Chapter 7

Charlette pulled her phone from her back pocket as she quickly walked toward her bedroom. The screen lit up before she could touch it. It was a call from Grace.

"Grace, you're not going to believe it!" She exclaimed.

"Charlette, you not going to believe it!" Grace exclaimed at the same time.

"They're dating!" Both ladies stated with enthusiastic voices but trying to keep from screaming so their family couldn't hear them. They were just so excited.

"You first." Stated Grace.

"Jack just spoke with Tom about his dating. He mentioned the girls name was Elizabeth, but he didn't say her last name."

"Beth did the same thing with me. She didn't know Jack's last name."

"With their pictures from Abagail, it has to be the same person, but Grace, how in the world did they meet?"

"Elizabeth said she showed around a new guy named Jack at school on the first day. It has to be the same guy. That's how they met."

"It has to be. Jack said he met her a couple of weeks ago at the beach, but only once and they didn't talk very long. He said they haven't talked since until school began."

"Beth said the same thing." Grace's excitement was easily heard in her voice.

"Jack said that Elizabeth is great but frustrating at times, but he finds it adorable."

"Wow! Beth said the same thing. She also says that he called her Princess Beth. She doesn't like that nickname at all. She hates Beth and princess. It reminds of when she was younger. Some kids teased her because they thought she was better than them because her father and mother have money. My Beth never thought that way."

"I'm surprised Jack calls her that."

"It has something to do with the first time they met. I didn't get the whole story. While it is frustrating for her, she said something that stopped me in my tracks."

"What was that?" Charlette asked as she closed her bedroom door and sat on the edge of her bed.

"Elizabeth said that she can't explain it, but somehow Jack just draws her in, even when he is being frustrating. She said that he was just too cute when he is sassing her."

"Jack said the same thing. He said that she is frustrating but not to the point where he is angry with her. He said she is adorable when she is sassing him. He said she is very expressive with her facial features."

"Oh Charlette, this sounds marvelous!"

"Oh Grace, it's perfect! Do you think we should tell them before the cookout tomorrow?"

Charlette thought about it for a moment. "I don't now…" She slowly stated.

"I'm the same way. If we say something, our husbands may connect the dots that we are trying to set them up."

"That's true. I don't like it when Tom is right."

"Me too!" Laughed Grace. "I don't like it when William is right and he knows it. If we go along with it, we just have to act surprised."

"I think that's the best avenue for us to take."

"Agreed!"

Both ladies talked on the phone for ten minutes with excitement flowing through the conversation. They just knew this was a great move for their kids. They couldn't exactly explain why, but their mother's hearts knew it to be true. They were also secretly happy that they found each other without their meddling.

The decision was made. They would play dumb and think of it as a big surprise along with everyone else. They would be surprised just like Jack and Elizabeth. Both ladies thought their names sounded good together. 'Jack and Elizabeth' just rolled off their tongues with ease.

…

The next day was an interesting day. Tom went to work like normal. Charlette somehow stayed busy even though she was just making her coconut cake. Jack and Tom thought she was acting weird. She was busy but really wasn't doing anything. They shared glances but couldn't figure out what their mother was up too.

Jack left the house around noon to play basketball with the neighborhood kids at Abagail's driveway. He just had to get away from his mom for a little bit. She reminded him two times before he left the house and once on the sidewalk that he needed to be home by three. That would give him enough time to shower and be ready to leave at five.

Grace was the same way as Charlette. She was always on top of the housework, but today Elizabeth and Julie thought she was going overboard. To Elizabeth, it was just one of her father's associates that was coming over for a cookout. While this wasn't common, it wasn't necessarily rare either. Elizabeth just couldn't understand why her mother was acting that way.

Elizabeth and Jack texted a few times during the day. It wasn't constant, but it was on a regular basis. They talked about their evening's plans. They didn't know too much about it. So, they didn't make the connection. Elizabeth called it a cookout and Jack called it a dinner at his father's work friend.

Elizabeth was greatly relieved when Jack told her that she had to meet his parents before they could go out on a date. She felt childish that her parents required meeting Jack before they could do anything together. However, she didn't think it through because now she's nervous about meeting his parents. Even though he assured her that they would love her, she had never met the parents before of someone she liked. This was a whole new territory for each of them.

J – May I text you after

E – You better

J – If I can I may text you during

E – Don't be surprised if I do. These things are usually VERY boring we just sit and listen to father and the other guy talk business

J – Ma just said we are leaving in ten minutes I guess I better get my shoes on

E – Have a good night

J – You too

…

"Wow!" Tom stated as he looked out the back window.

"Remember what we have always taught you." Warned Tom Sr.

"I know dad. Judge people by who they are and not what they have or don't have." Tom looked up and saw the stern expression on his father's face in the rearview mirror.

"It is very big." Jack added as he looked out his door window. "It's hard to believe that is someone's house."

The house sat on fifteen acres. It was a huge mansion as far as Jack and Tom were concerned. It was just massive. The home had stucco on the outside. He lost count of the windows. The front porch had four large columns that lead to the roof that was two stories high. To Jack, it looked like it was much larger than just a two story home. Jack could only imagine the size of the inside. He did remember his father's words. Tom had impressed on Jack at an early age that a person is judged by their character. A poor man is just as important as a rich man. A good man is a greater man than any poor man or rich man.

Thomas remembered the warning from William about the home's size. "William stated that he and his wife built this house when they first began to earn money. He said they lost their minds at first. He's a good man. I'm asking you all to give him and his family a chance."

"Yes, sir." He heard his boys from the back seat.

Charlette was a little flabbergasted by the home's size. Then she remembered her new friend's words of warning. The home's size was very intimating. She decided to lean on her new friendship with Grace. Grace made no pretense that she wasn't wealthy, but you couldn't tell it. She wasn't showy or acted better than anyone. She seemed like Charlette's equal. If you just looked at Grace, you just wouldn't know she was wealthy. Charlette has enjoyed her friendship with Grace so far. This was the first time she was reminded that Grace had money. Charlette just didn't care. Grace was her friend and she treated Charlette with friendship and kindness.

"Elizabeth, would you please get the door. I just received a text from Charlette that they are here."

"Yes mother." Elizabeth stated as she wiped her hands from the tomatoes she was slicing for the hamburgers. She glanced outside and saw her father begin working on the grill. His smile was unmistaken. "Father seems happy."

"He is. He has been looking forward to Tom and his family coming tonight. He really likes him."

"That's nice."

"Door."

"Oh yeah." She stated as the doorbell rang. She was lost in her father's happiness. His work was usually stressful. He would come home a little stressed out. It was nice to see him come home and have a smile on his face. She knew it was because of this guy named Tom.

Elizabeth quickly made her way to the huge front door. She opened the door with a perfect smile. She knew what was expected of her during dinners like this.

"It's…you…" Tom whispered. He saw the young woman a few weeks ago from the café standing in front of him.

"I'm sorry…" Elizabeth slowly stated.

Tom and Charlette were standing in front of the door. Jack and Tom were standing behind them. Jack had his back to the door looking at the water fountain in the front. It was in the middle of the driveway. You would circle around it to leave. Jack thought it was very cool. He heard Elizabeth's voice. He knew that voice well.

"Princess Beth…?" He asked, shocked, as he slowly turned around.

"Jack!" Elizabeth elongated his name. She was just as shocked as he was.

The staring contest between Jack and Elizabeth continued until Grace stepped behind Elizabeth. After a couple of seconds, Grace stepped beside Elizabeth when she didn't say anything. She was staring at Jack.

"You must be Tom and Charlette. Please, come in."

"Thank you, ma'am." Tom stated.

"Please call me Grace." She looked from Tom to Charlette. Grace tried to act nonchalant, but she did give Charlette a small grin. Grace had to nudge her daughter to have her move a little so Tom and Charlette could walk through the door. When Tom and Charlette were inside, she turned her attention to the two young men still standing outside. The younger one shoulder bumped his older brother when he wouldn't step forward and speak.

"Hello, I'm Tom, the youngest, spoiled Thornton." Tom teased. That is how Jack always introduces him. "I think my brother is having trouble thinking and breathing at the moment." Tom looked up to his father and mother. He didn't miss the glare at him. "Sorry." He dropped his head.

"Nice to meet you, Tom. I'm Grace. This is our middle child Elizabeth. It looks like one Thatcher and one Thornton already know each other." Grace chuckled at the staring contest between the two teens. The shock was still evident on their faces. Jack lips played with a grin. "Mother!" Elizabeth warned but never taking her eyes off Jack.

"Elizabeth, dear, is this the Jack you were telling me about last night?" Graced asked with a knowing smile.

Elizabeth nodded her head as her smile began to grow.

"Well young man, come in and let's get settled. Tom, if you will go through the kitchen to the right and out the French doors, William is on the patio getting things ready to grill. There are some bottled waters, tea, and soft drinks in the coolers out with him. Please make yourself comfortable."

"Thank you Grace."

"Charlette, would you like to help me in the kitchen? We can talk and get to know each other."

"That would be lovely, Grace. You have a beautiful home."

"And very large." The younger Tom stated.

Charlette nudged Tom and gave him a look he knew all too well.

"It's too large. We kind of lost our minds in the beginning. It didn't take long to realize our mistake." Grace turned her attention to her middle daughter. "Bethie, why don't you invite Jack in?"

Elizabeth could only smile. The shock was beginning to wear off for them.

"Tom, why don't you catch up to your father and see if you can help?"

"But mom, I was…"

"Outside with your father, please." She playfully Gibbs slapped him on the back of the head.

"Yes ma'am…you've been watching Jack do that too much."

Tom followed his father through the kitchen and onto the patio. William was excited to see his friend. Grace took Charlette by the arm and led her to the kitchen. Jack and Elizabeth continued to look at each other. She was inside the house and Jack was still on the front porch.

"Did you know?" Jack and Elizabeth asked at the same time.

Both shook their heads no. They were having trouble thinking this through. However, they quickly realized they were going to spend the evening together. They were excited about that.

"Wow! That's one devilishly good looking, young man. That picture didn't do him justice." Grace whispered. "Did you see those dimples?"

"She's more beautiful up close than she was twenty feet away. She's gorgeous Grace! Those eyes were mesmerizing."

"Oh, they look so good together." Both ladies said at the same time. Then they laughed at their statements as they walked into the kitchen.

…

Jack walked into the foyer of the home never taking his eyes off Elizabeth.

"You said you were going to a dinner?" Elizabeth asked.

"Yeah. I knew it was my father's boss's home, but I didn't know your dad was my father's boss."

"You said dinner…not a cookout. I never made the connection because you said dinner."

"This is dinner. How would I know exactly? Pa just said we are going over to his boss's house to eat." Jack defended himself.

"This is a cookout, Jack. Father is grilling and we are eating on the patio." Elizabeth gave him her patent little smirk she gave him the first two days of school when she knew she was right.

Good…grief… Jack thought when he saw her little smirk. Why is that so stinking adorable? "And we're eating at six o'clock…which is dinner time." He playfully smirked.

Elizabeth was lost in his expression. That little expression shouldn't have that effect on her like it does. She scrunched up her nose at him.

"If you only knew what that little look does to me." He whispered. He didn't know he said it out loud.

"I'm sorry?" Elizabeth asked.

Jack shook his head to clear his mind. "Nothing." His face was a little red.

Elizabeth heard what he said and thought it was the cutest thing she had ever heard. Every time she was with Jack, she fell deeper for him. The same was for Jack. Her little smirk and scrunched up nose were just too adorable. It just drew him into her deeper each time.

Elizabeth extended her hand with her palm open, and fingers spread wide. Jack immediately reached for her hand and intertwined his fingers with hers. They both sighed at the touch with silly smiles on their faces. It was just something special about it. They didn't understand it, but knew it to be true.

…

"Hey William." Tom stated as he and his youngest son stepped through the French doors and onto the patio.

"Tom!" His friend smiled. "I'm glad you're here."

"Mr. Thatcher, this is my youngest son, Tom. Tom, this is Mr. Thatcher."

"Please Tom, call me William." William smiled at the young man.

Without even having to look at his father, he knew exactly what was expected of him.

"Mr. Thatcher, it's great to meet you. If it is alright with you, I'll stick with Mr. Thatcher."

William nodded his head. He understood Tom's meaning. "Well gentlemen, I'm about to start the grill in a few minutes. The hamburgers, chicken, and hotdogs are in the kitchen. There are some drinks in the cooler if you would like anything to drink."

"Thank you William."

"Tom, would you mind going inside and ask the ladies for the meat?" William turned his attention toward the younger Tom.

"Yes, sir."

"Thomas, thanks for coming."

"William, I have been looking forward to this. I always love a good cookout."

"Me too. There is just something about cooking raw meat over a fire."

Tom laughed. "I agree. William, you have a beautiful home." Tom looked around the backyard and the pool.

"It's much too big for just us. Now, what do you know about grills?"

"Just enough to be dangerous."

"Perfect!"

…

Julie came bumbling into the kitchen. She was always one for a grandiose appearance. Julie wasn't too interested in the cookout. She wanted to go over to a friend's house, but her mother made her stay with the family.

"Charlette, this is my youngest, wild child, Julie. Julie, this is Mrs. Thornton."

"Mrs. Thornton, nice to meet you." Julie stated as she stepped forward to shake her hand.

The ladies turned their head when Tom walked into the kitchen. Everyone stopped talking. "What, Mr. Thatcher told me to come in and ask for the meat for the grill." He thought he was in trouble since everyone stopped speaking.

"Tom?" Julie asked.

"Julie!" Tom grinned.

"You two know each other?" Charlette asked.

"Yes, we rode the bus yesterday."

"You rode the bus?" Grace asked.

"Elizabeth disappeared yesterday to meet her friends at Abagail's. She didn't tell me about it. I had to catch the bus or walk home."

Tom chuckled. "I'm grateful you rode the bus."

"Me too."

Grace and Charlette glanced at each other with a knowing smile.

…

Elizabeth escorted Jack into the library. This was her second favorite place in the house. There was a little corner she would curl up with a book and a small blanket and get lost in the pages of the book. Jack stopped and turned to look at the hundreds, if not thousands, of books.

"Wow! This has to be your favorite place."

"It's my secret favorite place."

"Second?" Questioned Jack.

"Yeah." She pointed to the corner where her spot was. "I like to sit there and read."

"I bet the fireplace is nice in the winter."

"It is. I love the sound of the crackling fire."

"If this is the second best place, I can't wait to see your favorite place."

Elizabeth's face turned a little red with embarrassment. "Well…I'm not showing you my favorite place."

"What? You're holding out on me, Princess Beth." Jack laughed.

"Jack…my name's Elizabeth." She huffed, which only caused Jack to smile. "Well, I don't think my parents will allow you in my bedroom." She stated slowly and softly.

"Oh…"

Elizabeth's face turned redder with the thought. Then her laughter grew at Jack's growing red face.

"Jack…why do you like to read?"

"I get lost in the stories on the pages. I can go anywhere in the world in those pages and never leave my room. One day I would like to travel to some of those places."

"I agree. What do you like to read?"

"I like autobiographies. I also like adventure. I learn more from bios, but I love the adventures."

Elizabeth laughed. "I can't believe you're here." She turned to face Jack. "I was hoping to see you today. I would have never thought you would be the family that was coming tonight."

"I just never thought of the possibility. I'm glad though…"

"Yeah…"

"I was missing you." Jack whispered. He was afraid it was too forward. However, it was exactly what he felt.

"Me too. Jack how is that possible in such a short period of time?"

"I don't know. It doesn't make sense to me, but I know it. As a matter of fact, there is a lot about you that doesn't make sense to me."

"Like what?" She challenged him with a flirtatious smile.

"Well…" Jack took a half a step closer to Elizabeth. "…when you think you are right, you get this little smirk on your face. How can that frustrating look be so adorable?" He slightly shook his head but never broke eye contact with her.

"Think I'm right?" She smirked with that same expression. "Jack, I don't think I'm right. I am right." She took a half a step toward Jack. There was about a foot between them. He reached for her hands, and she immediately matched his actions.

"That look right there." The look in his eyes made her knees grow weak. "Elizabeth…?"

"Yes…"

"May I be embarrassingly honest with you?"

"I hope you are always honest with me, Jack."

Jack let out a slow breath. He was very timid to share this with his new girlfriend. "I have never kissed a girl before."

"Jack…"

Jack only continued to speak. His nervousness was winning now. He didn't hear what Elizabeth was saying. "I have never had a girlfriend. Therefore, I just never wanted to kiss a girl. But with you…I don't know…you change everything."

"Jack…"

"You have this frustrating way about you when you are sassing me, but it doesn't make me frustrated or anything. Somehow it draws me to you. Your little smirk is just so adorable. You have the most beautiful eyes. Your smile is just mesmerizing. You have this way of taking my breath and…"

"Jack!" Elizabeth raised her voice and squeezed his hand to stop his ranting. "You ramble when you are nervous."

Jack took a deep breath. "I guess I do."

"I would have never thought you would be nervous."

"Only with you." Jack looked down. He was afraid he shared too much information. He thought he made an idiot out of himself. However, Elizabeth thought he was absolutely adorable in his ramblings. He was just so cute and honest in those moments.

Elizabeth didn't say anything until he looked up and their eyes met. Both took a small step to close the distance between them. They weren't touching, but they were somewhat close. "Jack…I have never kissed a guy before either. I have never wanted too…until now." Her honesty took his breath. He had to gasp to get air into his lungs. They looked deep into each other's eyes and saw what they wanted to see. They both began to slowly move closer together. Their hearts were beating out of their chests.

"Hey you! Mother wanted you to come and help in the kitchen. She said you needed to finish the tomatoes." Julie stated without looking at the young couple. She didn't notice them until about halfway through her statement. "Oh…excuse me. I think I may have interrupted something."

"You most certainly did!" Elizabeth huffed. They never released the hold on each other's hands. They didn't even step back or break eye contact.

"Well, mother is expecting you in the kitchen."

"We'll be there in a moment." When she heard Julie's footsteps leave the library, she spoke. "That's my younger sister Julie. She has always interrupted my fun."

"How much fun has she interrupted for you in your library?" Playfully teased Jack.

Elizabeth playfully patted Jack on his chest. "I believe you know better than to ask that question."

Jack nodded his head. They continued to look in each other's eyes. They knew they needed to go to the kitchen, but they just didn't want to leave this moment. Both let out a sigh.

"I guess we need to go…" They both stated at the same time.

"Yeah." Jack stated. He turned and released only one of Elizabeth's hands. "Let's go before we get in trouble. I would like to make a good impression on your parents."

"I don't think you will have a problem with that."

…

Elizabeth and Jack walked into the kitchen hand in hand. Both Grace and Charlette snuck a peak at their children and then each other. The look between them was perfectly understood. Elizabeth stood between Charlette and her mother to continue to cut the tomatoes. Grace was working on the lettuce and Charlette was working on onions. She was slicing and dicing them for hamburgers and hotdogs. Jack stood on the other side of the kitchen island pulling the paper plates and silverware from the bags that Grace asked him to. Julie and Tom were sitting at the table talking.

William stuck his head in through the French door. "Hey Jack, why don't you join me out here for a little bit?" He closed the door before Jack had time to answer him.

Elizabeth quickly looked at Jack and then looked at her mother. The look of fear was evident on her face. "Mother…"

"Elizabeth. Your father just asked him to go out on the patio with him. Tom is out there. I don't think he is going to chop him up and put him on the grill." Grace laughed until she looked up and saw Jack's horrified look. She didn't know if he thought she was serious or not. Jack's face was white, and she didn't think he was breathing.

"Jack. It's ok. It'll be ok. He just wants to get to know you. Your father is out there too. He'll keep William from cutting you up and placing you on the grill." Charlette sassed.

"Funny Ma." Jack exhaled. Her words weren't comforting at all. He looked up and saw the sympathetic look from his girlfriend. He gave her a terrified expression that she couldn't miss. Jack slowly turned to the French doors. Everyone thought Jack looked like he was a sheep being led to the slaughter. When the door closed, Elizabeth looked at her mother.

"That was pitiful." Elizabeth frowned.

"Bethie, your dad just wants to get to know him. He knows you are dating this young man. He just wants to know who he is. It will be ok. Trust your father."

Elizabeth nodded her head but wasn't so convinced that her father was going to play nice. Afterall, Jack was the first boy that she brought home, even though she didn't technically bring Jack home to meet the family. She couldn't take her eyes off Jack and her father through the doors.

"Elizabeth, Jack is a good young man. William seems like a very fair man. He just wants to get to know your boyfriend." Charlette playfully stated the word 'boyfriend'. Everyone erupted in laughter.

"Now." Charlette continued as she placed her arm around Elizabeth's waist. "This gives me time to get to know my son's girlfriend." She playfully stated the word 'girlfriend' and gave Elizabeth a soft squeeze. Elizabeth quickly took her eyes of her father and boyfriend and turned them toward Charlette. Grace laughed at the terrified look on her daughter's face.

"Relax…Charlette isn't going to chop you up with the onions." Sassed Grace. The playful statement didn't help calm Elizabeth's nerves at all.

…

"Hello Mr. Thatcher." Jack's voice was anything but strong. William glanced at Tom with a smile. Tom was sitting on a chair a few feet away. He has gotten to know William over the last few days. He perfectly understood that William just wanted to get to know Jack as his middle daughter's boyfriend. He trusted him with his oldest son.

"Please, call me William."

"I'm sorry sir, but I can't do that. He…" Jack nodded to his father. "…would beat me if I didn't call you Mr. Thatcher."

"Fair enough." William laughed. Jack was a little confused. "Listen Jack…I only want to get to know you. You must be a very special young man for my Elizabeth to welcome you into her life so easily as her boyfriend. She has never dated before, and now you are here as her boyfriend after such a short period of time. I always thought she and Charles would date. They were good friends, but she always said that she wasn't, nor will she ever, date Charles. You young man, must be very special."

"Well sir, I don't know about that."

"Tom says you play basketball?"

"Yes sir, I do."

"I also have learned that you volunteer at the library and the children's center?"

"Yes sir."

William smiled at Jack. He was evidently nervous. The conversation wasn't flowing so easily. William was happy with all the answers Jack gave. After about ten minutes, Jack was beginning to lighten up a little, but he was still nervous. William decided to ask the big question.

"Jack, what is the end game here? What are you wanting this to lead too with Elizabeth?"

Jack rubbed the back of his neck. He took a deep breath before answering. "Well, sir…I don't really know that answer. I have never dated anyone. I've never felt this way about a young lady. I'm seventeen years old and just started my senior year in high school. I want to go to college and study to be a teacher. I like working with children. So, anyone that will be part of my life must enjoy that too, or at least understand that desire of mine. I have really known Elizabeth for two days." Jack took a deep breath. "Somehow, I am drawn to her. She has this way that just…that just pulls me in. I can't really explain it better than that because I just don't understand how she does it myself. Even when she is being frustrating, she is just adorable.

"I'm not going to say we are getting married or anything. I don't know her that well. So far, I like what I know. She is intelligent and confident in who she is. She is very funny with a great sense of humor."

"Marriage?" William teased.

"Sir, we haven't even kissed yet. I don't know about that…"

"Jack, relax. I'm just playing with you."

"Yes sir." Jack let out a deep breath. "I'm just grateful she answers a text I send her. I don't know why she picked to date me. I'm nothing special. However, I do know that I must work every day to prove to her that I'm not a mistake. I'm not worthy of her. I just hope to prove to her that I care for her and respect her."

William smiled. He loved Jack's honest answer. He decided at that moment that he liked Jack. Of course, he was a little nervous with Elizabeth dating, but he did trust his daughter. He winked at Tom. Tom could only smile knowing his son did well.

"Alright Jack…as long as you treat my girl like a princess, you may date my daughter."

"Thank you, sir. I will not let you down."

"I believe you. Now, grab that spatula, those burgers need to be flipped."

…

"So, my Jack tells me that you're dating."

"Yes, Mrs. Thornton."

"Please dear, call me Charlette."

Elizabeth looked at her mother for permission. Grace smiled and slightly nodded her head.

"Are you sure?"

"Please dear. You may call me Charlette."

"May I call you Mrs. C?"

Charlette smiled at the respect Elizabeth wanted to show her. It endured her to this young woman. "Sure. We'll work on the Charlette thing."

Elizabeth offered a small smile to Jack's mother. "Yes ma'am. And yes, we are dating as of yesterday."

"Wow…that was really quick."

"Yes. Especially with him calling me Princess Beth." Elizabeth spent a few minutes sharing the story of them quickly meeting at the beach. She also spent a few minutes telling most of what happened at school yesterday. She also shared a good portion of the time at the café but didn't tell everything that happened. She told Charlette about Jack thinking she was dating her friend Charles."

"He mentioned that."

"Jack said that Charles told him a couple of times that we were dating, but I promise you we never have dated."

"A lot of people thought you were." Julie stated.

"Maybe, but we haven't." Elizabeth stated with confidence while glaring at her youngest sister.

"Tom told Jack not to be jealous of Charles if he remains friends."

"I also told Elizabeth that he needed to act like a friend. She can't allow him to cause issues if she doesn't want to date him."

Charlette leaned closer to Elizabeth. They were touching shoulders. "I trust you dear." Grace smiled at Charlette's encouragement.

"Jack has never dated. He's a good guy, but he is a lot like his father. His tongue isn't always connected very well to his heart. He tries but he doesn't always say things the correct way. That is a little frustrating. However, if you watch him, he will always scream how he feels by how he treats you and acts toward you."

"He is a little frustrating when he thinks he's right." Giggled Elizabeth.

"You haven't seen anything yet." Charlette laughed.

"What I don't understand is how is he so stinking adorable when he thinks he's right." Elizabeth shook her head. "He gets this little smirk and his eyes light up." Her smile was unmistakable. "He just…" Elizabeth paused trying to think of the right words.

"He just pulls you in before you know what he is doing." Charlette stated.

"Yes. He just has this way of drawing me in. Before I know it, I get lost in his dimples." Elizbeth's voice trailed off. She realized that she shared a little too much information with her mother and the mother of her boyfriend.

Charlette reached for Elizabeth hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. She continued holding her hand as she spoke.

"Dear, I believe you may be the young lady for my Jack. He is a treasure, but he is a little hard to get him to talk to you. But if you stick with it, he will always show you how much he cares."

"I believe you are right."

"Now, make sure he is treating you correctly. If he isn't, please let me know. We have raised him better than that. I don't mind yelling at him again."

"I have no concerns with him. Even after knowing him for two days, I trust him." Elizabeth's face turned a little pink.

"Are you in love, dear? Charlette whispered.

Elizabeth gasped at Charlette's question. "Charlette, we haven't even kissed yet."

"To be honest, I can see it in your eyes. Also…" Charlette leaned in closer. "…I hope you are falling in love with him. I do believe you are the one for my Jack."

Elizabeth held onto Charlette's hand as her words sunk in. Elizabeth had thought she may have been falling in love with Jack, but it was way too early for that…wasn't it?

Grace sat back listening and watching Elizabeth and Charlette. She loved the way they interacted with each other. She loved the way Charlette loved on her middle child. She spoke lovingly with her daughter. She could see her middle daughter warming up to Charlette very quickly. Grace turned her head to look out the doors to the back patio.

"Things must be good out there…" Grace stated. "Jack's flipping the burgers. William never allows anyone to touch his grill."