Hi #Hearties I have received many comments asking me if I can update this story more often. I appreciate all the reviews and love that you love the story enough to want to keep reading, however, I do post as often as I can. I am not purposely leaving you hanging, but I have a job and other things that must take precedence at times. I hope you can forgive my delays and enjoy the chapters as they are posted. Without further ado, here's chapter seventeen...

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.

"And I've heard absolutely nothing about you." Connor replied with a smile.

"Of course, you have." Elizabeth corrected. "I'm certain I mentioned Jack to you when you came to visit."

"Oh yeah," Connor recalled, "The one who thought you and I were dating." He whispered loudly.

"You told him that?" Jack asked.

"I'm sorry, Jack." Elizabeth apologized before kissing his cheek. "If it makes you feel any better, I told him I thought the same thing about you and your cousin."

"A little," Jack answered with a dimpled grin.

"Jack buddy." Connor chuckled. "Don't sweat it. It just means you care about Liz. I only want the best for my favorite cousin," He slapped Jack on the back, "And the fact that Liz jumped to the same conclusion about you, says something about the two of you."

Jack and Elizabeth exchanged glances and smiled at each other.

"But," Connor continued, giving Jack a stern look, "You do anything to hurt her, and you'll have to answer to me."

"You don't have to worry about Jack." Elizabeth interjected. "He's wonderful."

Jack blushed and pulled Elizabeth closer.

"Wait," Connor shouted as realization dawned on him. "Is this the same Jack that your friend Rosie said saved your life?"

"Yes," Elizabeth confirmed, "Why?"

"Because you said you were just friends."

"Well…" Elizabeth giggled. "Things changed a little."

"Obviously." Connor squeezed his cousin's shoulder. "I'm really happy for you, Liz."

"Thanks," Elizabeth smiled, "I'm happy for you and Chloe as well."

"Thanks, Liz." Connor reached over and took Chloe's hand.

"How long are you going to be in town?" Elizabeth asked Connor?"

"We head back next Wednesday," Connor answered.

"Great!" Elizabeth exclaimed. "The four of us should go out to lunch or something."

"I love that idea." Connor stated. "What do you think hon?" He asked Chloe.

"Sounds good to me." Chloe smiled.

"Jack?" Elizabeth faced him.

"I'll go anywhere with Elizabeth." Jack wrapped arms around Elizabeth's waist and rested his chin on her shoulder.

Connor glanced at his watch. "It's 10:30." He acknowledged. "We're free this afternoon, how about you guys?"

"Sounds good." Jack and Elizabeth said in unison.

Two hours later, Jack and Elizabeth drove to Castle Island to meet Connor and Chloe at Sullivan's Restaurant for lunch. When they arrived, Elizabeth reached for the handle to open the door, when Jack stopped her.

"Don't open the door yet." He gently gripped her arm.

"Is something wrong, Jack? Elizabeth asked.

"No, nothing is wrong." He countered. "I just wanted to tell you that you look beautiful."

"Thank you." Elizabeth smiled. "You look pretty handsome yourself." She reached for the door handle once again.

"And that I love you." Jack continued. He learned across the car and capture her lips with his own.

"I love you too, Jack." Elizabeth remarked, before returning his kiss. "Are you ready to go inside now?" She asked.

"Yes," Jack opened the door and rushed around to the other side, before Elizabeth even had the chance to open her own door. He offered his hand to help her out of the vehicle. He escorted her inside the restaurant and located Connor and Chloe who had already arrived. Soon they were seated and ordered their food.

"So, Liz," Connor asked, once the food arrived. "How long are you going two going to be in town?"

"I'm heading home next Saturday." Elizabeth glanced sideways at Jack. "Although I'm not exactly sure how long Jack is planning on staying."

"I was planning on leaving with you." Jack admitted.

"But that's only a week away." Connor countered. "You just got here.

"I'm only here for spring break." Elizabeth stated. "I have to go back to work next Monday."

"Why would Jack not head back with you?" Connor drew his eyebrows together in confusion."

"Because we didn't arrive together." Elizabeth explained. "I didn't even know that he was coming until he showed up on my doorstep."

"Well in my defense." Jack added. "I didn't know she was coming here until I went to talk to her and found out from Rosie that she came here for spring break."

"You mean you didn't tell your boyfriend you were leaving town?" Connor queried.

"Well," Elizabeth explained. "He wasn't my boyfriend when I left."

"But he's your boyfriend now." Connor prodded.

"Yes." Jack and Elizabeth answered in unison. Jack grabbed Elizabeth's hand, interlocking their fingers together.

"Well there's definitely a story there." Connor chuckled.

"You don't know the half of it." Elizabeth replied.

"How romantic!" Chloe gushed after hearing all the details of how Jack travelled all the way to Boston because he wanted to talk to Elizabeth in person, and how they professed their love for each other in the gazebo, with the moonlight dancing across the lake.

Jack leaned over and gently brushed his lips across Elizabeth's.

"That reminds me of when you proposed, Connor." Chloe gripped Connor's arms.

"I would love to hear that story." Elizabeth replied.

"Well you picked out the ring." Connor placed his arm around Chloe. "I guess it's only fair you hear the story."

"One of my, favorite stories to tell." Chloe looked admiringly at Connor. "I go to all of Connor's shows." She began. "We usually ride to the arena together, but that particular day, he insisted we take separate cars because he had to get there early." She playfully slapped Connor's arm. "But he wouldn't tell me why."

"I wanted it to be a surprise." Connor defended.

"Anyway," Chloe continued…

One Month Earlier…

"Chloe arrived at the arena and went to her usual spot in the front row. Finally, Connor came out riding Samson, the most aggressive bull of the rodeo. Samson always made her nervous. Her heart was pounding the entire time. She was relieved when Connor stayed on the bull the full eight seconds, which at the time felt like eight minutes.

"Ladies and Gentlemen," The rodeo announcer called as soon as Samson was once again secured in his pen, "Will Chloe Bennett please enter the ring?" Chloe looked around at first, having not registered that he had called her. "Is there a Chloe Bennett here?" He called once again.

"I'm here," Chloe shouted. She reluctantly stood up and made her way to the ring. The first thing that crossed her mind was Connor had gotten hurt somehow and was asking for her. She nervously glanced around the arena, still not sure what was going on. Once she reached the middle of the ring, all the spotlights went off. The arena was pitch black. Everyone in the arena gasped. The lights gradually came back on from overhead. Chloe looked above her and noticed the entire arena was dimly lit with strings of white fairy lights. Soon, the introduction to "I Cross My Heart," by George Strait began playing. She whirled around to observe Connor walking toward her carrying a microphone.

"My love is unconditional…" Connor sang the lyrics to the song as he slowly approached her. He was standing directly in front of her by the time the song reached the chorus. "I cross my heart and promise to give all I've got to give to make all your dreams come true. In all the world, you'll never find a love as true as mine." He sang, his eyes never leaving hers. When the song was over, Connor took Chloe's hand and dropped to one knee. Tears filled Chloe's eyes as she covered her mouth. "Chloe Bennet, I love you, will you do me the honor or becoming my wife? Will you marry me?"

Chloe wanted to scream 'yes,' but the words wouldn't form, so instead she vigorously nodded her head. Connor stood, from his kneeling position, lifted her off the ground, and twirled her around. He removed his cowboy hat, placing on her head and kissed her. The crowd cheered loudly for the newly engaged couple…

Elizabeth dabbed her tear-filled eyes with a napkin. "That was a beautiful story." She acknowledged Connor. "As nervous as you were about picking out that ring, I didn't think you had it in you."

"He can be pretty romantic when he wants to be." Chloe gushed.

Connor placed his arm around Chloe and kissed her cheek.

"But it doesn't do it very often." Chloe nudged Connor in the ribs.

"If I do it too often, you'll get tired of being swept off your feet." Connor chuckled.

"Never." Chloe giggled.

After everyone finished eating, Elizabeth and Chloe excused themselves to go to the ladies' room. "I know you're excited to marry my cousin." Elizabeth stated.

"I am," Chloe agreed. "Connor is great." She cast her eyes downward.

"Everything okay?" Elizabeth could tell that something was on Chloe's mind.

"It's just…" She hesitated. "Never mind." She started for the door.

"Hey," Elizabeth grabbed her elbow. "You're about to marry, my favorite cousin. We're practically family. You can tell me anything."

Chloe gave Elizabeth a half smile.

"You do want still want to marry him, don't you?" Elizabeth asked, with concern for her new friend.

"Of course, I do." Chloe answered. "It's just…"

"It's okay," Elizabeth urged. "Anything you say will stay between us."

"You love Connor, right?" Chloe asked.

"Very much," Elizabeth admitted. "He's like a brother to me."

"Good," Chloe replied, "Because I was wondering if you'd like to be my maid of honor."

Elizabeth was speechless.

"My twin sister Claire was killed in a car accident a few years ago." Chloe replied. "I have no other family. Just my father. He'll of course walk me down the aisle. I would be honored if you would be my family for a day."

Elizabeth wrapped Chloe in a hug. "I'm sorry about your sister." She cried. "I would be the one who's honored, but it won't be for just a day. You're about to marry my cousin. That makes us family for life."

"That means a lot to me." Chloe replied.

"Just let me know the date and I'll be there." Elizabeth assured.

"We were thinking sometime in the fall," Chloe answered. "But we haven't set a date yet."

"Looking forward to it." Elizabeth smiled. "Are you ready head back to the boys?"

"We better." Chloe chuckled. "We may not want to leave those two handsome men alone for too long."

"So, Jack," Connor and Jack were sitting at the table waiting for the girls to return. "What made you want to be a police officer."

"My father," Jack explained. "He was a cop. He was killed in the line of duty when I was twelve. It's my way of honoring his memory.

"I'm sorry to hear that." Connor remarked.

"Thanks." Jack forced a smile. "I miss him terribly."

"I'm willing to bet he's proud of you." Connor assured. "Liz tells me you're great at what you do. I know she's glad you were in her corner the night she was attacked."

"We had just met," Jack admitted, "But I had a hunch that guy was bad news and I knew I didn't want anything to happen to her."

"I love Liz like a sister, so thanks for saving her life." Connor advised.

"Anytime." Jack assured. "So why the rodeo circuit?"

"Ask Liz," Connor explained. "I was always a little daredevil as a kid. I figured I might as well get paid for it. I thought riding an angry bull is about as dangerous as it gets."

"How did you meet Chloe?" Jack inquired.

"Her twin sister," Connor answered. "Her husband Mason was a fellow Rodeo star and we became friends. Mason brought Claire and Chloe to the show and Chloe and I just hit it off. We've been together ever since. Mason and Claire and their unborn child were killed in a car accident a few years ago."

"That's terrible."

"Yeah," Connor agreed, "Chloe and Claire were really close. Her father and Claire are the only family she has."

"Well now she has you." Jack offered.

"We have each other." Connor confessed.

"That's how I feel about Elizabeth." Jack replied. "We have each other."

"Well," Connor asked. "Does hearing the story of how I popped the question to Chloe give you any ideas?"

"What?" Jack exclaimed. "No, we haven't been dating long. I promised we could take things slow."

"Don't wait too long." Connor suggested. "It is nice to take things slowly, but not too slowly. Liz even told me that."

"I'll keep that in mind." Jack replied. Meanwhile, his mind was racing. He liked the idea of settling down, getting married, starting a family. He was ready. When he proposed to Melissa four years ago. He thought this was it. When Melissa broke off their engagement a year later, on Valentine's day of all days, he was completely devastated. He'd sworn off love all together. He didn't think he could handle that kind of heartache again. But when he saw Elizabeth for the first time, that all changed. It was love at first sight. He knew he would never be the same again. He couldn't explain it. He thought he loved Melissa at the time, but he didn't recall ever feeling for Melissa, the way he felt about Elizabeth in the short time he'd known her.

"Hey, I need a favor." Connor interrupted Jack's thoughts.

"Name it."

"Chloe and I are planning our wedding for some time in the fall." Connor began. "I was wondering if you'd like to be my best man."

"Me?" Jack asked, "We literally just met today."

"Well," Connor explained. "I'm surrounded by women in the family. I really have nobody to do it and you love my cousin so you're close enough to family. It would be an honor if you would be my best man."

"If you insist." Jack offered his hand to Connor to shake it. I would be happy to."

Elizabeth and Chloe chose that time to return to the table. "What was this little exchange all about?" Elizabeth asked.

"I'm going to be best man in Connor and Chloe's wedding." Jack explained.

"That's great." Elizabeth cried, "Because I'm maid of honor and I'm going to need a date for the wedding."

"Great idea killing two birds with one stone." Jack chuckled, before leaning over and kissing her cheek.

After lunch, the four of them decided to go their separate ways and spend some alone time with their respected significant other. "Liz are you coming to Easter services tomorrow?" Connor asked.

"I'll do my best." Elizabeth replied.

"Okay, if you don't make it I'm sure we'll see each other before you leave." Connor kissed her cheek before offering his arm to Chloe. "Shall we?"

"What do you want to do?" Jack asked as soon as Connor and Chloe were out of sight.

"How about a walk along the beach." Elizabeth suggested.

"Sounds nice." Jack took Elizabeth's hand and interlocked their fingers together as they gingerly walked toward the ocean.

They walked along the shore hand in hand in companionable silence, enjoying the mild spring breeze and the relaxing sound of the waves crashing on the sand. When Elizabeth suddenly stopped.

"Is something wrong?" Jack asked.

"No, everything is wonderful." Elizabeth bent down, using Jack's shoulder to keep her from losing her balance, and removed her shoes one at a time.

"What are you doing?" Jack asked.

"Take your shoes off and come with me. "Elizabeth urged.

As soon as Jack took off his shoes, the two of them made their way to the water's edge. Elizabeth squealed excitedly as the chilly, salt water touched her bare feet. Jack couldn't help but smile at her childlike exuberance. He enjoyed watching her dance around the ocean getting her feet wet. She seemed right at home on the beach.

After a while, Jack and Elizabeth decided to rest before heading back. They sat in the sand, while listening to the waves and watching the water for as far as the eye could see. "Amazing view isn't it?" Elizabeth remarked.

Jack glanced over her and smiled. He took ahold of her chin and turned her head to face him. "Yes, it is." He agreed before capturing her lips with his own."

"I love you, Jack." Elizabeth scooted closer to her and rested her head on his shoulder.

"I love you too, sweetheart." Jack put his arm around her and squeezed her shoulder.

"May I ask a question?" He asked a few minutes later.

"Sure."

"You seem so at home on the beach." Jack remarked. "I'm glad you did because we would have never met otherwise, but why did you leave Boston?"

"I do love the beach," Elizabeth admitted, "And I love my family, but I didn't want to be tied to my father's apron strings anymore. I wanted to do for myself, get out on my own. I had a teaching degree, but I couldn't find a job here. So, I applied at schools in other towns. When the position at Hope Valley Elementary opened up I jumped on it. The superintendent was impressed with my resume and I was hired on the spot. Best move I ever made."

"That's amazing," Jack gushed. "And you're an amazing teacher."

"Thanks," Elizabeth replied modestly. "It helps if you love your job."

"Yes," Jack agreed. "I can appreciate that. My job is dangerous at times, but I love it."

"Are you ready to head back?" Elizabeth asked.

"Sure," Jack stood up and offered his hand to help her.

"You asked me a question at the beach. Now I have a question for you." Elizabeth stated during their walk back.

"What's that?"

"How would you like to go to the Easter service with me tomorrow?" Elizabeth asked. "I told Connor, I'd try to go, but I don't want to force you to go if you don't want to and I don't won't to leave you alone to fend for yourself. The entire family will be going."

"Thanks for thinking of me." Jack remarked. "I would love to go but I can't. I would never keep you from attending church with your family though."

"Why can't you go?" Elizabeth wondered.

"When I packed a bag to come here," Jack explained, "I didn't think to pack a tie." He chuckled. "To be honest, the only thing I had on my mind was you."

"That's okay," Elizabeth assured. "I'm sure whatever you have will be fine. I know you'll look handsome no matter what."

"What are you wearing?" Jack asked, kicking the sand with his still bare toes.

"I bought I a new dress last week." Elizabeth answered.

"All I packed was, jeans and t-shirts." Jack responded. "I wouldn't want to feel underdressed."

"I have an idea!" Elizabeth exclaimed.

"What?" Jack inquired.

"Let's go shopping." Elizabeth suggested. "I'll help you pick out something for you to wear tomorrow."

"That would be okay, I guess." Jack replied slowly, still unsure. "If you're sure."

"Are you kidding?" Elizabeth laughed. "Shopping is my second favorite thing to do. We can go right now."

"Okay, if you insist," Jack agreed, "On one condition."

"What's that?"

"That I pay for whatever we pick out." Jack advised. "I know your family has money, but I don't want to be indebted to them.

"Whatever you say." Elizabeth grabbed Jack's leading him to the car. "Let's go."

Once they reached the car. Jack reached placed his hand on Elizabeth's door handle. He turned to face her without opening the door. "One more thing." He smiled flashing the dimples that made Elizabeth go weak at the knees. "You said, that shopping was you second favorite thing to do."

"Yes." Elizabeth confirmed.

"So, I gotta ask," Jack continued. "What is your favorite thing to do?"

"Let me show you." Elizabeth whispered, before standing on her tiptoes and capturing his lips with her own.

To be continued…

Note: In no way is this story morphing into Connor and Chloe's story. I just thought it would be fun to include their engagement story since Elizabeth did help Connor pick out the engagement ring. This will ALWAYS be Jack and Elizabeth's story.

Thanks for reading. Hope you like it. Reviews are always welcome :)