Chapter 81

Viola opened her eyes. She looked around the room for a moment replaying the prior evening over in her mind. She smiled when she felt James tightened his hold on her. She knew he was still asleep because his breathing didn't change. His bare chest against her bare back felt incredible and warm. The memories from the previous night flooded her mind and created a smile to form on her face.

…

About one third through the movie, James was having trouble concentrating. He could smell Viola's perfume looming in the room. She was sitting beside him. Close enough for them to be completely touching. His hand rested on her mid thigh with her hand over his. Her left hand was resting on his forearm gently rubbing in a small back and forth motion. Her outfit was soft and perfectly showed her figure. He was losing his composure quickly.

He turned his head and stared at her for a moment. "V, you are absolutely beautiful."

She turned her head and looked at him intently. "James, you called me V."

"Yes."

"That's the first time you called me by a nickname."

"I hope it's ok?" He asked slowly.

She thought about answering him but couldn't think of anything. She slowly leaned in toward him hoping he would match her movement. He didn't hesitate. He leaned in and their lips meet with the passion of two people who were beginning their life journey together.

She reached up with her left hand and placed it behind his head. She grabbed his hair and pulled him closer to her to deepen the kiss. At the same time, he reached and place his hand on her opposite hip and slid it to the small of her back. He gently, but with purpose, pulled her closer to him. He had to fill her against him.

Instead of sliding closer to him, she stretched her leg across him and sat on his lap facing him. She leaned in and continued the kiss. His hand rested on her hips and gave her a gentle squeeze. As his hand slowly inched to her back, his fingers slid under the edge of her shirt. Her soft skin felt incredible. Her skin felt soft and warm.

She moaned as his fingers tightened their hold on the small of her back. He pulled her closer and the kiss intensified. Her tongue worked its way past his lips and was instantly met by his. Their tongues danced as both of her hands worked their way over his shoulders and found their way into his hair. Her legs tightened their hold on him when she felt his body react to her.

James broke the kiss and laid his head on the back of the couch. "V, we may need to slow this down." He exhaled with frustration in his voice.

She reached for his cheeks and pulled his face toward hers where her lips were waiting for him. He was immediately lost in her kiss and his ability to process the events were quickly losing the battle against his body's desire.

"V…I think…"

"James." She began as she leaned back just enough to look at him. "If you want to stop this then you better say something now. I have no intentions of stopping." She said with a seductive voice.

…

Laying in James' arms while he was still asleep, she replayed the previous night's events. Her smile continued to grow as she remembered how loving he was with her. He was kind and patient with her. He was gentle too, yet passionate. There was a fire in his eyes that she was lost in. She loved every moment of the night and was hopeful this was the beginning of a life time of waking up with his arms around her.

"Are you ok?" His sleepy voice asked.

"I'm great. I didn't know you were awake."

"Yeah, just thinking about last night."

"Are you ok with what happened last night in the light of a new day?"

"More than happy. Last night was incredible. You, V, was incredible."

She blushed with his compliment. "I know we talked about taking this relationship slow…"

"We did."

She turned to look at him. "James, are you sure you're ok with last night?"

"I am. Are you?"

"I am."

They took a few moments to look at each other.

She hesitated. "I guess…I guess this changes our relationship." She stated softly.

"It does, but in a good way. I think it advances us and I am ok with it."

"You are?" She asked just above a whisper.

"I am. Are you ok with this?"

"I am."

Before she could say another word, he leaned in and kissed her with passion. He slowly moved closer to her until he was hovering over her naked body. "V…" He stated with a husky voice. "I want you."

She reached up and pulled him down on her and moaned as his weight rested on her. She wanted this man as much as he wanted her.

…

Elizabeth woke up in bed. She had no idea how she got there. Her last memory was talking with Jack laying on the couch. She smiled knowing he had to carry her to bed. "I love that man." She stated looking up at the ceiling. She listened to the apartment trying to hear if Jack was still home. She didn't hear anything. No water running in the shower or any noise coming from the kitchen. She smiled knowing what he left her on the kitchen counter.

She walked into the kitchen to see her travel mug. She knew it was filled with tea to help her tummy. There was also a note.

Calidum Chaude Suam –

I hope you have a great day today. I kissed Ig and Iggy this morning and told them to be good to you today. I will be home by noon today. I love you.

Your blessed husband

Ig and Iggy's Daddy

She smiled knowing that calidum chaude suam was Latin for hot mother. She laughed at his gesture. With her ever growing baby bump, she did not feel like a hot mother, or hot anything for that matter.

She hated that he had to work on the weekend, but knew he had to, or he wouldn't have gone into work. She looked into the apartment trying to find something to do. She finally decided she wanted to start packing some items in the apartment for the move. Hopefully, they will be in the house soon. They were still waiting for the contractors to finish a few things and for the painters to finish and the fumes to get out of the house.

…

Jack walked into the station early this morning. The station was rather quiet. He was hoping he would hear from the state's office concerning his inquiry about Miranda.

As he sat down at his desk, his phoned buzzed. He answered when he saw Boss Lady on top of his screen.

"Hey Boss Lady. Why are you calling me this morning?"

"Chief, can we seriously discuss the new name you have for me?"

"Unless you stop using Chief for me, I will not stop."

"I guess I have to get accustomed to it. I spoke with Superintendent Johnson a moment ago, he wanted to discuss the situation with Miranda."

"How did you know about that?" He thought for a moment. "Never mind. I am getting the feeling you know everything."

"See, you are getting to know me well. Steve and I will arrive in Hope Valley later today. Superintendent Johnson said your description of Miranda didn't lead to anyone. With no finger prints, they simply don't know too much to go on. With how she was acting and the confidence she displayed, she isn't new to this. They will continue searching from their end and will let us know if they find something."

"Thanks Boss Lady."

"How is Elizabeth doing with this and with the pregnancy?"

"She is doing well with the pregnancy. Everything is progressing well. With Miranda, I think she is ok. She seems like it anyways. She's maybe more aware of her surroundings but agreed with me that Miranda isn't stupid enough to come after us. She knows she would lose everything."

"Great. Please call me if you have any questions."

"Thanks."

"Hey, Jack." He noticed this was the first time she used his name instead of his title. "Everything will be fine. This Miranda lady isn't going to do anything that stupid. Just take care of Elizabeth, Ig, and Iggy."

"Thanks Emma."

After disconnecting the call, Jack leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes. He was trying to calm himself down. He looked at his phone when he received a text. It was "831" from Elizabeth. He quickly sent her the same text then began to work on the information from Bill.

…

Viola and James were a little late for the conference due to their time together this morning. Both walked into the conference center with smiles covering their faces and holding hands. Last night and this morning's activities brought them closer as a couple and both were happy with the path their relationship was on.

"What's the plan for today?"

"Today is an easy day. A couple of seminars to choose from and shoring up some relationships. We should be finished around lunch time. There are a few things after lunch, but why don't we have lunch and then we can head home."

"That sounds great." She stated as she tightened her hold on his hand.

"I want to check with the tool guy one more time and then touch base with the two concrete guys I met yesterday. If they were true with their business, I think I would like to use them on a trial bases to see if they are what they say. If so, that will increase the quality of our product to the customers and save me a little bit of money. It would be a win/win for both of us. I could keep them busier than they are now."

"I hope it works out." She smiled. "Plus, the savings could be put back into the business or used as a raise for your workers."

James smiled at his girlfriend. "Yes. I was thinking a raise would be great for them."

…

William walked into his large kitchen and noticed Grace was standing in front of the sink looking out the window toward the back yard. He admired his view. They have been married for years, grew a company to be a very large and profitable shipping company, raised three daughters. He was still completely in love with her.

As he walked closer to her, she smiled hearing him approach.

"I don't know how you always now I'm coming up behind you?"

"I had three daughters, William. I notice things."

William chuckled. "Fair enough." He wrapped his arms around her waist and placed a gentle kiss on her cheek.

"William, you have a large problem you need to take care of."

"I do?"

"Yes, you do, and you are going to fix it…and soon."

"Grace, the problem at work isn't that bad. It will be fixed soon."

"I'm not talking about that. You and Jack."

"Oh." He stated quietly. While he did make amends with his middle daughter, he has kept Jack at arm's length. They spoke, but that was about it. Their conversations were very short, and he always excused himself quickly to end the conversation. He was still hurt that they wouldn't listen to him. He was accustomed to his voice being heard and followed. With Jack, he asked for permission to marry his daughter, but did not listen to him about waiting to marry. His relationship with his daughter was fine and he was ok with that arrangement.

"I didn't realize I had a problem with Jack."

Grace shook her head and walked out of his embrace. "William Thatcher, don't you dare play this little game with me. I know you too well. I have noticed how you are with him. You purposefully cut short your conversations with him. I can see the issue in your face when you hear his name."

"Grace, we are fine."

"No, William. You are not fine. They are having twins, your grandbabies. Do you really want to have this type of relationship with your son-in-law?"

"I'm ok with it."

"I'm not. You will fix this?" She stated while pointing her finger at him.

"Fix what?"

She huffed and her voice raise a little. "You speak with Tom for several minutes. You ask him how he is doing, and you listen to him. You have a good relationship with him. With Jack, you cut everything short. You do not ask him how he is doing. I've noticed it. Elizabeth has noticed it. Jack knows it."

"Did he say something?"

"He did after I forced it out of him last night."

"You have a way of getting what you want." He chuckled. Then he saw her expression. He knew at that moment that he went too far with his statement. She wasn't in the mood to joke around.

"You will fix this for your family."

"Do you think he will keep me from my grandchildren?"

"No. He is not that type of man. He will honor you as their grandfather."

"Then what's the problem?"

"William Thatcher. How dare you stand there with that type of attitude?" She released a long breath. "You are forfeiting a very good relationship and settling for something so much less than it could be. Jack said that he would not keep you from his children, but he will not continue to try with you. And I agree with him."

"You're taking his side over me?" He huffed.

"There is no one's side here, William."

"He wouldn't listen to me." He exclaimed with the voice of a boss.

"He is not your employee. He doesn't have to do what you say out of fear of getting fired. He is not beholden to you. Elizabeth loves him and would change nothing about their relationship. He is perfect for her. They are so cute together. The only person missing out on anything here is you because of your stubbornness."

With that last statement, she placed her coffee mug in the sink with enough force that the handle broke and turned to leave. Willaim stood there not knowing exactly what happened. He loved his daughter and was looking forward to having grandchildren. He didn't see a problem with his and Jack's relationship.

…

Jack worked at his desk looking over the information he had on Miranda. There wasn't a lot to look over. She didn't touch any thing hard in the barn so there was no finger prints. Her description was not unusual, so that didn't stand out. With as much authority she portrayed she had to be on someone's radar screen. That, or she was very good at hiding behind the scenes.

He sighed with frustration as he laid the folder down on his desk. He looked up when he heard someone clearing their throat. "Chief, what are you doing back so soon?"

"I came back to see if I could help in any way with Miranda."

"Glad to have you, but there is nothing to go on."

Jack filled Bill in on everything he had, which didn't take too long. He began with the phone call from Amy all the way through his discussions with Superintendent Johnson.

"Someone somewhere has to know about this lady. She is too good at what she is doing not to be known."

"That's my thoughts, but where?"

"Well," Bill thought for a moment. "Let's start where we know."

"The farmer, Mr. Johnson."

"Exactly. Let's talk to him and see what he knows."

…

Elizabeth started in the closet beginning to go through everything she had in her closet that were in boxes. She hasn't touched some of these boxes since she moved to Hope Valley. The bottom box on the first stack she began with was an old shoe box. After dusting it off, she opened the lid. It was a box full of loose pictures. She pulled the box into her lap and began to go through them individually.

The pictures were from her childhood years and her teen years. She laughed at the old hair style she had in high school. "I can't believe I ever wore my hair that way." She stated while shaking her head. "I can't imagine all the hair spray I must have gone through." She laughed at the thought of all the time she spent in front of the mirror getting ready for school. She noticed a few pictures were of her and Charles. While they were smiling in a few of them, they were never close. They acted more like friends than people who were dating. She quickly placed them to the side. The next photo made her smile and cry. It was of Officer T, her father, and herself. She guessed she was six, maybe seven, years old in the picture. They were at a store, and she was holding a bag that had a sketch pad sticking out of the top of the bag. That was the first time Officer T bought her sketching supplies. She smiled when she noticed she was holding a Cinderella doll.

She slowly looked through the photos laughing and crying at them. Officer T was always smiling at her and he had a look of pure joy in his eyes and on his face. "You would have been a great grandfather to your grandbabies." She stated as if she was talking to the person in the photo. "I hope you would be happy with me. With how I am living my life and the decisions I have made." She wiped a few tears from her cheeks. "You would be proud of the man Jack is. He is everything you could have ever wanted in a son. You did well with him." Tears were streaming down her face.

When she finished looking through the box, she felt her stomach rumble with hunger. She has sat in the closet looking at old photos for a little over two hours. She picked up her phone and texted Jack.

E – I'm hungry

J – Would you like for me to bring something home?
E – Yes…we're hungry

J – Anything in particular?

E – I don't care

J – Abagail's?

E – No

J – Chinese?

E – No

J – Italian?

E – No

Jack sighed. Instead of this endless game of texting, he decided to call her instead.

"Hi handsome."

"Hey beautiful. What would you like to eat?"

"It doesn't matter to me."

He sighed. "I believe it does. You shot down my first three options. What do you feel like eating?"

"Nothing sounds good to me." She thought for a few moments. "Would you mind going to the grocery store and picking up a few items for me? I think I can just make something here."

"Sure, sweetheart. What do you want?"

"White bread, mustard, strawberry and chocolate ice cream, and dill pickles."

"Really?" He asked with shock in his voice.

"Yes…and please hurry. We are hungry."

"Ok. I'll leave in ten minutes."

"Make it five, please."

He shook his head, and he went over the list again. "I'll leave now and be home as soon as possible."

"Thank you, Jack."

…

Adam and Charlette were working on a small project for a young man with a small child. They had found an old bicycle and was refurbishing it to give to the little boy. They had replaced the chain and both tires. Charlette was taking great care in painting the bike. She was working on a Superman color scheme, and she was doing a great job.

Most of their time were spent working on these projects for people. They both enjoyed doing it and received great joy from helping people. They also enjoyed the time together.

Adam looked across the bike as he was working on the seat at his beautiful fiancé. "Charlie…" He asked slowly.

She looked up from the section she was painting. "Yes, Adam."

"I would like to get married."

"Well, that's great since you already asked me."

"I know things have been busy with Jack and Elizabeth's pregnancy, but we have been engaged for a few weeks now. I would like to get married soon."

"Oh. I guess you are right." She placed her paint and paint brush down. He had her full attention now. "When were you thinking?"

"Well." He nervously rubbed his hands together. "Today is Sunday. I was thinking since we don't want to have a big wedding, we would get married on Friday."

"Friday?"

"Yes, this coming Friday. That would give my kids time to get here. We would get married on Friday and leave for a honeymoon on Saturday. What do you think?"

The more Charlette thought about it, the bigger her smile grew. "Let's do Thursday and we leave on Friday for a extra long weekend."

His ridiculously large smile gave her his answer. "Perfect. I'll plan the honeymoon."

She gave Adam a large smile. "I can't wait!"

He reached over the bicycle and took her hand. "Charlie, this is going to be great."

The large smile on her face gave him his answer.

…

Jack wrapped up his trip to the grocery store buying the items on Elizabeth's list. They didn't make sense to him. However, he didn't question it. He also purchased a couple of snacks for himself and something to make for dinner.

When he pulled into the driveway at their apartment, Elizabeth was waiting for him at the door. She didn't smile until she saw the grocery bags. Not only was she hungry, but she was craving those certain foods. This feeling was so odd for her. She was ok with mustard. She liked both flavors of ice cream, but she didn't like dill pickles. She couldn't understand this intense craving.

Jack walked onto the porch with a grin at his wife. He knew she was eyeing the bags. He chuckled as he lifted the bags to show her. She kissed him on the cheek and took the bags from his hand. She immediately went to the kitchen and pulled out a small plate and a bowl. She took two slices of bread and piled the mustard onto both slices of the bread. She put them together making sure she did not push any of the mustard out on the sides. Then she took one scoop of chocolate and one scoop of strawberry and mixed it together in the bowl. Then to Jack's complete shock, she diced up three pickles and placed them on top of the ice cream.

She began to eat the mustard sandwich before she even sat down at the table. Jack just stared in completely disbelief as she devoured the sandwich in just a few bites. If the mustard sandwich wasn't bad enough, the ice cream concoction actually turned his stomach. While his stomach turned, her smile grew with each delicious bite.

"Are you really enjoying that?" He asked with a disgusted look on his face. She didn't notice the look because she never looked up from the bowl.

"Oh…it's so good." She moaned with each bite. This was the best food she has ever eaten. It was fulfilling her cravings.

"That can't be good." He exclaimed as he watched her put another spoonful in her mouth.

"Oh Jack. This is so delicious. Would you like to have a bite?"

"Not on your life."

…

Viola and James sat down at a little diner just outside of town. They wanted to grab lunch before heading back to Hope Valley. They enjoyed their half day at the conference wrapping up James' leads. He did finalize a couple of projects that would help him grow his company.

Viola reached across the table and took his hand into hers. "James." She began slowly. "Are you ok with what we did last night?"

He sat down his fork. "And this morning?" He flirted.

"Yes. Last night and this morning. How do you feel about it?"

"Well, it was very nice. I think we both enjoyed it." He wiggled his eyes brows a little. "I know I enjoyed it." He smirked.

"I enjoyed it too, but that's not what I was asking."

"I know, sweetheart." He paused to make sure he stated this the right way. "I believe we took our relationship a step further and I, for one, couldn't be happier. I enjoy our time together no matter what we are doing, even the time at a construction conference. I love spending time with you. I love your company."

"I love your company too. We have so much fun together. I enjoy that. I wanted last night."

"I wanted last night too. I didn't plan for it, but I am grateful we took that step together."

"Me too." She paused.

"V, I know you are coming off a bad marriage and I do not wish to push you. I do feel like we have the potential of something good here if given the chance. I hope you give us the chance."

"After last night and this morning, I am willing to give you a chance." She blushed slightly at her forwardness.

"Great." He exclaimed a little too loudly.

…

Jack sat shocked as he watched his beautiful wife use her finger to wipe the bowl clean and then suck the remaining ice cream off of her finger.

"Hum…that was so good." She exclaimed as she completely finished off her bowl and leaned back in her chair.

"This must be one of those crazy, weird craving things."

Elizabeth glared at her husband but knew he was right. "I guess, but I have to admit, it was exactly what we wanted."

"We?"

"The Peanuts and I."

"Oh." Jack smiled at his lovely wife. "Well, what's next?"

"I assume you will continue to look for Miranda." She smirked at her husband.

Jack meet her gaze. "How did you know what I was doing today?"

"Oh Dimples. I know you just as easily as you know me. Of course you were looking for her today. Why else would you go into the office on the weekend you wasn't scheduled?"

"Well…" He was trying to come up with something. "Yes. You're right. I was trying to look for her with Bill's help, but we didn't find anything. We even went out and talked to the farmer. There was nothing new. She is like a ghost."

She nodded her head. "How do you feel about the whole situation?"

He sighed. "About the same as before. Nothing really has changed. I just don't like not knowing."

Elizabeth's phone buzzed with a text. She looked down and smiled. "Emma and Steven will be here in about ten minutes."

"That's great…wait. She's coming here? And she texted you instead of me?"

"She's in the car and Steven is driving the moving truck towing their other car."

"You didn't answer my question." He sassed. "Where exactly are they staying?"

"In the hotel until their house is reading in a day or so. I invited them here to rest for a moment until they can check into the hotel."

"Exactly how close have you two become?"

…

On their drive back to Hope Valley, Viola and James never lost contact. They held hands while they listened to the radio. They would sing when a good song came on and chatted during the other songs. She never remembered having this much fun with Lionel. He would never do anything like this. She just enjoyed this time together. She promised herself to stop comparing her relationship with James to her ex-husband.

"Do you want to eat before I drop you off at your home?" James asked.

"Sure. Why don't you drop me off and we can get settled? It's a little early for dinner. Once we are settled, you can pick something up and bring it over to my house and we can enjoy a peaceful and restful evening eating dinner and watching a movie. It's been a busy weekend."

"That sounds perfect. Text me when you want me to come over."

"Just unload you truck and unpack your suit case." She teased him. "Then you can come over after picking up some food.

He caught the teasing in her voice. He let go of her hand and tried to tickle her side as she scooted away from him.

"I love your laugh, V."

He said it so low in a whisper that she almost didn't hear him.

"You are a precious man, James. Your ex-wife has to be an idiot to let you go. However, I am very grateful you are in my life." She stated this without looking at him. She was a little nervous opening herself up.

James pulled the truck over to the side of the road. "V, Lionel had to be an fool to walk away from you. I am grateful you are with me. Thank you for giving us a chance."

She looked up and their eyes met. "Why don't you just stay when you drop me off and we will call in a delivery?"

"You always have the best ideas." He stated as he pulled onto the highway.

…

Jack and Elizabeth looked up when they heard a big truck turn onto their street. They noticed the moving truck soon after hearing it.

"That has to be them." Exclaimed Elizabeth. She quickly opened the door and was standing on the front porch watching intently.

"That's her car." Stated Jack as the vehicle pulled into the driveway.

Elizabeth noticed a smiling woman with long brown hair. She stepped out of the car and the woman was about the same height as she was. Elizabeth thought she was a beautiful woman with her medium build. Emma stretched her arms over her head trying to get the kinks worked out after sitting in the car for a couple of days. She smiled when the moving truck stopped behind her.

The moving truck came to a stop in front of their driveway and a nice looking gentleman stepped around the truck. He gave his wife a hug and they both turned toward the Thorton's home.

"Elizabeth!" Exclaimed Emma. She acted like a person who hasn't seen her friend in a few months. She released Steven's grasp and quickly walked toward Elizabeth

Elizabeth met her at the bottom of the steps with open arms. After a very long hug, Emma finally said hi to Jack without releasing her hold of Elizabeth.

"Jack, it's great to see you again." Stated Emma.

"Elizabeth, it's great to finally meet you in person." She gave a full smile to Elizabeth. Then she bent down and place both hands on Elizabeth's baby bump. "Hey little Peanuts. It's great to meet you two." When she stood back up, Elizabeth gave her another hug.

"Wait, what's that awful smell?" Asked a confused Emma.

"Well, that was Elizabeth's snack." Said a smiling Jack who was waving his hand in front of his face.