A week later…

Elizabeth laid on the floor, her head against Jack's chest in front of the fire. Hunter was on the couch, sleeping behind them.

"Chinese food makes me sleepy," she told him.

"Maybe it's those crazy night shifts." He kissed her neck because he couldn't resist. "You should give them up."

"I'm trying to make Sergeant, Jack. I need to take as many shifts as they'll give me, whenever they give them."

He sat up and looked at her. "You're trying to make Sergeant? Why didn't you mention this before?"

"Its something I've been working toward for almost two years. It hasn't come up." She sat up too, grabbing his hand.

"Is it more dangerous?" he wondered.

"I'll be more than just a patrolman. So, I guess it could be."

He looked at her, scared of losing the love of his life, but at the same time, he was extremely proud. She'd made a lot of progress in the few months he'd know her. "Beth, please be careful. We need you."

It wasn't a conversation they had tackled in depth before but he had to know her job was dangerous. "Jack, I am meticulously careful, especially now. You and that little boy there mean everything. At the same time, there is risk with my job. It's not a surprise, is it?"

"No. I know your job is dangerous." He wrapped his arms around her and held on. "I love you."

"I love you too."

Hunter sat up and looked at them. "Elizabeth?"

Elizabeth pulled out of Jack's embrace. "Hi, bud. Why are you up?"

"I don't know. Will you hold me?" He walked over and laid in her arms, snuggling against her chest.

Her heart swelled with love for him. She looked up at Jack and smiled. They had come a long way.

"It's time for bed, Hunter," Jack told him.

Elizabeth stood, Hunter still laying in her arms. She stared at the mantle, noticing something different. "Your wedding picture. You took it down?" she whispered.

Jack nodded, kissing her softly. "It was time."

After laying Hunter in bed and kissing him goodnight, Elizabeth decided it was time to leave. "So…I've been thinking."

"Me too." He kissed her cheek and then wrapped her in a hug.

"I think that it's only fair that now that I've met your parents, you should meet mine."

He pulled his lips off her neck and looked at her. "I already met them. The day you moved, remember?"

"Yeah, but, I mean in a more formal setting. Plus, you were just my neighbor. Now, you're not."

"I am still your neighbor," he teased.

"Yes, but now you are the neighbor that I'm in love with." He sighed.

"Ok. Just tell me when. I'll get a sitter for Hunter."

"Thank you. See you tomorrow." She kissed him briefly and then walked out the door and across the lawn.

She arranged dinner the next day for a week later. Jack's parents came to his house to watch Hunter.

"Wow, Jack. You look very handsome," Charlotte told him as she adjusted his tie.

"Thanks, Ma." He took a deep breath and blew it out.

"Nervous?"

"Yes. I haven't formally met someone's parents in years."

"You met them already, didn't you?"

"Yes, but we are going to their home and I'm in love with their daughter. This could go very wrong."

"Jack, you are wonderful and charming and kind. You treat Elizabeth like she's a queen. There is nothing for them not to like about you."

"You have to say that. You're my mother."

"I say it because it's the truth. Just be yourself."

He nodded. The doorbell rang and Hunter ran for it. "Ask who it is first, bud!"

"It's Elizabeth, Jack."

"Maybe. Please ask first."

He walked up to the door and yelled, "Is it you, Elizabeth?" Charlotte and Jack chuckled.

"It's me," she confirmed.

He opened the door and hugged her waist as she walked in. "Hi, sweetie."

"Hi, Elizabeth." He smiled up at her. "Jack's nervous."

"Thanks, Hunter." Jack rolled his eyes.

Elizabeth laughed and looked at Jack. He wore a perfectly tailored navy suit, white shirt, and navy tie. He looked amazing. "You look handsome, love." She stepped close and touched his fingers. "Why so nervous?"

"This is important, Beth. If this doesn't go well…there's no if. It has to go well." She saw that he was flustered, but it was very sweet that he felt a lot of pressure to make a good impression.

"Jack, everything will be fine. If not, we just won't invite them to the wedding," she joked.

"Very funny."

She laughed and kissed him. "I love you and we are in this together. My parents will love you too." He nodded and sighed. "We need to go or we'll be late."

A few moments later they were in Jack's car, driving toward the south side of the city. Jack was quiet, running through scenarios in his head of what they might talk about.

Elizabeth held out her hand for him to take but he was concentrating so much he didn't see it. "Jack?"

He didn't answer, just gripped the steering wheel tighter, his knuckles white.

"Jack, pull over for a moment."

"Huh?"

"Pull over in this parking lot on the right." He put his blinker on and did as she asked. Once he put the car in park, she took his hand. "Jack, tell me what's going on."

"It's been a long time, Beth."

"A long time for what?"

"It's been over ten years since I've had to meet the parents of the woman I'm dating. I don't want to mess this up."

"How did it go with Brenna's parents?"

"Not Brenna. Her parents passed away before she and I met."

"Oh. Who then?"

"Just a girl. We weren't serious and I'm not sure why she even wanted me to meet them. We broke up like a week later. With you though, you and I are serious. We are together and I hope we'll always be. To meet your father and hope that he thinks I'm good enough for you….I've never felt such pressure."

She unbuckled her seatbelt and turned to face him. "Jack, I'm sorry you're so worried. I didn't want this to be stressful. I do want you to know that my father is a fair and kind man. I guess being a judge, that's a good thing. He liked you when he met you before and Hunter made an impression too. Even if he didn't know you yet, he would see how much you mean to me and give you a chance."

He leaned over and kissed her. "Thank you." She nodded and buckled her seatbelt.

"Let's go, love. Don't want to be late."

Twenty minutes later, they pulled up in front of a good size home, not a mansion, just somewhere Jack would picture a successful judge living.

The yard was immaculate, ready for winter. As he stepped out of the car and walked around to open Elizabeth's door, he took a deep breath and remembered that she was with him. She would hold his hand literally and figuratively through the night. That kind of support was very comforting to him.

…

William watched through the window of his office. Even he could see Jack's nervousness. He walked out to the front door and opened it. "Good evening, Beth and Jack."

"Hi, Dad." She walked over and hugged him, kissing his cheek.

"Good evening, sir."

"Jack. Good to see you again. How's that boy of yours?"

Jack shook his hand, a bit more comfortable since they were talking about Hunter. "He's great, thank you for asking."

"How's hockey going?"

"Good. He actually scored a goal the other day. I've never seen him so excited." Elizabeth's hand found Jack's, intertwining their fingers. She could see how happy he was talking about Hunter and it made her feel better.

"That's great. Maybe next time, bring him too."

"Yes, sir. I'll make sure we do."

They walked into the living room and sat by the fire to chat. "Where's Mom?" Elizabeth wondered.

"She's in the kitchen with Julie."

Jack could tell she wanted to go see her mom so he suggested she go. "Are you sure?"

"Yeah." She nodded and walked out.

….

In the kitchen, the girls chatted. "So, Beth."

"So, Julie…"

"Do you think it was a good plan to leave Jack alone with Dad?"

"He seemed ok with me leaving so I'm sure it will be fine."

"So things seem to be going well with Jack."

"Yeah. Everything's good." Really good, she thought to herself.

"You're happy?"

"Yes, I am." Very happy, she thought.

"I'm proud of you, Beth," Grace told her. "So very proud." She walked over and gave her a hug, a rare display of affection. "After everything you went through in the past two years…you finally found happiness again and he's a good man."

"Thanks, Mom. Yes, he is."

"Do you think we should get the men in here to help with dinner or do you know what Jack likes on his pizza?"

"Pizza? That's great." Apparently her dad had splurged on a pizza oven just for this occasion.

"He wanted to make things as comfortable as possible for Jack."

"I don't even know what to say." Elizabeth fought her tears, loving her father very much at that moment. "I know what he likes, but it would be fun if we all made it together."

Julie went and got the men while Elizabeth and Grace set up the assorted toppings. "Do you by any chance have barbecue sauce?"

"For the pizza?"

"Yeah. We like barbecue chicken pizza. You should try it." Grace walked over to the refrigerator and retrieved a bottle.

Elizabeth shivered as she felt Jack's fingers slip around her waist. She looked at him and kissed his cheek. "Hey."

"Hey. Pizza?'

"Yeah, want to help? We can do barbecue chicken." He nodded, his intense gaze making her blush. "What?"

"I love you," he whispered into her ear. She wrapped her arm around his waist and squeezed. It was challenging but they made their pizza together, keeping their arms around each other.

"Perfecto!" He said, trying to make an Italian accent, but failing miserably. Elizabeth laughed and took the pizza over to her father.

"Hi, sweetheart. Pizza ready?"

"Yeah." Once he slipped their food into the oven she hugged him tightly.

"What was that for?"

"You are wonderful. Thank you so much for this." She gestured at the oven. "You didn't need to."

He shrugged as if it weren't a big deal. "I thought maybe it would be fun and when Hunter comes, it might be something he likes too."

The rest of the evening flew by and before they knew it, they were on the road again, with promises to return soon with Hunter.

….

Elizabeth woke up just after 7am the next Saturday. She dragged her feet down the stairs to the coffee machine. Hoping a steady stream of caffeine for the next 30 minutes would be enough to get her through the morning.

She'd arrived home just after 3 am from yet another night shift. She would have worked longer if it wasn't for Hunter. The sweet little boy had asked Elizabeth to come watch him in his Junior hockey tournament that day. She, of course, accepted.

A half hour later she emerged from her house, dressed warmly with a hat, gloves, and scarf and a refilled thermos of coffee.

She smiled at the sight of the two men in her life standing in the driveway waiting. Both busy hitting a small ball against the garage door with their hockey sticks.

"Look, Jack! Elizabeth is coming!" Hunter squealed with excitement.

"Your surprised? She said she would, bud."

Hunter looked up at Jack as if trying to understand. He was coming to realize just how much Elizabeth was like Jack, and not his mom. She genuinely cared for him and meant the things she said. She was even wearing a blue hat and scarf, his team color. She had asked him the day before what color his jersey was for that purpose.

They climbed in Jack's car and made their way downtown to the arena. Hunter talked their ears off the whole time about the teams they'd played and the moves he'd learned. His excitement only grew as they walked into the building. There were kids and parents everywhere.

"We're starting in rink 2. Why don't you grab us some seats and I'll join you once I get him settled."

"Sounds great. Hunter, where's the best spot to sit and see you?"

He took her over to look through the window into the rink. "Right over there, across from my bench," he pointed. "There are heaters on the ceiling, see. Grammie said it's the best place to sit."

"Good to know! Good luck, sweetie." He hugged her tight and ran off with Jack.

Elizabeth walked into the cold rink and headed straight to where Hunter had pointed. There weren't too many people in there yet as many were busy still checking in. She took a seat two rows above two hockey moms who looked to be from Hunter's team.

A few minutes later, one woman said something that caught Elizabeth's attention.

"Oh look, there's Hunter. Bet that means his hunky foster dad is around somewhere," a dark haired woman commented. "Oh, I could look at him all day."

"I think most women would agree with you," the long haired blonde woman laughed. "Did you hear, though? I think he's with someone now."

"No way! Who?"

"Not sure. Sandy didn't know her. Just said she saw him with a beautiful women over at the movie in the park a few weeks back, looking pretty cozy."

"The good single men never stay single long. She's one lucky woman. Be thankful you have Jason."

"Oh I am! Wait, there's Hunter out on the ice. Who's he waving to?"

The two women looked around, noticing Elizabeth waving back at the little boy. She got out of her seat and walked down to the glass as Hunter skated up. She gave him a high-five through the glass.

"Oh dear, this is embarrassing…" the blonde women said as Elizabeth turned around.

"Don't worry about it. Let's start over. I'm Elizabeth," she smiled.

"Margaret. My son's Nathan, number 22."

"And I'm Jane. My son is Mikey, the goalie."

"Nice to meet you both."

"Is this your first Junior hockey game?" Margaret asked.

"It is, yes. Anything I should know before they start?"

"Well they fall a lot, but those pads and helmets work wonders," Margaret stated.

"Good to know!"

"And they are so hungry after each practice or game. Like wild animals!" Jane teased.

"Huh, maybe we should grab lunch after," Elizabeth thought aloud.

"Oh yes, Hunter will love you for that!"

Elizabeth looked up as Jack was coming down the bleachers towards her. A big smile prominent on both their faces.

"Ladies," he greeted with a smile.

"Morning, Jack. We were just talking to Elizabeth about the joys of Junior hockey."

"Yes, I was thinking we should take him to Abby's for lunch after. He'll be hungry."

Jack wrapped his arms around Elizabeth. "Sounds like a great idea."

They walked down the last few steps taking seats next to the glass.

Jane smiled over at Margaret and whispered, "They look like a family, don't they?" Margaret nodded in agreement. She was a nurse at the same hospital Brenna had been. They were shift buddies for over a year before the accident. A small tear passed through her eyelashes. She was happy for Jack. This is what Brenna would have wanted for him.

"Hey, babe," Margaret's husband Jason broke her out of her thoughts as he sat down next to her. "Hey, who's that with Jack?"

"Oh, you noticed her did you?" she teased.

"Uh no, don't be like that," he laughed. "I only noticed because I haven't seen Jack with a woman since, well you know." Jason looked back. "You think it's serious?"

"Very, actually."

"Yeah? Did he say something?"

"No, I just know." She noticed her husbands confused look and decided to clue him in. "Remember that look he had when he'd look at Brenna?"

"Yeah, it was sweet."

"Right. Well, look at him now."

Jason looked over and his eyes widened. "Huh, well what do you know? That look is… well, it's different. But yeah, he's very much in love."

"Almost a more intense look right?"

"Right. Good. He deserves it."

Hunters Wolves beat the Tigers 3 to 1 at the end of the first game. Elizabeth and Jack found Hunter after and took a few minutes to sit with him and enjoy a snack before they headed into rink 1 for the next game.

While they waited for the next game to start, Elizabeth had a thought come to mind. It had been on her mind for a bit. She was nervous, but felt she needed to share it with Jack, and make it clear where she stood.

"Hey love, can I run something past you?"

"Sure. What is it?"

"How often does Hunter have games?"

"Most Saturdays. Why?"

"I'd like to come to them. If that's okay with you."

"You would?"

"Yeah! I'm having a great time. There's something else too."

"What's that?"

"Are you helping coach the high school boys hockey team again?"

"The school asked again. I've been trying to figure out if it's doable."

"Well, if you do want to, maybe I could help with Hunter when I'm available."

Jack smiled, "That would be great. He's usually stuck at the rink with me or with my parents. I bet he'd love some time with you, though."

"Great!"

With that she snuggled back against Jack's warm body. He kissed the top of her head. Loving how his life was changing.

The second game ended in a 2 to 2 tie with both teams playing well. The last game was a shutout for the Wolves as they beat the Cougars 2 to 0.

It was certainly a day to remember. Elizabeth loved watching Hunter, she also enjoyed watching Jack cheer for Hunter. Several times when Hunter got the puck he'd stand up and yell "Yeah! That's my boy!" It was so heartwarming.

Jack felt the same way watching Elizabeth. Every time Hunter fell, which happened a number of times, she'd cringe and then cheer for him as he got up again. The love she felt for him was clear as day.

"That was one heck of a tournament," Jason said proudly as they all gathered their things to leave. "Jack, you guys want to join us for a late lunch?"

"Thanks for the offer Jason, but I think we're going to enjoy some family time today." The words slipped out before he could even think of the weight of their meaning. Elizabeth noticed the slightly nervous look in his eyes and squeezed his hand she was holding.

"We get that. No worries, we'll catch you guys another time."

They all said their goodbyes and headed out towards the locker rooms to grab the kids. Jack kept looking over at Elizabeth, trying to gage her reaction to his "family time" comment. She seemed calm and unphased.

Before Jack went into the locker rooms to help Hunter, he turned to Elizabeth, pulling her aside.

"Hey, about my comment earlier, it kind of slipped out. I didn't mean to…"

She put her hands on his chest gaining his attention. "It's okay, Jack. Really. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't even thought about it like that. To be honest that's what it feels like sometimes. It's… nice. I kind of feel like a real hockey mom today!"

"So, you're okay?" he asked smiling broadly.

"Yes, Jack. This is what I want. Trust me."

Jack kissed her briefly before going to get Hunter. Elizabeth waited patiently thinking about her life now and how happy she was. It almost seemed too good to be true. Could this be it? Could she, Jack, and Hunter become a real family? It became clear to her in that moment just how much she wanted that. More than anything she could ever remember wanting before.

Hunter came bursting out of the double doors a moment later and ran straight for Elizabeth. Jack was following not far behind, carrying Hunter's oversized gear bag.

Taking her hand, Hunter immediately started giving her his play by play version of the day as they all exited the building. She'd never seen him happier than he was in that moment.

…..

They walked into Abby's diner 20 minutes later for a late lunch.

"Well if it isn't my favorite little patron!" Abigail said as she approached.

"Miss Abigail, you always say that!" Hunter giggled.

"And it's always true! Three for lunch?" she smiled up at Jack and Elizabeth. Making a mental note of how happy they seemed.

"Yup!" Elizabeth answered.

"Wonderful. Pick a spot and I'll be right over."

They found a back corner booth and sat down, Elizabeth on one side, Jack and Hunter on the other.

"Can we get milkshakes?" Hunter asked as he grabbed a menu off the table.

"Milkshakes, really?" Jack teased.

"Yeah! And fries and hotdogs and ice cream."

"Slow down sweetie, you don't want to get a stomach ache," Elizabeth said with a warm smile.

"Real men don't get stomach aches, right, Jack?"

Elizabeth shot Jack a look. He tried to stifle his laugh and big guilty grin.

"I said it one time! It was supposed to be a silly joke but of course he remembers."

"They always remember the things we wish they wouldn't. My older sister's kids are the same way."

"How old are they again?"

"The twins are in first grade, and the youngest is 2 and a half."

"Oh boy, busy house," Jack laughed.

"True, but it's kind of fun too, I think."

Abigail returned and took their orders, giving Hunter another person to share his hockey glory with. She was great and listened to every word.

After a big meal complete with double chocolate milkshakes, the group was ready to head home. Jack could tell Elizabeth was tired, and needed some rest, despite how hard she tried to hide it.

Jack left the table to pay the check at the counter. He snorted when he caught sight of Abigail at the cash register with a knowing grin on her face.

"Go on say it, Abigail."

"You seem happy, Jack. Very happy."

"I am. To be honest, I keep thinking I'm having the best dream of my life. I'm afraid one morning I'm going to wake up and find myself alone."

"Oh, it's real, Jack. Very real. On that note, can I be a little nosy?"

"I guess…"

"Do you have any plans for making this little arrangement permanent? Or am I putting the cart before the horse too much here?"

Jack laughed. "Trust me, I've thought about it. A lot."

"And…" Abigail bounced with excitement.

Jack rested his arms on the counter, leaning his body to make sure Elizabeth couldn't read his lips if she was watching. "I want to, very much. I just need to get through this custody thing with Hunter first. After that, you know what my next move will be."

"Oh, Jack that's wonderful! You two, well you three, actually are perfect together!"

"Thanks, Abigail. I never thought after the accident I could be this happy." He glanced back to the table, watching as Elizabeth and Hunter laughed, playing "thumb wars" as they waited. Yup, life was looking pretty good.