Disclaimer: I do not own the characters within this story. All rights and much respect go to Crown Media, Hallmark, Brian Bird, Michael Landon, Jr., the creators, actors, and writers of the show "When Calls the Heart."

Note: Steam Alert…

Chapter 10- Where Are We?

Elizabeth slipped out of bed, wrapped a sheet around her as she gathered her clothes for the day, and carrying them toward the bathroom. As she reached the bathroom door, she turned to gaze upon Jack who was sleeping, "my husband," she whispered before closing the door behind her.

"My wife," Jack whispered as he thought back to the most wonderful day and night of his life. He closed his eyes and smiled as visions of Elizabeth with chalk dust on her hands; her standing on her desk giving a lesson on gravity; her standing outside the saloon attempting to move the heavy boxes of books inside; the look on her face as they danced their first dance, and the memory of the soft feel of her lips upon his when they kissed for the first time all passed through his mind.

Suddenly his heart started beating faster as he thought back to the time when Nate Toliver held her at gunpoint; the time that Mr. Spurlock knocked her to the ground, planning to shoot her; the period of time when Billy Hamilton attempted to sweep her off her feet, and the numerous misunderstandings which pushed them farther apart. He felt sick to his stomach as he tried to dismiss the visual of her getting farther and farther away from him. He was too involved in his own memories to hear the bathroom door open.

Elizabeth glanced over to the bed and called his name several times, but he didn't move. Worried that he was regretting his decision to marry her, she walked over and sat down on his side of the bed, and took his hand in hers. "Jack, is something wrong?" She asked.

"You're here…you're really here," He blurted out boldly as he wrapped his arms tightly around her, drawing her closer into his body.

"Of course I'm here. Where else would I be?" She asked, clearly confused by his disoriented behavior.

"I'm sorry," he said as he leaned back, gently taking her face in his hands and then pressed his lips to hers.

"What's wrong, Jack?" She asked.

"Nothing…" he replied, but he continued to hold her.

She broke from his hold, "Please tell me what's wrong… You aren't regretting our decision to get married are you?" She said; a tone of concern and sadness was in her voice.

He kissed her soft lips, "No…Never! I was thinking about how we met, and some of our times together, and then I saw you with Nate Toliver, Mr. Spurlock, and Billy Hamilton, and I realized how close I came to losing you."

He looked down trying to keep her from seeing the few tears that had pooled in his eyes. She placed her fingers under his chin, lifting his head up slightly until their lips met.

"Jack, what happened before only helped to bring us to where we are right now. I love you so much, and I feel so blessed to have you in my life. Whether my parents accept our marriage or not…it will be their loss, not ours," she assured him.

She started to pull the covers back, forgetting that he was naked underneath them, "I'm sorry."

"Don't be…it just means that only one of us is over dressed, and it obviously isn't me," he replied with a soft laugh. He reached up as his fingers played with the buttons on her dress, "Why do dresses have to have so many buttons? So, so many…" he said as his voice trailed off.

She placed her hand on his, "Jack we need to go see Aunt Agatha, and tell her what we've done."

Elizabeth giggled as he managed to undo most of the buttons, and pulled her dress off of her shoulders. Her body shuddered against his as his lips pressed softly to her neck. His fingers dancing on her skin sent a heat wave across her body, causing butterflies to flutter in her stomach.

His fingers slid under the thin lace straps of the silky camisole as he whispered, "We're on a ship… Aunt Agatha isn't going anywhere. We have time!"

Elizabeth leaned her head back as her respiration began to compete with his; first slow and steady, and now rapid and breathless, "Who? Time for what?"

She was quickly lost in the comfort of his strong arms. As he rolled over on top of her, she could feel the strength of his body upon hers. His warm breath tickled her skin as she felt her body come alive, his eyes piercing her soul, finding their home deep within her.

Their kisses, first gentle and tender, became more demanding as their passion intensified. He responded immediately to her touch. His muscles were straining with desire as he held her firmly; the fire burning through his body was like a summer storm; their bodies pressed closer, as her curves fit perfectly against him. Beneath his hand the give of her body was soft and supple. He closed his eyes and took in everything about her with his other senses…the hint of jasmine that she wore; her warm breath upon his chest, the softness of her touch, and the salty taste of her skin. He wanted her like no other before, and the way her body responded to his touch, he knew she felt the same.

As they collapsed into each other's arms, Elizabeth knew that she had found the love and security she had always longed for, but was afraid that she would never find. Jack realized that this woman, who infuriated him at times, also brought into his life exciting emotions that he had kept buried deep within.

Elizabeth had never before asked if he had been with another woman in this way, but she could only assume that since he did not appear to be as awkward as she, that the answer would be "Yes." She didn't really want to know; she couldn't expect him to have saved himself for her, although she had for him. Whether they were together or apart, she knew that he cared only for her. She knew that each relationship they shared with others allowed them to grow emotionally, bringing them to this point of ultimate sharing, caring and love. She was thankful that as a Mountie he was so strong, decisive and by the book, but as her husband, he was so gentle, so soft, so kind and loving. She felt blessed by his tenderness, and as she lay in bed listening to him breathe, she vowed to never take him for granted.

They fell asleep, a completeness being felt by each one as his arms were enveloping her and her head rested upon his chest.

Several hours passed and neither one moved from their haven of love and security.

"Knock, knock, knock…" Jack awoke to someone knocking on their stateroom door. He slid out of bed and pulled his jeans on. As he walked to the door, he slipped on his shirt, but it remained unbuttoned as he reached for the door handle.

"Constable…" Aunt Agatha yelled as the door opened. She continued as she rushed into the room, "Elizabeth didn't come back to the room last night. She left to find you…Oh my word; it looks like she found you. Oh no, her father is going to kill me… Of course that's after he kills you."

"Ma'am, Ma'am…MA'AM," Jack yelled as his voice became louder and louder with each attempt to gain her attention.

Elizabeth awoke to the loud voices, and was shocked and embarrassed to see her aunt standing in their stateroom. "What's going on? Is something wrong?" She asked as she pulled the bed covers up to her chin.

"Wrong…really Elizabeth? You were raised better than this. And you Constable…how could you take advantage of this sweet girl? Oh Elizabeth, your father is going to kill us…all of us!" She rambled while pacing the floor.

"Ma'am," Jack called out.

"Aunt Agatha," Elizabeth called out.

"Well one positive thing is that you are safe…your reputation has been sullied, but we just won't speak of this incident. It will be as if it never happened," She said as she turned and headed for the door. Mumbling to herself all the while. Once at the door she turned around, "I won't tell your father, but you both should be ashamed of yourselves."

"WE'RE MARRIED," Elizabeth yelled out as Aunt Agatha reached the hallway.

"What? You're married?" She smiled and breathing a sigh of relief she momentarily stepped back inside the room. "Oh I'm sorry, I'll leave so you can get dressed, but I want to know everything. And Constable…I'm sorry for what I said. I should have known better."

"That's okay Aunt Agatha. Since we're family now, please call me Jack," he requested as he extended his arm to shake her hand. As he walked back to open their door, Jack continued, "Elizabeth and I were going to get some breakfast. Would you care to meet us in the dining room?"

"Yes, that would be lovely. Would 30 minutes give you enough time dear?" She asked.

"Yes, ma'am. We'll see you in 30 minutes," Elizabeth responded as her hands held the sheet tightly under her chin.

As Jack closed the door behind Aunt Agatha, he turned to find Elizabeth lying flat out in bed with the sheep over her head.

"Oh, come on Elizabeth…You have nothing to be ashamed of. We've done nothing wrong," He stated trying to make her feel at ease.

Elizabeth removed the sheet from her face, "We've done nothing wrong…I know that, but she didn't. I can only imagine what Aunt Agatha thought."

"Well, she knows now," he remarked as he buttoned up his shirt and put on his shoes.

Elizabeth slid out of bed and wrapped the sheet around her body as she started gathering her clothes. "Jack, this is embarrassing…"

"What is?" He asked.

"Look around this room… my clothes are everywhere. It looks like I exploded in here. Oh my, what she must think of me," Elizabeth said under her breath as she gathered her belongings and headed for the bathroom.

"She's thinking that you are a beautiful and desirable young woman, and that I should be counting my blessings for getting you to marry me," Jack responded jokingly, as he walked over to her and pressed his lips firmly to hers.

She dropped her sheet as her fingers found his waist and they danced their way around to his back, interlocking with each other as they met, "I'm the one counting my blessings."

Jack's hands felt the warmth of her bare skin, and he wanted nothing more than to take her back to bed, counting his blessings all the way. However, he knew that they needed to meet with Aunt Agatha, and their private time would simply have to wait.

Jack picked up the sheet and wrapped it around Elizabeth, "I hope you know how much I want you right now. But, if we're going to make things right with your family, we need to start with Aunt Agatha."

Elizabeth placed her hand on his cheek as she held the sheet with her other hand, "I love you so much. Just give me a minute and I'll be right out. Her lips tenderly met his as she quickly separated and headed for the bathroom.

Jack sat on the side of the bed as he anxiously awaited her return. He thought about Aunt Agatha's statement, and she was in fact right; he did need to count his blessings, and he was very thankful for Elizabeth.

The bathroom door opened, and he stood as she entered the bedroom.

"You look beautiful this morning. Are you ready to go?" He asked.

"Thank you, and yes…" she responded.

He took her arm and wrapped it through his as he opened the door and he led her out into the hallway.

"Good morning Constable; Good morning Mrs. Thornton…" Reverend Edwards stated as he passed them in the hallway.

Good morning, Sir," They replied almost in unison.

Jack and Elizabeth entered the dining room and began searching for Aunt Agatha. They found her sitting alone at a table out of the way. Jack and Elizabeth made their way to the table. He pulled out Elizabeth's chair for her, then slid her gently back toward the table before taking his own seat.

"Okay, I want to know what happened, and don't leave out any details," Aunt Agatha said enthusiastically.

Elizabeth looked up; her eyebrows arched as she smiled…

"Well maybe not every detail," Aunt Agatha clarified.

Jack sat quietly while the women talked. Aunt Agatha was upset that they didn't ask her to be a witness, but Elizabeth explained that everything moved so quickly, and they were afraid to stop the roll that they were on.

"Besides, you know that Father is going to be upset, and we didn't want you to be drawn in to that argument," Elizabeth explained.

"Oh dear, your father will come around. He likes to seem stern, and he does appear controlling, but you know you girls could always get whatever you wanted from him," Aunt Agatha remarked.

Jack threw an "interested in that statement" glance in Elizabeth's direction.

Aunt Agatha realized Jack's concern, "Don't worry Jack, Elizabeth was the one daughter who couldn't have cared less what her father's money was able to buy her. What you have seen with her is true…She has a kind, considerate heart, and will give whatever she has to someone in need."

"Excuse me…I'm sitting right here. You're embarrassing me," Elizabeth exclaimed, attempting to hide her overly rosy cheeks.

"I'm sorry dear, you know you've always been my favorite," Aunt Agatha said with a confident smile.

Jack reached over and took Elizabeth's hand in his, giving it a gentle reassuring squeeze.

With breakfast done, and her cousins Penny and Peggy nowhere in sight, Elizabeth invited Aunt Agatha to spend the day with them.

She graciously decline… "I appreciate the offer, but you newlyweds don't need an old lady like me hanging around. You two go and have a wonderful day. We'll worry about telling your family later."

Jack stood and pulled the chair out for Elizabeth. She hugged Aunt Agatha; they said their goodbyes and headed out to sightsee. Elizabeth only walked a few steps before turning back to Aunt Agatha. She walked back, leaned in and whispered, "Where are we?"

Aunt Agatha laughed, "Really?"

Elizabeth was embarrassed to admit that she hadn't wanted to come on the cruise, and as such took no interest in its itinerary. Once she and Jack were together, she had other things on her mind besides the direction of the ship. "What port did we arrive at this morning? I'm assuming somewhere in Alaska, because it's cold outside."

"We are in Sitka for the day, dear. Dress warmly, and enjoy your time together," Aunt Agatha advised.

Jack and Elizabeth headed back to their room to gather their coats and gloves. Having taken a long time at breakfast with Aunt Agatha, most everyone who was going ashore had already left. As they stepped out onto the gangway, the brisk air caught them by surprise.

"Oh my, it's freezing out here," Elizabeth said as she pulled her coat tighter around her, and then leaned up against Jack for added warmth. "What do you want to do today?" She asked, as she "watched" her breath dance in the cold air.

Jack looked around, and seeing no one he pulled her past the corner of the building on the pier; he pushed her gently up against the wall as his lips soundly covered hers, and they each realized what they wanted to do for the day. Jack took her hand and they quickly walked up the gangway, and back to their stateroom. It was their honeymoon after all!

To be continued…