Of Dreams and Miracles
By Misha

Disclaimer and Notes in Prologue.

Part Thirty-Five: When This Is All Over

Two Days Before Opening Ceremonies

The next morning, Herb and the rest of the team got on the bus headed to Lake Placid, while Elizabeth stayed behind with Doc and Jack.

She waited at the hotel for them, since Jack had been kept at the hospital the night before for observation. Doc had stayed with him until late and then gone back early the next morning, so this was the first time Elizabeth had seen either of them since the night before. Jack was on crutches, which Elizabeth knew wasn't a great sign.

"Elizabeth." Doc said in surprise. "I assumed that you had gone on ahead with the rest of the team."

She shook her head. "No. Dad gave me the choice to stay if I wanted to and I did."

Doc nodded. Jack sent her a questioning look. She mouthed 'later' to him.

"I'm going to room." Doc told them both.

Elizabeth nodded. "I'll do the same."

"Very well." Doc said and the three of them took the elevator up to their floor and then separated. Doc went to his room, while Elizabeth and Jack headed towards hers.

"So what happened with your dad?" Jack demanded as soon as the door shut behind them.

"He wasn't thrilled, obviously." Elizabeth told him. "I told him that I loved you and I think that stunned him. He's the one that suggested I stay, so that's something."

"Yeah." Jack agreed. He took her her into his arms, though his crutches made that a little awkward to do. "I'm sorry you had to talk to him by yourself."

"It's probably better that I did." Elizabeth told him. "I'd rather that he was angry with me than you."

Jack chuckled rather bitterly. "What kind of guys lets his girl take the heat for him?"

"One with a lot to lose." Elizabeth answered.

"I've probably already lost her." Jack told her. "Doc hasn't told me the prognosis yet, but I know I'm out for at least the first few games. There's no way Herb's going to keep me on the team. Especially not now."

"Dad promised that he wouldn't let his personal feelings affect his decision." Elizabeth told him. "He said he'd do what was best for the team, no matter what he feels."

Jack looked slightly relived, but not very.

"I know it's still a long shot that he'll keep me." Jack told her. "I mean, I don't even know if there's a point. I might not be able to play for months."

"Don't talk like that!" She scolded him. Then she paused and looked Jack deep in the eye. "Jack, what happens if you can't play?"

Jack shrugged. "I guess I watch the Olympics at home on TV, or maybe I'll just stick around with my folks, since they already have tickets and a room."

"No, I didn't mean that." Elizabeth told him. "I meant what happens to us? And not just if you can't play, what happens to us when this is all over?"

She had been thinking about it for months, but this was the first time she had ever mentioned it to him. But they had to talk about it.

Jack was quiet for a moment. "Well, Boston University is a good school and I was kind of hoping that you wouldn't mind transferring and finishing your degree there." He said finally. "I mean, I like Minnesota, but Boston's home. I know you'd miss your family and friends, but I figure I've spent the last months here, besides I'm not sure I could handle seeing that much more of Herb, even if he is your father."

Elizabeth looked at him with wide eyes. "Jack O'Callahan, are you asking me to go back to Boston with you?"

"Well, yeah." He told her, a little surprised. "I mean, you live in Minnesota, I love in Boston, one of us is going to have to move."

Elizabeth leaned up and kissed him. "I love you Jack O'Callahan." She told him.

Jack smiled. "I love you too. So what do you say? Will you come to Boston with me once this is all over?"

Elizabeth paused, pondering his question. It wasn't something she could answer right away. After all, it was a big decision to make.

She loved Jack and she found it reassuring that he saw them lasting past the Olympics, that he wanted her to share his life. But was that what she wanted? Did she love him enough to give up everything to go with him? She honestly didn't know.

"Can I answer that when this is all over?" She asked him softly. "It's not that I don't love you, I do, but..."

"It's a big decision to make." Jack finished for her. "Take all the time you need. I don't want to pressure you into anything, I just want you to know how I feel."

"Thank you." Elizabeth said, leaning comfortably against him. "I'll give you your answer, I promise, just as soon as this is all settled..."
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