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."

Thanks to my Heartie BFF LisaNY for your suggestions…

Chapter 12- Practice Makes Perfect

The Commonwealth Classic Horse Show was quickly approaching. Elizabeth spent all of her free time at the barn and she was finally seeing where her hard work was paying off. George made one last trip down from Maryland to work with Elizabeth, only this time he met her at Princess Anne Farms.

George was sitting on the railing as he observed a truck and trailer enter the property. He quickly recognized the combo as being Elizabeth's, and headed toward the parking area to meet her.

Elizabeth jumped out of the truck and was met quickly by George who greeted her with open arms.

"Hi George. Thank you for meeting me once more. We're getting down to crunch time," she pulled down the ramp and led Bugsy out of the trailer.

George held Bugsy as she pulled her tack from the trailer, "The Keeley's were very kind to allow us to work here today. It's always good to practice away from home. I'll meet you in the indoor ring when you're ready."

"Hey Elizabeth," Stephanie Farnsworth called out.

"Hi Steph. Are you riding today?" Elizabeth asked.

"No, we don't need it. The Challenge Cup is as good as in my hands," she laughed.

"Well, I wish you luck," Elizabeth responded. You're going to need it, you self centered bit%%!

Elizabeth checked her phone before heading to the arena. A text from Jack put a smile back on her face.

"Good morning, Beautiful…"

"Good morning Jake…"

"Jake, who's Jake…"

"Oops sorry. I hate spell check…"

"I'm working but at Starbucks now. U want coffee…?"

"I'd love to C U, but I'm at PA Farms for lesson…"

"Hmm, sorry not my district today…"

"George is here for final lesson before the show…"

"Wish I could come 2 the show, but duty calls…"

"I understand, but I'll miss U…"

"Meet me 4 lunch…?"

"OK, Panera on Main Street…1:30?"

"Great, see you soon Rebecca…"

"Uh, who's Rebecca…?

"Oops, sorry. I hate spell check…LOL"

"Yeah right…!"

Jack closed out his text with a smiley face emoticon blowing a kiss.

Elizabeth smiled. She didn't know what she had done to deserve him, but she was glad that the Gods above had shown favor upon her. She mounted Bugsy and headed for the indoor area. George was busy setting up a challenging course to test Elizabeth's skills at turns, distances, and lead changes.

Bugsy hadn't been in an indoor area in quite some time, and all of the noises seemed to echo, setting him on edge. Elizabeth picked up a trot as she rode cautiously, waiting for him to blow. Stephanie stepped inside the arena and slammed the door behind her. The sound reverberated throughout and that's all Bugsy needed.

Bugsy's head went down between his front legs as his hind end bucked. His moves would have easily put to shame any of the famous rodeo mounts, but Elizabeth was determined to remain onboard. He bucked over and over down the back side of the ring as Elizabeth did her best to manipulate the obstacles before them. She could hear George's voice but at the speed they were travelling, the wind in her ear made it sound like a low roar.

She felt him begin to calm under her as she looked over and saw Stephanie laughing with her friends. "We'll show her who's got this Challenge Cup all wrapped up. Right, Bugsy?"

George called her into the center of the ring. He tugged on her hand to gain her attention. "Don't let her spook you. She's nowhere near the rider you are. Elizabeth, are you paying attention to me?" He asked.

"I'm sorry, George. She just makes me so mad. She did that on purpose. Isn't there a sign by the door that says 'Open and close door quietly' or something like that? I mean she boards here. She should know that."

"Stop it. She's getting into your head. If you let her in, she very well can win," he was honest, and told her like it is. Elizabeth loved that about him.

"I'm sorry. You're right," Elizabeth momentarily closed her eyes. Opening them again she said, "Okay, she's gone."

George sent her out to finish warming up. Bugsy seemed to have settled, and the girls standing ringside were soon mesmerized at the team before them.

"Stephanie, she's good. You've got your work…" Stella began before being quickly interrupted.

"Stella, there is no way she will beat us. Sophie (Spring Social) and I have beaten her every time. I do, after all, have the best horse that money can buy," Stephanie remarked as she walked out of the arena.

Stella laughed, "If they require them to change mounts in the equitation class, Stephanie will be in trouble. I hate to tell her this, but that girl can ride."

George had Elizabeth complete one course with stirrups. She hit each distance between the jumps; her lead changes were effortless, and her turns were smooth and spot on. "Perfecto…Elizabeth, wonderful. Now come here; we'll try something else."

Elizabeth trotted into the center of the ring.

"Hop down," he asked.

Elizabeth did as she was instructed. She had learned early that you never question George's judgment.

"Take the saddle off," He stated as he watched a skeptical look cover her face.

Once she removed the saddle, George laced his fingers together, and held them out to be used as a stirrup.

Elizabeth looked at his hands, awaiting her foot, and then glanced at his face, "Are you serious? George, I do believe you know best, but these fences are 3'9". Oh, and there are people watching. I ate breakfast this morning. I'm not interested in eating dirt."

George unlaced his fingers and moved them to her arms, "Elizabeth, you are going to be ready for anything the judge throws your way, and if not, that will be my fault."

She took a deep breath and hesitantly remarked, "Okay, let's do this." She placed her left foot into his laced fingers and he hoisted her onto Bugsy.

"They're done riding now. Certainly he wouldn't have her jumping 3'9" bareback," Maggie stated as the girls turned away and headed for the door.

Stella turned back and caught a glimpse of Elizabeth cantering on the backside of the ring. "Wait, she isn't done," she called out as she headed back and climbed the railing to watch.

"Okay Elizabeth, looking good," George yelled out to her. His voice was loud, but calming. "Deep seat… No pivoting on your knee…feel him through your thighs…leg…push…"

Elizabeth maneuvered Bugsy around the course as if they were trotting over cavalletti poles on the ground. The height of each fence was met by their strong determination to make it look easy.

As she approached the final jump, Stephanie walked into the arena on her steel grey mare and began to flaunt her $75,000 horse. Elizabeth made it over the brush box, but Stephanie trotted in front of them three strides away causing Bugsy to come to a sliding stop. Elizabeth attempted to hold on, but their sudden lack of forward movement was akin to hitting a brick wall at a rapid speed.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, Elizabeth," Stephanie apologized as Elizabeth picked herself up off of the ground. She didn't expect to remain clean whenever she went to the barn, but the ground in dirt would definitely require changing before she met Jack for lunch.

Elizabeth brushed off her pants and headed over to the gate to gather her horse. George remained quiet in the center of the ring. He didn't care for Stephanie; she'd tried to hire him before as her trainer, but he felt her work ethic lacked dedication. He wanted to see how Elizabeth handled this situation.

Elizabeth gathered Bugsy and checked him over to make certain that he was not injured. She walked back over, away from Stephanie's ringside friends and George, "Do what you feel you must to me, but my horse is off limits."

"Elizabeth, I don't understand. Your father is rich. You could have any horse you want. You could even have mine, but you settle for a horse that you paid what, $10,000 for?" Stephanie remarked with her offensive air of superiority.

"I'll put Bugsy up against your horse any day. Don't get me wrong, I think your horse is beautiful and talented, but Bugsy is part of my family," she responded as she patted him on the neck and headed back toward the center of the ring and George.

"I'm proud of you," George smiled and pulled her in for a hug. "You are more than ready for the show, Elizabeth. Don't let her into your head. That's the only way she can beat you."

She walked Bugsy out to the trailer, carrying on a conversation as if he understood and could answer. She had a way with animals, all animals and it was evident in the way they would gather around her like moths to a flame. She wrapped Bugsy's legs for the ride home as he munched on the alfalfa/timothy hay that she hung in a net on the outside of the trailer. She sat on the wheel well and checked her phone. "Oh boy, a text…"

"Text me when your lesson is over…"

"It's over…"

"How did it go…?"

"Good, but I ate dirt…"

"So is Panera out…?"

"Huh…?"

"Ate dirt, R U not hungry now…?"

"Ha Ha, funny…"

"Sorry, U OK…"

"Yes, fine, and I'm hangry…"

"Hungry…?"

"Hungry/Angry… Hangry…"

"Who U angry with? Please don't say me…"

"No, we're good. Just a competitor…"

"Still Panera at 1:30…?"

"I'll be back at the barn at noon. Want to go earlier…?"

"12:05? I miss you…"

"12:30 okay? I miss U 2…"

"12:30 it is…"

Elizabeth pulled into the barn and saw Jack's police cruiser sitting in the parking lot. He stepped outside of his vehicle when she pulled up. She felt her breath escape; his toned body in a form fitting shirt, and perfectly shaped trousers, put her dirt covered ensemble to shame.

"Whoa, you did eat dirt," he commented as she stepped out of the truck and he saw that she was covered from head to toe.

"Let me get him to the field, and then I'll change," Elizabeth stated as she headed toward the gate.

Jack took her arm, stopping her, as he looked around and observed that they were alone. He leaned down and covered her lips, "Hmm, a mix of strawberry and dirt."

"Well, you could have waited until I got cleaned up," she teased as she gently bit her lower lip.

"No, I had waited long enough, and when you do that I have to do this," Jack responded with warm lips and an exploring tongue.

"My Officer Thornton; you sure know how to make a lady blush," she giggled as she walked toward the field.

Jack watched as several of the barn dogs fell in line and followed Elizabeth and Bugsy to the field. He remained near his car, in case the radio alerted him to some police activity, but his eyes were on the lane awaiting her return.

He watched as she and the dogs bounded up the lane. She looked happy with a bright smile on her dirty face. It was something that he loved about her, but had recently come to miss.

Elizabeth grabbed her bag from the truck and went into the bathroom to change. Ten minutes later she emerged, tall and lovely; her skin like silk as her arms flowed gently like the bow across a violin. "Are you ready to go?"

Jack thought that he was better off when she was dirty, but the truth was he wanted her anytime, anywhere, anyhow. He thought about her in a low cut dress…no too sexy. He thought of her in tight jeans and a t-shirt…no too sexy. He thought of her in a negligee…no way too sexy. He thought of her in a potato sack…no she even makes burlap look sexy.

"Jack, did you hear me? Are you ready to go?" She asked.

"Oh yes, I'm ready." He quickly responded as he gazed upon her in her shorts and tank top. I wish my shift was over. She's killing me here… Aren't you cold?

"A little but it's all I had with me," Elizabeth climbed into the truck to back the trailer into its parking spot. She appreciated the fact that the barn allowed the use of their truck to pull trailers when needed. She put the keys on the floorboard, and headed for her Jeep. "I'll meet you there, okay?"

"Wait, put this on," Jack handed her a long sleeve t-shirt that hung to mid thigh on her. "Is that better?" It sure is better for me, but not by much!

"Thanks, but now it looks like I'm not wearing any pants," she joked.

"Oh great, thanks for that visual," he replied.

Following lunch he walked her back to her Jeep. She pulled his t-shirt up over her head exposing her tight abdomen.

"No, you keep it. I'll get it back from you tonight," he assumed.

"Do we have plans tonight?" She asked.

"I know it's only Thursday night, but I'd like to spend it with you," he remarked.

"Jack, I'm leaving early in the morning for Culpepper. Did you forget that I'll be gone this weekend?" She asked.

Jack looked at her but all he could see was her luscious lips and the taste of strawberry automatically came to mind.

"I wish you were coming with me, Jack," she moved in closer.

In uniform, he was slightly uncomfortable with public displays of affection. "Elizabeth, people are watching.'

"I'm just kidding Jack. I know it isn't appropriate. It's just cute seeing you a little nervous," she laughed softly as she backed away. "I show in the afternoon tomorrow, but the final course and the under saddle class are in the morning on Saturday. We would have Saturday night to spend together."

Jack could see her sly smile, and she was well aware of what she was doing to him. In his mind he could see as she put on her cloak, and hung her halo simultaneously. You are so bad, Elizabeth.

Elizabeth and Jack went their separate way, him to finish out his shift, and her to run errands. She went back to the barn to bathe Bugsy and braid his mane, leaving each individual braid hanging until the morning. Her last stop was the cleaners to pick up her riding jacket before heading home.

"Hey Elizabeth," Rosie called out as they passed each other in the apartment complex courtyard.

"Hey, where are you headed?" She asked.

Rosie was obviously in a hurry, "I'm meeting Lee for dinner and then to the Comedy Shop. Do you and Jack want to come?"

"Apparently everyone has forgotten that I have my big horse show tomorrow," Elizabeth remarked disappointedly.

"Oh that's right. I'm sure you'll do just fine." Rosie hugged her in passing, "I'll see you later."

No, I didn't need the support of my friends. Guess it will just be Bugs and me!

Elizabeth continued down the hall toward her apartment.

"Hey Elizabeth," Dr. Warren called out as she passed his open door. "Are you missing some of your clothes?"

"Hi Chris." Elizabeth looked down having forgotten to remove Jack's shirt. She lifted the hem to show her shorts underneath.

"Okay, just wasn't sure if there was a new apartment dress code that I wasn't aware of," Chris laughed.

"You're funny. Were you off today?" She remarked at seeing him in something other than scrubs.

"No, I worked the early shift today but I'm off the entire weekend. I don't think I'll know how to react," he laughed. "Are you guys doing anything this weekend?"

"I've got a horse show in Culpepper. I'm leaving early tomorrow morning," she advised.

"A horse show, huh? Do you have a doctor riding with you? We know how accident prone you are."

"She's fine. She has a police officer to take care of her," Jack stepped in and surprised both of them. He put his arm around her waist and pulled her close. He didn't feel threatened; he was comfortable in Elizabeth's feelings for him. He knew that Elizabeth was a sweet woman who was kind to just about everyone. However, he wasn't so certain that Dr. Chris, the Doogie Howser wannabe, wouldn't misconstrue her kindness. It's best if I keep my eye on the good Doc!

Jack was still in his uniform, and Elizabeth couldn't deny what a turn on he was to her.

"Gotta go, Chris. Enjoy your weekend off," Elizabeth mentioned as she grabbed Jack's hand and pulled him toward her apartment.

Once inside, she stepped closer, noticing the light coming through the den window illuminating the golden flecks in his hazel eyes. He grasped her shoulders and with the softness of his fingertips, he stroked her arms down to her elbows.

She smiled; her eyes floated up and down his handsome, muscular, sexy body contained underneath the confines of his uniform. "Do you have any idea how gorgeous you are right now?" Her hands crept up his arms, and over his shoulders as her fingers became tangled in the hair on the nape of his neck. His hands were on her hips as he pulled her closer to his body.

Her fingertips on his skin were igniting a fire that started in his chest, and warmed his body throughout. He rested his chin on the top of her head, inhaling and taking in the scent of lavender and honey. He closed his eyes as he exhaled, stepping back slightly as his forehead touched hers. She watched breathlessly as his eyes studied hers with silent intensity. He whispered, "Do you realize how dangerous this is?"

She backed away, "I'm sorry. I must seem like a tease. I want to be close to you, Jack. Sometimes I feel like I can't get close enough, but I don't think I'm ready to make love to you. Does that sound crazy?"

"No, it isn't crazy. This is nice, but we need to stop before we get carried away," he clasped his hands on either side of her face, before slowly, gently kissing each cheek. He knew deep inside that he should deter her advances, but the passion was beginning to cloud his judgment. He needed to step away, but he didn't; he couldn't. The worries of the day evaporated like a summer shower onto the hot pavement as he pressed his lips to hers. She had quickly become his home and his comfort.

He soon realized that to remain true to his word and his promise that he would never push her into something she was not ready for, that he would need to be the voice of reason. He took her hand and led her over to the sofa. "Let's watch some TV."

"Really?" She asked, clearly disappointed in his decision to back away.

"Yes, something totally unsexy, like MacGyver reruns," he suggested.

Elizabeth pretended to fan herself, "Maybe unsexy to you, but I think Richard Dean Anderson is hot!"

"OK, there is an old rerun of 240-Robert. What is that, a police show?" He asked.

Elizabeth began fanning herself faster, "Okay, let's watch that but it stars Mark Harmon, and he's hot. He was young and really hot. Even now, he's hot."

"Keep looking," he was pushing the buttons on the remote control.

Elizabeth was looking through the TV Guide while her fingers gently traced the outline of his hand as it rested on his thigh.

He kept moving in his seat, "Elizabeth, play nice." He moved her hand away from his leg.

"Oh there's a show called Charlie's Angels. Is that like Highway to Heaven?" She asked.

"Uh, yes…yes it is," Jack said with a laugh as he punched in 117 and the channel changed.

They were initially watching a tampon commercial, and both began talking, clearly embarrassed by the topic.

As the scene unfolded, Bosley was on the phone with Charlie…

"Looks like your kind of show, Jack. Do they try to find clues and then…Whoa, that's not funny, Jack," she flipped the channel as the Angels came bouncing into the room. "Clearly that is not unsexy!"

"Haven't you ever seen Charlie's Angels?" He asked.

"No, it never interested me, but clearly you are a fan," she laughed.

"Not anymore. I have my own angel right here," he said with his arm around her shoulders pulling her deeper into his embrace.

"Clearly there isn't anything unsexy on TV," she said. "Oh wait, there's a show about Mother Theresa and Calcutta on the Discovery channel. That should be safe."

They changed the channel and settled in. It was still early, but they both were exhausted from their day's activities. As the calming music played in the background, Elizabeth snuggled into the safety of his chest. Before long they were both sound asleep.

It was midnight when Lee and Rosie stepped inside to find Jack asleep and stretched out on the sofa, still in his uniform. Elizabeth was also sleeping tucked tightly to his chest.

"It's a good thing that we bought that oversized sofa. No way that they could sleep like that on a regular one," she whispered.

Lee started for the door, "Do you want me to wake him up?"

"No, he's fine. Elizabeth is going to have to get up in a few hours or so anyway," she walked him out into the hallway.

"I thought we were going to the horse show to support Elizabeth. We aren't going?" He asked.

Rosie frowned, "I have to work today, but I was going to surprise her tomorrow. We, well that is if you want to go, can go up tonight and stay over, or just drive up in the morning."

"Jack's going, isn't he?" Rosie asked.

"You got me. He has a security detail to work today, but since he and Elizabeth hooked up, I don't see him as much. So, I don't know about tomorrow," He said as he kissed her one final time. Lee watched her step back inside and close the door before he headed down the hall.

Rosie looked at the clock, 12:45am.

"Elizabeth," Rosie whispered as she gently shook her awake.

"What…what is something wrong?" Elizabeth sat up, looked around and attempted to gain her bearings.

"It's almost 1 am. What time do you need to get to the barn?" Rosie asked in a soft voice, hoping not to waken Jack.

Elizabeth looked at her watch, "My alarm is set for 3 am. Thanks, Rosie." She closed her eyes, and snuggled in as deep as she could. His arm was wrapped around her waist, and she held it tight to her chest.

Several hours later Elizabeth woke to the song on her phone alarm playing…
Hold the door, say please, say thank you
Don't steal, don't cheat and don't lie
I know you got mountains to climb
But always stay humble and kind

She loved that song and the sentiment behind the lyrics, often waiting until it had finished playing before shutting off her alarm.

She slowly rolled off the couch, careful not to waken Jack. She showered and dressed, and was heading out the door at 3:30am. She started to close the door but stopped. Turning back she glanced at him, still asleep and still in his uniform. Mmm, he is one good looking man. I'm a lucky girl, she thought as she walked over and gently kissed him goodbye.

"Mmm, I love strawberries," he mumbled.

She whispered into his ear, "I'll see you sometime on Sunday. Be careful at work."

Her breath tickled his skin as he woke and reached up to capture the back of her neck, bringing her lips closer to his. His lips were warm, and soft, and she so wanted to curl back up in his arms. "I have to go, Jack."

"I wish I could go too. If I can find someone to cover this security thing, I'll be there," he said sleepily.

"I'll be fine, Jack. Don't feel like you have to come," she responded as she disappointedly walked alone to the door.

Elizabeth headed for the parking lot and was startled when Chris caught up with her in the courtyard. 'What are you doing out this early?" She asked. "Don't tell me you're just getting home.

"No, I talked to Stacy last night, and she invited me to go with you guys. It can't hurt to have a doctor in the group, right?" He commented.

Elizabeth opened her Jeep to load up her overnight and suit bags, "Since we're going the same place, do you want to ride with me?"

"I'd love to, thanks," he grabbed his bag from his car, and threw it in the back of Elizabeth's Jeep. She unlocked his door; they climbed in, headed for the barn, and sadly for her, a weekend away from Jack.

To be continued…