The Field of Dreams Chapter 25- Say Yes to the Dress, 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 25- Say Yes to the Dress

Recap of Chapter 24 ending…

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…"

Now on with our story…

Jack's body remained against the wall for a few moments, as he found the concept of walking incomprehensible. He was breathing, but feeling somewhat lightheaded he could only assume that the air was somehow being diverted away from his lungs.

He finally turned around and slowly walked back to his room, placing his hand on her door as he strolled by. He sat on the side of his bed, harshly ran is hands up and down his face as he realized that sleep would not be easily attained tonight.

Feeling excitedly exhausted, Elizabeth slipped into bed. She closed her eyes and attempted to will her body to sleep. As she lay quietly, there was something, or rather someone missing. She had come to enjoy sleeping next to Jack; feeling his body up against hers and although her eyes remained closed, sleep eluded her.

She turned on the TV and flipped to the CBS affiliate, Channel 8, to watch the local news. Her eyes were focused on the ceiling with little attention being given to the TV until…

"It was a beautiful ceremony; one that local residents Tawny Harris, and Blake Fenwick will not soon forget. Stay tuned as we take you into their Santa Monica beach wedding, complete with a star filled sky, thankfully calm waters and a love story for the movies."

Now totally enthralled in the news, Elizabeth sat up in bed and impatiently awaited the end of the commercial break.

As the station returned to the beach wedding news story, Elizabeth heard nothing, but saw everything, even though it was through tear filled eyes. It appeared to be the event that she and Jack observed being set up as they left Santa Monica beach.

It was obvious to Elizabeth as she observed the bride in a sleeveless sweetheart neckline dress, the groom without a jacket and the pictured guests in summer attire that with temperatures alone, West Coast would beat an East Coast beach wedding at this time of year. Would it even be possible to plan a West Coast wedding from the East Coast? And in a week?

Elizabeth pulled out her journal, and tore a page out from the back. She grabbed her pen and began making a list of what was needed for the wedding and in the order of importance…

Dress
Contact- Parents-Mom, Dad, Charlotte
Contact- Maid of Honor/Bridesmaid- Viola/Julie
Contact- Best Man- Tom?
Minister
Private area of the beach

Elizabeth pulled out her phone and checked Google… "Santa Monica Beach Weddings." Locating a local wedding planner, Elizabeth underlined and placed marks by the contact, hoping that in the rush of completing some things before she returned home, that contacting the wedding planner wouldn't be forgotten.

Weddings by Sonia- *310-460-5109 *
Flowers
Cake
Reception

Looking at everything on her list, she realized that there was no way that she could get everything done in a matter of a week. She began scratching off items, pulled out a clean sheet of paper and made a new list…

Dress
Notify family; beg them to come
Justice of the Peace
Call friends to invite them
Beach- Private
Reception at a restaurant
Cake…Maybe cupcakes instead

As she looked at the list, her eyes watered. No way on Earth will I be able to get all of this done. What's important…?

Again she began scratching off items on the list that she didn't feel she had time to accomplish. Another piece of paper was ripped from her journal and he made a final list of what was most important…
Family- they have to come
Friends-beg them to come
Strip of sand-Public beach
Bouquet

She sat her paper on the bedside table before lying back in bed. With the TV still on and her mind swirling with thoughts of "what needs to get done," sleep seemed to be eluding her as well.

The last time she glanced at the clock it glared back at her, 3:17am, almost laughing as if it had the power to single-handedly keep her awake.

She sat up in bed, feeling much like she did at the age of fourteen when the excitement of her dance recital seemingly blew up in her face. There she stood in the middle of the stage, all alone, having practiced her dance over and over and over again, until she could do it perfectly without further thought. Her parents sat in the first row, smiles on their faces showed the pride they felt in their middle daughter.

As the music began, she meticulously covered the floor, spinning and leaping and then darkness. She still didn't know what happened, but when she came to, she was lying on a hospital gurney with an ice pack on her head and her ankle in a cast. Certainly not the same situation, but the feelings were quite similar…no matter how hard you prepare, some things are just not meant to be.

She turned on the bedside table and lay back, resting her head on her pillow. She turned on her left side as the engagement ring on her finger seemed to be crying out to her.

"This symbol of your love is what is important…" Elizabeth watched as her hand turned from side to side and the shine from the ring graced the wall in a Morse code pattern.

**Knock, knock, knock…

"Come in…" Elizabeth called out as the door immediately opened.

"Are you okay?" Charlotte asked as she took a seat on the edge of the mattress.

"What was I thinking that I could plan a wedding, a complete wedding, without my mom, all while we're in the middle of testing at school?"

The smile Charlotte had seen on Elizabeth's face just hours ago was long gone, with no evidence of it remaining.

"Elizabeth, everything will be okay," Charlotte assured her. She had to think about her words before speaking, because Grace was the name she'd chosen to call her soon to be daughter in law. However, "Grace" was feeling alone, and familiarity was what was needed now.

"Elizabeth, I know my son. He's dated other women, which I'm sure you know, but he has always seemed to remain basically unattached."

Seeing Elizabeth's confused look she explained, "Jack dated but he never looked at any of them with the thought of a real future. He saw a real future with you and when you two broke up, there was a difference in him. He was broken."

"I'm so sorry," Elizabeth still didn't understand, as she assumed that Charlotte was upset that she'd hurt Jack.

"Honey, don't be sorry. When Jack met you, something changed in him. He truly saw the future for the first time in his life, and he knew that he wanted it to be with you. You captured his heart…"

Elizabeth glanced down before sitting up in bed, "You know, he is a very special man, and my wavering back and forth isn't fair. But my heart hurts when I think of all the plans and my mom…"

"Honey, I know…"

Elizabeth wiped her eyes, "I appreciate you going with me today. I just wish my mom was here…not instead of you, but with you too. She doesn't even know I'm getting married next week. I just hope she'll come."

"She'll be there. You know, I don't have daughters, but as a parent, your child's wedding is one of those things that you put everything else aside for. She'll understand."

Glancing at the clock on the table, 4:30am, Charlotte gave Elizabeth a hug before standing. "You lie down and try to rest. I'm going to fix coffee and read the paper and I'll come back and get you in a little while."

As Charlotte left, closing the door behind her, Elizabeth pulled up her phone, 7:30am on the East coast. For as long as Elizabeth had been paying attention, her mother was out of bed and sitting at the kitchen table drinking her coffee by 7am each and every morning.

As her heart pounded, she punched her mother's number into the phone (#2, as Jack had appropriately taken over the #1 spot). On the second ring she excitedly answered, "Hey, you aren't home yet, are you? Did you and Jack decide on a date? When do you want to go looking for a dress?"

Elizabeth felt as though her mouth was a desert as she initially found it difficult to formulate any words.

"Honey, are you there?" her mother called out.

"Yes, I'm here…"

"So, what did you and Jack decide?"

"Mom, we're still in San Diego, and we did decide on a date…"

"Oh good, when?"

"Next Saturday," Elizabeth replied, although her voice cracked and trembled, and she wasn't ever sure if her mother had heard her.

Mrs. Thatcher laughed, "I thought you said next Saturday…"

The cat was now out of the proverbial bag, "I did…"

"Elizabeth, I told you that it would have to be late spring at the earliest."

"I know what you said, mom, but I don't want to wait. I want to be Jack's wife and I…"

"Go ahead, you what?"

Not seeing her face made the next statement slightly easier to make, "Mom, I love Jack, and I want to be with him…I mean, really be with him. I can't wait until next spring."

The silence on the phone was deafening, "Mom…are you there?" hearing nothing, Elizabeth began to cry.

"Are you crying honey?"

"No…yes…"

"I'm sorry... I didn't even think about how you felt. I was just so excited about another wedding to plan. Please forgive me…"

"Mom, I just need you to understand."

"Honey, I was young once; I do understand."

"I was so afraid that you'd be upset with me, but mom, this is truly what I want."

"Okay, but we only have a week, and we need to go dress shopping, so when will you be home? I think I can contact Tori at David's Bridal and get a rush order done."

"Uh, actually there is a big bridal sale at a shop here in San Diego today and you can buy them off the rack."

"You're going alone? Honey, you need someone with you."

"Jack's mom is going with me, but I wish you were here too."

Feeling tears forming for the first time since she'd answered the phone, Grace softly replied, "I wish I was too. Will you send me a picture?"

"Of course… oh mom, I have to go. I need to be at this shop really early to get in."

"Have fun honey, and good luck."

"Thank you for understanding mom."

"Elizabeth…"

"Yes mom?"

"I'm sorry. I tell your dad not to get so involved, and then I turn around and do the same thing. I just thought that it was what you wanted."

"What I want is to marry Jack with my family and friends present. Everything else will just be a plus, okay?"

"Okay…"

"Bye mom…"

"Oh, where are you getting married?" Grace asked before she realized that the phone had already disconnected.

The pounding of Elizabeth's heart calmed and the smile slowly returned to her face. She pulled back the covers and slipped out of bed, grabbing her makeup bag and clothes before heading to the bathroom to get ready.

At 5:20am, Elizabeth opened the bathroom door to find Jack standing against the wall.

"That is a beautiful smile for this time of the morning. Would you care to share what put it there?" he asked.

"You and my mother…"

"Your mother…" he stepped closer as one hand linked with hers, while his other palm rested along her jaw line.

"I just called her, Jack. All of my worrying and being afraid to talk to her about it, and she apologized. She said that she was sorry."

Observing her misty eyes, his thumb brushed across her cheek promising to sweep away any tears that threatened to streak her soft, rosy cheeks.

"Jack, what do you think about getting married here…well, not here, but on the beach in Santa Monica?"

"Whatever you want, but what made you think of here?"

"When we were there yesterday, do you remember the people unloading the stuff from that truck?"

"The stuff for the party?"

"Well, it ended up being a wedding. That's what I want…you, me, our families and friends on the beach overlooking the ocean…"

He closed the smile on her lips as his mouth covered hers. He released her hand as his arm swept around her waist, pulling her close and holding her tight against his body.

Charlotte stepped into the hallway on her way to wake Elizabeth, but catching their intimate moment she backed away and returned to her seat at the kitchen table.

Charlotte had barely taken her seat when Jack and Elizabeth entered the kitchen, their hands clasped tightly together. Thankful to see a smile on her future daughter in law's beautiful face, and assuming that the sole reason was attributed to her son, she still asked, "What has you smiling so brightly this early in the morning?"

Elizabeth's reply pleasantly stunned her, "I called my mom, and I think she's happy for me…us."

"Well now, that shows you that as parents we just need to know what's going on. We truly just want you kids to be happy."

"I just feel bad because she isn't able to go dress shopping with me…"

Seeing a disappointed look cross Charlotte's face Elizabeth clarified, "I am so happy and thankful that you are coming with me. I just wish she was here too."

"I understand Elizabeth. We'll have to make sure we get plenty of pictures for her. It will be almost as if she is with you."

"Charlotte, may I ask you something?" Elizabeth asked as Charlotte prepared two cups of coffee in travel mugs.

"Certainly; what is it?"

"You were calling me Grace, but now it's Elizabeth. I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm okay with you calling me whatever is comfortable for you, but I was just wondering."

"Honey, you have been so tormented about your decision, and anxious about how your parents would react that I just thought you needed familiarity not difference. Besides, you look like an Elizabeth…" she stated as all three of them laughed.

"I guess that's a good thing since that's her name," Jack pulled her in for a hug as he entered the conversation.

Grabbing the mugs of coffee and handing one to Elizabeth, Charlotte remarked, "Its 5:40, we need to get going."

Jack released her but stole a quick kiss before saying, "Good luck; I'm sure you will find exactly what you're looking for."

"Oh Jack…" Elizabeth called out as she watched him head back toward the bathroom.

Turning around he returned to her at the front door, "I knew you couldn't stand to be away from me."

"Well yes, that too, but I made a list this morning of the things that need to get done and one of those things is to invite friends and family. We don't have time to send invitations, so personal invites will be needed. Would you please call your friends and Tom…I assume he will be your Best Man."

"I'm on it…"

"Wait, you haven't even decided on the location; or have you?" Charlotte asked as she stood in the open doorway.

"I want to have it in Santa Monica on the beach."

For such an early hour, Charlotte provided the brightest smile, "Here…you want to get married here?"

"I want it on the beach, and west coast beaches are much warmer than east coast beaches now. Do you think we can?"

"Jack, you remember Evan Markum don't you?"

"Sure, I haven't seen him in a long time, but I remember him, why?"

"He holds some office in Santa Monica; I'll bet he could get the permission you may need."

"I'll call him today," Jack stated as he edged closer toward Elizabeth.

Realizing that three's a crowd, Charlotte excused herself and headed for the car.

"I have to go Jack."

He took her arm and turned her back to face him, "I'm proud of you."

"Jack, all I did was make a list of the things we need to get done. Well, I made several lists; the last one is what we have to have. I can do without the other stuff."

Jack's hand on the side of her face brushed a few strands of hair behind her ear, "Well, I'm obviously proud of that too, but I was talking about calling your mom. I know you were worried about that, and I wanted to be there for support when you talked to her, but I guess you didn't need me."

Elizabeth leaned in, pressing her mouth to his she felt his lips soften against hers. "Never, I will always need you."

She turned toward the door as their fingers remained entwined with each other until the distance between them required that they release their hold.

"I love you," Jack called out into the darkness.

"I love you too," Charlotte yelled back.

"Mom…"

"Sorry, I couldn't resist."

"Jack, I love you too," Elizabeth giggled as she slipped inside Charlotte's car.

Twenty minutes later Charlotte pulled into the already packed parking lot. Elizabeth and Charlotte quickly took their place in line as they observed and became a part of the swirling emotions that accompanied each bride to be.

At 6:30am on the dot the doors opened, and the mass of shoppers entering the store was akin to the onslaught of bargain hunters that rush for deals in the early morning hours on Black Friday.

Elizabeth and Charlotte found themselves being pushed forward, and once inside the store, being pushed out of the way as women grabbed dress after dress, whether it suited them or not.

"Honey, we're going to have to get aggressive here, or there won't be anything left," Charlotte stated as she seemed to grow taller and stronger.

Somehow Charlotte was able to reach over the top of women, many of whom seemed much more substantial than she was. It didn't matter; she was on a mission.

When all was said and done, the room resembled an empty forest after an invasion of locusts. The wedding dress racks were bare, but Elizabeth's cart was full, thanks to the roller derby style moves employed by Charlotte.

The back room was set up with numerous changing rooms and Elizabeth rolled her cart up to the last one in the back of the room. Just outside the dressing rooms were sofas, chairs, and several large pedestal blocks to stand on in front of enormous full length mirrors.

"Would you mind holding my phone?" Elizabeth asked as she draped a dress over her arm.

"Of course not dear…"

There were eight dresses in Elizabeth's cart, and as she left to try on the first one, Charlotte hovered. The cart was pulled up alongside her seat to make certain that none of the dresses disappeared.

Charlotte held Elizabeth's phone, glancing back and forth between her hand and the dressing room. Pulling up the last number dialed, she took a chance…

"Elizabeth you found a dress already?" Grace answered the phone observing the face time call to be showing the dressing room curtains.

Pushing the button to turn the picture back to her, Charlotte smiled, "Mrs. Thatcher, I'm Charlotte Thornton, Jack's mom."

"Good morning; thank you for being with Elizabeth, and please, call me Grace."

"And I'm Charlotte. Anyway, Elizabeth is trying on her first dress and I thought she would appreciate your input. Oh wait, she's coming out," Charlotte advised.

She pushed the button and as the curtain opened, Elizabeth appeared on the screen. Her mother could be heard sighing on the other end as Charlotte held the phone so she could get a full view.

Not understanding what Charlotte was doing, Elizabeth commented, "I'm sorry. I can put the phone in my purse; you don't have to hold it."

"Don't you dare shut me off…"

"Mom…?"

"I hope you don't mind, but we're doing a face time with your mom," Charlotte confirmed.

That was all Elizabeth needed to hear as tears flowed, clouding her view while an attendant helped her step up onto the pedestal.

As the tears waned and she dabbed her eyes dry, disappointment covered her face, "This isn't the one," she stated. "This is pretty," she remarked as her hands moved up and down the bodice of the dress. "But this," holding her hands palm side up along her hips, "Makes me look like the whipped topping on a cupcake."

"Thank you," her mother called out.

"Thank you for what?"

"I'm just glad that we have the same opinion on this dress. How many did you grab?"

"I only got two, but Charlotte grabbed six, so we're down to seven. I'm hoping that there is a dress for me in that cart…" she stated as she grabbed another dress.

Charlotte watched as another shopper followed Elizabeth into the dressing room to retrieve her "failed attempt #1."

While Elizabeth was gone, Charlotte and Grace talked about what they could do to make this wedding a success.

"I don't even know where the service will be. We'll need to make arrangements for family and friends to fly in," Grace stated as she expressed her thoughts out loud.

Seeing Charlotte's expression she asked, "Do you know where the service is going to be?"

"She wants to get married on the beach, and with it being warm here on the west coast, she was looking at Santa Monica."

"Hmm, I guess we have some planning to do…"

Moments later the curtain opened, and Elizabeth stepped out. The dress was a Vera Wang design in beige with lace throughout. The expression on Elizabeth's face spoke volumes.

"If this was in black, I'd feel like Morticia on that show, what was it called…you know it was in reruns and usually played in the afternoon…"

"Adams Family?"

"Yes, that's the show and this is not the dress for me."

Elizabeth didn't even stand on the pedestal before realizing that she was going to try on dress #3.

"Charlotte, sometime today would you mind sending me the name of some of the hotels near where the service will be so I can make reservations. I'll need to get her sisters there too."

"I'll be glad to do whatever I can to help. Oh, here she comes…"

The expression on Elizabeth's face showed that this wasn't her favorite either. She stepped up on the pedestal and looked quite discouraged, "It looks like I should be standing on top of the wedding cake in this."

"I agree," Grace yelled out. "Don't be discouraged, you have a few more. One of them will be it."

While Elizabeth escaped back into the dressing room, Charlotte and Grace talked about the arrangements that would need to be made and the things each of them could do to help.

As the curtain opened Elizabeth stepped out in dress #4, and it was the first time that Charlotte and her mother had seen a smile on her face.

"This is it," Elizabeth mentioned; her voice sounded firm, yet unconvincing to her mother.

"No, that isn't it. It looks like a nightgown. It's pretty, but that isn't the one," Grace was adamant.

"Okay, I'll try on the others, but I'm telling you, this is the one."

"Please humor me honey."

Elizabeth retreated back to the dressing room four for times. With dress number 5 she felt "Like a Disney princess." Dress number 6 made her feel like "The Little Mermaid." Dress number 7 brought back wonderful memories for both Charlotte and Grace, but style wise it was way too old for Elizabeth. The final dress, number 8, would have been fine, and possibly in the running if she had been a 38DDD with hips to match. There was no time to alter the dress so it went back on the rack.

"I told you, this is the one," she stated as she grabbed the bag for Dress number 4 and started for the register.

"Wait," Charlotte called out. "Please try this one," she called out to Elizabeth as she held up a bag for dress #9.

"Where did that come from?" Elizabeth asked.

"Someone found what they were looking for and hung this extra dress back on the rank over there. I grabbed it," Charlotte stated as she pushed the dress toward Elizabeth, encouraging her to give it a go.

"It won't hurt to try it Elizabeth," both Charlotte and Grace stated in unison.

"Okay, I'm satisfied with the other one, but I'll do it to appease both of you…" Elizabeth grabbed the bag and trudged back to the dressing room.

Ten minutes later she walked out from behind the curtain. No one said a word as she stepped up on the pedestal, but all three women began to cry.

"That's the one," her mother barely managed to speak the words.

Elizabeth stood in front of the floor to ceiling mirror. She couldn't speak, but her smile and tears of joy spoke volumes. She turned from side to side observing how the dress fell perfectly against her body. It fit as if it had been made especially for her, and she now knew that this was truly the one she had dreamed of wearing.

Charlotte observed a smile brighter than Elizabeth had previously revealed, "You look absolutely beautiful," as her own tears continued.

The attendant had been rushing from bride to be to bride to be but stopped when she observed Elizabeth in the mirror. "Are you saying yes…"

"I'm saying yes to this dress…" Elizabeth stated loud and proud, causing many women to stop and cheer.

Elizabeth stepped off the pedestal and headed back toward the dressing room when her mother called out, "Elizabeth…" causing her to turn back around and direct her attention toward her phone.

"Are you going to have a Maid of Honor and Bridesmaids?" her mother asked.

"I assumed that Viola would be my Maid of Honor and Julie, my Bridesmaid, but I haven't even had time to ask, so I don't know."

"I called them after I talked to you this morning, and they are so excited for you. They said just to let them know when and where and they will be there."

"Thank you mom; that takes one thing off my mind," Elizabeth took a deep breath before turning back toward the dressing room.

"Wait, what about dresses for them?" her mother called out.

"Bridesmaid dresses are on the rack in the back. They are also part of the sale," an attendant chimed in as she breezed by.

"Elizabeth," her mother yelled into her phone several times, doing her best to be heard over all of the noise. "Check out the dresses and see if there is anything you like. I just bought both girls dresses for Christmas, and Viola is a size 4, Julie is a size 6."

"Elizabeth disappeared into the dressing room, and emerged fifteen minutes later, the dress was securely in its protective bag and the smile remained on her face.

The attendant offered to take the dress to the Customer Service desk, but Elizabeth refused to give up her hold on it. The three women, well two women and an iPhone moved to the back of the store and began perusing the Bridesmaid racks. In the middle of the rack, Elizabeth found several dresses, both in an Oasis (Teal) color, different styles, but equally beautiful. She grabbed a size 4 and a size 6, and held them up so her mother could see them.

"Oh, honey they are beautiful," her mother gushed. "Buy everything and your dad and I will give you the money back.

Elizabeth grabbed the phone and stepped away slightly. "Mom, you don't need to pay for my wedding. I know it's not what you expected," and again the tears appeared.

Charlotte tried to look away, but much like the proverbial train wreck her eyes were drawn in Elizabeth's direction. Her heart broke for Elizabeth who was obviously dealing with multiple emotions, stress, excitement, anxiety, and love, but right now fear of disappointing her mother was in the forefront.

Charlotte stood in the open hallway, keeping people out while Elizabeth talked with her mother. Luckily, few people had expressed an interest in the racks on the back wall, and even those quickly changed their minds when they realized that they did not contained bridal gowns.

"Elizabeth, I know you have a lot on you. I'm so sorry that I unintentionally added to that, but seeing you in that wedding dress, and picturing you standing on the beach with Jack, that will be absolutely beautiful," her mother assured her as Charlotte observed Elizabeth wiping her eyes and a smile hesitantly return to her face.

"It's your wedding, I've come to realize that and whatever you want, and it's our privilege to provide it for you. Please let us pay for your wedding…"

"If you're sure…"

"I'm positive Elizabeth and I know your dad feels the same way."

"Okay, thank you."

Elizabeth held tight to the two bridesmaid dresses and her cherished bridal gown as she approached the check-out counter.

"Do you need shoes?" the clerk asked.

"Hmm, it's going to be on the beach so I was thinking about going barefoot."

"What do you think of these? They are perfect for a beach wedding."

Elizabeth's hand covered her mouth, "They are beautiful. Okay, I want them. Make it three pairs for me and my sisters."

The clerk held up another accessory, "Yes, I need that too."

"$2897.53 later, they were walking out the door. Her mother stayed on the phone with Elizabeth until they reached the car.

"May I talk with Charlotte please?" a request that caused Elizabeth to transfer the phone to Jack's mom.

Both women smiled into the phone as Grace appreciatively stated, "Thank you so much for doing this for me…for us. It means the world to me that I was somehow able to be there. And just so you know, I love your son and I can see where he gets his kind heart from. Thank you very much for thinking of me."

Charlotte wiped her eyes before the call ended. "Your mom loves you, Elizabeth, and she just wants what's best for you. As a mother I can understand that."

"I know, but as a daughter, and I'll always be her child, we hate to disappoint you…"

"You haven't, she was just working off what she thought you wanted. You know, if you kids don't tell us what you want, we don't know."

An hour later they pulled into the driveway. Seeing the car, Jack stepped outside and smiled as he observed Elizabeth beaming from ear to ear.

"I assume you had success…?" he asked as he approached the car.

"What are you doing?" Elizabeth asked as he reached for the dress bags.

"I was going to carry your stuff inside."

"No way; you can't see the dress, or touch the bag it's in. Well, I don't know if the touching the bag is a real thing, but I don't want to take any chances," she vehemently stated as she grabbed all three bags and headed for the house.

"Not that I mind, but you bought three dresses?" he asked.

"Two of them are for my sisters," she explained. "So, were you able to contact your friends?"

"I took care of a bunch of stuff while you were gone," he proudly admitted.

Surprised because she'd only expected him to call his brother and friends about attending the wedding she asked, "Like what?"

"I called Evan Markum, and we can have the ceremony on the beach in Santa Monica. You just have to decide where so they can mark it off."

"How about near the pier. The news story I saw was beautiful with the Ferris wheel all lit up in the background."

"Okay, I'll call him back. I also talked to Tom, and he'll be here on Friday afternoon.

Elizabeth brushed her lips across Jack's cheek as she rushed into the kitchen and took a seat at the table. Googling florists on her phone, she ordered the bouquet for herself and her sisters, corsages for her mother and Grace, as well as boutonnieres for Jack, Tom and her father. She gave the florist as credit card number and received an assurance that they would be ready on Friday afternoon. Charlotte promised to pick them up.

Elizabeth called her sisters to officially invite them, and asked Viola to be her Maid of Honor, and Julie, her Bridesmaid. Of course, both agreed. Her next call went to Mookie and Rosa. Knowing that they lived on the east coast, she did not expect them to attend, but wanted to officially invite them, especially since she owed opening up to Jack to Rosa.

Elizabeth called several childhood friends, and several women she worked with, but didn't really expect any of them to be in a position to attend. However, she wanted all of those invited to know that she was thinking of them.

She invited Kelly and Roger Moore, but although she called Brenda to tell her about the wedding, she asked if she would keep Lizzie for her instead of attending. Lizzie was over the moon excited for Jack and Elizabeth, and Elizabeth was equally thrilled when she learned that Lizzie's breathing was back to normal, and was doing great.

"Is there a nice restaurant in Santa Monica that that could accommodate us for a reception? I mean not a real reception, you know with a cake and everything, because we don't have time for that, but just a place where we can take everyone to dinner?"

"No cake?" Jack looked disappointed.

"Usually bakers need a lot more time than we have available. Besides the cake I want is kinda elaborate."

"What's elaborate about it?"

"Well, it's a beach theme."

"Huh…? What does it look like?"

"Like this," Elizabeth stated as she pulled a picture up on her phone.

"Oh, that's cool looking," Jack stated as his mind started churning.

All of the arrangements that needed to be made were rushing through her head as Jack did his best to take some of the pressure off of her. "Let me take care of some things?"

"We have the location, the dresses, the flowers are ordered, and invitations have been made. People will understand that as quickly as we are putting this together that some things will be missing," she commented. "Would you find a restaurant and make reservations? That would be a big help."

"Consider it done."

Elizabeth took a deep breath, "Now I guess we should pray for beautiful weather."

Elizabeth and Jack spent the remainder of their Saturday and Sunday morning in San Diego visiting with his mother. Before they knew it, it was time to leave for their flight back home. All in all everyone felt as though this was a productive trip, but a lot still needed to be done before they returned in a week.

Jack was very attentive to Elizabeth as the plane taxied down the runway. She held his hand, squeezing tightly as the engines roared and the plane sped toward takeoff. Once they were comfortably in the air, Elizabeth released her death grip on Jack's hand and he leaned his head against the window and fell asleep.

Having a great deal on her mind, sleep was elusive. She pulled her journal from her bag, opened it to her last entry and began to read…

Her words were true, life is about change. It's about adapting, accepting and moving forward. It's also about realizing that parents are people too. They may have dreams for their children, but truly when all is said and done, for the most part, they just want their children to be happy.

She flipped the page, and as the plane's engines hummed and her ears continued to pop, she did her best to put the mumbled conversations aside and clear her own jumbled thoughts by putting her pen to the blank canvas…

"Your mind wanders; your tears flow and whether they are for something confirmed or simply speculated the anxiety and anguish remain the same. We're afraid to speak our truth, fearing that it will not be accepted as we intend, adding to the disappointment and heartache for everyone.

We experience a plethora of emotions as we ease through life and circumstance. Our love and respect for those dearest to us have us wanting nothing more than to please them. However, on occasion our actions have us running, fearing that our choices will disappoint, disillusion, and dissatisfy those whose impressions of us we hold dear.

Then you gain strength, partly because that was how you were raised, and partly because you have no choice. You speak, fast and soft, waiting for the shoe to fall, expecting your sky to darken and the tears, both yours and theirs to drown you. But it doesn't happen…

Emotions push from the depths of my soul, willing every sense, thought and feeling to listen, pay attention and to respond. However, how am I expected to respond when my head tells me one thing, but the fear that has engaged me says another?

As you brace for their response, what you expected does not materialize, and what you feared couldn't be farther from reality. You realize the time you've wasted; simply because you didn't believe what you'd known all your life…love will always trump disappointment."

As the seatbelt sign switched back on, the plane experienced slight turbulence, causing Jack to bump his head on the window, jarring him awake.

"Are you okay?" she asked as he attempted to focus his sleepy eyes upon her.

He smiled, "I love you," he whispered as he took hold of her hand, "Six more days and you will be Mrs. Jack Thornton."

"Life doesn't get much better than that," she replied as he pulled her hand up to his lips.

Come on wedding…

Come on wedding night…

Each one smiled at their individual thought. It wasn't too difficult to determine which thought was attributed to whom.

To be continued…