Chapter 7
To say that Jack was shocked at the sight before him would be the greatest understatement. How could Elizabeth be sitting at the table laughing with his brother and his brother's girlfriend. "How did that happen?" He said to no one.
He watched for a couple of minutes while Elizabeth said something that made the table erupt in laughter. When they finished laughing, Elizabeth looked up and noticed Jack standing there. She waved for him to come over to the table and patted the empty seat next to her. It took him a couple of moments before he walked over to the table.
She noticed the confused look on his face but before she could say anything, Tom stood up and gave him a brotherly hug. "How was your day, Jack?"
Elizabeth looked stunned. How do you know him? She thought but before she was able to ask the question, Jack answered Tom.
While taking his seat, he stated, "It was good. We may have had a breakthrough in our case. We'll have to wait and see if it plays out? How are you, Julie?"
"Jack, how do you know Julie?"
"I meet her when I picked up Tom at the airport this morning."
"Wait, you picked them up at the airport?"
Jack nodded.
"I thought you were picking your brother up this morning?" A confused Elizabeth asked.
"I did. Tom is my brother and Julie is his girlfriend. How do you know them?"
"Jack, Julie is my youngest sister."
"She's what?" The four just stared at each other in complete shock.
"Wait, your Jack's brother?" Asked Julie.
"You're Elizabeth's sister?" Asked Tom.
"You're Tom brother?" Asked Elizabeth.
"You're Julie's sister?" Asked Jack.
Each one asked their questions at the same time.
Finally, the realization of the situation began sinking in. They just couldn't believe it. What were the chances of this happening? "You mean…" They all started and stopped when they realized they were talking at once. Then they started to point fingers at each other.
"She's the one mom is talking about?" Tom pointed to Elizabeth but was talking to Jack.
"Yeah." Jack nodded but spoke quietly. He didn't want Elizabeth to know he has talked to his mother about her.
"Wait, you've talked to your mother about me?" Asked Elizabeth.
Jack closed his eyes wishing the conversation would immediately change. "Yes, just once."
"Just once Jack. The way mom talked about her it had to be more than once. She said you were."
"Hush Tom!" Jack cut him off while his face instantly turned red.
"You were?" Asked Elizabeth quietly while leaning in the direction of Jack.
He gave her a pleading look. "Can we talk about that later, please?"
She saw the look in his eyes. She has just met this man but could already read him like her favorite book. She simply nodded discreetly and offered him a small smile. He smiled back thanking her without having to use words. He's never had that type of communication with a woman before. It scared him a little and excited him all at the same time. He didn't understand all of these emotions when it came to Elizabeth, but he loved them.
"So, you two are dating?"
"Yes, Jack. For a few months now." Answered Tom.
I meet her at her job, and we hit it off. We went out and just got along very well. We spend most days together."
"For months?" Asked a shocked Jack. He knew his brother never dated a woman that long. They usually lasted a week or two before a new one would come along. He usually didn't hear about Tom's girlfriends until after they were out of the picture.
"Yes, Jack. For months. I know what you are thinking, and I am not that guy anymore." He stated as he reached for Julie's hand.
"I didn't mean any disrespect."
"I didn't think you did. I know my history, but I am not that guy anymore. I love Julie and I want to spend all my time with her."
"Love…you said love?"
"Yes, Mr. Jack Dateless. I love her."
"Tom…" Jack warned his little brother. He always hated that nickname.
"Mr. Jack Dateless?" Questioned Elizabeth.
Jack shook his head. Tom answered. "Jack never dated in high school or college. He had his chances but just didn't. He always said he wanted to wait for the right one to come along."
"Really?" asked Elizabeth. Her cheeks turned a light pink color. They haven't talked about dating, but their two days together she knew he was someone special to her and she wanted to get to know him more and in that type of relationship.
Jack buried his head in his hands. Elizabeth thought his embarrassment was adorable.
"Yes. He just didn't date, even when the Watson twins flirted with him endlessly."
"The Watson twins?" Asked Julie and Elizabeth at the same time.
"Everyone wanted to date the Watson twins in high school. Well, everyone except for Jack."
"Why?" Asked the Thatcher sisters at the same time again.
Jack was saved by Abagail when she walked up to the table. Jack was relieved when she spoke up. "Does anyone need anything?"
Jack immediately asked for something to drink and a menu. Elizabeth gave him a questioning look since she only knew him ordering one thing. He gave her a smile and she reached under the table and squeezed his hand. She started to let go but he intertwined his fingers with hers. He looked at her seeking her approval. She looked up and gave him a smile with the perfect look of joy in her eyes. She wrapped her fingers around his and gave his hand a slight squeeze. His smile grew as he settled back in his seat.
"So, Tom, you said you were coming here to share some news. You've already shocked me with Elizabeth's sister as you girlfriend. What else are you going to share with me."
Elizabeth remembered the conversation between them before Jack arrived. All kinds of questions ran through her mind. Is it ok if I date my sister's fiancés' brother? What if they get married and Jack and I get married? Is that appropriate? What would people say? Wait, did I just say that Jack and I get married? She shook her head trying to calm her mind, but nothing was working. Finally, she looked at Jack and realized he was looking at her with a worried look. He smiled gaining her attention and those dimples calmed her mind instantly. When she realized he calmed her with just a smile and those dimples, she couldn't believe the power he held and didn't even know it.
She smiled back at Jack, and he understood she was ok.
"Well, Jack. I am getting married to Julie. I asked her to marry me and she said yes."
"Married? You?" Jack asked under his breath. "I'm sorry, Tom. I didn't mean that how it sounded."
"It's ok, Jack. I know who I was. I never dated anyone seriously. Remember my nickname?" Tom chuckled. "Mr. Not One Girl Thorton."
"Yeah" He looked at Julie to gauge her expression.
"Don't worry, Jack. There are no secrets between Tom and me. I know how he was before meeting me. I was the same way he was."
Elizabeth shook her head in agreement. "Yeah. Everyone called Julie, Ms. Noncommittal Thatcher."
"Nice" Jack stated.
"Yeah. I hated that nickname but mainly because it was true." They all laughed. "I'm not that way anymore either. Things are different with Tom. I'm not sure how to explain it."
"I think I understand." Jack stated. "Sometimes someone special comes into our lives and changed what we always thought was true."
Elizabeth's grip on Jack's hand tightened as her smile grew. She was thinking her face would hurt as much as she smiled around Jack. She never remembered doing that before Jack. Somehow, she knew Jack was talking about her. How can someone have such an influence on me in such a short time?
Jack tightened his fingers around hers as he spoke the words thinking of her. Then Jack started to think the same thing as Elizabeth. She noticed the look on his face and pulled his hand onto her thigh just above her knee to get his attention. When he looked at her, she mouthed, "We'll talk later."
He knew exactly what she meant. How does she do that? I haven't known her very long but how can she read me and know what I'm thinking so quickly?
When Abagail came back to the table, they shared everything with her. She was amazed at the coincidence. "What are the chances?" She asked.
"I know right." Said everyone.
…
After eating and sharing some childhood memories, Jack said that he needed to go home to rest. "It has been a busy couple of days with very little sleep. I think it is starting to catch up with me."
"We'll find our way to the hotel." Stated Julie.
"I'll take you. Sorry Julie, I just don't have a big enough place for you to stay."
"That's ok sis. We will get an extra room for me. No worries."
"Elizabeth," Jack whispered trying to speak where only she could hear him. When he had her attention, he continued to whisper, "Would you like to take a walk with me. I have a couple of things to talk to you about."
She looked at him and saw nervousness in his eyes. She gave him a reassuring smile and it comforted him. Tom and Julie noticed the exchanges of looks between them and they offered to take a cab to the hotel.
"Nonsense." Said Elizabeth.
"Go have your walk." Stated Julie as she stood up and gave her sister a hug. "I'll text you later."
Elizabeth stood and gave her little sister a smile. "Thanks Julie. I'll talk to you later. Tom, it was great to meet you and get to know you a little. I'm sure we will talk again very soon." Tom nodded at her and grabbed Julie's hand.
…
Elizabeth turned to look at Jack after Tom and Julie left, "Is there a reason for this walk?"
"Yes, there is." He stated as he extended his hand hoping she would take it. She took it without hesitation.
As they stepped outside, Mary looked at Abagail with a hopeful look. "Did you see them holding hands under the table?"
"I did. They held hands and look at each other all evening." Abagail said.
"I hope this works out."
As they walked outside, Elizabeth walked in front of Jack due to some individuals walking on the sidewalk. Jack was trying to be respectful but couldn't help but notice her hips swaying. The jeans she was wearing were hugging her perfectly. He wasn't paying attention when she stopped walking to look into a dress shop at the mannequin. He walked right into her, almost knocking her over. He grabbed her to keep her from falling. When he realized what he did and why, his face turned instantly red.
"Hey there Thorton. You should pay attention to what you are doing." She sassed him.
"I was paying attention. I was watching your…" Jack stopped himself before he finished his statement. Somehow, his face was even redder than a moment earlier.
She looked at him a little confused until she pieced it together. "Jack" she playfully smacked him on his arm.
"I'm so sorry Elizabeth." He said as he lowered his head in complete embarrassment.
She remembered watching him walk away from the café and decided to cut him a little slack. "It's ok." Then sassed, "Did you like what you saw?"
"Very" Then realizing he actually said that out loud, covered his mouth with his hand.
"Let's take our walk. You said there were some things you wanted to talk about?"
"Yes, please." He slowly walked beside her and gently extended his hand with his fingers open hoping he didn't overstep, and she would take his hand.
Without thinking, she slowly reached out for his and wrapped his fingers with hers. He let out a small sigh thankful she didn't hesitate.
"There are two, maybe three things I believe we need to talk about. At least two. Well, maybe three. But I'm not sure which one to start with." He was talking so quickly she was having trouble keeping up with him.
"Jack. Jack!" She raised her voice to catch his attention. "You talk too much and too fast when you are nervous."
"Sorry."
"It's ok. I never thought you would be nervous."
"Evidently I do. At least around you." He stated while looking down.
She thought his nervousness made him look so cute. "Don't be nervous Jack. It's just me. "
"I know, but that is why I'm nervous."
"It is?"
"Yes. I haven't dated very much. I was always concerned with school and work. I never wanted to date just to date. I wanted my relationship to mean something. I don't have any practice at dating. I don't always say what's on my heart very well."
"I think you are going a great job so far." She said hopeful. She found herself wanting to kiss him in that moment more than she ever wanted to kiss anyone. "Maybe you should start what's in your heart."
Jack took a deep breath trying to calm his nerves. After exhaling that breath, he began telling her. Tightening the grip on her hand, he started. "Elizabeth, I know we have only known each other for a couple of days, but you have become someone special to me. I find myself looking for you when I think you will be at the café. I love our talks and how easily our conversations flow. I want to talk to you all the time, but I don't have your cell phone number. You are in my thoughts constantly." Finally, he stopped to take a breath.
"Jack, I"
He cut her off. "I know you may think it's too soon since we just meet. And the first day I thought you were a very rude person, but I now know you are not rude. I enjoy your company and we have a lot in common. We seem to match very well."
"Jack. Jack!" He stopped talking when she got his attention. "Can I talk now?" She sassed a little.
"I'm sorry. I was doing it again wasn't I?"
"It's ok, Jack. I feel the same way. I enjoy talking to you too. We do get along well, even though our first conversation wasn't a good one and that was my fault. I find myself thinking about you all the time and I wished I had your phone number too. I always want to talk to you too."
He smiled at her response. He was so nervous about talking to her. He liked her, a lot! But he was so inexperienced with dating he just didn't know how all of this works."
"Elizabeth, I've never dated before and I don't exactly know what I am supposed to be doing."
"Jack, I only dated one person before and it wasn't very serious, even though we dated a long time. I say we just do what natural for us. You are doing very well."
"Yeah. That seems to be working so far." He smiled that dimple smile.
Wow. Those dimples will be the death of me. "I agree. Other than the first day, this has been perfect other than you are avoiding me at school when you hid in the cafeteria."
Jack's smile grew wider until his face hurt smiling so big. "I would like to date you. To begin a relationship with you and see where this goes. I think we have something special here and I would love to see where it takes us. Is that ok with you?"
"Sounds like an answered prayer to me." She blushed. She has never been so forward with another guy before.
She reached her other hand to take his as she was standing directly in front of him. "Elizabeth, I really want to kiss you right now. Would that be alri…" She leaned in before he was able to finish the question. When their lips met for the first time, time itself stopped. Their toes, their feet, their legs, their everything tingled. Fireworks were going off. Her stomach had a million butterflies and it felt great. She took in everything at that moment but couldn't remember any of it because she was lost in this man.
Jack was experiencing the exact things that Elizabeth was. It was the perfect first kiss. Heck, it was the perfect kiss. When she pulled away enough to breath, he followed her and placed his lips on hers again. He needed to breath. His lungs were screaming for oxygen, but he needed to feel her more than he needed to breath. She gasped at his forwardness but welcomed him completely. She let go of his hands and wrapped her hands around the back of his neck and placing her arms on his shoulders. She began playing with the hair on the back of his head. He placed his hands on her hips and pulled her in to him as much as he could.
They finally pulled apart far enough to catch their breath. He leaned in and placed his forehead against hers. He agreed he needed the oxygen but wasn't willing to lose the closeness. She sighed and leaned further into him.
"I hope that was a good sigh?"
"Jack, that was the best sigh. That was"
"Perfect" he finished her thought, and she nodded her head up and down.
"Jack, can we do that again?" She asked with a hopeful expression.
"I was hoping you would say that." He grinned. His face full of dimples.
He leaned in and gently touched her lips with his. She felt the passion, but he wasn't rushing or pushing. He was gentle and cared for her. This drove her even further in to him and his kiss. This round of kisses was better than the previous one. And the previous one was the best kiss she ever experienced.
He didn't know how long they have been there holding each other and kissing. To be honest, he didn't care. He didn't have the wherewithal to think of anything else other than this precious, beautiful woman in his arms.
"Jack, what else are you wanting to talk to me about?"
Jack was completely lost in this woman. "I'm sorry. What?"
"You said you have two maybe three things to talk about."
"I did?" Asked Jack. "I'm sorry, Elizabeth, but after that kiss I can't think. How on earth can I concentrate on anything else?"
She blushed at his complement. She looked into his eyes and knew he was being honest with her. It wasn't just something he said with an ulterior motive. He wasn't wanting something else. He was completely honest and open with her. She wasn't used to that. His honesty drove her even closer emotionally to him.
"Maybe we should continue our walk and whatever you want to talk about may come back to you." She sassed with a smile.
"I'm sorry. You would rather walk and talk than continue what we were just doing?" He sassed back with a silly smile.
She tried to think of a comeback, but that smile of his was distracting. "Maybe we can do that later if you are good."
"I'll promise to be good, Ms. Thatcher."
She rolled her eyes at his playfulness. "Come on handsome. What's on your mind?"
"Oh, yeah, the talking thing."
They both let go of their embrace but did not want to break the connection. They reached for the other's hand at the same time.
"I noticed you tensed up when our siblings announced their engagement to us. Are you ok dating when they are engaged?"
How in the world does he know what I'm thinking? She thought.
"I know it may be awkward for others, but I do not think it is inappropriate." Jack stated.
Seriously, how does he do that? I need to pay closer attention. "I was at first, but I want this, Jack. I want to see this through. It's wonderful and I need to follow it through to see where it may take us. Are you ok with it?"
"Like you. I was nervous at first, but this is too important to me to give it up without fighting for it. I can't explain it, Elizabeth, but I feel closer to you than any other person."
"I thought you said you aren't good at saying what's on your heart?"
"I'm not. Never have been. That's one of the reasons I sketch."
"I think you are doing an excellent job so far. And I love to sketch too. It calms me."
"It does the same for me."
"Well, that's two things. Is there anything else to discuss?"
He stopped walking and face Elizabeth again. He wrapped his arms around her waist and slowly pulled her in as if asking for permission to kiss her again. "I do have one more thing to discuss, but may I please kiss you again?"
Without saying anything, she grabbed the hair on the back of his head and pulled him to her hard. Their lips crashed together with the passion of a new relationship but the care of two people who cherished one another. I could get used to this they both thought. The same feelings came back, the tingling, the butterflies were all there again and with the same intensity. Jack was beginning to love kissing this woman.
After finally pulling away from each other just enough to breath, she looked into his eyes, "My goodness, Jack. You are good at that."
"Elizabeth, I promise I will work hard to get better at that."
"Jack Thorton, you are the best kisser I know."
"So, how many times have you been kissed, Elizabeth?" He smirked.
"Jack Thorton, why you little" She tried to give him her best scary teacher face but lost the ability to when he pulled her into him again and gave her the best kiss…once again.
"Jack," she said once they pulled apart and place their foreheads together again, just to remain close. "Please promise me you won't ever stop doing that."
Jack smiled his dimple grin at her, and she lost her train of thought. She may have breathed but couldn't remember if she did or not.
"I will try my best."
After a few more minutes of kissing, Jack remembered what he needed to talk to her about. He didn't want to lose the contact with her, so he held onto her hand. Touching Elizabeth was quickly becoming his favorite thing to do.
He began, "I was offered something, Elizabeth, and I would like your opinion."
"Jack, I'm not sure I have the right to give you my opinion."
"Elizabeth, I know I am new at this relationship thing, so please help me if I make mistakes. But you are my girlfriend, and I would like your opinion on this decision. Your input will help me in my decision making. It won't make it for me, but I want to hear your thoughts and it will help me in making my decision."
"Jack, are you for real?" She reached and pinched his arm. "You actually care what I think, and we have only been dating for what, thirty minutes?"
"The best thirty minutes of my life, Elizabeth. I may be new at this, but I realize how important you are to me."
She swooned at his words. Do men normally talk like this? I haven't meet one that did. She thought to herself. Then she was reminded that Jack was not an ordinary man.
"Thanks Jack. What is it concerning?"
"Before I tell you, you need to know this is a secret for now. You can't say anything to anyone. Ok?"
"Ok. You have my word."
"Chief Avery approached me today and asked me about my desire to replace him when he retires."