Chapter 55
The next two weeks found Charles incredibly frustrated. He had hoped to talk with Elizabeth. However, she was always with Jack. He had no interest in speaking to him. He did text her a few times, but she never responded to any of the texts. He tried to catch her eye during school and classes a few times, but she just wouldn't look at him for more than a split second. He never could capture her attention.
He tried to pull Wendy in to help, but she just wasn't willing to play along with any of his plans. She had seen Elizabeth and Jack together. She saw the love between them. That new guy was too far gone to tempt him. She just wasn't willing to be part of any games.
"Just don't man."
"I just know I can change her mind if I could just talk to her."
"Charles, you have played this game too many times and too long to truly believe that. Elizabeth is dating Jack, and she isn't willing to change that fact."
"But I have to try." Jeff stated.
"If you insist. My advice to you is to cut ties and just move on. You have no way of winning this game. She is completely with Jack. Haven't you seen that ring on her left finger. It's a promise ring of some sort."
Charles shook his head. He just didn't agree with it. He still held out hope that he could win her over. They just have too much history together.
…
"Not too longer."
"Yes Ma. I won't be much longer."
"Love you, son."
"Love you, Ma."
Jack turned his attention back to his phone. He was on a skype call with Cory, Steven, and Lee. Much to Cory's chagrin, Lee had cemented himself in the group. Secretly, he was ok with it. Lee wouldn't just hang around him and he never told their parents everything they did. Lee had always squealed on his older brother. If he could get Cory in trouble, he would most certainly take advantage of the situation, even if he had to lie about it. Now, he was just part of the group. He kind of enjoyed getting to know his little brother outside of their home. He would just never admit to it. He was playing the older brother role.
"So, are we a go for tomorrow morning?" Jack asked.
"Yeah." Cory stated as Lee nodded his head.
"I'll have the speaker ready."
"Perfect." Jack stated. "Now remember, we can't get there too early. We need to time this out just right. We will all arrive at the same time."
"Maybe we need to ride in together."
"Great idea Steven. We can get to school really early and then leave in Steven's car and go to the gas station down the road. Then we can all go to school with ten minutes before school. The girls will all be there."
"Jack, do you think the girls will be together?"
"Yes Lee. They are always together. Especially before school." Jack added.
"Great."
"Then it's set. We get together before school and then make a fool of ourselves." Jack laughed.
"Yes, but the girls are going to love it."
"I hope so." Steven heard from all the guys.
…
"What do you think they are planning?" Elizabeth asked into her phone as she was working on her hair just before bed.
"I'm not sure. Steven hasn't even asked me out for Valentine's Day. It's just a few days away."
"Connie, I believe those guys of ours is up to something."
"I agree."
"Cory has this look when he is being mischievous. He has had that look the last couple of days."
"Jack is the same. They are definitely up to something. None of our guys would take us for granted, especially for Valentine's Day."
"Well," Rosemary theatrically waved her hands. "…all I know is that Lee better step up his game cutting it this close."
"I don't think we have anything to worry about." Elizabeth confidently stated. While Jack hasn't asked her out yet, she knew he would. She just hasn't figured out what he was up to. His mischievous look was powerful. He was most definitely up to something.
…
"What are you doing dear?"
"Looking at these bulletins."
"May I ask why?"
"Just some bad guys on everyone's radar screen. They have caused some issues before."
"Not something with William I hope."
"No. I seriously doubt it. I just want to stay on top of things."
"What is Jack doing?"
"He's on the phone planning something with the guys."
"Concerning Elizabeth and Valentine's Day?"
"I believe so."
"What are they planning?"
"I have no idea." Tom shook his head. "Hey, would you like to go out with me on Valentine's Day?"
"Why do you even ask?" She laughed.
"I told you from the very beginning that I do not want to take anything for granted."
"You learned from that silly little mistake when we were dating."
"Oh yes…the Dairy Queen incident. I'll never do anything like that again." Tom shook his head.
"I could have killed you that day and not feel bad about it." She laughed.
"I don't you I'm not as stupid as I look. I haven't taken you for granted one time since then."
"You have been the perfect husband." She leaned down and kissed his cheek. "Are you ready for bed?
"Not yet." He replied until he looked up and saw the look in his wife's face. "I'll look at these tomorrow." He quickly stood.
…
Over the last two weeks, Tom and Julie have steadily, yet very slowly, worked on their relationship. Julie had worked hard at recovering what they had. As a matter of fact, her greatest desire isn't just to win Tom back, but she wanted it to be deeper than before. If you would have mentioned the word marriage to her, she would take off running never stopping until she was certain she was so far away that they're any chances of a minister being around. After all, she was still fifteen and still Julie.
With all of that being said, she knew what she wanted and that was a growing relationship with Tom. She was taking Elizabeth's suggestion of being patient. That still isn't her strongest characteristic. She's certain that isn't an attribute that she owns. Julie also spoke to her mother intensively concerning her and Tom. For the first time, Grace thought her youngest daughter was completely open and honest with everything.
Their communication was improving, but they still don't talk on the phone every evening. She was true to her word, she wasn't pushing him.
Tom's heart was still hurting a little. At first, he was very weary of Julie's words. Over the last two weeks, she has proved herself to be true. She was really trying, and he had noticed that. However, the pain was still in his heart. He was taking Jack's recommendation to heart. He was slowly opening himself to Julie. He was maybe going painfully slow, but nonetheless, he was still opening himself to her.
…
Steven sat in his car with Jack, Cory, and Lee. Jack and Lee were in the back seat. Everyone was constantly staring at their watches and phones for the time. Time was moving excruciatingly slowly.
"Is it time to go?"
"Not yet, Cory. I know Elizabeth will text me when she sees my truck but not me."
"True."
"Come on man." Lee whined. He was getting impatient along with everyone else.
When he spoke, Jack's phone buzzed. It was a text from Elizabeth.
E – Where are you
J – Be there in a minute
E – You haven't answered my question I see your truck but not you where are you
J – Patience I'll see you at your car
"Let's role." Jack stated. Then he realized Steven already had the car in gear and was moving. He was as anxious as the rest of the fellas. Jack adjusted his tie as he put the phone in his pocket.
Not only were they anxious, but they were scared. They were hoping their ladies would enjoy what they had planned. They were also nervous. None of them had done anything like this before.
"Come on guys…let's get a date for Valentine's Day." Cory stated with a little nervousness in his voice.
"Yeah man." All the other guys called out at the same time with the same nervousness in their voices.
…
Steven's car pulled into the parking lot. The guys gave him some grief because he had a four door sedan. They called it a 'father's car' and an 'old man car'. They were grateful he had a car big enough for everyone to fit in. They wanted to do this together. Steven pulled into his normal parking spot. They each took a deep breath.
"Let's do this."
"Yeah."
They each got out of the car and adjusted their ties one last time. The girls were all standing around Elizabeth's white mini cooper. They were with her when she texted Jack. They all noticed their boyfriend's car except for Steven. No one was standing by their car. The girls just didn't understand what was happening. If their vehicles were there, then where were their boyfriends.
The girls looked at Steven's car when he pulled into the parking lot. Connie was the one who noticed the car first. Then Steph was the one who noticed Cory in the front seat. It just didn't make sense. While they were good friends, there wasn't a reason for Cory to meet Steven at school and then leave with him before school began. Rosemary was the one who noticed Jack and Lee in the back seat. None of the girls noticed how dressed up the guys were.
As the guys stepped out of the car, the four girls noticed how dressed up they were. While none of the guys would wear pajamas to school, they also didn't dress up too much either. They just wore casual clothes. Now, they are in dress pants, button up, long sleeve dress shirts, and colorful ties. Jack's tie was emerald to match his eyes. He knew Elizabeth liked that. Cory and Lee's were slightly different shades of yellow, and Steven's tie was a bright red. They lined up in front of Steven's car. They were in the next row of cars behind Elizabeth's car. There was about twenty feet between them.
Elizabeth, Steph, Connie, and Rosemary slowly stepped to the back of Elizabeth's car. They were shocked and enamored with their boyfriends. They thought they looked especially cute in their ties. Without thinking, they were standing side by side with each other. As hard as they tried, they just couldn't figure out what the guys were up to.
"What are they doing?" Elizabeth asked before the music began.
"Did they begin the music?" Connie asked as the guys, who were lined up side by side, lowered their heads. They had their hands grasped in front of themselves.
…
Viola stepped up to Ted under their designated tree. This was truly their spot. They would meet there before their shared classes. They even met there when they could only steal a few minutes before their separate classes. It was just a way for them to spend a couple of minutes together and to share a tender kiss.
"Good morning, beautiful." Ted smiled as Viola walked closer.
She smiled an embarrassed smile. She loved the compliments but was still wasn't used to them. "Good morning handsome." She flirted back.
"Are you busy on Wednesday?"
"No, why?"
"Would you like to go out with me for Valentine's Day dinner? Maybe a walk afterwards?"
"Dinner sounds great. I would love a walk, but it may be too cold. Wednesday isn't Valentine's Day. You're a day late." She sassed as she tipped toed for a small kiss.
"I have to play at Richardson's Restaurant on Tuesday. It's a huge payday for me."
"That's a very fancy restaurant."
"It is very fancy."
"I thought you played at restaurants for the practice time and for a free dinner?"
"I do all the other times. However, Valentine's Day is such a huge holiday for restaurants. It's the only day where I get paid with cash. Richardson's actually pays me for four and a half hours beginning at five. I've done it the last two years."
"That's great that you get paid more than a free dinner."
"It is. It really helps. So, will you be my Valentine?"
"I would love to be your Valentine. I thought you would never ask."
"To be honest, I was still a little nervous in asking you."
"Are you serious?"
"Yeah." He looked down with a little bit of a read face. He still had trouble wrapping his mind around the fact that this beautiful woman would go out with him. She thought he was so cute when he was embarrassed.
"I love you, Ted. Of course I would love to have dinner with you, but why the day after Valentine's Day and not before?"
He paused for a moment, then shifted his feet a little. She noticed he rubbed the back of his neck. She remembered Elizabeth shared a story with her that Jack would do that and what it meant. She noticed Ted seemed a little more nervous than normal. He also seemed a bit more shy than normal too.
She reached for both of Ted's hands. "What aren't you telling me?"
"How did you know?"
"I know my boyfriend. Now, if you were serious about our little talk about us growing closer together and building for a lifetime together, you really shouldn't keep things from me." Her voice was firm but not too harsh. He smiled at her determination.
"It's just…I can't afford a fancy restaurant. With all the practice time I must do, I don't have a job. Mom does her best, but she has my little sisters at home that takes precedence over giving me extra spending money. I don't ask her for help. I'll get paid on Tuesday night when I'm finished."
Viola stepped closer to him. She loved him even more in this moment with his honesty and his desire to give her something special. What he didn't realize was the fact that she loved him completely. He didn't have to give her something fancy to show his love for her.
She waited until he looked into her eyes. She knew this was the money issue popping up. He was worried he had to meet a certain standard to impress her. He has already impressed her.
"Ted," She began lovingly. "…you do not have to spend money on me to impress me. If you haven't noticed, I am mesmerized by you. I love you, Ted. I don't say that like I did with those other guys. I truly love you. We can order fast food and sit on the floor of our dorm, and it would be perfect. It's not what we do, it's who I am with. Ted, I love you for the guy that you are. Not what you can give me."
"Really?"
"You silly man. Of course I do. I didn't love our talk because of something you can give me. I loved our talk because you were honest and open with me. You shared your heart with me. I'm all for us growing closer and building our future together. The material things will come as we see fit, but Ted, I love you." She emphasized the word 'you'. He needed to understand her true feelings. "If you want to take me out to a fancy restaurant, I know I will enjoy it. If you want to make sandwiches and watch a move in our dorm, I will enjoy it because I'm with you."
"Viola…"
"I'm not that type of girl anymore."
"I'm sorry."
"No need to be sorry. Now, we've had this discussion and there isn't any need to discuss it any further. Now, I have one question for you."
"Thank you, Viola." He gratefully stated. He loved her answer. It made him feel much better. "Sure, what do you want to know?"
"Will you be my Valentine?"
"With every ounce of my heart." He stated just before he passionately kissed her.
…
When the music began, the ladies were too concentrated on their boyfriends to hear what the song was. The guys' heads began to faintly bounce to the rhythm of the song. A few seconds after the song began the guys began to snap their fingers. They were so nervous. As a result, the first two times they snapped their fingers were off rhythm and weren't in good timing with each other. By the third snap they finally got their timing and rhythm together. This only made the girls giggle.
Just like the other three girls, Elizabeth's eyes were focused on her boyfriend trying to get a grasp of what was going on. Nothing made any sense. They were in shock. Her hands dropped from her backpack strap and fell to her sides. Her eyes solely focused on Jack.
When the intro of the song ended and the music changed slightly, all four boys began swaying left and right and bounced a little as they began to sing. Their voices were a little on the soft side, but they were all singing, swaying, and snapping their fingers.
I found a love, for me
Darling, just dive right in and follow my lead
Well, I found a girl, beautiful and sweet
Oh, I never knew you were the someone waiting for me
"Oh…that's Ed Sheeran's song 'Perfect'. I love that song!" One of the young ladies stated. She was one of several that was in a crowd that was beginning to form. There were about fifteen people standing around. The spectacle was beginning to gain a crowd.
The next verse, Jack stepped forward as the other three guys stepped behind them. They kept swaying and snapping their fingers as Jack sang the next verse alone. When he made eye contact with Elizabeth, he never broke it while he sung. She felt he was singing just to her. His dimples were beginning to overtake his facial features.
'Cause we were just kids when we in love
Not knowing what it was
I will not give you up this time
But darling, just kiss me slow
Your heart is all I own
And in your eyes, you're holding mine.
"Oh Jack…" Elizabeth whispered when he finished singing. He began very softly, but he must have found his confidence because his voice became stronger as he sung.
When Jack was finished with his verse, he stepped back to the group of guys. They all spun around trying to add a little flare to their routine, but they were out of time with each other. It looked a little silly, but the girls and the crowd loved it. Next was Steven's turn to sing his verse. He stepped forward and was in front as the other guys backed him up. He locked eyes with Connie and gave her a little smile.
Baby, I'm dancing in the dark
With you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass
Listening to our favorite song
When you said you looked a mess
I whispered underneath my breath
But you heard it
Darling, you look perfect tonight
As Steven stepped back with the other guys, they did the spun again. It was better than the first time but wasn't flawless. Lee stepped up and sang the next verse. Like the other two, he made eye contact with Rosemary. She stood dumbfounded. She could have never guessed her boyfriend would do anything like this. All four guys continued swaying and snapping their fingers.
Well, I found a woman, stronger than anyone I know
She shares my dreams, I hope that someday I'll share her home
I found a lover, to carry more than just my secrets
To carry love, to carry children of our own.
Rosemary clasped her hands in front of her chest. She knew the verse was more intimate as it talked about marriage and a family, but she knew he picked that verse because it said, "I found a woman, stronger than anyone I know". Lee would often tell her how strong she is by overcoming what that guy did to her. It moved her to her foundations. As Lee finished his verse, he stepped back as Cory stepped up. The other guys continued their little dance routine. He made eye contact with Steph as he began to sing.
We are still kids, but we're so in love
Fighting against all odds
I know we'll be alright this time
Darling, just hold my hand
Be my girl, I'll be your man
I see my future in your eyes
As Cory finished, Jack led the line of guys as they stepped forward to their girlfriends. They were dancing across the small strip of parking lot. Their smiles were growing as they saw the stunned expression on the girlfriends' faces. The boys knew they massacred the dance and song, but they were having the time of their life. This was a lot of fun and a playful time together. They were also hoping this was making their girlfriends feel special even if they were making fools of themselves.
"Come on, Bella…dance with me." Jack stated as he reached for her hands.
Cory, Steven, and Lee did the same thing with their girlfriend. They didn't even notice the huge crowd that had formed.
As they began to dance in the middle of the parking lot, the song continued. When it was time, the guys softly sung the next couple of verses to their girlfriends as they slow danced closely.
Baby, I'm dancing in the dark
With you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass
Listening to our favorite song
When I saw you in that dress, looking so beautiful
I don't deserve this
Darling, you look perfect tonight.
"I love you, Elizabeth." Jack whispered. Before she was able to say anything, he continued to sing.
Cory, Steven, and Lee were doing the same thing. They would sing to the music and hold their girlfriends close.
No, no, no
Baby, I'm dancing in the dark
With you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass
Listening to our favorite song
I have faith in what I see
Now I know I have met an angel in person
And she looks perfect
I don't deserve this
You look perfect tonight
The guys finished the song. The look of love in the guy's eyes was moving to the young ladies. They didn't even notice the crowd.
Elizabeth was completely lost in Jack's eyes. She never broke contact with them. She tried to move closer to him, but he was already as close as he could. She gasped when Jack dipped her when the music ended.
"Jack…"
He brought Elizabeth back up and gently kissed her on her lips. Instead of saying something, he nodded to his right. Her eyes traveled from his eyes to his lips. Then she followed his nod. Much to her shock and surprise, she noticed the special ed group standing close holding different signs. Elizabeth quickly found Adam and John holding a corner of one sign. The handwritten sign in marker read.
Elizabeth, would you be my Valentine?
"Jack…" She tried to say something, but she was so moved by his grand gesture that she couldn't speak. Her brain just wasn't connecting to her mouth nor was it functioning.
Elizabeth did the only thing she could do. She looked into his eyes and nodded her head.
"I'm sorry, Elizabeth…but I need you to say it." He teased.
Her smile only grew at his sassiness. She took a deep breath to engage her brain and tongue.
"I would love to be your Valentine."
"Thank goodness." He sighed. "You realize that being my Valentine involves a dinner date with me on Tuesday…right?"
"Perfect."
A couple of special ed students were holding a sign for Connie, Steph, and Rosemary. The wording was basically the same. Each young lady had the same problem as Elizabeth. They were all moved to their core and had trouble processing the whole thing. Yet, they loved every moment of it. They just wished someone videoed the whole thing.
"I believe we need to get going. We don't want to be late."
Elizabeth looked lovingly at Jack. Her arms were around his neck. She was playing with the hair on the back of his head. Connie, Steph, and Rosemary were doing basically the same thing. Their boyfriends had up their game in asking them out for Valentine's Day. Each young lady was completely lost in the arms of their boyfriend.
Jack smiled at his girlfriend. He knew he had touched her deeply. That was exactly what he wanted to do.
"We have school."
Elizabeth nodded her head in agreement.
"I need to get my backpack out of my truck."
Again, Elizabeth nodded her head but didn't say anything. She intently watched Jack and he gave her a gentle kiss and released her. She remained where she was standing in the middle of the parking lot as she watched Jack walk toward his truck. She didn't take her eyes off Jack until she felt a hand on her shoulder.
"That…that was…" Steph stated but couldn't finish her thought.
"Yeah." Elizabeth whispered.
Connie and Rosemary walked up, and the girls giggled at each other's expressions. They were all lost in remembering every thought and feeling over the last few minutes.
"Did that really happened?"
"I think so Elizabeth. Connie and Rosemary, did you really see that?"
"I can't believe Lee actually sung. That guy is going to be in the play for school."
"Good luck." Steph laughed. "I never knew Cory could sing."
"I knew Jack could since the bonfire at his house."
"Yeah, but his was different. Steven always said he couldn't carry a tune if I carried it for him."
"Did you see them trying to do that little twirly thing." Elizabeth giggled at the memory.
"They should have practiced more, but it was awful cute."
"It was Connie. Just too cute." Elizabeth giggled again. "How can something so clumsy looking at the beginning be so stinking adorable?"
"That was awesome." Rosemary stated without talking to anyone in particular.
"Yeah." She heard three voiced respond.
"Are you all ready?" Jack asked as the fellas walked up to the group.
"Yeah." Elizabeth, Connie, Steph, and Rosemary spoke at the same time. Each young lady wrapped their arms around their guy. After their little performance, they just had to be close to their guy.
…
Throughout the whole day, countless people came up to the couples to share their thoughts of what happened that morning in the parking lot. Even the teachers heard about the little singing performance and asked about it. Much to the girls' surprise and the boys' sadness, several students had videoed the whole thing and sent the video to all the girls before lunch. The girls played the different videos during lunch to see who had the best angle.
"Seriously?" Jack stated as he heard the video when he stepped to their shared table. Adam was laughing with his mouth open but no sound coming out. It was easy to see his joy. "That's like the tenth video I've seen."
"Oh yeah, but the one Samantha and Joel has is so much better. Here, look at this." Elizabeth stated with pride in her voice. The video began as soon as Jack began to sing. "Who would have ever thought you were such a romantic?"
"Hey…I'm trying." Jack whined a little bit.
"I'm not complaining. I think you are doing a wonderful job. How can you be so adorable?"
"Adorable?" Jack teasingly huffed. "Shouldn't you have said devastatingly handsome? Earth moving? The best boyfriend ever?" He stated as he sat beside her.
What Jack didn't realize was that he was much more than any of those things. His display of love that morning was more than just moving. She couldn't imagine he would ever do anything like that. Just like all the other times, Jack went above and beyond expressing his love for her.
"You are." She nudged his shoulder when she leaned into him. "More than you can ever imagine. If we were alone…I would show you how much this morning was earth moving." She whispered into his ear. Then she blew a small breath into his ear.
Jack gasped at her statement and the look in her eyes. He never hated being in school more than in this moment. She smiled as he shivered.
…
Ted had settled on the piano bench for about an hour. Richardson's was an extremely fancy restaurant, the fanciest in the college town. It was just after six and it was already packed. For the owner, it was an easy price to pay to have Ted at the piano tonight. It's Valentine's Day and the restaurant would already been busy, but Ted was well known and loved for his abilities at the piano. When people knew he was playing at an restaurant, people would make an effort to go there to enjoy a meal, time with family, and listen to him play.
Ted has always loved playing the piano, he still does. But not today. Today he had a love and hate relationship with the piano. With today being a day to celebrate love and his girlfriend being miles away, he was just lonely. To say it the easiest way, he just missed Viola. However, he was grateful for the opportunity to make some money so he could take her out on a nice date. With his heart and brain battling each other, he simply concentrated on the piano in front of him.
The piano was a beautifully black polished grand piano. It was well tuned and in perfect condition. Richardson's would have nothing less. While he did have sheet music, he wasn't using it. He knew the pieces he was playing well. He refocused himself and smiled as he continued to play.
Viola just stepped through the door an older gentleman held open for her. Her smile grew when the beautiful sound reached her ears. She could easily tell when her boyfriend was playing compared to any other pianist.
"Excuse me ma'am. Do you have reservation?"
"No. I do not."
"I'm sorry, but we are full tonight. We don't have any open reservations."
"That's ok. I'm not here to eat."
"What may I do for you?"
Viola nodded to the piano. Her boyfriend was sitting tall in a blue suit. He looked so handsome as he concentrated. His tie was moving from side to side as he worked the keys of the piano during a section of the music that was a little quicker.
"Oh…That is Ted Milligan. Isn't he wonderful?"
"Yes, he is."
"He is also so handsome." The hostess stated. "Those dimples…" She waved her hand in front of her face. "Too bad he's dating someone."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, I was helping set up the piano before he arrived and the other hostess was flirting with him before he began to play. He quickly shut her down telling her he had a girlfriend. To be honest, it wasn't the greatest of news to hear." She lovingly looked at him and let out a sigh.
"She must be a lucky girl."
"I just hope she knows it. He's not only handsome, but so kind and gentle. I bet those dimples have never heard the word no. Who could turn him down?" She stared for a couple of moments. "Anyways, I guess it doesn't hurt to dream. What may I do for you if you are not wanting to be seated?"
"Well…I'm Viola, the lucky girl."
"The lucky girl?"
Viola nodded toward Ted. Her smile told the hostess everything she needed to know.
"Oh…" The hostess' smile only grew. "Do you see the small table just to the right of the paino?"
"Yes."
"That's his personal table where he sits to take a few minutes break. What would you like to drink? I'll bring it to you."
"Thanks kind of you. I'll take a tea please."
"I'm sorry if I said something that was inappropriate earlier."
"Don't worry about it. I haven't been able to tell those dimples no. And I do know how blessed I am."
…
Jack parked his truck in his unspoken spot beside the water fountain. He didn't have much time to clean it up after school. So, he just focused on the inside. He pulled the end of his sleeves and his jacket. He looked at his watch for just a second. He still loved it. He grabbed the two bouquets of flowers and made his way to the huge front door. As he stepped on the top step, the front door opened.
"Jack…don't you look handsome." Grace smiled.
"Mom…you are beautiful." He stopped walking. "The dress…the dress is simply gorgeous."
"Thank you Jack." She whispered. Her face turned a little red with his kind gesture. "I guess you aren't dressed up to embarrass an old lady."
"Mom, you are not old. I do fully understand where Elizabeth gets her beauty."
"Jack…"
"Are you sweet talking my wife, young man?"
"William, you are one lucky man."
"I am."
"Mom, is he taking you out for Valentine's Day?"
"He is. He always does."
"Good for you."
"Jack, are those for me?"
"Yes ma'am." Jack handed her a large bouquet of flowers. "I hope William got you some flowers."
"He finally followed your example."
"Hey!" William tried to sound offended.
"Come on in Jack. Elizabeth is in the den."
"Thank you." He kissed her on the cheek. "I hope you two have a nice evening."
"We will. I hope you do as well."
…
Julie settled against her headboard and picked up her phone. She was invited to go out with some friends, but she just wasn't interested. She wanted to be with Tom. He has been more receptive over the last couple of weeks, but he was still playing it slowly. While still heeding her sister's advice, being patient isn't the easiest task for Julie. She pulled up her skype page and touched Tom's name. It didn't take long for him to accept the call.
"Hey Julie."
"Hey Tom. What are you doing?"
"Just sitting here reading. Everyone is out. What are you doing? You didn't go out?"
"No." She took a deep breath. Their recent conversations were good, but not very deep in substance.
They were trying to find their way in this new season. Julie was eager to resume the relationship with Tom while Tom was trying to find the trust in Julie. Tom did freely admit that she was beginning to gain that trust. He was still timid in the whole process. Maybe he was deliberately slow playing this, but his heart was crushed. That was the first time that had ever happened. All the other girls were just shallow and there for fun. No one took it seriously. However, Julie was just completely different. He had given his heart to Julie only for her to freely give it back. Tom was taking his older brother's advice. "Keep the door open…allow her to gain that trust back and don't be stupid." Jack's words were on a constant replay in his mind.
To be honest, he missed spending time with Julie. Her laugh and free willing attitude were a huge attraction to him. She loved to laugh and was up for anything at a moment's notice. This was him to a tee. They just matched…connected well.
Julie took a deep breath and gathered all the courage she possessed. "Tom, I have been patient over the last couple of weeks."
"You have. I've been very surprised."
"No more than me." She let out a soft laugh. "I would say shocked."
Tom laughed. She had missed that sound. After another deep breath, she continued.
"Tom…I miss you."
"I miss you too." Tom softly replied.
"Tom…I know we are taking this painfully slow…" He laughed at her tone and expression. "…but I think we need to take the next step with us."
"What are you suggesting?"
"We are more than friends…let's not rush this…but…I'm in like with you."
Tom laughed. "More than friends?"
"Yeah…are you ok with that?"
Tom may have only taken a second to respond, but for Julie it felt like hours. "I'm in like with you too."
"So…?"
"More than friends but not quite serious."
"We'll start there." She flirtingly teased. She melted at his growing smile.
…
Jack walked into the Thatcher home and made his way to the kitchen. He stopped at the entrance to the kitchen trying to capture his breath. He only saw the back of Elizabeth, but he was stunned at her beauty. The dress she was wearing was absolutely beautiful. The dress was red with long sleeves. The back had a V shape that ended just below her shoulder blades in the middle of her back. The dress had a few flower designs. They were red as well. The designs were subtle yet added so much to the detail of the dress.
The dress was snug against her upper body. Nothing too tight, but it showed off her fabulous figure so well. He couldn't tell what she was doing, but the dress flowed well with her movement. At her waist and hips, the dress slightly flared out and fell to the bottom of her knees. It wasn't tight fitting around her legs. Jack couldn't explain it, but he thought the dress read her mind and moved before she did. It just flowed and moved naturally with her movements.
Elizabeth's hair was in a tight bun placed on the top of her head. Even from the back, he could tell that she had a few strains of hair down the sides of her face. He just knew that it was perfectly framing her face. He could tell that something red was wrapped around the base of the bun. He thought it was either for decoration or to keep the bun in place. He smiled. That was the first time they would be together with her hair in a bun. Her auburn hair looked beautiful.
Jack's greatest desire was to walk toward her and wrap his arms around her. However, he couldn't move. He still held the bouquet of flowers in his hand, but his hands fell to his sides. He wanted to say something, but his legs wasn't any stronger than his brain. Nothing inside of Jack worked except his heart.
Elizabeth tip toed to reach a vase on the second shelf of the cabinet. When she reached over her head, he noticed how slim her waist was. Then his eyes traveled to her calf muscles. Since she had begun to walk, her legs had become more sculpted and muscular. His eyes traveled to her bottom, but the dress covered it very well. He didn't realize it, but he let out a moan when he exhaled a slow, long breath.
"Jack." She whispered when she heard him. She turned to see her handsome boyfriend standing in the entry way of the kitchen. Just like Jack, her brain ceased to function. He was gorgeous. His blue suit, the same one he wore when he gave her the Claddagh ring, and a gold button up shirt. His tie was red, almost the exact same color as her dress. His hair was perfectly combed, except for a small little section in front. Jack had always tried to comb it to the side, but it stubbornly fell down on his forehead. She thought it was so sexy in its stubborn messiness.
While he looked devastatingly handsome, it was the pure look of awe on his face that captured her. He wasn't looking at her lustfully. His expression was perfectly loving. That is one fact that had always moved Elizabeth to her foundation with Jack. He wasn't like the other guys that always hit on her. They were only looking at her body and could care less about the rest of what made her Elizabeth. Jack certainly noticed her body, but he looked past it and to who she was. He loved everything about her…her body, her personality, her laugh, her mind.
Their staring contest lasted an undetermined amount of time. Time stood still for them. They were completely lost in each other and had no desire to be found. Elizabeth was grateful the gorgeous man in front of her was her forever love.
…
Ted was in the middle of playing a piece of music. He was due a small, five minute break. Just long enough to use the restroom and to grab a quick drink of water. He loved this piece. It was one of his favorites. So, he had his eyes closed and just allowed the music to wash over him.
Viola had noticed his eyes closed and knew his love for the piece. She followed the hostess to the small table that was just to the right of the baby grand piano. She sat down and ordered a tea to drink. She was about ten feet to the right of Ted. His eyes were still closed, so, he didn't know she was there. She shifted a little bit on the chair. Her head quickly shot up when Ted made a mistake in the music. That wasn't like him. She had never known him to make a mistake unless he was working on a new piece.
Ted's head snapped up. His eyes quickly opened. He knew that scent. "That can't be…" He whispered to himself. His face turned red when he heard his mistake. He was a little embarrassed, but quickly recovered. It wasn't like his hand slammed down on four keys at the same time. He added a few notes to make it sound better. His head immediately turned left. He didn't see anyone he knew, nor did he smell the scent that he locked into memory. Then he turned his head to the right. That's when he saw his beautiful girlfriend sitting at his small break table.
"Viola…" He whispered. His smile was instantly on his face. He didn't realize he was still playing. Their eyes connected. "Wow." He mouthed to her.
Viola was wearing a light yellow dress that flowed well past her knees. The dress had long sleeves and a small v-neck. There were small purple flowers on the dress. Her hair was straight and flowed down her back and over her shoulders. At that moment, he was convinced that she was the most beautiful creature he had ever seen.
"Oh Viola…you look beautiful." He silently mouthed the words as he was lost in her eyes.