Chapter 54

After their dance, Jack escorted her back to the blanket and the basket of food. When she got all the food out, that ate in silence enjoying the food, the pond, and each other. That is what they both loved about their relationship. They loved being together, no matter what they are doing. They could talk, walk, dance, or sit in silence. The most important thing is that they were together.

"Ok sweetheart. You said you had two things to talk about. I have one thing. Do you want to get both of yours out of the way, split them up, or me go first?"

Elizabeth thought about it for a moment. "Why don't I go first with one of mine, then you can go, then I will finish with my last one?"

"Perfect. I knew I married a very smart woman!"

She gave him a flirting smile. "I married a very smart man because he married a smart woman." She smirked.

Jack laughed. He loved her sense of humor. "Nani, I love you!"

"Ok. School is out in about a month for summer, so I have been thinking about my school room theme for next year. I was thinking the ocean. Most of my students have never been to the ocean. They know about lakes and ponds, but I thought I could use some of our pictures from the ocean to create a theme."

"That's sounds interesting. Do you think you can connect it with your classes that are required?"

"I think so."

"Great, what can I do to help?"

That's what she loves about Jack. He was encouraging in her ideas and was willing to help in any way he could. He just didn't encourage her but assisted when he could.

"I would like to use some of our pictures, I will need help in decorating my classroom. I will have to figure the rest out as we go."

"That sounds very interesting. I think your students will love it. Do you think it will be too difficult?"

"With your help, and maybe your mother's, I think it's doable."

"I've never decorated a classroom before, but I'm willing to help in any way I can. Ma will certainly be of good use for you."

Elizabeth was growing excited at the prospect of the ocean theme. She knew she could do it herself, but that would take all summer to completely redecorate her room. With help from her mom and Jack, it wouldn't be so bad.

"Thank you, Jack."

They took a few moments to watch the ducks walk by. The weather was perfect, and the sun was just now hinting at going down. They still had an hour or so before dust.

"Jack, your turn. What's on your mind?"

"After talking with Bill today, I was beginning to think what direction to take the police department when I take over."

"Direction?" She asked confused. She did not know the ins and outs of a police department.

"Yes, direction. As the chief, I can guide the police force in certain directions to concentrate on certain issues. A lot like you are with your classroom. You will still teach English, history, and other core curriculum, but in the setting of the ocean. We will keep the law, but we can concentrate of certain issues like drugs, homelessness, kids, etc."

"Oh. I never knew that. That's interesting."

"Yeah. It's a way I can guide things like training, community projects, things like that. It is a way to put my focus on issues. We still keep the law, but with certain focuses."

"That's really good. What focus are you leaning?"

"This is where you come in. I need your input."

"Ok. What are you thinking about?"

…

"Are we ok?"

"Yes Charlie. I think I was assuming things."

"Maybe a little, but I wasn't helping things. We are still trying to figure each other out."

"I think you might be right."

"Adam, if you will be patient with me, I will be patient with you. We are new at this."

"Yes we are."

"Are you ready for dinner?"

"Yes. Where are you thinking?"

"Let's go to the café. I'm too dirty to go anywhere too fancy."

"Great, you can go and wash up if you want."

…

"I'm thinking two fold. First, I want to concentrate on families. Issues that families deal with. Such as drugs, domestic violence, things like that."

"That would be great. I have many students who deal with things like that."

"That's what I was thinking. If the family unit is strong, then the community is strong. This is not a quick fix."

"Yes. It will take time, but I believe you are right."

He smiled at her response. He didn't need her approval, but he really wanted it."

"I'm not too sure where I can help you in this?"

"Well…not so much in this area, but certainly in the next focus I want to do."

"Ok. What's that area?"

"Kids. I want to focus on the kids and their needs. My thinking is that if they have a good relationship with the police department and they will have the programs that will help them. They will grow up better citizens. Crime rates should fall, and families will be in a good position."

"Jack! That is a great idea. I can really help in this area." She began getting excited at this prospect.

"I will have to get the school's approval and get the SRO officer on board, but I think he will. There are a lot of programs through the state that we could use."

"I think Officer John Henry likes you. He came to talk with me today. He said he meet you the day after the issue with Darren."

"He seems like a nice guy. I did meet him. I wanted to meet him and introduce myself."

"Was that all?" She asked knowing the answer to her question.

"Do you think you would like to help in working with this?" She noticed he didn't answer her question. She smirked at him.

"I think I would. It would depend on the programs and the time frame, but I think I can figure something out."

"We would be working together along with Officer Henry."

"We will need to take a look at everything, but it's exciting."

They paused again for a few minutes to let everything sink in. "Jack, are you happy with focusing on families and children?"

"Well, families are important to a community. I know when my father died, we relied on family. My family was a strong unit and it helped us through a very difficult and dark time in our lives."

"I'm sorry you had to go through all of that."

"Thank you." He mentioned as he looked down.

She leaned over and took his hand. She gave it a squeeze to let him know she was there but didn't say anything. She didn't have too.

After a few minutes of silence. "Plus, I love children and I love working with kids. If I can help them, it will help me in the long run. Working with families is a quicker fix but working with kids will be a great fix but it will take a lot longer time."

"So, you want to focus on people."

"I do. What do you think?"

"I think you would do a great job for Hope Valley and for its citizens. I think Bill did a great job in choosing you to follow him."

"Thank you."

"Ok. I need to talk with Bill and then coordinate with Ms. Blakely and Officer Henry."

"I love your plan. I think it will be great for our town."

"Thank you, Nani." He smiled at her and then kissed the tip of her nose. "What's the other thing you want to talk about?"

…

After a nice dinner at the café, Adam and Charlette decided to go on a small walk before he took her home.

"Thank you for your help today. I enjoyed working on the bookshelves with you."

"I did too. You did a great job on them today. You worked hard on them, and you learned so quickly."

"You are a great teacher."

They smiled at each other. They were enjoying their time together and the walk was a nice way to end the day.

"Adam, where do you see this going?"

"Well, I love you. I enjoy my time with you. I am hoping we will grow closer together."

"That sounds nice. Are you thinking marriage?"

"Yes, Charlie. I am. Are you ok with that?"

"I am."

They stopped in the middle of the park where the fountain is located. They sat on the bench and enjoyed their time together.

…

"Jack…" Elizabeth was unsure how to proceed with her next thought. "I really enjoyed spending time with Ms. Wilson."

"Me too. She is a sweet lady. I like her."

"Do you remember telling us she wants to sell her house?"

"I remember."

"What do you think?"

"About what?" He had a feeling he knew where she was going with this.

"About buying her house?"

"Because of your dream?"

"Partly."

"Partly? Nani, we don't know anything about it. Does she really want to sell? How much is it? How much land? We don't know anything about the house." He couldn't miss the disappointed look on her face.

"I know, but I fell in love with it. And like my dream, I can see us living there with our family."

"You feel that much for the house?"

She lowered her head. "I do."

"Well…maybe we need to ask some questions." He gave her a smile.

"Really!?"

"If it's that important to you, we certainly need to look into it."

"Oh…Jack. Thank you."

"Sweetheart, you don't have to thank me. We are a team. Now, this may or may not work, but we need to look into it."

"I have a feeling about it."

"I'm sure you do." He teased. "Elizabeth, please don't go into asking questions like we already own it. We need to check it out thoughtfully and ask the important questions."

"I understand." She said bouncing where she is sitting.

"I'm not sure you do." He sassed.

She playfully smacked him on the arm. "Jack, what a thing to say."

"I think you already have your name on the mailbox."

"Thomas Jack Thorton."

"Elizabeth Marie Thorton. Tell me I'm wrong."

"Well…it's important we ask the proper questions."

It didn't go unnoticed by Jack that she didn't answer his question. "Yes, sweetheart, it is important to ask the proper questions."

She gave him a flirty smile.

"So, when do you want to go and talk with Ms. Wilson about our house?"

She leaned into Jack and gave him a kiss she has been wanting to give him since he stepped out of the truck.

"Wow! Where did that come from?"

"I've been waiting to do that since you got home."

"Why have you waited for so long?" He wiggled his eyes at her.

She smiled. "I think the anticipation actually fueled the desire a little more."

"I think it's time to go home."

She giggled as he got up immediately and began to pick up the supplies. After getting everything together, they started to walk through the park toward their apartment with their arms interlocked together.

…

As Jack and Elizabeth was walking toward their apartment through the park and their bench in front of the water fountain, Elizabeth saw Adam and Charlette kissing. "Uh…oh…" She whispered. Jack looked at her confused and then looked in the direction where his wife was staring.

"Ma! What in the world?" Jack asked as they walked upon Adam and his mother making out on the bench…their bench.

Jack covered his eyes with his hand and Elizabeth giggled at Adam and Charlette's expression.

"Jack! What are you doing here?"

"Ma, it's a public park. What are you doing here?"

"Jack, it's a public park." She sassed.

"Ma, you shouldn't be making out in a public park."

"Jack…"

Jack looked at his wife.

"We were just making out in a public park." She teased.

"Elizabeth!" He exclaimed. "That's different."

"How?" She sassed back.

"Yes, son. How is that different?"

"Ma?" Jack exclaimed. "I think I'm going blind." Proclaimed Jack. That statement caused everyone to laugh.

"Jack, quit being so over dramatic."

Jack looked to Elizabeth and still saw the expression on her face. "You're not helping at all, Elizabeth."

She couldn't wipe the smile off her face. "Mom, we will see you later."

Charlette gave her a smile. "Thank you, Lizzy."

"You're welcome, mom." Elizabeth leaned in to give her a hug and whispered. "You go girl."

"Elizabeth!" Both Charlette and Jack said at the same time.

She giggled at their expressions.

"Adam and Mom, you two have a good evening."

"Not too good of an evening." Whispered Jack.

As they walked away, Adam leaned over to Charlette and grinned.

"What are you smiling at?" Asked Charlette.

"Well…he caught us kissing, but he didn't kill me."

"I guess that's something." Teased Charlette.

"Elizabeth, we are going have to find a new bench."

"Jack! Don't be silly. They are strong, intelligent adults who are enjoying each other."

"No! That's my ma and he is enjoying her too much." He smirked.

"From what I saw…"

"Sweetheart, please don't finish that statement." Pleaded Jack while closing his eyes and shaking his head.

Elizabth giggled at his facial expression. "Come on, lover boy."

…

Ms. Wilson sat on her porch enjoying the perfect evening air. Since her talk with Elizabeth when her and Jack was over her house, she knew who was supposed to sell her house to and who was intended to purchase it. She wasn't certain if she should sell but was leaning toward it because of her knees. The house was just too much for her. It was a four bedroom, three and a half bath. Three bedrooms were upstairs, and the master was downstairs. The house was an open floor plan with a big kitchen and living room with a fireplace. The house truly was nice. The back yard was large and fenced in with a wooden fence. The front yard was spacious. Now with Elizabeth's dream and Beth's sense of Jack and Elizabeth, she knew in her inner being what was going to happen.

She was excited. Yes, it was just a house, but it is her house. She loved the house and the memories she had there. She didn't want to sell it to just anyone. She wanted a buyer who would love it as much as she does. She wanted the sounds of small footsteps filling the hallways and rooms. She wanted a family to grow in it and love the memories they made there. She found that person. Now, she just had to convince Jack and Elizabeth to buy it.

She was beginning to form a plan. What Ms. Wilson didn't realize was that Elizabeth was already working on a plan.

…

On Wednesday, Jack woke up early and headed to work before Elizabeth moved in bed. He left her a cup of coffee in the pot and a post it note beside her favorite coffee mug. The note was simple, I love you. He hoped she enjoyed his little acts of love.

Elizabeth moaned when she felt Jack's cold covers. She had a great dream about her and Jack on their honeymoon and was wanting some intimate time with him before they left for work. Since their wedding, their love making was perfect in her opinion. Sometimes they made love before sleep. They would cuddle together after getting comfortable and that would lead to their intimate moment. Sometimes they made love in the middle of the night. One would wake up and wanted to cuddle and the process of cuddling would lead to love making. Sometimes their love making would be in the morning. They would wake up in each other's arms and that act would lead to time together before they had to get ready for work. Their time together was better than anything she could imagine. It was passionate and loving. They each made sure their time together was enjoyable for each other. She was also surprised that she initiated intimacy as much as Jack did.

Today was one of those times she wanted intimate time with her husband before work. She laid in bed trying to calm her mind. She thought about the night before and that was only making her desire for Jack increase. "Elizabeth, get out of bed…now!" She said to herself. After her shower and dressing in her outfit for the day, she walked into the kitchen knowing what she was going to find. She didn't take Jack for granted, but she knew he would leave her some coffee and a note. She smiled when she noticed both on the counter. "I love that man!"

…

Jack walked into the station earlier than most other people. His case on Lawrence Jones was progressing along well. His work with Bill was taking most of his time. If it was just with Bill, Jack wouldn't have minded so much. It was all the meetings that Jack didn't like. He had three or four meetings a day trying to get up to speed and was finding those meetings difficult to sit through.

"Jack, I know those meetings are tedious, but they are important. At some points along the way in this job, you will need to work with each of those departments. It's great to have an established relationship with each department before you need them."

"I know Bill. They are just so long and boring."

Bill laughed. "Being the boss isn't all fun and games."

Jack laughed.

"Jack, I love the idea of the department concentrating on families and children. I think that will make a great difference in our community."

"Thanks Bill. That means a lot coming from you."

They talked for a few minutes about the different departments and the Jones case. Jack was beginning to grasp the enormity of Bill's job and Bill was beginning to notice Jack's anxiety.

"Jack let's go outside for a moment."

When they walked by Bill's assistance's desk, she gave him a knowing smile. Jack saw it but didn't say anything.

When they walked out of the side door that Jack thought was always locked, he noticed a small picnic table. "Bill, what's this?"

"This is my secret place. Jack, if you allow it, this job will swallow you up. You need to find moments during the day that you can escape for short amounts of time. When things are getting too much, you need an escape from it for a few minutes."

"That's the look from your assistant?"

"Yes. She was the one who found it and set it up for me. There are many times she sees the need for my escape before I do and directs me out here. We have a signal that she uses to tell me to get away. That's why it's important to have an assistant that knows you and watches your back."

"Bill, be honest with me. Do you think I have what it takes to do this job?"

Without hesitation. "I absolutely do! Jack, you will be so much better at this job than I ever was."

"Bill…"

"I mean it Jack. You're just beginning this job, soon you will make it your own and you will soar. Jack, you will do things in this job that I couldn't even imagine. I look forward to seeing you work here."

Jack shook his head. "Thanks Bill but I'm not too sure."

"It's because you are beginning. Jack, you are trying to learn everything at once. You can't do that! Take your time. I'm not going anywhere until you are comfortable. Pick one department or one thing, learn it and then move to the next. I believe in you!"

Jack nodded his head. He did feel like he was drowning and Bill's encouragement and belief in him was very helpful.

"Stay out here for a moment, get your mind right. Come back in when you're ready."

When Bill walked back into the station, Jack let out a long deep breath. He was overwhelmed with trying to learn everything. That was part of the problem, he was trying to prove himself all at once and wasn't taking the time to learn each aspect of the job. He was taking too big of bites, and he was choking on them.

Jack sat on top of the picnic table and closed his eyes. This has always been the process that refocused him and allowed him to gain control over his emotions. Jack took a couple of deep breaths and slowed his heart rate down. After a few minutes of relaxing, he was beginning to think clearer. He wasn't exactly sure of the process, but he knew where he wanted to start.

…

Julie stopped by Elizabeth's work for lunch. Her wedding was just over a week away and she was getting excited and a little nervous. This line of thinking was so far out of her comfort zone, but she was excited about becoming Tom's wife.

After lunch, Julie stayed with Elizabeth through two of her classes trying to get a feel for the classroom. She wanted to see how Elizabeth conducted her classroom and how she interacted with her students. While it was only two classes, Julie could see how talented her sister was. This was her calling, but she was also good at her job. Her students loved her.

As she was gathering her belongings to head to her house and begin helping her mother with some wedding plans, she leaned into Elizabeth, "I must congratulate you. I never knew how talented you are as a teacher. I thought of you as just a teacher, but Elizabeth, you are so much more. You are making a difference in your student's lives. I wish to do the same. Sister, I want to be the type of teacher you are."

A tear rolled down Elizabeth's face. "Thank you, Julie. That means so much coming from you."

…

Elizabeth finished out her day and was looking forward to her evening with Jack. They had planned on going to the movies and having a small dinner at a local restaurant. She wanted to begin the process of winning him over on the house. She also wanted to finish the thought she had in bed this morning. Her phoned buzzed and she didn't recognize the number.

"Good afternoon, this is Elizabeth."

"Elizabeth, this is Amy, I am Chief Avery's assistant. I work with him at the office."

"Hello, Amy. Is there anything wrong."

"No, Elizabeth. Nothing is wrong and Jack is safe. However, I was wanting to talk to you about Jack if you have time."

"Yes, Amy, I have time. What's up with Jack?"

"I just wanted to let you know he has had a very rough and tiring day."

"He has? Is he ok."

"Yes. He is trying to learn all of Bill's job at once and he was getting overwhelmed today. Bill had to take him outside for him to gather himself. He was getting overloaded with information."

"Is he alright?"

"Yes, he's fine. He was just overwhelmed. He was better when he came back inside, but he is exhausted."

"Amy, thank you for the heads up."

"When Jack hires his assistant, you will need to get with him or her and work out your conversations. They can let you know if he is having a very difficult day or not. Things like that."

"He will have an assistant?"

"Yes. I am Bill's assistant. To be honest, it will be the most important hire he will ever make for the department. His assistant will guard his back, keep his schedule, and will work closely with Jack. They can give you a heads up on how he is doing."

"Does Bill know that you do that?"

"Oh heavens no Elizabeth, but let's be honest, we all know who runs the department." She let out a loud laugh.

"Thank you for the heads up. I will need to get with whoever he hires."

"That's a great idea."

…

After about fifteen minutes, she texted Jack.

E – I know we had plans, but could we just crash at the apartment?

J – That sounds great. Take out and a movie?

E – You read my mind

J – I'll bring home take out. Anything sounds good?

E – Surprise me

J – Since I am picking out food, you pick out the movie…nothing too girly

E - Deal

Jack was grateful that she wanted to stay in. He was looking forward to going out with her. He wanted to spend time with her and enjoy some time together, but he just needed to relax for the evening with the day he had. He always thought the two or three months to learn Bill's job was overestimating. Now he didn't think it was enough time.

…

Jack decided on Abagail's for dinner. He stopped by after he left the station to place an order.

"Good evening, Abagail. How are you today?"

"I'm fine Jack. Are you ok?"

"Yes. I'm just tired. It has been a long day."

"Is Elizabeth joining you or are you taking food home?"

"I'm taking food home. May we have two grill chicken breast, broccoli cheese casserole, sweet corn, and croissants to go?"

"AH…your two favorites."

"Yes. May we also have a large piece of that chocolate cake too?"

"I'll put the ice cream in another container so you can keep it frozen."

"Abagail, you are priceless."

After placing the order, she gave him a glass of water and sat with him to chat. She shared that Henry was wanting to play baseball. Jack smiled knowing how much Henry liked the sport. Abagail also shared that Frank and she has an appointment to meet with Henry's social worker and a lawyer to check in on the adoption process.

"Do you think that will work out?"

"The lawyer and social worker seems to think so." Sighed Abagail.

"That's great. Henry is blessed to have you two in his life."

"That's very nice of you to say."

"Maybe so, but it's still the truth."

They continued with their conversation until Mary walked up with Jack's to go order.

"Thank you, Mary."

Jack stood and gave Abagail a hug and a kiss on the cheek. "Thank you for everything." He placed money on the counter.

"Jack, you don't have to do that. I will just place the order on your bill."

"Abagail, that would be great if you actually put it on our bill, but every time we try to settle the bill there is nothing on it."

"You know those silly computer systems. They're great when they work and horrible when they don't."

"You have to put the information in first before they work." He smirked at her.

"I hope you two have a nice evening." She gave him a knowing smile.

…

Jack made it home just before six. He walked toward the front door when he noticed Elizabeth standing in the doorway. She had a beautiful smile and was swaying her hips side to side. She was excited he was home.

"Hey handsome."

"Hey beautiful."

When he was standing in front of her with two bags in his hands, she stood on the balls of her feet and kissed his lips gently. While her desires were still running high from the morning and thinking about him throughout the day, she wanted him to rest tonight. However, she was still hoping they could have some intimate time later, but only if he was ok. She made sure the kiss was sweet and not a kiss that would ignite the blaze within her.

Jack gave her a smile and kissed her again. She could see in his face that he was tired. She noticed that the area under his eyes would slightly turn black when he was tired. The blacker they would become, the more tired he was. Tonight, the areas were dark.

Elizabeth held the door open for Jack and followed him into the apartment. As Jack placed the food on the counter, Elizabeth pulled out the plates and forks. Jack looked into the living room and noticed the TV was on and paused at the beginning of The Notebook. Elizabeth giggled at his facial expression.

"I thought we agreed that the movie wasn't going to be too girly?"

"Did we really agree on that?" She teased.

"Yes. I remember texting that it wouldn't be too girly."

"Is it that girly?"

"Elizabeth, it is one of the most girly movies out there."

She gave him a flirty smile. She slowly walked into his space and placed her hands around his neck and began to play with the hair on the back of his head. She batted her eye lashes at him. She knew he couldn't say no to this. She was working the flirting for all it was worth.

"Good grief, Elizabeth. That's not fair!" He exclaimed with a laugh.

"What?" She acted all innocent while she still played with his hair.

"What!" Really?"

"I love you, Jack!"

"I love you, Elizabeth."