Chapter 106
The two months since Abby's birth brought forth a comfortable routine for the Thornton clan. The mornings usually began with JJ slipping into his parent's room to get his little sister. She was typically awake when he peered over the side of the bassinet. Her arms would wave at the excitement of seeing her older brother. Elizabeth would tell JJ that Abby was too young to knowingly do that, but he was convinced she loved seeing her older brother. This was their time to bond. There were times he took her to his room and they played or he just talked to her. Most mornings Elizabeth and Jack found them on the couch playing.
Preciously at seven, Abby was ready for her breakfast. Even if JJ was reading to her, she was ready to eat. The little girl was growing quickly. She was gaining the appropriate weight. The only times she would cry during the day was if Elizabeth was late on her feedings. The little girl liked to eat on her schedule. The other time she would cry was when she needed to be changed. Evidently, she hated to be dirty. As much as JJ loved his little sister, changing her wasn't on his brothers to do list. He would usually help getting a diaper but that was the extend of his involvement.
Jack would try his best to have breakfast with the family. He was determined to always be home for dinner. He may have missed a dinner here and there, but for the most part he was home. Those times were important to him. His work as sheriff was going well and he was truly happy with both his professional life and family life.
For Elizabeth, being a mother of two was everything for her. She still loved teaching and was looking forward to getting back into the classroom, but her thought of her being made for teaching was beginning to change. Now she thought of herself as being made to be a mom to JJ and Abby. She just happened to love teaching as well. She was looking forward to getting back into the classroom in the fall, but wasn't looking forward to being away from her two little ones.
"Good morning, love." Elizabeth looked up to a smiling Jack as he walked into the kitchen. She had just finished feeding her two little ones. She was munching on her toast as her little clone was in her arms staring at her. The more Abby grew, the more she looked like Elizabeth. She had Jack's dimples and lips, but she was Elizabeth made over.
"Good morning beautiful." He stated as he kissed her cheek. "You know, motherhood looks good on you."
"You've got to be kidding me?" She laughed at the thought. "I know you're not being truthful now. I'm still in my nightgown and robe. I haven't done anything with my hair."
"Yeah…beautiful." He stated again as he kissed her on the cheek before stepping back. "Are you still able to go with me this morning?"
"I am. I spoke with Jerry yesterday. He said that he will wait for our phone call to inform him one way or the other. He's ready to act at our request."
"Thanks for making that call. Everything going well?"
"Jerry is very pleased with everything. We have received three more contracts and morale is at an all time high. As a matter of fact, Joseph has a desk full of applications that we don't have need of."
"Maybe if things continue to grow, we will need to expand."
"Maybe." She repositioned Abby and began to stand. "I just need to get dressed and get this one dressed."
"I'll get the little cutie dressed. Unless…" He wiggled his eyebrows at his wife.
"Jack…" She blushed as she tilted her head down a little. "Later." She mouthed.
"Now…"
"I know…I know…" JJ protested as he got up when both of his parents looked in his direction. "I have school, and I can't be late." While he loved school, he didn't like the fact that his mommy wasn't his teacher right now. She was taking time off for the pregnancy and delivery. Elizabeth decided to take the rest of spring off and go back in the fall term. The local school board was fine with the arrangement.
Jack tossed his son's hair as he walked by. Then he reached for his little girl. "Come on sweetie, we have a special meeting today. I need to get you changed and dressed."
…
"William…please have a seat with me."
"Gracie…this is your passion. I'll go with anything you want to do with the new houses. I do believe you are making a great impact for the betterment with those young ladies. I need to get going to my class soon. Do you know where my briefcase is?"
"On the desk in your office."
"He's right, Mrs. Thatcher." Mr. Scott and Teddy stated. Their friend and lawyer sat with the mayor of Hamilton in the Thatcher formal dining room.
"Maybe we need to get you an office place here." William smiled as she kissed his wife's cheek. "Good day Teddy. Mr. Scott."
They watched William walk out of the room and turn right. Mr. Scott and Teddy turned their attention back to Grace. She continued to look in the direction of where William had just left. She already missed him.
"Mrs. Thatcher, we are hoping you would consider opening another Second Chance Home here in Hamilton. You have made a tremendous positive impact."
"That's not me. I haven't done anything."
"Mr. Scott, Mrs. Thatcher is looking into opening four more homes. Two in Toronto, one in Ithaca, and one in Bethrone."
"Those are good places for such a home, but we could also use an additional home here."
"From the moment the Second Chance Home opened, the City of Hamilton has tried to squirm its way into running the home. While our initial investment started the home, both Second Chance Homes are self-sufficient through donations of generous individuals and businesses."
"The crisis centers you have are experiencing significant difficulties, Mr. Scott." Teddy stepped in and took over. He knew Grace didn't like to be so bold. As her lawyer, it was his job to step in. "Mrs. Thatcher's way of doing things at the Second Chance Home works. She has no interest in changing anything if what is being done is helping the young women."
"I understand."
"Perfect." Grace stated as she stood up. "Then we are finished. William is giving me a ride to the home on his way to teach his two classes."
"If I may?" Mr. Scott spoke. "If you consider another home here, the City will step back and take a hands off approach."
"Teddy, I really need to go. We had another young lady come into he home last night. She needs a doctor's appointment. Will you stay with Mr. Scott and work out the details?"
"Yes, Grace. I will be happy to."
"Gentlemen." Grace stated as she reached for her light jacket.
…
Jack, Elizabeth, and Abby walked JJ to school. He carried his little sister for a little while but gave her up to his mommy when Little Sis became too heavy for him to carry. He kissed her on the cheek before he handed her over.
"Ok my little man, try your best and work hard."
"Yes mommy."
"Have fun son."
"It's just not the same." He nodded toward his mommy and then the school house."
"I get it." Jack laughed. "Mommy has a way of making everything better."
"Ok Little Sis…you have a good day and don't forget about me."
"I don't think that's possible." Elizabeth laughed. "I do believe you are her favorite person."
"We're a team." He stated with great love and pride.
…
After dropping JJ off at school and watching him begin to play with Emily and Sam, they turned their attention to the small building on Main Street. Jack and Elizabeth felt comfortable with the outcome of the meeting, but nothing is set in stone until they hear a yes. After a three minute discussion, they both agreed that Lee was the perfect person for the challenge.
"Hey you three. What are you all up too." Lee stood from his desk when the young family walked into his office.
"Good morning, Lee. How are you?"
"Busy, but that's a good thing. You and Tyna are keeping me busy. That young lady is a hard worker. It makes me wish I had hired her. Plus, there is a guy looking to begin building log homes. That hasn't taken off yet, but he is getting close. I won't have to mill the lumber as much, but he already has a couple of orders. Just trying to figure that whole process out." He smiled at his busy schedule. He loved being busy. It's good for him and his employees. "Look at that little beauty. She is growing so fast." He turned his attention toward the little bundle of joy in Elizabeth's arms.
"Faster than I like." Elizabeth muttered under her breath.
"I'll say. May I hold her?"
"Of course."
Lee accepted the little bundle of joy as he cooed at her. "I swear she's trying to smile."
"JJ has been saying that since she was born."
"I wouldn't doubt if she has already smiled at him. I've seen them together. They are a sight to behold."
"They have a connection." Jack laughed. "We were hoping you have a few minutes for us this morning."
"Sure I do. Always for you three. What can I do for you?"
"We need you to jump off a cliff."
"I'm sorry…" Lee looked at them confused.
"Lee, we need you to jump off a cliff." Elizabeth repeated Jack's statement.
…
"Hey sweetheart, how are…" Frank's voice trailed off when he saw his wife's facial expression. He had just walked into the mayor's office to surprise his wife. He was hoping to steal a few minutes of her time. Now, however, he was very concerned with what he saw.
Abagail was sitting in her office chair. She was sitting on the edge of the seat with the palm of her hands on the desk in front of her. Her arms were stretched out and her head was slightly bowed forward. When she looked up, he noticed a film of sweat on her face. Her face was also a little more red than normal.
"Abagail!" He stated as she quickly walked around her desk. He placed his hand on her back and leaned toward her. "What's wrong?"
After the last bit of pain subsided, she let out a long deep breath. "I think it's time."
"Time? Time for…" He stopped speaking when the realization set in. "Are you saying…"
She cut him off by nodding her head.
"Yeah…you need to get me home and then get Faith."
"Are you close?"
"Yes." She stated as she began to stand. "Frank, if you don't do anything else today, you can't let me have my baby here in this office."
"Our baby." He sassed. "Come on sweetheart. Let's get you home and then I'll get Faith."
"And Elizabeth. I need Elizabeth!"
"On it." Frank stated as he placed his arm around his wife. "Come on…I would love to meet our baby today."
"If this one goes like the first pregnancy, it'll be a while. He took his sweet time to make his appearance."
"Well then, let's pray this one has your patience." Frank smirked as they made their way around the desk. "I'll get you settled. Mrs. P is already at the café helping out. Then I'll get Faith and Elizabeth."
"Elizabeth first and then Faith."
"Ok bossy."
"No arguing with the pregnant lady that is in labor." She sassed as she stopped walking when a new wave of pain hit her.
…
"How are things going?" Emily asked as they switched out their arithmetic book.
Rosemary was filling in teaching today. Cat Mongomery was filling in while Elizabeth was out, but she had an appointment today. Instead of going with the normal schedule, Rosemary wanted to add a little bit of cheerfulness to the day. They were going to read and discuss a play that she performed several years ago.
"Good until I found out we were going to read this thing." He held up the pieces of paper Rosemary just handed out.
"That's not what I meant, and you know it." Emily sassed as she rolled her eyes.
"Great. Little Sis is growing but mommy said it'll be a little while before she becomes more interactive with me."
"JJ…she's a baby."
"Well, she just lays there. I love spending time with her, but I can't wait until we can play together."
"Haven't you been around a baby before?"
"Emily, when would I have been around a baby? I was the only child until two months ago. I'm only six."
"Boys…you know nothing." She shook her head with a laugh.
…
"What do you mean you want me to jump off a cliff?"
"We have a gentleman who runs the day to day operations in Hamilton. His name is Jerry."
"Yes, Elizabeth. I have heard you speak about him. Is the arrangement still working?"
"It is. We work well together. We talk on the phone about twice a week."
"That's great."
"The problem is…he's retiring in about a year or so."
"I'm sorry to hear that. It's hard when a trusted employee retires. He isn't that old, is he?"
"He's early retirement age. He and his wife would like to travel and visit grandchildren. We're excited for him but hate that he is leaving."
"I can understand that. So, what do you mean about me jumping off a cliff?"
Elizabeth nodded at Jack. That was her signal for him to take over the discussion.
"With Jerry's retirement in a year, we need to find his replacement. This will give him, and us, plenty of time to bring the next person up to speed. That way the company doesn't take a step backwards or there are any issues during the transition."
"That's very smart." Lee stated as he watched Jack reach for Abby. "A seamless transition is always best. I'm very proud of you two. You are handling the company very well."
"You've helped along the way."
"Jack, I've done no such thing."
"You've always been willing to answer any questions I had."
"You already had the answers, Jack. You just wanted confirmation."
"Lee…we would like to offer Jerry's job to you."
"I'm sorry…" Lee's voice failed him.
Elizabeth stepped in. "I'm not sure of Jerry's job title. He is in charge of the daily operations in Hamilton. We speak when he has any questions. We have a weekly phone call to connect and work through any issues. We also use that time to refine any contracts or bids. The phone call usually lasts a half hour to an hour. Many times, we speak twice a week if needed."
"He may speak with me or Elizabeth."
"Sometimes both of us." Elizabeth added as she reached for a little rattle that was in her basket for Abby. "When you speak to one of us, you are speaking to both of us."
Lee sat back in his chair. He was shocked at the turn of the conversation. He would never have thought about this. He loved his life. He and Rosemary were getting along very well. Their life was in Hope Valley. He wasn't sure if he wanted to uproot everything. Plus, he had the sawmill and it was going very well. However, this was an offer he couldn't just ignore.
"Lee, Jerry will teach you the job. He will be your mentor for the year. By the time you take over at his retirement, you will feel comfortable with every aspect of the job. Jerry is very good at what he does." Lee nodded his head as he intently looked at Jack and Elizabeth. "We have always got along very well. I do think we can work with each other."
"I will be working for you and Elizabeth?"
"Yes." Elizabeth spoke. "You will answer only to Jack and I. Like I said, I don't know Jerry's job title, but we can figure that out if you would like."
"No…no…that's not important to me. I don't care about a title."
"But here's the thing Lee, we don't think of it as you are working for us. You will be working with Jack and I to make Thatcher Shipping a stalwart of the industry. We treat our people the best we can and our customers as well."
Lee nodded his head. He was beginning to think everything through. HE was best friends with Jack. He is very good friends with Elizabeth.
"So…?" Elizabeth and Jack asked at the same time.
…
Frank was escorting his beautiful wife down the sidewalk toward their place above the café. He didn't want to escort her through the dining room. There were still people there eating and enjoying conversations. So, he led her to the back door that went straight into the kitchen. Just before turning to the back of the café, he noticed Faith walking out of the mercantile. He was relieved when he caught her attention. He pointed to Abagail's tummy and nodded his head to the upstairs rooms of the café. Faith nodded her head. She pointed to the infirmary and mouthed the words 'I'll get my bag'.
Frank escorted his wife through the back door and up the stairs with only Mrs. P and Mary noticing them. Inside their bedroom, Frank quickly helped her change from her dress into an older night gown. She already had it picked out. By the time she was in bed, there was a light knock on the bedroom door.
When Mrs. P saw Frank lead Abagail up the stairs, she knew Elizabeth would want to come and be with her sister and friend. She made sure to finish the pies she was working on. She could keep Abby at the café's kitchen while she continued to lent a hand. She was grateful that Elizabeth thought ahead and kept a few of Abby's supplies in the corner of the living room.
Abagail was as comfortable as she could be. She was a little warm. Frank went to the window and opened it. The wind instantly came through the window creating a nice cooling breeze.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome, sweetheart. Is there anything I can do for you?" Frank asked as she stepped beside the bed. He sat on the edge of the bed after she patted for him to sit.
"Frank…please don't leave me."
Frank reached for her hand. He gently and lovingly caress his thumb across the back of her hand. "I have no intentions of leaving you or our baby. I'm not going anywhere."
Abagail smiled at the resolution in his voice. She was grateful that he wasn't going to leave. She still wanted Elizabeth and Faith with her too.
"Would you please hurry up and go get Elizabeth and Faith?"
"Faith saw us on the way here. She should be here any minute. When she gets here, I'll call Elizabeth's home to inform her. I'm not leaving you."
"I saw her going into Lee's office with Jack and Abby." Faith stated from the doorway.
"Hurry." Abagail implored her husband. "I want you here." For Abagail, she disliked being vulnerable and dependent on someone else. However, this is Frank…her Frank. She needed him. No, she wanted him present, and she wasn't ashamed of it.
"I'll be back as soon as I can." With that statement, he leaned over and kissed her on the lips. He caressed her cheek. "I promise."
Abagail watched her husband quickly stand and hurried out of the room. When he walked out of the room and down the hall, Abagail continued to look at the empty door. She already missed her husband. He wasn't gone for two seconds yet.
Faith stepped from beside the door frame. She walked to the bed and sat down her bag beside it. "Well Abagail…I'm assuming it's time for this little one."
"I believe it is." She nodded her head.
"Let me take a look at you." Faith placed her bag beside Abagail's bed. When she did, another pain hit Abagail. Faith calmly talked her through the pain. Once it was over, Faith spent a few moments examining Abagail. It didn't take too long to know her time had come. "Well…I do believe you will see your baby sometime today. With your first child, did labor go quick or was it slow?"
"Forever slow until I fully dilated. Once I did that, it went very quickly."
"That's good to know. You have taken good care of yourself over this pregnancy. You have done mostly what I wanted you to do. I'm thinking this will go quicker than your first one."
"I hope so."
"When your husband gets back, I'll go to the kitchen to make sure I'll have boiling water and plenty of towels."
"Mrs. P is down there helping. I guarantee you she has already begun that process." Abagail looked at Faith. "That wonderful woman is on top of everything. Where is my husband?"
"He has only been gone a couple of minutes."
…
Frank jumped off the last two steps and turned left into the dining room. As he passed the counter, he noticed Sam sitting alone at a table in the corner.
"Sam! Sam!"
Sam jumped up at the urgency of the voice. He noticed the voice coming from the pastor who was quickly closing the distance between them.
"Is everything ok?" Sam asked.
"It's Abagail…it's time! Can you find Elizabeth? Faith said she was at Lee's office."
"On it." He turned around before he finished with his short statement.
Frank immediately turned back to the stairs. He had to get back to his wife.
…
"I'm right here, sweetheart."
"What took you so long?" Breathed Abagail.
"I've only been gone a couple of minutes. I went downstairs and saw Sam sitting in the dining room. He is going to find Elizabeth. She'll be here soon."
"I'm sorry." Abagail stated as she reached for Frank's outstretched hand. "I just…"
"Don't worry about it." He kissed her on the cheek. "I know you don't like to depend on anyone."
"I depend on you." Her voice was loving. "I love you, Frank."
"I love you, Abagail." He turned his attention to Faith. "How is she?"
"She is doing really well. You will meet your baby sometime today."
Frank turned his full attention to his precious wife. She looked uncomfortable with a thin layer of sweat on her face and neck. Even with that, there was a mixture of pain and joy written on her face.
"Are you nervous?" He asked her.
"Maybe a little. Frank, I'm not the youngest…"
"Maybe not, but you are the strongest." He cut her off. He wasn't going to allow her to worry about the things she couldn't change. When she opened her mouth to protest, he cut her off again. "I can't argue that you are not the youngest. We both know this. However, I do know that you are the strongest. And sweetheart…you can't argue against that."
"I agree with him." Faith began as she stepped into the room.
"Mrs. P had things getting ready?"
"She sure did. She's helping Mary and getting ready for Abby to come. Elizabeth can be with you except for when it's time to feed her little one."
"I love that young lady." Faith stated as she laid back on the bed. Her head sinking into her pillow.
"And what about me?" Frank tried his best to sound hurt.
"You're the cause of this." She began to breathe heavily because of the next round of pain.
"I love you, Abagail."
"I love you, Frank."
"Now, concentrate on bringing my baby into this world. I want to meet him or her sooner than later."
"I am concentrating." She huffed at his teasing.
…
Jack, Elizabeth, and Lee looked up when the office door suddenly opened.
"Elizabeth…it's Abagail. She's asking for you." Sam took a deep breath. "She's in her bedroom."
"Is it time?"
"Yes, it is."
"Sorry gentleman, but I have to go." She instantly stood and reached for Abby.
"I'll be there in a few minutes."
"Yes, you finish this up first." She quickly kissed Jack on the cheek and basically ran out of Lee's office the best she could while holding her little one.
When Sam left, Jack turned back to Lee.
"Lee, when Elizabeth and I took over the company, Jerry informed us that he would be retiring in a year or two. He wants to travel and be with his family. He told us we needed to think about his replacement because he wanted enough time to train his replacement before he left. He wanted a seamless transition. You were my first thought. Truthfully, you were the only person who came to my mind. We get along very well. Once I shared the thought with Elizabeth, she was immediately on board with you taking over Jerry's spot. He has made this long distance thing that Elizabeth and I wanted to do with the company work out. We work close with each other."
"How does that work?"
"He taught us well. He also guided Elizabeth and I into our strengths. I'm better with infrastructure. That is Elizabeth's weakness. We play into our strengths. She is better with people."
"I can see that."
"Therefore, we stay within our strengths without ignoring our weaknesses. Jerry taught us how to do that. Elizabeth and I make sure we are on the same page. When Jerry speaks with one of us, he is speaking with both of us. Elizabeth and I make sure we have that discussion with each other. That takes more effort on our part, but we didn't want to leave Hope Valley. This is our home."
"Knowing you two, I doubt you have to work at it too much. It's easily to see how connected you two are."
"Thank you."
"If I take this position, will I have to move to Hamilton?"
"Everyone thought we would have to move to Hamilton. We found a way to make it work from here."
"But you have to go back to Hamilton every so often, don't you?"
"We do. We are leaving when Abby gets a little older. We will be gone for a week or two. We do most of our work over the phone. Jerry understands what we are after. We found with good, open communication, we avoid a lot of issues. As long as Jerry had a good reason to do what he did, we are ok with it. If we want it to be changed, we'll change it. We have a good working relationship and friendship. We make it work because of that."
"If we can make it work, can I stay here in Hope Valley?"
"Sure. We just have to figure it out. You may have to go to Hamilton every so often, but the company will pay for the travel expenses." Jack leaned back in his chair.
He rubbed his chin as he thought. "It will make it easier to work through issues with us, but it may cause some issues with headquarters. We will just have to figure things out. We would probably have to open a small office here. That'll help with overcoming the distance issue."
"Will I have to give up the sawmill?"
"I'm not sure how all of that will work since the sawmill have a large contract with Thatcher Shipping. Maybe you can still remain the owner of the sawmill but not run the day to day or at least work on any future contract negotiations with Thatcher Shipping. We have a great lawyer named Teddy that will guide us through that process. He's very good at what he does. I don't know how much money you make, but I can assure you, you will make more than you could imagine from this position."
There were a few moments of silence between the friends. Lee was running through the possible decisions. Heading up the largest shipping company in Canada was appealing. He didn't want to leave Hope Valley. He was happy here, so was Rosemary. He was also happy with running the sawmill.
"Jack, when do you need an answer?"
"No rush. Speak with Rosemary. Pray about it. Think things through and let me know."
"Thanks Jack."
"Just let me know when you decide. Lee, I hope you take it. I think we can really help the employees to better themselves and your insights could benefit the company. I think I'm going to the café to see if I can help in any way."
…
After giving Abby to Mrs. P in the kitchen, Elizabeth made a straight line to Abagail's bedroom. She knocked and entered the room before anyone told her to come in. She immediately found Abagail on the bed with Frank sitting in a chair beside her. Elizabeth walked around the bed and gave her best friend and honorary sister a long hug.
"Thanks for coming." Abagail winced in pain.
"No other place I would rather be. Now, what may I do?"
Abagail squeezed her hand. "Just be here with me."
"Always."
The next five hours progressed things along very nicely. Abagail was handling the labor well, but she was beginning to physically wear down. Elizabeth and Frank both saw the physical exhaustion written on Abagail's face. However, the determination of Abagail wanting to see her baby was winning. Her stubborn side was winning the battle.
Elizabeth excused herself for a few moments so she could feed her little one. Abby was doing very well with Mrs. P. She always did. Abby was a happy baby. She was fine with whatever world she woke up in. She had her favorite people, even at this young age. However, she felt comfortable no matter where she was. Jack and Elizabeth were happy about that.
Jack stepped away for a few minutes. He had a phone call from Jerry and another call from two counties away seeking clarification on a wanted poster that was just mailed out to every sheriff of the surrounding area.
"Elizabeth!" Frank called out.
"Coming!" Elizabeth called out as she stepped on the last step of the stairs.
"It's time!"
Elizabeth walked into the room with an intense look on Abagail's face. Sweat was rolling down her cheeks. She reached out for her husband and her sister.
"You're doing a great job, sweetheart."
"Oh Abagail…you are doing great."
"Alright Abagail, the next time you feel the urge to push, I want you to push. You understand?"
"Yeah." Abagail stated as the urge began to overtake her body. She didn't have to tell anyone the urge was present. The look on her face informed everyone she was pushing. She grunted as she spoke. "Frank…you'll never touching me again!" With that statement, she let out a small yell and an intense push.
"That's it! One more push Abagail. One more push and you'll meet your baby!"
"You're doing great! One more push and I'll meet my baby."
"Our baby!" Abagail huffed as she began to grunt again. It was time to push. She determined she was giving her all in the next push.
Just a few seconds into her grunt, there was a moment that neither Abagail nor Frank could explain. She stopped making any noise. Frank didn't move. It was a point in time that was just different. They made eye contact. They both knew their lives had changed completely…in the best of ways. Elizabeth smiled at this moment. She knew it well. She and Jack experienced it a few short months ago.
Faith took a clean towel and began to clean the baby very quickly. The little one let out a sharp cry.
"Congratulations…you have a healthy son."
"A son…" Frank and Abagail asked at the same time.
"Yes." Faith smiled. "Abagail, met your little boy." Faith stated as she finished cleaning the little one. Then she placed him on Abagail's chest. Frank placed his hand on the baby's back.
"Our son." He whispered.
"Oh, little one…I love you." Abagail whispered as she kissed the baby's cheek.
Elizabeth smiled at the little family. She was so excited for her best friend and sister. With her great loss with the mine explosion, her friend pulled herself up from that disaster and created a new life for herself. She wanted to live in this moment, but knew it was Abagail's and Frank's moment, not hers. She took one more mental note of the scene in front of her and then quietly left the room. She had to find her husband and two little ones.
…
Jack left the jail a little after eight. He split his duties as sheriff and visiting the new baby. As a result, he was running late. While he wanted to go home to his family, Frank was sitting in the chair in front of the jail's desk.
"Jack…"
Jack smiled at his friend. He knew the weight of fatherhood Frank was feeling. Jack experienced it just two months ago and when JJ came to live with him.
"Frank, you love that little son of yours and you will do just fine."
"I don't know what to do."
"Yes you do. You have great instincts when it regards people. Abagail also knows. She'll guide you. All you really have to do is love your wife and that son of yours. You'll figure it out as you go along. I have all the faith in you."
"Frank Jack Hogan." Frank whispered his son's name.
"I can't believe you named him after me."
"I was accepted in this community because of you. You have always been a good friend to me, Jack. Abagail was just as excited to call our son Jack."
Jack couldn't say anything. He just nodded his head in appreciation.
"Any other great advice for a new father?"
Jack started to speak before he even had to think about it. "I've learned this with JJ. When your child hugs you, never be the first one to release the hug. Maybe your child is having a tough day and just needs a hug."
Frank thought about it for a moment. It did make sense.
Jack stood and patted his friend's shoulder. "Now, go home. Your family will be waking up soon and Frankie will want to eat soon."
"You better not allow Abagail to hear you calling him by that name." Frank laughed as she pointed his finger at Jack. "Hey…you never know, in twenty years we may become related."
"Don't even start with that!" Jack pointed his finger at him.
…
"Hey Jack!"
Jack turned around as he and Frank stepped off the last step of the jail's porch. Lee was walking in their direction. He was waving his hand in the air trying to catch Jack's attention.
"Hey Lee. Is everything alright?"
"Yes, you have a moment?"
"I'll see you later." Frank patted Jack on the shoulder and nodded his head toward Lee.
"What may I do for you?"
"Jack, I have spoken with Rosemary. If we can do most of the work from here, I will accept the position. We just don't want to totally leave Hope Valley. This place is just special to us."
"I understand that. We make one to two trips to Hamilton a year. We can probably work something like that out with you. You should stay here for most of the year. We just have to figure that out."
"And the sawmill?"
"We'll let Teddy figure that out."
"I apricate all of that Jack. When do you want me to start?"
"Welcome aboard, Lee. I'll call Jerry tomorrow morning. Knowing him, he'll call you soon after my conversation with him. He is always on top of everything. You'll like him."
…
Jack stepped onto his porch long after the sun went down. He hated to be out so late, but the had to stop buy and check in on Abagail and the little one more time. He didn't stay long, but it did take a few minutes. He quickened his walk to his home. Since holding baby Hogan, he had to see his two little ones. If he closed his eyes, he could see his beautiful wife's smile and blue eyes.
Jack noticed one light on in the living room and one on in the kitchen. He slowly opened the door. He didn't want to make too much noise in case Abby was asleep. After closing the door, he turned around. The sight in front of him reminded him of his dream he had before his marriage to Elizabeth.
Jack couldn't keep from smiling. He also had a small tear slid down his cheek. He wasn't one who showed his emotions too often, but this blessing was just too much to contain. It was everything he had wanted for so long.
Elizabeth was resting on the couch. She was on her side with her back pressed to the back of the couch. He loved that her hip was up in the air. It reminded him of his wife's seductive curves. Her head was resting on a small pillow against the arm of the couch. Her hair was sprayed around the pillow. JJ was lying in front of her. His head rested on Elizabeth's arm. That arm was wrapped around his chest. Elizabeth chin was resting on top of JJ's brown hair. Her other arm was draped around JJ's stomach. She was protectively holding her son close to her. He was holding onto her arms.
"You're such a great mom." Jack whispered.
Jack focused on the bassinet that was just in front of Elizabeth's face. A small pink blanket was hanging over one side. He quietly walked to the bassinet. His beautiful daughter was asleep. He swore she had a smile as she slept. She was so perfect laying there with a thin blanket up to her waist.
As he looked up from his daughter, he noticed his son resting so perfectly in his mother's arms. Abby looked like she was smiling. He could easily see JJ smiling in his sleep. He looked so peaceful laying there.
Jack's eyes moved from his son to his wife. She was so perfectly gorgeous being a mom. Her face was resting in a joyful peace. Her hair was sprayed over her pillow. Her shoulders fell to a slim waist. Then her waist grew into perfect hips. She jerked in her sleep. Then she held on tighter to her son. Even in her sleep, she was a great mother.
Jack picked up a chair and moved it closer to the couch where her head was resting. He sat there just admiring his family. His eyes went from Abby, to JJ, to Elizabeth. For the next little while, his eyes continued that routine over and over again.
"Hey." Elizabeth's sleepy voice cracked the silence. "When did you get home?"
"Just a little while ago."
"Your dinner is in the oven."
"That's ok. I am admiring my view too much to eat."
"Jack." Her face turned a little red. "Sorry I feel asleep."
"You had a busy day today."
Elizabeth's eyes closed for a moment. She blinked her eyes open when Jack reached for her arm. She reached for him. He didn't take her hand. He continued to rub her forearm.
"Elizabeth…thank you for everything." He nodded toward the kids and then the home. He let out a long, slow sigh. "That simple phrase doesn't express everything in my heart."
"Jack…"
He cut her off as he continued to speak. "When you came back to Hope Valley, I made your life hard. I was so hurt by that misunderstanding. I didn't want to forgive you…you just…you just…you loved me. For that, I am eternally thankful."
"Jack…"
"I will live the rest of my life showing you how grateful I am because you didn't give up on me."
"On us. Jack, I wanted to live my life with you. Nothing, including my stupid mistakes, was going to keep me from living the life I wanted to life." She let out a sigh. "Jack, this is perfect." She looked around at everyone.
"Beyond perfect. Thank you." He rubbed her forearm.
"I love you, Jack."
"I love you, Elizabeth."
"I love you, mommy and daddy." JJ spoke with his eyes still closed. "And I love you, Little Sis."
"I love you, JJ." Jack and Elizabeth said at the same time.
The End
Author's Note:
Thank you to everyone who took time to read my little story. I hope it brought you a sense of joy in your life and made you smile. May my words brighten your day even if it was for a brief moment.
I will continue with The New Guy. There is another Jack and Elizabeth story in the works.
Thank you!