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 14- He's a Keeper

The following day, Jack helped Tristan into her booster seat in the back of his SUV before turning his attention to Elizabeth. Seated in the passenger seat, Jack reached for her seatbelt.

Tristan had her backpack in her lap as they planned to drop her off at school on their way to Elizabeth's doctor's appointment.

"Honey, I can get that," Elizabeth stated as she placed her hand over his.

"Humor me," he replied as his lips gently met hers.

"I just don't want you thinking I'm helpless."

"Elizabeth, I know you aren't helpless, but I do like taking care of you," he stated as he glanced into the back seat, "I like taking care of both of you."

"See mommy, it's true…"

"What's true?"

"Nana says that Pop-Pop is a keeper; I think Mr. Jack is a keeper too…"

"I think you're right, honey."

"Mommy…"

"Yes honey…"

"What's a keeper…?"

"Honey, why would you say that Jack is a keeper if you don't know what it is?" Elizabeth asked.

"Because Nana loves Pop-Pop a whole bunch, so it has to be good. I mean if I want to keep a doll baby it means I love it, right?"

"Well, you're right; I think you and I want to keep Jack around, right?"

"Right…I told Mr. Jack a secret."

"You did…?" Elizabeth responded. "Do I get to hear?"

"Maybe sometime; right Mr. Jack?" she called out from the back seat.

"That's right sweetie," he replied as he glanced over at Elizabeth who gave him a sly 'you better tell me the secret' kind of look.

Jack pulled into the school parking lot and helped Tristan from her seat. Seeing Elizabeth's door open he asked, "Are you coming with us?"

"Jack, I appreciate you bringing her to school and taking care of things here, but I need to do more for myself so I can build up my stamina," she advised.

As they slowly walked into school, Jack stopped at the 'check-in' desk before he and Tristan headed down the hallway to her class, as Elizabeth observed female teachers gawking at them when they passed. Elizabeth had to smile at the giddiness of several of the women who she could only assume were familiar with Jack, the musician, but must have been surprised to see him at their school.

As they reached the intersection of the hallway, Tristan turned around to see Elizabeth still watching them. Waving goodbye, she and Jack turned the corner and made their way to her classroom while Elizabeth headed to the office to check in with the principal.

The women in the office gathered around, excited to see her. "When are you coming back to work?" several of the women asked in unison.

Elizabeth admitted, "I'd love to come back, but my relationship with Jack is big news for the paparazzi, and I just don't know if they will let it rest."

Elizabeth glanced in the principal's office, but finding it empty she continued, "All of the media attention makes me a liability to the school." Elizabeth leaned against the counter, "I want to thank you guys for the beautiful flowers, but I'm not staying at my place anymore."

"Are you with your parents?" one of the women asked.

"Actually, no…we're staying with Jack…"

One of the younger secretaries blurted out, "You're living in his house in Rio Vista? That place is gorgeous."

Elizabeth, quite surprised, looked directly at the woman, "How do you know where he lives?"

"Well, pictures of his house and him decking a security guard were all over the National Inquisitor and Star Maker," she admitted.

"Oh yeah, right; well, he was trying to get to Tristan when the fight happened," Elizabeth commented.

The woman laughed, "Didn't look too much like a fight to me. According to the picture and the article, it was one punch and he dropped him to the ground."

"Well, since I couldn't do stairs when I was released from the hospital, Jack rented a beautiful ranch style house for us," Elizabeth smiled as she observed Jack walking passed the front office glass entryway. She waved her hand calling him inside.

"How long do you think you'll be out?" one of the women asked.

Before Elizabeth could answer, Jack walked into the office and unintentionally stole all of the attention. She stood off to the side while her co-workers snapped selfies with Jack, finally tapping the watch on her wrist advising Jack that they needed to leave.

As they were walking toward the door, Maggie Snyderman, one of the secretaries asked, "If you aren't at home, how did you get the flowers?"

"My dad is getting my place cleaned up so I can sell it. He was overseeing some of the work when the flowers were delivered. I just wanted to tell you that I appreciate everything," Elizabeth smiled.

"We want you to come back soon," Maggie yelled out as the door closed.

Elizabeth smiled as the door opened again, "Thank you. I miss my kids and all of you guys. I'm not sure when my doctor will release me, and I have no idea when Mr. Arrington will allow me back. Is Casey Howard doing okay with my kids?"

"She's the best substitute, so at least until you come back, you know your students are in the best of care, Mallory Sloan, another teacher who was checking her mailbox added. "But hurry back; we all miss you."

Jack leaned in and softly added, "We need to get going. Your doctor's appointment is in 30 minutes."

"Okay," she acknowledged as she turned back to her co-workers. "Thank you; I miss all of you too," Elizabeth responded as she waved goodbye.

Jack took her hand and they walked toward the entrance of the building as the women in the office watched and swooned.

They walked hand in hand out into the parking lot as Jack opened the passenger side door and Elizabeth carefully slipped inside. It was uncomfortably quiet in the vehicle until Jack spoke up.

"You miss teaching, don't you?" Jack asked.

She said nothing, but simply shook her head up and down.

"I'm sorry; I didn't intend to shake up your life like this. I guess I've gotten used to the paparazzi, so I rarely think about them; I forget those that I care about may not have the same impression of them."

She glanced in his direction, reached over and placed her hand on top of his as it rested on the console between them. "No need to apologize, Jack. It's your life, and Tristan and I know that. Besides, Tommy is the one who wrecked havoc in our lives and he had nothing to do with the paparazzi," she stated as Jack observed her eyes water.

He shut off the engine and turned in his seat to better face her, "We're going to get through this; I promise you, we'll be stronger together as a result.

"Jack, actually I'm thankful for your life and lifestyle."

Looking shocked he replied, "Really…that surprises me."

"It shouldn't; because of the paparazzi, you hired Matt…which reminds me, when can I meet him?"

"We're going to pick up lunch and go by my house after your doctor's appointment. He'll be there, but I was going to make it a surprise for you…SURPRISE!"

"Thank you, Jack; I need to tell him how much I appreciate what he did for me," her tears were quickly replaced by a feeling of gratitude.

Jack pulled her hand up to his lips. As he looked into her eyes, his own watered, "I'm thankful to him too."

"Oh, I know…he saved you from Tommy, so I have several things to thank him for," she replied.

"No…well that too, but I'm thankful for what he did for you. If I had lost you…" his head lowered, easily showing that although he was the one staying strong, he wasn't immune to the emotional turmoil of Tommy's actions.

Elizabeth's other hand rested along Jack's cheek, "Hey, you need to talk about it too."

"I know, but I don't want to add any stress to you," he mentioned as he took a deep breath, momentarily closed his eyes while his free hand covered hers.

"Jack…look at me…" she waited as his head lifted and their eyes met. "I appreciate everything you have done and are doing for Tristan and me, but you need to deal with it too."

"I've added enough to your stress by adding the paparazzi to the mix."

"Jack, because of the paparazzi, you hired Matt, and because of what Matt did at the bank, you and I are still here," she smiled as her perfectly formed tears fell. "To be honest, I have a new appreciation for the paparazzi."

Jack reached up and brushed away several of her tears before turning his head away from her to wipe his own. "Let's get you to your doctor's appointment."

"Jack," she whispered causing him to turn back in her direction. "I know you said that you'd go with me to counseling, but will you participate?"

Assuming that he would be like her and initially fight the suggestion, she was pleasantly surprised when he responded, "Yes, I think all of us need to have a safe place to talk about it."

Jack leaned over and pressed his lips to her cheek, "I love you, and I know that this, all of it is going to make us stronger in the long run." He started the engine, backed out of the parking space and pulled out onto the main road.

Fifteen minutes later, they pulled into the medical center parking lot, and parked in front of Dr. Hardison's office building. Walking inside, Elizabeth checked in at the front desk before taking a seat next to Jack in the waiting area.

"Ms. Parker…" the nurse called out.

Sadly, every time she heard her last name it made her skin crawl. She had chosen not to return to her maiden name because of Tristan, but now that Tommy was gone they could both consider changing their last name to "Thatcher."

Elizabeth approached the nurse, "Is it okay if Jack comes with me?"

"If it's okay with you, I'm sure Dr. Hardison doesn't mind," the nurse advised.

Elizabeth turned back and called out to Jack, "Do you want to come with me?"

He closed the Sports Illustrated magazine he was reading and sat it on the table beside his seat. He stood up and quickly approached Elizabeth, "Are you sure you want me back there with you?"

She leaned in and giggled, "Jack it isn't a gynecological exam; its fine if you want to go with me."

He laughed realizing that he was being silly, "Yes, let's go,"

The nurse took them back to the exam room and offered them both a seat. Looking at Elizabeth she asked, "So how are you feeling?"

"Physically, I feel pretty good. I'm weak but I think it's because I've just been lying in bed. Hopefully Dr. Hardison will release me today and I can start doing more things," Elizabeth nervously responded.

The nurse took Elizabeth's temperature, blood pressure and checked her respiration, "All looks good. Dr. Hardison will be in to see you in a few minutes."

"Thank you," Elizabeth stated as the nurse left the room, leaving her and Jack alone for a few moments.

"You look nervous," Elizabeth commented. "If you don't want to stay, it's okay.

"No, I don't want you to be alone; I'm fine," he assured her.

The door opened, "Hello Elizabeth…Mr. Thornton, how are you both doing?"

Elizabeth quickly stated, "I feel pretty good physically."

"Physically…? Is something else wrong?" he asked, aware of what Jack had stated over the phone but allowing her to express it herself.

"I've been having nightmares and…well, I'm going to go to counseling," she advised.

"All of us are," Jack added.

"Well, I think that shows great insight; do you have a counselor?"

"I called the Fort Lauderdale Therapy Center, but I'm waiting for someone to call me back to schedule something," she stated as Dr. Hardison had her lay back on the table so he could check her surgical site.

Although Jack held her hand, he turned his head as Dr. Hardison lifted her shirt to just under her bra. Examining the well healed incision, Dr. Hardison quickly removed the eight staples, pulled her shirt back down and helped her sit back up.

"Well Elizabeth, physically I think you're doing well. You should feel comfortable doing more things, just don't over exert yourself," Dr. Hardison advised.

"Is it safe for her to go camping?" Jack asked.

"If she feels like it, I see no reason why she can't."

"Camping?" she asked as she looked in Jack's direction.

"We'll discuss it," Jack replied.

After her appointment and release from Dr. Hardison, they walked out to Jack's SUV, "Camping?" she asked as they stood outside the passenger side of his vehicle.

"You know, Tristan was looking forward to her Brownie troop camping trip and well, we know how that turned out. I thought we could take her," he suggested.

"When…?"

"How about next weekend?" he asked. "That will give you a little more recovery time."

She smiled, "Sounds perfect."

Once they were in the SUV and heading to pick up lunch before meeting Matt, Elizabeth asked, "Jack, where's my car?"

"I was wondering when you were going to ask."

"I haven't needed it and to be honest, it was messed up and I don't even know if I want it anymore."

"It's at my house; I had it detailed. If you want it, I have the keys, but if you don't then we'll sell it and get you something else."

She took a deep breath, "I don't think I want it. I loved that car, but every time I get in it, I'll see Tommy and feel his hands…"

Jack pulled off the road and into a Wal-Mart parking lot, "Elizabeth…di…did he…?"

"No Jack, but he was either holding my hand or punching me," she stated. I'd had enough and I started fighting back. I'm not sure, but I think I broke his nose…there was blood everywhere, but thankfully, it wasn't all mine."

"How about you think about what you'd like, and we'll just trade it in on something new," Jack suggested.

"I think it's probably the best idea, but Jack, it's not your responsibility to help me with my car."

"Maybe not, but I consider us a couple and I want you and Tristan in something safe," he replied.

"Thank you…"

Jack took hold of her hand as they pulled out of the parking space and headed for the highway. Before reaching his "Castle" as Tristan referred to it, Jack pulled into Laspada's Original Hoagies, and left the SUV running while he went inside to pick up lunch.

Ten minutes later he walked out with a ham and cheese for Elizabeth, a roast beef and turkey for himself, and an Italian special for Matt. A few minutes later, he pulled into his driveway as several members of the paparazzi jumped from their vehicles and began taking pictures.

Jack opened his garage door and pulled the SUV inside, closing the door behind them.

Matt opened the door, and his stance and surprised expression showed that he was expecting someone other than Jack.

"Hey, it's just us. I brought lunch," he stated as Matt walked around and opened Elizabeth's door.

"Hi," he said; "You look so much better than the last time I saw you," Matt took her hand and helped her out.

Elizabeth said nothing, she was unable to breathe much less speak. As she stood close to the man who had effectively saved her life, her arms went around his neck and she pulled herself against him. Her tears flowed, and somewhat surprising to Jack, so did Matt's.

Elizabeth finally released him, "I don't know how to thank you…"

"It's not necessary; I was just doing my job; I'm just sorry that I wasn't able to keep you from getting shot."

Jack took Elizabeth's hand and the three of them walked into his house. Jack pulled several bottles of water from the refrigerator and they sat down at the table for lunch.

Many topics were discussed, but first and foremost, Elizabeth was finally provided with an opportunity to express her appreciation to Matt for what he'd done. With Elizabeth sitting at the table, Jack broached the subject of Matt staying in Fort Lauderdale and opening up a security business together.

"I appreciate the offer but I already have a business in LA," Matt stated.

"I know, but other than your business, do you have anyone special in LA?" Jack asked.

"No, I've been too busy to date."

Elizabeth cut in, "I'm going to go sit out by the pool and let you two talk, okay?"

The two men stood up as Elizabeth left the room. She slipped out the back door and sat by the pool watching the boats cruise in and out of the inlet.

"Matt," Jack began, "You can't tell me that you don't love it here. The weather is beautiful, much like LA…"

"What about the women," Matt teased.

"Well, I found Elizabeth here, but that I can't answer for you because I'm no longer looking."

Matt was obviously deep in thought as Jack continued, "Please just think about it. You could have free run of the everyday security part of the company and I'd handle more of the business aspect."

"I have to say it is quite tempting," Matt commented. "I've been thinking about a change for awhile. I mean, why do you think that I hopped on a plane so quickly and flew out here when you called?"

"Because you love me," Jack laughed.

"Well, you are one of my best friends, so I guess I do love you, but I think I also wanted to make some changes. So, I'll think about it."

"I'll make it worth your while financially," Jack added.

"Yes, you sure will," Matt stated as both men laughed.

The following week seemed to initially pass slowly, but as soon as they hit Wednesday and Jack still needed to obtain equipment and other essentials for their camping trip, the next few days seemed to fly by.

Friday morning arrived. Tristan was out of school for a teacher work day, and since Elizabeth had not yet been allowed to return to her teaching position, they were able to leave this morning for their camping trip. Tristan was excited, and was treating this camping trip much like Christmas, finding it difficult to sleep the night before.

Elizabeth brought her bag out to the den, having both hers and Tristan's clothes packed together. "Where's Jack?"

Tristan was sitting on the sofa watching cartoons, "He said he'd be back in a little while. He needed to go pick up some things for the trip."

"Hmm," Elizabeth slipped into the bathroom to blow dry her hair. "What's that, mommy?" Tristan asked as she walked in and found Elizabeth using a flat iron.

"It's called a flat iron and it helps straighten mommy's hair," Elizabeth replied.

Glancing in the mirror and observing her curly locks Tristan asked, "Can you straiten my hair?"

"I can, but your hair is beautiful like it is," Elizabeth assured her.

"But I want to look like you, please?"

Thinking that it may be easier to keep tangles out of her hair without all of the curls Elizabeth agreed. Fifteen minutes later, Tristan now had straight hair.

Elizabeth separated Tristan's hair into two high and two low ponytails, criss-crossing the top two and using bands to include them in the bottom two ponytails.

Elizabeth and Tristan walked out of the bathroom, each one with their straight hair, Elizabeth's in a ponytail, and Tristan's in pigtails.

"Oh my, you two look beautiful," Jack stated as he walked into the den and watched their smiles broaden.

"Thank you, Mr. Jack. Mommy straightened my hair," Tristan advised, as though he hadn't already noticed.

"I see that. You look beautiful with curly and straight hair," he responded.

"I'll get my stuff and then we can pack up," Jack stated as he walked down the hall with a small bag tucked under his arm.

With the SUV packed, and Tristan in her booster seat, Jack opened Elizabeth's door and helped her inside. Once he was behind the wheel, he started the engine and they were off on their adventure.

Tristan was excited when they pulled into the campsite at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. Seeing the dock off in the distance she asked, "Mr. Jack, can we go fishing?"

"Of course; how about tomorrow after breakfast?" he asked as he looked in the rear view mirror and caught Tristan's glance.

Continuing to direct his comments to Tristan he stated, "Let me get the tent up and then we'll go for a walk if it isn't too late," he responded before turning to Elizabeth and asking, "Is that okay with you?"

"Sure, we can all go…" Elizabeth responded.

"Well, we could but I need to talk to Tristan about something…" Jack replied.

"Do you mind me asking what it is?" curiosity had quickly gained control of her.

"You'll find out soon enough," he assured her as he pulled the bag containing the tent from the back of his SUV and carried it over to the perfect flat spot on their site.

Elizabeth laughed as she watched him pull piece after piece after piece from the bag, laying it out in order as if he was putting together an artificial Christmas tree with varying size branches.

Jack advised her that he needed no help in putting the tent together, so she sat in one of the blue/grey director's chairs with side tables he'd gotten for her and him. Tristan was excited for her special chair, a pink/purple junior director's chair with a side table and on the top was imprinted with an emblem of the sun wearing sunglasses and "Happy Camper" below it.

As Jack began fiddling with the tent pieces, Tristan walked up, "Mr. Jack, I can help you."

"You can?"

"Yes sir; this is the big piece and this pole thingy goes through here," she stated as she pointed to the opening in the tent material where the poles fit through.

"How do you know how to put this together?" he asked.

"When we were planning our camping trip in Brownies, Sarah Stanley's dad came in and showed us how to do it," she admitted.

"Ahh, I see," Jack responded.

As Jack continued to work on the tent, Elizabeth cooked dinner, fixing Tristan a plate, and seating her at the folding picnic table. She walked over to see if she could help Jack who was struggling with one of the side entrances on the three room cabin tent.

"Do you need some help" she asked.

Jack smiled before releasing a frustrated breath. "Do you happen to have Sarah Stanley's number? I think I need to talk to her dad…" he laughed just before the final pole snapped into place. "There, I knew I could do it."

"Tristan and I had no doubt…"

Two sleeping bags, one in purple for Tristan, and a red one for Elizabeth were placed in the room on the left, while Jack's sleeping bag in black was placed in the separate room next to them.

"Mr. Jack, there's room next to mommy; can't you sleep with us?" Tristan asked.

"Honey, he's right there," Elizabeth stated as she held out her hand as the tips of their fingers touched.

"But what if there's a bear…?" Tristan asked.

"Honey, we're fine; just snuggle in and go to sleep. We have a lot of things to do and enjoy tomorrow," Elizabeth kissed her forehead and zipped up her sleeping bag.

"I love you, Elizabeth."

"I love you too, but…"

"But…but what?"

"Jack, are there any bears out here?" she asked to which he laughed softly. "Why are you laughing?"

"I remember my dad taking Tom and me camping when I was a teenager; Tom was close to 10, I guess. Tom asked about bears and my dad told us that he didn't think there were any, but to be careful. I started putting on my tennis shoes before I got into my sleeping bag and Tom asked, 'why are you putting on your shoes?'"

"Why were you putting on your shoes?" she asked.

Jack laughed, "I told him that if there was a bear I wanted to be able to run. Tom said, 'you think you can outrun a bear?' and I said, 'I don't have to outrun the bear; I just have to outrun you…"

"Oh my word; Jack Thornton, that was mean. What did he do?" Elizabeth couldn't help the visual of a teenage Jack teasing his brother.

"He put on his shoes and slipped into the sleeping bag."

"Were there any bears?" she asked.

"We never saw any…" he replied.

"So are there any bears out here?" Elizabeth reiterated Tristan's earlier question.

"We'll be careful honey…hey, what are you doing?" Jack sat up in his sleeping bag.

"Putting on my shoes…" she stated as she slipped back into her running shoes.

"Honey, I was just kidding," he assured her.

"I'm not taking any chances, Jack…"

Somehow during the night, Jack's sleeping bag ended up next to Elizabeth and they awoke to find his hand entwined with hers.

"Morning," she stated as she observed him resting his head on his elbow as he watched over her and Tristan.

'Did you sleep well?" he asked.

"Once I got the visual of bears out of my head I was able to sleep, so thank you very much for scaring the bejeebers out of me," she teased.

"Bejeebers…? Is that even a word?" he teased.

"It is now…" she replied.

Jack leaned over and they kissed as Tristan began to stir in the sleeping bag beside Elizabeth.

"Good morning sleepy head," Jack called out as Tristan yawned and rubbed her eyes.

Sitting up in her sleeping bag Tristan looked over at Jack and Elizabeth. Although they were in their individual sleeping bags, he had his arms around her as their bodies touched as much as possible. "I told you that there was room for Mr. Jack to sleep with you."

Elizabeth giggled before whispering to Jack, "Out of the mouth of babes, but don't get any ideas." She slipped out of her sleeping bag…

Too late… he thought.

"Mommy wore her shoes to bed, that's funny…" Tristan laughed.

"Well now I'm ready to go cook us some breakfast," Elizabeth stated as she pulled a pair of blue jeans, Tristan's favorite rainbow imprinted panties and a white tank top out of the bag for her daughter.

Jack followed Elizabeth outside and immediately put on a pot of coffee. He walked out toward the water, inhaling deeply and taking in all of the fresh air.

"The coffee smells good," she commented as he walked back over to where she was cooking and immediately took her into his arms. Their lips met; it was soft and warm, and carried more feeling and emotion than words could have ever expressed.

"The bacon…" he mentioned.

"Uh huh…"

"No, I mean, it's burning…" he called out as he released her from his embrace and she quickly removed the now crispy bacon from the griddle

"The bacon is a little on the crunchy side mommy. I love it like this…" Tristan stated as she grabbed a piece from the paper towel and took a seat at the table. Turning to Jack she asked, "Can we go fishing?"

"After breakfast, and then we can go hiking and I rented a boat so we can go out on the intercoastal waterway and see the trees and all of the wildlife," Jack advised.

"But no bears," Tristan quickly blurted out.

Jack and Elizabeth both laughed, "No bears," they responded in unison.

After breakfast, Elizabeth offered to stay at the campsite while Jack and Tristan walked down to the nearby dock to go fishing. Jack pulled two fishing rods and a fully stocked tackle box from the back of his SUV before grabbing some bait from the small cooler.

Jack took Tristan's hand and they walked the short distance to the end of the dock. He baited the hook for her before casting her line. As he squatted down beside her, he held the handle of the rod while he showed her how to reel the line in.

As the float rested on top of the water, Tristan took a seat beside Jack and they talked.

"So, how is school going?" he asked.

"Real good; I'm the room helper next week," she stated.

"That's wonderful…"

"Mr. Jack, can I ask you something?"

"Honey you can ask me anything."

"Do you like dogs?" she asked.

"I love dogs, why?" he responded.

Tristan lowered her head and looked into the water, "I want a dog. Mr. Jack I could talk to it, and I just want one, but…"

"But what?" he asked.

"Mom doesn't think I'm old enough to take care of a dog, but I am," she responded as her legs started swinging back and forth while she sat at the end of the dock. Her voice was soft, "Sometimes I just want to talk, and if I had a dog, well, I just think I'd feel better."

"Well, I'm no authority on it, but if you made sure your room was kept clean, help clear the table of dishes after meals and put your folded clothes away, maybe your mom would see that you are responsible and would consider a dog," Jack suggested.

"Do you think so?" she asked.

"Well, it can't hurt and it's the nice thing to do anyway."

"Can I ask you something else?" Tristan asked.

"Of course; what's on your mind?" Jack encouraged her to talk.

"It's just…" She glanced over and observed a snow goose on the other side of the waterway. "That's pretty."

"It sure is; is that what you wanted to talk about?" he asked.

"No sir…"

"What's on your mind…?"

"How long are we going to live with you?" she asked.

"Why, aren't you happy?" he initially was concerned by her question.

"Mr. Jack, I love living with you," she stated as she looked away and wiped her eyes.

"Pumpkin, what's wrong?" his arm around her shoulder pulled her closer.

"I'm afraid that we'll move away and we won't see you much anymore," she admitted. "I feel like we're a family."

"Well, there are a lot of different types of families."

"I know…"

"When you and your mommy lived together before you came to live with me, you were a family."

"I know, and we were a family when we lived with Tommy, but he was mean, and I'm glad we moved away," he felt her body stiffen slightly. "I don't want to move away from you Mr. Jack."

Realizing that children are all or nothing, an hour equals a lifetime, and out of sight means out of mind, he responded, "I love having you and your mom living with me. So you can stay as long as you like."

"Forever…?" she asked.

"I'd be happy if you did."

"Are you moving back to your castle?" she was quite serious when she asked.

"Which house do you like best?" he asked.

"The one we're in now…"

"Really…why?"

"Mr. Jack, if you have a castle then you can go for days and not see people in your family. I like seeing you and mommy," her voice had that childlike sincerity, yet a mature knowledge of life that at times far surpassed her years.

As they sat there chatting, the float on Tristan's line began bobbing below the water as she felt a tug on the fishing line, "Mr. Jack, Mr. Jack, I caught something…"

Elizabeth stood at the end of the dock and watched as Jack helped her reel in the Blue Striped Grunt, a yellow fish with blue horizontal stripes. Tristan was excited by the size of her catch, seven inches long and weighing somewhere around one pound. Although large to her, it was quite a bit smaller that the record eighteen inches long and weighing one pound and ten ounces.

Jack removed the hook from the fish's mouth as Tristan asked, "What do we do with him?"

"Well, some people catch them for food, but this type of fish is usually caught to display in aquariums. Why don't we release him…"

"Okay," she agreed and they both watched the fish as it disappeared in the water.

"You did a great job Pumpkin," Jack put his arm around her and gave her a hug.

"That was fun, Mr. Jack."

"I'm glad that you enjoyed it," he stated. He started to say something else, but stopped short of speaking the words.

"Is something wrong, Mr. Jack?" Tristan asked.

"No, nothing's wrong, but I wanted to talk to you about something," his voice was soft as if he was concerned that someone in what he assumed was an empty area would hear him.

Jack and Tristan chatted for several minutes before she squealed, "REALLY…?"

Jack simply put his finger to his lips, "Shh, so can you help me?"

"You know I can…" she excitedly answered.

"Would you like to go back and see what mommy's doing," he asked, unaware that Elizabeth was watching them from the other end of the dock.

"Hi guys; are you having fun?" Elizabeth asked as she approached.

"Mommy, this is the most fun," she stated as she jumped up from the dock and hugged Elizabeth. "I'm so glad we're here together; we're like a family, right mommy?"

"Yeah, I guess so. Families can be many different things," Elizabeth responded.

"Do you guys want to go on a hike?" Jack asked.

"I do, I do…" Tristan squealed.

"I'd love that," Elizabeth responded.

Jack squatted down and Tristan climbed up on his back for the walk back to their campsite to drop off the fishing gear. Elizabeth carried the tackle box and Jack carried the fishing rods in one hand while his other arm held onto Tristan's legs, keeping her securely in place.

They walked back to the campsite and dropped off the fishing equipment before taking off down a path located nearby. Within a short distance into the woods, they came upon a grouping of Bald Cypress trees and Tristan was fascinated by what appeared to be branches growing everywhere.

They continued down the path as Tristan ran ahead while Jack and Elizabeth admired the beautiful vegetation on either side. They came upon a turtle just off of the path, and an iguana in one of the trees as Tristan stood mesmerized. Further down the path they made their way onto a walking bridge, standing in the middle as Jack stood in front of them to take a picture.

Catching a glimpse of something over her right shoulder Jack suggested, "Honey, let's step down this way a little bit," his arm around Elizabeth's shoulder helped direct her farther down the bridge.

"What's wrong; that was a pretty spot…"

Before Jack could answer, Tristan called out, "Oh cool, look, it's a spider…a big one."

Jack could feel Elizabeth's body shudder, "How close was that thing to me?" she asked.

"It was right over your shoulder," he replied.

"Thank you…" she shuddered again as the thought of her getting so close to the spider that she could feel her skin crawl. She leaned against his chest, "Again you've saved me…"

"I'm always here for you; you know that, right?" he asked as he stepped back and faced her as he rested his hand on her cheek.

"I know, and I love you for it…"

Jack leaned in and pressed his lips to Elizabeth's. It was gentle, soft and sweet, but even in its innocence; it conveyed a great deal of emotion between them.

"You kissed mommy Mr. Jack," Tristan giggled, as Elizabeth and Jack both laughed.

"I sure did, and you'd better get used to it." He stepped over and picked Tristan up. Leaning in he whispered, "Remember what we talked about."

"I won't forget," she whispered back.

Continuing along, they stepped off of the path and walked toward the water. Across the way, they admired an egret attempting to blend in to the scenery on the other side of the bank.

Having walked and the enjoyed the scenery for quite some time and realizing that the sun was starting to set, they headed back to their campsite where Jack cooked steaks for himself and Elizabeth and hot dogs for Tristan.

"Mr. Jack is a good cook. Remember mommy, he's a keeper…"

After dinner, Tristan jumped up and took the plates from the table and threw them in the trashcan.

"What are you doing?" Elizabeth asked.

"I'm helping out. See, I can be responsible…" Tristan responded.

Jack walked to his SUV and grabbed his guitar from the back. He returned to the campfire where they sat and sang songs…

Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree
Merry, merry king of the bush is he
Laugh, Kookaburra! Laugh, Kookaburra!
Gay your life must be

Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree
Eating all the gum drops he can see
Stop, Kookaburra! Stop, Kookaburra!
Leave some there for me

Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree
Counting all the monkeys he can see
Stop, Kookaburra! Stop, Kookaburra!
That's not a monkey that's me

Kookaburra sits on a rusty nail
Gets a boo-boo in his tail
Cry, Kookaburra! Cry, kookaburra!
Oh how life can be

"Is that a real bird Mr. Jack?" Tristan asked.

"It sure is. Although they sell them in pet stores, I don't think you would want one in your house; they're so loud," he advised.

"Do you know another one?" Tristan asked.

"I sure do," Jack responded. "This is a good one, but you have to join in…"

"I might not know it," Tristan advised.

"Even if you don't it's easy to follow along," Jack assured her.

"Okay…"

I know an old lady who swallowed a fly
I don't know why she swallowed the fly
I guess she'll die

I know an old lady who swallowed a spider
That wriggled and jiggled and tickled inside her
She swallowed the spider to catch the fly
I don't know why she swallowed the fly
I guess she'll die

I know an old lady who swallowed a bird
How absurd to swallow a bird
She swallowed the bird to catch the spider
That wriggled and jiggled and tickled inside her
She swallowed the spider to catch the fly
I don't know why she swallowed the fly
I guess she'll die

I know an old lady who swallowed a cat
Imagine that, to swallow a cat
She swallowed the cat to catch the bird
She swallowed the bird to catch the spider
That wriggled and jiggled and tickled inside her
She swallowed the spider to catch the fly
I don't know why she swallowed the fly
I guess she'll die

"That's a funny one. Hey mommy, she swallowed a spider," Tristan laughed. She seemed somewhat antsy, unable to keep her legs from bouncing.

"Are you okay honey?" Elizabeth asked.

Tristan glanced over at Jack before looking back at Elizabeth. She stretched and yawned before responding, "I'm tired; I'm going to bed."

"We were going to do s'mores; don't you want one?" Elizabeth asked.

"I'm full," she stated as she jumped up, kissed Jack and Elizabeth good night and ran to the tent.

"Change into your pj's…" Elizabeth called out.

"Yes ma'am…"

"She's acting odd; did she say anything to you today?" Elizabeth asked as she and Jack remained by the campfire.

"Huh…?"

"Jack, are you okay?"

"I'm fine; where did Tristan go?" he asked.

"Jack, she just left to go to bed. Why are you two acting weird?"

"What are you talking about?"

"Tristan can barely contain herself, yet she's running off to go to sleep, and you don't even notice that she's left. I'd say that's weird…"

Jack sat forward in his seat, "Do you remember the first time we went out?"

"Our first real date…? Of course I do; it was the formal dance at school. Why…that's again, weird to be thinking about."

"I remember you calling out from upstairs that you'd be ready in five minutes. When I saw you, my heart stopped and I couldn't breathe. You were beautiful; you still are, even more so than before," he stated as he reached out and took her hand.

She smiled, "I don't know about beautiful. When I look back at that dress, a blue satin halter dress with a keyhole opening between my…"

"It's okay Elizabeth, you can say it…breasts," he teased her.

"You looked handsome, but that dress; it may have been a popular style eleven or twelve years ago, but now…yikes," she laughed.

After I took you back to the dorm, I went to my room and I wrote a song for you…"

"You did; why didn't you ever sing it to me?"

"At that time our music wasn't going anywhere, and I guess I didn't have a lot of faith in my talent."

"Do you still remember it?"

"I'll never forget it."

"Will you sing it for me?"

Jack pulled his guitar into his lap and began to play…

(For purposes of this story, Jack wrote the Dan and Shay song Speechless…)

You say you'll be down in five
The smell of your perfume is floating down the stairs
You're fixing up your hair like you do
I know that I'll be a mess
The second that I see you
You won't be surprised
It happens every time
It's nothing new

It's always on a night like tonight
I think that you can read my mind
'Cause when you look at me with those eyes

I'm speechless

Staring at you, standing there in that dress
What it's doing to me, ain't a secret
'Cause watching you is all that I can do
And I'm speechless
You already know that you're my weakness
After all this time I'm just as nervous
Every time you walk into the room
I'm speechless

It started when you said hello
Just did something to me
And I've been in a daze
Ever since the day that we meet
You take the breath out of my lungs
Can't even fight it
And all of the words out of my mouth without even trying

And I'm speechless
Staring at you, standing there in that dress
What it's doing to me, ain't a secret
'Cause watching you is all that I can do
And I'm speechless
You already know that you're my weakness
After all this time I'm just as nervous
Every time you walk into the room
I'm speechless, yeah baby

It's always on a night like tonight
I think that you can read my mind
'Cause when you look at me with those eyes

I'm speechless
You're standing there in that dress
Girl it ain't a secret
'Cause watching you is all that I can do, oh

I'm speechless
You already know that you're my weakness
After all this time I'm just as nervous
Every time you walk into the room
I'm speechless

Oh, you know it, baby, oh oh

"Jack, that's beautiful. Why didn't you record it?"

"I actually did. I mean, shortly after we made it in LA, I found the music and lyrics in a bag, and the guys in the band encouraged me to record it," he admitted. "We did it and it was supposed to be in our second CD release, but I pulled it."

"Why…?"

"Because it was personal, and it hurt too much."

"I understand, but I have to say that it's the most beautiful song I've ever heard."

"Well, my old manager found the recording and he contacted me this week about putting it on a CD with the best of our music. What do you think?"

"Jack, music is a big part of your life. If you want to do it, then I think you should…"

He took her hand and led her over to the large log that was near the campfire. Seated side by side, his hands cradled her face as his lips brushed hers. Initially innocent, the next kiss was hot, fiery and passionate.

As he inhaled, his senses were seduced by everything about her, her floral perfume, the lilac vanilla scent of her shampoo, and the mintiness of the peppermint that she popped into her mouth after dinner.

"E-liz-a-beth," he whispered.

As he spoke softly and quietly, never before had her name sounded so beautiful and her heart pounded as he prolonged each and every syllable. His hand rested along her jaw line as his thumb caressed her cheek. His arm slipped around her waist as he pulled her close.

She was against his chest, warm and chiseled to perfection. How could he be so perfect? She asked herself.

Elizabeth felt her breath quicken. He nuzzled her neck with tender kisses, so soft that they felt much like a summer breeze. Her skin tingled as he pulled her so close that not even a whisper could pass between them.

In that minty moment, as they shared the same air, his lips gently brushed against hers. This moment, this time together evaporated the recent fears and trauma much like a summer shower on a hot highway. Drunk on love and his desire for her, he needed to peel away her layers of fear, apprehension and uncertainly and feel her perfect softness that he knew was just under the surface.

Backing away slightly, "As wonderful as this is, and I do mean wonderful, I need to go check on Tristan. Can we pick up where we left off when I get back?"

"Sure," he promised as she got up and he watched her disappear into the tent. Jack rubbed his palms on his jeans, realizing that the only woman who had ever made them sweat was Elizabeth.

Tristan appeared to be all snuggled in her sleeping bag when Elizabeth slipped into the tent. She sat on the floor and watched her beautiful and seemingly peaceful child, sleep.

Many things passed through Elizabeth's mind, Tristan's birth, her first day of kindergarten, the day she packed up her daughter and moved out of the house they shared with Tommy, and her first date with Jack after he returned from LA. She told her mind that they were having too much fun this weekend, and she refused to allow the recent horrific events to dampen this beautiful time with the people she cared most about in the world.

She kissed Tristan's forehead, turned around and walked out of the tent. Tristan's eyes shot open and she scooted over to the mesh window as her eyes were glued on the campfire and the two people that she swore hung the moon.

Elizabeth walked back to the campfire and took a seat beside Jack. "Hey, I was doing some thinking…" Elizabeth started, but just as suddenly stopped.

"Me too," he nervously replied.

"What's on your mind?" she asked.

"You first…what were you thinking about?" he asked.

"Since Tommy isn't here to object, I think I'm going to change my name back to Thatcher, and see about changing Tristan's too."

Jack swallowed hard, and patted his pocket before responding, "Well, you could do that, or you could change it to Thornton…"

"What are you talking about?"

With Tristan peeking out the window nearby, Jack dropped to one knee in from of their campfire, and pulled a ring box from his pocket.

"Jack…what…" she gasped.

With tear filled eyes he began, "I love you. I think I even loved you before I knew you, but I knew the moment I laid eyes on you…I knew you were the one for me." Jack inhaled trying desperately to get air into his lungs, "I know what I want; you are who I want, and I want to be Tristan's daddy…officially your husband and her father."

As Elizabeth sat quietly, Jack wasn't certain if she was in shock, confused, or totally turned off by his proposal. His heart pounded so loudly that he heard it beating in his ears, almost drowning out his words.

Feeling the need to express everything in his heart, he continued, "Walking away from you that night ten years ago was the worst mistake I have ever made. I loved you then, and I love you now. We had plans, and what I want is the same as what I wanted back then…you."

Her eyes watered. Jack stood up and his thumbs brushed away her tears as they rolled down her cheeks. Whispering he practically pleaded, "Please talk to me."

"I know what you wanted back then Jack; I want that too."

"So what's wrong…?"

"Jack one of those things you wanted was children…"

"Elizabeth, I thought we had dealt with that concern already…"

"Jack, dating and knowing that it's a possibility that we can't have children is one thing; getting married is another…"

"Elizabeth," his hands on both sides of her head, held her facing him. His eyes pulled her in, captivating her, and she couldn't help but to feel the emotion he was expressing.

He continued, "I wouldn't be dating you if I wasn't looking to marry you. If we have children, great; if we only have Tristan, that's great too. I want…no, I need you both in my life."

He released a harsh breath; worried that she was going to back away from him, his voice became firm; "I know what you're going to say. Yes, I want children, but…"

"Jack, there are no buts about it. I know what you said, and I do believe that you love Tristan as if she was your own, but she isn't. This is a very important decision in your life; you're still young enough that you can have your own kids; I just can't guarantee that it would be with me," she lowered her head as she turned away from him.

Feeling as though his proposal certainly wasn't going as he had planned, his hand on her arm turned her back around to face him. "You need to listen to me, and understand what I'm saying…I love you, and only you. Having children with a woman I don't love is not an option for me. The fact is Elizabeth, no one but God knows what's in store for us…children, no children, and no matter what, we'll have Tristan to focus on."

Jack again dropped to one knee, "I love you and I want us to be a family…all of us. Elizabeth Thatcher, will you marry me?"

Jack opened the ring box, displaying a one carat round diamond in a white gold setting with blue sapphires, her birthstone, set on either side. "Elizabeth…?"

"Are you sure, Jack?"

"I know what I want, Elizabeth. I want to marry you and I want to adopt Tristan. So, you know what I want; I guess the question should be, what do you want?"

"You really want to adopt her?"

"I already consider her to be mine. The only thing that needs to change is her last name…just like yours."

As her tears flowed unrestricted, she held out her left hand, "I want you…yes Jack. I want us to be a true family…so yes, we'll marry you…"

Jack stood and quickly slipped the ring on her finger, somehow feeling as though once she was wearing the symbol of his love that he could relax. He pulled her into his body as she felt his heart pounding in his chest, sounding quite familiar as it kept time with her own.

Although they had kissed many times before, they were now engaged; everything seemed different; not bad, uncomfortable, or scary…just different, and if she had to explain it, everything seemed more real.

From the first time he'd kissed her all those many years ago he knew that her lips would be both his salvation and his torment. He lived for them, and when he and Elizabeth separated ten years ago, he felt as though he would die with the memory of them.

Suddenly Tristan ran out of the tent still dressed in her jeans and tank top.

Realizing that she had never changed into her pajamas, Elizabeth asked, "What's going on here? Were you in on this?"

"We did good, didn't we, Mr. Jack?"

"We sure did. Your mom and I have something that we'd like to talk to you about," Jack stated as he picked Tristan up and sat her down in his lap.

"Did I do something wrong?"

"No, of course not," Elizabeth quickly responded.

Jack took hold of Tristan's hand, "You know that I love your mommy, right?"

"Yes sir."

"Well, I love you too."

"I love you too Mr. Jack."

Elizabeth scooted closer to Jack and Tristan. "Honey, you know how our last name is Parker."

"Uh huh…"

"Well, Jack asked me to marry him, and I said yes…"

"I told you she'd say yes," Tristan hugged Jack.

Elizabeth continued, "When Jack and I get married, my last name will be Thornton."

Suddenly Tristan's eyes filled with tears but she said nothing.

"What's wrong Pumpkin," Jack asked.

"When you and mommy get married, my last name will still be Parker. I won't be part of the family…"

"That's where you're wrong sweetheart. I'd like your permission to adopt you. I'd like your name to be Tristan Grace Thornton."

"Really…you would be my daddy, for real…?" Tristan asked as tears fell down her cheeks.

Before Jack could get his own emotions under control Tristan turned to Elizabeth, "Is that true mommy…? Mr. Jack will be my real daddy?"

Elizabeth barely managed to respond, "Yes, if that's what you want, Jack will be your daddy."

Jack reached into his other pocket and pulled out a small box.

"What's that?" Tristan asked.

"It's a gift for you," he stated as he opened the box to reveal a silver necklace with two charms, one was a globe, and the other was a crescent moon with crystals along one side. "You don't have to wear this if you don't want to. I just want you to know that I love you to the moon and back," Jack stated as he reached into his backpack and pulled out a silver jewelry box with "Tristan" engraved on the top.

Tristan wrapped her arms around Jack's neck, burrowing her face into his chest, "I love you…daddy."

Jack turned his body away from Elizabeth as he wiped his own eyes.

"Are you okay," Elizabeth asked as she placed her hand on his back while Tristan continued to hold him tight.

"I have been waiting for years for someone to call me that, and I couldn't feel more blessed to have it be her. I am truly a very lucky man," Jack stated as one arm remained around Tristan while the other encircled Elizabeth's waist, pulling her into their embrace.

Tristan leaned back slightly, "Why don't we celebrate with s'mores…"

To be continued…

NOTE: For those of you who follow the facebook fan fiction pages, there will be a bunch of pictures and a video posted that help visualize this chapter.

Those of you who don't generally review the chapters, that's fine, although your input is greatly appreciated. However, if you have a special story you'd like to see updated, please let me know as I often base in what I write on the requests I receive.

I hope you enjoy…