Chapter 34
Lee looked up when the front door to his office opened after a soft knock. "Good morning, Abagail. Oh, I guess I should say Mayor Stanton." Teased Lee.
"Oh, good grief…not you too." Laughed Abagail. "How are you this afternoon?"
"I'm good."
"How's the foot?"
"Faith said all is well. It's healing well and looking good. There isn't any infection setting in. I just can't but any weight on it for a few more weeks."
"Oh Lee, that's good news."
"It is. There shouldn't be any lasting effects from this. I just have to get through the next few weeks and then everything will be back to normal."
"I'm happy for you. Lee. How's the sawmill?" Abagail asked as she accepted a chair that Lee motioned for her to take.
"It's back up and running at full strength. I still need to replace the temporary shed over the second blade with a more permanent shed, but the temporary one is doing well for now. We are still a little behind, but the men are working hard to catch up. We should be back to normal sometime next week or so."
Abagail smiled at Lee's statement. She was truly happy for her friend.
"Lee, we have been running an audit on the town's books since Mr. Gowan was arrested. We are not close to being finished with that, but I do have a copy of all the fines that Mr. Gowan charged you with since the beginning of the sawmill."
"I always thought that man was just stealing the money. I seriously doubt he put any of that money into the town's treasury."
"From the copies that I have on the town's letterhead, he didn't from what we can see. We still need to complete it all, but we are working on it."
"Thank you, Abagail. Maybe it will help the case against him."
"It will, but that's not why I came by this afternoon."
"Oh, Mr. Hickam mentioned that you wanted to see me."
"I do. I'm not sure of the total yet, but you will be reimbursed for the fraudulent fines Mr. Gowan posed onto you and your company."
"Really?"
"Yes. He stole that money from you. The mounties seized all his accounts and property. You and the town will be repaid everything that has been stolen if the finances are there. The legal system will sell his properties and restitution will be made. He not only stole from you, but from the town."
"Wow!"
"Yes. I can't tell you when the money will be returned, but Sargeant Adams is working on it, along with another mountie. They will hand it over to their superiors."
"That may take some time."
"He said a week or two. This is a priority for them. Any legal fees you had to pay will not be reimbursed, but the mounties has Gowan's personal books that have all his transactions. They will sort it out. It just may take a few days."
"Thank you, Abagail. I never thought I would see that money again."
"The town will benefit from this as well. There's no telling how much money that man stole from it."
"How are you dealing with the new role?"
"Overwhelmed but beginning to get a handle on it."
"You are the perfect person for that job."
"I don't feel like it."
"And that, Abagail, is why you are the person for it."
Abagail and Lee sat for a few minutes just catching up. Abagail shared about getting married and the new role as mayor. She was still trying to figure that out by owning the café. Lee shared about the mill and his relationship with Rosemary.
…
On their second trip around the pond, Elizabeth finally spoke. The whole walk was just that…a walk. There weren't any words spoken. The young couple only held hands. That was what they needed, to be in the presence of the person they draw strength from.
"Jack, what am I going to do?"
"Do you want to take it over and move to Hamilton?"
Elizabeth stopped walking and turned her full attention to Jack. This was the first time that Elizabeth's teacher's face scared Jack. He always thought she was cute and adorable when she did it. However, this time it was scary.
"Forget I asked that question."
"Don't you ever ask that question again." She poked him in the chest with her finger. A smile growing on her face. "I am not moving back to Hamilton."
"Ok, so that leaves two options for you that Mr. Lewis laid out. Become CEO but have someone who runs the day to day operations or sell the company."
"I don't think selling it would be good. Mother was completely against it. Plus, my father did start the company."
"That is true, but if you just don't want to deal with it, then you shouldn't. You would need to find another person to be CEO or you would need to sell it."
"I think it needs to stay in the family."
"Ok…so you, Viola, or Julie will need to take it over."
"I agree with father's take on Lionel. I do think he may like Viola's trust fund more than Viola."
"I agree with you. Julie?"
"You can't be serious?"
Jack and Elizabeth laughed at the thought of Julie taking over the company.
"I do like the idea of someone running it. I would only have to deal with things once a week."
"After you get a handle on things. Until then, it will probably be daily."
"True. I used to go with father during some of his meetings. I have a little bit of knowledge on how things are done."
"I would dare say more than a little bit of knowledge. Elizabeth, you are one of the smartest people I know. I would have no problem believing you would be a great CEO."
"Thanks Jack but I'm not too sure about that. What do you think?"
"We're getting married in a week. I promise you I will stand by your side no matter what you decide to do."
"Thank you, Jack, but I would like your opinion on this."
"Well, you have already marked off moving to Hamilton and selling the company. That really only leaves you one option."
"I have another option."
"What's that?"
"You take the position."
"Elizabeth…"
"Think about it, Jack. You become the CEO just like I would be with someone running the day to day operations."
"Elizabeth, I am not a businessman."
"Ok…my next option."
"Why do I get a strange feeling I'm not going to like this." He teased her.
Elizabeth gave him a smile and batted her eyes at him. She stepped a little closer to him and placed her hands on his chest. Jack instinctively wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer until they were touching. She smiled at his actions.
"Why don't we have someone take over the day to day operations and we can be the CEO and owner?"
"How is that your option, sweetheart? That is exactly what Mr. Lewis stated."
"Not exactly…" She tiptoed so she could give him a soft kiss on his lips.
"What do you…wait…you said we. You want us both to be CEO?"
"I do. Why don't we do this like we do everything else…together?"
"Elizabeth, I'm not a CEO."
"Neither am I." She patted his chest. "I remember a discussion we had that we agreed that we can do anything together."
"You're using my words against me?" Jack playfully teased.
"I am, but most importantly, I believe those words."
Jack thought about it for a minute. He had no desire to work for Thatcher Shipping. Especially when William offered him that job while he was in Hamilton. He really wasn't a person to sit in an office all day. He looked into Elizabeth's eyes, and she slightly nodded her head.
"You know, maybe we can do this together. I don't know if I can officially take the CEO position."
"We'll fix that when it's time. I think the lawyers can figure that out. It would be essential to have someone we both trust to run the company for us. They would answer to both of us."
Jack thought about it again. That plan would keep the company in the family without them having to move to Hamilton. The first few months may be a little stressful learning about the company and working with someone, but that would eventually take care of itself. This was possible.
"So…partners?" Jack stated.
"No…soulmates." With that statement, Elizabeth crashed her lips onto Jack's. They both groaned at the touch. Elizabeth's lips were welcoming Jack, and he was entirely eager to accept the invitation.
After several kisses, they finally separated. They didn't want to lose the touch of each other. They remained in each other's embrace. They were growing to like the closeness. Elizabeth gave Jack a smile. "Maybe we need to go back."
Jack tightened his hold on Elizabeth. He slid his hands from her hips to the small of Elizabeth's back. Slowly, but with purpose, he pulled her to him. They were touching completely. Elizabeth's breath caught in her throat at the look of passion in Jack's eyes.
"Just one week…" Elizabeth whispered but didn't realize she said it out loud.
"The longest week of my life…" Jack's husky voice made Elizabeth smile. Jack was struggling with this as much as she was.
"I guess we need to go back and let Mr. Lewis know what we are doing." Elizabeth turned to walk back to the café.
"May we walk a little longer?" Jack asked.
Elizabeth turned her attention back to Jack. "Are you ok? Is there something else we need to discuss?"
"Yes, but not right now." Jack smiled at her expression. "We will need to discuss my temporary assignment very soon, but Elizabeth, I just would like a moment with my person. The last few days have been crazy. I just would like a few quiet moments with you, just us."
Elizabeth gave him another loving kiss. She took his arm and led him around the pond a couple more times before they both turned toward town. This quiet time was what they both needed.
…
"William Theodore Thatcher!" Mr. Lewis bellowed out as he closed the jail door with a little too much emphasis.
"Jack will need to adjust that door when we all leave." Reed whispered to Franks.
William lowered his head. He knew he was about to be chewed out by his friend and lawyer.
"Who are you sir?" Reed asked as he stood from the chair at Jack's desk.
"I am Teddy Lewis, Mr. William Thatcher's lawyer…for the moment." He never tore his gaze away from William.
"Hello sir. Would you like to speak with your client?"
"I most certainly would."
"Sir, if you will follow me?" Reed extended his hand toward the small room where Jack used to stay in. It was the only room where he could give William and his attorney privacy. Franks stood and walked toward William's cell to escort him to the same room.
"Constable, if it's ok with you, I would like to follow my client."
"Yes sir."
Teddy followed the constable and William into the small room that held a small table and chairs. He glared at William as he watched him take a seat. Then Teddy sat opposite him. Both remained quiet until the constables left the room and closed the door.
"You haven't called me Theodore since our freshman year of college."
"Yeah, that's when you were stupid and decided to ask that crazy girl to the dance instead of Grace."
"Yeah…I had a lot of making up to do after she saw me dancing with Janice."
"Janice was crazy, and you were an idiot for asking her instead of Grace."
"Yeah…I was. You were right."
"Remember that when we have this discussion."
"How bad is this?" William asked his friend.
"It depends if you listen to me this time. If not, Janice won't be your worst decision you have made."
William shuttered at the thought. It took him two weeks of groveling and begging for Grace to accept a walk with him. It took him even longer to convince her to go on a date.
"I'm not getting out of this, am I."
"Well, you are not as stupid as you have been acting."
"Teddy…"
"William…what were you thinking?"
"I wanted what's best for Beth."
"If you say that one more time, I will quit as your lawyer and then join the prosecutor's office and demand this case myself."
William stared at his friend. He was the best lawyer in Hamilton.
"I have met with Grace and Elizabeth. She has made it abundantly clear that she wishes to remain here."
"Don't you think she is more than this place?"
"I believe you and Grace have raised an intelligent daughter who is more than capable of making her own decisions. When did you begin to doubt Elizabeth? You've never done that before."
"When she decided to move here."
"William…Elizabeth was never going to be a socialite. She's not Viola. She has never wanted to be like Viola."
"I know…" William's voice trailed off.
"William, when we arrive in Medicine Hat, you will stand before a judge. In a few days after that, I will meet with the lead District Attorney. Whatever you do, accept the plea deal he offers you.
"Really?"
"Yes, really. You have zero chances of getting out of this. While your attention to detail was always a benefit for you as a businessman, it is a downfall for this. That Mr. Louis Franklin has enough evidence to sink you alone. With the telegrams, signed contract from you, the signed check with your signature on it, and the recording with Charles' and Louis' discussion concerning their interaction with you, the mounties don't need anything else. They could easily take this to trial and win. They don't need your plea deal to win this case."
William lowered his head. He was finally beginning to see what everyone else was seeing.
"How long do you think I'll get?"
"Depends on the D. A." Teddy stated thoughtfully. "If he is feeling generously, maybe five years or less."
"And if he isn't agreeable?"
"Then he won't offer you a plea deal at all." Teddy stated. "I'll bring up the good things you have done in your life. All the charity work will be a good point to bring up on your behalf."
"Five years on a plea deal?"
"If he is being nice. I would expect more if I were you."
"And if I don't accept a plea deal?"
"You will stand trial after a couple of months. You will also be facing more than twenty years in a prison at the discretion of the Province of Alberta."
William rubbed his face with both of his hands. "And Charles and Louis?"
"I have no idea. I am not their lawyer. I'm assuming you want me to defend Charles. I will investigate his case. I have only been concentrating on your case."
"Charles is on his own."
"Are you sure?"
William informed Teddy of the things that Charles did to Elizabeth when he arrived a couple of days ago. Teddy immediately fumed at Charles' actions. If he could get ahold of Charles himself, the D. A. wouldn't have to waste time on his case.
"How is Grace? Elizabeth?"
"Both are shocked and hurt by this. This has rocked them to their foundations."
"Do you think this will affect business?"
"William…that is no longer your concern." Teddy stated solemnly. Teddy saw the confused expression on his friend's face. "The Articles of Operation have been invoked. Because of that, the Bylaws of Thatcher Shipping has been placed in order."
"My arrest…" William whispered at the realization. "I can't serve as CEO if I am in jail and or convicted of a crime."
"Correct."
"So…"
"The Inheritance Succession has been instated. "
"When?"
"Yesterday when I received a telegram from Grace stating you were arrested and in jail. If you are not charged or convicted, you will be reinstated. But William, that is not going to happen. As of yesterday, you were temporarily removed as CEO and owner of Thatcher Shipping. When you are convicted on these charges or accept a plea deal, you will be permanently removed."
"That means…"
"I have spoken with Elizabeth. She is thinking through her options."
"Options?"
"Yes, William. She can move to Hamilton to take over the business. She may remain as CEO and owner but remain here. She would have someone running the day to day operations with her leadership. Or she may sell the company."
"Tell her to move to Hamilton and take over. She can use Jerry to get her up to speed…
"William…"
"…so she can…"
"William!" Teddy raised his voice loud enough to stop William's rant. "I will do no such thing. When it comes to Thatcher Shipping, you no longer have any authority. Elizabeth is in charge. Just like you would take no unwarranted advice from someone else, neither is she. If she comes to you for advice, that is completely different."
William huffed. "Teddy, I began that company and raised it to be the largest shipping company in Canada."
"You did. It was amazing to see you do that. However, your actions over the last little while have forfeited your control of that company. You brought this on yourself. You simply cannot run rough shot over this situation and expect to get your way."
William looked into his friend's eyes. Teddy had the worst poker face. He would always lose. William saw that Teddy was telling him the simple truth. He had no leverage in this case. All his money, influence, and power cannot be used to get him cleared. Teddy's eyes told William that he was at the mercy of the court, the D. A., and Elizabeth. Willaim sighed at the realization of his current situation.
"Teddy…I really messed this up, didn't I?"
"William, that is the greatest understatement of all time."
…
Elizabeth and Jack walked into town together. She had her arm wrapped around Jack's arm. His hand was resting on top of Elizabeth's hand that was on top of Jack's forearm. He had her pull close to him. Ther steps were in perfect unison. Jack looked down at his hand that was on top of Elizabeth's hand. He couldn't tell where his hand stopped, and Elizabeth's hand began. He looked up from their hands and noticed she was looking at him. She gave him a flirty smile and he pulled her a little closer. The look between them said everything their hearts were saying.
"That's a new horse." Jack stated as he looked up and toward the jail.
Elizabeth looked up and noticed what Jack was seeing. Her breath caught in her throat. She was weary when someone showed up in Hope Valley due to the last few days.
"He's a mountie." Jack stated. He noticed the mountie's saddle.
"I hope nothing else is about to happen."
"I agree, but I don't think it is bad. The case against the sawmill is finished. Gowan is arrested. I would guess it has something to do with the transport or the ceremony."
"I hope you're right. We do need to talk about what you are going to do."
"We do. I'm sorry we didn't talk about it today."
"I fully understand, Jack. This afternoon's little walk was perfect. Just what I needed."
"I agree. Why don't we go and met the new guest?"
"Are you sure?"
"Soulmates…remember?" Jack flirted.
…
Jack walked into the jail first. Elizabeth followed just behind him. Charles looked up but didn't try to get her attention. They noticed that William wasn't in his cell. Jack turned his attention toward his desk where all the mounties, including Superintendent Johnson, were sitting, and talking.
"Mr. Thatcher is in the back room with his lawyer." Jackson stated.
Jack nodded his head.
"Good afternoon, Constable." Johnson stated. He stood and walked toward Jack. He extended his hand to shake his old professor at the academy.
"Superintendent Johnson, I would like for you to meet my finance, Ms. Elizabeth Thatcher. Elizabeth, this is Superintendent Johnson."
"Nice to meet you, Ms. Thatcher."
"Nice to meet you, Superintendent Johnson."
"Jack, I would like to speak to you concerning a couple of issues."
"Yes, sir."
"Elizabeth, thank you for this afternoon. I will find you when I am finished."
"I'll be at the café or at your home with JJ. I guess it will depend on when you are finished here."
"I'll meet you at home. I'll get something from Abagail's to bring for dinner."
"Perfect." Elizabeth gave Jack a smile when he squeezed her hand. He desperately wanted a kiss, but knew it wasn't possible. She could easily read the want in his eyes. It matched the want in her eyes.
Jack turned his attention toward Superintendent Johnson. "Sir." Jack waved his hand to the front door.
…
Elizabeth walked into the cafe to a buzz. Abagail, Grace, Charlette, Julie, and Mrs. P sitting at one table. While they may have been having one conversation, several people were talking at the same time. Elizabeth was having difficulty in following the discussion. While the women noticed Elizabeth, they didn't stop talking even though Elizabeth was walking toward the table. It was then Elizabeth was able to understand what the ladies were talking about.
"I believe it will be soon…very soon." Mrs. P stated. She knew it would be in about a week, but she wasn't going to tell the ladies. It wasn't her story to tell and she wasn't willing to share Elizabeth's little story.
"I would assume." Abagail stated.
"But we must have time to get things prepared. Are they getting married at home or here? We need plenty of time to prepare." Grace added.
"Mother, I am getting married at my home…here." Grace nodded her head in understanding. She was trying to understand. She was honestly trying, but it was all still new to her. "We are getting married next Friday."
Grace gasped while everyone else smiled.
"But Elizabeth, we don't have time to prepare. You need a dress, flowers, suits for the men, a reception, a bridal party, a minister…" Grace began to work down the list.
"Mother…" Elizabeth stated as she placed her hands on her mother's shoulders. "Jack and I are getting married here, our home. We are getting married in the church that Jack built for the town. Frank is marrying us."
"But…" Grace began until Elizabeth lightly squeezed her shoulders again.
"Mother, this is what we want. Jack and I have already discussed it. I already have my dress. It fits perfectly. The ladies in town will help with decorating, but we don't want too much. We want simple and our friends and family present."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, mother. That is what we desire. Please, let us do this the way we want."
Grace nodded her head slightly. "I'll try."
"Good." Elizabeth hugged her mother from behind.
"Between Mrs. P and I, JJ will be covered while you are on your honeymoon." Abagail stated.
"Where are you going?" Julie asked.
"We haven't talked about it. We may just stay here."
"No." Everyone stated at the same time.
"You need to get out of town for a few days."
"Maybe…" Elizabeth thought out loud.
…
"Jack, Sargeant Adams telegrammed me about your conversation with him the other day."
"Yes, sir."
"He stated that you were refusing to report to your assignment in three days."
"Yes, sir."
"Jack…"
"Sir, you told me when I visited you to meet JJ that I wouldn't have to travel for more than a couple of days. That was a major concern for me if I brought JJ to live with me. Especially with him losing his parents. You assured me that Hope Valley is my permanent assignment. Now, you are asking me to go away for six to eight weeks."
"It wasn't me, Jack."
"Then who?"
Johnson didn't answer Jack's question He continued to walk. "Jack, there is problems in Buxton that people up in the chain of command thought you would be the right person to handle the situation."
Jack nodded his head.
"There are problems that need to be addressed. While I did not recommend you going, I understand why they handpicked you."
Jack continued walking looking at the ground in front of him. He didn't look toward Johnson.
"Adams also said that you mentioned retirement." Jack continued walking without looking up. "Jack…"
"I did mention it, sir."
"Are you serious, even with the promotion?"
Jack kicked a rock that was just in front of him. "I need to speak with Elizabeth. We haven't had that opportunity to talk about it yet."
"So…you were serious that you may not reenlist?"
Without taking his eyes off the ground, he slightly nodded. Johnson wasn't sure if he noticed the head nod or not. They walked in silence for a few minutes. Johonson wanted to speak but wasn't sure how to approach the subject of Jack not reenlisting.
"Sir, I have always wanted to be a mountie. I wanted to follow in my father's footsteps. Being a mountie was all that I ever wanted to do. I used to walk around the house wearing my dad's mountie Stetson and his boots. But this new assignment throws everything into question. If you remember during my discussion with you, I had doubts in accepting JJ because of the traveling of a mountie. I remember my dad always being gone for weeks and even months at a time. You assured me that would not be a problem. You told me that you would take care of it. JJ has changed my life completely. He calls me his daddy. To be honest, I feel like his daddy. I'm not sure I can leave him for months at a time."
"It's not months, Jack."
"It's also not a couple of days."
"Jack…"
"Sir, I need to speak with Elizabeth about this."
"Jack, would you really leave the mounties?"
Jack stopped walking. He turned to face his superior officer. "To be honest, I don't exactly know. Five days ago, I would say never. Now, I'm just not sure." Jack nodded and then turned to walk to the jail. He needed to check with the constables that were there. He also wanted to check on the prisoners. After all, they are in his cell, and he needed to take care of them.
…
Jack walked into his home with a bag full of food from Abagail. JJ was talking to Mr. P as they sat in the living room. Elizabeth and Mrs. P were in the kitchen. Both were setting the table for dinner. Elizabeth smiled at Jack when she noticed him. She moved toward him and gently kissed him on the lips. It was quick. It also expressed her love for him.
"Are you ok?"
"I am. Are you?"
They both understood the question.
"Daddy!" JJ jumped up and ran toward Jack. "You brought Abagail's?"
"I did, but I think I smell something really good here though."
"Mommy made her cookies!"
"Yum!" Jack inhaled a deep breath.
"They really are good."
Dinner was great. The conversation was lively and mostly JJ carried it. He really did steal everyone's heart. Everyone laughed when Mrs. P instructed JJ to take a bath. While he loved getting into the pond, taking a bath just wasn't his thing. Mr. P set up the bathtub on the back porch while Elizabeth and Mrs. P heated the water. Jack cleared the table and cleaned the dishes.
"Well, this feels homie." Teased Mrs. P. She laughed at Elizabeth's smile.
"It does."
"Ok, I'm ready." JJ stated as he came down the stairs only with a towel wrapped around him. He dropped the towel as he walked through the back door. Both ladies laughed at his antics.
"It's most certainly a boy thing. You would have never done anything like that at that age."
"Absolutely not." Elizabeth gasped and then laughed.
…
Jack sat down on the end of the couch. Mrs. P and Mr. P went to bed not long after JJ went upstairs with Elizabeth. She sat in bed with JJ with his head resting on her lap. She was going to read him two stories. He asked for five. So, she compromised and read him three. She slipped out from under him when he began to snore a little. She moved the hair off his forehead for no reason other than to touch him. She was completely in love with this little boy. Joy filled her eyes as she thought that she was able to do this for the next several years. She finally left Jack's room and headed downstairs.
She sat down beside Jack. He offered her a cup of tea. She accepted the cup and settled beside him. She curled her feet under her and leaned against Jack's shoulder. She rested her head on Jack's shoulder and let out a long sigh of contentment.
"Are you ok?" Jack asked.
"I'm good. This has been a relaxing evening. It's been nice."
"It has." Jack settled in a little. "I've enjoyed the quiet walk and evening. It's been nice and much needed."
"Jack, are you ok with the decision concerning my father's business?"
"I am, but it isn't your father's business any longer."
"It's going to take me a long time to not think that way."
"Yeah."
"So, are you ok with our decision?"
"I am. I think there will be a little learning curve, but I also know you will master it like you have everything else."
"Thank you, but you will be playing a major role in this as well."
"I'll help you anyway I can."
"How was your talk with Superintendent Johnson?"
"It was ok. He wanted to talk about me reenlisting. Adams shared with him that I was unhappy about the temporary assignment. He said that he didn't recommend me but understood why they picked me. Evidently, Buxton is having some issues that they thought I could resolve."
"Are you going to take the assignment?"
"That's something you and I need to discuss."
Elizabeth raised her head from Jack's shoulder. She began to reposition herself so they could have a serious talk, but Jack placed his hand on her lower thigh keeping her where she was. He just didn't want to lose the relaxing evening.
"We really do need to talk about it, but do we have too tonight?"
"Why? Are you trying to not talk about it?" Jack thought there was a tint of flirting in her voice. He looked up and saw the sparkle in her eyes.
Jack reached for her cup of tea and placed it on the table beside the couch. When he turned his attention back to Elizabeth, he took her hand and pulled her a little closer.
"I will never refuse to speak with you, especially over something so important. I do have my thoughts on the matter, but I would like to hear your voice on it."
"Just not now?" She flirted as she stared at his perfectly shaped lips. She bit her bottom lip in hopes that he didn't want to talk.
When Elizabeth bit her bottom lip, Jack, in reality, got a little lightheaded. It took him a moment before he was able to speak. "May we talk about it in the morning?"
"Yeah…" Elizabeth voice was soft. "So, what would you like to do tonig…"
Jack cut her off when he leaned forward. His lips crashed onto hers. The kiss wasn't gentle. It was passionate. Elizabeth would almost call it a kiss filled with hunger. She was grateful she was sitting down. They have never shared such a passionate kiss. The one against the jail was great, but this was just on another level.
Jack reached around and placed his hand on the lower back of Elizabeth. He purposefully pulled her closer to him. She ran her hand up Jack's arm and around his shoulders. She grabbed a handful of hair on the back of Jack's head. She pulled him closer to deepen the kiss.
Jack moaned as their tongues danced perfectly with each other. They worked in perfect tandem. Without breaking the kiss Jack repositioned himself to where he had one knee on the couch. He effortlessly picked Elizabeth up enough to slowly lay her down on the couch. Jack's movement was slow and gentle. Elizabeth felt like she was floating in midair. When her back touched the cushion of the couch, her smile grew against Jack's lips.
Jack didn't stop there. He slowly closed the distance between them until he was laying on top of her. She thought he would have weighed more, but she welcomed his weight easily. The pressure from his weight was perfect. She felt closer to him. He moved his lips from her lips. He slowly moved his lips along her chin and then along her jawline. They both were getting to a line that they knew they couldn't cross, but they were not thinking about any line. They were completely lost in each other. Jack made his way to Elizabeth's ear. When she felt his breath on her ear, she shivered. She also felt his smile even though she couldn't see his face. Elizabeth pulled Jack's head closer.
She was enjoying Jack's attention on her ear. She enjoyed feeling his breath and feeling him on top of her. She moved her other hand to the lower back of Jack. Her hand slipped down to his belt. She felt the skin just above his belt loop. She smiled when he jumped a little when she touched his skin. Her fingers tingled at the touch. She felt his back muscles flex at her touch.
Jack smiled knowing she was enjoying the moment. Jack had never captured Elizabeth's ear before. Without thinking about it, he began to slowly nibble her ear. Once he reached her ear lope, he smiled as he captured the lower part of her ear. Elizabeth let out a loud moan and involuntarily tried to wiggle away. But to be honest, she wasn't trying to wiggle out of Jack's grasp. She had never felt that feeling before. His actions were driving her completely crazy. She tightened her hold on him so he wouldn't move. She didn't want him to move and interrupt his intentions.
Jack bit down on her ear and drove it even further when she moaned. Jack rested a little more of his weight on Elizabeth. He moved his lips from her ear. She immediately missed his touch. That was until he collapsed his lips on her lips. His tongue immediately searched for her. She welcomed the action.
"Jack… please…"
"Excuse me…I'm sorry…I just wanted to get a drink of water." Mr. P immediately turned toward the kitchen.
Elizabeth and Jack moaned at the interruption. He pulled back a little but did not immediately get off Elizabeth. They stared into each other's eyes trying to calm themselves down. While they heard Mr. P get a glass of water and walk up the stairs, they never turned their attention away from each other.
"I guess I need to take you home."
"Maybe." Elizabeth stated without releasing her hold on him.
"Jack…"
"Elizabeth…" They stated at the same time.
They looked into each other's eyes for an eternity enjoying what they were seeing.
"I need a minute before I can move." They both chuckled when they spoke at the same time again.