Chapter 126
The next six weeks flew by faster than anyone could have imagined. The babies were growing quickly. They were on target in every category. Elizabeth switched to bottle feeding the babies after a few weeks of breast feeding. The change was a great benefit for her. First, she was able to take care of the two babies at the same time instead of one and then the other. She could feed both at once. During the evening and night, Jack continued to help as much as he could.
Elizabeth began to work on writing the plan involving Miranda. She used Jack's notes and the file to use as notes to refresh her memories. Instead of a play by play brochure type of list, she wrote it as a small, fluid outline. She was very pleased with her efforts so far. This process also gave her an idea of a small story. She placed that on the back burner not thinking she had enough time with the babies.
Jack was settled into his job well and with the babies. There was always something within the police department, but there was nothing too major. His meeting with SRO Henry and the individual from the state sent well. They asked for his input in starting this in different school systems. They also asked for him to write up a plan that could be used to begin those programs.
Grace has been home for a few weeks now. She would facetime Elizabeth every other day to see the babies. She missed her time with her grandbabies. Elizabeth made sure that the babies saw her mother and father while they spoke.
…
Jack walked into the school and saw a smiling Ms. Florence sitting behind the front desk.
"Good morning, Ms. Florence."
"Good morning, Chief."
"Ms. Florence, what did I say about calling me Jack?"
"Jack, are you having a good morning?"
"I am. Elizabeth may bring the twins over today to show them off."
"Oh…I would love for them to visit."
"Is SRO Henry in his office?"
"He isn't, but let me call him on the walkie talkie. He has been looking forward to speaking with you today."
"Great. Thank you, Ms. Florence."
As Ms. Florence spoke into the walkie talkie, Jack placed a brown to go bag on the top of the front desk. Jack had stopped by Abagail's for a treat. Ms. Florence smiled knowing exactly what Jack had gotten her.
"Thank you, Jack. SRO Henry will be here very soon."
"Thank you."
…
Frank and Abagail sat at a small booth in her café. It was a relatively quiet morning, which Abagail was unusually grateful for.
"What's up, sweetheart?"
Frank smiled. He knew the answer before he was going to ask the question. "I received a call this morning by a church in Florida wanting to know if I was looking for a change. They are a much larger church and wanted us to fly down for an interview."
Abagail's breath caught in her throat. "Is this something you want?" She did not want to move. Her whole life was in Hope Valley, her family, her extended family, her friends, and her café.
"No. I told them I was not interested in an interview."
"Really?"
"Abagail." Frank stated as he reached for her hand. "Our life is here. Everything is going really well. I don't want to change any of it. However, if you want to look into this, we will."
"No!" She stated a little too forcefully. "I'm in agreement with you."
Frank gave her a smile. "Plus, we are baptizing baby Jack and Beth this weekend."
"Yes." She smiled. "That will be a great Sunday.
"Now, what are we going to do with Henry?" Frank asked.
"Well, I'm still ok with him and Emily. They are sweet together and everything seems appropriate."
"Yes, but I was talking about the baseball travel league."
"Last I heard from him is that he wanted to continue to play."
Henry excelled at baseball. Even though he was on the best travel baseball team and playing an age group above his age, he was the best player on the team. For him, baseball was his thing. He enjoyed it and loved playing.
"He told me again this morning he wanted to play for the team."
"Well then," She stated. "I guess we need to get his paperwork in."
…
Jack stepped into John's office behind the main office.
"Good morning, Jack. How are the babies?"
"Good morning, John. They are great. Elizabeth may bring them by the school later today."
"Great, I would love to see them. Let's cut to the chase here. The state's representative was very impressed with you and the programs in the school system."
"Yes, I felt that too. I'm working on the paperwork they want."
"Great, now they want you to travel to a few other school districts to help them implement those same types of programs."
Jack sat back in his chair. He wasn't thinking this was a possibility. "John, I'm not sure if I'm the person they want. They should have you."
"They want you. You are the head of all of this."
"John, that's not true. You are in charge of this."
"Jack, we both know that's not true."
Jack rubbed his neck thinking through everything.
"John, you play a major role in this. If I go and speak with other districts, you are coming with me."
"They don't want me."
"Then they don't want me. If I go, you go with me."
"Jack…"
"No John. You are the face of this. These programs would not be successful without you. You play an important part of this. If I go, you go."
"They may not go for that."
"Then they won't get anything. We are a package deal."
"I'll pass it up to my superiors, but they will not be happy."
"I don't care. John, your role will not be diminished in this. You deserve the recognition more than I do. We have always worked together as a team. We will continue to work together as a team, or we don't do any of it." Jack stated with determination.
"Thank you for that Jack. That means a lot coming from you."
"John, we have done this together. You play a bigger role in all of this than I do."
"Well, I think we both know better than that Jack but thank you for your kind words."
"Did you hear that James is dating Alice?"
John laughed. "I did. He was so excited and relieved when she agreed to go out with him. They spend a lot of time together."
"I believe he is treating her well."
"He is. I know her father. He stated that she is very happy, and he is fine with James. He's very respectful and always has her home before her curfew."
Jack smiled remembering their conversation about that. "The Gentleman's club is working."
"Mr. Johnson is doing a great job with those young men."
"He is John." Jack and John spent about thirty minutes discussing the varies groups of the programs. Both men were grateful for the change in the lives of the young men and women in them.
…
Elizabeth walked into the front office of the school carrying two car seats. When Ms. Florence saw her walk through the front door, she jumped up to open the office door for Elizabeth and the babies.
"Oh my goodness…Mrs. Thorton, they are absolutely stinking adorable!"
Elziabeth smiled at her. "I think they are growing well and if I may say so myself, I do believe they are beautiful."
"That is an understatement. They're perfect."
With Elizabeth's permission, Ms. Florence picked up what she assumed by the blue toboggan hat to be baby Jack. "Oh, look at you little man." Ms. Florence smiled and cooed at the baby. The baby kicked his feet as she settled him into her arms. Alice came around the corner and noticed Elizabeth and the babies. She hasn't seen them since the night they were born.
"Oh, Mrs. Thorton. They have grown and they are beautiful."
"Good morning, Alice. Would you like to hold Beth?"
Alice cleaned her hands quickly and leaned in to accept Beth from her momma.
"Oh goodness, you smell so good." Alice stated as she took a deep breath of the baby.
It only took a few minutes before there was a crowd in the front office to steal a peak at her babies. Many have seen pictures but haven't seen the babies in person yet. They were respectful in not pushing too much to hold the babies.
"I hate to, but I have to get back to the cafeteria before lunch." Alice pouted.
"Come by the house sometime and spend an afternoon with us." Smiled Elizabeth.
"I would love that."
"Ms. Florence, would you please help me take the babies to my old class. I would like to introduce baby Jack and Beth to my class…I guess my old class."
"They are still your class." Smiled Ms. Florence. "I will be happy to help."
…
When Jack walked into their house at the end of the day, the babies were sleeping, and Elizabeth was sitting in the home office behind the desk. She had her laptop in front of her and a baby monitor sitting beside the computer.
"What are you up too?" Asked Jack.
Elizabeth jumped a little. She was surprised she didn't hear Jack come in.
"I'm working."
"On what?"
"Well, I have finished the project for the State's Investigator's office and the FBI. I just need you to read over it and see if I am missing something."
"Great. They text me once a week asking about it. They are eager to get their copy."
"I figured."
"If you're done with that, what are you doing now? You were typing very quickly when I came in."
"I thought I would write a short story. Part fiction and part nonfiction." She paused for a moment. "While working through your notes and my thoughts, an idea came to mind about a story for children. I guess it's a silly idea, but maybe someone somewhere would like to read it."
"That's a great idea. You are so talented in writing. You should do it and see if anyone would publish it."
"Oh Jack. No one will want to publish it. It's just for fun and a way for me to be creative. I can write it when the babies are sleeping and I'm not too tired. I just work on it when I can. I'm in no hurry."
"More people may like it than you think." He smiled as he gave her a kiss on the lips.
Jack told her about his meeting with SRO Henry and what his superiors wanted.
"Wow. That's great Jack."
"Don't you think it's a little wrong they want me to do it?"
"Why would you say that?"
"Well…"
"Jack, you have made a difference with those kids all through the programs you wanted to start. People have helped and worked along with you, but Jack, please don't down play your role in this."
Jack nodded his head. "It's a little strange don't you think?"
Before she was able to respond, she heard baby noises coming from the monitor. "Come on daddy, babies are up."
As they walked up the stairs and down the hallway into the nursery, the held hands waiting for the conversation to continue. Jack changed his son's diaper while Elizabeth changed her daughter's.
"Why do you think it's so strange?"
"Well, you are writing a paper because you were influential in my profession. You played a role in catching a criminal that no one knew about. Now, I am in your profession working on a plan to implement some programs in school. It seems that we are stepping in each other's profession."
Elizabeth thought about it for a few moments while she picked up Beth and began walking toward the kitchen to prepare bottles for the babies.
"I guess that's true. I never imagined I would write a detailed plan on a course of action to catch a criminal. Now they also want me, along with you, to teach it at their training facilities some."
"Yeah, and me with school districts doing basically the same thing."
"Are you ok with it?" She asked.
"I am. You?"
"I am."
"You and me."
"You and me."
…
Three days later, Jack made a special trip to the grocery store. Elizabeth's birthday was in two days, and he had a plan. This would be their first time together for her birthday and he wanted it to be special. It was also just before their first meeting. He wanted to make her a special meal and spend time together as a family. His part of the plan was set, but he was at the mercy of the babies. He wanted to spend the night together as a family.
As Jack stepped into aisle three of the grocery store, he spotted his mother and Adam playfully arguing with each other. Suddenly, his mother leaned over and patted Adam on the bottom as she kissed him gently.
"You two are in public…why don't you get a room?" Jack sassed.
"What are you doing here?"
"I'm grocery shopping, why else would you go to a grocery store? It's not a make out place."
"Enough young man." Charlette warned with a smile.
"Yes, ma'am." Jack sassed.
"So, what's the plan for Lizzy's birthday?"
"I'm making dinner for us, and we are spending time at home with just us."
"That's nice, would you like for us to take the babies?"
"No. We are spending family time together."
"That's nice."
"But I may need your help."
"What's the plan?"
…
Jack left work a little early in hopes to get everything set up for their family night in. He woke Elizabeth up that morning with a bouquet of daisies and her favorite candy. As far as Elizabeth was concerned, that was her gift from Jack. He did a good job of keeping the secret.
He hurried around the home getting it cleaned and straightened up. Their house wasn't too messy, but when you have twins, cleaning wasn't always first on the list. The dessert was Elizabeth's favorite from Abagail's and already on the kitchen island with the ice cream in the freezer. He prepared the chicken to bake. He was making herb crusted baked chicken with broccoli cheese casserole with corn. It was one of Elizabeth's favorites.
Charlette was gracious enough to take Elizabeth and the babies shopping. She was supposed to keep them busy until six o'clock. That would give the family a couple of hours together before the babies went to bed. Then they would have a little bit of time together with just them.
Once the chicken went into the oven, Jack took a quick shower and changed clothes. He had thirty minutes before his family would be home. Everything was set and ready for family night.
…
Julie walked into her home with a sigh. She was tired. The student teaching was great, but it was different and tiring. Her and Rosemary was getting along very well and enjoying their time together. Rosemary even shared her discussion with Jack and the ideas she had that she was getting together for Jack.
The more Julie worked with Rosemary, the more comfortable she was getting with teaching. Each day brought her the sense that she was doing what she was meant to do. She could easily see the difference she was already making in her student's life.
Her pregnancy was going well. She still had little battles with morning sickness, but it was coming less often. Her and her oldest sister was only a week or so apart from their due date. Both were excited that their babies were going to grow up together along with Elizabeth's babies. Four cousins would have each other to run around and play with each other.
…
Elizabeth pulled up in the driveway at exactly six. The lights on the house were off, but she could see the glow of candles in the living room windows.
"What is he up too?"
"Who?" Asked Charlette. Her smile was difficult to hide.
"You know who? He already gave me his birthday gift to me."
"I guess he wasn't done." Charlette shrugged her shoulders.
"So, what was your role in this?"
"Role…what role? I got to spend the afternoon with my daughter and my grandbabies. This was a great day."
"It was."
"And now you're at your home at exactly six."
"So, that was your purpose today?"
"Absolutely not! I had a very enjoyable afternoon. I wouldn't change a moment of it."
"That's your story and you're sticking to it?" Sassed Elizabeth.
"Let me help you with the babies and the bags."
They stepped onto the front porch of the house and Jack opened the door.
"Well, look at you all. Looks like you had fun."
"We did. Now, what you are up too?"
"Me…up to something?" Jack asked shocked placing his hand over his heart like he was insulted.
It was then she noticed his outfit. It was her favorite pair of jeans and a new green button up shirt. His sleeves were rolled up to his mid forearm. She loved this look on him.
"It's your birthday. It's time to celebrate."
"So, the shopping trip was just to get me out of the house?" She motioned to her mom.
"Absolutely not! That was your time with ma. Now, we are celebrating your birthday as a family. The babies, you, and me will spend the evening together. Now, dinner is ready, and the babies' bottles are prepared and ready."
Charlette excused herself with kisses for everyone and a hug for Jack and Elizabeth.
…
Viola and James were walking their new home. The foundation was set, and the subfloor was down as well. About half of the walls were framed and up. The house's footprint was beginning to take shape. The couple's excitement was growing the further along the house progressed.
"It's looking nice." Vi stated as she walked through an opening for a door.
"It does. It's taking shape pretty well after a few weather setbacks."
"Yes. When will it be dry?"
"Maybe end of next week. I'm hoping anyways."
"Will it be ready before the baby comes?"
"Yes, it will."
"James, this is so exciting!"
James wrapped her in his arms and gave her a gentle kiss. "It is very exciting. I can't wait to see what all you have done for decorating."
Vi laughed. "I hope you like it."
"I will like it. I love the samples you have shown me so far."
They walked the floor of their home for a few more minutes. They asked each other questions and tried to imagine all the things that were going in their home. The perfect ending will be that they moved into the home before the baby is born. Vi was hoping to be settled when the baby arrives. She really did not want to move in the new home with a new baby.
…
Jack led Elizabeth to the table where he had the food laid out already. Once she sat down, he placed their son in her arms along with a bottle. He picked up his daughter and sat beside his wife feeding their daughter while she feed their son. They didn't eat. They waited until the babies were done and burped. Then they held their babies while they ate with their free hand. Their conversation flowed freely on a number of topics, mainly their babies.
Once they finished their dinner, Jack stood with his daughter and held out a hand to help his wife stand. He held her hand walking toward the living room floor where he already had a blanket laid on the floor with a few toys already laid out. The family laid down on the sheet together while Jack turned on the radio to a soft volume.
Jack laid on his right side facing Elizabeth while she laid on her left side facing him. The babies were laying between them on the blanket. Jack and Elizabeth would laugh when the babies tried to play with their toys. Elizabeth would place a toy on Beth's tummy and move it around. Beth would kick her legs and tried to laugh. Jack did the same with his son and baby Jack would reach for it with his hands. His mouth would open like he was trying to laugh but no sound came out. Rip laid on the edge of the blanket watching the babies. It was his duty to protect them.
For Jack and Elizabeth, the relaxing evening with just their immediate family was beyond perfection. They laid on the living room floor with their babies for almost two hours. They played with their babies and laughed at them interacting with each other and their parents. In Elizabeth's opinion, this was the best birthday in her life.
Once it was time for the babies' bedtime, Jack and Elizabeth carried them upstairs. Their diapers were changed, and PJs were on. Jack ran downstairs to prepare the bottles and walked into the nursery with both babies laying in the crib. Elizabeth was standing at the crib leaning over the railing.
"Along with your father, you two are my greatest blessing. I am blessed beyond description. If I were to try to describe it, I simply couldn't. Please know that I love you with all of my heart." She reached up and wiped a tear that was beginning to fall down her cheek. "I want you two to grow up in the Lord and know you are forever loved by me and your daddy. We will not do this parenting thing perfectly, but we love you perfectly."
Jack placed the bottles down in the small table between the two gliders and walked over to his family. He placed his hand on Elizabeth's back and leaned over to see his babies. The babies were both looking intently at their mother and then him when they noticed him. His smile grew at the sight.
"This is better than anything I could ever imagine."
Elizabeth kissed him on his cheek. "I agree."
As they sat on the glider feeding their babies, no words were spoken. The adults would occasionally steal glances at each other, and their smiles and their eyes communicated everything that needed to be said. Once the babies burped and was settle on their parent's shoulders, Jack and Elizbeth reached for each other's hand at the same time. They remained in the glider for several minutes after the babies were asleep just soaking in the joy of their family.
…
"Rosemary are you finished with that project to share with Jack?"
"Almost. It's basically done, but I want to look over it one more time to check on it again. I just wanted to step away from it for a little bit."
"Are you happy with it?"
"I am. I know it won't change everything, but I do believe if the superiors understand the stress the family members go through and do what they can, it will help their people out greatly."
"They know about the dangers."
"Sure they do from their employee's point of view, but how much consideration do they give the families who are home worried."
"Some but probably not enough."
"Yes. If they did everything they could to help, it won't remove the worry, but the spouses will understand that literally everything is being done for them. That may help a few more qualified men and women stay. They won't feel so torn between family and duty. I know it won't change everything, but it will help."
"I know it helped when Jack gave us two minutes to call or text our loved ones just after the arrest of Jimmy. It was a relieve to let you know things were done and I was ok. Even though I will still be there for a few hours."
"Exactly. It made you feel better. It certainly made me feel better. I didn't have to wait for hours to hear anything."
…
Once the babies were down for a few hours until their next feeding, Jack and Elizabeth slipped out of the nursery and made their way downstairs. Both sighed their contentment as they walked down the stairs.
"Thank you for a perfect evening."
"You deserve so much more than I can give, but I hope you know you are loved and respected by me."
"I know it, and this was absolutely perfect. Jack, I wouldn't change a thing."
"Well, it's not finished."
"What else do you have planned?" She flirted.
He reached for her hand and gave it a kiss. Then he grabbed the baby monitor and lead her out to the back porch of their home. There were two chairs with a small table sitting between them. There were two candles with a box of matches sitting beside them. Elizabeth noticed two black cases sitting by each chair. She knew the one was Jack's saxophone case but didn't recognize the second case. There was also a small portable fire pit in front of the chairs. It was still a little cold at night.
"What's this?"
"I have another gift for you."
"Jack, you already gave me my presents."
"Elizabeth, you deserve more than just flowers and candy."
"Jack, don't diminish my flowers. I loved them."
"I know, but I have a couple of other gifts for you."
He escorted her to the chair and took a moment to start the fire for warmth. Once she sat down, she noticed a small, long, flat box on the table. Jack handed it to her.
"What's this?"
"Open it. It's yours."
She opened a box to a beautiful tennis bracelet. It was gorgeous. Her breath caught in her throat. On the bracelet were three small, delicate charms. There were two charms of a small baby. Baby Jack's name was engraved on one and Beth's name was engraved on the other. Elizabeth took a moment to finger each charm smiling while she thought about her babies. The next charm was a small heart. Engraved on that charm was 'J&E forever'. Elizabeth smiled as she fingered that charm.
"Jack, this is perfect. It also matches my necklace." She reached up and ran her finger over her mom necklace that Jack gave her the night she gave birth to her babies. She wore that necklace most of the time.
"I hope you like it."
"Jack, I love it! Would you please put it on me?"
When Jack placed it on her left arm, he leaned in and gave her a gentle kiss on the tip of her nose. "Elizabeth, I love you with all I am. Thank you for loving me."
"Jack…" She was at a lose for words. She loved him more than anything and she loved her babies. She looked into his eyes, and he saw the words she was unable to speak. His dimpled smile returned the love.
"I have one more gift for you." He stated as he broke the eye contact and reached for the case sitting beside her.
"So, what's in the case?"
"Open it sweetheart and find out."
"I noticed you didn't wrap anything with wrapping paper."
"It's excruciating watching you unwrap a present." He laughed.
She smirked as she opened the case and noticed a beautiful saxophone laying on its side. "Is this mine?" She asked surprised.
"It is. I thought you would like to learn to play." He became concerned that he made a mistake when she remained silent.
Elizabeth sat and looked at the saxophone. She didn't know what to think. She has only heard Jack play a couple of times, but she loved the sound of it. She also wished she knew how to play. She loved music and played the piano a little but that has been several years ago.
"If you don't want it, we could donate it to the music program at school. They always need instruments."
"No Jack, I love it."
"Are you sure?"
"I am. I've wanted to play it after hearing you, but I didn't think I could."
"Why not?"
She shrugged her shoulders.
"Well, now you have one and I would love to play with you." Jack pulled it out of the case, and she sat the case down on the floor. Jack showed her how to assemble it correctly and he moved his chair so he could sit in front of her. For the next hour, he showed her how to hold the instrument and finger placement. He also showed her how to hold her mouth on the mouthpiece and the proper technique to blow into the instrument. Before she realized it, she was playing a few notes. She had an ear for music, but never thought she had the talent to play.
"Alright sweetheart, you are doing great. Now, see if you can copy this…" Jack played a few notes that equaled about ten seconds. She quickly realized it was the song he played in the restaurant on their honeymoon.
After the first failed attempt, her second attempt was good. It wasn't perfect, but you could easily know the song.
"Wow, that's great Elizabeth. That was really good." Jack smiled at her. "I think you may be a natural with the saxophone."
"I don't know if I would say that. It wasn't perfect."
"Elizabeth, that was really good. Do it one more time."
She played it again without him playing it first. It was even better than the last time.
"Wow!" Jack stated. "I think you're onto something here."
She smiled at his encouragement. After another thirty minutes of playing, they decided it was getting cold and wanted to go in and enjoy the rest of the evening together. Jack placed the lid over the fire pit. He told Elizabeth how to clean her instrument and properly place it back in its case.
She loved that he shared playing the saxophone with her. It was another of many connections they shared together. She loved their connections.
When he closed the back door, she pushed him against the wall and immediately found his lips. She kissed him passionately with all the love she had for him. His knees instantly grew weak.
"Wow! What did I do to deserve that?" He inhaled a deep breath.
"I love you Thomas Jack Thorton. Thank you for a perfect evening." Her lips crashed onto his again before he was able to say anything. She pulled his shirt out of his jeans and her fingers tingled when they found his bare skin on his stomach. He jumped at her touch and the electricity it created.
"Jack…" But before she could say another word, they heard the babies begin to whimper on the baby monitor. She laid her head on his shoulder trying to regain control of her body. She took a deep breath but that didn't help because she inhaled his scent. He held her tighter for a moment trying to regain control himself.
"I'm sorry, Jack." She huskily breathed out in a frustrated voice.
"Me too." His voice matched hers.
"I'll get the bottles ready." She sighed.
"I'll get them changed. Meet you upstairs?"
She nodded. They loved their babies with all of their hearts, but both were a little frustrated with the interruption.
"Let's hurry up, maybe they will go back to sleep soon."
…
Jack woke up in the glider when Beth hit him on his face. She had moved in her sleep and accidently slapped him. He shook his head for a moment trying to get his senses to work. After a few moments, he realized he was holding his daughter sitting on the glider in the nursery. Evidently, he fell asleep waiting for his daughter to go to sleep. He looked to his left and saw his beautiful wife holding his son in the same position he was holding their daughter. He slowly stood and placed Beth in the crib. He slowly walked over and took baby Jack from his mother's arms and placed him in the bed. He made sure the babies were still asleep before he turned his attention to his sleeping wife.
She looked so beautiful sleeping in the glider. Her head was tilted back a little resting on the back of the glider and a small snore would escape every so often. She didn't wake up when he took his son from her. He slowly leaned down and picked up his wife to take her downstairs to their bed. When he picked her up, she instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck and place her head on his shoulder. Jack lightly kissed the top of her head.
"Come on, Sleeping Beauty. It's time for bed." He smiled when she said something inaudible.