"From This Day Forward (Part 3 to One Night Stand)"

"A Perfect Fit"

Nora kept her head down as she cried.

Nora: Jack, you know I love you...
Jack: But you don't want to marry me?
Nora: I made a vow to my first husband. It's hard to explain...

Jack held both of Nora's hands.

Jack: I've got time.
Nora: Why don't we have a seat first?

Jack patiently walked with Nora to the dining table & they sat. She waited a moment before speaking. She wanted to gather her thoughts before she said anything.

Nora: When Luke & I met, it was love at first sight. He was your typical bad boy. He smoked, drank, had tattoos & drove a motorcycle. My parents hated him. Absolutely hated him. But I loved him. When he passed, I swore I'd never love again. And I was okay with that. My life was absorbed by my son, by my granddaughters & then my great granddaughter. And then... our paths crossed.

Jack remained silent as he sat & listened to Nora talk. He hung on her every word & was patient not to rush when she paused to think. His story was similar to that of Nora's. His late wife was also to the love of his life. And honestly, he hadn't even given it any thought whether he'd remarry or not. It just hit him like a ton of bricks the day he met Nora. He fell in love almost instantly. He didn't believe in love at first sight, but that day, he became a believer. He loved Nora with all his heart & he was ready to do whatever it would take to be with her even if she didn't want to marry him. Nora went on & on about Luke. It was very clear that Nora loved the man & maybe wasn't even over him even if it had been decades since his passing. Jack knew he couldn't compete with someone like Luke.

Nora: So Jack, I hope you understand my complicated answer.

Jack smiled & continued holding on to Nora's hands. You could tell he was hurt, but he did understand where Nora was coming from.

Nora: I'm sorry.
Jack: I'm just glad I'm in your life at all.

Nora hugged Jack & held him close. A gentle breeze blew across the porch & she was reminded of a time year ago. Actually it was a time decades ago when she was pregnant with Samuel (Summer's father). She was sitting on that very same porch swing. Luke was sitting next to her singing to her belly. The weather was somewhat similar to that of that moment. It was chilly with a slight breeze. She remembered the feeling Luke gave her when he was near. It was a feeling of security, a feeling of acceptance. It was love. Although Jack's personality & appearance was a bit different than Luke's, his presence made her feel the same way Luke's presence made her feel. She continued to hold on to Jack & he whispered, "Nora, are you alright?". He pulled away just so he could see if she was alright. She knew Luke didn't want her to be alone. In fact, he wanted her to remarry. It was she who didn't want to. But for whatever reason in that moment, she changed her mind & her answer.

Nora: Jack, I change my mind.
Jack: What does this mean?
Nora: Jack, I will marry you. I want to marry you.
Jack: Nora, are you sure?
Nora nodded & wrapped her arms around Jack's neck. He was so happy he was speechless. He took the ring back out & slipped it on Nora's finger. It was a perfect fit.