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 10- Meet My Dad…

Where we left off in Chapter 9…

Elizabeth walked next door with a sense of determination in her step. She knew how excited she was to have Jack back, and could only assume that with Lee still deployed, Rosie would be feeling just the opposite. Therefore, she would not take 'No' for an answer.

"Oh, I guess you're here to take Goose?" Rosie asked as she opened the front door.

"Well, that's only part of the reason I'm here."

"Okay, so what's the other reason?"

"Jack and I are going to visit my family and…"

"Goose and Olive are welcome to stay here."

"No, that's not what I mean. Jack and I want you to come with us."

"That's really sweet, but I don't…what are you doing?" Rosie asked as Elizabeth walked passed her and down the hall to the master bedroom. "Elizabeth, what are you doing?"

"We aren't leaving you here to spend Christmas alone. So, let's get some things packed; you're coming with us."

"Elizabeth, no…really, I don't want to ruin your holiday."

"Our holiday will be ruined if you stay here alone. Besides, Jack has a question to ask me, but he needs to talk to my dad first. You don't want to miss that, do you? Please, come with us."

"He's going to propose?"

"He just wants to get my parents' permission first."

"Where is he?"

"He had an errand to run."

"To a jewelry store?"

"I don't know. Part of me says not to get my hopes up. I mean, I do love him, but…"

"But what?"

"I don't think my parents are going to like the fact that I was engaged to Shane, and months later I'm involved with Jack. I'm a little concerned that if my parents don't approve, he'll see it as a sign not to propose."

"He loves you; he won't let that stand in his way."

"I hope not, but you don't know how persuasive my dad can be," Elizabeth stated as sadness covered her face. "His approval is very important to Jack; well, it's important to me too, but I'd marry him in a heartbeat even if my parents disapproved."

"It won't come to that, Elizabeth. Your parents love you, and I'm sure they want what will make you happy," Rosie attempted to assure her.

"Come on, let's go. We need to be ready when Jack gets back," Elizabeth pulled Rosie over to her dresser to gather her clothes.

Rosie stood quietly for a moment as she thought about this lovely gesture. Realizing that Elizabeth meant business and would not be leaving without her, she packed her bag and both women loaded the car. The only thing missing was Jack.

At 2:55pm, and with five minutes to spare, Jack pulled into the driveway, retrieved bag after bag of gaily wrapped gifts from the trunk of his car, patted his right hip pocket and headed inside to gather Elizabeth, hopefully Rosie and the two dogs.

Now on with the story…

The drive would have been in silence if Rosie had not accompanied them. Both Jack and Elizabeth, though very happy with each other, knew that progression of their relationship may hinge on her parents' reaction to Jack.

"Oh, I thought we were going to see your parents first, but just pull up front and I'll go check us in," Jack stated, unaware that they were, in fact, driving up the driveway of Elizabeth's family home.

"Jack, this is where I was raised," Elizabeth replied as she glanced over and observed Jack scanning the property.

Jack casually glanced behind him to Rosie who mouthed, "Its okay."

Elizabeth pulled up front and parked her car. Jack stepped out and opened the back door, allowing Olive out before helping Goose to the ground. Rosie opened her door, stepped outside and was immediately approached by Jack.

"Rosie, why didn't you tell me that she's rich?" Jack whispered, clearly shocked.

"Jack, she is nothing like Rachael; you know that. Besides, does it really matter?"

Jack glanced over and observed Elizabeth as she lovingly held both dogs and he smiled, "No, it doesn't matter at all."

"Besides, she told me that this is her parent's money. She prefers to do things on her own. She's different, Jack," Rosie stated as she took her suitcase from the trunk.

"I'm well aware of that," Jack mentioned before pulling the remainder of the suitcases and presents from the vehicle.

"Miss Rosie, let me get that for you," Louis stated as he made his way down the long entryway staircase.

"Hi Louis, how are you?" Elizabeth asked as she walked up and hugged him.

"I'm fine, How are you? I see you've brought another visitor with you this time."

"I'm fine. Louis," Elizabeth stated. She turned to Jack and took his hand, "Louis, this is my boyfriend, Jack… Jack, this is Louis, the best house manager anyone could ever have."

Louis stuck out his hand, "Very nice to meet you sir. Miss Elizabeth is a special one. You lucked out with her."

"I'm well aware of that. It's nice to meet you too," Jack stated as he took one bag in his good hand.

"Please sir, I'll have those brought to your rooms."

"Thank you, and Louis, please just call be Jack."

"Are mom and dad here?" Elizabeth asked.

"Your dad is in his study, and I believe your mom and sisters are getting ready to head into town," Louis replied.

"Thank you," Elizabeth responded as the group climbed the stairs and headed inside.

Before any words were spoken, high pitched squealing sounds could be heard as Julie and Elizabeth eyed each other. They began to spin in a tight circle as the ear irritating sounds faded.

Mr. Thatcher came out of his office and approached the group, "Welcome home Elizabeth. Hi Rosie, I'm so glad that you could join us for the holiday."

Mr. Thatcher turned to Jack…

"Daddy, this is Jack Thornton…my boyfriend."

Jack stuck out his hand as Mr. Thatcher reciprocated.

Mr. Thatcher turned to Elizabeth, "Why don't you and Rosie join your mother and sisters on the trip to town. There is a Christmas program this evening that you really should attend. Besides, it will give Mr. Thornton and me a chance to get acquainted."

Elizabeth caught Jack's glance. "Go ahead honey. It will be a good chance for us to talk," Jack responded.

She kissed Jack's cheek as the group started for the door. As she passed her father she stopped, gave him a hug, but as she lingered, she whispered in his ear, "Please be nice to him daddy. He is very important to me."

With the women out of the house and Olive and Goose in the backyard, Mr. Thatcher invited Jack into his office for "a chat."

As Jack took a seat he commented, "Mr. Thatcher, I know you don't know me but…"

"Mr. Thornton, don't assume that just because he have never met that I know nothing about you. When it comes to my daughters I leave nothing to chance," William stated as he walked around his desk and took a seat. "The truth is I would imagine that I know more about you than my daughter does."

"Are you trying to intimidate me? If so, it's not working. I have nothing to hide. I'm an open book and I'll be glad to answer any questions you have."

Jack's firm stance wasn't something that William was used to. Often times the men his daughters brought home were tucking their tails and heading out the front door by this point. He wasn't quite certain how to take Jack.

William poured a glass of scotch, "Would you care for one?"

"No thank you, sir. I'm on medication for my shoulder, so I shouldn't."

"Mr. Thornton…"

"Sir, please call me Jack."

"Jack, you have to know that we are concerned about Elizabeth's relationship with you."

"May I ask why?"

"It wasn't too long ago that each of you were involved in other relationships. I'm aware that your fiancé broke up with you, but if Shane had returned alive, he and Elizabeth would already be married and we wouldn't be having this conversation."

"With all due respect, sir, have you even talked with Elizabeth about her feelings for Shane?"

"She was engaged to him. They'd been together forever and the wedding was planned. What else can she tell me?"

"She can tell you how she feels."

"And you believe her feelings are true this time and they weren't when she was with Shane?"

"Sir, I obviously don't know everything about you, but I can only assume that you dated other women before marrying your wife."

"That's true."

"Okay, thinking back to some of those relationships, I'm sure you can remember why they didn't work. But then Mrs. Thatcher came along, and I'm assuming that she was the love of your life."

William glanced down at his desk but it was evident that he was thinking about what Jack was saying. He smiled at the thought of his beautiful wife as his eyes returned to Jack.

"Yes, so what does that have to do with Elizabeth and Shane?"

"Sir, Elizabeth and I have talked about everything and what she has explained to me is that she loved Shane, but it truly wasn't the type of love she should feel for the man she marries."

"And it took meeting you for her to realize this?"

Jack lowered his head, took a deep breath and attempted to gain control of his pounding heart. "Mr. Thatcher, I don't know what I can say to you other than I believe when we met it was like two souls who had been searching for each other. I have never loved a woman the way I love Elizabeth…"

"So you proposed to your girlfriend and didn't mean it?"

WOW, is it hot in here? "Mr. Thatcher, I think Rachael and I were much like Elizabeth and Shane; we'd been together for awhile and marriage seemed like the next logical step."

Jack stood up and walked over to the window in the office, "Rachael realized it but didn't know how to break it off."

"But a 'Dear John' letter?"

Man, he does know a lot.

"That had to have hurt. But don't you think that maybe you both were just simply looking for someone to fill that void?"

"Sir, may I ask you…" he swallowed hard before taking the leap, "What were you looking for when you left one relationship and found Mrs. Thatcher?"

"We're not talking about me; we're talking about you and Elizabeth and why I should feel that you are a good fit for her."

"Mr. Thatcher, I knew Shane. He was a great man and I tried to back away from Elizabeth when I found out who she was to him. We'd never met, but Shane talked about her often."

Jack took a deep breath before continuing, "I'm sure you're aware of the fact that you daughter is an amazing woman. She is bright and funny, sensitive, and strong. I fell in love with her, and I promise you that my intentions are pure."

"Mr. Thor…Jack, I know times are different now than they were when Mrs. Thatcher and I dated. Are you sure that you're not just looking for someone to bide your time with?"

"Mr. Thatcher I take offense to the insinuation that I am only with Elizabeth as a bed partner. If you knew as much about your daughter as you seem to know about me you would know that morally speaking, Elizabeth does not believe in premarital sex, and I support her. In fact, I find that quite refreshing to meet someone who is willing to stand for what they believe."

"Speaking of standing for what you believe, I'd like to thank you for your service to our country."

"Thank you, sir. It is my honor, but I have been thinking…"

"Aren't you concerned about something happening and leaving Elizabeth alone, because that concerns me?"

"Of course I am. As I'm sure you know I do have a law degree, so I'm looking into the possibility of moving to JAG."

"Are you considering the move just because of Elizabeth?"

"No sir, although being with her has made me do a lot of thinking about the future. I want a future with your daughter, sir. I know you feel like you know me, but all of the checking in the world won't tell you what's truly in my heart…"

"Then please, enlighten me."

"Elizabeth means the world to me. Neither of us were looking for this, but…" he took a slight break, feeling somehow that he was losing this battle.

"Sir, I've never been afraid to put my life on the line for my country. I've gladly fought and I have great respect for those families who are behind the men and women who serve. But things are different now, and I want to make sure that Elizabeth is safe and well care for."

Jack glanced around the room and outside the window, "Obviously I don't anticipate being able to provide for her as you have, but I will do my best, and I guarantee that there will never be a day that goes by that she will question my love for her."

"Well Jack, what exactly do you want from me?"

"Mr. Thatcher," Jack stated as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a blue velvet box. He opened it to reveal a one carat diamond engagement ring, "I would very much like to marry Elizabeth. I know your approval means the word to her; well, actually to both of us, and I'd like to propose to her here."

Mr. Thatcher said nothing, but his eyes were intense and Jack easily felt the heat of them upon him.

Forty five minutes later Elizabeth, Rosie, Mrs. Thatcher, Viola and Julie walked in the front door. Mr. Thatcher stepped out of his office, "You're home early; did you ladies have a nice time?"

Viola chimed in, "Elizabeth was a Debbie Downer so we came home."

"Viola, it's the holidays, please be kind," Mrs. Thatcher called her out.

Elizabeth looked around the first floor, "Where's Jack?"

"I think he needed some fresh air, so he left," Mr. Thatcher replied.

"He left? Daddy, where did he go?" Elizabeth asked as her breathing became more erratic.

"I don't know. He walked out the front door and I haven't seen him since," Mr. Thatcher stated as he began to usher everyone into the family room.

Assuming that their talk didn't go well Elizabeth stepped up, "Daddy, I need to speak with you in your office." As she walked down the hall in front of her father, she took several deep breaths, doing her best to keep her emotions under control.

"Sit down Elizabeth. You look upset."

"Daddy, you haven't seen anything yet."

"Why are you so upset? I talked with Jack and…"

"And you ran him off." Elizabeth began to cry, "Daddy, haven't you ever loved someone so much that you couldn't imagine your life without them? Oh forget that, I know you know what I'm talking about, because you have mom."

"Elizabeth, I'm trying to…"

"I know you're trying to watch out for me, but I'm a grown woman and I know what I want. I know you loved Shane; I did too, but Daddy, with Jack it's different," by this point she had moved from anger to sadness.

She started walking around his office picking up the various pictures he had on display. "I said that I'd never fall for another man in the military, and I tried not to, but daddy, the heart wants what the heart wants. He's a special man; he loves me for who I am, and hasn't pressured me to change."

"Elizabeth…"

"Daddy, just stop; I know you think you know what's best for me, what's best for all of us, but this is just one situation that I know what I need. What I need is Jack, and if you can't understand that, I'm sorry. "

Elizabeth stormed out of the office with her father close behind. As she stepped out into the entryway she saw Jack coming in the front door.

"Oh Jack, I'm so glad to see you. This was a mistake, let's go…"

Having missed the exchange between Elizabeth and her father, Jack was clearly confused. "Elizabeth, I don't understand…"

"I just want to leave Jack."

"But Elizabeth…" Jack called out as Mr. Thatcher joined the group who had congregated at the front entryway.

"Did you find it Jack?" Mr. Thatcher called out.

"William, it's perfect. Thank you so much for the suggestion," Jack stated as he stepped forward to shake his hand.

"Wait, what's going on here?" Elizabeth called out, looking much like Alice after she fell through the rabbit hole. "I don't understand."

Mr. Thatcher smiled, "Dear, if you had given me a chance to explain I would have told you that we were pleased to accept Jack into the family."

Jack took Elizabeth's hand, "William and I had a very enlightening conversation. We found that even with our differences, one thing we agree on…"

"What's that?"

"We both love you."

"So, this isn't some cruel joke; everything's okay?"

Jack smiled at her confusion, "Everything is fine."

"Now, its Christmas Eve and I have a few things that I need to do," Jack stated as he grabbed one of his bags and walked toward the back of the house. As he passed Rosie he whispered, "Keep her in the house."

"Wait, where are you going?" Elizabeth asked.

"It's Christmas Eve and it's a secret. I'll be back in a little while."

Jack managed to enlist the assistance of Louis, and Robbie, the gardener, as the three of them headed off in the golf cart.

"Are you okay, Elizabeth?" Rosie asked.

"I'm sorry Rosie. With my family there's always drama. You'll never go anywhere with me again."

Rosie pulled Elizabeth in for a hug, "Your family loves you; don't ever apologize for that. Besides, were you really expecting anything else? I mean, your dad accepted Jack into the family; you weren't expecting that, were you?"

Elizabeth laughed, "I still don't believe it. Hey, why don't we get out of here? Would you like to go on a horseback ride?"

"It's dark outside."

"We have lighting all over; makes it look like day time."

Remembering Jack's request she hesitantly said, "Sure." However, as they walked toward the back door, "ARGH," Rosie cried out as she held onto the wall for support.

Elizabeth turned back, "Oh no, what happened?"

"I'm sorry Elizabeth but I turned my ankle. I think I'd better prop it up…I already feel it swelling."

"WOW, you really will never go with me anywhere again. I'm bad luck…"

"Don't be silly; it was just an accident. Just help me get to a chair in the den please," Rosie stated as she draped her arm around Elizabeth's shoulders for support.

Once situated in a comfortable recliner with her leg propped up, Elizabeth excused herself to retrieve Rosie an ice pack.

Hours passed; Elizabeth's bed was calling to her, but she hadn't seen Jack since he mysteriously left with Christmas surprises to prepare.

Although Rosie objected, Elizabeth helped her upstairs and to her room, propping a pillow under her ankle for comfort.

"I'm just a room away, so if you need anything, call me? I don't want you walking until we know you're okay."

"I'm fine, Elizabeth…thank you."

After Elizabeth left her room, Rosie immediately picked up her phone…

"Jack, what's going on?"

"We just got back. I'm in the equipment building but I'm coming inside. Where's Elizabeth?"

"I think she's in her room, but she's wondering where you went. Did you…"

"Rosie don't even ask because I'm not saying anything. Now if tomorrow evening would hurry up and get here before I lose my nerve."

"Jack, you jumped into the fire when you talked to her father and you survived. You know she loves you; what are you nervous about?"

"I just want it to be special; you know; something she will remember forever."

As Jack walked in the house through the back door, he immediately scaled the staircase assuming that Elizabeth was in her room. Finding her bedroom empty, he scoured the house.

As he walked into the kitchen, he found Selma, the cook, finishing up the prep work for the Christmas dinner. "Excuse me, but have you seen Elizabeth?" he asked.

Selma placed the uncooked, stuffed turkey in the refrigerator before turning back toward Jack. "I saw her a short while ago. She grabbed a bottle of water from the frig and if she is anything like she was as a teenager, she is on the front porch steps looking at the stars."

Jack grabbed a blanket from the bench in the entryway and headed outside. There, sitting on the top step was Elizabeth, apparently mesmerized by the full sky of stars, and she never heard him approaching.

"I'm sorry, are you okay?" he asked as his hand on her shoulder startled her.

"I'm fine. Do you want to sit out here with me for a little while?" she asked.

He wrapped the blanket around them and took a seat beside her.

"I'm sorry that I didn't tell you about all of this," she stated as she leaned her head on his chest.

"May I ask why you didn't?"

"Jack, this is where I was raised, but this is my parents place, it's not me. I mean don't get me wrong, my father has done well in business and it afforded me the opportunity to go to college, and they helped me get started when I went out on my own. But I prefer to do things on my own. You know, make my own way."

She took hold of his hand as her thumb nervously stroked his skin, "Sometimes when people find out, they think differently about me. I'm not different, Jack."

"Shh, Elizabeth, I know who you are. I know who you are right here," he stated as his finger tapped her chest over her heart. "I know what life you've brought to me and I love you for it."

His arm around her shoulders pulled her in tightly as he kissed the top of her head. "I hear that you use to come out here to think and to look at the stars."

"Yes, but actually my favorite place on the property is by the lake. In the evening I would go and lay by the water. Daddy had electricity run down the long path with lights here and there so I wasn't in the dark, but I never needed them; I knew that area like the back of my hand. So, I would shut off all the lights and just stare into the sky. The stars looked so close it was as though you could reach out and grab them."

Jack ran his hand up and down her arm as he felt her body relax against him. "Hey," he whispered.

Elizabeth turned her head slightly as her eyes met his. He leaned down and gently captured her lips. Although it was cold, and she'd been out for quite some time, her lips were warm, pillow soft and he found them quite arousing.

Her lips opened slightly as his tongue ventured through, rolling across the soft skin on the inside of her mouth while touching all of the areas that he knew excited her.

With one arm around her shoulders and the other cradling the back of her neck, he pulled her closer. With each kiss the connection deepened and the desire escalated.

As their lips separated, he rested his forehead on hers. Unintentionally, he released a frustrated breath.

"Jack, I'm sorry. If waiting for me is anything like what I feel waiting for you, I'm just so sorry."

Her eyes closed and heart fluttered as he pressed his lips to her forehead. "Don't worry about me, Elizabeth. If it's important to you, it's important to me, and I believe that when it happens, our time together will be so worth the wait…"

"Come on, let's get inside. Santa can't come if you aren't in bed," he stated as he stood up and held out his hand to her.

As they stepped inside, Olive and Goose met them at the door. The dogs were settled in the den to keep Goose from having to climb the stairs. Goose laid on the bed Elizabeth fixed for them, and Olive walked around him in a circle until she carefully fell out beside him with her head across his back.

Jack took Elizabeth's hand as they ascended the staircase. He walked her to her room with neither one wanting to say good night. Elizabeth turned around to face Jack as her back leaned up against the wall. He closed her in as his hands met the wall on either side of her shoulders.

"This will be our first Christmas together…the first of many," Jack stated as he leaned in capturing her lips and making them his own.

"Thank you…"

"For what?"

"For insisting that we come here for Christmas," Elizabeth stated as she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled herself closer. "I'll see you in the morning," she whispered.

He stepped back, took her hand and brought it to his lips, "I love you."

"I love you too. I'll see you in the morning," she stated as he watched the door close behind her before moving down the hall to his own room.

Elizabeth pulled her bag from the floor to the bed. She reached in and grabbed a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt. She slipped into the bathroom to change before retrieving her journal, turning off her overhead light and crawling into bed.

She flipped the switch on her bedside lamp, scooted her back up against her headboard; opened her journal to her entry last Christmas just before learning that Shane had been killed…

"Love is an allowable four- letter word. It is extremely easy to spell, much more difficult to define, but truly impossible to live without. We want it to be perfect, but when dealing with people and their emotions, expectations, and fears, we quickly realize that it isn't a fairytale. It is work; it is hard, and it means fighting with and for each other to overcome challenges and obstacles, but knowing in the end that it was perfect for you because you did it together."

Elizabeth thought about how perfect those words now were for her and Jack. She flipped back to the next blank page and attempted to release the feelings she now felt…

"My life is different; not that what I had before was bad or less fulfilling. Actually I didn't realize until much later how I needed more; how I believe that we both needed more. Sad as it sounds, I know that Shane and I were simply biding time until our true soul mates appeared. Oh how I wish that I could blink my eyes or wiggle my nose and have Shane materialize, so that he too could have found true happiness.

I've often heard that new beginnings are sometimes disguised as painful endings. As a result of my experiences, much healing has taken place in my life, not only in love lost but in new love found. I hope to have learned from my mistakes, moving from simply being comfortable to being thankfully satisfied.

Anticipation of things to come…the hopes of yesterday, the promise of today, and the dreams of tomorrow, cause our hearts to pound, and our palms to sweat, as our thoughts drift to the new beginnings ahead. Are we ready for the changes that will be expected in our lives? Have we moved too fast? Will we be happy with the end result?

Take a breath, think through your feelings, give them value, but never allow them to control you. What is meant to be will be, but remember, some of your best days are still on the horizon."

The following morning Elizabeth awoke to find Jack sitting on the side of her bed. His fingers gently stroked across her forehead as he swept errant strands of hair behind her ear.

"It's Christmas morning; come on. I hear people stirring downstairs."

"Okay, let me change and I'll be right out," she stated as she sat up in bed and his lips made contact with her cheek before he stepped outside.

"Jack," William called out, "Would you come downstairs and help me get this fire started?"

"Sure…" Jack replied before tapping on Elizabeth's door. "Honey, I'll be downstairs when you're ready."

"Okay, I'll be right down."

Elizabeth and Rosie stepped out into the hall almost simultaneously.

"This is the day you're life is going to change," Rosie stated as they both headed for the staircase.

"Shh, we don't know that. Besides I hate to think that and jinx everything," Elizabeth responded.

As had always been done in Elizabeth's family, presents were handed out as everyone sat comfortably with their cups of coffee in hand. Elizabeth found herself perusing her gifts, deciding which ones to open first as she held the small box from Jack until the end.

Jack opened boxes to reveal a sweater, a pair of Oakley sunglasses, which he thought he'd privately adored, and a weekend trip for two to Myrtle Beach, all gifts from Elizabeth.

"I'm assuming that this is a trip for us?" he joked.

"Well, I thought so, but if you want to take Lee, that's fine," she teased back.

Elizabeth opened her gifts from her family, the typical clothing and household items, all of which she loved, but her mind was set on her gifts from Jack, one box in particular.

She opened his first box, a beautiful little black dress, "WOW, Jack this is gorgeous. I had no idea your taste were so exquisite."

"I picked you, didn't I?" he teased.

Her second box was a Labrador comforter that he happened upon by accident on his way out of the mall.

Now to the box she had been waiting for. He sat on the floor in front of her as she tore the wrapping, excitedly dropping it to the floor. Hmm, doesn't really look like a ring box.

Elizabeth glanced at Jack as she started to open the box. Inside was the most beautiful diamond solitaire pendant hanging from a white gold necklace.

Elizabeth's heart sank, but not because she didn't love the gift. She was certain that there had never been a more beautiful necklace produced than the one she held in her hand. However, as she and Rosie had talked previously about a ring and proposal, she now felt as though she had jinxed everything.

Her eyes watered, "Oh Jack, it's beautiful. Will you put it on me, please?"

On his way to his feet, Jack pressed his lips to hers, "I love you."

"I know you do, and I love you too, she whispered as she pulled her hair to the side and allowed the pendant to rest in her free hand.

Elizabeth sat on the sofa with Jack and finished her coffee before grabbing a trash bag and cleaning up all of the discarded paper and boxes.

Following a breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, toast, fruit, juice and the traditional chocolate covered glazed doughnuts, Elizabeth helped to clear the table, against the wishes of the staff.

Once finished she turned to Jack, do you want me to show you the lake now? It's beautiful in the morning too."

"I'd really like to see it at night; the way you do with the stars. Is that okay?"

She shrugged her shoulders, "Sure, but it will be colder then."

"That's okay, we have coats."

Jack spent part of the day watching football with William, and Lionel, Viola's husband, as Julie, Rosie and Elizabeth walked the grounds and spent time sitting in the gazebo.

"WOW, that's a beautiful necklace, but I really thought after talking to daddy Jack would have proposed to you," Julie commented.

"He's not ready, Julie. I can't fault him for that. When the time is right, he'll ask," Elizabeth replied.

Julie excused herself, implying that she was cold, thereby leaving Elizabeth and Rosie alone in the gazebo.

"Julie's gone now, so how do you really feel?"

"Rosie, I love Jack. I'm ready to get married, but I can't blame him if he isn't. It's just disappointing," Elizabeth stated as she turned her head to hide her falling tears.

"Your necklace is beautiful."

Elizabeth wiped her eyes before turning back to Rosie. She managed a smile as she held the pendant in her hand, "It is beautiful."

Glancing over Elizabeth's shoulder Rosie whispered, "Wipe our eyes, Jack's on his way over."

"Is that better?" she asked.

"Perfect…"

"Hey ladies; May I join you or is this women only?"

Elizabeth turned to face him, "You're always welcome."

"Well you two enjoy your time outside. I'm going in to see if there are any more of those scrumptious doughnuts left," Rosie remarked before walking away and leaving Jack and Elizabeth alone.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"Nothing Jack; it's been a beautiful Christmas, and I'm so thankful that you were here with me," she stated as she glanced over toward the mountains in the distance.

"Please look at me."

Elizabeth turned back to face him as an errant tear slipped down her cheek.

Jack's palm rested along her jaw line as his thumb swept her tear away. He leaned in and kissed both cheeks before pressing his lips to hers. "I love you, Elizabeth."

"I know you do; I've never doubted that. I love you too."

"Okay, can you tell me what's wrong? Why the tears?"

"They aren't sad tears; it's just the wind causing my eyes to water."

"Well, in that case are you ready to go back inside?"

She smiled and took the hand he offered as they walked the short distance back inside.

Later in the afternoon, Elizabeth excused herself to take a nap. When she returned two hours later the house was empty except for Jack who was watching a football game on TV.

"Where is everyone?" she asked.

"Your dad took everybody out to look at Christmas lights," Jack replied.

"WOW, he knows I love that. Why didn't they wake me up?"

"I don't know, but you know it's dark out and the sky is full of stars. Will you take me to the lake?"

"You still want to go?"

"More than you know."

"Okay, let's go."

As they started down the path, it was dark with very little light from the moon slipping through the trees. She reached for the light switch…

Jack stopped her, "I thought you knew your way around here?"

"I do, but it's dark and I thought you'd be more comfortable with some light."

"No, I want to experience it like you do."

"Okay, let's go…"

Jack's heart was pounding as they closed in on the lake. As he attempted to swallow, his dry mouth reminded him much of the Afghanistan dessert.

Once out into the clearing Jack looked up and saw the extraordinary view she had described. The stars appeared so close and truly as if you could reach out and grab them.

As she stepped into the clearing, Jack stepped off to the side and hit the power switch. Not only did it illuminate the path, but each tree around the perimeter of the lake was lit and looked as though icicles hung from each branch.

Elizabeth stood in awe as she began to scan the area. Turning back to Jack she found him on one knee holding an open ring box.

"Jack…" she whispered as her hands covered her mouth.

"Elizabeth," he began, finding himself becoming emotional. "Just to say that I love you seems so inadequate. I never want to leave you for a moment without saying it, but since the words are said so often, I'm afraid that you won't understand what I truly mean by them. How is it possible that so much feeling, and emotion is able to fit into those three meaningful yet simple words? You are my life, and my love, and until I find some other way to express it, 'I love you' will have to do. No matter how many times I say it, please don't take the sentiment lightly, for I love you more today than yesterday, but nowhere near as much as tomorrow."

He took a deep breath and attempted to gain control of his own emotions. With both he and Elizabeth crying, he continued, "My dear Elizabeth, you are without a doubt my best friend, my life and what all of my dreams are made of. I've searched my entire life for my soul mate, my one and only, my one true love, and my forever and always. The exciting part is that I found them all in you."

Jack's heart was pounding so loud at this point that he was certain each beat was visible even through his coat. "I love you, Elizabeth Thatcher. I promise you that not one day will go by when you have to question my feelings, and I will spend the rest of my days doing whatever I can to make you happy. Elizabeth, will you marry me?"

"I love you Jack, of course I'll marry you," she screamed as he stood, placed the ring on her finger, wrapped his arms around her waist and picked her up off the ground.

Hearing clapping and squeals from the woods, Elizabeth turned her head to find her family and Rosie stepping out into the clearing to congratulate them.

"Now we get to plan a wedding, "Julie yelled doing her best to be heard over the other voices.

"If it's okay with Jack I just want a simple ceremony…the sooner, the better!"

To be continued…