SIZZLE WARNING: Things are getting steamy fast folks. Might want to take a vacation of your own if you need respite. ;-)

**Insert cheeky grin here** It IS their honeymoon and we all know what happens on a honeymoon!

9:11 a.m.

Jack was seriously regretting his agreement to meet their friends for brunch the morning after their wedding. He simply hadn't realized beforehand just how much he would want to spend time with Elizabeth.

Alone.

She had just stepped into the shower. He snuck over to her weekender bag and pulled out the book. The one from Rosemary. Lee had told him the pages he thought were most interesting. I know there was a shower one. Where is it?

Hmmm. Dare I attempt this? Already? He grinned mischievously as he read. I am already naked. And I DO need a shower afterall. It would irresponsible of us to waste water, right? His dimples were out and his heart was pulsing in his abdomen.

9:14 a.m.

The steam was coming out from under the bathroom door and hit him in the face when he opened it. The frosted glass shower doors were fogged over, but he could see the outline of her curves as she enjoyed the sweltering water. The shyness he felt surprised him. What will she think?

The cool breeze felt invigorating to her in the hot shower. "That feels really good. Do you mind leaving it open?"

"Sure."

"You coming in?"

"Do you mind?"

She opened the door, biting her bottom lip timidly. "Plenty of room for both us."

She leaned her head back into the water and ran her hands through her hair. Jack just stood there watching. Taking it all in. Still in utter disbelief that this was happening. All of this. She squeezed some of her own shampoo into her hands and massaged it throughout her hair.

"You're not using the hotel stuff? It looked fancy." He stepped into the water with her and then lathered up his own hair with her shampoo.

She watched his abs grow tight and his biceps curl as he scrubbed. Her heartrate climbed a little faster. "Never. I like my own. What can I say? I'm a creature of habit."

"Well it smells like Heaven. I've been smelling it for years now, I should know." He watched as she rinsed her hair, the water rushing over her body, dripping off of her.

He rinsed his own hair and in another second, he was next to her, pressed against her. He pulled her face to his own, his body tense and aching. Needing her lips. Her tongue slipped into his mouth and found his immediately. The sucking and playful biting passionate. His hands rubbing her body, her hands gripping his sides.

She stepped back from him to grab the body wash and squeezed some onto a fluffy shower sponge. She rubbed it down his chest slowly, down his abdomen and back up. Down his arms. Down his legs.

The steamy water continued to pour down over her body as she turned him around to wash his back. She squeezed the sponge down his spine and pressed her body into his red back as she washed down his sides and over his rigid thighs.

He took the soap and squeezed it directly into his hands. He turned back around and pulled her out of the water, rubbing his hands together and then placing them firmly on her body. Caressing over her shoulders and down her arms, his lips on her chest. The water dripping off of his nose onto her. His slippery hands sliding over her body slowly. He lifted her leg and pressed it into his side, running his soapy palm down the outside. He released it and did the same thing with the other.

He ran his slick hands over her chest now. "Just washing them…" he crooned with a crooked grin before nudging her back into the stream of water. He rinsed her body, helping himself to her neck. He slid into the warm torrent with her, the water pouring down his hair and dripping off his lips.

His soft, sexy lips. "Kiss me, Jack."

He grazed his lips over hers. Like a whisper. She pushed into him, wanting more. He kissed her hard. Deep. He was swallowing her as the steamy water made their skin rosy. She was sure she'd remember his taste forever. He turned the water off and carried her to the bed, dropping her soaking wet body onto the comforter.

10:10 a.m.

'We're going to be a little late.'

'I expected as much. Are you sure you even want to meet us?' Lee's texted response made Jack laugh.

'Yes. We'll be there. 11.'

10:58 a.m.

Jack and Elizabeth arrived at Abigail's to see their friends through the window laughing and having a good time. As they watched them from the street, Elizabeth suddenly felt awkward.

"So… they all know what we did last night and it's sort of weird. I don't know how I'm going to look any of them in the eye!" She laughed, but there was honesty in her comment.

"You mean what we did last night and two times already this morning?" His dimples displayed his pride and his mood was displayed in his laugh.

"You're terrible. But thank you for making me laugh. I needed that." She kissed his cheek lightly as they entered the restaurant and he smacked her butt, making her giggle even more.

"Nice of you all to finally join us!" Frank exclaimed.

Elizabeth blushed fiercely. "Sorry we're late. We slept in this morning."

"Yes…. Slept in." Lee winked at Jack.

Rosie elbowed her husband. "Lee, play nice. We want them to come back from their honeymoon and not stay away forever. We're going to need babysitters, remember?" She patted the tiny bump in her belly.

"What do you all want to eat?" Abigail pulled Elizabeth into a hug and then handed her and Jack their usual drinks. "These are both full caffeine. I figured you'd need it this morning."

Elizabeth just shook her head. Even Abigail is teasing us? Only Faith and Paul seem to be quiet. Then again, they are the only unmarried couple here.

"Faith, when do you all have to leave?" Elizabeth took her usual seat and Jack slid in beside her, his hand immediately on the small of her back and hers sliding delicately on his thigh.

"We'll fly out at 3 actually. I have to be at work in the morning, but Paul isn't on again until Monday."

"When do you all leave, Jack?" Paul looked to his friend.

"Our flight leaves at 6 a.m. tomorrow and we'll get into the resort in the early afternoon. Our connection is in Atlanta though, and I'm a little worried because we only have about 50 minutes to get the next gate."

Elizabeth's eyes grew large at the new information. "What? Jack, we'll never make it! That airport is enormous! It has a subway!"

"It was either that or having multiple connections and not getting to the resort until Monday. Personally, I didn't want to waste a day in airports." His eyes met hers and she knew exactly what he meant and she hoped no one else caught on.

"Maybe we can have them call ahead and they'll hold the plane for us." She rubbed her chin. "Oh, and by the way, where are we going?"

Jack smiled. "I guess it's time for you to know. We're going to St. Lucia. We have an oceanfront bungalow at a beautiful resort! Meals and everything are already taken care of."

Elizabeth practically jumped into his lap. "Jack! That is amazing! I've never been!"

"I know. I asked your parents before I booked it."

"So they know?! And they didn't tell me?!"

"Your Dad does. I don't know if he told your Mom or not."

"Well it all sounds wonderful!" Abigail exclaimed. "I'm jealous! Frank, are you taking notes? We do have an anniversary coming up!"

"Thanks for setting the bar low Jack," the sarcasm dripped from Frank's voice. "I guess this means you all can babysit for us again too!"

"Oh, so while we're talking secrets, where might you all be staying tonight?" Lee asked wittily.

"Not a chance." Jack retorted. "I know you too well."

"Well, I do you owe you after that stunt you pulled on my wedding night." Jack and Lee erupted into laughs. Rosemary's face told everyone she had found it much less amusing.

The group finished their breakfast and enjoyed each other's company for a while longer, lasting through even the lunch crowd. They all talked about how they couldn't believe that they had pulled off the surprise on all of their guests and how much they had loved the idea.

Abigail perked up again. "Oh, the toy drive was perfect too! What a blessing that's going to be come Christmas-time. Jack, will you be Santa again this year?"

"I'd say so, unless someone else volunteers. I've been doing it for several years now. It's really fun, even when Elizabeth's kids recognize me and I have to bribe them to keep them quiet!" He squeezed her hand under the table.

Elizabeth checked Jack's watch. "We should probably get going. I've still got to pack and then we need to go grab your suitcase from your apartment."

"You guys have fun! Take lots of pictures!" Faith was excited for her friends. "I'm sure it will be beautiful."

"But not too much fun." Frank laughed.

1:09 p.m.

Jack paid their ticket and they headed across the street to Elizabeth's apartment. "So what are our plans for today?"

"Well, we've got to get all of your stuff packed up and grab my bag, but otherwise we don't have much of anything on the schedule. Purposefully. Maybe we can just order dinner in our room and go to bed early?"

"Sounds great to me. We'll have to be at the airport at 4, right? So we'll have to get up by 2:30. Whew. That's going to be rough. Maybe we should just stay up all night and sleep on the plane."

"All night? What do you propose that we do all night then?"

He was having fun embarrassing her.

"Simmer down. We have an entire week to get to know each other better." She grinned as she unlocked the door and he followed her upstairs. He retrieved her enormous suitcase and placed it on her bed. "So 10 days and 9 nights, right Jack?"

"Yes. You'll need at least 4 nice dresses too. Otherwise, plan for some adventure, some sports and some pool and ocean time. Definitely the red swim suit with the ties. And you should bring some of those gifts that you got from the bridal shop too." He winked. "You know, if you're having a hard time deciding which ones to bring, you could just model some of them for me now and I can tell you which ones I like best."

"Is this going to be what marriage is like, Detective Thornton?" she laughed.

"I don't know, Mrs. Thornton. I've only been married for a day. Maybe you should ask Abigail."

She released an exasperated snicker. "Absolutely not." Although, based on the lingerie she got me, Pastor Frank's life may be a bit more exciting than you think! She resisted telling him, though, knowing he wouldn't look at the lingerie or at Abigail the same ever again.

She selected the items that could handle getting squished on the bottom first and placed them in the suitcase. Her tennis shoes, flip flops, a pair of skinny jeans, a pair of Jack's sweats. "You really like to steal my clothes, don't you?" He picked up the sweats and smelled them. "I like how my clothes smell after you've worn them. I shouldn't complain."

She grabbed a couple pairs of socks and some running clothes, just in case. Then she selected several pairs of underwear and threw them in the bottom too. "Ooooh. I like these." His eyebrows raised as he lifted up a lacy, black pair.

She grabbed them from his hands and reached under her dress and removed the pink ones she was already wearing, replacing them with the black ones. "There. And now you'll be thinking about them all day."

Jack's smile faded into a smolder. "Mrs. Thornton for the win! Is this going to be what marriage is like?!" he teased.

She pulled a few dresses out of her closet, starting with the nicer ones first. "You should pack the red one that you wore to that conference last year in St. Louis. That one makes me sweat. I seriously doubt any of those people heard a single word you said. At least the guys anyway. Oh, and the black one that you wore on that same trip too. Talk about bringing me to my knees!" he fell back into the comforter with a thud.

She looked surprised. "I had no idea you even noticed."

He raised his head slightly. "Oh, I noticed. I just couldn't tell you that I did since you were still with Charlie."

"It feels like we were the ones that were together all that time. I barely saw him and spent most of my time with you anyway." She continued to pack.

"But I couldn't touch you the way I really wanted to." He nestled into her bed and watched her, thinking back over all the times they'd spent together. "Bring that one that goes down over your shoulders too. The blue one from the pool. And those strappy sandals and those crazy ones that make you as tall as me. I think you call them 'wedges'? I love the way your legs look in those."

She carefully rolled those three dresses and eight simpler ones and packed them in neatly along with several pairs of shorts and shirts for the week. She grabbed the sandals and wedges, along with some flip flops and one more pair of heels. She made her way into the guest room and brought back an armload of bags and boxes from BHLDN and the ones from her Bachelorette/birthday party.

She lugged the suitcase to the floor. I never claimed to be a light packer! She privately went through the lingerie and snuck the games into the bottom of the bag.

He rested back with his arms under his head. He watched the ceiling fan spin and continued to reminisce.

"All those times when we were back at UIC. Weekends on the lake. Chaperoning camps. Watching your Cards stomp my Cubbies year after year. All those times we shared a bed. As friends. Laughing and talking until the wee hours of the morning. I felt like the sunrise waited for you to wake up. You were killing me. But I was just happy to get to be around you. You lit me up."

His memories were drawing her into a heavy white fog as she handled the lingerie. "I guess I made you wait. I just didn't realize it." She added her toiletries and zipped up the suitcase. She returned some of the gifts to her dresser. There were too many to pack, so she would save some for later.

"When you laughed… I just felt my head spinning. Those baby blues. The way you'd show up in a ponytail and no makeup for breakfast without a care in the world. You made me smile. And yes, you made me wait. But you changed my whole world."

She climbed onto the bed and laid down beside him, resting her head in the familiar spot she felt she'd known forever. He kissed the side of her head and wrapped his arm around her back. Their mouths soon connected, softly and tenderly. Her legs were soon entwined in his and he rolled onto her.

5:03 p.m.

He followed her into his own living room where his suitcase sat by the door. "So I guess I'll move into your place on my days off when we get back. Tom's new roommate will be here in three weeks. It's a guy he works with I think."

"Do you think something is going on between Tom and my Julie?"

"You've noticed that too?"

"Yes. For sure. They seem to be awfully cozy. And honestly, I'm not sure how I feel about it. Ever since she was little, we've always said that Julie was either going to be the President or in jail. She's brilliant but can be so impulsive."

Jack laughed heartily. "You're kidding? My Dad always said Tom would be a CEO or in jail. So I guess we're either looking at 'Bill and Hillary' or 'Bonnie and Clyde'!"

"Lord, help us."

"Maybe I can have a chat with him when we get back. And you can have one with your sister?"

"Sounds like a good plan. Want to get these loaded and head back to the hotel? I'm getting hungry."

10:36 p.m.

They enjoyed a nice, quiet evening. Their dinner brought by white-gloved servers arrived steaming and perfectly cooked. The wine was wonderful. He ran a bath for her in the giant tub and she soaked in it until her fingers were wrinkly. When she came out, he had fallen asleep watching ESPN. So much for staying up all night, Jack. I guess I wore you out!

He was already in his underwear, so she just pulled the covers out from under him and slipped into bed next to him in a matching bralette and panties set. She pulled the covers up around them and set the alarm for 2:30 a.m.

2:30 a.m.

The beeping came much sooner than they would have liked. Elizabeth stood and wrapped her lucid robe around her. Jack blinked and squinted his eyes, trying to find enough resolve to sit up. Her legs. That robe. I sort of just want to stay here.

"Jack, come on, you've got to get up or we'll miss our flight." She kneeled over him and pulled on his hands. He pulled harder, pulling her back into the bed with him. Several kisses later, she pulled away. "No. We've got to get ready. As much as I want to be doing this with you here, I really want to be doing this with you in an oceanfront bungalow in the Caribbean even more."

3:30 a.m.

She looked back at him standing in the empty hotel room. "Let me grab the keys and we'll get to the airp…"

He grabbed her hand and pulled her close to him. "I need to taste you again. I know we shouldn't. We don't want to be late, but…"

The keys dropped to the floor as his lips met hers. "But now that I've seen what I can have…" he kissed her lightly. "…now that I've felt you…" His lips sucked her in. "I'm gonna have a hard time…resisting you."

4:00 a.m.

Now they were a hot, sweaty mess. She turned the air down and they both redressed. He helped her with her necklace.

"How do I look?"

He stepped closer and tenderly tucked the unruly curls around her face behind her ear. He couldn't resist capturing her lips one more time. They were so swollen and sensuous. And soft.

"Perfect. Just like always."

4:30 a.m.

They got to the airport about a half hour later than they had planned, but the line for security was thankfully short for a police officer and his new bride.

They sat down at the bar of a small restaurant near their gate and Elizabeth was soon recognized by a young woman. "You're Elizabeth Thatcher!" a young, blonde-haired woman approached. "I'm sure you don't remember me, but several years ago, I met you at Inspiration Kitchen. I really appreciate all of the work your family does with them. They really helped me turn my life around."

Elizabeth's smile lit up her face. "I'm so glad. It is such a wonderful charity. Our family loves supporting Inspiration Corporation. I'm sorry, can you remind me of your name?"

"It's Casey." She spun the tiny toddler that she was carrying on her hip around to face Elizabeth and Jack. "And this is Olivia. I was pregnant with her when I met you. We're flying down to Florida to see my parents for a week. Olivia's going to get to meet Mickey! I never dreamed it would ever be possible."

"That's so wonderful!" She turned to Jack. "This is Jack Thornton. He's my…"

Casey's eyes grew wide. "Oh, I've read all about him in the Tribune! You're a Detective, right?" she looked at him. "I saw that you guys are engaged now! What an amazing story."

Jack was busy making faces and playing peek-a-boo with the sleepy little girl while Elizabeth reminisced with her Mother. Before long, the tot was reaching for him and Casey nonchalantly handed her over.

Elizabeth watched from the corner of her eye as little Olivia pinched Jack's lips between her fingers and pulled on his ears. He took it in stride. Just like he did at her school. She felt like the planets were spinning around him. He is my sun. He is my whole world.

A boarding announcement boomed overhead. "Oh, that's us! Come here Olivia. I really hope you sleep on this flight!" The little girl turned around and reluctantly went back to her Mother, her chubby, dimpled hands waving goodbye to Jack as they walked away. "It was so nice seeing you again Elizabeth. And meeting you, Jack. Have a wonderful wedding! I can't wait to see it in the papers!"

Elizabeth just smiled and spoke under her breath. "We did. And you'll be seeing pictures before we will probably."

They enjoyed breakfast and an extra cup of coffee afterwards. The flowy shirt Elizabeth was wearing for the flight had a wide neck and it kept slipping over her shoulder as they ate. Jack struggled.

Elizabeth stood first, putting her big sunglasses on and her hair falling around her face. Jack slipped on his trusty Cubs cap from his bag and the two headed for their gate. Hopefully they would be able to enjoy their time together without any further recognition.

Jack headed to the restroom one more time before they took off. Elizabeth put her bags in one seat and then sat down another to wait for their boarding call. She glanced up from her book for a quick look as he approached. Those jeans fit him well in all the right places. She watched him take a seat in her row, but leaving a space in between them. He put his bag into the chair and opened the Times in front of him.

He quickly realized he was looking at a picture of himself. "Elizabeth!"

She jumped at the loudness of his voice and looked over at him concerned. "What is it?"

"Get over here! Look!"

She moved the bags into the floor and joined him. A smile broke over her face as she looked at the pictures of their "Covert Operation" wedding. Images of their cake fight, their stolen kiss during his prayer, and a beautiful one of their faces laughing at the sky with Frank under the archway. The most impressive was a large image of Jack kissing her under the sparkler canopy when they left. Elizabeth pulled it closer. "Oh my, Jack. I love that one. You surprised me when you dipped me, but boy it made for a great picture! It reminds me of that World War II photo with the sailor." She sighed. "It was all so perfect."

"It was." He wrapped his arm around her and kissed her quickly.

Boarding began shortly. They purposefully hung back. She had learned to always board last, avoiding all the eyes on them as the other passengers walked to the back of the plane. They took their seats in the back row of first class. Elizabeth in the window seat; Jack in the aisle. She gave Jack a grateful glance, knowing that he had chosen their seats for her benefit and their privacy.

The attendant brought them some water and they declined alcohol and pretzels. Jack covered her with the offered blanket, knowing they should try to sleep for a little while at least. He took her hand as the plane taxied to the runway, concealing it under the fleece. He knew the take-off always made her anxious.

The plane finally reached altitude and the two settled in for the barely 2-hour flight. She looked over at him as he leaned in to look at the Chicago skyline in the morning light. His face inches from hers. She was already dying to feel his lips again. "Do you remember when I stole those sweats?"

"Absolutely. It was our second baseball game. Your Mom and Dad flew us down to St. Louis in the company jet for the game. I was so blown away that anyone could even do that, let alone this girl who I'd grown so close to over the last few months."

"You do remember! That was such a fun spring break. It was really my Dad who wanted you to go so badly. I was actually really nervous and embarrassed. I was afraid they were going to scare you off. They can be kind of crazy sometimes!"

"It was a blast. Other than the fact that I had to wear a freaking Cardinals hat nearly the entire time. That sucked."

"Oh yes, that was a great game! My Dad really enjoyed that for sure."

"We had our share of awkward moments that weekend though, remember? Both of us so young and uncertain about our friendship. Speaking for myself at least."

Elizabeth cringed and furrowed her eyebrows playfully. "Remember when the Kiss Cam people found us in our box? I think they did it on purpose once they knew we were in attendance that night. Especially after the pictures that surfaced after the game at Wrigley. That was awful. I was so grateful to my parents for my Dad dipping my Mom over, totally stealing the moment."

"And for somewhat rescuing me! I had no idea what to do, although I had been craving your lips since the first time I met you."

"Can you imagine if you actually had? I wanted you to."

"You did?" Jack was genuinely surprised.

Elizabeth looked at him stunned. "Of course I did. You were making me climb the walls all year! Why do you think I invited you into my room that night?"

"I don't know. Because you didn't want to be alone? Nothing happened, but I remember the frantic scurrying we did when your Dad came down the next morning."

"Oh my gosh." Elizabeth was laughing so hard she had tears in her eyes. Her hand on her flushed cheek. She mimicked her Dad's voice. "Isn't your room right across the hall?"

Jack's laughter burst out, echoing through the first class cabin. "That was so embarrassing. I thought he was going to see right through our story and kill me with his bare hands!"

"I took your sweats that night. I got cold… but really, I just wanted something of yours to keep me warm when you weren't around."

"You looked so hot in them and that white tank top. I could barely form sentences." Jack slipped his hand onto Elizabeth's thigh under the blanket and squeezed it. His other hand was bringing her face to his.

The Captain came on and announced that they were beginning their descent into Atlanta and were scheduled to arrive 15 minutes ahead of schedule.

Elizabeth gave Jack a soft, quick kiss. "I'm glad to have the extra time, but we should still try to book it off the plane." She slipped her hand into his and squeezed it three times. "I love you… Jarrick River Thornton."

He returned 4 squeezes. "I love you too… Elizabeth Brook Thornton."

7:41 a.m.

Elizabeth and Jack managed to get off of the plane right away and hastily made their way to the information board. "Of course," he voiced with exasperation. "Our connection is at a terminal on the other side of the airport. We're going to have to boogie."

They sprinted down to the tram and hopped on a train to their next terminal. It was standing room only and Jack loved how Elizabeth was holding onto his body tightly. Every time the train would start and stop, her grip grew tight and his body grew rigid. The way her shirt kept slipping off her shoulder was lighting a fuse deep inside him.

The airport was under construction. Elizabeth rolled her eyes. Of course it was. Rushing down the corridor as politely as they could, they finally made it to the new terminal breathless and ragged.

Only to find their next flight had been delayed and now they had a 35-minute wait until boarding would begin for the longer leg of their journey.

Elizabeth started to drop her weekender bag into a chair when Jack grabbed her arm. "Keep it. I have an idea. Follow me, Elizabeth Brook."

She raised her eyebrows and grinned at him, wondering what he was up to. She followed him back down the long, now-isolated corridor that they had entered from. There was construction tape everywhere along the route.

He looked quickly up and down the walkway, and determined that it was now or never. He quickly pulled her into a tight nook that he'd noticed on the way down.

Her breath was quick and exhilarated. She needed no encouragement. Her bag was on the floor at a moment's notice and her hands were pulling at the short strands on the back of his head. Their lips meeting with urgency. His tongue sweeping through her mouth, tasting her. Sucking her into a dizzying fantasy. His fingers slipping over her bare shoulder and down over the sleeve of her shirt to her fingers.

He pushed her up against the bare concrete wall. His kisses covered her jaw, neck and collarbone. When he finally pulled away he moved his finger along her lips, tracing gently but with enough pressure to make her breathe uneasy, the ache compounding the terrible exhaustion she felt moments before from traversing the airport so quickly. His other hand rested on her hip, keeping enough distance away for her to wonder but tight enough for her to know.

They were breathless as she reached for him, but he denied her, gently taking her hand in his, pulling it down by his side. "Soon. But not now."

Her heartrate was labored and her body was on fire. She had to take a moment before she could get going again. He picked up her bag and interlocked two fingers between hers, leading her back to their gate.

Their final flight was now boarding and they slipped into their seats in a puddle of exhaustion and desire. After eating again, their bodies cooled and they both succumbed to the draw of sleep. Elizabeth's head resting on Jack's shoulder comfortably and his head leaning against hers.

2:55 p.m.

Their flight arrived and they fortunately found their luggage and made their way to the ground transportation area of the tiny airport.

Jack and Elizabeth warily put their bags in the back of the small van and climbed in with one other couple. Jack was glad that they had purchased an international plan for their phones and was greatly relieved to see that he actually had a decent signal. Especially to him, the driver seemed a little shifty and nervous.

They soon left the airport and began winding through the city. Jack had done some research and he thought their drive would take about 90 minutes to get to the resort. Not more than 10 minutes had passed before the terrain turned completely different. They left the city and they entered a very 'third-world country' vibe. The roads were unpaved and dusty. Tropical topography all around them, but wild and unkempt. Barely enough room for another vehicle on the roads. Every time they would slow to a stop for another vehicle to pass, Jack wished more and more he was carrying his weapon. What have I gotten us into?

Jack looked over at his beautiful new wife, who had been conversing with the other woman in the car for nearly a half hour. She was seemingly unphased by the desolate nature of their drive. I love how she makes friends everywhere we go. She could find something in common with a toad if she was given enough time.

3:03 p.m.

Elizabeth had loved flying over the beautiful, azure water sprinkled with islands as they neared their destination. Their plane slowly descended onto a battered runway of the smallest airport she'd ever seen. Gosh I really hope both of our bags made it. That would really suck. We probably should have packed some of my stuff in his bag and vice versa just in case one of our bags was lost, then we'd at least have something to wear. Too late now.

Thankfully, her worrying was futile, as it always is. Jack pulled both of their bags off of the belt and they began following the signs for the resort Jack had booked their stay.

Another couple, who looked about the same age as she and Jack, were in line right in front of them. Elizabeth smiled pleasantly at the wife, noticing she had a shiny, new bauble on her ring finger as well. Both couples soon loaded their luggage in a very worn-looking van and climbed into the seats. No seatbelts could be found anywhere. Elizabeth glanced at Jack, who was mapping something on his phone.

As the landscape went from city to very desolate, a little part of Elizabeth wondered if this resort actually existed. How funny it would be if Jack got duped? Well, not funny. But a little bit!

For nearly 90 minutes, the ride through the jungle continued, the huts and businesses rickety and sparse. The few people they did see were clearly very poor. Elizabeth finally grew the courage to speak to the other couple. "Hi, I'm Elizabeth and this is my husband, Jack."

"Hello, I'm Ellen and this is my husband, Robert. Are you on your honeymoon too?"

Their thick British accent almost made Elizabeth squeal with delight. "Yes. We just got married Friday night. Where are you guys from?"

"England, near Bath. And you?"

"Chicago. We met in college there. I actually studied abroad at Cambridge my third year, so I've been to Bath! It's very beautiful. I loved the Jane Austen Centre."

The revelation lit up Ellen's ears. "That's incredible! We haven't been to the States yet, but hope to and Chicago is definitely on the list! And I love the Jane Austen Centre too. It's one of my favorite places to go, much to Robert's delight." She laughed and Robert rolled his eyes.

"Are you guys staying at Sugar Beach too?"

"Yes! We splurged for a 'Luxury Villa' I think it's called, Robert?"

Robert looked at his wife, amused with her chattiness. "Yes. I think that's what it's called. We bought the meal and drink plan too so it's all-inclusive."

"Jack, ours is some kind of Bungalow, right? Didn't you say that ours is all-inclusive too?"

4:58 p.m.

Jack smiled at Elizabeth and her new friend. "Yes. I think it's the 'Beachfront Bungalow' or something like that. At this point, I'm hoping that all of those pictures that I saw aren't some kind of mirage!" He laughed nervously.

"I was thinking the exact same thing," Robert spoke apprehensively.

"Oh Jack. You worry too much. I'm sure it will all be fine." Elizabeth nudged him and grinned.

A collective sigh was released about 5 minutes later as the dirt road transitioned to pavement again and the tropical rainforest appeared. It really was like a mirage. On one side, the poor, dirty countryside. And on the other, the lush, indulgent city of Soufriere. They could hardly believe their eyes.

Their driver, Melvin, had hardly spoken a word the entire trip except to curse at other drivers who nearly ran him off the road. Suddenly he was speaking a string of broken English about the city and how many celebrities had vacation homes there. "Oprah" was the only one Elizabeth was able to make out.

Unbeknownst to them, William had already called the resort and ensured that their best driver would be sent to pick them up and return them to the airport. Melvin was simply nervous because he knew how important his passengers were to his boss.

The two couples got out of the van and stretched their legs after the driver pulled into Sugar Beach. It was immaculate and absolutely stunning. They could see the crystal blue Caribbean water from the open reception area.

Melvin unloaded their bags and Jack discreetly slipped him a generous tip. Melvin whispered, "Sergeant Thornton, gratuity is included in your package. You need not give this to me." He tried to give the extravagant gift back to Jack, knowing that the single bill could feed his family for a month.

Jack closed the man's hand around the cash. "I know. I want you to have it. Thank you for taking good care of us." As he walked away, he wondered how the man knew to call him 'Sergeant.'

The two couples excitedly made their way to the check-in desks. Within minutes, they were both being ushered to their rooms in opposite directions.

"Hopefully we'll see them again. They were so nice!" Elizabeth exclaimed as they followed the local employees to their accommodation. Their thin backs bearing their luggage. Elizabeth suddenly felt a lot guiltier about packing so much stuff.

5:40 p.m.

As soon as their feet hit the cool tile floor of the bungalow, Elizabeth and Jack knew that this was going to be a vacation they'd never forget. They again tipped the employees very generously and were told that their butler could be reached 24 hours a day via the intercom, the App on their phones or simply by calling the front desk.

"Thank you so much for your help." Elizabeth's eyes were so sincere to the young men, who couldn't have been more than young teens. Their eyes lit up as they unfolded the bills they had just been given.

As soon as they were alone, Jack gently extended his arm and lifted Elizabeth's chin. His breath cool and comfortable on her skin as he pulled her in to meet him even closer. Her feet shuffling to welcome him into her space even further. He kissed her gently and softly, almost like he didn't even know her, like he had just met her and they had ended their first date on her doorstep.

This is going to be a great vacation.

A HUGE thank you to Em for proofing and for sharing your wonderful talent with me. And for letting me steal some of your ideas! ;-) You're the best and I can't wait to see you in a few months at HFR2!