Disclaimer: I do not own the characters within this story. All rights and much respect go to Crown Media, Hallmark, Brian Bird, Michael Landon, Jr., the actors, creators, and writers of the show "When Calls the Heart."

Chapter 18- Hello… I'm Jamie

Recap from Chapter 17…

Lunch time came and went, still nothing from Jack. Afternoon lessons were started and completed, and still nothing from Jack. She put the kids on the bus and slowly walked back to her classroom. Elizabeth sat at her desk willing the tears to stop forming when she heard her phone chime. Her heart stopped as she reached for this small gadget that most likely held news of her future.

"R u done 4 the day…?"

"Yes, just dismissed the kids…"

"I love u…"

"Please Jack; don't hold me in suspense…"

'I'm here by your Jeep. Can u come outside…?"

"B right out…"

She suddenly felt nauseous, and her stride was short and slow, as if she were on her way to the dentist for a root canal. She reached the door, "Just pull the tooth, I can't take the pain," she thought.

She opened the door and headed for the parking lot. She scanned the area trying her best to smile, even if it was forced. She wanted him to feel safe leaving without fear of losing her. She wanted to prove that she was strong and capable of being the woman he needed.

Suddenly the world fell away, drained of all color, but him, standing in the sunlight. In his hands he held two roses, one red and one white.

She smiled, realizing that this was it. They would be apart for however long it took, but she would smile. She wouldn't be able to see him or most likely contact him, but she would smile. She promised herself that she would smile in company, but cry alone.

"Hi Jack, I guess you're leaving?" She asked.

He reached out his arm, offering her the flowers, a symbol of his true and pure love. He smiled, "Well actually, my plans have changed…"

Hesitantly Elizabeth asked, "Is that a good thing?"

"It is if you want me hanging around," he remarked with a smile.

Elizabeth released a breath that she was unaware that she had been holding before wrapping her arms around him. "Why…? What…? How…?" She asked.

Jack laughed softly, "Apparently, they were able to pull an officer from the Petersburg PD, so now they can send me…"

"Send you? I thought you said you were staying?" She initially felt relief, now that was in jeopardy. She tried to stop the tears from forming. She could feel them building up, trying to spill out where they would eventually streak her cheeks.

He smiled as his hands gently rubbed her arms, "Calm down; I am staying. Well, I'm local, but I moving to the 3rd Precinct until they get another replacement."

The tears quickly dried and her smile returned instantaneously. "Will you remain on the day shift?" She asked.

"I'm not sure. I have to report tomorrow morning, but then I'll find out where I'm needed," he replied.

Without checking their surroundings, Elizabeth wrapped her arms around his neck and drew him close.

"Miss Thatcher…" a soft voice was heard, but the cars impeded Elizabeth's view.

Elizabeth looked around knowing she'd heard someone call her name. Suddenly, from behind the Toyota parked beside Elizabeth she saw little Paula emerge.

"Paula dear, what are you doing out here. I released everyone to Mrs. Grayson at the bus ramp. Did you miss your bus?" She asked.

"No ma'am. My mom is picking me up today," she replied with a quick hug to Elizabeth's waist.

"Thank you sweetheart, but where is your mom?" Elizabeth asked.

"She'll be here. She runs late sometimes. Hi mister. Are you Miss Thatcher's boyfriend?" She asked.

Jack knelt down bringing himself to eye level with the small child, "Yes, I am."

"Well, that's good, because she was sad today, but she looks happy now," she remarked with a smile before turning away and heading back to the bus ramp.

"Let me walk you over there," Elizabeth stated as she held Jack's hand until the distance separated them.

"Mrs. Grayson, Paula slipped away from you," Elizabeth sternly remarked. "Do you need help keeping control of everyone?"

"I'm sorry. She was walking to a car and I thought it was her parent," she replied.

"We have to be more careful. These children are our responsibility for the time that they are with us. If you need help, please ask and we can get you an assistant," Elizabeth stated as she hugged Paula one final time and headed back into the parking lot.

For the next month, Jack settled into the occasional day shift, with his schedule generally calling for him to work from 3pm-11pm. He was no longer in the district where he could easily ride by the barn and their time together was reduced to his evenings off, or an occasional free weekend.

Following a Thursday night shift, Jack remembered the following day was a school holiday. Not the least bit tired, he texted Elizabeth…

"Hey Rebecca…"

"Hi Jake…"

"2morrow is a school holiday, right…?"

"Sure is, thank heavens…"

"Feel like meeting for a drink? I miss u…"

"Had school concert 2night. Out at dinner with teachers. Just ordered food, sorry…"

"11:15 pm? Just eating dinner…?"

"Program was late, parents wanted to talk…"

"OK, enjoy. Heading home and I'll TTYL…"

"Love u…"

"Love u back…"

With the possibility of being sent away, his constant thoughts of Elizabeth, and contemplating their future together, he had a lot on his mind. Jack headed for the beach instead to think, as he always found that the salt air cleared out the cobwebs and put everything into perspective. He parked at his usual spot in Croatan, and headed over the sand dune. He had been watching the waves break for about ten minutes when the hair on the back of his neck bristled. He looked around but saw no one, so he returned to face the water.

"Jack Thornton, what are you doing?" The voice caused him to whip around. "I see you still park in my parent's driveway."

"Yes, in the summer that's a real lifesaver. How are you doing?" He asked. "Actually, what are you doing in town?"

"I'm just home for a long weekend to visit my folks, and I can't lie; I'd heard you were here and I was hoping to run into you," she responded. "No date tonight Jack? Are you not seeing anyone?"

"I could say the same about you, and yes, I am involved with someone," he replied.

"Well, we could be dateless together. I've missed you," she stated as she walked closer. "Let's go get a drink," she suggested.

"No, I think I'm going to head home. My girlfriend was out with some friends, so I just thought I'd come out here and do some thinking," he indicated.

"Girlfriend? Thinking? Is there trouble in paradise?" She asked.

"I don't talk about my relationship with Elizabeth," he advised her.

"Where did you meet this Elizabeth?" She asked, however, she knew she didn't have a right to. "If you recall, I am a great listener," she attempted to remind him.

"I really don't recall much about our time together, Jamie. As for Elizabeth, she and I are fine, great as a matter of fact," he assured her.

She stuck out her arm to pull him up from the sand dune. "Come on Jack. We haven't seen each other in ages. Just one drink," she practically demanded.

"Okay, one drink, but I'll need to meet you there. I have to leave soon," he stated, not wanting to be caught with her in his truck.

They parked side by side at Rudee inlet and walked on the boardwalk toward Catch 31.

Sitting inside Waterman's Surfside Grill, Elizabeth and her work friends had finished their meal and were paying their bill when someone stated, "Elizabeth, isn't that the guy you're dating?"

"Where?" she replied. Looking through the window she observed Jack walking along the boardwalk with a beautiful, tall, slender dark haired woman who had her arm wrapped through his. "That's my spot," she thought.

"That's kinda bold," one woman stated.

Several of the women whispered amongst themselves before looking back at Elizabeth and then returning their glance out the window.

"Where are you going?" Melissa called out.

"I'm going out to see Jack and meet this woman he's with," Elizabeth remarked as she grabbed her purse and headed for the door.

Ashley watched Elizabeth through the window, "If there ever was a sign, there it is. Men are scum!"

"Hi Jack…"

"Elizabeth…" Jack called out, surprisingly thankful that she'd seen him. The decision of whether or not to tell her about Jamie's visit had now been made for him.

Elizabeth stood motionless waiting on Jack to introduce her to the mystery woman.

Jack wanted to speak, but he was finding it difficult to release the air from his lungs. Elizabeth looked back to the woman…

"Hi, I'm Jamie, a very good friend of Jack's," she stated.

OMG, that's her. That's Jamie. Although Jack had told Elizabeth about Jamie, part of her had always hoped that she wasn't real but she was, and that she wasn't beautiful, but she really was. Now they stood face to face. "Hi Jamie. I'm Elizabeth, Jack's girlfriend," Elizabeth stuck out her arm, encouraging her to release Jack and shake her hand.

"Hi Elizabeth. I had no idea that Jack was dating anyone," Jamie completed the introductions as both women watched and waited for Jack' response.

Jack was quick to remark, "Well Jamie, we haven't seen each other in a really long time, but I do recall just telling you that my girlfriend was out with her friends." Jack was hopeful that Elizabeth would realize that she was an essential topic of their conversation.

Jack was extremely uncomfortable, and Elizabeth couldn't help but smile at his nervousness. "Jamie, I'm very happy to finally meet you. Jack has mentioned you before."

"Jack and I haven't seen each other for ages. I'm sure he hasn't told you much about me," she replied.

Elizabeth smiled and leaned in slightly. Her voice was soft but confident, "Jack and I talk about everything. So I am aware of your prior relationship."

"He's told you everything?" She asked, sounding quite surprised.

"Yes, everything," Elizabeth responded.

"Jack, you even told her about our weekend trip to the mountains?" She seemed surprised.

"Jamie, it's not like we went alone. There were quite a few people who spent the weekend there," he reminded her.

"Couples, Jack, not just people. We were a couple back then," she emphasized.

Elizabeth grabbed Jack's hand, "You aren't a couple now."

Jamie was bold and proudly leaned in close to Elizabeth's ear and whispered, "Well, I'm sure I don't need to tell you, he's a great lover."

"How crass," she thought. Elizabeth did her best to continue breathing. She felt her lungs deflate, and her breaths found it difficult to make their way past the monstrous lump in her throat.

"I hope you don't mind, but I would love to have Jack walk me to my car. I mean, I'm not interrupting anything, am I?"

"Certainly not. Jamie, I can walk you to your car on the way," Jack offered.

"No thank you. I think I'll check out the bar in here," Jamie said as she leaned forward to kiss Jack on the cheek, but awkwardly he moved away.

"Goodbye Jamie," Jack stated as he turned to focus on Elizabeth.

"Good night Jack," she replied.

Jack took Elizabeth's hand and they started down the boardwalk, "I'm sorry."

"Jack, we just talked to each other a short while ago. I thought you were going home. Next thing I know you've picked up an old girlfriend. What happened?" She asked, her voice was slightly unsteady.

"She is more of a…"

"A what, Jack? You're the one who slept with her, so don't be crude now," Elizabeth retorted, suddenly nervous at being faced with the one woman who may have at one time been her competition for Jack's affections.

"I think she was more of an incident than a relationship," he stated with an anxious smile that deepened his dimples. She always found it difficult to look past his dimples.

Elizabeth stopped walking. She leaned up against the boardwalk railing, finding herself mesmerized by the waves crashing onshore. "You never told me about the trip to the mountains."

Jack wrapped his arm around her waist and gave her a gentle squeeze. "It was nothing, Elizabeth. I didn't lie to you. I didn't love her; I don't love her."

"How did you hook up with her tonight?" Elizabeth asked.

"I went to Croatan to the beach and I parked…"

"That's where she lives? She's been here the whole time?"

"No, she lives in Charlottesville, but that's her parent's place," Jack explained. "She surprised me. I had no idea that she was in town."

There was momentary silence.

"I'm sorry…"

"Jack, if we're going to make a go of this relationship, we both need to learn to trust. I do trust you, and I would assume that if an old boyfriend of mine came to town, you would trust me as well," she stated as she let go of his hand and wrapped her arm through his, pulling herself close to his body.

He stopped walking, "Who's in town?" He asked.

"I'm just making a statement. There are no old boyfriend's of mine in town. At least none that have contacted me," she assured him.

"Can we sit down for a minute? I'd like to talk," he asked.

"If something is wrong, then no, I don't want to sit down," she responded, glancing into his eyes seeking some sort of clue by his expression.

He gave none. "Nothing is wrong. I'd just like to sit and talk while we listen to the ocean."

They stepped off the boardwalk and into the sand, walking a short distance to a bench overlooking the water.

"So, how was your day?" He asked.

"Long! Seriously, it was good. The concert was precious; my kids did a beautiful job with 'Happiness is,' the Charlie Brown song. We had planned to leave school by 8:30…9:00 at the latest, but surprisingly enough, a lot of parents showed up." She looked back from the water and saw him staring at her. "I'm sorry, this probably isn't that interesting to you."

"Everything you do is interesting to me. I'm glad you had a good program. Sorry I had to work or I would have been there," he stated as he took his finger and brushed a few windblown strands of hair behind her ear.

Elizabeth smiled as he leaned forward and melted into her pillow soft lips. Her strawberry lip balm mixed well with the mint he'd eaten before seeing her. The sound of voices approaching on the boardwalk brought them back to reality. As they watched, a couple descended the stairs and walked along the waterline.

"Elizabeth, where do you see us in five years?" He asked.

Elizabeth didn't know whether to smile or frown, "Jack, I hope that we're still together. I mean, I'd like to still be together. Why?"

"Do you ever think about getting married and having kids, a house with a picket fence, and maybe a dog?" He asked.

She quickly realized that this was a smile and not a frown moment. "Jack, I love kids, and dogs, and I'd love to live on a farm so I could have Bugsy with me. Of course the farm house could have a picket fence."

"So you love kids, and dogs and I know you love Bugsy. Are you forgetting anything…anyone?" He asked.

She laughed, "I'm sorry Jack. Are you feeling left out? Of course I love you." She surprised him with a quick kiss.

"What kind of dog do you want?" He asked.

"A black Labrador Retriever of course and HER name will be Onyx." It was evident that her plan to this point was set.

Jack knew that she wanted many of the same things that he desired but did she see him in her lifelong plan?

"Elizabeth, how do you feel about marriage?" He asked.

OMG, OMG, OMG, is he going to ask me now? She tried to gain control of her breathing and attempted to catch her heart which was apparently running first in its own horse race. "Jack, I do want to get married and have children, but…"

"But… But what?" He asked.

She suddenly felt shy, "But Jack, I only want to do those things with you." She attempted to gauge his expression and the smile that covered his face told her everything she needed to know.

"You look chilly, here take this," Jack stated as he removed his jacket and draped it over her shoulders. "Are you ready to go?"

Wait, he's not going to ask… She stood along with him and took the hand that he had extended to her. He walked her back to her Jeep and then she drove him back to his truck. Jack then followed her home and walked her to her door to make certain she arrived safely.

It was late; he didn't want to leave, but he knew he should. If he stayed much longer he was certain that he wouldn't leave. Under different circumstances he would have gladly swallowed her whole, savoring every morsel if she had made the offer again. Each time they were together; each time they talked more about the future and he visualized them living as a family, leaving her became more painfully difficult for him. However, he had made a promise to himself, to her, and he was still determined not to take from her that special gift of herself. However, if she asked me to stay, I'm not pushing, right? Stop it, Jack…you know what's right!

As they stood in the empty hallway of her apartment building, he stopped her from going inside, "Elizabeth, one day, when the time is right, I'm hoping that we'll take that permanent step in our relationship."

She hated saying good night; she hated standing in the hallway as he walked away, and she hated going inside and sleeping alone. She had dated before, but no one had ever made her feel this way. Remaining chaste had never been difficult until now, and she was wrestling with her conflicting emotions.

The excitement of their future plans thrilled her; the soft warmth of his voice soothed her, and the gentle touch of his hand sweeping behind her back melted her. Her body was pressed up against the door frame as his weight held her in place. She gently bit at her bottom lip…

"You know what that does to me," he reminded her as he glanced from her lips to her eyes and back to her lips again.

"What am I doing, Jack?" She smiled as her teeth gently worked their way along her bottom lip.

"You know what," as he pressed closer, her curves fitting perfectly to his as he reached down and took hold of her hand. His body was quickly overruling his head.

Their lips were playing a game of who could capture, who would win. Neither of them cared, because the truth was that they both wanted to be captured.

The hallway was dimly lit and empty. However, at this moment, Jack wouldn't have cared who was there, for all he saw was Elizabeth. He would have gladly kissed her under the marquee in Times Square observed by a million eyes, but right now it was just them, and this, the privacy was so much better.

Elizabeth's eyes were pleading; her desire was taking over every membrane in her body as she turned the handle on the door. "Jack, can't you come inside for awhile?" She asked.

He was so close that his warm breath tickled the skin on her neck. He released her hand as his fingers traced up her forearm and over her shoulder. He released a sharp, quick breath, "You have no idea how much I want to, but if I come inside, I'm not leaving." He reached his hand out, covered hers and pulled the door to her apartment closed.

"Is that such a bad thing? Jack, I want to be with you. When we're close like this, I want to be closer, but you keep turning me down. Don't…don't you want me?" She asked as he observed confusion in her eyes.

Her fingers were dancing along his rib cage as he felt his blood warming; his desire was building, as quickly as his brain was shutting down. "Elizabeth…Elizabeth," he breathlessly whispered just as his lips hungrily covered hers. His hand behind her head pressed her closer, deepening the kiss.

They separated slightly and Elizabeth lowered her gaze to the floor. Jack placed a finger under her chin, lifting her head slightly.

"Elizabeth, you have to know how difficult this is for me but I'm trying to honor what you told me about waiting until we're married. I need to know, is all of this because of Jamie?" He asked as he leaned in and gently kissed her forehead.

"Jack," she started to speak but quickly became embarrassed. "You didn't hear her… she made it known what a great lover you are…"

"Really, great huh…" he smiled, which irritated Elizabeth.

She turned slightly to go inside, "I didn't need to see that, Jack."

Jack took her hand and brought it up to his lips, "Please talk to me. You have to know that you are the most important thing in my life. You do know that, right?"

"She said that she was sure she didn't have to tell me, but yet she found it necessary to tell me how great you are in bed. Unfortunately, she knows and I don't. She's experienced that part of you that I only dream about, and I'm jealous," she stated turning away slightly to hide the rosiness in her face.

"So you dream about us?" He asked.

"No…"

"You just said you do," he smiled.

"Oh and you don't?" She replied.

He laughed softly, "Every single night."

She smiled, satisfied with his answer as she tucked herself safely into his chest, "I love you Jack. I don't mean to be jealous of Jamie, but she is beautiful." She leaned back against the door frame, "Besides, knowing the kind of man you are, I can't imagine that you would have slept with her and not felt anything."

Jack framed her face with his hands. He rubbed the soft skin on her cheeks with his thumbs. "Do you remember that Tim McGraw song you made me listen to?"

"Made you? It's a beautiful song, with such a heartfelt message," she remarked.

"Exactly… it goes, 'Know the difference between sleeping with someone, and sleeping with someone you love. I love you ain't no pick-up line, so always stay humble and kind.' Elizabeth, I know the difference, and when we are finally together, I will love you with everything I am," he leaned down and softly covered her lips. "At best, Jamie and I were friends. There's no need to concern yourself with her.

"I guess its one thing to hear about her, and another thing to be confronted with her. In my mind I visualized her as…well, not nearly as attractive as she is," Elizabeth admitted. "I guess it's like you meeting Randy and being jealous of him."

"Randy? Who's Randy?" He leaned back suddenly, catching her eyes with his. Her quick laugh told him she was joking. "That wasn't funny, Elizabeth." He opened her apartment door…

"Are you coming inside?" She asked as she took his hand and walked through the door.

"I'm sorry, Sweetheart, but unlike you, I have to work tomorrow. I need to go," he stated as Elizabeth reluctantly released him.

"This is the part of the evening that I hate," she frowned.

Jack tried to smile, "Not my favorite part of the evening either. One day, Elizabeth, neither of us will have to say good night."

He started down the hall but stopped and returned to her…

"Thank you for understanding about Jamie. I'm sure it was uncomfortable meeting her, but you handled it with dignity and grace," he stated as he moved a lone curl from in front of her eye with his finger.

"Jack, I love you, and I believe that you love me. We have both had lives before we met, so we have to accept that. Whatever has happened before has brought us to this point, and I feel blessed to be with you on this journey," she explained as she stole one final kiss before he disappeared.

She practically skipped down the hall to her room, as any feelings she held for prior men in her life fell drastically short. She sat on the side of her bed thinking about the evening and her surprise meeting with Jamie. Jack certainly had great taste, as Jamie was beautiful, but she wasn't worried. She observed the way that Jamie held on to Jack, but still she wasn't really worried. She realized that Jamie had already experienced that part of Jack that up to this point she had only dreamed about, but she would never be worried. She remembered how Jack's eyes pierced her soul, finding his home deep within her, and she knew that she could never be worried about where his feelings lay.

She pulled out her journal, opened it to the next blank page and began to put her words to the paper…

"We wrestle with thoughts, dreams, feelings and fears, each situation confronting us with unknown variables, pushing us in many directions. We are forced to make decisions that impact not only us but those who hold positions of importance in our lives. We concern ourselves with outcomes that disappoint others, all the while knowing that we have no control over what they think or how they behave as a result. All we can do is be true to who we are and stand firm in what we believe. Things will work out as we like, or not, but they will always work out as they are meant to be."

Elizabeth lay back in bed, closed her eyes and begged her body to sleep. Suddenly she heard the ever so familiar ding on her cell phone…

"U awake…" Jack sent the message hoping that if she happened to be asleep that the ding on her phone wouldn't waken her.

"Yes. Just been writing n my journal…"

"Did you write about me…?"

"Possibly…"

"I'm sorry, Elizabeth…"

"4 what…? U did nothing wrong. U r right and I appreciate ur strength and love…"

"I do love u and when we make love it will be beautiful…"

"I'm sure, Jamie basically told me so…"

"Elizabeth, please 4get about Jamie, I have…"

"I'm trying…"

"I know u r off 2morrow. Lunch at Smokey Bones…?"

"I'd love 2. What shift r u on? Let me know what time…"

"I work 7-3. Love u…"

"Love u back…"

Elizabeth took a deep breath. Any concerns she may have previously had regarding Jamie and the fantasy figure she had built her up to be faded like the warm breath on a cold window pane. She smiled, settled down in bed and before long was sound asleep.

The next morning, Elizabeth awoke early and decided to head to the barn. The air was crisp, the sun was bright, and nothing cleared everything out of her mind like a nice long trail ride.

As she pulled into the barn, lessons had already begun for the day. She cleaned and tacked up Bugsy and headed for the open field behind the barn.

"Where are you going, Elizabeth?" Amelia, the newest boarder, called out.

"I'm just going for a trail ride. Would you like to go?" She asked.

"I'd love to. I'll be out in a minute," she replied.

Elizabeth took the time to warm up Bugsy, practicing her figure eights, semi-circle changes, counter canter, and smooth gait changes.

It seemed that Amelia was taking all day when she finally walked around from the front of the barn, "I'm sorry. My girth broke. I had to go find another one I could borrow."

"No problem. We've just been messing around. Are you ready to go?" Elizabeth asked.

"Yep, let's ride!" Amelia remarked as they headed through the woods.

They had made it all the way to Witchduck Point and the Lynnhaven River before Elizabeth's phone sounded.

"I love that song and Bruce Springsteen is the best," Amelia stated.

Elizabeth pulled her phone from her pocket… she had recently set her phone to play Bruce Springsteen's "Talk to Me" when she received a text…

"As of now, I can go 10-7 around 12:30. Wk 4 u…?"

"Huh…10-7…?"

"Sorry, 10-7 is out of service…"

"OK, then 10-7 at 12:30 will be gr8…"

"What u doing? I miss u…"

"Riding…"

"Stop, not safe 2 text and ride…"

U stop. U r driving. That's illegal, officer…"

"Not driving. Sitting in parking lot at McDonald's Nursery. Got call of some1 watering trees.

"Is that illegal…?"

"It is if they are doing it with their own bodily fluids…"

"Say what…?"

"He was gone when I got here…"

"Sorry, but that's funny…"

"That's ok; I've been laughing at it myself. Lunch at 12:30, love u…"

"Yes, and I love u back…"

"Is that your boyfriend?" Amelia asked.

Elizabeth smiled, partly because of the visual of Jack's recent call, but mostly at the pride she felt for him. "Yes, he's a police officer."

"How long have you two been together?" She asked.

"Pretty close to a year now," Elizabeth responded.

"When do you think you'll get married…?"

Elizabeth giggled, "Well, I've always heard that it's polite to wait until you're asked. That being said, I hope soon, but I guess we'll just have to wait and see. How about you? Is there anyone special in your life?"

Amelia held out her hand, showing off her beautiful emerald cut diamond engagement ring. They stopped walking and Elizabeth took a closer look.

"That is beautiful, Amelia. When are you getting married?" She asked.

"He's in Vet School at NC State and won't graduate for another year. We decided to wait until he is settled in a veterinary practice," Amelia explained.

"WOW, free vet care. I wonder if Jack would consider switching careers," she stated as both women laughed.

The pair walked along the shoreline then started back toward the barn. They passed the Witch of Pungo house as Elizabeth felt a cool breeze sweep through her. "This place is beautiful, but it has always given me the creeps."

"I'm not from this area. What's the significance of the house?" Amelia asked.

"It isn't the significance of the house so much as it was its occupant," Elizabeth began. "Grace Sherwood was accused of bewitching a neighbor's crop back in the late 1600's, or maybe early 1700's. Accusers and allegations grew until the summer of 1706 when the Princess Anne County government decided to test her by dunking."

"Oh my, sounds like the Salem witch hunts," Amelia interjected.

They stopped and observed the large house and beautiful gardens as Elizabeth explained further. "Well, water was deemed pure, so if she sank, they would determine that she was not a witch, but if she floated then she was guilty. I can't see where you could win either way. If they found you were innocent, you drowned, and if you were able to float, you were either imprisoned or hanged." Elizabeth explained.

"Sounds like a lose-lose situation to me," Amelia remarked.

Elizabeth released a quick breath through her nose, "I know, I can't even imagine what that was like." Elizabeth focused in on one of the gardens that was beautifully decorated but encased a dead tree in the middle. "Everything is beautiful, and I know that the dead tree could have been struck by lightning, but the stories surrounding it are much more sinister."

She continued, "They took Grace's thumbs and tied them to her big toes and then tossed her in the river. The story goes that they dunked her right out there," Elizabeth pointed out toward Witchduck Point.

"Grace floated, which was the only sign of guilt that her accusers needed. She was imprisoned, but at some point they released her and she came back here to live out the rest of her life. There are stories of her haunting the place; people seeing her on the staircase, and in the kitchen," Elizabeth finished the story as she looked down at her watch. "WOW, its 11:00, I need to get back. I'm having lunch with Jack at 12:30. Are you ready to go?"

Amelia shivered slightly, "Sure am, this place gives me the heebie jeebies."

They passed through Pembroke Elementary School; it felt off not to have children outside at this time of day playing. "I'll race you through the playground," Amelia yelled as she picked up a canter. Not to be left behind, Bugsy was soon into a hand gallop and passed Amelia as though she were standing still. Both women were laughing and barely contained their mounts before darting into the wooded path leading to the barn.

They walked into the barn area, dismounted and untacked their horses. Elizabeth hosed down and cooled out Bugsy before walking him out to the field. She cleaned up her mess and headed for her Jeep.

"See you soon, Elizabeth. Thanks for the history lesson," Amelia stated as she lugged her saddle toward the tack room.

"Take care and we'll ride again soon, okay?" Elizabeth asked with a smile.

"I look forward to it," Amelia yelled as she disappeared into the tack room.

Elizabeth made her way up Virginia Beach Boulevard toward Towne Center. She pulled into the Smokey Bones parking lot and observed Jack standing beside his police cruiser. She pulled up beside him and before she could turn off the ignition he was standing at her door.

"I've really missed you," he said.

"I've missed you too, but we just saw each other about twelve hours ago," she replied as she glanced around before kissing him gently on the cheek.

With him in uniform, the staff worked to seat them quickly. Jack ordered the Smokehouse Chicken Sandwich with fries. Elizabeth ordered the Loaded Baked Potato and Salad, knowing that if she wanted to try his sandwich, he would gladly allow it. The restaurant was packed and somewhat noisy, but talking or silent, they were still able to communicate with their eyes, smiles and the gentle discreet touches of their hands.

"Do you have any plans next weekend?" He asked.

"Jack, did you forget? Friday and Saturday is the education symposium down at the Clarion Hotel. It's Friday after school and all day Saturday. I have the hotel suite till Sunday morning," she reminded him.

"Is that an invitation?" He asked with a smile and deep dimples.

"Excuse me? She was shocked, but contemplated the possibilities. "You say that now, but who is the one backing away when we get close?"

"Elizabeth, I'm just kidding. You are so beautiful when you're flustered. Oh who am I kidding, you're beautiful all the time," he said with a smile and a wink.

"That's sweet, but not nice. What would you say if I told you that Ashley is planning to go home after the symposium on Saturday? So…if you'd like to come and stay with me, you could," She stated hesitantly.

"Please don't take my backing away as a sign that I don't want to be with you. I'm just trying to be the stronger voice of reason." He stated.

"More like the voice of abstinence," she replied. "I have to say, staying chaste wasn't difficult before. I mean, I didn't want to be with anyone else like that before."

Jack smiled, he wanted to reach for her hand, but felt uncomfortable doing so in uniform and on duty. "Elizabeth, that time will come soon enough," he stated as he took the check from the waitress.

"What does that mean?" She asked.

"All in due time," he stated mysteriously. "All in due time."

For the next week, Jack and Elizabeth's work schedules did not coincide. When she was getting off work at 3pm, he was just starting his shift, and by the time he was leaving work, she was asleep…

"Going to bed soon, but text me when u get off. I need 2 know u r OK…"

"Been a quiet night. I'll let u know…"

Elizabeth sat on her bed and pulled out her journal. School this week had been stressful and she wasn't certain what universe she was in, but it certainly was not the one that contained her and her students for the prior months of the school year. For whatever reason, she had pulled several boys out of class to discuss their bullying of other students. She couldn't help but wonder if they felt so badly about themselves that making someone else feel worse somehow made them feel better. She opened her journal and flipped to the next blank page…

"Tyrant, intimidator, tormenter and antagonist, there are many names but the end result is the same, they are bullies. Even as small children there are ones who like to dominate and pass themselves off as superior to others. Sometimes you must wonder if that behavior is encouraged at home. It is so hard to believe that these sweet, kind and loving individuals turn sneaky and ugly when our backs are turned, leaving the meeker child to cry in silence. No one should be able to feel that kind of power over another. The truth is they can only take from another that which is given freely. It is our responsibility during the time they are with us, to encourage kindness, understanding, individuality and the acceptance of all."

Elizabeth placed her journal on the table and lay back on her pillow, her phone in her hand. She had her television on the local news channel, but paid little attention until the "Breaking News Story" regarding a head on collision on I64 began to scroll along the bottom of the screen. Thirty minutes past his shift time, no text. One hour past his shift time, no text. As she remained glued to her television, she checked her clock, 12:15am, and her phone dinged…

"Sorry, can't talk. Accident on I64. I'm OK TTYL…"

"Love u…"

"Love u back…"

She caught the breath that had recently been strangling her. She couldn't imagine something happening to him, but even more so she feared losing him before their life together could even begin.

Several hours later, Elizabeth woke early, showered and dressed for school. As she pulled into the parking lot, she saw him. Jack was standing beside his truck, Starbuck's coffee in hand awaiting her arrival.

"Jack, what are you doing? You must be exhausted," She barely got the words out before his lips quieted her.

Jack leaned back slightly before handing her a cup of coffee, "I haven't seen you all week, and I don't like that."

"Our schedules have been working against us recently. I've missed you too," she quickly admitted.

"Well, I know you have stuff tonight and tomorrow, but Sunday you are mine, okay?" He asked with a sly smile.

She smiled back, "do you have something in mind?"

"Maybe," Jack stated as he pressed his lips to hers once more before walking her to the door and watching her head inside the school.

Before the children arrived, Elizabeth sat down at her desk to finish her coffee, and prepare for the day. As she stuck her phone in her purse, a message came through…

"Don't forget, Rebecca, Sunday u r mine…"

"Funny Jake, but I'm yours all the time…"

"Text me when u r free…"

"I will…"

As the school day neared its end, Elizabeth gathered her students on the carpeted reading area where she read "Stop Picking on Me," a story about bullying written by Pat Thomas. She allowed a discussion amongst the students but unfortunately needed to intercede when several of the children began raising their voices.

"Children, we cannot have a good talk about this issue if you are yelling and not listening," she advised as the atmosphere calmed slightly.

Elizabeth observed as the children talked about their feelings and what makes them hurt inside. She smiled as she watched the children going from classmate to classmate offering hugs. If they learned nothing else this week, a lesson in bullying was well worth the time spent.

The bell rang signaling the end of the school day. Elizabeth walked her students outside as usual and released them to the bus monitor. She rushed back to her classroom, gathered her belongings and headed toward the parking lot. She met several of her friends at the Clarion down at the beach, checked into their suite, and prepared for the evening workshops.

Elizabeth returned to her room following the final workshop of the evening. By the time she stood around and talked with her friends, she didn't reach her room until after 11 pm. She pulled out her phone and observed three texts from Jack…

"Do u get a dinner break…?"

An hour and a half later…

"Guess not…"

"I miss u…"

"Just got in. Heading 2 bed. Ashley is already asleep. Love u…"

"What time do u finish 2morrow…?"

"I think 5, but the girls were going out 4 drinks. Should be done around 7…"

"How about I come get u at 8…? I can't wait until Sunday 2 c u…"

"Perfect. I miss u so much…"

"Hoping to resolve that soon…"

"What does that mean…? Oh wait; we'll c each other 2morrow. Got it…"

"Yea, let's go with that…"

The following day Elizabeth attended workshops as planned. However, she couldn't help but feel as though the day was dragging. It couldn't end soon enough for her. She had only had contact with Jack via text and phone for the entire week, and she was certainly experiencing withdrawals.

Once the symposium was completed, which unfortunately ran an hour late, everyone headed for Elizabeth's suite before going downstairs to the lounge.

"Ashley," a voice called out from behind as she headed down the hall to the room.

"Jack, what are you doing here? Did you want me to get Elizabeth?" She asked.

"I need some help with something. Would you help me?" He asked quietly, trying not to draw attention to himself.

Ashley followed him down the opposite hall where they chatted secretly.

The women walked into Elizabeth's room, and Ashley arrived a short time later.

"Where have you been? We were getting ready to leave, but didn't know where you went,"

Ashley's laugh drew attention from the others.

"What's so funny?" Elizabeth asked.

"Oh nothing. I'm sorry. Can we hang out here for a while? I saw a friend of mine and they wanted to go with us. They'll be here soon," Ashley asked.

Elizabeth was quick to answer, "I don't care but I'm meeting Jack at 8, so we can stay here until then for all I care. I don't need a drink."

"You might in a little while," Ashley said softly.

"What?" She asked.

"Oh nothing," Ashley replied.

Elizabeth sat on the sofa in the suite as the women socialized. She kept watching the clock wishing that she could blink and it would miraculously be 8:00.

It was now 7:15 pm and the group still sat in Elizabeth's suite. "What are you looking at, Ashley?" Elizabeth asked as she stood up and approached the window.

"Nothing," she quickly remarked as she drew the curtain, took Elizabeth by the arm and led her back into the middle of the suite.

She sat with Elizabeth on the sofa, realizing how quickly she came to ruining everything. Elizabeth was lost in her own thoughts. She sat quietly as the other women mingled; laughing about the silly things their children have done but then how happy they now were to have an adult night out. Elizabeth couldn't help but to be envious of their family life. By all accounts they each had husbands who adored them, at least one child, and appeared to be happy and content in their lives.

It was not that she wasn't happy, because she was, but she wanted more. She wanted a husband to come home to…no, it was more than that. She didn't want just a husband, she wanted Jack.

She glanced at her watch, 7:45 pm, only fifteen more minutes. She couldn't remember, even when they had been fighting, ever going this long without seeing each other. The only thing she could hear was the clock slowly ticking off each excruciatingly slow second.

Ashley walked around the room; she made her way back to the window, pulled the curtains back slightly and watched as the white caps crashed onto the shore. "It won't be much longer," she thought to herself, feeling excited, but also a bit jealous.

It was now 8 pm, and no message from Jack. Elizabeth started tapping her toes on the floor, showing her anxiousness.

Ashley pulled the curtain back completely and stood at the window, "Oh my, girls you have got to come see this."

Everyone but Elizabeth clambered to the window…

"Oh my gosh…"

"Are you kidding me?"

"Lucky girl…"

"I will…"

Ashley jumped in, "Sandy no you won't. Besides, it isn't for you."

Those were just some of the exclamations made.

"Come here Elizabeth, you won't believe this," the girls called out.

Elizabeth exhaled quickly as she stood and made her way toward the window. Her mind was still on Jack and why he was keeping her waiting. She thought he was an anxious to see her and she was to see him, but apparently not.

Ashley opened the door to their deck and she and Elizabeth stepped outside.

Elizabeth smiled and laughed softly. Though it was dark, down below on the sand, lit up by what appeared to be hundreds of luminaries, she could read the following message…

"Will U
MARRY US?"

The words were encased within the outline of a heart.

"Oh my word. That is so sweet, but Marry Us? That's odd. Maybe it's a man with a child. I hope she says yes. Hmm, maybe a readymade family. That is so sweet," Elizabeth remarked as she turned back toward the room. "She sure is a lucky girl."

"Yes you are," Ashley replied. "Elizabeth, I know it's dark, but that's Jack down there."

Elizabeth spun around and looked closer. There at the top of the heart she saw him, on bended knee and he was holding something.

"Ladies get out of the way. Woman in love here and she's on a mission," Ashley yelled out as Elizabeth rushed to the hallway and downstairs to the beach.

She ran out through the doors of the restaurant, her heart was pounding and her legs could barely hold her, making it even more difficult to run in the sand. She ran across the boardwalk, down the stairs, and onto the sand, "Jack, what are you doing?" She asked as she got closer.

Jack smiled nervously. Tears pooled in his eyes, as several slipped out and ran down his cheeks, "Elizabeth, when we first met, I never expected this. I had managed to build a wall around myself, doing my best to keep anyone from breaking through. Then you came along. Before I knew it, you walked right in and made your home in my heart," his voice was shaky as the tears began to fall in a steady stream, easily matching hers. "I never expected to fall so in love with you that my every thought; feeling or plan exists with you in mind. I love you more than I ever thought possible, and I hate going a day without you in it. I don't like having to leave you at night, and I want nothing more than to wake up every morning with you in my arms. I want to have children with you; I want to grow old with you, and I want to love you until there is no longer a breath in my body. Elizabeth, I love you more with every breath I take...will you marry me...us?"

Her hand on his face gently wiped away those tears that spilled down his cheeks. Her other hand quickly wiped her own face, finding it difficult to see him clearly.

A crowd had gathered on the boardwalk overlooking them, as Elizabeth did her best to catch the breath that rushed out when she saw the scene before her...

"Elizabeth, people are looking and I feel a bit foolish down on one knee here. Please answer me," he said softly as his voice wavered slightly.

Shaking her head as if she were suddenly jolted back into reality, she screamed "Yes, YES, of course the answer is YES, but who is 'us'?"

Elizabeth knelt down in the sand in front of him and something immediately jumped up in her lap. "Oh my, what's this?"

"This is Onyx, and she was hoping to join our family," Jack replied as the black Labrador Retriever puppy bounded about.

"Jack, she is beautiful," Elizabeth remarked; they both stood as she picked her up and held her to her chest.

"Oh wait, I missed a step," Jack stated as he dropped back down on one knee and pulled a ring box from his jacket pocket. "If this isn't what you like, we can exchange it," Jack stated as he took her left hand in his, and opened the box to reveal a 6 prong solitaire diamond engagement ring in a white gold setting with three sapphires going down each side. "So, again I ask, Elizabeth Thatcher, will you marry me?"

"Well, now that I've had time to think about it…" she joked.

Jack started to stand as she quickly realized that he saw little humor in her joke.

"YES, a thousand times YES," she yelled out so everyone standing around could hear.

The crowd erupted in applause as Jack stood and slipped the ring on her finger. His simple touch on her hand sent a feeling of warmth throughout her entire body. Her heart was pounding so hard that she was certain it would leap out of her chest. She wrapped her arms around his neck as her lips separated slightly. Their lips met as his tongue took the opportunity to capture everything possible about her mouth. The passion between them was undeniable as he picked her up and they spun in a circle. Their lips separated momentarily, only to be joined again in a more passionate union than the one before.

After a few moments, Jack and Elizabeth realized that they were not alone on the beach. The women present were envious of the gesture Jack made to show his love for Elizabeth. The men on the other hand were upset that Jack had now set the bar higher for them.

Elizabeth reached down and gathered Onyx's leash, thankful that she had not run off in their moment of excitement. He wrapped his arm around her and the three of them headed down the beach.

"I love you, Jack," she stated through the tears of joy that refused to stop falling.

"I love you too," He replied. "Do you mind if we have a really short engagement?"