Disclaimer: I am not the owner of the characters in this story. All rights go to Crown Media, Hallmark, Brian Bird, Michael Landon, Jr., the actors, creators, and writers of the show "When Calls the Heart." Any names or locations are simply for storyline purposes.
Chapter 4- The Proposal
Elizabeth stepped back inside her townhouse, closing the door behind her. Her heart pounded erratically as she took a seat on her sofa. Her face was flushed as tears filled her eyes.
"Mommy, did he break your heart again?" Tristan asked.
"No honey; mommy's fine."
"But you're crying. When I cry, I'm sad."
Trying to turn the direction of the conversation away from her, Elizabeth asked, "Did you still want to watch Fraggle Rock?"
"Yes please, but will you watch with me?"
"I have to clean the kitchen. I'll come and watch after I'm finished, okay?"
"Okay, but hurry. This is a funny one where Red Fraggle and Uncle Travelling Matt have an adventure together…"
Before Elizabeth started the CD she stated, "You go change into your pajamas and brush your teeth, okay? That way you'll be ready for bed. It is a school night after all."
"Okay; I'll be right back…"
A few minutes later, Tristan returned to the den. She took a seat on the sofa and lined up her Fraggle Rock mini characters on the coffee table so they could watch with her.
Elizabeth started the CD as Tristan clutched her doll before she lay back on the sofa.
From the kitchen, Elizabeth listened to her excitedly giggle at various parts of the show, finding Red Fraggle's antics to be hilarious. While Elizabeth continued to clean, hoping to take her mind off of Jack, she realized that Tristan had become quiet. She turned off the faucet, dried her hands and walked over to the den.
Snuggled into one of the decorative pillows and clutching her doll tightly, Tristan was sound asleep. Elizabeth picked her up and carried her back to bed. Tucking her in, she sat on the side of the bed watching her sleep.
"I'm sorry that your father…" she whispered but was unable to finish her sentiment. "Oh how I wish that Jack had been your daddy," she spoke softly through a harsh breath as her own tears slipped down her cheeks. "But don't you worry little one; I'll keep you safe and I'll never let anyone hurt you," she leaned down and kissed Tristan's forehead, causing her to stir slightly.
Elizabeth shut out Tristan's light and closed her door, leaving a slight crack allowing the light from the hallway to softly illuminate her room.
As she sat on the sofa watching the last few minutes of the Fraggle Rock episode, her phone rang. Seeing Rosie's name and number flash on her iPhone screen she quickly answered, hoping not to awaken Tristan.
"Hey, whatcha doing?" Rosie asked.
"Just watching the end of Fraggle Rock," Elizabeth replied.
"Kiss Tristan for me."
"Oh, she's already in bed."
"Then why are you watching that mindless show?"
"Because it's funny and I just need to get my mind off of things. Can you believe that Tommy told Tristan that he was coming by this evening, and then he didn't? It just makes me so mad that he continually lets her down."
"Well no; that doesn't surprise me. But on a positive note, have you heard from Jack yet?"
"Well, I don't know if it's a positive note or not, but he stopped by this evening and took Tristan and me to Cold Stone Creamery for ice cream."
"You had a date?"
"Cool your jets, Rosie. It wasn't a date. He asked about ice cream, Tristan heard him and I couldn't say no."
"You didn't want to say no."
"Rosie, remember; I handle my own life from now on…"
"I know, but I'm just giving you my opinion."
"Well don't push…"
"When are you going out on a real date?"
"Well, that depends on you."
"Me…? Why…?"
"Are you available to watch Tristan on Friday night? I mean, if you have plans I understand and I can cancel."
"No, you aren't going to cancel and she can spend the night too."
"I appreciate that, but it won't be necessary for the reason you are assuming."
"Elizabeth, what are you talking about?"
"Rosie, you know me…he won't be spending the night."
"I didn't mean that; I just assumed that you may be out late. Where are you going?"
"I don't know, but he said to dress up…"
"Okay, so what are you going to wear?" Rosie asked as her mind was spinning with items she'd seen in Elizabeth's closet.
"I'm not sure, but it won't be revealing or too sexy…"
"I have a nun's habit that I wore two Halloweens ago; you can borrow that."
"Funny. I'm not worried about it. I'm sure I have something in my closet."
"Well, you have more faith than I do. I've seen your clothes. Oh wait, that outfit you wore to Jack's concert was out of your comfort zone. That's what you need to find in a dress…"
"Goodbye Rosie; I'm not going to get something new so I can impress Jack."
"Don't you know that he has always been impressed by you?"
"Goodbye Rosie…"
Elizabeth removed the Fraggle Rock CD from the TV, locked up the house and headed for bed. She changed into a pair of pink, black and white plaid lounge pants and her black Calvin Klein t-shirt and took a seat on her bed.
Realizing that she needed to have something appropriate to wear on Friday night, she opened her closet and stepped inside. Dress after dress after dress was found to be inappropriate for one reason or another; too teacher like; too goody two shoes like; or the last one she pulled from her closet was too va-va-voom like, with a bust line that would allow her usual modest breasts to catch and hold coins tightly.
She didn't even recall where the last dress came from, but was certain that she had never worn it. She closed her closet and crawled into bed, realizing she and Tristan would be going shopping tomorrow for a dress.
The following morning, Tristan was sitting at the kitchen table eating bacon, eggs and toast before they left for school. "Mommy, when am I going to see daddy again?"
She should have been used to the question as Tristan had begun to ask it regularly, but the answer always seemed difficult for her to formulate. Elizabeth knew that Tommy was Tristan's biological father, but he was far from being her daddy, and she hated that he played games with her and their little girl's emotions.
"Honey, I don't know. I guess he's been busy at work," she did her best to answer without saying how she really felt. "I have a great idea," she walked over and squatted down beside Tristan, "How about we go to the Farmer's Market on Saturday?" Elizabeth asked. She knew that this was one of Tristan's favorite places where she could play with animals in the petting zoo, ride the tractor, enjoy a hayride and pick fruits and vegetables.
"Really mommy?" she asked. "Are you sure you won't change your mind?"
"No, I won't change my mind."
"But daddy always does. Does he just not like me?"
That question broke Elizabeth's heart. The truth was that she didn't know how he felt about Tristan. As his daughter, he should love her unconditionally, but she suspected that his job and position in society would always come first with him.
Elizabeth hugged her daughter before sending her to her room to gather her backpack and jacket. As she stood at the front door, Tristan ran around the corner, her backpack slung over her shoulder as she clutched her doll and jacket.
"Excuse me ma'am, but you need to leave that here." Elizabeth stated as she reached out to grab the doll that Jack had gotten her the night before.
"But mommy, your boyfriend would want me to take it with me to school."
"Where did you get the idea that Mr. Thornton is my boyfriend?"
"Well, he's a boy and he's your friend, so doesn't that make him your boyfriend?"
"I guess if you think of it that way, it does. But Jack, I mean Mr. Thornton is just a friend of mine."
"But mom, don't you want to have a boyfriend?"
Realizing that they had a few minutes to talk, Elizabeth led Tristan over to the sofa where they took a seat. "Where is all of this talk about a boyfriend coming from?"
"Well, I know daddy is married and he can't be your boyfriend again…"
Not that I'd want him anyway.
"I like Mr. Thornton. He bought me ice cream and my doll," Tristan took hold of her doll and held her tightly to her chest. "And he made you cry."
"Honey, Mr. Thornton is a nice man, but how does him making me cry turn around to being a good thing?"
"Because daddy never makes you cry anymore. You just get angry with him. I think you have to really love someone for them to be able to make you cry."
Elizabeth wrapped her arm around Tristan's shoulders and pulled her into her body… Out of the mouth of babes!
As quickly as she was talking about Jack being Elizabeth's boyfriend, she switched the topic back to taking her doll to school. "Please mom, Mr. Thornton would want me to show her to my friends."
"Honey, Mr. Thornton is a very nice man, and I'm sure that he doesn't have an opinion as to whether or not you need to take the doll with you to school," Elizabeth stated as she took hold of the doll to place it on the coffee table.
Elizabeth stood up and pulled Tristan to her feet as they walked to the front door.
"Please mommy…Hailey always brings stuff to school that her daddy gives her. My daddy never gives me anything."
Again Elizabeth squatted down, placing her at eye level with her small child. "Sweetheart, you can't pass off something that someone else gave you as being a gift from your father."
Seeing Tristan's eyes water she added, "I tell you what, why don't you take your doll, but you can leave it in the car. That way it won't get dirty, okay?"
Feeling a bit discouraged, Tristan begrudgingly responded, "Yes ma'am."
"Will you help me with something after school," Elizabeth asked as she walked out with Tristan to their driveway.
"What mommy?"
"I have to go shopping for a dress after work and I need you to tell me what you like and what I should buy."
"Really, you need me?"
"Baby girl, I always need you," Elizabeth replied as she helped her into the backseat of her Ford Mustang.
"Do I need a special dress too?"
"No honey; mommy has an appointment on Friday, so Aunt Rosie is going to stay with you."
"What kind of appointment?" Tristan asked as she paid very little attention to Elizabeth, seemingly still enamored by her purple doll.
"It's a dinner thing," Elizabeth responded realizing quickly that Tristan was no longer interested in the subject and was looking out the window, mesmerized by the passing scenery.
During breaks in instruction time, Elizabeth sat at her desk looking at the internet on her phone for just the right dress for her date with Jack. She wanted something classy, but one that would have him regretting his decision to leave her.
After school, Elizabeth picked up Tristan from her class and they headed for the mall. Their first stop was Steinmans, an exclusive dress shop.
Elizabeth grabbed a dress while the sales clerk continued checking the racks for something that would suit Elizabeth's criteria, deciding on her own to pull one item that would obviously show off Elizabeth's assets.
The sales clerk handed Elizabeth the long black dress and then walked back out onto the sales floor.
Elizabeth slipped the dress over her head and was immediately horrified. She stood staring at herself, specifically the left side, wondering where the rest of the dress was.
"Mommy, I think that dress is missing some material. Maybe you could wear leggings under it."
"No, this is a definite no!" Realizing that what they were selling was not what she wanted to wear, they hung the dresses back up on the rack and left the store.
Elizabeth and Tristan checked out several other exclusive shops, plucking a few dresses from the rack and taking them into the dressing room.
Reevaluating her initial plan to wear something that would have him regretting his decision to leave, Elizabeth tried on a white long sleeve dress with a high neck and twelve buttons going down to her waist.
Standing in the mirror, Elizabeth took a selfie of her in the dress and sent it to Rosie. While Tristan told her that she looked like an angel, Rosie was very quick to text back…
"OMG, absolutely not…"
The next dress Elizabeth tried on was sleeveless with a round neckline. It was pleated in black and purple. Elizabeth turned from the mirror and looked at Tristan, "What do you think?"
Tristan blinked several times, "Mommy, remember when I dress myself sometimes and you say…"
"It's busy, isn't it?"
"It hurts my eyes," Tristan admitted.
Elizabeth released a harsh breath, "Well, I guess I'll have to wear something I already have. I'm tired, what about you?"
Tristan said nothing but energetically shook her head up and down.
On their way out of the mall, Tristan called out, "Mommy, that one…that dress is pretty."
Elizabeth stopped and looked in the window of Hamilton's, a new dress shop that had recently opened. "Well, do you feel like going inside?"
"Okay…"
Within ten minutes, they had entered the store, tried on the dress and were now leaving with Elizabeth's purchase secured in a dress bag.
As they stood in the middle of the mall, Elizabeth suggested, "I know we don't eat fast food very often, but it's late. How would you like a hamburger and a milk shake?
"Can I have fries too?"
"I don't know if you can, but you may…" always the teacher, Elizabeth replied as they walked over one section to the food court.
Tristan stood beside Elizabeth as they edged closer in line to the counter. Unbeknownst to her, Jack was also at the mall picking up a suit that he'd purchased earlier in the day but needed to leave for minor alterations.
Walking passed the food court it was as if Jack had radar any time it came to Elizabeth. He smiled when he saw her standing in line, a dress bag draped over her arm and securely holding Tristan's hand.
"Hi you two," Jack stated as he walked up and tapped Elizabeth on the shoulder.
"Oh hi; where did you come from?" Elizabeth asked.
"I had to pick up a suit I bought earlier today. How about you; what are you shopping for?"
"Do you have a dinner meeting too? Cause mommy bought a really pretty dress for a meeting she has…" Tristan began to explain before Elizabeth cut her off.
"Tristan, Mr. Thornton doesn't want to hear about my purchase," Elizabeth stated as they moved a little closer to the counter.
"Well actually, I have a date with a very beautiful woman," Jack replied as he glanced over and caught Elizabeth's eyes.
"Too bad; he's already got a girlfriend mom," Tristan commented.
"Tristan, I've already told you that Mr. Thornton's personal life is none of our business.
"Can you eat with us?" Tristan asked.
"He glanced at Elizabeth; doing his best to gauge her reaction to Tristan's invitation.
"I don't know if you have plans, but if you don't, you're welcome to join us," Elizabeth advised as they stepped up to the counter.
The young girl at the counter glanced up and immediately dropped the two rolls of nickels and dimes that she meant to open into the cash register. "Aren't you Jack Thornton?" she asked.
"Yes I am," he replied as he immediately attempted to change the subject. "There are three meals on this order," he stated as he pulled out his wallet from his back pocket.
"Jack, I can pay."
"I've got it, Elizabeth."
Elizabeth cautiously smiled as she looked down at Tristan, "She'll have a hamburger kid's meal with a…" flustered by Jack's appearance, she forgot what flavor milk shake Tristan wanted.
"What flavor milk shake for you want?"
"Chocolate…"
"Okay, so she wants a hamburger kid's meal with a chocolate milk shake. I'll have the grilled chicken sandwich with a strawberry milk shake."
The young girl glanced at Jack, "And you Mr. Thornton?"
"I'll take a cheeseburger, fries and a vanilla milk shake," Jack stated as he pulled money from his wallet to pay for their meals.
With their food on a tray, Jack carried it over to an empty table in the middle of the food court. He placed Tristan's food in front of her and she immediately attacked her fries.
"Mmm, this is good mommy."
As Tristan watched the crowds milling around while she ate, Jack asked Elizabeth, "So, you bought a new dress? Is it for a special occasion?"
"No, and now that you mention it, you bought dinner tonight, so doesn't that satisfy my promise to you?"
"You aren't serious…"
"No, I'm just teasing, but technically speaking I have followed through."
"So, you and Tristan were talking about me? I'm guessing that she doesn't know that the beautiful woman I'm going out with is you."
"Jack…"
"I'm sorry; I don't mean to put you on the spot, but I'm glad to be home, and I'm so happy to be here with you right now."
"Oh yeah, I'm sure that sitting in the mall and eating a burger and drinking a milk shake with me and my daughter is a highlight in your life."
"You apparently have no idea how important this is to me," he replied.
"Mommy look, there's a dog in the mall," Tristan called out.
"That's a service dog honey. They get to go places that other dogs can't go," Elizabeth replied.
"Can I get a dog?"
"Honey, we've talked about this before. When you show that you can take care of a dog, I'll consider it."
And with that explanation, Tristan moved on to another topic, "Do you love your girlfriend?"
"Tristan…" Elizabeth called out before turning her attention to Jack, "I'm sorry. Little ones often have no filter."
Elizabeth looked back at Tristan, "Honey, you don't ask people questions like that." Elizabeth glanced at her watch (7:45pm), and wishing that it was later she still commented, "It's getting late; we should be going."
Jack gathered their trash and threw it away before walking with them out into the parking lot, seeing that they made it to their car safely.
Jack stood by as Elizabeth secured Tristan in her booster seat and then walked with her around to the driver's side. "Thank you for inviting me to join you tonight. I enjoyed it," reaching over he took hold of her hand and gave it a slight squeeze.
Feeling as though her stomach had been invaded by a flood of broken winged butterflies doing their best to take flight, she nervously smiled, "Well, actually Tristan invited you."
Jack stuck his head in through the open driver's side door to talk to Tristan, "Thank you for letting me have dinner with you tonight. I had a wonderful time."
"Me too." As Jack stood back up to allow Elizabeth to slip into her car, Tristan whispered, "I wish you could be mommy's boyfriend."
Elizabeth rolled down her window as she closed her door. "Thank you for dinner…"
"May I pick you up tomorrow around 6?" he asked.
"I'll be ready."
Once home, Elizabeth allowed Tristan to play while she matched up shoes and jewelry with her new dress. Although the necklace that Jack gave to her would have gone perfectly with her new dress, she still wasn't certain how she felt and she didn't want to give him false hope.
She settled on the sapphire and diamond heart shaped pendant, and that her parents gave her for her sixteenth birthday. Looking through her jewelry box, she found the sapphire and diamond tennis bracelet that her parents gave her for graduating from the University of Florida. Holding that and the necklace up to her new dress and she felt completely satisfied with the look. He may not find her sexy, but she certainly would exude class.
She pulled a pair of black high heel pumps from a box on her closet shelf, praying that she wouldn't make a fool out of herself walking in them.
The following morning they left for school; Tristan was a bit grumpy as Elizabeth, preoccupied by finding the right accessories for her dress allowed time to slip up on her. Tristan was finally in bed but not asleep until after 11pm, nearly three hours later than normal.
After lunch as Elizabeth was walking back to her room with her students, she had her class stop outside the office as she was called inside. Two minutes later she was walking out of the office with a bouquet of wildflowers in her hand.
"Ooo, Ms. Parker got flowers…" several of Elizabeth's students giggled.
"Shh, come on let's get back to class…"
While the class took their nap, Elizabeth pulled the note from the arrangement.
"Elizabeth, I'm sure you remember, but twelve years ago, before our first date, I sent you a bouquet of wildflowers. That is of course before I found out how much you loved yellow roses. That first date was magical. I loved you then, and I love you now. I'll see you in a few hours.
Love always,
Jack "
Elizabeth thought back for a moment, realizing that she had, in fact forgotten that little tidbit of information, only remembering with his sweet gesture. She did recall the restaurant, Grille 66, located right on the water at the Pier 66 Marina. It was a 5 star establishment and she was certain that it took every bit of money he had from his part time job at a local auto parts store for that one date.
Surprisingly, having lived in Fort Lauderdale her entire life, she didn't recall if the restaurant was still there. She had forgotten many things throughout the years, but how special he made her feel on that first date with him was not one of them.
Elizabeth remembered Jack's nerves, rivaling hers, as they stepped into the restaurant. They were taken to a table by the water, and although the restaurant was packed, the table next to them was never used, providing them with an abundance of privacy.
She thought about their walk along the river after dinner. Although they had been friends for awhile and she felt comfortable with him, their relationship had evolved; their feelings for each other had changed.
Elizabeth smiled as she thought about him taking hold of her hand, his thumb brushing across her skin. She could honestly say that she had never felt the excitement of fluttering butterflies during any other date. However, with Jack, it was the feeling of being suspended in air, the fear of falling but knowing for certain that he would catch her if she did.
At the end of the pier, he turned her to face him. He hesitated, afraid to scare her away, but feeling the need within him to be nearer to her. His lips met hers; they were warm, welcoming and soft. As he backed away slightly, his hand slipped behind her head pulling her close again.
Forgetting that she was still in class, Elizabeth sat at her desk smiling as she thought about the first real passionate kiss she shared with Jack. Her heart pounded as it did twelve years ago; their lips pressed together as she felt his hand resting on her lower back and his other hand behind her head pulling her closer, deepening their connection.
"Ms. Parker… Ms. Parker," Donnie Andrews, one of Elizabeth's students called out as he stood at her desk.
"Oh, I'm sorry Donnie, is something wrong?"
"I think it's time for snack," he commented as she looked around and observed the entire class sitting quietly at their seats.
"Oh my; I'm sorry; I have to say that you all have been so quiet. For being so well behaved, I'm not going to give you any homework this weekend," Elizabeth commented.
"But you don't give us homework on the weekends," several students cried out.
"Well, maybe I was planning to today…"
Several hours later, Elizabeth was ushering her students down the hall to the bus ramp. She stood outside making certain that all of them reached the correct bus. Once inside, she gathered her belongings and headed for the hallway to pick up Tristan from her class.
As she opened the door, Tristan and her teacher walked into her room, "Hey munchkin," Elizabeth called out as Tristan ran into her arms. "Did you have a good day?"
"I did mommy, and I got an "A" on my arithmetic test," she excitedly answered.
"Thank you for walking her down," Elizabeth mentioned to her teacher as all three of them walked out into the hallway.
"You're welcome. I'll see you on Monday Tristan," her teacher mentioned as she headed back to her classroom.
"Well, let's get going. I need to get home and ready for my da… I mean; my meeting."
As Elizabeth helped Tristan into her booster seat, the child grabbed her doll and held her to her chest. "Mommy, what's Mr. Thornton's name?"
"Do you mean his first name? It's Jack, but you know you don't call grownups by their first names."
"I know, but I was going to name my doll after him. What's a girl's name that sounds like Jack?"
"You could name her Jackie, or Jacqueline." Elizabeth suggested as she slipped in behind the wheel and started the engine.
"Isn't Jackie a pretty name?"
"It sure is," Elizabeth quickly responded. "Hey, I'm not sure if Rosie is planning on anything special for dinner, but what would you like?"
"PIZZA…" Tristan emphatically replied.
"Girl, I think you'd eat pizza every day of you could. Are you sure that's what you want?"
"Yes ma'am."
As they pulled into the driveway, Rosie's car was parked up near the garage door. She got out of the car once Elizabeth pulled in.
"Have you been here long?" Elizabeth asked as she unsnapped the belt on Tristan's booster seat.
"No, just a few minutes."
Observing her overnight bag Elizabeth commented, "What's that for?"
"Well, Lee is having the guys over for poker tonight, and I just think it would be better if I watch Tristan over here," Rosie stated as she grabbed Tristan's hand and they walked toward the front door.
Once inside, Tristan ran to her room to put her backpack away.
"Is something wrong?" Rosie asked.
"I didn't tell her that I have a date. She thinks it is a dinner meeting."
"Well, you're have a dinner meeting with Jack."
"But he told her that he was going out to dinner with…"
"With who?"
"He said that he was going out to dinner with a beautiful woman. I just don't want either of them to get their hopes up," she opened a bottle of wine and poured herself and Rosie a glass.
"WOW, you're nervous aren't you?"
"Truth…?"
"Yes, truth…"
"I am. I've been remembering some of the wonderful times we had together and it would be easy to fall right back into something with him, but…"
"But what…?" Rosie asked as she took a sip of her wine.
"It's not just me anymore. Jack loves performing and that's his life. But me…I'm a homebody and I love my life here. I would never ask him to choose; I mean I did that before and I lost."
"Things are different now. I think Jack is tired of the touring and he just wants his regular life back," Rosie hypothesized. "You know, I think above all else, he wants you back in his life."
"I have to go take a shower," Elizabeth stated as she grabbed her wine glass and headed for the bathroom.
Forty five minutes later, Elizabeth walked out of the bathroom, a towel wrapped around her body. Her makeup was impeccable and her hair was already dried and pulled up on the sides and secured with a jeweled clip.
"You look beautiful," Rosie commented as she followed her down the hall and into her bedroom. "Okay, let me see this dress you bought."
Elizabeth opened her closet and pulled the still wrapped garment from the rack. Ripping the plastic away from the hanger, Rosie was in awe.
"I can't believe that you picked this out," Rosie stated as she placed her hands on the material and observed her shoes, bracelet and necklace that Elizabeth intended to wear with it.
"Well, I'd like to take credit for picking this out, but actually Tristan saw it and pointed it out."
"What about earrings?" Rosie asked.
Elizabeth looked shocked as her fingers gently pulled on her naked earlobes. "I forgot about earrings. Oh wait," she stated as she pulled one of the drawers of her jewelry box open. "I bought myself a pair of sapphire and diamond earrings after Tommy and I divorced. It was a gift to myself after all the crap he had put me through, but I don't think that I've ever worn them."
Elizabeth found them sitting alone in the bottom drawer of her jewelry box and pulled them out to compare next to her necklace and bracelet.
"They are perfect," Rosie stated as she removed the v-neck, solid black dress with a fitted waist, free flowing skirt and ¾ length sleeves from its hanger and slipped it over Elizabeth's head, careful not to mess up her hair.
"Whoa, that's still out of the comfort zone…" Rosie remarked as she glanced as the low cut v-neck dress draped perfectly over Elizabeth's svelte frame.
"What are you talking about?"
Rosie walked her over to the full length mirror.
"Oh my, is that too low cut?" Elizabeth asked Rosie, knowing full well that she was the last person who should be giving her fashion pointers.
"Well it surprised me, but you look perfect in it, and if you want him regretting walking away, he will."
"Rosie, I'm shooting for classy."
"Elizabeth, this is classy and sexy and there is no reason why you can't be both."
Realizing that it was too late to make a change now, she went with the dress as she had originally planned. As Elizabeth stepped into the bathroom to touch up her hair, the doorbell rang. "Rosie, can you get that for me?"
"Sure," Rosie stated as she walked to the front door. "WOW Jack, you look quite handsome."
"Thank you," he replied as he stepped into Elizabeth's townhouse wearing his new grey suit and carrying a single yellow rose.
"She's nervous, so take it easy on her."
"She can't be any more nervous that I am."
That's a beautiful rose," Rosie mentioned.
Jack released a hard breath that sounded much like a soft laugh, "I think the florist was upset with me; I went through three bins of roses looking for the perfect one."
As they heard the bathroom door open, each one glanced down the hall waiting for her to come out of the darkness and into the light of the den.
"Oh mommy, you look beautiful," Tristan remarked as they entered the den together.
"Thank you sweetheart."
"Oh my Elizabeth, you take my breath away; you are beautiful," Jack commented.
"Mr. Thornton, what are you doing here?" Tristan asked.
"It just so happens that I am taking your mom out to dinner tonight," Jack stated as he looked back at Elizabeth and smiled.
"Mommy is the beautiful woman you're going out with?"
"Yes ma'am she is…" he stepped forward and handed her the rose. "Just like this rose, your beauty stands out in the crowd."
"Hey mommy, he doesn't have a girlfriend," Tristan stated as she ran up and hugged Elizabeth. Looking back at Jack, Tristan's expression darkened. "Do you really think mommy is beautiful?"
"I certainly do…" he smiled at the child and then his eyes immediately drifted back to Elizabeth.
It appeared to be out of nowhere but Tristan began to cry. Dropping her purse on the entryway table, Elizabeth led Tristan over to the sofa where they took a seat.
With all the talk from Tristan about Elizabeth and a boyfriend, she assumed that her daughter was simply not certain that she really wanted her mom dating. Elizabeth prodded slightly and although the real reason didn't surprise her, the fact that she had witnessed and internalized arguments between her and Tommy did.
"What's the matter sweet pea?" Elizabeth asked as she held her child in her arms.
"Nothing…"
"Don't tell me nothing. I know that something has upset you. Please tell me."
"Daddy always said that you were ugly. He said that hopefully I wouldn't end up looking like you," Tristan barely managed the words through her tears. She shook her head from side to side, "I didn't believe him because I know you're beautiful."
"Shh, honey don't cry; those things your father said to me don't bother me, okay? So let me see that beautiful smile," Elizabeth stated as she wiped Tristan's eyes.
"You are beautiful mommy," she stated as her arms around Elizabeth's neck held her tightly.
"Are you okay now?"
"Yes ma'am…"
"I love you little one; are you sure you're okay?" Elizabeth asked.
Rosie picked up Tristan and balanced her on her hip. Afraid that Elizabeth was going to use this as a reason to cancel her date she looked at Tristan and remarked, "Don't your mommy and Mr. Thornton look good together."
Tristan's smile returned, "They sure do."
"Okay, I left money on the counter for pizza, so you guys have fun," Elizabeth stated as she kissed Tristan goodbye.
Jack opened the door and stood to the side as Elizabeth stepped out onto the porch. As they walked down the sidewalk to his SUV, both Jack and Elizabeth remained quiet.
Once she was in his SUV with the seatbelt secured he stated, "I'm so sorry that Tommy treated you so badly."
"It certainly wasn't your fault Jack," she stated as Jack closed the door, walked around his vehicle and slipped into the driver's seat.
Elizabeth looked down at the floorboard, "You know, you do what you can to keep your kids from hearing or knowing about arguments you have with your spouse. Apparently Tristan saw and heard a lot more than I even knew about," Elizabeth stated, her own mood having taken a downward turn.
"Once I got pregnant, Tommy kept telling me how fat I was, and that no one would find me attractive," she stated as a tear slipped down her cheek while she glanced out the windshield.
Jack listened intently, wondering how this man, who before Elizabeth entered the picture used to be his good friend, could treat any woman as he had treated her. "I personally think that pregnant women are beautiful."
Elizabeth glanced up and smiled as Jack, again without thinking, swept the tear away from her cheek.
"I should have left him much sooner than I did. You know, people always say that they stay for the kids; if they had any idea of the trauma their kids experience…" she stopped before finishing her thought.
She glanced over at Jack, took a breath and continued, "Maybe I was afraid to leave. I guess I felt like I had already failed in our relationship and I was concerned that I was developing a pattern of not seeing things through."
Jack reached over and took hold of her hand, "Elizabeth, you did not fail in our relationship. I think that maybe we were both young and inexperienced, and we weren't sure how to navigate these feelings that we had for each other."
"Maybe so, anyway I'm so sorry for even discussing him. Tommy is very insignificant in my life and with the exception of having to deal with him for Tristan's sake I do my best not to think about him. But, if you'd rather make this another night, I'll understand," she offered realizing that her mood wasn't fair to Jack.
"Absolutely not. I believe that you will be smiling in no time…"
"Okay, the challenge is on, and for my part, I promise not to bring up his name again tonight," she stated as she looked into Jack's eyes and smiled.
"See, I've already won…"
As they pulled out onto the highway Elizabeth asked, "So, are you going to tell me where we're going?"
"I think you'll know soon enough," he replied.
As one of Jack's songs played on the radio he changed the station.
Elizabeth punched the button placing the radio on its previous station, "Jack, you don't need to hide your success from me. I love your music."
"I still feel odd when I hear my songs on the radio; you know, like it's a bit surreal."
"You should be very proud of your success."
"I'm really not sure how I feel about it right now. I do know that it isn't the most important thing in my life," he glanced over and warmly smiled.
"Do you know what you're going to do now? I mean, how long will you be in town?"
As Jack slowed down and stopped in traffic at a red light he turned to her, "You just don't believe I'm here for good, do you?"
"Jack, your career was off the charts; how can you give that up? I was there when you started and I know how much it meant to you to be successful."
The car behind Jack blew his horn as Jack soon realized that the vehicles in front of him had left him in the dust. As he drove forward he continued to explain, "I was 22-23 years old then; I thought I knew what I wanted. Before I left, I also thought that you would be with me through it all."
"I'm sorry," she replied, "But even though we weren't together, you have to know that I was proud of you."
"I wouldn't have known that because we weren't talking, but as much as I enjoy making music, I missed you more."
"Jack…"
"No pressure Elizabeth. I know I have one date with you, and I hope it's a time to explain, forgive and enjoy."
"But what about singing? I just don't see you giving that up."
He laughed softly, "I can sing in the shower; I can sing to you by a campfire, and I can sing lullabies to our babies."
"You're getting a little ahead of yourself, aren't you? I promised you one date; that's all I can commit to right now."
"Like I told you before, I have enough faith for the both of us…"
As they turned onto the Marina road Jack asked, "So, do you have any idea where we're going?"
She smiled, "You're taking me to the restaurant we went to on our first date."
"Do you remember this place?" Jack asked as he pulled into the parking lot and parked his SUV.
"Grille 66; I can't say that I've been here since you brought me all those years ago, but I think when we were here the parking lot was packed."
"It's probably just because it's still early," he stated with a sly grin as he slipped out of the vehicle and then rushed around to her side where he quickly opened her door.
As they approached the entrance, the door opened, "Hello, Mr. Thornton…ma'am," the hostess held the door and she invited them inside.
Elizabeth thought nothing of the familiarity presented by the hostess as she had to admit that Jack was easily recognizable, so calling him by name seemed normal somehow.
Jack placed his hand on Elizabeth's lower back as she stepped in front of him and he guided her through the open door and into the restaurant.
As they walked through the dining area to the outdoor patio, Elizabeth turned to Jack, "There's no one here."
He smiled, "I rented the restaurant for the night. I didn't want us to be disturbed."
"Do you remember this?" Jack asked as they were led to the table in the corner of the patio overlooking the water.
"This is where we sat on our first date," she replied as he pulled out her chair, gently pushing it back up to the table once she had taken a seat.
Their waitress, Amber approached the table. "Would you like something from the bar?"
"Do you have any specialties?" Elizabeth asked.
"Well, do you like watermelon?" Amber asked.
Before Elizabeth could answer, Jack spoke up, "She loves watermelon."
Elizabeth glanced at Jack and smiled, thinking how special it was that he remembered so many things about her after all these years. "Yes, I love watermelon," Elizabeth confirmed.
"Okay, well we have a wonderful frozen Watermelon Daiquiri; it's actually my favorite drink here," Amber admitted.
"Okay, I'll have a Watermelon Daiquiri."
"And you Mr. Thornton?"
"I'll have an Old Fashioned," Jack stated as Amber left them with glasses of water before leaving the table.
Although their conversation seemed to flow, each one was quite cognizant of how the topics such as his career, him leaving, and her not waiting for him drained them.
Sadly, the topics of conversation were not solely left up to them as waiters, waitresses, the hostess, bartender, and members of the band took turns coming over to the table asking for autographs, leaving little to the imagination regarding his popularity.
Jack, who was too kind to turn them down, signed autograph after autograph until the manager stepped in and directed his staff to leave them alone.
"I'm sorry…" he stated as he caught her glance and found her piercing ocean blue eyes to be as engaging as he remembered.
"Jack, don't apologize. It's part of your life, and I understand that," she replied. "But I also know that's one of the reasons that I'm not so certain that we're suited to each other now. That's your life, it's not mine."
"But that's what I've been trying to tell you; it's not my life anymore. I know…" he started to explain as Amber returned with their bar order.
"Do you know what you would like to order for dinner?" Amber asked.
"We'd like to start off with the shellfish appetizer and what would you like Elizabeth?"
"I'd like the Lollipop Lamb Chops with mashed potatoes and a green salad," she replied.
Looking back at the menu, Jack stated, "I'll have the steak and lobster tail with mashed potatoes."
"When you get a chance, may I have a water refill please?" Elizabeth asked realizing that she had nervously already consumed her first glass.
"Certainly, I'll be right back with your water and appetizer," Amber replied as she collected the menus and headed for the kitchen.
"So, how are Tom and your mom doing?" she asked.
"I haven't seen them in a while but I talk to mom on the phone twice a week. I think the last time I talked to Tom was just before the New York concerts."
"You haven't seen them since you came home? I mean, I know you've only been home a few days, but I'd think you'd see them first."
"Oh, I guess you don't know; my mom moved to Miami to live with my aunt, and Tom took a job up in Jacksonville, so they are close, but not like they used to be."
Elizabeth had yet to address the passing of Jack's father. Feeling guilty at how she handled things, she stated, "Jack I was so sorry to hear about your dad. I should have come to the service."
Jack's smile did what it could to put her at ease. "Elizabeth, we weren't in a good place at the time, so I don't blame you for not being there. I did get your flowers and it was thoughtful of your parents to attend the service; especially since I certainly wasn't one of your dad's favorite people."
"I'm his daughter and he doesn't want anyone to hu…" she stopped short of finishing her sentiment.
"I know I hurt you, but meaning to or not, I think we hurt each other. I just want to apologize and do what I can to make things right between us," he admitted.
Throughout the appetizer and their meal, the conversation turned light and lacked issues that could possibly spark a confrontation. They laughed while reminiscing about their earlier time together.
"So, how does it feel to be the kindergarten grade level head?" he asked.
"Well, I'm not one to tell people how it's going to be, so we brainstorm ideas and vote as a group on some of the things we want to try."
"Well, I'm sure that you are well respected by your coworkers," Jack commented as he observed her eyes look out over the water. "Are you okay?"
"I'm sorry; it's just that sitting here with you right now feels like a dream."
"It feels right to me," Jack replied.
"Jack…"
"I'm sorry; I told myself that I wasn't going to push you."
'Thank you," she responded.
"May I ask you a question?" Jack leaned forward in his seat.
"Sure, what would you like to know?"
"Why didn't you go back to your maiden name after your divorce?"
"How did you know? I mean, I noticed on the card that came with the flowers today that it was addressed to Elizabeth Thatcher."
"When I sent the flowers, the florist called me to say that there wasn't a Ms. Thatcher at the school. I talked to the secretary and she told me that you were going by Parker."
"Well, it has nothing to do with Tommy and everything to do with Tristan. I just didn't want her feeling like we weren't family anymore. You know, you change your name and to a child you're no longer related."
"I can understand that," he replied.
Amber approached their table and cleared away their dishes. "Would you care for any dessert?"
"No thank you," Elizabeth responded. "I don't have any idea where I'd put it…I'm stuffed, but it was an excellent meal."
Turning her attention to Jack, Amber commented, "I know you've heard the music playing and since you've rented out the place, please feel free to enjoy the dance floor."
After Amber left, Jack took hold of Elizabeth's hand, surprised that she didn't pull it away, and he asked, "Would you dance with me?"
"Sure…"
Jack led her out onto the dance floor. Elizabeth was nervous as she initially managed to maintain some distance between them. The band's next song, Lost Without You, by Freya Ridings began and each one found the lyrics to be extremely poignant to their situation.
Standing on the platform
Watching you go
It's like no other pain
I've ever known
To love someone so much
To have no control
You said I want to see the world
And I said go
I think I'm lost without you
I just feel crushed without you
I've been strong for so long
That I never thought how much I needed you
I think I'm lost without you
By this point in the song, Jack's arm was around her waist resting on the small of her back as he felt her head leaning on his shoulder and her body pressed against his. As they moved to the music, Jack felt his heart beating erratically. He closed his eyes and inhaled everything about her, the scent of her shampoo, her wild, floral perfume, and her beauty which he could sense even without looking.
Strangers rushing past
Just trying to get home
But you were the only
Safehaven that I've known
Hits me at full speed
Feel like I can't breathe
And nobody knows
This pain inside me
My world is crumbling
I should never have
Let you go
I think I'm lost without you
I think I'm lost, lost, lost
Ooh, ooh, ooh
I think I'm lost without you, you
I just feel crushed without you
'Cause I've been strong for so long
That I never thought how much I love you
Standing on the platform
Watching you go
You said I wanna see the world
And I said go
As the song ended, Jack felt Elizabeth wipe her eyes before stepping away from him. Are you okay?" he asked.
"I'm fine," she replied as he led her back to their table.
Amber returned with their check and Jack immediately handed her his credit card. While waiting for her to return, Jack asked, "Would you take a walk with me along the pier?"
When she didn't immediately respond he called out again, "Elizabeth is something wrong?"
"No, everything is fine," she stated as she pointed out how beautiful the lights from the other side of the Intercoastal Waterway were on the water. "I'd love to take a walk with you."
As they left the restaurant, all of the employees stood in line to shake Jack's hand, commenting that they hoped he continued with his music career.
He and Elizabeth walked halfway down the pier in near silence before stopping and leaning against the railing as they each looked out on the water.
"Elizabeth, I don't know what I can say to let you know how sorry I am for everything."
"Jack, it isn't your fault alone. You thought that I had moved on with Tommy before you left, and I believed you left me because I wasn't important to you."
"Elizabeth, you were always the most important person to me."
"Maybe back then, but Jack so much has changed; we're different people now. We can't go back to the way things were."
"Are you saying that you don't have any feelings for me?" he turned her to face him.
Looking into his eyes, Elizabeth felt her breath catch in her throat as she did her best to respond. "Jack," she threw her hands up in the air and turn back toward the water. "If you want to hear that I still have feelings for you…I do." She turned her head in his direction, "I can't have loved you like I did and feel nothing now. But we can't go back, and I won't open up myself and Tristan to that kind of hurt again."
"I don't want to go back, Elizabeth."
"Then what do you want Jack?"
"You see me as that 23 year old college senior who you fell in love with. I want you to see me now; get to know who I am now."
"Jack, there is too much water under our bridge. I care about you; I can't deny that, but we had our time, and apparently we weren't meant to make it," she stated as she turned around and started walking back toward the restaurant parking lot.
Realizing that his one date with her was coming to an end, Jack had an idea, "Elizabeth wait."
She stopped but didn't turn around. She swept the tears as they fell from her eyes realizing that being with him again was much harder than she'd imagined.
His hand on her arm gently turned her to face him, "I have a proposal for you…"
"Excuse me; what are you talking about?"
"You aren't dating anyone else, right?"
"I'm not dating anyone, but what does that have to do with this?"
"I propose that we date exclusively for six months. If after the end of six months, you don't want to be in a relationship with me, then I'll have to accept that our time together is over."
"Jack…"
He smiled, "Don't worry; displays of affection are not required; that is unless you want to," he clarified. "So, are you game?"
To be continued…
Those of you who are on the facebook fan fiction pages, there will be pictures posted shortly.
