Chapter 65
The weekend was a terrific time away, save the fact that Jack and Elizabeth weren't together. Elizabeth enjoyed the girl's weekend. As much as she tried, Grace and Charlette purchased the dining table set for her and Jack. Jack tried to argue, but his mom just didn't care. She wouldn't listen to anything he said. Sunday was a mixture of shopping at the local stores and sitting around the log cabin enjoying the other ladies and the scenery. They were heading back in the morning after breakfast.
Jack loved the baseball game. Everyone had a great time, even Henry. He enjoyed having Emily there. They laughed a lot. On the way home, they stopped by an ice cream shop, and they devoured their double chocolate chip with extra sprinkles. Jack enjoyed Frank's sermon during the church service. After church, Jack took lunch to the station hoping to get extra work done. He was hoping to take tomorrow afternoon off to be with Elizabeth. Working most of today and tomorrow morning should afford him this opportunity.
With the day coming to an end, Jack sat on the lounge chair talking with Frank. They were reminiscing about the game and Henry and Emily.
"So, do you think your little scheme worked?" Sassed Frank.
"What scheme?" Asked an annoyed Jack.
"Mr. Match Maker or as I like to refer you as M&M." Laughed Frank while Jack groaned. "I think your little scheme may have worked a little."
"It wasn't a scheme, Frank. I just thought she would enjoy going to the game."
"Yeah…right? I remember how upset you were when you thought Abagail was setting you up. You were dead set against it."
Jack just smiled. He knew he was busted. He just hoped Elizabeth or Abagail didn't hear Frank's side of the story. He leaned back in his chair and took a long sip of his tea. Jack was enjoying the company and the evening air.
"So, what's the plan for the house?"
"I'm not real sure. Beth is working on packing the house and will be out in a few weeks. Elizabeth is planning on working on painting the house before she spends her days at the school. When she must work on her classroom, she said she wants to spend half days on the house and the classroom."
"When do you think you will move in?"
"Probably in a few weeks or so. Just depends on how fast we are done with the projects on the house."
"It was great you were able to buy it."
"I don't think we had an option. Beth and Elizabeth already had their mind set that was our house."
"Yeah, when women have their minds made up, we are only here for the ride."
"I've been told that." Laughed Jack.
…
The ladies were just sitting around the first floor patio's large table enjoying their sodas and snacks. The past couple of days were great but tiring. They managed to do a lot of shopping. Julie picked out some side tables that will be delivered along with Elizabeth's table set. The group purchased a variety of items during the fair and shopping in the town. The trip was a success by anyone's standards.
"So, what's on your summer schedule Elizabeth?"
"I will be working on the house with Jack to get things done before we can move in." Elizabeth smiled at the thought of moving into the house.
"I can't wait to see you in that house." Exclaimed Beth. "You two will make it a beautiful home.
"Thank you, Beth."
"Now, don't forget to set up a nursery." Beth teased.
"Beth! I don't think I'm pregnant." Stated Elizabeth for the countless time during this weekend. "The smell of coffee just doesn't agree with me at the moment. That doesn't mean I'm pregnant."
"Very true Elizabeth. But that is not what makes me think you are pregnant." Sassed Beth.
"Well, I am not experiencing morning sickness or any other symptoms."
"Elizabeth, it's in your eyes. Your eyes are telling me you are pregnant."
"Now Beth, you have been saying that for a few days now." Elizabeth shook her head.
"I don't mean to upset you Elizabeth, but I know it. Have you taken a test?"
Elizabeth loved Beth, but she thought she was pushing this thought a little too much. Other than the coffee thing, she wasn't experiencing any symptoms. Grace and Charlette haven't said too much on the topic. She just assumed they didn't think she was pregnant either.
"I haven't had a reason to take a test." She stared off in the distance to look at the mountains. She was hoping she was pregnant, but she didn't know how Jack would feel about it. They haven't been married for too long.
Julie spoke up hoping to change the subject off of Elizabeth. "I received an email from school that said a couple more classes will transfer. It will only take me a year and a half to receive my degree."
"That great Julie." Grace gushed. "And then you will begin your art work."
"Yes, I'm hoping to get a job teaching art to special needs students as a way to calm themselves down and to learn to concentrate."
"That's noble work." Beth stated along with Elizabeth.
"How about you Vi?"
"I start at the bank on Tuesday. I'm looking forward to it. I believe it will be a great opportunity for me. I think I can do a good job there."
"I agree." Elizabeth stated.
The late afternoon and early evening were just spent on the patio randomly talking. Every woman enjoyed their time together.
"This has been a great weekend." Alice stated. "So relaxing and the company has been wonderful."
"I agree." Everyone said at the same time.
…
When she was finishing her dinner, her phone buzzed with a call. She was hoping the call was Jack. She was missing him. She was a little surprised at the area code of the call. Oklahoma City? She thought. She didn't understand why anyone from Oklahoma City was calling her. She almost declined it but felt a weird feeling she needed to answer it.
"Hello, this is Elizabeth Thorton."
"Hello Elizabeth. It is great to speak with you." A cheerful voice exclaimed. "My name is Emma Walkins. I worked with Jack Thorton in Oklahoma City. He has offered me his assistant job at his new job."
"Yes, Mrs. Walkins. It is great to hear from you. Jack told me you accepted the job. He was very excited about it."
"That's great. He is so kind." After a moment of silence, "So…you really do exist?" Emma laughed.
"I do exist…I assure you." Elizabeth chuckled nervously.
"I'm sorry. It's just that Jack talked so much about you, and everything was so good, I was almost convinced he just made you up. People were always trying to set him up, but he never took them up on it. I thought he may be making you up just to get the others off his back."
"Yes. I find it hard to believe that he didn't date anyone."
"Well, it's true, He didn't" Emma smiled at this woman on the phone. She was beginning to like her. "I wanted to touch base with you and make sure you were ok with me taking the job."
"I'm sorry? Why are you asking if I am ok with you taking the job? Jack wanted to hire you and you accepted."
"I know this sounds weird, but I know I will be working closely with Jack. I didn't want you to think there was anything between Jack and I."
"I don't know you, but I know Jack. He trusts you, and I trust you because he does."
"Thank you, Elizabeth. I also wanted to touch base with you because we will be talking a lot when I move to Hope Valley."
"Yeah?"
"Yes. First, I want to make sure you are everything Jack says you are, and I am beginning to think you are more than what Jack said. I was concerned that he was jumping into this marriage thing too fast, but then I spoke with him. Boy, he really thinks the world of you. He loves you completely."
"I love him too."
"Secondly, I wanted to introduce myself to you because I know we will be speaking together a lot." She would be working close with Jack and knew she would be speaking often with Elizabeth. She just wanted a good relationship with Jack's wife.
"Ok…"
"I mean, I will be working closely with Jack, our paths must cross from time to time. Plus, I can let you know when he is having a very tough day. By knowing if he had a very difficult day, that will help you. I know he texts you all the time, but he may not be completely up front with everything that is going on if it is a case or something. I just want you to know."
Elizabeth laughed. "So, you'll have my back."
"Absolutely! Us girls need to stick together."
Elizabeth let out a laugh. "Yes we do. Thank you for that."
Elizabeth and Emma spent a good thirty minutes talking on the phone. Emma told Elizabeth about her husband and a little about herself. With each passing minute, she found herself beginning to like Elizabeth. "I see that Jack was honest about you. You seem perfect for him."
Elizabeth blushed at her comment. Elizabeth quickly felt comfortable with Emma. Jack was right, she was a great person, and she knew Jack was lucky with convincing Emma and her husband move to their town.
"I know I will be working with your husband, but we will be working together too. Our time will certainly overlap, and I want the best for Jack. I know that's you. I will know the types of day he will have. If is having a very difficult time, I want it to be ok to call you and let you know before he walks into the house in a mood."
"You are very kind. That will be a huge help. I can be ready when he gets home."
"Thank you for understanding, Elizabeth. I will let you go. I just wanted to touch base with you."
"Thank you Emma. It has been a pleasure getting to know you a little and I look forward to becoming friends with you."
Elizabeth smiled as she disconnected the call. She liked Emma and was happy to begin a good friendship with Jack's assistant. She also realized the communication with Emma could be a great benefit to her.
…
After getting ready for bed, Elizabeth laid down on the massive king sized bed and plugged her phone in to charge. She laid it on the pillow then looked out the French doors to the mountains. Instead of praying, she just had a one sided conversation with God. "Everyone is getting my hopes up about this pregnancy thing. I would love to be pregnant, but I'm afraid it's too soon. We haven't been married long, and I'm not sure how Jack would feel about it. I know he would love to have a child with me, but would he want one this fast? You know my heart and my desire, but I want yours more than mine. So, if I am or if I'm not, I will be settled with whatever your decision is."
She closed her eyes knowing in her heart she was settled with whatever her immediate future held. She opened her eyes and noticed the time. She closed her eyes again for a moment knowing Jack will be facetiming her soon. Without knowing it, she fell asleep. She continued the previous dream where she left off.
She laid her head on Jack's shoulder. Her little boy and little girl were running around the yard chasing each other. She raised her head to look at her husband in the eyes. She noticed the huge smile on his face as he watched his children playing. She saw the love written all over his face.
"Jack…"
"I know sweetheart. I know." His smile never leaving his face.
She smiled knowing full well he understood. Words were not a requirement for them.
"TJ is going to need a bath very soon."
She laughed at Jack using their son's new nickname. It did sound good and full of meaning.
"Yes. How does a little boy get so dirty so fast? I cleaned him off two minutes ago and now he looks like I haven't cleaned him in days."
"Well…it is a gift." He copied his little boy's defense.
"He gets that from you, you know?"
"What?"
"The sassiness." She laughed.
"He has no choice…he gets that from both of us." He laughed as she playfully hit him in the stomach. "I think he gets it from his grandmothers." Both laughed knowing that was partially true.
"Your little carbon copy of you has your sassiness too. She is just more subtle with it. And she has that stubborn streak that is totally you!" Jack smiled at the image of his daughter.
"Hey now. You are stubborn too." She argued. "I'm not stubborn, I'm steadfast."
"I'll remind you of that when you two are battling again." He laughed.
"You know, it's not helpful when you stand there and laugh at us."
"I laugh because you are arguing with you. You two bump heads when she is acting just like you. You both use the same phrase and take the same stance looking at each other." He let out a long, loud laugh.
"You realize you are the same way with them." She teased.
"Yes, but it's more amusing when it is happening to you. I guess they are the best and worst of us." Jack stated.
"Yeah…" She trailed off admiring her two little ones. Rip was chasing the kids around barking and jumping at them. The whole scene in front of them was perfect and she couldn't think of a thing to change.
She sighed and leaned against Jack as he pushed the swing slightly with his feet. She placed her hand on her belly and rubbed it lightly. Jack placed his hand over her hand and they both moved their hand to rub her ever growing belly.
"When you are ready, little one, we are ready for you to join us." He stated with a smile.
"Yeah, that would be perfect." She sighed again as she snuggled closer to Jack's side.
…
Elizabeth's eyes shot open when she heard her phone's ringtone went off that was just for Jack. She took a moment to get her brain engaged before answering the phone.
"Hey Dimples. I hope you had a great day?"
"Hello beautiful. Did I wake you? You look like you have fallen asleep."
"I did fall asleep waiting on you to call."
"I'm sorry it's a little late. I lost track of time while sitting and talking with Frank."
"That's ok."
"Did you have a good day?" He asked.
Elizabeth went into detail about the day's activities. The joy of just being with the girls doing any activity was the best part of the weekend.
"Maybe we should schedule this little getaway every year. It could be your weekend with family and friends."
"Maybe, how was your day?"
"It was good. I have enough work done that I can take tomorrow afternoon to spend with you."
"That's great, Jack. Thank you for doing that."
"My pleasure, Bella. "
She told Jack about the dream. He laughed at most of it. He thought she was cute with her excitement when she talked about the dream. He did think it was a little odd that the dream just progressed like a movie. "That's interesting. What do you think about it?"
"Well, it's just a dream. I don't know if it means anything." She mentioned but wasn't sure if she believed it herself. The dream was wonderful, and she hoped it was their future. She never put much stock in dreams, but now she was hoping they were a prelude to the future…their immediate future.
"Are you still working on the house this week?"
She began to answer but the words were coming slower by the minute. Jack knew she wouldn't last too much longer.
"Jack…tell me a story."
Jack smiled. She would say that just before she fell asleep. She loved falling asleep listening to him. So, he began to tell her a story.
"One day, there was a police officer walked into town to solve a burglary case. He not only caught the burglar, but he caught a princess too." He began but could already see Elizabeth's eyes were closed and her breathing was slow and relaxed. "Elizabeth, I am hoping your dream isn't just a dream. I hope it is our future, our soon to be future."
The corners of her mouth turned up, but her eyes did not open nor did her breathing changed.
…
Elizabeth woke up with a smile on her face. Today was the day she was going home and will get to see her husband. While the trip was great, she was missing Jack. She couldn't wait to smell him or touch him. Four days without her husband were too long to wait. Plus, with the misunderstanding the day before she left, only added to her desire to see him. When she sat up, her stomach instantly turned and rumbled. She placed her right hand on her stomach and threw the covers off with her left hand. She barely made it to the bathroom before throwing up.
After about ten minutes of being sick. She finally felt a little better. She was about to get ready until she heard a knock on the door. When she answered it, she was shocked at who was standing before her.
Grace was standing in front of the entire group of ladies. Charlette was standing beside her and everyone else was behind them.
"May I help you?" Asked a confused and surprised Elizabeth.
Grace smiled at her middle child. Instead of saying anything, she handed a small brown paper bag to Elizabeth. "Here…take this, we'll wait."
Elizabeth took the bag and slowly opened it. At the bottom of the bag, there were three pregnancy tests staring at her. She looked up at her mother and then the rest of the ladies. "When did you get this?"
"Saturday." Beth answered. "It's time you take it. We all know you were sick this morning. It's time."
"I'll take it later."
"You'll take it now." Commanded Charlette with a smile. "We will wait."
"Mom, I don't think…"
"Elizabeth Marie Thorton. Enough!" Grace huffed.
"I have told you for a while now, you need to do this, and we will be here with you." Beth stated.
"Now, go in the bathroom and we will all wait on your deck together until it's ready. Here is a bottle of water." Charlette stated. "When you take the test, come and wait with us until it's ready."
Without another word, everyone except Elizabeth walked toward the patio and took a seat. Elizabeth watched them until they sat down. She noticed Alice wave toward the bathroom telling her to hurry up. There was no chance she was going to win this argument. As independent as she is, she was facing every woman in her life who was just as independent as she is. In defeat, she walked back into the bathroom to take the test.
After a couple of minutes, she stepped out onto the patio and took a seat between her two mothers. "Ok…we have ten minutes to wait. What do we do now? She asked.
…
Jack sat down at his favorite bar stool in Abagail's café. He looked around and noticed everyone was the same people working, but something was off. While this place is great with really good food, Abagail is the person who makes this place special. Mary came with his favorite hot tea to drink and took his order. He has been in town for a little while now, so he was getting to know a lot of people. Plus, he was married to the famous and well like school teacher. Several people stopped and chatted with him before his meal arrived.
Jack looked up, "Well, good morning Ms. Florence. I am a little surprised to see you here this early."
"Good morning Jack. My internal alarm clock always gets me up early. I can't help it."
"Would you please sit with me?"
"Thank you, Jack. I would enjoy that." Ms. Florence smiled as she sat on the stool beside Jack. "Where is Elizabeth?"
Jack told her about the girl weekend she was on and that she would be coming home today.
"Oh, that must be a lot of fun."
"Oh, it was." Jack pulled out his phone and showed her the picture of the dining room table set she found at the craft fair. "I think she knocked it out of the park."
"That is stunning. She found that at a fair?"
"Yes, in Baxton. Evidently, they had a lot of great things there. I believe all the ladies found something there."
"I've been to Baxton before, but I didn't know about the fair. It was always later in the summer when I would go up there. Usually before school starts."
"What are your plans for the summer?"
Ms. Florence shared with Jack her summer plans. She had to work at the school for another two and a half weeks before her summer break began. Then she would begin work two and a half weeks before school began for the fall semester.
Jack shared with her a few things he had working on with the school and SRO Henry when he would become Chief. She was delighted to hear how interested he was in the kids of Hope Valley.
"Thank you, Jack, for thinking of our youth. Too many people dismiss them because they are young. They are truly our future, and it is great to see that you care for them."
Jack gave her a big smile. "Almost as much as you do, Ms. Florence. I can see how much you care for them."
"Thank you, Jack. That is very nice of you to say that."
"You are a special lady."
Ms. Florence blushed at Jack's compliments. They spoke during their entire breakfast. Their friendship was always established due to his stopping by so much to see Elizabeth, but this morning's conversation strengthened their friendship. They learned more about each other, and a true friendship was established.
…
Elizabeth closed the door behind her and took an empty chair between her mother and mom.
"Well, I guess we wait for the ten minutes." Julie stated.
Alice stood and walked to Elizabeth and kneeled to whisper into her ear. "Elizabeth, would you prefer if I go downstairs?"
"Why would you do that?"
Embarrassingly Alice continued. "Well, first off I am not family and…"
Elizabeth cut her off. "Well, you are family now after this weekend. Now, take your seat. We have" She looked at the timer on her cell phone, "nine minutes to wait." She gave Alice a soft smile.
Alice returned her smile and gave her a hug. "Thank you, Elizabeth for including me on this and for this weekend. That was very nice of you."
"Alice, you are a dear friend. Now, we just wait."
Elizabeth fidgeted in her seat. She sipped her water, but nothing was helping her nerves. "Mom, if this is positive, how do you think Jack will react?" Her nerves were running out of control, and she couldn't stop them.
"Oh, Lizzy. He will be over the moon."
"You honestly think so? This isn't happening too fast?"
"Too fast?... You two…too fast?" Charlette laughed. This made all the woman laugh.
Elizabeth huffed.
"Dear, what's wrong?" Asked Grace.
"We have talked about kids, but I always thought this would take some time. We haven't been married very long. We aren't trying for kids, but we are not trying to keep it from happening. We decided to let it happen when it was time for us."
"Well…in your time frame, you have been married a long time." Grace teased while Elizabeth gave her a look. "Elizabeth, you are freaking out. Try to calm yourself. You know Jack will be over the moon with you being pregnant. He will be perfectly fine if you aren't. He loves you."
"I know. I think I'm just anxious."
"And that is understandable. Now, how much longer?"
"Six and a half minutes."
"It seems like it is in going in slow motion!" Exclaimed Charlette. All the ladies nodded their heads in agreement.
"What are you going to do if you are pregnant?"
"Julie, I'm just waiting on the next six minutes. I'll make that decision later if I need too." She breathed. "Ladies, however this ends in the next six minutes, this is between us until I speak to Jack. Understand?"
"Yes." They all stated and nodding their heads.
…
Adam was spending the morning in the shop behind his house. He laid in bed for an extra thirty minutes staring at the ring on his dresser table. He has spoken with Jack and received his ok. His kids were on board with everything. Now, all he needed was Charlette back in town and for her to say yes.
While being in the shop was keeping him busy, he wasn't too focused on his project. Therefore, he wasn't getting a lot accomplished other than giving his mind something else to think about.
In Charlette's absence, they have texted regularly and spoken by phone each night. He was planning to take Charlette out this evening for a nice, special dinner if she wasn't too tired from her weekend.
…
When Elizabeth finished asking the ladies for their confidence to keep this a secret until she speaks to Jack, her phone buzzed. "You know that has to be him." Teased Vi.
Elizabeth smile knowing it was true. She looked at her phone and noticed she still have five minutes to wait. Then she saw the text from Jack. It was their text, 831. Then it buzzed again. This time there was a picture. It was of Jack and Ms. Florence sitting at the stools eating breakfast at Abagail's. Elizabeth smiled knowing their friendship.
E – Are you having breakfast with a nice lady in my absence?
J – Yes my wife left me for a few days
E – At least she knows you are taken
J – Taken and very excited about that fact. I miss you.
E – Same here. I miss you
J – When do you think you will be home?
E – I'm not sure. I'll let you know when I do.
J – Great. Be careful Love you
E – Love you
The plan was to leave right after breakfast, but the morning's schedule has changed. Now, all the ladies are sitting on her patio waiting the last four minutes to count down.
"Good…grief…can time go any slower!" Elziabeth exclaimed.
"There's the impatient middle daughter I know so well." Grace stated.
Elizabeth huffed but laughed immediately following.
"Does Jack know how impatient you are?"
"He sure does!" Laughed Elizabeth.
…
Jack finished his conversation with Ms. Florence and headed to the office for a few hours. He would work from the office today until Elizabeth was home. Then he was going to take the rest of the day off to spend with his wife. He was shocked how much he missed her. He has lived by himself for several years now and was perfectly ok with that arrangement. Now, he just missed his wife.
Bill met him when he walked into the station. "Hey Jack…do you have a few minutes?"
"Sure Chief."
Jack smiled at him when he walked beside Bill to his office. As they walked into the office, Jack immediately realized a middle aged woman sitting in a chair in front of Bill's desk. She was sitting in the chair that he would normally sit in when he visited Bill's office.
"Detective Jack Thorton, this is Mrs. Jane Atwater. Jane, this is Jack. He will be replacing me very shortly as chief."
"Jack, it is great to meet you. I have heard so much about you."
"Thank you, Mrs. Atwater, but I wouldn't believe everything the Chief says."
"Jane, please. Well, he did have good things to say."
"Well, at his age, he tends to forget things."
Bill acted annoyed, but Jane and Jack laughed.
"I agree." Jane laughed again at Bill's expense. "But I also heard a lot from Superintendent Johnson."
Jack lowered his head in embarrassment.
"Well, I don't know about all of that."
"Well, I do. I have read the record of your service. It's very impressive."
Jack nodded.
"I'm from the state's office and we heard about the programs you want to begin in the school system next year."
"Yes, ma'am. How did you hear about it?"
"When you contacted the state's school chair about the possibility of doing this, they passed it up to us. We are very impressed with what you intend to do. I'm here to talk about some areas where the state, both the state and school system, can be of assistance."
"Assistance?"
"Yes, we have no desire to take this over. We only want to make sure you know of the resources we have. If it works well, we may want your help in engaging these programs in other counties."
"Really?"
"Yes, we are very impressed with it. If it works here, we may want to see if we can implement it elsewhere. Now detective, what's your process and goal here?"
…
Julie was in the middle of describing the layout of her knew living room when Elizabeth's phone buzzed when the timer hit zero. Everyone grew silent and all eyes were on her. A part of her wanted to jump up and run to the bathroom counter where all three tests were sitting. Another part of her wanted to remain in the seat and not move. She was excited, scared, hoping, terrified…every emotion she could think of was running through her mind.
"Dear, would you like to go alone or one of us to go with you?" Her mother asked.
Elizabeth smiled at her mother first, then her mom, and then everyone else when their eyes connected. "Come on ladies, we all waited ten minutes for this, we should at least find out together."
Elizabeth stood and began walking to the bathroom with purpose. She was followed by her mother and then Charlette. Then her sisters, Vi, Julie, and Abagail, were behind them followed by Alice and Beth. Everyone was holding the hands of the lady beside them. Truth be told, everyone was hoping the test was positive, but no one said it out loud.
When Elizabeth walked into the bathroom and stepped up to the counter, she closed her eyes before looking at the tests. She whispered a short prayer under her breath. "Lord, I know what I want, but I am leaning on your will. Whatever you decide, I'm good." To her surprise, everyone said Amen when she did. Evidently, the little prayer wasn't silent like she thought. Charlette and Grace placed their hands on her shoulders and Elizabeth opened her eyes and reached for the first test she took which was the one on the right.
Elizabeth picked up the pregnancy test and her fingers tingled. She laid the test down on the counter and shook her hand. Her mother looked at her and asked if she was ok.
"I'm fine. My fingers just tingled.