Chapter 13
It had been three months and Jack and Janet's relationship was still going strong. Now that R.F. knew about the new situation and didn't object, things around the apartment were a lot more relaxed. The two lovers continued to meet at the bistro on the nights that Terri was working late. But on the many occasions that the three were at home at the same time, Jack and Janet kept their promise, and tried to keep things as normal as they could. Kisses and hugs were no big deal, but they tried their best to keep things at a minimum PDA level, because Furley kept letting himself in.
Valentines Day was approaching, and Janet couldn't help but being excited. She had always hated holidays, especially the ones centered on love. It just reinforced the fact that everyone else was happy and she was alone. But now she had Jack, and she couldn't be happier. She loved him, and she knew he loved her. Life was good. It couldn't get better than this. But little did she know that it could.
As soon as the clock struck closing time at the flower shop, Janet hopped into her car and sped off toward the direction of her boyfriend's restaurant. It had become their nightly ritual. Usually they were so crazy busy, so the few extra hours each night were totally worth the few blocks she had to drive. She entered the bistro just as Jack was in the middle of an order. She gave him a small nod and smile that clearly meant 'Hurry up.' Jack could feel his heart begin to race as he watched her retreating form. He couldn't leave her in the room too long. She might find the box and that would just ruin everything.
Meanwhile, Janet was randomly flipping through the channels as she waited for Jack. Settling on an old Tracy and Hepburn classic, she crawled onto the bed, snuggling up against the pillows. It was supposed to simply be filler, but soon Janet found herself totally engrossed in the movie. The time passed quickly, and she didn't even hear or notice Jack enter the room.
"Hey there, gorgeous," he said, crawling onto the bed beside her. "Did you miss me?"
"Sure," she replied monotonously, her eyes still glued to the screen. "I love you, too."
"Hey!"
"Oh! So sorry, baby," she exclaimed, flipping off the television. "Kiss?"
He chuckled softly, wrapping his arms around her tiny frame and kissing her passionately until she was forced to pull away, gasping for breath.
"So I guess I'm forgiven," she murmured. Janet pulled an envelope from her purse and handed it to Jack, suddenly shy. "Happy Valentine's Day."
"It smells like you." "I know...I kind of sprayed a little of the perfume on it that you gave me for my birthday. "
His only response was a light kiss on her cheek as his fingers ripped open the envelope and opened the card. "The best things in life can't fit into a gift bag or be wrapped up tightly with a bow. They say, "I care." Hugs given at the exact right moment, and hearts that know what hasn't even been said. I know a lot about the best things in life, because I have one of them; I have you."
Jack looked at her without saying a word. After a while, the intensity of his gaze started to make her feel slightly uncomfortable. There was something about that look. She fidgeted nervously, touching his hand for a moment before pulling away. "Is this...are you okay?"
"I love you. With all my heart and with everything I am, I'll love you always." Jack cradled her body close to his embrace as he lifted her chin to kiss her forehead and both cheeks before capturing her lips in a kiss filled with passion and longing that neither of them had ever experienced before. He knew that they had talked about this, but nevertheless his hands made their way underneath her shirt. She didn't resist, however, as she squirmed happily under his touch. All of a sudden, Jack broke away and rolled off her.
"What's wrong?" she asked him softly. "I didn't say no...I like that."
"Nothing, baby, nothing. This is perfect, actually. So perfect." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box, handing it to her. "Open it, hon."
Janet glanced at him curiously." What are you up to?" She opened the box, then immediately closed it again, her eyes filling with tears. "Oh, my God...."
Jack smiled and took the box from her, opening it again to reveal a beautiful diamond ring. "You know, I was going to say some big speech. I rehearsed and rehearsed it and then I came up here and saw you and forgot it all. But that doesn't matter now. Nothing matters except you and me, and how I feel about you. Marry me, sweetheart."
Tears were streaming down her face as she sat up and looked at him. "Yes," she whispered.
Jack slipped the ring on her finger, wiping away her tears. "I love you, honey."
"I love you, too." The tears fell faster and faster as she cuddled against him. "I just can't..."
"What?"
"Never mind."
"No... tell me! C'mon, hon, no secrets, remember? I want you to be able to tell me what you're feeling."
Janet looked away for a moment, then sighed and looked straight into his eyes. "If you insist. Ever since I met you, you had made it perfectly clear whom you found attractive, and who was just your friend. And then when Chrissy left, I thought maybe I'd get a chance. So, yes, I had to wait a little longer than I'd planned, but I'm glad we finally figured it out. I love it that you love me."
"Well I do, I love you and I don't want you to forget that" he said taking her hand and massaging it between the two of his. "I'm going to tell you something now, sweetie, and you better not tell Chrissy I ever said this." She nodded, urging him to continue. "When I first met you two, I won't deny that I was attracted to Chrissy. Purely physically, though. I just thought that she would be a fun girl to just...you know, fool around with sometimes. Then I got to know her. True, she was a bit ditzy at times, but she was funny and cute and ended up being one of my best friends. But, Janet, babe, that's it. I knew that's all she ever could be...a friend. You were different. You made me work, so whenever I made progress with you, it made it that more special. It may have annoyed me sometimes, but one of the things that made you so sexy to me was that I didn't get what I wanted right away. I had to prove myself over and over again before you let me into your heart. It made me love you that much more. Sweetheart, Chrissy may have been overtly sexy, but you...you're smart and funny and beautiful and all that means so much more to me than anything in this world."
If Jack's purpose of the heartfelt speech was to make Janet stop crying, it didn't work. Fresh tears welled in her eyes and a few streaked down her cheeks. "That's the sweetest thing you've ever said," she whispered softly.
"I meant every word. I love you." His mouth was soft and gently probing as it captured hers in a fervent kiss. She pushed him away a few moments later, biting her lower lip nervously. There was nothing she wanted more than to keep kissing him, but she had to be careful. Every time their lips met, it was harder and harder for her to want to stop him. Thankfully, he didn't seem too offended. Jack's arm snaked around her waist as she snuggled up against him. Hours went be with laughter and a few tears, reminiscing about old times and sweet memories. Jack couldn't help but smile as his soon to be wife threw herself full force into their wedding plans. She seemed to be taking over, actually, but he didn't mind one bit. He had promised himself that he would do anything to make her happy, so he just sat back and watched, adding his two cents every now and then. Oh, yeah, Jack thought as Janet caught his eye and smiled sweetly. This is definitely going to work.
The light had just been turned off when the room was flooded with brightness again. Terri squinted, turning around. "You guys have got to learn to time these things better." Yawning, and realizing that she wasn't going to get to sleep anytime soon, she sat on the couch, legs folded beneath her. "Okay, what happened? You look way too happy." Suddenly, Terri gasped, her hand over her mouth. "Jack, did you...Oh my God, you did! You really did!"
Janet could only smile at her friend's antics. "We're getting married!" The two women squealed, causing Jack to jump back from Janet in mock fear. "Can you quit doing that? God, woman, I'll be deaf soon."
Terri laughed. "Hey, do you mind if I steal your girlfriend for a while?" she asked suddenly.
Jack dramatically sighed, then good-naturedly nodded and kissed Janet on the cheek. "I have to go tell Larry anyway."
They didn't even notice him walk out the door as Janet and Terri immediately engaged themselves in a spirited conversation about the proposal and the wedding. I needed this, Janet thought. Jack's wonderful, but I need my dose of girl talks every now and then.
Larry was intently concentrating on trying to put on his tie when Jack barged in. "Guess what?" "Come on in, pal," he said sarcastically. The strong odor of his perfume drifted across the room, making Jack cough slightly. "You got enough of that, Lar?"
"I only used half of the bottle, Jack."
Jack sighed. "You're insane. But, anyway, don't you want to hear what my great news is?" "Not really...I've got a really hot date if you know what I mean."
"Just yesterday you were complaining that ever since Janet and I started dating, we never hang out anymore." "I know...we really don't, and I've been meaning to talk to Janet about that. But I really like this girl, and I'm already 45 minutes late." At Jack incredulous look, he tried to explain. "Fashionably late, remember?"
"That's just for parties, and only girls can get away with that." "Now you tell me."
"If this one is like any of your other girls, you know that tie's going to be off by the end of the night." Jack commented as a frustrated Larry was still struggling with the tie. Larry stopped might-tie fight and glared. "Thanks a bunch. Oh, well...I might as well your news now."
"I asked Janet to be my wife." "You WHAT?!" Larry asked, stunned by the revelation. His tie and shoes were immediately forgotten as he whipped around to face Jack. "I proposed...I asked her to marry me." "Now why would you go and do a thing like that?" "Why? Larry! Because I want to, okay? Because I love her and I want to spend the rest of my life with her." "So?" "Larry..." "Okay...okay! I'm sorry. I was just kidding." "Yeah, well don't. It's really getting old. Anyway...I also wanted to ask you if you wanted to be my best man?" "Honest?" "How ironic that you're wanting me to be honest...but yeah. It's either you or Furley." Jack said with a small laugh. "So do you want to?" "Are you kidding me? Of course I want to...you're my best friend." he responded. "I'd be honored. Besides I like Janet...she seems like your perfect girl. God knows she can put you in your place." "Very funny." "Yeah, and now that you're married – or going to be – you can..."
"Is that all you ever think about?"
"Buddy, you know I don't have much else to think about."
"Got that right," Jack muttered, but he couldn't stop a smile from forming. He was glad his best friend was happy for them. Larry was impossible to deal with sometimes, but they all loved him, and it would have been very awkward for the quartet had he not approved. Everything was now perfect. Things were going great in his life. He had his restaurant; the thing he had dreamed about since junior high school. And, most importantly, he had Janet. The most amazing woman on the planet had agreed to marry him. She was the woman that he had shared so much with over the years... and she was the girl he wanted to share everything with. Thrilled beyond belief about the upcoming nuptials, Janet didn't waste any time planning for her wedding. Waking up at the crack of dawn the next day, she and Terri planned to go on a marathon-shopping spree. Finding a dress, however, was priority number one. She had always dreamed of a beautiful white dress, and nothing was going to stop her from getting one. She knew that she and Jack had already been together, but nobody had to know about that.
"How about this one?" Terri's voice interrupted her thoughts. A low cut dress with beading was hanging from her arm. "Too sexy." "Janet, come on! You've got the stuff, so show it off." "Never mind...what about this?" she wanted to know, pointing a pretty but simple white spaghetti strapped dress.
"No way, hon. Janet, sweetie, you only get married once. Live a little. No there's got to be one dress that you really love. We'll go to a bunch of stores and then you can show it to me."
"Yes, ma'am." Janet mock-saluted her friend as they went into store after store after store. After what seemed like an eternity, it finally happened. They had probably gone into fifteen different stores before Janet found THE dress. It was a beautiful crisp white dress just like she wanted. It was a simple A line chiffon skirt and train with a boned corset with a crisscross effect, sequins, and a lace up back. Janet sucked in her breath softly as she surveyed her appearance in the three-way mirror. "Honest, Ter. What do you think?" "Wow!" was the only word she could utter. "Amazing, and you love it. It shows." Janet blushed, as her voice grew soft. "It's my Cinderella dress," she whispered. "Jack always says I'm his princess, and I feel like one. I really do love this dress."
"Obviously, and you'll be stunning when you walk down the aisle. Okay, it's yours," Terri said.
"Hey, how's the two shopholics?" Jack had just come home from a long day at work and was pleased to see Janet and Terri sitting on the couch, chatting and drinking coffee. He hugged Terri, and then leaned down softly so Janet could feel his breath in her ear. "You're beautiful." She smiled as he kissed her full on the mouth. They both wanted to do more, but knew they couldn't, not with Terri less than a few feet away.
"Well I think I'm going to crash. Janet, I do love to shop, and I'm glad we did this, but it's a good thing you're only doing this once. It's tiring." With that said, Terri headed to her room and shut the door, leaving Jack and Janet alone. "Jack..." Janet began as he sat down beside her. "Which one of these invitations do you like?" "First off all..." he whispered, touching his lips to his and kissing her with the passion that he couldn't before. "Jack..." she whimpered softly. "Please don't do this now. We've only got a month. Okay, how about this one?" All four of them honestly looked the same to him, but he sighed and pointed to the third one, simple print on fancy paper. He knew that all the little details were important to her. "That." "How about the song for our first dance? Do you have any in mind? I...I made a list, but yours might be better." He stared at her. 'You made a list?"
"Jack, this has been the highlight of my life since I was eight years old and Jenny and I were bridesmaids in our cousin's wedding. It has to be perfect. Everything does."
"Actually, I did hear this song on the radio that I liked. It's called "My Destiny."
"Oh yeah? Have I heard that? It sounds sort of familiar." "It should be."
"Sweetie, I'm sorry...I don't know."
"That was that song we danced to that night, right before we...." "Oh." Janet blushed. She had actually forgotten that the radio was even on. She remembered the dancing, but she blocked out everything after that except him. "Hey, Jack, I was wondering if you think that the Ropers and Chrissy would like to come to our wedding?" "That'd be really nice. I actually miss them. I wonder why Chrissy stopped calling." Jack was going to go on, but abruptly stopped. "Sorry." Chrissy had given them a week's notice before she left, and those seven days were pretty tense. Janet had never quite forgiven Chrissy for "abandoning" them, and the fallout of the two former best friends was a sore subject with her.
Janet forced a smile. "It's okay. Keeping in touch is a two way street, and we didn't do our part. But I'd really love to see her again. Go ahead and invite her. Invite all three." Jack nodded, pulling her to her feet. "You two really should make up, honey. It's been almost four years," he chided gently, caressing her cheek.
"Maybe. Baby steps, though. Baby steps."
The duo walked towards their respective bedrooms, and Janet turned around to face him. "I love you," she said softly. "Love you, too." Janet turned around to head into her room, but was stopped when Jack pulled her back and took her in his arms. "I love you," he repeated softly. As he made each declaration, Janet felt her resolve slowly crumbling and their goodnight kisses soon grew fiery. She moaned almost inaudibly as he rained small kisses down her neck. "I love you so much."
A minute or so later, they were in his room, and his hand was up her shirt. She loved it, and she loved him, and part of her wanted to stay this way forever, but she knew they had to stop. "Jack," she whispered, firmly pushing him off her. "No."
"I'm sorry," he replied, kissing her lips softly. She didn't reciprocate at all, and after a few seconds, he pulled away. It was most definitely the worst kiss they had ever shared. She touched his hand softly, gingerly bringing it to rest on her waist.
"Sweetie, I love you. I love you so much, but no. I'm sorry, just no, okay? A few weeks and then we can."
They stood in uncomfortable silence, and Janet stood to leave. "Janet?" he asked quietly, almost shyly. "Please. We just got engaged a few hours ago, and I don't want you mad. I just...can I just hold my fiancée tonight? Please?"
Jack had a sad expression on his face that she had never seen before. It was the closest they had ever come to having a fight. EVER. Janet made her way over to where he was standing, and kissed him softly. "I'd love that. I'd love to be in your arms."
Jack looked up at her, and finally smiled. "I love you, Janet. I'm sorry. I'd never want to hurt you, ever."
"I know." She crawled into his bed, and he wrapped his arms around her. Instinctively, she snuggled up against him as tightly as she could.
It had been three months and Jack and Janet's relationship was still going strong. Now that R.F. knew about the new situation and didn't object, things around the apartment were a lot more relaxed. The two lovers continued to meet at the bistro on the nights that Terri was working late. But on the many occasions that the three were at home at the same time, Jack and Janet kept their promise, and tried to keep things as normal as they could. Kisses and hugs were no big deal, but they tried their best to keep things at a minimum PDA level, because Furley kept letting himself in.
Valentines Day was approaching, and Janet couldn't help but being excited. She had always hated holidays, especially the ones centered on love. It just reinforced the fact that everyone else was happy and she was alone. But now she had Jack, and she couldn't be happier. She loved him, and she knew he loved her. Life was good. It couldn't get better than this. But little did she know that it could.
As soon as the clock struck closing time at the flower shop, Janet hopped into her car and sped off toward the direction of her boyfriend's restaurant. It had become their nightly ritual. Usually they were so crazy busy, so the few extra hours each night were totally worth the few blocks she had to drive. She entered the bistro just as Jack was in the middle of an order. She gave him a small nod and smile that clearly meant 'Hurry up.' Jack could feel his heart begin to race as he watched her retreating form. He couldn't leave her in the room too long. She might find the box and that would just ruin everything.
Meanwhile, Janet was randomly flipping through the channels as she waited for Jack. Settling on an old Tracy and Hepburn classic, she crawled onto the bed, snuggling up against the pillows. It was supposed to simply be filler, but soon Janet found herself totally engrossed in the movie. The time passed quickly, and she didn't even hear or notice Jack enter the room.
"Hey there, gorgeous," he said, crawling onto the bed beside her. "Did you miss me?"
"Sure," she replied monotonously, her eyes still glued to the screen. "I love you, too."
"Hey!"
"Oh! So sorry, baby," she exclaimed, flipping off the television. "Kiss?"
He chuckled softly, wrapping his arms around her tiny frame and kissing her passionately until she was forced to pull away, gasping for breath.
"So I guess I'm forgiven," she murmured. Janet pulled an envelope from her purse and handed it to Jack, suddenly shy. "Happy Valentine's Day."
"It smells like you." "I know...I kind of sprayed a little of the perfume on it that you gave me for my birthday. "
His only response was a light kiss on her cheek as his fingers ripped open the envelope and opened the card. "The best things in life can't fit into a gift bag or be wrapped up tightly with a bow. They say, "I care." Hugs given at the exact right moment, and hearts that know what hasn't even been said. I know a lot about the best things in life, because I have one of them; I have you."
Jack looked at her without saying a word. After a while, the intensity of his gaze started to make her feel slightly uncomfortable. There was something about that look. She fidgeted nervously, touching his hand for a moment before pulling away. "Is this...are you okay?"
"I love you. With all my heart and with everything I am, I'll love you always." Jack cradled her body close to his embrace as he lifted her chin to kiss her forehead and both cheeks before capturing her lips in a kiss filled with passion and longing that neither of them had ever experienced before. He knew that they had talked about this, but nevertheless his hands made their way underneath her shirt. She didn't resist, however, as she squirmed happily under his touch. All of a sudden, Jack broke away and rolled off her.
"What's wrong?" she asked him softly. "I didn't say no...I like that."
"Nothing, baby, nothing. This is perfect, actually. So perfect." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box, handing it to her. "Open it, hon."
Janet glanced at him curiously." What are you up to?" She opened the box, then immediately closed it again, her eyes filling with tears. "Oh, my God...."
Jack smiled and took the box from her, opening it again to reveal a beautiful diamond ring. "You know, I was going to say some big speech. I rehearsed and rehearsed it and then I came up here and saw you and forgot it all. But that doesn't matter now. Nothing matters except you and me, and how I feel about you. Marry me, sweetheart."
Tears were streaming down her face as she sat up and looked at him. "Yes," she whispered.
Jack slipped the ring on her finger, wiping away her tears. "I love you, honey."
"I love you, too." The tears fell faster and faster as she cuddled against him. "I just can't..."
"What?"
"Never mind."
"No... tell me! C'mon, hon, no secrets, remember? I want you to be able to tell me what you're feeling."
Janet looked away for a moment, then sighed and looked straight into his eyes. "If you insist. Ever since I met you, you had made it perfectly clear whom you found attractive, and who was just your friend. And then when Chrissy left, I thought maybe I'd get a chance. So, yes, I had to wait a little longer than I'd planned, but I'm glad we finally figured it out. I love it that you love me."
"Well I do, I love you and I don't want you to forget that" he said taking her hand and massaging it between the two of his. "I'm going to tell you something now, sweetie, and you better not tell Chrissy I ever said this." She nodded, urging him to continue. "When I first met you two, I won't deny that I was attracted to Chrissy. Purely physically, though. I just thought that she would be a fun girl to just...you know, fool around with sometimes. Then I got to know her. True, she was a bit ditzy at times, but she was funny and cute and ended up being one of my best friends. But, Janet, babe, that's it. I knew that's all she ever could be...a friend. You were different. You made me work, so whenever I made progress with you, it made it that more special. It may have annoyed me sometimes, but one of the things that made you so sexy to me was that I didn't get what I wanted right away. I had to prove myself over and over again before you let me into your heart. It made me love you that much more. Sweetheart, Chrissy may have been overtly sexy, but you...you're smart and funny and beautiful and all that means so much more to me than anything in this world."
If Jack's purpose of the heartfelt speech was to make Janet stop crying, it didn't work. Fresh tears welled in her eyes and a few streaked down her cheeks. "That's the sweetest thing you've ever said," she whispered softly.
"I meant every word. I love you." His mouth was soft and gently probing as it captured hers in a fervent kiss. She pushed him away a few moments later, biting her lower lip nervously. There was nothing she wanted more than to keep kissing him, but she had to be careful. Every time their lips met, it was harder and harder for her to want to stop him. Thankfully, he didn't seem too offended. Jack's arm snaked around her waist as she snuggled up against him. Hours went be with laughter and a few tears, reminiscing about old times and sweet memories. Jack couldn't help but smile as his soon to be wife threw herself full force into their wedding plans. She seemed to be taking over, actually, but he didn't mind one bit. He had promised himself that he would do anything to make her happy, so he just sat back and watched, adding his two cents every now and then. Oh, yeah, Jack thought as Janet caught his eye and smiled sweetly. This is definitely going to work.
The light had just been turned off when the room was flooded with brightness again. Terri squinted, turning around. "You guys have got to learn to time these things better." Yawning, and realizing that she wasn't going to get to sleep anytime soon, she sat on the couch, legs folded beneath her. "Okay, what happened? You look way too happy." Suddenly, Terri gasped, her hand over her mouth. "Jack, did you...Oh my God, you did! You really did!"
Janet could only smile at her friend's antics. "We're getting married!" The two women squealed, causing Jack to jump back from Janet in mock fear. "Can you quit doing that? God, woman, I'll be deaf soon."
Terri laughed. "Hey, do you mind if I steal your girlfriend for a while?" she asked suddenly.
Jack dramatically sighed, then good-naturedly nodded and kissed Janet on the cheek. "I have to go tell Larry anyway."
They didn't even notice him walk out the door as Janet and Terri immediately engaged themselves in a spirited conversation about the proposal and the wedding. I needed this, Janet thought. Jack's wonderful, but I need my dose of girl talks every now and then.
Larry was intently concentrating on trying to put on his tie when Jack barged in. "Guess what?" "Come on in, pal," he said sarcastically. The strong odor of his perfume drifted across the room, making Jack cough slightly. "You got enough of that, Lar?"
"I only used half of the bottle, Jack."
Jack sighed. "You're insane. But, anyway, don't you want to hear what my great news is?" "Not really...I've got a really hot date if you know what I mean."
"Just yesterday you were complaining that ever since Janet and I started dating, we never hang out anymore." "I know...we really don't, and I've been meaning to talk to Janet about that. But I really like this girl, and I'm already 45 minutes late." At Jack incredulous look, he tried to explain. "Fashionably late, remember?"
"That's just for parties, and only girls can get away with that." "Now you tell me."
"If this one is like any of your other girls, you know that tie's going to be off by the end of the night." Jack commented as a frustrated Larry was still struggling with the tie. Larry stopped might-tie fight and glared. "Thanks a bunch. Oh, well...I might as well your news now."
"I asked Janet to be my wife." "You WHAT?!" Larry asked, stunned by the revelation. His tie and shoes were immediately forgotten as he whipped around to face Jack. "I proposed...I asked her to marry me." "Now why would you go and do a thing like that?" "Why? Larry! Because I want to, okay? Because I love her and I want to spend the rest of my life with her." "So?" "Larry..." "Okay...okay! I'm sorry. I was just kidding." "Yeah, well don't. It's really getting old. Anyway...I also wanted to ask you if you wanted to be my best man?" "Honest?" "How ironic that you're wanting me to be honest...but yeah. It's either you or Furley." Jack said with a small laugh. "So do you want to?" "Are you kidding me? Of course I want to...you're my best friend." he responded. "I'd be honored. Besides I like Janet...she seems like your perfect girl. God knows she can put you in your place." "Very funny." "Yeah, and now that you're married – or going to be – you can..."
"Is that all you ever think about?"
"Buddy, you know I don't have much else to think about."
"Got that right," Jack muttered, but he couldn't stop a smile from forming. He was glad his best friend was happy for them. Larry was impossible to deal with sometimes, but they all loved him, and it would have been very awkward for the quartet had he not approved. Everything was now perfect. Things were going great in his life. He had his restaurant; the thing he had dreamed about since junior high school. And, most importantly, he had Janet. The most amazing woman on the planet had agreed to marry him. She was the woman that he had shared so much with over the years... and she was the girl he wanted to share everything with. Thrilled beyond belief about the upcoming nuptials, Janet didn't waste any time planning for her wedding. Waking up at the crack of dawn the next day, she and Terri planned to go on a marathon-shopping spree. Finding a dress, however, was priority number one. She had always dreamed of a beautiful white dress, and nothing was going to stop her from getting one. She knew that she and Jack had already been together, but nobody had to know about that.
"How about this one?" Terri's voice interrupted her thoughts. A low cut dress with beading was hanging from her arm. "Too sexy." "Janet, come on! You've got the stuff, so show it off." "Never mind...what about this?" she wanted to know, pointing a pretty but simple white spaghetti strapped dress.
"No way, hon. Janet, sweetie, you only get married once. Live a little. No there's got to be one dress that you really love. We'll go to a bunch of stores and then you can show it to me."
"Yes, ma'am." Janet mock-saluted her friend as they went into store after store after store. After what seemed like an eternity, it finally happened. They had probably gone into fifteen different stores before Janet found THE dress. It was a beautiful crisp white dress just like she wanted. It was a simple A line chiffon skirt and train with a boned corset with a crisscross effect, sequins, and a lace up back. Janet sucked in her breath softly as she surveyed her appearance in the three-way mirror. "Honest, Ter. What do you think?" "Wow!" was the only word she could utter. "Amazing, and you love it. It shows." Janet blushed, as her voice grew soft. "It's my Cinderella dress," she whispered. "Jack always says I'm his princess, and I feel like one. I really do love this dress."
"Obviously, and you'll be stunning when you walk down the aisle. Okay, it's yours," Terri said.
"Hey, how's the two shopholics?" Jack had just come home from a long day at work and was pleased to see Janet and Terri sitting on the couch, chatting and drinking coffee. He hugged Terri, and then leaned down softly so Janet could feel his breath in her ear. "You're beautiful." She smiled as he kissed her full on the mouth. They both wanted to do more, but knew they couldn't, not with Terri less than a few feet away.
"Well I think I'm going to crash. Janet, I do love to shop, and I'm glad we did this, but it's a good thing you're only doing this once. It's tiring." With that said, Terri headed to her room and shut the door, leaving Jack and Janet alone. "Jack..." Janet began as he sat down beside her. "Which one of these invitations do you like?" "First off all..." he whispered, touching his lips to his and kissing her with the passion that he couldn't before. "Jack..." she whimpered softly. "Please don't do this now. We've only got a month. Okay, how about this one?" All four of them honestly looked the same to him, but he sighed and pointed to the third one, simple print on fancy paper. He knew that all the little details were important to her. "That." "How about the song for our first dance? Do you have any in mind? I...I made a list, but yours might be better." He stared at her. 'You made a list?"
"Jack, this has been the highlight of my life since I was eight years old and Jenny and I were bridesmaids in our cousin's wedding. It has to be perfect. Everything does."
"Actually, I did hear this song on the radio that I liked. It's called "My Destiny."
"Oh yeah? Have I heard that? It sounds sort of familiar." "It should be."
"Sweetie, I'm sorry...I don't know."
"That was that song we danced to that night, right before we...." "Oh." Janet blushed. She had actually forgotten that the radio was even on. She remembered the dancing, but she blocked out everything after that except him. "Hey, Jack, I was wondering if you think that the Ropers and Chrissy would like to come to our wedding?" "That'd be really nice. I actually miss them. I wonder why Chrissy stopped calling." Jack was going to go on, but abruptly stopped. "Sorry." Chrissy had given them a week's notice before she left, and those seven days were pretty tense. Janet had never quite forgiven Chrissy for "abandoning" them, and the fallout of the two former best friends was a sore subject with her.
Janet forced a smile. "It's okay. Keeping in touch is a two way street, and we didn't do our part. But I'd really love to see her again. Go ahead and invite her. Invite all three." Jack nodded, pulling her to her feet. "You two really should make up, honey. It's been almost four years," he chided gently, caressing her cheek.
"Maybe. Baby steps, though. Baby steps."
The duo walked towards their respective bedrooms, and Janet turned around to face him. "I love you," she said softly. "Love you, too." Janet turned around to head into her room, but was stopped when Jack pulled her back and took her in his arms. "I love you," he repeated softly. As he made each declaration, Janet felt her resolve slowly crumbling and their goodnight kisses soon grew fiery. She moaned almost inaudibly as he rained small kisses down her neck. "I love you so much."
A minute or so later, they were in his room, and his hand was up her shirt. She loved it, and she loved him, and part of her wanted to stay this way forever, but she knew they had to stop. "Jack," she whispered, firmly pushing him off her. "No."
"I'm sorry," he replied, kissing her lips softly. She didn't reciprocate at all, and after a few seconds, he pulled away. It was most definitely the worst kiss they had ever shared. She touched his hand softly, gingerly bringing it to rest on her waist.
"Sweetie, I love you. I love you so much, but no. I'm sorry, just no, okay? A few weeks and then we can."
They stood in uncomfortable silence, and Janet stood to leave. "Janet?" he asked quietly, almost shyly. "Please. We just got engaged a few hours ago, and I don't want you mad. I just...can I just hold my fiancée tonight? Please?"
Jack had a sad expression on his face that she had never seen before. It was the closest they had ever come to having a fight. EVER. Janet made her way over to where he was standing, and kissed him softly. "I'd love that. I'd love to be in your arms."
Jack looked up at her, and finally smiled. "I love you, Janet. I'm sorry. I'd never want to hurt you, ever."
"I know." She crawled into his bed, and he wrapped his arms around her. Instinctively, she snuggled up against him as tightly as she could.