Chapter 64
Elizabeth woke up before she heard the name of her daughter. She blinked a few times realizing it was a dream. She was frustrated it wasn't real. Like before, she reached to touch her belly and was saddened that it was flat. She exhaled a long breath trying to slow down her mind. A tear formed at the realization that it was just a dream. She rolled over and was surprised when Jack wasn't there. She looked around the room finally realizing where she was. Her phone was on the pillow beside her and when she reached for it, the phone lit up with Jack's picture on it.
She smiled as she answered the phone. "Good morning handsome."
"Good morning beautiful." Jack said with a growing smile. "Did you rest well?"
"I did. I am missing you though." She pouted.
"I know the feeling. It's not the same and I honestly don't like it." He blew her a kiss.
They looked at each other with silly grins on their faces. Their smiles were full of love.
"When are you all heading out for the craft fair today?"
"Sometime after breakfast. We haven't set anything in stone yet."
"At least you have beautiful weather to enjoy your day."
"We do. It's gorgeous here with a little bit of wind to keep the sun from being too hot. When are you and the guys heading to the game?"
"We're leaving at ten this morning to grab a late breakfast and then heading to the game. It begins at two."
"You guys will have a lot of fun."
They spend a few minutes just talking. Both knew their day was going to be fun and with adventure, but just needed this time together.
"Hey…I was thinking. When you're at the craft fair, if there is a good vendor that sells dining room tables, please check it out. We need one for our new dining room."
"Are you sure?"
"Absolutely. I was thinking one that sits at least twelve. That way we can have holiday meals at our house and when friends come over for dinner, we will have plenty of room."
"I'll look, but I'm not sure I am going to purchase it."
"Sweetheart, if you find one you like and you are comfortable with it, purchase it. They will deliver it to us. I like a little darker wood."
She hesitated for a moment. "If I find one, I'll send you a picture of it."
"Whatever you feel comfortable with."
Jack could tell her mind was working. She had this certain look when she was trying to process and understand something when she couldn't figure it out. She would cinch her lips together and look down. A strong look of concentration would come over her. If she was really lost in thought, she would tap her chin with her right index finger.
"Go ahead and ask, sweetheart."
She looked at him surprised. "How do you do that?"
"I know you and I know your looks." He laughed while she huffed. "It's different because I know about it."
"Well…yes, but you won't be here to pick it out too."
"I know, but I also know about you doing it. You didn't leave me out of the equation. I may not be there standing beside you, but I know you are looking."
Elizabeth thought about it for a moment. She smiled and began to speak. Before she could, Jack received a text from Bill.
"I'm sorry sweetheart. I must head into the office for a little bit."
"Oh no. Will it keep you from you plans for the day?"
"I don't think so. Bill said he needed me for about an hour. I'll just meet the guys at the restaurant."
They said their goodbyes. They both were looking forward to their day but was already missing each other.
…
Elizabeth slipped out of bed and walked to the patio doors to admire the view before jumping in the shower.
Elizabeth walked down the stairs to the kitchen where she smelled bacon and eggs. Alice was in the kitchen cooking and Julie and Vi were on the patio setting the patio table.
"What can I do to help?"
"Could you take the biscuits outside along with the milk, OJ, and coffee?"
"I'll take everything except the coffee. It just smells bad to me. It is almost making me sick."
"Really? But you like coffee."
"I do, but the last two days it hasn't agreed with me."
Alice thought about this for a moment, but didn't say anything concerning it. "I'll bring the coffee when I come out with the eggs."
Elizabeth stepped outside to a group of ladies who were all dressed and ready for a fun filled day. Everyone was wearing shorts and nice shirts. The day held great promise. As much as she was missing Jack, spending time with these ladies was great.
"Martha said this craft fair will have everything to look at. Maybe we can find some good steals." Julie stated.
"Jack wants me to look for a dining room table."
"Oh, that will be great." Julie stated.
"A twelve to fourteen setting would be perfect. Anything bigger than that wouldn't fit very well." Beth stated. She learned from experience when she was decorating the house.
"Do you think they will have things like that at this craft fair?"
"Probably. The website said that all types of venders will be there. There is a couple of booths with pictures of different types of furniture." Julie stated.
"You've been looking?" Elizabeth asked with a questioning look.
"Yes Bethie. We are in a new home that isn't fully decorated yet. I want to look for some end tables for our living room. The ones I have is older and I don't like the looks of them anymore."
As they sat and ate the delicious food, Vi spoke up. "I want to apologize to my family. I haven't acted like I should have over the last few years. I allowed Lionel to change me, and I acted horribly to the ones I love and who love me."
Grace smiled at her oldest daughter. They have already had this discussion, but Vi haven't spoken fully to Elizabeth or Julie about it. Grace was a little surprised Vi was doing this in front of others.
"That's ok, Viola."
"No Lizbe, it isn't. I should have never married him and moved off."
"Married!" Julie exclaimed. "You married him?"
"Yes little one. I did."
Julie hated it when she would call her that.
"You married him, and we weren't invited?"
"Yes Julie. Looking back, I can't believe I did that."
"Wait, you have lived in Hope Vally for a couple of weeks now and have a new job. Where is he?" Julie continued with a look of confusion on her face.
"I have begun the process of divorcing him. He cheated on me repeatedly."
"Oh, Vi. I am so sorry."
All three sisters were crying at this point. The older ladies had tears in their eyes too. They witnessed the reconnection of sisters in that moment.
"Well, with that said. I think we can move past that and enjoy the day together." Grace stated.
"I believe so." Stated the girls together.
…
The day at the fair was going great. The weather was perfect. The sun was warm, and the breeze kept it from becoming too hot. Vi was acting like her old self. All the ladies were laughing at everything and simply enjoying each other's company. Everyone could see the joy in them.
It didn't go unnoticed by the older ladies that the younger ladies were drawing attention from several of the men walking around. They were three beautiful women walking around enjoying their time together. However, Elizabeth, Julie, or Viola did not notice the looks. They were too involved in conversations with each other to notice.
Elizabeth stopped at a vendor that had some furniture and noticed a beautiful bookshelf. She was admiring it and asked the vendor the price. Charlette overheard Elizabeth and quietly walked up to her.
"Elizabeth, you can't buy the bookshelf."
Elizabeth looked at her mom confused. "Why not mom? Jack said to get something if I wanted it. I will always need a bookshelf. This will go great in our bedroom or one of the guest bedrooms."
"It's a beautiful piece Elizabeth, but you can't purchase it." She didn't want to tell Elizabeth about the bookshelf that she and Adam made for her and Jack. It was sitting in Adam's shop waiting for Jack and Elizabeth to move into the new house. They wanted to give it as a house warming present.
"Mom, I don't understand. Why can't I buy this?"
Charlette sighed knowing she had to tell her daughter about the gift. She reached into her pocket for her phone and pulled it out and opened the photo album. She pulled up the photo she had taken of the bookshelf. She was proud of it.
Elizabeth looked at the picture and was amazed at it. "Mom. That's gorgeous. Where did you buy that?"
"It's for you and Jack. Adam and I made it for you, but it's supposed to be a surprise for you two for the house."
"Wait…for us…you made it?"
"Yea, it's a house warming gift from Adam and I. We made it together."
Elizabeth smiled at Charlette and looked at the picture again. It was more beautiful than the shelf that was in front of her at the booth. "Mom, how and why did you do that?" She had a tear forming in her eye.
"I've been helping Adam with the projects he does for the church. I mentioned that I needed to do something for you two and he suggested we make something. He did most of the work on it, but I helped from the very beginning. I am starting to get pretty good at building thinks like that."
"I would say. It's gorgeous."
"Thank you. And I did it because I love you." With that, Elizabeth hugged her mom and the tears flowed.
"Now you will always have something from me to remember me."
"Oh mom, I don't need anything to remind me of you. You are too special to need something like that."
"That's enough young lady. You are about to make me cry and I don't like that." Reprimanded Charlette as she lovingly patted Elizabeth on the cheeks. She said it with a big smile on her face while her eyes were beginning to water.
…
Jack spent about an hour at the jail. Bill wanted him to look over a couple of things for a new case that was coming up and he wanted Jack to be aware of it. Plus, there was a project he thought Jack would like to use in his work at the school.
After working, meeting with Bill, and reading a few emails, he left for the restaurant to meet with the guys. As he left the station, he had a thought. He called Mr. Walker and ran the plan by him to get his opinion. When Mr. Walker realized who he was and that he married Ms. Thatcher, he was ok with the plan.
"Jack, let me call you back in about five minutes. I will need to talk with my wife and then ask if she would like to go."
"Perfect Mr. Walker."
Jack pressed the end button and then texted Elizabeth.
J – 831
E – 831
He smiled at the quick response from his wife.
J – Are you having a good time?
E – Yes we are. They have a lot of stuff here.
J – Any luck on a kitchen table?
E – Not yet but we're not done. About to stop to find food.
J – Good luck and enjoy your day.
Mr. Walker called Jack back within a couple of minutes. "My wife says it's fine with her and Emily couldn't be more excited. We will meet you at the restaurant to drop her off in about ten minutes."
"Perfect."
…
Jack walked into the restaurant and saw Tom sitting at a table by himself. Jack smiled at the hostess as he walked to the table.
"Hey bro. How are you doing?"
"I'm good. Hey, I have a little surprise today."
"A surprise? What are you up too?"
"I invited Emily to go with us today."
"Emily? The girl that Henry likes?"
"Yeah."
"Jack, are you playing match maker?"
Jack smile a little. If he was honest, he was a little. Honestly, could you play match maker with fifth graders?
"Not really. I thought she would like it and he would too."
Tom smiled a younger brother smile. "You know Jack, you are becoming the very thing you hate."
"What do you mean?" Huffed Jack.
"Playing match maker. You always hated it when people would do that with you. You would get so frustrated."
"I'm not really playing match maker." He defended himself.
"Really?" Sassed Tom.
Before Jack could respond, Emily and her father walked into the restaurant. Emily was all smiles.
Tom leaned over and whispered to his brother. "She's cute."
"Yes, she is. And she is very nice and funny too."
Before Mr. Walker and Emily sat down at the table, Jack was wondering if he had turned into someone who wanted to set someone up. He wanted to bring Emily along for Henry. Emily was a very nice young lady and Jack liked her a lot. He knew Henry liked her and wanted them to spend time together. Oh man…I have become what I hated…arranging a date.
Mr. Walker and Emily sat down beside Jack.
"Mr. Thorton, thank you for inviting me to go with you to the baseball game. I love baseball!" Exclaimed Emily.
"She really does." Mentioned her father. "I have wanted to take her, but my job keeps me too busy."
"No problem, Mr. Walker. Thank you for letting Emily go with us."
"Who is going?" Asked Emily.
"Well, my brother, Tom, and I are going. Pastor Frank and Henry will be coming too."
"Henry!" Said Emily in a voice that was much higher than her normal voice.
"Emily, do you know Henry?" Asked her father.
"Yeah, he is in my class with Mrs. Thorton."
Jack was excited that she will be going, but now felt bad that he was playing matchmaker. He looked up when the door opened and saw Henry walk through the door first. He froze when he noticed Emily sitting beside Jack. Frank wasn't paying attention and walked right into Henry's back.
"Henry, what is wrong with you?" Frank asked as he grabbed him so he wouldn't fall.
"I didn't know she was coming?"
"Who?"
"Emily." He stated in a whisper.
"Oh, that's Emily?" Frank smiled. "She cute and she seems nice."
"I hope she doesn't hit me."
Frank laughed at the comment. "Let's go and grab a seat so we can eat."
…
Elizabeth and Julie turned the corner and walked right into a booth that were selling furniture. The first thing she noticed was a beautiful dark, hand made dining room table with twelve matching chairs. The set was unspeakably beautiful. "Oh…my…" She stated under her breath. She was hooked.
Julie noticed her sister's attention and followed her eyes. "Wow! Look at that."
"Yeah, have you seen anything so beautiful?"
"Why, thank you." Stated an older woman who walked up to them. "My name is Mary and this is my husband Frank."
"Hello Mary and Frank. You have beautiful furniture here."
"Thank you."
"Did you make all of this yourself?" Elizabeth asked as she ran her fingers over the beautiful and smooth table.
"I did. I didn't make the chairs. I don't have a steam machine for that, but I have a buddy that does. So, he works with me when I need him too."
"You do great work."
"Are you shopping for a table set or just looking around?"
"My husband and I are looking for a dining set. We are buying a house and our small table in our apartment will not work."
"How big of a table are you looking at?
"This size would be perfect. The color is gorgeous, and I love the shape of the chairs."
"That's where the steam machine comes in. He can do things like this, and it makes a huge difference in the look."
"It does." She stated as she ran her finger tip over the top of the back of one chair.
Elizabeth and Julie walked around the table admiring the beauty of it. Elizabeth kept running her hand over the table.
"Oh Elizabeth…you must sit in one of the chairs. They are so comfortable!" Julie said with a huge smile on her face as she sat down.
"Oh…my…word. How is a wooden table chair so comfortable?"
"My friend knows how to use small angels to make the seats comfortable. The table in its regular position sits eight, but with the extensions in it sits twelve. There is a hidden compartment on the bottom of the table where the extensions are stored. That way they are out of the way if you are not using them."
"It feels solid." Elizabeth said as she pushed down on the table. "The color is beautiful."
"It's my own mixture of cherry and mahogany. It leans more toward cherry with the tint of red but has the darkness of the mahogany. I don't know what color you would call it. I just mix the two until I get the color I want."
"Well, you did great. The color is so rich."
Beth, Charlette, and Grace walked up when Elizabeth and Frank were talking. They overheard the last part of the conversation.
"Bethie, what do you think?"
"I love it. Let me take a picture of it and send to Jack."
Jack's phone buzzed and he looked at the picture from Elizageth.
J – Wow! That's gorgeous
E – I thought so
J – How many does it sit?
E – Twelve max
J – You did great picking it out
E – I haven't decided to buy it yet
Instead of texting, Jack called Elizabeth.
"Hey babe." She answered.
"Hey sweetheart. That is one beautiful table."
"I think so too. Hey, hit the facetime button."
After he did, his face appeared on the screen. Elizabeth talked him through everything he was seeing. She described the hidden compartments for the extensions and shared the story of the color. She also showed him the seats and the little subtle angels that made them so comfortable. Jack could see on her face that she wanted it.
"I can't get a real sense of it on video, but if you like it, I say get it."
"Are you sure?"
"I trust you. You want it, so get it."
"I want it?"
"It is literally written on your face. Elizabeth, if you like it, get it."
"Thanks Jack."
"Thank you for looking for it. You found a perfect table set for us."
"I'll talk to you later. Love you."
"Love you."
But before she disconnected the call, Jack got her attention. "Before you go, look at this." He spun the camara around and showed Emily and Henry sitting together enjoying a burger.
"Huh…how did that happen?"
"I invited her to go to the game with us. I thought he would like that."
"Jack, are you playing matchmaker?" She laughed. She knew how much he hated that when people tried to set him up.
"Well…not really. They're too young for that."
"They do look cute together."
"I love you, Bella. Enjoy your day and I will talk to you tonight."
After disconnecting the call she looked at Frank, "How much are you asking?"
…
Jack looked at Emily and Henry. They were having fun with each other and laughing while eating their fries. That made him feel a little better about asking Emily to come along.
After their meal, Mr. Walker said goodbye to his daughter and shook everyone's hand. "Have a great time, sweetheart."
"I will daddy."
And with that, she ran to the car with Henry. Frank looked at Jack and gave him a wink. "I think he will enjoy today."
"I agree. I hope I didn't overstep here."
Frank laughed. "Maybe a little bit but I don't think Henry cares." He slapped Jack on the back and then the men got into the car.
"Alright everyone. I must take a picture or Elizabeth will have my head. So, one big smile and then one silly smile."
After taking the pictures and sending them to Elizabeth, he started the vehicle and began the forty five minute drive west to the stadium.
…
Adam stepped into the store with a purpose. He wasn't sure what type he was looking for, but he thought he would know when he saw it.
He was surprised to see one of the teen ladies standing behind the counter. He has helped her in the past through the church.
"Susan, I didn't know you were working here." He began with a smile.
"Yes, Mr. Adam. I started here about two months ago. Thank you for helping me get the job."
"Susan, I didn't help you get the job. I didn't know you worked here."
"Mr. Adam, I wouldn't have this job if you didn't fix my car. It was because of that, I had the opportunity to get this job."
"Susan, you got this job because you earned it. And you have kept it because you deserved it." He smiled with pride. He really liked Susan, she just had a difficult beginning in life, but she was working hard to improve herself and her life.
"Mr. Adam, what can I do for you?"
"Well…" he hesitated. "I am looking for an engagement and wedding ring."
"You're what?" A surprised Susan asked. "Did you meet someone?"
"I did. She is a sweet lady."
"That's great, Mr. Adam. What type of ring are you looking for?"
"I don't know. I thought I would look around and when I see it, I will know."
She smiled at her friend. "The rings start here with the lowest prices. As you go around the showcase, the prices go up along with the carrot of the rings."
"Thank you, Susan. You are very helpful.
Adam spent a few moments looking over the rings. There were so many of them he was having trouble seeing each ring individually. When he stepped over to the third case, he saw the ring he was looking for. It was a carrot in a half with sapphire chips down each side. The shape was beautiful.
"Susan, may I see that ring set?"
"Sure, Mr. Adam." She walked over and took the ring out of the case and sat it on top of a velvet pad so he could have a closer look at it.
Adam didn't even have to pick it up to know this was the one. "Susan, I'll take the set."
"Great. Do you know what size she wears."
"No, but I have something that might help." Charlette had taken the ring off one day while they were working on a project so she wouldn't damage it or hurt her finger if it was caught by the wood. He took out a piece of paper from his pocket. "I took one of her rings and traced the inside on this. Would it work?"
"Let me check with the jeweler."
After a couple of minutes, an older gentleman stepped out from a back room. "So, you are the famous Mr. Adam."
Adam was surprised at the man's statement. "Well, I don't know about the famous part, but I am Adam."
"Susan has spoken so highly of you I was beginning to think you weren't real." The man laughed.
"Susan is a special young lady."
"That she is. She is the best worker I have had. Thank you for fixing her car so she could come in for an interview. I owe you."
"Oh…you don't owe me. Thank you for giving her an opportunity."
The gentleman laid the piece of paper down and took out the ring sizer. "I think this will work just fine. If it isn't right, just have her bring the ring back and we can resize it in a day's time." He placed the engagement and wedding ring on the paper and it fit perfectly. "Wow, look at that. It fits perfectly. I think this set is meant to be your lady friend's ring."
"I think so too." Adam thought for a moment. "I'll take it."
"Perfect. Would you like it wrapped or in a very nice box?"
"Let's do the box."
Susan placed both rings a gorgeous red box. She smiled as her boss whispered something into her ear. As she rung up the purchase, the ring was fifty percent less than the price on the tag.
"I'm sorry, Susan. I think there was a mistake."
"No mistake, Mr. Adam." She grinned at him.
"No, the price is too low."
"No sir." The older man stated. "The price is correct. That case is fifty percent off."
Adam looked back over to the case but didn't see a sign. "I don't think so."
"Well, it is fifty percent off for you sir. Thank you for helping Susan out. She has been a huge blessing to me and my business. Thank you."
"But, I…"
"Thank you for helping Susan with her car. If it wasn't for you, she wouldn't have made it to the interview, and I wouldn't have hired her. She is a great employee. I couldn't be happier."
"But…"
"Adam." The older man started. "You are not going to win this argument. Just say thank you and pay Susan." He gave Adam a smile.
"Thank you for your generosity. That's very kind of you."
With the ring box in his pocket, now Adam had to do was figure out how to propose.
…
"Elizabeth, don't worry about that."
"Mother, I need to know how much it costs to see if it is in our budget."
"No need in that." Charlette stated.
"We are going to take care of it." Grace interrupted.
"We?"
"Yes, dear. We." Mentioned both Grace and Charlette at the same time.
"You do not have to do that."
"We know." Again, both ladies said at the same time.
"Why would you do that?"
"We are your mothers, and we really didn't get you a wedding gift."
"Yes you did."
"Not a big one. Now, this is what we are going to do."
"But mother and mom." She stated with a slight grin but a look of determination.
"Elizabeth Marie Thorton, how dare you argue with your mother and mom!" Exclaimed Grace with the same determination.
"Sweetie, we are getting you that dining room set. Just accept it and don't argue with your mother and mom." Smiled Charlette, but she had a matching determined voice and expression.
"I'm not going to win this am I?" She stated with a tone of defeat.
"Grace, you raised a smart young lady." Charlette beamed.
"What will Jack say?"
"Who cares? We are his mothers too." Said a smiling Charlette and Grace.
"I will take care of him." Sassed Charlette.
Elizabeth shook her head at the victorious and smiling duo. She loved those ladies and realized where she got her determination from. She was trying to figure out an argument to persuade them, but quickly realized she was not only outnumbered, but she was being gained up on by two equally stubborn women who loved her.
"Fine!" She huffed. "But you two will tell Jack."
"Great." Charlette began. "Do you deliver?" Grace turned to ask Frank and Mary.
"After watching that, do you really think I will tell you no." Smiled Frank.
Everyone laughed at his shocked expression.
"Nice. Could it be delivered to Hope Vally in about two to three weeks. The house should be ready for the table set by then."
"If you will pay half now and the other half when we deliver, that would be great."
"We'll pay for it all now, and a tip when it is delivered."
Frank smiled. "Perfect. Let me fill out the paperwork and we will get an address and you can call to set a date for delivery."
…
Elizabeth took a picture of the table with her sitting on it and sent it to Jack.
E – Our new dining room table
J – Oh beautiful. You make that table look good
E – You're just saying that
J – If you were here I would show you
E – Oh…my…
J – I miss you
J – How much for the table
E – You need to talk to your mothers
J – My mothers?
E – Mom and mother
J – Oh no! I won't win this one will I?
E – Jack, you are a smart man
J – They bought it didn't they?
E – Yes. I tried talking them out of it but they were stubborn
J – So, you get that from your mothers!
E – Jack! What a thing to say
J – Tell them thank you
E – I will. I miss you. Have fun
Jack sent a picture of the whole group sitting behind home plate at the game. Tom was in front, with Jack sitting beside him. Then it was Emily beside Jack. Next to Emily was Henry and then Frank sitting on the end. All had huge smiles on their faces and Emily and Henry were covered in white sugar from their funnel cakes they were holding to their mouths.
E – That looks like a lot of fun.
J – I love you
E – I love you too.