After two and a half hours of shopping, Elizabeth drove back to Jack's apartment feeling victorious. The first two stores she tried had very little that interested her. In the third and fourth stores Elizabeth hit the jackpot. She was pulling into the parking garage with not one, but two beautiful dresses and the cutest leather jacket. Not to mention a couple new tops.

Elizabeth wasn't a huge shopper, not like Julie or Viola, but it had been a while since she shopped for new clothes. Now that she was in a serious relationship with a wonderful man, she liked the idea of buying clothing she thought he'd like her in and that made her feel extra pretty.

As she put Jack's beast of a truck into park in its designated space, she let out a loud exasperated sigh.

"We made it, girl." Opening the door, she practically fell out of the cab. "Okay," she said straightening up as she grabbed her bags. "This is so not my dream car, but I managed."

After dropping off her bags back up in the apartment, Elizabeth headed down to the cafe. She was hungry after all that shopping and had promised Jack she'd check out the cafe and meet his aunt. Aunt Abigail was an important part of his life. His father's little sister.

She opened the double doors that led from the lobby into the cafe. It was busy, but not terribly so. The lunch run was coming to a close as it was now almost 1. She found a open seat at the bar and sat down.

The cafe was cute. Hardwood floors, brass accents around the stools and bar. The walls were decorated with many beautiful paintings and photographs. The style of some of the photos seemed familiar to Elizabeth. She climbed off the stool and walked over to the far wall to take a closer look. Sure enough, the signature on the bottom right was none other than her darling Jack.

"That's one of my favorites," a women spoke from behind Elizabeth. "My nephew has a gift."

Elizabeth turned and smiled at the woman in her late 40's with long brown hair which was pulled back in a simply ponytail.

"I would have to agree. You must be Abigail Stanton?"

"I am." As she smiled, Abigail had a look of realization come across her sweet face. "You're Jack's Elizabeth, aren't you?"

"I am," Elizabeth giggled. "Hi."

"Hi there! " Abigail embraced her in a tight, loving hug. "Jack mentioned to me you were in town. It's so great to meet you. Jack's talked about you so much."

"He's told me a lot about you as well."

"Well, please sit and I'll bring you whatever you like." As Elizabeth took her seat, Abigail handed her a menu. "And it's on the house today!"

"Oh, you don't have to do that."

"I insist! You, my dear, have made my nephew so happy. I've been praying for you!"

"You have?" Abigail's honest comment took Elizabeth by surprise. "What do you mean?"

Abigail leaned forward against the corner. As she smiled, Elizabeth could see the beautiful creases in the woman's face appear. Signs of a happy life.

"Jack is a good man, so much like my brother. When Tom died I worried so much for him. He was searching. Trying to find his place in a world that his father no longer existed in. I know how hard that can be. I was like that when I lost Noah, my husband." Elizabeth nodded. "Jack going to Haiti seemed like the perfect thing for him. He was able to reconnect with his father in a place that meant a lot to him when he was alive. Still, I wanted Jack to have a partner, a true companion that would know him and understand him."

Elizabeth was beginning to understand. "He truly is an amazing man. I'm so grateful to be a part of his life."

"I know he very much feels the same about you." Abigail grabbed Elizabeth's hand and gave it a squeeze. "Speaking of, where is Jack this afternoon?"

"He got called in this morning."

"Oh no! Didn't you just get in yesterday?"

"I did, yes. It's okay. He has an important job to do. I support that."

"That's good. It is hard, sometimes thankless, work but so important. I think Jack's wanted to be a fireman since he was a little boy."

Elizabeth nodded in agreement, "He said the firehouse his dad worked at did an open house one day and he got to go see what it was like and he thought it was the coolest place ever. Especially the fireman pole." Both women laughed. "Then I think he said one year on his birthday his dad took him for a ride on a fire truck and he was completely hooked."

"I believe that was his 6th birthday," Abigail smiled. "Noah and Tom dressed him, Peter, and Tom up as little firemen and drove them around the block. I think that may have been when Peter realized his dream too. Now they work together. Funny how life turns out."

Abigail had a far off look in her eye after that little trip down memory lane. This family had lost so much in recent years. Jack's father to cancer and then Noah, Abigail's husband, in that horrible structure fire. Even with all that loss, there was an unwavering strength about this woman.

She excused herself to tend to some customers and gave Elizabeth a moment with the menu.

Elizabeth pulled out her phone and sent a quick text to Jack.

"Just met Abigail. She's wonderful."

A response came back quickly.

"I knew you'd like her."

"I miss you."

"I miss you. How's work?"

"Not bad. We've had a few calls but nothing scary."

"Can't wait to take you out tonight."

"Me either. I bought a new dress."

"I hope you like it."

"I'll love it."

They texted back and forth a little longer until Jack no longer responded. Elizabeth assumed he was out on a call and turned her attention back to her menu.

"So," Abigail said coming back around. "What will it be?"

"Honestly, I have no idea. It all looks good." She put the menu down. "What does Jack usually get?"

"His favorite is the bacon turkey burger with sweet potato fries."

"That does sound good. I'll go with that and a diet coke?"

"Coming up!"

"What are your plans while he's at the station?" Abigail asked her a few minutes later.

"I haven't figured that out yet. I want to do something. I'll go crazy just sitting around."

"Well, I have a thought. Why don't you come work for me during the hours he's at the station or when he comes home from a night shit and sleeps all day?"

"Work here? Doing what?"

"Anything. One of my staff just went on maternity leave so I could use a hand around here. Clara, my daughter-in-law works here too. You'll love her. You can cook, waitress, clean, whatever you'd like."

"Okay. First I feel I should tell you something. I'm not proud of it but…"

Abigail leaned back, trying to figure out what deep dark secret this sweet young woman was harboring.

"See, I can't exactly cook."

"You can't cook?"

"Or bake. I'm actually pretty bad at baking."

"Really?"

"Yup," Elizabeth said plainly. "I burn everything."

"So?" Abigail shrugged. "I'll teach you."

"Many have tried. I still stink."

"I'm a patient woman. I can handle it. I only gave up on one person I tried to teach and that was Jack's mother," Abigail laughed. "Charlotte is absolutely the worst cook in the world. Poor thing. It's not for lack of trying either."

"Why did you stop teaching her?" Elizabeth asked curiously.

"Charlotte can be a little, shall we say, spirited." Elizabeth laughed. "The last time I tried to teach her to cook, we were making spaghetti and homemade meatballs."

"That doesn't sound so bad."

"You'd think that wouldn't you? Now I don't know what my dear friend did but her meatballs were as hard as rocks. They made a sound when you tapped them on the counter." Elizabeth laughed. "Well I showed her that fact and she… she started throwing meatballs at me."

"No way!"

"Oh yes. So I retaliated and tossed the spaghetti at her." Abigail laughed. "My niece Rosie came in the kitchen and saw the fuss we had made and ran to tell our husbands outside."

"Was Jack there?"

"He was. First thing he did was call Juno's pizza and asked if they delivered."

"That is a hilarious story to carry with me when I meet Mrs. Thornton tomorrow."

"Yes it is! Just wait, you'll see that beautiful, sweet woman and start having visions of flying meatballs!"

"I bet!"

A new crowd of people came in a few minutes later. Elizabeth finished her meal and gathered her purse and jacket to leave. Even though Abigail wasn't charging her for the food, she left a generous tip down. She wanted to do something, and hoped it wouldn't offend the loving woman.

"Abigail, I'm heading out. Thank you for a wonderful lunch."

"Anytime! Did you get a chance to think about my offer?"

"I did, and it's very kind of you, but I don't want to do anything to jeopardize having a good relationship with you, and trying to teach me to cook might just do that," she teased.

"Let me ask you something. Do you love my nephew?"

Elizabeth closed her eyes and smiled. "Very much."

"You think you'll marry him one day?" Now Elizabeth blushed. "I'll take that as a yes. Let me tell you something about Jack. He likes to eat. And eating out is expensive and fattening."

Elizabeth laughed as Abigail made a bloated face and patted her stomach.

"From what he tells me and all I can see, you are perfect from him in every important, meaningful way. So! Let me teach you this one inconsequential thing. Besides, if Charlotte and I can stay best friends after the meatball war of 2005, you and I can survive a few lessons. Deal?"

Elizabeth stared at Abigail's outstretched hand. With a smile, she shook it. "Deal!"

….

Grace and William Thatcher sat silently in their study. Grace's nose was deep into her book while William just sat staring at the fire.

"So are we not going to talk about it?" he huffed.

"What is it you want to talk about, dear?"

"Oh, I don't know. Maybe how this whole family is conspiring against me."

"Really?" Her book slammed against her lap. "Is that really what you think is happening here? We're all against you? It couldn't possibly be that we are trying to do what is best for Beth?"

"And what is best for Beth? Tell me."

"Alright, I will." Grace stood, towering over her husband as he sat. "What's best for our daughter, for all our daughters, is for them to live their lives on their terms. Not yours. Not mine. Theirs. It's their life after all."

"And what shall we do if they make a mistake? What if they don't know what is best for them? You expect me to sit back and watch them fail?"

"If they fail, they will learn from it. They will pick themselves up like the strong women we have raised them to be and keep moving forward." William just shook his head. "I trust my girls. And no matter what happens, they know they can count on me. Can you say that, William?"

He couldn't, and he knew it.

"Hello? Anyone home?"

Grace hurried out of the study and hurried down the hall.

"Julie! We weren't expecting you till tomorrow! Welcome home, my dear!"

"Thanks Mom. I missed you!" Julie gave her mom a big bear hug. "I finished my exams earlier than expected so I caught a ride with a friend to surprise you."

"This is a wonderful surprise, my dear," William said with a smile. "You certainly are a sight for sore eyes." He hugged his daughter for a long moment, not wanting to let go.

"I know it's after dinner but any chance there's some left over? I'm starving."

"Of course!" Grace threaded her arm through Julies and led her to the kitchen. "I'm sure we can find something."

In the kitchen, Julie made a cup of her favorite tea while Grace filled a plate with ham, potatoes and carrots for Julie. William leaned against the counter listening to Julie talk about her finals and how grateful she was for a break.

Grace placed the plate down in front of Julie at the bar.

"Thanks Mom! You're the best" Julie took a large bite of ham and potatoes. "Hey, where's Beth? She out with Faith or something?"

With a sigh, William left the room.

….

It was just before 5 PM in Seattle. Elizabeth stepped out of the shower and began getting ready for her date. She'd been counting down the minutes for the passed couple hours now.

She slipped into her long sleeve heather grey sweater dress with cutouts over the shoulders and her black sheer tights. As she gazed at herself in the mirror, she was feeling pretty good about her look.

Just as she was putting the finishing touches on her hair and makeup, her phone rang. Hurrying to where she left it on the bed, she prayed Jack wasn't canceling their plans tonight.

"Hello?" she answered.

"Girl, you have some explaining to do!"

"Julie?"

"Oh good, you remember me. Why didn't you tell me you up and left to fly across the country to be with your hunky boyfriend? I had to come home and hear about it from Mom!"

"I'm sorry Julie. It all happened so fast. Honestly. It feel like the dust is finally settling now."

"It was Dad, right? He made you do this?"

"Kind of, yeah. It's okay though. This is where I'm supposed to be."

"I don't believe this! You do realize this means you left me alone with them?"

"It's a big house, you'll survive."

"I better!" Julie laughed. "So, tell me everything. Don't leave a single detail out."

Elizabeth told her all about the fight which led to her leaving, the almost missing Jack at the airport, to her now staying at his place and working for his aunt and the big date he had planned.

"Okay," Julie said. "I'm officially envious of your life."

"Jules…" Elizabeth gave a warning tone.

"I'm serious. You've fallen in love with a super hot, super amazing guy and he's whisking you off for a romantic evening. It's perfect. Oh, my gosh! You think he'll propose tonight?"

Elizabeth laughed. "No, not tonight. Jack really wants to have Dad's blessing before he does that. I can tell."

"Right… well, tell him not to hold his breath on that one."

"I know."

"If he never gets Dad's blessing, will he just not propose?"

"No, we're just trying to start off right. With everyone behind us."

"Well, you have my support! Does he have a brother for me by chance?"

"He does have a brother but from what I've gathered they are very different."

"Oh, bummer. Well maybe a cousin. I'm not picky."

She heard the sound of keys in the lock.

"Julie I have to go. Jack's home."

"Jack's home, the home you're sharing right now. So romantic."

"Julie!"

"Okay, okay. Bye. Have a memorable night!"

Elizabeth hung up and slipped the phone into her clutch purse and slipped on her black heels, wanting to give Jack the full effect of her outfit when he saw her.

"Honey I'm home!" Jack called as he walked in closing the door behind him, He dropped off his bag just inside the office doorway. "Elizabeth?"

"Right here." She walked out of the bedroom and straight towards him. He looked so handsome in his fitted black suit with a sleek narrow black tie. Quite a contrast from his cargo shorts and t-shirts that she usually saw him in. At the moment he looked like he'd just come from a GQ photoshoot.

"Wow…" Jack stood with a crooked smiled as he took in the sight of Elizabeth before him. She was pleased to see he seemed to really like what he was seeing. "You look absolutely beautiful, angel."

"Thank you. You look very handsome." Her eyes drifted to the dozen roses in his hand. "Are those for me?"

"Yes." Jack handed them to her and gave her a kiss. "I love you."

"I love you." She headed to the kitchen to find a vase but was stopped by Jack. Taking hold of her arm he pulled her in close for another kiss. Their first kiss that evening had been short and sweet. Not this kiss. Jack kissed her deep and slow, taking her breath away.

"Have I told you how glad I am to have you with me?" he grinned.

"I don't mind hearing it again."

"I'm glad you're here with me, Elizabeth."

"Me too."

Jack helped Elizabeth with her coat and the two traveled down hand in hand to Jack's truck. He opened the passenger door for her and helped her to climb up inside. Jack let out a small chuckle as he climbed into the driver's seat. It felt as if his knees were hugging the sides of the steering wheel. He didn't think Elizabeth was that much shorter than him, but she seemed to like to drive closer to the wheel.

"How was driving in the city today?" he asked as he backed out of the parking space.

"Not bad, once I got over my fear of driving a monster truck."

Jack laughed. "This is hardly a monster truck. It's a mid size truck really."

"Size is in the eye of the beholder I suppose. Anyway, after taking a few practice drives around the garage here, Xena and I hit the road."

Jack brought the truck to a stop just before pulling out of the garage. "You and who?"

"Xena. You know, the warrior princess."

"Do you have an imaginary friend I don't know about or did you actually name my truck?" A smirk of amusement appeared on her face.

"I named the truck. Obviously."

"Oh sure, obviously." Jack shook his head. "Out of all the names in the world, why did you pick that one?"

"I don't know, it seemed fitting. I would have given it a boy's name but growing up Dad always referred to ships as girls so I thought that would apply to cars as well." Jack raised an eyebrow. "Come on now Jack! It's not that bad. I didn't call her Big Bertha, which with the first name that came to mind."

"Okay, okay! Xena it is. Just don't tell the guys at the firehouse or I'll never hear the end of it." Jack laughed, pulling out of the garage. He glanced over at her quickly at the first red light. "You look beautiful tonight."

"You mentioned that," she smiled.

"And I'll probably mention it again." He winked at her then turned his focus back to the road.

Elizabeth had no idea where they were heading. Jack wanted it to be a surprise. Instead of peppering him with questions, she sat back and watched the city of Seattle as they drove by.

"Is that the space needle over there?" she pointed a little ways in the distance.

"Yup. Pretty cool, huh?"

"Yeah. It looks huge."

"It is. 605 feet tall. It was built for the 1962 World's Fair."

"Have you ever been up in it?"

"A few times. I feel like every elementary schooler takes a field trip up there at some point."

Elizabeth noticed as they drove, the giant icon of the Pacific Northwest was getting closer and closer. Jack paid close attention to the signs as they went. To Elizabeth, it seemed as if he was following the directional signs for the space needle's valet parking.

"Here we are. Our first stop of the evening." Jack spoke as they pulled up into the line of cars awaiting their turn for the valet around a large fountain at the base of the space needle.

"First stop?"

"Yup. Drinks and appetizers here, then dinner at one of Seattle's fine waterside eating establishments."

"Jack, you're spoiling me!"

"Nah. You deserve this."

When it was their turn, Jack stepped out and hurried around to help Elizabeth out of the truck, but the valet beat him to it. Quickly taking Elizabeth's hand, he gave the keys over to the young man.

"You're not afraid of heights are you?" Jack asked as they stepped onto the bronze colored elevators.

"No, not really."

"Good." Jack laughed. "These babies move fast. We'll be up there in no time at all."

"Great..."

Jack wasn't kidding when he said they were fast. Elizabeth clutched Jack's hand tightly as the elevator began to move. It took less than a minute for them to reach the top.

Standing on the Loupe, a revolving glass floor, Jack wrapped his arms around Elizabeth's waist as they looked down on the city. The whole city was light up for the night. From that height, they could even make out some Christmas lights on a number of the buildings.

Looking downward through the glass floor, Elizabeth wrapped her arms around Jack tightly as he continued to hold her.

"Okay, maybe I'm a little nervous about heights."

"Nothing to worry about," he kissed her cheek. "I've got you."

When they'd finished looking out at the Seattle skyline, Jack took Elizabeth's hand and led her to the Space Needle's wine bar called, Atmos. They ordered two glasses of a local red wine and a cheese board.

Sitting at a small table facing the windows, Jack draped his arm over Elizabeth's shoulders. It did not go missed by Jack how many of the men scattered around the bar had eyes for his love. It didn't phase him much. Elizabeth was with him, and that was where she wanted to be. He knew that. Their glances did make Jack not want to leave her side though. Just in case one of the well dressed, slicked back haired men decided to take a chance.

"When we first met, did you ever imagine us out like this?" he asked.

"Not really," she laughed. "I mean, almost all the time we've shared together has been on the beach, or in the beaten village of Hopes Landing. Don't get me wrong, I've loved every single minute of it."

"Me too." He leaned in to kiss her temple. "It's like two different worlds, huh?"

"Yeah. It is." Elizabeth rested her head against Jack's shoulder and enjoyed the warm closeness she felt with him. She wanted it to always be like this. Not the fancy location, but the love. Feeling so connected to one another. That feeling was priceless.

"Hey, I didn't tell you yet, I have tomorrow off."

"You do? That's great!"

"Yeah! Chief Avery said he wouldn't call me in either. We have all day together tomorrow before we go to my mom's for dinner."

"That's perfect, Jack." She kissed his lips. "Oh! Your aunt is wonderful. I really like her."

"I thought you would. What'd you guys talk about today?"

"A little bit of everything. She gave me a job."

"A job? Working for her at the cafe?" Elizabeth nodded. "What exactly is it you'll be doing?"

"Relax, she knows I can't cook. She wants to teach me!"

"Oh, cool. Can't go any worse than when she taught my mother. Did she tell you anything about that?"

"Yes," Elizabeth giggled. "Flying meatballs and all."

"Yeah… the kitchen was a disaster that night."

"The best part, other than maybe I'll know how to cook without poisoning you when I'm done, is that it will give me something to do when you're at work. Just give me your schedule so I can talk to Abigail."

"Sounds like you're going to stay here with me a while then, huh?"

Suddenly Elizabeth felt nervous. "Yeah, I guess we really haven't talked about that, have we?"

"Nope, but that's okay." To ease her nerves, he kissed her. Soft and sweet. "I love that you're here, angel. I don't want you going anywhere. I just didn't want to push my luck. I know this situation with your dad is complicated. Maybe tomorrow we can think of a plan, but whatever happens, I want you to know that you and I are a team. I wouldn't want you anywhere else than right here with me."

"I love you Jack. There's nowhere else I'd rather be."

"Then it's settled. You're here with me. When you decided to face your dad again, I'll be there with you."

"Stronger together."

"Exactly."

…..

At the end of the most enchanting night, Jack and Elizabeth stepped into the elevator to go back up to the apartment. Being the only ones in the elevator, Jack gently nudged Elizabeth back against the wall and laid a slow burning, passionate kiss on her lips.

Elizabeth could feel her knees growing weak as she ran her fingers through the longish hair at the back of his neck.

It had been a perfect night. No interruptions. Just the two of them enjoying a romantic evening together. When they'd been seated at the very elegant restaurant, Jack told her to order anything she wanted and not to stress about the money. She'd asked if he was sure and he nodded.

After dinner, they took a walk around town under the moonlight talking about how they were happy to be back in the states but missed Haiti. Elizabeth couldn't help wondering how her students were doing and Jack was curious how the work crews where doing on the various projects and hoping the new orphanage home was holding up well. They decided to email Pastor Frank the next day for an update on their second home.

Jack unlocked the door to his apartment and turned on the entry light.

The first thing Elizabeth did once inside was to kick off her heels.

"Would you like some tea?" Jack asked as he stepped into the kitchen.

"Yes, please." She headed towards the bedroom.

"Are you changing already?"

"I don't have to," she flirted. "Let me take off the tights though."

"Go for it." Jack had already loosened his tie and ditched his suit jacket on one of the kitchen table chairs. He loved the look of Elizabeth in that dress, and wasn't ready for it to go away.

Elizabeth came back out a moment later as Jack was bringing the tea to the living room.

"Here," he patted his lap. "I'll give you a foot massage."

She did as she was told and rested her head on the back of the couch.

As Jack worked his nimble fingers over her smooth soft skin, Elizabeth let out a soft moan of pleasure. He had no idea if what he was doing was correct, but it was at least making her happy. As he continued, his hand slid up her leg. He loved this woman with all his heart. He let himself dream a bit of what it would be like to one day be husband and wife. To have nights like this together. Of course, if they were married, things would end a little different. He bit his lip to keep from smiling at the thought of truly being her husband. All in good time, he told himself.

Elizabeth spoke, breaking his daydreaming.

"Jack, tonight was amazing, but I don't want you thinking you have to spend so much on me."

"I wanted to. You deserve to be taken out and treated like this every once in a while. I can't swing a night out like this in Haiti."

"Still," she giggled. "I don't want you to think I expect this kind of treatment."

"I know you, angel. The fact that you don't expect this is part of what made it such a treat to do with you."

When the tea was gone, Elizabeth was well on her way to dreamland herself.

"Ready for bed?" she asked.

"Yeah. I think so." Jack yawned. "I think I'm going to sleep out here tonight."

"Oh," Elizabeth failed to hide her disappointment. "You don't have to. We managed fine last night. It was really nice actually."

"It was, but I was exhausted last night and hadn't spent the evening looking at you like this. Trust me," he laughed. "I'm not sure I'll sleep a wink laying with you tonight. Might spend more time fighting to not…. Well, move things a little too far."

"I see," she blushed. "I trust you, Jack. If you change your mind."

"I'll know where to find you."

"Good."