Chapter 6

Elizabeth took a deep breath as she entered church alone on Sunday morning. She had never liked going by herself, which is probably why she hadn't gone since Jack deployed. It was time though.

She loved this church. Looking for a new church after a move can be really stressful. Luckily for them, they had found their way to Abigail's cafe the day the moved into town. She didn't hesitate to invite them to church and they'd been going there ever since.

She entered the beautiful modern sanctuary with its cathedral ceilings and looked around for a familiar face. She notice Lee and Rosie sitting near the front towards the middle of their row. It would have taken a lot of "excuse me's" to get to them. Looking around she felt lost. It wasn't that she didn't know the other people. Fact was she knew most of them. And knew no one would mind her sitting with them. But nothing felt right. She was feeling discouraged when she felt someone tug on her hand.

"Mrs. Thornton! Mom said to come get you!" Philip began gently pulling her over to where Faith was sitting.

"You looked a little lost." Faith laughed. "Ever since Shane and I got married I've hated coming without him. Figured you might be in the same boat.

"Very much, thank you!"

"No, thank you. This is easier with friends." Elizabeth saw a tear fall from Faith's eye. She reached over to give her hand a gentle squeeze.

A women approached to speak with Faith briefly, giving Philip an opportunity to talk to Elizabeth.

"Mrs. Thornton?" Philip whispered. "You helped Opal when she was sad at school right?"

"Yes, I guess I did. Why?"

Philip looked back to make sure his mom was still in a conversation and not listening to him. "Mom's sad. She cries at night when she thinks I'm asleep. She misses dad I think. Maybe you could..."

"Philip, church is starting." Faith said, not hearing any of the secret conversation. Philip took his seat, cuddling up to his mom. You'd never know that Faith wasn't his birth mom. Philips mom had died in childbirth, so Faith was the only mom Philip ever knew. They were perfect for each other.

As announcements were being given, Elizabeth pulled out her cell to text Abigail. She was sitting up near the front, and probably wouldn't respond but she figured it was a try.

Elizabeth: Hey A, can I invite the Cantrells over to your house as well? I think Faith could use it.

Abigail: Yes! You know we always have too much food :)

Abigail: Glad you thought of it!

Elizabeth looked up towards the front in time to see Abigail giving her a thumbs up. She loved Abigail. Her heart was so big, there was room for everyone.

"Good morning" Pastor Frank spoke from the front as the worship band was assembling. "Lets open in a word of prayer shall we? Dear Lord, we want to thank you for bringing us all here today. Open our hearts and minds to hear the messages you have for each of us here this morning. Be with those who could not be here today. We ask especially for those in our church family who are away serving our country right now and their families."

Elizabeth reached out to grab Faith's hand. She returned the gesture with a squeeze.

"Thanks for being my battle buddy." Faith said as the prayer ended.

"Of course."

Once the service came to a close, Elizabeth began helping Faith and Philip pick up his coloring things.

"So I'm heading over to the Hogans for lunch. You two should come!"

"Oh we wouldn't want to intrude!" Faith shook her hands in front of her.

"You're not intruding at all." Abigail spoke from behind Elizabeth. "We have tons of food, and Cody and Philip can play ball in the backyard while we ladies relax."

"Thank you for the offer but we don't want to be any trouble."

"Are you kidding? The only trouble you'll cause is if you don't come and I have to eat all the brownies I made." Abigail patted her belly. "You don't want me to get fat do you?" She winked.

"You made brownies?!" Philip chimed in, apparently listening to their every word. "Please mom, they have brownies! And Cody's cool! He can play baseball really well!"

"Well, I guess. If you're sure." She looked back towards Abigail.

"Completely!"

"It would be nice to get out of the house some. Thank you! What should we bring?"

"Just yourselves see you in a bit!" Abigail went off to gather her family.

Elizabeth and Faith said their goodbyes for the time being and headed out the door. As Faith and Philip were just leaving Cody ran up.

"Philip! Bring a glove with you to my house! I'll teach you the pitch Lieutenant Thornton taught me!

Philips whole face lit up. Elizabeth felt a few tears forming at the mention of her husband. He was thought of and missed by more than just her.

….

Elizabeth pulled into the Hogans driveway an hour later. She let Rip out and he quickly trotted out back to lay under his favorite tree in the Hogans yard. Elizabeth followed him back and before heading up to the deck. She looked out over the yard to see Cody and Philip playing happily together.

"Good afternoon Elizabeth!" Frank called out.

"Good afternoon! Doing some fall grilling?"

"I figured with the weather being so nice, we should take advantage of it while we can." He opened the grill lid to flip over the delicious smelling burgers. "Abigail's just inside with Faith."

"Thank You!" She smiled and walked into the house.

"Elizabeth, there you are! Come sit. Faith was just telling a little about what it was like to be Army Medic."

"Oh nice! I don't think I've heard these stories yet. I bet it was a hard and exciting job."

"It was! I felt like I had a real purpose. Plus getting to travel and see different parts of the world was great for a small town girl like me." She leaned back on the bar stool to check on Philip. "I have a new purpose now. I wouldn't change it for anything."

"You're a wonderful mom Faith." complemented Abigail. "Shane shared with us once what Philip was like before you."

"Shane doesn't give himself enough credit. I just helped reinforce what he was already doing."

"That may be true, but don't sell yourself short either. You and Shane are both great parents. Philip is a very lucky little man."

Faith blushed slightly. "Thank you Abigail."

"Faith, how did you and Shane meet? I'm not sure I ever heard." Elizabeth asked causing Faith to laugh.

"We met first in Iraq, but nothing really happened until we got back home."

"Was it love at first sight?" Abigail asked pretending to be a hopeless romantic teen, causing the ladies to laugh.

"Hardly! We first met in the infirmary. Shane had hurt his ankle while out on a patrol. It wasn't a bad sprain, but enough I suggested he lay low for a few days."

"Oh dear." Elizabeth laughed. "If he's anything like Jack, which I know he is, that didn't go over well."

"No it did not. 'I don't know about you medics, but I have a job to do ma'am.'" Faith said giving a perfect impression of her husband. "So much attitude in someone so attractive!" The laughter continued as Faith went on. "He came back to the next day after doing another patrol to prove to me just how wrong I was." She rolled her eyes with a smile.

"How long did he hold that over you?" asked Abigail.

"Only a day." She grinned. "He came in with help the next day after spraining his ankle even worse. He had been playing frisbee in his down time and landed hard." She shook her head. "It humbled him a lot and gave us something to laugh about. We were fast friends after that." She wiped a tear from her eyes.

"Oh Faith I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked." Elizabeth apologized, pulling Faith into a hug.

"No it's fine. I miss him all the time. It's good to talk about him. Makes him seems not so far away."

"How have you been holding up Faith?" Abigail said, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"If I'm being honest… a lot worse than I expected. It's crazy, I was a soldier once. You'd think I could handle this. But frankly, it's a lot easier to be on the other side of it than to be the one left behind. I'm not sure I'm very good at this."

"Was it like this last time Shane deployed?"

"No, but I think that's because I was still in Army mode myself. Now that I'm in wife and mom mode, it feels completely different. I didn't expect it. Once Philip goes to bed all I can think about is Shane and how he's not here."

"Sounds like you need a distraction or two." Elizabeth said, forming a plan in her mind.

"That's a thought." Abigail winked at Elizabeth. "Speaking of, Elizabeth, how's your project list going?"

"Good! In fact I'm working on something now that I would love some help with." She looked over at Faith.

"If it helps me keep my mind off missing Shane and my hand off the ice cream spoon I'm in."

"Perfect!" Elizabeth clapped her hands together. "I want to do a little Halloween Carnival for my class. I was thinking we'd have games, food and crafts."

"That sounds like fun!" Faith was starting to get excited herself.

"So many of my students have been talking about how their dads will be missing Halloween this year. I thought we could take pictures of the kids in their costumes and make cards or crafts that they can send overseas"

"Kind of like a care package?"

"Yes! And the kids who don't have a parent deployed can make one for other soldiers in the unit."

"I think this is a wonderful idea, Elizabeth." Abigail added. "Let me know, if I can help at all."

"Yes, count me in. Whatever you need!"

….

Becky was up in her room working on homework when a skype alert come up on her laptop. She took a look, answering right away.

"Hey big brother!"

"Hey you!" Peter Stanton, Abigail's first born was a soldier currently deployed to Iraq. He had been out of the house and married young when Becky and Cody came to live with Abigail, but that didn't change the fact that to him they were his siblings now, and he loved them just as much as if he'd grown up with them. He was a man with his mother's big heart.

"How are you? Are you safe? Please tell me you're coming home soon! We miss you!"

Peter laughed. "Miss you too kid. I'm doing good, but sorry to say I'm not leaving here anytime soon."

"Mom's not gonna like that answer."

"It's only been 3 months though! She'll get it."

"If you say so." She laughed. "So whats up?"

….

Back in the kitchen the women were laughing as they set the table for lunch.

"We should do this more often!" Abigail said excitedly. "I love having you ladies here."

"Sounds good to me!" Faith said. "And I have a feeling Philip isn't going to want to leave so I'm sure he'll agree." They all laughed.

"Mom, Peters on skype. He wants to talk to all of us." Becky rushed in.

"What is it about?" Abigail sounded concerned.

"I don't know but he said to tell you not to freak, so it can't be too bad." Becky opened the sliding door to the deck and yelled out. "Hey dad! Cody! Peter's on skype. Hurry up."

They all went into the other room to talk to Peter.

"I hope everythings alright. Peters deployed isn't he?" Faith asked as Philip came to sit next to her.

"He is. Iraq. Been gone maybe 3 months now. I'd imagine if it was too bad Clara would have…"

"OH MY GOODNESS!" Abigail's voice rang through the house.

"Was that a good noise, or bad one?" Faith asked Elizabeth.

"Good. I think."

Cody came running back into the kitchen followed slowly by Frank, "I'm gonna be an uncle!" Cody yelled.

"And I'm going to a grandpa! Man, life can change so fast." He laughed shaking his head. Thinking how it didn't seem like that long ago that he was a bachelor. No wife or kids. He paused to look around his home. So full of life and love. He wiped a small tear from his cheek.

"Pastor Frank are you alright?" Philip asked noticing the Franks emotions.

"Oh very much young man. Just taking it all in."

"All what in?"

"My blessings." Elizabeth got up and gave Frank a hug.

"So happy for you guys!" Over to the side, Faith nodded in agreement.

"Did you hear the news!" Abigail said as she and Becky walked in.

"We did! Congratulations grandma!" Elizabeth said causing Abigail to laugh. Frank came over and gave her hug, kissing the top of her head.

"They've known for a bit, she about 3 and half months now. Little stinkers kept it a secret the whole time!"

"Where's his wife located?" Faith asked.

"She's down in Georgia where they've been stationed. Oh I'll have to call her later. This is so exciting!"

The group enjoyed the rest of their afternoon together. Celebrating the new life coming into the family, as well as the wonderful friendships they had. As Elizabeth looked around the dining room table, she said a prayer of thanks for the blessings in her own life, and a prayer of safety for Jack, Shane and Peter.

After lunch she pulled out her phone to email Jack the news.

"Hi babe,

I have some exciting news! Peter and Clara are expecting! Peter Skyped the family today. Faith and I were there for lunch when it happened. So exciting! I hope he makes it back in time for the birth!

Made me think of how it will be when it's our turn :)

I got Faith and Abigail to help me with my little Halloween Carnival. I hope it helps the kids a bit. I also put up a clock in the classroom that is on your time. They seem to like being able see what time it is where you guys are.

I love you Jack. I'm praying the next few months go by fast.

Yours, Elizabeth"

2 weeks later…

It was night time at Camp Eagle as Jack dragged his tired body into his room. He dropped onto his bed before taken off his boots or gear. He laid like that for 15 minutes before he heard a knock at his door.

"Sleeping already Thornton?"

"Trying to." He said, dragging himself into an upright position. Looking to the door he saw Shane Cantrell.

"Might wanna close your door next time." Shane grinned at his friend. "Just get in?"

"Yeah. Hell of a time out there today. I just have this feeling tensions are just going to keep rising out there."

"Yeah I've been feeling that too. Locals are all hyped up right. Any of your men pick up on it?"

"After today, definitely. We were going through areas we thought were secure. Now, man they had it lit up like the fourth of July. Makes us all nervous. I keep telling them to just stay alert and remember their training."

"That's all you can do. We have a briefing first thing tomorrow. Maybe they can give us a better idea of what we're going up against." Shane was a Captain, just above Jack. The two had become good friends after Shane and Faith had moved to Fort Hope.

"Hey, what happened here?" Shane pointed to Jack's upper arm, noticing a rip in his jacket.

"Oh" Jack put his finger through the rip. "Sniper on my 6. He snuck right up on me."

"Not too much, thankfully. You're still with us." Shane gave his friend a concerned look. "You alright?"

"Yeah it's just the jacket. Got lucky. We all did today." The room fell silent. Both men wrapping their minds around the reality of their jobs. Jack was starting to wonder how to talk to Elizabeth about life there, wondering if he shouldn't say anything at all. Last thing he wanted to do was scare her. Especially this early in the deployment.

"So Faith tells me she and Elizabeth are spending some time together. Working on a project or something? I'm glad for that, I didn't like leaving her. I can't believe it's been 5 weeks." Shane said, effectively breaking the silence.

"I know, sometimes it feel like more. Others maybe less. I'm with you though, I didn't like leaving Elizabeth either. That's great about her a Faith. I'm really glad they have each other." Jack thought about something Elizabeth had said in one of her emails. "Hey, Philip is in Elizabeth's class this year right?"

"Yes and he loves it. Says she the best."

Jack gave a prideful smile. "That she is. I had an idea, maybe you could help me. Elizabeth was saying the kids have been asking a lot of questions about life here. I think a number of them have dads over here."

"A couple are in my platoon. I think I know the rest too."

"Perfect. I think I thought of something we can do to help out the kids."

"I'm in. But first, you need to take care of yourself, you look like crap."

"Gee, thanks." The men laughed.

"Let's go grab some chow and we can talk about this idea on the way."

Jack finished taking off his gear and the two headed off, formulating their plan.

Jack was thankful to have Shane around. He was missing his life at home. Before he deployed, Jack would come into school now and then help Elizabeth with her class from time to time. He missed talking to her in the evenings about her day and helping her problem solve different things. Most of all he missed her. He'd usually make it home just in time to watch her cook. He loved the sight of her dancing around the kitchen, humming a favorite songs as she went. She'd normally have changed long before out of her work clothes and into her yoga pants and comfy tee. Her hair would be pulled back out of the way with just a few stray curls on the sides. There were many evenings it was all he could do not to take her in his arms and carry her upstairs. It was even harder in their first year of marriage and they ate many burnt dinners because of it. Usually with big grins on their faces. It wasn't the same, but he was glad to have friends with him.

After eating and enjoying a card game with Shane and a couple other men, Jack headed back to his room. He hung his jacket up, dusting as much sand off of it as he could before removing his boots and laying back down.

His body was tired but his mind was running. He kept thinking about the snipers they had encountered. Wondering what if he'd been standing just an inch or two over. He shook his head, knowing no good would come from thinking like that. He was alive and well; and so were his men. He'd worry about tomorrow, tomorrow. For now he would switch his focus to his wife. Letting memories and thoughts of Elizabeth taking over. It had become hard to think about her in the field. Knowing he needed to focus on the mission and not get distracted. So for now, in the calm and quiet of his room, he welcomed each and every thought of her.

He pulled out the journal to read another entry. This one from a few weeks after they'd started dating.

"I've always thought of myself as a strong, independent, capable women. Prided myself on not needing help from anyone. However in the last few weeks that's seemed to challenge that thought.

I feel as if I've lived a year this past few weeks. I've never felt so uneasy and even fearful around another human being. But my fear pale in comparison to how safe I feel in Jack's arms. It makes me realize that sometimes we need heros in our life."

Roughly 6 years Ago…

Elizabeth was sitting alone studying in the library, waiting for Jack to get out of class. She had an english lit exam later that week that was stressing her out completely. She had miscalculated the amount of time it would take to learn the material at hand. So here she was, less than a week before the exam, cramming.

If that wasn't enough, she had a "pest" problem that wouldn't go away. The was a young man she'd met earlier that year, Billy Hamilton. He was your stereotypical frat boy. Nothing like Jack. Jack was a gentleman. Billy first noticed Elizabeth's beauty, as did most of his friends, at a party Rosie had dragged her to. They chatted for a while. It was clear to Elizabeth what e was looking for, but she wasn't interested. When she'd politely turned him down, he took it as a challenge and started pursuing her more as time went on. Clearly not being someone who wasn't use to being told no. When he learned she was one of the Boston Thatchers' she became an even more intriguing challenge.

She thought he'd lost interest, but over the past week or so it he seemed even more determined. Bumping into her repeatedly, always when Jack wasn't around. Making her increasingly annoyed and nervous.

As she sat in library studying, she felt someone touch her arm. She knew who it was before she even looked up. It felt nothing like Jack. Sure enough, it was Billy.

"What are you doing still working so hard gorgeous? You've been here for hours"

She jerked her arm away as he took a seat next to her. "How exactly do you know how long I've been here?"

"Just a lucky guess. Libraries are depressing places to study anyway. How about you and I grab a bite to eat and go study at my place." He said, wiggling his eyebrows in a way that made her skin crawl.

"No thanks. I'm fine right where I am."

"Come on, you've gotta eat, right?"

"Yes, but not with you. I'm waiting for my boyfriend."

"Boyfriend? Really? Well, that makes this more challenging then doesn't it?"

"It makes whatever you're trying to do here impossible. Which it would have been anyway."

Billy laughed and stood behind her, placing his hands on her shoulders. "First rule of life babe. Nothing's impossible."

He left right after. He's words lingering in Elizabeth's mind sending chills through her body. What exactly did he mean? She'd seen guys like him, but never had to deal with them. She sat there for the next 20 minutes staring blankly at the shelves to her left, trying to think of a plan.

Her phone went off a moment later, causing her to jump. She looked down and saw a text from Jack.

"I've got a surprise for you."

"I'm outside the library."

"Ok." She gathered her things and headed out to the lounge area. There at a table was Jack, taking Olive Garden take out out of a brown bag onto the table. She smiled at the sight.

"You brought dinner?"

"Of course. You gotta take care of yourself with that test coming up." He leaned in kissing her cheek.

She looked at the meal in front of her. "Jack, this is my favorite." She touched his arm. "How'd you know?"

He laughed, "When you talk, I listen. Get use to it." He playfully winked at her, making her small smile. Jack could tell something was wrong though. Her smile just wasn't the same.

"Everything alright?" Jack asked as they sat down to eat.

"Of course." She said, rather unconvincingly.

"Studying stressing you out again?"

"Yeah." She didn't want to bother Jack with her troubles. She hoped they'd just go away, and if not, she'd always handled things on her own before. Why should this be any different.

They finished their dinner with light conversation and went back into the library to study together for a few hours. Jack knew she had a big exam, but the whole time they were she barely spoke or even looked.

"Well that should be enough for tonight." Elizabeth closed her book.

"Agreed." He said with a stretch. "Between classes and ROTCs I feel like I'm getting my butt kicked." Elizabeth gave little reaction, making his concerns grow. He had felt mostly confident that it wasn't him personally that was bothering her at the start of the evening. Now he wasn't so sure. Whatever it was, he needed to make sure she was ok. If she needed space or for him to back of, he would. "May I walk you home?"

Finally, the smile he was falling in love with appeared. "I'd love that." They packed up their books and Jack helped Elizabeth with her jacket.

The walked side by side in silence for a while. Finally Jack took Elizabeth's hand pulling her off to the side of the path. "Elizabeth, something wrong isn't it?"

"It's nothing really." She kept her eyes down.

"Are you… having second thoughts about us? I know we got off to a fast start so if you want to…"

"Of course not!" She moved her free hand to his face. Frustrated with herself for making him question her feelings. "Jack, I was so happy when we started this relationship. I still am."

"Ok, good." He smiled with a sigh of relief, leaning in to kiss her cheek. "So what's going on? I know we haven't known each other long now, but I can tell somethings not right."

"It's just a problem of mine. I'll handle it." She started to walk away but he gently pulled her back to face him.

"Elizabeth, you need to know something, I'm all in. I'm here for you, anything you need. Day or night. Your problems are my problems too now." He wrapped her in his arms as she began to cry. Letting herself be vulnerable with him. Once she calmed, she finally opened up to Jack about Billy.

Jack helded her even tighter. He wanted nothing more to go find him and teach him a lesson. But what good would that do in the long run. "We'll figure this out okay?" she nodded. "Look, I know skunks like him. So until we figure this out, I want to be around more, is that okay?"

She nodded back with a smile. Elizabeth felt like a weight had been lifted sharing her burden with Jack. He had been understanding and compassionate which was just what she needed.

They spent most of their time together over the next few days leading up to her test. It wasn't just because of Billy, if they were honest they'd have admitted that this was the way they wanted things to be anyway.

On Friday she took her exam, receiving a well deserved A. She was so excited the first thing she did was text Jack. She knew he was still in class, but as soon as his classes ended she received a response, making her blush madly.

"That's my girl! Knew you'd kill it."

"Heading out your way now. Think about where you'd like to go to celebrate."

"How'd I get so lucky?" She said out loud.

"Play your cards right and you could be even luckier." A smug Billy walked up. "You look happy right now. What's put you in such a good mood?"

"Not you, I can assure you."

"Ouch, but I guess I deserve it. I think we may have gotten off on the wrong foot here. How about we go out tonight and I promise I'll make it up to you." He gave her that "seductive" smile as he reached for her, make her skin crawl.

"No thank you. I have plans tonight." She turned and walked away. He was annoyed, moving to grab her arm. He stopped short when he saw Jack walking towards them, noticing how he was looking at Elizabeth.

Jack didn't notice Billy, just Elizabeth who smiled brightly at the sight of him. "There's my beautiful girl!" He picked her up and spun her around causing her to giggle. She had nothing to worry about now. Especially in Jack's arms.

"Where'd you want to go tonight?"

Elizabeth glanced around not seeing Billy she spoke. "Let's go to the pool hall we met at. I'm in the mood for a low key night out with you."

"Done!" He offered her his arm. Neither one of them noticing Billy watching them as they walked away.

….

Later at the pool hall, Jack and Elizabeth had placed their orders and were enjoying a friendly game of pool while they waited. They were pretty evenly matched, which made the game a lot of fun.

"And the pool champ is?" Jack said pointing to himself as the first game ended.

"You got lucky. Next round you're mine Thornton."

"Gladly." He kissed her cheek. "I'm gonna go grab us a couple more drinks, be right back."

She started racking up for the next game, stopping to check messages on her phone. She heard a voice behind her causing her to nearly drop the phone when she when she realized who it was.

"Hey gorgeous." Billy strolled up. "Fancy a game?" He nodded to the pool table.

"Billy I'm here with someone, okay? Just waiting for my boyfriend to come back."

"That guy you were with earlier?" He shook his head. "Won't last."

"How would you know?" her voice growing angry.

"I know him. He's a good little farm boy wanting to play soldier. You need a man like me."

"Seriously?" she laughed. "Does this crap usually work for you?"

"Well, usually I don't need to try this hard but you're worth it." he winked "Just think about it." He walked back to a table with a few friends. Feeling confident he'd made his point.

Jack noticed Elizabeth's changed demeanor as soon as he returned with their drinks. She seemed nervous and uncomfortable. He noticed her glance over toward the other side of the restaurant. Looking over his shoulder he saw Billy looking at her. He was clearly admiring Elizabeth, and the look on his face expressed that he was anything but a gentleman.

"Elizabeth is everything okay?"

"Jack, remember how I told you about how that guy was, well, bothering me?"

Jack nonchalantly looked back over his shoulder. "Hamilton. That him?"

"Mhmm." She looked down fidgeting with her fingers in front of her. Jack went into protective mode, with a stern look he turned to go talk to Billy. "Please Jack, no." She grab his hand, pulling him back. "I just want to enjoy my night with you."

Jack took a deep breath before gently bring her hand to his lips. "Okay, but if he comes over here again…"

"I understand. Thank you."

Their food soon came so they took a break from pool. Enjoying their time together and making plans for the weekend. Jack couldn't help be keep an eye on Billy. Who seemed not to notice. He seemed to be keeping his distance, so Jack decided to turn his focus only to Elizabeth. As they finished, Jack gently took her hand pulling her up from her seat.

"How about another game?" He grinned intertwining their fingers as he lead her to the open table.

He had her break, sinking two. As they played, it became clear that their relationship was reaching a new level quickly. Each time they'd pass one another moving around the table, they'd share not only affectionate glances, but tender touches as well. Elizabeth would pass him and let her fingers run down the length of his arm. As Jack passed, he would let his hand slide along Elizabeth's back. Each touch fanning flames inside them.

Elizabeth loved the way it felt to be close to him. She knew Jack well enough already to know he wasn't just trying to gain new physical achievements in their relationship. He genuinely cared for her. It was only after they'd developed a stronger connection emotionally that he'd take a new step forward physically. Always being respectful and caring in the process.

They continued their flirty game of pool, having both forgotten about Billy, who was watching their every move.

"Dude." One of his friends said trying to gain his attention. "That's the chick right?"

"Yup."

"Give it up man." another said. "No ones hitting that but maybe that guy." he pointed to Jack.

Billy looked back to see Elizabeth celebrating her win over Jack. She stood up on her toes kissing his nose playfully.

Elizabeth accused herself to the ladies room as Jack returned to the table to pay the bill.

"Hey Thornton?" Billy called out as he approached Jack.

"Hamilton."

"Oh so you know who I am?" he said smugly.

"Yeah, and you seem to know who I am too. What do you want?" Jack took a step forward toward him, standing firm with arms crossed in front.

"What do you say we play a round of pool? Winner takes Elizabeth home tonight."

"You're way out of line Hamilton."

"What's wrong with us playing a game? Winner takes all, fair and square."

"Hamilton you haven't done a thing fair and square since you met Elizabeth."

"Nothing wrong with pursuing a pretty girl."

"Except for when that girl's taken, and letting you know she not interested."

"You don't know anything Thornton."

"I know more than you think. I know you met Elizabeth at a party a while back. You thought, man she's beautiful. I bet your frat brothers over there did too. Then maybe one of your brothers made a bet with you over her. You probably thought it'd be easy right? But you didn't think that just maybe, she wouldn't be interested in you. Am I close?"

"What's your point Thornton?" Billy was taken by surprise. Jack had been spot on. He'd never admit it to anyone but he was intimidated by Jack.

"My point Hamilton, is that she's not some one night stand you can brag about to your friends before moving on to the next. Infact, she not anything for you at all. You're not good enough for her."

"Oh and you are?"

"I'm trying to be."

Billy laughed and turned to walk away.

"It's over Hamilton." Jack called out, causing him to turn back. "If I see or hear that you or any of your friends are messing with my girlfriend again, I will personally make sure that you regret it. Understood?" Billy gave a nod before walking back to the table. Grabbing his coat and leaving, friends in tow. He never bothered Elizabeth again.

Elizabeth had come back just in time to see the last bit of interacting between Billy and Jack, hearing nothing though.

"Jack," she asked quietly as he returned to the table. "what were you doing?"

He wrapped his arm around her waist. "Letting Billy know to back off; that you're taken and not interested." He kissed the top of her head. "And showing you that I'll always look out for you."

She turned to kiss his cheek. "Thank you, Jack Thornton."

"I meant what I said earlier Elizabeth. I'm all in here."

"So am I Jack."

He couldn't wait another moment. He leaned down, letting his lips cover hers. Holding them there for just a moment. It was the first time their lips had touched. The kiss was sweet, short, yet full of the love that was growing in their hearts. A kiss to build their future on.

"I'd been wanting to do that all night." He spoke softly.

"All night? Really?" She softly responded wrapping her arms around him.

"Well, really since that first night we met, when I walked you home. But I was trying to be a gentleman." She laughing, turning bright red. She stood on her tiptoes and kissed his lips again.

"Next time don't wait so long."

Present Day…

Jack came out of his memories and looking back down at the journal entry.

I'm now in a relationship with a wonderful, wonderful man. If I had been considering relationships before this, I'd say that he is everything I was looking for in a man and more. The whole thing is exciting, and yet terrifying. I find myself becoming more and more depended on his presence in my life.

Until now, if I had a hard exam or trial ahead of me, I would hold me head up, think clearly and tackle the problem at hand. When it was complete, I wouldn't go looking for confirmation from anyone else that what I had accomplished was good. Nor did I need to involve anyone in the struggle at hand. It was just me, alone, and that was enough.

However, I now I find myself seeking out Jack, including him in the daily struggles and victories of my life. The well earned A for example, that I received on my nail biting exam yesterday didn't seem real until I shared the news with him. I sent him a text as soon as I got out of class, knowing full well he was in a lengthy lecture class and would have no access to his phone. So I waited for a response. Of course, Jack being the man he is, texted me right as I knew his classes would be letting out. He's responded made my whole face light up I'm sure. I felt in that moment that the full joy of my accomplishment as I shared the joy of it with him.

But then there was a bigger issue. The Skunk. I let that man get under my skin and at first, not wanting to allow Jack to be apart of it. It could have caused a wedge between us. But thanks to Jack's loving encouragement, I opened up to him. It was a sting to my pride at first. Needed someone to help fix my problems. I couldn't help but think…

Who is this person and where is Elizabeth Thatcher? Am I losing myself? Or am I finding myself? It's an important question to ask. I've seen many of my peers over the years lose themselves in a relationship only to be alone in the end wondering how they got there and what happened to the person they use to be. I overanalyzed the question for hours.

I soon realized that by having Jack in my life I'm losing nothing, yet I am gaining so much. It's not that I am "depending" on him in a way that means I can not do it alone, but rather I want him to be apart of it with me. I have a caring, protective boyfriend; who doesn't fight my battles for me. He will fight alongside me, encouraging me with my strengths, and supporting me in my weaknesses. But when the time came where the problem needed more, he fully stepped in, becoming my hero.

I'm not sure exactly what he said to Billy at the end, but it seems safe to say, it's over.

Then came the best part of all. The kiss. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't been anxiously awaiting to feel his lips on mine. Never in my life have a wanted something so much. I've found myself staring at his perfectly shaped lips a number of time before. So, here's to the future, it's going to be breathtaking.

Jack smiled a smile that only Elizabeth could give him as he closed the journal, tucking it back away.

"I love you Elizabeth Thornton." As he rolled over, his thoughts drifted back to the snipers and chaos of the day. He wanted to protect Elizabeth from all this. He had heard some of the older career soldiers talk about how they rarely called home. They'd email and write letters, but nothing where their wives might pick on their stress over the dangerous missions.

"Could I do that?" He thought. "Not hear her voice? Not let her hear mine? If it helps her through all this it may not be the worst thing." He hated the idea, but couldn't help but wonder if it would end up the best for her. He closed his eye, drifting off to sleep thinking about Elizabeth and their future.