Christmas Eve morning, Grace stood in her kitchen whipping up a fresh batch of cinnamon rolls. She'd made two dozen a few days before and had them swiftly shipped to Seattle for Elizabeth and Jack with their Christmas presents.

This batch was being prepared for tomorrow morning. Julie was home now and Viola and her husband Charles would be there as well. All that was missing was Elizabeth. Grace understood, however. She talked with Elizabeth at least every other day life was and she supported Elizabeth making her own way.

Jack, from what Grace could tell, was a perfect match for her middle daughter. That knowledge made it easy for Grace when it came to letting go. The fact that Jack's family had welcomed Elizabeth with open arms was icing on the cake. She just wished they could be that way with Jack as well.

When Elizabeth left for Seattle after her confrontation with William, Grace figured it would be two weeks tops before William relented and did whatever possible to mend the broken relationship with his favorite daughter. She learned last night after a very long Skype chat with Elizabeth that she was wrong.

William sleepily walked into the kitchen and poured himself a steaming cup of black coffee.

"Morning, sweetheart," he said as he leaned over to give Grace a kiss. Before his lips touched her cheek, she purposefully moved away. "Grace?"

"You lied to me." He sighed. "Your "business" trip from a couple days ago was you going to fight with Beth."

"I didn't lie. I told you I had important business to attend to out west. That was the truth."

"It was an omission of important information and you know how that makes me feel!"

"If I'd told you, you would have told me not to go."

"Yes! Of course I would! You had absolutely no right."

"I had every right! She's my daughter and she's ready to throw her future away for this boy!"

"You're unbelievable!"

"Grace! His job is dangerous! She's just going to end up alone and heartbroken. Did you know his uncle died in a fire?"

"I do. It was tragic."

"It's not what I want for her!"

"It's not your call to make! She is an adult! She is old enough to choose what is best for herself. You need to let her go!"

"All the way across the world! Who knows what country he'll drag her to next. I'm losing her."

"No, you're gaining a son."

"Not if I can help it," he muttered.

"He's kind and considerate and they both love helping people. What else could you ask for? You know he wants your blessing, Will. Can't you at least consider it?"

"I can't, Gracie. If I give him my blessing and something happens to him and Beth is left grieving and alone, I'll never forgive myself."

"We don't know the future, Will. No one does. All I know is she is the happiest I have ever seen her when she's with him. Whether you like it or not, they have my blessing. If you won't give yours, maybe mine will be enough for them to move forward with their lives."

"Are you serious, Grace? I thought we were a team when it came to our children."

"We are. When we both put their wellbeing first. I love you Will, but you're wrong here. So wrong."

She put the dough rolls in the fridge and went to wash her hands.

"William, however you want to spin what just happened, you still lied by omission. Something you know hurts. We are a team, but right now I feel like we're broken. You've always had a way you want things to be. I've respected that, but I can't right now. The man I'm looking at is crossing the line in ways that could forever damage the beautiful relationship that you and Beth have had her entire life."

"What do you want me to do? Give my blessing even though I believe it's not what's best?"

"I want you to love her. Truly love her."

"That's exactly what I am doing." his voice was firm.

"No, Will. It's what I'm doing."

With her head held high, Grace left the room, leaving William alone with his thoughts. She didn't know how, but she would not let her husband's stubbornness hurt her daughter anymore.

….

In Seattle, the alarm on the bedside table went off at 6:30 AM. The loud volume of the radio station which was in the middle of a song from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, sent Elizabeth tumbling out of bed and onto the floor.

"Seriously, Jack?" She laughed as she sat up on the floor, the sheet and blankets twisted around her.

Jack rolled over and peered over the side of the bed, resting his chin on his hands with a grin.

"Well, don't you look cute this morning?"

"You're lying."

"Nope. I just tell it like it is. You know that." He sat up and gave her a hand back into the bed. As he pulled her close again, he leaned in closer, gently touching his lips to hers. "I love you."

"I love you too, but remember our rule?"

"Hmmm," he teased. "You might need to remind me." He moved in for another kiss but she stopped him. He sighed, "No kissing in bed."

"Exactly."

The night of William's surprise visit had caused a small tiff between the couple. Of course, with good communication they worked it out. That "working it out" conversation however, lead to some affection that without self-control could have easily led to crossing a line. Still wanting the closeness of being next to each other at night on occasions, they initiated the no kissing in bed rule.

Jack rolled out of bed. Moving over to her side, he lifted her out and placed her on the floor.

"Now may I kiss you, Angel?"

She grinned playfully up at him. "You may."

The kiss he gave her left her toes tingling and her brain foggy. When he pulled back, she held onto his shoulders for support. His love had a way of leaving her world spinning.

"Now," he began. "I would like to cook my beautiful girlfriend breakfast. What would you like?"

"How much time do we have?"

Jack checked his watch. "I told Mom we'd be over around 11. We have more than enough time." He kissed her lips again. There was no getting enough of her. He was ready for marriage. The ring was sitting in his top dresser drawer, mocking him.

"You okay?" she asked, seeing him off in another world.

"Yeah, just thinking."

"About?"

"How much I love you."

She cupped his face and kissed him so passionately he lost his balance sending them both stumbling back onto the bed laughing.

"Oh, Angel…" Jack groaned face down on the mattress, his arms wrapped tightly around her. "You drive me crazy."

"All part of my plan, babe."

Reluctantly, Jack dragged himself off the bed. "So, breakfast?"

"Mmm. Eggs Benedict with a side of hash browns and bacon."

"What, no toast?" he teased.

"Ooo, sourdough. And coffee."

"I see you're hungry this morning."

"Hey! We go back to Haiti soon. Then it's back to that weird grey porridge thing."

"At least there's fruit."

"Yes, lots of fruit. I do love that." She took the hand he offered and let herself be pulled off the bed. "Mind if I shower while you cook or would you like my help?"

"Go ahead and shower. I'll take care of this." He missed getting to have moments like this where he was able to care for her. He was doing what he could to get his hours in at the station. Elizabeth had been a saint. She didn't complain, just supported him.

Once out of the shower, Elizabeth dressed in her dark wash skinny jeans and a white sweater with thin red stripes. With her hair now dry and curls tamed, she walked out to the kitchen. Seeing Jack, she laughed. "What are you wearing?"

"What this?" He pointed to his head. "It's a Santa hat. It Christmas!"

"Are you wearing that all day?"

"Most of it, yeah," he grinned. "I'll take it off for dinner and church tonight."

"What about work?"

"Definitely wearing it around the station."

She giggled as he swung his head around making the white pom pom at the end of his Santa hat dance around his face. She didn't fully understand it, but every fun, serious, loving, and goofy thing this man did made her want to be his wife all the more. If only he'd ask her.

After breakfast, they gathered their things for staying the night at Charlotte's and drove to the suburbs to Jack's childhood home. With him working Christmas Eve and morning, the family planned to do some of their Christmas before and after his shift.

"Merry Christmas!" Jack called into the house as they walked in, knocking the snow off their boots before stepping into the entryway.

Rosie rushed towards him, "Jack, we have a problem!"

"What is it? Is Mom okay?" He dropped everything he was carrying and rushed into the house to find Charlotte. A minute later he came back out. "What the heck, Roseberry?"

"I hate that nickname!" she groaned. "What?"

"Your tone when we came in made me think something was wrong! Mom's in the kitchen and she's fine!"

"Jack! She's cooking! She won't let me near the kitchen!"

Lee, who was sitting next to Rosie reading a book, put the book down and stood to hug Jack and Elizabeth. "As you can see, Rosie's losing it here."

"Lee!" she tried to squeal silently. "You remember the Thanksgiving she gave us all food poisoning?"

"Ugh," Jack groaned. "That was a bad year. But hey, whatever she's doing in there smells great. Let's give her a chance."

"Why thank you, son." Charlotte came into the living room wearing a Christmas apron complete with lights.

"Huh," Elizabeth whispered. "I think I see where you get you holiday fashion sense." Lifting her hand, she played with the white pom pom on the end of the Santa hat he still wore.

"This from the girl that looks like a candy cane," he sassed back.

"This?" she pointed to her sweater. "This is from Banana Republic!"

"You still look like a candy cane." She playfully punched him in the arm.

Jack grabbed the box of gifts from the entryway and began placing them under the tree. One of the gifts under the tree caught his eye. He picked up the box, wrapped in dark blue paper with white snowflakes and stared at it.

"Mom wrapped a gift for Tommy?" he asked Rosie. "Does she think he's actually coming home?"

"She doesn't know what to think. We haven't heard from him in a while. She misses him. Misses the way things were before Dad…" Her voice cracked. "Before Dad died."

"Yeah, me too."

Elizabeth knelt on the floor beside Jack and wrapped her arm around him. "Maybe he'll surprise you."

"Yeah." Jack carefully placed the gift back under the tree. "Maybe."

The room was quiet for a moment. The weight of the grief and all the changes over the past couple of years resting on their hearts. Jack stood and took Elizabeth's hand, leading them over to a big comfy armchair. He sat and then pulled Elizabeth down in his lap. Looking around the living room. Even with all that was missing, there was much to be grateful for.

"So sis, tell me how the wedding plans are going?"

"Oh, June 9th can't come soon enough! We're so ready!"

"That and the sooner we get this over with the sooner Rosie can stop changing her mind over every little detail," Lee teased.

"Careful, honey bunny! Or I might just change my mind on the groom," she retorted.

"You won't," Lee grinned.

"He's right," Jack grinned. "You've had a crush on Lee since we were in middle school. No way you're walking away from him now."

"I suppose that's true," Rosie shrugged with a giggle. "I do really adore this man."

Elizabeth gazed down at Jack and smiled. "I know the feeling."

Around lunch time, Charlotte put out some chips, veggies and dip in the dining room. The four "kids" were busy working on gingerbread houses, a Thornton family tradition. Charlotte sat at the head of the table with a soft smile on her face. At least she knew two out of her three children were safe and happy this Christmas.

"Looks like we're almost out of frosting," Elizabeth noted.

"Oh no! I need more if I'm going to finish this!" Rosie exclaimed.

Jack stared at her "creation" confused. "What exactly are you making there?"

"Jack, this is clearly the inside of the Paris Opera House!"

"Clearly…" His sarcasm was very apparent.

"Alright Jacky, what are you making?"

"This," he spun it around. "If the church and school house I'm building in Haiti."

"Jack, that looks great!" Elizabeth gushed. "What do you think of mine? It's a cabin."

"I like that one a lot," Charlotte said leaning in for a closer look. "You know the kid's father has a fishing cabin in the mountains close to here. He had dreams of expanding it."

"Why didn't he?" Rosie asked.

"Life was busy. Good, but busy. We had this lovely home and he decided that was enough. The cabin is still ours, though I don't remember the last time I went up there."

"I'm gonna get some more frosting." Jack rose from his chair and left. Trying to hide his emotions. Elizabeth rose to follow, but Charlotte politely told her to stay and followed after her son herself. She caught up to him in the kitchen, leaning back against the counter.

"Jack, are you alright?"

"I wish he was here," he whispered.

"Me too. So much, son."

"With him gone, and Tommy off God knows where it just doesn't seem right."

"No, it doesn't." She sighed and leaned against the counter next to him. "But it is the way of things now. Nothing we can do about it."

"I suppose you're right."

Charlotte began whipping up another batch of frosting. "So, when are you gonna propose to that beautiful woman out there?"

Jack hung his head. "I don't know right now."

"What do you mean? Jack, she's perfect for you."

"I know she is. I love her with all that I am."

"So…."

Jack banged his fist on the counter. "I'm trying to be like Dad here. I want her father's blessing but I don't think I'll ever get it. He just can't see me being good enough for her.

"First off, that's ridiculous. You're wonderful."

"And you're biased, Mom."

"No matter. Second, what was it you said about your father?"

Jack sighed. "Dad always said an honorable man gets permission before asking for a girl's hand. That's what he did. I'm trying to do the same."

Charlotte burst out laughing.

"Mom, what's so funny?"

"Your father was a very honorable man, Jack, but he did not get your grandfathers permission before asking me to marry him."

"You're kidding."

"Not unless asking for permission means going to my father and telling him he was going to propose whether he liked it or not."

"Wow, why…."

"Let's just say, your grandfather was very protective of me. I'm his only child. So when I came home with a fireman on my arm, he was very uncertain."

"But Dad and Grandpa seemed to get along."

"They did, yes. Just not at first. With all your grandfather's money and influence, he was worried at first that Tom was after it or something. It was ridiculous, I could have told him that. My mother was the same way. Once they got to know him, it got much easier. In fact, you're grandfather respected that your father came to him and was stern about it."

"I don't think Mr. Thatcher would take to it as easily. Why did Dad always tell Rosie when she got engaged, the boy better talk to him first for permission if that's not what he did with you?"

"Same reason. He was being protective I guess. He also found a little humor in it to tell you the truth. I think he figured any man brave enough to talk to a big ol' scary fireman must really love his little girl."

Jack laughed and nodded at that.

"Family is important, Jack, you know that. But you can't let the opinions of one man dictate your future. You and Lizzie in there are perfect for one another. I see a bright, happy future for you. Don't let that scare you away."

"Thanks, Mom. I'll try."

Suddenly a loud scream came from the other room. Charlotte and Jack rushed back through the dining room, passed Elizabeth and Lee and into the living room. Rosie was there, sobbing and hugging an average height young man with a beard.

"Tommy?" Charlotte gasped.

"Hey, Ma. Merry Christmas."

"Oh, my sweet baby boy! Come here!" Charlotte nearly tackled Tom to the ground as she hugged him, her tears falling all over his jacket.

"Sorry I didn't tell you. I wasn't sure I'd be able to come. Didn't want to get your hopes up."

"This is a wonderful surprise! How long are you here for?"

"I'm taking the next month off at least. Time to stop running. Can I stay here?"

"You'd better!" she laughed.

Tom's eyes caught Jack's. "Hey, big brother. I know you're probably mad at me. I don't call or write or…"

His words were cut off as Jack engulfed his baby brother in a bear hug.

"Good to see you man."

"Yeah. You too, Jack." Elizabeth and Lee peered from around the corner. "Hey Lee."

"Hey Tommy. Glad you're back."

"Thanks." Tom extended his hand and took a few steps towards Elizabeth. "You must be the woman that stole my brothers heart."

"Hi. I'm Elizabeth."

"Nice to meet you. You'll have to forgive my look here. Haven't seen a razor in months."

"Yeah, what's with that!" Rosie scolded. "You walked in and I thought a hobo was coming in."

"Nope," Tom grinned. "Just your baby brother."

"I still can't believe you're here!" Charlotte hugged her youngest again. "What do you need? What can I get you?"

"A shower," he laughed. "And then whatever Rosie's cooking. This house smells amazing."

"It does, doesn't it?" Charlotte said with pride.

"Okay, Mom, confession time." Jack spoke. "This amazing smell is coming from stuff in the kitchen that you've prepared?"

"Wait what?" Tom faked shock. "I think I better go back to Alaska." He moved towards the door but Jack snagged him by his jacket collar and yanked him back.

"Well, I decided to take some cooking classes. A lot of cooking classes actually. I think I'm getting the hang of it." All three of her children looked at her in surprise. "I know I haven't said anything but I wanted to wait to wow you all at Christmas. That's all."

"Well, awesome." Jack hugged his mom. "I can't wait to try it all."

Dinner was indeed delicious. The roast was perfection and the potatoes, carrots and rolls where mouth watering.

As they finished their second helpings, Tom asked, "Okay, who was your miracle worker? I mean teacher?"

"His name is Vincent Delullo, he's a chef."

"And he teaches classes?" Rosie asked before stuffing her mouth with another bite of potatoes.

"Yes, at the community center in town. I'd taken a couple and then he had a special one for holiday meals so I took it."

"Start any food fights with the class yet?" Elizabeth asked with a sly grin.

"No, well. Almost."

"Okay, I was kidding but now I want the story."

"Me too!" everyone else said together.

"Oh, children…" Charlotte laughed. "Fine. I'll tell you. It was the first class I signed up for. It was on crock pots."

….

Faith sat in the pew of her family's church for the Christmas Eve service. Carson sat beside her with his arm draped over her shoulder.

"Let us rise for a time of singing," the pastor said.

As they stood, Carson noticed a family on the other side of the church. Something about them seemed familiar.

"Is that Elizabeth's family?" he whispered in Faith's ear while the congregation sang "Joy to the World."

"Yeah, how'd you know?"

"She looks like her mom." Carson smiled. "So then that cranky looking guy is her father?"

"Yup. I talked to Julie. Apparently he flew out there to bring her home and away from Jack."

He shook his head. "Clearly that didn't work."

"No it did not." She laughed. Her mother gave her a gentle elbow to the side to remind her they were in church. Faith and Carson looked back down at the hymnal and sang with the rest of the congregation.

Afterward, Carson walked up with Faith to wish the Thatcher's a Merry Christmas.

"Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher," Faith began. "Merry Christmas!"

"Merry Christmas to you too, Faith!" Grace gave her daughter's best friend a hug. "How are you enjoying your break?"

"It's nice, though I do miss the people of Hopes Landing."

"Beth says the same thing." Grace glanced over to Carson. "And you must be the young man Elizabeth talks about. Carson, correct?"

"Yes ma'am. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"He's also one of Jack's best friends," Faith added.

"Is that so?" William asked. "And what is it you do for a living?"

"I'm studying to be a doctor at Baylor. Just took a year off to expand my horizons and serve alongside Jack. Hopes Landing is a very special place for him."

"Why is that?" William asked dryly.

"His father served there a number of times before he got sick. For Jack, its been a way to feel close to him again."

"That's so sweet," Grace placed her hand on her heart. "Jack seems like a good man."

"One of the best, ma'am." Carson looked right at William, even though he was addressing Grace.

"Well, we should go. Merry Christmas again." Faith began tugging Carson away from the stare down he was now having with William.

"Yes, Merry Christmas," William said was a sigh. He missed Elizabeth. Christmas just wasn't the same without her.

…..

A couple hours later on the west coast, Jack sat with his arm around Elizabeth in the candle lit church. He was dressed for work, but nice. He wore a pressed white shirt and black tie over his navy fireman's t-shirt. Elizabeth was dressed in a fitted red sweater dress, black tights and heals. She looked amazing. Jack tried his best to pay more attention to the pastor than his beautiful girlfriend, but it was hard.

In the row with them sat Charlotte and Tom, Abigail, Pete and Clara. Lee and Rosie were sitting just behind them.

This church held so many memories for Jack and his family. This was were Jack and both his siblings were baptized and raised. Rosie would be getting married there that summer. Not all the memories were good ones though. This was the same church that held the memorial service for many of the fireman lost in that horrible fire, including his uncle Noah. His father's service was also held here.

Now they were all together again. And unlike those mournful occasions, the future was looking bright.

In front of Jack and Elizabeth sat a young family. A boy about 3 sat on his father's lap playing with a dinosaur toy. The mother held in her arms a beautiful baby girl, maybe about 3 months old. The little bundle smiled and giggled as Elizabeth made cute little faces at her. Jack couldn't help but notice a glow about her when she was around children.

He wanted what this family seemed to have in front of him. A marriage with Elizabeth and children of their own. He couldn't wait to see the love in her eyes when she one day held their first child. She was made to be a mother, he knew it.

After the service, Elizabeth walked Jack to his truck. It was time for him to take over for the men at his station who had families to be with and wake with the next morning. As they walked, she clung tightly to his side. Not just for warmth, but for comfort as well.

Reaching the truck, Jack leaned back against the side, pulling Elizabeth tightly to his chest.

"I'll miss you tonight, Angel," he whispered into her hair. "I love you."

"I love you. Be safe please?"

"You know I will." He captured her lips in a deep, slow burn of a kiss. One that would keep them in each other's minds all night. As he pulled back slightly, he kissed her forehead. "I'll be back at Mom's sometime tomorrow."

"Seems like forever right now." She kissed his neck, something she knew drove him wild. "But I'll be patient."

"Hey, lover boy?" Pete called from across the parking lot, pointing to his watch. "Duty calls."

"Coming." Jack looked at Elizabeth. He adjusted the infinity charm on her necklace for her. The one he'd given her before they parted a few weeks before. Currently it stood as the only material symbol of their love. "Merry Christmas, sweetheart."

"Merry Christmas." She stood back as he climbed into his truck. As he was driving off, Elizabeth felt an arm loop through hers. "Hey, Rosie."

"Hey. What do you say we go home and have some hot cocoa by the fire?"

"Sounds great."