Chapter 5

Lucy could honestly say that her day spent with Jack was definitely up there as one of the best days of her life. They had spent another two very pleasurable hours under his maroon duvet. Then they had showered and dressed and Jack drove her home to change to go out for lunch.

They went into the city and had a wonderful romantic late lunch in a restaurant by the river, then walked and talked hand in hand through the park until the January sun started to sink and dusk fell.

Jack looked at his watch and let out a long sigh, "we better head back if we are going to get to my parents house for 7pm."

"Yeah I suppose your right, it wouldn't do to be late for our debut as a couple" she laughed as she linked her arm through his, cuddling close against the dropping temperature.

He gave her a mischievous grin, "True, it might start tongues wagging as to why we are late!"

"OK we definitely need to get moving then" she said as she started to drag his arm in the direction of the truck. Laughing, Jack allowed himself to be pulled along as they headed back.

It didn't take long before they pulled up outside the house she had come to know so well. It did look slightly different without the abundance of twinkling Christmas lights strung everywhere, but it still created the same warm glow of a home filled with love and laughter. Lucy thought she would never be welcome here again and it was so wonderful to be back, especially with Jack by her side but she still had anxiety bubbling in her stomach.

Jack seemed to read her thoughts as she stood looking at his parents house and he came up behind her and wrapped his arms round her waist. He tenderly kissed her hair, before leaning slightly forward, whispering "Hey, come on it will be fine" then he grabbed her hand and lead her to the front door.

This time it was she who allowed herself to be pulled along and then they were walking through the door. It was as if the whole household had been laying in wait for them because suddenly they were all there in the hallway (except Peter who was still in hospital), Ox, Midge, Mary, Elsie and Saul.

There was a tumultuous noise of greetings and excitement as she hugged each one in turn, while Ox dragged her coat from her back and Midge grasped her hand to lead her into the family room. Lucy looked back at Jack who was still in the hall and gave him a smile, his returning smile was so radiant she could feel him warm her from the next room.

Guided onto the sofa Lucy soon found herself wedged in between Midge and Mary. She found that it was quite easy to slip into the old familiar ease of chatter as Mary excitedly showed off her new earrings that she had brought, while Midge instructed Ox to get the drinks for everyone, then grabbed Lucy's hand to admire her engagement ring.

Saul sat smiling at her from the arm chair across the room and Elsie was fussing around loading a new film in her camera, it seemed she had big plans to add more pictures to her photo albums tonight.

It felt so normal, but it was too normal and Lucy couldnt help feeling like there was a big pink elephant in the room that nobody wanted to address.

Ox returned a few minutes later with a tray of champagne flutes and a rather expensive looking bottle. "I think a toast is in order" He announced as he entered the room. He laid down his tray and started on uncorking the bottle.

A cry of agreement was heard as they all excepted the offered glasses. Lucy looked over at Jack who was sitting on the floor infront of the fire, he gave her smile and an encouraging nod, again it was as if he could read her thoughts. He stood as he took his offered glass and walked round the back of the sofa. Leaning over as if making a show of giving her an tender kiss on the cheek, he surreptitiously whispered in her ear, "Are you OK?" She gave the briefest of nods as he remained in place and gave her shoulders a small reassuring squeeze.

Midge, over joyed at witnessing her youngest son's affection towards his bride to be exclaimed, "isn't that wonderful, I'm so happy!" As she welled up and the room at large concurred.

She allowed her shoulders to relax at his touch, she was anxious and he knew that. How could someone she had known for only a matter of weeks know her so well? Some would say it was impossible, but with Jack it was like she had found her other half, a half she didn't even know she was missing. So it was less like getting to know each other, rather than they were in tune and could read each other's thoughts and feelings. Hadn't that been the case the whole time Peter had been asleep? They hadn't dated, or flirted or kissed, yet this bond had been formed between them, without words or actions but with looks and feelings that had grown into something so wonderous it had embedded in their very core.

The elephant was still there and she would need to have a conversation with Midge to make it disappear for good, but for now as she felt the pressure of Jack's hand on her shoulder, maybe she could throw a blanket over it for now.

She looked up and him and smiled, he leant down and kissed her forehead as he allowed Ox to fill his glass with champagne.

Glasses filled, Ox stood infront of the fire and made a small cough to signal for quiet before starting, "Well, it's been a hell of a few weeks!"

Oh god, this was not a good start, she thought to herself, was Ox going to address all of Lucy's anxiety masquerading as a toast? She held her breath, fists clenched as he continued.

"Lucy, you saved Peter's life and we will be forever grateful to you. In that time you have also been engaged to both my sons..."

She froze, palms sweating as her finger nails dug in her skin. She could feel the pressure from Jack's hold increase slightly.

"Ox!"

"Pop!"

Midge and Jack cried out, urging him not to go on, but he waved his hand in there direction signalling for hush.

"Look, I'm just saying it like it is!" He went on. "The whole Peter engagement thing was a hell of a mess and you should have told us the truth, but sometimes good things can come out of the biggest screw ups. If you hadn't joined this family you would never have met Jack and I think we all agree that would have been a terrible thing. I'm not usually one to talk about feeling and stuff, but you would have to be blind not to see how great you two are together and how much you love each other. We love you like our own daughter and we are just so pleased you will still get to be part of our family...to Lucy and Jack!" Ox gazed at Lucy and gave her a beaming smile as he held out his glass and took at drink.

She let out the breath had been holding as tears welled up in her eyes, Jack planted a kiss on the top of her head.

"Lucy and Jack" Everyone echoed.

Midge grabbed Lucy's hand and squeezed it as tears ran down her face.

"Midge I..." Lucy started, but Midged just shook her head and embraced her tightly.

"I'm just happy that it's all worked out. All I ask if for you to take care of my Jack." Midge said into her hair and tears fell down her face.

"I promise" Lucy whispered her voice full of emotion.

Lucy looked over Midge's shoulder and caught Ox's eye, "thank you" she murmured, and he smiled as he gave her an embarrassed nod.

Once she had extracted herself from Midge Lucy turned to Mary and hugged the teenager, remembering the part she had played in helping her brother during his uncertainty. She really was a sweet girl.

"Right photo time! I need the happy couple over here" Elsie had sorted her camera and was indicating that she wanted Lucy and Jack over by the fireplace.

Fully aware there was no getting out of it (she really hated having her picture taken) she did as she was told, but soon Jack had joined her and took her in his arms. He pulled her close and kissed her lips. The kiss was only a very small thing but it was full of meaning and as he caressed her cheek with his thumb she knew from the look on his face what he was going to say. She gently put her fingers to his lips to stop him from speaking and smiled. She didn't want apologies or for him to be upset about what his dad had said. It was out in the open, the air was clearer and she felt more relaxed in their company than she had since she walked in. Lucy decided that she still needed to talk to Midge, but it could wait, now was the time to allow for celebration.

Beaming she threw her arms round him and faced the camera. They laughed and smiled and kissed as Elsie took the pictures. There was definitely one for the mantle and Lucy thought she must remember to ask Elsie for copies, they would look fantastic in Jack's house.

Before long Midge was calling them all into the dining room for dinner. She had made roast lamb with all the trimming, Lucy suddenly regretted have a desert after her lunch.

They all ate and drank, chatting merrily. As usual Elsie, Saul and Ox were having a bizarre conversation, they were talking about the state of the roads, which quickly turned to a discussion about amphibians when Elsie thought Saul had said 'toads'. Lucy couldn't help smiling as she listed to their ridiculous exchanges, it was so lovely to be back nestled in their crazy bubble again.

Jack had taken the seat next to Lucy at dinner, occasionally slipping a sneaky hand under the table to caress her leg, giving her a sly wink. It was the most amazing feeling. How many times over the last few weeks had she sat at this table across from Jack, watching him when she thought he wasn't looking, wondering what it would be like to kiss those lips and run her fingers through his hair. Then their eyes would meet and they would smile and share a private joke with just a look. She remembered that strange sensation of feeling so happy to be in his company but at the same time heartbreak at the thought that they would never have more than what they shared in those moments. How much had changed in such a short space of time! He was hers, and though that sounded horribly possessive, she was his too and it was the best feeling in the world. She knew the touch of his skin and the taste of his lips and it sent a thrill through her, thoughts immediately flying to earlier that morning.

"Lucy...?" Midge spoke snapping Lucy out of her reverie. She looked round to see them all starring at her.

"Oh sorry, what was that?" Blushing as she desperately tried to recover. What would Midge say if she had known what Lucy was thinking about about her son!

"Have you two given any thoughts to the wedding yet?" Midge enquired looking between Lucy and Jack.

"I bet they have been too busy doing 'other' thing to worry about that" Elsie chipped in with a huge smile on her face.

"Ma!!!" Midge cried out looking mortified.

Lucy wanted the ground to swallow her up, especially after being caught in her recent day dream, she looked at Jack who had gone bright red and had his head in his hand.

"Oh well...hmmm" was all that Lucy could get out because the truth was they had kind of been too busy with 'other' things.

Mary sat sniggering behind her hand and Jack still looked a bashed but he managed to choke out, "we need to work out living together first and go from there, don't you agree?" He looked at Lucy as he returned to a more normal colour, appearing desperate to move the conversation in a safer direction.

"Yeah, I'm going to move into Jack's house, but I need to sort out ending my lease on my apartment and that will take time." She explained to them trying to follow Jack's lead and staying in safe territory.

Then she realised he hadn't offically asked her to move in with him into his house. Over the last 24 hours it had often been implied that she would, but suddenly she felt self-conscious.

She looked over to Jack, who she noted was giving her the most beautiful lop-sided smile. He took her hand and brought it up to his lips and gave her knuckles the lightest of kisses, the look of pure joy in his eyes was unmistakable. They shared an brief moment of silent understanding, as the comprehension that she would be living with Jack actually sunk in. The jubilation she felt was overwhelming.

"That won't take long to sort out, we move furniture for a living for christ sake, we will have you out of there within a week!" Ox declared, breaking the silence as he took a large swig of wine.

"Hey Pop, we only got engaged yesterday, don't you think Lucy might need a bit of time to adjust to the changes?"

Jack turned back to Lucy, suddenly there was a nervousness on his face that she had seen before, "I don't want you to feel like I'm rushing you."

She thought about it for a second. She loved her apartment, it was the last place she had lived with her dad and was full of his memories. But it had also been a place of loneliness and pain and solitude. It did seem like a big step to move in with Jack so quickly, but hadnt she accepted his proposal after knowing him for only 2 weeks? She had already made a massive step, was this any more huge? Probably, but then she realised she wanted to live with him, wake up to his face every morning, merge her things with his so everything would be their's. The thought lifted her so high she could have flown.

"Let's do it!" She said with the confidence she truly felt, "as soon as possible!...If that's ok?" she added suddenly realising she didn't want him to feel bulldozed either.

His face lite up, it was a wonderful sight and excitement welled up within her. He leaned over and gave her a long lingering kiss, the sort you probably shouldn't do at the dining table infront of your fiancé's family, but Lucy couldnt find it within her to care.

Talk round the stable erupted into who was going to do what to help. Midge and Mary were going to come and help sort and pack boxes. Ox, Saul and Jack would do the removal and Elsie would go to the hospital to keep Peter company. It was decided it didn't matter if Lucy's lease wasn't quite up yet, but Ox would go and talk to Joe Sr. to see if any arrangement could be made.

As dessert was served (Lucy only had a tiny slice to be polite) the plans were set and were going to be put in motion starting the next weekend. She and Mel the cat would be going to live with Jack and she couldn't be happier. It also appeared that his family couldn't be happier either and that left Lucy with a tremendously warm feeling, she knew she was a very lucky girl.

Once the meal was over Midge informed Mary that she was on washing up duty that night. The teenager protested wildly, but when Lucy offered to help she accepted her fate and together Lucy and Mary stationed themselves at the sink.

"Are you a washer or a dryer?" Lucy asked as she stacked the dirty plates in a more organised fashion.

"Washer, please" Mary beamed, it seemed that she wasn't often given the choice.

They set to work and soon got into a rhythm that would have the job done in no time. Mary chatted away about the prospect of going back to school and what had happened when her friend Beth had told a guy from school that she liked him. Lucy loved listening to Mary talk she was so funny and passionate about life, she really was a joy to talk to.

Lucy was so pleased that Mary would be her Sister, she looked forward to building a true bond with this girl.

All of a sudden a stab of guilt hit her. Mary's tear streaked face in the Chapel washed into her mind, she had looked so let down, so disappointed and Lucy had caused it. Yet Mary had seen passed the hurt and confusion and actually helped Jack with his own feeling. Lucy honestly thought that without Mary she probably wouldn't be standing here in this house, engaged to the love of her life. She really did owe Mary alot.

"Hey, Mary I just wanted to, hmmm, say..." Lucy hadn't planned to change the subject so quickly, but all of a sudden she had to speak to the girl about her feelings.

Mary finished washing the plate she was holding and turned slightly to look at Lucy. "Yeah, what is it?"

Lucy suddenly didn't know how to put her gratitude into words, it was so important to get it right. She stumbled on her words as she said, "I, well, hmmm, well just really..." Tears welled in Lucy's eyes as the emotion seemed to pool there.

Mary dropped her sponge and looked a her with a worried expression. "Are you OK? Shall I get Jack?" She said a she went to move away.

Lucy shook her head smiling, lightly grabbing Mary's arm to stop her from leaving. "I just wanted to say thank you!" and she stepped forward and embraced her new little sister tightly.

Mary seemed a bit startled at first but then brought her arms around to return the hug. "What for?" Mary asked, sounding genuinely surprised.

Lucy pulled back so that she was looking into the girls face. "I know you went to see Jack, I know it was you that talked him into giving me another chance and I owe you so much."

Mary gave a small giggle and looked slightly embarrassed as she shuffled her feet looking at the floor. "I knew you liked each other, I've known for a while. I've seen the way you look at each other. I know you were meant to be engaged to Peter but the way you and Jack were together, well I wasn't quite buying it." She looked up and gave a knowing smile.

It was Lucy's turn to look sheepish now as she admitted "Well I had seen Peter at the station hundreds of time and I thought it was love, but God when I met Jack it was something else!" She chuckled to herself as she went on, "I probably shouldn't be saying this to their baby sister."

Mary beamed and threw her arms round Lucy again. "I'm so happy! I was really pleased when I thought you were marrying Peter, but now that your marrying Jack it's amazing! I'm so excited!!!!" She jumped up and down making Lucy have to jump a little too. "I know you shouldn't have a favourite, and I really do love Peter, but Jack is the best big brother in the whole world!"

Lucy leaned in and whispered in a conspirital tone "Don't worry I won't tell anyone, and I'll let you into a secret, I like Jack more than Peter too!"

They both burst into fits of laughter as Jack walked into the kitchen.

"I thought I'd come and see what's taking you so long" He said giving them both a suspicious look.

"Just chatting" Mary replied trying her best to sound innocent. She turned to face Jack, but she kept her arm round Lucy's waist. "You know girls stuff."

"Then I definitely don't want to know!" He laughed holding up his hands in submission.

"Don't worry, I was just telling Lucy how lucky I am to have such an awesome big brother!" Mary chuckled as she stepped forward away from Lucy and threw her arms round her brother. "And I don't mean Peter" she added in a whisper.

Jack hugged her back tightly, then he smiled as he pulled away slightly to look her in the face, "OK I'm worried now, what do you want?" He replied with mock anxiety in his tone.

"Can't I tell my brother how much I love him without him thinking I want something? She said pretending to sound hurt.

"Love you too kid" and he pulled her into another hug.

"Come on" Jack said after a moment, Mom and Pop will wonder where we are.

They headed out the kitchen as Jack held the door open for the two ladies.

"Though now you mention it, can I be chief bridesmaid?" Mary asked as she walked out the kitchen. She stopped for a moment and looked between Lucy and Jack awaiting answer.

"I can't think of anyone better" Lucy beamed and Jack nodded in agreement as Mary skipped off to tell her mom the news.

Once it was time to leave, both Lucy and Jack made the rounds saying their goodbyes to everyone. They climbed in the truck and headed back to Lucy's apartment, they decided they needed to spend the night with Mel as the poor thing had been alone for the last 2 days.

As they climbed the stairs up to Lucy's front door, they bumped into Joe Jr. coming down in the opposite direction.

"You!" Joe yelled as he caught sight of Jack.

"You've got a nerve showing your face round here after how you treated Lucy", his face was livid as he stepped forward and pushed Jack back towards the wall.

"Joe, hey Joey stop!" Lucy cried as she tried to get between them, "you've got it all wrong."

Lucy had no desire to stand in the hall way and explain everything to Joe Jr. about what had happened but she also had to stop him from trying to start a fight on the stairs.

Jack had stepped forward, looking like he was about to retaliate and Joe wasn't listening and certainly wasn't backing down. They were now both nose to nose squaring up to each other as Joe Jr pushed Jack again, Lucy panicked and did the first thing that came into her head.

"Joey, enough!" She cried and she stamped hard on his foot.

"Ooowww, Lucy what gives!" He screamed as he jumped back.

"Jack isn't the one I was going to marry" she said in cryptic explaination.

Joe Jr just looked puzzled, "but I thought you's two were, you know?..." he said looking from Jack to Lucy in complete bewilderment.

Lucy wrapped her arms around Jack's waist and snuggled close as Jack slipped his arm round her shoulder, she noted he had a very smug look on his face.

"Joey, I know its confusing, it's taken us a while to sort out, but Jack was not the one I was marrying but he is the one I love, and I thought I'd lost him..." She looked up at Jack and gave him a brilliant smile, her hugged her tightly and then planted a kiss on her lips.

Jack looked at Joe Jr. still wearing his smug grin, "and I'm extatic to say she has agreed to marry me."

Lucy knew she was grinning like a complete idiot, but hearing Jack speaking these words had this effect on her.

Joe Jr. stood looking at her in disbelief, she stepped forward and threw her arms around him. "Thank you for sticking up for me, you really are a good friend."

"Yeah well..." Joe muttered. He sounded miserable but hugged her back anyway.

"And I'm sorry for stamping on your foot!" She pulled a face that he couldnt see, "I hope I didn't hurt you too much."

"I'm OK but if you wanted to make it up to me..." He pulled away just enough to look at her and raised his eyebrows at her suggestively.

"OK OK, that will do!" Jack growled as he grabbed Lucy's arm and dislodged her from Joe's embrace, he looked less than happy.

"Joey!" She frowned at him warningly, but then she smiled, she knew that he didn't mean any harm.

"Sorry man!" Joe raised his hands in surrender as he gingerly stepped backwards down the stairs.

Jack just grunted in response as she guided him to the front door, he still looked furious as he continued to stare Joe down. She put her key in the lock, "Good night Joe!" She shouted in a sing song voice. She pushed the door open shoving Jack through first and quickly shutting the door behind them.

She hung up her coat and made her way into the lounge, where Jack was standing. She walked up to him and drapped her arms over his shoulders. "Sorry about that, he doesn't mean any harm."

"Hmmm I'm sure he doesnt" He grumbled sounding completely unconvincing. "But the sooner we get you moved the better".

She closed the gap and gently pressed her lips to his, she felt him relax as he wound his arms around her and returned her kiss with enthusiasm. When they finally came up for air she moved to rest her head on his chest and with a satisfied smile thought that she couldn't help but agree.

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Hope you are enjoying the story so far, would love to hear what you think in a review.