Chapter 51
Jack woke up with the sounds of birds outside their open window. He felt warmer than normal and realized that his beautiful wife was snuggled up to him. Her head was on his shoulder in his neck. Her arm was draped across his chest and her leg was over his and wrapped around his leg. Along with the birds singing, he heard her faint snore. He laughed at his wife knowing she would argue with him if he told her she snored.
"Why are you laughing at me so early in the morning? Are you watching me sleep?"
"It's not too early. I was not watching you sleep. I was listening to you sleep." He grinned but she couldn't see it with her head resting beside his neck.
"How in the world do you listen to someone sleep…wait…are you saying I snore?" She tilted her head to look up at him.
"Well…"
"Thomas Jack Thorton. How many times do I have to tell you? I…Do…Not…Snore!"
Jack laughed again. "Sweetheart, you do lightly snore. Why does that bother you so much?"
"Jack! I don't snore. Ladies don't snore."
"Elizabeth. I have proof that you do snore."
"Proof…Detective Thorton, are you telling me you taped me without my consent?"
Jack didn't answer. He leaned over and gave her a kiss that shook her foundation.
"Now, that is how you are supposed to wake up your wife."
Jack crashed his lips onto her lips again and rolled her over so he was hovering over her. "Bellissima, I love you and your silly stubbornness about you not snoring!" He proclaimed again then he completely loved her.
…
After a rememberable morning together in bed, Elizabeth was in the shower and Jack walked into the bathroom. "Sweetheart, do I need to get anything out for you to wear?"
"No Jack. I will do it. Please text your mom and see when they want to meet today."
"I will."
They were ready early for church. Well, not early according to Jack, but early according to Elizabeth. "Ma hasn't returned my text yet. Would you like to drive by and pick her up for church and then we can just go to eat lunch together?"
"That's great. I missed her. It would be good to see her new house and catch up with her."
Jack smiled at her relationship with his mother. "Let's go sweetheart so we can pick her up."
Elizabeth knew where Charlette's house was and told Jack how to get there. "I wonder who's truck that is parked here?" Jack said out loud as they pulled up to the house's driveway.
"I have no idea." Elizabeth stated as she looked intently at the truck.
Jack knocked on the door but there was no answer. He knew his mother was home because her car was in the driveway parked in front of the truck. He knocked again and reached for the doorknob. The door was unlocked. He slowly opened the door and stopped as he entered the house. Elizabeth came beside him and stopped when she noticed what he saw. "Oh, boy!" She exclaimed.
…
Frank already left for church to get things prepared for the service. Abagail was after Henry to get him to hurry up.
"Henry, for the last time, please put your nice shoes on, not your tennis shoes."
"But they're more comfortable."
"Henry!"
"Alright. Alright. For someone who hasn't been a mother before, you sure have the tone and voice down perfectly." He stated as he went back into his room to change his shoes.
His statement took her by surprise. Without knowing it, tears started to stream down her cheeks. She felt like Henry's mom. She knew biologically she wasn't, but her heart didn't care about a DNA test. Her heart already proclaimed him as her little boy. For Henry, he already thought of her and Frank as him mom and dad. He just hasn't said it out loud before.
Henry stepped out of his bedroom with a little smirk on his face. "Is this better?" He stated while he held up his pants legs for Abagail to examine.
"Perfect. Now, let's go. We are the pastor's family, we can't be late."
…
After a few seconds of silence in which Jack was processing what he was seeing, he cleared his throat. Neither Charlette nor Adam moved. He cleared his throat again but louder this time. The second time woke Charlette a little. She opened her eyes and smiled at Jack and Elizabeth in front of her. When she moved to get up, she felt Adam wrap his arm around her to pull her closer to him. It was then she realized where she was and with whom.
Charlette's eyes widen at the realization that Jack and Elizabeth walked in on Adam and her sleeping on the couch together. Jack had a blank look on his face and Elizabeth had a little smirk forming on hers.
"Jack, I can explain."
"Explain what ma?" There was a little edge on his voice. Elizabeth reached for his hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.
"Don't use that tone young man." She warned Jack. "We fell asleep last night watching a movie. Nothing happened. See, we are still wearing all of our clothes."
That last statement woke Adam. He instantly opened his eyes and saw Jack's face. Oh man. This isn't good! He thought to himself. He quickly got up and tried to straighten his clothes.
"We must have overslept." Began Charlette.
"I guess you did." Said Jack.
"Why are you here so early?"
"Well, we thought we would pick you up for church and then after the service we could have lunch together. I didn't realize you had a sleep over."
She gave him a look he knew all too well. He was pushing the limits of her patience.
"Listen young man. We did nothing wrong. We are fully dressed and feel asleep watching a movie. I do not have to explain myself to you. However, I will. You can easily see nothing happened. Quit making it sound like we did something bad. I respect Adam and he respects me. Now, is there anything else you would like to say?"
Jack grew up with her and he knew that tone very well. "No ma'am."
Charlette turned to Adam. I will see you at church in a little bit. May I sit with you?"
"Of course, Charlie. I look forward to it."
She escorted him to the door and briefly kissed him goodbye. She turned her attention back to Jack. I will be ready in twenty minutes. Please make some coffee for me." She stated as she began to walk to her bedroom.
When she disappeared in the bedroom, Jack finally turned his attention to Elizabeth. "What do you think happened here last night?"
"Well, I think the same thing that happened at our place last night. They feel asleep in each other's arms and nothing else happened."
Jack gave her a questioning look.
"I don't think your mother would lie."
"Me either, but that was just…"
"Just?"
"Weird!"
Elizabeth laughed. I remember us sleeping together without us sleeping together."
"Yeah…but we were in love."
"Maybe they are too or at least heading in that direction."
He lowered his head. He loved his mother, but it was hard to see her with someone else. Jack raised his right hand and began to rub the back of his neck.
"Jack, I can only imagine how difficult it is for you to see your mother with someone who isn't your father. You trust your mother. She is a great lady, and any man would be lucky having her attention. You need to fight that emotion and allow your mother to live her life her way. Trust her."
He smiled at his wife. He leaned and kissed the tip of her nose.
Good grief. After all we have shared as a married couple, why in the world does that simple act move me so much when he does that!
"Thank you, Bella."
"For what?"
"For being my sensible reasoning when I am not being reasonable."
"You and me."
"You and me."
Jack walked into the kitchen and searched for the coffee so he could make his mom a cup of coffee to take with her.
"Elizabeth, would you like some coffee to take with you?"
"No, sweetheart. I am good."
Charlette came out of her bedroom dressed in a beautiful dress with her hair combed to one side in a pony tail that laid loosely over her left shoulder.
"Wow! Mom, you look great." Exclaimed Elizabeth. She leaned in and gave her mom a hug and a kiss on the cheek. They pulled back but didn't release their hold on each other, Elizabeth gave her a mischievous smile. "You go mom!" She whispered in Charlette's ear.
Charlette blushed and gently patted Elizabeth's cheek. "Oh dear."
"I have a picture of it on my cell phone if you want it. It's a great picture."
"You didn't!" She gasped.
Elizabeth gave her a big smile. "I'll send it later."
"So, how bad is this?"
"Not too bad. He was shocked. He trusts you and he loves you. It's just hard on him to see you with someone else rather than his father. He is good. Give him time. He is coming around. This was just surprising to him."
"Should I stop this with Adam?"
"Not on your life, unless Adam is treating you badly. From what I could see, he is treating you lovely." She smirked.
"How long will I get this from you?" She smirked.
"At least today." She giggled. "Give him time to adjust. He likes Adam. He must get used to this. Ok?"
"Thanks dear. I love you."
"I love you mom."
…
The ride to the church was quiet and a little awkward. They pulled in the church parking lot, and all stepped out of the car after Jack opened their door. "Elizabeth, would you mind going inside and save us a seat with Abagail. We will be inside in a few minutes."
She looked into his eyes to tell him what she wanted him to know. Their non verbal communication flowed easily and she knew exactly what he was going to do. She leaned up on her tiptoes and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "We will be up front on the left side."
When Elizabeth turned, she made eye contact with Charlette and gave her a smile. This comforted Charlette.
"Ma, I am sorry how I acted this morning. I was shocked by you two laying on the couch asleep."
"We were just…"
"Ma, I know. I am sorry for the way I acted. I know better. To be honest, it is a little difficult to see you with another man that isn't pa. My first thought is 'she doesn't love him anymore' but I know that is completely not true. You do love pa and always will. I also think you could love someone else too. I'm just being a spoiled little kid. I am sorry." Jack had to pause for a moment to gain his composure. He took a couple of steps closer to his mother and put his arms round her. "I trust you completely, with everything I am. If you think Adam is worthy of your time and your affections, I know he is. I will support you in anything you decide."
"Thank you, son."
"You deserve my complete support, and you will have it. I just have one request."
"What is that?" She looked at him skeptically.
"The next time you have a sleep over with your boyfriend, please lock the door." He sassed.
Charlette gasped. "Well, if you would have knocked like I taught you."
"I did knock, twice. Maybe if you…"
"Listen Mr. Sassy." She laughed at him.
"I love you ma." He gave her a big hug and a kiss on the cheek. "Now, let's go before we are late for church."
…
Jack and Charlette sat down beside Elizabeth in the sanctuary. Elizabeth looked at Jack and he read those beautiful eyes.
"We're good. She promised to lock the door from now on."
Charlette elbowed her oldest son. "This is church you two, don't make me sit between you two." She sassed.
Elizabeth broke out in laughter. "We'll be good if you promise to be good." She raised her eyebrows at Charlette. She was enjoying this too much to let it slide.
"I'm not going to live this down, am I?"
All three laughed when the service began.
…
Adam joined them when the music started and everyone enjoyed Frank's sermon. After the service, Jack and Elizabeth joined Charlette and Adam for lunch at a pizzeria.
Before sitting down at the table, Adam asked to speak with Jack privately. "Jack. I hope you know…"
"Adam," Jack cut in. "I know. I have spoken with ma and I know."
"Jack. That's great but that is not what I would like to talk to you about. I respect your mother with everything I am. She deserves that. I also trust her. I asked her if she was comfortable with us dating and she agreed. We are in a relationship now. I do not know where this will lead, but Jack, you must know I am not dating her just to date someone. I haven't dated since Sondra passed away. This is how special I think your mother is. I didn't ask because we are too old to ask for permission. However, I respect you and wanted you to hear it from me."
"Thank you, Adam. That means a lot that you would want to talk to me personally. This is all new to me. Please forgive me how I acted this morning. I like you, but I have a hard time seeing her with someone who isn't my father. It's just strange for me, but I am accepting it. I think you are a good man and I think you love my ma. Treat her well and you will have no issues with me."
"Deal. One more thing."
"Yes."
"If I promise to get her to lock her door, will you please not pull me over and ticket me for something made up." He sassed.
Jack laughed. "Deal!"
Jack and Adam walked back to the restaurant and joined the women who were sitting at a table.
"Is everything alright?" Asked Charlette.
"Yes Charlie. Everything is great. He promised if we lock the door next time, he won't
frivolously pull me over and give me a ticket." Adam and Jack smiled and Elizabeth choked on her water. Charlette lowered her head, "Good grief! It's never going to end."
Everyone enjoyed lunch. Charlette and Adam smiled and listened to Jack and Elizabeth's stories about their honeymoon. Charlette shared some stories about her and Adam but kept them light. She didn't want to push too much, especially after what happened this morning. However, Elizabeth and Jack asked questions which made her explain more of the story. Charlette knew it would take some time for Jack to be completely ok with her and Adam, but he was trying and that meant everything to her.
"Tom called. They are getting married sooner than they thought. They will be moving here in a week or so."
"I figured they wouldn't wait to their original schedule." Grinned Elizabeth. "I think they are perfect for each other."
"Me too, dear." Charlette smiled.
After lunch, Adam asked if he could take Charlette home. She agreed with a smile.
When the men were paying the bill, Elizabeth leaned toward her mom. "Mom, I don't think we plan on coming over later, but just in case, please lock the door." She grinned while giving her mom a lot of sass.
"Listen here little missy. I know where you two live and I may just have to come over and ruin any special plans you two have."
Both ladies laughed at each other.
"Mom, I just want you happy. If Adam does that, and I think he does, I am all for your happiness."
"Thank you, Lizzy. That means a lot to me."
"I always hated that name ever since Teddy used to call me that in first grade, but I like it when you say it."
"It's because I do it out of love."
"I love you mom. Thank you for welcoming me into your life."
"Lizzy dear. You just walked in like you owned the place and have lived there for decades. I love you."
They gave each other a hug goodbye when they stepped outside of the restaurant.
"Nani, I know we have some things to do at home before we face the real world tomorrow, but could we go for a walk? I would love some alone time with my precious wife."
"Jack, you have read my mind! Let's go!"
…
After walking for twenty minutes, they come to the park and the water fountain where their bench was. As they approached, they notice someone was already sitting on it.
"That looks like Ms. Wilson." Said Elizabeth.
"I think that is her. What a great surprise."
When they approached, it was Ms. Wilson sitting there. Their smiles grew in seeing their new friend.
"Good afternoon, Ms. Wilson. How are you today?"
"Jack! Elizabeth! It is great to see you." She stated as she started to get up.
Elizabeth quickly walked to her side and motioned for her to stay seated. "I will come down to you." Elizabeth sat beside her and gave her a hug. Jack followed by leaning over and giving her a hug.
"We haven't seen you since the night we had dinner together. We were hoping you would come to our wedding."
"Oh dear. I was there. It was absolutely beautiful. I didn't make it to the reception, but the wedding was gorgeous. It was so intimate and special."
"We didn't see you."
"Dears, you two were so wrapped up looking at each other I doubt you noticed anyone else was there." She laughed.
Jack and Elizabeth smiled knowing she was correct.
"Did you two enjoy your honeymoon? Abagail told me that you two were off to Hawaii?"
"Yes ma'am." Jack answered. "We had the best two weeks."
"That's great. What a terrific place to take a honeymoon."
"It was all Jack. He planned everything. I didn't know where we were going until the day we left."
"That must have been a little nerve racking."
"It was but once he said Hawaii he was forgiven." Both ladies laughed.
"We could have seen you at the reception. I hope everything is ok?"
"Fine dear, fine. I was having trouble with my knees that day, but I wasn't going to miss the wedding for anything. I just couldn't make it to the reception and be on my feet for that long."
"We understand. Do you often have trouble with your knees?"
"Sometimes, old age will do that occasionally. That is why I am considering selling my house. I am not able to go upstairs most days and usually don't even when my knees are good. The front steps to the porch is causing me a lot of trouble."
"I didn't know you were wanting to sell?"
"Well, I'm not wanting to sell, but I may need to. I guess I'm just picky about selling it to anyone. I would want someone I trust to take it and then I can rest comfortably knowing they are taking good care of it."
"Where would you move if you did sell? We would miss you around here."
"There is a house on fifth street that I am purchasing. It's all one level and a little smaller for me to handle. That would be a better fit for me."
"I'm sorry you are having to move."
"Me too, but life journeys on. Just like we all must do."
…
Julie and Tom were looking forward to their wedding in two weeks. Both were excited about moving up their wedding.
"Jules, are you ok with us moving up our wedding. That only gives you two weeks to plan, and one of those weeks we will be moving"
"Tom, that will give me plenty of time. I want something like Elizabeth's wedding. Intimate setting with our family and friends."
"I just remember the stories of you wanting a huge, grand affair."
"Tom, that was the old me. I am not that person anymore. I want this, an intimate time together with close family and close friends. I do not want a major production of a wedding."
Tom smiled. "Are you ready to move? The moving trucks will be here in two days."
"I am ready. Love, why are you asking me all these questions about if I am ready?"
"I'm nervous you will resent me for not having what you have always wanted."
"Are you getting cold feet?"
"No! Why would you even ask me that?
"Because it feels like you are asking me that."
"I'm sorry. I just want you happy. I love you and I want you happy. I have never felt this way about a woman before."
"I know how you feel. We have both dated a lot but never the right person."
"Yeah, and I want this wedding to be special for you."
"Will you be there?"
"Yes."
"Then it will be special."
"Thank you, Jules."
"Whatever for?"
"For reminding me of our love. I want what's best for you and I get nervous when I don't feel like I am giving it to you."
"Tom, you are what's best for me. Now, quit trying so hard and just love me like you have been since we've met."
"Yes, ma'am. Are you set for school yet?"
"Almost, I have filled everything out and I am waiting to change the address on the forms when we move. I have to have proof of our residence and I will have that when we move. Everything else is set for me starting in the fall."
"You will make the best art teacher!"
"Thank you."
Julie was excited about beginning school again. She was excited about having a purpose for her life. Tom was excited too. While this adult thing was new for them, they were loving it.
…
After sitting with Ms. Wilson for an hour on the bench, they walked her home. Elizabeth was holding her right hand and Jack was holding her left arm. They were quickly becoming friends.
When they arrived at Ms. Wilson's house, Elizabeth gasped. She was looking at the house in her dream. This shook her for a minute. Ms. Wilson invited them in for a lemonade. They smiled and accepted her invitation. Walking up the sidewalk to the house, Elizabeth was paying close attention to every little detail of the house. It was almost exactly like the house in her dream.
The inside of Ms. Wilson's home was as beautiful as the outside. Each room was beautifully decorated with family heirlooms and pictures. The rooms were clean, and the house smelled like homemade cookies.
"Ms. Wilson are those chocolate chip cookies I smell?"
"Why yes Jack. Do you like chocolate chip cookies?"
"Oh Ms. Wilson, they are his favorite." The two ladies smiled. "Ms. Wilson are they hard to make?"
"Well, if you buy the cookie dough from the store, they are simple, but I have been making mine from scratch since I was a teenager. My grandmother taught me how to do it."
"Oh, I would love to learn how to do that."
"Do you know how to cook and bake?"
"Yes…some. I am not great at it, but I do know my way around a kitchen some."
"Elizabeth, I would love to hand down my grandmother's recipe to you."
"Oh, Ms. Wilson, that would be great."
Ms. Wilson sat Jack down on the couch with a plate of homemade chocolate chip cookies with a large glass of milk and a baseball game to watch. Within minutes, he was asleep with a belly of cookies and milk. The ladies laughed at the sight.
"Elizabeth, he seems like a good man."
"Ms. Wilson, he is the best. I love him dearly."
They began gathering the ingredients and Elizabeth was taking notes on what to do. It wasn't too complicated, but she wanted to make sure she did it right.
"So dear, may I ask what is next for you two?"
"We just got back from our honeymoon yesterday. We go back to work tomorrow. I love my work, but I have enjoyed being with Jack over the last two weeks. I am not sure if I can handle being away from him for that long." She blushed at her words.
"Sounds like true love to me. I remember when Mr. Wilson went back to work after our honeymoon, I was sick because I missed him so much." Then she leaned in and whispered, "When he came home at the end of the day, I basically attacked him on the front porch. We barely made it to the living room."
"Ms. Wilson!" Exclaimed Elizabeth with a huge smile. "You must have had a great marriage."
"Oh dear, we did. It was the best. We were so in love with each other, and everyone could see it. Just like you and Jack."
"Oh, I'm not too sure."
"Elizabeth, I think it is so easy to see that you two are in love and I enjoy seeing it."
"Thank you. I do love him."
"And he loves you."
They finished putting the chocolate chip dough on the pans. Before Elizabeth placed them in the oven, Ms. Wilson said, "now the secret ingredient."
"The secret ingredient?"
"Oh yes dear. This is what my grandmother taught me. Now, this must remain a secret between us ladies."
Elizabeth snickered. "Just us."
Ms. Wilson asked Elizabeth to pick out the milk, butter, and mayo from the fridge.
"Mayo?" Asked a confused Elizabeth.
"Yes, dear. Mayo gives it a little golden color on top without making it crunchy. You mix the milk, butter, and mayo together and spread it on top. Not too much, but it adds extra flavor. Everyone guesses the butter, but no one has guessed the milk or mayo."
"Does it really make a difference?"
"Here, try for yourself."
Elizabeth took a cookie from the platter and closed her eyes as she chewed it. "Oh, that is the best chocolate chip cookie I have ever had. Plus, the inside is gooey, and the top is a beautiful golden color and a little crunchy but not too much. It's perfect."
"Now, that's our little secret."
"Yes ma'am."
After placing the cookie dough in the oven, Elizabeth grabbed her lemonade and sat at the bar with Ms. Wilson. They enjoyed a light conversation until Ms. Wilson asked her a question.
"Elizabeth, may I ask you a personal question?"
"Yes, Ms. Wilson."
"Are you and Jack planning a family soon or are you waiting."
"At first, we wanted to wait and enjoy being married, but we decided to turn that over to God. Whenever it happens it happens. We are not trying but we are not trying to stop it either."
"What happens if you two are pregnant soon? You said that apartment you live in is too small for a family."
"Yes ma'am it is. We will begin looking for a piece of property to build a house or buy a house soon. We were waiting until we came back from our honeymoon before we begin that process."
Ms. Wilson thought for a few minutes and Elizabeth could see her mind working.
"Elizabeth, what are you looking for in a house?"
She leaned in as if she was telling her a secret. She glanced to make sure Jack was still sleeping. "I dreamed about us before we were married. Jack and I was walking down the street with two children running around us. They were twins, a boy and a girl. I was pregnant with another baby. In the dream I was walking holding Jack's hand and my other hand on my belly. We turned and was walking on the sidewalk to our home. It was a beautiful two story home." She paused thinking of the memory and smiling. "The house was gorgeous. White and brick with beautiful flowerbeds. A swing on one side that faced the hills and the sunset. When I woke up it took me a few minutes to realize the memory was just a dream."
"Do you remember what the house looked like?"
"Yes ma'am. I do." She smiled.
"May I ask another question."
"Yes Ms. Wilson. Your house is almost the perfect replica of the house in my dreams."
"Well then dear. I believe you, Jack, and myself need to have a little talk. I think I just found the people who is supposed to buy my house!"