Author's Note:

Thank you for staying on this journey with me. This is the beginning of their honeymoon. While I will not get into intimate details, intimacy will certainly be implied. I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Chapter 45

Jack closed his car door and hurried to Elizabeth's door to open it for her. He offered her his hand and helped her out of the car. When she stood, he leaned in and gently gave her a tender kiss on the lips. As he pulled away, "I will never grow tired of doing that."

"I hope not, you have a lifetime of kisses from me."

He raised his eyes toward the sky. "Thank you." He whispered to heaven.

Elizabeth stared at her husband and fell deeper in love with him by his actions.

Jack took her hand and began walking to the door of their apartment. Once on the small front porch, he bent down and scooped her up and walked to the door.

"Jack, I can walk into our apartment. I have done it for three years now."

"I'm sorry, but you are most certainly not walking into the apartment tonight." She giggled at his facial expression and the tone of his voice.

"Yes, husband,"

"Is that getting easier to say?"

"Still a little odd but I love it."

Jack unlocked the door and opened it. Elizabeth immediately noticed the low light in the apartment. As Jack carried her in, she smelled the flowers and the food.

"Jack, how did you do this?"

He stopped in the middle of the living room and sat her down carefully. She looked around and notice all the candles and the kitchen table with three candles and two plates. On the counter, there were food in warming trays and a pitcher of tea beside it. She turned back to Jack waiting for his answer.

He was watching her take everything in. He loved the look of surprise on her face. "I had help. We didn't have an opportunity to eat during the reception and I thought we would be hungry. So, we have dinner here."

"Jack…" She couldn't form the words. She didn't have too. She told him everything through her eyes.

"Bellissima, let's eat dinner."

…

"Abagail, please let us help you clean up."

"We won't have to do that. The people who sat everything up this afternoon will be back to clean everything up and set all the tables and chairs like they were. The people that William and Grace hired has done an excellent job."

"That's very nice of them. I know it allowed you to enjoy the day instead of having to work it all out on your own."

Grace, Abagail, Charlette, and Julie sat at one table. The conversation flowed well within the group.

"Charlette, tell us about this gentleman I have heard about." Asked Grace.

Charlette blushed. "Well, I met Adam when Jack and I arrived in town with his moving truck. He was one of the people in the group that Frank organized to help unload. We really didn't talk that day, but I noticed him. He also noticed me. The next day I saw him in the grocery store. Then out of nowhere, I asked him to coffee."

"You didn't?" Asked Julie.

"I did. I didn't even realize I did it. It just came out."

The ladies laughed. This caught the attention of Frank and Tom. They made their way over to the table with a couple of chairs so they could join in the conversation.

"We met at the coffee shop and stayed for two hours talking."

"That sounds like a nice time." Stated Grace. "Charlette, I'm not sure how to ask."

"Grace we are family. Just ask."

Grace smiled at this beautiful, direct woman. "Have you dated since Tom?"

"No. I never thought I would. Tom was the love of my life. I mourned for years. Plus, I had two boys to raise. Jack was thirteen and Tom was ten. Dating was never a thought."

Grace offered her a smile.

"After the coffee, we exchanged numbers. We have been texting and calling since."

"How often?" Asked Tom with a grin.

"None of your business." She smirked. After everyone stopped laughing, "He did ask me out on a date after the wedding. He wanted things to settle a little for me."

"That's thoughtful." Stated Julie.

"He seems that way. Jack mentioned inviting him to the wedding."

"Wow."

"Yes Julie. I was a little shocked. I didn't feel comfortable about it. Then Jack asked him today and he said it was our family's day and he didn't want to be a bother."

"Wait, Jack met him today?"

"Yes Frank. We did." Answered Tom.

"Both of you? How did that go?"

"We meet Jack for lunch at the diner on the edge of town since Jack wasn't allowed at Abagail's. To our shock and surprise, Adam walked in as we got our food. The boys noticed the shock on my face and Jack walked over and invited him to join us."

"That must have been shocking." Said Grace.

"Not as shocking except for Adam when Jack and I interrogated him for an hour."

"You didn't!"

"We absolutely did, Julie." Tom stated with pride.

"How did that go?" Frank asked.

"Well, he texted me later so he may not be scared away." Laughed Charlette. "Adam gave Jack his full name, birthdate, and birth place so it would be easier for Jack to run the background check." Everyone busted out laughing knowing full well Jack would certainly run his back ground check as soon as possible.

…

Jack pulled out Elizabeth's chair and offered her a seat. She sat down and Jack gathered the food together and place her plate in front of her. He went back to the kitchen counter and turned on the speaker Abagail had sat up for music.

"Jack, this is perfect."

"You will need to thank Abagail. She did all of this for you."

"For us."

"I think it's safe to say it's for you."

They sat and ate their plates of leftovers from the reception. They discussed the wedding and what they thought were the best parts. Elizabeth shared with Jack about her day with the girls beginning at the apartment this morning.

"Are you bringing some of those gifts on the honeymoon?" He asked with his eyebrows jumping up and down.

"No. They weren't on the packing list I got from you." She smirked.

Jack frowned. "I thought it was more of a suggestion list."

She discussed the lunch and how much she enjoyed their time together. She enjoyed the time with Charlette too.

They knew the wedding was going to change their relationship, but they were each grateful that the communication part of their relationship wasn't going to be affected. The talk was as free flowing as ever, if not better.

Jack shared everything that he did. He shared the whole story beginning with lunch with Tom and his mother and especially when Adam walked in. He went into detail about their discussion and all the questions Tom and he asked. He also shared the information Adam told him about his past.

In between laughs, she asked, "How do you feel about that?"

"Ok for now. I think I'm still processing it." Then he hesitated for a moment, "I think he makes her happy."

Elizabeth took a moment and looked at her husband. The low light of the candle cast a shadow on him, but the light flickered in the colored areas of his eyes. His hair was a bit disheveled but was still a little neat. He was still clean shaved since he shaved just before the wedding. His skin looked soft. "Jack," She bit her bottom lip. "Would you please dance with me?"

Jack's heart stopped for a moment. He wanted her at that moment but knew this had to be about them. He offered her a smile. He stood and turned the background music off that was playing through the small speaker Abagail sat up on the counter. Dancing without music was quickly becoming their thing. She hated to admit it, but she agreed with Jack that music was a distraction. Then he reached his hand out to her and she quickly accepted it.

They walked to the center of the living room, and he place his right hand on her back. She slipped her right hand into his left. He pulled her close until they were touching, and she placed her cheek on his chest and neck. She sighed as they began to sway. "This is perfect."

"I was thinking the same thing."

After a few minutes of swaying, Elizabeth leaned back just enough to capture Jack's lips. This wasn't a small, tender kiss. This kiss took his breath. She pulled him in closer and demanded the kiss to deepen. She opened his lips with her tongue and searched his out. He moaned at the forwardness of his wife. The sound of Jack's moan and the vibration of the moan drove Elizabeth even further into the kiss. His action lit a fire inside of her that she has never experience before.

The kissing wasn't just passionate. Along with passion, there was love evident in their kiss. And the emotion of want topped it all off. While their relationship was short, it raised a desire in both of them that neither one have experienced. Elizabeth certainly didn't experience anything like this with her previous relationship. She read about it in her books she loved and watched it in her Hallmark movies she loved to watch, but never personally experienced it. She heard her girl friends talk about it, but it did not come close to this.

Jack's desire was being flamed by Elizabeth. He never experienced this on a personal level. He witnessed a small part of it with his parents, and in those Hallmark movies he loved to watch but would never admit to it. Elizabeth was exploring a part of him he didn't know was there. She walked into this part of his life like she owned it. She knew where it was and what to do to capture it. She didn't hesitate to proclaim that part of his life as her domain.

She raised her arms over his shoulders and place her forearms on his shoulders. She began to run her fingers through the hair on the back of his head and grasped his hair in her hand and pulled him closer. Her action drove him deeper to her. He moaned as he tightened his hold on her. He broke the kiss and moved his lips to her chin and moved down to her neck and collar bone. He slowly began to work his way up to her neck. His action was driving her deeper. They were quickly approaching an area of their relationship neither had experienced, but they were approaching it together. His actions deepened her desire for him, and her actions deepened his desire for her. They were together on this journey, and they loved it. Being together was the best part of this journey.

Trying to catch her breath, she pulled back just enough to look Jack in the eyes. "Jack…take me to bed!"

The desire he saw in her eyes made him a little dizzy. Trying to catch his breath, Jack looked her in her eyes. "E-liz-a-beth…I don't want to force you."

"Jack, do I looked forced to you?"

He chuckled.

"I think it's time my husband takes me to bed." He saw the passion in her eyes.

Without saying a word, he swooped her up in his grasp and headed to the bedroom.

…

They laid side by side holding hands. Each had a thin layer of sweat, and they were trying to catch their breath. If you asked either one of them a question, they couldn't answer it. They were lost in each other.

"Elizabeth." Jack started in between deep breaths. "That…that…"

"that…was…" Elizabeth stated trying to catch her breath.

They were both trying to say something, but they just couldn't. Instead of continuing to struggle with words, they squeezed each other's hand at the same time. That simple act expressed everything they wanted to say. Both of them loved that part of their communication.

Once they caught their breath. They turned their heads to look at each other, "Elizabeth." He began.

"Can we do that again?" She finished his statement.

His grin gave her his answer. He rolled onto his side and wrapped his arm around her stomach. He pulled her closer to him and kissed her with the passion he had for his precious bride. He loved her completely without any hesitation.

…

Charlette woke up to her phone buzzing. She reached for it and noticed she just received a text. She smiled when she noticed it was from Adam.

A – Good morning gorgeous

She swooned at the text. It has been several years since anyone talked to her like that. She was quickly growing to love it.

C – Good morning.

A – Did you survive the day yesterday

C – I did. It was a great day

A – I enjoyed our impromptu lunch

C – Are you sure?

A – Yes. I was with you

C – And the interrogation?

A – That wasn't the best part but it had to be done

C – And that didn't scare you off?
A – No. Are we still having lunch today?

C – Absolutely

A – I hope you know this isn't a replacement for our dinner date

C – I was hoping you would say that

She grinned at the exchange and found herself pleasantly surprised when Adam wasn't scared away from all the questions from her boys yesterday. She knew she was quickly becoming to like spending time with Adam and looked forward to it. She was ok with it.

…

Frank and Abagail laid in bed. Mary had told Abagail to sleep in and come in later in the day so she could rest from the previous day. Frank rubbed Abagail's back as she rested her head on his chest. "Thank you for talking with Charlette. It was very helpful to her."

"She is a fun person to talk with. I believe she is ready, and I think Adam is a great fit for her and her for him."

"I agree. She gushed at how much you helped."

"Well, you know I'm not a conceded person, but…"

She reached for his side to tickle him before he could continue to give her grief. They laid there for a few more minutes in silence until Frank asked. "When do you have to leave to take them to the airport?"

"I will need to leave just before eleven. That is when I need to pick them up so they will have time to check in and pass through security."

"You know, Henry stayed at a friend's house last night…"

"Yeah. I remember."

"We have the house to ourselves."

"What are you getting at old man?" She chuckled.

He rolled her over and started tickling her and kissing her at the same time.

…

The morning light broke through the bedroom window waking Elizabeth. She smiled when she realized that she was facing her husband wrapped in his arms and their legs intertwined together. She took a deep breath just to inhale Jack's scent. She scooted closer to him just trying to get a little closer. She began to blush when she noticed they were not wearing any clothes.

"Do you realize how beautiful you are when you snore?"

"Jack" she began without moving. "I have told you countless times that I do not snore."

He laughed. "Well, you are beautiful when you are sleeping and whether you are snoring or not." He let out a small laugh.

"Jack, do we really have to leave this spot today?"

"Yes, Nani. We must begin our honeymoon."

"I thought we did that last night." She sassed with a tint of red growing on her cheeks.

"Sweetheart, we made love twice last night, when do you think you can talk about it without being embarrassed?"

"At least one more time." She smirked. "Speaking of which…"

She began to kiss and nibble his neck. She found last night that he loved his earlobe kissed and nibbled on as much as she did.

After an hour, Elizabeth was in the shower while Jack was shaving. "Husband, when are we leaving?"

"In about forty five minutes Abagail will be here to take us to the airport. So, we will need to be dressed and ready to leave then. We are on a schedule until we get on the plane. Then our schedule is wide open. I have some thoughts about things to do and one thing that is hard set on the calendar but everything else is wide open. If we see something we want to do, we can do it."

"Oh, that sounds amazing. Now, only if I knew where we are going?"

"Well, I wanted to surprise you. But I also didn't want you to stress over finding things to do. I wanted this time for us to be relaxing. If we see something we wanted to do, I wanted us to have the freedom to do it."

"That does sound nice. Would you please tell me where we are going?"

She stuck her head and part of her shoulder out from the shower curtain and gave him the look.

"Good grief." He huffed. "That look is too much." He shook his head. "Fine! We are about to head to the airport, and we are flying to Hawaii. We will land this evening."

"Hawaii! As in the beach, sun, and mountains?" Her excitement was very evident."

"Yes. There are beaches to visit along with mountains to hike. And all the warm weather we could ever hope for."

"Oh Jack. That sounds perfect. I have always wanted to visit Hawaii. How did you know?"

"Well, I didn't. I have always wanted to go and thought you did too. I noticed a couple of pictures of Hawaii in your sketches. I thought you would like it."

"Well, detective. You did well."

"Abagail told me you would love it."

"Wait…she knows, and she didn't tell me!"

"She just found out a couple of days ago. I didn't tell her until she saw me stressing over it at the dinner. That's when I told her. She loved the idea and volunteered to drive us to the airport so we wouldn't have to park the car for two weeks."

Now she was too excited to settle down. Once out of the shower, she looked through her suit case again rethinking everything she packed. She didn't take anything out, but she did add several more outfits and bathing suits. Jack thought she floated around the room gathering her things.

When she was in the closet, she asked, "Jack, do you think this half will be enough for your clothes?"

"I think so. We may have to leave some of my things in storage until we find or build our house."

She frowned at this statement.

"What's wrong, Bella?"

"I don't like that idea. This is your apartment now. It's our apartment, you need to have your things here so it will feel like your place as much as it is mine."

"Elizabeth."

"No Jack. This isn't my apartment anymore. It is our apartment. I want you to feel comfortable here."

"Elizabeth, will you be here with me?"

"Of course I will be with you here."

"Then I will be comfortable."

"Thanks, but I still want your things here. It's only right."

He knew he wasn't going to win this. She had her mind set and there were no changing it. He also noticed a certain look on her face. So, when she gets that look, it is best not to argue.

"When we get back and settled in our new routine, we will take a look and do the best we can. Ok?"

She smiled at him and turned her attention to look through her clothes to see if she needed anything else.

…

They were sitting on the step with their suitcases just before eleven waiting on Abagail to show up.

"So, Jack, what do you have for us to do in Hawaii?"

"Nothing really. I wanted us to be able to walk down a street and see something that interested us and then us just go and do it."

"That does sound nice. I usually don't do that."

"I figured."

She playfully hit him on the bicep. "You said we had one thing scheduled that couldn't be missed."

"Yes. It's a day cruise around the islands with snorkeling and sight seeing. It's a popular attraction and we had to have reservations. Other than that, we decide what we want to do when we want to do it."

"Like laying on the beach or going for a walk?"

"Exactly. Whatever we want to do whenever we want to do it."

"That sounds perfect. I always wanted to go to Hawaii."

"Me too, but when I saw some of the landscapes in your sketches, I thought you would enjoy it too."

"My husband is a good detective."

They spend the next five minutes talking about the things they could do. Elizabeth pulled out her phone and googled Hawaii attractions. Jack smiled at his wife and her concentration on finding things to do. He reached over to take away her phone and she playfully smacked his hand.

"Hey, what are you doing?"

"Elizabeth, we can't have a free schedule vacation if you plan the whole trip in ten minutes before we leave for the airport."

She smirked at her husband and gave him a kiss on the cheek. They heard a car horn and looked up to see a smiling Abagail getting out of her car. She popped the back hatch while Jack gathered two of the three suitcases. Elizabeth grabbed the one that was half full.

"Sweetheart, what did you pack in this suitcase?"

"Just the essentials, Jack."

"How many essentials could you possibly have?"

"What's the problem Jack?"

"This suitcase weighs a ton."

"Would you like for me to carry it?"

Jack smiled at her and released the suitcases handle. He gave her a new look she hasn't seen before.

"I dare you."

She huffed and sat down her suitcase she was carrying and reached for her suitcase. She tried to pick it up and the suitcase didn't move an inch. She strained again and it still didn't move. Then she noticed the smug look on Jack's face.

"That is not a good look on you, husband."

Jack let out a laugh and she glared at him for a second. "I'll carry this one if you would get the one you had earlier."

"Thank you." She smirked and then grinned at her husband.

When they reached Abagail's SUV, Jack began to load the suitcases and Abagail and Elizabeth gave each other a hug. After the hug, Elizabeth smiled at Abagail while she was still in her embrace. She reached out and pinched her friend's forearm.

"Ouch! Why did you do that?" Abagail said while rubbing her arm.

"You knew where we are going on our honeymoon, and you didn't say anything!"

"It wasn't my place to say. Jack made me promise."

"Promise? What about our sister code?"

Abagail laughed. "I wanted too. I really did! But Jack made me promise."

Elizabeth stared at her. "You knew I was trying to find out and you didn't say anything!"

"Elizabeth, I know, but he was stressing out over it and confided in me. I couldn't break his confidence. Do you forgive me?" She smiled knowing full well Elizabeth would. Abagail made sure that Jack was busy and couldn't hear her, "So, how did last night go?" She asked in an older sister tone.

"What do you mean?"

"Don't play with me young woman!"

"Abagail!" Elizabeth blushed.

"I don't want intimate details, but by the blushing I see, I would guess it went well."

"Yes, very well."

"Very well?" Abagail sassed.

"Yes, very well twice last night and very well once this morning." Smirked Elizabeth.

"You go girl!"

"Abagail. I can't believe we are having this discussion."

"We are sisters, and you are not sharing intimate details. I think we are good."

Jack walked from behind the car and noticed Abagail's smile and Elizabeth's red face. He started to say something but decided against it. He took a couple of steps back and closed the hatch to make sure they heard it. When he came around the second time, both ladies were giggling, and Elizabeth looked like she was busted from doing something she wasn't supposed to do. She held her hands in front of her and she was swaying back and forth.

Jack looked at them, "Ladies, are we ready?"

"Yes Jack." Both ladies said with a tone of a child who was just caught doing something they weren't supposed to do. He shook his head not sure if he wanted to know what they were discussing.

"What are you two doing?"

"Nothing." Both exclaimed.

"I don't believe either of you, but you both look so adorable right now I think I will let this pass." He teased and winked at his bride.

…

Grace and William stopped by the café to grab lunch. They also wanted to make sure the work crew did a wonderful job in cleaning up and organizing the café. When they took a seat, they noticed Charlette stepped into the café. Grace waved and Charlette walked over to their table to say hi.

"Charlette, please join us for lunch."

"Oh, I am meeting someone here for lunch."

"Tom and Julie can join us when they get here." William offered.

"Well…" Charlette hesitated trying to think of a way to explain she was meeting Adam. "I'm not meeting them."

"Well, who are you meeting? They can join us too."

"Hush William. Let's allow Charlette to enjoy her afternoon."

When the door opened, the group looked, and Grace noticed the instant smile on Charlette's face. Oh…that must be Adam. He is handsome Grace thought.

"Nonsense. Charlette…"

"William. Let her have her afternoon. We will meet again soon, and we can catch up then."

William noticed that Charlette never took her eyes off of the door. He turned and noticed a gentleman looking as intently at Charlette as she was looking at him. He looked toward his wife and noticed her expression. He leaned in, "Is that him?"

"I think so. Look at her, she went all high school girl on us." They both laughed.

"Grace!" Charlette exclaimed.

Grace looked up at Charlette and smiled. "Go dear. Have a nice lunch with whoever you are meeting." She winked at Charlette.

"Maybe we can join you for dessert?"

"Perfect."

…

Charlette walked over to Adam and gave him a small hug. "Let's find a seat."

"Perfect."

Once they took their seats, Adam leaned in and asked, "Who were the couple you were talking to when I walked in?"

"Oh, they are Elizabeth's parents."

"Do you want to eat with them."

"No!" She exclaimed a little too forceful.

"Are you sure? You are a person who I think never gets flustered. But now, you look flustered."

"I…um…I told them about you last night."

"Are you wanting to wait on things? Are we moving too quickly? I don't want you to regret anything."

"I'm good."

"Charlette, I can read you pretty well by now. You seem like something is off."

"How can you read me so well?"

"Well, first off, you don't have a good poker face. You wear your expressions on your facial features. Secondly, I taught school for decades, I know when I am being told half truths." He hesitated. "Charlette, are you wanting to slow whatever this is down?"

"Adam, don't you ever say anything like that again. I do not wish to slow this down. I want it to go at its own pace, whatever we are comfortable with. You're right about my poker face. I never can hide it. I have the teacher ability to know half truths too."

"Are you wanting to keep us from your family and friends? I don't have to meet them now if you don't want me too."

"Adam, that's not it. I just…honestly, I haven't done this in so long I don't know what to do."

"And you are not used to not being in control."

"How did you know that?"

"It's written all over your face."

"I'll have to remember that." She reached over the table and took his hand. "Adam, I don't know how to do this. My last date was decades ago. I enjoy spending time with you, and I want to get to know you. Honestly, I am being selfish. I don't want to share this time with them. Yesterday was with my boys. I would like a little bit of time with just us. That way we can talk and get to know each other better."

"I like the sound of that too. I guess this is new to both of us."

They spent forty five minutes eating their lunch and talking. Nothing major, just the little things to understand each other better. When it was time for dessert, they move over to William and Grace's table. Charlette introduced Adam to William and Grace, and they spend the next thirty minutes talking.

…

Abagail dropped Jack and Elizabeth off at the airport. After a brief hug and a kiss on the check for Jack, Abagail embraced her sister for a long time. "I will miss you. Have a great time and take a lot of pictures. I want to see everything."

"I will. I promise. Plus, we'll talk too. I love you sis."

"You better not call me on your honeymoon! I love you little one."

Jack and Elizabeth walked through the airport looking for their terminal after checking their bags. Jack and Elizabeth each had a backpack with them. They found their terminal and sat down to wait. Instantly, their hands found each other. "Sweetheart, do you want coffee or water? Maybe something to snack?"

"A snack and water sounds great Jack."

He smiled, "I will be right back. Anything in particular you want?"

"No. Surprise me."

Jack came back with two bottles of water, a diet coke to share, and a tuna sandwich on an everyday bagel to half with each other. "This is perfect, Jack. That is my favorite sandwich."

"That's funny. It's mine too. I guess we still have a lot of little things to know about each other."

"I guess we do. Do you regret that we didn't date a while before getting married?"

"Absolutely not. We know the important things and the little things is fun to find out. Have you noticed many of the little things we share?"

"I've noticed."

"Elizabeth, do you wish we dated longer?"

"No! I wouldn't change a thing."

Jack reached for her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze when she interlocked their fingers. She placed her head on his shoulder and he laid his head on top of hers. "Elizabeth, I love you. Thank you for making yesterday so special."

"I love you, Jack. Thank you for making this time of my life special."