Fire station, Hyannis
"Chief, this is great!" Lee told Jack as he ate the meatloaf and mashed potatoes Jack had whipped up for dinner.
"Thanks, Coulter."
"Nothing like a home cooked meal."
Lee took another large bite.
"Easy, man. You act like Rosie never feeds you."
"She does but with a thirteen year old boy that eats a lot, I'm usually eating cereal."
That thirteen year old boy was Zachary and Harper had her first crush on him. He was in her English class and sat just to her left and up a row, perfect for catching a glimpse without him realizing. He had a great smile and great hair and had no clue Harper was alive.
In a way, that was a good thing. It was less stressful that way, but on the other hand, she wished he would pay her some attention.
As class ended and it was time for lunch, Dylan caught up to Harper in the hall. "Hey, wait up."
"Hey, Dyl."
"What's going on?"
"Just going to lunch."
"I mean, I saw you. You've been watching Zach Coulter for the last week."
"No I haven't." The lie covered up her embarrassment.
"Yeah, you have. You like him or something?"
"Shhh! Dylan, I don't really want to talk about this."
"We are best friends. We can talk about anything."
"So when you get your first crush on a girl, you're gonna talk to me about it? I doubt that."
"Maybe I will. Come on. Zach is a good guy. Maybe I can help."
"How?"
"Maybe all three of us can study for our test at my house. Seems harmless enough. Mom won't care."
"You would do that?"
"Of course I would. Best friends, remember?"
"Yeah. Thanks, Dylan. That would be fun."
…..
That afternoon….Elizabeth's office
"Ms. Thatcher?" Florence had stepped inside the door.
"Yes, Florence."
"Have you heard from the Chief this afternoon?"
"No, he's working. Why?"
"I just heard about a big fire just outside Hyannis. It's a big warehouse and I heard there were some injuries."
Elizabeth's heart lurched. "He doesn't always fight the fires. I mean, the Chief just supervises….right?"
"Maybe you need to check your phone."
She picked it up. No messages. No missed calls. "Nothing but he is working so he wouldn't have time to call me yet."
She debated whether to call or text his parents. She didn't want to worry them though without knowing anything was actually wrong.
"Please help him be safe," she whispered in prayer. "Please, I can't lose him now."
The rest of the afternoon, she worried. She tried to tell herself that he was going to be fine but her stomach was in knots.
As she and Dylan walked out to her car, they saw Harper getting into Charlotte and Tom's vehicle.
Charlotte saw Elizabeth and got out.
"Elizabeth, he is just fine. He needs to take care of some things at the station so he asked us to pick up Harper."
She nodded and her pent up tears fell. "Thank you."
Charlotte gave her a quick hug and got back in her car.
"Mom, are you okay?"
"Yeah, bud. Let's go home."
"Wait, why did you cry? Did you think Jack was hurt?"
"Yeah. I heard there were injuries at a big fire and I hadn't heard from him so….my mind just went there."
"Why don't we go see him?"
"At the station?"
"Yeah. Why not?"
"He's busy. I'm sure he will call when he has time."
While his mom drove, Dylan texted Jack.
"Please make sure you come see Mom soon, okay? She was so worried."
A few minutes later he got a return text. "Will do, bud."
"Thank you."
At about ten that night, Jack knocked on the cottage door.
"Hey, Blue Eyes."
"Jack." He quickly wrapped her in his arms and held her as long as she needed.
"You okay?"
"Yeah." He gently kissed her, tasting her salty tears. "I was…I heard about the fire and I…"
"You were worried. A little birdie told me to make sure I come see you soon."
"I'll thank him in the morning." She wiped her tears and then hugged him tighter. "I love you so much. I prayed that you were safe. I just found you again, I can't lose you."
"Shhh, sweetheart. I'm here. I'm safe."
He gave her a few more kisses and then he went home, promising to call her the next morning.
….
At school the next day, he brought her a chocolate muffin and a cappuccino.
"Thank you. I need extra caffeine today."
He moved closer, standing with his hands on her hips. "Didn't sleep well?"
"Not really. I guess my bed felt too big last night."
He was surprised at her words. She wasn't normally so forward, not that he minded.
His bed felt big too. Falling asleep with her in his arms on Thanksgiving was heaven. He couldn't wait to have that experience every night.
"I missed you too, Blue Eyes."
She needed to get to work on her emails but she was just so grateful he was alright, she didn't want to let him go. She wrapped her arms around his neck and just breathed in his scent, letting it relax her.
"I love you, Jack."
"Love you more."
…..
That weekend, both kids were at their grandparent's, so Jack and Elizabeth took Lee and Rosie up on an offer to come over for dinner. Their own son Zachary was with his own grandparents so it was adults only.
Elizabeth helped Rosie in the kitchen, chopping lettuce and other veggies for a tossed salad. "Thank you for inviting us over, Rosemary. It's been a long time since I've had lasagna."
"It's our pleasure. I just want to tell you that your Dylan is a delight to have in music class. He's got rhythm on those drums of his."
"I'm glad to hear both of those things, thank you."
"You're welcome. Now what's in the plans for you and our Chief in there?"
"What do you mean?" Elizabeth felt her cheeks heat up.
"I mean, Flo says he comes to see you and brings you coffee and pastries and flowers. What's the scoop?"
"No scoop. We were friends growing up here and then we both went our separate ways and now we both happened to move back to the Cape."
"I love second chance love stories," she said with a squeal. "So romantic."
"It can be."
"Do you think this is it? I mean, is he the one?"
"Rosemary, I know we don't know each other all that well and forgive me for saying this, but you're not going to go tell Florence all of our business, are you? I'd like to have some semblance of privacy."
"No forgiveness necessary. Just so you know, Flo tends to find things out before the rest of us do."
"What are you ladies gabbing about in here?" Lee asked, kissing Rosie's cheek.
"Nothing, dear. Nothing at all."
Jack placed his hand on her lower back and kissed her temple. "Hey, Blue Eyes."
"Hey."
He reached for a piece of green pepper and stuck it in his mouth. "Mm. Veggies."
Elizabeth popped a piece of tomato in her mouth and settled in to enjoy the rest of the evening. Glad her thoughts on Jack were safe from listening ears for now.
After dinner, the couples sat in the Coutlers living room enjoying tea, coffee and a delicious cherry cheesecake. Conversation for the evening had mostly consisted of work and the kids. No more talk about Jack and Elizabeth's relationship or the direction it may be going in. That was a relief for Elizabeth.
"Jack, I almost forgot," Lee began. "Rosie and I decided that all we plan on doing over break is taking Zach skiing a time or two. So we'll be close by if you'd still like me to take over while you're away."
"Perfect! Thanks Lee."
Rosie placed her tea cup on the coffee table and picked up her dessert plate. "I don't think Lee ever mentioned what it was your plans were, Jack. Something fun, I hope!"
"Actually very fun, yeah. Elizabeth and I are talking the kids to Disney World for New Years."
"Really?" Rosie exclaimed. "A little family vacation?" She emphasized the word "family."
"Something like that, yeah." Holding Elizabeth's hand, Jack smiled over at her, but there was a different look in her smile. It seemed almost forced and full of worry.
Jack wanted to address the tension he was feeling from Elizabeth but there wasn't a way to right away.
Rosie talked away about the last time she, Lee and Zach had gone down to Florida for a little vacation. There was no shortage of ideas and suggestions from her.
Once the dessert and coffee cups were empty, Jack stood and announced that they should get going. Thinking nothing of it, Lee and Rosie stood as well and walked them out.
"This was great. We should do it again," Lee said shaking Jack's hand.
While she hugged Elizabeth, Rosie whispered, "I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable with my questions. I just adore all four of you, and want you to be happy."
At her kind words, Elizabeth relaxed some. She still wasn't thrilled with how much Rosie, a new friend and coworker knew about her life. She thanked Rosie and followed Jack back out to the truck.
The Drive home..
Except for saying a quiet "thank you" as Jack helped her into the car, Elizabeth hadn't spoken to Jack the entire way back to her home. The tension in the cab of the truck was so thick, a sword would be hard pressed to cut it.
Putting the truck into park in her drive he asked, "May I walk you in?" She nodded.
As they walked up to her door, Jack couldn't take the silence any longer. He touched her arm, turning her to face him. "Blue Eyes, what's wrong? Did Rosie say something to you? I know she can be a bit…"
"Why did you tell them so much about our life Jack?"
Jack stood back stunned. Quickly he ran over everything that had been said over the course of the night. Nothing stuck out as being out of line. Clearly Elizabeth thought otherwise.
"Lee's my friend. I didn't say anything too private, did I?"
"Jack, our whole relationship is private!"
"Okay…"
"You don't get it do you?"
"I guess not." She huffed and and headed up the steps to the front door. Jack took her arm again, stopping her. "Look, sweetie, I'm sorry that what I said bothered you but can I ask you something?"
Closing her eyes, she took a breath."Sure."
"Did I say anything untrue?"
"No."
"Did I say anything that the kids don't already know?"
"No, I suppose not."
"Okay."
"But its no one's business but ours! Rosie is lovely, I like her, but she talks. A lot. To everyone. I bet you anything she's gonna blab our business to Florence, another talker, and then everyone will know by lunch."
"What will they know, Elizabeth?"
Jack's tone and voice was now raised, matching the intensity of hers. "That we're together? That we love each other and our kids? What's so wrong with that?"
"Nothing! It's just… its none of their business, Jack. I don't need people knowing all about us and what we do."
"Let me ask you something. Where do you see this relationship going, Elizabeth? Because if this goes where I hope it does, there's no hiding any of it."
"Jack…"
"No, listen. I love you! And I want everyone in the world to know it. I also love Dylan. We're becoming a family! That's not something you hide from the world. Not unless you're embarrassed by it."
Jack placed his hand on his head and began pacing around. He tried to control his fear that he was losing her again and his frustration at how the conversation was going but it wasn't working. He felt like screaming. Or crying. Maybe both. By the tears in Elizabeth's eyes she was right there too.
"So, is that what's going on here?" he asked calmly, though the hurt was very present in his eyes and voice. "Are you embarrassed by me?
"Of course not!"
"Then what is it?"
"I don't know, Jack! Okay?"
"Okay." Jack was about to lose it. "I should get going. Call me when you know how you feel, okay?"
"Okay," she whispered. She wiped her eyes dry as best as she could and watched him walk away for a moment before turning and going into her home.
From the living room window, Elizabeth watch Jack climb into his truck and pull out of the driveway.
Just as she was about to turn away, she watched as Jack's truck pulled back into the drive behind her car. The engine shut off and he stepped out, heading to the front door.
"What is he doing?"
Lightly, Jack knocked on the door. "Blue Eyes?"
For a moment, Elizabeth paused with her hand on the doorknob. Whatever happened after opening the door could potentially affect their future. A future she knew she wanted. She opened the door.
"I'm sorry," he spoke softly.
The tears streaming down his face broke her heart. Reaching for him, she pulled him close, letting her own tears fall freely.
"I'm sorry too." Leaning back, she wiped away his tears. "Come sit? We need to talk this out." He nodded and followed her over to the couch. They sat down facing each other, as Jack took her hand.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have acted like that. I promised you I would be patient and understanding. I broke that promise tonight. Please forgive me?"
"Of course, Jack. I'm sorry too. You were right, everything you said was true. It just made it so real, sharing it with the Coulters like that."
Jack nodded and let her continue.
"When I was married to Ray, I had to keep everything private. I didn't want people know what he was like. I was so embarrassed. You're not Ray, I'm not trying to say that. You would never hurt us. You are loving and kind, everything I could ever hope for."
"I know, babe. I understand. I take back everything, okay? I told you once we could go as slow as you needed and I meant it. I love you. I want a future with you. Whatever it takes, however long it takes."
"I love you too. You, Harper, Dylan, that's the future I want, Jack." Her tears came back as she went on.
"There was a moment tonight where I thought I might lose you again. I don't think I could survive that."
"You won't, I promise."
"But I'm scared. What if I'm not enough?"
"Elizabeth Thatcher, you are more than enough. Always will be." Jack leaned forward and gently touched his lips to hers, holding them there for a long moment. "You're my forever love."
Moved by his words, Elizabeth deepened their kiss. Both expressing the magnitude of their love while respecting the boundaries they'd set. With that kiss, and the ones that followed, they knew everything was going to be okay.
The next few days went back to normal. The kids were finishing up projects and reports before Winter Break and Elizabeth was drowning in emails, meetings, and plans for Disney.
One afternoon, she was finishing an email to the Superintendent when she heard a knock on her office door.
"Come in."
Harper walked in, tears streaming down her face. "Elizabeth?"
"Honey? What's wrong?"
"I was in English class and….my stomach started hurting so I asked to go to the bathroom."
"Alright. Did you throw up?"
She shook her head and wrapped her arms around herself.
"Okay. You can tell me."
She moved closer and sniffled, wiping her eyes. "I think I got my period. There was blood on my underwear and….now I don't have any new ones to wear. I'm so embarrassed."
Elizabeth gave her a hug and waited for her to stop crying. "Come with me, sweetie."
Elizabeth took her into the nurse's office which happened to be empty. She opened the cabinets and pulled out a large plastic bag. "Alright, these should fit you. There are also pads, wipes to freshen up, and some Tylenol if you have cramps. Just go into the bathroom and then when you are done, we can have a talk, alright?"
"Will you stay?"
Elizabeth sat in a chair and nodded. "I'll be right here."
About thirty minutes later, the school day was over and Elizabeth and Harper had had a good talk.
"Thank you, Elizabeth."
"You're welcome. You come see me if you need to okay? I'm always available. Or you can call or text me."
She nodded. "I think I'm going to go home and take a hot bath."
"That sounds great. I'll talk to your dad, okay?"
She nodded and headed to Charlotte's car.
Elizabeth pulled out her phone and texted. "Can we talk?"
"Sure."
She dialed him and headed back to her office. "So, I had a visit from a certain honey bee today."
"You did?"
"Yeah. It seems she started her period."
"What?! She's too young."
"No, she is right on schedule. I was twelve too."
"Is she okay?"
"Of course. Just a bit embarrassed."
"What should I do? I mean I don't know how to handle this."
"Yes, you do. Be you, Jack. Just don't bring it up. Just act normal and she will tell you in time."
"Act normal when my baby girl is….she's…"
"Not a baby anymore."
"Yeah. Wow. I'm glad she had you there."
"Me too."
"We sure are lucky."
……
Finally, it was holiday break. Harper stood by her locker packing up her bag. Dylan was meeting her here and then they'd go to Elizabeth's office. She was driving them back to the cottage where Jack would join them for dinner.
"Hey," Dylan said from behind her.
"Hey." She turned around and nearly dropped her math book. "Hi, Zach."
Zach stood a couple inches taller than Dylan. His light brown hair looked a little messy giving him a surfer boy kind of look.
"Hey, Harper. Ready for break?"
"Yeah."
"Harp and I will be kicking back in Florida for the New Year," Dylan said stretching his hands over his head. "It's gonna be sweet."
"That right? Man, it's a good thing you two get along. Can you imagine being stuck with a possible step sibling that you hated?"
"Luckily for me, Harper's pretty cool."
Harper could feel her cheeks flush. She'd liked Zach for a while, but only from afar. Now here he was, standing in front of her, looking adorable.
"I better go meet up with my mom," Zach said with a playful eye roll.
"Maybe I'll catch you guys over break."
"Sure thing." Dylan gave his friend a fist bump. "Catch you later."
"Yup. Bye, Harper. Merry Christmas."
"You too," Harper smiled, still feeling redness in her cheeks. She prayed no one noticed. Especially Zach. When he'd rounded the corner, Harper slammed her locker shut and punched Dylan in the arm. "Why'd you do that?"
"Do what?" Dylan squawked, rubbing his arm.
"Zach! I wasn't ready to talk to him!"
"I thought you liked him?"
"I do!" she hissed. "But you don't just talk to someone you like! You have to prepare for it."
"Say what…"
"Ugh, you boys know nothing!"
"Wow, are you like, maybe a little hormonal or something? If you are, Mom usually keeps chocolate in her office for this kind of… situation. What me to ask?"
"Unbelievable…"
"What?" Dylan threw his hands up. "Now what did I say?"
Upon arriving at the cottage..
"You kids hungry?" Elizabeth asked as they all hung their coats up. "I have dough in the fridge, I was thinking of making some Christmas cookies."
"I'll help!" Harper offered.
"Great! What about you Dyl?"
"I'm all for eating the cookies, but can I go play music instead?"
"Just don't let it get in the way of the homework that's due tomorrow."
"Yes, Mom." With that, Dylan dashed up the stairs.
Elizabeth went into the kitchen and began pulling out the dough, decorations and other things they needed to make cookies.
"Harper, there's food and drinks in the fridge if you'd like."
"Thanks." Harper walked over to the fridge. "Elizabeth?"
"Yeah, sweetie?"
"There's Izzy soda in here."
"Yeah! It's your favorite, right?"
"It is… did you get it for me?"
"I did actually. I figured you've been here after school enough you should have the things you like here. There's Sun Chips in the cupboard as well."
"Thanks." Harper turned away, hoping Elizabeth wouldn't see the tears forming in her eyes. Over the past few months, Elizabeth had been attentive and kind, going out of her way to show love for Harper, and she noticed.
Over Thanksgiving when Harper went to visit her mom, things were good, but it seemed as if her mom didn't know her at all. Her mom had already planned to paint Harper's bedroom at the new house pink. Harper was not a pink kind of girl. One night for dinner she made ham, saying she knew it was her favorite. It wasn't. In fact she'd never liked ham.
"You alright, sweetie?" Elizabeth asked, placing a kind hand on Harper's shoulder. Harper turned around and hugged her.
"Thanks for loving my dad, Elizabeth."
"You're welcome, Harp. But remember, I love you."
"I love you too."
….
Jack pulled his truck into Elizabeth's drive after his shift. It hadn't been a particularly hard shift, just busy. Their upcoming trip down to Florida was also stealing a lot of Jack's focus.
The main objective for the trip was for them to give this a try as a "family", but Jack was desperate for some alone time with Elizabeth. They hadn't had any since dinner with Lee and Rosie. With their kids old enough to explore some of the parks on their own, Jack and Elizabeth could take time for each other for a bit.
He turned the doorknob to enter the cottage but it was locked. He knocked on the door, but the sound of a young boys drum set seemed to overpower it. Jack used the key Elizabeth gave him before and let himself in.
Harper was coming towards the door when it opened and he stepped into the entryway.
"Smells good in here!" Jack shed his coat and boots.
"We made Christmas cookies!" Harper grinned. "You have to try one, Dad. Elizabeth's so good."
"I don't doubt it," he winked at Elizabeth as they walked into the kitchen. Jack took the cookie handed to him and took the mitten shaped cookie from his daughter. "Oh wow, this is good."
"Thanks," Elizabeth said with a shy smile as Jack leaned in and kissed her cheek. They were still trying to express very little PDA around the kids. This was becoming more and more of a challenge.
"Harp, can you let Dylan know it's just about dinnertime?"
"Sure." She took off her apron and hurried up the stairs towards the loud rhythmic noise.
Once she was out of sight, Elizabeth took Jack's hand. "While we're alone, how about you come give me a proper greeting?"
"Gladly." He pulled her close, kissing her deeply. "I missed you today," he whispered against her lips.
"I missed you too. I can't wait for our trip."
"It will be a week to remember."
Wrapped up in their own little world, neither heard the kids come back downstairs.
Dylan cleared his throat. "FYI, there are children present."
"Oh, hi. How was school?" Jack asked, reluctantly stepping away from Elizabeth.
"Fine," both kids answered.
While sitting around the table for dinner, Jack invited Elizabeth and Dylan to come to their home for Christmas Eve dinner before the church service. Both would be spending Christmas day with their parents. Elizabeth and Dylan both agreed to come, making Harper and Jack very happy.
After dinner, they went into Elizabeth's living room to listen to old Christian music while decorating the tree. Harper teased Dylan over the numerous handmade ornaments as well as ones that had pictures of him through the years, one in particular where he was missing both of his two front teeth.
"This is classic right here."
"Just put it on the tree, Thornton!" Dylan exclaimed.
"Not til I get a picture of this. It's too good."
"Is this payback for earlier? I swear, I don't get what I did wrong."
"What are you two talking about?" Jack asked.
"Nothing, Dad."
"Sure sounds like something," Elizabeth added.
"Let's just say Dylan doesn't understand women."
"You're not a woman!" Dylan yelled. "You're 12. Just like me."
"I am too a woman! Just… a young one."
"Liking Zack Coulter doesn't make you a woman."
"You little!!"
"Alright children! Separate corners!!" Elizabeth yelled, separating them. "Harper, as far as Dylan last comment goes, consider it forgotten. And Dylan… really?? Apologize."
"Sorry," he groaned.
"It's okay, I guess." Harper muttered.
"There," Elizabeth sighed. "How about I make some hot chocolate for us and you two can try decorating without killing each other?"
"Yes, Mom."
"Yes, Elizabeth."
Jack followed Elizabeth into the kitchen, his hand covering his grin and laugh. Leaning over to Elizabeth he whispered, "Is it just me or was that a sibling spat?"
"Sure was," she laughed.
When Christmas Eve arrived, Jack stood in his kitchen wearing a blue apron over his dress clothes. Harper was peeling and cutting potatoes while Jack focused on the rolls and chicken that were baking in the oven.
"Smells good in here, Dad."
"Thanks, honey bee. This is our first Christmas with Elizabeth and Dylan. I want it to be perfect."
"From what Dylan's told me about holidays before, when his dad was around, this will be pretty perfect."
"Hello?" Elizabeth called into the house as she and her son entered. "I come bearing dessert!"
"Awesome!" Harper rushed to greet their guest and took the pie from Elizabeth.
Taking three long strides, Jack moved to stand in front of Elizabeth. "Merry Christmas, Blue Eyes."
"Merry Christmas.," she smiled back just as he kissed her lips.
"Again," Dylan began. "There are children present."
"Forget it," Harper laughed. "Dad put up mistletoe in half the doorways of the house."
"Dude!" Dylan shivered. "Should we leave you two alone in the kitchen then?"
"Good idea," Elizabeth teased. Jack made the kids two mugs of hot cocoa and sent them into the living room to watch TV. Once alone, Elizabeth wrapped her arms around Jack's waist, leaned in and kissed his neck softly. "I miss you."
"I miss you too. Things at the station have been crazy and then there's you with your finals."
"Two more days though and we'll be away on vacation."
"True, but with our kids."
"We'll find some alone time. We'll make sure of it." She kissed him again. This time, she deepened the kiss, taking his breath away.
Ever since their big discussion after dinner with the Coulters, Elizabeth made it loud and clear how she felt about Jack. He loved it, though he wasn't sure how much longer he could stand them not being together as husband and wife. He was ready. She seemed to be too.
After dinner, they all piled into Jack's car for the church service.
William and Grace were already there, sitting in the middle on the left side of the sanctuary. Dylan and Harper split off to say hello to their friends so Jack and Elizabeth went to take their seats in front of Elizabeth's parents.
"Merry Christmas, you two," William smiled and extended a hand to Jack.
"You as well, sir."
"Did you have a nice Christmas Eve together?" Grace asked.
"So far, yes!" Elizabeth beamed as she leaned into Jack's side. "We're heading back there after the service."
"Harper and I have a tradition of watching Muppet Christmas Carol every Christmas Eve. We wanted to include Dylan and Elizabeth this year."
"That's lovely. I know Dylan has really loved being around you, Jack," spoke Grace.
"The feeling is very mutual, Mrs. Thatcher."
Charlotte and Tom came in just before the service began. They slid into the pew next to William and Grace.
"This is pretty cool, huh?" Dylan whispered to Harper. "It's like we're all a family or something."
"Yeah," Harper smiled. "It's nice."
The candlelight service was beautiful. A short message by the pastor was followed by singing by the congregation, choir and children's choir. When it ended, they all said their goodbyes and headed back to Jack's home.
In the parking lot, Charlotte watched her son, granddaughter, Dylan and Elizabeth walk to the truck. Turning to Grace she asked. "They seem happy."
"Very," Grace smiled. "You think Jack will make a move to make it permanent?"
"Oh, I sure hope so!" Charlotte laughed. "Heaven knows we already think of Dylan and Beth as family."
"We feel the same way about sweet Harper and Jack."
….
Back at the house, Jack placed a large bowl of popcorn on the coffee table as well as a plate of Christmas treats. When Elizabeth came in with a tray of hot cocoa for everyone, Jack stood from his chair.
"Before we start the movie. I have presents for you and Dylan."
"That's so sweet, Jack!" Elizabeth gushed. "You didn't have to do that. Though I do have something for you and Harper."
"You want to go first?" Jack asked. Elizabeth nodded and walked over to the entryway and grabbed two gifts that she'd left there.
"This is for you, sweetie." She pulled out a light blue christmas stocking with sparkling snowflakes on it.
"It's so pretty!" Harper looked inside. There was nail polish, hair ties, chapstick, lotions and perfumes. "Wow! This is so cool!"
"Look at the bottom," Elizabeth suggested.
Harper carefully dumped out the stocking. At the bottom was a velvet box. She picked it up and looked at Elizabeth in shock.
"It's okay, Harp," Elizabeth giggled. "Open it."
"Wow…" Harper gaped. "Just wow!"
"What is it?" Jack asked, though he already knew what it was.
"It's a charm bracelet. There's two charms already. A horse and a castle." She looked closer. "Its Cinderella's castle!"
"The horse," Elizabeth explained. "represents your favorite book, Black Beauty. The castle is for our trip. Do you like it?"
"Like it? I love this! Thank you!" Harper leapt off the couch and hugged Elizabeth tight. Elizabeth could feel tears forming in her eyes. Oh, how she loved this precious young woman already.
"Can't wait to see what you've got for me." Jack smirked.
"It's right here." She handed him a flat package wrapped in red wrapping paper. "I hope you like it."
"I'm sure I will." Jack ripped the paper off and smiled. "It's beautiful, Blue Eyes."
"What is it?" Harper asked.
Jack turned the frame around to show off a beautiful drawing of the beach. Also in the picture was two figures. A man, that looked a lot like Jack playing a guitar and a woman, who looked like Elizabeth holding a book."
"That's awesome, Mom!" Dylan praised.
"Thank you, hon. Jack, there's a note on the back of the frame for you."
Jack flipped it over and read the note.
"My dear, Jack,
If it wasn't for you, I may never have drawn another picture. But with your love and encouragement, I can move mountains. I love you with all my heart. Yours, Blue Eyes."
"I love it, Elizabeth, and I love you. Always will." Jack carefully placed the picture under the tree and grabbed a wrapped box. "For you, love."
Elizabeth opened it and pulled out a beautiful leather bound sketchbook and new drawing pens. "This is wonderful, I can't wait to use it."
She then pulled out another book. This one was a medium size photo album with Mickey Mouse on the cover. Elizabeth laughed as she flipped through the blank pages.
"I thought you'd like that for all the photos we take on the trip."
"It's perfect, thank you." She leaned in, kissing Jack softly.
"Don't worry, Dylan." Jack said standing up from the floor. "I didn't forget you."
They waited as Jack stepped into his bedroom. He came out carrying a weathered, hard guitar case with a few old band stickers.
"Did you write me a song or something?" Dylan teased, recognizing the case as Jack's old guitar.
"Nope." Jack grinned. "This is my first guitar. I learned a lot of songs on this baby. I took it to a guy in Wellfleet and he finished it." He handed the case to Dylan.
"Dang!" he said opening it. "It looks almost new! Wait, you want me to have this?"
"Yes. Flip it over." He did, and saw words carved into the back.
"May music fill your soul. Love Jack."
"It's all yours."
"Thanks, Jack! This is awesome!"
Once the wrapping had all been cleaned up, they curled up under blankets and watched the Thornton family traditional movie. Jack sat in the middle with his arm around Elizabeth and his daughter resting her head on his shoulder. Dylan sat next to Elizabeth.
When the movie ended. Dylan gave Harper a fist bump goodbye then gave Jack a hug. "Thanks again for the guitar."
"You're most welcome, bud. See you the day after tomorrow."
"Okay. Night."
Jack helped Elizabeth with her coat and walked her and Dylan outside. Dylan rushed off out of the cold into the car, leaving them alone on the steps. He wrapped her up in his arms and rested his forehead against hers.
"I wish you weren't leaving."
"I feel the same way. Tonight was wonderful, Jack. Really."
"I couldn't agree more." He lightly pressed his lips to hers, holding there a moment before moving deeper.
Their kiss continued till a car horn went off. Jumping apart, they both looked down at Dylan, a mischievous grin plastered across his face.
"I guess that's my cue to go."
"I guess so." With one last kiss, Jack watched Elizabeth and Dylan drive out of sight then climbed the steps back into the warm house. He walked back into the living room and fell into the couch.
"Dad?" Harper spoke from behind him on the stairs. "You okay?"
"Of course. Why do you ask?"
"You don't like it when she leaves, huh?"
Jack gave his insightful little girl a smile and a soft laugh. "Not so much, no."
"Maybe… maybe you should just ask her to marry you. Then should wouldn't leave."
"You'd be okay with that, honey bee?"
Harper nodded. "Yeah."
