Chapter 88

"Hey James." Viola stated as she answered her cellphone.

"Hey V. How are you this morning?"

"I'm good. Work is going well. I met later today for my interview."

"That's awesome. You will knock it out of the park. You're going to be so good at that job."

Viola smiled at her boyfriend's support. She was not used to that at all. Her ex-husband wasn't supportive in any way. She was soaking up his encouragement.

"I don't know about that, but I hope it goes well."

"You've got this beautiful. Are you going to Jack's news conference today?"

"I am. Interview first, then news conference."

"I'll miss you. May I see you later?"

"Dinner?"

"Perfect!"

…

"Who's Miranda?" Asked a confused Grace.

"A ghost." Jack stated as he began walking toward Elizabeth and Miranda.

"A ghost…" As much as Grace tried, she couldn't keep up with Jack as he went across the room.

…

"Mrs. Thorton."

Elizabeth turned to see an attractive slim figured woman with an extremely warm smile standing in front of her. This attractive lady extended her hand and Elizabeth accepted it with a welcoming smile.

"I'm sorry, do I know you?"

"No ma'am. I'm sorry to say we have never met. That's why I wanted to come by and say hello to you on such a special day for you and Chief Thorton.

"That's very kind of you. Do you know Chief Thorton?"

"No ma'am, only by reputation. I have met him once, but I doubt he remembers me. It was a very short conversation and nothing of importance."

Elizabeth smiled at this lady. She was kind and warming. Her smile was disarming and friendly.

"If I may be so forward, you are holding your stomach. Are you pregnant?" She offered a soft grin. Miranda already knew she was.

"Yes. I am. We are both so excited about having our babies."

"Babies. Are you having twins?"

"We are."

"Wow! That's incredible. What a tremendous blessing. How are you doing? Is morning sickness ok?"

"We're doing well. Morning sickness is hit and miss on a daily basis. Jack does this adorable little thing. He kisses my belly and tells the babies to be good to me today."

"That can't work…right?"

"It's not supposed to, but every time he does it, I am not sick. When he doesn't do it, I am sick." She laughed. "I can't explain it."

Miranda smiled. "That really can't work, but I wouldn't be too surprised if it does." She pondered.

"I know." Elizabeth sighed. "He is going to be such a great father."

"I think he will too."

"I'm sorry, but I don't know your name."

"Oh, I'm sorry. My name is Ms. Jones." Miranda gave her another smile. She was becoming to like Elizabeth. She had already formed an impression that she was kind, friendly, and easy to talk to. No wonder Jack fell in love with her so quickly. She thought. She thought Elizabeth was a beautiful woman. Elizabeth was just a little taller than she was, and her eyes were mesmerizing. While Elizabeth didn't strike her as extremely tough, she knew she would be very protective of Jack and her babies. Don't underestimate her or she will make things very difficult for you.

"Well, Ms. Jones it is great to meet you."

"Same here, Mrs. Thorton."

"Do you live in town?"

"No. I do not live here. I do travel through Hope Valley some and I do have a little bit of business here every now and then."

"May I ask what you do?"

"I do a little bit of sales and transportation."

"May I ask what you do?"

"I am a fifth grade teacher."

"Oh, I can easily see that. I hear you are very good at what you do."

Elizabeth gave her a confused look.

"Oh Mrs. Thorton, you and the Chief are the talk of the town. It doesn't take much to notice and realize how loved you two are."

Elizabeth gave her a soft smile in recognition.

"Plus, it's impossible not to see the joy in your face when you talk about being a teacher."

While this person was nice, there was something that stood out to Elizabeth over the last couple of minutes of their talk. Elizabeth wasn't sure what it was, but just a strange feeling she had. It was as if she was too polite and too friendly. If she doesn't live here, how would she hear the talk of the town?

Miranda saw the slight change in Elizabeth's facial features. "Mrs. Thorton, it was great to meet you. However, I need to let you go and enjoy your and your husband's special day."

"Thank you. I will tell Jack you said hello."

"Oh, that's very kind of you, but I doubt he will remember me." Miranda gave Elizabeth a warming smile. "Take care of those babies and yourself. A twin pregnancy is very tiring."

"Oh, do you have twins?"

"No. My friend did, and I remember how tired she always was."

Elizabeth nodded her head.

"Again, congratulations on your special day and on the pregnancy. I hope you enjoy it."

With that statement, Miranda turned to leave. Elizabeth watched the lady weave her way through the crowd. A couple of seconds later, Elizabeth heard Jack calling her name in a little bit of a frantic tone. She turned her attention away from the new lady and found Jack quickly walking in her direction with a very determined look on his face.

…

"Charlie…that was amazing." Huffed Adam as she reclined against him in the hot tub.

"That was the best breakfast date I have ever had." She flirted.

"Yeah…too bad we didn't get to eat it." He chuckled as he squeezed her a little tighter.

"We may have if I didn't marry a younger man. So much pinned up energy." She smiled as she sassed him.

"Marrying an older woman was one of the best decisions I have ever made, so much experience." He laughed as he gave her a gentle squeeze. Now, I'm grateful for the extra exercises and the heart medication." He sassed back.

"Adam." She shrieked. "What a thing to say to your wife." She playfully swatted him on the chest.

"My wife…" he repeated in a soft tone. "I love the sound of that."

"I'm glad, it's too late to change your mind now."

"I would never think that. I'm wondering why we waited so long."

Charlette laughed as she settled into his side a little more. "Adam, this is perfect. I wouldn't change a thing."

"I wouldn't change anything either." They sat back in the hot tub for a few minutes enjoying the company of each other. "What would you like to do after the news conference?"

"Well, since my younger husband wouldn't let me eat breakfast, maybe we can go exploring and find something for lunch."

"Sounds perfect. You have all the best ideas."

"Now, dry off and go check that the computer is working."

Adam smiled at his impatient wife. He has already checked the computer three times and each time it worked perfectly. He also knew how important it is for Charlette to watch her son's news conference.

"What's that look for young man?" She sassed him knowing she has already asked him several times about the computer. She couldn't stop herself from asking. She had to see her son sworn in on his day.

He smiled at his Charlie and looked deep into her eyes. "Just thinking I wouldn't change a thing about you."

"I'll ask you that in six months and we will see then?" She playfully smirked.

"Deal. You can ask me again in six months in a hot tub after an amazing intimate moment together." He laughed as he began getting out of the hot tub.

She sat speechless and glared at him. She wasn't expecting that comeback. She loved Adam's playful side. It made her feel loved, but most importantly, it made her happy and smile.

…

"Elizabeth, are you ok?" Jack asked as he was within a few feet of his wife. She could hear the panic in his voice.

"Jack, I'm fine."

"Are you sure?" He asked again as he placed his hands on her arms.

"I'm fine Jack. My feet are getting a little tired, but it's been a good morning."

Jack stood there a few moments looking over his wife making sure she was ok. His mind was racing. It wasn't until he looked up and into her beautiful face. Their eyes connected and he saw that she was truly ok. He sighed and let out a very long breath.

Grace finally caught up with them and she looked between the two of them. She saw a glimpse of their silent communication. While her and William had silent moments, it seems that Elizabeth and Jack had complete conversations. She stood smiling and amazed at the love and the connection between them.

"Elizabeth, the woman you were just talking to…who was she?"

"She said her name was Mrs. Jones, but I don't think that was her real name."

"What makes you think that?" Jack inquired.

"I'm not sure. She was very nice and polite. There was just something about her that was a little off. I'm not sure if I can put my finger on it." She tapped her chin as she thought. "She just seemed too nice, and she knew a little more than someone who passes through town occasionally."

Jack looked around the room and spotted Lee several feet away. When Lee looked up, he noticed Jack looking at him. As if he knew exactly what Jack wanted, Lee excused himself from the people he was talking to and quickly made his way over to where Jack was standing.

"Would you please tell me everything you two talked about, word for word?" He asked Elizabeth when Lee stood with them.

"Sure."

Elizabeth went into great detail concerning her conversation with Mrs. Jones. She spared no facts. Once she was done, she also shared her thoughts and why she thought something was just off.

"Jack and Lee were amazed at her intuition concerning this woman. "Sweetheart, that lady was the lady that was waiting for me in the barn some time ago. She told me her name was Miranda."

"Oh…"

"Yeah, are you ok?"

"I am. I didn't feel threatened or anything bad. Just that something was off."

Jack gave Lee a knowing look. Elizabeth was able to read him. "Jack, I am fine. My mother is here along with cops, news reporters, and almost everyone in Hope Valley. I am fine. I feel fine and I don't think she intended me harm. I do not need anyone to baby sit me. Plus, I will be standing with you during the ceremony."

"How did you know what I was going to say?" Jack asked a little confused.

"I know my husband." She gave him a smile and he let out his breath.

"Now, the news conference begins in twenty minutes. I'm sure there are things for you and Lee need to do. I will meet you in your office five minutes before the news conference begins." She gave him a smile. She turned her attention to her mother. "Mother, would you please walk with me to Jack's office? I would love to take a seat for a few minutes, and I would like to show you his new office."

When her mother agreed, she leaned in to Jack and whispered in his ear. "I am fine, I promise. I am so proud of you. Now, go do what you have to do, mother and I will be in your office. If I'm going to stand during the entire ceremony, I would like to sit for a few minutes." With that, she kissed his cheek and squeezed his hand. "I love you."

"I love you, Elizabeth." He whispered.

…

When Grace and Elizabeth left, he turned his attention to Lee.

"Was that the woman I have heard about in the barn?"

"Yes, Lee. She was very bold in coming here today."

"I would say confident, not bold. She knows we don't know who she is. She knew she could blend in today and not be suspicious, especially with so many law enforcement present."

"I knew you were a good hire."

Jack and Lee looked around the crowd for a sign of Miranda. She was true to her nickname, Ghost. They couldn't find her in the large crowd that seemed to be growing. While the appearance of Miranda did alarm Jack, he still had a gut feeling that she wasn't coming after him or Elizabeth. She would lose too much if she did. He thought, along with Elizabeth, that she was just showing off.

"Chief," Emma stated as she walked up. "The news conference begins in twenty minutes. Here is the schedule." She handed him a small piece of paper with the schedule outline on it.

…

Elizabeth walked up to Jack at the steps of the platform. The news conference was set to begin in a couple of minutes. She could tell he was a little nervous. She reached for his hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. That act captured his attention. He looked at her and then into her eyes. After a moment, he felt at peace. He knew looking into his wife's eyes that everything was going to be ok.

"Are you ready, Chief?" Bill asked as he walked past the couple and up the three steps to the platform.

Elizabeth gave her husband a small kiss on the cheek when he moved his hand to her lower back giving her support as she began to step up to her chair. Bill was on the end. Jack was beside him and she was beside Jack.

As they sat and the conference began, the mayor began speaking about all the things Bill has done for the community. It was a very nice speech dedicated to a public servant who has served the community really well over his career.

Jack and Elizabeth smiled at each other excited on this new season in their life. They looked out over the crowd. "There is a lot more people here than you thought." She leaned into her husband and whispered.

"As a dedicated school teacher, I would have thought you knew not to talk when someone else is talking." He sassed.

She playfully gasped at his teasing. "I'm just making an observation, detective."

"That's Chief."

"Not yet." She sassed with a slight chuckle.

The couple began looking over the crowd and they saw so many smiling, friendly faces they knew.

"Hey Jack, there is Ms. Florence." They both gave her a small, discreet wave.

As they looked over the room, they saw countless people. There was SRO Henry, Racheal who is an assistant in the school office, Alice and her husband, Victor, Henry and most of Elizabeth's last school year's class, Abagail, Tom, Julie, and Vi. There were so many friendly faces that they lost count of them all.

"Wow, they must really follow the local news." Sassed Elizabeth.

"I wonder why they are all here?" Asked a confused Jack.

She reached over and pinched his forearm.

"Ouch. What was that for?"

"For you being so silly. They are here because of you." She laughed at her husband. He was absolutely clueless about the impact he had on people. People loved and cared for him, but he was clueless at the difference he made in their life.

"I doubt that. Bill has been a great Chief."

"Yes, he has. They also love you and respect you. They are here for Bill, but they are also here for you."

"Who would have ever thought?" He genuinely wondered.

As they were whispering, Bill shoulder bumped Jack. "Ok you two…don't make me separate you."

Elizabeth snorted and then covered her mouth trying to hide her amusement.

…

Bill was finishing up his speech. He did an amazing job. He was so grateful for everyone's help over the thirty plus years of his service to Hope Valley. When Bill finished his short speech, he received a thunderous and long standing ovation. That was the first time Jack ever saw Bill blush.

As Jack and Elizabeth stood for him to be sworn in as the Chief of Police, Elizabeth stood tall beside her husband with love written on her face. She was so proud of her husband. Her smile continued to grow as she watched and listened to her husband being sworn in as chief.

When Jack stepped behind the podium to speak, Elizabeth took a step back to go to her seat. He reached for her, desperately wanting her to be beside him. He did not like public speaking. He had no problem standing in front of police officers talking about a case or a technique, but this was not that.

"I must apologize for my nervousness. I do not like speaking in public like this." He said shyly in the microphone as he began his speech.

"As I begin," He reached for Elizabeth's hand and interlocked his fingers with hers. He was not willing to let her go. "I would like to make one correction in my speech. If at any point in this I say 'I' or "me', I am sorry. I mean 'me" or 'we'. My wife, Elizabeth Thorton, has been a tremendous blessing to me. I would not be here, nor will I accomplish anything in my future, without her by my side. She is my strength and my peace. God placed her in my life as the perfect mate for me. She has encouraged me through my difficult times and has challenged me to be better each and every day. So, please pardon me if I use the wrong pronoun.

"Chief Bill Avery has been an example for me my entire life. He knew my parents before I was born and I have seen him on occasions throughout my life. When my father was killed in the line of duty, Chief Avery stood tall by my father's casket with tears rolling down his cheeks.

"He told me on day one of my training, and he continues to tell me the number one rule in being a police officer. He says, 'As a police officer, you always obey and enforce the law, but remember you are dealing with people.'" Everyone laughed as he tried to mimic Bill's voice.

"Chief Avery," Jack turned his attention to Bill. "Thank you for everything. You have spent so much time working with me and teaching me the important aspects of being a Chief. Everything that we accomplish, will be because of you. Thank you, sir." The audience stood and gave Bill another stand ovation.

"I want to thank my family. My Ma, Charlette Richardson and her new husband, Adam. They're not her today because they are on their honeymoon." He paused looking into the camera knowing she was watching online. "Ma, thank you for everything. You stepped up in an extremely difficult situation when my father died and became everything to Tom and me. You are a force of nature with the determination to love your family with everything that you are. I grew up wanting nothing because you gave us everything you had. I only hope to be a parent to my children like you were to Tom and I. Ma, I love you very much. Thank you. Thank you, Tom, for being the perfect, annoying little brother. Your support in anything I tried meant everything to me." Everyone laughed at his statement.

"As Chief of Police, when things go right, I will receive the credit. To be honest, I deserve none of it. There are so many people behind the scenes that should be receiving the credit. Our police force who does the job everyday should receive the credit, not me. The programs we are starting at the school will make a huge difference in the student's lives. I will receive credit for that, but I shouldn't. SRO John Henry, the administration at the school, the teachers, and volunteers who will be working with the students should be receiving all the credit, not me. Emma Watson is my assistant, but let's be honest, she runs the police department."

Jack paused for a moment to gain control over his emotions. "Finally, I want to say thank you to my wife, Elizabeth." He turned to face her and spoke only so that she would hear him. When their eyes connected, he began to speak to her from his heart. "Elizabeth, I love you. Thank you for being there when I need a shoulder to lean on. Thank you for holding me without saying a word. Thank you for making me talk when I need to but don't want to. Thank you for being my strength when I am weak, for being my voice of reason. Our time together has been the best time of my life and it's because of you. You, my dear wife, are everything to me. Thank you for your love and all that means to me. You are truly God's gift to me. I could never imagine living this life or doing this job without you. You are my most treasured gift." He gently leaned in and kissed her lips gently. Both were crying and didn't care that they were on a platform in front of hundreds of people. As far as they were concerned, they were the only two people present. They gave each other a warm smile and looked into each other's eyes for a few moments.

"Jack, you are my most treasured gift. I love you."

He turned back to the podium. If each of them didn't have tears in their eyes, they could see that most people in the audience had tears in their eyes. The audience just witnessed true love.

Jack nodded his head and ended his speech. "Thank you for your support. We plan to continue the police force as a group of officers that is worthy of your respect." Everyone stood and applauded. "Pastor Frank Hogan will come to say a blessing to the crowd, then we are all dismissed to a luncheon to celebrate Police Chief Bill Avery. Thank you."

He turned to face Elizabeth and was immediately wrapped in a warm, loving hug. Without letting go of Jack, Elizabeth leaned back for a moment to look into his eyes. "Jack…"

"Me and you."

"Me and you."

Frank stepped up and placed his hands on Elizabeth and Jack's shoulders. He prayed a prayer over Hope Valley, the police force, Chief Avery, and Chief Jack and Elizabeth Thorton. When he said Amen, the whole crowd said it with one loud voice.

…

The luncheon was a whirlwind of activity. All of their friends came by their table to congratulation Jack on his new job and to give Elizabeth a hug. The two were inseparable during this time. They didn't have enough time to eat because of the well wishers. They stole glances and smiles when possible.

…

"Jack, I don't think you…"

"Lee…" Jack began by shaking his head. "I have already told you several times already, go home!"

"But…"

"Lee Coulter. Do you really want to be fired on your first day? Go home with Rosemary, help her with setting up the new house. Enjoy your day with her. Then, tomorrow come into work and do a good job."

"Fine."

"Now, go kiss your wife and apologize for not spending time with her so that you could argue with me."

Jack knew the importance of the job and he demanded his best from his officers, but he also knew the importance of family and a happy home life. If his men and women were happy at home and loved their jobs, they would do a better job for Hope Valley. This would be his theme as Chief throughout his career.

…

The day was great, but very tiring. Jack and Elizabeth enjoyed themselves and it was nice catching up with everyone. It seemed like the whole town was there. Jack did speak to his mother on the phone shortly after the news conference. She was so proud of her oldest son. At the end of the gathering, Jack walked up to Grace.

"Mom, Elizabeth, and I are going home in a few minutes. There's not much there since we are moving tomorrow, but we do have a couch and a chair. We plan on watching TV. Would you please come with us?"

"Oh Jack. That's very nice of you but you two must be exhausted. I know my daughter is."

"We are. We are just picking up some food and spending the night at home. Please join us. I can take you back to the hotel afterward."

"Jack…"

"Please mom."

She shook her head. "Good grief young man. Fine, I will go." She realized the look he gave her was the same look he would give Elizabeth. Now she knew why her daughter always said she couldn't say no to him.

Jack smiled his appreciation and leaned in to give her a kiss on the cheek. "Thank you, mom."

"I'll drive myself."

"We'll leave in twenty minutes."

"Great. I'll call in food and pick it up on my way. Now, take your family home and I will be there soon."

…

Elizabeth settled on the couch with her feet in Jack's lap. Her head was resting on the pillow at the other end of the couch. She was asleep within a couple of minutes. The day's events were nice but tiring. Her feet were beginning to bother her and swell. Jack rubbed them and her calves. Grace sat on the chair while they watched a movie.

"Jack, are you happy with today?"

"I am Grace. It was very nice."

"I thought you did a great job on your speech."

His face turned red. "I don't like speaking in public like that."

"Well, son, you may need to get used to it with this position."

"Yeah. Elizabeth told me just to speak from my heart."

Grace took a couple of deep breaths. "Jack, I'm sorry about William."

"Grace, you have nothing to be sorry for. You have done nothing wrong."

"He is being ridiculous. He is just upset he didn't get his way. He is being childish."

Jack made sure his wife was sleeping. When he knew she was, he turned his attention to Grace. "Mom, I understand William is her father and he will be the grandfather of my babies. He and Elizabeth have a good relationship. I will do nothing to cause issues with any of that, but I will not…"

Grace cut him off. "I know Jack, and I don't think you should. You two have done nothing wrong and I have told him that several times. I don't understand why he is taking this silly stand of his."

"I will not hold him hostage and make him like me."

She nodded her head in agreement.

"Jack, I hope…"

Now Jack cut her off.

"Mom, you have been a precious mother-in-law. I can't imagine anything I would want to change."

Grace felt a tear slip down her left cheek. "Thank you, Jack. I could not think of a better man for my Elizabeth to marry or for my grandbabies to call daddy."

Wanting to change the subject off of William, Jack stated. "Grace, you have been the perfect mother-in-law. I know you had to have questioned things in the beginning, but you were always our cheerleader. I appreciate you doing that."

She grinned knowing he wanted to change the subject off William. She couldn't blame him. "I was concerned at the very beginning. I always pushed for Elizabeth to date, but when she called me to tell me she met a man, I became nervous."

"You were being a mom."

"She was very honest with me about her feelings toward you. When you called me the first time to speak with William and we spoke for forty five minutes, I knew you would be part of our family soon. I trust Elizabeth. She is a smart woman."

Jack gingerly rubbed her foot. "She is. She is perfect for me."

Grace could easily see the love in his eyes for her daughter.

"Thank you, mom."

"Jack, I love that you call me mom."

Jack smiled. He was enjoying this conversation with Grace. While they have spoken before, this conversation was different.

Grace looked earnestly at Elizabeth to make sure she was asleep. "Jack, may I ask you a couple of things?"

"Sure mom. What's on your mind."

She smiled when she noticed she had his attention. "How is Elizabeth doing with the pregnancy?"

Jack smiled looking at his wife's hand on her bump. "She is doing really well."

"Is she beginning to understand her changing limitations."

"A little. She is so stubborn, but she also loves those babies and would never do anything to hurt them."

"I worry about her." Grace confided.

"Sure you do Grace. You are a great mother, and you love her very much."

"So, she's good?"

"She is. She's more active than I want, but Adam told me to make sure I'm there when she needs me, but not to be too pushy. That part is difficult. I just want to help her, but I also need to let her be Elizabeth."

"That's very smart, Jack."

"Well, that wasn't from me. If it was up to me, she would be in bed for the rest of the pregnancy. Honestly, I struggle with that. The nurse gave me the 'first dad speech' during our first doctor visit. The doctor also told me to back off." He laughed at the memory. "I try, but I become overprotective without even realizing I'm doing it."

"How does she handle that."

"Well, she tightens her lips together and tells me she's not an invalid. That's her code to tell me that I'm being too much, and I need to back off." He chuckled at all the times she has told him that."

They paused when Elizabeth changed positions, but she didn't wake up.

"Does she always snore that loud?"

Jack had to stifle the laugh that was trying to escape. "Not usually. It is getting worse the further in the pregnancy she goes. She has always had a soft snore. She denies it to the death, but she does." He laughed at all the time she denies it.

"She did as a teen too but wouldn't admit it." She laughed at her memories. "That little boy calling you his partner today was adorable."

Jack shared with her the story and Grace smiled at his caring for the child. "Jack, you are going to be a terrific father."

"I hope so, mom. I don't feel like it, but I will love them with everything I am."

"That is what makes you a great father, Jack."

They spoke for another hour. They were enjoying their conversation. Suddenly, Grace had a mischievous look come across her face.

"What are you up to, mom? Elizabeth has that exact same look when she is up to something."

"Remember during the engagement party when Julie began to say something about Elizabeth's childhood, and she cut her younger sister off?"

"Yes. It was something about Elizabeth and rain, right? I could never get her or Julie to tell me."

"Well, would you like to know?"

"Absolutely!" He stated with a little too much excitement. He looked at Elizabeth to make sure she was still asleep.

"Well, when she was a child, maybe three or four, she had this fluffy pink tutu. She loved that silly thing."

Jack laughed. "Oh, this is going to be good." He exclaimed.

"At first, she would wear that thing all the time around the house. On one rainy day, she walked into the kitchen dripping water everywhere. She had on her tutu and nothing else. No shirt or anything. Here is my daughter standing in the middle of my kitchen, creating a huge water puddle with only her underwear and a tutu. Her hair was soaked and clinging to her. She had the biggest smile on her face."

"Oh, man. This is great!"

From that day on, she would only wear that pink tutu when it rained, and she would go outside with just the tutu on and dance."

Jack couldn't stop his laughter. "And she wouldn't stop aggravating me about running in the rain naked."

"I know." She laughed. "But she did the same thing. It was so great to watch her. She did it until she got older, and she needed to wear a bra. So, I bought her a little sports bra and she would dance with her tutu and sports bra. This happened until she was in her late teens. I couldn't begin to tell you how many tutus we had to buy her. Those things aren't made to get soaked in the rain."

"Thank you, mom. I needed that story."

"How do you feel about being the Chief?"

"I'm ok. Nervous. Scared. Excited. All the above." He shrugged his shoulders.

"I understand. However, I believe you are going to do a great job."

"Thank you." He blushed.

They sat for a long time just talking. Nothing too important, but they learned so much about each other. This time truly cemented their relationship and drew them closer. They were both grateful for the time together.

"Mom, why don't you stay here. As you can see, the couch is comfortable." He chuckled as he looked to his wife. "I'll take her to bed and then I will get you a pillow and blanket."

"I can go to the hotel."

"I know, but it's late. You can stay. There will be some people here in the morning at nine to help load the truck. I have to work tomorrow, so I won't be able to help until tomorrow evening."

"I am a little tired."

"Perfect. You can go back to the hotel in the morning and then come and hang out with Elizabeth. She is responsible to direct all the help. Let me get her to bed and I will bring out the covers, pillow, and some of Elizabeth's cloths for you to sleep in."

"She smiled at Jack. "That will be good Jack. Thank you."

…

When Jack picked up Elizabeth, she did not open her eyes. She just wrapped her arms around his neck and settled into his neck. He smiled knowing that she felt comfortable with him and trusted him to take care of her.

After placing her under the covers, he grabbed a pair of Elizabeth's shorts and a t-shirt out of the suitcase and brought them to Grace. Most of their cloths were in suitcases for the move tomorrow. Grace accepted the clothes and gave Jack a hug and a kiss on the cheek. While she changed clothes in the bathroom, Jack prepared the couch for his mom. He laid a bed sheet down and then a pillow and a small blanket. He also placed a bottled water on the side table for her.

Jack changed into his sleeping clothes, athletic shorts and crawled in bed with his wife. He scooted up to his wife and wrapped his arms around her. His hand rested on her bump. "Ig and Iggy, I love you. Elizabeth, I love you."

Elizabeth didn't wake up, but she did move closer as he snuggled to her.