I posted this earlier a couple of times but there were some issues with it. My fanfiction account has been acting weird for weeks now. Let's try this again…
Chapter 50
Before Grace was able to finish her thought, there was a knock at the front door. A few moments later, the butler walked into the sitting room informing Jack that he had a visitor in the front foyer. Jack looked confused at his bride.
"Who's that?" Elizabeth asked.
"I don't know. I don't know anyone in Hamilton. Tom doesn't live here any longer."
Elizabeth stood up with Jack and they both made their way to the front foyer. They noticed a young man in a mountie's uniform. He was holding his hat in his left hand.
"Sergeant Thornton…Sergeant Jack Thornton?"
"Yes Corporal. I'm Sergeant Thornton. What may I do for you?"
"Your presence is requested at headquarters, sir."
"Corporal, I'm on leave."
"I understand, sir." The young mountie handed Jack a handwritten note. Jack took his eyes off the mountie and unfolded the note. Elizabth stepped closer to read the note when Jack moved it so she could read it as well.
Sergeant Jack Thornton –
Your presence is requested at headquarters immediately.
– Deputy Commissioner Andrew Pearson
Elizabeth remembered the name from the letters and telegrams Jack showed her a day ago. This gentleman was insistent on meeting Jack to discuss his leaving the mounties. While Pearson did not go into deep detail in the letters, he was adamant that he wanted to speak with Jack before his time ran out on his enlistment.
"Sir, I was also informed to tell you that since you are ordered to go to headquarters, you will be given another day of leave since you are asked to come into work."
"I don't have my mountie's uniform." Jack thought out loud. He had refused to pack it since he was on leave and was leaving the mounties soon. Elizabeth tried to talk him into bringing it, but Jack just didn't think it was necessary.
"That's ok, sir. Deputy Commissioner Pearson understands you are on leave."
"Go Jack…be back here for dinner. We eat at six." Elizabeth stated then kissed him on the cheek.
"Corporal, please give me a couple of minutes."
"Yes sir. I'll be outside by the car."
Jack and Elizabeth watched the young man walk out the front door. Jack sighed. He was beginning to not feel good about any of this…the meeting, the discussion that was coming, and being in Hamilton. Everything felt like they were weighing squarely on his shoulders. He was beginning to feel every ounce of the weight.
Elizabeth tiptoed to give her husband another kiss. She offered him a smile. "Come and say goodbye to your son. Then give me a kiss and come back to us as fast as possible."
He gave her a smile. She knew how to handle him and what to say.
"Yes, ma'am."
…
"What's that all about?" Grace asked after watching Jack kiss her daughter goodbye and kiss JJ on the cheek before walking out of the room.
Elizabeth looked at her son sitting next to Grace. "Let's see if we can find that pond."
Grace smiled as JJ shot up from his chair. She also knew what Elizabeth wanted to do. She didn't want to have this discussion in front of a fully attentive JJ.
"Not too far ahead of us." Elizabeth warned JJ as they were walking through the back yard past the flowerbeds.
"That way…see the small trail?" Grace asked.
"Yes ma'am." JJ made a bee line to the small trail.
"What's going on?"
A smiling Elizabeth turned her attention from her boy to her mother. The smile faded a little.
"A Deputy Commissioner Andrew Pearson wrote several letters and telegrams to Jack when we were away for our honeymoon. He was shocked and upset that Jack was not reenlisting."
"You guys were only gone for a few days."
"Yes, he's very eager to speak with Jack. The Constable was sent to ask Jack to come to headquarters to speak with Deputy Commissioner Pearson."
"I know that name. He is in line to be the Superintendent very soon. I have met him a few times at functions your father and I have attended. He seems like a nice enough man."
"Yes. That's what Jack says about his promotion."
"I don't want this to sound derogatory, but isn't Jack a little low on the ladder for a Deputy Commissioner to be involved in Jack's decision to leave the mounties?"
Elizabeth looked at her mother for a moment to see if she was being cruel spirited. She didn't get the feeling that her mother was being mean.
"Within the mounties, Jack is a rising star. Do you know that his arrest of the Toliver gang is already being taught in the academy? He is well respected within the mounties."
"Is he alright with his decision in stepping away from the mounties?" Grace asked as they began to walk down the small trail. JJ was about fifteen feet in front of them.
"Yes. I have questioned him numerous times. He wants to be at home. He doesn't want to be away for months at a time. He said that he wants to be present with his family. He is still serving people by becoming the sheriff."
Grace reached for Elizabeth's hand. "I'm happy for you, dear. He is a good man."
"He is. I am blessed by him."
"He says the same about you, Elizabeth."
Elizabeth smiled at her mother's words. She felt truly blessed to be Jack's wife. He isn't perfect. However, he was the perfect man for her.
"Pearson wants to try and talk Jack into reenlisting."
"Is Jack dead set against it?"
"He is. He wants to be home. He also feels like he was lied to by being told that he wouldn't have to be moved. Yet, he is being ordered to go away for weeks."
"That's not all of it, is it?"
"What do you mean?"
"Elizabeth…Mrs. Pacifico may have raised you more than I have, but I know my daughter. What's the other issue?"
…
"What do you think?"
Mr. Johnston smiled. "I think we are looking to be in good shape. The walls are going quickly. We should begin on the roof within a couple of days."
Mr. P smiled. "That's great to see. So…would you say about a month or so?"
"Maybe a little longer than a month. However, I am very satisfied with our progress."
"I'll need to get with Jack and Elizabeth about them ordering things for their home. It will take a little bit of time to have those things delivered here."
"That would be smart. They're in Hamiton, right?
"Yes."
"Maybe you can send them a telegram asking them to start shopping while there."
"That's a great idea." Mr. P stated. "I know they're working on the telephone line sometime this week."
"They are."
"I'll have my wife send the telegram. Maybe they can take a day to look for things for their home?"
…
Jack looked out the passenger window as the young Constable drove through the streets of Hamilton. He noticed the restaurant where he and Elizabeth ate lunch the first time they were in Hamilton. He laughed at the memory of the waiter wearing white gloves. He also saw a beautiful park he thought would be a great place to take Elizabeth for a walk.
After a few moments, the Constable pulled into a small parking lot beside a building. He jumped out of the car and followed the young man into the building. This wasn't the same station where he got his brother the last time he was in this town. This building was mainly offices.
Charles was walking down the street after visiting with his lawyer. Many law offices were close to the mountie headquarters. He looked up and noticed Jack getting out of the car and walking toward the building.
"That means Elizabeth is home." He whispered to himself as he continued walking.
"Sergeant Thornton." A lady spoke behind a desk.
"Yes, ma'am."
"Please follow me."
Jack nodded his head and began to follow this middle aged woman down the hall. After a few moments, she walked into an office without even knocking. "Deputy Commissioner Pearson, this is Sergeant Jack Thornton from Hope Valley. Sergeant Thronton, this is Deputy Commissioner Pearson."
The older man stood from his office chair and walked around the desk. He gave Jack a manly handshake.
"Sergeant Thornton…pleased to meet you. Please, have a seat. "Mrs. Adams, please bring us some coffee."
When she walked out of the office, Pearson looked at Jack. "Let's talk informally."
"Yes, sir."
…
"My family."
Grace hung her head. Over the last few weeks, she has replayed her and her family's treatment of Jack. Even when they were cold toward him, he came through for her family. That was impressive to her. It also showed her the type of man he is. William would not have received such a great plea deal if it wasn't for Jack. She was also grateful that she could easily visit him each week in prison. She wouldn't have to travel for hours. It sounds odd, but they are closer now than they have been in years.
"We weren't very nice to him, were we?"
"No." Elizabeth lowered her head. "I wasn't as good as I should have been toward him either."
"He doesn't like being here because of his two previous visits?"
Elizabeth only nodded her head. They heard JJ in front of them. He was eager to find the pond. He wanted to see the place where Elizabeth fell into the water. He loved the fact that he was at him mommy's childhood home. It made him feel more connected to her. He was still shocked by the size of the home. He never imagined anyone lived in something so big.
Grace saw the hurt in her daughter's facial features. Elizabeth saw the hurt in her mother's facial features too. They both regretted their previous actions.
The fact that she, along with William and Viola, treated Jack with contempt was weighing heavy on her heart and mind. Grace was struggling with her past actions in light of what Jack did for her husband. She turned her head to speak to Elizabeth but noticed her pain.
"What's wrong dear?"
"I'm just remembering all the things I did when I was here the last two times with Jack. I was so unfair toward him. I did so many things I wish I could undo."
"I think there is enough blame to spread around to us all, dear."
…
Pearson looked at Jack for a few moments as he sat in the chair in front of the desk. He was sizing Jack up. Everything he has learned from others looked like they resided in the man in front of him. Instead of sitting behind his massive desk, he walked around it and sat in the chair that was beside Jack.
"Jack, I have read the official reports concerning your service as a mountie. It's rather impressive."
"Thank you, sir."
"Please Jack, let's speak informally."
"I'm sorry, sir, but I just can't do that with your rank. My father's voice won't allow me."
"I understand he was a mountie."
"Yes sir. I have been taught protocol before I was able to speak."
Pearson laughed. "I understand. I know he died in the line of duty."
"Yes, sir. He did when I was younger."
Pearson wanted to move the conversation towards a reconciliation of Jack remaining in the ranks of the mounties. "Jack, I have also read the reports of you deciding not to reenlist with us. I know what the reports states, but I would like to hear it from you…with your words."
This impressed Jack. Honestly, there was no reason for someone in Pearson's rank to be involved in this matter. It just didn't reach to Pearson's level. The fact that Pearson wanted to hear Jack's point of view made him like the senior officer instantly.
"Sir, why is this on your desk? I'm a very small cog in a huge wheel."
"Jack, you're not as small of a cog as you think you are. Now, please tell me what happened for you to decide to not reenlist."
…
"Ok…we have seven fish. I think I'm going back to the cabin. We have been here a little while."
"I think I may stay here for a few more minutes. I'll meet you there in a little bit."
"Are you seriously not coming with me to the cabin?" Abagail asked a little shocked.
"Yeah…" Frank stated without looking up. "I want to see if I can catch a few more fish."
"Why? Seven fish is plenty for us. Frank, we can't take them back home with us."
"I've only caught two…" He stated when he looked up at his wife. The expression on her face was unmistakable. He shook his head. "I'm never going to out fish you, am I?"
"Probably not." She smirked.
"I'm not sure if I can handle this for the rest of my life." He laughed.
"If you just accept it as fact, it hurts less." She flirted as she slowly walked toward him.
Frank sat down his fishing pole and opened his arms. She walked straight into a hug. He gently squeezed her as she wrapped her arms around him.
"I'm never going to accept that as a fact." He sassed. "I will always try to beat you."
"That's one of many things I love about you…you never give up even when you know you will never win."
"Alright, Ms. Competitive."
"That's Mrs. Hogan to you."
"Thank you Lord."
Abagail smiled at his little prayer. "Come on…I'm getting hungry, and you still need to clean the fish and then cook it while I rest." She playfully, and victoriously, stated.
…
JJ found the pond with pure excitement. Grace informed her middle daughter that the lawn and garden maintenance guy told her where it was located. She knew JJ would want to visit it. So, she asked the one person who might have known. They spent about an hour just visiting the pond. JJ wanted to hear the story all over again. It was just special being at the pond. Elizabeth couldn't remember exactly where she fell in the pond, but she narrowed it down to a small section of the pond. She laughed when her little boy squatted down. It was as if he was looking for a frog.
JJ played around the pond for an hour. He was just so excited about being here. He climbed on every possible log. He even took his boots off and rolled up his pants legs so he could wade in the water. He was not passing up this opportunity.
As JJ played, Grace and Elizabeth sat on a log that had fallen over some time ago. Elizabeth was shocked at her mother. She would have never imagined that her distinguished mother would ever sit on a fallen log by a small pond. Elizabeth couldn't remember such an in depth discussion with her mother.
"So, Bethie, how do you feel about tomorrow?"
Elizabeth let out a long breath. "Nervous…a little scared…I'm not sure."
Grace reached for her daughter's hand and gently squeezed it. "I'm sure you will do an excellent job." Grace's voice was encouraging. "I think you and Jack are correct."
"What's that?"
"I'm not a businesswoman nor do I desire to be one. I do know this…you and Jack can do anything you two put your minds to. I think you two will do a fine job."
"Thank you mother."
"How is Jack handling everything?"
"He's feeling the pressure a little bit. I think he is struggling a little with the money aspect. To be honest, I am too. We never really talked about money."
"No we didn't…that was just never discussed. That was considered rude."
"I wished we had. We certainly don't know the whole thing yet, but it is a little daunting. We are trying not to think about it too much until we meet with Mr. Lewis. We just don't want to build it up in our minds too much before we know any facts."
"That's smart."
JJ came running up with his boot in his hands. "Mommy, I'm hungry."
"My sweet boy, you are always hungry."
"Daddy says I'm a growing boy."
"That you are dear." Grace stated.
…
"So…with that, I decided to pursue the sheriff's position in Hope Valley. I interviewed with Mayor Stanton, who is Mayor Hogan now. She hired me as the first sheriff of Hope Valley." Jack finished his side of the reasonings of leaving the mounties.
"Please correct me if I'm wrong, you feel like you were lied to by Superintendent Jackson?"
"Yes sir. When I visited with him in Toronto for the first time because of JJ, he ensured that I would not be assigned anywhere else. I may have to travel for a couple of days or so, but not for any length of time. It was the real reason I agreed to take JJ home with me. Since then, I fell in love with that boy. I think of him as my son."
"I understand you are adopting him."
"Yes sir. I am. My wife, Elizabeth, and I have begun the process of adopting him."
Pearson sat back in the chair he was sitting in. He examined Jack for a few moments. Jack spoke to further enlighten Pearson to his reasonings.
"JJ just lost his mother and father in a horrible accident. I lost my father as a child. I can somewhat understand what he is experiencing. I knew how important it was that my Ma and uncles were there to help me and my brother grieve. I was given this temporary assignment just a mere weeks after JJ came to live with me. I was told six to eight weeks…"
"Which would have turned into at least twelve weeks." Pearson interrupted.
"I believe so, sir. I just couldn't leave him in that situation. Plus, I don't understand the reasons that I was hand selected. Sargeant Adams and Superintendent Jackson stated that I had the expertise required to solve the situation. However, it wasn't a completely unique case."
"Yes, I agree. But Jack, mounties travel and are often called out on short notice for weeks at a time."
"Yes sir. You have my records with you on your desk. I was one of those mounties. I was on my way to Cape Fullerton when I received a telegram informing me that I was stationed in Coal Valley and needed to be there within two days. I have been moved with less than two hours' notice before. However, with JJ and his history, my situation was completely changed with the permission and approval of Superintendent Jackson. By his assurance that I would not be transferred, I agreed to take on JJ. I wasn't married. I wasn't courting anyone. Superintendent Jackson knew that. How could I take on a child in that circumstance? I had no family to leave him with."
"Why did you agree to take him?"
"His father was my academy brother."
Upon hearing that portion of the story, Pearson completely understood. "Hanson was my academy brother. We were best friends until his death last year."
"I'm sorry about that, sir. So, you understand why I took the boy on. Steve and Joy had it in their will that I should be his guardian if something happened to them. Steve had worked under Superintendent Jackson for a few months before the accident. With Superintendent Jackson's assurance of very few days away, I took JJ home with me the next day. Since then, he has become my son. He said that I will share the title daddy with his daddy in heaven."
Pearson nodded his head. He understood completely. "Superintendent Jackson will be meeting with me tomorrow. He will no longer be a Superintendent. He will be Investigator Jackson."
"Sir, I didn't want him to be punished by losing his rank."
"Jack, this has nothing to do with you. As a mountie, you understand what it means to be honest and keep your word. As an officer, Investigator Jackson should have known how vital it is to be trustworthy. He failed to uphold his word. As an officer in the Canadian Mounties, that egregious act cannot, and will not, be overlooked on my watch."
Jack looked down to his hands that were in his lap.
"Jack is there any way I could convince you to stay a mountie?"
"No sir. I have already committed to Hope Valley."
"Young man, I don't think that is the only reasoning." Jack understood Pearson's statement fully.
"Yes sir."
"What do you suggest?" Pearson asked.
Jack took a moment to gather his thoughts on the matter. "First sir, I could never imagine the load you carry. It's far above my pay grade. I just believe if the mounties were more cognizant of the family unit, you would keep more men in service."
"That might be true, Sergeant, but not only single men serve their country."
"Yes sir. I was that man too. However, now I am a father and a husband. I don't think only single men could serve, but maybe if you thought about the family as a unit, more men would be willing to serve. Too many times you ask the men to make a decision between family and the service of their country. Isn't there a middle ground, a balance if you will, that a man may have both a family and serve their country? I walked out of the academy and almost sunk my chance with Elizabeth when I kept telling her that 'if the mounties wanted me to have a wife, they would have issued me one'. I'm not saying all married men never be transferred, but if you could rework it a little."
Pearson thought about it for a few moments. "How would you do it if you were in my chair?"
Jack leaned forward and placed his elbows on his knees. "These are in no particular order…first, I would limit the time away to the time frame that is stated. I was told this temporary assignment would be six to eight weeks. Then you stated that it would probably be twelve. Stick to the original time frame as much as possible. Secondly, allow the family unit to move with the mountie. I know this isn't always possible, but I believe the family would see the necessity of time apart when all efforts are put forth before the mountie must leave alone. When the family knows that all efforts have been exhausted, they are more willing to cope with the assignment. Not every married mountie must leave on every assignment." Jack rubbed his face. "Sir, I know this isn't a fix all plan. The mounties can't work under this arrangement all the time, but sir, from where I stand, and many of the families, there is little to no effort in supporting the families of the mounties unless the death of the mountie. If the families feel like that are taken into account, then they would be more willing to suffer through a few months of a deployment."
Pearson pondered on what Jack stated. He did have a few good points, but he was having trouble figuring out how to implement them. "You have given me some things to ponder and think through."
"I just think if the men wouldn't have to make a final decision on serving their country or a family, you would keep more men. The men and the family know it's a hard life at times, but when they feel supported or that they won't have to make a decision on one or the other, more men would have stayed in or enlist to begin with."
"Something to think about. Jack, may we contact you from time to time with you potentially helping us?"
"Yes sir. I would be gladly to help if I can."
"When this leave is up, you will have four weeks of active duty left in your career. You will not be moved from Hope Valley. Your end date will actually be in six weeks, but you have two weeks of leave left. Work your four weeks and then two weeks of leave. After those six weeks, you are no longer a mountie. There is no need for an appeal of the transfer. Do you agree?"
"Yes sir. Thank you, sir."
"Jack, before you go…"
Jack shook his head. He knew exactly what Pearson was going to ask.
"I just received my new orders to head to Cape Fullerton. I was camping when three mounties came into my little camp asking questions about the Toliver gang…"
…
"Alright my sweet boy…run along in the house and get changed please. Mother and I will be on the back deck for a little bit. You know what to do."
"Yes, ma'am."
Elizabeth cupped the boy's cheeks with her hands. "How can a little boy get so dirty?"
JJ shrugged. "I guess it's a gift of mine. Love you mommy." He stated as he hugged Elizabeth and then ran into the home.
"How in the world do you not eat that little boy up?" Grace shook her head and laughed.
"It can be a challenge at times. His innocence is just so…so…" She couldn't think of a word to use to describe JJ's ability to just make her fall in love with him again.
"I understand…it's called being a mother."
JJ ran through the kitchen door and stopped before running into the next room. He turned around and walked back to the island to grab three chocolate chip cookies that were sitting on the counter. He shoved one in his mouth and picked up another one before turning to go through the kitchen. He was a little lost in the large house.
He walked into the library thinking that was the sitting room. Once in the sitting room, he would know where the stairs were and then he could easily find his bedroom. JJ stopped when he realized his mistake. He also noticed a woman about his mommy's age sitting on a sofa with a book in her hand.
"I'm sorry." JJ stated.
Viola looked up and noticed a little boy with three cookies in his hands and chewing on something.
"Who are you?"
"My name is Jack Johnson Thornton. People call me JJ."
"Ok…?" Viola stumbled. "Why are you here?"
"I'm with my mommy and daddy. My daddy is at headquarters and my mommy and Grandma Grace is sitting on the back deck."
Viola studied the boy and measured his words. "Oh…you're with Elizabeth."
"Yes, ma'am. She's my mommy on earth."
Viola studied this little boy for a moment. "What do you mean, 'mommy on earth'?"
"She shares that title with my mommy in heaven. She and daddy are adopting me. I live with them in Hope Valley."
"Well, my name is Viola Thatcher. I am Elizabeth's older sister."
"Nice to meet you Ms. Thatcher. I guess that would kind of make you my aunt. May I call you Auntie Viola?"
"No, let's stay with Ms. Thatcher." Viola stated a little colder than what she wanted. However, she still felt this marriage with Elizabeth and that mountie was something to be despised. As a result, Elizabeth's little, instant family was to be despised as well.
"Sure." JJ gave her a half smile. Elizabeth hasn't talked too much about her older sister to JJ, but what he had overheard was that she wasn't the kindest person he would ever meet. He quickly realized that was the case.
"If I may ask, what are you reading?"
Viola was a little taken back by this little kid. Her remark, what she would have thought should have stunned him, didn't bother him at all. She was also taken back by his speech. He didn't sound like a normal little boy. Not that she has been around a lot of kids, but he didn't sound like any of the ones she has experienced.
"Did you come with Elizabeth and that mountie?"
JJ looked at her a little confused. They have already spoken about that. "Yes, ma'am. I came with them. Mommy is in the back yard with Grandma Grace and daddy was called into headquarters."
"And you're staying here?"
JJ nodded his head. "Yes, ma'am."
"Excuse me." Elizabeth stated walking into the library. She had heard voices. She saw Viola's posture while speaking to her son. This instantly kicked the mamma bear mode deep within Elizabeth. She didn't think Viola would be mean toward JJ, but she thought she could be a little curt with him. Her protective nature for her son instantly kicked into overdrive. She walked up to JJ and placed a protective hand on his shoulder pulling him to her side.
"JJ, why don't you go and get changed. Please wash up."
"Yes, ma'am." He looked between Ms. Thatcher and his mommy. He saw the expression on her face. It actually scared him a little. He hasn't seen that expression before, even when he leaves frogs or tadpoles in his pockets.
"Go through that door and turn right to the stairs. You know the way from there."
"Thanks mommy." He used his finger motioning her to bend over to his level. When she did, he kissed her on the cheek. "I love you." He whispered.
Elizabeth melted at that moment. He was almost as cute as his daddy. "I love you, sweetheart. Now, go and clean yourself up and then change clothes."
As he reached the doorway to leave the library, Elizabeth called out to him. "You better not have anything in your pockets."
He stopped and turned to face her. He had a smirk on his face. "Now…would I do that?" He sassed with the same smile just like his daddy.
As hard as she tried, she just couldn't keep the smile from covering her face. That little boy just stole her heart all over again. After he left and she heard his feet on the steps, she turned to her older sister.
Viola saw the instant her little sister's facial expression change. She shifted uncomfortably on the sofa. Elizabeth took a few deep breaths to calm herself. She was barely able to control the fire in her belly and in her eyes.
"Viola…"
…
"Constable, may we stop on the way to the Thatcher residence?"
"Sure, Sergeant Thornton. Where would you like to stop?"
"I would like to purchase some flowers for my wife. Do you know of a good florist?"
"I do. Reba's on Franklin St. has the best flowers in Hamilton."
"Perfect. May we stop there on the way?"
"Sure. We are about ten minutes away."
"Thank you."
"Sergeant Thronton, It is a pleasure to meet you."
"I'm sorry."
"I read all about your arrest of the Toliver gang. I was in the academy just a few months ago. They use that arrest as a teaching tool. That was a great idea to use those tablecloths."
"To be honest young man, I was scared to death. I'm sure you know the back story."
"I've heard rumors."
"Rumors are a tricky thing…there is a small hint of truth to them, but mostly they are fabrications."
"If I may, any advice for someone like me?"
"Well, my greatest piece of advice to you is two fold. First, don't lose your mind. No matter what is going on, you always need to be able to think. Don't become too scared, too busy, too nervous to lose your mind. You must always think."
The young constable nodded his head.
"Secondly, when you can control your mind and your emotions, always go with your gut instincts. No matter how silly it may sound at the moment, always follow your instincts. Be dedicated to your idea and follow through with every ounce of strength you have. Those red table cloths didn't make much since and still don't, but it was what I thought of at that moment. Go with your gut."
"Thank you sir."
…
"…I swear Viola…if you ever disrespect my son again…if you speak to him in a manner…" Elizabeth couldn't control her emotions. She felt it best to just not finish the sentence. Her emotions were at the point of overflowing. Elizabeth has never physically assaulted anyone. However, she was never a mother before. She had no doubt she would do anything to protect her son. Later on, while speaking with Jack about the conversation with her sister, she still couldn't explain her true, raw emotional feelings. She just knew she would do anything for her son. She would protect her son at all costs.
"He isn't your son."
"He most certainly is my son!" Elizabeth stated boldly. Her body posture is becoming more intimidating than it has ever been before. Her tone was resolute. For Elizabeth, she never remembered being so upset with anyone. She closed her eyes for a few moments while taking several deep breaths. She finally opened her eyes and slowly walked to the sofa where Viola was sitting. She gently sat down next to her older sister. In an incredibly calm voice, she spoke. While her voice was calm, however, it was strong and left no misunderstandings in its meaning.
"Viola, I am that boy's mother. He is my son. You are his aunt. If you refuse that, you are missing out on one of the greatest treasures in this life. That boy is special. He'll love you with every ounce of strength that he has. I will not allow you to be mean to him. He has a kind heart, and I will protect his heart with every ounce of strength I have." She gave her older sister a smile. "Also, you will not disrespect my husband. Jack is an honorable man who I love with all of my heart. He is the person God has placed in my life."
"Charles is an honorable man."
"Not as much as you think he is." She unconsciously rubbed her wrists where Charles left some bruises. "He was a good friend until he crossed that line physically. Nonetheless, he was never going to be the man in my life. Jack is that man. Now, you don't have to like him, but make no mistake, you will respect him as my husband."
"And if I don't?" Challenged Viola.
Elizabeth leaned over and gave her sister a hug. While in her embrace, Elizabeth softly stated. "This isn't an option. Mother and father raised you better than that." With that statement, Elizabeth released her hug and stood to leave the room. Before leaving, she turned to face her sister. She was looking down on her. "You heard my words, Viola. You will respect my husband and you will be honorable to my son." Viola could only stare up at her sister. Elizabeth turned to walk out of the room. She went upstairs to check on her boy.
For Viola, she was a little dumbstruck. She was shocked at Elizabeth's reaction. She wasn't expecting the very calm Elizabeth. She stood tall and spoke very well. She also spoke forcibly. Viola would have felt better if Elizabeth would have become emotional. She really didn't know how to handle the calm Elizabeth.
…
"Are you ok?" Jack asked as he changed his shirt. The young couple were in Elizabeth's childhood bedroom getting ready for bed. JJ was across the hall already in bed. She was telling Jack about her and her sister's conversation in the library. Jack though Viola was a little quiet during dinner but didn't think too much about it. After all, he wasn't Viola's favorite person anyways. He noticed JJ was his normal self with everyone except for Viola.
"I am."
"Are you sure? I know how much you love your family." Jack asked as he dropped his clean shirt on the edge of the bed and walked toward Elizabeth. He stood in front of her in a loose hug. His hand caringly resting on her waist. There was plenty of room between them. While he didn't have a shirt on, he did have on his jeans he wore all day.
"I am. I was a little too emotional at the beginning. I think it's the momma bear thing coming out. There was no way I was going to allow any disrespect toward my son." Her voice was just as adamant as it was a few hours ago.
"Our son." Jack flashed a knowing grin.
"At that moment, he was my son." She sassed back. She finally relaxed in the comfortable hug. She placed her forearms on Jack's shoulders and loosely interwoven her fingers behind his head.
Jack's grin told her that he completely understood, even if his words didn't say that. "He's always our son."
Elizabeth just grinned her knowing grin at him. This was one of the moments he loved that expression.
"I knew she was baiting me into an argument. So I took a few deep breaths. I honestly think the calm way I spoke to her freaked her out the most."
Jack couldn't help but laugh at his wife's victorious smile. She was so proud of herself for controlling her emotions. She knew that confused her sister a little. Jack looked into his wife's eyes for a moment. He was never going to tell her, but he was moved that she stood up to her sister on his behalf. She defended him. He didn't know why that made such an impression on him, but it really did move him to his foundations.
She saw the look on Jack's face. She was grateful she could read him so easily. She remembered when she first came back to Hope Valley after the disastrous last visit that caused all the issues. She hated the fact that she couldn't read Jack's expression any longer.
"I should have done that year's ago." She softly stated while they made eye contact. She didn't have to explain her statement. Jack knew exactly what she was referring to. Jack simply nodded his head.
Jack gently kissed her on her cheek and turned to walk to her bed. He reached down to pick up his sleeping shirt. She admired her husband.
"Jack…you're breaking our rule." She flirted.
"What rule?" He honestly asked.
"The no sleeping with a shirt rule." She began to slowly walk toward him.
"Elizabeth, this is your parent's home…your bedroom."
"It's a big house, Jack." She walked into his presence. "I don't think mother will hear us. She placed her palms on his chest. She loved the feeling of his chest. Embarrassingly, she slowly stated. "I have thought of you the few times I've stayed here since I met you."
Jack's heart stopped beating. "Really?"
She nodded her head. "When I was here and you weren't, I would lay in that bed thinking of you…of us. As a teen, I would dream about my future husband in this room." Her face was turning red with embarrassment. "Jack…" She scooted closer. "…will you make my dreams come true?"
She smiled when Jack's knees gave way, and he lowered a couple of inches before he caught himself.