Elizabeth sat in her dark kitchen, drinking tea that she hoped would help her sleep. It was two in the morning and so far it hadn't happened.
She looked around, seeing a few odds and ends that showed Jack and Hunter would be living there too. Jack's tie draped over the couch, Hunter's pile of DVD's stacked on the entertainment center, Bruce's small squeaky toy. And yet, knowing they weren't right there with her at that moment made her feel empty.
She pulled out her phone and debated whether to call Jack. She didn't want to wake him up but she ached to hear his voice.
She touched his name on her cell screen and hit dial. After a few rings she almost hung up but then…
"Beth? Honey, are you ok?"
"I miss you," she told him, her voice breaking. "I want you here." She hated how pitiful and desperate she sounded.
"Oh, babe, I wish I was."
"Please, I need to see you."
"Beth, can't you sleep?"
"No. Without you and Hunter…this house feels empty."
"Your sisters are there. You're not alone."
"I am, without you."
Jack thought for a moment. "I'll be there in thirty minutes."
"Thank you. Be careful."
"I will."
Elizabeth paced as she waited, holding Jack's tie and then laying it back down again. Straightening the stack of movies. Washing her tea cup. Looking out the window. Finally at exactly thirty minutes, she saw headlights on the wall and a car door slam.
She walked over to the door and unlocked it, opening it as he walked up. "Jack."
"Hey." He looked tired and she instantly felt bad for making him drive all that way.
Instead of apologizing, she walked into his arms and held on to him, never wanting to let him go. When their lips met, she feverishly kissed him until they both needed to breathe. "Jack…I'm so sorry. I…just needed you."
"Shhh. It's ok." He sat at the bar, pulling her with him so she was standing between his knees. "Tell me what's going on in that beautiful head of yours."
"I missed you," she said with a shrug, not quite meeting his eyes. He knew there was more. His guess was nerves.
"Tell me, Beth. You can tell me anything." He pulled her even closer, wrapping his arms around her small waist.
"I don't know. I guess this is all…." She shook her head at herself.
"Moving too fast?"
"Not too fast. It's just, four months ago we didn't even know each other and then…"
"I drove a little too fast through a school zone and this unbelievably hot cop pulled me over?"
She laughed, a tear slipping down her cheek. "Something like that, yeah."
"I'm kind of grateful I was running late that day," he told her, touching her tear with his fingertip.
"Me too."
"I love you so much, Beth almost-Thornton."
She stepped an inch closer and pressed her lips to each of his dimples and then met his lips softly. "I love you too."
"I should probably go," he whispered.
"Just a few more minutes." She sighed into his neck as he lovingly held her closer. "Just a few more."
…
Viola found them a few hours later curled up asleep on the couch. "Beth?"
Elizabeth stirred hearing her name but she was confused. It wasn't Jack's voice. She opened her eyes and he was there but who talked?
"Beth?"
She turned her head. "Vi? Oh! Jack, babe. Wake up. You need to go."
"What time is it?"
"Six thirty."
He sighed, feeling every bit of the only three hours of sleep he got.
He sat up and then stood.
"Couldn't wait one more night, Beth?" Julie said walking in the room.
"Julie," she scolded. "It's too early."
"Too early for what?"
"Julie, leave them be. This day is supposed to be a happy one."
Jack kissed Elizabeth goodbye. "See you soon, Beth."
"Be careful, please. I love you."
"Love you too."
Elizabeth's phone rang. She looked at the screen and smiled. "Good morning," she said, thinking it was Charlotte looking for Jack.
"Mama?"
"Hunter, hey bud. Daddy's on his way. He should be there very soon."
"Mama? Can I come home? I miss you."
"You know what, sweetie? We will see each other in just a few hours."
"But I miss you now," he told her with a slight whine.
"Hey, let's do something. Ask Grammie if she knows how to use Face Time."
"Grammie!"
"Yes, Hunter."
"Do you know how to use…what was it, Mama?"
"Face time."
"Grammie, Face Time."
"Sure do. Tell Mama I'll hook it up."
About two minutes later, Hunter could see Elizabeth. "Mama! This is cool!"
"Hi, bud. I miss you."
"Me too. How long until the wedding?"
"Lets see…it's seven now…so seven hours." It sounded like forever to both of them.
"That's a long time."
"It seems like it but you'll have fun with everyone there. Be a good boy, ok, love?"
"Yes, Mama. Love you." He waved at her and she blew him a kiss.
"Love you more."
….
Elizabeth marveled at her hair. "Vi, you are amazing."
"It does look good, I admit." Her dark curls were pulled back in a low twisted bun and Vi had placed tiny off white roses and baby's breath within the curls. Julie did her makeup and slipped earrings into her ears.
Elizabeth smiled at her reflection in the mirror. What a difference four months had made. She was happy now.
"Oh, Sweetheart! You look lovely," Grace told her as she walked in the room.
"Look at you, Mom." Grace wore a navy blue dress that played well with her dark hair and blue eyes.
Elizabeth stood up and hugged her mom, making them both tear up. "Elizabeth, I am so proud of you."
"Thank you, Mom." Grace touched her cheek quickly and then sighed.
"You found a wonderful little boy who needs you as much as you need him, I suspect. And that charming man...You are going to have a wonderful life, my dear."
"I am."
"Shall we get you in your dress?"
….
Tom watched his son helping Hunter get dressed.
"Look at you, bud. So handsome."
"I look like you! We match."
"Yes, we do and Pop too."
"I'm going to go play with Bruce." Hunter prepared to run out but Jack stopped him.
"Nope, freeze, bud. You can't play with him in your suit. You will get wrinkled and full of doggie hair."
"Aww, man."
"Sorry. Plus we are leaving as soon as I tie my tie."
His hands were shaking as he tried to tie it, though. He took a deep breath and let it out.
"Let me help, son," Tom told him, turning him toward him.
"I don't know why I'm shaking."
"Nerves, I'm guessing. Perfectly normal." After a moment it was tied. "Jack, I am very proud of you and I'm so happy you found Elizabeth when you did."
"Well, she technically found me. Lights and sirens, you know."
Tom chuckled. "Yeah. That's a great story for sure. Honestly though, I think it was time for you to meet her."
"Dad, you know I don't believe in that fate stuff. That would cast a whole different light on what happened with Brenna and I can't accept that. I'm moving forward and I will not ever take one more day for granted."
Tom nodded, wrapped his arms around his son, and patted his back. "Ready? Time to make that lovely woman your bride."
"Yeah. Let's go."
….
Lee walked in the doors to the chapel with Rosie. He spotted Elizabeth and walked over to her. "Hey, Beth."
"Lee!" Elizabeth hugged him and kissed his cheek. "What do you think?" She turned and dramatically modeled her dress for him.
"Who are you and what have you done with my partner?" he teased.
"Haha."
"You look beautiful." Tears immediately threatened his eyes. "I'm so happy for you."
"Don't cry," she told him, slapping his arm. "My makeup will be a mess."
"Sorry." He blinked fast, trying to think of something else.
"Time to start, everyone," Abigail said, peeking her head out into the hall.
William walked up to his daughter and sighed. "You're look pretty as a picture, Beth." She kissed his cheek and smiled.
"Thank you, Daddy." He offered his arm to her and they stood off to the side so they were out of sight. Julie walked up the aisle and then the music paused.
"Ready, dear?"
"Yes. Very ready," Elizabeth whispered.
…..
As William walked Elizabeth down the aisle toward Jack, Jack could hardly contain his emotions. His Beth was breathtaking and she would be his wife in just a fraction of time.
"She's so pretty, Daddy," Hunter whispered.
"Yeah, she is." Elizabeth took in the sight of her boys and her new father-in-law in their matching gray suits. So handsome and they were hers. Her family.
William placed Elizabeth's hand in Jack's and stepped back.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness and bless the marriage of Jack Thornton and Elizabeth Thatcher. Who gives Elizabeth to be married to Jack?"
"Her mother and I do," William said proudly.
"Very good." The minister continued his sermon based on 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. "This set of verses begins with "Love is patient and kind". I'm sure that all of us in attendance agree with this principle. The Almighty is not saying that if we lose our patience with our spouse and say something unkind to them, that we don't love them. He is in fact saying that love covers over a lot of things and helps us to be forgiving when we, as imperfect humans, disappoint one another."
Jack stared into Elizabeth's eyes as they listened to the minister, so very grateful for her. She was patient and kind. He knew that they wouldn't always agree but he knew that neither one would doubt the love the other one had in their heart.
"Jack and Elizabeth have chosen to write their own vows. Jack, go ahead."
"Elizabeth, I never imagined that getting pulled over for speeding would lead to this." Everyone including Elizabeth laughed. "You came into my life like a spring breeze. I thought my life was good. What I didn't know was how great it could be again." Jack dropped Elizabeth's right hand and wrapped his arm around Hunter. "God knew we needed you. He took three hurt and broken people and made us whole together. We're a family. Elizabeth, I promise with all that I am to love you, honor you and cherish you, every day that I have breath."
"Me too Mama!" Hunter said bouncing. Elizabeth touched Hunter's cheek and smiled and then grabbed Jack's hand again.
"Jack, you came into my life at a time when I was struggling. After losing someone I loved, I also lost myself. You helped me move forward and find myself again. Little did I know, four months later, I would become your wife and a mother to the most wonderful little boy I've ever known." She paused and took Hunter's hand. "Jack, Hunter, I promise to love you, to support you, and to comfort you for as long as I am on this earth."
Hunter hugged her waist and stared up at her. "Forever and ever, Mama."
"Yes, baby. Forever and ever."
Hunter watched as his parents exchanged rings and then he took Elizabeth's flowers and went to sit on Pop's lap in the front row.
"Jack, Elizabeth, after giving yourselves to each other with your vows and the exchanging of your rings, I now pronounce that you are, husband and wife. What God has joined together, let no one pull apart. Amen."
"Amen," the guests repeated.
"You may now kiss your bride, Jack."
Jack grinned and stepped toward her. "You are breathtaking, Beth." He cupped her face gently and their lips met, their kiss full of promises and happiness.
"Yay!" Hunter yelled. "We are a real family now." He jumped off Pop's knee and ran up to his parents.
…
When it came time to leave for the Thatcher's home, William handed Jack a set of keys. "You drive the Mercedes, son. Take some time for yourselves before dinner." He winked at him and scooped up Hunter. "Ready to go, bud?"
"I want to go with Mama and Daddy."
"Actually, they'll be along later. I have a surprise for you at my house."
"A surprise? What is it?"
"If I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise."
Jack looked down at his beaming wife. "I love your dress."
"You do?"
"Yeah. I've never seen you look more beautiful."
She smiled and kissed him. "Thank you."
"Are you happy, Beth?"
"Oh, you mean the smile on my face wasn't a dead giveaway?"
"Sassy Beth is kinda hot," he said before he kissed her deeply, right in the chapel.
"You're not so bad yourself," she said quietly, slipping her arms under his jacket.
"Let's go somewhere, Sergeant Thornton." He took her hand and led her out the door to the waiting silver Mercedes sedan.
Once they started driving, Elizabeth took his hand. "Where are we going, sweetie?"
"I don't have any idea. Where should we go?"
….
An hour later, the couple arrived at the Thatcher's home.
"There you are," Viola teased as they walked in the door. "Dinner is almost ready."
"Thanks, Vi."
"Mama! Daddy! Where did you go?" Hunter ran up to them, Legos in his hands.
"We just went for a drive," Jack told him.
"Dinnertime, everyone," Grace called from the doorway.
Dinner was filet mignon with three different side dishes and an ice cream sundae bar for dessert. It turned out relatively simple and Elizabeth was grateful for that.
After dinner, they went into the formal living room where all the furniture had been removed, leaving a good area for dancing.
"Everyone," Jack said loudly. Everyone turned and looked at him. "The first time I asked this beautiful woman to dance with me, we weren't even dating yet. In fact, I thought that I could keep myself at a distance by referring to her as "neighbor". We can see how well that turned out." Everyone laughed. "Well, Mrs. Thornton, will you dance this dance with me?"
"Of course I will." She took his hand and smiled as Ed Sheeran's Perfect started to play and Jack sang to her.
I found a love for me
Darling just dive right in
And follow my lead
Well I found a girl beautiful and sweet
I never knew you were the someone waiting for me
'Cause we were just kids when we fell in love
Not knowing what it was
I will not give you up this time
But darling, just kiss me slow, your heart is all I own
And in your eyes you're holding mine
Baby, I'm dancing in the dark with you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favorite song
When you said you looked a mess, I whispered underneath my breath
But you heard it, darling, you look perfect tonight
Well I found a woman, stronger than anyone I know
She shares my dreams, I hope that someday I'll share her home
I found a love, to carry more than just my secrets
To carry love, to carry children of our own
We are still kids, but we're so in love
Fighting against all odds
I know we'll be alright this time
Darling, just hold my hand
Be my girl, I'll be your man
I see my future in your eyes
Baby, I'm dancing in the dark, with you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favorite song
When I saw you in that dress, looking so beautiful
I don't deserve this, darling, you look perfect tonight
Baby, I'm dancing in the dark, with you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favorite song
I have faith in what I see
Now I know I have met an angel in person
And she looks perfect
I don't deserve this
You look perfect tonight
"I love you so much, babe." He kissed her slowly, begging for the clapping and hollering they received in response.
"I wanna dance with Mama," Hunter said, running up to them.
"I was hoping you would, love," Elizabeth told her son. She nodded at Tom who started the song she had picked, Carrie Underwood's "What I Never Knew I Always Wanted."
Never was the kind to think about dressing in white
Wasn't waiting on a prince to come riding into my life
Thought I was happy on my own
'Til you came and proved me wrong
I finally found what I never knew I always wanted
I couldn't see, I was blind 'til my eyes were opened
I didn't know there was a hole
Something missing in my soul
'Til you filled it up with your love, yeah
Never pictured myself singing lullabies
Sitting in a rocking chair in the middle of the night
In the quiet, in the dark
You're stealing every bit of my heart with your daddy's eyes
What a sweet surprise
And now I'm holdin' what I never knew I always wanted
I couldn't see, I was blind 'til my eyes were opened
I didn't know there was a hole
Something missing in my soul
'Til you filled it up, oh, with your love
Life has a way of showing you just what you need
And who you were made to be, yeah
I finally found what I never knew I always wanted
I couldn't see, I was blind 'til my eyes were opened
I didn't know there was a hole
Something missing in my soul
'Til you filled it up with your love
Yeah, you filled it up with your love, yeah
Never was the kind to think about dressing in white
I never pictured myself singing lullabies
There wasn't a dry eye in the crowd after that. Watching Elizabeth holding Hunter and swaying as the song played, his head on her shoulder as she sang the words. It was perfect.
"I love you, Hunter James Thornton." As far as she was concerned, that was his name, even if not officially for a few more days.
"I love you, Mama." He kissed her cheek and laid his head back down.
After a while, Jack and his mom had danced and Elizabeth and her dad. The kids were getting tired so the adults decided to call it a night.
"You'll be back, right?" Hunter asked them.
"We will be back in three days and we will Face Time every night before you go to bed, except tonight," Elizabeth told him.
"Ok." Elizabeth kissed the top of his head and hugged him before giving him to Jack.
"You be good for Grammie and Pop. Make sure you take Bruce for lots of walks."
"I will, Daddy."
"Ok, love you, bud."
"Love you, Daddy."
Jack walked Elizabeth to the Mercedes that William had insisted they take on their honeymoon. "Ready, Beth?"
"I'm ready."