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 actors, creators, and writers of the show "When Calls the Heart."

Chapter 25- Love Makes a Home

Six weeks later…

"Jack, JACK, come on and get up. We have to meet the real estate agent in an hour," Elizabeth called out as she attempted to wake him. "Please Jack,"

Jack's eyes remained closed but he reached his arms over his head and straightened his legs, moaning satisfactorily as he stretched.

Elizabeth walked over to the bed, "Whoa," she squealed as he pulled her over his body, and rolled her onto her back.

"Is that up enough for you?" He asked as he leaned over and began to run his tongue along her jaw line toward her lips.

She opened her mouth slightly, but before she could speak, he pressed his lips firmly on hers. Her entire body relaxed and the soft moans that passed through her lips encouraged him on.

"You sure are up this morning," she giggled. "Jack, we really need…" she began as Jack's lips gently pressed against the skin on her neck. "We really do have to…" she again attempted to complete a thought as his fingers slipped under her t-shirt gently moving across her abdomen. "Ahh, Jack okay, but we have to hurry," she was unable to hold out any longer as his tongue and warm breath caused her skin to tingle.

Jack's flannel pajama bottoms were quickly discarded as he then began to assist Elizabeth in the removal of hers. He placed his hand behind her head as he gently laid her back on the pillow. His hands worked wonders as they made their way over practically every inch of her body.

His lips covered hers, pressing firmly but gentle as their tongues swept across each other. His hands moved up her arms, cradling her face in his hands. He drew back slightly, gazing deep into her deep blue eyes, "I love you so much," he whispered as his lips again captured hers.

Under his hand her skin was soft and supple, melting together as if they were one.

Neither one was dealing with a clear head as their bodies were ruling their minds. Rapid breathing, soft moans, gentle whispers, and tender touches as both gave into the desires of their bodies, expressing the love they felt for the other in their hearts.

Jack collapsed beside her as each of them tried to catch their breaths. Elizabeth kissed his cheek before turning to slip out of bed.

Jack took hold of her arm, "Don't leave yet. I want to cuddle with you."

Elizabeth turned her head to face him, "Are you making fun of me?"

"Absolutely not," he stated with a smile and raised eyebrows. "I just want to hold you for a little while. We have a few minutes, don't we?"

Never one to turn down some quiet time with Jack, she slipped her feet under the covers and snuggled up close to his body. He wrapped his arm around her waist and held her close.

She closed her eyes, enjoying the feel of his body up against hers holding her so securely.

Jack brushed her hair off of her shoulders as his lips tenderly met the skin on her neck.

"Jack…"

"Uh huh…?" He whispered.

"Jack, that's not cuddling," she whispered.

"It isn't?" His lips continued down the side of her neck and onto her shoulder.

"No, it's foreplay," she giggled as she turned to face him. "As much as I'd love to explore your body again this morning, we have ten minutes to get up and out the door."

He covered her lips as his hand cradled her head and deepened their kiss. "Tonight is date night… Want to go exploring later?" He whispered with a mischievous smile.

"I would love to, but right now we have to get going. We have several houses to look at and we now have five minutes to get on the road," She stated as she rushed to her closet, pulled out a clean pair of jean and a blouse and ran into the bathroom for a quick shower.

She had just jumped in the shower when he entered the bathroom and slipped in behind her as she washed her hair.

Initially startled to feel his hands going through her hair, she quickly relaxed. He washed the suds out before pulling her to him. "I thought we could share the water," he suggested as his hands worked their way up and down her body.

"Oh maybe we can just go looking at houses another day," she stated as her arms went around his neck and her tongue enticed him as it swept across her lips.

Twenty minutes later they were both rushing out of the house. Elizabeth barely had time to comb out her hair, choosing to pull it up wet into a ponytail. They hopped into the jeep and headed out to meet with their real estate agent, Stephanie Holden.

"Jack, we are so late. She's going to know what we were doing," Elizabeth said trying to keep the rosiness from spreading past her cheeks.

"Elizabeth, we're newlyweds. Even when we aren't making love, people assume we are," Jack laughed softly. "Besides, she's a friend of yours so why be embarrassed?"

Elizabeth pulled out her cell phone, "Hey Stephanie, Jack and I are on our… what?

Stephanie broke into Elizabeth's explanation.

Elizabeth's face turned red, "No, nothing like that. We aren't animals. We can control ourselves."

Elizabeth fanned her face as she listened to Stephanie on the other end, "No, I had to run by the barn for a second. We'll be there soon."

Elizabeth turned to Jack, "Take the next left and ride by the barn. I don't want to feel like a liar."

Jack laughed and shook his head as he hit the left turn signal and headed for the barn.

They passed the big field and she waved to Bugsy as they continued on their way.

Elizabeth and Jack rode with Stephanie to the Pungo area where they toured three farmettes. Two of them were comparable in size and structure with the only difference being in the construction of the barns, one being a four stall, and the other being a six stall. The third was Elizabeth's favorite. It was a beautiful ranch style house on five acres with a beautifully landscaped and fenced in backyard, a kidney shaped pool with a hot tub, and a four stall barn with four rail fencing throughout. Additionally, the barn included paddocks which ran off of each stall, a round pen, a sand ring and a cross country field with small hills and jumps.

One of the three acre farms and the five acre farm were both on the same street. The third property was twenty minutes away, closer to North Carolina.

Stephanie drove them back to the rental office where they sat and talked about the financial aspects of each property.

When asked his preference, Jack deferred to Elizabeth as he joked, "Happy wife, happy life."

"We'll discuss it more when we get home, but how quickly can we move on them?" Elizabeth asked.

"I'll have to check. You are aware that your father is putting the down payment on whichever property you choose, right?" Stephanie added.

Jack turned and looked at Elizabeth, "Were you aware of that?"

"Stephanie could we have a few minutes alone to talk, please?" Elizabeth asked.

"Sure, I'll go get everyone some coffee," she replied as she walked out and closed the door behind her.

"You knew about this?" Jack asked, his voice sounded agitated.

"No, but it doesn't surprise me," she offered.

Jack took her hand and led her to the sofa where they took a seat. "He gave us money as a wedding gift. That was sufficient. I'd like for us to be able to take care of ourselves."

"Okay, I understand. We don't have to accept it," she agreed.

Stephanie returned to the office, "Do you need more time?"

Jack stood as she entered the room, "No, we're fine. If it's okay, we'll talk about it at home and let you know. Could you give us the particulars on each property so we'll know what we're looking at?"

Stephanie walked over to her desk and pulled flyers from each property which included the down payment and total price. "You are pre-qualified and closing on each property can take place quickly. We may be able to get you in sooner on these two properties," she handed Jack the flyers on the 5 acre site, and the 3 acre farmette with the six stall barn. "No one is living there, so we could get you in on a rental for a month or so while we close."

Elizabeth stood and hugged Stephanie; "Thanks for everything. We'll talk about it and make a decision. You and Thomas need to make plans to come over for dinner once we get settled in our new place…whichever one it is."

Jack opened the door and took Elizabeth's hand as they stepped out of the office and headed for the Jeep. He opened the door for her and she slipped inside. He sat behind the wheel and turned to her, "Which one do you want?"

She turned and smiled, "Jack I love the 5 acre farm. It's beautiful and has a pool, hot tub and all of the amenities of the barn. That being said, I'll be happy with any of them. I just want to get Onyx home. She and Rosie are doing things together that I should be doing with her. I miss her."

Jack put his hand on top of hers. "Let's go get Onyx and take her for a walk on the beach," he smiled when he observed her face light up.

"That would be wonderful. Thank you, Jack," she stated before leaning over and tenderly kissing his cheek. "I love you."

"I love you too," he replied.

They stopped by Rosie's apartment and Elizabeth was thrilled that Onyx seemed excited to see her. She plopped down on the floor to wrestle with her puppy, as Jack talked with Rosie and Lee.

Elizabeth gathered Onyx's leash as Jack proceeded to invite Lee and Rosie out to dinner with them that evening.

"Isn't it your date night?" Rosie asked.

"Yes, but we haven't seen you guys in a while and we'd like to do something to show you how much we appreciate you taking care of Onyx for us," Jack stated.

"You may not get her back," Rosie commented.

Elizabeth shot a glance in Jack's direction.

"I'm just kidding, Elizabeth. I'll give her back when you're ready," Rosie promised.

Jack quickly announced, "I think we found a place; well, actually three. We just need to decide which one."

As Jack and Elizabeth headed out, Rosie advised them that she had errands to run and may not be home when they returned Onyx. "Her crate is in the bedroom. Just put her in there if I'm not here. Where and when do we meet for dinner?"

"What does everybody feel like eating?" Elizabeth asked.

Rosie blurted out, "Outback?"

Elizabeth spoke up, "How about the Lighthouse? You can have steak, Italian or even burgers if that's what you want."

Everyone agreed to meet at The Lighthouse at 7pm and Jack and Elizabeth headed out for a walk with Onyx.

They reached the Jeep and Jack picked Onyx up and placed her in Elizabeth's lap.

"It's a beautiful day. Do you want to go for a hike at Seashore State Park instead of the beach?" He asked.

Elizabeth always loved the floral and pine smells in the park, "That sounds perfect."

Onyx did well for the first hour of their walk. Then after tugging on the weary pup to continue walking, Jack picked her up in his arms and they headed back to the Jeep. They dropped her off at Rosie's and headed back to their apartment.

Once home they sat at the kitchen table perusing the paperwork they had received from Stephanie. Elizabeth made coffee and sat down with Jack to discuss their options.

It was quite evident which property Elizabeth had her heart set on…

"Jack, I know the big farm on Schoolhouse Road is more money than we wanted to spend, but there is so much room for our family to grow," she suggested.

Jack tried to be accommodating, but practicality was winning out, "Elizabeth, I know which one would be your pick, but I think we need to seriously look at the bottom line here. With one of the 3 acre sites, and they are close in price, we won't be house poor." He took her hand and brought it up to his lips, "I love you more than anything, and if we could get the other place I'd buy it for you in a heartbeat. It hurts me not to be able to give you what you want."

"Jack, I don't want you to give me anything. We work hard, and we work together for whatever we have," she attempted to smile through her disappointment. "I'm sorry if my father's offer upset you. I know he didn't mean to, and it wasn't his intent to make you feel inferior. We'll just do it ourselves, and I'm sure in the long run it will mean more because we did it together," she assured him.

Elizabeth continued, "Either one of the 3 acre places will be wonderful. You pick; I'll be satisfied with either one. Just surprise me," her hand behind his neck pulled him closer to her as her lips met his.

Elizabeth went back to get ready for dinner. She sat on her bed, pulled her journal from her bedside table, flipped to the next blank page and began to put her feelings down on paper…

"A house is defined as any building designed for human habitation. It consists of walls, floors, ceilings, doors and a roof. We search for the perfect place; the hardwood floors, the exquisite combination between the carpet and the perfectly painted or papered walls, the updated and large kitchen, landscaping that would have you smiling for days, and amenities too many to mention, thinking all the while that these will make the perfect home.

The term "Home" on the other hand, has nothing to do with how your shelter is built or the objects contained within. It's the place where you can be yourself, feel welcomed, comfortable, and secure. It's the warmth you feel when you enter the front door and are greeted by those who can make the worse day bright. It's that feeling you get when you sit in a sparsely furnished den eating your dinner from a paper plate while sitting on the floor. You feel blessed that your only entertainment is the conversation you share with the people you love more than life itself. Above all, it's the empty space that is suddenly filled multiple times over by the love that is felt by and for its occupants.

The future of our family is not determined by how big or elaborate our house may be but by the love that's contained inside. That is truly what will make our house, our home."

Elizabeth slipped her journal back into her bedside table then pulled her little black dress and heels from her closet. She entered the bathroom to freshen up her makeup as Jack walked in to check on her status.

"Elizabeth, we need to leave in about ten minutes," Jack informed her.

"I'll be right out," she advised.

Jack headed back to the den and took a seat, patiently waiting for her return.

"Ok, I'm ready," Elizabeth stated as she grabbed her purse and headed for the door.

"Whoa," he stated as he jumped up.

"Whoa what?" She asked.

"That is a rather short dress, don't you think?" he remarked.

Elizabeth laughed at his reaction, "That's why they call it a little black dress. You didn't have any problem when I wore it before."

"You wore it for me; we were alone, and if I recall correctly, you weren't wearing it for long," he stated as they both smiled at the remembrance.

Elizabeth put her purse down on the table and headed back to their bedroom. "Give me five minutes and I'll be ready," she stated.

She returned to the den wearing a pair of tight black jeans and an emerald colored silk blouse. "Is this okay?" She asked.

The air rushed through his lips, "Why don't we order pizza and just stay home."

"Because you invited Lee and Rosie out with us," she reminded him.

Jack smiled as his head gently shook from side to side, "We are definitely going exploring when we get home."

Elizabeth reached for the door knob. She felt his body pressed up against hers before she could open the door. He swept the hair away from her neck as his lips pressed gently against her skin. She could feel his warm breath; she smelled his woodsy cologne and she felt her skin tingle as his hands ran up and down her arms.

Elizabeth turned around and giggled at the urgency in his expression. "You're going to have to wait until we get home Jack," she stated.

"Okay, one kiss to hold me over?" he begged as he captured her lips with such fire that she felt as though she were melting into a puddle right there at the door.

Although neither of them wanted to go to dinner, they had plans and it was too late to cancel.

Elizabeth opened the door and slipped into the hallway followed closely by Jack.

"Okay, dinner only and then we head home," Jack stated as he took her hand and walked toward the parking lot.

As they stood at Jack's truck, he opened Elizabeth's door and waited for her to slip inside. She teased him by running her tongue suggestively along her mouth before biting her bottom lip suggestively.

"Stop it," he stated as a frustrated breath escaped through his lips. "Oh, you are so dead when we get home."

Elizabeth laughed, "I'm sorry but it is nice to know that you would rather spend the night with me than hang out with your friends."

"Always," Jack stated as he leaned over and tenderly kissed her cheek.

Lee and Rosie arrived at the restaurant and were seated at a table when Jack and Elizabeth walked in. Lee stood as Elizabeth approached.

"Sorry we're late," Jack stated.

"No problem. I can only imagine…" Lee stated as he looked toward Jack and smiled unable to finish his thought.

The night turned into a celebration of sorts as Lee and Rosie advised Jack and Elizabeth that they were getting married. The girls squealed, drawing attention to their table.

"They're engaged," Elizabeth announced to anyone nearby who was looking in their direction.

Elizabeth and Rosie excused themselves, leaving Jack and Lee alone at the table.

"Congratulations Lee. You will love married life," Jack remarked.

"I hope you're right. I mean, I love Rosie and I believe we're ready for this step. But, there is also that idea of giving up my freedom. Besides, you marry their family too," Lee remarked.

"Tell me about it," Jack began. "We went with a real estate friend of Elizabeth's looking at farms today. I think Elizabeth had her heart set on the one with the bigger house, more acreage and a little bit nicer stable area."

"So what's the problem?" Lee asked.

"The price…I want to buy it ourselves, and I don't want to end up being house poor. Not to mention the fact that her father wants to give us the down payment for our house," Jack stated expecting Lee to jump on his side.

"WOW, that's generous. That should make things easier," Lee remarked.

"I told Elizabeth that we had the money and we didn't need their help. Besides, her father already gave us money for a wedding gift," Jack seemed frustrated with the situation.

"Jack, you need to put yourself in his shoes. He has three daughters; he wants to help them get started, and he has the money to do it," Lee responded. "Also, just think about how you will feel when you have kids. You can't tell me that if you were financially able that you wouldn't do the very same thing for your daughter."

Jack looked down suddenly feeling quite disappointed in himself, "You're right. If her father gave us the down payment, it would bring the price of the farm Elizabeth wants down to the price of the other two."

Jack continued, "Lee, thanks for making me see things more clearly. Now I'm going to give you some advice. I'm saying this with my relationship with Elizabeth in mind."

"Please do," Lee indicated his willingness to listen.

Jack looked around to make certain that the girls had not yet returned, "My life is so much better with her than it ever would be without her." Jack smiled, "Lee, I love her so much. I just want to do everything I can to make her happy. To be able to wake up with her every morning…" Jack stopped as he felt something on his shoulder.

Jack turned to his left and then jumped up to welcome Elizabeth and Rosie back to the table. He held Elizabeth's chair out for her and kissed her cheek as she sat down.

"Did we miss anything?" Rosie asked.

"Of course not sweetheart, just guy talk," Lee replied.

They finished their meal, sat and chatted about Lee and Rosie's upcoming wedding. Elizabeth was surprised to hear that Rosie wanted a wedding in the Bahamas, but she and Jack were excited when they were asked her to be the Best Man, and Matron of Honor. Jack paid the bill before the group left to walk on the boardwalk.

Although Rosie promised to give her a list of things she needed help with, Elizabeth didn't feel that it would be lengthy as Rosie was not one to give up control over the arrangements.

They walked back to the parking lot, expressed their congratulations and said their goodbyes before heading to their respective vehicles.

"Well, it's about time, don't you think?" Elizabeth asked.

"What? Oh, time they get married? I'd say so. I had no idea that we'd get married before them," Jack replied.

Jack and Elizabeth returned home. Once the apartment door closed, Jack took her in his arms, holding her tight to his body. He leaned back slightly, "I love you, Elizabeth. I hope you know that."

"Are you okay?" Elizabeth asked.

"I'm sorry that I made such a big deal about your father making the down payment, and turning you away from the farm you want," he stated.

"Jack, I understand. Besides, whichever place we get will become a home because we're there together. Truly, I'll be fine with any of them, so you pick," she looked at him with such love and admiration, and he honestly believed that she meant every word.

"I don't know about you, but I'm exhausted," she stated.

"So I guess you aren't interested in exploring tonight?" He asked with arched eyebrows and a mischievous grin.

She laughed, "You lock up and I'll meet you in the bedroom."

He watched her run down the hall. She turned to look at him before closing the bedroom door. "Lock up? It's one deadbolt. She must want some time to get ready," he thought as he locked the front door and then took a seat on the sofa.

Jack's intent was to give her a few minutes before going to bed. However, he caught a glimpse of the TV, a baseball game was being aired and he sat back to watch the Red Sox, his favorite team, at bat.

It was a great inning for the Red Sox, putting ten men on base and scoring six runs. Before he knew it thirty minutes had passed. He shut off the TV and casually walked to the bedroom.

He opened the door and found her in a deep blue silk negligee lying back on the bed with her feet still on the floor. He assumed that she changed and sat on the side of the bed waiting for him when she laid back and fell asleep.

Jack gently picked her up and laid her in bed, covering her with the comforter that was folded and lying across the footboard.

"Mmm Jack, that feels good," she whispered, still sound asleep and clearly dreaming of him.

Jack changed into his workout shorts and slid into bed beside her. He snuggled up to her back with his face buried deep in her hair. He inhaled and the aroma from her coconut shampoo mixed with her floral perfume had his body feeling many different things; the least of which was sleep.

Jack lay back in bed and rested his arms under his head as he released several frustrated breaths. He glanced over and she hadn't moved. He grabbed the alarm clock from the bedside table, setting it for the morning, or so he would say he had intended.

His head hit the pillow and he stared at the ceiling for five minutes before the alarm went off playing the new Train song, and releasing the words that he truly felt…

"Play that song
The one that makes me go all night long
The one that makes me think of you
That's all you gotta do

She said, play that song
The one that makes me stay out till dawn
The one that makes me go, ooh
That's all you gotta do"

Elizabeth jumped up, "Gosh, I feel like I just got into bed. Is it morning already?"

"Oh, I'm sorry. I set the alarm and I must have done it wrong," he stated with hope in his heart.

She laid her head back on the pillow, "So it isn't morning yet?"

Jack rolled over as his fingers gently traced along her skin from her neck, across her shoulder and down her arm. "No, but since you're awake…"

She turned her head to face him, "You did that on purpose didn't you? I was awake, but you never came to bed. I guess the baseball game was more interesting that all of this," she stated as she grinned and her hands motioned up and down her body.

Jack leaned in and pressed his lips to the sweet spot on her neck that always seemed to cause her to forget everything else. He felt her body completely relax as his hands began to explore every inch of her. He rolled the hem of her negligee between his fingers as she raised her body up slightly allowing him room to remove it over her head. He quickly discarded his shorts and returned to the warmth of her body against his.

His lips pressed firmly against hers as his tongue pushed slightly encouraging her lips to open. Their tongues slid against each other as he tasted the remaining strawberry lip gloss on her lips.

He straddled her hips, leaning down as he kissed her deep and slow causing her body to melt beneath him. He pressed firmly against her, every muscle in his body straining with passion. His body enveloped her as they each felt the love that passed between them.

"I love you so much," he breathlessly whispered. "I can't seem to get close enough to you. If I could crawl up inside you and wrap you around me, I would."

Elizabeth observed a perfectly shaped tear as it slid down his cheek. She gently brushed it away as her hands remained cradling his face, "Jack what's wrong?"

"Absolutely nothing. I just know how close I came to losing you. I love you, Elizabeth. I love you so much," he collapsed beside her, his arms still pulling her tight against his body.

They fell asleep in each other's arms, waking several hours later in the same position. Elizabeth slipped out of bed and went into the bathroom to shower and dress for the day. Twenty minutes later she emerged. She stood in the doorway and watched him sleep. She walked to the bedside table and removed her journal. She didn't want to disturb him, so she walked out to the kitchen table to write…

"Falling in love opens oneself to feelings that have often not yet been experienced. That desire may override all logic and understanding. Once you find that person, your true soul mate, you want nothing more that to awaken each morning feeling the warmth of their breath on your neck; the softness of their lips on yours; their touch on your skin, and the beating of their heart with yours. You quickly realize that in the entire world you could not experience this feeling with anyone else but him, and you are truly blessed."

Elizabeth wrote Jack a note, kissed him on the forehead and headed out. Forty five minutes later, Jack awoke and found the note resting on her pillow…

"Jack, I didn't want to wake you. I'm at the barn; felt like taking Bugsy for a ride. I'll be home later this afternoon. Thank you for a wonderful night…I love you."

Jack got up and dressed before hitting the kitchen for a cup of coffee. He sat on the sofa and looked over the flyers for the three farms they had visited yesterday. He picked up his phone and dialed…

"May I speak to Mr. Thatcher, please?" He asked.

"Oh, this is Jack Thor…this is his son-in-law," he corrected himself.

"Hi Jack, what can I do for you?" Mr. Thatcher replied.

"Mr. Thatcher…"

"Jack, excuse me but I thought we were past that. Please call me William," he stated.

"I'm sorry, we are past that. This is an uncomfortable conversation for me," Jack replied.

"Is something wrong? Is Elizabeth okay?" William responded quickly.

"Elizabeth is fine. It's about your offer to cover the down payment on our new house," Jack explained.

William jumped in and attempted to calm Jack's uneasiness, "Jack, I didn't mean to insult you; that was the farthest thing from my mind. Stephanie told me what you said, and I'm sorry if I caused any problems between you and Elizabeth."

"No sir, no problem, but I'm calling to tell you that if the offer still stands, I would appreciate the help," Jack explained.

"What changed your mind?" William asked.

"William, I love Elizabeth so much. She told me that she'd be happy with anything I pick out, but sir, she has her heart set on one farm in particular."

"I see, and what problem, may I ask, do you have with this one farm she wants?" William asked.

Jack continued, "If it weren't for my stubborn pride I would have seen from the beginning that the one she wants will serve us better for many years to come. The house is larger to accommodate a growing family."

The sound of that brought a smile to William's face. "I'll be glad to assist you anyway I can, and that does include making the down payment."

"Well, I have gone over all of the figures, and if we have the down payment covered, the remainder of what's owed will bring us to what the other two properties cost. Elizabeth and I can handle that," Jack explained.

"Consider it done, Jack. Just ask Stephanie to notify my office and they will send a check out immediately," William replied.

"Thank you for everything sir," Jack remarked.

"Jack, you are good for Elizabeth, and I appreciate that you love her so much. If you two need anything else, you let me know. Do you promise?" He asked.

"Yes sir, thank you very much," he responded before they ended their conversation.

Jack's next phone call was to Stephanie where he told her the farm they chose.

"We need to get out of my apartment as soon as possible. Elizabeth is dying to have her puppy back with her," he advised

"I'll get you in as soon as I can," Stephanie promised.

Jack asked if she could meet them again to let Elizabeth walk through and contemplate decorating ideas. Stephanie advised that she was busy with another client, but she gave him the code to the lock box. She advised him to remember to return the key to the box when they were done.

Jack jumped into his truck and headed for the barn. He pulled into the driveway, parked his truck and stood by the railing as he watched her ride. He thought back to the times that he stood at that very spot watching her, dreaming of a life with her. He pulled up the video he had made of her riding shortly after they met, and he realized that he must have looked at it over a million times.

Elizabeth saw him standing by the railing and determined that both she and Bugsy were done for the day. "I have to hose him off and turn him back out. Did you have something you wanted to do today?" She asked.

"I want to spend the day with my beautiful wife," He stated with a broad dimply smile.

Elizabeth hosed off Bugsy, cleaned him up and then she and Jack walked hand in hand out to the field to turn him out to play with his friends.

Once Elizabeth finished putting away her tack, she reached for Jack's hand, "What do you want to do?"

"I thought we could go look at some property," he suggested.

"But I thought we were going to choose from the ones we saw yesterday," she was willing but confused.

"Let's go get an ice cream and go look at our new home," he smiled as he took her hand and they headed for his truck.

"Hey Jessica…Jack and I are going out. I'll be back later to pick up my Jeep," Elizabeth called out as she left the barnyard.

They walked out of Stone Cold Creamery, each one with their favorite concoction and headed for the truck.

"Okay, the suspense is killing me. Which one did you decide on?" She asked.

Jack remained quiet, and the smile on his face was driving her crazy. He turned down Schoolhouse Road, which he felt must have been a sign and stopped at the entrance to the neighborhood. He turned to her, "You said that you'd be happy with whichever one I picked, right?" He asked.

By where they were, Elizabeth knew that it was either the three acre site with the six stall barn or five acre farmette. "Yes Jack, I'm fine with whichever one you picked."

"Okay, close your eyes," he demanded and she quickly complied.

He drove slowly down the road stopping and reversing several times to draw her bearings off. Finally they pulled into the driveway and he put the truck in park. "Don't open your eyes yet."

He jumped out of the truck and ran around to her side, opening the door and helping her out. He took her hand and led her to the middle of the front yard.

As they faced the house, he said "Okay, open your eyes."

Elizabeth's hands covered her mouth as she gasped in surprise. She kept looking back between the house and Jack, "Are you sure?"

"Is this the one you really want?" He asked.

"Yes," she said softly, "but Jack, I don't want us to get into something that you think is over our heads."

Jack turned her to face him, "I talked with your dad today, and he is going to make the down payment for us, we can handle the mortgage."

"Jack, I thought you didn't want to take his offer," she stated, excited but still surprised at his change of heart.

Jack pulled her hand up to his lips, "Elizabeth, I need to stop letting my pride get in the way of things. This will be our home, where we can live, and raise our family. We will fill it with love, and who knows, we may live here forever."

They toured the outside area, walked around the pool and the barn before heading inside. Elizabeth was in love with everything as they moved from room to room. They walked into the master bedroom, and checked out the Jacuzzi bath.

"That's the first thing we're trying out once we move in," Jack promised.

To be continued…