Chapter 77

"Hey mom. How are you this evening?" Elizabeth answered when her phone buzzed.

"I'm doing well. How are you?"

"I'm good. Jack is out on a case at the moment."

"Oh. Anything I should be worried about?"

"I don't think so. I'm not sure. I haven't heard anything since he left. He just left a little while ago."

"We'll hope for the best. How are you feeling?"

"Jack did his magic again. I haven't been sick all afternoon." She stated shaking her head.

"That can't really happen…can it?" Charlette asked tentatively.

"You know, I understand the babies can't hear him yet. But…"

"Don't say it." Warned Charlette. "If you say it, it becomes real."

"I know," Laughed Elizabeth. "But it's uncanny how it works. It's never failed. When he doesn't say anything, I get sick. When he does, I don't get sick. I don't understand it at all."

Both ladies were shaking their heads.

"Did you know Jack came by Adam's house today?"

"I do. He told me during dinner."

"Do you know what they talked about?"

"I do not. He just said it in passing. He didn't give any details and it sounded simple enough. Why?"

"He was here two hours. Adam won't tell me what all they discussed."

"That's odd."

Both ladies sat quietly for a moment. Charlette was worried that Jack changed his mind concerning her relationship with Adam. They haven't shared that they were getting married soon.

"Do you think it was about me and Adam?" She asked hesitantly and softly.

"I'm not sure. I know he likes Adam. We have talked about you two and he is fine with it. Actually, he told me a couple of days ago that he is expecting some big news from you two."

"Really?" Asked a surprised Charlette.

"When we were on our girl weekend away, Adam came by and spoke with Jack."

"About what?" Charlette was intrigued now.

"You two getting married. Adam wasn't asking for permission, but he wanted to make sure Jack was ok if he asked you to marry him."

Charlette gushed over Adam's thoughtfulness toward her boys. "Well, we are getting married soon."

"Really?! Mom, that's great news. You two are great together."

"Thank you."

"Oh mom…I'm so excited for you!"

…

Vi's evening with James was coming to an end, but she loved their time together. She thought he looked so handsome in his umpire's uniform. He was even more handsome with how he interacted with the kids. They always were smiling when talking to him. This made her heart beat a little faster.

The parents on the other hand, was something she didn't like at all. No matter what James did, one side of the bleachers were yelling at him and calling him blind, among other horrible names. The insults were never ending. She put her air pods in hoping to drown out most of the insults. She would often glare at the person yelling until she noticed James looking at her. She repositioned herself and noticed a huge smile on his face. How can he remain so calm during all of this chaos?

After the game, they decided to go to a local ice cream shop to enjoy a treat, and to also prolong their time together.

"How do you handle all of that yelling?"

James smiled. "You get used to it over time. Plus, I do it for the kids, not the parents or the coaches or the coaches."

"Yes, but."

"I just don't listen to the yelling. I wish they wouldn't do it, but it is part of the equation. That's why there is such a shortage of umpires."

"I can understand that. I wouldn't put up with it."

James chuckled at her response. "I guess that is where a man's selective hearing comes in good use." He laughed.

She playfully swatted his forearm. He caught her hand and gave her a smile. He didn't let go of her hand until they were ready to leave the shop. Viola enjoyed the contact. She was really not much of a touchy person, but she was learning to enjoy James' touch.

…

Jack hit the man standing outside the window with all he had. As they landed, Jack was on top and drove his shoulder into the man's chest. Jack heard the man gasp for air and felt his body buckle, he also heard a pop in his shoulder. While the pain was excruciating in his shoulder, Jack knew he had to take advantage of the man gasping for air on the ground. He was a fit man and with Jack's shoulder hurting, he didn't want to give him time to recover. When he tried to roll him over onto his stomach, his shoulder wouldn't let him. So, he used his other arm to roll him in the opposite direction.

After getting the gasping man on his stomach, Jack placed the handcuffs on him. It took him a little longer since his shoulder was hurting, but he was able to finish it before the man recovered.

"Sir, you are under arrest."

"No kidding idiot!" The man spouted back in an angry tone.

After handcuffing the man, Jack moved off the man and sat down beside him leaning his back against the side of the house. He was trying to catch his breath. He reached for his injured shoulder trying to find a place for his arm to rest where it didn't hurt.

Jack heard something coming up quickly and tried to brace himself for whatever or whoever it was. He quickly noticed it was the officer Chief Avery mentioned. "Officer, can you make sure he is secure? Then call me an ambulance and clear the streets."

"Sure, detective. Are you ok?"

"Yeah, I separated my shoulder but I'm ok."

"Ouch, but why do I have to clear the streets?"

"I'm about to call my wife." Jack wasn't a betting man, but he would have betted everything he had that Elizabeth would beat the ambulance to the scene.

…

While talking to her mom, Elizabeth's phone vibrated. "Mom, that's Jack. I'll let you go."

"Love you, dear." Charlette disconnected the call before Elizabeth could return the statement.

"Hey Jack. Is everything ok?"

"Yes. It ended before he entered the house. We caught him and he is under arrest."

"That's great, but what's wrong?" She could hear it in his tone that something was off.

"Elizabeth, I need you to hear me and not jump to conclusions or assume the worst, ok?"

"I'm on my way!" She stated and hung up the phone before he had an opportunity to say anything.

"Why didn't you tell her?" The officer asked.

"Well, I was going to, but she hung up before I could."

"Why would she do that?"

"She knew something was wrong and told me she was on her way. I didn't have the opportunity to say anything." Jack laughed. "When you see an auburn hair, pregnant woman jump out of a small blue SUV and start to run, pleased point her into my direction. I'll be right here or with the ambulance."

"Sure will, Chief."

"I'm not the chief. Please give him a call and update him."

"Already done, sir."

…

Jack was sitting on the back portion of the ambulance. By a lucky coincidence, the ambulance was a couple of blocks away after taking an older gentleman home from the hospital. They had already popped his separated shoulder back into place and had given Jack a light pain pill.

Jack looked up when he heard tires screeching and his wife's SUV coming to a sudden stop. As soon as the door opened, he heard her.

"Jack! Jack!" She shouted as she began to run toward an officer standing beside her car.

He noticed the officer point in his direction without saying a word. Immediately she changed course and ran straight to the ambulance. He could see the worry written all over her face. He stood and braced himself. He knew what was coming his way and was grateful the EMS gave him a pain pill.

Like the previous times, she plowed into him with the power of a professional linebacker. The EMT winced when she landed on top of him. Jack let out a little whimper when they landed.

"Jack! Are you hurt?"

"Elizabeth, my pregnant wife needs to stop tackling me."

"Jack, are you hurt?"

"I'm fine."

"Jack! I know better."

"Mere chaude, I am fine. I dislocated my shoulder but the EMTs has already popped it back in place. I'm good. Now, can we get up before you hurt yourself?"

At the mention of his nickname for her, he caught her attention. Their noses were inches apart when she looked into his eyes for confirmation that he was ok. The conversation flowed easily without a word spoken. She heard his words, but those eyes were the place she gathered all of her information. They told the entire story and they told her he was ok.

They stood facing each other. "What happened Jack?"

"I'll tell you if you promise me one thing."

She huffed at her husband. "What?"

"You won't tackle me anymore while you're pregnant."

She gasped at her husband but then noticed his silly smile. After thinking for a moment. "Deal."

Jack told her the whole story. She nodded and was listening intently. She was trying to calm her mind from all of her worries so she could follow what happened.

"So, Amanda and Samuel are safe?"

"Yes."

"And the man is under arrest?"

"Yes, he has already been taken to the police station."

"Are you really ok?"

"My shoulder hurts, but I am fine. The EMT said it will be sore for a few days, but I will be fine and back to normal soon."

Elizabeth looked him over one more time from head to toe to make sure for herself that he was really ok. She noticed a little bit of dirt on him and began to brush it off. "Jack, you don't even have shoes on."

"I should have gotten you to tackle him, Elziabeth. You have always knocked me over when you do that. You hit like a professional linebacker." He laughed at the feeling of this petite woman plowing over him.

She huffed at his statement. "Thomas Jack Thorton…what a thing to say about your pregnant wife." She playfully scolded him poking her index finger in his chest.

"Well, he's not wrong." Stated the EMT.

While Elizabeth glared at the EMT, the EMT and Jack laughed. This made Jack whence in pain.

"Take it easy for a couple of days Chief. The shoulder will heal fine, and you will be back to normal with no problems. Do what you want to but listen to your body. Don't push too much." The EMT offered.

"Thanks, but I'm not the Chief."

"Can I take him home now?" Elizabeth asked the EMT.

"As far as I am concerned, he is finished with me."

"I can go. Everything here is taken care of. I just want to check on Samuel and Amanda before I go."

"Let's check on them and then you are going home." Elizabeth stated without giving Jack time to respond before taking his good arm and leading him to Amanda's house.

…

"So, what did you and my oldest boy talk about for two hours." Asked a smiling Charlette. She was cuddled up with Adam sitting on the couch. She was leaned against him with her head resting on his shoulder. Her feet were tucked under her with a light blanket over her legs.

"Well, we talked a little bit about life."

"That's good. Anything else?"

Adam took a deep breath. He didn't want to lie to Charlette, but there was no way he was going to break Jack's confidence. He thought about how to explain it. "Well, we talked about a few things, but Charlie, I am not going to share with you what we talked about."

"Why?"

"Well, I am not going to lie to you, but I am keeping Jack's confidence. We discussed some things about life. If you want to know what we talked about, you need to talk to your son."

She huffed for a moment. "So, you're not really going to tell me?"

"No ma'am. I am not. We talked and I am not keeping that from you. Now, what we talked about is between us. It is nothing bad."

"I understand." While she did understand, she wasn't happy. This is not normal for Jack. He has always gone to her with any issues in his life.

"Why didn't he come to me?" She whispered under her breath.

"Well, maybe he wanted a man's perspective."

"Maybe…"

"Charlie, he loves you and you know that. He had some questions and wanted some answers from a man's point of view. I've walked the path he is on, and he asked me some questions. Now, that is all I am telling you. You know we talked, and I am not keeping that from you, but what we talked about is off limits to you unless Jack tells you."

She gave him a big smile. She was grateful that Jack felt comfortable enough to go to Adam and for Adam to talk with him.

"Well…since you're not going to tell me what you two talked about, what do you want to do with our evening?" She flirted.

"I do have a thought." He wiggled his eyebrows up and down and scooted a little closer to her.

…

"Chief Thorton, are you ok?" Asked a concerned Samuel.

Jack kneeled to Samuel's level. "I hurt my shoulder, but I am fine. I will heal in a couple of days and will be back to normal." Jack could see the concern in his eyes. "I promise Samuel. I am fine and I will be fine."

Jack gave him a smile and a pat on the top of his head. "Now partner, thank you for your quick reaction and everything you did."

"I was scared to death." Samuel whispered under his breath.

"It's ok to be scared, Samuel. We are all scared at times. However, you did exactly what you are supposed to do. You called for help. As a result, we were able to take care of the problem and you, and your mom are safe. You did a great job. You are very brave, Samuel."

Samuel gave Jack a small smile. Jack looked up to Amanda and saw a look of sorrow on her face. "Amanda, you have a brave son. He did a great job tonight."

Elizabeth reached out to Amanda and asked for a drink of water. As they walked into the kitchen, Elizabeth reached for Amanda's hand. "Everything will be fine. Samuel and you are safe. Your ex-husband is arrested and sitting in the back of a police car. He cannot hurt you or your son again. He will be in jail for years to come."

Amanda gave her a soft smile. She was hearing her words, but she was still a little scared. "He did do a good job, didn't he?" She whispered.

"Yes, Amanda. He really did."

They talked for a few minutes in the kitchen.

"Elizabeth, thank you for talking with me. You are a big help."

"You're welcome, Amanda."

"You and Jack make a great team. No wonder everyone is excited about you two."

Elizabeth blushed at her statement.

…

Since Jack was the arresting officer, he had to go to the station to fill out reports while everything is fresh in his mind. While sitting at his desk working on the reports, he could still taste her lips on his. She didn't like the fact that he had to go to the department for paperwork. She wanted him to come home with her. He was injured and she wanted to take care of him. She did her best to try to convince him to come home with her.

As Jack finished his last part of his paperwork, Emma called.

"Seriously, Boss Lady. What are you doing calling me so late?"

"Boss Lady?" She huffed.

"Yes, Boss Lady."

"Listen here, Chief…"

"I'm not the chief."

"Sure…now, how are you feeling?"

"I'm good. Just hurt my shoulder a little but I will be fine in a couple of days."

"Great. Steve and I are leaving in the morning to head your way."

"I look forward to you being here and for you to meet Elizabeth."

…

After speaking with Jack for a few minutes, Emma called Elizabeth.

"Hello, Emma. How are you doing?"

"I'm fine. How are you? Are you doing ok?"

"I'm fine."

"I'm sorry to be calling so late, Elizabeth. I just wanted to touch base with you on a couple of things. My husband and I are leaving in the morning. We should be there by Saturday."

"That's great, Emma. I know Jack is excited about getting you here, but you don't have to let me know."

"Elizabeth, I like Jack and I like you. As far as I am concerned, I work for Jack and for you. You are his wife. I want you in the know."

"I appreciate that, Emma. Just keep me up on things you think I need to know."

"I will. Now, the second reason I called is that Chief Avery is leaving tomorrow for a week's vacation. He has asked me to get his office transitioned over to Jack's. I would like your direction in doing this. I would like your help in decorating it."

"Oh, that sounds like fun. I have a sketch for his office. It's at a store in town called Draw-N-Things. It's ready. I just need to pick it up."

"Perfect. I know he has one day that is full of meetings. We should be able to get it finished if we could get the painting done."

"No problem, I know of someone who can do that."

"Perfect."

…

Henry just went to bed and Frank and Abagail were sitting outside on the patio enjoying the night air and a cup of tea.

"Frank, what do you think about fostering another child?"

Frank leaned back in his chair. He rubbed his chin. This was his way of thinking and Abagail gave him time to work through his thoughts. "I'm not sure. I wouldn't mind doing it again, but I think I may want to wait a little while. Things are going well with Henry. I just want us all to get used to our new normal before we add another child into the mix. What do you think?"

"I agree. I would like to do it again, but let's wait a while."

"Perfect. I think we have the love to share, but let's not overdo it too soon."

"I agree. Now, Henry has been asleep for a little while, what do you say we go to bed."

"Well, I'm not really sleepy."

"Me either."

"Then, why do you…oh…let's go woman." Frank jumped to his feet and grabbed Abagail's hand dragging her into the house and down the hallway.

"Frank, we need to lock the doors."

"Are you kidding me? You can't say 'Let's go to bed' and then tell me to go back and lock the doors. I'll get them later."

She laughed as he bumped his shoulder into their door frame of their bedroom.

…

Elizabeth laid down after talking with Emma for a few more minutes. She was really beginning to like her and was grateful Emma was so open with her. She called Charlette to let her know what happened to Jack. She described the whole story in detail and that he was still at the office finishing out paperwork. Charlette was a little upset at first but was reassured by Elizabeth's calm demeanor.

After doing everything she thought she needed to do, she laid down on the couch to wait for her husband. She was tired from the day and then from the excitement of the evening. She texted Jack her quick text to teel him she loved him. She received a return text before she sat the phone down.

Before she even got too comfortable, she was asleep.

"Ma, was daddy really scared of you? Daddy ain't scared of nothing."

"Daddy isn't scared of anything." She corrected her little boy.

"That's what I said." He replied.

Jack laughed at the exchange. Alright you two, it's time to go to sleep. Mommy told you the story. Now, say your nighttime prayers and it's sleep time."

After a couple of moments. "Mommy, were you really mean to daddy?"

"Well, I don't know if I would say I was mean."

Jack cleared his throat. "What would you call it then?" He smirked.

"Ok. I was mean. I shouldn't have been, but I was."

"Mommy, you have never been mean to anyone." The little girl exclaimed.

"Ma, when I'm mean, I get in trouble. Were you in trouble?"

"I was…kind of. I did apologize to your daddy. But he was scared of me the next day." She smirked. "Alright my little loves, time to say your prayers and sleep."

After saying their prayers. The little boy and girl snuggled into their beds and under a thin sheet and small blanket. It didn't take long for them to fall asleep. They play hard and they sleep hard.

After walking out into the hallway, Jack took his wife's hand. "Do you always have to tell that story?"

"Jack, they asked for it." She defended herself.

"But do you have to tell it like that?"

"Like what?" She questioned. "Did I say anything that wasn't true?" She smirked.

"Do you have to say it with such gusto?"

Let's go officer and please make me a tea while I get us a small snack."

"It's Chief."

Elizabeth and Jack sat on the front porch enjoying the evening air. The town was quiet, and they just enjoyed the crickets chirping.

"I think Jack is taking to his nickname fairly well."

"I agree sweetheart. I think he has too."

"I'm grateful."

Jack reached across the small space between their rocking chairs and took her hand. "Elizabeth, thank you for everything."

She offered him a smile. "Jack, thank you."

"Because of you, I have a beautiful son and daughter, another little one on the way, we have this beautiful house and a life I have always dreamed of."

She squeezed his hand. "Jack, you have done this. You have given me the life I have always wanted. Every moment of this is perfect. Even the difficult times are good because of you."

"Elizabeth, this is all because of you."

"Jack, we have done this, not me. You have done this more than I have."

"Me and you."

"Me and you."

…

Jack pulled into the driveway and turned off his truck. It took a little longer filling out the reports than he wanted it too. He decided to question the man in the morning. He just didn't have it in him to begin that process tonight. Plus, he wanted to get home to his wife. He knew she didn't like him having to go in after the arrest.

Jack opened the door slowly in case his wife was asleep. The babies were already making her tired and she often napped during the day if she could. Jack knew it had to be taxing to grow two babies at one time.

After closing the door, he heard Elizabeth asleep on the couch. Her snoring had gotten a little worse as her pregnancy progresses. He hoped it wouldn't continue to get worse. He hasn't told her about it getting louder. He just didn't understand why she was so adamant about her refusing to believe him about her snoring. He laughed at the memories of Elizabeth scolding him about her snoring. I love that silly woman.

Jack took a moment to empty his pockets and get ready for bed. He pulled the sheets back from the bed and turned on the small bedside lamp. He walked back into the living room and turned everything off. He reached down and gently picked up his sleeping wife. He took extra care with his shoulder. She instantly reached for his neck and snuggled her head on his shoulder.

Jack kissed her forehead and began walking to the bedroom.

"Jack, you shouldn't be carrying me with your separated shoulder. You could hurt yourself since I am getting fatter."

"E-liz-a-beth…Ma-rie…That-cher…don't you ever say anything like that again. You are not getting fat. You are being the perfect mother growing and protecting our babies. My shoulder is fine. I am holding you with the good shoulder and I am still under the pain meds."

"You haven't called me Thatcher since our wedding." Elizabeth stated without raising her head from his shoulder.

"When you say something silly like that, then I am going to say something silly."

"Are you ok?"

"I am perfect. I have my wife in my arms. How could things get better?"

Jack slowly placed his wife on her side of the bed. She snuggled into her pillow as he placed the covers over his wife. Jack walked around the bed and laid down. He scooted behind his wife and wrapped one arm around her to her baby bump. He rested his hand on her bump and moved closer so his chest was against her back. He repositioned himself a couple of times to relieve the pain in his shoulder. It didn't take long for them to fall asleep.

…

Viola woke up the next morning with her a huge smile on her face. Today was the day her and James would be leaving for the weekend for his business conference. She knew he would be working during the day making contacts, but she was eager for the evenings to be with him. Her phone buzzed and she was expecting a text from James. However, it was from her youngest sister.

J – Are you up?

V – Yes, Julie. I have a job that I must go to

J – Are you excited about your weekend away?
V – Yes

J – Sounds perfectly romantic

V – We have separate rooms, and it is a working weekend

J – He isn't working the whole weekend

V – You still read too many romance novels

J – Maybe so but tell me you're not excited

V – I am very excited

J – I hope you have a great weekend away

Viola couldn't help but be excited. Her excitement was growing. As she pulled off her covers and just before her feet hit the floor, her phone buzzed again.

J – Good morning beautiful. I hope you are excited about this weekend as I am. I will be by your place at four to pick you up. Is that still ok?

V – Good morning, James. I am excited. I'll be ready

J – Have a great day

Viola exhaled a long, satisfying breath. She really was looking forward to her trip. "I better pack before I get ready for the day." She stated trying to calm her excitement a little.

…

Jack growled when he woke up and tried to move. His shoulder was reminding him that it wasn't happy. He closed his eyes and laid still waiting for the pain to go away.

"Are you ok?" Asked Elizabeth with a tone full of sympathy.

"I am. My shoulder isn't happy right now."

"You shouldn't have carried me to bed. I'm getting…"

"Please don't finish that statement, mere chaude. You are beautiful."

She gave Jack a smile. While she was struggling with gaining weight, she was grateful for her husband's kind words.

"Let me get you some water and one of your pain pills."

"Thank you."

Jack watched his wife leave the bedroom and admired her as she walked away. He closed his eyes and laid still. By the time Elizabeth returned with the meds and water, his shoulder was feeling better.

"Thank you. It's better when I don't move it."

"I bet. Now remember what the EMT said, take it slow for a few days and listen to your body."

Jack gave her a smile when she handed him the pain pill and the glass of water. "I would rather listen to your body." He wiggled his eyebrows.

"Jack Thorton." She tried to scold him with her scary teacher face.

"Beautiful, that's not helping me when you do that."

"Why doesn't that work on you? It works on everyone else."

"You just look so adorable when you do that. Especially when you cut your eyes to the side."

"Jack Thornton…why you little…"

"I love you." He stated with a silly grin.

"You know husband." She began as she sat beside him after he took his medicine. "I guess I have to find some other way to get my point across to you." She smirked.

"First off, if you ever want anything all you must do is smile at me and look at me with those gorgeous eyes of yours. You know I can't say no to you when you do that. Second, if you truly love me, you will never stop doing the scary teacher face thing."

She smirked knowing she could get him to do anything she wanted. She loved this playful side of their relationship.

"When do you have to go into work today?"

"The normal time. Bill is leaving today for his vacation. I need to interrogate Amanda's ex-husband. Today is my first non-official day of being Chief in Bill's absence."

"You are going to do such a great job in that position."

"I hope so."

"Well, I know you will."

"I love the confidence you have in me. I hope I can live up to it."

She leaned over and kissed him on the tip of his nose. "I know you will. Now, the babies are hungry. Go take a shower and I will get breakfast ready for us."

"Pancakes?"

"Yeah, my tummy is a little upset this morning."

"Would you like for me to fix that?" He sassed.

"Jack, you know they can't hear you. They are not far enough along yet."

"If you say so. I won't bother telling them to be good to their mommy today." He smirked as he began to slowly get out of bed.

"Wait, I didn't say that." She followed him into the bathroom. "Jack…Jack…"

…

Emma called Elizabeth while she was making pancakes for her and Jack.

"Good morning, Mrs. Thorton."

"Good morning, Boss Lady." Elizabeth giggled under her breath.

"Good grief. He told you, didn't he?"

"He did." Elizabeth was laughing out loud now. "What may I do for you Emma?"

"Could you get ahold of the people you said you know that paints? Bill's office is being cleaned out today. If they can paint tomorrow or first of next week, then that will give you time to get it decorated."

"I will call them this morning after Jack leaves."

"Now, if you would, could you go by and check out the office to see how you want things. He is allowed an allowance from the department to use on his decorations. You can't go into his office for a few days after they paint. Let me know what you want, and I can take it after they paint. I will just go with what you decide."

"Emma, the greatest thing Jack has ever done was to hire you. You are a gem."

"The second thing, dear. Marrying you is his best decision."