Buttons and Blankets...
Jack woke early, rolled onto his side and looked at his wife. He'd come to love the way she sometimes slept, looking so angelic with her face resting on her hand….until she snorted and he laughed. He snuggled against her, loving having her close, wrapped in his arms. He glanced at her body and remembered how he used to fight his desire to touch her, how remaining a gentleman was so difficult at times and how he proudly thought he hid his desire for her so well, knowing that she must have known how he was feeling. Now, being with her was more magical than he ever dreamed. She was tender and shy yet feisty and playful and he loved all of it. She made such a huge imprint on his heart and it was difficult to be away from her even for a day. His thoughts took over and before he realized he was squeezing her and she woke up, "Jack? What are you doing?"
"Good morning….just holding you….waking you up," he kissed her forehead.
"Oh, I thought you were dreaming again," she stretched.
"Dreaming again?"
"Yes, earlier you were calling my name…you were dreaming I suppose," she whispered.
"What else did I say?" Jack was nervous.
"Nothing, just some moans and groans," she sat up, "so I guess it isn't hard to figure what you were dreaming about," she slowly lowered the sheet below his hips as she spoke, "or even thinking about now perhaps?"
Jack slid his hands behind his head, liking that she was looking at him, "Well, it shouldn't be surprising that I'm dreaming of my beautiful wife…"
"Yes….absolutely," she threw herself against him and kissed him.
He began bunching up her nightgown in his hands.
"Jack, I have to go to school!" She wiggled.
"Hmm, you won't be late, I promise," he quickly rolled over her and pressed against her.
Later, Elizabeth moved quickly in the kitchen, putting apples in her basket when she felt dizzy. She sat down and put her hand to her forehead.
Jack entered the kitchen, "Are you all right?" He crouched down in front of her.
"Yes, just turned too quickly I guess," she stood, touching his jacket. "Oh this button is a little loose, remind me to sew it for you tonight."
Jack was skeptical, "You'll do that?"
"Yes, I can sew a button!" She smirked at him.
"Okay beautiful," he kissed her hand.
They left and hurried off to work.
The school day flew by, Elizabeth smiled at how things each day was similar, the boys arguing and talking loudly, the girls giggling at the boys. She headed to the café after school.
"Hello Mrs. Thornton," Abigail greeted her friend.
"Abigail…how are you?"
"Good, and it's not busy, so let's sit and have a cup of coffee and you can tell me all about married life," Abigail sighed, "we haven't had a chat in a while."
Elizabeth happily sat down at a table, "You know being married is wonderful and I think things are great so far."
"So far? Is something changing?"
"No, I don't think so. I love being with Jack and between you and I, he's so loving and I just want to be with him more and more…"
"Ahh, that's not a bad thing. He must be…pleased," Abigail sipped from her cup.
"Yes, I believe he is," Elizabeth felt herself blushing, "but …"
"What is it? Elizabeth, there's nothing wrong with loving your husband, that's one of the reasons you get married to express your love to each other."
"I'm afraid to get pregnant, I'm afraid…" she shrugged.
"It can be frightening, but you of all people….a teacher…you're comfortable with children…"
"It's not the child… it's the pregnant part. I keep thinking of Carla…." Her eyes grew wide and tear filled.
"She had a unique circumstance. You'll be fine, don't worry. Jack will be totally supportive and you'll do just fine."
Elizabeth nodded, not convinced.
At the mercantile, Jack bought some flowers that Mr. Yost had just received in a shipment from Cooperton. "You know Constable, I should just save you the flowers that come in."
"Maybe, they sure are beautiful, like my wife," Jack said as he handed the merchant payment for the flowers.
"Oh Miss Ardell," Mr. Yost greeted the young seamstress, "how are you today?"
"I'm fine, thank you Mr. Yost. Hello Constable," she nodded, "what beautiful flowers."
"Yes, my wife will like them," Jack smiled.
Miss Ardell opened the door and attempted to drag a box into the store.
Jack put the flowers on the counter, "Let me assist you with that." He picked up the box, "Where shall I put it?"
"Oh thank you Constable Thornton, you're too kind. Over here will be fine," she walked to the other side of the store where she had her sewing machine and a few cabinets arranged in the corner.
Jack put the box down and the loose button on his red serge popped off and rolled along the floor.
"Oh dear," Miss Ardell picked up the button, "let me sew that back on for you."
"No….no, it's okay, I'll take care of it," Jack reached for the button.
She pulled it back over her shoulder, "Nonsense, it caught on the box, and look around, this is what I do. It will only take a moment, take that jacket off."
Jack shook his head, "It was loose anyway….but okay, if you don't mind," he removed his jacket.
She quickly secured the button and Jack slipped his jacket back on, "Good as new, thank you Miss Ardell."
"My pleasure, thank you for your assistance."
Jack picked up his flowers and left the store.
At home, Elizabeth emptied the basket of goodies that Abigail so kindly shared including the pot which she put on the stove, filled with two servings of pot roast, potatoes and carrots. "Hmmm, smells so good." She went to the bedroom and changed into a dress, a blue one that Jack admired. "Hmmm, this is tight, guess I'll have to eat a little less dinner tonight…" she squirmed as she buttoned the side and adjusted the top. One look in the mirror confirmed that she was brimming over the top, "Oh my goodness." She pushed and pulled as much as she could, before going to the kitchen to wait for Jack.
Several minutes later, she heard the front door open. She stood, took a deep breath and waited.
Jack proudly held his bouquet of flowers and headed to the kitchen where the aroma of roast lured him and the sight of his beautiful wife floored him, "Elizabeth….whoaa, you look…." He gulped at her figure totally filling out her blue dress.
"Oh Jack, how lovely," she responded to the flowers.
His eyes roamed up and down as his outstretched arm presented the flowers, "I..got…here, these are for you…" he stumbled over his words looking at her.
"Thank you Jack, they're so beautiful," she turned, pulled a vase from a cabinet.
Jack was mesmerized by her, "You look beautiful, why are you ….is this a formal dinner? Are we having guests?"
"Guests?" She laughed as she filled the vase with water and placed it on the table, "now Jack Thornton would I be dressed like this for company?" She approached him.
Jack gulped again, "I certainly hope not, you're really…well, it's a good thing I'm your husband."
"Hmm, why is that?" She walked her fingers up his chest.
"Because if you weren't my wife, I would be in agony at my desire for you right now," he stared.
She laughed and took his hand, "Jack, you make my heart pound, here feel…" she put his hand on her chest and inhaled and exhaled deeply.
Jack laid his hand on the revealing swell of her chest and swallowed, "Are you toying with me?"
Elizabeth smiled as she began to unbutton his red serge, "Can you please remove your weaponry so I can remove your jacket sir?"
"Huh? Oh...yes, my weaponry, right," Jack undid his gun belt and placed it on the nearby table, he began unbuttoning his jacket when she moved closer.
"Let me undress you," she ran the tip of her tongue across his bottom lip, "I mean take your jacket off, I have plans for you this evening, I hope you aren't busy."
"Busy?" Jack's voice cracked, "No…no…nope, nothing planned," he closed his eyes as her tongue played with his lips, "you can undress me later, if you want," he laughed softly.
Elizabeth unbuttoned his jacket from the bottom, when she got to the loose button she obviously knew it had been sewn and tightened in place. "I plan on it. Oh you sewed your button?"
"Hmm? Button?" He took her arms, "Oh yeah, the seamstress did that for me," he leaned and kissed her ear.
"Why?" Elizabeth took a breath, "You didn't think I could do it?"
"What? Sew a button? Of course you could do it, just happened to be in the mercantile…" he tried to pull her closer.
Elizabeth couldn't control her tears, "I'm your wife, I could have sewn your button!" The tears fell and she pushed away from him.
Jack was surprised by her reaction, "Elizabeth, it's only a button. Why are you getting so emotional?"
"I could have done it," she stormed off to her bureau and returned with a box, "this was a gift, it has needles and threads and scissors…and…and everything!" She couldn't control her sobs.
"Elizabeth, its okay…the next loose button is all yours, I promise," he walked to her, put the sewing box on the table and pulled her against him. He touched her face and wiped her tears, "Nothing to cry over, believe me. Want me to take all the buttons off and you can sew them all back on?"
She shook her head and put her trembling lips against his and he pulled her body against his.
He moved his lips to her neck and flicked his tongue against her skin, trying to get a small laugh from her, but was unsuccessful. He was concerned, "Elizabeth, I think it's time you go to the doctor, maybe we should go to Cooperton one day next week."
"No, I don't want to do that," she squirmed in his arms, trying to break away. Her movements only drew Jack's attention back to her dress and the way it hugged her curves, but he quickly looked away and made a mental list, the crying, the sick feelings, the tight clothes…he felt those were signs of pregnancy, weren't they?
"Okay, let's have dinner then…" he took her hand, "because then maybe we can take a walk, before our bath?"
She swayed, "Okay," she moved toward the stove, "before you ask, I did not cook this dinner, Abigail did and wanted to share."
Jack smiled, "That's okay, you'll be cooking soon…I know it."
Elizabeth put the platter on her already set table and sat down. She watched Jack devour his food, "You're awfully hungry."
"You do that to me, work up my appetite," he smiled.
"Oh, I'm glad I can do that…" she pressed her hand to her tummy, "Oh, excuse me," she hurried off to the bathroom.
Jack wiped his mouth and put the napkin down, he went to the bathroom door. "Are you okay?"
She opened the door, "Perfectly fine, can we take that walk now?"
Jack squinted, looking at her, "Sure, why don't we bring a blanket."
At the pond, Jack could hardly contain himself, she looked so beautiful in the encroaching moonlight, "Come here," he pulled her close, "you said you have plans for me….let's see 'em."
She pushed his suspenders down his arms, untucked his shirt and she stared into his eyes, "I think you can guess what my plans include."
He put his hands on her shoulders and ran them down her arms, "Yeah, I think it may involve getting you out of this enticing dress."
"Yes, indeed it would," she giggled as Jack spread the blanket on the ground, sat and reached for her hand.
Elizabeth carefully knelt on the blanket before Jack pulled her gently against him and they both reclined in each other's arms. Jack couldn't control himself any longer and spread kisses across her neck and down her chest as Elizabeth ran her fingers through his hair, enjoying his romantic movements that made her body tingle. As he pushed the fabric lower, she squirmed and reached for the buttons on her dress, wanting to free herself of the fabric to feel her husband's large hands glide over and touch her body and make her feel loved and needed by her incredible husband.
Jack moved his hand from caressing her thigh and grabbed her hand, "Let me do that," he began to undo her buttons. He smiled as he always found the removal of her clothing so seductive and alluring. Revealing her body for his eyes only excited and pleased and tantalized him. Her dress loosened and he helped her out of it, kissing her skin as he moved over her.
"Jack, hold on…." She laid her dress aside as he ran his hands across her tummy and kissed it gently.
He moved his hand to her thigh, loving to touch where her stocking met her skin, "This is so special, this spot right here…I just love it," he whispered, "I love your skin, so soft, so kissable."
"You like my legs?" She raised her leg toward him.
"Hmm, yes, they're hidden all the time, makes them mysterious and I'm lucky enough to see the mystery and it's beautiful," he smiled.
"Oh Jack, you're so sweet, I love you," she kissed him quickly. "Hmm, you better catch up," she reached for his trousers.
He pushed himself up on his arms, "What?"
She touched his face, "Make love to me Jack, show me how much you love me…"
Jack needed no further encouragement, he quickly removed his own clothes and demonstrated his love for his wife. Their union was heated, passionate, consuming. Elizabeth shivered slightly as she regained her breath, "Jack…"
Jack lay on his back, his heart racing, "Yes…"
"Hmmm, nothing," she took a deep breath, "you're so passionate Jack…"
"You bring that out in me, Elizabeth," he entwined his fingers with hers.
She touched her tummy, "Jack….Do you think I could have a baby?"
The side of Jack's mouth turned up, "I'm pretty positive you could, I mean we're pretty good at the process, don't you think?"
She smiled, "I'd say we are, but do you have to call it a process?"
Jack moved to his side, "Making love to you is the most wonderful experience in my life Elizabeth, being with you makes me so grateful that I'm your husband. I feel a bit guilty that I think about it so much," he chuckled softly and ran his finger down her arm.
"I think about it too," she smiled, "although I probably shouldn't, but I can't help it, your touch...it's so special…I feel so loved whenever we're together."
"Good, I feel that way too," he sat up, "let's go home and," he leaned over her, "do it again."
Elizabeth giggled but watched him stand and put his clothes on admiring his physique and how perfectly he fit with her.
"Want me to help you?" Jack picked up the dress.
"Yes please, it's hard to put this dress on," she sighed.
"Then tell you what," he helped her stand, picked up the blanket, wrapped it around her, "walk home just like that."
"Jack!"
"Come on, no one is here," he tossed her dress over his shoulder, "Comfortable isn't it?"
"Yes….you're right, it is," she pulled the blanket tightly and took his hand.
They walked back to the house content and happy until they heard horses and gunshots.
"Jack!"
Jack pushed her protectively behind him, "Hold on…"
"No, Jack I'm going to the house!" She started to move, but Jack grabbed her.
"No, stay here," he looked ahead, trying to determine where the shots came from, "don't move."
They no longer heard the horses or the gunfire, "Okay, they're gone," Jack said as Elizabeth took off running toward the house, "Elizabeth…"
Jack ran after her, slamming the door to the house, "Elizabeth!"
She was in the bedroom buttoning on her robe, "Well, we're never doing that again! I have no clothes on, did you forget that?"
"No, I remember….but you didn't know if they were away, they could have come back!"
"Oh Jack really!"
"It's okay now. Look, I'm going into town, you stay here," he took her arm.
"What? Please don't, nothing was going on…just some rowdy's…"
"I have to be sure Elizabeth," he tried to pull her close but she pushed away. "Please keep the door locked, I'm sure I'll be right back," he walked to the door, "I love you."
"Jack, be careful," she hurried to the door, locked it and leaned against it. She went to the parlor and collapsed on the sofa, covering her face with her hands. After a few moments she pulled an afghan over her and stretched out and was soon fast asleep.
Jack got to town, his head full of thoughts and worries. Who rode by their home shooting? Why? What if something happened to Elizabeth? And Elizabeth, was she pregnant and in denial?
He looked up when Abigail opened the café door, "Jack, what are you doing in town?"
"Some folks rode by the house, shooting and yelling, just wanted to check and make sure everything is okay here in town," Jack had his hands on his hips as he gazed around the quiet town.
"I didn't hear anything, could be just some rowdy's from the saloon," she said.
"That's what Elizabeth said," he grinned.
"How is she? Doing okay?"
"Actually, can I talk to you about her for a minute?" Jack asked.
"Of course, come on in."
Jack sat and Abigail put a piece of pie in front of him, "Pie always helps."
Jack grinned, "Not so sure it will help with this. I'm sure she wouldn't like me talking about this, but do you think Elizabeth could be pregnant?"
Abigail was taken aback, "Well…I…I suppose its possible…isn't it?"
"Yes, of course it is," Jack looked at her and blushed, "Well, I mean, we're married now…and …" he waved his hands.
Abigail cleared her throat, amused by his antics, "Why don't you tell me what her symptoms are."
"She's so emotional, she cried over a button. She runs to the bathroom, she won't eat, she gets dizzy," Jack's eyes were wide.
"That's it?"
"Her clothes!"
"What about her clothes?" Abigail leaned closer.
"They're so tight, she…she is almost popping out!" Jack swished his hands over his chest.
Abigail pushed back covering her mouth with her hand, "Oh my…well, I suppose she could be pregnant Jack. Have you asked her?"
"She's insistent that she isn't. But I don't think she knows."
"Well maybe offer to take her to the doctor's."
"I did… she'll hear nothing of it," Jack began tapping the fork. "I don't know what to do."
"Let her be Jack. The idea of being pregnant may frighten her, so she's just ignoring the changes in her own body. She'll be fine. Just keep loving her Jack."
"I will, that certainly isn't an issue," his eyes shot up, realizing what he said.
Abigail smiled, "Would you like me to talk to her?"
"No, I guess I just wondered if those are indeed symptoms?"
"Yes, from what I remember, they are symptoms and in time she'll realize it, have faith," she tapped his hand. "Now eat the pie Jack."
Jack smiled, "Thank you Abigail."
Jack walked back to the house, unable to enter through the locked door. He knocked repeatedly until he finally gave up and raised a window in the parlor and began to climb through.
Elizabeth woke at the window rising, grabbed a candlestick, ran to the window and slammed it over the intruders head, knocking him to the floor.
"Ouch!" Jack rubbed his head as he crashed into his own house.
