A Sign

Clara walked back into the quiet Hogan house. She placed Lily's carrier down on the entryway bench before dropping her purse and jacket in the hall closet. Taking in a deep breath as she closed the door. The whole car ride home she'd rehearsed what she might say to Peter. Not knowing what mood she'd find in him, she wasn't sure how to start. Clara knew without a doubt that it was a conversation they needed to have none the less.

"It's now or never baby girl." she whispered to her sleeping daughter as they went into the living room.

"Hon?" Peter said, standing up off the couch, surprising Clara.

"I need to put the baby down. I'll be back okay?" He silently nodded and watched her walk away. Peter study her face and her movements, trying to figure out just how mad she was. She had a special walk she would do when she was angry. He'd learned to recognize it well in their years together. Unfortunately, right now he couldn't read her.

He felt like a jerk for how he'd acted. Instead of explain to her how he felt about the review board and his fears, he yelled at her. That wasn't what he planned to do, it just happened. Now he knew he had to ask for her forgiveness.

In the other room, Clara tucked Lily in her crib, kissing her head before walking back out to her husband. She stopped in her tracks at the sight of him. Barely limping as he paced, swinging his arms back and forth. She knew that stance well. In the years she'd known him she saw him like this only when he felt guilty about something. Like when he would be late picking her up for a date, or the time on their first date where he was so nervous he spilled his cherry coke in her lap. She couldn't hold her smile. She loved this man. For better or worse.

"Pete?" she said gaining his attention.

"Clara, hey look I'm so sorry. I was a jerk." he blurted as they walked towards each other.

"No wait, I'm sorry. I should have been more supportive or asked how you felt instead of yelling and being stubborn."

"No, it's my fault and I was the stubborn one." he countered.

"I'm serious Pete!" she laughed.

"Wow, are we really about to fight over which one of us gets to take blame for our fight?" He grinned, making them both laugh.

"We are." she sighed wrapping her arms around his neck. "Okay, I'm sorry for my part of all this, and I forgive you for yours."

He wrapped his arms around her pulling her closer. "I forgive you. I'm sorry for what I did too."

"Can we start over?" he nodded "How are you feeling about everything?" she asked as they took a seat on the couch.

"Honestly I'm… scared. This is the only world I know. On top of that, you, me and Lily are a family. It's my responsibility to provide for us. If I'm not a soldier I don't know how to do that."

Clara curled up at his side. "I love you. Whatever happens we'll figure it out."

"Will you be okay if I'm still in the army?"

She took in a deep breath before answering. "I will be."

"Even if I deploy again?"

"I won't lie, I'll always worry about you when you're out of my sight. But if this is what you want, where you feel God leading you I will support you."

"Yeah?"

"Always."

A week later...

The morning sunlight was streaming through the blinds as Clara slept. Peter lied there awake and extremely anxious. The review board had met yesterday so it was only a matter of time till he heard the news.

He gazed down at Clara with a smile, watching her sleep. She looked so peaceful. He watched her until their daughter began to stir in her crib. Peter got up and carried her out to the kitchen to allow Clara a little more rest.

"You've been keep mom up a lot with all those late night feedings baby girl. Let's see if you'll let her sleep a little longer." he leaned in kissing her forehead.

The smell of bacon and eggs streamed in as they walked down the hall.

"Morning son." Frank called out from the stove.

"Hey dad. Cooking for us I see?"

"We'll I figured your mom could use a little rest this morning business at the cafe has been booming."

"Well that's good. Maybe she'll need a fry cook when I'm discharged from the army today."

"Peter Jonathan, no talking like that." Frank said shaking the spatula at him. "So, bacon and a cheese and spinach omelet sound good?" he said placing the plate down in front of him.

"Awesome thanks. Could you make one for Clara when she gets up?"

"Sure can!"

Peter took a big bite using his free hand, still cradling his daughter in the other. "Wow, thats amazing. Be careful or you may put mom out of business."

"I heard that." Abigail walked into the kitchen with fluffy long blue robe and a large smile on her face. "Any news honey?"

"Nothing yet." Peter replied, kissing his daughter's head before passing her to Abigail's waiting arms. "I was actually just suggesting to dad that I could maybe be a fry cook at the cafe if this whole military thing doesn't work out."

"Peter…" she reprimanded, making the men laugh.

"Guess you and dad are on the same pages there."

Lily started to fuss for her own breakfast just as Clara entered the room.

"Oh dear, did I make you wait too long sweetie?" she spoke softly taking the baby from her grandmother's arms.

A few minutes later Peter walked back into their bedroom with a plate for Clara in hand.

"You need to eat too." he smiled, handing her the plate.

"Thank you. What do you want to do today?"

"Other than wait for the call?" he shrugged. "Maybe we can take a short walk? Its starting to warm up out there."

"I'd like that. We can put this little one in the stroller if you want to take the bike path, or even the front carried if you want to brave the trails."

"Man I miss the trails, but for now let's do the bike path." he smiled.

"Sounds good. It's probably dryer and more…" she was cut off by Peters cell phone ringing. They both looked at each other before he answered.

.

"Corporal Peter Stanton…. Yes sir…. Understood sir…." Peter hung up the phone and stared out the window.

"Pete?" she said reaching out for him.

"The results are in. I'm to report to the post commander's office as soon as possible."

"What does that mean?"

"I don't know." he said rubbing his chin. "Will you come with me?"

"Of course."

After getting dressed in his uniform, Peter and Clara heading off to the post's command center. Abigail, having the day off offered to watch Lily so they could go and fully lean on each other.

Clara pulled the car into the nearest parking space. Looked over at her husband, she could see the nervousness written all over his face.

"Remember, whatever they say, we're in this together." she encouraged.

"I know." he smiled.

They walked into the lobby of the large old brick building. Parts of the building dated back to World War II, other elements had been modernized. It was a beautiful piece of architectural history. All of which was lost on them in this stressful moment.

"I'll wait down here." He nodded back. Clara kissed his cheek and watched as he carefully walked up the grand mahogany stairs. "God be with him. Our future is in your hands."

Peter stood in front the Colonels receptionist a minute later and introduced himself. He waited almost 10 minutes before being told the officer was ready to see him.

"Colonel Mckeen? Corporal Stanton." he saluted as he entered the office.

"At ease corporal. Take a seat." the seasoned officer guested to a seat in front of his desk.

"Thank you sir."

He cleared his throat before speaking again. "As you know corporal, the medical review board met recently to discuss your progress."

"Yes sir."

"Their results came in last night and from all I've seen I agree with them."

Peter could feel the sweat forming on the back of his neck, it was all he could do to nod in acknowledgement.

"You've passed corporal. You will not be leaving the army." he said with a smile.

"Thank you sir!" Peter said excitedly, almost jumping out of his seat.

"You're very welcome. The army needs good soldiers like you. Now, there are two more things I'd like to discuss…"

….

Peter and Clara sat in the car in the parking lot staring ahead.

"Wow." Clara said wide eyed.

"I know."

"Wow."

"Yup."

"Did you even think?"

"Nope, never crossed my mind. I mean, maybe it should have."

"Are you okay with it?"

Peter took a minute to finish processing his thoughts.

"Yeah. I think I am."

A while later they pulled into the driveway. As they walked to the porch steps, Peter could see his parents waiting not to patiently in the livingroom..

"Well here it goes." He said opening the front door.

"Peter!" Abigail called out. "What did they say? Are you okay? Tell me everything!"

"Take it easy mom." he laughed as a flustered Abigail took a seat. "Where's Lily?"

"Napping. Now come on Peter, tell us." Frank said as took a seat on the couch next to his wife.

"I'm still in the Army."

"That's wonderful!" Abigail cheered, but paused when she sensed he had more to share. "What is it?"

"I'm being reassigned to a new unit."

"Oh… what does that mean exactly."

"I'm to be a corporal in the 25th Air and Mountain Division, Charlie company."

"But that means…" Frank trailed off.

"Yup. We're being PCSed here to Fort Hope." Peter smiled.

….

Two weeks went by and things remained quiet at Fort Hope. Not a single hint of news as to when the brigade was returning. To added to that, the news networks were reporting daily on how the enemy was gaining strength in multiple regions including where the brigade was located, leaving a number of the families feeling more defeated with each passing day.

Both Elizabeth and Faith did there best to hold onto hope, knowing their husbands would come home soon. The men had been busier than ever, making communicating back home to their families harder. Abigail had reminded them that that probably meant they were working hard to come home. Which was true.

In Afghanistan, Jack and a small group of his men were out on a night patrol outside one of the major cities, looking to gain more intel on the suspicious compound discovered by Shane and his men a few weeks prior.

"Captain Thornton?" Weaver whispered. "Why's the compound not more guarded?"

"Because they don't feel it's necessary, or maybe it is and we can't see it." Jack whispered and signaled for his mean to slowly move around the back.

About 30 yards out the saw a small group of the enemy walking unknowingly in their direction. Jack signaled the men down, hoping no one would be seen. They waited still and out of sight for what felt like forever. When the coast was clear, they completely the full recon on the building and its perimeter and headed back to base.

"So what do you think?" Weaver asked once back in their humvee. "Think we can take them?"

"I know we can; and I think I have an idea how to start." Jack pulled out a picture of Elizabeth from his pocket. Praying that his new plan, would be their ticket home.

….

Elizabeth pulled into the parking lot of Abigail's Cafe for her weekly dinner with the Coulters. She was surprised to find the parking lot very full. Finally she found a spot around back right next to Rosie and Lee's car. She lock the door and was just heading around the front when her phone received a text.

"Its insane here. Abigail says to come around the back."

She laughed at Rosie's text and went around back to the rear exit of the building.

"What is going on here? This is crazy!" Elizabeth said placing her jacket and purse on the coat rack by the bar.

"Apparently the rest of the world realized just how good Abigail's cooking is." Lee said.

"That's why we're here at the bar, hope you don't mind!"

"Not at all. Always happy not to have to eat alone! Regardless of the location." She smiled.

"Oh excuse me." Lee said grabbing his buzzing phone and walked back towards the kitchen.

"Work?" Elizabeth asked.

"Always. He just got a contract with the Army to build some new housing or something. Its making him extraordinarily busy."

"Good for business, not as good for you."

"Exactly. Oh what am I complaining about? At least he's here."

"Ladies, I'm sorry but I have to run back to the office." Lee approached in a hurry.

"Again?" Rosies whinned.

"I know, I'm sorry. I'll see you tonight at the house okay?" He kissed the top of Rosies head and ran off.

"Sorry Rosie." Elizabeth said noticing how sad her friend was. "If it helps, I'm still here."

"I appreciate that. Especially since I just realized Lee left… in our car… that we came here in together..." she sighed.

"That's okay." Elizabeth laughed. "I'll take you home after we eat. I'm craving Abigail's cooking!"

"Thank you, and me too. It's my comfort food and right now that's just the ticket. All this work of Lees, it's just getting to be too much."

"Of course it is, I understand completely."

"Of course you do. Shoot, I'm sorry. I shouldn't be complaining, especially to you. Any news from Jack?"

"Not much. He said they're doing a lot of planning for some big mission. I can only hope whatever it is helps him come home in one piece."

"Amen to that!" Rosie said as they clanked their water glasses together. They chated a while longer about their days, even making a few plans for the week ahead as Abigail approached.

"Sorry guys, what a night! What can I get…. Wait, wasn't Lee just here?"

"Work." Rosie said.

"Again? Oh I'm sorry. Well, what can I get you ladies?" They ordered two orders of pot roast with potatoes and roasted veggies. When Abigail returned with their food, she placed a third plate down and took a seat in front of them.

"Are you joining us Abigail?" Elizabeth asked.

"If that's alright?"

"Of course!" Elizabeth and Rosie said excitedly.

"This place has been running me ragged. I mean, I'm thankful for the business but holy moly!"

"Any idea what changed?"

"Well, Peter suggested we post an ad for the cafe a few places, just to generate a little extra business. Two weeks of it and boom! It's been pretty consistent since then."

"How is Peter?" Elizabeth asked taking a big bite of potatoes.

"He got some news."

"Good I hope!" Rosies gasped, practically at the edge of her seat.

"Wonderful even! He's staying in the army, and being PCS'ed here!"

"Really? That's wonderful!"

"Yes, he'll be serving under Shane once the brigaded comes home."

"Did they give him any idea when that might be?" Elizabeth knew the answer, but had to ask.

"No, sorry. All they said was they expected he'd be ready soon after." she shrugged.

"Well, that's something." Elizabeth said stabbing her roast.

Abigail worried for her friend. She knew what it was like to be in Elizabeth's position. She also noticed how much harder it had become for her to be patient since Doug's funeral. To be with Jack again and have to let him go so soon after, it was just heartbreaking. She needed a distraction. Even for just a night.

"You know I'm glad you ladies came in tonight. I wanted to ask if you could help me with something?"

"Anything Abigail." Rosie said, visibly getting excited.

"Becky has a formal dance coming up at school and asked if her and a few other girls could all get ready at the house. I'm planning a formal dinner in the dining room for them and their dates as well."

"That's a wonderful idea!" Rosie exclaimed.

"Yes, how can we help?" Elizabeth asked.

"Well Clara was suppose to help me with the dinner and hair and makeup for the girls but she's out of town. Her and Peter went back to Georgia to pack their things for the move up here. So I kind of need help with well, everything."

"Count me in! Whenever you need me!" Rosie clapped.

"Me too. I'm pretty good at makeup." Elizabeth said proudly.

"That's true, she's amazing! She did the make-up for all of us at my wedding. Leave the hair to me though. Elizabeth is strictly a ponytail gal."

"Hey now!" Elizabeth faked offense.

"Well it's true. So, Abigail, when do you want us?"

The three giggled as they made plans for the pre dance festivities. Both Elizabeth and Rosie happy for something new and fun to do.

After dinner Elizabeth and Rosie headed south of town to Rosie's house.

"Do you remember my wedding?" Rosie asked. "What a day that was."

"It was!"

Several Years Back at Rosie and Lee's Wedding...

"Rosie where are you going?" Elizabeth asked as she finished the finally touches of her make-up.

"I'm going to see Lee."

"Um you can't, it's your wedding day and you told me yesterday under no circumstance was I to let you see him before it was time."

"Why on earth would I say that?"

"Something about not borrowing bad luck." she shrugged.

"Well I take it back!" she said as she started out the door.

"Rosemary Marie" Rosies mother said. "Get back in here this instance, we still have to finish your hair and make-up."

"I won't be long. I just want to tell him something!"

"You'll have your whole life to tell him things after today, but if it's really that important write it down and one of the bridesmaids can see that he gets it."

Rosie stared at her mother, whose stubbornness was more of an art form. She knew not to fight her, especially today.

"Alright." she sighed. She went over to the hotel room desk and wrote a short note to Lee, folded it and handed it to Elizabeth.

"I'll be right back." Elizabeth winked at her friend before ducking out of the room. Mrs. LeVeaux had been busy "managing" the brides side of the wedding party since the crack of dawn. Elizabeth was more than thankful for the reason to escape.

She had just walked past the lobby to the other side of the hotel when her phone chimed with a text.

"I want to see you. Think you can sneak away from Drill Sergeant LeVeaux?"

"I just did! Heading to the elevators now."

"Be right back guys!" Jack said to the groomsmen as he headed swiftly to the door.

"Where are you going?" Lee said with a knowing grin.

"To see about a girl. You know how it is." Jack teased and headed to the elevators. He was dressed in his black tux pants, shirt and suspenders. All he was missing was the jacket and tie. He reached the elevators just as they opened.

"Hello handsome." Elizabeth smiled. "Fancy meeting you here."

Jack grinned, speechless before his beautiful fiance. Her hair was all done up and she was already in her halter pink bridesmaid dress.

Jack took her hand and pulled her around the corner to a little hallway that lead to a housekeeping closet. Hoping for a few moments alone without interruptions.

"You are absolutely beautiful." he groaned before covering her lips with his, searing her with a passionate kiss.

"Wow." she gasped when they finally pulled apart. "I knew I should have escaped sooner." They laughed.

"How did you manage to get away? I heard Rosie's mom had you guys under lock and key"

"Pretty much." she laughed. "Rosie gave me this note to pass along to Lee. She wanted to come herself but her mom said no." she shrugged handing him the note.

"Ah I see." Jack laughed. "Mr. LeVeaux's been keeping himself busy with us guys. He said it's much safer for him here than down there with his wife and daughter. Who knew the Lieutenant Governor could be such a chicken."

"Don't call him a chicken until you've spent some real time with Mrs. LeVeaux! My dad says he's a brave man for lasting this long!" she laughed.

"Fair enough." he leaned in kissing her again. "Let me hand this to Lee and see if he needs to write back."

"Okay." Elizabeth leaned against the wall and watched as he quietly jogged away.

Once back inside, Lee's father took one look at Jack and laughed to himself.

"Lee, a have a note for you from Rosie."

"Oh yeah? Let me see." he was so excited he didn't notice the pink lipstick smeared on Jack's face. "Just wait a sec, I want to write back."

"No problem." Jack smiled at his lovestruck friend.

"Jack, looks like you could use this." Mr. Coulter said handing him a handkerchief. "I have a feeling Elizabeth's lipstick looks better on her than you."

"Oh, um thanks sir." Jack took the handkerchief and excused himself to the bathroom. He came out a few moments later, took the note from Lee and headed back out to Elizabeth.

"Lee?" Mr. Coulter called his son over quietly. "Hows Jack holding up?"

Lee shrugged. "Alright I guess. It's still hard to believe Mr. Thornton isn't here. Let alone that he'll miss Jack's wedding next month." Lee sighed. "It's just not right."

"I know. Thomas was a good friend of mine, you know that. We use to talk about this day, usually on the way back from our fishing or hunting trips. He was so darn proud of that boy, and over the moon about Elizabeth." he sighed. "Look, you know Jack's been apart of our family since the first time you two play together at age 2." he laughed at memory. "If I can help at all with what he's going through, you let me know okay?"

"I will. Thanks dad." Lee smiled, grateful to have his dad with him and also to know that his dad as looking out for Jack.

Jack hurried down the hall. "Here you go beautiful." he said handing her the note with a kiss.

"Thanks. This should make Rosie very happy."

"And what about you?" he said wrapping his arms around her waist. "How can I make you happy?"

"You already did." she held up her engagement ring. "Never in my whole life have I been as happy as I've been since meeting you Jack."

He kissed her again. Slower than the last time, wanting to taste and remember the moment.

"I guess I should let you get back." he frowned when they pulled apart. He took her hand and began walking back towards the elevators.

"Just a little longer and I'm all ours." She said as hit the down button.

"So you'll save me a dance tonight?" he flashed her his dimpled grin.

"You Jack Thornton, can have them all." With that she stepped into the elevator, blowing him a kiss as the doors closed.

Back downstairs Elizabeth quietly slipped back into the room. Hoping to fix her makeup before being seen but Rosie's mom. Before taking more than a few steps in Rosie grabbed her arm and pulled her in towards the bathroom.

"Somehow I knew you'd come back needed a touch up." she giggled.

"Thank you!" she whispered as Rosie helped her with her make-up. "Here, this is for you."

Rosie took the note and smile. A small tear escaping her eyes.

"You ok?"

"Yes, yes I am. Okay everyone!" she called out. "Let's get me married!"

The wedding was beautiful, set in Boston's finest hotel garden courtyard. Lee and Rosie stood up with the pastor under the big white gazebo, covered with flowers. It was everything Rosie had ever dreamed of. Lee was so happy to be marrying Rosie, he didn't even mind the tux or all the eyes staring at him.

During the ceremony, the pastor called on everyone already married to remember their own vows. Jack looked over towards his mom, knowing this could be especially hard for her. He let out a sigh of relief when he noticed Grace Thatcher at her side, firmly holding her hand. He looked just to her right to find William, who winked at him as if to signify it was under control. Jack gave a slight nod of acknowledgement, feeling blessed that the Thatchers were apart of his life.

When the pastor finally declared them husband and wife, Rosie literally jumped in the air. Tossing her bouquet backwards into Elizabeth's arms. Two by two they each walked back down the aisle behind the ecstatic couple.

After pictures and a quick champagne toast amongst the wedding party, they lined up to be introduced in pairs into the elegant ballroom for the reception. Rosie had asked each pair to plan a little twirl or dance move as they walked under the spotlight. Something Jack and cringe about at first, but later found his late night practice sessions with Elizabeth to make it all worth it.

"We're up next." Jack said gaining Elizabeth attention. She'd be so busy talking with Rosie she hadn't noticed.

"And next we have the best man and maid of honor! Jack Thornton and his fiance Elizabeth Thatcher!"

The coward cheered as Jack lifted up Elizabeth doing their "around the world" swing dance move.

"Wow, well done team Thatcher-Thornton!" the DJ said as they took their seats. He announced the bride and groom and everyone was on their feet with excited as they went straight to the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife.

"Look at them, they're so happy." Elizabeth said. Overflowing with joy for her friends.

"Yup. And in just a few more weeks and that will be us."

"Yes, I can't wait." She leaned in giving Jack a sweet kiss.

Present Day…

Elizabeth dropped Rosie off to a quiet home before heading home herself. As usual, being greeted by an anxious Rip. He had more energy now that the weather was warming up some. Making him more compliant on their daily walks.

"How are you doing boy?" she spoke softly as they walked the windy path through the woods. "You missing Jack?" The hound howled. "Yeah me too." They walked until they reached the bench by the pond.

"Want to take a rest?" she asked, before taking a seat on the bench. Elizabeth gazed across the pond. Thinking about how she and Jack had walked out to this spot on his last day before deployment. She took the opportunity to quiet her heart as best as she could and place her concerns in the hands of the one who was in control.

"God I know you have a plan for me, and for Jack as well. I can only hope that that plan brings him home to me soon. I miss him, so very much. I know it's only been a few weeks since I last saw him but that was so short and it's all becoming too much." Rip pushed her hand with his nose, trying to comfort her. "Just tell me it's all going to be okay? That this really is only temporary. Please?"

She waited a little while and felt nothing. No sign or message coming to reassure her restlessness. Sighing, she and Rip headed back toward home under the starry night's sky. She glanced up as they left the wooded area and saw it. Her sign in the form of a bright twinkly star.

"Rip look! Its Virgo! You see that really bright one? That's Spica." she smiled. "Jack told me all about this one once."

After the Wedding...

Once all the wedding decorations had been packed up and the bride and groom were on their merry way, Jack and Elizabeth headed back to the Thatcher's home. It was quiet by the time the got back. Charlotte and Elizabeth's parents were all asleep and Julie had stayed out with friends.

The only ones awake were Viola and Lionel, curled up on the couch in the study with their books.

"Hey lovebirds." Viola teased as they walked passed. "Enjoy your evening?"

"Very much." Jack replied.

"Glad to hear. By the way, Lionel had his final fitting for his suit for your wedding yesterday and the alterations for my dress should be done shortly."

"That's great! I'm so excited!" Elizabeth bounced.

"We are as well." Lionel smiled. "Jack, I wanted to say I'm honored to be standing up with you for this."

"Honors all mine. I'm excited to have another brother, and an older one at that. Got any words of wisdom for me?"

Lionel laughed. "I have many. Especially on being married to a strong willed…"

"Watch it dear." Viola warned.

"You didn't let me finish. I was going to say a strong willed, smart, beautiful woman of the Thatcher variety."

"That's better. I think." Viola laughed. "You two want to join us? We're just having tea and reading but we can chat a bit too."

"That's sweet but I think we're going to change and maybe sit outside for a bit. Jack has to leave for his next training tomorrow." Elizabeth said trying to hold in her sadness.

"It will go by fast hon, and before you know it we'll be celebrate you two." Viola said trying to encourage the young couple.

"I know you're right." Elizabeth sighed. "Shall we?" she spoke turning to Jack. They walked up the main stairs up towards their rooms.

"Meet you outside in a few?" Jack asked.

"Sounds good." She smiled at him.

Fifteen minutes later dressed in pink pj pants and a black tanktop Elizabeth headed out to the back patio. She opened the french doors and found Jack sitting on the large stone wall along the stoned patio, looking up at the starry sky. He looked so cute in his blue Columbia shorts and grey Army tee.

"Are you ever not cute?" she teased as she walked to meet him.

"I don't know. Ask yourself that after we've been married a few years." They both laughed.

She walked over and sat next to him. Weaving her fingers together with his. They stared up at the sky together for a while.

"What's this next training camp like?" she asked as she snuggled closer.

"Its pretty neat. There's an advanced leadership school component which will look good for when the powers that be pick my first commision. Then I'll be getting my jump certification done."

"Jump certification?"

"You know… parachuting… out of a plane or chopper." He watched as Elizabeth's eyes grew wider with each word.

"You're going to WHAT?"

"I'm going to…"

"Jump? Out of an airplane?"

"Yeah."

"A perfectly good airplane?"

"Or helicopter, yes." She stared at him. "Beautiful?"

"Sorry, I… I'm ok. So you're learning to fall? That's nice." a hint of sarcasm slipping out.

Jack laughed "You are adorable sweetheart." she laughed as he kissed her cheek.

"I'm sorry. That just took me off guard is all. Though now that I think of it, I think you did tell me this before."

"I know I did, but that ok." he held her tight. "But that ok. I know it can all be a lot to take in."

"Is it safe?"

"Sure."

"Jarrick…" she said slowly like a warning.

"Trust me beautiful. I'm good at what I do. And this will help me to be better."

"Fine." she smiled. "Just be sure to come back not broken and in one piece for our wedding?"

"For you, anything." They sat together, her head resting against his shoulder, watching the stars. Just enjoying what it felt like to be there together.

"Huh that's weird." Jack said getting up and looking up just over the trees.

"What is it?"

"The stars. I can see Virgo."

"Why is that weird? It is night time. The sky is full of stars."

"Yeah but Virgo is typically only this visible in the spring. I guess it is technically late spring now but still."

"Okay then Mr. Stargazer, tell me how you know so much." she teased.

"I took a class my freshman year on astrology, but Dad taught me a lot too." He looked downward, missing his dad.

Elizabeth walked up to him, wrapping her arms around his waist. "Tell me about this one?" she asked kissing his cheek.

"Alright then." he smiled. "Come here." He took her hand and lead her to stand in front of him. "You see this bright star surrounded by all those other stars?"

"No…" He took her hand and pointed it upward. Standing so close their cheeks were touching. "Oh that one? Yes."

"Okay, so that Spica."

"Isn't that latin for wheat?"

"Gold star Ms. Elizabeth." he teased, giving her cheek a kiss. "Virgo is known as the Maiden and represents almost every famous and powerful female in mythology, like Athena, Artemis and Persephone.

"And Demeter?"

"Of course. She's usually carrying a grain of wheat and a staff. Hence the word spica."

"But it doesn't look at all like a maiden Jack." Elizabeth asked confused.

"I've heard it looks more like one if you're laying down."

"Really Thornton?" she teased.

"Yes, really. Come here." He took her hand and leaded her off the large stone patio and onto the grass. Laying down first so she could rest her head on his chest. "Is that better?" he asked sweetly.

"Mhmm. Very comfortable."

"I meant can you see the Maiden now?" he laughed.

"Oh that, let's see… Oh! Yes I can! Jack this is so cool" Jack laughed again at her excitement. "I can't believe you're leaving again so soon. I'm going to miss this."

"I'll only be gone another 3 weeks or so."

"Seems like a lot right now."

"I know, but I have an idea."

"What's that?"

"Everytime you miss me, just look up. There are stars everywhere. And even though we won't be seeing the same stars necessarily, at least you'll know each night we'll be looked up at the same sky."

"I'll have to try and remember that." she smiled.

"Maybe this will help." he said pointing to the north star necklace he'd given her at Christmas. They both smiled, remembering that night. It was right after Rosie and Lee got engaged and before they parted for Christmas. In the grand scheme of things it wasn't that long ago, but so much had changed.

"I love you Jack." Elizabeth whispered.

"I love you too." He leaned in kissing her neck where the star charm rested, causing her to gasp. His lips made the short journey from there up towards her ear before finally meeting her lips for a passion filled kiss.

Present Day

"The stars, one of God's wonderful creations." she smiled. "That was the sign I needed Rip. Let's go home."