Chapter 6
The Unexpected Talk
Jack and Elizabeth managed to spend most of their free time together. Thanksgiving was coming up next week. She picked up her phone and called him. Jack was sitting at his desk at work when his phone vibrated. He looked over at it and saw it was Elizabeth calling. He picked it up and stepped outside for some privacy. Hello Elizabeth, is everything alright? Are the babies alright? Whoa Jack. We are fine. Are you busy? Did I call at a bad time? No I was just sitting at my desk working on some reports.
Oh, ok. Look I've been thinking, I don't want to spend Thanksgiving by myself. So I was wondering if you had plans? I usually go to mom's. Oh, ok. I'll find something to do then. Talk to you later, Jack. Elizabeth stop, I was going to ask if you would like to go with me and meet my mom? Are you sure Jack because I wouldn't want to intrude. Nonsense, my mom has been asking me when I was going to bring you out to the house to meet her. Well, I have to ask, Jack. Does she know the whole story about the twins? Yes! She made a copy of my ultrasound pictures and has them on her refrigerator! Ok, I'd love to meet her.
Friday was the last day of school for the Thanksgiving holiday. The nursery furniture was to be delivered that afternoon. She walked her students out to the bus and hugged them all goodbye because she started her maternity leave on Monday. She went back in and talked to the substitute teacher that was taking over for her until next September, Miss Humphrey. She thanked her and told her that she was going to do a great job.
Elizabeth pulls into her garage just as Jack pulls up to her curb. He meets her at her car door just as she pushed the button to close the garage door. Hey beautiful! How was your day? Wonderful, exciting, and sad all rolled up in one. I completely understand, he says with starting maternity leave. Just think, in a month we'll have 2 babies! Yeah but a miserable as I am, I wish they were coming sooner. I can't say I know how you are feeling but they need to stay in there all snuggled up in there for a little while longer. I know Jack but I feel like a beached whale right now. Well if you were a beached whale, you would be a beautiful beached whale! Thanks a lot Jack as she laughed!
As they walked into the mud room the doorbell rang. I'll get he says. He opened the door to the delivery men with the furniture. Follow me and I'll show you where they go. They follow him upstairs to the nursery. He opened the bedroom door and said, just stack the boxes up and I'll put them together. After they finished unloading the boxes, Jack and Elizabeth thanked them as they left.
Jack helped her up the stairs to the nursery. The glider rocking chair didn't have to be put together so she sat down and talked to him while he put the other furniture together. After a couple of hours he had them put together.
So where do you want it all placed, he asked? I don't want anything in front of the mural. So both cribs on this wall facing the mural. She puts out her hand to him so he could help her up out of the rocker. Will you put this over in the corner with The glider foot stool in front of it. The rug was already down. She sat back down after he moved it and propped her feet up. That little table goes right here, in between the chair and window. He moved it to its spot. I think the changing table on this wall next to the chair and the 2 chest of drawers on that wall by the door. The toy box in front of the mural. After he was finished he steps back and says,it really looks nice!
After he helps her out of the chair they walk back downstairs. She sits down on the couch. He asked, do we want to order in tonight? Oooooo, Italian sounds delicious, she replied! Ok, pizza or pasta, he asks? Surprise me, she replies. He goes to the kitchen to get the menu and to place their order. He hung up and brought her a glass of ice water with a twist of orange in it. He sat down next to her and said, it will be here in about 30 minutes. What did you order, she asked? I'm not saying because you said to surprise you and chuckles! Oh, that sass, she said.
Oh before I forget, I have a doctors appointment on Monday. I'm having another ultrasound done. Elizabeth, can I go with you this time? Are you sure you want to do that, Jack? Dr. Bowden is going to ask you a lot of questions because I haven't told her that we are together. Yes I'm sure. I need to ask her to take my semen off the market. I only want you carrying my children. Jack you do know that you probably have a slew of children out there somewhere, right? Yes but I don't know of any but these 2and I'm fine with that.
He took her hands in his and said, Elizabeth, I know it it's to soon but my feelings have changed for you. I've never been in love before but I'm pretty sure that's where my feelings are going because I can't seem to see my future without you in it. I wrestled with them trying to make sense of them but every time I see my future, there you are. I find myself wanting to talk to you about it but then realize I can't because I don't know how you feel about me.
She raised her hand to the side of his face and softly said, oh Jack! I do feel the same way. Every time I think of our future, I see you there helping with these babies and yes, I see you living here. My dreams at night always include you instead of just the babies. Soooo, do you see us married down the road? I do Jack because I…do…love…you! I'm…in…love…with…you! A lone tear starts to fall down his cheek but she wiped it away with her thumb. He leans in and softly kisses her lips. She returned the kiss.
The doorbell rang and he got up to get it. He tipped the driver and set their dinner on the table. He went in and helped her up so she could eat at the table. As she stood they pull each other in and hug as tightly as her belly would allow. They sit at the table. She takes the lid off hers to find spaghetti Alfredo with a side salad. She says, oh I've been craving this for a few days! She looks over at his to see he had chicken parmigiana with a side salad. He set her water in front of her and got a glass of tea for himself. He got up to get napkins, she stuck her fork in his and stole a bite. He sat back down and noticed that part of his was missing. He looked over at her and said, don't think I don't know what you did there missy and they both laughed!
While they were eating he asked, would you like to go up to mom's the day before when I go? I usually go up the day before and spend a couple days with her. Well I don't know about staying a couple days so maybe I just meet you up Thanksgiving morning? Elizabeth, I was hoping to drive up together but if you're not ready for that then you can come up whenever you get ready. He ducked his head down looking at his dinner. She reached across the table and put his hand on top of his to get his attention. Jack? Look at me please. He slowly raised his head to look at her with wet eyes. Jack I would love to drive up with you but how would your mom take that? She knows we aren't sleeping together Elizabeth.
Jack we need to talk about something. I need to tell you something and please don't laugh at me, promise? Elizabeth, I wouldn't laugh at you about something serious. Ok, I may be pregnant but…I've…never…slept…with…a…man. Are you….saying….yes, Jack, I'm a virgin. He swallowed real hard and had to ask, are you serious? Yes Jack, I'm a virgin. Everyone but Rosie laughs when they find out. He gets up and comes over and kneels down in front of her and says, I'm not laughing. I think that makes you special to want to save that part of you for a very special man! You're not just saying that, are you, she asks? Elizabeth, no I'm not! I will say that I truly hope that very special man is me! She put her hands on his cheeks and replied, I truly hope it is too!
After dinner he cleans up the dishes and helps her to the couch. He sets the 2 cannoli's on the coffee table and 2 cups of decaf tea. She says, ooooo! I love these! Me too he says. She turns the tv on and asks, what do you like to watch? Sports mostly but whatever you want to watch is fine. Ship flips through the channels and all of a sudden she stopped. Jaaack? I thought you were a police officer? I am, why? Look, she says. He looks up and says, oh, that my cousin. His name is Daniel. That's my mom's twin sister's son. She looks at him like he had 2 heads. You have a cousin that looks identical to you? Yeah but he doesn't have the same birthmark I do. His is on his left hip and mine is on my…..you're butt, she asked? No and let's just drop it. She laughs and says, so it's possible that our son will have this birthmark? He stares for a moment, our son! I love the sound of that, he says!
Monday morning he text her.
J: what time is your appointment?
A few minutes later,
E: oh, I'm sry. I was taking a shower. 3:45. Do you know where Dr. Bowden's office is?
J: no. I was going to ask.
E: 124 Highland Ave. I'll meet you there. Are you nervous about going?
J: k. Kinda. I've never done this before.
E: it's going to be ok. It's a piece of cake.
J: if you say so. I'll meet you there at 3:40. Love you!
E: love you too! (Emolji kissy face)
J: laughing my butt off emolji
At 3:40 he pulled up next to her car. Gets out to help her out of her car. You know you've not getting car seats in there, don't you? Yeah, I'm going down next week to get an SUV. Do you mind if I go with you? I'd like to make sure it's safe for all 3 of you. Sure, if you want to.
They walk in and she signs in, takes a seat next to him to wait. Emily comes out a few minutes later and stops. Miss Elizabeth, you can come back now. This is Jack. He's going in with me to see the ultrasound. Oh ok. You know the routine and hands her the urine cup. Emily says, follow me to him. She opens exam room 3 and says, have a seat. She'll be right in. Elizabeth comes in and he helps her up on the exam table and takes the seat next to it. A knock on the door and Dr. Bowden walks in and stops.
Elizabeth? You had to sign a waiver stating that you wouldn't contact the donor. Yes ma'am I did but I didn't know that the donor was best friends with my best friends husband. I met him one night when I had to stay over there because my nursery was being painted. Jack Thornton this is Dr. Bowden. Dr. Bowden this is Jack Thornton. They shake hands and say, nice to meet you. Are you a couple Elizabeth? Yes ma'am we are. Marriage is probably in our future. Mr. Thornton, are you ok with this? Yes and please call me Jack. Ok, Jack. Are you signing paternity papers when they are born? Is that an option and he looks at Elizabeth. She nods. So when I sign the papers, will they have my last name? Dr. Bowden looks at Elizabeth for confirmation. She nods. Yes if Elizabeth wants them to have your last name then yes. Dr. Bowden, how do I go about pulling my name from the internet website? There are a few forms that you will have to sign. Do you want to dispose of your semen? No ma'am. Just hold them for her and only her. Ok, that's another couple of forms. Leave your address at the desk and I'll get them out to you.
Ok now. Wow, what a day Dr. Bowden says. Are you ready to see these babies? Yes they both say at the same time! Ok lay back and we'll take a look. He helped her lay back. She pulled up her shirt. Dr. Bowden turns the machine on and squirts the cold gel on her belly. Directly a swishing sound came on. He asked, what's that noise? That are you're babies heart beat. Wooooow, he says. Elizabeth noticed tears in his eyes. She reached over and touched his shoulder. He looks at her but immediately looked back at the screen. All of a sudden 2 figures came into sight. He reached up and took her hand in his and gently squeezed. The silent tears fell. Dr. Bowden looks over just as he wiped them away but says nothing. She took a few measurements and hit the print button and shut the machine off. She handed Elizabeth some paper towels to widths gel off. She stood and said, I'll be right back and left the room. Jack was still staring at the black screen but said nothing.
Jack, are you alright? Yeah! That was amazing Elizabeth! It is, isn't it! Dr. Bowden came back in and said, here are your pictures and we need to start you coming once a week now because we are inducing you on the 21st.
Jack asks, before Christmas? Elizabeth replies, yes. She doesn't want me going full term. With these being my first, she wants to induce me a week early and if I can't have them naturally then she'll take them. Is that dangerous Dr? No Jack. I'm taking all precautions here. Are both babies doing ok, he asked? Dr. Bowden looks at Elizabeth for approval to tell him. You can tell him everything.
I need to put him down as emergency contact and to be able to be told everything. Dr. Bowden? I want it understood here and now if something goes wrong you save the babies first. If God forbid I don't make it then the babies are to be released to Jack and only Jack. NOOOOO, Elizabeth, please don't talk like that. I can't lose you. I just found you 3 months and 7 days ago. It's okay Jack. I don't plan on going anywhere but I want this in effect before hand. Okay Elizabeth I'll have Emily add this to your file but I need your and Jack's Signature. That's fine. We'll sign them on our way out when I set up my next appointment.
He helps her down from the exam table but pulls her in for a hug. Elizabeth, you have to promise me that you will fight to come back to me if something goes wrong. Jack, I don't foresee anything happening but this is just as a precaution. Jack, if something does happen I want you to promise me that you will raise them to be respectful and kind. He hugs her and whispers with tears, I promise. We need to discuss a few other things to but it can wait until we get home. He nods as he takes her hand as they walk out. They both sign the documents and she makes her next appointment for the following Monday at 3:45.
At home she sits down on the couch and pats the cushion next to her. He sits down but puts his head in his hands. Jack, I need you to look at me. He turns his head but doesn't lower his hands. Jack, please look at me. He lowered his hands and looks up at her. Elizabeth, I don't want to talk about losing you. Jack we have to talk about this because I don't want my parents to have control. He looks at her questionably.
Jack, do you own or rent? Rent why? Ok, my house is in your name to so if something does happen then you can raise the twins here. I did this last week after I was reading an article in a magazine about this very thing. I didn't want my father coming in and taking it away from you and our babies. E…li…z…a…Beth, nooooo. Yes Jack. It's already done. The papers are in the bottom desk drawer. I've also left everything I own to you and our babies. He stands and yells, NO, NO, NO, THIS CANNOT BE HAPPENING. Jack please sit down and let me finish. Jack I'm not saying that something IS going to happen but I'm just protecting what belongs to us and the these 2 babies (she rubs her belly with both hands). It's all legal. I had my attorney draw up the papers. They are registered and everything. He has my new will. I shredded my old will in his offices so there is only 1 will.
He bends down in front of her and asks, Elizabeth Thatcher, will you marry me? Jack, you don't have to do that. No, I truly want to marry you! I truly know you love me because if you didn't you wouldn't have done all this. So please, Elizabeth Thatcher will…you…marry…me? Are you sure Jack? Yes I'm sure, with every part of my being, I'm sure! Then yes, I'll marry you! He pulls her up and kisses her passionately for the very first time. After pulling back so they could both breathe, she asks, when do you want to do this? When would you like to do it, he asks? Well I would like to do before the babies get here. That's what I was hoping you would say!
What kind of wedding do you want, he asks? Something simple. I'm to big for a wedding dress. So how about we just go to the courthouse on Friday? That works for me and after the twins are born and you feel up to it then we can have a real wedding like you dreamed of. Jack, my dreams have changed. I just want to be married to my soulmate and I truly believe you are! Why else would God put you in my life after I was insiminated with your babies! We can ask Rosie and Lee to stand up with us. That's a fantastic idea, he says. So, we'll go to my mom's on Wednesday and come home on Thursday evening and be married on Friday? Yes that sounds like a plan! They kiss again and just hold each other.
They went to Lee and Rosie's the next day. Rosie opens the door and says, please come in you 2. Jack ushers her in and they take a seat on the couch. Jack asked, is Lee here? Yeah, he'll be out in a minute. He's in the bathroom. Rosie ask, would you like something to drink while we wait? Yes please they said. Elizabeth got up to follow her into the kitchen.
Liz? Yes Rosie? What's going on with you 2? Nothing really. We just wanted to ask you 2 something! Liiiiiz! You're getting married aren't you? Rosie, how do you know that? Rosie just waves her hands and says, it's a gift! Well I wanted to ask if you would stand up with me Friday? We are going to the courthouse and need 2 witnesses. Liz? You don't want a wedding? Elizabeth puts out both arms and says, do I look like I would fit in a wedding dress like this? Liz,you'd look beautiful. No, we don't want it. He says that I can have the wedding of my dreams after the babies are born and I feel better. I'd be honored Liz! Thanks Rosie!
In the living room Lee came out and Jack asked if he would stand up for him Friday at the courthouse because him and Elizabeth were getting married. Lee pats him on the back and says he'd be honored.
Elizabeth and Rosie came back in with their drinks. Lee and Rosie congratulated them and asked, what time do you want us to meet you there? How about 11:00. That way we can go and celebrate with lunch.