A/N: Thanks for the reviews everyone!

Chapter 17: My Valentine

Things went pretty smoothly when school started back up. Everyone knew, or could see that Claire was pregnant, but no one ridiculed her or seemed scared. She was worrying for nothing. All of the other students were busy planning their futures and their own lives.

Jack was one of them. Since his father had given him that ring, he couldn't stop thinking about what the future held in store for him, and Kate. He really loved her and wanted to spend the rest of his life with her, but was it moving to fast? He found a picture Claire took of them in Boston. They were by the beach and Kate was on his back as he carried her. I love you so much Katie. I hope and pray one day you'll be my wife and the mother of our kids.

Claire had a free period that day at school, so she was studying in the library. The baby inside her was very active today. Her mom said it was normal, but Claire wanted him to get some rest.

"Mind if I join you love?" Charlie asked.

Claire smiled and her baby kicked when Charlie's voice was heard. "Sit. I was just reading The Great Gatsby for English. I love this book."

"It is a good book, but I think you might like this better." He reached into his bookbag and brought out a small jar of peanut butter. "Happy Valentine's Day!"

Claire face lit up. "Where did you get one so small?" The jar was so little, it could be easily hidden.

"A brunette that's usually at your house, told me you were having cravings, but couldn't bring any to school. So I did an internet search and found this. You can even refill it from a bigger jar."

"Thank you so much Charlie!" She hugged him.

"I can't deny a pregnant woman or her little peanut."

Claire laughed. "Thank you for everything. You have no idea how much better you make me feel." He really was helping. Charlie didn't treat her differently and was so kind to her. She loved having him around.

"Your welcome love, but you thank me all the time. I'm just being Charlie." The librarian gave them a look for laughing. "OK now. Let's get back to studying." He grabbed a book and pretended her couldn't read it. Claire laughed louder, and the librarian her to tell her to be quiet.

Later that night for Valentine's Day, Jack went out with Kate to the movies. They had a great time and headed back to her house. Sam had to stay at the base this weekend, so Kate would be alone. Jack promised to come so she would feel safer, even if she wouldn't admit it.

Kate unlocked the door and they both headed in. She turned the lights on and shut the door. Kate was getting ready to go to the kitchen when Jack wrapped his arms around her from behind. He kissed her neck and said, "We're finally alone."

She turned around in his arms and smiled. "I'm glad you reminded me." She then leaned closer and kissed him. They deepened it and she put her arms around his neck. The next thing she realized was that her bedroom door was being opened and they were making the way to her bed.

Jack realized something and stopped. He picked her up and moved her so her back wasn't to the bed. He didn't want any bad memories coming back. They rejoined their kissing and he brought her on top of him as he lay down. The kissing resumed and thing were moving fast, when Kate stopped suddenly.

"I can't. I'm so sorry Jack. I can't do this." Kate explained.

He saw the fear in her eyes, but love was there too. "It's OK. I'm sorry if I pressured you in any way. I never meant to do that. I love you so much and will never hurt you." Kate had now moved to a sitting position in front of him. He cupped her face with his hands and she leaned into it.

"I know. You didn't pressure me at all. I want to, but it's not the right time. Since my first time was stolen from me, I want it to be with my husband." She looked right in his eyes when she said this.

Has she been thinking the same as me? Jack wondered. He kissed her forehead and hugged her. "That's fine with me. I'll wait however long I have to." He kissed her gently on the lips. "And by Rose's prediction, it will be by the end of the year."

His comment made her laugh. "Thank you so much Jack. I love you with all my heart."

"Your Valentine's card said the same thing." He teased.

"Well, I meant it." She smiled. But she had to ask one more question and hoped it came out right. "Jack, I need to ask you this."

"OK."

"When you were with Sarah, did you sleep together?"

He knew this question would come, and was surprised she didn't ask it before. Jack locked his brown eyes with her green ones. "I never slept with her."

Kate was stunned. She thought they did. "Really?"

"Yes. I wouldn't lie to you. And I now know why I didn't. She wasn't you."

The words made her feel really special. "So that's why you said you could wait however long it takes. You already are."

"Pretty much." He smiled.

"I love you Jack Shepherd!" Kate hugged him and her thoughts when to someday being his wife.