Chapter 23

Very early the next morning, Jack let himself into Elizabeth's apartment with the key she had given him. He felt bad waking her up at 4:30 but he had a plan. He was hoping she wouldn't kill him since she wasn't a morning person. He quietly closed the door and made his way to the kitchen to begin making coffee. He had hoped this would be his saving grace.

Once the pot was beginning to brew, he slowly made his way to her bedroom. He felt odd standing at her door. He became nervous hoping she was dressed appropriately but a part of him wasn't hoping that. He blushed at the thought. She was absolutely beautiful lying in bed. Her hair was feathered out across her pillow. Her mouth was slightly opened, and a faint snore would escape every so often. In that moment, she was the most beautiful creature he had ever seen. He couldn't believe that she loved him. He just shook his head.

He slowly made his way to the side of the bed where she was sleeping. He gently sat down, and she moved but didn't wake up. He took a few moments staring at her. He wanted to remember the image before him. He wanted to remember every little thing he saw.

Slowly, he reached up and moved a few strains of hair out of her face. In her sleep, she smiled and settled into her pillow a little more at his actions. He leaned down and gently kissed the tip of her nose and tried to gain her attention. "Good morning beautiful." He stated in a soft, low voice.

She smiled and turned toward him without waking up. She snuggled closer to him and sighed. He softly laughed at her and began rubbing her back softly. "Beautiful, it's time to wake up."

She sighed and wrapped her arm around him. He was beginning to realize she wasn't going to wake up. He moved just enough to bend down and kiss her cheek. "Sweetheart, I need you to wake up."

She softly said his name as if she was dreaming. The smile on her face got bigger at his voice.

All he could do was look at her. He was lost in this woman. He dreamed of a day where this was his normal.

Suddenly, she opened her eyes and was shocked to see someone in her bedroom sitting on her bed. She sat up and screamed.

"Elizabeth, honey. It's me, Jack."

She looked around for a few moments realizing she was safe in her room, and it was Jack who was sitting on the edge of her bed.

"Jack! What in the world are you doing here?" She stated with a demanding tone. After all, she was not a morning person.

"Beautiful, you need to get up. We have a very important schedule to keep this morning. You need to get dressed so we can leave."

She sat stunned. She looked at him trying to focus on him and what he said. She looked at her phone on the bed side table and realized it was 4:38 in the morning. "Jack! Do you know what time it is?" Her voice was a little harsh.

"Sweetheart. It's early. Coffee is on in the kitchen. You need to get up and get dressed."

"What?" Things were not registering this early.

He leaned toward her and kissed her on the cheek. "We have a time schedule we need to keep. Let's get moving sweetheart. Please get dressed."

"Dressed? Schedule? Jack, what are you talking about?"

Jack laughed at her. She really was not a morning person. He looked at her and connected with her sleepy eyes. "Nani, you need to wake up. Please get dressed in a nice pair of jeans and a nice sweater or blouse with a jacket. We have the press conference this morning at eleven, but before then, we have some place we need to be. I will have coffee ready for you and I have some pastries for you too."

With another quick kiss on the tip of her nose, he stood and walked out of her bedroom. She looked around wondering if she was really awake or if she was dreaming. She heard him in her kitchen opening her cabinets looking for something. She sat for another minute trying to get her brain to function. Then she laughed. "I love that crazy man."

…

Frank rolled over and realized his beautiful wife was not beside him in bed. After looking at the clock and realizing it was too early for her to be up, he got out of bed and walked down the hall. He noticed her standing at Henry's door with her arms crossed in front of her just looking into his room. He walked up behind her and slid his arms around her waist and clasped his hands on her stomach. "What are you doing?"

"I was just watching Henry sleep. He's so peaceful."

He looked into Henry's room. "Yes, he is, but sweetheart, it's early. What's wrong?"

"I was just thinking."

He knew his wife and knew why she was troubled. "Abagail, he's safe now. We can't change what has happened to him over the last few months, but we can provide him a safe home from now on. He will be safe and loved here. That's all we can do."

She smiled at her husband and quickly said a prayer of thanksgiving for him. She knew he was made for her. "Your right, sweetheart. Thank you for reminding me of that. I love you."

He smiled at her as she leaned in and gave him a kiss. "Now, let's see what we can do to make that more permanent."

He smiled at her. "Well, we can't do that this early but let's look into that later today."

She smiled at him. She looked at him seductively, "Speaking of showing love, are you busy this morning?"

Without a word, he took her hand and led her back down the hallway toward their bedroom.

…

Elizabeth finally forced herself to get out of bed. She went into her bathroom to get ready for the day. She couldn't believe she was awake this early and that Jack was the person responsible. She loved him but wasn't happy about being awake now. While brushing her teeth, she yelled out the door, "Jack! Where are we going at the awful hour?"

She rinsed her mouth waiting for his reply, but he never said anything. This frustrated her a little. The early morning hour wasn't helping her attitude. She grabbed a light jacket and walked out of her bedroom toward the kitchen.

She stopped at the entrance of the kitchen when she noticed Jack leaning against the counter. He was dressed very nicely and drinking a cup of coffee. She couldn't believe how handsome he was leaning against the counter. My goodness…how in the world can anyone look that good this early in the morning.

He stood straight when he noticed her standing there. "Good morning, beautiful. Let me get you a cup of coffee and a pastry I have for you. We have just enough time to sit and enjoy them before we need to leave."

"Jack" she began with an annoyed voice. It's too early to play guessing games. Why are you here so early and what is this schedule you keep talking about?"

He sat down the cup and place a small plate with a chocolate covered donut with sprinkles on it. He pulled out the chair for her to sit without saying a word. She huffed and then stepped forward to take the seat he offered. The donut helped a little with her attitude, but it didn't go away completely. After all, it was still very early.

She glared at him over the coffee cup but gave him a soft smile when she picked up the donut. "At least you brought me my favorite donut."

He gave her a soft smile. "Yes. I knew I needed to come with a peace offering."

"Jack, you know I'm not a morning person. I did like the way you woke me up, but did it have to be so early?"

"Yes, Nani. We have somewhere we need to be, and we have a tight schedule to get there. We can't be late."

"Jack, the news conference doesn't begin until eleven this morning. This is way too early for that. What's going on?"

"Please finish sweetheart. We must leave in five minutes."

"Are you seriously not going to tell me where we are going this early?"

"You really are grumpy in the morning. Abagail was right." At her expression, he knew he shouldn't have said anything.

"Fine, let's go." She said with a frustrated tone. She stood and placed her plate and cup in the sink and turned to put on her jacket.

"I'm sorry, sweetheart. I didn't mean to upset you. This is a surprise. I need you to trust me."

Without saying a word, she took her keys off the counter and walked to the front door. Jack knew that this morning better go very well.

"You really aren't a morning person are you?" He mentioned under his breath.

As she walked out of her apartment she said, "I thought you already knew that." Without ever breaking stride or looking back at Jack.

"Please Lord, let this go well this morning." He stated as he looked upward.

…

Bill walked into his office looking forward to the press conference today. They wrapped up the case on the burglaries and had a very good case against the two people sitting in the jail cells. Plus, he was announcing Jack joining the police force as detective and replacing Bill when he retired. He was excited about the case being solved and about his retirement. He was grateful Jack accepted the position. He knew Jack would take care of the town he loved.

After being in the office for a few minutes, Superintendent Johnson appeared at his door. "Chief Avery, do you have a couple of minutes?"

"Sure. Come and let us get a cup of awful coffee and we can talk."

After settling down in his office Johnson began. "I understand there was a threat against you and Jack because of this case."

"Yes sir. We know about it. While we are taking it seriously, I don't think too much of it."

"Do you think this position is good for Jack? He would have taken over the investigation department eventually."

"Yes, he knows, but you also know what that job would require in time and years. I think he will excel in this position."

"I agree with you. I just hate losing a good officer and a good man."

"It may be your lose but it is Hope Valley's gain. He will do a great job for our town."

"Yes…yes. He will do a great job. Will you help him get settled?"

"I have known him since birth. I knew his father when we were in the academy together. I will give him every chance to succeed in this job. But I'm not concerned with his abilities. He will do a great job. I have no doubt."

"Great. Now, what are you doing about this threat?"

…

After closing the door for Elizabeth, he walked around the front of the car and glanced at his beautiful girlfriend. She met his eyes, and he could see she wasn't too happy. "Jack, you better do this right!" He stated to himself. He was grateful she accepted his hand after sitting behind the wheel. He was afraid she wouldn't take his hand. She didn't look at him. She was still a little frustrated with the hour of the morning.

After driving in the dark for about thirty minutes, he pulled into a national park she has always wanted to go to but never have been too. She sat up in her seat after reading the park sign. "Jack, what are we doing here?" That was her first words to him since she got in the car at her apartment. She didn't want to be cranky, but the early morning hour demanded it.

Jack looked at his watch and then looked out the window. "We should be ok on time." He mentioned to no one.

He tightened his grip on Elizabeth's hand hoping she would go with his plan. After parking the car, he got out and rushed over to her door to open her car door for her. After accepting his hand, she stood to stretch but was quickly wrapped up in Jack's arms. "I'm sorry I got you up so early, but we don't have much time. We really need to get going. It will take us about twenty minutes to get to our destination."

"Destination? What destination? Jack, it's still dark out."

Well, at least she is talking to me now. "E-liz-a-beth, we need to get going."

Ok. That saved him for a few minutes. "Alright. Lead the way."

He reached for her hand and escorted her down a small trial. The sign at the beginning of the trail read 'Water's Bluff'.

"Where are you taking me?"

…

"We have extra state troopers at the press conference today to keep an eye out for anything troublesome."

"That's great, Bill. How long do you think before Jack takes over for you?"

"I'm hoping to retire in two to three months. He should be up to speed quickly. Whenever he feels comfortable with the duties, I will step down."

"That sounds about right. Jack has always been a quick learner. I heard he found a woman friend while he has been here?"

"Oh, yes. He has fallen for her quickly. As a matter of fact, he has taken her out to Water's Bluff this morning."

"What's Water's Bluff?"

"It's a beautiful trail in the national park about thirty minutes from here. The trail ends at a fifty foot waterfall at the end of the trial. It is one of the most beautiful places in the state."

"It sounds like he has something special planned?"

"I believe he does."

…

Grace and William walked into the café to meet Charlette for an early breakfast. They took a booth close to the back of the café when Charlette walked into the café. She smiled at them and walked over to the booth and sat across from Grace and William.

"So, why are we here so early?"

"Jack called me last night and told me a secret. I think we need to get an early start on this."

"Ok, what's the secret?" Asked Grace.

"He didn't really say, but I believe he is going to ask Elizabeth an important question today."

"Did he say anything to you?"

"No, William, not really. He did ask for my engagement ring earlier this week. I think he wants to use that as an engagement ring. He did say he would purchase a new wedding band when the time was right."

"And you think this morning was the right time?"

"I'm not sure. I just have a feeling he is going to ask her."

"Oh goodness" Grace started to cry but then laughed. "I hope he didn't get her up early today."

"He mentioned he was. He wanted to take her to a special place, and they needed to head out early."

"Oh goodness. This may not start out well."

"What do you mean, Grace?"

William jumped in, "Our Elizabeth is not a morning person. She can quickly become…irritable."

"Irritable?" Grace gasped. "I would say hateful." Both her and William laughed remembering all the mornings they fought with her to get her up for school.

Charlette laughed. "This could be interesting. He may have met his match."

"She may have too. This could be very interesting." Grace laughed.

…

After an easy twenty five minute hike, Elizabeth heard water moving. She always enjoyed waterfalls, so she was beginning to be excited. She thought maybe the name Water's Bluff could mean a waterfall. While still a little grumpy because the sky was still dark, the sound of the waterfall began to lighten her attitude a little bit.

"Jack is that a water fall I hear?"

"I'm not sure. Maybe." He smiled at her.

She smiled back at him. That was the first time this morning she smiled at him. This gave him the first hint of hope that this morning may turn out well.

"Jack, how much further do we have to go? This is getting ridiculous." She whined.

"Not much further. I promise." Ok, maybe hope is too strong of a word. He thought to himself wondering if he made a mistake with this surprise.

She sighed as they continued on the trial. "You're lucky you're cute." She mentioned loud enough for him to hear. Her attitude was beginning to get worse. She was sleepy, and it was still so early the sun wasn't up yet. "Jack, you need to know something about me." She began.

"Let me guess…you are not a morning person." He let out a nervous laugh. "I was trying to make today special."

She stopped walking. She looked into Jack's eyes and saw a little disappointment. "I'm sorry, Jack. I am not trying to be grumpy. I should be thankful that you care enough about me that you are trying to make today special. But why today?"

He looked up into her eyes. Along with the disappointment, she saw love too. "I love you, Elizabeth. I was wanting to surprise you. We can go back if you want?"

"No, Jack." Without another word, she tightened her grip on his hand and began walking in the direction they were walking.

They walked in silence for a few more minutes. Jack was kicking himself for this stunt. He wanted to watch a sunrise with his girlfriend and propose to her in the midst of the beauty of nature. He thought the sunrise and waterfall would be a perfect backdrop to show her how much she meant to him. He underestimated her disdain for the early morning. He felt his back pocket where the ring was hiding and regretted his proposal in this way. He wanted it to be special like she is. This was not turning out like he wanted. He was seriously considering changing his mind.

For Elizabeth, she was becoming upset at herself. For whatever reason, Jack was trying to make this special. She didn't understand what or why, but her attitude was ruining his surprise. She should have been grateful for his love for her, but she just couldn't stop the attitude. She felt Jack tensing as they walked. She could sense it too. The look of disappointment in his eyes hurt her a little, but the early morning hour and her attitude was overriding her emotions.

She stopped walking, which stopped Jack. She turned to face Jack and looked at him for a few moments. "Jack…I am truly sorry that my attitude is awful."

"That's ok, Elizabeth. I know I surprised you this morning. I know it's early, too early for a surprise."

"No, Jack. You are trying to be a great boyfriend and I am grumpy. I am sorry." She offered him a smile and leaned in to kiss his cheek.

"Elizabeth, I'm sorry I planned this little surprise so early this morning. I know you are not a morning person. Yet, I did this little stunt anyways. I am sorry, too. Let's turn around and go back. It's not too late. It will be fine. I'm sorry this morning turned into a disaster. I was hoping it would be a good surprise, but I know now it was a mistake. Maybe we can stop by Abagail's to get a better breakfast."

She stepped closer into him and into his space. She could smell his cologne and the remnants of coffee on his breath. She loved his cologne, and she took a deep breath trying to set the smell to memory. "Jack, thank you for doing this. Let's go. You said we have a schedule to keep."

He gave her a half smile and turned to walk up the trial. He was really starting to doubt this idea. He was already counting the ways this morning has turned bad. He didn't want to imagine how much more disastrous this could turn into. Maybe we can just do the breakfast and I can plan something else for the proposal. He looked at her and the look on his face and in his eyes broke her heart.

As they walked, she felt bad for her actions. She couldn't control her emotions. She spoke before her mind engaged. The look on his face stunned her. She lowered her eyes to the trial and tried to will her attitude to change.

Before long, she saw some small lights through the trees. When they turned the corner, she gasped and brought her hand to her mouth. "Jack, how did you do this?"

Before her, on the overlook were a small table with flowers on it with about fifteen small, teacup candles on the table and handrails. There was a small set of speakers playing music just barely able to hear. There was a thermos with two mugs beside it. There was also a small box with food trays that had steam coming from the lid.

"Jack…"

"Bella, would you please dance with me?"

Elizabeth tried to speak but no words were forming in her mouth. She looked at Jack with tears in her eyes. She smiled at him, and he took her hand in his and escorted her to the lookout. When she stepped onto the wood floor, she stopped dead in her tracks. She saw a beautiful water fall about forty yards in front of her. The waterfall was about fifty foot tall but wasn't very wide. However, it was gorgeous.

Elizabeth's eyes went from the waterfall to Jack. He had a look on his face that told her he was nervous. She knew he tried hard to make this morning special, and she fell in love with him again because of it.

Instead of asking again, he led her a few more feet onto the overlook and turned to face her. He took one hand in his and placed his other hand on the small of her back. He slowly pulled her into him until they were touching completely. Slowly, he began to move side to side to the rhythm of the music.

She nestled her head on his shoulder and he titled his head to kiss the top of her head. "Elizabeth, I have never been very good at saying what's on my heart. Somewhere between my heart and my lips the words get jumbled."

"Jack."

He continued talking with his cheek against the top of her head. "I love you completely. You were made for me, and I was made for you. In the short time since we have met, you have become the most important person in my life. You consume all my thoughts. I want to lose myself in you and I know I will be better for it. You have become my world and it is wonderful."

She wanted to say something, but her mind was so focused on his words that her words couldn't come to mind.

As they continued to move slowly to the music, Jack continued. "I never knew this feeling for someone was possible. I saw it in my parents, but I never thought it was likely for someone like me. I thought this type of love was just for my parents. Elizabeth, I love you completely."

She leaned back just enough to see his face. Tears were streaming down her cheeks at his words and actions. Before she was able to say anything, he turned her to the waterfall. It was then she noticed the beautiful sky as the sun rose just above the trees. The sky was a brilliant orange color. Better than any painting she has ever seen. Jack stepped behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. He rested his hands on her stomach and place his chin on her right shoulder.

Leaning in and kissing the spot of her neck just below her ear lobe, she shivered at his touch. She never knew how sensitive that spot was. However, Jack found that was her spot that she liked the most.

"Elizabeth, when God made you, He knew I was your match. Just like when God made this waterfall, He placed the sunrise behind it because He knew they were perfect for each other. We are perfect for each other. My weaknesses are your strengths. You make me stronger, and you make me better. You make me want to be better."

She was trembling at his words but also at his breath on her neck. The sunrise, the waterfall, Jack's effort to make this morning special, and his words moved her to her soul. This was perfect. She was trying to slow her mind down and calm her breathing, but her mind was racing. Jack was being perfect.

Jack released his hold of Elizabeth, and she instantly missed his touch. She turned around to see Jack on one knee. Her hands flew to her chest clasped in front of her. He reached and held one of her hands. With the other hand, he reached into his back pocket and pulled out a small, velvet box that held his mother's engagement ring. When he brought it in front of him, she gasped and was certain she stopped breathing. She recognized the small box when he showed it to her on their first date.

He opened the box to show a beautiful diamond ring. "Elizabeth, my father, many years ago, gave this ring to my mother because of his great love for her. He wanted to spend every moment with her and pledged his eternal love to her." He took the ring out of the box. "With this ring, I want to spend every moment I have with you. I promise I will love you with everything I am. I want to grow with you. I want a lifetime to todays and tomorrows with you. I look forward to a life time of memories of us together."

Jack paused for a moment to collect himself. He wiped a tear from his left cheek and took a deep breath. This was it. This was the moment that would determine the rest of his life.

"Elizabeth, I promise you I will do everything in my power to love you the way you deserve. I will not be perfect, but my love for you will be perfect. I can't imagine my life without you. Elizabeth Marie Thatcher, would you make me the happiest man on earth and become my wife? Will you marry me and spend our life together forever?"

Elizabeth stood in front of Jack trying to let everything register. Everything was perfect. This proposal was better than any of her childhood dreams. She could never imagine anything better than this. She never took her eyes off Jack. He was beginning to look nervous because of her silence. She looked deep into his eyes and gave him a huge smile. Before he knew what happened, she jumped into his arms knocking him over onto his back. She landed on top of him with her face inches from his.

The smile on her lips were the biggest he has ever seen. She looked into his eyes with all the love she could muster. "Jack, I would be honored to be your wife and walk this life with you."

With that, he reached for her hand and placed the ring onto her fourth finger on her left hand. The ring fit perfectly. Still laying on top of him, she looked at the ring on her finger and thought it was the most beautiful ring she had ever seen and now it was her engagement ring. She promised herself at that moment that the ring would never come off her finger.

"Elizabeth."

Before he could say anything, she crashed her lips onto his trying to express the love she had for him.