A/N: Thanks again for the reviews! This is a full Jate chapter and I hope everyone likes it!

Chapter 22: A Birthday to Remember

Jack tried to calm his nerves down. It was May 23rd, Kate's birthday, and he wanted it to be special. All he told her was that they were going out to dinner. Kate was completely fine with that. She just wanted to spend some time Jack. He pulled the car up to her house after school let out. "I'll pick you up at 6:00."

"OK." She replied and kissed him. "I'll see you later." She got her bookbag and left the car. Jack stayed until she got in the house. He had to make sure he was completely ready.

Kate walked in her house and headed towards the bathroom to get a shower.

"Kathrine?"

Kate was stunned. "Mom?" Her smile became huge. "What are you doing here?"

Diane hugged her little girl. "Happy Birthday! Your father and I have a surprise for you."

Sam was right behind them. "We've been talking for awhile. Chris' death really shook us all. It made us realize what's important and that we don't have much time." He placed his hand on Diane shoulder.

Diane smiled and announced, "We are going to try again and see where this heads."

Kate beamed. "I've been praying for this for so long. You're really getting back together?"

"Yes honey!" Diane replied. Her and Sam were delighted in their daughter's joy. "I've moved back in here. But enough about us. You need to get ready for your date with Jack!"

Kate ran up the stairs after asking her mom for help. Diane waited since she had to ask Sam something.

"Sammy? Is tonight THE night?"

His smile grew large. "I think so Di! Jack and I talked a couple of days ago."

Jack and Kate were eating at a famous Italian restaurant in town. They were both having a great time.

"But the best part is, mom moved back in!" Kate said excitedly.

Jack reached for her hand. "I'm so happy for you Katie. You've wanted this for so long. I'm glad God's giving this to you."

"Thanks. I'm glad we came here. I forgot how much I love this place."

"When we get back, do you mind walking the beach with me?" Jack asked, his face turning serious.

"Sure. I'd love to, but I'd have to change."

"That's fine. I do too since I'm wearing dress clothes." Jack pulled at his tie, which made her laugh.

"How's Aaron?" Kate asked.

"He's fine. Claire's doing a great job. Wait. You should know this. You come over almost everyday!"

"I just wanted to her you rave about your nephew. It's cute."

"Well then, lets see what else I can say about Aaron." Jack went on to make Kate go into a fit of giggles.

Later that night, Kate met him at their usual spot on the beach. She had changed into a tank top and jeans, while he now had on a t-shirt and jeans. They strolled along the beach as the stars were coming out. It was such a romantic scene with his hand holding hers. They talked for while, but stopped when they got to one of Kate's favorite places. It was a part of the beach where you could look out and see the ocean spread out for miles and miles.

Jack let go of her hand and stood in front of her. He stared straight into her green eyes. Eyes he loved to look at. "Kate, I don't really think there are words to describe how I feel about you. You are one of the things in my life I treasure the most. I don't think I can spend another day with out you."

She never took her gaze from his face. She saw one of the most tender loving look in her eyes. One that made her feel special.

"That's why I asked your dad for his blessing." Jack continued. "And I want to give you this." He reached for the small jewelry box in his pocket.

Kate couldn't speak, but she took the box. She opened it and was so shocked. It was a beautiful diamond ring with emeralds, her birthstone, surrounding it.

Jack took the ring out and sat the box down. He knelt down on one knee, held the ring out, and looked up at her. "Kathrine Ann Austen, will you marry me?"

Tears came to her eyes. "Yes Jack! I wouldn't marry anyone else."

He smiled a smile so wide as he placed the ring on her finger. Kate's smile matched his. They kissed each other passionately, as they never had before.

When they parted, each one was breathless. "I love you so much." She said to him and kissed him again.

"I love you too." He replied after the kiss was done.

Kate looked at her ring. "It's so beautiful Jack! Where did you get it?"

"It's an heirloom. My grandfather gave it to my grandma; she gave it to my dad for my mom. Then, dad gave it to me to give to you."

"I feel so honored to have it. I wish I could thank Chris." Kate looked worried.

"I think he knows Kate." Jack said as he kissed her again. "So, who do you want to tell first?"

"Can we wait awhile? I just want to sit here with you."

Jack nodded and held her as they watched the waves.

"Jack?"

"Yeah?"

"Can we get married really soon?"

He giggled at her question. "I was hoping you'd say that."

She shoved him as they laughed, but they were both soon kissing again. This had turned out to be more than what she expected for her 18th birthday.