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 17- Always and Forever

"I don't know what to say," for once Jack was at a complete loss for words.

"I know you probably weren't expecting it, but is it really too crazy to consider?"

"Elizabeth, as much as I'd like to, it's not a good idea."

"Jack, I don't understand. You ask me to hurry up with the planning, and when I suggest we forego all of the usual arrangements and just do it, you back down," she remarked, clearly confused that he didn't jump at the opportunity. "You even registered my spa appointment under the name Elizabeth Thornton; did you realize that, because I took it as a sign…"

He stood and stared at her as if he was attempting to remember what he'd done. "I'm sorry, I didn't realize that. I just gave them my name and your first name; I guess they just assumed we were married."

"Oh, so you didn't do it on purpose," she shook her head back and forth and released a frustrated breath. "I just thought…oh forget it. Jack, I don't understand you. Maybe you love the chase and once you catch the woman, it's no longer fun," she stated as she stepped away from him.

"You know, before I say something that I may regret, I'm just going for a walk. I'll be back in a little while," she stated as she turned and started for the door.

"You're the only woman I have ever chased; you're the only woman I have ever wanted to chase, and you're taking this all wrong," he stated as he stepped in front of her and kept her from opening the door.

"Jack, please let me just go for a walk," she asked as he reached out for her hand but she refused. "Is this a game to you? I mean, I'll be okay, but I won't have anyone, you included, playing with Tristan's heart."

"Aren't you the one doing that?" he responded, realizing after the words slipped passed his lips that he may have made the situation worse.

"Excuse me…? I always have Tristan's interests at heart; I thought you did too."

"I'm sorry; that's not what I meant, and I do. Please don't ever imply that I don't, because she…both of you are the most important people in my life."

As she stepped around him to open the door, he took hold of her hand, and turned her back to face him, "You aren't going anywhere until we talk about this. You're taking what I'm saying all wrong, and if we don't deal with it now it'll be blown out of proportion," he led her back to the sofa.

"I think it already is, and I'm sorry if I shocked you. I just thought it would be perfect, but…just please let me go for a walk; I need some fresh air."

"You know, I'm fairly certain at some point in the very near future I'm going to regret this, but I just don't think we can get married here, right now," Jack stated as he held her arms and observed the color seem to disappear from her face.

"I'm not dense; I got that part; you don't think it's a good idea," she pulled her arms away.

"You know, if it was just us I'd have already called a minister and we'd be on our way, but it isn't just us."

"I know it isn't Jack, but no one needs to know that we're already married," she stated, doing her best to justify her position. "I just don't want to wait; we're missing out on precious time as a family."

"I love you; you know that, right?" he asked.

"Well, I thought I knew, but then again I thought you wanted to get married soon. Looks like I was wrong. I'm sorry if I was pushing you," she stated as she started to get up from her seat.

"You weren't pushing me, and…where are you going?" he asked.

"I just want to go for a walk, Jack," she responded. "Please, just let me have a little time alone."

"We aren't finished talking. You aren't leaving with things the way they are," he responded, his voice sounding firm.

"Jack, you've made yourself perfectly clear; we'll wait."

"That's not what I'm saying Elizabeth."

"Well, I guess I don't understand, because I thought you said that you don't want to marry me here; did I miss something?"

"Elizabeth, how many times have you told a lie and felt good about it?"

"Never…"

"Exactly, so why do you think it's going to be different now?" he asked. "Think about it; if Tristan asks you when we're getting married, are you going to be able to look her in the eyes and lie to her?" he asked. "Don't even answer that because I know the answer…no, you can't lie to her."

Elizabeth lowered her head and remained silent. His finger under her chin lifted her eyes to meet his.

"You're right; I can't lie to her," she admitted. "But Jack, I'm afraid something is going to happen to keep us apart."

"Do you love me?" he asked.

"Of course I do, but…"

"Honey, there are no buts about it; we've fought too hard to get where we are, nothing will get in our way."

Jack was holding her hand when she again stood and started to walk away, "You're still angry, please don't leave like this." He stood up refusing to let go of her hand.

"Come on Jack; let's just forget I even said anything," she stated as she walked over to the room service tray, grabbed the plate with the writing and dumped it in the kitchen trash can.

He stood between her and the door, "Please stay here with me, or we can go out and do something."

"Right now I think I just need to be away from you; I'll be back in a little while."

"Elizabeth, why do you need to be away from me?"

"Jack, I'm embarrassed and I guess my pride is a little bruised; never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that I would propose to a man, only to be turned down…"

"You stop right there," he closed the distance between them and his hands on her upper arms held her in front of him. "I didn't turn you down, and if you can look me in the eyes and tell me that you can get married without Tristan here, then I'll call a minister and have someone come right over."

With her eyes cast upon the floor, his finger under her chin lifted her face, allowing their eyes to meet. Cradling her head in his hands, he observed her tears rolling down her soft skin. Brushing his thumb across her cheeks he whispered, "Don't cry…we're together, and we'll get married, but for you not to regret the way it's done at the very least Tristan needs to be present."

"I know you're right, but you didn't hear the woman…"

"What woman?"

"The woman at the spa. She was in the waiting area when I arrived. Today is her wedding day…"

That's wonderful."

"Jack, it would be if her fiancé hadn't been killed a few weeks ago…"

"Is that what brought all of this about?"

"Maybe some of it, but I want to marry you, and I want to pull our family together like we should be," she began to explain. "You can't adopt Tristan until after we're married…the longer we wait; the more chance there is that something will go wrong."

"I believe in us, Elizabeth…we're stronger than you're giving us credit for…"

"Jack it has nothing to do with believing in us; the woman at the spa believed in her fiancé too, but…he…still…died…"

Jack's expression showed that he didn't have a response to such news. Elizabeth took a deep breath. "Jack, I spent so much time telling myself that I was over you; that I didn't want you; that I didn't love you, and God knows, I was so certain that you didn't love me anymore," she began as her eyes filled with tears. She swallowed hard and did her best to catch her breath, "Then to have you re-enter my life, and have those feelings that I thought were gone forever come flooding back… Jack, Tommy almost ended everything and then to meet that woman in the spa and to know that life is so short, I was scared. But I'm sorry, it was spontaneous and I didn't think about Tristan."

He could see the fear in her eyes; not so much anything in particular, but more so the unknown. Besides, it's not like she didn't have anything in her past that would lead her to believe that life is fleeting and you have to grab on to those you love and hold on tight.

"How about we do this…let's talk to Tristan, and if she wants to be with us and then wear a pretty dress for a party down the road, we'll do it," he suggested. "I just know you, Elizabeth. You aren't going to be happy keeping this from her, and it will dampen the joy of the moment."

She stepped closer and brushed her lips across his, "I love you, and I'm sorry that I put a damper on this beautiful weekend. I'm just going to go take a walk."

"Let's go together," he stated as he held her hand and walked toward the door.

As they stepped out of the elevator and walked toward the entrance of the hotel, Elizabeth observed the woman she'd met in the spa getting into a limo, her bags placed in the trunk by the driver.

Glancing in the window, Elizabeth observed the woman, her head down, and it was quite apparent by the tears she was wiping away that being in New Orleans did little to ease her broken heart on what should have been the best day of her life.

As the limo pulled away from the curb Elizabeth stated, "Jack, that's the woman I saw in the spa. I feel so sorry for her."

Watching as the limo pulled out onto the street and disappeared around the corner, he turned her around to face him, "I know you feel sad for her; that's the type of person you are, you care about others and that's one of the things that I love about you."

"I'm sorry about earlier; you were right to turn me down…"

"Let's get something straight, Elizabeth…I'm not turning you down; we just need to do it right, and that means having Tristan there with us. Come with me; let's go down here…" Jack led her toward Decatur Street and a carriage pulled by a white mule.

"Would you like to take a carriage ride around the city?" he asked as they approached the private coach.

"I'd like that…"

Jack made the financial arrangements before stepping over to the flower vendor on the sidewalk, purchasing several deep pink roses and handed them to Elizabeth before helping her into the carriage. They sat side by side with his arm around her shoulder, holding her tightly against his body.

The carriage rolled down the streets of the French Quarter with its old buildings, some dating back 300 years, displaying the French influences with wrought iron balconies, red tiled roofs, and picturesque courtyards. They toured Bourbon Street which their driver advised was quite tame by day, but tended to be boisterous and somewhat unsafe at night.

With her phone in hand, Elizabeth snapped picture after picture, certain that she'd never see these sites again and wanting to leave with a album of visuals to remind her of the beautiful city.

In the heart of the French Quarter, they rode passed Jackson Square, originally known as Place d'Armes. In the center of the square, surrounded by trees and exquisite greenery was an equestrian statue of General Andrew Jackson. Standing prominently in the square was the landmark, St. Louis Cathedral, known for its white façade and cone shaped spires.

They finished their tour of the city with a visit to the Ursuline Convent, a stately building constructed between 1749-1753. They returned to Poydras Street where the carriage dropped them off in front of The Velvet Cactus.

"You know what they say when you're in New Orleans, don't you?" he asked.

"Well, I thought it was the same as Las Vegas and whatever happens in New Orleans, stays in New Orleans, but apparently I was wrong," she responded.

Jack took her hand and led her inside the restaurant where they both ordered the special drink of the house, a watermelon cucumber mint margarita. As their waiter left the table Jack asked, "Are you still upset about earlier?"

"No Jack, you were right. Tristan would be devastated if she found out that we had gotten married without her. It's just that I was hoping to have the adoption done by Christmas…what a wonderful gift that would be for her to have a daddy for the holidays. But I guess it'll happen when it's supposed to happen, right?"

"I'll see if maybe the paperwork can be started before we actually get married. And…if we get married soon, everything will already be in the works."

Strolling along the French Quarter, young and old approached him for an autograph. It seemed like no matter where they went there were locals and tourists who recognized him, but in times before, Elizabeth always stepped to the side, never wanting to get between him and his fans. Well, in all actuality, his fans generally pushed her out of the way.

This time was different; Jack kept her close, managing to hold her with one hand while signing autographs with the other.

Elizabeth couldn't help but to notice the beautiful women who approached him, and she watched as he simply signed their autographs, sent them on their way and returned his eyes, and attention lovingly back to her.

Elizabeth took his hand and suggested, "Let's take a walk by the water."

He happily accompanied her as they walked a few blocks to the shore of the Mississippi River, took a seat with his arm around her shoulders and remained quiet with each one doing their own thinking.

Jack seemed to be mesmerized by the calm waters, while Elizabeth glanced around seeing couples and families talking, and laughing while children played nearby.

"That's what I want," she stated as she looked over Jack's shoulder at a family in the distance.

Jack turned his head and observed the object of her envy, a family of three, a father, son, and a pregnant woman that he assumed was the man's wife and the son's mother. "We will have that honey…actually, we already have some of that; you, me and Tristan are a family, we just don't have the same last name," he stated as he turned back to face her and pressed his lips to her forehead.

"Jack, how do you feel about adoption?" she asked.

"Are you still worried?"

"No, I mean, I believe what is meant to happen, will happen, but could that also mean that we…maybe were meant to adopt?" she hesitated with her response.

"Honey, I am fine with anything. If we have our own that's wonderful, but if we don't, then I think adoption is worth exploring."

"Jack…"

"Yes honey…"

"Why didn't we trade in my Mustang when you bought the Santa Fe…?"

"First of all, we bought the Santa Fe; you need to think of what is mine is yours, because I think that what is yours is mine," he swept a few strands of hair behind her ear.

"Somehow I think your assets are worth more than mine…"

"Oh, Ms. Thatcher," he leaned in and whispered, "I wouldn't sell your assets short; I'm quite fond of them."

Elizabeth giggled, "Jack Thornton…but seriously, why didn't we get rid of the Mustang?"

"Honey, I was thinking that maybe we could sell it, and donate the money to a local battered woman's shelter," he suggested.

"Jack, what a wonderful idea; let's do that. Some good use should come from a horrible experience…"

Jack stood and held out his hand, "Come on, let's go back to the hotel."

She placed her hand in his as he helped her to her feet. Standing close he spoke softly, "I love you, and I know you're upset about earlier, but I hope…"

"Jack, I'm sorry; I'm disappointed about the situation, but I'm certainly not angry with you. You always have my interests at heart and I apologize if I made you feel otherwise," she wrapped her arm through his and pulled her body close.

Walking toward their hotel, Elizabeth made note that most adults she observed were drinking alcoholic beverages in the street.

"That's legal here," he stated.

"Well, you know what they say…"

"What…?" he asked.

"When in New Orleans, do what the New Orleanians…Orlenians …you do what the people of New Orleans do…" she giggled.

"Well honey, I think that's supposed to be Rome, but do you want a margarita?" he asked.

"Yes I do…thank you."

They stepped into Cane & Table, ordered two margaritas and before they could leave, Jack found himself signing autographs and taking pictures, one of which made it up on the restaurant's 'Wall of Fame' between prior photos of visitors Steven Tyler and Jon Bon Jovi.

Holding up her cup which contained her frozen margarita Elizabeth giggled, "I think this gives new meaning to a Big Gulp Slurpee…"

"It packs way more of a punch too; maybe you've had enough," he teased.

She stuck out her bottom lip and nudged him, "Really, I'm fine. I don't even taste the alcohol. Are you sure there's any in here?"

"It's one of those drinks that you don't feel until you stand up…" he laughed softly, but his expression showed concern for her.

Twenty minutes later with two large Styrofoam cups carrying their liquid delight they stepped out of the small restaurant and bar.

"You know, this is really good, but I think I feel the alcohol all of a sudden," she mentioned as she carefully stepped out onto the sidewalk, tapping her foot on the ground before placing it down, almost as if she wasn't certain that the sidewalk was below them.

He smiled and held her a little tighter as he tossed his margarita in the next trash can they passed, realizing that at least one of them needed to keep their wits about them. "Honey, are you sure you want to drink the whole thing?"

She didn't respond and he wasn't certain if it was because she didn't hear him or she was ignoring his question.

They walked several blocks toward their hotel when they came upon Snug Harbor, a local jazz club. Standing outside on the sidewalk, they listened as the music and good times seemed to spill out into the street.

"Jack, look…" Elizabeth joyously remarked as she pointed to a car that was entering the intersection; it stopped and it's driver exited the vehicle to dance to the music before getting back inside to drive off.

Jack laughed, "I guess pretty much anything goes in New Orleans."

With her drink cup almost empty, he could feel her leaning more against him. "Come on; let's get back to the hotel…"

"Yeah, let's do that;" she turned his head to face her and planted a kiss on his lips. "Even though you don't want to marry me, we can still…you know," she stated as her head leaned against his chest and her attention was immediately drawn back to the music and street dancing.

He knew what she meant, but he also knew that she was carrying a buzz, whether she wanted to admit it or not. Drinking to this level was not like her; even in college she may have a beer or a glass of wine but always knew when to quit. He felt certain that turning her down earlier in the day had something to do with her lack of control this evening, and he simply wanted to get her safely to their room.

As they walked into the room, he closed the door behind them. Elizabeth pressed her body against his, pushing him against the door frame, "Do you want to have sex with me?"

Before he could respond, her lips covered his. He knew that she was experiencing the effects of the alcohol she'd consumed, and had he been a different man, he may have taken her up on her offer. But he wasn't, he was the man who had loved her for more years than he could remember. Even when they weren't together, his heart was never his to give to anyone else, for Elizabeth always held it.

Her lips were soft and warm, and carried the saltiness of the margarita she'd consumed. He could feel the passion growing with each subsequent kiss, and although he'd never take advantage of this situation, his body responded to her advances nonetheless.

"Let me go slip into something more comfortable," she stated as she kissed his cheek before pulling something from her suitcase and walking into the bathroom.

Finding it to be a bit warm and stuffy in the room, he opened the balcony door and stood outside while he waited on Elizabeth. Watching the crowds continuing to party below he knew that making love to Elizabeth in her present condition would do nothing but lead to more problems.

Becoming concerned that she had not exited the bathroom; he walked back inside and tapped on the door… "Elizabeth, are you okay?"

When she didn't respond, he cracked the door open and found her sound asleep on the bath mat with a towel covering her. She was still wearing her jeans, and bra, but he found her shirt lying in the floor where she had removed it, apparently falling asleep before she could finish dressing.

Jack picked her up and carried her to her bed, slipping a t-shirt of his over her head before removing her tennis shoes and socks and pulling the covers over her body. He kissed her forehead… "I love you…"

Jack sat on the side of his bed and watched her sleep. With each breath she took, he was taken back to the time he walked away from her, the day that he returned and she didn't want to speak to him, and the worse day of all, when Tommy beat and terrorized her and Tristan, and then she was shot by accident by the bank security guard…their lives almost ended on that day.

Tears rolled down his cheeks as he thought about the misunderstandings, and missed opportunities which had plagued their relationship, and if he wasn't certain before, he was now…time was precious and he didn't want to waste any more of it.

Jack pulled his phone from his pocket and held it in his hand. He pulled up the message screen, writing out a particular text several times before actually pressing 'send.'

Assuming that he'd get a response in the morning, he was quite surprised when his phone dinged…

"What R u talking about…?" the response read.

"I need help 2 pull this 2gether. Can u help…?"

"Yes, of course…I'll make the calls…"

"OK, let me kno if it's set…"

"Will do; not a lot of notice, but C u soon…"

He changed into a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt and pulled back the covers to his bed. He lay on his side facing Elizabeth with his elbow propped up on his pillow and his head resting in his hand. She is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. How could I have walked away from her? So much time lost…So. Much. Time.

Jack had to admit to himself that he wanted to be with her. The fact is, he'd always wanted to be with her; to feel her skin against his, to feel her come alive with his touch, but he thought he'd lost that opportunity for a relationship with her when he walked away so many years ago.

Right now what he was feeling was much more than lust or need, or even want; it was purely love and the desire to finally bring the family he'd always dreamed about together.

While he lay in bed watching her sleep, she became somewhat restless, mumbling and shaking her head back and forth. Although he knew not what was disturbing her, he left his bed and lay beside her, holding her in his arms. His fingers brushed across her cheek as he calmly whispered, "Shh, I'm here," in her ear. It seemed that almost immediately her body relaxed, she stopped stirring; she took a deep cleansing breath and settled comfortably against him.

The following morning, Elizabeth woke; her body felt fine, but her head pounded when she turned from side to side, or attempted to lift it from the pillow. Glancing over at the bedside table she found several Tylenol caplets and a glass of water which she quickly and thankfully consumed. She then lay back on the pillow, closed her eyes and hoped to feel normal again very soon.

Two hours later, she woke to find Jack sitting in a chair on the balcony, his phone in hand as he feverishly hand pecked the keyboard, one letter at a time.

"Is anything wrong?" she asked.

"No," he immediately put his phone down, "As a matter of fact, everything is going well."

He left his phone on the table and approached her, "How are you feeling?"

"I'm so sorry…"

"Sorry about what, honey?"

"Jack, I'm not a drinker, well at least not where I drink a lot, but that margarita was so good. I just had no idea how strong it was," she remarked. She glanced down as he took hold of her hands, "Did I do anything that I should be embarrassed about?"

"No, of course not. Besides I had your back; I wouldn't let anything happen to you."

"What does that mean; was I dancing naked in the street or something?"

He laughed, "No, you weren't but you watched some other people dancing last night."

"Were they naked?"

"Haha, no…honey, you didn't do anything," he stated knowing that if she knew she'd put the blast on him to have sex, she would have been embarrassed.

"You know, I don't remember anything after we came into the lobby of the hotel. I guess I fell out in the bed…"

"Uh…yes you did."

"Jack, why am I wearing your t-shirt?"

"You don't remember?" he asked.

"No, I told you that I don't remember anything after we entered the hotel lobby."

"You pulled it from my bag to wear," he fibbed but he considered it a harmless little white lie.

"Well, I'm sorry that I fell asleep, but thank you for the Tylenol and the water. You must have known I'd need them."

He smiled, took a breath, and then looked down before returning his eyes to her. "I love you…"

His expression was soulful; as she looked into his eyes she felt such emotion, "Jack, is something wrong?"

"We have two more days here; I want you to take the spa date that they have available this morning. Then I want you to go out and buy yourself a beautiful dress."

"Jack, I have a dress that I brought."

"Honey, I want it to be a new dress and I'm going to take you out to a really nice dinner, okay?"

"Or, we could just order room service and stay in and…never mind, that's just asking for trouble," she giggled.

She stepped closer and brushed her lips across his before turning to grab her clothes for the day.

With her hands full, Jack held her upper arm and turned her back to face him. He leaned in and with one hand behind her head, their lips met, and a deep connection between the two of them was made.

"I love you, and I want to thank you…" he began.

Elizabeth interrupted, "Oh right, I was in an emotional tailspin yesterday. I'm so sorry, Jack. You set all of this up and I just went running in a different direction with it. You are such a wonderful man, and Tristan and I are so lucky to have you in our lives."

"What I was going to say is thank you for opening my eyes to what's important…"

"I don't know what you're talking about; you're the one who wanted to get married sooner than six months."

His hand rested along her jaw line as his thumb brushed across her cheek, "I'm not only referring to getting married."

Her look of confusion made him continue his thought, "It's not just about getting married and…"

"Making love…?" Elizabeth giggled.

"Well, that's a plus," he returned the smile. "But I'm actually referring to the importance of family, and bringing us together. I do believe that it will happen in the time frame that it's meant to. I have to admit, I'm anxious…"

"Jack, when we get home I'll take Tristan and get her a pretty dress," she stated. "I don't need a wedding dress, besides, having one doesn't mean you're any more married, right?" she laughed.

"I want you to have one if you want it."

"Jack, I want you, and Tristan, and I want us together like a true family…no wedding dress is required for that. Maybe we can just see the Justice of the Peace."

He said nothing further; his lips did the talking as they covered hers, separating slightly as her tongue brushed across them and slipped inside. He held her tighter, doing his best to pull her closer, although in order to actually do so, he'd have had to unzip his body, pull her inside and then zip them up together.

Elizabeth stepped back, picked up her clothing that she'd dropped and turned back to face him, "Do you want to do a couples spa day?"

He laughed, "No, this is for you; I'll occupy myself while you're gone."

"Okay, if you're sure…" she stated as she slipped into the bathroom.

Elizabeth walked out of the bathroom and found Jack talking on the phone. Not wanting to disturb him, she blew him a kiss and headed for the spa.

"Okay, is it all set?" he asked Rosemary who was handling his request on that end.

"Yes, but Jack this seems quite rushed; are you sure she's going to be willing to take that leap?"

"Rosemary, you get everyone there, and I'll take care of the rest. Oh, I know what size dress she wears, if a woman isn't wearing a wedding dress, what do you think she'd want to wear?"

"Jack, you don't worry about a dress; I have that covered. Tristan and I are out right now, and she'll have a dress too."

Jack's eyes filled with tears and his voice broke slightly, "Can I talk to her?"

"Sure… are you okay?" she asked.

"I just want to hear her voice…"

"Hi daddy, I miss you. Is mommy there?"

"No honey, she's at the spa, but she'll be excited to see you."

"I got a pretty dress…"

"I know; I can't wait to see you in it."

"Daddy…"

"Yes honey…"

"When will you and mommy get married? Is that what my pretty dress is for?"

"It sure is, and I'm hoping that we'll get married tomorrow, but mommy just wants it to me you and me and her at the Justice of the Peace's office."

"When will I be Tristan Grace Thornton," she asked as her voice began to shake when she continued, "I don't like being Parker."

"I'm working on it honey. Your mom and I need to be married first."

"Okay…I love you daddy."

"I love you too sweetheart."

"Jack," Rosemary returned to the phone.

"Is she okay?" he asked.

"She'll be fine. Is there anything else I need to do?" Rosemary asked.

"No, just get everyone there."

"Oh, did you call your mom?" she asked.

"No, she's on a cruise. Speaking of which, how did Elizabeth's parents react?"

"Her mother is excited; her father maybe not so much, but he'll be there," she replied. "I will say this, it's a good thing that you are who you are, or I don't think that vendors would drop everything like they have to accommodate you."

"Vendors; what are you talking about? I thought I'd just take everyone out to dinner."

"Jack, I know that Elizabeth would rather have something at home, I've got the caterer already working on it. It's gonna be great, and you can thank me later."

"I'm thanking you now Rosemary and I'll thank you later too. I appreciate all your help."

"Can I ask you something?"

"Sure…"

"If you were planning to do this, why did you go away? Why not just stay here?"

"Elizabeth met a woman in the spa and she was here for her wedding…"

"Oh, so it got you and Elizabeth thinking…?"

"Well yes, but not like you think; her fiancé was killed a few weeks ago, and she came to New Orleans because she thought she'd feel closer to him somehow."

"Oh Jack, I'm so sorry."

"Elizabeth was very upset and wanted to get married yesterday, and she was willing to give up everything she wanted just to make it happen, but Tristan needs to be there."

"Well, so do I, and Lee and her family and your mom too, but I guess that one can't be helped."

"It'll be beautiful Jack; you'll see," Rosemary promised him. "Oh wait, Tristan wants to tell you something."

"Daddy, bring me a surprise…"

"I will sweetheart."

Jack stuck his phone in his pocket and walked down to the spa. Walking through the door he was immediately recognized by the two girls sitting behind the desk.

One girl looked down and whispered, "That's Jack Thornton."

"I know; I'm not stupid," the second girl responded.

The first girl looked up, "May I help you Mr. Thornton?"

"My fiancé is in having a massage and facial and whatever else she wanted, but can you just tell her that I went out for a while and I'll see her back in the room later."

"Sure; who is your fiancé?" the second girl asked.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Her name is Elizabeth Thatcher."

"Yes sir, we'll tell her. She is in Room #4."

"Okay, thank you," he stated his appreciation before leaving the spa, and walking out of the hotel to do some shopping.

Two blocks down he came upon a jewelry store; he stepped inside and was immediately taken by the brilliance of an item in the display case. He held it in his hand and could easily tell how beautiful it would look against Elizabeth's skin.

Ten minutes later he was walking down the street with his jewelry store purchase and another gift for a special little girl on his mind. He walked into two stores, but found nothing that caught his eye. In the third store, he saw a bear wearing a red dress with butterfly wings in the window. He walked in and walked out with the purchase in his hand and a satisfied smile on his face.

Jack was sitting on the sofa in their hotel room when Elizabeth walked back inside with a dress bag hanging over her shoulder and a shoe box in her hand. "So you had some luck?" he asked as he ended a call on his phone and sat it on the table.

"I did…"

"May I see your dress?" he asked as he walked over to her and started to untie the knot at the bottom of the bag.

She pulled the bag away, "You can see it when we go out. By the way, where are we going?" she asked.

"I've heard nice things about Brennan's; is that okay?" he asked.

"Sounds wonderful; when do you want to go?" she replied.

"You can go ahead and take the bathroom. I've already showered; I just need to change. Whenever you're ready is fine."

"Do we need a reservation?"

"No, we're good…"

She slipped into the bathroom with her dress still covered as he asked once more, "Are you sure I can't see your dress?"

"Yep, I'm sure…" she stated as she closed the door.

As the shower started and the water began to flow into the tub his eyes were drawn to the bathroom door, but he glanced away quickly as if he could see through the wall and was invading her privacy.

Once the water stopped flowing, the hair dryer quickly started. Forty five minutes after entering the bathroom she exited. Sitting in the leather chair in their suite wearing a pair of black trousers, a white dress shirt and a black tie, the smile on his face showed his approval of the dress she'd picked out.

She stood in the middle of the room wearing a black long sleeved dress that was form fitting and fell just below her knees with a scoop neckline and a pair of silver high heeled strappy sandals.

"Do you like it?" she asked as she started to turn around so he could see the back.

"You look beauti… whoa, honey, aren't you cold?" although in shock, he admired her beauty as the back of her dress from her shoulders down to her lower back was basically nonexistent. In addition, the dress had a slit in the back that went half way up her thigh. Her hair was loosely curled and softly fell over her shoulders and down her back.

"If you don't like it, I can change…"

"No you won't; I've never seen you look more beautiful," his finger under her chin lifted her face as his lips met hers. "Are you ready to go?" he asked knowing that keeping his hands off of her would be difficult if they didn't leave quickly.

She grabbed her clutch and walked to the door followed closely by Jack, whose eyes were easily fixated on her bare back.

He grabbed his suit jacket and draped it over her shoulders, "I don't want you to be chilly."

She smiled and took his gesture for what it was, always the gentleman. "I appreciate your jacket, but I have a something," she stated as she handed him back his jacket before walking over to her bed and pulling her new black lace shawl from the shopping bag.

They stepped outside to an awaiting Uber which took them to Brennan's Restaurant.

As Jack held the door for her she stopped him from going further, "Jack, it says it's closed for a private party."

"Let's just see what's going on."

"Jack, it's not nice to crash someone else's party," she commented as he walked into the restaurant and she reluctantly followed.

"Hello Mr. Thornton, we have your table ready right over here," the hostess stated as she led Jack and Elizabeth into the seating area.

"Wait, I don't understand…" Elizabeth refused to take a seat, but in looking around found the restaurant to be vacant except for her, Jack and several employees.

"I reserved the restaurant for us," Jack stated.

"Jack, that is so sweet of you…"

"I have something for you," he stated as he reached into the inside pocket of his jacket and pulled out a long but narrow box and handed it to her.

"What's this?"

"Open it," he suggested, the anticipation of her excitement clearly observed in his expression.

As she opened the box, her expression was exactly what he'd assumed it to be. Her smile was broad and bright, "Jack, it's beautiful. I love it, but you didn't need to buy me anything."

"I know I didn't, but I saw it, and I thought how beautiful it would look on your arm. May I?" he reached for the sapphire and diamond tennis bracelet and hooked the clasp around her wrist.

She held out her arm and marveled at how brilliantly it shined. "Thank you, Jack…it's beautiful."

While seated, Jack ordered the jumbo lump crab, shrimp, crispy Louisiana oysters, parmesan mushroom rice, and Brennan's Creole butter; Elizabeth decided on the Creole pork chop, with glazed shrimp and mixed vegetables.

"What would you like to drink?" the waitress asked.

Jack looked as Elizabeth and smiled, "Iced tea for both of us."

"No wine…?" the waitress reached over to remove the glasses from the table.

"No, I think we're fine," Jack responded as he reached over and took her hand.

"Jack, if you want a glass of wine, go ahead."

"No, I'm fine. I want to be totally clear because I'd like to talk to you about something."

Elizabeth attempted to swallow but her mouth was so dry. She picked up her glass of water and took a sip, "Is something wrong?"

"No to the contrary. I'd like for us to go home tomorrow morning…early."

"Okay, well we were going home tomorrow anyway; did our flight get changed?

"In a manner of speaking; I changed it."

"Why Jack…?"

"Well, I'd like to go by, pick up Tristan and go to the Justice of the Peace and get married," he stated so calmly, almost as if he was talking about the groceries they needed to pick up at the store.

"What…?"

"You're right Elizabeth; we've wasted too much time. We couldn't get married without Tristan with us, but…what do you think?" he asked as his heart pounded and he suddenly began to think that she'd consider this to be a horrible idea.

He couldn't have been more wrong as her smile lit up the dimly lit room.

"I'd marry you anywhere, so yes, let's get home, pick up Tristan and go see the Justice of the Peace," she excitedly responded. Suddenly her expression changed, "Wait, tomorrow is Sunday; we can't do it tomorrow…"

"Oh beautiful one with little faith, I've already made arrangements."

Teasingly she asked, "So what if I had said 'no?'"

"I had faith that you wouldn't…"

Following their meal, the waitress approached the table, "Would you care for any dessert?"

Before Elizabeth could say that she had no space available for dessert, Jack responded, "I've heard wonderful things about your Bourbon Pecan Pie Sundae. Could you bring us one and two spoons, please?"

"Coming right up," she stated as she topped off both of their glasses of tea before leaving them alone.

Following their dessert, Jack caught a glimpse of the piano in the corner, "May I play something?" he asked the waitress.

"Oh yes, please do…"

Jack took Elizabeth's hand and they walked across the room to the piano. He sat down on the bench and raised the lid on the keys while Elizabeth stood nearby.

While he warmed up his fingers on the keyboard, he stated, "This isn't my song, but it's speaking to me right now. Do you remember it?" he asked as the intro began.

"I do…we used to sing it together," she whispered.

She smiled as Jack began to sing… (Always and Forever sung by Heatwave)

Always and forever
Each moment with you is just like a dream to me
That somehow came true
And I know tomorrow will still be the same
'Cause' we've got a life of love that won't ever change

Jack nodded for her to join him in the chorus, which she happily complied…

And every day love me your own special way
Melt all my heart away with a smile
Take time to tell me you really care
And we'll share tomorrow together
I'll always love you, forever, forever

Jack continued to play as Elizabeth sang the next stanza alone…

There'll always be sunshine when I look at you
Something I can't explain, just the things that you do
And if you get lonely, phone me
And take a second to give to me the magic you make

As the chorus began, both sang together as their eyes never drifted from each other.

And every day love me your own special way
Melt all my heart away with a smile
Take time to tell me you really care
And we'll share tomorrow together
I'll always love you, forever, forever

With the song completed, Jack closed the lid on the keys, and stood from the bench. He walked over and took Elizabeth's hand, "Are you ready?"

"To get our life started? I most certainly am…"

To be continued…