The next morning Elizabeth showered and dressed in one of the 3 sundresses she'd brought with her for the year. Usually she'd just wear a pair of nice shorts and a blouse to church. Given that they met under the pavilion that also worked as the school, there was no need to be fancy. As Pastor Frank often reminded them, "God is with us everywhere. He has no need for dress codes.

For Elizabeth however, today was different. She felt the desire to look a little nicer than normal. Something had changed the day before between her a Jack. Their relationship seemed to be moving in a new direction. One that brought on feelings of butterflies and anxiousness. It was as if each time they talked and shared themselves with one another, the need for him in her daily life was greater.

"Look at you!" Faith grinned as she walked back into their room, her hair wrapped up in a towel from her shower. "I think Jack will like that one. Totally brings out the color of your eyes."

"Who says I'm doing this for Jack?" Elizabeth turned, her hands firmly planted on her hips.

"Really?" Faith said dryly, shooting her a look.

"Okay, maybe I am a little." Elizabeth huffed. "Faith, I'm in deep trouble here."

Faith shook loose her blonde curls from the towel as she sat at the desk in their room trying to tame the curly mess that sat atop her head.

"What kind of trouble are we talking about here? Is it time to leave the country kind of trouble or trouble like you may have, oh I don't know… fallen head over heels for someone totally dreamy and perfect for you?"

"The last one… Or maybe it's both."

"I thought you two looked cozy out there last night!" Faith jumped up. "Tell me everything!"

Elizabeth collapsed on her bed and pulled her pillow into her lap. "He's… amazing, Faith. Truly he is. We spent the whole time talking yesterday. He showed me this family photo album his aunt made to help them remember his dad. It was like getting a glimpse of his life." She giggled into her pillow, "He was an adorable little boy. All smiles with those little dimples." Elizabeth was swooning, and for once she wasn't even trying to hide it.

"That's wonderful, Lizzy! Real quick question though, who are you?" Faith laughed as Elizabeth threw the pillow at her. She caught it and walked over, handing it back to her friend. "I'm sorry, I'm totally loving this side of you. I had to tease."

"I'd tease with caution if I were you, missy. I'm not the only one with feelings for someone on this island." Elizabeth shot her friend a look. "Or have you forgotten about you and that cute doctor?"

"Oh, him... "

"Yes, him!" Elizabeth teased. "Come on now. Fair is fair."

"Fine," she huffed. "If I answer, do I get to keep teasing you?"

"A certain amount, maybe."

Faith laughed, "Alright then." Elizabeth patted the space next to her on the bed for Faith to sit. "I don't know what to say right now. I adore him, that's for sure. He's handsome and sweet and amazing with his patients. I'm just not sure he likes me as anything more than a colleague. It's like he's not letting himself."

"What makes you think that?"

"I can't really explain it but there seems to be a wall there. Like he's just not opening himself up to anything that could potentially hurt him. I just don't know why. Has Jack mentioned anything? Maybe something from his past? An old girlfriend perhaps?"

"No. Not really. I know they've been close for a long time. I think he did say Carson went through a rough patch a while back but that's it. I didn't think to ask more."

"And really, you shouldn't. I'll learn the details when and if it's the right time."

Elizabeth watched her friend fidget and laughed. "You say that, but I can see you freaking out over there."

"I know! It's killing me not knowing!"

"Oh boy." Elizabeth fell back laughing. "So much for the two of us coming out here NOT to meet guys."

"C'est la vie, my dear." Faith shrugged. "What's life without a little excitement?"

"Maybe so."

Twenty minutes later they made their way over to the pavilion for church. Most of the seats were already taken near the front when they arrived. Lynn was sitting off to the side on the floor near the front and waved them over.

"Morning, ladies!"

"Morning, Lynn! How are you doing?" Elizabeth asked. Lynn was a hard worker and spent most of her time in the clinic. Elizabeth hardly saw her except for meals here and there.

"I'm doing well. This weather is gorgeous today. I think I might take a swim later."

"You should! You need to take time to relax." Faith suggested.

"I know. It's just easier for me to just keep working. Makes the missing less." She played with her husband's ring that she wore on the chain around her neck.

"I can imagine. I'm sure he'd want you to enjoy this beautiful place too though." Elizabeth smiled, feeling care and love for the woman.

"You'd probably be right." Lynn smiled as she tucked the necklace back under her shirt.

Just before the service was about to start, Elizabeth looked around the sea of people, wondering if Jack had arrived yet. She was itching to see him, if only from a distance. When she heard his laughter on the opposite side of the structure, she smiled, knowing exactly where to find him.

Sitting with some of the boys from the church back in Seattle, Jack listened as they each told him stories from back home. It was clear to Elizabeth that the young teens looked up to Jack a great deal. Especially Parker and Liam. Jack seemed to have a special bond with the two of them. Something that ran deeper than just being on the same work crew or having lived in the same community. There was a love and compassion in Jack's eyes as he looked at them. Not to mention the fact that he seemed to spend more time with them than any of the other boys. Not that it seemed to bother anyone.

Frank walked up to the front of the small crowd. "Alright, folks! Lets get started with some praise time, thanking the Lord for all He is doing and has done for us."

He was then joined up front by some of the members from the visiting youth group that were asked to lead the music portion of the worship service. Much to Elizabeth's surprise, Jack walked up with them, his guitar in hand.

"Good morning!" Parker said excited, a guitar strap over his shoulder. "Pastor Frank asked us to lead this morning's worship. We were so excited, we asked Jack Thornton to join us as well. Seems fitting, between him and my…" Parker's gaze dropped toward the ground for a moment before recovering his composer. "It was he and my dad who taught me how to play."

Jack smiled over at him as she reached out his hand and placed it on Parker's shoulder. Parker's whole demeanor had changed at the mention of his dad. It made Elizabeth wonder, was it a loss that seemed to bond he and Jack?

"Let's open up this beautiful morning with a little prayer," Jack said, taking over for the young man. He bowed his head as he continued. When he said "amen" he began strumming and singing along to the words that showed up on the old projector screen behind them.

"He's really good." Faith said in Elizabeth's ear. "Carson said he and Jack played together a lot growing up."

She nodded, "His voice is so soothing." Faith smiled at her.

Elizabeth closed her eyes, calming her mind and focusing more on the words than the handsome man singing them.

Five songs later when music time was over, Jack leaned his guitar up against a nearby chair and went to take his seat. Instead of heading back over with the teens, he walked to the opposite side of the group and straight to Elizabeth, sitting on the edge of a pavilion floor next to her.

"Morning," he whispered near her ear.

"Good morning," she smiled bashfully.

Lynn, who was behind them, smacked his shoulder playfully, "I didn't know you could do that, young man. Very nicely done."

"Thank you, Lynn. One of my little hobbies."

"Wonderful! I hope I get to hear you again soon!"

"Actually I was just talking with the boys about that. Tonight we were thinking of playing some music around the fire, especially with them leaving in a few days. You should join us, Lynn."

"Oh no. You don't need an old lady like me hanging around."

"Lynn, you're hardly old!" Faith chimed in. "You could outwork Carson and I any day."

"Maybe so but I don't know if I belong there tonight."

Jack reached a hand back and patted Lynn's knee. "Please, Lynn? It's music. There's no age limit. I personally would like it if you were there for at least some of it."

She gave a light chuckle. "Alright. Why not?"

Jack turned around and gave Elizabeth a little wink.

Frank was already giving his message when Elizabeth leaned in towards Jack a few moments later.

"That's was really sweet of you," she whispered for only him to hear. "I think it's hard for her sometimes without her husband here."

"I can only imagine. To lose the love of your life like that…" They looked at each other, both feeling the same stir within their hearts.

Quickly they turned their attention back to Frank just as he introduced the bible verse for the day. Opening their bibles to the passage, they read along with Frank as he began to discuss the context of the text.

Elizabeth had always found church and bible studies wonderful and engaging. She loved any chance to learn more of the knowledge found within the leather bound pages of her bible. Today, unfortunately, she found herself completely distracted as she felt Jack's arm brush against hers. The warmth of his skin compounded with the feel of his strong muscular arm was going to be her undoing. She just knew it. Looking up at his face, she was mesmerized by his perfect lips. She couldn't help but wonder what it would feel like to have those warm lips on hers.

Hold yourself back, missy! She thought as she cleared her throat and turned her attention back to the open bible in front of her.

Sitting next to her, Jack looked like he had the focus of a hawk as he stared down at the page. In reality, he was trying with all his might to study the bible and not the gorgeous angel sitting next to him. As it was, he figured he'd read the same sentence 6 times and still couldn't tell you what it said. This was his favorite time of the week. Learning more about the Creator. He'd spent some time when his father's illness made a turn for the worse, angry and even questioning whether such a God existed. He was grateful that God was patient and stood by him even in his anger.

As Elizabeth shifted her position on the floor, she brushed against him more, putting his body on high alert, wanting to feel more of her.

Pull it together, Jack. She's just a girl. A girl you might not be able to live without but still… just a girl...

20 minutes later the boys got up again to lead the group in a few more songs. This time Jack stayed next to Elizabeth. It didn't go unnoticed to him or anyone around them just how well their voices molded together as they sang.

Lynn, in particular, had enjoyed watching them now and again during the service. She had a plan in her mind to see what she could do to nudge them along if need be. She had a feeling there was a great love story starting right before her eyes.

As the last song ended, Frank stood back at the front.

"Well that's it for today. We've got a nice day planned down by the water in honor of our Seattle friends. Hope you can all take some time to enjoy it with us. Now go! Dismissed!" He waved everyone off.

Faith and Lynn immediately started a conversation about the message as Jack held out his hand to Elizabeth, helping her up from her seat on the cement floor. As they started walking back to their rooms to get ready for the rest of the day, neither knew what to say next. Their minds were filled to the brim with thoughts of the other.

"You look really nice this morning." Jack said, finally breaking the silence.

"Thank you. I bought it when I learned I'd been given the position here. To celebrate, I guess."

"It's nice." His eyes respectfully roamed the flowing thin strapped dress that stopped just above her knees. It was impossible for him to not notice how breathtaking she was. She was the whole package to him. Intelligent, kind-hearted and beautiful. He forced his eyes back to hers. "The tans and blues, they suit you. With your eyes and all."

"Thanks. Faith said that too." She was suddenly nervous around him as they walked, their bodies so close. "You look really nice too. I don't think I've seen you in a button down in the few weeks I've been here."

"Yeah, probably not," he laughed looking down at his khaki cargo shorts and light blue button down with the sleeves rolled up. "I'm more of a t-shirt or sleeveless shirt guy when I'm here."

Her fingers yearned to run over the buttons down his chest. The effect Jack had on her mind and body was so foreign to her. Even so, she wasn't in a hurry to get rid of them. She wanted to see where this would lead, no matter what.

"So Jack, this little concert by the fire tonight, do I get an invite too?" She caught herself flirting as they walked. It wasn't something she was used to but had started to like when it came to Jack.

"Of course." His voice was soft as he stepped a little closer, their arms now touching. "Any special song requests for tonight?"

"Hmm," she playfully touched her finger to her lips, unknowingly driving Jack mad. "I'll have to think about that."

"You do that," he smiled. He had a song in mind for her already. A song that would make how he felt abundantly clear. "If you'd like I can even come by your room and walk with you."

"Worried I won't show?" she giggled as she now stood outside her door.

"Nope, just being a gentleman."

"Ah, a good quality in a man." She swayed her hips. It was all he could do not to pull her into his arms and kiss her senseless right there.

"I think so too." He took a deep breath. "Well I should go get ready. See you at the beach in a bit?"

"I'll be there."

…..

The beach wasn't like a typical American beach or like one of the resort beaches within the nice, more ritzy parts of the island. It was a small, safe, country almost. It sat a mile and a half away from the spot that had become special to Jack and Elizabeth, which was unreachable by walking from there. Probably why more people hadn't found it yet.

Out on the water, there were 3 buoys set out in a row, each marking off a different depth. As a rule, no one swam out too far past the 3rd and last buoy. The water could get pretty dicey for even the more experienced swimmers.

On the beach Jack and Carson set up a blanket far enough from the water so as not to get it wet but close enough for a great view.

Jack looked up at Carson as he checked the hilly path for the 4th time in 5 minutes for the girls.

"They're coming, bud. Trust me." Jack assured.

"Who are you talking about?" Carson tried to act calm and collected but instead he looked up the hill again.

Jack laughed. "Maybe you should just tell Faith how you feel."

"And maybe you should tell Elizabeth." Carson returned fire. "In regards to me, I don't know how I feel exactly. So there's not much to tell."

"Well, do you like her?"

"Yes, she's amazing. Honestly one of the spunkiest and most intelligent women I've ever met."

"Good. You like spending time with her?"

"Well, I didn't sign up for most of the same shifts as her for nothing." Carson laughed, mostly at himself than anything else.

"Okay, so just tell her that. Start slow before she heads back to the states and some guy that's not afraid to say something steals her heart away."

That got Carson's attention. "What like at Christmas? You really think…"

"You never know. You said yourself how special she is. That's why I'm telling Elizabeth tonight."

Carson laughed at his friend. Growing up, Jack had many girls admiring him and chasing after him, but he himself rarely sought out any. When he did, he was never that confident about it. Since Heather had been trying to sink her claws in Jack for the past few years, Jack just laid low in the romantic department. Having had enough with it all.

"So tell me Jack, what are you telling Elizabeth exactly?"

Jack stopped smoothing out the blanket and looked up at him. "I don't know for sure. I've just known since she walked into my life that she's not someone I want to let walk away."

Carson glanced up at the path again. "Here they come."

"Remember what I said!" Jack yelled as Carson headed to met them.

"Yeah, yeah. I'll take it under advisement."

Jack rolled his eyes as he followed. "Hopeless," he whispered. "Afternoon ladies! You two want to join us down here? We've got a blanket set up and everything."

"Sure," Elizabeth smiled as she set her bag down on the blanket. "The teens seems to already be having fun."

"They are, and well deserved. Parker and Liam have been a great help. We've almost completed 2 more homes in the last week."

"That's wonderful!"

"Jack! Carson!" Liam yelled from the waters edge. "Come race Parker and I. I bet we can beat you this time!"

"What makes you think that?" Jack laughed.

The teen just shrugged, "We're taller than when we did this back home. Come on!"

"You have yourself a race, my friend." Jack stripped off his shirt, giving Elizabeth the first up close look ever of his muscular toned chest.

How is he still available… She thought to herself. He's perfect on an intellectual level, and yup, I'd say perfect on this level too. Holy buckets, I'm in so much trouble.

Carson pulled his own shirt off, leaving Faith thinking the same things as Elizabeth as they watched the two men run down to meet the boys.

"Faith, are you breathing?" Elizabeth turned to her with a giggle.

"Define breathing?"

Elizabeth laughed, the melodious laugh that Jack loved, causing him to turn back to look at them.

"What's so funny, ladies?"

"Nothing!" Elizabeth said standing up and walking to them. "Are we going to have a race or what?"

"Yes!" Parker said clapping his hands together. "Elizabeth, count it down for us. We'll go when you say."

She moved to stand between the 4 of them.

"Wish me luck." Jack winked at her.

"All the luck," Elizabeth giggled. "Alright here we go, boys. On your mark, get set…. GO!"

Everyone down by the water watched and cheered as the four swam past the first and second buoys.

"Go, Jack! You've got this! Woohoo!" Elizabeth jumped and clapped.

"Swim, Carson! Come on you got them! Go go go!" Faith yelled.

"This is so much fun!" Elizabeth laughed.

"It is! Hey, look at these two." Faith pointed to two young teen girls, one cheering loudly for Parker the other for Liam. "We can't let them out cheer us!"

"Nope." Elizabeth turned back as Jack was rounding the third buoy in the lead. She began jumping up and down. "Go Jack! You got this! Keep it up!"

Parker was coming up right behind Jack and they were neck and neck as they passed the buoy closest to the shore.

"We need a finish line!" One of the girls declared as she ran to her backpack, pulling out a roll of toilet paper. Receiving odd looks from her friends. "What? You never know when you'll need it." They all laughed.

"They're coming!" Faith yelled.

Elizabeth and the girl took the paper and made a quick finishing ribbon just as Parker and Jack, followed quickly by Liam and then Carson, stumbled up onto the shore.

In unison Jack and Parker broke through the line and collapsed on the sand, laughing.

"Who won?" Jack asked rolling onto his back.

"I think it may have been a tie." Elizabeth laughed seeing how tired he was laying there.

"A tie? No way!" Parker said standing up. "What do you say Jack? Best out of 3?"

"Parker Blakely, are you trying to kill me?" He laughed. "I'll tell you what, you win. I'm clearly out of shape since I'm stuck here in the sand." He closed his eyes and laid back again, arms stretched out wide in the sand.

Elizabeth sat down next to him, laughing hysterically. "Quite a show you put on there." Jack just groaned. "What if I help you up? Maybe you can beat Carson off the sand." He was down too. Faith stood over him fanning him as she teased.

"Deal."

She stood and held out her hand, helping him up. As they walked back to their blanket she was pleasantly surprised that even in front of all those people, most of which weren't paying attention, Jack didn't let go of her hand until they'd sat back down.

"Man, that was fun. And a good reminder that I need to get back into running."

"Why'd you stop running?"

Suddenly he looked guilty. "Well, I used to do it every night and or morning but then I met a girl, and now I've started choosing to spend my time with her rather than run."

"Oh," she blushed. "We could always run together. I think Carson and Faith may have even suggested it."

"You're right, and we should." Jack looked down at Carson and Faith where they sat down by the water. "What do you think of them?"

"I think Faith is my best friend. Any guy would be lucky to have her in his life."

"Carson's a good one too."

"But?"

Jack looked back at her. "Tell Faith to be patient with him. He really is a good one, he's just been hurt badly before."

"How so?"

"He thought he found the love of his life."

"Oh… What happened?"

"It's not my story. What I can say is she really did a number on him. Trust me, he's a great guy and I think Faith is actually right for him. It just may take him time to get there."

"He won't hurt her? She's mentioned he seems closed off."

"No. Not intentionally anyway. I think for them to work, he needs to be the one to tell her why he is the way he is."

"I understand, and I'll encourage her."

He smiled. "Thank you."

Relaxing in the island sun, Elizabeth hung her head back, letting her hair flow off her shoulders. The sun kissed her skin, leaving Jack wondering what it would feel like to run his hand over the smooth skin of her long legs as they peeked out from underneath her swimsuit wrap, teasing him. He leaned back on his hands, trying to distract himself by watching the people around them instead of her.

"Jack, can I ask you a question?"

"Sure."

"What's the story with you and Parker? You seem really close."

"That's a good question. I should warn you though, it's not the cheeriest of tales."

"Parker and his family are apart of your life back home right?"

"Yes, very much."

"Then I want to hear it." She nudged him. "In case you haven't noticed, I rather like learning about you."

"Alright. But then you need to share. I feel like I've been doing all the talking lately."

"If you say so," she laughed. "So tell me."

"Well, Parker's father, Paul Blakely, worked as a fireman at my station. He was killed a couple years ago on the job along with my uncle Noah. I was new to the station at the time. It was rough, he was a good man."

"I'm so sorry Jack. What happened?"

Jack shook his head. "It was a structure fire in the city. It went up so fast. Too fast. The fire inspector still thinks it was arson, just can't prove it."

"Again, I'm so sorry, Jack. Your uncle and Paul…"

"Liam's dad was there too. He's still alive, just hurt enough he can't be on the job with us like he used to be. We were able to rescue him that day, thank goodness. Never stops bothering me that we couldn't save everyone."

She took his hand. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked."

"It's okay." He gave her a weak smile. "It's part of life. A nasty part I could do without, but still. It's life. When it happened I told myself I would be like a big brother to Parker. I took over where his dad left off teaching him guitar. I showed up to his games. He knows he can come to me about anything. His mom, she seems to really appreciate it."

"I'm sure. You amaze me, Jack Thornton. The world needs more men like you."

"I don't know about that." He nervously ran his free hand through the sand. "Now it's your turn. You promised to tell me a story now."

"Oh goodness," she laughed. "What do you want to hear about?"

"Anything. Tell me about the letter you got from your mom even."

"Okay!" she sat up straighter, moving some windblown curls back behind her ear. "Mom is so excited for me to be here. She wants to know everything. But as far as what's going on back home, she is adjusting back again to it just being her and my father. Julie's already at school and Viola and Charles are home from their honeymoon but very much in the hide away and gaze lovingly at one another stage." She giggled with an eye roll.

Jack laughed.

"Dad can't stand it. All the love. Which is funny. He's crazy about my mother, it's clear as day. Maybe he just doesn't like seeing it in his daughters."

"Probably," he laughed. "I get it from Viola and Charles perspective though. If I had time away, just me and the woman I loved, then had to come back to reality," he sighed, looking over at her. "It would be pretty hard."

"I never put much thought into it, but I think you're right."

"How'd they meet? Your sister and her husband."

"That's a funny story actually. Viola and I are only 2 years apart. Charles grew up with us. So back when I had my ridiculous debutante ball, Charles was my escort."

"Your escort?!"

"Yes, we were just friends. I was too focused on my studies and projects to think about boys so Dad made an introduction and that was that."

"Sounds very… formal."

"That's how my dad works." She rolled her eyes. "Not me. Anyway, something happened when he saw her that night, it was like he finally noticed her as more than just one of the Thatcher sisters, and someone he needed to be close to. Viola was there with her beau, Lionel, but really there was no spark between them. Her and Charles, on the other hand…"

"That must of been scandalous. Your escort leaving you for your sister?"

"Well he didn't that night. Charles was very respectful. About 2 months later, with my full blessing, he asked Viola out to a movie and the rest is history. Father was not as amused at first. He was so concerned with how it would look. It was ridiculous."

"What did he do?"

"My father? Oh, he set me up with another son of someone he worked with. It was okay for a while. But then I realized I wanted more for my life then what I was going to get there. When we were in college Trent, that's his name, he was ready for more. I realized I didn't feel for him nearly at all what he felt for me so I ended it. I wanted… sparks. The kind of attraction I saw in my sister's eyes. I just wasn't sure it existed."

"What do you think now?" Jack asked nervously running his fingers through the sand some more.

"Now, I know it does."

Jack smiled, dimples flaring. "Is this all what brought you to Haiti to be a teacher?"

"Partly. What lead me to be a teacher is a whole other story."

"Tell me."

"Nope," she laughed. "You asked for one story, you got that. Now, let's go have some fun."

He laughed as she dragged him off the blanket. "Fine, but one day I'd like to hear the story, okay?"

"Deal." She grabbed the Frisbee off the blanket and ran a little ways away before tossing it back at him. "Woohoo! I've still got it!" she laughed.

Jumping up, he caught the Frisbee and grinned at her. "You have no idea, angel," he whispered. "No idea."

…..

After dinner, Jack and Carson helped the boys set up a small bonfire back down on the beach. The sunlight was starting to disappear behind the waves as Jack dragged over the last bunch of wood for burning. Afterwards he ran back up to grab his guitar and meet up with Elizabeth.

As he walked through the center of the village, he saw Parker sitting alone off to the side of the pavilion.

"Parker? You alright?" He walked over taking a seat next to him.

"I guess." He looked up and tried to put a fake smile on his face.

"Come on pal, no need to hide from me. What's going on?"

"It's just… can't believe we're leaving so soon." Parker said frustrated. "Maybe I can come back sometime, if my mom will let me. What do you think?"

"I'd like that. This place is special, it will be here for you always, just like me. But tell me, what is it that makes you not want to go home?" Parker shook his head. "You can tell me. No judgement. I might even understand."

"You will." Parker sighed. "I just… don't want to grow up without him. It's my junior year. We're supposed to do college tours and all that. Everyone's talking about the future. It just stinks that my dad's missing it all."

"I know." He wrapped an arm around the boy. "I didn't want my life to move on without my dad either. It's crazy to think of the milestones they'll miss. But look, you've still got your mom and she loves you more than anything."

"My mom's crazy, Jack, lets be real."

Jack threw his head back and laughed loudly. "Fair enough, but she does love you. She's trying so hard to be a mom and a dad to you and your siblings. Go easy on her, okay? Believe me, as much as you feel cheated, she does too. She lost her best friend."

"I know. Grandma thinks she should try dating again. Mom got so mad. She's not ready. She says she may never be."

"She'll figure it out. She's got my mom, Abigail and others looking out for her."

"I'm grateful for that. I wouldn't know how to help even if I could."

"Just be her loving son. That's what she needs."

He nodded. "Hey, Jack, when I graduate next year, will you come?"

"I'll be there. Cheering so loud I'll drive everyone around me crazy."

Parker laughed. "Thanks, Jack. It means a lot having you in my corner."

"Always kid. Don't forget it. Now go get your guitar. We're about ready down there."

"Cool. See you there."

Jack stood to head over and meet Elizabeth, knowing he must have been late at this point. He knew she'd understand.

"Nicely done, Jack."

Jack turned quick on his heels at the sound of Elizabeth's voice. "You heard that?"

"I did." She smiled.

"I was just coming to meet you."

"It's okay. What you were doing was far more important." She closed the distance and wrapped her arms around him in a warm hug. "You really are something, Jack."

"That's funny, I was thinking the same about you."

They walked down to the beach together. As soon as they arrived, a small group of Elizabeth's students jumped at her, excited to see and spend time with her.

Jack stood back and watched. She was so adored, and not just by him.

Carson walked up next to him with his guitar in hand. "Ready to play?"

"Always! Let's get this going."

Jack, Carson, the teens, and even Faith took turns playing different requests. Elizabeth, who still knew very little of the guitar, had fun singing and dancing with her students. One little boy, who was about 3, was having so much fun, he never wanted to let her go.

It was impossible not to admire her as he played. Jack kept envisioning how Elizabeth would be as a mother one day. It was clear she would love any child, whether they were hers biologically or not. Just what he was looking for in a woman. He looked up to the stars and laughed. Is that my sign to move forward and tell her how I feel, Lord?

Lynn came down and listened to the music for a while. She even made a few requests.

"You're up next, Jack." Carson leaned in, hoping to be heard over the music. "Better pick a good song."

Now was the time. The time Jack was going to play a song for Elizabeth to help her see how he felt. He could feel his palms sweating at the thought. Then he looked at her. She was standing, swaying to the music with an almost sleeping little girl from the orphanage in her arms. She noticed him watching her and moved closer to him.

"Look at this princess," she smiled. "Isn't she precious?"

"She really is."

Maybe I'll do it later. Yeah, not right now is best.

Later in between songs as the fire was dying down, Jack watched as Elizabeth said goodnight to the children. It was way past their bedtime now. She kissed the top of the little girl's head before handing her back over for the night.

"You're great with them." He smiled as she sat back down.

"They make it easy. I wonder, maybe one day I'll adopt from here. Or at the very least come here again and again. Is that crazy to think about?"

"Nope. I've thought the same thing."

"Your turn again, Jack!" Liam called from across the fire. "You get to pick the next two songs."

"Okay, let me think." He looked at Elizabeth and his nervousness took over. He played "Ride" by the Cary Brothers first, an old favorite of his. When it was over, Elizabeth along with the others clapped and cheered.

"That was great, Jack!" she smiled.

"Thanks." It was now or never. Jack gazed into her eyes. Her deep blue eyes that shined bright even in the moonlight. Somehow, this beautiful woman had become truly one of his best friends. The very thought of ever having to be apart from her was unsettling.

Everyone was busy talking as he moved closer, speaking only for her to hear. "Elizabeth, I'm.. I'm not always great at saying the things that I feel in my heart."

"I think you do just fine." She smiled nervously.

"Maybe, but I'm not so sure. I have a song for you. Maybe it will help because I want you… no, I need you to know what I'm thinking." He leaned over and whispered it to Carson, who nodded. They both started strumming the familiar Landon Austin tune and everyone got quiet as they listened.

Elizabeth could feel her chest tighten. It made her wonder if any of the air she was breathing in was actually making its way to her lung as she heard Jack's voice. She looked up, his eyes gazing deep into her soul.

"A summer rain is passing over

And it feels like a dream

I could run and look for shelter

but you hold onto me

I'm under your skies

I'm caught in your eyes

Don't you know you stop the room

and all that I can see is you

I'm standing where the lightning strikes

I know this doesn't happen twice

You must be my once in a lifetime, in a lifetime

You must be my once in a lifetime

There's so much that I have told you

But it's all in my head

Ask me anything you want to

Cause the answer is yes

I'll spend my whole life

Just being caught up in your eyes

Don't you know you stop the room

and all that I can see is you

I'm standing where the lightning strikes

I know this doesn't happen twice

You must be my once in a lifetime, in a lifetime

You must be my once in a lifetime

So before the storm is passed

I just want to ask

Can we make this moment last?

So before the storm is passed

I just want to ask

Can we make this moment last?

Don't you know you stop the room

and all that I can see is you

I'm standing where the lightning strikes

I know this doesn't happen twice

You must be my once in a lifetime, in a lifetime

You must be my once in a lifetime"

Lots of hoots and howlers were made as he and Carson finished. Carson right away began playing another song, pulling Liam in with him. His plan was to give Jack time to talk with Elizabeth.

Placing his guitar down, he slid over closer to Elizabeth, taking her hand.

"Jack, that was…" Elizabeth whispered, wiping away a small tear from the corner of her eye with her free hand.

"Take a walk with me?" She nodded. He nodded to Carson that they were heading off for a bit.

Carson smiled at his friends as they left, then turned to Faith who sat next to him.

"Looks like it's turning out to be a memorable night." He said with a mischievous grin.

"You knew about this?"

"I didn't know details but I knew he was gonna do something."

Faith looked back at them over her shoulder and squealed.

They walked down the narrow road towards the path to their spot, passing some of the partially built homes Jack and his crew had been working on along the way.

"Careful," Jack said as he led her carefully down the steep rocky hill.

Once at their spot, Jack turned to face her. "I need you to know, meant it Elizabeth, every word. I think we have something special here. I can't just sit back and ignore it. I needed you to know."

She held both his hands in hers, smiling brightly at him. "Jack, I feel it too. I never imagined…" A sudden crack of thunder clashed through the air. "What is that?" She clung to Jack as he protectively wrapped his arms around her slender form.

"It's alright. See out across the ocean? A summer storm is rolling in. I should get you back before it hits us."

"No, please Jack. I want to stay out here with you," she pleaded.

"Angel, look at those clouds in the moonlight. If we don't get back soon we could be facing one heck of a rain storm."

"Would I be with you?"

He let out a small laugh, "Of course."

She moved a step closer, surprising herself with her boldness. "Then bring on the rain."

"Alright then." He took both her hands in his this time interlacing their fingers. It was simple, yet felt so intimate as he felt her soft smooth skin. Looking up from their hands he couldn't help but stare at her perfect lips. Could he do it? Just kiss her right there? This was as private a place as they'd ever get and he knew he'd be kicking himself if he didn't.

Elizabeth shuffled her feet in the sand where she stood, biting her bottom lip as she too fought the desire she had for a kiss from him. The words of his song had moved her right down to her core. Now more than ever, she wanted this. To be his.

Jack dropped one hand, lifting it to caressing her face. "You're absolutely beautiful, Elizabeth. Like an angel. I've thought so since the day we met. Right here, in this spot."

"Is that why you called me "angel" a minute a go?"

"Yeah," he laughed nervously. "It kind of slipped out."

"I loved it."

He nodded. Then leaning down he gently covered her lips with his. It was a soft, tender kiss. Without a doubt the most romantic moment in each of their lives to date, but not lasting nearly long enough.

Grinning like a crazy person, Jack pressed his lips to her forehead and whispered, "That was…"

"Perfect," she finished.

Jack moved to kiss her again just as the angry clouds reached their secret beach, pouring buckets of rain down on them.

"Oh, come on!" Jack yelled to the heavens, making Elizabeth laugh. "Let's go, get you some place safe."

In a mad dash they ran back to the hill towards the main village, Jack taking extra care to make sure Elizabeth didn't slip in the mud and water that trickled down.

As they ran back passed the row of partially built homes, Jack, still holding her hand, pulled her into the shelter of the nearest building. No one else was around, everything else having taken cover in the center of the village

"Jack what are you… oh." She grinned as she found herself standing with her back against the wall, Jack mere inches in front of her.

He stared at her. His gaze penetrating. In a low voice he said, "I feel like maybe I shouldn't have kissed you."

"Why?" she asked concerned.

"Because now I don't ever want to stop."

Elizabeth giggled playfully at him. Her finger traced the Carhartt logo on his shirt. Never looking away from him. "Then maybe you should kiss me again."

He didn't hesitate. He cupped her face as their lips met once again.

Any thoughts Elizabeth had worked up in her mind as to what it would feel like to kiss him could not compare to the reality of this kiss. It was deep, passionate, leaving her feeling completely vulnerable in the arms of a man she knew she could trust with her life.

Unsure what to do with her hands, she took hold of Jack's rain drenched shirt, holding on as if worried the winds outside would blow her away from him at any moment.

Jack kept his hands against the wall, one on either side of her. He was trying his best to keep himself in check as their kiss deepened. He'd never felt such a connection with anything or anyone. It was plain to see just how easy it would be to lose his wits around this woman. His efforts worked too, that was until Elizabeth ran her hands up over his shoulders, drawing him in deepening their connection even more.

That did it. Now he needed her closer. To feel her body against his. He wrapped a strong arm around her waist and pulled her against his chest. She let out a quiet gasp as her soft form molded to fit against him.

He pulled back just enough to see her face clearly. "You okay?" She nodded, folding her hands behind his neck, kissing him again and again.

When they finally separated to regain control and air, Elizabeth peered into his eyes. She loved how the light of the moon that crept into the opening in the roof would reflect in his deep green eyes. There was no doubt in her mind that what she'd just experienced was monumental. A kiss of a lifetime. By the mesmerized look on his face, he knew it too.

"Do we really have to go now?" she asked, running her fingers through his hair. "Or could we just stay here until the storm passes?"

Jack leaned back to look out through the opening of the structure. "It's still coming down pretty hard out there." He grinned. "I think we should wait right here."

He took her hand and sat down on the dry patch of ground at this feet, Elizabeth took a seat between his knees and leaned back against his chest. With his arms wrapped around her, he kissed her temple. "I can't think of a better way to watch the storm roll by."

"Me either." Never in her life did she feel as happy as she did in that moment. She came to Haiti to be a teacher, she never guessed she'd potentially leave with something more. She turned her head to look at Jack again. "Is this real? Are we really doing this?" She asked hopeful.

"What you and me?" She nodded. "Yes. You okay with that?"

"Yes."