Chapter 39

JJ was sitting beside Elizabeth who was sitting beside Grace. Julie was sitting beside her mother with Tom sitting beside her. The ladies would share a sorrowful look on occasions. However, JJ was being his adorable self. He was working hard to make his mommy laugh. While he cared for Grace and was beginning to like Julie, JJ was more concerned with his mommy. He tried all he could just to make her smile. Elizabeth was grateful for JJ. He has been a good distraction and a bright spot in a very dark day. However, she was missing her strength. He was in the jail trying to finish up things so he could get a way for a little while.

"How is she doing?" Frank asked.

Abagail sighed in the pain of a true sister. "Ok, I guess. She's hurting."

"I can imagine that." Frank wrapped his future wife with his right hand in a small hug. "At least she has her family with her."

"That's true." Abagail looked out into the dining room. "She's missing her rock."

"He'll be by soon."

Abagail picked up some chocolate chip cookies and something special for Elizabeth. She walked toward the table. She placed one plate of cookies in front of a smiling JJ. She knew that little boy. She placed another plate of cookies in the middle of the table for everyone to share. Then she placed a plate of three biscuits in front of Elizabeth with a jar of blackberry jam. Elizabeth looked up and smiled at her adopted sister. As bad as everything was, she was surrounded by loved ones. She discreetly wiped away a tear. She wasn't sure if it was due to the morning or if it was because she was surrounded by people that loved her.

Elizabeth's head shot up when she heard the front door of the café open. Jack was standing in the doorway. He was standing strong, but she could see that he was worried about her. When their eyes connected, she knew instantly. She immediately stood and excused herself. She left the table and began to walk toward Jack. Jack looked at his son and nodded his head toward the door. JJ stood and followed his mother. Jack wanted the family to be together. Julie was with Grace. They would take care of each other for a little while. His concern was for Elizabeth.

When Elizabeth reached Jack, she walked into a hug. Jack had his arms open. He pulled her close and gave her a tight hug. After a few seconds, JJ stepped behind her and placed his head on her back and wrapped his little arms around her. She was in the arms of both of her boys. She loved every moment of it. She felt comforted and at peace. This was her home. She inhaled the love of her two boys.

After the hug, Jack extended his hand. Their hands met halfway. Then her son's little hand found her free hand. Jack was on her right and JJ was on her left. Both of her boys had a firm hold on their respective hands. They weren't letting go for any reason. They made their way down the steps and turned toward the pond.

…

Julie went with her mother to Elizabeth's room above the café. She wanted to lay down for a bit, but Julie didn't want her to be alone. Tom went with Charlette to spend a little bit of time with his mother. Tom was having to leave on the stagecoach the next day or so. He was gone from work too long already. He had to go back, or he was going to lose his job. Julie understood, but she wasn't happy when he told her to stay with her family. He said that her mother would need her, and Elizabeth would need her for the wedding. The day after the wedding, she would head back home. While neither liked it, they understood this had to be done.

Abagail and Frank worked in the café for a few minutes before she headed to the mayor's office before the lunch rush. She was still trying to find her footing as a café owner and a mayor. With the full profits coming to her now, she was thinking she could hire someone on a permanent basis. She was excited that Jack wanted to be the sheriff. She knew the town couldn't do better than Jack. She still wanted to talk with him about retiring from the mounties. She just wanted to make sure he was ok with his decision. She knew Jack was old enough and smart enough to make his own decisions, but she was the older sister. She just had to double check.

…

Jack, Elizabeth, and JJ walked toward the pond. No words were spoken. They just held hands and slowly walked. Words didn't have to be spoken. She was drawing strength from her two boys. Halfway to the pond, a small smile graced her face for the first time during the walk. The load of the day was still heavy, but she wasn't carrying the load by herself. Her boys were helping her carry it. She was a little surprised when they walked past the pond. Jack and JJ didn't even look in the pond's direction. That surprised her a little. She started to ask, but she decided not to. She just wanted to be with her boys. No matter where they were going to walk. She was with her boys.

During most of their walks, JJ would run ahead and play with a stick or a rock. Then he would come back and walk with his mommy and daddy. Then he would find something else that captured his attention, then he would head off again. He repeated this process constantly but not today. Today he was firmly by his mommy holding her hand. All his attention was on her. He wasn't letting her go for any reason. Every so often, one of her boys would squeeze her hand. The act was very comforting and loving. She knew she was going to be alright even if she didn't feel it at this moment.

Elizabeth finally noticed where they were walking. It was the hill her and Jack walked during the Rosemary fiasco. Jack took her to the hill when he proclaimed that he picked her. It was their first kiss. It was also the same hill that began their reconnection after the Charles debacle. She was sitting on the log when Jack rode up on Sargeant. Their serious talk that morning sat the solid groundwork for their reconciliation. She smiled at the memories and the importance of this hill in her life. Now, she was with both of her boys and excited to share this hill

with JJ. Elizabeth thought she heard some talking in the distance but wasn't too sure. She doubted that anyone would be up. No one ever was.

When they were about thirty yards from the top, she looked up when she definitely heard someone's voice. She noticed Mr. P and Mr. Johnston walking around doing something. She looked at Jack with a questioning look.

"What is going on?" Those were the first words spoken since they began the walk over twenty minutes ago.

"We wanted to show you something."

Elizabeth glanced from Jack to JJ and then back to Jack. Their smiles were huge.

"Why is Mr. P and that older guy here. I think his name is Mr. Johnson or something like that."

"It is Mr. Johnston. They're helping me out with a little project.

"Here…?" She slowly asked.

Jack and JJ stopped walking. They slowly stood in front of her. She couldn't help but smile at their facial expressions. Their faces were pure joy.

"Yes, here. They are helping me. JJ has been helping Mr. P out a little. We have a surprise for you."

"For me? Here…? Jack, this is the hill where we first kissed and where we reconnected a little while ago."

"It is. This place is special for us" Jack tightened his hold on Elizabeth's hand. "I wasn't going to tell you until after the wedding, but I think I need to tell you now."

"What?"

" Well, I bought this land."

"You bought it?"

"I did. I had some money left over from the awards I received. I bought this land with that money."

"Really?"

"I did."

Elizabeth's face showed the confusion in her mind. She was wondering why he would buy land. Jack smiled at his fiancé's confused expression. He loved it when he was able to get one over on Elizabeth.

"Jack, why would you buy land, especially this piece of land?"

"The row house is nice, but I thought we needed our own piece of land, our own place."

"Our own place…? Jack, when did you buy this land?"

Jack hesitated for a few moments. "Well…I bought it before you left for Hamilton a few weeks ago. This was where I was going to take you when I came to…" Jack's voice went silent.

"When you came to the schoolhouse…" She cringed at the memory of that day. "You were going to bring me here for our ride and…"

"Yes. I was going to tell you about me purchasing the land for us."

"You own this land?"

"We own this land. Fifteen acres. Enough room to live and we won't have people building on top of us."

"We own this land…"

"We do. I still owe a little bit on it, but I've been making payments on it. We should have it paid off in less than a year."

"Really?" Elizabeth's voice was becoming excited. "So, what is Mr. P and Mr. Johnston doing here?"

"Mr. Johnston used to build houses in his younger life. He retired and bought that small farm on the outskirts of town."

"I've met him a couple of times, but I don't know him well."

"Well, you will get to know him now."

"Why? Why are they here?"

…

"Mother how are you doing?"

"I don't know how to answer that question."

"I'm sorry."

"Me too dear."

"What happens now?"

"Mr. Lewis will travel to Medicine Hat tomorrow. William will see the judge early next week sometime. Mr. Lewis will meet with the D. A. at some point then too."

"Do you think what Jack said about the Assistant D. A. will help?"

"I think so if he is able to work out the deal. I still can't believe Jack did that."

"I know. Especially with how father treated him."

"Yeah…" Grace laid on the bed staring at the ceiling. She still couldn't believe Jack would reach out on William's behalf. William was never nice to him. "…I do believe that speaks of the man Jack is."

"I agree. He loves Bethie."

"I see that now."

"What are you going to do?"

"I'm not sure, dear. I haven't thought that far ahead."

"Are you staying for their wedding?"

"I am. Other than that, I just don't know."

…

"They are building your home."

"My home?" She asked very slowly.

"Actually, our home." Jack stated as he squeezed her hand.

"Our home…" Her voice trailed off as she stared at the men on top of the hill.

"Yes, they are building our home on our hill. Mr. Johnston has your sketch and is going by that."

"I was wondering where that went."

"I took it and made some adjustments to it. I just added a couple of things. They are marking off the spot where the house will sit. Lee will be cutting the wood one day next week when he is caught up at the mill."

"Really?" She asked completely in shock.

"Yes…are you ok with it?" He asked a little hesitantly.

"Our house…" She stated very softly.

"Yes mommy, our home. I have helped a little with the river rock and a few other things Mr. P let me. I also help with some of the math."

Elizabeth looked down at her son and then engulfed him in a huge hug. "Thank you, my sweet boy. Thank you."

Elizabeth then turned her attention to Jack. "Jack…thank you." She tried to say but the tears were beginning to overtake her eyelids and fall down her face.

"Bella, let's go and look at what they're doing. We can also look at the sketch to make sure you are happy with my few adjustments."

"Come on!" She excitedly pulled Jack and JJ up the hill.

…

Sargeant Adams pulled his horse to a stop. They have been traveling for about an hour and he has had enough. He just couldn't take it anymore. The wagon came to a stop. Adams jumped off his horse and reached for the bandanna he kept in his pocket. He jumped on the back of the wagon without saying a word. He kneeled in front of Gowan and tied the bandanna around his head and in his mouth.

"Now, this will keep that trap shut." He then turned toward Charles pointing his finger in Charles' face. "Keep it up and you will be next. We will be stopping for lunch in a couple of hours…if you make a sound, I will stuff a bandanna down your throat. Do you understand me?" He demanded. The other mounties just stared in disbelief. Adams was always a mountie who was controlled. He was never too emotional.

Adams tone was filled with frustration and a tint of anger. He knew he was going to hear about Jack's decision to not reenlist mostly due to his approving Jack's temporary posting. That decision wasn't going to set well with his superiors. He was also just tired of hearing Gowan and Charles. They were complaining about every little thing. "The sun was too hot…" "The wagon wasn't comfortable…" He was just over them.

Charles shut his mouth, but he did stare at this mountie. Franklin laughed at the exchange. When Adams jumped off the wagon and sat back on his horse, Louis leaned over to Charles.

"You really need to watch yourself. That attitude will only get you in trouble in prison."

Charles looked at William. He was sitting with the weight of the world on his shoulder. William looked deflated. Everything was on his shoulders. He really messed up and knew he was going to pay the price. As bad as that is, it was the effect his actions had on his family that upset him the most. He never thought he would get caught. He knew the mill would close and his Elizabeth would move home. Then his plan for her life would begin to take hold. Now, his wife would be shunned by a few of the social elites that they considered friends.

"When will I speak with Mr. Lewis?" Charles leaned toward William.

William slowly raised his head and eyes toward Charles. "He will never speak with you. After laying your hands on my daughter with the intent of taking what wasn't yours to take, you are lucky I'm handcuffed. Charles, you are on your own." William hissed through clinched teeth.

"You can't be serious?"

William's glare gave Charles his answer.

…

"Ms. Thatcher, this is where the living room will be located. According to your drawing, the front double window will be here."

Elizabeth listened intently to Mr. Johnston explain the layout of the home. There were wood steaks drove in the ground. Mr. Johnston walked her around and would point to one and explain what it meant. She accepted his arm as he escorted her to the different places. He shared the wrap around porch and the larger library. She was excited about the few changes Jack put into the sketch. He didn't change much.

"What are those for?" Elizabeth nodded toward two piles of different color rock.

"Oh…that's a surprise for you." Jack smiled.

"A surprise?"

"Yes."

"Well, I know about them. So, it's not a surprise any longer. What are they for?"

Jack smiled at her annoyance of not knowing. Elizabeth was a little nosey at times. There was no way he was going to tell her what they were for. He wanted that to be a surprise. "You'll find out at some point."

"Are you seriously not going to tell me?"

"Nope." He grinned that grin that she loved and hated so much.

"Jack…" She glared at him to no avail. She turned her attention to her little boy. "JJ…" In a soft, loving, motherly tone. "…what is the two piles of rocks for, sweetheart?"

"Not going to work mommy. That is my part of the surprise. I'm not talking." JJ cinched his lips together.

Elizabeth huffed and playfully stomped her foot at neither of her boys telling her the reason for the two piles of rocks.

"That's the Elizabeth I remember so well." Mr. P laughed. His smile faded when she shot the teacher's glare toward him.

"Wow…" Mr. Johnston whispered at her expression.

"Don't worry, Mr. Johnston. That look looks only scary. She's adorable when she does that." Jack's smile grew when she huffed again and scrunched up her nose. JJ laughed when she playfully stomped her foot the second time. Jack reached for her hand. He led her to the other side of the property.

"This will be our bedroom. We will have a door to the back porch. The porch will be here. We will be taking this tree down. It's too close to the home and it will give us the perfect view of the setting sun."

"Jack." Elizabeth stated closing her eyes. "I can see it now." She contented sighed. "Is it Wednesday now?"

"I was thinking…"

"Yes…" She hopefully interrupted him.

…

Grace woke up to Elizabeth setting on the edge of the bed. She was looking at the sketch of her home. She was looking over it again, making any changes she wanted. So far, she had been very happy with the plans and had no intentions of changing an of it.

"How are you, mother?"

"I'm good." Grace said sitting up. "I believe I was tired."

"I would say. I'm glad you were able to rest."

"Me too. I believe I'm a little hungry. What time is it?"

"Around three o'clock or so. Would you like to go downstairs to see if Abagail has anything left over from lunch?"

"That sounds good to me."

Grace stood and fixed her dress. Elizabeth did the same.

"What do you have there, dear?"

"Plans for our home." Elizabeth stated smiling.

"Your home?"

On the way to the dining room, Elizabeth filled her mother in on the story of their hill and Jack buying it. She shared with her mother about the sketch and the few changes Jack made to it. When they sat down at a small table for two, Elizabeth showed her mother the sketch.

"You did this? Elizabeth, I didn't know you can sketch."

"I can't. Not very well anyways. When I was in Hamilton when you all were shunning me for coming back here, I walked through town one afternoon and found a store that sold supplies. I bought some things. It helped me feel close to Jack."

"That must have been a hard time for you." Grace stated as she reached for her daughter's hand.

"It was on several levels."

"I'm sorry I wasn't any help for you during that time."

"Now you are a huge help to me. That's in the past. I choose to look at today and tomorrow."

"That's a great plan. Now, do you think the co-CEO and co-owner will work?"

"I know it will. Jack and I have had some ups and downs over the last three years. Every down we had; we were at odds. Every up we had, we worked together. We work very well together."

"I'm grateful to hear that." Grace thought back on some memorable memories. "That's how your father and I were in the beginning. We worked so well together. When the company grew and you girls came along, we were good, but we kind of went our little different avenues. We never grew apart or anything, but we weren't as close as we were in the beginning."

"That sounds like Jack and I."

"Keep that part of your marriage alive and well, Elizabeth. Don't allow the busyness of life to steal that part from you two."

Elizabeth nodded her head. This type of conversation just wasn't something she and her mother would normally have. Grace was a good mother, but not an active mother. Elizabeth would always go to Mrs. P for conversations like this.

"Listen to your mother, young lady." Mrs. P stated as she walked to the table. "She's a wise woman."

"Not as wise as I should have been. Mrs. P, would you please sit with us?"

"Here is a cup of tea for you two. I believe this is a mother and daughter moment."

"Mrs. P, you have been more of a mother to my daughter than I have." Grace turned her attention to her middle daughter. "I'm sorry about that." Grace lowered her head a little. She took a deep breath and then raised her head. "We're not living in the past any longer. We are looking at today and tomorrow. Now Mrs. Pacifico, have a seat with us please. Maybe we can give Elizabeth a little bit of old lady wisdom."

Mrs. P laughed at Grace's statement. Grace and Elizabeth moved to a bigger table. "Now, what do you have there Bethie?"

Elizabeth shared the story with Mrs. P. The ladies talked for an hour just discussing a little bit of everything. To Elizabeth, she honestly felt like she gained a mother. Grace and Mr. P loved the sketch of the house. They thought it fit Elizabeth perfectly. They smiled about the land when Elizabeth described to them the meaning behind it.

…

"Son, I am very proud of you. You did an excellent job in taking care of your mother today."

JJ shrugged his shoulders. "It was easy…mommy's easy to love."

"She is."

"Did you know that I talked her into going into the pond?"

"How in the world did you do that?"

JJ let out a little boy's laugh. "I just talked her into it."

"Huh…I always struggle getting her to do something if she doesn't want too."

"You just need to know how to ask her." JJ gave his daddy the same expression he gave his mommy trying to convince her to do it.

"I think it's more the deliverer than the statement."

"What does that mean?"

"I think it's more about you than the fact that she wanted to get in the pond.

"She loves me."

"She does."

"Where's mommy?"

"She's with her mother for a little while. Like you were there for her, she needs to be there for her mother."

JJ pondered the thought for a moment. It did make sense to him, but his boy's heart wanted to be with his mommy.

"Ok, but I think we need to check on her soon."

"Fine with me. Would you like to make our way to the café?"

"Sure." JJ jumped up eager to check on Elizabeth.

"Are you ok with us moving the wedding date?"

"I'm more than ok with it."

…

As Jack and JJ made their way to the café, Jack remembered that he needed to stop by the jail for a moment.

"Son, I need to go to the jail. Why don't you run along to the café to check on your mommy?"

"Perfect. She needs me."

"Yes, she does."

Jack watched his little boy run off to the café. With his son and his pending marriage to Elizabeth, his heart was running over. He looked up when Mr. Yost came out of the mercantile waving a telegram. Jack sighed at the sight. He just wasn't looking forward to any more telegrams.

"Constable! Constable Thornton! I just received this for you."

"Thank you, Mr. Yost." Jack fingered the telegram for a moment. He decided to wait until he was in the jail to read it. He realized it was two telegrams instead of just one.

Jack walked through the jail door and let out a very contented sigh. He smiled at the quiet. His jail has been full the last few days and he was extremely happy to see the empty cells. He was also happy with the quiet. He sat down at his desk and marveled in the stillness of the jail. He turned his attention to the first telegram. It was from his father's friend, the assistant district attorney in Medicine Hat.

Constable Thornton –

D. A. approved of our discussed deal. Will discuss with attorney first of next week.

Jack smiled at the response. He didn't do it for William. He did it for Elizabeth. He knew that was the best they could do.

He turned his attention to the second telegram.

Constable Thornton –

Stopped in a small town a few hours outside of H. V. for lunch and to rest the horses. All is well. Interested in what we discussed.

– Constable Reed

Jack smiled. He and Reed got along very well while he was in Hope Valley helping out. They connected well professionally. Most of the time, he didn't have to verbally communicate with Reed. They just clicked. Jack thought he would be a good replacement for him if his superiors would agree to Reed's transfer. Jack approached him with a thought before they left.

…

JJ walked into the café with his head on a swivel. His only focus was finding his mommy. She was sitting with Grace and Mrs. P. Both JJ's and Elizabeth's faces lit up when they saw each other. JJ ran toward his mommy with open arms. Elizabeth braced herself knowing he was going to run into her open arms.

"There's my boy!"

"Mommy! How are you?"

"I'm better now. What have you been up too?"

"I was with daddy for a little while. He was coming over here but needed to go to the jail for a few minutes."

"Elizabeth, are you ok with Jack's decision to leave the mounties?"

"Yes and no. I didn't want him to leave but it was his decision. We discussed it a few times. He knew my desire, but my ultimate desire was for him to be happy with his job. He said he can help people by being sheriff and be home every night."

"That's true." Stated Mrs. P.

"I just hope he doesn't regret it later on."

"Jack is a smart man. He knows what he's doing." Grace comforted Elizabeth as JJ settled in his normal spot on Elizabeth's lap.

"He is…"

"Then it's settled." Mrs. P stated. "What about his time left?"

"I'm not too sure. He has just under two months. It could be less if they add his time off he hasn't taken yet."

"Will they still transfer him?"

"Not at first. He is appealing the transfer. When he does that, he is required to remain at his current post until the appeal's process is finished."

"How long does that take?"

"I'm not certain, mother. If he loses the appeal, he may still be transferred for the remainder of his time until his end date or he may remain here. If he wins the appeal, he will remain here until his time is out."

"We'll pray for the later." Grace and Mrs. P stated.

"We're still getting married. He already has some time off."

"Great. What else do we need to plan?"

…

Lee looked up from his office desk when the door opened. "Oh man…this isn't good!" He whispered to himself.

Rosemary and Faith walked into the office. It was time for his checkup with Faith. He should have been home a couple of hours ago. He completely forgot about the appointment.

"I can explain…" He began until he saw the two women's faces. While Rosemary and Faith weren't close friends, they were united on the task at hand. They meet up at Lee's house when both arrive at the same time to see Lee.

"Why are you here?" Demanded both Rosemary and Faith at the same time.

"I lost track of time." He stated. He quickly understood by their expressions that they didn't buy the excuse.

"I just lost track of it catching up on paperwork and orders."

Both ladies' facial expression didn't change. They knew Lee well enough to know that he was going to push the time at the office. While he has remained off the foot and kept it elevated when he could, he would stay later than what Faith told him to do for the first little while.

"Leland Coulter…get yourself home now!" Rosemary stated.

"But…I…"

"Now! Mr. Hickam is outside with a wagon waiting for you."

Lee started to say something until he looked up. He knew he was losing this battle quickly.

"Fine." He huffed under his breath.

"What?" Rosemary snapped.

"Nothing."

"I'll meet you at your home, Mr. Coulter."

"Thank you, Nurse Carter."

…

Jack walked into the café to a lively group sitting around a table. JJ was in his mother' lap listening to something Mrs. P was saying. Everyone was intently listening. Abagail just joined them a couple of minutes before Jack arrived.

"He didn't…?" Asked Julie.

"Jack most certainly did." Elizabeth stated.

"Jack did what?" Jack asked as he began to walk toward the large table.

"Nothing." Everyone stated at the same time.

Jack looked toward Elizabeth. The question was perfectly understood without him having to say a word. Elizabeth nodded her head. As of now, she was doing well.

Jack pulled up a chair and sat beside Elizabeth and JJ. Jack noticed the conversation quickly changed to a different topic. He wanted to know what they were saying, but he was also grateful he didn't know. Before he reached for Elizabeth's hand, she reached for his.

"Did you tell them?" He whispered.

"No. I was waiting on you."

Jack nodded his head slightly. "When?"

"Why not know?" She smiled her approval.

"Excuse me. Elizabeth and I have an announcement to make." Jack was going to stand to speak, but JJ was still on Elizabeth's lap, and she couldn't stand. They just tightened their hold on each other. When everyone quieted down, they turned their attention toward Jack and Elizabeth.

"Elizabeth, JJ, and I were talking earlier today. We decided to get married the day after tomorrow." Silence filled the air for about two seconds, then everyone erupted in conversation.

Jack and Elizabeth couldn't follow everyone's conversations. There was talk about their individual parties to dresses to flowers.

Charlette whistled. She had this way of whistling so loud that you could hear it a mile away. Everyone immediately quieted down.

"Go ahead son."

"We figured everyone was here. We would love for you all to stay if possible."

"We're staying. Tom was scheduled to leave tomorrow, but he may be able to stay for one more day if he can work it out." Julie stated.

"Is this what you want?" Charlette asked the young couple.

"Not really, but it's the best we can do." Elizabeth stated.

"What do you mean dear?" Grace asked.

"If we could, we would be married this evening. We know there are a couple of things that need to be done and people want to throw us a party. So, we are getting married the day after tomorrow. Our honeymoon will change a little, but we will work that out."

"This is what we want. We want to be married and begin our journey together as a family." Elizabeth stated squeezing Jack's hand and wrapping her other arm around JJ a little tighter.

"Perfect. Ok ladies, we have thing that needs to be finished." Grace stated.

"I'll get with the fellas and discuss something with Jack tomorrow." Tom stated.

While everyone began planning their part, Jack and Elizabeth leaned slightly in toward each other. "I think they handled that well."

"They did." Jack smiled. "Are you ready for this?"

"Is Frank available today?"

"The day after tomorrow."

"Yes, the day after tomorrow."

…

Jack and JJ walked on the café porch long after it closed. It was passed JJ's bedtime, but they couldn't sleep. They noticed a small lantern was lit. They were hoping someone was awake. Jack lightly knocked on the door. They heard footsteps. Jack closed his eyes praying it was Elizabeth. Jack and JJ were worried about her. She seemed fine during the day. There were moments they could tell Elizabeth was lost in thought. Truth be told, Jack and JJ just wanted to be with her in case she needed them. They just wanted to be around.

The door opened slowly, and Elizabeth's head poked around the door.

"Jack…JJ…what are you doing here?" She spoke in a hush tone. "JJ, you should already be in bed." Her mother's tone was beginning to come out.

"We wanted to check on you." JJ's tired voice came through the evening air.

Elizabeth smiled at her little boy and then turned her attention to Jack. He knew by her expression that he needed to explain.

"We couldn't sleep. We're worried about you. We had to check on you."

Elizabeth's tone softened at the care of her two boys. "You came all the way here to check on me at this hour?"

"Of course. We're worried about you." Jack's voice was very caring and soft.

"Come on in." Elizabeth opened the door further and stepped back. To be honest, she was missing her family and just wanted to be with them. She couldn't sleep. Her mind was just too busy when she laid down.

Jack and JJ stepped in the side door of the café. They made their way to the living room area. Elizabeth sat down in the middle of the couch. Jack sat to her left and JJ to her right. Both of her boys took her hand.

"Are you ok? I know you had a hard day."

"Parts of it was hard and parts were really good."

Jack nodded his head.

"I love you, mommy." JJ sleepily stated as he settled further down on the couch and placed his head on her shoulder. She thought he was asleep before he was even comfortable.

"Jack, you shouldn't have brought him."

"Elizabeth, we were worried about you. We both wanted to check on you. We couldn't sleep. We just talked about you. Elizabeth…we had to be here with you."

"That's sweet of you two. I missed you."

"Me too…to be perfectly honest…" His voice slowly went to silence.

"Yes…"

"We had to be with you. We had to be here with you. I don't know if it was for you or for us, but we couldn't stay away."

"Thank you, Jack. I'm grateful you are here."

Elizabeth settled into Jack's side and placed her head on his shoulder. Jack moved to the end of the couch and placed a pillow in his lap. He gestured for her to lay down. She placed her head on the pillow and laid on her side. JJ found his way to lay in front of her. She wrapped her arm around her boy. Jack placed one hand on her back and gently rubbed her back in up and down motions. He placed his other hand on her head and gently began to scratch her head. He tilted his head back on the couch and closed his eyes just after Elizabeth closed her eyes.