Hi #Hearties, It's been a minute. I promise I didn't forget about you, just a lot on my plate right now. Hope to be able to update more often soon. But in the mean time I hope you enjoy chapter Twenty-Two...

Previously...

Jack was sitting on the sofa in Elizabeth's apartment, with Elizabeth resting her head on his lap. He was softly stroking her hair. "I can't believe, Aly told the whole class about you and me." He chuckled.

"I know." Elizabeth replied.

"And all because of an assignment you had them do."

"Honestly I didn't think Aly would write about that." Elizabeth answered. "I'm sure there were many other fun activities she did with her mom during the break."

"I'm curious, Ms. Thatcher," Jack asked. "What was your favorite spring break moment?"

Elizabeth lifted her head from Jack's lap and looked in his eyes. "When you followed me to Boston." She whispered before connecting his lips with her own. "And I told you I loved you." She kissed him once more. "And you kissed me and told me you loved me too."

"Mine too." Jack replied. He kissed her once more. He cradled her face in both of his hands. "We are okay right?"

"Of course, why wouldn't we be?"

"Well if you recall you almost walked out on me last night." Jack explained. "Actually, you did walk out on me."

"Sorry about that." Elizabeth closed her eyes, "But you did come after me. I should have realized you would. You did follow me all the way to Boston."

"Well I love you, Elizabeth." Jack advised. "I will always go after you."

"I'm so glad." Elizabeth proclaimed. She returned her head to his lap, closed her eyes, and yawned.

"Do you want me to go so you can get some rest?" Jack asked.

"You don't have to." She sighed.

"Are you sure? You're exhausted."

"Yes, I'm…. zzzz."

Jack chuckled. He leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. He gently removed her head from his lap and stood to his feet. He knelt down and placed one arm under the bend of her knees and the other behind her back, and gingerly lifted her in his arms. He carried her to her bedroom, gently laying her on her bed. He removed her shoes from her feet. He pulled the bedding over her body… all without waking her up, much to his surprise. He opened Elizabeth's nightstand drawer looking for a pen and paper. He located a small spiral notebook with an ink pin clipped to it. He couldn't believe his luck. He ripped a clean sheet from the back of the notebook. He clicked the pen and wrote a little note.

Dearest Elizabeth.

You fell asleep on me. I didn't want to wake you, but I had to leave. I hope you don't mind. I carried you to bed, so you'd be more comfortable. I'll see you tomorrow… I promise. I love you so much sweetheart.

Yours forever, Jack.

P.S. I'm glad the secret is out, by the way.

Jack folded the letter and wrote Elizabeth's name on it. He returned the notebook and pen to the nightstand drawer. He leaned the note against the lamp and made sure it was secure and that Elizabeth would be sure to see it when she woke up. He gently kissed her cheek. "I love you, Elizabeth Thatcher." He whispered, before turning off the lamp and heading out the door.

Continued...

Elizabeth walked into her classroom on the last day of school, seven weeks later and was greeted by twenty-one rambunctious children, who had all conspired to arrive early. "What are you all doing here?" Elizabeth asked.

Opal jumped from her seat and ran to her teacher's side. "We wanted to get here early," She explained.

"So, we can tell you," Emily joined Opal at the front of the classroom.

"Thank you for being the best teacher ever." Philip stood from his seat and joined the girls.

Laura stood and slowly and made her way to the front of the classroom with her hands behind her back. "And to give you this." She pulled the giant handmade card out in front of her.

With tears in her eyes, and a giant smile on her face, Elizabeth accepted the card. She opened the card to reveal it had been signed by all of her students. She stifled a giggle at their very unique handwriting. "Thank you all so much. You have no idea how much this means to me."

"We love you, Ms. Thatcher." The class shouted in unison.

"I love you all too, so much."

Opal wrapped her arms around Elizabeth, and Emily, Philip, and Laura followed suit. The remainder of the children rushed to the front of the classroom and engulfed their teacher into a gigantic group hug.

The children spent the rest of their half day at school playing the many board games, Legos, and the other fun indoor/rainy day activities that Elizabeth kept in her classroom, while Elizabeth and Ms. Henrich sorted through all the children's school work they had done during the school year and put it all in a personalized folder for each of them to take home along with their report cards.

About an hour before the end of the school day, Jack walked in, unbeknownst to Elizabeth. Ever since Aly had spilled the beans on their relationship status, Jack became a frequent visitor to the classroom. He was there every chance he got, helping Elizabeth with her lessons, and assisting with recess. The children loved having Officer Jack there, even though they all knew that he was really there to see Ms. Thatcher.

"Ms. Thatcher, your boyfriend's here." Anna announced.

Elizabeth felt the heat rush to her cheeks as she whirled around observing Jack's dimpled grin staring back at her. He made his way toward her giving several of the boys in his path, high fives and fist bumps as he went. Elizabeth grinned at the sentiment. He's going to make an excellent father. She thought to herself. She quickly blinked and shook her head. Where did that come from? She wondered.

When Jack approached Elizabeth, he placed an arm around her shoulder, and a gentle kiss on her cheek. He released her just as quickly. It wasn't an inappropriate display of affection, but in a classroom full of second graders, many of who still believed in the existence of cooties, it might as well have been a full blown make out session.

"Gross," Some of the boys shouted. "Officer Jack kissed a girl."

The red in Elizabeth's cheeks intensified.

"You may think that now," Jack chuckled, "but wait a few years, you'll change your mind someday."

"Me? Never." Timmy shuttered.

The entire class burst into an array of giggles.

"Ms. Thatcher." Principal Hudgins voice on the intercom sounded.

"Yes."

"Can I see you in the office for a few minutes at your earliest convenience?"

"Certainly." Elizabeth answered. She glanced from Ms. Henrich to Jack. "Will you two be okay for a little while?"

"Go ahead." Ms. Henrich replied.

"We'll be fine." Jack concurred.

"Okay, I'll be right back." Elizabeth nervously made her way toward the office wondering why Principal Hudgins needed to see her.

"Ms. Thatcher, have a seat." Principal Hudgins offered when Elizabeth arrived in her office.

Elizabeth hesitated before taking the seat offered to her across from Principal Hudgins.

"You're not in trouble." Principal Hudgins assured, when she noticed the distressed expression on Elizabeth's face.

"That's a relief." Elizabeth relaxed in her seat.

"You always do a tremendous job." Principal Hudgins continued. "You are favored among many of your former students in this school."

Elizabeth smiled. It made her heart truly happy to know that she had made some kind of impact on the lives of the students she had taught in her four years at Hope Valley Elementary. "So why did you need to see me?"

"As you know, Mrs. Jefferies is going to have a baby this summer." Principal Hudgins explained.

"Yes," Elizabeth confirmed, "I heard that."

"The baby is due at the very end of the summer," Principal Hudgins added, "And she has decided to take the entire school year off next year to be with her baby."

"That's nice." Elizabeth replied. "She deserves it, but does this have to do with me?"

"We need someone to take over her third-grade class next year." Principal Hudgins answered.

"Me?" Elizabeth asked with surprise.

"Who else?"

"Third grade is so much different than second grade." Elizabeth countered. "I'm not sure I'm ready for that kind of responsibility."

"Ms. Thatcher," Principal Hudgins consoled. "You come highly recommended. As I mentioned earlier, you are a favorite teacher among our staff. You're the best teacher for that job. I think you'll do great; it's only one grade higher than you have now."

"If I take over for Mrs. Jefferies," Elizabeth asked. "Who's going to take over for me?"

"Ms. Stapleton," Principal Hudgins explained.

"You mean Mrs. Bradley, the kindergarten teacher's assistant?" Elizabeth asked.

"Yes," Principal Hudgins answered. "Ms. Stapleton has been going to school at night to get her full teaching license. She just graduated two weeks ago. She will be taking over your second grade if you take Ms. Jeffries third grade."

"I must say, I'm completely surprised." Elizabeth proclaimed.

"It's only for one year for the time being." Principal Hudgins replied. "We'll play it by ear after that, but I'll leave it up to you."

"Can I think about it?" Elizabeth asked.

"Of course," Principal Hudgins answered, "But I need to know ASAP. I'll give you the weekend to think it over. I know it's a big decision. Can you let me know on teacher workday on Monday?"

"That should give me enough time to think this over." Elizabeth confirmed.

"Look at the bright side," Principal Hudgins advised, "If you do decide to take it, you'll have the opportunity to teach all your current students for another year. I know you had a very special bond with your class this year…"

"I'll do it!" Elizabeth excitedly interjected.

"Wow," Principal Hudgins chuckled, "If that was all the incentive you needed, I would have started this conversation with that."

"I had a great group of students this year." Elizabeth gushed. "It would be an honor to teach them for another year."

Principal Hudgins presented her hand to Elizabeth for her to shake. "So, it's a deal?"

"Definitely," Elizabeth accepted Principal Hudgins' outstretched hand. "Thanks for the offer." She stood from her seat and stepped out of the office into the hall. She made her way back to her classroom. She couldn't wait to tell her students that she would get to be their teacher for one more year.

"Is everything okay?" Ms. Henrich asked as soon as Elizabeth walked into the classroom.

"Couldn't be better." Elizabeth stood at the front of the classroom. "Boys and girls if you will listen for just a moment, I have an announcement to make."

The children all stopped their activities and glanced at their teacher.

"Principal Hudgins has asked me to take over teaching Mrs. Jefferies third grade class next school year while she takes the year off to be with her baby."

"Is that good news or bad news, Ms. Thatcher?" Opal asked.

"It depends," Elizabeth answered, "On if you want to be in my third-grade class next year."

"You mean you're going to be our teacher again next year?" Emily asked.

"If you want me to be, it's completely up to you."

"Yay," Twenty soon-to-be third-graders jumped up and rushed towards their teacher, all excited they would get Ms. Thatcher for one more year.

Alone in her seat, unnoticed by the rest of her classmates, Aly sat with her elbows on the desktop and her chin resting in her hands. She was trying to keep the unshed tears that had filled her eyes from falling.

Soon Principal Hudgins' voice came on the intercom, announcing the end of the school day and the school year. After wishing everyone a great summer, the children were dismissed. Elizabeth and Ms. Henrich led the children down the hall to the respective destinations to catch their ride home, while Jack and Aly stayed behind in the classroom.

"Hey, Munchkin," Jack acknowledged his goddaughter, "That was pretty good news about Ms. Thatcher huh? She gets to be you teacher one more year."

"I guess," Aly replied unconvincingly.

Jack noticed Aly's lack of excitement. "You okay, Munchkin?" He asked. "I thought you'd be excited. Don't you want Ms. Thatcher to be your teacher for one more year?"

"No!" Aly cried.

Elizabeth was on her way back to her classroom, when she heard voices coming from inside. She stopped dead in her tracks and listened at the door.

"I thought you loved Ms. Thatcher." Jack told Aly. "Why don't you want her to be your teacher anymore?"

Elizabeth's heart stopped momentarily. Of all her students, she thought for sure that Aly would be the first one to jump at the chance to be in her class again.

"I do love Ms. Thatcher," Aly explained, "But I love Auntie Beth more."

Elizabeth's eyes filled with tears that threatened to spill over, after hearing Aly's confession.

"Oh, I see." Jack replied.

"Ms. Thatcher said I could call her Auntie Beth, but not at school while she's my teacher." Aly sighed. "I don't want her to be my teacher; I want her to be my Auntie Beth instead."

Elizabeth stepped in the doorway. "I couldn't help but overhear." She said sadly.

Jack and Aly both spun around to face Elizabeth.

"Are you mad at me, Aun… Ms. Thatcher?" Aly asked nervously.

Elizabeth approached the little girl and knelt down to her level. "Of course, not sweetie. I would love to have you in my class next year, but I want you to do what you want to do."

"I've been waiting to call you Auntie Beth forever." Aly remarked dramatically.

"I know," Elizabeth replied, "And I love being your Auntie Beth," she wrapped Aly in a hug. "I love you and Uncle Jack very much." Elizabeth felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked up and saw Jack smiling down at her. She returned the smile before continuing. "The reason I won't let you call me Auntie Beth at school while I'm your teacher is because I know how mean the other children can be. I don't want them giving you a hard time because they think I'm playing favorites. It's important for me as a teacher to treat all my students equally."

"Okay," Aly said softly.

"You don't have to be in my class next year if you don't want to, but I would really love for you to be." Elizabeth continued. "And the good news is you I will be your Auntie Beth all summer. You'll see a lot of me you know." She returned to a standing position and grabbed Jack's hand, "Because I'm not letting Uncle Jack go anytime soon." She gave Jack a sideways glanced and winked.

Aly burst into giggles.

"Now that's more like the Munchkin I know and love." Jack lifted Aly in his arms and kissed her cheek.

"I agree." Elizabeth replied, "I like happy Aly much better… if only she would be in my class next year." She teased.

"Well," Aly replied. "I don't want to be away from all my friends."

"Well all your friends want to be in Ms. Thatcher's class next year." Jack chimed in. "Then you'll be all alone with a new teacher and you won't know anyone." He stroked Aly's cheek. "Of course, I know you'll make friends, because you're a great kid, you were the new kid this year, you don't want to be the new kid next year too, do you?"

"I guess not." Aly replied. She released herself from Jack's grasp. "Okay." She whispered.

"What was that?" Jack asked.

"Okay, I'll be in Ms. Thatcher's class again next year." Aly replied with a smile. She turned toward Elizabeth, "As long as I get to call you Auntie Beth when I'm not in school."

"I'm counting on it." Elizabeth wrapped Aly in a hug.

"I love you, Auntie Beth." Aly cried.

"I love you too, sweetie." Elizabeth replied.

Jack wrapped his arms around both of them. "And I love both of you." He placed a kiss on each of their foreheads.

"We love you too, Uncle Jack." Elizabeth and Aly said in unison.

They were suddenly startled by the ringing of Jack's phone. He glanced at the device to observe, Stacey's name flashing across the screen. "Excuse me, ladies." He announced. "I gotta take this." He tapped Aly on the nose. "It's you mom." He walked out into the hall, "Hey Stace, what's up?"

Jack returned to the classroom after ending his call, "Great news, Munchkin, you're going home with me today. Your mom's working an extra shift tonight."

"Yay!" Aly exclaimed.

"I thought we could go get a chili burger at Burger Palace." Jack suggested you love that place, right?"

Aly nodded.

"So, what do you say kiddo, you and me?" Jack asked.

"Can Auntie Beth come too?" Aly asked excitedly.

"If she wants to." Jack glanced towards Elizabeth.

"Please, Auntie Beth?" Aly begged.

"How can I say no to that?" Elizabeth replied.

"What are we waiting for? Let's go!" Aly grabbed Jack and Elizabeth's hands and tried pulling both of them toward the door. "I can't wait to play in the ball pit."

"Burger Palace is Aly's favorite." Jack explained to Elizabeth. "Have you ever been there"?"

"Can't say I have."

"They have ball pit that's shaped like a castle." Jack replied. "That's why they call it Burger Palace."

"Well in the words of Aly Thompson," Elizabeth replied. "What are we waiting for?"

Thirty minutes later, Jack, Elizabeth, and Aly were seated in a booth near the ball pit at Burger Palace. The three of them enjoyed chili burgers. Aly took three bites of her burger before ducking under the table trying to escape from the booth.

"Hold on, Munchkin," Jack's voice stopped Aly in her tracks, when she managed to free herself from her confinement. "Where do you think you are going?"

"I'm finished Uncle Jack." Aly replied innocently. "I'm going to go play in the ball pit now."

"You've hardly touched your burger." Jack countered.

"But I want to go play in the ball pit." Aly whined. She stuck out her lower lip and drew her eyes together.

"I know you do." Jack made a face that matched Aly's.

Elizabeth tried to keep from laughing at Jack's face. Even when he's making silly faces, he's still the most handsome man in the world. She thought to herself. She gave a discreet smile.

"But you and I will both be in trouble with your mom when she hears I didn't feed you." Jack continued. "Come on finish your lunch and you can then you can play."

"But…" Aly began.

"Or you we can leave now, and you won't get to play at all." Jack firmly interjected.

"I don't have to listen to you!" Aly yelled. "You're not my father!" With tears in her eyes she angrily stormed toward the ball pit.

Jack irately leaped from his seat. Elizabeth grabbed his arm. "Jack, before you go talk to her, you need to calm down. It won't be good for either one of you if you're both angry."

Jack reluctantly sat back down and buried his face in his hands. "She's never spoken to me like that before." He sighed. "She was happy a half hour ago. She's always been a well-behaved kid."

"Maybe, you should call her mother and asked her if she's been acting out at home." Elizabeth advised.

"But I need to talk to Aly." Jack countered. "I can't let her think that this behavior acceptable even for a second, or it'll only get worse."

"Okay," Elizabeth offered. "How about I call Stacey, while you go talk to Aly."

"I guess that could work." Jack stood from his seat and Elizabeth grabbed his arm stopping him once more.

"Do me a favor." She suggested. "Take a deep breath before you go talk to her."

"Okay." Jack took a deep breath, before leaning over and giving Elizabeth a quick kiss.

Jack walked toward the ball pit, and observed Aly sitting against the wall in the corner with her arms wrapped around her knees. Jack cautiously approached and sat down next to her on the floor. "Alright, Munchkin, talk to me."

Aly turned her head away from Jack and sniffled.

After a few seconds of silence, Jack spoke up. "Well since you're not going to talk, I will, and you need to listen."

"Your behavior was unacceptable for. You know, that right?"

Aly silently nodded but wouldn't look Jack in the eye.

"Is something wrong?" Jack inquired. "This isn't like you. You've always been a good kid."

Aly shrugged.

Jack glanced around and made eye contact with Elizabeth who motioned for him to join her. Jack nodded. He stood up. "I'll be right back." He told Aly. "Don't go anywhere."

"What's up?" Jack asked Elizabeth when he approached her."

"Stacey said she was on the phone with her husband's sister this morning." Elizabeth began.

"Michelle called?" Jack asked. "Michael and his sister were very close." He explained. "When Stacey married Michael, she and Michelle hit it off. Michelle was just as devastated as Stacey when Michael was killed."

"Stacey said that Michelle had called because it was the anniversary of Michael's death." Elizabeth continued.

Jack pulled out his phone and checked the date. "Oh no!" He exclaimed. "Michael passed five years ago today. I completely forgot."

"I'm sure Stacey will understand." Elizabeth consoled. "Stacey said she was on her way to drop Aly off at school, when Michelle called, so Aly heard the entire conversation. She said she didn't think anything of it at the time but when she dropped Aly at school, she became uncharacteristically quiet."

"So, I guess that's why Aly blew up about me not being her father." Jack realized.

"Are you okay?" Elizabeth asked.

"Yeah, I'll be fine." Jack assured. "I'm going to go back over and talk to Aly." He pulled Elizabeth close and gave her a quick kiss. "Thanks for being amazing. I love you so much."

"I love you too."

Jack made his way back to the corner where Aly was seated. "So, you're upset about you dad huh."

"I guess so." Aly replied quietly. "I was so little when he went to Heaven. I don't really remember him."

"But he was still your father." Jack consoled. "And all you know is all your friends have daddies and you don't."

Aly nodded ferociously and began to cry. Jack put an arm around Aly and began soothingly rubbing her back. "Your daddy was my best friend did you know that?"

"Mommy says you and daddy and her were like the three musketeers." Aly replied. "I don't know what that means."

Jack chuckled. "It means that you daddy, your mommy and uncle Jack where very good friends and always looked out for each other." He pulled Aly onto his lap. "Listen Munchkin, I know I'm not your father and I could never take his place, but I love you very, very, very much and that won't ever change."

"I love you too, Uncle Jack." Aly cried. "I'm sorry." She wrapped her arms around Jack's neck.

"It's okay." Jack assured, "But just know that I always want what's best for you, especially when your mom leaves you in my care."

"Okay." Aly replied. "Can I go finish my burger now? I'm getting kinda hungry."

"Of course, then you can play for a little while." Jack lifted Aly off his lap and stood taking her by the hand, leading her back to the table where Elizabeth was still seated.

"Everything okay?" Elizabeth asked.

"Yes," Jack and Aly said in unison. They sat down at the table and finished their burgers.

Ten minutes later, Jack and Elizabeth were sitting at the table hand in hand while they watched Aly play in the ball pit.

"I'm sorry about earlier." Jack said.

"Jack," Elizabeth countered, "You have absolutely nothing to be sorry for."

"It just it's family stuff," Jack replied. "You shouldn't have to be involved in any of this.

Elizabeth gently placed her hand on Jack's arm, silencing him. "I want to be." She whispered.

Jack smiled and squeezed the hand he was holding.

"By the way," Jack remarked, changing the subject, "Stacey working an extra shift isn't the only reason she called me earlier."

"Oh?"

"Well she's taking extra shifts so she can pay for Aly's birthday party. Her birthday is next month." Jack explained. "Aly wants to have her party at Happy Mountain. They have everything there, a water slide, a video arcade, a bowling alley, go karts, you name it."

"Aly will love it!"

"You're invited if you want to come." Jack offered. "I know Aly would love to have her Auntie Beth there."

"I wouldn't miss it for the world." Elizabeth smiled.

"Great!" Jack returned the smile. He returned his attention to the ball pit and noticed Aly sliding down a slide into the ball pit. "Aly," Jack called, "One more slide down the slide and it's time to go."

"Okay, Uncle Jack," Aly called. After one more slide Aly rushed to Jack and Elizabeth. "Uncle Jack, Auntie Beth look who I found." She announced.

"Hey officer Jack, and Ms. Thatcher." Emily greeted.

"Hey Emily," Elizabeth greeted with a smile. "Is this a last day of school celebration."

"Yeah," Emily confirmed. "Mom brings me every year on the last day of school."

"I bet you love that." Elizabeth replied.

"Uncle Jack." Aly said. "I invited Emily to my birthday party. We talked to her mom and she said she could come isn't that awesome?"

"Very cool," Jack replied, "And guess what?"

"What?" Aly asked.

"I invited someone to your party too."

"Really?"

"Yes," Jack confirmed. "I invited Auntie Beth. I hope that's okay."

Aly excitedly ran and jumped in Elizabeth's arms. "Auntie Beth you're really coming to my party?"

"Of course." Elizabeth answered.

"Yay!" While still in Elizabeth arms, Aly leaned closer to Elizabeth and whispered, "It is okay that I call you Auntie Beth in front of Emily, right? We're not in school right now."

"It's perfectly fine." Elizabeth assured. "It's summer vacation, and Emily is your friend."

"Okay." Aly replied. "Just checking."

"Thank you for that." Elizabeth returned Aly to the ground.

"Well ladies," Jack chimed in, "Are you ready to go?"

"Bye, Emily." Aly called

"Bye, Aly, bye Officer Jack, bye Ms. Thatcher." Emily rushed to give Elizabeth a hug.

"Bye sweetie," Elizabeth reciprocated the hug. "Have a great summer."

Soon, Jack pulled into the school parking lot where Elizabeth had left her car. "So," He asked, "What are you going to do?"

"No plans," Elizabeth replied.

"Well," Jack offered, "Aly is coming home with me. Her mom doesn't get off until 8:00, and you know those hospitals, it could be another hour or two before she'll get outta there. You can hang out with us if you want."

"Sounds tempting." Elizabeth responded with a smile.

"Please, Auntie Beth," Aly begged, "Come home with us."

"I would love to," Elizabeth replied, "Just for a little while."

"Yay!" Aly and Jack exclaimed in unison.

Elizabeth climbed out of Jack's car and unlocked the door to her own car. "I'll just follow you," she suggested, "So you won't have to drive me back to my car later."

"Okay," Jack agreed, "See you in a few."

Two hours later, Jack and Elizabeth were seated side by side on the sofa. Aly was lying next to Jack with her head resting on his lap, she had fallen while the three of them were watching a movie.

"She must've been tired." Jack whispered. "The Parent Trap is one of her favorite movies. She always begs to watch it every time she comes home with me." He gently stroked his goddaughter's hair.

"She's a great kid." Elizabeth gushed.

"Yeah," Jack agreed. "You know who else is great?"

"Who?" Elizabeth wondered.

Jack leaned closer. "Her Auntie Beth," He whispered, before capturing her lips with his own."

"Well her Uncle Jack is pretty great himself." Elizabeth mumbled against his mouth.

"You have no idea how much I love you." Jack stated.

"I have pretty good idea," Elizabeth smiled, "Because I love you just as much."

"I'm glad." Jack's lips met Elizabeth's once more.

He wrapped his arm around her while she rested her head on his chest listening to his steady heartbeat. "So now that school is out for the summer, what are your plans?"

"Sleep." Elizabeth answered matter of factly. "Who knew twenty-one second-graders could be so tiresome?"

"I hope you take time out of your busy schedule for your loving boyfriend." Jack squeezed her shoulder.

"Of course."

The hours ticked away while Jack and Elizabeth sat on the sofa and talked about anything and everything. Jack glanced at his watch. "Where did the time go?" He chuckled. "It's 11:00."

"Oh my," Elizabeth yawned, finally realizing how tired she actually was.

Jack glanced at Aly who was still sound asleep next to him. "I wonder what's keeping Stacey. She should have been here by now."

As if on cue, Jack's phone rang, Stacey's number flashing across the screen. "Hello… your timing is impeccable."

"Jack I'm so sorry." Stacey said into the line. "We were short staffed tonight, more than usual. Is it alright if Aly just stays with you tonight? I'll be by to get her first thing in the morning."

"Sure," Jack answered. "She's already asleep anyway. She'll be fine. You go get some rest."

"Thanks Jack."

"Well, I'll see you in the morning then." Jack hung up the phone. "Looks like Aly is sleeping over."

Elizabeth stood, "Well I should get going, so you can get her settled."

"You know," Jack stood next to her. "It's pretty late, you could stay here."

"I wouldn't want to impose."

"Elizabeth, you wouldn't be imposing." Jack countered. "I want you stay."

"I have nothing to sleep in and I need a shower." Elizabeth protested.

"You can shower here." Jack opposed. "And I have a pair of sweats or boxers and an old t-shirt you can sleep in."

"Suppose I said yes," Elizabeth questioned further, where would I sleep?

"This is a three-bedroom condo." Jack explained. "There's plenty of room. You're out of excuses now." He took her hand and gently kissed her knuckles. "Please?"

"Oh alright," Elizabeth conceded.

"Yay!" Jack wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her close and giving her tender kiss.

"Just let me send a text to Rosie so she doesn't send out a search party."

"I'll find you something to sleep in."

…

Half an hour later, Elizabeth walked out of the bathroom in the clothes Jack had let her borrow to find Jack seated on the sofa. "I carried Aly to her room while you were in the shower."

"Where's Rip?" Elizabeth wondered joining Jack on the sofa?"

"In his bed in my room." Jack answered. "All that lazy thing does is eat and sleep." He chuckled.

Elizabeth shivered.

"Are you cold?" He asked

"A little."

Jack grabbed the blanket off the back of the sofa and wrapped it around her, pulling her close. "Better?"

"Much better," She nodded with a yawn. She rested her head against him.

"You know Elizabeth this is nice," He whispered. "I could get used to this."

He was answered by silence.

"Elizabeth?" He observed Elizabeth sound asleep in his arms. He sighed and smiled. He placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Yes, I could definitely get used to this."

To be continued.

I borrowed a scene from the show way back in season one and rewrote to make it fit into this story... does anyone know which scene?

Thanks for reading... reviews are always welcome.