Chapter 53

Elizabeth looked up when she heard a knock at her classroom door. Ms. Florence was standing there with a huge smile on her face holding a bag. Elizabeth immediately knew that Jack had been by the school's office.

"Good morning Ms. Florence. Do you have a delivery?"

"Good morning Mrs. Thorton. I do. You had a very handsome and nice gentleman drop something off for you."

Elizabeth smiled at Jack's gesture and then she heard her students' giggle. She shook her head knowing they will have something to say about this later.

"I'm assuming you had the same bag too?" She knew Jack always brought something for Ms. Florence too. It was his way of saying thank you for delivering whatever he asked of Ms. Florence.

"I did. However, yours has something mine did not."

"A note, perhaps?"

"That's what he said. I hope you enjoy it."

"Why didn't Jack deliver it himself?"

"He said he was busy and was heading to a meeting. He was bordering on being late."

Elizabeth was a little sad. It has been hours since she has seen her husband and she missed him dearly. "Thank you, Ms. Florence. I know delivering stuff is not part of your job."

"I'll do anything for Jack." She proclaimed while blushing.

Elizabeth accepted the bag with a smile and thanked Ms. Florence. Walking back to her desk, the class began to snicker. "Alright class. That is enough. It's time to finish your reading assignment then we will go to lunch."

Excitedly, she opened the bag and noticed the chocolate cake. She sighed, that is her favorite dessert from Abagail's. She will have it with the chocolate chip cookies from Ms. Wilson's she brought with her. She also noticed the note. She fingered the edge of the note smiling at the thought of Jack's love for her. She felt the love of Jack in that moment.

Bonnie –

I MISS YOU!

– Jack

She laughed at his note. "He misses me as much as I miss him." She said in a whisper.

"I bet he does." Stated Emily from the front roll.

I've really got to stop talking out loud. They hear everything and they don't forget a thing!

"Yes, Emily. He writes that he does." She sighed knowing that Jack misses her as much as she misses him. "Now, get back to your reading please."

Elizabeth leaned back into her chair smiling at all the memories of her husband. She closed her eyes for a moment and offered a prayer of thanksgiving for the blessings in her life. She picked up her phone and sent Jack a text.

E – 831

A few minutes later, he responded with the same text.

…

Tom and Julie were making good time in their driving. They had stopped at a diner for lunch that was close to the interstate exit. They were making good time but driving with a big truck was slow.

"We still have a long way to go. It may be best to stop at a hotel and then drive the rest of the way tomorrow."

"I like that idea, Tom. I'm getting tired of driving."

"Me too."

They spend the next thirty minutes talking about their new home. Julie had thoughts of where she wanted to place furniture and a running list of the items they needed. This wasn't Tom's thing. He wasn't interested in those things, but he was excited to listen to his fiancé. Julie was basically bouncing in her seat discussing all the things she had in mid.

…

Charlette's phone buzzed and she looked at the screen and smiled. She had noticed she does that often when she is around Adam. "Good day young man."

"Good afternoon, Charlie. You do realize you are two days older than me?"

"Two days still makes me older." She sassed.

"How are you?"

"I'm good. I am finishing up lunch. What are you doing today?"

"I have a small project I need to work on, would you be interested in helping?"

She loved helping Adam on his projects. They were often repairing something that was broken at a person's home who just needed a helping hand. Along with helping someone, she like working with Adam. He was a great teacher and was patient in describing what needed to be done and how to do it. She was also learning so much. She never thought she would enjoy this type of work, but she loved that what they did was helping people. Plus, she simply enjoyed being in his company. They have officially dated for over a week now, and, if she was honest with herself, she has enjoyed every moment of it.

"I would be interested. When can you be here to pick me up?"

"I'm in the driveway waiting for you." He laughed.

"How did you know I would be willing to go with you?" She sassed.

"Oh Charlie, you're always willing to go. Plus, you enjoy spending time with me." He teased.

"Let me get my work clothes on and I will be out in a couple of minutes."

"I'll be waiting unless you need some help." He laughed. He knew this would get her going.

"Listen here young man. I am not that type of woman."

"I know. You are a true lady who has captured my heart." He held his breath hoping he didn't say too much. He hasn't flirted like that before.

Charlette's breath caught in her chest. She enjoyed the banter but that was the first time he proclaimed anything like that before. "I'll be out in five minutes."

…

"William, I'm flying back to Hope Valley on Friday to spend some time with the kids. I will be helping Julie set up her house and spending time with Elizabeth and Jack."

"That sounds perfect, Grace. I will be out next Wednesday. I'm sorry but I can't get out of work until then. We have a huge project going on that I can't get out of."

"That's fine. They are getting married on Saturday, so you will have some time with everyone too."

…

Jack was exhausted after his meeting with the District Attorney and all of her assistants. Jack was beginning to fully understand exactly what Bill was saying about working with the people just under the director. Over the last two days, Jack was wondering what type of police chief he was going to be. After meeting with the DA, he realized what he wanted to do with his time as chief. His mind was made up, but he wanted to run it past Elizabeth to see what she thought.

He walked out of the meeting making sure to meeting with the individual just below the DA.

"Mrs. Johnson. I'm Detective Jack Thorton. Do you have a moment to speak with me?"

"Detective Thorton. I know who you are and the position you will hold in a few months. You may have all the moments you need."

"Yes ma'am. That's me. I would like to take a couple of minutes to introduce myself to you. I hope our offices will be able to work together well when I become chief."

"Yes sir. If we are going to work together, please call me Lena."

"Lena, I'm Jack."

"I see you are taking Bill's advice."

"Yes ma'am. I want to work for the people of Hope Valley, and I get that feeling from you that you are the same way."

"Yes Jack. I do. For me, this job isn't about just the law. It is about the people of Hope Valley and the surrounding areas."

"I have a feeling we are going to work well together. Have you meet my wife, Elizabeth?"

"No I haven't. Congratulations. I heard you were just married?"

"Yes ma'am. Thank you. Here is my cell number. I hope we have a very good working relationship for the people of Hope Valley?"

"Jack, I believe we will."

Jack and Lean spent a few more minutes learning about each other. Jack shared a couple of thoughts and Lean was impressed. She also gave him a couple of names to contact.

"Jack, these people will be a great help to you."

"Thank you, Lena. I appreciate your help in this."

…

When Jack walked to his car, he pulled out his phone when he sat down on the driver's side seat.

J – When we are home and things are settled, would you take a walk with me?

E- Absolutely. Is there a reason for this walk?
J – Yes. I need your opinion on the direction I want to take the police force when I become chief

E – We will take a walk before things are settled

J – Thank you. I have some thoughts I want your opinion on

E – I also want your thoughts on something too

J – It's a date!

While in different locations, they both giggled. They enjoyed how they were there for each other to bounce ideas and to reason out their thinking. This was exactly what each one wanted in a relationship.

Elizabeth, after listening to her girlfriends in college, didn't think this was possible. Her friends always complained that their boyfriends were after one thing only and it wasn't their minds or their opinions. For Jack, he was completely different. He wanted to hear her voice. He wanted her opinion. She helped him form his thoughts or narrow his thoughts into a logical viewpoint. She helped him strengthen his point of view by asking questions that made Jack think and explain himself.

Jack was grateful she was willing to listen to him and not judge him. Elizabeth helped him clarify this thinking and direct him when needed. His bride was an intelligent woman, and he was thankful for her and her voice. He knew this was possible because of his parents. However, his parents, as far as he knew, wasn't as connected as him and Elizabeth.

…

Charlette stepped out of her front door and noticed Adam sitting on the top step waiting for her. He stood and turned around at the sound of the door.

"Wow!" He stated when he saw her. "Charlie, you look…beautiful." He was a little surprised at his forwardness.

"You're a silly man! I'm wearing jeans with holes in the knees and a paint stained t-shirt with a flannel shirt over it. My hair is in a messy bun."

"Exactly. Charlie, don't underestimate the power of a messy bun. You are beautiful."

"Let's go silly man." She blushed. "What are we doing today?"

"Well, I have a thought that we could make something for Jack and Elizabeth and also for Tom and Julie. What do you think?"

"Really?!

"Yeah. You have mentioned that both of them love to read, why don't we make them a bookshelf for their new homes? We can go ahead and give Tom and Julie their bookshelf and we can hold onto Jack and Elizabeth's until they buy or build their home. What do you think?"

Charlie smiled at his thoughtfulness. "That sounds perfect."

"We can build them, and you will need to pick out the color of stain or paint."

She smiled at him knowing she was beginning to fall in love with this guy.

"If you want, you can say you did this."

"We will say it is from us. What do we need to do first?"

"First, milkshakes. Then we will go and pick up the wood. I have all the tools at my house. We can leave them there when they are finished and ready to be given out as gifts."

"Let's go young man."

"You realized I am only younger than you by two days?"

"Two days is still younger, young man."

"Yes, Cougar." He smirked.

"Don't ever say that again." She laughed.

He dodged her swatting his arm as she walked by.

…

At the end of her day, Elizabeth sat at her desk. She loved her job but being on vacation for two weeks got her out of her rhythm as a teacher. She fell back into the routine easily enough, but she was exhausted. The day was great but tiring. She looked up and gasped when she saw Mr. Henry, the SRO officer, holding a bouquet of flowers and smiling.

"Mrs. Thorton, I was asked to deliver these for you by Ms. Florence."

"Thank you, Mr. Henry."

"Mrs. Thorton, please call me John. I met with your husband just before your wedding. He seems to be a good man."

"John, please call me Elizabeth. Thank you for delivering the flowers. That was very sweet of you."

John nodded and placed the bouquet on her desk. "Elizabeth, I wanted to talk to you about something, but I do not want to ruin your day."

"John, you cannot ruin my day. What is on your mind?"

"It's about Darren."

"Oh, is there something I need to know?"

"Nothing like that. I just wanted to keep you up to date."

"Thank you."

"I have the video from the altercation in your classroom, along with six other videos when he asked you out and you refused to go. I have them saved and they will not be erased at the end of the school year."

"Thank you for doing all of that, John. I know that must have taken some time."

"Your welcome, Elizabeth. I also spoken with Darren about his interactions with you. He has been warned. Elizabeth," John hesitated for a moment. "I wish you would go ahead and file charges against him. You have everything to easily win your case."

"I have thought about it, John, but I think I wanted to warn him first. If he oversteps again, I would like to press charges and I will need those videos."

"Fair enough."

"John, thank you for stepping in that day and for gathering and storing all those videos."

John smiled and nodded his head.

"Wait…you said you met Jack?"

"Yes, he came in the next day to introduce himself."

"Is that all?" She smiled.

"Well…no. He introduced himself and wanted to make a connection with the SRO Officer of the school."

"John…"

"Ok…He thanked me for stepping in that day."

She smiled. "That sounds like him."

"If you need anything Elizabeth, please don't hesitate to get in touch with me."

"Thank you, John. I appreciate you. If I can help in anyway, please just ask."

"Have a great evening, Elizabeth." He smiled at her and walked toward the door.

She leaned over her desk and pulled the card after smelling the wildflowers. She took the card out of the small envelope.

I hope you had a great first day of officially being Mrs. Thorton.

She smiled at his note. "Could that man be any more special?" She asked no one. She picked up her phone and texted him.

E – I have an embarrassingly beautiful bouquet of flowers sitting on my desk.

J – That sounds lovely

E – Have any idea of they are from?

J – I think you should reward the person with a kiss

E – Really?

J – I would think so. It was a nice gesture

E – Than you!
J – Your welcome

E – And it's not my first official day as Mrs. Thorton

J – It is at school

E – When will you be home?

J – One more meeting. Should be home by five or a little after

E – Perfect. See you then

She picked up her bag and flowers and started to her car. She had a thought and needed to call Abagail to set it in motion.

…

Charlette and Adam walked into the hardware store at the lumber yard to pick up supplies for the project for her kids. She was amazed at all the people that knew Adam. Every time they walked by someone who worked there, they knew him well.

"Adam, how do you know all these people?"

"Well, in my retirement, I help people out the church sends my way. I come here to pick up supplies so I can do the repairs. I guess I'm here enough that people got to know me."

She smiled at him. He was really a good guy. Adam said he always did it to keep busy, but Charlette thought there was more to it than just staying busy.

"Charlie, any thoughts on the color of stain or paint?"

"I think I would like to paint Tom's and stain Jack's. Would that be ok?"

"Absolutely. The best thing when you do something like this on your own is that you can do what ever you want with it." He gave her a smile.

"Quit flirting young man and let's go to the paint aisle."

Adam slowly lost his smile thinking he may have overstepped his boundary. Charlette didn't see it.

…

Elizabeth arrived at the apartment when she hung up with Abagail. She placed an order for a picnic basket to be picked up at 5:30. She gathered a blanket and placed it at the front door after changing clothes. She had a little bit of time before Jack was expected home, so she decided to dive into grading her papers.

An hour later, she received a text from Jack saying he will be home in thirty minutes. Then her phone buzzed with Julie's picture on the screen.

"Hey Jules, where are you?"

"We stopped for the day. I was tired of driving. We are about three to four hours away."

"That's great. Everything going ok?"

"Oh yes. I just couldn't sit in that silly car any longer. We have a hotel for the night and should be in Hope Valley around noon."

"Are you ready for this?"

"You know, I can't wait. Last year I would have avoided this like the plague. Now, next Friday is too long to wait."

"I know exactly how you feel."

"What is it with those Thorton men?"

"I don't know, but I wouldn't trade my life with anyone in this world."

"You and Jack are perfect together."

"Julie, he is perfect. It's almost like he stays up at night trying to think of ways to love me and make me feel special. I don't know how he does it."

"That's great, but you know that can't be one sided, right?"

"I know. I'm trying but I feel like I don't do enough. I have something special planned for tonight."

"Oh, do tell." Julie teased.

"Now that's my sister from my youth. I am planning on a picnic when he is off work."

"And…"

"And the rest is none of your business." Elizabeth giggled.

Julie laughed. They spent the next twenty minutes talking and catching up. Julie shared about their new house and what she had in mind. She was excited about her wedding and changing towns. Elizabeth was grateful her sister was so happy in her life.

With the mention of Julie's house, Elizabeth's mind was taken to Beth's home. She was amazed at how similar it was to the house in her dreams. She just knew the house was meant to be her and Jack's house. She just needed to convince him. He wasn't cold toward the idea when she mentioned it to him, but he wasn't excited either. She would say he was thoughtful. She needed him to be excited.

When she heard Jack's truck pull in the driveway, she hung up with her sister and made her way to the front door. She leaned against the door frame watching him get out of his truck. He was in green dress button down shirt. His sleeves were rolled up showing off his muscular forearms. His dress pants hugged him perfectly in all the right places. His collar was unbuttoned, and his tie loosened just enough to be comfortable. When he grabbed his dress jacket and flung it over his shoulder, she almost lost all control. "Oh…My…Goodness… Now I wished I didn't order food!" She said with bated breath. "How in the world does he look that good?" She wanted to meet him on the front step to welcome him home, but she didn't think her legs would work. "I hope he doesn't kiss me like he normally does, or we are not leaving this apartment!" She whispered to herself.

Jack looked up, "Well, hello Bellissima. I see you are looking absolutely beautiful this evening. Maybe being a Thorton is good for you?"

She flirted back at him. "Maybe. Go get changed and we will head out."

"Head out? I thought we were having dinner and a talk?"

"We are. Our dinner is not here, and we will have our talk. I have a couple of things to talk about too."

"Perfect. Now let me get changed into comfortable clothes and we will head out on your little surprise."

Jack stood in front of her and gave her a dimpled smile. He placed his hands on her hips and gently gave her a sweet kiss. Elizabeth moaned at the kiss even though it wasn't a passionate kiss.

Jack pulled back, "If you do that again, we are not going anywhere!" Jack teased.

"Don't tempt me, Jack. Now, go get changed and I will meet you right here."

"Right here?" He flirted while leaning in for another kiss.

After he headed into the apartment, Elizabeth stood exactly where she was. She knew she couldn't walk. "That was close." She chuckled to herself.

Jack came back out a few minutes later and found Elizabeth is the exact same spot. "Wow, you weren't kidding about meeting me here in this spot."

She didn't say anything. She gave him a smile and tugged him toward the sidewalk.

"Are we walking?"

"Yes, is that ok with you?"

"Perfect as long as I am with you."

Good grief. She thought to herself. He isn't even trying, and he is killing me.

As Jack closed the door to their apartment, he reached for her hand. He tugged on her hand which stopped her. She turned toward Jack and was immediately swallowed in his embrace. His eyes were screaming he loved her. Her knees grew weaker the longer she looked into his eyes. His smile grew bigger and his dimpled were taking over his facial features.

"Jack…" She began but was cut off when his lips gently touched her lips. The kiss wasn't passionate or filled with love. The kiss was gentle and barely noticed to the touch, but the love the kiss told her took her breath.

"Let's go, love. Evidently we have plans you arranged for us."

All she could do was smile at her husband. Wow! That was…that was…

On their way to Abagail's café, they shared about their day. Each taking turns describing what happened and what they thought about it. The time to the café and then to the park went by quickly with their talking.

…

"So, if we cut a grove with the router, it will give the shelves more strength, we just have to pay close attention to make sure it lines up with the other side. It will also give it a cleaner look." Adam described what he was thinking.

"That's perfect. Now, tell me again how to do it."

"Adam explained it one more time and helped with the first cut. After that, he sat back and watched Charlette work through the next cut on her own. It only took one time before she felt comfortable doing the rest with him there for help if she needed it. It impressed Adam that she didn't need help.

"Charlie, you are a fast learner. You catch on things quickly."

"Thank you, Adam. You are a great teacher."

"Oh, I think it's the student and not the teacher. You could be a carpenter if you wanted."

"It's funny, I have never done this before. Never had a desire to do it, but now I am finding that I like it."

"That's great."

After finishing all the cuts, she took off her goggles and felt like she accomplished something major. Adam smiled at her and told her how great she did. He reached and brushed some saw dust off of her cheek and hair. She thought it was an intimate act. She leaned in to give him a kiss but she saw him hesitated.

"Adam, are you ok? Is there something wrong?"

"I'm fine Charlette."

"Ok." She took off her gloves and dusted herself off. She took him by the hand and lead him to two stools he had in his shop. "What's up?"

He looked at her confused.

"I know something is up."

"How?"

"You called me Charlette. You haven't called me that in a long time. Now, talk to me!" She demanded.

He sighed. "First, I love how direct you are. Second, I'm afraid I am pushing you too much."

"Why would you say that?"

"Because…whenever I flirt with you, you never flirt back. You always change the subject or move on without ever reciprocating."

"Oh" she said. She took a moment to gather her words so she would say things correctly. "First, I love it when you flirt with me. I haven't had anyone flirt with me in a long time. I forgot how to do it."

"Honestly, I'm not sure if I'm doing it right."

"You are! Adam, I am falling for you."

"Charlie, I have already fallen for you. I just don't want to push you. I feel you are pulling back some. I am trying not to flirt with you, but I am finding that difficult."

"Adam, I don't want you to stop. I just don't know how to do it. "

Before he knew it, he blurted out. "Charlie, I love you." He gasped when he said it. He did not regret saying it because it is how he felt. However, her silence was making him wish he kept his mouth shut.

After several grueling moments of silence, he slumped his shoulders. "Charlie, I'll take you home if you want me too." He stood from the stool and began walking toward his truck to take her home. He knew in that moment he said too much.

Charlette sat on the stool trying to engage her mind, but it wouldn't. He loves me!" Kept playing through her mind. She didn't realize that she didn't say anything. When he stood and began to walk away her mind engaged. "Hey, where are you going?"

"I knew I shouldn't say anything, but I couldn't help it. It's how my heart feels. I am getting the truck to take you home."

"Why?"

"Charlette, I told you I loved you and you sat their silently. I'm moving too fast here. I promised you I would take things slow, but I can't with you. I know I am scaring you." He let out a long, slow sigh. "As hard as I fight it, I can't win that battle. I'm sorry."

He turned to walk toward the truck.

"Adam, get back here!" She said in her teacher's voice.

When he turned around, she was standing with a stern look on her face and her hands on her hips.

"Do you realize how beautiful you are when you do that?" He smiled but did not walk toward her.

So this is how Lizzy feels when Jack does that. Why doesn't it work on him?

She walked up to him and entered his space. Looking at him in his eyes, "Adam…I love you."

"You do?"

"Shut up and kiss me!"

He smiled as he leaned forward to kiss her.

…

Jack and Elizabeth entered the park and walked past their bench in front of the fountain. Elizabeth noticed a nice area around the duck pond. She laid out the blanket a few yards from the pond and both of them sat down. Before she was able to get the food out, Jack found his wife's lips. This kiss wasn't like the one on the front steps from earlier. This kiss was a kiss of want, of passion, and love.

If he did that earlier, we wouldn't be in the park now.

When he pulled back, he asked what she wanted to talk about.

"Talk about?"

"Yes. I said I wanted to discuss something with you, and you said you had a couple of things you wanted to talk about."

"Oh, yeah." She didn't really remember since his kiss. She has been wanting him since he stepped out of his truck. That kiss did not help at all.

"Are you ok?"

"Yes, Jack. I am fine."

Jack stood there admiring his wife. Yes, he thought she was beautiful. He thought she was sexy. She was also brilliant, loving, and kind. She had a gentle spirit about her that drew people in, but she was strong too. She was everything.

He offered her a flirty smile. "Bella, will you please dance with me?"

"Jack, there is no music."

"Bella, if you need…"

"Jack, I will never so no to you."