Chapter 135

"Alright my loves." Elizabeth started as she laid the little ones on her bed. She had just fed them and changed them. They were happy laying on the bed and listening to their mom. They loved her voice and would listen to her for hours. They would often smile when she spoke to them. "Now, what I am about to tell you two will be the whole story. When your father tells you this story, he will try to change it a little. Now, he's not lying. He just tries to change a little bit of it because he's a little embarrassed about it."

Elizabeth laughed when the babies began to kick their feet and smile. "We all know daddy is brave, but when we first met, he was afraid of me. I was having a tough day because I didn't sleep too well. He came to school to question me about something. I wasn't happy about him being there and interrupting my classroom."

Elizabeth didn't know it, but Jack came home for lunch. He missed his family and wanted just a few minutes with them. He was leaning against the door frame listening to his wife tell her version of the story from the beginning.

As she continued to fold the towels she just got out of the dryer, she continued with her story. "We stepped out of my classroom, and we talked for a couple of minutes. He left without even saying goodbye. He just left me standing in the hallway. The next day, Chief Avery and your daddy came to the office to ask me questions your daddy didn't ask the day before because he was afraid of me." She laughed at the memory. "Instead of coming back to my classroom for the second time, he went to the cafeteria instead. He said he had to take care of something. Chief Avery asked me the questions your daddy was too scared to ask me." Elizabeth placed the towel down and tickled her babies on their bellies. Her smile grew when the babies kicked their legs and waved their arms. Their chuckle was priceless in her ears. "When Chief Avery was finished, he instructed me to be nice to your daddy. He said he couldn't have a detective afraid of a little schoolteacher."

"You know…" Jack's voice scared Elizabeth. She wasn't expecting him home nor did she know he was standing there. "I can't believe you would tell our babies half truths."

Elizabeth huffed. "What did I say that wasn't true. And how long have you been spying on me?"

"First, I was leaning on the door frame of my bedroom. I wasn't hiding behind a bush." He smiled at her expression. "You didn't tell the entire story, you know."

"What do you mean, officer?" She sassed him.

"You didn't just have a bad night. You were very rude to me. You wouldn't let me ask anything. You accused me of questioning a boy outside of your presence. You were angry when I told you he was hungry, and let's not even start with how you acted when I told you to calm down." He smirked.

"Oh yeah, that was a bad mistake on your part."

"Yes, I haven't told you to calm down since then." Jack stated as he walked toward the bed and sat beside the babies. He took a towel from the pile and began to fold it. "Did mommy tell you about the sketch she drew of me before she met me? That is why she had a rough night. She loved me before she even saw me for the first time."

"Officer, how could I love you before I saw you?" She sassed.

"Are you telling me you didn't love me when you saw me and realized I was the man in the sketch you drew?"

"You have to be kidding me." She declared.

"Mommy fell in love with me very quickly." He whispered as his babies kicked their approval.

"Officer."

"That's chief, dear."

"Officer, if I remember correctly you fell in love with me very quickly." She sassed.

"I absolutely did. I think it took me like three days or something. I fell in love with her very quickly." He whispered in his daughter's ear. The first time I saw your mom she had her hair in a messy bun. She was so gorgeous. She was the prettiest woman I have ever seen."

Elizabeth's face softened at her husband's words. "It was three days. We had dinner at Abagail's, and you began to tell me when Mary interrupted you. I was so excited that you were going to say it but was so frustrated when Mary interrupted you." She shook her head.

"That's why you were so quiet during dinner."

"I was." She smiled at the memory. "Then you told me in the park, and we officially began dating. That's when you kissed me for the first time after we became a couple." Jack smiled at the look of love in her eyes.

"I did. When you broke the kiss to catch your breath, I immediately followed you and kissed you again. I knew I wanted to kiss you again."

"You have taken my breath ever since."

"You too."

Jack leaned in and kissed her gently on the lips. Beth reached up and tried to grab his shirt. He laughed as he bends down and gave her a kiss on the cheek. Then he leaned over and kissed his son on the cheek too.

"Are you ready for school to begin tomorrow?"

"Yes and no." She sighed. "I'm looking forward to school starting and being with the kids again, but I'm going to miss these two little ones." She smiled down at her babies.

…

"James, I swear if they tell me I'm having twins you may want to leave the room."

James laughed. They were sitting in the waiting room of her doctor. The doctor was the same one both of her sisters use. "Let's be honest, the chances of that have to be astronomically low."

"That's what they said with Elizabeth. And then even said it with Julie. I'm beginning to think it may not be so astronomically low."

"But it can't be…" James' voice trailed off as he spoke thinking about the changes.

"McKay." The nurse stated when she propped the door looking for the couple in the waiting room.

The nurse took Viola's blood pressure and other vitals along with her weight. The nurse was happy with everything. "Alright mom, here is the cup and the bathroom is the next door on the right. Place the cup in the pass through and we will be in room six." She turned her attention to James. "Alright young man, follow me."

"Is this when I received the first dad speech?"

"Who told you about my first dad speech?"

"Jack Thorton. This was Elizabeth's doctor. Viola is her older sister."

"Oh. We loved them here. So, Jack told you about the talk?"

"He did."

"Well, I'll give you the cleft notes then since you know about it. Unless Viola tells me you need the whole thing."

"I can live with that."

"Now, she isn't an invalid." The nurse began.

…

"Have you heard from James yet?"

"No Julie. I haven't. Why?"

"I was wondering about their doctor visit."

"I'm sure your sister will call you when they're finished."

"I bet they are having twins."

"That's just not possible." Tom whispered.

"Who would have thought we would be having twins?"

"Three sisters having twins when it doesn't run in the family…that's just not possible."

"Tom, that's what we said when they told us we are having twins."

…

Grace visited William at the office to have lunch with him. "How are you, dear?"

"I'm good. Are you ready for lunch?" Grace asked as she stepped into his office.

"Yes. Have you heard from Vi yet?"

"I haven't. I believe she is at the doctor's office as we speak. I'm sure they will let us know when they find out."

"How does Panera sound for lunch?"

"Perfect."

"I'm a little surprised you aren't going to Hope Valley. Elizabeth's school begins tomorrow."

"I thought about it but decided against it. Charlette will keep the babies tomorrow. After that, they will be at daycare for three days and Charlette and Adam will keep the babies for two days."

"That sounds good. I'm sure Charlette and Adam will enjoy that."

"I believe so too."

…

"Do you have a busy afternoon?" Elizabeth asked as she placed a cut up banana on the tray in front of TJ and Beth.

"I received the paperwork about the case the FBI wants me to look at."

"Oh, that sounds interesting."

"I guess."

"Alright, out with it." She stated when she sat down the rest of the banana.

"Sometimes I don't like that you can read me so easily."

"I feel the same way. Now, out with it." She stated in a determined voice.

"I feel like I'm short changing Hope Valley. Instead of working on the issues here, I'm working on issues elsewhere."

"I can understand that. But you don't do a lot of work outside of Hope Valley. What does the mayor say about it?"

"He's ok with it. I think he likes it because he thinks it makes the town sound good that the FBI comes here looking for help."

"Well, that does make sense. Are you ok with doing things like that?"

"I guess. I just don't want to place other things in front of Hope Valley."

"Why don't you only do a few outside things a year. That way you can help, but not neglect Hope Valley. No one here could argue against that."

"That sounds like a great idea.

"You married a smart woman." She sassed.

"I absolutely did."

…

"So, my nurse tells me you are Elizabeth's and Julie's sister."

"Yes, ma'am. Elizabeth and Julie think very highly of you."

"Thank you for the compliment. How cool is this…three sisters?" The doctor smiled. "Well, let's avoid Elizabeth's issue with high blood pressure and Julie's issue with dehydration."

"That sounds great to me."

"Well, everything looks great to me so far. Are you ready to see if we can get a good image of your baby?"

"Yes."

"Do you think you're having twins like your sisters?"

"Don't even say it!" James and Vi both stated loudly at the same time.

The doctor laughed at their expressions. "Well, lay back and move your shirt up over your tummy. Now, this gel is cold."

…

"Alright Chief. You have a cup of hot tea on your desk along with the file from the FBI."

"Thanks Emma. I guess I should get busy."

"Yes. Now, that will take a good portion of your afternoon. You have to be at the high school early tomorrow. Their general assembly begins just after school starts like last year. Then you need to be at Elizabeth's school by ten."

"Thanks."

"How is Elizabeth dealing with going back to school?"

"Good and bad. She's excited but also dreading leaving TJ and Beth."

"I can imagine it would be a pull in both directions."

"That's a great way of putting it."

Jack sat down at his desk and opened the file. As he read, the file consisted of a pair of bank robbers who always were four steps in front of the FBI. They were somewhat dangerous. They never went too far with their violence. They seemed intelligent and never left a clue behind. The FBI wasn't even sure if both of the bank robbers were male. They knew one was because he was the one who spoke to the tellers, but the second bank robber was always quiet.

As Jack turned the page, he couldn't help but think of his time chasing the Toliver gang. Nate reminded him of the male in this case. Smart, a little emotional, but completely in charge. Their reach went far beyond one state. Jack thought that was their way of staying ahead of the FBI. They were also efficient. They were never in the bank for a long time. Jack leaned back into his chair holding the file. He was in for a long read.

…

Elizabeth laid both babies down for their afternoon map. While she was always grateful for their nap time, she still missed them, especially with school starting tomorrow. She was finished with her classroom setup, so she didn't have to go into school today. She was enjoying her last day off. She pulled her laptop off the dining room table and took her seat behind the old, teacher's desk that sat along the wall. She had a good view looking out the window. She opened her file on the homepage to the story she has been slowly working on. She only worked on it when she had the time. Usually during the babies' nap times or when Jack would take them out of the house so she could have a few minutes to herself. She found writing to be very calming. It was also another outlet for her creativity.

Her story was a fictional story of a schoolteacher named Amelia. She decided to forego her parents' wealth and move to an improvised area of Puerto Rico. She wanted to teach children who had no way out of their horrible circumstance. Amelia believed education was their key out of their poverty. The teacher went through her church as a teaching missionary for two years. While she was in Puerto Rico for the first month, there was a gentleman who was sent from another church as a missionary who was a builder. His name was Theodore.

Theodore and Amelia's first few interactions did not go very well. It reminded her of her and Jack's first meeting. She enjoyed writing the frustrations from both of them but was greatly looking forward to having them fall in love. She was a little stuck with the transition from their issues to them falling in love.

She was also working on a children's book. This was just for her kids to read when they would get a little older. It did follow the story of her and Jack.

…

Rosemary answered the phone. She was a little surprised when the person on the other end introduced themselves as a police chief from a few counties away.

"Mrs. Coulter?"

"Yes, sir. How may I help you?"

"I would like to discuss with you a few of the ideas you had in your guidelines."

"Sure. What are you questions?"

"Well, first, I love the idea of not having the spouses of our officers to wait any longer than necessary."

"Yes, to be honest that is my favorite one."

"How do you suggest we do that?"

"First, when the operation is finished, give them a minute or two to send a text or make a quick phone call. It doesn't have to be long, just a short text to let them know they are fine. If the operation is talking longer, have someone that can let the spouses know that it is taking longer.

"I love the idea of having someone for officers and their spouses talk to, but we are a smaller police force. We can't afford to hire someone."

"The department my husband works for is a smaller one too. There are ways around the financial cost. First, check with the state. Sometimes they have people they use, and they would pay for. If not, check for volunteer therapist that would offer their services one day a week or at least be willing to answer a phone call. You could also use pastors who would be willing to step up as a volunteer chaplain for the department."

"Mrs. Coulter, would you be willing to come and speak with me? I know there would be a couple more department chiefs who would love to meet with you."

"Maybe we can work something out. It would have to be on a Saturday. I am a schoolteacher and work during the week."

"That's not a problem. We will pay for your time and your travel."

…

"Do we have everything ready?" Asked Adam.

"I think so."

"Well, it looks ready. All the stations are set and there are two main stations where we will all work from together."

"That sounds perfect. I know the kids won't be here until next week, but we are ready for them."

"Are you going to let me help you with the babies tomorrow?"

"I am if you are good."

"Charlie, I am always good." Adam flirted. "You will need help with both of them."

"You know I have watched both of them alone before."

"Fine, you know I want to spend time with the babies too. After all, they are grandpa's babies." Adam puffed out his chest a little with pride. The babies did like him and enjoyed when he held them. They always smiled at him.

"Don't be too prideful, young man." She warned her husband.

"You know they love you too. This isn't a contest." He smirked.

"Yeah, says the man who is winning."

…

The doctor looked up from the screen and gave James and Viola a half smile. She wasn't sure how they were going to accept the news. "Well, we have good pictures."

"That's great. Will you make a copy for us to take home?"

"Absolutely. Everything looks great. The heart rate is strong, and everything is looking great."

"Thank you."

The doctor printed off two pictures. After tearing off the pictures, she handed one picture to Viola and one to James but didn't say anything. She smiled at the confused looks on their faces.

"Why are there two circles with an "A" and "B" in the middle of my picture?" James asked very confused.

"I have the same." Vi stated. "Wait!" She exclaimed. "This looks just like the one Elizabeth had…" Her voice trailed off. "Are you…"

The doctor couldn't hide her smile any longer. "Yes."

"Baby A and baby B?" Questioned James. "Are you telling me there are two in there?" He placed his hand on his wife's tummy.

"Yes, you are having twins."

…

The morning was getting away from Elizabeth. She was rushing around the bedroom trying to get dressed and ready herself, but she was also trying to get the babies ready. Jack had tried to help, but she was determined to do it herself. It made her feel a little better about going back to work if she dressed them herself.

Today, Charlette and Adam were coming to the house to watch them at home. There would be times she would have to drop them off at Charlette's home, but everyone agreed that having them in their home for the first day may be best. She has been away from the babies before, but this is her first time going back to work.

Jack quit asking if she was alright after catching her crying for the second time. She wouldn't answer him. She only looked at him with a look he didn't like. Finally, he offered to make breakfast and she agreed.

"Alright you two, remember mommy loves you with everything she has in her heart." The babies kicked as she changed their diapers and clothes. "I will miss you." Beth reached up for her mom necklace. She has gotten into the habit of reaching for it when Elizabeth held her. TJ always reached for her earrings. That was his habit. "You two be good for your grandma and grandpa today. I will skype with grandma later during lunch so I can see you two." Elizabeth wiped away a tear for the third time.

"Breakfast is ready." Jack yelled from the kitchen.

"Alright my loves let's see what daddy made for us this morning."

Elizabeth walked out of the bedroom with a child on each hip to the smell of pancakes and bacon, her favorite.

"I have pancakes for everyone. I make Beth a pancake in the shape of a butterfly and TJ in the shape of a horse."

"Perfect."

"Ours is just round." He teased her trying to get a smile.

"It smells great." She offered him a small grin.

"The babies' pancakes are already on the highchair and should be cooled off. I made theirs first."

"Thanks, Jack."

Elizabeth carefully placed the children in their highchairs, and they immediately reached for their pancakes. Elizabeth laughed at her son who tried to put the whole pancake in his mouth. Her little princess only put a small bit in her mouth.

"Look, Jack. Your son eats like you."

"Very funny, sweetheart."

Elizabeth sat down when Jack placed her plate beside her son. Elizabeth always sat between them when it was just her eating with the babies. When it was her and Jack, she would sit on one side beside a baby and Jack would sit by the other. That way they would take care of the baby closest to them.

"Thank you, Jack. The pancakes and bacon smell great."

Jack smiled as he sat beside his daughter. She gave him a smile. After Jack prayed for their meal, him and Elizabeth began to eat their breakfast. There weren't too many words spoken. There was just too much emotion in the air.

…

"Are you ready to head over to the kid's house?"

"I am. I'm bringing our lunch with us."

"That's sounds nice. It's supposed to be a great day, would you like to take the kids to the pond for a picnic?"

"That's a great idea. Elizabeth said she takes them a couple of times a week. They love it there."

"Great. Let's plan on that."

"Adam, thank you for helping today."

"Charlie, it is purely selfish on my part. I love being with those babies."

"They do love their grandpa." She didn't have to look to see that her husband's chest was swelling with pride.

…

Jack opened the door to a smiling grandma and grandpa. "You two have been looking forward to this haven't you." Smirked Jack.

"Oh, you have no idea. She's been up for three hours already. Plus, she was actually waiting for me at the front door."

"Wow!" Smirked Jack.

"Hush you two." Charlette walked in the house. As she walked by her son, she reached up and ran her fingers through his hair. "I believe you need a haircut son. It's beginning to get long."

"You know, I'm a grown man with a wife and two children. Yet, you still fuss at me because of my hair."

"Would you like for me to cut it?"

"Nope."

"Would you like for me to get you an appointment?"

"Ma, I go to a barber shop. You don't make an appointment."

"Then you need to go."

"Come in here and love on my kids." Jack stated hoping to divert her attention away from him.

"Our babies." Elizabeth stated from the kitchen. She had been laughing at the exchange.

"How are you doing this morning, dear?" Charlette asked with a tone that Elizabeth understood clearly.

"It depends…I'm excited to be going back to the classroom. I have missed teaching. However…"

"Every time you look at your little ones it tears at your heart." Charlette's tone was gentle and full of sympathy. She remembered those days when her babies were little.

"Yeah." Elizabeth reached up to wipe away a tear before it fell.

"Well, we will send pictures and you call as much as you want. We won't be offended."

"Thanks mom."

…

"Come on, Nani, there is one stop we have to make."

"Abagail's." She smiled.

"Yes. We can't break tradition."

Jack and Elizabeth kissed each of their children and then Jack's mom. Elizabeth kissed and hugged Adam while Jack shook his hand. As they walked out the front door, Jack stopped on the top step of his porch. He looked around the front yard and breathed a deep breath. This was a new season of their life, and he was wanting to enjoy a few seconds of it before they left. He didn't feel his wife's presence beside him. He turned around to see his precious wife with her forehead against the window beside the front door. Both of her hands were on the glass trying to block the glare of the sun so she could see inside better. He couldn't keep from laughing at his lovely wife.

He gently walked up to Elizabeth and slowly reached for her right hand. "Let's go, Bella. We can't be late. Mrs. Blakely will have a fit if you are late on your first day back to school." As much as he tried, he couldn't hold back his chuckle at her pouty lip.

"Oh…my…gosh. If Beth has that look, we are all in trouble." Jack laughed. Elizabeth wouldn't release the pouty look but couldn't keep the corner of her lips from moving upward in a slight smile.

"She already has it and it's almost too adorable."

"It must be new. I haven't seen it yet."

"Well, officer. You actually have to tell her no before you will see it." She teased her husband.

"Well, if she didn't look just like you, I would be able to tell her no. She knows it too and works it for all she's worth."

"Yes, she does. She has you wrapped around her little pinky."

"She does." He was proud of that fact. "Just like TJ has you wrapped around his."

"If he didn't look just like his father, I would be able to say no. Those silly dimples are just too much for a mom to say no."

"We are in so much trouble." They both laughed at his statement.

…

Elizabeth stood in front of her classroom door looking into her room. She has always loved the first day of school. It was a new beginning for her and her students. She smiled knowing her phone chirped signaling a text message. Then it immediately chirped again. She pulled it out of her purse and smiled at the two names on her screen.

Charlette had sent a picture of her and Adam holding both babies. They were all holding up a sign. "We love you, mommy!" Elizabeth couldn't keep from laughing.

The second message was from her husband.

J – You are the best teacher and the best mother

J – I hope you have a great day

J – I love you

J – 831

J – I'll see you soon

Elizabeth slowly ran her fingers over the screen falling in love with her husband all over again. She loved that he knew her so well and always knew what to say at the right time.

…

Jack stood at the front door of the high school with the SRO officer and the principle. He wanted to welcome all the students like he did last year. Many of the football guys and cheerleaders knew him well because they were the ones who came over to his house after the football games. Each one gave him a hug and spoke with him.

"Will the mom tribe be around this year?"

"Don't you know it." Jack laughed. "They have already been talking about it."

"That's so cool." A football player stated. Jack was beginning to wonder who would be his and Elizabeth's boys this year. Elizabeth also wanted to be closer to some of the cheerleaders too. Grace was already excited and planned to be at every home game this year. "Is Mrs. Thatcher going to be there?"

"Absolutely. She has already planned everything out."

"She's the best."

Most students smiled or nodded as they walked into the school. Jack was excited. They didn't exactly know who he was as a person, but they did know he was the police chief. They felt comfortable with him. That was exactly what he wanted. A relationship between the police force and the community.

…

"Mrs. Thorton!" Samuel yelled as he came running into her classroom.

"Samuel!" Elizabeth exclaimed. "It's good to see you. How are you?"

"I'm great. You're my teacher this year!"

"Yes. I was excited when I saw your name on my register this year."

"How's my partner?"

"He's great. He told me to tell you hi. He will be by later and you will see him."

"That's great. How are your babies?"

"They're good."

Elizabeth smiled as she watched Samuel bounce to his seat. As each student walked into her classroom, she greeted them with a smile and spoke to each one. When all twenty four of her students found their seats, her heart was full. She remembered why she loved being a teacher. She still missed her babies and will always miss them. Her mother's heart was empty, but her teacher's heart was full.

"Good morning class. Now, my name is Mrs. Thorton, and I will be your teacher this year. We will have a lot of fun. There will be many activities we will do. We will also learn a lot this year too."

"Good morning, Mrs. Thorton."

…

Jack stepped into the school's office to a smiling Ms. Florence. He sat a brown bag on top of the counter. "Good morning, Ms. Florence. How are you doing on this first day of school?"

"I'm fine, chief. How are you?"

"It's Jack. I'm fine."

"How are those babies? Mrs. Thorton showed me a couple of pictures this morning. They are adorable and growing so fast."

"They are. I thought I was going to pull Elizabeth away this morning. She wasn't too happy about leaving them this morning."

"She shared. Now, the assembly will begin in twenty minutes. I'm assuming the large bag has a few things for the little ones?"

"It does. However, this bag is for you."

"Jack, thank you for always bringing me something."

"You're welcome, Ms. Florence. You are always so helpful."

…

Jack peeked through the window of Elizabeth's door. This is the same classroom she has had since she began teaching in Hope Valley. When a young girl noticed Jack staring, he began to wave at her, and he had the biggest smile on his face. The little girl smiled knowing who he was. She tapped the girl in front of here to get her attention.

Elizabeth looked up noticing all six students in the row closest to the door was all looking toward the door. They were not paying attention to her any longer. She knew exactly why. "That man." She whispered.

Jack opened the door and stepped into the classroom. He noticed her scary teacher face and it took his breath.

"May I help you, officer."

His smile grew until his dimples overtook his face. "Good morning, Mrs. Thorton." He winked at her. She huffed knowing he had this power over her.

"Hey partner!" Samuel yelled. He jumped out of his seat and ran toward Jack. Jack fist pumped him and the other boys who followed him. Then Jack gave each young girl a side hug who came to him. Elizabeth lost complete control of her class.

After a few minutes, Jack made his way to the front of the class beside Elizabeth's desk where she was standing. "Good morning, Nani." He whispered and patted her on the bottom where the kids couldn't see.

Elizabeth jumped and cut her eyes toward him. "Good morning, Officer. You need to be good." She warned him.

"It's chief."

"What may I do for you?"

"Well, I have milk and cupcakes from Abagail's for your awesome class."

"That's very sweet of you, officer. I have someone who is diabetic who cannot have a cupcake."

"Well." Jack pulled out a cupcake in a special container. "I thought you may have one. So, I have a special one for them. Abagail packed it for them."

Elizabeth smiled at him. "That's very thoughtful, officer."

"I'm know far and wife for my thoughtfulness." He flirted.

"Really officer?" She flirted back as she tapped his bottom.

"Now." Jack stated as he turned his attention to the class after jumping at her actions. "Who is ready for a snack before the school's assembly?"