Chapter 94

The next few days were great for the Thortons. Rip settled into his new home very quickly. He did not like his bath, but immediately following his bath he walked into the living room and laid down by the fireplace like he owned it. Jack and Elizabeth laughed at his forwardness. They didn't know where he came from, but he acted like he has been part of the family for his entire life. The vet said he was in good shape. He was a loving dog with a good temperament. They did think he was a little lazy.

While Jack was at work, Elizabeth, her mother, and her mom worked on the house. The young men did such an excellent job with moving and setting up everything, all the women had to do was to hang the art and pictures. It took the ladies two days to finally have everything picture perfect. Elizabeth was impressed with how quickly the move went.

Grace left three days after her daughter moved into her home. The house was finished, and she needed to get back home. She has been gone for a while. She knew she was going to miss being in Hope Valley. Before leaving, she made a point to go by the high school and say goodbye to her boys. Each one gave her a big bear hug that actually lifted her off the ground and they also gave her a kiss on the cheek. She promised them that she would be back to watch at least one of their football games.

Elizabeth was shocked at how much she was going to miss her mother. She took her mother to the airport on Thursday. While she has always been close to her mother, the last few days with her mother staying with her brought them closer than they have ever been. She was grateful for this new relationship with her mother. They spoke often about her father, but nothing was ever resolved. Actually, the more they talked about William, the madder Elizabeth would become. She felt disrespected by her father's attitude toward her husband. She felt it was unnecessary for her father to act like that.

Jack's job was finally beginning to settle down to what he thought would be normal. He only had one phone call of congratulations over the last couple of days. Now, it was typical police work. Miranda was still a ghost as far as he was concerned. He did not spend every second on her, but he did spend some time each day trying to locate her. There was just nothing to go on. He found her to be very frustrating.

On Thursday, Emma informed him about a conference for new police chiefs that he needed to attend. The conference was set for next week. The new chiefs would be coming from four different states. Each state didn't have enough new police chiefs each year to warrant a separate conference for each state. So, the four states joined forces to host one conference each year to bring the new chiefs up to date on their jobs. It was a good way for them to be given all the information at one time and ask any questions they may have. While the laws in each state were a little different, the majority of the job was the same. Each police chief's folder was filled with that particular state's information.

Much to Jack's surprise, the conference this year was going to be held just outside of Elizabeth's hometown. Emma informed Jack that the town was responsible to send Jack to the conference and pay for the airfare and hotel expenses. Elizabeth could go, but they would have to pay for her airfare. Elizabeth was excited and instantly wanted to go. She hoped they could take an extra day or two for her to show Jack around her hometown. She also wanted to speak to her father. She did not want to speak to him concerning her issues over the phone. She felt she needed to do this face to face.

Grace was excited about her daughter and Jack coming. She was hoping Elizabeth would stay with them while Jack was at the conference and then Jack could join them when he was finished with his duties. William was excited about his daughter coming home for a few days but didn't care if Jack was there or not. Grace grew frustrated with William over his attitude concerning Jack. When Grace stayed with them and helped them move, she grew very close to Jack. He called her mom, and she called him son.

…

Friday morning, the football boys showed up with trimmers, a couple of axes, weedeaters, and a few other tools that was needed for them to clear the path. Elizabeth was surprised when they brought her breakfast from Abagail's. They had stopped by and asked Abagail for Elizabeth's favorite breakfast.

"Young men, you did not have to do this." She stated in a teacher's voice but with a tear forming in her eye. She was touched by their act of love toward her and Jack.

They enjoyed breakfast together before the men set out on the path toward the pond. After talking with Jack, they both quickly agreed the young men was their group. Jack was determined to be a role model for them. Elizabeth was determined she was going to be a mother figure for them.

E – You're not going to believe this

She then sent him a picture of the young men standing in front of porch with all their tools they had brought.

J – What are they doing?
E – They wanted to say thank you

J – Say thank you?

E – I told them not to do it, but they were determined to say thank you to us for all we did for them

J – They did more for us than we did for them

E – I told them that, but they didn't listen

E – I'm losing my scary teacher face power

J – No you're not. You're still adorable

J – I'm on my way

…

Jack walked through his house heading for the back porch. He heard loud laughter and several voices. He couldn't help but smile at the sounds he was hearing. He stepped outside on the porch and stared at the young men. He didn't say anything.

One of the biggest men smiled at Jack, then spoke. "Chief, your scary face is nowhere near as scary as Mrs. Thorton's." All the young men smiled in agreement. Elizabeth covered her mouth trying to quiet her laughter.

"Really?" He doubled down with the look. He changed his stance and place his right hand on his hip trying to imitate Elizabeth. His voice changed from a normal voice to a professional cop's voice.

"Really. Not even close." The same young man smirked. "However, the voice is scary."

Jack sat beside Elizabeth and the group stayed for twenty minutes just talking and enjoying each other's company. Finally, one of the young men stood and told the others that break was over and it was time to get busy. Jack offered to go with them, but the young men shook their heads no. "Chief, this is our gift to you."

…

The men came back four hours later drenched in sweat but laughing. Elizabeth had lunch sandwiches and bags of chips waiting for them.

"Alright young men, how did it go?"

"We're finished."

"Already?"

"Yes ma'am."

"OK…I have lunch ready for you all."

"Thank you." The young men stated as they grabbed two sandwiches and two small bags of chips. "Mrs. Thorton, may we show you the pond after we eat? We would like for you to see it."

Elizabeth thought about it for a moment. She had initially wanted to see it with Jack, but how could she turn down the invitation from the young men who have worked so hard on it. "If you ever finish eating, we'll go." She sassed.

"That never happens, Mrs. Thorton." The whole group laughed. Elizabeth was treasuring this group of young men. They were polite and respectful. She immediately agreed with Jack about wanting to be there for these guys.

The group made their way down the path. Elizabeth was impressed with the work they have done. Jack described the path as a small trial with just enough room for one person to walk. These young men widened the path to where it could easily allow three people to walk beside each other. The walk only took a few minutes since the path was so clear.

When Elizabeth looked up, she stopped and gasped. The video Jack has showed her did not do this place justice. The pond was absolutely gorgeous. Her eyes were immediately drawn to the gentle slope leading into the pond. She could already see a fire pit to roast marshmallows, countless chairs, and a picnic table to enjoy lunch in her mind. It was also a perfect place to enter the pond to swim. She laughed at the sight of her son and daughter running, laughing, and swimming in the pond for years.

The young men stood watching Elizabeth as her eyes began to roam over the pond. They did a great job of cleaned most things away from the shore line. You could easily walk around the pond without the trouble of over grown bushes. The men did leave some tall grass and a few bushed to keep bugs close by for the fish to eat. Her eyes landed on the rock cliff. At its tallest point, the cliff was about ten feet above the water. There was a lower section you could jump off that was about five feet high.

"Your kids will enjoy jumping off of that." One of the men stated when he noticed her eyes looking at it.

"That's what Jack says, but I'm not sure if I will allow my son to jump off of it." She said thoughtfully.

"Don't be such a momma, Mrs. Thorton. You must let him have fun."

"So, you're having boys?"

Elizabeth's eyes shot wide open in shock. "Boys…who said that?"

"You did. You mentioned that you wouldn't allow your son to jump off of it."

She gasped realizing what she had done. She was so consumed with her thoughts she wasn't thinking about what she said. Oh no! He's going to gloat way too much over this! She straightened her back and shoulders. She placed one foot in front of her and placed her right hand on her hip. In her best scary teacher's and mama's voice, she stated. "No one! And I mean no one says anything to Chief Thorton!" She stated as she pointed with her left hand at every young man. "Or to anyone else. This is our little secret…understand?!"

The young men stopped and didn't move. They didn't even voice a response. They just nodded their heads. When a smile began to curl the corner of Elizabeth's mouth, the group busted out laughing. Elizabeth shared with the men about the bet her and Jack had and that she was having a son and a daughter. Each young man walked up and kissed her on the cheek and said deal.

Elizabeth couldn't believe she let the information slip out like that. She didn't intend to say anything. Actually, she loved the fact that only her and Jack knew about the babies. She was just lost in thought about the images of her son and daughter playing in the pond.

They spent another forty five minutes walking around the pond. The young men took the time to show her their favorite places.

…

Emma walked into Jack office with a knock and opening the door without waiting for permission. Jack smiled at her and said, "What do you have for me?"

"Chief, I have two things for you. Here is your travel information for next week's conference. You head out on Monday afternoon and will return on Saturday evening. Everything is in that folder."

"Six days? The conference is only two and a half days."

"Yes, but I thought since Elizabeth is going with you that you two could take a couple of extra days. Once everything kicks in full stride here and when those babies come, you won't be able to go away whenever you two want. So, take this time. You will have to have your cell phone on you. You will be on call if you will. I will try to keep the calls to a minimum."

Jack smiled at his friend. "Thank you, Emma."

She knew when he used her name, he was grateful.

"Your welcome chief."

"Boss Lady, could we reconsider the chief thing?"

"Jack, the role of chief must be respected. In your official capacity, you need to be respected. It doesn't matter if people like you or not, they need to respect you and the position of Police Chief of Hope Valley. So, no. We can't reconsider this."

Jack nodded. He understood, he just didn't like it.

"So, chief it is." She smirked knowing he didn't like it too much. "The second thing concerns Lawrence."

"Lawrence?"

"Yes, he has disappeared. No one has seen him in days and our informant does not know where he is."

"That's odd…" He trailed off in thought.

"It is. We can't track him down. It's just like he disappeared."

Jack thought on this for a few minutes. "Boss Lady, could you ask Lee to join me?"

"He's outside the office waiting for you."

"Great."

"Hey Chief, why don't you take a walk around the neighborhood and discuss this with him? It would be good for you to get out of your office for a few minutes and for the community to see you outside."

Jack stood and walked to be standing in front of Emma. "Thank you for being such a good friend."

"Don't you mean assistant?"

"No…friend." Jack smiled at her as he took both folders and walked out of his office.

…

Viola, Julie, Tom, and James were quickly becoming closer as friends. This was surprising since Viola always was a little standoffish. Like her little sister, Viola has matured and changed since her divorce and moving to Hope Valley.

Viola's divorce became final, and she was forever grateful to have that time of her life behind her. She felt like a failure for not making her marriage work but understood she couldn't do it all by herself. The day it became final was a hard day for her. Lionel did not make things easy, but she received everything she wanted, a divorce. She wasn't after anything they had together. She just wanted that chapter of her life closed.

The judge did reward her with half of the house they owned and half of their savings. Lionel was incensed with this. He raised such a disruption in court that he was placed in contempt of court and spent the night in jail. While she had to travel to the court hearing, she was grateful James came with her. He was the bright spot of the entire situation. He has walked this very path that she was on and was a great resource for her. He was understanding of her feelings because he had the same feeling years earlier.

She was impressed with James. He wasn't insecure and allowed her to feel what she was feeling. He was able to do this because he knew this woman. He knew her heart and knew she wanted him as much as he wanted her. There were no games being played by either one. This was the first mature relationship either of them had been in and they were both enjoying it.

Since Vi's divorce was finalized, James knew this was going to speed up their relationship. He was grateful for that. They enjoy their time together, but his thoughts were leading to a life long relationship. Before Viola, he promised himself countless times that he would never remarry. He had no desire to walk that path again. Now with V in his life, marriage was all he could think about. He just didn't want to rush it. Viola needed time to settle in and work through all of her feelings about the divorce.

What James couldn't imagine was that Viola was having the same feelings James was having concerning marriage. She knew it was crazy thinking that way, but she couldn't tell her heart to slow down. She would argue with Elizabeth that her and Jack's relationship went way too fast. That her little sister needed to slow things down. Viola couldn't understand when Elizabeth told her that she couldn't stop her heart from wanting Jack. Now Viola completely understood her little sister's struggles.

As James and Viola were sitting in Abagail's café waiting for Tom and Julie to arrive, she took his hand and offered him a mischievous smile.

"James, I think we need to talk."

James tensed up. It is never a good thing when a woman says that. Vi noticed his body posture changing and she chuckled.

"Why are you laughing?" He asked a little perturbed.

"This isn't bad James. I promise. I noticed you tensed up a little."

"Well, you did say we needed to talk. Those words are never good for a man to hear."

"I know, but this time I think it's good."

"Ok. What's on your mind, beautiful."

"My divorce is final."

"Yes dear. I was there, remember?"

"Such sass." She stated. "Yes, I remember, and I am grateful you were. Thank you for doing that."

"Anything for you, V."

"Ok…" She hesitated for a moment.

"Just say it beautiful. We will work out the next sentence together."

"I want a lifetime with you." She blurted out.

James was shocked. He thought she may need some time to adjust to the divorce. His silence was beginning to worry her a little.

"We can go slow if you want. We don't have to rush anything."

James shook his head. "No…no. I don't want to slow things down. I just thought you needed to work through issues since your divorce."

"No issues here. That was a mistake and I have learned from it. Now, I'm ready to begin my life with you." She was a little surprise with her forwardness.

James reached and took both of her hands. "Me too, V. Soon, very soon, ok?"

Her smile gave him her answer.

…

"How are you and Rosemary adapting to Hope Valley?"

"Really good. She is getting used to a small town atmosphere."

"That's great."

"It's helped she spent a few hours with Elizabeth. I don't think they were great friends in high school, but it is great she knows someone here."

"That's true. Do you think she will be ok here?"

"I do. She needs to find something to do with herself to keep herself busy and have a purpose."

"Any ideas?"

"She is applying at the school for the position of theater and music teacher."

"From what I understand, that will be a good fit for her."

They walked a few minutes just talking about Lee's new life in Hope Valley and his family. Both men took this time to get to know each other better. Jack realized Emma was right. It was good for him and Lee to be out and seen by others. Several citizens waved and nodded as they walked by.

"Now, I need to talk to you about Lawrence."

"Ok, what's happened?"

Jack shared with Lee about Lawerance's absence over the last few days. It didn't make any sense to them at all.

"Is this normal for him?"

"No, Lee. It isn't. He usually likes to be seen."

"Well, do you think Miranda had him taken care of because he was so vocal and always noticed? She may have thought he was becoming too seen."

"If she did that, I'm afraid we may never see him again."

They spend another ten minutes walking and discussing possibilities of Lawrence's disappearance.

"Lee, let's not get too focused on the possibilities that we miss what he or she may actually be doing. I don't want us to become too tunnel visioned on this that we miss something that we should have notice."

"I understand, Jack. While you're gone next week, I'll keep working on it and get in touch with you if I find something or need anything."

"Perfect."

…

Jack walked into the house to a relaxed Elizabeth. After the football players left, she went to the school and did a couple hours of work. Her classroom was coming along well. Once home, she put on some records from Jack's dad. She loved the music. Dinner was cooking on the stove and she was enjoying listening to the music and drinking some tea.

"Good evening, my dearest wife."

"Good evening, husband. What are you up too?"

"I'm not up to anything. Why do you always think I'm up to something?" Jack tried to sound offended, but his smile gave him away.

"Well, you usually are." She sassed.

"Yeah…maybe so, but not today. You're listening to Pa's records?"

"I am. They are relaxing. Dinner is cooking. What's on that mind of yours?"

"Let's eat on the porch and we can talk."

Elizabeth smiled her approval, and they finished dinner with very little discussion. They were just enjoying the company of the other.

After sitting on the back porch at a small table, she looked up and smiled at her husband. "So, what's weighing on you so much this evening."

He sighed. He didn't think this conversation was going to go bad, but he also didn't think he would win it either.

"I know your heart is set on naming our son after me, but I really don't want to do that."

"Ok…yes, I do. What's your reasoning for us not naming him after his father?"

Jack was honored Elizabeth felt so strongly to name their son after him, but he really wanted his son to blaze his own trail in this world. He didn't want him to feel like he was in his father's shadow.

"Well…I've mentioned it before. I don't want him to feel like he must do what I do. I don't want my son to feel like he is in my shadows or have to be like me. I want him to be his own man, to follow who he is and not be like his father."

"Jack, my prayer is for him to be exactly like his father. You are a good man and I want my son to be a good man."

"Me too, but can't he be a good man with a different name?"

"Jack, what's really going on here? There is something more to this than just a name."

Jack sighed. His inability to share his heart was winning at the moment. Plus, he didn't really want to say what the real issue was. But he also knew he couldn't keep anything from Elizabeth. She knew him too well for that to happen.

Jack closed his eyes for a moment and took a deep breath. "Bill asked me the other day why I always put myself down and yet lift others up. I think it is partly due to the fact that I am named after my pa. I was never called Junior or Thomas Jack Thorton II or anything like that, but everyone knew I was little Jack, big Jack's son. I could not live up to my dad's name. I feel like I am always fighting that fight.

My pa was such a good man, and most people know that. I just don't feel like I am enough. I want my son to be his own man. To be who he is and not measured to me or what I am. We will help him reach his greatest heights and be the best version of himself. I just don't want to put him behind a rock to begin with."

Elizabeth nodded, but she didn't agree with him. However, she did allow him to continue speaking without interrupting him. She knew if she stopped him, he would lose his momentum.

"Ig needs to be his own man. He does not need to begin his life in my shadow. I want him to stretch his own wings and fly to his destiny, not mine."

"Jack…" Elizabeth began slowly. "I want my son to be named after then greatest man I know. I am married to that man. Why didn't you go by Junior or your dad go by Senior?"

"I'm not sure. I was just always Jack, or little Jack by some of my pa's friends."

"Maybe you didn't go by Junior because he wanted you to be your own man too."

"Maybe, but Elizabeth…"

"Jack." She interrupted him. "I love you with everything I am. I love my son and my daughter the same way. I want my son to know whose son he is. I want him to know he is yours. If he is the man you are, than I will be very pleased with our job as parents. He will be his own man, his own Jack. He will have his passions and dislikes. We will assist him in any way possible, but sweetheart, my son will know exactly who his father is. He will know that this is the type of man I want him to be. He doesn't have to be a police officer, but he must be true to himself. Whatever form that is and he will learn that from you, his father."

"Elizabeth, we…"

"Jack, my son will be named after his father. No other name will be good enough for him."

He lowered his head and his shoulders slumped. She knew this was his defeated posture. She hated that he felt this way, but she also knew in her heart of hearts that her little boy's name will be Thomas Jack Thorton.

"Do I even have a say in this or is it a done deal?"

Elizabeth reached across the table, and they intertwined their fingers together. She waited until their eyes met and she knew she had his attention. "Jack. I would never make this decision without you, you know that. However, I do feel very strong about this. Maybe we need to take some time away from this and pray and think about it."

"So, there's a chance you would change your mind?"

"Honestly…no. I don't think I will change my mind, but let's take some time."

"If you won't change your mind, why take the time? It doesn't feel like I have an option here. The time we are taking just feels like it's time I am supposed to use to change my mind."

Elizabeth sighed. She knew her son's name. She just needed to convince her husband of that. She did not want to run over her husband with this, but knew she wasn't going to change her mind either.

"Jack, I know I'm being inflexible here, but I just know in my heart of hearts my son's name."

Jack broke eye contact with Elizabeth and lowered his head a little. They sat in silence for a few minutes holding hands. They knew they were at an impasse with this topic.

"Jack," Elizabeth broke the silence. "Why do you want to name our daughter after me? Girls aren't name after their mothers like boys are named after their fathers.

"The same reason you gave. You are the strongest person I know. You are so loving to everyone. You give so much of yourself to others. You are brilliant and funny. I want my daughter to be reminded of who her mother is."

"I don't want my daughter named after me. I guess for the same reason you don't want our son named after you."

"Elizabeth. That doesn't make any sense to me. So, because that is how you feel, I must give up my wants, but you don't have too even though that's exactly how I feel as well?"

This conversation, while difficult, was not contentious. They never released their hands and they continued to rub the hands of the other. They sat silently for a few minutes just looking out over their back yard. While it wasn't an argument, it certainly changed their evening.

"I love you, Jack."

"I love you, Elizabeth."

They continued in their silence while holding hands for a few more minutes. Jack sighed when his work cell phone went off. He didn't want to answer it, but he knew he had to. He gave Elizabeth a look of regret. She nodded. She did understand this was part of his job.

"Thorton here." Jack listened for a few moments nodding with whatever was said. Elizabeth kept watching her husband. He still had the look of defeat with his slumped shoulders. The conversation didn't go well, but it wasn't bad either. She knew Jack felt that she wasn't being flexible about this, and to be honest she wasn't. She just knew her son's name. She didn't want her daughter's name to be the same as hers, but Jack did have a point. For the very same reasons he didn't want his son's name to be the same, she was the same way. She couldn't be so inflexible and expect Jack to bend to her desires.

She continued to listen to Jack talk on the phone. As she listened, she was thinking about their most recent conversation. To get what she wants, she must give some too. Then she came up with a plan.

As Jack continued to listen to the phone call, he noticed her smile. He knew she had come up with a plan. He was curious to what she had come up with. Jack finished the call after a few minutes and turned his attention back to his wife.

"Ok…what's the plan?"

She smiled. She knew her husband knows her well.

"You know, it's a little frustrating you know me so well." She sighed. "So, here's my proposal. I can name our son any name I want, and you can name our daughter any name you want."

He looked at her a little surprised. "Are you sure? You know what that means…right?"

"Yes. It means I get what I want while I get what I don't want, and you get the same thing."

"Yes, but because you already know what I'm naming Iggy."

"Yes, and you know what I am naming my little boy Peanut."

Jack smiled. "Deal."

"Now, there is something else I need to tell you."

…

"Charlie, would it be ok if we just hang here tonight?"

"Sure. I'm a little tired and I wouldn't mind staying here too."

"Great, why don't you jump in the shower and I will order us a pizza?"

"Perfect, young man."

"Then, we will watch one of those girly movies on the Hallmark channel and make out."

"Wait…" She stated as he walked away to grab his phone to call in the food. She smiled knowing she was going to enjoy the evening together with her husband.

…

Jack answered another cell phone call and smiled throughout the entire conversation. Jack laughed a couple of times, but Elizabeth couldn't determine who was on the other end of the phone call. When he disconnected the call, he turned his attention to his wife. She was a little nervous with his smirk.

"Well, that was an interesting piece of information." He laughed.

Elizabeth's mind went straight to the secret she let slip out with the football guys this morning.

"What's up?" She asked nervously.

"Well, I believe you have something to tell me." Jack continued to smile at something silly he thought about while talking to Grace on the phone.

"I'm not sure what you're talking about." She hesitated. Oh no! One of them told on me. They wouldn't do that? That grin is frustrating. She thought to herself.

"Yes, you do." He sassed.

"Who told on me? I warned them…"

"Told on you…warned them…what are you talking about?"

"Wait…what are you talking about?"

"Mom just called telling me you are staying with them while I am at the conference. She will pick you up at the airport while I pick up the rental car to go to the conference."

"Oh…that…yes. Mother asked and since you will be busy all day, I thought I could stay with them."

"That sounds good. So, who did you warn and why did you warn them about?"

"Nothing." She stated as she lowered her gaze from his eyes.

E-liz-a-beth…" He began with a knowing look on his face. "What did you do?"

"Who…? Me…? Do something…?" She tried to sound innocent.