Chapter 92

Jack and Elizabeth were still in the examination room ten minutes after the ultra sound was finished. Her tummy was still exposed, and they were still holding the pictures together while they looked at them. For them, time stood still. They have no idea the nurse has already stepped in and couldn't get their attention.

"Doctor, I have never seen that before."

"I haven't either. They are so consumed with their little family. They didn't even know I left the room ten minutes ago."

The nurse had a huge smile. "It's great to see though. We have so many people who are unhappy with a pregnancy. It's great to see someone so excited about one."

"Very true. However, we need to get them on their way. Do you have the blood pressure cuff and her vitamins?"

"I do. I'll show her how to use it and then get them on their way."

…

After the third 'excuse me,' the nurse finally captured their attention. "Jack, Elizabeth, congratulations on your news."

"Oh…I'm sorry. We didn't hear you." Said an embarrassed Elizabeth.

"That's ok. It's great to see a couple excited about their pregnancy. Now, here are enough vitamins to last you until your next appointment. The appointment card is in the bag. I also have a blood pressure cuff. Let me show you how to use it."

She took a couple of minutes to show both Jack and Elizabeth how to use the cuff. "Now, remember to do this a couple of times a day at different times. We want to keep an eye on this."

"Are you sure we're ok?" Asked a concerned Elizabeth.

"You are healthy and doing well. We just want to be proactive with this. The earlier we catch high blood pressure in a pregnacy, the better we are. We just don't want to ignore this if it is a problem. We just want to keep an eye on it. Please don't worry about it. There is information about this in your bag. If it gets high, please call and let us know. Then we will look at medication so we can keep your blood pressure down."

"Ok."

"Thank you for everything"

"You're welcome, Chief."

Jack gave her a smile. "It's not Chief."

"Do you have any questions?" The nurse asked. Both Elizabeth and Jack shook their head no. "Ok, let's get you on with the rest of your day."

…

Charlotte and Adam walked into their home after Grace dropped them off. Charlotte smiled knowing this is her new home. She has grown to love this place.

"Adam, can we go and see Lizzy and Jack's new place?"

"Sure sweetheart. When do you want to go?"

"Can we go now?"

"If I remember correctly, they're still at the doctor's office."

"Yeah, but Grace is staying there. We could go and look at their new house." She stated when she looked up and notice that he was standing by the front door holding the car keys. She smiled knowing that he was waiting on her.

"Why don't we stop by and get some ice cream on the way?"

"Perfect. Let's stop by the grocery store first. I want to get a few snacks for us and for Lizzy too. Jack has told me that she has had some crazy cravings."

They stopped by the mom and pops grocery store. Charlette has become good friends with the owner since she moved to Hope Valley. She picked up some snacks for him and her and then went in search for a few things for Elizabeth. First, she found a couple of bags of the dill pickle flavored chips. She was proud of that find. She also purchased a large jar of pickles. When she was pregnant with both Jack and Tom, she always craved sour things. She picked up a couple of bags of sour patch gummies and a bag of sour worms.

…

"Hey Julie, do you have a moment?"

"Steve, you're the boss."

Julie has loved her part time job at Draw-N-Things. Steve was a good boss, and she loved the work.

"I know you start school soon and we have talked about this in the past, but I would like for you to continue to work part time here during school."

Julie felt good that her boss wanted her to stay on and work, but she wasn't sure if she could or wanted to juggle a part time job and school. She wanted to devote herself to school and make sure she learns all she could.

"Steve, I'm not sure how school is going to work out."

"I understand. If you can, I would like for you to stay on when your schedule allows, even if it is only a few hours a week." He saw the hesitation on her face. "Julie, you are a great employee. You do your job and do it well. People love you. They feed off of your passion. You are also knowledgeable about all of this stuff."

"Thank you, Steve."

"Even if you work only a few hours a week, I can use that time to complete some things, especially if it's away from the store. I trust you here completely."

"Let me think about it and see what school is going to do. I also need to talk with Tom about it."

"Fair enough. Maybe you could try school and work here for a couple of weeks to see how it would work. You could also bring your work with you and do homework if it's slow that day."

"Thank you."

For Julie, this is a major thing. She was always so undependable in the past, but she has really matured in the last year. She never wanted to attend college before, but now she desires it. She also thought the extra money she would earn from this job she could put into savings. This was something she really wanted to talk to Tom about.

…

Jack and Elizabeth sat in the car holding hands and looking at the pictures of their babies. They haven't spoken in the last ten minutes while sitting in the car.

"Jack, would you please send me the recording of our babies' heartbeat? I would like to make that my ringtone when you call me too."

Jack nodded his head. "I'll do it now. Why don't we go and make a copy of these pictures so we both can have one?"

"Perfect."

Instead of starting the car, Jack just sat there looking at the picture of his little boy in his hand. "I'm having a son and a daughter." He barely stated. Elizabeth barely heard him say it.

"Yes we are." Her smile grew as she looked at the picture of her daughter.

…

"Ms. Wilson, good afternoon. I hope you are having a great day." Stated Viola as she walked out of her office at the bank.

"Good afternoon Ms. Thatcher. I am having a great day. How are you doing? Are you enjoying the job?"

"Yes ma'am. I am. May I help you?"

"Oh, no dear. I am waiting on Mr. Nelson."

"Let me make sure he knows you are here."

"He knows."

"Then let me remind him not to keep you waiting."

Beth smiled as Viola turned to walk towards Mr. Nelson's office. Beth was in her determined state of mind. That's what her husband would always call it. She had her mind set on something, and she was determined to finish it, no matter what it took.

Yesterday's events made her certain that this was the proper path to take. She did not hesitate when it came to mind. She knew instantly. Now, she just needs to get the paperwork done for the plan to be executed.

"Ms. Wilson, it's great to see you this afternoon."

"Hello, Mr. Nelson."

"How are you enjoying your new home?"

"It's great. My knees love it because there aren't any steps on the property."

"I'm grateful you like it. Now, please come to my office and let's see what I can do for you today."

…

J – Hey Tom. When you get a moment, please call me.
T – Give me five minutes

Tom was excited receiving a text from Julie. Ever since their flirty morning together, he had missed her today.

"Hey, my little red headed bombshell. What are you up too?"

"Hey, hubby. Do you have a moment?"

"For you, you can have all of my moments. What's on that beautiful mind of yours?"

Julie told him everything Steve told her and what he was wanting. She also told him about her thoughts.

"Wow, that's great that he thinks so highly of you that he wants to keep you on."

"Yes, it made me feel good. My initial thought was no, but now I'm thinking if he is willing to work around my school and family schedule, I may be willing to do ten, maybe fifteen, hours a week. We could take that money and put it all in savings."

"That's a good idea."

"So, what do you think?"

"I like that idea. As long as it doesn't mess with your school. School is more important than a part time job."

"I agree. So, I will try it out and see if it will work. If not, then I only do school. If it will work out, I continue to work part time and we'll put my paycheck into savings."

"That sounds like a great plan."

Julie was grateful for her husband's support. It didn't matter what she wanted to do; he would have been supportive of her decision. She smiled knowing they work together on everything.

…

"Mr. Nelson, I would like the house loan to be paid off and to begin two college funds."

"Ms. Wilson, you don't have a house loan. The house you purchased you paid cash."

"Not that. The loan of Jack and Elizabeth Thorton. They paid for their house with a loan from this bank. I would like that loan to be paid in full and then to set that up as a college fund for their twins."

"Ma'am, I can't share that private information with you since you are not on the loan."

"True, but I'm not asking for information." Her determination was beginning to kick in full strength. "I want their loan paid off and then open a college fund account for their two little ones."

She noticed the man's confusion.

"Mr. Nelson, I would like to take the money they paid for the house that is in my account and use that to pay off their loan."

"Ok…they did put some money down as a down payment."

"Great. Take that and I will give some and I want to begin an account that will draw interest for them to use when their little ones are college ready."

"Since the asking price was so low, they took out a loan that was over asking price to use for improvements."

"I will pay off their entire loan, and take the extra and place it into the new account."

"Do you know their children's names?"

"She's pregnant with twins. I do not know their names. Let's set it up in the best possible interest account so it will grow. That way, when their little ones are ready, they will have enough money to attend any college they want to go to."

"Ms. Wilson…"

She was getting frustrated with this man. She continued to see the confusion on his face. "Sir, this isn't complicated. I will pay off the loan in full. I have the money I received from their loan. Please take this check and use the extra money from their loan account and open an account for them."

"No ma'am. It's not complicated, just very unusual."

"Maybe so. Now, I haven't eaten lunch yet. Let's get this finished so I can eat."

Mr. Nelson left his office after giving Beth a bottle of water. Mr. Nelson and his boss came back ten minutes later.

"Ms. Wilson, this is Mr. Keifer. He is my boss."

"Good afternoon, Mr. Keifer.

"I will need you to sign these papers to finalize your request. The first paper will pay off the loan for Jack and Elizabeth Thorton. The second piece of paper authorizes us to pull the amount out of your account to pay off the loan. The third piece of paper will open the account in the name of Jack and Elizabeth Thorton. It is earmarked for their unnamed children to use for their college. This isn't a traditional college saving account. Instead, this is an account that receives the most interest. With the amount from their paid off loan and the check you wrote, by the time the children reach the age of seventeen, there will be enough for both of their kids to attend any private or public college they desire. If there is any money left over, they could roll it over into another account or use the money for additional school expense."

"That sounds perfect. I will need my lawyer to look over these. I will be back tomorrow morning to sign the papers."

"Great. That will be perfect." Mr. Keifer hesitated for a moment. "Ma'am, if I may, this is a very generous gift."

"They are worth it."

…

After making a copy of both pictures, Jack picked a couple of snacks and paid for everything. Once in the car, he gave Elizabeth her snacks, drinks, and copy of the photos. He kept a copy for himself. He started the car and pulled out of the parking lot. Instead of going home, he drove toward the park, their park, and their bench beside the water fountain.

"Where are we going?" Asked a confused Elizabeth. "Are you lost? Do we need to stop for directions?" She sassed.

"Beautiful, please don't say that even in joking." He gave her a stern look along with a small smile.

After a few minutes, he parked in the city's parking lot beside the water fountain.

"Jack, why are we here? I thought we were going home, and you need to get back to work."

"I do need to go to work, but I want a few minutes with you. I know your mom and probably my ma is at our house. I just need a moment with you."

She nodded. To be honest, she needed time alone with him too. "Let's go sweet man."

They sat on their bench enjoying the sun, the wind, and the company. No words were spoken for the first few minutes They just enjoyed their time together. They held hands and Elizabeth rubbed the back of his hand with her fingers.

Jack finally opened up. "Elziabeth…I'm a little overwhelmed."

She smiled at him. He always did this to encourage her to continue. She has begun to do the same thing.

"I don't know how to handle all of this."

"I know it's a lot Jack, but we do this together."

"No…it's not that…" His voice trailed off.

"Talk to me, Dimples."

He smiled at her nickname for him. He took a few moments to try and gather his thoughts. Elizabeth did not push him. She knew he still struggled with saying emotional things. She quickly learned a long time ago that the best thing she could do was not to push him. She needed to let him find his words and gather his thoughts without her pressuring him. He would always figure it out. It may take a few minutes.

"The last few months…since I meet you…" He sighed. "Elizabeth, I love you and I am overwhelmed with all the good things in my life right now. I have you as my wife. I have babies on the way…a son…a daughter." He barely was able to say it without crying. "A new home that we both love. A new mom who supports us. A new career…Elizabeth, I just…"

Elizabeth smiled at her husband. "I know, Jack. If I think about the whole picture, I am overwhelmed with everything. Our life is so great with all of these blessings. I'm afraid it's all a dream."

He gave her a mischievous smile and reached over to pinch her. She pulled back before he was able too and gave him a mischievous smile. Their eyes connected and they saw everything they wanted to say but couldn't form the words. Jack leaned in and kissed her on the forehead, holding his lips against her much longer than a normal kiss.

"Jack, dance with me?"

Jack stood and extended his arm. "I would love to dance with my wife."

They began to slowly sway holding each other as close as they could. Both had smiles so big their faces were beginning to hurt.

"Elizabeth." Jack started as they continued to dance. "I would really prefer if we don't name Ig after me."

"Why?"

"I don't want him to feel like he is following me. I want him to carve his own path in this life with our help, but I don't want him to feel like he is under my shadow."

She nodded her head. She understood his line of thinking, but there was absolutely no way she wasn't going to name her son after his father.

"Jack, I'm not trying to be difficult, but my son will be named after you." She stated with the tone he knew all too well. When her mind was made up, she was almost impossible to convince her to change. "Jack, I don't want my daughter to be named after me."

"Why?"

"For the same reasons you gave, I guess. Plus, that's not done. Girls are not named after their mothers like boys are with their fathers."

"Elizabeth, my daughter will be named after her mother." He stated in the same tone that left no doubt.

"I guess we are at an impasse then?"

"I believe we need to further this discussion at some point, but can we just enjoy our time together now?"

"Absolutely."

The other didn't know it yet, but each one had already decided on the name, and they were not going to budge from it. Their minds were firmly made up. They just had to convince the other person they were right.

Their time at the park and dancing with each other was exactly what they needed at that moment. They weren't overwhelmed like the time they found out they were having twins. There was no fear of the unknown, this was them being so filled with the blessings of their life that they just needed to be with each other.

…

Jack and Elizabeth pulled up to their new home. Elizabeth sighed as she looked at the house. She loved this house. She has since her dream. For her, it was perfect. They noticed the Grace, Charlette, and Adam were sitting on the front porch laughing. Adam looked a little lost in the conversation. Grace and Charlette were doing most of the talking.

They joined their parents on the porch. "I'm sorry, but I have to go. The Boss Lady has already texted me twice since we pulled in the driveway."

"Have a good rest of the day and be careful." Elizabeth stated at she leaned in to give him a gentle kiss on his lips.

"I will. You too."

Their eyes met and the conversation concerning telling everyone about the sex of the babies came to mind for the both of them. They wanted to hold onto this information for a little while. This was the one thing that only they knew about. It was special for them, and they wanted to hold onto that for a moment.

"I love you, Elizabeth."

"I love you, Jack."

Elizabeth watched Jack walk down the sidewalk and was admiring her view. Their time together in the park, while not physically intimate, was a very intimate time for them. It took all the strength she had not to run down the steps after him.

Grace noticed her daughter's look as she watched Jack walk away. "Charlette are you busy today?"

"Not really. I was hoping Elizabeth would show me the house. I heard the football players accomplished a lot yesterday."

"Oh, you will be shocked. Plus, those boys can eat." She laughed.

"After that, I don't have anything planned. Do we, sweetheart?"

"No." Adam stated.

"Great. Will you accompany me to the store? I need to pick something up."

"Mother, what do you need?" Elizabeth asked as she sat down in a rocking chair beside Adam.

"A pair of earphones." She teased.

"Mother!"

"Earphones?" Asked a confused Charlette.

…

Lawrence was sitting down at a local pub drinking a beer and eating lunch. He reached into this pocket to grab his ringing cell phone.

"Hello Miranda. How are you today?"

"I'm good." She responded. She then turned to the reason she called quickly. "You need to back off for a little while, maybe a month or so. The chief is paying too much attention."

"I don't understand. He's no closer than he was three weeks ago. He's just a small town cop. He doesn't know anything."

"Lawrence." She stated with an annoying tone. "You are underestimating the chief. I said you need to back off for a little while. Do you understand me?" Her tone left no doubt what her meaning was.

"Yes."

After hanging up the phone, Lawrence turned his attention to Ray. "She is becoming to paranoid."

"What did she say?"

"She wants to back off for a few weeks."

"Thay may be smart. That new, head cop is going to be trouble."

"Nonsense. We are moving forward as planned."

"Lawrence, that may not be a smart move. Miranda doesn't play around."

"She'll be fine when she receives the money this will make. She needs to understand who is in charge here."

…

After her phone call, Miranda made another call.

"Yes ma'am. What may I do for you today?"

"We have a problem that needs to be corrected."

"How may I help?"

"Hope Valley."

"When?"

"As soon as you can."

"I'll fly in tonight. Any suggestions?"

"He's being disobedient…disrespectful…and he isn't listening."

"Understood."

…

"How did the doctor appointment go today? Where the babies cooperative?"

"It went great." She purposefully avoided the question concerning the sex of the babies. "Everything was great. I have to keep an eye on my blood pressure."

"Was it high?" Asked a concerned Grace and Charlette at the same time.

"No. It was normal, just on the high side of normal. The doctor wants me to check it a couple of times a day. Just to be sure it doesn't get high."

"That's smart."

"Yes, Grace it is. Please keep an eye on it Lizzy."

"I will. They're not concerned at the moment. They just want to be cautious." Elizabeth was grateful she didn't have to lie about the babies. This was a secret she was wanting to keep. She wanted to win the bet with Jack.

Elizabeth and Grace showed the house to Adam and Charlette. While they have been in the house many times before, this was the first time with Jack and Elizabeth's furniture in it.

"Oh Lizzy…this is gorgeous."

"Thank you, mom."

"You really out did yourself with the colors. It's perfect."

"Thank you, Adam."

The group walked around the house admiring everything. The only thing that wasn't finished was the walls. They were bare. There was not art or pictures on the walls.

Charlette gasped when she saw Grace's bedroom. "Oh Grace. This is perfect!"

Grace smiled. It really is perfect. It's better than my bedroom at home. I may never leave."

The three ladies laughed.

"Jack keeps asking when you're moving here."

"If it's ok with you, I would like to stay when the babies come. Between Charlette and I, we should be able to help you enough, so you won't be overwhelmed in the beginning. Once you get your feet under yourself, we can step back."

Charlette was nodding her head in agreement.

"I want to say I won't need your help, but I know I will."

"If I was you, I wouldn't even try to keep them away." Adam laughed.

As they made their way into the nursery, they noticed it wasn't put together like the other rooms.

"Jack and I wanted to do this room ourselves. The walls are already painted, but we wanted to decorate it and place the furniture together."

"That's a great idea, sweetheart." Graced stated as her eyes roamed the room. She noticed the pencil sketch leaning against the wall. She was mesmerized by it. "What's this?"

"That is a pencil sketch Jack did when I was struggling with my ever changing body. He said this was how he sees me."

"Oh, dear." Both moms stated.

"This is absolutely beautiful."

Elizabeth nodded.

Adam was looking around the room thinking of where Jack was going to put the toy chests. He knew not to say anything because Jack was keeping that little part a secret.

"Oh, Adam, would you mind going out to our car and grab the bag behind my seat?"

"Sure. I'll be right back."

Adam walked into the nursery a few minutes later with the bag Charlette wanted.

"Thank you, Adam. Elizabeth, this is something I would like for you to have."

"Mom, you didn't have to do that."

"You will love this."

Elizabeth opened the bag and looked at the contents of the bag with a confused look. She pulled the light blue blanket out of the bag. The blanket was small and looked older and well worn. She didn't understand the gift.

"Mom, I don't understand."

"Elizabeth, that is…"

"Wait! Is this Jack's blankey?"

Charlette nodded her up and down. "It is. I wanted you to have it for the nursery. I hope you like it."

"I love it." She stated as she hugged her. "I will cherish this. I wonder how Jack will react to it?"

"He will love having it but not so happy about having it." Charlette laughed.

"Do you think I should frame it?

"I wouldn't, but it is yours now. You decide."

Elizabeth hugged her mom and thanked her for this precious gift. She initially thought about framing it but decided against it. She wanted her kids to be able to touch it. She smiled imagining all the times Jack would carry this around as a kid. She knew he had to be adorable and was beginning to imagine her little boy carrying it around too. Then she laughed thinking of a teenage Jack trying to hide it so others wouldn't see it.

…

Jack ended another congratulatory phone call. He was hoping that was the last one. Each phone call began with congratulations but would quickly turn into a personal project conversation. Jack was quickly learning to hate this aspect of his job.

Emma knocked and then immediately stepped into his office. She looked around his office. "You know…each time I walk in here I see something new. Elizabeth did a great job decorating it."

"She did. Thank you for helping."

"I just went with her ideas. Now, here is a file on the project at school. I think it's a great idea having adults work with the kids, to be their role models."

"It is. The SRO officer from the school is John Henry. He is a good man and will be in charge of all the programs at the school. We will be the hands and feet of it and supply whatever he needs, but he is in charge."

Emma nodded as she took notes.

"If he calls, please pass him along to me."

"Sure, Chief." She paused for a moment. She was quickly learning her new boss. After a couple more minutes, she walked back to her desk and picked up her phone.

Jack took his cell phone and texted Elizabeth.

J – I should have gone home with you. I miss you

E – Bad day?

J – Not really. Just phone calls. I miss you, Ig, and Iggy.

E – I miss you

J – I'm not sure why, but today's appointment made things even more real

E – I agree

E – We need to talk about the names

J – Well…you want to name my son after me and I don't. I want to name my daughter after you and you don't…does that cover it?

E – My son and my daughter

J – Our son and our daughter

E – Sure even though I'm doing all the work :)

J – I love you, Mrs. Sassy

E – That's Thorton

J – The best decision I have ever made!

While the previous phone calls weren't bad, he needed this little conversation with Elizabeth. She had this unique way of being exactly what he needed at that particular moment. He didn't understand how this happened so quickly, but it has, and he wouldn't change a moment of it.

E – Best decision I have ever made!

J – What are you doing?

E – Showing mother, mom, and Adam the house

E – Your mother brought us something for the nursery

J – Really? What is it?

E – You will have to wait to see it

J – Why do I get the feeling I'm not going to like it?
E – You'll love it! Trust me

J – I do…but…

E – I love you

J – I love you

Jack looked up when Emma cleared her throat. "SRO Henry is on line one."

"Thanks Boss Lady."

"Good afternoon, John. What can I do for you today?"

…

Adam and Charlette left about thirty minutes after the tour of the house. They wanted to go home and change for a dinner out. Adam was hoping he could change her mind to stay at home for the rest of the evening.

Grace worked in the kitchen preparing a snack for her and Elizabeth. They had decided to watch a movie. Elizabeth was beginning to get tired from the previous day's moving. She picked a movie she knew her mother loved. As she got comfortable on the couch, she was missing Jack. This was when Jack would normally rub her feet. While he did rub her feet most nights, she was hoping to win the bet between her and Jack. The feet rubbing would be great, but she loved it when she won against Jack.

Grace sat down with a small plate of snacks for each of them. Elizabeth gave her a smile and thanked her.

"So, you never did answer the previous question."

"What question, mother."

"Boys? Girls? A boy and girl?"

"Oh…that question."

"Yes, my precious middle daughter. That question."

"Well, the doctor appointment went well. The babies are healthy, and I am too. I must keep a close eye on my blood pressure. It's not high, but they want me to keep a close eye on it."

"Yes, you mentioned that already." She gave her daughter her famous mother look.

"Mother, please don't look at me like that." Laughed Elizabeth.

"Ok…so, what's going on?"

"Fine." She always struggled with not telling her mother everything. "We found out today. The Peanuts were very cooperative. The doctor said there was no doubt."

Grace gave her an expression for her to continue.

Elizabeth was beginning to wither under her mother's look.

"Well,,,Jack and I like the idea of us just knowing for the moment. Everyone knows everything except this one thing. We like that we only know this about our babies."

Grace thought about it for a few moments. "That does make sense."

"We haven't discussed when we will tell everyone. We just found out today. I'm sure we will tell people long before the babies come. We just want this time together as our family."

"That makes perfect sense, dear. I understand."

"Thanks mother."

"Plus, if Jack tells anyone before I do, he has to rub my feet for a whole week."

"Doesn't he do that anyways?" Grace said laughing.

"Mostly…however, if he tells first, I win."

"Oh, that's better than the foot rubbing."

Elizabeth reached for the remote and pressed play. She placed the plate of food on her lap and began to nibble at the snacks. There was something she wanted to talk to her mother but wasn't sure if now was the best time to do it.

"Mother…what's going on with father?"