Disclaimer: I do not own the characters within this story. All rights and much respect go to Crown Media, Hallmark, Brian Bird, Michael Landon, Jr., the actors, creators, and writers of the show "When Calls the Heart." Any real people or places noted in the chapter are just there for storyline purposes.

Chapter 4- Something's in My Eyes

Wednesday Morning…

"Did you get in touch with Jack?" Mary asked.

"Yes, but you know he's not a big fan of set ups," Ryan replied.

"Is he interested in her?"

"Very much so," Ryan replied.

"Then this isn't a set up. Its friends getting together and when the time is right we'll suggest that they take Riley out for ice cream," Mary suggested.

"Are you sure she's free?" Ryan asked.

"Of course she's free. We always have dinner together on Wednesday night. She and Riley will be over after school," she remarked.

Kindergarten class at Hanson Park Elementary School…

Elizabeth sat at her desk thinking about the phone call she'd gotten earlier in the day. Opening herself up to someone in a possible relationship frightened her. After all, it wasn't just her feelings and emotions to consider. Riley was, without a doubt, the most important person in the world to her, and any man who enters her life had to be perfect for him as well.

She felt her heart nervously pound as she thought about her date for the evening. She enjoyed coffee with him and their conversation flowed, but she wasn't really disappointed about him leaving in the morning. That had to say something, but she just wasn't quite sure what.

Elizabeth reached into her bag and pulled out her journal. She went for a long period of time following Viola's and Lionel's passing where she didn't even open the leather bound book. Her emotions were a jumbled mess as she navigated through the legal system and the initial fighting with Lionel's family for custody of Riley. Although the journal usually helped her organize her thoughts, during that time, it simply brought more to the surface. She barely finished an entry before she was completely in tears with a confused little boy beginning to internalize all of her emotions.

Counseling helped put things in perspective and once the custody issue was resolved, her life settled in and they were formally a family.

Elizabeth opened the journal, took a deep breath and began to purge her feelings onto the paper…

"We grieve for those we've lost; the times spent; the emotions shared, and the adventures that were once planned but will now never come to pass. The grief is often bottled up inside, showing itself in the damp corners of your eyes, the emptiness in your heart and the lump in your throat that refuses to dissipate. Grief is an over abundance of emotions; its love that now has nowhere to go, so you hold it inside, often losing yourself in the process.

As children we rarely suffer the excruciating loss of a parent. Although it does happen, we just choose not to think about it. Often, distant, older relatives pass, and we are none the wiser, shielded from the grief that accompanies this type of loss.

Without a concept of life, we assume that those most important to us will live forever, as death seems so foreign. However, once it happens, you are shaken to your very core and everything you assumed to be steadfast and unyielding, is now unstable and easily fractured.

As we mature, we are expected to be the voice of reason and understanding for those in our care. I don't need much; I enjoy walks in the rain, quiet talks, cozy chairs in an quiet bookstore, the safety of my home during a loud thunderstorm, and lounging around on Saturday mornings with a cup of coffee in one hand and a seven year old in my lap laughing at cartoons.

Sometimes I feel that what I want is no longer so important. At this time in my life, my role now is to provide my son with a strong positive role model; someone who shows him the importance of working hard, empathy for others, and strength of character. But then again, wouldn't our lives be enriched by the addition of a good man?"

"Hey mom," Riley called out as he entered her classroom. Are you okay? Who made you cry?"

"I'm okay honey. I just have something in my eyes," she quickly closed her journal and covered her eyes, wiping them swiftly.

"Mom, do you know when we start basketball practice?" Riley asked as he accepted her excuse and moved on with his own agenda.

"No honey, I haven't gotten an email from Sgt. Jack yet," she replied.

"Mom, you don't have to call him Sgt. Jack; only I have to do that," Riley reminded her.

"Honey, I'm being respectful too," she stated.

"Can you call him?" he asked with great urgency.

"I can, but Riley, we don't want to start bugging him. He'll email us when he's ready to give us the information," she replied.

"Mom, please…I don't want him to forget about me," he continued pleading.

"I don't think he'll forget about you, but how about I check with Ryan? Maybe he knows something," she offered.

"Okay," he stated as he watched her gather her things to leave for the day.

As she got up from her desk and started for the door, he asked, "When are you going to call him?"

"Well, as it turns out, it's Wednesday and we're going over there so you can have dinner with Ryan and Mary," she responded.

"What are we having? Mary's a good cook," he stated excitedly.

"Oh, and I'm not?" she asked jokingly.

"Mooommm," he stated as he drew out her title. "I love you very much, but Mary is a better cook."

Elizabeth laughed. She never presumed that she was "Betty Homemaker," capable of earning accolades for her cooking. However, if there were awards for "Mother of the Year" where love of the child was the only requirement, she knew that the Oscar would have easily been awarded to her.

"What's for dinner?" Riley asked.

"I'm not sure, but I believe that your favorite, Mac & Cheese is on the menu," she stated as they made their way out to the parking lot and over to her Mustang.

Mary answered the door when Riley excitedly rang the doorbell multiple times. Elizabeth was still at her car grabbing a bag from the back when Mary stepped outside and Riley ran in, making a beeline for the TV and one of his favorite afterschool shows "Ask the Storybots."

"Do you need any help?" Mary asked.

"No thanks, I've got it," she stated as she headed for the door.

"What's all this?" Mary asked as she took the dress bag from Elizabeth's hand.

"I hope its okay, but Jimmy called me at work and asked me out to dinner," Elizabeth casually mentioned as she stepped inside the house. "I tried to call you, but your phone went to voicemail. You didn't get my message, did you?"

"No, what message?" Mary responded.

"Hey Ryan," Elizabeth called out as she passed the den.

"Hey Bethie," he called back. We've got a surprise for you…well actually not just you.

"What message?" Mary replied again, as she followed Elizabeth into her guest room.

"Well, Riley and I were coming over for dinner, so I knew you were expecting us, but I was asking if you could watch him this evening because I have a date with Jimmy."

"Uh…"

"Mary, is there a problem?"

"Uh, no…of course we can watch him. Where did this dress come from?" Mary inquired.

"It's the dress I wore to the Woman's Club awards dinner last week. I picked it up from the cleaners yesterday and never took it inside. Lucky, huh?"

"Yea, lucky…excuse me, I'll be right back," Mary stated as she rushed out of the room.

"Hey," she whispered into the den, barely catching Ryan's attention.

"What?" Ryan asked, his tone sounding a bit perturbed.

"Make a call; stop him from coming. She has a date and it isn't with him," Mary quickly stated before returning to the bedroom to help Elizabeth.

"Where are you going for dinner?" Mary asked.

"Everest…"

"Everest…? WOW, this Jimmy guy is going all out," Mary remarked. "I'm not so sure that I like him."

"You don't know him."

"Neither do you."

"Okay, I don't understand. Everyone tells me that I need to get out and date, and then when I do, everyone tells me that I'm making a mistake. Okay, so what is it, date or not?"

"I want you to find someone special, Elizabeth. I just want him to be the right someone."

"Mary, how am I supposed to know who that is if I don't date? I mean, I'm being careful. We meet at busy places and I drive myself," Elizabeth commented. "Besides, Jimmy is leaving tomorrow and I'll probably never see him again."

"But Everest? That's like the diamond of restaurants," Mary advised her.

"I've never heard of it. I understand that it's by the Chicago Stock Exchange, but you know me; I'm really a Golden Corral kind of girl," Elizabeth stated with a soft laugh.

"By the Stock Exchange? Girl, Everest is on the 40 floor overlooking Chicago. It's breathtaking," Mary advised her.

"WOW, I had no idea," Elizabeth stated. "I'm meeting him there. I don't know Jimmy well enough to get in a car alone with him."

"I'll bet if you were going out with Jack you'd feel comfortable getting in a car with him," Mary prodded.

"Look Mary, I know you're leery of Jimmy, but he was very nice when we had coffee," she stated as she slipped her dress on.

"That is beautiful," Mary remarked as she zipped up Elizabeth's dress.

Elizabeth noticed her fidgeting and glancing repeatedly toward the door, "What's wrong with you? You're as nervous as a barn cat in a room full of rocking chairs," Elizabeth laughed softly.

"Well, we'd better get you going. You don't want to be late," Mary responded without answering Elizabeth's question.

Elizabeth continued, "I enjoyed his company, but truly I agreed to have dinner with him because he's leaving for San Francisco tomorrow. That's all this is," Elizabeth stated as she turned to have Mary give her the thumbs up on her appearance.

"Mom, you sure look pretty tonight. Am I supposed to get dressed up too?" Riley innocently asked.

"No honey," she stated with a smile as she bent down to talk with him. "I'm having dinner out tonight. That's why you're here eating with Ryan and Mary."

"So you have a date?" he asked.

"Yes, I do. It's with Mr. Garoppolo. Remember him from church?" she asked.

Riley smiled at seeing his mother dressed up, and her hair curled and held up on the sides with beautiful clips. However, he now wondered if he'd thought out her having a boyfriend carefully. Would this now mean that she would not have much time for him?

"Mom, don't you want to stay here and have dinner with us?"

"Riley, actually I'd love to, but it was your idea that I date. Besides, you're the one who introduced me to Jim… I mean, to Mr. Garoppolo. He's leaving tomorrow, so I needed to have dinner with him tonight."

Riley trudged out of the room with his head hanging low and made his way back to his TV show.

"Mary, you won't believe the number of men who have called me this week," Elizabeth whispered, making certain that Riley didn't hear her. "If I didn't know better, I would think that Riley handed out cards instead of attending Sunday school."

"Who's called you…oh and before you answer, is Jack one of them?" Mary asked.

"Jack? No, he didn't call. Why would he call?" Elizabeth asked, but gave Mary no chance to answer. "I don't think you know what you're talking about," Elizabeth stated as she stood in front of the mirror and freshened up her makeup. "

"I'm telling you Elizabeth, I think he's interested in you," Mary remarked.

"He may be, I don't know, but I'm not sitting around waiting on him. Besides, you've been telling me for awhile that I've needed to get out and date. I'm dating."

"So, if Jack hasn't called you, who has?" Mary asked.

"Most of the men I don't know so I just politely turned them down."

"Most of them?"

"Well, there was one gentleman who graduated from college the year before me. We were in a study group together. His name is Aiden Foster."

"Are you going out with him too?"

"You know I'm a one-man woman, or rather I would be if I was dating anyone," Elizabeth reminded her. "After tonight and I say good night to Jimmy, then things will settle down a bit.

"Well, whether you believe it or not, you are dating, and I believe that little boy in the den, is not happy with the prospect of having to share you with anyone."

"Mary, he's the one who started this whole dating thing; I was happy just the way things were, just Riley and me," Elizabeth responded. "He can't have it both ways. Either I date or it's just us."

"I think it's going to be a touchy subject," Mary advised. "Besides, it doesn't have to be one or the other. If you pick the right guy, Riley will feel safe with the prospect of sharing you."

"Don't you think I know that?"

"After all, he's just a little boy and he's already lost his mom and dad. To him, the reality of you dating is setting in and he's now afraid that someone will take you away from him," Mary remarked as she glanced down the hall at hearing the front door close.

"Why must you analyze everything?"

"Sorry, just trying to help. I am a therapist after all; it's my job."

"Okay, do I look like I haven't been up since 5am?" Elizabeth smiled as she put a slight covering of lip gloss over her soft rose lipstick.

"You look beautiful, but let me just fix your hair," Mary stated as she was now trying to keep her out of sight.

"Hey, did you call me?" a familiar voice was heard coming from the den.

"Is that Jack?" Elizabeth asked.

"Yes, he came over for dinner," Mary replied as she stepped away from Elizabeth, realizing that Ryan would not get him out of the house before they saw each other.

"Oh great; Riley wanted me to ask him about practice," Elizabeth stated as she grabbed her clutch bag and headed down the hall.

"WOW, I guess I'm under dressed," Jack stated as he found it impossible to look away from her.

"Thank you very much," Elizabeth returned his soft smile. "Jack, I didn't know you were coming, but I'm glad to see you."

"You are?"

"Yes, Riley has been pestering me about practice. Do you know when it will start and where it will be held?"

Jack's smile slowly faded, "Oh, I'm sending out the email tomorrow, but practice will be in the school gym on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school and the games are on Saturdays."

"Great, thanks. I'm sure that there is a little boy in here who is happy to hear that," she stated as she turned to look for Riley. "Hey buddy, could I get a kiss from you before I go?"

Riley dragged himself off the sofa and slowly crept over to her, "Can't you stay here. Sgt. Jack is here now and I'll bet he loves Mac & Cheese too."

"I would love to, but I promise that I won't be late. Now give me a kiss, and I promise, I'll be home early," she assured him as she watched tears form in his eyes.

"Elizabeth, if it's okay with you, Riley and I can have some guy time together," Jack stated.

"Really Sgt. Jack?" Riley squealed. "Okay mom, bye," Riley kissed her goodbye and stood by Jack as she walked out the door.

Thirty five minutes later, Elizabeth pulled into the parking garage at the Chicago Stock Exchange building and found Jimmy waiting nearby.

"WOW, you are breathtaking," Jimmy stated as he took her hand, leaned in and kissed her cheek.

As they took the elevator up to the 40th floor and entered the restaurant, it was quickly apparent to Elizabeth that Jimmy was a frequent and well respected guest. They were seated at the best table; they had a spectacular view and a waiter was assigned specifically to their table, making him immediately available for anything the couple may need.

They talked about many topics, but Elizabeth found herself being somewhat hesitant to open up. After all, he was leaving, and she wasn't expected to wait around for him, or was she?

With Everest serving French cuisine, Elizabeth was not used to things so fancy. With dinner completed, and the bottle of wine nearly empty, the waiter, at Jimmy's request brought a variety of coffees and decadent desserts.

The waiter listed each brand and type of coffee and dessert, with Elizabeth eventually selecting something that looked like black coffee and cheesecake.

Following dessert, Elizabeth was taking in the beautiful view when she felt his hand take hers. He turned her hand palm side up and placed something inside.

"What's this?" Elizabeth asked, knowing full well that it was the key to his Marriott Hotel room.

"I just assumed that maybe since I was leaving tomorrow and your son was taken care of that we could spend some more time together," he stated.

Elizabeth placed her napkin on the table, took hold of her clutch and stood from her seat. "My son's name is Riley, and if you'll excuse me, I need to get home to him."

"Elizabeth, I'm sorry, I just assumed…"

"That's what you get for assuming. Take care of yourself and have a safe trip."

He stood from his seat, "I'll be back next weekend. I'll call you."

"Please don't bother," she stated as she left the table and rushed to the elevator.

Once inside and the door closed without him following her, she released a breath she was unaware that she was holding. After she reached the car her tears began, partly because of anger at his presumption, and the other in the fear that she'd never find a man to be the kind of role model for everyday life that she desired for Riley.

Back in suburbia, on their quiet cul-de-sac, Riley finished dinner, consisting of mostly Mac & Cheese, but his affect remained depressed. Although he knew not why, he kept glancing at the clock. He'd seen Elizabeth do it on numerous occasions when she was waiting on someone to arrive.

Noticing Jack's disappointment, Ryan pulled him aside. "Hey, I'm sorry about tonight. I had no idea this was going to happen."

"It's not your fault. I shouldn't get drawn in so quickly. But man," Jack began as his head gently moved from side to side, "There's something about her; I can't get her off my mind."

"That feeling you already have for her; that connection you have with Riley… it won't go away just because you don't want it there. But Jack, if you want to see where this could go, if there could be anything between you two, don't wait," Ryan stated as he reached for a beer from the refrigerator.

"Hey, do you think it would be okay with Elizabeth if Riley and I take a walk?" Jack asked.

Seeing Riley moping around, Mary quickly replied, "I think she'd appreciate it."

"Hey Riley, would you go for a walk with me," Jack asked.

"Really? You really want to spend time with me?" he asked.

"Of course I do. Go get your jacket on and we'll walk to the park," Jack asked as he watched the small boy race down the hall for his jacket. When he returned to the den, his face was brighter than Jack had seen all evening.

As they started down the street, Jack watched Riley scuff his feet, kicking rocks as they headed toward the intersection. Jack took Riley's hand as they crossed the street and continued on for two more blocks before reaching the park.

Jack and Riley hadn't been gone long when Elizabeth returned from her date.

"You're home early," Ryan mentioned as he glanced at the clock.

Noting the sour expression on her face, Mary asked, "What happened?"

"Just not what I was expecting," Elizabeth remarked as she began to search the house for Riley.

"Come back here," Mary yelled out. "Riley's with Jack; they went to the park. Please tell me what happened?"

"Let's just say that his expectations for the evening weren't the same as mine," Elizabeth responded as she excused herself and went to the guest room to change.

A few minutes later she reappeared, "Now I'm comfortable."

"Jack and Riley just left a few minutes ago. Why don't you go meet them there?" Mary suggested.

"I think I will," Elizabeth stated as she quickly left the house.

Jack helped Riley up into the swing, "Push me really high Sgt. Jack."

"Not too high; I don't want you to fall," Jack replied.

Jack stood behind Riley pushing him in the swing and wondering how he had become so attached to this child he had only recently met. Then his thoughts quickly gravitated to Elizabeth and the fact that she was out with a man who was quite honestly out of his league. If he only knew how wrong he was. Presumptions can be a crazy thing.

Jack had been told all of his life that he was handsome. He wasn't conceited about his looks, but was certainly comfortable in his own skin. However, Elizabeth's date was quite well off financially, and that was something that he couldn't compete with. But then again, when finding the perfect woman, should he have to compete?

As the swing slowed and Riley jumped off, he grabbed Jack's hand and dragged him to the animals that rock back and forth. Riley jumped on the giraffe and goaded Jack until he stepped over and sat down on the cow.

With his feet firmly planted on the ground, Jack rocked back and forth as he listened to Riley chatter away. Much of what he said slipped passed, until he stopped rocking himself and stared directly at Jack.

"Do you and your wife have kids? I bet you're a good daddy," Riley commented.

"I'm not married, but I hope when I get married that I have a son as wonderful as you."

"Mom said that she was sure you had a girlfriend or a wife. So if you don't then why can't you date my mom?"

"Apparently your mom is dating someone already," Jack replied.

"Sgt. Jack," Riley called out before his expression turned serious.

"What is it, Riley?"

Hesitantly Riley began, "Do you think that mom doesn't have a husband because of me?"

"Riley, why would you say that?"

"Because it's been just her and me and my friends have dads and she went out tonight, but I couldn't go. I'm afraid if mom gets married that she'll leave me," Riley started to cry.

Jack jumped off the cow and squatted beside Riley. He wrapped his arms around him and held him tightly, as his own tears began to form, "Shh buddy, any man would be lucky to have you as his son."

"Even you, Sgt. Jack?"

"Especially me…"

The park was lit only by the multitude of stars and the full moon in the sky. Due to the dim light, Elizabeth approached unnoticed and watched from the safety of the picnic tables.

She knew what Mary had said about Jack being interested in her. Whether he was or not didn't really matter at this point. What was important was the fact that he was a kind, gentle man and appeared to have a fondness for Riley.

Elizabeth sat quietly as her face showed both sadness in the form of tears, and appreciation in the form of a broad smile, while she watched Jack's interaction with Riley.

"Are you okay?" Riley asked as he leaned back and observed Jack's watery eyes.

"I'm fine. I just have something in my eyes," Jack replied.

"WOW, grown-ups need to get that checked out. My mom had the same problem today."

To be continued…