Chapter 19

Jack walked toward his row house kicking himself. He was arguing with himself about what he did. First, he thought it was too forward, and too soon, to kiss her on the cheek like he did. He wanted to take this slow. Jack's brain was still skeptical about Elizabeth. He didn't know what Charles' telegram stated, but he certainly had a good guess. His guess was that Charles was coming to Hope Valley soon for Elizabeth. His mind kept telling himself that he was opening himself up for more hurt. He still had an odd feeling that Elizabeth and Mr. Jaws had an argument, but his heart was already invested in Elizabeth. No matter how hard he tried, his heart pulled him to her.

Jack's heart was already in the hands of Elizabeth, and he knew that he couldn't stop it. The evening was perfect. They enjoyed their time together sitting on the porch watching JJ play and later just sitting on the porch. The dinner was nice, and he and Elizabeth enjoyed listening to JJ describe his day. The time in front of the sink was essential in winning Jack's heart to Elizabeth. She was genuinely touched by JJ calling her mommy. He could easily see that little boy touched her. Their time talking while doing dishes was great.

Jack loved the feeling of his lips on Elizabeth's cheek. He was just barely able to stop himself from moving his lips along her jawline toward her lips. When she leaned up and kissed him on his cheek, he knew he was powerless against this woman.

The evening with Jack and JJ was perfect. Elizabeth wanted to talk about the telegrams, but she wasn't going to push the issue if Jack didn't want to. He just said that he didn't want to ruin the evening. She agreed that Charles' telegram would have done that. The feeling of Jack's presence so close to her was almost her undoing. The feeling of Jack's lips on her was perfect. She raised her hand to touch the spot where his lips touched her cheek. She closed her eyes lying in bed and could feel every feeling of the night. The greatest desire was to be married to Jack. She rolled over to her side with a huge smile on her face. JJ and Jack were on her mind when she fell into a deep, restful sleep.

…

Jack and JJ just sat down at the table to eat their breakfast. Jack slid the telegram over without opening it. He just didn't want to read it. He knew Elizabeth left it for him to read at his own time, but he just couldn't force himself to do it.

"What's that?" JJ asked.

"Just a telegram that Elizabeth left for me."

"Who is it from?"

"A Mr. Kensington." Jack stated quickly.

"Awe…mommy's nightmare."

"What?" Jack looked at the little boy confused.

"Mr. K…he is mommy's nightmare. When Mr. Yost gave it to her yesterday, she sighed and said that it was a nightmare that would never end."

Jack sat and just looked at the boy. He didn't know what to say. Jack didn't realize how much JJ knew about Charles. He was also a little taken back that Elizabeth called Charles her nightmare. He and JJ looked toward the door when there was a knock and then the door opened before Jack could say anything.

"Good morning boys." Charlette stated with a little bit of enthusiasm.

"Good morning, Ma."

"Good morning, Ms. Thornton."

"What are you doing out and about so early today?" Jack asked his mother.

"You need a haircut."

"Ma…I don't need a haircut."

"Oh son, yes you do. It's way too long." She stated as she sat down the scissors and began running her fingers through his hair. "Now, eat up and we'll cut your hair before you begin your day."

Jack shook his head in defeat. No matter how old he was, he was still his mother's little boy. Jack looked at JJ and his little smirking grin.

"What's that look for, young man?" Jack teased.

"You're in trouble with your mommy." He laughed.

Jack playfully glared at the little boy.

"Ma…I have someone in town that cuts my hair. You always cut it too short, and you never lay anything over my shoulders. I always get hair all over me. I have to bathe or I'll itch all day." Jack whined just like he did when he was a little boy.

JJ just laughed at the interaction between Jack and Charlette. He always saw Jack as being strong and in complete control of every situation. He was shocked, and enjoyed, watching Jack be in trouble. He couldn't keep from smiling at a squirming Jack.

"Fine…I'll get a towel and you can use that. It wouldn't hurt you to have a bath. Now, hurry up and let's get this over with."

Jack lowered his head knowing he was never going to win this argument.

…

"Charles, the train leaves at ten tomorrow. You should arrive in Hope Valley sometime the day after."

"Thank you, Mr. Thatcher."

"Now, you will pick up the stagecoach but before you do, there is a gentleman that will be waiting to met with you for breakfast."

"Ok…is this a new potential customer? I didn't receive a file."

"No, he isn't a potential customer. He is a man that is helping me with a little project. He will fill you in at breakfast.

"Yes sir." Charles nodded his head. It wasn't uncommon for William to be a little secretive. So, Charles didn't think anything about it.

"See Sandy before you leave, she has a couple of things for you, including the train tickets."

"Thank you, sir."

…

Elizabeth stepped off the last steps into the kitchen with a huge smile on her face. She didn't sleep very much, but she didn't care. Her brain just wouldn't shut off. She could still feel Jack's lips on her cheek. She could also still feel his skin on her lips. When she closed her eyes, she could smell Jack's natural scent. The memories of lying on JJ's bed reading to him was imprinted on her mind forever. The moment he called her mommy was special and she never thought she would ever forget it. However, the most memorable times were with Jack on the porch, sitting at the table, and washing dishes at the sink. The time they spent together was priceless to her even if the things they were doing were routine, every day stuff.

"What has you smiling so big this morning?" Sassed Abagail.

"Well…" Elizabeth's face turned a slight red. She clasped her hands in front of her and swayed back and forth. "I had a nice evening last night."

"Did you now?" Teased Abagail. "Want to talk about it?"

"No. Let's just say it was a great evening." Smiled Elizabeth as she stepped further into the kitchen to find a coffee mug.

"The real stuff or the fake stuff?"

"I'm sorry…" Asked a confused Elizabeth.

Abagail laughed at her using JJ's phrase. "JJ calls coffee the real stuff. He calls the decaffeinated coffee the fake stuff."

"Oh…" Elizabeth laughed. "I think I would like some tea."

"I don't think he has a name for that…" Wondered Abagail.

Elizabeth and Abagail stood around the table chatting while Abagail worked on the things for the morning rush. The conversation was lighthearted and just nice. Elizabeth was hoping to make her way to the schoolhouse and see what she needed to do to be prepared for school beginning. It wouldn't be starting for a few more weeks, but she wanted to get things together. She wanted to get some things set.

"So…what's going on with you and Frank?"

"Well…We are courting."

"Abagail, that's easy to see."

Abagail began to blush a little. Elizabeth hasn't really seen her do that before. "Frank told me he loved me."

"Oh…Abagail…that is wonderful!"

"I think so."

"Did you tell him that you love him?"

Abagail only nodded her head.

"Well, maybe there will be wedding bells soon." Elizabeth teased.

"I don't know. I'm scared to death." Abagail never thought about remarrying after Noah died. She just shut off that part of her life. She opened it up a little when Bill began to show interest, but quickly stopped it when he wasn't fully honest with her. Frank had to jump through many hurdles to get to her heart. She was impressed with him that he was able to do that.

"For heaven's sake, why?"

"Well, it's been a while since Noah died. I never thought I would open myself up like this again."

"True, but Abagail, Frank is a good man. You two are good with each other. I also see how you two acts around each other."

"Yeah…" Abagail stopped working the biscuit dough. "I don't know how to be a pastor's wife."

"Abagail…you would make a great pastor's wife. You love people and you care for them. I could easily see you and Frank making a huge difference in the lives of people in Hope Valley."

"Thank you."

"Still scared?"

"Absolutely!" Exclaimed Abagail. "You?"

"Trying to be patient." Elizabeth sighed. "It's going well…just slower than what I would like."

…

"Now…sit!" Commanded Charlette.

As much as JJ tired, he just couldn't hide the smirk or the chuckle.

"Careful young man." Challenged Jack with a smile.

"Your mom is great!" Stated a smiling and entertained JJ.

"Let's go!" Charlette stated. "The day is already beginning to escape from us." Charlette was standing behind a chair with a pair of scissors in her right hand.

Charlette carefully cut Jack's hair as JJ sat a few feet away with a large smile on his face. For some odd reason, he found it very funny that Jack was yielding to his mother. There was no question she was in charge.

"There, now you are presentable."

"Thanks, Ma." Jack smirked as he began to wipe away a few hairs that were on his shoulders.

"Now…" Charlette turned her attention to JJ. "Your turn."

"Me?" Questioned a shocked JJ.

"Yes, you need a hair cut too." She wiped a few hairs off the chair as she continued to look at JJ.

"Wait…what did I do wrong? I didn't do anything wrong." JJ began to protest. "I don't need a haircut."

"Enough! When was the last time you had a haircut?"

JJ couldn't miss Jack's grinning smirk. It was Jack's turn to tease JJ.

"That's what you get for making fun of me, young man."

"But dad…I didn't do anything wrong." He continued to protest. He never liked his hair getting cut.

"Dad?" Questioned Charlette.

"Yes…he's my son. I share the title with his dad in heaven."

Charlette smiled and nodded her head. "Well then…I guess that would make me grandma since your family."

JJ's smile grew. He never had a grandma before.

"Yes, grandma." JJ smiled.

"Now…" Charlette stated as she nodded toward the chair. "Let's go…you're burning daylight."

"Awe man…"

…

Elizabeth was sitting on the front pew of the church and schoolhouse. She had several piles of books surrounding her. She was sorting and organizing all the books for school. She smiled as she placed a book she used to read as a child on top of the pile to her right. Before she picked up the next book, she heard the door open.

"There you are!"

Elizabeth turned her head to see her younger sister standing in the entry way. Julie had a huge smile on her face. Julie immediately began walking toward Elizabeth with a her arms open for a hug. Elizabeth stood and matched her sister.

"What in the world are you doing here?"

"I came to see my sister."

"That's nice of you. But Julie, you have some explaining to do!"

"I guess I do." Julie held up her left hand for Elizabeth to see her wedding ring. "But my dear sister, I am not the only one who has some explaining to do." Julie teased. "I hear you are leaving a wake of broken hearted men all over Canada."

"Nonsense, Julie." Elizabeth huffed. "Please explain yourself."

"Well, after you left, father was insufferable. He would just walk around yelling at whoever was in front of him. He came down on me pretty hard. I was tired of hearing him complain about the Thornton brothers."

"So you decided to run off and marry Tom."

"No. I went to the park on Jefferson St. The one you and Charles would always walk around. I sat down on the bench by the small pond and figured out what I want to do with my life."

"You listened to the talk in my bedroom about you finding a purpose?"

"I did."

"And running off and marrying Tom is your purpose?"

"First, I didn't run off. Like you, I ran toward something. I love Tom and he loves me. We were married three days ago."

"I just received the telegram yesterday."

"I don't know why." Julie wondered. "We were married three days ago and the day after we began our travel here."

"Ok…"

"I am beginning school in the fall. My college credits will transfer. I will be graduating in two years. I am working toward becoming a fashion designer. I want to make clothes."

"That's great Julie. I am proud of you. It sounds like you are finally getting your life in order."

"I think I am. My life may not be like yours or the way you, Viola, mother, or father wants me to live it, but it is my path. I am happy."

Elizabeth smiled at her little sister. For the first time, Elizabeth thought Julie was taking positive steps in her life. She would have wished her sister hadn't run off and married Tom without telling anyone, but she was impressed that Julie was looking for more than just shopping or chasing boys.

"Now big sister, what is going on with your life?"

Elizabeth sighed. She was beginning to grow tired of explaining herself constantly, but quickly realized she had to tell her story for people to understand.

"Well, it all started here about two months ago." Elizabeth pointed to the floor. "Charles unexpectantly arrived and asked for my hand in marriage…" Elizabeth went into detail with Julie. As her younger sister, they have always talked about everything. There were no secrets between them. Typically, Julie was a horrible listener, but she wasn't that way with Elizabeth. They were always close. They usually talked about Viola, but nothing was off limits between the two sisters.

"So, you really didn't court Charles?" Julie's voice was full of doubt. She has seen them together on numerous occasions. She really thought they were courting.

"No Julie. I know people think I did, but I really didn't. We were just good friends."

"Elizabeth…" Julie stated as she drew out her name. "You spent so much time with him. When you two danced in the living room, you weren't courting?" Julie asked.

"No Julie, we weren't courting."

"When you two would go out all the time, you weren't courting?"

"No Julie!"

"Wow…and you said I'm naive with men." Julie shook her head.

"I know…" Elizabeth shook her head in disbelief. She spent the next fifteen minutes explaining everything to Julie. She explained what she thought and felt. This was her sister. She didn't hold anything back from her. To Julie's credit, she sat and listened. She did ask a couple of questions for clarity, but mostly she listened to her sister.

"So, what does Jack think about all of that?"

Elizabeth sighed. "He's trying to understand. He doubts me and my time with Charles."

"I would think so."

"Yes." She sighed. "He is giving me the opportunity to show him my heart."

"And your heart is Jack?"

"It is." Elizabeth took a deep breath. "Julie…" Elizabeth clasped her hands in front of her chest. "I can't wait to marry that man. I'm falling in love with him more each day."

"Love will do that. I do the same with Tom."

"Are you two good?"

"We are. He has a job and he is making his own way. I'm walking that path with him."

"I hope you two work out." Elizabeth smiled at her sister.

"And you and Jack?"

"We are a work in progress. I can still see the doubt in his eyes sometimes…and that breaks my heart." She lowered her head. "But I am taking this opportunity he is giving us. I will not make that same mistake again."

Both sisters sat quietly for a few moments. "Charles sent me a telegram yesterday. He is coming here trying to get me to go back with him."

"I bet Jack doesn't like that at all."

"He doesn't know yet. I told him about the telegram yesterday, but he hasn't read the telegram yet."

"Why not?"

"We had such a good night last night together with JJ, that he didn't want to ruin it with anything related to Charles."

"Who's JJ?"

Elizabeth's smile grew at the question. Julie quickly noticed Elizabeth's excitement. Elizabeth spent a few minutes explaining to Julie the whole story of JJ and how he came to Jack. She also shared that she has fallen in love with the little boy.

"Elizabeth, if I didn't know any better, I would think you were his mother. You are certainly gushing like it."

"He called me his mommy last night. He said I would share the title with his mom in heaven."

"He did?" Julie asked a little surprised. Her sister has never spoken of being a mother before.

Elizabeth nodded her head.

"Are you ok with that?" Julie asked with a little bit of concern and surprise in her voice.

"I am…"

Elizabeth told Julie how that little boy captured her heart. It just didn't take very long for JJ to hold her heart. He was truly priceless in her eyes.

"And what about Charles coming?"

…

"Now…that wasn't so bad, was it?"

JJ looked from Jack's grin to Charlette. "Well, it wasn't the way I was wanting to start my day, but it wasn't so bad." JJ smiled as he began to wipe away a few loose hairs.

"Such sass." Smile Charlette as she patted JJ on the back.

"I think I'm going to change my shirt." JJ stated as he thanked Charlette and went upstairs.

"He's a good boy."

"He is, Ma. Steve and Joy did a great job raising him."

"You too."

"I've only began the process. I just hope I don't mess him up."

"You won't…you love him too much."

Jack and his mother turned their heads when there was a knock on the door.

"Why is my house so busy this morning?"

Jack walked to the front door. He shook his head at the person standing in front of him. "Tom! What are you doing here?"

"I came to see my big brother." He exclaimed. After a few seconds of staring at each other, they both stepped forward for a hug.

"I'm glad you're here, but you're in trouble."

"I think you have some explaining to do, big brother." Tom stated as he waved his hand at the house.

"What are you doing here? Elizabeth received a telegram yesterday that you married Julie."

The telegram should have been delivered the day before. We have been married for three days now. What are you doing renting a house? I thought you lived in the back of the jail?"

"I was. My training brother, Steve, was killed with his wife in an accident and he named me guardian of his son, JJ."

"JJ?"

"Yes, they named him Jack after me. His daddy would call him JJ for Jack Junior. It's his nickname. I couldn't live in the jail with him. So, I rented this place. It's perfect for the two of us."

"Wow. I'm sorry to hear about his parents, but I know you will do a great job with him."

"So, why are you here if you were married three days ago?"

"I needed to see you and Julie needed to see Elizabeth."

"Why did you get married?"

"Wait…you're married." Charlette stated as she stepped in from the back porch. She was cleaning out the towel she used over Jack's and JJ's shoulders. She stepped out when Jack went to answer the door.

"Hey, Ma…what are you doing here?"

"You first." She commanded.

…

Faith walked into Lee's house after knocking on the door. "Let me take a look at that foot and let's see how you are healing."

After examining the foot and asking a few detailed questions. "Lee, I think you are healing very well. Circulation looks good and all your vitals are perfectly normal. I do not believe you will have any lasting side effects from your injuries. You just need to take it easy and don't push yourself too much.

"Thanks Faith. You have been so great and then coming here to do checkups. I can't thank you enough."

"You're welcome, Mr. Coulter. Now, everything is looking good. Keep changing the dressing before bed and after breakfast. Make sure the cuts don't turn red with infection. Finish the medicine I gave you."

"I will."

"Remember, no weight on that leg for four more weeks. Stay off it so those bones may heal properly. How is the pain?"

"Good."

"Do you think you can go into work and not hurt it?"

Lee bounced in his seat from the excitement. "Absolutely!" He almost shouted.

"Today is Saturday. You may go into work on Monday if you work half days. Your body needs to heal but I understand being at home is driving you crazy."

"Thank you, Nurse Carter. I really appreciate it."

"That's fine. I know working from home is difficult." She smirked with a smile.

"It is…wait!" Lee shifted uncomfortably in his seat.

Faith didn't look in his direction. "No weight on that leg. Use your crutches like I showed you."

…

"I fell in love with Julie. I moved away from her to get my life started. Her father didn't like me, and I left at Jack's urging." Tom spent a few minutes sharing how Julie reached out to him after some time. That time apart only strengthened his love for her. He knew she was the one. Jack and Charlette sat down at the kitchen table while Tom told them everything.

"Are you happy?" Charlette asked her youngest son.

"I am." Tom nodded his head. "Now, JJ?"

"JJ is a great kid. He is funny and so smart. We are getting to know each other better each day, and I am already in love with him."

"That's great Jack. You were always a great big brother. I know you will be a great dad too."

Jack smiled at his brother for his compliment.

"Hey JJ…" Jack stated when JJ came down the stairs. This is my younger brother Tom. Tom, this is JJ."

Tom smiled at the little boy. JJ walked up to him with his hand extended. "Nice to meet you."

"You too, little man."

"Dad, can I go out and play?"

"May I…and yes you may."

"Dad?" Questioned Tom.

"Yes, I call him my boy. I share the title with Steve in heaven."

Tom smiled. He was truly happy for Jack.

"What does Elizabeth think about JJ?"

"She gets along with him very well."

"That's great, but what is going on with you two?"

"Mr. Jaws."

"Who?"

"Charles"

"That guy is still around?"

"Yeah. It's so confusing and that makes it frustrating."

"Ok…?" Tom drew out the word.

"He is always around. He knows Elizabeth and I were courting, but he still came here and proposed to her. She said she didn't accept his proposal but, honestly, she didn't turn him down either. She went back to Hamilton with him to talk to her family. Charles thought she went back with him, and so did I. They spent a lot of time together while there. She decided she wanted Hope Valley as her future and with me, but…"

"But, what?"

"He sent her a telegram yesterday saying he was coming here in a few days and wants to see her. I haven't read the telegram yet. She gave it to me to read but I haven't yet."

"Why not?"

"I don't want to. I already know what it says."

"Do you think she likes him that way?

"That's the frustrating part. She says she doesn't, but she seems to. It's like she encourages him along but won't commit to him."

After several seconds of silence, Jack continues. "She was so jealous of Rosemary even though I made it clear I didn't want to be with her anymore."

"Rosemary was a big mistake on your part. You two just didn't belong with each other."

"I agree." Charlette stated. "You two were good friends that tried to force a relationship because everyone thought you should. But Jack, you know what Elizabeth has told you."

"I do, Ma." Jack turned his attention back to his brother. "I know and that's what I told Elizabeth. I avoided Rosemary but Elizabeth was still jealous and upset with me. Now I am the same way with someone who keeps pursuing her and I am the bad guy." Jack snuck a glance at his mother. "I just don't know what to do."

"Well, first, read the telegram."

"Why? I know what he said. He wants her back and I am no good for her."

"Read it!" Both Charlette and Tom stated together.

"No. you read it." Jack reached into his pocket and handed the telegram to Tom.

Tom unfolded the telegram and read out loud so Jack could hear it.

My Dearest Elizabeth –

I do not plan to let you go without a fight. I know you think you love that small town constable but remember all the great times we shared with each other. We have too many precious memories to throw away. I will be in that little town in a few days to speak with you.

Your Dearest Soulmate.

Charles

Tom thought for a moment and said, "Well, you weren't wrong."

"I know. I'm beginning to think I should back away a little bit and let her see if she really wants a life here with me or in Hamilton with him. This is becoming exhausting."

"May I ask you a question?" Tom asked.

"You will even I say no, so go ahead."

"How do you feel about her?"

Without even thinking, he answered. "I love her with everything I am. I can only see my life with her in it as my wife, the mother of my children, and the grandmother of my grandchildren. I think about her constantly from when I wake up until I go to sleep.

"Isn't that the beginning of a love story?"

"It is. It reminds me of ma and pa, but…"

"But what?" Now Tom was getting a little frustrated with Jack.

Sensing his frustration, Jack sighed. Tom tapped his foot waiting for Jack to continue.

Finally, Jack finished his thought. "I am not sure if that is what she wants. We've talked before she left for Hamilton, and I had an engagement ring, but then Mr. Jaw came to town, and everything changed. It was like everything she said in the mine was forgotten. I want this to work, but in a marriage doesn't both people must want it to work before it can?"

"Have you told her this?"

"Yes, I have."

"Are you sure? I'm your brother, I know you."

"I know I struggle to say what's in my heart, but I finally was able to tell her everything in the mine. I opened my heart to her Tom, and she accepted it until she seemed like she didn't when he showed up."

Tom just stared at him.

"Don't look at me like that. I did tell her."

"Ok. I trust you. But you need to make sure she knows everything."

"I think the hardest thing is that she spent so much intimate time with him after he proposed. She explained that they were friends, but how can you spend so much time with someone if you don't feel something for them."

"She has explained that to you." Charlette challenged her oldest son. She didn't want to confront Jack like she did the other day, but she knew her son needed to be challenged to a small degree. She knew her boy.

"Did it make sense to you?" Jack challenged his mother.

"Not really, but I don't come from that world."

"How did she describe it?" Tom asked.

Jack took a few moments to share that portion of the conversation with how Elizabeth explained why she did that with Charles.

"Julie has explained part of that to me. That sounded a lot like her explanation." Tom thought for a moment. "Do you trust her?"

"I'm trying…"

"Jack Thornton…"

"Wow! When did I start taking love advice from my younger brother who never courted a girl for longer than a week?"

"Your younger brother who married the love of his life." Tom stated with a look of victory on his face.

"I understand you feeling that way, son. Give her time. I know she loves you and she will prove that to you."

Jack nodded his head as he let out a long sigh. This whole thing was becoming exhausting.

…

Jack left for his rounds before lunch. Tom and Charlette promised to keep an eye on JJ. He needed to check on a couple of farmers on the outskirts of Hope Valley. He also wanted to take another look at the sawmill. He wanted to make sure the men were doing their jobs well. Plus, he just wanted to walk around to see if he missed anything.

As much as he tried, the sawmill remained a mystery. Every path he looked at just didn't make sense to him. Lee has no enemies. His competitors truly respected him. His workers were happy. If the initials on the pocket watch belonged to the person who he thought, that made some sense, but Charles isn't in town and won't be for a few days. But why would he want the sawmill closed? Jack had a theory as to why Charles may be involved, but he needed proof.

As he stopped by Johnston's farm, the older man was working on a broken rail to his gate. Jack stopped and took off her serge to help the farmer. It took them a couple of hours to repair the gate to the fence that ran along the barn. Johnston was appreciative. His wife sent Jack away with a piece of pie and the promise to see them in church the following day.

Jack walked the sawmill for half an hour. The men were working hard. They were only behind on two orders. They were holding their own. The mechanic was confident he would have the second engine up and running by late Monday. Jack was grateful he could stop by Lee's home and give him the good news about the mill.

..

Elizabeth looked up for the countless time when the café door opened. She was having dinner with Julie, Tom, JJ, and Charlette. She hadn't seen Jack all day. When she finished talking with Julie, she went to the row house to see Jack. Charlette and Tom informed her that he left just a few minutes ago on rounds. Elizabeth knew he had a job to do, but all she wanted to do was to see him. They still needed to talk about the telegram from Charles. She wanted Jack's input on how to handle his arrival. Charlette leaned over when she saw Elizabeth's anxiousness and whispered. "Jack is on rounds and doing his work. It's ok."

"I know. I just want to discuss the second telegram with him. He hasn't read it yet."

"Tom read it to him earlier."

"How did he react?"

"Not the best." Charlette gave Elizabeth an expression Elizabeth knew all too well.

After a couple of moments of silence, Elizabeth spoke. "He wanted to back away, didn't he?"

"He mentioned that he thought he should back away and let you figure things out with Charles."

Elizabeth let out a long sigh.

"Are you ok, mommy?"

Elizabeth smiled at JJ. She loved hearing his little voice say the word 'mommy'. "I'm fine, son." She reached for his hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. She turned her attention back to Charlette.

"I told you from the beginning that he would go quiet and then he would explode." Charlette stated.

"And he did."

"Now he's hesitant. He thinks he isn't good enough to win you."

Elizabeth gave Charlette a very confused look.

"Charles is coming. The last time he came here, you left with him engaged."

"Charlette…I wasn't engaged to that man. I did leave with him, but not in any sense of a romantic way."

"I understand, but Jack doesn't yet. I honestly think he is trying to, but he hasn't gotten there yet. Jack is a strong man. He has great confidence when he is doing his job. As far as courting, he doesn't have a lot of experience. He courted Rosemary. That was a comedy of errors from the very beginning. I honestly think they were together just because of their friendship. He didn't court after her. Then all of a sudden, I received a letter about some frustrating teacher that was driving him crazy." Charlette laughed at the memory of his letter. "In his frustration, I could tell my son was already in love with you."

"That was a very frustrating time…but I was already in love with him too." Elizabeth smiled at the memories of their early years together.

"Trust in that, dear." Charlette encouraged her. "Do what you are doing now. He is beginning to come around and you two have been spending time together. Charles' visit is a bump in the road. Together, you two will get through this."

Elizabeth nodded her head. "I know I love him with my whole heart."

Charlette reached for her hand. "And that is going to get you two together."

Elizabeth nodded her head and squeezed Charlette's hand. "I agree."