Chapter 29

Elizabeth and Jack looked up to see her parents standing at the end of the booth. Still giggling from Jack's statement, Elizabeth stands to greet and hug her parents. Jack stands to shake William's hand. Grace surprises him with a warm hug and a soft kiss on the cheek.

Elizabeth and Jack sat on one side of the booth while her parents sat on the other side of them. William sat in front of Jack and Grace sat in front of her daughter. After a few moments, Mary came over to the booth and took everyone's order.

The two couples made small talk over the weather and Elizabeth's class. Talking about her students put Elizabeth at ease. She loved her students, and it is always easy to get lost in that subject. With Elizabeth relaxing, this put Jack at ease. He knew her father had concerns with the speed of their relationship. Yes, he gave Jack permission to marry Elizabeth, but he was having difficulty with talk of their wedding date being so soon. Jack knew William would have concerns with a wedding in twelve days. He was dreading that portion of the conversation.

As he was thinking this, Elizabeth brought up the discussion. "Mother, father, Jack and I were discussing possible dates when you two came into the café."

"Oh, did you two come to any agreement?" Asked Grace.

"No. we just began discussing it a couple of minutes before you arrived. We haven't settled on anything yet." Said Jack. He was hoping to ease the conversation on this topic. Actually, he was hoping this would move the conversation to another topic. Plus, what he said wasn't wrong. They haven't decided on a date yet.

"Well, we have time." Stated William.

Jack tensed at his statement and lowered his gaze to the table top. He knew what William was hinting at. Elizabeth noticed the tension in Jack's posture. She reached for his hand and gave it a tight squeeze. She gave him a mischievous grin.

"Yeah, we have twelve days." Stated Elizabeth matter of factly. William was stunned and Grace began to smile.

"Twelve days?" Asked William.

"Yes, father. Next Friday, we are getting married and then we are leaving on a two week honeymoon."

Jack sat shocked and his mouth was slightly opened. Yes, they have talked about it, but didn't come to any agreement due to Elizabeth's parent's arrival. He knew she wanted to get married, but he was still afraid she wanted to wait a little longer. He looked at her shocked. She saw the look and released his hand and placed her hand on this thigh. This surprised Jack and he straightened up at her touch.

Grace sat stunned as well, but for a different reason than William. "Well, we need to get the dressed finished. We also need to look at places for the wedding and reception, a minister, your bridal party needs to be informed, family and friends invited."

Grace was in pure planning mode. While Elizabeth tried to stop her mother, she didn't hear Elizabeth trying to get her attention.

"We need to set a caterer, and…"

"Mother! We don't need all of that."

Grace took a breath and looked at her daughter. "What?"

"We already have a minister. The wedding dress is picked out and just needs to be altered. We are getting married in Hope Valley."

William remained silent. He was trying to bite his tongue and not create any more distance between himself and Elizabeth.

"Oh" Grace stated. You two have been planning."

"Well, Jack has been planning. We still have a few things to work out before he must leave, but we will figure it out."

"Abagail said she will help any way she can." Jack stated.

Elizabeth smiled at her fiancé knowing he has put forth a lot of effort. This made her feel loved. Her friend from college constantly complained that her fiancé didn't make any effort in making a decision.

Elizabeth and Grace sat for the next fifteen minutes talking all things wedding. They began making notes and talking things that needed to be decided upon. Jack sat speechless. He didn't realize how much planning went into a wedding. He thought the date, the minister, and the honeymoon was all there was. He was quickly learning there were many, many more details to be considered and worked out.

After about five minutes, Elizabeth took out a small notebook and a pen and started with notes. Elizabeth made a mental note to speak with Abagail on several things she was hoping Abagail could help with.

Jack kept a close watch on William. As time went and the food arrived, the ladies continued with their discussion, but William's face grew more upset. With his experience on the police force and the investigation department, Jack could sense when a storm was coming, and he could sense a Willaim sized storm approaching very quickly.

…

"So, Tom, we are planning on leaving on Wednesday?"

"Yes Julie. That will get us home on that day and we will be back to work on Thursday. Then we can turn in our notices and begin packing. With your vacation days built up, you can leave next Tuesday to come back here and help Elizabeth with wedding arrangements whenever they set a date, and you can look in on our house. I can leave on Thursday."

"Tom, I don't like that idea. I wish you could leave when I do."

"I don't have the vacation built up like you. It will only be two days. It will be fine."

"I know, but I still don't like it!"

"After that, we can come back home and begin the process of closing out everything and pack for our move. I love you, Jules."

"I love you."

Finalizing their plans, they continued their walk around the park. This has become their thing. The walk also took them by their new house. They would often stand on the sidewalk and look at their house. Julie already had all the plans for the inside, and Tom was making plans for the outside.

…

Halfway through the meal, William could not hold onto his tongue any longer. Grace sensed he was about to say something, and she reached for his leg and gave him a squeeze. When he looked at her, she discreetly shook her head no.

William huffed, but Jack and Elizabeth saw the interaction. Jack exhaled and slumped his shoulders in defeat. He knew William liked him and he wasn't the issue, but he couldn't figure out why William was so against the wedding happening so quickly.

"Sir," Jack looked at William. "Would you please take a walk with me?"

Before William could answer, Elizabeth spoke up. "That won't be necessary, Jack."

Both men looked at her confused. They didn't know what she was going to say next. Jack knew her well enough to know that when she had her mind made up and she felt disrespected, anything was possible.

"Father and I have already talked about this. He understands where I stand on this issue and several other issues as well."

Both men nodded.

"Father, I haven't changed my thinking. Nothing has changed since our discussion. Do you remember our discussion?"

William didn't say anything. He knew his daughter meant what she said. He also knew when she was settled on something, there was no changing her mind. He loved her stubborn side at times, but this wasn't one of those times.

"Yes, sweetheart. I remember."

"What discussion?" Asked Jack.

This didn't break William and Elizabeth's staring contest.

"Yes, I remember our talk." He stated just above a whisper.

Jack broke his gaze from Elizabeth, where he saw determination, to William, where he saw defeat. When he looked at Grace, he was surprised to see a little bit of frustration and sadness. Jack sat silently and completely confused.

Trying to break the tension, Grace stated, "Elizabeth, have you spoken to Violia?"

"No. I haven't spoken to her in a long time."

"I know. I'm sorry that relationship has been strained."

"I haven't spoken to her since I moved here. She never liked my choice of moving here. She is so wrapped up with Lionel and that life. I do hope she is doing well."

"So, this is really going to happen in twelve days?" Asked William.

Elizabeth exhaled a long, drawn out breath. She was trying to contain her frustration with her father, but it wasn't working. He gave Jack permission to ask her to marry him. If he was struggling with this, why on earth would he give his blessing? She couldn't understand it. Yes, it was fast, very fast by anyone's standards, but it wasn't unheard of. Especially since her mother told her that she fell in love with her father the day they meet. Granted, they took more time but that was because they were in college and a bit younger. Jack and she did not have anything like that holding them back.

"Yes, father, in twelve days I will marry this man. Will I need to speak with Frank?"

"Frank? I have already spoken to him about marrying us. He said he would." Said a confused Jack.

"Not that…I may need to ask him if he would be willing to walk me down the aisle."

"Wait…what?" Jack looked between William and Elizabeth. "Elizabeth, what are you talking about?"

Jack sat bewildered waiting for Elizabeth to respond. He was having trouble understanding this. For Elizabeth, she stared at her father for a few more minutes and then turned to Jack.

"My father thinks this is happening too fast and isn't happy. I told him that if he wasn't happy with my wedding date, I didn't want his negativity on my wedding day. I would ask Frank to walk me down the aisle and give me away to you. I have been close to both Abagail and Frank. If my father won't do it, I want Frank."

The group sat silent for what felt like an eternity. Finally, Jack spoke and broke the silence. "Elizabeth, I do not want to come in between you and your father. I am sorry I am causing a problem."

"Jack, you are not causing a problem. I am twenty seven years old. I have moved out of my family's house three, almost four years ago. For those three years, I have lived on my own and paid my own bills. I have worked and supported myself. I am a grown woman who knows what I want. I want to be married to you. There is no question in my mind. I have no doubts. Likewise, I only want people at my wedding who are happy for me. This is supposed to be the best day that begins our life together, I do not want any negativity to destroy our day. If my father decides to do that, he will not be invited. This is his decision, not yours or mine."

"But he's your father." Jack tried to explain.

She reached over and took his hand and tugged him closer to her. She wanted his complete attention. "Jack, I love you and I will marry you in twelve days. I want my family there along with your family and our close friends. If any one does not want to celebrate with us, then that is on them. They can stay home and watch TV or something."

Jack loved her determination but was saddened at the division that their relationship was causing her family.

William was silent, taking in everything that was said. His mind was telling him that he was being ridiculous; his father's heart was telling him that this was too fast. It was a battle he has fought over the last few days. He saw the love between the young couple and knew their foundation was on good footing, but the time issue was still his stumbling block. Their relationship may be off to a good start, but do they have a foundation what will last a lifetime?

Jack drew closer to Elizabeth and gently kissed her on her cheek. "If that is what you want Bella, I am fine with the date."

Grace almost melted at his nickname for her daughter. Elizabeth shared with her what he did regarding her numerous nicknames.

"It is what I want. What about you, Jack? Is that what you want?"

"Silly, don't you remember that I was the one who mentioned it." He sassed.

…

Abagail lingered behind the counter watching the interaction of the group. She knew Elizabeth very well and was becoming close to Jack too. She could tell the conversation wasn't going well. Once she saw the look of determination on Elizabeth's face at the last of the conversation, she started to slowly walk over. After the kiss on the cheek, she approached the table.

"Hey everyone. Do any of you need anything else?"

All four at the booth looked in her direction. She saw various expressions of emotions. She only concentrated on one, Elizabeth's. In her expression she saw resolute and a little sadness.

"No, Abagail. We are all good here. If we can have our check, that would be perfect. We are done here." Stated Elizabeth in a flat tone.

"No problem. I will be right back."

Grace looked at the young couple in front of them. She had a question she wanted to ask but wasn't sure how to ask it. Elizabeth noticed her mom's uneasiness. "Mom, whatever it is you want to say, just say it."

"If your father decides not to come to the wedding, may I still come?" She asked desperately hoping not to miss her daughter's wedding.

"Mother, as long as you are happy for us, you are more than welcome to come. I have a plan for you." Elizabeth said as she reached across the table taking her hand. "Mother, maybe you could walk me down the aisle and give me away? Would you be ok doing that?"

Grace looked at her middle child with all the admiration she could muster in her body. Then she looked at her husband and felt sadness. Turning back to Elizabeth, "It would be my honor if you would want me to walk with you." She smiled at her daughter. She was proud of her daughter but unhappy with the division her beloved husband was creating. "I will be there. Oh, we are flying out Wednesday afternoon, but we need to go by the dress shop tomorrow so they can do alterations on your wedding gown."

"You already have a wedding gown?" Asked a stunned Jack.

"Yes. It just needs to be altered."

"And I thought I was afraid I was pushing this forward too much." He sassed.

"Hush you." Turning to her mother, "Mother, will tomorrow after work be good for you?"

"Perfect dear."

"Father?"

He looked at her with a blank expression on his face.

"When I come to pick up mother tomorrow, please let me know of your decision. I need to give Frank some notice if he is going to officiate our wedding and walk me down the aisle or let him know my mother is doing it."

With that, she motioned for Jack to get up. "We need to pay the bill and get going."

Jack, without questioning her, stood and extended his hand to help her up from the booth. She kissed him on the cheek as she turned to walk toward the counter.

"Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher, I hope you have a good evening." Jack said as he began following Elizabeth to the counter.

After walking out of the café, Jack stopped Elizabeth on the sidewalk. "Sweetheart are you sure you are ok with all of this with your father?"

She sighed. She hated the distance this was causing with her father, but this was his own making. She wasn't a child and he needed to respect her decisions as her own adult.

"I'm fine. I don't like it, but what am I supposed to do? He can't control my life. If every time I disagree with him, is he going to hold me hostage?"

Jack nodded. He was grateful for this woman in front of him, he just hated the circumstance.

"I love you and I will not apologize for that, nor will I put our life on hold because of someone else. Only you and I have a say in our life. People can voice their opinion, but your voice and my voice are the only one that truly matters."

Jack leans in and places a gentle kiss on the tip of her nose. "I love you Elizabeth Marie Thatcher."

She sighed with pleasure. "I love you Thomas Jack Thorton."

…

Grace glared at William while sitting in the booth. "I cannot believe you are going to throw away your precious relationship with your daughter because you disagree with her on this."

"Don't you think this is important?"

"I absolutely do. William, do you think Elizabeth is intelligent?"

"Yes."

"Do you think she is strong?"

He nodded.

"Do you think she knows what she wants in life?"

He didn't react.

"Do you think Jack is untrustworthy?"

Again, he didn't react.

"Do you think they love each other? Do you think they are right for each other?"

Again, nothing.

"I am going to the hotel. We leave tomorrow afternoon. I think you need to take the evening to examine you."

William sighed.

…

Tom looks over at Jules who is asleep on his bed in his hotel bed. She had the room next door but she was asleep and she looked absolutely adorable. Her red hair was sprayed over the pillow and her mouth was slightly opened and every so often a soft snore would escape. She was the most beautiful girl and she agreed to marry him. He couldn't believe his luck.

Gently, he placed the bed's quilt over her so she would be comfortable. Then he brushed his teeth and prepared for bed himself. He took a blanket from the closet and used that for himself. He laid down beside his love and wrapped his arms around her and settled in close to her as he could get. She inched her back to him and settled in for a restful night of sleep.

…

With no destination in mind, Elizabeth and Jack walked around town. They held hands and at times Jack would wrap his arm around her. They would steal soft kisses and just enjoyed each other's company. They both had the same thought, I wouldn't mind if we did this for the rest of our lives.

Without realizing it, they walked by Jack's apartment in Abagail's driveway. The hour was already late, and Elizabeth had school in the morning.

"Bella, it's getting late. Would you like to stay here tonight with me?"

"Jack…this is Abagail's place."

"I know, but she always leaves early for work. She will never know."

"And what about earlier?" She was referencing the passionate make out session in her apartment.

"I promise we will not take it too far. Plus, I am leaving the day after tomorrow for a few days. I want to spend all the time I can with you."

"So, you are wanting to say good morning instead of good night?"

He blushed. "I do."

"Jack, I don't have anything to sleep in."

"I can find you a pair of my shorts and a t-shirt of mine to sleep in. I'll take you to your apartment in the morning so you can get ready for work." He stepped closer to her and gently pulled her into his arms. Without kissing her, he states, "Elizabeth, I am going to miss you when I am gone. Please stay with me, please."

When she looked into his eyes, there was no denying him. How could she say no to this man when he spoke like that? She gave him a look and that was all he needed. He smiled at her knowing he won her over and led her upstairs to his apartment.

Once inside the apartment, Elizabeth took a moment to look around. She has known Abagail for three years and visited her house countless times, but she has never been inside the apartment. Jack walked out of the bedroom with a pair of shorts, a shirt, and a new toothbrush.

"I'll wait here while you get ready for bed. Just let me know when I can come in."

She closed the bedroom door, Jack took the opportunity to change into his normal sleep wear, which consisted of a pair of athletic shorts and no shirt. It is what he has always slept in but didn't give it much thought. He didn't think about it until he walked in front of the mirror. If she needs me to put a shirt on I will.

She opened the door and gasped. This was the first time she saw Jack with no shirt. Her toes tingled along with everything else. She looked him from head to toe and back up. She was examining him like he was a side of beef. She loved what she saw. "Oh…my" She whispered.

For Jack, it was no different. His clothes were baggy on her, but she looked absolutely perfect in his clothes. Tom would always teel him that he loved it when his girlfriends would wear his shirts. Jack always though he was over exaggerating, but now he knew Tom wasn't. "Oh…my" he said under a whisper.

After looking her from head to toe, he stated, "Twelve days."

After brushing his teeth and washing his face, Jack walked into the small bedroom to see Elizabeth laying on the bed with her back against the small headboard. She was thumbing through a book that Jack had on his bed side table and was trying her best not to stare at her fiancé without his shirt on. Nonchalantly she watched Jack walk around to the other side of the bed. Elizabeth pulled back the covers for him and patted the mattress. At that simple act, his heart stopped for a moment, and he stopped and stood still.

"Jack, are you ok?"

Looking at his perfect fiancé, he couldn't speak. He simply nodded his head.

He got in under the covers and they both settled in. He was laying on his right side with his arm under her head. Her back was pressed up against his chest and their legs were intertwined. He placed his left arm around her, and his hand settled on her small stomach. She placed her left hand on his and pulled it up to her chest and squeezed it. Jack instinctively pulled her in closer to him and he sighed.

The hot air from his breathing blew on her neck. That sent shivers through her body. Wow. She felt the goose bumps run through her entire body. This felt perfect. She felt at home in Jack's embrace. She wasn't nervous nor did it feel scandalous. This was exactly where she was supposed to be.

For Jack, this felt like heaven. She just fit. Every curve fit with his. She could have been molded to him and she couldn't have fit any better. He held her just a little tighter and he moaned slightly. She giggled when she heard and felt him moan.

"Are you ok, sweetheart?" Jack asked.

"I'm perfect, Jack."

…

Both enjoyed a perfect night's rest. Neither of them moved. They held onto each other, and it was the best night of their lives. Both laid awake but the other didn't realize it. Jack thought about his future. This was going to be his everyday routine, and he knew he would never get tired of it. He held on a little tighter knowing they had to get up soon.

She was counting down the minutes on the alarm clock on the bed side table. She didn't want to leave this position. Each time the clock would change. She would sigh knowing that was one less minute she was going to be in his arms.

"Belle, are you awake."

"If I say no, can I stay here a little longer?"

He laughed. "Evelyn days sweetheart and this will be our everyday. I can't wait!" He moved Elizabeth's hair and she gasped. How in the world does that simple act affect me so much? After moving her hair, he noticed she shivered and saw the goose bumps traveling down her back. He gently kissed the back of her neck. Once again, she shivered, and he loved her reaction to his touch.

He gently kissed her neck again and slowly moved to her shoulder. He would stop every inch or so and lightly kiss her. Once to her shoulder, he would travel to the side of her neck doing the same thing with his lips. He was in heaven. She was so soft, and she tasted like nothing he has ever tasted before. He knew in that moment he would never get tired of kissing this woman. When he arrived at her ear, he sucked on the skin just below her earlobe. She squirmed a little but nothing too bad. Once he reached the earlobe, that was a different story. He kissed her earlobe and then gently sucked on it. That feels awesome. Then he nibbled on her earlobe, she instantly jumped out of bed grasping her hands in front of her chest.

Her reaction startled him. He thought it was pleasing her but feared she hated it. "Elizabeth, I am sorry. I thought you would like that."

He didn't notice her heavy breathing. He was too busy looking down. He felt bad for making her uncomfortable.

"Jack" she was still trying to catch her breath.

"I'm sorry, Elizabeth."

"Jack, that was incredible!"

"Huh…if that was incredible why did you jump out of bed?"

Her face turned red with a little bit of embarrassment. "Jack, that felt incredible."

"Then what happened?"

Just above a whisper she answered, "I don't know. That just felt so good and before I knew it, I was standing. I don't know what happened."

Jack grinned at her expression and realized he found a spot that he would never forget and would pay attention to often.

"Bella, our life is going to be perfect."

He stood and gave her a hug. He kissed her lovingly and told her to get changed while he started coffee for them. She kissed him one more time before she turned to the bathroom to get washed and ready.

She stepped out of the bedroom to a dressed Jack. He offered her a cup of coffee in a travel mug. I'll take you home so you can get ready for work when you're ready.

"I'm ready. Are you sure Abagail isn't home?"

"Yes sweetheart. It's 6:15, she is always gone before six."

A few minutes later, Elizabeth stepped out of the apartment followed by Jack. As they walked down the stairs, Jack kept a hand on the small of her back to help balance her. At least that is what he told himself. Honestly, he didn't want to lose the contact with her. The previous night and this morning were perfect.

He laughed at something she said and when she reached the ground she stopped in her tracks. Jack noticed but couldn't react fast enough and ran into her.

"Abagail!" Elizabeth exclaimed with surprise and embarrassment.

Abagail smirked and looked at Elizabeth and Jack. A mischievous smile growing on her face.

Elizabeth and Jack looked at Abagail and Abagail glared at Elizabeth and Jack. Neither saying a word.

Finally, Abagail looked at Elizabeth and mentioned, "Elizabeth, aren't those the clothes you were wearing yesterday?"