Number Two of Two Chapters today! Don't miss the first one xoxo

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:

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."

Continued:

On his way to the accident site, Jack was in a state of shock. He couldn't believe this was happening. This was supposed to be the happiest night of his life, now he just felt numb. When he arrived, he observed the banged up red vehicle strapped to a rollback, and a sheet covered stretcher being placed in the back of an ambulance. He stepped out of his car.

Chief Snyder walked over to Jack and patted him on the back. "How you holding up?" He asked.

"It feels like a dream…" Jack admitted. "… a nightmare," He corrected himself. "I mean I just talked to her today."

"You never know," Snyder replied, "When someone's next breath could be their last."

"Yeah," Jack agreed. "Stacey was my best friend as well as my cousin, that doesn't happen very often."

"How's her little girl?" Snyder asked.

It suddenly dawned on him that Aly was in Florida until Sunday and had no idea what had just happened to her mother. "Oh no!" Jack exclaimed. "How am I going to tell Aly that her mother was killed?" Tears began to sting his eyes. He didn't know if he'd be able to hold them back.

After being stuck in traffic, Elizabeth pulled into the parking lot at Chez Dominique. I hope Jack doesn't think I stood him up." She said to herself. "There was no getting around that accident, and I have no idea where my phone is. I hope everyone is okay." She stepped out of her car and rushed into the restaurant before any more time passed.

"Good Evening," The hostess greeted, "Can I help you?"

"Yes," Elizabeth answered. "I'm running a bit late, but I'm supposed to meet Jack Thornton."

The hostess' face fell.

Noticing the hostess' expression, Elizabeth continued. "Is something wrong? He is still here, isn't he?" She tried fighting back tears, afraid she'd been stood up.

"I'm sorry but he isn't." The Hostess explained. "He had to leave suddenly." She offered Elizabeth a crumpled napkin. "He wanted me to give you this."

"Thank you so much." Elizabeth forced a smile before accepting the napkin. She returned to her car. She sat in the driver's seat and slowly smoothed out the napkin. Elizabeth, she immediately noticed Jack's handwriting. I'm so sorry. I had a family emergency. Rosie told me you left your phone at home. Call me as soon as you can. Again, I'm sorry I missed you. I love you to the moon and back.

Elizabeth stared at Jack's message for several minutes. There were no details of what had happened, so she had no idea where he was. But she couldn't help but notice the very last sentence of the message, that read, I love you to the moon and back." I love you too, Jack." She held the note to her chest and tightly closed her eyes. Putting her car in drive she made her way back to her apartment. She wanted to get home as soon as possible in case Jack called.

When Elizabeth entered her apartment, she was nearly mauled down by a very excited Rosie.

"Elizabeth you're home!" Rosie exclaimed. "Did he ask you? Let me see the ring!" She lifted Elizabeth's left hand noticing it didn't contain a bauble if any kind. She looked up at Elizabeth. "He didn't ask you?"

Elizabeth opened her mouth to speak but Rosie continued before she could get a word in edgewise.

"Oh, Elizabeth I'm so sorry. I thought for sure he would." Rosie glanced at the clock and noticed that Elizabeth had left to meet Jack barely an hour ago. "Why are you home so early?" She returned her gaze to Elizabeth. "You didn't turn him down did you?" She asked sternly. "He's going to be so heartbroken."

"Rosie!" Elizabeth interjected finally getting her friend's attention. "I didn't turn him down. I didn't even see him."

"Oh no did he stand you up?" Rosie asked. "I'll kill him."

"He didn't stand me up." Elizabeth tried to explain but it just seemed to fall on deaf ears.

"No, he couldn't have stood you up." Rosie recalled. "He called you because he was wondering where you were, and I answered your phone because you forgot it."

"I know," Elizabeth answered. "I was running late. I was stuck in traffic."

"You didn't stand him up did you?" Rosie asked, not hearing a word Elizabeth said.

Elizabeth grasped Rosie's shoulders. "Rosie!" She exclaimed. "Get a grip! First you accuse me of turning Jack down, then you accuse me of standing him up. Neither of which are true. How long have you known me anyway?"

"Okay, okay, I'm sorry." Rosie apologized. "So, what happened?"

"Well, I arrived at the restaurant, but he wasn't there." Elizabeth explained. She opened her purse and pulled out the napkin. "The hostess gave me this napkin explaining that Jack had to leave. He left me a note on it."

"Oh dear," Rosie cried, after reading the note. "What happened?"

"I have no idea." Elizabeth answered. I hope everything is okay."

"Are you going to call him?"

"I don't know," Elizabeth replied hesitantly.

"What?" Rosie chastised. "You need to call him." She held up the napkin. It says right here he wants you to call him. You better call him!"

"I will, I will," Elizabeth answered. "I just meant I don't know when to call him."

"As soon as you can, would be good." Rosie gestured toward the napkin once more. She reached for Elizabeth's phone from its resting place on the coffee table and handed it to her. "Go on!" She urged.

Elizabeth remained reluctant.

"Elizabeth," Rosie chided. "It's Jack. He wants you to call him."

"Okay." Elizabeth accepted the phone from Rosie. She made her way to her bedroom, closing the door behind her. She glanced at the phone for several seconds. She opened her contacts and scrolled down to Jack's name. She took a deep breath before pressing send.

"Hello?"

Elizabeth sighed with relief at the sound of the voice on the other end of the line. "Jack, I received your note. What's wrong?"

"I'm still in shock." Jack said.

Elizabeth couldn't help noticing Jack's voice was cracking. She felt her heart breaking for him and she didn't even know what had happened yet. "What happened?" She asked.

"Can you come by?" Jack asked. "I know it's late. I just want to see you."

"It's never too late for you." Elizabeth admitted. "Where are you?"

"I've been home about ten minutes." Jack explained. "I don't want to tell you over the phone. I'll tell you when you get here."

"Okay," Elizabeth agreed. "I'll be there." She moved to hang up.

"Oh, Elizabeth," Jack called in the line.

"What is it Jack?"

"I love you."

"I love you too." Elizabeth hung up the phone. She quickly put on a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. Her new dress would have to wait another day.

When Elizabeth reached the living room she passed Rosie watching tv. "Bye, Rosie," she announced. "I'm going to Jack's now, not sure when I'll be home."

"Elizabeth, wait." Rosie called, before Elizabeth could reach the door.

Elizabeth whirled around. "Is everything alright?"

"Isn't Stacey Thompson Jack's cousin's name?"

"Yes, why do you ask?"

Rosie swallowed hard and pointed to the tv.

"I'm Alexa Kramer with CVC news for a special report." The anchor said. "Paramedics and the Highway Patrol responded to a car accident on Granger Street. Authorities say the car ran off the road and went over the embankment. The driver of the car was killed on impact. There were no other vehicles involved. They think the wet roads were a result. They do not suspect foul play. Detective Jack Thornton of the Hope Valley Police Department has identified the victim of this tragic accident as his cousin, Stacey Thompson."

"Oh no!" Elizabeth cried with a hand over her heart. "So that was Jack's family emergency. I've gotta get to him. He must be devastated; he and Stacey are…" She paused. "…were," She corrected herself, "Really close."

"Yes, go," Rosie urged. "Send Jack my condolences."

"I will," Elizabeth replied as she headed out the door.

When Elizabeth arrived at Jack's condo, she knocked. There was no answer. "Jack!" She called, still no answer. "Jack, it's Elizabeth." There was still no response. She looked around and observed that his car was in fact in the driveway. "Jack, I know you're hurting, if you want me to leave I will. But know I'll be there for you whenever you're ready. She waited a few more seconds. When he never responded, she turned around and started down the steps.

"Don't leave,"

Elizabeth whirled around and saw Jack in the open doorway. She noticed his red puffy eyes and his tear stained cheeks. "Jack I'm so sorry." She said, climbing the steps. "I saw it on the news before I left. Are you okay?"

When Elizabeth became close enough to touch, Jack reached for her hand and pulled her into his embrace and cried into her shoulder. "She was my best friend." Jack mumbled into her neck.

"I know," Elizabeth gently rubbed his back.

Jack quickly pulled away. "I'm sorry," Jack forced a smile and wiped his eyes. He opened the door wider and allowed her step inside. "What you must think of me. I'm a detective for crying out loud! I'm supposed to be stronger than this I'm supposed to be there for you."

"Jack," Elizabeth replied sternly, "If we can't be there for each other, then what's the point?"

"It's not like me to breakdown like that." Jack countered.

"Everybody has weak moments." Elizabeth consoled, "Even handsome detectives who take the oath to serve and protect, especially when you're hit with such news as this. She was your best friend, and a member of your family. That had to hit you twice as hard.

"But…" Jack began.

"Shh," Elizabeth interjected putting a finger over his lips to silence him. "I want to be here for you. I love you."

"I love you too," Jack conceded. He wrapped her in a tight hug, "And I am glad you're here."

"I wouldn't be anywhere else right now."

"Thank you." Jack gently kissed her lips before escorting her to the sofa.

"I just can't believe she's gone." Jack sighed as he leaned his head against the back of the couch and stared at the ceiling.

"I know," Elizabeth consoled. She gently placed a hand on his thigh.

"Does Aly know?" Elizabeth asked.

"Not yet." Jack answered. "Poor kid," He felt his tears well up again. "She's lost both parents and she's only eight."

"It's hard at any age I'm sure."

"I'm going to call Michelle tomorrow and explain what happened." Jack reached for Elizabeth's hand and squeezed. "I don't have the strength tonight."

"Is there anything you need?" Elizabeth offered.

"I just need you with me tonight." Jack replied.

"Well I'm not going anywhere," Elizabeth assured, "For as long as it takes."

"I love you," Jack remarked.

"I love you too," Elizabeth responded. "How are your aunt and uncle? They just lost their daughter"

"As well as can be expected," Jack answered, "I went with, Chief Snyder to break the news to them and stayed a little while. They insisted I go home and get some rest. My mom is with them now."

"It's good they're not alone."

"Yes, I wouldn't have left them, even if they had insisted if my mom hadn't showed up." Jack squeezed her hand. "I'm sorry our date was ruined."

"Jack," Elizabeth glanced at him, "This isn't your fault. You couldn't possibly have known this would happen. You have nothing to apologize for."

"You're amazing, you know that?"

"I'm been told that a time or two," Elizabeth answered, trying to lighten the mood.

"Well it's true." Jack admitted.

"You're amazing too."

"I'm glad you think so, because I need a favor."

"Name it," Elizabeth offered. "You know I'll do anything for you."

"Will you go with me to the airport on Sunday to pick up Aly?"

"As if you have to ask, Jack." Elizabeth responded.

"Thanks. I'm going to need all the support I can get when I break the news to her. How does one tell an eight-year-old her mommy isn't going to be home?"

"We'll figure it out together." Elizabeth assured.

Jack put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close. "Not sure if I'll be able to sleep, but I'm going to try to get some rest."

"Okay," Elizabeth stood up. "I'll go home and let you get some rest. Let me know if you need anything."

"I need you stay." Jack gripped her arm. "Please. I just don't want to be alone tonight."

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

Two hours later, Elizabeth was just starting to drift off to sleep in the guest room, when a faint knock came on her door. "Elizabeth," It was Jack's voice. Her eyes shot open. She laid quietly, not sure if she'd really heard him or was just dreaming. "Elizabeth," She heard his voice again.

"Jack?" She rolled out of bed and rushed to the door slinging it open, "Are you alright?"

"I can't sleep." Jack answered, his voice cracking. "Every time I close my eyes, I see the car and…" He paused. "Can I stay in here with you for a little while? I don't want to keep you from sleeping. I just want you close."

Elizabeth opened the door wider, allowing him to enter. "Well, it is your house,"

The two of them went to the bed and climbed in. Jack took Elizbeth into his arms allowed her to rest her head on his chest.

"Thank you for being here with me." Jack said awhile later. "I don't know how I would have gotten through this night without you." When she didn't respond He glanced down and saw that she was sound asleep. He smiled through his pain. "You're the best thing that's ever happened to me Elizabeth." He whispered. "And I promise I'm going to make it up to you. We're going to have that romantic evening and you're going to get the surprise I have for you, if it's the last thing I do." He laid his head against the pillow and finally allowed sleep to overtake him.

Elizabeth opened her eyes. "Did he say he has a surprise for me?" She asked herself. She felt her lips curl into a smile. She removed herself from his embrace. She raised herself up and observed his sleeping form. "I love you, Jack Thornton." She gently kissed his cheek, "And I'll be patiently waiting for this alleged surprise. If it's what I think it is the answer will be, "Yes."

To be continued….