Elizabeth stepped out of Pete's hospital room and back out in the hallway. Her mind racing, struggling to catch up with all that had happened in the past 24 hours. It was almost too much.

"Angel?" Jack had followed her outside, his face masked with concern. "Babe, what's wrong?"

She took a deep breath, trying to compose herself, then spun around to face him. His beautiful blue green eyes were staring back at her, searching hers.

"Why do I have this feeling that you're not coming back to Haiti?"

"Beth…" He stepped forward, reaching for her. To his surprise, she didn't pull away. Instead she took his hands in hers.

"Just tell me, Jack. Is you staying here up for discussion or should I just sit quietly and try to be the supportive fiance and keep my opinion to myself?"

"You're mad." It wasn't a question, but a statement.

"No. Not mad, just…" she sighed. "Just not happy. Not with you, just this situation."

"I get it."

"Do you? Really, Jack?"

"Give me a sec." He walked back into the room for a second to tell his mom they were taking a walk, then was back at her side. "Come on, take a walk with me."

She took the hand he offered and followed him down the hall, being careful not to move too fast for his tired body.

"I do get it, sweetheart."

"But you're going to stay. Aren't you?"

Jack huffed, this was hard. The right answer wasn't clear. "I haven't decided yet. At least not officially. I do know I don't want to spend any time away from you."

She stopped then turned to face him, holding his handsome face in her hands. "Babe, I'm so in love with you. I'd like to think I know you pretty well at this point. You love me, but you don't want to leave. Not with Pete being so hurt. Jesse too."

"Yeah. Maybe." He closed his eyes, taking in the soft gentle touch of her hands on his cheeks. "But I don't want you thinking that that means I want to be away from you. It hurts to even think about it."

She pressed her lips to his, slowly working them into a soft, yet powerful kiss.

"I know you, Jack. I know you don't want us to be apart. I also know how much your job and your family means to you."

"So, that means what exactly?"

"It means... I'll support your decision. At least, I'll try. As long as you promise it won't be forever. It will be hard to get married if we are living in different countries."

He kissed her forehead. Then her cheek. Then her lips.

"Nothing will stop me from becoming your husband. That I promise you.

"Will you promise to become my husband before we're in our 40s?"

"Yes," he smirked, kissing her again.

Jack pulled back suddenly with a sharp wince.

"You alright?" Elizabeth worried. "Let's get you back to bed."

"Thanks. I think I forgot for a bit that I was actually injured."

"Interesting. I can't seem to forget."

For Elizabeth, that was part of the problem. If Jack stayed and she flew back to Haiti, she'd be more than a day's trip from him should anything happen. The very idea made her sick to her stomach. She wasn't sure she could bear it. What if she left, but then something happened and she never saw him again? If she was at least here, she'd see him every day before work. Would that make it so she carried less regrets if the worst should happen?

Elizabeth helped Jack back into bed. A nurse came soon after to redo his dressings on the burns. The pain increased as she did that so Jack was reattached to the IV and given fluids and meds. It was clear he wouldn't be heading home any time too soon. It took about 20 minutes for the medicine to kick in and then he was asleep.

"There you go, tough guy," Elizabeth said with a loving grin as she ran her fingers through his hair. "Get some sleep."

Once it was clear Jack would be out for a while, Elizabeth stepped into the quiet hallway. Seeing no one else around, she leaned against the wall and sighed, fighting her tears.

"Beth!" She looked up. Faith was walking down the hall towards her. Carson beside her. "We have great news."

"I talked to Frank," Carson stated. "He's rescheduling yours and Jack's flights back to Haiti for two weeks from now. If Jack's not up for the trip by then, we'll figure something out."

"Oh wow…"

"Isn't that great?" Faith continued. "Unfortunately Car and I need to get back as planned. The clinic is short-staffed right now and busier than ever."

"That's great. Thanks. Tell Frank I appreciate this, but I don't know when Jack's coming back."

"Don't worry about it. If he needs another week…"

"No. I don't know if he's coming back at all."

That did it. Tears fell from her eyes like water cascading down a waterfall. She couldn't stop them. Instead she ran out to the floor's lobby and collapsed in the nearest chair. Her knees pulled up against her chest.

"Beth…" Faith knelt down and wrapped her eyes around her best friend. "He's okay. He's going to be okay."

"But he can't leave. Not with Pete and Jesse hurt. He's so torn between here and Haiti. I don't want to push him, but I know I'm supposed to go back. What if he doesn't come back as well? What if we can't make this work?"

Carson knelt down wrapping an arm around Elizabeth as well. With a gentle voice, he spoke to her.

"Loyalty has always been one of Jack's strongest qualities."

"I know." Beth sniffled. "It's one of the things I love about him."

"I bet," he smiled. "You don't have to push him, but he needs to know exactly how you feel. He respects you and isn't so prideful that he won't listen to your opinion or advice."

"But is it my place?"

Carson lifted Beth's left hand. With his other hand he pointed to her engagement ring.

"This tells me, yes. It is. He's given you all the permission you need. Talk to him, okay?"

Later at dinner time, Jack was awake, sitting up in his bed. The room was full of laughter and love. Jack was awake having dinner with Elizabeth, his mom and his siblings. Rosie had stopped at the family's favorite Chinese place and ordered enough food to feed an army. They even had enough for Clara and Abigail. Due to the severity of Pete's injuries, he wasn't cleared for any nutrition that didn't come from his IV.

Her mind was still reeling from all that was said and that had happened over the past couple days. They hadn't had a moment alone since then, leaving her itching to talk and come to some resolution. At least she wasn't expected to fly out tomorrow. That gave her some time.

While they ate, the family gathered around Jack's bed as they listened to Tom tell his stories about living on an Alaskan fishing boat.

"I hope you know," Charlotte began. "The more you tell me, the less likely I am to ever let you go back! This sounds frighteningly dangerous."

"Meh, don't worry. It's not as bad as it sounds."

"I'm with Mom." Rosie laughed. "And also, I don't believe you that its "not as bad as it sounds."

There was a knock on Jack's door.

"Come in," Jack called, assuming it was another nurse or doctor to check on him.

The door opened but it wasn't a nurse or doctor. Instead a tall, older gentleman wearing casual business attire walked in.

"What's this I hear about you injuring yourself, young man?" The man said sternly. "Haven't we talked about this?"

"Pop!" Jack exclaimed. His smile stretched from ear to ear. "What are you doing here?"

"My grandson's hurt, of course I'm here. Don't get up, I'll come to you." He walked over and gently hugged Jack. "Good to see you, Jack."

"You too, Pop."

Mr. Elliott made his way around the room. Hugging his grandchildren and his daughter.

"Pop, this is Beth Thatcher, my fiance. Angel, this is my grandfather, Grant Elliott."

"Pleasure to meet you, sir!" She rose and accepted the man's warm hug.

"It's wonderful to meet you, dear. Boy, you sure look a lot like your mother," he chuckled.

"Oh, you've met my mother?"

"A few times, yes. Grace Thatcher is a special woman, and not just because she's been putting up with your father for so long." He laughed along with Beth and then turned his attention back to Jack. "Now tell me the truth, how bad is it?"

"I'm fine, Pop. Just hurts badly sometimes."

"And what about Petey?"

With Charlotte and Abigail being best friends and college roommates, Grant and his wife had taken a special interest in Abigail. Then of course when Charlotte married Abigail's older brother, they paid even more attention.

"It's pretty bad, but he's in good hands here."

"Okay. I want to see them."

"Pete's visitation hours are limited because of his condition," Charlotte told him. "I think Abigail went home for a bit but she'll be back later."

"Will you text Abby then? Let her know I'm here?"

"On it, Pop," Tom said as he pulled out his phone.

After dinner was eaten, everyone left Jack's room except for Grant.

"So, tell me about your Angel, Jack."

He leaned his head back and smiled. "She's perfect for me. Gorgeous and smart and we have the same goals. She's a teacher, Pop. You should see her with the orphans in Haiti. I've never loved her more than when I watch her caring for and loving those children. Her eyes light up."

Grant chuckled. "Yep, you've got it bad. I bet you can't wait to get back to Haiti."

Jack grew serious. "I'm not sure I'm going back."

"Why on earth not? Isn't she going back?"

"Yes for another year."

"So why aren't you going back?"

"Pop, Pete is injured badly and I'm needed here. I can't leave Bill short two people."

"And?"

"And what, Pop?"

"And is it also because you're blaming yourself for the accident?"

"Pop, if I could have just pushed him out of the way, the ceiling wouldn't have collapsed on him...and.."

"And you'd likely be the one with severe burns instead of him. And Beth would be the one worrying about you instead of Clara. It sounds as if you are a hero. Not at fault."

"I have a responsibility to the firehouse."

"You are your father's son," Grant sighed. "Let me tell you something, Jack. One of the first things I noticed about your dad was his incredible sense of loyalty. I won't lie and say I loved his career as a prospective husband at first, but I respected him."

Jack nodded, and listened.

"Your dad would say his priorities were God, family, firehouse. That order was key. Now of course, he had to look at every decision in terms of the big picture, but still."

"What are you saying, Pop?"

"I'm saying take a little advice from your old man. The moment you put that engagement ring on Elizabeth's finger, you became family in a sense. You promised her a future together."

"Regardless of when I go back to Haiti, we have a future."

"But will you go back?"

All Jack could do was stare at his grandfather. At that moment, he didn't have a real answer.

"Let's take this conversation up a notch. We talk often, Jack. I know how torn you feel between your life here, and the one you've been building in Haiti. So what I want to ask is, what is God telling you to do?"

Shoot. Jack thought then said. "I don't think I've asked."

Grant smiled. "How about you start there."

….

Charlotte drove Elizabeth back to the house to shower and grab a few things. The doctor had informed them that Jack would remain in the hospital for at least the next few days. Overall, the burns he sustained were not severe, but there were spots of concern. To limit the risk of infection, he would stay in the burn unit until he'd reached a specific level of healing.

Once she had everything she needed, Elizabeth drove Jack's big red truck back to the hospital. Charlotte tried to get her to stay and get a solid night's sleep, but she refused. She wanted to be at Jack's side.

The lights were dim when she returned to Jack's room. Grant was reading in the bedside chair while Jack slept. He smiled when he saw her. Then he closed his book and placed his reading classes on his head.

"Feeling refreshed?" He teased at a whisper.

"Very," she smiled back. She placed the bag of things from the house in the little closet. Then leaned down to kiss Jack's forehead. "How is he?"

"Good. They gave him another round of meds and he went right out."

Elizabeth smiled. "He's a little goofy on the meds sometimes."

"I noticed. It reminded me of when he was a little boy." Grant gazed down at Jack. "How are you holding up?"

"Truthfully?" He nodded. "Depends on the moment."

"I understand."

"Did he tell you he might not go back to Haiti?" she wondered, her eyes fixed on Jack's handsome face.

"He told me he hasn't decided for sure yet."

"He's my life," she whispered, running her fingers through his hair. "I don't know if I can survive without him."

"He told me among other things how strong and independent you are. To me, you sound very similar to my Char."

"I may come across that way, but the thought of him here while I'm there...it hurts so much."

"They say absence makes the heart grow fonder."

"Everyone leaves out the, "but in the meantime, your heart breaks."

"You didn't hear this from me, dear, but maybe you need to think of a way that makes it impossible for him to stay away."

"I'm not sure what you mean."

Grant stood and kissed her forehead. "He also told me that he admired how smart you are. You'll figure it out," he said with a wink. "I'll give you two some space. I told Charlotte I'd come so we can catch up."

"Okay. Goodnight, sir."

"Sir?" He laughed. "We're family, sweetie. Call me Pop."

She hugged him. "Goodnight, Pop."

"Goodnight, sweetie." He gathered his things and headed out, closing the door behind him.

Elizabeth took a seat in the bedside chair, taking Jack's hand. Her mind was milling over her conversation with Pop. What on earth did he mean?

"Angel?" Jack said groggily.

"I'm here." She raised his hand to her lips. "I'm right here. Pop left."

"Come lay down."

"I don't want to hurt you."

"You won't."

"You just want to feel me next to you," she smirked.

"You got me." He grinned. Eyes still closed. "Please?"

"If you insist." She snuggled up close yet gently. "I love you."

He turned his head, kissing the top of hers.

"Jack?"

"Yeah?"

"I don't want a long engagement."

"Me either."

"When I say not long, I mean really short."

"Okay."

"Like in a week."

"Huh? Elizabeth, that's...I mean, what about everything most girls dream about? What about…"

She reached up and touched his lips with hers. "I already have all that. You're it for me. You're all I need."

That kiss, loving and tender, gave Jack visions of their future. It was beautiful. Full of their love. Love of each other, love for the people they served.

"Angel, I will get better. When I do, let's go home."

"Okay."

"Home to Haiti. I want to marry you on the beach. Under the stars, under God."

"You're loopy and exhausted, Jack. Let's talk about this later."

"I won't change my mind. Angel, in my heart, you are mine. My love. It needs to be official."

"Sleep, babe." She smiled. "We'll talk more tomorrow."

Thanks to the miracle of medicine, and the feeling of his love's soft, warm body against his, Jack finally got a good solid REM sleep. Didn't hurt that he was well enough that the nurse didn't need to wake him during the night. They just popped in to check his vitals and left.

….

"I'm worried Dad." Charlotte sipped her tea by the woodstove with her father. It was late, but her mind and body would not rest. "This accident has thrown both Jack and Lizzy for a loop. What if it breaks them?"

"It won't."

"But…"

"Trust me, sweetheart. The love between them is as thick as the love in those movies you and your mother made me watch."

"I love those movies!"

"And I love you and I loved your mother so I watched them. Thus I know what I'm talking about."

"Your point?"

"My point, sassy one, is they will be just fine. Jack and I had a talk about priorities and I may have planted a bug in Beth's ear in regards to what you'd mentioned to me before."

"Refresh my memory please. What did I say?"

"That they should just marry. Elope even."

"You what? Dad!"

"You said it, first." He chuckled.

"To you! I said it to you in a phone call! I don't want to miss my firstborn's wedding!"

"Eh, he's not going anywhere for a week or two. Talk to him."

"I don't think he will appreciate me butting in. He's an adult and this is his life choice."

"Nah, you can butt in without him actually knowing. You're good at it, Char," he said with a wink.

"I learned from the best."

"Sass!"

….

Jack turned and looked down the beach. There she was. His angel on earth. She was walking toward him on her father's arm, wearing a flowy, perfectly white gown, a crown of flowers on her head.

She was going to be his wife, finally. They had waited long enough in his opinion and now it seemed as if she would never reach him.

"Jack," she said with a soft smile. "Are you ready for this?"

"So very ready, angel. You're stunning."

"You look pretty good yourself."

He took her hands in his and everything and everyone else faded away.

They turned and walked down the grass path within their little village's boundaries. The feel of hope and promise filling their souls.

Jack felt someone grasp his free hand. He glanced down. It was a beautiful, dark skinned boy.

"Hey, buddy." The little boy said something, but Jack couldn't understand it. "I don't understand, I'm sorry."

With two little hands, the boy tugged Jack along.

"He wants us to go with him, Jack," Elizabeth said. "Come on, let's see where he's taking us."

The boy let go and ran. They followed him up to a row of small run down homes.

"Come back!" Jack called, but the boy didn't listen. "Hey! Come back."

Knock knock! Knock knock!

Jack twitched as he awoke, finding himself no longer in Haiti, but back in his hospital bed. Sore and tired.

The door opened and one of the nurses stuck her head in. "Jack, the doctor will be here soon."

"Thanks." Jack stretched. "Angel, you awake?"

"Sort of," she yawned.

"I just had a dream."

"A good one?"

"We got married."

"Ah, that does sound good."

"Yeah. I've had that dream before, but this was a little different. There was this cute little boy there. Rich, dark skin, beautiful smile."

"Sounds fun."

"Yeah."

A little later that morning, Faith and Carson came to the hospital to have breakfast and say goodbye before heading to the airport. Today was the day they were all supposed to begin their journey back.

"I wish you were coming back with us," Carson said, giving his friend a pat on the leg.

"If they'd let me out of this bed more, maybe I would."

"No, you wouldn't," Elizabeth shot Jack a scary teacher look. "You will do exactly what the doctors ask of you."

"Anything we can do for you before we leave?" Faith asked.

Elizabeth and Jack looked at each other and smiled. "Well," she began. "We have something to share with you."

"We're getting married," Jack stated.

"We know," Carson laughed. "Wait, is there more?"

"We want to get married in Haiti, at Hopes Landing. We've talked about it and waiting until we are back in the states again doesn't work for us."

"Wow! That's wonderful news! So what can we do?" Faith said, hugging her friend.

"We sent an email out to Frank this morning letting him know of our plans. Can you help us lay the groundwork? Ask around, see what we need to do to get married there? We'll do what we can from here."

"Will do! How soon after you guys get back are you thinking of tying the knot?"

"Not sure just yet, but we'll figure it out."

"Not too long though," Jack said with a wink. "I'm ready."

"Well, congrats, guys," Carson laughed. "I have to say, I worried you were gonna say you weren't coming back at all."

"Yeah, I thought about staying home longer. I love the firehouse and my family here and I want to support them, but it's just not where I'm supposed to be. Not now."

"Good!" Carson smacked Jack's leg. "We need you down there. We need you two together."

A timer went off on Faith's phone. "Crap, we need to get going. I'll miss you guys. Heal fast, okay, Jack?"

"Thanks, Faith. I will. Take care of each other down there."

"We will," Carson assured. "See you soon."

They hugged their friends goodbye then Elizabeth snuggled back next to Jack on the bed.

"Sure you're okay with all this?" she asked, wrapping her arm around his waist.

"I'm sure. Our future's in Hopes Landing. At least, right now it is. Who knows where we'll go from there."

"As long as we're together, I'm up for anything. But maybe, if God wants to send us somewhere else, it can be a place with less snakes and spiders."

Jack laughed. "You really don't like spiders do you?"

"No! But in my defense, the ones that jump and are the size of my fist would make anyone a little freaked."

"That's true, I suppose." He leaned in and kissed her lips. "I love you, Angel. Here's to the future Mr. and Mrs. Jack Thornton." He lifted his coffee cup to her, and she lifted hers.

"To us, my love."