Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters. All rights go to the actors, writers and creators of the show "When Calls The Heart".

To the readers: Thanks so much for the reviews! I really appreciate you spending the time to let me know if you like the story (or not)!

(By the way, I haven't listed cities or towns in this story for a reason because I'm an Aussie. I added the name of a military base in here just for the flow of the story but I have no idea if its an active base or anything like that … )

(16/07/2018)

CHAPTER 7

After lunch that day, Elizabeth decided they should all walk to the park down the road. The girls wanted to ride their bikes. Elizabeth didn't normally let all three of them ride their bikes to the park as it was too difficult to watch all of them at once. With Jack there today, she had agreed. The girls had pulled their bikes out of the garage, Jack helping Eve with hers. Elizabeth helped them with their helmets and they set off. Elizabeth was running next to Eve down the slight hill on the driveway trying to slow her down.

Halley and Gracie rode ahead, stopping on the street corners and waiting for them to catch up. Eve was riding slowly behind, with her bright pink bike and training wheels. Jack and Elizabeth walked side by side at the back. It almost feels like old times. At that moment, Jack's hand brushed up against hers and instinctively she put her hand in his. She was about to pull back when she realised what she had done, but his fingers closed around hers. She glanced sideways at him and he gave her a dimpled grin. Okay, now it does feel like old times.

They got to the park and the girls parked their bikes against the tree with their helmets and ran off to play on the equipment. Elizabeth went and sat on a seat nearby and Jack followed her, sitting down close to her.

"This is a nice park. Do you come here a bit?"

"Yes, a few times a week. Most of the kids that come here go to the same school."

"Is that the one that you work at?"

"Mmm hmm."

"Are you working full time?"

"Three days a week. Eve still has one more year at home and then I will probably go back full time."

Jack nodded. "And I've been working down the road at the base?"

"Yes. You've been there since just after we met."

"Right. Well, I know how we met and Lee told me a few other things … actually come to think about it he never finished that story."

"What story?"

"He was telling me about the night you both found out Rosie and I were previously engaged" Jack's neck went red and Elizabeth could tell he was embarrassed.

Elizabeth started laughing. "You still embarrassed about that ten years later?"

"Well it seems more recent for me."

Elizabeth stopped laughing, seeing the hurt look on his face. She nudged him with her shoulder. "Where did he get up to with the story?"

"He told me that you took off and I chased you but of course he didn't know what happened after that."

"Well …" she began.

Nine years and eight months before …

"At least if I was still engaged to Jack he would've come to my rescue and kissed me like that. Honestly Lee! Where were you?"

Elizabeth and Lee had stood there open mouthed, trying to process what Rosie had just said.

"Engaged?" Elizabeth said, turning to Jack. "You two were engaged?"

"Um yeah." Jack answered, still holding onto her arm.

Elizabeth was stunned. She pulled her arm away from Jack's.

"I have to go."

"No Elizabeth, please let me explain."

"No Jack, leave me alone!"

Elizabeth walked away down the street. Engaged? To Rosie? Rosie was nice but she was the complete opposite to Elizabeth in so many ways. Elizabeth had tried her hardest to be friends with her for Lee's sake but now she hated her … maybe that was too strong a word … really disliked her!

Elizabeth was walking fast down the street. Or at least as fast as her stilettos would allow her. Why she had worn such a high shoes she didn't know. Oh yes, I did because I was trying to impress my new boyfriend and that had backfired. Maybe ex-boyfriend now!

Elizabeth had thought she had gotten away and Jack was going to leave her alone. I can't believe he didn't follow me. Lee probably left too and then Jack and Rosie were left alone outside the restaurant and were probably making out with one another.

She felt someone touch her arm and it made her jump. She spun around. "Don't touch me!" She saw that it was Jack. "What were you thinking Jack? You and Rosie just leading us on like that. How could you?"

"What?" he asked confused.

"After Lee and I left, you two made up?"

"No. I'm here with you. I'm never going to make up with Rosie. We're just friends. We've always been just friends."

"You expect me to believe that?" Elizabeth turned on her heel and started walking again.

Jack stayed beside her. "Yes, please let me explain."

"You lied to me!"

Elizabeth kept walking and wouldn't have stopped except her foot got stuck in a crack on the pavement and suddenly she was falling. Jack grabbed her and managed to keep her upright, although she was now pressed up against his chest, his arms around her.

"Jack …"

"I am not letting you go until I explain. Elizabeth I've known Rosie for years. We dated for a short while and got engaged but it was a mistake. We've only ever been friends and that is why we broke off our engagement. We both wanted more. I wanted to find a woman that made my heart race and stopped me from thinking straight. A woman that took my breath away. A woman that I couldn't wait to see every day. Elizabeth, you are that woman. Please don't walk away."

Jack eased her back on her feet and then let her go, waiting for her to respond.

She looked up at him. His eyes were genuine and she could see that he was nervous waiting for her response. The fact is she felt that way too. He made her pulse race. She always said the wrong thing in front of him. He made her palms go sweaty. He made her giddy with excitement when she thought about him.

"Jack. I know what you mean. I'm not going anywhere."

Jack kissed her then, pulling her towards him in the middle of the street. Normally Elizabeth wouldn't have liked being kissed so publicly but she had quickly learnt that Jack didn't care. He wanted people to know that she was with him and that she had chosen him.

"I didn't realise I was such a romantic" Jack said, his eyes focused on the girls now pushing each other on the swings.

"That you are. You never ceased to amaze me with the things that used to come out of your mouth."

"Used to?"

Elizabeth laughed. "Oh, you've been amazing me this last week for a whole different reason."

Jack's eyes dropped to his feet. "I'm sorry. I wish I could remember something ... anything."

Elizabeth didn't know what to say. Jack had always been sensitive but she was finding him much more sensitive about his memory. She couldn't imagine how it would feel to wake up and have your life totally change like that. Jack had gone from thinking he was engaged to Rosie a week ago to finding out he had a different woman as his wife and three daughters - none of whom he knew. She knew Jack was trying really hard to be the man everyone was telling him about and she could tell that a lot of things must have been coming instinctively to him rather than remembering it.

"Your memory will come back eventually."

"What if it doesn't?" Jack said, still avoiding eye contact.

She took his hand in hers.

"We'll work that out together. As a family."

They walked home and Jack played games with the girls while Elizabeth prepared dinner. First Gracie wanted to have a tea party so Jack had been shown his seat at the little kids table. With his knees up close to his ears, Gracie and Eve poured water into plastic tea cups for him which he politely drank. Halley dragged him away to show him some of her dolls and the three girls sat with him on the floor of the bedroom, putting the different outfits on the dolls and brushing their hair. All three girls were very patient with Jack when he asked what he was supposed to do. He thought he would feel uncomfortable but everything felt natural.

They all sat down to eat dinner together. Charlotte had been right, Elizabeth was an amazing cook. He helped the girls clear their plates and then he insisted on washing up as the girls left to continue playing before bed. Jack was running the water in the sink when Elizabeth tried to stop him.

"Jack, you can't wash up you have a cast on." Elizabeth came around him trying to get the sponge off him.

"I've got this. Get out of here" he grinned at her.

He flicked water at her and she let out a little squeal.

"Jack Thornton. Don't you dare!"

She came closer, and he sprayed water on her again amidst more squeals and laughter.

She tried to take the sponge out of his hand but he moved his hand high out of her reach. He backed away from the sink slightly and she slid into the gap leaning her chest against him, trying to reach the sponge. The front of her shirt was drenched and she had water in her hair and running down her face and neck. Her face was almost level with his, she was still focused on his hand and then her eyes darted to his. She froze momentarily, their eyes locked. Then their lips were together. Jack didn't know who started kissing who. All he knew was that her lips felt amazing. He must have dropped the sponge and his good arm wrapped around her back. He could feel her wet shirt pressed up against his, the water beginning to seep through, but he didn't care. He was kissing her hard.

"Mommy, the sink is overflowing" Halley's voice tore them apart.

"Thanks, baby" Elizabeth replied breathlessly, as she turned back to the sink and turned off the tap.

Neither of them had heard the water overflowing and now they were both standing next to a small puddle on the tiles. Elizabeth pulled the plug out of the sink and emptied some of the water, both hands leant against the counter. Jack still stood behind her, not knowing what to do. He placed his hand gently on the top of her back.

"Where's the paper towel, Elizabeth?"

Elizabeth opened up a cupboard and handed him a roll without looking at him. He got down on the floor and mopped up all the water with the paper towel and threw it in the bin. Elizabeth had started washing the dishes. Jack stood next to her and dried the dishes, not saying anything. Once she was done, Elizabeth turned and kissed Jack on the cheek before she left the kitchen.

Elizabeth wasn't embarrassed at what happened. She was actually more disappointed than anything. She went to check on Halley who clearly hadn't noticed anything different. She helped the girls have their showers and get them dressed in their pyjamas. They all wanted a different bedtime story but she managed to get them to agree on two books. They were about to settle in on Eve's bed when Gracie started calling for Jack. Jack came around the corner and Gracie slid over to let Jack slide in next to Elizabeth and her. Gracie curled up in his lap and Halley pulled herself up resting onto his shoulder. Elizabeth began to read.

When the books were over, Jack got up and walked Gracie to her room and tucked her in and did the same for Halley. He went back and kissed Eve goodnight. She insisted on him staying beside her. He sat down on the bed next to her and Elizabeth watched from the door as he stroked her hair. It was these little things that kept making Elizabeth forget about Jack's amnesia. Maybe this wouldn't be as hard as she thought.

She went downstairs and made two cups of tea before taking them to the lounge. Jack wandered in about ten minutes later.

"Those girls are all so beautiful, Elizabeth. You've really done a great job with them."

"We did."

"Sure" he nodded. He sat down next to her and she handed him his tea.

"So I was trying to think what story would come along next after Rosie's big spill."

"Yeah? And what did you come up with?"

Jack and Elizabeth had slipped into a routine of sorts. He had finished his last month of military training and had been assigned to the base nearby, Fort Devens. Elizabeth was teaching first grade at Hope Vale Elementary and was loving it. After work, Jack and Elizabeth would often go to the lake, or go for a run, or go to the oval and throw a ball around and then have dinner together before going their separate ways. It was coming to the end of summer so they were making the most of the nice weather and just enjoying spending time together.

Jack had moved into the accommodation on base. It was pretty basic but it was free because they were housed in large dorms. Elizabeth was living in an apartment not far away with her friend Francie. Francie studied with Elizabeth at college and had become good friends. The apartment they lived in was bought by Elizabeth's father. It was brand new and Francie had almost begged Elizabeth to let her live with her. Elizabeth thought it would be nice to have a roommate, so she agreed.

Every night Elizabeth dreaded going home though. Elizabeth had quickly come to regret the decision of a roommate. Not only would it be nice to have somewhere more private to hang out with Jack but Francie began to be a problem. Straight out of college and now earning an income, Francie kept wanting to throw parties at the apartment. When she invited people over, Francie always made out that it was her place and that she had money. Elizabeth had always been modest and humble about her parents money so she hadn't cared at the beginning. If Francie felt better letting people think she had the money, Elizabeth couldn't have cared. But the parties kept getting bigger and bigger and Elizabeth was always left to clean up after them.

They started to get complaints from the other neighbours. Since Elizabeth was quite friendly with the other people in the block, they would always come and complain directly to her. There was a young family that lived above them and an elderly gentleman that lived beneath them, so when Elizabeth would come home to hear the music booming she would cringe and dread going inside.

One night she got back a bit later from dinner. They had gone out on a double date again with Rosie and Lee and Rosie had insisted on dancing. Jack had dropped her off at the security door downstairs close to midnight and as the lift was rising in the building, Elizabeth could hear the music approaching.

"Oh no, not again."

Immediately she texted Jack.

Another party and it is LOUD, What am I going to do?

I'm coming back.

No, its okay.

Jack didn't reply so she knew he was already coming. Elizabeth walked down the hallway and opened her door. Her mouth dropped when she saw people everywhere. There were easily over 100 people dancing and yelling. There was mess all over the floors and couples making out on her couch. The kitchen was a disaster and their were dirty plates and bowls overflowing the double sink.

Elizabeth pushed past everyone, heading to her bedroom and trying not to look at the mess everywhere she went. She glanced into the bathroom on the way and she could see someone heaving into her shower. She put her hand to her mouth in disgust and finally reached her bedroom door and pushed it open. There on her bed was a couple lying there, wrapped in her sheets, clearly without a stitch of clothes on between them. She stood there staring, frozen in time.

"Hey, shut the door" the guy yelled when he saw her, throwing one of her pillows towards her.

Elizabeth turned, leaving the door wide open and saw Jack pushing past everyone to get to her. Jack reached her and looked into the bedroom. The look of horror on his face must have mirrored her own.

He pushed his way over to the stereo and pulled the cord straight out of the power point.

"EVERYONE OUT NOW! PARTY IS OVER! WE'VE CALLED THE POLICE! YOU'RE ALL TRESPASSING SO YOU BETTER GET MOVING!" he yelled in a drill sergeant voice.

She heard groans but bodies began reluctantly moving toward the door. Jack walked back over to Elizabeth's bedroom.

"THAT MEANS YOU TOO. OUT NOW!"

Elizabeth still stood in the same spot watching the guy and girl brush past as her as they left her room. Jack went to the other rooms, yelling and forcing people out the door. He opened Francie's door and found her making out with some guy.

"GET OUT!"

"I live here. You can't tell me to get out!" Francie's voice yelled back.

"Yes, I can. You have now been evicted. Get out. The police are coming. You can whinge to them."

"You can't do this!" she said stumbling out of her room half-dressed, her hair all messy and her makeup all smudged.

The guy with her stood in front of Jack, puffing his chest out. "This is Francie's place. You can't kick is out!"

"No, it's Elizabeth's apartment. I can kick you out on her behalf. Grab your stuff and get out. You can grab the rest later." The guy grumbled something at Francie as he did what Jack said,

The last of the party goers trailed out the door, including Francie who was screaming abuse until Jack slammed the door behind her.

"Well, now you have the place to yourself."

The tears began to fall as Elizabeth was overwhelmed by everything she had just seen.

"My bed, Jack. I can't sleep there. The whole place is trashed. Where am I going to sleep?"

Jack hugged her tight.

"I will call Rosie. She's probably still awake. I can drop you off over there."

Elizabeth nodded.

The next morning, after spending the night at Rosie's, Elizabeth had been dreading returning to the apartment. Rosie agreed to come with her and armed with cleaning products they went back to Elizabeth's apartment. When they got there, the door was already opened and a man was crouched down changing the lock.

Elizabeth was surprised to see an army of people inside already cleaning up from the night before. Jack glanced up from the kitchen sink as she walked in and came over to her.

"Hi Beth. You sleep okay?"

"Kinda. What is going on here, Jack?"

"I brought in recruits. We're paying them in pizza, so I hope you can afford it." He kissed her on the cheek and then went back to cleaning.

Jack had called in favours from all his army mates. Lee and Doug were in there as well, mop and bucket in hand. Elizabeth had known Jack was different from the other guys she had known. He really cared and this proved it to her. She grabbed a dishcloth and went and helped him.

"That is quite a story. I must have done something pretty good to be able to call in favours like that."

"It wouldn't surprise me Jack. You are pretty amazing."

Elizabeth and Jack sat quietly on the sofa. Jack wanted to apologise about what happened in the kitchen. He was worried what Halley would think seeing him kissing Elizabeth like that.

"I'm sorry about before, Beth."

Elizabeth looked at him surprised. "You just called me Beth."

"Um ... yeah is that a problem?" he asked uncertainly.

"No, that's what you would normally call me."

Jack nodded.

"Don't worry about before, Jack."

"But Halley …"

"Its fine Jack. She's seen us kissing before."

"Right. I keep forgetting that."

They sat there quietly.

"Come on. I will show you to your room."

She pulled him up by his hand and led him upstairs. She opened his door and turned on the light.

"I put all of your clothes in here for the moment. Towels are in the closet just there. Toothpaste is in the top drawer in the bathroom. I put your razor and stuff in the shower already. Do you need anything else?"

"Looks like you've thought of everything." Jack smiled gently.

"Goodnight Jack" she said, reaching up to kiss him on the lips, lingering ever so slightly before pulling away. She gave him a cheeky grin before going back down the hall and turning into her own room. She smiled back at him before she went inside.

Jack didn't know why, but he hadn't wanted to say goodnight. He had a great day with his family today and he didn't want it to end. He constantly felt drawn to Elizabeth and had really wanted to follow her but he knew he couldn't do that until she asked him to. He knew that would take a lot more time.