Chapter 61
The following day was a long one for the Thornton family. They rested well in the hotel, but Elizabeth woke up with an upset stomach. She walked back into the room after being sick in the water closet. Jack didn't wake up until she crawled back into bed. He was worried about her, but she assured him it was just everything finally coming to an end with the trial and her father. She was able to convince Jack of that fact because she truly believed it herself.
Jack spent forty minutes on the hotel phone with Jerry talking over business issues that were somewhat pressing. Elizabeth was all too happy to leave the phone call to her husband. They would have the long stagecoach ride back home for Jack to get her caught up on the pressing issues. She took that time to sit with JJ at the pastry shop after packing everything in their travel bags.
She wanted to talk to her little boy about Emily. Jack had shared his and JJ's conversation about Emily after JJ fell asleep last night. Her first thought was to talk with him and discuss with him that he was way too young for courting and then talk with him about how he is to treat a lady as he was older, but she decided to set back and just keep an eye on things. She didn't want to come across as too strong. Her little boy was smart, and he usually made good decisions. She would just pay attention and see how things go.
She did dismiss her stomach issues to just nerves and all the issues over the last couple of weeks. She did feel better with some tea and a light biscuit. She noticed it wasn't as bad if she had something in her stomach. Before meeting with Jack to walk to the stagecoach station, she stopped by the mercantile and purchased a few snacks for everyone, including some crackers and a scone for herself.
The shopping the previous day was very nice and fruitful. They purchased a bed for JJ, a stove for heat, a stove for cooking, and a living room suite. Jack wanted to make them a bed. The items were sit to be delivered when Jack would call to arrange a time.
The stagecoach was a long journey in her opinion. The ride with Frank a couple of days ago was much smoother. While the snacks did help, the jostling didn't. She was nauseated a couple of times but never to the point of being sick. Jack noticed she would turn a little white, but she quickly dismissed it as the traveling and the issues they dealt with. He pushed her to see Faith when they were home, but she shrugged it off.
When the stagecoach crest the hill and Elizabeth saw the water tower, she knew she was home. It was always the landmark she looked for. "We're home." She whispered.
JJ's head shot up from his book and he leaned out the window. "We are!" He exclaimed when he saw the Hope Valley water tower.
"JJ! What did I say about sticking your head out the window?"
"Not to because I could fall out…but mommy, boys don't fall out of a stagecoach window by simply sticking his head out the window. You're such a mommy." He laughed as she was reaching for him to pull him back to his bench seat.
"You know, he gets that from you." She playfully glared at her husband.
"What?" Smirked Jack.
"That 'you're such a mommy' phrase. Your son is just like you."
Jack didn't even try to hide his smile. The dimples were beginning to overtake his face. Elizabeth shook her head. That look still held much power over her. She didn't like it, but she had nothing to fight against it.
"That's one of the best things you can ever say to me." His smile only grew.
"So, what's the best thing I can say to you?"
"That you love me."
"Jack Thornton! Why do you have to say such sweet things when I'm trying to be mad at you?" She shook her head. Her smile grew when Jack leaned toward her and gave her a soft kiss on the lips. "I love you." She sighed lovingly.
"Really…?" JJ whined. "You two do that way too much." He groaned as he settled back in his seat. He did think it was gross with how much they kissed, but he was also grateful they loved each other. He placed his book in his bag and stuck his head out again. He wanted to see Auntie Abagail and Mrs. P. Secretly, he also wanted to see Emily. He wasn't for the courting thing, but he did miss his friend. After a few minutes, his excitement got the best of him.
"JJ! I told you not to stick your head out the window!"
"Mommy, I'm not. I'm still sitting down. I literally can't fall out the window with me still sitting on the bench. It's just not possible."
"Well…he's not wrong…" Jack shrugged his shoulders.
"You're not helping!" She playfully glared, then giggled at her husband. He just shrugged his shoulders. "Is this how it's going to be? You two ganging up on me."
"It's the only way we can win." Jack sassed.
"I love you mommy." JJ sweetly stated.
"Uh…hum." She smiled at her grinning little boy. She was truly outnumbered with cuteness.
…
"They're here! Exclaimed Abagail and Mrs. P at the same time. Mrs. P had been helping in the café this afternoon. Both ladies ran out of the kitchen door as the stagecoach barreled its way down Main Street. A smiling boy had his head stuck out the window waving vigorously. The ladies didn't even take the time to take off their aprons.
Jack stepped off the stagecoach first. He turned and offered his wife his hand. After helping her down, he took a step back. He noticed JJ waving for him to step back another couple of steps. When Jack stopped, he had just enough time to brace himself. His little boy was already jumping off the stagecoach into his daddy's arms. As soon as he sat the little boy down, Auntie Abagail had him in her arms.
"Young man, you are not allowed to leave for some time now. You understand?"
"I love you, Auntie Abagail."
When she released the hug, Mrs. P stepped up and wrapped her arms around him.
"Do you remember there was a time when they were this excited to see you?" Jack turned his attention toward his wife.
"Yes, but I'm not sure if they were ever this excited." She smiled at the love for her son being delivered by these two precious women. "You better help the driver with our trunks."
"You mean with your trunk?" Sassed Jack.
"Jack Thornton!" She squealed. "That's enough teasing from you, good sir." She grinned.
Jack leaned toward her and gave her a soft kiss on the cheek. "Yes ma'am." He flirted as he secretly tapped her on the bottom. His smile grew as she jumped.
"Jack!" She quickly turned to see if anyone noticed what he did. She was relieved when Abagail and Mrs. P was still enthralled with what JJ was telling them about Medicine Hat. The driver was already climbing the stagecoach to until the bags."
…
Elizabeth sat with Abagail and Mrs. P in the café for a little while. She discussed the major events of Medicine Hat. Everyone was happy that Charles pleaded guilty and spared everyone from having to go through a trial. Secretly, Elizabeth was too. She just didn't want to testify in court about what her former friend did to her.
"So…it's finally over?"
"Yes Abagail. It's finally over. Father is serving his sentence and Charles is as well."
"Are you ok with that?"
"I am. Father actually seems happy. He had found his foundation again. As strange as this sounds, I do think this was good for him. Him and mother are closer than ever. He also seems content with his life."
"I'm glad something good came out of it. And Charles?"
"I told the D. A. not to accept any plea deal without him serving time in jail. What he did to me was cruel and he needed to pay a hefty price for his actions."
"How is Mrs. Thatcher doing?"
"Very well." Elizabeth thought back to the time Jack arranged for her parents. They should have eaten together, but they decided to forgo the food. She couldn't remember a time when her parents acted so in love. She found it very sweet. It also gave her the desire to show her husband as much attention as she could. "All of this has been trying on her, but she is adapting to her new circumstances. She is beginning a women's home."
"I remember you telling me about that."
"It's almost ready to begin. All paperwork is finalized."
"Oh…you're not allowed at the home site until Jack and JJ give you the ok."
"Why? I've already seen it."
"Yes, but that was before JJ's surprise."
"And what is that? Is that the river rock that is in two piles that he won't tell me about?"
"It is. You won't believe it. It simply looks amazing. I can't believe Jack thought of it."
"You've seen it?"
"We both have." Abagail stated with Mrs. P nodding her head in agreement.
"How are you feeling, sweetheart?"
"I'm fine, Mrs. P."
"Elizabeth…" Mrs. P stated in a knowing tone. She has known Elizabeth her whole life.
"I'm ok. I have had some tummy issues over the last few days. There is just a lot going on with the trial, father's arrest, and everything from that, with Charles, and my wedding to Jack. The last few weeks have been extremely busy. Then add taking over the company and with school beginning soon, I have had a lot going on."
"True…is there anything else other than tummy issues?"
"No, just the nausea. It's not been too bad. For some odd reason, the smell of eggs has turned my stomach. It feels better when I always have something light on my tummy. It'll get better when things begin to settle and get back to normal."
"Are you sure it's because of life over the last few weeks?"
Mrs. P and Abagail shared a knowing look. They were beginning to think it may be more than just life's circumstances.
"What else can it be? Things have been extremely busy. Once things get settled and school starts, it'll calm down."
Mrs. P and Abagail sipped on their tea. They glanced toward each other and nodded.
"Elizabeth, it may be something else."
Elizabeth just dismissed it with a wave of her hand.
…
As the ladies walked down the sidewalk toward the café, Frank offered to help Jack and JJ take the trunks to the row house to help unload them. Frank made sure to tell Elizabeth that the new home was off limits to her. They wanted to surprise her with the river rock. It turned out so much better than they could have imagined.
"Why is the house off limits?" Jack asked as he and Frank loaded the last trunk on the wagon.
"You won't believe the river rock, Jack. It's incredible."
"Did they go with the pattern I had laid out?"
"Yes JJ, they did. It looks amazing. How did you do that?"
"Do what?" Jack asked as he picked his boy up and tossed him playfully in the wagon.
"Just before mommy and I left, I laid out the river rock in front of the home."
"Yes, Mr. Johnston and Mr. P worked on the rock wall just like you had it laid out. It's done and it's simply amazing. I thought you may want to show your mommy."
"That sounds amazing. May we go by after this and take a look at it before showing mommy?"
"Sure."
"How are you feeling, Jack?"
"What do you mean?"
"If I remember correctly, you're finished with the mounties."
"Not quite, I have to work for about half a day tomorrow. I need to perform my rounds and then finish out reports over the last few days in Medicine Hat and my rounds tomorrow. Once that's done, I'll be on leave until my end date. That will make it official, but I'll be unofficially finished tomorrow at noon."
"Are you ok with that?" Frank asked in a pastor's and friend's voice.
"If I'm completely honest, I'm a little sad about it. I've always wanted to be a mountie and I fulfilled that in my life."
"Then why are you quitting?" JJ asked.
"I'm not quitting, I'm simply not reenlisting. My priorities have changed. You and mommy are important to me. I joined the mounties because I wanted to help people who maybe couldn't help themselves. I will be able to continue to do that as sheriff of Hope Valley. Plus, I'll be home almost every evening. I want to be a present father and husband. I want to be around for you two."
"I like that." JJ whispered. Both men weren't sure if they were meant to hear him.
After unloading the trunks, they made their way to the home site. As they began to climb the hill, they saw the top of the home first. The roof was on, and they could see several men walking around on it doing some work. The closer they were to the top of the hill, they saw more of the house.
"I think the porch is bigger than the plans called for."
"It is Jack. As we worked on it, we thought it needed to be bigger. I hope you don't mind."
"I don't at all. I think you're right."
"We also made the library a little bigger. It matched better."
"Perfect. If anything needed to be bigger it would be Elizabeth's library."
When Jack nodded approval, the rock portion of the wall came into view. It was almost five feet tall and began at the bottom of the front wall. The rocks were in a pattern but weren't too uniform. It looked nice. Each rock had a small variety of colors. As the sun hit it, it showed brightly and colorfully. Almost if light was shown upon it. Jack and JJ were amazed at the variety of colors. To their amazement, the rock portion of the wall seemed to discreetly change colors with the moving light of the sun.
"Wow! It's better than I imagined." JJ stated with awe in his voice.
"It's perfect." Jack stated in disbelief. "I hope Elizabeth likes it.
"How did you get the idea to do this? Jack, it's truly perfect."
"I don't know. I saw the rock on my rounds and just thought it looked really nice. I wanted to do the whole front wall with it but knew it would be too much."
"And it was my idea to have enough rock to have a flowerbed. I think it'll look nice."
"It absolutely will. Plus, you were the one who told us how much rock we need, and you laid out the pattern."
JJ's chest stuck out a little. He was proud of himself. He loved the fact that he had a part in the home.
…
Abagail knocked and then waited for Lee to speak up. She walked into his office with a small bag.
"Abagail, how are you?"
"I'm fine Lee, how are you doing?" She nodded to his foot that he had propped up on another chair.
"Better every day. It doesn't hurt any longer. Still can't walk without those things…" He motioned his head to the crutches beside his chair. "…but I'm not complaining."
"I'm glad to hear that. And the wedding plans?"
"Who knows?" He laughed. "Rosey tells me she wants me involved in the planning but dismisses every idea I have. So, I just sit back and smile and nod my head. I believe that's my best approach."
Abagail laughed at the gentleman. He truly understood Rosemary. "If you have a few minutes, I would like to speak with you about a few things related to the town."
"Sure. Have a seat. What's on your mind?"
"First, I'm grateful you are doing well, and the sawmill is running up to full speed."
"Thanks. Me too." Lee picked up a piece of paper from the lawyers at Thatcher Shipping. It was a potential contract for more wood. They were implementing the suggestion of Elizabeth to more centralize the sawmills it orders from. The added business will be a great help in Lee's company. "If this comes through, I will be adding another blade to the operation, maybe a second one."
"That's great to hear Lee. I'm happy for you. I wanted to get your opinion on how we can reach out to another business to come to town and what that type of work would be."
"You want to grow out town?"
"Yes, to a small degree. I do not want to lose what makes Hope Valley, Hope Valley. But I do think we need more than one company. What if Mr. Thatcher's plan worked. We would have had to shut down the town."
"That's true, but I don't think we want just any company coming in here."
"Very true. We want to make sure they would be a good fit for us, and we don't want a competitor to you."
"Thank you for saying that Abagail. The mines are shut forever through the court order."
"Yes, thank goodness. I don't really want to take a step back. I would like for us to move forward with a business that would help our community to be stronger. I understand that means some growth, but I would like to definitely keep that to a minimum."
"I agree. What are you thinking?"
Abagail adjusted in her seat for a moment. "A couple preliminary ideas but I'm not sold on any of them. First, a building company for log homes. You've seen Jack's and Elizabeth's house. What if we had a company that planned those homes and shipped them to customers as some sort of preplanned kit? They could work with you with the lumber and the trees."
"Maybe…?"
"I thought about expanding our farming reach. Help some of our local farmers expand by using their farms for more commercial use. Horses or hogs may be a good business."
"I think some are working on that a little bit now."
"Yes, and we could help them with a small loan to grow their business."
"Those are some good ideas, Abagail. Maybe we can have some time to think about it. Maybe something from Thatcher Shipping could do something?"
Abagail thought about it for a moment. "I would love that. I know they would do something beneficial for us and for them. However, I don't want to use that friendship to get stuff. I don't think friends do that."
"Very true. They are offering for the sawmill to be the place they get their lumber in this section of the country. They want to streamline their lumber contracts. We already had business with them when Mr. Thatcher ran it. We had that established and we were doing a good job for them."
"Then that only makes sense to expand with you. Maybe a spur line with the railroad with moving your lumber? That would help you a lot and create more jobs."
"It would, but it would still be tied to my business. That may be an issue if you want to diversify work."
"Maybe we can piggy back something else onto it so it isn't all about your lumber."
"True. I'm just afraid a train station may bring too much other stuff in."
"True. Now, would you give this some thought in the days to come since Rosemary is keeping you in the dark with the wedding."
Lee let out a laugh. "I'll do it. I have plenty of time on my hands after work."
…
Elizabeth slowly walked up the road. When she was finished eating a snack and talking with Abagail and Mrs. P, she decided she needed to stretch her legs. Once at the turn off, she stopped and looked around. She didn't notice anyone. Without running, she quickly jumped off the road onto a small path that led up to her and Jack's hill. Instead of staying on the small path that leads up the hill, she decided to walk closer to the small patch of woods that was close to the road. She didn't want to be out in full view so she could easily be seen. At the foot of the hill, she stopped to look around one last time. She didn't see anyone. So, she felt she was safe to sneak a peek of the home and whatever she isn't supposed to see.
About halfway up the hill, the very top of the roof of her new home came into view. She hesitated for only a moment at the very sight of her new roof. She hasn't seen the home in a while. The last time there wasn't a roof on it. With her next step, she heard a small voice that made her jump. She quickly spun to her left and clasped her hands in front of her chest.
"Whatcha doing mommy?"
"JJ!" Elizabeth gasped. "How many times have I told you not to sneak up on me? You scared me to death!"
"I didn't sneak up on you. I was leaning on this tree. If I may ask, what are you doing here?"
"I…umm…I…I was…" She was flustered and gasping for breath.
"You were sneaking around doing something you wasn't supposed to do…wasn't you?" She grinned at his little smirk. He was wagging his finger in her direction with a growing grin.
"I wasn't sneaking." She defended herself.
"Really…? You stopped now and at the foot of the hill looking around to see if anyone saw you. You never walk up the hill by the trees. You always use the path because you don't want to get your boots or the bottom of your dress dirty. So, why is today any different?"
He paused to wait for her answer. She tried to think of something. She looked up the hill to the very tip of the roof and then back down the hill toward the road. In either direction, she didn't find her answer.
"You know you shouldn't be here. You weren't supposed to visit the home until me and daddy said so."
"I remember."
"So, you disobeyed. You didn't listen to what we said." He playfully wagged his finger at her with great exaggeration again. He wasn't in trouble very much but on occasion he was. He was greatly enjoying that she was the one in trouble and not him. He also loved the fact that he was the one who caught her.
She nodded her head.
"When I'm in trouble, you make me do something that I don't like. Maybe I should do that with you. Maybe no reading tonight after dinner? Or maybe I can stay up really late tonight?" He rubbed his chin as if he was thinking of a punishment.
Elizabeth huffed. She didn't like that she was caught. She also hated that she wasn't able to see the house and whatever surprise her son and husband were working on.
"I'll make you a deal, if you let me off without punishment, I'll do the same next time you do something you shouldn't do."
"And no going to be early tonight."
"Deal."
"Perfect. Now, let's go home."
"Come on my sweet little boy. Let's go home."
JJ accepted her hand. With one last quick glance, JJ turned her away from the top of the hill and began to walk down the hill to the road and toward the row house.
"No telling your father about this." She warned him by pointing a finger at him.
…
Dinner at the Thronton row house was a simple one. Everyone was tired from their trip home. Rosemary stopped by for a few minutes to discuss wedding details with Elizabeth. Elizabeth felt that Rosey just wanted to talk to someone about what she was planning. She didn't ask for any suggestions.
Elizabeth's tummy was a little weird all day. She wasn't sick again, but it just felt off. She dismissed Jack's concern by saying what she always said, "It's just everything over the course of a few weeks. It'll settle." Jack looked at her but didn't question it. A lot of things have happened over the course of the few weeks. He figured she was correct.
JJ had a lot of energy still since he sat inside a stagecoach for hours. After dinner, he excused himself to play in the field across from the row house. Jack and Elizabeth took the opportunity to wash the dishes. Jack also straightened the living room a little. Even though they were home for a short period of time, JJ had a way of making a mess rather quickly.
Jack settled on the second step with Elizabeth. He brought her a cup of tea and a plate of cookies that she made. When JJ noticed the cookies, he came over and took two. He ate them on his way back to the other kids. She gave Jack a smile to thank him for the tea, but she waved off the cookies. She was too full from dinner to want anything to eat.
"How are you feeling?"
Elizabeth smiled at his concern for her. "I'm fine. My stomach has settled, and I haven't been sick. Hey, how did the phone call go this morning with Jerry?"
"It went well. The plan with the warehouse is going very well. The manager made one small adjustment that really helped it go better. After that, it flowed well. Jerry said the manager was greatly encouraged because things were working better for his employees, but he was even happier that his voice was heard."
"That's great."
"Your advice on listening to people is paying off."
She nodded her head as she took a sip of her tea. She loved moments like this. Sitting with Jack outside enjoying the nice weather watching their son play were moments she hoped to fill her life with.
"When do you think the house will be finished?"
"I'm not too sure. I went by there today but not for very long. I'll go out tomorrow afternoon to talk with Mr. P and Mr. Johnston. From what Frank talked about, probably not too long."
"The things we bought for the home in Hamilton and Medicine Hat will need to be arranged to be delivered when it's finished."
"True, I think they said about a week's notice from Hamilton and two days from Medicine Hat."
Elizabeth nodded her head in agreement. She sighed and placed her head on Jack's shoulder. He secretly loved it when she did that.
"Are you ok with the amount we spent at the stores yesterday?"
Jack smiled. He was still struggling with the amount they spent without even paying for it. The stores were extremely happy to send the bill to the bank after reading the note.
"As long as we don't do that too often. I just don't want us to lose who we fundamentally are."
"I agree."
"Are you disappointed you were caught today?"
"What?"
"Are you disappointed you were caught sneaking through the woods today?"
Elizabeth smiled but didn't look at her husband. "I'm not sure what you are talking about."
"You got close didn't you?" He smirked.
"What?"
"Really?" Jack teased. "You're going to sit here with your head on my shoulder and proclaim you didn't try to sneak to the house to see the surprise?"
"He told on me?" Gasped Elizabeth.
"Nope." Laughed Jack.
"Then how did you know?"
"I really didn't know for sure, but I do know you."
"And what does that mean, Mr. Thornton?" She challenged him with a hint of teasing in her voice.
"My wife is a little nosey." He laughed when she playfully slapped him on the forearm. He gently kissed her on the top of her head.
"I'm not admitting to anything."
"Uh…hum…"
They both enjoyed the teasing. They let out a long sigh of contentment because they were in the presence of their person. Life has been frantic at times over the last few days, and tonight's slow pace being with each other made the difference for the both of them. They were able to catch their breath, enjoy each other's presence, and watch their little boy run around and have fun.
"How do you feel about tomorrow?" She softly asked as she raised her head from his shoulders. She not only wanted to hear his words, but she wanted to see his face. Those eyes told her everything.
"Better than I thought I would be."
"How so?"
"I grew up as a boy wanting to be a mountie just like my pa. When I became a mountie, that desire quickly turned into a passion to help people. It was no longer wanting to be a mountie. I wanted to help people. JJ asked me this afternoon about this. I told him that I can still be a person who helps people by being the sheriff of Hope Valley. I don't think I could step away and join a profession that wasn't serving people somehow."
"So, you're still fulfilling your purpose?"
"I will be. I have several days off before my new duty begins. I would like to help on the home. I should be finished around noon tomorrow. That's when my leave will begin."
"I hope you will be satisfied with your choice."
He could hear the doubt in her voice. They have had several discussions about this since he made the decision not to reenlist. She was just nervous he would regret his decision.
Jack reached for her hand. "I am fulfilling my calling in life. I will continue to serve people. I will help people who can't help themselves. I will just do it by not wearing a red serge. I'm ok with that. Plus, and Elizabeth, this is the most important part of everything, I get every evening just like this. I wouldn't trade nights like this for anything in the world. For me, this is fulfilling my ultimate calling in life, being a husband and a father."
Without saying a word, she snuggled closer to her husband. She loved his answer and felt treasured by it. As much as she wanted evenings just like this one, she also wanted him to fulfill his calling in his life. He always encouraged her, and even challenged her, in her calling as a teacher. She didn't want to take that away from him. She also knew tomorrow would be a hard day for him.
Jack kissed Elizabeth's cheek. A flirty smile came across his face. "Since you are feeling better…maybe we can send JJ to bed early tonight."
Elizabeth sighed. "We can't tonight. I made a deal with him."
…
Jack and Elizabeth looked up in a little surprise when they noticed Mr. Yost walking in their direction. He didn't live too far from them, but he never walked home in this direction.
"Good evening Jack and Elizabeth. I have something for JJ. It came on the stagecoach that was late today. I thought I would drop it off on my way home."
"But Ned, this isn't really on your way home."
"I was a little surprised by the name on the return address. I thought it may be important."
Ned handed the envelope to Jack. He turned it so Elizabeth could see the name as well.
"Hey! JJ!" Jack called out. JJ waved and began to jog over to his parents.
"Thanks Ned. I appreciate this."
"No problem."
JJ came running up the his parents and Ned.
"Mr. Yost. How are you?"
"I'm good."
"Mr. Yost brought you a letter."
"I have a letter?" He asked shocked. He took the letter from Jack's outstretched hand. He noticed William's name in the upper left hand corner.
"Wow…he did write me a letter."
Ned excused himself when JJ sat down and began to read in the letter out loud. He wanted Jack and Elizabeth to hear it too.
Dearest JJ –
I hope this finds you well. I want to begin this process by saying I'm sorry for everything I did. I can't understand all the pain and turmoil I caused. I can't imagine I ever will. Mr. Coulter has forgiven me for my actions. Your mommy has as well with my wife. I hope one day you and your daddy will forgive me. I'm working on earning that trust.
While I am in prison, I have begun to teach the younger inmates who will be getting out soon how to run a business. I'm teaching them how to be a businessman. I'm hoping this will help them make better decisions when they are out of prison.
While I would not wish prison on anyone, I am very thankful for it. It has taught me an invaluable lesson. I have finally learned what is really important in this life. Family is the most important aspect of our life.
I've not earned the right for you to call me grandpa, but JJ, I do think of you as my grandson. I hope someday you will find me worthy to be your grandpa.
As my grandson, I would like to tell you a short story and pass along a valuable lesson I learned as a small boy. First, if you wet your pockets with water, the tadpoles will live longer. They won't dry out so fast. They may live until you can get them home and into water.
When Elizabeth was about six years old and Julie was four, they had a governance they detested, especially your mother. She took some of my ink from my desk and poured it into Ms. Smith's tea. Her teeth were stained for three weeks. She quit the next day. Grace grounded Elizabeth for two weeks. I haven't told anyone, but I did find it funny at the time, and still do.
I will write again soon. My address is on the envelope if you feel like you would like to write me. I'll make sure you will receive a letter from me every week.
Take care of yourself and your mommy and daddy. Don't give them too much trouble.
With Love,
William
JJ slowly read the letter to himself the second time. Elizabeth reached to wipe a tear away.
"Did he really have to write about the tadpole thing and what I did to Ms. Smith?"
"I can't believe you would do that, mommy." JJ stated as he looked at the letter. They could easily see the mischievous expression on his face.
"You better not!" Jack and Elizabeth proclaimed at the same time.