Chapter 129

"I can't believe I did this again." Jack said with disbelief in his voice and shaking his head. He tightened his grip on his wife.

"Can you believe it's been a year?" She settled into her husband's hold.

"Can we just forget this whole thing and go back inside?"

"Well, I would love that, but you planned this getaway with the ladies. They'll be here for us soon. Plus, you have the trip back to Oklahoma City with John."

"This was a dumb ideal."

Jack was a little upset when his wife laughed at him. "Aren't you going to miss me?" He asked as he loosened his hold a little.

"Jack, you know I'm going to miss you." She tightened her hold on him. "What's wrong?"

"Well, you're leaving for one thing. Now the babies are going too. I haven't been away from them for days before. Then you are laughing at me because I don't want you to go wasn't helpful."

She leaned forward and kissed his lips. "Jack, if I wasn't leaving, you would still be leaving for a few days. I'm sorry I laughed at you. You were acting so sad."

"I'm not acting, Elizabeth." He huffed.

"Jack…" She was interrupted when the rented van full of ladies pulled into her driveway blowing the horn. She gave him an apologetic look as a couple of ladies stepped out of the van.

Jack released his hold on Elizabeth and reached down to grab the luggage. Elizabeth had a large suitcase, and she was able to have both babies clothes and many of their supplies in the other large suitcase. There were also both back packs for the babies and another duffle bag with their toys and other things. Jack placed both back packs on his shoulders along with the duffle bag. He took both suitcases and began down the steps as Charlette and Grace came up the steps.

"What's wrong?" Grace asked her daughter.

"Jack's upset with me because I laughed at him."

"Why did you laugh at him?"

"He was acting all sad because I'm leaving with the babies, and I laughed at him."

"Well." Grace began. "He did plan this, and you are taking the babies. This is the first time he will be away from them for a length of time. He probably is a little sad."

"Yes, but he's leaving in a few hours for a couple of days."

"His trip is work related dear." Charlette stated with Grace's nod. "You're leaving first and for four days. He'll be here for two days without you and the babies when he comes back. Plus, you know men mope."

Jack opened the back door of the van and saw Emily's face peering over the back bench seat. "Good morning, Chief Thorton." She stated in a excited voice.

"I didn't know you were going too."

"I am! Abagail asked my mom and the other ladies agreed that it was ok."

"I bet they think it's more than just ok." Jack smiled at her excitement. She felt special that she was included.

After placing all the bags in the back of the van, he stepped to the side door and said good morning to everyone. Julie, Viola, Beth, and Alice. It was the same group as last year with the addition of Emily and the babies. Jack turned around when Elizabeth, Grace, and Charlette walked up. The babies were asleep in their car seats. After getting them buckled in, Jack leaned down and gently kissed his babies on the top of their forehead. He was going to miss them.

"Ok everyone. We need to get going." Charlette stated. It was the same log cabin as last year. Some ladies were looking forward to the craft fair.

"You ladies have a safe and fun trip." All the ladies smiled at Jack as he stepped out of the van. Elizabeth was waiting for him with open arms. Charlette and Grace took their seats at the front of the van. Charlette was driving.

"I'm sorry I laughed at you earlier. I am going to miss you."

"I'm going to miss you too. Have a great trip." He tried to smile, but the smile didn't reach his eyes.

"I'll call you." She stated just before she kissed his lips.

Jack nodded and stepped back to close the sliding door after Elizabeth took her seat beside her babies. Jack gave a small wave as the van left the driveway. He huffed as he turned toward the house to grab his suitcase and meet John at the station. They were going to ride together to the airport.

…

Elizabeth and the ladies all arrived at the huge cabin Jack had rented for them. They loved it as much as the last time they were here. Emily stood in awe of the house. It was huge in her opinion and the views were awesome.

"Are we really staying here for a few days?" She asked in disbelief.

Abagail placed her arm around Emily's shoulders. "We are. Thank you for wanting to come with us. We are going to have a lot of fun."

Abagail's heart melted at the little girl's smile.

"Alright little ones." Elizabeth stated as she pulled the babies out of the car seat. "This is the place we found out about you two."

Little Beth smiled at her mom's voice. Baby Jack kicked his feet a little. Elizabeth laughed.

"Let me take him." Beth stated. "I haven't gotten to hold him all day." She pouted.

"I get the feeling that we all will have our time with the little ones."

"Finally." Abagail stated. "There's always people around who wants to hold them."

"And now we have all the opportunity we could ever want." Grace stated.

"I'm going to call Jack before he gets on the plane." Elizabeth stepped to the side after Grace took baby Beth from her.

"Let's go Emily. We need to pick out your room for the next few days. Would it be ok if I am next to you?"

"I was hoping you would say that."

…

Jack and John was sitting at their gate waiting to board the plane. They had only a few minutes to wait. Jack smiled when he saw his family's picture on his phone when it buzzed.

"Hey beautiful."

"How are you doing? Are you on the plane yet?"

"Not yet. Just a couple of minutes before we board. The plane is on time today."

"Is John doing well?"

"He is. Not too excited about going today, but he's good."

"And you?"

"About the same."

"I love you Jack and I miss you." She stated as the call to board the plane came across the speaker system.

"I love you and miss you. They just announced our boarding. I have to go."

"Have a good trip."

"I hope you and the ladies enjoy your time. Please send me any pictures of the little ones if they do anything amazing."

"I will."

…

Jack and John stepped into a large building with a Department of Education sign above the front door.

"Wow! This is massive." John stated.

"It is. Do you know where we need to go."

"The email stated the front desk. They will escort us. We're good on time."

Jack nodded his head and looked to his right to see a desk that had three women sitting behind it. Jack nodded toward the desk.

"Good afternoon. My name is John Henry and this is Chief Jack Thorton. We have an appointment today at two with a Mrs. Janice Colby."

"Yes SRO Henry and Chief Thorton." Stated the young blonde woman. "Please follow me." She stated as she stood from her chair and began walking toward the elevators. They were led to the sixth floor to a very nice, decorated office. They were passed to another receptionist. He took them through a set of double doors to a conference room. There was a large oblong table with fourteen chairs sitting around it. There were two smaller tables along the wall. One had snacks and the other had coffee and drink.

"Good afternoon, gentleman. Thank you for joining us for the next day or so. My name is Janice Colby. I'm the State's educational director. Please call me Janice."

Both Jack and Henry introduced themselves. There were eight people in the room and each person introduced themselves along with their title.

"Please gentlemen, let's all grab some refreshments and have a seat. Let's get this discussion started." Janice spoke as she extended her arm toward the two small tables.

…

Emily was laying on her queen sized bed barely able to contain her excitement. She placed a pillow over her face and then screamed. "This is so cool!" She jumped when she heard a voice from her doorway.

"Are you having fun?" Viola asked.

"I'm sorry." Emily stated in an apologetic tone.

"Don't be sorry." Viola stated as she sat down on the edge of the bed. "This trip is meant to be fun. It's ok if you enjoy yourself."

"I am. It's cool to be included with all the women. I'm surprised I was invited."

"You shouldn't be surprised. I think the whole group is excited you are here. I know you're dating Henry."

"I am."

"I know Abagail thinks the world of you."

"She is a very sweet woman."

"Come on. We're meeting on the lower level deck to plan dinner and tomorrows activities. We want to know what you would like to do."

Emily smiled as Viola outstretched her hand to help her up. She didn't know Viola very well. She just felt excited to be included with all the grown up women.

The two walked out to a full deck of ladies drinking water and juices. The two babies were in the arms of their grandmothers who was content with life. The babies weren't asleep yet, but it wouldn't be long. Emily sat beside Abagail when she patted the empty chair beside her.

"Dear, we are talking about ordering food to be brought here tonight and we plan on going to the craft fair tomorrow. Would you be ok with that?"

"Sure." Emily bounced.

…

"First, let me say that we are impressed with the reports we are reading concerning all the programs you started." Jack nodded his head. "Would you please tell us about them?"

Jack looked to Henry to start but Henry nodded toward Jack.

"Well, we have a few programs. There is a drug and literacy program at the high school. We have appropriate age level drug information at the elementary school. We have a variety mentorship programs at both schools."

"What type of mentorship programs?" A gentleman asked that Jack couldn't remember his name."

"For the high school, we have a Gentleman's Club. Mr. Johnson, the high school history teacher, heads that group. He meets each Monday morning with about twenty five young men and teach them how to become young men. They learn the things men teach their sons. Many of those young men do not have a male role model in their lives. For the ones who do, they wished they didn't have the ones they have. Mr. Johnson teaches them how to carry themselves, how to shake hands, how to tie a tie…things like that."

"He meets with them once a week?"

"Yes. He also has taken them to the good will and purchased them a nice dress shirt and nice pants. The dree up every Monday. The men in the church donated ties for each one to have. Then the men in the church gathered enough ties for each man to have four each. They also brought their suits they don't wear anymore along with other dress shirts and pants, including dress shoes. Each young man has several pairs of outfits to wear. They wear them each Monday."

"Is this done at the elementary school?"

"To a smaller degree. There is one group for the boys and a group for the girls. They have about eighteen in each group. Sometimes the adult will go to their ball games or recitals at school."

"How many volunteers do you have." The gentleman asked.

"Several. John, do you know?"

"We have three for each group in the mentor programs at the elementary school. I believe only Mr. Johnson does in the Gentleman's club. However, if you include all the programs and the reading programs, we have thirteen volunteers in total. Now, that is counting everyone."

"That's impressive."

For the next two and a half hours, the group asked Jack and Henry all kinds of questions regarding each program. How many volunteers in each program along with the safety guards for those volunteers. They also asked about the progression of each program. How many started with each program and how many kids they have now.

Jack and Henry were getting a little tired from all the endless questions.

"Jack, why didn't you take charge in all of this? This sounds like your idea."

"Some were my idea. I wanted the police department to play a role in this, but we couldn't do the whole thing on our own. Henry has been a godsent in this. He has taken control of it and leads the programs along with his job. He is responsible for this."

"Jack is being modest." Henry stated. "We talk every week about the programs and any issues that pop up. We bounce ideas off each other and seek the other's opinion on any thoughts we may have. The police department has given us countless resources to get the programs started and to continue them."

"Jack," Jance began. "Why Henry?"

"He's a good man. It's easy to see his love for the kids. He is also on the front lines where I am not. He knows those kids. He knows what they are facing on a daily basis. I do not. When I approached Henry about starting some programs, he was very happy to work on them. Many of these programs are his ideas."

…

"Good evening, Ms. Wilson. Are you having fun?"

"I am, Emily. Are you?" Beth asked as she sat down on the steps of the deck that leads to the back yard. "The view here is beautiful."

"I am having fun. Everyone has been so nice."

"They all like you, Emily."

Emily's smile lit up the whole back yard.

"So, I understand you are dating the young Henry."

"Yes ma'am. We have since last summer."

"That's a long time in your time frame as kids."

"I guess so. He is so sweet."

"That's great dear. Now, how are things going with him?"

Emily thought about it for a few moments. She hasn't told anyone about their three kisses. She didn't think it was appropriate, but she did have a few questions. She just didn't feel comfortable discussing this with her mother. She didn't know Mrs. Wilson very well, but she seemed like a nice woman. She enjoyed her relationship with Henry. It wasn't like the relationships she has seen in movies, but they just finished the sixth grade. She wasn't sure how it was supposed to be. She just knew she liked Henry, and she liked being around him.

"It's going good, Ms. Wilson." After hesitating for a few minutes. "May I ask you something?"

"Sure dear. What's on your mind?"

Emily looked around to see if anyone else was on the deck with them or in the back yard.

"Emily, anything you say to me is kept just between you and me. I will not say anything to anyone, including Abagail."

Emily gave her a smile and nodded her head. "Well, we have kissed, three times." Her face turned a slight red color.

"Are you ok with that?"

"I am. Each time it was very quick. I don't know if it was done right but I have to admit." She paused for a moment. "It was nice."

Ms. Wilson leaned in toward Emily. "If it was nice, I would say it was done correctly. Were you ok that he kissed you?"

"I was. He was very gentle about it. He wasn't pushy or anything. I actually kissed him first and the second time."

"Ok…so what's your question?"

"Well…I'm not sure. I know it wasn't like anything in the movies. It didn't last long. Each kiss was very quick. We are young, but I don't feel bad about doing it."

"Were you comfortable with it?"

"I was. The first time was at the Thorton's pond. We were playing around. I was running from him, and he finally caught me. We were tickling each other. We were facing each other, and we both stepped closer together. We both leaned in at the same time. The kiss didn't last longer than a second, but it felt nice."

"Ok. That sounds nice."

"The second time was at his ball game. We were at the concession stand waiting for our order. He said something funny, and I leaned in and kissed him. It was like the first time, very quick."

Emily was comforted with Ms. Wilson's smile.

"The third time was after the movies. We left the theater and was walking down the hallway to the parking lot. My mother was going to take him home. When we got to the double doors, he stopped me and thanked me for coming to the movies with him. He slowly leaned in and kissed me. It was nice like the other times."

"He didn't seem pushy or controlling?"

"No ma'am. Henry would never push me or try to control me like that. He has always been very nice to me."

"That's a great quality in a young man."

"I overheard him speaking to my older brother one day. He said he was going to marry me when we get older." She whispered the last sentence. She was afraid if she said it too loud it may not come true.

"Mr. Wilson was the only man I dated. Are you ok with everything that has happened, the kiss and overhearing him talking with your brother?"

"I am. Excited about it even."

"If something would happen that makes you uncomfortable, you can certainly go to your mother. She will listen. You can come to me or Mrs. Thorton. We would all be here for you."

"Thank you. I trust Henry. If he did something that would make me uncomfortable, he would fix it and not do it again."

Beth smiled and leaned in to where her shoulder was touching Emily's shoulder. "I'm happy for you and I hope everything works out like you want it too."

…

"Ladies and gentlemen." Jack stated in a little tired voice. "You are searching for a magic pill to fix everything; a one fits all approach. That doesn't exist. Each community is different with different needs. Our town needed the programs we started. I honestly believe they will be great for the town in the long run. They have already begun to make a difference, but what works for us may not work for the next town. They may face other issues we don't deal with. Plus, I did not do this on my own. There are numerous volunteers who give their time to these young people. Every Monday Mr. Johnson is in his classroom forty five minutes before school starts working with those young men. I'm not there every Monday morning." Jack took a deep breath. "We have church people volunteering to attend ball games for the kids who don't have anyone interested enough to go. They have given clothes to the kids. My wife, along with other ladies, work with the young girls at the elementary school. We are even starting a carpentry program next year. This isn't one program and or one person. They're countless people behind the scenes who are not receiving the credit they deserve. SRO Henry has been vital in the success of the programs. This isn't a one person or one program show. We all work together for the kids."

"Janice." John began. "This is truly a working relationship with each other. In all honesty, no one is in complete control. We work together to accomplish the same goal."

"And what goal is that?" A man named John asked.

"The kids." Jack and John answered at the same time.

"Amazing things can happen when no one cares who receives the credit." Jack stated.

…

Abagail leaned back against the door frame of the French doors that led out to the deck where Beth and Emily were sitting and talking. She was coming to get them but stopped when she heard them. It wasn't her intention to listen in, but she couldn't keep from it, especially when she noticed they were talking about her son. Her smile grew at the conversation.

Henry has always been a good boy, now she knew he was being good with Emily. She had wished they wouldn't have kissed yet, but it was too late for that now. She was grateful that he was being a gentleman about the whole situation.

When Henry first came into their home, she would have freaked if this had happened then. Since then, she has grown as a mom and trusted her son. She knew about Henry's conversation with Emily's father about asking for permission, but thought it was just a kid talking. Now, she knew he was serious. Her smile grew even more knowing there was a possibility that Emily would be with them for a long time. She has grown to love Emily. She was a great young lady with a perfect laugh.

…

Janice and the rest of the group sat in silence. They weren't expecting such an emotional speech from Jack. After a few moments of silence and the group looking at each other, a gentle spoke. This was the first time he spoke during the meeting. "Chief Thorton, you said you are married."

"Yes sir."

"Is your wife's name Elizabeth? Elizabeth Thatcher?"

…

The babies had a busy day with the traveling and being in a new environment. They went to sleep early. Elizabeth was hoping they would be awake for when Jack would skype a little later. She was looking forward to the call. She had missed her husband.

The ladies sat around the large table outside on the lower deck. The weather was perfect with a light breeze that cooled things off. Everyone was outside sipping on their water or tea. They caught up on everyone's life.

Viola and James were doing great. Pregnancy was going well. The house was almost finished. They had a few delays due to weather and the cabinet maker was behind because of a shortage of wood. However, now he was back on schedule and things were looking good.

Julie was doing just as well. She was hoping Hope Valley Elementary School system would offer her a job. Her student teaching with Rosemary went very well. Rosemary gave her a glowing recommendation. Tom's job was going well.

The ladies talked about everything and nothing. Emily was in heaven and just sat back and listened to each person. She loved this time and laughed with everyone. She did feel better with talking with Ms. Wilson earlier.

The ladies evening was beginning to wind down after a good day. The craft fair was set for tomorrow and the ladies were looking forward to it.

…

Jack and John left the meeting tired. The group wanted an equation that would fit every school district. Both Jack and John knew there wasn't such an equation.

"Hey John. There is a great restaurant just a couple of miles away called Fredrick's. Would you be interested in going?"

"Sure."

"It was my favorite restaurant when I lived here."

"Oh, that's right. You did live here before Hope Valley."

Jack nodded.

"It just seems like you have always lived in Hope Valley."

"I hope that isn't a bad think."

"No. It's a good thing. How do we get there?"

"I'll hail a cab." Jack waved his hand and whistled for a cab. "You're going to love it."

…

Elizabeth changed for bed and walked into the bathroom to wash her face and brush her teeth. She was in the same room as last year. When she walked into the bathroom for the first time since she held the pregnancy tests, she stopped and remembered the whole process, from taking the test to waiting on the deck with the ladies. She smiled when she picked up the tests and her fingers tingled. Her smile grew when she knew she didn't have to look at the tests to know the answer. She rubbed her fingers together remembering the tingling feeling. She ran her fingers over where her test laid on the vanity. "Two of my three blessings." She whispered. Her emotions were taking control until she heard her cell phone ding with an incoming skype call.

She ran from the bathroom into the bedroom frantically looking for her phone. In her hast, she was having trouble finding it. She finally hit the accept button and her smile grew at the sight of her husband. He was laying in bed with his damp hair and without a shirt. She gasped at the sight of him laying shirtless. His hair was perfectly messy, and his grin and dimples stole her breath.

"Hey handsome."

"Hey beautiful. You look amazing."

"Jack." She stated embarrassingly. "My hair is in a messy bun, and I have no makeup on. I haven't even brushed my teeth yet."

"That may be true, but Elizabeth, you are a beautiful woman with the most amazing eyes."

They each took a few moments staring at each other and admiring their view.

"How are my babies?"

"Our babies." She smirked. "They are doing great. I would have had them with me, but they are sleeping in the play pins. I'll show them to you in a minute. They were exhausted from the day's excitement."

"I'm glad they had a great day. Are the ladies enjoying themselves?"

"They are. We had a nice evening in the cabin today. We ordered delivery and just enjoyed the deck and the weather.

…

After a small knock on the door, Emily peaked in Abagail's room. "Mrs. Hogan?"

"Hey Emily." Abagail stated as she walked out of the bathroom. "Are you ok?"

"Yeah. I'm fine."

"Are you nervous being in a new place by yourself?"

"No. I was wondering if you had a moment to talk. I think I should tell you something."

"Ok, but first, let's go and get us a hot chocolate."

Abagail walked Emily to the kitchen and they both made a hot chocolate and then took it back to Abagail's bedroom. "Now, let's get comfortable and we can find a movie to watch as we talk."

Emily smiled at this precious woman. They laid on the bed with their backs against the headboard. They found a nice comedy to watch. After a couple of sips of their hot chocolate, Emily took a deep breath.

Sensing her uneasiness, Abagail reached for Emily's hand. She gave her a soft smile. "I know Emily."

Emily quickly turned her head and stared at Abagail with shock.

"I wasn't meaning to, but I overheard you and Ms. Wilson talking on the deck. I came to find you two and heard what you were talking about."

Emily's face turned bright red. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Hogan."

"Emily, please…it's Abagail. You know that. Now, has my son treated you with respect?"

"Yes ma'am, he has."

"Has he pushed you into anything you were uncomfortable with?"

"No ma'am. Henry wouldn't do that."

"Great. Now, if he ever does anything that makes you uncomfortable, please let me know."

"I will."

"I have yelled at him before, I don't mind doing it again." Both laughed. "Seriously Emily, let me know if he isn't treating you with the respect you deserve."

"Thank you, Abagail. I promise I will let you know if he does, but Henry wouldn't do that."

Abagail nodded her head. She thought for a moment. "Emily, I know that Henry has spoken about marrying you someday."

Emily dropped her head. She wasn't sure how this was going to go.

"It is very early and you two are very young. You guys may make it, or you may not, but please know that Frank and I love you dearly. We would welcome you into the family if you do decide to marry our son. We would think of you as our daughter, not daughter-in-law." Abagail had tears in her eyes when she noticed that Emily's eyes were watering. "We love you already Emily." Abagail reached over and took her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "Now, let's watch this silly movie."

…

"Did my babies do anything awesome today?"

"No, but they did enjoy all the ladies loving on them. I think they had a great time."

"What's the plan for tomorrow?"

"We are all going to the craft fair."

"The same one where you picked out our dining room table?"

"Yes. Julie and Viola want to look for things for their nursery. I think mother wants to find something for them too, but I'm not sure."

"If you find something, please get it."

"I will."

They took a few moments to look at each other. They were lost in each other's eyes and could stay that way for the rest of the evening.

"Jack, I better go."

"Sweetheart, can we stay on the phone until one of us falls asleep?" He pleaded with those puppy dog eyes remembering all the time they did this just before they were married.

Elizabeth settled into her pillow after finishing getting ready for bed.

"I love you, Jack Thorton."

"I love you, Elizabeth Thorton."

As he settled into his pillow, he remembered his conversation from the meeting.

"Oh…I almost forgot to tell you. I met someone today who knew you."

"Really? You met them in Oklahoma City? And they knew me?" She asked shocked.

"I did. He was in the meeting today. Throughout the meeting, I referred to my wife named Elizabeth. He asked me at the end of the meeting if I'm married to a school teacher named Elizabeth. When I said yes, he asked if I married Elizabeth Thatcher."

"Who was it?"

"A gentleman named Charles."

"Charles?" Elizabeth gasped a little.

"Yeah. A Mr. Charles Kensington."