Elizabeth led the way inside. Once inside she made Jack sit and wait. Elizabeth gathered her stuff and went into her father's study. "Hi daddy I'm leaving". "Oh goodbye dear", "where is mother" she asked? "With your sister at the hospital". "I'm on my way there now". He got up and walked out leaving Elizabeth alone in the study. She took in the surroundings around her. She used to do her homework, on the floor near her father feet. Yet he never seemed to give her attention. Work came first, always. She walked out the office and went to her old room. She packed her bags and took a look around. As she picked up her suitcase a spider ran over her foot. She screamed louder than she thought. Jack raced up the stairs and to her side. What he looked around the room she was sitting on her bed terrified. She calmed down once he was beside her. She chuckled as she caught her breath. He looked confused at her. "Promise me not to laugh" she asked. "Okay" he said. "A spider ran over my foot". He smiled. He moved from her side and went to look at her floor. He grabbed a tissue from her vanity and killed the spider and went to her bathroom to flush it. While there he washed his hands and looked back at her. "All gone". He came out and glanced around. Her room was a reflection of her. Very pale pink and gray. There was a little love seat near the window full of dolls staring at him. A small picture sat on her desk of her and Charles. Jack rolled his eyes. He looked back at Elizabeth and saw her grabbing her bags. "I got them" he said and she smiled. She led the way down the stairs and out the front door. Jack place her items in his trunk and climbed in the truck. "Next stop home", she smiled at him noticed that he didn't say her home or his. He said home. Elizabeth played her music while Jack drove. They talked and listened to the music that played. After a few hours they stopped at local family owned restaurant. It was a cute little diner. Just the two of you the hostess asked. "Yes" Jack answered. The hostess seated them and Elizabeth excused herself to freshen up. While gone the hostess came back to fill their glasses with water. "You and your wife make a cute couple". Before Jack could correct her she was off. Elizabeth came back to see Jack smiling at his water cup. "Trying to get her phone number", Elizabeth asked "who?" Jack questioned. "The water" Elizabeth laughed you're smiling at it like you're about to ask it out. He busted out laughing. Then he explained what happened. Elizabeth took a sip and asked him if he wanted to get married one day. "One day when I find the one, yes"." I also want kids" he responded. This took Elizabeth back she had never heard a guy open up about a family. With Charles she was the one to bring the future up and he would just agree to what she said. "Do you have a number of kids in mind or what you want". Jack looked at her confused. "I never thought of that". "Whatever God gives us will be fine". Us he thought to himself I hope she didn't hear that he thought to himself. The hostess came by and took their orders. As she left Elizabeth sat there in complete happiness he said us. Maybe he didn't me us but it sounded that way. She glanced at him. She loved how he had dimples when he smiled and how deep brown his eyes were. His phone went off and snapped her out of her trance. He smiled at her and looked at his phone I will be back. "Hello Momma, did you make it home alright?". "I just unpacked and now I'm about to get some lunch"." How much longer do you have?" "Well two more hours we stopped for lunch". "We", Charlotte paused. "Elizabeth and I" he explained the update to his mom and how they decided it would be nice to have someone to ride with." Ask her out son you've spent all this time getting to know each other the date will be easy". "Goodbye momma love you". He rushed her off the phone. He came back and saw Elizabeth. "I paid for lunch" she smiled. "It was the least I could do since I hijacked your trip home". They giggle and got back into the truck. A few exits in Jack looked over and saw her sleeping. She was gorgeous he thought. As they got closer to home he stopped for gas. Elizabeth woke up and realized they were close to Lilly's kernel. She called to let them know she would be able to pick Lilly up a day early. When she finished the call Jack offered to take her. That way she didn't have to come back out. "Are you sure". "You've done so much for me I owe you". "Do you Shepherd's pie?" "Actually I've never had it". "Omg how have you lived without it." "It's the best." "Tonight at seven do you have plans?" "No" Jack said. "Good, you are coming next door for dinner". They picked up Lilly, and made their way over to the apartment. Rosemary was out front watering plants near the office. She quit when she realized Jack had a girl in his truck and that girl was the new tenant next door. This was a new type for Jack. Rosemary called Lee immediately. "Hello" Lee said, "Honey you won't believe it Jack is dating". "Someone you hooked him up with?", "good for him". "No! this wasn't me this was him". "She is the girl next door". "Well that's a change for Jack". "Most of his girls are flashy". "No honey she is literally the girl next door". "Well maybe they hit it off". "He has been gone all weekend at Tom's wedding you think he took her?" "I don't know honey I was with you at the house he laughed". "Bye Lee you're no help". Jack gathered the bags while Elizabeth walked Lilly. Lilly was confused by Jack. It had been just her and Elizabeth always. Elizabeth picked Lilly up last year. She was driving down the road after taking one to many wrong turns and came up on an older man was giving the puppies away to a good home. Lilly was the last one left, the rut in the litter. Elizabeth took her home and loved her and with time she grew into a huge lab. After the walk Elizabeth walked to the apartment she noticed Jack had placed her items at her door. She opened her door and put Lilly inside with her belongings. She glanced at the clock it was 2pm she had to clean and get ready and cook. She cleaned the place which only took a few minutes. She changed clothes and ran to the store. When she came back she started cooking. By four she was done and she could take a small nap. When her alarm went off she started getting ready. Jack ran out to pick up flowers for her. He remembered she made a comment about sunflowers he grabbed a bouquet and a dog bone for Lilly. At seven he knocked on her door.
Knock, "coming" Elizabeth called out. She opened the door and standing there was Jack. He took her breath away. Jack had seen her in all types of outfits the past few days. No matter what she wore she looked wonderful. She was wearing a light blue dress that made her eyes a darker shade of blue. Her hair was pulled back yet strands fell nicely around her face. Her makeup was done natural to the point it looked like she had none on. She smiled excited to see him. He was in jeans and in red polo. He was holding a lovely bouquet "these are for you" he handed them to her. "Thank you come in". Inside her apartment he noticed a change in decorating styles, compared to the Thatcher home and her sense of style. There was more of a simplistic style she achieved. She came out the kitchen holding a vase with the flowers. She walked over to her living room coffee table and place the vase down. Jack watched her closely. "This is for Lilly" he handed her the bone. Elizabeth laughed when she saw it. Lilly came out the bed on que to get her bone. This made them both laugh. "Do want some wine or something to drink" she asked. "I will have whatever you're having" Jack answered. Elizabeth walked into her kitchen pulling out two glasses of white wine. She handed one to Jack. "A few more minutes and dinner will be ready" she smiled. She led her way to the couch and told Jack to make himself at home. They laughed and talked, soon dinner was over. Jack helped her clear the dishes, "you wash I dry" Jack said. "Okay" Elizabeth responded. They washed dishes and the mood around them felt right. Like this is what was supposed to happen every day. "So what are your plans for tomorrow?" Jack asked. "I have to run a few errands tomorrow and then I'm free, you?". "Same I wanted to take my car in for an oil change in the morning". "Hopefully I can get a rental". "I should have gotten it done before the wedding, but it was hard to find the time". "Where do you go?" asked Elizabeth. "Just down the road". "To Caleb's" she asked. "Yes, I'm guessing you know it". "Yes I had him look at my coupe when last week". "He is great" Jack stated. "What time do you want to go?" "Well I don't want to ruin your plans" Jack said. "Oh you won't I am just returning a dress to the mall that I didn't wear and then I need to pick up some items from the grocery store for the week." "I went to the store today but I only ran in to get items for tonight". "I have to make a list". "A list?" said Jack. He finished drying the dishes and handed them to her for her to put away. "If you want to make it a quick trip we can go together". "I could probably use some items from the store". They finished cleaning and made their way back to the living room. Lilly walked to the door and sat. Elizabeth noticed and started to get up. Jack put his hand on her lap "I can take her for you". "Why don't you find something for us to watch". She smiled and sat back down. Jack took Lilly out front. Hi girl I'm Jack. I'm hoping me and you can become friends. He laughed at himself for talking to a dog. When he came back inside Elizabeth was pulling ice cream out the freezer. She sat back down on the couch. Jack joined her. They both picked up spoons and dug in. "Find anything interesting to watch he asked". "Cops live" she pointed. As they watched their spoons clicked. Causing them to laugh. "Do you see any of this" she asked. "Sometimes" he said. "I'm blessed to live in a county like Hope Valley". "We don't see much crime". Elizabeth let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. As they finished off the ice cream and the show. Lilly walked back to the door. This time Jack got up, "I think I'm going to head out". "Since my apartment is next door there isn't a need to fall asleep on a couch". They both laughed even though they both enjoyed their nights together. "I will go out with you to walk Lilly and then we can walk back together". Okay, Elizabeth slipped her shoes on, out a hoodie on and grabbed her phone. She ran out to meet Jack and Lilly. She meets them and went over to stand next to them. As she walking toward Jack, Lilly wrapped her leash around her legs causing her to trip. Jack caught her just in time. She loved being in his arms. Yet this wasn't how she planned it. Good thing it was dark she was so red she could feel the heat on her cheeks. They walked back to their doors. They hadn't established how to say goodnight so she just told Jack to text her in the morning when he wanted to be dropped off.
8:00 am the next day
E: Are you awake
J: Yes, just got up. I should be ready in 30
E Okay just come over when you're ready.
J: Are you sure you are up for this? I appreciate the offer but you really don't have to.
E: Come over when you're ready.
As she pulled in behind Jack at Caleb's her heart started to pound. She really was excited about spending more time with him. They had been at each other's hip since Friday night and it was Monday. As he climbed in her coup she laughed. "I haven't been in a Barbie car before" he joked. She punched his arm lightly. "Hey this Barbie car is perfect for me and Lilly." "How long is the wait", she asked. "They said they would give me a call". "There weren't any rentals available till this afternoon so if there still not done I might take them up on that or have you drop me off to pick up my cruiser". "You can drive them around? "She asked. "Yes and No" "Chief won't mind if I told him my truck was in the shop". "Oh okay". "Well I can run in the mall and drop this off then we can go grab coffee and then the store if you want." "Do you have anywhere you need to go?"" Nope" "I'm your shadow today Ms. Thornton". She returned her dress with ease and on the way walking out she ran into her Principal. "Hello Elizabeth, how are you doing on your day off?" Asked Mrs. Ramsey. "I'm good and you?" "Delighted". "This is my husband Mr. Ramsey" he shook Elizabeth's hand and Jack's. Elizabeth smiled and Mrs. Ramsey was looking up and down at Jack. "Oh this is my friend Jack". Jack shook their hands. "Nice to meet you". Mr. Ramsey looked at Jack closely "are you on the force Jack?". "Yes I am sir". "I thought so". "My friend Bill is the chief there"." Oh okay". I thought I've seen you around the station. They said their goodbyes and nice to meet you'd and were on their way. Jack opened Elizabeth's door for her. As she turned around to thank him she looked into his eyes. For a second it felt as if her heart stopped. She looked down and back at his face. "You have an eye lash" she picked it off his cheek and held it on her finger. "You have to make a wish". "I wish to take you on a date this Saturday night" he said out loud. Elizabeth smiled. "You know if you say the wish out loud it doesn't happen, but I have a feeling we can make this work". "Good" he smiled back as he shut the door. They finished their errands and brought lunch to take back to the apartment. Lilly was super happy to see Jack. "She likes you" said Elizabeth. "I know she does we had a little chat the other day". "Oh you did" Elizabeth joked. "Yep we understand each other". They walked Lilly quickly and enjoyed their lunch. As they were cleaning up Jack's phone went off. "Do you mind taking me to pick my car up they finished early". "Yes sure".
Elizabeth threw her hair in a bun and put her shoes back on and they left. As he got out the car he touched her hand. "Thanks for today". "Your welcome" she smiled. He got out and she waited to make sure he got into his car. She pulled back into the lot and realized Jack wasn't behind her. She was hoping he would want to hang out again. She went into her apartment and put on the TV and took a nap on the couch. Jack pulled up to Lee's office. He owned his own lumber company. He walked in the office and sat in chair. Lee was on the phone. "What can I help you with man" said Lee. Jack smiled. "I found her man, I found the girl I want to spend my life with". Lee was smiling. Jack recounted the weekend for his friend and today's events. "Dang she does sound like the one". "I miss her now man". "I didn't want to overload myself on her but sitting with you makes me wish I was sitting with her"." I asked her out for Saturday". "I have to work long shifts the rest of the week so I won't see her much".
"Where are you going to take her Saturday". "I was thinking to my hometown. We could go apple picking and then have dinner at my moms and come back this way." "Oh okay". "You sure you want to take her home on the first date?" Jack laughed "my mom loves her and she seemed to like my mom". "Plus she mentioned something about making applesauce so I figured hey there is an orchard close by and we can stop by for dinner and leave". "I just hope it doesn't kill the mood for you to get lucky man" Lee laughed. Jack didn't. "She isn't that type of girl". "I haven't even kissed her yet". "What you have been together all weekend". "You slept together twice and nothing"." Nothing" said Jack." I want to, there was a moment today where I thought there might be a chance". "But nothing". "Is she into you man". "I can tell she is". "We woke up in each other's arms". "I catch her glancing at me and today I know she felt the pull for the kiss but she didn't act on it neither did I". Rosemary came in a few moments later. She was then caught up to speed. Jack left and went by the station. He looked at his desk and started clearing up some paper work. On his way home he went to the gym to end his evening. He pulled up to Elizabeth walking Lilly. She smiled when their eyes meant. He walked over to her. "Hi "he said Lilly jumped up and greeted him. "Down girl", they talked about their evenings and made their way back to the apartment. Oh the way to the door, Elizabeth realized that she didn't have her key and that her door was locked. "Oh shit". Jack peeked his head out. "Everything okay". "Shit shit" she said. "We are locked out". "My keys, wallet and phone are all inside". "Shit". Jack noticed her temper starting to flare. "Hey hey come inside my place and we can call rosie and see when she will be over to open the office". Okay. She came in with Lilly and sat on the couch. She was so pissed she could feel her eyes water. Jack came in with two glasses of water. "Here drink some water". "Lilly" he called. He placed a bowl down and some water for her. He went back to Elizabeth and rubbed her back she leaned into him. He inhaled her scent. He called Rosemary and left a message. He texted Lee and told her that she was welcomed to stay there as long as it took. "I was going to order out are you hungry". She smiled."I'm always hungry"." Pizza good for you?" "yes" "she smiled. He held her close while he called in the order. She wiped her face and looked at him. Thank you for this. "Can I use your restroom"?. He pointed to it and she went in. There apartments were similar expected she had a two bedroom, where Jack had a one. She glanced around before using. He was neat. Everything had a place. She liked that. Her bathroom was a little more all over the place but she could make it tidy for the right person. She glanced in the mirror, she was a sight. She fixed her hair and wiped her face. She came back and saw Jack in the kitchen. He was gathering plates and beer. She watched him and thought to herself that if he didn't make a move tonight that she would have to. It was clear that he cared for her. She cared for him as well. He still had his back to her when she hugged him from behind. He placed his hands on hers. He heard her as she took a deep breath. He turned around slightly so he could see her. She knew this was the moment. She went in for the kiss and as she did the doorbell rang. He kissed her forehead and smiled at the door. "Someone has bad timing". He payed for the pizza. You can bring the plates over here. We can eat on the couch. They placed the pizza on the wooden coffee table in front of them and ate. Jacks phone went off and he answered it was Lee. Apparently Rosie had wasn't feeling well and wouldn't be able to make it out till in the morning. Jack ended the call. He went to his room and pulled out a change of clothes, changed his sheets and blankets and found an extra toothbrush and came out. "Looks like another sleep over" "Huh?" He explained what Lee had told him. "Are you sure we're not overstepping" she asked. Looking at Lilly." No" said Jack. Third time's the charm right. She smiled. She went to the restroom and changed brushed her teeth and came out. He had also changed. They cleaned up the dinner and sat on the couch. He gathered a blanket for them and they put on a movie. Elizabeth nuzzled into him. Jack looked down. They almost had their kiss before the doorbell now he needed to get it back. "Hey do you want anything to drink he asked". "No I'm fine" thanks she responded. He went to the kitchen and grabbed himself a coke. He stood there for a moment thinking. She glanced back and saw him. "Is everything okay she asked as she got up and walked to him". He smiled. "Yeah everything is fine". "Thanks again for tonight". "The past few days you just keep saving me". "I didn't realize how much of a damsel I am until I meant you" she giggled. "Well I'm here whenever you need saving". She stepped closer to him. He filled the space and it happened. The kiss of all kisses. Her lips were soft and tender. He didn't want to overdo it so he moved at her pace. She opened her mouth slightly making it easier for them to deepen the kiss. He placed his hands lower on her hips and she replaced her hands to his neck. She pulled back slightly and smiled. "About time" she giggled. "Ive wanted to kiss you for a while now""Well why did you stop" Jack laughed. He showered her lips with tender kisses. They kept kissing until Lilly barked. Oh no we have been caught. She gave him a quick kiss and put her shoes on I will be back. "I'm going to walk Lilly". She came back in found Jack where she left him. She went back to him and gave him a hug. I hate to sound like a baby but Lilly and I turn in early on Sunday night. I normally get ready for bed at this time and since I'm locked out I guess I will be in bed even earlier. He kissed her head. I set my bed up for you. There are clean linens and everything for you. "Lee said he will be here to open the apartment at five since you have to be at work so early". "I leave around four am so I will leave you my key". "I can take the couch you need your bed". "No it's fine". "I'm so lucky" she smiled and kissed him goodnight. She walked in the room and laid down. She had a hard time sleeping. It felt weird sleeping in his bed without him there. She had slept with him twice by mistake but still she slept so well with his arms around her. Jack laid on the couch wide awake. He replayed the kiss over and over again. He loved how their lips fit like a puzzle. She found the courage to just ask him. "Jack "she called. He walked down the hall. He knocked on the door that was ajar. "Do you mind staying in here". "Okay". I'm not trying to do anything but It felt weird with me being in here without you. Jack climbed into bed with her she cuddled into him. He placed his arms around her and they feel asleep. At three thirty she woke up to him stretching. "Leaving already, Yeah I have to get ready". "Go back to sleep". He kissed her lightly. He showered and got dressed. When he got into the Kitchen he saw here there making coffee." Here you go" she smiled. "I thought you were going back to bed" he said. "It was hard without you there". "Oh Ms. Thorton you are making this hard for me". "She hugged him and gave him a kiss that he would remember". "Have a good day." He left his apartment stunned. He went to the station with her on his mind the whole way. At five thirty, a knock on the door. "Hi Elizabeth It's me Rosemary". Elizabeth came and opened the door. "Hi honey I have your key". "Thank you" she gathered her items and Lilly. She locked her Jack's apartment up and sent him a text.
E: Hope your morning was off to a great start, I looked your apartment up and I wanted to know if you wanted me to swing by and drop off the key before I head out.
J: you have me spoiled Ms. Thornton. What time are you heading out.
E: Now I just walked Lilly.
J: Im still at the station, Come by
E: Okay :)
Elizabeth pulled up at the station and called Jack. He came out to pick up his key and a kiss. She didn't want to leave. The day went by fast, and so did the had become attached to each other at the hip. They were spending most evenings bouncing back and forth for meals and late night kisses. When Friday night came. They ordered in and went his place. "I have an idea for tomorrow but if you don't want to do it I understand". She glanced up at him. "What?" "I wanted to take you apple picking and then go to my mom's for dinner". "For the weekend?" "Or just the day". "The day I was thinking". "You have an idea". "What if we make it a weekend". "I know that it's short noticed to go out of town for the weekend". "No that is fine". "I didn't have plans for the weekend"." When do we leave". "I was wondering if we could leave early morning". "Okay". she cuddled into him again. "I'm excited to see your mom again". "I love watching your interactions". "What do you mean" asked Jack. "your face lights up when you're around her and you can feel the love you two share." "I hope one day when I have kids they love me as much as you love your mom." He kissed her head. It warmed his heart that she noticed his love for his mom. "You know I wanted to talk to you about something". "I'm not seeing anyone just you and I really want to keep it that way". "I enjoy being around you and I find myself becoming better since we meet." Elizabeth placed her head down and started tearing up. Jack picked her head up. "I love you Elizabeth"," I know it's literally been two weeks since we met". "I've never heard of anyone falling in love so hard or so fast or as I have, but I love you"." I took everything in me to leave your side on Tuesday morning when you stayed over". Elizabeth was lost in his eyes. She could feel tears running down her face. "I love you to Jack". I feel the same way. "I catch myself checking my phone all day just see if I missed a text". "I daydream in meetings and look forward to coming home and seeing you". "I have never felt so comfortable with anyone the way I feel with you". She leaned into him and they shared a passionate kiss. She could feel the passion and heat take over and Jack sensed her tighten up under him. He kissed her gently and sat up. Elizabeth looked at him and smiled. "I think we need to talk about the next steps in our relationship". "Okay" Jack watched her mood change into being uncomfortable. Elizabeth got up and went into the kitchen and came back with two beers. "She took a sip and looked at him in the eye". "I love you Jack, and I'm elated that we are together". "I.." Jack took her beer and put it on the table in front of them. "Babe breath". She smiled to herself at the word babe. "I'm not ready for sex Jack". She glanced down at her socks. He smiled at her and lifted her head so they were looking at each other. "That is fine". "We can go at your pace". "You don't have to rush it." "Well my pace is um waiting till I get married". "I'm a virgin Jack". Jack was taken back by this but as a cop he learned to maintain face. "What's the problem" Jack asked. Elizabeth studied his face. "She was freaking out inside". All the guys she had dated in the past were jerks and would say stupid comments once she told them she was a virgin. Not Jack. She kissed him lightly and looked him in the eye. "I understand if you don't want to date, but I hope we can still be friends". "Babe really". "I'm not going to run off to hills because you want to wait". He kissed her gently. "I'm looking to settle down". She hugged him and told him she loved him. "Do you mind if I stay over tonight?, I find myself sleeping so much better with you next to me". He smiled to himself because he felt the same. They had gotten into a routine, showered pjs and in bed. She snuggled into him as she felt his arms around her. She turned her head around and kissed him. "I have found my prince charming". She smiled in between kisses. "Goodnight princess". "Oh what time are we leaving she asked". "Um if we get on the road by 8 is that good". "Okay". "I will run home and get ready at like seven".