Chapter 113

The previous night…

Jack placed his phone back into his pocket after texting Elizabeth. He surveyed the scene before him. Four men were handcuffed and sitting by the wall of the barn. Three of the men had their heads hanging down. Only Jimmy was looking at him. The look of shock on his face was evident. Three trucks were in the barn. The large, boxed truck was pulled into the barn almost to the end of the barn. The two smaller trucks were backed into the barn parked behind the large truck. Jack estimated the large truck was about half emptied. The contents were split evenly between the smaller trucks. The state troopers were located where he had asked them to stand. The scene was under control.

Jack glanced at Lee, and he just placed his phone in his pocket after texting Rosemary. They shared a look.

"Chief, thank you."

"You all did a great job." Jack stated loud enough for everyone to hear his compliment.

"I think it's more like you did a great job and we just joined in."

"No, you all did so well. The rush into the barn was perfect. Not a single shot was fired. The suspects are arrested, and we have stopped a large load of drugs. I believe it was a perfect arrest. Everyone is going home tonight."

"Amen." Stated Captain Fisher. "That was the smoothest operation I have ever been part of."

"You all did great."

"I believe it was more of the planning than execution."

"Don't sell your part of the plan, Captain. A plan is only a plan until it is executed. You and your men did well. Thank you."

Captain Fisher nodded his agreement and appreciation. "I guess we will wait for the backup to come."

"Yes." Jack stated. He kept a close eye on Jimmy. He didn't take his eyes off of Jack. The shocked look was still on his face. "Captain, discreetly take the gentleman with the white shirt with blue strips outside by my truck, please. I'll be there shortly."

…

Franklin sat on his bed leaning against his headboard. Henry was staying over for the night. They have gotten really close over the last few weeks, especially since Henry was the ball boy. He wasn't fond of the fact that Henry was still dating his little sister, but he like Henry. Henry was laying on the floor with Emily on Franklin's bedroom floor playing video games on Franklin's TV. Franklin took some time to study his little sister and Henry's interaction. They had a lot of fun together. They were laying close enough for their shoulders to touch, but nothing too inappropriate.

When Emily went to bed, Franklin took the opportunity to ask this little man about his relationship with his little sister.

"Henry, how long have you liked my sister?"

Henry felt immediately uncomfortable. "For a while now. I liked her last year in Mrs. Thorton's class, but I didn't think she like me."

"Why not?"

"She always hit me when we would play together at school."

Franklin laughed at his statement.

"We started going together when she told me we were. I didn't mind though. She was happy and I like it when she is happy."

"That's good." Franklin thought for a moment. "Do you love her?"

"Well, I'm in the sixth grade. I don't really know what love really means. I enjoy being with her and I always want to be with her. I like it when she comes to my baseball games. I can hear her cheer for me and that make me feel good. When I see that she likes something, I try to remember that so I can do it again."

"Well, that sounds like love to me."

"I guess."

"Have you told her yet?"

"Oh no. We haven't even kissed yet."

Franklin laughed. "Well, don't push that too fast, ok?"

Henry nodded his head. He swallowed and looked Franklin in his eyes. "I haven't told anyone this yet, but I am going to marry Emily some day and I am going to play professional baseball."

"Well, I hear you are on the travel baseball team. The best one around here and you are one of their best players already. You may just do that. Now, what's that about my little sister?"

"I will marry her someday. I don't know when, but one day I will marry Emily."

Franklin was a little taken back by the boldness of this little man. Franklin looked at him trying to figure him out. He only saw determination.

"Well…if that is something you want to do, make sure you speak with my dad before you ask her."

Henry nodded his head.

They didn't know it, but Emily was standing outside of her brother's door. She had come back to give Henry back his sweatshirt. She covered her mouth trying to tamper her scream. She was excited at what Henry said. She has thought about marrying Henry long before she told Henry they were dating.

"Young lady, what are you doing?" Ann asked.

Emily jumped at getting caught listening to the conversation.

"Nothing mom. I was bringing Henry's sweatshirt back, but I think I'm going to keep it."

"No listening in on conversations you are not part of."

"Yes ma'am."

…

"Mr. Jimmy. Are you still looking forward for that retirement fixer upper or is Miranda keeping you too busy?"

Jimmy's head popped up quickly at the mention of Miranda's name. There's no way he could know about our connection.

"I think it's safe to say you aren't buying this farm. So, you're my new Lawrence." It wasn't a question, but a statement.

"How do you know?"

"About Lawrence and or Miranda?" Jack chuckled. "Miranda has underestimated me. You are the replacement of Lawrence. Since Miranda replaced him with you, you must be very close to her. Someone she trusts completely. She wouldn't replace Hope Valley with someone unknown. She's going to be extremely disappointed in losing this shipment."

Jimmy couldn't hide the answer in his face.

"She will not hold you personally responsible for this, but you know she will be very unhappy."

Jimmy nodded his head. He was unwilling to say anything. He didn't want to give anything away.

"Her cleaner on the other hand, may clean this mess up like he did Lawrence."

This also got Jimmy's attention.

"We know Miranda well enough that she doesn't keep loose ends around. Especially if those loose ends may cause her any issues in the near future."

Wow! She's right. He's good. Jimmy thought to himself.

"Would you like to deal with me or her cleaner?"

While he didn't answer, Jack could sense he was making some leeway. Jimmy's body posture was beginning to change from defiance to neutral.

"Your options are very limited, Jimmy. First, you can deal with me and live a longer life. Second, take your chances in jail, but you know her cleaner can reach further than we know. Whatever you choose, you know you will never be invited back to Fort Worth."

"Fort Worth…" Jimmy whispered.

"The white mansion on the hill top just outside of Fort Worth. I love the colonial red shutters and doors." Jack couldn't help the smile forming on his face. He really did like the color of the shutters. That reminded him that he wanted to talk to Elizabeth about that color.

"How did you…" Jimmy was shocked. He couldn't finish his question.

"Jimmy…come on. Don't underestimate me like Miranda. I'm a police chief at this young age for a reason. There's a reason I was the youngest state's investigator. However, it wasn't just me who figured it out. I had help."

"Help?"

"She's the leader of a profitable crime ring and yet no one knows who she is. She's a ghost, my mystery."

"What do you know?"

"Well, she funnels everything through property. That's how she manages to launder all of her money. Granted, land is profitable but nothing like the money she is making."

"How did you figure this out?"

"My wife made the statement one day that Miranda wasn't a typical criminal. That made me think about how I was approaching this. I wasn't going to catch her like a normal criminal. So, we began to look at this in a different way. Finding Jacob in my office was a little too convenient. It was too much of a coincidence. Most in the community knew I would be at the ball game tonight. Miranda is a very intelligent lady. She is nobody's fool. With that, what would she be up too? It had to be something big."

"Ok."

"When I was in Hamilton, Lee noticed you became more visible. Not to the point of being too much, but you were somewhat new to the area. He noticed you more than once. With Lawrence gone, Miranda needed someone to replace him. One of the reasons Lawrence was dismissed was because he was too visible. He was causing too much attention. Therefore, whoever was going to replace him would be the opposite."

"Yeah. He wasn't just dismissed."

"No, but there is nothing that will be found."

"True."

Jack continued. "With Elizabeth's statement, we began looking in other areas where she could funnel large amounts of money. With property, Miranda could explain large amounts of money. She could also stay back enough to be free to run her crime empire. Her key to her success is having a very small circle. She trusts her circle explicitly. The problem was finding her through land purchases. She would be true to herself. She wouldn't be a standout. That's where you come in."

"Me?"

"Lee has been following up on you. When I came across you looking at this farm, it was obvious the story you told me was false."

"Lee's good. I didn't pick him to be like you."

"That's part of your problem. You should never underestimate your opponent. The other pieces of the puzzle came together."

"Miranda was always impressed with you. I think she underestimated your wife."

"Yes. She placed many of those puzzle pieces together. She a distinguished lady. She is also a brilliant woman.

"So, what's next?"

"I'm about to catch a plane to Fort Worth."

Jimmy thought for a moment. "When you get there, you will want to know 253674."

Jack nodded his head.

…

Elizabeth woke up and tried to stretch, but she quickly realized she didn't have much room. Her arm and hand hit the back of the couch. She opened her eyes and quickly noticed she was still laying on the couch. This has never happened. Jack has always taken her to bed when he got home. She knew instantly that Jack still wasn't home. By his last text she read, she knew he was ok. So, she wasn't worried about him. She was just wondering where he was.

She immediately reached for her phone on the coffee table and touched the screen. She noticed several texts from Jack throughout the night. She smiled knowing that he didn't want her to worry.

J – Everything is fine

J – Taking longer than I thought

J – Heading to Fort Worth

J – Exactly what you thought

J – Getting on plane now. Text when I arrive

J – I'm here in Fort Worth. Leaving with six cops and ten FBI

J – We're ten minutes out. Call when I can

Elizabeth smiled. She was excited all was going to come to an end with Miranda. She was grateful that chapter will be over soon. She prayed for Jack's safety. She was also grateful for all the texts he sent. She didn't have to wonder what was going on. She knew Jack couldn't say everything, but she knew enough that she didn't have to wonder what was happening.

She placed her hands on her babies. "Ok Peanuts. We have to get up and make breakfast. Daddy will be home later today."

…

Henry slowly and quietly walked out of Franklin's bedroom down the hall. He walked past Emily's bedroom and saw that she was still sleeping. He noticed the light on in the kitchen and some noise. He slowly walked into the kitchen to a smiling Ann and Tom.

"Good morning, Henry. I hope we didn't wake you?"

"No, ma'am. You didn't." He sat down at the table beside Tom, Emily's father. The conversation with Franklin the night before was running through his mind.

"Sir." Henry began being scared out of his mind. His voice was cracking. "May I talk to you for a moment?"

Tom looked at him for a moment. Then he nodded for Henry to begin. Ann cupped her mug of coffee in her hands and leaned against the counter. She noticed the nervousness in his tone.

"Sir…I hummm…One day I would like to marry Emily. To do that, I need your permission." He paused trying to moisten his mouth so he could talk. "May I have your permission to marry Emily?"

Tom was shocked at this conversation. Emily was only in the sixth grade, he hasn't even thought of serious boyfriends yet, more or less the marriage talk with some boy.

"I'm sorry…are you asking me for my blessing to marry Emily?"

"Yes sir." Henry stated just above a whisper. "I am."

Ann gasped and wiped away a tear in her eye.

"Don't you think you're a little young to ask me that question?"

"Yes sir, but someday I am going to marry Emily. I was told I needed to talk to you first before I ask her."

"Ok…" Tom stated.

"It won't be for a long time, but I wanted to go ahead and ask for permission now. Then when I'm older, I'll ask her."

"Henry, that's very sweet of you asking, but you two are in the sixth grade."

"Yes, ma'am. That's why I said it won't be for a long time." Ann melted at this statement. Since he stayed with them when Frank and Abagail went to Hamilton, she has gotten to know Henry well. She liked him and if it wasn't the fact that he was in the sixth grade, she would welcome the question.

Ann nodded her head. Her and Tom was completely shocked.

"Henry, you are a good kid, but this is too early for this question."

"I was told I had to have your permission first…"

"Yes you do, but you usually don't ask for permission until you are ready to ask the young lady."

"Oh…I didn't know that." He thought for a moment. "So…?"

Tom laughed at the absurdity of this conversation on an early Saturday morning. Here is a kid sitting at his kitchen table seriously asking for his sixth grade daughter's hand in marriage.

"Henry, it's no secret that we like you. We are ok with you and Emily, but let's hold off on the marriage talk until you two are older."

Henry thought about this for a few moments. He didn't understand what he had to wait to ask for permission, but he figured Tom would know since he's older.

"Ok. I guess I can wait, but I just want you to know that one day I will be coming back to you to ask your permission to marry Emily."

"I understand, and I will be ready for that conversation then. Ok?"

Henry nodded his head. "Ok."

"Henry, would you like some eggs for breakfast?" Ann tried to change the subject.

"I do. I'll be right back." Henry stated as he got up and went back to Franklins bedroom.

Ann and Tom shared a look with each other. Ann shook her head with a smile.

"I can't believe I just had that conversation." Tom said shaking his head in disbelief.

"It was kind of cute." And smiled again.

"I'm not sure I think that way."

"You like Henry. He's a good kid."

"He is…it's just way too early to think about Emily getting married."

"I have a funny feeling Henry will be part of this family for a very long time."

Tom smiled. "I believe you are right."

…

"Good morning…Ms. Miranda Davidson."

Miranda instantly jumped up to a seating position. As she gasped for breath, she looked around her bedroom looking for the voice that startled her. Her eyes roamed the room until they landed on Jack sitting on her antique armchair. He was leaning forward with his elbows on his knees with a small grin displayed on his face.

"Jack?" She questioned as she was trying to wake up from sleep and calm down from being scared. She rubbed her eyes and her face.

"Good morning. I hope you rested well." Jack stated.

Miranda quickly recovered and offered Jack her patented smile. "I did. You don't look like you slept much. Are you ok?"

"I'm a little tired but I feel good. Thank you for asking." Jack was amazed at how quickly she recovered from being shocked. No wonder she is in charge at such an early age.

"What may I do for you this early? Would you like breakfast?"

"I had something earlier. Thank you for the offer. I know you are a breakfast eater. I left something on the nightstand for you along with a hot cup of tea."

"That's very nice of you Jack. How did you know I am a breakfast eater and a tea drinker?"

"Like you, I study the people in my life."

She nodded her head and looked toward her nightstand. She reached for the tea that was on the opposite nightstand. As she reached for the tea, she also opened her drawer at the same time hoping to have an opportunity to find her weapon.

"I left honey on the table, but I'm sorry to tell you I removed your Glock. Nice weapon by the way."

She nodded and smiled at Jack. "I see you're on top of things." Miranda was quickly realizing she didn't have any options left.

"Yes ma'am."

They took a few moments to look at each other. She sipped her hot tea. She was running things through her mind trying to figure out how Jack was in her bedroom. While she was trying to figure that out, she couldn't get over how handsome this man is. Those eyes were memorizing. She would often imagine Jack being in her bedroom. This was better than her dreams.

"I assume we are not alone?"

"No. We have a search warrant. People are going through your home as we speak."

"And you're in here with me?"

"I'm here to arrest you."

Miranda looked around her bedroom again. Jack finally saw the moment when Miranda realized there was no hope. He noticed the defeat in her posture.

"Jack, would you give me about fifteen minutes to get dress?"

"I'm sorry, Miranda. I can't do that. I did leave your robe on the foot of your bed if that makes you more comfortable."

"Thank you, Jack. You are such a gentleman." She looked at it but did not put it on. Her top covered her well enough. To be honest, she didn't care. "Jack, I have to ask, how did you get here?"

"253674 was the final piece. I love the color of your doors and shutters. They're beautiful."

"Thank you. I picked that color out myself, it's Colonel Red. So, Jimmy gave you my key code for my front door?"

"He knew you were caught. There was no way out of this. Once he knew I was coming to visit you this morning, he said you would like the surprise."

She nodded her head. She didn't like getting caught but she did like to see Jack.

Jack spent a few minutes explaining everything to her. He shared how they tracked her down by thinking she wasn't a normal criminal. So, they had to change their approach. Jack opened up about most things, but he did leave Elizabeth's input out of his explanation. He didn't want to share that piece of information with Miranda. She smiled as Jack explained things and the capture of Jimmy and the other three men. Jack explained that finding the purchasing of property was difficult, but once found it opened the flood gates to her.

Miranda realized there wasn't any huge mistakes that was made. It was a serious of little tidbits of information that doomed her. "How did you know about last night? That was a perfect plan."

Jack shared that things didn't add up. While individually they didn't lead to anything in particular. If you add them together, they added up to something major happening. Add that to finding Jimmy looking around the farm earlier just made him think it was too much of a coincidence.

"We thought that explanation would work." She stated thoughtfully tapping her chin. While Elizabeth would do that and it would drive him crazy with want, he didn't feel anything when she did it. She was a beautiful woman by any standards, but for Jack, Elizabeth consumed all of him.

"It would have if all the other things weren't added to it. It was a bunch of little things that added together that gave us the big picture. It was just a guy looking at a farm, but add Jacob, Jimmy's quiet arrival to Hope Valley, and the fresh and old tracks at an abandoned farm. It just added up for me."

Miranda nodded her head. "I have a feeling Elizabeth was an important part of all of this?"

Jack didn't answer, but she knew his facial expression gave her the answer.

…

Charlette rolled over and placed her arm across Adam's chest. He smiled when she snuggled closer to him.

"Charlie, it's time to wake up?"

"What are you talking about? It's Saturday."

"Yes, Saturday."

"Exactly." She stated as she snuggled closer.

"We are supposed to meet with Elizabeth and Jack this morning at their house. Remember?"

"Oh yeah. I forgot about that."

"Too much partying last night at the ball game." He smirked.

She patted his chest. "Maybe."

"Have you always watched games like that?"

"No. I don't know what came over me. I guess I just got caught up with all the excitement."

"I guess so. Now, let's get going."

"I almost forgot, Jack was wanting to talk to us about working with one of his projects at school."

Charlette thought for a moment. "I think we could figure something out."

"I was thinking maybe we could take some of the teens who would like to learn wood working or a little carpentry."

"Oh, that sounds great."

"Charlie, you'll help won't you?"

"If you want?"

"I would."

"That sounds like fun."

…

Jack stood and smiled at Miranda. "It's time to go to the station. Two female cops will be in to allow you to get changed."

Miranda smiled at him. "You know Jack…I have daydreamed about you being in my bedroom, but not like this."

Jack didn't nod his head or respond to her.

"Jack, if you ever need any help with any cases, I will be interested in helping you."

"I'll keep that in mind." Jack thought about it for a moment. That might be a great gift and helpful in some cases.

With that statement, Jack walked to the bedroom door and opened it to two female FBI officers standing there. Jack turned toward Miranda. "I love the color of your shutters and doors. The red is beautiful."

"Thank you." Miranda sighed and gave him a smile. "Hey Jack, what did you think of the sketch in the envelope?"

"You are a great artist, Miranda." He nodded. "I kept it in my desk." He gave her a smile and turned to leave her room.

…

As Jack walked out of Miranda's mansion, he pulled his phone and skyped his wife.

"Hey handsome."

"Wow! You look gorgeous this morning."

"Jack, my hair is in a bun. I am wearing the same clothes from last night. I fell asleep on the couch."

"Don't ever underestimate the power of a messy bun. Elizabeth, you could wear anything, and you are beautiful. I miss you."

"I miss you. Are you ok?"

"I am. Miranda is arrested. Two female police officers are with her allowing her to change. We will be taking her to the police station here. Once she is booked and settled, I am coming home. It should be last this afternoon or evening."

"Did everything go well?"

"It did. She was asleep and we surprised her. She didn't put up a fight. It was a textbook arrest."

"That's great Jack. Please hurry home to me."

"I will. I miss my wife."

"Your wife misses you."

"How did the game go last night and the ice cream?"

"It was great. Everyone had a great time. I'm going to miss having them around every Friday night."

"What are we going to do just us on Friday nights?"

"I don't know. Now, do your job and come home to me."

"I love you bossy."

"I love you." She smirked. "Hey Jack…when we can, I would like to do try something."

Jack sighed. It has been a while since they have been intimate due to the pregnancy. He missed that aspect of their marriage. "Elizabeth, you can't say that."

"Why not?"

"You know what that does to me when you say things like that. You can't make that statement and then not do anything about it."

"I love you, Jack."

"I love you, Elizabeth.

…

Elizabeth laid down on the couch after her mother and father went up to bed for the evening.

As Charlette and Adam stepped out of the car, they noticed two little forms running around the side of the house with a dog chasing after them. It has just started raining when they picked up the pizza for lunch. When JT and Beth asked for anything, Gammy and Pops gave it without questioning.

JT was naked and Beth had on a pink tutu and nothing else. Adam stopped to take in the scene. He hasn't seen this before. The two little ones ran across the front of the house like it was a normal day. They made their way to the other end of the house and disappeared as they turned the corner. Charlette couldn't keep from laughing. She knew Jack always did this and heard the stories of Elizabeth and her pink tutu.

Elizabeth stepped out on the front porch holding her pregnant belly. She smiled when she saw her mom and Adam.

"Gammy and Pops…have you seen your grandkids running outside?"

Adam laughed and pointed in the direction the kids were running.

"Please don't tell me that they didn't have any clothes on." She stated hoping against hope she was wrong in her thinking.

"Well, one of them had on a pink tutu." He stated laughing.

"Oh my…" Elizabeth stated until she heard Rip barking. She waited a moment until her two loves turned the corner.

"Thomas Jack Thorton and Elizabeth Marie Thorton…you two get yourselves in this house this very minute and put on some clothes!" Elizabeth stated with her mom's tone while she had her hand on her hip.

"But ma…"

"But mommy…"

"Don't but ma and but mommy me. Get in this house and get clothed this very minute."

"Oh man…" Both kids said at the same time.

"Now!" She emphasized.

"But you used to do this." Insisted Beth.

"And daddy used to do this." Stated JT.

"And who told you that?"

"Gammy." Both kids stated at the same time. Charlette couldn't miss their mischievous smiles.

Elizabeth shot Charlette a look. "You didn't?"

"Well, do you honestly think they wouldn't know about it?" Defended Charlette.

"Not this young. This is the third time I had to chase after them."

"Alright my two loves." Charlette stated while her and Adam kissed the top of their heads. "Let's go inside, get dried off, and then get dressed. Then we will eat pizza."

"Yay!" Both kids yelled and ran up the stairs inside. They almost knocked Jack over running through the door.

Charlette and Adam walked up the stairs and gave both Jack and Elizabeth hugs and kisses.

Elizabeth held onto Charlette a little longer than normal. "Did you really have to tell them those stories?" She chuckled.

"It's my right as a Gammy." Smirked Charlette.

"Grandparents are old people trying to get into heaven." Sassed Jack.

"We don't have to teach the kids right or wrong." Smiled Adam. "That's your job. Our job as grandparents is to spoil them with all the love we have."

"Well, you two are doing that very well." Laughed Elizabeth.

"Come on…we have pizza."

…

Elizabeth woke up with a soft kiss to her lips. She smiled long before she opened her eyes. She knew it was Jack. She could smell his scent. She had long ago committed to memory how he smelled. She also knew those lips. They were soft and loving. There was only one person who could ever kiss her so lovingly.

Without opening her eyes, "Jack, would you please lay down with me?"

"Sweetheart, Ig and Iggy won't allow me to lay on the couch with you."

"What time is it?"

"It's three in the morning." He answered. He moved her feet and sat down then he placed her feet on his lap. He began to rub her feet and her calves slowly and softly. She sighed at his gesture. She loved when he did this. Jack settled in and laid his head back against the couch.

"Are you ok?"

"I'm home with my wife. I couldn't get any better. This is perfect."

She smiled at her husband's words. "I missed you."

"I missed you. How are you doing?"

"I'm good. I think I'm ready to meet these two. I'm tired of being pregnant."

"The doctor said at least four more weeks before she'll let you go into labor."

"Yeah…I'm ready."

"What can I do to make your life easier?" Jack stated with a little bit of a yawn.

"Well, you can't carry them for me."

"No, I can't."

"You have done everything you can. You keep the house clean, so I don't have to worry about it. That's a huge help. We both cook and you bring home dinner when we don't want to cook. You've been perfect Jack." Elizabeth settled into her pillow a little more. "I wouldn't change a thing you are doing."

"I just wish I could do more. What do you think about taking maternity leave a little earlier. That will take a lot of stress off of you."

"I have thought about it, but I don't want to leave my kids any sooner than I have too. Plus, the more I use maternity leave now, the less I have after they're born. If I can last until they are born, my vacation and sick time, plus my maternity leave, will take me almost to the end of school. We wouldn't lose too much money due to me missing work."

Jack sighed. "I guess Beth's gift of the house will really pay off during this time."

"It does. We will be fine, and we are ok with the finances. We just have to be a little careful during that time. I don't think we will have a problem."

Jack smiled. "I know we will be fine. I just worry about you."

"I'm good. I promise. I feel fine and my BP is really good. The medicine is doing its job. I'm just physically tired all the time. I'm pretty sure I would be physically tired if I laid on the couch all day. Your babies are exhausting." She smirked, but still didn't open her eyes.

"My babies?" He tapped her foot. Those babies are half you, you know."

Elizabeth smiled at the thought. "Half you and half me…Jack, they're going to be perfect."

"There's two of them and you know they are going to gang up on us. We have to be on our game."

Elizabeth laughed. "You may be right."

"Elizabeth, I love Ig and Iggy. I look forward to being their father. I can't wait for all the adventures we are about to have as a family…but, Elizabeth, I don't want to lose us."

"It may be hard the first few months until we figure everything out, but I don't want to lose us either. I have missed our time together."

"I hear nightmares about the parents drifting apart when babies are born. The stories I hear is the baby requires so much attention, that the husband and or wife feels abandoned. I know I can't do everything, but Elizabeth, I want to help out as much as I can, so you aren't overwhelmed."

She looked at her husband and gave him a loving smile.

"I know I can't remove everything that will overwhelm you. I just want to help as much as possible. I also don't want to lose what makes us…us."

"Me either. I will never feel the way I did when I took you for granted just before the girl's trip. That will never happen again. Jack, I'm not sure how we will handle everything, but Jack, I know us. We may not do it perfectly, but we will do it the best we can."

"Me and you."

"Me and you."

…

William heard a noise that woke him up. He stepped out of his bedroom and was at the top of the stairs when he heard Jack's voice. It wasn't his intention to listen to their conversation, but he couldn't tear himself away from listening. He sat down on top of the stairs and quietly listen to the exchange between his daughter and her husband. As he listened, he began to truly see the love Jack had for his middle child. He knew Jack loved her and he saw it, but now he was truly experiencing it in action.

This wasn't an infatuation or lust, but true love. The love that stories are written about. "How could I have been so wrong?" He whispered to himself. He heard the love between the two as they spoke to each other. He could hear the exhaustion, but the love between the two was palpable. Jack was wanting to take care of his daughter and Elizabeth was doing the same to her husband. Their desire for each other was evident. She loved him just as much as he loved her. As great as that is, it wasn't what he noticed the most.

The one thing he noticed the most was the fact that Jack and Elizabeth worked together. They talked everything through and worked together to find solutions. Jack stepped up to remove some of the issues that could be overwhelming for his daughter. Jack was truly a good husband. A type of husband any father would want for his daughter to have.

Elizabeth's desire was to spend time with her babies. That's why she wanted to work as long as she could. He could also see the desire to stay connected with Jack. They were working toward the solutions together…as a team. Not a couple or Jack and Elizabeth, but as a married couple pulling together to have the best possible life together, to be there for each other. To be one.

William sat on the top step long after Jack and Elizabeth stopped talking. He could hear his daughter snoring. He didn't hear anyone moving around. He assumed Jack was asleep too. He sat in the realization that he was terribly wrong and knew this connection wasn't fixed. He sighed at the recollection of his memories with his father-in-law. He didn't like the man. Now, he created the same relationship with his son-in-law.