Chapter 102
"OK…so that's the plan unless dufuss here messes up again." Jack stated as he playfully slapped James across the back of his head.
"Hey…" James laughed. "A person makes one mistake, and he is labeled for the rest of his life."
"Yes…especially if he made a boneheaded move like you did on Make Out Rock."
"Alright…fine…it wasn't my most promising moment." James laughed.
"Well, with that settled…" Jack playfully smirked. "I will take Elizabeth up to Make Out Rock at one after our lunch out. James will take Vi at three, and Tom that leaves you to take Julie up at five."
"I can't believe we are discussing and scheduling this." Tom shook his head.
"Well, they all were excited about taking us there yesterday and I wouldn't mind making out with Elizabeth. We had to schedule time frames so dufuss here wouldn't mess things up again." Jack teased looking toward James.
James just shook his head. "So, I have three to five. We'll leave around 4:30 or 4:45. That will give us plenty of time to get away before Tom and Julie comes. They won't be able to see each other and mess this us again."
"Sure, it was them seeing each other that messed things up before…" Sassed Tom.
"Geez…I'm never going to live this down, am I?"
"Probably not." Jack smiled. "We have the Lilac scrub."
"And we have the rock bench by the small tree." James nodded.
"And we have the pine tree." Tom smiled.
"Man…dating Thatcher sisters feels like I'm planning an Olympic sporting event or something."
"You should be married to them." Smile Tom.
"Speaking of which, when do you plan on changing the dating part of your relationship?" Jack asked with a smirk.
"Well..." James began. "I wanted to make sure she is ok after her divorce. I don't think it will be much longer."
"That's great, James."
"Yeah." Tom replied.
"Jack, may I ask you a question." James asked.
"Sure James. We'll be brothers-in-law soon."
James hesitated for a moment but decided Jack's a straight shooter so he would just come out and ask. "How are you after everything?"
"Well, Elizabeth and the babies are doing well. I'm happy about that. I think she may still be a little physically tired from the whole ordeal, but she is ok."
"That's great, Jack. How about you and William?"
"Well…that's a harder question to answer." He paused trying to figure out the words to use. "I haven't punched him yet, even though I really want too on several occasions."
"I would have." Stated Tom and then James.
"Our relationship is certainly damaged to some degree and I'm not sure if we will ever get back to where we were or even if I want too."
James thought for a moment. "I don't blame you, Jack. I'm not sure if I would ever want to have a relationship with him if he did that to V."
Jack nodded his head. "I will never discourage his and Elizabeth's relationship, but I don't want one with him at this time. Maybe over time that may change, but I don't know…" Jack's voice faded at that statement.
Both Tom and James nodded their head in agreement.
"So, where are you taking Elizabeth to lunch?"
"I don't know. I will leave that up to her since this is her town. I guess I better go and ask if she wants to go out for lunch."
"Don't forget, you have Make Out Rock beginning at one." Smirked his little brother.
…
"What are they up too?" Viola asked her two sisters. They were sitting on the couch looking out the big picture window at their men sitting on the front porch talking.
"I'm not sure, but I bet they are planning something." Stated Elizabeth. "I can see it in Jack's eyes."
"What do you think about Jack and father working on the handrail this morning?" Asked Julie.
Elizabeth sighed. Her heart was really torn on this matter. She loved her father, but she was greatly frustrated with him and how he has treated Jack. However, she chose a lifetime with Jack and understood how frustrated he was.
"Torn…they didn't talk but at least Jack hasn't hit him yet."
"I don't understand how he hasn't punched him yet." Stated Vi.
"I know. I can see the storm in his eyes, and it breaks my heart." Elizabeth confessed. "Jack promised he won't keep father from our babies or myself if he doesn't harm them or me."
"Elizabeth, he has harmed you…and them." Viola stated point to her belly.
That statement from VI caught Elizabeth off guard. With everything that has been going on, she really hasn't looked at it from Jack's point of view like that. Jack was doing what he does best, he loved her. No matter what that looked like. He wanted her to have a relationship with her father even if it turned his stomach each time he was around her father. She knew there wasn't anything Jack wouldn't do for her.
"Yeah…" Elizabeth stated. "I think the damage that was caused will never be fully healed. There will always be a scar there."
Elizabeth thought about things for a few minutes. She looked outside and saw the guys talking. She looked at her sisters and saw the smiles on their faces. She looked down at her belly and saw the bump the babies were making. Then she looked up at Jack and studied him for a minute. He didn't look defeated like earlier. However, he was just on this side of happy. She could see it on his face and in his eyes. The place that showed his pain the most was his smile. Yes, he was smiling, but the dimples were not showing through. The smile looked fake or forced.
"Hey, can I ask you two a question? I would like an honest answer."
Viola and Julie nodded their heads and turned their bodies toward their sister.
"Do you think I'm asking too much of Jack concerning this? I mean us still staying here?"
Julie spoke first. "Well, you're doing something I wouldn't do. I wouldn't be here at this moment, and I know Tom wouldn't be here today if father did that to me. He also said he would have punched him." Julie answered honestly. Her and Tom have already talked about it.
Elizabeth barely nodded her head.
Now it was Viola's turn to answer the question. "James said he would have decked him twice when I was placed on the gurney. He doesn't understand how Jack hasn't already punched him. He said that Jack must have the greatest self control he has ever seen. Honestly, I don't know if I would be here now if it was my babies. I'm not saying I wouldn't have a relationship with him at some point, but…it would take a little bit of time."
Again, Elizabeth barely nodded her head. She looked up again and notice Jack sitting listening to someone. She was lost in looking at him and his nonsmile. She didn't notice that Vi was speaking to her.
"Elizabeth." Vi stated again placing her hand on Elizabeth's arm to gain her attention. "Jack must love you with everything he is to still be here."
"All I know is that Jack is doing more than I would or Tom." Julie added.
"Yeah…" Elizabeth was beginning to rethink everything.
The ladies sat thoughtful in silence until Jack walked into the door.
"Hello ladies." Jack gave them a half smile. "Elizabeth, would you like to go out and eat lunch somewhere with me today?"
Elizabeth broke free from her thoughts. She gave him a half smile and asked where he would like to go.
"I'm not sure. This is your hometown. I will leave that for you to decided. Then I thought maybe we can walk around town for a few minutes." He was hoping she would agree to this and hoped the restaurant was close to Make Out Rock.
"Sure."
"First, you need to check your blood pressure."
"I did this morning."
"Great. Now we can compare the two. Would you like for me to get the blood pressure cuff for you?" Jack wasn't giving her an option.
"Please." She offered him a smile.
…
James walked into the living room after Jack left. "Hey, V. I have to make some phone calls and I need to check in with Bill. Would you like to go get a snack or ice cream in a couple of hours or so when I'm done?"
Viola smiled at her boyfriend. "Sure, James. That sounds fun." Vi look at her sisters and gave them a knowing smile. They knew something was going on, but they didn't know what.
"Just let me know when you're ready."
Tom walked in the living room and gave a smile toward his wife.
Before he was able to ask, Julie spoke up. "Tom, would you like to go later for a snack or something?"
"Wow! It's like you can read my mind. I was thinking the same thing."
"They're definitely up to something." Whispered Viola.
…
"So, where are you taking me?" Asked Elizabeth.
"What do you feel like?"
"I don't have a preference."
"Is there anything Ig and Iggy are wanting?" Jack asked as he touched her tummy.
"No. I don't think so. We might go downtown and walk around to see if anything sounds good."
"Is that the same place as the park from yesterday?"
"Yes. The park is just on the edge of downtown."
"Perfect! That will work. Now, how do I get there?"
…
Lee was sitting at his desk in the pull pin studying the pieces of paper in front of him. He has filled in as much as possible for Jack. Lee was a very good officer and detective. He loved his job and had an aptitude for it. His professional goal was to be a police chief later in his career. This last two days have given Lee the knowledge that he still had a lot to learn.
He didn't understand how Jack could do it at such a young age, but he knew Jack was perfect for this job. Lee's old boss was right, Lee could learn a lot from Jack. Lee made it his primary goal to learn everything from Jack that he could. Maybe, in time, he would have the opportunity to lead a police department.
Lee was quickly learning how vital Emma was to the police department and to Jack. "That lady knows everything." He mentioned to Rosemary on several occasions.
Lee didn't notice Rosemary standing by his desk. "Hey Honey Bunny. Don't you look like a police chief sitting there!" She proclaimed in a loud voice.
"Rosemary…hush!" Lee looked around. "I am nowhere near the chief."
Rosemary huffed. She knew her husband would be a good police chief. She just didn't realize he needed to grow into it.
"I think Lee will be a good police chief at some point, but not today." Emma gave Lee a nice smile and he understood her meaning.
"Thanks Emma. That means a lot coming from you."
"Well, I think he could be one now." Rosemary stated.
"In time dear. I think I could learn a lot from Jack. So, what do you have for me Emma?"
Emma smiled. She liked Lee, but she wasn't used to Rosemary yet. "Here is the folder on Lawrence. Jack has some notes in there. Plus, the other two folders are his projects for the schools. He is meeting next week with SROs from both the grade school and high school. He may want you there for the meeting. If nothing else, you should have a working knowledge of them."
"Thanks Emma. I'll look at them in a moment."
"Hey, Lee…I can see you becoming a police chief at some point. You are a good detective with an open mind. You are thoughtful and you work well with people."
"Thank you, Emma. Maybe someday but I have a lot to learn."
…
Grace was sitting on the balcony just outside of her bedroom. She has replayed the last couple of days over in her mind several times. In the quietness of the morning, she was rethinking the last few conversations with William. Not just over the last few days, but her warnings over the last few months. Whenever she closed her eyes, she could feel Elizabeth's head fall into her lap when she passed out. The fear that chilled her blood was still present. She loved her husband but knew he had caused damage to her family. Not only to Elizabeth and the babies, but to Jack. She has grown to love Jack. She never had a son, but she does now. Jack had become her son and she thought of him that way. She got along with Tom well enough and was becoming to know James, but Jack has found a place in her mother's heart.
William walked out with another cup of hot tea for his wife. "Grace, I brought this for you."
She nodded but didn't say anything.
"Grace, I want to apologize to you for my attitude. I am truly sorry for my behavior."
She looked into his direction. She loved him, but she was also frustrated with him.
"William, I think you should step back from Jack and Elizabeth for a while."
"Why?" Asked a confused William. "Elizabeth has forgiven me. Jack is still a process, but we did replace the handrail this morning without arguing."
"That's true, William. I believe Jack is only here for Elizabeth. If it was up to him, I don't think he would be here."
"You think so?"
"I do. How many times have we stayed at my father's house?"
"Not many." Said a thoughtful William.
"Correct. We only stayed because of me. You never wanted too."
"I guess you are right."
"And my father never created an instance where I was required to spend the night in a hospital and put my children at risk."
William lowered his head. Normally he would argue that point, but he knew it was very true. He still remembers the feeling of seeing his middle daughter hold her stomach and cry out in pain.
"I just don't want to widen the distance between Elizabeth and me."
"And Jack."
"Yes, and Jack."
"This will not be fixed in a day or two. You need to give Elizabeth and Jack space to work out their feelings."
"I believe Elizabeth has already worked out her feelings."
"I'm not so sure she has." Grace stated.
Grace can see the battle in her daughter's eyes. She loved her father and has always been a parent pleaser, but this is a whole different animal. As much as Grace didn't want to be out of Elizabeth's life, Elizabeth needs to work this out in her heart, mind, and with Jack.
"I'll talk with Elizabeth today. I'll give them a week or two." William stated as he began to stand.
"No, you will give them a minimum of a month, maybe longer." Grace has always deferred to William on a lot of matters, but not now when it came to her daughter or her family. She has determined she was going to take the lead in this, and she was placing her foot down on this matter. She wasn't giving William an opportunity to decide.
"A month?" Gasped William.
"At least a month." Stated a determined Grace. Maybe longer if Jack or Elizabeth wants more time.
William watched as his wife gave him a determined look as she stood and fixed her clothing. He noticed her stare and knew he was no longer in charge.
…
"Wow! This is a great hamburger." Stated Jack. Elizabeth took him to a little mom and pop's restaurant on the square in downtown Hamilton. They were well known for their hamburgers and curly fries.
"They are great." Agreed Elizabeth. "Thank you for the extra pickles and for giving me your pickle too."
"You're welcome."
Ever since her conversation with her sisters this morning, she has been thinking about the issue with her family and Jack.
"As she dunked a curly fry in a pile of ketchup, she caught Jack's eyes. She could still see a little bit of frustration. "Jack, if I ask you something, would you be completely honest with me?"
Jack laid down his hamburger. He wasn't certain, but he thought he knew where this was going. "I'll do my best."
"Jack, I need you to be honest and open with me. I know this situation with my father is complicated. Please don't avoid answering my question because it's about my father. I really need to know the answer and how you feel."
Jack's smile quickly faded, and his shoulders slumped. Elizabeth wasn't certain if Jack knew he did that, but she had her answer.
"Ok…go ahead." He sounded much less happy than he sounded just moments ago.
"If it was up to you, would you still be in my parent's house or would you be in a hotel?"
He knew the answer, but he wasn't going to trash her father in front of her. She loved her father, and he wasn't going to talk ill of him. He promised he wouldn't be a stumbling block for her relationship with her father. He paused trying to find the correct words without hurting her feelings or outright lying to her.
In his pause, she knew the struggle he was fighting. "Jack…please be honest with me."
He sighed. "No, I wouldn't be in your parent's home." He stated softly.
"Would you have already punched my father?"
He nodded his head. "Several times…" He stated just below a whisper. Elizabeth had difficulty in hearing his words.
"Then why are we still there?"
He place his napkin that was on his lap onto the table. He concentrated on his burger. "You."
She nodded. "Then why did you help him with the handrail this morning?" Elizabeth thought that act was a step forward in reconciliation. Before the conversation with her sisters, she believed positive steps were taken.
"I didn't choose to help him. I woke up early this morning and went to the hardware store to pick up supplies because I broke the handrail last night talking to Frank. I was working on it when Mr. Thatcher stepped outside. I was kind of trapped and couldn't go anywhere." He paused for a moment. "It wasn't by my choice."
Elizabeth nodded.
"We didn't speak to each other."
"Jack…you know I chose you, don't you."
Jack didn't answer the question. The situation was just so complicated.
"Jack…" She elongated his name. "I love my father and I assume I always will, but I chose you. I married you. I am living my life with you. We are raising a family together. I'll grow old with you."
Jack gave her a soft smile. Neither really knew what to do. Before any words were spoken, Elizabeth's phone buzzed with a text from her mother.
G – Hey sweetheart, I'm sorry to interrupt your day, I would like to talk with you and Jack when you two come home
Elizabeth showed the text to Jack. He sighed. "Elizabeth, I'm tired of talking about this. This isn't changing anything and only prolonging this whole thing. Once we get home, things will go back to normal.
Elizabeth knew this was Jack's defense mechanism. As she typed out the response, she read it so Jack would know what she was typing.
E – That's fine mother. There are a couple of things I want to say and this will be the last time we discuss it for a while.
Grace read the text and smiled. Her fear was removed knowing Elizabeth was feeling the same way.
G – Perfect! My thoughts exactly!
As she read the text from her mother to Jack, he simply nodded his head.
…
"V, are you ready to head out in about an hour?"
"Sure, James. I'm basically ready now, but I'll wait. I need to head back home tomorrow. I must get back to work."
"Perfect. Would you mind calling the airport and purchasing the tickets?" James stated as he handed her his credit card.
"James, you don't have to purchase the tickets."
"I know, sweetheart. I can or we can work it out later. Just use this because it's easier to purchase them together than separately."
"Thanks James. Any thoughts about where you would like to go later?"
James' smile grew. He was looking forward to Make Out Rock since yesterday. He has missed being alone with V. They haven't had a moment alone for a few days now. He would be very happy with just holding hands and a couple of kisses. She noticed his grin growing by the moment.
"What are you up too?"
"Who? Me? Up to something?" He scoffed.
"Yes, you!"
"Nothing dear."
…
"Jack where are we going?"
Jack's smile grew when they began walking toward the park. He has missed his wife. They have been through the emergency over the last few days, but they were also separated when he was at the conference. He was looking forward to making out with his wife but knew nothing else was going to happen. Especially with the issue of her potential high blood pressure.
"Before we go, let's take your blood pressure."
"Jack, you brought my blood pressure cuff?"
"Yes, now, have a seat on the bench and we'll take it real quick."
"Jack, I'm not a…"
"E-liz-a-beth…" He elongated her name. She sighed realizing it had the same effect on her as it did in the beginning of their relationship. "You cannot use that excuse for the next five days…probably longer."
"You can't say my name like that and not expect my blood pressure to be up." She flirted. Their time apart has increased her desire for him too.
Elizabeth bit her bottom lip as Jack stood over her holding her hand as he placed the cuff on her wrist. She loved his touch, and he was close enough she could smell his cologne. It wasn't just his cologne; she loved his natural scent. Her eyes traveled down his body. She noticed his muscled forearms and then his legs. Jack was wearing shorts and she could see his leg muscles. She slowly looked over his body again as her eyes traveled back up his body. She noticed a little bit of sweat was forming on her upper lip.
Jack intently watched the cuff as it was taking her blood pressure. She closed her eyes hoping it would slow her heart rate down. She did not want to go back to her parent's home. She wanted time with her husband with just him and her alone.
"Well, it's borderline and your heart rate is a little elevated." He pondered out loud.
"Great, now let's go."
"I don't know…"
"I do. It's in normal range. Now, where are we going?"
…
After walking around town for a few minutes, Jack gently turned them toward the park. He looked at his watch and realized it was just before one. Perfect, the timing is perfect.
"Jack, are we going to the park?"
"We are."
Elizabeth got a little excited. She was hoping Jack was going to take her to Make Out Rock. Yesterday was a big letdown in her opinion. She has always wanted to go to Make Out Rock.
As they walked through the park, they didn't speak. They were just enjoying their alone time together. With everything that was going on, they needed this time together to recenter themselves to each other. She walked with her arm wrapped around Jack's arm and her hand resting on his forearm.
When Jack turned left abruptly toward the large rock, her smile grew. She didn't say anything. She didn't have too, her smiled said it all. The anticipation was easily building inside of her. She only hoped Jack wouldn't want to take her blood pressure at the moment because she knew it was slowly climbing due to her excitement.
After a couple of minutes, they noticed the oak tree. She smiled when Jack said, "There it is."
They slowly made their way to the Lilac shrub. The area was as beautiful as Elizabeth dreamed it would be. She would often lay in her bedroom imagining being close to her husband on Make Out Rock under the Lilac shrub. Her girlfriend who described it to her in high school made it sound beautiful. At this moment, Elizabeth thought her friend was under selling the scene. She stole a glance at Jack and realized it wasn't the scenery that made this place amazing. It was her husband.
"Now, I hear this place is special." Jack stated as he stood in front of his wife. He slowly inched closer to her as he placed his hands on her hips. He purposefully maneuvered his fingers just under the hem of her shirt. Both of their breaths caught when his fingers touched her soft skin.
"I've heard it is special too." She stated with a heavy breath. Her eyes were focused on his lips. She wanted him to claim her lips. It has been several days since they shared a kiss she was used to, and with an emotional load they carried only intensified her desire for her husband. She moved as close as she could with her baby bump and then tried to move a little closer. Their lips were so close they were sharing the same breath.
Jack was looking into her eyes and was completely lost. The area was beautiful, but the only thing he noticed was the blue eyes of his bride. He saw the love and desire in those windows to her soul.
"Elizabeth…" Jack breathed in a husky tone.
She shivered at his voice and the closeness of her husband.
"Jack…" she stated just above a whisper.
Jack leaned in and gently pressed his lips to hers. However, gentle wasn't what she wanted. She wanted the passionate Jack that she has known for months now. She wanted Jack to claim her as he so often does. She wanted passion, want, and desire.
Elizabeth placed both of her arms on Jack's shoulder and grabbed the hair on the back of his head. Usually, she ran her fingers through it, not this time. Jack whimpered a little when she pulled his hair.
"Jack, please make love to me." She whispered into his ear. She smiled when he shuttered at her breath on his ear. She leaned in to nibble his ear lobe, but he pulled away.
"Elizabeth, we can't, your blood pressure."
She gave him a mischievous smile. Then kept one hand with his hair in her grasp and lowered her right hand down his shoulder and his arm toward his back side. When her hand reached his waistline, she looped her fingers into his belt loop on his shorts and pulled him closer to her. Then she ran her fingers to the inside of his shorts. "Jack…" She said his name slowly and pulled on his underwear. "I want you. I need you…" She stated before claiming his lips. She smiled her victorious smile when she heard him whimper.
…
After her nap, she woke up hoping she would have dreamed about her babies. Her hand was resting on her stomach when Jack walked into the room.
"Are you ok?"
"Yes, I just woke up."
"Let me take your blood pressure."
"Jack…" She stopped when she saw his expression. She knew he was going to be overprotective and there was nothing she could do about it. As he took her blood pressure, she told him she was hoping she would dream about her babies.
"Our babies." He reminded her.
Grace knocked on her door and told them that dinner would be ready in twenty minutes. Elizabeth noticed Jack's expression.
"Mother," Elizabeth stated when she opened the door. "I think we will take our dinner up here."
"That's fine dear."
A few minutes later, Vi knocked on Elizabeth's door.
"Hey, I just wanted to let you know that James and I are heading back tomorrow. I need to get back to work. And since you are feeling better, I was wanting to make sure it was ok with you."
"It's fine. Thank you for coming."
They spoke for a few minutes until Julie walked into the bedroom. "Hey, what are you all doing?"
"Nothing." Elizabeth and Vi said at the same time.
"Why are you so happy?" Asked Elizabeth.
"I'm fine." Julie stated with a smile. "Why are you so relaxed?" Julie asked Elizabeth with a smirk on her face.
"Yeah, you do have a very relaxed look on your face."
"I'm not sure what you're talking about. Jack and I just went to lunch and then the park for a walk. It was just a calming, relaxing afternoon."
"You went to the park?" Asked Vi with a little squeak in her tone.
"Yes, did you?"
This turn of conversation caught Jack's attention.
"Yeah, James and I got there at about three."
"Jack and I got there at about one."
"Wait…Tom and I got here at about five." Said a thoughtful Julie.
"Hold on a minute…We were there at one. VI and James were there at three, and you and Tom were there at five?" Asked Elizabeth. She was beginning to put the puzzle pieces together.
"Yes, we were there at three. Wait, that's two hours in between each of our visits to the park." Stated Vi.
"We didn't really go to the park. We went to Make Out Rock." Said a smiling Julie.
"Us too!" Exclaimed Elizabeth and Violia together.
"Uh…oh…" Stated Jack in a soft tone. He stood and quickly made his way to the bedroom door. He could feel the ladies' eyes on him as he walked across the room. Jack looked up and saw Tom and James at the door.
"Code red!" He stated under his breath. "Abort!" He hastened his walk to the door. "Abort! Abort!"
Tom and James saw his expression and his hurry to get out of the room.
"Oh man…we're busted." Tom stated as he turned quickly with James.
The ladies watched the men basically run from the room. "Do you think…" Viola started.
"…they planned this?" Julie finished her statement.
Elizabeth laughed out loud. "Oh…they absolutely did!"
The three ladies stared at each other and after a few seconds, then they all laughed.
"Did you?" Julie asked Viola and Elizabeth.
"Did you?" Elizabeth asked.
Each sister nodded their heads. "Yeah, Jack made my dreams come true."
"So did James."
"So did Tom."
Viola and Julie said at the same time.
"So…that's what they were up to this morning…" Whispered Elizabeth to a chuckling Vi and Julie.
…
Jack, Elizabeth, Julie, Tom, Viola, and James all sat in Elizabeth's bedroom eating their dinner. The conversation was light and fun loving. There was plenty of laughter and everyone was enjoying themselves. Viola reached for the door when there was a knock. When she opened the door, she saw her mother and father standing in the doorway. Viola offered her parents a light smile. "Mother…father…I don't think this is a good time. They have had a good day."
"I know, sweetheart. This isn't a bad meeting. I promise."
Viola stepped back, and Grace stepped in with William following.
Elizabeth stood when her parents walked into the room. "Mother…father…" Elizabeth stated.
"Mom." Jack stated toward Grace. "Mr. Thatcher." He stated toward William.
"Jack…Elizabeth…may we have a private moment?"
James, Vi, Julie, and Tom all looked toward Jack and Elizabeth to see if they wanted them to leave. They were willing to stay for moral support. In their opinion, Jack and Elizabeth has been through enough. They weren't going to allow something else bad to happen to them. Especially since they had a good day.
"Sure mother." Elizabeth stated.
After everyone stepped out of Elizabeth's bedroom, James closed the door. Before her parents were able to speak, Elizabeth started. "I have been wanting to speak with you, mother."
"Great, dear. We need to speak with you too, but you go first, please." Grace stated in a calm, mom voice.
"I don't think the last two days have been fair to Jack."
"Or to you dear."
Elizabeth nodded. "I am thinking staying here after our argument and the emergency wasn't right to Jack. My blood pressure is still ok, and I feel fine. Jack and I will be leaving to go home tomorrow. Adam stated the jet that the family came in is ready for us to go back when we want. Viola and James are going back for sure. I don't know about Adam and mom or Julie and Tom."
"Great. It will be easier for you to rest in your new home. Just don't overdo it with trying finish every little thing or things like that."
"I won't mother, I promise." She exhaled to find her words. "I feel we need some time to process the lasts few days."
William nodded his head. "We feel that way too." He stated.
Jack and Elizabeth were a little surprised by his statement.
"We're not cutting you out of our life. We just feel like we need to step back for a moment." Elizabeth explained.
"We agree one hundred percent. We have talked about it today and thought we would discuss this with you, but we were thinking at least a month with no contact." Grace stated.
Jack was a little shocked and he could see by her expression that his wife was too. When he and Elizabeth discussed this earlier, he never thought William would ever go along with it.
"At least a month." Elizabeth stated with resolution. "Jack, what do you think?"
"I agree, but mom, this doesn't apply to you."
"Yes." Elizabeth stated. "The young men will have a game in about four weeks or so, we plan on doing something for them for their first game, I would love your help and for you to attend with us."
"Thank you." Grace smiled.
"At that time, I will call and let you know if we want more time." Elizabeth stated.
"That will be perfect. You two decided when this, or if, it ends."
"It will end, I just don't know when and what it will look like when it does." Jack said.
"I understand." Grace and William stated.
…
"That was a great idea to do this."
"I believe know was the best time to accomplish this, but that doesn't mean we don't be careful."
"Yes."
"Chief Thorton will be back to town very soon. It would be better to sit this up with him out of town. That Lee guy is good, but he's not on the Chief's level." Jimmy stated.
"What does Miranda say?"
"This was her idea to do this with Chief Thorton out of town. She was ok with my plan but wanted to give it some time to implement."
"Hope Valley is the perfect location for this. It's small and halfway to our ultimate destination."
Jimmy thought about this for a moment, it was a perfect place, but that chief was trouble. He heeded Miranda's warnings and followed the prescribed path she wanted him to follow. The shipment was to arrive tomorrow and stay the night in an abandoned barn. Then the driver would be changed and taken to its next destination. The process was very effective. No shipment has been compromised.
"Let's keep Hope Valley that way. Remember, no selling or dividing the product here. This is only a temporary stopping point. That was LT's problem, he wanted to start selling here."
"Have you heard from him?"
"He was taken care of by Miranda's boy."
"Oh…I didn't know that."
Everyone knew that when Miranda's boy was involved, she gave him the final say and he never made a mistake.
"Hey Jimmy, have you ever met him?"
"No one has met him and lived to tell about it. Now, stop wasting time. We need to get that old barn cleaned out just enough so the truck can be parked there."