Chapter 87

"I've heard very good things about your business, Lee."

"Thank you Jerry. The men work hard. They do a good job for their families."

"Yes. Good employees are essential to the success of any company."

"Very true Jerry. Jack tells me that you have been essential in the last few months."

"Jack and Elizabeth are doing better than I could have ever imagined. To be honest Lee, I never thought a two person CEO and owner would ever work. Especially from two individuals who were not trained in business and not living in the same city as headquarters."

"I do think Elizabeth pays more attention than she lets on."

"Yes. Jack is smarter than people give him credit for as well. They work extremely well as a team."

"I have learned about Jack is that he is just an intelligent guy. He may not have gone to a prestigious college, but it wasn't because he couldn't qualify for it. He is just naturally intelligent. He is excellent at figuring things out. He may do it quietly or ask questions, but he always figures it out."

"I have noticed that about him. So, you're expanding your sawmill?"

"I am. We are adding two blades. It's necessary to keep up with the business you are throwing my way."

"You've earned that business, Lee. You provide quality lumber on time and at a good price. That's essential for us."

"Thanks. Tyna is beginning to place a lot of orders for wood too."

"Yes. Jack and Elizabeth suggested her. She is really working out very well. I think she will quickly have to add to her workforce. We are about to keep that young lady very busy."

"It's great that you all gave her an opportunity."

"We had to have a need fulfilled. Jack and Elizabeth thought she could fill that need. The guys we had doing that job weren't very good or cost effective for us. Tyna is bringing us specialized crates that are much better than the previous guy. Our customers are very pleased with the new crates. She is earning everything she is getting."

"That's good. I know she is excited. She came by the office yesterday to request more lumber."

"Yes, I met with her to inform her we were increasing our orders with her."

The two men spent the next hour just talking shop. They were also beginning to respect each other. Their business line of thinking was almost perfectly aligned. While their sense of humor wasn't the same, they each found the other person funny.

…

Jack let out a deep breath. Then he opened his eyes and knocked on the door. Afterwards, he opened the door and gave his startled wife his best, biggest dimpled smile. His smile lit up the whole room and the children instantly responded to him with raised heads and smiles. He was just hoping she wouldn't immediately unleash on him about interrupting her class for the second time in as many days. He swallowed hard when her head shot up quickly.

Elizabeth looked up when she heard the knock and the door opening. Her eyes narrowed when she recognized her husband and his dimpled grin.

"What is he up to know?" She whispered to herself. She planted the stern teacher expression on her face as she stood.

Jack never broke the grin as he slowly walked toward Elizabeth. He ruffled a young boy's hair as he walked by and smiled at Emily when they made eye contact. He nodded at his little boy.

"Sheriff Thornton, what may I do for you this morning?" Her voice had the professional teacher's tone to it. He immediately knew he needed to do this quickly.

"Good morning, Mrs. Thornton."

"Jack." She stated when he stopped in front of her. "Why are you disrupting my class again?" While she may have called him by his name, her tone never wavered from its previous tone.

He concentrated on retaining his large, dimpled grin. "I'm…"

…

Abagail leaned forward placing her forearms on her desk. She had three requests for expanded business licenses. She was excited to sign them. Lee's request to expand his sawmill by two blades and motors was unanimously approved. She was excited for her friend and only hoped this was just the beginning of good things for him. She felt bad for all the things he had to go through. Not only was his business damaged, but he was also physically hurt. When Lee was tired, he had a little bit of a limp. She knew that would go away as he continued to heal and gain strength, but for now it was a reminder of his past few months.

The next request was from Tyna. She smiled knowing that she had just been approved for her license for business just a short time ago. Now she had received a request to expand her business. Abagail was ecstatic for this young lady. Like many other families, her family was devastated after the mine explosion. Tyna and her mother struggled after Tyna's father was killed in the mine on that dreadful day. There was a struggle. Tyan and her mother worked very hard like everyone else to just make it. This was a good opportunity for Tyna to really improve her situation in life. They were hard workers. Their hard work was finally paying off for them. She just knew Tyna would do great with this opportunity. Her eyes watered as she signed and approved the request.

The next request came from Mr. Stenson. He had begun to sell some of his extra crops at a small booth in the middle of town. He was requesting to expand the booth into a larger booth that would begin to sell crops from spring to late fall. While he would have the final control, he was opening it up to other area farmers for them to sell their crops too. He wanted to call it 'The Farmer's Market' and it would be open Thursdays through Saturdays. She was excited that the town was growing slowly. The first two requests had connections to Thatcher Shipping. She was excited for her friends. She was also happy the last request wasn't connected to Thatcher Shipping. The town was also growing on its own. She felt this added extra strength to the town and the town's people.

Abagail looked up when she saw her new assistant step into her office.

"Janet, what do you have for me?"

"I'm sorry to interrupt your morning, Mayor."

"Janet." Warned Abagail. "We've talked about this."

"The office should be respected."

"True, but when it's just the two of us, you should call me Abagail."

"Yes, Mayor." Janet snickered.

"Very funny. What do you have for me?"

…

Jack could feel the intense gaze of his wife, but he could also sense the stare of all her students watching everything unfold. JJ was paying close attention to the whole situation playing out in front of him.

"I'm…well…I…I have a plan." His voice was stronger than he felt.

"Jack Thornton! You are not kidnapping my son for the second straight day. He needs to be in class and learn like the other children! You are not taking my son again!"

"Our son." He smirked even though her intense gaze didn't relent. "I promise you I am not taking our son out of school today."

She looked intently into Jack's eyes. She knew he was telling her the truth. She began to relax a little.

"Good. If you are not kidnapping our son, then why are you here?"

"I wouldn't use the word 'kidnapping'. That makes it sound so much worse than it really was." He playfully smirked.

"You took my son without me knowing about it. You left for the day with him and didn't tell me his whereabouts. That is a pretty good definition of kidnapping." She smirked.

"Our son." He playfully smiled. "Well, I'm not the one taking our son out of school today." Jack emphasized the word 'I'm'.

"Good. So, why are you causing trouble in my class today?"

"JJ needs to be excused for the rest of the day."

At hearing this, JJ became even more interested in the conversation. He bounced in his seat and leaned forward in his chair.

"Jack…" She huffed. "He needs to…"

"E-liz-a-beth…you are the one who will be taking him out of school today."

He chuckled at her very confused expression. She understood the words, but they didn't make sense. She leaned back and shook her head no.

"You have a substitute teacher for the rest of the day."

"Wait…what? Who?"

"I had yesterday with JJ. I loved having that time with him. So, today you will have the same opportunity. You will have the rest of the day with JJ for his birthday. Now, I will teach your class for the rest of the day. You go with JJ and do what ever you want to do with our son." He turned his attention to the class. "And there will not be any homework tonight."

The class cheered.

Jack chuckled at her confused expression and the kid's excitement. He gave her a few seconds to let the shocking news wear off and settle in.

"Go and enjoy your day with JJ. I have this under control."

"But Jack…"

"Elizabeth, you are free to do whatever you want to do with our son. I will bring your things home when school is finished. I will be responsible for dinner. Now, go and enjoy your day."

JJ reached for his mommy's hand. "Come on mommy…we have stuff to do!"

Elizabeth's eyes went to JJ and then back to Jack. He leaned in and kissed her on the cheek.

"Go." He nodded toward the door.

She paused for a moment until she felt JJ tug on her hand. She was a little perturbed of the interruption and then leaving her class for the day. However, the thought of spending an entire day with her son was beginning to win the war inside of her head.

"You better teach them!" She warned her husband as she nodded toward her students.

He could see the turmoil in her eyes. She didn't like the fact of leaving her students but she did like the idea of spending the day with JJ.

"We'll have fun and I promise to teach them something." He smirked.

Jack and the rest of the class watched Elizabeth and JJ hold hands as they walked out of the schoolhouse. The kids turned their attention back to Jack. When the door closed, he turned his attention toward the kids. Suddenly, he became nervous about teaching the students for the rest of the day. He really hadn't given it much thought. He wasn't sold on the fact that he could get her to leave. She was a dedicated teacher. Now, he was beginning to wonder if he made a huge mistake as all her students were looking directly at him.

…

"What would you like to do first?"

"Mommy, I'm a little hungry. May we go to Auntie Abagail's to eat?"

"You're always hungry." She laughed. "Let's go."

The two sat down at a small table beside the window. JJ ordered a pancake and fruit while Elizabeth just ordered a hot tea and fruit. It felt weird not being in school, but she was beginning to loosen up to the idea of being with JJ.

After a nice, somewhat light breakfast, the two who were playing hooky made their way down to the pond. Elizabeth knew her son loved to play there. Like all the other times, somehow, he convinced her to take off her shoes and wade into the water. He promised not to splash her. She also made him promise not to catch anything and put it in his pocket.

"Did you have a nice birthday yesterday?" She asked as she kicked a little bit of cold water to make it swirl.

"It was the best ever!" He excitedly stated. "You made it perfect!"

"I wanted you to have a good birthday."

"It was much better than good." He honestly stated. He reached for her hand. "Mommy, thank you for everything. It was really the best birthday ever."

She discreetly wiped away a tear that was threatening to fall. Her heart's desire was to give her son a good birthday. She may have stressed over it more than she should, but her mommy's heart just couldn't stop. She had to make it the best. She was grateful he thought it went so well.

"Look! Tadpoles!" JJ stated with some excitement.

"Is there a frog?" Elizabeth asked.

JJ wasn't sure if she was nervous that there could be a frog close by or if she was eager that there could be. He looked but didn't see one.

"No, but there are plenty of frogs that are around."

"JJ…I love you."

"I love you, mommy."

Elizabeth had never been the type of girl that would just wade through a pond. However, her son loved it. She was a boy momma, and these types of things are what boy mommas do. Much to her surprise, she was enjoying the time in the pond with her son. She was convinced it wasn't the pond that made it so special. It was the brown headed little man standing beside her. The excitement exuding from him could be easily felt. She was grateful to have this time with her son.

…

Jack nervously clapped his hands in front of him and rocked front and back on his feet. He felt every one of the students' eyes intently focused on him.

"So…" Jack's voice was a little weak. "…what is next?"

An older student noticed the time. "We usually do arithmetic next."

"Oh…math…" Jack reached for the back of his neck and gave it a soft rub. He picked up the textbook from Elizabeth's desk and then asked the students what chapter they were on. When he found the page, it was multiplication for the older students, and he learned the younger students were working on adding and subtracting numbers. He could tell the students weren't too eager to dive into math.

After a couple of minutes, Jack could easily see that the students weren't too happy with the current arrangement. He wasn't a teacher. He wanted today to be fun, but he also promised his wife that they would learn something. He decided to change course. "Alright class let's do something a little different. We will look at our math textbooks later today. What do you know about Isaac Newton?"

The students looked at him a little confused. Mrs. Thronton would never just abandon a subject they just began to work on. They slowly closed their textbook when Jack tossed the teacher's book on top of Mrs. Thornton's desk. They shrugged at his question.

"Isaac Newton came up with the three laws motion. Let's take a look at the first law of motion.

"Newton's first law of motion states that an object in motion tends to stay in motion unless an external force acts upon it. Similarly, if the object is at rest, it will remain at rest unless an unbalanced force acts upon it. It's called the Law of Inertia."

"What does that mean, Sheriff Thornton?"

Jack paused for a moment. Suddenly, he looked to his left and ran toward the wall. Just before he hit the wall he jumped and turned slightly so his shoulder and side hit the wall. He landed on his feet. The class gasped in astonishment at his weird behavior. Mrs. Thronton would never do anything like that.

"I was in motion until I hit an external force that caused me to stop."

"Yeah, no kidding." Joseph stated.

Jack smiled as he walked back to the center of the classroom. "If you roll a ball outside, it will roll until something stops it."

"Like what?" A little boy asked.

"When you play kickball, the player rolls the ball to you. It only changes direction when you kick it. Your foot becomes the external force that makes the ball stop rolling. If you roll the ball and it hits a wall, the wall is stronger than the rolling ball. The wall makes the ball stop rolling or makes it change directions."

"Yeah, Cooper can really kick a ball. He's a great external force." The class laughed at the statement. However, it made it a little clearer.

"So, the Law of Inertia means that an object, what ever it is, will continue to move until something bigger stops it?"

Jack smiled. "Yes. That's a pretty good way of saying it. Cooper's foot is stronger than the ball and the wall is stronger than I am. Also, an object will remain still unless something makes it move." He placed a pencil on the corner of his wife's desk. "See, that pencil will remain there until something makes it move. Newton's first law is saying that objects have predictably. The pencil will remain sitting on the table, it isn't going to start rolling or fall off the table unless a force acts upon it to cause it to move. Moving objects don't change their direction or stop unless a force causes them to move from their path or stop."

"Cool." He heard several voices.

"But wait, if the Law of In…Inhurt…"

"Inertia." Jack stated slowly. The student couldn't say the word.

"Yeah…if that law stated that something will continue to move until something bigger stops it, why does the kick ball stop rolling when I miss it and it doesn't hit anything?"

"Wow…great question Emily!" Jack stated. "As you know, if you slide a block across a table, it eventually stops rather than continuing forever. This is because the frictional force opposes the continued movement. Less friction means the object will go further. More friction means the object travels less distance."

"Friction?"

"Yes. When I was a kid, I was bucked off my horse. I fell off and landed on the side of the hill. I slide down the hill for a little bit, but I stopped after sliding for about ten feet or so."

"You stopped sliding because of the dirt and shrubs. The friction between you and the ground."

"Yes Emily. I did. And it hurt." He laughed along with the kids.

"My daddy said that the railroad tracks and the wheels of the railroad car are made from the same steel. It said it makes it roll easier."

"You are right Sam. Since it's the same metal, there is less friction because they are just alike. That makes it easier for the wheel to roll. That's a major reason why a train can pull so much weight."

"Because there is less friction. Less friction makes things go further."

"Correct Emily. Have you ever slid across the ice?"

"Oh yes." She smiled. "When I play on the pond when it's frozen over. I fell and slide all the way to the other side."

"Ice is very slippery."

"Because it has less friction." Emily beamed.

Jack smiled. The kids were getting it. Not only that, but he was also excited because the kids were really getting into it. They were excited and he was feeding off it. They connected what he was saying to real life examples.

…

Elizabeth and JJ made their way home after playing in the pond. He captured three frogs which Elizabeth closely examined but didn't touch. JJ was starting to think his mommy liked them. Elizabeth was beginning to be hungry. Of course, JJ was already hungry for lunch. Instead of eating at Abagail's again, she decided to go home and make lunch for them. JJ insisted on a picnic at the creek on their property. Since it was a beautiful day, she was excited to spend time with her son outside.

After eating their sandwiches, he wanted to play in the creek. Most of the creek was what Elizabeth considered a normal creek, flowing water that was pretty shallow. JJ talked his mom into getting into the water too, but she only stayed a few seconds. The water was too cold for her. She stood and walked on the bank of the creek talking with her son. She enjoyed spending time with her son, even with him in the creek and her on the bank.

"Cool!" JJ stated as he reached into the water.

"What?" Elizabeth asked as she leaned over just a little to see what he was reaching for.

JJ removed his hand holding a crawfish. "That's so cool!" He stated as he held the crawfish in the air. It had its pinchers high in the air outstretched. Its tail flipped forward and backward.

"This must be a boy thing." Elizabeth giggled.

"I'll have to teach my sister not to be so girly." JJ laughed as he held the crawfish for a few more moments while taking a closer look at it. Then he placed it back in the water close to the rock where he found it.

"You know…"

"I know mommy. You don't know if I'm having a brother or sister. However, I know I am having a sister."

"And young man, how in the world do you know that?" She challenged as she reached for her baby belly.

"I just know. Just like the gifts yesterday."

"How did you guess each gift?"

"I don't know. I just know." He shrugged his shoulders. "I really didn't guess."

JJ examined his way through the creek and Elizabeth slowly walked beside him on the bank. They spoke about the things he was seeing in the water. They simply enjoyed each other's company.

They did find a spot where the water was about waist deep. JJ insisted on getting in for a little swim.

"Fine." Elizabeth relented. "Take off your outer clothes. There is no need to get them soaked."

"Thanks mommy." JJ got out of the creek just long enough to undress down to his underwear. Then he playfully jumped into the deeper water. Elizabeth laughed at his laughter and he shivered when he first came up. The water was really cold. However, he loved playing in the creek.

…

Jack let school out fifteen minutes early. He was exhausted. The kids were having a lot of fun. He did allow lunch to go a little longer than normal and play time lasted a good ten minutes more than Elizabeth would allow. To Jack's credit, he did go over all the subjects. The time teaching drained him. The kids kept him in constant motion. He was beyond tired. Teaching took more effort than he could ever imagine it would. He was deeply impressed with his wife.

Jack sat down in Elizabeth's chair after the kids all left. He looked at Elizabeth's things and began to gather them. That's when he noticed his homework paper sitting on top of a book. This was the first time he had sat down since Elizabeth left. He slowly looked at the paper and read the grade on top of it.

"An A minus!" he gasped. "How could she give me an A minus?" He mumbled to himself in disbelief.

…

Jack had no desire to make dinner when he got home. He knew he told his wife he would, but he just didn't have it in him. Elizabeth would always teach and the come home with energy left over. Jack just didn't have any energy left. So, he decided to stop by Abagail's to grab some food for dinner. He would just take it home for their meal.

"Wow…you look exhausted." Abagail chuckled.

"Oh, you have no idea." Jack sighed as he leaned against the kitchen island. "I just hope I have the energy to walk home."

"Do you want Frank to take you home in the wagon?" She laughed.

"No, but I may keep that in mind. May I get some fried chicken to take home?"

"Sure, I'll send some sides and some biscuits too. Have a seat and I'll get it ready for you."

"Thanks Abagail."

…

Elizabeth couldn't understand why her little man loved being in water so much, but he has spent a good portion of the day in the pond and creek. When Elizabeth finally was able to get him out and dried off, JJ put his clothes on then they made the short walk back to their house. Elizabeth cut up a couple of apples and poured some juice for them to drink.

The two made their way to the library to look through the crates of books that hadn't been put away yet. Once they picked out their books, they made their way to the living room and settled in to read for the rest of the day. This was the best way that either of them could think of to end a great day together. The library wasn't set up yet so there wasn't a place to sit and get comfortable.

JJ was interested in what his mommy was reading. After about fifteen minutes of reading his book, his attention was drawn to her book.

"Mommy, what are you reading? May I read it?"

"JJ, I don't know if you would like to read it."

"What is it about?"

"It's about a man and woman who moved out west to find a new life."

"So, it's about an adventure?"

"I guess you could say that."

JJ scooted over and then leaned against Elizabeth side. He placed his head on her shoulder trying to read along with her.

"I like adventure."

"It's also involving romance."

"Romance? Well, if the adventure is really good, I can overlook the romantic parts."

Elizabeth laughed at her son. "That will change when you get older. Just don't grow up too quickly."

"I promise."

Elizabeth handed him her book after he sat his down on the small table . She picked up her second book and quickly found the last page she had read. That was how they spent the rest of the day together. They read. JJ rolled his eyes when he was reading the mushy parts of his book. He would often steal glances at his mommy due to the kissing scenes.

"Really mommy?" He finally asked after the sixth kissing paragraph.

"What?"

JJ shook his head.

"It's not that bad."

"Their kissing for the countless time."

"So?" She shrugged her shoulders. "It's my book. You don't have to read it."

"I love the adventure parts. I think I'll just skip over the kissing scenes." He playfully sassed. "Do all girls like this kind of stuff?"

"Eventually."

…

That's how Jack found them a couple of hours later. They were curled up on the couch reading. They looked comfortable. They looked up when they heard the door open.

"Hey, your home."

"Yeah. I have food from Auntie Abagail's."

"That sounds good." JJ stated without getting up. That surprised Jack. Usually when food is mentioned, JJ is ready to eat. Now, he was just too comfortable with his mommy to get up.

Jack stared at the two of them for a few moments, but neither of them were moving. "Don't worry, I'll get things ready."

"Thank you, Jack." Elizabeth mentioned as she turned her attention back to her book.

After Jack walked into the kitchen, Elizabeth looked up and saw for the first time how tired he looked.

"Hey JJ, why don't you go and wash up. We'll be ready to eat soon."

"Yes mommy." He moaned as he stood up. He really was comfortable.

Elizabeth slowly walked into the kitchen. She stood behind her husband. His back was toward her. She laid her head on his back and wrapped her arms around him. She clasped her hands in front of his stomach.

"Thank you for today, Jack. It was perfect."

"Did you enjoy your day with JJ?"

"I did. We ate breakfast at Abagail's. We ate a light lunch at the creek. We played in the pond and in the creek. Then we sat here together reading for quite a while. Oh Jack…it was just perfect. Thank you." She let out a long, contented sigh.

"I'm glad you were able to have that time together."

"Yeah…" Her voice trailed off at the memory of her day with JJ. "How was your day at school?"

"It was good. I'm exhausted. How do you do that every day?"

"It's easy when you do it over and over again. What did you teach my little ducklings?"

"Issac Newton."

"Issac Newton?"

"Yeah, we discussed Newton's first law of motion."

"You taught my students that?"

"I did."

"How do you know that enough to teach it?"

"We learn Isaac Newton's law in the academy. The Law of Inertia is important in some aspects of my job. Are you that surprised that I know Newton's law?" He sassed.

"I didn't realize that. What did you do with the younger ones?"

"Oh, I didn't split the groups up. I taught the whole class about Newton's law?"

"How in the world did you do that? Jack, the little ones couldn't have followed along with such a deep subject."

"Emily was all over it. She understood it very well. You may want to guide her into the sciences. She had a solid grasp of it."

"Really?"

Jack spent a few minutes telling her about the whole time talking about Newton's law. As he talked, they both gathered plates and then plated the food. Elizabeth got everyone something to drink as Jack carried the plates to the table. She laughed at Jack's telling of the story. She was a little impressed with her husband. His excitement showed her how much he enjoyed it.

Jack handed her the basket from school that she always carried with her. "Hey, I have to ask. Did you really give me a 'A minus' on my report?"

"Yes Mr. Thornton. I did." She smiled knowing it was bothering him. She loved the playfulness.

"May I ask why?" He challenged her as he turned to face her.

"You knew the assignment. The paper was supposed to be one page in length. You wrote two sentences."

"Is there an appeal process? I would like to get your superior to look at this."

"Mr. Thornton, I teach at a one room schoolhouse. I'm it." She smirked.

"That's convenient for you, isn't it." He sassed.

"Maybe so, but I have given you the grade, Mr. Thornton."

"Yeah, but they were really good sentences." He flirted.

"The best of sentences. But my grade stands, Mr. Thornton." She teased.

"Is there any way I can do extra credit work to bump my grade up to a 'A plus'?"

Elizabeth bit her bottom lip and she pretended to think. "Well, there may be something you could do to raise your grade. That is, if you're willing to put in the extra work."

"I am, Mrs. Thornton. I truly am."

"Fine. JJ will be going to bed at seven thirty. I'll read him two chapters and then I'll meet you downstairs. I'll have something for you to raise your grade."

"The best teacher ever!" He playfully wiggled his eyebrows. "Wait, you're not going to fall asleep on me again, are you?"

"I'll see you soon." She gave him a grin that made his heart skip a beat.

…

Elizabeth finished reading the third chapter to JJ. He wasn't too tired, and two chapters just wasn't enough. He wasn't quite asleep yet, but Elizabeth's mind wasn't focused on her son. She has missed her husband over the last week or so. She wanted to spend some intimate time with him.

Today was perfect. She was a little miffed at Jack in the beginning, but she quickly learned to appreciate his little gift of having the day with her son. She loved it, even playing in the water was great because she was with her son. The time reading was great. That was a passion her and her son shared. It was also a restful time.

She slid out from under her son. He was resting on top of her with his head on her chest and shoulder. She placed the light blanket over him and kissed him on the cheek. She moved a few strains of hair off his forehead for no particular reason. She watched him lay for a couple of moments. Simply admiring her little boy. Then she quickly turned her attention to the perfect gift waiting for her downstairs.

Elizabeth fanned herself as she walked out of JJ's room. She was remembering the last time they were together in the row house. As she descended the stairs, she unbuttoned the top button of her blouse. She thought about undoing another button, but she loved feeling her husband's hands as he unbuttoned her blouse. His passion and the look of intensity in his eyes moved her. She didn't want to take that away from him and from her. She stepped off the last step and turned toward the living room.

"Oh…good grief!" She sighed. "You've got to be kidding me!" She let out a slight growl in frustration as she waved her hands in front of her and then slapped them against her legs.

Jack had laid down on the couch and was fully asleep.