Chapter 16
The walk back to town was quiet. Jack and Elizabeth were both working through their conversation and trying to find footing in their new, rebuilding relationship. Jack was determined to go at this very slow. He needed to make sure she was true to what she said. It wasn't just his heart he was placing in her hands to potentially crush. He was placing JJ's heart too. He, along with JJ, would be destroyed if Elizabeth left again.
"Elizabeth…" He slowly stated as they came to the edge of town. "I don't want to ruin our talk from earlier."
"Jack, I'm grateful and excited you are giving me this opportunity to show you that my heart is true to you."
Jack nodded his head.
"Elizabeth, I'm putting my trust in you that this isn't a game. I trust that you are sincere in what you are telling me. I can survive my heart being crushed if you choose Mr. Kensington and Hamilton, but you know you will crush JJ's heart if you leave. I can't bear for that to happen."
Elizabeth stopped walking. She turned to face Jack. Her shoulders were square, and her head was up looking Jack in the eyes. While his words were painful to hear, she was more concentrated on showing Jack how much she loves him and JJ. How she acted over the last few weeks would always bring sorrow to her, she wasn't living in those horrible memories. She was only concentrating on the man in front of her…her man. She paused long enough to make sure she had Jack's full attention.
"Jack…" Elizabeth began as she slowly reached for Jack's hands. She gasped when he let go of Sergeant's reins and allowed her to hold both of his hands. This was their first physical touch in weeks. It was driving her crazy. They were gentler than she remembered. She took a half a step closer to him. She wanted Jack to completely understand her. "I love you with all my heart. This is not a game for me. This is my life. I chose you. You are my soulmate. You are my love. I love you completely with everything I am. You are giving me this opportunity to show you that. I will not let you down nor will I let JJ down. I love that little boy just like I am his…" Her voice trialed off. "…just like his is my..." She let out a shallow breath. "I want you as my husband and JJ as my son. I want that now, but I promise I will give you all the time you need to fully know my heart. Jack, just give me this opportunity to show you." She never took her eyes off him. He felt she was looking into his soul.
Elizabeth's heart stopped when Jack tightened his grasp on her hands. He took a half a step closer to her. Chill bumps formed on her entire body. He hasn't been this close in a very long time. Their bodies weren't touching, but they were just mere inches apart. He leaned down. For a moment, she thought he was going to kiss her. She closed her eyes and tilted her head up. Her knees were growing weak at the anticipation of the kiss.
Jack whispered just a couple of inches from her ear. "We'll see." He squeezed her hands before letting them go and stepping back. Once he had Sergeant's reins, he began walking into town.
Elizabeth physically shuttered at Jack's closeness. She felt his breath on her ear. If her brain had been working, she would have initiated a kiss. Her smile grew at his playful teasing. She hadn't heard that tone in his voice in a while. It was the playful tone he used when he always challenged her. Even with her eyes closed, she could see that silly grin he had when he was being playful in teasing her. She slowly opened her eyes and was disappointed Jack wasn't standing in front of her. It took her a moment to engage her brain. She noticed he was a few steps ahead. She quickly made up the ground between them. She made sure the distance between them was minimal. They weren't touching, but she was still close. She also noticed the little grin that was on the corner of his mouth.
…
William Thatcher sat in his office looking out over the docks where his shipping business worked out of. When his secretary walked into the office, William didn't turn from the windows.
"Mr. Thatcher. Mr. Kensington is here to see you as you requested."
"Thank you, Sandy. Please see him in."
"Good morning, Mr. Thatcher. I hope you are well today."
"I am, Charles. How are you?"
Charles nodded his head. "I'm good sir."
"Charles…" William began in an exacerbated voice. "This little game my middle daughter is playing is tiring and I'm done with it."
"I just don't understand, sir." Charles shook his head. "In Hope Valley, she agreed to marry me. We came home to Hamilton, and she suddenly changed her mind. I don't know what she is thinking."
"I believe that is the problem. She isn't thinking. I honestly don't think it's that scoundrel mountie. If it was really him, why would she be courting you for so long?" William thought for a moment. "I think it is mostly due to her students in that shack of a school she's at. You know Elizabeth, she listens to her heart too much. Those kids are pulling her to that hick town."
"I think that plays a role in this sir, but I wouldn't dismiss her attraction for that mountie. I think he plays a part as well."
"Why is that?" William asked confused. "She has known him for a long while and never really committed herself to him. I think he is just a companion out there. If there was this true love she talks about all the time, why hasn't anything happened in the three years she has been there?"
"I don't know sir." Charles shook his head. "I just wouldn't dismiss him too easily."
"Fine. Anyways Charles, I would like for you to head to Hope Valley in a couple of days and bring my daughter home."
"Are you sure?"
"Charles, you know you two are meant to be together. She had just lost her mind for some unknown explanation. She needs to see reason. She will wise up very soon and will be coming home to us, to you, and to Hamilton."
"How can you be so sure. She seems determined to stay out there."
"I know my middle daughter. She has a strong front, but she will have no reason to be there much longer. Now, let's finish these three projects and you will leave in two days. By the end of the week, she will be ready to come home with you for good. This little adventure is over."
"I hope you're right, Mr. Thatcher."
"I am son. Trust me…I am."
…
"Lee, how are you this afternoon?" Faith asked.
"He's good." Rosemary answered for him. "He is still a little fussy when I change the bandage but he's ok."
"How are the cuts looking?"
"Good. A slight red but nothing to be concerned about. They are closing very well."
"Lee, how's the pain?"
"Good." Lee answered before Rosemary could answer. "Good until the bandages are changed. That does hurt a little. The foot usually hurts at the end of the day, but nothing too bad."
"Have you been taking the medicine I gave you?"
"No. It makes me feel really weird. Plus, the leg doesn't hurt that much."
"Fine. The medicine is there if you need it. You can't become addicted to it if you are using it for pain. Now, let me take a look at that foot."
…
"Do you think you pushed too far?"
"Not at first Abagail, but that is the first time my son has ever stood up against me. If I wasn't so frustrated my son was talking to me like that, I would have been proud." Charlette laughed.
"I know. Peter stood up to me the first time and I wanted to take him down. I wasn't happy with him for days and he knew it."
"Was he right?"
"Charlette, we don't need to discuss that aspect of it." Sassed Abagail.
"He loves her, and she loves him. He knows that, but he is struggling with her time in Hamilton with Charles. He just doesn't understand it."
"I get it. He asked me if I thought Elizabeth and Charles were courting. To be honest, I did believe they were. They acted just like a couple. I know she says they weren't and I believe her, but I can understand why Jack thought they were. I wanted to take up for Elizabeth when Jack and I were talking, but I just couldn't."
"Do you think they will work this out?"
"I honestly do. I know Elizabeth can be very determined when she wants something. I believe she truly wants Jack as her husband. I think Jack wants to be with her, but he has a lot to overcome."
"I agree. I think JJ will play a role in that. Him and Elizabeth are very close and only growing closer."
"I think your little plan will work. It just may take time."
"What plan?" Asked Elizabeth standing in the doorway between the eating area of the café and the kitchen.
Abagail and Charlette jumped and turned around at her voice. They were trying to catch their breath. Their smiles grew when they noticed JJ standing between Jack and Elizabeth holding their hands. To both ladies, they looked like a family. All were smiling, but Elizabeth's smile was a little bigger than the rest.
"How long have you been standing there?" Asked Abagail.
"Ma…" Warned Jack. "What are you two planning?"
Abagail and Charlette snuck a knowing glance at each other. They knew they were busted. They just didn't know how much Jack and Elizabeth knew.
At the sound of an explosion, Jack instantly reached for Elizabeth's shoulder. He grabbed her bicep instead. He looked at JJ. "Stay with Elizabeth." When Jack looked back at Elizabeth, she nodded her head. Without saying a word, Jack released JJ's hand and Elizabeth's arm. He turned to run out of the café.
"So…Jack asked JJ to stay with you instead of me?" Asked Abagail. Her smile was growing at the possibility of what she was hoping for. This was the first time Jack didn't ask JJ to stay with her.
Elizabeth shrugged her shoulders. Her smile grew at the thought of Jack wanting JJ to stay with her. She felt he trusted her.
"So…what's going on?" Ask Charlette and Abagail at the same time.
…
Jack jumped the last three steps of the stairs and hit main street in full stride. As he approached the mercantile, Frank came out of the front door. He was in a full run almost instantly. Jack caught up to him as they turned the corner.
"Did you hear that?"
"I did, Frank."
"Keep a close eye out." Implored Jack.
They were two minutes from the sawmill when they first saw the cloud of smoke. They looked up and saw some of the men from the mill came out of the woods where the old camp site was. They were running toward the mill. The first shift crew was fighting the fire at the second engine. This reminded Jack and Frank of the scene just a few days ago.
Once the fire was under control, the men began to look around. There was a wagon half full of lumber that was resting against the engine. They noticed the wagon suffered most of the damage. The engine was basically unscathed from this explosion. However, the shed was essentially damaged beyond repair. The mechanic was already there. He arrived earlier to begin work on the second engine. He thought it could still be repaired in three days.
The split shift of men between the first and second shifts made fewer possible people to see anything. While the shed and the wagon were damaged beyond repair, the explosion really didn't cause any more delays. Jack was grateful he could share that information with Lee.
"Constable." Logan began as he approached Jack. "Just before the explosion, I saw a man hanging around. Once he saw me, he ran in that direction." Logan pointed to the edge of the shed to the woods.
"Did you recognize him?"
"No sir. I was over by the lumber pile. I was too far away. He had a black hat on with brown pants and a white shirt. I know that describes almost everyone here."
"Anything else Logan?"
"I'm sorry, Constable. That's all I know. I just thought it was odd that he ran off the moment he saw me."
"Thank you, Logan."
Jack and Frank began to look around. Jack asked Frank if he would look around the shed and wagon. He was hoping they would find another blasting cap. If it matched the cap from the first explosion, then they knew it was the same person. Jack was also hoping it would match the blasting cap that JJ found earlier. With three matching blasting caps, one of which hadn't been used, Jack knew his case was getting stronger. The problem is that they still didn't have anything on the individual causing the problem. Jack wanted to see the path the man took when he ran away. He was hoping there was a piece of evidence left behind.
…
"Sir, here is a telegram that just arrived for you."
"Thank you, Sandy."
Sir –
The second explosion was successful. No one was injured. One minor problem, there was something left behind. It may cause a small problem, but nothing that can be traced back to you. Our man is working on it.
– Johnson
William sat back in his chair with a small smile on his face. This was his first smile today. He knew his plan was coming together nicely. He was mildly concerned with the problem, but knew Johnson was on it.
…
"What?" Asked an amused Elizabeth. Charlette and Abagail were staring at her. She was still holding JJ's hand.
"What?" Both ladies asked at the same time. The three ladies just smirked at each other.
"I bet Auntie Abagail has some chocolate chip…"
Charlette and Abagail laughed when JJ let go of Elizabeth's hand and ran toward the kitchen before Elizabeth was even finished with her statement.
"Hold on, young man!" Exclaimed Elizabeth. JJ stopped at the entry way and turned to face Elizabeth. He was bouncing on his feet due to the excitement of Auntie Abagail's chocolate chip cookies.
"One now…then lunch…then you may have two."
"Awe man…" JJ wined a little. When he turned to go into the kitchen, Elizabeth spoke again.
"Wait!"
JJ turned with a little bit of frustration. He just wanted to get to the cookies. When he noticed her look, he knew exactly what she wanted him to do. "Yes, ma'am."
JJ walked toward Abagail with a huge smile on his face. He wrapped his arms around her waist. "Thank you for making me my favorite cookies, Auntie Abagail."
Abagail played with JJ's hair. "You're welcome young man. I'll have you lunch soon."
"Thank you." JJ squeezed Abagail just before letting her go and running into the kitchen.
Abagail looked up and saw Elizabeth's expression. It was pure love as she watched JJ run into the kitchen. Abagail glanced over at Charlette whose smile matched hers and Elizabeths. They knew something happened this morning.
"So…?" Abagail asked.
"What?"
"Don't 'what' me young lady." Charlette stated with a knowing smile.
"Have a seat and you will tell us what all happened." Abagail stated as she pointed to the table in the corner.
…
Jack was looking at the small path the man ran on. He was about ten feet from the corner of the shed that covered the engine. He saw something that he thought shined in the sun. He bent down and moved a couple of leaves. He smiled knowing he had just found a piece of evidence.
"Hey Jack!" Frank yelled.
"Yeah…"
"You will want to see this."
"What do you have?" Jack asked after picking up the evidence in a handkerchief and walking toward Frank. He was standing beside the wagon's front wheels.
"Does this look familiar to you?" Frank stated as he extended his hand palm up.
"Oh…" Jack stated as he reached for the blasting cap. "It looks identical to the other one in the safe."
"It does. It has the exact same damage too."
"Then it has to be the same. It also looks like the unused one too."
"That's good…isn't it?" Frank asked.
"It is…it means they are from the same lot. It must be the same person doing this." Jack looked around the scene at the people working to clear the area.
"Alright everyone. Please get back to work. There are plenty of orders that needs to be filled." Jack stated to the men. "Everything is under control here. Thank you for all your help."
The men nodded their heads. The work wasn't easy, but the job paid well and there was always work to do. They didn't want to lose their jobs.
"What are you thinking?" Frank slowly asked.
"This is certainly intentional. These just aren't accidents, even though the person wants us to think that. The wagon running into an engine could possibly cause an explosion and fire. The blasting caps, however, makes certain that it's not accidental."
Frank looked around for a moment. "I agree. But why? Do you think it's against Lee?"
Jack looked at the piece of evidence he was holding in a handkerchief in his right hand. "I don't think it's against Lee. I think it is against the sawmill."
"Why?"
"Frank, I don't know that answer yet. If it was against Lee, he is an easy target at his home. I believe Lee is a good boss. The men respect him and they enjoy their jobs enough not to cause trouble. Lee's closest competitors are just too far away to benefit them." Jack paused for a moment to look around. "But why would anyone want to shut down the mill?"
"It would have to be an outsider. Everyone here is happy the mill is here."
"True. Let's finish looking down the path the man ran down. I picked this up just a few feet from the shed's edge."
He was holding a very nice pocket watch. There was a chain that was still connected to the watch. However, the clasp on the other end was damaged.
"It must have gotten caught when he was running away and he didn't notice it."
"Yeah…"
"Look at the back."
Frank turned the watch over. In Script font in the center was the monogram, C. . The edge was very dirty.
"What do you make of that?"
"I think those are initials."
"C. ?"
"Yes. Let's look around. Then I need to go and see Lee. Maybe he has an employee with those initials.
Jack's original thought was Charles, but he knew he wasn't in town. Jack had to calm his frustrations down concerning that man. He couldn't allow his distrust of Charles to cloud his thinking on this case. Lee deserved his best efforts.
…
JJ had sat down with Robert and a couple of the other boys by the front door. Elizabeth, Charlette, and Abagail sat down at a table by the corner. Elizabeth paused for a moment, reliving the entire conversation in her mind. She couldn't help the smile that was forming. While it still wasn't exactly what she wanted, she knew Jack was giving her this chance to prove her heart. She shivered when she thought of Jack being so close. She could still feel his breath on her ear. Her face was becoming redder, and sweat was forming on her top lip. When she looked up, she noticed Abagail's and Charlette's smirk.
"That must have been a great talk." Abagail teased.
"Well…better than I thought, but not what I wanted."
"Well, you must give my son time. He is working through a lot of thoughts right now."
Elizabeth lowered her head. Even as excited as she was about them moving forward, she was still embarrassed by her actions. She honestly didn't think that would ever change.
"He is. I am grateful he is willing to give me the chance."
Elizabeth spent the next fifteen minutes sharing with the table about their talk. How she was sitting on the hill and Jack coming up because he was worried about whoever was sitting there. She shared their discussion, especially with Jack's hesitancy with how he couldn't understand that she didn't think she and Charles were courting. Elizabeth was excited to share that he was willing to give her the opportunity to prove to him her heart. Charlette and Abagail were excited about the news.
"Where are you going?" Elizabeth asked when Abagail stood to walk to the kitchen.
"This great news deserves cake!" She proclaimed.
"Cake?" The boys called out when they heard.
"I thought I told you not to listen in on other people's conversations." Warned Abagail.
"We weren't listening, but you yelled cake. That got our attention." JJ smirked as the other boy nodded their heads with a hopeful smile on their faces.
"Fair enough." Abagail smiled. "Eat your cake and then go and play."
"Yes ma'am." She heard four little voices call out all at once.
Abagail sat down with three plates of cake after giving the boys their slices of cake. "So, are you two back together?"
Elizabeth sighed. "No, not officially. During our talk, I shared with Jack, and he shared with me. The conversation was difficult, but it was different than the first one."
"How so?"
"It wasn't as contentious. We shared our hearts and what we were thinking. It was difficult, but there was a sense of talking without the raw emotion. He asked difficult questions and brought up some great points. I was just honest with him. I told him what I was thinking. Jack still struggled with it, but knew I was being honest. There for a few moments, I thought he was going to walk away."
"Why do you think he didn't?"
A tear formed in Elizabeth's eyes. "I know it wasn't for my explaining skills and it wasn't for the reasons I did those stupid things." Elizabeth paused for a moment to wipe away tears. "He took five steps away and just stopped." She paused again thinking about the feelings she experienced watching him stand there. "He didn't leave because he loves me."
"Of course, he loves you. I have said that from the very beginning. He did say that he couldn't walk away from you." Stated Abagail. "That sounds like a great start." Abagail reached over and squeezed her hand.
"It is. He is giving me the opportunity to show him my true heart. We're not officially back together, but he is open to it in time."
The ladies shared smiles.
"I wish it was going faster, but I fully understand why he wants to go slow."
"How did you explain your time with Charles after he proposed?"
Elizabeth went into the part of the discussion about growing up with money and friends. She shared the story just as she shared with Jack. Charlette and Abagail were a lot like Jack. They grew up with modest means and never had to deal with that. While it did make sense, Abagail and Charlette still couldn't understand it fully. Like Jack, they believed Elizabeth, but struggled with the whole thing. Elizabeth understood everyone's hesitation completely. For her, Charles was a true friend and that was it.
"I'm grateful Jack is open to giving us a chance."
Abagail and Charlette took Elizabeth's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. They were truly happy for their friend. They knew the young couple belonged together.
"To be honest, I'm a little surprised Jack is open to it. Don't get me wrong…I'm very grateful he is, but…"
"No Charlette, I understand. I really pushed him to his limits. We're still not together, but we did talk many things through. We actually touched today."
"You touched?"
"That was the first time we touched since before I left for Hamilton. I reached for his hands as we were walking into town. He asked me not to play games. He's worried about JJ's heart."
"You know, you have Jack's and JJ's heart in the palm of your hand."
"They have mine for sure. I think Jack is a little nervous about us not working. He's afraid JJ will get hurt."
"He's afraid you'll leave, and JJ will be hurt because of it." Abagail stated. Charlette was nodding in agreement.
"I reached for his hands, and he dropped Sergeant's reigns and accepted my hands."
The older ladies smiled at the look on Elizabeth's face. It was a look of pure love.
"I have never felt anything like that before. I don't understand how your whole body can go numb, yet you can feel everything. My fingers and my toes tingled."
"Oh yes." Charlette and Abagail stated at the same time. "True love does things like that."
…
"Jack…this is crazy!"
"I know Lee. None of this makes any sense to me."
"The mechanic thinks the original schedule is still doable?" Lee asked with a little doubt.
"He did. Two men will begin building a small shed to cover the engine tomorrow while the mechanic continues to work on the engine. Some men are pulling the wagon today while the other men are working the other blade."
Lee nodded his head. He was grateful his men were willing to work hard.
"They understand this is a good job, Lee. They are willing to work hard for you."
Lee smiled. "They work hard for their families."
"Yes, they do. Are the two shifts working out?"
"For now. They can't do it much longer, but if the other engine is repaired soon, it should be enough to keep from losing orders and customers."
"That's great Lee."
"Good afternoon, gentlemen." Henry Gowan stated as he walked up the steps.
Jack and Lee nodded their heads but didn't say anything.
"Lee, this is for you."
"What is that?" Lee stated as he reached for the piece of paper.
"It's a fine for the unsafe working conditions you have at your mill."
"A fine?"
"Yes, Mr. Coulter. You have had several accidents at your mill in the last few days. That is proof enough that you are operating an unsafe working conditions. We can't have negligence in the workplace."
"Mr. Gowan, only you know about unsafe working conditions."
"Yes, we all have learned from it. That fine is due by the end of next week. Good day, gentlemen."
Jack and Lee sat shocked for a few moments. Lee looked at the piece of paper. It was on Hope Valley stationery.
"Has he done that often?"
"He really did that a lot when we first opened. He had fees for everything. I'm certain he pocketed most, if not all, of that money."
"Were they always on the town's letterhead?"
"Yes. After the first one, I wouldn't pay it unless it was on official paper."
"Do you think it was official?"
"I seriously doubt it. I honestly think he took the money for himself. If he did give some to the city, it was only a small portion of it."
Jack sat back for a few moments. "Do you have those fines on the city's letterhead?"
"Sure. It's in my office at work. Just ask Hickam. What are you thinking?"
"I want someone to investigate it. I'll send them a telegram. I would like to mail them a copy of the letters if you're ko with that?"
"Sure. Do what you think is best."
"Don't send in the money until you hear from me."
"Sure."
"Lee, do you have any employees with the initials C. ?" Jack pulled out the pocket watch and showed it to Lee.
"No. I have one with the name of Chris and one of Charlie, but their last names doesn't start with K."
Jack took a few moments to share with Lee the information about finding the watch.
"Jack, do you think it's Charles Kensington?"
"I know he's not in town." Jack calmed his mind so he wouldn't jump to conclusions and miss something important. "I don't know. I was just seeing if you had anyone with those initials."
They sat on the porch for a few more minutes discussing the case. Lee was a little disheartened about all the accidents at the mill, but he couldn't understand why all of this was happening. He was grateful the second engine wasn't damaged anymore. He was hoping the mechanic would be able to fix it quickly.
…
"I think we need to telegram our siblings."
"Tom, do you really think that is a good idea?"
"I do. Jack will understand, eventually."
"If anyone in my family will understand, it would be Elizabeth. But I'm not sure she will understand."
"We'll…I'm about to get married to my fiancé, I think my brother will want to know."
"True." Julie thought about it. Why don't we take part of your time off to go and visit them in Hope Valley?"
"Elizabeth is back in Hope Valley? I thought she was with that Charles fella."
"Me too, but evidently she decided to go back to Jack and to Hope Valley."
I wonder how that is going to work. In Jack's last letter, he was pretty upset with Elizabeth."
"I'm kind of curious myself."
"Alright. We'll send the telegram when we get to the courthouse. Then we will get married and head to Hope Valley in a couple of days."
"Perfect."
…
"Hey JJ, let's go to the tree." Robert stated as they left the café looking for something to do.
"No way! I'm never going back there!" JJ proclaimed.
"Why?"
"I got in trouble for doing that. They found that black thing in my pocket. I told them I was there and that was where I found it."
"Did you tell the constable that I was with you?" Robert asked concerned. He didn't want to get in trouble.
"No. I wouldn't do that to you. I was punished for doing that."
"What happened?"
"I had to wash dishes after dinner and then go to bed without a couple of stories."
"That wasn't so bad." Pondered Robert.
"For you maybe, but for me it was torture. I'm not doing that again." JJ vigorously shook his head.
"It could have been worse."
"It would have been if I wasn't honest when Mr. Jack asked me about it."
"Do you think that'll always work?"
"I think so…I'm going to try it again the next time I'm in trouble."
…
After speaking with Lee for an hour, Jack made his way to the jail to write up his report. When he stepped up on the porch of the jail, he heard a little boy's voice that had already captured his heart.
"Mr. Jack. Whatya doing?"
"What are you doing?" Smile Jack.
"Just playing."
Jach shook his head. "It's 'what are you doing' not 'whatya doing'."
"Oh…what are you doing?" JJ smirked a little.
"Working on reports. Hey, you have a few minutes to talk?"
"Sure." JJ turned to Robert and Wade and told them he would catch up with them later.
Jack and JJ walked into the jail. Jack grabbed them both some water and they sat down at his desk. Jack took a deep breath trying to capture his thoughts and emotions. For Jack, this little boy has become his son.
"JJ…I wanted to talk to you about a couple of things."
"Sure, Mr. Jack. What's on that mind of yours?" Jack laughed that JJ used one of his phrases.
"First of all…I wanted you to know that I am grateful that you are in my life. I am so sorry that your parents died. I know that is very hard on you."
"It is…I miss them."
"I know." Jack pulled out a picture frame from his desk. "I received this today. I want you to have it. If you like, you can place it on your bed side table."
JJ looked at it. It was a picture of him and his mom and dad.
"The mountie headquarters sent it to me. Now you have it to help you remember your family forever."
"Thank you Mr. Jack."
Jack gave him a few minutes to look at the picture and remember his parents. Jack did understand what it meant to lose your father. He couldn't imagine what it would be like to lose both parents at once.
"Mr. Jack…if I can't be with my mom and dad…I'm grateful I'm with you."
Both JJ and Jack wiped away a tear. JJ walked into the open arms of Jack. "Thank you for taking me in."
"Thank you for coming with me."
There were a few minutes of silence between them. It wasn't awkward. They were just thinking through everything. JJ was still in the loose grip of Jack's hug.
"You know young man, it's me and you from now on. You are not my son by birth, but I certainly think of you as my son. You are my boy. Now, I'm not asking you to forget your father. He will always be your father. I cannot replace him, and I do not want to replace him. You will always carry his name and he will always be your dad. That's just the way it is." JJ nodded his head. "But JJ…I hope it's ok with you if I call you my son. I've tried not to over the last few days out of respect for your dad, but in my heart, you are my son, and you are Steve's son."
JJ thought about it for only a second. "I'm ok with that." He gave Jack a small grin. "I love you, Mr. Jack."
"I love you, JJ." Jack smiled at his boy. "When you are ready, I would like to officially adopt you. As of now, I am your legal guardian. That means I'm responsible for you. You stay with me and I take care of you."
"What exactly does adopting me mean?"
Jack thought about how to describe this to a five year old, but quickly remembered JJ was smarter than the average five year old. "In the eyes of the law, I become your father and you become my son. Now, you will always keep your last name, but you officially become my son. Now you are unofficially my son in the eyes of the law. To me, you are my son." Jack could see JJ's mind processing everything. "There is no rush in doing this and we only do this if you want to. Whatever you decided, you are still my son. Nothing and no one will change that."
"Will I be able to call you dad?"
Jack sucked in a quick breath. He has never been called dad before.
"You can call me dad if I adopt you or even if I don't adopt you, but only if you are comfortable with it. Even if you do call me dad, you are not forgetting your biological dad. Steve will always be your dad."
"You'll share that title with my dad in heaven?"
"Yes. I will."
JJ thought for a few long moments. Then he finally asked his next question. "What about Ms. Elizabeth?"
Jack swallowed. "What about her?"
"Are you two courting now?"
Jack rubbed the back of his head. He wasn't sure exactly how to answer that question. "No…not yet. We are talking and trying to overcome our issues. You know we courted before she left for Hamilton. We are going slow to see if this will work out."
JJ nodded his head thoughtfully. "So…I can't call her mommy until you two are married?"
Jack couldn't hide his shocked epression. "You want to call her mommy?"
"Yes. May I do that before you two are married or do I have to wait until you are married?"
"I…ummm…I…" Jack was just fumbling over his words. He wasn't sure how to answer that question.
"She acts like my mommy. She is beautiful and smart like my mom. She loves me like my mom. She helps me read like mom did. She even gave me a math book like my mom."
Jack could only nod his head.
JJ looked at a confused Jack for several moments. Jack's head was just spinning.
"Alright dad…I'll just go and ask her."
Jack's brain finally engaged. The discussion about Elizabeth and being called dad took him back for a moment. When he finally looked up, JJ was already out the door jumping off the steps.
"Wait…"