Chapter 48

The excitement in the stagecoach was building. Jack and Elizabeth spent the last three hours discussing their time in San Francisco. Market Street was a great day of window shopping and just looking around town. The hike around the lake and their cabin was a perfect event each day. Jack pushed for love making on the trail the day before they were to leave. Elizabeth was easily convinced. They both enjoyed the act out in nature. Without the other knowing, each one was thinking of places at home where they could sneak away without the threat of getting caught. The theater was nice and they enjoyed that evening out. Jack enjoyed seeing Elizabeth dressed up.

They were just thirty minutes from Hope Valley. They most certainly enjoyed having a cabin by themselves for the last several days, but they were looking forward to seeing their boy. They sent him telegrams every day except for one. They missed him, but they also knew that they needed time for themselves to be a young, married couple. They discussed and came to the conclusion that that they needed to make time for not only their family, but time for each other. Their situation was a little different since they adopted a five year old. They were an instant family of three and they wouldn't change a moment of it. They just knew they needed to make sure they were Jack and Eliabeth as well as Jack and Elizabeth and JJ.

Jack laughed at Elizabeth's eagerness to see their son. Before they reconnected, Jack was concerned with the connection between Elizabeth and JJ. He didn't want to open him and JJ up for complete heart ache if she picked to go back to Hamilton. Looking back on the whole situation, he could easily see that Elizabeth was made to be JJ's mother. She loved that little boy just as much and Jack did.

"Do you think he'll remember us?" Jack teased his impatient wife leaning into her shoulder.

Elizabeth huffed at his teasing. "I hope so, but you know he was around Auntie Abagail and Mrs. P all week. I'm sure he is spoiled."

"I believe his mommy already has him spoiled."

"Who?" Elizabeth leaned back a little shocked.

"Who…asks the woman who learned how to make his chocolate chip cookies. She makes it with a whole bag of chocolate chips instead of a third of a bag that Auntie Abagail put into the receipt."

"I'm his mommy…that's my right." She defended herself.

Jack leaned in and gentlky kissed her lips. "You are a good mommy."

"Because I put way too many chocolate chip cookies in the cookie batter?"

"Yes…because you don't have to, yet you do without being asked. You know he likes it and you do it because of that."

"Steve and Joy did a great job with them."

"They did." Jack smiled. "You know, when we go to Hamilton, we will stop in the town where they are buried."

"Really?"

"Yeah. That's where she was from."

Elizabeth thought about it for a moment. She turned her focus out the open window. She knew they were close to home.

…

The stagecoach arrived on time. It rumbled down the center of town. Elizabeth looked at Abagail's as they rode by. She noticed the door immediately opening and a little boy shot out of it like a fire cracker. His smile was huge with the excitement of his mommy and daddy coming home. Jack laughed when Elizabeth stood inside of the stagecoach. She was ready to see her boy.

"Sit dear…it won't make the stagecoach get there any faster. Plus, there's not enough room for you to stand in here."

"Hush you." She patted Jack's knee. "I'm just excited."

"The next time I come home, you better be this excited to see me."

"Well…if you are gone for seven days, I will be."

"Sorry dear but I resigned from my job so that would never happen. You are stuck with me."

Elizabeth smile grew at the thought of Jack being home each night.

The stagecoach slowly rolled to a stop and Elizabeth jumped out of the stagecoach before the driver was even down from his bench seat. She was so fast in opening the door and getting out before Jack could help her. She turned in the direction of her son running toward her and kneeled. She braced herself for the attack that was coming.

"Mommy! Mommy!" JJ yelled as he ran down the sidewalk. His arms were already opened wide for a hug even though he was a good thirty feet away.

"There's my son!" Elizabeth stated just before JJ jumped into her arms.

The hug between the two exuded love that existed between them. Jack and the driver had over half the bag unloaded before the two separated.

When they separated, JJ turned his attention to his father. "Daddy!"

"Oh…now you notice me?" Jack teased his son.

"I love you, daddy!" JJ shouted as he jumped into Jack's arms.

"I love you, JJ. How are you?"

"I'm good. I missed you two. It took forever."

"It seemed liked it." Jack stated as he picked up his boy and spun him around. "Have you been a good boy?"

"Sure have!" He shouted as Jack sat him down.

"Would you like to help me take these over to Auntie Abagail's?"

"Sure, but why? Why not take them to our home?"

Elizabeth swooned at JJ's statement. Her smile growing by the second.

"Well, I need to check for any telegrams and the mail for the jail. Mommy would like to see Auntie Abagail."

Elizabeth nodded her head. She was grateful Jack understood her so well. She really wanted to speak to Abagail. Plus, they have gifts they needed to give out."

"Then we go home?"

"Then we go home." Elizabeth stated as Jack nodded his head.

"Mommy, would you like to walk to our new home?"

"Sure. After we dropped the bags off at our home. We may walk down to the new home."

"Sounds perfect." JJ smiled as he took a small bag with one hand and then his mommy's hand with his left hand.

"Don't worry Elizabeth…I'll get the other four bags." Jack sassed.

She ignored Jack's little statement and took JJ's hand.

"Hey…you want to know something?"

"Sure."

"Those weird sounds are now at Auntie Abagail's house too." JJ stated nonchalantly.

Jack tried to hold in the laughter, but he just couldn't. He didn't look up, but knew his wife was staring at him with a red face.

…

"Mrs. Thatcher, I believe this is as far as we can go with this until we hear the official word from the government."

"I agree with you. When do you think we will hear something?"

"Within a couple of weeks for sure, maybe sooner."

Grace smiled. She was getting excited about the girl's home. All paperwork was filed with the necessary authorities. Now she just had to wait for the final approval. Teddy's inside man thought things were looking good for approval. Teddy was impressed with the progress of Grace over the course of a couple of weeks. She really stepped up in William's absence and took control of her situation. She never has before. To be honest, he was worried about her. However, she has stepped up and taken complete control of her circumstances. He was very proud of her.

"Ms. Thatcher, I know you have been dealt with a very bad hand. I'm sorry about that. However, I am very proud of you. You have done what you needed to do."

"Thank you, Teddy. Have you heard anything about Jack and Elizabeth?" Grace just wasn't too interested on remaining on the negative aspects of life. The whole thing has taught her to move forward. She was excited with Jack, Elizabeth, and JJ coming.

"They should arrive back in Hope Valley today. They will leave out tomorrow and then be here the day after that."

"Good. Are you going to keep them busy the whole time they are here?"

"Most of it. They have a lot to do to get things done at the company."

"Things are going well there?"

"Yes ma'am. Once Jack and Elizabeth get things finished there, they will be ready to continue on as usual."

"Very well. Any more issue with Charles?"

"No. They removed him the other day. He hasn't been back since. I'm not sure what his lawyer is telling him, but we will find out soon. His trial will begin within the next month or so."

"Do you feel comfortable about him being found guilty?"

"I don't know the complete details of the trial. I'm interested to hear what his defense would be. I may travel for the hearing."

"Thanks Teddy. I need to get to the restaurant. I am meeting the Franklins for a late lunch."

"Have a nice day, Ms. Thatcher."

"You too, Teddy."

…

Jack walked into the mercantile and noticed Mr. Yost behind the counter.

"It's great to have you back, Constable."

"Thanks, Mr. Yost. I just wish it was longer than just today. At least we will be back in a week or so."

"I guess you are here for your telegrams and mail?"

"I am. Is there a lot?"

"I would say so, Constable."

Mr. Yost handed Jack twelve letters and twenty telegrams. Jack stood dumbfounded. That more mail than he would receive in a year's time. He has only been gone for a week. Plus, that is a lot of telegrams.

"Are you sure those are all mine?" Jack asked, looking at the two piles.

"Sure is. Most of those telegrams are from one person."

"Really? It looks like there are fifteen or so telegrams.

"Twenty as of this morning. At least ten are from Hamilton. A Deputy Commissioner Andrew Pearson."

"Deputy Commissioner Andrew Pearson telegrammed me? Deputy Commissioner Andrew Pearson sent me ten telegrams?" Jack asked completely stunned. He was flabbergasted that Pearson even knew who he was.

"Do you know him?"

"I do not. I'm shocked he knows of me. He is one of six men behind the commissioner. It is widely rumored when Commissioner Wilson retires within the year, that Pearson is in line to take over the mounties. Pearson is stationed in Hamilton."

"Well, he not only knows who you are, he is very eager to get in touch with you. He also sent two letters."

"Really…" Jack's voice trailed off.

"Yes."

Jack stood and looked at the stack of papers and envelopes in his hands. He didn't know why the deputy commissioner would be so eager to get in touch with him. As far as mounties go, Jack was close to the bottom of the list. There is no reason someone in Pearson's position would know who he is.

…

Elizabeth and Abagail sat down to enjoy a cup of tea before Abagail left for the mayor's office. This is their first time to catch up with each other in over a week. Both ladies smiled at each other because of how good being married looked on each other.

"So…how was the honeymoon?"

"Oh, Abagail…it was just perfect." Elizabeth let out a sigh of perfect contentment. "We enjoyed our time away, but we are glad to be back."

"That little boy missed you two, but he was good. He was either with us or with Mr. and Mrs. P. I'm not sure who spoiled him more, us or them." Abagail smiled at all the memories over the last few days. "How was San Francisco?"

"It was great. Chinatown and the Marina District were really nice. Market Street was a great place to shop. Jack bought me a beautiful hummingbird letter opener. You simply must see it. It's beyond beautiful."

"That sounds perfect."

"It was perfect. We walked around the lake each day. It was a perfect hike. The lake and views were gorgeous."

Abagail smiled at the red face of Elizabeth. It was slowly growing redder as she spoke about the scenery around the lake. Abagail gave her a knowing smile.

"What?" Elizabeth challenged her sister."

"I would guess there was more than just hiking going on in that beautiful scenery." Abagail sassed.

Elizabeth quickly looked up to her sister. She saw the playful smile gracing Abagail's mouth.

"I have heard there are new, normal sounds here too." Elizabeth sassed.

"New noises… What are you talking about?"

"JJ mentioned that there were new noises in the row house since I moved in. Jack said they were new, normal sounds."

Abagail thought for a second. Then she gasped. "Elizabeth Marie Thornton!" Abagail squealed.

"Abagail Stanton Hogan!" Elizabeth squealed matched Abagail's.

"You watch it young lady!" Abagail wagged her finger playfully at her adopted sister.

Elizabeth laughed at Abagail's playfully stern look. "We'll never speak of this again."

"You better, young lady."

"Just one thing…"

"I don't know if I want to know…" Abagail slowly stated.

"I hope the sounds don't stop any time soon." Elizabeth couldn't keep the smile from overtaking her face.

"I sure hope they don't stop…" Abagail's smile grew at the memories.

…

Jack walked back to the jail with all the telegrams and letters addressed to him. He was curious to read them, but he wanted to read them at the office. It wasn't just the large number of them. Jack was a little concerned about what could be in the letters and telegrams. There were just so many of them.

Jack sat down at the desk and found two more letters that were on top of his desk. One was from Teddy and another one was from Deputy Commissioner Pearson. Twenty telegrams and now thirteen letters and telegrams just from Pearson were too much. This was very odd. He decided on the telegrams first. He thought they would be smaller crumbs to digest first. He took the first telegram from the top of the pile and unfolded it.

Constable Thornton –

I have a file on my desk that simply can't be correct. Contact me to discuss.

– D. C. Pearson

Jack was completely confused. He didn't know what file he was talking about. There was no way that a deputy commissioner would have a file from him. No one that high up would know who he was. Jack turned his attention to the second telegram. He smiled when he noticed that Mr. Yost had them in order from oldest to newest. The next telegram was the second one Pearson sent.

Constable Thornton –

It is vital you contact me!

– D. C. Pearson

Jack quickly read through the pile of telegrams. Each one instructed that Jack needed to get in touch with him now. Pearson never mentioned anything about the contents of the file. Jack still didn't know what Pearson wanted. He just knew Pearson wanted to speak to him.

Jack finally opened the last telegram that was received yesterday.

Constable Thornton –

I am under the understanding that you will be in Hamilton in two days. It is imperative I speak to you in person. Contact my office to set a date! That is a direct order!

– D. C. Pearson

Jack sat back in his chair thinking through the telegrams. Pearson didn't describe in any of the telegrams what was so important. He did sense the growing importance and urgency of Pearson. Jack's term was up in just a few weeks. None of this made any sense. A constable leaving the mounties wouldn't make it to the deputy commissioner's desk. The appeal process wouldn't require the high ups to be involved. Instead of opening the thirteen letters, he decided to take them home and read it with Elizabeth after JJ went to bed. He wanted her opinion. He also placed the letter from Teddy into the pile.

Jack spent another thirty minutes at the jail working on a couple of small things. He also wanted to stop by the café to see Abagail. He also needed to chop wood for her. He wondered if Frank was going to take over that duty. He was hoping to continue helping Abagail. She had done so much for him that he took every opportunity he could to pay her back.

…

Mr. P and Frank were wrapping up some work at the Thornton's home. Lee's men did a great job of cutting the lumber. The foundation was already set, and the sub floor done. Mr. P and Frank were working on some of the outer walls that Mr. Johnston instructed them to finish. Once that was complete, the roof was next. Once that was finished, Mr. Johnston would be relieved. Mr. Johnston wanted that completed because they could work in any weather. They could do inside work if it rained.

The three men was excited about the progress of the home There were further along than they would have imagined. Even Mr. Johnston was impressed with the men who were helping. Each day were a group of revolving men who wanted to help Jack and Elizabeth. They needed all the help they could get setting the logs in place. Even JJ was there a couple of days to help out. He wanted to be a part of the building process. With his father being a mountie, they moved a lot. He was excited about having a home.

Frank and Mr. P was wrapping up the last of the chink between the logs. They made sure to do this well so the home would be well insulated.

…

Jack walked out the back door of the jail to check on the wood pile at Abagail's. He was grateful when he noticed the wood pile was low. Not only were the telegrams and the unread letters weighing on him, but the trip also back to Hamilton was looming large on his mind and shoulders.

The first trip to Hamilton was for Elizabeth's mother's sickness. To Jack, she didn't seem to be as sick as the telegram insisted. He secretly thought it was partially a ploy to get Elizabeth back home. Even with Jack with her, she spent a lot of time with Charles. He also felt disrespected by her family. They looked down and spoke down to him. When he left Hamilton, he knew she spent a lot of her time with Charles.

The second visit to Hamilton was no better than the first one. Tom and Julie were in trouble with the mounties. The issue with Charles wasn't any better. In some ways, it was worse. It wasn't long after the questioning from the students about who she was going to marry and Elizabeth kissing Charles on the check when they visited Hamilton the second time. He lied when he and Elizabeth was at the restaurant when she stated that she didn't give any reason to doubt her. He actually had doubt already in his mind. Elizabeth's students, the goodbye kiss, and all the time she spent with Charles created the doubt.

He knew they were past those trips to Hamilton. Elizabeth had chosen him and married him, but those horrible memories were still in his head. He felt like he and Elizabeth's father may have begun the early process of repairing their relationship before he was transported to Medicine Hat. It certainly wasn't fixed. However, he still heard her father's words in his ear. Very few people had that power over Jack's mind. He took their opinions at face value, but Mr. Thatcher had this way of cutting through Jack's protective wall and getting into his head.

This trip was different. They were going back as a family. This was a work trip. It wasn't to see Elizabeth's sick mother or fix a problem with his brother. It was to set up Thatcher Shipping the way he and Elizabeth wanted.

Jack took off his shirt and left the thin underneath shirt on. He laid down the sharping tool on the edge of the porch and stood up the first piece of wood. As the axe came down and contacted the wood, Jack could easily feel the first part of his anxiety begin to disappear. While chopping wood may not have always taken away all his troubles, it was a great way to clear his head. Jack was eagerly seeking a peaceful mind. In the morning, they would be climbing on a stagecoach and then a train to begin the trip to Hamilton.

Elizabeth smiled when she heard the wood pop. She knew that sound very well. She also knew who was creating the noise. She also knew the sun was out and it was warm. That meant that Jack would take his outer shirt off. She knew he had on that thin shirt. Once it got wet with Jack's sweat, it would be see through. She didn't have to imagine what was under his shirt. She knew firsthand and loved the memory of it. She also loved the feel of it.

Elizabeth knew she had been with Abagail for a little while. She needed to get home and wash any clothes that they needed. She was grateful that Abagail had washed JJ's clothes, so his was set to go. Her and Jack's needed to be washed. She also needed to get things packed, but she couldn't get the image of Jack's chest out of her mind. Every few seconds she would hear the axe come down on the wood.

She walked to the back door and intently looked out the window. Her eyes were instantly drawn to his back. She noticed the muscles ripple under his shirt. She quietly opened the back door and walked through it. She leaned against the porch post after closing the door. She watched Jack bring the axe down a couple of more times. Then she watched him bend over to pick up the split pieces. She loved the way his backside looked in those jeans. She slowly made her way down the two steps and then to Jack's back. He was still picking up the pieces. When he stood, she reached for the bottom of his shirt. She gently took the helm of his shirt with her fingers. She felt Jack jump slightly. He turned and she instantly placed her hands on his stomach. Her eyes were on his chest She slowly walked her fingers up his stomach to one of her favorite places…his chest.

When her fingers reached their intended target, she admired his chest for a moment. Then her eyes walked themselves us his chest to his neck. Then his chin to his perfectly shaped lips. When her eyes connected with his eyes, she took a step back from her husband. She looked purposefully deeper into his eyes. She saw everything in those hazel eyes. She lowered her hands from Jack's chest to his hands.

"What's wrong?"

…

Mr. Wilson sits down a large folder on the large conference room table. Then he takes his seat across from Mr. Kensington and Charles. He opens the folder and spends some time reviewing the top few pages. Then turns his attention toward the two men sitting across from him.

"Gentlemen…I'm not going to lie to you. This isn't a slam dunk case. It will all hinge on selling the belief that Charles was only following the orders of Mr. Thatcher. And since Mr. Thatcher was Charles' boss, we are doing to try and sell that Charles was only performing what he was instructed to do. When Mr. Thatcher instructed Charles to attend the meeting in his place and to sign the document for him, that is a good thing for us."

"What's the changes of this working?"

"Along with the fact that Mrs. Thornton played along with the engagement to Mr. Kensington is a plus for us. It shows that there was a history there. It could also be played that Mr. Kensington was just doing this as retribution for Mrs. Thornton's turning away from Charles."

Charles huffed at the story. He wanted to say something, but his father insisted that he keep his mouth shut.

"It honestly comes down to the mindset of the judge. I could easily sway him to our side if he is willing or he could easily side with the prosecutor if he is leaning in the other direction. If we push a strong enough of a case, we could easily be offered a good plea deal."

"How good?"

"If it's a strong enough argument, a really good one. I don't know if we would avoid all jail time, but it would be substantially be reduced. I imagine it would be better than Mr. Thatcher's. I would dare guess a year or less with probation."

"Do you know who the judge is?"

"Not yet. I will find out no sooner than a week before trial."

The senior Mr. Kensington nodded his head. He was lost in thought. After a couple of moments, he turned to his son. "Charles, when are they coming?"

"They leave tomorrow and should be here the day after."

"Thank you, Mr. Wilson. Is there anything else?"

"No sir. We are good for now. I'm still trying to get a few things to come together to strengthen our side."

"Thank you, Mr. Wilson." Mr. Kensington stood followed by his son. They walked out of the lawyer's office together.

…

JJ made his way to the new home. He was sitting on the floor on the first level. He knew his bedroom would be on the second floor, but there wasn't a second floor yet. He guessed where his room was going to be from his discussions with Mr. Johnston, Mr. P, and Frank. He sat on the floor just looking around. He was trying to imagine everything. He didn't know much about it but knew where the kitchen would be. He also knew where the living room and library would be. He loved his old home in Toronto, but he wasn't there for very long. He and his mommy traveled with his daddy on assignments. It was just the life of a mountie and his family. Now, he was excited to have a home that was his. No more moving. No more giving up friends and starting new schools.

He looked up when Emily walked through the hole where the front door was located. He smiled as she walked toward him and then sat down beside him.

"Whatcha doing?"

"Just sitting here. Whatcha doing?"

"Thought I'll find you before you leave for a week. Are you excited about riding on the train?"

"Yeah. I rode on one coming here, but I'm looking forward to it. I think it'll still be fun."

"Are you ok going to Hamilton?"

"Sure. That town means nothing to me except that's where my mommy is from. I'm hoping to see the home she grew up in."

"Yeah…that's pretty cool."

"It is. I hope to look around Hamiton to see what's there."

Emily and JJ leaned back on their hands and stretched out their legs. In silence, they looked around the house.

…

Jack let out a deep breath. He wasn't trying to hide anything from Elizabeth. He knew he couldn't even if he wanted to. He just wasn't ready to talk about it. He hasn't chopped wood enough to clear his mind completely. He also didn't want to discuss it. It was just a reminder of everything bad. He looked up into the beautiful blue eyes of his wife. Jack wiped the sweat from his brow with his forearm.

Elizabeth continued looking at Jack in his eyes. She had already asked the question and he knew she wasn't going to relent and let him off the hook. All this determination comes from her promise when she came back to Hope Valley a few weeks ago. There were going to be no misunderstandings. It just didn't work for them in the past, and she knew it wouldn't work for them in the future. She turned her head slightly. He sighed again knowing that was her determined pose.

Jack leaned forward and kissed her on the forehead.

"I'm not avoiding this, but I do need to finish chopping wood for Abagail."

Elizabeth turned to see the small wood pile on the back porch. She turned her attention back to Jack.

"Yes, you do, but we have to fix this first. Jack, nothing is more important than this." She waved her hand between them. "This is first. So, what's wrong. I can see it in your eyes."

"I guess it's a couple of things. These are in no particular order." Elizabeth nodded her head that she understood. "One, I'm concerned about the job with the shipping company."

"Ok…you're not backing out on me, are you?"

"Absolutely not. I'm not a businessman and I don't want to ruin everything."

"I don't think we will ruin anything."

"What if I don't do it as well as your father? He'll be right."

Elizabeth pulled Jack by his hands to the back porch of Abagail's. They sat down and she turned to see him better. "What do you mean he'll be right?"

"When he strongly implied that I wasn't good enough for you. What if I make a bad decision and something happens that's a bad outcome? Won't it just prove him true?"

Elizabeth knew where he was coming from with his statement. She kicked herself once again for not sticking up for Jack, but quickly moved on. She wasn't living in the past. She learned from it and moved on. She learned words are very powerful, even when they aren't true. Her father's words continued to play havoc in Jack's brain. He was normally a strong person. She always assumed he was trained to be that way because of the mounties. However, she learned that he was naturally a strong person. She was a little surprised her father's words still carried a strong negative influence on Jack's life.

"We won't make the bad decision. We have people that will help us until we learn what we need to know. We will keep people around us that will teach us what we need to do. We'll treat employees and customers with respect and do the right thing for them. Most importantly…" Elizabeth stated and emphasized. "…we have each other. There will be times you take the lead and there will be times I take the lead. We work on this together. I believed you when you told me that we can do anything as long as we are facing them together."

Jack nodded his head. He hated that he struggled with this, but he did fight it often.

"With that settled, what's the next issue?" Elizabeth asked lovingly.

"I guess the trip back to Hamilton." Jack's voice was soft.

She knew it wasn't due to the long stagecoach ride or the long train ride.

"We are not those people who visited Hamilton any longer. We have grown and we are together in every sense of the word. We make this trip together, as a family. Now, that's settled. Is there anything else?"

Jack smiled at her determination. She was strong when he couldn't be. This will be the case throughout their whole life together. In some situations, he will carry them forward. In other instances, she will carry them forward. They didn't keep a score card to see who did it more often or who did it better. They were a team, without question. They were much stronger together than they ever could be separate. Both were grateful their marriage was forever that way…two people…one team working toward a preset goal.

Jack leaned in and bumped her shoulder. He reached up and cupped her cheek with his right hand. "Thank you." He whispered as he kissed her lips gently. He pulled back and placed his forehead on hers. He needed to be in her space.

Elizabeth leaned in when he placed his forehead on her. She was willing to give him every ounce of strength he needed. She also loved the fact that he wanted to be in her immediate presence. For her, this was the most intimate act he would ever do. There were times this would lead to love making, but that's not why he did it. Just like today, he just needed to be close to her. He needed to be in her presence. On this occasion, he needed her peace and strength. She melted into her husband each time he would do that.

After several long seconds of just being near her. He leaned back and continued. "Thirdly, I received twenty telegrams and thirteen letters. Most of them are from Deputy Commissioner Andrew Pearson."

"Since we were gone on our honeymoon?" She asked, shocked.

"Yeah…"

"That's a lot of correspondence. Do you know him?"

"No. He shouldn't know who I am. I'm just a constable."

"You are a Sergeant." She reminded him.

He gave her a grin. "He should not know who I am. However, at least half of the telegrams are from him." He handed her the telegrams for her to read. "Each one impresses that I need to get in contact with him. I don't understand why."

"He is certainly pushing for that. What about the letters?"

"I haven't read them yet. I wanted to read them with you when JJ goes to bed."

"Why?" She asked but loved the fact that he wanted to include her in his work life.

"This is all confusing. He really shouldn't know me. Yet, he is sending me all these messages. I want to hear your voice on this issue."

"One team…"

"One team…" He repeated.

"Perfect. We will do that after we eat dinner and JJ goes to bed. Plus, there is one more thing we need to do after all of that."

"What's that?"

"Well…" She flirted as she scooted a little closer to her husband. "I walked to my husband in a see through shirt chopping wood and sweating." Elizabeth spoke softly but in a deeper voice than normal.

"Yeah…" Jack stated as he turned more to face his wife.

Elizabeth leaned in and kissed her husband deeply. As she pulled away after the breath taking kiss, she gently bit his bottom lip. "Friday." She stated making eye contact with him.

Jack shivered. He remembered the Friday walk around the lake when they made love outside. She took control of that love making and it was incredible. Elizabeth captured his lips again in a passionate kiss but pulled away too soon for his liking. She stood and adjusted her dress and blouse.

"This evening, Mr. Thornton." She stated as she turned to walk away.

"Wait!" He called out.

She knew if she would turn around, she would take him to their row house now. She wanted him to think about it all day. She wanted the anticipation of what was going to happen to ignite and slowly burn into the passionate Jack she wanted. What she didn't know was that if Jack's legs and brain were working, he would have picked her up and carried her to the row house at that very second.

"You'll have something to think about for the rest of the afternoon while you chop wood." She teased as she walked away as she looked over her right shoulder. He loved that view of her when she did that.