Chapter 50

Jack and Elizabeth spent ten minutes talking with their families in the standing area of the bleachers at the top section. Elizabeth met Ted. He looked a little like Jack with his dimples, but they weren't just like Jack's. She could see the pure happiness on her older sister's face. She hoped to spend some time with them before they headed back to college. The families decided to get together for a snack at a restaurant. They invited Jack and Elizabeth to join them. The young couple told them that they had already made plans. Both were a little hungry, so they agreed to go somewhere to sit down and order something to drink and an appetizer.

They hugged and kissed their parents and told everyone else goodbye. Ted and Viola decided to join her parents. It would be quality time with Viola's parents, and Ted could still spend time with his aunt and uncle.

Jack and Elizabeth extended their pinkies, interlocking them as they began walking to the set of doors to leave the gym. They met Tom and Julie while walking into the gym to find their parents.

"Hey, you two."

"Hello, mother. Did you enjoy the game?"

"We did."

"Jack seemed better after the third period. He looked exhausted."

"He was, but I believe he recovered." Charlette smiled at her youngest. "We are going to grab a snack with William and Grace."

"That sounds great."

…

Connie and Steven were walking toward his car after saying goodbye to everyone. They were enjoying their time together. Life has been busy lately. So, this short time together was nice to have.

"I'm very proud of you."

Steven turned his head to look at his girlfriend. "Why would you say that?"

"First, you signed up to play college basketball. Secondly, you had a good game tonight. Thirdly, you were the first person to see Jack when you noticed he was struggling. Yet, you weren't too pushy with him."

"I knew something was off."

"Yeah…and you slammed that guy against the wall when he was hurt."

"He's my brother, Connie. It's what you do for your brother."

"I love your loyal determination toward your friends. It's an attractive quality to have."

"Thank you." He whispered. "I'm excited we are going to the same college."

"Me too." She smiled. "I love you, Steven.

"I love you. Do we have time for ice cream or something?"

"Mom told me my curfew has been pushed back by thirty minutes."

"Great. Would you like to spend those thirty minutes with me?"

"I was hoping you would ask me that."

"You are the best girlfriend ever!" He smiled.

…

William, Grace, Thomas, and Charlette joined Viola and Ted with Tom and Julie at a local restaurant. It was a nice restaurant but certainly not an upscale, fancy place to eat. They ordered four different appetizers that brought a variety of items to eat.

"So, Teddy, what have you been up to?"

"Tommy…" Ted's voice had a warning tint to it.

Tom laughed at his cousin's warning.

"Just school and practicing the piano."

"So, nothing has changed." Tom laughed.

"Well, something has changed." Smiled Viola as she reached for Ted's hand under the table. He smiled when he felt her fingers intertwine with his.

"That was pretty bold of you to lie about no seats available." Teased his little cousin.

"I wouldn't say lie…" Ted stated.

"Well, there were a few other seats that were available." Flirted Viola with a knowing grin.

"Sweetheart, he wasn't speaking to you." He leaned in and nudged her shoulder. "You don't have to tell everything you know."

William and Grace sat back, watched, and listened to the teasing between their older daughter and her new boyfriend. They most certainly noticed a change in their child. They were welcoming to her change. Viola wasn't a bad person in the past, but now, she seems to have focused on the more important things in life. Her perspectives and thoughts have changed for the better. Viola has settled to be more like the person they knew was deep inside her. They most welcomed the change.

"Tommy, I don't have to lie to talk to a young lady."

"Teddy, when you were in high school, you…"

"Tommy!" Warned Ted to the laughter of everyone at the table.

"You know Ted, it has been forever since I have heard you play."

"I guess a year ago last Christmas at Nana's, Aunt Charlette. The church Christmas special."

"Yes."

"Maybe Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher will allow you to come over when I practice again tomorrow."

"Sure, you may come over anytime." Grace smiled.

"If my old eyes aren't deceiving me…I see a piano over there." Charlette nodded to her left.

"Aunt Charlette…it's late…"

"I know, but…"

"Ted, I would love to listen to you play." Viola flirted as she spoke softly and leaned toward him a little.

"Good grief." He shook his head. "They may not allow anyone to play it. Just because there is a piano doesn't mean it's an open piano."

"Oh, they do. It's an open piano. Anyone can play it." William added. "I haven't heard you play live yet."

Ted lowered his head. He knew he was fighting a losing battle.

"Please." Viola softly asked with those big puppy dog eyes.

"That's not fair." He whined a little as he scooted his chair back to stand.

"Perfect." She bounced in her seat a little. She really did love listening to him play.

…

After a nice time sitting down and sharing an appetizer, Jack closed his truck door after Elizabeth sat down. He walked around the front of the truck, never breaking eye contact with her. She never understood why that simple act moved her, but it did. The corners of her lips curled upward as she intently watched him make the turn to walk toward his door. After taking his seat behind the wheel, she scooted to the middle of the seat. She watched Jack's smile grow the closer she got to him. She loved that his face showed her how much he loved being with her. While he couldn't always tell her with his words, his facial expressions and eyes screamed the truth to her at every opportunity.

She reached for Jack's hand after he placed the truck in gear. He raised her hand and kissed the back of it. "Thank you." He stated.

"What for?" she asked, not knowing exactly why he was thanking her. She placed their hands on her thigh as she asked the question.

"For being concerned about me but not being too much of a loving girlfriend."

Elizabeth chuckled. "Thank you, but we both know I have been a loving girlfriend. Especially with what the doctor and Coach Franklin asked me to do."

"That's true, but I meant tonight after the game." He sassed a little. "You haven't asked me once how I'm doing since we left the school."

"Jack, I enjoyed the time we spent together this evening. It's been just us and no one else. That's not always the norm for us."

"Yeah…it has been a while since we have only been the two of us."

"Yeah." She placed her head on his shoulder. She inhaled a deep breath, memorizing his scent once again. "I love our time together no matter who is around us, but I do love our time together when it's just us."

…

Jack pulled onto the driveway that led to the Thatcher home. He always smiled at how long the driveway was. It was late. He texted his parents to let them know where he was. They told him to take his time and to text them when he dropped Elizabeth off. They weren't pushing him to be home as long as he texted them and told them what he was doing. He also knew he shouldn't be too late.

Jack pulled his truck to his unofficial parking spot beside the water fountain. He chuckled when he thought about the mountain of soap bubbles Elizabeth created when she was six. He leaned over and kissed Elizabeth on the cheek before exiting the truck and walking to the passenger side to open the door for her. She accepted his hand as he extended it to assist her out of his truck.

"Thank you, Jack." She smiled at him, being a gentleman.

Jack adjusted their hands as they began their journey to her front door. The game didn't go as he would have wanted. However, he did finish the evening being with his girlfriend. He gently pulled her closer to him as they walked. The temperature wasn't as cold as it had been. Elizabeth slowed her walking even more when they stepped on the top step. She wanted to prolong the time with Jack as much as possible.

"You've been busy signing the scholarship and game today."

"Yeah…it's official. We are attending the same school. Are you still good with that?"

"I am."

"I won't be a rainy cloud over your dating pool in college?"

"Jack." She stated in a soft tone of correction. "You have my heart. No one can take it away from you."

He grinned at her statement. "I'm looking forward to being with you at school."

"Me too." She stated as she stopped just in front of the large front door.

"Elizabeth…I don't want to leave you." The hatred of having to leave was evident in his voice.

"I don't want you to go." Her tone matched his. She slowly took half a step closer just to be close to him.

…

"I'm sorry you were forced into playing."

"It's ok, Viola. It happens all the time."

"Maybe, but we shouldn't have put you on the spot like that."

"Well, it was my aunt as much as anyone else."

"I pushed you more than anyone. You really do play very well."

"Thank you."

"Father says it was better than he thought it would be. He has heard several pianists play. He was telling everyone you were the best he has heard."

"He shouldn't say silly things like that."

"He was very adamant about it." She watched him drive for a few moments. "Ted, thank you for not being so truthful about no seats being open during Biology class. I'm glad you sat beside me."

"I was terrified. I never imagined you would speak to me."

"Are you being serious right now?"

"Viola, I walked into the classroom, and I instantly saw you sitting in the chair. You were the most beautiful woman I have laid my eyes on. You were stunning in the light pink shirt."

"You remember the color of the shirt I was wearing."

"Of course. You didn't notice me stuttering when I tried to talk to you? I was so shocked when you continued speaking to me. I couldn't believe this beautiful woman was actually speaking to me."

Viola chuckled. "Ted, I couldn't believe this cute guy was talking to me."

Ted pulled her closer to him when he stopped at the traffic light. "I don't know where I found the courage to talk to you, but I am grateful I did."

Viola paused at the look of love in his eyes. She could easily see it even if they hadn't said 'I love you' to each other. She was almost certain he did love her. She knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that she had already fallen for this guy.

Ted leaned in and gently kissed her on the lips. He wanted to further the kiss, but he knew he couldn't. That wasn't even what he wanted to do the most. He wanted to tell her that he loved her. He knew he did. As scared as he was to talk to her for the first time, he was even more nervous now. He wanted to scream the fact that he loved her at the top of his voice. He thought she loved him, but he was still nervous about sharing his heart like that. After all, they can't be taken back once those words are spoken. Little did Ted know that she was having the same internal battle he was having.

"Viola, we leave in a couple of days. Would you be free to go out with me tomorrow night?"

"I think mother and father have made plans for all of us tomorrow night."

"Oh…may we do something during the day?"

"You sound like you want to spend time with me." she teased.

"Absolutely." He stated without hesitation as he leaned in for another kiss as the light turned green. The car behind them blew its horn.

…

Jack reached for her other hand as he stepped half a step closer to Elizabeth. Like her, he wanted to be closer to his girlfriend. She held onto his hand and matched his actions. They were just mere centimeters from each other. They smiled goofy smiles at each other as they shared the same breath.

"I'm grateful you were able to play tonight. I'm also thankful you didn't hurt yourself further."

"Thank you." He closed the distance just a little more. They still weren't touching, but they were very close now. "Thank you for everything you did for me over the last few weeks." He began the sentence by looking into her eyes. By the time he finished the sentence, he looked at her lips.

Elizabeth was fully concentrated on Jack as he spoke. She wasn't focused on the words he was saying; if you were to ask her to repeat his last phrase, she couldn't do it. She was too focused on his eyes. She was at the cliff's edge, ready to jump if he had just asked her to. She also trusted him with everything. She knew he was trustworthy. She was holding it together, somewhat. That was until he shifted his focus to her lips. That was her complete undoing. Her eyes followed him and noticed where he was looking. She bit her lip after lightly licking her lips.

When she bit her lip, Jack lost all resemblance of control. He closed his eyes for a moment, hoping to regain some control.

"Jack…"

"Elizabeth…"

They started at the same time in a low, husky tone.

When they heard the other's voice, their lips crashed together. A half second after their lips sought each other out, they pressed their bodies together. They're not getting close enough to satisfy themselves. The kiss was filled with hunger, passion, and, most importantly, love. Their tongues danced perfectly together. After an indescribable amount of time, Jack pulled back just enough to take in a deep breath of air. His lungs were demanding it. He also knew he needed to separate himself so he wouldn't push too far.

When Jack pulled back, she gasped in the air her lungs were screaming for. She wasn't happy about losing the touch of his lips. He knew how to kiss her. He slowly leaned forward and placed his forehead against hers.

"Jack…"

The simple act of calling his name drove him crazy. He took a deep breath and opened his eyes. He looked directly into her eyes. The expression of love was easily communicated.

The look of love in Elizabeth's eyes brought Jack back to his senses. He loved this young lady completely. For Jack, his feelings had nothing to do with lust. His Pa told him that lust was only about yourself and what you could get and feel. True love had nothing to do with yourself. Everything was about the young lady. Of course, Jack's body desired Elizabeth. He loved her. Her personality, humor, mind, and body appealed to him. His seventeen-year-old hormones demanded satisfaction. However, her heart was in his hands, and he was unwilling to do anything to damage or crush it. Besides his soul, her heart was his most treasured item. No matter the natural desires, his body was screaming to be fulfilled. Those voices were silenced in his heart.

They talked about intimacy before tonight. They knew each other's desires. They were seventeen years old, with changing bodies and hormones developing, which caused their natural desires to develop even more. When you add the person they loved to the equation, those natural desires develop even more. Even with all of that, they were in one accord. They both believed intimacy was reserved for marriage, only to be fully explored in that committed union.

While Jack's heart was beginning to gain ground over his body's cry for Elizabeth, he missed the physical lip connection with his girlfriend. She knew how to kiss him. Jack's smile grew, and he slowly leaned in for a gentle kiss. He knew the fire within him was still simmering. So, he decided to pull back on the passion. The kiss was slow, gentle, and loving. Elizabeth could barely feel Jack's lips.

For some odd reason Elizabeth couldn't explain, Jack pulling back and tenderly kissing her threw even more fuel on the ever-consuming fire within her. She knew what he was doing and why. Knowing that fact only drew her closer to him. She also knew that he still had to kiss her even if he was trying to control himself. She trusted him with everything. She would follow him to the ends of the earth if he asked. She also knew that he would follow her to the ends of the earth. Their connection was deeper than just physical attraction or natural desires. They were fully connected to each other in every true way possible.

As Jack's lips caressed and loved her lips, Elizabeth ran her hands up his arms and over his shoulders. She began to play with the hair on the back of Jack's head. She drew him into her and internally smiled, knowing he was melting from her simple actions. Her legs were growing a little weak. She took a couple of steps back to place her back against the wall and brought him with her. She never released her gentle hold of his hair. When Elizabeth's back rested against the wall, Jack instantly followed her and slightly pressed his body against her while still tenderly kissing her. Their tongues continued the perfect dance with each other.

The pressure of Jack's weight against her instantly brought her dream to mind. She remembered the incredible feeling of Jack's weight on top of her. She still couldn't understand how amazing that felt. She just had to feel more of his weight on her. She pulled on the back of Jack's head to draw him into her even further. She moaned as she felt more of him.

Elizabeth's moan made Jack's brain stop working entirely. If breathing weren't a subconscious act, Jack wouldn't have been able to breathe. He knew he couldn't deepen the kiss because he would jump headfirst off the cliff after a running start. Instead of deepening the kiss, Jack gathered strength so his legs would work. He pulled back and kissed the tip of her nose. Then kissed her lips one more time. Then he worked his way to her chin. After spending a couple of seconds kissing and nibbling her chin, he worked his way up her jawline, doing the same thing. His intention was to capture her ear, but he quickly thought that may not be the best idea. He knew that was a weakness of hers. He stopped just short of her ear.

Jack slowly kissed and gently sucked on her jawline and then worked his way down her neck. He placed his right hand on her waist, then slowly moved it to the small of her back. He pulled her closer to him. With his left hand, he ran it up her arm and then slowly touched his way to the back of her head. He slowly ran his fingers through her hair. She raised her chin, granting him better access to her neck.

Elizabeth lowered her hand. It rested on Jack's back. She tried to pull him closer, but he was already against her. She felt more of his weight against her, and it was driving her crazy. For someone great with words, she couldn't explain why his weight on her was so moving to her, but it was. It was the greatest feeling in the world.

Jack slowly kissed his way to the front of her neck. He paid close attention to each time his lips touched her skin. He was trying to read her body to see what she liked or didn't like. He smiled when he found the small indentation at the base of her neck where the collarbones meet. He slightly increased the pressure of his lips.

Elizabeth gasped when he began to pay attention to that spot. She shivered, and she could feel Jack smile as he pressed his lips against her. All the feelings she felt in her dream were no longer just feelings in her dream that she swore were real. Now, they were real. It may have felt real in that dream, but now it felt so much more intense. Her knees gave way, and she dropped an inch or two. Jack never released the pressure. He followed her. For some weird reason, he loved that spot. The little intention was intimate to him. He knew it didn't make any sense. Of all the intimate, sexy spots Elizabeth had – her ear, her neck, the soft spot below her ear, her chin, the little spot was his most favorite. He didn't know she loved it more than he did.

Suddenly, Jack stopped his attention and slowly pulled back from Elizabeth. When their eyes connected, they saw the passion and frustration that were running rampant in their expressions. They loved every moment but knew they had to step back before the lines were crossed. They were grateful and frustrated at the same time.

"Jack…" Her voice was husky, low, and desiring.

"Elizabeth…" Jack's voice sounded just like Elizabeth's.

Their foreheads met halfway and gently touched. Their eyes were closed as they tried to slow down their breathing.

"I love you." They both stated at the same time. They chuckled with their eyes closed and foreheads still together.

"I need to be going."

"I know."

Both of their voices were defeated. They weren't happy with him having to leave.

"I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Yes, remember you are making me walk with you."

"Perfect. See you in the morning."

"I must be at the locker room at eight to see Candy. She wanted to do a treatment and examine the ankle. I'll call you when I'm done. Then we can spend the day together."

"That sounds nice."

"I love you, Elizabeth."

"I love you, Jack."

…

Ted pulled onto the driveway of Viola's childhood home. He still couldn't get over how huge the house was and how long the driveway was. He only saw homes like this on TV. While it initially freaked him out, he concentrated on his beautiful date instead of the intimidating home. As they pulled to the home, they noticed Jack bent over the fountain, splashing water on his face. They thought it was odd. They didn't understand why in the world he would be splashing extremely cold water on his face. Ted purposefully parked a good distance away from Jack's truck. He didn't want to disturb whatever was going on.

Jack nodded to Ted as they drove by as he was walking to his truck. Due to the cold water, Ted could see water dripping from Jack's chin and the light blue tint of Jack's face.

As Ted exited his car, Jack began descending the long driveway. Ted watched his cousin momentarily, then turned his attention to the passenger door and his girlfriend.

"I have enjoyed the evening with you." He whispered as they ascended the stairs to the front door.

"Me too. I greatly enjoyed everything." She whispered as she stepped closer to him. His breath caught in his chest when she closed her eyes and slightly separated her lips. He still had trouble believing she was his girlfriend and that she was willing to kiss him.

Like Jack and Elizabeth's time on the porch, Ted and Viola pushed limits with the kissing and making out. They both pulled away just before things became too involved, and they still had some wits about them. Their breathing was heavy as they placed their foreheads together to calm themselves. As Ted made his way to his car, he made the same detour Jack did. He completely understood why Jack had splashed the cold water on his face. He gasped when the stinging cold water hit his hot skin.

…

Jack sat on the front porch of his home, staring at the night sky. He and Elizabeth had texted repeatedly since he had to tell her he was home safe. They both enjoyed the night. He finally coaxed her into sending him a selfie with her hair in a messy bun. He never thought he could talk her into it. He made it his background photo on his phone. Once Elizabeth saw it, he knew she would get him to change it or do it herself. He was going to enjoy it until she did.

Jack looked up when he saw headlights in the driveway. He watched his cousin step out of the car. As Ted approached him, he noticed Ted's wet shirt and hair. It looked just like his. He couldn't help but chuckle at their predicament.

"Nice evening?" Jack teased as his cousin stepped onto the top step.

"Yeah…" Ted's voice trailed off as he sat beside his little cousin.

Each looked at the other's shirt and damp hair and gave each other a knowing nod. Nothing was spoken about it.

"So, you and Elizabeth had a nice evening?"

"We did."

"And your ankle?"

"A little tender but not too bad. I was expecting worse. It'll be ok."

There was a short pause in the conversation as each guy quickly reflected on the evening with their girlfriends. A small smile played on both of their lips.

"So, you and Elizabeth?"

"Yeah…she's the one for me. I know it."

"You think?"

"Yes. I gave her a Gladduah ring."

"I saw a ring on her left ring finger."

"It's like a promise ring. I spoke to William about my intentions with Elizabeth. I know in my heart she is the one for me, my lifetime love."

"I am happy for you."

"And you and Viola?"

"We haven't dated as long as you and Elizabeth, but she is important to me."

Jack smiled at his cousin. He could easily see how lost he was in Elizabeth's older sister.

"Who would ever imagine that you, me, and Tom would be dating sisters."

"Yeah…" Ted's voice trailed off. "I'm shocked Tommy is dating anyone longer than ten days."

"You, along with everyone else. It seems like she settles him without completely changing him."

"Jack, I think I'm in love with Viola."

"It's easy to see. You have never been that way with any other girl you talked about. Not that there were many of them."

"I just didn't date a whole lot."

Both guys looked up when the front door opened.

"Are you two ok?" Thomas asked.

"We're fine, Pa."

"We're good, Uncle Tom."

Tom studied both boys for a moment. Then he walked to the other side and sat beside his son in the free rocking chair. "What's up, you two? Why do you have wet hair and wet shirts?"

…

Elizabeth stared out her favorite window, looking at the stars. The night was cold and clear. The stars were on bright display. Even with all its beauty, the stars were lost on her. She wasn't seeing them in their majesty. She was remembering the beautiful moments on the front porch with Jack. Every sensation was vivid and real. The night was beautiful in her memory. Her head jerked up when she heard a knock on her bedroom door. A moment later, Viola stuck her head in.

"Ok if I come in?"

"Sure," Elizabeth stated as she adjusted herself on her little bench. She watched her older sister enter the room after closing the bedroom door. She sat on Elizabeth's bed and crossed her legs.

"What's up?" Elizabeth asked.

"When did you know Jack was the one?" Viola didn't waste any time jumping into the topic she wanted to discuss with her little sister. She asked her little sister, nodding toward the ring on her left hand.

Elizabeth smiled as she leaned back against the wall. Since sitting in her favorite spot, she had replayed the whole Jack thing countless times in her mind.

"If I'm being completely honest with you, very early on. I think I knew in my heart of hearts the first week of school. I was just so inexperienced with relationships that I didn't see it. Or at least I didn't know what I was seeing. We had those two huge hiccups early on. We grew closer quickly once we worked that out and settled things down."

"When did you come to terms with it? Finally admitting to it, I mean?"

Elizabeth thought about it for a few moments. She was a little surprised by the line of questions from her older sister, but she could easily see how much she cared for Ted. "I would guess our first official date and first kiss. I honestly believe it was there before then, but that was a huge leap forward. The kidnapping incident was huge, too. I knew then that Jack would do anything to protect me. For me, that's important. We work well together on things. He calls me out when I need it, and I do the same for him. We both are grateful for that. He is also my biggest cheerleader and encourager. I am his as well. We just easily have each other's back. He understands what I need and meets those needs without me having to ask him. I believe I am the same with him."

"That's great, but it really doesn't answer my question."

Elizabeth repositioned herself as she thought back. She adjusted the long sleeves on her sleeping t-shirt. "I don't think there was a certain instance that opened the floodgates and screamed, 'This is the one!". I think it was all the little things that just added up. When I reached for his pinky sitting in the booth at Abgail's on the second day of school with Connie and Steph…I felt whole…complete. I just knew. I can't explain it better than that."

Viola nodded her head. She was thinking about her relationship with Ted. It hadn't been very long, but she knew he was the one.

"Wait…why are you asking me all of this?" Elizabeth watched her sister. "You think Ted is the one, don't you?" Elizabeth smiled at Viola's face, which turned a little red in embarrassment.

Viola kept her head down but turned her eyes to look at her little sister. Her facial features were screaming that fact to her.

"You do!"

Viola nodded her head. After a deep breath, she voiced what she was not willing to say due to making it feel more real. "I do. I know it's very early on, but I think he is. I'm not sure I can explain it."

"That's how I felt about Jack. I talked to Mother about it a little, but Nana was a huge help to me."

"Why is that?"

"Nana only backed up what Mother was saying. I guess I have always thought when mother would tell me something, she was being a mother. She had to say it. I didn't give her enough credit. Mother was right with everything she told me. Nana just said the same thing. Jack and I talked in code instead of just coming out and talking about it. Pops talked with Jack and told him to stop talking in code to me and to share his heart with me. Viola, when he did that, we took countless leaps forward. I don't doubt what he thinks about us. He is open with me and his intentions. I find that very attractive." She smiled unconsciously at the thought of Jack's actions. She really did love that about their relationship. Even if he struggled to speak from his heart. "Jack struggles with speaking from his inner being. His head gets in the way, and his tongue quits working. When he gets out of his head, he does a great job expressing himself when he speaks from his heart."

"Ted is the same way to some degree. I think he is still nervous with me. He has dated, but not very much."

"What I've learned with Jack is just to be open and share what you are thinking and wanting. When you do that honestly and lovingly, your relationship will go to levels you can't imagine. At least ours did."

"I can't believe I am taking dating advice from my little sister, who only has dated one person."

"Very true, but I got it right the first time."

"I agree. I think you did. So, he's the one?"

"Without a question." She stated in a dreamy tone. "I know he is."

"I am happy for you."

"So, how is it going with Ted? And I don't want the answer you give mother and father." Sassed Elizabeth, remembering when her older sister did that with her at the pool.

"Oh Elizabeth…"

…

Thomas only smiled at the two guys' shy smiles. He began to piece the puzzle together. They spend time with their girlfriends. Then they were alone with them for a little while. He didn't know how they were a little wet since they hadn't been inside yet, but he thought he knew why they were wet. He turned his attention to his son first.

"You were a gentleman…yes?"

"Yes, Pa. I was a gentleman."

Then he turned his attention to his nephew. "And you…you were a gentleman?"

"Yes, Uncle Tom. I was a gentleman."

"Before your father passed, I know he taught you to be a man and how to act around a woman."

"Yes, he spoke with me on that topic several times. He also showed me how to treat a woman with mom."

"Yes, he was a good man. I see a lot of him in you."

"Thank you, Uncle Tom. That means a lot to me."

"So, what's your question?" He turned his attention to his son.

"No question. Elizabeth and I were kissing tonight. We pulled back before it became too heated."

"I'm not going to ask you if you pushed her. I know you wouldn't do that." Jack gratefully nodded his head. "I will ask if you two have talked about intimacy?"

"We have. We both agree that sex should be between a married couple."

"If you both think that way, ensure you have clear boundaries before you need those boundaries. You must know your limits before the windows are fogged up in the car. You will never know your boundaries if you wait until you are in the back seat and the windows are fogged. You will not be able to apply the brakes and back off in the heat of the moment."

"Yes, sir."

"Then make sure you stick with those boundaries. Do not take something that isn't yours to take at this time."

"We have talked about it. We agree with the limits."

"Great. I trust you, son. You have never given me a reason to doubt you." Then he turned his attention to Ted. "You have the same issue with Viola?"

"Not exactly the same, but yes."

"What is your question?" Tom asked as he wrapped his coat around him to keep the heat and cold out.

"I guess I have always been in front of a piano. My relationships usually ended because the girl wanted to be placed before me, practicing the piano. When I wouldn't, and couldn't, do that, they usually left because of it."

"I'm sorry about that. Is Viola pushing you with your practicing schedule?"

"No. She loves to study while I practice. She often studies at the music hall at school so she could listen to me play. She says it helps her relax and study better. She said my playing quiets her mind. I like having her there with me when I practice. I get to spend time with her even if we aren't side by side. Does that make sense?"

"It does. You aren't pushing her, are you?"

"Uncle Tom, you know me better than that."

"I do. Ted, I am sorry. I shouldn't have asked that."

"That's fine, Uncle Tom. You should have asked me that question."

This type of conversation felt like a father-son talk. He had missed that since his father passed away a few years ago. He was grateful his Uncle Tom so easily stepped into this role to question him like a dad.

"So, have you talked with Viola about wanting to wait until marriage? Have you two set your boundaries?"

"We have not. We have discussed several things, but not that aspect."

"Did things get a little carried away tonight?"

"A lot like how Jack described it. We kissed and pulled back before it went too far."

"Then you need to have a sincere, open, and honest talk with her. It sounds like you two are serious. If that is the case, then you need to have that discussion with her. You owe her that."

"Uncle Tom, we haven't dated long, but she is the one for me."

"You know it this soon?"

"I do."

"I see." Tom nodded. "Does she know this is how you feel?"

"No." He sighed. "I think this is the 'me sitting in front of the piano for too many hours' thing and not being very active in dating. I'm not sure how to tell her."

"Pops told me I needed to stop talking in code with Elizabeth. I needed an honest conversation if I felt that strongly for her. The funny thing is that it changed our relationship when I was straightforward with her and spoke openly. It was like I opened a whole new level with her. Elizabeth responded very well. Our relationship deepened when our conversations deepened. Even if I didn't say it correctly or stumbled over my words. We connected when she knew what was in my heart. She never pushed or criticized me if it took me a few minutes to come up with my words or if I said it wrong. She was very patient with me."

"Your mother gave her that little advice about your heart, brain, and tongue not always connected or getting along."

"I figured." Jack laughed. "I still think she and Grace played a role in us…or at least tried to."

"So…you say a woman responds well when you are honest and open with them?"

"Yes, nephew. They respond very well. I learned that lesson with your aunt."

"Dad said the same thing with Mom," Ted stated slowly and softly. He was beginning to put the pieces together.

"You really have stayed in front of that piano too much." Laughed Jack.

"Maybe…but I still love playing."

"Now, be honest with Viola," Thomas stated as he looked at Ted. Then he turned his attention to both young men by looking at them. "Now, you treat those ladies with the greatest respect you can. Jack, I have taught you that. Ted, I know your father taught you that. You love them with a love that doesn't expect anything in return. If you do that, they will love you with all of who they are."

"Mom always said you were a smart man."

"She said that because I married her sister. Charlette makes me smarter."

…

An odd event occurred in the Thornton's home that night. Tom sat in his bedroom as he picked up his phone. He skyped Julie. He had to see her and speak to her even though it was late. Ted sat on his borrowed bed in the guest room and picked up his phone. He touched the screen several times and waited for the Skype call to be accepted. It didn't take long before Viola answered. She was settling down on her bed when she accepted the call. As Tom and Ted made their calls, Jack lay down on his bed after brushing his teeth. He picked up his phone and skyped Elizabeth. She answered the phone after the first ring.

"There's my guy!" she enthusiastically stated, her voice excited. It made Jack smile. The time on the front porch and each time she relived those moments only made her miss Jack even more. Her excitement at seeing him was contagious.

"Oh…you are so beautiful." Jack smiled into the phone. He pulled the phone closer, hoping to see her better. He knew it was a ridiculous thought, but he couldn't keep from doing it.

"Jack, don't be silly. My hair is in a messy bun."

"E-liz-a-beth…don't ever underestimate the power of a messy bun." He wiggled his eyebrows. "You are gorgeous."

"You're being silly."

"Nope. I'm hopelessly in love."

"Hopelessly?" She flirted with her eyes.

"Hopelessly. Completely. Willingly." The look of love in his eyes made her brain stop working as he continued speaking. He had reached through the phone and pushed the pause button in her brain. "Lost. Don't ever want to be rescued. Forever in love with my beautiful girlfriend…almost fiancé."

She smiled at his statements.

"Jack, I love you."

"I love you, Elizabeth."

"Elizabeth, I want to apologize for pushing you too much tonight."

"Jack, you did not push me. If you didn't notice it, I was pushing you."

"I have to admit, I greatly enjoyed our time on your front porch."

"Me too."

After there was a long pause, Elizabeth spoke.

"Jack…I loved our little make-out sessions. I also love the fact that we know when we need to back off."

"Me too." He took a moment and then was completely honest. "I can't wait until we don't have to back off." His voice was so soft and tender, and he could barely be heard. He avoided eye contact with her.

Elizabeth's face turned a little pinkish in color. "Me too." She whispered.

"I believe I found my new favorite spot," Jack stated softly. He quickly glanced into her eyes and then looked down again.

"Yeah…I think you found my new favorite spot." Her tone matched Jack's. They were both a little embarrassed at being so forward. "And where was that?"

"The little spot at the base of your neck." He whispered. "The little indention."

She fell in love with Jack's actions there. He was shy, and his voice was just loud enough for her to hear him. This was a precious guy on her screen.

"I loved it," Elizabeth whispered. She adjusted a small strain of hair behind her neck. "I also liked it when you put a little weight on me." She matched his honesty.

Like Jack, Elizabeth's voice was soft, and her cheeks grew in color. She avoided eye contact as well. He fell in love with her all over again.

"Elizabeth…" He elongated her name. "I have to be honest with you."

"Sure, Jack." She encouraged him without pushing him.

"I had a dream about you."

"Really? Was it a nice dream?" she innocently asked.

"I…huh…" He rubbed the back of his neck. She knew that was his nervous tick. Her mind went to her dream and every wonderful sensation. As great as it was, it didn't match the feelings he gave her a couple of hours ago. "…I…never mind."

"Jack, I'm your girlfriend. Your soulmate. Your future fiancé. Your future wife. You may tell me anything without judgment from me, only understanding."

"Elizabeth, I dreamed that we were together."

"That's a nice dream. Were we dating? Where are we at the same school?"

"Not that type of together." He spoke so softly that she was barely able to hear him.

"Oh…"

"Yeah…"

Both of their faces were red in full embarrassment. They would only glance and make eye contact. There was a long pause until he finally broke the silence.

"We were well on the way but didn't."

"Jack, I had the same type of dream." she bashfully stated.

"You did?" He spoke very slowly and with pauses between words. He didn't think she would have a dream like that.

"Yeah…" Her voice was soft.

He spoke with all the love he had for her showing through his eyes. "I love you."

The sincerity paused her brain for a moment.

"Jack, I love you."

Her sincerity paused his brain for a moment as well. The complete expression of love in her facial features was mesmerizing. Elizabeth was drawing him to her just like she had done since the first time he saw her walking on the beach before dropping her book. He was completely lost in her. He shook his head, trying to get his brain functioning again. He figured the silence was too long. However, he couldn't think of anything to say. So, he said the only thing that he could think of.

"Hi."

Elizabeth giggled, knowing the effect she had on him.

"Hi."