Chapter 73

James walked to the front door of Viola's apartment. He was nervous and excited. Their meeting at the bank went well and the flirting between the two were strong and growing between them. They liked each other and enjoyed each other's company. However, they were in no hurry to jump off the cliff in a relationship. Vi was in the middle of the process of her divorce and James already went through a nasty divorce.

When Viola answered her door, James' breath caught in his throat. "Viola, you are stunningly beautiful."

"Thank you." Answered an embarrassed Vi.

"Are you ready for a night of adventure?"

"Adventure?" Asked a confused Vi.

"Well, I had a thought…I was thinking we could go out to have dinner and an adventure."

"Ok…"

...

Jack pulled into the driveway of their apartment. His day was busy, but it was a good day. He was splitting time between Bill's job and his work as detective. He was getting a better handle on Bill's duties. He quickly learned the importance of Emma's presence. She was a great hire, and he couldn't wait until she was working full time at the department. She was on top of everything. He was grateful for her hard work and for her joining the police force.

He stepped out of his truck and noticed the apartment was lit with a dim light. As he approached the front door, he heard soft music playing and could smell dinner. It smelled great. He slowly opened the door, and the smell of baked chicken filled his nose. It smelled delicious. The lights were off and only a few candles were lit. It was still light outside, but the apartment was dim since the curtains were closed. He turned to his left to look into the kitchen and his breathing stopped.

Elizabeth was dressed in her new blue dress. She was facing the stove working on a pan in front of her. He saw her back. The dress hugged her perfectly. All her curves were enhanced by the dress. Her hair was falling down her back with soft curls. The music was just loud enough she didn't hear him walk into the apartment. He stood there just admiring his wife. My wife is gorgeous!

He walked to the desk and took everything out of his pockets and place those items in his drawer. He quietly walked to his wife. The closer he walked to his wife, the more beautiful she looked. He noticed the dress was new, but it wasn't the dress that was making his wife beautiful. For Jack, she is beautiful no matter what she is wearing.

Julie reached for her phone when she heard it buzzing. She answered her husband's facetime call. They were having a facetime date tonight. She saw her husband's handsome face on the screen. He was dressed in a button down shirt. His hair was a little damp but combed neatly. She loved that he took this facetime date seriously.

Tom smiled at his beautiful bride. "I am one lucky man."

Julie smiled at his compliment. "Thank you."

"How are you? I miss you!"

"I'm fine. I miss you. How is everything going?"

"Great. I should finish up day after tomorrow. I should be home later that night."

"That's great."

"Yeah, one day early. I can't wait!"

Julie smiled knowing he was missing her as much as she was missing him. She leaned forward to look into the camera. "Tom, I miss you and I can't wait for you to come home to me. Please be careful."

"I will, sweetheart."

"This adulting thing is not always fun, is it?" She laughed at her statement.

"It certainly has its moments." Tom laughed back.

"I think we are doing a pretty good job."

"I agree. We are doing great. I am working and making a good living for us. You are attending school to further you career and working until your school begins. We are doing well."

Jack was standing behind his wife. He could smell her perfume now. The combination of the perfume and how she looked, he had to place his lips on her. Jack slowly stepped toward his wife until their bodies touched. He placed his left hand around her and placed it on her tiny little baby bump. With his right hand, he pulled back her hair just enough to allow him access to her shoulder that was exposed by the dip of her dress.

Elizabeth shuddered at her husband's touch. His touch set her on fire. When he added his lips to the equation, it was almost too much.

With his right hand, he ran it down her shoulder and slowly onto her forearm. He lightly pinched her arm."

"Ouch. What was that for?"

"I needed to make sure you were real."

She smiled at his compliment.

"You smell heavenly." Jack whispered in between kisses.

"I think that may be the chicken in the oven." She teased.

"I know it's not the chicken. I have smelled that perfume for a little over two months now. You also taste great too." He stated as he began kissing her shoulder again. He began to rub her tummy in little circular motions. "Elizabeth, you are breathtaking. You are beautiful." He paused for a moment. "I'm sorry, but I don't have the words to express how beautiful you are."

"Jack…"

"Elizabeth…" Jack was trying to love on his wife. "I love you."

"I love you. Now, would you mind lighting the candles on the table please?"

"I will in a minute. I don't want to let go of my wife." He slightly tightened his hold on her and kissed her neck.

"Well, there is a lot more of me to hold on to." She frowned.

"Oh, Elizabeth. You are gorgeous and even more now that you are carrying our children. You are going to be a perfect mother."

"At least there is more of me to love." She stated lowering her head a little. She was becoming a little self conscious about her changing body.

Jack slowly turned his bride so she could look into his eyes. "E-liz-a-beth, you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. And with you protecting and growing our children, you are even more beautiful. You are glowing and I don't think you could be any more beautiful." He leaned in and kissed the tip of her nose.

She sighed knowing he was telling her the truth as he sees it. "Jack." She began but he cut her off when his lips touched hers. The kiss began as a gentl kiss. However, it didn't take long for the kiss to grow into a more passionate kiss. Jack lowered his hands onto her hips and pulled her closer to him. She placed her arms around his neck and began to play with the hair on the back of his head.

Jack moved his hands from her hips to her lower back. He took a step back and drew her in with him when he did. Without asking, he began swaying side to side and she immediately followed. They were looking in each other's eyes and enjoying the look in their eyes.

"Elizabeth, are we dancing to music?"

"Music?" She questioned. "I don't know what you are talking about." She stated as she tightened her grip on his hair.

Jack moaned as their lips touched. He tried pulling her closer, but their bodies were already touching. She smiled knowing he wanted her closer.

"Jack, dinner is almost ready."

"E-liz-a-beth…there's food?" He asked as he began kissing her cheek and slowly working his way to her neck.

"Yes, Jack. There is food and it is almost ready."

He didn't react to her statement. He continued to gently kiss her neck and cheek.

The timer on Elizabeth's phone went off. It was the timer she set for the baked chicken.

"Jack, I need to get that out of the oven before it burns."

"Elizabeth, you are dressed in a beautiful dress that matches your eyes and accentuates your every curve and you want me to concentrate of food?"

She smirked knowing the dress was having the effect she wanted it to have on her husband.

James and Viola were having a great time at dinner. The conversation flowed freely, and they were enjoying this time together. James' hands were resting on the table by his plate as he was telling her the story about the time his truck broke down going to a job site. When he reached the part of the story about the coyotes, she laughed at his antics and reach for his hand. She placed her hand on top of his and laughed as he continued the story. Before she realized it, James turned his hand over and took hold of her hand while he continued the story.

She didn't hear any of the story after he took her hand. She could only focus on their hands together. She couldn't tell where her hand ended and his began. She never felt anything like this with Lionel.

Jack lit the two tall candles that Elizabeth had placed on the table. He stood and looked at the plates and silverware for a moment. She had them set on both sides of the table so they could look at each other. The candles and flowers were in the middle. He frowns and begins to reset the table.

Elizabeth walked over to the table with the chicken on the plate and realized Jack had moved the tableware to where they were sitting side by side instead of across from each other. Jack is behind her with the broccoli cheese casserole and the corn. He sets them down while Elizabeth was still holding the plate of chicken.

"Is there something wrong?" He asks as he stands beside her and places his hand dangerously low on the small of her back.

"Things seem to have changed." She smirked.

"Oh, yes. Change can be good." He flirted. Slowly moving his fingers that are on her back. "Do you need help placing the chicken down?"

"I think I can handle that, Jack." She smiled at her husband.

"Would you like to dance before our meal?" Jack wasn't concerned with the food, he wanted to hold his wife. He lowered his hand just a little more on her back. His hand rested just above her bottom.

"The food is getting cold. We should eat first."

"You know," He began as she wiggled his eyebrows up and down in a seductive way. "Cold chicken isn't bad." He gave her his best dimpled grin.

Elizabeth almost dropped the plate of chicken. Good grief, Jack. Stop doing that!

Jack reaches for the plate of food to place it on the table. He is trying his best to entice Elizabeth, but she was standing firm in eating first.

Elizabeth was struggling with her plan of flirting with Jack. She wanted tonight to be special. Her plan was to have dinner and flirt with her husband throughout the evening building up the anticipation of a night of intimacy. Jack was trying his best to speed things along.

"Jack, I'm hungry."

"Me too, Elizabeth." He began when he lowered his hand on her backside as he tried to pull her closer to him. He stepped in front of her with the same dimpled grin. Elizabeth's hand landed on his hips and slowly made their way to his bottom. When they reached their target, she gasped and immediately released her hold and moved her hands back to his hips. She realized that was a huge mistake in her plan. Note to self, don't do that again She laughed to herself knowing that wasn't helping her plan.

"I love you, Elizabeth."

This is harder than I thought it would be. She thought to herself. Jack's hand was still on her back side. Now, he was slowly moving the other hand up her side and then cupped her cheek. He used it to pull her into a passionate kiss where Elizabeth couldn't hear sound anymore. Jack moved his hand to the back of her head and gently pulled her closer to him to deepen the kiss.

After the kiss, Jack rested his forehead on her forehead.

"Jack,"

"Yes?"

"Jack…I think we need to eat."

What am I doing wrong here? He thought. I am doing my best to seduce my wife and it's not working. After a moment, he realized what his wife was doing. A smile creeped across his face. Two can play this game.

"I'll be right back." He stated.

She heard the words, but they didn't make any sense to her. "Where are you going?"

"Well, you are dressed so nice, and I have on my work cloths. I think I need to change. I'll be back in a couple of minutes."

He's actually leaving me here? She watched her husband kiss the tip of her nose. Then he released his hold on her bottom and scurry off to the bedroom. "He does look nice in those pants." She stated.

Tom and Julie were having a great time facetiming each other while they ate their dinner. Tom was about three hours away in some hotel and his beautiful wife was sitting at their dining room table.

"Julie, are you happy?"

"I am. Why do you ask?"

"I was just wanting to make sure."

"Tom, are you?"

"Yes, I am." He thought for a moment. They have always been honest with each other. "I never imagined myself being married, a steady job, and a home. That was never my dream. Now, I can't imagine my life any other way."

Julie let out a long breath. "I completely agree. This never entered my thoughts, but I can't imagine living a different life."

"Do you still want to wait to have children?"

"Wow, you have been thinking a lot about things." Julie let out a soft giggle.

"I guess I have."

"Well, we have talked about waiting until I am done with college. That would be one and a half years since some more of my classes will transfer."

Tom nodded his head.

"Tom, what are you thinking?"

"Well, since Jack and Elizabeth announced their news, I have been thinking about us."

"Me too."

"To be perfectly honest, I want one now, but I know we can't."

"Ok."

"Julie, you want to be a teacher and you only have a short time left and then you will reach that goal. I do not…I will not take that away from you. I just want you to know that I am ready when you are." He looked down. He wasn't sure how she will react.

She thought about it for a moment. Tom always put her first. "I agree. How about we begin to try for a baby when I am finished with school? Until then, we will be the best aunt and uncle in the history of the world."

Tom smiled at her. "That sounds perfect."

Jack came back into the dining room wearing a nice pair of dress jeans that were dark in color and fit him a little on the tighter side. He had on his green long sleeve shirt that had small white lines running vertically through it. The sleeves were rolled up to the middle of his forearms and he smelled of his cologne. This was Elizabeth's favorite outfit of his. The pants showed off his back side and the green shirt fit him well. The green material made his eyes pop. The sleeves slightly rolled up his forearm showed off just enough of his arms to let you know there were muscles inside of his shirt. His hair was combed neatly, but that little tuff of hair was falling onto his forehead. He was clean shaven, and his cologne was present on his neck.

That's not playing fair! She thought to herself as he walked closer to her. He gave her a dimpled grin and placed a soft kiss on her check. He pulled back her chair for her to sit. She was puzzled for a moment.

He knows! She thought as she sat down. She looked up at him and gave him a wink. "Thank you, detective." Oh, this is going to be fun.

Jack sat in the chair beside her and scooted it closer to her. They weren't touching, but they were inches apart. He leaned over and whispered into her ear, "Would you like to say the blessing or me?"

She was lost with his closeness and his breath in her ear. She didn't know what he said, but she guessed. "You."

He reached for her hand and laid their hands on the middle of her thigh. After praying for their meal and for the babies, he squeezed her hand and let go. He reached for the plate of chicken and placed a piece on her plate and then on his. He also reached for the broccoli cheese casserole and placed some on both of their plates. In the process of doing that, he made sure to touch her with his arm while reaching for the plate and bowl.

Elizabeth gave him a smile of thanks and reached for the bowl of corn. She placed a couple of spoonfuls on each plate. She forgot about the rolls that were still on the counter.

"I forgot about the rolls, Jack. I'll be right back." Instead of pushing away from him to make it easier to get up, she turned to face him and smiled at him as she slowly stood, giving her husband a full view of her as she stood facing him mere inches from his face. Jack closed his eyes and muttered something under his breath.

"I'm sorry, Jack. Did you say something?" She flirted as she walked away." She turned her head looking over her shoulder when he didn't say anything. Jack had his eyes closed with his head leaned forward shaking his head. She knew she got to him.

When she walked back to the table with a plate of rolls, Jack stood and took a step back. She leaned forward just a little to place the rolls on the table and she felt Jack standing behind her. She always loved it when he would hold her standing behind her. He was dangerously close, but purposefully not touch her. He reached with his right arm and gently touched the back of her bicep and slowly moved his hand down past her elbow and rested his hand on her forearm. He leaned forward and softly spoke in her ear after he pulled some of her hair back to allow him access. "Thank you for dinner. It smells delicious."

She closed her eyes. She knew he was playing with her by not touching her but standing close enough she could feel his presence. While she knew it, this little piece of information was not stopping the desire growing inside of her for her husband.

Jack pulled her seat out for her to sit down. As she did, he allowed his fingertips to trace her back beginning at her waistline all the way up her back. She gasped at his actions. She hoped he didn't notice. She turned her head slightly and whispered, "Thank you." She also noticed his silly little grin.

As they began to eat their dinner, she asked about his day.

"It was busy but good. Emma called me several times today to give me information. I think she will work out great. The first interview was not so good, but I hired the second person. He was great. Would you have time to come by the station tomorrow to meet him?"

"Did Emma already begin work?"

"Not officially, but she called me several times today."

"That's great that she will work out for you. What time are you thinking about tomorrow?"

She loved the fact that he wanted to include her. She was working half days at the school to get her classroom set up for the coming school year.

"I was thinking lunch time. We can walk to the café and have lunch if Lee has time."

"Lee?"

"Yes. Leland Coulter but he goes by Lee. He is married but his wife, Rosemary, isn't with him."

"I grew up with a Rosemary. I haven't talked to her in a very long time."

"Interesting."

"Elizabeth placed her hand on Jack's right thigh and gave it a slight squeeze. She caught his eyes, and he noticed the smirk in her smile.

Jack leaned in and touched shoulders with his wife. "The chicken is amazing." While speaking, he placed his hand on her thigh and began moving it to her knee. This confused Elizabeth for a moment, until he reached her knee where the dress ended. Her skin felt like it was on fire when his hand touched her soft skin. Instead of moving his hand back up her leg, he found the edge of her dress and moved his hand under the fabric and slowly moved his hand a little higher on her thigh.

She jumped at his actions. "Oh…is it hot in here or is it just me?" She gasped reaching for her glass of water.

"It is a little warmer in here than normal." Flirted Jack.

A few moments of silence fell upon them. They were trying to contain their emotions and wants. While their desire was building to a dangerous level, they were enjoying this flirting game between them. Elizabeth was hoping to drive Jack to the edge where he would give in and surrender to his wants. Jack was wishing for the same thing with Elizabeth surrounding to her wants first.

"How are you feeling today? Was the afternoon sickness bad?"

Still consumed where Jack's hand was instead of thinking about what she was saying, "I didn't have any sickness this afternoon."

"Really?" Jack smirked and gave her his victorious smile.

I didn't mean to tell him that…now he will be difficult to live with She thought to herself. She loved and hated that silly smile of his.

"Well, sounds like Ig and Iggy listens to their daddy." He stated proudly puffing out his chest a little.

"You know, you mother hates those nicknames you gave the children."

"Oh, I know." He smirked.

James and Viola's dinner date was going well. They were learning more about each other and was happy with what they were learning.

"So, you just moved to Hope Valley?"

"I did. I left England and moved in with my parents for a short period of time, but I didn't want to stay there too long. I needed to stand on my own feet."

"Wow. You are a strong woman."

"Thank you, but I don't feel like it. I had to do this. I lost so much of myself in my previous relationship. I needed to find myself again."

"Well, I think that is what makes you strong. Finding the strength to change is not easy."

Vi reached for his hand across the table. "Thank you for saying that. You had to be strong too following your divorce."

"Like you, I had too. I lost so much from my divorce that it took me a good year to overcome everything."

"You did well."

"Thank you."

"I'm grateful Ig and Iggy listened to me today so you could have a good day."

"Me too. Do you think you can do that again or was it a one time wonder?" She smirked at him.

"Oh, just call me the kid whisperer." He laughed at his joke.

Jack placed his hand on the back of her chair. He was missing the touch of his wife. Slowly, he touched her with his fingertips and began to lightly rub her back with an up and down motion.

Elizabeth sat still enjoying the touch of her husband. "Jack, how do you feel about the pregnancy and the twins?"

"I am over the moon about it all. I can't believe we are blessed with so much so soon."

"Are you nervous?" Honestly, she was a little nervous about what it will take to raise twins.

"I am a little. Everything will be multiplied by two. Financially, I think we will be good. We both are savers, and we handle our money well."

"I agree, but…"

"But?"

"Jack, how are we going to do this with two babies?"

"Well, I may not be the smartest person in the room, but I have learned one thing over the last few months with you."

"Yeah, what is that?"

"Me and you. We can do anything together. We are a team. I don't have everything figured out, but we will find our way through this. Ig and Iggy will be blessed by having you as their mother."

"Do you really think so?" She asked sheepishly. Her insecurities were present.

Jack stood from his chair and took both of Elizabeth's hands. He gently tugged on them causing her to stand. He stepped within a few inches of her and place his hands on her hips. He took a few moments to make sure she was looking at him and paying attention. He made eye contact with her, and her emotions were settled immediately.

"Elizabeth, you are the strongest person I know. I have no doubt that you will be the best mother. I could not imagine my kids having any other mother than you. You love them unconditionally. You will be the walking, living example of a mother."

She smiled at his comments. "Jack, you will be a terrific father. I can't wait to walk this season of life with you."

"Me and you."

"Me and you."

After holding that stance for a minute, both began swaying. She placed her arms over his shoulders and began playing with the hair on the back of his head. He tightened his hold on her hips.

"Jack, you look very handsome tonight. That is my favorite outfit you wear."

"Thank you. You look gorgeous tonight. You make the dress beautiful."

"You should see what's under the dress." She teased him.

"Good…grief…" He inhaled a sharp breath. He shook his head in defeat. "Ok…you win."

Abagail looked into the living room and saw her two men sitting on the couch watching another baseball game. "What is it about that game?" She asked shaking her head.

She watched how engrossed they were watching it. They would talk with each other and often would slap the other one on the shoulder. This was their connection. At that moment, she made up her mind. She walked into the kitchen and placed a bag of popcorn in the microwave and pressed the button. She took some butter out of the fridge and placed it in a cup. With about thirty seconds left on the popcorn, she placed the butter in the microwave to melt it. Then she grabbed a large bowl out of the cabinet. After placing the finished popcorn in the bowl and drizzling the butter over it, she marched into the living room.

She scooted Henry over a little and sat between her two men. "Ok boys, explain the game to me."

Frank gave her a shocked expression. He always watched the games alone because she was never interested. He enjoyed having Henry watching the games with him.

Henry began to explain what was going on and why this or that was happening. After a few minutes, Frank would jump in and explain too. He was shocked how quickly she was picking up on everything.

Abagail didn't enjoy baseball, but her two men did, and she wanted to be part of that. Over the years, she would grow to love the game and would watch it with her two boys. When Henry would eventually move away for college to play baseball on a scholarship, her and Frank would continue to watch games together. When they retired, their goal was to visit every professional baseball stadium to watch a game live.

"So, why would that guy barely hit the ball and get out on purpose? That doesn't make any sense to me. Why wouldn't he just hit it harder?"

Frank and Henry smiled at each other. "It's called a sacrifice mom. He is advancing the runner already on the second to third base, so he has a better chance of scoring a run."

"Oh…that makes sense. That's why he hit it toward the third base so that guy couldn't stay on base?"

"Yes."

When Frank's shock wore off, he found it very entertaining explaining things to his wife. She was beginning to catch on very quickly. He knew she was only interested in the game because of him and Henry, but he was grateful she was sitting on the couch with them.

Elizabeth squealed when Jack picked her up. Instead of heading to the bedroom, he headed to the couch. "Jack…"

"Not enough time to make it to the bedroom." He said with a deep, husky breath.

"Jack, what about finishing our meal?"

"Elizabeth Marie Thorton…are you really thinking about food at this moment? Seriously, what do I have to do for you to want to make love to me?"

Jack didn't realize was that he was about two seconds from winning. She was at her breaking point when they began to dance. She loved it when Jack was passionate like this. She felt loved, respected, and wanted by the man of her dreams. She was working for this moment the entire night. The little flirty game between them began a raging fire inside of her and she couldn't wait to feed it with Jack's love.

Jack laid her down on the couch and stood over her for a moment. The soft light from the candles on the kitchen table glowed over his body. "Oh my…" she stated under her breath. Jack took off his shirt and she tried to reach for his chest to touch it.

He pushed her hands away. He wanted her to want him like he desired her. She stared at her husband like he was a piece of meat. She realized her mouth was actually watering. She swallowed hard at the anticipation of what he was going to do next.

When she began to speak, he quickly bent over and silenced her with his lips. He quickly deepened the kiss and she welcomed him. He moved from her lips to the spot below her ear. He wasn't gentle. He kissed, sucked, and nibbled her spot with the passion she desired. Her moans and squirming were driving him crazy. To build her anticipation, he needed to cause a little separation between them.

Jack stood up and gave her a deep, dimpled smile. If she had any resolve left, she would have lost it then. He loosened his belt and undid his jeans. He did not take them off, just unbutton them. They hung a little lower on his hips. She gasped when she could see that he wasn't wearing anything under the jeans.

He laid down beside her and his hand began roaming over her body. She shuttered at his touch. She raised her hand and placed it on his back. His skin was hot and already had a thin layer of sweat, and he was breathing heavy. She smiled knowing she had accomplished her goal for the evening.

Jack felt her smile and ended the kiss. He raised himself up just enough to look at her. "You're excited you won, aren't you?" He asked through heavy breathing.

"Jack." She let out a deep breath. "I won on both accounts."

"Both accounts?"

"First, you gave in first." She smiled a victorious smile. Jack just shook his head. "Second, my handsome husband is about to make love to me." Her smile grew even more at that statement.

Without saying a word, his eyes told her everything she wanted to know. He slowly leaned down and gently touched her lips with his. However, gentle was not what she was wanting. Through his flirting all evening, he created a blazing forest fire in her. She wanted passion. She wanted his desire to command release. She wanted her husband.

Jack laid beside Elizabeth both were breathing heavy and had sweat covered their entire bodies. Elizabeth glanced outside the windows as she squeezed Jack's hand. She noticed something she didn't expect to see. It was sunlight.

"Jack, what time is it?"

Jack glanced at the clock on the wall in their bedroom. "It's a little after seven."

"In the morning?"

"Yeah."

"Did we just make love all night?"

"Yeah." He smiled. "Once in the living room. Then the kitchen. And then in the bedroom. Then there was the little playfulness in the bathroom."

"All night?"

"Yes, Bella. All night. Are you ok?"

"Jack, we just made love all night. I am more than ok."

Jack squeezed her hand.

"I don't think I'm going to school today though."