Chapter 83

Elizabeth continued her hold onto Jack. She simply did not want to let him go. The pencil drawing moved her to her inner most being. She was struggling with her changing body. Each day she felt she was getting bigger. Things were already becoming to take on a little more struggle to accomplish previously easy tasks. Almost three months pregnant and her belly certainly had the look of a pregnant woman. She had no idea how the babies were going to fit later on in the pregnancy.

Maybe it's hormones or the ever changing body, or maybe both combined, but her self confidence was taking a daily beating. Her desire for her husband has not weaned at all, but she couldn't see how he would still find her desirable with this ever growing belly.

As she leaned back to looked into his face, she could see the love, the passion, and the want in his eyes. She gave him a smile and hugged him again. She had a thousand thoughts she wanted to say, but the words wouldn't form in her mouth. Jack continued to hold her as hard as she held him. He could see the love in her eyes, and he was enjoying holding his wife.

"Jack…I…" She tried to begin, but she just couldn't form the words.

"I know sweetheart. I know."

"Jack…You…"

"Sweetheart, trust me. I know. I struggle with saying what's in my heart. There are times when I must find other ways to say things. I hope the drawing told you how beautiful you are to me and how precious you are?"

"Jack…" She tried again, but she just couldn't make the words come out.

Jack place both hands on her cheeks and deeply looked into her eyes. He saw every word she wanted to say but couldn't form into words. When she looked into his eyes, she saw the same thing.

"Thomas Jack Thorton, I love you."

"Elizaberh Marie Thorton, I love you."

They leaned in at the same time still in each other's arms and gently kissed each other. It wasn't a passionate kiss, but it was a kiss that expressed their complete love for each other. That kiss contains a million words expressed to each other in that one moment. They both understood this language perfectly.

"I have a meeting with the mayor today. Bill does this once a month and suggested I go today with him. I need to leave in a couple of minutes. He wants me to talk to him about the two programs I want to start for the community. Would you please come with me?"

She smiled at his request. "Jack, look at me. I am wearing a pair of shorts, a long sleeve t-shirt, and my hair is in a messy bun."

Jack tightened his embrace on her. "Don't underestimate the power of a messy bun." He flirted with a smile.

"You silly, silly man. I cannot go to a meeting dressed like this." She stood back and waved her hands over herself.

"Well…" He began slowly. "I do know of a place you can go dressed just like that." He wiggled his eve brows and used a seductive voice. "As a matter of fact, your current dress is encouraged." He stepped closer to his bride.

"Jack Thorton. The things you say." She shook her head. "Now, go to your meeting. I want to talk to Emma."

He pouted but took her hand. They walked up to Emma and Amy who were smiling at them holding hands.

"Boss Lady, I'm on my way to the meeting with the Chief."

"He's outside waiting at the car for you." Amy stated.

He nodded in her direction. "Thank you, Amy." Then he turned toward Elizabeth and took her other hand in his. "Elizabeth, I'll text you later after the meeting." With those words, he leaned in and kissed her gently on the lips.

"Jack." She admonished him. "We are in your workplace. I don't know if you should be kissing me like that." Her face was turning a little red.

"Mere Chaude. I'm the Chief. I think I can kiss you whenever and wherever I want." He gave her that smile she loved and hated. With that, he released her hands and turned to join Bill outside.

"Not yet, detective." Smirked Elizabeth.

"Mere Chaude?" Mentioned Amy and Emma at the same time.

"It means hot mother."

All three ladies face turned a little red at the comment. After a few moments of silence, Emma turned toward Elizabeth. "Let's take a look at Jack's new office and make sure things are the way they are supposed to be. After tomorrow, you can't be in there for a few days."

"Thank you, Boss Lady. Now, let's take a look."

Emma shook her head at Elizabeth's use of Jack's nickname. "I can't get away from that name, can I?"

"I don't think so." Elizabeth chuckled. They interlocked arms as they walked towards Jack's new office.

…

Viola walked into her office with a smile on her face. She couldn't deny she was happy. This is a new feeling for her. She hasn't been happy for a few years. On her drive into work today, she thought about the reasons why. She came up with three. First, her mindset was different. She no longer chased after insignificant issues like prestige or position. She will never look for that again. Secondly, she is in a better place with her family. She allowed her ex-husband to create a wall between her and her family. Thirdly, and probably the most influential reason, James was the main reason for her happiness.

Every time she thought of her new boyfriend, a large smile would always cover her face. She was interrupted from her daydreaming by her assistant coming over the intercom.

"Ms. Thatcher, Mr. Franks would like for you to visit him in his office."

"Thank you. Please let him know I am on my way."

…

"Frank, would you please make sure Henry is in the process of getting dressed? He is supposed to go into the café with me for a few hours this morning."

"I checked a couple of minutes ago and he was almost ready."

"He's always been helpful, but he has really wanted to go to work with me over the past few weeks."

"I think he has something in mind for Emily and a new bat."

"Do you think we should slow that down a little?"

"I think it's cute. They're young and haven't done anything too serious. She goes to his baseball games some and he goes over to her house and play. I haven't seen anything inappropriate. Have you?"

"No, but…"

"It's ok mom. Your little boy isn't getting married anytime soon." Frank chuckled.

"Frank!" She huffed.

"I think he wants to get something for her for her birthday. He mentioned it's coming up soon."

"Oh…"

"Please don't mention anything to him. You will embarrass him to no end."

"I'll think about it."

"Oh sweetheart. Please don't." Frank begged.

She gave him a soft smile but didn't say anything.

"You're about to get into trouble."

…

Viola walked into Mr. Franks office after knocking on his office door. "Mr. Franks, I was told you wanted to see me?"

"Yes, Ms. Thatcher. Thank you for coming so quickly."

"No problem. What can I do for you today?"

"First, I wanted to thank you for all your hard work. In the short period of time that you have worked in the department, you have turned it around. The department is beginning to be profitable."

"Thank you, Mr. Franks. To be honest, it is a team effort. I haven't done this by myself."

Mr. Franks nodded his head. "Ms. Thatcher, I heard you passed the McKay Construction Company's loan to someone else."

"Yes sir, I did."

"May I ask why?"

"Sure. After our first meeting when he submitted the loan application and then the approval of his loan by the bank, we went out on a coffee date. I did not want any conflict of interest to cause any problems with the bank or with McKay Construction Company. By their application and their history, they would be a very good client to the bank."

"I agree. Are you two dating?"

"Yes, we are. After I removed myself from the loan process, we began dating."

Mr. Franks thought about this for a moment.

"Mr. Franks is there a problem?"

"No, Ms. Thatcher. From what you stated, you handled this properly. I appreciate your handling of this. Now, the reason I asked you to come and speak to me is that we may want to talk to you about your future with the bank."

"My future?"

"Yes. I know you are recently new to us here, but your work has been outstanding, and your results are even more impressive."

"Thank you, sir."

"This next part is confidential."

Viola nodded her head to indicate she understood.

"Mrs. Callahan will be retiring in six months."

"Oh. I didn't think she was close to retirement."

"She isn't really, but she is wanting to retire to enjoy time with her husband and travel."

"Good for her, but what does this have to do with me?"

"Your name has been mentioned as her replacement."

"I'm sorry."

Mr. Franks smiled. "Yes, your name has been mentioned to replace her. There is a process, and your name will be among the top three on the list. Would you be interested in the position?"

"Absolutely, but I didn't think I would have enough seniority for that position."

"That position is filled by merit, not seniority."

Viola nodded. She was shocked at the news of her name being presented and accepted for the short list. She wanted to call James to talk to him about it. She was a little surprised he was her first phone call she wanted to make.

…

Emma and Elizabeth stepped out of Jack's new office. The contractors were making excellent progress on the office. The painters will be able to get into the office later today to begin the process of patching any imperfections and then to begin painting.

"I think you did a great job of picking the color."

"Thanks, Emma. I believe this will turn out well. Thank you for all you are doing for Jack."

"For you and Jack."

Elizabeth nodded. "How are you and Steven adapting to a new location?"

"He is working on the house and when I get home this afternoon, I will begin unpacking the boxes he put in each room."

"That sounds like a great plan."

"When do you and Jack move into your new house?"

"Next week. They finish painting this week, but I'm not allowed into the house until next week."

"Are you excited?"

"I am looking forward to starting our new season as homeowners, but I am going to miss my little apartment. I have lived there for almost four years."

"I can understand that, but you two will love the new house. How are you feeling?"

Elizabeth shook her head. "I'm feeling better as long as Jack reminds the Peanuts to be good for me."

"I've heard about that. That really doesn't work…does it?"

"I know…it doesn't make any sense to me, but it really does."

…

"Hey Henry, may I ask you something?" Asked Abagail as she belted her seat belt and started the car.

"Sure, mom. What's up?"

She heard her husband's voice in her head not to ask the question, but she couldn't keep from asking.

"Henry, how serious are you and Emily?"

Henry looked at his mom as if her head just spun around. "What did you just ask?"

"You and Emily…how serious are you two?"

"Mom." He began shocked. "I'm ten years old, almost eleven. How serious do you think I am with her?"

She knew she shouldn't have asked the question with his response. What she didn't realize was that Henry already had his mind made up that he was going to marry Emily. He had two goals in his life. First, he was going to marry Emily. Second, he was going to be a professional baseball player. He didn't mind telling her the later, but he was not going to share the first one.

"I was just asking." She began.

"Mom. We haven't even gone on a real date yet. I go to her house, and we play video games. She comes to my baseball games. The few times we have went somewhere, her parents are with us, or you and dad are with us."

Abagail shook her head. He was right, but she still couldn't shake the feeling that he was already in love with Emily.

…

After eating lunch, Elizabeth decided she wanted to go into the school to work on her classroom for a little while. She was making good progress and was happy with the work accomplished so far. In the middle of hanging some pictures of the ocean from one of the mountains her and Jack visited, her cell phone beeped.

"Hey mom. What are you doing?"

"I was wondering if you need anything?"

After telling Charlette what she was doing, Charlette volunteered to come to the school and help. "I'll be there in twenty minutes."

Charlette walked into the classroom just under twenty minutes later. Elizabeth smiled at her mom and Charlette returned the loving smile.

"Now, what can I do for you?"

"Great to see you mom. I'm working on hanging these pictures but to be honest I am a little hungry."

Charlette smile. When she was pregnant, all she wanted to do was to eat. She placed her bag down on Elizabeth's desk and pulled out a small white container. "I was thinking you may want to eat something."

"Oh, mom. You are the best."

Charlette and Elizabeth sat down and shared a big piece of chocolate cake from Abagail's.

"So, getting married at the end of the week?"

Charlette smiled with a tint of embarrassment on her face. "Yes, and if I am completely honest…I'm excited and a little nervous."

"I can understand the excited part, but why are you nervous?"

Charlette took a moment to organize her thoughts. Elizabeth knew that was what she was doing. "Well, I have only been with one person in my life. I loved our intimate time together, but, Elizabeth, it has been a very long time since I have done that."

Elizabeth nodded her head. She understood her hesitation. "I'm sure it will be just fine."

Charlette nodded. "I know but…" Her voice went silent.

"Mom, Adam is completely in love with you. You can see it in his eyes."

"I know, and I love him too. It just has been a while."

"I'll give you the same advice you gave me the day before my wedding during the dinner at the café." She paused to make sure she had her mom's attention. "Adam loves you and you love Adam. Don't rush anything and don't pull back. Your love for each other will win over the nerves."

"That was great advice. Did I say that?"

"Yes you did, and it was very helpful. I was scared to death being with Jack. I haven't done that before."

"And now?"

"Oh mom, I am not having this conversation with you." She laughed along with Charlette. "Let's just say that love won."

"Thank you, dear. You are the perfect daughter."

"You are the perfect mom."

…

"Good afternoon, Mayor. I hope you are well. I have invited Jack to join us today."

"I'm good Chief. I hope you are well?"

Bill nodded his head and then watched the mayor and Jack shake hands.

"So, Bill, what's going on?"

Bill shared the issue with Lawrence Jones and their inability to pin anything on him. He also shared about Miranda and the department's thinking that she is in charge and protecting Lawrence. He also shared his frustrations of their lack of information concerning Miranda. "She is like a ghost as far as the department is concerned."

Bill also shared his decision that he was going to retire Monday. That would be his last day. "I wanted to do this a little earlier but there were a few things that popped up that I wanted to take care of. They are not settled, but Jack is in complete control of the issues now."

"Chief, I will hate to lose you, but I understand. You have been a great servant to our community. Thank you for everything. We will have a conference to honor your service and then we will introduce Jack as the new chief."

"Sir, you do not have to do that."

"Nonsense Bill. You have certainly earned every accolade that comes your way."

"Thank you sir."

Jack sat back amazed at the meeting. The mayor and Bill had a deep conversation. They shared their thoughts on the issues they were discussing. There was mutual respect between the two men. Even the difficult topics were discussed with respect, and nothing was held back.

"Jack, I hope we can continue this meeting when you take over? I feel that it is productive and helpful for both the mayor and the chief."

"I agree, Mayor. It is my hope as well. I would like for us to have a good relationship."

"Thanks Jack. Now, what have I been hearing about what you would like to do for our community…is it true?"

Jack spent a little over thirty minutes discussing the two main programs he wants to begin with the new school year. Jack could see the excitement in the mayor's face. He was beginning to feel more comfortable with taking the position as chief.

Turning his attention to Bill after Jack's description of the programs. "Bill, I was a little hesitate when you recommended Jack for this position. His record as an investigator was excellent, but I was a little concerned with his age. But like always, you were right. Thank you."

Bill and Jack nodded their heads. "Thank you, sir." Both men stated at the same time.

…

Tom bought pizzas for his team. He was grateful for their hard work over the last few days. The hard work was paying off in their customer's orders. He wanted to reward them.

Julie walked into Tom's workplace carrying three pizzas. "There are four more in the car. Sweetheart, would you mind getting them and the drinks in the back seat?"

"Sure." He stated.

He also noticed one of the team members walking with him. "I'll help."

The group sat around a couple of tables in the break room enjoying the food and conversation. Tom leaned over to Julie and offered her a smile. She smiled and leaned toward him.

"Thank you for doing this."

"Tom, it was your idea."

"Yes, but you ordered and picked up the food and the drinks. You did all the work."

"You're welcome."

After giving her a big smile. "Julie, are you ready for school to start?"

"I am. I can't believe I'm getting excited about school. I have never been that way before."

Tom laughed. "I know I haven't. School was not for me. I did love the socialness of it, but not the work."

"Me too." She laughed. "It seems we are made for each other."

"I agree. Can you imagine what our kids are going to be like?" He stopped abruptly at his comment. Since their discussion of kids, he has brought the topic up a lot. He was afraid he was bringing it up too much, but he was getting excited about the prospect of being a father. That thought would never come to his mind before Julie, but now it consumed him.

She gave him a warm smile and reached for his hand. "Tom, our children will be wonderful. They will be a handful if they are like us, but a wonderful handful."

"What happened to us?" He laughed. "I meet this beautiful red head and my life completely changed. I became a guy I don't even recognize." He laughed.

"The same for me. Now, let's finish our meal. I must head to work soon."

…

Vi sent James a text hoping he wasn't too busy. She needed to talk to her boyfriend.

V – Hey, are you busy?
J – A little, why?
V – I was wanting to talk to you about something

Viola's phone dinged within seconds of sending the text. Her smile grew seeing her handsome boyfriend's picture on her screen. Her smile continued to grow knowing that he was busy but took the time to call her.

"Hey you."

"Hey V. What's up?"

"Do you have a minute to talk?"

"I do now. Are you ok?"

"I am. I was asked to talk with my boss today."

"Yeah. Is everything ok?"

"It is. Now, you can't say anything because this isn't public knowledge yet."

"Ok, you have my interest."

"Mrs. Callahan is retiring in six months."

Who is Mrs. Callahan and why is she retiring important to you?"

"Well, she is the Vice President over the large loan department. She is my boss. She is retiring so she can spend time with family and travel."

"That's great for her. So, why are you so excited about her retiring?"

"I was just told that my name is on the short list of people to replace her."

"Wow! V, that's great! That is exciting news!"

"It is."

"I'm surprised since you haven't been at the bank that long, but they must know the effort you put into your job."

"Mr. Franks said that the position is based on merit and not seniority."

"V, you have made my day! That is exciting news!"

Viola was a little surprised at his excitement. Lionel would never be that excited over anything she accomplished. However, James is not like Lionel.

"Thank you, James."

"V, we need to celebrate!"

"James, I didn't get the job yet. They are considering me for it. I will be on the short list for the position but there are two other people on the list."

"Oh V! You must understand it's your job already, it's just not official. You have been there for such a short period of time, and they already have you on the list of replacements. The job is yours, it's just not a done deal yet."

"James, you may be thinking a little too far ahead."

"V, I don't think so. Now, I will be done around five today. I will be by your house at six thirty so we can go out and celebrate."

"James…"

"V, we will at least celebrate you making the short list. Is that ok?"

She thought about it for a moment. I did make the list, so we can celebrate that fact. "Ok, as long as that is what we are celebrating. I don't want to jinx this."

He smiled. "That's fine. I'll see you at six thirty. I need to run. The load of concrete just showed up. Thank you for calling, you made my day!"

"Thank you, James. I love you."

"I love you, sweetheart."

She smiled at the memories of the conversation. She wasn't used to having a cheerleader in her corner. James was genuinely excited about her news. It felt great to have someone in your corner cheering you on and believing in you and then wanting to celebrate your victories.

…

After their meeting with the mayor, Jack and Bill stopped at the café to have a quick lunch. They would spend some time setting everything for Monday's news conference and the transition of Jack becoming the chief.

"Chief, may I ask you something?"

"Sure Jack. What's up?"

"I would like for you to be completely honest with me."

Bill nodded his head. He has known Jack his entire life. He knew what was coming.

Before he was able to ask his question, Jack heard a throat clearing. "Chief Avery and Chief Thorton, what may I get for you today?"

Jack and Bill looked up to see a smiling Henry. "Are you working this morning?" Asked Bill.

"I am."

"You have been working a lot lately." Asked Jack.

"I have. There are a couple of things I want to buy so I need to earn some money."

"Ah…what do you want to buy for Emily?" Smiled Jack.

"Well, I want to buy me a new bat. I found one I really like, but I need money to do that."

"That makes sense."

The three men looked at each other without saying a word. Each knew that wasn't the entire story.

"Fine." Huffed Henry. "Emily's birthday is next week, and I want to purchase her something."

"What?" Asked Bill and Jack at the same time."

"There is a necklace that we saw when we were out with her parents one day. The necklace was beautiful, and she really liked it. It has a heart thing on the necklace, and it has the color of her birthstone in the heart."

"What's her birthstone." Asked Bill.

"I don't know. She just said it was her birth stone."

"Do you have enough for both gifts yet?" Asked Jack.

"Not yet. I am about halfway there. I have enough for the necklace, but not enough for the bat yet. It costs just under one hundred dollars."

Henry took their order and nodded at them as he walked away. Jack and Bill gave him a smile remembering their first crushes.

"Where were we?"

"Do you really think I can do this job well?"

Bill rubbed his chin for a moment. "Jack, when I called your mother and asked her if you would be willing to come here to help me with the robberies, she informed me that you were getting a little tired with the traveling. It was then that I thought of you taking over for me. I instantly became excited. I knew then and I know now that you will do a great job in this position. You have the temperament and mindset to do this job. You care for people. You are fair with each person, and you enjoy working with and helping people."

Jack nodded his head. "I just don't feel like I will do the job to its fullest."

"You are capable of so much more than you think you are."

Jack lowered his head. "I hope so."

"Jack, you have already done a great job and you haven't taken over the position yet. You will excel in this. Hope Valley will benefit from you being the police chief."

Jack offered him a small smile.

"Jack, why is it that you doubt yourself so much? You lift others up and encourage them, but with you, you always shrink back? Why is that?"

…

Elizabeth walked into Draw-N-Things to check out the sketch she made for Jack's office. She wanted to arrange for a time for it to be delivered to the police station. She smiled bright when she noticed her sister behind the counter talking to a young teenager. She was helping him work through a problem he had with his painting. He had brought the painting into the store just for Julie to look at it.

Elizabeth stood by the front door watching the interaction.

"See here John, it would be better using the smaller paint brush. While is it a larger section, if you use the smaller brush, it allows you to get into the next color with greater detail. It may take you longer, but this will give you a distinct blending of the colors."

"Huh…I always thought you use a bigger brush for bigger areas."

"I've learned in painting, you need to do what you feel comfortable with. You follow techniques, but who says you must use a big brush all the time."

John nodded his head in agreement. Julie could see that he was paying attention.

"As you continue to paint, you will learn many subtle things that is particular to just you. It's trial and error. Plus, you can watch so many painters on YouTube that will help you too."

"Thank you, Mrs. Thorton. You have been a lot of help."

"Your welcome, John. Now, tell me about the meaning behind this painting. What is it that you see?"

Elizabeth watched and listened to John take the next few minutes to explain to Julie the meaning of his painting. Elizabeth was mesmerized by Julie. Julie hung on every word of the teenager. Her facial expressions changed when John's excitement grew or changed. This wasn't an act. She was engrossed in this story.

Elizabeth's smile continued as she watched her little sister. She had never really seen her like this before. It amazed Elizabeth, but it also made her smile with pride.

After a couple of minutes, Julie noticed her sister standing by the door and smiled at her. "Hey sister, I'll be with you in a minute." She turned her attention back to John.

After a couple of more minutes, John gathered his painting and supplies and walked out of the store with a large smile. He had his problem fixed.

Elizabeth walked up to her sister and playfully shoved Julie with her shoulder. "You did good, Julie."

"Thank you."

"I have never seen you like this before. You were great with that teen."

Julie gave her a big smile that was filled with joy.

"I can easily see you as a great teacher."

"Do you think so?"

"Absolutely. You were knowledgeable, but most importantly you were able to share that knowledge in a way that he understood. He left knowing what to do. That's being a teacher."

Elizabeth's compliment meant a lot to Julie. She felt proud of herself in her development over the last year.

"That means a lot to me that you would say that. Thank you."

They both gave each other a hug and offered each other a smile.

"What can I do for you?"

"Oh, I came to see the sketch I have for Jack's office. Steven was supposed to frame it for me. I also need to schedule delivery to the police station for me. I am not allowed in Jack's office starting this evening because they are painting. Emma won't allow me in it for the rest of the week. He is being sworn in on Monday. I want it finished before then."

"I know he will love it. Let me go to the back room and bring it out. Give me a minute."

After a couple of minutes, Julie walked behind the counter with the sketch. Steven did a tremendous job of framing it. The frame was a dark color wood, and the matting was a perfect match to the image.

"Elizabeth, you did a great job with this. It is beautiful."

"Thank you."

"Where is this? I haven't seen that before."

"That is the place where Jack proposed to me. That's the view from the overlook at the waterfall. It's in a state park about a thirty minute drive from here."

"Is this the place where he woke you up so early and you were grumpy?"

She shook her head remembering that morning. "It is. I was so grumpy that he almost decided to change his plans that morning."

"I bet. You were never a morning person."

Elizabeth smiled at the sketch. It reminded her of that day. She sketched the waterfall, the mountain, the river, and the sunset. It was almost a perfect replica of the scenery in her mind.

That will look great in his office.

"I hope so. I plan on putting it on the wall behind his desk."

"That will look amazing."

"Thank you. Now, can we have it delivered to the station on Friday?"

…

Jack thought of Bill's question for a few moments. He looked at Bill and saw a true friend. He has known Bill his whole life. Bill knew his parents before Jack was born. He did remember Bill from his childhood and all those memories were good.

"Jack, you're talking to a lifelong friend. I knew you when you were in diapers. Talk to me."

Jack thought long about Bill's question. He knew the answer for the most part, but it wasn't something he really wanted to discuss with Bill.

"I guess I'm just like everyone else…I've always doubted myself." Jack trailed off.

Jack saw that Bill didn't buy his explanation. However, he really didn't want to talk about this. He tried to change the subject. "So, what do you say we make Henry's dreams come true with that bat?"

Bill knew that wasn't the whole story, but he didn't want to push Jack too much. If he wanted to talk, Jack knew he could talk to Bill.

"What do you have in mind?"

"Well, he needs one hundred dollars to purchase the bat since he has enough for the necklace."

"Jack, are you thinking what I think you're thinking?"

"Yeah, he has done a good job in serving us. He deserves a good tip."