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."
**STEAM ALERT**
Chapter 23- A Mile High
Elizabeth glanced over and watched Jack as he slept. She gently brushed the hair off his forehead with her finger as she listened to him inhale deeply. His breathing was slow and rhythmic. She was thankful that her father had left the company jet for their use, as this gave them more time together. She didn't want to leave. While in their paradise, they had no concerns, no major decisions to make. It was just them, being together, learning more about each other, and loving every minute.
She slid out from under the covers, and wrapped the hotel issued robe around her securing the front with a belt that tied at the waist. She walked to the window and watched the people below as they scurried to various destinations. She wondered if any of them were experiencing even a fraction of the happiness she felt.
She sat at the desk, pulled her journal from her bag, flipped it to the next blank page and began to convey her thoughts onto the paper…
"Growing up we hear the saying, 'There is a soul mate for everyone.' Although I do believe that, how lucky are we when we actually make that connection? In a world with millions and millions of people, to actually find that one person who fits perfectly, like an intricate piece of a puzzle is bizarre, yet exciting. We express our interest, subtly at first, as our beliefs and morality are quickly tested. Waiting for what is wanted, needed, and desired is difficult, often times close to impossible. The feelings which stir our emotions make us not want to wait, pushing for immediate gratification without thought of the consequences. That is until he listened; he understood, and he waited patiently. To find this one perfect person in an otherwise imperfect world; that one person who puts your needs above their own; that one person by their mere presence can make the worst day bright, and that one person who makes you feel important and appreciated can only be explained as a miracle from above, and one that should be cherished always."
Jack woke and reached his arm out expecting to feel Elizabeth's warm body beside him, but she wasn't.
"Elizabeth…?" He called out as he shot up in bed.
Seeing her sitting at the desk he patted the mattress, "Come back to bed."
She smiled, "As much as I'd love to, we need to get back to the real world." She stood up and walked back to the side of the bed and stood beside him. "I want you to know how much I appreciate you, Jack. You are a wonderful man. There aren't a lot of men who would have waited around for me… I love you."
Her hand rose, capturing the side of his neck, as her thumb gently stroked the slight stubble on his cheek. She leaned down; her lips met his as his lips separated and their tongues danced lightly.
His hands pulled on her robe releasing the tie as the belt fell to the floor. "Come on back to bed…"
"Jack, we need to get going," she said as she pulled away from him.
He looked into her eyes, "I need you Elizabeth, right here, right now."
She giggled as his hands reached through her open robe, touching her skin, warming her body like the heat lightning from a summer storm. "I just can't say no to you…to this," she whispered.
Her lips covered his as the passion took control. They both forgot about time, and place, and obligations; thinking only of needs, and wants and desires. She nibbled lightly on his lower lip before drawing back slightly. He pulled her robe over her shoulders, dropping it in the floor amongst their other apparel that had previously found its way there.
His touch was soft, loving and so sensual. She felt her nerve endings tingle as his fingertips traced from her neck, over her shoulders and down her arms. As his fingers reached her hands he pulled her onto the bed, swallowing her in his strong, yet loving arms.
Her lips made contact with his shoulder, as her fingers traced tiny circles on his chest. She leaned back slightly, his eyes were closed, and the gentle moans escaping his mouth let her know how much he enjoyed this…enjoyed her.
She straddled his hips, playfully holding him down. He went along with her ruse, as if she were in charge; totally content with her control over him. She leaned down, covering his lips as his arms quickly enveloped her, drawing her deeper into him.
His muscles strained as the passion flowed. He ached for her, wanting all of her. Needing to touch her skin and feel her body against his. He rolled her over as they became totally consumed by the feelings, and emotions of the moment.
Exhausted, he collapsed beside her, as she rested her head on his chest. Both were breathless, but content, and complete. No woman before her could make him feel so deeply. No woman before her could so quickly transport him to a place of ecstasy, and no woman before her had made him so thankful to be alive. "Thank you for waiting…" he whispered.
She moved up slightly in the bed, her lips were against his ear as she whispered in return, "Thank you for waiting for me…"
An hour later Elizabeth jumped out of bed, wrapped herself up in the robe as she looked for her clothes for the day, "Jack, wake up. We have thirty minutes to get out of here before they come busting in to clean. Jack…JACK, wake up. We still have to fly across the country to get home." She removed the robe and slipped into her bra and panties as she looked for the jeans and blouse she had pulled out of her suitcase for the flight home.
Jack stretched. He opened his eyes and watched her moving about the room, "What are you doing?" He groggily asked.
"I'm looking for something," she replied.
He stretched again, "Your virginity? I got it!" He smiled but by the seriously stern look she gave him, he immediately realized that was not funny nor what she was looking for. "I'm sorry, that wasn't funny."
"Oh, so you now want to make jokes about my virgin status? And no, it wasn't funny. Come on and get up. We need to get out of here and head to the airport," she encouraged him.
"Come lay back down here with me for a few minutes," he begged.
"Jack Thornton is that all you think about?" she huffed. "Jack, please… we need to get on the plane. We're expected at work tomorrow."
"I'm sorry, but when you are standing in front of me wearing very little… well, I'm a visual person, and I have to say that you are most definitely visually appealing," he continued to plead.
Elizabeth slipped into her jeans and her blouse before putting the last few items in her suitcase, "No Jack. We have to get to the airport."
"Hmm, plane…private plane. Okay, give me five minutes," he said as he jumped up and pulled on his jeans and t shirt.
Good to his word, five minutes later she had found the keys and they were walking out of the room. He closed the door behind them, leaving with memories that would promise to last a lifetime.
Elizabeth made a call to Maxwell, the company pilot to advise that they were on their way.
"I will have the plane fueled up and ready to go when you get here," Max advised. After the call ended, he made arrangements to fuel up the jet, and sent a text to Marissa, the flight attendant and suggested that she return immediately.
Jack and Elizabeth returned their rental car and were given a courtesy ride to the airport hangar. Elizabeth had travelled in the company jet numerous times, but this was a first for Jack. Their luggage was stowed away and they took their seats on the luxurious couch, with their seatbelts being the only material between them.
"Ms. Thatcher," Marissa called out.
Elizabeth held up her left hand, "its Mrs. Thornton now."
"I'm sorry ma'am, I knew that," Marissa responded.
"Marissa, it's been a while since I've flown with you, but please call me Elizabeth. Oh, and this is my husband, Jack," Elizabeth smiled as she completed the introductions.
"Can I get you anything to drink or a snack?" Marissa asked.
"Does my dad still have the Dom Perignon stocked?" Elizabeth asked.
"He certainly does. Would you both care for a glass?" Marissa responded.
"Yes, thank you. We would both love a glass. Actually, we are celebrating. Just bring the bottle," she replied.
Elizabeth quickly observed the look on Jack's face. "You know how flying is not my favorite thing. The champagne will help me relax."
Jack took her hand, gently rubbing her skin with his thumb, "Everything will be fine; just take a deep breath and keep your eyes on me."
Several hours had passed since they left Las Vegas. Jack had fallen asleep with his head on Elizabeth's shoulder while she read a magazine. Marissa made a pass through the passenger compartment, "Mrs. Thorn… I'm sorry; I mean Elizabeth, would either of you care for anything?"
"Elizabeth had consumed several glasses of champagne to Jack's one, and was feeling quite comfortable and uninhibited. "Nope, I think we'll be fine." She glanced slightly to her left and smiled at Jack as he took a deep breath, "He is so exhausted." She giggled, "You know…wedding night and all."
Marissa quickly glanced away, "Well, I'll leave you two alone then."
As Marissa walked away it dawned on Elizabeth what she'd said, Exhausted…Wedding night and all. OMG, how embarrassing. Elizabeth poured another glass of champagne and gently nudged Jack awake.
"Are we home already?" He asked.
"No, I think we are somewhere over Tennessee," she replied.
"So we still have a little time before we land…" his voice trailed off. Jack jumped up and held out his hand, "Come with me."
"Um Jack, we're on a plane. We can't go anywhere," she quickly responded.
His lips curled up slightly as his eyebrows arched, "Have you ever heard of the Mile High Club?"
"I have, and the answer if NO!" She retorted.
"Come on Elizabeth. Private plane…we're alone…just think of the excitement…"
"Jack it's my dad's plane. It's like us sleeping in my parent's bed."
"We may never have the chance again. Think of the thrill…" Jack took her hand and pulled her up from the couch.
"I'm thinking more about getting caught."
"That adds to the thrill."
"Jack, one person barely fits in there. How do you figure we can both get in there?" She asked as he stepped into the bathroom, and pulled her in with him.
Jack unbuttoned her jeans and slid them and her panties over her hips before picking her up and setting her on the sink. He tugged at her blouse, pulling it quickly over her head as she complained that the porcelain sink was cold on her backside. They laughed as Jack tripped and fell over the toilet while trying to shed his jeans.
"Ouch. That's gonna leave a mark," he said as he stood up, his hand rubbing his cheek.
"I'm sorry Jack. I'm sure we'll have other chances to initiate ourselves into the club," she said as she tried to scoot her body off of the vanity.
"No way, you're in here now. We're going for it," he remarked as he pressed up against her.
Elizabeth was not into this experience, but stayed because it seemed so important to him. Her thoughts were on the crew located a short distance away; that is until he touched her.
His hands were caressing her body as his lips found their way to the sweet spot on her neck. One touch and her head tilted back offering him free access. His body responded immediately to her as they closed the minuscule distance between them. The passion quickly took over and they were lost in each other, as they forgot where they were, or that others were only a short distance away.
"Marissa…" the captain called out.
"Yes sir," she replied.
"It looks like we have a bit of turbulence ahead. Please go back and make sure they are belted in. It may get a little rough," he ordered.
Marissa walked into the passenger compartment, but saw no one. Suddenly she heard giggling from the bathroom. Ordinarily she would have left them alone, but concern about the possible turbulence ahead caused her to knock on the door.
Tap, tap, tap…
"Shhh…" Elizabeth attempted to quiet him.
"The Captain has requested that you get belted in. He's expecting some turbulence ahead," Marissa spoke softly.
"I'll be right out," Elizabeth replied as if she were the only one in the compartment. "Shh, be quiet Jack. I don't want her to know you're in here."
Jack couldn't help but laugh, "Elizabeth, we're on a jet. There aren't many places I can be."
They dressed quickly and rushed to their seats, snapping their seatbelts just before they felt the first bit of turbulence.
Elizabeth held Jack's hand trying to ease the turbulence within her.
"Hey, just look at me. It's going to be okay," he said with such care and concern. Jack was quite surprised and slightly unnerved when Elizabeth burst out laughing. "What's so funny?"
Elizabeth was laughing so hard that she completely forgot about the rough patch of air they were flying through. "When did you start wearing women's clothes?"
"What are you talking about?" He asked as he looked down, observing that he was now dressed in Elizabeth's floral blouse.
Before they could make the necessary clothing exchange, the turbulence eased and Marissa stepped back into the passenger compartment to check on them. She and Jack stood a few feet apart, facing each other. Marissa said nothing. She simply laughed silently and shook her head slowly before returning to the front cabin.
"You do look lovely," she joked.
Jack did not see the humor in her statement. He waited for her to peel off his "Las Vegas or Bust" t-shirt before handing her the blouse and they quickly changed clothes, sat back down, buckled up and awaited their landing.
As Jack waited on their luggage to be removed, Elizabeth sat back wanting to have a private word with Marissa.
"Marissa, may I talk with you for a moment?" Elizabeth asked.
"I know what you're concerned about, but don't be," she replied as Elizabeth blushed. "It's your honeymoon. I'm just sorry that I had to interrupt you. Besides, you aren't the only Thatcher girl to join the club."
"Really? Who?" Elizabeth asked.
"I can't tell, but I didn't say that it was a daughter," she laughed at Elizabeth's shocked expression.
"My…mother?" Elizabeth said as the air rushed rapidly from her lungs.
"Elizabeth, are you ready?" Jack called from the bottom of the stairway.
Marissa walked Elizabeth to the exit door, "Don't be embarrassed. I'm glad you had a great time. Your secret is safe with me."
Elizabeth wasn't so certain that their secret was safe, but as she reached the bottom of the stairs and slipped her hand into his, nothing else seemed to matter.
They made their way to the parking lot before the realization struck them, "Where are we going to live, Jack?"
"We're not moving in with Rosie, and since I have a place to myself, we'll just move you in there," he stated as a matter of fact.
"One small problem…" she announced.
"I'll make room for all of your stuff," he assured her.
"Even Onyx?" She asked, remembering that his apartment has a 'no pets' clause. "I'm not placing Onyx, Jack."
Jack walked back around to her side of the truck, opened the door, leaned over and kissed her on the cheek before she slipped inside. "I'll work out something. Don't worry; Onyx is a part of our family. Besides, I think you'd get rid of me before her…" his voice trailed off as he returned to his side of the truck and jumped in.
Elizabeth suddenly felt bad. With all of the excitement, she had forgotten to ask Rosie who was caring for Onyx. "WOW, I'm a bad mother."
"What?" He asked.
"Nothing, just thinking," she replied before picking up her phone and dialing Rosie's number. "Hey Rosie, we're home. I was just wondering…since you came to Vegas, who was watching Onyx?" She listened intently, breathing a sigh of relief. "No, of course I didn't think you just left her at home alone. So I can pick her up tomorrow?" She continued to listen before advising Rosie that they would be coming by to pick up a few of her things. "We haven't thought that far ahead," she responded before saying goodbye.
"Everything okay?" He asked.
"Yes, Onyx is with Dr. Campbell at the clinic, and I can get her tomorrow. Rosie and Lee are out at dinner, so we may not see them," she replied. "She asked where we were going to live."
Jack took a deep breath, "How about this… Onyx is set, at least for tonight. Let's stay at my place and I'll make some calls tomorrow. I'm sure that Rosie wouldn't mind keeping her until we get settled."
Jack drove her by Lake Smith where she picked up her Jeep and followed him to her apartment. They went inside, gathering some clothing and her teaching supplies before Jack began carrying boxes out to his truck.
"Do you need some help?" Chris offered as he passed Jack in the hallway. "What's going on? She isn't moving, is she?"
"Well actually she is. She's moving in with me," Jack boasted with a broad smile.
"WOW, I never thought I'd see her move in with a guy," Chris responded as he followed Jack out into the parking lot.
Jack placed the boxes in his truck then turned to face Chris, "I'm not just a guy; we got married this weekend."
The air in Chris' lungs escaped with the force of an erupting volcano, "WOW…WOW, you are a lucky man. Congratulations!"
"I know I'm lucky, and thanks," Jack responded as he shook Chris' hand.
Chris walked back into the apartment building with Jack, "Hey, did you tangle with a criminal?"
Jack looked confused, "Excuse me?"
"Your cheek; looks like a nasty bruise," Chris stated as he noticed the prominent mark on Jack's face.
They continued down the hall stopping outside Chris' apartment as Jack declined his help, "No, we went through a patch of turbulence on the plane."
"WOW, that much have been a wild ride," Chris stated as he walked into his apartment and closed the door behind him.
Jack whispered as he continued down the hall, a smile covering his face, "You have no idea. Best plane ride I've ever had."
Jack walked back into the apartment and saw Elizabeth, obviously lost in thought, standing in the middle of the room. He approached her and gently wrapped his arms around her waist. She leaned back into his body enjoying the comfort of his strength surrounding her.
"Are you okay?" He asked.
She spun around in his arms, "I love you Jack Thornton."
His hands rubbed her arms from her elbows up to her shoulder. He observed a sparkle in her eyes, and smelled the hint of lavender vanilla in her hair. A finger under her chin lifted her head slightly, meeting his lips perfectly, "I love you too, Mrs. Thornton." As he drew back slightly, he licked his lips, "I think the strawberry lip balm is one of my favorites."
She reached in her purse, "Do you want some?"
"Yes," he replied as he leaned down, capturing her lips again.
To be continued…
