Disclaimer: I do not own the characters within this story. All rights and much respect go to Crown Media, Hallmark, Brian Bird, Michael Landon, Jr., the actors, creators, and writers of the show "When Calls the Heart." Any real people or places noted in the chapter are just there for storyline purposes.

Chapter 3- I'm Shocked

Elizabeth closed her door and changed into her favorite pair of shorts, the ones with different colored pawprints and dog bones all over them, and a teal tank top, opening the door again to obtain the ocean breeze during the night while she slept.

Bella was already in "her" spot in bed before Elizabeth returned, and encouragement was needed to get her to move over as the bedding was pulled back.

Laying in her bed with her arms around Bella provided Elizabeth with the best night's sleep in days, and if truth be told, probably much longer than that.

The following morning, Elizabeth was scavenging through the kitchen cabinets looking for coffee with Bella by her side when she was startled by a male voice.

"Good morning, did you sleep well?" Jack asked.

Although she remembered inviting him to stay, she'd never had a man in her place for breakfast, and it surprised, yet intrigued her. "Oh, good morning. Yes, I slept really well. Thank you for letting me borrow Bella; it was a big help."

Finding nothing that resembled coffee, Elizabeth closed the cabinet door. Turning toward Jack she slightly hesitated, before blurting out, "Um, I'm really sorry about last night. I didn't mean to fall apart like that…usually I'm able to hold it together."

Jack, wearing a pair of perfectly fitted stonewash jeans and a teal polo shirt, leaned against the kitchen counter, "Elizabeth, you've gone through a lot recently; I'm sorry that I added to what you were already feeling."

"If I didn't say I'm sorry last night, I am…sorry, I mean," Elizabeth stated as she leaned against the opposite counter. "I'm angry at Ryan, and I took it out on you…that wasn't fair."

"I'm still standing," he responded. Jack smiled, "Well, are you dressed?"

Glancing down, she returned her eyes to his, "Excuse me?"

"Are those pajamas or are you dressed to go out?" he replied.

"Oh, this is what I sleep in…I'm sorry, I forgot that there was a man staying here too. Maybe I should have a robe on."

Before he thought, Jack responded, "Don't change anything on my account. You look fine, quite good actually."

Elizabeth blushed, "Well, thank you, but I guess I should go change." Looking back at his shirt and hers, she said, "Although I guess we could go out like this and be twinsies," she giggled referencing the teal shirts that they were both wearing.

Seeing a smile cover Jack's face, Elizabeth turned toward her room, stopping when he called out to her.

"Hey, do you have any plans today?"

"No, I'm on vacation, and please don't call it my non-honeymoon again."

"I'm sorry about that. Anyway, would you like to go out and get some breakfast?"

Elizabeth didn't immediately respond. Glancing up into his eyes, he caught her hesitancy, "Just friends, okay?"

"Okay, friends I can do," Elizabeth agreed. "Let me go change and I'll meet you out here in a few minutes."

Bella followed Elizabeth into the bedroom, crawled up into the bed and lay quietly as Elizabeth pulled out a pair of white jean shorts and coral colored tank top, tucking it in at the waist. "Does this look okay?"

When Bella continued to lay quietly, Elizabeth answered her own question, "It's just breakfast with a friend."

Elizabeth stepped over to the bed, kissed Bella on the top of the head before covering her with a blanket. Slipping into her flip-flops, Elizabeth checked herself in the mirror several times and from different angles before whispering, "Get over it; he's just a friend."

Elizabeth stopped at the door, "Are you coming?" she called out one final time to Bella.

Bella closed her eyes and refused to move, waiting until Elizabeth closed the door to roll over in bed, stretch, place her head on the pillow and fall back to sleep.

"Where's Bella?" Jack asked.

"Apparently she's on vacation too; she's sleeping in," Elizabeth giggled. "Oh WOW, we don't have a car. I'm sorry, I forgot about that."

"No worries," Jack stated as he slipped his cellphone back into his pocket. "I just called Uber…"

Jack and Elizabeth were standing outside when the Uber driver pulled up. Slipping inside the backseat, it was a totally different scenario than the day before. Jack and Elizabeth gladly sad side by side, and the silence or snarky comments from the previous day were replaced by cordial lighthearted conversation.

The Uber driver took then into town and stopped at a quiet café on the water which offered outside dining. As they walked toward the cafe, Jack rushed forward to open the door for her.

"Thank you…"

Before Jack could respond, the hostess asked, "Two for breakfast?"

"Yes, please. Outside if you have something available…" he stated as his hand, although never actually touching her lower back, somehow seemed to guide her through the café and toward the outside seating area.

Jack held out her seat, scooting it toward the table after she sat down.

The hostess handed them a menu, "You two are a beautiful couple. I assume you're here on your honeymoon, and I hope you have a wonderful time. This is truly the land of lovers…"

"Uh, we're…" Elizabeth called out, but the hostess disappeared before she could explain that she and Jack were just friends.

Turning her attention back to Jack, she commented, "I'm sorry that they assume we're together."

"Don't worry about it; there are worse things they could think," he smiled, causing her to return the gesture.

The waitress returned to take their order, Elizabeth chose, fruit, mushrooms and vegetables, a favorite of locals, and Jack settled in on chicken and waffles.

As the waitress walked away, Elizabeth giggled, "Really; you come to Fiji, and eat what you could get at home?"

"Well, you can get fruit and vegetables at home too."

Elizabeth laughed, "I guess you're right. Enjoy your chicken and waffles."

"I will and you enjoy your fruit and vegetables."

As they ate their breakfast, the conversation flowed. There were no uncomfortable comments or inferences, and questions asked were answered honestly by both parties.

"So, what made you want to go into journalism?" he asked as he nibbled on a piece of her pineapple.

"I have always wanted to dig deep, to find out the truth and to provide that information to the viewers. I'm so tired of people being given half-truths or complete lies, and they're expected to accept anything they are told."

"So, will you still be co-hosting with your ex?" he asked.

"No, Ryan left for a job in New York, so he's gone for good. I left before anything was said about a new co-host. But to be honest with you, I'm not sure I can stay," her emotion was genuine as her eyes began to water. "I mean, how can I show my face on air again?"

"Elizabeth," Jack reached over and placed his hand on hers, squeezing it gently, "You have nothing to be embarrassed or feel guilty about." Returning his hand to his own plate, he couldn't help but acknowledge the electricity he felt when their skin touched… but is it just something that he felt?

Elizabeth wondered why she didn't pull her hand away. After all, they had agreed to spend time together as friends only. But then again, the electricity she felt was something that she had never experienced with any other man, Ryan included. It was interesting, confusing, but also nice. "It's just all of the plans that were done, and everything was covered by the station, and I feel like I've let people down."

"Elizabeth, when you talk about marriage, who do you think about?" he asked.

She looked oddly in his direction before answering, "The husband and wife, why?"

"It's no one else's business. If necessary, you just say what you feel comfortable with, and then put it to rest."

Elizabeth took a deep breath and hesitantly continued, "I just don't know if I can continue to work there. I mean, I can't blame what happened on the higher ups at the station, but if we hadn't been pushed together, maybe it wouldn't have gone this far."

Elizabeth took a deep breath, feeling frustrated as she released it, "I'm sorry; I'm tired of talking about myself, tell me about you…"

"There isn't much to tell. I'm a pilot, which you already knew. I'm single, and…"

"Really, you aren't married with two small boys who love to camp?" she asked.

Jack laughed, "No, why would you think that?"

"Well, when we talked at the Animal Shelter on the morning you came to adopt Bella, you said that you needed to have her checked out at the Vet before you headed for a camping trip. I think I just had in my mind that there was a wife and two kids in your life."

"My mom would probably like to have some grandchildren; I mean, my younger brother, Tom, has a boy and a girl, and I guess that will have to suffice for now."

"So, when you go camping, who do you go with?"

"My best friend, Lee Coulter," Jack advised. "The thing is with them, his wife really, although he's been pushing too…"

"Pushing for what?" Elizabeth asked.

"Lee and Rosie, oh, that's his wife, well, Rosie has been pushing for me to find someone and settle down."

"Why don't you think you have? I mean, you're a really nice guy; you'd be a catch for anyone," she responded before realizing how suggestive that comment sounded.

Jack smiled, "Thank you. I guess I just haven't found the one. You know that special someone who is meant just for me."

"Do you really believe that there is a person out there who is meant just for you?" she asked.

"I most certainly do."

"Okay, if I were to believe that, how do you know when you've met them? I mean, I was supposed to marry Ryan, so obviously he wasn't 'the one.'"

"I just believe that somehow, you know…"

"Well, that's not very helpful, Captain…"

"We're not back to the captain thing, are we?" he looked concerned.

Elizabeth giggled, "No, I'm just teasing, but you know, this fate, or 'he's the one' kind of thing is frightening. It scares me that when that special one comes along that I won't recognize it."

"You'll know…" he promised her.

"Right, assurances coming from a guy who hasn't met his forever one yet either," she responded. "I guess it's like believing in God, you just have to have faith."

"Exactly…"

Suddenly, Jack observed Felicia enter the café. "Excuse me, I'm going to invite Felicia to join us," he stated, assuming that since they were only there as friends, it would not be a problem.

"Sure, I'd hate for her to have to be alone," Elizabeth replied as she watched Jack walk away. "Mmm, he looks scrumptious…" she whispered. "Stop it, it's too soon…" she released a hard breath which passed through lips that quickly smiled. "Besides, wouldn't he know I was his one and only if I were?" she whispered as she watched Jack approach Felicia.

"Hey," Jack startled Felicia as he caught her off guard. Would you like to come sit with Elizabeth and I?"

"Excuse me…? You and Elizabeth; you made up?"

"We've talked, and yes, we're fine. So, do you want to join us?" Jack asked again.

"Jack, do you really want me to join you two?" Felicia laughed softly. "No seriously, I'm waiting on my husband to arrive on the island. Mrs. Thatcher made arrangements for him to fly in this morning and he's staying for a week…a second honeymoon and one of the perks of working for Thatcher Industries," she advised, her excitement was palpable.

"WOW, congratulations…"

"Hey, where are you staying?"

"Well, unfortunately the limo driver said that no hotels accept pets, so I'm staying with Elizabeth in the house they rented," he advised.

"Oh really? Well, you may not want to hear this but the place where I'm staying has a few dogs staying there too. They're small, but they are dogs."

"Well, the driver seemed certain that there was no hotel that would allow dogs, and since she was hurt, I didn't want to leave her with Elizabeth to have to take care of," Jack explained.

"How is she?"

"Who…?"

"Bella…"

"Oh, the faker is fine."

"What does that mean?"

"Well, let's just say, she couldn't walk until Elizabeth, and I talked, and I guess made up, and suddenly, she was up on her feet and running."

"WOW, that's a real smart one there. Maybe she knows something that you don't."

"Like what?"

"We haven't talked in a while, but have you found your 'one' yet?"

"No, still single."

"Well then, maybe Bella is trying to tell you two something."

Jack pulled her off to the side, "Don't even imply something. She's my boss's daughter, and just broke up with her fiancé, not the time to be starting something new, and I'm not the one she needs to start it with."

"I'll remind you of that when she starts seeing someone…" Felicia teased.

"Stop it; we're friends and right now, we share a dog."

"Whatever you say, but you two are staying together, and I'm sure you're getting to know each other…"

"Okay, before you assume anything, I'm in one end of the house and she's in the other. But I will admit that it's nice, only because she needs to spend some time with Bella too."

"What's the deal with her and Bella?" Felicia asked.

"It's a long story, but let's just say that somehow, Bella can sense when those around her are upset, and just being near her seems to help."

"Did you ever think that maybe Bella was a therapy dog before you got her?"

"I didn't think about it until I saw her work both of us the past day and a half, and I have to tell you, it's fascinating to watch her calm people just by being around them."

"Well, that's great to hear. She's a wonderful dog," Felicia replied. "Oh, I'm at the Shangri-La Resort Hotel if you want to see if there are any vacancies," Felicia remarked before catching a glimpse of her husband walking through the door. She quickly excused herself and ran to greet him.

Jack walked back to the table and took a seat, "Apparently Felicia and her husband are having a second honeymoon while they're here, so, no…she doesn't want to join us. Also, she did tell me that she's staying at the Shangri-La Resort Hotel and there are dogs there. So, I thought maybe I'd see if they have any vacancies…"

"Why; don't you like the house?" Elizabeth asked, clearly disappointed in his possible move.

"The house in great; I just thought you might like to be alone. I mean, we were kind of thrown on you."

"First of all, I offered, and secondly, being alone is highly over-rated. But, if you do move out, is it okay if Bella spends some time with me?" she asked.

"Of course. I understand now why you think of her as yours too, and…well, I'm willing to share her with you while we're here."

"Thank you, Jack; That means a lot. Just think about it, and if you decide to move out, I'll understand, maybe..."

Both Jack and Elizabeth were quiet for the remainder of breakfast. It wasn't that neither had anything to say, or that they weren't enjoying the company of the other, because they did, and they were. It was more the fact that each one felt a little something that they couldn't explain and feared they shouldn't.

They wanted to spend more time together, but then there was the fact that he was employed by her father, and she'd just gone through a break-up, certainly not the best time to meet someone new and exciting…or was it?

Once back at the house, Bella required the attention of both Jack and Elizabeth, nudging them to take her for a walk on the beach. It was as if the salt air had cleared their minds; neither one was consumed with will he or won't he move; they simply laughed and talked as if they'd know each other for years.

Standing on the beach, Jack watched as the surfers rode in waves or sat on their boards simply waiting for 'the big one.'

"Hey, I'm going surfing…" he said.

"Do you surf?" she asked.

"I sure do, but these waves are a bit bigger than I'm used to. It still looks like fun, though," he stated as they started walking back toward the house.

"Yeah right, if drowning is on your bucket list…"

An hour later, Jack was wearing a black wetsuit and carrying a rented surfboard toward the water. After a few separations from his board, Jack was hanging ten with the best of them.

During one run, Jack was accidentally sideswiped by another surfer, a woman with light brown hair, wearing a teal patchwork printed surfing swimsuit.

"I am so sorry…" she stated as they carried their boards onto the beach.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

"I'm fine; these waves are great, aren't they?" she responded.

"Better than anything I've ridden, but I guess that's not fair, because I haven't surfed in a few years."

"Really…? Man, you're great," she replied. "Oh, by the way, I'm Katie…Katie Amhurst."

Jack smiled, "Hi Katie. I'm Jack Thornton."

"It's very nice to meet you Jack." Finding him, even wet, to be extremely handsome, she hesitantly asked, "You aren't here on your honeymoon, are you?"

Jack smiled, "No, I'm single."

"Me too. What are the chances of finding single people here in Fiji?"

Thinking of Elizabeth, he responded, "Well, I think it's more likely than you realize."

A short distance away, Elizabeth walked with Bella toward the surfing area. "Is that your daddy?" she asked Bella even though she knew there would be no answer.

Bella, with her 'daddy' in view, took off running, ripping the leash from Elizabeth's hand. Once she reached him, the meeting was much like a military homecoming between owner and dog. She ran circles around him, squealing and with her tail wagging erratically. Then Elizabeth watched as she gently took hold of his hand and pulled him toward Elizabeth.

"What are you doing, Bella?" Jack asked his faithful companion. Turning his attention back to Katie, Jack added, "I'm sorry, she is usually very well behaved."

Elizabeth ran toward the group, "I'm sorry, Jack. I guess she's just extremely attached to you."

"Elizabeth…Elizabeth Standish…?" Katie called out.

"Yes, I'm sorry, have we met?" Elizabeth answered back.

"Well, no, but I came to WRAL as a meteorologist just after you left, and I remember hearing about you, and seeing your pictures around the station," Katie advised. "If you know of anybody looking to relocate to Raleigh, there's a co-host position on The Morning Brew open.

"I'll keep that in mind…" Elizabeth stated.

"Oh, I followed your wedding planning too," Katie advised.

"All the way in Raleigh?"

"I stream the channel," she responded. "I tell you what, I admire you for letting the viewers pick everything for your wedding. That really takes guts."

"Well, I…" Elizabeth stopped, not knowing what to say.

"I guess Fiji is where the honeymoon is," Katie stated as she glanced around looking for Ryan. "I haven't watched the wedding yet, but I'll bet it was beautiful. Where's Ryan? You two make the cutest couple…" Katie kept talking, digging Elizabeth's hole deeper and deeper, as embarrassment consumed her.

Sensing Elizabeth's uneasiness, Jack blurted out, "I'm sorry, did you come out to get me for Bella's Vet appointment?"

"Huh…?" Elizabeth replied, confused by his question, but mortified by those asked by Katie.

"The Vet checkup; I almost forgot about it." Turning his attention to Katie, Jack stated, "I'm sorry, we need to rush to get Bella in to see the Vet for a re-check."

"Well, I hope you'll be back out here; I'd love to talk with you more," Katie remarked.

"I'm sure I'll be here. I mean, there's a beach and there's surfing, so, I'll be here at some point," Jack replied.

"Well, I'll keep an eye out for you," Katie stated in a flirty tone. "Hey, what's wrong with the dog; she looks fine?" Katie stated as she glanced down and observed Bella sitting patiently between her parents.

Jack took the leash from Elizabeth. "Well, looks can be deceiving," Jack stated as they turned and walked away, both laughing softly about their conniving Labrador.

Watching them walk away, Katie whispered, "Damn straight. There's something going on here, and I'm going to find out."

Jack and Elizabeth were only a short distance away when Katie called out, "Hey, where are you staying?"

"Jack, she's calling out to you…" Elizabeth stated as if he hadn't heard.

"I know, but I don't want her knowing that were staying in the same place, because that's how rumors get started."

"So, are you staying?"

"I'm not sure. I don't want to cause you any problems."

"Jack, are you trying to protect my honor?" Elizabeth asked.

"I'm not so sure that you need protecting, but right now, you're dealing with some stuff, and you don't need anyone adding to it."

"But Jack, she could be 'the one…'"

"I don't think so."

"Why; how do you know? I mean, when you think about it, what are the chances of you meeting a woman in Fiji who's single. She is single, right? And she lives in your same city, and also loves surfing?"

"Yes, she is single, but are you trying to push me into something?"

"No, of course not, but I'm still confused on how you know it's the right person or not? You tell me how you know that it isn't her, or her, or Katie or even me?" she asked, pointing out several women who were hanging out on the beach, and surprised that she'd added herself into the mix.

"I don't know how to explain it. It's just a feeling you get. It's like when you take hold of someone's hand, and you feel a surge of electricity that flows through your body…it gets your attention."

Jack wasn't paying attention and Bella took off after a ball kicked by a small child down the beach. Both Jack and Elizabeth took after her, reaching for the leash at the same time.

As her hand covered his on the handle, Jack's heart stopped. Elizabeth's heart stopped. The surge of electricity was something each of them remembered feeling twice before, yesterday when they touched hands while rubbing Bella at the Vet's office, and when he reached over to console her.

"Oh, I'm sorry," she pulled away.

"No, no…I'm sorry," Jack turned his attention out onto the ocean. "Look at that water, it is so crystal blue."

"Yes, it's beautiful…"

As they walked into the house, Elizabeth softly stated, "Thank you for that back there. You didn't have to step in but thank you."

"What?"

"The stuff with Katie; thank you for getting me out of there."

"Elizabeth, what you tell people, is what you choose to tell people, but it's your story to tell, and in your time," he assured her.

"I think I'm going to lay down. Is it okay if Bella comes with me?" Elizabeth asked.

"Sure; enjoy your nap," he responded as he watched them walk away. His heart pounded and he found it difficult to catch his breath. Jack fell out onto the sofa, "What's going on here? We've really only started getting to know each other, and she's my boss's daughter, how can there be electricity?" he whispered.

Feeling the need to talk to Lee, Jack dialed his number. He didn't really know what they would talk about, maybe Lee would direct the conversation. Maybe they wouldn't talk about anything in particular, or just maybe he would give Jack guidance without even knowing it."

Jack dialed his number. Groggily, Lee answered, "H…he…ll…ooo…" hitting the speaker button by mistake.

"Oh, did I wake you up?"

"Uh, no…I'm awake," Lee responded.

"I'm sorry, Lee. Go back to sleep and I'll call you later."

"Uh, Lee's being nice, yes you did wake us up, but go ahead, I want to hear what's going on in beautiful LA. Why are you there?"

"Well, I didn't go to LA…"

"Then why are you calling us so early in the morning?" Rosie's tone became curt.

"Well, I'm actually in Fiji."

"As in the island of Fiji?" Rosie was now wide awake and more accepting of his early morning call.

"Yes, that's the same place…" Jack replied.

"So, have you found any gorgeous women there?" Lee asked, "Ouch," Rosie elbowed him in the side.

"No, Lee, he doesn't need to find a woman there. Guess what, Jack…?" Before Jack could respond, Rosie continued, "Elizabeth Standish didn't get married. I don't know why, but she's available, and she's beautiful." Turning her attention back to Lee she stated, "We need to find a way to get them together."

"Well, I know she didn't get married…" Jack replied.

"Ha, did you watch the show?" Rosie teased. "Tell me what happened…"

"No, but I…"

"Oh, I don't care how you found out, but I knew you were interested; you just waited too long to do anything."

"I don't know what you're talking about, Rosie."

"Think about it Jack, she lives in Charlotte and you're only a few hours away in Raleigh. I'm calling the station and leaving a message for her."

"Don't you dare…" Jack quickly blurted out. "Please be quiet and let me explain…"

"Okay, I'm listening…" Rosie stated.

"Are you still there, Lee?" Jack asked.

"Yes, I'm here…go ahead."

"Well, I flew Mr. Thatcher's daughter down to Fiji…"

"By herself? What's the deal with her; can't she get a date?"

"Stop it, Rosie," Jack's tone was jarring. "Did you know that Elizabeth Standish isn't her real name?"

"Really…? I guess I never thought about it," Rosie replied. "So, what's her real name…"

"Elizabeth Thatcher…"

"Thatcher…?" Lee called out.

Not thinking, Rosie responded, "So, what does that mean?"

Lee closed his eyes and shook his head back and forth, "Jack works for Thatcher Industries, and either Elizabeth is Mr. Thatcher's very much younger sister, or she's his daughter."

"Oh, that's good. You should be able to see her more often then…" Rosie stated, still unable to see the implications.

"Lee, can you explain this to her?" Jack asked. "Hey guys, I'm sorry I woke you, but I've got to go…"

"Jack, why are you telling us this?" Lee asked.

"No reason; I just thought you'd like to know."

"Right, now tell me the real reason…"

"Lee, there's electricity…"

"Well, of course there's electricity, you're in Fiji, not a jungle," Rosie cut in, having no idea what Jack meant.

"I'll explain it to you later, Rosie," Lee whispered.

Turning his attention back to Jack, "Please call me later," Lee practically begged.

"I'll try…" Jack stated as he glanced down the hall toward her bedroom and realized what he needed to do.

Several hours later, Elizabeth and Bella walked down the hall and found Jack sitting by the pool, staring out onto the ocean. With his bag packed and sitting beside him, Elizabeth knew his decision.

"So, you're moving to the hotel?" she asked.

"I just think it's best. I mean, I don't want people like Katie knowing we're staying here together and making more out of it than there really is."

"I understand. Let me go get Bella's bowl…" Elizabeth didn't know why, but somehow she felt worse now than she did watching Ryan walk out of her house.

"No, she can stay with you."

"Are you sure?" his statement allowed the smile to return to her face.

"Yeah, of course. I'll check in with her daily, so she doesn't forget me."

"I'd never let that happen…"

Jack grabbed his bag, kissed Bella and started to reach out his arm to shake Elizabeth's hand. Worried that he'd again feel the electric jolt, he simply grabbed a piece of paper, "Here is my number if you need to contact me."

"We'll be fine," she stated as she tried to usher him outside before her tears began falling down her cheeks.

As the front door closed, Elizabeth hugged Bella, "I'm gonna miss him, and I don't even know why…"

To be continued…