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 29- Lover's Lane

**STEAM ALERT**

"Honey," Jack called out from the front porch.

Elizabeth stuck her head out from the back of the Sprinter, "Yes, did you need something?"

"How many water bowls do you need?" He asked.

She thought for a second, "Well, since I'm only showing Onyx, just two, one for the show site and the other for the hotel."

An hour later they stood in the yard and looked inside the perfectly designed vehicle that Jack insisted on buying so Elizabeth would have safe transportation for her and the dogs.

"Jack, I know we're only taking Onyx, so really, if you want to just take the Mustang, we can," she offered.

Jack looked between the Mustang and the much larger Sprinter, "Although I love to drive the Mustang, we need to break the Sprinter in. Besides, we could have a celebratory romp in the back after Onyx wins a Group 1."

Elizabeth laughed, "You're on. If she wins the Sporting Group, you'll get to make love to the pregnant lady in the back."

Jack's finger under her chin lifted her eyes to meet his, "I don't want to make love to the pregnant lady. I want to make love to my beautiful wife who happens to be pregnant."

They both laughed at the prospect. Jack knew that Elizabeth wouldn't be comfortable making love in a vehicle; it wasn't her style, no matter how much room it offered. He was teasing her, as it truly wasn't on his bucket list, but he was interested in seeing how far she would take it. However, he would gladly make love to her anywhere she felt comfortable. Each one agreed to the deal knowing full well that Labradors rarely make the final cut in group, let alone win it.

"Jack, may I ask you something?" She asked.

"Anything," he responded as he slid the side door of the Sprinter open and sat down.

She stood in front of him as he reached out and took her hands. "I know men say that their wives are more beautiful when they are pregnant. Is that really true? Do men really feel that way or is it just something they say to make us feel better?"

"Elizabeth…"

"Jack, it won't hurt my feelings if it's just something you guys say. I'd just like to know," she stated firmly.

Jack stood from the Sprinter, wrapped his arms around her and tried to pull her close.

She resisted slightly, "Jack, it's not that I don't enjoy being held by you, because I do. I'm fine, really I am. I'm feeling good about myself, and I'm so happy about the baby. I just wanted to know if you guys are being honest with us."

His hands rested on her shoulders as he began to rub her skin from her upper arms down to her elbows. He looked into her eyes and smiled, "Elizabeth, I can't speak for other men, but I have always found you to be the sexiest, most desirable woman I have ever known."

Jack rested his hand on her cheek as his thumb swept across her skin, "I love you, and I am in awe of your body and what God has allowed women to do. So, do I think you are more beautiful when you are pregnant? Elizabeth, each time I look at you, I find you to be more beautiful, sexy and desirable than the time before."

Elizabeth smiled and glanced at her watch, 4PM. She leaned in and whispered into his ear, "Jack, you know we aren't planning to leave until 6. Do you find me desir…"

Before she could finish her sentence, he had scooped her up in his arms, carefully navigated the front steps and entered the house. He closed the door behind them as he gently placed her feet back on the ground.

Her t-shirt was left handing over the banister, quickly covered by his. He was halfway up the stairs, following close behind her when she stopped.

"Onyx…she's still outside," she stated as she turned him around to fetch her.

Jack zipped up his jeans and ran out to the Sprinter, finding Onyx sound asleep amid the dog beds, and food canisters. "Come on, girl," he called out as she followed him into the house and out into the back yard.

His jeans were unzipped and falling down over his hips when he entered the bedroom. He stepped out of his remaining articles of clothing, leaving them in a heap beside the bed. His heart pounded as he found her resting on one elbow, patting the area beside her. He was jealous of the satin sheet, knowing that it was already touching her naked body.

He slipped under the sheet as their body's touched. His lips consumed hers, savoring every inch as if he were devouring his favorite meal. His hands moved gently about her body, experiencing every new change in her and feeling more love for her than he ever dreamed possible.

Her skin tingled as she felt his fingertips tracing the outline of her body. Her hands slipped up his arms, gently massaging the straining muscles in his shoulders. His body quickly responded to hers, alleviating any concern on her part that he would be repulsed by her growing girth.

Her gentle moans drove his passion as he found her quite the instrument to play. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her into his body. Even as her tummy was expanding, their bodies still fit as the perfect puzzle pieces that God had designed them to be.

Her tongue traced from his shoulder blade, up the side of his neck, along his strong jaw line before settling at his ear where she gently nibbled. She felt her blood warm as he softly moaned, letting her know that he certainly was enjoying this intimate time with her.

He raised his body over hers, careful not to hurt her or make the experience uncomfortable. His body encased her, swallowing her whole, and they each felt the love and warmth that passed between them.

Jack fell onto the bed beside her; each one was exhausted but completely satisfied, as his arms enveloped her, pulling her into his body. He kissed the top of her head as she nuzzled securely into his chest.

He tried to speak, but his breathing was so rapid and his thoughts were so consumed with her that he could barely think, much less speak. After a few moments his finger under her chin directed her face upward and in his direction.

"Elizabeth, I want you to know that every time we make love is like the first time for me," he whispered. "Each time is more exciting than the one before. I hope you know that I feel so blessed to have you in my life."

"I love you so much. How did I get so lucky," she stated as she brushed her lips across his before resting her head back on his chest.

Thirty minutes later Jack woke her as his fingers swept several curls away from her face and behind her ear. "It's time to go," he whispered.

"Mmm, I just want to lay here with you," she whispered.

Jack slid out from under the sheet and slipped into his clothes. "I'll go fix some coffee and you get dressed."

The sheet was provocatively draped over her body and it took all of his willpower to leave her.

She released a frustrated breath, "I want to go, but I'm tired now."

Jack climbed back onto the bed as he hovered over her body, "You ought to be tired. You were quite active a little while ago." His lips brushed her cheek as he encouraged her to wake up. Once her eyes opened and he observed her smile, he worked his way off the bed and headed back toward the door.

Jack was putting the finishing touches on their coffee when she walked down the stairs. Are you ready?" He asked.

"I am," she stated as she grabbed her purse and a jacket incase it was chilly at night.

Jack let Onyx in from the backyard, grabbed their overnight bags and the keys and headed for the door. "I'll come back for the coffee."

On his way past her she reached out and grabbed his arm, stopping him.

"Are you okay," He asked.

She smiled and leaned in to kiss him. "Thank you for this afternoon. It meant a lot to me to know that you still find me desirable."

Jack dropped the bags he was holding and backed her up against the stairwell wall. His body held her firmly against the frame of the closet as their lips met in a fiery exchange that left nothing to the imagination. His arms swept around her waist and pulled her close.

"Whoa Jack, we'll never get out of here if you keep kissing me like that," she said.

"Are you complaining?" He asked.

"Never!" She replied. "But save something for your dream romp in the Sprinter."

They both laughed as they loaded Onyx up in the Sprinter, making certain that she was comfortable on the large orthopedic bed. Elizabeth had no desire to drive, looking forward to dozing.

Leaving early in the evening, they missed most of the traffic, finally arriving at the hotel around 10PM. Jack unloaded the things that were needed from the Sprinter and carried it into the hotel room. He smiled at Elizabeth who went from sleeping in the front seat, to being stretched out across their king sized bed, and he was almost positive that her eyes never opened during the transition.

Jack sat on the side of the bed, "Are you okay, honey?"

Her eyes remained closed, but she smiled, "I'm fine. Snuggle with me…"

"Let me take Onyx for a walk, and I'll be right back. Get ready for bed and we'll be right back," Jack stated as he and Onyx walked out of the room, closing the door behind them.

Jack and Onyx returned about thirty minutes later, "Hey, are you awake?"

"Uh huh…" she muttered but her eyes remained closed.

"A bunch of your handler friends are staying at this hotel. They've missed you and told me to tell you that tomorrow is a girl's night out," he advised her.

"What are you supposed to do?" She asked.

"The husbands and boyfriend are going to the strip club," he stated, waiting on her reaction.

She sat straight up in bed, "Are you kidding me, Jack Thornton?" Seeing his smile told her that he was joking. "That's not funny."

"I just wanted to know if you were paying attention to me," he mentioned.

"Well, now you know that I do," she replied.

Jack changed into his shorts and a t-shirt and slipped into bed. He slid over beside her and wrapped his arm around her waist. Instinctively, she grabbed his hand in hers and pulled his arm to her chest resting their hands over her heart. She leaned her head down, pressing her lips to his fingers, capturing the one that carries the symbol of their marriage.

"I love you Jack," she whispered as she settled in to sleep.

"I love you too, sweetheart," he replied.

The following morning, Elizabeth woke to a feeling that someone was watching her. Without moving, she opened her eyes and observed Onyx standing before her. "Do you need to go outside?" She asked as she observed Onyx run toward the door.

Elizabeth quietly slipped out of bed, pulled on a pair of jeans and her flip flops and headed outside. She had only been gone for a few minutes when she came around the corner and smacked into Jack who had come outside looking for her.

"Elizabeth, please don't leave the room in the middle of the night without telling me. I was worried," he stated as he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close.

"Jack, you're right. I'm so sorry, I just wasn't thinking. You were sleeping so soundly that I hated to wake you up," she replied.

They walked hand in hand back to the room. With all the sleep she had gotten since yesterday, she was now wide awake. Jack slipped back in bed while Elizabeth went through her clothes, picking out just the right outfit for today's show.

She sat on the side of the bed and laid her new cream colored suit on the mattress. She turned sideways and glanced over to the other side as she enjoyed watching him sleep. Just watching him brought a smile to her face and a sense of calm to her heart.

She walked over to her bag, pulled out her journal and sat down at the desk. She opened the book to the next blank page and attempted to convey her feelings onto the paper…

"We each have the power to be a blessing to someone, often when we least expect it, but when it is desperately needed. We underestimate the power we carry in a simple word, a kind eye, a listening ear, a tender smile or a heartfelt compliment. We never know when the words we say or the kindness we show will be the ultimate blessing in someone's life, the needed push that encourages them to fight on, to move forward and to have faith in themselves.

"Jack," she whispered into his ear.

His eyes remained closed, but he smiled. "Lay with me for a few minutes," he suggested as he lifted up the covers, encouraging her to join him.

"Jack, if I do that we'll never get out of here," she joked as she started to stand.

He reached out and gently pulled her back onto the bed. "I miss you," he whispered as his lips met the soft, sensitive skin below her ear.

"Jack," she mustered a breathy tone, "Labs show in an hour. We need to get going,"

"Wouldn't you rather just stay here?" he managed to say before his lips met hers.

"Mmm Jack…You know I would, but we came all this way…oh forget it. There's another show tomorrow," she stated as her arms wrapped around his neck. She lay back waiting his next move, which ultimately surprised and disappointed her.

"Come on, we need to get you two to that ring on time," he stated as he jumped out of bed and immediately went to his suitcase for fresh clothes.

"Huh…?"

He glanced up and laughed, "We'll have plenty of time for that when Onyx wins the Sporting Group today."

"Are you serious? You really want to go to the dog show?" She asked as she gathered her clothes.

"I always want to be with you, but you need this. You and Onyx back in the ring again; it's a triumph of sorts," he stated as he zipped up his jeans and buttoned his shirt.

He sat on the side of the bed to put on his socks and shoes, glancing over as she dressed. He felt tears well in his eyes as he observed the beauty and the overwhelming capabilities of her body.

"You look beautiful," he stated as she stood in the mirror fixing her hair and makeup.

She walked back to him, wrapped her arms around his neck and gently pressed her lips to his. "Thank you for everything, Jack; for the dog show, the clothes, and for arranging your schedule so you could come with me."

"There is no place I'd rather be," he stated as he opened the hotel room door leading to the hallway.

Elizabeth barely made it into the expo center before she was swamped by handlers, kennel club members, and several judges, all of whom were very happy to see her back in the dog show ring.

Jack walked to Ring 4, found a few seats and sat down. The Labrador entry was large; 17 dogs, 28 bitches, 3 dog specials and 7 bitch specials, with a total of 55 Labradors.

Elizabeth finished grooming Onyx, found Jack sitting ringside and took her seat next to him. The Labradors began entering the ring; first the dog puppy classes, the Amateur-Owner-Handler, Bred By, Am-Bred, and finally Open Black, Open Chocolate and lastly, Open Yellow

Those with blue ribbons from each of the classes then entered the ring for the "Winner's Dog" class. The Open Yellow dog, Miles, was on a roll and was easily the judge's choice for the 3 point major win.

The bitch classes then entered the ring, and as was the case with the dogs, each female with a blue ribbon then entered the ring to compete for "Winner's Bitch." Malibu, the Open Yellow Bitch, was pulled along with the Bred By, Giggles, and they competed in one final down and back before the judge. As the entire group went around the ring, the judge pointed at Giggles for the 3 point major win, and the final points to complete her championship.

"Here goes nothing," Elizabeth stated as she stood, kisses Jack, stuffed bait in her pocket and headed for the ring entrance.

Of the 10 specials entered for Best of Breed, Onyx was the 8th dog in the ring as they were called in numerical order. At the very end of the line were the Winner's Dog and the Winner's Bitch.

It was finally Elizabeth's turn. She stepped up and stacked Onyx, awaiting the judge's inspection.

"How are you doing Elizabeth?" Judge Nathan Brooks asked.

Although everyone knew that personal conversation between the exhibitors and judges was inappropriate, it happened all the time.

"I'm fine; thank you for asking," she commented.

Following the judging, those in the final pick were pulled to the middle of the ring and asked to free stack.

Elizabeth smiled as this was one thing at which Onyx was superb. Once standing perfectly, Elizabeth wiggled her finger back and forth, a signal to Onyx to wag her tail.

Most judges arranged the winners in the following order…Best of Breed, Best of Winners, Best of Opposites, Select Dog and finally Select Bitch.

The Judge pulled Miles up front, somewhat surprising Elizabeth that he would give the breed to a class dog with so many quality champions in the ring. As everyone was put in their place, Judge Brooks pointed to Elizabeth and directed her to the front of the line. As the dogs made their final trip around the ring, Onyx was pointed out as Best of Breed.

Jack was waiting for Elizabeth and Onyx when they exited the ring. He wrapped his arms around her waist and picked her up off the ground. "I'm closer to my romp in the back of the Sprinter."

Elizabeth jokingly slapped his shoulder, "Don't count on it. Labs never win the group."

"Are you feeling okay?" Jack asked as he took Onyx's leash from her hand and they walked back toward their seats.

"I feel wonderful," she stated. "I am having the best day Jack, and what makes it perfect is that you're here with me."

"I wouldn't want to be anywhere else." He admitted.

Elizabeth and Jack walked back to the set up; they gave Onyx breakfast, a bucket of water and placed her in a crate to rest.

Jack took a seat and pulled out the sports section of the local paper.

"Elizabeth, come on. We're going shopping. Have you seen all of the fabulous vendors here?" Rachel asked.

Jack looked up from over his paper, "Go ahead honey. I'll watch Onyx."

She walked over and brushed her lips across his, "Would you like some coffee and a sweet roll? The ones here are yummy."

"You're sweet enough," he stated with a smile.

Jack watched Elizabeth and her friends walk away before returning his attention to the newspaper.

Thirty minutes later she returned to find Jack awkwardly stretched out in two chairs with his eyes closed.

The facility was noisy and she had to shake him slightly to get his attention.

"What's this?" He asked.

"I got you coffee and a sweet roll. I stuck my finger in your cup for sweetness," she jokingly stated as she held up her pointer finger.

He took her finger in his hand and brought it to his lips, "Mmm, so sweet."

She laughed, "You're silly, but you're my kind of silly!"

Several hours passed and Elizabeth pulled out the judging program to get the showing order of the groups. "Oh good, Sporting Group is second, so we won't have to wait around all day."

As the Hound Group entered the ring, Elizabeth took Onyx out for a walk. A few minutes later she returned to their set up to put the finishing touches on them both. She air blew Onyx's coat, before putting on her suit jacket and French braiding her hair.

"You look beautiful…both of you do," Jack remarked. He kissed her for luck and watched as his two girls headed for the ring.

The Hound Group exited the ring as the Sporting Group prepared to enter. Elizabeth took a deep breath as the Golden Retriever in front of her was called into the ring. Elizabeth entered as the Ring Steward called out her number and they floated across the floor.

Many of Elizabeth's friends who were not showing in the Sporting Group situated themselves at various points around the ring. They squealed and clapped as Elizabeth presented Onyx to the group judge increasing the volume of their applause when they did their down and back.

The Clumber Spaniel was the last dog presented in the group, as the judge made his way down the line making his cut. Everyone screamed with delight when Onyx, who had been absent from the ring for months, was back and showing in great form and was selected.

The seven dogs he selected lined up in the middle of the ring. There was the Irish Setter, Flat Coated Retriever, Springer Spaniel, Parti Cocker Spaniel, Clumber Spaniel, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, and the Labrador.

The judge had the exhibitors go around the ring one final time before picking his top four. When he pointed to Onyx for the Group 1, Elizabeth glanced around assuming that he must have been pointing to someone behind her.

Finally realizing that she had done something she never assumed would happen, she and Onyx took their place by the #1 placard. The next placements were given to the Parti Cocker, Flat Coated Retriever, and the Irish Setter.

Elizabeth remained in the ring as all of the exhibitors offered their congratulations before exiting.

The women handlers hugged Elizabeth while many of the male handlers kissed her on the cheek, much to Jack's dismay.

"We did it, Jack," her excitement level was off the charts. She didn't think about where she was, or simply didn't care as she pressed her lips to his.

"You both looked beautiful out there. I videotaped the group if you want to see it," he offered.

"Yes, yes, please, I'd love to," as he took her hand and led her back to their set up.

"Oh man, people are right; the camera does add 10 pounds," she remarked. "But in my case, I think it's more like 25."

Jack paused the video, "I love you and you moved across that ring so gracefully. You're beautiful, and I'm proud of you."

He continued, "Besides, by the way the men were kissing you, you had to know that what you accomplished doesn't happen often."

She put her hand on his cheek, "You aren't jealous, are you?"

"Absolutely not. I know where your heart is and I know how much you love me," he replied. "Besides, I don't have time to be jealous when I have a romp in the Sprinter to plan for…"

"Oh right. I had almost forgotten about that," she laughed before being taken away by many of her handler friends.

The Best in Show class didn't go as successfully, with the Toy Group entry, the Pekinese, taking the win.

Elizabeth grabbed some clothes and headed for the bathroom to change. Jack smiled as she approached wearing a sun dress with straps that tied at the shoulders. The bodice was stretchy to accommodate her growing bust line, and the A-line shape allowed for her pregnancy pooch.

"Jack, I love this dress that Tracey and Cary picked out. Does it look okay?" She asked as she spun in a circle before him.

"You look beautiful," he stated as he suddenly frowned.

"What's wrong?" She asked.

"You look so good, I just don't want guys hitting on you," Jack remarked.

She laughed, "That's not likely to happen. I'm an old pregnant lady. No man is going to want to hit on me."

"I would," he informed her.

"You know Jack it's kinda like a mother has to love her kids; you have to hit on me. But then again, I wouldn't want anyone else but you to hit on me," she explained.

After everyone's chores were done, with some having more to do than others, everyone met just outside Ring 1. Jack had been away from the dog show world for a long time, and didn't know many of the significant others of Elizabeth's friends. The men and women separated, but not before Elizabeth rushed back to give Jack one last kiss.

"I love you. Don't have too much fun without me," she suggested.

"Never," he responded.

Several vehicles were needed to carry all of the women out to dinner. Elizabeth rode with Rachel, Suzi, Lisa and Amy. Rachel grew up in Myrtle Beach, so she was familiar with all the cool places to eat and visit.

They drove along the shoreline and Elizabeth was captivated by the view. "What's that?" She asked as they passed an area hidden by palm trees.

"Oh that's Lover's Lane," Rachel replied.

"I thought that was just a term writer's used in movies. There really is such a place?" Elizabeth asked as her neck jerked back, trying desperately to see through the tree line.

"Oh Elizabeth, you're so silly. There are many places called Lover's Lane. I'm sure where you grew up had one too," Amy advised.

"Yes, but we know that as pure as Elizabeth was, she probably never went there," Lisa made the comment before realizing how it sounded. "I'm sorry; I didn't mean to offend you."

"None taken," Elizabeth replied. She was proud of the fact that she had waited for Jack, unlike Lisa who was known to sleep around even while involved in a relationship.

"Hey Elizabeth," Rachel call out. "The place is called Lover's Lane, but really no one goes there at night. It's a great beach during the day. At one end the sand is so hard packed that you can drive your vehicle out onto the beach."

Rachel continued, "Thomas and I went there once and made love under the stars. It is without a doubt the most romantic experience I have ever had."

The women found their way to 21 Main, a fancy restaurant sitting on North Beach. Everyone but Elizabeth began their meal with a drink, and a discussion of how much they had been looking forward to a night out without their boyfriends or husbands.

"Really?" Elizabeth remarked. "I love spending time with Jack."

Although Elizabeth enjoyed catching up with her friends, and the food was beyond amazing, the celebrating she wanted to do included her husband.

The men ended up at Greg Norman's Australian Grille. They quickly struck up a conversation about favorite sports teams, records that had recently been broken, and the best coaches of all time. Jack enjoyed the sports talk, but he missed Elizabeth. After all, he had come along on the trip to be with her, and he couldn't help but be disappointed that on this evening of celebration, they were with friends and not each other.

Following dinner, the women decided to attend a show at the local comedy club, located just down the street. As they left the restaurant, Elizabeth lagged behind.

"Come on slow poke. The show starts in twenty minutes. Pick up the pace," Amy suggested.

Elizabeth raised her hand in the air, stopping a cab that was heading down the street. "This pregnant lady is tired. I'm going back to the hotel, but you guys have fun," she stated as she headed back to the hotel.

"She's not really tired, is she?" Suzi asked.

"She might be, but I suspect she wants to be with her husband," Rachel responded.

"I admire what they have. I wish I had it…" Amy mentioned as she watched Elizabeth's cab disappear down the street.

Elizabeth arrived back at the hotel and headed through the lobby toward the elevator. She glanced into the combination lounge/bar/restaurant and observed a very familiar person sitting at the bar. She headed inside, stopping short as she observed several women approach him.

The music that was playing made the lounge rather noisy and she was too far away to hear the specific conversation. Although the women were absolutely beautiful, she wasn't worried, but was, however, interested as to what would happen.

"Hi handsome; why are you sitting here all alone?" The first woman asked.

Jack smiled politely, "Just listening to some music."

"How about some company," the other woman mentioned.

"No thank you; I'm fine by myself," he remained polite in his response.

"Why don't you buy us a drink?" The first woman asked.

"I don't mean to be rude, but I'm not interested," Jack had finally reached his limit, thankful that they finally walked away.

Elizabeth smiled as she approached him.

"Hey this ought to be funny. Watch this," the first woman nudged her friend as they turned and watched Elizabeth.

"Is she pregnant?" The second woman asked. "That's just sad. It's sick too, but just so sad to be pregnant and hang out in bars."

The women watched intently as Elizabeth walked up and sat beside Jack.

"Hi handsome. Are you here alone?" She asked.

"Not anymore," he smiled. "What are you doing here? Is the night out with the girls already over?"

"I missed you," she replied as he reached out and took her hand.

"Did you see that?" The first woman asked. "I've heard of men finding pregnant women sexy, but he's picking her over us? Really?"

Elizabeth leaned in and whispered, "The Sprinter is waiting for our romp."

"You don't have to do that. I know that making love in a vehicle isn't on your bucket list," he stated as he released her from their bet.

"No, but going to Lover's Lane out on the beach, opening the sunroof of the Sprinter and being alone while making love to you under an open sky could easily be on my bucket list," she explained as she stood from her seat and held out her hand. "Come on, I have the perfect place."

"Are you kidding me?" The first woman remarked as they watched Jack and Elizabeth walk hand in hand out of the lounge.

The second woman smiled, "Don't you see the way he looks at her? She's his wife. What a lucky lady."

Jack secured Onyx in the hotel room while Elizabeth grabbed a few things from her bag.

"Are you sure you know where this place is?" He asked as they seemed to have been driving for awhile and it was clear that his anticipation was getting the better of him.

"I'm sorry, Jack. I thought it was right around here. Oh wait, there's the entrance," Elizabeth's voice was elevated as she pointed in the direction of the trees.

"What entrance?" He asked, seeing nothing in the dark but a line of trees.

"Slow down. It's just before that sign, right there…stop!" She yelled. "Sorry, I didn't mean to yell."

There was no one around so Jack slipped the Sprinter into reverse and backed up slightly to the entrance that was obviously noticeable during the day, but easily hidden at night.

"Wait, I'm not so sure about this, Jack. It looks like something from the Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Certainly not something that speaks 'make love here,'" she nervously stated.

They passed through the clearing and reached the beach. The darkened beauty of it all was more than Elizabeth could handle. "It's beautiful, Jack."

There was a full moon which cast a glow down upon them, yet keeping them hidden from the highway. The sky was filled with a million twinkling stars, and the sound of the waves crashing on the shore, brought them each back home.

Jack parked the Sprinter, opened his door and stepped outside. She met him in the back of the vehicle as they both looked up into the sky. Jack turned on the stereo and found a station that played soft music.

Jack took her hand and they walked out onto the beach, "Dance with me."

Shape of You by Ed Sheeran had begun as Jack wrapped his arms around her…

Girl, you know I want your love
Your love was handmade for somebody like me
Come on now, follow my lead
I may be crazy, don't mind me
Say, boy, let's not talk too much
Grab on my waist and put that body on me
Come on now, follow my lead
Come, come on now, follow my lead

I'm in love with the shape of you
We push and pull like a magnet do
Although my heart is falling too
I'm in love with your body
And last night you were in my room
And now my bedsheets smell like you
Every day discovering something brand new
I'm in love with your body
Oh—I—oh—I—oh—I—oh—I
I'm in love with your body
Oh—I—oh—I—oh—I—oh—I
I'm in love with your body
Oh—I—oh—I—oh—I—oh—I
I'm in love with your body
Every day discovering something brand new
I'm in love with the shape of you

His hands rubbed up and down her back as his lips worked their magic on her neck, spending ample time on the sensitive skin just below her ear.

"Mmm Jack, that feels so good," she whispered as her head tilted to the side.

Her hands worked their way up his arms and over his shoulders, resting on the back of his head. She leaned back slightly; looking deep into his hazel eyes, finding herself easily captivated by him. Her lips pressed hard against his as her hand behind his head deepened their connection.

His tongue gently slipped through as the slight opening in her mouth welcomed him. He gently moved along the sensitive skin on the inside of her lips as her soft moans drove his excitement.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" He asked.

"I'm sure. Besides, it's something you want. Jack, you've made my dreams come true; it's time for me to help you with yours," she stated as he laid a blanket out on the sand. "What are you doing? I though one of your fantasies was making love in a vehicle."

"He pulled her close and whispered into her ear, "My one and only fantasy is being with you…anywhere and at any time. I love you Elizabeth."

She felt the urgency as his hand behind her head drew her firmly toward him, his lips pressing, demanding hers. The soft warmth of her lips flooded his body as it spread out to his limbs.

The growing passion and slight anxiety she felt at being out in the open caused her pulse to quicken with equal amounts of excitement and trepidation.

The soft roar of the waves mixed with the music in the background allowed Elizabeth to release her fears and enjoy this experience with the man she loved.

She gently ran her teeth over her bottom lip as he watched her, excited by her, and she felt the heat from his gaze, leaving her feeling as though her clothes were being burned from her body.

Her skin tingled as his fingers traced up her arms and over her shoulders. His hand cradled the back of her neck as his finger swept gently across her cheek.

She leaned her head into his hand, enjoying the feel of his skin upon hers. Her bottom lip trembled slightly, drawing his attention, as her eyes closed, completely consumed by the feel of his hands upon her body.

He untied the thin straps at her shoulders as his hands pulled at the full skirt material of her dress, lifting it over her head and dropping it in a pile along with her sandals, his jeans, t-shirt, socks, tennis shoes, her panties and his boxers.

He helped her down onto the blanket making certain that she was comfortable. Completely naked under a beautiful canopy of stars, their hearts pounded with the excitement and thrill of the adventure.

His fingers sent the feeling of electricity through her body as he gently traced down her neck, across her chest and down her arm. He cradled the back of her head as he pressed his lips to hers, hungrily devouring them as if it were his last meal.

The touch of his hands on her body drove new sounds, soft moans which passed through her lips. He pressed his body closer, gently rolling his body and taking hers with him. She straddled his hips, leaning her head back as she felt the freedom of the cool breeze and the surprisingly calm sound of the waves crashing to the shore.

She leaned down as her hair gently fell across his chest. Each stroke of her tongue on his skin sent shivers across his abdomen, causing him to tighten around her. His hands on her hips held her securely in place as his body rose to meet hers. All of the love and emotion they felt for each other was expressed honestly and without any regrets as their passion burned right through them.

Lying beside her, attempting to catch his breath, he couldn't help but tear up. God had led their paths back to each other, and he felt so blessed.

"Are you okay," she asked softly as she wiped an errant tear that slipped down his cheek.

"I'm better than okay. My life couldn't possibly be any better than it is right now. I love you, Elizabeth Thornton."

"I love you too, Jack," she stated. Her hand rested on his cheek and he playfully nibbled on her thumb as she gently brushed it across his lips.

They lay together, naked body to naked body as the warmth generated fought off the chill in the air. He reached over her and grabbed the blanket, pulling it across their bodies as his arms enveloped her in familiar security and she rested her head on his chest.

The sound of seagulls and the warmth of the rising sun woke them, still wrapped in each other's arms.

"Mmm, good morning. Last night was absolutely perfect," Elizabeth whispered as she raised her head up from his chest and captured his lips.

Jack smiled as his eyes fought their opening. "Oh no, Elizabeth…the dog show, Onyx. We have to get going."

Realizing that it was now daylight, they looked around to make certain that they were still alone. Luckily they were as he helped her up. She grabbed a suit out of her bag and quickly changed. Jack slipped into his jeans, and grabbed a fresh t-shirt that he found in her bag.

Elizabeth grabbed her show shoes from the back of the Sprinter and slipped them on, quickly realizing that slip on shoes and sand don't mesh well.

They made their way out of Lover's Lane and onto the highway heading back to the hotel.

Jack took Elizabeth's left hand in his and brought it to his lips, "Thank you for last night. It was perfect…you were perfect!"

Elizabeth rushed into the hotel, grabbed Onyx from their room, threw some clothes in a bag and headed back downstairs.

Once they reached the show site, Jack pulled up front and let Elizabeth and Onyx out. Elizabeth quickly took Onyx for a walk before running inside and finding a seat at Ring 5.

The Labradors were in the middle of judging bitches when she walked up.

"Where have you been? Are you okay?" Rachel asked. "I was getting worried about you."

"No, I'm fine, just slept in this morning," Elizabeth replied, trying her best to cover the blotchiness that was making its way up her neck at her slight deception.

"Is something wrong with your foot?" Rachel asked.

"No, I think my feet are swollen. My shoes don't fit as well as before," Elizabeth remarked.

Rachel sat down and pulled out a new pair of tennis shoes from her bag. "I just got these, try them. They're wide, so they should help. You can't run in what you're wearing."

Elizabeth sat down; she hesitated to remove her shoes, continuing to state that they would be fine. However, Rachel insisted.

"No wonder your feet hurt. You have a bucket of sand in them. Where did this come from?" She asked as Jack rushed up and took a seat. "Never mind; you don't need to answer that."

"People are crazy today. I had a guy pass me and say 'well that's a first.' I have no idea what he was talking about, but he sure got a chuckle out of it," Jack remarked as he attempted to catch his breath.

Elizabeth paid little attention to Jack's ranting as she grabbed a bag from ringside and dumped out the sand that was occupying her shoes.

They called for the Best of Breed class and Elizabeth stood, smiled and kissed Jack.

"Hey," she whispered. "You may want to change out of my t-shirt."

"Why? Wait, your t-shirt?" He asked.

"Because it has BABY on it with an arrow pointing down to your…"

To be continued…