My apologies for the delay-things are crazy around here. I hope you enjoy it! And there's a surprise waiting for you at the end! :-)

True to their honeymoon-there's a bit of excitement. ;-)


10:10 a.m.

Tomorrow was their last day in St. Lucia and they were already mourning the end of the trip. They were spending the morning at the market with their driver, Melvin, who had brought them to the resort. He followed them closely, helping them find souvenirs for their friends and finding things that they wanted to remember the trip by.

Elizabeth chose a delicate necklace and bracelet handmade by locals and Jack chose a beautiful original painting of the view from the top of the Gros Piton. He smiled as he held it out to Elizabeth. "This is what I want to remember!"

She giggled, knowing exactly why he wanted the painting. She also picked out a white oval magnet with large block letters. STL.

"I want this for the back of my car. That way I'll think of our trip every time I see it, and it also could indicate that I'm a Cardinals fan." She winked. "Maybe I'll buy one for your Jeep too!"

"Oh no! As much as I loved this trip, I don't want anyone thinking I'm a Cardinals fan! And it's downright dangerous to have on your car in Chicago actually!"

She didn't care. She was getting it and would slap it on her Volvo S40 with pride!

They meandered down to the shipyards after walking down every aisle of the market, hand-in-hand, just enjoying their day. Being in these parts of the city was a bit riskier and Melvin kept a particular eye out for pick-pocketers. The area was swarming with locals, most of them all very, very poor and making a meagre living from what the tourists purchased.

The children had wide, bright eyes and wore almost no clothing. Most of the small ones were naked. It was breaking Elizabeth's heart seeing their tiny bodies and bulging bellies, such a discrepancy between even the poorest children in Chicago and the children here. My how blessed we are.

She and Jack bought some ice cream from a vendor that Melvin suggested they try and they treated him to one too. The three of them sat down at a table to eat. A few minutes later, a young boy bumped into Jack's back as he walked past. With catlike reflexes, Jack reached back and caught the boy's arm.

Elizabeth was shocked at Jack's actions. "What are you doing?"

Jack stood quickly to face the boy. His tattered shorts, bare feet and exposed chest very dirty. The boy's eyes were on the ground immediately, and he was struggling to pry his emaciated arm from Jack's grip. "Give it back. I know you have it."

Melvin rose gruffly, but Jack waved him off.

"Look, I felt you take it and I know you have it. But if you give it back, I will buy you what you need."

The boy's eyes slowly looked up, understanding a few of Jack's words. If his cheeks weren't so brown from the sun, Elizabeth was sure he would have been blushing. He couldn't have been more than 13 or 14.

He slowly reached into the worn pocket of his shorts and handed Jack his wallet. His eyes on the ground, cowering in Jack's presence. He said nothing.

Melvin spoke something to the boy, words neither Elizabeth nor Jack could understand and the whites of the boy's eyes shot to him. Melvin seemed to be giving him a verbal lashing and it made Elizabeth very uncomfortable.

She stood and walked to the boy, lowering herself to her knees in front of him. "Are you hungry? Can we buy you some food?"

He looked at her like he understood a little of what she spoke, but was mostly lost. Shaking in her presence even as she knelt below him.

"Melvin, please ask him if he's hungry and if we can buy him lunch."

"I know for a fact that he is hungry, but I don't think you want to get that started. Once you feed one, they'll all come running. I've seen it before. His siblings are probably waiting for him nearby."

Jack spoke firmly. "Ask him anyway and ask him if he has brothers and sisters who are hungry too."

Melvin complied and the boy ashamedly nodded that he was. His eyes still low and downcast. He pointed to an adjacent building, indicating his siblings were there.

"Tell him to go get them and come back. And tell him that he's not in trouble." Elizabeth knew from his demeanor that he was scared to death, especially not understanding their words.

The boy soon returned with 8 siblings, the smallest two being carried by older siblings not much bigger than the kids in Elizabeth's classroom. The smallest three were stark naked and none of the boys had shirts. Three of the girls wore very threadbare t-shirts and that was it.

Jack and Elizabeth looked them over and then looked at each other. Elizabeth smiled at Jack and he smiled back at her. "You stay here with them and I'll go buy some food right over there."

Melvin stayed with Elizabeth and the children, not daring to leave her alone. He was now convinced that Jack could handle himself. When he saw Jack approaching, his hands carrying all that he could hold, Melvin told the older children to go help him. Welcoming the help, Jack went back for a second load and a third.

Jack sat down next to Elizabeth and they watched the children eat like they hadn't eaten in days. The sad reality was that they possibly hadn't.

Elizabeth leaned over and whispered something in Melvin's ear. He stood and she did too. "We'll be right back. Stay here with them and if they want anything else, just buy it."

Jack didn't even need to ask what she was doing.

They came back with an armload of souvenir tees and shorts from the market. They knew the sizes weren't all going to be perfect, but at least it would be something. Another bag held sandals. The kids didn't even know what Christmas was, but Elizabeth and Jack marveled at how their faces lit up at such a small gesture. It certainly wasn't going to change their lives, but it was something that showed that they cared. And those kids needed to know someone cared.

It was soon time for Melvin to take them back to Sugar Beach. Jack took the older boy aside and gave instructions to Melvin, which he passed along to the boy. Jack opened his wallet and took the remaining St. Lucian currency he had and gave it to the boy.

4:45 p.m.

They were lounging on their bed, just relaxing in the cool breeze after their busy morning. Elizabeth made plans with Ellen and Robert to catch a cab and go to another local restaurant on their last night at the resort. I'm really going to miss them.

Jack rose and went over to the desk and sat down in the armchair. "I should give my Mom a call since I didn't catch her the other day. Just let her know that we're doing okay."

"Okay, sounds good." Elizabeth smiled at her handsome husband as he dialed Charlotte.

The phone rang and she eventually answered, the line cracking and popping a bit. He told her about their trip to the Pitons and how they'd made new friends. Their conversation was dragging on. Charlotte seemed to think he needed to know about every thunderstorm and every windy day in Chicago, as well as everything she'd done that week.

As Charlotte droned on and on about Tom and Julie and all the time they were spending together, Elizabeth looked over at Jack and grinned. She winked. He watched her closing in. She moved closer to him, backing him up against the plush padding of the oversized chair. She climbed into the chair with him, her knees on either side of his hips. He looked at her fiercely, trying to tell her to stop without words. She wasn't having it. And he didn't really want her to stop anyway.

Her fingertips brushed up his thighs, under the short swim trunks she'd been admiring all day. He squirmed and looked at the phone with wide eyes.

She just grinned. And continued her game. Her hands were higher now, over his shorts, flirting with the white drawstrings. Her breath hot on his neck. Running her tongue under his jaw. Sucking on his ear lobe.

His breath was becoming jagged and he was having a hard time answering his Mother coherently. Her hands slid under his t-shirt, slipping it up over his shoulders. Her fingers slithered down his bare chest and she licked him playfully. He smacked at her. But his heart was racing and he was loving it.

Her fingers pulled at the strings beneath her. They were untied and he tried to get away from her, stifling giggles as he lifted her into the floor and stood. He grabbed at his trunks with his free hand, as they were now falling down his hips because she'd untied them. He pursed his lips at her, trying not to laugh. "Uh huh. Yes, I understand how important it is that they not get involved Mom. I know they are the wild ones!" She chuckled and pushed him onto the bed, pressing her soft body against his, pinning him to the mattress.

She laced her fingers through his free hand and pinned it behind his head. Her hips pressing firmly against his. His trunks offered little protection or support and he was regretting his decision to keep them on after they'd returned from the pool. Her free hand braced herself over him and her mouth immediately found and appreciated his chest and his neck like she'd been thinking about all evening. She nipped at him, his skin between her teeth gently.

"Ooooh." The moan tumbled out before he could stop it. "I'm sorry Mom, what was that?" He pulled his hand away and grabbed her face with it firmly. "Stop." He mouthed the warning without a sound, shaking his head at her. But he was still smiling.

She pressed her now bare skin against his and he rolled her over and sat on top of her. He placed tiny kisses on her shoulders in between words to his Mother. She raised up and trailed her lips down his arms to his hands. She pulled his hand up to her mouth and sucked on his fingers one by one. And she could see that he liked it as he closed his eyes and exhaled. He put the phone on speaker and put it in Elizabeth's hand carefully and mouthed a sentence to her. "Two can play at this game."

His hands ran down her body and she soon pressed her head back into the pillow, breathing hard.

"Elizabeth, what do you think about that idea?" He raised his eyebrows at her, knowing she had no clue what his Mom had said. She opened her eyes and to see Jack nodding positively at her.

"Uhm, that sounds good?" There was a slight inflection in her voice, but apparently Charlotte didn't catch it.

"Okay guys. Get a good night's rest. I'll see you tomorrow night!" Charlotte's voice echoed through the room.

"Bye Charlotte!"

"Goodnight Mom." He turned off the call and looked at Elizabeth.

He quickly dropped the phone on top of her discarded swimsuit top. He pressed his lips into her ear in the now quiet room. "You have been a naughty, naughty girl, Elizabeth Brook!"

"Oh ya? You didn't seem to have any trouble finding some mischief of your own, Jarrick River." She reached up and grabbed his hands and placed them right where she wanted them.

Both were enjoying themselves immensely as she ran her hands over the rigid muscles of his abdomen. "Someone's been working out. Just who are you trying to impress?"

His fingers slipped over her and down her shoulders. "Is it working?"

"I've certainly noticed," she panted, running her hand down the muscles inside his hip.

His silver tongue sliding into her mouth. Sweat was breaking out over her body, behind her knees and down her back. "Don't stop. Please..."

"I feel like I'm on fire. Just sitting next to you. But this…" he continued slowly. "It makes me want to have you all day long." His tongue captured hers and her nails dug into his back. They were soon both over the edge.

Now they were a hot, sweaty mess. And they had to meet their waiting friends soon, with no time for a shower. She pulled her suit bottoms back on as he adjusted his trunks and pulled his shirt over his shoulders. He tied her top back on her and she slipped her arms back into the straps of the dress.

"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. "You look perfect. But let's go. We're already 10 minutes late. They're going to suspect something."

6:15 p.m.

Jack and Elizabeth walked up to the main reception area to catch up with Ellen and Robert. Jack's hand rested on Elizabeth's back as they entered through the doorway.

Robert turned just as Jack grazed his hand down over Elizabeth's backside as she walked up to them. "Hey guys! Nice of you to finally join the party!" he chuckled. "The cab is already here waiting."

Jack and Elizabeth laughed at the same time. "Jack's Mom is quite long-winded. She likes to tell us about anything and everything. That call is going to cost us a small fortune!" She smiled at Jack and then her eyes grew big.

Robert noticed it too. "Uh, Jack, I think your shirt is on backwards, buddy."

Jack looked down, realizing that the Nirvana logo was nowhere to be found. "Oops. I was in a hurry." He pulled the shirt off up over his head quickly as they walked towards the cab.

Ellen and Robert were following behind them and Jack's physique was not lost on Ellen. "Whoa, what happened to your back, Jack?"

"Hmm?" Jack wasn't sure what she was talking about, so he pulled his shoulder forward to look.

Elizabeth saw them first. Oh god. There were four, very distinct lines scratched down Jack's back.

"Wow, what were you guys doing earlier Jack?" It was all Robert could do to keep from bursting with laughter.

Jack swallowed hard, assuming Elizabeth had left her signature on his back. "Maybe I did that when I was laying in the hammock."

"Uh. Sure. Is that what you kids call it in the States? 'Laying in the hammock'?" Ellen laughed, suddenly cognizant that Elizabeth's dress was pretty wrinkled and they were both quite disheveled for a dinner out.

The four hopped in the cab, Elizabeth and Jack blushing furiously. Busted.

6:35 p.m.

"Here's to our last night out!"

The four clinked their shot glasses and chugged the liquor after they had finished eating.

"Yuck! I don't know how guys drink this stuff!" Ellen exclaimed. "I'm going to call for a cab."

"Oh no, little lady! We're not leaving just yet! It's early—live a little!" Jack was clearly the life of the party now that he'd had a few drinks in him and Elizabeth loved watching him enjoy himself. He would never do this back home. "Let's go get you girls something fruity to chase down that shot."

He followed Elizabeth to the bar, where she got the attention of the bartender pretty quickly. He knew she would. He put his hand on her lower back and grazed down her hips. She turned and raised her eyebrows at him.

Jack looked at her face as he took his beer from her hands, trying to read what she wanted to do next. She winked at him. Now he was wishing he'd just kept his mouth shut and they were on their way back to the bungalow.

10:36 p.m.

Jack looked at Robert's watch. "Heck, it's almost 11, Elizabeth! We've got to be at the airport at 9 in the morning and we haven't even packed yet."

They had all partied a little too hard and would have needed a cab even if they had a car. A small van arrived and Ellen and Robert took the middle seat, leaving Elizabeth and Jack to squish into the back. Of course, being the smallest, Elizabeth had to ride by the window.

Within minutes, her head was resting on Jack's shoulder and she was nearly asleep, the alcohol really affecting her in more than one way. Robert looked at Jack, who pursed his lips with a little grin. Robert winked, a small smile of acknowledgement on his face too as Ellen leaned on him.

The driver hadn't made it 5 miles before Elizabeth was out. Jack eased her down into the seat with her head in his lap and began stroking her hair in the darkness. It was like silk, even after a day on the beach. The fresh smell of her quickly taking hold of him in his slightly inebriated state.

She roused when they arrived at Robert and Ellen's villa, but she wanted to stay in his warmth just a few moments longer. Robert turned around to Jack, assuming Elizabeth was asleep. "You guys have a great flight. It was so nice meeting you. Enjoy packing." His emphasis on the last word made Jack's dimples appear.

Elizabeth squinted up at his face through her lashes, seeing the curves in his cheeks. The corners of her lips were fighting to smile, but she resisted. He wants me.

And as soon as they got to their bungalow, she showed him how much she wanted him too.

Twice.

5:45 a.m.

The alarm blared, shaking both of them from some pretty good dreams. Jack reached over a groggy Elizabeth and turned it off. He brushed an unruly tress from her forehead and let his hand graze down her cheek, his thumb painting over her lips. "Good morning."

She opened her eyes at his touch, the corners of her mouth lifting with satisfaction. Satisfaction with her life. With her job. With him. Content to feel his naked body against hers. She raised herself to him and kissed the heart-shaped part of him she loved the most. The sting of the stubble. She ran her hand down it, feeling his strong jaw, caressing the dimple lines in his cheeks.

The kissing was so soft and sensual between them. Slow. Just taking their time. Relishing the quiet moment before their day started. His arms pulled her tightly against him as he unhurriedly rolled over her. He was just enjoying the taste of her love. And she him.

She ran her hands down him, massaging his muscular back. His arm was propping himself up while his other hand slipped down her side over her curves. Kindling the fire. Warming up the room gradually.

He sucked her tongue into his mouth and his fingers found her body under the sheet. His touch was unrushed, just enjoying the way she feels. The way she responds to him. She felt like he was trickling gasoline over her blazing body.

His tongue exploring her mouth, sampling its warmth and sweetness. Their lips brushing, their heads pushing and their chests shoving.

Perspiration was breaking out over both of them and he threw the sheets back. He wanted to see her. He was kissing her neck now, sucking just enough to not leave a mark. Her whimpering like a kitten.

His tongue licking down the smoothness of her chest, down over her curves. "I love the way you taste."

She loved feeling every part of him, but in the moment she could barely speak as he pleasured her. "Please. Please, Jack."

He was never one to disappoint. It wasn't fast and it wasn't furious. It was a slow-cooker kind of morning. But it was somehow even better than the scorching haze he'd left her in the night before. As the Northern Lights descended upon her, she moaned words to him.

"I love you, Jack."

He peeled himself off of her, and gave her a soft kiss. "Can we just stay in here for a bit longer? Where it's just the two of us?" He smiled at her, rolling beside her and pulling her body into his arms.

"I could lay here all day with you, but we should probably be dressed before Melvin comes knocking."

He chuckled. His heart felt full as he closed his eyes, letting the moment overtake him. It was then he realized that it was more than anything he ever thought it could be.


If you're not following me as an author, you should be! I'm publishing a brand new story in just a few minutes! It's called "The Plan." The prologue is sad, but sometimes hard times refine us, bringing wonderful things to those who have faith in the Maker. :-)