Chapter 59
Scott turned to face the door after hearing the knock and then the door opened. A bailiff in his uniform was standing there.
"Sir, Judge Black, along with Mr. Wilson and Mr. Kensington, is waiting for you."
"Yes sir." Then he turned his attention to Jack and Elizabeth. "Give me a few minutes. I'll find you."
"Thank you." Jack and Elizabeth stated.
They watched Scott leave the office. Jack turned his attention toward his wife.
"Are you ok?"
"I'm fine. I just wish this nightmare will be over soon."
"How is your tummy?"
"It's good. I guess all of this is just wearing on me."
"I'm sorry."
"Jack…" She walked into his embrace. "…this nightmare will soon end and then we can continue with our lives like we want."
"Yeah…"
"Now, give me a kiss. We need to find my son."
"Our son…" Jack corrected her. "If I'm guessing correctly, I would say Grandma Grace is buying him a snack."
"He's a growing boy." Elizabeth sassed. Jack would often say that.
…
Scott walked into the outer office of the judge's chambers. He noticed Wilson and Kensington standing waiting for him. When all three men were in the room, the bailiff knocked on the judge's door and opened it without being told to.
"Your honor."
"Come in…come in…" Black interrupted him.
"Gentlemen, your ten minutes are up. What is your decision?" He nonchalantly stated without even looking up.
Mr. Wilson noticed a young woman sitting in the corner of the chambers. When he began to speak, she took notes.
"Mr. Kensington pleads guilty to both his involvement in the sawmill and to assault and will serve six months in prison, two years of probation once he is released, and he forfeits his right to pursue reemployment at Thatcher Shipping."
"Mr. Scott?"
"Yes, your honor. Mrs. Thornton approves of this plea deal."
"Perfect." Black turned his attention toward the young lady in the corner. He proceeded when she nodded her head. "Court will commence in ten minutes. At that time, you will officially enter your plea deal."
"When will Mr. Kensington report to jail." Mr. Wilson asked.
"The bailiffs will escort him from the courtroom. The Province of Alberta will determine his location at the recommendation of D. A. Scott."
"Thank you, your honor." Scott stated.
"Ten minutes gentlemen. Do not be late."
…
After exiting the judge's chambers, Scott quickly found Elizabeth and Jack along with all the family.
"We only have a few minutes. Everything is settled. He accepted the plea deal. Court will begin in a couple of minutes. He will plead guilty and then be escorted out of the courtroom."
"It's finally over." Elizabeth asked.
"It's over." Scott assured her.
"Thank goodness." Elizabeth let out a sigh of relief.
"I'll be right back." Jack stated when he saw his friend from the mounties nod toward him.
"Jack."
"Hey Keegan. How are you?"
"I'm good. Mr. Thatcher is in the cells downstairs."
"Mr. Kensington pleaded guilty. We're about to enter the courtroom."
"Then that means we will be taking Mr. Thatcher back tomorrow."
"Are we still good for that we talked about?"
"We are. I hope you understand how much I'm sticking my neck out for this. I could get in a lot of trouble."
"I perfectly understand. We're even."
"Jack, I could do favors for you every day of my life and I still wouldn't pay you back for all your help through the academy or the time we were stationed in Athabasca."
"Nonsense. You owe me nothing."
"Jack, I wouldn't be a mountie if it wasn't for you. Now, how do we do this?"
"I trust them, Keegan. I have no concerns."
"Good enough for me. About what time should I expect you all?"
"Let's say six."
"That would be perfect. Everyone will be gone by five. See you then."
…
"What was that all about?" Elizabeth asked as Jack walked to the group. JJ came to stand in front of his daddy.
"That's Keegan. He is helping me with my little gift to you all. Mr. Thatcher is downstairs in the cell. They will be escorting him back to headquarters since he won't be testifying. They will take him back tomorrow morning. I need you all ready by five thirty this evening."
"Jack, did you work it out so we can see him before he leaves tomorrow?"
"Yes Grace, I did. Keegan is helping me. He's really putting himself out on a line for this. Please make sure you all thank him."
They nodded their heads but before they could speak, a bailiff called that court will be in session in two minutes.
…
Jack, Elizabeth, JJ, Grace, and Viola sat on the front row of the bench just behind D. A. Scott. Jack purposefully sat on the end closest to the aisle. After a minute, senior Mr. Kensington came into the gallery and sat on the first bench behind the defendant's table. He never looked beside him. Then the door opened beside the judge's chair and D. A. Scott, Mr. Wilson, and Mr. Kensington came out in that order. While Wilson and Charles didn't look up, Scott made eye contact with Jack and Elizabeth and nodded.
A moment later, the bailiff stood and spoke in a loud, authoritative voice.
"Please rise for the honorable Judge Black."
Once Black was behind the desk, he told everyone to sit. He gathered the papers and placed the note from the young lady that was in the corner in his chambers in front of him.
In the case of the Province of Alberta vs. Mr. Charles Kensington, sir, you are charged with your involvement in the explosions of the Hope Valley Sawmill. How do you plead?"
"Guilty, your honor." Mr. Wilson spoke while standing beside Charles."
"I'm sorry but Mr. Kensington will have to use his voice to enter his plea." Black spoke looking directly at Charles.
Charles cleared his throat. "Guilty, your honor."
"Great." He looked over at the young lady who made a quick note of the plea. He continued when she nodded her head.
"Mr. Kensington, how do you plead to the charge of assault of Ms. Elizabeth Thatcher who is now Mrs. Elizabeth Thornton?"
Charles paused for a moment. He cleared his voice and remained looking at the judge.
"Guilty, your honor." He stated in a low voice.
Elizabeth smiled. She felt vindicated. She leaned over to her husband.
"I think I'll wait outside. I have just received what I wanted." She patted his leg. When she stood, Charles turned his head and watched her leave. Without thinking, Jack and JJ stood and immediately followed Elizabeth down the aisle and out into the main hallway.
"Are you ok?" JJ asked.
"I'm fine my sweet boy." She accepted the hug he offered.
She looked into her husband's eyes and reassured him that she was good. "I heard him plead guilty to my assault. I already know what he will be sentenced to. I heard what I needed to hear."
"You are an incredibly strong woman, Elizabeth."
"Mommy is a strong mommy." JJ smiled.
"Let's go get ice cream. We'll catch up to mother in a little while."
"This way!" JJ stated with confidence.
"I told you your mother was getting him snacks earlier."
…
Charles watched Elizabeth walk out of the courtroom. He turned his attention back to Judge Black. He continued speaking but Charles didn't hear any of it. He noticed two bailiffs walk to the table. He listened to Judge Black as he read off the plea deal and said yes when he was asked if he understood it. He glanced at his father. His father nodded his head and then lowered it. The bailiff placed handcuffs on him when the judge brought down the gavel on his desk.
D. A. Scott quickly turned toward Grace.
"Mrs. Thatcher?"
"Yes sir. I am Mrs. Thatcher."
"Would you please pass along my gratitiude to your husband. His letter carried a lot of weight in this plea agreement. He was most helpful."
"I will. Thank you."
"Have a good day ma'am."
Viola watched and listened in on the short conversation. She turned to her mother.
"What did he mean by that?"
"Your father was going to testify to Charles' involvement and assault on Elizabeth."
"So, Charles was really did assault Elizabeth like she stated?"
"He did."
"I would have never thought he would be capable of doing anything like that."
"Me either, but he did. That's what made your father ready to testify."
"I thought he always liked Charles. He wanted them to be married."
"He did until he hurt your sister. No father worth his weight wants his daughter to be hurt. Nothing can come in between a father and daughter's love."
…
"So, what's the plan now?" Jack asked scooping a small amount of ice cream into his mouth.
"Well, first we need to explain to our son that ice cream isn't appropriate at nine thirty in the morning."
JJ almost told them that Grandma Grace already got him ice cream earlier, but he caught himself just before he said something. He just shoved another spoon in his mouth.
Jack laughed. "I think that may be your hardest teaching assignment."
"Maybe."
"Why don't we walk around for a bit. Then we could find a place for lunch."
"That sounds nice. Maybe we can shop for some things for the house?"
"Nice. We'll see what your mom and sister would like to do."
"And about tonight?"
"We need to be at headquarters just before six. You all will have about thirty minutes with Mr. Thatcher."
"I would like for you and JJ to be part of that. I believe he needs to get to know his grandfather."
Jack nodded his head in agreement."
"Maybe we can all enjoy dinner following the visit with father."
"Well…" Jack paused for a moment.
"What?"
"We are set to leave the jail at six thirty."
"Just in time to eat."
"It will have to be use three or us and Viola."
"Why won't mother be with us."
"I arranged it with Keegan that your mother and father will have dinner in his cell at six thirty. They will have thirty minutes together."
"You arranged that?"
"I did. She will have to be searched by a female clerk and she won't be allowed to have her purse with her or any other handbag. They'll have that thirty minutes alone together to eat dinner. It won't be romantic or anything like that. They're not allowed to have candles or anything like that. No fire is allowed in the cells."
"No wonder you wanted us to thank Keegan."
"He really is sticking his neck out on the line for this. He could get in a lot of trouble if anyone comes in the jail."
"Why is he doing this?"
"He thinks he owes me."
"Does he?"
"Not as far as I'm concerned."
Elizabeth nodded her head. She knew only Jack would think that way. Jack really did bend over backwards so her parents could enjoy a meal together. Almost like a normal couple minus the jail cell and protective measures. She gave her husband a small kiss on the lips.
"Yuck!" JJ proclaimed in mock disgust. "You know, you two do that a lot."
"Yes, I love your mother. Now, one day you will do the same."
"I'm not so sure." JJ shivered. "Kissing doesn't sound good to me."
"Your daddy used to think that way too when he was younger. Now, he kisses me all the time." Elizabeth dreamily looked at her husband.
"Come on, let's see if we can find some things for our new home." Jack stated.
…
"Why?" Grace asked. "Why do I need to wear that dress?"
"It looks great on you." Elizabeth stated. She wanted her mother to dress up, but she didn't want to tell her why. "That brings out the color of your eyes. Now, that one but leave your hair down. Don't put any pens in it." She knew the guards wouldn't allow pins.
"For heaven's sake. We are just visiting your father. It's not a date!"
"Mother." Elizabeth gave her a warm smile. "That blue dress and your hair down please." She inwardly smiled knowing she sounded just like her mother when she wanted Elizabeth to dress a certain way when she was younger. She didn't leave room for discussion.
"Fine, but don't you forget I'm your mother."
"You don't need your purse."
"Elizabeth, I'm not leaving this hotel room without my purse!"
"Fine." Elizabeth relented. She knew she was pushing her mother too far.
"Did you three find anything today when you were shopping?"
"Yes. Our house is bigger than the row house. We need some more things to fill it a little."
"Good. Let me know if I can help in anyway."
"Are you ready?"
"Elizabeth, I haven't even changed yet. It's not time for Jack to pick us up."
"Come mother. We don't want to push time."
"Elizabeth, what has gotten into you this afternoon?"
"Nothing mother. I know this is not common to see father during the week. I don't want us to miss it."
"We have an hour before Jack is here. Calm yourself."
"I'll calm myself as soon as you change. Now, go…go." Elizabeth turned her mother and gently pushed her to the room's bedroom.
…
Frank arrived back to Hope Valley early that day. He made a lot of ground the night before, only stopping when the moon wasn't sufficient enough to provide safe traveling light. He woke early the next morning and pushed the team of horses toward Hope Valley. As he walked out of the livery, Ned walked toward him waving a telegram.
"Frank! Frank! This came for you."
"Thanks." He stated when Ned finally walked toward him.
After reading the telegram, he jogged toward the café. He not only wanted to see his wife, but he wanted to share the telegram with her. He missed her even though he was only gone for one night.
"Abagail! Abagail!" He called out as she came through the door that led into the kitchen.
"My word Frank! You scared me!"
"I didn't mean to."
"Now, give me a kiss. I missed you!"
Frank smiled and walked into her embrace. "I missed you." He stated after a small kiss.
"I missed you too. Now, why are you yelling in my kitchen?"
He handed her the telegram.
Frank –
Charles pleaded guilty to all charges. Explain when we are home. It's finally over! Be home in a day or two.
– Elizabeth
"Oh…that's great news." Abagail smiled. "It's finally over for her."
"It is. I know she hated how things turned out, but I also know she wanted him to serve some time for what he did."
"I guess we'll get all the details when they are home."
"We will. You miss them don't you?"
Shen nodded. "I do. But…I have you to keep me busy."
"Are you busy?" Frank flirted.
"Yes and I need to go to the mayor's office after the lunch rush."
"It's your office." He sassed. "I guess I'll have to wait."
"Hold that thought." She stated as she pulled some chicken off the stove.
"I'll hold you to that." He gently patted her bottom as she walked past her.
…
Jack, Elizabeth, JJ, Grace, and Viola all stood out in the common room of headquarters. Since William was in low security prison, his stay in Medicine Hat was as a low security jail as well. Even with that piece of truth, Keegan was really putting himself on the line with the little plan of Jack's. He could get in a lot of trouble by allowing so many people in the jail with a prisoner. Even a low security prisoner.
"Elizabeth, JJ, Grace, Viola, this is my friend, Keegan. He is the gentleman who has made this evening possible."
Keegan smiled as he heard several hellos. "I'm sorry to do this, but I have to check you all for any potential weapons and your bags as well."
"That's perfectly fine. I understand." Grace stated. Viola huffed a little.
As Keegan was checking everyone and their bags, JJ tugged Jack's hand. He pulled him over to the side just outside of ear shot of everyone.
"Daddy, do I have to go back? I don't know him and I'm not sure if I want to."
Jack kneeled so he was on JJ's level. "JJ, I know you don't know him and a lot of the things you have heard over the last few weeks hasn't been good, but I hope you will give him a chance to show you that he has changed."
"He wasn't nice to you…ever. Even when you and mommy first started courting."
"That's very true. Neither was Grandma Grace."
"But she wasn't as mean as Mr. Thatcher was. She also didn't try to shut down my hometown."
"When I first heard about you, I was scared to death to bring you home. I didn't think I could raise a boy. When I met you, I knew you were meant to be with me. We may have one thought but when we get to know someone it could change our thinking of them. I'm not asking you to forget what Mr. Thatcher has done nor am I making you forgive him, but he is mommy's daddy. She wants him to be part of her life in the future when he is out of prison."
"Is that why you are giving him a chance? It's because of mommy, isn't it?"
"It is. I love your mommy and I would do anything for her."
"I love mommy too. I want her to be happy."
"Mr. Thatcher has asked for time to prove he has changed. Because I love your mommy, I am giving him that time. If he proves himself true, then he would earn that right. I'm not saying you have too, but I am asking that you give him that chance. If you feel that he isn't nice, you have the right to not be close to him."
JJ thought about it for a moment. What his daddy said made sense. However, he was also the man that was trying to close down his town. His daddy in heaven was moved around a lot since he was a mountie. His short time in Hope Valley made him fall in love with the town and the people. It was like Hope Valley had its on persona. He loved that town. This man trying to make it close down for good wasn't very nice. He looked from his daddy to his mommy. She was watching Keegan look through her bag. She glanced toward him. When he saw her smile, he knew his answer.
"Because of mommy, I'll do it but only because of mommy." He wagged his finger a little.
"I understand. Just give him a chance."
"Because of mommy." He emphasized.
"Deal." Jack stated.
"The things we do for the women we love." JJ shook his head.
Jack couldn't keep from laughing. "Son, you don't know anything yet."
"Are things ok?" Elizabeth whispered when Jack and JJ walked back to the group.
"He loves you and because of that, he'll give your father a small chance. Just don't push him but allow him to get to know your father at his own pace." Jack whispered.
Elizabeth nodded her head and offered JJ a smile. "Thanks Jack."
"For what?"
"Helping him to accept father."
"He will give your father a chance. It's up to him over time if he'll accept Mr. Thatcher."
Elizabeth nodded her head.
"Alright everyone, before we go back, there are a couple of things you need to know and follow." Keegan paused until everyone nodded their head that they understood. "First, please do not pass anything to Mr. Thatcher. This is unique. This doesn't happen so please don't break this trust. You will have until six thirty. Secondly, once you are in the cell with Mr. Thatcher, I will have to close the door and lock you in. You will not be allowed to enter and exit the cell. Today is a slow day. There aren't any other prisoners so you will have a little bit of privacy. I will be in the outer room just beside the cell. If you need anything, just yell."
Grace smiled and walked to this young mountie. "Thank you for doing this. I don't fully understand the effort you took to do this but thank you for everything."
"You're welcome, ma'am. Do you have any questions?"
"No sir."
"Please follow me."
Keegan walked through the door first and Jack brought up the rear. He knew the routine and Keegan fully trusted him.
After the third door, Keegan turned right. There were four cells. William was in the second cell on the right. He had a huge smile on his face. This was the first time since his arrest that his wife and two of his three daughters were with him. He was also excited to see Jack and was looking forward to meeting JJ. He has heard a lot about his young fella.
"Gracie." He whispered. He was surprised he had the opportunity to see his wife and kids.
"William." she whispered with adoration in her eyes.
Keegan opened William's cell door. Grace was the first through the door and immediately walked into William's open arms. As everyone was walking through the cell door and talking to William, Jack took a moment because of the distraction and handed Keegan some money.
"This is for the second part of the surprise. There is a little in there for you to get you some dinner. I can't thank you enough for doing this."
"You're welcome, Jack. You are going to take care of things until I'm back."
"No problem. Deputy Commissioner Andrew Pearson sent me here. I can watch a prison for thirty minutes."
"I'll be back."
Everyone was so busy talking and enjoying their first few minutes with William, they didn't notice Jack talking with Keegan. Nor did they notice when Keegan left. JJ stood at the back of the group. He was watching how William interacted with Grandma Grace. Then he watched how his mommy was with her father. He could see the love his mommy had for her father. While he still didn't want to speak with the man, if his mommy loved him, then he at least could speak to him. He took his daddy's words to heart. He would give this gentleman time and let him prove himself one way or the other.
"Father, I would like for you to me my son, Jack Johnson Thornton. We call him JJ."
"Good afternoon, young man. I have heard a lot about you."
JJ slowly walked forward and accepted William's outstretched hand. He knew he had to prove himself not only with Jack, but with this young man as well. He was willing to pay that price for an opportunity.
"This is a great surprise. I was told that I wouldn't be meeting with anyone."
"Jack worked it out. He knows the constable very well. He arranged it."
William looked at Jack with great thankfulness. He wanted to say something…anything. But he couldn't force the words to come out. He nodded his head. Jack perfectly understood his meaning.
William sat on the edge of his small bed with Grace sitting beside him. Elizabeth and Viola sat at the small, two seat table less than five feet away. Jack and JJ stood against the part of the cell that was facing the main hallway. The two guys watched and listened to the family's conversation. The thirty minutes went by way too fast. With only five minutes before their time was up, Keegan appeared at the main hallway door. He nodded his head when Jack looked in his direction.
"I'm sorry…but your time is up." Keegan spoke when his pocket watch informed him it was three minutes til six thirty. He knew they would take a couple of minutes to say their goodbyes. He also wanted to give Jack's second part of the surprise enough time.
…
Mr. P and his wife sat on the front porch of their new home in rocking chairs. This was a huge difference than when they lived in Hamilton working for the Thatcher's home. The sun was still up, and the night air was just perfect.
"Are you happy?"
"Yes sweetheart. This is perfect."
"I agree. I think I would like a few things like chickens, but I wouldn't change anything."
"You like working at the café?"
"I do. I have gotten to know a lot of people because of it. I fully understand why Elizabeth loves it here so much. Everyone is so kind to each other. They look out for their neighbors. Are you ok working on their home?"
"I am. It looks very nice. Wait until you see the rock."
"I've heard about it."
"You won't believe it."
They sighed in contentment. He reached for her hand and smiled when she accepted it.
"I love it here." She whispered.
"Me too. But I know you."
"What?" She challenged him.
"You can't wait until there is a small Thornton."
"I love that little boy."
"I know you do, but he'll be in school when it begins. You want a baby to take care of."
"I cherish the thought of watching Elizabeth's baby."
"Don't forget about Jack."
"I held Elizabeth as a baby. I have this connection with her."
"You most certainly do. Now, what do you think?"
"I think this is the best part of our life together." She looked from their view into her husband's eyes.
"It is." He never took his eyes off his wife.
…
At Keegan's words, Grace wiped away a tear. She loved this time together as a family except for Julie not being present. Even though they were in a jail cell, the family time was nice. William did speak with JJ for a little bit of time. It was easy to see that JJ kept William at a little bit of a distance, but everyone understood why. They were just excited that JJ spent some time with William. Grace and William's relationship has deepened recently. She just didn't want to leave.
Grace was the first to stand and gave William a hug and kiss. She wanted to deepen the kiss but knew she couldn't with so many people around. Elizabeth and Viola were a little surprised at the show of affection between their parents.
Once Grace said her goodbyes, she stepped to the side and Elizabeth was the next in line. She hugged and held on to her father for a few moments. "I'm grateful you are doing well."
"I love you, Bethie."
"I love you, father."
Viola said her goodbyes. When she was finished, Jack and JJ came forward together. Jack thought JJ would be better with them together.
"Young man, thank you for speaking with me. Also, thank you for taking such good care of my daughter. I believe you are good for her."
"I love her."
"Me too." William reached out and touched JJ's shoulder. "I would like to get to know you better. Would it be ok if I send you a letter."
JJ looked at his daddy. Then he turned his attention to the man standing in front of him. "I would like that."
Jack extended his hand and shook his father-in-law's hand.
"Jack, I don't know what to say. This had been the best day in a very long time. Thank you."
"You're welcome, William."
"I'm not sure if thank you is enough."
"It is." Jack leaned forward and whispered into William's ear. "Your evening isn't finished quiet yet." He chuckled at William's confused expression.
JJ was the first one out the cell door. This wasn't his favorite place. Viola was next and then Elizabeth. When Grace stepped forward to leave the cell, Jack reached for her arm. He held onto her elbow.
"Grace, your visit isn't finished yet." Jack whispered.
Grace stopped and turned toward Jack. "What?"
Jack nodded toward Keegan who was standing at the cell door. He was holding a bag.
"What's this?" She asked.
Keegan walked forward and placed the bag on the small table. "You have thirty minutes. No more." His voice wasn't stern, but it left no doubt that they only had thirty minutes.
Jack nodded his head. He then reached into the bag and pulled out two small containers. He placed them on the table and took off the lid. The food inside the container smelled great. Keegan brought in two cups of tea as Jack was getting the food out of the bag and opening the container.
"You two may have dinner. You only have thirty minutes. I'm sorry it's not longer, but at least you have this short time together with just the two of you."
"Jack…" Grace started.
"You have thirty minutes. You don't want to waste that time speaking with me." He sassed with a small smirk.
Without saying another word, Jack laid the bag on the floor beside the table and turned to walk out of the cell. Everyone was staring in shock. He reached for Elizabeth's and JJ's hand.
"Jack…" Elizabeth began.
"Come on Bella. We don't want to use their time."
"You planned dinner for them?" She whispered as they walked down the hall.
"I did. I thought they could use this time with just them. I know it's not a fancy restaurant or their dining room, but at least it's just them for a few minutes."
"That's very sweet of you." Her heart melted at his kindness toward people who weren't very nice to him. She was grateful he was the father of her son. She loved that he would be the one teaching her son how to be a man.
…
Viola wanted to go back to the hotel. They stopped by a sandwich shop. She picked up a light dinner for herself. She wasn't too hungry. After seeing her to the hotel, Jack turned toward Elizabeth. "I'm going to escort Grace back to the hotel. Would you like to go back to the hotel? I know you have had a very busy day."
"Is it ok if I go with you to escort Grandma Grace to the hotel? After all, a true gentleman makes sure the woman he loves is safe."
Jack smiled and ruffled the hair of his son. He loved that his son was listening to the examples he was trying to teach him. Elizabeth swooned over her little boy who loved her mother and wanted to protect her too. Just like he does with her.
"Sure. After all, it is a gentleman's honor to love on the women in his life."
"May I come with you two?"
"Sure mommy." JJ stated as he took her hand. "It'll be dark soon and we know you are scared of the dark. Daddy and I will protect you." He stated in a five year old's grown up voice.
As Jack, Elizabeth, and JJ walked into the main office of the jail, Grace and Keegan were walking through the door leading to the cells. Keegan was carrying the same bag as before. Grace walked straight to Jack and held him in a hug for a long few seconds. She only said thank you. Once she released the hug, Keegan asked Jack to help him retrieve Grace's purse.
"Jack, I'm not sure what they did back there."
"What do you mean? They had dinner. You saw the food."
"Jack, their food wasn't touched." Keegan stated glancing at a smiling Grace who was talking with her daughter and grandson. "Not one bite was taken from the containers."
"What?" Asked a confused Jack.
"Jack, their tea wasn't touched, and their food wasn't touched either. They were there for thirty minutes. What did they do?"
Jack looked intently at his mother-in-law. She had a huge smile on her face, and it was a slight pinkish color.
"Jack, I think they did something else…" His voice trailed off. He was too embarrassed to say what he thought they did.
When Jack saw his expression, he took a shallow breath. "They didn't…"
"Then you tell me what they did."
"Aren't they too old for that?"
"Well, their food wasn't touched, and his bed was a little messy. It was made, but not as neat as before."
"Do you really think they did that? They were supposed to eat and enjoyed each other's company."
"I think they did the latter one." Smirked Keegan.
…
As the four walked down the street toward Grace's hotel, there was just something different with Grace. She was stepping lighter. Like her feet weren't touching the ground. Elizabeth just assumed that she was excited having dinner with her husband. It has been a long time since she was able to do that. Even if it was in a jail cell, she must have enjoyed time with her husband.
"Did you have a nice time with father?" Elizabeth asked with a smile.
"The best…" Grace's voice grew silent and was replaced with a huge smile and pink color to her cheeks.
Elizabeth stared at her mother for a moment and then her attention turned to her husband. He was looking at the ground shaking his head from side to side.
"Mother, we are going to stop for a sandwich and dessert. Would you like a dessert to take to your room?"
"I think I'll eat the leftovers. I'm hungry."
"Mother…how can you be hungry? You just had dinner with father."
Elizabeth stopped walking when she noticed her mother shrug her shoulders and her pink color turn more red.
"Mother, what did you do?"
"Elizabeth Marie Thornton!"
"Mother! You didn't!" Elizabeth gasped. Jack took JJ's hand and they continued to walk toward the sandwich shop.
"Bethie, I'm still your mother. You do not get to ask me that question."
"Mother…" Her voice trailed off.
"We are both married women dear. I don't think we need to discuss this any further."