Author's note: This chapter contains some elements of the book: mainly characters.

Plot-twist

Construction has begun. The cabin became crowded for housing. There were foils, boxes, tools, insulations, and wood everywhere. There were plenty of logs in the yard. The scent of them permeated the whole place. Mel and Jack decided to live in the bar until the end of building. She loved that apartment because it was like Jack. Masculine but still gentle and fully attractive. The bed was unspeakably comfortable and soft. None of them wanted to get up in the morning. Never. Mel always said the bed was the reason, but Jack knew it was only partially true. Cuddling, hanky-panky, hugging. Almost every day started like this... almost... She slowly began to get used to her growing belly. The only problem was her clothes, especially the pants.

The woman brought two suitcases from Los Angeles and also took two suitcases to Jack. She hasn't bought anything lately because has started a new life. Gave up material things and didn't regret it at all; but it was time to go shopping.

In Virgin River, she had older "girlfriends"; but in Grace Valley there were June and Susan. Same age. Mel asked them to accompany her for shopping in Eureka. She didn't want to go alone, but also wanted to buy something for Jack.

The two women were very happy to accompany Mel. She reported that she was expecting a baby and that's exactly why she needed to get new clothes.

In a store she bought several pants: rubber waist stuffs, some jeans, tracksuits, pregnant pants... Didn't want to do this many time, so he was forward-thinking. Bought tops in another store: sweaters, T-shirts, stretch tops. The third store was a lingerie store. Bras and panties hung everywhere. She, on the other hand, was looking for a nightgown, or rather negligée and pajamas. The former for pleasant evenings, the latter for cold evenings.

Susan (who had a more mischievous nature among the two girlfriends) also found a perfect piece for the woman. It was dark blue, with lacy edges at the chest, reaching to the middle of the thigh. It included a lace French knickers of the same color.

Mel nodded... buying it.

+ But I need more than one, I think. - said, and the three-woman started to laugh.

Also purchased pajamas. More than one. Striped, checkered, loose, warm, comfortable. In Virgin River, warm clothing was very useful, especially at night. Even if a woman has a live radiator in her bed.

The store was relatively large, and the supply was also colorful. Mel found nightgowns in the corner. Feminine, sexy nightgowns. Chose a long, maxi piece that was emerald green. Silky, shiny and seductive.

+ He either tear it off you or have you in it. - June remarked with a chuckle…

Mel saw the moment in her mind. Her body was flooded with heat. The hormones. She always had only her husband in thoughts but never dressed. Or dressed, but with pants down. This was her pregnancy. Full of desire and full of fire. She remembered that this was not the case during her first pregnancy. Why is it so different now? - thought.

+ We'll take this too! - said Susan and brought another burgundy one.

She even bought bras, panties, stockings and shoes. The trunk of the car was filled with bags.

They arrived in Virgin River in the afternoon. It was Saturday and the bar was full of guests. Mel walked in the back door but left the bags in the car. Jack noticed her out of the corner of his eye. She was standing by the fireplace and waiting. Jack approached her slowly, touching her arm and pressed a quick, soft kiss to her mouth. The locals knew they were a couple, but even then, it was surprising to them.

Huge wooooows…

+ You didn't see anything! - Jack waved and laughed.

He smoothed her hair and then her face. It was cold and red. He worried that his hands were too rough for her skin, but by her smile, she was happy with the caress.

+ Come! I want to show you something. - Jack took the woman's hand and walked up the stairs.

The crowd wooowed again, which the two of them also heard.

Jack gently opened the bedroom door, but before that he covered her eyes with his two palms.

+ Did you know that you are like a teen boy in love? - she asked and laughed.

+ I feel that, because of you. - he replied and smiled.

There was a handmade log dresser in the room next to the bed where Mel used to sleep. A real masterpiece made for Mel. Light color, lacquered surface. It was wonderful. On top a white mirror stood with cornflower carvings.

She got her hands to her mouth. Lost her breath. She was very touched and knew at that moment: Jack created them for her. Turned abruptly and drawing into her husband arms. Tears welled in her eyes; her face was full of emotions. Pressed her head to the man's neck and hugged him long. Kissed him passionately.

+ You made them! Fabulous! - sighed and exhaled.

The husband turned his wife around so they could both see themselves in the mirror.

+ To see what I do. - he smiled and kissed her neck.

Mel's legs began to tremble. A pleasant feeling ran down her back.

…

For the rest of the day, Mel washed the clothes and put them in the dryer...

Jack took a quick shower after closing and then went to bed. He was wearing gray pajama pants and a navy blue T-shirt. His nude foot peeked from under his pants.

Mel approached the room softly, then plugged her head. Just the head. Her hair fell softly on her shoulder.

+ Reading?

+ Aham. - Jack smiled.

+ What are you reading? - she asked and laughed.

+ "Much Ado About Nothing". - and his white teeth flashed.

+ I hope you don't think so about me! - she chuckled teasingly.

+ Mmhhh. - and he curved his lips.

+ "What a pity.

She gently leaned her side against the door frame and raised her right arm above herself. Her breasts had grown due to the pregnancy and barely fit in the négligée. The material barely touched her skin; it waved slowly and snuggled to her thigh. Her hair smoothed over her shoulders. Jack's jaw dropped. He couldn't speak. He was lying motionless on the bed, staring only at the woman.

+ Don't say anything?

Cleared his throat.

+ I... I can't.

She walked slowly beside her husband. Took the book out of his hand and set it on the bedside table. The man's eyes widened, his mouth was still open, and he kept staring at his wife. Mel sat on her husband's lap with lustful movements. Jack's head suddenly tilted down. The only thing he could see, were his wife's shapely breasts...

+ Hey! Eyes are up here! - she grinned ... You can't talk with your mouth, but with your... down there. I hear it. I feel it. - The pajama pants immediately became tight…

She pulled him closer to her chest, touched the back of his head, looked into his eyes and kissed him strongly. He inhaled her scent long. It was sweet and flowery.

The man laid the wife on her back carefully but quickly. Their heads were now at the end of the bed. Jack squeezed her jaw and covered the face with his big palm. It was soft and warm. He pulled Mel's head closer to his. Bit her lips gently from time to time and then sucked them too. The woman's soft moans proved how much she enjoyed the moment. Feeling her against him like this made it very difficult to slow down. His every move was delicate, careful and eye-catching. First, he lingered on her neck then on her breasts. Running his hands along her body. After a while, they were already formed into one body and soul. Mel sat on her husband's lap and looked in the eye. It was the most beautiful point of togetherness. They looked into each other's eyes all the way.

...

Jack felt his wife narrowing and that thrilled him. She bit what he felt was sweet pain in Jack's back.

He grabbed the woman by the neck and squeezed her against his mouth. He placed the other hand on her belly and began stroking it. Pregnancy is a strange thing, but this movement filled both with vibration. Mel's body hardened and she was panting.

+ Ja... Ja... Ja... - that's all she could say.

The man squeezed the woman even tighter. When she clenched around him and pleasure stole her breath away, he let himself go and matched her. Reached the top together and said the each other's name. Jack's body trembled. His head was dizzy. She felt the same way. He didn't let his wife go. They sat on the bed like two embracing lovers.

+ I… I have… I have never felt this before… - he exhaled.

She gasped for air.

+ It was the biggest of my life… - and slowly laid her head on the man's shoulder. Needed rest.

Mel tried to move, but Jack stopped her.

+ I think you better not move now ... - he said kindly.

+ Why?

+ I think we've stuck together. - laughed hard.

+ Think? - she asked in surprise.

+ Yes. It has never happened to me... - stroked her chin.

+ Don't look at me! This is new to me too! - she chuckled. So how could it happen now?

+ Honestly it was the best occasion in my life. I've never felt this for anyone, and it's never been this heavenly.

She just laughed.

+ Then we both lost our virginity in this field... I love you more than anything Jack! - whispered ...

After a few minutes.

+ I really like being in this position with you, but my legs are already numb. How long do you think we will stay like this? - laughed.

+ About 10-20 minutes. But unfortunately, I'm too attracted to you, so it makes things harder…

Jack laid the woman carefully on her side while they were still connected. That's how they fell asleep.

…

In the middle of the night, Mel turned to the other side. She was sleeping soundly, but something woke her up. She got to her belly.

+ Jack! - screamed and sat up on the edge of the bed.

+ What's wrong? - he asked, his face became pale.

+ I feel it! I can feel the baby! - her eyes were full of tears.

Suddenly got the man's hand and pulled it to her belly. Jack sat behind Mel and placed both hands on her belly. His eyes were teary. He felt the kicks.

+ I feel it! - his voice trailed off. Put his head around her neck, close to the face. He could smell her hair, feel the tears on her skin. It was a wonderful moment. It took a few minutes, then the baby withdrawed.

Jack grabbed the woman's cheek, then turned her head toward his with soft movements and kissed his wife. Their faces were full of tears.

+ I am the luckiest and happiest man in the world! - he whispered in her ear.

She just cried.

+ And I am the luckiest and happiest woman in the world! - she replied and kissed her husband.

They lay back like spoons.

+ Maybe she woke up because of making love? - Jack asked.

+ She? - snorted.

+ Yeah! I don't like to call the baby "it"... and I feel she's a girl and as beautiful as you... - smiled.

Mel took his hand and kissed it.

+ Babies sense the changes that happen in the mother's body: digestion, stress ... and certainly pleasant things. - laughed.

+ Hmm. - he smirked. I think it's time for her mom to feel herself pleasant again. And with that gesture, he smoothed her thigh.

Mel was already in the 19th week. Her belly was well covered by loose clothes as it was relatively small due to her thin shape. She felt the baby's kicks regularly and always told Jack at that time: in the bath, in the bedroom, even in the bar. One day Connie noticed that and looked at them strangely. Winking...

...

Jack was at the bar checking papers for the next day charity party. It's a community event hosting by Jack this year, they were ready for guests from all over the county. It was January, and so a warm, large place was needed. A nearby farm was selected and a huge barn. The building was twice the size used for the Moonlight Mingle.

Nothing formal, just a casual country party. Mel was wearing a pastel-colored knit dress, reached the middle of her thigh. A brown leather boots and dark brown tights. Simple bracelet and earrings. And of course, her engagement ring. She has managed to keep the ring in secret, as she rarely wore it at the clinic... Jack had dark jeans. It was tight and a very clear picture of all parts of the thighs. Leather boots, brown shirt and blue vest.

The party has begun. Hope walked over to Jack ...

+ I think you should greet the guests. Who already have arrived.

Jack nodded and smiled.

Hope and Mel was standing by the bar and looking at Jack. He was very handsome and sexy.

+ You have a good influence on Jack. He's knockout! - Hope sighed.

+ Hope! He could be your son ... - she chuckled

+ He is! My adopted son!... but I can be honest! - they laughed… Look! – she pointed at Muriel. She longs for Jack... even licked her lips as well. – said Hope…

Mel smiled, but she wasn't jealous.

Jack went on the stage and pulled the microphone to his mouth.

Beautiful ladies and ordinary gents! Welcome everyone at today's charity country party. I'm glad so many of you want to donate to the county Red Cross. The food is gorgeous, the drinks are punchy. Dance for as long as you can! Have fun everyone! ... - he almost went off the stage when he suddenly turned back...

By the way dancing ... That wonderful woman (pointed at Mel) is standing at the bar counter! She's my wife and I put a baby into her belly. So please be careful during dances!

Residents of Virgin River all froze. They stared with open mouths at Jack and then at Mel. Mel's face turned red and her words got stuck. Every look followed Jack's movement, all the way to the bar. There his wife and Hope were waiting. Hope grinned exultingly and Mel looked at her husband a little questioningly.

+ What? - Jack grinned. Do you think they haven't noticed your pretty tummy? - he stroked her belly and kissed her.

+ Gross. It's too much romance for me. - Hope laughed.

After a few minutes people went there to congratulate them. Connie, Jo-Ellen and even Muriel. Of course, Muriel stroked Jack's jaw to make Mel aware of her affection.

+ Whoa, this woman ... - said Hope ... But only one woman was visible before Jack's eyes. His wife.

More guests arrived. Men and women. Young and older. Strangers. And these strangers hadn't heard Jack's monologue.

An hour later, Mel was still talking to Hope. Jack saw two men staring at his wife and then they headed for the bar.

+ Have you seen that chick? That hot, light red. - a thin but masculine guy asked his buddy.

+ Wow, I have! What tits! - he replied, but not respectfully.

Jack became irate. That was enough for him, but he didn't want to fight.

+ Hey man! She's off the table. - said angrily.

+ Who do you think you are... her boyfriend? - one of the guys asked grimly.

+ No... Husband. - And Jack's eyes were full of anger. Preacher had to calm him down.

…

Only one or two couples were dancing on the dance floor. People preferred to talk and taste the delicious dinner.

A band was playing on the stage. A young woman with ginger hair was the singer. Her face was freckled and had green eyes. She was thin and very tall, but her voice was very soft and pleasant. Next to her were 2 guitarists and a drummer playing music. Jack asked them to play the song "I will always love you" by Dolly Parton. A real country love song. Then he walked over to his wife and asked her to dance.

And Mel gently held out her hand toward to her husband and went to the center of the floor. Jack placed the woman's hand around his neck and his hands on her waist. They rocked together, slowly and steady, deep and long. They were looking into each other's eyes during the whole dance and after that too. Everything else was forgotten. The past, the other people. Only they were being for that moment…

Jack went back to the counter but kept watching his wife. The two men were still there and already drunk. Mel, Hope and Muriel were standing next to a cocktail bar table and chatting. Jack noticed from the corner of his eye that the two men were approaching Mel strangely. Jack suddenly was towards them. Then he saw: the stranger reach under Mel's skirt, quite high. - he became very angry. Felt the anger in his throat. And then something unusual happened... Mel immediately turned and punched the man in the face very strong with her fist. That fell to the ground and spread out. She leaned over him. Everyone nearby froze.

+ If you're brave enough to put your hand under my skirt, be brave enough to stand my punch. -warned him. Then she looked at Jack.

Jack's face turned white. He faced the woman wordlessly. Crouched down to the man and set him up by his dress.

+ Be grateful for her punch. If I do, you don't stand up... - his eyes were red. Get out of here! You and your mate. - he declared angrily.

+ All right? - Hope asked.

+ Of course!

+ Are you okay? - Jack touched Mel's face and he seemed upset.

+ Yes! - she replied softly and smiled.

+ Your hand? - he asked anxiously.

+ It didn't break. At most bruised. - she declared.

+ Hey! Doc! - Jack shouted.

+ Coming!

Doc examined Mel's hand.

+ Jack! She's professional! Said well. No break, just bruise. It needs to be iced... I think your husband will solve it. - he looked at Mel and smiled, then patted Jack on the shoulder.

Jack seated his wife in the chair behind counter. He took a small bag of ice from the freezer, put it in a kitchen towel, and pressed it to the woman's hand. He squatted down in front of Mel and put his hand on her thigh.

+ Where did you learn this? - Jack asked with a smile.

+ My aunt is professional boxing coach ... It was dad's wish to teach Joey and me self-defense before college.

+ She can be proud of herself! Great job! - Jack laughed. He leaned closer to his wife's face. You always amaze me! - and kissed her.

+ Relax buddy! You don't have to be afraid of me! - she laughed.

+ If you're so feisty, I'll let you spank me... - he chuckled.

Then Preach interjected:

+ Jack! Sorry dude! Would you give me the beer between two spankings? - and all three laughed.