Ok, this is a very long one. There was so much to tell in this chapter. The babies will be coming in 2 more chapters so I had to set the next chapter up. I truly hope that you are loving this one as much as I have loved writing it! Please read and review!
Chapter 7
Confronting Her Family
Wednesday, Jack and Elizabeth headed to Mrs. Thornton's. Jack? Have you told your mom about us yet? Elizabeth, you know I have. No I mean have you told her that we are getting married on Friday? Oh, no not yet. I figured we would tell her together. Do you think she'll approve? Elizabeth, mom is going to be ecstatic!
Jack pulls into a park before they get to his mom's. Jack what are we doing? Does your mom live here? No, will you take a walk with me, he asked? A short one, yes. He comes around and helps her out of his truck. He leads her down a path to the pond where there are all kinds of ducks and geese swimming. Jack, this is beautiful and peaceful! He stands behind her holding her and says, it is. I used to come here when I needed to think.
He kisses her cheek and says, I do love you, you know. I do Jack and I love you too! He turns her to look at him as he went down on one knee. Jack what are you doing? I already said yes! He reaches into his pocket and pulled out a small box. He opens it and asks, Elizabeth Thatcher will you marry me and make me the happiest man alive? She gasped and said, oh Jack I never expected this! Yes, I will marry you. He took the half carat diamond with a blue sapphire on each side of the diamond engagement ring and placed it on her left ring finger. He kissed it and stood. We can't get married without an engagement ring on that finger, he says. She kissed him and said, Jack, I wasn't really expecting this but thanks! It's beautiful! She held it out in front of her to admire it.
They pull into his mom's driveway and park. He went around to help her out. He shuts her door and got their overnight bags out of the back. With the bags in 1 hand he leads her up the sidewalk with his other. He opens the door and ushers her in and says, mom? Are you here? Charlotte comes from the kitchen wiping her hands on a towel. She kissed him and says, welcome home son! Thanks mom.
Mom I want to introduce you to my fiancé Elizabeth Thatcher. Elizabeth this is my mom, Charlotte Thornton. Nice to meet you Mrs. Thornton. Fiancé Jack? Yes ma'am, I asked her to marry me on Monday and she said yes! Charlotte took Elizabeth's left hand to look at the ring. Oh, Jack, you're great grandmother's engagement ring is beautiful on her hand! Thanks mom!
Jack takes their bags to the bedroom where they each were staying. Charlotte took her elbow and lead her into the kitchen. Have a seat dear. You look a little tired. I am, I missed my afternoon nap today. Jack came back in and kissed her temple and says, your room is the second door on the left if you'd like to lay down for a bit. Jack I don't want to be rude. We just got here. It's ok dear. I still remember how tired I got when I was pregnant with both my boys and I was only carrying 1 at a time. You go rest, we aren't eating for a couple more hours. If you're sure you wouldn't mind? No, not at all. If you need anything just ask. Oh, and Elizabeth? The bathroom is right across the hall from your room. Thanks Mrs. Thornton. Elizabeth, we are going to both be Mrs. Thornton so please call me mom or Charlotte. Yes ma'am, I mean Charlotte.
While Elizabeth was laying down napping, Jack and Charlotte were getting dinner ready. Mom? Yes son? What do you think of her so far? Jack my gut says you have a real gem there. Thanks mom! That means a lot to me. Jack went to telling her everything that Elizabeth told him after the doctors appointment. He pulls out one of the ultrasound pictures and handed it to her. Oh Jack! They are beautiful! He points to baby "A" and says, that's Jaclyn Elizabeth and then points to baby "B" and says, that's Jarrick Alexander! Jack, she named both babies after you? No mom. She had a dream before we met and those were the names in her dream. Wow! God works in mysterious ways! He does mom! I'm so excited and can't wait to meet them and now they will have my last name as soon as they are born! She's bigger by a few ounces.
He goes on to tell her what Elizabeth done if something was to happen to her. Mom? Can the unthinkable really happen? Son, I wish I could tell you no but I can't. Mom, I just found her. I don't want to lose her. Charlotte pats his hand and says, son, you have to put your faith in God and believe that He will bring her through this. I know mom but ever since she told me what she done to provide for me and our babies I have this fear of losing her. Son you have to pray and leave it in His hands because He has everything under control. I'm trying mom.
A couple hours later Jack walks in her room, the door was open. He bends down and kisses her and says, babe, dinner is ready if you're hungry. She opens her eyes and looks at him and asks, did you just call me babe or did I just dream it? I did, is that ok? Sure! I've never had anyone to call me that before. It's always been my name. Weeeell babe, it's time to get up. She went to sit up but was having a little trouble so he helped her. He holds out his hands to help her stand. She kisses his cheek and says, I'll be out in a few. They are on my kidneys. He laughs and says ok. He goes back to the kitchen while she went to the bathroom.
She came into the kitchen and he got up and pulls out her chair, she sat down and he helped her slide up to the table. Thanks babe, she says. He leans down and kissed her cheek and whispered, I like the sound of that.
After dinner Jack helped his mom clean the kitchen before Charlotte brought over a pumpkin pie and decaf coffee. Elizabeth looked at the coffee and then back him. It's ok babe it's decaf. I told mom that you only drink decaf tea and coffee. Thanks babe, we don't want them up all night. Are they awake much at night, Charlotte asked? Here lately they are, she replies. It's like some times they have their nights and days mixed up and laughs.
They retire to the living room. Jack sits down next to her and she gently takes his hand in hers. Charlotte turns the tv on and says, I know Jack doesn't like them but I love the hallmark channel. Yeah he was at my house the other day and I turned it on and got a shock of my life. I thought Jack was leading a double life. He told me that it was his cousin. Yeah, Daniel has played in a number of Christmas movies. That's what Jack said too.
Mom? We have something to tell you. Charlotte mutes the tv and gave them her undivided attention. We are getting married. I figured that out son. No mom, we are getting married on Friday. She jumps up and hugs them both. I'm so excited for you both! I've wanted a daughter for so long and now I'm getting one and 2 grand babies! We are going to leave tomorrow afternoon and then go to the courthouse on Friday about 11:00, he said. I'm truly happy for you both, she said.
That night the twins decided to have a play date. Elizabeth kept tossing and turning until she couldn't take it anymore. She gets up as best she could and went to the kitchen to get a cup of decaf tea. She was standing in front of the stove waiting on the water to heat. Jack came around the corner and asked, can't sleep babe? I can sleep but they seem to think it's time to play.
He ushered her to the table to sit. Babe I'm not an invalid. I know but I just want to help, he replied. He bends down on both knees and puts both hands on her belly. The twins settle right down. Babe, you can never leave me until after they are born, she says and laughs. It's a deal he says! The whistle sounds on the water. He gets up and pours it into 2 cups. He brings them to the table and set them down. She says thank you!
After their tea he walks her back to her room. Jack? Yeah. Will you lay with me long enough to keep them still so I can get some sleep? Babe, I don't want to be inappropriate here. Jack, we both have our clothes on. Please? Ok babe, just until you fall asleep. He pulls the covers back as she laid down. He covered her up and crawled in beside her but on top of the covers. He lays down next to her and puts his hand on her belly. The twins settle right down. Thank you babe, she said. You're welcome babe. It didn't take long before they both were sound asleep.
Early the next morning Charlotte walked past her bedroom door and noticed Jack on top of the covers with his hand on her belly. She thinks, that's a beautiful sight! They must have been moving around keeping her awake. My Tom had to do that when I was pregnant with Jack. She whispers, I love you both and I can't wait to get my hands on my grand babies! She goes on to the kitchen to get some coffee and to get dinner started.
A couple hours later they walk in and said, good morning. Morning you 2. Lizzy, does the babies keep you up? Yes ma'am. I was in here getting some tea. He came in and put his hands on them and they settled right down. I asked him to stay until I fell asleep. That was the best sleep I've had in a long time. I'm sorry we both fell asleep together in your house. I didn't mean any disrespect. Oh Lizzy, my Tom used to have to do the same thing when I was pregnant with Jack. She looked over at Jack and said, soooo, like father like son and daughter! They had a good laugh.
Thank you so much Charlotte for a wonderful dinner and for welcoming me into your family. It truly means a lot to me. Lizzy, you are so welcome. When are the twins due? Dr. Bowden is going to induce me on the 21st of December. Oh my, Christmas babies! Yes ma'am! Lizzy can I come by and take you shopping one day before they come? Sure, I would love that and you can see the nursery that Jack painted! He's told me about it but I would love to see it!
Jack and Elizabeth kiss her goodbye and promise to come back before the babies come and Charlotte promised to come by before they are born. He helped her into his truck and they drove home.
Jack why don't you start moving your stuff in. You should move your clothes in first. Ok. I'll drop you off and then go pack up some clothes and stuff to bring back. I have 6 months left on my lease so I have to leave some stuff there because I don't want to be charged with abandonment. That's fine babe. Bring whatever you want. I'll make room in my room.
At her house he helped her into the house and got her settled. She says, I'll go up and get started on making room for your things. Are you sure babe? Jack, we will be married tomorrow. You don't think I'm going to make you sleep in the guest bedroom do you? Well I didn't know but I don't want to push you into something that you aren't ready. Jack I love you and I want you in my room and in my bed. Ok, babe. He helped her upstairs. He kissed her and said he would be back later.
A couple hours later Jack came back. The front door was unlocked so he went in and up the stairs to her bedroom. He stepped in and she was sound asleep on her bed. He set his luggage down and went over to her and pulled the covers up over her. She turned but didn't wake up. He walked over to her closet and hung up his uniforms and clothes. He walked over to the dresser and opened a couple drawers to see which ones she had cleaned out for him. He put his things in the drawers then went into the master bathroom and put his toiletries away. He put his empty luggage and bags away in the closet.
He went downstairs to see if she had anything to fix for dinner. She hadn't pulled anything out to thaw so he called the Italian restaurant and ordered one of her favorites and one of his. It would be about 30 minutes before it would be delivered. He walked back upstairs to the nursery and just stood in the doorway staring at everything in there. He was picturing him and the twins, wondering what it was going to be like.
He heard her cell phone ring. He looked back at her and watched her stretch and reach for it. Hello. Oh, mother, no. I was just taking a nap. No, it's ok. I needed to get up anyway. Jack will be back in a little bit. It was nice. His mom is really nice. She calls me Lizzy. No mother, she's excited about the babies. She can't wait until they get here so she can spoil them. Mother, Jack and I are getting married tomorrow. No mother I don't think it's to soon. We love each other. After all he is their father. Mother, you need to stop because WE are getting married tomorrow and there's nothing you or father can do about it. Remember mother, what I said to begin with still stands. I'm sorry to mother. I know you love me and the twins but mother I want you to make an effort with him to. Ok mother that's all I ask is that you try. Goodbye mother. I'll call you next week. Yes mother, I would love to have lunch with you.
Jack stood there, he was amazed at her. He knew she truly loved him. She had stood up to her own mother for him. He made up his mind that he would put forth an effort to get to know her mother but would make her father come to him. He walks over to her doorway and taps it. Are you alright babe? Yeah, I'm not letting anyone run my life. I'm a grown woman and know what I want. He walks around her bed and put his hand out to her. She took it and stood. He wrapped his arms around her the best he could. Kissed her and said, I love you almost Mrs. Thornton! I love you too she said. You know, I love the sound of that! Me too, he said!
Did you get your things put away, babe? Yeah I did. Thanks for making room. You are welcome. I'm starving she said. Good because I ordered delivery from our favorite place. It should…ding dong. It's here now, he said. They walk downstairs and he opens the front door and took the food and tipped the driver. He thanked him and shut the door. He took the food to the kitchen table and sat the plates down. She walked over with 2 glasses of ice tea. He pulled her chair out for her then took his seat. She took the lid off and said, oooh babe, chicken parmigiana! Yeah, I remember how you stole a bite of mine the first time! She laughed and asked, do you want the bite back she cut the bite off and handed it to him but before he could take it she yanked it back and put it in her mouth. She laughed and said, I'm sorry. I couldn't resist!
After dinner they clean up the kitchen and went to the living room. Babe? Yeah. I want to go get a new dress in the morning. It won't be a wedding dress but I think I would really like a new dress. That's fine, whatever you want, he says. I'll call Rosie in the morning and see if she wants to go with me. What do you want me to wear, he asked? Do you want to get married in a suit or casual? It doesn't matter. I have a black suit with red pinstripes, a blue suit, or a gray suit. Ok, how about your black suit with a white shirt and a red tie? Ok, that's what I'll wear. Even though we aren't having a regular wedding it will at least feel like it. Can we have pictures made after, she asked? Sure, we have to have a wedding picture, he replied! Ok. I'll get a dress that compliments your suit. Sounds like a plan! What kind of flowers do you want babe? I think red roses with baby breaths. Ok, I get those while you are getting your dress. So are you and Rosie going to meet Lee and I at the courthouse? Yes we will! He kissed her and thank you babe!
The next morning they kiss each other and said they would see each other at 11:00 in front of the courthouse. Rosie showed up a couple minutes later. They went to the maternity section in the bridal shop. She wasn't buying a wedding dress but something close to it. After trying on several dresses, she was just about to give up when the clerk brought over a high-low white dress with white lace. It had three quarter length lace sleeves. It looked more like a beautiful cocktail dress. She tried it on and fell in love with it! Rosie clapped her hands together and said, Liz, that's the one! You are beautiful!
The clerk asked, do you have shoes to go with it? No, I don't, she replied. The clerk took her over to the shoe section and asked, what size do you wear? A size 7 right now, she replied. The clerk pulled a pair of white dress shoes out that had a semi-short heel with a strap around the ankle. I'll take them, she said! She paid for her dress and shoes.
She looks at her watch and says, we have 2 hours before we meet the guys. Let's go back to my house and get ready. Rosie agreed to help her fix her hair and makeup. At 10:30 they were ready to walk out the door when the doorbell rang. She opened the door to a florist standing there with the most beautiful bouquets, that were exactly what she had told him. She went to tip her but the girl said, no ma'am, I've been tipped already. Elizabeth took the bouquets and they walked out to her car.
Jack and Lee were standing out front waiting on the girls. Jack was pacing. Lee pats his shoulder and says, they'll be here bud. Stop pacing. Jack shakes his hands like they were asleep. I know man, I'm just nervous. About that time they pull up next to the curb.
He walks around to her side and opens the door. He swallowed real hard but couldn't get any words out. She took his hand and steps out of the car. She stands up and he finds his voice. E..l..i..z..a..b..e..t..h! You are beautiful! That dress is perfect! He pulls a long box out of his inside breast pocket and hands it to her. She opens it and gasps! Jaaaack! It's beautiful! Please put it on me. It was a double wedding ring diamond necklace. He put it on her and she kissed him. She handed him a square box. He opened it and laughs. Great minds think alike! It was a double wedding ring tie clip. He took the tie clip off that he was wearing and replaced it with his new one. They kiss and both say thank you. Lee says, ok guys we need to get going. It's almost time.
After they were married, Jack paid a photographer to take their wedding pictures. He told them that he would have them in a week to 10 days. They all walk out and she stopped in her tracks. Jack asked, what is it babe? Standing at the bottom of the steps were her mother and father. She grabs Jack's elbow and whispers, please don't let go no matter what, promise me? I won't but what is it? That is my mother and father standing down there. How did they find out because I didn't tell them where I was getting married?
They walked down the steps but didn't let go of each other. Mother? What are you doing here? How did you find out where we were getting married? Mother? What have you done? Beth dear, we are not here to make a scene or to cause trouble. Then what mother? Beth dear, we just wanted to celebrate with you. This is your special day and we just wanted to be apart of it! Beth, please don't send us away.
Elizabeth looks at her father and asks, so now that I'm married you want me to be back in your fold? Father you haven't talked to me in 8 months because I was an embarrassment. What's changed father? Beth your mother got on me hot and heavy last night and told me that if I didn't open my eyes and see what I was doing then I was going to miss out on my grandchildren's lives. Beth I'm so sorry for treating you like an embarrassment. I was more concerned with appearances than my own flesh and blood. Your mother finally got through to me last night.
Jack slightly squeezed her hand to get her attention. She looked up at him. He smiled, gently kissed her and whispered, let's see where it goes from here. We have to forgive babe. God demands it. You're right but what if they hurt me again? Babe, let's take this one day at a time, ok? Ok, she said.
Mother, father, this is my husband and your new son in law Jack Thornton. Jack, this is Pricilla and William Thatcher, my parents. Jack stretched his right hand out to shake their hands. Her parents shook his hand and said, it's nice to finally meet you but Pricilla reached up and hugged him also. She whispers to him, I'm glad she's found love!
William asked, may we take everyone to lunch to celebrate? Elizabeth looks up at Jack for an answer. He shrugs and says, it's fine with me as long as you are fine with it. She looks at her father and says, ok father but I don't want to hear any lectures or any negativity. Beth can I hug you first? Yes father but she didn't let go of Jack's arm. He father hugged her as if there was no tomorrow. She hadn't had that kind of hug from him in a very long time.
Everyone gets in their own vehicle and follows William to the restaurant of his choice. They pull into the Hope Valley Regency. The valet takes all three sets of keys. William leads them to the restaurant and says, Thatcher. The hostess leads them to a private dining room where the rest of the family was waiting.
Elizabeth lets go of Jack and pulls her father to the side. Jack just stands there waiting. With anger in her low voice and through gritting teeth she says, what have you done? You asked if you and mother could take us to lunch to celebrate. Father you and I both know Viola doesn't have a kind bone in her body. She is so spoiled that she thinks everyone is beneath her. Father, I'm warning you one last time. This best not be a setup. Beth, I promise it's not. Julie found out this morning what we were doing and wanted to be here. We will…no father I will handle this.
She walks past Jack leaving her father standing there. She walks in and clears her throat. If I may have your attention please for just a moment. Jack walks up behind her and puts his hand on her low back to let her know he's here for her. We want to thank you all for coming today but I'm here to tell each and everyone of you besides Rosie and Lee that if you can't or won't keep your opinions to yourselves then we are leaving right now. It's been 8 months since I've seen you so I don't think you have changed your minds. This is our wedding day. We can celebrate with you or without you. It's strictly up to you. Viola, I truly don't want to hear a word out of you.
Now, have I made myself clear? Everyone but Viola shook their heads yes. Viola! Have.. I..made..myself..clear? William and Priscilla clear their throats at the same time. Viola looks at them like they have 2 heads. Fine, Jack, Rosie, Lee, would you like to go where we had originally planned? Lee and Rosie stand to leave. Wait, William says. They turn to look at him. He turns to Viola and demands she apologize. No father I will not. She has disgraced our family. VIOLA! Go home NOW, he says. But..but..but, father. NO, go home now. I will deal with you when I get home.
Viola slammed her napkin down on the table and said, come on Lionel. We are not wanted here. Lionel says, no dear, it's you that's not wanted here. He gets up walks over to her and whispers in her ear, the attitude best be in check by the time we get home. I will not have you embarrass me like this agane, do I make myself clear. She looked at him and knew she had gone too far. She nods and leaves. Beth, my sincere apologies for my wife's behavior. Apology excepted Lionel.
Lee and Rosie take their seats. Jack, I want to introduce you to my family. Starting here, this is Julie my little sister, mother, father, Lionel, Viola's husband. Everyone this is Jack Thornton my husband. Everyone stood to shake his hand.
The conversation was nicely done. Everyone was polite. William asked, Beth, when are the babies due? I'm being induced on the 21st of December. So we'll have Christmas grand babies! Yes sir! Do you have names picked out yet? Yes sir, Jaclyn Elizabeth and Jarrick Alexander. I had these names picked out before I met Jack so I didn't know what his name was but Jarrick is actually going to be a Jr.
Jack, are you the father of the twins? Yes sir I am. Back in college I donated my semen. I had forgotten all about it after I graduated. How did you meet our Beth? Well I'm best friends with Lee and Rosie. Rosie came to me and asked if I would paint a mural on a nursery wall for one of her friends. I said I would. Elizabeth had to stay with them while we painted. I met her the night we finished. That was the night I found out about the twins.
Oooooo I love romance, Julie says! Believe me the romance wasn't there to begin with, Elizabeth says. But 4 months later he's the love of my life! He kisses her and says, she's mine too! Wow! What a love story Pricilla says! After dinner Elizabeth says, I'm sorry to break this party up but I'm tired so we best be getting home. Beth, did you keep your house? Yes father I did. Jack was just renting so I suggested that he move in with me.
Jack, what do you do for a living, Pricilla asked? I'm a Sargent with Hope Valley PD. William speaks up and says, well, at least we'll know she always protected! Yes sir, always! He stands and puts his hand out to help her up. It was nice meeting you all! I hope we can all get to know one another. William stands and walks over to them. He hugs his daughter and tells her he loves her. He shakes his hand and says, welcome to the family son! Everyone gets up to hug them and welcomes him to the family. Elizabeth says, I love you all so very much!