Chapter 11- Just like Heaven
The sun filtered through the window spilling golden beams of light through the window. It was cold too, and Jack didn't want to get up. He sighed as he snuggled up closer to Kate. She was so warm. He kissed her shoulder, and then nuzzled his head against the crook of her neck. Kate turned around to face him and wrapped her arms around his body. Jack sighed again, perfectly content with spooning with Kate for the rest of the day. He started to drift off, and then he remembered that today he was going to propose to Kate.
"You don't want to get up yet?" Kate asked groggily. She rubbed Jack's shoulders in attempts to make him warm.
Jack shook his head, "Not yet, it's too cold,"
"Cold, yes, very cold,"
Jack opened his eyes and then leaned in close to Kate's face. She looked like she was still asleep. "I'm going to go shower, and force myself to get up," He stole a quick kiss on her forehead, which made her smile angelically, and then pulled the covers back. Jack could smell the turkey roasting in the oven, along with the Virginia Ham. A sense of childish joy suddenly washed over him. The last couple of years his Thanksgiving's had been spent by himself or with doctors that he worked with, so this was new for him. Jack actually had something to look forward today. He pushed himself up and walked towards the door.
"I'm going to get up too." Kate yawned and then stretched out her arms. She forced herself to find the motivation to get up, and then swung her legs over the bed. "Come here."
Jack allowed his hand to slip from the doorknob as he walked towards Kate with a smile. She reached out for his hands and pulled him close. "Happy Thanksgiving,"
"This is nice," Kate replied.
"What?"
"Looking forward to today, I mean I don't usually celebrate Thanksgiving, because I never have a reason too, but today…" Kate pouted as she looked back at Jack's cheerful expression. Her finger traced his jaw, and then she slipped her finger underneath his chin so she could bring him in for a kiss. "Today I do have something to celebrate. I feel like I'm part of something, like I belong somewhere," Kate blushed in embarrassment, "Sorry,"
Jack's eyebrows furrowed low over his eyes, "No, sorry for what?"
Kate looked back up at him, "Being so corny."
"I don't care in a matter of fact, I find it cute." Jack wrapped his arms around Kate, and brought her closer to him. "I understand what you mean about the belonging, the last two Thanksgivings I ordered in chinese, watched football, and was in bed by six."
Kate's mouth dropped, "By yourself?"
Jack nodded, "My parents were always fighting, and my dad was drunk half of the time…so I never wanted to go over there. Being alone was better."
"Well, you're not going to be spending anymore Thanksgivings alone," Kate looked down at Jack's shirt as she started to unbutton it. "I'm starting to feel settled here,"
"Me too, but we'll have to leave sometime soon." Jack advised.
"I know," Kate sighed and then pulled Jack's shirt all the way off. "I guess I can deal with that, but if I had to leave you behind then I would refuse to go. I'm attached too much already."
"Me too," Jack said as he caressed Kate's cheek, and then walked around her to grab his towel which was hanging off the back of the door. "I'm going to get clean,"
Kate rested her back against the heater and watched as Jack pulled down his pants. "Strip,"
Jack looked up in confusion, "I'm sorry?"
"Take off your clothes," Kate said walking over to Jack. She smiled back at him seductively and then unloosed the drawstring on his pants. "Or we could take a shower?"
"I like the shower idea," Jack said.
"But don't think you're off the hook, you owe me a Thanksgiving dance,"
"I have something else for you," Jack ran his hands through Kate's hair and then looked towards the door. "I think we can both agree that you're better at stripping than me…I'll take off my clothes but…stripping?" Jack shook his head.
Kate reached for his arm and twisted it towards her. "I'm still kind of tired, so I could use something to wake me up. Something sexy."
Sawyer opened the washing machine and then peered inside. He scowled to himself. Look what happened when he tried to help out in the kitchen, Sawyer looked down at the coffee stain on his shirt and then pulled it off. He tossed it inside, and then got ready to close the machine. Sawyer glanced around the room, he hated doing laundry, but while he was in here why not? Sawyer sighed to himself as he picked up some of Taylor and Chloe's clothes and then tossed them inside with his. He double checked to make sure that all of the clothes were dark like his shirt, and then reached for some laundry detergent. As Sawyer dropped the cap, he bent down to pick it up, and then the door opened. He looked behind him, and then stood up. "Who's there?"
Taylor smiled back at him weakly, "What are you doing Sawyer?"
"A little laundry, you got any more dirty clothes sweetheart?"
"Oh Sawyer, you don't have to worry about the laundry. I will…" Taylor closed her eyes and then placed her hand to her nose. "Achoo!"
"Coming down with a cold?" Sawyer asked.
"No, I'm fine. I have to finish making dinner, so I'm not going to let this cold take me off of my feet." She then unsteadily turned around.
"Hold on there soldier, you go on back to bed."
"I can't."
Sawyer nodded, "Yes you can,"
Taylor placed her hand against the wall and then leaned forward. "I think I should be asking you the same question. You're washing laundry, and showing concern, are you feeling okay?"
"Haha, laugh it up Sunshine. Today I'm feelin' like Mr. Nice Guy, so take it or leave it."
"What about dinner Sawyer? I have a turkey in the stove, sweet potato pie and macaroni and cheese that needs to be made, a table to set, three adults and a kid to feed…"
"Hey," Sawyer said raising his hands. His eyes widened as he looked back at Taylor overwhelmed, "In your state you obviously can't do all that, so…I'll cook."
"Huh?"
"Yes, I said I'll do it." Sawyer said with a forced nod of confidence. He reached for the detergent and then poured some into the cap. Taylor sneezed again. "Hot chocolate or coffee?" Sawyer said as he concentrated on turning the machine on.
"As in the coffee that's on the floor?" Taylor said with a small smile.
Sawyer winced in embarrassment, "I'll clean that up after I finish loading the washer machine, what d'ya want hot chocolate or coffee? You never did answer me"
"Sawyer you don't have too…"
"That's it," He walked over to Taylor, and surprised her by picking her up in his arms. "You're gonna get some rest and I'm taking care of everything."
Taylor clutched onto Sawyer's arm. "Please don't burn the turkey,"
Sawyer looked around for Chloe, "One question though, does the little girl know how to cook a turkey, because she seems to know a lot more than me."
"There is a thermometer poking outside of the turkey, and you can always cut off pieces of meat as well to see if it tastes right." Taylor replied coughing. She covered her mouth, "I'm so sorry,"
"Don't be, just get some rest." Sawyer pushed the door open with his foot, and then rested Taylor down onto her bed. "I don't want to see you up until dinner is ready, so if you need anything at all then…" Sawyer searched around for something that would make noise. The only thing that he found was a shoe. "Throw this against the wall I guess if ya need something."
Taylor smiled weakly back at him, and then reached for the shoe. Her hand grazed his as she made him drop the shoe back onto the floor."Sawyer…"
"Take advantage of this. You know I'm usually in a bad mood 24/7, so when I'm offering to make stuff, even though I hate cooking, then you're either very special, or I'm having a rare anything goes kinda day."
Taylor propped her pillow up behind her head. "I thought I was immune to getting sick, but out of all the days, why Thanksgiving…" Her eyes started to close, and she reached outwards for her comforter.
"Here," Sawyer said softly. He reached for the comforter with both hands and then pulled it over Taylor. "I'm gonna try not to burn down the house," He stood up and then walked towards the door. Sawyer couldn't explain this feeling that had washed over him. He was actually in a good mood, even though he had every reason not to be. No use in trying to make sense of it. Sawyer watched as Chloe walked down the hall towards him with a can of cranberry sauce in her hands. "Morning," he said.
Chloe handed Sawyer the can. "Can I be your little helper? I heard you talking to mommy and you said you were going to finish cooking for her."
"Sure, I said it. But I'm no good at cookin', so don't be expecting miracles."
"With my help, I have great expectations," Chloe said with a nod. "The turkey is in the oven, the batter for the sweet potato pie is on the counter, and the peas are already busted, we don't have that much to do Sawyer."
"Come again short round? The peas are busted what are you talking about."
"My mom soaks the peas in the water, and then makes rice and peas, it's hard to explain but I'll show you how to do it." Chloe turned on the television to the Macy's day parade and then strolled into the kitchen. "Let's wash our hands first…"
"Aww, I almost forgot," Sawyer said snapping his fingers.
Footsteps approached from the den. Both Sawyer and Chloe turned around expecting to see Jack or Kate, but instead they saw a woman with a smooth coffee complexion ,dark brown eyes, and raven hair mixed in with strands of gray. She smiled at Chloe warmly and then looked at Sawyer in surprise.
"Umm…howdy?" Sawyer replied nervously.
Jack closed the bathroom door behind him and Kate. "Do you think anyone's up?" He asked.
Kate moved towards the shower and turned on the faucet. "Taylor probably is, but I'm not sure about everyone else,"
"Hmm," Jack pulled down his pants, and then his boxers.
Kate pulled back the curtains and motioned for him to get in, but Jack shook his head. "What are you waiting for?"
"You," Jack teased.
Kate pulled off her shirt. "There goes one item." She swung the shirt at Jack. He caught it easily and then folded it on the counter. She smiled as she watched him fold. "You're so tidy."
Jack nodded and then reached out his hand. "Are you mocking me?"
Kate shrugged, Maybe,"
"Shorts next," Jack replied pointing down to the black shorts Kate was wearing.
"Is this turning you on?"
Jack chuckled, his cheeks turned a shade of scarlet. "A little, can I have the shorts please?"
Kate placed her hands on her hips, "No,"
"Why not," Jack replied looking Kate up and down with his eyebrows furrowed low over his eyes. "Please,"
"Beg some more,"
Jack got down on his knees and then reached for Kate's hand. He felt like he was proposing, so maybe this was good for practice. "Am I really this desperate?"
Kate nodded and then leaned downwards to kiss his forehead, "Are you trying to propose to me?"
"No," Jack said quickly.
Kate pouted, "Oh, I know…I was just…" She smiled nervously and then pulled him up by his shoulders. "Let's clean you up." Kate pulled off her shorts and then her panties. "What are you waiting for?" She asked as she stepped into the shower.
"I was just thinking,"
Kate reached out for his arm and dragged him in. "You still have some paint in your hair from last night,"
"And you still have some on your face," Jack whispered.
Kate blushed as she reached for a bottle of Herbal Essences and then poured a small amount into her palm. "Could you turn towards me,"
"Sure," Jack replied. The hot water pounded onto his bare back from the shower head above, as he placed one hand against the wall, and leaned in closer to Kate.
"So what are our plans after dinner?" Kate asked.
"I was thinking that we could sit back, relax and watch the depressing specials that play every Thanksgiving…you know the ones that you always miss because you're alone, and the last thing you want to think about is the holidays," Jack closed his eyes as Kate started to work the lather into his hair.
"Sounds fun,"
"I was just kidding, I don't like those Thanksgiving movies, and besides I have plans for us later."
Kate pulled her hands away from Jack's hair and then raised her chin. "What kind of plans?"
"You'll see," Jack said as he leaned in to kiss Kate's neck.
Kate placed her hand against his chest and then backed him up against the opposite side of the shower. "I'm not good at waiting at least not when it comes to you,"
"You used to be," Jack replied as he ran his hands through her damp curls.
Kate smirked as she reached for a washcloth, "And then we slept together, and all of patience went out the window."
Jack picked up a bottle of body wash, "Patience, what patience?"
Kate laughed, "That's what I'm talking about,"
Jack wrapped his arms around Kate and then pulled her as close to him as possible. He gently massaged her shoulders which were slick with hot water relieving the tension and then lowered his mouth onto her collar bone. Kate's skin was soft and inviting against his hungry mouth. He smiled as her hands slid downwards. She felt his chest, his abs, and then her hands went further down. Jack moaned.
Kate smirked, "We have to hurry up."
"Can't we just stay in here all day?" He said tilting his head backwards.
"We could, but then they'll really start to wonder about us," Kate pressed her nose against Jack's and smiled at the expression on his face. "You still owe me a striptease,"
"Kate, c'mon," Jack said with an embarrassed grin. "Don't ruin the moment."
Kate cupped his face with her free hand, "I'm not kidding,"
"Well then I know what I want for Christmas,"
"And what's that?"
"You, in sexy black lace lingerie, heels, and hmm…if we're talking about Christmas, a bow around your waist, gold preferably."
Kate laughed, "It sounds like you've been thinking about this for a while now. Well if you want black lace, heels, and a bow…excuse me gold bow." Kate replied narrowing her eyes back at him.
Jack blushed. "Gold looks good on you…actually who am I kidding anything looks good on you, or lack there of."
"Then all I want on you is a bow…velvet…and nothing else."
"That can be arranged," Jack said.
"Hi, I'm Cecile," The woman said extending her hand to Sawyer.
Chloe nudged Sawyer who seemed to be in a state of shock. "She's really nice, Cecile won't bite,"
Cecile smiled down at Chloe, "That's right, I won't."
Sawyer shook Cecile's hand and then flashed a charming smile that he had used more times than he could count. His conman smile. "Hi, I'm Austin nice to meet you." He could see Chloe snap her head towards him in confusion, but she remained silent. "I came up from Dallas to visit my friend Taylor,"
"Oh, well nice to meet you Austin," Cecile said kindly. She clasped her hands together and then looked around for Taylor, "I called this morning, and Taylor told me that she wasn't feeling to well, so I thought I could come over here and help,"
"Sure," Sawyer said stepping back. He looked around for Kate and Jack. Cecile didn't think anything of him, but how was he going to explain them. "So how long are ya planning on staying."
Cecile looked back at him in surprise.
Shit. Sawyer winced, He didn't mean for that to come out as gruff as it did. Sawyer didn't know anything about this woman except for the fact that he was responsible for her son's death. So a small part of him felt like he owed her something. Sawyer shook his head. No, he didn't owe her anything. It was an accident. He looked down and then took in a deep breath. "I meant to say that if you're staying, Chloe and I could use the help,"
"Thank you," Cecile moved towards the cabinet and pulled out a box of cornbread. "The turkey is on, the ham is baking, what else needs to be done…right the macaroni and cheese."
Sawyer nodded, and stepped back as Cecile made a beeline towards the refrigerator. She pulled out a package of cheese, and some milk. "So Austin tell me about yourself."
Sawyer looked back at her surprised. He expected her to ignore him, and continue on cooking, but instead she gave him her attention. "Oh well I um…I'm a stock broker and I live in Dallas as I said earlier…I um…am not married," Sawyer scratched behind his head. "That's about all there is to know,"
Cecile nodded as she reached for a box of elbow macaroni in the pantry. "Did you go to school with Taylor?"
Usually Sawyer wouldn't be in the mood for small talk, but since he was being "good" today, why not. "We went to the same high school," Sawyer looked around for Jack and Kate once more almost expecting them to walk into the kitchen hand in hand. "So um…what do you do?" Sawyer said as he watched Chloe sit down and listen to their conversation.
"I'm actually a wedding planner…or at least I used to be before I retired," She gave Sawyer a small smile, "I've been looking for a reason to get back to work, I have too much time on my hands these days…and there's always enough to worry about."
"I don't believe in marriage," Sawyer commented.
"Why not?"
Because I don't believe in love, just lust. Sawyer thought to himself. When he realized that Cecile was still looking at him, he turned to face her. "Bachelor life has treated me too well for me to just abandon it like that," Feeling as if he had revealed too much of himself for his own good Sawyer excused himself from the kitchen. He walked towards Taylor's room, and pushed the door open. Her bed was empty.
"Hey," She said.
Sawyer's mouth dropped open when he saw Taylor standing in front of her press, "What are you doing up, I thought I told you to…"
"I heard Cecile. Sawyer I'm so sorry, I had no idea that she was coming over," Taylor said shaking her head.
"It's fine," Sawyer said lookingdown. "By the way my name is Austin and I'm a stock broker from Dallas,"
Taylor sneezed.
"Bless you,"
A smile formed on Taylor's face. "Wow, you really are in a good mood today. I'm telling you the holiday spirit is infectious, stay with us a little longer Sawyer, and I have a feeling you'll be collecting cans for the food drive with us."
Sawyer snorted, "Let's not go that far."
Kate dried her hair and then looked sideways at Jack who was shaving. "Going for the clean look?"
Jack nodded, "What about you?"
Kate ran her hands through her drying tresses. "I think I'm going to straighten my hair…try something different."
"You'll look good either way,"
"Thanks," Kate took the razor out of Jack's hand and then stood in front of him. "If I start going overboard just let me know okay."
"Overboard with what?" Jack asked raising his chin as Kate gently glided the razor underneath.
"I don't know, just let me know if you need a break from me."
Jack reached for Kate's hand. "A break?"
Kate nodded, "I'm still surprised myself at how I behave around you, so if you feel like you need a break from the kissing, painting and shaving…just let me know."
"I don't want a break," Jack teased.
Kate bit her lip, "I'm curious about something though, and I know I may be stepping over my boundaries so feel free to stop me if I go to far." Kate tilted her head to the side so she could have easier access to the tiny blonde, gray, and brown hairs hidden behind a layer of shaving cream. "You were with Sarah before I came along right,"
Jack nodded, "Yeah, I was."
Kate placed one hand on Jack's arm and leaned forward to rinse off the razor. He was still a little wet from the shower they just shared. Kate shook the razor and then went back to work on Jack's moustache. "Were you deeply in love with Sarah, or did you think you were before any of this?"
"I did love Sarah, but it was different." Jack looked down, and then back into Kate's eyes. He already knew where she was going with this. "What we have is different, I can't even explain it."
"Do you think that if say Sarah came back into the picture, you would go back to her?" Kate bit the inside of her cheek. She felt embarrassed for displaying the smallest signs of insecurity when it came to Jack. It was just that their relationship was something that she could've only dreamed of before, and she didn't want to lose it. Fairytale or not, Kate loved Jack, and she didn't want to have to worry about him going away. "I'm sorry, I'm not usually the type that needs reassurance, I guess I just…" Kate held the razor away from Jack's neck and placed her hand to her forehead, "I'm sorry,"
"A part of me felt like I was supposed to love Sarah, she was in a bad accident, and I was there for her, and during my father's breakdown she was there for me. We leaned on each other and then…" Jack shrugged.
"You were going to propose to her,"
"I was, but I had second thoughts, I was constantly debating if I wanted to take that step, because I loved her and I still do, but not like this. Sarah is different from you, so there's no comparison. What I feel for you is without a doubt true, pure and honest, but I'll prove all of that to you later,"
"What do you mean?"
"I'll show you later today." Jack said.
Sarah wrapped her arms around her body. It was in the early hours of the morning in L.A. and the sun was just starting to peek behind the clouds. She sighed as she turned off the kettle. It had been a while since the Marshal had contacted her with any news on Jack's whereabouts, but she hadn't given up hope since then. Sarah touched the sleeve of Jack's shirt in reminisce which she was wearing, and then her hand slipped down to her stomach. She was nearly eight months pregnant with his child. Sarah bit her lip. The thought of having to raise their kid on her own was daunting. With shaking hands she redirected her attention back towards the kettle. Sarah pulled a mug from the cabinet and set it down on the counter. All last night she had felt an uneasy feeling about the baby. Sarah paused as her thoughts shifted back to what she believed to be contractions earlier this morning. She knew that she should've called her doctor, but Sarah refused to believe that she was having contractions when she still had another month until she was due.
Sarah moved away from the counter and walked towards the phone. She was almost scared to call the doctor. Because this baby was all that she had left of Jack. Sarah sighed as she picked up the phone. As she dialed in the number, a flood of water rushed down her leg. Sarah gasped, "Oh no,"
The phone temporarily dropped from her hand.
She looked down at the liquid on the floor, and then placed her trembling hand to her mouth, "No," This couldn't be happening! The baby wasn't supposed to be due for another month. Thoughts of denial then started to fill Sarah's head. What if her instincts were right earlier, and something was really wrong with the baby. She tried to push back the paranoia as she picked the phone back up. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she dialed in the doctor's number. Maybe she was just overreacting? Sarah looked down at the water and then realized that it was real, and that she was going into labor prematurely.
Jack sat on the bed working on his proposal to Kate. He looked around quickly and then pulled the small box out of his pocket. Jack smiled in satisfaction as he opened the box and looked down at the stunning ring. He couldn't wait to slip it on Kate's finger. Jack closed the box and tucked it back into the pants of his khakis.
Kate stepped into the room. Her hair was now straight, and it looked as soft as velvet. She wore a silk maroon top, and a pair of jeans and with a pearl necklace that hung down past her neck.
Jack nodded in approval. He stood up and walked over to Kate, and trailed his hands through her silky locks. Her hair fell gracefully from his hands. "You look beautiful,"
"Thank you, and so do you," Kate straightened out his collar on his shirt, and then beamed back at him. "Let's go see if we can help Taylor in the kitchen."
Jack shook his head in agreement and together they made their way through the house. The smell of turkey, sweet potato pie, Virginia ham, and rice and beans lingered in the air. "Everything smells so good,"
"I know," Kate said.
They stepped inside and nearly did a 360 degree turn when they realized that someone else was over. But it was too late because she turned around from the macaroni and cheese that she was preparing and looked at them.
Kate quickly composed herself, trying to hide her fear.
The woman smiled, "Hi,"
"Hi," Jack said warmly.
Kate looked up at Jack. Good thing he was able to hold himself together, because she was too nervous to even speak right now. Jack's arm slipped around her waist pulling her closer to him.
"My name is Cecile nice to meet you,"
Kate looked down. Cecile. She was the mother of the cop Sawyer had killed. Kate looked back up trying to remain calm.
Cecile extended her hand to Kate and Jack. "I'm sorry I didn't get your names."
"Shepard," Kate said quickly.
Jack's eyes widened as he looked down at Kate.
"I meant…" Kate cleared her throat and then pointed to Jack, "His name is Ja…James Shepard."
Sawyer who wasn't sitting to far away looked up in surprise. His eyes narrowed at Jack and Kate.
"Nice to meet you James," Cecile said to Jack, "And your name?"
"Skyler," Kate lied easily.
After some brief discussion Cecile returned to cooking.
Kate tugged onto Jack's sleeve and led him into the den. "That was close, but I don't think she recognizes us, what do you think?"
"I don't think so," Jack said shaking his head. He sat down in front of the television and then Kate joined him seconds later. "I don't believe there's any reason to worry,"
Two hours later everyone sat down at the table and dinner was prepared. Cecile sat next to Jack on one side and Kate was on the other. On the opposite end of the table Sawyer, Taylor, and Chloe sat.
"This all looks so good," Jack said rubbing his hands together.
Kate smiled back at him. She was curious to see what surprise he had for her later.
Cecile started to speak, "First off I would like to say thanks to Taylor for allowing me to come over here and spend Thanksgiving, it's never a good feeling to spend the holidays alone, and I'm glad to be here. This year has been a little rough for me, and I'm not going to go into the details, because I know everyone wants to eat, but I really appreciate the company." Cecile passed pleasant smile across the table, "It was also a pleasure to meet you Austin, Skyler and James,"
Sawyer narrowed his eyes at Jack but remained silent. He could feel Taylor looking at him, but he ignored her. Sawyer looked down and cleared his throat. He wasn't feeling so nice anymore.
"Does anyone want to say prayer?" Taylor asked before sneezing. "I'm sorry,"
"Bless you," Cecile and Chloe said.
"Thank you, Prayer?" Taylor repeated.
Sawyer, Jack and Kate quickly looked elsewhere. Sawyer focused on the burgundy cloth on the table, Jack looked out the window and focused on the sun which was starting to set, and Kate picked imaginary lint off of her blouse.
"Kate?" Taylor asked.
Kate scowled but quickly forced a smile onto her face. She composed herself and then looked up. Everyone's eyes were on her. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, and then focused on the napkin in front of her. "Um…I…" Kate smiled nervously. She was about to pass, because she hadn't prayed in so long and she didn't want to make a fool of herself, but she decided against it. "Okay um…"
Jack reached for her hand and Cecile's as well.
His touch calmed her. Kate turned to look at Jack and then bent her head in prayer. She had no idea what she should say. Jack gently stroked her hand with his thumb, easing her worries once again. "I would like to say th…thanks for the lovely food in front of us." Kate swallowed down a lump in her throat. "And also for the gift of being here today all together…" She paused. Kate nervously bit at her lip, she had no idea what else to say.
"Thank you for the strength to go on, and for the blessings that we have received…and the people we love. Amen," Jack finished.
"Amen," Everyone except for Sawyer said.
"I would like to add one more thing as well," Jack said looking around the table. He focused his eyes on Kate and then smiled back at her, "Ka…Skyler and I recently met this year, and I've really become attached to her, I have to say I am most thankful that we found each other."
An expression of adoration stretched across Kate's face as she listened to Jack.
"I love this woman," Jack professed.
Sawyer rolled his eyes, while Chloe, Taylor, and Cecile beamed in their direction.
Jack nodded and then focused back on the women that were watching him with expressions of amazement. His cheeks grew warm as he realized that it probably looked like he was about to propose to Kate right there. "Should I cut the turkey?"
One hour and thirty minutes later Kate and Jack were inside of Taylor's truck driving towards an unspecified location.
"Skyler huh?"
Kate smiled, "That was the last alias I used back in West Virginia, so why not. Where are we going by the way? You practically threw me over your shoulder, and dragged me out to the car."
"You didn't want to go?" Jack asked.
"Of course I wanted to go," Kate said playfully punching Jack's arm. She placed her head against the foggy window and gazed out at the gently rolling waves of the Atlantic hidden behind golden sand, and tall grass. "We're going to the beach?"
Jack pointed ahead, "Do you see the lighthouse?"
Kate nodded, "Its pretty, is that where were going?" She looked around for anyone on the beach, but relaxed when her search came up empty.
Jack parked the car and then opened his door. He grabbed a journal from the back and then patted his pocket. Kate watched him curiously, she made an attempt to open her door, but Jack was too fast. Before Kate could blink Jack was opening the door for her.
"Thank you," She said. It was freezing outside. Jack closed the door behind Kate, and then pulled off his jacket. He got behind her and slipped it on Kate's shoulders.
"Better?"
"Better," Kate repeated.
Jack made sure both doors were locked and then he reached for Kate's hand leading her towards the lighthouse. Jack smiled to himself. His nerves were getting the best of him. He took in a mouthful of air, and looked out towards the sunset. The sun was hovering in the sky beyond a mass of pink, blue and deep red colors. Jack's eyes then shifted towards the lighthouse which was quickly approaching.
"Do you have any idea why I brought you here?"
Kate shrugged, "Maybe to get out of after Thanksgiving dinner cleaning."
Jack chuckled, "Good guess, but no."
Kate looked down at the journal in Jack's hand, "What is that?"
"You'll see,"
Minutes later both Kate and Jack stepped onto the observation deck of the lighthouse. Kate crossed her arms as the wind blew past, bouncing off her cheeks, and also running through her hair. "The sunset is so beautiful it looks like a painting,"
Jack smiled at the mention of paintings.
Kate seemed to catch his train of thought and smiled as well. "So…"
Jack ran his thumb along the dark blue journal, and then handed it to Kate. "I wrote you a story."
Kate raised an eyebrow in Jack's direction. "A story?" Curiosity got the better of her and she opened the journal. Kate looked over the first page and then looked back at Jack. His eyes were fixed on the scribbled words on the paper. Kate then started to read.
I'm not good at expressing myself when it comes to how much I care about her. Either my feelings don't come out at all, or it's too sappy. But she doesn't seem to mind. Words can't express the range of emotions that she makes me feel. She's beautiful inside and out, and there's nothing in this world I wouldn't do for her. It seems like a dream to me, when I think about the last couple of months we have spent together. We shared so much, lost so much, and in the process grew closer together. There isn't a thing I would change about her, because I love Kate for Kate. She thinks she makes too many mistakes, but in my eyes that's what makes her beautiful.
Upon our first meeting I was broken into pieces. I had no idea that when she took me hostage my life would have changed for the better. We immediately worked together, and we became partners. I tried to pretend as if I didn't care, or that I didn't love her but all of my attempts failed. I remember sitting at the airport in West Virginia, and I could've gotten away then, but I couldn't. Because her soft laugh was playing on repeat in my mind, and every time I closed my eyes I saw her beautiful face. I was already under her spell, and from then on I couldn't imagine leaving her behind again. That's why I'm doing this today, I don't want to wait any longer, I just want Kate to know how much she means to me. And I hope that when she looks up and sees me on bended knee then she'll say…
Kate looked up. Her eyes widened as she watched Jack drop down onto his knees.
"I'm sorry about the cheesy intro…"
Kate couldn't even respond because her hands were shaking so much, and her legs were so wobbly that she felt as if she was about to fall. Tears welled up in her eyes as Jack reached for her hand.
"You know how special you are to me. I can't think of any other woman that I would rather spend the rest of my life with." Jack reached in his pocket for the box.
Kate gasped. A strong gust blew past. She was nervous, and shaking already as it was, and just when she felt as if she was about to fall, Jack placed his hands around her waist. She reached out for his shoulders, and attempted to steady herself.
"Are you okay?" Jack asked softly.
Kate nodded. "Yes, I'm fine,"
Jack slipped one hand free from Kate's waist as he opened the box. The quickly descending sunlight from up above seemed to seek out the diamond. The jewel inside the band sparkled brilliantly as Jack gently pulled it out of the protective case. He felt tears forming in his eyes as he placed the box down. "I love you Kate," Jack stroked Kate's hand tenderly. She was falling apart in front of him. Tears streamed down her cheeks, and her lips quivered as she looked down at him.
Kate could kick herself for losing control like this. But she couldn't help it. Jack was proposing to her. She had waited for this moment for so long, almost as much as she had tried denying her feelings for him. Kate felt her insides grow weak as Jack brought her hand to his mouth. He planted a tender and loving kiss on her hand, and then looked back up at her. His eyebrows furrowed low over his eyes, which were lighter than usual because of the rays of disappearing light bouncing off of his face.
Jack squeezed Kate's hand tighter, and then took in a breath. "I was broken before you came along, and I desperately needed someone to pick me up, and then put me back together…"
Kate bit her lip. She sniffled as the tears continued to fall.
"Kate Austen, will you make me the luckiest man in the world and become my wife?" Jack asked.
Kate wiped at the tears on her face and slowly nodded. Her lips trembled, and she felt another wave of tears coming over her. "Yes!"
Jack's mouth dropped. He didn't expect her to scream like she did. His hands shook as he slipped the ring onto her finger. Jack stood up and wrapped his arms tightly around Kate. She buried her face in his shoulders and ran her hands through his hair. "I hope I just gave you all the proof that you need. I don't want to be with anyone else but you Kate, no one else."
(Thanks everyone for reviewing last chapter. I'll respond to all question by "reply" because I don't think we're allowed to in our chapters anymore. Also I'm going to take a little break, so no update this Monday, but maybe next Monday. Thanks again, and I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving!)