My apologies for the delay my fellow #Hearties... I, like many others, was completely devastated at the loss of our beloved Jack, and I'm still grieving. Not sure I'll ever get over it. One top of that, it was announced that the store where I work was going to close. So dealing with the stress of foreclosure of one store and transferring to a new store, has left me with a lot on my plate. But I'm back now. Hope you enjoy chapter thirteen.
Jack arrived back at his condo and walked inside. He plopped on his sofa leaned his head back and contentedly sighed. He'd had a great time with Elizabeth. The more time he spent with her, the more time he wanted to spend with her. He could never seem to get the beautiful Elizabeth Thatcher out of his head. Rip came bounding down the hall and planted himself at Jack's feet and barked loudly, snapping Jack out of his reverie. "Hey buddy." Jack crouched over to scratch the dog behind the ears. "Are you hungry?" He stood from his spot on the sofa and headed to the kitchen to fill Rip's food and water bowl. He returned to the sofa and grabbed his phone. He sent a quick text to Elizabeth. Just got home. I had a really nice time. Hope 2 see u again soon. He returned the phone to the coffee table and waited for a response. When one never came, he concluded that Elizabeth had gone to bed, it had been a fun but tiresome today. She was probably worn out. He headed to his room to get himself ready for bed. "I'll text her tomorrow." He mumbled before drifting off to sleep.
Elizabeth headed to her bedroom to get herself ready to turn in. She changed into her pajamas and rushed to the bathroom to brush her teeth. On her way back to her bedroom, she heard her phone chime from the living room where she'd left it. She picked up her phone and saw Jack's name flashing across the screen. Just got home. I had a really nice time. Hope 2 see u again soon. She couldn't stop the smile that spread across her face, but it just as quickly faded. She headed to bed, leaving the message unanswered. She lied awake most of the night. She couldn't get her mind to turn off. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't get Jack Thornton out of her head. Every time she would doze off to sleep, she'd dream of Jack and the wonderful time they had together and would wake up smiling. She jerked her pillow from beneath her head, covered her face with it, and loudly grumbled into the cushion. "I haven't known him very long." She mumbled. "It's too soon to have these feelings." She rolled over on her stomach and hugged her pillow close to her body, before finally drifting off to sleep, willing herself not to dream of Jack Thornton.
Jack awoke early the next morning to the smell of bacon cooking. He scrambled out of bed and rushed to the kitchen, wondering who was in his house.
"It's about time you got up." Charlotte Thornton called when Jack walked into the kitchen.
"Mom, what are you doing here?" Jack asked.
"Can't a mother come cook breakfast for her son?" Charlotte asked.
"Not unannounced," Jack acknowledged. "Do you know what time it is?"
"Of course, I do." Charlotte acknowledged. "It's uh," She took a quick glance at the digital clock on the stove, "6:15."
"Mom," Jack protested. "I don't have to work today and it's Sunday."
"You never were a morning person," Charlotte made her way toward Jack and gently placed a hand on his cheek.
"And you were always up a 4 a.m." Jack recalled.
"I love the early morning." Charlotte admitted. "I could always get so much done before you boys got under foot." She kissed her son on her cheek. "Now come on." She led him to the table. "Let's eat breakfast."
Jack sat at the table and forced a smile when his mother placed a plate of biscuits, gravy, bacon, and scrambled eggs in front of him. He loved his mother dearly, but she didn't have the reputation of being the world's greatest cook.
"How did your date go?" Charlotte asked.
Jack couldn't help the smile that spread across his face. "We had a wonderful time at the street fair." He gushed.
"Will you see her again?" Charlotte asked.
"I want to." Jack answered.
"When do I get to meet her?"
"Don't start, mom." Jack warned. "I like her, but we still haven't known each other for very long."
"I just want to meet the woman who's stolen my son's heart." Charlotte countered.
Jack opened his mouth to protest.
"Jack don't try to deny it." Charlotte placed her hand on top of his. "I saw you light up when you were talking about her just now." She stood up and to refill her coffee. "Why don't you call her up, invite her to church this morning." She suggested.
"I'm sure, she's going to attend her own church service." Rip then came into the room and laid down next to his food bowl. When Charlotte wasn't looking, Jack took his fork and tried to feed the biscuits and gravy to Rip, causing the dog to grumble and turn his face away from Jack. Jack silently chuckled.
"Well it wouldn't hurt to ask." Charlotte returned to her place at the table. "Jack, you haven't even touched your breakfast."
"I'm not really hungry." He replied quickly. "I'm going to go get dressed." He rushed to his room before his mother had time to protest, leaving his breakfast untouched.
An hour later, Jack headed downstairs, dressed for church. He walked into the kitchen and noticed that the kitchen had been cleaned and all the dishes put away from his mother's surprise breakfast and his mother was nowhere in sight. He breathed a sigh. "She's gone, buddy." He knelt and scratched the dog behind the ears. He fixed himself a quick cup of coffee before heading out the door.
After a less than pleasant sleep, Elizabeth woke up and got dressed for church before heading to the kitchen to fix herself a quick breakfast of fruit and granola, and a cup of coffee. She sat at the kitchen table and glanced at her phone. The unanswered message from Jack still very much present. She didn't know what to say to him. She liked him. He was a nice guy, but she didn't want to give him false hope. She finished her breakfast and headed out the door, leaving the message unanswered, yet again.
After the church service, Jack walked into Abigail's café. He smiled when he noticed Elizabeth seated in the corner, staring out the window. He made his way toward her. "Hey, you," He greeted,
"Jack," Elizabeth glanced up at him.
"Mind if I join you?" His smile intensified, showing off his dimples.
"Sure," She forced a smile, even though her heart was racing.
"Are you alright?" Jack acknowledged, he lowered himself into the chair across from Elizabeth.
"I'm fine." She answered unconvincingly. She returned her gaze to the window.
"Are you sure." Jack asked.
"Yes," She cleared her throat. "Why do you ask?"
"You just don't seem like yourself." Jack answered.
"I'm fine." She cleared her throat. "I promise."
"Did you get my text?" He asked.
"Y-yes," Elizabeth stammered. "I-I'm s-sorry I didn't respond. I went to bed as soon as you left my apartment and had to get ready for church this morning."
"I understand." Jack gently placed his hand on top of hers. "I really had a great time with you yesterday."
"Me too." Elizabeth replied, while continuing to stare out the window.
"You look beautiful." Jack noticed the pink floral sundress Elizabeth was wearing.
"Thank you." She blushed slightly. She stole a glance at Jack. He looked so handsome in his dress slacks and plaid shirt. She fought the urge to fan herself. "You look nice too." She gave a half smile.
"Do you have anything planned for this afternoon?" Jack asked.
"I'm getting ready to head home actually." Elizabeth replied. "Lee is out of town and Rosie and I are going to being watching chick flicks in our jammies all afternoon.
"That sounds nice." Jack replied.
Elizabeth stood from her chair. "Well I better run." She rushed out the door without giving Jack another look.
Jack couldn't take his eyes off Elizabeth as he watched her walk out the door. He couldn't help but be a little concerned. She really didn't seem like herself. He hoped nothing was wrong. He rubbed his hands over his face and sighed.
Elizabeth stood outside the café and watched Jack from the window. She didn't really have plans with Rosie. She felt bad telling Jack she did. She couldn't stay in there with him any longer. "He's a wonderful man." She whispered to herself. "But I need to distance myself from him. It's much too soon to be having these feelings." She felt a tear trickle down her cheek before pivoting away from the window and headed to her apartment.
A week and a half later…
It was the last day of school before spring break. The children were bouncing off the walls at the excitement of not having to go to school for the next ten days. Elizabeth was trying to get them to settle down, so they could begin their lessons. The more she tried to calm them down, the rowdier they became. Five minutes later, the door opened and in walked Aly, followed closely by Jack. "Hey kids," He called.
"Officer Jack!" The children shouted in unison.
"You're not giving Ms. Thatcher a hard time are you." Jack made a brief eye contact with Elizabeth. They hadn't spoken since they ran into each other at the café. Jack became busy working on a case during the day and had been taking care of Aly for the past three nights while her mother was recovering from the flu. Elizabeth was still working through her feelings and didn't know what to say to him. Jack had noticed Elizabeth's silence. He wanted to reach out to her several times in the past eleven days but thought she'd talk to him if and when she was ready.
"Thank you, Officer Jack." Elizabeth gestured. "You seem to know the trick to get them to settle down." She headed toward the door. "Children, please line up. It's time for gym."
Jack was still standing in her classroom when Elizabeth returned. "I'm sorry Aly was late." He acknowledged. I had to work late last night. Aly stayed with her grandparents until I got off. She forgot her lunch box. We had to pick it up on our way here."
"It's okay." Elizabeth remarked. "She wasn't that late. It's really nice of you to take care of her while her mother is sick."
"Well she is my goddaughter." Jack replied. "Stacey is starting to feel better. She said Aly should be able to return home today."
"That's good." Elizabeth replied. "By the way, thanks for helping to settle the children; they're a bit rambunctious today."
"All I did was walk in the door." Jack stated modestly.
"Well it seemed to work." Elizabeth answered. "So, thank you."
"It's a gift." Jack replied jokingly. He stepped closer to her and stroked her arm.
She tried to stop the smile from spreading across her face to no avail. She abruptly stepped back and cleared her throat.
"Are you sure you alright?" Jack asked with concern. "We've barely spoken since our date at the street fair. I didn't do anything did I?"
"No." Elizabeth responded harshly, taking Jack by surprise. "No nothing like that," she continued with a much softer tone. "I just have a lot on my mind and I'm not sure how to deal with it. I just need a little time."
"If that's what you want, take all the time you need." He stepped closer. "I better run. I'm gonna be late for work." He leaned forward and gently kissed her cheek. "See you around."
Elizabeth felt tears stinging the backs of her eyes, fighting with all her might to keep them from falling down her cheeks, as she watched Jack walk out of the room and close the door behind him.
Jack tossed and turned the majority of the night. He couldn't stop thinking about Elizabeth. His mind kept drifting to the day at school. He wished he knew what Elizabeth was dealing with. He would have given anything to help her through it if he could. "I hope I didn't do anything." He grumbled to himself. "I'll never forgive myself." He forced his eyes closed. He decided to swing by Elizabeth's apartment the next morning. He had to talk to her, otherwise he'd probably never sleep again. It was 4 a.m. before he was finally able to drift off to sleep.
The following morning, Jack woke up later than he would have liked to. He wanted to get to Elizabeth's before any more time had passed. He knew it was the first day of spring break, so he assumed she would likely have plans. He rolled out of bed and rushed to get dressed. Once he was ready, he headed out the door, jumped in his car, and made his way to Elizabeth's apartment.
Once he arrived at the Crescent apartment complex, Jack noticed an empty parking space next to Elizabeth's car and pulled in to the spot. He rushed to the elevator and climbed inside. He pressed the button for the fourth floor. While the elevator arose to the fourth floor. Jack nervously paced back and forth. "Good morning, Ms. Thatcher." He whispered to himself. Too formal, he decided."How's it going, Lizzie." Too casual. "Where did Lizzie come from anyway? I've never called her Lizzie." He shook his head and chuckled slightly. Suddenly the elevator chimed, and the door opened. "Here goes nothing." He mumbled as he made his way to Elizabeth's apartment.
Jack took a deep breath and positioned himself to knock, when the door swung open and Rosie walked outside nearly bumping into him.
"Jack," Rosie acknowledged. "What are you doing here?"
"I need to talk to Elizabeth." Jack answered. "Is she inside?"
Rosie's face fell. "You don't know do you?"
"Know what?" Jack felt his chest tighten fearing the worst. "Is Elizabeth alright?"
"She's fine." Rosie assured. "She's out of town…"
"What?" Jack interjected. "She left town? I saw her car outside. Where did she go?"
"Jack would you relax?" Rosie slapped his arm. "It's spring break. She went to Boston to visit her family for a few days."
"When will she be back?" Jack inquired.
"Next Saturday." Rosie replied.
"Thanks Rosie." Jack replied. "I guess I'll talk to her then." He made his way back toward the elevator.
"He has got it bad." Rosie acknowledged to herself as he was out of sight.
Jack leaned his head against the wall of the elevator. "I can't believe she'll be gone a week." He sighed. He wanted to talk to her now. He couldn't wait a week.
Abigail walked into the café, after having returned from taking Elizabeth to the airport. "Thanks for covering for me this morning, Clara." She acknowledged.
"Anytime," Clara replied. "Did Elizabeth get off alright?"
"Yes." Abigail answered. "Although she seemed a little…" She paused, trying to find the right words, "Down in the dumps. You'd think she'd be happy to be able to go visit her family for a few days."
"Did you ask her about it?" Clara queried.
"Of course, I did." Abigail confirmed. "She's my best friend and she's been through a lot lately. I worry about her. She claimed she was okay and acted like she didn't have a clue what I was talking about."
"Well maybe a little time with her family will do her some good." Clara responded.
"Yes." Abigail concurred. "It's been a long time since she's gotten to visit her family; it's definitely long overdue."
The bell above the door jingled. Abigail glanced up to see Jack walking through the door. "Jack," she acknowledged, "It's good to see you."
"You too, Abigail." Jack greeted with a forced smile.
"Would you like a cup of coffee?" Abigail offered.
"I'd love one. Thank you." Jack took a seat at a table by the window with the perfect view of the gazebo.
"Clara, would you please bring Detective Thornton a cup of coffee?" Abigail asked.
"Right away." Clara scurried toward the kitchen and returned shortly with a piping hot cup of coffee, setting it down in front of him.
"Thanks," Jack stated before taking a sip. He returned the cup to the table and stared out the window at the gazebo. He recalled dancing with Elizabeth in that very gazebo on their first date. He remembered holding her close and swaying back and forth until it started it to rain and they became drenched while running to his car. He chuckled at the memory.
"Something on your mind?" Abigail asked, snapping Jack out of his reverie.
"Can I talk you about something?" Jack queried.
"Certainly," Abigail answered. "Clara will you be okay for a few minutes?"
"Of course." Clara replied.
Abigail joined Jack at the table. "What did you want to speak with me about?" She asked though she already had the feeling she knew exactly why Jack had come to see her.
"I'm worried about Elizabeth." Jack stated quickly.
"Jack she's fine." Abigail assured.
"I know. Jack replied. "I stopped by her apartment this morning. Rosie told me she went to visit her family for spring break."
"Yes, she did." Abigail confirmed.
"She just didn't seem like herself the last time we spoke. I was worried something might be bothering her." Jack continued.
"I was thinking the same thing when I dropped her off at the airport this morning." Abigail concurred.
"I need to talk to Elizabeth." Jack ran his fingers through his hair.
"You have her cell number, don't you?" Abigail responded.
"I do," Jack confirmed, "But I need to talk to her in person. I didn't sleep a wink last night and I may never sleep again until I talk to her. I'm not sure I can wait until next Saturday when she returns."
"So, what are you going to do?" Abigail asked.
"I'm going to Boston." Jack admitted. "I just need the address of where she's staying."
"Do you really think that's a good idea?" Abigail queried.
"I don't know," Jack responded. "All I know is I need to talk to her and I don't want to… I can't wait until next Saturday."
"Oh, alright," Abigail conceded, "She gave me the address, but for emergencies only." She reached in the pocket of her apron pulled out her order pad and a pen. She jotted down the information and handed the paper to Jack.
"Thank you, Abigail." Jack jumped out of his seat and kissed Abigail on the cheek. "You are a God send." He headed toward the door.
"That boy has got it bad." Abigail chuckled as she watched Jack disappear from sight.
Jack went straight to his condo and pulled out his laptop and booked the earliest flight to Boston, which was scheduled to leave the following afternoon. Afterwards he made a call to Chief Snyder at the precinct to let him know that he was taking a few days off. He sent Stacey a text to see if she could take care of Rip while he was gone. After all the arrangements had been made, he rushed to his room to pack his suitcase. The following morning, after a decent night's sleep, he rolled out of bed and got dressed. After a quick breakfast, he grabbed his suitcase and made a beeline to the airport.
When Elizabeth arrived at her family home in Boston, she was enthusiastically greeted by her younger sister Julie.
"Ahh, Lizzie," Julie squealed. "I can't believe you're here." She wrapped her sister in a hug.
"It's good to see you too, Jules." Elizabeth greeted.
Julie grabbed Elizabeth by the arms and pulled her into the house and up the stairs to Elizabeth's childhood bedroom. "It's just the way you left it."
"Wonderful." Elizabeth placed her suitcase on her bed. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'm exhausted from my trip. I'm going to take a nap before dinner."
"As you wish, Lizzie." Julie wrapped Elizabeth in one more hug, before exiting the bedroom through their conjoining bathroom to her own room.
Elizabeth was sitting on the edge of her bed, on the verge of lying down for her nap when there was a light tapping on her door. "Come in." She called
"It's good to see you, Beth." William Thatcher walked in a kissed his daughter on the cheek.
"Father." Elizabeth wrapped her arms around his father's waist.
"How did you and your friend like the street fair?" William asked as he joined Elizabeth on the edge of the bed.
"We loved it." Elizabeth answered. "I explained to Jack…" She paused. The mere mention of his name made her miss him. "…about our wealthy background and it didn't even phase him. He was totally okay with it."
"That's wonderful, Beth." William stated.
"And he still insisted on paying for dinner." Elizabeth chuckled.
William smiled listening to his daughter gush about her new friend. "By the way, I'm sorry about what happened with Charles."
"It's not your fault, dad." Elizabeth squeezed his hand.
"We were just so devastated," William continued, "To learn that an old family friend was capable of such actions. I'm glad you're okay."
"I'm okay because of Jack." Elizabeth smiled.
I hope I get to meet him," William acknowledged, "Especially he's the reason for that smile on your face."
Elizabeth blushed.
"Well I just got home thought I'd come say hi, I let you get some rest." William stood from his place on the edge of the bed and left the room.
Elizabeth lied back on her bed and closed her eyes. She was asleep within minutes.
An hour later, Elizabeth woke up to Julie sitting at the desk chair. "Jules, what are you doing in here?"
"Who's Jack?" Julie queried.
"What?" Elizabeth asked.
"I was in the bathroom," Julie explained. "I heard you talking so I came to check on you. You kept mumbling 'Jack' in your sleep. Who's Jack?"
Elizabeth felt the color rush to her cheeks. "He's just a friend back home." Elizabeth replied.
"Mmhmm." Julie rolled her eyes, unconvinced. "If he's 'just a friend'," she gestured with air quotes, "Then why are you blushing."
Elizabeth's hands went to both her cheeks and stared at the floor.
"Come on, Lizzie." Julie urged. "You can tell me. I won't utter a word of it I swear."
Elizabeth couldn't help smiling. "He's a really nice guy." She explained. "Who saved my life."
"What?" Julie exclaimed.
"That's how we met, actually." Elizabeth continued.
"And you like him." Julie acknowledged.
"No, I don't. Elizabeth denied, her cheeks getting hotter.
"Lizzie, you can deny all you want," Julie countered, "But I know you better than anyone. I can tell you like him."
"I haven't known him long enough." Elizabeth, the ever logical one stated. "It's too soon."
"Time doesn't matter to affairs of the heart." Julie replied. "If you like him I say go for it."
"I don't know." Elizabeth answered. "I've not had the best luck with my past relationships. What if I screw this up?"
"What if you don't?" Julie advised, "Lizzie, if you don't take a chance, you might miss out on something wonderful. Use your past relationships as a lesson, so you won't make the same mistake again."
"How did you get so wise?" Elizabeth asked.
"I've been in more relationships than you." Julie explained.
"I'm going to freshen up before dinner." Elizabeth stood from her bed.
"Lizzie," Julie urged, "Think about what I said."
"I will, I will." Elizabeth headed toward the bathroom to take a shower.
Jack placed his suitcase in the trunk of his rental car. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the paper Abigail had given him. He plugged the address into his GPS before climbing in the car and driving toward town. Once he arrived at his destination, he suddenly became nervous. Elizabeth had told him her family was wealthy, but he didn't realize how wealthy until he saw the size of Elizabeth's family home. Although he felt a bit intimidated, he didn't let that stop him. He climbed out of the car and wiped his sweaty palms on his jeans. He headed down the walkway toward the door and took a deep breath before ringing the doorbell.
After dinner, Elizabeth took her dessert and a book she'd been reading to the living room and sat down on the sofa with her legs curled underneath her. She finished her fudge brownie topped with vanilla ice cream and set her empty bowl on the coffee table. She pulled out her book and silently began to read. She didn't get very far in her book when the doorbell rang. "I'll get it." She called as she stood up and made her way to the door. She gasped when she saw who was on the other side of the door. "Jack! She exclaimed. "What are you doing here?"
"I needed to talk to you." Jack explained. "I hope you don't mind, I got the address from Abigail."
"You came all the way to, Boston just to talk to me?" Elizabeth asked. "You could have just called."
"Uh," Jack mumbled and stared at the ground.
"Would you like to come in?" Elizabeth offered.
"Thanks," Jack replied as he walked past her into the house. He looked around. "Nice place you have here."
"Would you like to sit down?" Elizabeth gestured toward the sofa.
"Thank you." Jack took a seat on the sofa and waited for Elizabeth to sit down next to him.
"What did you want to talk to me about that couldn't wait until I returned home?" Elizabeth asked. '
"Well you didn't seem like yourself the last time we spoke." Jack explained. "I didn't sleep a wink worrying that I had done something to upset you. I went by your apartment to talk to you and Rosie told me you were here."
"Jack, I promise, you didn't do anything." Elizabeth assured. "You have been nothing but kind to me…"
"I was also surprised you left without saying goodbye." Jack continued.
"I'm sorry, I wasn't trying to upset or worry you." Elizabeth placed a hand on his face. "I've just had a lot to think about."
"I understand." Jack replied. "You don't owe me an explanation and you certainly don't need my permission to visit your family. I was just afraid I had done something to upset you. I would never forgive myself."
"Well you don't need to worry about that." Elizabeth proclaimed. "You've never done anything to upset me. I…" She paused.
"You what?" Jack inquired.
"Oh," Julie walked in startling them. "I didn't realize we had company. She glanced at her sister. "Lizzie aren't you going to introduce us?"
"Jack this is my little sister, Julie." Elizabeth replied. "Jules, this is Jack Thornton."
"Nice to meet you." Jack greeted Julie with an outstretched hand.
"Jack," Julie accepted Jack's hand, "It's nice to meet you too." She released his hand and reached for Elizabeth. "Jack, will you excuse us for a minute? I need to talk to my sister." She escorted Elizabeth to the dining area.
"What is it Jules?" Elizabeth asked.
"So that's Jack." Julie stated. "He's cute. You really should go for it."
"And you should really mind your own business." Elizabeth commanded.
"Lizzie, he came all this way unannounced to see you." Julie advised. "My guess would be he feels the same way about you as you feel about him. You should tell him."
"Jules," Elizabeth pleaded, "Will you please just leave us alone, so we can talk?"
"Alright," Julie conceded. She and Elizabeth walked back into the living room. "Jack it was nice meeting you." She smiled and then return her gaze back to Elizabeth. "Tell him." She urged, before disappearing up the stairs.
"Tell me what?" Jack asked.
Elizabeth sighed and grabbed Jack's hand. "Let's go somewhere we can talk with no interruptions." She led him outside to a gazebo that over looked the lake on the property.
"Beautiful view," Jack said of the moon light dancing across the lake. "This puts me in mind of our first date." He squeezed her hand.
"Yes," Elizabeth agreed. "I guess our special place is the gazebo."
"I guess so." Jack concurred. He glanced at Elizabeth and their eyes met. "So," Jack cleared his throat, "What do you have to tell me?"
Elizabeth sat on the bench in the gazebo and buried her face in her hands.
Jack sat down next to her and wrapped an arm around her shoulder. "You know you can tell me anything. What's been bothering you?"
"I'm scared." Elizabeth admitted.
"What are you afraid of?" Jack queried.
"Getting my heart broken," Elizabeth replied. "I don't know if I can trust my heart."
"Elizabeth," Jack asked, "Where is this coming from?"
"I…" Elizabeth hesitated. "…I haven't had the best success with relationships. You know what happened with Charles."
"How can I forget?" Jack replied. "That's how we met."
"The only good thing that came out of that relationship." Elizabeth continued. "But there's one thing you don't know." She took a deep breath.
"Take your time." Jack urged. "I'm not going anywhere."
"Charles and I only dated for two months, but we've known each other for years." Elizabeth explained. "His parents and my parents are old friends. It was a total shock to me that he would… do… what he did."
"Of course." Jack replied. "I'm sorry you had to go through that."
"Thanks." Elizabeth leaned closer to Jack. "I dated Billy Hamilton, my junior year of college. He was a senior and quite the charmer. He was new to town and I offered to show him around. We had a nice relationship, until I learned that he was only interested in me to get close to my father and the family fortune."
"I understand why you're a little cautious." Jack assured. "But can I tell you something?"
"Sure."
"Not all men are jerks." Jack continued.
"I know." Elizabeth remarked. "But it's too soon for me to feel this way."
"What way?" Jack queried.
"I haven't dated much, just Charles and Billy." Elizabeth explained. "I've known Charles ever since I can remember, and although I dated him. I never felt for him what I should feel for someone I'm involved with. I dated Billy for a year and never felt that connection with him either. I think I just fell for his charm."
"Elizabeth," Jack asked, "May I ask what your point is?"
"I knew both Charles and Billy a long time," Elizabeth admitted, "And I never felt for them the way I feel for…" She paused.
"For who, Elizabeth?" Jack knew what name he wanted her to say but he didn't want to sound too presumptuous.
"I've never felt for them the way I feel for you, Jack." Elizabeth repeated. "But it's too soon. I don't want to get my heart broken."
"What are you saying, Elizabeth?"
"I'm saying I think I'm falling in love with you." Elizabeth blurted.
Jack was speechless.
"I knew it was too soon." Elizabeth continued. "What was I thinking?" She stood from her seat tried to walk away, but Jack grabbed her hand stopping her from leaving. "Jack what are you…"
Elizabeth was interrupted when Jack's lips met hers in a firm and hungry kiss. The kiss deepened, and Jack wrapped his arms around Elizabeth's waist pulling her closer. Elizabeth's lips parted, allowing Jack full access. They pulled apart when they both were out of breath.
"What was that for?" Elizabeth asked.
"Elizabeth don't you get it." Jack placed his hands on her shoulders "I love you too."
"You do?"
"Yes," Jack confirmed. "I love you. I've loved you ever since I walked into Love's Bar and Grille and saw a very beautiful woman in a red dress sitting at the bar." He pulled her in for one more kiss.
"Well now what?" Elizabeth asked.
"What do you mean?" Jack queried.
"What do we do now?"
"What do you want to do?"
"I don't know." Elizabeth replied. "Still not sure I can trust my heart."
"Elizabeth," Jack assured. "I know you're scared, and understandably so after all you've been through, but I think you should give us a chance. I promise I will never do anything to intentionally hurt you."
"Can we take things slow?"
"Of course," Jack brought her hand to his lips, "We can go as slow as you like." He intertwined their fingers together. "So, what do you say, Ms. Thatcher? Should we go back to the house?" I'm dying to meet my new girlfriend's family."
"Let's go!" She smiled as they walked hand in hand down the path from the gazebo to Elizabeth's family home.
To be continued...
Thanks for reading. Hope you like it. Reviews are always welcome.