Curled up under a big blanket and Jack's fire department hoodie, Elizabeth read one of the new books she had purchased recently. The family's study was warmed by the dancing fireplace. This was her favorite spot inside the house. She'd spend many nights over the past week there, waiting and talking to Jack since he returned to work at the fire station.
Tonight, like the other nights, her laptop sat open on the coffee table while she waited for word from Jack. He was working again tonight, like most nights. He did his best to skype her when he could between calls. The 3 hour time difference was hard on them when it came to communicating. At lunch earlier with Faith, she had expressed that she and Carson were feeling the strain as well.
That morning, Elizabeth and Faith gave their presentation to the church about their service in Haiti. Everyone in the congregation was encouraging and excited to learn more and pray over them for what the next few months would bring for them as well as Hopes Landing. Everyone except for Elizabeth's father however. He still wasn't sold on all this. Though he kept his mouth silent for the most part, his feelings were clear. Elizabeth could always read him like a book. His eyes were his tell.
Her computer ding caught her attention and brought her back to reality. To her disappointment, it wasn't a message from Jack, but Trent. The second he'd sent since her return. He'd tried calling her a few times too, but she was always out with Faith or Vi. Out of politeness, she tried to return his call, but he was in class at the time.
Opening the email she sighed. He didn't seem to understand that they were no longer together.
Sorry we keep missing each other. This year is so challenging yet rewarding. I know I'm learning a lot that will benefit the future. How are you enjoying your time at home? I can't wait to see you. We break for the Christmas holiday soon and then I'll be in Hartford till after the New Year. Plenty of time to catch up.
I've been meaning to ask, did Viola give you my letter? I mean every word of it, Beth. Looking forward to seeing you soon.
Yours, Trent
She hadn't opened the letter. It was still sitting in her bag where she left it after Vi had given it to her.
The laptop chimed the skype tune and Elizabeth jumped up to accept the call.
"Hi!"
"Hey,angel. Oh, you're beautiful."
"Your screen resolution must be off," she laughed. "I'm exhausted, my hair's up in a ponytail and I'm wearing your hoodie."
"Like I said, beautiful. Don't argue with the man that loves you on this one."
"Fair enough." She could feel herself blushing. "How's work?"
"Not too bad. Weather's getting pretty gross out there. Lots of snow and freezing rain. I have a feeling we'll be pretty busy over the next few days. Lots of car accidents and such."
"Sounds scary."
"We do what we can."
"I know. I'm proud of you," she sighed. "I miss you, Jack. So much."
"I miss you too. Any luck with your dad?"
"No," she groaned. "He's being his typical belligerent self."
"Maybe I can help when I'm there."
"You'll still come even if it's like entering the lion's den?"
"I'll go anywhere for you, angel. Always. We'll make this work."
"I love you. I can't wait to see you again."
"I know. I already got my ticket and cleared it with the station. It's happening."
"Just not soon enough."
A light knock rapped on the study's door frame. Elizabeth tore her eyes off the screen to see who it was.
"Hi, Mom."
"Hi, dear. Just checking in." She glanced and saw Jack on the screen. "Oh, sorry. I'll leave you be."
"Oh, that's okay. Would you like to come meet Jack?"
She hesitated. "Are you sure?"
"Yes! Come." Elizabeth slid over on the couch, giving her mother room. "Jack, this is my mom, Grace Thatcher."
"Hi, Mrs. Thatcher. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Hello, Jack. How are you?"
"I'm doing well. Though to be blunt, I miss your daughter a great deal."
His honest confession made Grace smile. "I can say for certainty that she misses you as well. It will be nice to have you here as a guest for some time."
"I appreciate that. I can't wait."
There was some commotion in the background as a few of Jack's fellow fireman walked behind him.
"Where are you exactly?" Grace asked.
"I'm at work right now in the firehouse. We just did dinner and clean up so we've got some down time. That is until we get the next call."
"Do you get called a lot?"
"Depends on the day. I expect we'll get a call in a bit here."
Grace nodded. "So Jack, are you enjoying your time at home? Elizabeth said you were spending time with your sister and mother? I'm sure they were thrilled to see you."
"They were, yes. I had been away longer than Elizabeth, so it was time. My mom really missed me. My sister too I think," he said with a laugh. "Rosie's actually getting married later this year and is neck deep in plans for that. I've helped a little here and there but she's got a pretty good handle on it all. I'm basically moral support."
"That's what I was for Vi. She really didn't need me, but it was nice to help still."
Just as Jack opened his mouth to speak, the alarm blared away in the station.
"Go time. Love you!" Before she could respond, the screen went dark. Elizabeth closed to the screen to her computer with a sigh.
Grace draped her arm around her daughter. "That was sudden. Does he do that often?"
Elizabeth shrugged. "Sometimes yeah. He texts me when he gets back so I know he's okay, which I appreciate. It's hard though, different than when we were in Haiti."
"What do you think of his line of work?"
She thought for a moment. "It scares me, but I know he's good at what he does and doing what he's been called to do. That, and I love him."
"He seems like a wonderful young man."
"I wish Dad could see it. He still doesn't want to hear about him. It's infuriating."
"Give him time, dear."
"And what if time doesn't do anything?"
"Then… in the end you make the decision that you feel is best for you. I trust you, Beth. You have my support, whatever you decide."
"Thanks, Mom."
With a kiss goodnight, Grace headed up the large staircase to the home's master bedroom. William was already there sitting in the big leather armchair reading his book before bed. Or at least that's what he had been doing. Now he sat there, head bowed and snoring lightly with his book in his lap. The sight made Grace smile. She loved this man. Even with his stubborn streak.
Walking towards him, she knelt down and took the book, placing it back on the shelf nearby.
"Gracie?" he whispered. "Hi."
"Hi." She smiled. "Good book?"
"Good enough." He smiled back. "Where have you been? It's getting late. You're usually the first one of us to bed."
"I was downstairs with Beth. She invited me to skype with her and Jack." William groaned. "Will, please."
"Gracie, no. Tell me honestly, is this what you want for our Beth? Married to a man that risks his life on a daily basis? Just imagine what could happen."
"I don't think that fear is important to her."
"Maybe it should be. She needs to think about what makes the most sense. I want her to be cared for Gracie. I… I can't bear the thought of her getting hurt."
"What if it's you doing the hurting?"
"Me, she will forgive in time, and in the end she will have a life that she deserves."
"Will, I gave her my support tonight."
"Support?"
"Regarding Jack."
"Grace! How could you?"
She got up without a word and changed for bed. When she came out of the master bathroom, William was still sitting there in his chair, a stern, sulky look on his face.
"Will, I just want you to think about this. Beth isn't the only one in this family whose father didn't agree with the man she chose to love." He looked up. "I know what it's like. I didn't talk to my parents for almost 2 years. I don't want that for her. Please, just think about this."
"Ok," he whispered, then watched as his beautiful wife climbed into bed. He'd take her words into consideration, but still, he felt he was right.
….
It had been over an hour since Jack abruptly ended the call with Elizabeth. She waited on bated breath for his text. The text that would let her know he was okay.
With her book long forgotten on the end of the couch, she gathered her things and headed up to her room.
Laying in her bed, she played with her figure-eight, infinitely necklace. The one Jack had made for her.
"Come on, Jack. Please? I need you to be okay."
Her mind raced over countless reasons as to why he hadn't reached out since the call. Maybe there was paperwork that needed his attention. Maybe whatever the call was made it so he had to shower, like he had been covered in soot or something. The thing she tried not to think about was if he was hurt or… something worse.
After another hour past, her worry paved the way for her exhausted heart to sleep.
Her phone dinged and she lunged off the bed towards it.
"Hello?"
"Hey."
"Jack! Are you alright?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. Sorry about earlier."
"It's okay. What happened?"
Jack groaned. "There was a fire at an apartment building in the old district. There's a reason no one makes apartments like that anymore. They go up fast. Over half the trucks in the city were there."
"Is everyone okay?"
"A few minor injuries but all the residents should be okay. Minus the fact that they lost their homes tonight. Red Cross was there. They'll help out at least."
"That's good. You sound tired."
"Yeah. I am. I should clean up a bit in case another call comes in. I just wanted you to know I was okay."
"Thank you. I love you, Jack. I'm… proud of you."
"Thanks, angel. Talk to you soon, okay? I love you."
"I love you."
…..
The next morning, Carson woke up in the garage apartment of his parent's home. It didn't make sense to rent his own place while serving in Haiti. Especially since once he was done, he'd be back at Baylor completing his Medical degree.
He grabbed his phone off the night stand and clicked Faith's number. Starting the morning hearing her voice was a better jolt than coffee in his opinion.
"Well hello, handsome." Faith's cheery voice rang out like his favorite tune through the receiver.
"Hey, gorgeous. I miss you."
"I miss you too. What are your plans for the day?"
"Not much. Talk to you, study some. Gotta keep up with everything so I don't completely flop when I get back to school. What about you?"
"Not much. Probably filling out a few more applications for after Haiti."
"Where are you looking?"
"Everywhere. Boston Memorial, Hartford Hospital, a couple in New York."
"Baylor?"
"Yeah," she felt her cheeks turn crimson. "I have looked into that one too."
"Good. You should."
"Sure you'd want to put up with me on your home turf?"
"More than sure, Faith. I want you with me after Haiti. The past two weeks have shown me just how much."
"Well then, I'll get that application in tonight."
….
Jack pulled into his parking spot outside his apartment building just after 8 AM, tired and ready for a good long nap. The night shift seemed to last eternity. There were two more fires and a pile up on the icy highway.
With his bag slung over his shoulder he walked into his aunt's diner. "Hey, Abigail."
"Jack! How was your shift?"
"Long. Could I have some breakfast before I go upstairs and crash?"
"Want you're favorite?"
"Huevos rancheros, sounds awesome."
"Coming up. Clara, get this man some coffee."
Before Jack looked up, Clara, his cousin's wife was there was a fresh pot of coffee for him.
"Thanks, Clara. Pete left the station a little before me. Should be home now."
"He just messaged me actually."
"I know he does that," Jack smiled. "I've been doing that with Elizabeth too. Even though she's not physically here."
"I bet she appreciates it. Its can be hard not knowing. Unfortunately for her she can't see you like I can see Pete."
"I know. All in good time."
"You think she'll move here?"
"I don't know for sure. Maybe. We have a lot to talk about in regards to our future. What I do know is that we both want a future together, whatever it looks like."
"Good. It's about time." Clara waved at the new group of customers that had just walked in. "Back to work. Let me know if you need anything."
"Thanks."
Taking a sip of his coffee, Jack pulled out his phone and went through the pictures of Elizabeth that he'd saved there. His heart ached for her. Whatever the next year held for them, they would be together, that much was sure. It had only been a week and his whole body yearned for her.
His phone buzzed, Elizabeth had sent him a selfie of herself from that morning. She was dressed in a grey pea coat, blue scarf and hat with her curls hanging haphazardly from underneath it. The text under the picture read, "It's freezing. Wish you were here to keep me warm."
Jack texted back, "That's a job I'd gladly take. You look beautiful, btw."
"Where's my picture?" She texted back with a sad face.
"You don't want to see me. I'm just getting off a long shift and I haven't showered."
"I don't care. I want to see the man I love."
"K. Don't say I didn't warn you." He took a picture and sent it with the caption, "Here's your prince charming."
His phone beeped again. "My very sexy prince charming. I'm spending the day with Faith but I'll be around later. You?"
"Sleeping is all I have on my schedule. Then another shift tonight."
"You work too hard."
"I work just hard enough. Skype later?"
"Definitely."
After breakfast, Jack took the stairs to his apartment. His neighbor and fellow fireman left a note on his door.
"A large package came for you. I have it."
Jack smiled. He knew what the package was. He went over and knocked on Mike's door. The door opened a moment later.
"Hey. Just getting ready for the gym. How was last night's shift?"
"Eventful, but okay. You on tonight?"
"Yup. Figured I'll go work out at the gym and then take a late nap later. Here for your package?"
"Yeah. Thanks for stashing it for me."
"No worries. It looked like another frame. Didn't want it getting smashed."
"I appreciate it. I'm looking forward to this one."
"Here it is." Mike slid the large package out and handed it to Jack. "What's going in this one? A picture from Haiti?"
"Yup. My best one."
"Awesome. I'll come see it later."
Jack said goodbye and carried the frame into his apartment and into the office. As tired as he was, bedtime would have to wait just a bit longer. Turning on the computer and large scale printer, Jack prepared the photo for printing. Twenty minutes later, with the photo in its frame now hanging on the wall, he stood back and smiled.
"My angel," he whispered before headed to bed.
…..
Faith pulled into the parking lot of Barnes and Noble and parked right next to Elizabeth's car. The two had decided to spend the day together. First, enjoying coffee and books and then looking for new clothes. Faith had told Elizabeth she needed something new for whenever she saw Carson again. The date for which they still hadn't discussed.
"Hey! You ready?"
"For coffee and books?" Elizabeth asked with a grin. "Always."
Later the two friends sat at a table by the electric fireplace. Each with a large stack of books in front of them, sipping their coffee.
Faith took a bit of the yummy treat they had gotten to share.
"So did you read it yet?"
"Read what?"
"The letter from Trent. I'm dying to know."
"Not yet. I have it here though."
"Oh! We're totally doing this."
"Why? What's the point?"
"The point is you need to get it over with. Rip it off like a band aid, girl. Sooner you address this, the sooner you can just put it all behind you and just be you and Jack."
"It is just me and Jack."
"Not if Trent's out there harboring feelings for you. You know him. He won't just walk away. Sooner or later you will have to end it for him."
Elizabeth let out a harsh breath. "You're right. I know you're right. Why can't this all be over like it was before? Or at least like I thought it was."
"Beats me. Maybe your dad has something to do with it."
"That thought has crossed my mind. I think that the other thing that bothers me here is Dad is being so difficult. Every time I try to talk about Jack with him he changes the subject. He has to face this! It's not going away!"
"I don't envy you here. I'm grateful my parents can't seem to wait to meet Carson. They're bugging me everyday about when I'll invite him to come visit."
"That's great! So why haven't you?"
"I don't know. Big step I guess."
"Do you want him to come and meet your parents?"
"Yeah, I think I really do."
"Well then ask him, silly."
"Fine. I'll consider asking Carson if you open that letter that's burning a hole in your purse."
"Deal." She reached into her bag and pulled out the envelope. "Maybe I should just toss this."
"Seriously?" Faith laughed. "Here, give me." She took the letter and opened it. Elizabeth didn't argue. Whatever got this ordeal behind her was fine with her. She watched intently as Faith read the incased note. "Oh boy," Faith sighed.
"What? That bad?"
"Here, you read it. I'll get you another coffee." Elizabeth took the letter in her hands.
"My Dear Beth,
I'm missing you so much right now. However, the miles between us don't take away the depth of my feelings for you.
I'm sitting here, nearly done with this semester of law school and I have incredible news. Your father has offered me a job in his firm when I've passed the bar. He supports us and sees it as a way to assist in securing our future together. I see this as an unbelievable chance that I will not refuse.
I am so looking forward to seeing you for the holidays. I'd love to take you to dinner and rekindle what we had before and make plans for our life together. My hope is that you remember our time together and keep that hope in mind as we get to know each other again.
I will be in touch, Beth.
Yours always,
Trent"
"Faith!" Elizabeth called out to the counter where her friend was waiting for their coffee. "Get me a cookie too."
Faith laughed. "Already on it."
…..
Elizabeth returned home that afternoon with two bags and a lot of questions. She was so grateful for Faith and her friendship. The two talked at length over how best to handle the situation with Trent.
Wearily she climbed the stairs to her room, flopping hard on the bed when she reached it.
"Long day?" Her mother asked from the door with a loving smile.
"Sort of. It was good though."
"I'm glad. May I?" Grace pointed to the bags.
"Yes! I think you'll like what I picked out."
"I'm sure. You've always had good taste, my dear."
Elizabeth showed her mom the dresses, tops and jeans she got. She explained to her mom which outfits were for home and which she was planning to bring back to Haiti with her.
"Oh, I almost forgot. You got a call today from the headmaster of Chilton."
"Chilton? Why?"
"He didn't say. Just that you should call him at your earliest convenience. Maybe he wants you to talk to the students about your work in Haiti. I know I number of people were really quite impressed with the talk you gave at church."
"Oh, maybe. I'll give him a call now before I forget."
"I'll leave you to it."
Grace closed the door behind her as Elizabeth grabbed for her phone. With a quick google search, she found the number for the main office of the preparatory school and called.
"Chilton Preparatory, this is Mrs. Chandler. How may I help you?"
"Good afternoon. I'm calling for Headmaster Collins. My name is Elizabeth Thatcher."
"Oh yes. One moment please."
Elizabeth paced the floor while she waited. The soft elevator like music that played over the phone made her think of her time at the school. Plaid skirts and vest, the very epitome of privilege. Not the place she wanted to return. However, she could if it were just for a talk like her mom had thought. Exposing the students to a world outside of their large fancy homes and high class existence would be a good reason indeed.
"Ms. Thatcher?" the headmaster said in his strong voice.
"Headmaster Collins, hello."
"Hello there! So good to hear from you. I trust you are resting up well from your journey?"
"I am yes. The time off is being very good to me."
"Wonderful. I've heard great things from a few of our teachers here about the talk you gave on Sunday to the congregation. My wife was in attendance as well. I dare say you and your friend had her mesmerized by how you spoke of that little village."
"It's truly a remarkable place. I've enjoyed my time there."
"That's good to hear. Now I was wondering if you would be ready now to set up time to come in for an interview with us."
"An interview?"
"Of course. Now if you'd like a little more time to settle into your surroundings I understand. Acclimating and all that can take some time."
"Oh, right. Yes."
"The position we have available is Mr. Sutton's English Lit class. I have no doubt you would fit nicely there, however as I explained to your father there are procedures in place for a reason."
"My father?"
"It's all a formality really. We've known you and your family for years and would love nothing more to bring you onto staff here."
"Right…" Elizabeth felt her stomach growing more and more unsettled as she took it all in.
"I have some time available this week or if you'd rather we can set up time for the following week." Elizabeth couldn't find her voice. "Or would you prefer I call back another time?"
"Headmaster Collins, I appreciate you taking time out of your day for this. If you'd excuse me, I just have a few details to look into. I will call you back soon."
"Of course, of course. Mr. Sutton won't be leaving for Oxford till the end of the year so there is plenty of time. Good day Ms. Thatcher."
"Yes, good day, Headmaster."
Elizabeth grabbed her purse and marched down the stairs. Grace was sitting in the sun room, and noticed the determined look on her middle daughter's face.
"Beth?"
"I'm going to see Dad." She walked over and kissed her mother's cheek. "I love you."
"Love you too, dear." She watched as Elizabeth slid into her car and drove out of the drive. "Oh dear, William. What did you do now?
….
The first thing Jack did after waking up from his deep sleep was to call Elizabeth. In his sleep he dreamed of them being back together. Walking hand in hand along the sandy beaches in Haiti. The feeling it left him with was that of a full heart, though one that was desperate to hold his love again. Unfortunately, there was no answer when he called.
"Hey, Angel, it's me. Just wanted to call and let you know I'm thinking of you. Call me back if you can."
He hung up and went in to take a shower before settling in at the computer to go through more of the thousands of photos he'd taken while at Hopes Landing.
The phone rang. "Elizabeth?"
"No, it's Chief Avery."
"Oh, sorry, sir. What can I do for you?"
"I know you just worked last night and are scheduled to work tonight as well but I'm in a bind. Two suffered minor burns from a fire at a local restaurant. I called in Mike. He's on his way. Any chance you could come in early too?"
"On my way."
"Thanks, Jack. See you soon."
Grabbing a few snacks from the kitchen, Jack headed out the door. He made sure to text Elizabeth to let her know he was going back on duty sooner than expected and might be hard to reach.
….
It took Elizabeth over 40 minutes with traffic to drive to her father's office. By the time she got there, she had calmed some but was still determined to handle this fiasco with her father once and for all. She was done with him avoiding her and the topic of her life.
Elizabeth stepped off the elevator of her father's law firm and was greeted warmly by the main receptionist.
"He has no meetings scheduled at the moment. You can go right back."
"Thank you, Colleen." As she walked back, Elizabeth kept a mantra of positive thoughts running through her head. "You are a strong, capable woman, Elizabeth. He does not control you. You control you. Take your life in your own hands."
Standing outside his corner office door, she knocked. "Come in." She opened and peered in. "Beth! What a pleasant surprise. Come in, come in." He rose from his chair and rushed over to give her a hug. She accepted his hug, then stood back, shoulders squared.
"Dad, we need to talk."
"Of course, Beth. What's on your mind?" He gestured to the seat in front of his desk and went back to sit in his chair. He appeared quite relaxed.
"Well, first off; why is Chilton Academy calling me regarding an interview I didn't ask for?"
"Oh that," he laughed, waving it off. "It was no problem, my dear. Professor Sutton is an old friend and he mentioned taking time off to go back to Oxford. I put a word in for you and they were happy to consider you for the position."
"Why would you do that? I'm going back to Haiti."
"That's still a matter for discussion."
"No, it's my life. Not a matter for discussion."
"Beth, listen to me." He folded his hands and placed them on his desk. His face and tone were stern. He had no intentions of backing down, but neither did she. "Haiti is temporary. You knew that when you left. I'm simply making sure you have the right opportunities for when you return."
"I made a commitment to the people there, Father. My word means something. You taught me that."
"I respect that, Beth, but try and understand. I know what it takes to succeed in this world and I know you best. I'm looking out for your best interests as your father. As always."
"Not from where I'm standing." She stood, her hands firmly placed on her hips.
William met her stance with one of his own. He was unfamiliar with this side of his daughter. He would have been more proud if she wasn't going against his wishes right there.
"I'll be honest with you, Beth. I don't like what I'm seeing right now. You come home with that boy's sweatshirt, wearing it all the time like some love sick school girl. You have been talking to him all hours of the night, planning a future. I've heard you."
"You're spying on me?"
"I'm trying to protect you. You don't even really know him."
"I do know him, Father. It's you who doesn't. Though you could if you'd just give him a chance."
William huffed as he walked around the desk to stand in front of her. "What about Trent? Have you read his letter yet?"
"Yes and that's…" She took a step back. "How do you know about his letter? He gave it to Vi. She said you didn't know anything of it?"
"I know about it because he told me. He wrote it after our last discussion about you two and your future. He's ready and waiting for you. You have to know that. You have to see how perfect this all is."
"Waiting for me? I never asked him to do that!"
"Of course you didn't. Your head's up in the clouds. That's why I've had to step in here and secure your future!"
"I don't want your future!"
"Elizabeth Marie Thatcher. I am your father. I demand you show some respect."
"What about me? I am your daughter. A daughter who has been nothing but obedient and respectful. Doesn't that earn me some respect as well?"
"I will not sit back and watch you ruin your life with this… this man!"
"Choosing love will not ruin my life! I love Jack, Father. I choose Jack!"
"I only give my blessing once! And that blessing is with Trent! I will never accept this!"
"Then I don't need your blessing!" She turned on her heels and walked out. Not giving him another word.
Elizabeth walked into the parking garage across the way from her father's office. Climbing into her car, she noticed the message from Jack about being back on duty. She sighed, tears running down her cheeks.
"I need you, Jack. I wish you were here." She decided to call Jack anyway. He didn't answer, so she left him a message.
….
"I'm going to Seattle." Elizabeth blurted out at her sister's kitchen table that evening.
"You're kidding?"
"No. I'm not. Dad is being insufferable and refuses to see reason. I need Jack in my life. Maybe when Dad realizes just how serious I am, he'll see he has no choice but to try and accept this."
"I see." Viola took a long sip of her wine. She'd only just gotten home a few minutes ago to find her sister in her home, with her bags packed. That was her first clue that this conversation was going to require wine.
Charles was home as well. He'd already heard this from when Elizabeth first arrived and was waiting for Vi. He hadn't said much at first. Now, he felt the need to speak.
"Are you sure you want to leave things with your dad as they are? The damage could be irreparable."
"It's hard, I don't want things to be this way but I have no choice. I'm not causing this damage. He won't see reason. He doesn't see me as an adult. I need to do what's right for me. Jack is what's right for me. He listens to me. Values my opinion. Respects and loves me for me. What father wouldn't want that for his daughter?"
"What does Mom say?" Viola asked taking another sip of wine.
"She gave me her love and blessing."
"So she knows you're here?" Charles asked.
"Yes. She also knows I bought a ticket for the morning."
"Alright then." Viola placed a hand on her sister's shoulder. "Does Jack know?"
"I called but he's at work and they're very busy. I know he won't mind though. This time apart has been torture for us both. Look, can I stay here tonight? Please? I don't want to go another round with Dad."
"Of course you can stay." The sisters hugged.
"I'll take you to the airport. Just text me your flight information."
Elizabeth looked up at her brother-in-law. "You're willing to go against Dad with me? You work for him."
"Yes, but you're my sister. That relationship comes first."
…..
Charles found a parking space inside of the airport's parking garage at 5 AM the next morning. Elizabeth's flight was at 7:30.
"Any word from Jack?"
Elizabeth shook her head.
"Elizabeth, as your brother here I have to ask. Are you absolutely sure this man is worthy of you? That this is a good idea?"
"One hundred percent sure."
"Okay then." They both unbuckled and climbed out. Charles unloaded her bags and helped her carry them inside. He waited as she checked for her flight.
"Alright, here I go."
"Text us when you arrive. If you need anything, we're here for you."
"Thanks. I'll be okay where I'm going."
Charles watched as she disappeared passed security. He remembered what it was like when he and Viola were first in love. Viola would look at him and still did, the same way Elizabeth looked when she talked about Jack. He knew how stubborn William could be. He wanted the very best for Elizabeth.
…..
When Jack returned home from his shift it was nearly 5 am his time, 8 AM Elizabeth's time. He checked his phone to give her a good morning call before falling asleep. After the night he'd had, he needed to hear her voice.
"Jack, it's me. I wish you could pick up. I just got in a huge fight with my father. It's over Jack. I can't do this anymore. We need to…." The rest of the message was inaudible. All Jack could make out were cracks and pops.
He called Elizabeth, but she didn't answer. He paced the room another 5 minutes before trying again. Still no answer.
"It's over? She couldn't have meant us… right? She loves me. I know she does." His fist slammed down on his kitchen counter. "I should have gone with her in the first place. We should have handled her father together."
He picked up his phone again. "Hello, I need your first flight to Bradley International in Connecticut."
