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 24- Are You Breathing?
Recap of the Chapter 23 ending…
"We're anxious, somber, disappointed and concerned, yet we say nothing. Much like a clown, the smile we share hides the sadness within. With no words spoken, the silence is filled as others interpret our meaning. The story is written based on what they see, rarely what is true, or what we've chosen. When we do speak, the words we use and the tone we take are often unintended, many times hurting those we care the most about. And yet we make no attempt to correct what we've said and/or done. We leave things as is, much like it doesn't matter, when in fact it's eating us up inside.
As a small child, I depended on my parents to make every decision in my life. They decided the schools I attended, activities I participated in, and they directed and encouraged my every thought and dream. Being appreciative to them is an understatement. However, my desires of the past are not necessarily what drives my future. But is there ever a time when it's acceptable to be selfish; to cast the desires of another to the wind, turning a blind eye to their dreams?
The truth is… you raised me with yourselves in mind, but yet to be my own person. You raised me to consider everyone's feelings, but in the end to stand strong and firm in my own beliefs. You raised me to see through the eyes of others, listen with open ears, and to feel with a heart that always has room for more. You found and nurtured pieces of me that I never knew existed or had simply lost somewhere along the way.
For everything you have instilled in me I am thankful. I may need tweaking from time to time, but I do believe that in your heart you truly want me to be happy. So, if you don't always get your way, I hope you understand that you were the one who encouraged me to be strong willed and independent."
Elizabeth closed her journal and sat it on the bedside table, picking up her cell phone at the same time. Her fingers quickly searched the internet before she wiped her eyes and lay back in bed. She closed her eyes, listening to the radio as she tried to fall asleep.
Just down the hall, Jack lay in a dark room. His eyes were closed, but his head was spinning and all he could see was Elizabeth pushing him away. It seemed sudden and it bothered him that she wouldn't talk about it. He turned the radio up slightly…
Listening to the same radio station, they were both caught by the accuracy of a song that neither had previously heard. It was called "Sad Song" featuring Elena Coats by We the Kings… (If you've never heard it, look it up…absolutely beautiful)
You and I, we're like fireworks and symphonies exploding in the sky
With you, I'm alive
Like all the missing pieces of my heart, they finally collide
So stop time right here in the moonlight
'Cause I don't ever wanna close my eyes
Without you, I feel broke
Like I'm half of a whole
Without you, I've got no hand to hold
Without you, I feel torn
Like a sail in a storm
Without you, I'm just a sad song
I'm just a sad song
With you, I fall
It's like I'm leaving all my past and silhouettes up on the wall
With you, I'm a beautiful mess
It's like we're standing hand and hand with all our fears up on the edge
So stop time right here in the moonlight
'Cause I don't ever wanna close my eyes
Without you, I feel broke
Like I'm half of a whole
Without you, I've got no hand to hold
Without you, I feel torn
Like a sail in a storm
Without you, I'm just a sad song
You're the perfect melody
The only harmony I wanna hear
You're my favorite part of me
With you standing next to me
I've got nothing to fear
Without you, I feel broke
Like I'm half of a whole
Without you, I've got no hand to hold
Without you, I feel torn
Like a sail in a storm
Without you, I'm just a sad song
Without you, I feel broke
Like I'm half of a whole
Without you, I've got no hand to hold
Without you, I feel torn
Like a sail in a storm
Without you, I'm just a sad song, I'm just a sad song
With tears flowing, Elizabeth jumped out of bed and rushed toward the door. As she turned the knob and the door opened, Jack was standing on the other side. No words were said, none were needed as Elizabeth's arms wrapped around his neck. His arms around her waist lifted her off the ground as he pulled her in tight against his body.
He held her close, feeling the pounding of her heart against his chest. He closed his eyes as he inhaled the floral bouquet of her perfume, realizing that with every breath he hungered even more for her.
"I'm sorry Jack; I'm just so sorry…" she whispered as he carried her back into the room, closing the door behind him.
He lowered her feet to the ground as his lips eagerly covered hers. "I love you. I don't want anyone but you, and I'll wait as long as you need me to." His lips captured hers again, but on this occasion, she met him with an equal desire and intensity, both of them forgetting that they were in his mother's home.
As he backed her toward the bed, he was well aware of what he'd told her only moments ago, how he'd wait for her as long as she needed him to. However, once their lips touched they easily became lost in each other and desire quickly took control.
As the back of her legs hit the mattress and she fell back onto the bed, his body went with her, falling just to the side as his hand behind her head cradled her as she hit the pillow.
He had no intention of pushing, but he was like an addict and she was his addiction, one that he truly had no desire to quit. His lips found the soft sweet spot just under her left ear. As he gently nibbled on her earlobe, he could feel her body soften as her respiration intensified.
Hearing a noise out in the hallway caused both of them to sit up, realizing that they were in his mother's home and their behavior was inappropriate.
"I'm sorry; I know what I said, and I am trying to give you the time you need, but I am so ready to be married to you."
"I want to be married to you too, Jack. I just don't want to hurt anyone in the process, especially you…"
Jack pulled her up from the bed and wrapped her in his arms. His voice was full of emotion as he explained how he felt, "I don't want to say good night to you and then leave. I want to go to bed every night with you in my arms, and wake up with your head resting on my chest each morning. But most importantly, I want you in my life, so if I have to wait for you, I'll wait."
Jack stood up and walked toward the door, "I'm going to leave, because if I stay any longer, I'm not gonna leave."
"Jack, I don't want you to leave. I feel so alone without you."
Jack walked back to the bed. He pulled the covers back as Elizabeth slipped under the bedding. He walked around to the other side and laid on top of the covers, wrapping her in his arms as he pulled her close.
Elizabeth could feel his warm breath on her skin. In that moment, everything became abundantly clear as she blurted out, "Next weekend."
"What about next weekend?"
"Let's get married next weekend…"
Now on with our story…
"Next weekend? Are you serious?" he placed a hand on her shoulder, not certain if he'd heard her correctly. He gently rolled her over to face him, "Please don't tease me."
Facing him, and only inches apart, she rested her head on her bent elbow. "Jack, you said tonight that it was old for us to kiss good night and then you either roll over in bed or disappear into a different room."
"I was just telling you how I felt."
"I know, but then you said that it should be old for me too."
"I'm sorry; I know a lot of what was said came from a place of frustration, but I shouldn't …"
Elizabeth sat up in bed, "Stop Jack; you had every right to say what you said. I think what struck me is that somehow you must think that it isn't difficult for me."
"Elizabeth…" he whispered.
"Please Jack, let me say this…" their hands, with hers on top, rested on her leg which remained under the covers. Her voice was soft but full of emotion as she continued, "you are the sexiest man I have ever known. At night, when I lie in bed, whether you're there or not, I close my eyes and I can feel your arms around me, holding me tight, making me feel so safe."
His hand brushed several loose curls behind her ear before brushing across the soft skin on her cheek.
"Jack, you are the only man I have ever wanted to make love to. You are the only man I have ever come close to making love to. So when you say that it should bother me, but you say it like you think it doesn't, you couldn't be farther from the truth."
As tears welled in her eyes, each wipe of her hand streaked her mascara. She continued, "You know, when I made the purity pledge many years ago, I really didn't know what to expect. I was too young to date seriously, so it really meant little. I mean, I believed the religious reasons behind it, but it wasn't really impacting me. As I got older, and began dating, I wanted more. I wanted someone who wanted me, the good and the bad. I wanted a relationship that was more than just physical. And then as time wore on, I felt like I'd kept that part of me for so long that I didn't want to just give it away. I really wanted to save that part of myself for the man who ended up stealing my heart. Jack, you stole my heart."
Jack took hold of her hands. As his thumbs softly grazed across her palms, he caught her eyes. It wasn't as much their deep blue color that took his breath away but what he knew was contained within. Mascara from her continuous tears smudged each eye. But even with the stress she felt; even with her earlier misplaced anger, and even with her attempt to shoot him down at every turn, her eyes were still bright, shining with the tears that continued to trickle down both cheeks.
Wiping her eyes as she did her best to remove the signs of her earlier sadness, she caught his glance, warmly set upon her. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
Before he could answer, she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror hanging over the dresser. "WOW, why didn't you tell me that I look this bad?" She asked as she slipped out from under the covers and headed for the door. "I'm going to clean up; I'll be back in a minute," she stated as she grabbed her makeup bag on the way out.
"You're the most beautiful woman I've ever known," he whispered as she turned the corner and entered the hallway. A moment later he heard the bathroom door close.
Ten minutes later Elizabeth returned to the bedroom; her face was washed and moisturized and her eyes appeared less puffy.
"Better?" she asked.
"You are always beautiful to me."
She smiled, one of the few that he'd seen grace her face today, "Is that one of those things you have to say because we're engaged?"
He smiled back as he held out his hand, encouraging her to take a seat beside him. "You should know by now that I don't say anything I don't mean, at least when it has to do with you and how much I love you."
Jack brought her hand up to his lips, "Did you mean it when you said that we could get married next weekend?"
"Do you think we can? I mean I don't need anything elaborate; just an opportunity for our parents to be present, a dress, and some flowers. As for food, we can just take everyone out to dinner."
"What about your work? Will you be able to take time off, and a honeymoon; will you be able to be away from work for our honeymoon?" he asked.
Seeing the "Deer caught in headlights" look in her eyes he wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close. "Just relax. In your ideal world, what would you really want?"
She closed her eyes, as if she was seeing her wedding unfold in her mind's eye. "A wedding on the beach with our family and friends…anything else is a plus."
His finger touched the edge of her mouth and he moved across her lips, smiling as though he had purposely drawn them there. As he leaned in, his lips met hers, tasting the sweet wetness and trembling fire that was contained therein.
"Elizabeth, I love you, and I desperately want to marry you. Next week would be perfect, but it only gives you 7 days, so if it isn't enough time for you, I'll wait," he stated, meaning the words but hoping that he hadn't opened himself up for a postponement.
"Jack, I don't want to wait. If I can't find the dress I want, I have something in my closet that I can wear. Next Saturday, okay?"
His heart pounded as he finally saw the life with her he'd dreamed of flashing before his eyes. "What about a honeymoon?"
"I don't know if I can take that much time off from work. The honeymoon may have to wait. Is that okay?"
"Well, you find out from work and if you can take the time, I'll plan it. If not, we can still go away for the night," the twinkle in his eyes brought a giddy smile to her face.
She jokingly nudged him, "Jack Thornton, is that all men think about?"
As he attempted to frame a response that didn't make him appear too eager, Elizabeth quickly allowed him off the hook with her own statement, "I have waited my whole life for a man like you." She stood up and pulled the covers back, slipping underneath, "Besides, I have a cute little number I've been waiting to wear…the optimum word being 'little.'"
"Jack, are you breathing?"
"Barely…come on Saturday," he released a frustrated breath.
"I'm just kidding."
"You can't take it back now. I've already seen it."
"No you haven't, because I haven't bought it yet."
"I've seen it in my mind, so I'm holding on to that…"
Jack kissed her one last time before cutting out the light and lying in bed beside her. His arm around her waist, pulled her body close to him, and although she was under the covers, and he was on top of them, they could each feel the warmth provided from the other.
Hours later, Jack heard the floor creak in the hallway. Opening his eyes he observed his mother standing in the doorway. She pulled the door closed and continued down the hall.
Jack eased out of bed and proceeded down the hall to explain the scene his mother had just happened upon.
"Mom," Jack whispered, doing his best to keep Elizabeth from hearing them.
"Would you like a cup of coffee?" Charlotte asked.
"Yes please," he replied before taking a seat at the kitchen table.
Charlotte poured two cups of coffee, carried them to the table and then took a seat across from Jack.
"Mom, about…what…you…saw…"
"Jack, the door was left open for a reason. I know you, and I know how upset Elizabeth was last night. She needed you; did you two talk?"
"We tried, but I still don't know what was wrong. I know she's upset, but it was almost like she was pushing me to fight with her."
"Why don't you take her to the beach?"
"She didn't bring a bathing suit."
"Jack, the salt air does wonders for clearing out the cobwebs. Take her out to Santa Monica; you have to go into LA for that meeting anyway."
"Oh mom, she set the wedding date for next Saturday."
"Next Saturday? Where? Will she have enough time to set everything up?"
"Hmm, where…you know, I assume it will be in Baltimore. You will be able to come, right?"
"Yeah, like I'm gonna miss your wedding. Of course I'll be there."
"Good morning," Elizabeth commented as she entered the kitchen. "Did you sleep well, Jack?"
"Honey, mom already knows…"
"Your mom already knows what?"
"That we slept together last night."
Jack laughed softly, "Elizabeth, are you breathing?"
"Barely," she stated as she started to back out of the room.
"Elizabeth, don't let Jack tease you. I heard you two talking in your room last night, so if I was upset about you sharing a room, I wouldn't have initially put you in a room together. Besides, you left the door open…"
"We set a wedding date…next Saturday."
"Jack told me. Are you sure that you will have enough time to get everything set up?"
"No ma'am, but what's important is Jack and me starting our lives off together. So, what gets done will be great. If it isn't done, then it isn't important."
"Well now, that seems like a healthy way to look at it," Charlotte commented before walking over to the cabinet and pulling out a third coffee cup. "Would you like some coffee?"
"Yes ma'am; thank you very much."
"At the risk of starting the day off badly, we have the dinner tonight," Jack hesitantly mentioned.
"I am aware of that. What time do we need to leave?"
"Well, what I was thinking is that we could go sightseeing in LA and then we'd already be in town for dinner."
"Sounds good. Do I have time to take a shower?" Elizabeth asked.
"Of course. Take your time. Pack something to wear for dinner and I'll make arrangements for some place we can change. Just let me know when you're ready."
Elizabeth grabbed her cup of coffee, and kissed Jack before heading down the hallway to her room. Grabbing her clothes and cosmetics bag, she quickly disappeared into the bathroom.
Jack walked down the hall toward his room; his gait slowed as he passed the bathroom, hearing what he thought was Elizabeth singing softly in the shower.
An hour later, Jack and Elizabeth were walking out of the house, an overnight bag in Jack's hand as they headed for the car.
"WOW, its Friday morning at…" Elizabeth glanced at her watch, 10:15, and "Look at this traffic. Do you ever get used to it?"
"You haven't seen anything yet. Wait until we get closer to LA," Jack advised her.
As they continued onto the 405 heading into LA Elizabeth was surprised at the bumper to bumper traffic they encountered even before the skyline of the city could be seen in the distance.
"You want to do anything in particular? Disneyland? Malibu? Hollywood Walk of Fame?"
"You are my tour guide. Take me to the places you love," she responded.
The traffic was chaotic, as Jack turned onto Hollywood Blvd. Elizabeth was attempting to take everything in as they turned onto North Fuller Avenue, and appeared to be driving up into the sky.
"Where are we going?" she asked.
"One of my favorite places in LA, Runyon Canyon…"
They drove along the canyon, stopping several times for photo opportunities.
"Jack, this is beautiful."
Holding her hand and staring at her in all her wonderment he responded, "Yes, you are."
"Jack, I'm being serious…"
"So am I…"
She smiled, leaning over, her lips met his with the similar rush, thrill and excitement as standing on the edge and looking into the open canyon. The drive up and then down the canyon consisted of twists and tight turns, but was well worth the beautiful views.
Back into traffic, Jack and Elizabeth proceeded to Hollywood Blvd and the well known "Walk of Fame." Being an educator, and loving Mr. Rogers from the time she was a child, she couldn't help taking a picture of his 'star,' and found it quite ironic that it was located just outside a Lingerie and Costume shop.
The next stop was the Griffith's Observatory, the iconic HOLLYWOOD sign and an expansive view of Los Angeles.
"WOW, living out here, do you ever get used to the traffic?" She asked.
"Well, I guess it's just different because the traffic in New York is horrible, but there are buildings everywhere. You basically feel so closed in," Jack mentioned. Turning his head from one side to the other and taking in all of the Los Angeles area in one fell swoop, he continued, "Here, the traffic is equally bad, but there is more open land. You don't necessarily feel so closed in."
By this time it was early afternoon, and they swung by the In-n-Out Burger joint, equally iconic on the west coast. They went through the drive thru, where he ordered the Double-Double combo, and Elizabeth settled on a regular hamburger and a strawberry milkshake.
They took a drive up Laurel Canyon Road, stopping at a park where they found an empty picnic table to enjoy their lunch. The view was clear, and the breeze was warm as they sat overlooking more greenery and beautiful canyons.
"May I ask you something?" Jack broke through the silence.
"Anything…"
"Well, at the risk of having this beautiful day go downhill will you tell me why you were so upset with me last night? I mean, I assume that you and your mother had a conversation about the wedding that didn't go well, and then that trickled down to me…"
She put her hamburger down and pushed it away from her, "Jack, I'm sorry. You didn't deserve the things I said to you last night." The sound of a bird in the brush caught her attention as she glanced away.
Jack took hold of her hand, "You know you can tell me anything."
"I know; it's my mom."
"What about her; is she okay?"
"It's nothing like that, Jack. Before we went out last night, she called me. I forgot to tell her we were flying out here, so she was upset with me about that. The problem is that she wants me to have a big wedding, and I just want…"
"What do you want?"
"I just want you…"
Jack smiled as he stood up from the picnic table and walked to the other side, taking a seat on the bench beside her. "You've got me. I don't want you feeling stressed about getting married, and I don't want to be the cause of problems between you and your mother. But if there is a side to take, I'll always be on yours, okay?"
Elizabeth smiled, "I love you."
Jack glanced around, seeing several other couples, but no one paying them any attention, he leaned over, and captured her lips. The taste of strawberries from her milkshake remained on her lips, leaving him with a new favorite ice cream flavor.
"Mmm, you taste good," he whispered before pressing his lips to hers again.
With their lunch completed, Jack threw away the trash, took her hand and led her back to the car. "Would you like to take a drive maybe down to Malibu?"
"I'm the passenger, so wherever you want to take me is fine."
Again they battled the consistently steady LA traffic, passing through elaborate neighborhoods that rivaled Elizabeth's upbringing, but did not surpass it. They headed down Sunset Boulevard, taking a right at the water onto Pacific Coast Highway.
As the cars flew past each other, Elizabeth did her best to take in the beautiful scenery. "The beach is beautiful."
"And we get more use of it on the west coast because it stays warm here most of the year."
They drove past Pepperdine University before turning around and heading back toward Santa Monica and their dinner with Andy Friedman.
They still had a few hours before they had to meet Andy and his wife, so Jack pulled into the parking lot next to the Santa Monica Pier. They took off their shoes and he grasped her hand before leading her out onto the sand and the surprisingly deserted beach.
They walked along the wet sand while the waves slowly washed over their feet as each one broke closer onshore.
She stared out onto the water, "Jack, do you have any idea what to expect tonight?" Her words were easily heard, however, it was as if she was directing them to the Gods of the Ocean, knowing that they could not answer, but concerned by the reply he may provide.
His hand on her arm turned her slightly to face him, "I love you. You are the most important thing in my life and whatever happens, we'll decide it together, okay?"
"But Jack, I can't stand in your way. Baseball is a big part of your life."
"I want you to promise me that you'll be honest with me and with yourself. Don't hide your feelings because you don't want to upset me."
She smiled, "I promise to be completely honest, but you have to promise to do the same. You need to tell me what you need in all of this…"
"Something tells me that we're talking about different things," he asked as the sun shining down brought out the light strands in her hair, and the bright golden flecks in her eyes.
"Maybe a little. I've never been in a long distance relationship…well, not a successful one anyway. Andrew and I tried, but he told me that I was a distraction and before I knew what hit me, he was gone."
"His loss is definitely my gain," Jack stated as his finger under her chin lifted her face up into the sunlight. As she squirted, he captured her lips, allowing her to close her eyes, protecting them from the blinding light.
He could taste the salt that seemed to be carried in the air on her lightly sealed lips as his tongue easily broke through the seam, moving along the moist, tender skin on the inside of her mouth.
As she softly moaned, her body leaned into his, softening against him as his arms held her securely around the waist. "Jack, I know we haven't made love before; does it scare you that I won't be what you need?"
"I thought we were talking about baseball. I knew you had something else on your mind."
He brought her hand up to his lips, kissing the finger that held the symbol of his love. His smile was bright and his dimples were deep as they took a seat on a bench surrounded by nothing but sand.
He whispered her name, carried gently by the ocean breeze she heard each syllable as it felt as though he was stroking her soul. "Elizabeth…I wish I was writer so I could tell you how your eyes and the sound of your voice causes by heart to skip a beat; how your smile pushes every concerning thought out of my mind, and how simply being with you completes me. Being with you doesn't worry me, but if I'm being completely honest, being without you scares the hell out of me. Elizabeth, in my heart you are what I've always wanted; what I've always waited for, and as much as I love you right now, it will only grow stronger from here."
Somehow he always knew what to say to her. Feeling very sentimental and emotional, tears slipped from her eyes. His palms cradled her face as his thumbs brushed away the perfect little droplets that fell.
"Jack, no writer I have ever read would have been as eloquent as you just were. You are such a special man, and I don't know how I got to be so lucky…"
Jack put his arm around her and pulled her in close to his body as they turned and started back toward the pier. Somehow, in their oneness, they had ventured quite a distance from the car.
The Ferris wheel, well known for its placement on the Santa Monica Pier could be seen far off in the distance. So, with their hands held tightly, their bodies connected through touch and emotion, they walked down the beach as her head rested on his shoulder.
As they walked across the beach toward the parking lot, Elizabeth caught a glimpse of a truck and several workers unloading boxes, chairs, and other items and carrying them out onto the sand.
"What's that for?" she asked Jack.
"Looks like there's going to be a party tonight," he replied.
"WOW, this really is a happening place," she replied as they continued into the parking lot and to his car.
Jack drove to a local restaurant, owned by a former Stanford baseball teammate, and they slipped inside, borrowing the posh bathrooms to change and freshen up for the evening.
With 20 minutes before their meeting, Jack and Elizabeth headed toward The Bel-Air Hotel. Elizabeth, by this point had become accustomed to the LA traffic, realizing like most people, "We'll get there when we get there."
They pulled up to the front of the hotel and were immediately met by a valet who took the keys and directed them toward the restaurant.
Jack walked into the restaurant holding Elizabeth's hand. "Honey, you're shaking. Are you okay?"
"Just nervous. I don't know what to expect," she replied.
"We're a team, right?"
"Right…"
"Jack…" a voice from the dining room caught Jack's attention.
Four tables over, next to the window, Andy Friedman and his wife, Robin, sat, each one nursing a glass of white wine. Andy stood up as Jack's hand on the small of Elizabeth's back directed her toward the table.
Jack pulled out her chair, guiding her back to the table once she had taken her seat.
Jack and Andy shook hand.
"Jack, this is my wife, Robin. Robin, this is Jack Thornton."
"It's very nice to meet you, Robin. This is my fiancé, Elizabeth Thatcher."
The two women shook hands as everyone took their seats. Before those at the table had an opportunity to settle themselves, the waitress was there to obtain Jack and Elizabeth's cocktail order and provide the table with a loaf of freshly baked, still warm bread and butter.
Elizabeth ordered a salad, grilled chicken and steamed vegetables. Robin ordered the same, with the only difference being her preference to oil and vinegar dressing for her salad to Elizabeth's raspberry vinaigrette. Both men ordered the prime rib with mashed potatoes and gravy, and green beans.
Jack's trade to the Dodgers appeared to be the elephant in the room that no one was too quick to bring up. Andy was very excited about the prospect of having Jack play for the Dodgers, but he was well aware that baseball wasn't the only think on Jack's mind.
Andy remembered when he and Robin were dating, and newly engaged. That was eight years, and three small children ago. This evening, after dinner, as they finished off the bottle of wine, he observed Jack's gentleness when he held Elizabeth's hand and tenderly brushed across her skin with his thumb.
He remembered being that close with Robin, but was envious of what Jack and Elizabeth had, as it appeared that with the introduction of children, some of their closeness had waned.
While Andy and Jack talked business, he surprised Robin by casually taking hold of her hand. Caught off guard, he startled her. However, as she felt his hand close around hers, she smiled as the color returned to her face.
The women sat quietly through dinner and afterward as the men talked business. Jack's agent had done the major negotiating for him, and although no monetary amount was spoken, a small card was removed from the inside of Andy's pocket and slid across the table to Jack.
It was much like a game as Jack lifted up the corner of the card exposing the financial aspect of the trade.
"Jack," Andy broke through the silence at the table, "You are an extremely talented ballplayer, and we feel very fortunate to have you in the Dodger organization. The only thing left to do is the physical."
"I had one done two weeks ago; is that time frame sufficient for you?" Jack asked.
"Who did the physical?"
"Dr. Coleman…"
"That should work. I'll get Dr. Schafer to contact Dr. Coleman, but you'll need to release the paperwork, okay?"
"No problem…"
"I forgot to ask, but I assume you brought an overnight bag. I would like you two to enjoy a night here on the Dodger's organization," Andy stated as he signed the credit card slip for dinner.
"That's very nice of you, but certainly not necessary," Jack quickly replied.
"Well, we have a penthouse here, and it isn't being used. On our way out I'll let the front desk know that it's yours for the evening if you'd like it," Andy remarked before standing up and holding the chair for Robin. "Well, if you will excuse us, I promised Robin that we'd be home early tonight."
Robin interjected, "My niece is getting married and there is a huge sale at this bridal shop tomorrow morning. You have to be there by 6:30 am in order to get in. Well, you can still shop if you get there later, but actually the real pull to this sale is that they sell the dresses off the rack."
"Really? Do you mind me asking where it is?"
"It's a bit of a drive from here, especially with the morning traffic, but it's a store called Brides of San Diego."
"It's in San Diego…?"
"Yes, why?"
"Because Jack and I are getting married next Saturday, and I don't have a dress yet."
"Cutting it close, don't you think?" Robin teased.
"Jack and I just set the date, and actually what I get done will be done; what isn't won't be that important. But I have to say that I'd love to have a new dress…"
"Then you need to be there, with a figure like yours, you will have your pick of any dress you like."
Jack saw her face light up. It seemed to be one of the few times that the subject of the wedding had come up where she seemed at peace and was actually excited.
"Then you need to be there, honey," Jack commented as he and Elizabeth stood from the table and began to follow Andy and Robin out of the restaurant. "We're actually staying with my mom in San Diego, so thanks for the offer of the room, but if she needs to be at the shop by 6:30 in the morning, I think we'll go ahead and make the trip home tonight."
Standing outside the Hotel Bel-Air, Jack and Elizabeth thanked Andy and Robin for a lovely dinner.
"I look forward to coming here to play, Andy. I can assure you that I will do my best," Jack stuck out his arm to shake Andy's hand.
"I have no doubt Jack. Spring training starts the 23rd of February at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona. Coach Roberts will be in touch."
"Thanks Andy," Jack called out as the valet pulled up with Andy's Jaguar.
As the valet opened Robin's door she turned to Elizabeth, "I'll see you tomorrow."
Elizabeth smiled, feeling as though something was finally going her way, "I'll be there. Thank you for the information, and drive safe."
"You too," Andy called out as they pulled away.
The BMW that Jack rented was the next vehicle that appeared in front of the hotel. As the valet went to open Elizabeth's door, Jack stepped up and took the handle, "I've got it," he stated as he took her hand and helped her into the car. He waited until her seatbelt was fastened before closing her door and heading to the driver's side.
"Well, that certainly was worth coming," Elizabeth remarked.
"It certainly was. Do you have any idea what they are paying me?"
"No…how much?"
"It's a five year contract…"
"Five years?"
"Honey, we'll figure it out."
Without committing to anything, Elizabeth's thoughts silently travelled to the possibility of resigning her position with the school system at the end of this school year, an option which would allow her to move with Jack.
"Honey, are you okay?"
"I'm sorry. I was just thinking…"
"Well, think about this; they are giving me 18 million dollars to sign, and 30 million dollars a year on a five year contract…"
"$158 million…"
"Well, actually its $168 million…" he corrected her.
"Elizabeth, are you breathing?"
"Barely… $168 million for you to play a game that you love? I had no idea that people earned that much money. "That just seems crazy, when I work so hard for my students and get a fraction of that."
Jack laughed softly, "First of all, what's mine is yours. But I'll play along; how much of a fraction do you get?"
"Well, math has never been my subject." She stated as she picked up a speck of sand from their earlier beach walk that seemed to land on the console, "Do you see this?"
"Barely," he replied.
"Well, my fraction is even smaller than this," she snickered. "I guess we'd better keep you healthy."
They pulled into the driveway at his mother's house at 10:30 pm. Jack grabbed the overnight bag from the back seat and they headed inside.
Startled, Charlotte grabbed her chest and gasped as she attempted to lock the front door at the same time as Jack opened it.
"What are you doing home? I thought you were spending the night."
Jack walked inside with Elizabeth behind him as he sat the overnight bag on the sofa. "Actually, we were going to stay, but we…"
Elizabeth excitedly jumped in, "There is a big wedding gown sale at a store somewhere in San Diego, and you have to be there by 6:30 in the morning in order to get inside. I really need to get inside, because they are selling the dresses off the rack."
"Yes, that's at the Brides of San Diego store out on Camino Del Este. It isn't far from here."
"Charlotte, would you like to go with me?" Elizabeth asked, although her voice sounded more like a plea.
"Are you sure? I mean, I'd love to go with you."
"Okay, what time do we need to leave?"
"6 am should be fine, but I know how important this is to you, so let's make it 5:30."
"5:30 it is; thank you," Elizabeth hugged Charlotte before turning her attention to Jack. "Thank you for an absolutely wonderful day today. I had the best time. I love you," she kissed him before making her way down the hall, entering her room and closing the door behind her.
"She looks happy," Charlotte commented.
Jack commented as his eyes continued to stare down the hallway, "I think maybe things are starting to look up for her…for us."
Jack kissed his mother good night and headed to his bedroom. With the front door locked, Charlotte left one light in the kitchen which provided a soft glow in the den just in case Elizabeth had to get up in the middle of the night. She knew that stumbling around in the dark was never fun. She walked back to her bedroom, set her alarm and quickly fell asleep.
Elizabeth sat on the bed thinking about tomorrow's dress shopping excursion. It was such an important moment in her life, and yet her mother was not there with her. Would she even want to go with me? Will she understand?
Elizabeth felt the bright smile that she wore as she entered the house slowly begin to disappear. Realizing that right here, right now, what was important was how she felt about Jack and the life that they wanted together. Sadly if her parents couldn't understand that, it would be their loss.
Even knowing that she had Jack, and Charlotte, she felt the fear of crushing her mother's dreams, and ultimately altering her familial picture. She wondered if the feelings would be different if their roles were reversed. As a parent, she hoped that she would understand.
She glanced at her watch, 11:30 pm…2:30 am back home. Either way it is too late, or too early to call!
She grabbed her bag, pulled out her journal and favorite pen, before opening her leather bound book to the next blank page. She clicked her pen open and began to write, hoping to purge all of her feelings onto the blank canvas…
"Life is about change. It's about altering our course, forcing us to consider our past, the decisions we've made, good and bad, and learning from them. However, change is difficult; it demands our attention; and whether we want to provide it or not, it requires our acceptance.
The entire process of life is about moving from one stage to another. It's about the journey, the twists and turns, the emotional highs and depressing lows. It's about relishing in the excitement, accepting the disappointments, being thankful for the magnificent beauty, but still allowing tears over the pain.
Our biggest battle is between what we believe to be true and what we fear will happen. We are well aware of the fact that the decision is ours, however, we fear speaking the words, because our heart tells us that they will not be received as intended.
Our stomach churns; we should be thrilled for this time in our life. However, fear of the disappointment we may hand to those we love causes our heart to crumble fearing that the twinkle you should have in your eyes will be extinguished.
Growing up, you were my rock; my greatest cheerleader, and my most patient confidant. You showed me that standing up for myself in the face of adversity is a gift we give ourselves… the gift of self esteem, self confidence, and self respect. Through example you've shown me that love is given freely with no expectations, and that to love and to be love is the greatest gift of all. For this and the many other words of wisdom that you have so graciously bestowed upon me, I thank you.
I hope that my decision will not have you thinking less of me, assuming that it is easy for me to disappoint you. It most certainly is not. You may not realize all of the many lessons you quietly taught, or that when you weren't looking, I was listening and learning. So, please know that ultimately, you are the one who has shown me that to stand up for myself is to be the strong, independent woman you so lovingly nurtured."
Elizabeth closed her journal and prepared for bed. Standing in her bra and panties, she realized that her shorts and t-shirt were in the overnight bag. Grabbing a dress shirt from the back of a chair, she stepped out into the den.
Hearing someone in the house, Jack got up to investigate. Standing at the end of the hallway Jack looked into the den and saw her rummaging through their overnight bag. Wearing an old dress shirt of his, Jack felt his breath catch in his throat. She was a vision, the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen. Who would have guessed that a man's dress shirt could bring about such a reaction?
Certainly it was not the clothing she wore, but what he knew was contained within. It was the fact that he'd worn that shirt at some point in his life, and now it was touching her; touching all of the places he wanted to touch, and he was jealous. He released a breath, resembling a soft laugh, realizing how absurd it was to be jealous of a shirt. All the while his heart pounded and his palms sweat, and yet his feelings of jealously continued.
The shirt was lower in the front and back, but cut up on the sides, just enough to allow the edge of her panties to peek through. With each movement the shirt seems to touch more of her, almost as if it was laughing in his face, getting back at him for every time he visited, but refused to carry the shirt home with him.
With nothing to hold him up, he begged his knees not to collapse as she turned around. Startled, she gasped as her hand covered her mouth to keep the expected noise down.
"I'm sorry. I heard a noise and was just checking it out," the words barely managed to climb passed the lump in his throat.
She smiled. Seeing the look in his eyes and the uncomfortable yearning for her that was evident in the way his trousers sat, she quickly grabbed her clothes, kissed his cheek as she brushed up against him on her way toward her room.
Standing at her door she turned in his direction. Seeing that he had not moved, she called out, "Jack are you breathing?"
"Barely," he whispered as he found the hallway wall and leaned against it. Releasing a frustrated breath he begged, "Hurry up Saturday…"
To be continued…
Those of you who follow the Fan fiction Facebook pages, keep a watch on the comment section of my posts…pictures and possibly a video will accompany this chapter.
Next Chapter…Could there possibly be a wedding…? Hmm, maybe!