Chapter 74

Jack sat in his truck, waiting in line for the car wash. There were two cars in front of him. He was a little impatient as he stared out the windshield. This was the best car wash in town. Not only were there free vacuums after the car wash, but they also had complimentary towels, window cleaner, Armor All, and rags. With the prom beginning in a few hours, his job was to get his truck spotless inside and out before going home and getting himself ready. He was lost in his memories of last night's date with Elizabeth. He closed his eyes as he thought through the memories of their time together.

"There you are?"

Jack looked at her as he approached her front steps. "What do you mean? I'm here right…and on time. Well, actually…I'm a few minutes early. You know I hate being late." He outstretched his arms. "Did you miss me since school?" His victorious little grin stole her heart all over again.

"It took you forever." She sighed in a little bit of a whine as she stepped off the first step. "I didn't think you would ever get here."

"Well, I'm here now." His victorious grin grew by the second.

"Come on, sweet man." She shook her head at his cuteness. If they were going on their date, they had better leave now. If not, she was convinced they may not leave the front porch. His smirking, victorious expression was powerful.

Jack extended his pinky. She quickly accepted it by wrapping her pinky around his. They walked to the truck holding pinkies. He reached for the door handle but didn't open it. He stood with his hand resting on it. He turned to face his girlfriend and looked at her from head to toe.

Elizabeth was wearing his favorite pair of jeans and a comfortable long-sleeved T-shirt. Her hair was down, resting over both her shoulders. To Jack, she was beyond gorgeous.

"E…liz…a…beth…" He drew out her name. His voice was full of flirting. "This may be inappropriate, but your bottom looks incredible in those jeans." Elizabeth gasped at his words. It wasn't because he looked at her bottom. She loved that he admired her. He didn't do it lustfully. She gasped due to his tone. It was flirty. It was sensuous. Each word was dripping with love and passion. His tone was speaking to her whole heart.

"Thank you, Jack." Her voice was soft. Her face turned slightly red. She loved this Jack. "You look like a delicious dish." She wiggled her eyebrows.

"A delicious dish? What does that even mean?"

"If we watch the movie I want to watch, you'll know the answer to that question." She flirted with a smile. She laughed when Jack visibly shuttered a little. "Good grief…do you have to be so cute right now?"

"Is it working?" He raised one eyebrow. Again, his little victorious smile was shining brightly.

She quickly kissed his lips and smiled at him. He shook his head as he opened the door.

"Fine." He sighed.

"You'll love the movie." She stated as she stepped into his truck.

Their evening together was perfectly laid-back. They stopped at Abagail's for dinner. With the big prom date the following day, they didn't want to go out on a fancy date. After Abagail's, they intended to go to the movies. Jack was pushing for a comedy, and Elizabeth wanted to go to a chick flick. Jack kept lobbying for the comedy but felt he was losing the battle.

After a dinner full of laughter, they made their way to the movie theater on Straight Street. They settled into their seats with a huge bag of buttered popcorn and their large Coke Zero drinks. He also bought a bag of M 's. The movie was a chick flick. To be honest, he did enjoy it more than he would ever have admitted to her. He wasn't giving her that satisfaction.

Jack's memory went straight to the goodbye on Elizabeth's porch.

Her back was against the wall beside the front door. Her hand slid down Jack's chest and stomach. She moved them to his side. Her fingers looped into his belt loop, pulling him closer to her. It didn't matter that he was already pressing against her. He wasn't close enough. A little bit of his body weight was against her. Her body demanded more of his weight. The kiss, while intense and passionate, was loving. It was a perfect mixture of passion and love. Somehow, Jack knew how to kiss her.

Jack jumped in his truck seat when the car behind him blew their horn. The cars in front of him pulled ahead to the pay center of the car wash. He was lost in his thoughts that he hadn't noticed. He waved as he looked in his rearview mirror. That's when he noticed it was Cory. He had this huge smile on his face, catching his friend daydreaming.

Jack pulled ahead and paid. As he pulled through the raised arm, he turned to the front of the car wash. He made sure his windows were up as the man began to spray the front of his truck.

…

Elizabeth pulled her Mini Cooper into the beauty salon parking lot. She was meeting Steph, Connie, Julie, and Rosemary for hair and nails. They were making a morning of it. Everyone was already there when Elizabeth stepped out of her car. Everyone had their hair up in a ponytail. There was no need to dress up since the salon would do everything. Lunch was on the schedule afterward. With all of that, they would have enough time to go home, do their makeup, and be dressed when their boyfriends were scheduled to pick them up. Everyone was meeting for pictures. Then they went separately but met up at prom. After all of that, they would go out to a place to eat for a late dinner.

"Alright, ladies, let's get this beautification started."

"Let's go!" Everyone answered Elizabeth. They were all excited for their last prom.

Manis and Pedis were first. They all sat in the chairs side by side, chatting about the day. Everyone picked out their colors. Elizabeth decided to go with French tips. On her ring finger on each hand, she had a small flower design in a green color that matched her dress. The design was small, yet it was beautiful.

"Are you excited?" Connie asked as she leaned toward Steph.

"Absolutely!" Steph responded. "This is going to be the best night."

"I agree," Elizabeth stated as she leaned back in her chair.

"The guys have it easy," Rosemary stated.

"I wouldn't call this hard." Connie sighed with contentment.

"Lee said he's getting the car washed."

"He's driving?"

"Yeah. He's borrowing his uncle's car."

"Jack is working on his truck."

"He's taking you in his truck?" Rosemary asked. "Wait…that didn't sound right."

"It's ok. I understand. He mentioned he thought about renting a limo with the other guys, but I didn't want to do that." She shook her head no as she spoke. "It's not that I don't want to be with you all…"

"…but we do want some alone time with our fellas." Steph finished Elizabeth's statement.

"Yeah." All the other ladies stated as they smiled at the thought.

"We'll have time together during prom and eating out afterward."

"I agree, Connie. I'm looking forward to everything."

"Yeah." Elizabeth dreamily stated as the other ladies nodded their heads.

"You guys aren't supposed to know this…" Connie began slowly. "Steven has given the guys a few dance lessons."

"Really?" The other girls asked with a bit of a chuckle.

"Oh…this is going to be good."

"But you guys can't say anything," Connie warned them, pointing her finger at them all.

…

Jack pulled to an empty stall and turned off his truck. He grabbed the vacuum hose and began to clean out his truck. After a few minutes of vacuuming, he looked up when he heard someone. That's when he noticed that Cory pulled beside him. He also noticed that Steven pulled beside Cory.

"I guess we all have the same thought," Jack stated.

"I guess so. Lee is coming out of the wash now." Steven nodded toward the tunnel.

"Maybe we can tag team everything," Jack stated. Not only did Lee pull up beside Steven. Tom pulled beside Lee after a couple of minutes. All the guys were lined up side by side.

Instead of working on their own vehicles, they all began with one car and worked on it together. Some vacuumed, while others wiped off the excess water. Others began to Amour All the car and then clean the windows. With everyone working on one car and then moving to the next, it didn't take long to finish. They were also enjoying playing around with each other.

"Aren't you too young for prom?" Steven teased Lee.

"Hey! I'm older than him." Lee nodded to Tom.

"Dude, we're in the same grade!"

"Really?" Lee teased.

"Well, Tom…he is a few months older than you," Jack added with a big brother's tone.

"Shut up, Jackie Boy," Tom stated. When he saw Jack's facial expression, he immediately dropped his towel and began to run away. Jack threw his towel and hit him in the back.

"Come on, fellas…let's stop playing and get this done so we can go and eat lunch," Lee stated.

"Shut up, you goof…you're always hungry," Cory smirked as he threw his rag in his direction. Hitting Lee in the chest.

Lee turned his attention to his older brother. He buffed up his muscles a little. However, Cory wasn't impressed. While his little brother was physically bigger than him, he had longer arms. Plus, he had knowledge on his side. Lee couldn't best him and both knew it.

The guys teased and bullied each other while cleaning each other's vehicles. To an outsider, the group was rude to each other. Within the friend group, it was all fun and games. They loved the time together. It didn't take too long for them all to finish. True to them being teenage boys, they stopped by a restaurant that was close by. They all enjoyed the buffet and ate way more than they should have.

…

After finishing their nails and hair, the young ladies decided to eat a small lunch. They were just too excited to enjoy a big meal.

"Stacey told me that she and Todd are getting a room at the Hamilton Inn."

"Really?" Rosemary asked as she brought her Coke Zero to her lips.

"Yeah," Steph stated. "They've dated a long time."

"I hope she knows what she is doing."

"Evidently, this won't be their first time," Connie stated, shaking her head. "I love Steven. We have discussed a future, but I'm not ready for that part of a relationship yet."

"Me too," Steph stated. "Cory and I are moving forward, and we have talked about a future too, but…"

There was a silence within the group for a few minutes. Everyone was thinking about the situation through.

"I'm just glad Jack and I are on the same page."

Connie and Steph nodded their head.

"And what page is that big sister?" Julie teased in her little sister's voice. "I've seen Jack tap your bottom." Julie raised her eyebrows as she spoke in a little sister's tone.

"And that isn't any of your business, little one." Elizabeth's older sister's tone was unmistakable.

Julie giggled at her sister's tone and facial expression.

"Jack is too much of a gentleman. I'm still a little surprised he's dating." Rosemary shook her head in disbelief that her best friend had broken his promise to himself.

"We have talked about our future, too. I trust Jack."

"I trust Cory."

"I trust Steven."

"I trust Lee."

"And I trust Tom."

"You better not do anything! You're way too young!"

Julie just rolled her eyes. She hated to be reminded that she was young. "I may have been a player, but I have limits."

"I love it when Jack puts his weight on me," Elizabeth stated softly. No one knew if she meant to say it out loud or not. She said it as an afterthought.

Julie giggled at the thought of her sister making out. She just couldn't imagine her prim and proper older sister doing anything like that.

"I like it when Steven playfully pats my bottom. He gets this little knowing smile that's just too cute."

"Yeah…Jack, too." Elizabeth smiled at the memories of Jack doing that.

"I like it when Lee kisses me and runs his fingertips up and down my back."

Julie looked at the four girls and their dreamy expressions. She heard about their making-out sessions. With a little bit of disbelief in her tone, she asked. "And you all haven't gone further?"

"I love Jack, and I love his attention, but we do have a line that we are not crossing before marriage." Elizabeth's tone was resolute.

"I agree." Connie, Steph, and Rosemary answered with the same determination in their voices.

"Oh, little one…you can enjoy a physical side of your relationship and still have a line…a limit that you won't cross."

"Stop calling me that!" Julie huffed as the other ladies giggled at the sister's teasing. However, her sister's statement made sense to her. It wouldn't have made that much sense months earlier, but she has matured. Elizabeth's close friends thought the same way, which was also helpful to reach Julie. There are times you could enjoy a physical relationship with predetermined limits.

"Julie, no one is saying you can't enjoy a physical relationship, but you need to know where you don't want to go."

"I agree with Elizabeth. Julie, you are just too young for that."

"I don't want to gang up on you, but I agree with them."

Julie nodded her head. "I agree as well. I'm not who I was just a few months ago."

"Great. Now, let's finish this. I have makeup to do." Elizabeth stated as she reached for her BLT.

Elizabeth was pleased with her sister. She was still Julie…a little immature and quick to do something without necessarily thinking it through completely. However, Julie has matured and is beginning to think like an adult. Her little sister was being who she is but a little more grownup. For that, she was pleased with her little sister.

…

"You know…I think the suit was a great call." Thomas stated as he helped Jack with his son's tie. "It looks excellent on you."

"Thanks, Pa."

Jack wasn't having trouble with tying the tie. It was already tied. His father was just adjusting it a little. It was off-center just the slightest. He was very proud of his oldest son.

"Jack…tonight is a special night in your and Elizabeth's life and relationship. Please don't do anything tonight that will change your life completely."

"I don't drink, Pa. I have no desire for that."

"I know. Just because you don't doesn't mean others won't. Please be careful of others."

"I will try my best."

Thomas nodded his head. He paused for a moment. Jack knew his father very well. Therefore, he knew what was on his father's mind.

"Pa…Elizabeth and I are going to wait until we are married. We are in agreement with that. Plus, we have college we want to go to and an education to earn."

"I know…"

"You're just being a good pa. Thank you for pouring yourself into me my whole life."

"You are a good young man, Jack. I am very proud of you." His voice cracked just a little. Pride and love flow through every word. Thomas wasn't a man who usually cried, but he was an emotional man at times. As he brushed a couple of imaginary pieces of lent from Jack's shoulder, he continued. "Enjoy the night. Make sure you treat that young lady like a princess. Remember, you are a Thornton."

"I will, Pa. I promise"

"Now, keep me updated throughout the night."

"I will. I'll be home by eleven."

"For tonight, you don't have a curfew. You have earned this freedom. Enjoy yourself, and keep me updated through texts."

"Really?" Asked a shocked Jack.

"You've earned this. Have fun. Be careful. And enjoy yourself."

"Thanks, Pa."
…

Elizabeth sat in front of her vanity, adjusting her hair. For the most part, things were going well. There was just this one portion of her hair that just wasn't cooperating. She was growing frustrated. Even though her hair was done earlier, there was one small section that she just wasn't happy with.

Grace stood by Elizabeth's door, watching her little girl. While she didn't look like the three-year-old who used to sit at her vanity and play with her makeup, Elizabeth still looked like that child through her mother's eyes. It wasn't a stretch to see a three-foot tall, messy-headed auburn little girl making a mess of her hair with a brush. She determined she wouldn't cry tonight, that promise was becoming challenging to keep. She slowly walked toward her middle child and slipped behind her. Elizabeth was so focused on that small section of hair that she didn't notice her mother entered her room.

"Here…let me." Grace softly stated. She reached for the brush."

Elizabeth sighed. "Thanks, Mother."

Grace worked on her hair for just a couple of seconds. Then she reached for a small box she had placed on the edge of the vanity.

"Where did that come from?" Elizabeth asked when she noticed the box.

"I have this for you. I think it would be perfect for tonight."

"Thank you, mother."

Elizabeth accepted the box and slowly opened it. Inside the beautifully wrapped box, a beautiful hair clip was in the center on a black piece of velvet material. The small green butterfly on the hair clip perfectly matched the color of her dress.

"Oh, Mother…it's gorgeous." Elizabeth reached in and gently took it out of the box. "Why?"

"Tonight is a special night for you and Jack. I saw this and knew it was made just for you. May I?" She nodded toward Elizabeth's head.

"Yes, please."

Grace took the hair clip from her daughter's hand and had it in place with very little effort. The beautiful hair clip did the trick.

"It's perfect." Both ladies stated at the same time.

"Oh Elizabeth…" Grace choked back a tear. "…you are stunning."

"Do you really think so?" Elizabeth asked shyly. Even after all the compliments Jack gave her, she still didn't consider herself beautiful.

"Without a doubt, gorgeous. Jack will think so, too."

Grace smiled at her daughter's growing red face. To her, Elizabeth's embarrassment was a little amusing.

"Now, tonight is a special time in a young lady's high school senior's life…"

Elizabeth stood and turned to face her mother. She stepped forward with her arms open. She hugged her mother and held the embrace for several seconds. She leaned back enough to look into her mother's eyes, but she still held the embrace.

"It is a special night. Jack and I will have fun with our group of friends, and I hope it will be just with us. But…" Elizabeth smirked a little. "…it's not that special of a night. This isn't our wedding night. So, all our fun will be appropriate. I will not embarrass you or Father."

"Elizabeth, my dear, you have never embarrassed us. I love you. I'll let you go so you can get dressed."

"Mother, please stay and help me with the dress?"

"I would love to."

…

Jack left to pick up Elizabeth. They still had three hours before the prom began. The plan was simple. Jack would arrive at Elizabeth's home at four. The photographer and everyone else were to arrive at a quarter after four. Steven and Connie, Cory and Steph, Rosemary and Lee, and Tom were joining Julie, and they were all set to be there for pictures. A couple of places on the Thatcher property would be perfect for prom pictures. Each couple wanted their pictures taken. Also, the friend group wanted group pictures done with everyone. The ladies wanted their pictures along with the guys. Grace set it up with a photographer who would have pictures for everyone in a couple of weeks, along with digital copies.

After the pictures were taken at the Thatcher residence, everyone would then go to a historic church in the middle of Hamilton. Countless people have gotten their pictures taken at the church because of the stained glass windows. Grace would provide a few light snacks before all the kids left for the second round of pictures. After that, each group would head to the prom. The prom was to end at eleven. After that, they would go out as a friend group to eat. After the late meal, there wasn't an organized plan.

Jack was pleased with how his truck cleaned up. The guys seriously considered renting a limo but decided to go with just their dates. They knew they would spend time together as a group. They just wanted to be with their girlfriends alone as well.

Charlette and Thomas left about fifteen minutes after their oldest son. Their youngest son was leaving a few minutes before them.

…

Jack pulled into his unofficial parking spot beside the water fountain. No matter how many times he saw the fountain in the middle of the driveway, he always chuckled at the thought of having a water fountain in the middle of a driveway. To him, this was exactly like Richie Rich. He also shook his head at remembering the story when Elizabeth poured a whole bottle of dishwashing liquid into it as a child.

Jack stepped out of his truck and closed the door. He looked at his reflection in the glass. He fiddled with his hair one last time. He straightened his deep, rich green tie even though it didn't need it. He questioned himself one last time with the wisdom of wearing a suit instead of a tux. He quickly shook his head. He knew his girlfriend. She would rather him wear a suit instead of a tux. He pulled his shirt sleeves to his wrist before turning toward the large front door.

Jack looked up when he was halfway up the steps. The front door opening caught his attention. He stopped mid-stride as Elizabeth appeared in the doorway. She had stepped outside first. She wanted a few minutes with each other before the whole family and friend group were around.

Jack gasped at the sight of his girlfriend. Elizabeth was more beautiful than he could have imagined.

"Elizabeth." He slowly spoke under his breath. He almost dropped the flower corsage he was holding. He wanted to walk to her, touch her. However, his brain and body weren't working in tandem. He just stood there in complete awe of Elizabeth Thatcher.

For Elizabeth, she could only stare at her boyfriend. He was so handsome in his grey suit and deep, rich green tie. She loved the suit. One hand was still on the door, but she couldn't let go of it. She was afraid she would fall without its support. "Jack." She whispered at the sight of him.

The young couple stood staring at each other for some time. They couldn't tell you how long. Time didn't exist. It had no form or control. Finally, after several seconds, Jack spoke.

"Elizabeth, you look…you look…" He tried his best to come up with a word to describe her, but he just couldn't. She was beyond description.

"You look…" she said, but like him, her words failed her. She finally released the door.

They remained silent for a few more seconds just trying to take in the sight of each other. For them both, they were utterly lost in the other. Unconsciously, Elizabeth began to sway from side to side with her hands clasped in front of her. Her body movement and sheepish smile have a powerful effect on Jack. She was so adorable he couldn't stand the distance between them. He had to be beside her. He had to touch her.

Without saying a word, Jack finally stepped up to the next step. Slowly, he took another one. Eventually, he made it to the top of the stairs. As he took his first step on the porch, Elizabeth mirrored him and took her first step out of the home. They meet halfway on the porch.

The young couple was one foot from each other. She loved the way he smelled. She couldn't explain what he smelled like. Of course, he smelled like his cologne, but it was much more than that. The best way she could describe his scent was that it was manly. She had no idea what that phrase meant, but that was her Jack. For him, he still loved her Cloud perfume. It was long ago stored away in his memory. They look into each other's eyes for a moment. The unspoken communication flowed freely between them. While their eyes were intense, their expressions were like those of young teens seeing their crushes when they didn't expect to see them.

Elizabeth took a deep breath when Jack reached up and moved a small piece of hair away from her shoulder. Her eyes followed his hand as she placed the hair over her shoulder. He slowly reached for the corsage and then her dress. He pulled out a small piece of her dress over her left portion of her upper chest and began to pin the corsage to the dress. Her skin began to have goosebumps when his knuckles brushed against her skin. The action caused her an involuntary breath. The air didn't reach her lungs.

Jack's short breath matched Elizabeth's when his knuckles grazed her skin on her upper chest. He would never admit to it, but he lingered, pinning the corsage on her dress just for the opportunity to touch her skin again.

Elizabeth tried her best not to breathe when Jack was pinning the corsage. When he touched her, her skin was on fire. She loved his touch…his soft…gentle…touch. She didn't know why the simple act of Jack moving her hair impacted her, but it most certainly did. She lost count of how many times she gasped during this little interaction.

"Elizabeth…you are…" He tried again to say what was on his mind. She had left him speechless.

"I know Jack." She softly spoke as she ran her palm down his jawline. Elizabeth nodded her head. He understood her sentiment. The look in each other's eyes was all the communication they needed. Their eyes spoke when their minds and tongues couldn't.

…

Within twenty minutes of Jack's arrival, several other vehicles were in the Thatcher driveway. Tom, Steven and Connie, Cory and Steph, Lee, and Rosemary arrived in that order. Just a few minutes after Lee and Rosemary's arrival, Thomas and Charlette arrived. A few moments later, all the young men and women's parents pulled into the driveway. Grace reached out to the kids' parents, inviting them to the home for the photo session. She knew everyone would like their own pictures even though the photographer would give everyone their own pictures from her.

Elizabeth shook her head standing on the porch. The whole group of friends stood with her, watching several cars pull in. Each one finally recognized their parents' cars as they began to park.

"That explains all the food." Elizabeth smiled. She looked towards her mother and gave her a thankful smile. Grace nodded her head in acknowledgment. Connie and Steph were the first to hug her, quickly followed by everyone else.

The pictures took almost an hour to finish. There were countless groupings of pictures taken. The whole friends group took large group pictures. Then all the girls and all the guys took pictures together as a group. Each young person had their own individual pictures taken. Then, each person had their picture taken with each significant other. Everyone also took pictures with their parents. Then, the couple took pictures with each of their parents. Things were beginning to wrap up. It was time for the young couples to leave for the next place for more pictures.

Elizabeth leaned in for a hug from her parents. She was thankful for everything they did for her and everyone.

"Ok, little one…" Grace began as she held her daughter. "…no curfew tonight. Have fun. You do know what we expect of you. You are a Thatcher."

"No curfew?" Elizabeth said, a little confused.

"Just text us and let us know what's going on. Have fun."

"Really?"

"You have earned this, sweetheart. Have fun."

"Thank you, mother." Elizabeth gave her another loving hug. "Thank you for everything." Elizabeth squeezed the hug a little tighter.

"Have fun, my love."

Elizabeth turned to her father and repeated the act and words. He didn't say anything. He just held his little girl.

When he released his middle daughter, his youngest one awaited her hug.

"I love you, father."

Again, William couldn't force the words to come. He just held her.

The couples split up and began walking toward their cars to head to the older church for more pictures. The guys weren't too excited about taking even more pictures, but they did it for their girlfriends and parents. The parents waved off the trip to the church for that picture shoot. Jack leaned over to his beautiful girlfriend as the groups began to pull out of the driveway.

"Are you ready?"

She leaned over and gently kissed his lips. "I am."

"You are gorgeous. The long flowing dress fits you perfectly. I love the whole dress. And the butterfly hair clip is gorgeous."

"Thank you." She shyly stated. True to Elizabeth's nature, she never felt like a princess before, nor had she ever felt beautiful. For Jack's words and, more importantly, through his glances and intense looks, he was screaming that fact from the mountain tops.

"I believe the dress was made with you in mind."

"Jarrick Thornton, are you flattering me?"

"Just being honest, Elizabeth. But more than that, you are the best person I have ever met." He leaned over and kissed her gently on the lips. He was grateful his truck didn't have a middle console. Elizabeth always moved to the center of the bench seat to sit closer to him. Today was no different. He pulled back from the kiss and leaned his forehead against hers. While the other couples were gathering themselves and getting into their vehicles, Jack and Elizabeth didn't notice them. With his forehead against Elizabeth's, Jack spoke softly and lovingly.

"You have the greatest laugh. The best smile. I love all of your sixteen facial expressions. You're intelligent. However, you do sass me a little too much when you have the right answer." Her smile at his last statement only drew him in further to her. "I love the fact that I get lost in you. You just capture me so easily…you always have."

"Jack…"

"As beautiful as you are…and I mean you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen, you are so much more as a person. Thank you for choosing me…for loving me."

Elizabeth cupped her hand along Jack's jawline and slowly ran it down to her chest. She internally smiled. When Jack spoke from his heart instead of his mind, he did so well. He moved her to new heights and made her feel so special. Those feelings were deepened by the fact that her boyfriend wasn't after anything. He honestly felt it without an ulterior motive.

"Jack…" Elizabeth began as she raised her hands to the top of Jack's lapel on his jacket. She slowly ran her hands down the lapel to the top button. She buttoned it with a seductive smile. She never broke eye contact with him. He was utterly lost in her beautiful eyes. "…you went with the suit instead of a tux?"

"I did. Are you ok with it?" He leaned in ever so slightly. He couldn't help himself. She was pulling him into her.

"It's absolutely perfect." She stated with pause between each word. Her words dripped with appreciation for the way he looked in the suit. She smiled at his relieved expression. "Were you nervous I would be unhappy?"

"I honestly thought you would enjoy the suit more than the tux, but everyone else was saying I was making a big mistake by picking the suit."

"You know me very well. I'm grateful you chose the suit. You look so handsome. The tie matches my dress perfectly."

He squeezed her hand three times, and she reciprocated. Their time together so far has been great. They have enjoyed time with their friends and family. She learned later that all the parents stayed for a few hours, enjoying the food and chatting.

…

The stained glass in the old church set up some beautiful pictures, and the photographer was getting some of the best pictures of her career. The group was there for just over thirty minutes. The guys were most certainly over the photo sessions, and even the ladies were ready to just get to the prom.

The prom was being held at Hamilton Eagle Head Country Golf Club. The place was a gorgeous private golf club that allowed the school to hold the prom in the clubhouse. This was the first year the event was held at this location. Jack and Elizabeth pulled onto the long drive that led to the clubhouse. The road had beautiful trees on each side of the drive. It gave a classic movie set feel. The young couple was in complete awe as they looked around the grounds. Jack slowly drove down the clubhouse's main road.

"Wow…" Jack slowly stated as he slowly looked around.

"It's still beautiful."

"You've been here before?"

"I've been here with my father a couple of times for lunch. He's not a member here, but they have asked him to join a few times. He just never thought it would be good for him even though he has several friends here."

"Really?"

"He doesn't golf too much. He said he would be paying for the prestige of being a member. He didn't think it was worth it."

"That sounds like him."

"What do you mean?"

"He's the richest man I have ever known. I mean…he has a water fountain in the middle of his driveway. Only Richie Rich has that, and he's a pretend character." They both laughed at his statement. "Yet, he and your mother are some of the kindest people I have ever met. They don't come across as someone you think is extremely wealthy."

"To me, they're just mother and father."

"To me, they are mom and dad."

Elizabeth squeezed his hand three times concerning the meaning behind his statement. He really did respect and love her parents. She felt the same way about his parents.

"I think of your parents the same way." She hesitated for a few moments as they watched the tree pass by. "Jack…do you think we were destined to be together?"

"I don't know if I believe in things like that…like the day you and I were born that we were picked for each other. But I do know this…when I saw you on the beach, you captured all of my attention. When you showed me around the school for the first day, I felt things for you that I had never felt before. When I got to know you…let's just say you have my heart, and I do not want it back." He finished saying as he pulled into a parking spot. It was beside Cory and Steph.

When Jack turned off the truck and before he moved to get out, Elizabeth tugged on his hand and pulled him a little closer to her.

"I have your heart…I'm not giving it back."

Jack closed his eyes and looked heavenward. He whispered under his breath. "Thank you, Lord."

The simple act drew her a little closer to her boyfriend, and she fell in love with him all over again.

With a quick kiss on the lips, she gave him a flirty smile. "You are such a sweet man. Come on, handsome…you owe me some dances."