The Honeymoon

Water, Water Everywhere

Jack dressed for dinner and waited for Elizabeth to emerge from the bathroom. He went to the balcony, moved the rocking chair and sat for a moment enjoying the view. When he heard the bathroom door open he went back into the room and stopped in his tracks when he saw her. She wore a blue beaded gown, low cut with lace sleeves to her elbows. The skirt had an organza overlay trimmed in lace with ribbons. "Whoa…" Jack declared, shaking his head at the vision.

"You look very handsome Mr. Thornton," she said as she walked toward him and touched the lapel of his suit, "I'm one lucky woman indeed," she ran her hand across his chest.

Jack was speechless between her touching him and the feelings he felt seeing her in her gown. "You're lucky? Look at you, so gorgeous," he tugged his color, "suddenly it's hot in here." She smiled at him and headed for the door, he followed her and as she opened the door he slammed it shut and spun her around and kissed her passionately. "You're so beautiful, Mrs. Thornton," he brushed a curl behind her ear, "and don't think I didn't notice you're wearing the earrings….they look beautiful, blue like your eyes."

"Thank you, they were a gift from my husband, he's a wonderfully generous man," she put her hand on his neck and softly kissed his lips.

"Hmmm, he's a lucky man to have a woman like you," he glanced down at her, "especially in that dress, showing off that amazing figure…those beautiful curves," the side of his mouth turned up and he looked into her eyes.

She smiled, "Well, I wore this just to entice my husband, I want to make sure he only has eyes for me," she whispered as she seductively moved her shoulders.

"He's enticed…and he'd be a fool to have eyes for anyone but you," he leaned and kissed her neck causing her to gasp. He whispered in her ear, "I'd like to continue those kisses later."

She reached for the doorknob as he continued kissing her. She giggled feeling the tip of his tongue on her skin, "Jack!" She tried to push back as he pulled her against him, "Jack, behave!"

"Hmmm, okay," he cleared his throat and stepped back, "I can wait until later. I had a lot of practice waiting before we were married."

"Jack? Did you think of doing that before?" Her eyes were wide.

"Yes, of course I did," he looked at her surprised reaction. "Elizabeth, you must know that."

"Well, I knew you wanted to kiss…you know," she rolled her eyes and turned.

"Yes…kiss," his eyebrows shot up, "I respect you my dear, but you are difficult to resist," he cleared his throat, "let's go have dinner."

She touched his face, "You're tough to resist too."

Downstairs they entered the crowded restaurant, "Oh, lots more people here tonight!" Elizabeth said.

"Wait here, I'll be right back," Jack left her waiting behind an older couple.

"Hello, we're from Winnipeg, isn't it lovely here at the resort?" The woman said to Elizabeth.

"Hello, yes, it certainly is such a wonderful resort. Have you two been enjoying the activities?"

"Yes, we have," the woman looked at her husband, "haven't we dear?"

"Yes, and we still manage to play cards every night, don't we dear?" he winked at his wife.

"Oh do they have card games here in the evening?" Elizabeth asked.

The woman giggled, "Oh no dear, our own card game, in the evening. You'll understand, you're married to that young man?"

"Yes, just last weekend!" Elizabeth said proudly.

"How nice, congratulations…then you make sure you and your husband play cards at least once a day and you'll have a long, happy marriage." The couple was whisked away by the Maitre D and Elizabeth wondered what the women meant. Jack returned to her side, "Still no table?"

"We're next…" She took his arm, "Jack, we have to play cards."

Jack looked at her, "Cards?"

Elizabeth suddenly realized what the women meant, "Oh yes, cards. We'll play later this evening."

"I don't really play cards," Jack shrugged.

"Oh yes you do, you play these cards," she smiled over her shoulder at him as the Maitre D led the way to their table.

Jack noticed men admiring Elizabeth who walked so straight and tall in front of him. She possessed such elegance that men and women noticed her.

"You know, I'm not so sure I like all these men looking at you," Jack said as they sat down.

"Oh Jack stop, the women are looking at you too."

"They are?" Jack glanced around the room smiling and nodding at his admirers. He leaned over the table slightly, "I think I saw a few of them swooning," he snapped his napkin and placed it on his lap, grinning.

Elizabeth laughed and shook her head.

After they ate, they danced several times, Jack kissed his wife's cheek, "would you like to take a walk outside?"

"Oh, I'm not so sure, whenever I walk outside with you I submit to your charms."

"I'm irresistible," Jack grinned, "especially in the moonlight."

"You're pushy and forward!"

"No I'm not, just showing you affection my dear, irresistible affection."

Elizabeth's shoulders slumped, "Okay, you're irresistible…and affectionate."

"I promise to behave, I won't even touch you," he whispered in her ear as he pulled her closer.

She pushed back, "Hmmm, you know I don't believe that."

He led her by the hand off the dance floor, out into the hallway through the front lobby. Once outside, Jack offered his arm, "We can just stroll if you'd like."

They walked along a path around the hotel, passing other guests along the way. "It's a lovely evening Jack and you have to behave because there are a lot of people around and they can all see you." She tugged on his arm.

"Ah, good thing we have a private hotel room then," he stepped in front of her and kissed her.

"Jack!"

"It's fine, this is the honeymoon path, couples on their honeymoon are allowed to walk here and kiss…all they want," he looked so serious, "I checked!"

She looked at him and glanced around, "Really?" When he cracked a smile, she tapped his arm, "Jack, don't tease me!"

She stormed off up the path back toward the hotel entrance. Jack ran up, took her arm, "Oh don't be mad."

Elizabeth continued walking, huffing at Jack, into the main lobby and went directly up to their room. Jack hurried behind her, unlocked the door and put his arm up. "Hey, don't be mad?" He kicked the door open, "I'm still your bull," he gave her a sympathetic expression.

She smiled slightly and entered the room, "Yes, you are….oh, what smells so good?" She walked to the bathroom where there candles flickered everywhere, an open bottle of champagne, two glasses and the bathtub filled with bubbles and flower petals.

"Jack….look!" Her hand went to her chest as she took in the candlelit sight.

Jack leaned on the doorjamb, "Romantic isn't it?" He poured champagne, handed her the glass, "Here's to us."

"Jack, this is …so lovely." They drank, watching each other. Jack put the glass down, took her hand, "Come on." He took her to the bedroom, "Better help you out of this beautiful dress," he whispered.

"My, don't waste any time!"

"Don't want that water to get cold," he ran his tongue over his lip.

"How did you arrange that?" She asked, unbuttoning his shirt.

He quickly undid her buttons, sliding her gown off. "Simple, I just asked. Their cue was us walking out through the lobby." He tugged on the hooks of her corset, "Hmm, this is a tough one."

Elizabeth was breathing hard, "Let me help you." She undid the hooks and sat on the edge of the bed. "Would you help me with my stockings?"

"My pleasure," Jack tried not to be distracted by her legs, it was difficult but he gently removed her stockings.

She stood and went to the bathroom, "Don't keep me waiting."

As soon as she was out of sight, Jack tried to remove his shoes and trousers so quickly that he almost fell over getting tangled in his pant legs. "Shoot," he said as he plopped into a chair to remove his clothes. He was out of breath, but walked into the bathroom and saw Elizabeth with her back to the door, deep in the suds. Jack walked over and slowly climbed in behind her sliding his legs around her. He took the glasses and said, "Let's toast to our first bubble bath."

Elizabeth took the glass, turned slightly, "This is nice," she drank and slipped her hand into the water, finding his thigh.

They finished their champagne and Jack put their glasses on the table. He touched her shoulders, "Just relax, here lay back against me."

She did...hesitantly, but once feeling his body behind her, she relaxed.

"Nice?" Jack asked.

"Very," she looked up at him, "I like this water…no fish and no bugs."

Jack laughed and put his arms around her. "We could do this every night," he kissed her temple.

"Hmm, we could, that would be nice…and relaxing." She raised his hands out of the water before letting them go and turning slightly to face him. He touched her face and kissed her.

"You know…you scare me Jack Thornton," she said softly.

"What? Why do I scare you?" He was concerned that she would say such a thing.

"Because you make me want to do things I've never thought of doing before," she tried not to smile.

"Oh. Like what?"

"Like this, take a bath with someone," she looked into his eyes, "Is this what married people do?"

Jack shrugged, "I guess so. I just know what I want to do with you and what I want to experience with my wife. When I asked them at the desk to prepare a bath, they said they'd put the flowers and champagne here…so….they've obviously done this for other honeymoon couples."

"Oh I see," her eyes fluttered, "I like it Jack."

Jack smiled, relieved, "Me too, and I love you. So please don't be scared."

"Maybe scared isn't the right word."

"Probably not, you should never be scared with me. You're just afraid what you're feeling isn't proper, but we're just fine and this is our honeymoon…we're supposed to be together." He kissed her.

She turned and hugged him tightly as they kissed, "I love you so much," she said.

She took the soap from the stand and looked at him, a mischievous smile on her face. He wasn't sure what she was going to do and as she twisted the soap in her hands, his mind went back to her handling the worm and he let out a sigh and closed his eyes. She began to lightly rub the soap across his shoulder. Jack took a deep breath and slid down deeper into the water and put his head back as she began rubbing his chest with her soapy hands. "Feels so good," he sighed. He put his hands on the rim of the tub as she continued her massage of his shoulders and chest. She returned the soap to the dish and lay against him and kissed him, running her fingers through his hair before she rested her head on his shoulder. He put his arms around her, content to hold her in his arms. "This really is so nice," she said. He nodded and held her a little tighter.

They kissed playfully until Jack said, "Water's getting cool," he put his hand under her chin, "are you ready to get out?"

She smiled, "Would you like to play cards?"

"Okay, I'll meet you on the balcony," he kissed her nose, got out of the tub, wrapped a towel around his waist and left the bathroom.

Elizabeth thought for a moment before getting out of the tub, drying off and putting on a long, sheer robe that had silk geometric shapes sewn into the fabric. She poured two glasses of champagne and headed to the balcony.

Jack sat down, rocking back and forth looking at the mountain view. He turned as Elizabeth came onto the balcony, "Whoa…" he was surprised at what she wore, "that's…..that's something."

"Do you like it?" She handed him a glass. They drank and she took his glass and turned to the small table, put the glasses down, hoping Jack was enjoying the view. "That is something…" he said with a groan before she turned and walked toward him, "May I sit with you?" She asked.

Jack nodded, looking up at her. She opened the robe and put her left leg around his right hip and sat on his thighs, securing her right leg around his left side. Jack swallowed and touched the sleeve of her robe, "This is beautiful."

"Thank you. Thought I'd skip the negligee that goes under it, it's a little warm tonight."

"Yes, it sure is," he sighed as she ran her hands up his arms.

"I liked our bath, didn't you?" She pushed the hair back from his forehead.

Jack could only nod.

"I think we should play cards now," she said.

"Huh?" He couldn't take his eyes off her.

"Secret to a long and happy marriage…playing cards."

Jack's hands wandered over her, "Okay…cards…if you say so."

"Well, we can practice…because I hear practice makes perfect."

"Perfect…a good word. Practice…that's a good word too," he squeezed her arms and kissed her skin through the sheer material. He felt her shudder as he pressed his lips into her skin. She moved against him and he placed a trail of kisses across her body. She leaned back and the chair rocked. Elizabeth reached down, tugged his towel and moved her legs. Jack sighed as the chair rocked. He pushed her robe down from her shoulders and felt her cool skin, chilled from the breeze coming off the mountain. She held his face and kissed his lips, "I love you," she whispered.

"I love you too," he whispered, "you know, you scare me too."

"I do?"

"I'm scared that I can't get enough of you. That I don't ever want to be without you. That you fill my heart with so much love…," he sighed, "thank you for being my wife."

She ran her thumb across his lips, "I love you Jack," she leaned forward and the chair rocked.

The next morning, Jack was surprised to find Elizabeth asleep in his shirt spooned against him, making her soft snoring noises that he was growing to love. He softly kissed her neck and held her. She stirred slightly, her legs moving against his under the sheet. He thought back to the way she seduced him last night on the balcony, how bold she was wearing the sheer robe and climbing onto his lap. How she was like cool water flowing over him with a dangerous flickering flame that ignited his passion for her. He was grateful she wasn't afraid of intimacy, he smiled wondering why he even thought for a minute she would be, she was so passionate about everything she did. Her eyes fluttered open and she looked at him, "Good morning…"

"How's my beautiful bride this morning?" He gave her a squeeze.

She rubbed his arms, "Hmm, wonderful. I put your shirt on last night, I was a little cold."

"Hmm, I can warm you up," he kissed her. "You know, you can sleep with my shirt on anytime…or your negligee's…" he laughed feeling embarrassed, "you don't have to be naked."

"Oh?" She pushed him onto his back and climbed over him, pulling his shirt tight, "you don't mind if I'm covered up?"

Jack looked at her, "Ahh, no…I can see your curves," he ran his finger from her neck to her hip, "I know they're under there."

She grabbed his hand and slid it under the shirt, "I love your hands." She leaned down and kissed him.

"Elizabeth…" Jack tried to restrain her, "we have a date with the boat…"

"Oh, right," she sat up straight and slid the shirt down her arms, "...we do."

"Oh what you do to me," Jack flipped her onto her back.

After breakfast they headed out to find their assigned dock to launch their boat ride down the river. Jack reluctantly carried fishing poles, "I don't think we'll be doing any fishing today, but we'll put them in the boat just in case." He slid on the gravel path and tumbled into the grass, dropping the poles. Elizabeth scurried after him, falling onto him in the soft grass. They laughed.

"Now I've got you!" she smiled as she took hold of his hands.

"You've always got me," Jack grinned.

"Sorry to be so clumsy, I thought I could help you," she winked, "but now I'll just take you as my prisoner."

"Oh, okay, do with me what you will," Jack teased.

"Hmm, I've got a few ideas," she smirked.

"I'm sure you do," he overpowered her and pulled her up, "but our yacht awaits us," he bowed and extended his arm.

Elizabeth grinned, "Oh Jack, I love how you make me laugh," she picked up the basket of food, she tapped the cover, "and I have the fish food here in the basket."

"Better than worms," Jack mumbled.

Once at the dock, Jack was surprised at the size of the boat, "They must use this big boat for tours, it almost is a yacht," he looked at the rapid currents of the river, "although maybe you need a big boat to handle the current."

Elizabeth put the basket down on the dock, "I'll get in and you can hand me the basket."

She climbed in as Jack surveyed the boat and pulled a rope that secured it to one end of the dock. "Maybe we should move the boat to the other end of the dock, the water doesn't seem so rapid over there," Jack was thinking out loud not paying attention to Elizabeth in the boat. She untied the rope at the far end of the boat, and the boat shifted.

"What are you doing?" Jack asked as the boat moved away from the dock.

"Moving the boat," she said.

"No…don't untie that!" Jack moved quickly toward her but the boat lurched forward and the rapid current began moving the boat away from the dock. "Elizabeth! Elizabeth!" Jack frantically screamed for her as she sat dumbstruck in the boat. Jack looked around, realizing it would be useless for him to dive in after her, she was already too far out. He yelled to her, "Grab the oar and row toward shore! Try to row toward the shore! I'll go get help!"

"Jack!" she picked up an oar and tried to paddle, but the boat began sloshing down the river. "Jack, help!"

Jack ran back toward the road, "Help!" He spotted several men, "Help, my wife is in a boat floating down the river!"

One man said he would go get additional help and the rest of them headed down a path that ran parallel to the river. One man asked Jack, "How did you wife end up in the river?"

"She untied the boat from the dock. The current is so strong, the boat just took off," Jack was frantically running while searching the water for the boat. "I don't see her!"

"The river is fast today, but if she can row the boat, she could get back to shore," one man said.

"I yelled to her to try to row but I don't think she's ever rowed a boat before," Jack said.

"Oh dear. Well, we'll find her, don't worry," the man moved faster.

On the boat, Elizabeth held on while trying to maneuver the oar, but had little success in rowing. Whenever the boat slowed, she rowed as hard as she could, managing to move closer to shore, only to have a current sweep her back into the middle of the river. She was wet from water splashing into the boat and too frightened to feel sick from the swaying and sloshing of the boat in the choppy water. She thought of jumping out of the boat, but was unsure how deep the water was and she worried about the rapid current sweeping her away. She looked around and saw no one either in another boat or on the shore. "Oh Jack, please save me," she said frantically fighting tears.

Three men on horseback came onto the path, "Have you seen her?"

"No, not yet, she must be further down the river, we have to hurry!" Jack said, breathing hard.

"We'll ride further down the river and see if we see the boat."

"Please, I need a horse so I can go with you, I have to find her," Jack said.

"Okay, here, take mine, I'll go get another," the man jumped down and handed Jack the reigns. Jack took off following the others.

The two men left behind began to head back to the road, "Is he aware there's a waterfall less than a mile down the river?"

"I doubt it," the other man said.

To be continued...