Disclaimer: I do not own the characters within this story. All rights and much respect go to Crown Media, Hallmark, Brian Bird, Michael Landon, Jr., the actors, creators, and writers of the show "When Calls the Heart." Any real people or places noted in the chapter are just there for storyline purposes.
Chapter 9- You make it Easy
Recap of Chapter 8 ending…
They stepped out onto the sidewalk and as they started walking, Jack stuck out his arm and took her hand as their palms kissed.
"Why is it that I feel a little uncomfortable about Adam?" Jack asked.
"I don't know; you shouldn't." she quickly responded. "Jack, you can't tell me that you don't have quite a few prior relationships yourself. Remember, I did Google you."
"I do, but no one is showing up here to announce themselves."
"But if I was in New York I'd run into them?"
"Just one; Selma Bartucci…"
"The Super Model?"
He hesitantly responded, "I believe she is."
"How long ago did you two break up?"
"Just after the World Series."
"May I ask why?"
"I think it was important to her for me to be a member of the famous New York Mets, and when I got hurt and they dropped me to the farm team, well let's just say, I didn't have the same appeal to her."
"WOW, why did you even date someone like that?"
"I guess I didn't come in contact with women like you. If I'd had the choice, I certainly would have chosen differently."
"Right, you'd pick me over a super model?"
"You don't have any idea how beautiful you are, do you?"
"You don't need to throw out compliments, Jack."
"I'm aware that we're just getting to know each other, but I don't say anything that I don't mean," he responded. Jack held her hand as he stopped walking, and turned her to face him, "Elizabeth, I know that you don't trust easily; I've had my own issues in that area."
He released her hand as he reached up and swept several soft auburn curls behind her ear, "You are the most beautiful woman I have ever met, and I'm so glad that we're giving this…us a chance."
"I may not have seemed like it, but I'm really glad too."
They walked back toward the car and she stood off to the side while he opened her door. Before she slipped inside, he stood in front of her, "Are you sure you're okay about what happened tonight?"
"What, seeing Adam? Really Jack, I'm happy for him but that's it. Even if you and I weren't dating, I have no desire to see him again."
"Well, that's reassuring, but I actually meant the guy that hurt you at the ballpark."
"Oh that? I'm fine, and my season ticket holders took care of him for me." Seeing him eyeing the bruising on her arm she added, "Jack, it's just a bruise. It'll heal."
As his glance moved between her eyes and lips, he leaned in and his mouth covered hers. He found her lips to be soft and plump, and carrying a slight hint of French vanilla which seemed to linger from the coffee she'd just consumed.
One hand slipped around her waist pulling her closer as the other cradled her cheek. He leaned back slightly attempting to gauge her feelings based on her expression, but as she pressed her lips to his, he obtained his answer.
He held the door open for her as she slipped inside. On the short ride home, he linked his fingers with hers as her skin tingled when his thumb brushed back and forth across the top of her hand.
Jack hated to see the evening come to an end, but he also knew that he had big plans for their dinner cruise tomorrow night. To him, Elizabeth was different than most, if not all of the women he was used to dating, and he wanted to make certain that she was treated with the utmost respect. Not that he would ever treat a woman otherwise, but he found her to be quite special.
Jack held her hand as he walked her up the sidewalk. He took the key from her hand and opened her front door
"Would you like to come inside?" she asked, realizing after she offered that the presumption he may have was that she was inviting him to spend the night, which she wasn't. As she stepped into her townhouse, Jack took her arm and turned her around to face him. With her back leaned up against the door frame, he pressed his lips to hers.
She released a soft moan as his hands around her waist pulled her close. She was fairly certain that if he listened closely he'd hear the fluttering of the butterflies who had invaded her stomach.
"I had a really nice time tonight, and I'm really looking forward to the dinner cruise tomorrow…"
"Don't you mean tonight? It's after midnight," she teased.
"WOW, it is late. You know, I'm gonna leave, because as much as I'd love to come inside, I want to do things right here. I certainly don't want to wear out my welcome."
"Thank you for tonight. I guess I'll see you tomorrow."
He kissed her one final time before walking away. "Hey," he stated as he turned back to face her. "Why don't I come and pick you up for the game? That way we won't have to worry about your car afterward."
"Sounds like a plan. Sleep well…"
"You too…"
Now on with our story…
The following morning, Elizabeth's alarm sounded at 6am. She hung her arm over the bed, fighting the need to get up. Lizzie scampered into the room and began licking her hand, doing what she could to express her need for breakfast and a potty break.
"Okay, okay, give me a few minutes to stretch and wake up," she mumbled as she rolled back over in bed.
Lizzie fell out on the floor and the sound she made let Elizabeth know that she was not happy.
"Sorry girl, but I'm exhausted and I have a big date tonight. You want me to look refreshed, don't you?"
"Humpf" was the only response Lizzie could muster.
Elizabeth pulled back her bedding, managed to find her flip flops and walked toward the kitchen, albeit with an unsteady gait.
She fed Lizzie before opening the back sliding door, "Okay, it's nice out. You have fun; I'm going back to bed."
Thirty miles away, Jack lay in his own bed; his eyes still closed but with a smile on his face as he attempted to go back to his early morning dream.
In his thoughts, he is standing in Citi Field for his final at bat of this 2017 World Series. It's much like a replay in his mind of the 2016 final game, only this time, he scores the winning run but without the knee injury.
After the game, he steps out of the locker room to find her, the woman he knows he's been waiting for all of his life. He approaches her as she smiles, but just as he reaches out to take her hand…
"Elizabeth," another voice calls out from behind him.
He stands there, frozen as she falls into the man's arms. "Wait," Jack calls out. "You said that you didn't care about him anymore," he yells out feeling completely defeated as he watches them walk away hand in hand.
He wakes only to find that his smile has been replaced by a cold sweat and the dream that he was once enjoying had been quickly replaced by a nightmare.
Jack checks his watch, 7:30am, is it too early to text her? She should be up with Lizzie, right?"
Jack pulled out his phone, quickly found her contact information, and took a chance that the text notification would not wake her…
"GM, just wanted to tell u how much I'm looking 4ward 2 2nite…"
Elizabeth initially released a frustrated breath as the text notification did wake her. Her annoyance was quickly replaced by teenage giddiness when she saw the author of the text.
"GM, me 2. What time is the cruise…?"
"6…"
"Will that give us time 2 get there…?"
"Game is at 2. I have it under control…"
"OK, what time r u coming to get me…?"
I'll come get you right now, was what he wanted to text. What made it on screen was, "Noon…?"
"I'll b ready…"
Jack jumped out of bed, made himself his usual game day breakfast of a scrambled egg, bacon and cheese sandwich, orange juice and coffee. He dressed in a pair of shorts, and t-shirt and carried his suit in a bag to change in after the game.
Jack hung his bag in his car and pulled out of the motel parking lot. He had an errand to run and a few phone calls to make to firm up everything for the night and wanted to be certain that he was at Elizabeth's by noon.
She pulled the covers back and jumped out of bed, making a beeline to her closet to find something to wear. Her initial dress selection had spaghetti straps, and the bruising on her arm certainly took away from the beauty of the dress.
Elizabeth slipped into a pair of jeans and a t-shirt and made her way to the mall to find something for her date tonight. It was already 9:30 and she was in a rush, going from store to store, breezing in and through the racks and leaving before the entry door even had a chance to close.
Her last stop was Nordstroms. She rushed inside and stood in the middle of the women's section just turning around in circles trying her best to take everything in. After her third turn, a sales clerk approached.
"May I help you?" the clerk asked.
"I hope so. I have a date tonight and I have this nasty bruise on my arm and nothing I have will hide it."
"So where are you going?"
"We are taking a dinner cruise."
"Hmm, so is it kinda formal?"
"Well, I wasn't going to wear a formal, but I wanted a really nice dress."
"I have just the perfect dress. It just came in and hasn't even made it to the floor yet. What size are you?"
"I usually wear a size 6."
"Okay, wait right here," the clerk stated as she disappeared through a door into the back storage area.
Elizabeth glanced at her watch, 10:00, "Oh I hope this is perfect."
A few minutes later the clerk returned with a nude colored Calvin Klein dress with a v-neck and sequin lace fabric and a peach colored lining. The dress was just below her knees in the front, but scooped down in the back.
"This is absolutely beautiful, but my arm…"
"I brought this white shrug which will cover that, plus in the evening on the water it is likely to get chilly."
She loved the dress, but realized that she only needed the shrug. Knowing that she had no time to rationalize the need to forego the dress, she blurted out, "I'll take them both."
She made it home at 10:30 and was thankful for the time to shower and do her hair. Her clothes for her date were placed in a suit bag, and as she went through what she needed to take with her, she had a stark realization… "No shoes!"
She rushed to her closet… "Tennis shoes, tennis shoes, Crocs, boots, flip flops, heels…oh, please, please, please match…" she stated to herself as she ran to her dress bag… "Perfect; thank you Lord!" she whispered.
Elizabeth sat on the sofa, realizing that she had a few minutes before Jack was scheduled to arrive. She turned Lizzie back inside just as the doorbell rang.
"Hi Jack, please come in."
Elizabeth left a note for her neighbor on the counter with Lizzie's dinner on top. "You be a good girl while I'm gone."
"Is she going to be okay until you get home?" he asked.
"My next door neighbor is coming over to feed and turn her out, so she'll be fine," she replied.
"What do you want me to take?" he asked, trying his best to be helpful.
"Would you grab that dress bag, please?" She asked.
With everything in hand, they walked outside and he waited as she locked up her townhouse. Her dress bag was hung in his car on the opposite side from his suit bag.
As he took a seat in his car, he turned to her and asked, "Can I talk to you about something?"
"What? Is something wrong?"
"No, but I wanted to tell you about a dream I had about you…"
"Um," she swallowed hard and gave him a sideways glance, "What… kind of dream?"
"It's not what you're thinking. Although…" he nervously laughed, "No, I'm kidding."
"What is it; is something bothering you?" she asked.
"I had a dream about Adam…"
"Well, you're right; that's not what I was thinking."
"Are you sure Adam is out of the picture? I mean, you have no feelings for him? Because I'm invested in this…us, and if there are any residual feelings for him, I need to…"
Elizabeth caught his glance, and he suddenly forgot what was on his mind. She gently grabbed his shirt and pulled him closer. The simple touch of her hand grazing his chest caused his heart to pound, as her lips seemed to soften when they touched his. Their kiss was gentle and tender, and without expectations of anything more, it was emotionally passionate.
"Do you still have concerns?" she asked.
"No, no doubts."
They drove into the stadium parking lot and pulled into his reserved space on the front row. He was out of the car, had his suit bag in hand and was opening her door before she even realized it.
"Thank you, Jack," she stated as he held out his hand and helped her out of the car.
She reached into the back seat and grabbed her dress bag and her purse.
"Here let me take that for you," he stated as he held both bags in his left hand and her hand in his right.
Jack walked her down to her seat, kissed her cheek before taking their suit bags to the office for safe keeping.
"Okay, so what are you wearing?" Rosa asked.
"You aren't going to believe this but I had to go out and buy something this morning."
"Why?"
"Do you see this?" Elizabeth pulled up her sleeve.
"Oh my gosh; is that what happened last night?"
"Yes, and everything I had that was nice enough didn't cover the bruise. The dress I got is beautiful. It actually doesn't cover the bruise either, but the shrug does. The dress is gorgeous; I have to get it."
"Well, I can't wait to see it."
"Hopefully I can walk in the shoes; I haven't worn them in forever…"
"You'll be fine; besides, you can always lean on Jack."
"Did you know that Jack used to date Selma Bartucci?"
"The Super Model?"
"Yep, the one and only."
"So, he's dating you now," Rosa commented.
"But I do worry that if he goes back to New York…never mind, I'm just being silly."
On this evening the players lined the first and third base line as a gentleman Elizabeth had never seen took the field to sing the National Anthem. His rendition was slightly different from hers, but still good, and her hope was that Mr. Roseman would seek him out instead of her for future solos.
This afternoon, it was as if the cheering section for the Clippers had changed places with the players. By the seventh inning stretch, the Hawks were winning 11-2. An earlier rain shower passed through causing the grounds crew to cover the field, it was now 4:30pm and the cruise was scheduled to leave at 6.
In the bottom of the eighth inning, Jack stepped up to the plate. He already had two doubles, a triple and a base on balls. If it weren't for the fact that he had integrity, he would have struck out to move the game along and get to his date with Elizabeth.
On the third pitch, Jack swung, making contact with the ball and sending it over the right field fence. Not only did Jack add his own run to the scoreboard, he also advanced the runners on first and third. The score now stood at 14-2.
The Clippers' coach called for a lefty pitcher from the bull pen. This was the third pitcher for the team today. Luckily for the Clippers, the new pitcher retired the next three batters.
However, unfortunately for the Clippers, the Hawks also sent in a reliever, and the game ended with the first three batters going down in the top of the ninth inning.
Elizabeth grabbed her bag but waited for each of the usherettes to check in and drop off their towels for cleaning.
"Elizabeth…" Jack called out doing his best to gain her attention over the noise of the crowd.
"I'll meet you at the office, okay?"
"I'm going to get my bag. I left yours on the sofa," he advised.
"Okay, I'll see you soon," she replied. As he turned to run in the tunnel to the locker room she called out, "Great game, Jack."
He caught her eye just before entering the tunnel and winked.
Thirty minutes later she stepped out of the private woman's restroom in the office and found him staring out the window onto the field.
"Are you ready?" she called out pulling him away from his view of the grounds crew covering the field.
"Are you alright, Jack?" she asked as he said nothing.
Jack was thankful that breathing was an involuntary action, for if he had to consciously think about it, it would not get done. He opened his mouth, but still no words passed through his lips, as he found himself completely lost to express how beautiful she looked.
Elizabeth looked down, assuming that since she hadn't tried the dress on that something was wrong with it. Seeing nothing she glanced back up to Jack, "Is something wrong?"
He closed the distance between them, and after taking her hands in his he stated, "You leave me breathless." He leaned in and pressed his mouth to hers, enjoying the soft touch of her lips which carried a faint hint of strawberry lip gloss.
She smiled, "Thank you."
"Are you ready to go?" he asked.
She grabbed her shoulder bag, and pulled her clutch from inside, "Ready…"
"Wait, you're missing something," his voice was soft and low.
Elizabeth looked around, "No, I think I have everything."
Jack reached inside his inside jacket pocket and pulled out a slender, velvet box and handed it to her.
"What's this?" she asked.
"Well, I was thinking about us going steady…"
"Jack, I was just kidding about the high school ring thing. You didn't need to get me anything."
"I want you to know how serious I am about this…about us. Please, open it…"
Elizabeth smiled as she gently popped open the box to reveal the most beautiful, Pandora bracelet with a ship charm to commemorate their date tonight. "Oh Jack," she gasped as her eyes caught his. "This is absolutely beautiful."
"May I?" he asked as he removed the bracelet from the box and proceeded to place it on Elizabeth's wrist.
"Jack, it's beautiful," she stated as she found herself mesmerized by the shine and the sheer sweet gesture of it.
He moved closer, taking away the minimal space that was between them. His hand rested along the side of her neck as his thumb gently stroked her cheek. Her hand sporting his beautiful gift rested on his arm as her touch on his skin proceeded to warm his blood.
He smiled as he observed her eyes close in anticipation; their lips touched; it was soft, and tender, as his arm swept around her waist and pulled her body into his.
"Now we're ready…" Jack stated as he held their bags and they exited the office walking hand in hand.
Jack opened his trunk and placed their clothes and her shoulder bag inside. He opened her door and stood patiently while she slipped into her seat. He grabbed her seatbelt and pulled it over snapping it securely.
"Thank you," she whispered.
Before any other words were said, his lips met hers. It was warm and exciting as she felt her skin tingle, and butterflies flutter.
"Thank you for fixing the seatbelt."
"No problem. I just wanted another reason to kiss you."
Running into traffic Elizabeth commented, "Did you tell me the cruise leaves at 6?"
"It's supposed to," he replied, but glancing at the clock, and finding that they had fifteen minutes to get to the dock he added, "They'll wait."
As they pulled into the parking garage Elizabeth noticed the time, 5:52pm. "Jack, we're going to have to run to catch the ship. I can't run in these shoes. Would you mind grabbing my tennis shoes from the trunk?"
"Honey, don't worry about it, we're fine," he replied.
Honey…did he just call me honey?
"Jack, you look very handsome this evening," she commented as he held her hand to help her out.
They crossed the street to the Inner Harbor which appeared to be a popular place this evening with many crowds forming to listen to live music, as well as shop and enjoy dinner. Many people arrived early in order to enjoy the planned fireworks later in the evening.
The beautiful woman beside Jack garnered looks from men and women alike and he held her hand proudly as they made their way toward the ship.
"I can't believe it; we made it," Elizabeth stated as they started up the gangway.
"I knew we'd be fine."
"It's a beautiful evening; kind of makes me glad I lost the bet," she giggled as his hand on her lower back steadied her with the slight sway of the ship.
As they stepped just inside the ship they were immediately greeted by who Elizabeth could only assume was the Captain.
"Good evening Mr. Thornton; and this must be your lovely date, Ms. Thatcher…" Captain Chappell stated as he welcomed them aboard.
"I'm sorry that we're a little late, but thank you for holding everything for us," Jack stated.
"Not a problem at all. You two step inside and we will get underway."
They were led down a hallway toward the dining room, when Elizabeth turned to Jack and whispered, "Do they give everyone such personal service?"
Just then the doors opened and they stepped inside.
"Jack, where is everyone?"
"We're here."
"I know we're here, but where is everyone else?"
"It's just us, Elizabeth."
"You mean you rented out this entire ship for a dinner cruise, just for us?"
"You aren't upset, are you?"
"How could I possibly be upset? This is without a doubt the most romantic thing I have ever heard of anyone doing," she replied as she leaned in and kissed him.
The ship moved smoothly as it left port, with the only giveaway to them cruising was the Inner Harbor becoming smaller on the horizon.
They sat side by side on a loveseat and talked while enjoying a glass of wine. His arm around her shoulders gave her a feeling of belonging and security that she didn't recall feeling with any man before.
"What's your favorite color?" he asked.
"Green. How about yours?"
"Blue; maybe that's why your eyes captivate me so."
Embarrassed, she nervously smiled as her head lowered. His finger under her chin lifted her head as their lips touched. She leaned against him as her head rested on his chest.
Jack kissed the top of her head, drawing her closer. Every time he took a breath, her scent, that glorious floral with fruity undertones filled every space inside him. He could have spent the entire evening sitting with her, holding her as they continued to cruise the open waters.
"Excuse me, sir…dinner is ready," the waiter advised.
Jack stood and held out his hand, "Shall we?"
"Thank you," she replied as she took his hand and they entered another room to a beautifully detailed table with a meal fit for a king.
Their table was placed along the window line with a beautiful view of the Baltimore skyline in the distance. They sat down to a dinner of steak and lobster, Rosemary potatoes, grilled vegetables, rolls, tea and coffee, with the passion berry dessert being a sight to behold.
Following dinner, Jack took her hand, "Would you like to take a walk on deck?"
"I'd love to."
Stepping outside, the air was salty, with a warm sea breeze coming up from the south.
Leaning against the railing Jack turned to her, "May I ask you something?"
"Jack, you can ask me anything. Well, you can ask, depending on what it is I may not answer," she laughed softly.
"Why did you decide to become a school guidance counselor?"
"Jack, my story is boring; I'm sure yours is much more interesting."
"Not to me. I want to know about you, everything about you. What got you to this point?"
"Well, if you're sure, but don't say I didn't warn you."
She hesitantly began, "In high school, I wanted to be an actress. I had been in a few of the drama club's productions, and had the best time. But then in my senior year, I was in an academic club, and we took on a classmate to tutor."
She suddenly stopped and he observed her eyes water.
"What's wrong?"
"It was a true defining moment in my life."
"What happened? Uh, that is if you don't mind telling me."
"I was working with a girl named Baylee. Her mom was never married to her father, and apparently there were many men who entered and exited her life; no one stayed for any length of time. They had little money, often not enough for what was needed, and unfortunately what Baylee needed was secondary to her mom's need for drugs," she stated as she looked out onto the water.
"Please, you can't stop there; what happened?"
Seeing tears slip from her eyes, he turned her to face him. His thumbs brushed away the tears that were destined to wet both cheeks, "Shh, if you don't want to tell me, that's okay."
"No, I want you to know…" she whispered. "I had been working with Baylee, mostly after school. Suddenly her mother wouldn't let her stay after school anymore, something about needing her at home to watch her brother. I really don't know why she had to be home to watch him, her mom never worked as far as I know, but anyway, I started going to her apartment to tutor her."
"That was nice of you to do that."
"Jack, I had so much in my life growing up and she literally had nothing. I even talked with my parents about having her come and live with us. My dad agreed, but her mom would have nothing of it."
Elizabeth took a breath before continuing, "So, anyway, the last time I went to her apartment, there was a man there; I presume that he was one of her mom's boyfriends. He started screaming at her to get the apartment clean, and she wasn't going to need an education to make a living. He was gross and made me sick when I had to leave her there."
A smile eventually covered her face, "I went home and with my parents' encouragement, we called Child Protective Services. With the information I gave them, they investigated, and removed Baylee and her brother from the home."
"WOW, do you know how they turned out?"
"I helped Baylee pull up her grades, and we searched scholarship possibilities, eventually getting her into school at University of Baltimore. Have you watched the channel 7 news since you've been here?"
"I watch it in the morning, why?"
Elizabeth's smile was now full and bright, "Baylee is a reporter who specializes in stories of the downtrodden, and she tries to find ways to improve their situation. So Jack, the Masterplots short version of all of this is that I wanted to try to turn lives around and that's why I went into education."
"I'm sorry to have gone on and on, but I warned you," she reminded him.
"Thank you for telling me. I want to get to know you, Elizabeth. I want to know how you feel in your heart about things. Maybe I could get your help on something…"
"What? I'll be glad to help if I can."
"I have several charities that I'm involved in, and one we are trying to get off the ground is education assistance for low income families. We want to help the parents succeed as well as their children. You know, build up the family as a whole."
"Jack, I had no idea."
"I thought you Googled me."
"I did, but honestly, I was looking for bad stuff."
"Really?" he asked, his voice sounded hurt.
"I'm sorry. I was looking for reasons why I shouldn't go out with you instead of focusing in on all of the wonderful reasons why I should."
He smiled, "Well, now that you know I'm not a bad guy, maybe you'll consider working with me on my new foundation."
"I'd love to Jack."
His finger under her chin drew her lips to his, "Enough about work; I want the rest of the night to be about us, okay?"
"Okay…"
"Would you like to dance?"
She glanced around, "I'd love to, but I don't hear any music."
"Just a second," he stated as he quickly stepped away, returning outside a moment later. "Okay, Elizabeth would you like to dance?" he asked again as the Jason Aldean song, "You Make it Easy" began playing through the speakers.
Jack held her close feeling much like their hearts were beating in time with each other.
Like a rainy Sunday morning makes me wanna stay in bed, twisted up all day long
You're my inspiration girl, you take me places, put the words right into these songs
Stealin' kisses undercover babe
I see forever when I see your face
And I swear God made you for me
You make it easy
Lovin' up on you
Make it easy
With every little thing you do
You're my sunshine in the darkest days
My better half, my saving grace
You make me who I wanna be
You make it easy
You took on my rough around the edges
Never let it ruffle up your feathers, angel
Yeah I'm down for life, you got me wrapped around your finger
And I like it just in case you can't tell
You make it easy
Lovin' up on you
Make it easy
With every little thing you do
You're my sunshine in the darkest days
My better half, my saving grace
You make me who I wanna be
You make it easy
Stealin' kisses undercover babe
I see forever when I see your face
And I swear God made you for me
You make it easy
Lovin' up on you
Make it easy
With every little thing you do
You're my sunshine in the darkest days
My better half, my saving grace
You make me who I wanna be
You make it easy
As the song came to an end, Jack's fingers swept a few strands of hair that had escaped from her French braid and brushed them behind her ear. He wanted to tell her how beautiful she was; how his breath left his body when he first saw her in that dress, and how blessed he felt to know her. He had so many things he wanted to say, but at that very moment all he could do was meet her lips with his.
Her lips were warm and still carried a slight taste of their passion fruit dessert. He felt his body come alive as her hands moved up his arms and over his shoulders while her fingers feathered through his hair.
She smiled as her teeth gently ran across her bottom lip, having no idea how that slight movement excited him. He leaned in, covering her lips as if he owned them. His tongue pressed against the seam of her mouth, and she happily welcomed him. Her soft moans told him that she was enjoying herself as much as he was. One kiss led to another, and still another as the passion grew.
Elizabeth wasn't certain what came over her as she had never allowed herself to lose control before. There was something about him, or maybe it was the salt air, the calm waters, and the warm breezes that stirred her emotions. Whatever it was, she realized the need to gain control, for it would be practically impossible to play the virgin card when she had nearly jump his bones right there on deck.
They stood by the railing as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders. Feeling her shudder slightly, he took off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders. "Is that better?" he asked.
"Thank you, but aren't you cold?"
"I'm fine," he replied.
Jack took her hand and they slowly walked toward the bow. She stood in front of him as his arms wrapped securely around her. With a blanket of stars in the sky, Jack pulled her against his body while the ship sat steady in the water as the first set of fireworks exploded in the sky.
"Jack, that's so beautiful," she said excitedly as she turned her head slightly and unexpectedly, but happily their lips collided. Much like the explosion in the sky, Elizabeth felt essentially the same electricity in their kiss.
"As I recall, the first time you kissed me there were fireworks. Did you plan this," she asked with a sassy smile.
"I'd like to think that I have the power to command fireworks when we kiss, but I'm not conceited enough to believe so," he whispered as she turned around in his arms and faced him.
With fireworks exploding behind her, his lips took hers in a fiery connection, causing her heart to pound and her toes to curl. As they separated, each one trying to catch their breath, she whispered, "You don't give yourself enough credit."
Much like a child on the Fourth of July, he watched her excitement as explosions cast multiple colors and designs in the sky.
"Jack, it's beautiful. Oh, look at that one…"
Focused only on her, he stated, "Beautiful."
Jack and Elizabeth remained on deck as the ship reentered the harbor and the crew secured it to the dock. They stood by the railing sharing tender glances, with neither one wanting this night to end.
They stepped inside and Elizabeth grabbed her clutch before they headed down the gangway. She draped her arm through his as they walked toward the parking garage.
As they reached their car, Jack opened her door. Before slipping inside, Elizabeth leaned in and kissed his cheek, "This has been the most memorable of nights. Thank you so much, Jack. I loved it all, from beginning to end, it was absolutely perfect."
"I'm glad you enjoyed it…" he stated as he closed the door and walked around to the driver's side. He took his seat behind the wheel, turned to her and as he took hold of her hand he stated, "I am so happy that I won that bet because I had a wonderful time with you, Elizabeth. Thank you for telling me about Baylee."
"Thank you for being interested. I have to say I'm quite impressed with you, Jack Thornton. To give financially as well as with your time to charities; you are an extraordinary man."
He suddenly seemed shy, as if he didn't know what to say.
"Did I say something wrong?" she asked.
He squeezed her hand before bringing it to his lips, "No, you didn't say anything wrong. I'm just not used to talking about myself that much."
Jack pulled into her driveway. They both got out and he retrieved her clothes and bag from the trunk. As they reached the front porch, something in Elizabeth felt like the time was right and she couldn't deny the fact that she wanted him to stay the night. The thought frightened her. She had never had difficulty before saying 'no,' and yet, at this moment, she very much wanted to say 'yes.'
"Thank you so much for a beautiful evening, Elizabeth," he stated as he took her key and opened the door.
"Would you like to come inside?"
He smiled, "I'd really like to but I need some sleep. With the dreams I had last night there wasn't much sleep going on."
"Okay, I understand," she stated, now feeling somewhat foolish that she'd even offered. She had always been the one to say 'no' but quickly realized that his gentlemanly consideration was her second gift from him this evening.
Jack leaned in and kissed her good night. It was a brief kiss, quite nice, but certainly not passionate. He turned to walk back to his car, but stopped several strides away, turned around and said, "Elizabeth, I really care about you. I want to come inside, but I'm afraid if I do I won't leave. I want to do things right with you. Do you understand?"
She closed the distance between them, and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him in for a hug. He held her tight as she found their heartbeats and breathing taking on identical patterns.
She held on to his hand as she stepped away slightly, "Jack, I do understand; I appreciate it, and I am appreciative of you more than you could possibly know."
She kissed his cheek before walking back toward the door. He stood not far from her, wanting to make certain that she was safely inside for the night before he left. Before closing the door she called out, "Thank you for my bracelet Jack. It's beautiful."
"You're very welcome. Hey, since we have a free day, would you like to go to the beach tomorrow?" he asked.
What…beach…bathing suit…do I even have a bathing suit…? "Um, sure. Just call me when you wake up in the morning."
"Good night, Elizabeth."
"Good night, Jack."
He walked out and sat in his car, "Elizabeth in a bathing suit…I'm dead."
Elizabeth stepped inside and was immediately greeted by Lizzie. "Do you need to go out girl?"
Lizzie immediately ran to the door with Elizabeth close behind. She flipped the back light on, grabbed a glass of wine, and took a seat on the sofa.
She reached into her bag and pulled out her journal. She flipped through it quickly remembering explicitly the situation with each prior entry.
"My whole adult life I have held out, held off, and fought the expectations around me, as assumptions made by those closest to me regarding what was best or what I needed ran rampant. 'You need to find a man; give up that tight hold you have on your virtue; let go and enjoy yourself," and the best one of them all, 'guys won't wait around if you don't give it up.'
Those who followed the crowd, or did what was 'in,' often opened themselves up to derogatory comments, relationships that were physically based, and/or character assassination. What's right for me and what I can live with may not be what's best for others. I can only do and be responsible for my own behavior.
I need to know that I'm good enough; that I'm not simply a bed partner to be used when the need arises. I've met many boys and men who seem to think with their manhood, considering a notch in the bed post with each conquest as an Olympic gold medal win. They often expect intimacy as payment for a meal, and conversation and will frequently let their desires be known early, not wanting to waste any time if the woman is not receptive. As such, I'm leery; I don't trust easily and I'm hesitant to open up.
That was then…this is now. You entered my life and even with my skepticism, suspicion of your motives, and fear of being hurt, you broke through the walls that I'd built. You're honest, trust worthy, and my guess would be that at some point, you were most likely a Boy Scout. I care about you, more than I expected or even wanted. You are a surprise and as I learn more, I seem to fall deeper and want to know even more.
This evening my strong commitment to remain a virgin until marriage was in jeopardy. Never before has the desire to be with someone been so strong. Jumping into bed would have been so easy, almost feeling natural. But without even knowing my moral standing, your thoughtfulness, kindness and consideration for me and this relationship showed that you don't see our time together as a quick means to sex. That certainly is a refreshing thought.
I guess the saying is true…Cinderella may have lost her slipper, but she didn't have to lose her virginity to find her prince."
As Jack pulled into the parking lot of the motel, his phone chimed, signifying a text. He glanced down and smiled…
"TY again 4 a beautiful evening…"
"The pleasure was all mine. I'll call u when I wake up about the beach, OK…?"
"Sounds good. Looking 4ward 2 it…" Looking forward to seeing you; maybe not while wearing a bathing suit though.
"Me too…" WOW, I can't wait to see her in a bathing suit! Bikini…I'm dead; one-piece…I'm dead; Potato sack…I'm still dead!
To be continued…