A/N:
I finished this chapter early and thought I would go ahead and post it. I hope you have a great day. Be the reason someone smiles today.
I hope you enjoy this chapter. Thank you for following this little story.
Chapter 27
Williams and Reed led an angry Gowan out of the office and toward the jail. Reed cut Williams a smirk at all the insults Gowan was throwing their way. This was not uncommon when people are arrested. It is always the mountie's fault or someone else's fault. It is never the person's fault. As a mountie, you become accustomed to the verbal backlash from others. After placing Gowan in the cell with Louis, Williams and Reed decided to follow Jack's advice and visit Abagail's for a quick lunch. They were also told to grab the prisoners a lunch the ladies would make for them.
"For a sleepy little town, this place is busy."
"I guess so." Reed stated. "I would have never thought that, but I can certainly understand why Thornton wanted to stay here. Did you see that teacher girlfriend of his?"
"She is beautiful. She stared at him almost in love as much as he stared at her."
"Yeah…he's lucky."
"Let's get going. It's almost lunch time and the prisoners need to eat too. Afterwards, let's check on the horses to make sure they are all settled."
"Sounds good."
…
JJ, Emily, and Sam all waited just outside of the mercantile. They watched as both mounties left the jail and walked to the café. After a few minutes of seeing if the mounties would come back out of the café, JJ was ready to go to the jail.
"Let's go."
"I think this is a bad idea." Emily whispered.
"I can't allow mommy's nightmare to cause any more trouble." JJ stated with determination. "I have to do something."
"From what you said yesterday, he hasn't. Plus, you said that you were just with Constable Thornton and Ms. Thatcher."
"I was, and everything seems good, but I have to do something. I'm not willing to take a chance, Emily. I lost so much when my parents died. I'm not willing to lose my mommy now." JJ's voice cracked for a second and then filled with pure determination. "The last time that man came to town, mommy and daddy broke up. He caused a lot of trouble and mommy moved away for five weeks. I can't sit back and allow that to happen again."
"This is going to be bad." Emily stated shaking her head.
"You can go to the pond now if you want. I'll be there soon."
"Not on your life." Sam and Emily stated.
"You are not facing that man alone." Sam insisted.
The three slowly walked toward the jail. With one last look around and noticing no one paying them any attention, they quickly slipped through the jail door. Emily and Sam stayed behind JJ a few feet but walked with him to Mr. Kensington's cell.
…
"I can't believe it's finally over." Lee stated as he accepted a glass of lemonade from Rosemary.
"I'm grateful."
"Jack stated that they have arrested the man doing the damage and one of the leaders. He hasn't arrested the second one yet."
"I simply can't believe it. Who would ever do anything like they did just because they didn't get their way?"
Lee shook his head in disbelief. "I know…they caused a lot of damage. I can't believe Elizabeth's father and friend from childhood did that."
"Haven't you met Mr. Kensington before?"
"I did…he was always friendly. A little proper but friendly. I really don't know what's going to happen. Mr. Kensington is in jail."
"Do you think you'll recover?"
"Yeah…the mill is a little behind but the men are working hard and should be caught up in a few days."
"Maybe you need to do something for them."
"I believe you are correct. I should do something for them. Faith said I'll heal in time with no lasting effects."
"That's great, Lee."
…
"Mr. K…"
Charles stood and walked to the cell door When he heard the small voice. "Mr. K?"
"Mr. Kenssss…Mr. Kensins…Mr. K." JJ tried to say his last name. "Why did you come to Hope Valley?"
Charles stared at this little boy for a few moments. He thought it was a little funny how he struggled with his name. Then he realized who he was. "Wait, you're that little boy who came running to Ms. Thatcher and called her mommy."
"I am. She is my mommy here."
Charles looked at this little boy confused. He turned his attention to the other two children and then back to this boy standing in front of him. He didn't know what was going on.
"She shares the title with my mommy in heaven." With all the courage JJ could muster in his little body, he took a step closer to the cell. "You need to leave."
Charles was taken back by this little kid standing in front of him. "I will when that idiot mountie lets me go and Ms. Thatcher is packed."
"Mommy's not going anywhere with you! And my daddy isn't an idiot!"
"Listen little one…this is no place for Ms. Thatcher. She and I are getting married soon. We are not living here."
For the first time JJ could remember, he was fighting mad. He just wasn't that type of kid to want to fight. He was always happy. He turned to look at Emily and Sam. They shook their head no. JJ slowly turned back to look at this man.
"We should be leaving by the end of this week if not earlier." Charles stated. "As soon as I am out of this cell, we will be leaving."
"No!"
Charles smiled at the boldness of this kid. "Ms. Thatcher and I will be leaving soon. We are to be married soon and begin our life together."
JJ huffed at his mommy's nightmare's words. Without realizing what he was doing, JJ ran up to the cell. He grabbed onto the bars and with all the strength his little body could muster. He kicked Charles in the shin. "Leave my mommy alone!"
Everyone turned their heads when the front door opened. Williams and Reed walked into the room. Reed was the first through the door and noticed JJ was standing in front of Charles. Charles was rubbing his shin and looked completely shocked.
"What are you doing?" Called out Reed as he quickly walked toward the little boy.
"He kicked me!" Exclaimed Charles in disbelief. "That little kid kicked me!"
Reed gently took JJ's arm and pulled him away from Charles. "Are you ok?"
JJ nodded his head.
"You need to do something." Demanded Charles.
Reed and Williams smirked when they looked at each other. Reed looked toward Louis and Gowan. They just smiled.
"I didn't see anything." Louis stated with a huge smile. Gowan just shook his head.
Reed walked JJ toward the other two children. Then he escorted them to the porch. "Why don't you three go on with your day. We won't speak about this again. Ok?"
The three nodded their heads. JJ was still nervous he was going to be in trouble.
"Now, go on and have fun. No more coming back to the jail while the prisoners are here."
"Yes sir." All three young ones stated.
"You got lucky." Sam stated as they ran down the sidewalk.
"Yeah…" JJ whispered.
…
Abagail, Frank and then Elizabeth walked into the mayor's office after knocking on the door. Abagail stopped just a few feet in the big room. She was feeling very uncomfortable being in the office.
"Ms. Stanton. Thank you for coming."
"Yes Sargeant Adams. I still don't think I am the person for this position, but we can't make Hope Valley pay for a special election now, can we?"
"Ma'am, I believe that statement makes you the perfect person for this position. This is about Hope Valley, not you."
Abagail nodded her head. Jack walked over to his friend. "Abagail, you will do well. I know it."
Abagail nodded her head.
"Ms. Stanton, are you ready for the swearing in?"
"I guess." Abagail walked toward the front of the desk. She quickly looked around the office. For the first time, she noticed how big it really was.
"Ma'am, I believe we need to move to the other side of the desk."
"I don't think so." Abagail would even look in that direction.
"Madam Mayor…" Jack stated as he positioned himself in front of Abagail. She discreetly shook her head. "You need to take your place behind the desk."
Jack's tone wasn't strict or mean. In fact, it drove home the meaning of the moment to Abagail. His voice was respectful. She looked into Jack's eyes for a moment. Then she felt an arm reach around her waist.
"Abagail, you need to take your rightful place." Elizabeth pulled her sister into a tighter side hug.
Abagail turned her attention from Elizabeth back to Jack. She was relaxed by Elizabeth's statement and Jack's smile. They encouraged her to begin the café and now they are encouraging her to step up for this new role.
"Madam Mayor…" Jack extended his arm for Abagail to walk around the desk.
Abagail took her place between the desk and office chair. Frank stood immediately to her right. Elizabeth and Jack stood immediately to her left. Sargeant Adams was in front of her with the other mounties standing by the door witnessing the whole thing.
Frank raised his bible and Abagail placed her left hand on the top of it and raised her right hand. She focused solely on Sergeant Adams. Everyone in the room noticed her resolve at that moment. Determination was written on her face. She fully accepted the new role in her life and she was determined to do her very best for Hope Valley.
"Ms. Stantan, the Oath of Allegiance is first. Then you will be sworn into the King's Privy Council for Canada."
Abagail nodded her head. She looked over at Frank. "Who would ever think a simple woman like me would be sworn into the King's Privy Council?"
"Sweetheart, you are anything but simple."
"Ms. Stanton, please repeat after me."
Abagail let out a long breath. Adams waited just for a moment before speaking. Abagail repeated the previous phrase each time Adams paused.
"I, Abagail Stanton, do declare that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Edward VII, King of Canada, and his heirs and successors so help me God."
Jack and Elizabeth smiled at Abagail. They were both so proud of her. She was standing tall and strong. Jack couldn't help himself. He placed his hand on the small of Elizabeth's back. He couldn't be this close to Elizabeth and not touch her. Jack's smile grew when he noticed Elizabeth's smile when his hand was on her back.
"I, Abagail Stanton, do solemnly and sincerely declare that I shall be a true and faithful servant to His Majesty Edward VII, as a member of His Majesty's Privy Council for Cananda. I will in all things to be treated, debated, and resolved in Privy Council, faithfully, honestly, and truly declare my mind and my opinion. I shall keep secret all matters committed and revealed to me in this capacity, or that shall be secretly treated of in Council. Generally, in all things I shall do as a faithful and true servant ought to do for His Majesty. So, help me God."
Adams stopped for a moment to allow everything to sink in for Abagail. He was impressed with her strength. When she nodded for him to continue, he did without hesitation.
"I, Abagail Stanton, do solemnly and sincerely promise and declare that I will truly and faithfully, and to the best of my skill and knowledge, execute the powers and trusts reposed in me as Mayor of Hope Valley, so help me God."
Abagail let out a small breath.
"Congratulations Mayor Stanton."
Frank leaned in and gave her a loving kiss on the cheek. Afterward, Elizabeth stepped in and gave her a heartfelt hug. That was followed by Jack stepping and giving her a hug. "I look forward to working with you, Mayor Abagail."
"Thank you."
"Mayor, there is a little bit of business we need to discuss."
"I'll let you go." Elizabeth stated.
"First…" Adams cut in. "Mayor Stanton, with the arrest of Henry Gowan, his property has been seized. Legally, his half of the café you own with him is forfeited to his partner."
"His partner?"
"Yes ma'am. You are his partner. That means you receive his portion of the café."
"I own the café out right?"
"Yes ma'am, you do. Here is the paperwork stating that fact. Keep this for your records."
Abagail smiled knowing she didn't have to worry about Henry any longer. Elizabeth gave her another hug and told her congratulations.
After Elizabeth and Frank excused themselves, Adams and Jack moved to stand in front of the mayor's desk.
"Mayor Abagail, you look good behind there." Jack gave her a little brother smirk.
"Sargeant Adams, what else do you want to discuss?"
…
Elizabeth left the mayor's office with a grateful smile on her face. She was excited for her sister. Abagail was getting the whole café and its profits to herself. This would most certainly help. This may also allow her to hire help. She didn't have to work herself to the bone each and every day.
Elizabeth smiled when she saw her little man run along the sidewalk with Emily and Sam. They didn't notice her. Elizabeth looked up when she saw Mr. Ned Yost waving a telegram walking toward her. Elizabeth had become nervous each time she noticed Mr. Yost with a telegram. The last few times he did so was with devastating news.
"Ms. Thatcher…Ms. Thatcher…"
"Mr. Yost." Elizabeth stated as Mr. Yost stepped toward her.
"I received a telegram for Mr. Kensington. I know he is your friend and I know he is arrested. I don't know where Constable Thornton is, would you please give this to him?"
"Sure." Elizabeth received the telegram. She was very curious who it was from. She imagined it was from her father but wasn't sure. She wanted to look but knew she shouldn't.
"By law, I need to give a prisoner's telegram to the Constable."
"I will make sure he receives it. He is busy doing some mountie business. I will see him soon."
"Thank you, Ms. Thacher."
After walking about twenty yards, her curiosity got the best of her. She stopped walking when she began reading the telegram.
Charles – On my way. This ends now! Be in Hope Valley sometime tomorrow.
– W. Thatcher
Elizabeth sighed. The last couple of days have been crazy. Charles arriving and doing all the things he did was just too much. Now, her father was arriving. She can only imagine how he is going to react to everything. Even with all the circumstances that was going on in Hope Valley and her life, one thing was completely certain. She loved her two boys, and her two boys loved her. She needed to share the telegram with Jack.
…
"Madam Mayor, we will be going to Gowan's home after gathering evidence here. We are assuming he had books of his misdeeds here or at his home. Once those books are discovered, we will now more of how much money he stolen from Hope Valley."
"Madam Abagail, I have a file of the copies I sent to headquarters in my locked desk at the jail. They are all the fines that Henry Gowan levied against the mill. Most, if not all, are bogus. I am certain he pocketed all the money he received from Mr. Coulter."
Abagail nodded her head. "Anything stolen from the town needs to be returned to the town. Anything stolen from Lee Coulter in way of false fees or anything like that, should be returned to Lee."
"I knew you would be a great servant leader." Jack whispered under his breath, but Abagail heard him.
"With the town growing, we would recommend the town hiring a sheriff. The mounties will keep one mountie stationed here, but we will not be stationing another one."
"Jack, at some point I would like to speak to you for any recommendations to fill that position."
"Yes, Madam Abagail. I look forward to working with you for our town."
"Jack…"
"Yes…"
"You're enjoying this a little too much." Abagail sassed.
"Yes, Madam Abagail." Jack smirked just like a little brother.
…
Gowan's eyes opened wide when Jack, Richardson, and Jackson walked into the jail each carrying a box. Gowan noticed the books sitting on top of Jack's box. They were the books where he kept records of his finances. Not the finances that he turned in to the town, but the one that he kept private. He knew he was in trouble once they began to look through his private books. While he burned all the evidence that proved he was behind the mine disaster, these books will prove, without a doubt, that he was dirty. Gowan was a notorious and detailed note taker.
"Constable Thornton, may I have a word with you?"
Jack looked from Richardson to Jackson. Then he looked toward Gowan.
"I don't think so Gowan. You will be leaving on the transport soon. You will be taken to Medicine Hat. There, you will have the opportunity to speak to a lawyer. I would recommend you waiting to talk to your lawyer."
"Constable Thornton, I believe we can work something out between just the two of us."
"I don't think so."
"Come on, Jack…"
"Constable Richardson, did anything happen while I was gone?"
Reed shot Richardson a look. As Richardson smiled, he began to answer Jack.
"No, nothing too much happened. We are set out back. We should be good for a while and the horses are settled in the livery."
"Don't forget to go by the café for your meals."
"We went for lunch." Reed stated. "It was very good."
"The cafe has the best food here. The saloon sells chili, and you can eat it, but it's not as good as the café."
"Let's get these boxes inventoried and then packed for transport. We will take them with us as we transport the prisoners. Then you can go home for the day. It's been a long day."
Jack found it amusing watching Gowan as they inventoried the boxes. With each item they pulled out of the boxes, Gowan grew more nervous. Then those nerves turned to defeat. He realized that he wasn't getting out of this.
Jack looked up when the door opened. Elizabeth stood in the doorway and slowly walked toward Jack. Charles immediately stood from his cot and walked toward the cell door. He tried to capture her attention, but she never looked in his direction or acknowledged him. She kept her focus on Jack. When she reached his desk, she gave him a smile.
"Jackie Boy…" She whispered with the biggest smirk on her face. "This came today."
Jack rolled his eyes. He was hoping she would have forgotten the nickname. After reading the telegram, he looked up into her beautiful eyes. For a few moments, he lost his train of thought. He only saw those eyes. His focus shifted to her perfect lips and then back up to her eyes. He noticed her flirting smirk and knew he was busted. His admiration for her didn't go unnoticed. He shook his head to clear the thoughts he was daydreaming about. Once he was able to focus on the here and now, he nodded toward the front door. Elizabeth immediately turned and walked toward the door. She never looked in Charles' direction even though he never stopped trying to gain her attention.
"Mr. Yost…" Elizabeth began until Jack took her hand and continued walking past the jail. When they reached the side of the jail, he quickly looked around and then ducked between the jail and the building beside it.
"What are you…oh…" Elizabeth began until Jack passionately pushed her against the building. He didn't slam her against the wall, but she did hit it with a little bit of force. He immediately followed her and placed his lips onto her neck. He slightly kissed and nipped at her neck working his way to her ear. Elizabeth placed her forearms on top of Jack's shoulders and began playing with the hair on Jack's neck. For Elizabeth, Jack was driving her crazy with his actions. She couldn't stand it anymore. She took a handful of Jack's hair and pulled until his lips connected with hers.
The moan coming from Jack brought a reaction from Elizabeth that was new to her. The reaction was pure desire. Jack was pulling her in with his passion. She loved every moment of Jack's attention. It fed her passion. In return, her passion was feeding his. It was a game that was pushing each other without them knowing it. After a passionate kiss that left both speechless and gasping for air, Jack placed his forehead against hers and remained in her space for a few minutes. Jack wanted to remain close to Elizabeth, but, if he was completely honest, his legs didn't work. Elizabeth's kiss left him powerless.
"I'm sorry…I couldn't resist."
"Don't you ever apologize for kissing me like that." She tried to inhale a breath. "You only need to apologize for not kissing me like that."
Jack's shy smile only made him more adorable. He finally was able to stand under his own power. He pulled her away from the wall and escorted her to the sidewalk.
"Please allow us to come and get you for dinner. We will have dinner at my place. We can spend time with JJ and then talk about the telegram after dinner while he plays outside."
"I'll come only if my two boys walk me home."
"Well, you know a true gentleman makes sure the person he loves are safe."
Elizabeth's smile grew at Jack's insinuation. Jack always had trouble saying what was in his heart. There was a disconnect between his heart and his tongue. She found it frustrating at times, but she also found it cute when he tried.
"Pick me up at six?"
"We will be there."
They stared at each other for a few moments. Jack was seriously considering pulling Elizabeth back to the side of the jail. He didn't know that she was having the same thoughts. He needed to ask her a question he wanted to ask her months ago. Jack took her hand and slowly, with purpose, leaned in and placed his lips on her cheek. He smiled when he felt her lean into his touch.
"I'll see you soon."
She nodded her head.
"I'm sorry…" Jack and Elizabeth heard a soft voice. Jack pulled back but didn't let go of Elizabeth's hand.
"Mr. Johnston. How are you today?"
"I'm fine. Do you have a moment to talk about what we talked about the other day?"
"I do." Jack quickly glanced at Elizabeth. He saw her curious expression. "The jail is full. May we walk and talk?"
"Sure Constable."
"Elizabeth, I'll see you at six."
With great interest, Elizabeth watched Jack and Mr. Johnston walk down the sidewalk. Her curiosity was beginning to win. She knew she shouldn't follow them and try to listen in, but she didn't know what they talked about the other day. Mr. Johnston was a nice older man, but Jack shouldn't have anything important to talk to him about.
She tried to fight the urge to follow, but her common sense failed. She slowly walked in the same direction. The two men were walking slow, and they looked like they were in deep discussion. She would hide behind a porch post trying to get closer, but she just couldn't get close enough to hear what they were saying. When Jack and Mr. Johnston stopped walking, they turned to face each other. Elizabeth quickly ducked between two buildings. She had her front pushed up against the building. She stuck her head out by the front of the building trying to listen. She could hear muffled sounds but couldn't understand any words.
"Mr. Johnston, do you think that is possible?"
"Absolutely, but don't you think you need to ask the young lady first?"
"JJ and I are working on a plan."
"Ok."
"We can live in the row house I'm in for a while. I would like to begin before winter sets in."
"That makes sense. If we can get the house closed in before bad weather sets in, we can work on the inside no matter what the weather is like."
"That sounds great. When do you think we should start?"
In his younger life, Mr. Johnston built houses. He would have a crew of ten men working for him. The two crews split up into two groups. He would often work on two homes at the same time. There were some jobs only Mr. Johnston would perform, but his crews were good. They did excellent work. Mr. Johnston was too old to perform that type of work anymore, but he still had the knowledge that Jack needed. He agreed to help give Jack guidance to build the home that Elizabeth had sketched a few days earlier. Jack added a few adjustments, but they were easy for Mr. Johnston to incorporate.
Elizabeth's sketch showed a two story home. There was a master bedroom on the ground level with three bedrooms upstairs. Jack added a large library to hold all of Elizabeth's books. The kitchen and living room were an open concept. Which was new in that time frame. The house was on the larger side, but not too large. Jack added a wrap around porch and a small sitting area just outside of the master bedroom. This would allow them to sit outside and watch the sunrise. Eighty percent of the ideas were Elizabeth's, Jack just expounded on her ideas and added a couple of his.
Jack had struck up a deal to buy logs from Mr. Johnston's land and he will have Lee cut them to size. Jack also found a good sized stream filled with beautifully colored river rocks. Jack wanted to purchase some of those river rocks to place on the front of the home. He didn't want to go all the way up the front walls but would like to carry the river rocks up the wall for about five feet. He thought it would add color and character to the home. Mr. Johnston agreed.
"If Lee can send out some men one day next week, then he could begin the process of milling the wood. We will get the river rock later on. That's not too much of a rush as long as we get what we need before the stream freezes."
"That sounds great. I'll get with Lee."
"Perfect. Just let me know. I know a couple of guys who would love to help."
"I may take them up on it. I would like to do the work myself, but I don't think that will be possible. At least not all of it."
"I think you may be right. Just let me know."
"What are you doing mommy?" JJ asked. He, Sam, and Emily walked up behind Elizabeth between the buildings. She was too concentrated in trying to hear what the two men were talking about to notice them.
"What?!" Yelled Elizabeth as she jumped. She tried to be quiet, but she was scared to death. She quickly turned around and looked at three smiling faces. She was having trouble catching her breath.
Jack shook his head. He took Mr. Johnston's arm and led him away. He couldn't keep from chuckling with Elizabeth being caught.
"Didn't I tell you not to sneak up on me?"
"I really didn't. You just didn't hear us."
"Yeah." Stated Emily and Sam. "We were talking the whole way here." Defended Emily.
Elizabeth looked up and noticed Jack and Mr. Johnston walking away with Jack shaking his head. She could hear Jack laughing.
…
Jack and JJ were walking toward the café. It was just before six o'clock. They were on their way to walk Elizabeth back to their house for dinner.
"Are you ok?"
"Yes, daddy. I'm good."
Jack had thought something was wrong with JJ. He was uncharacteristically quiet, especially on his way to see Elizabeth.
When they stepped onto main street and headed toward the café, they noticed Elizabeth standing outside on the front porch of the café leaning on the handrail. When she noticed her boys, she stood up and clasped her hands in front of her. She began swaying from side to side.
"Why does she do that?" JJ asked.
"What…the swaying thing?"
"Yeah."
"I'm not too sure. She does it every so often. I think it's very cute. I like it." Jack couldn't help but admire this precious woman.
"Maybe she's excited to see us."
"I hope so. I know she's excited to see you."
"There's my boys." Elizabeth exclaimed as Jack and JJ came closer. All three of their smiles grew looking at each other.
…
Dinner was perfect even though it was a little simple. Abagail had sent dessert home with them. Both Jack and Elizabeth thought JJ was quieter than normal. Each one thought this would be their life soon. JJ was hoping. He really didn't like taking his mommy home at the end of the day. He was hoping she would stay again. For some reason, he felt comfortable with her in the home. For Jack and Elizabeth, this felt very family like. Their desire to make this permanent was growing daily.
After dinner, JJ went outside to play in the field across from the row houses with the other kids. While he seemed to be enjoying himself, he was still a little off. Jack and Elizabeth sat on the small front porch steps. They were close enough that their legs were touching, and they held hands. Jack would run his thumb over the back of Elizabeth's hand. It was very intimate for her. Their time together was perfect. She could easily see this happening every night.
"Do you think something is wrong with JJ?"
"Yeah…I don't know what, but he seems off a little. He was quiet during our walk to pick you up and during dinner."
"What could it be about?" Pondered Elizabeth.
"I'm not sure. Nothing has really changed for him over the last few days."
"Charles arrived."
"Yeah, but that wouldn't affect him."
"Maybe…" Elizabeth laid her head on Jack's shoulder. He leaned over and kissed the top of her head.
"I love you, Bella."
"I love you, Jack."
After a few minutes, JJ slowly walked over to them. His hands were in his pockets and his feet shuffled as he walked. The little boy looked like he was carrying the weight of the world.
"Sweetheart…are you feeling ok? Do you feel bad?"
JJ stood in front of them without looking up. "Mommy…daddy…I think I need to tell you something." He slowly spoke.
Elizabeth raised her head off Jack's shoulder but did not release her hold on his hand. JJ was acting very serious. JJ finally looked up at his mommy. Then he turned his attention to his daddy. Both his dad in heaven and Jack would tell him that a young man would always look someone in the eye when they spoke. That's what a man does. JJ let out a long, slow breath and kept his eyes on his mommy and daddy.
"I did something today that I thought needed to be done." JJ tried to keep his voice strong. However, it was anything but strong.
"Ok…" Elizabeth and Jack stated at the same time.
"I went to the jail today."
"The jail?" Asked Elizabeth.
"I thought we told you not to go." Jack stated as he leaned forward.
"You did."
"Then why did you go to the jail?" Elizabeth asked.
"I wanted mommy's nightmare to leave."
"Oh JJ…"
"The last time he was here he caused a lot of trouble. I didn't want you two to break up. I…" He paused trying to keep his emotions in check. He swallowed hard before continuing. "I…I like us as a family. I didn't want to lose you." JJ looked Elizabeth directly in her eyes. Tears were pooling around his little eyes. "I like that you're my mommy on earth. I didn't want you to go back to your home. I want you here with daddy and me." He lowered his head. The tear fell from his right eye broke Elizabeth's heart.
She immediately let go of Jack's hand and took the little boy into her arms as he sat on her lap. He placed his head on her chest and snuggled into her embrace.
"JJ…" Elizabeth paused until she knew she had his attention. She wanted to make sure that he heard and understood every word she spoke. "Two months ago I made the worst decision of my life. I should have never left and certainly not like I did. Charles was always just a friend. I handled that all wrong. I am here now. I'm courting Jack and I am your mommy." She stressed the word 'your' to make sure JJ understood. "No one, and I mean no one will take me away from you. You are my little boy. Jack and I are courting. Hopefully soon we will be married. But from now on, you are mine. Along with Jack, you live in my heart. No one can ever take that away from me. God gave me you and Jack to love."
JJ wiped away tears from his cheeks. He heard her words and was grateful for them, but he also knew what happened the last time Charles was in town.
"I love you, JJ. You are with me and Jack forever. Nothing can take you away from me…nothing."
"Son, you are ours." Jack stated as he put one arm around JJ and the other around Elizabeth. "God has entrusted you with us. It is our job to protect you. You shouldn't have gone to the jail."
"I'm sorry. I just couldn't set back and allow anything bad to happen."
"What did you do?"
"I told Mr. K to leave and to leave us alone."
"What did he do?" Asked Elizabeth. Her anger was beginning to grow at Charles. If Charles would have touched one hair on her son's head, she would have exploded all over him. Charles better hope that Jack got to him first. Her mommy instincts were in overdrive.
"He told me that you and him will be leaving as soon as his lawyer gets him out of jail. That's when I kicked him."
"You kicked him?" Asked Jack and Elizabeth at the same time.
"I did. He also said that you two will be leaving by the end of the week."
Elizabeth shook her head no. "That will never happen. I am not leaving you and Jack."
"You promise?" JJ asked. This was the first time he raised his head from her chest.
"I promise you and Jack with everything that I am. I am not leaving you two. You are my boys."
JJ looked into his mommy's eyes. He knew she was telling him the truth. She wasn't going to leave.
"I love you mommy. Thank you for loving me."
"Thank you for letting me love you. I love you, JJ."
After holding JJ for a few more minutes, he finally felt good enough to go and play. He kissed Elizabeth on the cheek. When he crossed the small road, she lost all control. Tears filled her eyes and immediately fell down both of her cheeks. Jack wrapped her in his arms. He knew the torment she was experiencing knowing that JJ felt that he had to fight for her.
"It's going to be ok. He knows you aren't leaving"
"Jack…" Elizabeth tried to speak but the tears were flowing. She just couldn't engage her brain.
"It's ok Elizabeth. He understands now. He's good. See, he's playing and smiling. He's good."
"I'm never going to get past that stupid five weeks, am I? That dumb decision will always haunt me." Elizabeth shook her head slowly as a new wave of tears flowed. She raised both of her hands to cover her face.
"No!" Jack stated with determination. He reached for her hands pulling them to her lap. He continued to hold her hands and rub them with his thumbs. "You have already fixed that with me days ago. I believe you just fixed that with JJ just now."
"And the school board?"
"If they would like to talk to us, then it will be fixed too. You promised that you are not leaving me and JJ."
"And I meant it!" Elizabeth exclaimed with her head high. There was no doubt in her voice.
"And I promise JJ and I are not leaving you!"
"Promise?"
"With everything that I am!" Jack exclaimed with no doubt in his voice. "You, Elizabeth Thatcher, are stuck with us."
"Jack…I wouldn't use the word stuck. I would say blessed."