Chapter 85

"Dear, what are you doing up so early?"

"I need to be at Elizabeth's at nine to decorate. Mrs. Thatcher will be here at eight thirty for tea and a scone."

"Ok…but it's still dark outside. You're up way too early for any of that. You have more than enough time."

"I don't want to be pushed for time." Mrs. P stated as she pushed the covers off her.

Mr. P looked at his wife for a moment, then he let out a laugh. "You are just as consumed with making that boy's birthday to be perfect as Elizabeth is."

"Well…" She paused, trying to think of something to say. "…he has had a rough year. This is his first birthday in a new place with Jack and Elizabeth. It needs to be special. Plus, Elizabeth has trusted me with this part of the party. I would like to do a good job for her…and for JJ."

"That sounds just like Elizabeth. How is it possible to love someone that much?"

She let out a laugh. "I know but that little boy is just different."

"You used to say that about Elizabeth all the time when she was growing up. She was always your favorite Thatcher."

"And still is." Mrs. P stated with great pride. "Is it wrong to love her and her son so much?"

He laughed at her challenge. "Not at all dear."

"And what is your plan for today?"

"I'm supposed to meet Jack at the café at eight thirty. He has something planned."

"Don't you know what you're doing?"

"I have no idea. Jerry and Frank are supposed to be there too. Jack didn't say what we were doing. He asked us all to be there."

"Don't be late for the party!" She warned him.

"Wouldn't dream of it."

…

Jack slowly opened his eyes. He looked around his bedroom smiling at the new room. The color wasn't his most favorite, but Elizabeth loved it. To him, it was a little too girly. He was just grateful it wasn't too girly. He noticed his bed was empty. He looked outside the window and then at the clock. It was way too early for Elizabeth to be up. He knew the plans for the day. Abagail was working on the food for the party. Joyce was helping her. Mrs. P and Grace were coming over at nine to decorate per Elizabeth's instructions. Elizabeth needed to work today. She made the cake last night when JJ went to bed. Jack frowned when he went to bed by himself. His wife shooed him out of the kitchen so she could bake it. They have been in the home for two days now and they still haven't had time with just the two of them. He was hoping for some time this morning with just the two of them, but she was already out of bed. He grabbed his shirt and put it on before standing and stretching.

Jack slowly made his way out the bedroom door. He turned slightly to look into the kitchen. Elizabeth was already dressed and an apron wrapped around her. Her hair was a little messy. She had flour on her apron, on the sleeve of her blouse in two places, and flour on her right cheek and the tip of her nose.

"You're working hard this morning."

"Oh…you scared me!" She stated quickly as she turned to face him.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean too."

Jack smiled when he noticed her little tummy was proclaiming the baby a little more today.

"What are you doing?"

"I'm making JJ's birthday cake." She stated in a tone that was wondering why he would forget such an important fact.

"Didn't you do that last night?"

"I did, but I thought it could be better. I haven't thrown it away yet, but I wanted to try again."

She didn't know why he was looking at her so funny.

"What?" She asked.

"You sent me to be last night alone so you could make him a cake. Then I woke up alone so you could make him another cake."

"It needs to be perfect."

"Elizabeth, I think you may be putting too much emphasis on the cake. His birthday will be perfect because he is loved. Any attempt you make for his birthday party will only add to the perfection."

"I know…it's just that he has had a tough year."

"Maybe, but he has had a great few months. Please just don't put too much pressure on yourself."

"I know." Her voice was soft.

"Yet…?"

"I just need to make it perfect."

"You, me, Grandma, Mr. and Mrs. P, Frank and Abagail, Jerry and Joyce will all make it perfect."

"I know, but I'm his mommy."

"And a very good one." He stated as he walked toward her. He placed his hands on her waist and looked lovingly into her eyes. "Elizabeth, just love that boy like you have since you met him in Abagail's and his birthday will be the best ever."

"I know…it's just…" Her voice trailed off. Jack was right. She didn't have to do all of this, but she just couldn't help herself. He was her son. She had to make it special.

Jack kissed her cheek. "I know, but I'm going to start wearing a shirt to bed beginning tonight." He released his hold on her. Then he turned to walk toward his bedroom.

"You know the rules, Mr. Thornton."

"My wife fell asleep on me the first night in our new home. The second night she ordered me out of the kitchen and sent me to bed by myself. I woke up this morning to her baking a second cake. I don't think it matters too much what I wear to bed anymore." He stated as he looked over his shoulder, never turning to face her.

"I'm sorry Jack."

"It's ok Elizabeth."

"I'll make it up to you." She called out. She saw the little grin on his face. He may have been missing her, but he wasn't too upset.

She watched him walk into the bedroom and close the door. When the timer sounded for her to get the cake out of the oven, she turned toward the stove. "This is the third cake." She softly stated.

…

Elizabeth held tightly onto Jack's arm as they walked toward the school. She wanted to express her love to him even when her mind had been distracted by JJ's birthday and his party. JJ may have been walking to school, but his mommy and daddy were certain his feet hadn't touched the ground one time today. He was so excited about turning six that he couldn't keep still.

"Daddy! What do you think?"

"You need to go to school."

"But it's my birthday!"

"Yes and it's not a national holiday. So, school it is for you and mommy today."

"Oh man." He moaned.

"Today will be a good day. Then we will celebrate your birthday after."

"Yes mommy." He stated as he kicked a rock on the road. He wasn't too happy about having to go to school, but he knew his mommy wasn't going to relent.

"He gets that from you."

"Me?" Jack asked in shock. "That's all you!"

"Nonsense."

"And how many cakes have you made that boy?"

"What do you mean?" She challenged Jack but folded under his knowing stare. "Fine."

"Uh humm." He hummed his answer. "Three cakes."

"How did you know?"

"I know things Elizabeth. I'm well trained."

…

Joyce was already at Abagail's. She was ready to help for the day. She figured if she was there, she could also help with the breakfast rush. Grace had already left for Mrs. P's home. She gave JJ a hug and wished him happy birthday when she met them on the road. Jack stepped into the livery just for a moment.

Elizabeth picked up the cowbell from her desk and gave it a good shake.

"Alright class. Good morning." She waited as the class responded with the same greeting. "Now, let's begin today's lesson with reading. The younger ones please pick up your readers and a pencil and paper. Read page three and please draw me a picture of what you think the author is trying to tell you. Please use your imagination but be ready to explain it to me. You have thirty minutes to read the page and then draw me the picture." Elizabeth smiled at the eagerness of her students. They loved to learn if they were having fun. "Now, the older one please read pages fourteen through eighteen. Please write me a three paragraph synopsis of what you read. Please be descriptive in your description. Also, be ready to answer any questions I may ask you. You will need to defend or expound on what you think."

"Yes ma'am." She heard several voices.

Elizabeth slowly walked around her classroom intently looking at each student as they worked. The softly tapped the top of JJ's writing platform. "Happy birthday." She whispered to him. It was the sixth time she had told him happy birthday today.

"Thanks mommy." He whispered back with a smile.

Elizabeth turned toward the door when she heard a knock.

"I'm sorry to interrupt you, Mrs. Thornton.

"Sheriff Thornton. What may I do for you during school hours?"

"I am needing to speak to my son for a moment, outside please."

"Excuse me?" She asked as Jack walked past her toward her desk. She followed him.

"I need to have a word with my son. Just for a moment."

"Our son." She whispered standing in front of him beside her desk. "May I ask what this is about?"

"It's a father and son discussion ma'am. It won't take too long. I promise."

Elizabeth stared at her husband for a moment. She loved the little banter, but she couldn't figure out what he was wanting with JJ. This wasn't like Jack. He never interrupted her class like this. He just wouldn't do it. She figured it had to be something serious, but the little mischievous look in the corner of his eyes was throwing her off. After a few seconds of looking in his eyes and facial features, she turned to her son.

"JJ, Sheriff Thornton would like a few moments with you. Please follow him outside. Make sure you come back in when you are finished, no dilly dallying outside."

"Yes, Mrs. Thornton."

As Elizabeth was speaking and looking at JJ, Jack took the opportunity and quickly placed a note on top of Elizabeth's desk. She did not see him doing it since her attention was away from her desk. However, Emily saw what he did. He placed his finger over his mouth when he noticed he was caught. She nodded her head in agreement. He gave her a smile.

"I trust this doesn't become a regular issue." Elizabeth stated as she turned her attention back to Jack.

"No ma'am. This is just special. It won't happen regularly. I promise."

"Fine. Hurry up you two." She lovingly watched her two boys walk out of the classroom. Jack closed the door after walking through it.

"What's up, daddy?"

"Come with me." Jack stated as he stepped off the steps. "I need your help, but you will have to help me later too."

"Ok. What do you need help with?"

"Your mommy will be a little upset with me later. You need to work your magic on her to get me out of trouble."

"Sure. My little pouty lip thing works on her. If it doesn't, I add the eye thing too. She loves that. I don't always get out of trouble, but it isn't too bad."

"Perfect. Just make sure you put it on extra thick tonight. I'm going to need your help."

"What are you doing that's going to get you in so much trouble? Plus, mommy says she loves your dimples. That usually gets you out of trouble."

"Normally yes but not this time."

"Ok. So, what are you going to do to get in so much trouble?"

"I'm breaking you out of school for the day. It's your birthday and it should be illegal to go to school on your birthday."

"You're what?" JJ asked as he stopped walking. He turned toward his daddy with a very confused expression on his face.

"It's your birthday and I'm getting you out of school. We have plans today." He could only laugh at his son's very confused expression. "Come on son. We need to get away before mommy figures out what I'm doing, and she comes charging out of that front door after us."

"Let's go!" JJ excitedly proclaimed as he turned away from the school and began to jog.

…

"What's taking them so long?" Elizabeth asked as she continued to walk around the classroom watching her children work. She didn't know how long they had been outside, but it had been long enough to have a short conversation.

Elizabeth walked toward the door and opened it slowly. She expected to see them on the front steps, but they were nowhere to be seen. She opened the door further and stepped out onto the small porch. She looked all around but didn't see them at all. She was beginning to get worried. She slowly turned back to the door and walked in.

"Excuse me class. I need to leave for a moment. Sarah, you are in charge until I get back. I shouldn't be gone for very long."

"Excuse me, Mrs. Thornton."

"Yes Emily."

"Sheriff Thornton left you a note on your desk. Maybe you should read it first."

"He left me a note?"

"Yes ma'am, I believe so."

Elizabeth could only look at Emily for a moment. None of this made any sense to her. She slowly walked to her desk and noticed a folded piece of paper with her name written on the outside of it. She knew it wasn't there earlier when she was at her desk before Jack showed up. She unfolded the piece of paper and began to read it.

My Dearest Wife –

Upon further investigation, attending school on your birthday is illegal. Therefore, I have gathered our son and will spend the day with him. We will come and walk you home when school is over. Have a nice day, sweetheart.

Love you,

Your loving husband

Elizabeth only stared at the note. She read it again just to make sure she read the words correctly. "He hijacked my son!" She chuckled. "They're playing hooky." The teacher in her frowned that a student, her son nonetheless, was playing hooky because of her husband. The mother in her smiled at the thought of her husband and son playing hooky together.

…

"What are we doing?" JJ asked as he and his daddy jogged through the streets giggling. They were acting like two little boys who were doing something they shouldn't be doing. Yet, they knew they were going to have fun doing it anyways.

"First stop." Jack called out as he stopped in front of Abagail's.

Abagail stepped out and saw Jack and JJ standing in front of her café. They were out of breath.

"What are you two…wait, you're playing hooky!" She stated in a mother's tone.

"Yup." JJ smiled.

"But I saw you and your mother walking to school."

"Daddy broke me out!" She has never seen JJ's smile so big.

"Oh, you two are in so much trouble!"

"Probably." Jack smirked. "Is your husband here?"

"Sure. Along with Mr. P and Jerry. Wait, are they your accomplices?"

"Let's call them accomplices without them knowing about it."

"Lord help you all."

"I'll need it."

Jack and JJ walked into the café to find Frank, Mr. P, and Jerry all sitting enjoying a cup of coffee.

"Alright men, we have a plan today."

"And what is that?" Frank asked. "Shouldn't he be in school?" He nodded toward JJ.

"Usually but not today. Today is his birthday. We're taking him fishing."

"Fishing!?" JJ spoke with shock and excitement.

"Yes."

"You two are in so much trouble." Mr. P stated. "I'm assuming Elizabeth didn't ok this?"

"Yes. But you three didn't know what I was planning. So, you should be safe. Would you like to go fishing with us until lunch to celebrate my son's birthday?"

"We hang out together now and then we hang together when school is over." Mr. P. laughed.

"You three are probably safe since you didn't know anything until after I broke him out. JJ didn't know either. So, I'll be the only one hanging for this. So, what do you all say?"

"We're in." The three men stated at the same time.

"Let's go. I have enough fishing rods at the jail for us all."

…

All the guys were enjoying themselves at the pond. They were all spread out around the pond so they wouldn't be fishing on top of each other. They each took turns fishing with JJ. They all caught two fish each, but it was the time together with this young boy that was the most fun. While it wasn't planned, each man spent about thirty minutes with JJ just talking while they fished. As soon as one stepped away, another one would come up beside him. JJ was having a blast with each guy. He couldn't ever remember having this much fun.

Each guy loved their time with JJ. They laughed, joked, told silly jokes, and had a couple of moments of serious conversation with JJ about becoming a gentleman. Then the conversation would turn back to a silly joke or a light discussion about what was going on. In their own way, they were instilling gentleman wisdom into this little boy.

Jack stood back watching each man pour himself into his son. This was going better than he could ever imagine. As each man walked away from his son, the man would look at Jack. They would nod their head in appreciation and smile. They loved this time with the young boy as much as JJ did. They all loved JJ.

Jack knew as much as he loved JJ, he was still new at this being a dad thing. He was very appreciative of the support from Frank, Mr. P, and Jerry. He was grateful they loved his son. For each man, they made sure to tell Jack later how special this time was for them individually.

"Alright young man, we need to get going. It's time for lunch and then we have one more special thing to do before we walk mommy home."

"Jack, it's not the children's normal lunch time." Frank stated.

"I know. We need to get out of town before Elizabeth dismisses the class for lunch."

"Why is that daddy?"

"Well, she usually lets you all go outside to eat lunch and play."

"Yes."

"Do you really want mommy to see us walking through town during lunch."

"Oh, great thinking." Jerry stated.

"You're scared of mommy, aren't you?" Playfully sassed JJ.

"Are you telling me you're not?" Sassed Jack right back at his son.

"Nope, let's go!"

…

"What do you think?"

"Mrs. P, I think Elizabeth will be excited at what we accomplished."

"Yes, I think it's perfect too."

Both ladies stood at the front door looking over their work. They had the whole living room, dining room, and kitchen all decorated with streamers, signs, and balloons. There were so many decorations that you could barely see the walls.

"I hope your middle daughter is happy with this."

"How could she not be happy with all of this?" Grace outstretched her hand.

"You should have heard her over the last couple of weeks. She is so consumed with giving JJ the best party ever."

"That's my daughter. She always wants to do what's best for everyone. What she doesn't understand is that she has already given that boy of hers the best possible gift ever."

"I agree with you."

…

"You all are not staying to eat?"

"No. We have other plans we need to get too." Jack stated.

"Auntie Abagail, he's scared mommy will see us."

"I always knew your daddy was a smart man." Abagail laughed. I'll have something ready for you in five minutes."

"Thanks Abagail."

"So, did you enjoy the fishing trip?"

JJ nodded his head. "I really did. What else are we doing?"

"Well, once the food is ready, we have one more thing to do. However, it's just me and you. Are you ok with that?"

"I am. I loved spending time with Uncle Frank, Mr. P, and Mr. W, but I would love to have time with just you too."

"Great. That's the plan."

After getting the food from Abagail, Jack and JJ walked the back way to the livery. Jack really didn't want to take the chance of seeing Elizabeth. It was still too early for the children's lunch, but he wasn't willing to take the risk.

"The attendant at the livery was standing outside the door with Sargeant and another black horse already saddled.

"All ready Sheriff."

"Thank you. I really appreciate it."

"Are we going for a ride?"

"We are. You're riding Sargeant. Then we'll stop somewhere and eat the lunch Auntie Abagail packed for us."

"Can we go to the stream on our land?"

"Sure. You like it there?"

"I really haven't had time to play there yet, but I think I will love it there."

"Lead the way young man." Jack stated as he helped JJ up on Sargeant.

The two rode slowly to the stream. Once there, they stopped and Jack helped his son off the horse. Even though JJ was still learning to ride a horse, Jack knew his horse would be good for JJ. He had no concerns with his trusted stead.

"How are you doing?"

"I'm good, daddy. It's been a great day."

"It has been. I loved the time with you. But I wasn't meaning that."

"I know. I still miss them when I think of them. If I can't be with my mommy and daddy in heaven, I love being with you and mommy here. You two love me just as much as they did."

"We do love you. You know it's ok to miss your parents."

"I know. And I still do at times. Not as much as I used to, but I do at times."

"I'm sorry you miss them and I'm sorry you can't be with them. I know they were great parents." Jack paused for a moment. "JJ…I'm also so grateful you are in my life. I love you and I just can't imagine you not being with me."

"Me too."

"I also know mommy loves you and thinks the same way I do, but I will let her say that."

"I know she is working very hard on my party. She doesn't have to work so hard on it."

"I've told her that."

"You know mommy." He laughed. "I love her very much…and you."

"We love you."

The two sat and just enjoyed their sandwiches and chocolate chip cookies. They spend a few minutes playing in the creek and then riding around the pond. They knew they were pushing time to make it back to school in time to walk Elizabeth home. Jack wouldn't dare miss that. He knew he was already pushing her limits.

"Alright son. Let's not bring anything home in our pockets and scare mommy."

"No kidding. We shouldn't play with her today."

"You really are a smart boy."

…

Elizabeth picked up the cowbells and shook them to dismiss school for the day. She watched her little ones as they filed out of the classroom. Within the classroom, she thought of them as her children, her little ducklings she would call them. She had her back to the front door as she wiped down the blackboard. Over the course of the day, she thought back on what Jack did. Her emotions traveled the whole spectrum.

On one hand, she was happy for her son and husband. She knew they would have fun together and she understood that it was his birthday. JJ had made it abundantly clear that he didn't want to be in school on his special day. On the other hand, she was upset about the little stunt her husband pulled. JJ missed a whole day of school. As a teacher, that was important and couldn't be easily dismissed. She knew that when students were sick or had a family emergency was different. Those instances demanded the student to miss school. However, in her mind, birthdays don't meet that standard. Part of it was that JJ was her son. If he could easily miss school on his birthday, then all the other children would think it was permissible for them to miss school as well. She didn't want that precedent set in stone. Her mommy's heart and teacher's heart were waging war the whole day.

She placed the damp cloth on the side hook of the blackboard. She looked at the board for a moment to make sure she had it cleaned well. When she heard the door open, she knew who it was. Instead of immediately turning to look, she stared at the blackboard for a few seconds.

"Did you have fun?" Elizabeth used her teacher's voice.

"Oh…you're in trouble." JJ snickered.

"You're not helping." Jack flatly stated.

"I'm not sure if I can help."

"You promised."

Elizabeth turned to face her two boys. "Well?"

…

"The chocolate icing is in the bowl on the little island. Please use it to frost the rest of those cupcakes. I think that will do it."

"Thank you, Abagail."

"Thank you, Joyce. You have been a great help."

"It was a lot of fun. But I don't think you needed my help to get this finished."

"You certainly made it easier and more enjoyable."

The two ladies worked on the food and desserts for a few hours. Just like everyone else, they wanted to make everything perfect. They also worked well together. A true friendship was beginning to develop between the two.

"I always heard Elizabeth's story from a distance. William would speak a little to Jerry. My husband also heard the rumors. I never imagined how someone with Elizabeth's pedigree could turn her back on Hamilton and all it has to offer to choose a small western town that didn't have anything to offer." Abagail watched Joyce shook her head. "But I have to say, I completely understand why Elizabeth has chosen this town."

"It may be small, but the people of this own is the draw of Hope Valley."

"I agree with you. The people are a huge part of the draw, but this town is just special. I can't put my finger on it."

…

"Well…?" Elizabeth repeated her question. She had the full scary teacher face going. Her right hand was on her hip with her left foot in front of her. Her toes were tapping on the floor. Her head was slightly tilted to the right with her eyebrows raised. Her lips were pierced together in a straight line flat across. There was no hint of a smirk.

Jack folded. He instantly felt like he was six years old standing in front of his mother in her classroom. He and his best friend, John, lit a match on a dare. They tried to fan the smell, but no matter how much they fanned the air with their hands, the smell only grew stronger. He reached for a bead of sweat that was forming on his forehead. He was shifting from foot to foot as he looked at Elizabeth. He stepped forward and quickly noticed that JJ wasn't walking with him.

"Coward." He whispered un his breath.

"That's a scary look." He whispered back. "I'm right behind you."

"Sure you are." Jack turned his attention back to his wife.

"E-liz-a-beth…I'm sorry. It's JJ's birthday. I knew he didn't want to be here on his special day. I can't really blame him." He stopped talking when he noticed her expression wasn't changing at all. Not even a small glimmer of hope. He decided he needed to change his tactic. Instead of trying to figure out what he thought she wanted to hear, he decided just to speak the truth. "I wanted to spend time with him. It's our first time together on his birthday and I just wanted to make it special. I'm sorry I kidnapped our son, but he had no idea what I was doing until I had him outside." He began to have a faint smile when he noticed the right corner of her mouth twitch. He was beginning to make some leeway. "I know I overstepped. I just couldn't help myself. I was off from work today and I…and I just couldn't help myself." He gave her the faintest of a dimpled smile when her foot quit tapping and her hand left her hip. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to disrespect you. That wasn't my intent."

The teacher side was still a little perturbed at their actions.

"And you?" She turned her attention toward JJ.

"I didn't know what was going on until we were outside. Once he told me, I went along with it." JJ looked up with his bottom lip barely sticking out. He knew not to push too much.

"Fine." She huffed.

"I was thinking since I had today with him, you will have tomorrow with him after school. You two can do whatever you want to celebrate his birthday just the two of you."

She fought against the smile that was trying to form at the thought of the two of them enjoying time together. She snapped back into teacher mode quickly.

"Since you missed class today, you will need to write a two paragraph description of Walt Whitman's poem, 'Song of Myself'." She stated as she handed a small book to her son. "You have two days to write the description. You will bring it to class on Wednesday. Understand?"

"Yes, Mrs. Thornton." JJ stated as he accepted the book. Then she turned her attention toward her husband.

"Since you were the mastermind of this kidnapping of my son's operation, you will need to write a one page account of Elizabeth Barrett Browning's poem 'How Do I Love Thee?'. It is due on Wednesday by noon since you have a few days off."

"Are you serious?"

"By noon on Wednesday. Do you understand me?" Her teacher's voice and mother's voice were stern.

"Yes, Mrs. Thornton."

"Now Jack, grab my books and my lunch pail. Please carry them for me."

"Yes ma'am."

She extended her hand to her son. "Now JJ, please escort me to our home."

"Yes mommy." He stated with a smile.

"Now sweetheart, what did you and daddy do today that was so much fun? Tell me everything." The excitement in her voice was unmistakable.

JJ's face lit up as he took her hand. Jack looked up at the tone of his wife's voice. She was eager to hear all about her son's big day. He let out a small laugh knowing his precious wife wanted to know all the details of their day together.

Author's Note:

My intention was to write the birthday party all in one chapter. When I began, it was evident that the chapter was going to be too long. So, I needed to cut it up into two chapters.

I hope you are enjoying this little story.

Leave people better than you found them.