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 16- Open Your Eyes
As she walked toward the hallway she suddenly stopped and spun around, "Oh no, we can't…"
"What do you mean; we can't what?" he asked, his tone sounding quite alarmed.
"I don't know legally that we can't, but morally, I need to get Tommy's parents to agree to the adoption before we go forward with it," she explained.
"Honey, since I've been in the picture, they've never once even called to check on her. So why the push to tell them?" he asked.
"Because I feel it's the right thing to do. I hope you can understand, Jack…"
"I understand that you are giving them more consideration than they've given to you or Tristan."
"Do you think they'll fight it?" he asked.
"I don't know. I mean, Tristan is their flesh and blood, and apparently since Belinda's son wasn't Tommy's, she's their tie to Tommy, so I don't know," she stated through her frustrated breath. "I don't want to have to fight them, I don't even know if legally I'd have to, but I will if I have to."
Jack walked up and wrapped her in his arms, "It's not just you; we'll fight them if we have to."
"I'm going to bed; I'll call his parents in the morning." Almost as a passing thought, she kissed his cheek and walked to her room, closing the door behind her.
Jack sat back down on the sofa, picked up his phone from the table and made a call…
"Hey Ted, this is Jack Thornton…"
"I know it's you, Jack. How are you doing?"
"I'm engaged…"
"Well, since I know you were set on your college sweetheart and I know you're in Florida, I can only assume that you worked things out…"
"We did, but I have an issue I need you to look into."
"I'll be glad to do what I can, but if you need a lawyer, would you be better off having a local one; I can see if I can recommend someone."
"Ted, you're the best, and hopefully I won't need one for court, but…"
"Are you in trouble, Jack?"
"No; my fiancée, Elizabeth Thatcher, has a seven year old daughter named Tristan. Her father is deceased and I want to adopt her. Her paternal grandparents are still alive, do they have rights, and can they keep me from adopting her?"
"Generally Jack, grandparents have no right with regard to adoptions, but let me look into it when I get to the office tomorrow so I'll know specifically about Florida."
"Thanks Ted."
"You're welcome, Jack."
Jack locked up the house before walking down the hall to his room. Stopping along the way, he quietly opened Tristan's bedroom door. Standing just outside the door, he watched her sleep; so peaceful and trusting. If he wasn't certain before, he knew at that moment that he would fight with every resource he had to keep his 'family' together.
Sitting on the side of her bed, Elizabeth thought about what she'd say, the reasons she'd give Tommy's parents for why removing his name and virtually his existence from Tristan's life would be in their granddaughter's best interest.
Elizabeth thought about years past, going back as far as her wedding day to Tommy and she recalled never feeling as though his parents were accepting of her into their family. They always kept their distance from her, but then again they weren't close to Tommy either.
She recalled knock down drag out arguments between Mr. Parker and Tommy. There was never really a sore subject between them as any topic could start out friendly, and within a few verbal jabs had become a bone of contention. As a result, she'd have to deal with Tommy's temper and attitude for the remainder of the evening. Therefore, visiting his family was never an enjoyable event for her.
Then Tristan came along. Although his parents were showy and always provided elaborate gifts for birthdays and Christmas, emotionally they never seemed to be available. Her parents, on the other hand, made arrangements to be present for Tristan's daily life, not only the big occasions. Her father even took a red eye flight from a west coast business meeting to be present when Tristan graduated from Daisy's and crossed the bridge to Brownies, being front and center and clapping all the way. None of the Parkers, including Tommy found it important enough to attend.
Throughout the years Elizabeth had felt sorry for his family; she wasn't sure why, because it certainly wasn't her fault that they chose not to forge a relationship with their granddaughter. However, now looking back on things, she'd never felt comfortable with his parents; there was always a sense that she was not good enough for their son. But then again, snide comments that were regularly made against Jack and their "no talent musical group" had her realizing that they knew her heart would never completely belong to their son, almost as if she was cheating on Tommy with her memories of Jack.
Even though Elizabeth felt uncomfortable with Tommy's side of the family, she went out of her way to bring Tristan by on weekends for visits, and always included them in special occasion activities. However, she never recalled them being available, finding that they were always too busy to make room in their life for her precious child. Their loss.
They were never too busy, however, to seek out the reasons why their son felt the need to walk away from her and their marriage. Everything appeared to be her fault and the fact that he was abusive and carrying on an extramarital affair apparently had no impact to them.
In Elizabeth's eyes that was one very strong difference between her and them. While they pointed out each and every one of her faults, she chose to overlook theirs. And now, even with Tommy's downfall, she could only assume that in their eyes, the responsibility for his demise would fall upon her.
Elizabeth last saw Tommy's parents long before his death and she worried that with him now gone, the blame they'd place upon her, and their need to keep their son alive that they'd fight tooth and nail to keep Tristan. Little did they know that Elizabeth may have allowed them to drag her through the mud before but with everything she, Jack and Tristan had been through at the hands of their son, she was now standing tall, firm and proud, and was very much prepared to fight back.
Elizabeth walked over to her dresser, grabbed her journal and pen before returning to her bed. She opened her leather bound keeper of secrets and flipped to the next blank page. With thoughts swirling around in her head she began to put the pen to paper and prayed that the words would flow from her heart…
"Every time I left my house, my parents always said, "Behave yourself, and remember who you are." Those statements went hand in hand as I always knew that I was a reflection of my family, and the manners, morals, and values that I had been taught throughout my life.
Unfortunately others are not so lucky. They live their lives with those closest to them covering their misdeeds, and misrepresentations, distorting life to fit into their fairytale existence. As time goes by, they continually refuse to accept responsibility for their own actions, skewing the scenarios to the point that those they blame actually begin to believe that they are at fault.
The fact is blame can have catastrophic effects when callously placed without just cause upon another. We are often criticized and blamed by others who do so in an attempt to avoid some truth about themselves, some critical lack in character that they have chosen to overlook. It is as if somehow, making someone else feel at fault releases them of the guilt and responsibility that they should feel or should have felt along the way.
We are each responsible for our own behavior, and although we have no control over the actions of others, we are tasked with responding appropriately to those situations thrown our way. However, we are all on a journey through life and when all is said and done, what is most important is our ability to look in a mirror and be proud of the person looking back."
Elizabeth closed her journal and placed it on her bedside table. She lay back in bed but after an hour of lying still, counting sheep and her blessings and with sleep remaining elusive, she slipped out of bed.
Elizabeth slipped across the hall and quietly opened her daughter's bedroom door. With the room dimly lit by the smart night light Elizabeth had purchased shortly after they moved in with Jack, she observed the two loves of her life, Tristan in bed, and Jack sitting in a chair beside her, both asleep, his hand holding hers.
She walked up to Jack and gently nudged his shoulder. As he turned to face her she whispered, "Are you okay?"
"No," he stood up, took her hand and they walked out into the hallway. "I couldn't sleep, and I went in to check on her and well, apparently I was more tired than I thought."
"Jack, if they fight the adoption, we'll simply fight back."
With the full moon shining down upon the crystal blue water in their pool he held out his hand, "I need to talk to you; do you want to sit outside?"
"Is something wrong? I mean more than what I threw at you last night…"
"It's going to be okay, honey."
"I hope you're right, Jack; I just don't know what to expect from them."
"I've contacted my attorney in LA, and he believes that grandparents have no legal rights after an adoption takes place."
"Jack, are you sure?" her face lit up.
"Well, he believes it's that way in all states, but he'll let me know this morning. So, we won't go see them until we find out."
"We…?"
"Elizabeth, I'm not letting you go over there by yourself; it's just not gonna happen."
"Jack, I appreciate the concern, but I…"
"Elizabeth, please; if you don't want me to go, take someone else."
"Let's see what your lawyer says and then we can go from there, okay?" she suggested.
Jack put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close. Elizabeth rested her head on his chest as his hand ran gently along her upper arm. "Do we need to wait until we're married to start the paperwork on her adoption?"
"I don't know, but maybe that's something you can ask your attorney," she responded. She leaned back, "Speaking of which, where do you want to get married?"
"Wherever we can do it quickly," he suggested.
"How about the other house; Matt can get his guys to close off the inlet for the ceremony, and since it's your house, we can do it whenever."
"That's fine with me, but…"
"But what?"
"Elizabeth, it's our house. Whatever is mine; is yours," he added as his hand rested along her jaw line. "I love you, and if there is any way possible, let's get married sooner than six months."
She smiled just as his lips covered hers. Her hands moved up his arms and draped over his shoulders as her fingers feathered through the hair on the nape of his neck. "You are my salvation, Jack Thornton, and just so you know, I can't wait to marry you."
"Okay, let's get passed the adoption issue and then maybe we can get married earlier than six months?" he asked.
"Nothing would make me happier," she responded.
He cradled her head, urging her lips closer to his. His mouth covered hers; the kiss was hot and Elizabeth felt warmth pooling in the pit of her stomach as his arms enveloped her, drawing her firmly against his body.
Although their lips did the talking, there were no words spoken, but each subsequent kiss was more passionate and demanding that the one before.
Elizabeth sat back to catch her breath, "How about next weekend?"
"For what? To get married?"
"I'm sorry, I don't know what I was thinking…oh wait, I wasn't thinking, but I can tell you this, I want to marry you as soon as possible," she emphatically remarked before resting her head on his shoulder.
She closed her eyes and Jack remained awake the rest of the night as he held her close, knowing in his heart that nothing could ever tear them apart again.
As the sun came up, Jack woke Elizabeth knowing that Tristan had to get ready for school. "Do you want me to take her?" he asked.
"Did you sleep?" she asked.
"Not after we came out here," he replied, "But I'll be glad to take her."
"That's okay; you rest and I'll take her…oh wait, I don't have a car," realizing that this was the first time in over fourteen years that she had no ride.
"Well, you can take mine, or I have a better idea…"
"And what's that?"
"Let's take Tristan to school, go find you a car, and go see Tommy's parents together…"
"Jack…"
"I don't feel comfortable with you going alone. We're back together, and they're going to have to accept it," he watched as she simply looked at him not certain what was going on in her mind. "Please, let me do this with you," he asked as his phone rang. "It's my attorney… hey Ted."
"Hey Jack, I hope I'm not calling you too early," Ted mentioned as Jack placed him on speaker phone.
"Too early, I'd say it's a lot earlier out on the west coast. By the way, you're on speaker phone. My fiancée, Elizabeth is here. Is something wrong?"
"Hi Elizabeth; no, nothing is wrong, but I could tell that you were upset last night when you called so I sat up and went through my law books last night."
"What did you find out?" Jack asked, suddenly worried that he shouldn't have put the call on speaker.
"In every state, grandparents have no rights once an adoption has taken place. I mean there are some circumstances when they can file papers with the court when both natural parents are out of the picture and it's a step parent that has adopted the child, but with Elizabeth agreeing to the adoption, I see no problem."
"Thank you Ted; you made a regular Monday one of the best days of my life," Jack announced.
"Thanks Ted; we appreciate it," Elizabeth added.
"Send me a bill," Jack remarked.
Ted laughed, "It's already addressed and waiting to go out in the morning mail. Bye."
"So, will you let me go with you?"
"I love you, and I'd be glad if you came with me," her response surprised him.
He swallowed hard, "You would? Is this like reverse psychology; like you know I want to go so you tell me I can and then before I know it I'm sitting here alone and you're on your way without me?"
She laughed, "No, it's no trick. Let's get Tristan to school, go get a car, and let Tommy's parents in on our plan."
Once at school, Elizabeth sat in Jack's car looking at cars on her cell phone while Jack walked Tristan inside.
"Hey Bobby, this is my dad…" Tristan called out as they walked down the hall.
"Hey Sara…Denay…this is my dad…" Tristan called out to two girls who were walking in front of them.
"Hey Megan…" Tristan stopped another friend in the hall, "Have you met my dad? His name is Jack and he's a famous singer."
Jack laughed softly as he glanced up and caught Megan's mother practically drooling. He reached out his arm and shook her hand, "Hi I'm Jack…"
"I love your music…uh, oh I'm Chelsea."
"It's very nice to meet you Chelsea, and thank you." Jack turned back to Tristan and they continued down the hallway.
Once they walked into Tristan's classroom, she pulled Jack up to her teacher's desk, "This is my daddy; he's adopting me," she stated before spinning around and hugging him. "He's famous too…"
"I know; aren't you a very lucky girl," her teacher commented as Tristan kissed Jack's cheek before running off to see her friends.
Her teacher walked Jack to the door, "She's a very happy child today; it looks like you have a great effect on her."
"It goes both ways," he replied as he glanced in Tristan's direction and waved before stepping out into the hallway.
"What are you laughing about?" Elizabeth asked as Jack slipped back inside the car.
"I love that little girl. She just introduced me to her friends as her daddy. It makes me feel good," he patted his hand over his heart.
She reached over and took his hand, "We're lucky to have you."
"Okay, so what kind of car do you want?" he asked.
"I was thinking about a Hyundai SUV. One of the girls at school has one, oh there it is over there the blue one…" she stated as the vehicle caught her eye. "She loves it and I think it's pretty."
"Are you sure?" he asked.
"Well, we can at least go look at them," she suggested. "Rick Case Hyundai isn't too far from here."
"Fifteen minutes later they pulled into the dealership and started looking around. With only one Hyundai Santa Fe on the lot, the pickings were quite limited, but lucky for Elizabeth, and the salesman who approached them, she liked what she saw.
Following a test drive, and verification that the new vehicle had everything they wanted, including a sunroof, headrest DVD, and Jack required all of the available safety features, they slipped inside to talk terms.
"So, do you have a trade in?" Ed, the salesman asked.
Elizabeth looked at Jack and before she could answer, he spoke, "No, we won't be trading anything in."
Ed flipped through some papers, "Okay, how much do you plan to put down?"
"We'll be paying cash," Jack stated.
"Jack…"
Ed could see the surprise in her expression. Allowing them an opportunity to talk alone, he excused himself to check on available vehicle rebates.
"Jack, you don't need to buy me a car. I am capable of making payments," she advised him.
"Elizabeth, are we getting married?"
"Of course we are, but we aren't married yet and what does that have to do with the car?"
"What's mine is yours and financially speaking it makes no sense to pay finance charges on a vehicle that we can pay cash for. Okay?"
"Well, when you put it like that I guess you're right."
Across the showroom floor, Ed was corralled by the women in the dealership, "Do you know who that is?"
"Uh, should I?" Ed asked.
"That's Jack Thornton, lead singer of the Packrats and The One Who Got Away," several women blurted out.
"Do you think that's her?" one of the female secretaries asked.
"Her who?"
"The one who got away; do you think it's her?" the secretary asked again.
"Well, maybe that's why they broke up because clearly she didn't get away," one of the other women mentioned.
While they waited for their new vehicle to be prepped, Elizabeth left Jack, who was surrounded by employees and customers, and stepped outside to call Tommy's mother.
"Mrs. Parker…"
"Yes, who's this…?"
"This is Elizabeth…"
"Hmm, I certainly wasn't expecting to hear from you…"
"I wanted to come by if you're available because I need to talk to you about something."
"Elizabeth, given that you caused Tommy to…" Elizabeth heard Mrs. Parker crying on the other end.
"I'd prefer to talk with you in person," Elizabeth commented.
"It's because of you that Tommy is gone; I don't want you anywhere near us…"
"You know Mrs. Parker, I overlooked your behavior toward me for many years because I was trying to keep peace in the family, but I'm done. You don't want to see me; fine, I can say what I need to right her, right now."
Elizabeth took a slight break assuming that Mrs. Parker would hang up on her, but possibly because she wanted to defend her son, she didn't.
"Mrs. Parker, whether you want to admit it or not, Tommy had issues…"
"You can't blame your problems on him…"
"My problems were him…"
"You married him and you never should have…"
"I'll agree with you on that, but as a result I have a beautiful and talented little girl, and I would do it all over again just because of her."
"Is she Tommy's…?"
"Excuse me…? Of course she's Tommy's."
"Then why did you keep her from us…?"
"I never kept her from you. You were always too busy to spend time with her; that was you're doing, not mine."
"Elizabeth, what do you want?"
"I want to let you know that I'm getting married again…"
"And that should concern me, why…?"
"Mrs. Parker, I'm marrying Jack Thornton, and he…"
Mrs. Parker quickly interrupted "I knew it wouldn't be long. You were probably carrying on with him when my son was busy pouring out his heart to you."
"When I was with Tommy, I had nothing to do with Jack. I did my best to make this marriage work, but he was too busy trying to live up to some idea he thought you and his father had for him. He could never seem to be good enough for either of you. So he took it out on us."
"You're lying; he was a good man."
"He was, but he changed. He became violent, distant and vindictive. When we divorced I signed over my trust fund to him so he would leave Tristan alone."
"He loved you; he loved both of you…"
"He had no love for us; when he looked at Tristan he saw dollar signs. She deserves so much more than that," Elizabeth released a frustrated breath. "When that money was gone he came back for more."
"Elizabeth, my baby is gone, and you killed him…"
"Mrs. Parker, open your eyes. Tommy broke into my home, terrorized Tristan and me, threatened me with a gun, threw me around causing physical injury, forced me to go to the bank to get him more money, and then your gem of a son shielded his body with mine when the security guard observed his gun and fired his weapon.
"Elizabeth, he was shot in the back; how is that justified?"
Elizabeth frustratingly ran her hands through her hair, "Mrs. Parker, you weren't there. Tommy was threatening to those around him. He'd already beaten me up. Hell, I made my daughter lock herself in her bedroom and left her alone at home to get him away from her. He was drunk, angry, and at that point, he had nothing else to lose."
Breaking away from the throng of people surrounding him, Jack stepped out of the building as he looked for Elizabeth. Observing her walking through the rows of Hyundai Tucsons, Accents, Sonatas and Elantras, with her phone practically glued to her ear, he heard her elevated voice but was unable to understand the conversation. As he approached, the conversation and the recipient of her words became clear.
"You don't know what you're talking about…" Mrs. Parker yelled into the phone.
"Oh Mrs. Parker, I'm well aware of what happened up to that point. As for Tommy being shot in the back…unfortunately, at that moment he left me bleeding to death on the cold floor. Tommy ran out of the bank like the coward he was and apparently pulled a gun on Jack; that's when he was shot."
"Tommy was a good man…"
"No he wasn't; he was deceitful, violent, and Tristan deserved better than what he gave her, so that's why I'm really calling you."
"What is it…?"
"Jack and I are getting married, and he's going to adopt Tristan."
"Absolutely not; we'll sue you for custody…"
"You do what you feel you need to and we will act accordingly. I can tell you that we've already consulted an attorney and legally, as grandparents, you have no rights to adoption issues that I authorize."
"This is wrong Elizabeth…"
"No ma'am, what was wrong was everyone side stepping the issues that Tommy had, allowing him to treat others with such hatred and disrespect. He hid it from a lot of people, but I know you witnessed it. Tristan deserves a daddy who loves her and will put her needs above all else. Jack does that each and every day. Sadly, I don't believe that Tommy ever did."
Jack wrapped his arm around her waist and he could feel her body shaking.
"I don't intend to contact you in the future, but if you'd like to see Tristan, call me and we'll address the possibility at that time. I can tell you that I won't force her to see you or Mr. Parker, but if she wants the contact, I will never stand in the way."
Elizabeth broke the momentary silence on the phone, "I'm sorry to have had to do this over the phone, but it was your choice…Goodbye."
"Well, that's done," she stated as tears suddenly began to fall and her body continued to shake.
"I wish you had waited for me," he mentioned as he took her hand and they walked over to a bench where they took a seat. He put his arm around her and pulled her close.
"I just called to make sure they were home, but anyway, you were otherwise occupied," she responded as she glanced behind them and observed several people looking at them through the showroom doors.
"I'm sorry…"
"Jack, I don't blame you, but I guess I just need to get used to that happening when we go anywhere."
"Mr. Thornton…" Ed called out from across the parking lot. "We have the paperwork ready."
"Are you all set to go buy a car?" he asked.
"Yes I am; let's go."
They walked into the dealership and took a seat in Ed's office. As he shuffled papers around his desk, Ed showed Jack and Elizabeth the purchase order for their brand new Hyundai Santa Fe in Machine Gray with auto start, dual zone A/C, Sirius XM radio with navigation, a headrest DVD system, and a full panoramic roof.
"So the price is $32, 796.81," Ed stated.
"Is that the car you want?" Jack asked.
"I love it, but Jack I can finance it," she responded.
"It's not necessary, honey." Jack pulled out his phone and dialed a number, "Hey Jessica; this is Jack Thornton. Is Brandon in?"
Jack turned to Elizabeth while his call was transferred, "I'll get Brandon to transfer the money over."
"Oh, hey Brandon; how are you?" Jack asked.
"I'm doing fine; what can I do for you, Jack?"
"I'm at Rick Case Hyundai in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and I'm buying a car. Is it okay if I hand the phone over to our salesman, Ed and he can give you the specifics so you can transfer the money?"
"Sure, glad to help," Brandon responded and Jack handed his phone to Ed.
Forty five minutes later, Elizabeth was handed two sets of keys to her new SUV and she drove off the lot, and headed home with Jack close behind.
She pulled into the driveway and Jack parked alongside her.
"Hey, good looking; that's a beautiful SUV you've got there," he teased.
"It is, isn't it? My handsome fiancé bought it for me."
"He must really love you."
"He does, but…"
Jack stepped around the back of her SUV and closed the distance, "But what?"
"There are a lot of women who want him…"
He stepped even closer and felt the warmth of her body against his. With his hands resting along the driver side of the vehicle, on either side of her head, he whispered, "I'm sure that you are the only woman he wants. As a matter of fact, I know it."
With his body pressed against hers, their lips met. It was warm and exciting, and opened up thoughts for both of them of what was yet to come.
As their lips separated, Jack whispered in her ear, "I'm going inside to make arrangement for us to go away this weekend; he leaned back, and the look on her face caused him to respond, "Don't worry…two rooms."
While Elizabeth stayed outside and took pictures of her new car, Jack stepped inside to call Forrest Hills Resort for reservations.
Ten minutes later, Elizabeth walked inside and found Jack perusing web sites on his phone.
"Whatcha looking up?" she asked.
"Well, unfortunately the dude ranch is being renovated, so they're closed, but I was thinking about something else," he stated as he put his phone down on the table.
"What…? I mean, we can wait to go away if you want."
"Nope; I want to take you to New Orleans; have you ever been?"
"No I haven't. That sounds like fun. I'll call Rosie and see if she'll watch Tristan for us."
Three days later, Tristan was situated in school with plans to spend until Sunday night with Rosie and Lee, while Jack and Elizabeth sat at Gate C4 waiting to board United Airlines flight 2390 for Atlanta, Georgia. They had a little over an hour layover at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport before the hour and a half long flight to New Orleans.
As they boarded in Group 1, they took their seats in first class, something that Elizabeth had never previously chosen to do. Before Group 3 had finished boarding, the flight attendant had brought Jack and Elizabeth each a glass of champagne.
"It's kinda early to be drinking, isn't it?" Elizabeth mentioned to Jack.
"Well you know the saying, its 5 o'clock somewhere," he responded. "You don't have to drink it if you don't want to," he stated as he started to take it from her.
"Uh…no, you know I hate takeoffs. Maybe this will help me relax," she stated as she tipped the glass up and the bubbly was quickly gone.
"Would you care for another glass?" the flight attendant asked.
Still feeling a bit nervous, she shook her head up and down, "Yes, please…"
With her second glass of champagne in her hand, Jack talked to her, doing his best to take her mind off of the roaring engines.
"Shh Jack, you have to listen to the rules…"
"Honey are you going to remember any of that when they're done?"
"No, but you will, so pay attention…" Elizabeth stated as her attention was placed solely on the flight attendant in front of her.
"We have just found a wallet in the aisle…" The flight attendant announced. "Okay, now that I have your attention, here is some important safety information given with a bit of United Airlines flair.
Good morning ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to United Airlines flight 2390 to Atlanta… If your intent is to go to Atlanta, you are in the right place. If not…sorry for your luck!
I am Michelle, and I will be providing service to those in first class. Andre and Sherri are working in the main cabin and will be very happy to serve you. I am pleased to have some of the very best flight attendants in the industry, but unfortunately none of them were available this morning…
To operate your seatbelt, insert the metal tab into the buckle and pull tight. I'd like to see a show of hands for anyone on the flight who does not know how to snap a seatbelt; we could all use a good laugh…"
As Michelle and the other flight attendants held up an oxygen mask, she continued on with the instructions. "This is an oxygen mask; gentlemen it is not an athletic support cup. If you are traveling with two or more children, first I'd like to ask, 'why…' but I digress. Anyway, take a moment to decide which child is your favorite. You'll want to help that one first, and then work your way down. Make certain that you keep the mask covering your face until a uniformed flight attendant tells you to do otherwise; don't trust the naked ones."
Jack knew that he should be paying attention to the flight attendant, but he was getting more enjoyment out of watching Elizabeth, drinking her champagne and giggling at the announcements.
Holding up a bright yellow life vest Michelle continued, "In case you are not aware, this is a life vest, not a toilet seat cover. And in case of a water landing, I do so hope you can swim, but if not, take your seat cushion and fight the passenger beside you for theirs; they work great as flotation devices…oh and the strongest passenger may live…I mean win...
There are five exits aboard this Airbus 319, two at the front, two over the wings, and one out the plane's rear end," Michelle advised as her hand signals directed those who were paying attention to their location. "Please take a moment to locate the exits. There are pretty blinking lights on the floor that will blink in the direction of the exit, white ones for regular seats, and red disco lights for the exit rows.
In just a few moments we will be dimming the lights in the cabin for takeoff. If you are afraid of the dark, you may want to reach up and press the yellow button. That one is for reading, but its right next to the orange button, which you don't want to press unless you absolutely have to. That one will eject you from your seat."
"Good morning ladies and Gentlemen; this is Captain Amanda Yates. Yes, that's right, I'm a woman, and our flight is a reasonable hour and 53 minutes, but I know a shortcut, so we may get there sooner. And as a plus, since I'm a girl, if we get lost, I have no problem stopping and asking for directions…"
The Captain continued, "Now sit back and enjoy your flight, or you can be all tense and worried; the choice is totally up to you."
"You finished that one?" Jack asked as Elizabeth handed the glass to Michelle.
"Would you like another one?" Michelle asked.
"No thank you; I'm doing fine," she stated as she reached over and took hold of Jack's hand.
As the plane headed down the runway, Elizabeth grabbed her phone and took a video of their takeoff. "That is really neat," she stated as her eyes were glued out the window.
Jack laughed, "I'm not so sure you'd feel the same way without two glasses of champagne."
As the plane touched down, Michelle gave the airlines final instructions, "Please remain seated with your seatbelt fastened until the plane is parked at the gate. You may now use your electronic devices. Please be careful opening the overhead bin as the bags may have shifted during flight. Oh, and feel free to leave behind anything of value; I will be having a yard sale this weekend…"
Jack and Elizabeth barely made their connecting flight to New Orleans. They had just made it to their seats, fastened their seatbelts, and were heading down the runway when Elizabeth realized that her prior champagne had worn off. Clutching Jack's hand, she closed her eyes and buried her head in his chest.
"What happened to the brave traveler?" Jack asked.
"She sobered up…"
A little over an hour later, they were on the ground in New Orleans, Louisiana, in an Uber and on their way to the Loews New Orleans Hotel located on Poydras Street, and not far from the New Orleans high life.
At check in, Jack was given the Governor's Suite on the 21st floor, which when the room was reserved he understood consisted of two bedrooms, a living area and a kitchenette.
Walking into the suite they realized that it had two beds, not two bedrooms, a living area and a kitchenette. "I think there is some mistake," Jack stated to the bellman. "We were supposed to have the suite with two bedrooms."
The bellman glanced at Elizabeth and then back at Jack as if to ask 'why on Earth do you want two beds, let alone two bedrooms?' He then suggested, "If there is a problem sir, just check in with the front desk and I'm sure they'll be able to help you."
"Thank you," Jack stated as he handed him a tip on his way out the door.
Jack turned around and found Elizabeth standing at the window looking out at the scenery below.
"What body of water is that?"
"Well, Miss Teacher, that's the Mississippi River," he responded.
"I knew that; I just wanted to know if you did." She jokingly replied.
"Elizabeth, I'm sorry about the room…"
"Jack, we're adults; I believe that we can share this beautiful room."
"But if you'd feel better, I can see if the two bedroom suite is available."
She stepped away from the window and walked back into the room, meeting him halfway, "I'm not uncomfortable around you. I know you're a gentleman, and wouldn't pressure me into anything." Her hands on the body of his shirt pulled him closer, "Just so you know, I want to make love to you too," she whispered as she leaned in to kiss him.
Jack's hand behind her head deepened the already passionate connection between them. "I love you, and I'll do my best to control myself."
"Jack, it's not that I don't want to be with you, because clearly I do, but I just can't have Tristan growing up with certain values and morals if I'm not going to follow them myself. Do you understand?"
"Of course I do. I just don't want you thinking that I reserved this room knowing it was only one bedroom…"
"But it has two beds…so what do we do first?"
Jack laughed…"That's a loaded question, but how would you like to take a walk with me?" he asked.
"I'd love to," she dropped her purse on his bed, took his hand and out the door they went.
When they stepped outside, they immediately felt the flavor and energy of New Orleans. Elizabeth stopped to watch the man in the street with the Cockatoo and Parrot; they were mesmerized as a "Genie" floated by on a magic carpet, and they enjoyed the world famous beignets at Café Du Monde.
"This is beautiful," Elizabeth remarked as they took a short walk to the shore of the Mississippi River with the beautiful bridge in the background.
They sat on the grass with her body leaning against his. Elizabeth was quite shocked as she looked around that although there were masses of people, no one seemed to be paying them any attention. She found it quite nice to be with Jack, and feel somewhat invisible to those around them.
Hearing music in the distance, Jack and Elizabeth began walking and were quite entertained when a parade which included a band, dancers, and marchers with banners appeared to come out of nowhere, taking up much of the street. They stood by and watched as the parade continued, disbanding as quickly as it erupted.
As they kept walking, they came upon impromptu concerts as visitors tossed money into containers to show their appreciation.
Jack took her hand and they continued down Bourbon Street, "What would you like to do now?" she asked.
They took a left on Canal Street and found themselves headed for Harrah's Casino. He pulled her hand to his lips and sensuously whispered, "Well, there are several things I'd like to do," he caught her smile, "But gambling is just one of the things I can do…" he teased.
"Jack Thornton; we'll have our time," she promised.
"Yeah, but I feel like a kid waiting for Christmas; six months seems like a lifetime away."
"I never said that it would be six months; it may be sooner…"
"Come on sooner…" he laughed.
Jack handed her $100, "Play whatever you like. I'm gonna play Blackjack."
"I'll check in with you when I lose my money," she laughed.
"Where are you going to be?" he asked.
"I've never been to a casino before; I don't know how to play any of these games," Elizabeth admitted. "Do they have any cheap ones?" Elizabeth asked as she was quickly drawn in by the music and bright lights.
"There are penny, nickel and quarter machines," Jack advised as he walked her into the middle of the casino
"Okay, I'll stick with the penny machines," she stated.
"I'll be over in that area," Jack pointed away from the machines to a series of card tables. He kissed her cheek, "Have fun, and don't worry about losing your money. If you want more I've got it, okay?"
"Thanks but I think losing $100 is more than enough. Are you sure you want to trust me with this money?"
"I know you haven't played before, but you'll have fun, I promise," he assured her.
Thirty minutes later while sitting at a penny machine a waitress walked up and handed Elizabeth a mixed drink, "This if from the gentleman over there," and she pointed toward the bar.
"Thank you, but I can't accept it," she responded.
The waitress took the drink back but a few moments later the man, who appeared to be in his mid 30's with brown hair, blue eyes and a well groomed beard took a seat at the machine beside her. "Why didn't you accept my drink?"
"I'm sorry; I appreciate the gesture, but I'm engaged and my fiancé is here," she stated as she began looking around for Jack, but finding the big game machines were blocking her view.
"Well, we could get out of here and your fiancé probably wouldn't even notice…"
Jack walked up and put his arm around Elizabeth, "Oh, he would definitely notice. She's with me." Jack turned his attention back to Elizabeth, "Are you ready to go sweetheart?"
Before Elizabeth could answer the guy blurted out, "You're Jack Thornton; I'm sorry man; I didn't mean anything by it…"
"Come on Jack; I'm done gambling," Elizabeth stated as she slipped off the stool she was on, took his hand and they headed for the front of the casino.
"So, how much did you lose?" he asked.
"You first…" she replied.
"I was up by $500, but then lost it on the last hand. So don't feel bad; most people lose the first time they come out."
"Well actually, I won $174.00," she giggled as she handed him the voucher.
"It just goes to show you're luckier than I am," he commented as they headed for the cashier.
"I wouldn't say that; you've got me, don't you?" she stopped him as her hand behind his head brought his lips closer until they met hers.
On their way back to the hotel, they stopped by the Royal House Oyster and Raw Bar and were seated out on the balcony overlooking Royal Street. Jack ordered the crab claws sautéed in lemon butter sauce, while Elizabeth enjoyed the seafood pasta.
As they watched the crowd below, another parade that was apparently in honor of a bride and groom came around the corner.
"WOW, that looks exciting," Elizabeth stated.
"We could do that."
"Right Jack, and how would we keep something like that from our families?"
"How about Mardi Gras masks?" he laughed.
"That's one thing I haven't seen yet; I guess that could be our sign…" she giggled at the thought.
Following dinner they continued walking, each one too excited to return to the hotel, or more likely that each one was concerned what would happen once they returned for the night.
Finally exhausted, they headed for their room. When Jack opened the door and Elizabeth stepped inside, the first thing she observed were Mardi Gras type masks on one of the beds with two complimentary cocktail coupons for the hotel's restaurant and bar.
"Oh my gosh, is this our sign to just get married?" Elizabeth grabbed the mask with beautiful short peacock feathers in colors of blue, green, and red attached to the gold eye piece and slipped it on. She took the other mask, blue with gold around the eyes and one soft feather on the side and slipped it on Jack's head.
Looking in the mirror she asked, "So, do you think anyone would recognize us?"
"Don't tease me; you know we aren't getting married here. Besides, I have to say that although the mask looks wonderful on you," he removed it from her face, "I prefer you without it." Jack pressed closer, backing her against the wall before covering her lips with his own.
They separated slightly only to be magnetically drawn together again and again. Resting his forehead against hers he released a frustrated breath, "Maybe this weekend wasn't such a good idea."
"Jack, I'm sorry…"
"Don't apologize; it's not your fault; it's no one's fault really. It's just that I've wanted you for so many years, and...I'm just being honest, it's not meant to pressure you."
"I know that Jack," she slipped away and went into the bathroom to get ready for bed but emerged wearing the same clothes.
"Are you done in the bathroom?" he asked.
"Yes…why?"
"You aren't sleeping in your jeans, are you?" he asked noticing that the only articles of clothing she had discarded were her socks and tennis shoes.
She sat on the side of the bed across from him, "I thought we had separate rooms, so I'm not sure that it's appropriate to wear."
"Honey, unless you sleep naked, you can't possibly turn me on any more than you already have, so please just be comfortable," he opened her suitcase and encouraged her to change.
She grabbed an article of clothing from her suitcase and returned to the bathroom, emerging a few minutes later wearing a blue satin nightgown with spaghetti straps and a hem that fell just above her knees.
Elizabeth immediately crawled up into bed as she watched Jack walk toward the bathroom.
Just before going into the bathroom he turned to face her, "Just so you know…I was wrong. At least it's hot outside; a cold shower won't be so bad…"
Elizabeth closed her eyes and pretended to be asleep when Jack returned to his bed. He lay flat on his back with his head facing her and his eyes wide open.
Although her back was to him, her eyes were very much open, and if they'd spoken at that moment about what was on their mind, it would have been very much the same, each one wanted to feel the body of the other one next to them.
The following morning, Elizabeth woke first, slipped into the bathroom and took a shower. Jack lay in bed listening to the water fall, and feeling jealous of the shower curtain as he envisioned it blowing inward and brushing against her naked body.
Jack understood her reasoning for wanting to wait to make love to him, but he also knew that he'd wanted to be with her since the day they'd met. In the beginning, he'd admit that it was mainly hormones talking, but now, his love for her filled his heart; and he simply wanted to express it in the most complete way that he knew how.
Waiting would be difficult, but he would respect her wishes. Jack sat up in bed and made a phone call hanging up the phone just as Elizabeth stepped out of the bathroom.
"So, what would you like to do today?" she asked.
"You're going down to the spa; you have a 9:00 appointment," he informed her.
"You did this for me?"
"I did, because I love you."
"Jack, I can't wait to marry you and become a family. When I get home, I'm going to work on the wedding; maybe I can cut it down to a few months."
"Well, just as long as you know that I'd marry you today if we could…"
"I'd marry you too…" she replied as she glanced at her watch. She approached him quickly, and pressed her lips to his, "Gotta go; the spa awaits…"
Down on the first floor, Elizabeth walked through the doors to the spa. Sitting in the waiting area, she took a seat beside a woman who seemed to be preoccupied.
"Are you okay?" Elizabeth asked.
She initially said nothing and simply shook her head up and down. "I'm sorry; I'm Dana Jacobs, this is my wedding week; actually it's my wedding day."
Excitedly Elizabeth responded, "Oh congratulations; I'm engaged but we haven't actually set a wedding date yet," Elizabeth advised. "I can see that wedding stress is taking a toll on you. I'm glad you're able to utilize the spa."
"Is something wrong?" Elizabeth asked as she scooted up in her seat, and leaned in. "Are you okay?"
"Today's my wedding day…"
"That's wonderful, and we saw a parade last night after a couple got married. This is a perfect place for a wedding."
"Yeah, that's what I thought…"
"Did something happen?" Although Elizabeth felt concern for the woman, when she broke down in tears, Elizabeth was sorry that she'd asked the question. "I'm sorry; do you want me to call someone for you?"
"There is no one…"
"What about your fiancé?"
Dana initially said nothing and simply shook her head back and forth. She then turned toward Elizabeth and spoke as if they were dear friends, "Open your eyes to what's important. None of us know what's going to happen or how people will react…just don't let what you have get away."
"Oh, I'm so sorry; did he get cold feet?"
"No; we wanted to get married for so long, but one thing after another stopped us. First the dress had to be perfect, and then his family and mine fought over the venue, how many people to invite, the food, flowers and even which minister would perform the ceremony."
"Did you have a fight?" Elizabeth asked, but quickly responded, "I'm sorry; that's none of my business."
When Dana said nothing, Elizabeth continued, "It sounds like a lot of stress on you and your fiancé, and really, who can blame you. If you love him, the actual wedding is really just a means to get you to your life together.
"Don't wait…"
"Excuse me," Elizabeth asked.
"Do you love him?" Dana asked.
"More than I ever dreamed possible."
"Then marry him. Wear a pair of jeans and a t-shirt; don't worry about making everything perfect. If he's there, then it'll be perfect, but don't wait."
"Dana," the masseuse called out, "Are you ready?"
After Dana and the masseuse left the waiting area, Elizabeth observed the girl behind the desk staring at her.
"I hope her massage helps to relieve some of her stress," Elizabeth commented.
"Her fiance's dead…"
"Excuse me…" Elizabeth's heart practically stopped beating in her chest. "I'm so sorry."
"They were scheduled to get married today, but he was apparently killed in a work related accident three weeks ago."
"Why is she here?" Elizabeth asked.
"Apparently with all the fighting between families, this was where they both wanted to exchange vows, and she feels close to him here."
The door opened and another masseuse stepped out into the waiting area; "Are you Elizabeth Thornton?"
"I am, but you know, I need to cancel my appointment. I have something that I need to take care of right now," she stated as she excused herself and walked out of the spa.
On her way back to the room she stopped off at the restaurant and made arrangements for a delivery to be sent to their room.
"What are you doing back so soon; did you forget something?" Jack asked as she walked into the room.
"Yeah, I forgot this…" she crossed the room and as she closed the distance between them he stood. Elizabeth wrapped her arms around his neck and captured his lips quickly and passionately.
"Not that I'm complaining, because I certainly am not, but what's going on?" he asked.
**Knock, knock, knock…** "Room service."
"Oh, I wasn't expecting you back so I ordered some breakfast. I'll share; we can order you something, or we can just forget about this and we'll go out for something," he offered as he walked to the door.
The cart was wheeled into the room, Jack signed the room check, and the waiter left with a nice tip in his pocket.
Jack pushed the cart over to the table, "I ordered bacon, eggs, toast and fruit. But wait, I also ordered coffee. There's no coffee here."
"Take the lid off, Jack. I suspect that there is no bacon, eggs, toast or fruit either."
"What are you talking about," Jack asked as he lifted the lid on one of the plates. It had a crepe with chocolate sauce drizzled over the delectable treat.
"We got someone else's order," Jack stated as he started for the phone.
"No, take the other lid off."
Jack complied and it also contained a crepe but instead of the chocolate drizzled across the top, it was around the edge of the plate and spelled out "WILL YOU MARRY ME?"
"I don't understand; I've already asked, and you're wearing the engagement ring I gave you."
"It was supposed to say, "WILL YOU MARRY ME NOW?"
"I don't understand…" Jack stated as he took a seat at the table.
"Jack, I just had a major eye opening experience, and I don't want to wait. We're already living together, so no one will be any wiser. We get married here, and we can still have a wedding that my mother helps me plan," she stated as she felt herself speaking faster and faster, realizing that Jack couldn't have interrupted her even if he had wanted to.
She took a quick breath, and absent any comments from Jack, she continued, "We just won't tell anyone that we're already married. It will be our little secret and will allow us to start working on Tristan's adoption, and…never mind, you think it's a bad idea, don't you?"
To be continued…
NOTE: To those who follow the facebook fan fiction pages, there will be pictures and videos posted that may help you visualize this chapter.
