Chapter 18
Elizabeth stood on the sidewalk for a few minutes. Her mind was swirling with the news. She did not like the fact that Charles was coming to Hope Valley, but he wasn't the thing that was occupying her mind, it was Julie's news of her marriage. Julie had this mindset of viewing life as if it was a romance novel. Julie always thought of herself as a woman waiting for her prince charming. Elizabeth wasn't sure about the news of Julie and Tom running off and getting married.
Elizabeth sighed and then stepped into the café. She realized it was five o'clock. She had about forty to forty five minutes to freshen up for dinner with Jack and JJ. She was greatly looking forward to eating dinner at their house. She wasn't sure if this was a date, but in her mind, it was. She was also eager to share both telegrams with Jack. She wanted to talk to him about Charles and his coming. The news with Tom and Julie was important, but she wanted to begin with the news of Charles. She wasn't holding anything back from Jack. She promised herself that she wasn't going to do that again. With all of that said, she just wanted to spend intimate time with Jack and JJ. In Jack's house, they wouldn't have people stopping by like in the café.
As Elizabeth made her way through the dining room of the café toward the kitchen area and the stairs upstairs, Abagail noticed her.
"Elizabeth, do you have a couple of minutes?"
Elizabeth snuck another look at the clock. "I have a couple of minutes."
Abagail smiled at her excitement concerning her dinner at Jack's home.
"Let's step into the kitchen for a few minutes." Abagail extended her hand for Elizabeth to lead the way. Once inside the kitchen, the ladies turned to face each other. "Dottie and Florence were just in the café a few minutes ago."
"Yes, I saw them coming out of the café."
"Did they say anything to you?"
"They did. They asked if I was going to be the teacher next year. I don't know why they would aske me that." Elizabeth shook her head.
"I overheard them talking about you. I came up to their table and I sat with them for a few minutes. They were talking about your situation. They were questioning if you should be teaching."
"Why?"
…
"Alright young man. Let's get all your books put away, please."
"Yes dad. All but the math workbook. Ms. Elizabeth said she wants to look over it with me. If we have time, I would like to do that."
"Fine, but it doesn't have to lay haphazardly on the table. Please put all the other things away and straighten everything up."
"I don't understand why we have to clean everything."
"We have company coming over."
"Sure, but it's just Ms. Elizabeth."
Jack gave him a little bit of a stern face. He didn't have to say anything, the look expressed his feelings.
"You know you may be a new parent, but you certainly have that look down pat." JJ grinned.
Jack couldn't help but smile. For Jack, that was a compliment. Jack didn't consider this a date at first when JJ asked Elizabeth. However, the closer it was to six o'clock the more it felt like a date. It was just dinner. He didn't know why it felt like a date. JJ was the one who asked Elizabeth to come over. Jack also didn't understand why he was getting a little nervous. He shook his head to clear his mind.
"Now, please go and change your clothes and wash your face."
"Wait…I have to take a bath and change clothes?"
"I didn't say take a bath. I said wash your face and change clothes."
"All of this for dinner with Ms. Elizabeth?" JJ asked a little confused.
"Yes."
"My mom always made me change clothes and wash up for important people when they come over for dinner. I guess Ms. Elizabeth is important."
"You could say that."
"Or maybe…" Jack could only smile, and guess, at what JJ's mischievous expression meant. "…this is a date."
"This isn't a date!" Jack stated with conviction. "I don't think…" He whispered to himself after pausing to think about it. "Go on!" Jack playfully threw his hand towel at a giggling JJ.
…
"Dottie and Florence were wondering why you were dating two men. They believe you left with Charles engaged to be married to him. Then one of them saw you standing close to Jack holding both of his hands."
"This nightmare just won't end." Elizabeth stated shaking her head.
"I tried telling them that you were not engaged to Charles, but I don't know if they believed me. They said it was widely known that you were. They even stated that Jack told them you were engaged to Charles. Then they saw you holding Jack's hands and standing close to him."
"They're calling my conduct into question." Elizabeth asked but she already knew the answer.
"Yes."
"And with them being on the school board, they could cause me problems."
"Yes. I think you may need to get ahead of this before it grows too big to take care of it."
Elizabeth rubbed her face with the palms of her hands. She knew the truth even if no one else did. She just couldn't believe how that one decision to go back to Hamilton would cause so much trouble. In that moment in the schoolhouse, it was insignificant in her eyes. Now, however, it was changing her life. She was recovering with Jack. She never thought her job would be in danger.
"Don't worry, Elizabeth. We will take care of this. You have the truth on your side."
"That doesn't always matter, Abagail. Remember when the people shunned you for a couple of days when Mr. Gowan told everyone Noah was responsible for the explosion?"
"True, but the people saw through his lies. People will come to know that you did not accept Charles' proposal."
"Did everyone think I accepted his proposal?"
"Yes."
"I'm never going to get past this, am I?" Elizabeth lowered her head. She let out a long sigh.
"You will, dear. It will take a few people some time, but you most certainly will."
Elizabeth shook her head.
"I remember this young lady who showed up in Coal Valley on the back of a wagon looking completely disheveled. She was completely lost in her new element. I was certain she wouldn't last a day. The first night in town, she burned down the teacherage. I don't know if one person in town thought this rich young lady from a very affluent family had the inner strength to make it here. It only took a few days for that rich young lady to win a few of us over. Before very long, she had the whole town on her side." Abagail walked over to Elizabeth and placed her hands on her shoulders to calm her. "Elizabeth, you most certainly will get past this. You are in the very beginning of this journey. People know you here. They know you love your students. Don't worry, you're safe with your job. Just love everyone like you always do."
Elizabeth let out a long breath. "Who would ever think a stupid decision would be so costly?"
"It's certainly a learning experience."
"A lesson I will never forget."
…
"Mr. Johnson, Charles will be going to Hope Valley soon. I originally thought two days, but he may leave tomorrow. We are not certain yet."
"Are you sure that's wise?"
"Yes."
"Ok. We are planning another explosion for tomorrow or the next day. It will depend if our inside guy has an opportunity tomorrow or the next day."
"That sounds good. Is he still careful? I don't want anyone hurt."
"He understands completely."
"Sir, if I may ask, why are you wanting this sawmill destroyed in some small western town that no one knows exists?"
"I have my reasons." Stated a very stern looking William.
"Yes, sir."
"Please let me know when it happens."
"I will."
…
Elizabeth was just finishing brushing her hair. She applied a little makeup. She was always one to use minimal makeup. She was grateful Jack liked that look instead of someone who used a lot of makeup. She placed a little bit of hair across her shoulders. On her and Jack's first date, he moved a little bit of hair behind her shoulder. She gasped when he did that. She wasn't sure why, but it moved her in ways she never experienced.
Elizabeth kept reminding herself that this wasn't a date. This was just dinner with Jack and JJ. However, her heart wasn't listening to her head. She fixed her blouse for the umpteenth time. She was wearing her light blue blouse and skirt that reached to the floor. The dress flowed well and fit her perfectly. It was one of Jack's favorites. She had twenty minutes to walk the ten minutes to Jack's row house. She looked at herself in the mirror for the last time. Then she took both telegrams and placed them in her pocket.
She enjoyed her walk to Jack's house. The weather was perfect. There was just a slight breeze that made the night ideal. The evening sun was still out, and the glowing light was beautiful. She smiled when she turned with the curve in the road and the row house came into sight.
Jack opened the door just as Elizabeth stepped on the top step. His breath was caught in his chest. She looked beautiful in the blue dress. Elizabeth's smile was big, but it was her eyes that held his attention. She had the most perfect, seductive, beautiful blue eyes. He would get lost in those seas of blue and be happy because of it. He felt like he should say something, but he couldn't think of anything to say. He had no idea why he was so nervous. Finally, he stated. "Hi."
Elizabeth let out a little giggle. "Hi."
Elizabeth was struggling just like Jack. He was wearing a green button up shirt. The shirt brought out the color of his eyes. He had the sleeves rolled up just below his elbow. When she blinked, she could see the muscles in his arms when he was chopping wood. She knew exactly what was hidden underneath the sleeves of his shirt. As great as those memories were, it was the dimpled smile he had on his face. His dimples were staring at her, and they were pulling her in to him. She was powerless against their strength. She smiled knowing she was perfectly ok with it.
After staring at each other for an eternity, their attention was drawn to the stairs. JJ was coming down the stairs. Elizabeth couldn't understand how a noisy little boy could always sneak up on her.
"My…my…don't you look handsome." Elizabeth stated when JJ came to stand beside Jack.
JJ had on a green shirt a lot like Jack's. His hair was combed nicely and he had on his best trousers. Elizabeth couldn't help but let out chuckle. JJ's tie was all messy. It looked like the five year old boy tied it himself.
"My goodness…why didn't you let me tie that for you?" Jack laughed as he bent down to retie his tie.
"I wanted to do it myself."
"Yes sir, Mr. Independence." Jack stated as he finished with the tie.
"Well, if we're on a date, we need to look nice."
"A date." Whispered Elizabeth. This certainly made her mind run even more with the thought of the evening. Her smile grew even more when Jack didn't immediately correct him.
Finally, Jack stated. "It's not necessarily a date. When her and Jack's eyes connected, they both smiled.
"Why don't we sit out here for a few minutes. We still have about fifteen minutes before the food is ready." Jack smiled but never took his eyes off Elizabeth.
"That sounds lovely." Elizabeth smiled.
The three of them sat down on the top step. JJ sat between them. They looked over the road to the field in front of them. There were several kids from the other row houses playing. One of the younger boys came over and asked if JJ could go play with him. JJ looked at Jack.
"Go ahead. Have fun. You have about ten to fifteen minutes to play. Just don't get your clothes dirty."
"Thanks, dad."
Jack couldn't hide his smile at his new title.
"Hey…young man." Elizabeth stated as JJ leaped off the top step. JJ turned around to face Elizabeth. "Please take off your tie. You don't want to get it dirty."
"Yes, ma'am." He stated as he took the few steps toward her. She gave him a large smile as she took the tie off him. "Go…have a good time." Elizabeth and Jack admired JJ as he ran across the road and into the field with the little boy.
…
"How are you?" Frank asked as he stepped into the kitchen to a busy Abagail.
"I'm good."
"Need any help?"
"If you're offering…?"
"What can I do?"
"There are a few people who are waiting for their food. Would you mind taking it to them? The table number is on the ticket that is under the plate."
"Perfect." Frank stated as he took the first two plates. "I'll be right back." He gave her a smile as he walked away.
…
"Jack…" Elizabeth stated slowly. "That boy is priceless."
"He is." Jack's smile only grew thinking about the little boy. "Steve and Joy did a great job raising him. He is a little sassy. The little mischievous smile is just too much to handle at times."
"It is…it really comes out when he is playing with you. That little playful side of him is just adorable."
"I don't think I understand how smart that boy is."
"What do you mean?" She asked. She scooted a little closer to Jack. She smiled when he matched her action. They weren't touching, but they were close.
"Well, you gave him a math workbook."
"Yes. He should be in first grade when school begins in a few weeks.
"Do you know he is already halfway through it?"
"He is?" She asked surprised.
"Yes."
"Jack, that's an eight grade math book."
"Really?"
"Yes. I thought he may have an aptitude with math."
"I think you're right. From the problems I checked, he got everyone correct. He hasn't asked for any help."
"Would you mind if I work with him a little?"
"I wouldn't mind at all." Jack gave her a smile.
"How is he so well balanced?"
"I don't know. Steve was the smartest guy I've ever met. He was the head of the academy when it came to academics. He was way ahead of everyone. He had a way with books. His wife, Joy, was a school teacher, but she didn't teach when she had JJ. She must have worked with him at home."
Elizabeth nodded her head. "She must have for him to be so well rounded. Did you know her well?"
"Not really. I was friends with her through Steve. She was always nice even though she always had a friend she wanted to set me up with." He let out a chuckle at the memories of all the arguments he and Joy had about the subject. "She always had a friend…I never knew a woman could have so many friends." He shook his head.
"You never took her up on it?"
"Oh heavens no. Remember, mounties aren't supposed to have a wife?"
Elizabeth let out a laugh. "I believe I've heard that once or twice." She sassed while she scrunched up her nose. She was loving the banter between them.
"Yeah…" They both looked up at JJ as he ran by being chased by a little boy. "I just broke up with Rosemary and I was not willing to court anyone. She tried at least once a week. She was very determined."
"Maybe JJ gets a little bit of that from her?"
"I agree. He's a perfect mixture of both Steve and Joy."
They sat in perfect silence for a few minutes. They were watching the children run and play across the road in the field. They were enjoying their time together. Their previous times together were always in the midst of a conversation that was usually tense. This was just them being together.
Elizabeth was fighting an internal war on many levels. First, this was the life she wanted. Sitting outside with Jack watching their child play. For the first time in a long time, she and Jack was at peace. She wanted to lay her head on his shoulder, but knew she had to talk with him about the telegrams she received just an hour or so ago. That led to the second battle. She did not want to ruin the moment with Jack. However, she was not going to break her promise and keep anything from him or allow something to be a misunderstanding. She needed to speak with him regarding the telegrams from Julie and Charles.
"Jack…this evening is perfect."
"Elizabeth, it just barely started."
"I know, but this is perfect." She reached over and placed her hand on the middle of his forearm. She paused for a moment, then she decided to jump off the cliff and speak to Jack about the pieces of paper in her pocket. "When I was with JJ earlier, Mr. Yost gave me two telegrams I need to share with you. I don't want to ruin this…" She waved her free hand between them. "…but I refuse to keep anything from you."
"I take the telegrams aren't good?" He asked as he lowered his head. He was afraid of what they stated.
"One is not good and I'm not sure about the other. I'm confused by it." She paused for a moment. "Mr. Yost gave me one as JJ and I walked to the school and then the second one on our way back."
Jack nodded his head. He had a good guess about one of them.
"One is from Julie and the other one is from Charles." She barely spoke loud enough for him to hear. She could see him physically flinch when she mentioned Charles' name. "Which one would you like to read first?"
Jack thought about it for a moment. Elizabeth could sense that he was slipping away from her. She slid her hand down his forearm and intertwined her fingers with his. She was relieved when he immediately closed his fingers around hers. She wasn't going to allow him to step back from her.
"Is this how it's always going to be when I mention Charles' name?"
Jack's eyes instantly opened wide, and he turned his head quickly to her. "Elizabeth!" He exclaimed. He kept his voice from being too loud. He didn't want to be too loud with children playing close by. "How can you defend him after everything he did?" He tried to let go of her hand, but she tightened her hold on him.
"Jack…"
"He came in between us, and you are defending him?"
"Jack…"
"He purposefully came here to ask for your hand in marriage and you…"
Elizabeth placed her free hand over Jack's mouth. He stopped speaking due to the shock of her actions.
"Jack…" Elizabeth began in a quiet, soft voice. "We have a misunderstanding that needs to be cleared up. First, I did not intend to defend him. What I meant was that I did not ask him to contact me. I did not reply and I am telling you at the first opportunity I have. I noticed you flinching when I mentioned his name. Jack…Charles is part of my past. I can't change that. He sent me a telegram and I came to you. That is all I can do."
Jack calmed down at her voice. She never broke eye contact with him. He saw everything in her eyes.
"I haven't spoken with Charles since I told him in the library that I chose you. I told him we were only friends as we can only be friends. He became irate. I told him he needed to leave before he said something that our friendship couldn't recover from. That was one week before I came home."
"So…you don't want him to come here?" Jack asked skeptically.
"Of course not, silly man." She shook her head. "I want my life with you. If Charles intends to be only friends, than I think our friendship would be ok. If he pushes, then he has overstepped, and the friendship will end. Make no mistake about it Jack, I chose you!"
Elizabeth smiled when Jack closed his fingers around her hand.
"I just don't want you to think I'm hiding something or cause doubt in your heart about me. He sent me a telegram and I told you about it. I don't want you to get upset when I am doing what I am supposed to be doing."
"I'm sorry…it's just that…"
"No, I get it Jack. I must earn that trust back, but this is a step in that process."
"Understood." Jack stated and nodded his head.
"Do you prefer Julie's telegram or Charles' telegram first?"
Jack let out a long breath. He had no desire to speak about Charles. He was a little concerned about Julie. He looked into Elizabeth's eyes for a few moments and then he looked out over the field where the children were playing. Some were playing ball and others were playing tag. The joyful laughter of the children was relaxing. Jack took a few more moments to soak in the environment. He let out another breath.
"May we talk about them after dinner?"
"After dinner?" Elizabeth asked a little shocked.
"Yes…it's just so nice right now, I don't want to ruin the evening talking about those telegrams."
Elizabeth sat dumbfounded. She was having trouble reconciling his words.
"Elizabeth…" He elongated her name. She smiled at his gesture. She loved it when he did that. "This is nice." He squeezed her hand gently before slowly releasing her hand. "Let's enjoy our dinner and then when JJ goes to bed, we'll talk about the telegrams. They're a couple of things I would like to discuss with you. I just don't want to ruin the entire evening talking about him."
Elizabeth bashfully nodded her head. Her cheeks were turning a slight pink. She was enjoying their time too. She was saddened he released her hand. She missed his touch. She wanted to reach for his hand again but knew she couldn't push him too far too fast.
…
The meal was perfect by everyone's standard. Jack sat at one side of the small table while JJ sat to his right, his customary position, and Elizabeth sat across from Jack beside JJ. Jack had made shepherd's pie for dinner with a blackberry pie for dessert. The food was good, but not like Abagail's. JJ was quick to let Jack know by teasing him. Abagail sent some biscuits home with JJ. JJ controlled much of the conversation. Jack and Elizabeth were just content listening to the little boy talk about his day. Every so often, Elizabeth or Jack would ask a follow up question, but they were happy to listen to the little boy.
After dinner, Elizabeth sat with JJ and looked over the math workbook she sent home with him earlier. The twenty minutes spent with JJ just proved to her that he was a genius with numbers. JJ would begin first grade when school started. Yet, he was breezing through an eight grade math workbook. She made a mental note to speak with Jack about writing one of her college professors asking for advice with JJ. She didn't want him to be bored during classes.
When the math book was placed to the side, JJ looked at Jack. The little boy was seeking permission to speak with Elizabeth about calling her mommy. He had waited all evening to do so, but he was waiting for permission. Jack nodded his head when the two made eye contact. Jack was a little surprised because the little boy waited so long.
"Ms. Elizabeth." JJ began with a hint of uncertainty in his voice. "Dad said that we would talk tonight about me and you."
"Yes, JJ. I remember our previous conversation."
"Well…" He hesitated. He knew in his heart that Elizabeth was ok with it, but his brain was still a little nervous asking her.
"JJ…I love you like you are my son. I don't understand how it has happened so quickly, but I do. I have spoken with Jack about it earlier today and you and I have spoken about it too. I would love for you to call me mommy, but this is completely up to you and Jack." Jack smiled at the two speaking. "First, you know I do not want you to forget about your mom. She will always be in your heart. Secondly, even though you are ok with it, it is completely up to Jack. He is responsible for you and he has the final say."
JJ nodded his head. He had a gut feeling that Jack would be fine with it.
"Now, you know my heart. I love you, JJ. Instead of pushing Jack to make a decision tonight, let him tell you one way or the other in his time."
JJ looked at Elizabeth confused.
Elizabeth placed her hand on JJ's hand. "I love you and you know that. This is a big decision. You need to continue to talk with Jack even though you think you know. I want you to know for absolute certain. This is a big step. You need to make sure you think about everything there is to think about. Once you are certain, Jack still must take his time figuring out what he wants. You are his responsibility. I trust Jack to make the correct decision."
"I trust him too." JJ stated looking at Jack.
"Great."
"And I have thought about it. In my heart, you are my mommy on earth and my mom is in heaven."
"That sounds perfect to me. Now, we need to give Jack time. This time we're taking does not change my love for you. I am not going anywhere. I will be here." Elizabeth stated with certainty as she squeezed JJ's hand to express her words with certainty.
Jack sat in his chair smiling at the conversation. He was impressed how Elizabeth handled it. She wanted JJ to make sure about this. She also yielded to him in this matter. His mind was made up at that moment.
…
Elizabeth stepped out of JJ's bedroom. It was her old bedroom when she lived with Abagail in the row house. She had tears in her eyes. The room brought back so many memories, but that wasn't the cause of her tears. Jack warned her to stand firm to reading only two stories. JJ had a way of trying to push for more than two. Elizabeth put a limit of three, so she read him four. She just had a problem telling him no. Those memories were nice, but it was what he said just before he fell asleep.
"I love you, mommy." He stated in a very sleepy voice.
When she heard those words, tears flowed freely. Evidently when Jack and JJ gave each other a look just before her and JJ came upstairs, that was Jack's ok. As much as she tried to stop the tears, they just flowed. She leaned on the wall beside the door for several minutes. She has never been called mommy before. It moved her to her foundations. She was surprised at how much she loved the title. Her mind was racing about the future that was laying in her old bedroom. Her mind was brought back to the present when she heard the rattling of dishes in the sink downstairs.
Elizabeth slowly made her way down the stairs wiping away the few remaining tears. She giggled when she saw Jack standing at the sink in a red apron washing dishes. She tried to stifle the laughter as she stepped beside Jack and taking a towel, she began to dry the dishes already washed.
"You ok?"
"I am." She slowly nodded her head.
"I don't understand how one small phrase can carry so much power and emotion." Jack stated slowly.
"Yeah…"
They finished the dishes together in silence. Elizabeth was replaying the whole time upstairs with JJ and the evening with Jack. Standing with Jack at the sink, eating dinner, and sitting outside watching JJ play was the type of evening she wanted. She was struggling to slow her mind.
Jack could see the emotions in her eyes and on her face. Jack gave her time to process the conversation with JJ. He remembered his feelings when JJ called him dad for the first time. After finishing the last dish, he poured them a cup of tea as Elizabeth was drying the last plate.
"Would you like to sit on the porch? It's a nice evening out."
"It is…that sounds nice." She reached for the cup of tea. "Thank you, Jack."
After sitting down on the top step, they both sighed. The evening was just nice, and they both enjoyed it. They drunk most of their tea in silence. They were enjoying the evening breeze and the company. They were sitting close but not touching.
"Jack, I don't want to ruin the evening…it's been a great night, but I want to share the telegrams with you."
Jack nodded his head. He really didn't want to read the one from Charles. He knew he needed to but he just didn't want to. He had enough of that man.
Elizabeth reached into her pocket and pulled out both telegrams. She held them in her right hand. "Which one would you like to read first?"
Jack shook his head.
Elizabeth extended her hand for Jack to pick which telegram to read first.
Jack hesitated for a moment. He closed his eyes and then extended his arm to pick one. He silently prayed that he would pick Julie's telegram. With the night Elizabeth, JJ, and he just had, he didn't want to ruin it with words from Charles. He let out a shallow sigh when he felt the piece of paper in his hands. Elizabeth was watching him intently. She saw the storm written on his face. It broke her heart a little.
Jack opened the telegram and then opened his eyes. He looked at Elizabeth before lowering his eyes to the piece of paper. Elizabeth watched Jack's eyes as they moved over the paper. She couldn't read his blank face. It only took Jack a few moments to read the telegram. He looked up to Elizabeth and then back down at the paper. After another few moments of silence, he spoke without looking up.
"I guess I have a sister-in-law."
"Yeah…what do you think?"
"I'm not sure. I knew he liked her, but…"
'Yeah…I'm not too sure what they were thinking."
Jack nodded. "I don't think they were thinking. Tom has always acted impulsively. I just never imagined that he would do this."
"Tom isn't the only guilty person here. Julie always thought of things as a love story. Her head is always in a fairy tale romance. She doesn't think things through either."
"So…what are we going to do about my brother and your sister?"
"I'm not too sure. They said they will be here soon. Maybe it's not too late."
"If I know my brother, they are already married."
"I wouldn't be shocked with Julie. Maybe they'll work out."
"Boy…your father is really going to hate the Thorntons now." Jack whispered.
"It doesn't matter what my father thinks."
"Yeah…"
After a few minutes of staring across the road into an empty, dark field, Elizabeth brought up the subject she knew Jack was avoiding.
"Jack…"
"I know Elizabeth. And we'll talk about it, but not tonight…please."
"I don't want you to think I'm withholding this from you."
"I know about it. You're not withholding it from me. I just don't want to read it tonight." Jack's voice sounded defeated.
"I guess I do need to be going back to the café. It's getting a little late."
She stood and took his cup. She turned to walk into the house and placed the cups in the sink. She turned around to see Jack standing behind her.
"I'll escort you home."
"Jack, you can't leave JJ alone."
"I won't. I spoke with my neighbor. She'll watch out for JJ. I just need to let her know I'm leaving for a few moments."
"Thank you." Elizabeth stopped for a moment. "Jack…I'm going to leave the telegram from Charles on the table." She stated pulling the telegram out of her pocket placing it on the table. "Read it when you are ready and then we will discuss it. I would like your opinion on what we should do."
Jack nodded his head as he watched Elizabeth place the telegram on the table.
"I still have a couple of things I would like to talk to you about. May we do that tomorrow?"
"Sure." She gave him a smile.
…
Elizabeth stepped onto the top step of the porch at the side door of the café just a second before Jack. She was one step ahead of him. When she reached the door, she turned to face Jack. She watched him take the last step to stand in front of her. He was about two feet away. They smiled as they looked at each other.
"Jack, thank you for tonight. I had a great time."
"Me too. Thank you for spending time with JJ."
"You must understand that I love that boy. When he called me mommy for the first time, I just couldn't…" Her voice trailed off.
"I know. I remember when he called me dad for the first time. My mind went blank."
Elizabeth nodded. She took a risk and slowly took a half a step closer to Jack. In her opinion, the night was a perfect evening. She knew they weren't officially together, but she also knew the evening brought them a little closer to her dreams. It was a perfect family evening.
She slowly reached for Jack's hands. When he matched her actions, she gasped. Jack slowly reached for her hands as he took a half a step closer to her. Elizabeth's knees grew weak.
Jack wanted to hold her and kiss her. Her perfume was long committed to memory. It was his favorite. Her hair was laying over her shoulder. Her eyes were bright and looking at him full of love. He closed his eyes trying to gain control over his desires.
"Elizabeth…thank you for a great evening. I enjoyed your company."
"Jack…thank you for a perfect evening."
They looked into the eyes of the other for an eternity. Elizabeth was pleading with her eyes for Jack to kiss her. She gasped when Jack let go of her right hand. He reached up and took her hair off her shoulder and placed it behind her shoulder. She doesn't know why that is so intimate, but it drives her crazy. Jack is so close that she could feel his breath. Elizabeth is amazed that she can stand. If it wasn't for the wall she is leaning against, she doubts she could stand at all.
Jack leans in to within a couple of inches from her. Their checks are almost touching. "Thank you for everything…" He exhales a long, slow breath that causes her to shiver. "…but I need to get back to JJ."
Jack remains close, much longer than it took for him to say the words. He is enjoying being in her presence. His mind is telling him to slow down. He needs to take this slow. His heart is screaming for him to remind Elizabeth how much he loves her. Somehow, his heart and mind work together. He slowly moves closer and kisses Elizabeth on the cheek. His lips remain on Elizabeth's cheek much longer than a normal kiss on the cheek. While trying to take it slow, Jack is also trying to convey his love for her.
Elizabeth leans more on the wall hoping Jack never takes his lips off her. While this may not be the kiss she was dreaming about, she relishes his lips on her skin. Her whole body goes numb. She squeezes his hand tighter, and her lungs try to pull air in. The only thing Elizabeth is thinking about is Jack's lips on her skin.
After a few moments, Jack steps to his left and opens the door for Elizabeth. "Have a restful sleep, Elizabeth."
Elizabeth heard the words. She even understood them. However, her brain was in overdrive. She just didn't comprehend what Jack stated. She finally realized that Jack was saying goodnight and he was wanting her to be safe. He wasn't going to leave until she was inside. She willed her legs to work. She slowly pushed herself off the wall making sure her legs was going to work properly.
As she walked past Jack, she tilted her head just enough to kiss him on the cheek. "Good night, Jack."
"Good night, Bella." Jack stated as he closed the door.