze and looked down at his feet. She knew he was going to be unhappy. "Well, I told her about you loving to walk in the rain."
"Wait, is that why you two were giggling the other night when I mentioned I wouldn't walk her home because it looked like it was going to rain?"
She nodded and offered a bashful smile. "Yes."
"Ok…what else did you share?"
"Jack, what makes you think I would share other stories?"
Jack stared at his mother. He tilted his head slightly and raise his left eyebrow. She thought he looked exactly like his father at that moment.
"You know, when you do that, you look just like your father."
Jack's expression changed from frustration to sorrow. He missed his father.
"What else did you tell her?"
…
For Elizabeth, the night was welcomed. She was tired but excited that Jack and Charlette would soon get their meal. She missed him and wanted him to hold her while they sat on the couch and watched a show. She missed how he would hold her. They fit perfectly together. He would lovely and gingerly hold her as if she was a treasured item. She felt safe in his arms. She smiled at the memory. The three times they stayed together for the entire night also brought a smile and a blush to her face. She has never done that before, she didn't even nap on the couch with Charles. Now, she daydreamed of laying in bed with Jack's arms wrapped around her. In her mind, that wasn't enough anymore. She wouldn't admit it to anyone, including Jack but she was daydreaming of more than just cuddling and sleeping. Jack woke up a part of her life that always was dormant. She imagined Jack laying behind her with his arms wrapped around her. He would gently pull her hair off her shoulders. She didn't know how that simple act touched her so much but it moved her each time he did it and her breath would catch. He would gently kiss and nibble her neck. He would gently suck her collarbone. And then…then he would nibble and suck her earlobe. Oh my she thought. She never knew or thought her earlobe held that type of power. The last time Jack did that, she jumped out of the bed. She laughed at the memory wondering how that still happened.
…
"Jack…listen…she is going to be your wife. She will know everything about you eventually."
"Ma! What else? Wait…you didn't did you?"
She knew exactly what he was referring too. The blankie. He was going to kill her.
"Did you read her note yet?" She stated hoping to change the subject. It never worked before, but she was hoping it would work this time.
"Ma! You did! You told her. How could you?" He stated with a firm tone to his voice, but he couldn't keep a small smile appearing on his face.
She knew she shouldn't have told her, but she couldn't help herself. Her and Elziabeth grew very close, and she was excited about the relationship.
"I didn't say I did." She tried to defend herself.
"You always try to change the subject when you don't want to answer. You're not allowed to hang out with her alone anymore."
Jack leaned in to kiss her on the cheek. He always did that when they settled their disagreements. "Please tell me you didn't show her the picture."
"I texted her the picture and told her I would give the blankie to her soon."
"You didn't?" He shrieked.
…
Abagail leaned on Frank's shoulder while they sat on the couch watching a comedy. Henry was already asleep laying on the floor, and they were enjoying the quiet.
"You know sweetheart, that is the first parent/teacher conference I have been too."
"Me too. It felt so right."
Frank smiled at her and kissed her forehead. "It did. Like we have always done that."
"I hope the adoption works out."
"Have faith, dear. I believe everything will work out the way it is suppose too."
"I hope we can give him a good home."
"Abagail, it's good to be a Hogan. We will love him and make sure he is safe. That's the best type of home. He will grow in that love and protection. That's what we can offer him."
"I know. I can't wait."
…
Bill wrapped up the last of the paper work that would send the Harvey brothers to the courthouse in next city to wait for trial. He was happy to get them out of his jail. Tomorrow couldn't come fast enough to get them out of his jail. They had caused too much trouble in his beloved city. From the robberies to the running of drugs, he was settled that a huge dent was put into the crime in Hope Valley.
He was ready to retire. He wanted to enjoy life and the rest of his days at a slower pace. He was looking forward to traveling and the simple evenings of sitting on his front porch and enjoying the evening air. He also hoped that Jack would be true to his word and call on him occasionally. He was ready to retire from the police force, but he wasn't ready to walk away completely. He still wanted to be productive.
He felt relaxed in the fact that Jack was taking over for him. Jack would excel at this position. He was a super star in the police force and knew Hope Valley was in good hands with Jack being the chief. Plus, with him marrying Elizabeth, they would make a strong couple. A couple that would touch the lives of many in Hope Valley. Bill saw bright days for his town.
…
Jack shook his head at his mother. Even though he wasn't too happy with her sharing his stories from his childhood, there wasn't anything he could do to stop his mother from sharing. He sat back on the couch holding the note. While it wasn't in her hand writing, he knew they were her words.
My Dearest Bumblebee –
This time apart has reaffirmed my love for you. I miss you more than I can express. How is that even possible after such a short time? I may not know the answer to that question, but I am certain that we are meant to be together. You belong here with me.
I know this time apart is short, but I still don't like it. I'm counting down the time when you come home to me. I've been told our life will officially begin next Friday, but my heart has told me it has already begun.
Thomas Jack Thorton, come back to me, soon! I need you and I miss those dimples.
I love you!
Your future wife
Elizabeth
Jack read the note one more time and picked up his phone. He facetimed Elizabeth. He wanted to talk with her, but he also wanted to see her face, to see those eyes. Elizabeth answered the facetime call after the first ring.
"There is my fiancé." She stated.
"Oh my, Bele, you are absolutely gorgeous. I miss you!" He stated while intently staring in the camera. He dimples on full display.
"Jack, I am wearing my bed clothes. I don't have any make up on and my hair is in a messy bun."
"Elizabeth. You are breath taking and don't underestimate the power of a messy bun…wait, is that my shirt?"
She sheepishly lowered her head and looked up into the camera. "Yes."
"When did you get that?"
"When I was helping you pack. I couldn't resist it. It smells like you, and it comforts me. Plus, it's warm and soft."
Jack smiled lovingly at her. He was mesmerized by this woman. Her beauty was evident, but who she is made her much more attractive. He didn't understand why she loves him, but he wasn't questioning it and he was blessed beyond anything he could imagine.
Embarrassed, Jack reached down and pulled up her blue button up shirt with small flowers on it and held it up in front of the phone's camera.
"Jack, I was wondering where that went."
"I'm sorry. I just wanted something from you to remind me of you and something that smelled like you. It helps me sleep." His face was red.
They both laughed realizing what they did. They talked about their day while Jack ate his meal that Elizabeth had sent him. Elizabeth shared with him about her day at school tomorrow. Since it would be Friday, she was planning something fun during the history lesson. They talked about the weekend and Jack shared with her the hopes of him leaving on Sunday afternoon. He was renting a moving truck and towing his truck behind it. He shared that his mother would be coming with him and would help him drive.
After a couple of hours, they were both fighting sleep. They were tired, but they didn't want to hang up the phone. This was their only connection and they wanted to hold onto it as long as possible.
"Jack, I really need to get off the phone. I have work tomorrow and so do you. Would you please call me in the morning?"
"Nani, would you do me a favor?"
"Of course Jack."
"Can we please stay on the phone until one of us falls asleep? We can lay there and be with each other. I miss you, Elizabeth. I don't want you to leave."
She melted at his request. She remembered when she asked this request, and he was so sweet to do it. His desire to just be with her made her sigh with perfect contentment. She was grateful for this feeling. She was getting accustomed to the feeling when it came to Jack. How could she tell him no?
"I suggest we get to bed. We both have busy days tomorrow."
They each got ready for bed and laid down in their perspective beds. They smiled at each other with a silly smile on their face. The only thing missing was the physical touch. They sighed with a contented smile. "Elizabeth, please promise me we will do this every day."
"Lay down and stare at each other with goofy smiles." She laughed.
"Yes. That and just being together. I love you."
"I love you, Dimples."
"I think I like that nickname." His voice trailed off as he dozed off to sleep listening to her voice.
Elizabeth took a few minutes to just look at him. His breath settled and evened out. His jaw muscles relaxed, and a look of peace overtook his face. She admired this man. He was handsome, but that wasn't the only reason. He was kind and gentle. Most importantly, he treasured her. Not as a prize to be won, but with complete love.
"I love you with everything I am. Thank you Jack for loving me the way you do. You are a special man, and I am beyond grateful you love me. I promise I will do my best not to take you for granted."
Finally, she tapped the screen to end the facetime call and sighed exhaling a long breath. She settled into her pillow with a contentment only a woman in love possesses.
…
Her contentment was rudely interrupted ten minutes later when her phone buzzed. Her phoned buzzed and she was shocked to see her older sister's photo appear on the screen. They talked months ago. It wasn't the best of conversations but normal for them lately. She was surprised Viola was calling. She never called since she left for England. Elizabeth was always the one who called. Her first thought was that something horrible must have happened for Viola to call.
With everything going through her mind, she didn't realize the phone quit buzzing. She picked it up and tapped the screen. Viola immediately answered the phone and said, "Elizabeth. Are you crazy!?"
…
Charlette stepped outside of Jack's apartment to take in some fresh air. She was excited for Jack and Tom. They were the men her and Tom had hoped for. They were kind, loving, hardworking, and in love with the women who were perfect for them. Other than losing her Thomas, she wouldn't change a thing. She mourned her husband's passing for a long time and then was busy earning a living and taking care of two young, teenage boys. She missed Tom but enjoyed her life. Now with both of her boys moving on in their own lives, she felt lost. Sure, grandbabies will come at some point, and she was ready to be the best grandmother in the whole world, but that would be some time until that would happen.
She missed coming home to someone. She missed loving someone and having someone to look forward to talking too and spending time with. Years ago, she didn't want to have a relationship because she wasn't ready to move on from Tom. Now, she felt too old.
"I love you Tom and I always will. I miss you every day." Tears were sliding down her face. "You would be so proud of our two boys. They are growing into the young men you have always wanted them to be. Both are getting married to the loves of their life. Elizabeth is perfect for Jack. Julie is Tom's match. You would love them so much. You knew Elizabeth. She was your Cinderella.
"Julie is her sister. Tom was a tumble weed for many years, but Julie has helped him mature and now he is so much like you. He was young and didn't know how to process you leaving. It took him a while to come to terms with it." She paused for a moment. "Tom, if I promise to never forget you, would you be ok if with me accepting a man's attention if one would ever come to me?"
At that moment, she looked up and saw a shooting star. This took her breath. She and Tom would sit outside and watch the stars. They loved when they saw a shooting star. It was their thing. Was this shooting star her sign from her Thomas that he was ok with everything?
…
"Viola, are you ok? Is Lionel ok. What's wrong?" Elizabeth stated with concern.
"You're getting married in eight days?"
"What?" This took Elizabeth by surprise. She didn't know how she knew.
"You're getting married in eight days? When did this happen?"
"Yes Viola, I am marring Jack Thorton in eight days."
"Thorton? Why does that name sound familiar?"
Elizabeth smiled knowing the story was going to shock her older sister.
"Do you remember when we were little and father had a friend named Officer T?
"Yes. Wasn't he killed in the line of duty. Father was so devastated when he died."
"Do you remember his last name?"
After thinking for a few moments, she admitted she couldn't.
"Well, Jack is his son. Officer T is Jack's father."
"Oh…My…Gosh…What are the chances. Is he really Officer T's son?"
"He is. Remember he used to call me Cinderella?"
They spent the next hour talking about Officer T and the whirlwind relationship between her and Jack. Elizabeth was shocked about their conversation. They have never talked like this before and now they just spoke for an hour. They were talking like sisters.
"How are you and Lionel?"
She knew she would have to tell her family about her and Lionel but didn't want to do it so quickly. She hesitated before speaking, "Oh Elizabeth, we'll talk about that later."
She realized how tired she was getting. It was past her normal bed time and with the emotional demands of missing Jack. "Vi, I'm sorry but I need to get to sleep. I have school tomorrow and it's already late. Can we talk soon?"
"Sure, I am coming with mother and father next week."
"That sound's great. We'll talk later. Wait…what? You're in the states?"
"Yes. I am and I will see you next week.
…
Friday was a typical day for both Jack and Elizabeth. Her school project went well and the day passed with Jack on her mind. Darren stopped by to say hi and ask a question. She kept it short in case he had other things on his mind.
Ms. Florence cornered her in the office before lunch asking about a wedding gift. Alice was a great distraction during lunch. Alice made her laugh and Elizabeth was thankful for her presence. She and Alice were always friendly with each other, but their short interactions were becoming as friends instead of just acquaintances.
For Jack, he continued to close out reports and transfer cases to other investigators. He would spend time with each one discussing the particular cases with them. He shared his thoughts and what he did and why he did it. This made the day go by faster, but he still missed Elizabeth. They would text periodically throughout the day. Nothing too involved, but enough to let the other person know they were missed.
E – 8 letters 3 words 1 meaning – 831
J – ?
E – I. L. O. V. E. Y. O. U (8)
E – I love you (3)
E – I love you with everything I am. (1)
E – 831
J – 831
This became their shorthand for a fast text to let the other person know how they were feeling. After lunch, she was missing Jack and decided to send him something. She called a local florist that she googled just down the street from Jack's department and placed an order. She smiled knowing this would get to him. She loved it when she would get one on him.
Jack looked up when he heard some of people in the pen laughing. Once he saw what the delivery guy was carrying, he knew he was in trouble. The guy had a huge smile on his face and was barely holding in a laugh.
"I'm looking for an Investigator Thorton. A Jack Thorton."
Jack didn't have time to raise his hand to let him know who he was before four other people were pointing to him. Jack stood to accept the gift. I'm going to have to kill both of them He thought and laughed out loud along with everyone else. There was a card.
"I couldn't resist. Have fun! I love you!"
Jack was looking down at the cutest little bumblebee stuffed animal that was about ten inches long. All he could do was laugh. He took a picture of himself holding it and one of him kissing it and sent the pictures to Elizabeth. She instantly saved the pictures to her phone and made the one of him kissing it her background screen.
…
Saturday rolled around faster than Elizabeth wanted. She was dreading today. While working, she could keep her mind occupied and not concentrate too much on Jack. She still thought about him, but she had a distraction with work and her kids Today, however, she had no such distractions. Jack would be busy working to wrap up his duty in Oklahoma City and he would not be able to talk very much.
After crawling out of bed, she forced herself to get dressed and decided to walk to the café. She was hoping the walk would help her mood. After stepping into the café and noticing the crowd, she realized the walk did not do its job. She found a table in the corner and decided to sit there.
Abagail came over to say hello after Mary had taken Elizabeth's order.
"Good morning sis. How are you doing today?"
"I'm ok. I'm tired, didn't sleep too well last night."
"Are you missing someone?"
"More than I thought would be possible."
Abagail gave her a sympathetic laugh. "I know. I bet he is missing you just as much."
"How did all this happen so fast?"
"It was meant to be between you two."
They chatted for a few minutes. Elizabeth was comforted by her sis. She was a life saver.
"How is the wedding planning going?"
"We both agreed to keep it simple. We don't want a big wedding."
Her and Jack agreed to a small, church wedding, close family and dear friends. They wanted to be married and not spend months planning a wedding. The act of a wedding wasn't the most important part. Jack wanted to make sure she wasn't giving up anything she wanted. He was finally convinced when she told him that he was what she wanted. It wasn't the fanciest dress or the biggest wedding ceremony. Jack and the promises she will make to him and to God and her family and friends were more important than any other aspect of a wedding.
Mary walked up to her table with her food. She placed the plate in front of Elizabeth and smiled as she turned to the next table to take their order. Abagail smiled and said she needed to go to the kitchen for a moment and she will be back in a few minutes.
After Abagail left, Elizabeth looked down at the plate and notice the edge of an envelope sticking out past the plate. She instantly knew who the envelope was from. She quickly reached for the envelope and pulled out two pieces of paper.
The first piece of paper was a sketch of Jack and her. They were reclined on the couch like a few nights ago watching a move. Jack was reclined in the corner with Elizabeth's back against him. His left arm was wrapped around her, and his hand was resting on her stomach. His right hand was gently rubbing her right arm from wrist to elbow. Her head rested on his shoulder and his chin was resting on top of her head. Occasionally he would kiss the top of her head. Her leg was draped over his legs, and they had a small blanket over their legs. The sketch was a perfect replica of that moment. The picture brought tears to her eyes because it reminded her of the most precious moment.
The second piece of paper was a handwritten note in Jack's familiar handwriting.
My Dearest Elizabeth –
Elizabeth Barrett Browning once wrote, "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways." That has me thinking about you. In our short time, how do I love thee? Well, I have come up with a few answers.
I love you because you are a strong woman.
I love you because you are such a great teacher.
I love you because you are so great with your students. You truly love them.
I love you because you are a kind and compassionate person.
I love you because you are a great friend.
I love you because you are funny and enjoy sassing me.
I love you because your laugh.
I love you because your passion for the things you love.
I love you because you are a giving person.
I love you because your attitude.
I love you because your smile.
I love you because the way you hold and hug me. I feel comfortable in your arms.
I love you because you are my comfort and peace.
I love you because your beautiful eyes
I love you because how your hair falls over your shoulders.
I love you because of the way you love me.
I love you because you are beautiful, and you don't know it.
I love you because you are made with me in mind. We are perfect together.
I miss you and I love you. Please know I am thinking of you, and I cannot wait to be in your arms again.
I love you!
Your Future Husband
Thomas Jack Thorton
Elizabeth read the note two more times before she took her eyes off of it. Jack's words moved her to the center of her being. He thought she was beautiful, but that wasn't what drew him to her. It was everything else. It was who she was. Not what she looked like. She knew she would treasure this note always. She carefully folded the paper and slid it back into the envelope. She knew exactly what she was going to do with the note. In the back of her closet, she had a small safe where she kept all of her important items in her life. This note was definitely going in her safe box. She wanted to treasure this for the rest of her life. Jack has a way of touching her heart and soul. She couldn't explain it and she didn't even try. She just knew she loved him completely.
Abagail walked up and saw the tears streaming down Elizabeth's face. "Elizabeth are you ok?"
Elizabeth couldn't find the words to say anything. She nodded her head up and down and handed the envelope to her best friend. Abagail read the note and she formed tears in her eyes. "Elizabeth…this is…I don't know what to say. This is perfect."
Elizabeth nodded. "Yes, it is perfect."
"That man of yours is just perfect."
…
Jack walked into the station hoping today was going to fly by. He still had to tie up loose ends, but things were going well.
"Good morning, Emma. I hope you are doing well."
"Good morning, Jack. Things are going well. Her are a couple of messages for you. By the way, the guys are planning a party for you tonight to send you off on a high note."
"Oh…I was hoping they wouldn't do that."
"I know, but they look for any reason to drink and have a party. I think Frances plans on going too."
Frances has been a co-worker of Jack's since he transferred into the department. She has always pursued him, but he wasn't interested. She didn't seem like the type that wanted a long term relationship. She was a lot like Tom. Never settled on anything, including a relationship.
Jack lowered his head and Emma noticed. "Jack, you don't have to go, but if you want to go I will go with you. I can be your excuse."
"Thanks Emma."
Jack was seriously considering not going. He would have enjoyed the dinner part of the night out, but he didn't want to drink with them and he didn't want a full court press from Frances.
"Emma, I hope you take the discussion we had yesterday seriously and will give it some thought."
"I will Jack. I have mentioned it to Steve, but we haven't talked about it since."