Thank you for all your wonderful reviews! I had a little fun with this chapter...it's time for a celebration! And of course...it's been a little while, so I had to throw in a steam alert!

***STEAM ALERT***STEAM ALERT***STEAM ALERT***STEAM ALERT***


November 8th, 2009 – Mandalay Bay Hotel, Las Vegas

As the group was preparing to leave the suite, Grace found Elizabeth alone in the kitchen.

"I just wish that you'd told us sooner."

Elizabeth spun around to her mother standing behind her.

"I know, Mom. It's just that...that was not something I wanted to do over the phone. And then it was the wedding and I just...I didn't want to dredge that up then. I'm sorry, Mom." The pain in Elizabeth's voice recalling the incident in her mind was evident in her eyes.

Grace stepped toward her daughter and pulled her into her arms, "No, I'm sorry, Dear. I'm so sorry that happened to you." She pulled Elizabeth back so she could see her face, "But Jack got to those men in time, right?"

Nodding, Elizabeth answered, "Yes. He and Lee both showed up and took care of them."

"I'm not even going to ask what that means, but I'm thankful that you're okay."

After another hug from her mother, Elizabeth and Grace joined the rest of the group as they waited for the elevator.

Jack moved next to Elizabeth, standing partially behind her and looking over her shoulder, with one arm wrapped around her, he brushed her hair away from her neck with the other, and gently pressed his lips against her soft skin. Elizabeth reached up, slid her fingers into his hair and pulled his head down, causing him to kiss her harder, working his way up to just below her ear.

"You look gorgeous, Babe," He whispered in her ear. "I love this dress on you." Jack ran his free hand down her hip, feeling her shape through the thin material of her turquoise dress. Sleeveless with a high-low hemline, Jack could see her beautiful shoulders, arms and legs, and his mind was wandering to the possibilities that the evening could bring once they were alone. "And those are some awesome boots, Ma'am," Jack commented, pointing toward her brown and turquoise Justins.

Elizabeth turned in his arm to face him, meeting his lips with hers. "You look hot tonight, too, Cowboy."

Jack was wearing his acid washed black and grey plaid shirt that hugged his torso. With it untucked and the sleeves rolled, his muscular shape was easy to see.

"Why, thank you, Ma'am," he replied grinning, showing off his dimples that drove Elizabeth wild.

The excitement in the air was palpable as they stepped off the elevator and made their way through the hotel. With two hours to spare before their dinner reservations, the group planned to spend it at the shark reef aquarium located at the hotel. Each couple walked hand in hand, slowly moving through the long tunnel; beautiful blue water surrounding them. Stopping, pointing and watching as hammerhead, sand tiger, sandbar and white tip reef sharks all moved over them, gliding through the water, among two thousand other varieties of fish. They took their time moving through the long tube, seeing how many different species they could find, as well as admiring the beautiful multi-colored coral.

Their tour included a large tubular jelly fish tank, a stingray feed and a sea turtle feed. Elizabeth, Sam and Rosemary were having a blast with the whole experience. The rest were equally entertained watching the women feeding the different creatures; even Grace and Charlotte participated with the sea turtles, awed by their size and coloring.

As they exited the aquarium, Tom and Jack noticed Frank and their mother, walking hand in hand, her head resting on his shoulder. Smiles covered both of their faces, happy in the thought of Charlotte finally allowing herself to love again.

Arriving at the restaurant ten minutes early, the group waited in the lobby until their table was ready. Elizabeth stepped in front of Jack, stood on her toes, and kissed him. "Hey, you started to tell me something just before you had to go out for the awards."

Jack eyes and face lit up as he started talking, "You won't believe what happened. I don't believe what happened."

Elizabeth ran her hands down Jack's arms, smiling at his boyish excitement. "What is it, Jack?"

Tom, hearing the change of tone and enthusiasm in Jack's voice, started listening.

"As I was riding Hannibal and the buzzer blew, I could feel my dad around me. I could feel his presence. That's why I kept riding for another eight seconds."

Tom, Sam, Lee and Rosemary were all listening now, and Tom motioned to his mother and the others to come listen.

"What's going on?" Charlotte asked as she stood next to her youngest son.

"Listen to Jack," Tom answered.

"As the second buzzer sounded, it was as if someone else was on the bull with me. When I bailed off, the feeling went away," Jack continued, his face filled with a new light that they had never seen. "I always look for you after my ride, and when I did this time, I saw him."

"You saw who, Dear?" Charlotte asked.

Jack turned toward his mother, "Dad. I saw Dad. He was standing in the arena watching me, smiling at me."

"What?" Tom asked.

Jack looked back to Tom, "Yes, he was there. I saw him plain as day. He saw me ride today." His smile grew even larger, "Dad saw me win my third title."

"Oh, Jack." Charlotte stated, wrapping her arms around herself. Standing behind her, Frank rubbed his hands up and down her arms, then wrapped his arms around her, covering her own; Charlotte laid her hands on top of his and tipped her head back against him.

"That's amazing, Jack," Sam said.

"It was. I can't explain the feeling while I was riding. And then to see him standing there, smiling at me. I looked up at Beth and when I looked back to Dad, he was gone."

Elizabeth held Jack's hands in hers, "He's so proud of you, Jack."

Jack locked his eyes on hers, then pulled her against him and hugged her.

"Hey, aren't you Jack Thornton?" A teenage boy asked, standing a few feet away. "And hey, you're Lee Coulter. I just watched you guys ride all week. You're amazing."

"Thank you," Jack said, releasing Elizabeth and moving his hand into hers.

"Can I get your autographs?"

"Of course," Jack replied. Looking around he asked, "Anyone have a pen?"

Grace reached into her purse and pulled one out and handed it to Jack.

The young man handed Jack a program from the rodeo that he had still been carrying, and Jack signed next to his photo, then handed it to Lee. Passersby saw this and recognizing Jack, joined the group, receiving autographs from two of their favorite PBR competitors and taking a few photos.

Elizabeth, Rosemary, and the rest of the group moved back and watched Jack and Lee as they interacted with the growing group, signing a variety of items and giving pointers to young boys who thought they wanted to be bull riders when they grew up.

"Thornton, party of ten," the hostess called out.

"Well, folks, it was great talking with all of you. Good luck to you two," Jack said to the young ones that had been full of questions. "Listen to your parents and do your homework first," Jack grinned, ruffling one boy's hair.

"Yes, Sir," the pair answered in unison.

"Thank you, everyone." Lee stood from his crouched position, "You boys keep your chins down and toes out, alright?"

The boys nodded and smiled as they watched their heroes disappear into the restaurant.

…..

"What do you guys want to do now?" Charlotte asked, laying her fork on her plate after her final bite.

"We should check out the casino," Lee answered.

"That would be fun," Jack replied.

"I heard there's a bar here called Minus 5 Ice Lounge. The whole place is made of ice and they give you coats to wear," Tom added.

"That sounds like a blast," Rosemary exclaimed.

"So, should we go to the casino first, then check out the bar?" Charlotte asked.

With agreement from all, they paid their bills and began making their way toward the casino attached to the hotel.

Bells chiming, music playing, conversations at every table filled the casino along with the bright colors of the carpet and ceiling lights, as well as every slot machine imaginable. Rosie ran up to the closest machine and inserted a five-dollar bill. After three plays, she had lost it and rejoined the group.

"That was fast," Lee said laughing.

Rosie shrugged her shoulders and grinned.

After stopping and getting chips, they entered the table room where Jack led them to a roulette table. He handed Elizabeth a handful of chips and told her to try it out.

"How do I play?"

"Let's start slow. Place a dollar chip on either black or red."

"Red," she said as she set the chip in the red diamond.

"No more bets," the dealer called out and moved her hand over the table. She spun the wheel and flicked the ball into the tray.

They watched the wheel and ball spin until it dropped into one of the small slots in front of red thirty-two.

"You won, Beth."

"Really?" She smiled as she watched the dealer place a glass marker on top of the thirty-two box and began distributing chips to those who won.

"You doubled your money, Dear," William said, grinning.

"Oooo, you won a dollar," Rosemary teased. "Let's go check out the blackjack table," she said, dragging Lee along with her.

"I think I'll go play some slots," Charlotte said. "Anyone want to join me?"

"I will," Sam replied.

"Me, too," Grace added.

The three women walked off in the direction of the hundreds of colorful machines, each picking a different one to play.

William and Frank each took a seat in the empty chairs on either side of Elizabeth.

"What else can I do?" Elizabeth asked Jack, eager to learn.

Tom watched as Jack explained the different betting possibilities to Elizabeth. "You can do even or odd, column, dozens, single numbers." He continued explaining the multitude of options.

The brothers watched as Elizabeth stared at the table, trying to decide what to bet. Finally, and just before the dealer called no more bets, she placed a dollar chip on the even box.

William and Frank each had their bets placed and the dealer spun the wheel again.

"Thirty-three black," she said just after the ball dropped into the slot.

"Ah, I lost," Elizabeth said as the dealer pulled her chip off the table.

Jack and Tom chuckled as she said this. Jack leaned down and whispered in her ear, "You can play more than a dollar and more choices." He reached over her and picked up a few chips. "Let me show you."

He reached over the table and place five chips on the number twenty-four. "For our wedding day," he kissed her on the cheek. He then placed another five chips in the right column and another five on number twenty-one, "for the day we met."

Elizabeth looked up at him, surprised he remembered the date, smiling at her husband.

"Two black."

"Ah," Jack said, his face still next to Elizabeth's ear.

"You just lost $15," she said, turning her head to look at him.

"That's okay. It was fun trying." He straightened and squeezed her shoulders.

Tom and Jack began grinning again as they watched her try to decide. Just before the dealer called no more bets, she quickly sat two chips on the number sixteen. Tom elbowed Jack in the side, stifling a laugh.

"Zero," the dealer announced once the ball dropped.

"Ah, darn it," Elizabeth said, slapping her leg.

"Good try, Dear," William stated, patting his daughters' arm.

"Try it again," Frank said as he placed his bet on the number twenty as he had done every time.

Three more rounds Elizabeth placed $2 on the number sixteen. Just as she was about to give up, Jack leaned down, "Try it one more time."

"But I keep losing."

"So. Are you having fun?"

Elizabeth nodded, looking up at him.

"Then try it again."

She looked down and saw that she had ten chips left. Picking up the entire pile, she placed them on the number sixteen once more.

Tom grabbed Jack's shoulders and shook him, the two brothers were struggling to keep their laughter at bay.

"Sixteen red."

"What?" Tom called out.

Jack laughed, loudly this time, as he wrapped his arm around his wife. "You won, Babe."

"I did?"

They watched as the dealer added pile after pile of chips next to Elizabeth's.

"How much?"

"Let's see," Jack started doing the math in his head. "You just won $1610."

"Really?" Elizabeth's eyes grew wide. "How did I win that much?"

Jack laughed, "Those were $5 chips you just played, only the top one was a $1 chip."

"I just bet $46 on one number?" She asked, shocked.

Jack kissed her cheek again, "Yep."

"Well played, Elizabeth," Frank praised.

"Thank you."

"Great job, Beth," William patted her hand. "Way to be persistent."

"Thanks, Daddy."

Elizabeth was grinning ear to ear, then stood and faced Jack. "I think I'll stop while I'm ahead."

Jack kissed her and wrapped his arm around her. "Good job, Babe."

After a few more tries with no luck, Frank and William both called it quits. After cashing in their chips, the group headed to the slot machines where they met the rest of their family.

"Anyone win anything?" Charlotte asked as she slid her arm into Frank's.

"Beth here won over $1600," Jack answered, grinning, pride fully showing on his face.

"What?!" Rosie exclaimed. "Anyone else win anything?"

Everyone shook their heads.

"So, the only one that has never gambled before in her life is the only one that came out a winner?"

Everyone nodded and laughed.

"Well, isn't that just perfect." Rosemary had her hands on her hips and was shaking her head.

"You're a winner in my book, Babe," Lee said, standing behind her and wrapping his arms around her waist.

"You're such a dork," Rosie said, reaching back, patting him on top of his head.

As the group was leaving, a voice called out from behind them.

"Hey, Jack Thornton."

Everyone turned to see Jim and a few others walking their way.

With his hand outstretched, Jim approached Jack. "Congratulations, Jack. That ride today was amazing. I'm so glad I was here to see that in person."

"Thank you, Jim," Jack replied, shaking the man's hand. "I'm really glad you're here, too."

"And what you did for your dad..." Jim just nodded, still shaking his hand, unable to finish his sentence.

"I felt his presence. I gave him the ride he never got to finish," Jack replied, his eyes glistening.

"It was incredible," Jim stated. "Good to see you again, Charlotte." Jim reached back and motioned to his wife, "You remember Sarah?"

Charlotte stepped forward, "Yes, of course." Shook the woman's hand. "Very good to see you again, Sarah. It's been too long."

"Yes, it has. So good to see you." Sarah looked at all the faces staring at them. "Is this young Tom?"

Charlotte reached her arm back for Tom to step up. "Yes. Tom, do you remember Jim's wife, Sarah?"

Tom nodded and smiled, "Yes, ma'am. Very nice to see you again."

Charlotte turned to face the rest of the family, "Let me introduce you to everyone." Pointing at each person as she announced them. "This is my dear friend, Frank. This is Jack's wife, Beth; Tom's wife, Sam. These are Beth's parents, William, Grace. And Jack and Beth's best friends, Rosie and Lee."

Each person smiled and nodded as they heard their names mentioned; Jim and Sarah smiled in return.

Jim turned to face his family and did the same. "This is our daughter Jenny, her husband, Derek. Our other daughter, Lisa, and her husband, Mark."

"It was so good to see you two again," Charlotte said, taking Jim and Sarah's hands in hers. "Let's not let that much time pass again. If you're ever in Missouri, please, come see us. You know where we live," her smile grew as she squeezed their hands.

"Yes, Charlotte," Sarah replied. "I've really missed seeing you."

After exchanging phone numbers and few more updates of their lives, the two women hugged and the groups said their goodbyes and went their separate ways.

…..

As they stepped inside Minus 5 Ice Lounge, they could feel the temperature drop drastically and the women rubbed their arms with their hands, trying to warm up. Being led into a room full of coats, each one pulled a faux fur or a down coat from a hanger and quickly put them on. Gloves and funny animal hats or beanies rounded out their winter apparel for their awaiting adventure.

Once inside the twenty-three degree lounge, they could see that all the tables, seats, walls, and decorations were carved from ice. Pink and blue lights behind the sculptures caused each piece to light up as if the chunk of ice was a light itself. The bar and shelves that held the liquor were all carved from ice and the bartenders wore coats, hats, scarves and gloves as they served drinks in glasses molded from ice.

The women took seats on benches that were covered with cowhides while the men waited at the bar to order drinks. Returning with their drinks, the guys took their seats next to their respective women.

After a couple of drinks, Tom stood and asked Jack if he wanted another.

"No, I'm good." Jack held up a glass of water.

"Are you sure?"

Jack nodded and Tom walked away, followed by Lee.

Elizabeth laid her hand on Jack's knee and leaned into him, "You don't need to stop having fun on my accord."

Jack looked at her with questioning eyes, "What do you mean?"

"Tonight is your night. You're with family and friends, have fun. If you want to drink, go ahead and drink."

"I'm fine, Beth. Really."

"Jack, I know if this had happened a year ago, you'd be celebrating with Tom and Lee, you wouldn't be here with a glass of water. I really don't care if you have more drinks." Elizabeth kissed his cheek, "Besides, Dad and Frank are here if you get out of hand." Elizabeth pushed Jack with her shoulder, grinning. "Oh, and if I need help carrying you to the couch."

Jack grabbed her and pulled her across his lap, capturing her lips with his. "Very funny, Beth. But you don't have to worry about that ever again."

"I know, Jack. That's why I don't care if you have drinks with your brother and Lee." Elizabeth stood and pulled Jack to his feet. "Now, go celebrate."

Jack smiled, kissed his wife, and joined his brother and Lee at the bar.

Charlotte and Grace nursed their glasses of wine while Frank enjoyed a beer, and William worked on his second whiskey sour. The four enjoyed conversations of life in Missouri and life in New Hampshire, stories about their children, and sharing details about their jobs. They would also sit back from time to time and watch the kids as they continued having a great time celebrating.

"So, big brother, I hear you dropped your pants in front of my wife," Tom said, holding a fist up in front of Jack's face.

"She made me," Jack shot back, pointing at the now laughing Sam.

Tom shot her an exaggerated wide-eyed glance, "Oh, really? Comparing brothers now?"

"Oh my gosh, Tom. Behave," Sam exclaimed, smacking him on the arm.

The group burst out in laughter, causing the other patrons in the bar to look in their direction.

A song came on and the three guys jumped up and yelled, as it was one of their favorites. They began singing the lyrics, louder than necessary, and clanging their glasses together.

"They wake up in the morning
And they drink their coffee black
They love their women
One beat shy of a heart attack
On the way to work
They might stop by a fishin' hole
That's how country boys roll"

Elizabeth, Rosie and Sam all sat back and laughed, watching the guys act like teenagers. Elizabeth had never seen Jack so free and truly enjoying himself with his brother and friend. A smile covered her face as she watched them joking and singing.

"I haven't seen Tom act this way in a while," Sam said, leaning in toward the other two women.

"I've never seen Jack like this," Elizabeth stated.

"None of us have," Sam added. "He has really changed since meeting you." She smiled and pushed her shoulder into Elizabeth.

"I'm so glad to see him really enjoying himself."

"Yeah, they're spinnin' their wheels
Castin' their reels
Way back on them old county roads
Singin' in bars
Soupin' up cars
Just to see how fast they'll go
From a ball and a glove
To them fallin' in love
They do everything heart and soul
That's how country boys roll"

Lee and Tom had an arm behind each other's backs, swaying back and forth as they belted out the music. Jack was singing into his glass as if it was a microphone.

Elizabeth noticed a few other patrons had joined in with the singing.

As the song came to an end, Jack fell into the seat next to Elizabeth, trying to catch his breath and laughing at Lee and Tom who were pretending to dance together. Rosemary and Sam both laughed, shaking their heads and rolling their eyes at their men.

Jack, slouched down on the cold ice bench as Elizabeth had pulled the hide up and over her bare legs, looked up at Elizabeth and smiled.

"What are you smiling at?" She asked him.

"You."

Elizabeth rolled her eyes and looked back toward Tom and Sam. Jack tapped on her leg, regaining her attention.

"Thank you," he said, his expression now serious.

Elizabeth turned on the seat to face him. "For what?"

"For being the most amazing, understanding, supporting, beautiful, sexy woman on the planet."

"Wow, you are drunk," she laughed.

"Actually, no, I'm not."

Elizabeth tipped her head and pinched her brow, giving him that 'yeah right' look.

"Really. I'm not. Buzzing a little, but not drunk." Jack reached up and brushed his cold knuckles along her jaw. "I'm just so happy right now. You're here, my family is here, a huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders that I can't even explain, my dad...so much has happened today. And I am just so very happy."

Elizabeth bent down and kissed him, but Jack wrapped his arms around her and pulled her down onto him. Letting out a little scream, Elizabeth pulled herself back up off the cold ice.

"Jack Thornton, that is freezing."

"Yeah, tell me about it. I can't feel my ass right now, someone took the cover."

Just then, another song started and Jack let out an "Oooo!" He stood and grabbed Elizabeth's hands, pulling her to her feet. "Dance with me, Babe."

"Okay," she laughed and followed Jack to an open area next to their table.

Joined on the floor by the other couples, the entire family let their hair down for an evening and danced to Only You Can Love Me This Way by Keith Urban. Jack, Lee and Tom could all be heard singing the lyrics as they danced.

"Well, I know there's a reason
And I know there's a rhyme
We were meant to be together
And that's why

We can roll with the punches
We can stroll hand in hand
And when I say it's forever
You understand"

Jack's voice got softer as he lowered his head and began singing in Elizabeth's ear.

"I could have turned a different corner
I could have gone another place
Then I'd of never had this feelin'
That I feel today, yeah

And you're always in my heart
Always on my mind
When it all becomes too much
You're never far behind

And there's no one
That comes close to you
Could ever take your place
'Cause only you can love me this way"

Elizabeth moved her lips to his, causing him to tighten his arms around her, catching her off guard and dipping her back. When he returned her to an upright position, she was laughing and shaking her head at him.

Everyone returned to their seats, each finishing their drinks. Elizabeth had spread the hide back across the seat for Jack and was rubbing her legs, trying to warm them up. Jack picked up her legs, pulled them across his lap, and ran his hands across them, warming the skin. Seeing no one was currently looking at them, he slowly ran one hand up under her dress, sliding it up her outer thigh.

"Jack," she said in a hushed whisper, pushing his hand away. "What are you doing? Our parents are here."

He leaned toward her and kissed her neck. "They aren't watching," he whispered, sliding his hand up her leg again.

Elizabeth grabbed his hand again, "Jack, stop and I promise that you can finish this later." She grinned as she watched him straighten up and pull his hand out from under her dress.

"You promised," he winked.

"Yes, I sure did." Elizabeth leaned forward and quickly kissed him on the lips.

"I can't feel my face," Lee stated, tapping his finger on his cheek.

"Oh, good grief, Lee," Rosemary exclaimed, rolling her eyes again.

"Yes, I think it's time to go," Charlotte stated. "How would everyone like to take this party up to the suite?"

"Yes!" Lee yelled, jumping up from his seat.

…..

Once back at the suite, bags in hand from a quick stop at a store in the hotel that included beer in their lineup of products, the group gathered in the area with the pool table and watched Lee, Jack, Tom and Frank attempt a game of pool.

"Would you like another glass of wine?" Charlotte asked Grace.

"Yes, that would be wonderful."

The women stood and began walking toward the kitchen.

William stood to follow, turning back, "Hey, Frank. Would you like a Crown and Sprite?"

Standing the pool cue on end in the floor, Frank answered, " Yes, please. That sounds great."

A few minutes later, the three returned with their drinks and William handed Frank a glass. After a quick sip, Frank sat the glass down, picked up the pool cue, and sank the ten ball in the corner pocket.

"Ohhh!" Jack exclaimed, "Take that!"

The women sat around a small table near the guys, watching them as they played. Rosie had gone to the kitchen and returned with wine glasses and the entire wine bottle, pouring some for herself, Elizabeth and Sam; Charlotte and Grace still sipped from theirs. Tom, Jack and Lee each were on their second beers.

Lee picked up his cue, lined up to sink the five ball in the side pocket, aimed, shot, and the ball missed by several inches as Lee stumbled sideways.

Jack burst out in laugher as he caught his friend and pulled him back upright.

"I almost had it," Lee stated, catching his balance.

"You weren't even close," Tom exclaimed.

The women, Frank and William laughed, watching the banter between the three men.

"Let me show you how it's done," Jack said as he stepped up to the table. He walked around it, eyeing each striped ball, trying to decide which one to try. Finally settling on the twelve ball, Jack took his stance, lined up the pool cue, and shot. The cue ball hit the twelve ball, which hit the two ball, sinking it in the corner pocket.

"Ha!" Lee laughed. "So that's how it's done?"

Jack threw his head back and turned from the table. Walking up to Elizabeth, he bent down and kissed her. "Want to try."

Elizabeth smiled and nodded, "Yes, I would."

Jack took her hand and pulled her off the chair, leading her to the table.

"Oh, no, no, no. If you get a sub, I get a sub." Lee turned toward Rosemary, "Rosie, you're up."

Rosemary grinned, jumped off her chair, and joined Lee.

Tom, looking at Sam, held his hand to her. Sam looked at Charlotte, chuckled, and stood to join the others.

"Ok, who's turn is it?"

"Tom's."

"Ok, Babe. You're up," Tom said to Sam.

Sam took the pool cue from Tom, took a shot at the three ball and sank it.

"Oh!" Lee shouted. "Now that's how it's done."

Sam sank two more balls before missing the fourth one.

"Who's up?" Lee asked.

"Frank."

Frank turned to Charlotte, "Want to take a stab at it."

Holding her hands in front of her, she shook her head. "Oh, no. This is all you guys."

Frank laughed and went to the table. Sinking two balls, he missed on the third one.

"Okay, Rosie. You're up."

Taking the pool cue from Lee, Rosemary sank the one ball, then missed the next shot.

"Alright, Beth. It's your turn. I'll show you how to line up a shot." Jack handed her the cue.

Holding the cue, she bent down to line up her shot. Jack moved in behind her, moving his arms around her and onto her hands, he showed her how to line up the shot. Feeling his body against her, Elizabeth's heartrate sped up slightly, her breathing getting quicker. As Jack talked to her, giving her pointers, he looked down and saw her bare neck. Pressing his lips against her skin, Jack kissed her and bit her slightly.

"Do you want me to make this shot?" Elizabeth asked, turning her head toward him.

"Oh, yes. Yes, of course." Jack straightened and stepped back, waiting for her to take her turn.

Lee stared at Jack, shaking his head and rolling his eyes. "Get a room," he loudly whispered to him, causing everyone to laugh.

The group all watched Elizabeth as she lined up her first shot. Shooting, she easily sank it. Moving to the next shot, she sank it, too. She repeated this until all the stripes were gone and only the black eight ball remained.

"Corner pocket," she said as she pointed to the opposite side of the table. Lining it up and taking her shot, she sank the ball, winning the game.

"Now, that's how you play!" Rosemary exclaimed, throwing her arms into the air.

"Dang, Beth. Where did you learn to play like that?" Tom asked.

She looked at her dad, both of them smiling. "We had a pool table growing up. Dad taught me?"

"Sooo...did we just get hustled?" Lee asked.

"I think so, Brother," Jack replied, walking towards Elizabeth.

Grinning and shrugging her shoulders, she handed Jack the pool cue. "You never asked me if I could play or not. You assumed I couldn't." She leaned toward him, "You assumed wrong."

Jack grabbed her, wrapping his arms around her waist and spun her around. Screeching, she tightened her arms around his neck, holding him tight.

"Thanks for the warning, William," Lee stated.

"Hey, boys, you should never underestimate a woman." William said, laughing. "That was your lesson to learn."

"So, Beth and I just won," Frank stated, smiling.

"Seems that way," Lee said, still shaking his head, tossing the pool cue onto the table.

"Who's next?" Tom asked.

William stood, "I'll play."

"He's on my team!" Lee shouted, running to stand next to him.

Jack and Elizabeth joined their mothers as they watched the guys play, with the help of Rosie and Sam from time to time.

After two more games, Charlotte stood, picking up her glass and the empty wine bottle. "I'm going to turn in."

After hugs and goodnights, Charlotte walked toward her room, Frank beside her.

Once in the kitchen, after setting the glass in the sink and throwing the bottle away and out of view from everyone, Frank wrapped an arm around Charlotte's waist and turned her to him. He covered her lips with his, moving his hands up into her hair. Charlotte slid her arms around his waist and melted into his kiss.

Pulling back, rubbing his thumbs along her cheek, Frank looked into her eyes. "Charlotte, I've been wanting to tell you something for a little while now, but I could never get up the nerve." He gave her another quick little kiss. "You are an amazing woman and I love you."

"Oh, Frank." Charlotte lifted one hand to his face, gently touching his cheek, "I love you, too."

Frank wrapped his arms behind her, pulling her in against him, kissing her longer and harder.

"Good night, Beautiful," he said, pulling back from their kiss. "I'll see you in the morning."

"Good night, Frank," Charlotte replied, smiling with blushed cheeks.

He stayed back, watching her as she walked into her bedroom, slowly closing the door behind her. Returning to the game room, Frank told everyone goodnight and stepped onto the elevator.

"William and I are going to turn in, too," Grace said, standing.

Once Grace and William had gone to their room, Jack went to the stereo and found a country radio station as Lee racked the pool balls for one more game.

While Lee, Rosie, Tom and Sam played a game, Jack took Elizabeth's hand and led her to the open area in the room. He pulled her tight against his body, wrapping an arm behind her and sliding his other hand into her hair. He covered her lips with his, tasting the fruity base of the wine that she had been sipping on. "I love you so much, Beth."

"I love you, too, Jack."

Jack began singing the lyrics softly into her ear as they swayed to the music.

"Baby, lock the door and turn the lights down low
And put some music on that's soft and slow
Baby, we ain't got no place to go
I hope you understand

I've been thinking 'bout this all day long
Never felt a feeling quite this strong
I can't believe how much it turns me on
Just to be your man"

He slid his hands down her back and onto her hips, pulling her against him harder, then moved his hands to her butt.

"There's no hurry, don't you worry
We can take our time
Come a little closer, let's go over
What I had in mind"

Jack moved his lips to her neck, working his way up to her ear and slid both hands into her hair. Elizabeth felt the electricity flowing through her that only Jack created and her breathing became ragged. She wrapped her arms behind his back and held him tight.

"I've been thinking 'bout this all day long
Never felt a feeling that was quite this strong
I can't believe how much it turns me on
Just to be your man"

As the song ended, Jack moved his lips to her ear again. "I have been thinking about you all day and I can't wait to get you alone," he whispered to her. "I want you so bad."

Elizabeth felt her heart speed up and heat fill her body as she thought about getting Jack to their room. She moved her head to meet his lips with hers and showed him that she was feeling the same way.

Jack pulled back, looking into her eyes, seeing a desire staring back at him matching his own. Grabbing her hand, he started leading her to the stairs.

"Gotta go, gang," Jack said, not waiting for a response, moving quickly forcing Elizabeth to jog to keep up.

"Good night, Brother!" Tom called out, laughing.

"Good night, everyone," Elizabeth said just before vanishing behind the steps.

Jack stepped to the side, allowing Elizabeth to walk into the bedroom first. He followed her in, closing and locking the door behind them. As he turned around, her hands were already on the hem of his shirt, pulling it up and over his head. Jack pulled it off his arms and threw it to the side, grabbed Elizabeth's dress at her thighs, and pulled it over her head, throwing it the opposite direction. Elizabeth's fingers frantically pulled at his buckle, unhooking it, and got his pants opened, pushing them off his hips.

Kicking his boots off and stepping out of his jeans, Jack slid one arm behind her back and grabbed behind her thigh with the other, pulling up one leg and carrying her to the bed. He lowered her to the floor, unsnapped her bra and pushed her panties off. Pushing his own underwear off, Jack lifted her up and laid her back onto the bed with her legs hanging over the edge.

Jack leaned over her, kissing her heaving chest, her soft breasts, her erect nipples and across her flat stomach. Lowering himself to his knees, he pressed his lips against the inside of her thigh. Moving his arms between her legs and behind them, he lifted her legs onto his shoulders, pulled her to the edge of the bed, and worked his tongue up her thigh until he reached the sensitive area between them.

Elizabeth arched her back and grabbed Jack's head as multiple moans escaped her. Feeling his tongue and lips pressing against her warm, aching skin, sent her insides ablaze as she felt the heat reach up into her chest.

"Jack," she called out in a quiet, breathless voice.

Jack stood and leaned over her again, moving his arm behind her back. He lifted her and slid her further onto the bed. Lowering down, he covered her lips with his and quickly pushed inside her. Elizabeth moaned into Jack's mouth as he continued to kiss her as he moved his hips. Their motions were eager and fervent, their hands exploring each other's bodies, while Jack's thrusts became quicker and deeper.

Jack was always able to quickly bring Elizabeth to the peak of her pleasure and this time was no exception. Jack soon followed then dropped down onto the bed beside her. After catching his breath, he ran his fingers down her hair and across her breast. Elizabeth rolled onto her side and laid her hand on Jack's cheek.

"It's been a very good day," she said, brushing her fingers along his jawline.

"Yes, Beth," Jack slid his hand along her arm. "It's been a perfect day." He leaned toward her, covering her lips with his.