Chapter 32

Proper society dictates that Elizabeth should feel bad for sneaking into Jack's bedroom. It was unbecoming a lady. All of that should have kept her in her own room, but she wasn't trying to be a proper lady. She knew JJ would be staying in the same room as Jack. She also knew Mr. and Mrs. Pacifico would be just across the hall. There were plenty of chaperones to make sure things remained proper.

To be perfectly honest, she just needed to be held. Last night felt so much like a family night. She enjoyed laughter with family and friends. The evening was exactly what they all needed after a very trying couple of days. Her father was arrested for the senseless attack on the sawmill. Even though she knew it was true, the fact that he was arrested was what made it real to her. Her mother's unexpected arrival was another issue. Grace always followed her husband's lead. Elizabeth just knew that her mother would toe the line along with her husband when it came to her relationship with Jack. She always had. For some reason, Grace came around with her thinking of Jack. Somehow, she became open to Elizabeth's relationship with Jack. That was a pleasant surprise.

Tom and Julie's marriage was still a little new. They haven't told Grace yet. Elizabeth wasn't sure how that was going to play out. Hopefully, it wouldn't change her new opinion of Jack.

Charles' appearance was a complete disaster. His unwillingness to listen to her voice was ever frustrating, but it was his assault on her that left her speechless. She would have never thought he would be capable of something like that. That was truly troubling to her.

While all of that was enough cause for her to be held, she just simply wanted to be in Jack's arms. She felt comfortable in his embrace. She felt protected and, most importantly, she felt loved. His embrace was her home…her safe place. Plus, she loved the feeling of him against her. When she made her mind up about exactly what she wanted, it woke something up inside of her. That passion was driving her directly to Jack. When he pulled her to the side of the jail and passionately kissed her, she couldn't get him close enough. She was surprised how much her knees grew weak. She was grateful she was against the building. She loved his passion, and she tried her best to encourage it.

Elizabeth's eyes slowly opened. It only took her a moment to realize where she was. She was laying in bed in Jack's bedroom in the same position she fell asleep. JJ was in her arms. She smiled at the little brown head that was just beneath her chin. She felt Jack's arm wrapped around her waist. His hand was on her stomach. She felt him against her. She knew he didn't have a shirt on, and she was wishing her nightgown's back was open. She wanted to feel his skin against her skin.

"Are you awake?" Jack's voice was soft. He didn't want to wake her if she was still asleep. His breath played on her ear and cheek. She was amazed at the effect that had on her.

"Yeah." She sighed with contentment. She was also not happy about it because it meant she had to leave his arms.

Jack reached up with his arm and pulled back a little bit of Elizabeth's hair. She shivered when he did. She wasn't sure why that affected her so much, but she couldn't deny that it did.

"Good morning." Mrs. P stated as she walked into the bedroom without knocking. Jack and Elizabeth jumped at her voice. Jack was about to lean forward to capture Elizabeth's ear with his lips. Mrs. P's voice was cheerful just like Elizabeth always remembered as a child growing up.

"I can explain." Both Jack and Elizabeth stated at the same time.

"No need to explain. Now, Elizabeth, I have a dress for you that I brought from Hamilton. Go ahead and dress yourself in my room. People will just think you got here early. Breakfast will be ready in ten minutes."

"Mrs. P…nothing happened."

"I know, love. I know you. You wouldn't do that. Now, get dressed and be down for breakfast."

Jack sat stunned. He forgot he didn't have a shirt on until he looked down and then noticed he was sitting up in bed uncovered in front of Elizabeth and Mrs. P.

"Mrs. P… I just…"

"Bethie, breakfast is in ten minutes. I fully understand." She laughed at Elizabeth's stunned expression. "I was young too you know. I understand the desire to be with the person you love. Plus, JJ was in here the whole night. I promise your little secret is safe with me."

"You understand?"

"Oh dear, I may be an old woman, but I still remember what it means to be in love. How many nights have I been away from Jacob? When you love someone, you just have to be with them. Plus, with the things you two have been dealing with for the last little bit, you had to be with the person who you draw strength from. Now, Elizabeth, please use my room to change. Jack, please get dress for the day." Mrs. P went to wake up JJ. "Hey young man, it's time to get up."

JJ roused around for a moment before his eyes opened. "Mrs. P! Good morning."

"He usually isn't that cheerful when I wake him." Jack whispered in shock.

"Mommy! You're here…in bed with me."

"I am. I came really early this morning." Elizabeth grinned.

JJ wrapped his arms around her neck. He loved that she was there.

"Now…"

"I promise I won't say anything."

"Let's go young man. Breakfast is in ten minutes. Please get dressed and washed up. Do not be late for breakfast."

"I have to take a bath?" Gasped JJ.

Mrs. P laughed. "He is your child." She smirked toward Elizabeth. "No. I said wash up. Wash your face, wet your hair and comb it so it doesn't look like you just woke up, and wash your hands. You have nine minutes."

"Yes ma'am." JJ smiled and kissed Elizabeth on the cheek. He jumped out of bed. That was the first time Elizabeth realized that he was shirtless too. Maybe it's a boy thing… She thought to herself watching him run from the room.

"Come Elizabeth, you need to change in my room. Mr. Pacifico is already out this morning. Come…come…" Mrs. P stated as she turned to walk out the room.

"I guess that means I need to go." Elizabeth reluctantly stated. She scooted to the side of the bed where her little boy had just vacated. She reached for her robe and placed it around herself. When she looked up, she noticed that Jack was still sitting in bed with his blanket pulled up to his waist. He had allowed it to drop when Mrs. P stepped out of the bedroom. She stared at her fiancé for a few long moments.

"Remember my rule." Elizabeth stated as she backed toward the door. She never took her eyes off Jack's chest.

"What rule?"

"No wearing a shirt to bed any longer."

"And during winter?" He playfully asked.

"Rules are rules…" Flirted Elizabeth. She backed up into the wall. She jumped when she hit the wall. She was embarrassed that she was so consumed with Jack's chest that she wasn't paying attention to where she was walking. "No breaking rules, Jackie Boy." She playfully smirked pointing her finger at him.

…

Grace walked down the stairs into the best smell she could ever remember smelling. She was tired. Yesterday carried a heavy toll on her. She did enjoy her evening sitting around and laughing with everyone. Elizabeth's situation was really cemented in her mind and heart watching her daughter interact with Jack and JJ. She was a natural with them both. When she finally fell asleep, she slept very sound.

"Good morning, Mrs. Thatcher."

Grace smiled at Abagail. "Good morning, Ms. Stanton."

"Please call me Abagail."

"Only if you will call me Grace." Grace's smile was welcoming.

"Good morning, Grace. Would you like something to eat or drink?"

"I'll have whatever smells go great." Grace spoke after inhaling another long breath of whatever it was that smelled so good. "Elizabeth has written to me on several occasions about your cooking. She said it was better than any chiefs we have hired. I never believed her but now I am beginning to think she has undersold your skills."

"You may want to wait to taste it before such a compliment."

"If it tastes half as good as it smells, my Elizabeth is totally correct."

Abagail smiled at the compliment as she placed a cup of coffee and a plate of pancakes with bacon in front of a chair. She motioned for Grace to have a seat.

"Oh…Abagail. This is better than I could ever imagine." Grace gushed as she took another fork full of pancakes. "I have never tasted pancakes like this."

"Thank you, Grace. That's very nice of you to say."

"It's simply the truth." Grace placed her fork on the edge of her plate. "Have you seen Elizabeth? She's gone very early this morning."

"I didn't know she already left." Wondered Abagail. "She's usually not a very early riser. I have been down here for about an hour."

"She was never an early riser while at home. I mean she was never one to waste the morning lying in bed, but she wasn't too eager to begin her day. I guess she wanted to go to Jack's and JJ's home this morning."

"I guess." Smiled Abagail. "How are you doing with that? I understand you and your husband wasn't happy with her and Jack."

"I'm beginning to think we were wrong. Did you see how Elizabeth, Jack and JJ were together last night?"

"I did, Grace. To be honest, that is how she has always been with Jack. The first little bit they were trying to find themselves. It was a comedy of errors by two young people trying to find their way. They were drawn to each other but didn't know what that meant. I believe they have things figured out."

"I may agree with you." Grace exhaled. "Abagail, I'm seeing things in my daughter that my husband misled me about."

"I think you are seeing the daughter you and your husband raised that has reached womanhood. Elizabeth is a strong woman. She is vital to this community because of what she brings to Hope Valley. She loved our children from the very beginning. She has worked hard and taken care of her neighbors."

"I see that."

"Your daughter has grown into a woman you should be very proud of."

"Yes, Abagail. You are correct."

"Mother."

Grace looked up into the eyes of her youngest daughter.

"Julie?" Grace gasped. "You're here."

"I have been for a couple of days."

"I didn't see you yesterday."

"No…you were very busy yesterday. I'm sorry we didn't say anything to you yesterday, but you had more than you knew how to handle with father."

"Oh dear…I'm grateful you are well." Grace stood to welcome a hug from her daughter. "Do you live here with Elizabeth?"

"No. I came to visit her, but we have to leave very soon."

"We?"

…

"Mommy, you came home last night."

Jack, Elizabeth, Mr. Pacifico, and Mrs. P all smiled at JJ's statement.

"I did. I missed you and your daddy."

"Thank you for coming." JJ's smile grew.

JJ sat down beside Elizabeth at the small table in Jack's kitchen. There was enough room for everyone except Mr. Pacifico. He ate on the couch but was able to participate in the discussion around the table. He asked Mrs. P to sit with everyone.

"This is good." Exclaimed JJ. "Daddy tries really hard, but he doesn't do too well." Jack stared at his boy trying to be offended, but JJ was too busy stuffing food in his mouth as fast as he could chew it.

"I try my best." Defended Jack.

"Oh dear, you better slow down, or you are going to make yourself sick, young man."

JJ gave Mrs. P a smile with a mouth full of food.

"Manners, JJ. You know better." Elizabeth patted JJ on the top of his head.

"So, what's the plan for today?"

"Well Mrs. P, we have a wedding to plan."

"Great. In just over a week. I think it is doable."

"Wait, how did you know?"

"The walls here are very thin. We heard your discussion last night."

"Oh…"

"Yes young lady, be careful with that." Sassed Mrs. P.

Jack's and Elizabeth's faces grew bright red with embarrassment.

"We need to pick out the dress and fit it, if necessary, but I doubt we will. Pierre James is one of the best. We also need to plan and decorate the church. We need to get the ladies together for a small party. We also need to share the news with everyone."

"That seems like a lot." Jack stated. "Is it doable?"

"It is." Exclaimed Elizabeth and Mrs. P at the same time.

"Pierre James has fitted me with several dresses. He knows my measurements. I haven't changed too much. Jack, I do not want a large wedding. I would like my family and friends to be there. I don't want the huge ceremony. I would like Frank to perform the wedding."

"Of course. Are you sure about the huge ceremony? I figured all young girls dream about a fairy tale wedding."

"That's just it, Jack. I'm not a young girl. Of course, I dreamed of Prince Charming on a white horse and all the flowers in the world. But I'm not that way any longer. My dream wedding is you and JJ waiting for me at the altar surrounded by the people we love. I don't want that young Elizabeth's dream wedding. That's nonsense. I want you."

"Now, we need to spread the word about the ladies party."

"Rosemary." Elizabeth and Jack exclaimed at the same time.

"Oh yeah, she'll tell everyone within seconds with her big mouth." Chuckled JJ.

"JJ!" His parents exclaimed.

"Sorry, but it's true."

Jack and Elizabeth looked at each other shaking their heads. It wasn't nice, but they knew it was true.

"I'm sorry but I need to get going." Jack stated as he stood. "We'll have to get your belongings here at some point during the week.

"True…"

"I'll help take care of that." Mr. Pacifico stated.

"Great. Now Elizabeth, the dresses are upstairs. That's first on the list. Then we need to go to the café and talk with Abagail about having the party there. Maybe she can prepare a few sandwiches for the ladies."

"I'll stop by and talk to the pastor on my way in."

"Great. Jack, I'll meet you later today. We need to have a guy's thing as well."

"That's not necessary."

"Sure it is."

"Great!" Exclaimed JJ.

"I'll talk to Lee."

"About?" Questioned Elizabeth.

"I need to ask him to be my best man."

"He'll love that."

Jack turned his attention to JJ. "You'll be my best man too."

"What's a best man?"

"I'll explain that to you later." Mr. Pacifico stated. "Jack, you need to get going. You have a lot to do today."

"Thank you, Mr. Pacifico."

"Alright, we all have our assignments." Proclaimed Mrs. P. "You young man, go and enjoy your morning. However, don't you dare get in the pond and get wet or dirty." Mrs. P's face was stern.

"Yes ma'am. Wait, how do you know?"

"Your reputation precedes you, young man. No getting wet or dirty."

"What does 'reputation precedes you' mean?"

"I've already heard all about you and your antics."

JJ nodded as he stood and headed to the doorway.

"No running in the house!" Exclaimed Elizabeth and Mrs. P at the same time as JJ burst through the door.

…

Mrs. P turned her attention toward Elizabeth. She was sipping on a cup of tea. "I simply can't believe you, young lady." Mrs. P shook her head.

Elizbeth lowered her head. She didn't say a word.

"Sneaking through town in the middle of the night. Tip toeing into Jack's home and then crawling in bed with him and JJ."

"I know…I just couldn't help myself." Elizabeth took another sip of tea trying to find the right words. "With everything that has happened in the last few months, then with the proposal…I just couldn't stay away. I needed to be with my family."

Mrs. P gave her a slight smile.

"It would have been easier to live without breathing than it would have been to stay away."

Mrs. P reached for Elizabeth's hand. "I understand. You need to be careful. People will talk if they know you stayed in bed with someone when you aren't married."

"Thank you." Whispered Elizabeth. She knew Mrs. P wasn't being mean or scolding her for what she did. She just wanted Elizabeth to be careful.

"Now, let's finish up here. We have a full day."

"Mrs. P…thank you for everything."

"Bethie, anything for you. You only have a week before you are married. You need to be extremely careful."

"What do you mean?"

"Did you see Jack without his shirt on…" Mrs. P started fanning her hand in front of her face. "…that is one good looking man."

…

Jack walked to the jail with a huge smile on his face. He loved the fact that Elizabeth woke him up last night by slipping into his bed. He was able to hold her the entire night. She felt incredible in his arms. On the walk into town, his mind wondered what would have happened if JJ wasn't in the room. He could still feel Elizabeth pressed against him. His hand on her tummy felt incredible. He shook his head trying to get his mind off Elizabeth.

Jack walked into the jail and immediately stopped two steps in. His eyes went from the cells to his desk. Franks, Richardson, Reed, and Jackson were sitting around his desk. There was a large map opened on the desk along with a few boxes laying on the floor by the desk. Reed and Jackson were looking over the transport route to Medicine Hat while Richarson and Franks were working on sealing up and labeling the inventoried evidence against all four prisoners. They were taking their time to make sure everything was in order.

"What happened?" Jack asked nodding his head towards the cells.

"Well, we had an incident last night. We had to move them around." Reed stated without looking up.

Jack noticed that William was in the cell with Gowan and Louis was in with Charles. Charles also had a black eye and his cheek was swollen.

"What incident? What happened to Mr. Kensington?"

"When Mrs. Thatcher left last night…"

"Wait…Mrs. Thatcher was here?"

"Yes."

"Did she talk with Mr. Thatcher?"

"I wouldn't use the word talk." Reed snickered under his breath. He stopped laughing when he noticed Jack's expression.

"Mrs. Thatcher showed up here yesterday very angry. She stormed into the jail and walked straight to the cell. She yelled at both Mr. Thatcher and Mr. Kensington. There wasn't much discussion between them."

"Where were you?"

"We stayed outside on the porch. We heard every word. She wasn't quiet."

Jack nodded his head. He would have never thought Grace would yell. "What happened to Mr. Kensington's eye?"

"On Mrs. Thatcher's way out of the jail, she turned around to Mr. Thatcher and said something about Mr. Kensington making some bruises on Elizabeth's arm. Mr. Thatcher was facing Mr. Kensington when we walked back into the jail. They were arguing."

"Did Mr. Thatcher hit him?"

"He did. When I saw him swing, I immediately went for the cell." Reed stated. "Mr. Thatcher was standing over Mr. Kensington yelling at him for laying his hands on Elizabeth. He was on the floor with his hand over his eye. We moved him to the other cell."

Jack tried his best to hide his smirk but couldn't. "Did you fill out a report?"

"We did."

"Great. Thanks." Jack chuckled under his breath. He would never think of William hitting someone.

Jack spent a little while helping the others label the evidence bags and box them for transport. They were meticulous in labeling the bags and keeping everything organized. They didn't want any mess ups that would cause damage to the cases against any of the prisoners.

Jack would often glance at the cells to make sure things between the prisoners were good. He would notice William staring at him. While he never said anything, Jack had a feeling that William wanted to talk to him. He had no desire to speak to that man. He has tried on several occasions and William was always rude to him. Under these circumstances, Jack knew William would be extremely crude.

…

Abagail snuck out of the café early. She had a fishing date with her fiancé. This was quickly becoming their thing. Abagail always loved fishing, even as a child. While her father didn't agree that a woman should fish, he would never complain with the fish she brought back. There were a lot of mouths to feed, and the extra fish Abagail caught went a long way. She always out fished her brothers.

"So, what are you going to make with the fish?" Abagail teased leaning into Franks shoulder and slightly pushing him.

"You are a beautiful woman, Abagail, but gloating doesn't look the best on you."

"When are you finally going to admit that worms are much better than those fancy metal things you fish with?"

"I'm beginning to believe it has nothing to do with the fishing lure."

"What does that mean?"

"You are the most competitive person I know. I assume you bribe the fish somehow."

Abagail huffed and then laughed at his remark. She knew he was correct. She was competitive. When she had her mind set on something, nothing was going to stop her from being good at it. Her determination has helped her through tragedies in her life.

"I guess you are right. Can you live with that?" She teased.

"Better than just live with it, I asked for it." Frank sassed. "I just need to step up my fishing game."

"And your dart game…and your…"

Jack interrupted their talk as they passed in front of the jail. He had just stepped out to take a deep breath of fresh air. He smiled as Frank and Abagail approached. He knew they were having a fun conversation.

"Let me guess…there are eight fish. I would say that Abagail caught five of them?" Asked Jack as the couple approached.

"Close." Frank stated with a smile.

"Not quiet." Sassed Abagail. "I caught seven and Frank caught one."

"Two dear…I caught two."

"I only see eight." Jack stated as he looked over the fish again.

"Actually, you caught one and a half. The half was way too small to keep. So, we put it back. It was just barely bigger than your bait." Abagail teased.

Frank shook his head. No matter how hard he tried, he just couldn't beat her at fishing. He would use all this different bait and Abagail would only use worms. No matter what he used, he just couldn't win. With each fish, Abagail's grin would grow. It was frustrating and endearing all at the same time.

"Frank, you should know better than to challenge Abagail. So, what was the bet?"

"I get a free dinner." Smiled a victorious Adagail.

"Nice." Laughed Jack. "Hey Abagail, Elizabeth will need your help over the next couple of days. Her and Mrs. P will be by soon to talk to you."

"Is everything alright?"

Abagail and Frank couldn't miss Jack's grin. "Everything is fine…perfect even."

Frank and Abagail smiled at each other over Jack's cheesy grin.

"I'll look forward to seeing them."

"How is it going in there?" Frank nodded to the jail.

"About what you would expect. Even though Mr. Thatcher punched Mr. Kensington."

"He did!" Stated Frank and Abagail at the same time.

"Yeah, I'll tell you about it later."

"Great. I need to clean these fish and run to the church for a few minutes."

"See you two later."

"One of the best things about winning is not cleaning the fish." Sassed Abagail.

"This gloating thing isn't good for you dear."

…

Mrs. P took a step back. Her eyes immediately filled with tears. "Oh…Elizabeth…" Was all the words she was able to say. Her hand covered her mouth. Elizabeth tried on the first of the three dresses that Mrs. P had in the trunk. There was a note on top of that particular dress that stated. This one first.

The beautiful, ivory white dress fit Elizabeth perfectly. The neckline revealed more of Elizabeth's upper chest than she normally showed, but it was very appropriate. See through lace covered most of her upper chest. This gave Elizabetha a sense of modesty. The laced sleeves were cool enough to be comfortable but gave the dress an elegant, classy touch. The sleeves came down to mid forearm. The design on the dress wasn't overpowering. It accentuated the flow of the dress very well. The dress was form fitting on the top half. It hugged her effortlessly and showed the whole world her beautiful figure. From the waist down, her dress flowed perfectly to just touching the floor. With shoes on, it would be the perfect length. The dress' bottom half flowed perfectly when Elizabeth moved. It was as if the dress could read Elizabeth's mind and adjusted to her movement the very instant she moved. In all of Elizabeth's dreams, her dress never compared to this one. She could only smile at how she felt wearing a wedding dress.

Elizabeth loved the feel of the dress but was worried about Mrs. P's silence. Mrs. P was standing with one arm wrapped around her waist and covering her mouth with her other hand.

"Is it ok?" Elizabeth asked hesitantly.

Mrs. P wiped away a tear and nodded her head. After a few seconds, she finally spoke. "Elizabeth…it is perfect." She whispered. "You are the prettiest bride I have ever seen."

Elizabeth shook her head in disagreement until Mrs. P took her by the shoulders and turned her to look in the mirror that was in JJ's room. Elizabeth stood stunned by the woman she was looking at. Even without the fancy makeup or her hair being done perfectly, Elizabeth had to agree that she looked very good. She turned her head slowly from side to side to look at the reflection. She simply couldn't take in what she was seeing.

"Elizabeth…" Mrs. P tried to speak but she was struggling to say any words.

"Mommy…!" Mommy…wow!" JJ stated as he ran into his room but stopped when he saw her. His jaw dropped. "Mommy…you're beautiful!" He stated very slowly as he stared at her. He was having trouble speaking at his mother's beauty.

"You think so?" Elizabeth nervously pulled at her dress. She ran her hand over it a couple of times. JJ nodded his head.

"You are absolutely beautiful." JJ whispered. He just couldn't take his eyes off her.

The three of them stood in JJ's bedroom. Mrs. P and JJ admired Elizabeth. They couldn't speak and they couldn't take their eyes off her. To them, she was prettier than anything they had ever seen.

"Mommy, is that what you're going to wear when you marry daddy?"

Elizabeth nodded her head. "Maybe…I have two more to try on."

"I don't think so." Mrs. P stated. "This is the dress."

"But Pierre James sent another two dresses with this one."

"If you want to try them on, you can. But Elizabeth, that is the dress."

"I agree mommy. That is the dress. There isn't another one that can be more beautiful than that one."

"I most certainly agree." Mrs. P gushed. Elizabeth was most certainly wearing the right dress for her.

"Let's send the others back."

"I'll have Jacob do that this afternoon."

…

Grace could only look at her youngest daughter. She heard every word Julie stated, but she just was not able to comprehend them.

"You're married…?" Grace finally stated after a long, few moments of silence.

"I am."

"You ran away from home and got married?" Whispered Grace.

"I did not run away from home. Father was being insufferable with Tom and me. You two were trying to force me into something I did not want to do. I did not want to be set up with one of Sir Lionel's stuffy, boring cousins. That would have been the worst thing ever for me. Elizabeth told me a while back that I needed to find my calling in my life. So, I found it."

"By marrying someone else?"

"No mother. I married Tom Thornton, Jack's brother."

"You didn't!"

"I did, mother. I told you I loved him. He left Hamilton to begin work. He wanted to find himself and stand on his own before he came to speak to father. After a while and knowing that you and father wouldn't stop pushing me, I contacted Tom. He tried to talk me out of it, but I finally convinced him that I wanted to start our life now, not in a year or so."

Grace leaned back in the chair she was sitting on.

"Tom finally agreed to come and get me. We were married and I live with him now. I am starting back to college in the fall."

"You are?"

"I am. I want to learn how to design clothes."

"Well…that makes perfect sense." Grace stated in a soft voice. "But why did you have to run away?"

"Mother, I didn't run away…I took Elizabeth's advice and ran toward something. I ran toward Tom and school. You and father would never let me be me. You wanted a younger version of Viola. I'm no more like Viola than Elizabeth is. She left home to find herself. I did the same thing. I may not be living the life you wanted for me, but mother, I am running toward the life that is mine. This is my life, mother. I will live it to my best ability."

Grace was taken back by Julie's determination. She had always hoped Julie would find her purpose, but this wasn't what she was hoping for. However, her youngest daughter was making a reasonable argument. This was a first for Julie.

"Mother…" Julie stated as she reached for her mother's hand. "I am sorry you were hurt by my actions, but I do not apologize for what I did. I took the necessary steps to fulfill my purpose in my life."

Grace squeezed her youngest daughter's hand. She was proud of the stance Julie took but didn't like that she was refused permission to be part of her daughter's life. She did, however, begin to understand Julie's reasoning.

…

Elizabeth spent the morning in Jack's home with Mrs. P. The home was quickly becoming Elizabeth's home. She felt at peace. Like she belonged there. The place still looked like only boys lived there. Everything was some color of brown, but she felt comfortable. As she walked around the home, she began to see changes she wanted to make. She just wasn't sure if she should. She had a feeling that Jack was working on a home, but she didn't know for certain.

"What in the world…?" Elizabeth laughed. She heard Mrs. P say in a loud voice. Elizabeth was upstairs in JJ's room putting away some clothes. Even though she was upstairs, she clearly heard the conversation between JJ and Mrs. P. "Don't you dare move, young man!"

Elizabeth chuckled under her breath. She knew exactly the scene that was playing out in the living room. She placed the last pair of underwear in the top drawer. As she made her way to the hallway and then the steps, she heard the ongoing conversation.

"What?"

"What in the world happened to you?" Mrs. P asked shocked.

"The pond."

"Of course. I believe you know what you are supposed to do."

Instead of answering Mrs. P, JJ began pulling off his wet clothes. Mrs. P only shook her head at the little smile on JJ's face. He stood in front of Mrs. P in just his underwear. He placed his wet clothes on the sink.

"How did you get so wet?"

"I was playing in the pond."

"Did you jump in?"

"Kinda." He playfully smirked.

"This must be a boy thing." Pondered Mrs. P.

"You said mommy played in the pond."

"She fell in the pond because she was scared. Did you fall in the pond because you were scared?"

"No ma'am. I willingly jumped in." The excitement couldn't be missed in his little voice.

"Definitely a boy thing." Whispered Mrs. P.

Elizabeth covered her mouth to keep the laughter from being too loud. She was perched on the top step of the stairs and loving every second of the conversation. She has had that conversation with JJ on several occasions already. It was funny not being part of it for a change.

"Maybe…" Chuckled JJ.

"Please go and get dressed."

"Yes ma'am." JJ turned back around and hugged Mrs. P. "Thank you for taking care of me. I love you, Mrs. P."

Mrs. P knew exactly why Elizabeth fell in love with this boy so quickly. He was just priceless.

As JJ made his way to the stairs, he smiled at his mommy standing on the top step. As JJ walked past Elizabeth, he leaned on his tip toes and kissed her check. "Hey mommy…I need to get changed."

"I see that."

"Did you leave anything in your pockets?"

"I don't think so."

"Good enough. Please get changed. I'll prepare you a snack."

"Thank you. Love you…" He called out as he turned to run down the hall.

Elizabeth chuckled at the sight before her. Her little boy was in his underwear running down the hallway happy as he could be. She loved this moment. When JJ ran into his room and out of her sight, she turned around to go downstairs. She busted out laughing when she heard Mrs. P yell out.

"Oh!" Mrs. P jumped back and threw the pants on the sink. "What in the world?" Mrs. P squealed.

"It's either a frog or tad poles." Elizabeth laughed walking into the kitchen.

"Most certainly a boy thing." Mrs. P shook her head in disbelief.