Telling the Kids
"I have one more surprise for you." Jack took her hand and pulled Elizabeth back into the house toward the kitchen.
"Honey, tonight has been the most amazing night. I can't imagine it getting any better.
Jack pulled out the brown paper bag from the fridge. "How about chocolate mousse cheesecake and some sparkling cider?"
"How did you…"
"I had help."
"Would that help wouldn't happen to be named Abigail would it?"
"You would be correct," they laughed.
They decided to take their dessert and drinks out to the backyard to celebrate and call their families.
When Jack called his mom, there was a loud squeal that Elizabeth could hear as she sat next to Jack. That squeal was followed by a "I'm gonna be a real Grandma!" statement. Elizabeth laughed and yelled back, "Yes you are!"
Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher were just as excited as the newly engaged couple. Jack had proven himself time and time again to be perfect for Elizabeth and the kids. They couldn't have been happier. Grace wanted to immediately jump into wedding planning, quickly overwhelming Jack and Elizabeth.
"Mom, trust me, I don't want to wait long, but give us a little time here?"
"Oh of course! I'm just so excited!"
A few minutes later they hung up the phone, ready to give each other their full attention.
"Well, they were all over the moon!" Elizabeth giggled, pulling Jack over to the hammock.
"I know! What do you think the kids will think?" He jumped onto the hammock and pulled his fiancé into his arms.
"Oh Jack, they love you. I can't imagine they'll be anything but happy."
"I hope so."
"Don't doubt it Jack. They are crazy about you." She ran her fingers lightly over the stubble that had grown in over the past crazy couple of days. Turning him to face her, she kissed him with a new passion. One of a woman who was anxious to become her love's wife.
Jack groaned as her hands roamed under his shirt. He'd loved his original proposal idea, but he'd never regret asking her that night like he did. Elizabeth felt the same. In proposing now and letting go of his earlier plan, he showed her again that a life with her and kids and all the unpredictability that brought, was what he wanted.
They pulled apart slight a bit later, realizing how much easier it was to carried away now. Elizabeth nestled into his chest, completely relaxed. No more words needed to be spoken. Their love could be felt strongly between them and that was enough. Elizabeth couldn't take her eyes off the ring Jack had given her.
"This is perfect Jack. I can't imagine a more beautiful ring."
"I'm glad," he said, happy with his decision.
"How should we tell the kids? Should we do it tomorrow?"
"I had a thought for that. I want to talk with the kids. Ask them, you know?" Jack kissed the top of Elizabeth's head.
"You want to propose to the kids?" she giggled.
"Yeah. Kind of." They both laughed. "They're in this too."
"I think that is an amazing gesture, Jack. I can't wait." She adjusted herself on the hammock to face him, letting her lips tease his before she took full possession of his mouth again. When they finally came up for air, she curled up with her back against his chest, his arms wrapped securely around her. They gazed up at the clear night sky. The blanket of stars added to the perfection of the night.
"Before us, did you ever think about being a dad?" Elizabeth asked while running her fingers along Jack's arm.
"I did. It was all hypothetical until I met you though. Before, it was just something I looked forward to. My dad was a really good dad, I wanted to be like him."
Elizabeth moved to kiss his cheek as he continued. "I always thought that when I had kids, I would do everything I could to not miss a thing. Not a single game, recital, school event, anything."
"Have you ever been to a beginner violin recital? They don't sound very pretty at that level. I've gone to a few for my students," she teased.
"No, but I can imagine," he laughed. "I just figured I'd want to be apart of it all. Support them, make sure they knew that no matter what they were loved."
Elizabeth turned her head to face Jack, who continued to watch the stars. She was in complete awe of him.
Jack knew the weight of his words, and how he had been living them out with Mya and Asher. In his heart, he was a dad and he wouldn't give that up for anything in the world.
Elizabeth let out a yawn. Embarrassed, she covered her face.
"Don't do that, you look adorable all sleepy like that."
"If you say so," she giggled.
"I do. Should we get you inside? I bet you could use a good night's sleep after that hospital stay."
She held onto him a little tighter. "I want to stay with you. Right here."
By the end of the night they had a complete plan on how to tell the kids about their engagement. Tomorrow was going to be a big day.
…..
A few hours later, Elizabeth awoke with a strange feeling on her face. With her eyes shut she reached up and wipe a droplet of water off her face. Not thinking anymore of it, she wrapped her arm back across Jacks chest and tried to go back to sleep.
Sleep didn't come however as a couple more droplets fell on her body. Then suddenly, it hit her…
"Jack! Jack wake up. It's starting to rain."
Jack stretched out, still half asleep. "I'll get up and close the windows in a sec."
"No Jack! There are no windows! We're outside!"
That got his attention. He sat up now fully awake as the sky appeared to open up and drop buckets of summer rain on their heads.
They quickly grabbed their dishes and blanket and ran inside. Once inside, Elizabeth closed the slider door and turned to look at Jack. The room was dark, but the moon cast a soft dim glow over them. He was dripping wet, so was she. She couldn't help but burst out laughing.
"What's so funny?"
"Us. Our life is going to be so memorable Jack. I just know it." She closed the distance and kissed him deeply.
"That it is, babe. I'm looking forward to every minute of it."
Jack dried off as best he could while Elizabeth went up to check on the kids. She came back down a few minutes later.
"Well, I should get going."
"I wish you didn't have to," Elizabeth whined as she snuggled up closer to him. Jack wrapped his arms around her in return.
"I know," he groaned. "But, it won't be like this for much longer." He kissed the diamond ring he'd placed on her finger earlier.
"I can't wait."
She stood at the window and watched as he backed out of her driveway and headed for home. Once he was out of sight, she climbed the stairs to her room, changed, and climbed into bed. She thanked the Lord for the new changes in her life. For the first time in a long time, she was completely ecstatic for the future.
…..
Jack woke up the next morning to a loud banging on his door. He groaned in his sleepy state and staggered to the door as the knocking continued.
"I'm coming! Sheesh, what's the emergency?" He sighed. Looking into the peep hole he laughed. "Brothers…" He opened the door and was immediately tackled by Tom and Jesse.
"Someone's been keeping some secrets!" Jesse laughed as he helped Jack off the floor.
"How'd you hear?"
"Mom called and woke each of us up last night to tell us the news. Congrats man!" Tom hugged him. "So we figured we'd take you out to breakfast to celebrate!"
"Thanks for a offer but I have plans."
"Elizabeth can wait a few hours."
"Not today. We're telling the kids. We have the whole day planned out." He looked at his watch. "Starting with breakfast."
"Well, then I guess we should let the family man go, huh Tom?"
"I guess we don't have a choice! But we need a guys night with our big brother. Tomorrow night? Burgers and beers?"
"Sounds great!
….
Across town, Elizabeth woke up early to get started on her cinnamon rolls. The rolls were rising when she heard little footsteps coming down the stairs.
"Good morning, sweetheart! How are you feeling?" she asked as Mya shuffled into the kitchen and took a seat on the stool.
"Good. Just a little sore here," she pointed to the incision site.
"The doctor said you might be for a bit. Would you like some juice?"
"Orange juice?"
"Yup!" Elizabeth poured a glass and placed it in front of her daughter.
"Mommy, are you making cinnamon rolls because I'm all better?"
"That's part of it," she grinned.
"What's the other part?"
"You'll see." Her phone dinged with a text. She smiled as she read the message.
J: Just texting my fiancé to let her know I'm on my way. Love you Elizabeth :)
E: I love you Jack. See you soon.
Mya giggled, "Are you texting Uncle Jack?"
"Why yes I am, snoop! How could you tell?"
"Because you smile with your eyes when you talk to him. Or see him. Or think about him."
"Oh, well I do love him very much."
"That's good. Oh, can we go to the park today?"
"Not today. Uncle Jack and I have something very special planned for us."
"Oh! I like special!"
…..
Jack called Abigail as he headed out the door to his car.
"Good morning, Abigail's Cafe!"
"Hey Abigail, its Jack."
"Good morning Jack!" How'd your special night for Elizabeth go?"
"Better than I imagined. Thanks for your help."
"Of course! It was so sweet of you to do something nice for her after all that craziness with Mya's health." He neglected to tell Abigail that he was planning on proposing. He wanted to allow Elizabeth to tell her the news for herself.
"So we're taking the kids sailing again today. I was wondering if I could order a picnic lunch for 4 to go?"
"You most certainly can! I know everyone's favorites! Leave it to me."
"You're a godsend, Abigail. Thank you. I'll pick up around 9."
"It will be ready!"
By the time Jack got to Elizabeth's, both kids were awake and watching some morning cartoons. He walked in as comfortable as if he lived there.
"Where are the munchkins?" he grinned as he entered the living room.
"We here, Uncle Jack! Look, Paw Patrol's on!"
"Awesome, bud! Morning, sweet pea, how are you feeling?" He leaned in giving them both a kiss. "Where's mom?"
"In the kitchen. She's making cinnamon rolls. Is today special? She makes them when she's really happy or its a birthday or something special."
"Maybe," he grinned. "I do know we're gonna have a fun day together. That sound cool?"
"Yeah!" They both cheered.
Jack hurried off into the kitchen quietly. Elizabeth didn't hear him come in so she was completely surprised when he come up behind her and wrapped her up in his arms from behind.
"Morning, beautiful." He leaned in, giving her exposed neck some loving attention.
"Morning, handsome," she turned in his arms to kiss his lips. "I missed you."
"I missed you too. I think I remember you saying last night to your folks that you didn't want to wait long?"
"Mhmm."
"I fully agree. I'm done sleeping alone and waking up alone. I just want to be here with you and the kids."
She sighed happily. "That sounds wonderful, Jack. I can't wait."
He kissed her again, wishing to be as close to her as human possible. The moment was simple yet perfectly romantic until they heard the giddy laughter of a little boy.
"Uncle Jack! You kissing Mama on the lips! That's so gross!" He then scurried back off to the living room.
"Well…" Jack said clearing his throat. "That happened." Elizabeth just giggled.
"We've been so careful, but it was bound to happen."
Out in the living room Asher ran back and jumped on the couch.
"Sissy, guess what?"
"What?"
"Uncle Jack was kissing Mama."
"So?"
"On the lips! Like a daddy and a mommy." He was still giggling.
Mya looked over towards the kitchen, but couldn't see anything. Her mind racing.
….
Mya was pretty quiet through breakfast. Jack and Elizabeth figured she was just tired from all she'd gone through recently. Once they were all done, they finally let the kids know they were all going sailing together. That made both kids really happy.
"Can Rip come?" Asher asked.
"Of course! He's my sea hound. I can't go without him," Jack smiled.
Because Mya was still recovering, she wouldn't be able to swim. Elizabeth packed a bunch of coloring things and toys for the kids instead. Jack had packed a cute little fishing pole for each kid too.
Before leaving town towards the lake, Jack pulled the car into Abigail's.
"Why don't you go in and grab our lunch." He handed her some money. "I think you should be the one to ah, tell her." He tried to sound cryptic with the kids sitting in the back.
"Oh, good idea! Kids, I'll be right back!"
"Okay!" they said.
Elizabeth hopped out and ran inside. She took her ring and rotated it so the sparkling diamonds were now facing up. She'd turned it before in hopes Mya wouldn't notice till the time was right. It was a good alternative to taking it off, which she didn't ever want to do.
"Elizabeth! Give me a moment and I'll go grab your order." Abigail smiled as she saw her young friend enter.
"Actually I'll go with you. I want to talk to you for a second."
"Oh sure. Come on back." Elizabeth ducked behind the counter and followed Abigail into the kitchen. "How's Mya doing?"
"Good. No fevers or anything."
"Wonderful! I'm sure that's a relief. Oh, how was Jack's little surprise for you last night? I swear, that man is the sweetest man I've ever met!"
"It was perfect and probably the biggest surprise of my life." She extended her hand, showing off her ring.
"Eeeek! He… you… yes! This is wonderful! When? I can make the cake!"
Elizabeth couldn't hold her laughter, "I'm sure we'll love that! We don't know when yet, actually we haven't even told the kids. That's what today is about."
"You have to tell me all about it later!"
"I will! Wait, what are you doing?" She watched as Abigail stuffed a few more desserts into the basket.
"It's a special day, you need more treats."
"Oh Abigail,' she giggled. "One each would have been fine."
"Nonsense. Now go, enjoy your day! Ack! I'm so excited!"
"Me too! Abigail, I can't believe it! I'm getting a second chance at love and the family I always wanted with the kids. And Jack… he's the most amazing man. I don't know how I got this lucky!"
"You're both lucky. Now go, have fun!"
…..
It took over a half hour with traffic to drive to the water. Once they got there, Elizabeth took the kids to use the restroom while Jack and Rip went down to get the boat set.
"This is it boy," he said to Rip once they were on the boat just them. "I'm about to ask the kids about me marrying Elizabeth. This is huge."
Jack was nervous. He had Elizabeth's parents blessing, his mom was over the moon, and Elizabeth herself had said yes. All that was left was the kids. They seemed to love him, and liked having him around a lot. But would they want him to stay? Be a dad?
When everything was ready, they sailed out into the bay. The sun was out and there was a beautiful scattering of puffy white clouds. After lunch, the kids were playing with their toys on the roof of the cabin. They called it their secret place.
"Jack, you ready?" Elizabeth asked, she was so excited she couldn't stand it.
He took a deep breath. "Yeah, let's do this."
"Mya, Asher come sit with us for a minute." Elizabeth spoke sweetly as she went over to help the kids down from the cabin roof. Asher ran straight for Jack, sitting on his lap, Mya stayed with Elizabeth and sat on her lap. "So Mommy and Uncle Jack wanted to talk to you about something."
"What is it?" Mya asked.
"Well we love having Uncle Jack around, right?"
"Yeah!" Asher yelled out. "Uncle Jack is da best!"
"I think so too. So…" she looked to Jack, signaling it was his turn.
"First off, I want you both to know that I love you very, very much. And I love your mommy too." He took a deep breath. Sensing his nervousness, Elizabeth took his hand, giving him the strength he needed. "Last night, I asked your mommy to marry me."
"And I said yes!"
"Now I'm asking you guys. Would it be okay with you two, if Mommy and I got married?"
Asher looked up and smiled at Jack "You be our daddy now?"
"Yes, is that okay?" Jack asked the little boy sitting in his lap.
"Okay, Daddy," he said innocently before moving his attention back to the toy in his hands. His smooth response made both Jack and Elizabeth's hearts almost burst. Jack in particular loved the sounds of the "Daddy" title being directed at him.
"What about you, Mya?" Elizabeth asked. Surprised by her daughter's shyness on the subject.
She look over at Jack then turned to look back at Elizabeth and whispered, "No."
"No?" Elizabeth was shocked. "Why, baby?"
"Because my uncles stay and Dad left. I want Uncle Jack to stay." With that she got up and rushed into the cabin.
Elizabeth jumped up to run after her but Jack stopped her. "Babe, let me." He calmly got up and walked over to Mya, who was now hiding under a blanket sitting on the floor of the cabin. only her toes could be seen from under the blue blanket.
"Hey, angel, can we talk?"
She didn't answer, just sat there curled up with her arms crossed. Jack laid on his stomach, sticking his front half under the blanket with her.
"You don't want me to become your Daddy because you think I'll go away?"
"My Dad left. I don't think he loves us anymore."
"I'm not going to do that Mya. I promise. When your Mommy and I get married, we're all going to be a family. Together." He searched her eyes.
Mya sat there, trying to process as best as her little brain would allow.
"Forever?"
"Forever and ever."
Finally Jack saw a change in her eyes as the anger and hurt of the past faded and pure joy radiated.
Elizabeth watched as Jack picked Mya up in his arms, kissing her cheek as they walked back.
He placed her down in front of Elizabeth. "Okay Mommy, you can marry Uncle Jack." Elizabeth reached for her daughter hugging her tightly. "I love you, Mya. Thank you."
The kids ran off to play back in their special spot on the boat, leaving Jack and Elizabeth alone. He sat down next to her, kissing her cheek. "I love you, Elizabeth. All of you." he gestured with his chin to where the kids were.
"I love you, Jack. We all do."
A few minutes later Mya called out with a question. "Mommy, when you get married, do we have to move?"
"Oh um," Jack shook his head. "Nope. Uncle Jack will move in with us. How's that?"
"That's good. I like my room."
"What about Rip?" Asher asked concerned.
"He gets to stay too!"
"Awesome! We gonna be like a real family!"
Jack kissed Elizabeth's temple. They were a family. Something Mya said had stuck with him though. A worry that he hoped he could nix permanently.
….
"They're asleep, finally." Elizabeth said as she plopped on the couch next to her fiancé. Jack leaned over to kiss her lips. "They're so excited about us becoming a family. Asher has even said he'd share his room with you."
Jack laughed. "Well that's a sweet offer but I think my plan is to sleep as close to you as humanly possible."
"Hmmm, I like the sound of that." She leaned in kissing him deeply. "What are you working on?" she asked noticing his laptop on.
"Oh this! Just looking into what I need to do to leave the National Guard."
"What?" she said shocked. "But you love the Guard!"
"I know I do."
"Then why would you leave?"
"I've been thinking about it for a while now, and what Mya said today convinced me." He looked over to see Elizabeth's confused face. "Uncles stay, Dads leave" that's basically what she said. If I continue and take on another term I'll likely deploy again. I'll have to leave. Could be for a few months or it could be for a year. I can't do that to her. Any of you really."
"If it comes to that we'll help her understand. I'm not letting you give up your dream."
"Elizabeth, this is what I want."
"No, I won't be in the way. That's exactly what he said happened last time. I caused the problem and he left. I'm not doing that to you." She got up and walked out the front door.
Jack just sat there and sighed. He knew exactly what had just happened. No matter how much Elizabeth knew that what happened with Charles wasn't her fault, she still carried some guilt. Jack took a deep breath and went after her.
She hadn't gotten far, just to the porch swing. She sat there, knees to her chest. Much like Mya earlier. The hurt of being abandoned ran deep.
"I'm not him, Elizabeth," Jack said sweetly. "I'm not going to leave you. No matter what." He wrapped his arm around her as he took the seat next to her. Elizabeth allowed herself to fall into him, letting him hold her.
"I know," she whispered. "I'm sorry." He kissed the top of her head.
"You were only partially right before anyway. The Guard was my dream. It's just not anymore."
"What do you mean?"
"I've gotten to serve my country, travel the world and meet lots of interesting people. That was the dream. But when I came home, and we started seeing each other, my other dream began to come true."
She sat up to look at him as he talked.
"You asked me last night if I had thought before about being a dad. I had. I always wanted to have a family someday. I met you and it finally seemed like it could happen. I don't want to be told I have to leave for a year and not see you or the kids. I'm coming in late to the game here as it is. As far as I'm concerned, I've already missed out on enough. This is what I want."
She believed him, for which he was grateful. They spent a little more time out on the porch watching the stars before returning to the warmth of the house.
