Jack stared at the couple before him and Elizabeth. "Kensington?" He questioned, "As in Charl…"
"Yes," Elizabeth confirmed. "These are Charles' parents."
"Elizabeth," Eleanor interjected. "Did you say Jake here was your boyfriend?"
"His name is Jack." Elizabeth corrected as she gripped his hand tighter. "And yes, he is…" She emphasized, "My boyfriend."
"But what about my Charles?" Eleanor asked. "I don't think you're being fair to him."
"Have you forgotten what he did to me?" Elizabeth inquired.
"Elizabeth," Charles Sr. chimed in. "Our son is sorry for what he did to you. All we want is for you to give him a second chance."
Elizabeth felt the blood rush to her face as she squeezed Jack's hand a little tighter. "He attacked me, Charlie!" She exclaimed. "He tried to take something from me that never belonged to him. How can I forgive something like that?"
"Elizabeth," Eleanor interjected. "You've known Charles since you were children. You know as well as I do that he'd never harm a fly unless he were provoked." She placed her hand on Elizabeth's shoulder. "He told us he felt threatened by the officer you met that night, the one that arrested him."
Elizabeth brushed Eleanor's hand off her shoulder and glanced up at Jack. "He was a being jerk long before Jack showed up."
Eleanor and Charlie both jerked their heads toward Jack. "You were the officer that arrested my son?" Eleanor lashed out angrily.
"With all due respect ma'am," Jack defended. "He was rude to Elizabeth from the moment I walked into that place." He released Elizabeth's hand and put his arm around his shoulder, protectively pulling her closer. "I witnessed him attacking her myself. I wasn't about to stand by and let that happen to any woman."
"It's a conspiracy." Eleanor snapped. "You two conspired against my son. He probably didn't do anything wrong." She glared at Elizabeth irately. "You probably were sleeping with Jack behind my son's back."
"What?" Elizabeth cried. "That's not true! I didn't even meet Jack before that night."
"What a great way to continue your tawdry love affair." Eleanor continued, ignoring Elizabeth's comment. "And Charles was caught in the middle." She transferred her gaze to Jack. "Detective I will have your badge for this." She once again faced Elizabeth. "You're nothing but tramp. I will see that your father knows all about what you did to my boy." She spun on heels and continued down the sidewalk followed closely by her husband.
As soon as they were out of sight, Elizabeth burst into tears. Jack took her in his arms. "Shh, it's alright." He consoled.
"No, it's not, Jack." She wailed. "She thinks I'm a…" She paused, "… a tramp. She's going to try to take your badge. I know how much you love being a detective."
"Elizabeth," Jack assured. "She can try, but I promise you, she won't succeed."
"This is all my fault." Elizabeth buried her face in Jack's neck.
"Listen to me," She gripped her shoulders and held her at arm's length. "None of this is your fault. We know the truth of what really happened that night. I know how terrified you were then." He pulled her closer to him and brushed her lips with his. "And I know how wonderful you are now."
"I just want to go home." Elizabeth cried.
He gripped her hand. "Let's go."
Hand in hand they made their way to the car.
"Beth, Jack," William greeted when the two of them walked into the Thatcher home, "Glad you're back. How was your day?" He glanced up at them and noticed Elizabeth's tear stained cheeks. "What happened?"
Jack sat down on the couch and Elizabeth sat next to him, practically on top of him. "We had a great day." Jack stated.
"Until we ran into Eleanor and Charlie at the North End." Elizabeth sobbed.
"Oh dear." William replied. "What did they say?"
"They accused Jack and I of…." Elizabeth paused.
"They accused us of sleeping around while Elizabeth was dating Charles, and falsely arresting him, just to get him out of the way, so we could be together." Jack added.
"That's ridiculous." William commented.
"It's not true, daddy." Elizabeth sniffled. "Jack and I had never even met before that night."
"I know, dear." William reassured. "You told me you and Jack met on Valentine's day." He chuckled. "I remember how you gushed upon meeting him.
"Eleanor told Jack she was going to have his badge." Elizabeth continued. "And she called me a tramp." She buried her face in her hands. "I've never even…" She hesitated. "I'm not a tramp."
"I know, Beth." William consoled. "Your mother and I raised you girls to have morals. You're the one I always had to worry the least about."
"It won't matter, if this gets out." Elizabeth stated nervously. "The Kensingtons are pretty influential people."
"You've forgotten one thing, Beth." William retorted. "The Thatchers are more influential than the Kensingtons." He boasted. "And my daughter's reputation is at stake based on a lie. I promise. I won't take this lying down." He stood up and walked toward his daughter and kissed her on the cheek. "I know you're tired. Try to get some sleep. Don't worry; we'll figure this out." He headed toward the stairs.
As soon as William was out of sight, Jack wrapped his arm around Elizabeth and pulled her close, allowing her to rest her head on his chest.
"I can't help but worry, Jack." She cried.
"Shh," Jack rubbed her back. "Everything will be okay."
"How do you know that?" Elizabeth asked.
"Because we know the truth, that's all that matters." Jack assured. "And the truth always comes out in the end."
"The truth shall set you free." She whispered.
"Exactly." Jack agreed.
"I love you, Jack." Elizabeth breathed.
"I love you too, sweetheart." Jack replied, with a yawn. "I'm exhausted, what do you say we head upstairs and try to get some sleep."
Jack walked Elizabeth to her bedroom. "Good night, sweetheart; see you in the morning. He leaned toward her and kissed her cheek before started toward the guest bedroom.
"Jack," Elizabeth gripped his arm, stopping from walking any further. "Will you sleep with me?"
Jack stared at Elizabeth dumbfounded. "Uh are you sure about this, Elizabeth?"
Elizabeth felt the heat rush to her cheeks. "I did not mean that the way it came out." She explained. "What I meant is will you stay with me? I don't think I'll be able to fall asleep."
Jack was cautious. Under any other circumstance, he wouldn't have hesitated, but he would never want to take advantage of her and he wasn't sure he could trust himself. "I don't know Elizabeth. I don't want to take advantage…"
"Jack," Elizabeth interjected. "You're not taking advantage of me I'm asking you to stay. Please?" She begged, "Just until I fall asleep?"
"Oh, alright," Jack conceded.
"Thank you, Jack." Elizabeth kissed his cheek.
"But just until you fall asleep." Jack advised.
"That's all I ask." Elizabeth grabbed his hand and pulled him into her room, closing the door behind them. She pulled her pajamas from her dresser drawer and started to unbutton her blouse, momentarily forgetting that Jack was in the room.
"Ahem." Jack cleared his throat.
Elizabeth quickly whirled around to face him, her hands still on the buttons.
"Oh, my goodness, Jack." Elizabeth blushed. "I didn't even think." She made her way to her bathroom. "I'll be right back."
"If you don't mind." Jack stated, "I'm going to go get my pjs on." Jack started for the door.
"Okay." Elizabeth agreed, before disappearing into the bathroom.
Jack walked into his room and rummaged through his suitcase. He wasn't sure he had anything suitable to sleep in. He didn't think that the loose-fitting boxer shorts, which was his normal pajama of choice would be appropriate for staying with Elizabeth, even if it were just until she fell asleep. He continued to rummage through his luggage until he located a pair of sweatpants. "I guess these will do." He slipped the sweats on and a T-shirt and made his way back to Elizabeth's room. When he returned, he observed Elizabeth staring out her window. He walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her waist. "Penny for your thoughts?"
"I know everyone is saying not to worry about Eleanor and Charlie, but I just can't help it." Elizabeth admitted. "What if you can't be a detective anymore? It will be all my fault. I'll never be able to forgive myself."
"I understand, sweetheart, but try not to worry." He kissed her cheek. "I promise you; I am not going to lose my badge." He gripped her shoulder and spun her around, so she was facing him. "I really admire you, you know that?" He pulled her closer and softly grazed the tip of her nose with his lips.
"Why is that?" She inquired.
"Because," He took her by the hand and led her to the bed and sat down on the edge, "What they said about you is far worse than them trying to take my badge and you're more concerned about that than being called a…" He paused, "… a tramp." He scrunched up his face. "I really hate that word." He remarked, especially when it's used to describe you."
"Because my job isn't at stake with being called a tramp." Elizabeth remarked. "Yours is, if they take your badge."
"Your reputation is at stake though." Jack proclaimed. "And if this gets out, your job could be at stake. You're a teacher. No parent would want you to teach their children." He began to stroke her arm.
Elizabeth felt a tear trickle down her cheek. "I never even thought of that." She cried. "I can't imagine not being a teacher. What are we going to do Jack?"
Jack reached up and wiped her tears with his thumb. "We'll figure this out. We know the truth and I know how wonderful you are."
"You think I'm wonderful?" Elizabeth asked with a smile.
"I don't think you're wonderful." Jack countered with a smile that matched hers. "I know you're wonderful." He grabbed her hand and gently brought it to his lips. "I love you so much." He whispered.
"I love you, Jack." Elizabeth touched her forehead to his, "And I think… I know you're wonderful too."
Jack leaned closer and captured her lips with his own. Jack pulled Elizabeth into his lap while he began kissing every inch of her face. His lips then travelled down her neck, across the thin straps of the spaghetti strap camisole she was wearing. He placed soft kisses along her bare shoulder and neck. Elizabeth tilted her head to allow Jack full access. The feel of Jack's fiery lips across her bare skin, elicited soft moans from Elizabeth.
Jack pulled back and placed his hands on either side of her face, which was still damp from his recent kisses. "You are so beautiful." He whispered.
Elizabeth's heart was pounding as she slowly removed herself from Jack's lap.
"Are you alright?" Jack asked.
"That was amazing," Elizabeth admitted. "You are amazing. But we shouldn't…" She turned her back to him, not wanting him to see her eyes full of unshed tears.
"I'm sorry, Elizabeth." Jack stood behind her. "I know you aren't ready." He softly touched her back. "But one look at you and I have a hard time keeping my feelings in check." He slowly backed away from her. "Maybe I should go back to my room." He suggested. He made his way toward the door.
"No!" Elizabeth rushed after him. "I want you stay with me until I fall asleep, remember?"
"I do remember." Jack recalled. "But do you still want me to?"
"Yes," Elizabeth confirmed, "I'm still upset about Eleanor and Charlie, don't think I'll be able to sleep. Please?" She begged. "I just want you to hold me."
"You know I can never say no to you." Jack kissed her cheek.
Elizabeth walked over to her closet and grabbed a blanket from the top shelf. She tossed it toward Jack. "I'll lay underneath the covers, you lay on top." She suggested. "The blanket is in case you get cold."
"Thanks." Jack smiled, though he didn't think there would be any danger of him getting cold with Elizabeth so close to him, but he didn't say that out loud. He walked over to the bed and pulled back the covers, allowing Elizabeth to climb in, and pulled the blankets around her. He headed to the other side of the bed and climbed on top of the covers, pulling the blanket she had given him over his legs.
Elizabeth rolled over and turned off the lamp by her bed.
"Come here you." Jack took her in his arms and kissed her forehead. "Now try to get some sleep goodnight."
"Goodnight, Jack." Elizabeth felt herself relax against Jack's chest. "Love you," She mumbled.
"Love you too." He squeezed her a little tighter.
Twenty-five minutes later, Jack acknowledged Elizabeth's steady breathing. The light of the moon shining right into Elizabeth's bedroom window confirmed that she was in fact asleep. He smiled at her beautiful form, slightly illuminated by the moonlight. She was sleeping so peacefully, he didn't want to leave her side, but he had only promised to stay with her until she fell asleep. To avoid waking her he slowly attempted to roll off her bed. Suddenly she shifted slightly and subconsciously wrapped her arms tighter around him. He couldn't move for fear of waking her up. Knowing they both needed to sleep he leaned his head back against the pillow, sighed, and closed his eyes. "I could get used to this." He mumbled seconds before he himself drifted off to sleep.
"Thank you for your time, Chief Snyder." William said before hanging up the phone with Jack's boss the following morning. "I will gladly share that news with Jack." After ending the call with Chief Snyder, he immediately dialed another number.
"Kensington residence," Answered the voice on the other line.
"Good morning, Fiona." William cheerfully greeted Charlie and Eleanor's daughter, "William Thatcher, Are your parents available?"
"Mother, father," Fiona called. "William Thatcher is on the phone for you."
William nervously drummed his fingers on the desk while waiting for the Kensingtons to get on the line.
"William," Eleanor greeted sternly. "I was just going to call you. I think you should know exactly what your daughter has been up to."
"I heard about what happened." William replied. "I was wondering if the two of you could come by the house and join Grace and I for tea," He grimaced at his halfhearted invitation, "So we can discuss the situation face to face."
"Give us about half an hour." Charlie chimed in.
"See you then." William stated firmly.
Promptly thirty minutes later, Charlie and Eleanor arrived at the Thatcher home.
"Charlie, Eleanor, come in." William acknowledged cheerfully, his arm wrapped around his wife's waist. "How nice of you to come."
Without saying a word, Eleanor walked past them into the house, followed closely by Charlie. She sat down on the sofa and reached for a tea cup that was already resting on the coffee table "Let's get down to business, William!" She exclaimed firmly. "Your daughter had my son arrested so she could gallivant around with that new boyfriend of hers, who just happened to be the one who arrested him. He probably isn't even a real police officer."
"Eleanor," William countered. "I assure you, Jack is a real police officer."
"Well he won't be for much longer." Eleanor took a sip of her tea. "After I get in touch with the real authorities, he'll be lucky if he can get a job as a high school security guard."
"Eleanor," Grace chimed in. "I know Charles is your son and you love him no matter what, but please don't do this." She begged. "Please don't do something you'll regret."
"Eleanor," William added. "Beth didn't even meet Jack until that night."
"She was awfully chummy, with someone she's only known for six weeks." Eleanor argued.
"Well you were awfully chummy with…." William tightly closed his eyes. "… what was is name… Bert?"
Eleanor glared at William as if he had just slapped her across the face.
"You knew him two weeks," William continued, "And the two of you became inseparable, and even when you found out he had a wife and newborn baby back home, it didn't stop you from pursuing him."
Eleanor felt oxygen escaping her lungs; she couldn't breathe.
"Eleanor created quite a scandal," William explained to Charlie, "Considering who Bert's wife was, Jillian Cosgrove, the daughter of the tv news reporter, Frederick Cosgrove." William glanced at Eleanor. "Did I leave anything out?"
"His name was Bart." Eleanor choked out, her voice just above a whisper. "It was short for Bartholomew." She continued to angrily glare at William. "You know that isn't what happened. Jillian had called and asked both Grace and me to keep Bart company when he came to town on business. She couldn't accompany him because she had just given birth to baby Zachary the week before. It wasn't my fault Grace came down with the flu and couldn't join us."
"I know it wasn't your fault." William agreed, "But the rumors spread like wildfire anyway and your reputation remained tarnished, even after the truth came out."
"You promised you would never bring that up." Eleanor interjected. "How could you?"
"Desperate times call for desperate measures." William countered. "You accused my daughter of being a tramp and threatened to compromise the job of an innocent man."
"They had my son arrested." Eleanor chided.
"Your son was arrested because he couldn't take no for an answer and attacked my daughter." William retorted. "You do anything to threaten my daughter's reputation or her friend's job and you will regret it, just like when the rumors were spread about you."
"But…" Eleanor began.
"Eleanor," Grace interjected calmly. "Charles needs help, and we really hope he gets it, but spreading rumors about Beth and Jack will not be beneficial to anyone."
"Alright," Eleanor reluctantly conceded. She placed her tea cup down and stood to her feet. "Your daughter's reputation will remain intact…" She started for the door and whirled around to face them, "… for now." She rushed out the door with Charlie close on her heels.
Elizabeth woke up and stretched. She rolled over and acknowledged Jack sound asleep, on the bed next to her, wrapped up in the blanket she had offered him the night before. She gasped. "I thought he would be back in his room by now." She whispered to herself. "He was only supposed to stay until I fell asleep." The corners of her mouth suddenly turned upward into a smile. "He was probably as exhausted as I was." She whispered as she pushed a strand of hair from his eyes and gently kissed his cheek. She stared at him, and watched him sleep, for ten minutes before deciding to just let him rest a little while longer. She climbed out of bed and rushed to the bathroom for a quick shower, leaving Jack right where he was.
After Elizabeth was dressed, Jack still had not budged. She crept toward him, so she wouldn't wake him. She pulled the blanket higher of his arms and kissed his cheek once more. "I love you Jack Thornton." She whispered. She then made her way downstairs, leaving the door to her room ajar.
"Good morning," She greeted her parents.
"Morning, Beth." William stood and approached his daughter, kissing her on the cheek.
"Beth dear," Grace grabbed Elizabeth's hands, "Your father told me what happened with Eleanor and Charlie."
"I'm so worried that Jack will lose his job over this," Elizabeth cried, "When he did nothing wrong."
"Beth don't worry." William reassured. "I had a little chat with Jack's boss, Chief Snyder this morning. He says there are several of Jack's colleagues who would be willing to be a character witness for him if need be, including Stafford and Lawson, the two that he called for backup that night."
"Really?" Elizabeth glanced up at her father.
"Did you know that Jack has received a great number of awards for acts of heroism?" William continued.
"He never said anything to me?" Elizabeth remarked.
"Snyder mentioned it to me," William stated, "He says Jack never takes credit for any of his good deeds. He always claims he's just doing his job and never understands why he receives an award for doing that job."
"That sounds like Jack." Elizabeth gushed. "But that isn't going to stop Eleanor and Charlie."
"Eleanor and Charlie won't be a problem, I assure you." William grazed his daughter's cheek.
"How can you be sure?" Elizabeth questioned.
"Let's just say, I reminded her of something that happened to her a long time ago," William explained, "Something that she wouldn't want to resurface."
"Thank you, daddy," Elizabeth kissed her father on the cheek. "Jack and I are eternally grateful, that you're willing to help us."
"By the way, where is Jack?" William asked.
"Uh," Elizabeth answered nervously. "I guess he's still sleeping."
Suddenly, Julie bounded down the stairs. Seeing Elizabeth, but not yet spotting her parents. "Good morning, Lizzie." She greeted. "Do you care to tell me why Jack is sleeping upstairs in your bed?"
"I'd like to know the answer to that myself." William commanded.
"Don't get mad daddy." Elizabeth begged. "After what happened with Eleanor and Charlie, I couldn't sleep, so I asked Jack to stay with me until I fell asleep. Nothing happened." She assured. "But he fell asleep while taking care of me. He slept on top of the covers while I slept underneath." She sighed. "I just couldn't bring myself to wake him up this morning."
William stood stone-faced for several seconds, while Elizabeth's heart began to beat uncontrollably out of her chest.
"I understand." He finally said. "I know how upset you were. Just don't make a habit out of it…" He took her hand, "… at least until there's a ring on that finger.
"I promise daddy," Elizabeth giggled. "I am nowhere near ready for that step, and Jack would never take advantage of me."
"Glad to hear it." He kissed daughter on the cheek. "I love you, Beth."
"I love you, daddy."
Suddenly the doorbell rang. Elizabeth rushed to answer it. She squealed loudly when she saw who was on the other side. "Connor, she cried as she jumped into her cousin's arms.
"Momma told me my favorite cousin was in town." Connor stated as he followed her into the house. "I had to come see for myself."
"How is Aunt Agatha?" Elizabeth asked.
"Uh," Conner faced the still open door. "Why don't you ask her yourself."
Elizabeth glanced down the front walk and observed Aunt Agatha and a younger woman walking toward the house. "Aunt Agatha," she greeted with a smile.
"Hello dear." Agatha wrapped her niece in a hug. "So good to see you."
Elizabeth observed Connor rush to the young woman and wrap his arms around her and kiss her. "Hello," Elizabeth smiled at the young woman.
"Oh, you haven't met yet have you?" Connor acknowledged. "This is my fiancée, Chloe. Chloe, this is Elizabeth, my favorite cousin."
"The one who helped pick out my ring." Chloe hugged Elizabeth tightly. "I've heard so much about you. Nice to finally meet you."
"You too." Elizabeth reciprocated Chloe's hug.
"I really love my ring by the way." Chloe whispered in Elizabeth's ear.
"I'm glad." Elizabeth whispered in return. She took Chloe's hand and observed the shiny diamond glistening in the morning sunlight. "It looks great." She remarked.
The family all decided to sit around the living room and catch up while Chloe excused herself for a restroom break.
"So, have you and Chloe set a date yet?" Elizabeth asked as she and Conner sat down next to each other in one the sofa.
"We're were thinking sometime in the fall." Connor answered.
"That'd be nice." Elizabeth smiled.
Jack woke up with a yawn and remembered that he was Elizabeth's room. He rolled over and observed the empty space next to him. He suddenly felt lonely. He actually liked the idea of waking up next to Elizabeth every morning. A smile began to overtake his face. He climbed out of bed and rushed to his room to get ready for the day. Once he was dressed he made his way downstairs. Halfway down the stairs, he heard chatter coming from the living room below. He continued down the steps and stopped dead in his tracks. His heart sank in his chest when observed Elizabeth sitting next to a very handsome cowboy… the same cowboy he'd seen her with before. He took a deep breath and sighed with relief, when he remembered Elizabeth explaining to him who that cowboy was… her cousin. He continued down the stairs.
Elizabeth noticed Jack coming down the stairs and jumped up to greet him "Good morning, Jack." She kissed him. She didn't care who was in the room watching her.
"Good morning, sweetheart." He returned her kiss.
"Jack," Elizabeth gestured toward Connor, who stood next to her. I would like to officially introduce you to my favorite cousin Connor."
"Ahem," Chloe entered the room from behind Elizabeth, and stood next to Connor.
"And this is Connor's fiancée Chloe." Elizabeth continued. She looped her arm around Jack's. "This is my boyfriend Jack."
Jack shook both of their hands and smiled. "It's nice to finally meet you. I've heard a lot about you."
To be continued…