Back to "Normal"

It had been a week since Jack returned to Camp Eagle, Afghanistan. He was happy to be back and see that his men were recovering well both emotionally and physically. However Elizabeth was never far from his mind and he missed her even more than before. He tried hard to cope by diving headfirst into his work, remembering the sooner they completed their mission, the sooner he'd get to go home.

As he was taking a break from his duties to walk around and get some fresh air, he kept replaying different parts of his visit to the states in his mind. Mostly what it felt like to be near Elizabeth again. He smiled as he thought of the feeling of her warm body lying next to him, the sound of her voice, or the way she looked as she made cookies for him, all of which he'd eaten by now.

"Captain Thornton?" An army major called out as Jack walked past.

"Evening Major Jones. How can I help you?" Jack said saluting the officer.

"Well as you know I lead a support group here for the soldiers."

"Yes, I've heard good things about it."

"Oh well, that's good to hear. The group is a little bigger now. We have a number of men from Charlie company coming since Posts death."

"I'm sure. Glad they're getting some help."

"Yes. I haven't seen any from your company though. It's fine if everyone is doing ok, just thought I'd reach out just in case."

"Thank you for your concern. I was gone for a bit after that mission but I've been trying to check in with each of them. I know a few men are really struggling with Doug's death. Sergeant Wyatt did what he could, but he's said this isn't his area of expertise," Jack said with a small laugh.

"Understood Captain. Well if it helps, we meet again at 2000 hours and we welcome anyone who's interested."

"Thanks. I'll look into it." Jack saluted and went on his way. He walked over to one of the tables and pulled out one of his dad's letters. Jack had spent a lot of time reading over the letters since he returned. It was hard at times, but he enjoyed feeling connected again to his father. The conversation with Major Jones reminded him of something his dad had written.

"Dear Charlotte,

Things here are alright. Each day seems to grow longer and longer and I can't tell you how much I miss you and boys. Your note about Tommy's loose tooth was hysterical. I can't believe Jack tried to convince him he was loosing his teeth forever. What a big brother thing to do! So funny. Hope Tommy's recovered now. Give them both hugs for me.

Overall I'm doing fine. I have men that I'm worried about though. Adams meant a lot to them and they just can't seem to process the loss. It's not like we're really set up out here to do much. There's a chaplain and the guys seems to like him alright but they won't go to him about this. Afraid of looking weak, I guess. It's a common stigma among servicemen.

I love you Char, I hope to be back to you soon.

Tom"

Jack folded the letter back up and kept thinking about his men. Wyatt had shared with Jack earlier that PCF Weaver seemed to be taking all that happened very hard. He was young, and from what they could tell, this one of the hardest things he'd gone through. Jack had taken it under advisement and kept a close eye on the young soldier since his return.

He checked his watch, just an hour before the majors session. "Perfect." He smiled, an idea coming to him.

"Hey Sergeant?" Jack called over to Wyatt as he passed by.

"Yes sir?"

"Call up the men, I wanna have a talk with them."

It didn't take long to wrangle the men. Most of them had been resting in the barracks, a few others were in the morale tent. Once all were accounted for Jack cleared his throat, gaining their attention.

"Evening everyone, I know its your free time so I'll make this brief. Many of you know Major Jones, one of the chaplains here with us. He was talking to me today about these support sessions he's leading to help soldiers here deal with deployment and the hardships of war. Now I know what some of you might think. "I'm a soldier, I don't need to sit in a circle and talk about my feelings."" He said mimicking Sergeant Wyatt.

"Are you trying to sound like me, Captain? Wyatt laughed.

"Of course not, Sergeant." Jack winked, causing some of the men to laugh. "Anyway, if that's your mentality I want to encourage you to knock it off. We're all human here and sometimes life hits us between the eyes and it sucks. There is no shame in feeling however you're feeling or in going to a meeting, understood?"

"Yes Captain," the men responded.

"Alright then. Next session is at 2000 hours. Anyone who wants to attend can join me. That's right, I'll be there too. Dismissed." With that the men dispersed for dinner, Jack and Wyatt not far behind.

….

Stateside, Elizabeth was settling back into her school routine. Missing Jack with every step.

"Alright class." Elizabeth called out to her students. "I received a fantastic report from your substitute. Thank you for being the wonderful students I know you are."

"You're welcome," the class called back with giggles.

"Now, we have a little more time before we head down to Mrs. Montgomery's for music. Does anyone have anything they'd like to share about their week?" Hands flew up all across the room. "Yes, James."

"Mom and I made another care package for Dad. He says he really likes them a lot. This time we put in those little red fish candies. They're his favorite. Mom said we can watch where the package is on the computer, it's kind of like a game. Last night it was in Germany."

"Oh, that means it will probably be on a plane to Afghanistan very soon!" Elizabeth said.

"Yeah! That's what Mom said!" James was excited.

"Anyone else?" she asked as James took his seat. "Alright Ruby."

"My mom went to a funeral this week. One of the men that worked with Daddy got hurt really bad and died."

"Mine too," a number of kids called out with concerned faces.

"Isn't that why you were gone too Mrs. Thornton? Someone died?"

She took a deep breath. Maybe she shouldn't have asked about their weeks. "Yes, I went to Vermont for the funeral for a friend that had been serving with Captain Thornton. It was very sad. Now, tell me how you all feeling with all this?"

"I'm a little scared," Ruby said with a shrug. "Mom's been really upset." A number of the kids nodded, thinking of their own families.

Elizabeth looked around the room. She wanted to do something to help their little hearts. She could imagine how their moms felt, probably very similar to how she felt. "Alright children, it's time to go to music and then you'll be off to lunch and recess; but when you get back I have a special project for you."

"What is it?" Opal asked.

"You're just going to have to wait and see." Elizabeth smiled just as the bell rang. Once the kids were settled in music, she walked down the hall to Faiths office.

"Faith! I need your help."

"Whats up?" she said spinning around in her chair.

"I need a project…"

….

At the Fort Hope hospital, Peter sat in a cold exam room. After months of rehab, he was finally starting to feel more like his old self. The pain was almost completely gone and from what he could see, he was showing real improvement. He hardly needed the crutches anymore. Though he had been instructed to continue with them some to lower his risk of re-injury.

What he was most anxious for was being cleared to return to active duty. The idea of returning to his unit while they were still deployed was gone, as they were due to return to Georgia within the week. He wanted to know that he could still be a soldier, and return to them someday.

He sat there in a chair, bouncing his good knee 100 times a minutes.

"You know you keep that up you might hurt that leg too," Frank teased.

"Sorry, nervous habit."

"I know it. Your mom does the same. She also does it on Sundays when my sermon goes on too long." They laughed together.

"Thanks again for coming to these Dad. With the baby and all I hate making Clara do it."

"I'm happy to do it, Peter. Anytime."

It didn't take long for Peter to start bouncing his leg again. "Why do they make patients wait so long," he groaned.

"I use to think it was a billing thing so they could charge more." Frank laughed. "Nowadays I'm not sure."

*knock knock*

"Corporal Stanton?" Peter stood as the doctor entered. "Climb up here and let's take a look."

Peter did all the stretches and moves the doctor asked of him. He was pleased with himself. He searched the doctor's face for any indication of what he might but thinking. He seemed happy with the progress, but then Peter remembered it wasn't this doctor alone he needed to impress.

"You are aware that the medical review board will be meeting to discuss your progress at the end of the week?" the doctor asked as he reviewed the file.

"Yes sir." Peter was nervous. The medical review boards job was to decide his fate within the army. He still wasn't combat ready, but he knew he would be again and was willing to work hard for it. The board just needed to see that it was possible in a timely fashion. "Can you give me an idea if it's looking good or not?" Peter asked. "I hardly need the crutches now and I'm completely off the prescription pain meds."

"You know that's all for the board to decide."

"But I'm sure you give them recommendations, correct?" Frank asked with a stern face. He knew what Peter wanted, and he came prepared to fight for his son.

"Yes, I do give them my medical opinion. What they do with that is out of my hands." Both Peter and Frank stared at him. "Okay look, from what I can see Corporal, you are healing very well. Now is that to say you're healing fast enough for the Army, that's all up to them. You'll know by the end of the week. Until then, keep up the good work and I'll see you next week ok?"

"Yes Major, thank you." Peter sat still as he watched the doctor leave before laying back in frustration on the exam table.

"I know that's not what you wanted to hear, but that wasn't bad news." Frank moved to stand next to Peter.

"It wasn't really good news either." Peter rubbed his eyes. "I'm a solider, Dad. I don't want to be anything else."

"I know. Say, I've got more time before my afternoon meeting at church. What do you say we grab a bite to eat?"

Peter nodded. "Sure, Dad. That'd be fun."

….

Elizabeth was back in her classroom setting out stacks of colored paper, markers and other fun crafty items.

"There. This should do I think." She said with a satisfied smile.

"Mrs. Thornton, what are we doing?" Timmy asked as he and the rest of his classmates entered the room.

"Take your seats children and I'll explain." She waited as they followed directions. "Now I know this deployment has been hard for most of you. It's been hard for me too. I also know that our loved ones love it when we send them pictures and notes from home, telling them that we love and miss them. So today as part of our english assignment, we are going to make little sketchbook journals!"

The whole class seemed to jump with excitement.

"Each day, I want you to write notes in your journal and draw a picture to illustrate your entry. In two weeks we'll send them off in a big box to our loved ones at camp Eagle."

For the next hour the student worked diligently on creating their journals.

….

After grabbing a bite to eat with Frank, Peter walked back into the quiet house. Abigail and Frank were at work and Cody and Becky would be at school for a couple more hours. He carefully walked down the hall to his and Clara's bedroom. Neglecting to use his crutch.

From the doorway he could see his beautiful wife nursing their daughter. "What am I going to do if I'm out of the army. How am I going to take care of them?" thought to himself.

"Hey you." Clara gave him a smile when she saw him there.

"Hey."

"How was your appointment?"

"Meh." He collapsed next to her on the bed. "I still don't really know anything."

"But you're getting better right?" She moved to put the now sleeping baby back in her bassinet.

"Yes, but maybe not enough." He stared up at the ceiling. "The medical review board will meet soon to decide my future."

She thought for a moment before asking what was on her heart. "Do you think there's a chance they'll discharge you?"

"Let's not thinking about that." He groaned covering his face with his hands.

"Okay but, would it really be so bad?"

"What?" He sat straight up.

"I just meant it may not be the worst thing, right?" Clara said sheepishly. By the look on her husband's face, she knew she said something he didn't like. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said anything."

"No, what do you mean? Not the worst thing?"

"I guess I mean if you can't be a combat soldier, maybe you can move on to something else."

"Like what? What would I do?"

"I don't know… something safer, where you're not leaving us for months at a time." A little bit of bitterness leaked out in her tone.

"Clara, I'm a soldier. You know that. In fact you knew that when we got married." His voice was growing more tense.

"I know Pete I just… look at what we've gone through! Look at what happened with Jack's friend and the man in Shane's company!"

"That's part of the job," he spoke dryly.

"Oh now come on Pete! Enough with the party lines!"

"It's not a party line, it's the truth! Its horrible and sad but we all knew what we were signing up for."

"Well maybe I didn't," she grumbled under her breath as she walked out of the room.

"No? So what, you don't want to be with me anymore?" His voice was now angry as he followed her to the kitchen.

"Don't put words in my mouth. I love you, you know that!" Clara was growing more and more frustrated with the conversation that seemed to be heading nowhere.

"So what is it Clara? You're hoping I lose my job? Is that it?" She said nothing. "Tell me Clara, are you hoping for a medical discharge?" His voice getting louder.

"Yes!" she regretted the word as soon as it was out, but there was no taking it back now. "Where are you going?" she asked as he headed for the door.

"Out."

"But you haven't been cleared to drive yet and you don't have your crutches!" she called out as the front door slammed shut.

….

Jack was pleased with the turnout at Major Jones group session. The men he was most concerned about had all come and even a few he hadn't realized were still struggling. When the session was over, PCFs Weaver and Parker thanked him for his support and encouraging them to go.

Unknown to the men in the session, General Avery had been standing outside listening, a content grin on his face.

Jack was the last to leave the session, giving the general the opportunity he was looking for.

"I knew I wasn't wrong about you." General Avery said walking up behind Jack.

"Me sir?" Jack turned around surprised.

"Yes. Do remember the first time we met Jack?"

"Yes sir, I was just a cadet. It was at my father-in-law's birthday party in Boston."

"Yes it was." he laughed. "William and I were old friends. He talked a lot about this young cadet who'd stolen his middle daughters heart. He was always excited to introduce me to his future son-in-law that night."

"We weren't engaged yet though." Jack laughed.

"No you weren't, but William said he knew the moment he met you, you were going to be apart of their family. I knew then just from talking to you that you'd make a great leader. I heard what you did for your men today. Trying to remove the stigma of seeking help when it's needed, going yourself as an example. That's fine work Jack."

"Thank you sir. Just doing what I could."

"Of course. You have a bright future here Jack. The army's lucky to have you." With that he was off.

The next day Jack was standing at a table looking over maps of the area with some of the other officers, all trying to formulate a plan. Everyone was ready to end this deployment. They just had to get the area into a better place first, and help the local army prepare to handle it for themselves.

Jack looked up from the maps as the door opened.

"Captain Thornton!" Shane grinned.

"Captain Cantrell!" The two friends hugged. They hadn't seen each other since Jack returned. "Welcome back. How was patrol?"

"Not terrible. How was your trip?"

"Horrible, yet great. Seeing Elizabeth and the family made all the difference."

"I'm sure. You got time for a walk?"

"Sure." Jack turned to the other officers and said goodbye.

Once outside they walked towards their bunks. Shane went to his bunk to drop off his gear while Jack went to grab an envelope from his. He headed back towards Shane's room, hearing him groan as he reached the doorway.

"Long patrol?" Jack asked with a laugh.

"Kind of, yeah. A whole week of sleeping on the ground and walking all over the dang desert. Gained some good intel though so at least there's that."

"Yeah, I heard we'll be having a briefing at 1400 hours?"

"Yup. Hey whatcha got there?" Shane pointed to the envelope in Jack's hands.

"Something for you." Jack handed it over with a grin. "Special delivery from Faith."

"Really?" Shane's face lit up. Things had been so crazy, he'd hardly talked to Faith at all, let alone Philip. Most of the times he was available to call or skype Philip was already off in bed. He opened the envelope and laughed. Pulling out a few hand drawn pictures his son had done as well as photos of him and Faith. "This is just what I needed." Shane smiled as he wiped a small tear from his eye.

"You missing them a lot right now?"

"I do. So much."

"Have you heard anything? Are we any closer to getting home?" Jack asked already knowing the answer, but he had to ask.

Shane sighed. "I wish I knew. I'd like to think so. I'm sure they'll go over this at the briefing, but we think we found their main compound. Where all their leaders have be hiding and where they do a lot of recruitment. The problem has been getting close enough to confirm it and then figure out what to do about it."

"Shane, if we can flush them out, get the upper hand we could finish this!"

"I know. Believe me." Shane looked at the pictures in his hands. Wanting more than anything to hold his wife again. "So, how's Elizabeth?" he asked.

"She's good." Jack smiled a little. "The trip was hard, and I still wish it didn't have to happen but being with Elizabeth again was… amazing. But to leave her again? Shane I can't tell you how much I wanted to stay."

"I'm sure. Honestly I felt sorry for you."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah, I think if I got to go and see Faith again, hold her, be with her like before, it would make coming back to this mess unbearable."

Jack sighed. "Yeah. I feel like a jerk for leaving this time. I love my job. I love feeling like I'm making a difference, and following my dreams but…"

"But you have dreams with Elizabeth too."

"Exactly."

Shane looked down at the hand draw art from Philip. It was a picture of the two of them fishing. Since the death of Post and Burke, Shane had been considering leaving the army when his contract was up. They wanted another kid, and he felt like he was missing a lot of Philip's life. He just wasn't sure yet.

"Did Elizabeth say how Faith with holding up?"

"Yeah. She's doing well. Had a heck of a scare when the casualty officers seemed to be outside her house. That shook her up a lot."

"Oh I could strangle them. Scaring her like that," Shane growled.

"They didn't mean to. You heard how that went down right?" Jack asked.

"I know…" Shane placed the envelope down with his things. "You hungry? How about we get some chow before the meeting?"

"Sounds like a plan." Jack smiled and they were off.

….

Elizabeth was sitting at her dining room table looking over all the contents of the wooden box of memories. Each day since Jack left she found herself sitting and going through everything she had opened thus far. She picked up a light colored blue envelope with fish drawn on it and laughed.

"I think I know what you are." She smiled.

*ding dong* *ding dong*

She looked at the clock, not expecting anyone she cautiously walked towards the door.

"Don't be a notification officer… Don't be a notification officer..." She repeated as she reached for the handle. Letting out a sigh of relief as she opened it.

"Hi Elizabeth."

"Clara! Hi! I wasn't expecting you."

"I know, I should have called first. I just had to get out of the house and…" she spoke fast, on the verge of tears.

"Don't worry about it. Come on in. Hi Lily girl, you are getting so big."

"She is." Clara smiled as she handed the baby carrier over to Elizabeth. She took off her jacket and shoes, leaving them by the door.

Elizabeth made some tea and they moved to sit in the living room together. Clara looked tired and stress. Elizabeth could tell something big was going on, but knew Clara would open up when she was ready.

Lily began to fuss in Elizabeth's arms. She stood and walked her around the living room, talking soothingly to her.

"You're a natural Elizabeth." Clara smiled. "Have a lot of experience?"

"Not really. My older sister has a young son that I adore but other than that my experience has mostly been with school aged children." Clara nodded.

After a while of talking about nothing in particular, Clara opened up. "So Pete had another appointment yesterday."

"How did that go?" Elizabeth asked.

"They say the medical review board will meet soon to discuss his future with the army."

"How do you feel about that?"

"Can I be honest?"

"Always. Whatever is said stays between the two of us. Well, three." They laughed looking down at the now sleeping baby.

"I feel like a horrible wife, but part of me is…." she sighed. "I'm hoping for a medical discharge."

"Does Peter know that?"

"He does now." she rolled her eyes. "I said it and I shouldn't have and he's furious at me. He stormed out yesterday and didn't come back till late. When he did we fought again. Says he's not good at anything else and doesn't want to be anything else. Now he won't talk. Says there's nothing to discuss. I screwed up Elizabeth." Clara said full of tears.

Elizabeth carefully laid Lily back into her carrier and went to wrap her arms around her friend.

"Everything you're thinking and feeling right now is completely normal. It's only natural to want our loved ones safe. Especially our husbands."

"I could have expressed it nicer." Clara said wiping her eyes.

"Well, maybe." Elizabeth gave a soft smile. "Our men are very sensitive about these things. For them, being soldier isn't just a job. Its an identity, a family. For Peter, it's also a link to his father."

Clara hung her head. "I'm such an idiot, I didn't think of it that way. All I was thinking was keeping my family together and safe."

"Which he can't fault you for!"

"You didn't see the look on his face, it was as if I betrayed him and the army." Clara throw her hands up in the air.

"May I ask, if he's allowed to continue to serve, we'll you be okay? Will you support him?"

"Of course I will, he's my husband. He's the love of my life."

"He may need you to tell him that right now. He probably feels like his whole life is in flux. Knowing that no matter happens you'll face it together, that could mean everything to him." She thought back to her conversation with Jack in the airport, tugging on her star necklace he'd given her years ago.

"You're right. Ugh, I can't believe I made such a mess out of it."

"Don't be too hard on yourself. It sounds like you both lost your way a bit. Just talk to him, get it all out in the open and make it clear you will be supportive whatever comes."

Clara smiled. "You're starting to sound like my mother-in-law."

"Oh? Well she's given me so much advice over the years, I guess it only makes sense it would start to come out eventually." They laughed.

After 2 cups of tea and lots of baby cuddles, Elizabeth said bye to Clara. She needed to get Peter to talk and clear the air. Elizabeth wished her luck and gave her hug before closing the door.

Walking back to the kitchen table, picking up the blue envelope from before. She careful broke the seal and pulled out a picture. It was of her and Jack sitting by a statue at Faneuil Hall in Boston. They were sitting cheek to cheek, with his arm around her, holding her tightly.

The week before Rosie and Lee's wedding...

Elizabeth sat on a bench inside the Boston Aquarium. It was one of her favorite places to go to think and be alone. She loved to just sit and watch all the fish and turtles swim around the giant cylinder tank at the center of the large building.

She was missing Jack terribly. It had been weeks since she'd seen him. Elizabeth had stayed with him in Vermont after his dad's funeral till he left for his first training. The past few weeks felt more like a year. He was allowed one phone call a week, which she had suggested he use to call Charlotte and he did all but once. He could email when he had time, which wasn't often and there was of course snail mail.

Elizabeth hated that he was off with all he was dealing with, but knew it was what he felt he needed to do. After a lot of discussion, they'd agreed to continue moving forward with their wedding plans. Charlotte insisted as well. "No reason in heaven or earth for you two to wait any longer. Your father would agree!" she had said.

"Just two more days," she thought. "Two more days and Jack will be back from training and I can hold him in my arms."

Her phone rang a few minutes later. She was surprised to see Jack's picture on the screen.

"Jack?"

"Hey you! I'm all done!"

"Oh my goodness! I thought you had two more days?"

"Nope, finished early." She could almost hear his smile through the phone.

"That's wonderful, when do I get to see you?"

"Does now sound good? Turn around."

She turned around to see Jack's handsome face smiling at her as he approached. She ran into his arms as he lifted her up, spinning her around.

"I've missed you," he spoke into her hair.

"I've miss you so much! Why didn't you tell me you'd be done early and here!"

"I wanted to surprise you." He gave her a sweet kiss. "Is this okay? I got the first flight out this morning. I already went to the house to drop off my stuff and your dad told me were you were."

"You're staying with me?" she asked as pulled him towards where she had been sitting.

"Is that okay? You parents are letting my mom stay there too for Lee and Rosie's wedding. She'll be up in a few days"

"Its perfect." She grabbed his collar and pulled him lower for a kiss, taking his breath away.

They took a seat on the bench, Jack's arm around Elizabeth's shoulders. For a few quiet moments they watched all the fish and turtles swim by, just enjoying being together again.

"How'd your training finish out?"

"Really good. I finished at the top of the class." His words lack his usual excitement.

"Jack, that's wonderful! I'm so proud of you!" He gave a weak smile and nodded. Not taking his eyes off the large tank. "Your dad would have been very proud."

"I know," Jack agreed, a small tear escaping. "It's weird not being able to call and tell him about all this. I talked to Mom, it's good just not the same."

"I know." She looked up, kissing his cheek soft and sweet. "I love you."

"I love you too." He smiled. He needed this, he needed her. He only had a little over a week before he went off to his next training. It was hard, but after that he'd be coming home for their wedding. He'd hold that in his mind and heart as he moved forward for the next month.

They sat and talked about how Elizabeth summer teaching had been going and how the Jack's training had been until Elizabeth's stomach growled causing Jack to laugh.

"Wow, are you a little hungry?" he teased.

"I guess so!" They laughed. "Want to grab something at Faneuil Hall? It's my favorite place, there's so many options! And then we can sit and watch some of the street performers?"

"Love to." He kissed her again. Tasting the sweet taste of her iced coffee on her tongue.

After grabbing food they found a nice place to sit near a giant art sculpture which for the life of Jack, he didn't understand. It didn't look like anything. Elizabeth seemed to like it though. It least it shaded them a bit from the hot summer sun.

"So you ready for the wedding Mr. best man?" She teased as she took a bite of her gyro.

"I am. I wish it was our wedding instead, but that will happen." Jack grinned as he opened up his lobster salad sandwich, taking a big bite.

"I feel the same. It will go by fast though."

"Wow this is amazing! How have I never had lobster before?"

Elizabeth laughed at his excitement. "If you like it that much maybe we'll have to grab some on our honeymoon. We're staying on the Cape so it shouldn't be too hard."

He took her hand and brought it to his lips. "Sounds good to me. Hey how's Rosie been treating you? Has she morphed into a complete bridezilla yet?"

"Oh she's been fine." She laughed. "I think she'll actually be relieved to have it all over. She's ready to be Rosemary Coulter."

"And what about you? You ready to be Elizabeth Thornton?"

"Elizabeth Thornton." She beamed, loving the sound of it. "I can't wait."

The enjoyed the rest of the afternoon touring the city before heading back to the Thatchers spacious mansion just before dinner. The house was quiet. Julie was out with friends and William and Grace had left to attend a party at the Kensingtons. One Elizabeth was grateful for the excuse to miss.

Jack leaned against the kitchen counter watching Elizabeth rummage through the kitchen trying to decided what they should make for dinner. He laughed when she yelled "Yes! Perfect!"

"So, what are we eating tonight beautiful?"

"How about grilled cheese sandwiches?" They laughed.

"Our 'I love you' sandwich. Perfect" He wrapped her up in his arms and kissed her deeply. "I don't know how I managed not having you by my side."

"Same here." Her eyes still closed as she caught her breath from their kiss.

They made their sandwiches together, stealing little kisses and tender touches every few moments. Both loving how domesticate and happy they felt. They sat at the island in the kitchen eating their dinner while Elizabeth caressed Jack's leg with her free hand, as if to remind herself that he was really there with her. It was driving him crazy. It was such a simple sweet act yet it left him wanting more of her.

When they finished, Elizabeth got up placing their dishes into the dishwasher. Jack stood back watching how her athletic shorts hung snug on her hips as she bent to place the last glass on the bottom rack. Noticing the tan lines on her back where her tank top left her exposed once she stood back up. He groan was barely audible, wishing again that it was their wedding this weekend.

"Hey, remember the last time we were alone in here?" She teased, looking back at him. Her mind thinking back to after her father's birthday party.

"You mean when you were sitting here." He effortlessly lifting her onto the counter. A surprised gasp escaping her lips.

"Yes." She grinned, speaking just above a whisper as she pulled him to stand in between her legs.

"What else happened when we were here?" he asked as his lips began toying with her neck.

"I… I think… we kissed."

"We kissed huh?" He teased, sliding his hands just under her tank top. "Well now that does sound like us." He moved his lips to hers, kissing her as if to make up for a month's worth of kisses in one.

He let go of her and folded his hands behind his head, willing himself not to get too carried away as their kiss continued.

It didn't help much as Elizabeth wrapped her legs around his midsection to pull him in even further. She pulled apart from their kiss just enough to move her lips to his neck. Smiling has he groaned. Loving the effect she had him already. He moved his hands to the counter, resting them on either side of her. Gripping it tightly.

"Are we really alone?" Jack asked breathless a few minutes later. Wanting to know their chances of family or household staff entering unexpectedly.

"Completely," she answered, causing Jack lifted her off the counter and lead her up the back stairs.

Once up the stairs, Elizabeth pulled Jack into her room, closing the door behind them. They'd gone through so much over the past couple months. She wanted to feel him close, and have him feel her love in return.

Jack's brain shut off as things began to escalate fast. All he could think about with the woman in front of him. The woman who would with in a little over a month's time, be his wife. His hands quickly pulled her shirt up over her shoulders. An action she quickly reciprocated as his shirt soon laid with hers in a small heap on her hardwood floor. He picked her up in his arms and laid her on the bed.

Their need for each other felt greater than ever before. Jack clasped his right hand in her left, pushing it up over her head as he kissed her passionately. They could given in right then. No one would know. The both wanted to. That was never a question. But should they? Their big day was so close, yet it still felt like an eternity.

Jack pulled back slightly, his lips leaving a trail of kissing from her lips down to her stomach. Once his lips reached the waistband of her shorts he pulled back, collapsing next to her on the bed with a growl.

"Elizabeth…" he whispered, still catching his breath.

"I know…" she whispered back taking his hand again in hers. They laid there next to each other on their backs trying to cool themselves down.

"Maybe… maybe I should take you out for ice cream instead?" he suggested with a laugh, still taking in deep breathes.

"You think I won't still want you while we're eating ice cream?" Her question made them both laugh.

He rolled to his side, gazing over at her. "No, but I think there's little we can do about it in public."

"Good thought." She let out a forced breath. "Maybe we should invite Rosie too."

"A chaperone? Yeah, that might help," he teased taking in one more big breathe before helping her up off the bed and grabbing their discarded clothing. "I think we made the right call though."

"What do you mean?" She pulled her shirt back over her head.

"Not postponing the wedding. I don't think I can wait much longer to be your husband."

Present Day…

Elizabeth sat on the couch giggling to herself. "Oh Jack, you were always the stronger one. Holding us to our commitment; taking care of us. Ugh I wanted to strangle you for pulling away, but even then I knew you were right. Love you sweet husband of mine."