Jack weaved through the Philadelphia city streets with easy in his father-in-law's dark silver Mercedes. One hand safely on the wheel the other clutching his wife's hand. Their fingers woven tightly together as his thumb stroked her soft skin.

"So husband," she grinned. "Now can you tell me where we are going?"

"Have you heard of the Inn at Bowman Hill in New Hope?"

"Yes, my father's friend owns it, I believe." She gasped, "We're going there?!"

"Yup! Your father secured us the Penthouse Suite for the whole weekend."

"Wow, that's a great gift!"

"I know! It's just an hour out of the city too. So if there's an emergency, we can easily get back to Hunter."

"Perfect!" Elizabeth sighed as she gazed at her handsome husband. "I'm so glad we have this weekend just us. Right now, I really just want to spend some alone time with you."

"I fully agree. Our little stop at the park after the wedding was wonderful, but I have to say, I'm looking forward to doing more than just kissing you," he grinned.

Her face burned at his last sentence. She was excited too, but nervous. She couldn't help but worry that she might not measure up to what Jack was expecting. As if reading her thoughts, he squeezed her hand.

"You are my wife, Elizabeth, and tonight will be amazing simply because it's you and me together. That's all that matters."

"I love you, Jack, so much!" She wiped away a few tears.

"I love you too, completely."

That was all the encouragement she needed. She relaxed back into her seat and listened as Jack sang softly along to the radio as they drove. She loved the sound of his voice.

Before they knew it they pulled up to the Inn. It was beautiful. A fresh blanket of snow was covering every square inch making it look just like a winter wonderland.

Jack helped Elizabeth out of the car before walking into the lobby to check in. They were quickly directed up the stairs toward the Penthouse Suite.

Once outside a set of double doors that lead to their room, Jack slid the key into the door.

"Here we go," he grinned hesitating to just stare at his bride.

"Jack… just open the door!" She bounced with anticipation.

"Oh alright." He laughed and pushed open the door. Turning back around, he lifted Elizabeth up in his arms, kissing her passionately. "Here's to a romantic weekend."

He carried her into the large 800 sq foot suite, placing her inside but never completely taking his hands off her. The room was nicer than either had imagined. Jack led her around the suite so they could take it all in. The lights were low, giving off a romantic glow. There were two rooms, one with a large king size bed, cozy loveseat, and table for two which had a bowl of chocolate covered strawberries and a chilled bottle of champagne by the window near a fireplace which was already roaring.

In the second room had a full size couch, another fireplace and windows that faced what they assumed was the wooded acreage surrounding the Inn.

Jack turned Elizabeth to face him. He smiled, letting her know just how loved she was by him. He wrapped one hand around her slim waist, while the other rested on her rosy cheek.

"You are so beautiful, Beth. I'm a lucky man."

"I'm glad you think that. I'm pretty sure I'm the luckiest woman in the world tonight." She wrapped her arms around his waist and pulled him in for another passionate kiss.

Jack could feel himself losing all control. He wanted her so badly, but he told himself they would take their time and move at a pace she was comfortable with.

When they pulled back, Elizabeth was blushing. She was surprised by how ready she was for what was about to happen between them.

"I'm going to go change out of this dress. Is that okay?"

"Sure," Jack cleared his throat. "Need any help?"

Elizabeth giggled, "Maybe. Unzip me a bit."

"Gladly," he whispered. He gentled turned her so that her back was to him and tugged lightly on the zipper, undoing it down past her shoulder blades. With her creamy skin within reach, his chest tightened. He couldn't resist. Leaning in, he kissed her back gently.

The new sensation of his warm wet lips on a place never before kissed by anyone, sent shivers through her body as a soft moan passed her lips. Jack took the encouragement and unzipped the dress a little more, giving himself more access.

"Jack," she breathed. "Jack…" He pried his lips away as she turned to face him. "I… I want to change into something for you… then… then I'm all yours." Her eyes never left his. Their gaze intense.

"Then I'll wait," he smiled, kissing her hand.

She grabbed a small bag out of her suitcase and headed into the bathroom.

Jack ran his hands through his hair taking a deep cleansing breath.

"Man, I love that woman," he whispered.

"Jack! Come here!" she called out.

Jack rushed into the bathroom. "You alright?"

"Yes, look at this place."

The bathroom was beyond elegant. It was the largest bathroom either of them had ever seen. There was a large Jacuzzi bath. Next to it was a two person shower.

Jack wrapped his arms around her waist from behind and whispered, "We could have some fun here, I bet."

A nervous giggle escaped her lips. "Not if you don't let me change."

"Hey, who called who in here?"

"True, and now that you've seen it, please leave."

"As you wish, my bride. As you wish."

Elizabeth closed the door behind her and quickly turned back to her bag. She opened the bag and pulled out the item she had purchased especially for the night.

"I can do this," she whispered to herself. "This isn't that bad. It's modest really… but not so much that he won't like it…. He'll like it, right? Goodness, I'm talking to myself…."

"You alright?" Jack called out from the bedroom.

"Yup. I'll be out soon." She undid the dress the rest of the way and hung it up on the hook behind the door. The smooth silky material slid over her body easily. It was comfy, mostly. Looking at herself in the mirror, she gasped. The dark blue lingerie made her eyes pop beautifully. The length was much shorter than she thought, but suited her figure well. The material around her chest was comprised of layers of shimmery lace. She smiled. For not being a real girly girl, she thought she did quite well picking it out.

"Okay, time to show my husband."

Opening the door just a crack at first, she could see Jack over at the table, pouring two glasses of champagne. It was clear he'd been running his hands through his hair by the messiness of it. His suit jacket, vest, and dress shirt laid over the arm of the loveseat, his tie on top of that. Elizabeth couldn't get over how sexy he looked right then in just his undershirt and dress pants. Taking a breathe, she opened the door more and walked through it with confidence.

"Would you like some… oh wow…." All words were lost from his mind when he saw her.

"Champagne? Yes, please."

He handed her a glass. "To my beautiful wife, our amazing son, and to our future."

"To us," she smiled. They clinked their glasses and took a sip.

Jack placed his glass back down on the table and ran his hands over her bare arms. His eyes moved down to the low V neck of her nightie, seeing so much more of her than ever before. He loved it all.

"Come on, let's take a seat by the fire."

"Just like at home," she giggled.

"Yup," he grinned. Jack lead her over toward the fireplace. He'd laid some pillows and blankets from the other room on the ground in front, giving them a comfortable place to rest together.

He sat down, pulling her down in front of himself. Elizabeth sat between his legs and leaned back against his chest.

"Today was perfect," she smiled.

"What was your favorite part?" Jack lowered his lips to her neck, completely distracting her with his affections.

"If you… want me.. to answer you … you need to … stop." She giggled when she finally managed to get the words out. Jack pulled back slightly, wanting to hear her answer. "I loved everything about today. All our family and friends. You and Hunter being my family under God. Now we have time just us. It doesn't get much better than this."

"When you walked down the aisle," he sighed. "Never in my life had I seen something so breathtaking. I didn't think anything could have looked more amazing. Then you walked out like this," he gestured to her nightie, tugging the hem slightly.

She giggled, "I thought you deserved something other than yoga pants and a tee shirt."

"You look beautiful in your yoga pants and tees. Don't you ever forget that!"

"Oh, so I can change out of this?" she teased, pretending to get up.

"I didn't say that either. Come here." He held her tightly as he adjusted them to lay on their sides facing the fire, pulling a blanket over their bodies. "I want to savor every moment with you, Beth. I'm so thankful to be your husband. You are amazing."

"You're amazing, Jack. I'm the lucky one. I get you, and our boy. I didn't think I could ever be this happy." A tear slid down her face. "I love you."

"I love you."

They laid there enjoying the calm and stillness for a few moments. As much as Jack was ready to be with Elizabeth, he didn't want to rush her. Just laying there with her in his arms, feeling her exposed skin under the blanket, was enough for him until she was ready.

Elizabeth laid there slowly losing her mind as Jack's hand caressed her skin. One arm was around her, the other slowly moved up and down her leg. Each time moving higher and higher up her thigh. As his hand slid further up under her nightie, she tensed, but quickly relaxed back into him. She loved this man with all that she was. She was ready to show him now just how much.

"What's up?" Jack spoke softly as she rolled to face him. She surprised him as her hands slowly made their way under his undershirt. He sucked in a deep breath at the feel of her hands on his skin then groaned. Carefully, he rolled her over onto her back and hovered over her as he captured her lips, kissing her deeply. Only breaking for a moment as she pulled his shirt up over his head.

Jack searched her eyes, making sure she was okay with the direction they were heading. As if reading his mind, she smiled and nodded. He smiled lovingly back at her before returning his lips to hers for more. He knew he'd never tire of her sweet kisses. The love and joy he felt was almost overwhelming, but in the best possible way.

As he pulled back slightly to catch his breath, he found himself distracted by the soft skin on her neck again. Elizabeth clutched his shoulders tightly as his mouth traveled south to the low neckline of her clothing.

"Jack…" she gasped.

He pulled her to her feet, making their way over to the bed, their clothes scattered along their path. Jack pulled her gently on the bed, holding her lovingly in his arms.

"I love you, Beth. I will take care of you."

"I know," she reached up and caressed his cheek. "I know, babe. I'm ready for this. I love you."

They spent the rest of the night loving each other completely. It was well worth the wait.

…..

The next morning Elizabeth woke up still wrapped in Jack's arms. She smiled as she looked at her beautiful engagement ring with the wedding band the was now next to it. Her mind went over all the details of the previous day.

"I'm married," she whispered.

"Well, I hope so." She jumped at the sound of Jack's voice. "Otherwise last night wasn't exactly appropriate." He laughed, holding her tightly against his body.

"Goodness! I thought you were still asleep," she giggled.

"Nope." He kissed her neck. "Just laying here watching my beautiful bride."

She welcomed his affections. "Any plans for today?"

"I'm perfectly happy staying right here with you for now. What about you?" She rolled to face him, grabbed his shoulders and pulled him down against her. "More of this it is."

….

A while later Elizabeth woke up again. This time she was alone. She could hear the water in the shower as it turned off and assumed Jack was just getting out.

A few moments later the door to the bathroom opened as Jack walked out without a stitch of clothing towards his suitcase. He'd forgotten to grab anything to put on after his shower.

"Good morning, love. Oh!" Elizabeth quickly slid back down in the bed pulling the sheet over her head. Jack laughed at her cuteness.

"You know, it's nothing you haven't seen by now," he shot her the dimpled grin she loved so much.

"I know… I was just... surprised I guess."

Jack left the suitcase and went to climb back into bed with his wife, wrapping her up in his arms. "You're adorable when you're bashful. Actually, you're adorable all the time."

"Aw, that's sweet."

"It's true."

After spending a little more time in each others arms, they decided to spend the morning in and ordered room service and enjoyed a 5 star breakfast in front of the fire.

Jack's phone began to buzz just as they were finishing.

"Who is it, love?"

"Hunter," Jack smiled. "Well, it's Mom typing what Hunter says. Which is, "Good morning, Mom and Dad, I love you and miss you.""

"What are you typing back?" she asked snuggling closer. .

"That we love him, and to have fun at hockey practice today."

"I love that boy. I can't wait for the adoption to be finalized."

"I know, it's going to be great."

"I was thinking we should have a big family dinner afterwards to celebrate."

"I like that." He leaned over to steal a kiss, a satisfying groan escaping his lips. "I love being married to you."

"Mmm, I love being married to you too." She kissed his lips. "I saw the Inn loans out snowshoes, you up for a little walk today?"

"Sure! I think there's some great trails behind here."

After breakfast, Elizabeth took a quick shower and dressed for an adventure. The owner of the Inn gave them a map with all the trails marked. They decided to take the longest trail, which they were told would lead them near a great little cafe around lunch time if they left soon.

Jack grabbed his camera and refilled their travel mugs with hot coffee and they were off.

….

It was peaceful in the woods. A nice change from the craziness of the city. The sun trickled through the trees just enough to give a soft light. It wasn't too warm or too cold, just enough to keep the snow and not feel like your fingers were going to freeze off.

"Jack look at all this." Elizabeth stood with her arms out and her head tilted back facing the sky. "I feel like I'm literally in a winter wonderland. Have you ever seen anything so perfect?" She turned to look at him when she heard the click of his camera.

"It is amazing, but it pales in comparison to you." She blushed at his words and stared down at the snow. The light was perfect as he took another shot of his wife.

"You might have to teach me how to use that thing," she said with a smile.

"Why's that Mrs. Thornton?"

"That way we have pictures of more than just me from this trip."

"Fair enough." Jack knelt down in the snow to take a picture of how the light danced across the snow just off the path. "This place is awesome. You know, we need to make sure to get Hunter out of the city more. I want him to grow up appreciating nature."

"That's a wonderful idea. Maybe yearly camping trip? At the very least. Oh, and hiking!"

"Yeah! Maybe when he's a little older we can even take him to the Grand Canyon."

Elizabeth watched as Jack eyes watered. "Love, you alright?"

"I'm more than alright. I'm just overwhelmed with joy I guess. I mean, we're planning a future together with Hunter. A future we will get to have as his parents. He's going to be okay. We're all going to be okay."

She hurried over to him as fast has her silly snowshoes would let her and wrapped her arms around his waist.

"Hunter is so lucky to have you, Jack. And I'm lucky to have you both."

"I think we're all pretty lucky." He placed the lens cap back on the camera and took her hand. "Let's get going. Maybe we can reach that cafe for lunch."

"I'm in no rush this weekend," she said kissing his cheek. "As long as we are together, that's all I need."

They made it to the cafe for a late lunch. Jack had been completely mesmerized by the landscape around them he couldn't stop taking pictures. Part way through the walk he found two of Hunter's Batman Lego figurines in his pocket.

"We should take pictures of them everywhere and make a book for Hunter!" Elizabeth said with glee.

"That's a great idea! Alright, Lego Bruce, let's see what trouble we can get you into out here."

By the time the returned to the Inn, it was nearly dinnertime. They'd taken over 100 shots with Batman and the Joker figurines. Both were so excited to put the book together for their boy.

"Maybe we can make it into a birthday or adoption present," Jack said putting on dry clothes after their walk.

"You think we can get in done in time?"

"We can try." He watched as Elizabeth emerged from the bathroom. Her hair pulled back in a loose ponytail. She was wearing a soft pink sweater with a modest v neck, one of his favorites.

After looking over their dinner options, they decided to stay in rather than go back out. The sun had set and taken most of the warmth with it. They didn't mind. Their private dinner by candle light in their room was more romantic than anything they were likely to find elsewhere.

"You know what I just realized?" Jack asked after swallowing another bite of his meal. "This is the longest time we've ever spent just us. No Hunter or extra family."

"Oh my gosh, you're right," she laughed. "Good to know we like each other enough when it's just us," she teased.

"Yeah, that would have been disastrous to find out now, huh?" They both laughed. "Speaking of others though, we should FaceTime Hunter once we finish dinner."

"Yes, he's probably getting really anxious to see us."

Later they curled up on the couch by the fire with Jack's phone after dinner, both excited to talk to their boy.

Jack texted his mom to let her know they were ready to FaceTime. A moment later they were staring at Hunter's adorable curly head.

"Mom! Dad! I miss you! Where are you? Are you coming home soon?" He was so excited he barely made time to breathe between words.

"We miss you too, bud! We're about an hour north of you guys in a place called New Hope."

"Oh, are you having fun?"

"Very much!" Jack grinned at Elizabeth. "How are you? Did you have a good day?"

"Sort of. I got hurt at hockey practice."

"Hurt? Oh no! How bad, sweetie?" Elizabeth said concerned.

"My knee hurts and it's kind of big now. Colton was a jerk and slammed into me," he groaned.

"Hunter James, we do not call people names."

"Grammie said it first," he shrugged.

Jack sighed, "Where's Grammie?"

"Right here, son." She took the phone from Hunter. "You should have seen that kid. He wasn't paying any attention and knocked poor Hunter flat. I had a mind to..."

"Mom, no name calling."

"Oh, all right." She sighed.

"How bad is his knee?" Elizabeth asked.

"He'll be fine. It's just a little swollen but we had him checked out and the doctor said there's nothing to worry about."

"That's a relief. I'm surprised you didn't call." Jack said.

"I know, but he really is fine and I didn't want you rushing back for nothing, which I know you would do." She was right about that. "Hey, I'm gonna give the phone back to this little guy. He's been waiting all day for this." She gave the phone back to Hunter and went back toward the kitchen.

"So sorry about your knee, sweetie! Can you tell me what else you did today?"

"Woke up, walked Bruce, ate breakfast, hockey, doctors, then watched a movie and played with Legos."

"Sounds busy!"

"It was. I'm tired." They laughed. "How many more days till we're all together again?"

"We'll be back Monday, bud. It will go by fast."

"Okay."

They talked a while longer until Hunter's little eyes were fighting to stay awake, then said goodnight.

Jack tossed his phone on the other side of the couch and pulled Elizabeth close. "Well my blushing bride, what would you like to do this evening?"

"I'm not sure. I'm kind of sore."

"Oh… Elizabeth, I'm sorry did I…"

"No, no, not THAT kind of sore."

"Oh," Now it was Jack who blushed. "Sore how, then?"

"I think it's from our walk. I'm not sure snowshoeing for miles like that was wise." She laughed. "I train every day as a cop but that seemed to work a whole different set of muscles."

"I see. Well, we could take advantage of that nice big Jacuzzi tub in the bathroom and maybe I can even given you a massage later." He slid his hands under her sweater as he nibbled her ear slightly. "What do you say Mrs. Thornton?"

"I think… that is just what I need."