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 13- Bella Heals a Heart

Lee and Rosie's house- Charlotte, NC…

"Have you heard anything from Jack?" Rosie asked as she sat a glass of iced tea down on the table beside Lee.

"Thank you. No, but he's barely had time to fly out there, and Los Angeles is huge, so I don't anticipate him finding her when he first arrives."

"Yeah, that type of miraculous reunion only happens in romance novels and Hallmark movies, not in real life," she replied. "How long do you think he'll be out there?"

"Hmm, I'd like to say until he finds her, but I'm not sure that the jet from Thatcher Industries is on unlimited loan."

"Call him and see if he's found her yet…"

"Rosie, I'm not going to bother him. He's hurt and worried, and I've just never seen him this worked up over a woman before. Besides, I'm sure he'll let us know something when he can."

"Well, I want him to find her, but I hope she realizes how much she hurt him."

"Please, let Jack and Elizabeth work this relationship out. It's important to him, so it should be important to us. We need to respect them and give them space."

"Honey, you know me…I'm all about space."

"Since when, Rosie. You generally head in like gangbusters, and then regret your actions later. I love you dearly, but you really do need to think before words come out of that beautiful mouth of yours."

"I'll try, but we're talking about Jack and his new girlfriend, and this is exciting."

"I hope they're able to work things out, and if they do, please don't push, okay…?" Lee practically begged.

"I don't push…prod maybe, but never push…" she replied.

"Whatever you want to call it. I think this may very well be the woman that Jack has waited his whole life for, so, we don't want to mess it up for him, do we?"

"No, of course, not. Oh, I can't wait to meet her and see if she's the right one for our Jack…"

"Rosie, have you heard anything I've said?" Lee asked his over-zealous wife.

"What…?"

"Yeah, I figured."

Los Angeles International Airport…

"So, where do you want to go?" Jack asked as he stood from the bench and held out his hand.

Elizabeth placed her hand in his, feeling the ever-familiar tingle of electricity coursing through her veins when their skin touched. As she stood, she stepped closer and pressed her lips to his ear, "Do you feel it…"

His hand gently gripped hers. "Every time I'm near you I feel it; it happens to be even stronger now," he admitted as his hand slipped around her waist and pulled her body against his. "I can't believe I found you; I can't believe we're here together…"

Glancing over Jack's shoulder, she giggled, "Apparently the people on the skywalk can't believe you found me, either. By the look on their faces, they're enjoying the show," she responded as she observed a large number of faces staring back at her.

Jack's hand rested along her cheek, "Hmm, let's give them something to make their long day of travel worthwhile." His hands on her waist lifted her up as her legs wrapped around his body, and her thighs rested against his hips. Her arms around his neck held tight as his lips hungrily met hers, leaving each of them feeling as though they were consuming their best meal ever.

Their bodies seemed to spin in a perfect ice skater circle, her lips refusing to release his. Once they stopped spinning, her legs released his body, and her feet again met the ground.

"So, where would you like to spend a few days alone?" he asked.

"Well, I've never been out here before, so any suggestions?" she held his hand as each one pulled their wheeled carry-on beside them, and Bella obediently walked, first beside Jack and then beside Elizabeth, doing whatever she could to push them closer together.

Standing outside watching as the buses for the various rental companies either passed them by or slowed to pick up other passengers, they were watching for the SIXT bus, which seemed to take forever.

Finally, the bus stopped, and the driver stepped out. Jack handed him their luggage and he, Bella and Elizabeth started up the stairs.

"Wait…" the driver called out. "I can't take the dog on this trip. I have someone with a kid whose really allergic."

Elizabeth, already on the top step turned around, gave a slight tug on Bella's leash, and she immediately followed.

"Jack, why don't you go and get the car, and Bella and I will take the next bus and meet you there…"

"I don't feel comfortable leaving you and Bella alone; I'll wait and we can go together," he responded.

"Are you sure?" she asked, but he seemed preoccupied and didn't respond.

Glancing over Elizabeth's shoulder, Jack observed several males, most likely in their early twenties, scanning women as they walked by, flagged down taxis, caught their Ubers, or grabbed a bus for their own trip to the various rental car lots. From what he could tell, they seemed to be most interested in women travelling alone, which set off an alarm that only he could hear.

They seemed quite nefarious, and Jack's thoughts ran the gamut from simply admiring beautiful women, to criminal in nature. Were they part of a ring where women were abducted and forced into sex trade; were they searching for the prime candidate to rob, or was it simply a guy thing where they were just enjoying the bevy of beauties passing through?

To Jack, it didn't matter their reasons. To him, none that he could think of would be acceptable. He had the love of his life, so he wasn't looking at any other women, and the thought of her being robbed, or God forbid kidnapped had his stomach churning, and his hands subconsciously forming and then releasing a fist only to form it again.

Elizabeth reached for his hand, and as their skin touched, his hand opened, and he quickly took hold of her. "Are you alright?" she asked.

"Just a lot of things going on around here, and some, I'm not so sure about," he replied.

"Well, the bus is getting ready to leave, are you going to get the car?" she asked.

Jack looked deep into Elizabeth's eyes, and the thought of leaving her alone, even amidst the large crowds coming and going, while others seemed packed along the sidewalk left his heart pounding. He had that feeling you get when fingernails screech down a blackboard, "No, we'll go together," he stated as he grabbed their luggage from the bus, held her hand and walked back to the concrete island to await the next bus.

They watched the bus disappear into a sea of transport vehicles, knowing that it could be quite some time before it rolled around again.

Not that they were surprised, but after their bus left, they observed Hertz, Enterprise, Dollar, Budget, and Avis vehicles stopping, picking up passengers and leaving again. However, transportation for SIXT seemed to take forever to return, but then again, as Elizabeth joked, "A watched pot never boils, Jack…"

While waiting, the chaos outside, which included people coming and going, laughter, tears of joy, taxis honking, and drivers screaming, all was interrupted by the bloodcurdling scream of a woman.

Approximately thirty yards away, one of the males Jack had cautiously observed was running in the opposite direction, dragging a woman who appeared unwilling to give up her Chanel bag. Jack turned to Elizabeth and yelled, "You stay right here…"

Even with his loud, firm voice, through the chaotic noises outside, she couldn't understand what he'd said. "What…?" she called out, but was quite confused when she caught a glimpse of him running away. To add to her confusion, before she knew it, Bella had ripped the leash from her hand and was chasing after him. Elizabeth screamed out his name, and Bella's, but they were already one exit door away, and wouldn't have heard her even if the area had been completely quiet.

Elizabeth had heard a scream, but then again, since stepping outside of the terminal, she'd heard plenty of screams. However, she was unable to differentiate them from other loud squeals, many of which startled her until she observed those making the noise hugging and participating in a 'happy dance' with their loved ones. Assuming Jack was simply chasing down another SIXT rental car bus, she prayed that Bella would catch him and not get lost in the crowd or, heaven forbid, be struck by a passing vehicle.

Suddenly, the crowd began rushing away from the area, as if they, too, were chasing Jack. The group was moving swiftly, much like a massive onslaught of concert goers, hurrying to secure the best seats, or workers making a mad rush to the parking lot when the 5 o'clock bell rang, all of whom were leaving Elizabeth in their figurative dust.

Grabbing the handles of their suitcases, Elizabeth began rushing with the crowd, but having been unprepared, the massive group of travelers had quite a head start, and she was sadly pulling up the rear. Even those standing behind Elizabeth had already rushed past her, putting her even farther behind the masses.

Her heart was beating so loudly that she heard it pound in her ear each time one of her feet touched the pavement. The screaming continued…so loud it was deafening, as voices and noises all seemed to mesh together.

As she closed in on the crowd, she could hear chanting, "Fight, fight, fight, fight, fight…" much like a crowd of teenagers gathering in the courtyard to egg on a couple of high school boys into a brawl following the last bell of the day.

The crowd stood shoulder to shoulder, and multiple rows deep, leaving Elizabeth with a view of heads, hats, do rags, and dangly earrings.

Hearing sirens, police whistles and seeing officers coming from all directions, Elizabeth's body began to shake. She still wasn't certain what happened, but she knew whatever it was, it was potentially life-threatening for Jack and/or Bella.

Out of breath, but determined to find out what was happening, she observed several officers doing their best to hold back the ever-growing mob. As Elizabeth pushed through the crowd, she heard an officer call out, "Roll a bus…stab wound."

The ambulance must have been onsite, as it seemed as though the sirens were blaring as the call for assistance was made.

"Please, I need to get through…" Elizabeth cried out.

"Stop pushing lady. You can see everything when we're done…" one woman in the crowd yelled as she pushed Elizabeth back several steps.

"What happened?" Elizabeth asked as it appeared that no one was going to let her slip through.

"Some guy just got stabbed…"

"Jack…JACK…" she began yelling, still unable to see firsthand what was happening. Unable to wait any longer, Elizabeth ducked her head, and with visions of Michael Oher from the "Blindside" movie, she closed her eyes and pushed her way through the crowd.

Feeling hands grabbing at her, she couldn't tell if they were attempting to 'cop a feel' or simply trying to keep her from breaking through the masses. With her hands on the handles of their rolling suitcases, she pushed them in front of her, and the majority of the crowd, albeit angry at her persistence, separated and she slipped through.

Finally reaching an opening, her eyes were drawn to the scene still approximately 25 yards away, and her heart stopped. Observing the blue shirt Jack was wearing when he approached the American Airlines ticket counter, his body was face first, on the ground, blood soaking the concrete sidewalk, as Bella stood by refusing to move. "No, Nooooooo…" she screamed as she started running toward him.

An officer grabbed her arm, "You need to stay here, ma'am…"

Without thinking she cried out, "That's my husband; how bad is he hurt?" her eyes remained fixed on Jack's body.

The officer blurted out, "There was a stabbing, but I don't know how bad it is…"

Finally, she observed Jack move, and realized that someone was lying underneath him. Jack stood, and with his shirt soaked in blood, the EMTs rushed forward and began to check him out.

Jack brushed them off and pointed to the man on the ground. Realizing that Jack was not injured, they rolled the man onto his back and began providing medical care. The knife, which the young man drew in an attempted to assault Jack lay several feet away, propped up on the Chanel bag he was attempting to steal.

Elizabeth, entranced by the scene before her, watched as blood, dripping from the knife blade, landed in dots on the pavement while an officer secured the evidence.

"We have it from here, sir; thank you for your assistance. Are you okay?" the officer asked when he observed Jack's blood-stained shirt.

"I'm fine; is the woman, okay?" he asked as he scanned the crowd looking for Elizabeth.

"I believe she twisted her ankle when she fell down, but other than that, she's fine, and I'm sure she's grateful to you for getting her bag back," the officer advised. "I'm sorry, but Officer Catano will need to get a statement from you. Oh, and your wife is worried about you."

"My wife…?" Jack asked.

"Yes, I thought she was talking about the guy on the ground, but I believe she meant you…"

"My wife…?"

"Yeah, you know, the beautiful brunette, about 5'7" tall, slender build, with crystal blue eyes that would turn a man's knees to Jell-O…?" he laughed nervously.

When Jack didn't immediately respond, the officer called out, "Medic…over here."

As the EMT approached Jack, the officer said, "I'm concerned that he may have hit his head."

"What are you talking about; I'm fine," Jack responded as he continued to scan the area for Elizabeth. "What makes you think I'm hurt?"

"Well, to be honest, you looked funny when I said that your wife was looking for you, and if you don't remember her, you've got to be hurt," the officer admitted.

Observing Jack continuing to scan the crowd, he pointed toward the right, far-end area of the crowd. "She's right over there…" the officer pointed as Jack observed several officers holding back the crowd, hoping to keep the integrity of the crime scene. "You are a lucky guy; she's gorgeous. Is she an actress or model?"

Jack responded, "Excuse me; that's my wife you're talking about."

"I'm sorry; you aren't from this part of the country, are you?" the officer asked.

"No, I'm from North Carolina," Jack replied. "Does that matter?"

"Well, you're wife is beautiful, and when you're out here, be prepared, people don't hold back…they say what they think," the officer explained. "Anyway, she was in the back of the crowd, and she looked quite upset."

Jack reached down and grabbed the leash that was still attached to Bella's collar. Squatting down, he ran his hands across her fur to make certain she was okay. Finding no blood, he headed toward the crowd and began searching for Elizabeth, who sadly had been forced, along with a large group of curiosity seekers back behind a barricade.

"Sir…sir," the officer called out. "Please wait here until we've taken your statement."

"Can't I come back after I find my…"

"Wife…yes, I know, you need to find her, but the crowd is moving on, and she should be here any moment." The officer pulled his notepad and pen from his pocket, "Please, just provide me with your contact information and then I'll let you go."

Jack had just written out his contact information when Elizabeth broke through the crowd, all of whom had seen enough and were now heading in the opposite direction.

As he handed the notepad back to the officer, Jack turned to again search for Elizabeth when they practically ran into each other.

Seeing the blood which seemed to cover a portion of his shirt, Elizabeth began yelling at the officer, "He needs help…" When the officer did nothing, she yelled, "PLEASE, GET SOMEONE TO HELP HIM…HE'S BLEEDING!"

"I'm fine…I'm fine," Jack called out as he took hold of her hands.

All Elizabeth saw was blood, "Please help him," she cried out as tears rolled down her cheeks.

"Honey, listen to me; it's not my blood; I'm fine…"

"What…?" her breath seemed to catch in her throat. As she stared, still focusing on his bloodied shirt, her breathing was shallow and ragged, at best.

"Breathe honey…" Jack emphatically suggested. "Shh, take a breath…"

As the remaining color seemed to wash away from her face, Jack pulled his shirt off. Observing a splattering of blood on his undershirt, he removed it as well. He dropped his shirts across the handle of his carry-on, and glanced down. Breathing a sigh of relief, he noted that his chest and abdomen were intact, and as he pulled Elizabeth in against his body, he whispered in her ear, "Breathe, honey…it's okay."

Holding her close, he could feel her lungs begin to inflate as her arms, wrapped around his shoulders, held him tightly.

She was afraid to let go for fear that this entire day would somehow be revealed as a dream, but she opened her eyes and stepped back slightly, "Are you honestly okay?"

"I am honestly okay…"

"Damn you, Jack Thornton," her hands on his shoulders pushed him back slightly before grabbing him again and holding him close. "You could have been killed," she whispered through her tears.

Taking her hand and Bella's leash, they each pulled a suitcase as they walked over to a bench and took a seat. "Honey, I did what I would want a man to do for you if he saw you being attacked. I'm sorry if I scared you."

"Is the woman, okay?"

"The officer said that she sprained her ankle, but other than that, she seems to be okay."

"Well, that's good. What happened?" she asked.

"There was a group of…well, I'll call them thugs, watching women. I didn't know what they were up to, but now we know it was no-good. That's why I didn't leave you alone and go to the car rental place," he began to explain. "Anyway, one of the guys grabbed her bag and started dragging her, so I chased him. I had just put my hand on the strap of the bag when he turned around and swung a knife at me. Bella jumped up and knocked his arm away, and I guess he tripped or something. We both had hold of the bag when he fell, and he must have pulled me with him. I think we were fighting over the knife, and when he fell, he was stabbed. I think we rolled around on the concrete with him still fighting until I got him pinned down."

"Are you positive that you're, okay?" she asked as her hands touched practically every inch of his chest and abdomen.

His hands rested on her cheeks as he held her head still. His thumbs brushed the tears away that rolled down her cheeks. "Hey, as much as I love having your hands on me, I think we need to get out of here…uh, maybe we can continue this someplace private."

Pulling her hands away, she responded, "Oh, I'm so sorry."

Jack leaned in and pressed his lips to hers, "Don't be sorry…don't ever be sorry; I'm certainly not!"

Embarrassed, Elizabeth cast her eyes downward.

His finger under her chin lifted her face upward until their eyes met, "Let's get out of here, so we can start our alone time together."

Seeing a smile cover her face, he asked, "Have you decided where you want to go?" Jack unzipped his carry-on suitcase, pulled out a clean, long-sleeve T-shirt and slipped it on…much to the dismay of female travelers who stood around watching or passing by admiring his physique.

I wanted to stay here, but now…now, I don't know. Maybe we should just go home," she reluctantly replied.

"Hey; look at me," he bent down, lowering his body so his eyes and hers met, "you know that crime happens anywhere. I mean, if you want to go home, we'll go, but I hope you aren't backing out of spending time alone with me."

"No, I want that, and I think we need that; I just don't know where to go."

"Well, that's good. I'd hate to think that my wife doesn't want to spend any time with me…"

"What…?"

Jack laughed softly, "The officer told me what you said."

Pretending to be surprised, she responded, "I'm sure I said a lot of things…I was scared."

"The officer said you called me your husband…"

Elizabeth sucked air in, but found it lodged in her throat. Coughing in an attempt to break the air free she managed to respond, "Jack, I was scared. It just came out…I didn't mean anything by it."

"So, when I agreed with the officer and called you my wife, are you saying that meant nothing?"

"I don't know what I'm saying, Jack. I just can't believe that in a matter of an hour, we found each other, and then you almost died."

"But I didn't; I'm fine, honey, but I can tell, we have a lot to talk about."

Unable to control her tears, she wrapped her arms around his neck and held him close, whispering in his ear, "I'm tired of crying in front of everyone; can we just go somewhere?"

"Well, if you're interested, I arranged for an Airbnb for Bella and myself in Santa Barbara. I knew I could have the jet for a few days, and I wasn't sure how long it would take me to find you, so…"

"You rented a house…?"

"Well, I was going to get a hotel, but Bella needed some place to stretch her legs, so I found a house. I can cancel it, if you'd rather go somewhere else, but here are some pictures…"

Jack pulled out his phone and showed her pictures of the house he'd rented, but wasn't even sure he would use. Given that his main objective was to find Elizabeth, he couldn't imagine resting up in the mountains without her with him.

"Jack, this is beautiful…yeah, let's go here."

Jack stood and held out his hand, which Elizabeth happily took. "Okay, Santa Barbara, it is…"

Again they walked over to the concrete island to await a SIXT bus. Glancing around, the police presence was much more noticeable as their bus approached, stopped, and they stepped inside for the fifteen minute trip to the car rental location.

Due to the long lines, and several irritable patrons, the check in process took longer than expected. An hour later, Jack, Elizabeth and Bella were walking out into the interior parking area to locate their vehicle. Walking through several aisles of endless rentals, most of which were BMWs, Jaguars and the like, they finally located their silver, Chevrolet Suburban and immediately loaded Bella and their bags into the back seat.

Parked beside them was a blue BMW 8 Series Coupe. "WOW, that's a gorgeous car," Elizabeth commented.

"We could have had that for the same price as the Suburban, but I think Bella would have had to stick her head out the sunroof to have any room in the back seat," Jack chuckled.

"Well, it is pretty, but this is much better for what we need," she admitted as they walked around to the passenger side, and Jack opened the door for her.

Glancing around, he observed no one within clear view. Stepping closer, Jack closed the door, took hold of Elizabeth's upper arms and pinned her against the SUV. She could feel his warm breath on her neck as he somehow seemed to get closer and closer, but she was well aware that he would not be as close as her body wanted or desperately needed.

His arms, resting on either side of her body, kept her from slipping away…not that he thought she would, but he was taking no chances.

His smile pulled her in, but then again, it always did. His dimples were deep, and his smile was broad, and all she wanted to do was touch him; love him; hold him tight, and express how sorry she was for everything.

Truth was, she wanted him…all of him and at that moment, the promise she'd made to herself many years ago seemed to take flight along with the Santa Ana winds. Unfortunately for her devilish side, Jack knew her heart, and she knew that he'd never take that part of her until the time was right. That meant being in a committed relationship, but it also meant being married. The angel sitting on her shoulder was glowing with a bright smile that spread from ear to ear.

So, knowing that they wouldn't be stopping off at a hotel, or making a mad dash for the bedroom once they arrived at the Airbnb, she excitedly accepted what he offered as his lips made contact with hers.

Maybe she was wrong…maybe their two devils would make a pact, because his kiss wasn't an "I'm holding back" kind of show of affection. It was hot, fiery, and with her eyes closed, she could see colors of the rainbow, much like what the passengers standing at the American Airlines ticket counter observed when she and Jack finally kissed. She's not positive about what they saw, but she was certain that for her, there were also fireworks.

One kiss led to another, and still another as his tongue slipped through the slight opening in her mouth. Backing away slightly, his forehead rested against hers as he breathlessly whispered, "Am I really here with you right now?"

Before Elizabeth could attempt an answer, she turned, observing a middle-aged couple standing only feet away. Attempting to get into their rental car, the beautiful blue BMW that Elizabeth had admired, they were patiently waiting, until the guy nonchalantly stated, "I know this is California, and a lot of stuff "goes" here, but why don't you go get a hotel room. We'd like to start our vacation."

Jack took Elizabeth's hand and gently pulled her to the front of their vehicle. "Sorry, man. We haven't seen each other for a few weeks."

"A few weeks…? Good Lord, I'm in the military and I've seen reunions after a year apart that weren't that hot."

"I'm retired Navy," Jack replied.

"Good luck to both of you…" the older man stated. As he opened the door to his rental sports car, and slipped inside, he turned to Jack, smiled and said… "As you were."

Watching the car pull away, Elizabeth commented, "Well, that was embarrassing. What did he mean by 'as you were?'"

Jack laughed. The rosiness in her cheeks showed her embarrassment at being 'caught' making out. Jack responded to her question, "It's a military command meaning to withdraw a previous order and to resume your previous position." He took her hand and reached for the passenger door. "So, basically, he told me to go back to kissing you."

Jack opened her door again, but before Elizabeth stepped up into the large SUV, she glanced around. Assuming the area to be clear, she stood on the side rails of the vehicle, slipped her hand behind his neck and pulled him closer.

"I'm sorry for everything. I know we need to talk, and I'm sure we will, but I just want to thank you for coming out here…for coming after me, and…I love you." She leaned closer as their lips met. Each kiss brought them closer to a feeling of home, the feeling of warmth, trust, acceptance and love that they felt prior to their return from paradise.

Jack held her close as he spoke softly, "I told you that if a relationship was important to me, that I would follow her and fight for it." Jack leaned back slightly. Holding her face in his hands, he continued, "This relationship is important to me. You are important to me…we are worth fighting for."

Jack held her close for a few moments, but released her when it appeared that the SIXT parking area was coming alive with activity. "What do you say we go find this house in Santa Barbara."

Elizabeth slipped into the passenger seat, "I'm ready."

Once Jack sat behind the wheel, turned on the car and pulled out of the parking lot, he took hold of Elizabeth's hand.

"WOW, I thought the traffic in Charlotte was bad, but…Geesh, how do people function out here?" Elizabeth commented as she observed the stop and go traffic on one of Los Angeles' busiest thoroughfares. "WHOA, did you see that motorcycle fly between those cars? Is that even legal?"

"Well, as far as the motorcycles go, I do believe that it's legal; clearly dangerous, but still legal. As for the daily travel, I have always assumed that people picked where they were going to live based on its distance from where they work…or, maybe they come home from work in the evening for dinner and to spend time with the family; they shower, and then head back to the office where they spend the night."

"Well, if I wasn't sure after the airport incident, I am now…I don't think I could get used to this traffic. So sadly, I don't think I can be a Southern California girl."

"Don't make your decision so quickly," Jack's thumb gently brushed back and forth across her palm.

"What… I thought you'd be happy to know that I want to go home."

While stopped on the interstate awaiting an accident 'clean-up,' Jack turned to face her, "I want you to make the decision you want. What do you want, Elizabeth?"

"I don't want to worry about this right now, and I want to enjoy my time with you and Bella…"

"Well, I want to spend time with you, too, but I don't want to make the same mistake I made before. So, you know we have to talk about it, right?"

Elizabeth's fingers squeezed his hand slightly, "You weren't the only one at fault…that is, if you were at fault at all. I know we need to talk, and we will, but maybe after we get to the house, and enjoy a glass of wine, or a couple…"

"Deal…"

With Los Angeles traffic being as it was, the one hour-forty-minute drive became closer to three hours and forty-five minutes. They drove up the long driveway to the ranch style house with 3-bedrooms, several bathrooms, a hot tub, swimming pool, and placement in the city that afforded views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains.

"Is this, okay?" he asked as he put the Suburban in park.

Glancing around, she observed beautiful mountains in the distance, "Jack, this is perfect."

"I'm going to get our bags inside, and you can get settled while I take Bella for a little run," he advised as he opened his door only to have Bella jump over the back seat into the front and out his door.

It had been quite some time since Jack had seen her running 'zoomies,' and both he and Elizabeth stood and laughed until she disappeared down a path beside the house.

Concerned that they would lose track of her, Jack started for the path when he observed Bella, with several 'friends,' heading back to the house. The dogs, including a shepherd, cattle dog and another Labrador continued to run and play together. The longer the dogs played, the more dogs seemed to join in, with the final count being four visitors and Bella.

As they stood and watched the dogs play, neither Jack nor Elizabeth realized the John Deere Gator utility vehicle that pulled in and parked behind their SUV.

Observing their visitor once the dogs approached the vehicle, both Jack and Elizabeth walked over. "Hi, can we help you?"

"Hi, I'm Sadie, my family and the additional dogs live down the hill, just on the other side of the woods. Mike, the homeowner of your beautiful rental, asked me to check in when you got here to make sure that you get settled in."

"I'm Jack Thornton, and this is Elizabeth…"

"Welcome to Santa Barbara," Sadie remarked.

"Thank you; it's beautiful out here," Jack commented as he glanced around, zhuzhed his sleeves up his arms, all while keeping his eyes on Bella.

"Well, it's peaceful here, and we love it," Sadie replied. Glancing at Jack she observed the blood on his arms and gasped, "Oh my gosh, are you okay?"

Looking at his arms, Jack quickly responded, "Oh, this isn't mine." Before she could assume that he was a violent criminal on the loose, he added, "A woman was attacked at the airport, and I chased after the guy. He pulled a knife, Bella jumped on him, and we both fell. Somehow, he stabbed himself, but before the police got there, I was holding him down, and let's just say his blood was flowing."

"WOW, you're the guy?" she asked.

"Uh, what guy?" Jack replied.

"There was a newsbreak on an hour or so ago. Do you know who that woman was that you saved?" she inquired.

"No, I have no idea; who is she?"

"She's the wife of the CEO of KCBS, the biggest news channel here in LA," she advised. "She was apparently waiting on her husband to pick her up when the attack occurred. Her husband was interviewed and said that he wanted to find the guy who stood up for his wife. He wants to thank you."

"That's not necessary," Jack responded.

"Maybe not," Sadie quickly responded, "but it's still nice. Out here, life moves so fast, and kindness sometimes gets lost. People don't want to get involved, so I think he just wants to let you know that he appreciates what you did to protect his wife."

"I'll call the station," Jack replied, understanding that he'd also want to thank someone if they'd stepped up and helped Elizabeth.

Sadie reached into the glove box of her Gator. Pulling out a clean rag, she reached into the back and grabbed an unopened bottle of water. Wetting the cloth, she handed it to Jack, "It's just a rag with cold water on it. Just call me a mom; I try to be prepared for anything," she replied before holding up a hammer, three nails, a juice box (for Jacob), three Band-Aids, a baggie of dog biscuits, another clean, white cloth, the bottle of water (now half empty), two chocolate chip cookies and a baggie of apple slices.

"WOW, you must be like 'Super Mom,'" Elizabeth commented, quite impressed by Sadie's organizational skills.

"Well, out here all it takes is for you to be on the other side of the property one time and find a rail down, or have a screaming child because he's hungry, or thirsty or has fallen down and has a 'boo-boo' and you realize that you have no supplies. When you have to make that trek back to the house for things you could have had with you, it quickly teaches you to have what you may need when you head out."

Jack took the rag and vigorously rubbed his arms, thankful that the blood easily washed away. "Thank you…"

"You're very welcome…" Sadie responded as her attention was quickly drawn toward the path when a small blonde-haired child came into view.

"Hey, bud," Sadie called out. Turning toward Elizabeth, she stated, "This is Jacob, my son. Brian, my husband was supposed to be watching him, but he loves to follow the dogs."

Watching Jacob gravitate toward Bella, Elizabeth smiled, "He's precious."

"Um, thank you. I will do my best to keep him away, but your girl over there looks like his dog, and she just passed away a week ago. He's having a real hard time without her…they were besties."

"I'm so sorry," Jack replied.

"Well, she lived a really long life. She was over 15…it's just that Jacob only really knew her. He's five, and Angel…that was her name, she used to watch over him, sit with him, and he used to dress her up and they'd watch movies together. She was quiet, whereas these other guys are high energy, but needless to say, he's missing his girl," she explained as Bella, finally exhausted, returned to Jack and laid down, with Jacob not far behind.

"Mommy, it's Angel…"

"No, honey, this is…" she turned to Jack for a name.

"This is Bella…" he responded.

"Honey, this is Bella, and she belongs to Mr. and Mrs. Thornton."

"Uh, we're not…" Elizabeth began to explain their lack of marital status before Jacob's look of bewilderment interrupted her thought process.

"Mommy, she's Angel, but not old," he stated as he crawled under Bella's head. "No white hair…"

Sadie took Jacob by the hand and walked him back over to the Gator, "Honey, don't you remember that Angel went to Heaven?"

Tears began flowing down Jacob's cheeks, and the more they flowed, the more difficult it was for anyone to hide theirs.

Elizabeth walked over with Bella and squatted down beside Jacob's seat, "I'm very sorry to hear about Angel. I'll bet she was the best…"

"She was my bestest friend." Turning to his mother, Jacob asked, "Mommy, can I see the picture again?" he asked.

Sadie pulled out her phone and showed him, Jack and Elizabeth a picture of Angel from her last birthday party. "I think he's looked at this picture a thousand times since we lost her," she watched as Jacob held her phone to his chest.

Still crying, Jacob continued, "We played together, and watched movies, and shared popcorn, and mom even let her sleep with me, too." Jacob wiped his tears on the sleeve of his shirt, "I won't ever watch a movie again."

"Well, I didn't know Angel, but she sounds like a beautiful, loving companion, and I'll bet she would be sad to see you give up the things you used to enjoy doing, just because she isn't here with you."

"But I just miss her so much…"

"I know you do, but did you know that all you have to do is close your eyes and listen to your heart, and she will be there?" Elizabeth asked as her hand gently tapped her chest in the area of her own heart.

Immediately, Jacob closed his eyelids tightly… "Just relax," Elizabeth spoke softly, her voice was quite calming, and Jacob did as she suggested.

With his eyelids gently closed and his breathing calmed, he grabbed Elizabeth's hand, "I see her. She's running…mommy, she running in a field…she not limping." His eyes opened, "She hasn't run like that in a long time," he remarked as tears ran down his face. "Do you think she misses me?"

"I'm sure she does," Elizabeth assured him. "When we have animals, they teach us so many things, and one of those things is how to be kind and love others. So, I'll bet that she wants you to have another friend one day who will take over where she left off," Elizabeth explained.

"You must have had a good dog when you were a kid…" Jacob intuitively surmised.

"I did… you know, we'll be here for a few days. If it's okay with your mom, you can come visit Bella." Glancing at Bella's incessantly wagging tail, she continued, "See, she really likes you."

"Mrs…" he forgot their last name, "lady, can Bella watch a movie with me?"

"Jacob, Mr. and Mrs. Thornton are here on vacation, so we need to leave them alone."

Although Elizabeth felt it necessary to clear up the fact that she and Jack were not married, she left that topic for another discussion and concentrated on Jacob and his broken heart. "I have an idea…"

"What, Mrs. lady, what…?" Jacob excitedly asked.

"It's too late tonight, but if your mom and dad would like to come over for dinner tomorrow, we can cook out, and you and Bella can watch a movie," Elizabeth suggested.

Realizing that she'd just put a thought into his mind without clearing it with his mother first, she looked up at Sadie, "I'm sorry; I should have asked you first."

"We don't want to interfere in your time here. You don't have to do this; he'll be fine," Sadie assured Elizabeth.

"You aren't interfering," she stated in a reassured voice, but then realized that she had also neglected to clear the invitation with Jack, as well. Bulldozing forward, she continued, "We'd love to have a cook-out, and I know Bella would enjoy some time with Jacob."

"Well, if you're sure, we'd love to. What can we bring?" Sadie asked.

"Nothing, we'll take care of it…" Elizabeth stated, afraid to look in Jack's direction for fear that his disappointment would cause her to crumble.

With their other dogs in tow, Sadie started toward the path back to their home. They'd only driven approximately 10 feet when the Gator suddenly stopped. Jacob jumped out, ran back and hugged Bella.

Elizabeth was nearby when he whispered in Bella's ear, "You are a baby Angel, and I love you."

Jacob then ran to Elizabeth, who quickly squatted, "Thank you, Mrs. lady…" Turning to Jack, who was standing, he hugged his leg, "Thank you, Mr. sir…"

"Thank you, Elizabeth," Sadie stated as she took the other clean cloth she had and wiped her eyes. "I have talked to him, and tried to get him to understand, but…well, just thank you."

"You're welcome; the love of an animal can be a very powerful thing," Elizabeth replied as her hand gently stroked the top of Bella's head.

As the dogs and the Gator carrying Sadie and Jacob disappeared down the path, Elizabeth glanced at Jack, "Please don't say it. I know I should have talked to you first before inviting them over, but that little boy is hurting, and I just cou…"

Jack's hands cradled her face and his thumbs brushed away the tears as they rolled down her cheeks. The more she talked, the more emotional she became. However, she couldn't blame the tears solely on Jacob's situation, as they partly flowed due to her fear of his reaction.

"Jack, I'm sorry…I know I should have, but…"

"Shh, do you have any idea how much I love you?"

"Huh…what…?" she responded, certainly not expecting the reaction she'd just received.

"You are so kind, and compassionate…worried about the feelings of a little boy you've just met," he whispered as his lips firmly pressed against hers, effectively taking the air from her lungs, and making it nearly impossible for her to speak.

"Tha…that's nice…I…mean the words and especially the kiss, but…you aren't mad?"

"How could I be mad? Elizabeth, I watched little Jacob move from being upset, scared, and confused, to feeling certain that Angel will always be with him in his heart. He closed his eyes and saw her running freely in a field, and he smiled. Gosh, he even asked to watch a movie again." Jack's fingers moved several strands of her hair behind her ear, "You are going to be one Helluva mother, and I can't wait until we have our own kids."

"You really think I'll be a good mom?"

"I know you will be; our kids will be lucky to have you."

Elizabeth smiled. She wrapped her arms around Jack's neck and stepped closer. His arms around her waist pulled her closer as he held her tightly against his body. "Our kids will be very fortunate to have you as a daddy, too. You are such a good man, Jack Thornton," tears rolled down her cheeks as she pressed her face hard against his chest.

Jack released her and stepped back slightly, "We do have a lot to talk about; not only about what happened between us, but where we're going, and what we see for our future."

"I know, but right now, I'm just so thankful to be here with you…to feel your arms around me, and to taste your lips on mine. I love you."

Jack's hand slipped behind her head as he stepped closer, "I've always loved you…"

With the sun beginning to set, Jack stated, "Let me get our bags inside and we'll see what we can muster up for dinner."

"Food? Honey, I don't think Airbnb takes care of your food for you," she advised.

Jack chuckled, "I know, but I placed an order for groceries, and they were supposed to be delivered before I…well, before we got here."

Walking inside the house, several bags of groceries were on the counter with a note…

"Here are the groceries you ordered. I hope everything is to your liking. The meats, dairy and cold stuff are in the refrigerator. Everything else is still in the bags here on the counter."

With the bags inside and placed in their individual bedrooms, Jack came back out into the kitchen. "I'm going to take a shower. I think I need some deep cleaning after today."

"Okay, Bella and I will put these other groceries away."

Once Jack disappeared, Elizabeth emptied the grocery bags before deciding that changing clothes was a good idea for her as well. Walking into her room, she pulled a pair of sweatpants and a crop top from her suitcase, sat on her bed and changed into her more comfy attire.

Seeing her bag sitting on the floor, she made the emotional mistake of opening the zipper and pulling Jack's letter out for another 'read-through.'

She'd only made it through the first sentence before tears formed and blurred her vision, rolling quickly down her cheeks.

"Dear Elizabeth,

Please don't tear this up before reading it. I have called repeatedly, and sent hundreds of texts, but you won't respond, and I guess I can't blame you. I left you feeling that my job was more important to me than you. That is so far from the truth."

"You asked me once if I had ever told anyone that I loved them. The answer was 'No.' The truth is, I never wanted to say it, because I never felt it…that is, until I met you. Before you, I never wanted to say the words. Before you, I never wanted to hear them either. Those three little words are so powerful and mean too much to be used without deep thought and consideration; you have to feel it in your heart!

She'd only made it through the first full paragraph and into the second when her tears obscured the writing and she simply sat with his letter in her hands, and although her vision was blurred, she stared at the words.

Elizabeth was in her own little world when Jack, finished with his shower and dressed in a pair of shorts and t-shirt, walked down the hall. Stopping when he observed her sitting on her bed, he first knocked on her open door. "Elizabeth…"

Receiving no response, he walked inside. Hearing her crying, he rushed over to her, "Honey, what's wrong…?"

Looking up from the paper she was immediately drawn in by his eyes, "It's really nothing, Jack."

"Don't do that. You're upset, so tell me what's wrong…"

"There's nothing wrong. It's just that this letter you wrote me is beautiful, and sad, and loving and thoughtful, and I can feel how much I hurt you, and I'm so, so sorry."

Jack slipped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close, "I have never been one to talk openly about my feelings. It's nobody's fault, I mean, it's not like my parents taught me to keep everything inside. As a matter of fact, both of my parents, well, probably my mom more so than my dad, encouraged both Tom and me to open up…especially when she knew something was bothering us."

"Jack…"

Jack softly placed his finger on her lips, "Shh, please, I'm on a roll, let me finish."

"I'm sorry…go ahead."

"I knew we needed to talk, but I just didn't know what to say, and as you drove away, I felt my world crashing down around me. E-liz-a-beth, you are without a doubt the most precious woman I've ever known, and on that morning…because I didn't tell you what was on my mind, and how I felt about you, I let you drive away thinking that you were nothing more than a fling. That couldn't have been farther from the truth, and for that, I am truly sorry. I know I hurt you, and I never meant to."

"I hurt you, too. What happened to us, Jack?"

"I think we were in our own little world, and all we could see was each other. Then it was time to go home, and…"

"And, what?"

"I sat down in the pilot's seat and saw a plaque on the control panel that said 'Thatcher Industries…William Thatcher, CEO' and I froze."

"Why…? I'm sure you've met the fathers of the women you dated before. What was so different this time?"

"Elizabeth, I was never employed by any of them. I take my job seriously and I was hired to fly you to Fiji, and to be there to help if you needed anything. But please, please know that I never…ever viewed my time with you as a job, and I certainly never thought of you as a fling."

With his own eyes becoming somewhat misty, he continued, "As a matter of fact, you were then, actually before then, and you are now the love of my life. When we were in Fiji, I forgot about my job; I forgot about my boss, and all I could think about…was you. But when I saw the plaque, and reality hit me upside the head, I didn't know what to do. I didn't know what to say to you, how to explain what I was feeling, and I certainly didn't know how to tell your dad that although he trusted me to be professional, I fell, and I fell hard for one of the most precious people in his life."

Jack ran his hand roughly from his forehead across the back of his head, "No, that's not completely true. Although it is true that I fell hard for you, that happened a long time ago, I just didn't know that Elizabeth Standish and Elizabeth Thatcher were one in the same person until you walked up to the jet for the flight to Fiji."

Jack wiped Elizabeth's eyes before doing the same to his own, "When you left that night, I was so angry with myself for letting you leave. But I was not the only one angry…" Jack glanced over at Bella, "This one here wouldn't sit with me; she barely even looked at me. She huffed and puffed and was obviously quite upset with me."

Jack leaned over and gently pressed his lips to hers, "Elizabeth, I take the responsibility for what happened that morning. I was tired, and I wasn't thinking straight, and…well, what I needed to say; what I wanted to say, didn't come out like I intended it to."

"It's not your fault, Jack. I was scared when you backed away and started shutting me out, and I didn't understand why. You wouldn't talk to me, and it was as if we had suddenly become strangers. So, instead of trying to find out why it was happening, I made an assumption, and things went downhill from there. I was angry, and I blocked your number, so, I had no idea that you were trying to get in touch with me."

"Oh, wait…you aren't going to believe this," Elizabeth turned in her bed to fully face Jack. Assuming that what she was about to tell him would be a complete surprise, she simply blurted it out, "The whole wedding decided on by the viewers, and the proposal and everything associated with that was a lie, all cooked up by Ryan, and our producer."

When Jack didn't look surprised, she sat back slightly, "Why aren't you surprised?"

He didn't immediately respond, so, she asked, "Wait, did you already know?"

"Actually, your mom told me before I flew out here."

"God bless, my mom. I think I have a lot to thank her for, but…are you sure you want to be with me? I mean, apparently, I'm stupid and gullible…"

"You are neither of those things, Elizabeth. You want to see the best in people, and as far as being sure that I want to be with you…I wouldn't have come all this way if I wasn't," he assured her.

Elizabeth wrapped her arms around Jack's neck and rested her head on his chest. She was comforted as his arms around her upper body held her close. "I feel so stupid, Jack."

"I'm sorry that you got hurt, but to be honest, I'm not upset that it happened."

"You're not; why…?" she pushed away from him, confused by his statement.

"Elizabeth, I don't want to see anyone treat you poorly or with such a lack of respect, but…"

"But what…?"

"Well, I guess I'm being a bit selfish here, but everything that you went through, brought you to the airport that night where we reconnected."

"Oh right, that was a wonderful night for us. I'm surprised with how I acted that you wanted to have anything to do with me."

"Elizabeth, you have been on my mind since that first time we met at the Animal Control Center. Assuming you were already married, engaged, or otherwise involved, I didn't pursue you…but don't think I didn't want to. I figured that us being together was very unlikely, but you have always been on my mind," he brushed the hair away from her forehead with his fingers. "Each time I saw you, I ached to know you better. You are the woman I've always wanted in my life."

"Jack, I also felt that you were special when we first met. I was watching when you lifted Bella up into your truck, and I saw you wrap your arm around her. I've always thought that a man who was kind and loving to animals would be a remarkable partner. So, when I saw you drive out of the parking lot with your arm around her, and you leaned over and kissed her on the top of her head, I knew at that moment that you were the man I wanted in my life. But you had told me you were getting ready to move and something about a camping trip and I assumed you were married, and were taking your wife and 2.5 children on an adventure."

Jack chuckled, "I was getting ready to move, but the camping trip I took was with my best friend, Lee. Oh, I can't wait for you to meet him and his wife, Rosie. She's a character…uh, maybe I should hold off having you meet her."

"Why, don't you think we'll get along together?"

"I know she'll love you, but she is also one who should think before she speaks."

"If she's important to you, Jack, I want to meet her."

Jack held onto her hands as his thumbs brushed across her skin, "I couldn't believe that we saw each other again at the park…I should have taken that as a sign that we were soulmates. I think Bella knew we were meant to be together before we even realized it," Jack smiled as he glanced down at his 4-legged companion. Looking up, he caught Elizabeth's crystal blue eyes, "Back then, if I had asked you out for coffee or dinner, would you have gone…? I mean before the whole…"

"Ryan thing? Yes, if you had asked me out for coffee or dinner I would have excitedly accepted," she replied. "But you didn't give me any sign that you were interested, which would have seemed odd if you had since I believed you had a family at home."

"I was trying to be cool, but now I feel even more stupid." Jack stated as he glanced down and observed Bella's tail rapidly wagging while her 'parents' laughed. "We've got it right this time, baby girl…"

Jack stood and held out his hand, "I have a suggestion…"

"And what might that be?" she asked.

"Well, I know we didn't plan on having this discussion tonight, but I'm glad we did. We've been tiptoeing around it, and we needed to just get it out in the open," he responded. "So, my suggestion is that we walk out of this room and leave that morning in the past. We both made mistakes that we've learned from, and we won't make them again. Okay?"

Elizabeth stood, "I just want you to know how sorry I am…"

With his hand out, and still waiting for hers, he responded, "I know you are, and I am too. But, you know, they say that when you go through something bad, it makes you stronger on the other side."

"Do you think we're okay?" she asked as she put her hand in his.

"I know we are, because my heart wouldn't be this happy if we weren't."

Holding hands, they walked out of the room together, each one wanting nothing more than to leave that horrible breakup behind them. Each one knew that communication was needed between them, and although they knew that no relationship would always be perfect, they felt much stronger, realizing that talking was important, necessary and essential for a healthy bond between them.

Looking through the groceries, Jack embarrassingly stated, "Sorry, I didn't think I'd be fortunate enough to find you so quickly. Is there something you'd like for dinner? I can do pick up something if you'd prefer."

"I think I saw some spaghetti noodles, sauce, and there are some hot dog buns that I can butter and toast…" Elizabeth responded as she bent down and looked through the cabinet for a pot.

Jack opened a bottle of wine and poured two glasses, handing one to Elizabeth. Cooking together was a first for Jack and Elizabeth, and displays of affection seemed to be more on the menu than the spaghetti. They were never more than an arm's length apart, and as the noodles boiled, so did their passion for each other.

He pulled Elizabeth close, his arms brushing across the bare skin on her back as he initially held her against his chest. As she stepped back to check the boiling noodles, he planted a sweet kiss on her temple. Then, as if recreating a scene from The Lady and the Tramp movie, each one placed one end of a spaghetti noodle in their mouth, eating away at it until their lips met.

The kiss was warm, and gentle and although it started out as a cute reenactment, the moment their lips met, the feelings they shared enveloped them. One kiss led to another, and the only thing that seemed to cool them down was the pot of spaghetti noodles boiling over onto the stove, causing them to put their desires aside as the cold water entered the pot.

Following dinner, with the kitchen clean and both Jack and Elizabeth exhausted, Bella seemed as though she had enough energy for all of them.

"Let me take her out for a walk and we'll be in shortly…" Jack stated as he snapped the leash onto her collar and headed for the door.

Elizabeth slipped into her bedroom, grabbed her nightgown and jumped into the shower, hoping to be done and in bed before Jack returned.

With her hair in a very loose ponytail, Elizabeth shut off the water, ran the towel over her body, and slipped into her blue silky nightgown with thin spaghetti straps, that fell about six inches above her knee, with lace edging the top and along a slit along her left thigh.

Elizabeth opened the bedroom door, and hearing nothing, she hurried down the hall for the glass of wine she hadn't yet finished, but left sitting on the kitchen table.

Just as she reached for the glass, the door opened. Jack and Bella stepped inside, and upon first glance, he stopped in his tracks.

"I'm sorry; I thought I'd be back in my room before you guys got back."

Unable to keep his eyes from roaming up and down her silhouette, Jack responded, "Don't be sorry…don't ever be sorry."

"Well, I'm going to bed," she stated as she started down the hall. She'd barely made it to the hallway when she turned around. Observing him smiling, she returned the gesture, thankful that in his eyes she was obviously pleasing to him. "We're being honest, right?"

"Absolutely, is something bothering you" he asked.

"No…it's just that…"

Jack stepped closer, "What is it?"

"I don't want to sleep alone," she blurted out as nervous tears broke free and rolled down her cheeks. "I know it's not fair to ask, and if you'd rather not, I…"

Jack pulled her against his chest. Feeling her soft skin under his hand and fingers was exciting. Taking a deep breath, he knew that there could be nothing more than cuddling, and until she felt comfortable and was truly ready for the next step, he would do his best to patiently wait.

Jack stepped back slightly. Placing a finger under her chin, he lifted her face upward until their eyes met. "Go get into bed. I'll change, and Bella and I will be there in a minute." Somehow, to Jack, having Bella in the bedroom with them was much like having a chaperone, and he was certain that there would be nothing more than cuddling throughout the night.

Jack changed into a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt, called Bella and they walked down the hall to Elizabeth's room.

Jack tapped on the door, "Come in…" Elizabeth called out.

As the door opened, Bella rushed in, jumped into the bed, and lay down beside Elizabeth. Jack slipped in beside Bella, assuming that this would kill two birds with one stone…he'd be with Elizabeth, but they wouldn't be touching, thereby, in theory, keeping his body under control.

Elizabeth's arm rested across Bella's body, while Jack snuggled in and placed his hand on top of hers. She caught Jack's eyes, "I love you…"

"I love you too."

Exhausted, but fearing that if he closed his eyes she would disappear, it still took Jack a little more than an hour to fall asleep. He smiled as Elizabeth snuggled in, laughing softly when he realized that she had slipped a grey sweatshirt over her nightgown in what he assumed was her attempt at not 'turning him on…"

"She's beautiful," he thought. It didn't matter if she pulled her hair up in a loose ponytail, allowed it to flow freely over her shoulders, wore a dress, jeans, negligee, or a trash bag, she would still be the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen, and he would always be 'turned on.'

The following morning, Jack woke to his chest against Elizabeth's back, his arms wrapped around her and holding her close. He could smell the familiar scent of her floral perfume which still lingered from the day before, and he found himself inhaling deeper and deeper with each breath.

On the other side of him, stretched out while using two-thirds of the king-size bed for herself, Bella's back was pressed hard up against Jack's, much like she was pushing her 'parents' together.

Jack rolled over toward Bella. Whispering, he asked, "Do you need to go outside?"

Slowly, Bella stretched, then carefully slinked off the bed without disturbing Elizabeth.

Jack closed Elizabeth's door and slipped into his room where he changed into a pair of sweatpants, and a sweatshirt. He left a note on the counter and he and Bella left for a run.

Upon their return, Elizabeth was sitting at the kitchen table, wearing a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, with her hair up in a ponytail. She placed her coffee cup down on the table, "Would you like some?" she asked.

"Thanks, but I think I'm going to do like Bella and stick with water," he replied.

Glancing over to the other side of the kitchen, Elizabeth watched Bella drinking from her dish. "Did you need a bowl?" she giggled.

Reaching into the refrigerator, he replied, "No, the bottle will be fine."

Jack walked over and took a seat beside Elizabeth. "Did you sleep well?" he asked.

"I did once I felt your arms around me," she replied. "Um, you know this house is really big. Do we have to use all the rooms?"

Jack smiled, "What are you saying?"

"Well, we don't need to use two bedrooms, do we?" she responded.

"No, we don't…b-ut, I don't want you to feel any pressure from me for anything more than you feel comfortable with."

"Jack," she glanced down at their hands, his resting on top of hers, his thumb brushing across her skin, "you are the kindest, most thoughtful man I have ever known. You put others before yourself, and I have never known a man who was willing to wait for a woman, like you are willing to wait for me. You put my needs above your own, and…" she smiled, "I'm sure that the cold showers you took in Fiji weren't fun."

"I love you, Elizabeth, and when we are finally together for the first time, I want it to be an experience that you are thankful you waited for."

"I feel comfortable with you, Jack, and I feel safe, sleeping with your arms around me…waking up with you lying beside me. But, if being that close, yet not close enough is too difficult, I'll say good night to you, and we can go to our respective rooms."

"I won't lie to you, Elizabeth…I love you, and I want to make love to you, but…"

"BUT…?"

He raised his hand and rested it along her cheek, "Calm down. It's not anything bad. It's just that it would kill me if we made love, and I woke up the next morning to you regretting the experience. I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere. So, cold showers may be in my near future, but when we're finally together, it will be the best night of both of our lives."

Jack slipped his hand behind her head and pulled her closer as he leaned forward. Their lips met, and it was warm and sweet, gentle and tender, with no expectations of anything more than what it was…an expression of true emotion from two people who truly love one another.

"I'm going back to take a shower, and then maybe we should go to the grocery and pick up what we need for the cookout tonight," he stated as he kissed her quickly on the cheek before heading toward the hallway.

"Hey," she called out and he turned around. "I'm sorry. I know this was supposed to be our time."

Jack walked back over and squatted down beside her. "Elizabeth, I appreciate how thoughtful you are, and I know little Jacob could use some Bella time."

"Bella time…?" she giggled.

"You know what I mean. When you're that young and you lose a dog, it's like losing your best friend, and right now, to Jacob, losing Angel is the worst thing that will ever happen to him. Bella has been helpful to both of us, and she brought us together, so maybe she can help to heal his heart." Jack stood, leaned over and kissed her once more before again leaving to take a shower.

Stopping before reaching the hallway, Jack turned around. "Hey, if it's an early evening, and I would anticipate with a small child they won't stay late, I would like for us to talk."

"O…K," she stated hesitantly, wondering what was on his mind. "Jack, again I'm sorry for suggesting the cookout without running it past you first. In my defense, I'm used to being alone, and I haven't had anyone to run things by…but anyway, I'm sorry, and I will try not to do that again."

"Well, I think each of us could use a little advance warning before plans are made, so it's not just you. I'll make an effort to do the same, okay?"

"Okay, so, is that what you want to talk about?"

"No, not really…"

"What then…?"

"Honey, don't look so worried. I just want us to spend some time together and talk…I've missed sitting with you in front of a fire and just talking about things."

"Okay, it's a date…" she responded as she watched him walk down the hall, and wondered how on earth she had gotten so lucky.

"I don't know how you do it," Elizabeth glanced down and ran her hand across Bella's fur, "maybe you have mystical powers or something, but you sure have worked magic with us. I think that day you saved that child in the woods, you also saved me… I just didn't know it at the time."

Several hours later, Jack and Elizabeth walked back into the house carrying multiple grocery bags. Emptying them on the counter, there were steaks, potatoes, salad fixings, corn on the cob, hamburgers, hot dogs, condiments, and at Jack's suggestion, chicken nuggets for Jacob, "because all kids love chicken nuggets."

While perusing the wine section, they decided to go with a Napa Valley Cabernet, but he also picked up a Moscato, since Elizabeth preferred sweet wine.

Jack went outside and poured a bag of ice into a cooler left for them to use by the homeowner. Inside, he placed some beer, soft drinks, water, and, for Jacob, some fruit punch juice boxes, so he could feel like part of the group when pulling 'his' drink from the cooler.

Elizabeth fixed the salad and placed it in the refrigerator on the shelf below the steaks that Jack was marinading.

Jack and Elizabeth were sitting outside at 5:30 pm when the Gator drove around the corner on the path. Pulling up to the house, Sadie held Jacob's hand as they waited for Brian to join them.

Walking over to Jack and Elizabeth, Jacob broke free from his mom and ran to hug Bella. "Hi, Jack…Elizabeth, this is my husband, Brian. Brian, this is Jack and Elizabeth Thornton," Sadie completed the introductions.

"It's nice to meet you," Jack stated as he stuck out his arm to shake Brian's hand. "Um, to clear things up, Elizabeth and I…"

"Mommy, mommy, I want to give Bella the toy," Jacob blurted out, stopping Jack from clearing up his and Elizabeth's relationship status.

Walking over to the Gator, Sadie grabbed the red, Triceratops stuffed dog toy from the back and handed it to Jacob. Happily, the child ran to Bella and handed the toy to her.

"That was so thoughtful, but you didn't need to get her something," Elizabeth mentioned.

"Oh, well, it was actually one of Angel's favorite toys and Jacob would like for Bella to have it," Sadie responded.

Jack squatted down beside Jacob, "That was a very sweet thing you did for Bella, but wouldn't you like to keep the toy and give it to the next dog that becomes your best buddy? It will be like Angel has given her blessing for someone new to watch over you for her."

"Do you think so, Mister Sir…?"

"I do. Besides, Bella has lots of toys," Jack stated as he glanced over and observed the tight hold Bella had on the dinosaur. "How did you know that was a favorite toy of hers?"

"What…?" Jacob was confused.

"She has a dinosaur…not exactly like yours, but she loves it," Jack responded as he glanced in Elizabeth's direction and observed her perplexed expression. "My suggestion would be that you put this toy in a safe spot, and when you get another dog that is your best friend, you can give it to him or her, okay?"

"Okay," Jacob replied as he handed the toy to his mother. "Can you hold this?" he asked, and as expected, she took the toy from his hand and held it until she could get back to the Gator to drop it off.

With dinner done, Jack, Elizabeth, Sadie and Brian sat outside around the firepit talking while Jacob and Bella watched The Little Mermaid, a DVD that Sadie brought with them.

Elizabeth fixed Jacob a bowl of popcorn, because everyone knows that a movie isn't worth watching without a bowl of popcorn to enjoy.

"Hey, Mrs. Lady, can I use this?" Jacob asked as he held up Elizabeth's grey hoodie sweatshirt.

Assuming he was chilly, Elizabeth responded, "Sure…"

While talking outside, Elizabeth glanced through the open sliding glass door. Holding her hands up, "Shh, you've got to see this…"

As everyone looked through the doorway into the house, they observed Jacob and Bella sitting side by side on the sofa. Each one was wearing a hoodie sweatshirt, backwards, with the hoods acting as their bowls, and each of them were obviously enjoying their popcorn.

"Do you mind if I take a video of that; it's just beyond precious…?" Elizabeth asked.

"I don't mind as long as you send it to me," Sadie replied.

"Agreed," Elizabeth pressed record and began taping.

As the adults returned to their conversation, Sadie asked, "How long have you two been married?"

"Oh, we're not married," Elizabeth responded.

"Oh…I never would have thought that. You two look perfect together," Sadie remarked. "So, do you think you'll get married?"

"Sadie…" Brian attempted to hush his wife.

"I don't mean anything by it, it's just that I see the way you look at each other, and I have to say I'm shocked."

"Why…?" Elizabeth asked.

Sadie took a sip from her glass of wine, "I'm usually pretty good at picking out couples, and…"

"And what?" Elizabeth asked.

"You will get married, and you will have three kids…Oh, but relax, they won't come all at the same time."

"Well, that's a relief," Elizabeth nervously chuckled. "Are you a fortune teller or something?"

"No, nothing like that, but I do get a sense from people, and I'm usually right."

The group split with the men's conversation turning to sports, and the women discussing, careers, children, cooking, and Sadie's favorite show, 'The Batchelor.'

Around 8:45pm, Sadie stepped into the house to retrieve Jacob. Returning outside without him, she called to her husband, Jack and Elizabeth, "If you think it was cute before, come see this…"

Walking down the hall, they found Bella and Jacob in one of the guest rooms lying in the bed, facing each other as they drifted off to sleep. Brian walked over and carefully picked up Jacob and carried him outside to the Gator.

"Thank you so much for the wonderful evening, and for sharing Bella with Jacob. She's a great dog…" Sadie stated as Brian held Jacob in the passenger seat while Sadie slipped behind the wheel. "You, two have a great vacation, and if you need anything, we're just down the hill."

"Thank you," Jack stated as he took hold of Elizabeth's hand, and they watched the family disappear around the corner.

Jack poured two glasses of wine and carried them outside, taking a seat beside Elizabeth as they continued to enjoy the warmth of the fire pit.

"That was a sweet gesture Jacob made, wanting to give Angel's favorite toy to Bella," Jack mentioned as he took her free hand in his and brought it up to his lips.

"He's a sweet, sweet little boy. I hope they get him another dog soon," she replied.

"Now that you mention it, I was thinking…"

"About what?" she asked.

"Bella is such a good dog, and she's helped me a lot…"

"She's helped both of us, Jack. What are you saying?"

"Do you think I should offer to let Jacob keep Bella?"

Shocked by the thought, Elizabeth pulled her hand away, spit out her wine, and jumped up from her seat, "WHAT…? You aren't serious, are you?"

"Well, I thought I was, but I guess I'm not…"

"Jack, Bella is our dog; well, I mean, she's your dog, and I guess it's your decision," she stated, her tone was hard and firm as she turned away from him.

"She's our dog," he corrected her as he stood and his hand on her arm turned her back to face him. "I love her, but I was just thinking that just like she helped the little kid that was lost in the woods, and she's helped us, maybe, oh, I don't know, I was just thinking maybe she was meant to help Jacob, too."

"Jack, you don't have to give her to Jacob for her to help him. I mean, he told us yesterday that he'd never watch another movie and then…well, you saw just as well as I did, he was watching The Little Mermaid with her."

"That's what I mean…she seems to have brought him out of his shell," he replied.

"But Jack, we love her, too, and although your offer is so kind and sweet, please don't do it."

"It was just a thought. I mean, I saw how happy he was watching a movie with her and sleeping in the bed with her, and I…oh, forget it, it was a stupid idea."

Just the thought of Bella no longer being in their lives brought tears to her eyes. "I'm sorry. She's your dog and you can do whatever you want. I can't be angry with you, because your heart is so good, and it's certainly in the right place, but…I just can't think about Bella living 3000 miles away from us."

"I'm sorry; I just wanted to stop his pain, but I certainly didn't mean to cause you any," Jack stated as his arm around her shoulders pulled her close.

"I love you so much," she spoke through her tears, "and your kind heart is what makes you the wonderful man you are."

Hearing Elizabeth crying, Bella trotted outside and curled up at her feet.

"I'm sorry for even bringing it up. She's our dog, and she's meant to be a best friend to our kids," Jack stated as he kissed the top of Elizabeth's head.

"Well, I couldn't agree more," she replied. "I'm sorry for the way I acted. I shouldn't have snapped at you; I appreciate you talking to me about it before you made up your mind, and thank you for taking my feelings into account…that means a lot."

With his finger under her chin, he lifted her face upward until their eyes met. "Your feelings will always be most important to me. I hope you know that…" he spoke softly as his hand slipped behind her head and pulled her close until their lips met.

Feeling butterflies and hot tingles, her lips, initially firm, softened immediately, and her body, once agitated, melted against his. His arms held her close as Bella danced at their feet, afraid to allow them to part.

Enjoying the feelings of warmth, and safety as he held her, she didn't want the moment to end. She was hanging tightly to the closeness until he whispered, "Can we talk?"

"Okay, do you have anything in particular that you want to talk about?"

Stepping back, he took her hand and led her back to the fire pit where they took a seat, "Elizabeth, where do you see your life in the next few years?" he asked.

"Well, I hope that I'm back on a respectable show with a reputable station, why?"

"Well, I can understand that, and I know you will settle into the perfect position, but I was actually meaning personally."

"Oh, well…I hope we're together…" she replied.

Jack swallowed hard, "Do you think we won't be?"

"Well, I guess the truth is, no one knows what will happen in life, but I have a lot of faith in us, Jack. Maybe it doesn't seem like it with what happened before, but I love you, and I know what I almost lost, so I believe we will be together with marriage and children in our future. What about you; where do you see yourself in a few years?"

"I see us living in house with a lot of bedrooms, a big fenced in backyard, maybe one child by that point, and another dog…you know, possibly a friend for Bella."

"I like that idea…" she admitted.

"So, you don't think that your experience with Ryan has turned you against marriage?" he asked.

Elizabeth sat back and looked into Jack's eyes, "Absolutely not…well, it hasn't turned me against marriage if it's with the right man."

"Well then, what characteristics are you looking for in the "right" man?" he lightheartedly asked.

"Well, he needs to be kind, and intelligent…oh, and he needs to laugh at all my stupid jokes. He has to love animals, and kids, and going on adventures. He needs a sense of humor…"

The more she talked the broader Jack's smile grew. His hand rested along her jawline and as she continued to expound on her perfect man, his thumb brushed across the soft skin on her cheek.

"He needs to be handsome with dark hair and engaging hazel eyes, and dimples are a plus…a BIG plus. As far as his job goes, he can be anything from an executive to a janitor, just as long as he loves his job. But one job I don't think I can be with is a pilot…flying is just so dangerous."

"Wait…what…?" Jack's hand dropped from her cheek.

"I'm teasing, Jack. I love you; I have loved you for a long time," she stated but felt bad as she observed the concerned look on his face. "Don't look like that, Jack. I was kidding. If I were to draw the man of my dreams, he would look just like this…" Elizabeth pulled out her phone and searched through her photo albums, clicking on a favorite photo. "Here…"

She turned the phone around so he could see his picture on the screen, "This man right here is who I dream about. He's the man I want to spend my life with."

"Well, that's good…" he released a thankful breath. "How about children; I assume you want them, so, how many?"

"Well, I think Sadie has already told us; we're going to have three. How do you feel about that?"

"Are you teasing me again?"

"Jack, I assume that at our age, you're doing just as I am, and you wouldn't be all in on this relationship if you weren't hoping that it would be forever. I mean, I guess no one knows what will happen in life, but I hope we get married, and that kids are in our future, and as for how many, I guess, is up to the good Lord." Looking up into his eyes, she quickly added, "I'm not rushing you or anything. You take all the time you need to make sure that this," she motioned her fingers between the two of them, "I mean, us…that we're what you want in life.

"I wouldn't have travelled 3000 miles across country to find you if I wasn't sure. I'm all in on this relationship, as you put it. I want a life with you; I want children with you, and I want to sit on our front porch with you and rock our grandchildren to sleep. E-liz-a-beth, I want to share everything with you…"

Elizabeth smiled broadly. "Well, we're on the same page, because I want all of that, too!" she stated as she wrapped her arms around him and rested her head against his chest.

Assuming that a change in subject would lighten the mood, a thought came to mind that he felt would make them both laugh. Unfortunately, for both of them, the answers had the opposite effect. "I'm going to ask a question, but I'm sure the answer is 'No.' Have you ever felt like you were dating out of your league?" he asked.

"Yes…"

"See, I already knew the answer. There is no way that you would ever be out of your lea…wait, what? You honestly think that you have dated out of your league before; when…with who?"

She smiled, "Absolutely. Jack Thornton, you…you are out of my league. I don't know how the planets were able to align themselves just right when we met, or what I ever did in my life to deserve a man as wonderful as you, but I'm thankful and I feel completely blessed."

"You can't be serious; me, out of your league…you have it all wrong. Honey, you are the one who is way out of my league."

"You don't have any idea what a wonderful guy you are, do you?"

Jack looked uncomfortable with the compliment, and found no words for a response.

"Look, you are kind, considerate, and thoughtful beyond words. You put the needs of everyone else above yourself, and besides, you look gorgeous in your pilot's uniform."

"I'm only handsome in my pilot's uniform?"

"No, what I mean is that you're gorgeous, model-like, and no, you are a hunk no matter what you wear. But more than that…you make me feel important; like what I think and feel means something to you." The more Elizabeth explained, the more emotional she became. "You take hold of my hand, and suddenly everything is okay, because I know I'm not alone. You're so strong, and yet when you touch me, you're tender and gentle, and you are more about what makes me feel safe and comfortable, than you are about what you need…and we both know you aren't getting everything you need in this relationship."

"Shh…" he whispered as his hands rested along her cheeks while his thumbs tenderly brushed the tears away from her soft skin. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have even asked the question. I thought it would just make us both laugh." Jack leaned in and pressed his lips to hers. The kiss was warm and quickly brought her back to a sense of home, safety and familiarity, and as he leaned back slightly, she smiled.

"I feel your love, Jack…but maybe you just don't get it. Maybe you just don't realize that you're the kind of guy that mothers pray their daughters will meet; the one who will carefully hold their heart and love them completely and without any reservation. You're the guy that girls dream about. You're the kind of man a woman waits all her life for, just hoping for that moment when he comes riding to her rescue on that beautiful white horse. And before you say anything, I know you don't have a horse of any color, but you know what I mean…" she expounded.

Before he could respond by words, or facial expressions, Elizabeth was quick to continue her praises. "Jack, you are the type of man that women measure other guys against, because whether you know it or not, you're perfect."

Jack snickered, "I'm not perfect."

"Well maybe not perfect like God is perfect, but for what most women are looking for in a man, you're him…" she explained.

Jack smiled broadly, deepening his already pronounced dimples. "Well, I hope you understand that you are the only woman that I'm interested in having dream about me, because I've certainly had my share of dreams about you…but we can discuss those later."

Assuming to know the type of dreams he was referring to, she blushed, knowing that she, too, had experienced some of her own nocturnal fantasies. "Jack, I don't know of a woman alive who wouldn't jump at a chance to be in a relationship with you. Think about it, I'll bet you've never been turned down when you've been interested in a woman; I'm right, aren't I?"

"I don't know…" he softly responded.

"Yes, you do. You asked the question, and we're being honest right now, so answer me…"

"Yes, I have…" he replied as he stared down at his hands which rested on top of hers.

"No way; who was the idiot who turned you down?" she asked, finding it hard to believe that any woman in her right mind would walk away from an opportunity to spend time with him.

Glancing up into her eyes, he smiled, "Honey, it was you. You are the only woman who matters to me in that special way, but there was a time not too long ago when you didn't want anything to do with me."

"I'll admit it; I was an idiot, but I've apologized Jack and I don't know what else I can say," she admitted. "What happened to putting that part of our lives behind us and not talking about it anymore?" she asked.

"Well, you asked, and I guess we can't escape it. It happened; it's part of our relationship…not a good part, but still, it has gotten us to where we are now, and that's a good place, right?" he asked.

"You're right. We need to be able to talk about the good, the bad and the ugly and find ourselves being stronger as a result," Elizabeth replied.

"And we are stronger…I mean, we are, right?" Jack hesitantly asked, still somehow wondering if something would happen to wreck what they were trying to build together.

"Yes, Jack…I think we're in a really good place. We've both learned how important communication is in a relationship. Now, I'm communicating with you something that I need, 'are you ready to go to bed?'"

"It's only 9:15…" he responded.

"Well, just think of the additional hours we'll have to cuddle…"

Jack stood and held out his hand, "Now that you mention it, I'm exhausted…"

They walked down the hall hand in hand. Jack stopped at his room, "I'll get changed and give you some time to get into bed before Bella and I come in, okay?"

"Are you sure you're okay with this?" she asked.

"I get to hold you in my arms and wake up with you beside me, so I consider myself a lucky man…"

"Seriously, Jack; are you okay with this?"

"I'm fine. Now you go get ready for bed, and I'll be there in a few minutes."

To be continued…

NOTE: I apologize that it has taken me so long to add to this story. My sister recently passed away and writing, although it already takes me a while to write my chapters, definitely took a back seat to everything else.

The next chapter is practically done, so look for an update in hopefully the next week.