Ok, I've been working on this story and have 8 chapters finished. So I'm going to go ahead and post! I hope you enjoy and please review it! Thanks for all the wonderful reviews!

Chapter 5

An Unexpected Decision

The next 2 months went by fairly quickly. Elizabeth is in her second trimester. School was due to start in 2 weeks, September 7, 2015. Rosie had said that the artist would paint the mural while Lee painted the other walls and trim. He had sketched the mural in his sketchbook and let Rosie show it to her. Elizabeth fell in love with it and said it was exactly what she had envisioned. She loved the idea of painting the ceiling to look like the sky but with a few clouds.

Elizabeth would stay out of the house until it was completely done because of the fumes. So Rosie invited her to stay with her beings she lived closer to the school. Rosie had helped her get enough clothes and things for a week. The guys said they would have it all done by the following weekend. She was so excited. Her and Rosie sat down and was looking online for baby furniture and clothes. The trim was going to be white with the walls being sandy whitish beige to go with the time of Noah.

Elizabeth had gone with the old antique-style furniture just like everything else in her house. Yes her house was very modern but on the inside, everything was all antiques. She went with walnut stained cribs and chest of drawers. The rocking chair matched as well as the changing table.

Now looking at the wall hangings. She found all the Noah's Ark stuff and showed Rosie. Rosie had her send the link to her so she could send it to all they're friends for the baby shower next month. Elizabeth had started showing early because she was carrying twins. Elizabeth had mentioned that she didn't want to have the shower until after the nursery was finished. That way whatever she got could be put away immediately and not stored. Rosie agreed.

It was now the following Friday. The guys said she could move back in in the morning. She was so excited! That evening Lee came in but he had someone with him. Elizabeth was laying down for her afternoon nap. She woke up to voices in the kitchen. She didn't recognize one of them. She went to the bathroom to freshen up. Just as she walked into the kitchen the strange voice turned, he said hello, I'm Jack and you must be Elizabeth. She stopped in her tracks, stared at him and yanked his arm out the back door. Rosie and Lee just stared until Lee asked, what just happened. She looked like she could kill him.

Outside Elizabeth spun around and asked, I thought this was supposed to be anonymous? How did you find out? How did you find me? Whoa…wait a minute. First off I have no clue what you are talking about and second off, I have no clue who you are. All I know is Rosie said she had a friend that wanted a mural painted in her nursery. So why don't you sit down and tell me what's going on? She takes a seat but was unsure how to tell him what her outburst is about. She's silent for a few minutes so he sits in the chair in front of her.

After what seemed like an eternity she looks up at him and asks, how long have you been friends with Lee and Rosie? Well I don't think that's the problem here but I've been friends with Rosie since we were kids, why? So you're over here a lot? Yes, almost every night except when I have to work midnights. Elizabeth, I don't know you from Adam but I have a feeling that you have a problem with me and you don't even know me.

Well, in all honesty, I do know some about you. I mean not much but anyway. I might as well get this out of the way because you will find out sooner or later. She put her hand up to stop him from talking. Let me finish before you say anything, ok? Alright, I'm all ears, he replied.

Ok, here goes. She explained everything except the twins and he's the father. She stands and walks to the edge of the deck and continues. So you see, I haven't found my soulmate yet and I wanted children before I was to old to conceive. That's where you came in….he cut her off to say something but she put her hand up. My OB-GYN suggested Artificial Insimination. I agreed and she gave me the link. He stands and walks over to her, turns her to look at him and asks, you chose me? She shook her head yes. He turns from her but she says, don't worry I'm not coming after you for support. These are my babies. He took his seat and run his fingers through his hair for a moment. They were both silent. Finally she asked, what are you thinking Jack? I promise I won't bother you and I won't bring them over while you are here.

Wait a minute, I have to ask? How did you know my name? Because it's not on the website. I didn't, I had a dream and both names were in my dream. Jack, I'm not changing their names now. Her name is Jaclyn Elizabeth and his is Jarrick Alexander. Well I don't know how you came up with his but my real name is Jarrick Alexander Thornton. Elizabeth raised her hand to her mouth and said, ooooh.

She sat down and they just talked. They found that they were easy to talk to. After a little while Jack stood and said he had to get home but would be by tomorrow to help her move her things back home. She stood and said, Jack you don't have to. I only have a suitcase and a toiletries bag. I'll be by tomorrow, Elizabeth. That night she told Rosie everything. Rosie was shocked but didn't say anything.

The next day, Elizabeth pulled up in her garage and shut the garage door. She went inside to rest before she got her suitcase out of the car. She walked in the mud room, took her shoes off and slid into her slippers. Just as she put her purse down on the bar her doorbell rang. She opened it to find Jack standing there. Oh, Jack, I told you I didn't need your help. I know but I wanted to be here when you saw the nursery. Ok, well come on. I was just going up.

Jack stopped her at the door and told her to close her eyes. She chuckles and replies, ok but you better not let me hit or walk into anything. She closed her eyes and he opens the door and lead her in. He says, ok you can open your eyes now. She opens them and gasps! Oooh Jack, its exactly what I wanted! Thank you so much! She walked in and the mural looked real not cartoonish. The ark looked like it was just outside the wall with the animals just the right size! The ceiling looked like she was outside looking up at the sky! Jack you should've been an artist because this is beautiful! I have a feeling you'll have to come back and do the other bedroom when they get to big to be in the same room. I can do that if you want, he replied.

After taking in everything in the room she asked, would you like a glass of ice tea? Sure he said if it isn't too much trouble. They went back downstairs. She went to the kitchen and he went to the living room. He was looking around and spotted the ultrasound pictures on the mantle. There were 2 sets. The first ones at one month and the second at 18 weeks. He picked the 18 week one and stares. He run his fingers over them and thinks. How am I going to be able to walk away from them after knowing they are mine?

Elizabeth hands him his glass of tea. He looks up at her as he had to wipe the tear that threatened to fall. Are you alright Jack? Elizabeth, I have to be honest here. I don't know if I can walk away from them. I've wanted children for so long but haven't found the woman I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. Can I ask you something, he says? Sure, but you may not like the answer. He looks at her and swallows. Will you allow me to be a part of their lives? Jack, I don't know if that's a good idea. Why he asks? Well, first we aren't a couple and Rosie is the only ones who know. Second? Can I think about it, Jack? Sure but I promise I won't interfere with the way you're raising them. I won't ask for joint custody or anything like that.

Can I ask you something else? Sure. Would you be willing to go out with me to see if maybe there might be a chance for us and I'm not asking because I want to be around them. I would like to get to know you and you get to know me. Are you asking me out on a date, Jack? Well, I guess I am. Will you, go out on a date with me? Ok Jack, I will go out on one date and we can go from there. How about tomorrow night, he asked? Boy you aren't wasting any time are you? Well, I just figured why wait? Ok, would you like to go to church with me in the morning? Sure what church do you go to? Hope Valley Church of God…down on main, he cut her off? Yeah, do you know it? Well I guess I do. That's where I go when I'm off on Sunday. Why haven't I ever seen you there, she asked? I always sit on the back pew. I usually get there at the last minute.

What time should I Pick you up? I don't know. Maybe I should just meet you there because I don't want to be late. Ha…ha…ha, he says. No seriously what time? I usually leave here at 8:30. I go for Sunday school and then church. Ok I'll be here at 8:30 then. Jack you could come for breakfast about 7:30. Then we could leave after. That sounds good. I'll be here. He looks at the picture one more time and sets it back on the mantle. I'll get your suitcase out of your car for you. He sets his empty glass in the sink and steps out to her car. He brought her suitcase in and runs it up to her room before leaving.

Right at 7:30 the next morning her doorbell rang. She opened it and invites him in. He took his shoes off this time. He followed her to the kitchen and sat down at the bar. Can I help you with anything, he asked? She turns and sets the dishes and silverware down and says, you can set the table in the breakfast nook. He did as she asked. She set 2 glasses of orange juice on the bar for him to set on the table. When the timer went off she took the breakfast casserole out of the oven and carried it to the table and sat it on the hot pad. She put the spatula in it and took her seat. Jack pushed her chair in. She says, oh a gentleman! Yes ma'am, he says. He sat across from her. She asked him to say the blessing.

After the blessing, she fixed her plate and handed him the spatula. He fixed his plate and said, thanks for having me here this morning. Are you for real Jack? What do you mean, Elizabeth? I honestly don't know anyone other than my father and Lee that is a gentleman. Elizabeth, I was raised to be a gentleman. I pull the chair out for a lady, push it in for a lady. I say thank you. The whole nine yards. That's just how I was raised. Is it a problem, Elizabeth? No, not at all. I've dated a few men and it's just something that isn't taught anymore. Not me, I'm a true gentleman, Elizabeth.

After breakfast Jack helped her clear and clean up. She rinsed and put them in the dishwasher. The casserole was covered and set in the refrigerator. She says, I'll be right back. I need to brush my teeth. He asked, can I brush mine when you're done? Sure but you can use the half bath down here, she pointed to the bathroom just off the kitchen. He says thanks and heads to the bathroom. She comes downstairs and slips her shoes on. She grabs her keys off the hook by the garage door in the mud room. Jack met her at the front door.

After church he asks, would you like to go to Abigail's for lunch? You know Abigail, she asked? Yeah. I've been going in there ever since she opened. Sure let's go. I haven't seen her since Faith's baby shower. He pulls up in front and parks, gets out and went around to open her door. He puts his hand out to help her out of the car.

Inside Abigail says, oh hi Elizabeth! It's been awhile! It has. They hug and she goes to introduce Jack…Jack Thornton, Abigail says! Yes ma'am! What have I told you about that ma'am stuff? Habit he says! Have a seat anywhere you two. Jack puts his hand on her low back and walks to the booth by the window. She shivers when he puts his hand on her low back. He asks, are you cold? No, I'm fine but thanks for asking. She sits down on one side and he on the other. She thought about it…what was that shiver from? It's not cold in here. She brushed it off and took a menu. They both placed their orders and sat and waited for it to come out.

So Jack, what do you do for a living? I'm a police sergeant with Hope Valley PD. What do you do, he asked? I'm a first grade teacher at Hope Valley Elementary. Have you always wanted to be a police officer, Jack? Yes, I guess I have. My dad was a police sergeant here in Hope Valley. He used to let me wear his hat and pretend I was him. Then when he died in the line of duty when I was 12 I decided to follow in his footsteps. I've been on the force since I was 20, so almost 11 years.

What about you? Have you always wanted to be a teacher? Yes, as far back as I can remember. I used to pretend I was a teacher to all my stuffed animals and dolls. Then when my little sister was old enough I made her sit in my class! She didn't like it much. I remember having to bribe her with my cookie after lunch if she would sit still! She laughed at the memory! Where are you from, she asked? I'm from here, born and raised, he replied. Are you from here, he asked? No, I'm originally from Boston but when father opened his second shipping and distribution center here when I was 10, we moved here, she said.

Ok enough of this 1 question at a time, she said. What do you do for fun? What's your favorite color, food, music, and vacation spot? Really, you're going all out, he laughs? Yep, that's me, she said. I want all the cards on the table so ask whatever you want. No more tit for tat.

Ok, I love basketball, baseball, hiking, swimming, taking long walks on the beach, and camping. My favorite color is blue. My favorite food is anything Italian. My favorite music is anything but classical or opera. My favorite vacation spot is a little place outside of town where my dad used to take us camping.

Now, you answer the same questions, he says. I love to read, swim, long walks on the beach, drives in the country looking in antique stores. Blue and pink are my favorite colors. Italian is my favorite foods. Love all music including classical and opera. My favorite vacation spot would have to be any place in Canada.

Do you have any siblings? Are you married? Do you have any kids, she asked? I have 1 younger bother that lives in Chicago. He's in the Air force. He is a pilot. No, I'm not married and never have been and no kids. Elizabeth I don't sleep around. I had a girlfriend years ago and we did live together but that didn't work out and we went our separate ways. Yes I've dated but nothing serious. I'm a 1 woman man. I've never cheated because I don't believe in it.

Now it's your turn, he says. I have 2 sisters, 1 older, Viola and 1 younger, Julie . Viola is married to a Duke from London and has a daughter. Julie is married to a shoes salesman and has 2 kids, both girls. No never married and yes 2 children on the way. I think we've cover the most important questions. Good he said.

After lunch he asked if she wanted to take a walk through the park. She nods, he put his elbow out and they walk down the street towards the park. The conversation just flowed as if they had known each other for years. There was a lot of laughter. Jack, I haven't laughed this much in years! So our first date was a success? Yes she replied. I've had a really good time, Jack! Thank you! You're welcome, Elizabeth. I've had a really good time with you! Are you going back to evening church service, he asked? Yes, so I guess we should be going. I need to take a nap so I don't fall asleep during the sermon, she said. May I pick you up and go to church with you, he asked? Sure, service is at 7:30 so come by at 7:15. Sounds great.

Right at 7:15 he knocked on her door. She opened it and invited him in. I'll be right back. I have to get my shoes on. He waits at the front door for her. She comes back, grabs her Bible and purse off her desk. She check to make sure she had her keys and says, ok, I'm ready. He opens the door and they leave. They pull up to church and he walks around and opens her door. He extends his hand for her to take. She didn't think twice and took it. Before he closed the door behind her, he reached in and got his Bible off the console.

After church he drives her home. He helped her out of his truck and walked her to her door. He says, I've had the best time today. Can I see you again? Jack, I had a really good time too. I've never been on a date where I had that much fun. I would really like to see you again. Jack got the biggest grin on his face and dimples showing. She shivers, Jack, I've got to be honest here but would you like to come in for a few minutes? Sure if you'd like me to. Yes I have something I need to say and I don't want to talk on my porch.

She takes her keys out unlocks the door and opens it. She set her purse and Bible down on her desk and kicks off her shoes. He takes his shoes off and follows her to the kitchen. She points to the bar to have a seat. She asks, would you like something to drink? Tea is fine, thank you. She set their tea down and sits next to him at the bar.

Jack, I must say, those dimples of yours are probably going to be the death of me. When you smiled out there, it's just like you're picture on the website. Yes you are really good looking but those dimples are what had drawn me in. He smiles but said nothing. Stop, if these kids look at me like that how am I going to be stern with them. He laughs and says, my mom says the same thing.

Jack, I've made my decision on wether or not you can be apart of their lives. The smile left his face and he tried to swallowed but found it difficult. She walk over and retrieved the last ultrasound pictures. She hands him the picture and says, I would like to introduce you to your daughter as she points to baby A, Jaclyn Elizabeth, and your son as she points to baby B, Jarrick Alexander. Jack took the picture and had to wipe the tears that were blurring his vision. He kept wiping to try and see but he couldn't stop. He looks at her and says, thank you Elizabeth and he hugs her. She hugs him back.

Jack, I would really like to see where this goes with us. Me too, Elizabeth, me too. Can I ask you something, he said? Sure, I'm an open book, Jack. If down the road we decide to marry, will you let me adopt them? Jack, if that time comes then yes I will. After all, they are yours too. Elizabeth, you have made me the happiest man alive! I've always wanted children and now I have 2. Will you send me one of these? Actually I can do 1 better. She gets up and goes to the living room to get the baby photo album and brings it back. She opens it and take 1 from the first ultrasound and 2 from the second ultrasound and hands them to him. His tears are free flowing again. Can I show them to my mom, he asks? Yes, but Jack, I don't want phone calls from a woman I've never met, ok? I get it Elizabeth. This is still new but I promise she is going to be ecstatic over them.