Sarah suggested a game of Scrabble after dinner. Jackson welcomed the distraction. He could pretend to concentrate on the board while his mind clearly drifted somewhere else. Elisabeth won the game and when they finished Sarah and Connor said goodnight.
"Do you want a glass of port before we go up?"
"No thanks, but you go ahead if you'd like." He took her hand, and as they climbed the stairs, Elisabeth asked, "Are you all right?"
"Yes, I'm fine, why?"
"You seem far away tonight."
"I'm sorry, guess I'm just a little tired."
"Should I go home so you can rest?"
"Oh God, no, I want you here with me, don't even think about leaving, please." They had made their way to his room. Jackson held his hands to her face. "I don't think I could bear to lose you."
"You're not going to lose me, I'm here and I'm not going anywhere."
"Do you promise?"
"I promise." They kissed tenderly and Jackson began to relax. He let go of all his worries and immersed himself fully in the moment. He desperately wanted to have this last night untainted by the truth they would face tomorrow.
***
Jackson didn't sleep all night. He was determined not to waste a single minute of his time with Elisabeth. He watched her sleep, wishing to know her dreams; wondering if he would ever see her face this serene again.
He left her sleeping and snuck downstairs to make breakfast. Returning with the tray, he sat on the bed and brushed the hair off her forehead. She woke and smiled. "Good morning."
"Good morning to you. I've brought you breakfast."
"Really? Wow, I feel like royalty."
"You are the Queen of my heart." He placed the tray across her lap.
"Where's yours?"
"I ate downstairs."
"So, are you going to just sit there and watch me eat?
"Yes."
"At least have some toast or bacon. This is delicious. What kind of cheese did you use in the omelet?"
"I'm not sure; I found it in the fridge." He had never seen a woman with an appetite like hers, yet found it heartwarming for some reason. When she finished, he lifted the tray. "Now, your majesty, what would you like to do today?"
She tugged on the belt of his robe. "I'd like you to get back in this bed and show me some reverence."
"Ahhh. Your wish is my command." The two spent the next hour playfully enjoying each other. Jackson longed to make their last few hours of innocence count. "What do you say we take an extremely long shower then go out for a drive, you pick the car?"