Chapter 4

Janet sat all alone in her big black leather chair. She had a little time before dinner to go into her office to look over the books and accounts. "Come in." She said keeping her attention on the accounting books in front of her when she heard a knock on the door.

"Ms. Wood." Josh, one of her newest employees said, "Here is your mail. Jack told me to deliver it to you."

She smiled her thanks, "Thank you Josh, I will be out there in a moment."

The young men excused himself and headed towards the kitchen.

Janet put her pencil down and began looking through the different envelopes that carried bills, direct mail, a horse magazine the usually Janet thought until a pink small envelope caught her eye. "What's this?" She asked herself.

As she began tearing the pink paper she heard another knock on the door, "Hello gorgeous." She looked up to greet Jack with a small smile as she winked at him.

He brought in a bouquet of wild flowers he had gotten used to cute for Janet. "For you." He said handing her the small yellow flowers.

She took the flowers and wrapped them around her arms as she took in their wonderful scent. "Thank Jack. You always know how to fill my life with special moments."

"That is what I am here for." Jack said as Janet noticed the pink card on her desk had caught his eyes.

"I got this in today." She said trying to pull out the card from the envelope. "I think it's an invitation."

"Where to?"

"I don't know. I don't even know who it's from." She said as she began to read the note while Jack picked the paper up looking for a return address.

"Maybe it's a secret admire." He joked as Janet laughed the idea off.

Janet finished reading the small note; she sat the invitation aside and asked Jack if he was ready for dinner. He gave her a strange look, "What's the matter?"

"Nothing."

"Then why did you just put the card away."

"It's nothing important. Probably someone wanting to play a joke on me. I don't know….lets go get something to eat I'm starve." She said standing up from her chair.

"Do you mind if I read it?" He asked.

"I don't see the point but no, I don't care if you want to read it go for it." She said crossing across the room.

"Come on Janet." He said guilty he had made a joke stating it was from an admire. "You are a beautiful woman why do you think someone is trying to play a joke on you."

"Secrete admire?" Janet asked throwing her hands up in the air.

"I think you should go." He said making his way towards the middle of the floor. He slowly took her hands in his. "You need to start thinking about making a new family, meeting someone new. Janet just because Philips was a complete jerk doesn't mean every other man is."

"I know but I like this point in my life. I love being able to be free."

"Just because you start a new relationship doesn't mean you will loose your freedom. You aren't marrying this guy on your first date."

Janet took the note in her hands once again and re-read it. 'Janet, I am asking you to honor me with your presence tomorrow evening before sunset; where I will await an opportunity to show you just how much I care for you and prove that I am willing to share my heart with you and in hope ask that you let me hold yours. Sincerely, Your Secrete Admirer.' She read as the note later gave directions and an exact time.

"This is ridiculous."

"Why? I really think you should go. At least give him a chance and later on decided whether you rather just stay single." He took in a deep breath as he places his hands on her upper arms, "Janet I would hate for you to grow old and alone. You are a wonderful person and any man in this world would be glad to have a wife or partner like you be their side."

Janet looked down at the floor before she looked up into his baby blue eyes, "What about you?" She asked feeling heartbroken. How can he talk to her like that; encouraging her to see other men when the only man she wanted was him?

He gave her a surprise look, "I would feel like the luckiest man on this planet if I ever had a woman like you in my life." He said rubbing his nose against hers. "I say you give him a chance."

"Is that really what you want me to do….look for someone to replace Philip?" She asked a bit upset.

"I want you to do what is best for you." Janet felt her stomach burning, she hated it when people preached to her about something and then ended up with that same quote.

She could feel his eyes piercing into hers; she felt a feeling of disappointment penetrate her body. "Okay Jack," She said, "I'll go and give this person a chance." Janet informed him with a sour taste in her mouth. She couldn't believe she had actually fallen for someone again just to have them play with her heart.

Jack and Janet made their way towards the dinner table. Janet hardly touched her food before she excuse herself and headed to bed. She patiently waited for night fall as she enjoyed a good book and then morning. The day went by rapidly as evening time became closer and closer.

Let herself go on her first blind date

Janet applied the last of her make up hoping she had remembered all of Donatien's tips. The invitation did not state what kind of clothing to wear so Janet went with a very causal outfit, styled perfect for the beach. A long white cotton skirt with a matching white halter top and a light jean jacket, long turquoise earring that matched her necklace and some very cute and comfortable sandals she had bought in Hawaii, perfect for walking on sand.

She made her way towards the kitchen to let Courtney know she wouldn't be attending dinner with everyone else. "Where is Jack?" she asked one of the guys who was washing his hands.

"He asked me to drive him into town. He said his mother's birthday is coming up soon and wanted to go see what he could get her."

Janet painted the best smile she could bring out. It was bad enough he encourage her to meet this total stranger but he didn't even consider she might need his opinion and encourage before she left.

"I will be back later. I'm going to take Sunshine with me." She informed them.

Janet watched the waves crushed upon the rocks as she made her way towards the spot the invitation had described. She wondered if this was the right choice. She had never been on a blind date before. Ever. All of a sudden a fear over took her body as she thought maybe it was a joke and that Philip was the man waiting for her.

Slowly the sun seemed too disappeared into the blue ocean. Janet arrived at the place to find a nice table set for two. Next to the table she saw a nice bottle of wine chilling as the breeze played with the candle flames. She slowly and very aware of her surroundings climbed off Sunshine. She pulled the horse with her as she wonder searching the place for the host.

"I was afraid you were going to change your mind." She heard a voice from behind. "Glad you decided to come."

"Jack." Janet spoke his name astonished to see him there. "What are you doing…?" She turned to the table, the wine, the candles and then back to him. "It was you?" She asked.

Jack nodded, "You caught me. I'm guilty." He said walking towards her. He too was wearing all white. His sexy yet so innocent smile made Janet's heart flutter.

He handed Janet her usual bouquet of wild flowers as he had done for the past three months without ever missing a day. She slowly reached over to take them in her hands. She could feel her eyes watering. The sun paint the perfect orange-yellow sky at the same time the ocean seemed to glitter as diamonds of sunrays dance on the ocean's surface.

Gradually he inched his body closer to hers as he cupped her face in his hand. Janet could almost see her reflection in his blue eyes as their eyes met. Without thinking twice they both locked lips with an earth shattering kiss. The intensity of their kiss seemed to have sent out sparks throughout their bodies. Jack tightened his grip around her petite body as she let his tongue tease hers while she savored the taste of being in love.

When they finally parted in need for air Jack escort his lovely date to the table where they enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by Jack himself. Followed by the scrumptious food was a perfect glass of white wine. Jack press play as a soft romantic song echoed across the lonely beach. "I know this is early and that I maybe rushing things but…" he said as he pulled out a small pink box. "I know you are the one Janet. I know you are the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with." Janet felt her eyes overflow with tears as he got down on his knee.

She slowly ran her hand through his sandy blond hair, "Jack." She said kindly.

"I am not asking you to marry me tomorrow or even next year. I want use to take our time and enjoy the feeling of being love but like I said in my invitation. Janet Wood I want to give you my heart and hope that you will too allow me to hold yours and protect it from ever being hurt again." He opened the small box as two lovely white gold rings sparkled under the evening sky.

Jack slowly slipped the ring with the heart-shaped diamond on Janet's ring finger. Inside the ring's band Jack's name was scripted. "If you are willing to give our relationship a chance I ask that you place yours on my finger." He said still on his knees.

Janet outlined his face with her tender hand as she hinted him to stand up. "I do." She said with tears rolling down her coffee-colored eyes.

Janet placed the ring with her name on Jack's finger as a symbol of their love. "I love you." She reminded him as he spin her body in circles.

Knowing no one would come back to that lonely part of the beach Jack and Janet left everything behind as they both rode Sunshine back home. She sat in front as Jack's arms surrounded her waist from behind. The ride was silent only multiple 'I love you's' were heard. Every now and then Janet would turn back to face Jack. He would wink at her or smile before stealing a sweet kiss.


Had the time of her life
With some friends at the lake

Jack sat on the passenger sit as Larry drove the four of them to the nearest lake. They had planned for this trip for over a month. Now that summer was here Terri and Larry were out of school for the summer, they planned to enjoy their time together. They were never blessed with a child but it never seemed to affect their marriage or love for each other. Larry loved Terri just as much as she loved him. Besides they had more children then anyone could ask for and were bless to be part of their life. Each year they were blessed with new ones as well.

The trip seemed longer then what it actually was. The difference in age between Jack and everyone else seemed to set a barrier between them. Larry and he talked about sports, a bit of basketball and that was about it. They would make random comments on the sky and its beautiful color.

When they arrived the lake was pretty crowded. Mostly teenagers. The couples searched the place for a nice peaceful yet romantic spot for them to enjoy their picnic and time together. The girls lay on the cherry red blanket as Jack and Larry began to play a bit of football. Every now and then Janet and Terri would look at their men. They would laugh at their silly moments and plays.

"I'm glad they are getting to know each other more." Janet said. She was feeling bad for Jack in the car. "I hope he and Larry can become good friends." She added.

"Me too." Terri paused before she put her book down. "Janet can I ask you a personal question?" She asked sitting up.

"Sure honey." Janet said as she too sat up putting her book aside.

"What is the age difference between you and Jack?" Terri asked softly.

She noticed the change in Janet's face as she asked the question, "Ten." Janet said looking around the beach.

"Do you think he is just interested in you because of you money?"

The hurt look on Janet's face was undeniable, "Why Terri Dallas, what kind of a question is that?"

"Uhh, I don't know," Terri said feeling bad for asking such question. "Larry and I were just talking and that just came into our minds." She made her way closer to her friend, "Look Janet we love you like part of the family and would hate for you to be hurt again. It's just….it's very uncommon for a guy that young to be with a woman of you age. Not that you are over the hill or anything…" Terri paused and took in a deep breath. "This is coming out all wrong."

"I know where you are coming from. That is why it took me a while to accept him into my life because I wondered the same question but I know for a fact Jack loves me and there is no doubt in my mind about it." Janet responded admiring his good looks. "And I love him just as much. Age is not a matter in our relationship."

"It is obvious you two are in love." Terri said trying to patch up for her previous words, "The way he would open your door when we would stop, the way he would always hold your hand when you'll were side by side. The way he looks at you too." Terri said realizing she was over exaggerating. "I don't know what we were thinking. Sorry honey. We were just worry."

Janet smiled as she patted her friends leg, "That's okay. I feel very special to know I have friends like you and Larry who care about me." The girls hugged as Larry and his new friends made their way to them.

Jack sat by Janet's side as Larry sat in front of Terri. Jack tried to wrap his arm around Janet's waist without Larry or Terri seeing, but his secretly move was uncovered. He blushed as he turned to smile at Janet who in turned peeked his cheek. Both couple happily enjoyed their lunch as their skin bathed in the sun's rays.

Before they left the couples had planned to take a small sailing boat and enjoy a nice ride. Larry and Terri sat on the left side of the small boat. Terri had her lead resting against her husband's legs. He would occasionally stoke her blond long hair as he feed her some grapes. "I love you." He whispered as she looked up to smiled.

On the other side of the boat, Janet sat in between Jack's legs as her back lay peacefully and relaxed against his strong chest. The navy blue halter top dress she wore camouflaged with his navy polo shirt. Jack had his arms securely wrapped around her waist as she entwined hers hands on top of his. The sun painted a beautiful red and blue picture that would occasionally turned a bit of purple. The water shined as if a million silver coins floated on its surface. There was a permanent smile on Janet's pretty face as she took in the beautiful landscape. 'Life was good.' Jack thought as he kissed Janet's neck. "I love you." He whispered as they enjoyed the rest of the afternoon in paradise.


Let herself go buy a brand new car
Drove down to the beach
He always said was too far
Sand sure felt good between her toes

"Which one do you like the best?" Janet asked Jack as they look through millions of cars.

"The red one or the white?" She requested with the excitement of a sixteen year old about to get her first vehicle.

Jack watched her with joy, as he thought of how adorable she was. "Which ever one you like the best. It's going to be for you to enjoy." He reminded her. "I am happy as long as you're happy."

If it weren't for the salesman in front of them Janet would have given him a long hard kiss that would show just how much she appreciated his love. "I know honey but we are both going to enjoy it not just me."

"Well I personally like the red one best." He finally spoke, "It reminds me of you, vibrant, full of spirit and yet at the same time every so sexy." He said with a wink.

Janet's face turned red as she looked over at the man and then at Jack. He quickly kissed her nose. "We'll take the red one." She said.

After Janet signed all the documents to her new red convertible car; Jack and Janet left the car lot with the beige top down. They drove for about an hour when it was time to turn on the exit that would take them back home but Janet just drove pass it without turning back. "That was our…" Jack said pointing back to the exit.

She smiled nodding her big black sunglasses covered up the wink she gave him. "I know honey but there is somewhere I would really like for us to go. I've always dreamed of driving down to the beach in a convertible with the sun shinning bright and the man I love by my side." She said a bit embarrassed at such a clichéd desire.

Jack laughed at her cuteness as he took her hand in his and brought it to his lips. "I love the idea."

When they arrived they were totally unprepared and had nothing to sit on or distracted themselves with. So they decided to rent a white horse and take a ride. They enjoyed the ocean view as it seemed to last forever. Jack sat behind her as he allowed her to lead their way.

After their horse ride the couple enjoyed a nice lunch and drink at a near restaurant. They each had a hamburger; Jack had a beer and Janet a virgin piña colada. It was getting late and they had to go home but before they left Janet wanted to take a walk by the shore. "I love it here." She said as she took off her shoes.

"It's beautiful." He agreed.

"I don't even remember when was the last time I was here. I know the boys were probably in third of fourth grade. Philip always thought it was too far of a drive so he would always stay home." She said remembering the bitter memories.

Jack pulled her body closer to his as he smiled. "I promise I will try to leave only good and fun memories of us together Janet. I want you to forget all those bad times in your life because I plan to bring pure happiness into your life."

"You already do, honey." She said turning to face him as she tiptoed to kiss his sweet lips. "You already do." She repeated as he tightened his grip around her body. Bringing her closer and kissing her harder. Janet felt the sand between her toes tickle her as the waves hit shores and washed up against their feet.