Hello!! I know I took a week to post again, but I think you'll like this chap. Beautiful scenes, really. And quite an interesting ending, don't you think? Who could be that friend? Any ideas? Enjoy...
P.S. Foxy4ever, love u baby ;)
Chapter 49
The next Sunday Jack drove Brooke to the airport after a week of deep bonding between her and his family. He was absolutely content with the way things were going. Claire adored her, let alone Charlie and Hurley, and Aaron and Charlene even competed for her attention and her cookies.
What pleased him the most was how she and his kids were getting along. Jackie was getting closer with her within the hour, and as for Brett, Jack even joked and told her that if he was 16 instead of 4, they'd be having a "Brooke problem", because his little boy was simply in love with her, as much as himself.
For his surprise, even Margo, for the first time in life, liked the woman he loved. The next morning after the dinner they shared, he went straight to his mother and asked her. Okay, you can tell me now, he said. Tell you what dear?, Margo asked nonchalant. Your complaints. Bring them. I know you don't like her, that's not news. Margo opened her eyes wide and looked at him with disbelief. I'm afraid you're wrong this time son, I really like Brooke. Finally you've made a good choice, she affirmed.
Brooke, on the other hand, couldn't wait to tell the world everything about her encounter with them. She wanted to introduce them to her family and friends, especially the kids. She already loved them as if they'd come from her own womb, to the point she even thought that if Jack decided to break up with her again, she'd keep in touch with Jackie and Brett no matter what.
As for them, as a couple, things were going excellent. They had a deep connection both physical and spiritual. She was his best friend and he meant the world to her. She had never felt so profoundly attached to someone.
Soon came April, and with it, Jackie's 9th birthday. Brooke asked her how she wanted to celebrate, and the girl stuck with a big princess-theme party and told Brooke to dress as Snow White. She did it with joy.
Time kept running, and now Jack and Brooke had a visiting deal. She was traveling one weekend to L.A. and then Jack went to New York the next one, so neither of them would spend a life time on an airplane, as Brooke had been doing the months before.
Sometimes he even brought the kids with him, and they loved it. Brooke's parents and aunts kept spoiling them nonstop, and Terry treated them like his own niece and nephew. The Julians monopolized the kids so much, they gave Brooke and Jack plenty of time to be alone and enjoy themselves.
That didn't happen when she was in L.A. though, because there his family was the one monopolizing Brooke. That's why Jack refused to sell the apartment, in spite of Brooke's suggestion. She didn't want to give it up either, but she had promised Margo she'd convince him, and she had to keep her word. But when Jack found out about their little secret arrangement, he told his mother he wasn't getting rid of that place, 'cause it was his hide-out, period. Therefore, Margo had no choice but to order insulating walls and windows for the apartment, without him knowing, of course.
The kids and Margo were used to Brooke's presence in the house now. That's why nobody found awkward or inappropriate that time when she spent the night in Jack's bedroom for the first time. The morning after she was kind of embarrassed and tried to conceal, but for her surprise, Margo wasn't upset and seemed pleased instead.
Yet Brooke was ashamed and tried to talk to Jackie. Jackie, sweetie, I'm sorry, she told Jack's daughter whilst feeding her chocolate pancakes with toothie smiles on them. Sorry for what? Jackie asked raising an eyebrow. I should've told you I was staying with your daddy last night, I didn't mean to… But Jackie cut her off. What's the big deal Brooke? That's what couples do. And it won't be the last time, the girl declared before Brooke's stunned eyes. Surprised as she was with Jackie's naturalness, she felt relieved.
Another time, Brett broke into his dad's room, jumped into the bed and sought for Brooke's arms, because he was having nightmares. Thank God that night she was on her period and both she and Jack were sleeping in a proper pajama with the door unlocked.
When June arrived, Brooke began planning Jack's 40th birthday with huge excitement. She was definitely rolling out the red carpet. She arranged a celebration in New York with her friends, who now were Jack's as well. But the official party was in L.A. indeed, and it was wild and loud and gathered all Jack's closest relatives and friends.
When the party was over, they slipped to the apartment and had wild loud sex as well. He was feeling great. He felt happy and powerful, he was 40 and had the best woman on Earth by his side. It felt as if life had just started, like the old saying stated.
The next day, Brooke was getting ready to go back home. Reluctantly, he let her get up and take a shower alone. She was getting dressed quickly, because it had gotten late after Jack had jumped her once more.
He was watching her impassively while she was on her knees, desperately trying to find certain top and closing her huge bag at the same time, with a towel on her head, in her jeans and bra, barefoot. – Where the hell is my blue T-shirt? –she asked to herself.
– I think you left it in my room, back home. –he declared with no haste at all.
– Damn it! Whatever… –she said, tucking into another top she found in the bag. Then she realized Jack was still between the sheets with no clothes on. – Why aren't you getting dressed baby? –she asked.
– Do I have to? –he asked wryly.
– Um, yeah… unless you want to drive me to the airport wearing nothing but your bare skin, which would be disgusting, by the way. –she declared.
He laughed shortly, got up and started dressing discouraged. – Hey… –she said standing up– are you okay? –she asked getting closer to him and putting her arms around his neck.
– Yeah… it's just…
– What? –she questioned concerned.
– I hate to see you leaving. –he said holding her closer by the waist and kissing her softly.
– Oh baby… –she said moved– I hate to leave too… but what are we going to do, huh? –she said kissing his nose. – Come on, hurry up! We still have to get the kids…
That's when he knew what he had to do…
– So, are you going to do it? –Jack asked Claire with an expectant look.
– Of course I'll do it, but… you're sure about this Jack?
He looked at his sister disconcerted. – Absolutely, why? You think I shouldn't?
– No, no, it's not like that… I'm just surprised, that's all… it's going to be a huge change, you know?
– I know, that's what makes it so great. –he affirmed thrilled.
Claire smiled. Jack's eyes reflected huge excitement, like a child opening a present. – It's great to see you so happy. –she assured openly.
Jack looked down shy. – Yeah… thanks Claire… –he said, and then looked back sweetly at his sister. – By the way, I never told you…
– What? –she asked curious.
– That night, at the studio, I was a jerk, and I'm sorry. But don't think I don't remember everything you told me.
Claire remembered. – Well, seems you listened to me after all. –she said blinking an eye.
Then Jack held Claire tight in a spontaneous embrace. – I know I never tell you this, but I'm so blessed to have found you Claire. It's great that you're my sister. I'm lucky to have you. Everything I've been through, I could've never done it without your help.
Claire was completely moved and held him back strongly. – No, I'm the one who's lucky. I have the best brother ever… I can't wait to see New York. –she declared excited, after breaking the hug.
– You're going to like it, I'm sure.
– You bet! It's a whole new place! I've never been anywhere apart from Sidney and Los Angeles, and that island of course… –she said somehow nervous. After all, she'd never been on a plane again since they got rescued, afraid of flying.
– Hey… don't think of that, okay? Everything's going to be fine…
– I know…
That evening, when Brooke was finally at Jack's house, she went to Jackie's room to show her the new sneakers she'd got for her. – Jackie?!
But the girl wasn't there. A bunch of drawings she was painting drew Brooke's attention. Jackie had painted herself in a beautiful light gown, with a basket full of flowers in her hand. In another piece of paper, Jackie had painted Jack and her having picnic on a beach. – Get away from those! –Jackie said high pitched and upset.
Brooke jumped off the floor. – Jackie! You scared me!
But the girl didn't listen and quickly snatched the drawings out of her, which Brooke found weird. – Why you're hiding those from me? You always show me your drawings.
– But these are not finished yet! –Jackie snapped hiding them under her bed.
Brooke looked down in discomfort. – O…kay… –she uttered.
Jackie noticed she was being rude and felt bad. – I'm sorry Brooke, I didn't mean to be rude. It's just… I don't want to ruin the surprise… –she said sweetly holding her hand.
– What surprise?
– If I tell you then it won't be a surprise. –Jackie stated with a smug smile.
She smiled back. – Okay then. I won't ask you anything else. Come on, I have something for you…
The next day was a beautiful summer Saturday. The sun was shinning bright and the weather was hot. Charlie and Hurley were out at the recording studio. Margo was visiting her sister in Philadelphia for the weekend. Jack was playing with the kids in the pool, while Brooke watched them from a patio chair, wearing nothing but a swimsuit and sunglasses. Then Claire arrived with Aaron and Charlene, who immediately jumped in the pool to join their cousins and uncle.
– Hey… –Claire said.
– Claire, hi! –Brooke replied with a wide smile.
– That's a sexy swimsuit.
– Oh, thanks… don't you think it's too revealing? –Brooke asked somehow embarrassed.
– What are you talking about?! It's gorgeous. You show some skin while you still can, because later, when you become a mommy, you'd long for these days of sun-tanning, believe me.
Brooke smiled at the thought of being a mommy. She glanced at Jack and imagined how it would be to carry his third baby. – Yeah… I guess you're right.
– Because you want to get pregnant sometime, don't you?
– Uh, sure, I'd love too, but… –Brooke hesitated.
– But…?
– Nothing, I mean, I've never talked about that with Jack. I don't know if he wants another baby.
Claire rolled her eyes. – Are you kidding me? Of course he wants your baby!
– You think so? He told you that?
Claire noticed the uncertainty in Brooke's look. – Um, no, he hasn't, but I know my brother. But tell me something…
– Sure…
– Let's say he doesn't want another baby… would you stay with him anyway?
– Yes. –she replied without hesitation. Claire opened her eyes wider, stunned. – I've thought about it, you know? And yes, I'd give that up for him. Jackie and Brett are great anyway, and I'd avoid baby fat and morning sickness. –Brooke declared with a soft smile.
– Wow… you really love him, don't you?
– More than anything in the world…
– I see, and it's great. –then Claire's look changed a little. – Don't you hurt him Brooke, I beg of you. He's loves you very much as well, and it would be awful if things went wrong…
Brooke removed her sunglasses and raised an eyebrow. – I'd never hurt Jack, Claire. I love him more than my own life. You don't have to worry. –she declared.
– Excellent. –she said in a very Charlie-ish style. Then she looked at Brooke intently. – She would've liked you…
– What? –Brooke asked puzzled.
– Kate… I'm sure she would've liked you…
– Oh… –she replied, looking away.
– Anyway, I want to ask you a favor…
– Anything…
– I'm… redecorating my house and, since you have such great taste and everything, I was thinking… would you mind helping me?
– Really? –Brooke asked thrilled, amazed by Claire's trust gesture.
– Absolutely, I mean, I want to change everything, tapestry, furniture, drapes, palettes, I want a whole new place, and I have no clue, so, are you in?
– Yeah! –Brooke replied excited. – I'll bring some magazines next time, so you can see some trends and suggestions.
– Cool!
One month after his birthday, Jack had planned a romantic weekend for him and Brooke at New York. He left the kids under Margo's and Claire's watch and agreed to call them as soon as everything was done. Both women were very excited.
That Friday, when he got to Brooke's apartment, he announced he had a surprise for her and needed a car to drive her "somewhere". She borrowed one from her dad. So, at first hour on Saturday, they hit the road. Jack knew exactly were he was going.
– So… where are you taking me?
– You'll see… –he said with a smirk.
– Okay…
– How about you tell me how's Claire redecoration going?
– Um… I really don't know. So far, she's going to be living in my dream house…
He giggled. – Why?
– Well, I showed her some magazines, some samples and stuff, then she began asking me what I'd pick, what colors I liked more, you know, and before I could notice, I was the one calling the shots!
He burst out laughing. – It's not funny, you know? –she stated– but she told me to feel free and choose, so I guess I just did it, you think I'm horrible?
– No, I don't.
– But she's the one supposed to call the shots! It's her house for God's sake! I mean, she's married to a rock star! Charlie has nothing to say about it or what? –she said laughing.
– Charlie does as Claire says.
– I bet. But this time she left it on me.
– And what's the big deal? They trust your style, and that's wise to do.
– I haven't been to her place lately, is it looking good at least?
– Oh yeah, it's awesome, I love the choices you made, actually.
– Really? What about the kids' rooms?
– They're lovely, everything is. –he assured.
They kept talking as Jack drove. After some time, Brooke recognized the road.
– Are we going to the Hamptons? –she asked puzzled.
– Uh… yeah.
– Fine, I won't ask anything until we get there, okay?
– Thank you very much…
Before noon they were in a nice Hamptons' neighborhood, classy but not pretentious or "rich kid"-styled as they usually are. The road was sided by nice residences with well-cared gardened areas. They got to a beautiful white house. He entered the drive way and pulled over.
– We're here… –he announced as he opened the door and helped her off the car.
Brooke looked at the house with curiosity. – This is very nice. Did you rent it?
– No. –he replied shortly. – Come on, let's get inside.
The house was amazing. It had everything, it was cozy and well illuminated. – Wow… –she said as she wandered the open kitchen, the living room, the dinning room. At the end of the large room, a big glass door was covered by a blind. She approached and opened it, revealing a beautiful terrace with a stairway that leaded to the beach. He was watching her amused while she scrutinized the house.
She went upstairs and found in the first storey 3 doors. She went inside one and found an empty room with a large window. Then she went to the second floor and found another room, but this one decorated with pastel colors and fairy motifs, it sure was the room of a girl. Then the last door revealed a boy's room. She could tell by the racing cars' theme.
Then she headed to the second storey. It had a nice open studio with empty bookshelves, a TV room and a door that leaded to the main room. Then, at the other side of the large room, she saw a stair that probably leaded to an attic. She went inside the main room. It was perfect and the view from the window was breath-taking. – Who lives here? –she asked curious.
– Right now, you and me. –he stated.
– Yeah, I know, but whose house is this?
– Why you want to know?
– Because this is my dream house, really. It's perfect.
– I, um, borrowed it… from a colleague…
– Well, he has excellent taste, I must say.
– He does. Anyway, I'm starving, you want to eat something?
– I think there's a grocery store nearby, we can go and I'll make something for you.
– The fridge is stuffed. –he said.
Her eyes went wider and she rushed to the kitchen. He followed her. The fridge had everything she needed indeed, and when she looked into the cabinets, she found all the utensils imaginable. – Awesome, this will do it… but how can all these be here?
– I planned this weekend, remember?
– Right.
She cooked a nice meal for both. The day was freaking hot, so they thought of taking a swim. The pool area was amazing. They got into the cool water and just relaxed. Then they got out and just laid under the sun. – We should've brought the kids. They would've loved this pool and the beach… –she said.
– We can bring them some other time. I wanted to be alone with you.
– Yeah me too…
– Well you don't sound so enthusiastic, you get bored with me?
– Of course not you dumb! I just miss them.
– I miss them too, but we're never alone. Back home, you're always on something with mom and Claire or the kids.
– Yeah, and when you're in New York, all you can think of is going with Lance on his extreme sports expeditions…
– I knew it. I knew you didn't like me going with him.
– It's not that, but seriously Jack, you guys have been going God knows where every damn weekend for the last month, how many sports are there left to try?
– See the bright side. If I didn't go with him, he'd be taking Ilana instead. And she's not that athletic, you know that. I'm sure she appreciates my interest.
She laughed. – Well, you've got a point there…
As the day went by, they kept talking, making out, doing nothing. Two hours before the sunset, Jack made a suggestion.
– Now, why don't you wear one of those nice light dresses you have and take a walk on the beach with me?
She looked at him delighted. She couldn't think of anything more romantic. – Okay.
They both went upstairs and she quickly started the shower. He had to make quite an effort to not join her and jump her right there. Once she was out, he went in.
She was ready when he came out. He tucked into his jeans and put on a white polo shirt. They were ready to go.
He took her hand in his and guided her through the stairway. They started walking on the sand barefooted. The warm summer breeze played with her hair and went in and out her turquoise dress. They walked some miles, leaving the house behind. The daylight began to fade. They watched the sunset as they walked back to the house.
When they arrived, four torches were waiting for them in front of the house. A nice picnic had been set. A white blanket covered the sand, and two fancy plates with a chocolate tart on each were there, as well as champagne glasses. The scene was completed by a beautiful tulip bouquet in the middle.
She was astonished. – Oh my God, Jack!
– I hope you like it.
– This is beautiful, but why?
– Well, we didn't have any dessert, so… –he said mischievously.
They sat on the blanket and ate the tart. She covered him with chocolate-flavored kisses, with the moon and the stars as witnesses.
– You need to know something. –he told her.
– Okay…
– This decoration thing you were helping Claire with, it wasn't for her…
She stared at him puzzled. – What you mean?
– Look under the bouquet…
She lifted the vase that contained the tulips and found a message written on the sand that read "Dig up". She dug in wild frenzy. Soon she found a wooden box. She looked at Jack like a little girl asking for permission. – Come on, open it. –he said.
When she opened it, she revealed a beautiful silver key chain that held two objects: a key and a diamond ring. She couldn't utter a word and her skin covered in goose bumps. – Marry me Brooke. Marry me and move in this house with me and the kids.
That's when it hit her. She found that house so perfect because it was decorated the way she had told Claire to decorate hers. She began crying, emotions constricting in her chest. – I can't put it on. –she said shaking, since the ring was still in the key chain. He released it and put it delicately on her finger.
– So, will you be my third wife Brooke? –he asked playfully to relieve her jitters.
She nodded and burst into nervous laughing. – Yes, Jack. Yes. –she said, tears still rolling through her cheeks. Finally, her dream had come true. She had pictured herself as Jack's wife so many times she had lost count of it. She threw herself in his arms and kissed him with passion and devotion at the same time. He kissed her back and soon the heat increased. They had to break it in order to breath. – Claire's such a good liar! It never crossed my mind… –she whispered in his ears.
– My idea…
She sought for his eyes. – Jack, you sure want to move here?
– Of course, why you ask?
– Well, you know, it's a total change. Won't the kids resent it? And what about your mom and Claire?
– The kids can't wait to move, really. They were like packing the minute I told them we were getting a house in the beach. As for my mom, uh… I was thinking to bring her with us, if you don't mind, I don't want to leave her alone…
– That's why there is an empty room, huh?
– Yeah, you know her. It's better if she makes herself comfortable. And Claire and Charlie are going to be our neighbors, and Hurley… he's already got the house next door. –he said rolling eyes. Brooke smiled content. – But if you don't like the idea, just tell me, we can…
– Baby I love it. We're going to be the best family ever, I love having them around. Now tell me, why you didn't ask me to move to L.A.?
– Because you don't like L.A. that much, do you? And this way you'll be close to your family and friends.
– Uh-huh, and?
– Um, and we can use a change, you know? I've been forever in L.A., it just got old. Being back in New York really energized me. It just seemed like the right thing to do…
– And? –she pushed, knowing there was something else.
– And, huh, well, I had to promise Ilana…
Brooke's jaw dropped in disbelief. – Promise her what? What did she tell you?
– Um, she said "If you take her away I'll fucking kill you", in accurate words. So, since she helped me getting you back and everything, I had to work things out. –he assured content.
She couldn't believe it. – Man, that Ilana, sometimes she just crosses the line…
– That's why I like her so much. And she's right, this place is better for the kids to grow up anyway.
– So, the whole extreme sports with Lance…
– Alibis. I was checking on the house actually. He was very supportive and joined me. But we'll be doing the expeditions later on.
– You're amazing, really. No one's better at throwing surprises than you. –she said and then kissed him deeply.
– So, when do you want to get married? –he asked.
– I just need a month to get everything ready. –she assured immediately.
– Fine. –he said tracing little kisses on her neck.
– Now, Dr. Shephard, take me inside or I'll have no choice but being a bad girl right here. –she said to his lips seductively.
When they were back from the Hamptons, they went to the Julian's to announce their engagement and Jack asked for Brooke's hand right there. Her family went crazy in excitement and began planning that very minute the ceremony and the reception. They just couldn't wait.
They decided to get married in New York. Both the Shephards and Margo's family were from Philadelphia, and most of their relatives lived there or nearby, so it was easier for them to go to New York than to L.A. The next week, the Julians threw a party to announce the engagement.
Then they went back to L.A. to celebrate and tell everybody there. Margo and Claire arranged a fancy reunion to announce the engagement as well, that would've made the Julians jealous. Jack's colleagues were there, some relatives they had in L.A., friends of the family, Patrick, Varya, Derek, Marion and all his friends were there too.
Jack was smiling all the time and seemed extremely happy. He was chatting with one of St. Sebastian's Board members when the maid approached him and asked him for a word.
– Dr. Shephard, someone is looking for you.
– Who?
– He says he's and old friend of yours, but he didn't say his name.
– Then send him in.
– He says he needs to talk to you in private. I told him to wait at the studio.
Jack had no idea who the hell it could be and found it really weird. Yet he headed to the studio, while Brooke watched him from the living room.