"Elizabeth, what's gotten into you?"
"I have no idea." Elizabeth shook off her feelings. "How are you settling in?"
Still convinced something was up, Faith studied her friend intently as she answered.
"Great, the room is nice and I'm thankful for the bedside fan."
"Yes, they're wonderful on the very hot nights."
"I bet. Now enough about me. Where did you go after dinner?"
"Just for a walk. The beach was beautiful in the evenings."
"Right… You do love the beach."
Elizabeth nodded. There was a distinct smile stretching across her face.
"Were you alone?" Faith kept fishing for details.
"Yes. Well no. I mean, I was at first."
"Oh my gosh!" Faith jumped off the bed. "If I didn't know you better I'd ask what his name is!"
"But you do know better so stop! Besides, it was nothing. We should sleep. Big first day tomorrow!"
"You're deflecting."
"Maybe. Oh! Anything new on the Carson front?"
That got her attention. "Well, I watched him play a game of Monopoly with some of the youth group kids after supper."
"And…"
Faith sighed, tossing her hands in the air. "He's perfect. I'm in so much trouble!" She collapsed back down on her bed.
"Oh, Faith! Perfect doesn't exist. You do realize that?"
"I know, I know. But he sure seems to come close. He's a few years older, going through the med program at Baylor University. I guess he signed up to take a break from school and to spend some time with a friend of his here. Jack, I think."
"He's Jack's friend?"
"Yeah." Faith gave her a curious look. "How do you know Jack?"
"Oh. He's the lead contractor here working on the school, remember?"
"That's right. Frank's mentioned him. Anyway, they seem really close from how Carson talks. I didn't meet him though. He was off somewhere. The youth girls were very disappointed by that," Faith giggled. "Apparently he's a "hottie"."
Elizabeth wasn't going to say out loud, but she agreed with the teens girls completely. "That's funny about the girls. Anyway, we should probably try to catch some sleep. You have your first day at the clinic tomorrow!"
"And you can start working more on your lesson plans and meeting the kids. This is going to be so much fun, Beth!"
"It will be. A great adventure."
Elizabeth changed out of her damp clothing and into her PJs. Afterwards she slipped into her bed. When she closed her eyes, she saw Jack's face staring back at her. He with his dimpled grin and strong arms standing there made her wonder what it would be like to get to know him better.
"This is ridiculous," she muttered under her breath. "I don't fall for guys, especially not strangers like this."
"What'd you say?" Faith said lifting her head from her own pillow.
"Nothing. Goodnight, Faith!"
"Goodnight!"
….
Carson returned to his room whistling a little tune. It was late, but he had a great time catching up with the teens and adult chaperones from back home. He walked into the room and saw Jack sitting on his bed with his camera in hand.
"There you are!" Carson smiled. "Where'd you run off to tonight?"
"I went down to the beach. This place was pretty crazy tonight."
"Yeah it was. Great seeing the team from Seattle, though."
"It is. It's like a little taste of home."
Carson watched as Jack sat up against the wall on his bed. He was looking at pictures on his camera, a ridiculously happy grin on his face.
"Get some good shots out there tonight?' Jack didn't respond. "Earth to Jack?'
"Huh?"
"What earth shattering photo did you get tonight?" Carson snagged the camera right out of Jack's hands to see for himself.
"Wait a minute. Give that back!"
Carson narrowed his eyes, trying to make out every recognizable detail in the picture.
"This is one of the new girls. Faith's friend…" he searched for the name.
"Her name's Elizabeth." Jack stood off the bed to take back his camera.
"That's it. Why did you take a picture of her?"
Jack shrugged. "I like photography. She was out by the water, it was a great setup. Just look at it."
"I did. It's a remarkable shot. You did good."
"She makes it look good. I just pushed a button."
Carson leaned back, watching Jack. "So you were out late on the beach tonight with Elizabeth? That's interesting."
"It's not like that. We just happened to wander down by the water about the same time."
"Right…" he teased.
"Dude, I literally just met her and besides I'm not looking for a relationship. Leave it alone will you?"
"Fair enough." Carson put his hands in the air as if surrendering. "But let me ask you this, based on what you do know, you like her right? Even just a little?"
The smile that graced Jack's face now flashed his deep dimples.
"Well sure. What's not to like?"
Carson laughed. "Oh, this summer just got good!" Jack took hold of his pillow and thrust it across the room at his friend. Sitting up he stared down at the picture of Elizabeth on his camera. Everything he said was true. He wasn't looking for a relationship. Thing was, he couldn't shake the feeling that somehow that was all about to change.
…..
The next morning at breakfast everyone gathered to listen to a short welcome message from Pastor Frank. Afterwards he introduced everyone and explained to the group from Seattle what was in store for them over the next few weeks.
Elizabeth sat at a table with Faith, Lynn and a few others. She tried to pay attention to Frank's words but her thoughts and eyes kept drifting back to Jack.
He stood across the room, looking more handsome than she remembered ever thinking any man looked before. Standing tall in this work boots, tan cargo shorts and dark grey sleeved shirt which showed off his muscles perfectly. Every so often his eye would meet hers with a smile, sending her stomach aflutter and her fingertips to tingle. She found it ridiculous really. How could someone she just met make her feel so unhinged?
Jack stood there having arrived late that morning. Having been up much later than he should have been the night before. He just couldn't get Elizabeth, the angel from the beach, out of his thoughts. Her laugh, her smile, the way she twisted her curls around her finger when she seemed nervous. So much information he'd learned on their little walk back from the beach. Somehow in their short meeting, she had captivated him. It was a thrilling yet frustrating feeling. This wasn't why he came to Hopes Landing. What would happen when he went back to his life in Seattle? He had a job waiting for him back at the fire station. Rosie, his mom, people that depended on him. Now wasn't a time to fall for some woman, was it?
"Hey!" Carson sneaked in the room next to Jack. "What'd I miss?"
Faith took notice of Carson almost as soon as he entered the room and scolded herself for it. Elizabeth had been right, this trip wasn't about meeting guys. She was a talented nurse. Top of her class in school. This trip was going to give her real practical skills to help her excel in her field. Be the kind of nurse her mother had always been. She would just have to ignore Carson and the way he made her feel for now.
"I wonder who that is next to Carson," Faith whispered to Elizabeth. Noticing she was staring in that direction too.
"Huh?"
"That man. You think that's Jack? He's sure good looking enough to fit the bill."
"Oh, him. Yes that's Jack." Elizabeth said, trying to stay calm as she twisted her curls around her finger.
"How do you know?"
"We met last night remember?"
"No! How could I?" Faith said trying to keep her voice at a whisper. "You conveniently left out almost every detail last night. So you were on the beach with him? That why you were so flustered when you came in?"
"I was not flustered. I was just… tired. It had been a long day."
"Yeah… sure." Faith bit her lip to try and stop herself from smiling so much.
Elizabeth rolled her eyes and turned her attention to Pastor Frank. She thought to herself, "I just won't look over at Jack for the rest of this meeting. That won't be too hard. Surely I can manage that!"
"Now everyone, let me introduce you to someone I think many of you already know, Mr. Jack Thornton. He will explain to you about the work crews we've assigned you too."
"Well that was short lived," she thought. "Goodness. How on Earth does anyone look that good in khakis and a t-shirt…"
"Morning everyone! First off let me say how excited I am to have you all here. For Carson and I, you've brought a little bit of home here to us in Haiti and it's great."
Elizabeth smiled involuntarily as he spoke. He seemed so sweet and genuine.
"While you're here, we're working on a number of projects. We have 6 Safe T homes planned, a school to build and a number of repairs. I've assigned you each to a group, each group has a team leader to help assist and teach you anything you need to know. Sound good?"
"Yeah!" the teens cheered.
"Great! We can meet under the pavilion after breakfast and I'll introduce you to your groups. I'm looking forward to working with all of you!"
Once everyone was dismissed, Jack made his way over toward Elizabeth's table. He got there just as she and Faith were standing to leave.
"Good morning," he smiled.
"Oh! Hi!" Seeing Jack standing there surprised her, causing her to bump her tray into the side of the table. She dropped it loudly on the floor. "Shoot," she groaned.
"Happens all the time. I'll grab a broom." He innocently touched her arm reassuringly before running off toward the kitchen.
"Elizabeth…"
"Don't even go there. I'm just klutzy. That's not a shock."
"Actually, your not THAT klutzy. Maybe if you're a little flustered?" Faith teased.
"Faith…."
"Got the broom!" Jack said and immediately began taking care of the mess. Faith watched her friends demeanor around the man, loving what she was seeing. "There. All set."
"Thank you. You're didn't have to."
"Happy to help. Besides, I snuck up on you so its my fault." He looked over at Faith. "Hi, I'm Jack Thornton. You must be Faith?"
"Yes! How did you know?"
"Elizabeth mentioned she came with a friend. Naturally I assumed."
"Well you assumed correct!" Faith smiled. "Nice to meet you, Jack."
"You too." He turned to say something to Elizabeth just as Frank called out to get his attention. "Duty calls. I'll see you later."
"Sure. Good luck today!"
"You too!" He winked and headed off toward Frank.
Once out of earshot Faith turned to Elizabeth, "So last night you met Jack?"
"Yup." She answered without looking at her.
"And how'd that feel?"
"It felt like…. butterflies." Faith squealed. "But I'm not acting on it!" Elizabeth stated. More of a reminder for herself than anything else.
"For heaven's sakes why not? That's one good looking man! And a gentleman too!"
Elizabeth watched as Jack left the room. "I'm not sure I know why, to tell you the truth."
Faith had been best friends with Elizabeth since they were kids. She could sense the hesitation and fear. Elizabeth's relationship with Trent just sort of happened. Mostly because of the strong encouragement from their families. She didn't know how to go about any of this. It was clear whatever she was feeling had her as frightened as a dog in a thunderstorm.
"Well, he seems nice. We'll be here awhile too, so making friends is a good thing. Just focus on that."
"And these stupid butterflies?" Elizabeth groaned.
"Those… well, you may have to just get used to them."
"Great…."
…
Carson headed to the clinic right after grabbing a quick breakfast to go. It was his turn to open the clinic. He hopped up onto the veranda, which already had a few patients sitting waiting, and unlocked the door.
Once inside he quickly finished his breakfast and began making up charts and new files for the day ahead.
"Hi!" Carson looked up at the curly haired blonde standing before him.
"Faith, hi! Ready for your first day?"
"Very. This is Lynn." Faith said introducing them. "She used to work here many years ago with her husband."
"Nice to meet you Lynn. You need a tour?"
"I bet I can find my way, I'd rather just get to it! Where would you like me?"
Carson looked around, "Up for taking some patients? They're already lining up outside. The man in the white shirt I think was here first today, but he said to tend to the mother and her son first." He handed her a chart.
"You got it!" She smiled and headed back out to the veranda.
"I guess that leaves us." He smiled at Faith. "Would you like a tour?"
"Yes, please! I'm already very curious about all this." She pointed to a jar with herbs that she couldn't recognize.
"Ah, those are our natural medicines. Sometimes we don't have the modern ones we are used to. Those whose families have lived here for centuries have helped show us what we can use around here. Believe it or not, we've saved lives with some of this stuff."
"I believe it!" She followed Carson as he walked around the clinic.
"As you can see this isn't like the hospitals and clinics we have at home. This building is actually an old ranch house from back when this village was more like a plantation."
"No kidding?" Faith looked around at the character of the building, feeling herself get more excited by the minute.
"Yup, different times. Works great for what we need. We care for people here at Hopes Landing and for people from 5 of the neighboring villages. We're the most equipped medical clinic this side of Port au Prince. We do what we can for everyone. No matter what."
"I approve," she smiled. A sweet giggle escaped her lips.
Her smile caught Carson of guard as the light trickled in through the broken blinds on the window, highlighting a soft, gentle beauty she had about her. It had been a couple years since he'd noticed anyone, as in really noticed. His last serious relationship had ripped through him like a tornado, leaving nothing but destruction in its path.
"Carson?" Faith asked. She'd been trying to ask him a question but he seemed to mentally be somewhere else.
"I'm sorry. What did you say?"
"I asked if you travel at all. You know, to the different villages and towns?"
"Right! Yes, we do every so often. Is that something you'd be interested in?"
"Definitely! I'm up for anything. I studied to be an ER nurse back home. This is training you can't get anywhere else. I want to see and learn everything!"
Faith was proud of herself. She had been so nervous about how she would deal with working so close to Carson given their first few interactions. Here on the job though, she was excited and in her element. It was as if the attraction she had felt had become secondary and now her focus was on being the kind of nurse this community needed. It was refreshing. She wondered if this was how Elizabeth had avoided being so romantically unhinged for so long.
Carson on the other hand was now struggling to think straight. His mind had gone blank as he watched Faith explore the clinic. She was beautiful, sweet and already seemed like someone he would greatly enjoy being around.
"So should we get to work?" Faith asked clapping her hands together.
"Work… yes! Let's go Nurse Carter!"
…...
By mid afternoon Jack was hard at work with his crew. They were busy working on the new school and meeting house, clearing out the rest of the debris and seeing what, if any, of the old structure was intact enough to keep.
Leo stepped back to survey the project. "Looks like we'll be in semi-decent shape here, Jack. We'll need to replace, well, just about everything. But the foundation looks okay."
"I'll take it!" Jack said, as he joined his friend. "School term starts here in about a month or so. Maybe we can have the bulk, if not all, of it done by then."
"Someone's in a hurry."
"No hurry, I just think Elizabeth and the students will appreciate it."
"Elizabeth? Is that the new teacher?"
"Yeah. I sort of met her last night." Jack said running his fingers through his hair.
"Sort of met her?" Leo laughed. "I heard she's around your age. Are you a little smitten, my young friend?"
"Smitten? Me? No way, Leo. I don't get "smitten". I just met her and she seems nice. That's all."
"And beautiful from what the others tell me." Jack laughed lightly, failing miserably to hold back his smile. "I see that look, my friend."
Jack rolled his eyes. "Yes, I'll admit she is very… beautiful." He thought of how she looked, enjoying herself and the ocean at sunset the night before. "But there's no need to get ahead of yourself. We just met. For all I know she could be some crazy person who doesn't like dogs or something like that. Now that would be a deal breaker for sure." Jack climbed up the ladder. "Hand me that hammer. I'm going to try and pull out these bad nails. Maybe we can salvage some of this wood here."
Leo handed him the hammer. "I think I'm going to enjoy watching you try to keep your wits about you."
"Why do you say that?" Jack asked, barely looking up from his work.
"Because nothing is more powerful than young love, my friend. And right now, there's a look about you." Jack shot him a questioning look. "Besides, you said you thought your destiny had something to do with this school, right? Maybe it's not the building, but the woman who needs it."
"I… I never said that specifically about the school. Did I?"
"Maybe I'm paraphrasing, but I think I'm right. Time will tell, eh?"
"Right… time will tell."
The rest of the afternoon Jack was distracted. Leo's words stayed with him as he worked. While helping saw and hack away at the old rotting floor, Jack thought about Elizabeth. The desire to know her better was increasing with every moment. He wanted to know more about her life in Connecticut, what made her want to be a teacher, what her plans were for her future. He was so lost in thought he stopped paying attention to the saw or his hand.
"Ouch!" Jack yelled.
"Jack! What's wrong?" one of the teens asked rushing over.
Jack stared down at his hand. There was good size cut over the top which was now bleeding.
"Remember how I said to always be paying attention?"
"Yeah," the teen answered.
"Well, this is why." He held up his hand, elevating it to slow the blood flow. "Leo, you're in charge. I need to go see Carson."
"What'd you do?" Jack showed him his hand. Leo laughed. "Oh boy. A bit distracted, are we?"
"It's your fault. Your words earlier got stuck in my head."
"Well, I'm not sorry about that." Leo laughed. "I've got an eye on everyone. You go take care of that."
"Thanks."
…..
Jack walked into the now mostly empty clinic waving his injured hand.
"Dude!" Carson said holding up his hands. "What happened to you?"
"It's nothing. Got a little distracted on the job. I just need a bandage, I think."
"Sure thing, but let's take a look first." Carson had Jack come and sit in a chair over to the side. He cleaned the wound. "You're lucky. It's not as deep as it looked."
"That's good news. No stitches?"
"Na, I think a bandage will do just fine." Carson grabbed what he needed and sat back down next to his friend. "So this thing you were thinking about when you decided slicing your hand was a good idea, that wouldn't happen to be a certain new someone you met on the beach now would it?"
"Now why would you ask that?" Jack faked offense.
"Because I've known you for years. You do not get distracted on job sites or on the job at home. You're a stickler for focus. You have to be."
Jack looked at his hand. "You're right. I don't know what I'm thinking. It's crazy really."
"I get it." Carson sighed.
Jack noticed Carson's slumped shoulders. "Looks like it's my turn to ask you; you okay? You look like you had a rough day."
Carson looked up at Jack. There was hurt in his eyes. It was a look Jack remembered from a couple years before. The day Carson felt his life spinning out of control.
"I'm alright. Fact is, I was kind of blindsided today." Jack gave him a look, encouraging him to continue. "I noticed someone."
"Noticed someone doing what?"
"No, like I noticed a woman today. Here, of all places! This clinic is my happy place. Where I feel like I'm actually doing good. I didn't expect…" he stopped speaking and sighed.
"Sorry, man." Jack thought over all the new people he knew from the clinic. There wasn't many. "Was it Faith?" he whispered.
"Yeah." Carson nodded as he glanced across the clinic toward Faith. She was busy with a patient and speaking fluent French to them. She was perfect for this place. "I don't want to notice anyone, Jack. I don't think I can take it."
"I understand but Carson, not all women are going to be like Emma. Remember that."
"I know. That doesn't mean I want to think about dating or even opening up my heart to the possibility."
"I know. Just don't wall yourself off and miss out on something or someone that might be meant for you."
"I hear you, Jack, but Emma took my heart. I don't know if she left enough pieces for anyone else."
Emma was Carson's high school sweetheart. During their junior year of college Carson proposed. It was not a surprise to anyone when she said yes. They planned a wedding for right after graduation. Carson was a simple man but Emma wanted all the bells and whistles. So he did everything he could to give her that.
The night before the wedding, right before their rehearsal dinner, she called Carson asking him to meet her at the park where he had proposed. Thinking she just needed to see him, he went, still full of all the excitement and anticipation for the day ahead. Little did he know she'd called him there to end things for good.
With the bandage on, Jack stood up to leave. "Can I say one more thing, Carson?"
"We're best friends. Say whatever you need."
Jack nodded. Placing his good hand on Carson's shoulder, he said, "What happened back then wasn't your fault. You're a good man. She didn't deserve you. One day you'll meet someone who does and wont be able to let you go."
"I don't know about that," he laughed.
"I do. I'm looking forward to the day you realize it too." He smacked his friend on the back and said goodbye before heading back to work, checking his watch as he left. There were just a few more hours in the day. Later he planned on going down to his spot. With any luck, Elizabeth would be there too.
…..
It had been a slow but enjoyable first day for Elizabeth. She met most of her new students and a number of other people of Hopes Landing. She felt she had a good grasp of what was ahead of her, though it was a little daunting. For now, until the school term officially started, she would do a story hour every day with the kids, and learning skills projects twice a week. When she talked to the children, they were all excited to learn and spend time with their new teacher. She felt a bit overwhelmed by the need here, but was able to realize this was why she was here.
She joined Faith in the mess hall for dinner, and was thrilled to hear all about the cases Faith worked on and see her excitement.
"This is by far the best thing I've ever gotten to do!" Faith has said. "I can't wait till tomorrow so I can do it all again!"
After dinner, Elizabeth changed into her shorts and tank top, gathered her journal, bible and a blanket and headed to the beach for some quiet time. She sat and enjoyed God's wonderful creation for almost an hour. Just as she was getting ready to head back, she heard a voice behind her.
"So you're in my spot again, I see?" Jack teased. He sauntered up wearing the same shirt from earlier but this time dressed in his red swim trunks and sandals.
"I thought you said we could share?" she grinned.
"That's true I did, and I meant it. I'm just teasing." He walked over, taking a seat on the rock next to her. "How was your day?"
"Challenging, but great."
"How so?"
Elizabeth looked out to the horizon. "Just realizing how much there is to teach these kids. They're all at different levels and abilities and it's my job to be the teacher for all of them. I guess for a bit I was doubting myself."
Jack frowned, he didn't like seeing her worried or possibly discouraged. "It won't be easy and you may make a mistake here and there but I have a feeling you'll do great. The kids need a teacher. The most important thing is for them to know they are loved and cared for. Especially those that are orphaned."
"I know I can do that!" she said with a huge smile. "I already love them. They're so much fun and full of joy and life."
"There you go. Start from there and try not to worry too much about everything else."
"I will. Thanks, Jack."
"Of course." He nudged her with his shoulder before looking out to the setting sun. "I love it here."
"Me too."
"Yeah? I bet this is a lot different from your home in the states. It is from mine."
"You're right about that. In Hartford my parents live in this "picture perfect" neighborhood. Everything looks exactly how they think it's supposed to." She rolled her eyes.
"You don't like that?"
"Not really. Life doesn't have to be perfect to be well lived." Jack nodded. Loving her response. "What about you? You're a fireman from Seattle. This is quite a change."
"It is, yeah. I love both my life here and back in Seattle. I just needed a change of pace."
"What's it like where you live back home? Are you in the city?"
"Yeah. Currently I have an apartment in the city. When I'm not there, I let my sister rent it out as one of those air bnb's. One day I'd like to have a home in the country, out in the woods."
"That sounds nice." She smiled. He looked so handsome sitting next to her.
"It is, but for now the city is fine. It's closer to work. I sometimes pull weird hours at work so it's nice to not have to drive so far."
"And your mom, she still nearby?"
"She is. She still lives in the house we grew up in just outside the city by the lake. It's nice. Gives me a place to go when I want to get out of the city. What's your family like?"
Elizabeth laughed, thinking about Julie and Viola. "I have two sisters, one younger and one older. My oldest, Viola, just got married to a great guy. We grew up together and I really think he's perfect for her. Julie is my younger sister. She's a wildcard. Studying at Vassar. I think she's becoming more responsible but it's hard to say. She just loves life too much sometimes."
"Sounds like my younger brother." Jack shook his head.
"Oh yeah? What's he up to?"
"Tom is currently working on a fishing boat in Alaska. He took off not long after our dad died and doesn't want to come back."
"A fishing boat? Like on the Deadliest Catch?"
"Something like that."
"Oh, your poor mother… that must scare her completely!"
"Her and my sister both. Rosie is back in Seattle. She's an actress." Jack leaned in, "She always had a flair for being dramatic." Elizabeth laughed. "She's great though. She's busy planning her wedding to one of my friends, Lee. She's great with mom. Keeping her busy and making sure she doesn't get too depressed about missing dad. I think it's good for them both."
"And coming here is helping you?" She smiled, nudging him with her shoulder. Somehow it was so easy and comfortable talking with him.
"Yeah, it is. I needed this. I stayed for a while but even mom suggested I come back here and gain perspective. So that's what I'm doing."
She looked down and noticed the bandage covering his hand.
"Jack, what happened to your hand?" She reached for it, holding it carefully in hers. She had no idea the rush her innocent action caused in Jack's body.
"What this? Nothing. Got a little distracted on the job. I sort of cut myself with a hand saw."
"Yikes. It looks bad."
"It's not as bad as it looks, trust me."
"Well, whatever you were thinking about to get so distracted, maybe try avoiding it while you work," she laughed. "I'd hate to see what kind of damage you'd do with a power saw."
"Good point." He smiled back. "I didn't mean to crash your evening, I can continue my walk."
"No," she answered quickly. "I actually don't mind the company."
Her response was music to Jack's ears. "Great. Care to take a walk with me?"
Elizabeth's brain was yelling "no" while her heart screamed "yes!" What did come out of her mouth however was a soft, "Sure."
Jack extended his hand and helped pull her up from the blanket on the sand. He picked it up and folded it up nicely, carrying it for her over his arm. They walked down to the edge of the water and headed north on the beach as they continued to talk and get to know one another better.
