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 5- May I Have This Dance
Initially Elizabeth looked on in shock. Gaining her ability to speak, she asked, "Jack, are you kidding?" the thought of his proposal sounding quite preposterous.
"Do you see me laughing?" he replied.
"So you're serious?"
"I'm very serious. Look Elizabeth, years ago we meant a lot to each other; we had plans for our future, and we didn't see our lives without the other one in it. So, don't you think we owe it to ourselves to explore our feelings and see where this takes us?"
"Jack, that's a crazy idea, and I know where it will take us…it'll lead to more hurt and anger."
He caught her glance, engaging her with his own as he spoke softly, the feeling of butterflies left fluttering in her stomach, "Are you really angry with me right now, or are you scared."
"Scared of you; don't be absurd," she replied as she turned away from him attempting to break the pull that he always seemed to have on her.
Jack smiled at the fire he saw in her eyes. Whether she wanted to admit it or not, he was familiar with the look, the hesitancy in her voice, and the fear that seemed to consume her. "Then if you aren't scared, and you aren't dating anyone else, humor me, Elizabeth. Give me six months; it will either show that we're meant to be together, or we're not, but either way we will have tried."
"This just seems a bit unorthodox, don't you think?"
"Maybe so, but I had to think of something; since we reconnected, you just seem too willing to shut us down and run away…"
"Jack, I'm not running away."
"What do you call it, Elizabeth? You told me a few minutes ago that you care about me; that you do have feelings for me, so why are you so willing to walk away?"
"Why are you so certain that this will work; that we won't just be walking away from each other in six months?"
"Because I have faith in us," he quickly responded.
Her eyes watered and tears slipped down her cheeks as she whispered, "I don't know if I can."
He stepped closer, "It's okay to admit that you're scared; I'm afraid to, but I'm fairly certain that we're scared of different things."
She turned away from the water and leaned her back against the railing, "What are you afraid of?"
He nervously smiled, "I'm afraid that you won't give us a chance; that you'll say forget it without even trying. You're afraid because there are a lot of emotions involved…"
"And I have a child Jack. Tristan is the most important person in my life, and to open her, to open us up to that kind of hurt again, I just can't do that to her."
"I know you have a child Elizabeth, and doesn't she deserve to have a loving, stable male role model in her life?"
"Speaking of which, what makes you so stable? I mean, how do you go from travelling the world, performing to sell out crowds and living the high life to coming back here and settling down? Do you really think that you can give all of that up and live like a normal person?"
"I know I can; I need to Elizabeth. You know all those years ago I thought I knew what I wanted, the fame, the excitement and people worldwide loving my music."
Elizabeth turned her head in Jack's direction, "Yeah, keep talking; the more you talk about how wonderful that life was, the less I'm thinking that you can give it up. I was there, Jack, remember? I know what the excitement of that life meant to you."
"No, what meant something to me was you being there with me; you being a part of whatever success we found. After we split it was me without you and that's a life I just don't want to live."
"I just don't know if I can believe that. I mean it's been ten years; everything I've seen looked like you were living the high life with women and…"
"Elizabeth you should know that you can't believe everything you see in print," his hand on her arm turned her in his direction. "After each concert I went back to my hotel room alone…"
"Jack, I find it hard to believe that you left the high of a concert and went back to your hotel room alone."
"The guys went out and partied, not wild or anything, but I had other things I needed to do."
"Like what?"
"After every concert, I went back to my hotel room and…"
"Never mind, Jack; I don't need to hear about you and the women who followed the band and hung on your every word."
"It's nothing like that, Elizabeth. There were no women, or at least not like you think," he looked down at the pavement before looking back into her eyes, "I'd go back to my hotel room and I pulled out an old phone I carry with me." Seeing the look of confusion on her face he continued, "The phone is full of pictures of you, you and me and screenshots of my favorite texts that I shared with you. Somehow they made me feel closer to you."
Jack took a deep breath before hesitantly continuing, "Elizabeth, I have met some wonderful people, and maybe I just needed to experience life without you to show me what the most important thing in life is," he did his best to explain, hoping that she would feel his sincerity.
"What conclusion did you come to?" she asked.
"Elizabeth, everything I've done; all the success I've had, I'm telling you, without you in my life, it's meant nothing. This right here; standing with you right now, this means the world to me…"
"Jack, I was devastated when we broke up; I told myself that I'd never let a man get to me like you did. Then I see you again, and it all comes flooding back, the love, the anger, the disappointment, and the fear."
"But you did mention love first; we can work through the other emotions, but you have to give us a chance."
"But what if it doesn't work out? I mean, I'm a big girl; I know how to handle disappointment, but Tristan, she's already had a lifetime of hurt thrown at her in a matter of seven years."
"But Elizabeth, what if it does work out; don't we deserve that chance?"
Elizabeth turned toward the water and rested against the railing. Glancing out at the water, she watched as a yacht cruised under the drawbridge. "Jack, it's been nice seeing you again, really it has…"
"Hey, isn't that Jack Thornton…" a group of twenty something's converged on Jack and Elizabeth.
As he was circled by adoring fans and papers, pens and body parts were thrust in his face to sign, he did his best to keep his eyes on Elizabeth who was quickly pushed to the outskirts of the circle.
As Elizabeth watched how Jack handled the crowd she listened as they threw question after question at him…
"Are you going solo?
"When is your next tour?"
"Your music is awesome. Please say you aren't giving it up?
"Why did the band break up?
One of the girls glanced over at Elizabeth, who seemed much more content on the outskirts of their fandom. "Hey, is she your girlfriend?" the girl asked as she pulled out her cell phone and snapped a picture of Elizabeth before she could turn away.
Feeling as though they had invaded Elizabeth's privacy he stated, "Okay, that's enough," Jack stated as he pushed himself through the group, took Elizabeth's hand and walked toward the parking lot. "I'm sorry about that. It will die down soon, I'm sure."
"You don't need to apologize, Jack," she responded, without realizing that her hand was still comfortably resting in his. "You're talented, popular and you have a lot of people who admire you. But that's also why I say that I don't think this will work," she released his hand. "Jack, my life is bound to be boring compared to what you're used to."
Realizing that the group had gone their own way and they were now alone, Jack stopped walking and turned her to face him. "That is not the life I want. I want a family…with you. I want to wake up at 6 in the morning and go for a run before I head out to work. I want to come home at night and play catch with our son in the backyard and sit in the stands and watch him play in his first peewee league football game. I want to spend time getting to know Tristan, and I want her to love me like a daughter should love her daddy. I want to cheer her on at her dance recitals, soccer games, or whatever she chooses to find joy in."
He continued, "At night, when everything is quiet, I want to curl up in bed and make love to you," his finger under her chin lifted her face upwards, as their eyes met. "I love you, Elizabeth; I will never love another woman the way I love you."
His heart pounded as his lips ached to touch hers. Having dreamed of her for many years, he wanted to feel her body next to his but also knew that he could not push her.
Jack continued, "Elizabeth, I want to settle down here, but I still want to travel; I just want to do it with you, with our family. What can I say to get you to understand?"
"It's just hard for me to believe that you want to give up that dream to live a quiet life here."
"Elizabeth, I've lived that dream, and" tears pooled in his eyes as he struggled to contain them. He took a breath and whispered, "It wasn't a dream without you."
Without thinking her hand rested on his cheek as her thumb brushed away a tear which managed to slip from his eyes. His hand covered hers and he closed his eyes, thankful to feel her touch again.
"I'm sorry," she pulled her hand away and turned back to face the calm water. "Can you understand that this isn't some game to me Jack? What am I teaching Tristan if I go along with this crazy idea of yours to pretend that we're dating?"
"No, you're right it isn't a game, but if you go into it with that frame of mind, it's dead before we even try. What I'm proposing is that you open your heart to the possibilities; we spend time together and see where it goes," his voice was soft, yet passionate as he made his plea. "As for Tristan, what's the worst that can happen?"
"Jack she is already enamored by you; she wanted to pass off the doll you got her as a gift from her father, because he is such a disappointment."
"Don't you think that we can show her a positive male/female relationship; how it can be loving, kind, and respectful?"
Thinking about how badly Tristan needed that in her life she finally replied, "Okay…"
Jack heard the word but wasn't expecting it, so he continued, "You're just too quick to give up…"
"Jack…Jack, I said okay. We'll date for six months…"
"Are you willing to really give it a try?" he asked.
She turned to face him, stepped forward and kissed his cheek, "Yes."
His eyes closed and his heart pounded as he felt her lips on his skin. He smiled at the possibilities as he held out his hand. She observed his open palm, inviting her to take hold. She glanced in his eyes, seeing the warmth and genuine kindness that she'd always felt with him and she placed her hand in his.
They walked the distance of several blocks back to his car, remaining quiet, as each one did their own reflecting on the revelations of the evening. He opened her door, disappointed when he had to let her hand go.
As he slipped in behind the wheel she glanced over and observed his smile. "What's that for?" she asked.
"I get another date with you," he reached over and again took hold of her hand.
"I still can't promise you anything other than I'll try."
"Elizabeth, all I ask is that you go into this with an open mind and heart; don't assume that it's going to fail, okay?"
Her smile returned. She had to admit, even if it was just to herself, that this proposal idea of his was ingenious. Although she was scared for the outcome, having him back in her life, even if it was only for six months, felt familiar and comfortable.
As they drove back to her townhouse she still had questions, but was concerned about inundating him with one right after the other. However, if this was going to work, six months was not a lot of time, and they needed to use the time wisely.
"Do you honestly think that you will be happy living here in Fort Lauderdale? I mean it has to be a lot quieter than LA," she mentioned as her glance moved between Jack and the sparse traffic in front of them.
"Elizabeth, I'm here and I'm setting down roots. I'm not going anywhere…"
"Speaking of roots, where are you living? I mean, I thought your mom was still here is Fort Lauderdale. Are you staying in a hotel?" she asked seeing that as a somewhat transient form of living.
"No, I paid off my mom's house for her years ago, so when she moved to Miami, she sent me the keys."
"So you're living over on Del-Ray?"
"No, we sold that house and I bought my mom a place years ago on Ponce De Leon Drive."
"Where's that?"
"It's across the Tarpon River from Colee Hammock Park. Have you been there lately?"
"I took Tristan to a birthday party there over the summer. They took the kids on a trip up the river on the Jungle Queen River boat? Do you remember the time we went?"
"I sure do; it was unforgettable," he replied.
"Unforgettable is right. I was in my formal for the spring break dance, you were in your tux, and we ran aground," she easily recalled a memory from over eleven years ago.
"That was a night that is hard to forget. Although, I'd like to put the look on your dad's face when we came home out of my mind. I don't think he believed our story."
"He didn't initially, but he did see it in the newspaper the next morning."
"Well, if we had waited to get pulled from the sandbar you would have missed your curfew," Jack reminded her.
"Oh I remember," she giggled at the memory. "You carried me to shore, only allowing the bottom of my dress to get wet. You on the other hand were soaked from your hips down." She thought for a moment before starting to laugh.
"What's so funny?"
"Well, if I recall correctly we were on a sandbar and the water wasn't that deep depending on which direction you went."
"Okay, so I went in the wrong direction, but I still held you above the water."
"My hero," she looked in his eyes and smiled. "My dad was so upset, but who still has a curfew at 21 years old?"
Jack responded, "Well, if you had been spending the night at the dorm, you wouldn't have had a curfew. However, we were in the middle of spring break and four hours away from school so we stayed with family. Remember if we're in their house, we abide by their rules."
He continued, "I'm not sure if your dad was upset because you were a few minutes late or if it was because I was dripping lake water all over their foyer."
As they pulled into Elizabeth's driveway, it was fairly dark with most of the lights being out in her townhouse. Jack opened her door and helped her out of his SUV.
"I had a great time tonight Elizabeth," Jack stated as they approached her door. He took the key from her hand and opened her front door.
"It looks like everyone is asleep, would you like to come in and have a cup of coffee or something?" she asked, doing her best to make an effort at this new arrangement.
Not wanting to see the night end, Jack accepted as they stepped into the dim light in her entryway. As they walked into the den, Rosie, who was leaning over onto the arm of the sofa with Tristan asleep in her lap, stirred.
"Oh hey you two; did you have a nice time?" she groggily asked.
Elizabeth shook her head up and down, "Jack proposed."
"That's nice," she replied before yawning and stretching. As Elizabeth's comment finally reached Rosie's sleepy brain, she shot up from the sofa, jostling Tristan awake. "You're getting married?"
"Shh, no nothing like that," Elizabeth responded.
"Mommy, I was waiting up for you."
"I see that, little one. Why don't I take you back to bed?"
Tristan stood up, but seeing Jack she held his hand and looked up into his eyes, "Will you read me a bedtime story?"
Jack looked over at Elizabeth for approval. Quickly given, he picked the small child up in his arms and started down the hall.
"Jackie…wait, Mr. Thornton, I need Jackie," Tristan called out as Elizabeth grabbed her purple doll baby and handed it to her daughter.
Once they disappeared down the hall, Rosie grabbed Elizabeth's arm and pulled her over to the sofa, "Spill and I mean everything."
"Jack proposed that we date for six months and see if we can regain the feelings we once had for each other," Elizabeth explained.
"Regain them? Girl, I see the way you look at him, and the smoldering glances he gives you…those feelings are there; they never left your hearts."
"Maybe so, but I can't just fall back into his arms as if the past ten years didn't happen. I have to be concerned about Tristan and how all of this will impact her."
"Elizabeth, that little girl is back in her bed with Jack reading her a story at her request. I don't think you have to worry about her," Rosie commented.
"What if it doesn't work out?"
"But Elizabeth, what if it does?"
Elizabeth didn't respond. She stood up and walked down the hall with Rosie close behind. Standing in the doorway of Tristan's room, they observed Jack reading the child's favorite bedtime story, "Goodnight Wembly Fraggle."
Listening quietly, Elizabeth was impressed that Jack changed voices with each character, somehow bringing the story more to life, even if it was just for the grownups.
Elizabeth stepped into the room and tapped Jack on the shoulder. As he turned around she whispered, "You don't have to read the rest, she's asleep."
Jack responded in a very soft whisper, "She might not know that I didn't finish it, but I will. I want her to know that she can trust me."
Elizabeth placed her hand on his shoulder and gave him a slight squeeze. As she walked out of the room, she heard him resume reading the story, leaving them alone as she and Rosie walked back to the kitchen where she put on a pot of coffee.
"So, are we to consider that you two are back together? I'm just a bit confused on this proposal thing…"
"We agreed to open out hearts to the possibilities; but we're just going to date and see how everything goes."
"And what are you going to tell Tristan?" Rosie asked. "I mean, I just want to be on the same page as you."
"I won't offer any explanation; I'll just answer her questions as she asks them."
Elizabeth pulled three cups from the cabinet.
"No coffee for me. I'm going back to bed so you and Jack can talk," Rosie stated as she hugged Elizabeth before heading down the hall, passing Jack as he closed Tristan's bedroom door and headed for the kitchen.
"Would you like a cup of coffee?" she asked as she poured a cup for him before he answered.
"I'd love one, thank you," he stated as he took the cups to the table while she gathered the sweetener and creamers.
"This is nice," he mentioned as he took a sip of black coffee.
Elizabeth was quietly stirring in sweetener and creamer in her cup when she looked up, "Huh…?
"This, sitting here with you, it's nice and it feels right."
"Thank you for reading Tristan's favorite story to her. If she had been awake, I know she would have loved it."
"It was a special time for me too. She's a great kid, Elizabeth; you've done a wonderful job raising her."
"Speaking of jobs, you say that you're here for good, but what are you planning to do? I mean, I'm sure financially you don't need to, but won't you get bored doing nothing?"
'Don't you remember, I do have a Criminal Justice degree, and I've actually been talking with Matthew Price, the president of Broward Community College about teaching several classes on campus?"
"Teaching, hmm, you never were interested in teaching before," she mentioned.
"Well, I'm looking at different options…teaching, security, or maybe even following my father's footsteps and joining the police department. I just wanted to make sure that I was welcome in town first."
"Welcome in town; what are you talking about, Jack?"
"Elizabeth, I know my proposal was a bit odd, but it gives us a chance to work through things and find us again. But I have to be honest with you, if you hadn't agreed I don't think I could stay here."
"What do you mean?"
"I can't be here in town and watch you dating other men; it would be too hard."
"Oh, like those pictures I've seen with you and the beautiful starlets and musicians? I felt like you had plenty of company; you couldn't possibly be missing me."
"I've missed you since I left; and those pictures you saw, most were simply for publicity. I dated very litter while I was out in LA."
"Well, maybe sometime we can discuss the little that you did date; I mean were they serious?" she asked, somehow unable to wait for a later time to discuss the topic.
"Only one," he replied.
Elizabeth glanced down into her crème filled coffee cup, not certain how she felt about another woman having had that part of Jack that she'd only dreamt about. "Do you feel comfortable telling me what happened?"
"You…"
"Me, what are you talking about?" she asked.
"I was getting married, but two weeks before the ceremony…"
"What happened, Jack?"
"Rosie called; she told me that you and Tommy were getting a divorce and I couldn't go through with it. We broke up and I haven't spoken to her since."
"Who was she?"
"Her name is Dana; she worked for our manager, but I've heard that she's since gotten married and is expecting her first child, so I'm happy for her."
"Jack, I'm so sorry."
Jack reached over and placed his hand on top of hers, "Don't be. Marrying Dana would have been a mistake. Things worked out as they were supposed to."
Elizabeth took her spoon and began nervously stirring her coffee, "Marrying Tommy sure was a mistake."
Jack squeezed her hand, "No it wasn't. Elizabeth, you have a beautiful little girl because of that relationship. That can never be a mistake."
"You're right; she's the best thing that came out of that relationship."
"Mommy…" Tristan's voice echoed down the darkened hall.
"Speaking of which," she smiled at Jack before turning her head toward the hallway. "What's the matter, honey?"
"Is it time to go to the Farmer's Market?" she groggily asked as she entered into the kitchen while rubbing her eyes.
"No honey; you need to go back to sleep," Elizabeth stated as Tristan piled up into her lap and laid her head on Elizabeth's shoulder.
Tristan opened her eyes and caught a blurry glimpse of Jack. She wiped her eyes before opening them again; this time seeing Jack more clearly. She smiled as she leaned over and whispered in Elizabeth's ear.
"Well, I don't know, he might already have plans," Elizabeth responded back to Tristan.
"Mr. Thornton, mom's taking me to the Farmer's Market tomorrow; can you come with us?"
Feeling the connection that Tristan was already developing with Jack, she smiled. "We'd like for you to come if you don't have any other plans."
"I'd love to go. What time do you want to leave?" he asked.
Tristan and Elizabeth looked at each other before both spoke in unison, "Cinnamon rolls."
"Excuse me?" he asked.
"They sell cinnamon rolls to die for at the Farmer's Market, but you have to get there early or the sell out. So, is 9 o'clock too early for you?" Elizabeth asked as she felt her child's arms lovingly wrapped around her neck.
Jack stood up, "Well, I should get going so you beautiful ladies can get some sleep. I'll see you at 9."
Tristan crawled out of Elizabeth's lap and ran after Jack. Standing at the front door, with Elizabeth behind her, Tristan stated, "Thank you for reading my favorite story to me. You read better than mommy; you do different voices," she stepped forward, reached up and began tugging on Jack's jacket.
Jack squatted down and Tristan kissed his cheek. Standing back up he glanced over and observed Elizabeth brush a tear from her face. "I'll see you two at 9 am…" he mentioned before quickly slipping out the door, barely making it outside, concerned that his own emotions were taking control.
Jack walked out to his car, took a seat behind the wheel and cried. However, different from the tears he's shed over Elizabeth in the past, these were more cleansing in nature, and as Elizabeth had told him earlier in their relationship, "Tears aren't always a bad thing."
Driving home, Jack's thoughts were in overdrive, wondering how Tommy, a man who many years ago seemed so normal, could treat Tristan with such anger, malice and disregard for her feelings.
Jack walked into the house and feeling a bit antsy, he took a seat n a chaise lounge on the deck by the pool. He stared out onto the calm water, wondering how a father could treat his child with such disdain. Tristan was a part of Elizabeth, and he had to admit that she already held a piece of his heart.
As his thoughts went deep, he wondered if Tommy's nonchalant attitude toward Tristan was more about his want for Elizabeth and less about his lack of loving attention toward his daughter. No matter the reason, he wasn't about to let Tommy pull her away from him like he'd done once before.
Feeling the nice warm breeze on his face he closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.
Elizabeth's Townhouse…
Tristan was sound asleep by the time Elizabeth tucked her into bed. Elizabeth kissed her forehead before heading for her own room.
Elizabeth walked into her room, took off her dress and jewelry, placing the items on her dresser before hanging her garment in the closet. She grabbed a pair of shorts and a t-shirt from her chest of drawers, took a seat on the side of her bed and fell backwards as her head rested on her pillow.
She woke up an hour later, still in her bra and panties and lying across her bed with her feet resting on the floor. Changing into her pajamas, she pulled her bedding back, slipped under the covers and closed her eyes.
Although she easily fell asleep before, she glanced at the clock, 1:45am, and now her thoughts were running rampant, and sleep seemed as though a distant memory.
She turned on her radio hoping that the soothing music would put her back to sleep. Sadly, that did not come to pass as the Katy Perry song, "Never Really Over" began to play…
I'm losing my self control
Yeah, you're starting to trickle back in
But I don't wanna fall down the rabbit hole
Cross my heart, I won't do it again
I tell myself, tell myself, tell myself, "Draw the line"
And I do, I do
But once in a while, I trip up, and I cross the line
And I think of you
Two years, and just like that
My head still takes me back
Thought it was done, but I
Guess it's never really over
Oh, we were such a mess
But wasn't it the best?
Thought it was done, but I
Guess it's never really over
Just because it's over doesn't mean it's really over
And if I think it over, maybe you'll be coming over again
And I'll have to get over you all over again
Just because it's over doesn't mean it's really over
And if I think it over, maybe you'll be coming over again
And I'll have to get over you all over again
I guess I could try hypnotherapy
I gotta rewire this brain
'Cause I can't even go on the internet
Without even checking your name
I tell myself, tell myself, tell myself, "Draw the line"
And I do, I do
But once in a while, I trip up, and I cross the line
I think of you
Two years, and just like that
My head still takes me back
Thought it was done, but I
Guess it's never really over
Oh, we were such a mess
But wasn't it the best?
Thought it was done, but I
Guess it's never really over
The song was still playing when Elizabeth shut off her radio, the lyrics sounding way too much like her own life. Knowing how writing in her journal used to bring her peace, she pulled her book of secrets from her bedside table. She'd been lax in conveying her feelings onto the blank canvas, but hoped that with everything that had happened that evening, it would help to put things into perspective.
She took several deep breaths and did her best to calm her nerves and erratically beating heart before putting her pen to the paper…
"I've fallen, but I've also managed to rise again. I've made mistakes, and as a result, I've lived and I've learned. I'm far from perfect, but I've tried to be an example of strength and perseverance. I've been hurt, but I am thankful that I have the precious privilege to be alive; to breathe, to experience life, and to be your mother, for bringing you into this world will forever be my greatest blessing.
Sometimes along the way we experience sadness, fear, and disappointment, often times allowing the darkness to overshadow the light. The fear torments us as we fight to be released from its hold, finally realizing that we will never be free again until we accept and break those barriers that have so painfully contained us.
My dear sweet baby girl, you have taught me so much in your short time on this Earth. Your heart is open; your love is pure, and your eyes see the beauty in everyone and everything around you.
I have always believed that I am one decision away from a totally different path in life, but fear of change has always kept me from venturing. I've also wondered, when you leave, are you ever able to return home again? Well, obviously most of us can literally return to the safety of our homes but is it possible to return to the way things were, recapturing the feelings and emotions we once shared with that special someone? I want to believe that we can, but I'm just not so sure. After all, what's done is done, its water under the bridge so to speak.
Apparently according to Katy Perry, "Just because it's over doesn't mean it's really over," but can I really handle the possibility of having to get over you again? I've been afraid to accept what my heart seems to believe is true, but is it possible that this evening's proposal could be the change I've needed in my life? Or am I simply delaying the inevitable?"
Elizabeth lay back on her bed as her journal rested on her chest and she fell asleep. She had just drifted off when Tristan snuck into her room, crawled under the covers and snuggled up against her.
Elizabeth, slightly disoriented at the time, opened her eyes, and seeing her beautiful daughter, she wrapped Tristan in her arms, and pulled her close as they each drifted back to sleep.
Jack's House…
7:45am- Across town, Jack woke, still lying in his chaise lounge and wearing his suit. He lay there quietly thinking about the previous night, and trying to determine if Elizabeth had actually agreed to date him for six months, or was it all a dream?
Realizing that his dream was a reality, he jumped up and rushed to the shower, not wanting to be late picking up Elizabeth and Tristan.
Across Town…
Back at Elizabeth's townhouse, the girls slept soundly until Elizabeth stretched and glanced at the alarm clock…8:30 am.
"Tristan…Tristan, Jack is going to be here in 30 minutes. Go get dressed and I'm going to jump in the shower…"
As Elizabeth slipped into the bathroom, she observed Tristan dart across the room to the door. Fifteen minutes later, Elizabeth stepped out of the shower choosing not to wash her hair due to time constraints.
Elizabeth slipped into a pair of dark blue jeans, a white camisole and a grey button down v-neck sweater. Before checking on Tristan, she pulled her hair up in a ponytail.
Tristan was sitting in the den when Elizabeth came down the hall. "Uh, I think you either need to wear solid shorts or a solid shirt. That right there is quite busy."
"But the stripes are all going in the same direction and it looks like a rainbow," Tristan explained.
"Yes, it has many colors, but please do me a favor and change."
Disappointedly, Tristan headed down the hall to her room, closing her door for privacy.
Jack knocked on the door, "Hurry up Tristan," Elizabeth called down the hall before letting Jack in the townhouse.
He stepped inside wearing a pair of stonewashed jeans, a navy blue plaid flannel shirt, and a pair of white tennis shoes.
Elizabeth held her breath as they waited on Tristan to change clothes. Happily she made her way down the hall wearing a pair of blue jean shorts and a grey t-shirt that was screen printed with "Fill Your Heart with Smiles."
"Hi Mr. Jack," Tristan called out as she looked to her mother to see if her name for him was considered acceptable.
"Mr. Jack," are you okay with that Jack?" Elizabeth asked.
"I actually like it. Mr. Thornton was my father, so Mr. Jack it is.," he confirmed. "Are you two beautiful ladies ready to go? I understand that the cinnamon rolls sell out fast."
Tristan giggled, "That's cause we told you that last night. You're silly Mr. Jack…"
"Just give me a minute to fix her hair," Elizabeth stated as she brushed it out. "Do you want it in a ponytail like mine?"
"I want waterfall braids."
"Of course you do," Elizabeth stated as she quickly put a waterfall braid in Tristan's hair, securing both sides together in the back.
"Well, if we want one of those famous cinnamon rolls you've been telling me about, we'd better get going," he stated as they walked to the entryway and he opened the door. "I'm a lucky man to be in the presence of such beautiful girls today."
Tristan stopped, "Do you really think I'm beautiful?"
Jack smiled and squatted down in front of her, "I sure do. You look just like I'll bet your mommy looked at your age, and she's always been the most beautiful woman to me."
Before Jack could stand, Tristan wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. When he stood, she took hold of his hand, her free hand clasping onto Elizabeth's hand, as they walked out to the driveway completely connected.
Jack grabbed Tristan's booster seat from Elizabeth's car and placed it in his back seat. As she crawled into the seat, Jack buckled her in, and then turned back to Elizabeth, "Would you check that to make sure I've secured it properly."
Elizabeth stepped forward and stuck her head in the SUV. Fiddling with the belt, Jack happily heard her say, "That's perfect."
He opened the door for Elizabeth, and waited until she had secured her own seatbelt. Jack walked around to the other side of the SUV and slipped in behind the wheel, "So who wants a cinnamon roll?"
"I do," Tristan squealed.
Twenty minutes later, they pulled into the already packed parking lot of the Bednar's Farmers Market. Finding a space, Jack pulled his SUV in and parked.
They walked toward the entrance with Tristan already eyeing the booth that sold the best tasting cinnamon rolls. Once inside, Elizabeth and Tristan grabbed a table while Jack ordered three cinnamon rolls, two cups of coffee, and a juice box for Tristan.
Tristan was licking her lips as Jack approached with their goodies. He handed Tristan her food and juice box first, before placing a cup of coffee with four splenda packets and three caramel macchiato containers in front of Elizabeth.
"You remembered how I take my coffee," she mentioned as she began stirring in the additions to her drink.
"Well, I remember how you used to take it, but if you want something different now I can get that for you."
"No, I'm not very adventurous; I still like it the same way. I see you still drink yours black," she commented as her plastic spoon silently stirred her coffee.
"Yeah, just need the jolt of caffeine…"
With their coffee, juice and cinnamon rolls finished and the trash thrown away, they proceeded into the market, and the nearby petting zoo.
Jack fed the coin machines which continually gave Tristan animal feed as she made her way through the barn. She fed Mr. Pig, Hammy, Pork Chop, Benny and Spot, the piglets, Calvin the camel, the cows, Bert and Bessie, Sophie, the sloth, Bennie, Imogene, Sapphire, and Lucy, the adult goats and Miracle and Mabel, the twin kids, Joey the donkey, and Skippy the kangaroo.
They picked a bucket of strawberries, with Elizabeth catching both Jack and Tristan eating many of the berries before they could end up in the container.
They walked back inside, took a seat and ordered lunch. Elizabeth had the watermelon salad; Tristan ordered the grilled cheese sandwich and sliced apples. Jack decided on the Margherita personal pizza.
As they sat and talked, a local band began to play as many of the kids took to the dance floor to work off some additional pent up energy.
While Jack and Elizabeth talked, Tristan watched as many of the father's took to the dance floor with their daughters. She remained quiet as she watched. Tears forming in her eyes as she wished she had a daddy like those she saw.
Catching a glimpse of Tristan wiping her eyes, Jack put down his pizza, wiped his mouth and hands and stood in front of her with his hand out, "May I have this dance, ma'am?"
"Mr. Jack, I'm not a ma'am, I'm just a little girl."
"And a beautiful little girl you are."
"Wouldn't you rather dance with mommy?" she asked, doing her best to hold back her tears.
"I'd like to dance with your mommy, but right now, I'd really love to dance with you…"
Tristan wiped her eyes and took hold of Jack's hand as he walked her out onto the dance floor. As he held her hand, she balanced on the top of his feet, with his other hand on her shoulder and her arm around his waist.
The band, seeing the number of father's dancing with their daughters, chose an appropriate song. Maybe Jack didn't have all of the same memories about Tristan as the other fathers had with their daughters, but he couldn't deny the growing affection he had for her.
The band began playing "My Little Girl" by Tim McGraw…
Got to hold on easy as I let you go,
gonna tell you how much I love,
though you think you already know,
I remember I thought you looked like an angel,
wrapped in pink so soft and warm,
you've had me wrapped around your finger,
since the day you were born.
You beautiful baby from the outside in,
Chase dreams but always know the road
that'll lead you home again,
Go on, take on this whole world,
But to me you know you'll always be,
My Little Girl.
When you were in trouble that crooked little smile,
could melt my heart of stone,
Now look at you, I've turned around,
and you've almost grown,
Sometimes you're asleep I whisper "I Love You!",
in the moonlight at your door,
As I walk away, I hear you say,
"Daddy Love You More!".
You're beautiful baby from the outside in.
Chase your dreams but always know the road,
that'll lead you home again
Go on, take on this whole world.
But to me you know you'll always be,
my little girl.
Elizabeth watched from their table not far from the dance floor. She listened to the words of the song she'd never heard before and found it difficult to contain her tears. She watched as Tristan smiled and laughed, knowing that that is the way her life should be.
Someday, some boy will come and ask me for your hand.
But I won't say "yes" to him unless I know,
he's the half that makes you whole,
he has a poet's soul, and the heart of a man's man.
I know he'll say that he's in love.
But between you and me, he won't be good enough!
You're beautiful baby from the outside in.
Chase your dreams but always know the road
that'll lead you home again.
Go on, take on this whole world.
But to me you know you'll always be,
my little girl!
As the song ended, Jack kissed Tristan on the top of her head and held her hand as they walked back to the table. Elizabeth turned away, pretending to watch something in the distance as she wiped her eyes.
Turning back, Tristan enthusiastically announced that "Mr. Jack is a great dancer. You should dance with him."
Brushing an elusive tear away with her finger Elizabeth responded, "I will honey."
"Are you okay?" he asked as he watched her wipe away several more tears.
She whispered, "I haven't seen her this happy in so long. Thank you for doing that."
"It was my pleasure," he replied as he reached over, took hold of her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "Now, may I have this dance?"
To be continued…
Those who follow the facebook fan fiction pages, there will be pictures that go along with this chapter posted shortly.
