Again, this is their honeymoon so intimacy will be part of the story. While not specific, intimacy will be implied like the last chapter. This will be the case for the next few chapters. I hope you are enjoying this journey. I am currently working on chapter 71. Enjoy you day!

Chapter 46

As they ate their half of the tuna sandwich they were sharing, Elizabeth grabbed the diet coke and took a sip and asked, "So, where exactly are we going in Hawaii?"

"We are going to land in Maui and catch a shuttle to the Westin Maui Resort and Spa, Ka'anapali. We will be staying there our entire time in Maui. We can take day trips to other islands or trips around Maui. We really can do whatever we want. We can hike, boat ride, sleep on the beach, helicopter scenic tours, take a long ride in the jeep, or whatever we decide."

"Jack…that sounds perfect. I can't wait."

"We will get there tonight. After that, the two weeks are ours."

In the next ten minutes, they heard the boarding call for their flight. Jack stood and took both of their backpacks and put them on his shoulders. "Let's go, Belle. We have a plan to catch."

"Let's go husband. We have a great adventure waiting for us."

"Is that getting easier for you to say?"

"Not yet, but I do love the sound of it."

…

Charlette and Adam enjoyed their time with the Thatchers. After dessert, Charlette asked Adam to take a walk. They walked out of the café and began walking toward the park.

"Adam, you need to understand, I haven't dated since Tom died. I don't remember what all I am supposed to do. I do want to get to know you and see where this goes. I may stumble on this journey, but please be patient with me. I only really dated one person and I married him."

"I'm sorry. I understand. I only dated one person too. I married her. I think this is new for both of us and we don't know what we are supposed to do."

"Ok. Let's make sure we communicate, good or bad, and we understand each other."

"Charlie, that sounds like a great plan."

They continued their walk and discussed a lot of topics. Every once in a while, their shoulders would bump, and they both loved the touch. Slowly, Adam reached with his left hand and touched his pinky against Charlette's right hand. She smiled and hooked her pinky finger with his. He was too embarrassed to look at her, but he did steal a glance and noticed her smile. They walked that way for a few minutes until his cell phone buzzed.

After apologizing to Charlette for his phone ringing, he reached into his pocket without breaking contact with Charlette and answered. He listened for a few moments and said he would be there in fifteen minutes.

"Charlie, I have to go. Something came up." He was saddened he had to leave, and he noticed she looked a little sad. "You know, if you are not busy today and you wouldn't mind coming with me, I would enjoy your company."

"You don't mind if I come along?"

"Absolutely not. You may even think it's fun."

"Fine. Let's go."

…

The flight was long but an easy flight. Their seats were in first class, and they had plenty of leg room.

"Jack, I know we haven't talked a lot about finances, but how did we afford first class seats all the way to Hawaii?"

"Well, I am a huge saver. I don't spend too much money. I lived in a very small apartment since I wasn't in town very much, so I saved a lot of money with rent. I make a good living, nothing too much, but more than enough for me. This honeymoon is special, so I splurged a little, but I normally don't do this."

"I'm the same way. I'm a saver too and usually don't splurge too much either. When I left home after college, it was important for me to make it on my own. I wanted to be independent from my parents."

"You have a nice apartment and a nice life. I think you succeeded very well with your desire."

"Thank you." It meant a lot to her that Jack noticed she made her own way.

"When I have my mind made up, I can be a little stubborn." She laughed at all the memories.

"See, we are a lot alike in the little things. This honeymoon is special, and we will splurge on things, but please don't get use to that." He grinned.

"Don't worry. I don't spend money like that. I don't want material things. I just want to be with you doing whatever we are doing in that moment."

"Then we should have a blast on this honeymoon trip."

They continued to share about their finances and realized that between the two, they would be able to put a good down payment on a home and still have a sizable savings account. The more little things they found out about each other, the more they realized they were a lot alike.

After talking for about an hour and a half about varies topics, Elizabeth laid her head on Jack's shoulder and curled up beside him. It didn't take long for her to fall asleep. Jack asked the flight attendant for a blanket for his wife. He wrapped her up and placed his hand on her leg to help hold it in place. After reading his book for an hour, he laid his head back and fell asleep not long after.

…

"So, how do you feel about yesterday's lunch?"

"I think I am still processing everything. Adam seemed like a good guy, and you could tell he was happy to see and be with ma, but I am still having trouble accepting it fully."

"Tom, that makes sense and seems reasonable."

"You don't think I am struggling too much?"

"Absolutely not. This is a lot to work through. Plus, this is the first person she is interested in since your father passed. It makes sense to me."

Tom nodded, lost in thought.

"I would have the same problem if it was me in your position. Are you totally against it?"

After thinking about it and talking with Jack, "No. I don't think so. He seems nice and all. Jack says to give it time. I think he may be right."

"I think so too. Hey, let's go see our house."

"That sounds perfect."

They were grateful they decided to purchase the house. It was a three bedroom two bath one story house. It was lovely and they were very excited about it. The owner already gave them the keys so they could begin some work on it. The painters were supposed to be there today to begin painting the entire house.

…

After getting into the truck, Charlette asked Adam, "Where are we going? And what are we doing on a Saturday? "First, I need to run to the lumber yard and pick up some wood and drywall. A young lady needs some repair work on her house."

"Why did she call you?"

"Her husband died from cancer. He was only twenty one years old. She has a one year old and she is barely keeping it together. She has everything she needs and is making a good living for her baby, but she just needs some help along the way."

"And you're the help?" She smiled in knowing how helpful he wanted to be.

"I am today. That was Frank. He asked if I would be able to help her out."

"That's very kind of you."

"I don't know about that, but I do enjoy helping when I can."

"What can I do to help?"

"I'm not sure. You can help me or maybe you can help Abby. She may just want to talk."

"I guess we will figure that out when we get there."

After the lumber yard and loading the supplies, Adam had to run by his house to pick up some tools. Charlette was pleasantly surprised at Adam's place. His house was medium-sized three bedroom. The outside was immaculate, and the lawn was perfect. The flower beds could use some help, but they weren't too bad. They just needed some love and Adam wasn't into working in the flower beds.

His shop was behind the house. While not clean, it wasn't so messy things were lost. He quickly found his tools and she helped load the items.

"How did you become so useful?"

"Well, I always enjoyed working around the house and fixing things. When my wife died, I eventually started helping a non-for-profit organization with small projects. It got me out of the house and gave me something to do. I quickly realized that it gave me a lot of joy in helping people. I am limited in my abilities, but I can do a few things. I like helping."

She was beginning to swoon at him. The more she learned about this man, the more she was falling for him. She took a moment and admired watching him gather a few more tools and place them in a tool belt. She though he would look awful cute in that belt. She smiled at the thought and quickly tried to get that thought out of her mind.

…

Abby was standing on the small front porch of her modest home with a beautiful one and a half year old little girl on her hip. When they pulled into the driveway, Charlette instantly felt the feelings Adam expressed in the joy he had for helping people.

Abby had a leak in the bathroom that she didn't know about, and Adam was going to replace the part of the wall that was damaged by the water. Charlette helped him pull the old portion of the wall out and helped with replacing it with the materials they had on the truck. She has never done this before, but Adam was patient in instructing how to do things and Charlette picked up on things quickly.

"Charlie, are you sure you have never done this before?"

"Not at all. I have never done anything like this before. I'm not sure if I have even seen it on TV."

"Well, I have a hard time believing that. You are going a great job."

"I think you are being too kind."

"I don't think so, Charlie. You are holding your own."

They spend a couple of hours working together. She loved that they worked so well together. They quickly fell into a great rhythm. After the repair was completed, Abby invited Charlette and Adam to stay for a small snack. She wouldn't take no for an answer.

When they sat down at the kitchen table, Abby's little girl crawled in Charlette's lap and settled in to eat her snack. Charlette immediately wrapped her into a hug and then handed her a snack. They sat at the table for an hour enjoying the snack and, most importantly, the company.

…

Jack woke Elizabeth up with about forty five minutes until landing.

"Sweetheart, we will be landing in a little bit. You need to wake up."

Elizabeth raised her head from the head rest and offered her husband a soft smile. She looked outside her window and saw nothing but water. She wasn't a nervous flier but was glad she slept flying over the water.

After about twenty minutes, she saw her first island. That fueled her excitement and made things real. She leaned over further to try and get a better look. "Jack, look how beautiful this is."

Jack was looking directly at his wife. "I can see."

She turned her head and noticed he wasn't looking out the window. "Jack…"

He offered her a smile as she turned her head and looked out the window hoping to see more things. "Jack, I can't believe you planned all of this!"

"I hope you like it sweetheart."

"I know I will love it!"

"I hope so."

"Do you really think I won't?"

Jack wanted the two weeks to be the best two weeks Elizabeth could imagine. He wanted to start their marriage off on the best foot possible. This honeymoon was the beginning of that time.

"I just want this to be the best time of your life."

She sensed his concern. She didn't understand it, but she could tell he was nervous. She thought maybe it was due to his lack of relationships in the past, but he was doing everything perfectly. She would not change a thing.

"Jack, please listen to me." Jack stopped fiddling with his magazine he was reading. "I love you. Our marriage is a day old, and I wouldn't change a thing. It has been perfect. You have been perfect. We will walk this life together and it will be perfect because it is you and me. We are in this together. We could be camping in a cardboard box, and it would be great. This," she pointed out the window at the ocean and an island, "is perfect. Stop worrying and let's just enjoy each other and Hawaii."

He smiled at her. He knew he wasn't confident and was stressing over something he probably shouldn't have, but he couldn't help it. He reached over and took her hand and looked in her eyes. "Thank you." He said quietly.

"You're welcome." She settled into his side waiting to land.

…

After landing and gathering their backpacks, they gathered their suitcases and walked to the front of the airport looking for their shuttle to their resort. Elizabeth was the first one to step out and she was met with a beautiful young woman placing a lei around her neck. She had to bend her knees a little for the young lady to reach over her head. Jack was next in line the and the same lady placed a lei on Jack's neck.

The young lady looked at both Jack and Elizabeth and asked, "May I help you find your resort or hotel where you are staying?"

"We are looking for the shuttle for the Westin Maui Resort and Spa, Ka'anapali."

"Yes ma'am. It's the white van to the left. You can't miss it. And if I may, that is a perfect resort to stay in. Whoever made the reservations, he or she made the best choice."

"That would be my husband."

"Well, he has great tastes."

Elizabeth smiled at the friendly young lady. As they started to the van for their resort, the warm Hawaiian breeze engulfed them. Elizabeth stated, "Wow! I'm hot."

"Why yes wife, you are hot." He stated with a big smile and raising his eyebrows.

"Oh my, did you really just make that bad joke."

With pride in his voice, "Absolutely. You better get used to it because you are stuck with me and my corny jokes for the rest of our lives."

"I wouldn't use the word 'stuck'." She flirted. "I wonder how long of a ride is it to the resort?"

"Ten minutes, ma'am." A nice looking young man said. "I assume you are Mr. and Mrs. Thorton?"

Elizabeth smiled at her new name. "Yes, we are the Thortons."

"Great. Let me get those bags for you and we will get you on your way to your room."

"You may want to be careful with this bag…" Jack said with a whisper. "It's hers and it's very heavy."

"Jack Thorton." Elizabeth exclaimed. "Then she hit him on the bottom as he walked past her toward the van."

Jack turned and gave her a full dimpled smile over his right shoulder while he walked away. "I love you, Nani."

"I love you, silly man."

As she began to follow Jack to the van, she heard the young man grunt as he tried to lift the suitcase and then she heard the suitcase fall back to the ground. She also heard Jack suppress a laugh. I need to make sure we tip that young man well.

The ride to the Westin Maui Resort took just under ten minutes. The place was spectacularly beautiful. The resort was mere steps from the stunning blue Pacific Ocean and it was also located against the verdant volcanic mountains. The resort took Jack and Elizabeth's breath. As they checked in, they were given another lei by smiling front desk clerks.

"Welcome to the Westin Maui Resort and Spa, Ka'anapali. My name is Amanda, how may I help you today?"

"We are the Thorton party of two." Jack stated.

"Yes. You are on your honeymoon. Congratulations on your wedding yesterday. We have you set up in our exclusive honeymoon suite. The infinity hot tub on the balcony is a must. Here are your room keys and the porter will follow you to the room with your bags. Here is some information on our attractions and local things you may find interesting. Please do not hesitate to contact the front desk if you have any questions or concerns. Also, we can help with any reservations for the island. Just call the front desk and let us know what you would like to do and when. I recommend the Waicoco restaurant on our campus, but you will have to call one day ahead for reservations. The food there is excellent."

"Thank you for all your help and with all the information. That will be helpful since my dear husband didn't let me know where we were going for our honeymoon."

The woman behind the counter gasped. "Your husband didn't tell you he was bringing you here?"

"No, this is all a surprise to me. We were married yesterday and this morning about two hours before going to the airport was when he told me. He wouldn't let me google attractions on the island. He didn't even tell me where we were staying. He wants this time here to be a relaxing time together."

The clerk lead forward and whispered to Elizabeth, "That is such a sweet gift. I hope you realize how great a gift this is. This is one of the most treasured resorts in all of the United States and the most treasured resort in Hawaii. If I may say so myself, he did quite well."

Elizabeth blushed a little. "I believe he did too."

"My future husband better do something like this." The clerk exclaimed.

Both ladies giggled and the porter walked up with their bags on a cart.

When they walked toward the elevator and the ride to their room, Elizabeth looked over the information she was given. She read the information off to Jack. "The Waicoco restaurant offered fresh Hawaii cuisine and local ingredients in an indoor and outdoor ocean front setting. Please call day before for reservations. Jack, I would like to eat there. Let's call for a reservation."

"Yes, ma'am." Jack replied. He saw the beginning of Elizabeth's planning side coming to life.

She continued with different pamphlets of the resort's activities. "Hey Jack, there are hiking packages, fishing packages, along with surfing lessons, swimming in the resort's pool or on their private Ka'anapalli beach, and different dining options. The resort also has an 87,000 square foot pool playground. Jack, we could stay at the resort for the whole two weeks and never leave." She exclaimed.

"Why would we want to leave our room?" Jack flirted.

The porter opened the door and was followed by Jack and Elizabeth. Jack looked around, "The pictures on the internet doesn't do this justice. This is beautiful!"

"This is perfect!" Elizabeth exclaimed. She stood in the middle of the living room and turning around in a circle so she could see everything.

After the porter unloaded all the bags in the bedroom, he made sure they knew to call the front office if anything needed attended too or if they had any questions. Jack reached for his wallet and the porter stopped him.

"Sir, that is very kind of you, but all the tips for the employees on the campus is taken care of by your total. Thank you for staying at the Westin Resorts."

Jack smiled at the man. "Thank you for everything."

When the door closed, Jack and Elizabeth toured the spacious suite. There was a white couch with an end table and coffee table facing a large screen TV. The lamp on the end table was a beautiful off white and the table and coffee table was a black wood table.

The kitchen had everything they would need for two weeks. "Jack, this is bigger than our apartment back home and it has more stuff than us too." Elizabeth smiled.

They made their way to the bedroom. It was a beautiful ocean blue spacious room. The king size bed was in the middle of one wall. On the left of the bed, was the huge bathroom. It had a glass shower which both of them could fit into very easily. To the right of the bed, was the French door that led out to the balcony. On the balcony was an infinity hot tub that you could see the ocean. It had private walls on each side that just slightly blocked the ocean view on the sides.

"Jack, this is beautiful. You did very well, husband."

Jack smiled at her compliment. "Thank you, wife."

She walked toward him, and he opened his arms. She walked straight into a hug. He kissed the top of her head and they held each other for a few moments.

"Jack…can we make love?"

"Elizabeth, you never have to ask me that question."

Both leaned in for a powerful kiss. The night before and this morning has woken that part of their lives that laid dormant for so long. She couldn't get enough of him, and he couldn't get enough of her. Secretly, both of them were hoping this part of their relationship would stay strong.

As they broke away from their kiss but remained in each other's arms, Elizabeth noticed an odd look on Jack's face.

"What's wrong, Dimples?"

Jack sighed. "How is it you can read me so easily?"

"It's in your face and your eyes. If you look, you don't hide your emotions from your facial features."

"No one has ever noticed that before."

"Because they weren't paying attention."

He smiled at his perceptive wife. "I'm grateful we have that connection, Elizabeth. That we can have a whole conversation without words."

"Me too. Now, what are you thinking about?"

"This is new to the both of us. And to be honest, I am grateful for you. I am just worried you think all I want from you is your body. I have greatly enjoyed our physical time together, Elizabeth and I hope that part of our relationship remains strong, I just don't want you to…"

She cut him off. "Jack, you talk too fast when you are nervous. Let's be honest here. I love you and I loved our time together last night and this morning. I know you love me. I don't doubt that. I love the physical aspect of our marriage and I hope it continues to grow between us. Please do not think that I only think you want me for sex. I know better. However, that physical activity is a very good aspect so far. If you haven't noticed, I want to entertain that time together too."

"I want you too, I just wanted to…"

Again she cut him off but this time she used her mouth and tongue instead of words. She instantly went for his weak spot, or at least the only weak spot she knew, his ear lobe. She couldn't wait to find more of his special spots.

She giggled when he moaned once she latched onto his ear lobe and picked her up and took her to bed. Both of them were enjoying this new aspect of their lives together.

…

"Abby, I am sorry you lost your husband. I know it's hard especially with a little one."

"Thank you Charlette. It is hard but I see my husband in her each day. She keeps me busy and it's hard, but people like Adam helps. I can keep the basics together and we are getting better, it's just when the unexpected things happen that the burden becomes too much."

Charlette nodded her head. She remembers those days well when Tom died. Things were difficult for a few months. Going from a two paycheck household to a one paycheck household took some time to work out. She was blessed that Tom kept the house in great shape she didn't have any issues with repairs for a long time. Her heart went out to Abby and her precious little girl.

"If it wasn't for Adam, I wouldn't know what to do."

"Abby, you have done this by yourself. You are a strong mother who is working very hard and providing well for your little one. She has everything materially she needs, but most important she has the love of a good mother."

Abby smiled, and a tear fell at his compliment.

"Adam, we both know you were a big help to me, and I appreciate it. Thank you."

They spoke for a few more minutes and Adam told Abby they needed to head out since the little one was napping on Charlette's shoulder. Adam leaned over to Charlette, "You have a talent with kids, you're going to be a great grandmother."

Charlette looked up at Adam and gave him a smile. "I love kids and always have. I can't wait to spoil my grand babies."

"With the speed of Elizabeth and Jack's relationship, they may come back with one." Both laughed.

"I know you are joking, but you may be right."

Charlette reluctantly placed the little sleeping angel in the arms of her mother. She kissed her forehead before releasing the angel. Adam wasn't sure but he thought she had a tear in her eyes.

"Adam, thank you again for your help. I don't know what I would do without you."

"Abby, you would figure out a way. You stand on your feet, and nothing will knock you off. You are one of the strongest people I know."

Abby gave him a long hug after laying her sleeping princess in her crib. She turned and gave Charlette a hug too. "Thank you both for your help."

When Adam sat behind the steering wheel of the truck after closing the door for Charlette, she looked at him with admiration. "Adam, that was very kind of you to do that for her."

"She is a fine young lady who was dealt a difficult hand, but she has done this on her own. She is a strong young woman."

"Well, it was nice of you to give her a leg up."

"Honestly, we both did."

Charlette smiled at his words. This has turned into a perfect day.

…

"Tom, I can't believe this is our house. It is perfect."

"It's nice, I'm sorry it's small."

"Small? It's perfect! Look at it."

Tom smiled at Julie's response. He was excited about the house as well. He was hoping Julie was too since she came from a lot of money. She noticed the look on his face.

"Tom, that's who I was. It is not who I am today."

"I know."

"Now, let's go look at the kitchen again. I think I may want to do something different in there."

"Yes future Mrs. Thorton."

They took over an hour to walk around their home. They admired the paint colors and Julie had new plans for the kitchen appliances and layout, nothing too major. They looked at their bedroom then the two guest rooms. Tom had some thoughts on the back patio and back yard. He was imagining a fire pit with some benches and evenings spend with Julie and maybe family and friends enjoying the fire pit and family and friends.

"I never knew family life could be so exciting."

"Me either, Julie, but I can't wait. This is exciting!"

Julie gave him a smile. She reached for him, and he embraced her. "Julie, I can't wait for this."

…

Jack and Elizabeth laid on the bed gasping for air. They held hands and squeezed each other's hand in a gesture they each knew meant they loved each other, they just couldn't say it yet. The French doors was open, and the evening breeze was refreshing. Elizabeth and Jack loved the sound of the ocean crashing on the beach.

After a few minutes of catching their breath and gaining control of their minds, "Jack, that was incredible. How did you get so good at this so quickly?"

"Nani, I am just along for the ride. You are the one who makes this incredible."

Elizabeth let out a small laugh. "I think we are enjoying this aspect of married life."

"Yes Mrs. Thorton. You are amazing." He rubbed her hand for a couple more minutes and then he heard her stomach growl. "Are you hungry, Bella?"

"I think I am, but I don't want to leave the room."

"What do you say about room service and some time in that infinity hot tub?"

"One of the reasons I married you is that you always have the best ideas. That sounds perfect. And…maybe afterward…we could practice some more?" Asked a blushing Elizabeth.

"You are so cute when you blush. Do you think we need to practice? I think it's perfect."

"Well, practice can't hurt can it." She was flirting with her husband.

"Elizabeth, I think you are going to be the death of me."