The Adventures of Jack Thornton Jr - Jack's first sleepover
Author's Note: This short was inspired by sneak peeks for Recent Memory (S9 E9).
Jack and Lucas spent the last five minutes arranging all of Elizabeth's spare pillows and blankets into a makeshift sleep area on the floor of her living room. While enjoying his mama's birthday cupcakes, Lucas had entertained him with stories of how he and Gustave would play fort during their rare childhood visits.
Originally Jack had requested they pitch a tent just as Lucas and Gustave had done; however, the only sheet suitable for such a task was too small to allow someone of Lucas' size to sit comfortably beneath it. The young boy pouted in disappointment, but Lucas immediately soothed him by suggesting he bring a larger sheet for their next sleepover.
Lucas quickly darted his eyes in Elizabeth's direction to catch her reaction. She playfully stated, "And make sure mama can fit too, please!" Jack looked at her in surprise, "We'd never forget you Mama, right Buddy?" Overcome with emotion, Lucas could only reply with a soft, "Never, ever, Buddy."
Once the pair were satisfied with their handiwork, they invited Elizabeth to inspect it. A wide grin filled her face as she saw them standing side by side, proudly waiting for her approval. She observed how Jack had one arm wrapped around Lucas' leg with the elder's hand gently resting on his soft mass of hair. This sort of happy family scene between Lucas and Jack was something she only allowed herself to imagine in the safety of her dreams.
Elizabeth decided to match their seriousness so she adopted a thoughtful expression while circling the layers of blankets and pillows. She dropped to her knees to test the thickness and softness of each corner. "I have to say this feels very comfortable especially given what you two had to work with. There is an even amount of blanket spread across and you've arranged the pillows very well!" At her praise, Jack's natural childlike fidgeting turned into outright foot stamping joy.
"Thank you, Mama!" The young boy took her hand to escort her to her spot on their island of blankets. Once she was comfortable, he took Lucas' hand to lead him near his mother. Once Lucas was seated, Jack dramatically dropped himself between them and folded his arms behind his head.
"Wucas, could you tell me more stories?" asked Jack.
"Of course, how about the story of the kind-hearted queen and her adorable little prince? In this story, she finds a lifetime of love with a lonely traveler looking for a home." He looked to Elizabeth when he finished, "I can promise you both that the three of them will live happily ever after."
"Hmm, are there any bad guys for the prince and the traveler to fight? Do we rescue Mama from anyone?'' asked Jack. "You're going to have to listen and find out… Once upon a time," began Lucas. By the end of his story, Jack had fallen asleep with his folded bottom half in the air and Lucas' hand on the small of his back. He wore himself out by acting out the young prince's scenes.
Elizabeth reached out to rest her hand on top of Lucas' hand before whispering, "Thank you for tonight. It's a birthday I will never forget." Lucas smiled softly at this, but guilt clouded his eyes, "I am sorry that Walden has prevented us from celebrating the way we were meant to..."
Elizabeth's held his hand more tightly as she leaned her face toward his, "You gave me an experience I never thought I would ever see - my son bonding with a father figure. He loves you so much. Lee and Bill do what they can, but they have their own lives. Tonight is the result of special circumstances, but one day you will always come home to us. You will move from father figure to father."
Lucas was overcome with feelings, he never dreamed his patience could ever reward him so well. He leaned his face closer toward hers and passionately kissed her. Once their lips parted, they leaned their faces against each other's so they could catch their breath.
"Lucas... the last time you fell asleep in my home I confessed something to you." Elizabeth took a deep breath while looking at his curious face, "It was a confession I didn't feel I was ready to make just then - with you awake I mean. After everything that has happened since then and especially tonight, I know I'm ready to say it while you're awake. I love you, Lucas Bouchard."
Their eyes locked for a moment before he leaned in for another brief kiss. When he pulled away, he breathlessly declared, "I love you, sweetheart. And I love Jack with all my heart too. I already think of him as my son."
"Oh, Lucas, I adore you so much. I don't know what I did to deserve it."
The next morning, Lucas stirred at the smell of fresh pancakes. He revisited his memories from last night - the birthday surprise, playtime with Jack, and then he and Elizabeth's declarations of love. Funny how a year ago he wouldn't dare enter her home because they weren't in a proper courtship! He quietly groaned at the thought of his mother finding out about his sleepover in Elizabeth's home. Regardless of the honorable reason for staying and the fact that neither he nor Elizabeth would behave inappropriately, his mother would definitely scold him profusely.
He blinked several times before his attention turned toward the odd feeling on his chest. He thought it was curious that his vest felt tighter than it did last night. He lifted his head to look down at his chest only to see Jack's legs sticking oddly into his vest. One leg from underneath and one through his armhole. How the boy could contort his legs in such a way baffled his sleepy mind. He could see the rest of Jack spread outward across the blanket with his head comfortably resting on a pillow. He couldn't help but smile at his boy.
"Good morning, my love." He turned to see Elizabeth standing near them and replied, "A very good morning indeed, my love." With a bright smile, she continued, "It appears that Jack snuck downstairs after we tucked him in last night. I guess he can't stay away from you. I don't blame him. Pancakes are nearly ready, could you get him up, please? I couldn't bring myself to wake either of you until breakfast was nearly ready."
Later that day, Bill, Elizabeth, and Lucas attended a quick meeting to discuss the resolution of the Walden situation. When it ended, Lucas held the door for Elizabeth, but before he could follow, Bill called his name. "I'm very glad I was wrong about you, Bouchard. Elizabeth and Jack learned about true love together, but what you two have..." The older man was overtaken by emotion. "I've seen you around town with Jack too. I don't doubt Jack would approve of you raising his son. What you lack in experience you make up for in heart." Lucas smiled gratefully at Bill, "Thank you. I love Elizabeth and Jack with my entire being. All I want is for both of them to be happy and healthy."
Lucas turned to leave but Bill stopped him again, "Is this some big city style?" Lucas looked confused by his statement so Bill reached a hand into Lucas' vest. He pulls his hand back revealing one of Jack's socks. Lucas chuckled as he took it, "That boy is a contortionist! I woke up to find him half asleep on me."