Chapter 86

As Jack, Elizabeth, and JJ walked toward their home, they passed the little driveway to Mr. and Mrs. P's home.

"Do I have time to stop and say hi?"

"Sure. Have fun but don't be long."

"When is everyone coming over?"

"I'm not sure what you're talking about." Elizabeth shrugged. "Enjoy your visit, but we are having a snack at four. Please be home for that."

"Yes mommy." He kissed her on the cheek. Then he kissed her tummy. "See you later, sister."

They watched their son run down the driveway and climb the steps. Jack reached for his wife's hand.

"Very smooth there sweetheart." Jack sassed.

"That boy…"

"He's priceless."

"Hey, were you really serious about me having homework?"

"I sure am, Mr. Thornton. You did something you shouldn't have done, and you need to face the consequences for it."

"I haven't had homework since the academy."

"Wednesday by noon, Mr. Thornton. You do not want to turn the assignment in late. There will be a penalty if you do."

"Are you this hard on your other students?"

"I apply discipline according to the particular student. I have always found that each student is different and should be treated accordingly."

"Mhmmm…"

"You are older than the little ones. You are mature enough to handle the punishment I have given you."

"Is that a nice way to say I'm old?"

"You know the assignment, Mr. Thornton." She wagged her finger at him.

…

Mrs. P smiled when there was a knock on her front door and then it opened before she even said a word. She knew it was the little boy who had stolen her heart weeks ago. The Thorntons haven't lived in their home for very long, but JJ had always wanted to stop by every time he passed by to their home. The older couple were perfect ok with that arrangement.

"Mrs. P!"

"In here!" She responded with the same excitement.

"It's my birthday!"

"I have heard that. I also heard you played hooky from school." Her eyebrow raised and her lips went straight. He could tell that she wasn't too happy with that fact.

"Yes ma'am." His excitement about missing school didn't lessen any, even with the stern expression from his adopted grandma. "I had fun with daddy. Mr. P was there too."

"I've heard." Her smile grew at the excitement of her little boy. "What did you do?"

"I went fishing!"

"Nice. Would you like snack?"

"No. I don't know exactly what mommy is doing, but she has three cakes at home."

"Three?"

"Yeah, she made two last night and another one this morning."

"There isn't enough kids in Hope Valley to eat that many cakes."

"Mommy keeps telling daddy and Auntie Abagail that my birthday needs to be perfect."

"Yeah. I've heard that a couple of times myself. And she thinks three cakes will do that?"

"I suppose, but mommy doesn't understand."

"What doesn't she understand?"

"My birthday isn't great because she gave me a party or presents."

"No?"

"No…my birthday is perfect because she loves me. When she smiles her mommy smile at me and tells me that she loves me, that's all I need to have a perfect birthday."

"Why didn't you tell her that?"

"I've tried but she wasn't listening to me. She wanted to make it perfect. She just didn't realize that she already had made it perfect. The party, the friends, and family coming to celebrate is just in addition to the perfection."

Mrs. P could only laugh at this young one. He truly believed his mommy already gave him a perfect birthday. However, he was still excited about having a party and his friends coming over.

…

Mr. P, Mrs. P, and JJ made their way up the hill just before four. Instead of walking up the road, they just followed the small little path that was already forming between the two homes. JJ held Mrs. P's hand while Mr. P walked behind them.

"They're coming!" Emily shouted as she ran into the Thornton's home. Elizabeth had given her the job of lookout. She was to let everyone know when JJ was coming up the hill. It was an easy choice to give her that job. She was so eager that she was already standing out on the porch looking anyways.

When she came in running yelling, everyone stopped what they were doing. All the children were in the living room closest to the door. Jack and Elizabeth, Grace, Abagail and Frank, and Jerry and Joyce were all in the kitchen looking over everyone. They had a hard time seeing the front door due to tall the streamers and balloons that Grace and Joyce decorated the home with. They went overboard. However, they still didn't use all the decorations Elizabeth had waiting for them.

As Emily came inside and warned everyone that JJ was coming, Elizabeth began to look around trying to find something to adjust or add to. As she reached for the second cake that she made, Jack grabbed her hand. While she may have huffed and gave him a slight annoyed glare, his expression was loving.

"You have given our little boy an amazing birthday. Everything is perfect. Let's enjoy this time with him and everyone else and just celebrate our boy."

"But…"

"Breath Elizabeth. This is perfect. If you do this every year for his birthday, we may need to expand the business."

"I didn't spend that much money."

"Sweetheart, Mr. Yost gave me a thank you card." Jack teased. "That boy will know he is loved."

Elizabeth let out a long sigh. Jack was right, but her desire for perfection for her little boy was just too strong. Before she could break free from Jack's grasp, JJ burst through the door talking a mile a minute while he held Mrs. P's hand.

"Happy birthday!" Everyone yelled.

As everyone yelled and began to clap, JJ's eyes immediately found his mommy. He dropped Mrs. P's hand and ran straight to Elizabeth. He jumped into her arms as she wrapped him into a huge hug. JJ would often squeeze her when he hugged her. This hug was the most intense he had ever given her. He held on for a long time. When he finally released his hold on her, he kissed her and hugged her again. As he hugged her the second time, he whispered a soft thank you in her ear.

He didn't have to say anything to her. The two hugs were everything to Elizabeth. JJ didn't hold any affection back toward her. The crowd saw it while Elizabeth felt it. It was in that moment that she realized that she didn't have to go overboard with the decorations, the cakes, or the gifts to make his birthday special.

He slid from her grasp. Once on his feet, he wiggled his index finger for her to bend to his level. His intense looking into her eyes reminded her so much of when Jack would do that. She bent forward to his level. With the most perfect love in his eyes, he spoke.

"Thank you, mommy." His voice was so sincere.

"You're welcome my boy."

"I love you mommy. This is perfect."

"You haven't seen anything or anyone yet."

"I don't have to. I have you here and you love me."

"Oh JJ…" He took her heart all over again. "Go and enjoy everyone. We'll open gifts soon."

JJ reached up and touched a tear that was falling down her cheek. "Daddy's right…you are the best mommy ever."

The flood gates opened. Tears began to overtake her eyelids. She turned her son around by his shoulders. She patted him on the bottom. "Go. Go."

She watched her son run off toward the group. However, she couldn't see him because of the tears. The more she wiped them away, more tears appeared. Jack stood beside her. He handed her a handkerchief from his back pocket.

"Are you satisfied?"

Elizabeth leaned into his shoulder. "That boy… Our son is just perfect."

"You know, he is right. You are the best mommy ever."

She wiped the tears with her left hand and her right hand rested on her baby bump.

…

JJ ran to his friends. They all went outside where Frank and Mr. P set up some games for the children to play. Elizabeth thought that would be necessary to finish up on the food items, but she had so much help that everything was already set. As she watched her son leave the living room with all his friends, she reached for Jack's hand.

"That boy…" She shook her head. "That boy…" She just couldn't think of what she wanted to say.

JJ, Emily, and Sam joined everyone outside. Frank had four bags of saw dust tied closed. Twenty feet away were two targets. The game was for each team to throw two of their bags to see who could get the bags closest to the target. The other children were playing with a new swing that was tied to the limb of a tree. Others were playing around the creek, but they all had strict instructions not to get wet. They only had twenty minutes before the food would be ready.

"I understand you were part of Jack's scheme this morning."

"Elizabeth…I didn't plan it. I wasn't sure what we were doing until Jack showed up at my wife's café with JJ."

"I also heard from JJ what all the men did with him today."

"Yeah…that was a special time with him while we fished."

"Thank you for pouring yourself into my son."

"You're welcome, Elizabeth. You have a special young man."

"I do."

…

It took all the adults everything bit of their patience they had to corral the children to sit on the front porch to eat. They just wanted to play and enjoy each other. After eating, JJ sat in a chair to open the presents. Elizabeth wanted to have them eat the cake before opening the presents, but JJ and his friends were so eager to open the presents that she swore they wouldn't have eaten the cake.

The first gift was from Jerry and Joyce. JJ stared at the long tube that was about four feet long. He lifted the tube and shook it twice. Then he checked the weight. "It's a fishing pole." He excitedly exclaimed as he began to open one end of it. Wrapping material was flying all over the place. He was excited.

"Cool!" He exclaimed as the fishing pole slid out of the tube. "This is awesome!" He held the pole up to examine it. All the kids oohed and aahed over it. "Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. W!" He stood and gave them a hug.

"You're welcome."

His next gift was from Grace and William. She smiled as he accepted the box. He looked at it for a moment and then shook it a couple of times. Once again, he felt the weight of it and shook it one more time. "It's three books and a tackle box!?"

Wrapping paper was flying as he tore into the present. He was correct. Inside the box were two new college math books and one used book from William's friend that was in prison with him. He quickly looked through the three workbooks before he even touched the tackle box. The fishing box was of middle size and a light tan color. It had several compartments for lures.

"Thank you, Grandma Grace!" He bellowed out as he stood and ran toward her for a hug.

Frank and Abagail gave him a medium size box with a huge smile.

"I don't think you can figure this one out." Frank challenged him.

JJ smirked at the challenge and turned his attention to the box. He examined the wrapping paper and then tested the weight of it by holding it up. He didn't even shake the box. He looked straight in Franks eyes.

"Fishing lures…chocolate chip cookies…and a new pair of boots." He stated confidently.

"How?" Abagail and Frank gasped together.

"Uncle Frank and Auntie Abagail, I'm just good." Sassed JJ with a huge smile. He ran toward them and gave them both a hug.

"You're welcome." They returned the hug.

Mr. P and Mrs. P stepped up to the young man. He just sat down in his seat. JJ looked at them a little confused. He didn't know why they didn't have a box.

"You can't guess ours. It's outside by the side of the home."

JJ followed Mr. P's nod. He jumped up and ran to the side of the home. He stopped when he turned the corner. All the kids were immediately behind him. They all gasped when they saw two bicycles leaning against the home.

"The blue one is yours and the red one is for Emily." Mrs. P smiled almost as excitedly as both young ones.

"Really?" Both kids asked.

"Yes. You two are always together and it wouldn't be good if one of you had to walk while the other one can ride. Emily, the bike is yours to take home with you."

"Thank you!" Both kids yelled. JJ began with Mrs. P while Emily hugged Mr. P. After a few seconds, they switched.

JJ and Emily took a few seconds to look over their new bicycles. They couldn't believe they had new bicycles. Once the kids were settled back on the porch, Jack and Elizabeth stepped forward. Elizabeth was holding a long, slender box.

JJ took it from her. Just like with all the other gifts, he shook it and tested the weight. "Cool! It's a telescope!"

"How does he do that?"

"I'm just good mommy."

He tore into the wrapping paper and then the box. He pulled it out and looked it over. All the other kids gathered around and looked at the gift.

"We have one more." Jack stated. He avoided his wife's look.

"Jack, we said that was all we would get him."

"I know…" He smirked. He knew he would be in trouble for this, but he just couldn't help it. "This one is from us."

"Jack."

"Well, where is it?" JJ asked looking around.

"It's not here."

"What? Why isn't it here?"

"JJ, he's at the livery."

"The livery…? Wait! Is it a horse?"

"Yes."

JJ smile was huge. He never imagined he would receive a horse.

"Jack, he's too little for a fifteen hundred pound horse!" Elizabeth's hand landed on her hip. "He's young too. He doesn't weigh that much. He's too little." She gasped. "Jack, there is no way my little boy is getting on a huge horse."

"Come on Elizabeth. I had a horse at his age too. He isn't five anymore. He is a growing boy who needs to learn to ride. He did great today."

She could only glare at him. He reached for her hand. "He rode today. He did really well. He and the horse will grow up together. It'll be fine. I only got a scare on my…" He stopped talking when he realized what he was about to say.

"A scar? From riding a huge horse?" She stared at him. Instead of a teacher's scary face, she was glaring at him with a scary, and scared, mommy's face. Jack instantly knew the latter was worse to look at.

"Elizabeth, I'll train him in the proper way to ride. He's smart. He'll catch on quickly."

"We'll talk about this later."

JJ spent a few minutes opening the small gifts from his classmates. He loved all the gifts and time with his friends. As they were wrapping up that time, Elizabeth stepped up and got everyone's attention.

"Alright everyone. Cake is ready with some ice cream. Please come into the kitchen and get your bowls. When you are finished with your snack, you may go outside and enjoy the outside and the creek, but you are not allowed to get in the creek."

"Yes ma'am." She heard all the kids call out.

JJ walked up to his mommy and wrapped his arms around her waist. He didn't have to say anything. His hug told her everything. She simply kissed him on the top of his head. "Go and have fun." She nodded toward the other children.

…

William sat on the edge of his bed in his small cell. He missed the weekly visit from Grace. He also knew today was JJ's birthday and his wife was in Hope Valley celebrating his special day. Today was another constant reminder of the true cost of his crimes. Of all the costs, he hated the missed family times the most. He cursed the fact that he gave away so many family moments so he could grow his business from the second largest shipping company in Canada to the biggest shipping company. It just wasn't worth the trade. He never wanted to visit Hope Valley before now. Today, he couldn't imagine himself anywhere else other than that little western town. His daughter and his wife were celebrating his first grandson's birthday in his absence.

"William are you ok?"

William looked up when he heard the guard's voice.

"Yes."

"Tough day?"

"Yes. They don't tell you about this side of crime."

"And what is this side of crime?"

"Missed family time."

"Yes. I agree. William, I know this isn't ideal, but you have done great work while you have been in here. You are changing some of those men's lives. You are making a good difference here."

"Thank you. At least I am doing some good."

"More than some good. Not only are you helping the prisoners, but I have also heard what you did for another guard's son."

"He's a good kid. He'll do well."

"You have so much to offer. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with the men here."

William nodded his head in appreciation to the compliment. While that brought some comfort, it didn't replace the emptiness of the loneliness of the day.

…

To each person, they thought the birthday party was perfect in every aspect. The three cakes were eaten just as fast as the ice cream and the food. The simple fact did Elizabeth's mother's heart good to see the children dive into her cakes. The children loved everything about the party. They all took turns riding the two bikes. They ran and played in the front and back yards. The creek saw every kid and they all touched the water with their hands but kept their boots on and mostly stayed out of the water.

The kids left to go home at six thirty. They had a great time, but they were all tired. It was a terrific night. The adults stayed for another hour helping clean up from the party. The men tagged teamed and cleaned up all the decorations and picked up the plates and bowls that were left over on the front porch. The ladies joined forces on the leftovers and dishes. With the many hands that were helping, it didn't take too long to get the house back to normal.

Jack came down the steps after taking some of the gifts upstairs. He stopped just before he stepped off the steps. His beautiful wife was laying on the couch with their son carefully wrapped in her arms laying in front of her. His head was just under her chin and her left arm was securely, yet lovingly, wrapped around his chest holding him close. Jack's mind went directly to his dream. He let out a long, contented sigh before he stepped off the last step.

Without waking up his wife or son, he picked JJ up and took him to bed. He took off JJ's boots and just tucked him under the covers. He didn't move a muscle even though he was still fully dressed in his day clothes. He was completely out.

Elizabeth didn't wake up when he picked her up. She was just as tired as her little boy. Jack placed her on the bed and took off her shoes before covering her with the light blanket. She was normally always on the cold side. She wasn't that way a few months into her pregnancy. She was always warm as she slept. Jack brushed his teeth and changed his clothes. He laid down in bed. As soon as he was comfortable, Elizabeth scooted her back against him. Even in her sleep, she had to be close to him. Jack turned to his side and placed his arm around her drawing her fully against him.

"Jack, you're breaking our rule." She slowly stated. She didn't open her eyes. She was just too tired.

"What rule?"

"You're not allowed to sleep in a shirt rule."

"Nothing has happened in this house since we have moved in. The rule doesn't apply anymore."

"Rules are rules, Mr. Thornton. As a sheriff, you should know that you can't just haphazardly break rules or change them."

"Silly rules that are ineffective and shouldn't be followed should be easily changed."

"I'm sorry, Jack." She stated trying to get a little closer to him.

"It's ok, sweetheart. I know we have been very busy since we moved in. Things will settle down quickly."

"Yeah." Her voice trailed off as sleep took over.

…

Jack was up early the next morning. He began working on breakfast after he woke up his wife. He sat on the edge of Elizabeth's side of the bed. He brushed away a few strains of hair from over her eyes and cheek.

"Good morning, beautiful. It's time to get up."

Elizabeth slowly moved her head to the side. She didn't want to wake up. "What?" She mumbled.

"I'm sorry, Elizabeth. I let you sleep as long as I could. It's time for you to wake up."

"What time is it?"

"It's six thirty."

"Six thirty?"

"Yeah. Why don't you get moving and I'll wake up JJ in a little bit. I'll go ahead and get breakfast cooking."

"Jack."

He didn't say anything. He continued to brush her hair a little as she finally opened her eyes. She squinted a little due to the sun coming through the window. She turned to lay on her back. She looked intently into his eyes.

"You carried me to bed, didn't you?"

He nodded his head.

"I feel asleep again, didn't I?"

"You were so cute laying on the couch with our son. Your snoring wasn't too loud."

"Jack…" She smiled. She knew he loved that. "I don't snore! Ladies don't snore!"

"I'm sorry, sweetheart."

"Don't say it."

Jack let out a small laugh.

"I'm sorry."

"Elizabeth…" He elongated her name. She loved when he did that. "…you were exhausted. We have been busy over the last few days. It'll calm down soon enough."

"Not soon enough." She reached for his chest. She lovingly ran her fingers up and down his chest for a minute. She was disappointed he had his sleeping shirt on.

"You broke the rule again, didn't you?"

"You don't remember our conversation last night when I laid you in bed?"

"No I don't."

"I'm wearing a sleeping shirt until I don't have too anymore."

The teasing expression on her husband's face was just too much to handle. His dimpled grin was too adorable.

"Rules are rules, Mr. Thornton."

"True, but sometimes the rules are frivolous and unnecessary."

Jack leaned down and kissed her forehead. She could feel his smile as his lips pressed against her forehead.

"Challenge accepted." She flirted.

…

After breakfast and pushing Elizabeth and JJ to get dressed and eat their food, Jack walked with them to school. He wanted to spend as much time with them as possible. He also needed to implement his plan for the day. JJ walked between them holding their hands. He was enjoying his time with his parents.

"Did you enjoy yesterday?"

"I did, daddy. Mommy did a great job with everything."

"I didn't do everything. I just make the cakes."

"I think you planned everything and then you had everyone to help you."

"He has you figured out, dear."

"Well, it was his birthday."

"And the best one ever." JJ smiled. "How are you going to top it next year?"

"I don't think I can top it." Elizabeth stated. Jack just knew she was already thinking about it.

"Knowing your mommy, she will probably expand your birthday from one day to a whole week."

"Jack!" Elizabeth squealed and playfully swatted his arm.

"Wow! That means I get out of school for a whole week."

"I don't think so." Warned Elizabeth in a teacher's voice. There was no question of her meaning.

"I had to try." JJ shrugged his shoulders.

They walked into the school as JJ stayed outside waiting for his friends to show up so they could play a little before school began. Jack sat Elizabeth's books and basket on her desk. She was appreciative that he carried those things for her.

"So, since you're not kidnapping my son from school today, what do you have planned?" She stepped into his personal space.

"I have a couple of thoughts." He flirted.

"Yeah?"

"Yeah." He kissed her gently. "Do you have any plans for you and JJ after school?"

"I do."

"Perfect. I'll have dinner ready when you two get home."

"Thank you, Jack."

"Now, I have a very short meeting with Jerry this morning."

"Anything I need to know about?"

"Once I find out, I'll let you know all about it. He just asked if he could meet with me for about ten minutes this morning."

"That doesn't sound serious."

"No, it doesn't. I'm not even sure if it is company related." He shrugged his shoulders. "I need to get going. Is there anything I can do for you?"

"No. We'll see you later?"

"Yes. I'll be by for lunch. May I have lunch with the pretty schoolteacher?"

"I would love that."

…

Instead of beginning with arithmetic, she began with individual reading. Elizabeth thought the students would be a little tired from all the fun yesterday. She wanted to bring everyone up to speed slowly before tackling a harder subject like math. As the students were reading on their own at their desks, Elizabeth wrote twenty vocabulary words on the blackboard. Ten were for the younger children and the ten on the right were for the older children. When she noticed several students began to look around, she knew they had finished reading the pages she asked them to read.

Elizabeth opened her book after sitting at her desk. She glanced over the group as they read the words on the blackboard. Then they would turn their attention to the paper in front of them to write down the meaning of that word. They were writing down the definitions and if the word was a subject or a verb. She smiled as her students worked diligently. She was grateful her students were hardworking students. As she opened her book, she noticed a piece of paper that was barely sticking out of the top. She slid the paper out and opened it. She smiled when she noticed Jack's handwriting. After unfolding the paper, she began to read.

Mr. Jarrick Thornton

Sheriff – Hope Valley

Homework Assignment

Mrs. Thornton's Extended Punishment Class

Essay on Elizabeth Barrett Browning – How Do I Love Thee?

Elizabeth smiled at how properly Jack began the essay. She also laughed at his title of 'Extended Punishment Class'.

Elizabeth Barret Browning asked her famous question, 'How Do I Love Thee?'. To answer her question…Elizabeth Thornton, I love you with everything that I am.

Submitted by –

Jack Thornton

Elizabeth Thornton's Husband

She couldn't describe it, but she loved him more at that moment. His humor was just precious and touched her in a special way. She grinned as she fingered the edges of the paper. She ran her finger over the edge. He may not have always said things properly. However, he had no problem showing her how much he loved her. She was grateful for that. With that grin growing into a smirky smile, she took her pen and wrote 'A minue' on the top right of the paper. She read the assignment one more time just to hear Jack's voice in her head.

…

Jack left the schoolhouse and went straight to the café. His morning meeting with Jerry didn't even last the ten minutes he told Jack it would. They spoke for about five minutes concerning the new program they implemented at Jack's recommendation and the adjustment that Elizabeth suggested. Jerry wanted to apply for additional patents regarding the new process. Jack agreed and signed off on the process. Jerry thought it was another way to not only improve the jobs, but also secure the growth of the company.

After their brief discussion about the patent, they just enjoyed sitting with each other and talking. Nothing else was discussed about the company. Both were actually pleased with that fact. They began to share stories of JJ.

"Good morning, Jack. How are you?"

"Good morning, Lee. I'm doing well. Lee, this is Mr. Jerry Watts. Jerry, this is Mr. Lee Coulter. He is our wood supplier for this region of Cananda."

"Nice to meet you Mr. Coulter."

"Please call me Lee."

"Jerry."

"Lee, would you like to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee with us?"

"You don't mind?"

"As long as you don't talk about business." Jack laughed. "This is just sitting and enjoying a cup of coffee."

"And a scone. That sounds nice."

Jack, Jerry, and Lee sat around the small table for a little bit. They just enjoyed discussing nothing at all. Lee was getting to know Jerry and he was getting to know Lee. Their friendship was growing into a true friendship. Jack was enjoying deepening his friendship with Jerry and catching up with Lee. Jack has missed his friends over the last few weeks. Jack was just hoping his life would settle down for a little while. From the marriage, traveling, and arrest of four of the six Toronto Six Gang members, he hasn't just sat down with Lee and caught up. He missed his friend.

Jack looked at the clock on the wall and saw that it was just before nine. He needed to hurry so he could put his plan into play. He picked up the food order and said his goodbye to Jerry and Lee. He didn't feel bad due to the fact that Jerry and Lee were getting along very well. He quickly stepped out of the café and turned right. His head was down as he walked down the sidewalk with purpose.

Jack stood at the door trying to get the courage to knock and walk in. He knew he was really pushing his limits. This had a fifty fifty chance of getting him in so much trouble that he could never recover. If it went well, he would give one of the greatest gifts he could possibly give. He closed his eyes and prayed a quick prayer for the latter outcome. Then with strength he found that he didn't know he had, he knocked on the door and then immediately opened it.