Not long before her parents were to arrive for dinner, Elizabeth jumped in the shower. She never felt clean after sitting in airports and flying all day. Just outside the bathroom door, Jack rummaged through his suitcase trying to find the right outfit for the evening. Sure he'd met William before, but this time, it would be as Elizabeth's fiance. He wanted to look like someone worthy of her.

"This is never gonna work," he sighed, looking at his reflection in the mirror. Right now, his insecurities were running the show, and all he saw in his reflection were shortcomings.

"Babe?" Elizabeth called from the shower. "You still out there?"

"I'm here. What's up?"

"I forgot my conditioner. Can you grab it for me?"

"Sure. Where is it?"

"My suitcase, bottom outside pocket."

Jack walked over to her blue and green Vera Bradley suitcase in search of the bottle. Finding it he walked over and lightly knocked on the slightly ajar bathroom door.

"Come in."

As Jack entered, his senses were hit with the strong smells that made Elizabeth. Jasmine and lavender, with just a hint of vanilla. Every night as they'd fall asleep, Jack would wrap his arms around her, taking it all in. It was like heaven.

"Man, you smell good."

Elizabeth laughed as she pulled back the curtain slightly, only one shoulder and up was visible. "Why thank you. You find the bottle?"

"Huh?" Jack was suddenly very distracted. "Oh, yeah. Right here."

"Thank you." Taking the bottle, Elizabeth disappeared back behind the curtain. "You alright?" she asked a moment later. Realizing that he hadn't left the room. Not that she cared that he was there. She trusted him.

"I'm ok. Just a little nervous."

"About my dad?"

"Yeah. I don't want drama like this in our lives."

"Nether do I."

A few minutes later, the shower water turned off. Jack didn't notice, he was still in his own head, leaning against the bathroom counter trying to think up different scenarios of how the night could go.

Elizabeth, thinking she was alone because of the silence, reached for her towel as she pulled the curtain back. Seeing Jack standing there with an uninterrupted view of her, she squealed, yanking the curtain so hard that the whole rod fell down, bopping her on the head. At the same time, Jack attempted to bolt, eyes closed.

*THUD*

"Ow! Geez," Jack cried out.

"Jack! Are you alright? What happened?" With the towel securely wrapped around her and having escaped the downed shower curtain, she rushed over.

"I hit the door frame," he groaned.

"Why'd you do that?" she asked, examining his head.

"Oh, I don't know, I was trying to be respectful. Why'd you try wearing the shower curtain for a dress?" he teased back.

"I was trying to be modest!"

Sitting there on the tiled floor, rubbing their heads, they laughed.

"I'm sorry," she laughed. "I thought you'd gone back into the room."

"Yeah, I'm sorry too." Jack lifted his hand and gently moved a damp ringlet back behind her ear. His smile as he gazed over at her was filled with love and admiration. "I can't wait to marry you."

"Same here," she blushed as she kissed him long and sweet. "Wait, how much of me did you see?"

"Enough."

"Enough for what?"

"Enough to seriously consider eloping."

Turning bright red, Elizabeth grabbed for the dove bar of soap on the counter and playfully tossed it at him. Jack fled, carefully this time.

"I love you, angel," he grinned as he closed the door behind him.

"Yeah, yeah," she laughed. "I love you too."

….

With help from Elizabeth, Jack decided on his navy blue dress slacks and his white shirt with thin blue lines crossing. Feeling a bit warm in the house, he rolled up the sleeves.

Elizabeth loved this look. His well toned muscles from a lifetime of physical activity were shown off beautifully in her opinion. She watched from the mirror as Jack put on his brown leather belt and ran his fingers wildly through his air.

"You look handsome, you can relax."

"But do I look good enough for you? Or just like some peasant?"

"Listen to you!" she giggled. "You look like Jack Thornton. The most wonderful man I've ever known. The man I'm going to marry and have a family and a lifetime with. Is that good enough for you?"

A fancy bell rang through the home.

"They're here," Elizabeth said turning to leave. Jack took hold of her arm pulling her into a knee weakening kiss. "Wow… about that eloping idea, you free tonight?"

"Thank you, Angel."

"For what?"

"Reminding me that I'm enough just as I am."

She smiled. "Happy to remind you of that fact everyday for the rest of our lives."

"Looking forward to it. One more thing."

Slowly, he wrapped his hands around her waist, feeling the fitted cream sweater dress she wore. It was like it was made for her. Hugging every curve. That coupled with the light brown boots that came to just below her knees were sure to keep him thinking of her and her alone, all night.

"You are gorgeous." He kissed her forehead. "I'm one very lucky man."

Grabbing him by his belt loops she pulled him against her body.

"I'm the lucky one."

….

Downstairs, William sat impatiently in the living room, waiting to lay eyes on his middle daughter. He still had his reservations regarding Jack and this proposed marriage; but for the sake of the night and his relationship with Elizabeth, he would place that on the back burner. At least around Elizabeth and Jack.

"Charles, what's your take on the man?"

"He's great. Treats her like a goddess."

"And that's good?"

"Trust her, William. You raised three strong, intelligent daughters. You did the hard work, just relax."

Charles patted his father-in-law on the shoulder before giving him some space.

"Just wait till you have daughters," he grumbled.

A squeal rang through the downstairs of the home as soon as Julie laid eyes on her sister and her handsome fiance.

"Holy moly, Beth! You look hot! And Jack, pleasure to meet you. All those pictures Beth sent did not do you justice!"

"Thanks. I think…" He laughed. "It's nice to meet you too."

William stood in the doorway, watching. Jack smiled and listened intently as Julie talked about college and life. William felt his chest tighten a bit when he saw Jack slide his arm around her waist and gently tug her against his side. It tightened more as Beth wrapped her arm around his waist.

"They seem… close," he groaned to himself. Then there was a soft giggle behind him, followed by a whisper.

"What did you expect?" Grace whispered in his ear. "Six feet apart at all times?"

"Your father had that rule. I'm now finding a new appreciation for it."

"A new appreciation implies you appreciated it to begin with, which you did not. I seem to remember us sneaking into each other's rooms when you visited."

"Oh, so since we did that it's okay for them?"

"You sound like a crazy person, Will. She's an adult and in love. Just let her be."

With that, Grace walked over and hugged the couple.

Before William could be the first to engage, Jack walked over and extended his hand.

"Good to see you, sir."

"Jack, you're looking well."

"You also. Work treating you well?"

"Busy, but I enjoy it."

Viola walked into the room and grabbed Beth's arm. "They're talking!"

"Shhh!" Beth hushed her. "Don't jinx it!"

Dinner that night was a classic Thatcher feast. Pot roast, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and rolls.

"Viola, this food is amazing!" Julie praised.

"Yup!" Charles beamed. "My wife can cook! Sorry, Jack."

"Hey!" Elizabeth squealed, pretending to toss her roll at her brother-in-law. "I'll have you know I've gotten much better!"

"Is that true, Jack? Come on, you can tell me the truth."

All eyes were on Jack now. He swallowed a mouth full of potatoes before clearing his throat.

"She hasn't given me food poisoning once! And I haven't had to help her put out a fire in weeks."

Everyone laughed, include William. Beth pouted playfully.

"Is that really all you have to say?"

"I'm just kidding. She has turned into an amazing cook as well. I'm very proud of her."

"See?" she said, vindicated.

William spoke next, "I've never doubted that you can do anything you set your mind to, Bethie."

"Then why did you grab me from the kitchen when I was a teen?"

"Well sweetheart, there's only so many times a man wants to remodel his kitchen."

The laughter soon died down and they continued on with their meal.

"One more question and then I'll drop the topic," Julie began. "Beth, will any of your new found culinary skills be put to use in Haiti?"

"Probably not. We have wonderful people running the mess hall in Hope's Landing. Besides, most of my time is spent with the students or at the orphanage."

"And Jack, what keeps you busy when Elizabeth is off with the children?"

"I've been working mostly as a contractor in Hope's Landing."

"There's enough to keep you busy?" William asked. "From the pictures Beth sent, the village hardly looks like it has budding economy."

"In a way, so that actually means that they're even more work for me to do. I'm not there to get paid, in fact I don't get paid at all. I'm there is a servant of God. There's a lot of good people in the area that we serve that just need a little extra help."

"How so?"

"There's been a lot of recovery work in my job. Many of the structures and homes were badly damaged in a series of hurricanes over the past few years. I have a crew made up of people from the village as well as volunteers from the states sometimes. We've done what we can to fix up the remaining buildings and put up new ones."

"Jack, tell them about the Safe T homes!" Elizabeth said excitedly.

"Oh yeah, those are great."

Jack placed his fork down and grabbed his phone. Pulling up the picture, he passed the phone to Grace who was to his left.

"Do you remember back in 2010, Haiti was hit by a devastating earthquake?"

"I remember, it was beyond sad. You remember, Will?" He nodded as Grace handed him the phone.

"Well, these structures were designed as an answer to the devastation around that. Each home measures at 18 feet in diameter and is resistant to termites and moisture, two of the most common structure causing issues in the region. To top it off, they are virtually earthquake proof and can even stand up to hurricanes."

"Impressive." William said looking at the phone. "How many can live in each home?"

"About ten people. We suspect each house will last for about seventy five years as well."

"These are suitable for Hope's Landing?" William asked.

"Yes, the population is growing as people move from other villages that are struggling. Plus the location of the village is right in the line of fire for many of the hurricanes. It being high up and on the ocean is also cause for concern."

"Do you have more pictures on here?" William asked.

"I do, yeah. Go ahead."

"Really?" William was shocked that the young man would give him free reign of his phone.

"I have nothing to hide, sir."

The conversation around William continued to flow as he scrolled through what seemed like an endless row of pictures on Jack's phone.

Jack clearly had a good eye for photography. Then of course there were more candid shots. There were pictures of smiling Haitian children climbing all over him, Jack and two youth boys that must have come on a service trip at some time, and many pictures of Beth.

William couldn't help but notice they way Jack took pictures of her. There was something about them. It was like he was taking a picture of something worth treasuring.

The last picture he looked at was of Jack and Beth sitting on the beach with three of the children. William couldn't help but wonder, was that their future?

"Now, Jack," Charles began. Pulling William away from his thoughts. "What has been your most dangerous fire?"

"Oh, Charles, I don't think Jack wants to talk about something like that," Viola said rolling her eyes. It didn't seem like the best topic with her father sitting there with them.

"I'm curious too actually," William added, passing the phone back.

Feeling his nervousness, Beth squeezed his hand under the table. He glanced at her, and she nodded for him to continue if he wanted.

"I can try to answer that. Though, I guess that would depend."

"On what?" William said sternly.

"Well, a few years ago, I volunteered to go to northern California to help with the wildfires there. To see fires so big and powerful, destroying miles of life in its path, it was pretty intense. To answer your question, though, I think the time I was ever the most scared would have to be the fire at Hope's Landing earlier this year."

"The orphanage fire?" Grace asked, remembering hearing about the ordeal from her daughter.

"Yeah. There were some children trapped inside. Young boys that I knew. I just had to get to them. When I found them, I was worried we wouldn't all get back out. I wouldn't have left them. Thankfully, that story had a happy ending."

"Wow!" Julie swooned. "So brave."

"He is," Beth gushed, kissing his cheek.

"You seem to make a habit of putting your life in danger, Jack. Not sure that's a positive quality in a family man."

"William," Grace warned.

"It's not without its challenges, no. But I can assure you, I will be devoted to Beth and our family."

"Can't do that if you're gone, though. What if you have a fire you can't best? Then what? Beth will be left alone. Possibly with children to raise on her own because you, what? Had to play hero?"

"I'm not simple trying to play a part. I want to serve, and help those in need."

"Like this?"

"Yes. I'm a fourth generation firefighter and proud of it!"

"So you'd leave my daughter a widow for your pride?"

"No one knows the future Mr. Thatcher. Not even you."

"But…"

Grace rose from her chair and glared at her husband. "We're done, William! Now!"

Everyone in the room, including Jack knew that look. Elizabeth had it too. It was the look of "don't you dare mess with me!" Apparently it was genetic.

"Gracie."

"To the car."

William placed his cloth napkin on the table and exited the room.

"I hope you'll still come to the party tomorrow night," Grace said to Jack and Elizabeth.

"We will," Jack assured. "I don't scare easy."

"Thank goodness for that," Grace laughed. "Julie, are you coming or staying?"

Julie sent Viola a pleading look for rescue.

"She can stay," Viola said. "I think the conversation you and Dad are about to have is best just between you two."

"Good idea. Goodnight everyone. Viola, dinner was lovely."

The room fell silent. No one ate. They just stared at their plates and each other.

"Well…" Charles coughed. "That may partially be my fault…" Charles winced. Thinking about the question he'd asked before.

"You think?" Julie snarked.

Elizabeth picked up her half eaten roll, and sent it flying across the table, bouncing it off the side of Charles' head.

"Hey!" he cried out.

"Just be thankful it's not the butter dish."

There was that look again. The same one Grace gave William. Only difference was, with Elizabeth, it soon faded into a laugh.

"Hey, Charles, next time you want to ask me a question, don't." They all laughed.

….

Grace beat William to the car and climbed into the driver's seat.

"Gracie, this is my car."

"Don't care. Just get in."

"Oookay…" He knew better than to argue with her now so he climbed into the passenger seat and buckled up.

Grace said nothing for the first few miles of the drive home.

"Gracie?"

"Don't talk to me now, Will. I can't drive safely and yell at you at the same time."

"Why are going to yell at me? I didn't do anything. I just asked some simple and relevant questions."

"You can't be serious! You promised to give the man a chance. You did the opposite of that."

"Grace! This man may become her husband!"

"Wrong. This man WILL be her husband. He's perfect for her and loves her with everything he is. How can you not see that?" Grace huffed. "See? you got me yelling! No more talking right till we're home."

"Then what?"

"Then we are having this out until you can figure out how to be supportive."

"What's the point?" he muttered. "So much for wanting my blessing. He just goes and does what he wants anyway."

"That's not true."

"He proposed without our blessing!"

"No. He proposed without your blessing. He had mine."

"Excuse me?"

"I give it to him."

"Without talking to me? Grace..."

"I'm not sorry."

"This is not how this relationship works!"

"Maybe not. But I wasn't about to sit back and let you hurt our daughter. You should have known that."

"You're right."

"I am?"

"Yeah, we shouldn't be talking right now."

…..

Charles watched as Jack leaned over the green felt pool table, strategizing over his next shot. He'd decided to take his soon-to-be brother-in-law out to his favorite pool hall.

Jack took his shot, sinking in two of the striped balls into the corner pocket.

"Tell me the truth, Charles." Jack said as he moved around the table. "Is that man always going to hate me?"

"I don't think he hates you now. You just scare him."

"Scare him? Are you kidding me?"

*Nope. Look, I've been around the Thatcher family since I was a kid. One thing's for sure, that man loves his family more than anything. Too much sometimes, but still."

"But I love her. With my whole heart. What does he want from me?"

Jack took his shot with his frustration boiling. He missed this time. Now it was Charles' turn.

"He wants a guarantee that Beth's life will be good. Without pain and unnecessary suffering.*

"And she won't get that with me being a fireman."

"Bingo."

Charles sank his shot. Bouncing the ball off the side wall.

"It makes sense really. Knowing his history."

"I'm not following. What history?"

…..

Once the dishes from dinner we're done and all the food had been put away, the Thatcher sisters sat on the floor by the fire with hot cocoa just like when they were little girls and their mother would let them stay up late.

With computers and magazines spread out around them, they giggled and swooned over wedding ideas. They looked at dresses with beautiful long trains, as well is simple stylish dresses.

One in particular caught Beth's eye. It was simple, but she could picture herself wearing it. It had a lacey v-neck top, and the bottom was layers of light sheer material. It looked as if it would flow in the breeze.

"Whatcha thinking, Bethie?" Viola asked.

"I think I'm really leaning towards getting married on a beach. Maybe even in Haiti."

She smiled, an image forming in her mind of her in that dress walking down a sandy aisle at sun set to the most amazing man she'd ever met. It was perfect.

"Not sure Dad will like that," Violal laughed.

She sighed. Her older sister's comment caused clouds to cover her beautifully dreamed skies.

"Dad doesn't like Jack. I don't see any reason to bend over backwards to please him right now."

"Watch out now!" Julie laughed. "Sister isn't taking crap from anybody!"

They all laughed.

"On a happier note," Julie continued. "Where are you two going on your honeymoon? You practically live on the beach now. Maybe someplace different?"

"I'm not sure. We haven't really talked about the "where" yet."

"No?" Viola grinned. "Maybe you've talked more about the "what", like what you will be doing?" She wiggled her eyes at Beth.

Elizabeth responded defensively at first. "Vi! We… Well, okay… yes."

She turned bright red. It was true. After months of holding back, they couldn't wait to just surrender to their feelings and completely love one another.

"Want my advice?" Elizabeth nodded to Viola. "Don't spend too much money getting to the honeymoon spot or worried about what expensive, exotic location it is in the world. Just get find a stellar room with a view somewhere nice."

"But it's her honeymoon, Vi!" Julie protested. "Why should she not think big?"

"Julie, you've seen Jack Thornton? Oh, honey, our sister isn't gonna be leaving the bedroom on her honeymoon! At least, not much."

As her sisters made kissy noises, Elizabeth grabbed the Sherpa throw blanket off the nearest armchair and covered her head.