The Field of Dreams Chapter 20- Conflicts and Resolutions, a when calls the heart fanfic

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 20- Conflicts and Resolutions

Recap of the Chapter 19 ending…

"Are you ready to go?"

"No…"

Jack walked up and took her hand, "We need to talk to your parents. They need to know about us. My mom is really excited and looking forward to meeting you."

"Is she on Instagram? I got a friend request from someone named CharThorn. Could that be her?"

"Yep, that's her. What are you doing," he commented as she pulled her phone from her pocket.

"I have to accept her follower request. What she must think of me…she sent the request two days ago, and I never responded," she remarked as she pulled up her Instagram account and pressed accept beside his mother's "follow" request.

Elizabeth stepped inside and filled Lizzie's food and water bowl before turning back to Jack, "Let's get this over with."

Jack took her arm and turned her to face him, "I love you, and no matter what happens today, that's won't change."

"So you don't think it's going to go well either, do you?"

"I didn't say that, but I can tell how nervous you are."

"Why aren't you nervous? Did all of your girlfriend's parents love you?"

"I've only met the parents of a few girlfriends, but it always worked out."

"So, how many were there?"

"How many what?"

"Jack, how many girlfriends?"

"Are you stalling?"

"Maybe…"

"Well, it doesn't matter how many, but if you must know it was only a few. You are the most important one, though."

"Good answer, Jack. Okay, I'm ready," Elizabeth stated as she grabbed a Tupperware container from the counter that was filled with chocolate pecan cookies, her father's favorite.

Jack opened the passenger side car door, "Hey…"

She turned to face him as his lips met hers. "Mmm, you sure know how to calm me while making my heart pound at the same time."

"We're together and we're staying together."

"I hope you're right…"

Now on with our story…

Jack stood just outside the door as she snapped her seatbelt. "Hey…"

She turned to glance up at him.

"I love you, and that's all that really matters, okay?"

"Okay…"

The door closed and he started walking around his car to the driver's side. Before he opened the door she whispered, "I'm lucky to have him. I hope my parents can see that."

Their conversation was kept to a minimum and whether Jack wanted to admit it or not, he too was nervous. He believed that first impressions were important, and there had never been more of a need for a good first impression than now.

Elizabeth seemed to tune out the music as she glanced out the window and attempted to justify her thoughts, feelings and emotions before needing to express them to her parents. She was certain that she'd written about how she felt in her journal, but for some reason, this one topic, parental truth-telling or withholding said truth, was one subject that she didn't recall being resolved.

She loved her parents and always enjoyed a close relationship with them. With Elizabeth living in the same city, she had tried to slip by and see them at least once a week. However, during this baseball season, in addition to school work, and her desire to be with Jack, she was lucky to swing by for a quick visit once a month. And to add to her stress, it now appeared to have been several months since she'd seen either of her parents.

Elizabeth generally felt comfortable telling her mother everything. Grace Thatcher was well aware of Elizabeth's chastity pledge and admired her strong moral character, especially since she knew that Viola and Julie did not share in this same code of conduct.

Although she last saw her parents several months ago, during subsequent phone conversations, when her mother asked her about dating, Elizabeth generally changed the subject, not considering that to be lying. There was something about simply withholding information that didn't seem deceptive at the time; now she wasn't so sure.

Travelling in the middle of the day, they ran into very little traffic, and although neither would admit it, traffic would have been a welcomed distraction.

"Jack, take the next exit and then you'll turn left."

"Okay, are we close?"

"About 10 miles away."

"Okay," Jack replied as he put his blinker on and exited the interstate.

As they sat at the stoplight waiting to turn left, Jack observed her nervously tapping her feet on the floor and twiddling her thumbs. He reached over; his right hand covered hers, "Come here…"

"What is it?" she asked as she glanced at herself in the drop down mirror.

"Just come here," he requested again and she leaned over. Before the light changed, he pressed his lips to hers.

"What was that for?"

"I want you to know that I love you. Just take a deep breath. We'll be fine."

"I hope you're right."

"This is a beautiful area," Jack mentioned as they passed yards which were immaculately landscaped. Elizabeth was paying very little attention, and he was doing what he could in an attempt to calm her nerves.

"Jack, take the next left," she advised.

Jack did as he was told and was apparently oblivious to the private street with a very familiar name… "THATCHER LANE."

The term "Lane" would have thrown him anyway as this was a wide, black topped road with trees lining the path that led to a stone entryway and a large fountain in the middle of the circular driveway. Again he wasn't paying attention as they drove through the entrance and under the archway that spelled out "THATCHER MANOR."

They had just pulled onto the grounds when Jack commented, "This is beautiful, Elizabeth. Are they apartments, or condos? Well, I guess they could be townhouses. Were you raised in this complex?"

"Yes, I was raised here, but Jack these aren't apartments, condos or townhouses…"

"Are they row houses? I've heard that those are popular in Baltimore."

"Jack, this is my parents' house."

Elizabeth wasn't certain, but the car stopped and it appeared that Jack had stopped breathing. "Are you okay?"

"You're rich?" his voice was louder and much more accusatory than he'd intended.

"Oh, so it's okay for you to have money, but I can't?"

"I didn't say that, but you certainly kept this a secret."

"Jack, for your information, this, everything here, belongs to my parents," she responded as she waved her hands, palm side up, taking in the entirety of the property. "Are we going to argue about this now?"

"I don't want to argue with you, Elizabeth. I just wish that you'd told me."

"Well, stand in line because I believe my parents will be boarding my deceit train soon enough," she stated as he reached over and took her hand only to have her pull it away.

"Elizabeth stop; I'm sorry. I just wasn't expecting this."

"Jack, I didn't lie to you. None of this is mine. The fact is, my dad is a Shriner and my mom is a member of a knitting group, but I haven't divulged those secrets either.

"Can we put this discussion away and go take care of meeting your parents?"

She felt that they were already heading downhill; disappointing her parents would simply add icing to the already burned cake.

They pulled up to the front of the mansion and Harrison immediately stepped outside. "Miss Elizabeth…uh, I mean, Elizabeth…"

Elizabeth finally smiled, "That's better. You know I've never been the formal type." She turned behind her and held out her hand, "Harrison, this is Jack Thornton."

"Hello, Mr. Thornton. How are you?"

"I'm fine, and I'm not formal either; it's just Jack."

"Okay sir, Jack it is."

"Elizabeth, your parents are in the study. They've been anxiously awaiting your arrival, but something tells me they will be a little surprised here."

Jack held Elizabeth's hand as they scaled the 18 steps to the front porch. Harrison beat them to the door and had it open by the time they reached the top step.

They walked inside and although Jack was not enamored by money or material wealth, he wasn't expecting to see priceless pieces of artwork, golden chandeliers, and a spiral staircase that seemed to go on forever.

Elizabeth held Jack's hand as he walked beside her down the expansive hallway toward her father's study. The door was closed so she knocked.

"Elizabeth, is that you?" her father called out.

"Yes sir…"

"Well come in dear," he stated as the door opened and Elizabeth stepped around the door frame with Jack behind her.

"Mom…Dad, I'd like you to meet…" she began as Jack stepped beside her.

"Jack Thornton? Are you Jack Thornton?" William Thatcher interrupted.

"Yes sir," Jack replied as he stuck out his arm to shake Mr. Thatcher's hand. Jack knew that Mr. Thatcher was a baseball fan, so he assumed that his knowledge of Jack consisted of batting and fielding statistics. He would soon find out how inaccurate that feeling was.

Mr. Thatcher shook his hand and then invited them both inside his large, expansive library like office.

Elizabeth released Jack's hand as she rushed to hug her mother.

"Oh honey, I have missed seeing you, and apparently you must have some news that you need to share…"

The room became suddenly quiet. Elizabeth was pulled onto the sofa between her parents, leaving Jack to take a seat by himself on the other side of the room.

Although they were no more than 12 feet apart, to Jack and Elizabeth it felt like miles. He caught her eyes and felt her nerves as he watched her lick her lips and fidget with her hands.

"So, would you like to tell us what's going on here? Obviously you two haven't just met." Mr. Thatcher prodded.

Elizabeth swallowed hard, and glanced at Jack before starting, "Well, Jack and I met this season at The Park. I guess Dad, since you knew who Jack was that you are aware that he came to play for the Hawks while he recuperated from knee surgery."

Mr. Thatcher looked over at Jack, "I have to be honest here; I follow major league baseball, but not the minors. My team is the Yankees…sorry."

"That's okay; the Yankees are a good team too."

"I haven't been to any of the Hawks games. Maybe I should have; then I'd be able to see my daughter, who seems to be too busy for her parents anymore."

"Daddy, that's not true."

"Seems as though it is, Elizabeth." William glanced over at Grace, "Do you recall what I heard on TV and you said that I misunderstood?"

"I do, and maybe I was the one who misunderstood," Grace responded.

"What are you talking about?" Elizabeth asked as she observed Jack begin to nervously move in his seat.

"You aren't here just to introduce us to a new boyfriend, are you?" William asked.

"Well mom…dad, actually Jack and I…well, I wanted to tell you before, but I just…I mean…" Elizabeth fumbled over her words.

Hearing the anxiety in her voice, and feeling her nervousness he blurted out, "I've asked Elizabeth to marry me and she's agreed."

Suddenly there was a deafening silence.

Normally excited by the fluttering of butterflies whenever Jack was near; this felt more like the knot you get in your stomach as the music reaches a fevered pitch in a horror movie. She attempted to swallow but the lump in her throat precluded that for happening. Additionally, she was thankful that she was sitting, because although she was breathing, the oxygen must have been bypassing her lungs and she was feeling a bit lightheaded.

Mr. Thatcher stood up, and as much as Elizabeth hoped he was moving to shake Jack's hand, and welcome him into the fold, she'd lived in this family long enough to know that her parents didn't take kindly to secrets.

"Well," Mr. Thatcher said curtly as he walked over to his desk. He surprised Jack and Elizabeth, as well as his wife, when he pulled out a manila folder which contained several rag magazines with Jack and Selma, or Jack with other models on the cover.

"Mr. Thornton, I can see your proclivity toward beautiful women, and I can't…"

"William what have you done?" Grace interrupted him.

"Grace, I didn't get where I am in business by not knowing every important detail. You didn't believe that the announcement I heard meant anything. I wasn't willing to take the chance."

"I'm sorry Mr. Thatcher, but you have the wrong idea here."

"I do? Please enlighten me here. We hear nothing about you; your engagement is announced on air; we've talked to Elizabeth and she chooses to keep us in the dark, and we're just now meeting you. Then I see the trail of women in your life, and I have to wonder."

"Dad, please…"

"No, Elizabeth…" he stated as his face reddened. "Your mother and I heard the announcement of your engagement, but it wasn't important enough for you to tell us beforehand." William turned back toward Jack, "Could it be that our daughter is simply the "flavor of the month?"

"William, that's uncalled for," Grace interjected, hoping to gain some control in the room.

"Are you seriously okay with this?" William asked his wife. "Have you any idea how this looks?"

Jack glanced over and observed Elizabeth wipe her eyes, "Are you seriously going to judge me based on magazines covers that are not known for their truth and veracity?"

"The affairs you've had are not my only concern…"

Jack shook his head, quickly realizing that never had a meeting of the parents gone so badly. "Sir, they were hardly affairs. I dated Selma, but we broke up almost a year ago, and many of these pictures are promotional for the Mets and are not indicative of any type of relationship."

"William, please we need to calm down," Grace commented as she stood and stepped in front of Elizabeth to get to her husband.

"Grace, you are always so willing to turn the other cheek. You know how I feel about lying…"

"Yes, and you know how I feel about lying, but I think there may be something else going on here."

"What are you talking about?" Elizabeth asked.

"Why the rush to get engaged? You couldn't have known each other that long. And will the wedding be done quickly too?"

"Mom, you and dad only knew each other for 3 months before you got married. Jack and I have known each other for 6 months, and we're at the age where we know what we want."

"Are you pregnant?" Mrs. Thatcher blurted out.

Elizabeth gasped, "Am I what?"

"Pregnant? Are you pregnant?"

Elizabeth knew that her parents would be hurt and feel as though she'd deceived them, but her mother's question really alarmed her. "Mom, why would you even think that?"

"Well, you keep your relationship a secret, and I can only assume that we're going to be grandparents again. So, I guess we just need to accept the situation as it is."

"No, I'm not pregnant. The truth is that Jack and I haven't even…"

"Elizabeth, don't bother. I don't think that they're interested in the truth."

"Mr. Thatcher, Elizabeth and I haven't lied to you, to either of you. She…uh, we just wanted to see where this was going. I assure you, I have always had the utmost respect for her. Sir, what other concerns do you have?"

"Mr. Thornton, I know that baseball players make a good living, but I can only assume that you won't be able to play forever. I hope that you've invested wisely and are able to take care of Elizabeth when those big checks stop flowing."

As his heart pounded, Jack responded, "Mr. Thatcher, I have done very well in my career, and I'm very capable of taking care of your daughter."

At that point Elizabeth jumped up, "Would you both stop talking about me as if I'm not here?" She was angry and turned toward her father, "Daddy, I love you and I greatly appreciate everything you've done for me. However, if you hadn't offered to put me through college and grad school, I'd have figured out a way to make it happen myself."

She then turned to face Jack, "And you; after our conversation before do you think so little of me that I'm unable to take care of myself?"

She grabbed her bag and started for the door, "I don't need anything from either one of you."

In the blink of an eye she was gone. The fact was Jack knew she could take care of herself; that's one of the things that he loved about her; her confidence and independence. It didn't keep him from worrying about her, but after their talk, he knew how determined she was to prove her ability to be self sufficient when necessary.

Jack was angry at himself for allowing Mr. Thatcher to goad him into a war of financial means, and although they came to see her parents together, he was now feeling very much alone.

Jack turned to go after Elizabeth as Mr. Thatcher yelled, "Where do you think you're going? We aren't finished here."

Jack turned back and approached Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher, "You know, Elizabeth was afraid to come here today, but I kept telling her that everything would be okay. That you loved her more than anything and you simply wanted her to be happy. But apparently I was wrong."

"How dare you tell us how we're supposed to feel; you have no idea how we feel," William began to rant.

"No sir I don't. But Elizabeth told me that she didn't tell you how she felt about me because she didn't want your speculation and anticipation to cloud what we found in each other."

Jack turned to Mrs. Thatcher, "Ma'am, Elizabeth loves you dearly and her main concern was in disappointing you. However, in her defense, she told me how you practically picked out china patterns and began planning weddings when she would introduce you to men she was dating." He released a frustrated breath before continuing, "She simply wanted us to find our own way before she told you. Somehow she feels like she's let you down because she hasn't married and had children like her sisters."

"Well, that's just simply not true…"

"Grace honey, it is. Don't you remember when she was dating that high school quarterback…?"

"Keith Arrington? But they were so cute together."

"But she was only 17 years old. Then there was Adam…" William mentioned.

"I thought that they were going to get married. Who dates for 5 years before getting married? In our day that just didn't happen," Grace glanced over toward the bookcases as she recounted Elizabeth's last relationship.

William added, "I remember her telling us that we were embarrassing her. I can still hear her say that she was going to keep her relationships private from now on, and apparently she did."

William continued, "Don't you remember, she didn't tell us about that guy Scott until they had broken up."

"Okay William, stop. Maybe I have gone a little overboard, but Mr. Thornton, she should have told us about you. We shouldn't be hearing about this for the first time right now."

Before Jack could respond, William interjected, "We did hear about it on TV."

"No, I mean we should have heard it from Elizabeth first."

Jack attempted to explain, "Please that wasn't Elizabeth's fault. I proposed, and when she said 'Yes' I was so excited that I told a few of my teammates. It got back to the announcer, and well, neither of us wanted you to hear that way."

Mr. Thatcher approached Jack. Out of Mrs. Thatcher's earshot he remarked, "I'm aware of what you're after. I was a young man myself. Spending time with a pretty girl and getting her into…"

Jack angrily interrupted, "I know what you're implying and you couldn't be farther from the truth. I'm going to tell you something about your daughter that you may or may not know." Jack felt his body trembling as he took a deep breath before continuing, "Elizabeth is a virgin, and I completely support her decision." He stood quite still as he awaited their response.

William glared at Jack, partly because he couldn't believe his boldness, and partly because he'd used his daughter's name and the word 'virgin' in the same sentence, taking the very breath from his body.

William opened his mouth, but before any words came out Grace spoke out, "He's telling you the truth. Elizabeth is a good girl and she has a level head on her shoulders. She always told me that she wanted to wait until she was married."

William placed his hands over his ears as if hearing his wife's declaration would cause them to burn.

"I don't know why I jumped to conclusions and assumed that she was pregnant. I knew better. I guess I'm just hurt." Grace looked over at Jack, "Every mother wants to experience the trip their child takes into love. We want to be there with them along the way, but I guess my prior involvement kept her from wanting to share this with me."

Jack opened up and expressed his full feelings for their daughter, "I love Elizabeth. I have never loved anyone as much as I do her. Any decisions I make, I make with her in mind, and I truly don't see my life without her in it," he stated as he grabbed his jacket which was hanging over the chair. "I hope that you will accept me into your family, and I truly hope that I can find Elizabeth and make up for this fiasco and my part in it. But please know that if she'll still have me, I plan to marry her whether you give us your blessing or not."

Jack turned and stormed out of the office having no idea where Elizabeth went or where to begin looking for her. William began to follow him…

As Grace flipped through the file of information that William had comprised on Jack, she yelled, "Don't you dare step one foot out of this room; we're going to talk. William, I swear, if you've pushed Elizabeth out of our lives because of this, I, well I don't think I can ever forgive you," Grace stated; her voice was much louder and sharper than he ever remembered hearing before.

"You're upset with me? Aren't you upset about her deceiving us?"

"William, from where I sit, you've done a bit of that yourself. Why didn't you tell me what you were doing?"

"Because I wasn't certain that I was correct, and I didn't want to upset you."

"And pushing Elizabeth out of our lives was intended to make me happy? Did you even notice how devastated she was when she left?" Grace asked, obviously emotional as tears welled in her eyes. "Did you even look past Jack's prior relationships and see the good things he's doing?"

"What are you talking about?"

"William, look at the charities he's involved in," she stated as she handed him a paper in the back of Jack's file. "There are charities for abuse victims, health issues and education. They provide scholarships, and there is a new foundation he's starting for adult education. William, he can't be a bad person and do all of this good, can he?"

William took the paper and with a defeated attitude, he plopped back down on the sofa. Although it appeared that he was scanning the information contained on the sheet, his mind was elsewhere. He felt deceived by Elizabeth; an action that he never assumed would coincide with his middle daughter. However, he had to admit, although he didn't consider her serious at the time, she had previously informed them that her future relationships would be kept quiet. So, she had given them fair warning.

He reviewed what he'd gathered on Jack from his minimal internet investigation and realized that he had only been interested in negative information, but now the positive reports which his wife had thrust in his face weighed heavily.

William released a frustrated breath, "How do you feel about all of this?"

"I was angry at first, but I think it's because I missed out on this ride she's been taking with her young man," she stated as she wiped her eyes. "William, she loves him, and he just stood up to us, so it is evident to me that he loves her as well. In the long run, isn't that truly what we hope for our children? I don't think she meant to deceive us; I just think she was protecting what they were building on."

William stood up and walked over to glance out the window.

"William, I know it was ages ago, but if you will remember, my father didn't initially care for you, and we had to sneak around for the first 6 weeks that we dated," Grace reminded him.

William turned back to face her. As his lips turned slightly upward, he commented, "I remember. I was so afraid that you father wouldn't give me a chance, but I don't think I was brave enough to stand up to him like Jack just did."

"Well, you were also a lot younger than him at the time."

"It worked out for us, didn't it, Grace?"

"It certainly did. I love you more today than I did then, and we have three beautiful girls who have gone on to live their own independent lives. We've actually done pretty well," she admitted. "So, don't you think we should afford them the same courtesy my father gave to you?"

Elizabeth rushed away from the house, and headed down the familiar path to her old, favorite piece of the property. She sat down by the water and cried. She loved Jack, and she truly believed he loved her, but could she be with a man who viewed her as a helpless, incompetent woman who needed a man to take care of her? Whether or not he truly felt that way, he'd just left her with the feeling that he had little faith in her own capabilities. Maybe in the long run, all Jack was looking for was someone to take care of. After all, considering all of his charities, and his desire to help, that would seem logical.

It certainly didn't make her feel better knowing that her father had little faith in her as well, but as his child, she understood his need to protect her; his need to take care of her. She didn't appreciate his lack of confidence in her abilities and it simply showed her that she had apparently done a poor job proving herself to those she considered important in her life.

She wiped her eyes, reached into her bag and pulled out her journal. She sat motionless for a few moments staring at the leather bound book, questioning whether or not releasing her feelings inside was really beneficial. She considered it to be cathartic, but now she wasn't so certain. She had doubts that anything would take away the hollow feeling that she felt inside.

She opened the journal and flipped to the next blank page. With anger, sadness and confusion fueling her thoughts she began to purge herself onto the blank canvas…

"Things are not always as they seem. People speak, but are the words to be trusted? We think we know those closest to us, but do we really? Is it truly possible to know anyone completely; to trust someone completely? I thought I was there; I thought I did, but how can I be with someone who has such little faith in me?

I'm not helpless, dependent or incompetent. I'm not feeble, delicate, or incapable, and for you to imply that someone needs to take care of me, I can only assume that you do not consider me as an equal, your female counterpart. A relationship under these conditions will do nothing but lead to disaster and heartbreak, the latter of which I fear I am already experiencing."

Back at the Thatcher mansion, Jack ran down the hall, took a left, or two lefts, and now he stood in an unknown section of the mansion and he was lost. He was wasting time in this maze of a house until he somehow managed to locate the kitchen.

"Excuse me sir, do you need something?" Thelma, the cook asked. "Are you by any chance looking for Miss Elizabeth," she inquired, as his facial expression screamed "Frantic…"

"Do you know where she went?"

Thelma smiled. She loved Elizabeth and had been with the family since Viola was a toddler. She was always closest to Elizabeth, finding her to be the most loving and compassionate of the three daughters. "I'm not positive, but when Miss Elizabeth would get upset she'd run to the lake to think."

"How do I find it?" he asked.

"Well, there is a path into the woods…just listen. Her father installed satellite radio out by the lake. She always cranks up the music when she's bothered about something."

Jack started for the door, "Sir, wait," Thelma called out. "Take that blanket on the chair. I don't think she had her jacket with her."

Jack grabbed the blanket from the back of the chair and ran out the kitchen door. His feet hit the ground having bypassed the four porch steps and he took off running. He could easily see the path into the woods, but he heard no music.

He continued down the path, hoping that the lake would be easy enough to find if the music remained silent.

At the lake, Elizabeth continued releasing her anger and sadness in her words…

"In life, there are two factors which generally motivate us, love and fear. There is the fear of the unknown, unexplained, and unexpected, and as such, any of these will cause us to withdraw, shut down, and pull away from that which we once considered comfortable and safe. When we are in love, we tend to open ourselves up to all of the possibilities that these new found feelings have to offer, passion, excitement, happiness and acceptance. However, in order to love fully and completely, we must first love ourselves, the good and the bad, our strengths and our imperfections. For if we are unable to accept ourselves, how can we expect others to? The truth is, when all is said and done, the only person who can guarantee you security and the life you want is you.

However, is it necessary to be alone, to live alone to make this point? I think not; I hope not, because I believe that couples should walk together, side by side, bringing out the best in each other. The fact is a relationship is much like a garden. It grows, even flourishes, but the presence of weeds can poison the final product. When that happens, it doesn't mean you tear up the garden…you simply eradicate the weeds."

Elizabeth closed her journal, and slipped it back inside her bag. It was quiet…too quiet…

"Alexa, play The Pulse on Sirius…" Elizabeth called out, not certain if the music setup was still available at the spot where she spent much of her teenage free time.

Suddenly she heard a reply, "Playing the Pulse on Sirius…" and the song Never be the Same by Camila Cabello began.

Let go of the wheel, it's the borderline
Now I'm seeing red, not thinking straight
Blurring all the lines, you intoxicate me

Jack stopped as he heard what appeared to be music in the distance. Doing as he was instructed by Thelma, he followed the sound, hoping that it would lead him directly to Elizabeth.

It's you, babe
And I'm a sucker for the way that you move, babe
And I could try to run, but it would be useless
You're to blame
Just one hit of you, I knew I'll never be the same
It's you, babe
And I'm a sucker for the way that you move, babe
And I could try to run, but it would be useless
You're to blame
Just one hit of you, I knew I'll never ever, ever be the same
I'll never be the same
I'll never be the same
I'll never be the same

Sneaking in L.A. when the lights are low
Off of one touch, I could overdose
He said, "Stop playing it safe
Girl, I wanna see you lose control"

Just like nicotine, rushin' me, touching me
Suddenly, I'm a fiend and you're all I need
All I need, yeah, you're all I need

You're in my blood, you're in my veins, you're in my head (I blame)
You're in my blood, you're in my veins, you're in my head (I'm sayin')

Jack broke through the tree line and observed Elizabeth sitting with her knees bent and her arms wrapped around her legs as she looked out on the water. He stood quietly listening to the song and realized that it truly was useless…he was completely hooked!

It's you, babe
And I'm a sucker for the way that you move, babe
And I could try to run, but it would be useless
You're to blame (you're to blame)
Just one hit of you, I knew I'll never be the same (I'll never be the)
It's you, babe
And I'm a sucker for the way that you move, babe
And I could try to run, but it would be useless
You're to blame
Just one hit of you, I knew I'll never ever, ever be the same

Jack stepped out onto the perfectly manicured lawn which led to the sandy lake shoreline. "Elizabeth," he called out.

Surprised, she jumped up, "Alexa stop." She turned around and faced him, "Just don't even say anything, Jack; it's okay. I understand."

"It's okay? What do you understand?"

"You have a right to your feelings and for whatever reason you don't think that I'm a capable woman."

"No, no that's wrong. If that were true would I ask you to run the education foundation?"

"Maybe that was to get me into bed…"

"Seriously?" Jack nearly had to laugh at the sheer ludicrous nature of that statement. "Well, if that were true, it hasn't worked out for me, and I'm still standing here, so…"

"Jack, I don't know. My father has a right to want to take care of me, whether I like it or not. He's my father. You… I thought you understood that I didn't need you to take care of me, that I can take care of myself. That I loved you, not because of what you could do for me, but because of who you are; how you've touched my heart."

"But Elizabeth, you aren't by yourself. I don't mean that you need me to take care of you. Hell Elizabeth, I don't even want to take care of myself… no wait, that didn't come out like I wanted it to. What I mean is that I want to stand side by side, taking care of each other, not because either of us can't do it, but because together we are so much stronger."

Jack approached her, "Elizabeth, you are absolutely the most capable person I know and I don't want my stupid war of words with your father to do what he hoped and tear us apart."

"Jack, my family is a part of me."

He looked deep into her eyes, her beautiful blue eyes and could feel the warmth of her soul. "Elizabeth, you're family will come around, but we can't allow them to tear us apart."

He knew that her heart contained cracks, his did too, but at this point, nothing could tear him away, "I love you; I'm not going anywhere."

He stepped closer as his arms quickly swallowed her. Her head rested on his chest as he held her tight, afraid to let go. "How can you give me such strength but yet remain my only true weakness?" he whispered as she leaned back slightly and his lips pressed tenderly against her forehead.

They separated slightly as he wrapped the blanket around her shoulders. He caught her glance as their lips met. The kiss was initially soft, yet eager, bold, yet tender, and hot, so very hot and they each felt the warmth that spread through their bodies.

Having no desire to see her father she asked, "Are you ready to go home?"

"Not yet…"

"Why…? Jack I don't want to stay here any longer."

This wasn't what he had in mind, but in such a beautiful setting which previously meant so much to Elizabeth he decided that now was the time.

"Elizabeth, I know you said 'Yes' before, but it isn't really official without a ring," he began as he dropped to one knee.

She stepped back as her hand covered her mouth, "Jack…"

Jack reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a beautiful red velvet box. With the open box in one hand, it was evident that he was nervous as his eyes watered, and his voice quivered. "Elizabeth, every time I look at you I can barely breathe. You literally take my breath away. I realize at each moment how breathing is so over rated and I wouldn't want it any other way. I didn't know it at the time, but before I even met you, you were in my dreams. You were the kind, compassionate, loving figure who calmed me, excited me, and brought me to life."

He closed his eyes for a moment, and took a deep breath before continuing, "I have never truly allowed a woman into my heart, but before I knew it, you had crawled inside and made it your home." He tapped his other hand on his heart, "You live here now, and I never want you to leave."

Elizabeth began to cry as she dropped the blanket to the ground.

"Aren't you cold?" he asked as he observed her tears beginning to fall.

She couldn't speak but simply shook her head back and forth.

Jack wiped away his own tears which seemed to be rivaling hers before continuing. "Before we met," he reached out and took her hand, "I was so incomplete. I mean the pieces were all there, just somehow jumbled up inside. You entered my life and suddenly everything fell into place. You are absolutely the best thing that has ever happened to me and when I think of the possibility of us being apart, I feel completely empty inside."

He again had to wipe his own eyes, "You are the person I want to talk to when I'm happy, and you know exactly what to say to calm me when life takes a downward turn. If pairs are decided in Heaven, then the Lord made you with me in mind… Elizabeth, you are my one and only true love. Will you marry me…?"

"Yes…"

He stood and as his hand shook he placed a 1.5 ct. 6 prong solitaire engagement ring in an 18 ct. yellow gold setting on her left hand ring finger.

Although she'd told him over and over that a ring was not necessary, and she still felt that way, she had to admit that this was the most beautiful ring she'd ever seen. Her face lit up as her eyes, still tear filled, attempted to focus on the sparkling bauble that she proudly carried on her left hand.

"Jack, it is the most beautiful ring I have ever seen."

"So, I did good?"

"Oh you did real good…"

"You haven't seen anything yet," he stated.

With both of them shedding happy tears, their lips met, gently at first. They separated slightly in an attempt to catch their breaths. Finding that it was nearly impossible to stay apart their lips met again. His tongue pressed through the seam in her slightly open mouth, and he could easily feel the sparks inside. The passion quickly consumed them, almost as if they were candles burning at both ends.

As their foreheads rested on each other she whispered, "Jack, apparently my parents aren't happy, so maybe we could go to see your mom and get married in San Diego?"

"Are you sure?" he asked as she smiled but her eyes remained somber.

Her tears fell in a steady stream as he pulled her into his chest. He held her tightly as he felt her body move from a shudder to eventual calm.

He cradled her face in his hands as his thumbs gently brushed away the tears. "I'll marry you whenever and wherever you want."

"It's not how I pictured it, but…"

"Honey, they'll come around. The emotion in his own voice was evident as he continued, "I am so sorry that I couldn't make this right for you."

She held up her left hand as she smiled through her tears, "Jack, what you said, how I know you feel, what we have, that's perfect, and if my parents can't see that…" she turned away and looked out onto the water, "That's their loss."

As the fall breeze blew, he took off his jacket and slipped it over her shoulders. He picked the blanket up from the ground, took her hand and asked, "Are you ready to go home?"

She smiled as he took her left hand in his. He brought it up to his lips and kissed the finger that contained the symbol of his love for her. "Let's go home…"

They walked hand in hand down the path, headed back to her parent's house. She left her jacket in the entryway, and Jack offered to go inside to retrieve it.

"Jack, just leave it. I don't have any desire to get into it again with my parents. I'm happy; we're happy and that is truly all that matters," she stated as they laid the blanket on the front steps and headed for Jack's car.

"Elizabeth," she spun around at hearing her name called.

She held Jack's hand as he stood beside her, "Yes sir…"

"Would you and Jack please come back inside? Your mother and I need to talk to you," her father called out from the front porch, only this time he was smiling…

NOTE: Those of you on the fan fiction notification pages, I will post important pictures in the comments!

To be continued…