Happy Valentine's Day #Hearties I know it's been awhile. But I promise I haven't forgotten about you. It's just been a really busy time. But to hopefully make it up to you, I'm posting not one put TWO chapters today! I hope you enjoy...

Warning: this Chapter contains a dramatic and possibly traumatic situation as well it's nothing graphic but it may hit close to home for someone. Reader discretion is advised...

Previously:

Two weeks later

Jack, Elizabeth, Stacey, and Stacey's parents Max and Marlene were at the airport to see Michelle, Nathan, Kaitlyn, Kassidy, and Aly off to Florida for their trip to Disney World.

After many bittersweet hugs, kisses and waves goodbye, they all left the airport and went their separate ways.

Jack dropped Elizabeth off at her apartment and walked her to the door.

"Thanks for coming with me to see Aly off." Jack took her hand in his and grazed the back it with his thumb.

"It was my pleasure." Elizabeth assured. "I love her too. I'm going to miss her."

"I'm sure she'll miss you too."

"She'll be having too much fun with Mickey Mouse to even give me a second thought."

"I doubt that," Jack countered. "She's going to have loads of fun at Disney World, but she adores her Auntie Beth."

Elizabeth smiled. "I adore her too."

"I hate I have to leave." Jack changed the subject. "But I have to go work the late shift."

"I know," Elizabeth replied sadly.

"What are you doing Friday night?"

"No plans as of yet." Elizabeth answered, hopeful.

"I was just thinking, we've been dating for awhile but we've never had a romantic dinner, just the two of us."

"No, we haven't," Elizabeth agreed.

"So, Elizabeth Thatcher would you like to accompany me to dinner on Friday night?"

"I would love to Jack Thornton."

"Great! I'll pick you up 7:00?

"It's a date."

"Well I've gotta go." Jack kissed her. "I love you."

"I love you too." Elizabeth watched doors to the elevator close before she entered her apartment and closed the door behind her.

During his drive to the station, Jack smiled. He was looking forward to his evening with Elizabeth. The truth was he had made reservations at Chez Dominique, the new French Bistro in town two weeks ago. The restaurant was right on the lake, with a perfect view of the water. He planned to give Elizabeth a candle lit dinner, take her dancing, maybe go on a romantic moonlit walk along the lake, and who knew what other surprises he had up his sleeve. The only thing he was waiting on, and he'd been certain it would happen, was for her to say "yes."

Continued...

"Good morning, Stace." Jack greeted as he walked into the Loca Mocha Coffee Shoppe, at 6:30 Friday morning. He was meeting his cousin for an early breakfast, before she had to pull a twelve-hour at shift the hospital.

"Morning," Stacey glanced at Jack. "What's wrong with you?"

"What do you mean?" Jack asked.

"You look like you haven't slept in a week." Stacey explained.

"Oh that," Jack chuckled. "I was awake until 4:00 talking to Elizabeth. I knew you and I had talked about meeting for breakfast, so I just stayed up."

"Ah," Stacey recalled, "I remember well. I used to do the same with Michael. You know you could have gone to bed and taken a rain check. I would have understood."

"I know," Jack countered. "But I enjoy spending time with my favorite cousin."

"The feeling is mutual."

"Have you talked to Aly since she left?" Jack asked.

"Yes," Stacey replied. "I couldn't get a word in edgewise. She's having the best time with her aunt, uncle, and cousins at Disney World."

"I bet she is." Jack chuckled.

"I don't think she wants to come home." Stacey sighed.

"I'm sure she misses her mom." Jack assured.

"And her Uncle Jack." Stacey remarked.

"Well I'm glad that she's having a good time, but I sure miss that little munchkin."

"Not as much as I do." Stacey sighed. "Can hardly wait until Sunday."

"Two more days," Jack replied.

"And then she'll be home." Stacey added.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, Stacey glanced at the clock. "I only have a few minutes before I have to leave for work."

"I have leave too." Jack answered. "I have a date with Elizabeth to get ready for."

"That's right," Stacey recalled. "You have a big night ahead of you don't you?"

"Yes, I still have several hours before I have to pick her up, but I'm a nervous wreck." Jack admitted. "I hope I don't screw this up."

"Don't worry you'll do fine." Stacey consoled, "Just say what's in your heart."

"That's easier said than done for me," Jack replied, "You know that."

"I do know that," Stacey agreed, "But I also know that when you care passionately about something… or someone… you don't let anything stand in your way."

"Thanks, Stace." He hugged his cousin. "You know I love you right?"

"I do, I love you too." Stacey answered, "And so does Elizabeth."

Jack grinned. "Get out of here or you'll be late." He urged.

"Well you get some rest before you go pick her up." Stacey commanded.

"I don't know if I'll be able to, but I'll try."

"That's all I ask."

Jack walked with Stacey to her car, before heading to his own car. "Be careful, I heard there's a chance of rain later tonight," He glanced up at the morning sky, "Despite the beautiful sunrise that's happening now."

"I'll be careful," Stacey promised, "You too."

Jack waited until Stacey climbed into her car, then walked the few feet to get into his car. He climbed inside and headed home. He was hoping to take Stacey's advice and get a few hours of sleep before he had to get ready for his date.

"Wake up, Sleepyhead," Rosie called when she walked into Elizabeth's room. She made her way to Elizabeth's bed and gently shook her, observing she was still sound asleep. "Wakey, wakey."

"No!" Elizabeth grumbled. She rolled on her side, turning her back to Rosie.

Rosie walked across the room and drew back the drapes covering the window, allowing sunshine to come through. "Come on, rise and shine," She called. Within minutes, a pillow came flying right toward her, barely missing her. "What was that for?"

Without answering, Elizabeth covered her head with the remaining pillow on her bed.

"Come on Elizabeth," Rosie urged, "You're usually out of bed and dressed before I even think about getting up. What is wrong with you this morning?"

Elizabeth removed the pillow from her head and opened one eye. "What time is it?" She groaned.

"It's nearly 9:00." Rosie answered. "Are you sick? It's not like you to sleep in like this."

Elizabeth reluctantly scooted upward until she was in a sitting position. "Sorry," She explained, "I was on the phone with Jack." She blinked a few times, trying to get her eyes to adjusted to the bright sunlight shining through her window. I didn't get to sleep until 4:00."

"Now I understand completely." Rosie nodded. "I recall having many late-night conversations with Lee that lasted well into the morning. "It's difficult saying good-bye to the one you love."

"Definitely," Elizabeth concurred.

"Well I'll leave you alone and let you get dressed." Rosie started for the door.

"Uh Rosie?" Elizabeth called after her? Did you have a reason for waking me from my slumber?" Elizabeth asked, "And FYI you woke me from a very pleasant dream about Jack."

"Oh dear," Rosie returned to the room and sat on the edge of Elizabeth's bed. "I almost forgot. I wanted to tell you that Lee and I have set a date for our wedding."

"Really?" Elizabeth exclaimed. "That's wonderful! So, when is it? Sometime next spring? Maybe the summer?"

"September twenty-eighth," Rosie answered.

"How lovely," Elizabeth gushed, "Next fall."

"No," Rosie countered, "September twenty-eighth of this year."

"You mean September twenty-eighth as in six weeks from now?"

"Yes," Rosie confirmed.

"But that's so soon." Elizabeth remarked. "How are you ever going to plan a wedding in six weeks?"

"I have no idea." Rosie confessed. "But Lee and I don't want to wait." She absentmindedly rubbed a hand across her stomach, "And besides, we've waited long enough."

"You're going to make a beautiful bride." Elizabeth remarked.

"Thank you." Rosie wrapped her roommate in a hug. "I certainly will try."

"No doubt about that." Elizabeth chuckled.

"So, what do you have planned today?" Rosie asked.

"Date with Jack tonight." Elizbeth gushed.

"Oooh." Rosie remarked. "Where is he taking you."

"Out to dinner," Elizabeth explained. He says to dress semi-formal, whatever that means. She sighed. "That's all he would tell me. He says he has a surprise for me."

"I love surprises!" Rosie exclaimed.

"I know you do." Elizabeth rolled her eyes. "But I'm not sure I have an appropriate dress for this surprise."

"I'll help you." Rosie offered.

"Thanks."

"What are friends for?" Rosie asked.

"Well you're one the best." Elizabeth admitted.

"Well come on let's go!" Rosie grabbed Elizabeth's hand and attempted to pull her off the bed.

"Go where?" Elizabeth asked.

"I offered to help you find a dress for your date tonight." Rosie explained.

"But he's not picking me up until 7:00." Elizabeth countered.

"Then we don't have a minute to spare," Rosie jerked her hand once more. "We're going shopping."

"I'm sure, I have something that will work just fine." Elizabeth objected.

"You just said you weren't sure." Rosie countered. "Would you make up your mind?"

"I'll come up with something." Elizabeth tried to slide back underneath the bedding, but Rosie jerked them off the bed before she could. "Hey!"

"Come on Elizabeth," Rosie urged. "Time's a wasting."

"I'm just so tired," Elizabeth yawned, "I was hoping to sleep for a couple more hours before I was so rudely awakened." She glared at Rosie.

"How can you possibly sleep when your boyfriend is going to pop the question?" Rosie asked. "Don't you want to look your best?"

Elizabeth immediately jumped out of bed. "What did you say? Did Jack say something to you?"

"No," Rosie confessed, "But isn't it obvious? The man is so in love with you he can't even see straight, he wants to take you to a fancy dinner, and says he has a surprise for you. What else could it be?"

"There could be a million reasons." Elizabeth replied.

"Name one." Rosie challenged.

Elizabeth stood silently for several seconds. "He just… Maybe he… Oh I don't know."

"Mark my words, He's going to propose."

"But it's so soon. We only just met six months ago and only been dating four."

"Well when you know, you know. All love is different." Rosie consoled.

Elizabeth couldn't help smiling. "Well what are we waiting for?"

"You to get dressed." Rosie glanced at Elizabeth's pajama clad body.

"Oh right," Elizabeth rushed to her closet.

Once Elizabeth was dressed, she and Rosie made their way to the parking garage.

"So, I take that when," Rosie emphasized, "Jack does pop the question, your answer will be yes?"

"I'm not going to tell you before he even asks me." Elizabeth rolled her eyes. "He may not even…"

"Oh, who am I kidding?" Rosie interjected. "Of course, you're going to say yes. You can get married when Lee and I tie the knot. It will be so much fun to have a double ceremony."

"I don't think so," Elizabeth objected. "He's probably not going to ask tonight anyway. He knows I want to take things slow."

"Well get ready my dear," Rosie remarked when she pulled her Jeep in the mall parking lot, "If you don't think Jack is going to pop the question tonight, then you're in for the surprise of your life."

"Now, aren't you glad I took you shopping?" Rosie asked when she and Elizabeth arrived back and their apartment.

"Yes," Elizabeth agreed. She walked in behind Rosie with a dress bag draped over her arm. "I hope Jack likes it."

"Are you kidding?" Rosie gestured toward the dress. "He won't be able to take his eyes off you."

"Thanks Rosie," Elizabeth eased toward her bedroom, "And thanks for your help today."

"Thank me later, when you come home with a ring on that finger." Rosie headed to her room before Elizabeth could say another word.

Elizabeth walked into her room and gently hung the dress bag on the back of her bedroom door. She glanced at the clock. Noon, she observed. She yawned, realizing she was still exhausted from her late-night conversation with Jack. Not bothering to change back into pajamas, she pulled the bedding back on her bed and climbed underneath. She closed her eyes, but sleep did not come easy. Her mind kept drifting to the possible prospect of a proposal, thanks to Rosie. Yes, she had thought of how it would feel to be Mrs. Jack Thornton, but she wasn't expecting that to happen any time soon. She and Jack had discussed taking things slowly. She suddenly felt a smile creep to her lips. She soon realized that it didn't matter how long she had known Jack Thornton; what mattered was how she felt about him. She didn't want to get her hopes up in case Rosie's prediction didn't come to fruition, but if Jack was planning to ask tonight, she knew beyond the shadow of any doubt what her answer would be. "I love you, Jack." She whispered to herself, before finally drifting off to sleep.

After sleeping a few hours, Jack's phone rang. He grumbled before rolling out of bed to grab his phone. "Why is the station calling?" He wondered out loud. "It's my day off." He sighed before answering the call. "Hello, Thornton here."

"Thornton," Chief Snyder said into the line, "I know it's your day off, but we need you to come in for a few hours."

"But I have plans tonight." Jack countered isn't there anyone else you could call?"

"Listen, I wouldn't be asking if I weren't desperate." Snyder remarked. "Lawson had to leave early. His wife Sam went into premature labor. He put in to take a few days off in two weeks when the baby was due but seems the little guy didn't want to wait."

Jack ran his fingers through his hair and sighed.

Sensing Jack's hesitation, Snyder continued. "It's only for a few hours; Lawson was scheduled to get off at 7:00."

"Alright," Jack reluctantly agreed. "Only because I know you're in a bind."

"Thanks." Snyder replied. "I owe you one."

"Yes, you do." Jack chuckled. He hung up the phone. He glanced at time on his cell. The time said 1:15. "By the time I get there it'll be 2:00." He said to himself. "I'll be okay working for five hours."

"I'll just pick up Elizabeth a little later," Jack decided, "She'll understand."

It suddenly dawned on him that he had reservations at Chez Dominique at 7:30. Even if he were able to get out right at 7:00 it was still a twenty-five-minute commute from Elizabeth's apartment to the restaurant. He'd never make his reservation on time. With his phone still in his hand, he hesitantly dialed the number.

Elizabeth was just waking up from her much-needed nap, when her ringing phone startled her. She smiled at the sight of Jack's face flashing across the screen. "Hi handsome," She greeted.

"Hey babe." Jack responded, somberly.

"What's wrong?"

"I have bad news." Jack answered. "Lawson's wife went into premature labor and I got called in to cover his shift tonight."

"That's okay," Elizabeth assured, even though her heart was aching inside. She was so looking forward to this evening with Jack. "We can go out another time."

"No," Jack countered. "I don't want to cancel or postpone. I made reservations at Chez Dominique two weeks ago. I don't know when I'll be able to get another reservation."

"We can go somewhere else." Elizabeth replied. "It doesn't matter to me."

"It matters to me; I wanted tonight to be special."

"Jack," Elizabeth interjected, "We can go to a fast food joint in the middle of the week and it would be special because we'd be together."

Jack grinned despite his distress. "That means a lot, but I still want to go out with you tonight."

"I do too." Elizabeth admitted, "But how can we when you have to work?"

"I get off at 7:00." Jack explained. "I was thinking instead of me picking you up, you can just meet me there."

"Well I did buy a new dress for tonight. I'd hate to see it go to waste."

"So," Jack questioned, "You don't mind meeting me there, as opposed to me picking you up?"

"Of course not," Elizabeth responded, "As long as I get to see you."

"Great!" Jack exclaimed. "You're amazing you know that?"

Elizabeth blushed.

"See you at Chez Dominique at 7:30."

"Sounds Good."

"Well gotta go. I love you."

I love you too."

Jack hung up the phone feeling a huge weight being lifted off his shoulders. He was thrilled that Elizabeth had agreed to meet him at the restaurant. He rushed to change into his uniform. He grabbed his suit he was planning to wear and hung it up in the back of his car. Double checking that he had Elizabeth's special gift, he rushed to the station.

At 6:45 that evening, Elizabeth stepped out of her room wearing her new dress. It was a pink knee length A-line chiffon dress with a beaded bodice. She twirled in front of Rosie who was seated on the sofa. "How do I look?"

"Elizabeth," Rosie exclaimed, "You look stunning, just stunning."

"Thanks Rosie." Elizabeth replied.

"You are going to knock Jack's socks off."

"You really think so?"

"Yes," Rosie chuckled. "I told you when I saw that dress it was the dress for you. Jack will be speechless."

"Thanks Rosie," Elizabeth grabbed her keys and purse, "Well I better go."

"Wait," Rosie called, "Isn't Jack picking you up?"

"That was the plan," Elizabeth explained, "But he got called to work last minute, so I agreed to meet him at the restaurant."

"Well at least he has a good excuse for not escorting you." Rosie advised.

"Yes, he does." Elizabeth agreed. She walked to the door. "I'll see you later, Rosie."

"Bye Elizabeth," Rosie replied. "Tell that future fiancé of yours I said hi."

"I will," Elizabeth rolled her eyes before heading toward the elevator.

Rosie ran to the door. "Elizabeth be careful, there's a chance of rain later." She called just before the elevator doors closed around her.

Stacey walked out of the hospital at the end of her very exhausting shift. She was ready to go home, take a hot bubble bath, and go to bed. It had been a long, tiresome, and traumatic day at the hospital. She made her way to her car. Once she was outside, she noticed it was uncharacteristically dark for that time of day. She glanced at the evening sky. "I guess my cousin was right," She chuckled to herself, as she observed dark storm clouds rolling in. "I hope I can make it home before it starts to rain." She yawned as she climbed in the car and pulled out into the road.

Elizabeth was fifteen minutes from the restaurant when the rain started to fall, obstructing her vision. She pulled into a nearby parking lot. She reached for her purse to grab her phone so she could call Jack. She searched her entire purse, even dumped the contents into the passenger seat beside her. Her phone wasn't in there. "Oh well." She glanced at the clock on the dash. It was 7:22, eight minutes before she had to be at the restaurant. "I don't want Jack thinking I stood him up." She looked out the windshield. The rain appeared to let up slightly, to her relief, although it was still heavily falling. "I hope I'm not too late." She turned her wipers on full blast before carefully returning to the highway.

Jack made it to Chez Dominique with five minutes to spare to make his reservation. He looked around to see if Elizabeth had already arrived. When he didn't see her car, he grabbed his umbrella and stepped outside. He took one more look around the parking lot before making his way to the door. He waited in the foyer, with hope he could at least escort Elizabeth inside since he couldn't pick her up like he wanted.

Jack glanced at his watch. The time said 7:32 and Elizabeth still had not arrived. He sighed heavily. He walked into the restaurant and stepped up to the podium where the hostess was standing. "Hello," He greeted. "I have a reservation, Thornton, party of two."

"Yes, Mr. Thornton," The hostess confirmed. "You're on the list. Follow me."

Jack followed the hostess to a table near the back of the restaurant. "Will you do me a favor and let me know when Elizabeth Thatcher arrives? I'd like to escort her inside if you don't mind."

"Of course, Mr. Thornton." The hostess agreed. She made her way to the front of the restaurant.

Ten minutes passed and Elizabeth still had not arrived at the restaurant. Jack started to worry. He pulled out his phone and dialed Elizabeth's number.

"Hello?" The voice said into the line.

"Rosie, is that you?" Jack asked.

"Yes." Rosie answered.

"Why are you answering Elizabeth's phone? Where is she?"

"I thought she was with you." Rosie answered.

"That's why I was calling." Jack explained. "She isn't here yet."

"When she left here, she was so excited that she forgot her phone." Rosie replied.

"I wonder where she is." Jack responded, unable to hide the worry in his voice.

"Jack I'm sure she's fine." Rosie assured. "She's probably stuck in traffic."

"Yeah you're probably right. I'm sure she'll arrive any minute.

"Do me a favor and let me know." Rosie requested.

"Of course." Jack hung up with Rosie and two minutes later his phone rang. Seeing Chief Snyder's number on the screen he answered. "Okay, Snyder," He joked. "I've already worked today so what do you want now?"

"Thornton, I hate to have to be the one to tell you this." Snyder answered somberly.

"What's wrong?"

"There's been an accident."

"An accident?" Jack repeated. "What happened?"

"Car went over an embankment." Snyder explained.

"That's terrible!" Jack exclaimed.

"There's something else you need to know." Snyder interjected.

"What is it Snyder?" Jack asked.

"It was someone you know!"

"Someone I know?" Jack asked, his heart racing. "Who is it? "Are they alright?"

"N-no," Snyder stammered, "I-I'm sorry to t-tell you this, but s-she… she didn't make it."

To be continued….

Keep reading! Chapter Twenty-Six is on it's way!