Law and Love

Author’s Note: Thank you so very much for my friend Kathy (kittie8571) who is the Beta of this story!

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Chapter Fourteen: Time for commitment?

The next two days passed as the two others before, full of work and with no other great news. Jack and Ennis looked like ghosts haunting the rooms of the big firm. The only exception was on Thursday morning when Jack and Ennis arrived late to the firm to the shock of their secretaries and amusement of Elizabeth.

What happened was that after sleeping on the couch with no alarm clock, Jack and Ennis woke up extremely late. After a lot of cursing, the couple arrived at the firm wearing the same clothes as the day before and looking positively shagged. Thankfully, almost all of their colleagues were already engaged with work; otherwise, the entire firm would have had confirmation of the numerous rumors going around about the two of them.

Ennis was still remembering the episode when he arrived at Jack’s apartment and for the first time, it brought him a smile to his lips. After all, he was the reason why Jack had been late for work for the first time in years. It surely meant something.

He rang the bell. No knocking on doors tonight, he thought. Tonight, Ennis Del Mar was going to take Jack Twist to Elizabeth’s party. A simple date and he could feel the butterflies in his stomach. He was extremely nervous, exactly as he had been on their first date. Like Jack said, this was their first public appearance together. Of course, everyone could think they were just two friends arriving together, but Ennis knew this was going to be the official affirmation of the rumors. And he was slightly nervous.

“Hi, honey. You’re a bit early, aren’t you?” Jack said, opening the door and giving him his usual "hello" kiss.

“Yeah, I’m a bit nervous.” Ennis said moving quickly to the couch.

“You don’t have to be, honey.” Jack said sitting with him on the sofa.

“I can’t help it. Do you realize everybody in the firm is going to know that I’m gay?” Ennis said biting his nails.

“Ennis, look at me.” Jack said lifting his boyfriend's jaw. “Do you love me?”

“Of course I do, otherwise I wouldn’t be doing this.”

“Do you really think they don’t know already? Yesterday was quite clear, don’t you think?” Jack said moving closer to Ennis.

“You’re going to be the death of me.” Ennis said caressing Jack’s lips with his index finger. His finger rested on the small mole near his upper lip.

“Ah, you love it.” Jack said, knowing full well that it was true.

Ennis brushed their lips together, slightly at first and then stronger and more forcefully until he could feel Jack’s tongue brushing against his lips, seeking permission. Ennis opened his mouth eagerly and let his tongue meet Jack's half way. He could not control the moan coming out of his mouth and Jack slightly withdrew.

“Hmm, honey, this has to wait until after the party. I don’t want to be late.” Jack said licking his lips and getting up from the couch.

“I’ll remember you’ve promised me that my mar.” Ennis said feeling much more relaxed.

“Am I supposed to pretend I didn’t hear your odd pet name?” Jack asked from the bedroom.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, baby.” Ennis said and Jack laughed. After a few seconds, his cell phone rang and Ennis saw it was Elizabeth.

“Hi, Elizabeth.”

“Hi, kid. Look, are you guys ready?”

“Almost. I’m already at Jack’s place. He’s still in his room getting ready. Do you need anything?”

“I was expecting him to be.” She paused and Ennis could hear her take a deep breath from the other side of the line. “I made a last minute decision.”

“Are you going to cancel the whole thing?” Ennis asked, worried.

“Of course not! It’s something completely different. I called Mary and asked her to come over. I’m calling because I need you guys to take care of most things, so we can talk properly. I know it’s bad timing but some things can’t wait when you make up your mind.” There was a determined tone in her voice and Ennis's mind swam with the possibilities of her tone.

“So, does this mean…”

“You know what this means. Grab Jack and get here as soon as possible. Bye.”

“Bye…” But Ennis couldn’t finish because Elizabeth had already ended the call. He looked at the phone for a few seconds and smiled until a loud laugh emerge from his mouth.

“Who was it?” Jack said appearing from his bedroom and still readjusting his sweater.

“It was Elizabeth. You’re not going to believe it. She just called me saying we need to get to her place as soon as possible. She had some kind of epiphany and decided to call Mary so they could talk right now. We need to go and keep things at the party in order.”

“I’m shocked. Did she tell you what kind of talk?”

“She said and I quote «You know what this means».”

“Oh my God! It can’t be. Do you think she’s going to give Mary another chance?” Jack asked, utterly amazed.

“You’re the one who knows her so well. How should I know?”

“Point taken. But I’m not sure I know her that well anymore.”

“I know baby but we need to go as soon as we can. Are you ready?”

“Yes. Are you nervous?”

“Not anymore. I’m actually looking forward to the party now.” Ennis said starting to turn off the lights while Jack set up the security alarm.

“Let’s go then, honey.” Jack said closing the door.

“My car is parked just outside the building.” Ennis said while they entered the elevator. He felt Jack’s eyes on his polo and he couldn’t control the smile coming from his lips. He couldn't remember the last time he had smiled so much in so little time.

“You’re wearing the blue polo again. One would think you have nothing else to wear.” Jack teased when they arrived at the building's front door, his hand caressing the fabric.

“I’m waiting for my rich boyfriend to buy me a new one.” It was then that Jack noticed the car standing in front of them. This wasn’t Ennis car. The black Hyundai was nowhere to be seen. In front of them was a brand new silver BMW Z4 and by the look on Ennis's face, the car was his.

“Do you like it?” Ennis asked unlocking the doors and shutting off the alarm. The silver beauty made a small chirp sound and the lights turned on and off in seconds.

“It’s beautiful and I think it totally fits you. But what have you done with your old Hyundai?” Jack asked sitting in the passenger seat.

“It wasn’t really mine. I was leasing it for the first two months.” He stopped the conversation switching on the engine and starting to drive to Elizabeth’s house. “This car is a long time dream of mine.”

“I love my blue M5 but this is something else. I should have known we'd have similar taste in cars.” Jack said looking around. “Some people may not believe it, but we do have a lot in common. And then, of course, there’s the amazing sex.” Jack teased.

“One of the few things I like to spend money on is cars!” Ennis said putting on some music.

“And sports! Are you excited about our little trip tomorrow?” Jack said looking at his cell phone.

“Little trip? We’re going to Paris, France. It’s a long flight. I really don’t know how we’re going to be here on Sunday morning. Maybe I can persuade you to change your mind and stay until at least Sunday afternoon.”

“Ennis, I told you, I need to be at my uncle’s country club at 8 am. I’m sick of thinking about what he wants to tell me, so I’ve decided not to delay it.” Jack looked over at Ennis and he saw the small disappointment on his face.

“Sorry honey, maybe after this stupid case, we can have a weekend in Paris. Just shopping and romancing.”

“No shopping, please.” Ennis said rolling his eyes. “Elizabeth had already warned me about your shopping reputation.”

“Ok. It’s a date.” Jack looked outside the window for a few minutes and then he remembered something. “Do you have anyone to take care of Neve? Matilda would gladly keep him for tomorrow.”

“No. It’s unnecessary, he’s staying with Veronica as usual.”

“Oh, your next door neighbor. I think I saw her one day.”

“She seems to like you a lot. This week we were talking about work and I told her that you and I were dating and she wasn’t even surprised. She said you were extremely hot.”

“She has good taste. She probably saw me walking out your door at 6 am a couple of times and figured it out.”

“Jack, she didn’t even know I was gay.”

“Some people just know. Veronica must be one of them.”

“She wants to meet you and I want you to meet her. She’s becoming a really good friend to me. I think you’re going to like her.” Ennis said as they arrived at Elizabeth’s house. Near the gates, a young man dressed in white was waiting to park their car.

“I already like her, Ennis.” Jack answered stepping out of the car. “It seems Elizabeth has really done it this time”

The house was shining with the numerous lamps placed around the gardens, pink and white flowers were surrounding the big balcony and some of the columns. Dozens of people, dressed in white uniforms, were walking around immersed in their duties. Some of them were carrying chairs, others tables. Ennis stared at the peacock, which was lazily walking a few feet away, far from the confusion the humans were creating. He wondered if the peacock was part of Elizabeth’s party or another decoration for the party. The whole picture reminded him of some English landscapes he had seen many years before in a gallery.

“For the love of God. What are we supposed to do?” Ennis said trying to avoid walking into the members of the staff.

“Do you remember Monique? The night Elizabeth gave your reception party you met her.” Jack was talking and looking around.

“You’re joking, right? That night I was so nervous, I could hardly stand a five minute conversation with anyone. And I met thousands of different people. How could I remember?”

“Someone who saw you would say that you were very relaxed and enjoyed yourself immensely. You hid perfectly.” Jack said entering the house through the open door. Ennis followed. “Well, at any rate, you did meet her. She’s the governess of the house, actually it’s a mansion, but no one calls it that anymore.”

“So, Monique is the one who could help us?”

“Certainly.” Jack said knocking on the last door on the right corridor. “If anyone knows how to run this house, it's her.”

“Yes.” An elegant older woman stepped outside the door smiling at Jack. “Mr. Twist, how have you been?”

“Very well, madam. May I inquire the same?”

“I’m quite well, Mr. Twist. And this fine gentleman must be the much mentioned Mr. Del Mar.” The older lady said laying her eyes on him.

“You are correct, madam.”

“Elizabeth showed me a photo not long ago.” She smiled. “Oh, that reminds me, she’s right now talking with Mrs. Bingley in the studio.”

“Yes, we’re aware, madam Monique. Actually, Elizabeth sent us to help with the last minute preparations.”

“Very well. It’s still early so you can come with me. We’re going to take a walk around the entire house, trying to find out if there’s anything left needing to be done.”

The two young men followed the white haired lady, feeling more and more like they were in a black and white movie.

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Jack and Ennis were both standing outside Elizabeth’s door, greeting the numerous guests already arriving. Every single one would ask about Elizabeth and every single one would have the same answer: Elizabeth is unfortunately delayed but will greet all the guests at the table a little later.

Jack was the one doing the talking and Ennis would nod and instruct the gentlemen where everything was located. By the 20th time, they were both bored and feeling more and more anxious. If Elizabeth didn’t come out soon, they would have to come up with a different excuse. They were greeting guests for more than 10 minutes when Frederic Dawson arrived and after some tension and a few stares, nothing more happened and Jack could breathe again, relieved.

Half an hour passed and Jack and Ennis were now forced to open the doors to the dining room. They waited for the guests to sit so they could tell them Elizabeth was ill or some other acceptable excuse. Jack was already standing up when Elizabeth and Mary finally arrived at the table.

“May I have your attention please? Everyone -- here she is, in our presence, our friend, colleague and nominee, Elizabeth Noris.” Jack sat in his seat and clapped his hands with the rest of the room.

“Thank you all. I’m very happy that you're all here.” Jack observed her, there was some flush on her cheeks and her eyes were sparkling and he could immediately understand that Elizabeth and Mary had made up their minds. They were finally together. Mary sat on the chair right next to Elizabeth and smirked to Jack and the blue eyed man knew there was something else happening. He knew her well enough to know that if she was happy, he was going to get surprised.

“I know you’re all here to celebrate my nomination and to have a handshake with the well-known beastin court.” She smiled as some of the guests laughed.

“But I’m going to use this moment to announce something else.” Jack looked at Ennis surprised.

“Ladies and gentleman I would like to announce my engagement to my long time love, Mary Bingley.” The room was silent but after a couple of seconds they all started to clap their hands for the two women standing up next to each other. Ennis had to shake Jack a little, the man was in shock but it finally hit him and he started to clap his hands and cry.

“Thank you very much.” Mary said showing them her engagement ring.

Ennis thought Jack was going to faint but all he did was stop crying and began babbling about happiness and love and something else Ennis didn’t quite understand.

“Jack, baby, Elizabeth may think you’re not happy for her. Try to smile at least.” Ennis whispered at Jack’s ear. That seemed to work because Jack managed a smiled that lasted the entire dinner.

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“I can’t believe you asked her to marry you.” Jack said.

Ennis, Elizabeth and Jack were all standing in the garden, far away from the curious eyes. Mary had excused herself to phone the babysitter. The lights Elizabeth had bought made the garden look like the Garden of Eden. The peacock was no big thing -- Elizabeth had swans in this part of the garden. The biggest ones Ennis had ever seen.

They were sitting on wooden white chairs while Monique took care of the guests' needs. The older woman had been crying all night and Ennis didn’t know if it was from happiness or sadness, since Jack had told him that she and Mary didn’t get along well. It was almost midnight and Jack and Ennis needed to leave soon, for they were supposed to be at the airport at 7 am.

“I know it was unexpected but my heart was so sure. I’m in love and tired of wasting time.” Elizabeth said seriously.

“I can't begin to tell you how happy I am for you. I’m still sort of in shock anyway.” Jack looked at the view of the garden, lost in thought.

“It’s a big step but like I told Jack, maybe this is what you needed… a family. Have you thought about the baby? God, you look tremendously happy.” Ennis said smiling.

“I’ve been thinking of nothing else. Her name is Sophie, and she’s the spitting image of Mary. You guys need to come meet her.”

“Yeah, Eliza is right. What about Saturday at my house?” Mary asked sitting next to Elizabeth.

“Sorry, we’re leaving for France tomorrow morning but we’ll return on Sunday morning. It’s a quick trip to see the final of Roland Garros.” Ennis said apologizing.

“Actually, we need to be here on Sunday because of my Uncle Daniel. He left the strangest message on my answering machine a couple of days ago, saying he needed to talk to me on Sunday morning and I’ve been worrying about it since. But we’re free on Sunday afternoon, aren’t we Ennis?”

“Yes, we are. I have a few things to take care of but it can all be done before lunch.”

“Then you can come to my house and Monique will make a nice snack and maybe dinner. And I’ll introduce you to my Sophie.” Elizabeth said, holding hands with Mary.

“It’s a plan then.” Ennis said standing up. “I guess it’s time to go pack everything and have some sleep.”

“You’re right. Let’s go.” Jack paused in front of his best friend. “You made me very happy today, but most of all, you made yourself happy.” They hugged and Mary and Ennis shared a knowing glance.

“Thank you, Jack.” Elizabeth said, getting emotional again.

“Now you two behave. I don’t want to find out that poor madam Monique had a stroke because she found the two of you in a compromising position.” Jack teased.

“It certainly wouldn’t be the first time.” Mary said smirking and Elizabeth blushed profusely.

“I always said you were a bad influence, Mary.” Jack smiled, happy to have the old Mary back. He and Mary may not have gotten along much but they both shared the pleasure of making Elizabeth blush.

“Jack, stop tormenting Elizabeth. She just got engaged. She deserves to do anything she wants.” Ennis said, pushing Jack away from the two women and then kissing them both goodbye.

The two men drove happily home commenting that since Elizabeth had chosen the party to announce her engagement, nobody had the mind to noticed them. Not that anybody had any doubts left, Jack thought.

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Ennis and Jack arrived at Jack’s building in less than 15 minutes. It was almost 1 am and the city that doesn’t sleep was taking a nap, at least in this part of the neighborhood. Jack, as all New Yorkers, wasn’t that sleepy.

“Come on Ennis, just come up for a bit. I need you to give you something.” Jack said sitting in the passenger’s seat, using his puppy dog eyes.

“Jack, stop it. I know what you want to give me and as nice as that would be, I don’t want to go to Paris dressed like this because I had no time to go home to change.” Ennis said moving closer against the seat.

“You really assume too much, Ennis Del Mar. It isn’t that -- really. And about the clothes, you don’t need to worry because I went shopping a couple of days ago and I bought you something to have in my apartment. You know . . . just in case…”

“You bought me something to wear? How did you know if I was going to like it? Do you even know what my size is?” Ennis said amazed.

“The answer is yes to everything. And maybe you should come up and try them on.”

“You’re not going to give up, are you?”

“Of course not. Now get out of the car.” Jack said opening the door and stepping out in the dark night.

“Ok, but only because I want a mug of coffee before I go home.” Ennis said following him.

“Oh, really? It has nothing at all to do with you being curious about my gift?” Jack asked entering the elevator.

“Definitely not.” Ennis said pushing the button to Jack’s floor.

“Or the fact that I put out?” Jack said teasing him.

“Jack! Do you want your neighbors to know everything about our life? Just keep your voice down.” Jack laughed but remained silent until they arrived at the door and Ennis decided to ask the question that had been bothering him.

“How the hell did Elizabeth come up with a ring?”

“It was probably a family heirloom. It looked quite old.”

“The things you notice. I was so shocked I had absolutely no time to think properly.”

“The Noris's are a very old family. It's only natural that they have engagement rings from previous generations. I have one too.”

“I had no idea.” Ennis said taking his coat off and looking at Jack, waiting.

“And you say you’re not curious!” Jack teased.

“I’m not but you did promise me a surprise, did you not?”

“Yeah, I did. I’m going to pick it up for you.” Jack answered disappearing through the bedroom door. Ennis looked after him, feeling a little excited with the expectation. Jack appeared a few minutes later with a box that looked too big for a ring, but too small to be anything else that Ennis could have guessed.

“A present? It’s not my birthday.” Ennis said smiling happily.

“Pretending to be surprised? You gave me a boyfriend watch and I didn’t have anything good enough to give at that moment, so this last week I’ve been thinking about what would be a suitable present for my boyfriend.”

“I’m flattered.” Ennis said, honestly surprised about the reason of the present. He hadn’t thought about it that way.

“So aren't you going to open it?”

“Of course I will. I just like to take my time.” What Ennis didn’t say was that we also liked to tease Jack. Three long minutes passed and Ennis was still playing around.

“Ennis, for God's sake, if you don’t open it this second I swear I’ll open it myself.” Jack was almost screaming in frustration.

“Ok. Ok.” And this time Ennis ripped apart the paper and opened the box. Inside the box there were too different small keys. One modern and silver, the other one gold and looked like ones usually used in a machine. Ennis looked at Jack surprised. What had Jack been thinking?

“Before you can say anything, Ennis. There’s absolutely no way I would accept those two keys back. It’s not your choice, it was mine and they are yours now.”

“Jack you’re freaking me out. What are these keys for?” Ennis asked, his eyes were wide and deep inside, he was a bit afraid.

“The silver one is the key to my apartment. Rather symbolic I know, but now you can take care of things when I’m gone on business trips. You can visit Matilda and sniff my pillow while I’m miles away.” Jack was only teasing but a part of what he said was actually true. He wanted Ennis to take care of the place while he was gone. It was something symbolic to him.

“You’re too funny, Jack. Sniffing pillows? Is that what you think I would do?” Ennis raised an eyebrow questioning Jack’s sanity.

“You can come and sleep in my bed and eat my cereal, if that’s romantic enough for you.”

“Of course. I’m thinking about using your clothes and stealing all of your sex toys.” Ennis said ironically.

“Don’t you want to know what the other one is for? Because, that’s your real present.”

“You shouldn’t have, really…” Ennis started, picking the odd key from the box. He was sure he had seen a similar one before.

“It’s a key for a helicopter that I have leased for an entire year! It’s in the closest airport and believe me, it’s a beauty.” Jack said, happy to see the surprise on his lover's face.

“Jack! An entire year? That must have been a lot of money. I simply can’t accept it.” Ennis said shaking his head and trying to give the key back to Jack.

“Youwill accept it because I want to have a lot of nice flights around New York with you. And, if you must know, it wasn’t that expensive. My father actually has one and because of the club, my Uncle Daniel knows the owner, so I got a very special price. Happy?” Jack said smiling.

“Extremely.” Ennis said kissing Jack on the lips. And when they drew apart to breathe Ennis whispered in Jack’s ear. “Don’t you think is time for me to try on my new clothes?”

“I have a better idea.” Jack whispered back. “And it doesn’t involve clothes at all.”

“Do I get to sniff your pillow?” Ennis asked with a smile.

“No, but you do get to steal my sex toys.”

And they both laughed together. And in the end neither of them got any sleep that night or tried on any clothes.


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On the next chapter: Jack and Ennis spend their Saturday together in Paris. It’s fluffy time! We also find out a little more about Jack’s pa