Jack adjusted his tie, the tie Kate had bought him for their first Valentine's. The tie that had become his favorite and luckiest tie. If there was anything he needed tonight, it was luck.
Ever since he'd dropped Aaron off all he could focus on was Kate's invitation to lunch. What would be so important that she'd need to talk to him privately? And why was Spencer standing over her shoulder the entire time? Was she leaving him? Did she tell Spencer about that one night?
He stopped on the way to pick up a fresh bouquet of flowers for her. He ran a few minutes late but didn't give it much thought; Kate was habitually late herself.
Sure enough, his lucky tie worked it's magic and she was pulling up as he exited her vehicle.
Before she had even locked her car she had taken his breath away. She wore black pants and a black blazer under a silk blouse. A string of pearls that hang low and pair of black pumps. Even her hair was in a perfect chignon.
"I'm sorry I'm—"
"I know what Kate time is," Jack smirked.
"Flowers?" Kate asked nervously. "Jack…"
"They're a thank you," he lied. "You've done a lot for Aaron's party and you're an amazing mom." Her eyes welled with tears and he knew something else was going on.
"Hey, hey, what is it?" He moved to her side, putting one hand on her hip and using the other to wipe her tears.
She shook her head. "Nothing. Sometimes it just … sometimes it gets into my head that I'm not an amazing mom." When Jack stared silently, waiting for an explanation she continued. "Spencer thinks I'm spoiling Aaron and that it's going to hurt him in the long run." She shook her head, trying to clear the thought.
"Kate," he said sternly.
"He didn't say it in a mean way."
"I don't care how he said it, it's unacceptable! Aaron isn't spoiled. He isn't bratty. He isn't entitled. He's a kind and smart little boy and that's all because of you." Kate stared at the ground, unable to meet his eyes. He knew exactly how to get her attention. He quickly grabbed her wrists, pinning them above her head as he pinned her to her car and pressed against her. "You're a damn good mother."
Kate stood helpless as her body betrayed her. She had released a moan when he grabbed her wrists, she was breathing rapidly and her heart was racing. He was so close to her that when he spoke she felt his warm breath against her skin. She was grateful her wrists were pinned because otherwise she would have pulled him against her and had sex in the parking lot.
When they got inside and settled, the two continued stealing glances at one another while looking at the menu.
"Kate," Jack broke the silence "why did you bring me here?" He watched a panicked look crossed her face and suddenly he felt a knot in his stomach. She hadn't brought him here for good news.
"I wanted to talk to you alone before you hear it from Aaron…"
"This is about my son?" Jack's face reddened as he realized his voice had risen.
"No…he's fine. I actually haven't talked to him yet because I wanted to sit down with you. Spencer asked me to marry him." She leaned down into her purse and pulled out an oversized diamond ring.
"This ring is ridiculous," Jack laughed. The words hadn't even sunk in and all he could focus on was the gaudy ring. "You hate rings like these!"
Kate allowed herself to laugh; Jack was correct. "He tried."
"He could have called me. The ring I picked for you was perfect," he purred.
She smiled softly, "it was perfect."
"Still is if you ever miss it." He winked at her.
"I would like to have Aaron as ring of honor, obviously—"
"Are you asking if our son can be in your wedding?"
"Do I need to ask if our son can be in your wedding?" She fired back.
Jack put his hands up in surrender. "I just meant that asking for approval over Aaron in the wedding is one thing. Asking for approval to marry him is another."
"And why would I want or need your approval?" She asked, taking a bite of her salad.
"How is everything?" The waiter interrupted.
"Actually, could you grab her a glass of Chardonnay?" When the waiter left Jack leaned over the table, speaking softly. "You always order a salad and Chardonnay. I won't relapse if you have a drink."
"You didn't answer my question."
"You're looking for my approval because you trust me," Jack said flatly. "You know I'm in love with you—"
"Jack," she sighed.
"Let me finish," he said calmly. "Yes, I am in love with you. Madly. And you know that. But I genuinely care about you, Kate. You know that. You know that I'll always protect you and look out for you."
"I don't want it to be…"
"Tell you what," Jack offered. "Let's plan something with Sun, Hurley and Sayid." Their names brought a smile to her face, they always had. "And Spencer."
"Maybe you're right. Maybe it's time for Spencer to meet them."
"You can trust Sayid, Sun and Hurley. They'll only want the best for you."
"I do trust you," she whispered, her green eyes flickering as she spoke.
