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 6- Protect Your Jewels
"Now, may I have this dance?" Jack held out his hand.
Elizabeth glanced over at Tristan, and observing her broad smile, she accepted.
They walked out onto the straw covered area as he gently held her hand. The band members looked at each other, and immediately began playing the Elvis Presley song, "Can't Help Falling in Love."
Wise men say only fools rush in
But I can't help falling in love with you
Shall I stay? Would it be a sin
Oh, if I can't help falling in love with you?
It was as if the dance floor belonged only to them, with the fathers having returned to their tables with their daughters and no one else venturing forward.
"Jack…"
"What is it?" he asked as his finger brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
Elizabeth again glanced back to their table and observed the smile that had not yet left Tristan's face. She rested her head on Jack's shoulder, knowing that they needed to talk, but right now, being held in his arms, didn't feel like the right time.
Like a river flows
Surely to the sea
Darling, so it goes
Some things are meant to be
Take my hand, take my whole life too
Oh, for I can't help falling in love with you
Oh, like a river flows
Surely to the sea
Darling, so it goes
Some things are meant to be
So take my hand, take my whole life too
For I can't help falling in love with you
Oh, ooh, oh, for I, I can't help falling in love with you
As the song ended, Jack leaned back; his finger under her chin lifted her head up and his lips gently pressed against the soft skin on her forehead.
"Thank you for the dance," he whispered as they made their way back to the table and a very excited seven year old.
Didn't I tell you that Mr. Jack was a good dancer?"
"Yes you did sweetheart, and you were right," Elizabeth stated as she glanced in Jack's direction and smiled.
"How come daddy never danced with us?"
Elizabeth hated making up excuses for Tommy, however, telling Tristan that her father was a poor excuse for a man certainly didn't seem appropriate either. "Some people just don't like dancing. You know it's like you love roller skating, but you hate skateboarding. Not everybody loves everything," she did her best to answer the question as simply as possible.
At the end of the day, and with the sun no longer bright in the sky, they made their way back home. They'd barely made it out of the parking lot before Tristan was sound asleep in the back seat.
Once back at Elizabeth's townhouse, Jack carried Tristan into the house and back to her room. Once she was in her pajamas and tucked into bed, Jack stood beside Elizabeth as he bent down and kissed Tristan on the forehead.
"Good night, little one…" he whispered.
After Elizabeth kissed Tristan good night, she and Jack walked out into the hallway together. As the door closed, Tristan's eyes opened, she smiled and whispered, "I love you Mr. Jack. I hope you love us too…"
Assuming that he was not ready to leave, Elizabeth went into the kitchen, "Would you like a glass of wine or a cup of coffee?"
"I'd love one, but it's been a long day, and I'm sure you're tired."
They walked to the front door. As he stood in the doorway, his glance moved between her mouth and her beautiful blue eyes. Her lips were rosy, soft and inviting, and oh how he ached to kiss them. However, he'd told her at the time of his proposal that physical affection was not required, so he intended to let her make the first move in that area.
However, he had to admit that the waiting was excruciating. His heart pounded and his feet felt as though they were stuck in concrete rendering him unable to move. Maybe if he stood there longer she'd take the bait and kiss him.
"Elizabeth, are you and Tristan free for dinner on Tuesday night?"
"Tristan has Brownies…"
"Brownies; is she taking a cooking class?"
"No silly, Brownie Girl Scouts, it's her weekly meeting, but it's over at 7 if you'd like to come over I can fix something for dinner."
"How about I get some chicken, and sides at KFC and I'll bring dinner."
"That sounds good, but just so you know, chicken legs are preferred for the kids."
"Elizabeth, if I remember correctly, you were a fan of chicken legs too."
"I was, and I still am…" she laughed.
"I'll be sure to keep that in mind."
As Jack started to walk toward the driveway, Elizabeth called out, "Jack…"
He turned around, and was certain that in the soft light of her entryway that she was even more beautiful than she had been just a moment before.
"If you get a chance, call me…"
With Elizabeth making the suggestion, Jack, assuming that she was beginning to feel more comfortable with their unorthodox agreement replied, "I'll always have time for you."
The following week, Jack called her every evening, happy to hear her voice, but disappointed when school obligations kept them apart during the week. Even dinner on Tuesday was a bust with Elizabeth having to stay late at school, and her parents stepping up to take Tristan to Brownies.
Additionally, on Saturday, Elizabeth was required to attend a seminar entitled, "No Child Left Behind," so the weekend wasn't looking good for them to get together either.
Sadly, during the week, Tristan began asking if Mr. Jack had another "kid," since she hadn't seen him in what she considered to be "Forever."
"Honey, sometimes schedules just keep people a part, but I'm sure we'll see him soon."
"If he has another kid, will he forget about me?"
"Absolutely not…"
"Why not; daddy did…" she cried out before running back to her room.
**Knock, knock, knock…
"Tristan, may I come in?" Elizabeth asked as she stood in the hallway side of Tristan's closed bedroom door.
"I guess so," she replied.
Elizabeth walked inside and finding Tristan lying on her stomach in bed clutching her Jackie doll, she took a seat beside her. "What are you worried about?"
"I saw Mr. Jack a lot and now he never comes over, and we don't go anyplace together."
Elizabeth placed her hand on Tristan's back doing her best to soothe her, "What does that mean to you?"
"Is he mad at us?"
"Honey, Jack has been calling and talking to me on the phone at night."
"May I talk to him?"
Elizabeth pulled her phone from her pocket and pressed his picture on her screen for a face time chat…
"How did you know I was thinking about you?"
"Um, right now I have a little girl whose feeling a bit left out and she'd like to talk to you," Elizabeth advised him.
"Is she there with you?" he asked.
"Yes, here she is…" Elizabeth handed Tristan the phone.
"Hey sweetheart, how are you?"
"Are you mad at me Mr. Jack?"
"No; why would I be mad at you?"
"I never see you anymore."
"Sometimes grownups just have schedules that keep us apart, but once your mom takes care of all of her school obligations, we'll get together again, okay?"
"I miss you, Mr. Jack."
"I miss you too."
Having heard his voice, and trusting that they will get together soon, she smiled and everything suddenly seemed to be right in her world. Looking forward to being with him again, she had no idea just how soon she would see him.
The following morning, Elizabeth felt quite special when she pulled into the elementary school parking lot and found Jack standing by his SUV with a cup of coffee in one hand for her and an apple juice box in the other for Tristan.
"I've missed both of you," Jack stated as he hugged Tristan whose arms were already wrapped around him.
"I've missed you too, Mr. Jack. I thought maybe you found another kid."
"No sweetheart, you and your mom are very special to me."
Elizabeth smiled, "I have to admit that I've missed you too."
"Are you free at all this weekend?" he asked.
"The seminar is scheduled to finish late and its a few hours away. Tristan will be with my parents, so I need to go there to pick her up. Maybe Sunday?"
"I'll call you," he stated as he kissed Elizabeth's cheek and watched as they both walked away.
Elizabeth walked into the building with another teacher, Mandy Rimes, who asked, "Is that Jack Thornton?"
"Excuse me?" Elizabeth responded.
"Jack Thornton, that wasn't really Jack Thornton from the music group The One That Got Away, was it?" Mandy asked again.
"Oh, yeah, that's him. We went to college together."
"Are you dating him?" Mandy asked.
"Why, are you interested?"
"I could very easily be interested. So, are you two dating?"
"Yes, I guess we are…"
As she and Tristan headed into school, Elizabeth couldn't help but to think to herself how much she was enjoying her contact with Jack again. Additionally, the interest in him from another teacher caused a slight twinge of jealousy that she had to admit, but was certainly not proud of.
Elizabeth also realized as she opened herself up more to Jack that the familiar butterflies that she remembered from so many years ago had returned. Additionally, she was pleased with the connection that he and Tristan seemed to be developing.
On Saturday night, Jack called Elizabeth as she left the seminar, talking with her for two hours, from the parking lot until she reached her parents home.
The conversation flowed easily without Tommy, work or his band's breakup entering the conversation.
"Thank you for keeping me company."
"My pleasure; sleep well."
"You too, Jack."
As he hung up the phone he realized that he hadn't asked her to spend Sunday with him. He immediately called her back, but with her phone left in the console and her in her parent's house picking up Tristan, his call went unanswered.
The following morning (Sunday)…
It was 9am, and Elizabeth and Tristan were on their way out the door for church.
Elizabeth's phone rang, "Good morning, Jack."
"Did I call too early?"
"No, of course not; Tristan and I are on our way to church. How are you this morning?"
"Lonely; I miss you two…"
"That's sweet."
"Hey, it's a beautiful day. Do you think you and Tristan could come over for a cook out and some swimming?" he asked.
"I think I know the answer, but let me see…" Elizabeth held the phone as she turned to Tristan and asked, "Do you want to go swimming at Mr. Jack's house after church?"
"YES," she squealed.
"I guess you heard. After church we'll come back and get our suits. Oh, what's the address?"
"1549 Ponce De Leon Drive. I'll get stuff to cook out," he stated.
"Do you need us to bring anything?"
"Just your bathing suits…although for adult swim after dark, swimsuits are optional…"
"Jack…"
"I'm just teasing…"
"Okay, we'll see you soon."
All through her Sunday school class, Elizabeth's thoughts were on the bathing suits she had and what would be appropriate to wear. She did recall a one-piece suit she had from years ago that was a gift from her sister, Julie. She didn't recall ever having worn it, which led her to believe that it would be far from appropriate for a family outing.
After Sunday school, Elizabeth went by and picked up Tristan from her class. As they walked past the sanctuary doors, Tristan commented, "Aren't we staying for church?"
Elizabeth walked her outside, "I need to go to the store and get us new bathing suits," she whispered as they continued to the car.
Across town, Jack walked out of Wal-Mart, having picked up hot dogs, hamburgers, buns, steaks, chips, condiments, drinks, cookies, strawberries, and s'mores fixings to cook over the backyard fire pit.
Opening the back of his SUV, he rearranged several bags containing swimmies for Tristan, floats and various games to be played in the pool. He stopped by the local convenience store for ice to fill the cooler before heading home.
Elizabeth walked into the local department store and directly to the children's swimsuit department. Any suit picked out by Tristan would have been appropriate to wear. However, once they moved to the women's department, the story was not the same.
As she went from circular rack to circular rack, the suits were either too big, too small, too revealing, or as she had to admit to herself, not revealing enough. Sadly other dress shops had not yet opened, so they headed for the checkout counter with her realizing that she'd have to make do with a suit she already owned.
Out of the corner of her eye, she found a high waist bikini with a floral bottom and a blue top. Surprised that it appeared pretty and sexy without being too revealing, she pulled it from the rack.
Walking passed the men's department Tristan stopped Elizabeth and pulled her over to see the teal "change holder."
"Look mommy, it's that color you like and it will hold your keys and money and your jewels," Tristan stated as she pulled it from the rack.
"My jewels?" she replied before realizing what the item was.
Pointing to the sign… "NOW SOMETHING COLORFUL TO HOLD YOUR JEWELS…"
"Honey, put that back it isn't a change holder, and mommy's jewels aren't what they are referring to," she quietly stated, uncertain how to explain that it was a man's thong bathing suit. "It's for men," Elizabeth called out as Tristan appeared to be in awe of the colors it was offered in.
"I've never seen Mr. Jack wear rings; does he have jewels?" Tristan asked.
"I'm sure he does," Elizabeth responded trying her best not to make a big deal out of the subject.
"Maybe we should get him one for his jewels; they have it in blue…"
"That's nice, but I'm sure his jewels are fine."
"Mommy, have you ever seen his jewels? Are they big?"
"Honey," she pulled Tristan aside and whispered, "We need to stop talking about Mr. Jack's jewels, okay?"
"I'm sorry mommy. I just want them to be safe. Don't you want to keep them safe mommy? He might want to give them to you one day," she stated before becoming quiet.
"I'm sure he'll keep them safe."
They rushed to the checkout counter where Elizabeth paid for Tristan's first choice, the multi colored unicorn suit, her own sexy but appropriate bikini, and several beach towels before exiting the store and heading home.
On their way home, Tristan asked, "Did I do something wrong mommy?"
"No honey why?"
"Because you sounded mad."
"I wasn't mad, but we were just in a rush. I'm sorry if you thought I was upset with you," Elizabeth was calm, and hopeful that the jewel holder would not come up in the conversation once at Jack's.
Once home, they changed into their suits with Elizabeth pulling out a pair of shorts and a t-shirt for Tristan, and a white crocheted cover up with flared sleeves for her. She grabbed the sunscreen out of the bathroom, and they rushed out of the house and headed to Jack's.
They pulled into his driveway, with Tristan being in awe of the house. She had seen large houses before; her Nana and Pop-Pop actually lived in what she considered a castle, but Jack was the first person she'd ever met who had a house as big as theirs.
Elizabeth grabbed their bag from the back seat and they walked along the brick sidewalk to the front door.
Jack was around back attempting to gain his breath after personally blowing up all of the pool toys when Elizabeth rang the doorbell.
"Hey, come on in," he offered, excited to see them both.
"Jack, this house is beautiful," she stated as they stepped inside. "Are you okay?" she asked, concerned by his lack of breath.
"I'm fine; I've just been blowing up rafts and stuff," he breathlessly replied as they glanced out the bay doors and observed floats in the shape of a flamingo, dog, a three seat chair, and a flip flop.
"You blew them up?" she asked.
"Sure did…"
"Next time, a bicycle pump will work wonders, or maybe even a small air compressor."
"I'll be sure to look into that."
He took the bag from her hand, and led them on a tour of the house. They walked through the den with the high exposed beam ceiling, the kitchen with storage to die for, and a huge window over the sink which overlooked his backyard and the canal that backed up to his property. The kitchen and den were open and it seemed quite warm to be able to cook and socialize simultaneously.
The entryway was alternating black and white ceramic tile which led to a winding staircase, with his music room being located behind the stairs, containing his piano and other equipment.
There was a huge bathroom off of the back porch/pool area with a glass shower, and a half bath off of the entryway.
Upstairs, the bedrooms were massive, with each one having their own bathroom. With floral décor and a woman's touch, the first bedroom on the left had remained as his mothers. Jack's room had a distinct masculine vibe with six large windows providing a lot of light and an attached study. Three more bedrooms were located along the expansive hallway.
Over the garage was what Elizabeth would call a man cave with a bar and high powered stereo system.
Once back out in the yard, Tristan was itching to get into the pool. "How deep does it go?" Elizabeth asked.
"Its three feet in the shallow end and the rope marks where it starts getting deeper. The deep end is eight feet," Jack offered as he held up the swimmies and life preserver for Elizabeth to choose.
Elizabeth took the swimmies from his hand and slipped them up Tristan's arms. "Okay, do you see the ladder to get out of the pool?"
"Yes ma'am," Tristan replied.
"You don't go passed that, okay?"
"Okay…"
As they sat by the pool, all Jack could think about was how gorgeous she must look under that cover up. Elizabeth, on the other hand couldn't seem to get his jewels off of her mind, giggling softly at her daughter's innocent thought.
"Mr. Jack, mommy, aren't you going swimming?" Tristan called out from the pool.
"Do you want to get in?" Jack asked.
"Sure," she replied as she stood up, pulled off her cover up and walked toward the steps.
"Oh GOD, I'm dead," he whispered under his breath as he observed her tanned body, still as toned and beautiful as ever.
"Did you say something?" she turned around and asked.
"No," he swallowed hard. He was thankful that he would be in the water, because when it came to Elizabeth, he had very little control over his body.
Elizabeth turned back around and walked down the steps into the pool, satisfied that by his expression, her new suit had obtained the reaction she was shooting for.
They played Marco Polo in the shallow end, with Jack and Elizabeth both allowing Tristan to win. Tristan showed them both how she could hold her breath under water, and as she swam from side to side, Elizabeth realized that the swimming lessons she took over the summer were quite beneficial. Jack then placed Tristan on his shoulders and walked her into the deep end under Elizabeth's watchful eye.
There was a great deal of laughter coming from Jack's back yard, and by all accounts they seemed like a family. They played in the pool, wrestled in the yard and after they cooked out, they held hands as they walked along the dock and watched as other boats came back through the canal.
Although Tristan was exhausted, she sat by the fire pit waiting for the chance to make a s'mores treat. Jack grabbed the graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate bars and started for the back door. Struck by an idea, he placed some strawberries on the plate, stepped outside and took his seat with the ladies by the fire pit.
Jack and Elizabeth giggled at Tristan's excitement as the chocolate melted onto her hand.
"Strawberries?" Elizabeth asked as she picked one up to eat it.
"I'm making you a special treat," Jack mentioned as he toasted a marshmallow, and crushed a graham cracker."
"Hmm, what are you making?" she asked.
"It's called Chocolate Strawberry Crumb Mallow Delight…"
"Huh…? You just made that up," she teased as she watched him mold the toasted marshmallow around the strawberry.
"Well yes, it's the first time I've made it, but I'm sure it will be great," he replied as he rolled the marshmallow covered strawberry in slightly melted chocolate.
Jack took his concoction and sprinkled crushed graham crackers over it before handing it to Elizabeth.
Jack watched as she started at the bottom and took a bite out of the strawberry. With a drizzle of chocolate left on her mouth, her thumb brushed across her lips. Before she was able to remove the chocolate from her thumb, Jack took hold of her hand, as his lips and tongue removed the sweet treat.
For a brief moment, they were alone. Their hearts pounded in unison as they made eye contact, something that they used to comfortably share. Breathing the same air, they each stepped closer, a kiss seemingly imminent.
"I want a strawberry chocolaty thing too," Tristan called out as Jack and Elizabeth returned their attention to the high on chocolate seven year old.
Jack made Tristan his strawberry treat and handed it to her before returning his attention to Elizabeth and the thought of the kiss they almost shared.
With chocolate and strawberry juice running down her arm and sticky marshmallow stuck to her fingers, Tristan was in desperate need of a shower. Ever the kind host, Jack offered his facilities which Elizabeth graciously accepted.
With Tristan now clean, and dressed for bed, Elizabeth offered to help tidy up before they left. Jack declined her offer, but when Elizabeth went back to get Tristan, she was sound asleep on the sofa.
"Honey, come on, we need to get going; you have school tomorrow." The groan Tristan released showed Elizabeth that getting up early the next morning for school was certainly not pleasing to her ears.
"I should have told you to pack other clothes and you could have just stayed over…" he suggested.
"Jack…" her tone sounded incredulous however, her mind was rationalizing the offer.
"Elizabeth, I have five bedrooms in this house. There is plenty of room."
"Well, maybe next time we can plan ahead."
"So there will be a next time?" he asked.
"I'd like there to be…"
Jack carried Tristan out to the car and stood with her in his arms as Elizabeth opened the trunk to store her beach bag.
"What's that?"
"Oh, that's Tristan's bag from when I went to New York and she stayed with my parents."
"Do you have any clothes in there?"
"I don't think so," she stated as she opened the lock and looked inside. "Oh wait, I packed an outfit in case I stayed at my parents the night I got back."
"Well good; can you wear that?"
"Yes…"
"Great, let's get her back inside and into bed," he stated as he turned around and started back toward the house.
"Jack, are you sure it's okay?"
"Elizabeth, I wouldn't have offered if I thought it was a bad idea."
Elizabeth grabbed their clothes from the suitcase and following Jack back inside as he carried Tristan upstairs to one of the guest bedrooms.
Elizabeth pulled back the covers and Jack laid her gently on the bed. Each one tucked her in and kissed her on the forehead before slipping out of the room.
"Do you have anything I can sleep in?" she asked.
Jack slipped into his room to find her something when she found a white dress shirt hanging on the door knob of one of the rooms. Sticking her head in his room she held up the shirt, "I found something; is this okay?"
"Sure, help yourself."
"Thank you for a great day, Jack. Tristan and I have had a wonderful time," she stated as she started toward the staircase to clean up the kitchen and back deck.
"What are you doing?" he asked.
"I'm going to help you clean up."
"Elizabeth, that's not necessary. You have to work in the morning; go on to bed, I'm fine."
"Jack, we can sit here and argue about it or we can just go ahead and get it cleaned up. So, what's it gonna be?"
"Okay, thanks for the help," he responded as they stepped out into the back yard.
With the yard now clean, and all of the trash secured in bags, Jack and Elizabeth took a seat on the edge of the pool as their legs dangled in the water.
"Thank you for coming over today."
"Thank you for inviting us."
In the soft light of the full moon, Jack couldn't take his eyes off of her. "I've missed you so much, Elizabeth."
She smiled, "Jack," her heart pounded, wanting desperately to give into the feelings she remembered; the feelings she currently felt. Afraid to give in, she looked down into the water.
Jack's finger under her chin turned her face in his direction, "I love you…I've always loved you."
"Jack…" she whispered.
Unable to wait any longer, Jack leaned in. His lips met hers and they were every bit as soft and enjoyable as he remembered all those many years ago.
He leaned back, "I'm sorry; I over stepped…"
"Don't apologize; I've missed you; I've missed what we had together," she responded, her tone was softer, gentler, much different from their recent meeting in New York City.
He put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her into his body as they sat quietly. As crickets chirped, and boats quietly moved about the canal, each one took in this special moment as they thought back to the love they'd shared and erroneously assumed was lost.
"Would you like a glass of wine?" he asked.
"That sounds good. May I help you with anything?" she asked.
"No, you get comfortable, and I'll be right back."
When he returned, Elizabeth was standing down at the end of the yard staring out into the canal.
"Here you go," he stated as he handed her a glass of white wine. "What's on your mind?"
"Nothing; it's just been a great day. Thank you for putting that smile back on Tristan's face; that means the world to me."
"She's a great kid, Elizabeth. Tommy's missing out…"
"He is missing out, but I don't want him having time with her; I don't feel safe with her in his care. He drinks and he's abusive and I just don't…"
Jack wrapped her in his arms and pulled her into his body, "Shh, I'm sorry…we'll protect her."
Elizabeth pushed away from him, "As far as I'm concerned, she's lucky that he doesn't want to see her. Jack he's bad news, and she deserves so much better than what he could ever offer," she stated as she turned and started back toward the house.
She caught her breath before apologizing, "I'm sorry; I shouldn't have snapped at you. You've been nothing but kind to her, to both of us. I'll bet you're wondering now why you even came home."
"I came home for you; I came home to fight for the family we always said we'd have together, and if necessary, we'll fight him together, okay?"
"It does feel good to have someone on my side."
"I'm sure your parents are on your side," he remarked.
"Of course, but I don't like to worry them, so I just don't tell them when I'm concerned about Tommy. So far, since he's not fighting to see her, I'm resting easy, but my claws will come out if necessary."
"I'm going to bed, but thanks again for a beautiful day, Jack. Tristan and I had a wonderful time," she stated as she walked inside the house and headed for Tristan's room.
To be continued…
There will be pictures that go along with this chapter posted shortly in the comments section of the facebook fan fiction pages.
