"May I stay?"

Jack felt unable to speak. Afraid his emotions would spill out uncontrollably if he did. Instead he gave her a simple nod.

Without a word exchanged, they walked over to where their bags were stashed. Jack pulled a blanket out from his bag and laid it over the sand.

Sitting side by side facing the water they just listened to the sound of the waves rolling in. For Jack, it was enough just to have her with him. Somehow she knew that. She waited patiently, her shoulder leaning against his, for him to be ready to speak.

"I did something I can't forgive myself for."

"What's that?" She looked over at him, feeling that whatever it was, was not as bad as how he felt.

"I almost forgot about today. That it's my dad's birthday."

Her heart broke for him. Seeing the anguish in his eyes. "The key word there is almost, Jack. Besides, it doesn't change how much you loved him." Elizabeth took his hand gently in hers. For a moment when their palms touched she felt heat swell within her. It was a sensation again unlike she'd ever felt or could even imagine. She refocused on Jack. "I know you, you think about him every single day. Right?"

He nodded and stayed silent a little while longer as they looked back out into the sea.

"He was a great dad. I can't imagine anyone better."

She watched as his emotions filled his handsome green eyes, wishing for nothing more than to take away all his pain.

"I won't say I know how you feel, because I can only imagine. What I do know is that sometimes talking helps. Want to give it a try? I'd love to hear about him."

There was another nod. He figured she was probably right but he had very little to say. Should he say he wished his father was still around? That seemed like a given.

"Jack," she spoke softly. "Please, tell me about him."

"You really want to hear me talk about my dad?"

"I do. I want to know all about the wonderful man who helped make you who you are today." Her bright yet sympathetic smile melted his heart. "Please?"

Jack gave a small chuckle. "Sure, but I'm not sure where to start."

"Well I'm all yours today. So maybe start from the beginning?"

I'm all yours, she'd said. He liked the sound of that. Any time he spent with Elizabeth left him wondering how he'd managed to make it this far in life without her. He wanted to tell her how he felt, that his day wasn't complete anymore without her presence, or how he was convinced at times she was truly an angel sent from above. But now wasn't the time. Nor did he dare utter any words that would drastically change their relationship yet. He had no idea how she felt, and wouldn't risk what they had. Not yet. He looked down at her hand in his. It felt so perfect there. Like it was were it had always belonged. If he wasn't missing his dad terribly he might have let himself wonder if she was possibly developing feelings for him too.

Letting go of her hand, he reached into his bag and pulled out a photo book. The front had a picture of Jack's family, including his father. All five of them together sitting at the top of a mountain.

"My aunt Abigail made this for all of us after dad passed. It's been a great gift to have." He handed the book to Elizabeth, who carefully opened it. On the inside cover was a handwritten note.

"Dear Jack,

I can't take away the pain of this. If I could, I would in a heartbeat. Best I can do is give you something to hold on to. Never forget how much your father loved you. You and your siblings were his pride and joy. Love, Aunt Abigail."

Elizabeth's eyes danced over the pages. The first few were the early years, before Jack's parents were even married. The first picture seemed odd to her. It was a picture of Tom sitting by Charlotte's bedside at a hospital.

"This seems like a weird picture to start with." She pointed to it.

"It is," Jack laughed. "But it's the first one ever taken of them. In fact, that's the night they met."

"You're kidding?"

"Nope. See, before my mom and dad met, she was roommates with my aunt Abigail, my dad's sister. She was dating uncle Noah and they both thought that Mom and Dad would be great together. Or at least, Abigail thought so. I think Noah was just along for the ride. He worked with my dad at the firehouse and they both were worried he was so focused on the job that life was passing him by. So they made a plan."

Elizabeth laughed, "A little match making, huh? I like it."

"Yeah, Mom and Dad weren't so sure." he laughed.

"I guess the date went well though, huh?"

"Not exactly. They were supposed to meet at a diner but Dad never made it. There was a nasty winter storm that night and he got called into work. Uncle Noah too."

"Oh, so how'd they meet?"

Jack smiled. He'd heard this story so many times from his parents. Rosie had always thought it would make a good plot for a romance book or hallmark movie. Jack just liked it because it was the story of his parents.

"Later that night, Dad's rig answered a call for an accident. A car had hit a patch of black ice and hit a car in the oncoming lane. When they got there, Dad rushed to the other car. It was Mom."

"Oh goodness! Was she okay?"

"Broken leg and some cuts and bruising. When Dad came to her, she recognized him right away from pictures Abigail had hanging around their dorm room so she said who she was. Dad always said that even in an accident, Mom was the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen.

"He cared for her till the paramedics arrived. Mom said he apologized for missing their date 5 or 6 times." They laughed together. "Later at the hospital, he brought her flowers and dinner from the diner since she had to stay overnight at the hospital."

Elizabeth laughed, "I like this story."

Jack smiled at her. "Me too. Dad said he just knew she was the one for him that night."

As Elizabeth continued to look through the book, Jack sat still, watching her. He noticed she paused at a picture of him standing with his dad at the fire house, dressed in his dad's uniform. Her finger traced the line of his deep dimples that he'd had since birth.

"You were an adorable little boy. How old were you here?"

Jack took a closer look. "About 5."

She nodded and turned the page. As soon as she saw the series of pictures on the next spread, she laughed aloud. There, next to a body of water, was a little pouting Jack standing next to a beaming blonde girl not much shorter than he. In the middle was Tom Sr. sporting a smile that said, "It is what it is."

"Okay, I have to ask. Please tell me the story behind this! How are you so stinkin' adorable?"

Jack shook his head. "That right there was the day Dad decided Rosie, the princess, should come fishing with us. Man, was I mad!"

"Oh, it shows!" She nudged him with her shoulder.

Without thinking, Jack wrapped his arm over Elizabeth's shoulders. Just as he noticed and was about to pull away, she settled in next to him, letting her weight rest against him. He didn't mind. She could stay like that forever if she wanted to.

"So why did your dad decide to bring Rosie along that day? From all you've told me, she doesn't sound like much of a outdoors person."

"She's not terribly. My younger brother Tom got the flu that week so dad decided to take us older kids out. I guess hoping we wouldn't catch it too."

18 years ago…

On a damp fall day outside of Seattle, Tom Thornton sat by the lakeshore of his fishing cabin with his two oldest children. This was an outing he and 7 year old Jack had done a lot, but today was his first time bring out 5 year old Rosie.

With plans of spending the day there, Tom set up camp while the kids played. He made a fire to keep them warm if they got cold and placed a cooler with drinks and snacks near an old picnic table. Just as he was about ready to set up the fishing lines for the kids, Jack came over with a sad look on his face.

"Dad, why do I have a sister? She's annoying and I don't need her."

Tom laughed. Jack and Rosie were like oil and water. "You may not think so but God does. That's why he gave us Rosie."

That didn't stop his pouting one bit. "But did we have to bring her fishing? This is our thing. She doesn't even like being outside!"

"I know, but that doesn't mean we can't share this time with her. You never know. She might really like it."

"Daddy!" Rosie ran over. She had her pink rain boots and red tutu on. Not exactly fishing attire but Tom was not able to convince her of that before they left the house. "Daddy, I opened that cup and guess what? There were WORMS in it!"

"I know sweet pea," Tom laughed.

"Yuck, worms are gross. I set them free."

"You what?" Tom asked, shocked.

Jack rolled his eyes. "Told you she's not a fisherman, Dad. I think we should make her walk back home."

"Funny idea. Especially since we're more than 45 miles from home. I think instead, it's best you figure out a way to get along."

He turned to his daughter, "Rosie, we need the worms. They're food for the fish."

"Fish eat them!?"

"Yes, dear. Now help your brother gather them up again."

"Oh, man!" they both whined and dragged off.

Hours later, Tom pulled his sleeply kids out of the car. "Alright kids, upstairs to bed, no waking little Tommy, alright?"

"Okay," they said together.

"Hey, Jack, since Tommy is sick do you want to sleep over in my room?"

"Sure! But I'm bringing my own blanket. No pink."

"Oh fine. But pink is a nice color."

"Not for me. I'm going to be a fireman like Dad when I grow up. No pink."

"Fireman can like pink, Jack." Tom laughed. "They can like whatever color they want."

"Oh, well… still no pink for me."

As they tried their best to quietly make their way up the stairs, Tom took the cooler of fish into the kitchen. Placing the readied fish into the freezer. As he worked, Charlotte walked in, a tired smile on her face.

"How'd it go out there?"

"We had a rough start. Rosie said fishing was stupid and Jack said sisters are useless." Charlotte laughed. "In the end I think they found their rhythm."

"That's wonderful, but what was it all about?"

Tom closed the freezer door and leaned against it, staring at his wife. "I don't know. It was supposed to be to give you a break, but really… those two drive me nuts sometimes with their arguing."

"They're young, love. Give them time."

"I know. I love my sister, I want Jack and Rosie to have a relationship like we have. Lately though, those two have been acting like cats and dogs. Enough is enough."

"I just saw them setting up for a sleepover in Rosie's room so I think you made some progress today."

Tom nodded. "I want to make sure that if some day I'm not around, Rosie and Jack have each other."

"Don't talk like that! You know how it makes me feel," she huffed. The thought of losing him was just too much to bear.

"I know you feel that way. I don't like it either but I have a dangerous job. The subject needs to come up now and again."

"Dad?" They turned around to see Jack standing in the doorway to the kitchen.

"Jack, hi son."

"Where are you going?"

"What do you mean?"

"You said if one day you weren't around. You talking about heaven? Like where Grandma is?"

"I…." This had taken a turn. Tom knelt down before his son. "Yes, son. That's what I meant. I don't want it to happen, but sometimes things happen in life we don't want or expect. You understand?"

Jack nodded, suddenly looking more serious and grown up. "Don't worry. If something happens to you, I'll take care of Mom and Rosie and Tommy."

Tom smiled, a few tears forming in his eyes. "Good man, son."

Present day….

"You are a good son, Jack. And a good brother."

"I hope so."

"I know so."

Jack smiled, holding her a little closer to his side.

They went through more of the book together. Laughing at some.

"What about this one?"

"Oh that. That was the last time Dad was well enough for a big party. It was for his birthday."

2 years ago….

Jack walked inside his parents home from the back deck. The house and yard had a total of 40 people milling around. All there to celebrate Tom Thornton. When Jack finished talking to his fire chief, he noticed his dad wasn't outside like he had been. Worried, he made his way back into the kitchen where his mom was busy, refilling a tray of veggies and dip.

"Hey Mom, have you seen Dad?

"He's upstairs. I think he just needed a rest. Chemo is hard on him."

Jack looked down the hall in the direction his dad was. "It's not looking good, is it?"

Charlotte closed her eyes but then looked back at her son, so much like his father.

"No, sweetie. It's not. That's why I ignored his wishes for a small party and did this. Things could turn real fast now. We need to savor the time we have."

Jack took a beer from the fridge and opened it, drinking about half in one sitting.

"Not to sound like I'm 5 again, but this isn't fair."

"Believe me, I know. I've said that phrase so many times, its lost all meaning. Why don't you go see him, son? I'm sure he'd like that."

Jack walked up to his parent's room. His dad laid on the bed, eyes closed, listening to a ball game on the TV. It was clear the treatment was wreaking havoc on his body. When around others, he'd try so hard to act normal. Jack could always tell when he was pretending though. From his perch in the doorway Jack felt like a little boy again. Not the grown man he was.

"Dad?"

"Hey, son." He opened his eyes, smiling at Jack. "How are you?

"I'm alright. You?"

"Just dandy. A little tired is all."

Jack nodded. "Want me to leave you be so you can rest?"

"Nah. Come here. Let's watch the game together."

Jack sat on the bed next to his dad, neither saying a word as they watched the next 3 innings.

"I'm sorry, Jack," Tom finally said.

"For what?"

"For the life I'm leaving you with if I don't come out of this."

"Dad, don't talk like that."

"I can't avoid it, son. Not any more. I'm sorry."

Jack fought his tears. "Okay then. What do I need to know? Tell me everything I need to know to take care of them."

Tom reached over and placed his hand on his son's head. Tom had always been afraid his job as a fireman would one day take him away from his family, but no, it was cancer. He was thankful that his children were grown. Maybe somehow age would help them through this.

"Well for starters, your mom. She's tough as nails but also gentle and sensitive. She'll tell you she's okay but on the inside she'll be torn up. Make sure she doesn't push her feelings aside. She needs to feel, whatever she's feeling."

"Okay."

"Every so often, I stop by Taco Bell and get your mother her favorite. It's her weakness and cheers her up on a rough day. But you have to go to the one on Main, not Spruce Street. I know it sounds crazy but she can taste the difference."

"I can do that." Jack smiled at the request.

"Thank you. With Rosie, she's a lot like your mom. Though her weakness is…"

"Movie theater popcorn. I swear I've never seen anyone demolish a bag like her."

"Yup." Tom laughed. "Just so you know, Lee asked for my blessing to marry her someday. I don't know when he'll ask but still"

"I hope you gave it," Jack laughed. "I'm not sure how many men out there can handle someone like her. He can."

"Oh, believe me I know! I gave it, wholeheartedly."

"Good. Anything else?"

Tom sighed. "When the time comes, make sure someone walks her down the aisle. You or your mom. And make sure she knows…" He had to pause, tears trickled down his cheeks. "Make sure she knows how beautiful she is. I know she will be. And that I am so very proud of her. Remind her please."

"I will, Dad. I promise." It occurred to Jack in that moment the magnitude of what was happening. His dad wouldn't be around to see them get married, or even to see his grandkids one day. Nothing about this was fair. It left Jack with a horrible feeling in his stomach.

"Tommy's going to be a mess, you know. He'll make you so angry you can't think straight, but stay by him. He needs you."

"I'll do my best, but I'm not you dad. I'm not as good with him as you are. You're so patient and seem to understand him. I just get angry."

"You will be exactly what he needs. Even if he's not ready for it. If you got stuck just ask the good Lord for guidance. He'll provide."

"Okay, Dad. I will."

"I wish I could be around to see you as a father and husband. You'll be a great one, Jack. You're the best of me and your mom. Not perfect, but pretty darn close. And a good fireman too."

"That means the world coming from you, Dad."

"Just remember, the job is just that, a job. It's a good and noble one for sure, but at the end of the day, what is most important is love and family. Find someone you can't wait to see everyday. Someone who you know will weather any storm with you that life throws your way. Most importantly, never, ever settle."

They watched the rest of the game. When Charlotte came to check on them she smiled at the sight of them. Both asleep on the bed. She pulled out her phone to take a picture.

"I'm angry, Lord. I'm trying not to be, but I am. No matter what I say from here on out, thank you for the time you've given us. I'd do it all over again, even if I knew it would end in such heartbreak."

Present Day….

Elizabeth squeezed Jack's hand again. He'd been quiet for a while after they closed the book.

"You alright?" She picked up her head to look at him.

"I will be. You were right. It was nice to talk about him again."

"I'm glad. Thank you for sharing with me, Jack."

"Thanks for listening."

Their eyes met with such intensity. Jack's gaze dropped to her lips. He wanted with everything that was in him to kiss her, but not like this. Not so hyped up on the emotions of missing his dad. When they kissed for the first time, he wanted it to be about them. Nothing else. Needing a distraction fast, he asked, "You play Frisbee?"

"Excuse me?" She laughed.

"Frisbee. Tomorrow's Sunday. After church we get a day off. For most people this time of year, it consists of a day at the beach, food, swimming and a game of ultimate Frisbee."

"Oh I see. So far I've just spent those days working on lesson plans."

"Same, I mean I've been working through them. I think maybe we should go tomorrow. Drag Faith and Carson too."

"Okay, I'm in. But I should warn you… I can't actually throw a Frisbee."

"Not at all?"

"Well, not in the right direction," she said sheepishly.

Jack laughed. "Okay, you're pretty adorable right now. Come on. I'll teach you."

"Good luck. Many have tried and they've all quit."

"Not me," he grinned. It was nice to see his playful side again. He grabbed a Frisbee from his bag and ran away from the rocks. Elizabeth followed, stopping where he told her to. "Alright, I'm going to throw it. See if you can catch it."

"Okay!" She danced around trying to get under the Frisbee as it sailed through the air. "Ow!"

Jack winced as the Frisbee hit her smack in the face. "Okay, so we should work on catching too."

"You know if this was tennis or field hockey, I would be doing much better."

"Well maybe one day you can teach me tennis, but for right now lets work on this. You ready?"

"Yup." Jack slid behind her, lightly pressing his chest against her back. One hand slid down her arm, moving it into place. With his other hand on her hip, he guided her into position.

"Face this way, now twist your body to the left," he instructed.

"Like this?" There was a slight rattle in her voice. She had to remind herself to breathe with him standing so close.

"Yup." Jack felt like his body was high on adrenaline. Each time the wind blew, he caught the scent of Elizabeth's warm vanilla scent. It was intoxicating to his senses. "Now hold the Frisbee like this, okay?" he said manipulating her fingers into the right position. "Bend your wrist and elbow in front of you so they are in front of the disc, then un-do all of that in one steady motion, releasing the disc. Ready to try?"

"Sure." She wasn't. Instead of listening to his instruction she was thinking about what it would feel like to kiss him. To feel his hands on her affectionately. Is this what Faith feels like when she likes a guy? No wonder she's always in a tizzy… She made a mental note to talk to Faith later.

"Okay, now give it a try."

Her first two tries were a bust, but as he continued to show her, something clicked. Her 3rd throw landed right on target.

"Woohoo! You nailed it!" Jack cheered.

"I did it! I threw a Frisbee!" She spun around so excited, she jumped into Jack's arms. Instead of acting shocked, he held her close, lifting her slightly off the ground.

They spent the next couple hours passing the Frisbee around, taking walks along the beach and just talking. Elizabeth had brought with her some of the food she had received in her latest care package. That along with what Jack had snagged from the kitchen, made it so neither of them were in a hurry to leave.

The sun was setting as Jack caught another perfect throw from Elizabeth.

"Not as nervous anymore! I think we have ourselves a contender for tomorrow's game."

"Are you sure about that?" She let out a nervous giggle. "I mean, I've played before but not well."

"I think so. Regardless, win or lose, I'd like to spend the time with you." He gazed into her eyes as he tucked a windblown curl back behind her ear.

"Same here."

Standing a mere inches apart. Elizabeth was silently begging Jack to kiss her. She wasn't sure how much longer she could stand it if he didn't. It seemed like he wanted to, but was holding back with an amazing determination. If she only knew how badly Jack wanted her against him, for their lips to melt together, maybe she would have done him a favor and kissed him. He was still afraid to ruin what they had. To fall harder for someone and have regular life pull them apart.

"It's getting dark. May I walk you home?"

"Sure." She let out a breath, disappointed to see their night end. "I'd like that."

Jack extended his arm to her, and with a bright smile she took it, happy for the close contact with him again. They remained like that until they got to the hill. With the sun now set, Jack grabbed his headlamp and took her hand in his, carefully leading her up the steep slope back to the village.

All too soon, they were standing outside the dorms. It was time to say goodnight but neither were quite ready to let go of the others hand. Then as the door behind Elizabeth creaked open, Elizabeth dropped Jack's hand.

"Hey!" Faith bit her bottom lip as she stepped out. She couldn't help but wonder if she had just interrupted something important. "Hi, Jack. How are you doing?"

"I'm okay," he smiled. "My day turned out a lot better than I imagined. Thank you, Elizabeth."

"Of course." Her voice was barely above a whisper.

Faith noticed them getting lost in each other's eyes and excused herself back inside their dorm. Once the door closed, Elizabeth spoke again.

"See you tomorrow?"

"Definitely."

Jack watched as Elizabeth slid into her dorm and closed the door. Once she was out of sight he turned and walked over to the other side of the housing complex.

Just as he was about to go into his own room he saw a male figure walking down the dusty, dirt road. It was too dark to make out anything.

"Hello, Jack."

"Frank! What are you doing out and about?"

"I could ask you the same thing." He smiled as he walked up onto the porch and shook Jack's hand. "You alright? I know what today is for you."

"You do?" Jack was surprised.

"Jack, your father was a good friend of mine and did so much for our community. Of course I know."

"Thanks, Frank. That means a lot. I just feel bad I almost missed it."

"Ah, I see. Well to be fair I have it on my calendar. We're men, Jack. Sometimes dates can get lost. Doesn't mean we don't care."

"Elizabeth reminded me of that today."

Frank laughed, "She's a good one."

"She is." Jack shifted where he stood. His day with Elizabeth made one thing clear. As much as he wanted to protect their friendship, there was no staying as they were. She affected him, mind, body and soul. He couldn't just ignore that. "Frank, can I speak with you for a moment?"

"Of course. Everything alright?"

"I hope so. Do you have a policy about relationships between those that serve here?"

Frank crossed his arms and leaned against the pillar. "I assume were talking about you and Miss Thatcher?"

"Right now it's just a hypothetical."

"I see. Well, to answer your question, no. You never know how God will bring two people together. I don't want to have something in place to hinder that. However, we are all here to do His work. So I'd hope that would remain a priority."

"Understood."

"To be clear, this isn't something I'd worry about if the people you are referring to were you and Elizabeth."

"I appreciate that." Suddenly, Jack was confused. "Say, how did you know why I was asking?"

Frank laughed. "I'm a pastor. We're good at observing details. Like how the two of you look at each other and how you walk around, both struggling to keep your emotions at bay."

"Huh, note to self, I'm not as secretive as I thought." Jack laughed.

"It's alright. You're better at it than Faith and Carson."

"Wow, you've noticed something there too?"

"Yes, but I'm not so sure they've even noticed yet. Anyway, it's late. I need to finish up some stuff on my sermon for tomorrow."

"Have a good night, sir."

"You too. And Jack, I'm not surprised by this at all," he smiled. "When I first met Elizabeth, I just had a feeling she'd be a great match for you. I hope it all works out."

"Thanks." Jack waved before whispering, "Me too."