Of Dreams and Miracles
By Misha

Disclaimer and Notes in Prologue.

Part Fifty-Five: Our Future

Elizabeth couldn't sleep that night. She sat in her room and kept admiring her ring. She couldn't believe it, she was getting married.

Suddenly, she thought of Robbie's '76 Championship ring. Like that, this ring was a promise, a symbol of the love between her and Jack and the future they hoped too build.

She was still a little scared, after all the promise between her and Rob had been broken, but without risks, there were no rewards in life. Besides, if she and Rob hadn't drifted apart, then she'd never have ended up with Jack. She smiled at that thought, suddenly realizing for the first time that there really was a reason for everything.

Elizabeth fiddled with her ring again, silently envisioning her wedding plans. She'd never been one who'd ever dreamed of a big wedding and she was sure that Jack felt the same way, so she thought it would be small and simple. In Minnesota, of course, since location was the bride's prerogative.

Kathleen would be her maid of honour, of course, and she thought she would ask Bridget to be one of her bridesmaids, along with a couple of her other friends. Nell and Kelly could be the flower girls.

Elizabeth was just starting to think about wedding colours, when there was a knock on her door. She looked at the clock and saw that it was pretty late.

With a frown, Elizabeth got out of bed and walked to her door. Her frown disappeared when she saw that it was Jack on the other side.

"What are you doing here?" She scolded lightly, unable to stop the smile that spread across her face.

"I needed to see you." Jack said, stepping into the room.

Elizabeth smiled and wrapped her arms around him. "My dad's right next door." She reminded him softly.

"I can be quiet." He whispered. "Besides, I won't stay long, I promise."

She nodded and led him over to her bed. They sat down, her cuddled on his lap.

"I was thinking about our wedding." She confessed.

"Good." Jack told her. "You're going to have to plan it, after all."

Elizabeth smiled at him.

"How would you feel about July?" Elizabeth asked him.

"Sounds good to me." Jack told her. "Can you get in planned that quick?"

"Yeah, I mean, I want a small wedding." Elizabeth said and then paused. "That's okay with you, right?"

"Definitely." Jack agreed. "I mean if you wanted a big wedding then we would have one, but I have to admit I was kind of dreading the idea."

Elizabeth giggled and then cuddled closer to Jack. "I can't wait to be your wife." She told him seriously. "July seems so far away."

"I know." Jack agreed, then he grinned. "But after July, we'll always be together."

"Except when you're on the road." Elizabeth pointed out, "assuming you end up playing hockey, which I think you will."

"That's true," Jack agreed, "but you'll be there when I get back."

"Yes, I will." Elizabeth said happily, thinking of a future when she and Jack had home of their own and a family.

Oh, she knew life wouldn't be perfect, it never was, and she was sure that if he did end up playing professional hockey, there'd be moments when she'd be frustrated by how often he was gone. Yet, she also believed that because they really loved each other that they'd be able to make it work.

"What are you thinking about?" Jack asked softly, playing with her hair.

Elizabeth turned and gave him a beautiful smile. "I was just thinking about our life together." She told him softly. "How happy we're going to be."

"As long as you're there with me, I'm going to be the happiest man alive." Jack told her, turning her around so that she was facing him. He then leaned in and kissed her gently.

Elizabeth kissed him back, then after a long moment she pulled away. "I love you." She whispered.

"I love you too, more than anything." Jack said, then he sighed. "As much as I hate to say this, I should leave, otherwise I won't go."

"Ok." Elizabeth said reluctantly, getting up off his lap.

Jack stood up and she walked him to the door. They stood there for a long moment, before Elizabeth wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Just think, soon you won't have to leave." She told him.

Jack grinned. "I can't wait." He leaned down and gave her a quick kiss, then pulled away. "Sleep well, Princess."

"I will." Elizabeth promised and watched as he left the room.

She stood at her door for a moment and then turned and walked back towards the bed, her head filled with thoughts of Jack O'Callahan and the life they were going to have together.