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 8- We're a Couple

Recap from the Chapter 7 ending…

He held her so gently that in that moment she completely forgot where she was, somewhat startled by her own loss of control. "Jack, we need to stop."

"I don't want to."

"I don't either, but that'll be a talk for another time," she replied, realizing that at some point the "intimacy" talk would be needed.

"Is something wrong?"

"No, but you do need to go play baseball."

"Elizabeth, I'd like to revisit the girlfriend comment."

"What about it?"

"Are you?"

"Am I what?"

"My girlfriend?"

"That would make you my boyfriend. Jack, are we back in high school," she stated with a smirk.

"I'm sorry for the earlier comment, but I was worried that things were going horribly wrong. So in case there is any confusion here, Elizabeth, will you be my girlfriend?"

"Well, I am a girl, and we are friends…"

"That's not what I mean and you know it."

"I know, I'm just teasing. Jack Thornton, I would love to be your girlfriend."

"Will you go steady with me?

"Are you serious? What, no high school ring?" she giggled. "Jack, you really are taking me back in time, but I have to admit that no one ever kissed me in high school like you just did."

"Sorry, I don't even know where my high school ring is. As far as the kissing goes, I've learned a lot since then," he grinned before realizing that his statement wasn't delivered like he'd hoped.

"He began to ramble, "That's not…I mean, really I haven't had…you know that didn't come out like I meant for it to. I really haven't had that many girlfriends."

"Jack, it's okay. You had a life before we met. Besides, I had a life before I met you too, so you shouldn't worry about my boyfriends either."

Jack stepped back a step and his expression showed that he was thinking, "Right, yeah…but…how many boyfriends did you have?"

"Not many."

"Well, how many is that?"

"You know Jack they're going to be singing the National Anthem by the time we get up to the stadium."

"Well, just tell me how many."

"Maybe the same amount as you. How many did you have, Jack?"

"5"

"I had 6," she didn't know if it was actually six, but she simply wanted to beat him.

"Who were they?"

"Jack, we don't have time for this. We have to get to the stadium."

"You don't have to be there for another 30 minutes. So, who are they?"

"There were three in high school, two in college and of course Scott when I was working here."

"Who did you date the longest?"

"I dated Adam for five years."

"WOW, that's a long time."

"Can we go to the stadium now?"

"I'm just trying to learn everything I can about you."

"Knowing that I had boyfriends before, do you still want to go steady," she laughed softly.

He stepped closer as his lips met hers with such passion that there was no doubt that he wanted to continue seeing her. She could feel his full body weight as he pressed her against the car; one hand swept around her waist and the other cradled the back of her head, deepening their connection.

Her family of butterflies were never far away when they were together. She had actually gotten used to them, enjoyed them and the feeling of life she felt when they were near.

As his lips left hers, she felt as though he'd carried the air from her lungs as well. She felt lightheaded, and was thankful that his arm was around her waist to help hold her up.

He took her hand as they walked toward the passenger door of his car.

"Hey, I hear we have a live singer for the National Anthem tonight. I wonder who it is?" he asked.

Elizabeth looked stunned, "Oh crap, I'm singing the National Anthem tonight."

"You sing?"

"I guess that's just another thing you learned about me tonight, Jack."

Now on with our story…

Jack pulled his BMW up to the front row and slipped into his parking space. He opened his door and stepped outside but quickly noticed that Elizabeth was still seated with her door closed. Assuming that she was waiting for him to open her door, he rushed around to the other side.

As he opened the door he found her fiddling with her fingers and apparently in no hurry to get out.

"Elizabeth…"

"Oh, I'm sorry. That was nice of you to open my door, but I don't think I can get out."

"What's wrong?"

"Jack, why did I say that I'd sing the National Anthem? Right now the only song I'm hearing in my head is America the Beautiful. That's not the same thing as the National Anthem, and I'm going to make a fool out of myself."

Jack squatted down beside her seat and took hold of her hand, "Elizabeth you have a beautiful voice."

"How do you know? You just said a minute ago that you didn't know I sang."

"Your voice is like music to my ears," he whispered before kissing her cheek. "If you get nervous, just look at me and pretend that we're alone."

"You don't think I'll embarrass myself?"

"I think you'll do a beautiful job. Come on; you'll have to sing it from out here if we don't hurry up."

She stepped outside and he closed the door behind her. He held out his hand, "Are you ready to get some people talking?"

"Might as well," she replied as she placed her hand in his and they walked through the gate.

Several usherettes passed her and although they opened their mouths to say 'Hi' they were more focused in on their hand holding, and subsequently said nothing. However, when they passed, "I told you they're a couple," was easily heard.

Jack walked her down to her seat, giving her a quick kiss on the lips before rushing to the locker room to get dressed.

"Looks like you two are getting along great," Rosa commented as she handed Elizabeth a bag with her vegetables from the farmer's market contained inside.

Elizabeth smiled, "Thanks for these," she stated as she took the bag. "He asked me to go steady with him."

"Excuse me?"

"I know, it's just a joke, but we are dating," Elizabeth replied.

"I'm so happy you've found someone; I told you he was perfect for you."

"Slow down, Rosa; we aren't walking down the aisle, we're just dating. I have to admit, I like him more than I wanted to allow myself to."

As they chatted, usherettes arrived for work, grabbed their towels and assumed their position in their assigned tunnel.

"Elizabeth…" Mr. Roseman called out from the mouth of the tunnel. "Are you ready?"

"Ready for what?" Rosa asked.

"Yes sir; I'll be down in about twenty minutes," Elizabeth replied before turning back to Rosa, "I'm singing the "National Anthem."

Elizabeth turned back toward Rosa, "Will you be sitting here? If so, I'll leave my stuff in my seat," She stated as she stood.

"Just leave your stuff. I'm not going anywhere."

"Thanks, I'm going to the restroom first. If I don't come out, don't tell anyone where I am," Elizabeth laughed as she walked around the corner and out of view.

Jack walked down the tunnel from the locker room onto the field. "Where's Elizabeth?" he asked Rosa.

"Don't worry, she didn't run off. Although if she doesn't come back, I was told not to tell anyone that she was in the bathroom," Rosa chuckled.

Elizabeth returned to her seat as each team was warming up. She knew her time was coming when the players would leave the field and the starting lineup for both sides would be announced. As the players lined up on the first and third base lines, Elizabeth knew that she would be expected to walk out onto the field. As the time approached, she felt much like a deer caught in headlights.

Elizabeth stood at the gate waiting for the final players to take their place. As she walked onto the field, she heard the announcer…

"Thank you everyone for joining us tonight for our first game in this series with the Columbus Clippers. Tonight we have the honor of a live rendition of the National Anthem, sung by our very own Elizabeth Thatcher. So, please rise, gentlemen remove your hats, and let's give Elizabeth some Hope Valley Hawks love."

She took her place on the pitcher's mound and as the music started, she lifted the microphone to her lips. Her eyes were initially focused on Jack as he smiled, and had his right hand holding his baseball cap over heart.

Even with the less than stellar acoustics, Elizabeth sang perfectly on key, with many people commenting that she had the voice of an angel.

With the final note of the National Anthem came thunderous applause from the stands and the 2000+ fans in attendance. Elizabeth released a thankful sigh, smiled brightly back at Jack and made her way off the field.

"WOW, you really can sing," Rosa wrapped Elizabeth in a hug. "It was absolutely beautiful."

"Well, if you will excuse me, I think I need to go throw up," Elizabeth teased as she took her seat.

"Don't be silly. Did you hear the crowd rave over it?"

Elizabeth laughed, "They were just clapping because I was leaving the field."

"I'm telling you, Elizabeth, I wouldn't be surprised is Mr. Roseman asked you to sing it at every game."

"I hope not. I can't handle the pressure."

The early few innings were a blur as Elizabeth dealt with several intoxicated fans on either side of the stadium who kept giving the usherettes a hard time.

Elizabeth walked up into the second tunnel on the first base side and found where the fan had already settled and was being watched by his friends. She called one of his friends down and advised, "If he causes any more trouble, he's going to have to leave."

Shortly after taking her seat next to Rosa, another issue gained her attention and she was off to the visitor's side. On this occasion, the fan was quite intoxicated and reeked of alcohol. She attempted to resolve the situation without having him ejected, but quickly realized after he pushed her up against the wall of the tunnel that that wasn't going to happen.

As he held her pinned against the wall, screaming at her, she yelled, "Please take your hands off me."

"You're scared, aren't you?" he laughed.

She was, but was determined not to let him know that. She felt tears welling in her eyes as his friends tried to pull him off, but he was much stronger than they expected. He kept screaming, "Look bitch you aren't gonna to tell me what to do."

As he released one hand, he drew back his fist, but before he could make contact with Elizabeth's face, many of the long time season ticket holders in the first row of section 3, grabbed him, pulled him off her and held him until the police arrived.

As the police took him away in handcuffs, he continued to rant as his friends commented that he really shouldn't drink.

Jack heard the commotion but had no idea that Elizabeth was involved until the group of men who usually sat behind the visitors' dugout stepped away from her and returned to their seats.

"Hey, what happened over there?" Jack stepped out and asked one of the season ticket holders behind the dugout.

"Some drunken guy was giving the usherette a hard time and Elizabeth tried to resolve it. I heard that he pushed her against the wall, but the guys over there had her back. They took care of him."

Jack stood just inside the dugout waiting for Elizabeth to return to her seat. Luckily he saw her step back behind the back stop just before he took to the warm up circle.

"Are you okay?" Rosa asked as she took her seat.

"I'm fine…" she replied as the sight of Bobby, one of the vendors caught her attention.

"Hey Bobby, would you do me a favor and take hot dogs and Cokes to the four guys behind the Clippers' dugout. Just tell them that I said 'thank you,'" Elizabeth asked as she reached into her purse and pulled out $30 to pay the bill. "Just keep the change."

"Thanks; I'll take care of it," Bobby replied as he headed off to deliver her order.

At this point, Elizabeth wasn't even certain what inning it was. Without looking at the scoreboard, the only thing she knew was that it was the bottom of some inning and Jack was approaching home plate to bat.

She clapped with the crowd as he took a few practice swings. With one strike and two balls down, Jack's bat made contact with the ball, sending it deep into left field.

Jack was rounding first base when the Clippers' left fielder tapped the ball with his glove, knocking it from the sky, but sending it rolling toward the centerfielder. Jack was held up on third base as the crowd went wild.

The next two batters brought the team their first outs of the inning, with the next player up hitting a single and driving Jack across home plate, making the score 1-0 in favor of the Hawks.

Several more innings passed with no further runs scored on either side, as the Hawks earned the first win of this series. Once the teams had done their usual 'good game' hand shake processional, Jack walked directly to the back stop, motioning Elizabeth to come over.

"Are you alright?" he asked.

"Oh, did you see that?"

"What happened?"

"Some guy was giving Pam a hard time so I went over to see if I could help. He was drunk, so I asked his friends to keep him in his seat or I'd have to ask them to leave. I guess he didn't like my suggestion so he pushed me up against the wall."

"Are you okay?"

My arm is sore, but I'll be okay."

"Did he do that?" Jack commented as he observed fingerprint bruising on her left upper arm.

"It's okay. It's just a bruise."

Jack glanced at the clock on the scoreboard, "Is it too late to go get some coffee or dessert or something?"

"I'd love to. I'll either be right here or outside the office when you're finished," she stated as she stuck her fingers through the wire and held on to the chain link fence.

Jack placed his hand on top of hers in the fence, "Give me a chance to shower and change and I'll be right out."

"Take your time, Jack. I don't mind waiting."

Elizabeth watched Jack as he entered the tunnel heading to the locker room before she turned around and took her seat to wait on him.

"Hey, Mookie and I are going to get some dinner. Do you and Jack want to go with us?" Rosa asked.

"Thanks for the offer but I think we're going to spend some time alone," she replied as Rosa grabbed her bag, hugged Elizabeth and headed out to meet up with Mookie.

As the fans left the stadium there was laughter, congratulations and the occasional squeals. However, where Elizabeth sat behind the back stop, she felt it was relatively quiet.

While waiting on Jack, she pulled her journal from her bag, flipped it to the next blank page and attempted to purge all of the feelings that she'd experienced in just that one evening…

"I'm sorry for doubting you; for questioning your character and for assuming that you were like so many others. Truly you've been nothing but kind and respectful to me, so shooting you down without a chance to explain was inconsiderate and certainly without merit. I think as we go through life, we learn how to become Yale educated lawyers for our own mistakes, but we are extremely quick to judge the mistakes of others.

Just like no two snowflakes are alike, so is the same for people. Even identical twins have subtle differences in fingerprints and their emotional makeup. That being said, people are unique; different in many ways; from their looks, to what drives them, to what is important to them, to the demons that chase them, and how they choose to eradicate them.

Using excuses does not relieve you of blame for the deeds you commit. The use of alcohol often enhances and escalates negative behaviors, yet responsibility still rests upon your shoulders for your actions. Is it truly so hard to live by the law of reciprocity, the Golden Rule, the treat others as you would want to be treated yourself rule?

Is it possible that a kind hearted individual can change completely once alcohol is added in? They do say that alcohol releases your inhibitions, but wouldn't that still imply that the abusive characteristics lie under the surface awaiting that perfect storm? No matter how you look at it, everyone is different; everyone has baggage, some more than others, yet everyone has the choice to own it, and deal with it, or simply sweep it under the rug.

I have always felt that how we treat others is a direct reflection of how we feel about ourselves. Unfortunately those who are unable to control their anger for any of a multitude of reasons are in need of more than an understanding word or a short stint in jail. Often it means breaking the cycle, whether it be alcohol/drug abuse, physical abuse, or often the most painfully scaring and yet least visible, emotional abuse."

Elizabeth was lost in her own thoughts when Jack approached and placed his hand on her shoulder, causing her to jump.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you," he stated as he took a seat beside her.

"No, that's okay; my mind was somewhere else and I didn't hear you walk up."

"What's this?" he asked as he observed her close her journal and place it back in her bag.

"It's just something that I started when I was a teenager. It's a journal for all of my private thoughts and feelings."

"Like a diary?"

"Exactly…"

"Did you write about me?"

"Maybe…"

"I'll take that as a yes. Is it good stuff?"

"Jack, yes it's all good. Actually, you've completely surprised me; maybe even restored my faith in men. So, I'd like to thank you for that. So, where do you want me to meet you?"

"Well, how about I follow you home, and then we can just take my car."

"Okay, if you're sure."

Jack stood up and held out his hand, "I'm sure."

They walked out into the parking lot holding hands, much to the surprise of several usherettes who were waiting on their own baseball player dates for the evening.

Elizabeth smiled and wished them a great night as they passed by. Jack walked with her to the passenger side of his car to open the door. After a tender kiss Elizabeth slipped into the vehicle, "You are really playing this up in front of them, aren't you?"

"Actually, I just wanted to kiss you."

His comment left her momentarily speechless.

Jack followed her home, opening up the passenger side door for her again once she's parked in her driveway.

"So, where would you like to go?" he asked.

"Do you feel like coffee?"

"Sounds good, where to?"

"There is a great little coffee shop over on Independence Blvd. It's just a few blocks from here.

He pulled into the parking lot of "The Daily Grind." They got out and started toward the shop when Elizabeth tripped as she stepped up on the curb.

Jack caught her before she hit the ground, "Are you okay?" he asked as he held on to her until she gained her footing.

"Just call me Grace," she laughed. "Thank you, Jack."

They walked inside, and for it to be so late, the place was fairly busy. Jack found them a table in the back that was just being vacated, as the barista walked up to wipe it down.

"Thank you ma'am," Jack stated; a courtesy that did not go unnoticed by Elizabeth.

"What would you like?" he asked.

"I'd like a grande, half-caff, soy latte with an extra pump of cream at 120 degrees, and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top."

Seeing Jack's expression she laughed, "I'm just kidding. I'd like a regular grande with 4 Splenda and 3 pumps of French vanilla, please."

Elizabeth watched as he stood in line awaiting his turn. She smiled when she witnessed him several times working through her order in his mind, even holding out 4 fingers and then three fingers, signifying her Splenda and French vanilla additions.

When he returned to the table, he took a chance in bringing two muffins, one blueberry and the other banana walnut.

"Here you go," he handed her the cup of coffee and took a seat. "You're choice, blueberry or banana walnut."

Elizabeth got up from the table and retrieved a plastic knife. As she sat back down at the table she said, "How about half and half?"

"Sounds fair," he replied as she sat his muffin halves on one side of the plate while hers remained on the other.

Their conversation was rather generic as they watched people enter and leave the coffee shop. That was until a gentleman approached the table.

"Elizabeth, how have you been?"

Elizabeth looked up and was noticeably shocked at the man standing before her. "Hi Adam…"

He looked back and forth between Jack and Elizabeth.

"Oh, I'm sorry, this is…"

"You're Jack Thornton, aren't you?" Without giving Jack a chance to answer, he continued, "I thought you looked familiar. I was at the last World Series game. Man, that was intense," Adam announced.

He turned back to Elizabeth, "I just moved back to Baltimore to take a position at John Hopkins. Oh, I saw Sami and she told me that she had seen you."

"Congratulations on your new position, I'm happy for you," Elizabeth responded. "Well, Sami and I live in the same townhouse complex, so we run into each other from time to time, mostly at the dog park."

"You have a dog?" he asked.

"I sure do. She's an English Bulldog named Lizzie."

"Why didn't we have a dog when we were together?"

"Adam, we didn't live together," she stated firmly.

"You know what I mean."

"Yes, I know what you mean, but I don't want Jack to get the wrong idea."

Jack found himself observing the body language between the two. From what he observed, Adam seemed keenly interested in Elizabeth, while she appeared mildly perturbed.

Adam turned back to Jack, "Well, I heard that they sent you down here to recuperate. I hope they made sure you had the best care. I'd be glad to help, but I'm a neurosurgeon. I think it was your knee that was hurt, right?"

"My head is fine, and my knee is 100% now. My medical treatment was outstanding, but thank you for your concern," Jack responded.

"Adam," Elizabeth interrupted, "It was nice seeing you, but Jack and I haven't seen each other in several days so if you don't mind..."

"I'll call you…" he stated as he walked away. "I'll take you to dinner…" was the last thing he said as he walked out the door.

"Let me guess, Adam, the boyfriend from college?" Jack asked.

Elizabeth took a sip of her coffee, "We dated in college, and it ended when he went away to medical school."

"It just ended?" Jack asked, obviously interested and clearly concerned.

"There's not much to say, Jack. He said that I was a distraction and he ended it. We haven't dated in years."

With their coffee and muffins consumed, Jack asked, "Would you like to take a walk?"

"Yes, I'd like that," she replied as she stood up and took her shoulder bag from the chair.

As Elizabeth walked passed Jack, his hand on her lower back gave her a sense of security, which accompanied the tingle that flooded her entire body.

They stepped out onto the sidewalk and as they started walking, Jack stuck out his arm and took her hand as their palms kissed.

"Why is it that I feel a little uncomfortable about Adam?" Jack asked.

"I don't know; you shouldn't." she quickly responded. "Jack, you can't tell me that you don't have quite a few prior relationships yourself. Remember, I did Google you."

"I do, but no one is showing up here to announce themselves."

"But if I was in New York I'd run into them?"

"Just one; Selma Bartucci…"

"The Super Model?"

He hesitantly responded, "I believe she is."

"How long ago did you two break up?"

"Just after the World Series."

"May I ask why?"

"I think it was important to her for me to be a member of the famous New York Mets, and when I got hurt and they dropped me to the farm team, well let's just say, I didn't have the same appeal to her."

"WOW, why did you even date someone like that?"

"I guess I didn't come in contact with women like you. If I'd had the choice, I certainly would have chosen differently."

"Right, you'd pick me over a super model?"

"You don't have any idea how beautiful you are, do you?"

"You don't need to throw out compliments, Jack."

"I'm aware that we're just getting to know each other, but I don't say anything that I don't mean," he responded. Jack held her hand as he stopped walking, and turned her to face him, "Elizabeth, I know that you don't trust easily; I've had my own issues in that area."

He released her hand as he reached up and swept several soft auburn curls behind her ear, "You are the most beautiful woman I have ever met, and I'm so glad that we're giving this…us a chance."

"I may not have seemed like it, but I'm really glad too."

They walked back toward the car and she stood off to the side while he opened her door. Before she slipped inside, he stood in front of her, "Are you sure you're okay about what happened tonight?"

"What, seeing Adam? Really Jack, I'm happy for him but that's it. Even if you and I weren't dating, I have no desire to see him again."

"Well, that's reassuring, but I actually meant the guy that hurt you at the ballpark."

"Oh that? I'm fine, and my season ticket holders took care of him for me." Seeing him eyeing the bruising on her arm she added, "Jack, it's just a bruise. It'll heal."

As his glance moved between her eyes and lips, he leaned in and his mouth covered hers. He found her lips to be soft and plump, and carrying a slight hint of French vanilla which seemed to linger from the coffee she'd just consumed.

One hand slipped around her waist pulling her closer as the other cradled her cheek. He leaned back slightly attempting to gauge her feelings based on her expression, but as she pressed her lips to his, he obtained his answer.

He held the door open for her as she slipped inside. On the short ride home, he linked his fingers with hers as her skin tingled when his thumb brushed back and forth across the top of her hand.

Jack hated to see the evening come to an end, but he also knew that he had big plans for their dinner cruise tomorrow night. To him, Elizabeth was different than most, if not all of the women he was used to dating, and he wanted to make certain that she was treated with the utmost respect. Not that he would ever treat a woman otherwise, but he found her to be quite special.

Jack held her hand as he walked her up the sidewalk. He took the key from her hand and opened her front door

"Would you like to come inside?" she asked, realizing after she offered that the presumption he may have was that she was inviting him to spend the night, which she wasn't. As she stepped into her townhouse, Jack took her arm and turned her around to face him. With her back leaned up against the door frame, he pressed his lips to hers.

She released a soft moan as his hands around her waist pulled her close. She was fairly certain that if he listened closely he'd hear the fluttering of the butterflies who had invaded her stomach.

"I had a really nice time tonight, and I'm really looking forward to the dinner cruise tomorrow…"

"Don't you mean tonight? It's after midnight," she teased.

"WOW, it is late. You know, I'm gonna leave, because as much as I'd love to come inside, I want to do things right here. I certainly don't want to wear out my welcome."

"Thank you for tonight. I guess I'll see you tomorrow."

He kissed her one final time before walking away. "Hey," he stated as he turned back to face her. "Why don't I come and pick you up for the game? That way we won't have to worry about your car afterward."

"Sounds like a plan. Sleep well…"

"You too…"

To be continued…