Chapter 124

Jack ran up the stairs to his smiling wife. He wasn't sure what the third backpack was about, but he knew the dark blue backpack was for baby Jack and the green back pack was for baby Beth. Jack leaned in and kissed his wife gently on the lips. Then he kissed his two babies on the cheeks. Jack grabbed two back packs and placed them on each shoulder. Then he reached for both of the car carriers.

"Jack, I can grab one of those."

"I know. Now, grab that backpack and let's go. You will need to get the door."

"Fine." She huffed but also smiled. She loved the fact that Jack always wanted to help.

Once the babies were in the back of the car, he turned and gave her another kiss on the lips.

"What was that for?" She blushed.

"Well, I don't know where we are going, but I'm with my family and only my family. I'm excited."

Jack was grateful for Grace and his mother. They have been a huge help to them, especially Elizabeth. They made it easier on them, but he also wanted to just spend time with his family. She smiled at her husband's grin.

"Where are we going?" He finally asked after looking into her eyes for a moment.

"Well, the weather is very nice today considering it's the end of December."

"It is."

"So, I was thinking about a picnic at the park?" She asked a little timidly.

"Oh…that is a great idea. So, the extra backpack has food?"

"It does. The babies' bottles are in their bag, and I have fried chicken with potato salad in the extra one."

"Wow! Your fried chicken is the best." He rubbed his hands together.

"We need to stop by Abagail's café so we can pick up dessert."

"This is going to be a great evening." He exclaimed as he started the car.

…

"Come on Adam…we need to get going."

"We aren't going where you think we are going." He stated. He knew Charlette wasn't going to be happy, but he and Elizabeth has already talked about this.

"What do you mean?" Huffed Charlette. She stopped in the doorway of their front door. She turned all of her attention toward her husband.

"We are going to the movies and a dinner to follow."

"Movies and dinner? Adam, I told you earlier that we are going to Jack's and Elizabeth's house."

"I know, but plans have changed." He stated picking up his small jacket.

"What do you mean plans changed?"

"Charlie, Jack and Elizabeth need an evening to themselves. We are going to the movies and then dinner. You can even pick out the movie."

"Adam…" She warned. "I want to see my grandbabies."

"I know. You saw them yesterday and you will see them tomorrow. But tonight, we are watching a movie and enjoying dinner with just us."

Charlette stared at her husband not liking the change of plans. "But my grandbabies…"

"Will be there tomorrow. Tonight, the Thorton family will consist of four."

"But…"

"Charlette, Jack and Elizabeth need time with their babies. You and Grace have been under foot since they were born. You two have been a great help and will continue to be a great help, but they need this night for themselves."

"Young man, you know I don't like it when you use my name."

"I know, but I needed your attention." He smiled as he walked closer to his wife and gently placed his hands on her hips. You have been a godsent for them. You have been a great help and will continue to be, but Charlie, they need this time for just them."

"Have I been too much?"

"No. You have been helpful, but they need tonight."

"What did Jack say?"

He smiled. He hasn't spoken with Jack, but he has spoken with Elizabeth. She was grateful for the help, but she just wanted an evening without extended family. Adam wasn't going to share this little tidbit of information.

"Jack didn't say anything. I would like one night with my wife, just us, please."

Charlette smiled knowing Adam wasn't sharing all the information he had. She also knew he wasn't going to share all that he knew. She looked at him skeptically, but it was his smile that won her over.

…

Frank and Abagail leaned back on their couch holding hands. This was a great holiday season. Henry was doing well and it was as if he has always been in their family.

"Oh, I forgot to tell you. Tom, Emily's father called me the other day."

"What did he want?"

"To talk with me about a conversation he had with Henry."

"They had a conversation? It sounds like it was an important conversation if Tom called you. Is everything ok?"

"Yes." Frank laughed. "Evidently, they had the 'big' conversation." Frank emphasized the word big.

"The big conversation…Frank, what are you talking about?"

"When Henry stayed over and was in Franklin's room, he told Franklin that he was going to marry Emily when they get older. Franklin told him not to rush it. Also, Henry would have to ask Emily's father first. The next morning Henry walks into the kitchen to Tom and Ann. He sits next to Tom and asks for his permission to marry Emily one day." Frank laughed at Abagail's facial expression. "Tom told him that it was way too early for this conversation."

"What did Henry do?"

"He told Tom that he will come back and ask when they are older. Tom told him that he would welcome that conversation at a later date."

After a few moments of thinking, Abagail's smile grew.

Remembering all the conversations he had with Abagail and all the warnings she didn't follow, Frank was a little nervous she would immediately jump up and go to have a conversation with Henry. Abagail's smile confused him a little.

"Honey, are you ok?"

"Frank, I'm fine." When she noticed his confused expression, she laughed. "I'm not a new mommy anymore."

Frank smiled and kissed her on the cheek. "No, I guess you're not. You are a great mommy too."

"Was Tom and Ann ok with it?"

"They were shocked at first. Tom said that if his daughter wasn't in the sixth grade, he would be happy to have that conversation. They really like Henry."

Abagail smiled. "I really like Emily. She is a very sweet young lady."

"She is and she is so funny too."

"It looks like you will be performing a wedding in several years."

"Yeah. I'm not sure I want to do that. I think I may want to sit back and just be a dad."

"Well, you have some time to think about it."

…

After stopping by the café to pick up the dessert, Jack drove his family to the park. While it was a little cool, the sun made it feel warmer. The babies were wrapped up in blankets. They were warm and satisfied. Jack placed both the babies' back packs on his shoulders and picked up one of the babies. Before Elizabeth was able to grab the other backpack, Jack grabbed it with his free hand. She shot him a look and he returned her glare with his patent dimpled grin. His dimpled grin won that round. So, Elizabeth held the other baby and carried the dessert bag from Abagail's. They walked toward their bench, but instead of sitting on it, Elizabeth laid out a blanket so they could sit down. She also laid an extra blanket so the babies could lay on it. She laughed as both babies looked around trying to take it all in.

As Elizabeth was getting the food out of the backpack and the containers, Jack laid down beside his two little ones. "This is a special place for mommy and me. We would come here all the time when we first met to talk and get to know each other." He said as he rubbed their backs. "That's our bench over there and we would sit there and watch the water fountain. We would talk and we got to know each other better here."

Elizabeth smiled at her family. In her eyes, Jack was a great father. While he may not have been perfect, he loved his babies, and her, with all he had. That covered every mistake. She was thankful he was the father of her babies.

"You will have to tell them about the time you were scared of me." She sassed.

"I'm never going to tell them that story!" He shot her a glare that made her laugh. "I get the feeling you will share that story with them many, many times."

"Oh…you can count on that officer."

"It's chief." He exclaimed. "I wasn't afraid of you, I was frustrated with you."

"Maybe, but Bill told me not to scare you anymore. That he couldn't have a detective scared of a schoolteacher. He didn't say frustrated." Jack could only shake his head at the rather huge smile on his wife's face.

As Elizabeth's smile continued to grow and her victorious look overtook her face, Jack quickly leaned forward and reached for his wife. She tried to scoot away but Jack was already sitting beside her with his arm around her. He began to tickle her sides and she couldn't get out of his grasp.

"Jack!...Jack!..." She tried to squeal but was laughing too much. "Jack! The food is getting cold!" She managed to say in between laughs.

"Cold fried chicken is good." He stated as he stopped tickling her. When she quit squirming, they were face to face sharing the same breath. Jack still had his hands on her sides, but now, he was tenderly holding her.

Elizabeth shyly smiled at her husband, but they never broke eye contact. If they did, she would have seen his shy smile too. Their conversation flowed freely without a word spoken. When he tightened his hold on her, she scooted closer to him. Just before their lips met, the babies began to cry.

Still looking into his wife's eyes, Jack stated. "I haven't heard that cry yet."

"That is their bored cry."

"Oh…maybe we should…"

"Yes. They are bored. They just want attention."

"Maybe I should let you go then." He stated but didn't release his hold on her or break eye contact.

"Maybe…" She stated while she bit her bottom lip.

Jack leaned in and kissed the tip of her nose. After the tender kiss, he hovered close to her. He wanted to be in her presence.

…

"Hey V, what are you doing?"

"I'm just looking over some paperwork."

"How are you feeling?"

"I'm good. A little nauseous, but as long as I keep something light in my stomach I feel better."

James sat down beside his wife. "Are you very busy?"

"Not really. Is there something you would like to do?"

"Why don't we go by our house and see what's been finished."

"Let's go." Viola was always up for a trip to their new home. There weren't any walls up or floor laid yet, but she was always excited to see the progress the workers have made.

"Would you like for me to bring any snacks with us?"

"Sure, the saltines would be fine with some water."

…

"How did you feel about the meeting with Jack?" Lee asked over his salad.

"Great. I think he liked many of my ideas."

"I think so too."

"I thought it was great that he didn't scoff at them. I was a little nervous he thought they were too simplistic or something."

"He wouldn't do that. He liked them. Jack is a straight shooter. He would have told you if he didn't like them. He said he was going to forward them up to people he knew to get their reaction."

"Yes. That was nice of him."

"I think they have good merit if people would do it."

"I think so too. I know your profession and I know it's inherently dangerous, but if we can remove all unnecessary worry then it would be beneficial."

"I completely agree. I've learned from Jack that when a person's home life is happy, he or she will perform their jobs better."

"He is a good boss isn't he."

"He is. I told him about the job offer. He agreed that I would make a good police chief someday, but it was a little too early for me right now."

Rosemary didn't necessarily agree with Lee's thoughts on the matter, but trusted him enough to not make too much of an argument. "Do you think you still need to learn from him?"

"I do. He's a great teacher and he has already showed me a couple of things I need to learn before accepting that role."

"If you think that it's best."

"I do. I can learn these things now while I have the freedom to learn them without the pressure of the job, then I will make a better police chief when I become one. I won't make the silly mistakes too many make when they accept the job too early."

"That does make sense."

…

Jack was holding his son with his eyes closed. He had just taken a bite of his wife's fried chicken and it was amazing.

"Is it ok?" Asked a nervous Elizabeth. It has been a little while since she made her fried chicken.

"It's perfect." He sighed. He opened his eyes to a smiling Elizabeth. "Son, you will grow to love this when you get teeth and can eat it."

Elizabeth laughed. They shared the meal together sitting on the blanket. The babies were content being held while they tried to take in their new environment.

"How are the interviews going for the new officer?"

"We can hire two officers. Emma is working on going through the pile of resumes trying to narrow it down to a manageable count."

"How many resumes did you get?"

"The last number I heard was twenty eight."

"Really? Is that a lot?"

"It is, especially for a small police force."

"Why did you receive so many?" Elizabeth smiled a little knowing the answer but also knowing Jack will never admit to it. She has spoken to Emma and Emma shared the reason behind so many. They all wanted to work for Jack. His reputation of being a good police chief and good boss was well known. They also knew that Jack was helpful if an officer wanted to move up in the ranks.

"I think they just wanted a smaller town without the hectic pace of a big city."

"That sounds like a lot just for that reason."

Jack shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know. What about you? School will be starting next week, are you going to miss it?"

"In some ways I will but I wouldn't trade this time with my babies for anything."

"Maybe you can visit every so often?"

"Maybe. I will get back to the mentor program later in January. I just want the babies to be a little older before I leave them for any length of time."

Jack smiled at her precious mother of his children. "That will help with missing your students, I think."

"It will some. I'll certainly be ready to go back in the fall."

"I bet."

They talked and enjoyed themselves as they finished off their meal and then dessert. Once they were finished, it was time for their babies to eat. Elizabeth grabbed the bottles out of the back packs and added the formula along with the still warm water from a thermos she packed. After shaking it up, she gave Jack a bottle for his son and she positioned her daughter. Immediately both babies latched onto their bottles and began to eat.

"They have taken well to the bottle."

"They have. I'm thinking about reducing the time I breast feed them."

"Whatever you think is best."

"Breastfeeding two babies at the same time if very difficult. I could still pump and give them a bottle or two of breast milk each day. But I'm seriously considering slowing down in that area. I think it will be beneficial for us all in the long run."

Jack shook his head. He watched as Elizabeth feed her baby. She looked lovingly at her daughter and would often run a gentle finger down the baby's cheek. A smile never left her face. Jack looked down at this son and he was watching his father closely. Jack's smile grew when he saw the smile in his son's eyes.

"Jack." Elizabeth started without taking her eyes off of her daughter. "This is perfect."

"Elizabeth…" He drew out her name. "Would you and Beth dance with me and Jack?"

Elizabeth's breath caught in her throat. "We would love too."

Jack stood and extended his hand to help his wife and daughter up.

"On one condition." Elizabeth stated as Jack placed his free arm around his wife's back.

"What's that?" He asked as he kissed her cheek.

"This doesn't replace our dances." He nodded between the two of them.

"Never!" He smiled. Slowly, but with purpose, Jack pulled her closer until they were touching.

The babies settled into the embrace. Jack and Elizabeth were standing toe to toe with a baby in their arm. Their free arm was holding each other as they slowly swayed back and forth. The couple leaned their foreheads forward until they touched. They desired the closeness as a family.

After a few minutes of dancing, Jack heard something, and he turned his head. He saw a few younger couples dancing just like him and Elizabeth. They were four teenage couples dancing somewhat close by. He caught his wife's attention and motioned for her to look to her left.

"Oh, my goodness." She stated with a red face. She loved the dancing with Jack but was embarrassed that it was called the Thorton. "Why do they do that?"

"Probably the same reason we do. Dancing with the person you love is great." He smiled.

"Proud of yourself, aren't you officer."

"It's chief. I'm proud because I am dancing with my precious wife and children."

"Yeah…" Her voice trailed off as she made eye contact with her husband. "Jack, these next few weeks are going to take forever." She sighed.

Her next doctor's appointment was in a little over two weeks. Hopefully, she would be released for intimate moments with her husband. She knew he missed those times together as much as she did.

"To be honest, Elizabeth. I'm a little nervous about it." He softly admitted while breaking eye contact.

"Why?" She looked at him confused. "We have shared intimate moments before, and it was wonderful."

Jack nodded his head. "It has been a long while since we were physical. I don't know…" His voice trailed off and he sighed.

"Jack, I love you and you love me. Our intimate time has always been wonderful from the very first time we were together. I know it will be wonderful again."

Jack nodded his head. "You and me."

"You and me."

After a few more minutes of dancing, Elizabeth couldn't help but laugh.

"What was that for?"

"Isn't that your mother and Adam." She nodded in their direction. They were dancing just like all the other couples.

"I'll take you word for it. I'm not looking."

…

Two weeks flew by very quickly. It was Tuesday morning and Jack was swamped with paperwork that Emma kept piling on his desk. Emma was finally able to narrow down the list of resumes to a manageable five. Jack was to interview each one individually. After his interview, he wanted Lee to come in and interview them together. While it was his call, he wanted Lee's thoughts on the candidates. In Jack's eyes, the five candidates were impressive. It made him wonder why they wanted to come to a small town police department.

Emma stepped into his office. "Emma, if you are coming in here with more pieces of paper for me, I may just fire you." He growled.

"Jack Thorton. Why are you so grumpy today?"

Jack nodded his head toward the ever growing pile of papers on his desk.

"Yes, it's a lot of paperwork, but I have some good news for you today."

"I could use some good news."

"Kyle begins his work study today. He will be here at ten."

Jack jumped to his feet. That is great news. "I'll take care of it." He began to step out from his desk.

"Hold on…" Emma stated. "You have a job to do."

"Emma, I have been working on paperwork for a full two days now. I haven't even seen the sun."

"I know Jack. I'm sorry, but it's that time of year where paperwork piles up for a week or so."

Jack huffed. That was not what he was wanting to hear.

"Kyle will need to finish about twenty minutes of paperwork. Then I'll get him busy."

Jack looked at his watch. It was nine thirty. "Fine, at twenty minutes after ten, Kyle is mine. How long do I have him?"

"He works from ten to twelve on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. But chief…"

"Emma, you promised me when you took this job that you wouldn't make me do paperwork all the time." He playfully pointed his finger at her. "I have been behind my desk for years now. I need to get out of this office."

"Jack, quit being so dramatic. You haven't had this job for years."

"It feels like it." He pouted. She laughed at his expression.

"Fine." she huffed. "You sit behind your desk and get busy. When he is finished with his paperwork, he's all yours until noon. Then you have to meet Elizabeth at the doctor's office at one thirty for her appointment." She laughed at Jack's growing smile. "Then I assume I won't see you until tomorrow morning. You better be here in a better mood because you have to make up for all of this paperwork."

"You know I'm the boss…right?" He tried to hide his smile but couldn't.

"Yes, and it if wasn't for me you would be in a world of trouble."

"That's very true." He smiled.

"Now, get busy, you have a job to do." She stated as she laid another file on top of his already stack of files.

"I hate paperwork." He mumbled under his voice.

…

It was fifteen minutes after ten when Jack emerged from his office. Kyle was sitting behind a desk in the pull pin working diligently on paperwork. Emma looked up and gave Jack a warning look.

"Come on Kyle. We have work to do." He stated ignoring Emma's glare.

"I have five more minutes with him before he's done." Emma warned.

"Let's go Kyle." Jack stated as he began to walk toward the front door.

Kyle looked between Emma and Jack. Jack's back was to him as he walked away. Kyle looked at Emma and she had a warning look still on her face.

"Come on Kyle. We have work to do. I'm the chief." Jack smirked.

"Yes, but you always said that Emma was in charge and always do what she says." Kyle stuttered out the words.

Jack stopped and turned his attention back to Kyle and Emma. He couldn't avoid Emma's smirk. "Fine, hurry up, Kyle. You have two minutes. I'll get us some bottled water to go."

When Jack walked toward the fridge to get the water, Emma turned her attention to Kyle. "Go ahead. He has been couped up in his office for a few days doing paperwork. He needs a change of scenery. We'll finish this when you two get back. You only have a few more pieces of paper to read and to sign. It's ok."

"Thank you."

…

Kyle was waiting by the front door of the police station for Jack. Jack's smile grew when he noticed Kyle was standing by the door instead of still working on paperwork. He tossed him the bottled water. "Let's go, young man."

Kyle didn't know what to expect when he was assigned this work study. He was excited about their previous conversation when they talked about him going to the police academy and then joining the police force if he did well. This was Kyle's life dream. He walked beside Jack waiting for Jack to begin the conversation.

Jack sighed. "I'm grateful you begin today."

"Me too. I've been looking forward to this for a long time."

Jack gave him a smile. "I'm sorry I'm grumpy today."

"It's ok. I understand paperwork can do that."

"Yeah…it's no excuse though. I just don't like being in my office days on end. I like being out with the people of the town."

They walked for an hour. Kyle smiled each time someone would stop to shake Jack's hand or wave as they walked or drove by. This was the type of cop he wanted to be. A cop where people felt comfortable to come and talk to him. As they walked, Jack shared some insights with Kyle.

"First, you always obey the law, but Kyle, don't forget that a person is standing in front of you. Being a cop is much more than just the law. You are dealing with people and sometimes that person is going through something very difficult. It's your responsibility to take care of that person the best way you can within the law."

"That sounds great, but that can be hard at times."

"You're correct. It can be hard at times, but through training you will learn those things."

Kyle nodded his head. "I guess there is a lot of things to learn."

"There is, but I am still learning. You don't get to the point of knowing everything."

"What have you learned lately?"

"Well, recently I have learned the most important truth."

Kyle nodded. "What's that?"

"When you have a family, you always need to find a way home at the end of your shift safely."

Kyle smiled. They spend the rest of the time walking around the park and the town. Very often, people would walk and shake Jack's hand or say hello. Jack shared bits of information and Kyle was soaking in every piece of information he could.

…

Elizabeth smiled at her mother playing with the babies laying on the floor. Grace was set to go home at the end of the week. William had left after Christmas and Grace planned to stay until after New Year's Day. Elizabeth was ready to leave for her appointment. Grace was watching the babies, but she knew at some point her mom would show up too. They had this habit of tag teaming the babies.

"Mother, bottles are cleaned and sitting on the counter along with the formula. There are two bottles with breast milk in the fridge."

"Thanks, sweetheart." Grace responded without taking her eyes off the babies.

"Do you need anything?"

"Nope." Grace stated as she shook the rattle she was holding. When she finally looked up, Grace gasped at the sight of her daughter. "Wow! Elizabeth, you look beautiful."

Elizabeth nervously messed with her hair. "Does this look ok?" She asked very slowly.

"Oh, dear…You're beautiful!" Grace stated as she stood. "Why are you so dressed up for a doctor's appointment?"

Elizabeth was wearing Jack's favorite pair of blue jeans. He always told her he loved her in those jeans. They hugged her perfectly. They were just a tad bit tighter than normal because she had a few more pounds to lose. Her blouse was yellow and blue in color. The blue matched Elizabeth's eyes perfectly. Her hair was hanging over her shoulders in a loose curl. Her hair was a little longer than she normally had it. The necklace Jack gave her while she was in the hospital was visible. She wore that necklace almost every day. Her earrings matched the blouse. This was the first time she has dressed up in several months. She was wearing a pair of angle high boots that zipped up.

"Today is my six weeks post birth visit…" Her voice trailed off due to her embarrassment.

"Oh…" Grace gave her a smile. "We'll be fine for a while. You take your time and enjoy your afternoon." Grace gave her middle daughter a sly smile.

"Mother!" Elizabeth stated.

"Elizabeth let's not act like a shy teenager again."

Elizabeth dropped her head. Intimacy has been nonexistent in their marriage for several months due to the pregnancy. Before the pregnancy prevented intimate times, their intimate life was very active to her and Jack's enjoyment. She has missed that physical time together. Over the last few weeks, they have had many, intense intimate moments, but not physical moments. Those special moments together were only driving the desire she had for Jack's touch. Oh…how she has missed that touch. Just the thought of it made her shiver.

"Do you honestly think this looks ok?"

"It is perfect. I do believe it will make that husband of yours a little dizzy." Grace smiled a huge smile.

"Why am I so nervous?" She honestly asked her mother.

"Because you truly love and desire your husband. It has been a while since you two were able to experience that special moment. Elizabeth don't put too much pressure on this moment. Just be natural and allow your love to lead the way. Not the pressure of having to have that time together. Enjoy it and allow it to come naturally."

"That sounds a lot like the advice you told me about my wedding night."

"Yes, and I am assuming that went perfectly."

"It did." Elizabeth's face turned red.

"Allow the love to led you two, not the pressure."

"Thanks mother."

"No…go. We will be just fine."

"I know. I'm assuming mom will be here soon?"

"Yes. It's grandma's day today." Smirked Grace.

"Please do not spoil the babies too much."

"Define spoil?" Sassed Grace.

…

Jack enjoyed his time with Kyle. He was a great distraction from all the paperwork and Jack enjoyed Kyle's enthusiasm about learning and working at the police station. Emma was able to see a stark difference in Jack when they walked back into the police station. Jack kept him out the entire time Kyle was supposed to be working.

They talked about being a cop and what it all entails. Jack shared some information about the police academy. He talked about his children and Kyle shared a little about his family. During their walk around town, there were numerous individuals who would stop and talk to them. Many others would wave as they walked by.

"Kyle, I need you for five more minutes so you can finish the paperwork that you have to finish today."

"Yes, ma'am."

"Sorry I kept him so long today."

Emma nodded her head. "Now, go home and pick up Elizabeth for her doctor's appointment."

"I thought I could do some work before I met her at the doctor's office?"

"Well, you have plenty of work to do, but it would be nice for you to pick up your wife and take her to the appointment since you are in a better mood." Emma sassed. "Go…go…you will have plenty of work to keep you busy tomorrow."

"Thanks, Emma."

Emma turned her attention toward Kyle. "I believe you were good for him today."

"I didn't really do much. He talked most of the time." Kyle shrugged his shoulders. "He spoke about most of the time about the job and then about other things. We spoke to some citizens. Nothing too special."

"He was in a better mood."

…

Jack jumped into his truck and headed for the short drive to his house. He was excited about being away from all the paperwork. Plus, he was going to spend the afternoon with his wife. It couldn't get any better.

As he pulled into the driveway, the front door opened. As he stepped out of the truck and closed the door, he stopped. He braced himself against his truck door to keep from falling over. Elizabeth stepped out of the door and closed the door with her back toward Jack. He immediately knew the jeans she was wearing. He loved those jeans. They showed off every beautiful curve of his wife.

Jack didn't breathe nor did he have the mental capacity at the moment to remind himself to breathe. If breathing wasn't a natural occurrence, he would have been in trouble. That was until Elizabeth turned. She looked up as she put her purse on her shoulder and she stopped. The smile on her face melted Jack at that moment. Her smile grew as she swayed her hips side to side. Jack leaned against the truck door to keep from falling over.

The staring contest between the two lasted forever in their minds. Honestly, it was only seconds in actual time, but their minds just weren't working properly. Jack's lungs finally began to work, and his legs started to work. He quickly walked toward the front porch. He had to be beside his wife.

As Jack climbed the steps, his smile grew. Elizabeth was reminded how much control his dimpled smile had over her.

"Elizabeth, you are beautiful!"

Elizabeth smiled at her husband. When Jack reached up and moved a loose piece of hair behind her shoulder, she gasped at this intimate act. Jack extended his arm for her to take. He couldn't understand why he was so nervous.

When Elizabeth touched his forearm, both jumped. When their eyes connected, they knew what happened. Both of their fingers tingled.

As they walked toward the steps, Jack reached over and pinched Elizabeth's forearm. She jumped a little and pulled back her arm. "What was that for?"

With a sly grin he stated. "I just wanted to make sure you were real."