Disclaimer: I do not own the characters within this story. All rights and much respect go to Crown Media, Hallmark, Brian Bird, Michael Landon, Jr., the actors, creators, and writers of the show "When Calls the Heart."
Chapter 9- Times Are Changing
NOTE: I'm sorry that it has taken so long to post again, but I've been busy with 3 litters of puppies…actually, 4 litters if you count the one that my dog show partner is raising for me, too. Anyway, I go to sleep around 1am, and I'm up at 5:30am, so, but the end of the day, I'm exhausted, and I'm not sure I could recognize a complete sentence, let alone type one.
I have continued adding to this story, when I can, but as many of you know, I re-read my chapters over and over, and still over again before I post, and yet I'll still find mistakes here and there, or wish I'd written something a different way. But I will try to do better. I remember being a reader, and anticipating a chapter, only to find that it doesn't come as quickly as I would have liked. So, I do understand, and I'll try to find the time to keep up!
I hope you enjoy it and please know that I have a bunch that has been written, but I still have to review, and review and then review some more.
Rosie's Apartment (Where Elizabeth currently resides…)
Elizabeth closed and locked her door before heading to the bathroom to take a shower. Staring at herself in the mirror, she couldn't wipe the smile from her face even if she'd tried. It was there, and she couldn't imagine anything that could remove it. Jack was in love with her. He'd said the words. She felt the emotional impact of them. She believed he honestly meant them, and there was no doubt that she was currently sitting on Cloud 9.
Stepping from the shower, she wrapped herself in a thick, warm robe, grabbed a glass of wine from the kitchen, and headed for the sofa. With her new romance novella in hand, she snuggled into the cushions and began reading. Her smile broadened as she replaced the two main characters in the book with herself and Jack.
It wasn't far into the book before she found herself blushing, a daydream sneaking in from time to time, leaving her feeling warm, wondering if what was written on the pages of her book would come across as romantic and sexy in real life. Somehow she truly believed that Jack would not disappoint in that area. But would she? Would she be enough for him? Would she be the one to disappoint him?
She couldn't pull herself away from the book and was three quarters through when she forced herself to put it down and head to bed.
Northwestern University Memorial Hospital- Following day…
Jack was still riding the high of his confession to Elizabeth the night before when he stepped into his office very early the next morning, whistling, and found Lee sitting in an otherwise empty waiting room.
Startled by his unexpected, but very welcome visitor, Jack practically choked on his saliva. "WHOA, I wasn't expecting to see you," he stated as he waved his best friend into his private office. "What are you doing here so early; is everything okay?"
"Yeah, everything's fine, but I haven't seen you in quite a while, and I just wanted to check and make sure you were still alive," Lee replied.
"I'm fine," Jack replied as he sat behind his desk with a smile on his face that easily reached his eyes. "Actually, I hope I'm doing great."
"Okay, so what's the smile for?" Lee asked.
Jack looked around as if he weren't certain that they were alone, "I told Elizabeth last night that I'm in love with her…"
"Well, it's about time. What did she say?"
"I didn't want her to say anything."
"What? When I told Rosie that I was in love with her I was busting a gut to hear how she felt…"
"I told her not to say anything…"
"Why; didn't you want to know?"
"Of course I want to know, but only if she feels the same way."
"Seriously, Jack, do you honestly think there is a chance on God's green earth that she's not in love with you?"
"Lee, think about it…you know I've never said those words to any other woman before, and I didn't want her responding just because I'd said it, or because she has some misguided allegiance to me," Jack replied. "I wanted her to take a night or…I guess however long she needs to respond, but don't think for one minute that I'm not a wreck inside."
Lee chuckled, "Oh, world renowned cardiac surgeon taken down by a woman…"
"Go ahead and laugh, but she's not just any woman, she's THE woman."
"Yeah, I remember saying that once, too. Don't you remember when I told you that I was in love with Kasey Harris?" Lee asked, shaking his head and frowning as the question escaped his mouth.
"Lee, you weren't even 18 years old; I didn't believe it, and I don't think you did either," Jack laughed softly as he also shook his head from side to side. "I'm sorry, but you'd just met her and, admit it, it was literally hormones talking."
"Maybe so…okay, yes you're right, but she sure was pretty…"
"I guess, but after she opened her mouth it was all over. How many times did you go out with her?"
"Twice. The first time I thought it was a fluke, and maybe I needed to give her the benefit of the doubt, but all she talked about was how wonderful she was and how she was going to be big and famous in Hollywood, and I was lucky that she went out with me…"
"WOW, any idea where she is now?" Jack asked.
"Last I heard, she lives in Poughkeepsie with her husband and four kids," Lee responded.
"WHOA, four kids? You sure dodged a bullet there, dude," Jack chuckled.
"I learned my lesson. I never fell in love at first sight again…well, until I met Rosie. Don't tell her, but I think she's perfect."
"You're a smart man…"
"Don't forget, you told me after just meeting Elizabeth that you were going to marry her. So, don't tease me."
"Are you really being serious right now? I mean, I'm at least 12 years older than you were with Ms. Hollywood, or maybe she's Mrs. Poughkeepsie. I'm set in my career, and I know what I want in a woman. I can't believe that you'd even compare those two situations."
"I'm not; just playing Devil's advocate. But in all seriousness, how do you know?" Lee asked.
"How do I know what?"
"How do you know that she's "THE" woman," Lee asked using air quotes.
"What do you mean; I just know…"
"Jack, I don't know Elizabeth very well, because we really haven't spent much time together, but I believe from what Rosie has told me, that she is your match in every way. I just want you to tell me how you know…"
Jack was initially staring at the calendar on his desk, when he stopped, took a deep breath, looked up at Lee and responded, "She's the one, because nothing in my life makes sense without her."
Lee smiled, "Yes, that would be the reason. So, how does it feel?" he asked.
"How does what feel?"
"Saying the words; how do you feel about it?" Lee took a seat opposite Jack.
"Are we seriously talking feelings here?" Jack asked. They'd been friends forever, and although they'd had serious conversations before, deep feelings were not generally the topic.
"Yes, yes we are," Lee responded. "Look, you're the guy who told me that you were going to marry this woman he'd just met. So, tell me how it feels to finally tell her that you're in love with her."
"You first. How did it feel when you told Rosie that you were in love with her?"
"No, you first…I asked you first," Lee countered.
Jack closed his eyes and released a hard breath that sounded much like a soft laugh. "You know, you're right…if I could, I'd step out into the foyer of this place and shout it. It felt great. I've never said the words before, but then again, I've never felt this way before, either. I guess, in the past, whenever I've thought about that particular moment in time and how it would feel to finally say the words to a woman, I don't know…" Jack stopped talking for just a moment. "Okay, truth is, whenever I've thought about this moment in my life, I would break out in a sweat. I just knew that I would be petrified. I would become tongue tied, and if I weren't a cardiologist and realized that I was simply suffering from anxiety, I would swear I was having a heart attack."
Lee sat deep into his chair, held his coffee cup in his hand, and listened as Jack continued to spill out his heart. This was a side of Jack he hadn't seen, and one that he was happy his best friend had finally found. "But it wasn't like you thought it would be…you weren't scared?"
Jack's smile continued. He took a deep breath, "Last night, it wasn't at all like that. I wasn't planning to tell her yet. Not that I wasn't sure or didn't want to tell her. I was actually planning to take her somewhere like New York, or the Caribbean, you know for a long weekend getaway. So, needless to say, it wasn't the special atmosphere I was going for." Jack continued talking as his glance drifted away from Lee, and out his window, "I really wanted it to be this grand gesture, something that she'd be able to look back on and remember for the rest of her life. That is as long as she feels the same way. If she doesn't, she may want to forget it altogether."
Jack turned back to face Lee as he ran his hand harshly down his face, "It wasn't a grand gesture. As a matter of fact, we were just at her place…well, I mean, Rosie's place, in the bathroom, of all places, but it was perfect. It actually couldn't have been more perfect. It was the right time, and it needed to be said. I'm not going to say I wasn't nervous, because I was, but not about saying the words. It's crazy, Lee. The words came out so easily. I mean, don't get me wrong, my nerves came from her saying something like, 'Jack, I'm sorry, but I think of us as just friends…' or 'are you being serious right now?' But, it felt right. It felt as though I was finally being honest with myself. Finally, for once, I see a future for myself that doesn't consist of just my job, and hanging out with you. I see a house with a picket fence, a playground in the backyard and a dog running around with my kids. You know me, Lee, I don't think I've ever spoken about having kids before…"
The smile on Lee's face was broad and bold. "You may not have had faith that you could have those things, but I always have. I knew you'd meet that special woman when the time was right. So, you can thank me now for making you come to my club opening."
"That's true, and thank you, but actually I did the surgery on one of her foster kids, so we were bound to meet anyway. Besides, her best friend is in love with my best friend. It was just a matter of time."
"Well, Rosie and I were talking last night…"
"Did she say something?"
"No, I don't think she even knows that you told Elizabeth that you're in love with her. I could guarantee if she knew, we would all know that she knew…if you know what I mean."
"Yes, I'm aware of what you mean. So, what were you and Rosie talking about last night?" Jack asked.
"She just made a comment that even though Elizabeth is living with her, between Rosie working some late evenings, her spending time with me, and Elizabeth spending time with you, they haven't had time to talk… and you know in Rosie's book, that's a sin."
"Oh, well, yeah, I guess keeping them apart would be my fault. I enjoy spending my evenings with her…especially since we're still being quiet about our relationship," Jack admitted as he walked over, slipped his suit jacket off, hung it on the coat rack and grabbed his white doctor's coat. "My mom is after me to bring Elizabeth over for dinner. She wants to meet her."
"Well, looks like things are moving along perfectly for you, and that's definitely a step in the right direction," Lee commented as he took a sip from his coffee cup.
"I know my mom will love her; I have no doubt, but I think Elizabeth is still hesitant to meet her."
"Why; your mom is like the sweetest woman in the world," Lee stated as he momentarily stared off into the distance. "She's like the female version of Mr. Rogers."
"I know, but Elizabeth has it in her mind that my mom will have an issue with us dating…which we both know, she won't," Jack replied.
"Do you remember when my sister went through that phase where she had to tag along everywhere with me, and when we'd come over to your house, your mom would make up an excuse, saying she needed help, so you and I could shoot hoops or something?"
"I remember, but Elizabeth has it in her head that any mother would be afraid for her son to be with her because of what Ethan did…"
"Well, she's wrong, but I guess I can see where she's coming from…"
"LEE…"
"I said she was wrong, and I know if she met your mom, she'd understand how wrong she is, but I guess it's just the unknown…"
"That's why I need to get them together sooner rather than later."
"Well, I guess it doesn't help that you two are still hiding your relationship. I mean, maybe if you were out in the open and she saw how people accepted you two together, she'd feel better about your mom."
"I think my mom is going to have to take care of that, but I need to get them together for that to happen."
"Why don't we double date Friday or Saturday night," Lee suggested. "I know the girls need to see each other and it would give everyone a chance to get out and unwind."
"That sounds great. I'll run it by Elizabeth and give you a call, okay?"
"Sounds like a plan…"
Following rounds, and a minor procedure Jack handled in the outpatient surgical unit, he sat down at his desk and texted Elizabeth.
"Good morning, beautiful…"
"Good morning, and how do u know I look beautiful 2day? I may look hideous…"
"U…? Impossible. U always look beautiful…"
"Not only do u know the right things 2 say, ur fingers r magical 2…"
She hit send before reading the last text. Upon reading what popped up on her screen, she was mortified and could only assume what Jack thought. So, her fingers started typing away, hoping to clarify what she meant.
"That came out rong. I meant ur fingers know what 2 type…"
The laughing emoji popped up on her screen. "I was wondering if maybe you had been doing some reading…"
"Possibly…Maybe…Yes, I couldn't put it down, but I really just meant ur typing skills…"
"Lee and Rosie want to double date this wkend. U up for it…?"
"Absolutely…"
"OK, I'll call you l8r. Oh, and Elizabeth…?"
"Yes…?"
"I love u…"
Jack waited for a response but did not receive one. After ten minutes of radio silence, he assumed another text would not come through. Although he realized that saying 'I love you' for the first time through a text, was not the best way to express yourself, he wasn't certain that he could wait until this evening to see her. Besides, he'd told her not to say anything last night, so, what if she wasn't ready to say it at all?
Elizabeth, on the other hand, wanted to say the words last night, but saying them now, in a text, just seemed completely inappropriate. But not responding seemed cruel. Unfortunately, she was pulled away from her office, and a response of any kind would simply have to wait.
Later that morning, once Elizabeth had met with the patients who were being discharged today, and making certain that their 'going home' plans were in place and understood by all parties, she slipped into the elevator and headed for Jack's office.
The only person at the hospital who knew Jack and Elizabeth were dating was Jack's secretary, Stacy. So, finding herself alone in the elevator, Elizabeth pulled out her phone and called Jack's office.
"Cardiology, Dr. Thornton's office…" Stacy stated when she answered the phone.
"Hey Stacy, it's Elizabeth…Elizabeth Thatcher."
Stacy giggled. "Don't you think I know your voice by now? How can I help you this morning?"
"Is Jack in his office…I mean, if he is, is he alone?"
"Yes, he's here, and he's alone. He has no appointments expected this morning, but he is on call for coverage in the ER. So, if you want to see him, you may want to come now…" Stacy responded.
"I'm actually on my way. I'm going to stop off and pick up some coffee, and I'll be there in ten," Elizabeth replied. "Oh, don't tell him; it's a surprise."
"My lips are sealed…"
Following her trip to the cafeteria where she secured two cups of coffee, and two blueberry muffins, she slipped back into the elevator and headed for Jack's office.
Hearing a code call over the speaker for assistance in the ER, Elizabeth continued on to Jack's office. As she turned the corner, with his office number showing in the distance, she checked her surroundings. Finding the hallway empty, she stepped into Jack's office, quickly closing the door behind her.
"Sorry," Stacy called out. "He was called to the ER."
"I heard the code while I was in the elevator, but I still haven't quite deciphered them out yet. I knew it was for the ER, but…I guess that's what happens when you're seeing a doctor."
"Do you want to wait?" she asked.
"No, I need to get back to my office, but I'll leave his coffee and muffin on his desk, if that's okay," Elizabeth stated, looking for approval to enter his private office.
"Sure, go on inside; his door is unlocked."
As Elizabeth sat the coffee and muffin on Jack's desk and reached for a pad of paper and a pen, it sounded as if a gust of wind had blown the outer office door open.
With Jack's door open, Elizabeth could hear a woman's voice outside, so she hid by the bookcase, hoping that whoever had breezed in would leave without seeing her.
"Hey Stacy; I know that Jack was called to the ER, so I thought I'd take my chance to come down and see you," Sheridan, a new pediatric nurse stated.
"Sheridan, I'm glad I could hook you up with a job, but hooking you up with my boss isn't going to happen. And while we're on the subject, you need to remember that you don't call him 'Jack,' it's 'Dr. Thornton.'"
"I'm not asking you to hook me up; you can leave that up to me; I just want to know that he's still available and maybe a bit of intel on what he likes. I mean, if the scuttlebutt around the hospital is correct, he's not dating anyone," Sheridan pressed her friend for an answer.
Having been coached previously to say nothing about Elizabeth or his dating status, she simply stated, "Look, Dr. Thornton is a wonderful man, and could have his pick of any woman he wanted. But, I've never known him to date any woman he works with. So, I'd suggest you look elsewhere."
"Well, we'll see about that…" Sheridan snapped back. "Don't forget, in college I had my pick of any guy I wanted."
"I haven't forgotten. As a matter of fact, you tried to take my now husband away from me. I was so hoping that you'd grown up by now…"
"Oh, I have…" Sheridan responded, although her words were not convincing. "My boob job is a real asset, don't you think?"
"Look, you have a great reputation as a pediatric nurse, and that's why I told you about the job. Please don't make me wish I hadn't," Stacy replied.
"You worry too much…gonna give yourself wrinkles," Sheridan stated with a wink. "Hey, I hear he has a bedroom in here. Let me take a look," Sheridan stated as she edged closer to Jack's private office door.
Elizabeth held her breath and pressed herself against the wood of the bookcase, hoping to blend in.
As if she were an Olympian, Stacy left her chair and practically vaulted over her desk, managing to place herself between Sheridan and Jack's office door. "No, this is Dr. Thornton's private office, and no one gets to venture inside without his permission." Stacy pulled her blouse down and smoothed it out after her necessary acrobatic stunt. Blocking Jack's door, she continued, "trust me, he doesn't know you exist, and therefore, you have no permission to go inside his private space."
"Come on…help a girl out…let me just see his bed. It'll give me new material for my fantasies…"
"You're gross," Stacy responded. "Look, I can tell you this; I've known Dr. Thornton for quite a while, and your attempts to get him to notice you will not go over well."
"Gosh, don't get your panties in a wad," Sheridan turned on her heels and left the office, sucking a majority of the air out of the room as she left.
Peeking her head into Jack's office, Stacy stated, "The coast is clear."
Elizabeth stepped outside, "Hey, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have even been in his office. I'm going to just grab this coffee and muffin, and please don't tell him I was in here."
"What are you talking about?"
"I heard what you said to that nurse. I shouldn't be in here without Jack inviting me…"
"Look, Jack has told me over and over again, if you or his best friend, Lee, come in, you are welcome in his office anytime. He hasn't extended that invitation to anyone else," Stacy advised her. "Elizabeth, I'm so sorry about all that. I'm afraid that she's going to make me regret telling her about the job opening. I mean, I didn't put in a good word for her or anything, not that that would have helped her get the job, I just happened to run into her one day when my husband and I were out, and I know she's a good nurse. It appears that she may be the same ole mean girl from college, though."
"Hey, I appreciate you keeping our secret. I'm not sure how long it will stay quiet, but thank you…"
"I really like you, Elizabeth, and I can tell that Jack really, really, re…a…lly likes you, and I couldn't be happier for the both of you," Stacy smiled as she headed back outside to answer her ringing phone.
Elizabeth went back to Jack's desk grabbed a pen and left the following note…
Hey, sorry I missed you.
I have something that I really, really, really
want to say to you, but it should be
said in person, and in private!
E-
"Hey," Elizabeth called out as she exited Jack's private office, "Thank you again for keeping our secret. I know it's a lot to ask, but Jack really has a thing about staff finding out and gossip running rampant."
"I understand, and truthfully, yours and Jack's personal life is really not my business. I just wish everyone felt that way…" Stacy responded.
As Elizabeth opened the door to the hallway, several nurses, and an occupational therapist walked passed. As she had done on other such occasions, she turned to face Stacy and stated, "Thanks for getting Dr. Thornton's signature on those forms. I need it to get home health involved and she's getting discharged this afternoon."
"Not a problem at all," Stacy played along. "Once Dr. Thornton gets back from ER, I'll get his signature and, if necessary, I'll bring them to your office myself. Although, isn't your office on the same hall as Finance?" she asked.
"Yes, just a few doors down."
"Okay, well, Dr. Thornton has a 2 pm meeting there, so he may just drop them by."
"Okay, if that's the case, please let him know that he can just leave them on my desk if I'm not around," Elizabeth stated, thankful that she had an ally in Stacy.
Glancing out the door, Elizabeth noticed that the three women were still milling about, pretending to be looking for something on the floor. "Okay, well, thank you," she stated as she stepped out into the hallway and closed the office door behind her.
Suddenly, it was as if they'd found what they were looking for and were again on their way. Giggling, one of the women stated, "I'd be sure to be in my office if that hunk was stopping by…"
Jack walked into his office two hours later, "Hey Stacy; is everything going okay here?"
"Yes, but you missed a visitor shortly after you were called to the ER…"
"Who; I didn't have any appointments, did I?" he asked as he walked into his private office.
"No; I think this was impromptu."
Seeing the note on his desk from Elizabeth, Jack spun on his heels. Stepping out into his empty waiting area, he asked, "She came by?"
"Well, if you are referring to Elizabeth Thatcher, the answer would be, 'Yes,'" Stacy responded. Softly laughing, she added, "You know, if you are trying to keep your interest in Elizabeth quiet, you'd better wipe that massive smile off your face."
"Hey, I'm going to walk down to her office…" he stated before walking back into his office and grabbing the note she'd left him off his desk.
As he walked passed Stacy's desk, she held out two file folders, which he took. "What are these for?" he asked.
"Well, one needs to go to the finance department, and the other goes to Elizabeth," Stacy replied.
Opening the folders, he looked confused, "They're empty."
"You're right. So, if you want to see Elizabeth, you have to pretend you are dropping off paperwork for a patient to receive home services on your way to a finance meeting."
"Do I have a finance meeting today?" he asked.
"Nope," she stated as she popped the 'p.' "You need to follow me here, okay…?"
"WOW, I lucked out when I hired you…" Jack released a soft laugh as he headed for the door.
"Well, just remember that when evaluation time rolls around…"
Elizabeth's office…
Jack stepped into the Social Services office, and finding the waiting area empty, he quietly stepped down the hall where he found Elizabeth's office door ajar. Leaning against the door jam, he watched as she worked, obviously deep in thought and oblivious to his presence.
He smiled as she held the end of her pen between her teeth and strummed the fingers of her free hand across the top of her desk.
"Oh wait, this will work," she stated to herself as her pen moved quickly across her paper.
Jack cleared his throat, which quickly drew her attention in his direction. She motioned him into her office, and he closed the door once he'd stepped inside.
Elizabeth remembered the conversation she'd had with Stacy, but just assumed that it was for the benefit of those passing by. She never thought that Jack would actually make his way down to her office in the middle of the day. "What are you doing here?"
Jack reached into his pocket and pulled out the note she's left for him. "Apparently, you left this for me, and although I would never want to put pressure on you, I have to be honest and say that I'm dying to know what you need to tell me."
"Well, now that I think about it, here isn't the best place to talk about private things. Maybe we could talk later…" she suggested as she stepped from behind her desk, knowing that she was just as anxious to speak the words as he was to hear them.
Stepping closer, the thickness in the air could be felt by both of them. Jack reached out his hand, "Look, I meant what I said. I don't want you to say something you think I want to hear if you aren't ready. I'm not going anywhere…I'll wait until you are ready."
She smiled and his heart melted. As a tear rolled down her cheek, she stepped closer, "Jack Thornton, I was ready to say the words last night, even earlier than that, if truth be told."
"Yeah…?" he stepped even closer.
"I love you, and it's not because of everything with Ethan, although it's partly that because it shows the kind of man you are…the compassionate, caring, kind and loving man you are. How could I not fall in love with you? Jack Thornton, I am head over heels, crazy in love with you."
As tears rolled down her cheeks, and those special words fell from her mouth, his lips met hers. His hand slipped behind her head and he held her close, deepening their connection. As they separated, his forehead rested upon hers. His hand rested on her cheeks, as his thumbs tenderly brushed away her happy tears. Broad smiles covered their faces, and they each leaned back slightly, releasing thankful breaths as though the weight of the world had been lifted from their shoulders.
"I love you," he whispered, as his lips again covered her mouth.
"I love you, too…" she responded.
Their emotionally charged and private moment came to an end with a sharp knock on her door. Rushing back behind her desk, Elizabeth fluffed her hair, wiped the residual tears from her eyes, and was immediately thankful that she wasn't wearing lipstick that would have most definitely smeared.
Jack grabbed the two files from Elizabeth's desk and as she invited the visitor inside, he held one file out to her preparing to follow through with their facade.
"Come in…"
Surprisingly, it wasn't a co-worker, a friend, a nurse, or a patient's family member. It actually wasn't someone that either expected.
"Hi, can I help you?" Elizabeth asked. She'd seen Dr. Sanchez around the hospital, and Jack had actually questioned her once before about him, but they had not officially met.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't know you were busy," Dr. Sanchez stated as he glanced over at Jack. "Are you two dat…"
Jack quickly cut him off before he could finish his obvious thought. Although he didn't want to leave, if Jack wanted to keep their relationship a secret for now, he knew he had to. "Oh, no Miguel, I was just leaving. I just dropped off a form for home health on one of my patients," Jack stated as he handed Elizabeth the top folder. "Thank you, Ms. Thatcher for getting everything set up."
"You're welcome, Dr. Thornton. Let me know if you need anything else…" she replied.
Not wanting to ask, but just jealous enough to have to, Jack turned his attention to Dr. Sanchez, "Do you have a patient needing home health?"
"No, actually, my visit is more personal in nature. You have a nice day, Dr. Thornton. Let's get together for a drink sometime, okay?"
'Fat chance' was what Jack thought, but to be polite he simply responded, "sure…"
The hallway was empty when he stepped out of the Social Service office, so he didn't feel the need to stop by the Finance Department to simply continue their ruse.
Jack's Office…
Walking back to his office, his expression went from one of elation to deep concern.
Walking through the door to his office, and Stacy took one look at him, "Oh no, did it not go well?"
"No, it went well, until Sanchez stopped by…"
"Sanchez, as in Dr. Sanchez?" she asked.
"Yeah, and if I'm not mistaken, he's there to ask her out…"
"Does she even know him?"
"I don't know, but he said he was there for something personal…"
"Oh," was her only response. "Well, you might be jumping to conclusions…"
Jack turned and walked into his office, closing the door behind him as he muttered, "I hope so…"
Elizabeth's office…
"What can I do for you?" Elizabeth asked.
"Well, we haven't been formally introduced, but I'm Miguel Sanchez. I'm an orthopedic surgeon," he stated.
"It's nice to meet you. I've seen you around, but I guess we just haven't had any cases together," Elizabeth replied. "How may I help you?"
"Well, this is a bit awkward, but…" he stated as Elizabeth's mind wandered to all the possibilities of what his next words could be. "My niece is a graduate of Northwestern, and she'd like to get into the social services field. I heard that you were a supervisor in Cook County before you came here, and I thought maybe you could talk with her, and possibly put in a good word for her if you like what you hear…"
Those were certainly not the words she expected to hear from Dr. Sanchez, and she'd likely have bet all of her belongings that they weren't what Jack expected him to say either. "Well, I'd be glad to speak with her and help all that I can. There is a hiring freeze right now, but it wouldn't hurt for her to contact Jane Shepperd and see about doing volunteer work. When the freeze is over, they usually hire from the volunteer pool first."
Elizabeth pulled out a piece of paper from her desk drawer. Writing down the name and number of her contact in Social Services, Elizabeth handed it to Dr. Sanchez. "If your niece would like to come by and talk or if she simply has some questions, ask her to give me a call," she stated as she pulled one of her cards from its holder on her desk.
"Thank you very much, and welcome to the Memorial Hospital family."
"Thank you; have a nice day," she responded as she walked him out of the office.
Walking down the hall back to her office, several of her co-workers peeked out of their doors. "What, is something wrong?"
"WOW, you get all the good-looking men…" one of the women stated. "I mean, Dr. Thornton and Dr. Sanchez…add Dr. Cavanaugh to the mix and you'll have a trifecta!"
"Yeah, right… Dr. Thornton was simply here to drop off paperwork for one of his patients to get home health, and Dr. Sanchez was here to ask for information about social services. Yep, I really had them eating out of my hand," she laughed as she stepped back into her office, and closed the door.
Sitting behind her desk, she released a hard breath. Pulling her phone from her desk drawer, she turned it on…
"Is Sanchez still there…?
"Did he ask u out…?"
Elizabeth smiled… "He loves me, and he's jealous…" she whispered to herself.
Dialing Jack's cell number, he answered on the first ring, "Did he ask you out?"
"Well, hello to you, too," she laughed softly. "Are you seriously jealous?"
"Elizabeth, I'm sorry; did he ask you out?"
"No, he was not here to ask me out. He wanted some help getting his niece into a job with social services," she replied. "Really Jack, not every man who wants to talk to me wants a date. I mean it's flattering that you think that, but it's just not the reality."
"So, you're telling me the truth…he didn't ask you out?"
"No, I mean, yes…I am telling you the truth; he did not ask me out!"
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to over react. It's just that…"
"It's just that you are sweet, and…and kind, and loving, and a tad bit jealous."
"I'm glad you think I'm kind, and loving and sweet, and I won't deny it…I was jealous."
"There is no need for you to be jealous, Jack. I love you, and only you."
"I know, and I love you, too. It's just I've never felt this way about anyone before, and well, it's scary."
"It is, but Jack, for some reason, I also feel calmer about life than I've felt in a really long time and that's because of you."
Suddenly, Jack's pager went off. "I'm sorry; this is one of those times when I regret going to med school, but I'm being paged to the ER, so I've got to go. Hey, let's go out and celebrate tonight."
"I think that would be perfect…"
Carnivale Restaurant…
Elizabeth rushed home, showered, changed, and grabbed an Uber, pulling up in front of the restaurant to find Jack waiting outside. He opened her door, reached out his hand and helped her out of the car.
Standing back, his eyes met hers. Slowly, his glance moved down her body and to her shoes before moving upward again. "You take my breath away," he stated as he observed her in a peach-colored chiffon dress with a solid liner underneath. The dress fell in a Hi-Lo fashion, sleeveless, deep V cut in front and back and a fitted waistline. She finished off the look wearing a pair of heels with an ankle strap, all in the same color as her dress. Jack looked quite handsome in his dark grey suit with a white dress shirt, burgundy tie, and brown shoes.
"You look quite handsome yourself, Dr. Thornton."
Jack took Elizabeth's hand as they walked into the restaurant. It wasn't as intimate as he had hoped, but they did have a dance floor, which several couples were already enjoying, and he was looking forward to spending some quality time with the woman who had quickly and easily stolen his heart.
As they took their seats and perused the menu, Jack fiddled somewhat with his coat. Once the waitress brought the bottle of wine Jack had requested, and then left with their food orders they began to chat.
After conversation about their day, funny jokes she'd seen on social media, especially the one where the Golden Retriever stole a guys truck after he stopped to play frisbee with him, and the phone conversation she had with Dr. Sanchez' niece, she asked, "Why are you staring at me?"
"You are so beautiful…inside and out," he replied.
"You wouldn't be a bit prejudice, would you?" she responded.
He smiled, "Of course, not. Just honest. You look beautiful in your dress, but…"
"But…? But what?" she looked down to see if something was wrong.
"It's missing something," Jack stated as he reached into the inside pocket of his coat and pulled out a box.
"What's this…?" she asked. As he opened the box to reveal a prong set solitaire diamond at the center of a glistening diamond studded heart pendant in white gold. "Oh, Jack, It's beautiful, but you didn't have to…" She was hoping to convey that she wasn't after his money or the things he could buy for her, like many of the women he'd dated before.
"I know it's not necessary, but I wanted to get you something to remind us of this new change in our relationship," he stated as he stood up, walked behind her, placed the necklace around her neck and kissed her cheek, all while catching the admiring gaze from many of the women sitting nearby.
As he returned to his seat, her smile was bright and broad, easily reaching her sparkling blue eyes. "Thank you, Jack. It's absolutely beautiful, but I didn't get you anything."
"That gorgeous smile on your face is the only thing I need," he responded. "I'm just glad you like it, but as beautiful as you think it is, it still doesn't hold a candle to you," he took her hand and pulled it up to his lips.
"I certainly wasn't expecting anything. Really, it's beautiful…thank you," her hand held the diamond heart pendant. Glancing down, she smiled, "I've never received anything this beautiful before."
"Well, I'm honored to be the first," he glanced into her eyes, and somehow, they both knew that he was referencing more than just the gift of the pendant.
As they enjoyed their meal, Elizabeth said, "I need to talk to you about something…"
"Is something wrong?"
"No, nothing like that. It's just that I've been giving some thought to getting my own place," she responded. "I'm in the thinking stage, but if something good comes along, I don't want you to be shocked, like you didn't know I was considering it."
He viewed this as a positive step; her moving on individually at the same time as they were taking a leap as a couple. "I'm proud of you, and if you need any help, you will let me know, right?"
"Of course, but I know it can take forever to find just the right place with a view, and security and location…"
"True, but you may be lucky and find something quickly."
Following dinner, Jack excused himself momentarily saying, "I need to call and check on a patient really quick. Is that okay?"
"Of course, take your time…"
Jack was only gone for a couple of minutes when he returned and instead of taking his seat, he held out his hand to her, "Dance with me…"
"I'd love to…" Elizabeth responded as she took his hand and they walked out onto the now, otherwise empty dance floor.
Jack glanced over at the band and softly nodded.
"Ladies and gentlemen, this next song goes out to Elizabeth from the guy who is absolutely crazy about you…" the leader of the band stated before they began to cover "Never Stop" by the band "SafetySuit."
"You didn't have to check on a patient, did you?"
"No, but I do want you to know how special you are to me…" he replied before wrapping her in his arms and pulling her close.
This is my love song to you
Let every woman know I'm yours
So you can fall asleep each night, babe
And know I'm dreaming of you more
You're always hoping that we make it
You always wanna keep my gaze
Well you're the only one I see, love
And that's the one thing that won't change
I will never stop trying
I will never stop watching as you leave
I will never stop losing my breath
Every time I see you looking back at me
I will never stop holding your hand
I will never stop opening your door
I will never stop choosing you, babe
I will never get used to you
And with this love song to you
It's not a momentary phase
You are my life, I don't deserve you
But you love me just the same
And as the mirror says we're older
I will not look the other way
You are my life, my love, my only
And that's the one thing that won't change
I will never stop trying
I will never stop watching as you leave
I will never stop losing my breath
Every time I see you looking back at me
And I will never stop holding your hand
I will never stop opening your door
I will never stop choosing you, babe
I will never get used to you
You still get my heart racing
You still get my heart racing for you
You still get my heart racing
You still get my heart racing for you
I will never stop trying
I will never stop watching as you leave
I will never stop losing my breath
Every time I see you looking back at me
And I will never stop holding your hand
I will never stop opening your door
I will never stop choosing you, babe
I will never get used to you
You still get my heart racing
You still get my heart racing for you
You still get my heart racing
You still get my heart racing for you
You still get my heart racing
You still get my heart racing for you
You still get my heart racing
You still get my heart racing for you
As the music ended, Jack leaned in and pressed his lips to hers. "I love you, Elizabeth…"
As a tear rolled down her cheek, Jack's thumb brushed across her skin and swept it away. With a bright smile, she responded, "I love you, too…"
Later that evening, Jack and Elizabeth sat on her sofa with a cup of coffee as they talked about life and love…
"I know that you said you've never told any other woman that you love them, but has a woman every told you that she was in love with you? I mean, besides me?"
Jack swallowed hard, "Yes…" he stated but did not elaborate.
"Really?" she sounded surprised that he answered so quickly. "I'm sorry, of course, I don't know what I was thinking. Sure, you've probably had women falling all over you your entire life. So, what did you say?" she asked.
"First of all, I haven't had women falling all over me. I wasn't interested in that then, and I'm certainly not interested in it now. I have the woman of my dreams sitting right here, beside me…"
"That's really sweet of you to say, but you didn't answer the question…"
"What was the question…?"
"Jack, you said that you've had a woman tell you that she loved you. So, what did you say back to her?"
"The first time it happened, I didn't say anything. She got mad, and I don't believe we saw each other after that."
"Oh my gosh; how long had you been dating?"
"One week…" he laughed. "I felt like she already had us married and everything."
"Um, you said the first time; it happened again?" she asked.
"Yeah, but this time, I was honest. I mean, I wasn't looking to settle down, and besides, I wasn't in love with her. Even if I'd wanted to appease her, I couldn't have choked out the words…"
"Choked out the words…?"
"Elizabeth, some people speak those words as if they are simply saying 'hello' or 'goodbye.' Those three words are too important to say haphazardly. You should mean them. When I said them to you, I have never been more honest in my entire life."
"In case you were wondering, I've never said those words before, nor have I had anyone say them to me," she responded.
"I find it hard to believe that no guy ever said he was in love with you. Are you being honest here?" he asked.
"Oh wait, it has happened twice for me too. The first time was in second grade when Arthur Pennington told me that he loved me and was going to marry me in five years."
"Arthur Pennington…?"
"He was named after his father, and before you ask, five years later he was holding hands with Molly Harold, and had completely forgotten about me."
"I find that really hard to believe. Trust me," he added, "you are not easy to forget."
"That's sweet of you to say… I think, but Molly wore frilly dresses, and I was a tomboy who loved climbing trees and playing sports."
Jack took in her extremely feminine appearance, "You don't look like a tomboy now…"
"Well, I was not a girly-girl, who wore dresses all the time. I mean, I love my jeans, and hoodies, and t-shirts and flip flops, but when the occasion calls for it, I do like to dress up."
"And incase I was remiss and didn't tell you, you are absolutely breathtaking this evening…but to be honest, you are also breathtaking in a pair of jeans and a hoodie, too."
Jack took a sip of his wine, put down his glass and asked, "You said that two guys told you that they loved you; so, who was the second one?"
"He didn't matter. He was just some guy in college who said he loved me because he thought it would make me want to hop into bed with him. It didn't work, and that was the last time I saw him."
Jack leaned over and gave her a quick peck on the tip on her nose, "Well, his loss is most definitely my gain."
"May I take your plates?" The waitress asked as she stood by their table waiting for an opportunity to speak.
"Of course, Jack stated as they both stacked their smaller plates on their dinner ones, and placed their silverware on top.
"Thank you, that wasn't necessary, but I do appreciate it," the waitress stated as she looked at Elizabeth and caught a glimpse of her necklace. "I hope you don't mind me saying so, but that is the most beautiful pendant I've ever seen."
"Thank you; it was a gift from a very special man…" Elizabeth proudly replied.
Seeing the jewelry box on the table, she glanced over at Jack, "You have wonderful taste in jewelry."
"Thank you. It looks like it was made for her, doesn't it?"
"It most certainly does. You two have a lovely rest of your night."
"Thank you, you too," they both added in unison.
As the waitress walked back toward the kitchen with the dirty dishes, she passed another waitress who took care of some of the load. As they reached the swinging door to the kitchen, Jack and Elizabeth's waitress turned around.
"Did you forget something?" the other waitress asked.
"No, just envious…"
"Of who…?"
"Don't you mean whom?" she chuckled. "No, seriously, that couple at my table…#4, are obviously so in love. You should see the necklace he gave her tonight. It was kinda simple, but absolutely gorgeous." Turning back toward the kitchen door, she stated, "I dream of having a man look at me the way he looks at her."
Walking out to Jack's car…
"Are you on call this weekend?" she asked.
"No, well, I was, but I asked around and called in a few favors, so I'm covered, unless something out of the ordinary happens. So, dinner with Lee and Rosie is definitely a go. I actually wanted to talk with you and see when you'd be available to go to my mom's for dinner."
"Look, I know that we have to take that step at some point, but can we wait just a little longer?"
Reaching over he took her hand, "Elizabeth, why are you afraid to meet my mom? She's wonderful and she's going to love you."
"Jack, I'm sure she's wonderful; she raised you, so how could she possibly be anything else. It's just that I was hoping more time would go by and maybe she'd forget about all the bad things that happened to you because of me."
"She doesn't blame you."
"That's what she tells you, but Jack, once we meet, if she doesn't like me, that means we're through…"
"What…?"
"Jack, my parents love you, but then again, you saved my life. What parent wouldn't love the person who saved their child? It's different for your mom, and if she hates me, we can't be together…"
"I think you're wrong, but I'll hold my mom off for a while longer."
"Thank you for understanding."
"I'm not sure that I understand, but I can see the stress it puts on you, and I don't want that. So, a little while longer and then we rip the Band-Aid off, okay?"
"Okay…and Jack…"
"Yeah…"
"I meant what I said. I know your mom is a wonderful woman. She raised you, so she has to be. It is truly nothing against her, because I think any mom would likely have problems with any woman who…"
"Stop, Elizabeth. Please, don't stress over this. I'll wait a while longer, but I do believe you are worrying for nothing."
"I hope so," she muttered, as he opened her door and she slipped inside.
Life goes on…
Moving on…and out-
Although Elizabeth still suffered from occasional night terrors, thankfully living with Rosie afforded her an in-house cuddler who was miraculously by her bedside whenever she made the slightest peep…which thankfully, seemed to be happening less and less frequently. A month ago, her counseling sessions had been reduced from twice to once per week, and given Elizabeth's confidence in herself and the progress she'd made, they were subsequently changed to twice a month, with her counselor adamant that she be called for additional sessions, if the need arose.
Although, Elizabeth was beginning to feel more like herself, well, more like her pre-Ethan self, she wasn't ignorant to the fact that once she moved out of Rosie's apartment, and lost the security her presence provided, her fears could, and most likely would resurface, at least temporarily. However, she also knew that she could not put her past trauma behind her unless she continued moving forward.
Although extremely appreciative of everything Rosie had done for her, and the fact that she continued to make herself available whenever needed, Elizabeth had to admit that she wanted her own space, and she was fairly certain that Rosie was in need of her own place back again, as well.
Living with Rosie during this time when her security was teetering on a tightrope gave her the opportunity to focus less on her fear, and more on her recovery. Elizabeth had made progress on her issues during the months she participated in counseling, but at the same time, she felt stagnant, so she quietly began searching for her own place.
Knowing that she could no longer keep her plans a secret, she met Rosie for lunch.
"WOW, we had dinner the other night and now lunch together; to what do I owe all of this sudden 'Elizabeth time…?'" Rosie asked after the waitress, having taken their order, walked away from their table.
"Um, I wanted to thank you for everything you've done for me…not only with Ethan, but just being my best friend and being there for me always."
Rosie looked alarmed, "Are you sick? Is something wrong?"
"What…no; I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate you."
"I appreciate you too, Elizabeth, and I love having you staying with me. I mean, we don't see each other as much as I would like, but it's so nice knowing you're there."
"Well, that's kind of what I wanted to talk with you about…I think it's time that I got my own place."
"Have I done something to make you feel like I'm pushing you out?" Rosie asked.
"No, of course, not. If anything, you've given up your freedom for me, and I think you and I could both use our own space again. I may want to get a dog, and I know that you'd like to have Lee over to your place instead of always going to his apartment."
"Why didn't you say anything when we were all out at dinner…wait, does Jack even know?" Rosie looked in Elizabeth's eyes, "He doesn't know, does he?"
"Well, he knows I'm thinking about it, but I don't know if he thinks I'm seriously looking. There are some places available near him that he's mentioned, but I think, since we're trying to stay quiet about us, that living near each other will simply open us up to scrutiny. But anyway, I didn't want to bring it up the other night, because we were having such a nice time, and I didn't want me moving out to monopolize the conversation."
"Well, if that's what you want, I'll stand behind you, but please don't feel like you have to rush."
"I don't feel that way, but thank you for saying so," Elizabeth replied. "Besides, who knows how long it will take me to find something. It could take months, or…I don't think it will happen, but something could open up tomorrow."
"Since you brought it up," Rosie began as she took a sip of her iced tea, "How do you really feel about Jack wanting to keep you a secret?"
"You make it sound scandalous, and it's not."
"Sorry; I didn't mean for it to come out that way. It's just, I know you. I can see your eyes light up whenever you mention his name, and it has to be hard for you to see him around the hospital and act like you don't know each other. Especially since Lee has told me that every nurse at the hospital wants him. Well, not just the nurses, some of the women doctors are after him as well."
"Look, Rosie, I understand what you're saying, and you're not wrong. It isn't easy walking passed him in the hall and trying not to catch his eye, or simply say 'hello.' But I've heard the rumors about others, and if they're true, many of them are scandalous, but if not, I'm sure they're extremely hurtful to those involved. I appreciate Jack wanting to protect me…wanting to protect us. So, for now I'm okay with keeping the fact that we're dating quiet…"
"Don't get me wrong, I like Jack, and Lee is probably Jack's number one fan, next to you, of course. Anyway, Lee has told me that Jack isn't a player…"
"What…a player; Rosie, you make it sound like he's seeing other women and keeping us all a secret so no one finds out about the other. You don't really think that, do you?"
Their conversation ceased as the waitress returned and placed their plates on the table in front of them.
Once the waitress left, Rosie responded, "What; no, absolutely not. I just wish we could all meet and have dinner at the hospital, and you and Jack could walk around holding hands and not have to be so careful about where you go together for fear of being seen by someone from the hospital. I know you're proud to be with him, and Lee has said that he's never seen Jack so crazy about a woman before."
"Well, he's worried that the talk will tear us apart," Elizabeth responded. "I've dealt with the ugly talk before at social services, and although I lived through it, it was hurtful at times. Actually, the rumors that hurt the most weren't the ones about having the director's baby, or being his side piece. What hurt so bad was people assuming that because I was sleeping with him, which we know I wasn't, that that's the reason why I received my promotion. The difference here is that I wasn't with the social services director…never met him, so I didn't have to worry about how it was impacting his life. And you know what…I didn't really think about that until just now. I wonder if he ever heard the rumors or if his wife did, or if it caused them any problems. I sure hope not!"
"Well, this is different, and I'm sure you were concerned," Rosie laughed softly, "but I definitely give my approval of Jack. I just wanted to make sure you were okay with everything. I'm your best friend, and I know you better than just about anyone. Even if you hadn't said anything, I can tell that you and Jack are in love and I know you'll stay together. Any idea when you will go public? I mean, you could do what all the Hollywood stars do and go on Instagram with a soft launch."
"Soft launch…" Elizabeth giggled. "You sound like I'm opening up a dress shop or something. But in all seriousness, staying private for now means a lot to Jack, so I'm happy to oblige, especially since I do get to see him just about every day," Elizabeth replied. "Besides, he's not pushing me to meet his mom, although I know he really wants me to, so since he's giving me time with that, I can give him time with this."
"She is such a sweet woman, Elizabeth, you will love her."
"When did you meet her?" Elizabeth asked, seemingly shocked.
"Lee and I were out near where she lives and he asked if I wanted to ride by and meet her. Nothing sinister about it. But I will say, she is every bit as sweet as Jack and Lee have said she is."
"Look, there is no doubt in my mind that she's sweet, and a wonderful mom, but truthfully, Rosie, how would you feel about a woman who almost got your son killed, not once, but twice?"
"Elizabeth, it's not like you are making it out to be…"
"Rosie, because of me, Jack was stabbed, and could have lost his career, and then shot and could have lost his life. No matter how wonderful his mother is, I just don't think she'll see me as the woman she always dreamed he'd fall in love with…"
Before Rosie could respond, Elizabeth blurted out, "I don't blame her; really, I don't. She wants the best for her son, and I'm just afraid that in her eyes, it won't be me." Elizabeth pushed her plate away, "I'm enjoying my time with Jack, for as long as we have, because I know that if his mother doesn't approve of me, there will be no 'us,' and that scares me."
To be continued…