Jack lay awake that night, thinking over Mel's words. It hadn't occurred to him that the shooter might have been targeting someone else. He assumed that he had gone too far with Calvin, and this was his warning to back off or else. He looks over at her sleeping form, her hair shining in the moonlight streaming in through the window, and he knows he'd do anything to protect her, even leave Virgin River.

He laughs at himself in the darkness, if only his marine buddies could see him now, completely in love, committed in a relationship, he is sure they wouldn't even recognize him. He has never met anyone like Mel before, someone he wants to bring home to meet his family. His mother has been on his case for weeks now, wanting him to visit. He couldn't hide the joy in his voice when he talked to her, and his mom had known right away that something was different about her son. "Who is she?" she had asked, "Who is this girl who has finally earned your heart?"

Jack knows his mother will love Mel, it isn't even a question. His dad, on the other hand, is a different story. Jack could never seem to do right by his father, and they don't see eye to eye on anything. He also doesn't always treat his mother the way Jack thinks he should. He sighs, looking at Mel. Her eyelids are fluttering, and he thinks she must be dreaming. He closes his eyes, trying to fall back asleep, when the sound of Mel sniffling wakes him. He sits up in bed, looking at her, and she's crying.

"Mel?" he says, shaking her gently until she's awake. "You're safe. It was only a dream."

She opens her eyes and looks at him, and to his utter dismay, she crumbles into his arms, sobbing. "It was so awful," she replies. "You were gone," she cries, "I couldn't get to you in time. Oh, Jack!"

"Shh," he says, trying to soothe her, but he knows how she feels. He's been awake half the night for the same reason. "It's ok, I'm right here," he tells her, stroking her hair. She cries while he holds her, and after a while she pushes away from him so that they are lying face to face in the bed, her expression unreadable. "What is it?" he asks.

And suddenly her lips are on his, her hands roaming his body. She nearly tackles him, hovering over him, taking control, her hands pinning his wrists up over his head. He looks up at her in shock and awe, his eyes darkening with desire.

"I just need to feel you," she whispers, and he groans, more than willing to oblige her. There are tears in her eyes as they make love. Every kiss, every touch drawing an intensity that thunders throughout his entire body, their hearts beating as one. Later, she holds him tightly, unwilling to have even an inch of space between them.

"Wow," he says, kissing her hair, "Where did that come from?" he asks before adding, "Not that I'm complaining."

She exhales, "I think after all I have been through, I don't want to take any moment for granted anymore. I'm trying so hard not to be afraid. I thought before that the worst things in my life had already passed, but now I'm realizing that isn't true. Whoever almost took you from me is still out there, Jack, and I just can't lose you. I can't."

"I know," he answers. "I was up half the night worrying about you. We can't keep going on like this."

"It's this feeling that I was trying to avoid, when I pushed you away before," she admits. "This paralyzing fear that something bad is going to happen to you, or to us. And then I opened my heart to you, allowed myself to love you, and it has become the best thing in my life. You're everything, Jack."

"You're everything to me, too," he replies, softly. "I don't want you to be afraid anymore."

"I know," she answers, "I'm trying really hard not to be."

He wraps his arms around her, hugging her until eventually, they both fall asleep, finding safety in each other's arms.

-x-x-x-x-x-x-

"I haven't had the best luck meeting the parents," Mel says the next day on their way to Sacramento. "Mark's mother never liked me. She never thought I was good enough for her son. And now I think she blames me for what happened to him."

"I don't see how anyone could not like you," Jack replies. "And what happened wasn't your fault. It was an accident."

"I know," Mel says, "I never had a big family growing up. It was just my dad, Joey, and me. Sometimes I think I don't know how to be part of a family, and maybe Mark's parents sensed that in me or something."

"Trust me, my mom will love you," Jack insists.

"How can you be so sure?" Mel asks.

"Because I do," he replies, taking the exit off the highway.

Eventually, they pull up to a quaint, colonial style house with a big yard. Mel nervously clutches the bottle of wine and bouquet of flowers she brought for Jack's parents in her hands as they walk to the front door. Before they can knock, the door flings open and there stands Sandy Sheridan, wiping her hands on her apron and tucking a few loose strands of hair back into her bun. "Jack!" she exclaims, pulling her son into a tight hug. "And you must be Mel!" she says, hugging her, "Oh my, you are gorgeous, my son wasn't exaggerating!"

"Thank you," Mel blushes. "It's so nice to meet you, Mrs. Sheridan," Mel says politely, handing her the gifts.

"Oh, call me Sandy," she insists.

Jack sets their bags in the foyer as his father walks into the room. "Son," he nods in acknowledgment, but the two don't hug or shake hands.

"Dad," Jack says, "This is Mel."

"It's nice to meet you, Mr. Sheridan," Mel says. John Sheridan is tall, graying, and almost imposing as he appraises her.

"Oh, so formal," Sandy smiles, "Call him John. We're so glad you came for a visit, aren't we honey?" she asks, looking at her husband, who only nods, unsmiling. "Jack, why don't you bring those bags up to the guestroom and show Mel around a bit so you can get settled before dinner," she suggests.

Jack lifts the bags and leads Mel upstairs and into a small yet nicely furnished and neat bedroom.

"Sorry about my dad," he says after closing the door. "He's not the easiest person to talk to, or even be around. And like I told you before, we don't agree on almost anything."

"I don't know how anyone could not be proud to have you for a son," Mel says, giving him quick kiss. "Come on, let's go help your mom with dinner."

Jack and Mel help prepare the meal, his mother asking them dozens of questions about how they met, and things in Virgin River and the bar. Mel notices that Jack doesn't mention being shot or any of the incidents with Charmaine, so she doesn't either. When the meal is ready Jack's father emerges from the den and plops himself into his chair at the head of the table. He holds up his empty glass. "Water," he states flatly, and Sandy scurries around the kitchen, catering to his every whim.

"So, son," John says, frowning at Jack, "How are things going, working at the bar."

"I own the bar, Dad," Jack replies, narrowing his eyes.

"Right," John replies dismissively. "How's business then?"

"Business is great," Jack answers. "It helps that we're the only restaurant in town, and Preacher's cooking is amazing."

John doesn't reply, chewing his food before turning to Mel, "Jack's never brought anyone home to meet us before," he says, frowning.

"I never met anyone I wanted to bring home before," Jack insists.

John keeps looking at Mel, studying her, "So, are you more than just a pretty face, then?"

"Dad," Jack says warningly, but Mel shoots him a look that tells him she can handle herself.

"I'm a nurse practitioner and midwife," Mel replies, "I work at the clinic in town with Dr. Mullins. I moved to Virgin River from L.A. about four months ago, and that's how I met Jack."

"Impressive!" Sandy interjects, but John only scowls. They continue to eat in awkward silence, their silverware scraping against the plates.

"Why would anyone leave a big city like L.A. to go to that godforsaken place, I'll never know," John says, rolling his eyes.

Again, Jack takes a breath to respond, but Mel holds up her hand, silencing him. "I needed a change. And Virgin River is a lovely place with a real sense of community. Jack made me feel at home there. He's the reason I stayed."

"You had better watch this one," John tells his son as he finishes his meal, "No one needs a woman with a mind of her own." And with that, he pushes back from the table and disappears back into the den.

"Oh, don't mind him," Sandy says, waving her hands in dismissal, "I've been with him for 45 years now, and he's never been happy about a damn thing. He'll warm up to you, Mel, don't you worry. I promise it isn't you. Jack is his only son, and he's extra tough on him. Thinks it builds character."

Jack leaves the room in the direction of the den, intent on a mission to clear the air with his father. Mel stays behind in the kitchen, helping clean up the meal.

"You know, I'm so happy my son found you," Sandy says warmly. "He's been alone way too long. And after the wars and the scars, I worry about him. He's my only son. My daughters, all four of them, are off and married, but not my Jack. I kept asking him if he ever wanted to settle down, and he just brushed me off. I worried about him. When he got back from his last tour of duty, he wasn't the same anymore. And then he moved away from home, from all of us. I know he doesn't want to be like his father, but he never was. And trust me when I say this, there are worse things in life than ending up like that stubborn old fool."

Mel laughs, "Jack is special. He's wonderful. Selfless, kind, always a gentleman. Jack takes care of the entire town, including me. You raised him right, that is for sure. I had no choice but to fall in love with him."

"Oh, sweetie," Sandy beams, hugging Mel. "Welcome to the family!"

Jack walks into the den where his father is sitting, watching sports. "I really don't appreciate how you talked to Mel. I think you owe her an apology," he says.

"For what? For being honest?" John snaps.

"You're out of line, old man," Jack retorts, "You don't even know her. The least you could do is be respectful."

"I need to know that she's good enough for my boy," his dad says quietly, not looking away from the screen.

"Oh, she definitely is," Jack insists, "It's me that might not be good enough for her."

John pauses the game, finally glancing over at his son. "You know Jack, I haven't always agreed with the mistakes you've made in your life, but believe me when I say this, that girl isn't one of them."

Mel walks into the den, looking for Jack. "Hey Mel," John says to her, "Wanted to say I'm sorry. I don't have the best, you know, people skills."

"It's ok," Mel insists, sitting down on the couch. She starts asking him questions about the game, trying to engage him in conversation, and Jack leaves to help his mom finish up in the kitchen.

"So, when's the wedding?" his mother asks as they are putting away the dishes. "She's absolutely lovely, Jack. Smart, strong, capable, caring, and she adores you. What are you waiting for?"

"She was married before," Jack replies. "Her husband died in a terrible car accident. I don't even know if she wants to get married again, ever. We only just met a few months ago."

"Oh, the poor thing," his mom says, "Well, honey, the only way you'll know that is if you ask. So it's about time you asked yourself, what do you want?"

"I want her," Jack says immediately.

"Then I'll ask you this again, son. What are you waiting for? Life is too short to wait. When it's right, it's right." Sandy says, patting him affectionately on the elbow and leaving him alone with his thoughts.

He enters the den several minutes later to find Mel seated between his parents on the sofa, talking as if they've known each other for years. He leans in the doorway, his heart warming at the sight of her, when she notices his presence.

"Oh, hey stranger, what are you doing all the way over there?" Mel asks, reaching out her hand towards him and patting the sofa next to her. Sandy scoots over, giving him room to sit between the two most important women in his life. He reaches for Mel's hand, giving it a squeeze before turning his attention to the game.

-x-x-x-x-x-x-

"Are you sure your parents don't mind that we are sleeping in the same bed?" Mel asks him later that evening as they are getting ready for bed.

"Of course not," he replies, "Besides, there is no way that I'm sleeping without you."

She smiles at him, "Your parents are great."

"Even my dad?" he asks.

"Yes, even him," Mel replies, "He acts all tough but on the inside he's just a big softy. Like father, like son," she teases.

"Yeah, yeah," he replies, pulling the covers back and climbing into bed next to her before switching out the bedside lamp. "My mom loves you, just like I knew she would."

She smiles, leaning over to give him a soft kiss. When he tries to deepen the kiss, she pulls back, grinning. "We are not doing it at your parents' house!" she whispers, trying to push him away.

"Doing what?" Jack asks, feigning innocence as he slides his hand up her pajama top.

"Jack!" she squirms, and he holds his hand still for a moment, looking deep into her eyes.

"I love you," he says, all traces of teasing gone from his handsome face. She looks at him, then, and sees the love he feels for her reflecting in his beautiful blue eyes, and before she knows it, her lips are on his, kissing him passionately.

"Not in my parents' house!" Jack exclaims, mocking her, his eyes sparkling in amusement. She narrows her eyes at him, trying to suppress a laugh as she slings a leg over his hips, straddling him. "Have mercy!" he says, holding up his arms in mock surrender, and this time, she laughs.

He leans up and kisses her, and she is powerless against his mouth. She pulls up her top and tosses it on the floor, only breaking the kiss so she can get it over her head. "Damn you, Jack Sheridan. We'll have to be quiet."

"I know I can be, can you?" he replies, still laughing before he kisses her senseless.

-x-x-x-x-x-x-

The rest of the visit passes in a blur, with Mel seamlessly fitting into his family. His sister Brie stops by the house, her curiosity about the woman who finally snagged her brother's heart getting the best of her. She and Mel immediately bond, and their favorite pastime becomes teasing Jack, but it only makes him fall in love with Mel even more.

"Hey," he says to Mel one afternoon, "I need to run an errand. You good to stay here with my family?"

"Of course," she replies, wondering what he's up to, but she quickly forgets, laughing at a story Brie and Sandy are telling her about Jack as a child. After meeting his family, she knows how he came to be such a gentleman. There is warmth radiating from this house, even with John reigning over it. Sandy devotes herself to caring for everyone, and she sees where Jack gets it from. She can see the love within this family, and it is something that she never really had in her life. She can't wait to meet the rest of Jack's sisters.

When Jack returns from his errand he's a bit on the quiet side, but Mel's attention is diverted once more by the dinner conversation. And later, when they're in bed together, she asks him if everything is ok.

"Yeah," he replies, "I just got a call from Mike while I was out. He thinks most of Calvin's guys have probably left the area, being that they don't want to get caught."

"So does that mean we're safe?" Mel asks.

"I guess it does, for now anyway," he says. Mel can tell that something else is still on his mind, even though he insists he is fine, just tired. Eventually, she falls asleep, while he stays awake, her body draped over his.

He silently reaches over to the nightstand and pulls open the drawer, removing a small black box. He flips it open, the diamond shining even in the dim moonlight of the room, before snapping the box shut again. He looks at Mel's sleeping face, and smiles.

Ever since his mom brought up him marrying Mel, it is all he can think about. He worries that it might be too quick, that she might not be ready now, or ever. But still, he can't imagine not being with her. Plus, the idea of her wearing his ring on her finger, letting the whole world know that they belong to each other, fills him with a joy that is so unexpected it takes his breath away.

Now he just needs to figure out how to ask her.

-x-x-x-x-x-x-

Jack is up with the sunrise the next morning, deciding to go out for a walk. It is warmer here in Sacramento, and he figures a walk through his childhood neighborhood might help clear his head. His thoughts drift back to the night Mel first told him she loved him. He was a mess that night, blaming himself for Spencer's death. He had come to realization that Mel might never return his feelings, and that he would have to be ok with that somehow. After weeks of waiting, he was almost ready to give up. And then, she ran after him, her heart reaching out to his, and he kissed her with everything he had.

They spent that whole night talking. He told her all about his attempts to keep her and the town safe from the camps. He told her how afraid he was the night she was attacked, and how he was worried that it would happen again. He walked back to the cabin with her and they sat on her couch together, holding each other. And even though he was broken, he knew it was where he belonged, with her always.

He returns to the house, surprised to see that Mel is still fast asleep. She's been tired lately, he thinks, probably due to all the stress. By the time she wakes, he's already packed them both up for the return trip home. And when it is time to leave, even Jack's father hugs both his son and Mel goodbye. They are in high spirits on the way back to Virgin River.

For the next week they settle back into their regular routine of working and spending their nights together. One night, Jack texts her and tells her he has to work late, and asks her to meet him at the bar for dinner. When she arrives, she's surprised to find the entire place empty, the only sign that anyone is there is a small sign placed on the counter at one of the bar stools that reads 'Reserved for Mel'. She smiles and takes a seat there. "Jack?" she calls.

He emerges from the kitchen, holding a single red rose which he places on the counter in front of her. "So, what are we having? Whiskey? Soda? Wine? You look like a wine person. Need a minute?"

She smiles at him, "Jack, those are the exact same words you said to me when we met. How do you remember that?"

"I never forget a pretty face," he quips, and she laughs. "Also, I'm not the only one who remembers, apparently."

"Such a smooth talker," she swoons, teasing him. He disappears back into the kitchen and returns holding two plates of food. "I wish I could take credit for this, but this is all Preacher," he admits, sitting beside her at the bar. They begin eating, her glancing around the room. "So where is everyone else tonight? Did you close early?"

"I did," he answers.

"How come?" she wonders.

"I just wanted to be with you," he says simply. He stands, going over to the jukebox and picking a slow song. "Dance with me," he says, holding out his hand to her. She smiles, taking it and the two begin swaying to the music. He spins her and she laughs. He spins her again and this time when he pulls her back, he gets down on one knee, looking up at her, his eyes twinkling.

"Jack," she breathes as he removes the ring box from his pocket and opens it, revealing a beautiful diamond solitaire ring set on a white gold band.

"Mel, I know we've only known each other a short time, but I have loved you from the moment that we first met. I promise to love you always. Will you marry me?"

Her eyes fill with tears and she covers her mouth with her hands. "Yes!" she replies, pulling him up to kiss him, her heart swelling when she realizes that he has tears in his eyes, too.

"I love you Jack, so much," she says, kissing him again before he removes the ring from its box and slips it on her finger. "It's beautiful, Jack."

"I got it when we visited my parents," he admits. "I wanted to recreate the night we met. Too cheesy?" he asks.

"It's perfect," she replies, placing her hands on either side of his face and pulling him down for another kiss, the diamond sparkling in the soft lighting of the bar.