Elizabeth sipped her coffee at the table while Jack quickly made omelets. She was enjoying the quiet and then the door burst open. "Miss Thatcher!"
"Elisa! What are you doing here?" The little girl ran up to her and hugged her.
"Daddy says you got hurt. Are you ok?" She looked at her cast and than back up at Elizabeth, a sad and concerned look on her face.
"Yes, honey, I'm just fine." She picked her up and snuggled with her.
Grace and William walked in to the room. William went over and poured coffee for himself and Grace and then came over to the table. Elisa looked up and smiled shyly. "Hi," she said to the new people in the room.
"Hi," they responded.
"Elisa, this is my Mom and Dad, Mr. And Mrs. Thatcher."
"Oh! Hi! I'm Elisa. Miss Thatcher was my teacher but then I moved."
"Where did you move to?" Grace asked.
"Idaho."
Jack walked over and slipped Elizabeth's plate in front of her. "What am I? Chopped liver?" He bent down and kissed his niece's forehead. "Hi, Peanut."
"Liver is so gross, Uncle Jack. You are very handsome!" He picked her up and hugged her.
"He certainly is," Elizabeth agreed, catching Jack's eye. He smiled back and took Elisa over to the counter.
"I'll help you cook, Uncle Jack."
"She came all the way from Idaho to see you?" William asked.
"It's only an hour away. She moved with her Dad, Jack's brother, Tom." Just then Tom walked in with Julie.
"I think I heard my name," he teased. Then he walked over and kissed Elizabeth's cheek. "If you wanted us to visit, you didn't have to go to such drastic measures."
"I'll remember that for next time."
"How are you, Elizabeth?"
"I'm ok, thanks Tom."
Elizabeth looked at Julie, then at their parents, then Tom, then back to Julie. She was pretty sure Julie had never told them about her and Tom.
Tom noticed Grace and William. "Hi, Tom Thornton. You must be Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher?"
"Yes, you're Jack's brother?" William asked, accepting his handshake.
"Yes, sir."
"You live in Idaho?" Grace asked.
"Yes ma'am. Copper Hills. I have a fifty acre ranch just over the border."
"Horses?" William wondered.
"I have a horse, but I raise cattle."
Charlotte and Monte walked in. "Nana!" Elisa hopped down off the counter with Jack's help and ran up to Charlotte.
"Hi, honey. It's good to see you."
Jack shook Monte's hand. "Would you mind taking over breakfast? I need to get ready for work."
"Sure, boss."
It felt weird for Monte to call him that now that he was living with his mother but he would address that a different time.
About thirty minutes later, Jack came downstairs ready to leave. He walked over and squatted beside Elizabeth's chair.
"Off to save lives?" For some reason, him leaving made her nervous.
"I'm on call this week. This means I won't be sleeping here and I'll only see you for dinner."
"You'll sleep in town?"
"Yes. Will you be ok? I know it's not your house but it will be soon enough."
"Sure, I'll be fine." The look in her eyes showed longing and concern but she understood. "I'll miss you." She wrapped her arms around his neck for a moment.
"Don't worry, Jack," Julie assured him. "I don't have work today, so I'll be here."
"So will I," Grace chimed in.
"Me too," Charlotte told him.
Jack smiled at the sea of capable women in his kitchen. "Thank you ladies. That makes me feel a lot less nervous." He stood up and shook William's hand. "I know you leave today sir. I guess we'll see you in March?"
"I'll be there."
Jack kissed his Mom's cheek and then did the same to Julie and Grace. Elizabeth watched, wondering if he forgot he never kissed her. Apparently he did forget because before she knew it, he was out the door. A few minutes later, he ran back in, snow on his boots and everywhere else. "Sorry everyone. I forgot something." He walked over to Elizabeth and kissed her. "I love you, sweetheart. I'll see you for dinner, ok?" She nodded and kissed him once more.
"I love you too. Please be careful, Jack."
He briefly touched her cheek. "Promise."
The rest of the morning was spent making plans for the wedding. Elisa was super excited to be the flower girl. "I get to wear a princess dress?"
"Yes, you do, sweetie. Let me show you what I found and you can tell me if you like it." Elizabeth pulled up the website on her laptop and showed her.
"Oh my gosh! It's so pretty. I love it! Nana look!"
It was beautiful. It was a white ball gown with a lace bodice and a tulle skirt. The heart shaped cutout of the bodice in the back was what drew Elizabeth in, along with the white ribbon sash that tied in a bow under the heart.
"Oh, Elisa, that is perfect. You will look so lovely, sweetheart," Charlotte told her.
"Yes, Miss Thatcher. This is the one I want."
"Ok, babe. I will order it right now."
Elisa climbed up next to Elizabeth. "Miss Thatcher?"
"Yes?"
"Can I call you Aunt Beth? I know you aren't my aunt yet but you almost are."
"I would love it if you would call me Aunt Beth."
Elisa got up on her knees and kissed her cheek. "Good. I love you Aunt Beth." Elizabeth put her laptop down on the table and pulled Elisa onto her lap.
"I love you too."
"Did I make you cry? I'm sorry!"
"Honey, I'm happy. That's why I'm crying. I'm just happy."
A bit later, Elizabeth texted Clara to invite her and Pete over for dinner, knowing that even though it wasn't her home, Jack wouldn't mind and Clara could measure her for the wedding dress she wanted her to make.
"Sure, what time?"
"Six?"
"We'll b there."
DINNER TIME
Jack walked in exhausted from his day. There had been multiple accidents due to the weather and slippery roads so he had barely gotten a break. He was grateful for even the hour he got for dinner. He just wanted a moment of quiet but judging from the amount of laughter coming from the kitchen, he wasn't going to get it.
He walked into the kitchen and everyone greeted him. The one person he wanted to see more than anyone was deep in conversation with Clara over by the stove. He wandered over and grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge. "Jack, you're home," Elizabeth said. She smiled and he returned the smile but it seemed forced. "You ok?" Clara took the chance to step away to give them a moment. Jack took Elizabeth's fingers and squeezed. He moved forward and pressed his forehead to hers. "Honey, what's wrong?"
"My day was never ending and all I wanted was to be home with you. Now, I only have like twenty minutes and I have to go. I wish I could stay home."
"I wish you could too." She wrapped her arms around him and sighed into his neck. "I missed you today."
He moved slightly and kissed her. He pulled away and then his lips returned to hers, moving and searching, almost as if he were trying to convince her of something. She knew though. His love was plain to see and obvious and wonderful.
She remembered they weren't alone but only once it got quiet in the room. They both stopped and looked over, their faces reflecting their embarrassment as everyone smiled and gazed back at them.
"Why don't you sit? You need to rest," he told her.
"I rested a lot today."
"Who cooked dinner?"
"Me, but others helped."
"Please rest." She smiled.
"Yes, dear."
Ten minutes later, dinner was on the table ready to eat but snow had started falling so Jack took a container of Elizabeth's food with him instead of staying. Elizabeth hobbled to the door with him. "Jack, please be careful."
"I will." She put her hand on his arm.
"I mean it, honey. It wouldn't be good to have two of us in casts right before the wedding, or worse.
"I promise. I will be careful, although if I was in a cast, I would get to stay with you." He teased but she wasn't in a teasing mood.
"Jack…"
"Elizabeth, listen. I'm always careful out there and now I am even more because I have you waiting for me." He set the food down and moved toward her. "The absolute last thing I ever want to do is cause you pain so I won't be reckless. I promise." He kissed her forehead and hugged her tightly, her crutches falling to the ground. "I love you."
"I love you." He kissed her gently and then picked up her crutches and gave them to her. Then he smiled and picked up his food.
"See you tomorrow, babe," he told her as he walked down the steps to his truck.
Tomorrow. Twenty four long hours until she would see his gorgeous green eyes and handsome face. She could do it, she just needed to stay busy.
She couldn't wait that long. She had it on good authority, Clara's, that he and Mike still went in to The Bean at lunch so she asked Charlotte to drive her in there to surprise him.
"I don't know, sweetie. You really should rest."
"I am and I will be. I'll be resting in the booth until he walks in."
"Mmhmm. Well, who am I to stand in the way of my son and his soon to be wife? Just make sure Jack knows it was your idea, not mine."
THE BEAN, NOON
Elizabeth sat in their back corner booth, almost nervous to see him. It was silly, actually, but her heart was beating so fast just knowing he would walk in at any moment. Clara brought over two iced mochas and a chicken salad croissant for both of them.
Elizabeth thanked her and gazed out the window just as Mike and Jack pulled up in their rig. She smiled as she watched him get out in his uniform that turned her insides to jelly once more.
Mike and Jack went up to order and Elizabeth waited patiently for Clara to direct him to their corner.
"Hey, cowboy."
"Hi, Clara. Can I get…"
"An iced Mocha, extra shot, no whip and a chicken salad croissant?" she finished.
"Uh, yeah. I know I'm predictable in my coffee choices but how did you know what I wanted to eat today?"
She smiled and pointed to the corner booth.
"Hey, handsome. Come here often?" Elizabeth teased.
He walked over but instead of giving her the reaction she was expecting, he had a slight frown on his face. "You should be resting."
"Wow. You never cease to surprise me."
"What do you mean?" She started to get up and then realized she was stuck.
"Help me up, please." He assisted her and then handed her her crutches. "I missed you so I decided to catch a ride to see you. Instead of you being happy to see me, I get grumpy Jack with a frown on his face." She pulled her phone out of her pocket and dialed Charlotte. "I'm ready," she said quietly into the phone. "Thank you." She looked at her coffee and food and realized she couldn't carry it. "Hope you're hungry."
"Elizabeth."
"Jack, I don't know what I was thinking. Enjoy your lunch."
"Elizabeth, stop. How about you give me second chance instead of giving up so easily?" He slipped his arms around her waist and waited for her to make eye contact. "Please? I can do better."
Her eyes filled with tears for who knew what reason and then she realized how crazy sensitive she was being. "I'm sorry." He took her crutches and set them back in the booth and then wrapped his arms around her again. She sighed as she sank against him.
"I'm glad you're here, beautiful. I missed you too."
"Are you sure?"
"I was surprised. I'm sorry I acted that way. Protective Jack showed up instead of normal Jack."
"I appreciate that." She did, she just had to get used to it.
They sat down in the booth and picked up their sandwiches, taking a bite. "How did you know I wanted this today?" he asked her between bites.
"I had a feeling."
Charlotte walked in and looked over. Elizabeth waved her over. "Mom? You gave Elizabeth a ride?"
"It was my idea, Jack," Elizabeth told him. "Twenty four hours is a long time to go without seeing you."
Charlotte walked over to a table across the room and sat down. She remembered being young and so in love with Jack's father that she didn't want to go a day without seeing him too. It was different with Monte. She loved him but Tom would always be her first. Her first everything.
She watched Jack move from across the table to right next to Elizabeth, slipping his arm around her. She missed that unbelievable feeling of nervousness but longing when being with the one you love. The strong need to feel their lips on yours or you might go crazy. To feel their arms around you at every possible moment.
She knew it would probably be something she would never feel again but she missed it just the same. Monte was kind and strong and quiet. At times too quiet. Miles was a typical teenaged boy. She felt content living with them. Contentment was enough, wasn't it? Would her loneliness go away anytime soon?
She looked back over at the lovebirds. Jack must have said something flirty to Elizabeth because she blushed furiously and he gazed into her eyes like she was his whole world.
"I need to go back to work, hon." He kissed her temple, his lips lingering there as he nuzzled her hair that smelled like coconut.
"Five more minutes?" She didn't want him to go. "Please?"
His radio crackled on his hip, a voice using some coded words as Mike ran back in. "Jack, gotta go!"
He jumped up and bent down to kiss her. "Love you."
"Love you too. Be careful." He nodded, waved at his Mom and ran out to the rig, his door barely closed before the rig backed out of its spot and sped off, sirens blaring.
Elizabeth looked over at Charlotte, staring at her hands. "Charlotte," she said loudly. She looked over. Elizabeth waved for her to come over. "You ok?"
"Of course. Are you ready?"
"Almost. You have that look on your face."
"What look?"
"The one Jack gets when he has something on his mind."
"I guess I do."
"You don't have to tell me, but I'm here to listen if you want me to."
"Maybe not yet, but I may take you up on that."
THORNTON ACRES, A FEW HOURS LATER
Charlotte walked into the barn where Monte was grooming the horses. "Monte?"
"Over here," he told her, brushing Thunder until his coat was shiny.
"Hey." She watched the dark haired handsome man. Even though it was winter, he didn't wear a coat, always claiming he was warm when working in the barn. She could see his arms and shoulder muscles flexing and moving under his shirt. She couldn't deny her attraction to him but there wasn't the longing in her heart to be next to him. She didn't wish for his kisses because they sent her flying to the moon. His attention to her was always gentle and kind but she wanted spark. Was it selfish? She had it once with Tom but she wanted it again. "Monte?" He had acknowledged her but he kept brushing.
He looked up at her. "Char?"
"Can we talk?"
He put the brush down and walked over to her. "What's bothering you?"
"Kiss me, Monte."
"What?" She caught him by surprise.
"Please?" He looked at her a brief moment and then kissed her quickly. It was too brief to tell. She needed a real kiss to be sure and apparently she needed to do it herself. She moved forward, slipping her arms around his neck and kissed him, putting as much feeling as she could muster into it. He returned her kisses, his hands slipping around her back to deepen their connection.
After a moment, he pulled away, breathless. "Char, um wow. What's on your mind?"
It was as she had thought. The man could kiss, to be sure, but she didn't feel what she wanted to feel. "Monte, I'm sorry."
"About what? Kissing me?"
"No. I think we need to take time apart."
"What? We live together."
"I will find an apartment in town."
"Char, what is going on?"
"Monte, do you love me?"
"You know I do." He grabbed her fingers and pulled her to the bale of hay that sat in the corner.
"I want spark. I don't feel it."
"You mean like you used to feel with Tom? I'm not Tom and you're not my Marie, but I still want to be with you. Please don't do this."
"Monte, I want that feeling again but what you and I have…it's a good friendship. It's not enough. I'm so sorry."
"Whatever you want, but I want you to know, it isn't fair Charlotte, to compare me to Tom. It's just not fair."