Amatorum Permansum Chapter 38, an alias fanfic

Chapter 38

Allison's plane arrived a little after eleven the next morning. After unpacking and freshening up Elizabeth, Sydney, and Nadia took her out for lunch and girl talk. The rest of Elizabeth's family would descend upon them the next morning and Jack was tying up loose ends at APO. Will was watching the baby and, unbeknownst to Sydney, making some last minute preparations for the rehearsal dinner that evening.

Jack arrived home just before Elizabeth and Allison. He had signed off on Arvin's burial and what would have been his testimony at Sark's trial. Now he was hoping to relax and let himself absorb everything that had happened and was about to happen. Jack was also hoping for some time to prepare himself to finally meet Elizabeth's family.

Just as Jack settled down on the couch, the door opened to reveal a giggling Elizabeth. Right behind her was a woman who he could only assume was Allison. He stood and kissed Elizabeth. Then he was caught in a warm embrace.

"It's so good to finally meet you," Allison told him. "I'm glad that you and Elizabeth have gotten your acts together! She's been pining for you since college."

"I'm glad to meet you, too. I was sorry to hear about your husband."

Allison pulled back, "Elizabeth told you? And you remembered?"

"It was important. Elizabeth andher family have always been important to me."

Allison smiled at her sister. She knew that they were meant for each other, and it didn't hurt that Jack Bristow was extremely good-looking man. "Well, I'm going to go rest for a while. Could you wake me an hour before we have to leave?"

Elizabeth nodded and then joined Jack on the couch. "Everything all right at work?"

"Yes. Sark will be executed as planned. Did you have a good afternoon with Allison and the girls?" Jack changed the subject quickly.

"It was wonderful! It was as if they'd known each other for years instead of hours."

"That's great, sweetheart."

Jack seemed a bit distracted, but Elizabeth chalked it up to nerves. Her own crept up on her at the most unexpected times. As she mused, the phone rang. She picked it up and then handed it to Jack, mouthing, "Will."

"Yes?"

On the other end, Will's voice was barely audible, "Is everything ready?"

"It's been taken care of. Are you ready?"

"I think so."

"Let's have a little more confidence, Will. You've faced down international terrorists."

"Yeah, but Sydney was always on myside at the time."

"You'll be fine."

"All right. Thanks for doing this, Jack."

"You're welcome. See you tonight."

Elizabeth raised an eyebrow, "What was that all about?"

"Can't a man have any secrets? You'll find out soon enough," Jack replied mysteriously.

The rehearsal was at a pavilion close to the carousel Sydney used to ride while Jack and Laura watched. It was a beautiful spot, one where Jack and Sydney had begun to repair the rift between them.

The ceremony went off without a hitch; the official vows were substituted for the ones they'd written. Now they were at the party house they'd rented, enjoying a relaxed meal of roast beef and mashed potatoes.

Jack looked around at the eclectic group. His family, in truth, should have been limited to Sydney and Nadia. But Sydney realized that Marshall meant a lot to him and had extended an invitation to him and Carrie. Dixon brought Robin and Steven, and was now talking animatedly with Allison. Will had his arm around Sydney, as did Eric with Nadia.

Within minutes both men had led the women to the dance floor. Others followed, including Jack and Elizabeth. But 20 minutes later, he led her off and sat behind a piano that no one had paid attention to. One by one, couples left the floor until only Sydney and Will remained.

"What's going on?" Sydney asked Will.

"Nothing. Just dance with me."

Jack began playing the song Will had picked out. It was a rock song, but Jack thought Will had made a good choice. He rich baritone filled the hall as Sydney and Will danced as if no one were watching.

The perfect words never crossed my mind

Cause there's nothing in there but you.

I felt every ounce of me screaming out,

But the sound was trapped deep in me.

All I wanted just sped right past me,

While I was rooted fast to the Earth.

I could be stuck here for a thousand years,

Without your arms to drag me out.

There you are standing right in front of me

All this fear falls away to leave me naked,

Hold me close cause I need you to guide me to safety

No I don't want to wait forever

In the confusion and the aftermath,

You are my signal fire.

The only resolution and the only joy,

Is the faint spark of forgiveness in your eyes.

There you are standing right in front of me

All this fear falls away to leave me naked,

Hold me close cause I need you to guide me to safety

No I don't want to wait forever

There you are standing right in front of me

All this fear falls away to leave me naked,

Hold me close cause I need you to guide me to safety

No I don't want to wait forever

When the piano faded away, Will dropped to one knee.

"Will?" Sydney was in shock.

"Sydney, I have been in love with you since our freshman year of college. I love your son like he was my own. I want to spend the rest of my life with you and JM. Will you marry me?" He pulled out a silver ring with a small emerald jewel in the center.

"You did all of this for me? And you got Dad to help? I don't know what to say!"

"Say 'yes.' Don't leave me hanging!"

"I love you, too. Of course I'll marry you!" Sydney pulled him to his feet and kissed him soundly.

The room applauded and Jack tugged Elizabeth close, "So does this meet with your approval?"

"I couldn't think of a nicer surprise, love. Now it's your turn." She sauntered over to the DJ's table, spoke quickly and quietly, then came back to his side.

This time it was Elizabeth who led Jack to the floor as their guests watched.

I just want to see you

When you're all alone

I just want to catch you if I can

I just want to be there

When the morning light explodes

On your face it radiates

I can't escape

I love you 'till the end

I just want to tell you but dear,

You don't want to hear

All I want is for you to say

Why don't you just take me where I've never been before

I know you want to hear me

Catch breath

I love you 'till the end

I just want to be there

When we're caught in the rain

I just want to see you laugh not cry

I just want to feel you

When the night puts on its cloak

I'm lost for words don't tell me

All I can say

I love you 'till the end

That night Jack and Elizabeth lay curled up in bed, her head on his bare chest.

"Jack?"

"Hmm?"

"Jack," Elizabeth hesitated, then plunged right in. "Did you love Irina?"

Jack was startled. "Where did that come from?"

"I'm not sure. But I was hoping that you would be open to a discussion."

"Kind of an odd time for one," he murmured, lowly. "No, I didn't love Irina Derevko. I did love Laura Webber. Or at least the idea of her.

"You had gone home, more was expected of me a work. Then, out of nowhere, a beautiful woman started flirting with me. I needed that, someone to comfort me.

"Any feelings I once had for Irina were simply residual from my life with Laura. They were quickly dispatched, especially after seeing the woman in action.

"I have always loved you Elizabeth. Nothing has every changed the fact that my heart belongs to you.

"Now what brought this discussion on?"

"I guess I've always wondered," Elizabeth admitted. "I needed to hear your answer."

Jack kissed her long and hard. "The only goodthat came from Irina was my two daughters. You gave me a lifetime of love and enduring friendship."

She returned his embrace. "Our relationship has been a two way street. What I've given to has always been returned. I love you so much, Jack."

"I love you, too. Now let's get some sleep; we've got a big day tomorrow."