Chapter 27

The SUV was packed and ready to go on their trip back to Buxton. Elizabeth only had one large bag and a small bathroom bag. It took Jack two attempts to get the bag in the back of the SUV. He thought she must have packed everything she owned in that bag.

"Jack…it's not that heavy." She sassed a little when he was struggling to pick up the suitcase.

"Would you like to do it?" He challenged her. He knew she probably couldn't since her father was the one who rolled the suitcase out to the vehicle.

She huffed at his challenge. She knew she couldn't pick it up. They were only going to be gone for three or four days, but she packed a lot of clothes. She wasn't sure what she would need. Jack continuously told her that his grandparents would love her, but she was nervous. Especially since she would only have what she brought with her on the trip.

She also knew that this was Jack's old hometown. If they were going out exploring like he said he wanted to do, she wanted to look really nice in case they ran across any of his old friends that wanted to date him. She knew it was ridiculous, but she wanted to look nice for him.

"I thought my strong boyfriend would help me with it." She flirted with a loving smile and small tilt of her head.

"Good grief…" Jack stated in defeat. He still didn't understand the power she had over him, but she did. He strained and grunted as he lifted the suitcase into the hatch of the vehicle.

"Goodbye mother." Elizabeth stated with a hug. Then she turned her attention to her father. "Goodbye father. I love you both."

"Thank you for letting Elizabeth go with us." Charlette stated as she hugged Grace.

"She's been excited." Grace smiled.

"Thank you, sir." Jack stated giving William a half hug.

"It's William, Jack."

"Yes sir." He stated as she turned his attention toward Grace.

"Thank you, mom." He stated as he hugged Grace and gave her a soft kiss on the cheek.

"I'll text you." Tom stated when he hugged Julie.

"You better." She stated with a tad bit of sass. She leaned over and gave him a soft kiss. This missing Tom was a weird feeling for her.

…

"Are you sure you're ok concerning this?" Grace asked her husband.

"Yes and no." William sighed. "I don't like the fact that Elizabeth will not be here for Thanksgiving. This is the first time she won't be here."

"Yes…but she will be here for Christmas day with Jack."

"Yeah…" William nodded. "I trust them, it's just…"

"I know…" Grace sympathized with her husband. "I'm the same way."

"I guess this is preparing us for her college years."

"What do you think about the coach's visit with Jack?"

"I didn't know he was interested in Bryan's."

"From what he said and what Elizabeth has told me, he didn't know anything about the school. They are pursuing him for basketball. I'm sure the scholarship if they offer it to him will be helpful."

"Does he know that is Elizabeth's first pick?"

"Not at first. He had never heard of the school. He did when the coach came to the school to talk to him. That was two days after that awful Monday. Their first day back on that Wednesday."

"That must have been an interesting conversation considering all the cuts and bruises on him."

"There was someone there to speak with Elizabeth at the same time. If he's interested in teaching, that's the school to go to." Grace smiled.

"Do you think Elizabeth attending the school will sway his decision?"

"I think it will play part of the equation, but I don't think it will be the deciding factor. They are smart kids. They will make the best decision for themselves as each other."

"You talk like they are getting married." William stated as they climbed the stairs to the front door.

Grace smiled at the thought. "I told you early on that I believe you and Jack will have a serious conversation at some point."

"I remember. Grace, she's seventeen years old."

"Soon she'll be eighteen. I'm not saying they'll be married straight out of high school, but I do believe that conversation will be coming soon."

William thought about it for a moment as he opened the front door. He liked Jack. Secretly he admitted he would be ok with Jack marrying his little girl. However, he didn't like the fact that the wedding could be just after high school.

"Relax William. I don't think they'll go to prom married."

William let out a sigh at the thought. "You know I love Jack and I am grateful they're dating, but Grace, isn't this too early?"

"We don't have to decided that now. We have time. And yes, I know how much you love and respect Jack."

…

The Thorntons and Elizabeth were only on the road for thirty minutes and both Jack's mom and Elizabeth were already asleep.

"She's just like your mother." Thomas laughed.

"Who would have guessed."

Both ladies were asleep. Charlette's head was against her head rest with her mouth open with a faint snore coming out. Elizabeth had her head resting on Jack's shoulder with her mouth slightly opened. Occasionally, she would let out a soft snore.

Jack was sitting behind his mother with Elizabeth in the middle. Tom was sitting behind his father. He already had his air pods in watching something on Hulu. Thomas could only shake his head at the similarities between Charlette and Elizabeth.

"Son, how has she been since that Monday?"

"Good. Like me, I think she has her moments still, but she is handling everything well. I do think it was beneficial that you taught her some self defense moves. It gave her a sense of self control. It also gave her confidence."

"She was slow to begin with, a little hesitant in the beginning. Once she took to it, she really blossomed."

"Was that when she face planted you in the wall and then threw you to the ground like a limp rag doll with a loud thud?"

Thomas looked in the rearview mirror at his son's smirking face. He huffed.

"She told you about that huh?" Tom was trying to hide his smile. While that really did hurt, he was very proud of Elizabeth and her growth. "I'll have to talk to her about that."

"Well, it took her some time to tell me."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, she laughed a lot. She had to tell me twice because I couldn't follow her because she giggled too much."

"Well…" Tom huffed.

"You know you're proud of her. I can see it in your eyes."

"I am. She really stepped up in a difficult situation."

"I think we still have our moments, but Pastor Frank was a great help. He really walked me through that whole ordeal. She said he was just as helpful for her."

"I'm grateful you spoke to him. I just didn't want you to hold everything in like you normally do."

"Elizabeth has been very helpful in that aspect." He paused when she shifted a little. "Don't worry, she says she' not a light sleeper. She helps to pull things out of me that I normally would keep to myself. She isn't too pushy."

"Your mother is the same way. She has this way of working me for my benefit."

"That's a good way of saying it."

"Jack…I'm expecting you to treat her like you were taught."

"Pa…" Jack said a little frustrated. "I have learned every lesson you and Ma have taught me. I treat her the best I know how. I'm sure I haven't done everything perfectly, but I do treat her the best I can."

"When she face planted me against that wall and pinned me down to the ground, I asked her if you knew she could do that. She stated that you didn't. That you haven't done anything toward her that would make her do anything like that."

"I'm doing my best."

"Just love her and I will be happy."

"Pa…who said love." Jack protested.

"Son…I know what love looks like. You may not be telling people that you love that woman, but don't you think for a second that no one knows you love that young lady."

Jack slightly nodded his head. He does love her. He tells her regularly. However, he and Elizabeth have held that information between the two of them.

"How is that Charles fella been after the fight?"

"I wouldn't necessarily call it a fight. I threw one punch." Laughed Jack. Secretly, he admitted to himself that it felt good hitting Charles. "He got a one day in school suspension by starting it. The police report and reports from others that were around backed up my story. I didn't get in trouble. I had a two minute conversation with the principal. She told me that I wasn't in trouble. That was about it."

"That was good of her."

"I thought so. She did say that the school was going to keep a closer watch on him. She has seen a declining attitude since the school year began. Even his grades have suffered a little."

"All of this because of you and Elizabeth dating?"

"That's part of it. Some of it is that she isn't dating him and that she is dating me. He's not letting it go."

"Have you two talked about it?"

"Elizabeth was pretty upset with him. They haven't talked too much, and he rarely speaks to me. When he does, it's usually telling me how bad I am for Elizabeth."

"Are you good with all of that?"

"As long as I don't have to be around him, I'm good."

Thomas nodded his head. That just wasn't his son. He got along with everyone. So for Jack to want to avoid someone wasn't normal. He was glad his son didn't start the fight. He was also grateful his son finished the fight.

…

The ten hour trip wasn't so bad. They stopped three times for fuel and bathroom breaks. At the last stop they stopped for real food. After each stop, Charlette and Elizabeth would fall asleep within minutes of getting back in the vehicle. Thomas and Jack would just shake their heads. They did take a picture of them sleeping. They deleted it after the ladies found out about it.

They took the Buxton exit and Jack nudged Elizabeth. She slowly moved a couple of times and then raised her head from Jack's shoulder.

"Are we there already?" She asked rubbing her face.

Jack and his father shared a quick glance.

"Time flies when you slept the whole trip."

"Jack…I didn't sleep the whole trip."

"Charlette…we're here."

"We are?" She asked as she raised her head from the head rest.

"Yes."

"That was a quick trip."

"It goes by quickly when you sleep the whole trip."

"I didn't sleep the whole trip."

Elizabeth quickly glanced at Jack when she recognized that Tom and Charlette just had the same conversation.

To change the subject from his silly smirking face, Elizabeth asked, "This is your hometown?"

"It is." Jack stated looking out the window.

Elizabeth squeezed his hand three times. She knew he must have missed his hometown. She knew she would if she moved from Hamilton before her senior year.

"It's pretty here."

"Yeah…if we have time, I would like to take you to Fort Mountain, but I don't think we'll have time."

"We'll see what we can do."

"You are just set for tomorrow's dinner. Other than that, you are free to do what you want."

"Thanks Ma."

As they made their way to Charlette's mom's and dad's home, Jack would point out different spots of Buxton that was his old normal. He pointed out the small grocery store they would often visit. While they didn't pass his old house, he promised to take her while they were in town. He wanted to see it himself.

"Hey, are you ok?" Elizabeth whispered.

"Yeah…for some odd reason I just got home sick all of a sudden."

"I would imagine. Seeing all of this must be a little hard for you. Jack, you moved just before your senior year of high school. That's a lot to overcome." Jack nodded his head. "You have the right to feel what you're feeling."

"Yeah…however, I wouldn't change meeting you for anything in this world."

Elizabeth felt immense love at his words. She knew this must be hard on him. "Me too." She whispered.

…

Rosemary looked at her phone for a long time. She was trying to get the nerve up to do what she had wanted to do for several weeks. She really liked Lee. He was a good guy. He had this ability to make her laugh. She loved that. She really wanted to go out with him, but she just couldn't get past what happened to her the last time she was on a date. She knew Lee wasn't that guy, but she was having trouble getting past it. She closed her eyes and said a quick prayer. When she opened her eyes, she tapped her phone and found Lee's number.

Over the last few weeks, their relationship had grown. They were growing closer together, but they had never gone out on a date. Lee asked her out once, but realized she wasn't ready yet for that. They went out with friends. For now, he was ok with it. He really liked her and was willing to wait. He wasn't sure why she was so hesitant but knew there was a story there.

R – Hey…you busy

L – Not really you

R - May I call you

L – You don't have to ask

She smiled when her phone buzzed in her hand.

"Hey."

"Hey you. What's up?"

"I was wondering if you were busy tonight?"

"Not really. Cory and Steph are going out tonight. I'm just hanging out with mom."

"Well…" She paused. She knew if she would just ask, he would agree. She just couldn't get past her nerves.

"Rosey, are you ok?"

"I'm fine." She let out a loud breath.

"Lee, there is something about me that you don't know. Well, it's something that happened to me that you don't know."

"Ok. Are you alright?"

"I'm fine…now."

"Ok. If you're sure."

"I am. I was just…I was just wondering if you're not busy…" Her voice trailed off.

"Hey, mom and I were just going to hang out here tonight. We were thinking about ordering pizza and watching a musical."

"You like musical's?"

"Not really, but my mom does. I watch with her just to hang with her. Would you like to come over and eat pizza and watch musicals with us? Mom will be here."

"Lee, that sounds perfect. What can I bring?"

"Nothing. We just order pizza and eat popcorn. Nothing to bring."

"Are you sure your mom is ok with this?"

She asked hopeful. She did want to spend time with Lee, but she couldn't get past her history. However, she was grateful to spend time with Lee, even if it was with his mom.

"Give me a second and let me ask."

He quickly went and asked his mom. She was perfectly ok with it. She was excited watching a musical with someone who really liked musicals. Lee tried but it wasn't his genre.

"Mom is excited about you coming. She would enjoy watching it with someone who actually likes it."

"You don't?"

"Rosey…really…a musical?"

She let out a laugh. She was impressed he would do that for his mom.

"Be here at six."

"Thanks Lee."

…

Elizabeth looked up from her phone when Jack whispered that they were there. She was texting her mother and father that they had arrived in Buxton. She remembered him telling her that he would spend a lot of time with his grandparents' home.

The house was a beautiful grandparent's home Elizabeth thought. There were countless flower beds all over the property. They reminded her of Charlette's flowerbeds. The home was white and a little on the old side. The shutters were a light blue. The home was beautiful and an essential, grandparent's home.

She noticed the smile on Jack's face. She also noticed a small tear that escaped Charlette's left eye. She almost felt like she was invading a private moment.

"Elizabeth, get ready to eat…a lot." Tom laughed. "Grandma likes to cook, and she loves to watch people eat."

Elizabeth let out a small chuckle. "That sounds like my grandparents…actually, it sounds like any other grandparents I have ever met."

When the SUV came to a stop, Charlette immediately jumped out of the vehicle and made her way to the home.

Jack and Elizabeth noticed the front screen door open, and an older man and woman step out. The lady had her hands over her mouth. It was easy to see that she was excited about seeing her daughter.

"You will quickly notice that her mother and father love deeply. I felt it early on in our courtship."

"Pa…no one uses that word anymore. This isn't the old days of the seventies or eighties."

"Watch it Mr. Sassy." Thomas pointed his finger at the reflection of Jack in the rearview mirror.

Elizabeth smiled at the banter between the two.

"Don't be surprised if grandma has you calling her that and making you feel like you are family within two minutes of meeting her." Tom laughed.

"I already feel like family." She elbowed Tom.

"Come on kids." Thomas said. Elizabeth smiled being included in the term of endearment.

…

"Ms. Coulter, It's nice to meet you."

"You too Rosemary. Lee has told me a lot about you."

"Mom." Lee whispered in a teen's embarrassed voice. His mom just rolled her eyes.

"Come in, Rosemary. I have a musical set for us to watch. It the 1982 version of Annie. It's the one with Carol Burnett as Miss Hannigan."

"Oh…I love that version. Carol Burnett is hilarious."

"She truly is. Pizza should be here within twenty minutes."

"Thank you."

…

"JayJay!" Jack's grandma stated in a loving grandma's voice as he walked up the footpath.

"Nana…" Jack stated with a little bit of a huff. He thought his mother talked with her about that. Charlette just shrugged her shoulders when Jack looked in her direction. She knew there was nothing she could do about it.

"JayJay…" Elizabeth whispered with a hint of teasing in her voice.

Jack cut his eyes in her direction then preceded to walk in his Nana's hug. "Nana…really?" He whispered in her ear.

"What? I've called you that your whole life. I don't even remember your true name."

Everyone laughed. Elziabeth put her hand over her mouth to try to tamper down her laughter.

"Elizabeth, this is Mrs. Milligan, my grandmother. Nana, this is my girlfriend, Elizabeth."

"It's so weird, yet nice, hearing you say that." She patted Jack's cheeks. Then she turned her attention to Elizabeth.

"Beth sweetheart. It is great to meet you. Thank you for coming to stay with us for a few days." She stated in the sweetest voice Elizabeth had ever heard. She walked toward Elizabeth and lovingly embraced her in a gentle, sweet hug.

"Mrs. Milligan, it's great…"

"Nana dear. Please call me Nana."

Elizabeth's smile overtook her whole face. She nodded her head as Nana embraced her again.

"Elizabeth…" Jack stated when his Nana released the hug. "This is my grandpa, Mr. Milligan. Pops, this is my girlfriend, Elizabeth."

"Dear, thank you for coming. You would do me a favor if you would call me Pops."

"Yes, Pops." Elizabeth couldn't help her smiling face when she noticed the radiant happiness coming from this older man's face. She felt like she was at her grandparent's home. Elizabeth walked into his open arms and instantly felt at home in his gentle embrace. The hug felt a lot like Jack's. She knew he got his loving nature from his father and grandfather.

"Thank you for allowing me to come and stay with you." Elizabeth looked between Nana and Pops."

"Now dear…" Nana stepped forward and took Elizabeth's hand. "It is truly our pleasure." Then she turned her attention to Jack. "JayJay, please take Beth's bags to her room. She is staying in the purple room at the end of the hall."

"But Nana…"

"JayJay…" She warned him in a tone he understood all too well while pointing her finger at him. The smile on her face was unmistakeable. "…take the bags to her room. Now dear…" She began again as she led Elizabeth into the home and into the kitchen. "…why don't you come with me. I would love to get to know you better."

Elizabeth smiled at the smell of the home. She couldn't really explain it. It just smelled like a grandmother's home.

…

"Hey…" Steven stated when he called. He was missing Connie on school break. He was visiting his father. "…what are you doing?"

"Honestly…I'm missing you. I'm helping mom with tomorrow's dinner."

"I'm missing you too."

"What's the plan?"

"Dad and I are having dinner with his girlfriend's family tomorrow some time. Then I'm coming home on Friday. This was supposed to be mom's weekend, but she allowed me to go with dad since he is working next weekend."

"That's nice that your parents work together."

"It is…I just wish we didn't have to do this. I hate the going back and forth but I understand things just wasn't working out with them. While this isn't ordeal, it's better than what it was."

"I'm sorry."

"Thanks…it just makes me want to work really hard at my marriage. I understand no marriage is perfect, but I do believe you can make it work. If I have kids, I don't want this for them."

"Is that what you think happened with your mom and dad?"

"Kinda. I think it started that way and then led into other things. By the time they realized there was a problem, it was too late. They were just done."

Connie sat back in her chair. She hated that Steven had to deal with this. She was grateful her parents were happy.

"Well, I believe you can learn from any situation, good or bad."

"Me too. I just don't want this for my kids."

"Well, that is part of learning."

"Yeah. Hey, would you like to come over for Thanksgiving dinner on Saturday. That's when mom is doing it for all of us. There will be some other family members there."

"Sounds great. I'll run it by my parents."

"I miss you." He whispered.

"I miss you."

…

"Now, these are JayJay's favorite cookies."

"I didn't know that." Elizabeth stated as she watched Nana make the dough.

"Come on Beth, you can't learn by watching someone else do it. Get the sugar and the chocolate chips. This is the secret to my famous cookies."

"You have a secret?"

"Oh dear, of course I do. Now, can I trust you with the secret?" Nana stopped working and looked deeply into Elizabeth's eyes. Elizabeth nodded her head, but she had a feeling she wasn't talking about a secret ingredient for the cookies.

"You can." She spoke softly while never taking her eyes away from Nana's eyes.

Nana walked around the island and stood beside Elizabeth. She stood so close that their shoulders were touching.

"JayJay never dated anyone. When he called me to tell me about you, I could scarcely take it in. There just wasn't anyway he was going to date in school. Then he said he met this auburn haired, stubborn young lady that draws him in with just her facial expressions."

"We didn't begin very well."

Nana laughed. "That's what he said. He also said he fought against it because you were dating someone. However, you ended up not dating that fella."

"Once we figured everything out with that and a couple of other things, we clicked pretty well."

"Beth, is he treating you like a young lady should be treated?"

"He is, Nana. He truly is."

"Now, are you treating my JayJay like he should be treated?"

Elizabeth thought this precious woman was trying to look into her soul by looking into her eyes.

"I am doing my best."

After looking into Elizabeth's eyes for just a second longer, she leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. "Perfect. Now, this is the secret to my cookies."

…

"Jack, would you please help me for a moment?"

"Sure Pops."

After taking Elizabeth's bags to the bedroom, he followed Pops down the porch steps and around the home to the small shed in the backyard. It was Pop's workshop. They have spent a lot of time in the shop. They usually just work on projects together. There were other times where they would have in depth talks about life and how a young man was to live his life. Pops tried to pour himself into his grandson.

"Hey Jack, how are you doing after that awful morning?"

"Better. For a little while loud sounds were a problem. I was skittish. I was also on high alert in almost every situation. I spoke with Pastor Frank, and he helped me a lot."

"And now?"

"I'm good."

"How is Beth doing?"

"First she hates that name."

"Oh, ok. I'll call her Elizabeth."

"She's doing well. I think she had the same issues I did. The first time driving was an obstacle she had to overcome. Pastor Frank's help was essential for her as well. We meet individually for a few sessions and then three sessions together."

"You worked together?"

"Yes, Pops. We did."

Pops was encouraged that they sought help individually and as a couple. He came from the school of thinking that couples do things together. This was one of the visits to the workshop they would discuss life.

"That's great. Now, as a young gentleman, and as my grandson and a Thornton, are you treating her with the utmost respect?"

"Yes Pops. I am trying my best."

Jack's grandfather looked at him for a few moments to look at his face. He learned a long time ago that Jack couldn't lie through his facial expression. His eyes always told the truth. He immediately saw what he was looking for.

"That's great to hear son." Pops nodded his head in support. "Now, I expect you to continue to love that young lady like she deserves to be loved."

Jack nodded his head. If anyone was going to call him out on his feelings, it would be his grandfather. Jack loved this man. He was certainly special to Jack. He hung on every word this older man said.

"I promise to do my best." Jack nodded.

He hesitated for only a few seconds. He trusted this man just like his father. He wanted to be just like his father and grandfather. They always held a special place in his heart. While he and Elizabeth hadn't spoken to anyone about their true feelings for each other, it wasn't a huge secret. They haven't sat down and discussed not saying 'I love you' in front of others. They just wanted to keep that between themselves. It just worked out that way.

"Jack, what's going on in that brain of yours?"

"Pops, may I tell you something?"

"Of course."

"But you can't tell anyone."

"Jack, you know my rule…what is said here in my shop stays here in my shop."

"I know…I just haven't said this to anyone."

Pops pulled out two old stools from a work bench. Jack sat down and turned to face his grandfather.

"You have my word, Jack."

"Pops…" He began slowly. He never intended to say this to anyone, but this was his grandfather. He trusted him explicitly. "…I'm in love with Elizabeth."

Pops leaned forward and placed his hand on top of Jack's hand that was resting on the bench. "I know. It's written all over your face."

Jack lowered his head. "I can't help it, Pops. I never wanted to date in high school, but Elizabeth just pulls me to her. She isn't perfect by any means, but Pops, she's perfect for me."

"I think the same about your Nana. When we first met in high school, I thought she was dating this guy. They were always around each other all the time. It turned out it was her cousin, but I didn't know that for two weeks. I would try to avoid her, but I just couldn't. I would go home and do my chores fussing at myself because I would find ways to be around her during school."

"That kind of sounds like Elizabeth and me. I thought she was dating her best friend."

"Jack, the love of our life just as this way with us."

"They do." He leaned back for just a second. "Pops, I'm going to marry that woman."

As he patted Jack's hand, he spoke. "Love her with everything inside of you. Always place her and her needs first, and she will meet your needs. Marriage isn't fifty – fifty. You give that woman all of you. In return, she will give you all of herself."

"Yes Pops."

"What about college?"

"We could get married after college."

"Ture, that would be what, five years?"

"Wow…that sounds like a very long time when you say it."

"You have time. Have you two talked about it?"

"Very briefly. We talk about it in code without ever really saying it. We spoke about it for a couple of minutes. That I wanted my first kiss would be my last kiss."

"And what was her thoughts?"

"She had the same thoughts as I did."

"Jack don't jump ahead of God in this. Make sure you pray it through."

"Yes Pops."

"And when you do propose, it must be filled with love and with Elizabeth in mind. The occasion or the atmosphere doesn't mean as much if you don't make her feel loved."

"Thanks Pops."

…

Thomas and Charlette were sitting on the front porch in rocking chairs. Tom had already left with some of his best friends.

"This is almost like normal. Dad has Jack in the shop and mom is in the kitchen."

"A typical Thanksgiving. He reached for her hand. I must admit I do enjoy having Elizabeth with us."

"Me too." Charlette exhaled. "She's good for our boy."

"She is. She challenges him and he challenges her. I like it."

"I just hope…"

"Trust your son, sweetheart. He's a good guy and she is a good young lady. They've been raised well. Trust them."

"You realize that's not that easy."

"I didn't say it was. Just trust them."

…

When the movie ended, Lee's mom stood up and gathered all the cups and bowls before going to the kitchen. She began to clean the dishes and put some water on the stove to boil for tea and or hot chocolate.

Rosemary glanced at Lee for a moment. He was trying to find something else on TV for them to watch. When he landed on a classical movie, she laughed.

"What? I thought you would like this."

"I do. Do you like it?"

"I don't even know what it is. I just figured you would like it because it was in black and white."

Rosemary laughed at his statement and his facial expression. When the laughter settled down, she looked at this guy. He was a couple of years younger than she was. While an issue to her, it wasn't a major problem. He was kind and funny. He always made her laugh. He did put her first. The thing that stood out the most was that he was patient. He didn't push her even though she thought he wanted a relationship.

That thought made her examine herself. She was falling for this guy. He was everything she wanted in a boyfriend, but then the memory of Stan came back to her mind. How nice he seemed until he wasn't in the back of the park that night. A switch flip in him and he wasn't the guy she thought he was. Every guy was tainted by Stan.

"Lee…may I tell you something?"

"Sure."

"It's not a secret that I like you."

"We are good friends."

"Not that…" Her voice trailed off.

"What do you mean then?" He honestly asked.

"It's no secret that I like you more than a friend." She stopped speaking when he leaned away from her.

"It's a better secret than you think. I didn't think you liked me like that. I was friend zoned from the beginning. You're a better secret keeper than you give yourself credit for."

"I guess so…I do like you more than just a friend, but…" Rosemary tried her best to collect her words. Other than the police officer and Jack, she hasn't told a guy what happened to her that dreadful night. "Last year I was dating this guy named Stan. We were in theater together and…" Rosemary spent the next few minutes explaining all that he did. She shared that Jack was the one who stopped the attack before it progressed. Lee's mom began to walk into the living room until she sensed a deep conversation was taking place. She quietly turned back into the kitchen not to overhear their conversation.

Lee was shocked that anyone would do something like that. He knew if he would try something like that, his brother, Cory, would kill him. He slowly reached for Rosemary's hand. She flinched at the first touch, but quickly wrapped her fingers around his.

"I'm sorry you went through that. No one should have to deal with that."

"Thank you for saying that."

"That's why you were so standoffish at Jack's after the football game during the bonfire."

She nodded her head.

"But you texted with me the next day?" His statement came out like a question.

She nodded again. "Against my better judgment, I wanted to talk to you. I'm just scared."

"Of me?" He asked.

"A little but I think I'm more scared of putting myself in a situation like before."

"I'm not that guy, Rosey." His voice was soft and sincere.

Again, Rosemary nodded her head. "I know…I'm sorry…it's just…" She spoke slowly and softly. Part of her was afraid to share the story with him. The other part was afraid that he wouldn't want to wade through this with her. She just knew he would turn to walk away. "I know I'm projecting that situation onto you and it's not fair. I'm sorry."

Lee nodded his head in agreement. "I'll make a deal with you…"

"A deal?" Rosemary asked, interrupting him.

"Yes, a deal. We will go as slow with this as you want, and you need. No pushing on my part. If I am pushing, please tell me. I may not know I'm doing it."

"Really?"

"Yes, but you have to make an effort to not project that horrible man on me. I'm not him and I would like to see where this goes with you and me."

"What if it takes time?"

"As long as you are making an honest attempt to move past it and give me a chance, I'll wait."

"Are you really sure?" She paused after each word. The weight of the conversation squarely on her shoulders. He was really trying. Was she willing to try?

"I am as long as you are trying."

"That may still take some time."

"I'm ok with that. Are you?"

Rosemary paused only for a moment. "I am." She nodded her head.

…

Nana looked over at Elizabeth. She was making the stuffing from Nana's instructions. She had a very serious look on her face. She was amazed at the concentration Elizabeth was doing. She thought Elizabeth didn't have much time spent in the kitchen. She walked over to Elizabeth and stood beside her.

"Relax dear. You're not making a scientific experiment. This should be fun, or at least not so serious. It's just stufffing."

"I don't have much experience in the kitchen. I just want it to be perfect."

"It's food. They'll love it if it is done. Enjoy this time. Relax. Just don't stress yourself out over this. Listen, one of the ways I chose to love my family is to feed them. It is work, but it doesn't feel like it when they sit around my dining room table enjoying my food and laughing with each other. That's the payoff for me. This is how I chose to love my family. You may have another way to do it when it is your time. Don't stress out over this. Calm down and enjoy the process. Follow the directions and all will be fine."

"I don't know…"

"Elizabeth…" Nana stated as she put her arm around Elizabeth's shoulder and pulled her into a half hug. "…breathe. It's going to be alright. Now, enjoy the process. Remember this, they will be so hungry they'll eat a peanut butter sandwich if you give it to them." She heartly laughed as she gave Elizabeth a grandmother's kiss on the cheek. "If you haven't figured it out yet, I like you. You are everything JayJay has said about you, maybe a little more."

Elizabeth smiled at the precious woman. "Thank you." Elizabeth stated as she leaned over and kissed Nana on the cheek.

When Nana went back to working on what she was doing before, Elizabeth closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She centered herself and then turned her attention back to the bowl and instructions before her. She was determined to relax a little and enjoy the work. Softly, and slowly, she began to hum.

Nana quickly glanced toward Elizabeth and then back down at her ingredients that were in front of her. A smile growing on her face. She quickly recognized the song Elizabeth was humming. She slowly began to sing along with Elizabeth's humming.

I'll be home for Christmas…You can plan on me…Please have snow and mistletoe…And presents on the tree…

As they finished singing, they smiled gratefully at each other. They continued their work with no other words spoken. They did hum a couple of songs together.

…

Nana came into the kitchen around midnight looking for a glass of water. She was startled when she noticed Elizabeth sitting at the table sipping a glass of water and nibbling on a chocolate chip cookie.

"Oh…you read my mind. Would you rather have some tea?"

"Tea would be perfect." Elizabeth smiled. "Let me help."

"Sit. Sit. This will only take a moment." Nana placed the water on the stove to boil and then gathered two mugs and a small plate. She placed a few more cookies on the plate to share. She placed everything in front of them and sat at the head of the table with Elizabeth beside her but at an angle.

"Are you alright dear? You're up late?"

"I'm fine. Just couldn't get to sleep."

"Is the bed uncomfortable?"

"No. I slept most of the way here. I always sleep in the car."

"Just like my Char." Nana laughed.

"Why are you up?"

"I couldn't get these silly cookies out of my mind. I'm glad you cooked a second patch. Those things went fast." She stated as she took her first bite from the cookie.

"I can't believe how many Jack ate."

"I think he likes yours more than he likes mine." Nana smiled as she chewed the cookie. "Beth, these are so good."

For the first time she could remember, she didn't flinch when someone used the name, Beth. She didn't understand it. Maybe it was Nana's tone or the love in her voice when she said it, but she was fine with it.

"You know, I never liked that name."

"I'm sorry."

"No…no…I like it when you say it. Jack calls me Princess Beth and I can't stand it. The kids in the special ed group calls me that and I'm ok with it."

"I'll just call you Elizabeth."

"No Nana. You may call me Beth. But only you."

Nana reached for Elizabeth's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. The act reminded her of the times Jack did it. She loved this precious woman in front of her.

"Nana…" She began to say something but stopped just as quickly.

After a few moments of silence, Nana pushed the plate toward Elizabeth. "I love all my grandchildren the same. Tom is a fine young man who is still trying to find himself. Jack was just special to me. Maybe it's because he was the first grandbaby. He always had this way with him."

Elizabeth nodded her head. "I believe he does."

"In the eighth grade, he walked into my home one day proclaiming that he was never going to date. Ever!" Nana giggled a teenage girl's giggle. "After talking to him for a little while, he finally relented that he wasn't going to date in high school."

"I had the same rule. I decided that during my freshman year."

"So, you must really be special to have my JayJay since he broke his rule. He's a rule follower. If I told him three cookies, he would only take three cookies. It didn't matter if he wanted more. He would only take what he was granted."

Elizabeth lowered her head slightly hoping to hide the blush in her cheeks. She did feel special knowing that she was the reason he broke his no dating rule. She knew he was special because he broke her rule.

"I know this means nothing to you or JayJay…"

"Nana…" Elizabeth interrupted. "I love your grandson. One day, I will marry him." She blurted out before she knew it. It was as if she was going to burst if she didn't say it out loud to someone.

Nana placed her hand over Elizabeth's hand. "I know this means nothing to you or JayJay, but you have my blessing to wed." She continued her previous statement.

Elizabeth's head shot up very quickly. She was shocked that Nana would say such a thing. "How did…how did you know?" She asked shocked.

"Oh Beth…I may be an old woman, but I'm not that old to know that look in a young woman's eyes. One doesn't have to look too hard to see it in your eyes."

"We haven't told anyone that we love each other. It's been our secret."

"I will not say anything. What is said around my kitchen table at midnight stays around my kitchen table."

Elizabeth nodded her head in understanding. "I really do love your grandson."

"I know dear. I suspect you two want to further your education. Stay together, communicate, make a plan, and work toward that plan. If you'll do that, you will grow individually and as a couple."

"Do you think we have to wait until after college?"

"That'll be at least five years."

"Oh." Elizabeth voiced softly. That sounded like a very long time to wait. Plus, with them being away from home and not sure if they would be at the same college. That just seemed like an eternity.

"You could get married during college or even before college."

"And still go to college?"

"Sure…if you have a plan and stick with it."

"Huh…"

"You two will have to communicate and make a plan. It won't be easy but doable."

Elizabeth sat back in her chair. Nana smiled at the look of Beth's concentration.

"It doesn't have to be decided tonight. After all, you haven't even proclaimed your love…much less talk about marriage."

Elizabeth glanced up and chuckled at the smirking expression on Nana's face.

"You know, don't you?" Elizabeth asked shyly.

"I'm a grandmother, dear." She nodded her head slightly.

"We haven't really talked about it. We had a quick, slightly coded one minute talk."

"Get on the same page and talk it over. Make a plan and work toward what you two feel is in your hearts."

"Thanks, Nana."

"I love you, Beth. Now, share that last cookie with me. We have a big day tomorrow."

"I love you, Nana."