First Date
"Good morning guys!" Viola said as Elizabeth came in to drop off the kids Friday morning.
"It is a good morning, isn't it?" Elizabeth smiled. She placed the kids bags on the hooks in the mudroom before walking into the kitchen.
"Auntie Vi, did you make muffins?" Mya asked.
"I did! Banana chocolate chip."
"Yum!" the kids said together taking their seats.
"I do feed them you know!" Elizabeth laughed.
"I know." Viola shrugged with a smiled. "So, what's got you in such a good mood this morning?"
"I had a visitor last night."
"A good visitor?"
"Jack. He came by last night after the kids were asleep and well… asked me out for Saturday."
Viola dropped what she was doing and ran to her sister giving her the biggest hug.
"This is wonderful! How excited are you?" she said still jumping.
"A lot, I think."
"You think?" Viola exclaimed, a bit surprised by that response.
"I can't believe I'm doing this." Elizabeth said as she and Viola walked out into the living room.
"Doing what Beth?"
"Dating. Again."
"What? You want to be a single mother the rest of your life?"
"No. I just… what if this is a huge mistake?"
"What if it's not? What if this is an amazing opportunity to have a second chance at the kind of family you want for you and the kids?" Viola took her sister's hand, giving it a gently squeeze. "You like him right?"
"You know I do. A lot."
"Then you have to do this Beth. He deserves a chance and you, my darling sister deserve to be happy."
Elizabeth gave a small smile, she did really want this. "Does your enthusiasm mean you'd be willing to come watch the kids for me?"
"Oh I'll even come help you get ready!" The sisters giggled.
Elizabeth spent most of the day at school partially lost in her own thoughts. She kept thinking about what outfit she'd wear, how she should act, even letting her mind wonder what it would be like to kiss him. After all their walks and sweet moments she was ready. Jack just had an effect on her. One she hadn't felt in a long time.
When she returned from dropping her class off for their spanish lesson she dove right into grading that morning's spelling test.
"Special delivery!" a voice sang.
"Florence, what have you got there?" Elizabeth asked looking up.
"Blossoms, the flower store on Oak, dropped off this beautiful arrangement a little bit ago for you."
"For me?" she said shocked. Placing her pen and papers down on the desk before retrieving the vase from Florence.
"Yes! I was surprised as well. In the few years I've known you you've never received gifts like this here at the school. No gentleman callers either. Like that handsome soldier that's been coming after school on Wednesdays." Florence, the school's office manager and town busybody had a look in her eyes, making it clear she was fishing for answers.
"Yes, well that's all personal isn't it?" she said with a pleading look.
"Yes, I suppose so. Well if you ever want to talk…"
"I'll know just who to come to." Florence nodded and headed back to the office. Elizabeth listened until her footsteps disappeared before she pulled the card from the beautiful arrangement.
"Elizabeth, I saw these and thought of you. Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow - Jack"
Her face was beginning to hurt from the large smile on her face. She reached into her purse grabbing her phone.
E: There's an embarrassingly beautiful display of flowers on my desk right now.
E: Know anything about that?
J: Don't know what you're talking about ;)
E: Well thank you.
E: They're very beautiful.
J: You are very welcome.
J: How's your day?
E: Good. Dragging a bit though.
J: Same here.
J: Have to jump into a meeting.
J: Call tonight?
E: Looking forward to it.
She placed her phone back in her purse. Now pretty confidant that Jack would be on her mind the rest of the day.
….
The next day Jack woke up early to take a shift for a fellow officer, making sure to wrap everything up at work on time to get home and get ready for his night with Elizabeth. Nothing would stand in his way tonight.
Later that afternoon, Jack stood in his room running through his outfit choices. He had no idea what to wear. It had been so long since he'd done anything like this.
"Hello? Anyone home?" Jesse called from the front door.
"Up here Jess."
Jesse climbed the stairs up to his brothers room. "Wow, what hurricane hit here?"
"Funny." Jack rolled his eyes. "I have a date with Elizabeth tonight." Jack said tossing another shirt on the bed.
"Like a real date? Or are you two skyping through dinner?"
"We'll see how funny you are when I do this." Jack grab Jesse, placing him in a headlock. Both brothers laughing as they fell to the ground wrestling.
"Alright, my apologies." Jesse laughed as the got up. "So you finally asked her officially. I'm happy for you. I don't know her all that well but Clara loves her."
"She's amazing. I don't want to screw this up," Jack sighed.
"Then don't."
"Gee, great pep talk bro."
"I'm serious. Just relax and be you."
"Be me, right."
"Trust me Jack. You're a great guy, and you're certainly good enough for her and the kids. So just be you."
"Thanks man. So hey, what'd you come over for?"
"Ah yeah. I've got a date tonight too."
"With Clara?"
"Funny. You know I'm not that guy anymore. Now Tom on the other hand."
Jack laughed. "Little Tommy. Many dates but no girlfriends. I don't know how, or why he does that."
"Beats me. Anyway, Clara and I are heading out to the resort that's hosting the wedding. Doing a little food tasting tonight." Jesse rubbed his hands together in anticipation.
"Now that sounds fun. What do you need from me?"
"I let Clara pick out my outfit for this and the shirt she got needs cufflinks. Mind if I borrow some?"
"Of course not. In fact, take these and hold onto them for the wedding." Jack said retrieving a box from his sock drawer and tossing it to him.
Jesse caught and examined the contents closely. "Dude, these were dads."
"Yup." Jack smiled.
"You sure you want me to borrow them? Dad left them to you."
"He left me in charge of them. There's a difference. He'd want you to wear them during this time in your life, and I know I can trust you to take care of them."
"Thanks bro. This means a lot. So anything I can do to help you tonight?"
"Yes." Jack held up two button down shirts. "Which one?"
….
Across town, Elizabeth's house was calm and quiet as she attempted to get ready for Jack.
"No… no… definitely not... wow, why do I even have this one?" Elizabeth mumbled to herself as she flipped through her closet.
Asher looked up at her every once in awhile as he laid on her bed playing with two of his Paw Patrol toys. Mya was playing down the hall enjoying some quiet time away from her brother in her room. For siblings, the two got along really well. That didn't mean they didn't need their own time and space though.
Downstairs Viola let herself in and looked around for the family. She wandered up the stairs, laughing to herself when she heard her sister talking to herself.
"You realize normal people don't talk to themselves right?" Viola teased from the doorway.
"Normal's overrated," she retorted.
"Hi Asher," Viola spoke going over to sit with the boy.
"Hi Auntie Vi. Mama's making a mess."
"I see that." They laughed. "Can you go ask your sister what you guys want for dinner tonight?"
"Okidokie." He smiled and thump thumped down the hall towards his sister.
Viola turned her attention back to Elizabeth who was holding up a red cocktail dress. "I say that one! It's hot."
"It's a little too hot. Look at this back!"
"It's a little low."
"Very. Low."
"I bet Jack would like it," Viola sang.
"Maybe one day. NOT tonight though."
"Fair enough. Best not too give him to many ideas all at once." she wiggled her eyebrows at her sister, making her blush madly. "Hey I wanted to ask, how'd the kids take it? You going out with Jack?"
"Pretty good. Asher doesn't understand enough to have an opinion. Mya was mad at first that she couldn't come too." They both laughed. "She adores Jack though, so she's happy."
"And you? How are all those fears doing?"
Elizabeth sighed. "They're still there some."
"Okay, let's see… " Viola tried to think of what she could say to help her sister. "What if you were to put all these worries aside for a moment and just be you?"
"Just be me?"
"Yes. I'm not referring to Elizabeth the mother who's always putting her kids first and trying to protect them from everything. I'm referring to Elizabeth, the woman who's met a handsome, sweet caring man who she's very attracted to. How does she feel?"
Elizabeth twisted her fingers together in front of her. "No matter what I'm both of those woman Vi. I can't just be one of them. But if I'm honest, and try putting the fears aside… I've never been this excited about a date in my life."
"Then hold on to that! Tonight try not worry about the kids in all this. They're with me, they're fine, and they adore Jack already. So, just be you."
"Just be me… okay…"
…
Jack took one final look in the mirror before leaving. He settled on his dark jeans, white shirt with an open collar under his black suit jacket.
"Okay…" he said. "This is different." He still wasn't quiet use to being out of uniform. His police uniform was a nice transition from his army one, but dressing up like this wasn't something he did normally.
"Wish me luck, Rip." Jack said giving the dog a good pet before leaving.
…
Elizabeth stood in front of the mirror again, this time holding two different outfits in front of her.
"Whatcha doing Mommy?" Mya asked as she came into the master bedroom. She climbed up onto the big queen size bed, curling up on the down feather duvet. Her trusted horse stuffed animal in hand.
"Trying to decide what to wear tonight."
"Oh I see. Your hair's pretty."
"Thank you sweetie. Hey, aren't you supposed to be downstairs with auntie Vi?" she said giving her a teasing look.
Mya shrugged. "I want to be with you."
"Alright. Well, since you're up here, which dress do you like?" She held up her colorful blue and red flowered one and a solid light green sleeveless dress.
"I like the one with flowers."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah. I think it's real pretty."
Jack stepped out of the truck, adjusting his jacket. He grabbed the flowers off the passenger seat and headed up towards the front door.
In the house, Asher was watching for him. He jumped off the couch when he saw him coming up the walkway and went running to greet him at the door.
"Hey buddy," Jack said, giving him a fist bump. Something he'd taught him during their Sunday lunches.
"Hi."
"How are you today?" Jack asked getting down to the boys level.
"Good." The little boy looked Jack up and down. Elizabeth had mentioned that Asher was very curious when she tried explaining what tonight was about. By the look on his chubby little face, he was still trying to piece everything together. "You taking Mama to dinner?"
"I am. Is that alright with you?"
He nodded. "You bring her back, ok?"
"I will. I promise bud."
"Okay." With that he scurried back towards the living room to play with his toys, leaving Jack alone in the entryway.
"Hi Jack. Don't you look handsome," Viola called from the kitchen.
"Thank you Viola." Jack replied as he went to meet her.
"You nervous?" Viola smiled, noticing the look on Jack's face.
"Yeah, a little."
"Don't worry. She is too. Just try and relax and have fun," she winked.
"I'll do my best." Jack smiled.
"Hi Uncle Jack!" Mya said running into the kitchen.
"Hi Mya, how are you?"
"Good. Those flowers for Mommy?"
Jack kneeled down at the 4 year olds level. "Actually, I gave your Mommy her flowers yesterday. These are for you."
"For me!" The little girl's face beamed with excitement.
"Mhmm. I heard you liked pink," he said handing her the small bouquet of pink flowers.
"Thank you Uncle Jack!" She turned to see Elizabeth standing behind her now. "Mommy look, Uncle Jack brought ME flowers. Aren't they pretty?"
"They're beautiful sweetie, just like you." Elizabeth looked over at Jack who was still kneeling as he watched the joy on Mya's face. She smiled noticing how he seemed to mirror that joy in his own smile.
Jack stood up while Elizabeth helped Mya place her flowers in the vase.
"Can I put them in my room?" she asked.
"Wherever you'd like, just be careful not to spill the water from the vase okay?"
"I'll help her," Viola said turning the pasta on the stove down and ushering her niece off.
Elizabeth loved seeing Mya so happy. Her smile faded a bit when she thought about how she couldn't remember the last time Charles, her daughter's own father made Mya feel that special.
Jack looked over just in time to catched Elizabeth demeanor change. He went to her side, speaking softly, "I probably should have asked first about the flowers. I hope this is okay."
"No, it's fine. Perfect actually." She touched his arm, smiling at him.
"Yeah?" He smiled, loving the feel of her subtle touch. "You mentioned she was sad she wasn't coming out with us tonight, so I wanted to do something special for her."
"That's so sweet Jack. Thank you for thinking of her."
Jack looked around noticing they were alone.
"You look amazing tonight, Elizabeth." He leaned in, kissing her cheek.
"You look pretty handsome yourself." She loved the feeling of his lips on her. Even with her nervousness, she couldn't help but hope they'd take things one step further by the end of the night.
"Alright kids, say bye bye to Mommy and Uncle Jack," Viola said as she came in the ktichen with the kids. Elizabeth hugged and kissed her kids goodnight, reminding them to be on their best behavior for their aunt.
The kids surprised Jack a little by coming and giving him hugs and kisses as well, making his heart swell for them.
They walked out to the truck, both nervous and excited for what was ahead of them. Jack went to her side, opening the door and helping her into the truck.
Elizabeth had noticed from that first night he was home that Jack was a true gentlemen. His actions never seemed forced, but done with intention and care. It was something that made her instantly attracted to him.
"So where are we heading?" she asked once he was buckled in.
"There's this place on the lake called the Ice House. I've never been but a friend of mine is always raving about it."
"I've never been but it looks amazing!"
"Great, then this will be a first for both of us," he winked, causing her a giggle. A sound that he loved so much.
"How was work today?" she asked as they pulled out of the driveway.
"Pretty good. The station was pretty quiet. Hopefully it will be the same tomorrow."
"You're working again tomorrow? On a Sunday?"
"Yeah," Jack answered sadly. Not happy about missing their Sunday lunch. "The officer I covered for today, Brooks, he messed up his back pretty good on an arrest yesterday. The doctor asked that he take two days to rest up."
"Oh, that's rough. Is that a common injury for police officers?"
"I suppose," he answered, thinking about it more. "Worst I've gotten so far was a sprained ankle."
"How'd that happen? Or can you not talk about it?"
Jack laughed. "I can tell you if you want. It was the stupidest thing. There was a warrant out for this guy living on the Old North End. I can't even remember what for. Anyway, we go in and he runs. That we expected. What we didn't expect was for the guy to be a colossal hoarder!"
"Oh no, what happened?" she said, trying to hold back a smile.
"Well he knew how to run through the house without tripping over a thing. I on the other hand… well lets just say I tripped over everything!"
"Oh my I can totally picture this," she laughed.
"I'm sure it was comical." He laughed. "Then after we arrested him he wanted to sue me for damages."
"Damages?"
"Yeah, apparently I crashed into some antique pile of something that was worth hundreds of dollars." Jack rolled his eyes. "If the guy hadn't ran it wouldn't have happened!"
"So who won that one?"
"The department graciously met him half way on that, no mark on my record."
"Well that's good! Not really the way you wanna go out." She tried to say seriously but was so amused.
"Not at all! For the next month the guys kept leaving little "antique" things on my desk to tease me."
"That's hilarious! What did you do with them?"
Jack shrugged. "Tossed most of it. Gave the rest to my grandmother."
Before long they were walking arm and arm up to the french doors of the romantic lakeside restaurant.
"Good evening, how may we help you?"
"Evening. Reservation for Thornton."
"Right this way." The hostess smiled as she escorted them to their table.
"Wow, look at that view!" Elizabeth gushed once they reached the table. Their table, with elegant candlelight sat in front of a large window overlooking the lake. Jack stood behind Elizabeth, pulling out her chair for her.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome."
"Seriously, look at this view! With the sun setting like that? Nothing could beat that," she smiled.
"I think I like my view better." He reached across taking her hand in his. He couldn't take his eyes off her. She was amazing inside and out and seemed to have no idea just how special she was.
"Can I be honest with you?" Elizabeth asked.
"Of course! You can say anything to me."
"Alright then." She smiled. "I'm kind of nervous."
"Can I be honest with you?"
"Please do!"
"I am too." They both laughed.
"My last first date was… goodness 8 or 9 years ago maybe." she laughed. "And if I remember correctly I was nervous then too. I've never known what to do or say or what to order!" they laughed.
"Mine was… I have no idea when my last date was, let alone my last first date. I do know this one is very important to me though." He took her hand again. "And as far as what to order, I won't judge you for anything you eat as long as you do the same for me, deal?"
"Deal." She sighed a sigh of relief. Jack was certainly different from anyone she'd ever met. As nervous as she was, she felt comfortable around him too. Like being around your best friend.
They ordered drinks and entrees and settled into a nice conversation rhythm, talking about work and their families. Loving that family was so important to both of them.
"You know what I realized? Even though we wrote to each other for months, there's a lot I don't know about you," Elizabeth stated, taking a sip of her wine.
"What would you like to know?"
"Hmm, let's see." She grinned. "I know you like rock climbing, any other sports?"
"I love hockey. I play on a pick up league with a bunch of guys from the department."
"I love hockey!" Elizabeth said excitedly.
"You're kidding?" Jack's jaw dropped.
"No, I'm serious! I never played but I love to skate. I lose a lot of sleep during the NHL season watching games. Especially during the stanley cup."
"Elizabeth Thatcher, you are full of surprises." he teased as she giggled. "Who's your team?"
"Well the Bruins of course, but…" she leaned in as if about to tell him a secret.
"But…" Jack leaned in too.
"I secretly love the Penguins," she whispered.
"Are you serious?" Jack threw his head back laughing.
"Yes! And you can't tease me too much about it! They have won back to back championships!"
"Oh man, I can't believe this." he shook his head, still smiling. "Its Crosby isn't it? You think he's dreamy?"
"That's not it! Well, maybe not most of it anyway," she laughed.
"Huh, this could be fun. So what do you think about Fleury going to the Knights?"
"Honestly, every team had to give them something, being the new team this year. Murray is a solid goalie too so I get it." She shrugged. "I'll probably watch a few Knights games though. Fleury's just so much fun to watch."
"That settles it then. You're the perfect woman." Jack raised his wine class to her.
"Why thank you." She blushed as they clinked their glasses.
The conversation continued after their food came. They talked about Elizabeth coming to see some of his games once the season started and maybe even catch a few pro games together.
They had tried so hard over the past few months to get to know one another, and those conversations were good. They'd learn a lot about each other's family, beliefs and views on religion and the world, on top of whatever was currently going on with the other. Yet this was different. This was cute everyday fun. Information that completed the picture of who they each were. What they were finding out was that they couldn't be more matched for each other.
"Okay so TV?" Jack asked after taking the last bite of his steak.
"So frustrating. All my favorite shows have been canceled for a couple years. Thank goodness for streaming TV."
"I hear that. My hours have always been so irregular that I don't remember the last time I watched something while it was airing. Aside from a game." She nodded. "What do you watch?"
"Gilmore Girls and Hart of Dixie mostly."
"Can't say I've seen either of those," he laughed.
"No I wouldn't imagine you would." she said with a giggle. "I also watch this show that was on NBC a few years back called Chuck. So good!"
"Chuck, as in your average computer geek turned super spy?"
"No... you've watched it?"
"It's my come home and just relax before bed TV show. I love it!"
They clinked their glasses again. "You know Jack, I think this is the start of a wonderful relationship."
"I agree."
Once finished with their meals they left the restaurant and walked out into the cool night air. A cloudless sky above allowed for a marvelous canopy of stars.
"It's a nice night. Care for a walk along the boardwalk?" Jack asked extending his hand.
"With you, of course."
He brought her hand, which was now in his up to his lips for a kiss. "I know it's only our first official date but I feel like I've known you my whole life." Jack said.
"I know the feeling. Yet there's still so much I'm looking forward to learning about you."
"Oh yeah? You have more questions?"
"Sure you aren't tired of that?"
"Of course not. As long as you answer any of mine." He gave her a wink.
"Alright. I like this game. Let's see." She tapped her grinning lips with her finger, making him think about what it would be like to kiss them. "What made you want to live here in the valley? You grew up around here right?"
"Pretty much. We grew up just north of here on the mountain. My mom still lives in the house we lived in back then."
"Oh, thats neat."
"Yeah. I think I like it here because it's familiar. When I graduated high school I went away to college and joined the guard. Through that I felt like I got to see the world a little you know?"
"Mhmm."
"What about you? You like the quiet neighborhood life?"
"I really do actually. If you had told me I would 10 years ago I'm not sure I would have believed you but I love it now."
"Were you a city girl before?" Jack teased.
"Pretty much," she laughed. "I mean, we use to vacation in the country and I absolutely loved that. I just didn't imagine myself living outside of the city."
"Well you have a great place now. That large front porch especially."
"Yes! That swing we have on it is my favorite stop in the world." Her gaze turned downward and her grip tightened on Jack's hand. "Back when I lived in Boston before, we had this huge apartment. The kind a lot of people there dream of I guess. It was on the top floor, high ceilings, big windows, brick walls, stainless steel everything."
"Sounds nice." Jack squeezed her hand to give her comfort. He could tell talking about her past was hard.
"It was I guess. The apartment anyway. When Charles left, he left me the apartment."
"You didn't want to stay there?"
"No. It had stopped feeling like home long before. My house here, that feels like home."
Jack let go of her hand to wrap his arm tightly around her waist. Holding her close. "What made you move to Hope Valley?
"I'm not sure exactly. I stayed with my family for a while, but then I think part of me wanted to get away from the city. Just not too far. Back then I still had hopes Charles would want to be in the kids lives." She took in a deep calming breath. "Anyway, Viola and Lee were both here, so I was at least with family."
He stop and pulled her completely into his arms. "Well, I'm glad you're here."
"Yeah?" she smiled up at him.
"Yup. It meant I got to meet the beautiful, smart and funny Elizabeth Thatcher." He kissed her forehead.
"Jack…" she turned away. "Why do you say things like that?'' she asked, a little embarrassed by his flattery. She stepped further away from him, fixing her gaze back out on the water.
"Like what?" Jack took her hand back in his, turning her to face him. "Why do I say things like, you're smart, funny, beautiful and to top it off an amazing mother?" He smiled, lifting her chin slightly to try and regain eye contact.
"Yeah, stuff like that," she whispered, still managing to avoid his gaze.
"Elizabeth? Look at me please." He held her face, looking at her with such care and compassion. "I say all that because you are those things, Elizabeth. It's important to me that no matter what happens between you and me that you know that."
She looked up as he spoke with such honesty and boldness. It scared her a little how real and genuine he was. If she had spent any time in the past few years thinking of what she would look for in a man, those ideas wouldn't come close to the reality that was Jack Thornton.
Jack stood there nervous. Impatiently anticipating what she might say or do next. His own gaze now directed towards the ground. Her silence made him wonder if he said too much, but it was what was on his heart. He'd be kicking himself if he didn't.
"Jack?" she whispered, causing him to look up meeting her eyes. "Kiss me."
He grinned. That was not the response he expected, yet certainly not one he'd object to. Without any hesitation, he let his lips glide along hers. She felt soft and warm. Better than anything he'd ever experienced.
It was a wonderful kiss, but short. Too short for their liking. He looked into her eyes for permission and proceeded to kiss her again and again. Each time longer and deeper than the last. Many moments passed before their lips separated. Each standing there with the most exuberant grins.
"Wow," Jack whispered, caressing her cheek.
Elizabeth could only respond with a nod. Her cheeks flushed and her heart was pounding hard in her chest. Elizabeth felt alive in a new and thrilling way. The feelings Jack stirred in her were so new and exciting.
He kissed her once more, short and sweet before they turned to continue their walk. Silently taking it all in for a while.
"What are you thinking about?" Jack asked with a smile.
"Nothing. Well… you.]," she admitted.
Jack brought the hand he was holding to his lips for a sweet kiss. She looked over into his eyes again and hoped in her heart that tonight's "first kiss" would be her last "first kiss".
….
Hours later, Jack pulled into Elizabeth's driveway. Once in park he jumped out and went to her side. Extending his hand to help her out of the truck.
"Thank you for tonight Jack. This was… wonderful."
"Thank you for coming with me," he grinned. "Would it be too much to hope we could do this again sometime?" They laughed.
"You know, I think I'd be ok with that," she smiled.
"Just okay?" he teased.
"More than okay."
Without breaking his gaze, she reached up, gently playing with the hair at the nape of his neck as she drew him in deep for another kiss.
"Goodnight Jarrick," she spoke lovingly.
A chill went through his body at the sound of his name on her lips. "Goodnight Elizabeth."