Chapter 96

The breakfast went well once the men put their shirts on. The three men were just being silly. William loved the time together with Jack and JJ with them just being silly. It was a good morning together that allowed them to bond. Grace and William only shook their heads at their men.

JJ would often joke about Jack's cooking. While he still thought the bacon didn't look right, he had to admit that it did taste good. Everyone was happy with the food. JJ was his adorable self as he carried most of the conversation. He did finish his food quickly since he ate so fast. He was encouraging everyone to finish. He was ready to open presents but he was told by Jack and Elizabeth that he had to wait on everyone to finish their meal and put food and dishes away. His impatience were beginning to wear thin on his mommy.

"JJ…" Elizabeth voice, while not loud, was completely understood. While she had a teacher's voice that captured everyone's attention, JJ was more afraid of her mother's voice. Her mother's voice was coming through in a powerful way. Just the way she said his name was all it took for him to instantly calm down.

"Sorry mommy." He whispered as he lowered his head a little.

"Wow…that was powerful." William chuckled under his breath avoiding eye contact with his middle daughter.

"No kidding." JJ whispered, shaking his head.

"JJ, please clean off the table and place all the dishes in the sink. I'll wipe off the table while William will help put the food away. Once we are finished, we may open the gifts."
"Yes daddy." JJ stated as she stood. He walked to his mommy and leaned in as he kissed her on the cheek. "I'm sorry, mommy."
"It's ok, my sweet little boy. I know it's hard not to get excited."
Grace placed her hand on top of her daughter's hand. She spoke when the guys were busy around the sink and counter.

"You are a true picture of a mother. And that is a precious young man…but he is all boy."

Elizabeth giggled at her mother's statement. It was true. JJ was a precious boy. He was also all boy, full of energy and mischievousness. She wouldn't have her son any other way.

"That he is." Her mother's voice full of love.

"Come on." Grace stated as she stood and then offered to help her middle child to stand. "Let's get the gifts ready as the men finish up in here."

"Come on mother. Jack already has everything under the tree. I need to get one thing from my room."
…

Frank stood looking out the front door of the café. The café was closed for Christmas. It wasn't snowing hard. There was a couple of inches that fell overnight. The wind was barely blowing, and the snow wasn't too heavy. It was simply beautiful.

Frank smiled when he heard his wife's steps on the wooden floor coming up behind him.
"What are you doing?"
"Watching it snow. It's beautiful. You should take a look."
Abagail looked out the same door window her husband was looking out. She had to admit it was beautiful. She placed her head on Frank's shoulder as they watched the snow fall together. He wrapped his arm around her waist.

"I have something for you."
"Frank, we said that we weren't going to buy each other anything." She huffed at her husband.
"I know. I didn't buy this. I made it."
"You did?"
"Yes. Well, to be honest, it's not really for you."
"What do you mean?" She raised her head off his shoulder and tilted it to the side.
"Come with me." He reached for her hand.

Frank led her through the dining room of the café and into the living area just off the kitchen. They had a small Christmas tree in the corner. She noticed a blanket that was covering something.
"What's that?"
"Your gift."
"Mine?"
"Yes. Come on."

Abagail walked up to the blanket. She slowly reached for the blanket and pulled it off whatever it was on. As she gathered the blanket in her arms, she gasped when her eyes took in what she was looking at.

"Frank…!" She gasped. She dropped the blanket and covered her mouth. "It's a bassinet!"

"Yes. I made it and painted it."
Frank spent some time during the days before Christmas making the bassinet. When he finished it, he painted it white. Since he couldn't paint very well, he had one of the children paint butterflies and birds on the rail parts of it.

"I love it!" she exclaimed as she slowly reached out with her right hand. She ran her fingers up and down the side railing."
"I had help with the animals. I just couldn't do that part well."

"Frank…it's just perfect." Abagail's eyes slowly looked over the whole bassinet as they drank in every little detail. She really did love it. "It is just beautiful." She slowly whispered.

Frank knew through her thoughtful expressions and looking over the bassinet that she loved it. He wanted to make this Christmas special for his wife. She was such a giving person to everyone else. He just wanted her to feel special and loved.

"I love you."
"I love you, Frank."
…

When Jack, JJ, and William walked into the living room, Elizabeth and Grace was already sitting in front of the fireplace. The Christmas tree was just to the right in the corner of the home. They had a perfect view of the light snow outside the window. Elizabeth thought this was the perfect first Christmas together. Elizabeth smiled when JJ blooped down in front of her on the floor.
"You seem tired?" Elizabeth played with his hair.
"Whew…making breakfast is exhausting."
"It can be. Now, if you would like to open presents, you will need to bring them out and place them in front of everyone."
"On it!" He exclaimed with great excitement. He jumped up and quickly made his way to the tree where all the gifts were located. His enthusiasm taking over.

"I think he found his second wind." Jack laughed as he sat beside his bride. He kissed her on the lips ever so gently. "How are you?"
"I'm good."
"And baby Thornton?"
"Good."

The adults smiled as they watched JJ carry the gifts to their particular person. A huge smile plastered all over his face. True to being their true selves, there weren't a lot of store bought gifts. They wanted their gifts to be personal.

"Ok my sweet boy, you go first." Elizabeth nodded toward his gifts.

JJ didn't have to be told twice. He ripped into the first gift with all the excitement of a little boy on Christmas morning. The adults smiled as wrapping paper flew through the air like the snow outside.

"Wow!" JJ exclaimed. "Grandma Grace, you got me a math book. "Cool!"

"You know Gracie, that is the only kid in the world that would get excited about a math book for a present."
"You will realize that little boy is no ordinary boy."
"That, my dear, you don't have to spell it out to me."

"Oh…" JJ's voice trailed off. "There's money in here too."
"Yes, that is for you to get what you need for your horse. We weren't sure what you had or needed."
"Nice." JJ's voice was smooth. "Thank you." He exclaimed as he stood and gave Grandma Grace and William a hug. The look between JJ and William was understood.

"They're up to something." Elizabeth whispered to Jack as she watched her son's and father's subtle head nod and expression.

"I think you may be correct." Jack witnessed the same expression. "What are they up to?"

Jack's statement was interrupted by his little boy. He came running over to him. "Daddy! What else do I need for my horse?"
"Well, you will need your saddle and new tack."
"Will this be enough?"
Jack quickly looked at the money in his little boy's hand. "More than enough."

"Mother…father…" Elizabeth stated quietly.

"Dear child, it's not too much money. Plus. We're grandparents and JJ is our first grandchild. We have the right to spoil."
"Yeah mommy.' JJ spoke with a smile.

"Now with that stated, you and Jack will help him spend the money. You two will make sure he uses it wisely."
"Thank you mother. That was very kind of you."

Grace felt much better when her daughter nodded her head in approving the gift.

"JJ, would you give this to your mother?"
"Sure. What is it?"
"It's her gift." Grace stated as she and William gave him a big box that was beautifully wrapped.

"Mother, you shouldn't have done this."
"We didn't purchase you and Jack anything. We gave that money to JJ. I hope you don't mind that we did it that way. What we have for you and Jack are things that we already had that we wanted to give to you."
Elizabeth reached for a tear that was forming in her eye. Normally her parents would spend a lot of money on gifts. The change in her parents was evident. She was so thankful for that.

JJ placed the box in Jack's lap. He didn't think his mommy could reach the floor in front of her and there wasn't too much room on her lap for a big box. He didn't like that fact very much. He always loved sitting on her lap with his back resting against her. She would always wrap her arms around him. He felt so loved when she did that. With the progressed pregnancy, he couldn't sit there any longer. However, for a little sister, that was a trade off he was willing to make for the next little while.

Jack held the box for his wife as she gently unwrapped the paper. He and JJ only shook their heads at the careful unwrapping of the gift paper. They just couldn't understand it. Grace and William leaned forward in their seats. They were excited to see Elizabeth's reaction.

"Oh mother…" Elizabeth cried as she opened the box. She immediately remembered the small doll that was resting on top of other items.

The little doll was Elizabeth's favorite doll growing up. Her Aunt Agatha gave it to her when she was two. She has had it ever since. That little doll was her favorite for years. Even when she was too old to play with dolls, it lived in a prominent position on her shelf in her bedroom. She hasn't really seen it since she left for teacher's college.

With a shaky hand, she reached into the box and pulled out the carefully cared for, but old looking doll. She carefully examined it for a few long seconds before she brought it to her chest for a loving hug. All the memories of her youth with the doll came to her mind.

"I thought if you had a little girl, she would love to have something from your childhood."
"Oh mother…" Tears easily flowed down her cheeks.

"It's perfect, Grace. Thank you." Jack spoke for his wife as he placed a supportive hand on her upper back. He slowly rubbed her back in up and down motions. He knew she liked that. It helped her calm down.

After a few minutes, Elizabeth was able to look through the box. Grace had placed Elizabeth's favorite blanket and a small pillow that was always on her bed as a child and teen. To Elizabeth, the gift was perfect. Even if her baby was a boy, Elizabeth took a few moments to carefully look and hold each item. They brought back so many memories from her childhood. She loved the fact that she could share those items with her little one. She was grateful to have treasured items from her childhood.

"My baby sister will love those things." JJ stated. "Thank you Grandma Grace and Gran… William." JJ quickly corrected himself.

"You still think you're having a little sister?"
"I do, grandma. I just know it."
Grace could only smile at her grandson. Even if she could argue against it, she just didn't want to. JJ was so confident of it.

"Jack, I have something for you."
"William, you didn't have to get me anything."
"Well, we didn't purchase it. I would like you to have something that was given to me. Let's call it a family heirloom."
Jack slowly leaned forward and accepted a small bag from William. He turned his gaze to Eilzabeth and noticed her small head nod.

"Thant's very kind of you, William." He made eye contact with his father-in-law. "But you didn't have to."
"I know, Jack. My father used that everyday of his life as a man. When he passed, I was given it. I have carried it most days. I was supposed to pass it down to my son, but I was only blessed with daughters. I would like for you to have it."

Jack did the only thing he could think of…he nodded his head.

Elizabeth wasn't sure what it was. She had a guess, but she just didn't know with certainty.

Jack held the bag for a couple of moments before reaching into it. He felt a small, hard object. He pulled out a very worn, yet still beautiful, pocketknife. It was about two inches long with a worn blue handle. While it may have been old and shown its hard use over those many years, it was evident to see that it was still a beautiful knife.

"That was my dad's daily pocketknife. He used it almost every day of his life. I would like you to have it. The only thing is, you must carry it and use it. Dad would be embarrassed if it was placed on a shelf and only looked at on occasion."
"Father…" Elizabeth gasped.
"Please Jack. Would you accept the gift with the stipulation?"
Jack looked at his wife for her guidance. Elizabeth discreetly shrugged her shoulders. In her opinion, it was completely up to her husband. She was fine whatever Jack decided to do.

Jack slowly nodded his head. "With honor, sir."
"Please…William." William didn't like the formalities any longer.

"Thank you, William."

They sat around the fireplace and the Christmas tree opening presents. Everyone loved watching the excited JJ open his gifts. All but three of his gifts were hand made or hand me down gifts. He just didn't care. He felt loved and cared for. He was just a kid, so he didn't really care where the gifts came from.

After all the gifts were given out and opened, Elizabeth turned her attention to her father. They didn't know he would be here. However, she did think she had the perfect gift for him.

"Father, I have a gift for you."
"Elizabeth, how do you have a gift for me? You didn't even know I was coming."
"I think this will benefit you more now. I just want you to know that it is on loan. I would like to have it back at some point."
William looked at her very confused. None of this was making sense to him. He couldn't think of what the gift could be.

"Here." Elizabeth reached for a small bag. It wasn't expertly decorated. She just didn't have time to wrap it correctly.

William accepted the small bag. After looking at his middle daughter for a few moments, he turned his attention to the bag. He pulled out a small, brown leather pouch. He knew it instantly.

"Elizabeth." His voice caught in his throat. "I…I…"
"It's not yours to keep. I would like to have it back. However, I do think the gift may serve you well at the moment in your life's situation."
William slowly opened the leather pouch and pulled out his old compass. His eyes instantly watered at the meaning of it. He slowly ran his index finger over the face of the compass remembering the many times his Elizabeth would hand it to him before he left on another work trip. It was their routine. She honestly thought the compass was the reason he always found his way home. His thoughts were interrupted when Elizabeth spoke.

"You are at a big crossroads in your life, father. Everything has been taken away from you. You need to find yourself in this new season of your and mother's life. The compass will assist you in finding your way just like it always had."
William reached out for Elizabeths hands. "I know this is difficult for you, and for everyone else, to understand." He smiled at the truth. "I am not lost. I have been lost for many years, but I'm not lost now. I have truly found myself. I have no doubt who I am. I know what my purpose is." William smiled. "I'm meant to love Gracie, you, Viola, Julie, Jack, JJ, and this little one." He nodded to Elizabeth's ever growing tummy. "While in prison, people would often ask me how I'm doing since I lost my company and the life I previously had. The truth is Bethie, that I have never been more certain of who I truly am. I'm not, Mr. Thatcher, the owner of Thatcher Shipping. That's who I used to be, and that man turned into a bad man over time. I lost my true self.

"I may not have been evil in my actions. No one was supposed to be hurt. I had no intentions of killing anyone or physically hurt anyone. However, my actions were despicable because I was so willing to hurt people I didn't even know. I thought I knew everything. The problem was that I actually believed that I did know everything. I was so certain in my line of thinking. I lost who I was." Elizabeth intently watched her father. His eyes were honest with her. "But Elizabeth, I am not that man any longer."
"He is the man I married so many years ago." Grace stated as she sat down beside her husband. "I know this is hard to understand, but the William in front of you today is the same William who I walked down the church aisle to so many years ago and promised my life to him."

"I fully understand your doubt. If I didn't know better, I would question everything too. I will prove myself to you in time." His voice was sincere and resolute.
"I'm grateful to hear that." Elizabeth wiped away a tear. She was so excited about the change in her father. She, along with her mother, wiped away a tear that flowed freely down her cheek.

…

The excitement of the morning finally slowed down after all the presents were opened. Everyone was enjoying a few minutes of just being together. Jack smiled as he leaned in and bumped his wife's shoulder. "Yours is in the corner under the sheet."
"Mine? What is it?"
"You will need to get up and look at it."
"You want me to get up?" Elizabeth whined a little. She was comfortable. Moving wasn't impossible at this point in her pregnancy, just not comfortable.

"Yes. Trust me, you will be happy you did." The smile began to overtake his face. He couldn't help it. He was so excited about it. He had snuck it in from the back porch after his talk with William. Elizabeth raised a questioning eyebrow.

"Yeah mommy…you need to open it!" JJ's excitement filled each word.

"This is from you?" Elizabeth asked as he helped her from the couch.
"Well, from both of us. JJ helped me."
"Come on mommy."

Elizabeth walked to the corner of the room just beside the Christmas tree. Her two boys beside her with eager smiles plastered on their faces. They were just as thrilled for her to open the gift to her than she was. JJ bounced a little as he stood beside her.

Slowly, Elizabeth reached for the sheet with both pulled the sheet toward her and gasped at what she saw.
"Jack…" Her voice was full of disbelief and amazement. "Jack…it's gorgeous."
"Do you like it?" He asked slowly. He was nevous.

"Jack…" She dropped the sheet as her hands clenched in front of her chest.
Elizabeth's eyes traveled from one end of the crib to the other. It was simlpy gorgeous. The crib was painted an off white with flowers painted across the front rail. There were daisies and wildflowers in different colors. On the back rail, there were different animals painted across the whole rail. From two horses, several birds, two rabbits, dogs, and a fish jumping out of the water were all beautifully painted and spaced so each animal stood by itself.

"Wow…" Grace stated as she looked at the crib from a distance.

Elizabeth turned her attention away from the crib to her husband. He was looking at her trying to figure out if she was happy with the crib or not. He was having trouble reading her expression.

"Jack…we agreed that we wouldn't spend that much money on each other."
"We didn't buy it…we made it." Jack nodded toward their son.

"You two made this?"
"Yes mommy…I helped daddy make it and paint it white." JJ beamed with pride.

Elizabeth looked at her son. She smiled at his hope that she loved it.

"It's just perfect." She whispered. "Thank you, sweetheart." She leaned down and kissed her little boy on the top of his head as she wrapped his arms around her.

"There you go, little sister. That's your bed for a little while. Daddy and I made it."

"Jack…" Elizabeth looked at her husband.

"We have worked on it for a little while now. JJ helped make it and paint it."
"And daddy did the flowers and animals."
Elizabeth really wanted to say something, but her mind was struggling to form words. It was just perfect. She loved it but she loved it even more that her husband and son made it for their little one.

…

As the afternoon approached, there was a knock on the Thornton's door. JJ shrugged his shoulders as he and William were playing chest. JJ received a new chest set for Christmas. He wasn't William's match in the board game, but he was beginning to learn the game.

Jack quickly stood up before his wife attempted to. He opened the front door to a smiling Mr. and Mrs. P.

"Hey, come in. It's too cold to be out there."

"Good afternoon, Jack." Mr. P stated as his wife stepped into the home holding a handful of gifts. Mr. P was holding two plates that were covered with a towel.

"There's my boy!" Mrs. P stated while her eyes fell on the little boy. "Oh…" Her voice trailed off when she noticed that William was sitting in front of JJ.

"Hello." Willliam softly stated.

"I thought…" Her voice trailed off as she noticed Grace. "Ma'am." She nodded toward Grace's direction.

"Mr. Thatcher." Mr. P stated in disbelief.

"Please, call me William."
Mr. P shook his head no. He and his wife worked for the Thatcher family for a long time.

"I don't think I can do that, sir."
"Well, let's try." He stood and walked toward Mr. P. "Thank you for loving my family so well over the years."
"My pleasure sir."

William and Grace could easily see the questions on their faces. They took a couple of minutes to share the whole story of William's early release and the stipulations surrounding it. Their desire to visit with Elizabeth, Jack, and JJ. They also wanted to visit Julie, but knew they didn't have time. They did however send a long letter to their youngest daughter.

"Well, that's very good news, sir." Mrs. P stated.

"I am very grateful." William nodded. "Now, I understand you two moved here to be a blessing to my daughter and her family."
"Yes, sir."
"William please."
Mrs. P only sook her head.

"We'll work on it." William gave her a huge smile.

…

The afternoon was perfect in everyone's opinion. JJ enjoyed opening the gifts from his honorary grandparents. Jack did find him just before dinner sitting in his bedroom. He knew something was off with his son. After watching him for only a few seconds, he knew what was wrong. At that moment, JJ was missing his parents. He loved being part of the Thronton family, but he still missed his parents.

Slowly, Jack walked toward his son's bed. He didn't wat to scare him.

"Hey son."
JJ turned his head to look at Jack. "Hey daddy."
Jack sat down beside his son. He placed his hand on his son's shoulder.

"Several years ago while we were in the academy together, Steve and I went out. We had a rare night off from training. We decided to take advantage of it. We went to a small little diner that we've heard about. They had great sandwiches. When I heard Steve gasp, I looked up from my menu at him. He had this really strange look on his face. He went completely white. I laughed when he opened his mouth a couple of times but was unable to speak. That man could carry on a conversation with a tree." Jack laughed at Steve's ability to carry a conversation on with anyone and anything. "There was this brunette lady holding a pad and a pencil. She was just staring at Steve because he couldn't speak. Finally, she turned her attention to me. So, I ordered for the both of us."
"My daddy couldn't say anything?"
"No. Your mommy stole his ability to speak. I do think he fell in love with her in that moment."
"What did he do?"
"Nothing. His brain and tongue couldn't work together." Jack laughed. "He just stared at her every time she walked by."

"How did they begin courting?"
"I think Joy felt sorry for him. She could tell he was stumbling over everything he was trying to speak. Over the next two weeks, everytime we had time away from the academy, Steve made me go with him to the diner. Finally, I think Joy had sympathy on Steven and spoke to him first."

"Daddy was always so smart."
"He was, but when you fall in love, that young lady can make your brain stop working."
"Did mommy do that to you?"
"Absolutely."

JJ leaned his head on Jack's shoulder. He loved the little story. It made him feel close to his mom and dad. This was one of the many reasons why he loved Jack and Elizabeth. They wouldn't let him forget about his birth parents.

JJ also loved the little story Jack shared about his father during academy training. Jack gave his son a few minutes by himself to remember his first family. He encouraged his son to feel all his feelings and not to hide from them.

Elizabeth understood JJ's feelings. She had walked in on the middle of Jack's story. She had sat down beside her little boy as Jack continued the story. She wanted to go to her son and help, but she also knew he needed a few minutes to process everything. When JJ came downstairs, he walked into his mother's open arms. She didn't say anything. She just hugged her little boy.

"Thank you, mommy."
"My son, you need to miss your mommy and daddy in heaven. It's perfectly normal. You love them and they love you. We are here for you."
JJ tightened the hug. He was grateful for his mommy's and daddy's love. After the hug, he walked into the living room and saw William sitting in front of the fireplace by himself. William was lost staring into the flames of the fire. For him, it was a perfect day. Against all odds, his family has accepted him and is giving him a chance to prove the change in his life. He was grateful for this huge blessing.

"Are you ok?"

William smiled at the little boy's voice. "For the first time in a long time, I am."
"That's good to hear." JJ stated as he sat down beside him. "What do you have?" He nodded toward William's hands.

"This is the gift your mother gave me earlier. When she was four, she gave me this compass." He began as she pulled it out of the leather pouch. He ran his fingers over it gently. "Every time I would travel for work, she would make a show out of walking into my bedroom and pulling it out of my dresser to give to me. She said that it would always show me how to get back home. Every trip away she would do that. It would either be in my dresser or my desk drawer. She truly believed it would help me find my way home."
"That's why she gave it to you today."
"It is. I asked her to get it when you all visited me in Hamilton. I thought it would serve her well in her new season of life, with just getting married and all the horrible things I put her through."
"She said she loved it."
"I thought she would."
"So, she gave it to you."
"She said it was on loan. She thinks I need to find myself."
"Do you?" JJ asked. His sincere voice traveled easily into William's heart.

"I know this sounds weird to say considering what I did, but I really don't. I have found myself while waiting for my trial and then in prison. I found myself. I know it sounds bad, but every horrible thing I did taught me the true lesson in life." He turned all his attention toward the precious little boy beside him. "Above all things, family is everything. Nothing is more important than your family. I also learned that I don't know everything. I should have stopped and listened to Elizabeth when she tried to speak to me. I was so arrogant that I wouldn't listen to her.

"That is a mistake I will never make again. While I lost many things through those bad decisions, I have gained so much more. I gained who I was before everything changed within me. I have the groundwork to begin the rebuilding process of my family. I have you and a new grandbaby coming. People who are important to me are willing to forgive me for my horrible mistakes. They have found it in their hearts to forgive me and give me the chance."
"I enjoyed getting your letters."
"I enjoyed writing them." William paused for a moment. He wanted to make sure he said the next words correctly. "JJ…I have no right to ask you to call me grandpa. I am eternally grateful you think of Gracie as your grandma. She loves you with all of her heart. But JJ…it is my goal in life to earn your love and forgiveness. I hope one day in the future you think of me as your grandpa."

JJ watched this older man in front of him. He felt William was being very sincere and honest. He did want to call William his grandpa, but he just wasn't there yet.

"JJ…I think of myself as your grandfather. I know I have a lot more time to prove to you that I am worthy of that title. But when you call me William, I hear 'grandpa."

Jack nodded his head.

"Take your time. Talk to your mommy and daddy. Don't rush our relationship. Time will figure everything out with all of us. Now, I would like for you to keep this for a little while." William handed the leather pouch and compass to the little boy. JJ reverently handled the compass. "It's your mom's, but I think you should have it for now. From everything I have heard from Gracie and Elizabeth, you are a very special young boy. You most certainly have a gifted mind. As you grow and mature, I pray you will find your path in life. I do believe you have the mind to change the world. But most importantly, I want you to find your purpose."
"That sounds like mommy."
"I guess it does." William laughed. "You are truly a special young guy. Just enjoy being a child. Find things in life that make you happy. Listen to your mommy and daddy. They will always lead you in the right direction. And no matter what, be true to yourself. If you do those things, you will do well in life."
"Thank you."

Elizabeth leaned against her bedroom door frame. Tears were flowing freely down her cheeks. She was impressed with her father's words to her little boy. Jack walked up behind her. He placed his hands on her shoulders. He didn't have to say anything. Their shared looks told everything. He gave her a gentle squeeze and kissed her on the cheek before he slipped back into the bedroom.

"Now, please tell me about this Emily."