Thank you, thank you, thank you...for all your wonderful comments! I love reading all the feedback and thoughts that you all share.

Let the honeymoon begin!

So...what does that mean? Well, of course, STEAM ALERT!

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


November 9th, 2009 – Mandalay Bay Hotel

Jack watched as the dust filled sunbeam that reached in through the window, crept across the bed and up Elizabeth's bare leg. Following the path with his eyes, it slowly made its way across her pelvis and stomach. Jack reached up and moved his hand through the light, watching the dust swirl inside the beam.

Elizabeth, still naked, was lying on her back with the sheet draped only across one leg and up to her waist. As the sunlight reached her breast, Jack gently laid his hand across her ribcage, sliding it across her skin but watching the light continue to move up. Just as it reached her collarbone, the light dissipated as a cloud stretched across the sky.

Jack moved his hand down onto her flat stomach, pushing the sheet down slightly. Laying his head back onto his pillow, Jack kept his hand on her stomach, dreaming of a family he hoped to one day have with her.

Elizabeth, feeling something warm against her skin, woke to find Jack with his head on his pillow, staring at her belly.

"What are you thinking about?" She asked him softly.

Jack tipped his head toward her, "Babies," and grinned his boyish smile, showing off his dimples. He lifted the sheet, rolled, and moved over her. "And making babies." He lowered his face to hers, taking her lips with his, and allowed his eager passion for her to take over.

Elizabeth ran her hands down Jack's back, not stopping until they reached his butt. Grabbing his tight, perfect ass, she pulled his hips down, closing the tiny gap that remained between them, urging him to enter her.

Jack obeyed and as she lifted her legs and locked her ankles behind him, he pressed fully inside her, always taken aback at the sheer pleasure it gave him. Feeling emotions that he had never felt until her, Jack took her lips with his again, his tongue moving with hers.

His hips moved slowly, finding that perfect rhythm with her. Holding himself up with straight arms, Jack watched Elizabeth as he continued to move, keeping it at a pace to extend both of their time. Dropping himself down, he grabbed Elizabeth and in one swift motion, he had rolled to his back and held Elizabeth on top of him, remaining inside her.

Elizabeth sat up and continued with their same pace. Jack reached up, filling both hands with her breasts, he rolled her hardened nipples between his thumb and forefinger. Moving his hands to her hips, he began to move her, speeding up her motions, pressing his hips up and going deeper inside her.

As the internal fire, the passion and the love all collided, Elizabeth fell forward, laying on Jack's chest. Wrapping his arms around her, he held her tight, kissing the top of her head.

"I love you, Beth," Jack said in a soft whisper. "With all my heart."

Elizabeth lifted her head, looked into Jack's watery eyes, "I love you, too. More than I can ever show you."

…..

Freshly showered and dressed, Jack and Elizabeth walked down the large staircase, hand in hand. The smell of bacon, cinnamon and vanilla, eggs and coffee filled the air. As they neared the kitchen, Sam, Grace and Charlotte could be seen, each tending to an obvious job they had been assigned.

"Good morning, Dears," Grace called out as Jack and Elizabeth neared the pass-thru opening and sat at the bar.

"Anything I can do to help?" Elizabeth asked.

"Sure, you can take these to the table." Grace began to place bowls and plates of food on top of the counter in front of Jack and Elizabeth.

"Are we expecting company? It looks like we're feeding an army." Jack stated as he picked up a bowl of fruit and a plate of French toast.

"We need to use up all this food so we prepared as much of it as we could," Charlotte answered.

Jack and Elizabeth, with hands full of dishes of a variety of items, carried them to the dining table where Frank and William were setting out plates and silverware.

Returning to the kitchen for another load, Jack asked, "No Lee and Rosie today?"

"They are on their way now," Sam answered.

"Where's Tom?"

"He's getting dressed. He'll be down in a sec."

By the time all the food, coffee and orange juice had been moved to the table, Tom, Lee and Rosemary had joined the group and they all sat down for their feast.

Frank led them in prayer, then everyone dug in for their final meal together in the suite.

"This has been such a wonderful week. I'd like to thank you boys for arranging this magnificent suite," Charlotte said, in-between bites of her French toast.

"Yes, thank you. This is been amazing," William added.

"No problem at all," Jack replied. "Beth and I are both very glad you all could be here. I'm very thankful you were all here." Jack reached over and took Elizabeth's hand in his and squeezed it.

"We wouldn't have missed it, Jack," Tom said, smiling at his brother.

"Lee and I are going to the hospital after breakfast to check on Dustin," Jack said, pushing the eggs around his plate. "What time are you all leaving for the airport?"

"Our flight is at 3:10," William answered, "So we'll head over around 1:00"

"Ours is at 4:50," Tom replied.

"We fly out at 4:50, too," Rosemary commented.

"When is your flight?" Charlotte asked.

"4:50. We must all be on the same flight," Jack answered.

"That'll be great," Charlotte stated.

….

November 9th, 2009 – Elite Medical Center

As Jack and Lee waited in the lobby for Dustin's dad to come out and speak to them, Jack focused on one room as nurses and doctors ran in and out of the door; high pitched sounds of alarms could be heard beeping over the orders the doctor was barking.

Jack closed his eyes as his mind traveled back to the last time he was in the hospital, one year earlier.

…..

November 6th, 2008 – Kane County Hospital, Kanab, Utah

"Mr. Thornton, you need to try to hold still, please," the nurse stated as she attempted to place an IV in Jack's arm.

"What is this?" Jack asked, aggravated, pulling at the wires that were attached to his chest. "Get these off of me. Let me go."

The firm grip of an orderly held Jack's shoulders, "Sir, you're going to have to try to hold still so that we can help you."

"Ow, my shoulder. Let go of my shoulder." Jack fought against him, pain resonating from the grip of the man. "Where am I? What is this?"

A doctor ran into the room, grabbing a bottle and syringe from a nearby cart. Injecting it into his arm, Jack could feel a warmth spread through his forearm, up through his bicep and into his chest.

"Jack, you're going to feel a little sleepy now. We have to get this IV in your arm and get some x-rays." The doctor placed the syringe into the red hazard disposal container.

Jack felt himself growing tired, unable to keep his eyes open, darkness overtook him once more.

….

A voice calling out to him brought Jack back into the light. Opening his eyes and blinking against the brightness of the white room, Jack could see a blurry image of Lee's face staring at him.

"Hey, there, Brother. Welcome back. You gave us quite a scare."

"Lee?"

"Yep, still me," Lee answered, moving Jack's hair off his face. In a deeper, softer voice, Lee continued, "You really had me worried, Jack. You've been out for a while."

"What time is it?"

"Well," Lee looked at the clock, "It's 2:48 p.m. but it's the 7th."

"What? How long have I been here?"

"You came in yesterday around 4:30."

Jack tried to lift his arm to rub the sleep from his eyes, but was unable to move it. Looking down, he could see that it was wrapped to his body across his stomach.

Looking back to Lee with a confused look on his face, Jack asked, "What happened?"

"You rode like you've never ridden before. Scored a 92.5. Highest score of the night."

"And after that?"

"You got hung up, Jack. The bull really tossed you around pretty bad. The fighters finally got you free but the bull turned on you. Hooked underneath you with his horns and flipped you into the air. You came down on the back of your head."

Jack closed his eyes, his brow furrowed, trying to remember the event, but nothing came to mind. "I don't remember any of that. I don't even remember getting on the bull."

"I don't doubt it. You've got a nasty concussion."

"What's up with my arm?"

"You tore your shoulder when you got hung up. I'll let the doctor explain all of that to you, I don't remember all the medical mumbo jumbo he said."

As if on cue, the doctor stepped into the room and to Jack's side.

"Welcome back, Mr. Thornton. I'm Dr. Kennedy. How are you feeling?"

"Like I've been run over by a bull," Jack tried to laugh but it caused his head to throb even more.

"You might not want to do that for a while. You've got a grade 3 concussion." Dr. Kennedy typed something into the computer and waited for an image to appear on the screen. Looking back and Jack, he continued, "So, you came in here with a pretty good tear in your shoulder. I understand you got hung up on a bull."

"Evidently. I don't remember any of it."

The doctor nodded, "That does not surprise me. It's different with everyone but some people lose a few hours, a few days; some remember after time, some never do. It's very common with this kind of concussion."

Jack nodded.

"Now, regarding your shoulder. You had what's called a type 4 SLAP tear. What that means is, your bicep tendon that runs up here," Dr. Kennedy ran his fingers along Jack's good arm, demonstrating where the tendon laid, "was torn at the labrum. I had to go in and reattach the labrum and repair the bicep tear. You'll have to keep it immobile for two to three weeks and then we'll start rehab on it."

"When can I start riding again?"

"Mr. Thornton. Jack. This was a serious tear. If you injure it again you may never get full use of your shoulder back."

"Okay, I'll be careful. When can I ride again?"

"Jack, I recommend that you never ride again."

…..

November 9th, 2009 – Elite Medical Center

"Jack."

Jack turned his head toward Lee, "What?"

"Wow, welcome back, Buddy. Where were you?"

"Just got snatched by a memory."

"Dustin's dad should be out any minute."

As the guys sat and waited, Lee noticed a tall, slender man walking their way. His features matched those of their friend's and Lee tapped Jack on the arm.

"I think that's him."

The two stood as the middle-aged man dressed in jeans and a t-shirt approached them.

"Jack? Lee?"

"Yes, Sir," Lee stretched out his arm to shake his hand. "I'm Lee."

Jack did the same, "Jack, Sir."

"My name is Adam. Thanks for stopping by to check on Dustin."

"How is he, Sir?" Lee asked.

"He's awake now," Adam started.

Jack and Lee both let out a breath and relief flooded over them.

"He's got a very long road ahead of him. The swelling on his brain is down but it will be a few days before we know the full extent of the damage. He shattered his right femur and will be going in to surgery later today to repair it. Broken ribs, a cracked sternum, and an eye socket fracture. He's partially blind in his left eye." Adam lowered his gaze to the floor and Jack placed his hand on the man's shoulder. "He'll never ride again, Boys. His career is over."

The men stood in silence for a few minutes, processing everything that had happened to Dustin.

"Can we see him?" Jack finally asked.

Adam nodded, "They will only let one in at a time."

"You go ahead and go first, Jack," Lee stated.

Jack followed Adam down a long hallway, lined with doors that held hurting and sick people behind them. As they passed a large nurse's station, Adam turned into a large room; the front wall was lined with windows and a curtain was pulled around the bed.

As Jack stepped around the edge of the blue shield that had kept Dustin from view, the sight before him made Jack's heart stop and his breath catch in his throat. Feeling nausea setting in, Jack's eyes darted around the room, fighting to keep his gaze away from the unrecognizable man in the bed.

The left side of Dustin's face was black and blue, edged in red and swollen. His leg was tightly wrapped and suspended from a sling that hung above the bed. His head was wrapped with a large bandage across the left side of his scalp, apparently the spot where he'd had surgery the day prior.

"Dustin," his dad said softly, placing his hand on his shoulder. "Dustin, someone is here to see you."

His eyes fluttered opened, resting on his dad's face.

"Do you remember Jack Thornton, Son?"

Dustin nodded, barely noticeable if you hadn't been watching him closely. Adam motioned for Jack to step forward.

"Hey, there, Buddy. It's good to see you," Jack said, not sure of how to continue.

His eyes slowly moved to Jack and he could see that the white of Dustin's eye was now red, filled with blood. "Hi...Jack." Dustin struggled to get the words out, his voice was hoarse and ragged.

"You had us all really worried."

"Sorry...about that." Dustin let out a raspy laugh, followed by a cough.

"Take it easy, Dustin," Adam said, his hand still on his son's shoulder.

"I'm just really glad to see you awake and talking. Lee's here, too. He'll be in soon," Jack continued.

"How'd...you do?" Dustin asked.

"I came in first," Jack forced a smile.

Dustin slowly raised his arm, flinching as he did so, and held his hand out to Jack who quickly took it in his right hand, covering it with his left. No words were needed between the two as Jack carefully lowered himself to the edge of the bed, keeping Dustin's hand in his. Seeming to have dozed off, Dustin's grip slowly loosened and Jack lowered his hands to his leg, not letting go of Dustin's.

After a few minutes, he opened his eyes again. "How did...everyone...else do?"

"Guilherme came in second. Lee got fifth; he was super stoked about that. I'll let him tell you all about it when he comes in."

Dustin formed a small smile on his lips, nodding his head slightly, then his eyes closed once more. Jack looked up at Adam who had been watching his son like a hawk.

"I think it's best if we let him sleep," Adam said.

Jack nodded and stood, slowly lowering Dustin's hand to the bed.

"What?" Dustin said suddenly. "No, he can stay, Dad."

"I'll let Lee come in for a bit." Jack said, patting his friend on the arm. "It was really good seeing you, Dustin. You keep getting better and stronger now, alright? I'll be praying for you."

Dustin smiled and nodded, "Good bye, Jack."

Adam walked Jack out, leading back to where Lee was waiting. "Thanks for coming by. It means a lot to Dustin and us."

Jack shook his hand, "Of course, Sir. Dustin is a very close friend. Please keep us posted on his progress." Jack pulled a card from his wallet, "Here's my number."

"Of course, Jack. I will."

As they stepped through the double doors, Lee jumped up from his chair and met them.

"Follow me, Lee. I'll take you to him."

Lee looked at Jack with questioning eyes and Jack frowned, shaking his head.

As he waited for Lee to return, Jack pulled out his phone and began to text Elizabeth.

J: I love you.

E: I love you, too. How is Dustin?

J: He looks horrible but he's alive.

E: How are you?

J: Been better.

E: Lee with you?

J: He's visiting Dustin right now. Only 1 at a time.

Jack's phone began to ring and seeing Elizabeth's name on the caller ID, he quickly answered it.

"Hi, Babe."

"Are you alright?"

"Yes, just hard to see a fellow bull rider and friend down like this. Always a reminder that it could have happened to me just as easily."

"I wondered if that's what was wrong. He'll be alright though?"

"Yes, for the most part. He's partially blind in one eye. He'll never ride again."

"I'm so sorry, Jack. I love you."

"I love you, too." Looking through the windows of the doors that opened to the hall that led to Dustin, Jack saw Lee walking his way. "Lee is coming back. We'll be back soon."

"Okay, Jack. Good bye."

"Bye, Babe."

Jack slid his phone back into his pocket as he stood to meet Lee.

"Wow, that was rough," Lee said as he walked through the doors.

Jack nodded, "I know."

"I'm ready to get out of here."

"Me, too."

…..

November 9th, 2009 – Hope Valley Ranch

Jack carried the large suitcases in through their front door after Elizabeth unlocked and opened it, holding it open for him. Running back out to the truck, she grabbed the two small remaining bags and returned to the house.

Finding Jack in the bedroom, already unpacking his suitcase which was laying on the bed next to hers, she proceeded to unload hers.

With the clothes either in the dirty laundry basket or put back in their home, Elizabeth began packing for their honeymoon.

"Can I have some sort of hint as to where we are going so I know what to pack?" She asked, sticking out her bottom lip and giving Jack her sad puppy dog eyes.

Jack approached her, taking her bottom lip between his own and kissed her hard. "Pack for all weather."

"Fine," she sighed.

Rolling her eyes, she tried to turn from him, but Jack tightened his hold on her waist and returned his lips to hers.

"I will tell you one thing," Jack began. Seeing her eyes light up, Jack smiled as he continued. "You will need clothes for different climates, so pack for anything. Or..." Jack's smile turned to an ornery grin.

"Or what?" She asked.

"Or we can just stay in our room the entire time and you won't need to wear anything."

"Jack Thornton," Elizabeth took his face in her hands, "what am I going to do with you?"

"Take me to bed or lose me forever." Quoting one of his favorite movies, Jack laughed as he scooped her into his arms and carried her to the bed.

…..

November 11th, 2009 – Newark Liberty International Airport

Jack and Elizabeth stepped off the second leg of their trip so far into the Newark Liberty Airport, where they would board their final flight in two hours.

"Want to find something to eat?" Jack asked as he slid his hand into hers.

"Yes, I'm starving."

After eating, with her hand in his, Jack led her to their gate where they found two empty seats near the desk. Looking up, Elizabeth noticed the sign hanging above it read London.

A smile covered her face and her eyes lit up, "We're going to London?"

Jack smiled at her enthusiasm, "Yes, we're going to see your sister and her family."

Elizabeth leaned and wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him too tight.

Pulling her arms loose slightly so he could breathe, Jack asked, "Excited?"

"Sorry," she laughed, loosening her hold a little more, "yes, Jack, I am very excited to see her again. I haven't seen her in over three years." She kissed him softly then looked him in the eyes, "How did you pull this off? Have you talked to Viola?"

"Your mom helped me get in contact with her, and yes, I've spoken to her a few times."

"Thank you so much, Jack." Elizabeth kissed him again then laid her head on his shoulder.

"Good afternoon, passengers. This is the pre-boarding announcement for British Airways flight 1511 to London. We are now inviting those passengers with small children and any passengers requiring special assistance to begin boarding at this time. Please have your identification and boarding pass ready. Regular boarding will begin at approximately ten minutes time. Thank you."

The announcement made Elizabeth's heart begin to race with excitement as she sat up straight in her chair and picked up her purse.

Laughing, Jack laid his hand on hers, "We still have a few minutes, Beth."

"I know, I'm just so excited to see Viola."

Proud at the elation it was giving Elizabeth, Jack leaned back in his seat, smiling.

"Flight 1511 to London will now begin boarding at Gate 15 for First Class and special passengers at this time."

Jack stood, picking up his bag, and held his hand out to Elizabeth.

"They are only boarding First Class," she stated.

Jack's smile grew across his face, his dimples in full view. "I know. That's us."

"Really?" Taking his hand, she stood and kissed him. "You sure are spoiling me."

"Get used to it, Baby. I'll never stop."

….

Halfway through their seven-hour flight, Elizabeth rolled over in her chair which was lying down flat. After a two-hour nap, she watched Jack as she laid with her head on the tiny airline pillow. He was watching something on his tablet and had his headphones on. With a very serious look on his face, he watched intently, rewinding slightly occasionally.

Elizabeth reached over, sliding her hand down the inside of his thigh. Almost dropping the tablet, Jack jumped at the sudden touch.

Pulling his headphones off and grinning, Jack slid down into his seat and looked over at Elizabeth. "Hi," he said, running his hand down her arm.

"Hi." Elizabeth slid her hand further up his thigh.

"Why, Mrs. Thornton. Are you getting fresh with me?" Jack grinned, flashing his dimples.

Grabbing his shirt, Elizabeth pulled him over the small gap between their seats and kissed him, slipping her tongue through his lips and brushing it against his.

Pulling back, surprised by her boldness, Jack looked at her wide eyed. "Wow. Um, wanting something?"

Elizabeth grinned, wiggling her eyebrows. "Can I see what you're watching?"

Jack rolled his eyes, "tease." Laughing, he picked the tablet up and turned the screen back on, pushed play and handed it to Elizabeth.

Elizabeth saw someone working with a horse in a round pen, preparing to put a saddle on it. "You're watching training videos? Don't you already know how to do all of this?"

"Every trainer has different methods. Some methods work with certain horses when others won't."

"Oh, that's very interesting."

"Yes, it's sometimes a challenge to find what method will work with what horse. Take Wrangler for example, I couldn't get near him, but he loves you. And through you, I have been able to do some work with him. I want to start breaking him to ride so I'm just looking at a few of my favorite trainers to see if they have something that I never thought of trying."

Elizabeth handed the tablet back to Jack. "Does your mind ever shut off?"

Jack leaned over and kissed her, "Not usually." He laid his seat down the rest of the way, and scooted back against the wall that separated them from the person next to him. "Come over here," he motioned for her to come over and lay beside him.

Grabbing her pillow and tossing it to his side, she slid over and pulled her blanket with her. With their legs interlocked, arms wrapped around each other, blanket covering them, Elizabeth rested her head against Jack's chest as he held her tight.

With the lights turned down low, the hum of the plane the only sound in the cabin, and being in the comfort of each other's arms, Jack and Elizabeth were both quickly asleep. Their flight had left at 7:50 p.m. New Jersey time and would arrive at 7:30 a.m. London time. Knowing it would be 1:30 a.m. in Missouri when they land, both knew they needed to try to get some sleep now.

After a short nap, Jack woke to the sound of a baby crying in coach. Looking down at his wife who remained in his arms, Jack reached his hand up to her cheek and gently brushed his thumb across it. Still unaware as to why this beautiful, godly woman chose him, Jack said another prayer of thanks for her being in his life. Settling back into her scent and warmth, Jack was asleep once more, dreaming of life's possibilities.

…..

Two hours later, Jack woke to find Elizabeth staring at him and smiling.

"What?" he asked, returning the expression.

Smiling, Elizabeth reached up and touched his face. "Just looking at the sexiest man alive."

Jack sat up onto his elbow, looking around them in exaggerated motions. "Who are you looking at?" He said, teasingly.

"Very funny, Jack."

Jack lowered back down, taking her lips in his. Still under the blanket, Elizabeth slid her hand up to the front of Jack's jeans and began rubbing up and down.

"Beth Thornton," Jack said, grabbing her hand. "What are you doing?"

"Touching my husband whenever I want," she answered, grinning.

Jack looked around them then back to Elizabeth. "Watch where I go then come join me in two minutes."

"What?"

"I'd like to join the Mile High Club with you," he replied, winking.

Jack could see in her face that she was working through her thoughts, then her eyes lit up and she nodded.

Jack stood and walked toward the First Class lavatories; Elizabeth peeked over the partitions to see which one he entered. Waiting for two minutes, she got up and followed his path to the same door and quietly knocked.

Jack opened the door and Elizabeth stepped inside. As soon as it was locked, their hands were all over each other, tugging at clothes, feeling each other's warm skin. Elizabeth, wearing a long multicolored paisley printed skirt and white t-shirt, reached under her skirt and pulled her underwear off, while Jack made quick work out of unhooking his buckle and unfastening his jeans. Pulling them just off his hips, Jack grabbed Elizabeth and set her onto the small counter and lifted her skirt up.

Grabbing her hips and sliding her to the edge, he pressed inside her, as Elizabeth wrapped her arms behind Jack's neck and bit her lip to keep herself quiet.

Hearing a slight moan escape her lips, Jack took them with his and stifled her sounds.

Between the excitement of being on a plane, the fire that burned inside them, and their unending love for one another, Jack and Elizabeth both quickly reached climax. Moving his arms behind her and holding her against him, Elizabeth's arms still behind his neck, Jack rested his chin on her shoulder as they held each other, waiting for their breath and heartbeats to return to normal.

Once they regained their composure, adjusted, smoothed and buttoned their clothes, Jack gave Elizabeth a quick kiss on the lips before opening the door to let her out. Two minutes after she'd returned to her seat, Jack joined her, both grinning ear to ear. Returning to their places in Jack's seat, he pulled the blanket across them and pulled her tight against his chest, kissing the top of her head.

"I love you, Beth," he whispered into her hair. "I thank God every day for bringing you into my life that day at the barn. The first time I ever felt your skin against mine, that first handshake, I felt something go through me and I knew I wanted you in my life."

Elizabeth tipped her head back, their faces only a few inches apart. "I felt something then, too."

Grinning, Jack touched his forehead on hers, "Is that why I had to ask for my hand back?"

The couple laughed as Elizabeth buried her head into Jack's shoulder, both tightening their arms around one another, both knowing that this once in a lifetime love was theirs to protect.

…..

In their own seats and upright, TV screens tucked away, seatbelts on, hand in hand and hearts beginning to race with excitement, they focused on the descent of the plane as it came in contact with the runway and began to quickly slow down and taxi into the terminal.

Jack turned his head toward his wife, seeing a large smile across her face. "Are you excited?"

Elizabeth looked to Jack, "You have no idea," she answered, her smile growing even larger. "Viola and I haven't exactly been that close, and I didn't think it'd bother me that she couldn't be at the wedding, but truthfully, it did a little. I'm so excited for her to meet you."

Jack leaned over and reaching up, smoothed out a section of her hair that had gotten messed up while she'd been laying down. Covering her lips with his, he gave her a long, loving kiss as he held her cheek in his hand.

With the plane stopped, noises from below signaling that the luggage that had been held in its belly was being removed, the door opened and people began to slowly file out. Jack removed their carry-ons and hung one on each shoulder as he followed Elizabeth, who was slipping her thin, long sleeved denim shirt on, down the aisle and off the plane.

Holding hands as they made their way through the airport, reading signs that pointed them in the direction of the start of their long-anticipated honeymoon, they finally reached the area where Viola and her family would be waiting for them.

As soon as the sisters made eye contact, tears began to fall down both of their cheeks as they ran into each other's arms, holding each other tighter than they had ever done before.

Jack approached Lionel, Viola's husband, and stuck his arm out to shake his hand. "Hi, I'm Jack. You must be Lionel."

"Yes, Jack. Great to finally meet you." The two men stood back as the sisters held one other, laughed and wiped the tears from each other's face, then hugged again.

Once they finished with their much needed reunion, Elizabeth stepped next to Jack and proudly introduced her husband to her sister.

"Very wonderful to meet you, Jack," Viola said as she hugged her new brother-in-law.

"You, too, Viola," Jack replied, smiling at his new extended family.

"How was your flight?" Lionel asked the couple.

Jack slipped his hand into Elizabeth's and squeezed it, "Very good. Very...uneventful." He grinned, squeezing her hand again.

"Well, uneventful with a flight is always a great thing," Lionel commented.

"Where are the kids?" Elizabeth asked.

"They're at home with the nanny. Amelia is very excited to see you again."

"Wow, she was what, five last time I saw her? And Max was two."

"Yes, they're eight and five now."

"I can't wait to see them."

"Well, let's get your luggage and get going then." Viola slipped her arm through Elizabeth's and the sisters walked toward luggage claim, chattering along the way; followed by Jack and Lionel who were discussing all the can't miss sights of London.

As Lionel drove their Land Rover, taking the long way home, Elizabeth pointed out different landmarks and sights to Jack, sharing what she knew of each one. Jack was in awe at the history that engulfed the landscape and architecture, soaking in everything Elizabeth shared with him.

…..

Later that day, as Elizabeth and Viola fixed dinner, Jack was in the family room playing with Amelia and Max.

"He is so good with kids," Viola said as she drained the water from the pasta.

"I know. Skylar loved him, never wanted to leave his side. And you should see him with his niece and nephews. He's amazing with kids."

"So...?"

Elizabeth looked at her sister and cocked her head. "So...what?"

"When are you two having a baby?"

Elizabeth rolled her eyes and returned her attention to the veggies she was cutting. "We just got married, Vi. We plan on waiting for at least a little while. We want some time with just the two of us."

"I don't know, Beth. That doesn't look like a man who wants to wait."

Elizabeth set her knife down and looked back to Viola. "You've known him a whole...what...five minutes. How do you know what he wants?"

"Elizabeth, Lionel and I love each other, very much. But if he looked at me the way Jack looks at you...I would just melt. And you look at him the same way. There is no denying how much you love each other."

"I will agree with you on that one, Sis. But what does that have to do with having kids?"

"Usually, when two people love each other just a fraction of you two, a family is always in the back of their minds to extend their love for one another. Trust me, when he looks at you, he sees you carrying his children. And the way he is with all the kids in his life." Viola chuckled, "I just think you should be prepared for him wanting to start your family sooner than later."

Elizabeth giggled along with her sister, "He has told me that he can't wait to see me carrying his child."

"See, I told you." Viola winked at her sister and poured the pasta into a bowl.

"We've talked about it, Vi. He wants to wait, too." She added the vegetables to a large bowl filled with a variety of lettuce and tossed it together.

"We'll see."

"So," attempting to change the subject, "how's work going?"

…..

Once dinner was over, dishes done, and the kids in bed, the two couples retired to the sitting room.

"Would you like some Scotch?" Lionel asked Jack as he poured himself a glass.

"That sounds great, Lionel. Thank you," Jack replied.

Lionel poured a second and handed the Glencairn whiskey glass to Jack. Both men swirled the glasses and sniffed the aromas that escaped.

After a quick sip, Jack turned to Lionel, "Wow, this is some great Scotch."

"It's Bowmore 15."

"I've heard of that and have been wanting to try it. Definitely impressive."

The men continued discussing different liquors then moved on to a few other subjects, including Jack's bull riding, while the women discussed all the details of the wedding.

"It sounds like it was just beautiful, Beth. I really wish we could have been there."

"It's alright. I understand why you couldn't. I'm just glad to see you now."

"Jack is pretty amazing; he planned this whole trip himself. I must say, I was quite surprised when he called us."

Elizabeth looked over to Jack, smiling, pride clearly showing on her face. "Yes, he is amazing."

…..

The next two days included riding a double decker bus, a walk through Hyde Park, driving by Big Ben, crossing the London Bridge, touring Buckingham Palace, and taking an evening ride on the London Eye, the giant Ferris wheel. Many other iconic locations were included in their travels as Viola and Lionel showed them the best spots to visit; including Soho and a cruise on the Thames.

On the evening of the third night, Jack pulled Elizabeth aside, "You need to go pack now."

"What? Why?" Elizabeth's expression turned from pure joy from their adventures of the day to fear that something had happened.

Jack rubbed his hands along her arms, "Because this was just the first stop on our honeymoon. We leave in an hour to head to our second stop."

Her face lit up as she looked into Jack's eyes. "Where are we going now?"

"Haven't you learned not to ask me that question? I'm not telling you," Jack said then kissed the tip of her nose. "Now hurry and pack so we can visit with your family a little while before we leave."

Elizabeth spun and ran up the steps to the guest bedroom as Jack shook his head and turned, laughing, to join Lionel in his office.

An hour later, Jack and Elizabeth said their goodbyes with lots of hugs and a few tears, then luggage in hand, stepped outside and to the cab that was waiting for them out front.

Twenty minutes later, the cab pulled up to the curb in front of the St. Pancras International Train Station. Climbing out of the car, Jack and the driver removed their luggage from the trunk as Elizabeth waited on the sidewalk.

Setting the suitcases next to Elizabeth, Jack cupped her face in his hands and covered her lips with his. "Are you ready for our next adventure?"

Elizabeth smiled and nodded, wrapping her arms around his neck, she kissed him again.