Chapter 71

A few days later, Jack woke up hearing his wife in the bathroom. He closed his eyes and said a quick prayer for his sick wife. He knew she was dealing with morning sickness but didn't know how he could fix it. He couldn't take it away.

Jack stepped into the bathroom and noticed Elizabeth kneeling at the toilet. He reached down and gathered her hair to hold it back. "Sweetheart, are you ok?"

Without saying a word, she nodded her head. She leaned back to sit in front of the toilet with her back against the wall. Jack wet a wash cloth and placed it on the back of her neck.

"Would you like some saltines? Maybe some toast?"

"Ginger tea and some dry toast please." She looked up and gave Jack a weak smile.

"I wish I could take this away from you." He whispered as he kissed the top of her head.

"This will pass soon enough."

"Not soon enough." He declared. "I will be back in a couple of minutes.

Elizabeth's morning sickness was usually in the mid afternoon, now it was also in the mornings around six. As bad as that was, she couldn't understand why it was so early. After a few minutes in the bathroom, she usually felt better once she was finished and then had a small snack. Small foods usually helped with her sickness.

Elziabeth began to feel better and stood to wash her face and brush her teeth. She looked in the mirror and rubbed her hands over her still flat stomach. "I love you two very, very much. I am blessed to be your mother. But could you please take it easy on me for a little while?" She chuckled.

Jack walked into the bedroom after Elizabeth was already back in bed. He gave her a soft smile and offered her the tea and a small plate of dry toast. Elizabeth leaned back against the headboard and sipped on her tea. Ginger tea wasn't her favorite flavor, but it worked the best on her morning sickness.

"Thank you, Jack."

"I just wish there was something I could do to help you."

"You do. You always watch out for me and get me tea and snacks afterward."

He gave her a weak smile. He leaned over and kissed her tummy. This has become a thing for him. However, this was the first time he said something to the babies.

"Ok you two. This is your daddy. You two have been giving mommy a hard time with the sickness. We want you two to be healthy, but can't you give her a break today?"

Elizabeth smiled at her husband. He was such as sweet man, and she knew he would be a great father.

"Mommy loves you with everything she is, and she would do anything for you. So, be nice to mommy today and don't make her sick for the rest of the day, ok?" He smiled at Elizabeth's tummy and placed two kissed on each side of her stomach.

When Jack looked up at his wife, he noticed a large smile on her face. "I hope that works." He stated as he sat up and braced himself beside Elizabeth.

"Me too, but I'm not putting too much faith in it."

"I believe your tummy is growing a little bit."

"I believe you are right." She frowned.

"I think it looks absolutely beautiful." He stated as he stared at her belly.

"I hope you will think that when I am big as a water buffalo."

"You are a beautiful lady. And now that you are pregnant, you will glow as well." He smiled at her to reassure her. "Do you have a busy day today?" He asked.

"I'm meeting with Julie to look at a few things at the furniture store. She wanted to pick out something else for her house. I think we will grab lunch too."

"That sounds like a great plan."

"I still can't believe you haven't told anyone about the twins yet." She stated shaking her head in amazement.

They have decided to wait a few days to tell their families. They weren't trying to keep secrets, but they were excited to know something that no one else knew yet.

"You know, I can keep a secret."

"Jack, I swore you were going through the phone book and randomly calling people just to tell them we were pregnant." She teased him with a smirking grin as she took a sip of her tea.

"Well…I might have once or twice." He teased her knowing full well he did tell everyone he talked too.

…

Viola stepped into her office with a smile on her face. The last couple of days have been great. The night of the ball game led to her and James going to get some ice cream. They enjoyed their talk and have spent the last couple of days texting and talking one evening late into the night. She was impressed with James and was actually looking forward to their dinner date at the end of the week.

She knew he was coming into the bank today to sign the paperwork to finalize the commercial loan. Everything regarding the loan was going very well. Everything lined up well and the only thing that was needed was to finalize paperwork was signatures. She took extra time this morning to make sure she looked good. The short few weeks she lived in Hope Valley, she could see she has changed. Before meeting and secretly marring Lionel, she was a snob. She only got worse with Lionel. While she thought she was happy with him and the lifestyle they were living, she now realizes she was completely wrong. Being is Hope Vally and around her sisters and their husbands was teaching her the true important parts of life. She enjoyed her job and was enjoying her time with James. James already been through his own nasty divorce. Both were moving slow in whatever this is, but she couldn't deny she was becoming more attracted to this man.

James was feeling the same way. He was growing to enjoy getting to know Viola, but his wrecked marriage left plenty of scares. He was enjoying their slow moving relationship. In his opinion, Viola was worth the effort and he wanted to spend time with and get to know her. While dressing for work, he forgoes his usual attire and dressed in better clothes. He wasn't trying to fool himself. He knew he was dressing for Viola. He tried to tone it down but couldn't. He couldn't deny the fact that he was looking forward to seeing her today.

…

Abagail looked up from the counter and noticed Elizabeth as she walked into the café. She studied her friend for a few moments. She didn't know what, but she knew something wasn't what she thought. Elizabeth was smiling. She was glowing. She seemed happy, but there was just something that didn't seem right.

"Hey sis. How are you feeling this morning?"

"Better now. That ginger tea really works."

"That's great. I never did like ginger tea."

"It's not my favorite, but it does work the best."

"Have you found anything else that works?"

"Some things help, but nothing to remove it completely. Though, Jack tried something this morning."

Abagail looked at her confused. "What did he try?"

Elizabeth smiled and let out a small laugh. "He told the babies to take it easy on me and not to make me sick for the rest of the day."

Abagail laughed at Jack's silliness. "Only if it would work that…Wait! Did you say babies?"

"Did I say what?" Asked a flustered Elizabeth. She couldn't believe she let the news slip.

"You said Jack spoke to the babies and asked them to not make you sick for the rest of the day."

"Uhm…Did I say really say babies?"

"Elizabeth…Marie…Thorton…are you holding out on me?" She used her older sister voice and was wagging her finger.

Elizabeth froze for a moment. She couldn't lie. She also remembered the promise with Jack to hold the news for a few days. I can't believe I was the one who let the news slip first. Especially since I have joked with Jack about him not being able to keep a secret. "Abagail…"

"Oh…My…Gosh…You're having twins! Twins! I can't believe this!"

"Abagail! You don't have to yell it so everyone can hear it!"

"Elizabeth! You're having twins!" Abagail couldn't control her excitement. Elizabeth grabbed her hand and escorted her older sister to her office.

"Abagail! You can't say anything to anyone. We wanted to keep this a secret for a few days."

"Why?"

"We just wanted to get us use to this idea first. We love knowing more than anyone else for now. We plan on telling everyone in a couple of days."

"Elizabeth! You're having twins!"

"Abagail…I know. I was in the room when the doctor told us."

"Wait…you said a few days?"

"Yes. When we had our first appointment. I'm two months pregnant and the doctor told us then about the twins."

"You've known for a few days and you haven't said anything to me?"

"We haven't told anyone yet."

"You mean Jack has known for a few days and he hasn't told anyone? Didn't he tell that stranger at the gas station on the way to the doctor's appointment?"

Elizabeth laughed at the story. She was sitting in the passenger seat watching her husband talk to some stranger for a few minutes. Then, the older lady walked toward their car and then knocked on the Elizabeth's door window. When the window was lowering, the lady congratulated her for the pregnancy and wished her the best on their doctor visit.

"Yes, and now he will not let me live this down." Sighed Elizabeth.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, I have tortured Jack endlessly about not being able to keep this pregnancy a secret and telling everyone. He hasn't told anyone about the twins, and now I am the one who said something first."

Abagail laughed at her little sis and her facial expression. "I have a feeling he will be ok with it."

"Yeah, but he will joke with me about not being able to keep a secret."

"I won't tell anyone."

…

Tom walked out of the bathroom after showering and dressing for his work day. Today was the first day he would be leaving for a week. Once a month, he would travel around his designated area visiting his customers and team members that wasn't in town. The traveling would last a week. Julie knew this when he accepted the job, but this was the first time they will be apart since they were married. She wasn't happy about it.

"Do you really have to go?"

"Yes, Jules. You knew this when you told me to accept the job. It will only be a week."

"Yes, but…"

"But…"

"Now it's real. You're leaving."

"I am not leaving. I am going on a work trip for a week, maybe a little less. You know, I am not looking forward to this either. I will miss you."

"Is there anything I could do that will keep you here?"

"Well, we like the house and eating, so I have to go."

"What about now?" She said as she untied her robe and let it slip off her shoulders. Showing Tom that she wasn't wearing anything under her robe.

Tom stuttered for a few seconds not being able to say anything at the sight of his beautiful wife. "I don't have to leave at this moment." He said quickly as he walked toward his wife.

An hour later, Tom loaded his bag into his car and then Julie handed him a travel mug of coffee. "Now, be careful and pull over if you get too tired to drive."

"Sweetheart, I am only driving three hours. I'll be fine."

"Tom…"

"Julie, I am going to miss you like crazy! I will call you when I get to the first company to let you know I'm there. I plan on visiting two today and then check into a hotel for the night. I will talk to you throughout the day."

"I'm going to miss my husband."

"I'm going to miss my wife."

"Is it getting easier to say that?" She smirked.

"I love the sound of calling you my wife. How about you?"

"It's getting easier."

"Maybe you can spend some time with your sisters this week."

"I think I will see if I can."

Tom leaned in and gave her a long, heart warming hug. "I love you, Jules. I will call in a little while."

"I love you, Tom. Please be careful."

Tom offered her a manufactured smile and kissed her with the passion of a newlywed leaving his beautiful bride for a week.

"If you do that again, you will not leave." She stated in a stern, but loving tone.

Tom laughed as he opened his car door. "Please take care of yourself, wife. I will talk to you soon."

Julie watched Tom step into the car and back out of their driveway. When she reached the porch, she couldn't see his car anymore. When her hand reached the front door, her cell phone rang. She hurried into the house and found it on the kitchen table.

"Hello." She didn't have time to look at the screen before accepting the call.

"What are you doing?"

"Watching you drive down the road." She laughed at her husband.

"I miss you."

"I miss you."

"Can we talk while you get ready for your day?"

She smiled at her husband. This was as hard for him as it was for her. This was going to be a long week.

…

Abagail steps out of her office and immediately sees Frank and Henry step into the café. "Frank! Frank! I have something to tell you." Before Elizabeth was able to grab Abagail's arm to get her attention, Abagail yelled out. "Jack and Elizabeth are having twins!"

Elizabeth shook her head. This isn't going to be good for me.

Everyone in the café heard Abagail's statement. After a second or two of silence, the café erupted in cheers. Through the loud cheers, she heard a variety of responses. "Congratulations!" "Wow!" "Blessings!" "Yay!"

"Abagail! Elizabeth used her teacher's voice.

"What?"

"You were supposed to keep that a secret!"

"And so were you!" She stated in that older, sibling voice. "And I'm not sorry. Elizabeth, this is too exciting to keep quiet. You're having twins!" She stated again. Again, the café erupted in cheers. Elizabeth shook her head. This is getting out of hand quickly. "He's not going to let me live this down." She stated with a smile knowing Jack will joke about this like she has with him.

…

Jack looked down at his phone that was blowing up with texts. "What in the world is going on?" He stated as he read the fifth text. The first three texts were the same, "Congratulations!" The next two stated, "WOW!" The next two stated, "What a blessing!" The texts just kept coming in waves. Do they have the right number? Then the next text came, "Congratulation, Jack! You will have your hands full with blessings!"

The texts were coming in so quickly he shut off his phone. He leaned back in his chair for a moment to think why he would be getting so many texts. After a moment, his face broke into a smile. "She told someone!" He exclaimed with a loud voice. "This is good! Now I get to aggravate her about not being able to keep a secret!"

…

Elizabeth tried for the third time to call her husband. "Why is it going straight to voice mail? He never turns off his phone." She stated a little confused. Elizabeth was barely able to speak before another person wished her the best. I need to go and tell him before someone else does. She quickly got up and kissed Abagail on the cheek.

"Hey, where are you going? You haven't gotten your food yet."

"I have to talk to Jack before someone tells him I blabbered to my sister." She teased Abagail.

"Still not sorry." She smirked.

"I wasn't expecting you too be sorry." She smirked back.

…

Elizabeth walked into the police station and saw Bill's assistant with a huge smile. "Congratulations, Elizabeth!"

"You know?"

"Everyone knows."

With that statement, several other people walked up to her and congratulated her for the good news. "Oh, brother. He is going to have a good time with this."

She opened Jack's office door and immediately stopped in her tracks when she saw him sitting at his desk with his hands clinched resting on the back of his head. Jack was slightly moving his office chair side to side. He had that little grin on his face when he thought he won or got the best of her. Oh…no…he knows.

"Husband, that look is not good on you." She exclaimed. Honestly, she loved that look and it also infuriated her a little too.

"What a surprise!" Jack grinned. "You rarely come to my office. Is everything ok?" His grin was only growing.

"Your phone was off, and I was trying to get in touch with you."

"Oh…that. Yeah, my phone was blowing up with texts and I turned it off." Jack reached for his phone on his desk and touched the on button. He waited a few seconds for it to come to life. "Oh, look at that. That's nice." He stated as he turned the phone so Elizabeth could see it.

She read a text from Emma, his new assistant that was moving later in the week. The text stated, "Congratulations, Jack! Twins are such a blessing. I will be praying for you and Elizabeth. Let me know what I can do."

"How in the world did Emma hear about it in Oklahoma City so fast?" She said under her breath, but loud enough for Jack to hear.

"Yeah, how did she hear about our twins when we haven't told anyone? Oh, I mean when I haven't told anyone." He laughed.

…

Adam arrived at Charlette's home for breakfast before heading out to their next project. The two have become quiet the duo working through the church volunteer program. Adam enjoyed helping others and Charlette was growing to love it just as much as he did. She was also learning how to work on projects. She was loving working on the projects and helping people. After retiring, she was searching for some sort of direction in her life. She loved teaching, but it was time to retire.

When she opened the door, Adam offered her a huge smile. "Congratulations! You must be excited about the news."

She looked at him confused. "What are you talking about, Adam?"

"Charlette, the news is all over town."

"The news…Adam, what are you talking about?"

"Jack and Elizabeth, they are having twins."

"Twins? I haven't heard. How do you know that?"

"The cashier at the gas station told me this morning when I was fueling up the truck. Also, the guy beside me at the pumps."

"He is in so much trouble!"

…

Before Elizabeth was able to say anything, Jack's phone rang. He looked at it and tapped to accept the call. Then he handed it over to Elizabeth.

She looked confused until she heard Charlette's voice coming through the speaker phone. "Thomas Jack Thorton! Why didn't you tell me! I had to hear from Adam that you were having twins! He heard it from the cashier at the gas station and from some guy pumping gas beside him. You could have told me."

Elizabeth lowered her head. How much worse can this get? "I'm sorry mom."

"Elizabeth? I'm sorry. I thought I called Jack."

"You did. He handed me his phone."

"Is he being a coward and handing over his phone to his precious wife to avoid his mother?"

Elizabeth smiled at her mom and Jack shook his head. "Hello Ma. How are you doing?"

"Jack, why did I have to hear about this news from strangers?"

"Mom, that was my fault. I let it slip to Abagail about thirty minutes ago by mistake. I have no idea how it spread so quickly."

"How long have you two known?"

"Ma, we found out at the doctor's appointment a few days ago. We wanted to get used to the idea before we told everyone. We were planning on telling everyone in a couple of days."

"Really?"

"Yes, Ma. We liked the idea of knowing more than others at this point, but we were going to tell people soon. I promise."

"Well, ok then. Elizabeth, how are you feeling?"

"Wait, why isn't she in trouble?" Jack whined.

"Well, first of all, it's Elizabeth. Secondly, she is carrying my grandbabies." Teased Charlette.

"I'm doing well, mom. Dealing with morning sickness in the mornings and afternoons."

"Oh dear. I hope you are finding something to help with the sickness."

"Ginger tea and dry toast helps. Of course, Jack told the babies to take it easy on me today, we will see if that works or not." She sassed looking right at Jack with a smirk.

"Elizabeth, you take care of yourself and those babies, you hear? Maybe we can have lunch sometime this week?"

"That sounds great, mom."

After Elizabeth disconnected the call, Jack looks at her. "I don't understand. She calls all upset at me for finding out about the twins by some stranger at the gas station, but once she realizes it was you who told people and not me, she was ok with it."

Elizabeth smiled and walked around Jack's desk and right into his open arms. "Jack, I am sorry I let it slip. I was telling Abagail about what you said to the babies this morning and used the word babies instead of baby."

"It's alright, Elizabeth. I have certainly told a lot of people about the pregnancy."

"Thank you, Jack. I guess we better call my family before they find out from someone from Australia." She giggled at how fast the news has spread.

"Did all of this really happen only thirty minutes ago?"

"It really did. I can't believe how fast it spread."

…

After the hug, Elizabeth began to talk with Jack and calling her parents and then her sisters when Bill stuck his head into Jack's office. "Hey Jack…oh, hey Elizabeth. It's great to see you. Are you ok?"

"I'm fine Bill. Why do you ask?"

"Well, you never come to the station."

"Huh…I guess I need to start coming by more often."

"Jack, how does Monday sound?"

"Sound for what?" Asked Elziabeth.

"For the conference."

"That sounds great Bill. Late morning conference?"

"Sure."

"What conference?" Elziabeth asked again. She didn't understand.

"The news conference to announce Jack as the new Police Chief beginning at noon on that Monday."

"Jack, you are becoming the Police Chief this Monday?"

"It sounds like it."

"Yes, the conference will begin at 11:45 and you will be sworn in at noon. At that time, my retirement will begin."

"Jack! That is so exciting."

"You'll be there with me, right?"

"Where else would I be?"

Bill and Jack discussed the process of the news conference and what would happen. Jack's first day of being the chief will be full of ceremony and meetings. Normal life of being chief would begin on Tuesday. Bill was telling Jack that he needed to hire a detective. That was one of Jack's first tasks to perform.

As Bill began to walk out of the office, he turned back toward Jack and Elizabeth and stated. "Oh, congratulations on the twins. I hope all is well with you Elizabeth."

"Does everyone know?" She whispered.

"I believe so." Smirked Jack.

Elizabeth knew her husband wouldn't make a big deal out of her letting the news slip, but she also knew he would have his fun with it too.

She rolled her eyes at his victorious look, "We better call my parents before I get in trouble with them."

At that moment, her phone buzzed. She looked at her phone and saw a picture of her mother on the screen. She sighed and then smiled. "Here, you answer it."

…

A nervous James McKay walked into the bank lobby just before eleven o'clock. He had to sign a couple pieces of paper to finalize the loan. He was needing the loan to purchase machinery for his business to grow. His company was growing, and he was limited with the machinery he currently had. With this loan, he would be able to purchase the equipment that would allow him to accept the jobs he was turning down. This made him happy, but to be honest, that wasn't why he was excited this afternoon. As the door was closing and his eyes adjusting from walking inside from a sunny day, his eyes landed on the person that created his excitement.

Viola's outfit made her look a little taller than he remembered. Her hair was pulled back a little on the top and hung down over both shoulders. Her smile brightened the room and her eyes made him forget where he was.

She smiled and that stopped him in his tracks. He was shifting awkwardly from side to side. Her smile grew when she finally realized that it was her that stopped him. Lionel never did anything like that. This simple act from James made her feel special. Unlike Lionel, James wasn't forcing his reaction. He seemed genuine and that made her fall deeper for him.

As she walked closer to him at the front door, she began. "Good afternoon, Mr. McKay. How are you today?"

James couldn't talk. He stood like a very awkward teen boy who just saw his crush in the hallway at school. He realized that he was fallen for this woman standing in front of him. They have meet when he applied for the loan, they had ice cream following the ball game, and texted and phoned a few times. At first, he was nervous. He hasn't dated since his ugly divorce. He was burned and had no desire to date. He turned down several offers because he just didn't want to open his heart for the possibility of being hurt again.

However, this woman standing in front of him was different. He couldn't put his finger on why. She was a little different. She was certainly from upper class, and he most certainly wasn't. She wasn't snobbish, but he could tell she had become accustomed to a different life than his. He was a little shocked she moved to Hope Valley. With all of that flashing through his mind in a split second, he couldn't deny his heart's pull toward her. He had to get to know her. He had to be around her. He had to talk with her. Somehow, she was pulling him in, and he noticed at that very moment looking into her smile that he didn't care. Actually, he wanted to be pulled into her.

Again Viola stated, "James, are you alright? You seem a little off today."

He snapped his head to engage his brain. "I'm fine beautiful." He stated with a sheepish voice. At that moment of hearing his voice, he realized what he said. His eyes dropped to the floor in embarrassment.

If he would have looked at Vi for a moment longer, he would have seen her smile grow even more. She was attracted to him too. Her heart longed to get to know him while her mind was telling her to slow down. Her heart was winning easily.

"Viola," He began without looking at her. "I'm so sorry. I didn't realize I said that out loud. I….uh…I…" He brought his hand to his forehead with a loud pop. "I didn't mean to disrespect you. I…I think I'm going to go and stand in the corner and try to disappear." He squeaked out barely above a whisper. He began to walk in the direction of the chairs to his left. He wasn't sure if that was where he was supposed to go, but he just wanted to disappear.

At that moment, when he called her beautiful and his embarrassment and his inability to talk correctly, was when she fell completely for this man. She also knew he was interested in her too. When she noticed that James turned to walk away, she reached for his forearm.

"James, thank you for your compliment." She softly stated.

He was still too embarrassed to look at her and she liked that.

"Now, let's sign the papers and get that finished. Then, we can go to lunch."

James looked up and captured her eyes. "Really?"

"Really. Now, let's go. We have a lunch waiting for us."

"You're not mad?"

"Why in the world would I be mad, knowing the guy that I like thinks I'm beautiful?"

"Thank you for understanding…Wait! What?" With him being flustered, his mind was taking some time to process. "You like me?"

The tint of red was taking over Viola's face. She looked down and nodded her head.

"Whew." He let out a long, deep breath. He reached for her hand. She was a little shocked at his forwardness in the middle of the bank but was enjoying the feel of his hand holding her hand. "I would very much welcome the opportunity to get to know you better. Lunch today would be great."

…

Tom reached his first stop on this trip. Everything was going well with this store and the sales were up. His boss was happy with the things Tom changed and the employees were excited because of the increased sales would mean more pay for them. He walked the store and made suggestions when he thought it was necessary, but the greatest thing he did was listen to the store employees. They were excited they had someone who listened to them. Tom didn't do everything they suggested, but they felt they were heard.

After the visit, Tom called his bride. "Hey Julie, how are you today?"

"I'm great. You?"

"I'm doing well. The visit went well. Actually, better than I expected."

"That's great. You are doing well with this job."

"Yeah, I think I found my niche."

"That's great, love. Now, what's next?"

"Driving the next hour and a half to the next stop and then finding dinner and a hotel for the night. What about you?"

"Work and then meeting Elizabeth to chat."

"That sounds great. Now, tell me something."

"Like what?" She smiled. She knew Tom was missing her and just wanted to hear her voice.

"I don't care. I just want to hear your voice."

After smiling at her husband's declaration, "Well…"