A/N Thanks again for all the kind reviews! I'm really loving writing this story, and I'm glad you guys seem to be enjoying it.
Anyways, back to the story!
...
Jack pulled into his driveway just a few minutes after I had arrived home from the café. There was a knock at my door a couple of minutes later.
"Hi, Beth." He kissed my cheek before he stepped into the house. "You look beautiful, but I feel underdressed." He had changed out of his uniform and into shorts and a T-shirt.
I smiled and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. "I just got home from Abigail's. I haven't had the chance to change out of my church clothes yet."
"Well, you look great."
"Take one last look, because I'm about to go put on something comfortable." I did a little twirl, and he laughed.
A few minutes later, I came down the stairs, having changed into more comfortable clothes.
Jack looked up from where he was sitting on the sofa. "You still look great."
"Are you flirting with me, Jack Thornton?"
"Maybe." He took my hand and pulled me down beside him. He leaned in and pressed his lips to mine. "Mm, I missed you."
"You just saw me last night."
"I know." He kissed my cheek. "I still missed you."
I linked my arms behind his neck. "I guess we'll just have to quit our jobs so we can spend all our time together."
"I know you're kidding, but that sounds wonderful." He sighed contentedly, and I assumed he was imagining what it would be like to be together all the time.
"You wouldn't get tired of me?"
"Never." He met my eyes and grinned, showing off his dimples.
I kissed him. "I love you."
"I love you, too." He put his arm around my waist, pulling me closer. He kissed the top of my head. "So your birthday's coming up?"
I nodded. "In a few weeks. Right after all my finals are done, so I'll be free for whatever it is that you're planning." I scrunched my nose and smiled.
He raised his eyebrows. "Who's to say I'm planning something?"
"I'm kidding, Jack. You don't need to plan anything special. I'd be happy just sitting and watching a movie with you or something."
"So basically the same thing we're doing right now? The same thing we always do?"
I shrugged. "I like just sitting and watching movies with you."
"We're going to do something a little more special than staying home and watching a movie. Don't worry, you'll like it."
"If it involves spending time with you, I'll love it." I tucked my head beneath his chin.
He slowly moved his hand up and down on my back, and I leaned into him further. I closed my eyes, feeling so comfortable in his arms. I felt myself begin to doze off.
"Mm, I wish we could stay right here forever," I said sleepily.
He touched his lips to my forehead. "Okay."
...
A few weeks later, I was awakened early in the morning by a knock at my door. I pulled on a robe and followed Bronte down the stairs.
"Jack? What are you doing here so early?" I rubbed the sleep from my eyes.
"I have to go out of town for work, and I wanted to see you before I had to leave." He suddenly seemed to register that I was still in my pajamas and had just gotten out of bed. "Oh, I'm sorry, Elizabeth. Did I wake you?"
"Yes, but it's fine, Jack. Come in." I stepped to the side so he could get into the house.
He sat quietly on the sofa. I leaned my head on his shoulder, and he slid his arm around me. We sat in silence for a few moments before I spoke again.
"So, you're leaving?"
"Just for a few days." He kissed my hair. "But I'll miss your birthday."
"Will you call me while you're gone?" I was disappointed that I wouldn't get to spend my birthday with him, but I didn't want to let him know that.
"I'll try. I'll probably be out of cell range most of the time, but I'll call as often as I can."
"I'll miss you."
His arm tightened around me. "I'll miss you, too." He sighed, burying his face in my hair. "I need to get going."
We stood by the front door, his arms linked behind my back, my hands on his chest.
"Jack, please be safe."
"I will." He kissed me; it was gentle and sweet. "I love you, Elizabeth. I'll see you in a few days."
"I love you, too."
...
After work, I arrived home to a small package on my front porch. My name was on it, but there was no return address on it, and I wasn't expecting any deliveries. I greeted Bronte as I walked through the door, still trying to figure out where the package came from. I nearly tripped over Rip as I walked through the living room; I had offered to keep him at my house while Jack was away.
I made my way to my room and carefully opened the package, revealing a beautiful copy of Jane Eyre. When I opened the front cover, a note fell into my lap.
Elizabeth,
In the very first conversation we had, you told me that this is your favorite book. I'm sure you already have a copy of it, but can you really ever have too many copies of your favorite book? I hope you don't mind, but I read through this copy—I had never read it before. I really enjoyed it, and I even left some notes in the margins for you.
I was going to give this to you on your birthday, but, as I let you know this morning, I was called away for work for a few days. I promise to celebrate with you when I get back. Happy early birthday, Beth. I'll see you soon.
I love you.
Yours forever,
Jack
I grabbed my phone from my nightstand, hoping he would answer.
"Hi."
I smiled at the sound of his voice. "Hi. I know you said that you would be the one to call me, but I just wanted to thank you for the gift."
"You got it?" I could hear the excitement in his voice.
"I did. It's amazing." I sighed contentedly. "You're amazing, Jack."
"You're amazing, Beth."
I was thankful he couldn't see the color fill my cheeks. "I know I just saw you this morning, but I already miss you."
"I miss you, too." There was a hint of sadness in his voice. "I'm sorry, Elizabeth, but they're calling me into a meeting."
"Okay, I'll see you soon. Be safe, Jack."
"I will. I love you, Elizabeth."
"I love you, too."
I settled back into the bed and flipped through the book. Bronte lay at my feet. I felt the corners of my lips turn up into a smile as I read some of the notes Jack had written on the slightly-worn pages.
It was one of the most thoughtful gifts I had ever received.
...
Abigail approached the table, clearly surprised to see me sitting alone with Rosemary. I had been awakened that morning by Rosemary knocking on my door, insisting that I let her take me to breakfast to celebrate my birthday. Abigail had opened the café before church just for us.
"No Jack today?" She filled our mugs with coffee.
I shook my head. "He had to go out of town for a few days for work."
"That's a shame. I know you were probably looking forward to spending your birthday with him."
I smiled sadly. "Yeah. Luckily I have good friends like you two so I don't have to spend the day alone."
She put her hand on my shoulder. "I'm going to make you a special breakfast."
"Thank you, Abigail."
I looked out the window after she stepped away. I wondered what Jack was doing. I hadn't heard from him since three days prior when I called to thank him for the gift. He hadn't given me many details about the work he was helping with; he just said it was in a small town a few hours away and would take a few days, maybe a week.
"Elizabeth?" Rosemary's voice shook me from my thoughts. "Are you thinking about Jack?"
I nodded. "I know he's only been gone for a couple of days, but I miss him. I really miss him. It's hard to believe I've only known him for a few months."
"You really like him."
"I love him." I blinked away the tears that had begun to form.
She reached over and squeezed my hand. "He'll be back, Elizabeth."
"I know. It's just hard not knowing if he's okay. He didn't tell me what kind of work he's helping with, so that makes me think there might be some risk involved." I sighed. "It'd be a lot easier if he could contact me regularly."
"He'll be okay. You'll be okay. He didn't want me to tell you, but he was actually planning to bring you here this morning. When he found out he was going out of town, he asked me if I could come with you instead."
"Really?"
She nodded. "That man loves you so much."
"He really thinks of everything." I smiled.
She took a sip from her mug. "Wow, I can't wait until I can drink regular coffee again. Decaf just isn't the same." She rested her hand on her stomach.
"How is the little one?"
"She's good." She quickly threw her hand over her mouth. "Shoot, we weren't going to tell anyone. We found out at the last appointment."
"So it's a girl?" I whispered the question, even though we were the only people in the room.
She nodded and smiled. "Please don't tell anyone."
"That's so exciting, Rosie."
Abigail approached the table carrying our food. She placed a plate of chocolate chip pancakes in front of me.
"I put some extra whipped cream on them today."
I smiled. "You know me so well." I stopped her as she started to walk away. "Abigail, why don't you join us?"
"Thank you for the offer, but I need to head home and make sure Cody and Becky are ready for church. I'll be back to close things up before service, but don't feel rushed."
"Okay. Thank you, Abigail. I guess we'll see you in a little while."
...
My phone buzzed, and I couldn't help but grin when I saw who was calling.
"Hi."
"Hi, Elizabeth. I'm sorry for calling so late."
"No, don't apologize. I was still awake." I headed up to my room. "I'm just so happy to hear your voice." I sat on the bed and leaned back against the headboard.
"I just wanted to wish you a happy birthday."
"Thank you, Jack."
"Did you have a good day?"
"Yes." I pulled a blanket over my legs. "It's even better now that I'm getting to talk to you." I sighed. "I can't wait to see you again."
"Just a few more days. I should be home Wednesday."
"That feels so far away."
"It'll go faster than you think."
"I guess." I leaned my head on my hand. "Oh, thank you for planning breakfast at Abigail's this morning."
He let out a small laugh. "Rosemary really can't keep a secret, can she?"
"She means well. Speaking of Rosemary and secrets…" I let my voice trail off.
"Yes…?" I could tell I had piqued his interest.
"I really shouldn't tell you. I promised I wouldn't say anything, and she didn't even intend to tell me. It just slipped out."
"Well, now you have to tell me, or it'll drive me crazy."
I let out a breath. "Okay, but you can't let her or Lee know that I told you."
"I wouldn't dream of it."
"They're having a girl."
"That's exciting."
I smiled, picturing Jack holding a little baby girl. Whether the baby in my fantasy belonged to Rosemary and Lee or me and Jack, I didn't know. Butterflies rose in my stomach at the image.
"Are you still there?" His voice shook me from my thoughts.
I felt a blush rise in my cheeks. "Yes. Sorry. I was just thinking." I prayed that he wouldn't ask for more details about what was going on in my mind.
"Oh, before I forget: cancel any plans you have this Saturday."
"That's cute." I smirked even though I knew he couldn't see me.
"What's cute?"
"That you think I have plans to cancel."
"Well, just keep your schedule clear. I have a little belated birthday celebration planned."
"Now I'm intrigued. Any hints?"
He laughed. "Did you not learn anything from our weekend trip? I'm not telling you anything. You just have to be patient."
"You should know by now that patience is not my strong suit."
"It'll be worth it, I promise."
I rolled my eyes. "Whatever you say."
"I should probably let you get to bed. It's late, and I know you have to work tomorrow."
"I don't want to hang up." I turned onto my side.
"Elizabeth, you're going to be exhausted."
"So I'll be exhausted." I sighed. "Please, let's just talk for a little while longer."
"Okay. Only because it's your birthday." I could hear the smile in his voice.
We ended up talking for hours. We didn't know if he would be able to call again before he came home, so we took advantage of the time we had. I finally fell asleep well after midnight, before we even hung up.