Chapter 76

Jack, Sam, and Roy watched the wagon with Silas driving and Cody sitting beside him make its way down the small trail. They watched it until it was out of sight. Even then, Collins and Littleton waited another five minutes before they came out of hiding. They just didn't want to risk Silas and Cody doubling back and catching the group together.

"Thanks." Jack stated as he looked toward Roy.

"Yeah." Sam nodded.

"No problem. I'm just glad I remember what that bird sounded like." He chuckled. "When their facial expressions changed, I knew what they were going to do. I'm just thankful you thought of that signal."

"Your hand ok?"

"Yeah." Sam answered. "Yours?"

"Fine."

"So, what now?"

"I think we go back into town and make a phone call to headquarters. I'm recommending we arrest Silas and Cody when they come back through Hope Valley. I'm also recommending we arrest the men who arrive in B. C. with the crates, both ours and the whiskey crates." Jack stated.

"Jack, what do you think those two guys will bring back with them from Medicine Hat?"

"Who knows?" He shrugged his shoulders. "I'm almost certain whatever it is, it will be illegal. We will have that along with the crates of whiskey that we can charge them with."

"True."

"Hey, you two were on top of it." Roy stated looking toward Littleton and Collins.

"We're grateful we didn't have to come out. We are still unknown to those two guys. I do think that will play in our favor."

Roy laughed. "You guys were almost halfway here with your weapons drawn until you saw my signal."

"I don't want to imagine what that schoolteacher would do to me if I allowed anything to happen to our boy here." Littleton sassed at Jack's expense as he patted him on the shoulder."

Sam shivered in an extravagant manner. "That's a scary thought."

"Do you think that Nurse Carter would be any easier on us if it was you who were hurt?" Jack sassed right back.

"Wait…" Roy smiled a huge grin at his friend. "The beautiful, curly blonde nurse?"

"We're friends." Sam retorted quickly. No one believed him when his face turned instantly red. "Let's get going. We need to write up the reports and Jack needs to make a phone call." Roy threw his friend a lifeline.

…

"Hey Faith. How are you?"

"Hey Jack. I'm good."

"I just wanted to let you know that you don't have to worry about us for a few days. Thank you for sticking around the infirmary just in case we needed you."

"That's ok, Jack. I'm glad you guys didn't need anything."

"Me too."

"Hey, what happened to your hand?"

"We had a little incident today, but it was nothing. Sam has a matching mark on his hand."

"Is he ok?" She asked very quickly. Her voice was a little higher than normal. Jack smiled at her worry.

"He's fine. Nothing major happened." Jack turned to see the guys walk into the jail. "Hey, I need to go to work."

"I thought you were on leave?"

"I was until this came up."

"When is your last day?"

"Day after tomorrow."

"You ok with it?" She asked a little concerned. She knew how much he loved following in his father's footsteps.

"I can't wait. I love this family thing." His smile grew at the thoughts of his wife and son. "I think it was the best decision for me and my family."

"I'm happy for you, Jack. It's great to see you so happy. I guess that is what Abagail was talking about?"

"Yes, I told her I didn't want anything special on Friday." Jack shook his head. "Noon will come and then I will be out of the mounties and then I will be sheriff. I don't need a ceremony."

"I believe you deserve anything and everything that is coming your way."

"Thank you." He hesitated for a moment. He didn't want to overstep but he knew how Sam felt about Faith. He wanted them to be happy if that was what they wanted. "Sam will be at the café later for dinner."

"Ok?" She nervously laughed.

"I think he would like to spend some time getting to know you." He nodded in her direction. Then quickly changed the subject. "Again, thanks for sticking around."

Through red cheeks, Faith responded. "Thanks Jack and you're welcome."

…

Mr. P looked around Jack's and Elizabeth's new home. Mr. Johnston walked beside him and followed his eyes. They were looking around the home to make a list of things that needed to be finished.

"What do you think?" Mr. Johnston asked as he was looking over the kitchen area.

"We need to finish up the painting in there. Once that's done and the kitchen items are delivered, we can install them. Then the kitchen will be finished."

"Do you know when the items will be in the mercantile?"

"Mr. Yost said they are expected tomorrow if everything is on time. The supply wagon is on its way, but who really knows. He said he'll let us know when it arrives."

"And the other things?"

"Over the course of a week or so. Once the kitchen is finished, I think most everything else will fall into place rather quickly."

Mr. P rubbed his chin in deep thought.

"Bethie said that she wanted it finished when they moved in. She also wants to be in before JJ's birthday."

When is his birthday?"

"Just under two weeks."

"Well, we need to make that happen. That boy is some type of special." Mr. Johnston laughed. "I have never met a kid like him."

"That's very true. Now, let's get these walls painted. Then I'll get word to some guys to be ready to help load up and then unload everything."

…

Janice walked down the stairs with a bucket of dirty water. She had just finished washing one of the bedrooms and wanted to tackle the bathroom next. She was still on cloud nine about finding a job. Plus, she was beginning to feel at home. She had a peace about her that was evident to see. Her circumstances haven't changed at all, but she has. The Next Chance home gave her a sense of peace and the new job gave her a step forward to improving her and her baby's life. It wasn't the circumstances that changed, it was her.

Abby and Grace were sitting downstairs at the kitchen table looking over a few pieces of paper the town council had for them. The city of Hamilton was excited for the new charity. However, they were also excited to take a leadership role in the home. They wanted to have a voice in how the home was operated.

"What do you think?"

Grace looked over the paperwork. "I'm grateful they are excited about the home, but I do not want the city of Hamilton to have a voice here. I believe in the paradigm that we have in place. The concept is new to them and they don't understand it completely, but I do think it is best for us."

"I agree…" Janice stated. "I'm sorry, I wasn't trying to listen in."

"That's ok, Janice. Would you please have a seat with us?"

"Sure, Grace."

Once Janice sat down and was comfortable, Grace began.

"What was it about the other homes didn't you like?"

"I never went to those homes. I heard word on the streets that they were overcrowded, loud, and not the best places to go to. I would rather stay on the streets."

Grace and Abby placed their hands over their mouths. They were shocked at the thought of someone choosing to sleep in the park than in a bed.

"Was it really that bad?"

"Yes Grace. I guess they try their best, but everything I heard was just horrible. People said they were just overwhelmed. I may not have been safer sleeping in the back of the park, but I would rather take my chances there than in a home that was that bad."

"That settles it then. We stay the course. We do what we planned and stick with it. If the city of Hamilton wants to help, I am ok with that with the understanding they are just helping and not taking over. They don't have a voice here."

"I agree, Grace." Abby smiled.

"Thank you for doing this and for allowing me to stay."

Grace reached for Janice's hand. "Please listen dear, you do not have to keep thanking us. You have said it once and that is enough. You work around here when you don't have to. Now, when do you see the doctor?"

"In a couple of hours."

"This is your first appointment?"

"It is." She lowered her head at the embarrassment of not taking care of her baby before now. Then she realized that she was doing the best she could. And now, she was taking care of herself and her baby.

"Good." Grace squeezed her hand. She sensed Janice's thought. She was also proud that she pulled herself out of that dark thought process herself. Janice has came a long way over the last few days.

"Let me get you and Grace a cup of tea. We have a few things we need to discuss and we would like your input."

"Me?" Questioned Janice.

"Yes." Grace stated. "I think you can bring some great insights that will help the mission of our home here."

"If I can." She hesitantly stated.

"You can. Now, let's run some things by you and see what you think. And if you don't mind, I would like to accompany you to the doctor's office."

"I would love that."

…

Elizabeth walked into the mercantile after a long day of teaching. The kids weren't too rowdy, but they were a handful. A smile etched on her face. A smile she wasn't sure would ever leave. Her mind was captured on the scene in front of the mercantile.

"You two go and have fun. Please be careful."

"I'm always careful, mommy."

Emily laughed when Elizabeth raised her eyebrow in doubt.

"We will do our best, Mrs. Thornton." Emily smiled.

"You know the rule!" Exclaimed Elizabeth as her little boy turned to run away, only to stop and come back. He hugged his mother and motioned for her to bend over. When she did, he kissed her on the cheek.

"I love you mommy." He gave her a smile that melted her mother's heart. He then reached for her tummy and cradled it with both of his hands. "I love you, little sister." He leaned in and kissed her tummy.

"JJ, we don't know if we are having a girl or boy."

"We are having a girl. I want a sister."

"It doesn't work that way, son."

"I'm praying for a sister and I'm getting a sister." He stated with all the confidence in the world of an almost six year old.

"That's not how this works…"

"Mrs. Thornton, just don't even try to convince him. He is certain you are having a girl. He won't listen to anything else." Emily shook her head as she spoke.

"Don't listen to them, baby sister. We know." He whispered as he rubbed Elizabeth's tummy.

"How are you Mrs. Thornton?" Ned asked, breaking Elizabeth out of her memory.

"I'm fine, Mr. Yost."

"I spoke with Mr. Johnston and Mr. Pacifico. Some of your items will be delivered tomorrow with the others following over the course of a few days."

"That's great." Elizabeth was already planning where to put some things in her new home.

"You also have two phone messages from Hamilton. One from your mother and one from Mr. Jerry Watts."

"Thank you."

…

"Madam Mayor Abagail." Jack stated with a silly grin when he knocked on the mayor's office door.

Abagail wasn't sure if it was his title for her or his little smirk that frustrated her the most. To be honest, it was a tie so far. "Really Jack?" She huffed.

"Do you have a few moments for me?"

"Of course. What can I do for you?" She asked while placing the papers she was holding on top of the desk.

"I just want to talk to you about what has been happening the last couple of days."

"Sure, have a seat."

Jack went into a detail report of what has been happening at the caves over the last few days. She gasped at the thought of whiskey runners being somewhat close to Hope Valley. He also shared with her about the extra mounties and exactly who they were and what they were doing. He gave her almost every detail. There were a couple of things he had to withhold because they were classified mountie information. She completely understood and didn't push him.

"Do you feel good about all of that?"

"I do, Madam Mayor." He didn't have to look up to know the darts her eyes were shooting at him. "We planned everything in our favor. While there is always potential for danger, we have lessened that danger as much as we can."

"I see…Jack, take care of yourself. I would hate to lose you before Friday." She smirked with a tint of teasing and worry in her eyes. Jack nodded his head in complete understanding of her true meaning.

"I am. I have too much to lose not to pay attention. Now, that brings me to the second of three things I would like to speak to you."

"I didn't realize this was going to be a long conversation."

"I'm sorry, Madam Mayor."

"Let me get us a cup of tea. What's the second thing?"

…

"Gracie!" William basically shouted as he walked toward the table she was sitting at. She was completely beautiful sitting there.

"William!" Her excitement matcher her husband's. "I've missed you."

"I have missed you." He leaned down and kissed her sweetly on the lips. While it was forbidden by prison rules, the guards continued to look the other way.

"I've only got thirty minutes to see you, I have a lot to tell you."

"First, I love you. Now, what is going on?"

"The Next Chance Home is up and running. We have our first person who is staying with us. Her name is Janice." William sat on the edge of his seat during the whole description. He could easily see the joy and pride his precious wife has for the young lady and for the home. She spent a few minutes discussing Hamilton's suggestion of partnering. William was in complete agreement with the ladies' decision. He loved hearing about the kids. Tom and Julie were doing well. She was in college working toward her degree. Tom just received a promotion and was truly finding his way in this world. He was saddened to hear about Viola. She was the same. Nothing has changed with her. He knew the track that she was traveling down. He only wished he could talk some sense into her before she lost everything like he did.

William was struggling with his actions over the last few years. During that time, he earnestly thought he was doing the right things. He loved his family and honestly wanted what was best. Well, he wanted what he thought was best for them, especially Elizabeth. He finally realized he and his wife did a good job in raising strong, intelligent women who could easily carve out their own walk in this life. He shook his head at his stupidity. Just as quickly, he closed his eyes and removed himself from that line of thinking. It did no one any good to be in self pity type of mind. He had asked for forgiveness and received it. He had to make the most out of where he was.

William looked up into the face of his bride. She was still beautiful. She was poised and so strong. He underestimated her in so many ways over the years. He could only shake his head at his foolishness.

"Now remember William, I will be leaving next week. I will be gone for a week, maybe two weeks."

"I remember." He said with a little bit of sorrow in his voice. "I will greatly miss you, Gracie."

"I wouldn't be going, except it is JJ's birthday and Jack and Elizabeth is moving into their new home. I wanted to be there for both reasons."

"I understand, but I still will miss you."

"Me too." Grace's face turned a little pink.

"Oh, I have this textbook from a young man here. He has been sending some arithmetic questions to JJ. This is his senior advanced algebra book. He thought JJ would enjoy the challenge."

"Elizabeth has spoken about his ability in math, but how can a five year old do that?"

"Logan is shocked at JJ's ability."

"From how Elizabeth describes his ability, it may not be that much of a challenge. Oh, I meant to tell you, Teddy asked me to inform you that he will be by tomorrow. He stated that he needed to talk to you about something that might be coming up."

William squeezed her hand. "I don't want to know anything about the business. I've done my job there. It's Jack's and Elizabeth's turn now. This is my purpose now." He lovingly looked into her eyes.

Grace smiled at her husband's words and meaning. She felt like a teenager again who had just begun courting. "They are doing a good job. Teddy and Jerry are impressed with how fast they caught on to everything."

"Good. Now, I look forward to seeing my friend, but I do not wish to talk about the company."

"I don't think that's what he was wanting to talk about, but I'm not too sure."

"So, how are you doing? You are absolutely glowing." He turned the subject away from the company. "I believe the home is giving you a bigger purpose."

"It is, William. I love it there. I'm there more than I am at our home. It has given me a purpose that is tangible."

After a few minutes, the guard slowly walked to the table where William and Grace were sitting holding hands. He tapped the top of the table twice as he walked by. He never looked in their direction. He just kept walking to the door that led to the next room. William squeezed his wife's hand and then stood. He helped his wife to stand. When she did, he embraced her.

"I only have two minutes."

"He's not supposed to leave us alone." She asked a little confused.

"That was my warning that my time is almost up. He wanted to give me and you a couple of minutes alone."

"He does that for everyone?" She asked shocked.

"No. He said that he respected me for what I've done here since I've arrived. This is his way of saying thank you. Plus, I sent some of the material I teach to his son who is wanted to study business."

"That's very nice of him. I need to say thank you to him."

"Gracie…" William stated in a flirty tone. "…this discussion is not how I wish to spend my last two minutes with you." He smiled as he leaned forward to meet her lips. She met him halfway.

…

"So, Jack, what's next?"

"I wanted to talk about my start date. It needs to be this Friday."

"Jack, I know this situation has been fluid over the last couple of weeks. You are on leave from the mounties and that ends on Friday. We talked about you beginning your duties here on the following Wednesday."

"Yes, that was the last conversation we had, but that needs to change."

"Why? Jack, you need that time off."

"This issue with the whiskey runners have changed the whole circumstance. My time with the mounties ends at noon on Friday. I need to begin my duties as sheriff at noon on Friday. With this situation, we don't need to waste any time or allow something to fall through the cracks with the investigation."

"Got it. But you will take those few days off somewhere else."

"Yes Madam Mayor Abagail. Are you always going to be this pushy?"

"How long have you known me? I wouldn't describe myself as pushy." She defended herself.

"I'll talk with Frank."

"Enough from you!" She sassed her little brother. "Fine, Friday at noon it is."

"Perfect. This whole ordeal just needs to be as seamless as possible. It just works better that way."

"I understand."

"I work well with these mounties. They are really good at what they do."

"Good."

"That leads me to the third thing I want to talk to you about."

"Ok." She stated as she took a sip of her tea."

"I have spoken to Constable Sam Reed about taking over the post here in Hope Valley."

"Do you think you can work with him?"

"I do. He's a good mountie with good instincts. We work well together. I want to talk to him again. I hope he will ask for the posting."

"Do you think he will?"

"I'm hoping. I think he will. He's just weighing his options. We didn't really go into too much discussion about it, I need to talk with him again."

"Ok, but I really don't have a say in this do I?"

"No you don't, but I want you involved, or at least knowing what's going on. Mountie Headquarters will make the decision. Reed is a good mountie. I think he would receive a posting if he asked for it."

"I trust you, Jack. If you think he would be a good fit for the town and for you, I'm all for it."

"Thanks, Madam Mayor Abagail. I do believe he would be a good fit for Hope Valley. I also believe we can work well together."

"Enough with that name!" She glared at his smiling, little brother's smirk.

…

"Great. That's settled." Mrs. P smiled as she let out a small laugh. She was excited to share with Elizbeth that all the decorations that were ordered. Elizabeth should be happy about that. Mr. Yost just handed her the last two boxes of the decorations what were just delivered. There were balloons, confetti, streamers, and hats. While Elizabeth didn't break the bank on purchasing supplies, but she did spend a small fortune. Mrs. P's smile was at the concentrated effort of Elizabeth in making the birthday boy feel special. While it would be a good day for him, it would also be a little difficult as well.

Mrs. P walked out of the mercantile with both boxes when JJ, Emily, and Sam ran down the sidewalk.

"Wow!" Mrs. P shouted as the three little ones came running to her. She was afraid she was going to be run over.

"What do you have, Grandma P?"

"I believe it's a little too close to someone's birthday for a little boy to be asking questions."

"Oh…it's just decorations." JJ sighed dejectedly. He was hoping it was something fun.

"And how do you know that?"

"I just do. Have you seen mommy and my little sister?"

"Still think you are getting a little sister?"

"Yes."

"Don't even try, Mrs. P. He's dead set on getting a sister." Emily rolled her eyes.

"What are you three doing?"

"Just playing after school. We have to be home soon. Have you seen daddy?"

"I haven't. He's probably at the jail."

"Let's go." JJ exclaimed.

The three kids turned and ran down the sidewalk toward the jail. It didn't take them long before they burst through the door with all the noise of three little ones. Jack, Sam, Roy, and Littleton quickly turned their heads to the door to see what caused all the racket.

"I should have known it had to be my noisy kid." Jack laughed while he opened his arms for his boy to run into.

"Constables Williams, Reed, and Littleton, this is my son, JJ. JJ, these three men are Constables Williams, Reed, and Littleton.

Roy smiled at this young man. "I knew your father a little. I served with Steve on two different assignments. He was a good man."

"Thank you."

"You look like him." Roy studied the little boy a little. "You know what, you also look a little like Jack too."

"Thank you." JJ turned his attention toward his daddy. "Are you going to be home for dinner tonight?"

"I am. I will be there probably in a couple of hours. Would you please tell mommy that?"

"Sure. I'm not sure where she is."

"I would give you three guess, but you will only need one."

"The house!" JJ stated with a little excitement. "I love you daddy." He proclaimed as he began toward the door.

"No running inside!" Jack exclaimed.

JJ raised his hand as he ran out the door. Jack would only snicker in response. No matter how many times you told him not to run inside, the boy just couldn't remember it. Jack was the exact same way as a little boy.

"He seems like a good kid."

"He is Roy. I'm blessed to have him in my life."

"Is that why you're getting out?" Littleton asked.

"Partly. There are a couple of reasons. He's lost so much in his young life already."

"Being a sheriff isn't the safest of jobs."

"True, but I'm not in constant contact with outlaws on a daily basis."

Littleton nodded his head.

"Let's get this planned out. Silas and Cody will be back through in a couple of days, and I have dinner waiting for me."

…

After the planning session with Jack and Roy, Sam walked into Abagail's after checking on his horse. Collins agreed to take care of the horses, but Sam still wanted to check on his horse. It was just a mountie thing. Sam quickly scanned the café looking for a particular young lady. He was a little shocked at himself when he was dejected and a little upset because she wasn't there. His shoulders slumped. He looked up when Abagail spoke to him.

"Hello Constable Reed. Will it be just you tonight?"

"Yes ma'am."

"Please take the table by the stove. I'll bring you some tea."

"Thank you, ma'am." He stated as he turned to walk toward his table. He nodded at several people who nodded or smiled at him. He sat at the table looking over the café. He hasn't been in town for very long, but the people were very friendly and welcoming to him. He smiled when a couple spoke to him as they walked by. He pulled his small journal out of his breast pocket and began to write down a few notes. He heard the front door open, but he didn't look up.

"Well…Hello."

Sam's head jerked up at the voice he remembered all too well. He tried to keep the smile from overtaking his face, but he was losing that battle.

"Hello Faith. I hope you are having a good day?"

"I did." She answered. Better now. She thought to herself. She couldn't believe how fast she was beginning to enjoy time with this mountie. She thought back on her discussion with Elizabeth concerning Sam and his profession.

While she hasn't made up her mind completely, she was very open to see where this could go. He hasn't professed anything to her like she hasn't to him, but she could tell he was a little interested. She was most certainly interested in him. She had been trying to keep that fact under wraps. During her ride out to a farm on the outskirts of town earlier today, she decided she would like to get to know him more. That is what she was most comfortable with at the moment. "If it progresses beyond that, then we will see." Is what she told herself on the ride home. However, her heart was willing to jump off the cliff if it was given the opportunity.

"How was your day?" She asked.

"Pretty good. Nothing too eventful." He stated as he raised his right hand to brush back a little bit of hair on his forehead.

"What happened to your hand?"

"Oh…nothing." He quickly moved his hand to his lap that was under the table. He didn't want her to worry or, worse yet, to walk away because she was scared of his job.

"Please let me see your right hand." She stated.

"Excuse me."

"Your right hand." She stated holding her hand out with the palm up.

Sam slowly lifted his hand in front of him. He turned it to where the palm was facing her. She noticed what he was doing.

"The back of your hand please. Where the knuckles are." She stated in a determined, nurse's voice.

"Oh…" He stated. Then he slowly turned his hand around to show her what she wanted to see.

"What happened?" She asked as she began to examine his hand. She remembered what Jack told her earlier.

"We had a discussion with two men today."

"Are you hurt?"

"No. Just a couple of scrapes on this hand. It was nothing."

"Are you sure?"

"I am. See…" He stated as he flexed his hand into a fist three times to prove it was good. "If you're not busy and not expecting anyone else, would you like to join me for dinner?"

She let out a breath of air. For a moment, she was very concerned. That all melted away when she noticed his blue eyes sparkling at her. She was lost in those eyes. "Sure, I would like that." She let out a nervous chuckle as she sat down. Before she was even comfortable in the chair, her heart had won the argument. Those eyes, his smile, and his pure joy in seeing her had tilted the scales in her heart's favor. It was then she realized she missed touching his hand.

His smile only grew when he noticed the corner of her beautiful lips curl up. He wanted another reason for her to hold his hand. "So Faith…tell me about yourself."

…

Jack took his normal walk to the row house. He wanted to go to the new house, but it was already getting late. He didn't want to miss anymore time with his family. He did speak with Mr. P for a couple of minutes outside of the jail. He was excited about the progress of the home and the items that were coming in. He was hoping to be in the home in a week or so. Mr. P all but guaranteed it.

He walked a little slower than normal. He wanted to change his mindset from mountie mode to daddy and husband mode. Some parts of the day were intense while all of it was busy. He wanted the right mindset to enjoy his family and for his family to enjoy him. In hopefully two days, Friday, was when they were going to arrest the whiskey runners. He still hasn't heard word from headquarters what they wanted him to do, but if anyone was doing anything illegal in his town, he has the right to arrest them. If it was after noon on Friday, he would have the right as sheriff to arrest them no matter what the mountie headquarters wanted.

Jack hasn't given any thought about the retirement part of Friday. He has been busy doing mountie work even though he should have been on leave. At noon he would no longer be a mountie. One minute past noon, he would become sheriff of Hope Valley. To him, it didn't sound too different. Instead of dealing with headquarters, he would be working with Abagail. The thought made him smile.

As he approached his row house, he noticed a shadowy figure sitting on the top step. He instantly knew the outline of the individual. He would know it anywhere. He smiled when they stood up.

"It seems like I haven't seen you in forever." Stated Elizabeth.

Jack laughed as he stepped closer to her and wrapped his arms around her in a hug. "I completely agree. When all of this is settled, I can go back to meeting you for lunch."

"That sounds lovely."

"I've missed you." He stated as he gently kissed her lips.

"I have missed you."

They sat down on the steps together for a few moments just for themselves.

"Did you have a good day?"

"I did. School was good and the new home is coming together quickly."

"Mr. P said we should be in it next week sometime."

"Yeah." She stated. "As much as I'm looking forward to that, I will miss this home."

"Me too." He reached for her hand.

"And how was your day?"

"It was good. We are progressing on the case quickly. I'm hoping for an arrest in a couple of days or so."

Elizabeth looked into his eyes. She saw every word of the communication that flowed so freely between their looks. She laid her head on his shoulder and scooted a little closer to him.

"Good." She stated. "Mother will be here sometime this weekend or first of next week for you know what?"

"You're still not saying it?"

"He's just inside. I don't want him to know about it."

Jack couldn't control his laughter. He couldn't understand why she wanted to keep it a secret when JJ already knew most of it.

"Hey daddy." JJ excitedly stated from the doorway. He came and sat down on the step in front of his mommy and daddy. He placed his left elbow on his mommy's knee and his right on his daddy's knee.

"How's my boy?"

"Good. You?"

"Good."

"Are you two working out my birthday party?"

"JJ…I'm not sure if we are having a party. Certainly not a big one like you think."

"That sounds fishy."

Jack and JJ didn't even try to hold in their laughter. Elizabeth playfully huffed at her two boys.

"Maybe this little one will be a girl and we can make things even." She stated rubbing her tummy.

"It's a girl mommy, but we are the team." JJ stated, emphasizing the word 'we'.

Jack leaned his shoulder into Elizabeth's and whispered. "I think we are in trouble."

"Great detective work, constable." She smirked.