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 13- Try it Before You Buy it

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There is a steam alert for this chapter, so if that is not what you are looking for, please keep moving…

The following Monday, from his desk at the precinct, Jack contacted the Animal Control Department, learning that his complaint was accepted, but that no sightings had been noted in or around Elizabeth's apartment complex.

Jack was assured by the officer that those on duty would continue to make passes through the area during the day in hopes of locating the animal. Concerned for her safety, Jack made Elizabeth promise that should she need to go home for any reason before the dog is captured, that she would not make the trip without him.

His next call was to Sun Realty to discuss any houses available for a Friday-Sunday rental, and not simply a weekend rental, but this weekend.

"Good morning, Sun Realty, we take care of all of your vacation needs with rentals that can't be beat, and a concierge who's willing to go above and beyond to make your stay memorable. This is James, how may I help you?"

"Hello…" James called out again when Jack did not respond.

"Oh, I'm sorry; that introduction kind of took me by surprise."

James laughed, "You aren't the first person to say that. Anyway, who am I speaking with and how can I help you?"

"My name is Jack…Jack Thornton. I'm in Raleigh, and I'm hoping that you have a rental available for this weekend."

"Friday and Saturday night?"

"Well, Friday-Sunday. We have to be at work on Monday, so we'll leave probably Sunday evening."

"Okay, well since checkout is at 10am, you'll need to pay for three nights."

"That's fine, who knows, we may end up staying until Monday, or I guess things could go bad and we'd leave on Saturday night."

"Excuse me?"

"I'm planning to propose to my girlfriend. So, do you have anything available?"

"Oooooo…"

"Is that a reaction to the proposal or my request for a rental?" Jack asked, either way, it didn't sound hopeful. "I know I'm late planning this, but…"

"Oh wait, how many people is this rental for?" James asked.

"Two…" Jack replied with a tone of hope in his voice.

"Ooooo…"

Jack was again back to feeling less hopeful.

"Oh wait…"

A smile finally appeared on Jack's face, "Do you have something?"

"I do, but it sleeps at least 10. However, it has a private pool, hot tub, three floors, each with wrap around decks, and it's just a short walk to the beach," James advised.

"I'll take it…"

"But you don't even know how much it is…"

"At this point it doesn't matter, but go ahead, what's the total cost?"

"It's $375 a night, so that would be…" James announced.

"$1125 for the weekend," Jack replied.

"Uh, right…$1125 plus taxes and the cleaning fee, so it's right at $1500," James clarified. "Do you still want it?"

"Absolutely. Now, can you tell me about this concierge service?"

"Well, we have Jonathan and Amanda who work with families to provide them with any amenities they require for their stay here. Is that something that you'd be interested in?"

"Yes, I told you that I'm proposing to my girlfriend, so everything has to be perfect," Jack responded.

"Okay, let's get the rental stuff taken care of and then I can hook you up with either Jonathan or Amanda."

Jack pulled a credit card from his wallet, reeled off the 16-digit number, expiration date and 3-digit security code, and in a matter of minutes, a place for them to stay was confirmed and they moved on to the concierge business.

"Do you have a preference between Amanda and Jonathan?" James asked.

"I'm sure that Jonathan is great, but I'm thinking that Amanda may have a better grasp on proposal things and what a woman would like," Jack explained. "Is it possible to have her call me so I can tell her what I want without my girlfriend nearby?"

"Sure, I'll contact her now, and I know she'll get back to you as soon as she can," James advised. Oh, Mr. Thornton…"

"Yes…"

"When do you think you'll be arriving on Friday?"

"I'm hoping by noon; my girlfriend is off from work, but I need to make a quick pass through my office before I can head out. We should be able to be there by lunchtime," Jack responded.

"Okay, well we like to be at the house to welcome you, give you the keys, show you around and answer any questions you may have," James advised.

"That's great. We'll be there as close to noon as possible. Hey, while I'm thinking about it, is Amanda able to take care of stocking the place for us if I place an order for pick up at a local grocery?"

"Mr. Thornton, she will be glad to take care of anything you may need."

"Thanks James, I really appreciate your help."

"You are very welcome. As I said when I answered the phone 'we take care of all of your vacation needs…'"

"That you do seem to do, so thank you…"

"You're welcome. See you on Friday."

The rest of Jack's day was a blur as he made lists of what was needed for the trip, ideas he had for the proposal, and over-taxed his brain by researching diamonds, specifically the 4C's- Color, Clarity, Cut and Carat weight. He felt at such a loss, because as he looked at pictures, he wasn't so certain that he could tell the difference between a white sapphire, a white zircon, or for that matter, a cubic zirconia from a diamond.

Knowing that he had to place his faith in a jeweler he'd never met, the one thing he knew he wanted was a ring that Elizabeth would love and be proud to wear. Jack finished up essential paperwork on cases that had been recently closed before heading out to an important appointment on his way home.

Before pulling into the strip mall parking lot, Jack's phone rang, "Hey sweetheart…" he stated upon answering the call.

"Hey Babe, what time do you think you'll be home?"

"Um, I'm not sure. I have something that I'm finishing up and then I'll be on my way," he stated feeling as though he was not being dishonest. "Do you need me to pick something up for dinner?"

"No, I'm fixing lasagna, is that okay?" she asked.

"Mmm, sounds perfect. I'm used to microwave meals, so anything homecooked is wonderful, and very much appreciated," he replied as he sat in his truck outside the jewelry store.

"Well, you haven't eaten it yet; you may not be thanking me afterward. Remember, I was living alone too, and before you and I started seeing each other, I, too depended on a microwave for meals," Elizabeth admitted.

"Well, we are together, and dinner with you, whether it be homecooked, take-out or microwave is absolutely perfect."

"Okay Jack, I'll remind you of that when they are pumping your stomach…"

"What…really?"

Elizabeth giggled, "Jack, I'm teasing; I think." Changing the subject she continued, "So, what time do you think you'll be home?"

"I'm shooting for 7…"

"Please don't say 'shooting…'" she responded as her voice cracked slightly.

"I'm sorry, honey; I'll be home by 7…" he responded before each one relayed 'I love you' to the other and the call ended.

Walking into the Emerson's Jewelry store, Jack was immediately approached by a young saleswoman, "May I help you?"

"I have an appointment with Ray Emerson," Jack responded.

"He's in the back. Please just look around and he'll be with you in a moment."

Jack began to peruse the many different cases. Ring after ring after ring in all shapes, settings, and sizes had his mind spinning. "Maybe I should just bring Elizabeth here to pick out her own ring," Jack stated softly, but apparently not softly enough.

"I wouldn't recommend that," an older gentlemen responded as he walked up behind Jack and stepped around to the other side of the engagement ring case. "I'm sorry, I'm Ray Emerson, and I know this is all overwhelming, but to be honest, I don't think I've ever met an engaged woman who really wanted to pick out her own ring. Part of the excitement is knowing that you love her enough to pick one out especially for her. So, I guarantee whichever one you select, she will love it."

"Well, I'll hold you to that," Jack stated as he looked closer at the numerous trays of rings in the case.

"You know, we also have a great return policy, so if…"

"Wait, you think I'll need to return the ring?" Jack could feel beads of sweat breaking through the skin on his forehead.

"Calm down; it's going to be fine. I just wanted you to know that although this is an expensive purchase, it's also an investment, and we have a one week return policy if by some chance she doesn't like it."

Jack grabbed his shirt near the collar and fluttered the garment, hoping to send some cool air onto his rapidly warming chest. "Is it warm in here?"

Mr. Emerson laughed, "You know, practically every man who comes in here experiences the same emotions when looking at these rings. May I ask you something?"

"Sure, what?"

"Do you love your girlfriend…?"

"Very much."

"Do you think about being married to her…?"

"Sure, all the time."

"Does it make you nervous to think about living with her forever…?"

"No, not in the least."

"Okay, then you need to take a deep breath, and think about how much you love her, and just what ring you believe she'd love the most."

Jack did as he was told, and took a deep breath, followed by a second and a third. By the fourth breath, his heart stopped pounding erratically, his breathing calmed, and his eyes began to roam the case, but he felt lost, unfamiliar with terms such as Princess, Pear, Emerald, Solitaire, and Marquis among many others. However, he was able to pick out several that caught his eye…ones he believed would catch Elizabeth's eye as well.

"Okay, now you can see them all together, do you have a size in mind?"

"Oh, I know she wears a 6 ½ ring," Jack was proud at his skills as a detective, having taken a strand of dental floss and measured a ring given to her by her family that she'd left on the sink after washing dishes one evening prior to their breakup.

"Well, that's helpful, but I was actually talking about the carat size."

"Oh, can you show me the difference?" Jack asked as he observed rings in the case where you could barely see the diamond with the naked eye all the way up to those so large that he doubted Elizabeth would be able to lift her hand while wearing it.

Pulling several from the case, Ray lined them up on a cushiony cloth, "Okay this is a ¼ carat; this is a ½ carat; this one here is a ¾ carat, and this one is 1 carat. Now these over here are 2, 3 and 4 carats, but to be honest with you, the rings we sell the most are 1/2-1 carat in size. So, what do you think?"

To Jack, this was an important decision, even more so than the apartment he settled into, the truck he purchased, or even the college he attended after his high school graduation. "I just don't know…" he stated. Under his breath he continued, "It just has to be perfect…"

"Jack, I don't know your girlfriend, but something tells me that she will absolutely love anything you pick out."

Taking another deep breath, Jack asked, "May I see these four?"

"Certainly," Ray replied as he pulled the rings from their case and placed them on the cloth with approximately a hands width between them.

All four rings were different. The cuts he chose were Princess, Solitaire, Emerald and Marquis. The sizes ranged from ½-1 ½ carat, but he quickly discarded the 1 ½ carat Emerald cut when he held it in his hand and believed that Elizabeth would see it as pretentious.

Next he held the Solitaire and Emerald cut rings in his hand, slipping them onto his pinkie finger but finding that each one only slipped down to his first knuckle. The Marquis was added next, and he stared intently at each and every one.

"I really like this one," Jack stated as he pointed to the first rind he slipped on his finger.

"That's a solitaire," Ray advised.

"Okay, I like the solitaire, but I think she'd love the setting on this one and the head on this one…is that what they call it?"

"The sapphires going around the diamond are called a halo," Ray advised.

Jack held up all three rings. "If only I could combine the three of them, I think it would be perfect."

"Well, then, you are in luck, because I am not just the owner of this store, but I am also a premier jeweler, and I can customize the ring you want," Ray advised.

"How long does it take to get something like that?" Jack asked.

"Hmm, I could have it ready for you in a few weeks…" Ray responded, a statement that had Jack's current smile falling from his face.

"I don't have that much time. I'm planning to propose to her this weekend."

"Well, most of the time, men plan ahead more, and have the ring sitting around before they propose."

"I would have done that, but I just got her parent's blessing to ask her, so…I appreciate your time, but a few weeks just won't work. I'm sorry I wasted your time…" Jack stated as he turned to leave the store.

"Mr. Thornton, wait; let me check my schedule and see if there is anything I can do to speed up the process," Ray stated as he secured the rings in the case before stepping back toward his office. Before entering his business sanctuary, Ray turned around and watched as Jack paced, and then looked at cases filled with rings only to start pacing again, all of which reminded him of himself 32 years ago when he was preparing to propose to his wife.

As Ray sat at his desk perusing his calendar, the young salesclerk, Ray's daughter, Tiffany, stepped inside his office, "Hey daddy, I think that guy out there was the officer who came when we were robbed a few years ago."

"Is he? I wasn't here but let me find out…" Ray stated as he walked out into the showroom. "Mr. Thornton, are you a police officer?"

"I'm now a detective, but I was a police officer a few years ago when your store was robbed."

"I told you daddy…" Tiffany remarked.

"I never had an opportunity to thank you for what you did that night," Ray began.

"No thanks are necessary; I'm just glad that your daughter was okay, and we caught the guy."

"I was out of town when the robbery occurred, and Tiffany was the only person in the store. As a father, I want you to know that I appreciate what you did to make sure she was okay."

"Mr. Emerson, I didn't really do anything that any other officer wouldn't have done. I just happened to get here first."

"But from what I understand, at one point you stood in front of my daughter and shielded her when the gunman fired."

"Well, luckily he was a poor shot," Jack remarked.

"Luckily, you weren't," Ray replied. "Mr. Thornton, do you have any kids?"

"No sir, not yet."

"Well, when you do, you'll know what I'm talking about. You protect them with everything you have, and when you aren't there, you're thankful when someone else takes care of them. I was across the country when this happened, and by the time I was able to get home, Tiffany was okay, so I just want you to know how much I appreciate everything you did."

"Really, no thanks are necessary. She ducked down when I told her to, and once everything was over, I just hooked her up with one of the female officers…I just felt she'd feel more comfortable talking with a woman."

"I did, but you set it up and you'll never know how much your help meant to me," Tiffany responded.

"Well, I'm glad that I could be of some assistance."

"Detective Thornton, it's our turn to be of assistance to you. You design what you want, and I'll have it ready by closing on Thursday night," Ray advised.

"Seriously…? WOW, you don't know how much that means to me," Jack thankfully replied. "Now I guess we should do all of the financial stuff so I can let you get to work…"

"Okay, you seem to be leaning toward a diamond around 1 carat in size, right?" Ray held up one ring that was the size in question.

"Yes, that looks like a good size, not too big, but not something that she'd have to look under a microscope in order to see."

Ray pulled out his book and opened it to the clarity section. Pointing out the different categories and grades, Jack settled on the VVSI (Very, Very Slightly Included) which contained diamonds which have miniscule inclusions that are difficult even for trained eyes to see under 10x magnification.

"These are very expensive, and the lower grades are just as nice when viewed by the naked eye," Ray advised.

Looking at the diamonds, Jack understood what Ray meant, as per the naked eye, he couldn't tell an SI (Slightly Included) from and FL (Flawless). However, he still wanted a diamond that he'd be very proud to give. "I understand, but I still want a VVSI diamond. Glancing at a tray of diamonds only, Jack pointed to one that caught his eye, "Is that one of those special ones?"

"Yes, that's a VVSI, and it's…let me see, $5730. When you add the setting to the diamond, the total price is $7360, plus tax, but I'm not going to charge for designing the ring."

"Mr. Emerson, I can't accept that; I was just doing my job, and I'm glad I was here to help."

"Mr. Thornton, you happen to be here on "Design Your Ring Free of Charge Day," so I'm not giving you anything that I wouldn't be giving to anyone else who happened to enter my store today," Ray was firm, and although Jack was certain that this was a made-up day, he accepted the generosity extended to him.

"Thank you. So, what is the total price?" Jack asked as he held his breath slightly.

"$7691.20…"

Thankful for the many years of overtime pay that he'd automatically placed into savings, Jack smiled as he handed Ray his American Express credit card, knowing that he was now one step closer to hopefully making his dreams come true. "What time do you close on Thursday night?"

"9pm, but I'll call you if I finish it early…"

Jack extended his arm and shook Ray's hand. "Thank you for everything…"

"Thank you too, Detective."

As Jack walked out onto the front sidewalk, Tiffany stepped up to her father, "Thank you for doing that. I know, and I'm sure he knows that it isn't "Design Your Ring Free of Charge Day," but you and I both know that the diamond he picked out was twice what you sold it to him for, and if you had tacked on your fee that ring would have been over $15,000. It's a beautiful design, and I'm sure his girlfriend will be beyond excited."

"Don't say anything to anyone; it's just my way of being able to say thank you."

Jack sat in his truck, both excited and nervous. He pulled out his phone and placed a call…"

"Hey son."

"Hey mom."

"How are you?"

"I'm good, but I wanted to tell you something."

"Is something wrong?"

"Not if you like the idea of me proposing to Elizabeth."

"You proposed? What did she say? Oh, what am I saying, she loves you, I'm sure she said yes."

"Well, I haven't done it yet."

"Oh…"

"We're going to Nags Head this weekend, and I'm going to propose on the beach on Saturday night. I wanted to invite you to be there if you're free."

"Oh Jack, I'm so excited for you. Of course, I'll be there."

"Lee and Rosie will be there, and I'm inviting her parents too," Jack stated as he advised her to call Lee on Saturday morning for all of the finalized plans.

Jack walked into the apartment and was quickly greeted with tail wags and kisses from Baloo. "Honey, I'm home," he excitedly called out, always having wanted to announce that but never having been in a situation before where it fit.

While in the kitchen fixing dinner, Elizabeth turned from the stove and smiled. "I'm glad you're home," she stated, thankful that he was safe. "Oh, hey, I started cleaning up the guest bedroom when I got home from school. We may be able to get a bed in there for me."

"Honey, I'm fine on the sofa," Jack stated, adamant that he was not going to cram her into the guest bedroom.

"Jack, it isn't fair for you to be stuck on the sofa. You offered a place for Baloo and me to stay and we both appreciate it, but it wasn't my intention to kick you out of your room."

"I tell you what, let's not discuss the guest bedroom until we comeback from Nags Head, okay?"

"Well, I know you're getting the short end of the stick here, but I'll do as you ask," she responded as she turned back to face the counter and continued fixing the tossed salad.

Jack stepped closer, "Mmm, smells so good," he stated as he slipped up behind her, closing her in with his arms on either side of her body while his hands rested on the counter.

"That's the lasagna," Elizabeth responded with a giggle.

He pulled her hair over her right shoulder as he leaned in and pressed his lips to her neck, "Oh, you're cooking lasagna, I hadn't noticed," he snickered as he buried his face in the crook of her neck. "You smell heavenly."

Turning around in his arms, they were now facing each other, only inches apart, as Elizabeth's lips silently begged to be touched. Leaning forward, Jack didn't disappoint as his lips met hers. The contact was sweet, and pleasant, and as one kiss led to another, they became quite hot and intense.

With his hands on her waist, he lifted her up onto the counter; slipping his body between her legs he stepped closer. His fingers feathered through the hair on the sides of her face, as he held her close, and his lips sought hers again, but this time the kisses seemed more urgent and needy. But as their hearts pounded and each one stopped to catch their breath; Jack took a step back…

"I'm sorry…"

"Please don't be, you aren't the only one wanting more," Elizabeth breathlessly responded. "Maybe staying here isn't a good idea."

Jack's finger under her chin lifted her face until their eyes met, "Please don't say that. I love having you here…coming home to you at night, and waking up to you in the morning," realizing how what he said sounded, he continued, "You know what I mean." He pulled her close.

Pulling back slightly, she looked deep into his eyes, "I know what you mean, and I love seeing you in the morning, cooking dinner for you in the evening, and spending more time together than we normal get. I just don't want to be unfair to you."

"You're not. I know the boundaries, and I won't push past them, or at least I'll do my best not to."

Jack's hands on her waist helped her down from the counter, "Why were you so late tonight? Is everything okay at work?"

"Everything is fine. I just want to get all of my cases updated before we go out of town. I don't want any work distractions this weekend…this time is just about us."

"That sounds wonderful, and I'm really glad that you thought about doing this. I agree, I think we just need some time alone."

Following dinner, Jack and Elizabeth stood side by side at the sink as she washed, and he dried the dinner dishes. Although neither one said anything for fear of jinxing what they were experiencing, each one thought how much they were enjoying 'playing married,' and in the back of their minds, both hoped that the menacing dog wouldn't be found too quickly.

The only thing that was different in what each one assumed their married life would be like was that at the end of the evening, Jack walked Elizabeth to her room, kissed her good night and then retreated to the sofa to sleep.

Sitting in her bed, Elizabeth pulled her journal from her bag, opened it, read several of her most uplifting entries, and then flipped to the next blank page. Clicking her pen into the open position, she took a deep breath, looked around the masculine embellished room where she slept, and did her best to release her thoughts, feelings and emotions onto the blank canvas…

"The night you walked into my life; I wasn't sure what to think. No, that's a lie. I'd experienced men before you who said all the right things, acted the right way, only to crush my hopes for something good, something different with their egotistical, self-centered ways. An assumption was made that you would be the same. I pushed you away, trying to close myself off but for some reason, you kept pushing back, almost as if someone was in your corner, not wanting to simply let this ride.

Something about you told me to enjoy the contact while it lasted, again assuming that it would truly be over before it started. We talked, and although I really wanted to keep in touch, you living in Boston just seemed too far away to make it anything more than heartbreaking. What a shock it was to learn that you actually lived in Raleigh, just like me.

We have been through so much together, so many trials and tribulations. You have literally put your life on the line to save mine, more than once, and you've never asked for anything in return. So different from other men I've known…they buy you dinner and expect to own you for the remainder of the night. Maybe someone was looking out for us, because I truly believe that I was blessed the night you walked up to me on the beach.

Now, here I sit on your bed, alone, and all I want is for you to be here with me, holding me, feeling your warm skin against mine. Jack Thornton, you are different from any man I have ever known, and I honestly love you with every fiber of my being."

The following morning, Jack took Baloo out early for a run about the lake in the center of his complex. Upon their return, Elizabeth had French toast, coffee and orange juice waiting for him on the table. They ate breakfast, discussed their plans for the day, what she planned to cook for dinner, and as they walked outside to head for work, he walked her to her Jeep, kissed her goodbye, and headed for his truck.

"Jack," she called out. She laid her bag in her vehicle and ran around her Jeep to his truck, "Please be careful. I'm kind of getting used to our arrangement here, and I worry about you."

"I worry about you too, so I'll make you a deal…"

"What's that?"

Jack's hands on either side of her face held her close. "I'll be careful, if you will too," he leaned forward and captured her lips. It was a soft, and gentle kiss; one that left each one thinking of what they had to look forward to at the end of the day.

"I promise…" she responded before heading back to her Jeep.

Jack's phone rang before he reached the precinct. Not recognizing the number, he contemplated allowing his phone to take a message, but something nagging in his mind told him to take the call.

"Hello…"

"Hi, is this Jack Thornton?"

"Yes it is…"

"Hi, Mr. Thornton, this is Amanda from Sun Realty."

"Oh, hi Amanda; please call me Jack."

"Okay, Jack. I understand that you and your girlfriend will be coming in this Friday, and you have some special requests."

"Yes, I'm planning to propose to her on Saturday night."

"Congratulations…"

"Well, hold off until she accepts," Jack stated, worried that early congratulations were actually a bad omen. "Anyway, I've seen some things on Instagram that I'd like to see about doing out on the beach."

"Is that where you are planning to propose?"

"Yes…we met last year at the Summer in the Sand Festival in Wilmington, and well, we both love the water and the beach."

"That sounds perfect," Amanda responded. Let me put together something and I'll let you know what I come up with, okay?"

"Sounds good. Also, is it possible to text you a list of things from the grocery store, and have them at the house when we arrive?"

"Certainly; I'll be glad to take care of anything you need."

"Also, flowers?"

"Absolutely…"

"Okay, I'd like roses in the master bedroom, and bouquets of wildflowers throughout the house. Is that doable?"

"Absolutely…"

"Okay, as for food, I'll text you what I need. How do I get payment to you?"

"I'll keep receipts and Sun Realty will settle up with you."

"Okay, sounds perfect. I'll have the text to you soon," Jack stated as he pulled into the precinct parking lot and parked his truck.

Passing David on his way into the building, they stopped to exchange pleasantries.

"Hey, I'm having a get together at my place this Saturday. I know you don't like hookups, but I know this woman who I think you'd really like. Why don't you come, and you can meet her, no pressure…?"

"No thank you; Elizabeth and I are back together, and as a matter of fact, we're going away this weekend," Jack quickly responded.

"Well, congratulations. I'm glad to hear you two worked it out. Hookups truly aren't your thing," David replied.

"No, they aren't. Never have been, and never will be. Elizabeth is the woman I want, and I won't do anything to jeopardize my relationship with her again," Jack admitted. "Hey, are you still dating that woman you met at Still Life; what was her name?"

"Maggie…no, Mallory, no wait, Maddie…"

"I'll take that as a 'no' since you can't remember her name," Jack felt sorry for David. He couldn't imagine living his life going from woman to woman, with no one special to look forward to seeing.

"No, we had a lot of fun for a few days, but it ran its course…"

"David that's sad. Don't you want to settle down with one woman?"

"Why when I can experience so many of them."

Finally seeing what Elizabeth saw in David, Jack felt it best to simply cut his ties, "Well, I've got to get inside; take care."

As Jack walked toward the entrance, David called out, "Hey will your woman allow you to go out with the guys for a beer occasionally?"

Jack turned around and walked back toward him, "First of all, she's not 'my woman.' She happens to be the woman I'm in love with, so please don't refer to her in that manner. As for her allowing me to do anything, I don't own her nor does she own me, but I'll tell you this, I spend my time with her because I want to. She is the best person I know, and I look forward to the time I get to be with her. Unfortunately, you have no idea what that feels like, and I'm sorry that you don't have someone special in your life, because you are truly missing out."

"Well, if you change your mind, come on over on Saturday…" David stated as he walked away, oblivious to the feelings Jack was attempting to convey.

Jack went inside and immediately headed for his office. Taking a seat at his desk, he pulled out his phone and tapped out a text to Elizabeth…

"Luv u…."

Elizabeth was sitting at her desk waiting on her students to arrive when she heard the ding on her phone. Glancing down she smiled. "I luv u 2. R u OK…?"

"Yep, just want u to kno how much I luv and miss u…"

"U saw me 30 mins. ago…"

"Still miss u. Looking 4ward 2 this wkend…"

"Me 2; I luv u, JT…"

"I luv u, ET… Hmm, when we marry u won't have to change ur initials…"

"Well, I guess it's lucky that I didn't marry Tom Jacobs (TJ)…"

"Excuse me; who is Tom Jacobs…?"

"No one, just made up the name. Sorry, stupid joke…"

"I still luv u…"

"I luv u 2. Bye Jack, c u at home…"

"I luv the sound of that…"

Another day passed with no dog sightings, and it was evident that Elizabeth, Jack and Baloo were settling into cohabitation with no problems. He made space in the bathroom for her essentials, room in his closet for her clothes, placed what he assumed were women's preferred magazines (Cosmopolitan, Women's Health, Southern Living, and People) beside his Sport's Illustrated on the coffee table, and purchased her favorite caramel macchiato creamer for her morning coffee. With no place to store his workout equipment and other items in his guest room, Jack also continued to refuse to trade her the sofa for his bed.

As the end of the week approached, Jack realized that sharing his apartment with Elizabeth was both easy and enjoyable. Easy, in that the apartment was small, but they quickly worked out any issues without difficulty, and as far as enjoyable, well, evenings taking a walk with Baloo while holding hands with the woman he loved, or the two of them sitting on the sofa with a glass of wine watching a movie was what he'd basically seen for himself and Elizabeth for quite some time. This life he was enjoying was both calm, and relaxing and the more evenings they had, the more he wanted.

On Thursday afternoon, Jack met Lee for lunch, slightly surprised and a bit disappointed when Rosie tagged along. He liked Rosie, but he wanted to talk with Lee about the upcoming weekend, and the rush he felt about the topic had him wondering if he could trust Rosie to be quiet.

Meeting at the Brickhouse Sports Pub, they sat at a table away from the majority of the other patrons. "So, what are you doing this weekend?" Jack asked.

It became evident that Lee had kept his word and not revealed Jack's plans to Rosie when she blurted out, "Lee wants to take me to Nags Head for the weekend. Why don't you guys come with us?"

"That's interesting," Jack responded, "Elizabeth and I are going to Nags Head, too. Let's have dinner one night while we're there."

"That's great, but why don't we just go together?" Rosie asked.

"I'm not sure when we can get away," Jack replied as he glanced in Lee's direction for some help.

"Honey, don't you remember we're both off from work so we could leave early on Friday?" Lee reminded her.

"Oh right, I wasn't thinking that it was Friday," Rosie responded.

"Besides, I would imagine that Elizabeth has to work, right, Jack?" Lee asked.

Jack hated to lie, but there he was as a small white one slipped out of his mouth, "I believe she does, but anyway, I have to go into the precinct to finish up a few things," he didn't, but he'd make a point to step into the building to keep from being pegged a liar.

"Well maybe we can do the Dolphin Boat trip together," she remarked.

"That actually sounds like fun. We'll see if we can fit that in," Jack stated as he looked to Lee to change the subject.

"What's the deal with that dog in Elizabeth's neighborhood?" Lee asked.

"He's still on the loose," Jack replied.

"I'll let you guys talk about that mean dog; I'm going to the bathroom," Rosie stated as she left both men at the table alone.

"I'll bet you aren't unhappy that the dog hasn't been found."

"Lee, to be honest, I'm enjoying Elizabeth being at my place, but I don't want to see anyone else get hurt by that dog either."

"Well, who knows, maybe they'll catch him and you two can still just live together."

"I'm not sure how Elizabeth would feel about that, but hey, I thought we were having lunch alone," Jack stated. "I mean, I love Rosie…you know what I mean, like a sister, but I wanted to talk with you about this weekend."

"Well talk while she's gone. I didn't tell her anything and I just thought the best way to get her there without saying why was to plan our own trip."

"Where are you staying?" Jack asked.

"At a Hampton Inn. What hotel will you be at?"

"I rented a house…"

"A house? Man, you are going all out."

"I'm suppose to pick up the ring tonight from Emerson's Jewelers. It's beautiful, and I just hope she likes it."

"Jack, you're not worried that she'll turn you down, are you?"

"I'm not until people ask me that, and then it makes me think…"

"Well, stop thinking…"

"Thinking about what?" Rosie asked as she returned to the table.

"Just work stuff," Jack replied.

"You need this weekend, Jack. Actually, you and Elizabeth do. We're going to have so much fun…"

"Looking forward to it," Jack stated as his phone rang. "Hello…Oh, hi Ray." Jack listened as a smile covered his face. "Okay, I'll be right over."

As their lunch arrived, Jack asked for a box to take his with him.

"Can't you stay and eat?" Rosie asked.

"No, I have to take care of something, but I'll see you guys in Nags Head."

"Okay…" Rosie and Lee both responded.

As Jack left, heading to the jewelry store to pick up the symbol of his love for Elizabeth, Rosie looked slightly perplexed. "He seems off, is everything okay with him and Elizabeth?"

"Yes, why…?"

"He just seems preoccupied."

"He's fine; I think he's just looking forward to spending the weekend with Elizabeth and he wants everything to be perfect."

"Wait…he's gonna propose, isn't he…?"

"Rosie, don't say anything…please."

"I won't say anything."

"Do you promise?"

"Lee, have you ever known me to spill on a secret?"

Lee thought back to several occasions where secrets were spilled like an overturned cup of tea. "Rosie, unfortunately you…"

"Lee, I know what you're going to say, but this is different. I promise not to tell Elizabeth. Do we get to be there when he does it?"

"Yes, that's why we're going; he wanted us there, but you have to keep your mouth shut or it will ruin all of his plans," Lee stated as he quickly realized that he would need to keep Rosie and Elizabeth apart until Saturday night or pray that Rosie would keep her word and keep quiet.

"I promise…I'm just so excited for her."

Once Lee dropped Rosie by her home, the first thing she did was to call Elizabeth.

"Hey Rosie, how are you?" Elizabeth asked as she answered the call.

"Not as good as you apparently."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Oh nothing; I just heard that you and Jack are going away for the weekend. Aren't you excited?"

"Well, I'm excited to be with Jack, but we're just going to Nags Head, so don't make a big deal about it. It's just a little getaway so we can spend some alone time together."

"We're going too…"

Elizabeth swallowed hard, "With us?"

"No silly. Lee planned a trip and then I heard you and Jack were going," Rosie replied. "I think the guys have some plans for the weekend. I've heard about a wonderful dolphin trip that I suggested."

"Oh, that sounds nice," Elizabeth attempted to hide her disappointment. She loved Rosie and Lee, but she was looking forward to spending the entire weekend alone with Jack. She wondered if that would be viewed as selfish by others. But actually, she didn't care what other's thought…her desire was to be with Jack, no distractions or disturbances, and let's face it, Rosie could be or cause both.

Friday morning arrived, Elizabeth was awake most of the night, excited like a kid at Christmas, she was so looking forward to spending the weekend away with Jack. She dragged herself out of bed and headed for the shower, hoping that the water would do wonders to wake her up.

Jack packed his truck and waited on Elizabeth before loading up Baloo and heading to the Thatcher's.

"Is Mr. Thatcher available?" Jack asked Elizabeth's mother.

"He's in his office. He's expecting to see both of you before you leave, so help yourself," she stated as Jack started down the hall.

Knocking on the office door, Mr. Thatcher responded, "Come in…" as Jack stepped inside, Mrs. Thatcher and Elizabeth could hear William say, "Oh hi Jack. It's good to see you." The door closed behind him, and the women went about separating Baloo's food into baggies for individual feedings.

Jack took a seat on the sofa while William rolled his desk chair over to sit opposite him. "Mr. Thatcher, I wanted to let you know that I plan to propose to Elizabeth this weekend. If you and Mrs. Thatcher would like to be there, here's Lee's number," he handed William a small piece of note paper, "call him, and he can tell you timewise what we're looking at. I plan to do it at dusk, but if you are unable to be there, Lee is going to film it."

"Thank you so much for inviting us. We don't want to intrude, but I know Grace would love to be a part of it. So, if you're sure, we may take you up on your offer."

"I'm sure, and who knows, maybe the more people I have around, the more likely that she'll say 'Yes.'"

"You aren't worried about her accepting, are you?"

"Well…"

"Jack, I don't know of any man who has proposed to the love of their life who wasn't worried, nervous, and yes, scared. I was, and I'll admit it to you, but if you say anything, I'll deny it…"

Jack laughed, "My lips are sealed."

William walked Jack out to the foyer where they met up with Grace and Elizabeth. "You two have a nice weekend and don't worry about Baloo; he's safe here," Mrs. Thatcher announced.

"I know that mom and thank you for taking care of him; Jack and I appreciate it. You know I hate boarding him at the kennel…he always seems to come home with a cough."

Jack opened the front door, took Elizabeth's hand and everyone stepped outside. William and Grace stood on the porch and watched as Jack's truck pulled out of the driveway.

"How would you like to take a drive to Nags Head tomorrow afternoon?" William asked.

"William, you aren't planning to bother them, are you?"

He smiled, "Jack is planning to propose, and he asked if we'd like to be there."

"He's proposing? Yes, I want to be there."

"Okay, I'll make the arrangements." William stepped inside and headed for his office. His first call of the morning was to Lee. William was provided with all the information Lee had available.

"Mr. Thatcher, I can call you in the afternoon when I know a closer time frame, or you can head on down and we'll just keep you two undercover until it's time."

"I think that's what we'd prefer. Her mother will never forgive me if we wait and then get hung up in traffic or something and completely miss it."

"Okay, well call me when you get to town…"

"I will; thank you, Lee."

As Jack and Elizabeth headed down the highway, he turned right instead of taking the onramp to the interstate. "Where are we going?" Elizabeth asked.

"I have to run by the precinct for just a second," he responded, knowing that he would satisfy his statement to Rosie as long as he stepped inside the building, which was all he intended to do.

Pulling into the parking lot, Jack left the truck running and ran inside the front door. Once inside, he spun on his heels and ran back out to the truck, "Okay, let's get this weekend started."

"What was that all about?" she asked.

"I told Rosie that I had to go into the precinct this morning, and I didn't want to be a liar."

"Why did it matter to her?" Elizabeth inquired.

"Because she was wanting us to ride with them to Nags Head, and well, I'm sorry, but I'm being selfish this weekend…I want you all to myself."

Elizabeth smiled, knowing that she too felt the same way. Reaching over she took hold of his hand which was resting on the middle console between them, "Thank you…"

"For what?" he asked.

"I was feeling a bit selfish too, and I just want to spend time with you; is that bad?"

Sitting at a stoplight, Jack turned to look in her beautiful blue eyes. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze, "I don't think it's being selfish; I actually think it's being honest, and I feel the same way."

They drove for several hours, listening to music, talking about work, family and life. The traffic on the beach road was slam packed, and although they loved looking at the water between the rentals, they needed to slip over to the Bypass Road in order to drive by Sun Realty.

Pulling into the parking lot, Elizabeth asked, "I thought we were in a hotel…"

"Actually, no…I rented us a house."

"Really?"

"Yeah, I'll be right back," he stated as he left the truck running with the A/C on and ran inside the office.

As quickly as he disappeared inside, he returned, "I forgot the agent is meeting us at the house."

Elizabeth saw rentals ranging from simple one-story cabin type homes which sleep 3-4, to what looked like mansions sleeping what she could only assume up to 20 people.

Assuming that they would be in one of the smaller rentals, her jaw dropped when Jack pulled into the driveway of a three-story masterpiece with desks on each floor.

"Jack, this is beautiful, but truly it isn't necessary," she stated, wondering if the difference in economic status between him and her father was truly bothering him. "Jack…"

"Elizabeth, before you say anything, this is a special weekend for us, and I want it to be something we will remember forever. And before you say it, I am not trying to compete with your father."

Jack jumped out and opened her door, taking hold of her hand they walked up the staircase to the second floor.

"Jack, this house is gorgeous." She stated as she glanced around.

The door swung open, and Amanda stepped outside with keys to the property in her hand. Stepping inside, there were vases of wildflowers throughout the downstairs.

"WOW, you guys go all out for visitors, don't you?" Elizabeth directed her comment to Amanda.

"Actually, these are from Mr. Thornton."

"It's just Jack…"

"Okay, Jack made the arrangement for these."

"Jack, you did all this?"

"It's a special weekend," he replied.

"Are you going to the "Summer in the Sand Festival?"

"That isn't this weekend, is it?" Elizabeth asked.

"Yes; you're lucky you found a rental as we expect the area to be crowded," Amanda stated.

"But isn't the festival in Wilmington?"

"It moves around every year. It was in Wilmington last year."

While Jack walked Amanda outside, Elizabeth strolled over to the back of the house and glanced out the window at the private pool.

"Will you be able to do something on the beach for tomorrow evening?" Jack asked.

"I have it under control. I think you'll be pleased, and I'd venture a guess that she will be too."

Walking back inside, Jack walked up behind Elizabeth and slipped his arms around her waist. Pulling her close, he could hear her sniffling. Turning her around, he kissed her forehead, "No honey, no tears, what's wrong?"

"Jack, this is all so beautiful, but I forgot that it was the anniversary of when we met. How could I have forgotten meeting you? Now I understand why you wanted to come this weekend, and why you kept saying it was a special trip for us. I'm so sorry," she slipped her arms around his neck and rested her head on his chest.

"Don't cry; I want this to be a great, memorable weekend."

Jack's hand rested along her cheek as his thumb brushed several tears away when they fell.

"Jack, this is a very important anniversary; it's the weekend that I met you, and I didn't get you anything."

Jack led her back into the den and they took a seat on the sofa, "Elizabeth, don't you know that I'm here with you right now, and that's a gift enough for me."

"Yeah, right…"

"Honey, I don't like thinking about this, but I almost lost you, and being with you right here, right now is like Christmas, my birthday, and New Year's Day all wrapped up into one," his lips quickly found hers. "You are my gift, Elizabeth. Every day, it is a gift to have you in my life…"

"How is it that you always know what to say, and yet you weren't snapped up by someone before now?"

"Well, obviously I don't always know what to say, or we wouldn't have gone a month apart from each other. As for not being snapped up by another woman, I tend to believe that I was waiting for you."

"How did your friends talk you into going down to Wilmington last year when you are nothing like them; well, Lee aside. I mean the others were just looking for a woman to sleep with, and you, oh, I don't know what you were looking for…"

Jack smiled, "I wasn't looking, and I wasn't expecting anything, so I think when I met you, it may sound odd, but for me, it was a sign."

"Well, whatever it was, I'm so glad that you were there, and that you've fought for us when I didn't. You are a wonderful man, Jack Thornton, I guess I'll have to remember this occasion, so when you forget an anniversary, I'll need to give you a pass…"

"I'm a man, that's likely to happen," his arm around her shoulders pulled her close against his chest.

"Somehow I doubt it," she muttered.

"Do we need to go pick up any groceries or anything?" she asked.

"Nope, I gave Amanda a list and the kitchen is stocked," Jack advised. "I believe there are some nice steaks in the refrigerator; do you want to cook on the grill or go out for dinner?"

Elizabeth's eyes caught his; she smiled coyly, "I think I'd like to stay here. Maybe we could go swimming."

"I'm going to bring our bags inside; why don't you take a look around, and you can pick out which bedroom you want," Jack suggested, assuming that she'd take the master, unaware that all of the rooms were actually set up elaborately.

As they stood from the sofa, she went one way and he went the other, with her stopping at the staircase, "Jack…"

"Yeah honey…"

"I…"

"Elizabeth, I'm not expecting anything, okay? Pick out whichever room you want, and I'll take the one next to you."

Elizabeth stood on the staircase and watched Jack disappear out the front door. Tears welled in her eyes as she thought about how lucky she was to have met him, and, after she turned him down on their first meeting because she assumed that he lived too far away, that he continued to pursue finding her again.

She was blessed, truly blessed, and there was no doubt in her mind that Jack would always be the man for her, and although she'd never push him to propose, that would be the fastest 'yes' that would ever be given to a question presented to her.

Pulling bags from the truck, Jack glanced up at the house and took a deep breath. Turning toward the street, he pulled a special box from his pocket, opened it and smiled. The ring was perfect, she was perfect, their love was perfect, and he only hoped that by tomorrow night it would be official, they would be engaged.

Sticking the ring box back into his pocket, Jack grabbed the bags and headed up the steps to the front door.

As Elizabeth toured the house, each bedroom looked like the master. They were all huge, well furnished, and had attached bathrooms. Walking into one of the rooms, there was a vase with a bouquet of red roses. Assuming that to be another gift planned by Jack, that was the room she chose.

She took a seat on the bed, pulled her bag up next to her, reached in and retrieved her journal.

Pulling it out, she held it to her chest. Knowing that it contained so many memories from her life, both good and bad, joyous and sad, difficult and triumphant. But above all else, she felt lucky to be where she was and with the man she believed her heart had always dreamed of.

Opening the leatherbound keeper of her secrets, she flipped to the next blank page, took a breath and prepared to color the canvas with her thoughts, feelings and emotions…

Blessings come in all shapes and sizes, but they have one thing in common…their creator. We praise God from whom all blessings flow, thankful that through him, we have the ability to find that inner peace. Thank you, Lord for bringing this remarkable man into my life; for showing me that waiting for the right person is not a waste of time.

As a teenager, being in love was often a fleeting emotion, sometimes changing between the time the sun rose and fell in one day. As I matured and entered adulthood, I dated, searching for that one special person who would make my life whole. I refused to be pushed, taunted, pressured or coerced into being someone I'm not. Until you, apparently I wasn't worth getting to know unless sex was involved, because after a fair waiting time, the men before you were out the door. Actually…what is a fair waiting period of time? For some it's the night you meet, and for one amazing man, it is when the time is right for me.

My experience has shown me that somewhere between the heartaches and waiting comes the chance to be found by someone amazing; someone who will show you that you don't have to be just an option…to them, you are the only choice. Jack Thornton, you are not an option…you are my only choice!"

Jack knocked on the door frame, "May I come in?"

"Of course…"

"What are you doing?" he asked as he stood before her.

Elizabeth closed her journal and slipped it back into her bag, "I was just doing some writing."

Jack smiled, "Were you writing about me?"

"Maybe…actually, most likely," she replied with a smile.

"Is it something good?"

"It's most definitely good," she replied.

"I'm so lucky to be here with you," Jack whispered.

"I'm the lucky one, Jack," Elizabeth responded. Standing, her hand rested along his left cheek, "In case I haven't made it perfectly clear, I love you, and I feel truly blessed to have you in my life."

His arm slipped around her waist, and he pulled her close against him. Although their bodies were touching, with clothes between them, there was no way that it could feel close enough.

His mouth was hungry as he covered hers; his tongue breaking through the seam in her soft, pillow like lips, running across the tender tissue on the inside of her mouth. Each kiss became more passionate as their tongues searched deeper, the desire growing stronger.

They stepped back and Elizabeth fell onto the bed with one of Jack's hands behind her head and the other along the slope of her back. She could feel his body pressed against hers, the feelings stirred by his touch arousing every nerve ending in her body. Her flesh ached as she felt his fingers tugging at her t-shirt, and as he pulled upward, her arms lifted over her head and the garment fell to the ground.

Leaning back, Jack grabbed a sheet and wrapped it around her, "I'm sorry; I told myself that I wouldn't lose control, and it's the first thing I do."

Elizabeth dropped the sheet, "Jack, I love you; I know you are the man for me, and I don't want to wait anymore." She took his hands and pulled him back onto the bed.

"Are you sure?"

"I've been sure. I want you, Jack…I want to show you how important you are to me."

Jack's hand slipped around her body, unsnapped her bra, and watched as the straps fell over her shoulders and the garment landed onto the bed beside her. She lay back, watching as Jack struggled with wanting her, needing her, and fighting the fear that she'd regret giving into the urges she'd fought for so long.

"Jack, I've wanted you for so long…"

"E-liz-a-beth…"

"Jack, can you honestly say that you don't want me?"

"Oh Elizabeth, my body aches for you. Every time I think about you, I want you, but it's not just what I want."

"Jack, I want this," she breathlessly responded. "What can I say to get you to understand?"

His heart pounded as his body finally gave in to the desires he'd felt since the night he first met her. His gaze was hot, leaving her feeling as though the remainder of her clothing had been melted away.

Nervously, she bit her bottom lip, having no idea that this simple gesture was such a turn on for him. His fingers traced up and down her arm before his hand cupped her right breast. His thumb gently ran across her nipple, quickly making it firm, much like his erection she could feel pressing against her hip.

His soft kisses moved along her neck, and down her cleavage, as his lips opened, and his mouth covered her left breast. His tongue washed across her nipple, an action that had Elizabeth's body arching, moving as close to Jack as physically possible.

His lips moved down her body as his fingers released the snap and zipper on her jeans. Initially, his hand rested on her abdomen, waiting on her to tell him to stop. No words were spoken; the only sounds heard were their rapidly increasing breaths, and gentle moans.

His hand slipped under her panties and moved closer to her moist aching flesh. Pressing his fingers inside her, she was warm and wet and by her moans and body movements, it was evident that she wanted every part of Jack that he was willing to give her.

Elizabeth could tell by Jack's expression that he was much like a kid in a candy store, wanting to touch and taste everything, and leaving no inch of her body untouched. He stood at the foot of the bed and quickly removed his jeans before gently pulling hers down her long shapely legs and dropping them in the pile of cotton which was building beside the bed.

Crawling up her body, he rolled to the side of her, still not certain that she wanted what she seemed to be begging for. With his hand on her cheek, he turned her head to face him. His voice was soft, "E-liz-a-beth, we can still stop…"

"I want you, Jack, and unless you can tell me that you don't want me, I don't want to stop…"

"You know I do."

Her hand started on his chest, and as it moved downward, her lips followed. Laying on his back, it was Jack's turn to express his satisfaction through sighs and moans. Although Elizabeth had never done this with a man before, the visual of his eyes rolling back in his head as her hand gently took hold of his firm, erect penis made her feel as though she was doing something right.

If it hadn't been for Cosmopolitan magazine, or the uncensored conversations between Elizabeth and her female friends, she may have had no idea what men like, what men want in bed.

Jack's eyes closed as her mouth joined her hand, providing pleasure that he'd honestly never experienced before. He didn't want her to stop but also knew that what was building in his body would soon explode, leaving nothing left for her.

Reaching down he pulled her arms upward, "Was I doing it wrong?" she asked.

He released a soft laugh, "Good Lord, no…that felt so good, but…" he rolled over her, taking her body with him until she was on her back, her knees bent, fitting perfectly just above his hips.

His arms rested on either side of her head as he held his body up over her. Leaning down he whispered, "I need to ask you again, Are you sure…?"

"I'm positive, Jack," her arms around his body pulled him close. Skin to skin she loved the feeling of warmth and closeness between them. "Please Jack, I know what I want; what my body needs."

Slowly he pressed inside her, watching her face as her eyes, once open, suddenly slammed shut, a feeling of pain, an uncomfortable burning settled in her pelvic area. Although still inside her, his hips stopped rotating, concerned when he observed a tear slip from the outside of her eye.

"Elizabeth…"

"No Jack, don't stop; it's supposed to hurt the first time…"

As his hips rocked forward, she waited for the pleasure to surpass the pain. Slowly, as they reached a rhythm between them, her eyes opened, and a smile returned to her face.

Her legs wrapped around his waist, her ankles crossing behind him, bringing them even closer as he pressed deeper and deeper, rocking his hips faster and faster.

Elizabeth had never felt the sensations before but could sense that something was building inside her. Jack, having had sex before was prepared for the physical sensations building, but certainly not the emotional ones.

Elizabeth's orgasm was strong and all-consuming and as her muscles contracted around him, he felt as though he was exploding. A feeling of pleasure, combined with being with the woman he loved was more than he ever expected. Collapsing beside her, they both lay still, each one remaining quiet, first as they attempted to catch their breath and then to process what had just taken place.

Jack pulled her body up onto his chest as his hand rubbed small designs on her bare back. She could honestly say that she'd never felt this complete, this satisfied, or more like a woman than she did at that very moment.

*Knock, knock, knock…

Elizabeth was startled as she rolled over in bed, a large pillow held tightly in her arms as she attempted to cover her naked body, only to look down and find herself still completely dressed, no clothing on the floor and Jack standing in the doorway.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

"Oh, uh…I'm fine, a little confused, but…"

"But what…?"

"Uh, nothing. So, what are we doing?" she asked, clearly still consumed with the dream that had completely consumed her.

"We have some steaks in the refrigerator, potato salad and salad fixings. Do you still want to eat here tonight, or go out?"

"What…?" Elizabeth wiped her eyes, seemingly still somewhat disoriented and consumed by the feelings her body told her were real.

"Did you fall asleep?" he asked. "I was gone a little longer than I thought I'd be, but I was checking out the kitchen too."

"WOW, I guess I did, but I have to say, I had the most magnificent dream."

"Was I in it?"

"You know, it's all jumbled up; I don't remember," she said, but she did remember, however, she wasn't prepared to discuss her sex dream with him.

"I've had a few of those dreams myself?" he remarked.

"What kind of dreams are those?" She asked, pushing to learn if he'd had dreams like she had since they'd been dating.

Jack thought back to his intimate dreams of Elizabeth. "Uh, you know, those dreams that seem so vivid, but you can't really remember once you wake up," he too could remember the dreams vividly, but wasn't prepared to discuss them with Elizabeth.

"Yeah, that's it…" she responded. Wanting to change the subject, she asked, "What was your question about dinner?"

We have steaks in the refrigerator, so we can cook out on the grill or go out to eat; which would you rather do?"

"Hmm, be alone with you, or go to a busy restaurant. I'll take being alone with you each and every time," she replied, still somewhat disoriented.

"Your face looks a little flushed, are you okay?" he asked.

"I think I may have just gotten a little overheated."

"Maybe we should stay in; it's getting pretty hot outside."

"It's hot in here too," she whispered.

"What…?"

"Um, I'm fine; let's go to the beach," she stated feeling as though the ocean water would cool her down.

"Okay, I'll meet you downstairs," Jack turned before nearly falling over her bag that he'd dropped in the hallway outside her room. "Oh, here's your bag."

Elizabeth changed into her tropical print bikini, grabbed a couple of complimentary beach towels from the bathroom and headed downstairs to meet Jack.

Standing at the front door, wearing his orange, teal and blue board shorts, Jack was fairly certain that he had ceased breathing when she walked down the stairs. She was a vision, truly the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen.

"Don't you want to wear a cover up?" he asked, not so certain that he wanted her causing wrecks as they crossed over to the beach.

"Are you wearing one?" she asked.

"Uh, no…guys don't wear them."

"Okay, I'll make you a deal; you wear a t-shirt, and I will too."

"Deal," he responded as they both climbed the stairs, went into their respective rooms and resurfaced a moment later, each one pulling a t-shirt over their head.

Grabbing her bag, Elizabeth took Jack's hand as they started for the door.

It was as if on cue, when the front door opened, Jack's phone rang. Seeing Lee's picture on his screen, Jack answered, "Hey, are you and Rosie here yet?"

"Yes, what are you guys doing…only tell me if it isn't too personal," Lee stated.

"Funny; we're on our way to the beach."

"Okay, we'll meet you there."

"Lee…"

"Don't worry Jack. Rosie won't say anything."

"I'm holding you to that."

Within a few minutes, Jack and Elizabeth were walking over the dune to the beach. "Do you want to lay out, or walk?" Jack asked.

"It's beautiful out here; can we take a walk?" she asked.

"Sure…"

They walked several blocks, going from beachfront that was consumed by vacationers, to a section that was practically vacant.

"Is this private?" she asked.

"No, I don't believe so."

They continued to walk, eventually coming across a group of people setting up an area for a special surprise. There were candles, red rose petals, and a sign that once lit up spelled out "MARRY ME."

"Oh Jack, look at that. That is so sweet," Elizabeth stated, as Jack made note of how her face lit up. "Maybe we should get out of here. We don't want to disturb the proposal."

Walking back down the beach they talked about when they met.

"You know when I first met you, I just assumed you were like most men, simply looking for a hookup for the night. I mean my parents always said that you are judged by the company you keep, and your friends were looking for a bed partner."

Jack laughed, "Well, if we go by that reasoning, your friends were the ones my friends were hooking up with." Jack's arm around her waist pulled her close, "But I'm nothing like them. I respect women, and I would never want you to do something you aren't ready for."

Elizabeth's thoughts drifted back to her recent dream, and marriage aside, she was fairly certain that what she wanted was Jack, in her bed, making love to her. Now she simply had to convince "Good Elizabeth," which she knew would be a daunting task. "Bad Elizabeth" needed no convincing, she was already onboard.

On their way back up the beach, they ran into Lee and Rosie. With Rosie complaining about the sand everywhere, they headed for their rental and the clean swimming pool.

Elizabeth took off her t-shirt and put sun tanning oil on the places she could reach. Handing the bottle to Jack, she asked, "Will you put some of this on my back, please?"

"Of course…" preoccupied by Elizabeth's backside in a bikini, Jack wasn't paying attention and poured too much lotion into his hands, "Sorry."

"That's okay, just use the excess on yourself…" she advised.

Jumping into the pool, Lee and Rosie watched the interaction between Jack and Elizabeth. They noted how their expressions and gentle touches exuded love, and although Lee had already warned Rosie several times today alone to keep her mouth shut, she assumed that talking to him would be acceptable.

"She'll be engaged; I'm sure she'll say yes…" Rosie stated as Elizabeth walked up behind her in the pool.

"Who…who's engaged?" Elizabeth asked.

Spinning around, Rosie was surprised to see Elizabeth and began fumbling for words.

Elizabeth continued, "Oh, did you see the set up down the beach for that proposal? Is that what you're talking about?"

"Oh yes (it wasn't, as Rosie hadn't seen the set up); I'm sure she'll be pleasantly surprised."

"That was beautiful. I don't even know them, but I hope she says 'Yes.'"

With plenty of food in the refrigerator, Jack and Elizabeth invited Lee and Rosie to stay for dinner. Jack and Lee took over the grilling of the steaks, and corn on the cob, while Rosie and Elizabeth pulled the potato salad from the refrigerator and made four individual garden salads.

The two couples enjoyed dinner, conversation, and at least a bottle and a half of wine. Maybe it was the wine talking, but Elizabeth and Rosie were itching to see the proposal that had most likely already taken place on the beach.

Jack and Lee agreed to walk with them down the beach, and although everyone was gone by the time they reached the area, the candles were lit, and the area was even more beautiful in the moonlight.

By the time they returned to the rental house, Lee and Rosie said, 'good night,' found their car parked in a parking lot two streets over and headed to their hotel.

Jack and Elizabeth remained outside by the pool, him sitting in a lounge chair, with his feet on the ground on either side and Elizabeth sitting in front of him, her legs resting on the chair.

His arms were around her waist as her head rested on his chest. He inhaled deeply taking in a combination of her lavender vanilla shampoo and conditioner and her coconut suntan lotion.

Elizabeth was exhausted, but she was enjoying where she was and had no intention of giving up the night.

Unfortunately, a deep yawn drew Jack's attention," Are you ready for bed?"

"I don't want to, but I guess I should…" she stated as she stood from the chair.

Walking hand in hand, Jack and Elizabeth stepped into the house. Jack locked up the residence before taking her hand again and leading her upstairs. He walked her to her room, bypassing his along the way.

Standing outside her room, Jack slipped his hand behind her neck and pulled her close. His lips covered her. "Get some sleep…tomorrow is going to be a big day," his words trailed off as the sentence finished.

"What…?"

"Nothing; it's supposed to be a beautiful day…"

Elizabeth stood in her doorway and watched as Jack walked into the bedroom next door. "Jack," she called out.

He turned around, a bright smile covering his face, "Is something wrong?"

She shook her head, "No, I just already miss you."

Jack walked back toward her, pressed her body up against the open-door jam, and although she was surprised, his lips silenced her before a gasp could pass through her lips.

His body pressed up against hers brought back the feelings and emotions of her afternoon rendezvous dream, one that she was certain she wouldn't forget. His hands on either side of her face held her head as his mouth covered hers, devouring her much like his favor meal.

Jack released a hard breath, "I need to leave now, or I won't be able to."

Elizabeth stepped into her room and Jack walked into his. Both doors closed and within minutes, showers in both rooms were running, and neither of which were using hot water.

The following morning, Jack woke early, having fixed a pot of coffee, and enjoying the morning sunshine while Elizabeth slept. Leaving a note taped to the railing at the bottom of the staircase, Jack stated, "Gone for a walk on the beach. Be home soon."

Sitting on a concrete railing, Jack, wearing a pair of blue shorts, a white tank top and a pair of flip flops, stared out at the empty beach. Watching as the waves rushed the shore, he prayed that his nerves would ride along with the tide as it rolled back out into the ocean.

Looking up into the sky, he began talking, "I miss you dad. I mean, I always miss you, but today of all days, I just wish you were here. I'm so nervous. I love her so much, and my life just feels like nothing without her in it, but I wish I could talk to you, and hear those wonderful words of advice you use to give Tom and me.

I remember going to my Ring Dance in 11th grade and I thought I was so in love with Jessica. I remember you telling me that I was too young to be so certain of my feelings, but to go and have a great time with a really sweet girl. I remember you helping me tie my tie, and me saying that Jessica was exactly what I wanted in a partner, and I knew we'd be together forever." Jack smiled and released a soft laugh, "Well, that didn't last too long. Before I entered my senior year, we'd broken up and she was with someone new.

I remember just after the breakup, you took me camping, just you and me. It meant so much to spend that time with you alone. I don't know if I ever thanked you…thank you, dad! We sat around the campfire, me not wanting to talk, and you needing to. I can recall what you said as if it was yesterday, "Son, one day, a very special woman will come into your life. Lord knows you won't be looking for her, or expecting her, but there she will be, right in front of your eyes. She'll take your breath away, but not only will she be physically beautiful; she'll carry an inward beauty as well."

As tears rolled down his cheeks he continued, "When I met Elizabeth, I heard your voice say, "There she is, son. Treat her well. Treat her with respect, and whatever you do…don't ever let her get away."

I remember you telling me that you loved mom more than life itself, and I said that I understood, but truthfully, I didn't. I can honestly say that I understand now. Elizabeth is my love…she's my life.

Dad, I know you'd love her…oh, what am I saying, I believe you're with me; I believe you have been with me, and I know in your spiritual way, you love her."

Jack wasn't used to crying, but there he sat, overcome with emotion, as he talked, feeling the need to get certain things off his chest.

"Dad, you were such a great role model; you always treated mom with respect, kindness and love, and I remember you telling Tom and me, "Be the guy the woman you love wants to introduce to her parents, not the one she's hiding from them."

Thank you for everything, dad. I hope one day to be as good a dad to my son or daughter, as you always were to Tom and me. I love you…"

Jack walked down onto the beach and headed for the water. Standing just to the dry side of the waves he inhaled the salt air, reached down and scooped up some water in his hands before splashing his face, doing his best to wash away the tear stains on his cheeks.

He walked back home, stepped inside and took a seat on the sofa. He listened to the shower running in Elizabeth's room, and if he wasn't still nervous about what was to come this evening, he'd have been jealous of the water and towel that had the opportunity to touch her naked body.

Ten minutes later, Elizabeth walked down the stairs. "Good morning, sleepyhead," he teased.

"Good morning," she replied as she pulled a cup from the cabinet and fixed her first cup of coffee.

"What would you like to do today?" he asked.

Still feeling guilty that she had no gift for him for their anniversary, she hesitantly asked, "Would you mind if Rosie and I did a little shopping?"

Although he wanted to spend every moment with her, this evening had plans that he needed to check on and having her busy with other activities would most definitely help. "That sounds like fun. When are you going?"

"I have to call Rosie, but I wanted to check with you first," she replied. Her first call of the morning was to Rosie, "Hey, do you feel like doing a little shopping?"

"Sure, but we need to go early because tonight…"

"Tonight, is what?" Elizabeth asked, as Jack held his breath.

"Well, I think we're going out to dinner, Rosie replied."

"We can go now if you want, then it won't mess up your dinner plans."

"Sounds perfect. Do you want to drive Jack's truck, or I can probably bring Lee with me; he can hang out with Jack, and I can drive his car."

"Just come over here. I'm sure Lee and Jack will enjoy hanging out together."

Thirty minutes later, Elizabeth and Rosie were pulling out of the driveway in Lee's car. Jack watched as they turned onto the Bypass Road and disappeared. He pulled out his phone and dialed Amanda's number…

"Sun Realty, this is Amanda; how may I help you?"

"Hi Amanda, this is Jack Thornton."

"Hi Jack, what can I help you with?"

"I'm just checking on the plans for tonight?"

"I have it all planned out…"

"Elizabeth and I were walking on the beach yesterday and we saw people staging an area for a proposal," he advised. "Did you have anything to do with that one?"

"No, but I saw it. Yours will be something like that, but you did tell me that you didn't want anything too elaborate," she stated.

"That's right. I believe she'd prefer something more subtle," Jack agreed. "Okay, I'd like to plan it for around 7:30 tonight; is that okay?"

"That's perfect…"

Jack turned to Lee, "You two go to dinner and I'll take Elizabeth to dinner, and then we'll need to be on the beach, near the site around 7:30 or so."

Lee could tell that Jack was nervous. Putting his hands on his shoulders, Lee looked him in the eyes, "Take a deep breath; everything is going to be fine. You and Elizabeth are perfect together…she's going to say 'Yes.'"

"From your lips to God's ears…" Jack responded. "Oh, I forgot to tell you, my mom is coming…"

"She's already here. I talked to her this morning."

"Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher may drive out to be here too. If they decide to, he'll call you," Jack continued to explain the plans.

"He already called me. They'll be here this afternoon. What restaurant are you taking Elizabeth to?"

"Tale of the Whale."

"Good, we're meeting her parents and your mom at Owens Restaurant. It's not far from Tale of the Whale, but far enough to keep everyone from view."

"Okay, well keep her parents and my mom hidden, because Elizabeth will know something is funny if they are here too."

"Don't worry, Jack."

"I'm sorry; I can't help but worry. I mean, Rosie is alone with Elizabeth and who knows if she'll let it slip; I have this ring that I had made especially for Elizabeth…what if she says no, like maybe she isn't ready to get married or she doesn't want to marry me?"

"Seriously, Jack…? Do you honestly believe that?"

"I don't want to, but you know, we were broken up for nearly a month; maybe she'll think that I'm jumping the gun here, or she could have changed her idea of marriage. Man, I think I'm gonna be sick."

"Jack, take a deep breath. Do you love her?"

"What kind of question is that; you know I love her."

"Do you want to marry her?"

"More than anything."

"Then take a deep breath, I guarantee you are going to be an engaged man after everything is over with. While we're talking about it, can I see the ring?" Lee asked.

"Isn't it bad luck to show the ring?"

"I've never heard that…let me see it."

With the exception of the time he was wearing his bathing suit, since he'd picked it up from the jeweler, Jack had carried the ring in his pocket. Hesitantly pulling it out, he opened the lid…

"Oh Jack, that is gorgeous. I know she'll love it, and now you've bumped up the standard for when I propose to Rosie."

"Speaking of which…"

"Let's get you engaged first. But just so you know, I've been thinking about it."

Jack snapped the lid to the box closed, "I can't believe how nervous I am."

"Why…? You know she's going to accept," Lee did his best to calm Jack's nerves.

"I like to think so, but…I mean we were apart for nearly a month and have only been back together for a few weeks. She may see that as not enough time…I don't know, but when I think about it I feel like I'm going to vomit."

"I know you aren't a betting man, but if you were I'd bet that she will scream 'YES,' when you ask her."

"I have in my mind what I want to say, I even wrote some stuff down, but I…"

"Don't read from a piece of paper. Women get all choked up when it comes from your heart."

"I know that man, but I'm just afraid that I'm going to forget something," Jack admitted. "I love her so much, and I can't imagine my life without her in it."

"That's what you need to tell her…"

Several miles away, Rosie and Elizabeth walked along the strip mall sidewalk, looking in the storefront windows, stopping if something caught their eye.

"Hey, can we go in here?" Elizabeth asked.

Opening the door, Rosie stepped inside with Elizabeth right behind her. Perusing the aisles, Elizabeth was looking for something that would be appropriate for her 'first year meeting' anniversary with Jack.

"What's this?" Elizabeth asked the salesclerk.

"Well, you can see that it's made of wood and is like a window and if you have a good quality picture I can print it out and place it in the frame."

Searching her phone, Elizabeth found a picture of her and Jack together. "Would this work?" she asked.

"I believe so; can you send it to me?"

Elizabeth pressed several buttons on her phone, sending the pictures of her and Jack to an absolute stranger. Immediately, she observed the picture on the computer screen behind the desk.

The salesclerk resized and cropped the picture, eventually fitting it perfectly into the frame.

The entire frame measured approximately 18" x 12" and as the picture rested in in the right half of the frame, on the left it was shaped like a stall door with the following saying…

ALL OF ME
Loves
ALL OF YOU

Elizabeth and Rosie left the store with the clerk promising that the item would be finished and wrapped within the next hour. The two women found an outdoor café, and took the opportunity to rest, take in the salt air, and talk.

Before heading back to the rental, Elizabeth picked up her present to Jack, loving it, but feeling somehow like it was simply an afterthought gift.

At this point it was mid-afternoon, Lee and Rosie had dinner plans, and Elizabeth assumed that she and Jack would be eating in, which was actually perfect in her eyes.

Sitting at a stoplight, Rosie was chatting about something that literally made no sense when Elizabeth spun around in her seat, "Did you see that car; I swear that looked like my dad…"

Rosie was unaware that Elizabeth's parents were planning to be present for the proposal, "No, it couldn't be. Didn't you tell me that they're home watching Baloo?"

"You're right, they don't have any reason to be here," Elizabeth responded, and she righted herself in her seat. "Hey, after you have dinner, maybe we can hook up and go for a swim."

"Uh…sure, if you think you'll feel like it."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Elizabeth asked.

"Nothing, I just thought it might be late and you and Jack could be tired and not want company…"

"That's silly. After all, you and Lee are family."

Rosie pulled into the driveway and found Lee and Jack sitting around back by the pool.

Addressing Rosie, Lee stated, "Let's get going so we'll be ready for dinner." Turning back to face Jack, he stated, "I'll see you later."

As Elizabeth and Jack sat out by the pool, he suggested, "Let's dress up and go out to dinner."

"Do you really want to?" she asked.

Knowing that he had to get her to the beach somehow, he gave her the sad eyes, "I'd like to take you out and show you off."

"Jack, that's not like you…"

"Well, I've heard of the Tale of the Whale restaurant, and I thought while we were here, we could try it out."

"Okay, that sounds more like you; you should have just said that. Of course, I'd love to try it out," she responded. "What time do you want to go?"

"Oh, I don't know, maybe 5:15?"

"5:15…" that's rather specific, but okay. I'm going upstairs to take a shower. I'll be ready at 5:15…"

Once Elizabeth cleared the staircase and disappeared down the hall, Jack picked up his phone and called the restaurant.

"Thanks for calling Tale of the Whale, this is Janice, how may I help you?"

"I was calling to see if I could make a reservation?"

"I'm sorry sir, but we're all booked up this evening."

Jack began pleading, telling her about his plan to propose and this restaurant worked into those plans. "Please, can you find a place for us?"

"Well, if you are here by 5:30 and gone by 7:15, I can make it work," Janice advised.

"That's perfect; thank you so much…"

Jack ran upstairs to take his own shower, stopping just outside her door as he listened to the water run in her bathroom. He leaned up against the wall, "please say 'Yes' tonight," he whispered through his nervous breath before stepping into his room to get ready for the evening.

Jack was standing at the bottom of the staircase wearing a dark grey suit, white dress shirt and a burgundy striped tie when Elizabeth left her room.

Wearing a black maxi dress, perfectly form fitted with a V-neck and straps that crisscrossed in the back, Elizabeth began to descend the stairs. She wore a pair of black strappy sandals, a silver armlet on her right upper arm, and a group of silver bracelets on her left wrist.

Jack's eyes never left her as he anticipated her final steps down to the first floor. Taking her hand, he leaned in and kissed her cheek, "Elizabeth, you take my breath away."

"Thank you; you look really nice too," she replied. "Oh, I have a gift for you for our anniversary, do you want it now?"

"No, let's do gifts later."

"Did you get me something?"

"Maybe…"

"Jack, you didn't need to."

"Well, you don't know yet if I did."

Elizabeth laughed, "Okay, it's 5:15, and I'm ready. I guess we need to get to the restaurant and eat with all the older folks."

"What are you talking about?"

"Jack, haven't you ever heard that those who are retired hit the restaurants around 4-4:30?"

"No, but it's 5:15…"

"Oh, so I guess we'll miss them…?"

Jack stepped closer, "I don't really care. The only person I'm looking forward to paying attention to is you."

"You always know the right things to say, Jack."

They started out the door as Jack muttered, "I hope you still think so later…"

"What honey?"

"I think we'll see Lee and Rosie later.

"Oh, okay."

As they walked to the truck, Elizabeth slipped her arm through the crook in Jack's elbow. He opened her door and helped her into his truck for the several mile ride to the Tale of the Whale restaurant.

Pulling into the parking lot, there were very few spaces available.

"WHOA, this is either a very popular place or there are a lot of retirees here," Elizabeth remarked as Jack managed to squeeze his truck into a space.

"I'm sorry that we're eating so early," Jack disappointedly remarked.

Elizabeth reached over and took hold of his free hand, "Jack, I'm just teasing. Besides the earlier we eat, the more time we have to walk along the beach. I wonder if that proposal setup is still there."

"Possibly…" Jack replied as his heart pounded.

Jack slipped out of the truck and on his way around to open Elizabeth's door, he patted his pocket, feeling the small square box contained therein, and he nervously smiled.

Opening the door, he took Elizabeth's hand and helped her to the ground. "Have I told to lately that you absolutely take my breath away?" he asked.

"I believe you have, but I have to say, Mr. Thornton, it is always nice to hear."

As they walked toward the restaurant Elizabeth casually commented, "When Rosie and I were out today, I could have sworn that I saw my parents' vehicle with my dad driving."

Jack swallowed hard, "What would they be doing here? Besides, they are watching Baloo."

"I know; I had to be mistaken, but I'm telling you, it looked like my dad."

Jack opened the door and prayed for a change in topic.

"Good evening, do you have a reservation?" the hostess asked.

Jack stepped forward, "Yes, the name is Thornton…Jack Thornton."

"Oh, Mr. Thornton, we have a beautiful table for you by the window," she stated as she led them to the table. "Is this satisfactory?"

"Yes, this is very nice, thank you," Jack stated as he held out Elizabeth's chair, scooting her up to the table once she'd taken a seat.

Jack ordered the surf n' turf, green beans and baked potato, while Elizabeth decided on the ribeye steak, grilled shrimp, green beans and mashed potatoes.

Jack and Elizabeth enjoyed their dinner, talking with each other as if they were the only people in the restaurant. Jack paid the bill, but still remained seated, too nervous to get up.

"Jack, look at those waves; it's magical out there."

"Would you like to take a walk with me?" he asked as he stood and held out his hand.

"I thought you'd never ask," she replied while standing up and placing her hand in his.

They walked outside and headed for the beach. Elizabeth took off her strappy sandals and held them in her hand; Jack removed his socks and shoes and carried them as well.

Jack glanced at his wristwatch…7:14.

They walked several blocks. Although Jack's thumb rubbed gently across the skin on her hand, he was uncharacteristically quiet, a silence that did not go unnoticed by Elizabeth.

"Is everything okay, Jack?"

"Yeah, why…?"

"Well, you're so quiet and that's just not like you," she stopped walking and turned him to face her. "Please, tell me what's bothering you."

Jack smiled. He pulled her hand up to his lips, "There is absolutely nothing wrong. We're here together, and everything is perfect."

"If something was wrong, you would tell me, right?" she asked.

"You are the first person I'd tell, but really, there's nothing wrong," he assured her. "Let's keep walking."

Several blocks down the beach, Elizabeth stopped. "Look Jack, another one." She walked over to thousands of red, white and pink rose petals lying on the sand in the shape of a large open heart, with battery powered candles strategically placed along the outline. At the top of the heart, a stand with a circular frame decorated with red roses held a sign…" MARRY ME?"

Elizabeth smiled, "You know, although we didn't witness the proposals, I have to say that to me, this setup is much nicer that the other one. It's less pretentious, and such a beautiful thing to do on the beach."

"This is beautiful out here," Jack agreed.

Jack lifted his leg and carefully stepped over the rose petals. Holding out his hand, "Come with me…"

"Jack, this is someone's engagement setting. I think it's bad luck to use it, don't you?"

"Dance with me; just one dance…"

Elizabeth glanced around and seeing no one, she too carefully stepped into the heart, "I hope this isn't bad luck."

Glancing down and seeing their footprints in the sand, she stepped outside the Heart, bent down and began running her hand across the area where they had just stood, removing their footprints, "No Jack, we can't do this. It leaves footprints when we walk. We're messing it up."

"No one is here. Please dance with me, just one song, then I'll smooth out the sand before we leave."

"If you think it'll be ofay…"

"Honey, it'll be fine; look no one is around."

"Okay," she whispered, afraid to be too loud for fear of drawing a crowd.

Jack kissed her cheek before walking to the top of the heart. Behind the two candles, Amanda had hidden a small speaker, which Jack connected to his phone. Having listened to what seemed like a thousand songs to find just the right one for this moment, he pressed "If You Love Her," by Forest Blakk and Meghan Trainor.

Jack walked back, took hold of her hand and walked her into the middle of the heart. It was as if the music alerted others on the beach to what was taking place at that moment. Those strolling by, stopped and stood quietly, many of whom pulled out their cellphones, none wanted to crash this beautiful moment.

Lee, Rosie, Jack's mom, and Elizabeth's parents were no more than twenty feet away, but still hidden by the crowd that gathered.

Take it

She gives you her heart, don't you break it

Let your arms be a place she feels safe in

She's the best thing that you'll ever have

She always has trouble fallin' asleep

And she likes to cuddle, all under the sheets

She loves pop songs and dancin', and bad trash TV

There are still a few other things

She loves love notes and babies and likes givin' gifts

Has a hard time acceptin' a good compliment

And she loves her whole family and all of her friends

So, if you're the one she lets in

"Relax honey," Jack stated, a suggestion that he should have taken to heart as well.

"This makes me nervous. I don't want the couple to come along and see us in here. Aren't you worried?"

"Not about that," his lips met hers. Just the simple touch of her lips calmed his pounding heart, even if only momentarily.

Take it

When she gives you her heart, don't you break it

Let your arms be a place she feels safe in

She's the best thing that you'll ever have

She'll love you if you love her, on days when

It feels like the whole world might cave in

Stand side by side and you'll make it

She's the best thing that you'll ever have

She'll love you if you love her like that

Kiss her with passion as much as you can

Run your hands through her hair, whenever she's sad

And when she doesn't notice how pretty she is

Tell her over and over, so she never forgets

Take it

When she gives you her heart, don't you break it

Let your arms be a place she feels safe in

She's the best thing that you'll ever have

She'll love you if you love her, on days when

It feels like the whole world might cave in

Stand side by side and you'll make it

She's the best thing that you'll ever have

She'll love you if you love her like that

She'll love you if you love her like that

She'll love you; she'll love you, she'll love you if you love her like that

Oh, oh oh yeah

Oh yeah yeah yeah, yeah yeah

She'll love you; she'll love you; she'll love you; she'll love you

She'll love you if you love her, on days when

It feels like the whole world might cave in

Stand side by side and you'll make it

She's the best thing that you'll ever have

She'll love you if you love her like that

As the song ended, Jack spun Elizabeth in a circle before him, a gesture that caused her to giggle. Immediately, Elizabeth bent down and started to brush her hand across the sand, backing away and doing her best to remove any sign that they had been inside the circle.

"Jack, come on, you promised to help…" Elizabeth's voice was becoming a bit more urgent. "Jack, there are people gathering over there; they're probably the family and friends of the couple this is for. Please help me; this is so embarrassing."

"Elizabeth, it's okay…"

"Jack come on…" she didn't want to look at the crowd that gathered, but casually glanced toward the water. Standing up, she was becoming slightly perturbed with Jack, who promised to help cover their footprints, but was doing nothing. Staring out at the crowd, she again stated, "Jack, please help me. The people are bound to be here soon."

Stepping forward, she bent slightly at the waist, and strained her eyes, "Wait, is that my parents and your mom? What are they doing here?" she asked as she turned around and observed Jack on bended knee.

With tears already rolling down his cheeks, Jack pulled the ring box from his pocket, "E-liz-a-beth…"

Covering her mouth, Elizabeth gasped. "Jack are you…?" overcome by her own emotions, she was unable to finish her question.

"If you give me a chance…" Initially Jack felt as though he couldn't breathe. Looking into her eyes, they somehow calmed him. Taking a deep breath, he began…

"One year ago, I met this beautiful woman on the beach. She was strong, and opinionated, but had the most beautiful smile, and blue eyes that I easily got lost in, and I think I knew at that moment that we were meant to be together. I didn't want to see you go that weekend; my heart broke when I thought I'd never see you again, and then to find that we actually lived in the same city; it was our destiny. Next to meeting you, finding you again was the best day of my life…until hopefully today.

Elizabeth, I love your strength, compassion, determination, resilience and the way you always make those around you feel so comfortable. I love you. I think…no, I know I fell in love with you the first night we met, but one thing I am very certain of, I will love you until I take my last breath on this Earth…" overcome by emotion, Jack's tears continued to freefall.

Elizabeth reached over and carefully wiped the tears from his face.

Jack took another much-needed deep breath, "Elizabeth Grace Thatcher…will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

"Jack, this is really for us…you did this for me?"

He released a soft laugh, "Well, I hired someone to do it, but the sentiment is there nonetheless."

Overcome by her own emotions, her tears rivaled his. "I love you so much, Jack…"

"Uh, people are watching; is that a yes…?"

"Yes, yes, of course it's a 'Yes,'" she squealed, a statement that quickly, and thankfully brought Jack to his feet.

Applause from passersby, previously unseen by Elizabeth were now in clear view, along with Rosie, Lee, Jack's mom and her parents.

Jack slipped the personally designed 18K white gold, 1 carat round diamond solitaire with a four-prong head, a single row of Sapphire gemstones in a halo around the main diamond, sitting on a band embellished with marquis shaped sapphires onto her finger. His arms slipped around her waist and pulled her against his body. His mouth captured hers with both tenderness and passion; a kiss that spoke volumes.

Glancing at her ring, "Jack, it's beautiful…it's absolutely perfect," she stated as her lips again met his. There was no concern of others standing around, and although she knew they weren't alone, it didn't matter.

The crowd dispersed, with the exception of Lee, Rosie, Charlotte Thornton, and Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher. Elizabeth, proud to be engaged to Jack, was pleasantly surprised by the ring he'd selected. Hearing that he designed it especially for her, the meaning behind it grew even more in importance.

Mr. Thatcher approached the couple, "Welcome to the family, Jack."

"Thank you, sir…"

"I believe it's now William, remember…she accepted."

"Oh, yes sir; I mean, William."

"I guess we don't have to remove the footprints," Elizabeth commented as she seemed to be holding tighter to Jack's hand than usual.

"No, you had me worried there for a bit," Jack, no longer nervous, teased. "I had so much on my mind, and you were so concerned that someone was going to come along and see us in 'their' heart."

"But it was our heart… and I love you for this. It was perfect; you…are…perfect," Elizabeth again wrapped her arms around Jack and pulled herself close against his body. "I love you, Jack Thornton."

"I love you too…"

Jack and Elizabeth accepted congratulations from Lee, Rosie, their parents, and even strangers who applauded, but moved on their way without introductions.

Knowing that Jack and Elizabeth wanted to be alone, Mrs. Thornton and Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher expressed their love to both Jack and Elizabeth before heading to their cars and their two-hour ride back to Raleigh.

Lee and Rosie hung around, taking pictures and videos for keepsakes before heading back to the rental house for celebratory champagne, which Amanda had left in the refrigerator prior to their check-in.

Standing out by the pool alone with Elizabeth while the men grabbed the bubbly, Rosie kept picking up Elizabeth's hand, staring adoringly at the ring.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" Elizabeth mentioned.

"Yes, it is. It's absolutely gorgeous," Rosie responded, excited for her best friend, but also feeling slightly jealous as well. "I'm so happy for you, Elizabeth, but I guess it makes me think that Lee and I are just here for the ride. Do you know what I mean?"

Elizabeth responded, "Rosie, Lee loves you, and I'm sure that a proposal will be coming before long. Who knows, maybe seeing Jack do it will give him the push he needs."

"I don't want him to feel pushed to do it; I want him to ask because he wants to…"

"Shhh, here come the guys," Elizabeth responded as she pulled her hand away from Rosie's.

"Is everything okay?" Lee asked as he observed Rosie's weepy eyes.

Elizabeth jumped in, "You know us women, we are so emotional."

Although Elizabeth knew that Lee and Rosie had a solid relationship, as a matter of fact, she couldn't recall them having more than a handful of arguments, none of which lasted longer than the time it took to say, "I'm sorry."

But, she also knew that they became intimate, according to Rosie's girl talk conversation with her after about three months of dating. Not that Elizabeth really believed this to be the case, but she'd always heard the saying 'why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free.'

Suddenly, her own proposal took on a different meaning, and she couldn't wait to be alone with Jack…he'd be honest with her, of that she was certain.

"Well, we're going to go and let you two go on with your celebration," Lee stated, assuming that they were looking to celebrate further upstairs in bed.

To Elizabeth's surprise, Rosie had never divulged to Lee that she was remaining a virgin until marriage, and Jack obviously felt as thought it was no one's business but theirs.

"Does Lee think that we…"

"I don't know what he thinks; my relationship, at least the personal part is off limits to everyone. I did talk to him when we were apart, but only about how much I missed you, and to be honest, I just assumed that Rosie told him, because it never came from me."

With champagne glasses in hand, Elizabeth broached a subject that she hoped she knew the answer to. "Jack, this was all so beautiful, and you know I love you…"

"What's wrong Elizabeth?"

"Nothing; I just wanted to ask you a question," she replied.

"Ask away…"

"Jack, if we had been sleeping together, would you still have asked me to marry you?"

"What…?"

"Rosie and I were talking and she's feeling down because she and Lee haven't talked a lot about marriage, and it made me think about that saying, 'why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free.'"

Jack laughed but was silenced quickly when he realized that she was not joking. "Oh Elizabeth, sleeping together or not, I love you, more than I ever dreamed possible, and yes, I would still be asking you to marry me. You are the only woman I want; the only woman I'll need for the rest of my life."

"Jack, that's another thing, are you sure I'll satisfy you for the rest of your life?"

"Elizabeth, where is this coming from? You aren't trying to get out of our engagement, are you?"

"No, of course not, but I also love you enough to ask these questions. Jack, you've had experiences before, so I think it's fair that I wonder if I'll satisfy you for the rest of your life. I mean, I remember going to a carnival and they were selling kettle corn."

"Honey what does kettle corn have to do with us and me being satisfied?"

"I'm getting to it…the guy was yelling 'Try it before you buy it.' You obviously haven't tried me yet, so how do you know I'll satisfy you?"

Sensing that this was coming from a genuine concern, Jack held her hands, looked deep into her eyes and softly responded, "I have honestly never been in love until now…until you. Your smile, your eyes, your touch and your lips set me on fire. Everything else will fall into place in due time. I have no doubt that the real thing will far surpass any dreams I may or may not have had."

"Oh, so you dream about us?"

"Yeah, like you don't…"

"Uh…maybe."

Jack smiled, "As long as I'm the only man in your dreams, it's okay, and before you say anything, you are the only woman in my dreams."

She leaned her head against Jack's chest, "I love you. Now moving on…Do you know if Lee is thinking about asking Rosie?"

"Well, I can't say for sure, but I do believe he's thinking about it. He loves her, Elizabeth; there's no doubt about that, and I guess he just needs to get to his own settling down point."

"So, you're there; at the settling down point, I mean?"

"I've actually been there for a while, but it was only when I met you that I began thinking about it."

"Oh, I forgot," Elizabeth jumped up, ran upstairs, returning a few minutes later with a gift-wrapped package in her hands. "This is nothing like what you gave me this evening, but, Happy Anniversary, Jack…" she returned to her seat beside him.

Jack opened the package to find the picture she had especially done for them.

"Maybe you can hang it in your apartment."

"Well, technically it's our apartment now, and I know exactly where it will go…thank you, it's beautiful."

"I'm sorry I forgot about our anniversary."

Jack smiled and kissed the top of her head, "It's okay, just remember, sometime through the years I may forget, and I get one pass, okay?"

"Okay…" Elizabeth responded before releasing an enormous yawn.

"Are you ready to go to bed?"

"I guess so."

Jack stood up, took her hand and they walked upstairs. Heading down the hallway, they passed Jack's room, stopping at her doorway.

His eyes welled with tears, "Elizabeth Thatcher, you made me the luckiest man alive tonight. You are my love, and my life, and I look forward to each and every day I get to spend with you." His hands rested on her cheeks and held her face gently as his lips covered hers. They had kissed many times before, but this was something different, something ever so special, something new, and each one felt it.

As Jack turned to go into his room, "Jack," Elizabeth called out.

"What is it, honey?" Jack stepped back toward her.

"I don't want tonight to end."

"But honey, you need some sleep."

"Jack, I know it's a lot to ask, but…can we sleep together tonight?"

"Is that a trick question?" Jack laughed softly.

"Jack, you know what I mean."

He smiled and took her hand, "Where would you feel more comfortable, your room, my room or downstairs on the sofa?"

"You go change, and so will I and let's meet here. Either room is fine with me, but not the sofa…"

Jack walked into his room and found his shorts and pulled a t-shirt from his bag. He was standing in his doorway when Elizabeth's bedroom door opened. Wearing the silky number she'd worn at the apartment, Jack was aware that this was going to be a lot to ask of his body; feel, but don't touch; desire, but don't react, and want, but just hold her.

She held out her hand and he placed his inside hers as their fingers wrapped around them. Walking into her bedroom she slipped under the covers. Jack walked around to the other side of the bed, sat down, "Are you sure you're comfortable with this?"

"Jack, it's not like we haven't slept together before…uh, you know what I mean."

"I know, but I just want to make sure you're okay."

"I am, I love you and I just want to feel your body next to mine."

Jack scooted beside her, "That I can do."

With her back touching his chest, Elizabeth moved her body, seemingly trying to get even closer. With his arms around her waist, he could feel her soft skin against him. He could smell the scent of the lavender vanilla shampoo she'd used to wash her hair, and the remnants of her floral perfume which seemed like a smorgasbord of wonderful scents with every breath he took.

Certain that there would be very little sleep for him tonight, he rose up on one elbow, kissed her cheek, and then settled back in bed. Feeling his body stir, and having absolutely no control over his 'partner,' Jack grabbed a decorative pillow from the bed and placed it strategically between them. "Can I ask you something?" he whispered.

"Ask away…"

"How do you feel about short engagements?"

To be continued…