Jack and Elizabeth finally get to enjoy their honeymoon...so this is basically one huge steam alert. If this is not for you, you can skip this chapter. Thank you, everyone!

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November 14th, 2009 – St. Pancras International Trail Station – London

As they stood on the platform waiting for their train, Elizabeth listened to conversations that were taking place around her. Hearing Paris mentioned several times, she turned to Jack, smiling ear to ear.

"What are you smiling about?" Jack asked, grinning at the expression on his wife's face.

"We're going to Paris, aren't we?" She asked, barely able to contain herself.

Jack's smile grew as he nodded his head, "Yes, we're going to Paris."

Elizabeth squealed and jumped into Jack's arms, tears of happiness beginning to flow.

"Oh, my gosh, Jack. You are amazing. You are too good to me." She grabbed his face with her hands and kissed him hard on the lips.

Wrapping his arms tight around her waist, he deepened the kiss, feeling the heat she caused beginning to stir inside him.

"No, Beth. You are too good for me. I'm just trying to make up for the difference." Jack looked into her eyes with the obvious look of love that Viola had mentioned.

"Jack, that is not true. Not one bit. You are a good man, a great man. You don't have to prove anything to me more than you already have." Elizabeth tightened her hold around his neck and whispered into his ear, "you are perfect for me, Jack. Nothing less. And don't ever forget that."

Jack's arms tightened slightly around her as he buried his face into her hair and took a deep breath in, smelling her light, floral perfume.

The train arrived as they remained in each other's arms, passersby glancing their way, smiling at the love shared between two people.

Finally releasing each other, they picked up their luggage and moved closer to the Eurostar high speed train and watched as smiling faces, businessmen, children, and a variety of other types of people step off the train and continue on their ways.

Once settled in their premier seats, Elizabeth laid her head on Jack's shoulder and held his hand in hers. Jack tipped his head onto hers and they remained that way until the train began to move. Once the train reached its cruising speed of 186 miles per hour, they were served their champagne and a delicious three-course meal, which they enjoyed while they enthusiastically discussed the possibilities of Paris.

After the quick 2 ½ hour train ride, the train pulled into the Gare du Nord station in Paris. Retrieving their luggage and manhandling it through the train, Jack and Elizabeth took their first steps onto the Paris soil and Jack watched as Elizabeth's face lit up. Quickly flagging down a cab and getting their suitcases loaded into the trunk with the help of the driver, the couple snuggled together in the back seat of the car as the driver pulled out onto the street.

"Which hotel, Sir?" The cab driver asked.

"Shangri-La. But can you take us by the Eiffel Tower on the way if it isn't already."

"Certainly, Sir."

Elizabeth looked up to Jack, smiling, then returned her gaze out the window, watching her favorite city pass by as they neared the destination she'd wanted to visit most of her life.

As the Eiffel Tower came into view, Elizabeth was leaning onto the door, her window down and cool air blowing in her face.

"It's so beautiful," she exclaimed, her eyes as big as a child's on Christmas morning. "Just like I'd imagined."

Jack scooted over next to her and peered out her window. "That's magnificent!"

The cab driver slowed as they passed it, allowing them to see it in all its glory, the golden hue of the lights lighting up the night's sky. Elizabeth grabbed her phone and began snapping photo after photo.

As the driver pulled to a stop outside their hotel, Elizabeth stepped out and her gaze slowly moved upward, taking in the gorgeous architecture of the Shangri-La, with its ivory brick facia and black iron railings and gates.

Gathering their luggage and finding their room, Jack unlocked the door and stepped inside.

"Wait right here," Jack said to her as he quickly moved their luggage inside the suite. Returning to the hall where Elizabeth waited, he scooped her up into his arms and carried her, laughing and wiggling, into the room. Slowly lowering her to the floor, Jack covered her lips with his, keeping her body against his with no space between them.

Pulling back from her, Jack pushed her hair back from her face. "So beautiful," he said, his eyes scanning her face. "Make yourself at home, I'll get our suitcases into the bedroom."

Elizabeth checked out the beautiful space they would be living in for the next several days. The entire suite was ivory with gold accents throughout. A sitting room with doors that opened to the terrace was the first room she walked through. One way led you to a small kitchenette and the other led to the bedroom. Elizabeth slowly walked through the room, making her way to the terrace. Opening the doors, she stepped outside, her breath taken away by the view. Covering her mouth and tears filling her eyes, she stepped to the railing and stared at the Eiffel Tower, which looked so close that she thought she might be able to reach out and touch it.

Joining her, Jack stepped up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. "What a view," he stated as the couple stood, staring at the massive tower. Just then, the tower began to sparkle as the twinkling lights began to flash. Looking at his watch and seeing it was 11 p.m., Jack stated, "Right on time."

Turning in his arms to face him, the tears now slipping down her cheeks, she wrapped her arms around him and buried her face into his chest.

Worried, Jack gently took her shoulders and pushed her back, then moved his hand to her chin and lifted her face toward his own.

"What's wrong, Beth? Do you not like it?"

"Jack, this is perfect. Too perfect. It's just so much." She wiped the tears from her face, "I'm such a mess. I'm sorry, I'm spoiling things."

Taking her hands and pulling them up, moving them behind his head and her arms around his neck, he pulled her in against him. "You aren't spoiling a thing. I just wanted everything to be perfect for you."

"It is, Jack. It's more than perfect. Thank you."

Jack kissed her and their passion began to escalate as he reached under her jacket and untucked her shirt from her jeans. Slowly unbuttoning her shirt, taking his time with each button, kissing her as he worked through his task, he slid her shirt and jacket off her shoulders and let them drop to the floor of the terrace.

Standing in the light of the full moon, Jack's eyes slowly moved down Elizabeth's body, now wearing only her jeans and red lace bra.

"Give me a moment," she smiled, picked up her jacket and shirt, and stepped away, her fingers slowly sliding from his hand as the distance grew.

Jack stood at the railing, looking over the gorgeous city before him. Feeling a chill in the air, he stepped inside and closed the doors. Remaining at the windows, he rested one hand on the glass, leaning against it and continued to watch the lights move around the city. After a few minutes, he felt Elizabeth's arms come around his body, her hands slipping under the hem of his t-shirt. Standing on her toes, she kissed the base of his neck and Jack tipped his head back, a slight moan passing through his lips.

He covered her hands with his, slowly moving his hands back and forth along her arms that crossed his abdomen. Elizabeth's fingers slid across his six pack, feeling the muscles tighten and flex, reacting to her touch. Jack moved his hands back to her hips, and feeling lace, he spun around to face her.

Looking down, he saw she was wearing a black baby doll lace negligee. Attempting to catch his breath that had been sucked from his lungs, he stepped back to get a better look, keeping her hands in his. The halter top negligee had a lace overlay with a sheer, flirty fly-away front and ruffled hem. A bow was tied in the front between her breasts and she wore matching black lace panties.

"Beth..." Her name came out in only a breath, he was unable to form any audible words.

Taking a step back toward her, he took her face in his hands and covered her mouth with his. Moving his tongue between her parted lips, it grazed her teeth and brushed against her own. Both felt the familiar inner fire begin to burn, filling their entire bodies with a heat that needed to be extinguished.

Spinning around, keeping his mouth on hers, he pressed her body against the window, lacing his fingers into her long, auburn hair. Elizabeth felt the cold of the glass on her back, but it was quickly replaced by warmth as Jack stoked the fire burning inside her.

She pushed his jacket off his shoulders and it fell to the floor at his feet. Pulling at his t-shirt, she lifted it over his head, their lips parting only long enough to allow the shirt to pass over his head. With his hands returning to her hair, Elizabeth laid her hands on his chest, her heartbeat matched the one she felt pounding against the skin below the surface of where her hand rested. Slowly sliding her hand up from his pecs to his shoulders, she could feel him tense as the eagerness of his kisses slowed.

Elizabeth's touch always did a number on Jack, sending his desire into overdrive. He wanted this evening to last, he wanted to take care of Elizabeth's wants and needs first. Pulling back from her, he drew in a deep cleansing breath and slowly blew it out, his eyes fixed on hers. Taking her hands, he led her away from the window and closer to the bed.

Stopping at the foot of the bed, Jack turned and pulled Elizabeth to him. Sliding one hand behind her and resting it in the small of her back, he tucked her hair behind her ear with the other.

"God, you're gorgeous." His eyes searched her face and he thought that his heart might burst. Jack laid his hands on the satin strap of the halter top, and following the silky fabric behind her neck, pulled the ends, untying the bow and letting the straps fall in front of her.

He brushed his hands across her shoulders and down her arms. Elizabeth moved her hands to his jeans, slowly unbuttoning and unzipping them. Returning her lips to his, she pressed her body against his bare chest, feeling his strong, muscular arms tighten around her.

His lips were soft and moist on hers, warm and eager in movements as his tongue traced the inside of her mouth, brushing along her tongue.

Elizabeth slid her thumbs inside the waistband of his jeans and boxer briefs and pushed them over his hips and down until they fell to the floor. Using his foot, Jack pushed his boot off, and then the other and stepped out of his clothes.

Slipping his fingers under the band of her negligee top, he pulled it up and over her head, uncovering her soft, sun kissed skin and perfect athletic shape. Without removing his eyes from hers, he tossed the lacy top onto the edge of the bed.

Pushing his body against hers, Jack backed her toward the bed until her legs hit the mattress. Sitting down, she pulled herself onto the bed, inching backward up the mattress toward the headboard, while Jack crawled over her, keeping his eyes locked with hers.

When she reached the top, she dropped down; her head on the pillow. Jack lowered himself onto her, pressing his hips down onto hers. Cupping the side of her neck with his hand, he lowered his lips to the other side, sucking and nipping at her skin. His lips made a trail from her neck down across her chest, stopping on her left breast, he took it in his mouth. Teasing her hardened nipple with his tongue, Elizabeth arched her back toward him, wanting more.

Interlacing her fingers into Jack's hair, Elizabeth pulled his head down, causing him to take her breast deeper into his mouth, as he moved his hand down to cover and caress her other one.

Moving down, Jack kissed across her stomach, sliding his hands down to her waist. Gripping the waistband of her panties, she lifted her hips as he pulled them down and off of her. Pushing her legs apart, Jack pressed his lips to the inside of her thigh, leaving a wet trail with his tongue up her leg and toward her aching flesh where his tongue explored her intimately.

Elizabeth grabbed the bedding, tightening her grip as hard as she could as an energy and fire ravaged through her entire body. The warmth consumed her as Jack's tongue continued to move, building an immense feeling in her abdomen. An explosion began to flow through her body and Elizabeth let out a sudden breath followed by a moan.

Immediately, Jack moved up and entered her, pressing hard and deep, extending her orgasm. Moving inside her, Jack couldn't believe the incredible feeling it brought him. His heart raced and his mouth went dry as he watched Elizabeth's reactions to his movements.

Elizabeth moved her legs around Jack's waist, locking her ankles behind him,, drawing him in even deeper inside her. Moving her hips with his caused Jack begin to increase his thrusts, bringing them both to the peak of climax again.

Jack dropped down beside her, trying to catch his breath. Elizabeth rolled to her side, resting her arm across his chest and moved her leg up onto his. Jack placed his hand across her leg and rested it behind her knee, pulling it up slightly. Moving his arm behind her, Jack cradled her against him as the two fell asleep, both feeling safe and content in each other's arms.

…..

November 15th, 2009 – Shangri La, Paris

The following morning, Elizabeth woke to find the white down comforter draped across her and Jack. Feeling the warmth of his breath against the back of her neck, she rolled over to face him. The movement caused Jack to roll onto his back, but he remained asleep.

Elizabeth pulled the blanket down, revealing Jack's torso. She felt as if she was looking at perfection: his six-pack abs, his defined pecs, his large biceps. Elizabeth's eyes scanned his body, tanned from working so many hours outdoors. Moving her eyes to his face, she gently brushed her fingertips along his masculine jawline. Jack stirred slightly, then settled back into his slumber.

Moving her hands down to his chest, she softly ran her fingers along the edges of each muscle, feeling the definition of each one. Seeing his scars on his shoulder and ribs, she brushed her fingertips over the rough skin, almost sensing the pain that created them. Making her way lower, she reached her hand under the blanket, taking hold of Jack's shaft.

Shocked out of sleep, Jack partially sat up and looked down to see Elizabeth grinning at him. Moving her hand, she felt him grow hard and erect with her touch. Rolling part way and grabbing her by her waist, Jack pulled Elizabeth on top of him.

"Good morning," Jack said, smiling and brushing her hair from her face.

"Good morning," Elizabeth replied, covering his lips with hers.

…..

Walking toward the Eiffel Tower, hand in hand, Jack and Elizabeth stopped and asked someone if they could take their photo. Wearing his brown, leather jacket and a new scarf that Elizabeth had picked out in a shop along the way, Jack handed the man his phone with the camera app already open. Elizabeth was wearing her denim jacket and the couple stood smiling with the Eiffel tower behind them as the man took several photos for them.

Thanking the gentleman and retrieving his phone, Jack took Elizabeth's hand and led her toward the tower, both in awe at the sheer size of it.

…..

Standing on the first floor, the couple looked out over the city, pointing out different landmarks to be sure to stop by during their visit. After looking at the view for a few minutes, Jack pulled Elizabeth into him, covering her lips with his.

"I love you," he smiled. "I just wanted to be the only one to kiss you in the Eiffel Tower."

Elizabeth reached up and kissed him again, "And me, you."

Taking her hand, they made their way to the second floor where they enjoyed a delicious French meal at Le Jules Verne, a Micheline-starred restaurant, where Jack had made reservations a month prior.

Stepping out of the restaurant and taking in the breathtaking view, Elizabeth pointed out the Louvre and stated how she'd always wanted to go there. After promising that they would, Jack led her to the lift that would take them to the top of the tower.

After a quick one-minute ride in the glass walled lift, they stepped off to an amazing sight like they'd never seen before. Standing at over a thousand feet tall, the views from the top level were spectacular. Able to see the entire city, Elizabeth pointed out even more places she had dreamed of visiting. Making a mental note of each one, Jack stood behind her with his arms around her waist, listening to her childlike enthusiasm as she spoke about each place.

…..

After a long day of touring the city, Jack and Elizabeth returned to their hotel room to freshen up before dinner.

"Where are the reservations?" Elizabeth asked as she slipped out of her clothes.

Jack picked up a paper from the side table next to the bed. "Umm...Lazer...Lazerie."

Elizabeth giggled at Jack's pronunciation.

"What's so funny?" He asked.

"You mean Lasserre?" She said with a slight French accent.

Jack smiled, "Yes, that's it."

Elizabeth stood in the huge walk-in closet, sliding her dresses and blouses across the rod, trying to decide which one to wear. Walking over to a drawer that held her underclothes, she pulled it open and something caught her eye.

"Oh, Rosie," she grinned as she let the fabric slide through her fingers.

"What, Honey?" Jack called out from the next room.

"Oh, nothing. Just talking to myself."

Remembering one of their shopping ventures in Vegas and Rosemary being adamant that Elizabeth needed to purchase this, she pulled it from the drawer. Returning her attention to her dresses, she settled on a long black one, one she thought would grab Jack's attention. But then anything she wore grabbed Jack's attention.

Walking out of the bathroom in her dress, her hair down in loose curls and her makeup impeccably done, Jack took one look at her and stopped in his tracks. She was wearing a silk velvet maxi dress with snaps up the entire front stopping at a deep V-neckline. It was completed with dainty fluttery sleeves and a front slit that landed mid-thigh, and paired with black stockings and black stilettos.

"Elizabeth, you look amazing."

"So do you, Jack." Elizabeth said, surprise in her voice as she looked Jack up and down.

He was wearing a fitted black, long sleeve button-up shirt with his sleeves rolled, light grey slacks with a matching jacket draped across his arm, and a black belt and dress shoes.

"Where did you get those?" Elizabeth asked, moving her finger up and down, motioning toward his clothes.

"I've never been to Paris before but I was pretty sure that my boots and jeans wouldn't cut it here, so I went shopping with Lee and Rosie one day back home while you were busy."

Grinning, he stepped toward her and wrapped one arm around her waist as he gently brushed her cheek with his thumb. Being careful not to ruin her makeup, he softly kissed her on the lips. Gently tucking her hair behind her ear, Jack's eyes moved from her lips to her eyes and back. Every time he looked into her crystal blue eyes, Jack felt as if his heart would stop. His love for her ran deep, deeper than any ocean. His desire for her would surpass the heat of any forest fire.

At times early on, he had been unable to comprehend the feelings and emotions that were generated from her presence. But Jack quickly learned to navigate this new world he was in, this overwhelming love that forced its way into his heart. At a critical time in his life, he had two roads laid before him, having picked the one that had led to nothing but destruction, Jack never thought he could return to the other. But when Elizabeth had been a beacon to the path of a life that Jack had always wanted, he did everything in his power to find his way back.

Elizabeth lifted her hand to his cheek, bringing Jack back to the present. "What are you thinking?" She asked, slipping her hand back into his hair.

"Just thinking about roads and detours," Jack grinned, flashing his dimples.

"Roads and detours?" She asked.

"Nothing." He smiled and kissed her again, getting her bright red lipstick on his own lips.

Letting it go, having learned how Jack's mind works, she smiled and wiped the red hue from his lips. "Ready to go?"

"Absolutely." Jack held the long black coat up for her to slide her arms into, then lifted it onto her shoulders. Putting her arm through Jack's, the couple walked down the hall toward the elevator.

…..

As they exited the hotel, Elizabeth saw a horse drawn carriage waiting at the end of the sidewalk just outside the black iron gates of Shangri La.

"Oh, Jack. That would be so much fun. We should do that while we're here," she stated as she pointed toward the carriage.

Smiling, Jack replied, "Ok, we definitely will."

As they reached the end of the walk, Jack approached the carriage and holding his hand out for her, said, "May I help you up, Ma'am?"

"What? This is for us?" Elizabeth smiled.

Jack simply nodded and continued to hold his hand out. Taking it, Elizabeth stepped up into the carriage, followed by Jack. Jack pulled up the blanket that was provided and tucked it around their legs, then wrapped his arm around her shoulders and held her close to him, keeping her warm.

…..

Returning to their room after a delectable meal at the restaurant, Jack pulled her coat off, draped it over a nearby chair, then grabbed her hand and spun Elizabeth to face him, covering her lips with his.

"I have been wanting to do that to you all evening but I didn't want to spoil your makeup."

Giggling, Elizabeth kissed him again, reaching behind his neck, she pressed her body against his.

"Whoa," Jack said, stepping back to catch his breath. "I take it you've been wanting to do that all evening as well?"

Elizabeth nodded and ran her hand along the neckline of her dress. Looking down, Jack raised his hands to the top snap of her dress and popped it open. Kissing her neck, he slowly unsnapped them, one at a time. After seven snaps were open, Jack glanced down then returned to her neck. Suddenly stopping, he returned his gaze to the open area of her dress. Elizabeth giggled as she saw Jack's eyes widen.

"What are you wearing?" He exclaimed, a bit louder than he'd planned.

Jack could see the top of a plunging pink and black negligee. Pulling the top of the dress open to reveal a little more, Jack could see the bright pink, lace covered cups that covered her breasts were outlined in black with a black satin ribbon wrapped around her and tied in a bow in the front. Unsnapping a few more and opening the dress wider showed that black straps and a pink lace skirt hung from the brassiere and scooped to the back.

Jack quickly unsnapped the remainder of the dress and threw it open, took a step back and exclaimed, "Oh God!"

Elizabeth stood with her hands on her hips, holding the dress open, allowing Jack to see the entire outfit that she'd been hiding that evening. Pink lace panties with a black G-string was attached to garter straps that held up black stockings, topped with pink lace bands.

Looking at the front of his slacks, Elizabeth could see that her outfit had the response that she'd wanted. Stepping forward, she grabbed the front of his waistband and jerked him toward her, landing her lips on his.

"You look really amazing tonight, Jack," she said, unbuckling his belt. "I mean, don't get me wrong, I love you in your Wranglers. But this look on you. Mmmmm...quite good, too." She pulled his belt through the loops and tossed it over her shoulder, hearing it hit the floor behind her. Turning him, she pulled his suit jacket off and laid it over her own before turning him back to face her.

"Why, Mrs. Thornton." Jack said, stepping back slightly to look at her outfit once more. "You are quite forward this evening."

"Well, having a husband that looks and acts like you, would make any woman want to rip his clothes off and have her way with him."

Jack laughed as he slid his hands down her arms. Elizabeth watched him as his eyes moved up and down her body.

"Damn, Elizabeth." Jack tugged at the bow between her breasts. "This is not going to be on you much longer."

Elizabeth slapped his hand, stopping him just before he untied the bow. "Not yet, Mr. Thornton. Patience."

"Beth, you wear this and all patience is out the window." Jack tried to pull the ribbon again.

Grabbing his hands, Elizabeth held his arms open as she stepped in and pressed her body against his. Returning her fingers to his pants, she continued to unbutton and unzip them. Pulling his shirt from his opened slacks, Elizabeth began to unbutton it, kissing his chest as she worked her way down until the shirt was completely opened. She pushed it off his shoulders, letting it drop to the floor at their feet.

Taking his hand, she led him to the bed, turned him to face her, and pushed him back until he fell onto the mattress. Pushing her dress off her shoulders and letting it drop to the floor, she motioned for Jack to move up the bed. Obeying, Jack moved up until his head was on the pillow and Elizabeth crawled up the bed, straddling Jack along the way.

Jack reached up to her bow again as Elizabeth sat at his waist. Grabbing his hands again, she pinned them to the bed, her face hovering above his.

"You need to keep your hands right here." She lowered further and kissed him hard and deep.

"But, Beth."

"Nope. Keep your hands here. No touching."

"What? I can't not touch you," Jack exclaimed, trying to wrap his arms around her.

She grabbed his forearms and pushed them back to the bed. "Jack, keep your arms here." Her voice was more demanding as Jack complied and kept his arms by his head.

"Okay," he conceded.

Elizabeth returned her attention to Jack's body as her lips traced his neck and collarbone. Working her way down, she circled his nipple with her tongue before taking it between her teeth. Jack's body jerked and he let out a gasp. Instinctively, he moved his hand to her back and Elizabeth grabbed his arm again and held it next to his body. Keeping her hand there, gripping his forearm, she continued to kiss him, working her way along the small trail of hair just above his waistband. Releasing his arm, she grabbed his pants and finished undressing him.

Moving back over him, she ran her hands up the inside of his thighs. Jack covered his head with his arms, using every ounce of his being to keep his hands to himself. Taking Jack in her hand, she stroked him, causing his body to react by pressing his hips toward her. Lowering her head, she took him in her mouth, keeping her hand on the lower half of his shaft. Circling the head with her tongue, she could feel Jack writhing and heard him smack his fist against the mattress.

Jack's breathing became erratic as he attempted to keep his hands to himself. Wanting to grab her and pull her up and onto him, Jack began to reach for her, then drew his hands back to his head.

Feeling that Jack was getting close and not wanting it to end yet, she sat up and moved over him again. Reaching his lips, she pressed hers to his, the taste of beer still lingered on his tongue.

"Beth," Jack said, barely audible.

Stopping with her face over his, Elizabeth was staring into his eyes when he opened his.

"Are you okay?" She asked.

Hesitantly, Jack moved his hands to the sides of her face and tangled his fingers in her hair. Pulling her back down, he covered her mouth with his, slipping his tongue between her parted lips.

"You are driving me wild." He finally said, stopping only to breathe. Pushing her up, he looked back at the bow that held her top on. "May I?" He asked, pointing to the satin ribbon.

Elizabeth smiled and nodded and Jack slowly pulled the satin, watching the loop of the bow get smaller. As the pink lace brassiere was released, it popped open, revealing her breasts as Jack covered them both with his hands. Sliding his hands up toward her shoulders, he pushed the black straps off. Pulling her arms from the negligee, Elizabeth dropped it over the edge of the bed.

Jack moved his hands down and squeezed her hips, moving her across his rock hard penis. Looking down and seeing the straps still attached to the stockings, Jack moved her off of him and gently laid her down beside him. He unfastened the garters and rolled the stockings off each leg. Moving over her legs, he slipped his fingers under the G-strings and pulled her panties off as he moved off the edge of the bed. Dropping them to the floor, he crawled back onto the bed, spreading her legs open, he moved up until his face was over hers.

Capturing her lips, kissing her hard and eagerly, he entered her as she moaned into his mouth. Jack continued moving in and out very slow and steady, drawing out the experience and building everything up to a bigger and more intense climax.

…..

Elizabeth woke to the sound of soft music and the smell of something burning and quickly sat up. Scanning the room, her eyes stopped on Jack who was leaning in a doorway, grinning, holding a single red rose. Looking around the room, she could see dozens of candles burning.

Jack, wearing only his black satin lounge pants, walked to the bed and held his hand out. Elizabeth moved to the edge and placed her hand in his as he helped her to her feet. Handing her the rose, he kissed her before leading her to the bathroom where the tub had already been filled with bubbles and rose petals floating on the surface. A flute of champagne with a strawberry hanging on the edge was sitting on a small table next to the tub.

"Why is it so hot in here?" Elizabeth asked, fanning her face.

Jack walked over to the window and pulled it open, looking out into the night's sky and smiled. "I thought you'd enjoy looking at the view with the window open while you soaked and relaxed."

Elizabeth walked over to the window. "Oh, Jack." The Eiffel Tower, lit up with the gold lights, stood tall and magnificent outside, perfectly framed in the window.

Jack pushed his pants off and stepped into the tub, holding his hand out to her. Laying the rose on the sink, she took it and joined him in the tub. Jack lowered himself into the hot water, and Elizabeth sat down in front of him, her back against his chest.

Jack held her as they looked out the window, staring at the tower that was the inspiration for this entire trip.

Jack checked his watch and seeing it was almost midnight, he pointed to the tower and said, "Get ready."

Less than a minute later, the twinkling lights began to flash along the tower, sparkling like a diamond in the sunlight.

"It's so beautiful, Jack." She tipped her head up toward him. "Thank you for all of this."

Jack kissed her nose before replying. "You're welcome, Babe."

They remained that way during the five minutes of the glittering lights, enjoying the view and the company of one another.

When it ended, Elizabeth moved to the other end of the tub and picked up the champagne. Leaning on the edge and taking a sip from the glass, she continued to stare out the window, as Jack remained back, enjoying his own perfect view.

"Isn't it just beautiful, Jack?" Elizabeth asked before taking another sip from her glass.

"Sure is," Jack answered, not taking his eyes off of her.

Elizabeth turned her head to find him looking at her. Setting her glass down, she moved back over to Jack, straddling him and placing her arms behind his neck.

Kissing her, Jack gripped her hips and lifted her up and onto him. As he felt himself fill her, he let out a quick breath.

After making slow, passionate love, they remained in the tub until the water turned cold. Standing up, Jack helped her out of the tub and wrapped her with the large white towel. After drying off, Elizabeth slipped into her white lace nightgown and Jack put his satin pants back on. When Elizabeth climbed into bed, Jack was holding the covers up and she slipped in against him. After several minutes of holding her, Jack could hear her breathing change and knew she was sound asleep. A short while later, Jack joined her in a much-needed night's sleep.

….

November 16th, 2009 – Shangri La, Paris

Jack was suddenly woken up by Elizabeth moving over him. Opening his eyes, he saw Elizabeth's face just inches from his own.

"Good morning," he said softly.

"Good morning, Cowboy." She lowered her face and covered his lips with hers.

Jack moved his hands to her hips and slid the hem of her nightie up. Shifting his hands back to her hips, he felt her warm, soft skin and pressed his hands against it, squeezing her gently.

Elizabeth sat up and pulled her gown over her head and laid it on the bed. Jack moved his hands up her sides, resting them on her ribs. Shifting down his legs slightly, she pulled his satin pants down just past his hips. As she moved back up, Jack gripped her hips and slid her onto him once more.

…..

The next five days were filled with visits to the Dome, the Louvre, Versailles Palace, an evening dinner cruise on the Seine River, and a guided tour to three castles. One day had warmed enough to allow them to enjoy an outdoor lunch at Café de Flore, a bus top tour of the city, and a meal at a roof top bar.

That same warm evening, as they passed by a small club, soft jazz music floated out, filling the air around them.

Stopping in the middle of the quiet street, Jack held out his hand, "May I have this dance?"

Elizabeth stopped and turned, and seeing Jack, she placed her hand in his as he pulled her in.

They slowly moved to the music as couples passing by looked on. As the song ended, Jack lowered her into a dip and kissed her as he brought her back up.

More sights they had enjoyed was a walk along the Champs Elysees, Ile de la cite to see Notre Dame, Sainte Chapelle, as well as some shopping to find some souvenirs and a few gifts for their family and friends.

One afternoon, after leaving the Louvre, Jack guided Elizabeth toward a bridge. As they got closer, Elizabeth realized what it was.

Pointing at it and smiling, "Is that the love locks?"

Grinning, Jack nodded and held his hand out. Laying in his palm was a small red lock with gold etching. Picking it up, Elizabeth read Jack & Elizabeth, locked in love since 10/24/2009, along with a sketch of the Eiffel Tower.

Giddy as a school girl, Elizabeth held the lock in one hand and Jack's hand in the other. The pair fastened the padlock onto another one among hundreds of locks. After taking a picture of theirs, the couple walked along the bridge, reading other engravings and notes that had begun to cover the railing.

Another of Elizabeth's favorite sights was the Wall of Love. Covered in 612 lava tiles, the wall features "I love you" in over 300 different languages.

The trip had been more than Elizabeth ever dreamed of. Seeing the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo in person had brought Elizabeth to tears. As did seeing The Lacemaker, another one of her favorite paintings. Wine tastings and sampling many different authentic French cuisines had topped off their trip as well.

During a visit to the Musee Marmottan to see paintings by her favorite artist and inspiration behind her own paintings, Elizabeth spent hours looking over Monet's works, studying the brush strokes and colors that a print in a book just couldn't do justice. Jack spent the time admiring his wife.

Many hours had been spent in their room, loving each other like they'd only dreamed of before their wedding, bringing the couple even closer to one another, though they didn't think that was possible.

"I don't see how we can return to normal life after this," Elizabeth said one afternoon as they laid in bed after making love, staring out the window at the Eiffel Tower as she'd done every day.

Jack ran his hands through her hair and down her back. Elizabeth's favorite view during their trip had been outside their window, but Jack's had been inside the room. Leaning down, he kissed between her shoulder blades. Rolling over to face him, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him down to her lips.

"I'm not ready to go back home," she stated, her eyes scanning his face.

Jack grinned and pushed her hair from her face.

"What's that grin for?" She asked. "Don't we fly out in the morning?"

"Yes, we fly out in the morning."

"Then what's that look for?"

Jack rolled to his back and pulled her onto him. "Because we aren't going home yet."

Elizabeth pushed herself up, sitting on top of Jack's waist. "What are you talking about? Where are we going?"

"Well, I really wanted to go somewhere warm and tropical so I could see you walking around in a bathing suit. But I also wanted to bring your dream of Paris to a reality. So, I decided to do both."

Smiling, Elizabeth lowered herself back down, keeping her face just inches above Jack's. "We're going somewhere with a beach?"

"Yes, Ma'am. We are."

"Will you tell me where we're going?" She asked, batting her eyes at him.

"St. Martin."

"The Caribbean?" Her eyes widened and lit up.

"Yes, you haven't been there, right?"

"No, but I've always wanted to."

Elizabeth covered his mouth with hers, her kisses were aggressive and wild. Jack wrapped an arm around her waist and flipped her to her back, not allowing their lips to part, as the couple enjoyed one last evening in bed in Paris.