Disclaimer: I do not own the characters within this story. All rights and much respect go to Crown Media, Hallmark, Brian Bird, Michael Landon, Jr., the actors, creators, and writers of the show "When Calls the Heart." Any real people or places noted in the chapter are just there for storyline purposes.

Chapter 17- There Are Privileges

NOTE: Before I start with the next chapter, I feel the need to straighten up something. I thought I was fairly clear in my last chapter of this story that the love scene between Jack and "Heidi" was a dream or rather a nightmare that Elizabeth had after drinking wine, hearing about the woman, Heidi, who invited Jack out for a drink (he did not go), and watching an episode of The Bachelor. However, some readers took the scene literally and either didn't read the next paragraph (where Elizabeth wakes from her dream) or skipped the comment she made to Jack about having had a dream of him in bed with "Heidi." I don't know, maybe some even stopped reading at that point, because they assumed that Jack was cheating on Elizabeth.

I'm sorry if the chapter upset some of you. It was never my intent to do so. I simply wanted to show how the mind can unintentionally play tricks on us…all of us!

I guess I should pat myself on the back if you read the chapter and fell into the scene, believing it wholeheartedly. But please know that I am "Jack and Elizabeth" completely, and although there may be issues that pull them apart, as it does in real life, Jack and Elizabeth would never cheat on each other and will always come back together, proving their relationship to be stronger in the long run.

To the reader (Valleylil), I was unable to contact you to explain that you had the situation all wrong because you weren't signed into the fanfiction program. Those of you who leave us reviews, we greatly appreciate it, but also know that if you ask a question and are not signed in, we are unable to respond to you.

So, please calm down, and let's move on…

Elizabeth found herself fiddling with the ring on her left hand as she watched Jack moving about the courtroom, still in his judicial robe, and thanking each person who came to his ceremony. She smiled as he hugged his mother, shook her father's hand, and then, in front of her mother, not quite certain what was appropriate, she pulled him into her embrace.

His former law partners were present as was his former legal secretary, Elise, who had chosen to follow Jack over to the Juvenile Court as his personal secretary. Lawyer friends from the Bar Association took up two rows, with many of them slapping him on the back as a form of congratulation, while an equal number were present, but couldn't deny the twang of jealousy at his good fortune.

Elizabeth was incredibly proud of Jack's accomplishment, and although she really had nothing to do with him getting there, she'd like to think that her presence in his life and at this ceremony made his achievement even more special.

As everyone moved out to the main lobby for the reception, Jack took off his robe, held Elizabeth's hand and led her through the door into the back hallway.

"What are you doing, Jack?"

"I need to hang up my robe," he stated as he led her into his chambers and closed the door behind them.

Tossing his robe over one of his high back leather chairs, he returned to face Elizabeth. With her back up against the door, he rested his hands on either side of her shoulders. Stepping closer…

"Jack, you don't want it to wrinkle…" she stated as she moved his arm and started to walk over and hang up the garment when he took her hand and refused to release her, pulling her back to him.

"I have other things on my mind right now."

"Judge Thornton, I'm not sure but I think this equates to special treatment," she teased as she seductively ran her teeth across her lower lip, having no idea just how that affected him physically.

"It may be special, but then again, you are special, and I can't help myself. I see you; I hold your hand, or I inhale your perfume, and all I want is this," he breathlessly whispered as he stepped closer pressing her back against the door. Their bodies were touching from chest to knees as his mouth opened slightly, covering her lips, silencing her immediate pleasurable moan.

Elizabeth felt her knees buckle as her hands, resting on his shoulders and his arms against her body, thankfully held her up. Her voice was soft, somewhat breathy as she whispered, "I don't know what I was thinking; this is wrong, but I have to say I like this special treatment."

Jack leaned back slightly as he snickered at Elizabeth's devilish demeanor. Interestingly, he found it quite exciting. Elizabeth on the other hand wasn't certain how to handle what she was trying desperately to hide. Never in her life did she ever think she'd be making out in a Judge's Chambers, and now, with all the guests and their parents in the lobby, that's practically all she could think about.

Hearing voices in the hallway, Jack and Elizabeth realized that they needed to return to the reception. She left her purse in his chair, and disappointedly, they casually walked out and returned to the lobby.

Jack never left her side. If there was anyone present who was unaware that Jack and Elizabeth were together personally, those questions were answered by him holding her hand, his arm around her waist, or his hand resting along the small of her back as he directed her through the crowd of people.

Elizabeth pulled her parents aside to thank them personally for coming, their presence showing her that Jack was truly accepted into the family. Both mothers fawned over Elizabeth's engagement ring, with Mrs. Thatcher commenting on Jack's incredible taste, both in jewelry and her daughter, as both women laughed softly.

Jack was unable to escape the news media as everywhere he turned there was another local station whose reporter had a microphone in his face. He was very quick to introduce Elizabeth as his fiancé, obviously as proud to have her in his life as he was to be taking on this new position.

Jack was kind with every reporter as he repeatedly answered many of the same questions. That was until Andy Robertson from WRKT started out congratulating Jack but quickly moved into questions regarding Eli Walker, and Elizabeth.

As those questions began, Jack could feel Elizabeth's hand immediately go cold. He released her hand and escorted Andy away from the crowd where he proceeded to advise him of the inappropriate timing of his questions.

"I'm an open book and I'll be glad to answer your questions. However, Elizabeth is my fiancé, and as such, she's off limits. As for Eli Walker and what he attempted to do, I did help take him into custody…"

"It's a bit more than that, isn't it, sir; I mean, weren't you stabbed trying to save her life?" Andy asked.

"Yes, I was stabbed, but as you can see, I'm completely healed," Jack commented as he held his hands away from his sides, palms up to show that he was fine.

"I see that, but…"

"Look Andy; today is a day of celebration. Eli Walker is no longer in the picture, and I'd prefer to move on," Jack stated as his voice took on the tone of a well-seasoned judge.

"I'm sorry; I'm just trying to provide our viewers with more information than the typical questions you're being asked today," Andy mentioned.

"I can appreciate the position you're in, but I believe I've made myself perfectly clear," Jack stated as he stuck his arm out to shake Andy's hand.

"Point made, sir," Andy responded.

"Good, enjoy the reception," Jack stated as he stepped away scanning the crowd for Elizabeth.

Jack observed Janice talking with several of the other probation officers, as their conversation came to a halt when he approached. "Excuse me, ladies, have you seen Elizabeth?"

"I believe she slipped away to the restroom," Janice advised.

Thank you," Jack responded as he walked toward the private restroom in the clerk's office.

Jack was standing in the hallway when Lori, the Clerk of Court, passed him on her way inside the 3-stall restroom, available to court staff only.

"Hi Judge," she stated on her way by.

"Lori, it's still just Jack…"

"Okay, hi Jack…"

"Lori, will you let Elizabeth know that I'm out here waiting…"

"Sure," she stated as she walked inside.

Jack watched the door close behind Lori, but as he heard a muffled voice, the door just as quickly opened again. "There's no one in here," she advised.

"Hmm, well thanks for checking."

Jack stepped back out into the lobby. As he scanned the area, he found his mother and Elizabeth's parents sitting away from others talking. Jack observed the women laughing, apparently getting along well, as Mr. Thatcher took all their empty plates, threw them away before returning to his seat beside his wife.

Jack walked back to Janice, "I thought you said Elizabeth was in the bathroom."

"She is, or at least she was, why can't you find her?" Janice replied.

"I stood in the Clerk's Office and Lori went in the bathroom and said no one else was in there," Jack stated as he continued to scan the crowd for her.

"Oh, we don't use the private restroom; she was in the public one over there," Janice stated as she pointed across the lobby to the women's public restroom.

"Would you mind checking to see if she's okay?" he asked.

"Sure," Janice stated as she excused herself from her co-workers and she walked with Jack to the other side of the large expansive lobby.

Jack stood outside and waited…and waited.

Inside the restroom, Janice found Elizabeth sitting on a toilet, fully clothed with the door open…crying.

"What's wrong…?"

"I can't get away from it?" Elizabeth replied, her voice was soft and shaky.

"You can't get away from what?"

"Any of it…Eli Walker, Steve Fisher…"

"What are you talking about?"

"This is a beautiful occasion to honor Jack and his accomplishment, and the first question out of one of the reporter's mouth was in regard to Eli Walker" Elizabeth stated. Wiping her eyes, she continued, "I can't escape them."

"Of course, you can; in fact, you have. Elizabeth, you are a survivor…"

Her tears continued, "Thanks to you; thanks to Jack…"

"Hey," Janice squatted down in the doorway of the bathroom stall, "You can't let them continue this hold they have on you. If you do, they win. You are so much stronger than that, Elizabeth."

"Do you really think so?" Elizabeth asked.

"I know so, and there's a man outside who knows so too."

Elizabeth stood up, as did Janice and they both approached the sink and mirrors. Elizabeth washed her hands before touching up her makeup, thankfully being able to cover her tear stained cheeks. "Do I look okay?"

"You look perfect."

Jack was leaning against the wall, becoming increasingly concerned when the door finally opened. "Are you okay?"

She smiled, but he could still sense her despair, and he knew exactly why.

"Honey, I straightened him out. We don't talk about Eli Walker or Steve Fisher unless you want to, okay?"

"I'm sorry that this has to come up on such a special day," she stated as a smile hesitantly appeared on her face. "Come on, let's go back out so you can socialize and enjoy this reception."

Jack took hold of her hand as they walked over toward her parents, "Hey, why did you use the public restroom; you know there's a private bathroom in the Clerk's Office."

"Well, that's for the Clerk's Office staff; apparently that doesn't include us from the first floor."

"It does now. So, if you need the restroom, come on in and use the one in the Clerk's Office, or you're welcome to use the one in my office," Jack offered.

As they continued walking toward their parents she responded, "Jack, I can't do that. I appreciate it, but that's giving me privileges that the other officers don't get."

"You're going to make this difficult on me, aren't you?"

"No, of course not, but Jack, I don't want special treatment," she reiterated. "As much as I loved the special treatment you gave me in your office a little while ago, I know it's wrong and I shouldn't get used to it. So, if I do have to appear in your court, I want the same treatment you'd give to the other POs."

"Okay, but you can't get mad at me then."

"Jack, I can't guarantee that, but I do know that this will be our new normal, and if we're going to be a couple and have a life together, we need to try hard to make it work," she responded as their parents stopped talking when they walked up.

"Is everything okay?" Mr. Thatcher asked.

"Yes sir, of course it is. This is a perfect day for Jack, and I'm so very proud of him," Elizabeth stated as she released his hand only to slip her arm through his as she stepped in closer to him.

"I'd like to thank both of you for coming to the ceremony; I don't think you have any idea how important your presence here is to me," Jack stated.

"We're going to be family, Jack, and family comes together. I know your disappointed that your father isn't here, but I want you to know that as Elizabeth's father, I'm very proud of you."

"Thank you, William."

As the crowd began to dissipate, Elizabeth walked with Jack and their parents out into the parking lot. Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher kissed Elizabeth goodbye; Jack and Mr. Thatcher shook hands, and Mrs. Thatcher and Jack's mom hugged him before they hugged each other.

As Jack started to walk his mother to her car, Mrs. Thatcher called out, "Charlotte," causing Mrs. Thornton to turn around.

"Start working on your list of family names; if you're anything like me, you'll be counting down the days to becoming a grandparent," Grace stated loud enough that Elizabeth could hear.

"Mom, we aren't even married yet."

As her parents pulled out of the parking lot, Elizabeth waited for Jack, who stood momentarily outside her car, talking with her through the window.

"How's Elizabeth doing?" Charlotte asked.

"She's doing fine, why?" Jack replied.

"She just seemed like she was a bit preoccupied, that's all," Charlotte explained.

"She was fine until one of the reporters brought up the situation with Eli Walker, and I think she just feels like he's continuing to terrorize her, even though he's gone," he responded.

"Stay close to her," Charlotte suggested.

Jack looked up from the window, caught Elizabeth's eyes and smiled, "You don't have to remind me of that." Jack squatted down beside the car, "May I ask you something?"

"Of course; what is it?"

"You used to tell Tom and me about a time when you and dad ran a dry-cleaning business."

"Yeah, what about it?"

"You worked together; what happened?" he asked.

"Jack, we ran on hard time with the economy and we had to close it down," she placed her hand on top of his as it rested on the window frame. "Your dad had the opportunity to join the police force, so we went in that direction, why?"

"Well, you were working together; how did you make that work?"

"Getting nervous, aren't you?"

"Mom, Elizabeth is very important to me, but so is this new position. I want to do it justice, but I have to live with her too."

"Jack, it was easier for me because your dad and I were equal partners. Aren't you more like her superior here at court?"

"I don't like to look at it that way."

"Well, look at it or don't, it doesn't really matter. All I can tell you is that whether or not you see a problem, if Elizabeth sees one, you have a problem, and you need to resolve it before it festers."

"I understand," he stated as he leaned in through the window and kissed her goodbye.

"Hang on to that one, Jack. I can feel it; she's a keeper…"

As he stood up and stepped away from the car, Jack looked over the roof of his mother's vehicle and caught a glimpse of Elizabeth as she watched a bird fly by, "You aren't telling me anything I don't already know, mom."

"If I haven't said it today, I'm very proud of you, son."

"Thank you, mom," he responded as he waved when she pulled out of her space and drove out of the parking lot.

Jack walked back over to Elizabeth, "Do you want to come up to my chambers and help me decorate?"

"Hmm, by decorate do you mean draping me along your sofa?" she laughed at her attempt at sounding seductive.

"Well, I actually meant that we could hang those pictures you framed for me, but to be honest, I like your idea better," he replied as he held out his hand and she immediately linked her fingers with his.

As they walked inside the court building, he drifted toward the stairs as she continued toward the full glass entryway of the Court Service Unit.

"Aren't you coming upstairs with me?" he asked.

"No, I have a report for court that I need to finish, but I'll see you later," she stated as she casually gave him a kiss on the cheek and left him standing there, watching her as she walked away.

Elizabeth scolded herself for holding his hand and kissing him inside the building, knowing that it was going to be difficult to not fall into the comfortable feeling of Jack, her boyfriend, when in fact she should be thinking of him at work as the Honorable Judge Thornton.

As Jack continued to the staircase, Jimmy Moser, one of the bailiffs stopped him, "Sir, you are aware that you park in the underground garage and take the elevator up to the second floor, right?"

"I know, but Elizabeth insists on no special treatment for her, so in the parking lot we'll park."

"Uh sir, I think it's a security feature, so there most likely isn't any give and take on that one," Jimmy advised.

"Oh right, well, I guess I can see that. Thanks for letting me know."

"Yes sir, have a nice day."

"You too, Jimmy," Jack stated as he headed up the main staircase for what he assumed may be the last time.

Jack walked into the Clerk's Office amid applause and welcomes, shaking hands and expressing his appreciation as he made his way to his chambers. Stepping inside, he closed the door, took a seat in his desk chair and contemplated the changes in his life that had recently occurred.

Then he stared at the door, mesmerized by the memory of her silhouette which only hours ago rested there, his body pressed against hers, their hearts pounding and lips touching.

As Jack pulled out a bag containing the pictures Elizabeth had framed for him, he placed the one of Maverick and the three mini cube pictures of Elizabeth and them as a couple on his almost empty desk.

**Knock, knock, knock**

"Come in…" Jack called out.

"Hi Judge," Elise stated as she stepped into his office.

"Hey, I'm still Jack…" he stated, finding the formality amongst his friends to be the most difficult.

"I know, but I have to remember that you aren't just Jack when other people are around," she advised. Glancing on his desk she commented, "When did you get a dog?"

"That's Maverick and he's Elizabeth's, but I consider him mine too."

"He's gorgeous."

Jack picked up the frame and smiled at the picture contained within, "Thanks, I think so."

"Oh my, those are beautiful pictures of Elizabeth…and that one of the two of you is great; you look really happy, Jack."

"She wants me to keep these in my drawer, but…"

Elise laughed, "You aren't going to, are you?"

"Not if I can help it. Maybe you can give me a heads up if you see her and I'll hide them."

"Jack it's not like you to be deceptive."

"I just enjoy looking at them."

"Well, I have to say, you look very happy," Elise mentioned. "I mean, I've seen you date before, but I've never seen you this happy over a woman. I'm happy for you, Jack."

"Thank you; now, if we could just get married."

"So, when is that going to be?"

"We haven't picked a date yet, but to be honest with you, I'd take her next door to Circuit Court and have Judge Creekmore marry us right now."

"Hmm, maybe not the most romantic wedding, but the sentiment is there just the same," she remarked. "I know it will be beautiful; she seems like she likes nice things."

"You know, her family is quite well off, but she is so unpretentious…I'm a lucky man."

"I'm sure you are, but Jack, you're a catch too," she reminded him. "I'm sure there are a lot of women crying their eyes out right now, especially after seeing that beautiful ring on her finger."

"Well, I'm not so sure about that, but thank you," he responded as Elise observed his cheeks becoming a bit rosier. "Oh, while I'm thinking about it, if Elizabeth comes up here, always let her in my office, okay?"

"Sure, no problem," she responded. "Now, while I'm thinking of it, do you have anything that you want me to do in the regular course of my duties that I'm not used to doing?"

"I can't think of anything, but then again I'm just navigating these changes myself," he stated. "How about we work through the newness of everything together."

"Sounds good. Do you need anything?" Elise asked.

"Nope, I'm good."

"Okay, do you have a time that you want me to plan to take lunch?" she asked as she started back toward the door.

"Elise, I'm the same guy you've work for years for. I don't care when you take your lunch," he reminded her. "You know, I'm aware that some judges have a reputation of being stuffy, but I don't intend to be one of them," he promised as she left his office, closing the door behind her.

Jack looked through his middle desk drawer, arranging and rearranging pens, pencils, paper clips and markers, before pulling some of each item and placing them in holders on his desk. He opened the new date book that was left sitting on his desk, and he found himself flipping through the weeks searching for the perfect wedding date.

Jack picked up the phone and called Elizabeth's office…

"Juvenile Probation, Ms. Thatcher speaking…"

"Soon to be Mrs. Thornton," he announced.

"Do you need anything, Judge Thornton?"

He was bored and knew that once he began hearing cases, which were scheduled to start tomorrow, that joking around time would be few and far between. "Judge Thornton doesn't need anything, but just Jack needs to see you for lunch."

"Jack…I mean, Your Honor, we talked about this. We'll see each other at home, but no socializing at work," her tone was firm.

"Hmm, that wasn't what your lips told me earlier in my office," he teased.

"I'm going back to work now; I'll talk to you later," she stated before hanging up the phone.

At five o'clock, Elizabeth grabbed her purse and headed for the door. Startled, she wasn't expecting to find Jack standing just outside her door. "Whoa, where did you come from?"

"My momma…" he laughed.

"Funny… I wasn't expecting you this soon," she responded. "Are you ready to go?"

"I sure am," he stated as he held out his hand.

"Judge Thornton, we aren't a couple until after we leave the building," she stated as he stepped to the side and she walked out of her office and headed for the back entrance.

Standing at the end of the hall, Tara Jeffries and Sherry Curling watched as Jack and Elizabeth turned the corner at the end of the hall.

"He's a good-looking man, but I don't envy her," Tara commented.

"Oh, I do; I'd jump into bed with him in a heartbeat," Sherry giggled.

"I'm not saying there aren't benefits, but can you imagine how uncomfortable it'll be with them in court together?" Tara admitted. "I heard that they're living together."

"Well, they're engaged so I guess at some point they'll be living together anyway," Sherry responded.

Stepping into Tara's office, the two women watched out the window as Jack took Elizabeth's hand once they reached the parking lot.

"WOW, what a sweet man," Sherry jealously remarked as Jack opened the passenger side door for Elizabeth. "You know the last time my husband opened the door for me?"

"No, when…?"

"I believe it was on the night of our senior prom, and he was trying to make a good impression on my daddy," Sherry stated.

"Well, he must have made a decent impression; you're still married," Tara responded. "Do you think they'll actually get married?" Tara asked as Jack's SUV pulled out of the parking space.

"To be honest, I don't really know Elizabeth, but I have known Judge Thornton for a few years."

"Oh Sherry, do tell…"

"Tara, knock it off; I've known him as a lawyer, not personally. But he was supposedly dating Sara Harmon from the Commonwealth's Attorney's office before Elizabeth came to town."

"Were they serious?" Tara asked.

"I don't know; I never saw him holding hands with you like you see him with Elizabeth," Sherry explained. "But I did hear that he's the reason she left the Commonwealth's office. I personally think she had it bad for him, and maybe she just needed a change."

"Where'd she go; do you know?" Tara inquired.

"I heard she took a position with another law firm out of state, but I don't know," Sherry replied. "All I do know is that she had it bad for our very own Judge McHotty."

"Hahaha; McHotty; that's a hoot," Tara laughed.

"That's between us; I don't think he or Elizabeth would appreciate it," Sherry responded as she joined in with the laughter.

Taking a seat in the chair behind her desk, Tara stated, "You know, I haven't had a chance to really get to know Elizabeth, but she seems really nice. I'll say this, she's certainly not slapping us in the face with the benefits of dating a Judge."

Sherry started for the door before turning back to face Tara, "Look, I like Elizabeth; she seems like a very nice woman, but unless they get married real soon, I think it may not happen."

"Sherry, that's mean. They seem really happy, so why do you say that?"

"I'm just sayin'…no, look it like this, have you ever known a man and a woman in a relationship together who work together and have a successful marriage?"

Tara's face scrunched as she thought, "Well, there was my…no they broke up before they got married. Oh, but there was Maggie…"

"Maggie…?" Sherry asked.

"Don't you remember the girl who worked with her husband at the Italian restaurant?" Tara replied.

"Oh, the girl with the reddish hair; she always wore it in a ponytail?"

Tara responded, "Yes, that's her. Her hair was gorgeous. I always wanted red hair. Anyway, I digress; I haven't seen her in a while. Did she have a baby?"

Sherry shrugged her shoulders, "I don't know anything about a baby, but she apparently moved back to Wisconsin to be with family after she divorced her husband."

Tara's face scrunched up again, "Okay, I don't know anyone who's made it work then. I hope Elizabeth and the Judge can do it, because they are adorable together."

"Yes, they are that…adorable, I mean." Sherry stated as she opened the door and left Tara's office.

As Jack and Elizabeth drove down the five-mile stretch, he asked, "What do you want for dinner?"

"I was going to make pork chops; is that okay?" she asked.

"Sounds good. Do we need to stop by the grocery store?" he asked.

"Yes…"

"Okay, what do you need?" Jack inquired as he pulled into the Food Lion parking lot.

"Pork chops…" she advised.

"Well, I guess that's a necessity to making pork chops. Do we need anything else?" Jack asked as he parked the SUV.

"I'll go in too. We need a few things for the dish I'm making," she replied as they both exited the vehicle and once they met in the parking lot, their hands joined.

Once they arrived at home, Jack took Maverick out for a run on the beach while Elizabeth cooked dinner. Forty-five minutes later, Jack and Maverick returned home to find the table set, which included a bottle of wine and two glasses.

Standing in the kitchen, Elizabeth was waiting on the timer to buzz signifying that the pork chops, baked on a bed of pork and beans with a dab or ketchup, mustard, an onion ring and lemon wedge on each chop, were finished.

"How much more time is there?" Jack asked as he walked into the kitchen.

Glancing at the timer Elizabeth responded, "ten minutes."

"Oh, that's just enough time…"

"Enough time for what?"

"This…" Jack stated as he took the potholder out of her hand, and pushed a button on his phone… "The next song that plays, we have to dance to," he stated as he took her in his arms praying for a slow tune.

Elizabeth, on the other hand rested her head against Jack's chest and prayed for a good song, one that was full of positive meaning for them and their relationship. As the music began, what they got was a slow song dealing with pain and heartache, but powerful emotions in "Love Remains the Same" by Gavin Rossdale…

A thousand times I've seen you standing
Gravity like lunar landing
You make me wanna run till I find you
I shut the world away from here
Drift to you, you're all I hear
As everything we know fades to black

Half the time the world is ending
Truth is I am done pretending

I, never thought that I
Had anymore to give
You're pushing me so far
Here I am without you
Drink, to all that we have lost
Mistakes we have made
Everything will change
But, love remains the same

Having not heard the song in quite a while but enjoying the tune, Elizabeth caught a grasp of the words… "Jack, not the best lyrics for us."

"It's not perfect," Jack whispered as he leaned back slightly, still holding her and dancing, but far enough apart that his eyes captured hers. "I think it means that even when we don't see eye to eye, when we feel like things are falling apart, the love we have for each other remains the same."

Elizabeth returned her head to rest on his chest. Draping her arms over his shoulders, she could feel his hands resting on the small of her back.

Find a place where we escape
Take you with me for a space
The city bus sounds just like a fridge
I walk the streets through seven bars
I have to find just where you are
The faces seem to blur
They're all the same

Half the time the world is ending
Truth is I am done pretending

I, never thought that I
Had anymore to give
You're pushing me so far
Here I am without you
Drink, to all that we have lost
Mistakes we have made
Everything will change
But, love remains the same

So much more to say
So much to be done
Don't you trick me now
We shall overcome
So all that's left is praying

But we, should have had the sun
We could have been inside
Instead we're over here

Half the time the world is ending
Truth is I am done pretending
Too much time too long defending
You and I are done pretending

I, never thought that I
Had anymore to give
You're pushing me so far
Here I am without you
Drink, to all that we have lost
Mistakes we have made
Everything will change
Everything will change

I, oh I,
I wish this could last forever
I, oh I,
as if we could last forever

Love remains the same
Love remains the same

As the song ended, Jack's finger under her chin lifted her face as their lips met. "I don't care what the song says, I love you and I believe that we can make this work," his voice was soft as his lips again met hers, surprising each of them when the oven buzzer sounded.

Following dinner, Jack helped Elizabeth clean the kitchen. She washed and he dried as he challenged her to a game of Jeopardy, the show being on within clear view of the kitchen.

"Well, I feel I must warn you that I was the Jeopardy champion at Villanova," she proudly gloated. "So, yes, I'd be happy to challenge you. What does the winner get?"

"Hmm, how about if I win, I get to kiss you," he suggested.

"Well, not much of an incentive there, since you can kiss me even if you lose," she clarified.

"Well, I'll fix dinner tomorrow night if you win," he offered.

"Uh, does that mean we'll stop off some place and bring dinner home, or are you really going to cook?" she asked.

"I will use a cooking appliance and will cook you whatever you want," Jack stated as he dried the last dinner plate and stuck it in the cabinet.

With Maverick fed and resting from his run on the beach, Jack and Elizabeth sat on the sofa; each one cherishing a glass of wine as they prepared to play.

"THIS IS JEOPARDY…" they heard as their attention was now turned to the TV.

"Stop it…" she said as she scooted up in her seat.

"What…"

"Jack, you're tickling me…stop," she called out again as she put her glass on the table, turned to face him and pounced.

Although she was initially on top of him, she wasn't certain how it happened, but she was suddenly on the other side of the sofa, he was lying on top of her and the tickling continued.

Through her laughter, she grabbed his hands, "Please stop; you're cheating."

Suddenly he stopped, sat up and began playing the game. Before Elizabeth was situated, Jack had already accumulated $4250. Of course, the topics were "The Law of the Land," and "Talkin' Football, categories that she didn't consider her best.

During a commercial, Elizabeth got herself situated, secured her hair into a ponytail, and pulled down her Villanova sweatshirt that had somehow risen just under her bra clad breasts. "You're a cheater, Jack Thornton. But you just wait, we're in Double Jeopardy now…"

Category: "Female Superheroes"

$1000- "A member of the X-Men Ororo Munroe is the weather-controlling mutant…"

Elizabeth yelled out, "WHO IS STORM…?"

Jack answered quickly, "Who is Hurricane…?"

Alex Trebek provided the answer as none of the contestants buzzed in, "The answer is Who is Storm."

"Ha," Elizabeth turned and snickered at Jack who was now down to $3250.

Category: "Short Runs on Broadway?

$1000- "Based on a Stephen King novel the '88 musical featured a high school dance to remember but closed after only five performances…"

Jack opened his mouth and proudly blurted out, "Grease…"

"Silly, Grease didn't close after five performances." Elizabeth thought for a second, "What is Carrie…?"

The returning champion rang in, "What is Carrie…?"

"That's correct," Alex advised. "Where to next?"

Elizabeth turned to Jack, "Ha, not so smart now, huh?"

Jack sat forward in his sear, "The game's not over yet."

Without realizing the remaining categories, Elizabeth suggested, "Hey, you have $2250, and that's because you cheated. I have $2000. Let's say whoever gets the next question right wins, okay?"

"Okay, deal…" Jack agreed.

"Alex, I'll take Math for $1000…" the returning champion selected.

"Are you serious?" Elizabeth remarked. Understanding that she was math challenged, she didn't assume that this was going to end well.

The clue… "In 3x = 5 + y, if x = 4 then y = this…"

"What the…" she disgustedly remarked.

"What is 7?" Jack answered as he stood up and proceeded to perform his Jeopardy win dance even before the answer was announced. "Come on Alex…put Elizabeth out of her misery."

None of the contestants rang in and after the buzzer sounded, Alex announced the answer is, what is 7…?"

"I win…I win…come on, let's go."

"Let's go, where are we going?" she asked.

"We need to take Maverick out for a run, and I think I'd like to walk with you in the moonlight," he held out his hand which she happily took.

Jack and Elizabeth walked down the path over the dune and onto the beach as Maverick searched for his sand crab friends.

"Oh look," Elizabeth excitedly announced as Maverick followed his only friend for the evening down toward the water. Jack held her hand as they followed Maverick and the sand crab to the water line.

With the moon casting a golden glow on everything below, Jack turned Elizabeth to face him. Forehead to forehead they touched with the space between them their upper bodies forming a makeshift heart.

Jack's hand rested behind her as his fingers gently ran up and down her back, "I love you; I love coming home with you and to you; having dinner, snuggling on the couch, holding you in my arms at night, and waking each morning to your beautiful smile…oh, and whipping you at Jeopardy, of course."

His romantic tone pulled her in until he teased about winning at Jeopardy. "You know, you were on a roll until you gloated."

"Elizabeth, you know I was just teasing. You have to know that this, what we have here, what we are building together, this is the life I've always wanted," his tone was emotional as his voice wavered. His eyes gazed into hers, looking deep, far beyond her makeup and slightly wind-blown ponytail held hair.

Elizabeth couldn't look away, swearing that the stars glimmered in his hazel eyes. He stepped closer as his lips touch hers. They were delicate and warm, leaving her with the feeling that she was floating on air.

"Thank you…" he whispered.

Assuming he meant the kiss she'd lost in the bet, she laughed, "Well, you won; you cheated, but you won."

"Not that…"

"What are you talking about, Jack; thank me for what?" she asked.

His hand rested along her cheek as his thumb brushed gently across her perfectly flawless skin, "Thank you for being my world; for being the woman that you are, for being the love of my life." His lips brushed gently across hers.

"Jack, you are the kindest man I have ever known. I look back at my life, and I thought I was content until I met you. You opened my eyes to a love that I never knew existed, and for that I will be eternally grateful," her voice trembled.

His lips pressed against hers. They were soft and contained a faint hint of fruitiness from the glass of wine she recently consumed. His hand behind her head pulled her closer as their kiss deepened.

As they separated, Elizabeth caught his misty eyes and immediately captured his lips again. They were warmer and the kiss more passionate than the one before it. In the moonlight, he held her tight against his body, not wanting to let her go.

Suddenly realizing that their attention was on each other, and Maverick had been on his own, they glanced about in the moonlight, thankful that he was light in color. They needn't look far as he was still following his sand crab "friend" near the water.

It was getting late, and the evening air was chilly as Jack took Elizabeth's hand, called Maverick to them and the family headed for home.

Jack had quickly become accustomed to showering in the guest bathroom down the hall, giving Elizabeth free access to the master bath. However, he was surprised on this occasion that she was already in bed reading through her journal when he returned to the bedroom.

"What are you doing?" he asked as he pulled the bedding back and slipped under the covers.

"I'm just writing my private thoughts in my journal."

"Did you write anything in there about me?"

"Maybe…"

"Do I get to read it?"

"No…"

"Why, you wrote stuff about me."

"Jack, that's where the private part comes in. Besides, I can tell you it's all good…at least I think it was."

"What does that mean?"

"Jack, I'll love you always, but there may be times when I don't like you. Just like with me, you love me, but there will be times that you struggle to like me."

"So, are you telling me that you've struggled to like me at some point since we've been together, because honestly, I've never not liked you."

"Seriously Jack…? Think about it; that night that I ran out and you were sitting on my front porch when I came home, you were upset. You couldn't have liked me much at that moment," she explained.

"No, I was worried about you and upset with myself. I thought I had pushed you too far, and then, oh wait, I might have been a little upset with you because you wouldn't tell me what was wrong. You had me thinking you were a man or something."

Elizabeth turned away as her snickering began.

"Are you laughing at me?"

She turned back, "No, I'm laughing with you."

Jack scooted closer, took her journal from her hands, closed it and tossed it on the bedside table. As he moved even closer, she laid back, her head resting on her pillow.

Sharing the same breath, Jack cradled her face in his hands, "Ms. Thatcher, the problem with that rationalization is that I'm not laughing."

Her hands on his ribcage gave him a taste of the tickling sensation he'd provided to her earlier. As his laughter began, she joked, "You're laughing now."

"Oh, do you think this is funny…" he fought the urge to laugh as he grabbed her hands.

"Okay, I'm sorry; I'm sorry," she moved in bed trying to get away as the recipient of the silliness was now her. "Jack, I'm sorry," her words were barely intelligible, as her laughter and pleas caused him to stop.

His chest rested across hers. The laughing ceased; there was nothing funny about how they felt. There were no words spoken; her eyes found his and their wants and needs were silently conveyed.

He blinked and her hand behind his head pulled him even closer. Their lips touched and the world seemed to instantly vanish. All she could feel was him, the pressure of his body resting across hers, his fingers tracing up her arm, and along her ribcage.

Being close was both ecstasy and agony for her, but she also knew as she felt his firmness press against her hip that it had to be torture for him as well. In the blur of everything that was happening, she was considering giving in to the desire she felt, while he pushed away and apologized.

She pulled the covers back, "It's my fault Jack. This isn't fair to you; I'm going…"

"You aren't leaving, are you?"

"Jack, I don't want to go back home, but…"

"Elizabeth, you are home."

She sat on the side of the bed as his hand brushed gently up and down her back. "I'm not being fair to you," she whispered. "I'll sleep in the other room."

As she stood, he took hold of her hand, doing his best to keep her from walking away. "I don't sleep when you're not here…don't go."

Jack grabbed the quilt at the end of the bed and put it between them, "Here, I've divided the bed."

She sat back down, slid her legs under the covers, turned over to face him and rested her head on her bent arm as it lay across her pillow. "You know that doesn't work."

"I'll be good; I promise."

Her eyes watered, "You know Jack, maybe I don't want you to be good; hell, I don't want to be good. I want to make love to you right now; I want to feel your hands on my body, and I want to wake up in the morning in your arms knowing that I'm enough for you."

"You are enough for me."

"How do you know? I mean, what happens if I'm not any good in bed, and then you're stuck with me."

"Well for that matter, what happens if I'm no good in bed…"

Elizabeth laughed, but when he didn't, she responded, "Oh, were you serious?"

Bringing her hand up to his lips, she continued, "No way, Jack. I think about you and my body warms." All joking ceased and she became more serious, "You touch me, and I feel like a candle burning at both ends. I wake up with your arms around me, and I know that the day couldn't be any better than it is at that moment."

"Elizabeth, I'm not going to say that I don't want to make love to you, because that would be a lie, and you deserve better than that. But I fell in love with you for so many reasons, one of which is your strength of character, your values and morals."

Jack's fingers brushed several strands of hair behind her ear, "I'm proud of you for holding onto those values that mean so much. You're strong, Elizabeth, and when it's our time to give into these feelings we have it will be beautiful, and I promise, you will always be enough for me."

Jack leaned over and kissed her forehead, "Do you want to know what I've noticed?"

"What," she asked.

"Before, you nervously laughed when we talked about sensitive topics, but now you seem comfortable."

"I feel safe with you, Jack, not just physically, but emotionally too."

"So, do you think we can go to sleep?" he asked.

"Stay on your side," she teased as she rolled over.

The alarm clock rang at 6am as Jack and Elizabeth each stretched. His legs tangled with hers as his body lay on the quilt which was initially put in place to separate them.

Elizabeth lay on her left side with her eyes closed but remained quite aware of what was happening around her. Although they were both fully clothed, she could still feel his body touching hers from feet to shoulders, and she had to admit that the day was starting out perfectly.

As for Jack, Elizabeth was still in his bed with him, so the day was already perfect. Even the fact that today he started hearing cases and was required to act judicial wouldn't disrupt how he felt. She was there, he could feel her beside him, and nothing was going to disrupt his apple cart…not today.

While Elizabeth dressed, Jack put on his shoes and headed to feed Maverick and take him out for a run. As he opened the front door, Jack realized that he must be completely preoccupied as the rain was falling in sheets, loudly hitting the house.

Quickly, Jack closed the front door and turned Maverick out into the fenced in side yard, grabbing several towels from the linen closet, knowing that he'd be soaking wet by the time he came back inside.

He was pouring two cups of coffee when Elizabeth stepped into the kitchen, "Are you back already?" she asked as she looked around for Maverick.

"It's pouring outside. Maverick is in the side yard," he advised as he handed her a cup of coffee already loaded with Splenda and Caramel Macchiato creamer.

"Thank you," she stated as she followed him to the kitchen table. "So, today is the big day. Do you know anything about the cases you have in court?"

"All I know is that that I have delinquent cases without attorneys at 9, support cases at 11, and the juvenile cases with attorneys are at 1. Do you have court today?"

"Nope…"

"Are you going to come up and sit in court?"

"Jack…"

"I'm just kidding; well, really I'm serious, but I know you can't."

"This is going to be hard, Jack. I'm just hoping that I can stay out of your courtroom."

"Elizabeth, we only have to be careful for eight hours, the remaining 16 hours in the day are ours…"

"I like the way you look at things, Jack…"

"Well, I am a Judge, and it's my job to look things through completely and come up with resolutions for what may seem like impossible situations," Jack stated, not realizing as the words were spoken just how she'd take them. Assuming everything was fine he stood up and walked over to let Maverick back inside.

Thankful that Maverick had apparently spent most of his time outside under the cover, he wasn't nearly as wet as Jack had prepared for, only using one towel to dry him completely. Jack secured Maverick in his crate and started for the stairs when he glanced over at Elizabeth and saw a concerning look on her face. "What's wrong?" he asked, "He's dry."

"It's nothing about Maverick, but Jack, I thought I was the one with all of the concerns about us and working together. Do you think we're in an impossible situation?"

"No, of course not. I'm speaking of general life situations; you know, other people, not us."

"Yeah right. Jack, it's okay to be worried about it. I think that's healthy, and it should keep us on our toes."

Jack walked over and kissed her, "I'm always on my toes where you're concerned. You mean the world to me, and as we navigate this new normal for us, we just need to be willing to make changes as necessary."

He kissed the top of her head, "I'll be down in a few minutes."

True to his word, Jack was dressed in a black suit and black tie when he walked back into the kitchen a few moments later. "Are you ready to go?"

Elizabeth put their coffee cups in the sink, grabbed her purse and raincoat and out the door they went.

As they pulled into the complex, Jack started around to the back of the building and the underground garage.

"Where are you going?" she asked as she observed several of her co-workers racing inside, some with umbrellas and others without.

"I was told yesterday that I'm supposed to park in the garage. It's just a safety feature for us."

"Well, that's nice for you."

"Elizabeth, it's nice for us."

Once they parked the SUV, Jack held her hand until they entered the building on the first floor. They separated at that point, with Jack taking the elevator, and Elizabeth continuing through the door near the kitchen and into the main hallway.

Elizabeth, carrying her raincoat and dry, still closed umbrella, she passed person after person, each one soaked and disgruntled about the memo sent out last week ordering that all Court Service Unit personnel park in the third parking lot. This new change afforded more parking spaces for the those heading to court or the Court Service Unit but required all probation officers to walk a good block or two to the building. On beautiful days, a nice walk was invigorating. Today, with the pouring rain, it was not invigorating, stimulating, rejuvenating or refreshing. What it was, however, was disappointing, aggravating, and irritating, and as Elizabeth passed by, completely dry and put together, snarkiness was bound to follow.

"Good morning," Elizabeth called out as Tara and Sherry passed by.

"Is it…really?" Sherry remarked as she squeezed with one hand the dripping water from her hair, while walking barefooted and carrying her soaking wet pumps with the other.

Suddenly realizing that she'd already begun to experience the benefits of Jack's job, she had no idea how difficult things were about to become.

To be continued…