Chapter 40
Jack woke up a little stiff from sleeping sitting upright on the couch the entire night. It took him a second to realize where he was. He raised his head to look around. Then he lowered his head to see Elizabeth's head laying on a pillow on his lap. His little boy was wrapped in her arms in front of her. They must have slept hard since no one moved during the night. Jack was shocked at how well JJ slept in Elizabeth's arms. When he would crawl into bed with Jack, the little guy was a terror. He stole covers, kicked, and pushed the entire night. When he slept with Elizabeth, he was a perfect little sleeper. Must be a mother thing… He chuckled in thought. Jack raised his hand and gently placed it on Elizabeth's head and slowly began to scratch her head. He knew she loved that.
"Good morning." Elizabeth stated her voice full of sleep.
"I didn't mean to wake you."
"You didn't. I was already awake. I just didn't want to move."
"I think I'm going to have to move soon, or I may never be able to again." Jack raised his shoulder moving it in a small circle.
"Does your shoulder still hurt you?" Elizabeth settled a little deeper into Jack's lap.
"Sometimes but not too often."
"Thank you, Jack, for yesterday."
"You're welcome, Bella."
"Thank you for covering father's handcuffs, for the walk, for checking on me, and for coming here last night."
Jack grinned at her. "We had to be here with you."
"I was hoping you would come." She let out a slow sigh. The events weighted heavy on her still, but Jack's and JJ's attention toward her was everything.
"I'm sorry."
"Nonsense." She turned her head to look at him. "We're getting married tomorrow. That means today will be busy. We both have parties to attend and last minute things to finish."
"I guess. May we see you at some point today."
"Jack, you are not getting rid of me that easily." She playfully sass.
"Good." His dimpled grin almost made her melt. "Now…we can't leave for our honeymoon until Thursday. My leave doesn't begin until Wednesday. I'm not going to ask to move it because I know the mounties won't do it. Plus, Abagail and Frank are getting married Wednesday at noon. We will be there for that. After that, we are leaving for a few days."
"Where are we going?" She settled her head back on the pillow looking forward. One hand was resting on JJ stomach. She was making small circle motions with it. The other hand rested on Jack's knee.
"You'll find out Thursday." Jack sassed.
"Really?" She tried to sound offended. "I won't know what to pack."
"It's our honeymoon, what will you need to pack?" He flirted and wiggled his eyebrows.
Elizabeth swatted his knee. She didn't have to look at him to know his facial expression. "Well…you're not wrong…" She whispered.
"We'll steal all the time we can until we leave. I will have to work, but I should be able to get away some. Things should settle down since everyone left."
"We will make it work."
They spent the next ten minutes staying exactly where they were just talking about the next few days. The time frame was rushed so some things would have to be adjusted. They couldn't leave immediately for a honeymoon. So, they worked out the adjustments. They spoke about JJ and what was going to happen to him with them being gone. Jack asked about her school starting soon. The time away put a little bit of a rush on finishing the school stuff before school starts. They were happy that the family could be there since they moved the wedding up. Everything was falling into place, just at a rapid pace.
Abagail gave the young family all the time she could give them. She heard them talking on the couch. So, she stayed upstairs as long as she could. However, she did have some baking she had to do for the breakfast rush.
…
"So dear…what do you think?"
"I like it. This will work for us until we get some land and build us a small home."
Mrs. P looked around the row house. It was laid out the same way as Jack's home was. The colors on the walls were a little different but that was it.
"I believe this will make a good home for us for a while." Mr. P stated as he looked at the wood stove.
"I agree. Who do we need to speak with about renting it?"
"I've already spoken to Mr. Yost. It's ours if we want it."
"Let's do it. We need to get out of Jack's home. They don't need us with them."
"That's true, dear. We will only be three homes from them."
"Close enough but not in their business. They need this time to themselves."
"They do, but you also are close enough to help with JJ." Mrs. P's smile grew at that thought. Elizabeth was right, that little boy stole her heart.
…
Jack, Elizabeth, and JJ had already finished with their breakfast. Elizabeth had some things to finish with the ladies. Plus, they had a woman's party set for later. Jack had to complete rounds this morning. With everything that has been going on, rounds were usually cut short each day.
"Now remember, you have to be at the saloon at three." Jack told JJ.
"Ok."
"We are having a party for just us guys."
"I'll be there."
"And what are you going to do?" JJ asked Elizabeth.
"We have a party with just us women."
"Why don't you just do it together? Why have them at different places?" JJ innocently asked.
"It's tradition." Elizabeth stated.
JJ shrugged his shoulders. He just didn't understand.
"Alright young man, I need to get going on my rounds. Would you like to go with me and saddle up Sargeant?"
"Sure. I love brushing Sergeant. Then I will see if I can find Emily."
"Sounds perfect."
Elizabeth walked up to JJ and kneeled in front of JJ. "Thank you for yesterday, my sweet boy. Thank you for staying with me all day and for watching over me."
"I love you mommy."
"I love you. You were so great watching over me."
"It's easy to love you."
Elizabeth couldn't stop a tear from flowing down her cheek. She simply loved this little boy. She wrapped him in a hug and she held on a touch longer than normal.
…
Jack's rounds took him a little over two hours of riding. He checked on several farmers that were on the outskirts of town. They were all well and happy to see him. On his ride back to town, he settled into the saddle and just enjoyed the ride. His mind traveled over the last few days to the last three months. He was so hurt when Elizabeth left with Charles and went back to Hamilton. He remembered finally turning the corner with the memories of a lost love with Elizabeth. At first, he was hurt to his core. Then that hurt went to the thought of a lost love. Now, he is completely in love with her and the reassurance of them together.
When she came back to Hope Valley, he simply didn't trust her. However, she worked very hard to regain his trust, and she has. He trusted her with everything that he is. She has proved herself to be true to him. He smiled at the fact that he is going to marry the love of his life tomorrow.
Jack's smile grew at the thought of his boy. JJ has been a huge blessing to him. Jack never thought he would ever be a father. It just wasn't in the cards for him being a mountie. Now that he is a father, he couldn't think of anything else. Tomorrow, he, Elizabeth, and JJ would officially be a family. However, they already were. It just wasn't official yet. He smiled at all the memories of the three of them together. Elizabeth and JJ were so quick to fall in love with each other.
Elizabeth was in the café with Abagail, Charlette, Julie, and her mother. They were making sandwiches for the ladies gathering later on in the day. Physically, she was cutting up the meat for sandwiches. Mentally, she was replaying the last few months in her mind. The idiotic decision wasn't the fact that she decided to go back to Hamilton with Charles. It wasn't even their friendship over the years. For Elizabeth, the worst decision was that it took her so long for her to give her heart to Jack. She remembered the time in Hamilton. She did enjoy her time there, but she knew it wasn't home any longer. Once she fully decided to give Jack all of her, it felt wrong to be there. She could only think of Jack.
Elizabeth's first few days back in Hope Valley were difficult for her. Jack didn't trust her. That was devastating. He had every right to feel that way, but she knew her heart and was determined to fix things with Jack. It did take some time to win him over. She won him over in increments. She was grateful it happened that way. The process was slow, and Jack was finally able to see her true heart. Her first few conversations with Jack were difficult but necessary. She was grateful for their open communication that developed as a result.
Elizabeth unconsciously wiped a tear away at the thought of Jack and JJ. That little boy stole her heart from the first hour of meeting him. He has continued to take her heart each moment with him since. She counted it a blessing he called her mommy. Then the memories of her time with Jack made her blush and a thin layer of sweat would form on her upper lip. Abagail lost count of the sighs Elizabeth let slip out during cutting up the meat.
"Elizabeth…" Abagail tried to break through Elizabeth's thought. The other ladies laughed at Abagail's failed attempts.
JJ was sitting on the dock at the pond with his feet in the water. His mind traveled back to his mom and dad. He missed them every day. If he couldn't have his mom and dad with him, he was grateful he had Jack and Elizabeth. They reminded him a lot of his mom and dad. Maybe that's why he fell in love with them so quickly and so easily.
JJ sighed. "Mom and dad..." He looked up to the sky. "I miss you." He paused for a moment. "I love you. Thank you for picking Jack to take care of me. Forever, I am thankful. I'm adding Jack's last name, but I'm keeping your name. Jack tells me that I will never forget you because you live in my heart. I think he's right…my heart hurts when I think of you and I miss you two very much. At first I was afraid I would forget about you two eventually, but Jack and Elizabeth wouldn't let me. They are good for me, and I think I am good for them. Just know I love you and you do live in my heart."
JJ kicked his feet for a couple more minutes in the water. He did miss his parents, but he was also excited about his new family officially beginning tomorrow.
…
Grace walked up to Elizabeth just before everyone arrived. "How are you dear?"
"I'm good. I'm just ready for tomorrow."
Grace gave her a little smirk. "Do you think you can wait?"
"Not really…I'm just ready to be married to him."
"I bet. Do you think they will sneak over tonight?" Grace teased as she pulled two mugs from the cupboard.
"Wait…?" Elizabeth gasped. She didn't think her mother knew Jack and JJ came over last night and they stayed on the couch the whole night. If she knew about the other night when I snuck over to Jack's…
"Dear…I'm your mother. Of course, I knew."
"How…how did you know that?"
"Elizabeth, I may not have been the greatest mother but I am your mother. I know my daughter."
"Well…nothing happened."
"I know dear. I know you." Grace stated as she poured a cup of tea and placed it in front of her daughter. Elizabeth's face was turning a little red.
"Well…" Elizabeth was trying to find the words to say. She couldn't come up with any.
"Or…are you going to sneak out and go to his house at one thirty?" Grace playfully smirked as she sat down and reached for the sugar bowl.
'What!" Elizabeth's head shot up quickly to look at her mother. She couldn't believe her mother knew what she did. Then she couldn't believe her mother knew but didn't chastise her for sneaking out to Jack's at that time of night. Elizabeth's mouth moved, but no words came out. Her mouth was opened in shock.
Grace reached over and used in index finger to push up Elizabeth's chin to close her mouth. "Dear, I'm your mother. You know what it is like being a mother. You know what JJ is doing before he knows what he is doing. A mother just knows." Grace offered Elizabeth a slight smirk.
"But you didn't say anything." Elizabeth spoke slowly and quietly. She just couldn't believe it.
"I'm an old woman, but I'm not that old. I remember what it is like being young and in love. It didn't take me very long to see that you love Jack and JJ. Of course, you had to be with them."
"Mother…I can assure you nothing happened that night." Elizabeth gasped.
"I know dear…I'm your mother."
Elizabeth continued to stare at her mother not knowing what to say. Grace found it rather amusing. Elizabeth was one that never struggled with words. Yet, words weren't coming to mind.
"I know you dear. I know you wouldn't do that before marriage. I also knew you needed to be with your family during that time. Now, love Jack with all your heart. Don't lose yourself in him where you won't be Elizabeth. But work with him to develop a life with him that you could only dream of. Love your family with everything you are, and you will be a great mother and wife."
Elizabeth nodded her head. She knew her mother was right. She never thought her mother paid that much attention to her. She was always busy with charities and fundraisers.
"Well…" Elizabeth began nervously adjusting her blouse. "…maybe we need to finish up here."
Grace smiled at her daughter's nervousness at being caught. Grace did remember what it was like being a young woman in love. Over the last few days, she had noticed that Elizabeth was truly in love with Jack and JJ. It was written all over her face. She always hoped she would have been that way with Charles. The last few days have taught her that would never be the case. She had only seen that expression concerning Jack. With the man she has truly gotten to know over the last few days, she was ok with it.
…
JJ walked into the saloon to a room full of guys, many of whom he didn't know too well. He scanned the crowd and quickly found his daddy. He ran toward his daddy. Jack looked up when he heard quick footsteps. He smiled at his son.
"What has mommy said about you running inside?"
"Not to." He stated as he hugged his dad.
"Well?"
"Mommy isn't here." He smirked with a huge grin on his face. Jack just shook his head.
"Fair enough…" Jack laughed.
"So…what are we supposed to do?" JJ asked looking around the saloon.
"Well, it's tradition for the men to throw a party of the groom before the wedding. They get together and do different things. Usually something they all like."
JJ looked around the place again. Some were drinking, some were eating, and some were sitting around just talking. He did a double take. "So, this is supposed to be fun?"
"Sure."
"Ok…what part is fun?"
Jack looked around. "Well, the drinking isn't so much fun."
"Yeah…plus I'm way too young to do that."
"You are always way too young to do that."
"I guess we can sit around and eat and talk, but that doesn't sound too much fun."
"Well, it can be."
"It would be if Grandma Charlette and or Grandma Grace was around telling me stories of you and mommy when you were young."
"True."
"It would be more fun if mommy was here."
Jack chuckled. "I think you are correct."
"So…" JJ asked.
"Are you up for darts?"
"Sure…but I don't know how to play."
"Come on…I'll show you."
…
Elizabeth looked up to see several tables in the café full of women. Some were close friends and some she didn't know too well. She did feel loved by everyone's presence. The ladies enjoyed themselves sitting around talking and enjoying the finger foods.
"Now, it's time that we love on Elizabeth."
"What?" Elizabeth asked.
"We have gifts for you."
"This is enough. You don't have to give me things."
The ladies gathered around Elizabeth as she sat in a chair Abagail sat up. All the other ladies pulled their chairs around so they could see.
The first gift was from Abagail. She gave Elizabeth a beautiful silver candle set. Elizabeth loved the set and knew where she wanted to set them in the row house. Abagail also gave her a beautiful blue bracelet. It was small and delicate.
"This is your something blue."
"Oh Abagail…it's gorgeous and way too much."
"Nonsense Elizabeth." Abagail used her big sister's voice.
Other ladies gave her practical gifts since the party was a little rushed due to the moving up of the wedding. Elizabeth tried to avoid Julie's little sister's smirk. However, no one missed it.
"I ordered this from Hamilton. It just arrived today." Julie stated with pride.
"I think I'll open it later." Elizabeth's face was instantly red when Julie handed her a wrapped box.
"No…No…you need to open it now." Julie and Abagail insisted.
Elizabeth slowly unwrapped the box. She was acting as if there was a spider inside the box that could jump out at any time. When she opened the lid, she quickly closed it. "Julie!" Elizabeth's voice was raised several octaves. All the ladies laughed at her expression and voice.
"Come on, Elizabeth. You have to open it."
"Not in front of everyone!"
"Bethie…" Grace and Julie stated at the same time.
"Fine…" Elizabeth pouted. She pulled off the lid and sat it down on the floor beside her. She pulled out a beautiful, almost sheer purple night gown with a long robe. The color was gorgeous.
"Oh my…" Grace stated.
"That will make my son dizzy." Charlette laughed. All the ladies giggled at the statement.
Elizabeth covered her face with her hands at the embarrassment.
"It is gorgeous." Abagail stated.
"There's a red one with your name on it." Julie giggled to Abagail in a low voice.
"Oh…" Abagail whispered. All the ladies heard it and let out a laugh.
Grace leaned forward with a box wrapped in beautiful purple wrapping paper.
"Mother…"
"Open it, please."
Elizabeth took her time to open the gift. When she opened it, she covered her hand over her mouth. "Mother!"
"The necklace is yours. The earrings are your something borrowed."
The earrings were beautiful and something she had always admired. Her mother has owned them for as long as she can remember. As beautiful as the earrings were, the necklace was the most important. It was a simple white gold, thin necklace. The pendant was the showstopper. It was a heart with a cross encased in it. Elizabeth has always admired the necklace. She loved it as a child and would often get in trouble for playing dress up with it as a child. Elizabeth looked up toward her mother shaking her head in disbelief.
"The necklace is yours. I know you have always loved it. Now, you have it."
"Oh…mother…" Elizabeth slowly stated. She stood and gave her mother a long hug. Tears were streaming down her face. "I will cherish it forever."
"I know dear." Grace gave her a knowing smile.
The party was great, and Elizabeth really did have a nice time. However, something was missing. It was a someone. She was getting married to her love the next day and she wasn't with him now. She just missed her person.
…
Jack and JJ were up in the latest game of darts against Mr. P and Hickam. With the next throw, Jack ended the game. JJ and Jack turned around and shook their opponents' hands.
"I've got next." Frank stated.
Jack turned to look at the pastor. "Doesn't Abagail always beat you at darts?"
"She sure does. Have you ever played her?"
Jack shook his head no. "Who's your partner?"
"Come on Lee." Frank stated over his shoulder.
"But Frank…I can't throw darts." Lee was just happy not being home.
"Sure you can. You throw with your hand, right?" Frank encouraged him to come and have a good time.
"You know, JJ and I haven't lost a game yet. We've played four games." Jack stuck out his chest a little with pride. His arm was around his son.
"You're on!" Exclaimed Frank.
…
"Wow daddy…that happened really fast." JJ shook his head when Frank hit the bullseye to finish the game.
"Yeah…" Jack muttered.
"Rematch?" Frank sassed with a smile.
"Maybe later. I think I need to tend to my pride over a tea." Jack shook his head in disbelief at how fast Frank and Lee won the game. It wasn't even close.
"Anytime boys." Smiled Lee.
JJ and Jack walked to a table after both of them got a glass of tea. Jack smiled at his boy. He had something on his mind.
"So, what happens next?"
"Well, mommy and I will be married tomorrow. That will officially make us a family. You will stay with Auntie Abagail tomorrow night. Then you will stay with me and mommy until Thursday. That's when we are leaving for our honeymoon. You will either stay with Mr. and Mrs. P or with Auntie Abagail. Are you ok with that?"
"May I stay with Auntie Abagail beginning on Thursday?"
"Sure. You know she will spoil you with cookies."
JJ's smile gave Jack the answer he already knew.
"Why are you leaving on Thursday again?"
"Well, we were supposed to be married on Wednesday. I began to take leave from work on that day. Since we moved the wedding up to tomorrow, I must still work."
"Why did you move the wedding up to tomorrow?"
"Your mommy and I are ready to be married. We wanted to go ahead and get married. We didn't see any need to wait."
"I'm glad you moved it up."
"Me too. We get to spend a few days with each other as a family. Can I go with you on your honeymoon?"
Jack looked into his sweet boy's face that was full of innocence. He loved his boy, but there was no way he was coming on his honeymoon with Elizabeth.
"Honeymoons are a time where the husband and wife enjoy each other after the wedding. Most weddings take a lot of planning and many things to finish. They just need that time together to enjoy each other and rest from the wedding. They usually go someplace nice where they don't know anyone. They just relax and get to know each other."
JJ's mind was working. From what he can see, there wasn't too much planning for this wedding. His mommy and her family did spend some time at Auntie Abagail's planning, but that was only a couple of times, and it wasn't very long.
"There hasn't been too much planning…you and mommy have known each other for three years…what do you have to relax from or what can you learn about each other that you don't already know?"
There are times with JJ's questions that he can really put you on the spot. Jack fidgeted in his seat trying to find the right words. Actually, he was looking for any words to form. After an eternity of trying to think, Jack finally spoke. He was hoping JJ would understand. He was too young for Jack to have that conversation.
"We have known each other for a long time. However, we haven't been married during that time. We also haven't lived together. We need to figure that out."
"We can figure that out together. You always say that family can do anything together."
"Are you using my words against me?" Jack chuckled.
"Maybe…" JJ sassed.
"All of that is true, but mommy has had a difficult few days with everything that is going on with her father."
"That's true." JJ pondered. "So, I'm staying with Auntie Abagail?"
"For tomorrow night and then beginning on Thursday for one week. Before then, you will be staying at home with us as a family."
"Ok." JJ wasn't too excited about not going, but he somewhat understood. His mommy in heaven would tell him sometimes that there are times when adults just need time to themselves just like he did when he wanted to play by himself.
"Great. Now, I need to get some firewood on the back porch at Auntie Abagail's before it gets too dark. She needs firewood for a week or two. Do you want to help?"
"Sure!" JJ was always eager to help Auntie Abagail.
…
The ladies were finished with their party celebrating Elizabeth's wedding. Elizabeth was grateful for the time with family and friends. She was a little tired. It felt like the whole past few weeks came crashing down on her. She was sad her father couldn't walk her down the aisle but understood that Jack couldn't do anything about it. He was at the mercy of Alberta and it's judicial system. She was happy that Mr. P was walking her down the aisle. He has been a father figure in her life for years.
Elizabeth thanked Abagail once again for all she did for the party. Grace and Juile told her to go upstairs and rest for about an hour before dinner. They would take care of the gifts and all the cleanup. Elizabeth ascended the stairs knowing this was one of the last times she would walk to her bedroom upstairs. She loved her time with Abagail, but she was excited for her tomorrow. With way too many obstacles, they were finally becoming a family. A small tear formed in her eye having that thought. As she took the last step but before turning to her bedroom, she heard muddled voices. She stopped and looked in the direction of the open window. She thought she heard her boy's voice. She slowly walked toward the window. As great as the party was, she missed her two boys.
She slowly moved the curtains to the sides and peaked out the window. Her smile only grew at the scene in front of her.
Her two boys were out back behind the café chopping wood. Jack had his button down shirt off and was just wearing a thin undershirt. Like the last time she saw him chopping wood, the sweat made the shirt basically see through. She admired him for a moment. His muscles were working as he brought the axe down to split the wood. She fanned herself admiring her fiancé's body working. She tilted her head to the side when he stopped and began talking. She couldn't see who he was talking to. He turned to face the back door of the café.
Elizabeth watched for a few moments as Jack continued talking. Then her little boy shot out into view. JJ stood in front of Jack, and he flexed his bicep muscles. She covered her mouth to keep from chuckling too loud. Jack dropped the axe and matched JJ's stance. He was flexing his biceps. JJ climbed on top of the pile of wood. He was standing a little taller than Jack. He quickly pulled off his shirt. He stood in front of Jack bare chested. He raised his arms and flexed again. Then he turned to the side and flexed again.
Elizabeth couldn't hold the laughter when Jack climbed on the same pile of wood. He was matching JJ's flexes. They were having a good time playing with each other. Elizabeth couldn't keep from laughing. While she was admiring her view of her fiancé's almost bare chest, she wanted a close up view. She turned to make her way down the steps. She was hoping to get downstairs to get a better view of the muscle show before they quit.
Elizabeth slowly approached the back door and snuck a peak out of the door window. Jack and JJ's back was to the door with their arms over their heads flexing. Elizabeth opened the door and quietly slipped outside. She walked to the edge of the porch and leaned against the post. She was having fun watching her two boys be silly with each other. JJ was flexing for all he had and making a grunting sound with each flex. Sometime from upstairs and Elziabeth reaching the back porch, Jack took off his under shirt. She was immediately grateful he did. She loved watching her future husband flex his muscles. While he was playing with his son, his muscles were real. Elizabeth crossed her arms watching the show.
"Uh…umm." Elizabeth stated loud enough to catch their attention. Jack and JJ jumped and immediately turned around. They had no idea anyone was around. Jack tried to cover himself as he turned around. His face was red with embarrassment. His shocked face turned into a smile when he noticed Elizabeth's smirking grin.
"Hey." Jack stated just like a kid that was busted doing something fun that he shouldn't be doing.
"Hey mommy." JJ smiled.
"What are you boys doing?"
"Chopping wood for Auntie Abagail."
"Really?" Elizabeth challenged.
Elizabeth turned her attention to Jack's chest. Her eyes remained there for a few long moments. When she finally looked up to Jack's eyes, she saw his little smirk. She knew she was busted.
"What are you doing?"
"As the boy said, we're chopping wood for Abagail. What are you doing?"
"I was going upstairs to rest before dinner, but I got a little distracted by the muscle show." She nodded toward her boys.
Jack and JJ slightly turned their head to look at each other. Elizabeth's heart melted when she saw both of their smirks. Jack nodded when JJ nodded. Both boys turned back toward Elizabeth. With a smirk that took her breath, they instantly began flexing to show off their muscles to Elizabeth.
Elizabeth began to fan herself at the sight of her boys showing off their muscles.
"My word…what is a mother and a woman supposed to do?" She smiled.
Jack and JJ were flexing for all they had to impress this precious woman in front of them.
…
Elizabeth ended the day in her most favorite place to be…in Jack's arms. They were on the porch of the café holding each other. The day was very nice, but they were looking forward to tomorrow. Their long journey of courting will finally come to the best conclusion. They were getting married and neither one of them could be happier. Jack tightened his hold. His hands were on her hips. He moved them to the small of her back to pull her close.
"Am I really not going to be able to see you until you walk down the aisle?" Elizabeth laughed at his whining.
"Yes. It's bad luck to see me before the ceremony."
"Who says?" He challenged her.
"It's tradition, Jack."
"E…liz…a…beth…" He drew out her name the way she loves when he does. "…our marriage isn't based on some type of luck or tradition. It's ordained by God. We fought for this."
Elizabeth tried to close the distance between them. However, there weren't any and distance to close. They were already pressed against each other when he placed his hands on the small of her back and pulled her closer.
"I agree…" Her voice softened when she looked at his lips. She slowly leaned in and gently touched his lips. "…but do you really want to tempt fate."
"Elizabeth, our marriage isn't determined by some fate. God ordained this." He nodded between them. "With God's blessing, we determine our marriage. Now…" He slowly leaned in. Just before his lips touched her, he stopped and looked deeply into her eyes. "…I love you with everything that I am. I am completely yours. Tomorrow, we make it official, but I am already yours in every way possible."
With Jack being so close they were sharing the same breath and with his words, the only thing she wanted to do was to kiss him senseless. She couldn't wait to marry this man. The determination in his voice was intoxicating.
"I know tomorrow will bring the unknown for the both of us…" He wiggled his eyes. "…but I promise I will love you with every ounce of who I am. We will go at the pace that makes you comfortable. We will figure this out together." He closed the distance just a little more but still didn't kiss her.
"I love you, Jack. We will figure everything out together…with JJ…and with our time together." Her face was a little red, but she never broke eye contact with him.
"May I see you tomorrow?" Jack asked.
"Jack…"
"Fine…" He huffed with a faint smirk. Jack leaned back and broke contact. "I'll see you tomorrow at the church." He winked.
Elizabeth huffed for a moment. She couldn't believe Jack was so close without giving her a kiss. She reached for his forearms. He wouldn't move closer when she tried to pull him closer.
"Jack, I would like a kiss." She leaned toward him.
"Tomorrow…" He paused for a moment with a playful smirk. "…when I see you at the altar."
"Jack…"
Jack leaned back. He had the look on his face that she hated and loved at the same time. She blinked when he let out a loud whistle. Before she was able to form words, JJ came running through the door. He immediately turned and ran toward Elizabeth. He wrapped his arms around her waist. "I'll see you tomorrow?" He asked.
"Yes." She turned to face her little boy. "I will see you and daddy tomorrow."
JJ motioned for her to bend down with his little index finger. When she bent down, he kissed her on the cheek. "I love you mommy."
"I love you, JJ."
Elizabeth gave him a hug and turned her attention back to Jack. She gave him a stern, teacher's face. She didn't have to say anything, he knew what she wanted.
Jack reached for her hand. He raised it and kissed the back of her hand. "I love you, Elizabeth Marie Thatcher, soon to be Thornton."
He gave her a playful smile and turned to leave with JJ. He was halfway down the steps when she called out to him.
"Jack!" Jack turned around to look at her. "Remember my rule!"
"What rule?"
"No wearing a shirt to bed. That begins tonight."
"Yes, ma'am."