Chapter 13
The Thatcher Mansion.
"I can't wait till we have our own house, with our own indoor bathroom." Elizabeth said as she lay back in the bath and appreciated the indoor plumbing while being in Hamilton.
She looked over at Jack who was shaving in front of the mirror across the other side of the bathroom.
"As soon as we get home I want to start working on the house. I thought I'd have more time when I told Lee to get things started."
Elizabeth stepped out of the bath and wrapped a towel around herself before making her way over to Jack.
She leaned against the bathroom cabinet and faced Jack as he looked at her and gave her a smile before he looked back to the mirror.
She quietly watched him for a moment, gazing at his lips. He noticed her out of the corner of his eye, and he quickly leaned over and surprised her with a kiss.
"Jack!" She laughed as she tried to wipe the shaving cream off her face.
"I couldn't resist." He said giving her a grin and went back to his shaving.
"I'll let you concentrate then." She said as she stood up.
She was about to make her way out of the bathroom but instead stood behind Jack and placed a kiss on the back of his shoulder. She let her lips linger on his warm skin before she looked over his shoulder and into the mirror to see his reaction. He put the shaver down and looked at her reflection in the mirror.
"I can't concentrate when you do that." He said as he gave her a smile.
"Alright, I'm going." She said heading off.
"Hey, I don't want you to go." He said taking her arm. "But we do need to get downstairs."
"I know." She said giving him a small smile.
Jack slowly released her arm and she walked out of the bathroom, and he watched her leave.
Elizabeth got dressed before she went and sat down at her dressing table where she started on her hair. She heard a knock on the door and got up and went over and opened it.
"Why do you have shaving cream on your cheek?" Julie asked as soon as the door opened.
"That's only for me to know." Elizabeth said wiping her cheek with her hand to find the shaving cream.
Julie then saw Jack walking through the bedroom.
Elizabeth noticed Julie's surprise and she turned around to see Jack walking past without his shirt on. Elizabeth quickly turned back around to face Julie and pushed her sister out through the doorway and into the hall.
"So, it is possible to make you blush!" Elizabeth said as she shut the door behind them as Julie's hands raised to cover her red cheeks.
"And you're speechless." Elizabeth said trying not to laugh.
The sisters then noticed Viola heading down the hallway towards them.
"What's wrong with you?" Viola asked looking at Julie.
"Nothing's wrong with her." Elizabeth insisted.
Viola shrugged. "I'm heading down for breakfast. Will we see you soon?"
Elizabeth and Julie both nodded and Viola made her way towards the staircase.
"Please don't tell Jack…" Julie pleaded with Elizabeth as soon as Viola was out of earshot.
"I can't promise you that."
"What?" Julie asked mortified.
"I can't believe you're so embarrassed! You of all people."
"Well I've never seen a naked man before." Julie admitted.
"He wasn't entirely naked."
"He had no shirt on Elizabeth!"
"Go to your room and compose yourself Julie. Maybe you've learnt your lesson, and you'll give us some privacy."
Elizabeth pushed her sister down the hallway towards her room before ushering her inside her bedroom.
"I'll see you downstairs soon." Elizabeth informed her as she headed back to her own bedroom to find Jack.
"Oh, good you're dressed." Elizabeth said as she noticed Jack and he gave her puzzled look. "Julie just saw you without your shirt on."
"What?" He asked shocked.
"I'm sorry, I should have let you know she was at the door." Elizabeth apologised as she headed over to Jack's side.
"Where is she now?"
"Composing herself in her room."
"Composing herself?" Jack asked still shocked, and Elizabeth nodded.
"If I wasn't so annoyed she saw you, I'd congratulate you on being the first person able to embarrass Julie Thatcher." Elizabeth said grinning as she straightened the collar of Jack's shirt.
"And now I have to face her at breakfast?"
"I'm afraid so. She'll get over it, and hopefully you will too." Elizabeth said noticing Jack's embarrassment.
"You're annoyed?" Jack asked.
"Annoyed?"
"You said you were annoyed at Julie." Jack reminded her.
"Oh, well she did see you without your shirt on."
"And why would that make you annoyed?"
"I don't want anyone seeing you like that." Elizabeth informed him.
"Except you?" Jack asked, and Elizabeth quietly nodded.
He pulled her into his arms and he smiled at her.
"Don't worry, I'm yours." He said before gently kissing her, and he felt the smile on her lips before she returned the kiss.
"I love you." Elizabeth whispered between kisses as she held him a little tighter.
"I love you too." He said as he slowly pulled away and looked into her eyes.
"I see you found that shaving cream on your cheek." He said grinning while running a finger over her cheek where the shaving cream once sat.
"Julie did." She said bluntly and smiled as she knew his intended plan not to tell her about the shaving cream had backfired, the joke was now on him.
"Oh." Jack replied.
"I'm sure it's kept Julie's mind racing about what else we do in here."
"She'll never really know what we do in here, no one will." Jack said.
"I'm glad." Elizabeth replied as she thought how happy she was to share moments with Jack that were only between the two of them.
Jack leaned in and gave her a quick kiss.
"You ready to go down to breakfast?" He asked.
"I am." She said as Jack reached for her hand and they headed out of the bedroom.
An hour later…
Jack and Elizabeth headed through the foyer and towards the front door.
"Jack." William Thatcher called out.
Jack and Elizabeth turned around to find Elizabeth's Father walking towards them.
"Here." William said as he held out a set of keys to Jack.
"What's this?" Jack asked as his Father in law placed the keys into his hand.
"The keys to my car, if you go out to the garage there will be someone out there to show you which vehicle they belong to."
"Thank you." Jack said a little surprised.
"Be careful with it… and with my daughter too."
"I certainly will Sir. Thank you." Jack said thanking him again.
William then headed off and left Jack and Elizabeth standing in the middle of the foyer.
"He likes you." Elizabeth said with a grin on her face as she leant over a placed a kiss on Jack's cheek.
Jack was still a little shocked, but the kiss from Elizabeth awakened him and he turned to her and gave her a smile.
"Maybe."
"He does Jack, I have never seen him offer the keys to any of his vehicles to anybody."
"It must be because I'm giving him a grandchild."
"Maybe, but I'm certain it's more than that." Elizabeth said giving him a grin.
Julie then made her way over and interrupted them.
"Are you… what are you doing with Father's keys?" Julie asked with wide eyes as she saw the keys in Jack's hand.
"Your Father gave them to me." Jack informed her.
"He didn't?!" Julie asked shocked. "He doesn't let anyone drive his vehicles."
"Well he's letting Jack." Elizabeth pointed out and Jack nodded.
Viola then headed over to see what the fuss was about.
"Letting Jack do what?" Viola queried bluntly.
"Daddy's letting Jack drive one of his vehicles." Julie informed her.
"Why would he do that?" Viola asked hiding her surprise.
"So Jack can take Elizabeth dress shopping for the Mountie Ball." Julie stated.
"That's not what I meant." Voila stated rather candidly.
"Daddy gave him the keys because he trusts Jack." Elizabeth pointed out to Viola in Jack's defence.
Viola shrugged. "Well, have a good time." She said and walked off.
"Don't you listen to her Jack. She's just jealous that Daddy has taken to you." Julie pointed out and Elizabeth smiled at her.
Jack nodded, and he was thankful for Julie's kind words.
"Well off you both go. Have a great time, and be careful with that vehicle." Julie reminded them.
"I will." Jack said.
He felt Elizabeth's hand reach out for his and they headed out the large doors of the mansion.
Jack sat back in the chair as he waited for Elizabeth to exit the dressing room for the umpteenth time.
"What about this?" Elizabeth asked as she stepped out from the curtain of the changeroom and looked from Jack and back to the mirror.
"Sweetheart, you look beautiful in all of them." He said honestly.
"That's sweet Jack, but I need to find something that looks just right, and something that will match with that red serge of yours. I don't think this one will do." She said looking back in the mirror again.
"Well you would know." Jack told her.
"I'm sorry it's taking me so long." She apologised.
"Don't be sorry. I can't say I enjoy the shopping part, but I am enjoying myself here. After all why wouldn't I want to watch my beautiful wife come out parading all these dresses." He said giving her a smile.
Elizabeth smiled hearing his words.
"I'm going to try on one more." She said as she slipped back into the changeroom.
Jack leaned back in the chair once more and waited.
Elizabeth then came out wearing a long white flowing satin gown with red flowers and a red sash that wrapped around her small waist.
"That's the one." Jack said as soon as he saw her.
"Really?" She asked as Jack stood up and walked over to her. "I do like it, and the red would go with your serge."
"It's perfect, and so are you." He said as he placed his lips on her shoulder near where the strap of the dress sat.
He looked up at her reflection in the mirror and saw her smile at him.
"Alright, I'll get this one." She said pleased.
"Can we afford this?" She said looking at the price tag.
"I'll make sure we can. I invited you to this Ball knowing you'd need a dress, and I hope you like wearing it as much as I love seeing you in it." Jack said giving her a smile before he continued. "I'm a little surprised though, I remember you once told me you weren't going to wear red again."
"A girl can change her mind, and I'm not so envious now."
"Envious?" Jack queried her.
"Of Rosemary." She said, and Jack raised an eyebrow.
"I guess she does often wear a lot of red. And you're right, you have no need to be envious, even back then. If you remember I told you that day I like you in red."
"I remember." She said smiling and she gave him a kiss on the cheek before heading back into the change room.
"Jack, I need a little help." She called out.
Jack had just sat down, he got back up again and made his way into the changeroom.
"What can I do?" He asked looking over the dress.
"If you could just unzip me."
"How did you manage to get this done up?" He asked as he gazed down her back before finding the zipper.
"I'm not quite sure myself. I wanted to surprise you with the dress though."
"Well I'm glad you did." He said as he pulled at the zipper and ran it down her back.
He looked up and noticed her watching him in the mirror.
He ran his hands inside the back of the dress and it loosened on her body, he placed his hands around her waist and pulled her back into his chest.
"I hope this is going to fit me in a few weeks, I'm going to get bigger soon." She said remembering she was pregnant.
"The Ball is only three weeks away, and Rosemary has told you her and Dottie can adjust the dress if need be." Jack said trying to console her.
"Yes, but I'd rather like to keep my waist line, at least until after we've been to the Ball."
"You're going to look beautiful Elizabeth. I'm actually looking forward to seeing your body change."
"You are?" She asked surprised.
"Of course, it's our little baby you are growing in there." He said resting his hands on her flat stomach.
She smiled, and he gently placed a kiss on her shoulder. His hands started to wander inside the dress and she watched him in the mirror.
"Jack…" She said warning him.
"I know." He said. "I'll stop." He said as he pulled his hands from around her waist and out of the dress.
Elizabeth turned around to face him and placed a hand on his cheek before leaning in and kissing him.
He knew she was telling him she didn't want him to stop but they both knew they had to.
"I'll wait outside." He said, and she nodded.
Elizabeth soon reappeared as she exited the changeroom.
Jack took the dress from her arms and they headed out of the changerooms and into the storefront.
Back at the Thatchers residence
Julie rushed down the stairs as soon as she heard Jack and Elizabeth return.
"Did you get the dress?" She called out from the bottom of the stairs as she saw them enter through the front door.
"I did." Elizabeth replied.
"Oh, I must see it!" Julie insisted.
"I'll show you after dinner."
Julie pouted, and Elizabeth shook her head.
"I'm sure you'll be the belle of the ball." Julie said, smiling once again at her thought.
"She will be." Jack said as he gave Elizabeth a smile.
"I'll go hang this up in your room." He said referring to the dress. "I'll come find you ladies later."
Elizabeth nodded, and Jack gave her a kiss on the cheek before he headed up the stairs.
"You two are so adorable together. You're so lucky to have Jack." Julie told Elizabeth when she thought Jack was out of ear shot but he heard her and smiled to himself as he walked up the stairs.
"I know, I am very blessed to have him." Elizabeth said as she let her eyes wander up to the staircase and she watched Jack leave.
The next morning
The front door bell rang, and Julie rushed ahead of the butler to answer it.
She quickly opened the door and saw Tom standing on the doorsteps. She threw herself into his arms just as Jack and Elizabeth walked into the foyer.
Jack and Elizabeth stopped and gave each other a knowing look. They then waited until Tom and Julie broke out of their embrace.
Jack cleared his throat and his brother and Julie turned and looked over in his direction.
"Jack." Tom said as he headed over towards his brother and the two men hugged.
"How you been big brother."
"Really good, and you?"
"I'm well. It seems marriage suits you."
"It certainly is." Jack said with a smile.
"Elizabeth." Tom said greeting her with a nod.
"It's good to see you Tom." Elizabeth replied.
"Thank you. I hope your Father can say the same."
"There's always hope. Daddy has really taken to Jack." Julie informed him.
"He has, has he?" Tom said looking over at Jack and grinning at him.
"He even gave him one of the cars to drive yesterday." Julie said.
"Well I certainly know your Father isn't going to allow me to be doing that anytime soon. Not after our little mishap a few years ago." Tom reminded them.
A few moments later William Thatcher walked through the foyer.
"Tom." He said nodding.
"Mr Thatcher." Tom said holding out his hand, but William ignored his offer.
"I didn't think you'd be here till later." William pointed out.
"I came early, to catch up with my brother." Tom informed him.
"And Julie I assume."
"Yes." Tom admitted.
"Very well, as long as the two of you don't leave this house without Jack and Elizabeth."
"But Daddy!" Julie said protesting.
"Julie, you and Tom haven't given me any reason to trust the two of you together, and until you do and while you live under my roof you will follow my rules."
"We will." Tom said adhering to his words.
Julie felt defeated and quietly nodded her head in agreement.
"Maybe you'll both prove me wrong one day, like Jack did. But until that day comes then you don't leave this house alone together." William Thatcher said, and he went on his way.
"Julie, you should be thankful he allows Tom in the house." Elizabeth informed her sister.
"I know, but it's still so unfair." Julie said with a sigh. "Father never made you and Jack have a chaperone."
"Don't you remember Jack was sent to Hope Valley to be my chaperone, and then when we were courting we never gave him reason to suggest we needed one. You and Tom crashed his car Julie! I know it was years ago but you're just going to have to prove yourself to him now."
"I know, I know." Julie replied.
Elizabeth felt a little sorry for Julie but felt she needed to be blunt with her to help her understand where their Father was coming from.
"You promised me you'd come shopping with me today. Maybe that will cheer you up? That's if I can tear you away from Tom?"
Julie looked over at Tom and then back to Elizabeth.
"Tom's living in Hamilton, we can catch up later. It's been too long since I've been able to go shopping with my sister, we can still go today." Julie said.
Elizabeth smiled as she knew Julie had a made difficult decision having to choose between her and Tom. She knew her sister dearly missed her though and was pleased she hadn't broken their shopping date.
"That's great then, I'll have time to catch up with my little brother." Jack said as he laid a hand on Tom's back. "Do you girls need a lift?"
"You still have the keys?" Julie asked surprised.
"Your Father's let me hold onto them until we leave for Hope Valley." Jack replied, and Elizabeth wrapped her arm around his and leaned into his side.
"I need to hear your words of wisdom on how to get on Mr Thatcher's good side." Tom said.
"I don't know if I have any words of wisdom." Jack replied.
"Father got to know Jack, I knew he'd approve once he did." Elizabeth said as she looked from Tom and then over to her husband and she gave him a smile.
"You just need to pull your socks up Tom and start behaving yourself. Once he gets to know you you'll be fine." Jack informed him.
Tom shrugged as he wasn't too convinced it would be that easy.
"How about you ladies go get yourselves ready and I'll have the car ready outside waiting for you?" Jack suggested.
"Alright." Elizabeth said, and she kissed Jack on the cheek before heading up the stairs.
Julie did the same to Tom and then the two girls headed upstairs together and left the men down in the foyer.
Elizabeth's bedroom
Jack opened the door and walked into the bedroom.
"Elizabeth?" He called out.
"I'm in the bathroom."
Jack followed her voice and headed into the bathroom and found her standing in front of the mirror.
"I thought you were going out to get the car?" She asked.
"I did already, but I just wanted to check in with you before we left."
"Check in?" She questioned.
"Well, we've hardly left each other's side since we got married." He reminded her.
"We haven't." She said with a smile as she turned around now and gave him her full attention.
"So.." Jack started.
"So?"
"I'm going to miss you while you're out on your shopping trip sweetheart." He admitted as he reached out and placed his hand on her cheek.
"I'm going to miss you too." She said as she rested her hands on his chest.
Jack wrapped his arms around her and her hands went up his chest, over his shoulders and she then started to play with the hair at the nape of his neck.
Elizabeth leant in and lightly brushed her lips on his as she waited for further response from him. Within moments his lips came crashing into hers and she noticed his eagerness in the way he kissed her.
They then heard a knock on the door.
"That will be Julie." Elizabeth said breathlessly as they both felt displeased at being interrupted. "I better get it, otherwise she'll start getting suspicious." She continued.
"Let her." Jack said as she noticed the desire in his eyes for her.
"I.." Elizabeth started. She momentarily felt torn, but she noticed the way Jack looked at her. His eyes pleaded with need for her, she knew all he was asking for was her, and she knew she couldn't deny him that.
Elizabeth leaned in and kissed her husband, their kisses became more passionate again as she felt his hands wander up her back.
They then heard another knock.
Jack pulled back and his hands through his hair and took in a big breath to clear his mind. "I can't wait till we get home." He said giving her a smile.
"Neither can I. I'll tell her to come back later."
"You can't tell her that. My brother is downstairs as well."
"What do you propose we do then?" She asked.
"I don't want to, but we'll have to wait." Jack said. "We waited over for years for this. We can wait a few hours again."
"You have the patience of a saint."
Jack shrugged and gave her a smile.
"I know I wouldn't have such patience if I didn't have you backing me up." Elizabeth informed him, and she headed off to answer the door.
He smiled to himself as her words made him realise her desire for him.
There was another knock on the door as Elizabeth headed out of the bathroom.
"You're persistent, aren't you?" Elizabeth said as she opened the door and saw Julie standing there.
"Your cheeks are starting to look a little pink Elizabeth. Did I interrupt something?"
"Julie! Did you not learn your lesson earlier? I even asked you to give us some privacy."
"Sorry." Julie said feeling a little dejected.
"No, I'm sorry. It's just Jack and I are barely over our honeymoon and I'm not used to all of the disturbances. After all I was living alone for some time."
"You sure don't seem to mind when Jack 'disturbs' you."
"Julie." Elizabeth said warningly. "I've just offered you one apology, please accept it and move on before you're in need of another."
"Alright. But I have to admit, it's not the same now you're married."
"Not the same?"
"We always used to come barging into each other's rooms when we both lived here." Julie reminded her.
"I hardly think you'd appreciate me living here and barging into your room every day. Unfortunately, we're adults now Julie, change happens, but we can still go shopping together."
"And I'm glad for that. I just miss you since you live so far away."
"I know, I miss you too." She replied to Julie. "Can you please just give us a few minutes and I'll meet you out front."
"Sure." Julie said, and she gave Elizabeth a smile and headed off down the hallway.
Jack exited the bathroom and made his way over to Elizabeth.
"So, you're ready to go?" Jack asked.
"Apparently I am." Elizabeth said with a sigh.
"Just a few hours." Jack said holding out his hand and Elizabeth took it in hers.
"A few hours" She said reminding herself.
Jack placed a kiss on her cheek and they headed off on their way.
Jack dropped the girls off and he and Tom went to park the car.
"So where are we going?" Tom asked.
"Shopping for the baby."
"What? You're kidding me."
"I wanted to get something to surprise Elizabeth and this is the only chance I'll get."
"Well, aren't you the romantic" Tom said with a laugh.
Jack shrugged.
"You know Julie would appreciate it if you were too."
"Maybe." He said not really wanting to hear Jack's courtship advice. "I've noticed you and Elizabeth are quite openly affectionate."
Jack parked the car and turned it off before looking over at Tom.
"We're married, and have Mr Thatcher's approval. You'd be wise not to follow us in that regard, especially while you're in their home."
Tom nodded.
"So, what else have you been up to lately?" Jack asked as they got out of the car and made their way onto the footpath and headed up the street.
"Not much, just trying to keep a job down, but more importantly you haven't told me what went on in the Northern Territories."
"I haven't told anyone much." Jack stated honestly. "I saw a lot of things that I don't even want Elizabeth to know, she'd only worry."
"It was that bad?" Tom asked, and Jack nodded.
"But it's over and I'm trying to move on. I have moved on in part." Jack said.
"I'm guessing marriage has been a great distraction."
"It has." Jack said and left it there as he didn't feel he wanted to share too much with Tom. "Here, this is the store I was looking for."
The two men entered the large department store and navigated their way through to the baby section.
"Should we even be here?" Tom said feeling rather awkward and Jack shook his head at him and stifled a laugh.
"Come on. This is all new to me too, but I think we'll manage."
"So, what exactly are you looking for?" Tom said as he looked around and realised he didn't even know what half the things in the store were.
"I don't know but I'll know what I see it."
"Well I hope it's soon." Tom said feeling he wanted to get out of the store as soon as possible.
"Do you like this?" Jack said pointing out a crib.
"I don't think it's wise of you to be asking for my opinion on this matter." Tom advised him.
"You're right. I know Elizabeth would love it though." Jack said as he ran his hand over the wood of the crib and pictured in his mind his and Elizabeth's baby laying in there one day.
"Ok good, let's get it and go."
"It's not exactly what I was looking for though." Jack said, and Tom rolled his eyes.
"You know I'm never going shopping with you again."
"Sorry, I promise I won't make you do this again. This is the only time I'll have to do this though without Elizabeth knowing."
"Alright." Tom said agreeing unwillingly.
"I just had a thought."
"You did?"
"There's somewhere else I need to go before we meet the girls for lunch."
"Okay." Tom said reluctantly but he was glad to know they'd soon be leaving the store.
Jack headed over to the counter and ordered the crib and arranged to have it sent to Hope Valley.
"I'll take this too." He said picking up a soft light green baby blanket.
He made his purchase and the two men headed out of the store.
"So where are we going?" Tom asked
"Just here." Jack said as he stopped outside a jewellery store and Tom moaned.
Jack stepped inside the store and Tom followed him.
"You know Julie is waiting on you for one of these." Jack said pointing out the engagement rings.
"I know, I don't think we're quite ready yet." Tom informed him. "It's been a rough few years."
"I know that feeling." Jack said as he thought over his courtship with Elizabeth as he searched around the store.
"This is it."
"Finally." Tom said pleased.
Jack looked down at a small golden heart shaped locket. A staff member behind the counter got it out from under the glass counter for him and he looked over it.
"This will be perfect." He said.
The staff member placed the locket inside a small box and Jack made his payment.
Tom felt relieved as they exited the store and made their way back out onto the pavement.
"Jack!"
Jack turned as he heard Elizabeth call his name. He quickly placed the small box into his coat pocket as she rushed into his arms. Being in public she didn't linger too long however.
Jack placed a quick kiss on her cheek and he offered his arm out to her and she took hold of it.
"Someone miss me?" He whispered in her ear.
"I told you I would." She said giving him a smile as they made their way down the footpath.
They watched Tom and Julie walk closely together up ahead and they followed their lead.
"It looks like you girls did a lot of shopping."
"Well Julie did, I didn't buy much."
Jack nodded.
"Did you get anything?" Elizabeth asked trying to pry into the bag he was holding.
"I did."
"Are you going to tell me what it is?" She asked.
"No." Jack said and smiled.
"No?"
"It's a surprise." He said with a grin.
"When will I get this surprise?" She asked slyly as she took a firmer hold onto his arm and leaned into his side.
"Once we get back to Hope Valley."
"Oh." She said a little disappointed.
He placed a kiss atop her head and continued to lead her down the footpath.
"I could make you wait longer." Jack suggested.
"Please, don't."
"Alright, only a few more days and we'll be home anyway." He said, and she nodded.
She smiled at the thought Jack had brought her something.
"You hungry?" Jack asked as he interrupted her thoughts.
"Starving."
"I'm guessing you know somewhere to go?"
"Julie knows a place."
Later that afternoon back at the Thatcher mansion.
Jack and Elizabeth made their way into her bedroom. Jack put their shopping bags down as Elizabeth made her way over to the bed and sat down before deciding to lay back and rest.
"Are you tired?" Jack asked as he sat down on the bed beside her.
"Slightly." She said relaxing as she felt Jack place his hand on her stomach.
"Is this little one tiring you out?"
"Not as much as I thought, but it's still early days."
Jack lay back on the bed and he turned his head to look at Elizabeth.
"Maybe we won't hear from Julie for a while since Tom is here." He pointed out.
"That would be nice. I mean don't get me wrong, I love spending time with Julie, but we've only been married a few weeks…"
"The interruptions are a little too much." Jack said finishing her sentence.
"Exactly."
"Good because I'm starting to feel the same way. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have made the suggestion to come to Hamilton so soon after the wedding."
"No, it's fine Jack. I'm glad we came, it's nice being here with you." She said smiling. "So… you were implying that we may not get any interruptions this afternoon?" She asked slyly.
"I was." Jack said as he gave her a grin.
Elizabeth rolled over on her side and faced Jack.
"I can't imagine what we could do for the rest of the afternoon." She said feigning.
"I can."
"Well do tell." She said as she sat up on one elbow and looked down at him. She ran her fingers through his hair as she watched him as he was clearly processing something in his mind.
"Jack?"
"Hmm."
"Aren't you going to say something?"
"I was but maybe it would be better if I just showed you." He said as he wrapped an arm around her.
"Sounds good to me."
"Shh." He said placing a finger on her bottom lip.
He then leaned in towards her and placed his lips on hers. His hand rested on her hip before it travelled to the small of her back where he rested it and he pulled her closer. She instinctively moved closer to him and she ran her hand up inside his coat and started to remove it from his shoulder. As she pushed back his coat she felt something in the pocket.
"What's this?" She asked as she pulled back from the kiss and slipped her hand inside the inside of his coat pocket. Jack tried to stop her, but she was too quick and she retrieved the little box he had purchased from the jeweller earlier.
"It's nothing." Jack said as he sat up and took the box from her and hid it behind his back.
"What is it?" She playfully asked as she sat up herself and reached behind his back to try retrieve the box once more.
He gently held back her arm from reaching it, but she continued to struggle with him.
"It's your surprise. For when we get back to Hope Valley."
"Oh." She asked, now more eager to find out what it was. "Can I…"
"No speaking... I'm trying to show you something else remember." He reminded her, and she relaxed in his hold.
"I remember." She said her voice softening and the desire for the gift was forgotten as she turned her attention back to Jack.
She continued to remove his coat and she let it fall off the edge of the bed. Jack's arms wrapped around her and he pulled her onto his lap as they sat on the bed. He noticed her surprise, but she quickly relaxed, and he saw a gentle smile on her face as she looked at him.
"I love you Elizabeth Thornton." He said as he cradled her face with his hand. She felt his hand on her cheek and she leant into him.
"I love you too."
She noticed the desire in Jack's eyes and knew he was holding back and taking things slow. She placed her lips on his and their kisses became more passionate as she tried to show him she wanted this as much as he did.
"Jack it's ok."
As he heard her words and noticed her laboured breathing he felt encouraged and he lay back on the bed and pulled her down with him.
…
An hour later…
Jack lay back on the bed and watched Elizabeth as she curled up to his side. Her eyes fluttered open and close and he knew she'd likely soon be asleep. The pregnancy had certainly started to make her tired the past week. He ran gently ran his hand over the smooth skin of her back and he noticed her warm breath on his shoulder as her breathing relaxed. He knew she was now asleep and he decided it was best not to disturb her. He closed his eyes himself and relaxed, they'd certainly had a busy month and he enjoyed the downtime, especially with Elizabeth by his side. He soon got lost in his thoughts of the past few weeks and drifted off to sleep himself.
To be continued…