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 24- Let's Cuddle

Elizabeth sleepily reached across her body and swatted at a fly that had landed on her exposed shoulder. She immediately rolled back over, tucking her hand and arm under her pillow. Within seconds, the fly landed again, this time on her back, up by her neck, and left her feeling like it was walking down her spine. She pushed her body away from the pillow and sat up, doing her best to reach the "spot" with her hand.

"Here let me get that," Jack chuckled as his fingers began to gently move across her skin. "Um, since you're awake now, I thought that maybe we could spend a little time together before we have to go to work.

Still groggy she wiped her eyes, trying her best to get them to open, "There wasn't a fly in here, was there?"

Jack laughed, "Mrs. Thornton, I have no idea what you are talking about."

Elizabeth looked at the clock, "Jack, we only have thirty minutes before you need to leave for work."

"I'll work fast," he remarked.

"That's no fun."

"Then I'll be late for work."

"Jack, you can't do that."

"If it's between pleasing my wife and pleasing my boss, I'll choose to please my wife," he replied as his hands slipped under her t-shirt. His fingers on her skin electrified her. "Does that please you?" He whispered.

She said nothing but the moans slipping passed her lips told him that she was more than pleased. His hands slid under her as he pulled her body closer to him. His lips met hers before they trailed passed her ear, and down her neck, settling in on that one spot that he had quickly learned would set her body on fire.

Jack took the hem of her shirt and rolled it up her body. She sat up as he pulled it over her head. His hands framed her face as he teased her with his lips, coming close then backing away slightly only to hungrily cover hers, as if he were starving.

The remainder of their clothes were removed and scattered about the room. Her t-shirt landed on the floor. His pajama bottoms were caught on the back of the chair. Her shorts were draped over the dresser mirror, and surprisingly, her panties were tossed in the air, and hung on the blade of the moving ceiling fan.

They both looked up as the blade on the ceiling fan spun, "I'd never be able to duplicate that move," he said with a soft laugh as she joined in.

He leaned up on one elbow; he watched her, looking between her eyes and lips…

"What is it, Jack?" She asked softly.

"I love you so much," he stated as the air rushed out of his lungs. He slipped his leg over her body, straddling her hips. His lips covered hers; the kiss was both passionate and tender. He gently sucked on her bottom lip as he held her head cradled in his hands. He drew back slightly, no words were said. None were needed. He leaned down capturing her lips, gently at first. Each kiss fed from the fire of the one before, as her lips separated, welcoming him.

His hands glided over her body like a musician, gently playing each note as they moved together with the rhythm of a beautiful symphony. He collapsed beside her, wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close as he snuggled in. "That was a wonderful way to wake up this morning," he remarked. He inhaled deeply taking in the lilac scent of her hair and the softness of her skin before just as quickly jumping up and heading for the bathroom to get ready for work.

"Jack...wait. What happened to pleasing me?" She called out as the bathroom door closed. She fell back onto her pillow feeling physically satisfied, but emotionally disappointed.

Within ten minutes Jack had showered, changed, kissed Elizabeth goodbye and was running for the front door. "I'll see you after work. Have a great day with your students," he yelled as the door closed.

"Jack, wait. I'm not going to work today. Do you have…to…rush?" she called out as she sat up in bed, hearing the apartment door close, and suddenly feeling all alone. She knew that he was in a hurry to get to work, but she never thought he would leave her so abruptly and feeling a bit used. She had heard her girlfriends discuss the saying "Wham, bam, thank you ma'am," and realized that she now felt what they meant. In her heart she knew that he didn't mean it that way; but her tears told her something different.

"Our feelings are complex. They run deep; they're intense, sometimes cold, unconcerned, while other times they are the heat that links two souls, connecting them for eternity. However, feelings can also be hurt, often unintentionally, sometimes irreparably and generally by those we hold dear. We tell those we love, 'I promise never to hurt you,' but those statements simply set us up to fail. The intent is pure; the desire is strong and the hope to be true to our word is ever present. The saying should be, 'I will do my best to never let you down.' Though the words are said, you know all the while that inevitably you will; as will I. Life is not a fairytale, nor should we want it to be. It is full of twists and turns, surprises, excitement, and thrills, but also sadness and grief. Be thankful for the life you're given, the good and the bad. We are blessed to be able to live through the sorrows of life in order to be thankful for the joys we experience along the way."

She huffed as she fell back onto her pillow. She knew that this was no indication of how he truly felt about her, but she couldn't help but feel slighted. In the short time that they had been together intimately, she enjoyed the time after their lovemaking almost as much…almost!

Elizabeth had already called in, taking the day off to do those boring tasks like changing the name on her driver's license, and social security card, and picking up some of her things from her apartment. She also needed to pick up Onyx and make arrangements for her with Rosie, at least until they could work out something.

She sat at the kitchen table and nursed a cup of coffee, "Snap out of it Elizabeth. He didn't mean anything by it." She jumped up and headed for her suitcase, pulling out some jeans and a t-shirt. "Besides, it's not always going to be candles and romance, so you might as well get over that idea."

Jack made it for his shift with five minutes to spare, slipping into the briefing room and taking a seat in the back. Before he knew what hit him, he was bombarded with handshakes, slaps on the back and well wishes for "being so lucky."

Jack knew that he should be paying attention, but his thoughts kept drifting to the beautiful woman, his wife, that he had left in his bed…their bed.

Elizabeth forgot to charge her phone overnight, so she plugged it into the cigarette lighter in her Jeep before heading into the DMV and what she could only assume would be an extremely long line. She walked inside, checked with the information desk and received her number…A22. Unfortunately "A" was only on "6," so she took her seat and waited.

Jack was assigned to run radar on Independence Blvd. He parked his cruiser by the entrance to the bank and waited. He quickly realized that with everyone seeing him before reaching him, it appeared that there would be no violators this morning. That was fine with him as he considered that to be preemptive service which allowed him the peace to think back to his morning with Elizabeth…

"I love u. This morning was wonderful…" he texted.

Elizabeth was still in line at the DMV and his text went unanswered.

It wasn't like Elizabeth not to respond. Even when she was at work she generally found a way to quickly reply.

"Mrs. Thornton… I love you…"

Still no response.

Elizabeth unfortunately remained seated but was thankful that the "A's" were now up to #18.

"Rebecca…?"

"R U mad at me…?"

"What did I do…?"

Elizabeth finally walked out of the DMV with her new driver's license, and registration on her Jeep. She sat down behind the wheel, and disconnected the phone from the charger to check for messages.

"I'm sorry for whatever I did. Please talk to me…"

"What is it Jack…?" She responded, having just seen his latest text.

"So now u r talking 2 me…?"

"I've been talking 2 u…"

"U weren't this morning…"

"I would have if u hadn't run out of the apt. like a bat outta hell…"

"What…?"

"U rushed out this morning…"

"Scroll up. I meant that I had been trying 2 reach u. Sorry about earlier. Had 2 get to work…"

"What happened to pleasing ur wife…?"

"What, I didn't please u this morning…"

"Yes, u very much pleased me until u left. I wanted to cuddle. I'll get over it…"

"I'm sorry. I promise to make it up 2 u…"

"Don't make promises u can't keep…"

"What r the kids doing? U aren't busy…?" He asked feeling it best to change the subject.

"If u hadn't run out u would have heard me say that I am off 2day. Getting my name changed on stuff…"

"Ah yes! No more Elizabeth Thatcher… I love u Elizabeth Thornton…"

"I love u too. Just disappointed 2 b back in the real world…"

"WOW, sitting here in plain view and someone blew passed me. Gotta go…"

"B careful…" she responded as she sat her phone beside her on the console. She sat there for a moment, concern for his safety immediately swept over her. Nothing else really mattered at that point.

Her last text went unanswered as Jack chased a Dodge Charger down Independence Blvd. heading away from the naval base. Approximately a mile up the road, the Charger came to a screeching halt. Jack quickly pulled up behind having previously activated his lights and siren. Jack announced through the speaker for the occupants to remain in the vehicle. As he opened the door, the driver exited the car, and rushed toward Jack.

Jack pulled his service revolver…

"Por favor, no dispare. Mi esposa… mi esposa…ella es tener un bebe ahora!" The man yelled as he stopped in his tracks and lifted his arms above his head.

Jack spoke some Spanish, but understood even less. He did understand esposa (wife) and bebe (baby) and assumed the rest. He secured his weapon and ran to the car where he found a very pregnant woman in the back seat screaming in Spanish.

"Hablas ingles?" Jack asked the young man.

He seemed frazzled, a combination of scared and nervous. He started to speak, what Jack would have called "Spanglish." He looked frantic, "Por favor…" Suddenly he stopped, "Si, I know some ingles, but not mi esposa. Help us por favor."

Jack asked the man to sit in the back seat, propping his wife up slightly. The man talked reassuringly to his wife, who for no other reason than she was scared and felt that a man in uniform could provide the needed help, calmed slightly and worked with Jack instead of against him.

Jack called for an ambulance and additional assistance before preparing to be the person to welcome the child into the world. He didn't think that he had ever heard a woman scream so loud before, and he could only assume that the pain was excruciating.

The ambulance pulled up just as Jack caught the new little bundle of joy, a boy, and wrapped him in a sweatshirt that he carried in his cruiser.

Jack sat in his cruiser on the side of the road as he watched the ambulance pull away carrying the newest member of the Ramos family and his mother to Bayside Hospital. Mr. Ramos was cleared to follow them to the hospital. Through the pumping of his adrenaline, he completed his paperwork and once finished, he drove the short distance to the shopping center where he called in a code 10-7 and took a break.

He had no appetite, but slipped into McDonald's.

"Hi Officer Thornton; can I take your order?" A young boy from across the counter called out.

"Hi Jordan. When did you start working here?" Jack replied to the young man who resided with his parents in Jack's apartment complex.

"Well, thanks for the help in algebra. Once I got my grade up, mom said that I could apply for part-time work afterschool, and well here I am," he responded. "What can I get you?"

"Just a large coffee please," Jack replied.

He took his coffee and retreated back to his cruiser, pulled out his phone and dialed the one person that he always wanted to talk to. "I delivered my first baby today," he remarked excitedly.

Elizabeth was on the other end, listening quietly, allowing him to talk. The soft uttering she made let him know that she was following his adventure. The pride she felt for him cleared away the disappointment which had lingered from their morning together.

She continued to listen to his story when he suddenly stopped…

"I'm sorry about this morning," he said. "Are you home?"

She smiled as her cloud lifted, "I'm at the lake feeding the ducks."

"I'm heading back to the precinct and I can be there in about twenty minutes. Wait for me?" He asked.

"Of course," she replied with a smile that covered her face. She sat on the blanket she'd brought with her, pulled her journal from her bag, opened it to the next blank page and began to convey her thoughts and feelings onto the paper.

"As children and adolescents we often fantasize about fairytales, living a magical life where all is wonderful. Where nothing but good things and joy are abundant, and sadness is excluded. Often times our loved ones shield us from the disappointments they experience, leaving us to view life through rose colored glasses with unrealistic expectations. We enter into adulthood quickly realizing that life is 'like a box of chocolates,' some extraordinary, some acceptable, and yet others are truly distasteful. We learn to navigate through situations and relationships wanting to return to that fairytale life. Through life experiences we learn that not every day will be like a chocolate covered caramel and there will be dark chocolate covering coconut days that we will need to make the most of. Days where things make no sense; where things happen leaving you to feel unappreciated, and where things simply don't go your way. Some people will use you for whatever they can take and still others may use you without realizing what they are taking. Whatever the situation, experience, or feeling communicate with those involved; for if you don't, a simple misunderstanding may escalate to a full blown argument, and returning to safe ground may then be impossible."

Elizabeth wiped a tear that rolled down her cheek as she slipped her journal back into her bag. She looked out over the water, watching the geese swim in and out of the shaded areas on the lake brought about as the sun began to move over the tree line.

"Hey," he called out as he walked over the small hill and headed for the water and her. In his hand he carried a bouquet of wild flowers, which he immediately extended to her as he approached.

"Jack, they're beautiful," she commented as her eyes dropped downward. She was embarrassed by the thoughts she'd previously had, and how disappointed she had been earlier.

His finger under her chin lifted her face to eye level, "Nowhere near as beautiful as you." He closed the short distance between them as his lips met hers. Her lips were soft and tasted of strawberry, as they opened, inviting the contact. He retreated slightly, resting his forehead on hers, "I'm sorry about this morning…"

Looking into his eyes she could see his soul; how he felt; how he needed her and not just for his physical needs. She knew she was more than that to him. After all he had waited for almost a year for her; "most men would not have done that," she told herself.

He led her over to the bench that was donated by the Coleman family in memory of the child they had lost several years ago.

Jack put his left arm around her shoulders and took her right hand in his. His thumb gently stroked the soft skin on the top of her hand as he spoke, "Elizabeth, I'm sorry…"

She quickly broke in, "It's okay Jack. It doesn't matter."

"Of course it does. It upset you. I need you to know, if you don't already, you mean more to me than just a warm body. I didn't realize how you felt this morning, and I never want you to feel that way," he spoke softly before leaning down and kissing her forehead.

Elizabeth smiled. Quickly thinking about the day and Jack's birthing experience, she realized that in the grand scheme of things, the fact that they didn't have time to cuddle after making love was actually silly, quite insignificant, and was just a part of life as she would now know it. "Jack, the honeymoon has to be over at some point."

Jack gasped, "Elizabeth, you don't really feel that way do you?"

Seeing the shock and sadness in his expression she realized what she had said, "No…no…no…no, I didn't mean it the way it came out." She turned to face him, her hand on his cheek as she leaned in and pressed her lips to his. "I just meant that we're back to our regular lives and all of the free time we had in Las Vegas to enjoy each other is gone. Sometimes we may just need to be happy with the time we can work in to be together.

"Tuesday, Friday and Saturday nights…" he began to say.

She looked confused, "Okay, I'll play…Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday. Your turn!"

"No, those are our date nights. Nothing gets in between us on those nights. We go out, or have a special night at home, whatever, we're just together," he stated firmly.

Elizabeth smiled, "I like my idea better."

"Why?" He asked.

"Because we get an extra date night," she stated with a soft laugh.

Jack stopped and thought for a moment, "I like your idea. What do you think about this…each week we take Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Then we pick another night during the week, or maybe all day on Sunday?"

"All day on Sunday during football season? Baseball season? Basketball season? Whatever sport season is left? Really? Are you sure you wouldn't rather rethink that option?" She asked as she jokingly poked him in the side. She stood from the bench laughing as she walked toward the lake.

He jumped up and jogged up beside her, taking her hand in his as he stopped her. He turned her around to face him. "Elizabeth, okay maybe Sunday is a bad idea, but this is important. I'm willing to make the effort. Are you?" He asked as his expression showed concern.

Her hand reached up to stroke his cheek, "There is nothing more important to me than you and our marriage." She pressed her lips to his, then leaned back and smiled, "Jack, I know I'm important to you, and I'm so sorry today if I made you think otherwise. I know how important your job is to you, and you need to make a good impression."

"All I need is you," he quickly responded.

She laughed softly, "That's a great sentiment, Jack, but we both need our jobs, and well, that could cut into the time we spend together. I promise to be less demanding and more understanding."

"And I promise to be more respectful of your feelings," he said as his right hand captured the left side of her face, gently stroking her cheek.

Her eyes sparkled and her face lit up, "Jack, you brought a new life into this world today. In the grand scheme of things that's all that matters. You were meant to leave for work when you did. If you had shown up late for work, the family may have been left without help, so I've learned my lesson. Things happen as they are supposed to."

"So you are willing to do date night with me?" He asked; his dimples were deep and his smile was broad.

Elizabeth smiled, showing that she was pleased with his plan, "Maybe one night a week and a weekend night too? I mean we can do more, but those are the days we absolutely are together. We don't want to expect too much and then we fail to keep it going."

Jack looked disappointed, "You don't want more date nights with me?"

"Jack I will take any time I can get with you. Okay, it's a wonderful idea, but today is Tuesday. Maybe we can start it on Friday?" She offered.

"No, it's firm. Tuesday night, you're mine," he was adamant.

"Jack, you're silly. I'm always yours, but I still need to go by the barn and see Bugsy, and pick up Onyx from the vet, and go by the apartment and pick up a few things," she continued to list her obligations.

Jack placed a finger on her lips, effectively silencing her, "No, if we don't make this a priority then it won't work. I want it to work, don't you?"

She reached up and took the finger he held to her lips in her hand, kissed it before pulling it away. She was sorry that she had made such a big deal out of their time together this morning, or actually the lack thereof, as it was evident that he seemed worried. She was hoping to ease his mind, "Jack, above everything else, our marriage is my priority. Please never think that it isn't." She started to stand…

"Where are you going?" He asked.

"To the Vet, barn, and my old apartment. If I hurry, I can be home by 7," she stated.

Jack stood and pulled up the blanket she had placed on the ground before taking her hand; "Is there anything I can do to help you?"

She leaned in and pressed her lips to his, "I appreciate the offer, I really do, but I need to see Onyx and Bugsy, and Rosie has agreed to take care of Onyx for me. So, I need to run by the apartment and take her. While I'm there I need some clothes."

"When you get home I'll be ready. I'll take you to whatever restaurant is your heart's desire," he assured her as they walked hand in hand back to their vehicles. He watched her drive off before heading home.

Following her trip to the Vet to pick up Onyx, she ran by the barn to check on Bugsy. Her plan was to make this a quick visit, but the buzz around the stable was that she and Jack had eloped, and everyone wanted to congratulate her. Before she knew it, she had been there an hour and still had to run by the apartment.

She thanked everyone for their well wishes and rushed to her Jeep. She heard the distinctive buzz from her phone signifying a text…

"I miss you Mrs. Thornton…"

"1 more stop 2 make and I'll b home. Miss u 2 Mr. Thornton…"

"Home…I love the way that sounds…"

"U R my home, Jack…"

"Where do u want 2 go 4 dinner…?"

"Your choice…"

"Drive safe. C u soon. Love u…"

"Love u back…"

Elizabeth headed for her old apartment where she said her goodbyes to Onyx, thank-you to Rosie, grabbed her clothes and a special surprise for Jack before heading back to her Jeep and the trip to her current apartment.

She settled down in the driver's seat and closed the door, "I wish we could just spend the evening at home. I don't want to share him with anyone tonight."

Jack was ready for her, sitting on the sofa anxiously awaiting her return. He heard the key in the door and sprung to his feet. His hand was on the door knob before she even unlocked the deadbolt.

As the door opened, Elizabeth was pleasantly surprised to see the room illuminated by dozens of fragrant candles. As she stepped into the apartment, she observed Jack standing just on the other side of the door. The stereo was playing the soft, smooth, romantic tunes of the likes of Luther Vandross in the background. The aroma wafting from the kitchen proved to Elizabeth that not only did they love each other completely; it was evident that he had the ability to read her mind; he had cooked dinner for her, and they were apparently staying in tonight.

He closed the door behind her as he edged her back against the door frame, "Does this please you?"

Her hands gripped the material on his shirt as she pulled him closer, "Your wife is very pleased."

He pressed his body up against hers. His lips teased her, drawing close before pulling away slightly. His smile told her that he knew exactly what he was doing; that driving her wild was his intent, and he was definitely succeeding.

Two can play at that game, she thought. Her teeth gently ran across her bottom lip, and he could hold out no longer.

His heart was pounding; his respiration increased, and easily matching the rapid rise and fall of her chest. "I love you," he whispered as his lips urgently met hers in a fiery exchange.

Her lips separated slightly, welcoming him and begging for more. They quickly gave into the emotions as each one felt the warmth spread throughout their bodies. She ran her tongue lightly over her lips; his gaze, hot and intense, left her feeling as though her clothes were being burned from her body.

He drew back slightly, his eyes never losing sight of hers. Without saying a word, he began unbuttoning her blouse, gently tugging it away from the waistband of her jeans. Her ice blue blouse slipped over her shoulders and fell to the floor in a pool of silk. His finger traced along the lace bodice of her camisole, as his touch caused her skin to tingle.

He swept his arms around her, drawing her closer, as their lips touched with the passion of an intense summer storm. Her lips were soft, yet firm; his hold was strong, yet tender, and their kiss was intense, enthusiastic and demanding, yet gentle. Every part of his body immediately wanted her, needed her, as his arm swept around her body and he picked her up in his arms.

She giggled as her fingers tickled the skin behind his neck. He was halfway down the hall when he realized, "Crap," the dinner was still in the oven. He spun around carrying her through the den and dining room, and through the swinging door into the kitchen.

He stopped at the oven and Elizabeth leaned over turning the knobs off before returning her lips to his. He rushed to the door heading to the bedroom, but only made it as far as the den. The bedroom was only thirty feet away, but it may as well have been miles, for they could wait no longer. Their clothing was discarded in record time, as he laid her down on the fuzzy rug that he had never liked until now. He flipped a switch shutting off the overhead lighting and the electric fireplace provided the ambiance that both enjoyed, but neither demanded.

His body tingled as her fingers traced down his torso; a fire building deep within him, one that he had no desire to extinguish too soon. He gently held her upper arms as he rolled over, taking her body with him.

Elizabeth leaned down, her tongue tracing down his neck and across his shoulder before he cradled her face in his hands.

"I love you" was whispered simultaneously by both as their lips touched. He slipped his hand behind her, rolling over, taking her body with him, and straddling her hips.

The give of her body was soft and supple as he clasped her hands in his and raised them over her head. His lips met hers in a hungry frenzy which quickly slipped from passionate to demanding. The curves of their bodies fit perfectly as the fire burned right through them.

Jack collapsed beside her, slipping his arm under her body as he drew her tight to him. She rested her head on his chest as his hand gently stroked the soft skin on her back. He held her close, leaning over to kiss the top of her head. "Elizabeth, I really am sorry about this morning."

"Jack, I thought we worked that out this afternoon," Elizabeth turned her body slightly, leaned up on her elbow and faced him. "Jack, this…everything this evening, was it just because of earlier? If it is, I'm really sorry that I said anything."

"You're sorry about tonight?"

"No, I'm never sorry when we can spend time together. I'm only sorry if what I said made you feel like this was needed. The fact is that this was…this is…wonderful, but you don't need to prove anything to me," she tried to explain.

"I'm glad you said something, because it got your feelings out in the open. I mean, women sometimes can just…" He stopped suddenly, attempting desperately to find a way to remove his foot from his mouth.

"Can just what, Jack?" She asked as he began to squirm.

"Nothing. I…I don't think I remember what I was going to say. Do you need anything?" He asked hoping to redirect the conversation.

"I need you to be honest. What were you going to say? Women can just what?" She asked again.

"Well, it's just that women, and I'm not saying you, but just maybe women in general, and that's all I was saying," he stammered.

She couldn't help but laugh at his uneasiness, and his inability to form a rational sentence. She knew that he meant that women are known to hold on to anger, sometimes say things are fine when in reality they aren't. However, he was learning that sometimes it was also best to simply hold your tongue.

"Why are you laughing?" He asked.

"Jack, sometimes you just need to learn when to keep your mouth closed. You know, think before you speak. Well, actually I need to do that too," she admitted.

He brushed a strand of hair out of her face and slipped it behind her ear. He smiled as he released a quick short breath through his nose, "I hope you realize that I don't need an excuse to want to make love to you."

Elizabeth moved up slightly on his body, "I would hope not. Jack, I'm sorry that I made a big deal out of it. I guess the time I had alone with you spoiled me. You have opened up such new feelings in my life," she looked down, slightly embarrassed before returning her eyes to him. She smiled nervously, "I have to say that making love with you is better, more exciting, more fulfilling than I ever dreamed possible, but unfortunately, coming back here to the real world…well, let's just say it was different."

"Different? How so?" He asked.

"I just mean that when we were away, it was just us. There was no time line to follow, and no one depending on us for anything," she explained as her fingers gently rubbed his forearm. "We're home now and our time…never mind, it's silly."

Jack's hand behind her head drew her lips close…closer, until they met his. "I want to know how you feel, Elizabeth. If something is bothering you, I want us to be able to talk about it."

"Jack, I think we both need to realize that sometimes our time together will simply be what we can fit into our schedules. There will be times when we just have to be content to see each other in passing…"

"No, Elizabeth that's why we have our date nights set aside. If we don't make the attempt then it does become less important. I don't want to make our marriage seem like a job, because it certainly isn't, but we do have to work at it," he stated.

Elizabeth stood and wrapped herself in a throw that was draped across the sofa. She cast her eyes away before returning them to Jack, "You and our marriage are the most important things to me, but I don't want you to get bored with me."

Jack rushed to slip his jeans on before taking hold of her arms, "Bored with you? Seriously? Elizabeth, I would make love to you every day for the rest of my life, and the last time would be just as precious and special as our honeymoon."

"Every day?" She gulped.

The look on her face was priceless and Jack couldn't help but laugh, "As much as that sounds like a dream come true, even I know that isn't possible. Elizabeth, cuddling isn't as important to guys as it is to you women, but I do understand that sometimes that may be all you want or need…and that's okay." Jack pulled her into his embrace.

"Jack, it's just that…" she hesitated as her head was buried into his chest.

Jack leaned back slightly, "Please look at me, Elizabeth. What is it?"

"Jack, I want to be everything you need as your best friend, your wife and your lover, and I don't want to let you down," she pressed back into his chest trying to shield the crimson that was quickly covering her cheeks.

He whispered, "Trust me when I say, you are absolutely, positively everything I have ever dreamed of in all areas. That being said, what about me? Am I giving you what you need?" He asked as his fingertips were gently stroking the soft skin on her back.

"Cuddling…" they both stated in unison before laughing softly.

"I'll try to be more attentive in that area," he assured her.

Jack swept her up in his arms and carried her toward the bedroom. Once inside, he placed her feet securely on the floor before pulling the bed covers back. She slipped on her nightgown and slid under the covers. Jack changed into his pajama pants and slid in beside her.

Jack slipped his arm behind her neck, rolling her body closer toward him. "Are you comfortable?" He asked.

"Very," she replied as she released a cleansing breath and her body completely relaxed.

"Oh man, I forgot the dinner. Are you hungry?" He asked.

"No, I'm good," she replied as she snuggled up tight to his body.

"I'll be right back. I need to put the food in the frig," he stated as he gently slipped out from under her and headed for the kitchen.

"Uh huh," she sighed

He threw aluminum foil over the pork chops and veggies, made space in the refrigerator and quickly headed back to bed.

He slipped back into bed. It had been less than ten minutes since he left her, but she had rolled over away from him and was sound asleep. He moved over close to her and wrapped his arm around her waist. Instinctively, she clasped his hand and drew it up to her chest where he easily felt the beating of her heart.

Elizabeth woke early. She kissed Jack's cheek, slipped out of bed and quietly walked to the bathroom. A few moments later she walked back into the bedroom. Stunned, she couldn't help but laugh. There before her was Jack, on his knees beside the bed, holding her hairbrush in his hand and singing to a Maroon 5 song that was playing through his phone…

"I'm hurting, baby, I'm broken down
I need your loving, loving, I need it now
When I'm without you
I'm something weak
You got me begging
Begging, I'm on my knees

I don't wanna be needing your love
I just wanna be deep in your love
And it's killing me when you're away
Ooh, baby,
'Cause I really don't care where you are
I just wanna be there where you are
And I gotta get one little taste

Your sugar
Yes, please
Won't you come and put it down on me
I'm right here, 'cause I need
Little love and little sympathy
Yeah you show me good loving
Make it alright
Need a little sweetness in my life
Your sugar
Yes, please
Won't you come and put it down on me

Elizabeth could barely catch her breath, laughing so loud and hard that her abdomen hurt. Jack jumped up, patted the bed and suggested that she slip back under the covers.

"Are you serious? Don't you need some time to recoup? I sure do," she responded.

"Come here. I just want to hold you for a little while," He stated as she quickly jumped into bed, drew her body up close to him and snuggled in tightly. Jack wrapped his arms around her as his fingers tenderly rubbed up and down her arm. He leaned down and kissed the top of her head, "You know, this cuddling stuff is nice!"

"I told you," she lifted her head to look in his eyes. "I love you Jack."

"I love you more," he replied.

"No possible way," she inhaled deeply, and sighed.

I hope you enjoyed my take of the modern day Jack and Elizabeth. Thanks to those who followed, and took the time to review. It was much appreciated. Hope we are now able to wait out the February 19th season 4 premiere.