What Are the Chances Chapter 12- Whatever It Takes, a when calls the heart fanfic

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."

Chapter 12- Whatever it Takes

Before reaching the sidewalk, Elizabeth sensed his nervousness and stopped.

"Is something wrong?" he asked.

Knowing that this was not the right time to ask, but hearing Randy's remarks running on a constant loop through her head, she turned to Jack, "If I ask you something, do you promise to not get mad and tell me the truth?"

"Of course, what do you want to know?" he asked.

"While we were apart, did you sleep with another woman?"

Knowing that he could honestly answer her question with a simple 'No,' he was also aware that there was more he needed to tell her, and this wasn't the time. He was beyond thankful when Phillip stepped outside.

"Hey…Elizabeth," Phillip yelled out. "Hurry up, they're seating everyone and getting started.

Elizabeth glanced at Jack hoping to gauge his expression. Although he was nervous, he smiled broadly, took her hand and led her toward the entrance.

As they walked past Phillip, he leaned in and whispered, "I was beginning to regret my decision to leave you with him."

Turning her head in Phillip's direction, she responded, "No, thanks for leaving. I'm fine…"

Once inside the convention center, the lobby was full of award winners and their plus 1. Those seated on the plush furniture were advised to enter the meeting room which was beautifully decorated for dinner.

Jack held on to her hand as they were directed to a table, and he pulled out her chair, sliding it forward once she'd taken her seat. He sat to her left and Phillip sat to her right, which made Jack slightly uncomfortable. However, reminded by Elizabeth of the fact that his fiancé was out of town, and they were supposed to be coming together, he took a deep breath, sighed and entwined his fingers through hers, resting their hands on top of the table.

Jack's meal consisted of steak with mushroom gravy, a baked sweet potato, French green beans and bread. Elizabeth requested the roasted chicken thighs with lemon and herb sauce and honey carrot strips.

As everyone at the table talked, Elizabeth's fork moved more food around her plate than into her mouth.

"Is your chicken okay?" Jack asked. Before she could answer, he continued, "Do you want my steak?" he offered.

"No, I'm fine. I guess I'm just not hungry," she replied. Elizabeth was being honest, but part of her lack of appetite was due to the fact that he had yet to answer her question…was it because Phillip interrupted them, or is there more that she had yet to learn?

With the dinner plates gone and the award ceremony underway, Elizabeth wished that she could accept her plaque and check and then be on her way. Unfortunately, much like the Emmy's, Grammy's and Oscars, the main award is always announced last, leaving her to sit through the entire ceremony.

One by one names were called for different awards and Elizabeth clapped each and every time. Finally, when her name was announced, Jack stood and pulled out her chair, clapping enthusiastically as she walked away, approaching the podium.

Proudly, Jack sat as the school superintendent, William E. Brickell, talked about how accomplished Elizabeth was, and the pride he felt at calling her one of his teachers.

Elizabeth stepped up to the podium and with the plaque and envelope containing the check in her hands, she simply stated, "When I was notified of this honor, I experienced an array of emotions…gratitude, grace, recognition and appreciation. I guess the best way to describe it is that 'I felt seen.' My hope and my goal is that the students in my classroom will feel seen on a daily basis. I want them to know that I see who you are, and I want to help you get where you are going.

It is a great honor to be here surrounded by so many talented, passionate, and dedicated educators. Although I am the one standing before you tonight, this award is not about the recognition of an individual. It is the recognition of a community. Each of us, administrators, family members, parents, students, staff and teachers make up that community. Therefore, the whole is much greater than this one part, and for that I'd like to thank each and every one of you for what you do every single day in the pursuit of what we call education."

The audience stood and applauded as Elizabeth returned to her table and as Jack pulled out her chair, she took her seat beside him. There was no doubt in her mind that he was clapping the loudest, and the smile covering his face showed his pride in her and his love for her, almost allowing her to forget that they still had things to talk about following the ceremony.

As the ceremony concluded, Elizabeth was bombarded by people wishing to offer their congratulations. Although all she wanted to do was to "blow this pop stand" as she used to say when she was a teenager, she was kind and cordial, uncomfortably accepting the many compliments that came her way.

When there was the slightest lull in the conversation. Jack took her hand, "Are you ready to go?"

Those standing around them backed away, wished her another round of congratulations, and watched as a couple, Jack and Elizabeth headed outside walking hand in hand.

Before they reached his truck, Jack asked, "Do you feel like talking?"

Knowing that he had yet to answer her question, she wasn't certain if she wanted to talk, but she knew that they needed to talk. "I think we need to, don't you?"

"Yeah, where would you like to go?" he asked.

Glancing around in the lit parking lot, she took a deep breath. Realizing that she wasn't so certain she wanted to hear the answer to her question, she released a hard breath, "You know, it's late and there really isn't any place open. Maybe we should talk later."

"Don't do that…"

"Do what?"

"Shut me out…"

"Jack, I'm not shutting you out; it's just been a long day; it's late, and it's not like we can go some place quiet and talk."

"It's only 9:45…" he replied as he glanced at his watch. "We can go to my place, or yours," he responded. Seeing her glance in his direction, he replied, "I just want to talk, Elizabeth. Haven't you told me that I shut you out? Well, I want to talk, please don't shut us down."

"Jack, that's not my intention." She stood by the passenger side door waiting on him to open it.

Jack, on the other hand was waiting on her to agree to talk…tonight, and if there hadn't been people walking past to their vehicles, he'd have started doing just that where they stood.

"Okay, let's go to my place; I need to take Baloo out anyway," she stated as she turned around to face the door.

Once inside, she watched him walk around the front of his truck to the driver's side. As he opened the door and took his seat, "Thank you for being my date tonight," she stated softly.

"Elizabeth, I'm so proud of you…" he reached over and took hold of her hand. Thankful that she didn't pull it away, his thumb gently ran across the soft skin. With the radio playing softly in the background, they rode home talking about the ceremony, and not the elephant which seemed to be sitting between them.

Elizabeth's apartment…

Riding up in the elevator, it was quite different than times before. Elizabeth's body felt flushed as she thought about him pressing her against the wall, their bodies touching from lips to toes, and the heat that seemed to consume them.

There was a time when the elevator doors opened, Jack scooped her up and carried her down the hall, their lips never separating. He fumbled to use the key to open her door, only to be advised by a neighbor that her apartment was two doors down.

This time, she knew she needed to listen, and he knew he needed to talk, but would each of them do so without shutting down or making assumptions. Each one hoped not, as they had learned some valuable lessons as a result of their prior arguments, neither one wanting to cause hurt feelings as they had before. And yet, here they were, more than three weeks apart, and hurt feelings all around.

Jack took hold of Elizabeth's hand and they walked to her apartment. As the door swung open, Baloo, barked several times before realizing that it was Jack she was with. His tail wagged, but he stayed between Jack and Elizabeth, apparently remembering the scene that took place the last time they were together.

Feeling the need to make friends with Baloo again, Jack offered, "Let me take him out for a walk, and you can change if you'd like."

"Are you sure you don't mind?" she asked.

"No, of course not. We'll be back in a few minutes," Jack stated as he removed his suit jacket and vest and draped them over a kitchen chair.

As they walked out into the hallway, Elizabeth called out, "Jack, wait a minute."

Stepping back inside, Elizabeth stated, "There is a new dog in the area. He's a really big black and white mixed breed. The lady can't control him, and he went after Baloo the other day. So, please be careful."

"No problem; we'll be fine…right Bud…?"

Baloo wagged his tail and willingly left with Jack as Elizabeth closed her apartment door.

She quickly changed into a pair of jeans, and a white crop top t-shirt, before heading into the kitchen where she put on a pot of coffee and pulled two glasses from the cabinet in case he preferred wine.

Suddenly, she heard banging on her door. Rushing from the kitchen, she looked through the peephole and observed Jack looking quite frantic.

Opening the door, Jack rushed in. Blood dotted his shirt as Baloo, all 85 pounds of him, was draped around Jack's neck like a Boa. "What the hell is it with that dog?" he barely managed to get the words out through his broken breath.

Jack walked over to the sofa, bent down and Baloo took a leap from his shoulders.

"What happened?" she asked as she ran her hands through Baloo's coat looking for injuries.

"He's fine; the blood is mine," Jack stated as he grabbed a Kleenex from the box on the coffee table and dabbed at his hand.

"Did he bite you?"

"No," Jack responded, shaking his hand in hopes of stopping the stinging sensation.

Elizabeth rushed over and took hold of his arm, seeing blood dripping from the top of his hand as well as his palm. "Oh Jack, I'm so sorry, what happened?"

"We were walking through the courtyard and this dog came out of nowhere dragging a leash with a woman on the end. I kicked at him, but he kept going after Baloo. I picked up Baloo and put him across my shoulders and tried to get through the courtyard gate. That damn dog slammed his body against the gate, and it smashed my hand."

Elizabeth took his other hand and led him into the bathroom. She ran his hand, with cuts on both his palm and the back of his hand under the water as she used antibacterial soap to clean both areas. Rinsing it off, she pulled a clean towel from the closet and dried his hand.

Pulling his hand to her lips, she kissed every finger, before flipping his hand over and spending just a bit more time with his injured palm.

"Mmm, that makes it all worthwhile," he stated as a finger under her chin lifted her face upward, allowing their eyes to meet.

"I'm sorry Jack, I should have taken him…"

"Absolutely not, and I think we need to get you out of this apartment complex before you or Baloo get really hurt," his glance moved between her lips and her eyes and back to her lips, as he leaned forward, and his mouth covered hers.

His injured hand slid around her waist and pulled her close as the wants of his body fought with his head, knowing that after more than three weeks apart, things were bound to be different between them, or at least he assumed so.

Eventually separating, Jack whispered, "I'm sorry, maybe I shouldn't have done that," realizing that they still needed to talk.

"It was nice, Jack, and I think we need to remember the feelings that brought us together in the first place, and got us back to this point, don't you?"

"I do; I just don't want to push…"

Elizabeth looked into her medicine cabinet and pulled out several band-aids, and a tube of Neosporin. "Okay, let me get these cuts taken care of," she stated as she gently placed the antibiotic ointment over each cut, and then topped each one with a band-aid.

She pulled his hand to her lips, and she kissed each band-aid, "Does it hurt?"

He was staring into her eyes, totally lost in her sea of blue, "Huh…?"

"Does your hand hurt?"

"Oh, no; it's fine."

"How's your back?"

"My back…? Nothing's wrong with my back."

"You say that now, but you just hoisted my 85-pound dog up onto your shoulders. It may bother you in the morning."

"It's fine…let's talk," Jack stated as he took a seat on the sofa previously occupied by Baloo.

"Are you sure you feel like it?" she asked, feeling that as long as she could hold out hearing what happened in the three weeks that they were apart, the longer she could tell herself that nothing happened.

"I'm not leaving here tonight until we talk…"

"Would you like some coffee or some wine?" she asked.

Knowing that 'in wine there is truth' he responded, "Wine, please…"

Elizabeth opened the bottle, poured two glasses and then carried them and the opened bottle back to the den, sitting them on the coffee table in front of the sofa.

"Okay, where do you want to start?" he asked.

She swallowed hard, "I have to be honest with you…"

A shocked expression covered his face, "You didn't, did you?"

"I didn't what…? Oh, you think I slept with someone. No, no, no, no, no…."

"Well, what did you mean when you said that you need to be honest with me?"

"Jack, we were apart for about a week when I went to stay with my parents for the weekend. I saw an old friend who was with her boyfriend, and he told me the best way to get over a relationship is to sleep with someone else, and it's even better if it a friend of your former boyfriend."

"Excuse me…?"

"I'm just telling you what he said."

"Elizabeth, he's wrong, besides we were far from over. What else did he say?"

"He told me that since we'd been apart for over a week and you hadn't called me, that…" her tears began to slip over her eyelid.

Jack's hands rested on her jawline as he gently brushed away the tears. "Please tell me what he said."

"He said that there was no doubt that you had already slept with another woman; it was either a one-night stand, or you'd found a woman to take my place." Elizabeth glanced up into his eyes, "Jack, was he telling the truth?"

"No…first of all that must be when your neighbor told me that you were in the mountains with Tim, and secondly, Elizabeth, you have to know that no one can take your place."

"I'm sorry about that, but I hope you didn't believe her."

"I didn't want to, but I have to admit, I was eaten up inside, thinking about you with another man…"

"I'm sorry, Jack. I had no idea that she had done that. She obviously shouldn't have."

"Okay, now it's my turn; I need to be honest…"

"What, you said that you didn't sleep with anyone…"

"I didn't, but I need to tell you something," he responded as the slight quivering in his voice revealed his nervousness.

Elizabeth took a deep breath and cautiously gave him her complete attention, "Go ahead; I'm listening."

Jack took his own deep breath before beginning…

"After your neighbor told me that you were in the mountains with Tim, I have to tell you, I felt angry, and hurt, and part of me wanted to do something to forget about you. So, I called David…"

"Oh no, Jack, not 'one-night stand' David…" she blurted out.

"Please, just let me explain."

"Okay, I'll be quiet so you can explain," Elizabeth responded while reaching for her wine glass.

"Thank you," he replied before reaching over and taking a gulp from his glass of wine. "David and I went to Still Life, and to be honest, I don't think I really knew why. I wasn't into a one-night stand; I think I just wanted to drink and maybe forget about how bad I felt."

"But Jack, you don't drink," she interjected as he held his wine glass to his lips, "Well, not much." Realizing that she had again interrupted him she stated, "I'm sorry, go on…"

"We weren't there for long before a woman came up and introduced herself to me."

As Elizabeth listened, she felt her breath catching in her throat.

"David told her that I had just broken up with my girlfriend, and I was feeling down." Jack began to stare at the ground, somehow finding it difficult to look her in the eyes. "We danced, and she asked me to go back to her place."

Elizabeth slid her hand out from under his as he looked up, again catching her eyes. Although she wasn't crying, the threat of them spilling over her lid was apparent. "Did you go with her?"

"E-liz-a-beth, I don't know if I agreed to go or she pulled me toward the door, but when we were in the hallway, she…"

"She what?"

"Let's just say that she dropped to her knees…"

Elizabeth's eyes widened as she gasped.

"She started to pull on my zipper and well, she was offering me oral sex."

"Did you take her up on her offer?" Elizabeth stated as she stood up to put a bit of distance between them.

"Please don't pull away…and no, I didn't take her up on it," he quickly responded. "Elizabeth, all I could think about was you. I pulled her up and told her that I was in love with you, and I couldn't do it…and then I just left."

Elizabeth walked to her sliding glass door which led out onto her deck. Opening the door, she stepped outside, followed closely by Jack.

He stepped up beside her and placed his hands on the railing, "Elizabeth, you believe me, don't you?" he hesitantly asked.

She turned to face him and without saying a word, her arms wrapped around his neck, practically pulling him off balance when she pressed her body against his. His arms reciprocated, slipping around her waist and pulling her tight against him.

With Elizabeth holding on to Jack as if he were her port in a violent storm, her head rested on his shoulder. "Yes, I believe you," she whispered, words that seemed to be music to his ears.

"Elizabeth, you have no idea how that makes me feel…"

"But Jack…"

"Please no buts… those are never good," he nervously interjected.

Elizabeth took a deep breath before looking directly into his eyes, "But Jack, I'd be lying if I told you that you going to Still Life with 'one-night stand' David didn't bother me."

She stepped back and wiped her fingers across her eyes to catch any tears before they spilled over. "Jack, I think even if it was in the back of your mind, you had to know that hooking up with someone was a possibility. I mean, isn't that what that place is known for?"

"I wouldn't know; I've never been. I was just looking for a place to drink and listen to music," he admitted. "Elizabeth the truth is, I thought we were over, and I couldn't get you out of my mind. Just thinking about you in the mountains with Tim had me going crazy."

"Jack you know there was nothing between me and Tim…"

"I do now, but your neighbor seemed all too happy to tell be about your weekend away with him," he replied. "When I left your place, I felt lost…sick inside actually. I was trying to find something to forget about what we had…"

"Be honest, Jack…something, or someone?"

"Not someone. I think I was looking to drink and just forget for a while what I had lost," his eyes watered, fearful that this talk wasn't going as he'd hoped. Before he could wipe his own eyes, Elizabeth's thumbs brushed away the droplets. "Jack," her voice was soft as her lips fell into a half smile. "I love you…"

His body immediately relaxed, but only for a moment, as Elizabeth leaned back slightly, "May I ask you something?"

"You can ask me anything."

"Why didn't you go home with her? I mean, we weren't together, so you had no obligation to me, and since we're not, you know, Heaven knows, I'm sure you needed the release."

Jack took her hand and led her back inside. Taking a seat on the sofa, he turned his body on the middle cushion, allowing himself to face her. "Elizabeth, I've had sex before…" Watching as her head dropped and her eyes studied the floor, he stopped.

Lifting her eyes up to meet his, he continued. "You knew that I wasn't a virgin, and I've had sex before."

"Yes, we've covered that information, I just don't like to think about you in bed with anyone else."

Jack held her hand not knowing if it was because he simply enjoyed feeling her skin against his, or he wanted to keep her from walking away again. "As physically gratifying as those experiences may have been, they also left me emotionally empty," his voice was soft and low, praying for the words to adequately explain what he felt.

Jack glanced down as he watched his thumb brush across the top of her hand, "Elizabeth, until I met you, the emotional part of it didn't seem to matter. I mean, I didn't really think I was missing out on anything, like what I felt was all I was supposed to get out of…you know, when I…"

"When you slept with other women?"

"Yes, but you know that there weren't many women. There have actually only been three, one of which I thought I was in love with. To be honest with you, Elizabeth, back then I thought sex meant love, but I was young, and stupid, and so wrong."

He felt his chest tighten as he revealed more about his past experiences. Talking with Elizabeth about their intimacy issues was not concerning to him, for he felt comfortable doing so, but opening up the Pandora's Box regarding his other experiences left him wondering how accepting she would be.

Jack sat quietly, giving Elizabeth a moment to process what he assumed to her was disappointing information. "Elizabeth, I want to be with you, I mean, when the time is right, of course, but I don't want to just have sex; I want to make love with you…and because of you, I know the difference," he spilled the contents of his heart, as several tears slipped down his cheeks.

He caught her eyes trying his best to gauge her thoughts on the information he'd just spilled. Not sure how she felt, he took a hesitant breath, "Please say something…"

"Jack, I…I…"

Assuming that she was unable to look past his night out with David, Jack interrupted, "E-liz-a-beth…"

"Please Jack, let me finish…"

He couldn't help but to feel that his fear of losing her may be coming true, "Please don't…"

She smiled, held his uninjured hand and gave it a gentle squeeze, to which Jack returned her smile.

"Jack, you are the first man I've dated who cared enough about my feelings to be honest, even when the topic was hard." Elizabeth looked deep into his eyes, "You didn't have to tell me everything. I asked if you had sex with another woman while we were apart. The answer was no, and you could have left it at that. But you didn't," her emotions took control as tears rolled unrestricted down her cheeks.

"Shh, E-liz-a-beth," he pulled her close as her tears dotted along side the blood stains on his shirt. "Please don't cry; I'm so sorry for everything…" he held her against his chest.

Elizabeth leaned back, released his hand and wiped the tears that rolled down his cheeks. Her eyes caught his and the warmth from each one consumed them. She lifted her arm and her palm rested along his cheek. Leaning forward, she pressed her lips to his.

"Jack, I know you; I know the kind of man you are. You are honest, respectful, compassionate…God knows you are patient to a fault, and you are most definitely beyond thoughtful."

Jack simply stared, wondering with all the wonderful things she was saying, would the other shoe soon drop?

"Breathe Jack," Elizabeth stated, not certain that he was doing so without being reminded.

She continued, "I know you were angry when we fought, because I was too. I don't believe for one moment that you would use a woman for sex in an attempt to get back at me. So, although I don't think you used the best judgement in who you hung out with, I don't believe that your intent was to hook up with another woman."

"So, you believe everything I've told you?"

"Jack, you make me angry sometimes, but you aren't a liar. Yes, I believe what you told me."

He released a hard breath that sounded much like a soft laugh, "Good, that's really good to hear. So, are we okay?"

"Yes Jack, as far as I'm concerned, we're okay."

Picking up the glasses of wine, he handed her one. Let's toast…"

"Okay, but I'm awful at toasting. Do you know one?" she asked.

"Because I love you truly, because you love me, too, my very greatest happiness is sharing my life with you," he toasted as their glasses chimed together.

After taking a sip of wine, Jack took her glass and sat it on the coffee table next to his. He leaned back on the sofa and pulled her close, as her head rested on his shoulder. Together they sat in silence, thankful for the words, feelings and emotions they'd just shared.

Jack leaned over and kissed the top of her head, "You mean everything to me, Elizabeth. I love you…"

Elizabeth pulled her body up from his and turned on the sofa to face him, "I am so in love with you, Jack Thornton. Thank you for coming to see me last night, for escorting me to the award ceremony, and most of all for opening up and talking to me," her hands rested across her shoulders.

Taking a deep breath, Elizabeth continued, "Conversations aren't painful when the topic is easy, but you can't hide the broken parts from me, Jack; we work as a team, or we don't work at all."

"I know talking is important; I never realized before how important it was until I met you," he admitted. Thinking back to a song on his playlist that he seemed to listen to every day following their breakup, he asked, "Do you know what I've missed?"

Glancing into his eyes, she replied, "I think I know," she smiled.

His lips met hers, and they were warm and soft and everything he'd remembered them to be. "Yes, I've missed kissing you too, but I've also missed this…

Jack fiddled with his phone before standing up and extending his arm, "Dance with me…"

Elizabeth took his hand as "Whatever It Takes" by Lighthouse began to play through Jack's iPhone…

A strangled smile fell from your face
What kills me that I hurt you this way
The worst part is that I didn't even know
Now there's a million reasons for you to go
But if you can find a reason to stay

I'll do whatever it takes
To turn this around
I know what's at stake
I know that I've let you down
And if you give me a chance
Believe that I can change
I'll keep us together
Whatever it takes

She said if we're gonna make this work
You gotta let me inside even though it hurts
Don't hide the broken parts that I need to see
She said like it or not it's the way it's gotta be
You've gotta love yourself if you can ever love me

I'll do whatever it takes
To turn this around
I know what's at stake
I know that I've let you down
And if you give me a chance
And give me a break
I'll keep us togetherI know you deserve much better

But remember the time I told you the way that I felt
And that I'd be lost without you and never find myself
Let's hold onto each other above everything else
Start over, start over

As the music faded, Jack continued to hold Elizabeth, moving together as if the melodic notes were still being played.

"Elizabeth, I'll do whatever it takes to make everything right between us. I know you say we're okay, but…"

"No buts, Jack. I love you; you love me; couples argue, and they make amends. We just have to remember what brought us together to begin with, why we've fought this long to be with each other, and when something bothers us, let's talk about it. If not, we've seen where it takes us, and I, for one don't want to travel down that road again."

"We won't, I promise. I won't hurt you again," Jack pulled her close against his body.

Suddenly Elizabeth pushed away, "What's wrong?," he asked.

"I love you, but Jack you can't make a promise like that. Unfortunately, we both will do things that will hurt the other. We won't intentionally do it, but we're human. The only thing we can do is promise not to run; not to make matters worse by shutting down, and…" she broke down as tears flowed down her cheeks.

"Please don't cry…"

Looking into his eyes as his thumbs brushed away her tears, "We have to remember what happened here, why we broke up to begin with…"

"Because I was stupid and started a fight."

"Jack, you were stupid," she finally laughed softly, "but what started the ball rolling was you not being honest with me. I know you didn't want to put pressure on me, but what ended up happening is that we fought over something that didn't even matter as you hid the real problem. We both have to be honest, and sometimes its going to hurt, but in the long run we'll be stronger for it."

"You're right. I promise to be honest with you about how I'm feeling," he responded as he leaned his body closer. "I'm being honest right now when I tell you that I love you in ways that words can't describe. Elizabeth Thatcher, you are my world, and I can't imagine my life without you in it." His hand slipped behind her head as he pulled her closer.

Their lips met, soft and gentle, a feeling of finally being at home with each touch. With one hand behind her head and the other around her waist, Jack continued to hold her close. Her arms draped over his shoulders as her fingers played with the hair at the nape of his neck.

She edged even closer, wanting to feel their bodies connecting. As they sat close, their bodies touched starting at their thighs. The connection moved upward as he pulled her against him, his mouth covering hers in a tender, yet passionate kiss…a kiss that evaporated the worries and fears of the day like a summer shower onto the hot pavement. This kiss was a new beginning, a promise of much more to come.

Not wanting to leave, but realizing that it was now quite late, Jack asked, "Okay, why don't you go pack some of your things in a bag and Baloo's food."

"Excuse me; why would I do that?" she asked.

Holding up his injured hand, Jack continued, "I'm not leaving you here with that dog. We need to find out what the management is going to do about him."

"Unfortunately, I don't believe he lives in the complex; they just come over here to walk."

"Probably because he's eaten everybody in the surrounding neighborhoods, and neither you nor Baloo are going to be his next meal," Jack frustratingly replied to which Elizabeth laughed. "Honey, I'm serious. That dog is dangerous, and I'm sorry, but either you need to come to stay with me, or I'll stay here with you, and I'll take Baloo out for his walks." Jack was willing to yield on many things when it came to Elizabeth; but because of his concern for hers and Baloo's safety, this would not be one of them.

"But Jack, you don't have space at your place, and does your place even accept pets?"

"Elizabeth, I'll change my weight room back into a bedroom, and I've seen dogs and cats in the complex, so I'm sure they allow them," he responded. "If necessary, we'll find something else that you like and is big enough for all of us and we'll just…" he suddenly stopped.

"Jack, are you asking me to move in with you?"

"Uh…" he had long term plans in mind, but although 'moving in together' was a new concept for each of them, he liked the sound of it. "I think I am, but Elizabeth, you can't stay here with Baloo while that dog is running the neighborhood." Jack looked down at Baloo, "Right Bud…? You don't want to stay here with that mean dog running around, do you?"

Looking between Jack and Baloo, she commented, "That's not fair; both of you are using the sad puppy dog eyes on me. It makes it hard to say 'no.'"

"Then don't say 'no…'" Jack replied as he ran his hand across the top of Baloo's head.

Feeling a bit apprehensive herself about the large, aggressive dog who had already gone after Baloo twice, and caused injury to Jack's hand, she started down the hall.

"Where are you going?" he asked.

"I'm going to pack a bag," she replied to which a smile covered his face. "Jack, it isn't permanent, but until something is done about that dog, I have to protect Baloo," she continued down the hall to her bedroom.

"And I need to protect both of you…"

Elizabeth walked down the hall with an overnight bag, stopping in the kitchen to grab Baloo's food and bowl before meeting Jack at the door.

"Are you sure about this?" she asked. "I mean, it can be dangerous to just throw two people into a living situation together. Aren't you worried that we'll realize that we aren't compatible?"

"Not in the least," he quickly replied. "Are you may be worried that you'll find out how compatible we are?"

"No of course not. It's just that I've never lived with a man before…well, except for my dad," she admitted.

Jack took hold of her hand, "I've never lived with a woman, either. This will be new for both of us, but I'm looking forward to it."

"I appreciate the offer, but remember, it's not for a long time…it's just until that dog is dealt with, okay?"

"Deal," he responded.

Jack slipped the strap of her bag over his shoulder and took hold of Baloo's leash with his good hand. Elizabeth slipped her hand through the crook in Jack's elbow, and they headed for the elevator.

Baloo walked inside the elevator first, turned around and stood patiently as the doors closed. Elizabeth looked up and caught Jack's eyes. Baloo, apparently glad to have Jack back in his life seemed unconcerned when his 'mom' was backed against the side wall as his 'dad's' mouth covered hers.

With Jack and Elizabeth thankful to be back together, even Baloo's tail seemed to wag a bit more, showing that he was in complete agreement. However, when the elevator opened, and Jack, opened the door to the outside, Baloo put on the brakes.

"Come on, Buddy," Jack squatted down, hoping to encourage Baloo to follow them outside. Frowning, Jack said, "Don't you want to come with your mom and me; my apartment is even bigger."

And yet Baloo refused to move.

Looking depressed, Jack glanced over at Elizabeth, "Is he still mad at me?"

"Jack," she smiled and shook her head, "he's not angry with you, he's scared. He's been jumped by that dog twice and he's afraid to go outside."

"Well Buddy, that's even more reason for you and your mom to come and stay with me, do you understand?" Jack explained to the black Labrador as if he knew exactly what he was saying.

Although nervous herself, Elizabeth giggled at Jack's conversation with Baloo, standing by as Jack seemed to be waiting on a response.

Receiving no response and with paws that felt as though they were glued to the floor, Jack reached down, picked up Baloo, and carried him on one hip like a child. Once they reached his truck, Jack squatted down and released Baloo who was more than happy to jump into the safety of his truck.

Jack took the bag from Elizabeth and helped her up into his truck, waiting until she snapped her seatbelt before leaning inside and again capturing her lips. "In case I haven't said it enough tonight, "I love you."

His gentle smile and the emotion in his voice warmed her, making her decision to stay with him all the easier to accept.

Once they reached Jack's apartment complex, Jack smiled, thankful that he had a place to bring her. Jack parked in his assigned parking space, turned around in his seat and slipped the leash on Baloo before getting out and opening the back door.

Jack stood by the open door, while Elizabeth turned in her seat, each one waiting to see if Baloo would come out on his own four feet, or if he'd need to be carried inside.

Baloo walked to the edge of the seat, glanced around and apparently feeling safe, leapt out of the truck, practically dragging Jack up onto the grass where he christened much of the shrubbery.

"Looks like he's feeling at home," Jack joked.

"Well, he's bound to feel safer, because I do…" Elizabeth responded before grabbing her bag, Baloo's food and bowl, and heading up to join Jack.

They walked through the courtyard; Jack's hand wrapped tightly around Baloo's leash. Before reaching the door to the inside, a voice was heard…

"When did you get a dog, Jack?" Sherri, a woman who resided in Jack's building called out.

"This is Baloo. He belongs to…oh, this is my girlfriend, Elizabeth. Baloo is her boy, but I consider him part mine too."

Squatting down, Sherri ran her hands across Baloo's coat, "You are so handsome, just like your daddy…" a statement that caused Elizabeth to glance in Jack's direction.

Standing back up, Sherri looked over at Elizabeth, "You are a lucky girl; you have a great guy here."

"Are you referring to Jack or Baloo?" Elizabeth quipped.

"Well, I guess both of them," Sherri replied, obviously disheartened to learn that the information she'd heard about Jack being 'fair game' was inaccurate.

Elizabeth smiled, wrapped her arm through his, "Don't I know it…"

Jack and Elizabeth walked inside his building before she opened her mouth, "Have you two ever dated?"

"No, I don't really know her. I mean, I've seen her around the complex, but we haven't socialized."

"I was just wondering," she stated as they reached his apartment and stepped inside.

Holding her bag, she headed for the guest bedroom, "I'm just going to put this down." A few moments later, "Hey Jack," she called out.

"Yeah," Jack responded as he headed for the guest bedroom. Reaching the room, he looked inside, he was aware of the exercise equipment, but using the room as overflow for everything he didn't know what to do with surprised him. "Oh, I forgot I had all that in here."

Stepping inside the room, he turned back to look in Elizabeth's direction, "You take my room, and I sleep on the couch. I'll get this cleaned out tomorrow."

"Jack, I can't take your room; I'll sleep on the sofa," she responded.

"No, I invited you here, and you will have a bed to sleep on…no argument, okay?"

"Jack, are you sure?"

"I'm positive."

"Okay, thank you."

By the time they determined the sleeping arrangement, it was past 1am and time for bed.

Jack pulled sheets, a blanket and several pillows from his linen closet and Elizabeth helped him makeup the sofa. This feat was made slightly more difficult as Baloo stretched out on the comfortable piece of furniture, refusing to move.

Jack followed Elizabeth to his room, grabbing a fresh set of sheets from the linen closet on his way down the hall. Let me change these for you…when I left this evening, I had no idea that I'd have company for the night," he teased.

"Jack Thornton…"

"I'm just kidding, but all jokes aside, thank you for coming back here with me; knowing you and Baloo are safe has really eased my mind." Jack grabbed a pair of blue plaid flannel pajama pants and a white t-shirt, sat them on the dresser and went about changing his sheets.

"I'll do that, Jack…"

"Glancing around his room he asked, "Do you need anything before I go?"

"No, I think I'm fine, but thank you…" she stated as he stepped closer.

Before he could say anything, Elizabeth spoke, "Thank you for tonight, and I don't mean just escorting me to the award ceremony, but the talk, and the concern for both me and Baloo, it all shows that Sherri is right; you are a great guy."

Jack stepped even closer as his hand slipped behind her neck and his lips covered hers. The kiss was tender and slow, and it took no time for the warmth between them to rise. "I'm leaving before you regret coming over here to stay with me." He gave her one more quick kiss on her cheek before heading out of the room, closing the door behind him.

Fanning herself, Elizabeth took a seat on Jack's bed. Laying back, resting her head on his pillow, she whispered, "No way I could regret this decision, or could I?"

Reaching into her bag, Elizabeth grabbed her black floral satin pajamas with the long pants and camisole top with spaghetti straps and laid them on his bed. Beside the pajamas, he sat her journal, feeling very certain that she would have plenty to discuss on the blank pages contain within.

Jack sat on the sofa listening to the shower run, feeling somewhat jealous of the water and curtain, knowing that they were touching her in places that he could only continue to dream about.

While she was in the bathroom, Jack slipped into his pajamas for the night, feeling somewhat uncomfortable wearing more than his typical pair of shorts, but not wanting to make Elizabeth feel at all uneasy.

He locked the door, cut off the lights, and slipped under the blanket on the sofa. Thinking back to the erotic dream he'd had recently about Elizabeth, his body stirred knowing that she was only a few rooms away, alone and sleeping in his bed, albeit without him. He closed his eyes, and smiled, knowing that she was safe, and they had weathered this storm.

Elizabeth sat on the side of Jack's bed and reached for her journal, thankful to have something exciting and happy to write about. She flipped through the prior entries, some happy, some sad, some hopeful, while others left her feeling completely lost, but all of which could be used to describe her writings since meeting Jack.

The sad and lost entries dealt with her fear of losing Jack; their inability or unwillingness to communicate or comprehend effectively, while the happy and hopeful entries pertained to their meeting, her growing affection and love for him, how safe she felt with him, and her need for him to remain in her life.

Settling about halfway through her journal on the next blank page, she clicked her pen, released a thankful breath and began to color the canvas with her words…

"Why are relationships so complicated? Why is it that those words we need to speak, and those we need others to hear and comprehend are sometimes the hardest to release? In the short distance from our heart to our mouth, words get twisted, meanings become distorted, feelings become hurt, and what we know to be the dilemma is washed over by other concerns that would not ordinarily have become an issue.

When you love someone, you make mistakes together, and take steps backward together. But you recover, and fumble through what life throws your way, because no matter how much you know about someone, there will always be new things to learn.

Our time apart, though challenging, was quite enlightening. He was miserable, as was I, but with hope and a heart full of apologies, he wanted to talk, real talk, honest talk, with kindness, love and without accusatory words. We both understand the need for communication, that no couple is perfect, and we each fall short of what is needed from time to time. It is those times when we need to stand stronger, listen harder, be more understanding and realize that what we have is important enough to find a way to make it work."

Glancing at the fresh sheets on the dresser, she changed everything except his pillowcase. Elizabeth slipped under the covers on Jack's bed, laid her head on his pillow and inhaled, knowing by the woodsy scent that he'd been there, and somehow she felt at home.

When she woke the next morning, sleepily she headed down the hall to the kitchen. Somewhat disoriented, she stopped at the sofa, and wondered why Jack was sound asleep with Baloo curled up in the crook of his bent knees. Baloo lifted his head and rested it on Jack's hip as he watched Elizabeth walk into the kitchen.

As the coffee filled the pot, Jack inhaled and began to stir. Stretching, he found his legs being pushed from the sofa by Baloo, who also took this opportunity to extend his body as well.

"Whoa buddy, watch the toenails…" Jack stated as he sat up, and hugged Baloo. Glancing into the kitchen, he observed Elizabeth in her pajamas, and realized that this arrangement would take much more will power than he'd ever imagined. But truth be told, she could have come down the hall wearing a burlap sack and he'd still have considered her the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen.

"Hey, Lee and Rosie invited me to dinner tonight, so I need to call and tell them that I can't make it."

"Did they invite you to dinner too?"

"Too… you too?"

"Yes, I knew she had an ulterior motive. It wasn't just to get me out of the house. She was trying to get us back together," Elizabeth smiled; "I guess the joke's gonna be on her."

"Let's show up but not tell her or Lee that we're back together," Jack suggested.

"Sounds like a fun night out…"

Later that morning, Elizabeth received a call from Rosie, "Hey girl; just calling to remind you about dinner tonight."

"I was planning to call you; do you mind if I bring a date?" Elizabeth asked as she covered the mouthpiece on the phone and laughed. Jack looked sullen and was certainly not amused by the joke.

"What, are you dating someone?" she asked.

"Well, not yet, but I think it's about time I got back out there, don't you?"

"Elizabeth, I think you're rushing it. You still care about Jack, right?"

"Oh, I care about him, but we've been a part for a month, and I guess it's just time to realize that we weren't meant to be together."

"Please come alone…"

"Rosie, are you are trying to hook me up with someone? Because if that's the case, there's a guy here, I'd like to ask out," Elizabeth was rolling with the information, leaving Jack feeling a bit nauseous with the thought.

"No, of course not. It isn't a blind date, if that's what you think, but you and I need to talk." Rosie responded, feeling as though she was technically honest, since Jack would not be considered a blind date.

"Okay, but I think I just have to resign myself to the fact that Jack and I have run our course. I'll see you tonight, and I'll come alone."

Once that call ended, a few moments passed before Jack's phone rang. Elizabeth giggled softly in the background as Jack held his finger up to his lips. "Good morning, Rosie. How are you?"

"I'm good; but I guess the real question is 'how are you?'" Rosie replied.

"Well, what can I say…"

"Jack, I just know you and Elizabeth will get back together; you just can't give up. Oh, and while I'm thinking about it, don't forget that you promised to come to dinner tonight."

Now was his turn to give Elizabeth a taste of her own medicine. "Rosie, I'm sorry; I forgot, and to be honest, I hope to have a date," Jack responded, a statement that quickly piqued Elizabeth's interest.

"You're dating someone?" she asked.

"Well, we went out last night, and I was going to call her and see if she wanted to have dinner," he replied. "I have an idea; why don't I just bring her to dinner."

"Jack, you have to come, but I think you should come alone. Besides, I think you and Elizabeth will work out your problems…honest, I believe you will, but you just have to come tonight, because I know Lee needs to talk to you.""

"You aren't trying to set me up or anything, are you."

"Jack, I told you that it wasn't a blind date, and I promise you, it isn't. It's just dinner."

"Okay, I'll be there, and I'll come alone."

As Jack pressed 'end' on his iPhone, he chuckled.

"That wasn't funny, and I can see why you didn't like my scenario either."

"Who's the guy you wanted to ask out?" Jack asked, wondering if there was some competition.

"He's a very nice man named Tim…" she stated as they both burst out laughing. "By the way, who is this woman you went out with last night?"

"Uh…you…"

"Oh, that's right…"

Once Rosie ended the call with Jack she immediately called Lee, "Honey, we have our work cut out for us tonight. Both Jack and Elizabeth are prepared to move on. How can they just forget the love they shared?"

Lee could hear the emotion in her voice, "Honey, all we can do is get them in the same room together. If it doesn't work, then they'll just have to do what makes them happy.

"Jack makes her happy…" Rosie replied.

"Well, apparently he used to, so we'll have to see. I'll be over in a little while to help with dinner."

That evening, Jack wore a pair of khaki trousers, a white t-shirt and a blue blazer, while Elizabeth wore a pale pink one-piece jumpsuit with pockets, a layered trim along the bodice, a belt at the waist, and open shoulders with spaghetti straps.

Elizabeth walked up to Rosie's door first and rang the bell. She was still standing there alone when the door opened.

"Oh, you look beautiful," Rosie stated.

"Thank you. It seems odd to dress up for no one," Elizabeth responded as Rosie stepped aside and invited her in.

"No one; you've dressed nicely for me and Lee, and I know everyone tonight will appreciate how wonderful you look," Rosie responded, practically exploding with the knowledge that Jack would also be at dinner.

"Oh wait, I forgot something in the car," Elizabeth stated as she turned and stepped off the porch to return to her car.

Before Elizabeth hit the corner toward the driveway and slipped out of sight, Rosie responded, "I told you that you didn't need to bring anything."

"I know but this is special; just wait right here…"

A minute later, Elizabeth and Jack walked around the corner holding hands.

"Uh, what…when…huh…?" Rosie was uncharacteristically tongue tied to which Jack and Elizabeth broke out laughing.

"You tried to set us up," both Elizabeth and Jack announced as they climbed the stairs to the porch.

"Well, I didn't lie; it wasn't a blind date…" Rosie argued. "But when did you get back together and why did you not tell me?"

Elizabeth glanced at Jack before explaining, "We talked last night, and Jack escorted me to the award ceremony. We're fine; as a matter of fact, we're living together," Elizabeth teased.

Rosie scratched her head, "Excuse me…?"

"Just kidding. I mean, I am staying at his place right now, because there is a big, menacing dog running through my neighborhood, and he's gone after Baloo twice."

"WOW, well, I guess Lee and I don't need to talk up why you two need to be back together tonight, do we?"

"Nope," Jack brought Elizabeth's hand up to his lips, "I learned my lesson."

Rosie smiled as she led them into her house. Turning around to glance in Jack's direction, she stated, "Good thing, because this one here is a real catch."

Jack pulled Elizabeth closer, "Don't I know it."

The dinner went as expected with Rosie pulling Elizabeth aside after their meal to hear everything about her reconciliation with Jack. While Rosie talked to Elizabeth, Jack pulled Lee aside.

"Hey, I was thinking about asking Elizabeth to go away with me to Nags Head this coming weekend. Do you and Rosie have any plans?" Jack asked.

"We can watch Baloo; we don't have any plans," Lee advised.

"No, that's not what I mean," Jack stated as he leaned in to whisper, "I'm planning to propose, and I know she'd love to have Rosie there, and I certainly could use you there for moral support."

Lee jumped up to shake Jack's hand…

"What's going on over there?" Rosie called out.

"Nothing," Lee quietly responded as he returned to his seat.

"Lee, please be quiet. I still have to go see her father and ask for her parent's blessing, and to be honest, I'm a little scared."

"Why; didn't you tell me that her parents were really nice?"

"They are, and we've always gotten along, but I've never acted like a jackass before, and I'm sure her parents are concerned. Besides, I've never been to their house, and that's how our fight started," Jack admitted, but left out the real reason for his meltdown. "Besides, they know that we broke up, so will he still have the same warm feelings about me…I'm not so sure."

"Have you got the ring yet?" Lee asked.

"No, but I have an appointment on Monday after work with a jeweler," Jack whispered.

"Whatever happens, Rosie and I will be there for both of you," Lee promised.

"Well, don't say anything to Rosie until everything is in place; I'm afraid that she'll spill the beans to Elizabeth," Jack reiterated. "Now that I think about it, when are you going to take the big step with Rosie?"

"I have to admit, I've been thinking about it. Maybe I'll see how it works for you, and then I'll make my decision," Lee nervously replied.

With the evening coming to an end, Jack and Elizabeth said their goodbyes and headed for home. "Is your dad in town?"

"Yes, I believe so, why?"

"I wanted to go see them…at their house."

"Jack, are you sure? I mean, I don't want to fight with you again," she remarked.

"Elizabeth, their money has no impact on us, and we both know why I lost myself before, and it had nothing to do with your father's success."

"I know, and if you're sure, I'll call my mom in the morning and see if they are available maybe next weekend."

"Could we maybe see if they are available tomorrow? I'd like to get this breakup and reconciliation out in the open with them as soon as possible," he stated, although his ulterior motive was more about wedding blessings than familial togetherness.

"Okay, tomorrow it is…"

Upon returning home, Baloo was busting a gut to get outside. "You go ahead and change, and I'll take him out."

"Let me put some flats on, and I'll go with you," Elizabeth replied.

With the leash connected to his collar, Baloo practically pulled Jack off his feet, "I'll see you in the courtyard," Jack called out and the man and his dog sprinted out of the apartment.

A few minutes later, Elizabeth, now wearing flats rushed out the door and found Jack and Baloo where he'd advised…in the courtyard.

Holding hands, they walked comfortably around the area. Although the complex was filled with mostly young residents, either most of them were out or decided to stay in, as the entire area was empty and quiet.

As they walked, Jack asked, "Would you consider going out of town with me?"

"Where are we going?" she asked.

"Does that mean you'd go with me?"

"Of course, I would, but Jack…"

"Don't worry; you'll have your own room."

"I'm sorry to be such a killjoy…"

Jack squeezed her hand, "You aren't a killjoy. Our situation is what it is, and I accept it. I won't push you for more," he promised. In the darkness, he held Baloo's leash tight, and Elizabeth tighter, "I love you, and I want you, but not until it's right for you too. So, no apologies, we'll just make it work, okay?"

"Okay… so, where are we going?" she asked.

"Nags Head…"

"Oh, I love the beach. It sounds wonderful. But what made you think about a trip to the beach?" she asked.

Jack smiled, "I just thought it would be fun to get away for a few days." It was evident to Jack that Elizabeth had let the importance of the upcoming weekend slip her mind. Although they met nearly a year ago at the Summer in the Sand festival at Wrightsville Beach in Wilmington, North Carolina, this year's festival, in one week, their one-year anniversary, was scheduled to take place in Nags Head, North Carolina. Depending on the reception he received from Mr. Thatcher, would depend on the other plans Jack scheduled for the weekend.

The next morning, Elizabeth let Jack sleep, although she wasn't sure how he didn't wake up when Baloo dragged his body over Jack's legs after she held up his leash in the air. With her phone in her hand, she and Baloo left the apartment.

Once out in the courtyard, Elizabeth made a call to her mother…

"Good morning, mom."

"Good morning honey; is everything okay?"

"Oh mom, I'm sorry; I didn't realize how early it was. Were you sleeping?"

"No dear; I've been up for an hour of so. Your father is already in his office. Do you want me to go get him?"

"No, but I was wondering if you and daddy would be home this afternoon?"

"Of course, we'll make a point to be. Is something wrong; I mean more so than before?"

"Well, actually, Jack and I are back together," Elizabeth replied as she heard a thankful breath on the other end of the phone.

"When did that happen?"

"The night of the award ceremony."

"And you're just telling me now?"

"Well, I wanted to make sure that we stuck…no, that's not true. I know I love him, and I believe with my whole heart that he loves me too, but I wasn't sure how to tell you that we were together and I'm staying at his place for right now."

"Excuse me, are you living with him?"

"No, well, I guess technically I am, but it's all very innocent. I mean there is a dog that lives near my neighborhood and his owner walks him through my complex. He went after Baloo twice, once when I had him and again when Jack had him. As a matter of fact, Jack had to hoist Baloo up on his shoulders to keep the dog away from him.

"Oh honey, I'm sorry. Is Baloo okay?"

"Yes ma'am…"

"So why is it that you are living with Jack?"

"Mom, I'm staying with him, we aren't living together. He has an extra room."

"Okay, I'm not sure I see the difference, but anyway, why?"

"The dog is still in the neighborhood and Jack didn't want me and Baloo there until the dog is caught," Elizabeth explained. "Don't worry, he filed a complaint with Animal Control."

"So, is Jack coming with you?"

"Yes ma'am. I think he just wants to show you two that we are together, and…oh, I don't know, but please ask daddy to be nice."

"Honey your dad is worried about you, as a matter of fact, both of us are," her mother admitted. "I'm glad to hear that you and Jack worked out your differences, but your dad will probably have some questions for Jack."

"Mom, should we just not come?"

"Elizabeth, your dad likes Jack, as a matter of fact, I think he's the only young man you've dated that your father has truly liked. I just think your dad going to want to know where his head is concerning you."

"Please mom, if he's going to ask Jack if he's going to ask me to marry him, we're not coming. I don't think anybody needs that kind of pressure from a parent."

"I'll talk to him, but I make no guarantees," her mother advised. "Do you know what time you'll be coming by?"

"How about sometime after lunch?" Elizabeth asked.

"You can come for lunch if you'd like."

"No, after lunch is fine," Elizabeth responded assuming that if Jack was anything like her, he'd be too nervous to eat.

"Okay, we'll see you this afternoon."

Following their walk, Baloo and Elizabeth returned to Jack's apartment. Jack was awake, but still laying on the sofa and she could only assume he was worrying about their meeting with her parents.

"I talked to my mom," she called out as she released Baloo's leash from his collar.

"Is today okay?" Jack asked.

"Yes, but really, if you want to wait a while we don't have to go over there today."

Oh yes we do, I need to talk to your dad, was what he needed to say, but what came out of his mouth was, "I need to see them on their terms; show them that we're solid."

"Okay, if you're sure…"

"I'm positive."

Shortly after lunch, and Elizabeth was right, neither one felt like eating, they pulled up to the Thatcher's residence, a mansion by many standards, but simply home to Elizabeth.

Jack took hold of Elizabeth's hand as they walked up to the front door.

"Are you okay," she asked, sensing his nervousness by his shaking hands…or were those hers, at this point she wasn't sure.

"I'll be fine after this is over." Jack stated as the door opened, and they were face to face with Elizabeth's parents.

Both parents hugged Elizabeth, and although they invited him inside, the welcoming committee was out on whether of not they could forgive Jack for breaking Elizabeth's heart.

As they stepped inside, the united front that Elizabeth was hoping to present, flew out the window when her father strongly suggested, "Jack, why don't you come back to my office with me, and we can let the ladies catch up."

Jack squeezed Elizabeth's hand before releasing it, "I'll see you in a little while…" he leaned in and kissed her cheek before whispering in her ear, "I hope."

Mr. Thatcher led the way as they walked down the hall toward his office, with Jack feeling slightly as though he was being led to slaughter. Walking into the office, Mr. Thatcher stood to the side and closed the door once Jack entered.

"Take a seat Jack," Mr. Thatcher offered as he wheeled his desk chair over opposite Jack who sat on the leather loveseat. "How have you been?"

"I'm fine sir, but I doubt you really care how I am. Your main concern is Elizabeth, as it should be, and I completely understand."

"Okay, I guess we're on the same page. May I ask you something?"

"Yes sir, of course…"

"We'd talked before, and I believe there was a time when you promised me that you wouldn't break Elizabeth's heart. I have to say, when I saw her shortly after your split, I believe her heart was broken. So, how do I know that I can I trust you again?

"Mr. Thatcher, I take complete responsibility for the argument Elizabeth, and I had. I was bothered by one thing and unfortunately started a fight about something else. I was stubborn, and it was killing me to be away from her, I didn't know how to make it right."

Before Mr. Thatcher could say anything, Jack continued, "To be honest, sir, I've never met a woman who has had such an impact on my life as Elizabeth has. Any decisions I make, whether work or personal are done with her in mind. Mr. Thatcher, I love Elizabeth, and my world wasn't right until I apologized."

"So, I guess you're happy that she's living with you now…"

"Uh sir, I…it was…" Jack took a deep breath and responded knowing that Elizabeth's safety was the reason behind that decision. "Mr. Thatcher, I don't know how much you know about the situation, but there is a dangerous dog roaming Elizabeth's neighborhood, and this arrangement was done to keep Baloo and Elizabeth safe."

Mr. Thatcher smiled; the first one Jack had seen since he entered their house. "Jack, Grace told me what had happened, and if there is one thing I honestly believe about you, it is that you will go above and beyond to keep my girl safe. As a father, I want you to know how much I appreciate that. Elizabeth is special to me…"

"Mr. Thatcher, she's special to me too."

"I get that, son, and I can appreciate your situation, Jack. You see, Mrs. Thatcher and I had a big fight when we were dating. We were apart for what seemed like a lifetime, and when we finally got back together, neither of us even remembered what the fight was about," William admitted. "I was somewhat apprehensive to meet with Grace's parents once we got back together, so I think I understand how you're feeling today." Mr. Thatcher watched as Jack took a much-needed cleansing breath.

"Mr. Thatcher, the truth is, couples are going to have arguments, but I think what is most important is the fact that we put everything aside and worked it out, and as a result, I think we'll be stronger than before."

"And do you think you can keep from walking away when you have the next argument?"

"Mr. Thatcher, Elizabeth is the best thing that has ever happened to me, and I almost lost her. I learned a valuable lesson about pride and what it can cost you, so, no, I won't walk away from her again. I love her completely and I'll fight to keep what we have…"

"Well, Jack, I'm glad to hear that," Mr. Thatcher responded. "Because to be honest with you, I have never had the impression that you were a man who would run when things got rough. So, all I could assume was that you were walking away from my daughter."

"No sir," Jack quickly wiped his eyes, embarrassed to show the tears that were threatening to spill down his cheeks when he thought about losing Elizabeth. "I promise you, Mr. Thatcher, Elizabeth means the world to me."

"Jack, as Elizabeth's father, my main concern is her safety and happiness. I have always felt that you could provide her with those things, and I was thankful that she'd found you. I appreciate you coming here today, and I think you and I agree about Elizabeth…we both just want her to be happy," he explained before standing from his chair.

"Yes sir," Jack started to stand assuming that he was being shuffled out of the office.

"Stay seated son, I believe the Yankees are playing the Braves this afternoon. Would you like a beer?" William asked as he grabbed the remote control and turned on the TV.

"Sir, there is a reason why I wanted to come with Elizabeth to see you and Mrs. Thatcher, and I would like to ask…I mean, I'd like to talk with you about something."

William turned off the TV, "What is it, Jack?"

"Mr. Thatcher, as I said before, I love Elizabeth, and well, sir, we've been dating for almost a year and I'd, well, I want to ask…"

Knowing exactly what Jack was wrestling with, Mr. Thatcher interjected, "Take a breath, son."

Jack closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. Normally he did that when Elizabeth was near, and he wanted to lose himself in her. This was a totally different situation, so he opened his eyes, glanced in Mr. Thatcher's direction, and spoke from the heart.

"I love Elizabeth. We've been together for nearly a year, and sir, I'd like to ask her to marry me," Jack stated, his voice sounding strong and firm but with a heart full of emotion. "I'd like to have the blessing of you and Mrs. Thatcher before I propose."

Without a smile or providing any sense of how he was feeling, Mr. Thatcher stated, "Well Jack, let me tell you how I feel about that." Observing an expression of dread that covered Jack's face, Mr. Thatcher stuck out his arm, "Welcome to the family…"

"Really…?"

"Why are you surprised; should I be concerned, Jack?"

Mr. Thatcher watched Jack nervously stepping from side to side, first his weight was on his left foot and then his right, only to be shifted back to his left again. That is until he started talking about his love for the Thatcher's middle daughter.

"Uh, no sir, but this isn't how I expected our talk to go," Jack responded. He continued to explain, "I know that you were disappointed in me, but no more so than I was in myself. I also know that Elizabeth is your main concern, and you need to feel comfortable in my feelings for her. You need to know that I'm here, beside her, for life, and I promise you, if she will have me, I plan to be with her forever."

"So, when are you planning to propose?" Mr. Thatcher asked.

"The one-year anniversary of when we met is next weekend, and I'd like to do it then," Jack advised.

"Okay, well you do have our blessing," Mr. Thatcher assured him. "You know, I have no problem with heated negotiations in business, but I was scared to death the night I proposed to Grace. I was tongue-tied, and I think if someone had asked me my name, I'd have been unable to tell them. It all worked out though, and I honestly believe that it will work out for you too."

"Thank you, sir."

"Jack, don't you think you should call me William?"

"Well, maybe after she says 'yes.'"

Down the hall, Elizabeth and her mother sat in the den. Elizabeth filled her in on everything that had been happening…with Jack, the menacing dog, and work; Jack, it seemed took up most of the conversation.

"Mom, I know you don't approve of living together before marriage, but I promise you, Jack has been a true gentleman. He's sleeping on the sofa with Baloo, and I get the bed in his room." Elizabeth was quiet for a few moments, doing her best to gauge her mother's feelings on the matter. "Mom, I have to tell you, I get up in the morning, and we sit and have coffee together, and…I could get used to that."

Elizabeth repeatedly glanced toward the open door to the hallway, wishing that Jack would appear. "Do you think he's okay?" she asked her mother.

"Well, your father isn't going to put his hands on him if that's what you're worried about."

"MOM," Elizabeth's voice was uncharacteristically loud. "I'm sorry, I'm just worried. I mean, I know daddy isn't going to assault him, but do you think he'll listen to what Jack has to say? I mean, maybe I should have gone with him."

"No honey, the men need to talk alone; he'll be fine…"

Elizabeth released a hard breath, "I hope so."

An hour later, Mr. Thatcher's office door opened, and Jack and William walked out into the hallway. Elizabeth stood in the doorway to the den and was both surprised and thankful when she observed her father and Jack talking baseball as they walked down the hall toward her.

"So, are you going to stay for dinner?" Mr. Thatcher asked.

Still in shock, Elizabeth responded, "Uh, we would, but Baloo is home and needs to go for a walk."

"Do we have time for you to show me around the place?" Jack directed his question to Elizabeth.

"Are you sure?" she responded, knowing that he'd initially used her family's social status as the reason to start their fight.

"I'm positive…" Jack replied.

Elizabeth looked in her parent's direction, "I'm going to take Jack around and show him the place, but we'll say goodbye before we leave."

Once they were away from earshot, Elizabeth asked, "What happened; you were gone forever…"

"We just talked. He's your father and he just wants to make sure that you're safe and loved."

"Well, I am…I hope he understands that."

"Elizabeth, I told him how important you are to me, and I think he understands. I mean, I can understand his concern, because I'm sure I'll be the same way when we have kids of our own."

Back in the den, Mr. Thatcher sat on the sofa next to his wife, "So, what did you talk about?"

"We talked about what we thought was going on in your study…Elizabeth was worried."

"Well, you know, we haven't talked about this since shortly after it happened, but I told Jack about that fight we had years ago where we broke up for a month and didn't even know what started it by the time we got back together."

"Like minds, I told Elizabeth about the same thing," Grace responded.

Mr. Thatcher looked around to make certain they were alone, "Jack asked me for Elizabeth's hand."

"He's proposing?"

"That's his plan, but don't say anything until after he proposes, okay?"

"I'm not going to say anything…" she replied.

"Say anything about what?" Elizabeth asked as she and Jack walked back into the den.

"Your dad is looking into a summer vacation trip to Europe…" Grace blurted out.

"Oh, that sounds like fun…when?"

"He's just in the beginning planning stage right now," her mother replied.

Elizabeth and Jack approached her parents. She kissed her father and mother while Jack shook Mr. Thatcher's hand and was pulled into a hug by Mrs. Thatcher.

"Please come back and have dinner with us soon," Mrs. Thatcher commented as they walked toward the front door.

"Jack," Mr. Thatcher called out, "What's the status on that dog in Elizabeth's neighborhood?"

"I contacted Animal Control and they are sending officers through there regularly. Hopefully they'll catch him before anyone else gets hurt."

"So, I get that he's scary and he's gone after dogs, but he's hurt people too?" Mrs. Thatcher asked.

Jack held up his hand where a few scabs covered the top of his left hand and his palm.

"Did he bite you?" Mr. Thatcher asked, now feeling as though this situation was more real and disturbing.

"No sir, I was trying to get Baloo away from him and he slammed my hand in the gate," Jack replied.

"Jack, tell him everything…" Elizabeth stated as she turned to her father, "Jack picked Baloo up and put him around his neck so the dog couldn't reach him. No telling what would have happened if the dog had gotten ahold of Baloo."

"WOW, that dog has got to be 85 pounds at least," Mr. Thatcher commented.

"He's fine, and that's all that matters," Jack humbly responded.

"Thank you for taking care of Elizabeth and Baloo, but any idea how long who'll be living together."

Forever, if it's up to me, Jack immediately thought. "Sir, I just want to keep Elizabeth and Baloo safe."

"Daddy…"

"I was just asking. I mean, I understand you're an adult and you can make your own choices…" Mr. Thatcher stated as he glanced in Jack's direction and winked.

As Jack and Elizabeth pulled out of the driveway, William Thatcher glanced over at his wife, "So, I'm planning a European vacation?"

"You are now…" she smiled before stepping back inside. "Maybe it can be a honeymoon trip for Jack and Elizabeth."

"I think I'll let them plan their own honeymoon," he remarked.

"Well, get used to it because I have no doubt she will accept, and…"

"I'm going to lose a daughter," he remarked.

She corrected him, "No, you're gaining a wonderful son…"

To be continued…