The Dance
Elizabeth opened her eyes, stretched and rolled to her sleeping husband. She slid her hand under the sheet and caressed his chest, causing him to moan softly. She rubbed her leg against his and moved her body against him. She was surprised he didn't wake up when she tenderly kissed his shoulder. Her hand roamed his body and she discovered he was reacting to her movements. She raised her leg higher and rubbed her knee against his thigh hoping to waken him. When he still didn't respond she slipped her leg higher…
His eyebrow shot up and his eyes flew open, "Good morning!"
"I was beginning to think you were in a deep sleep," she growled in his ear.
"Are you kidding, with you waking me up like that? You have a way of getting me out of a deep sleep," he laughed softly as he touched her. He pulled her closer so he could kiss her. "Have I told you that I love waking up with you by my side? That it starts my day in such a positive way? That I carry your love here," he placed her hand over his heart, "and that gives me strength…"
Elizabeth gasped softly at his words, "Jack... I love you," she kissed him. They rolled several times on the bed as their love for each other took over and they lost control. Jack held her hands at her side as he kissed her softly until he could no longer control his desire for her and she began to squirm beneath him, enticing him to fulfill her need and his own. His lips covered hers over and over and her soft moans flowed into him as his body covered hers.
As they regained their breath, Jack looked at her, "I love you," he whispered lying on his back, holding her hand.
"Mmm, I love you too," Elizabeth replied as she moved to get out of bed.
Jack pulled her back, "Oh no you don't, you aren't leaving me yet," he pulled her against him and kissed her, "Did I tell you that you're the best wife I've ever had?" His brow crinkled trying to control his laughter.
Elizabeth laughed, "I'm really glad to know that I'm better than all your other wives!" She pushed away smiling at him.
Jack laughed, "Yes, I'll keep you," he raised her hand to his lips. "Unfortunately, I have to leave your luscious lips and go to work," Jack got out of bed and stood by the foot of the bed, admiring her.
"Oh Mr. Van Gogh," she raised her foot, playfully shaking it at Jack, "you want to draw my feet? My ankles?" She laughed at his expression until he frowned. "Jack?"
"Elizabeth," he moved her foot, "you're bleeding…"
"What?" She rose from the bed and looked at the faint blood on the sheet.
Jack touched her shoulders and whispered, "Did I hurt you?"
Elizabeth shook her head, "No…no of course not…it's probably just my….you know," her mind calculating time gone by.
Jack became more concerned, "But how can that be? Are you sure?"
"Jack, women get…" her eyes were wide, "let me go to the bathroom please."
"Elizabeth, are you sure I didn't do something…?" He ran his fingers through his hair, "I'll never forgive myself…"
She touched his face, "Jack, stop it. I appreciate your concern, but I'm sure I'm just fine. Why don't you go make us some coffee, hmm?"
Elizabeth went to the bathroom, closed the door and sighed.
Jack was in the kitchen, absently preparing coffee, worried about Elizabeth, hoping she was okay. When she finally came into the room, he froze staring at her.
"Jack," she wrung her hands, "I think I'm okay."
"You think?" he went to her, "come here, sit down," he led her to a chair at the table.
"I'm not bleeding now Jack, I'm sure I'm just fine," she forced a smile.
Jack shook his head as he took her hand, "Elizabeth, this isn't normal…is it? I mean I know ladies get…but I think you need to see a doctor, will you do that?"
She stared at his face, love and fear in his eyes, "Jack, I believe I am okay. I must have just bled a little, it's nothing."
"I hope I didn't…I don't want to…did I hurt you?" Jack stood and began pacing, "I can't ….you have to see a doctor." He crouched down in front of her, "Elizabeth, if you are pregnant, what if something happened? You need to find out. I want to be sure you're okay."
She smiled at him, "Jack, I appreciate your concern, but you didn't hurt me…or any imaginary baby and I will see a doctor just to make you feel better," she kissed his cheek, "now let's have coffee and get going."
Jack exhaled and gritted his teeth, not able to understand her reluctance in considering the possibility that she could be pregnant as well as her hesitancy in seeing a doctor.
The day moved slowly, and Jack's concern for Elizabeth continued to grow and began to put a plan into motion. He headed to the café. "Abigail, how are you? Can I have the usual please," he smiled.
Abigail tilted her head, "Of course you can, anytime you want, you know that." She got his coffee and sat down across from him, "Now tell me the real reason you're here."
"Am I that obvious?" Jack held the cup.
"Jack, I know you well enough to tell when something's not right. Now tell me what's wrong."
Later, Elizabeth hurried home, not feeling well, she went to the bathroom and was relieved there was no evidence similar to the morning. She went to the kitchen and had something to eat and began straightening out around the house, waiting for Jack to come home. In the parlor she stopped to admire the drawings Jack had hung on the wall, she ran her fingers across the first one, the two of them. She remembered when he gave it to her right before they shared their first kiss, how magical it was and how nervous Jack was. She smiled, remembering wanting more kisses from him, she bit her lip knowing his kisses just kept getting better and better. She was lost in her daydream as she turned toward the door, felt dizzy, grabbed the back of the chair and fell to the floor.
As Jack headed home he was pleased that Abigail understood his concern for Elizabeth and agreed to help in getting his stubborn wife to see a doctor. He felt so much better that he even made a stop at the mercantile earlier in the day to thank Miss Ardell for the gift for Elizabeth, but quickly left before she offered something else that may get him into trouble. He walked faster, eager to see his wife and swung open the door, "Elizabeth, I'm home!" He stepped toward the parlor and was stunned to see her lying on the floor, "Elizabeth!" He was quickly at her side, "What happened? Are you okay?"
She blinked, "Jack? What are you doing?" She held him as he picked her up.
"What happened?" he placed her gently on the sofa and sat next to her, "Are you okay? Tell me what happened."
"I think I tripped on the carpet," she held her head, "it was nothing."
"Did you hit your head," he ran his hands over her head checking for bumps.
"I'm fine, I just tripped," she was calm.
Jack doubted her explanation, "You're going to see a doctor," he caressed her cheek, "I'm worried about you."
"Will you help me prepare dinner?" She tried to draw his thoughts elsewhere.
"Sure," he helped her stand, "just go slowly."
"Jack, I'm fine," she took his hand and led the way.
Jack watched her every move as they prepared a light supper, "It got cool this afternoon, would you like me to light a fire?"
"That would be lovely, we can have a picnic in the parlor," she smiled.
Jack hesitantly left her, looking back several times.
"I'm fine, go!" she yelled.
After they ate, Jack took her in his arms and was finally able to relax. They snuggled on the sofa, Elizabeth resting her head on Jack's shoulder, as he caressed her arm with his fingertips while his other hand held hers tightly.
"I'm okay Jack, really," she assured him, knowing he was worried.
"I know…it's just the thought of you being sick..." he shook his head.
"I'm not sick," she said.
"That's my responsibility, to take care of you," and he quickly added "and before you say anything, yes I know you're perfectly capable of taking care of yourself," he placed a finger over her lips as she was about to protest. "Knowing you're safe and cared for, that gives me a great pride because there's no one else I want to take care of."
"I know," she rested her head back on his shoulder, "thank you."
"Marrying you was the smartest thing I ever did," he smiled. "You give meaning to everything I do."
At his tender words, she sat up and faced him, "Jack, you've always had purpose and meaning…"
He interrupted her, "Yes, but I was just living. Don't you see, you gave it all meaning, a deeper meaning. Once I knew I loved you, that was it."
"What? When did you know you loved me?"
He stared at her for a moment, "Lots of times, but I kept pushing it away."
She nodded and leaned closer to him, "I knew that…"
Jack laughed softly, "I'm sure it was obvious…can I tell you something?"
"Of course," she was eager to hear.
"Remember when you went into the mine with the widows? I was worried about you, but I was proud of your confidence and determination."
"I felt I had to do that," she said.
"I know you did. When you came out of that mine, you were all covered in coal dust, I remember my heart pounding…filled with relief that you were safe, pride with what you accomplished and…" he ran his thumb over her hand, "love, knowing that I was hopelessly in love with you."
Elizabeth sighed, "I remember being so glad you were there. I wanted to share that moment with you. I was pretty proud of myself and I sensed you were proud of me too," she snuggled at his neck and wrapped her arm around him.
"And?" he asked.
"And what?"
"Weren't you in love with me then too?"
"No," she answered.
"No? When? Come on, tell me when," Jack pleaded.
"I wasn't in love with you until you kissed me," she said.
Jack's mouth dropped open, "What? That's not true!"
She batted her eyelashes at him.
He slapped his thigh, "Come on, it happened way before that!"
"Perhaps," she smiled teasingly, "a lady never tells such things."
He touched her face and kissed her, "I suppose it doesn't matter when, as long as it did happen. Maybe someday I'll know the truth."
They hugged and shared several sweet kisses before she snuggled against him again.
"This is perfect, isn't it? Being here, together?" she sighed.
"I'd say it's perfect, nice warm fire, pretty girl in my arms…yeah, I like it," he squeezed her.
She giggled and played with the buttons on his shirt.
Over the next several days Elizabeth was finding it more and more difficult to ignore the changes in her body, she felt sick in the morning and was having a difficult time hiding it from Jack. One afternoon she visited Abigail.
"Elizabeth, how are you?" Abigail was glad to see her.
"I'm good, how are you?"
"Wonderful, I'm actually headed to the mercantile to see the seamstress, will you join me?"
"Oh, I'd love to," Elizabeth was surprised but willing to go along.
"Hello Miss Ardell," Abigail greeted the seamstress as Elizabeth smiled and looked at the dresses on display. "I understand you've been busy with the upcoming dance and we'd like to look at your lovely creations."
"Ladies, that's wonderful. I'm sure I have something that will be nice for the occasion," she was pleased to have the ladies' business.
Elizabeth was drawn to a pretty burgundy colored satin dress trimmed in ivory, "What do you think?"
"That would be lovely on you," Abigail said.
"The color will really bring out the blue in your eyes," Miss Ardell said. "You know I've been selling a lot, I think your husband's advertising drawings really helped."
Elizabeth sighed and glanced at Abigail, "I'm glad to hear that. I think I'll try this one on."
Abigail picked a blue dress and followed Elizabeth, "Jack's been advertising?"
"Yes, he did the drawings she has posted out there," Elizabeth said in dry tone, "can you help me with this please?"
Abigail helped Elizabeth remove her blouse and step out of her skirt and couldn't help notice the tight fit of her undergarments and remembered her conversation with Jack. "Elizabeth, how have you been feeling?"
"Fine...a little tired, why?"
Abigail's eyebrows rose, "Well, your ….you …you seem to be a bit ….bigger…and this is very tight…"
Elizabeth tugged the corset higher, "What? No, this is just…tight."
Abigail tilted her head, "Do you think you could be pregnant?"
"Now you sound like Jack," she stepped into the new dress Abigail held. She ran her hand over her tummy, "I bled a little, does that mean anything…frightened me a little."
Abigail touched her arm, "It could be nothing, but I think you should see a doctor, just to be sure."
Elizabeth nodded, "I could be…sick?"
"Sick? Are you having other strange symptoms of anything?" Abigail was concerned.
"No, I suppose not…at least I don't think so," Elizabeth replied, turning her head.
"Don't you want to know?" She noticed Elizabeth tear up, "What is it?"
"I'm afraid…and it's too soon," Elizabeth said softly.
"Well, nothing to be afraid of and you'll have months to prepare, it will be fine," she hugged her friend. "Now, let me get Miss Ardell in here, she'll have to make some adjustments to this pretty dress."
That evening, Elizabeth told Jack of her purchase of a dress for the dance, "I think you'll like it."
Jack took her hand, "I'm sure I will. I like everything you wear."
"I always want to look nice for you," she stepped closer to him.
Jack smiled and rubbed his thumb over her hand, "You never have to worry about that, you always look beautiful."
Elizabeth nodded, tearing up.
"Hey, what's wrong?" Jack asked softly.
"Nothing, I just love you so much," she said choking on her emotions.
"Come here," he pulled her into his embrace, "let's practice our dance moves for the dance." He swayed with her in his arms, concerned with her emotions, "was everything okay in town?"
"Yes, fine," she pushed back and looked at him, "I'm looking forward to the dance."
"Me too," he kissed her and smiled as she took his hand and led him to the bedroom. She unbuttoned her blouse and removed it slowly, never taking her eyes from him. She slid her skirt off and watched as he admired her legs. She began unhooking her corset and he came to her, pulling her against him in a passionate kiss. She pulled his shirt from his trousers and their dance began, the touches, the kisses, the soft sounds of love they shared only with each other. He picked her up and lay her on the bed before crawling next to her, "I love you …so much."
The day of the dance finally arrived and Elizabeth told Jack she was going to take a bath before getting ready. He pulled his clothes and laid them on the bed, "Green suit okay?"
"Yes, perfect," she splashed in the water, "you'll be the most handsome man there no matter what you wear."
He came to the doorway and leaned on the doorjamb, "Oh really, you think so?"
She looked over her shoulder at him, "I know so."
"You got room for me in there?" he asked.
She shimmied to the right, "Always," as she ran her hands down her neck, "come on in."
Jack needed no more encouragement, he quickly undressed and slid behind her in the warm bubbly water. He began kissing her neck and massaging her shoulders, "Jack, later…after the dance you can massage my shoulders all night….feels so good," she sighed.
"Oh, okay, I suppose I can wait until later…to have you all to myself," he took her hand and pulled it under water, "if I have to." He sighed in her ear as he brushed his lips across it.
She pulled her hand away, "Jack! Calm yourself down!"
"That isn't easy when we're like this," he kissed her ear.
She squirmed before turning to face him, "Don't look at me that way, you're irresistible." She touched his face and kissed him. He ran his hands up her back and soon the water was sloshing over the sides of the tub as their passion took over. She couldn't control her hands as they roamed and caressed his body, causing him to groan and hold her close.
Later Elizabeth sat at her dressing table when Jack came in and knelt in front of her, "Are you okay?" he asked softly.
"Yes, never better," she touched his face, "you?"
Jack gave her that half smile she loved as he touched the silky robe she wore. "I'm great," he pushed the robe aside and kissed her body. "You're so beautiful."
"Jack, we have to get going or we'll miss the whole dance!"
"I'll wait on the porch for you," he closed her robe.
Elizabeth slid the dress on, added her sapphire jewelry, sprayed perfume behind her ears and went to join her handsome husband.
Jack looked at her, "Oh my, you just get more and more beautiful…"
She ran her hands down her dress, "Do you like it?"
"Yes, very pretty," he kissed her neck, "and I especially love the woman in this pretty dress."
They entered the decorated saloon hand in hand and couldn't help feeling people were watching them. "Do you think the Marco fan club is watching us?" Jack whispered.
Elizabeth sighed, "Of course they are…"
"Maybe they'll come over here and ask what's on your current reading list," he squeezed her hand and chuckled.
"Oh, I might have to tell them, 'Magic Mountie in My Bed'," she squeezed his hand and whispered, "it's a torrid romantic tale."
Jack's eyes widened and he looked at her, "Elizabeth, I'm shocked," he swallowed, "but I'm looking forward to writing more chapters, especially the one about the rocking chair…" he winked.
She laughed, "Marco can't rock like you can that's for sure," and she pulled him along to greet Abigail and Bill who were standing near a window, "Good evening."
"You ladies look lovely," Bill said, "our seamstress is obviously talented."
"She is," Abigail said in her new blue dress with peach trim and rosettes at the waist. "Elizabeth, that color certainly does bring out your eyes, as does that beautiful jewelry!"
Elizabeth touched the sapphire necklace Jack gave her on their honeymoon, "Thank you, I love my jewelry," she took Jack's arm, "my wonderful husband gave me."
"How about a dance with your wonderful husband?" Jack started to gently pull her toward the dance floor. Jack held her close, "Hmm, maybe at next year's Autumn Dance we'll be bringing our baby."
She glanced into his eyes and forced a smile.
Jack shook his head and twirled her around. Elizabeth grabbed her tummy and fell to the floor.
"Elizabeth!" Jack knelt beside her.
To be continued….
