One week later…

Julie Thatcher sat in the art studio at her college in Poughkeepsie, New York. She'd spent the last 4 hours tirelessly working on a large scale painting. Her hair was a mess and she just knew if she only were to look in a mirror, she'd see a smear of blue paint across her forehead.

"There you are!" Julie's roommate and best friend Scarlett walked in. "I've been calling and texting you. I was worried someone kidnapped you," she laughed.

"Sadly no. That would give me an excuse not to finish this ridiculous assignment."

"What was the assignment exactly?" Scarlett asked, tilting her head to see the painting from another angle.

"One word. Rebirth."

"Oh. That's a little ambiguous."

"That's my professor. And of course he already knows what it is he wants but heaven forbid he share it with us!"

Scarlett laughed. "I get it. I mean, not entirely because I'm a chemistry major. Things pretty much are what they are."

"Lucky."

"Come on, let's get out of here. You need a break."

"I guess I am hungry."

"I bet!" she laughed. "We could have grabbed food an hour ago with the guys if you would have just answered your phone. I called and messaged you like 6 times."

"No you didn't, I would have heard it."

"See for yourself."

Julie wiped the wet paint off her hands and grabbed her phone. "Gosh, you're right. Aw, I got an email from Beth!"

"Nice! How's Haiti treating her?"

Julie's eyes got wide as she read the email.

"What is it? Is she okay?" Scarlett asked frantically.

Julie started laughing. "Oh, she's better than okay. Look at this." Julie turned her phone around to show off a picture Elizabeth had sent. It was a selfie of her with Jack standing behind her, one of his strong arms wrapped around her clavicle, holding her close.

"Wow! He's handsome! Who is he?"

"My sisters new beau apparently."

"You're kidding? Little Miss "I don't need a man" found a man?! And in Haiti!"

"Yup! And a fireman to boot. Well done, Beth! Well done!"

Back in Haiti…

The school term had officially started, making Elizabeth delightfully busy. She taught a group of about 25 kids each day speaking in both French and English. Sometimes, their parents would stick around. At first she thought they were checking up on her or their student. But soon she realized that they too wanted to learn.

Hopes Landing was far enough away from the city that many had grown up learning a trade and not as many but some had missed out on a chance to learn to read or write. She didn't mind the extra students. Frank even applauded her on her ability to teach them, without making them feel small. It was like having teaching assistants. With 25 kids at varying ages, the extra help was appreciated at times.

A short distance from the pavilion, Jack stood in Frank's office for their weekly meeting. They were busy talking about how construction was progressing and what would be needed to finish the tasks already underway.

"It's all looking great, Jack. Even the new school house has come along well."

"Thanks. We're trying our best." Jack smiled. He hadn't told him yet that he and Elizabeth had officially become an item, though he suspected Frank already knew. Regardless, the respectful thing was to tell him.

"Is there anything else you have for me?" There was a sparkle in his eyes when he asked.

Jack smiled. "Actually, sir, there is." He cleared his throat. "Remember that hypothetical discussion we had before. Regarding relationships?"

"I do." Frank grinned. He knew where this was going.

"Elizabeth and I have chosen to take our friendship further. We're together now."

"Good!" Frank laughed. "I was hoping this would happen. I can't imagine a better match."

"Thanks. We're taking our time right now and doing whatever we can to get to know each other better. She's amazing though. I feel so lucky as it is."

"Good for you both. I trust you to use good judgment as you proceed."

"Yes, sir, thank you. The work we are each doing here at Hopes Landing is important. To the both of us."

"I have no doubt."

Jack walked out of Frank's office a few minutes later. Glancing over, he could see Elizabeth standing in front of the cracked chalkboard teaching the days lesson. Her captivating smile held his attention.

Look at her. She's amazing. Completely in her element here. The kids certainly seem to love her.

His eyes studied the large crack that went down the middle of the chalkboard. It didn't seem to get in the way of her doing her job, just wasn't as nice to look at.

I really should see what I can do to fix that. The kids deserve better than that. She deserves better.

"Okay, class!" Elizabeth placed her chalk on the bottom lip of the chalkboard. "I believe it is time for lunch. I'll see you back in an hour. Le temps de manger. Revenir dans une heure."

They all scattered off, waving goodbye to her as they went. When the coast was clear, Jack walked over. His pace quick, like a man on a mission.

"Good afternoon, Miss Thatcher."

She spun around, more than happy to see his handsome face.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Thornton."

Taking a look around and seeing no one, Jack took a few more steps to stand in front of her. He leaned in and kissed her soft, full lips.

"I've been wanting to do that since I woke up this morning."

Elizabeth giggled. "Then maybe you shouldn't have skipped breakfast. I missed you."

"I didn't mean to! My alarm is a joke. I wrote Rosie to send me another."

"Good," she giggled more. "I like our meals together."

"So do I. Do you have time for lunch now or do you have some more prep to do?"

"I do have some prep work but I'm starving," she sighed.

"Well, what if I go grab food and bring it back? We can eat together right here."

"You'd do that?"

"For you, anything." He kissed her once more then jogged off.

Elizabeth turned back to her work, saying a silent prayer of thanksgiving for Jack. She'd never felt so treasured as she had with him over the short time they'd been together. It was a joy she never wanted to end.

"Looks like someone's happy." Faith walked up grinning. "You two are ridiculously cute together."

"No we're not!" Elizabeth stood, hands on her hips. "How could we be? We're completely normal in public."

"Right… you mean to tell me that all the smiles and stolen glances I've witnessed over the last week aren't for real? And by the way, I totally just saw you two kiss. Twice."

Elizabeth blushed.

"Aw, you're blushing deep. I don't think I've seen you do that before."

Elizabeth shook her head. "It's silly, I know."

"No, sweetie this is wonderful. This is how it's supposed to feel. I'm so happy for you."

"Hey, Faith!" Jack greeted warmly as he rushed back and took a seat by Elizabeth with two small boxes of food from the mess hall. "What'd I miss?"

"Not much. We were just talking about what a cute couple you are."

"Oh," Jack smiled over at his girlfriend. "I think so too."

Now Elizabeth's blush was as red as the inside of a watermelon.

The three conversed for a while as they each finished their meals. But soon it was time to get back to work. The students were returning to the pavilion and a truck full of people from a village 20 miles out had just pulled in for the clinic.

"Back to the salt mines," Faith teased. "Have a good day, guys."

"Bye!" they said together.

"I should be going too." He looked at the kids that had already come back from lunch. "I guess I shouldn't kiss you right now, huh?"

"Probably not." Her eyes twinkled as they drifted from his. She couldn't believe how hard and fast she'd fallen for him. "Maybe I can make it up to you tonight?"

"After dinner, at our spot?" he whispered as of it was a secret, the biggest grin stretching across his sun tanned face.

"Exactly."

"See you then." He squeezed her hand and headed back to the day's jobsite.

….

Faith hurried back into the clinic and grabbed her stethoscope from the hook on the office wall. Carson sat with one of the men who'd just arrived, struggling to understand what it was the man was telling him.

"Faith, I need a hand."

"Of course, what is it?"

"This man, Victor, is trying to tell me something but for the life of me I can't understand. I feel horrible about this. Each time I ask him he tries but I'm not getting it."

"You speak French, don't you?"

"I do, but I don't think that's what he's speaking. Not completely anyway."

Curious, Faith walked over. "Bonjour. How are you feeling?" She listened to the man speak but even she understood very little. "Un moment."

Faith excused herself and called down the hall for Lynn. Immediately the older nurse hurried over.

"What do you need, dear?"

"This is Victor. He's trying to tell us what's wrong but Carson and I are struggling to understand."

Lynn smiled. "Okay youngins. Step aside." A moment later she came back over. "That was Creole you were hearing."

"But I heard French words!" Carson argued, feeling defeated.

"Yeah, you'll get that. English words too sometimes. Victor here is having problems with his head and stomach. I can take this case if you or Faith finish up with the woman in room 3. Pretty simple. Just a cut that could use stitches."

"I'll take care of that. Carson can help you here if you need anything." Faith touched Carson's arm and disappeared down the hall.

Lynn smiled as she watched the young doctor's gaze fixed where Faith had just been. "She's a nice girl. You two would be good together."

"Who? Me and Faith? No, no, I'm not looking for anyone."

"Aren't you? Regardless it doesn't change the fact that you're here, she's here and there's a look about you."

Carson stood perplexed.

"Just think about it, dear boy." She winked.

….

Elizabeth couldn't remember ever feeling so exhausted. Once her lessons for the day were complete, a number of children stayed behind to play soccer in the field near the pavilion. Every day they'd ask her to play with them and every day she would politely decline, wanting to finish up her lesson plans for the following day. Today however was different. She decided to give it a go.

She had a great time laughing and chasing after kids and a ball. She knew she'd feel every muscle in her legs tomorrow though. Now she laid on the cool concrete in the evening shade of the pavilion.

"Hey, angel," Jack said with a laugh. "Should I even ask how your day went?"

She held her hand up towards him. "Help, please."

Taking her hands he pulled her up and against his chest. "How's this?"

There's those darn butterflies again…

"Much… better…" She was flustered being this close to him. Not that she wanted to change anything about the situation.

"Good. Shall we go grab something to eat?" She nodded.

They walked side by side into the dining hall. The smell of typical Haitian spices filled their senses as soon as they got in line.

"Wow, that smells good!" Elizabeth closed her eyes. "I've been loving the food this week. It's nothing like we eat at home." Since the youth group headed back to the states, the women of the village took back over preparing meals in the kitchen. That meant authentic Haitian cuisine.

"What kind of food do you eat at home?"

"Well, in college I would eat anything and everything. When Faith and I went out, that was. My family eats pretty normal American food. What about you?"

"Well, with my mom, you never know what you're going to get. She's not much of a cook. She come from a wealthy family. Her mom didn't have to cook and never taught her. It was a blow to the family ego when she met and fell in love with my dad."

"But they were happy right? Your mom and dad?"

"Very. Never seen anyone more in love." Except maybe me… he thought to himself.

After getting their meals, they sat at a table near the back wall with their friends, each talking about their day. They were nearly done when suddenly a man ran into the dining hall yelling. No one could understand at first. He just seemed frightened and in a hurry. Then Jack's friend Leo ran in behind him.

"Jack, fire! It's the orphanage!"

Jack immediately jumped into fireman mode as he and Carson ran outside toward the smoke. Elizabeth and Faith were right behind them.

As they reached the scene, Jack could see what the problem was. The whole building received its limited power from an old generator on the backside of the building. Something must have short circuited inside it causing the fire. Now a large chunk of the home was in flames. Leo was there again, organizing the men and women to form a bucket brigade.

"Carson, go to the clinic. Set up for burn injuries," Jack yelled as he ran closer.

"Got it! Stay safe."

The women looked at one another.

"I'm going with Jack!" Elizabeth stated.

"Okay." Faith nodded. "I'll head to the clinic."

It didn't take much for Elizabeth to keep up with Jack. She stayed right by his side as they hurried along until he stopped where some of the villagers were congregating. He grabbed her arm gently before speaking.

"Elizabeth take the kids to that tree. Keep them back there no matter what happens understand?"

"Got it!" She gathered the children and lead them away. It was a hard task as they each clung to her for comfort.

Jack took off the outer layer of his shirt and dunked it in water to hold over his mouth. He turned to Sophia, a Haitian woman in her 30's who was one of the caregivers there. "Anyone inside?"

"Yes! Four of the boys were in their room when it started. We couldn't get to them! The fire, Jack, it's like a wall."

"I'll get them. Go stay with Elizabeth and the kids." Without looking back he ran around the side toward the back. He broke a window and climbed inside.

Elizabeth felt as if she'd been stabbed in the gut watching Jack running into the burning building. She had to remind herself that this was who he was. He was a fireman. Even if he wasn't, he wasn't the kind of man that would leave innocent children to fend for themselves.

One of the children who looked to be about 5 kept calling out to Sophia, but she wouldn't move. She just stayed right where she'd stood talking to Jack as if paralyzed. Listening to sounds of crashing glass and the roaring fire.

"Sophia," Elizabeth said approaching the woman. "Come sit with us."

The woman shook her head. "Lizzie, this is my home… I just can't and watch..."

"No," she interrupted. "Sophia look at these kids. They need you to be with them. To help them feel safe. Please?"

Sophia looked back, all those little eyes watching her. "Alright."

Inside the building, Jack moved low along the wall as he made his way to the boys room. He'd been here numerous times before, reading stories, drawing or playing games with the kids. He knew exactly where to go. That was, if they were still there.

"Hello?" Jack yelled as he got closer. "Boys, its Jack." He had been right to go through the back way because the hallway near the front was completely engulfed. "Lord, help me find them. Help me get them out." He knew in his heart he wouldn't leave without them.

The fire was spreading fast. It was such an old building, it wouldn't take much. As the fire moved upward covering the ceiling, Jack knew he had to act fast.

"Boys!" He yelled again before breaking into a coughing fit. "Tell me where you are!"

"Here! Jack, we're here!"

"Sid!" Jack yelled, recognizing the 8 year old's voice. "Keep talking to me. Don't stop. I'm coming!"

Sixty seconds later Jack knelt in front of 4 terrified little boys. They'd tried to get out but couldn't. Instead they took cover in a linen closet, praying someone would find them.

"Is anyone else with you?"

"No," they said.

"Okay, let's go! Stay close."

Outside Elizabeth held one of the smallest girls, Marie, in her arms, rocking her back and forth. She sang the hymn, "Come thou Fount" over and over again. It was one of her favorites.

Please Lord, bring Jack and those boys out. Please. I know we've just met, but I can't lose him!

She prayed over and over again in her head. If her eyes weren't on the children they were fixed on the flames.

Carson and Faith ran back. The clinic was set. As Carson checked on some of the men trying to put on the fire from the front, he could tell he'd need to do some work. Minor burns covered the hands of the men furthest up on the water line. They needed to stop.

"It's too much. Go. Pull back!" Carson yelled.

"No!" Leo yelled back. "Not until Jack and the boys come out."

"Jack's still inside there?" Carson turned white.

"Yes!"

Suddenly the whole front of the building collapsed. Carson dove forward, pulling Leo and two others away and knocking them to the ground.

"You alright?" he asked them. With help he pulled them further away from the flames. "Get back, it's too dangerous!"

"But the boys!" someone yelled.

"I'll see what I can do." Carson ran around the building. Maybe if he could see a way in, he could go in and give Jack a hand. He wasn't a fireman but he could at least do something.

"Carson! No!" Faith cried out. He ignored her and kept going.

"Hey!"

Carson looked up just as Jack emerged from the house. Two kids in front of him and two more in his arms. He ran forward taking one of the boys from Jack.

"You scared me!"

"Yeah. Sorry about that." Jack sighed placing one of the boys on the ground. He was exhausted. Faith and Elizabeth ran towards them. "Faith can you take him?" He gestured to the smallest boy in his arms.

"Of course."

Faith took the terrified child from Jack. As she did, he felt his strength evaporate. Collapsing to the ground seemed like a better option than standing. Just then Elizabeth flung her arms around Jack, holding him tight. Feeling her touch gave him a renewed strength.

"Are you alright?" she whispered.

"Better now." He held her, letting himself rest a bit in her arms. She smelled like spring flowers after a rain. It was like a balm to his senses. "Carson, they need to be checked for burns and smoke inhalation."

"Got it!" he nodded.

"Have them drink lots of fluids and…"

"Jack, we got this." Carson assured him. "What about you? Are you okay?"

With the adrenaline beginning to wear off Jack took a moment to assess himself. "I think so. My chest hurts right here." He pointed.

"Jack you're bleeding!" Elizabeth gasped.

"What? No…" He looked down confused. "Oh I guess that makes sense." He wiped a bit of the black soot from his face.

"What makes sense? What happened, man?" Carson questioned as he ushered them towards the clinic. They were followed by some of the other men who'd suffered minor burns.

Jack allowed Elizabeth to wrap her arms around him as they moved, giving him support as they walked. "Before I got to the boys, part of the ceiling fell. A large beam to be exact. Hurt like heck but then the pain stopped.

"Adrenaline will do that to you." Carson sighed.

Lynn rushed off the porch with a few others toward them as they reached the clinic.

"What have we got?"

"Those men have burns, mostly on their arms and legs. These kids were trapped inside and need a full work up. Jack too. He saved them."

"Alright! Let's get to it!"

Elizabeth helped Jack to one of the exam rooms as instructed by Carson.

"Elizabeth, do me a favor?" Jack asked.

"Anything."

"Can you sit with the kids? You should have seen their faces when I found them. They were so scared. I just want them to know its okay now."

Elizabeth looked over. There were some medical staff with them but she knew it wasn't the same. The last thing she wanted to do right now was leave his side, but she knew what was important. Right now, it was the children.

"You're sure you're okay?"

"I'll be fine. I promise."

She looked over her shoulder. With a mischievous grin that Jack had never seen before, she leaned in, pressing her soft warm lips against his. She pulled back slightly before kissing him again. It was short, but deep, a kiss Jack could feel all the way down to his toes.

"I'll be back." He nodded.

Jack watched as she walked away. She sat on one of the exam tables and soon the two smallest kids were fighting for a spot on her lap. Somehow she made room for them both. The two older ones came to sit closer. He watched as the demeanor of the children changed. They felt safe, loved.

There was a peace in Jack's heart then. He knew without a shadow of a doubt that one day he'd marry Elizabeth. No matter what.

Jack's daydreaming was interrupted by the sound of Carson clearing his throat.

"I saw that Romeo," he smirked.

"Saw what?"

"That look, that kiss. My boy's in love, huh?"

Jack brought his finger to his lips. "Don't tell her yet."

"I won't. Just make sure you do someday."

"I'll do that," he laughed.

Carson sat down with a tray of utensils and began examining Jack.

"What are you doing?"

"What does it look like? I'm taking care of you. It's kind of my job."

"Nope." Jack shook his head. "Take care of the others first. I'm fine."

"No can do. See I knew you'd do this, so to avoid a fight I did go check with the men first. They insisted that the kids and the village hero be taken care of first."

"Oh, come on now. They didn't say that." Jack groaned.

"You calling me a liar?" Carson laughed. "I'm serious. They want you taken care of for what you did. You saved those boys, Jack. They respect you for it."

"Okay fine," he sighed. "Make it quick."

"Don't worry. We're well staffed right now. Everyone will be taken care of in a timely manner."

"Good." Jack looked back over at Elizabeth. Faith was tending to the children while they still sat with her. Probably made Faith's job easier.

"Elizabeth did well." Carson stated, noticing where his friend's focus was. "I think if things work out between you two, she can handle it. You being a firefighter, I mean."

"I was thinking the same thing."

Faith examined each child carefully. Thankfully with the exception of some smoke, they were all doing well.

"How scared were you?" Faith asked Elizabeth. Her voice just above a whisper. "When Jack ran inside."

"Faith, I felt like my whole future was at stake. I know we've only been together a short time but… if anything had happened to him…" She stopped as a few tears ran down her cheek.

"You okay?" Faith rubbed her friends back.

"Yeah. I'm fine."

Over an hour later Sophia came to check on the children. Elizabeth kissed them each on the head and went to be with Jack. Sitting next to his gurney was a bowl of water and a rag. Gingerly she picked it up, dipping it in the warm water.

"May I?" she whispered. "I want to see your face." He nodded and she began to gently wipe grime and soot from his face. Similar to what Jack had seen her do with the children earlier, except this time, she gazed deeply into his green eyes. They were even brighter in contrast to his skin.

"There," she smiled. "Handsome as ever."

Jack patted the seat next to him on the gurney, which she didn't hesitate to take.

"I know I've said it before, but you really are great with them." Jack nodded to where she had been before with the children.

"They're so sweet, Jack. It's easy." She took his hand in hers, watching as their fingers intertwined. "How badly are you hurt?"

"Not really. Just a bruised rib or two and have a laceration to the skin there. Nothing a couple hours…"

"I said a week!" Carson chimed in as he re-entered the exam room.

"Fine. Nothing a weeks rest wont cure."

"Oh, thank goodness," she sighed.

Jack smiled at the level of concern she felt for him. "You were worried?"

"You're kidding me right?" she glared.

Jack chuckled, which made him wince in pain. "Sorry, I know." He kissed her forehead. "I have an idea. The night is still young and Carson isn't letting me do anything for a week. Would you mind helping me walk out of here? I've had enough of this place already."

She turned to Carson. "Is he allowed to leave?"

"Don't ask him. He's not the boss." Jack teased.

"In here I am the boss, and yes he can go but I want him to rest. He's been given some meds so he shouldn't move too much for the next few hours but it's fine if it doesn't want to do that in here."

"Okay." She ran her fingers over his hair. Moving some more out of his eyes. "Think you can manage that, big boy?"

He looked up at her. Her smile could melt away a glacier. "I'll do my best."

"Great!" Carson smirked at his friends. "I entrust him into your capable hands, Nurse Thatcher," He winked.

"Funny, Carson…" she rolled her eyes as he left the room to check on the other patients.

When Elizabeth turned around to gather Jack's things, he hopped off the gurney a little too fast. He leaned against it trying not to fall over.

"Hold it, mister!" Elizabeth wrapped her arm around him. "Lean on me a bit, okay?"

"Like this?" Jack leaned in slightly. Careful not to knock her over. Truthfully, he now felt as if he'd be fine on his own but Elizabeth's arm was already wrapped around him. It was a warmth he didn't care to lose just yet. Or ever really.

"Yeah. Like this." She looked up into his deep green eyes. The eyes of the man she knew would be in her life for a very long time.

They walked out of the clinic and back towards the dorms where they each lived. They took it slow and steady. As they rounded a corner on the dusty dirt road, they saw Frank running towards them.

"Jack! How are you?"

"I'll be just fine, Frank. How are the orphans?"

"They'll be fine as well. We've got them bunking in a couple different places for the time being. The building is a total loss though. I knew we should have replaced that generator but there was never enough money to…"

"Don't blame yourself," Jack cut him off. "I know you. You've done regular maintenance on that thing for forever. Sometimes bad things happen. I'll start rebuilding the building right away."

Frank sighed. "I'm just glad everyone is okay. I'll send a message to our home church in the states. Maybe they can rally up some supplies and clothing for the kids to tide us over."

"That's a great idea. I'll send a message to the church Faith and I attend in Hartford. I'm sure they'll want to help," Elizabeth said.

"Yeah, ours too," Jack added. Referring to his and Carson's church in Seattle.

"Bless you two, that's wonderful." Frank smiled. "I'll let you go rest, Jack. Do you need me to help here or do you have it, Elizabeth?"

"I've got this. You go take care of the others."

"Alright. Take care, guys."

After Frank left, Elizabeth looked up at Jack, kissing his cheek softly. "Where to? You want to go nap or to the common area? Or we could play a game or something."

"Actually, neither."

"Jack, I'm not letting you do any work tonight. I don't care if you think you can boss people around from a chair."

"Tempting, but no," he chuckled. "The night's still young. Can we go to our spot like we planned?"

Elizabeth bit her lip nervously. "I don't know, Jack. You think you can make it down the hill? It's kind of steep."

"Its downhill. Easiest way is to roll, right?" She glared at him. "Nevermind, I'll be careful."

"Fine, but I'm holding onto you, you hear me?"

"Oh, the length I'll go to get you to make a fuss."

Elizabeth let go for a second and faced him, trying so hard to glare at him.

"You're smirking at me, angel. I can see it under that cute little glare of yours."

"Jack Thornton! You little…" Her hands flew to her hips. Her eyes glared, but her lips were smiling.

"What?" he played innocent.

"Nothing," she laughed. "Come on."

…..

Faith tossed her gloves in the garbage and sighed. It had been a long evening. Carson watched her from a distance as she brushed her slinky-like golden curls out of her face. He'd never seen a more beautiful woman in all his life.

"Talk to her," Lynn whispered from behind him.

Carson let out a breathy laugh. "She scares me, you know?"

"Scares you? Carson, the girl is the most gentle woman I've ever met. What are you afraid of?" He looked down at his shoes. "Ah. You've had your heart broken." He nodded. "Not looking to feel that way again?"

"Yup. And the more I talk to her the easier it will be to fall for her. If I don't fall for her, I can't get my heart broken. See? It's a good plan."

"For who? Not you, that's for sure. And not for her either if you're someone God's put in her path to care for her. Look, dear, I see how she looks at you when you aren't looking. It's the same as you."

"I don't want to risk it."

"Okay then." She placed the last of her charts in a drawer. "Thing is, Carson, your heart's hurting now as it is. Maybe she can help heal it."

With that, she walked off. "You ready, Faith?"

"Sure, Lynn." She smiled. "Night, Carson. See you tomorrow."

"Night, Faith. You, um, you were awesome tonight."

"You too," she smiled.

…...

Down by the water, the sky had turned dark as the stars filled the space above them. With his arm securely around Elizabeth, Jack held her as close as his sore ribs would allow. They sat leaning back against a fallen tree saying very little. They just enjoyed being with each other as their lantern cast a small light in front of them.

"You alright?" Jack asked, kissing the top of her head. "You're quiet."

"Sorry. I'm not trying to be."

"It's okay. I just wanted to make sure you were okay. It was a crazy night."

She nodded. She wanted to talk to him about the evening and all that had transpired, but wasn't sure she should. Finally, with a breath she started. "You scared me, you know."

"I know. I'm sorry." He wrapped both arms around her now, wanting her to feel safe and secure.

"I guess this is what your life is like, huh? As a fireman you probably find yourself in harm's way a lot."

This was a conversation Jack had been dreading. He knew enough by watching his parents that jobs like his took a toll on relationships. His parents had managed well, but it wasn't like that for everyone. Afraid of where this might lead, he swallowed hard and continued.

"It's less than you may think, but yes. Thing is, I'm good at what I do. I have a group of good men around me when I go in. Not like it was tonight."

She nodded, but Jack could hear her sniffle in his arms as she fought her tears.

"Oh, angel, I'm sorry about today. I really am. I know it may have seemed reckless, but I had to do it."

"I know. You're a good man, Jack Thornton. I am so proud of you."

That warmed his heart completely. This woman in his arms was truly amazing. "Thanks."

She looked up, smirking at him again. "Just next time, be more careful. If anything ever happened to you I'd…"

"You'd what?" he asked playfully.

"Let's just say I'd be very angry at you." They laughed, causing Jack to wince again. "Oh no! I'm sorry!"

"It's okay. And consider that warning received loud and clear."

"Good." Elizabeth adjusted herself in Jack's arms so she was facing him. She stared into his eyes then down to his perfectly inviting lips. Without another word, Jack leaned forward, taking her by surprise as he kissed her. She moaned with delight, welcoming him in deeper as his hands roamed up her back and back down to her hips. He pulled back to look her in the eyes. The dim light of the lantern made them look like deep ocean pools, completely captivating him.

"I love you, Elizabeth," he whispered.

"I love you too."