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 12- From Memorials to Memories

Recap of the Chapter 11 ending…

Once home, Elizabeth turned Lizzie outside, grabbed Jack a plate and a beer and joined him at the table. He smiled as her eyes twinkled when hearing the places he wanted to take her in New York. She squealed with excitement when he advised that they had tickets to see Hamilton at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on Friday night.

Jack cleaned up his mess on the table, took her hand and they walked over to the sofa where they sat side by side.

His fingers brushed a few strands of hair behind her ear as he leaned in and pressed his lips to hers. His arms around her shoulders pulled her into his body where she seemed to fit perfectly.

"Can I ask you something?" he whispered as his lips made contact with her forehead.

"Of course, what is it?"

"Do you see Adam very much?"

"No, actually this is the first time I've seen him since I first introduced you to him. I see Sami more frequently because she lives in this complex, so we shop in the same stores and go to the same dog park. Why?"

"Just wondering. Just a weird feeling I get from him."

"I don't want to talk about anyone else but us, okay?" she commented before snuggling into his chest.

His finger under her chin lifted her lips to his. He knew her boundaries and wanted to make certain that he didn't push her for more.

Her lips opened slightly as his tongue ran gently across the sensitive skin on the inside of her mouth. She turned as her hands slowly crept up his arms, over his shoulders where her fingers swept through the hair on the nape of his neck.

He felt his body warming as the touch of her fingers on his skin electrified him. He was like a kid in a candy store, wanting to try everything within his reach, but knowing that he shouldn't, that somehow it was forbidden.

"It doesn't appear that we are doing much talking," he laughed softly.

"Are you complaining?"

"No, certainly not, but I just think we need to be careful here." He cradled her face in his hands, "Elizabeth, you mean so much to me and it would be so easy to get carried away."

"I'm sorry, Jack. You had a long day; are you tired?" she asked.

"A little, but I don't want to let go of you."

"Well, I'm obviously not going anywhere, so let's go to bed and tomorrow will come and we can get our weekend together started. Let me show you to your room."

Jack grabbed his bag and they walked upstairs stopping at the first bedroom. "The remote is on the dresser for the TV. If you need anything, let me know."

Elizabeth walked into her bedroom, changed into a pair of shorts and a t-shirt before climbing into bed. The room was dark with only a sliver of light slipping through her drawn blinds from the streetlight on the corner.

Her eyes remained closed, assuming that if she didn't open them that she would eventually fall asleep. She couldn't settle and found herself rolling from side to side as the bedding tangled around her limbs. Thirty minutes later she was on her back, the bedding wrapped around her holding her tight like a cocoon. Her eyes were still closed, but she was far from sound asleep.

She managed to extricate herself from the bed and started down the hall, stopping momentarily to listen at the door of the guest bedroom.

Hearing nothing she softly knocked on the door…

"Elizabeth, are you okay?" he called out.

"I can't sleep."

"Come on in."

Elizabeth quickly slipped into his bedroom as if she was attempting to sneak passed the house monitor in college.

He sat up, shirtless, and pulled the bedding around his waist. "What wrong?"

"You're in here and I'm over there and I just miss you," she stated as her eyes watered.

He pulled back the bedding, "Come on…"

"Are you sure it's okay?"

"You get comfortable and I'll sleep on top of the bedding," he stated as she slipped in and he slipped out from the other side of the bed. He lay down on top of the bedding and pulled a blanket from the foot of the bed to cover him.

"Is something bothering you?"

"No…Jack, I just want to be with you."

Elizabeth scooted over as her back pressed against his chest. She took his hand and pulled it around her waist, holding it tight against her chest. "I'm sorry; you'd probably be sleeping better if you were home."

"Elizabeth, with you, I am home."

Now on with our story…

Elizabeth barely moved the entire night, waking to a disoriented feeling, not realizing where she was, even though the room was located within her home. She rolled over on her back, surprised to see Jack, wide awake, with his elbow bent and his head resting propped up on his hand.

"Morning sunshine," he whispered as his lips made gentle contact with her forehead.

"What are you doing?"

"Just watching you sleep."

"Jack, did you sleep at all?"

"I slept some; I'm fine. Besides, I don't have this view often enough."

"Well, watching me sleep has to be about as exciting as waiting for water to boil."

He rested his head on his upper arm as he moved closer. She could feel his warm breath on her neck which caused unfamiliar sensations throughout her body. The family of butterflies who seemed to settle in her stomach whenever Jack was near were ever present, as she turned to face him.

"I'm sorry that I invaded your bed last night, but thank you for being such a gentleman."

"It was nice having you next to me and as much as I would love to lay here with you, we really need to get to the airport."

"You're right," she stated as she pulled her covers away and started to stand.

Jack grabbed her arm and pulled her back onto the bed, "We have a few minutes."

His hand rested behind her head as he gently laid her back on the pillow. His eyes drifted to her lips, smooth and plump as they quivered slightly. His hand rested on her cheek just under her ear as his thumb gently stroked her skin. "You are so beautiful," he breathlessly whispered as he leaned in and his lips met hers.

His mouth pressed gently as the sounds of satisfaction escaped through her lips and flooded him. Each subsequent kiss was more passionate, easily fueled by the fire of the one before.

With both of them out of breath, Jack backed away, "I'm sorry."

Elizabeth sat on one side of the bed, while he slipped off of the other. He walked around and squatted in front of her. He took her hands in his as his fingers gently brushed across her skin.

"Jack, you have nothing to be sorry about. It's me who should apologize. If I wasn't so…"

"You stop right there. I won't allow you to vilify yourself because of your convictions. You want to wait, so we'll wait. I'm sorry that I pushed, I don't mean to," he smiled attempting to remove some of the tension in the room.

He caught her eyes with his, "You are the best thing in my life Elizabeth, and I don't want to do anything to ruin this."

Jack glanced at the clock on the wall, 7:30am, "Baby, we need to get going."

She jumped up, and ran to her room to get dressed. Twenty minutes later, Jack had their bags and he was heading for her car.

He stepped back inside, "Are you ready to go?"

Elizabeth was bagging up Lizzie's food for the next door neighbor, "Yep, I'm ready." She bent down and gave Lizzie a kiss before he took her hand and they headed out to the driveway.

Luckily there was no traffic and they arrived at the airport in plenty of time. With no bags to check and minimal TSA lines, they would have been at their gate in plenty of time if the agents and other passengers hadn't held Jack up for autographs.

Once they made it to the gate, they walked right on. Jack had secured 1st class seating for them, and while Elizabeth got settled by the window and buckled her seatbelt, Jack stored their carry-on bags above them. He took his seat beside her, and noticing that she seems slightly nervous, he held her hand.

"Would you like a drink?" the flight attendant asked.

Jack looked at Elizabeth, "Would you like something to settle your nerves?"

"May I have a cup of coffee, please?" she asked.

"Sure," the flight attendant responded before turning to Jack, "And you, sir?"

"Nothing for me; I'm fine, thank you."

Sitting at the end of the runway, Elizabeth could hear the engines racing. Jack observed her clutch the armrests as her eyes remained closed.

"Take my hand," he stated as she released the armrest and entwined her fingers through his. "Elizabeth, look at me," he encouraged her.

She turned to face him as her eyes opened. His calm, gentle smile caused her to reciprocate as his thumb brushed gently across the skin on the top of her hand.

"I forgot to ask, have you ever been to New York?"

"No, I've always wanted to go, but just never had the chance."

"We are going to have the best time. I have dinner reservations for us at The Capital Grille before we go to see Hamilton," he did his best to keep her occupied while the plane took off.

"I'm really excited to see Hamilton, but Jack, you didn't have to go to all this trouble. I'm just happy to be with you."

"Hey, look out the window," Jack suggested.

"We're flying…"

"See, take offs aren't so bad."

Elizabeth pulled a magazine from her bag and was flipping passed the uninteresting articles when she felt Jack's head rest on her shoulder. She glanced over and smiled, feeling fairly certain that he hadn't slept much the night before. His head remained on her shoulder until the landing gear dropped, signaling their impending arrival at JFK International Airport.

"Mmm, I'm sorry…" he whispered as he stretched.

"That's okay. Your breathing was calm and it relaxed me."

Once the door opened, Jack grabbed their bags from the overhead compartment and they made their way through the crowds to the parking area.

"Do you want me to get you settled in your hotel first, or do you want to sightsee?"

"You aren't staying with me?"

"Honey, I don't think that's a good idea."

"How many bedrooms do you have?"

"Two…"

"Jack, we are going to have to navigate this sleeping together…not sleeping together issue, because the situation isn't going to change any time soon. How about I stay with you, but I promise to stay in my room."

"Do you think we can do that?"

"I promise to be good."

"It's not an issue of being good or bad…"

"Oh wait, isn't there a saying about when she's bad, she's really, really good?" Elizabeth laughed.

"See, that right there is why you need to stay in the hotel," he stated sternly.

"I'm sorry; I was just joking. But maybe you're right, because I don't mean to do or say things that get us going and I don't want to be accused of being a tease."

"Baby, it's not what you wear or say or do, it's just that I care about you so much and I want to be near you. That closeness makes you uncomfortable right now, so I want to respect that."

"Okay, hotel it is."

Jack left the airport garage and headed for The Marriott Marquis Hotel, located near Times Square. Once she was checked in, they rode up in the elevator to the 12th floor to put her bag away.

As the door opened, she rushed to the balcony, looking down on the thousands of people rushed through Times Square, "Oh Jack, this is exciting."

"Do you want to go sightseeing or do you want to rest and I'll come back and pick you up?"

"If you're up for it, I'd love to go sightseeing."

"Okay, let's go…"

Jack took her hand and they headed for the elevator. Once outside, he hailed a taxi and they drove all over the city. They made initial stops at the 9/11 Memorial, the Empire State Building, and the Top of the Rock Observatory.

While at the 9/11 Memorial, Elizabeth walked along the sidewalk with her hand on the wall brushing across the names of those who lost their lives in the attack.

She couldn't help but to cry when she came across Adam Jay Thomas, a financial advisor who was a close friend of her father's. He was killed when the first tower collapsed leaving behind is wife, three grown children and four grandchildren. Elizabeth hesitated as her hand brushed across his name.

Jack stood beside her, his arm wrapped around her shoulders as he pulled her into his body, "This place really makes you think."

Her tears continued to fall as she attempted to convey her feelings, "I can't imagine the fear that went through them; it was such a waste, and the poor families that they left behind."

Jack turned her to face him. "You have such a kind heart," his voice was so soft and soothing as he pulled her into his embrace.

"I'm sorry, Jack. I didn't mean to get so emotional."

"It's hard to come here and not feel a multitude of emotions. Are you ready to continue our tour?"

Her hand feathered through his hair as her lips begged to be touched. He didn't disappoint as their kiss was soft, gentle and quite respectful for the location.

"Tomorrow, we'll do Central Park, and if we have time, I'll take you across the Brooklyn Bridge…it's a great place for selfies. Anything else you want to do just let me know. I have a game tomorrow, so we'll have to get an early start," he stated as they exited the taxi.

Jack saw her to her room before rushing off to his apartment to shower for dinner and the show.

As she expected, Jack was right on time. He called as he pulled into the garage, and she immediately left her room and slipped into the elevator for the twelve story ride down to the lobby.

She stepped off the elevator, wearing a blue ombre strapless dress and although the bruise on her arm was now gone, she wore the shrug as a cover. As with their dinner cruise date, he was again at a loss for words. His eyes moved from her face downward and back up again, and though he spoke no words, his smile was deafening.

They stepped outside, "Do you feel like walking, or would you rather take a taxi?" he asked.

"I wore flats so I could walk…let's walk."

Jack took her hand and held her tightly as they made their way through the crowds.

"WOW, what are they in line for there?" she asked as they passed a mass of people working their way up to a booth in the heart of Times Square.

"They come here to get discount tickets for Broadway shows."

As they continued on their way, Elizabeth felt much like a country girl in the city for the first time. It was true that Baltimore has its own beautiful skyline, but nothing could compare to this, the lights, skyscrapers, and the energy of the crowds.

They reached The Capital Grille in plenty of time for their reservation. They were seated at a table by the window with a beautiful view of the city.

"Thank you for such a beautiful day today, Jack. You are quite the host."

He took her hand as his thumb brushed across her soft skin. Glancing down he observed her Pandora bracelet on her wrist. "The ship seems kind of lonely."

"Excuse me?"

From his inside jacket pocket, Jack pulled a small jewelry box out and handed it to her.

"What's this…?" she asked.

"Open it."

She smiled at the two additional Pandora charms he bought for her; one was an apple for "The Big Apple" and the other was a theatre mask to commemorate this weekend.

He removed her bracelet as the charms were added before he refastened it around her wrist. "There, that looks better."

"Thank you, Jack. They are beautiful, and a great remembrance for a wonderful trip."

They started their meal with a Cesar salad. Elizabeth ordered the citrus glazed salmon, and Jack had the lobster and crab cakes. Their conversation flowed easily as they each shared stories from their childhoods, catching themselves laughing at each other's antics.

With dinner completed, they continued to the Richard Rodgers Theatre and joined the long line to enter. He held her hand, not as a sign of possessiveness, but more because of a need to be touching her, feeling her close.

Never having experienced this before, Elizabeth was thrilled to be in the theatre. Their seats were superb, the acoustics were phenomenal, and she was mesmerized by the performance.

Her heart pounded with each glorious song as the notes seemed to float through the air. Jack watched her as much as the play, smiling at the joy he could see in the sparkling of her crystal blue eyes and bright smile that simply refused to fade.

As the curtain fell on this performance, Elizabeth was again moved to tears. The talent of each performer was beyond measure, and she was so thankful to have been given the chance to witness it.

They stood at their seats as Jack gently wiped the tears from her eyes, "Are you tired, or would you like to go get some dessert?"

"Chocolate…?"

"Is there really any other dessert?"

"I'd love some dessert," whether she really wanted any she didn't know, but she certainly didn't want her evening with him to end.

They headed over to Planet Hollywood where they shared "The Planet Meltdown," a chocolate sphere, resting on fresh cut strawberries, melted tableside by hot caramel sauce to reveal double chocolate fudge cake and whipped cream.

"You know that this has to be bad for you, because it tastes so good," she commented before slipping the chocolate covered spoon through her lips.

Jack reached across the table and took hold of her hand. He enjoyed the simple feel of her skin against his as they glanced into each other's eyes.

The restaurant was loud with music and TVs, as well as patrons enjoying themselves. They finished their dessert and walked back outside.

He watched her; she was like a child at Christmas, hypnotized by all the bright lights and excitement that awaited her. He held her hand as they made their way through the crowds toward her hotel. As the doorman held the door for her, she turned to say good night to Jack, assuming that he didn't want to come inside.

"I'd rather see you to your door," he stated as they walked inside and made their way to the elevator.

Once the door opened on the twelfth floor, they stepped out into the hallway and walked toward her room. He took the key card from her hand and opened the door to her room.

"I think I know the answer, but would you like to come inside for a few minutes?"

"I shouldn't…"

"I understand. Will you call me in the morning?"

"It is morning."

"Oh Jack, there is so much room here. I'm so sorry that you couldn't just stay here," she leaned against the door, not intentionally meaning to, but looking quite seductive.

"I need to go," he stated as he watched her step into the room.

"Good night, Jack," she stated as she closed the door, confused by the fact that he didn't kiss her good night.

He stepped into the elevator and awaited its drop to the lobby level. Once the door opened, he pressed the twelfth floor button again, knowing that his abrupt departure was not how he wanted to leave things.

He knocked on her door. Startled, she slowly crept to the door and looked through the peephole.

"Jack, did you forget something?"

He stepped inside and closed the door behind him. "I don't like feeling uncomfortable being alone with you. I mean, I'm not uncomfortable around you, but I'm afraid that I'm going to make you uncomfortable," he stated as he nervously walked around the room, picking up decorative knick knacks before placing them back where they belong and moving on.

"What are you talking about, Jack? I'm not uncomfortable around you."

"May I ask you something?"

"Of course…"

"Why me?"

"Why you?"

"Elizabeth, It's evident to me that you could have any man you want and you were so adamant against baseball players; why me? Why did you let me in?"

"Jack, when you came and saved me from Ed that first night, I felt that you were special. But I had told myself that baseball players are all alike, out for what they can get and then they move on. I kept knocking you down, but you were always there, watching out for me, and not expecting anything in return."

She continued, "You're different, Jack. You are so different from any man I've ever known. I feel safe with you…I love you."

"I love you too. I just don't want to mess this up," he whispered. "I'd better go…" he turned toward the door.

"Please don't leave. Jack, I want you to hold me in your arms; I want you to kiss me good night, and I want to know that my decision to remain a virgin until I'm married isn't pushing you away."

"It's not pushing me away. I respect you so much. Do you respect me enough to tell me if I'm pushing? If I'm making you feel uncomfortable without either of us getting angry?"

"It goes both ways, Jack," she replied. "I will be sure to tell you, if you promise to tell me."

"Deal," he replied.

Jack cradled her face in his hands, along her jawbone, just below her ears as his thumb brushed across her soft skin. "In case I forgot to tell you, you are absolutely breathtaking in that dress."

Her pulse quickened as his lips met hers. It was soft and gentle and as they separated, leaving each one with the desire for more, both wondered how they were going to manage to navigate this slippery slope.

Jack took her hand and walked her toward the door. "I'm leaving now, and I'll call you when I get up in the morning, okay?"

"Okay; I love you, Jack."

"I love you too."

The following morning, Jack called and made arrangements to meet her for breakfast in the hotel restaurant. He stood just outside the elevator when the doors opened, pleasantly surprising her.

His arms slipped around her waist as her hands worked up his arms, over his shoulder and entwining her fingers behind his neck. Each one was happy to see the other, and although they had only been apart for hours, their embrace implied otherwise.

They sat down to breakfast and it was as if the awkwardness of last night's goodbye never occurred. They held hands and talked about how the 9/11 Memorial affected them. However, since it was Elizabeth's first visit, her reaction was significantly more emotional.

The Mets were scheduled to play the Pittsburgh Pirates at 7pm, so they only had time to explore Central Park. It was a beautiful day as they walked along the paved paths, over bridges and passed a beautiful tree lined lake.

"Would you like an ice cream?" Jack asked as they came upon a vendor on the sidewalk overlooking the lake.

"Yes please…"

"What would you like ma'am?" the ice cream man asked.

"I'd like a double dip, mint chocolate chip and strawberry, please."

"And you sir?"

"What's that flavor?" Jack asked as he pointed to a container.

"That's Butter Pecan."

"Mmm, okay, I'll take that and strawberry."

They continued on their walk until reaching a bench a short distance away where they took a seat.

"I've never tried Butter Pecan before; is it good?"

"I wouldn't have gotten it if I didn't like it. You're asking because you want to try it, right?"

She smiled. "Uh huh…"

He traded cones with her momentarily as they each took a taste of the other's choice.

"WOW, I should have gotten this," she mentioned as she refused to give him back his ice cream cone.

Like the good sport he was, he allowed her to keep his cone as he devoured hers. With their cones consumed, they stood and continued their walk.

Approaching the middle of Bow Bridge, overlooking Central Park's Lake, she stopped, her hands resting on the railing.

"Jack, this city is so beautiful. I understand why you love it here."

She felt his body up against hers as the all too familiar butterflies, which seemed to appear whenever they were close, again settled in her stomach.

"I love you being here with me," he whispered.

She could feel his heart pounding against her back as he swept the hair away that fell loosely along her neck.

She closed her eyes as she felt his warm breath and soft lips press against the skin just below her ear. Without thought her head tilted slightly and she moaned softly at the incredible sensation. She felt his arms sweep around her waist and lock her in as his fingers entwined. Finding themselves alone, he turned her to face him and pulled her body closer.

His finger under her chin lifted her lips up to meet his. Her lips were cold from the ice cream, but warmed immediately upon his touch. He could still taste a slight hint of butter pecan ice cream, and although it was already his favorite flavor, tasting it on her lips gave new meaning to the saying 'ice cream makes everything better.'

"I'm so sorry to have to end this, but I have to get back for the game," he stated just before his lips met her forehead.

"I understand. I appreciate you taking the time to show me this beautiful place. I'm so glad that I was able to come up to visit."

"So, will you come back again to visit; maybe during our next weekend home?"

"Jack, I love spending time with you, and I hope to be able to come back again, but I need to plan my trips away. I mean, I need to make sure that Lizzie is taken care of. With her being a breed with breathing issues I hate boarding her, because he always comes home with kennel cough, and with Bulldogs, that can be dangerous."

"I understand. I just don't like going too long in between seeing you."

"So, you aren't tired of me yet?" She asked just as his phone rang.

He pulled his phone from his pocket and glanced at the screen.

"Go ahead and take it if you need to," she offered as she stepped away to give him some privacy.

Instead of accepting the call, he pushed the button to decline it, stuck his phone in his pocket, took her hand and they headed back out of the park.

"Jack, you could have taken the call."

"I can talk to them later. Right now I want to concentrate on you."

They made their way back to his car and the short trip to her hotel. He waited downstairs while she showered and changed, and met him back in the lobby 45 minutes later.

Jack drove to his apartment and Elizabeth stood on his balcony taking in his view while he showered and gathered what he needed for the game.

Once they arrived at Citi Field, Jack introduced Elizabeth to Happy Peterson, manager of the ticket takers.

"Happy, this is Elizabeth Thatcher, my girlfriend. She'll be coming through from time to time, so please always let her in."

"I've gotcha covered, Jack. It's nice to meet you, Elizabeth."

"It's nice to meet you too."

Jack took her hand and walked her to the special area for the wives and girlfriends. Once she was situated, he kissed her cheek and headed off to the locker room.

Elizabeth sat quietly in her seat feeling slightly uncomfortable as she glanced about noticing that she seemed to be the talk of the section. She considered herself to be fairly outgoing and friendly, but felt as if she had invaded the popular clique in school. She wasn't certain if the others in the section were questioning who she was, who she was with, or if they knew that she was with Jack, possibly they didn't approve of his super model's replacement.

Instead of focusing on attempting to be friends with those who were leery of her, her focal point was Jack.

He had what the sports reporters would consider a perfect game…five at bats, and five hits, a triple, two doubles and two singles, and his strong right arm threw out runners at second and home plate. He also batted in two runs, and significantly aided in the Mets 7-4 win over the Pirates.

Following the game, Jack quickly showered and changed. He had forgotten to show Elizabeth where to meet him, and sadly found her wandering aimlessly around the stadium.

"I'm sorry, but why didn't you ask one of the wives?"

"I asked several of them, but I got vague answers. Was Selma well liked here?"

"Why do you ask that?"

"Because, somehow I felt as if I have invaded their kinship, like I wasn't wanted there."

"Honey, I think you're imagining things."

"Maybe so, but you didn't find me outside the locker room, did you? I was sent to the other side of the stadium."

"I'm sorry; I'll talk to the guys."

"You'll do no such thing. If I'm going to be a part of your life, I need to stand my own ground."

"If? What does that mean?"

"I'm sorry; it was a poor word choice. I know I'm a part of your life, and I need to make my own way, okay?"

He took her hand as they walked toward the car. She felt many eyes upon her and could only assume that his super model girlfriend had made a better impression than she had.

They pulled up to the hotel and the valet took his car as they stepped inside. It was now 10:30pm and they were both exhausted. As they reached her room, Jack took the key card from her hand and opened the door.

She stepped inside assuming that he would say good night to her there in the doorway. However, he surprised her by following her inside and closing the door behind them.

"WOW, I would have invited you inside, but given our recent experience I assumed that you would decline my offer."

"What are you offering?"

"Uh, certainly not what you're suggesting."

"I'm sorry; I was just teasing you."

She walked into the room before turning to face him, "Please don't tease me about this. It's hard on me too."

"I'm sorry; sometimes my sense of humor isn't that funny, and this appears to be one of those times."

Trying to change the subject she asked, "What are we doing tomorrow?"

"I'm sorry, I guess I forgot to tell you; your flight home leaves at 10:30am."

"No, I didn't realize. I guess I was just so excited to be here with you that I didn't pay any attention to the return ticket."

"Well, we have a double header tomorrow and I have to be at the field by noon. I didn't want to get you a late flight, because I knew you had to work on Monday."

"That's okay; this has been a wonderful trip. But I guess it'll be the last time I see you for awhile."

Elizabeth turned away and walked toward the balcony. She stepped outside hoping that the warm summer breeze would dry the tears that began to fill her eyes, threatening to spill over.

His hand on her upper arm turned her to face him, "Honey, we're gonna make this work. I think I'm back on Saturday. Are you able to take a few days off?"

"I'll see, but with school starting back soon things are pretty hectic."

"Will you try?"

She smiled at his persistence, "I'll try."

He wrapped one arm around her waist and pulled her closer as his other hand brushed several strands of her windblown hair from her face, placing them behind her ear. His lips teased her as they barely touched her mouth before pulling away.

Suddenly it was as if his own teasing was too much for him. His lips met hers with such power and passion that he devoured them, much like a favorite celebratory meal.

Passion for her consumed all of his thoughts. Their mouths were hungry, wanting to taste and touch, and not wanting to wait, but knowing that they should. His hand traced up her arm and over her shoulder, sending chills and warmth at the same time through her body. His lips made their way down her neck as his tongue slid along the edge of her collarbone.

Her eyes closed as she settled into his arms. His body was warm against hers, and the fire burning between them was easily recognizable.

He backed away, "I think I should probably leave."

"I understand. Thank you for a wonderful day. This has been the absolute best trip."

"What if I meet you here for breakfast and then I'll take you to the airport?"

"Perfect; I'll be ready."

He took her hand and led her across the floor. Before opening the door to the hallway, he caught her glance. Her lips smiled, but her eyes showed sadness, and he knew at that moment that she felt as he did, being apart was as difficult for her as it was for him.

His hand cradled the back of her head as he urged her closer. His lips were eager as they met hers. It wasn't a "thank you for the day" appreciation kiss, but more of a "your touch brings me to life" kind of kiss.

"Now I really do need to go, or we will both end up regretting what happens."

"Good night, Jack. I love you…"

"I love you too. I'll see you in the morning," he replied before kissing her forehead and then walking out into the hallway.

He stood just outside until he heard the lock engage on the door before heading for the elevator.

Elizabeth sat on the side of her bed, pulled out her journal from her suitcase and took a moment to contemplate the emotions, many of which brought her to tears over the weekend. She opened her journal, flipped to the next blank page, took a deep breath and began to convey her feeling onto the sterile canvas…

"September 11, 2001…most everyone knows where they were and what they were doing on that fateful day. We watched in fear, not only those who were within close proximity, but across the country and around the world, we were mesmerized, frightened, angered and at a loss for what to do.

Our hearts pounded, and our breaths were ragged as we watched continuous news reports. We heard about how the brave first responders risked their own lives to enter the smoke and fire filled buildings in an attempt to rescue those who were confused, lost or trapped. The Pentagon was not left unscathed as rescuers fought past the destruction to help others. Of course we can't forget the men and women of Flight 93 who sacrificed themselves in order to save the Capital, with the saying 'Let's roll,' taking on a life of its own.

We all observed the destruction which occurred at the hands of those who hate; those who hoped to tear us apart, unaware that the love that followed would help to heal a devastated nation.

As I walked along the sidewalk, my hand brushing across name after name after name, it no longer mattered where I was or what I was doing on that day, at that specific moment in time. What was important then and remains so today is the fact that I will remember you, the victims, where you were and the horror you went through.

In the days, weeks, and months that followed, the American Flag flew proudly from homes, highways, and vehicles. The Lee Greenwood song, "Proud to be an American," played loud and proud from radio stations across the country as it excitedly bellowed from virtually every car radio.

This was one of the worst days in our history, and although not forgotten throughout the year, each September 11th brings about each individual's own period of remembrance. Although this was one of the worst days I have ever seen, it didn't do what the terrorists expected. Instead of tearing us apart, it brought out the best in all of us."

The following morning, Elizabeth was up early, showered, packed her suitcase, and was waiting in the lobby when Jack arrived. They enjoyed breakfast, doing their best to keep her departure from being a topic of conversation.

As they walked through the airport, Jack wheeled her carry-on with one hand and held her hand with the other. They stopped just outside the TSA station and watched as the line formed and continued to grow.

"I'm going to miss you, Jack."

"I'm going to miss you too, but you will come back, right?"

"I'd love to. Just let me know your schedule and I'll see what I can work out."

"We'll go over it tonight when I call you."

"Okay; I love you."

His hands rested on her shoulders. He moved his left hand to wipe several tears that fell from her eye…

"I don't want to leave, but I know I have to. I'll see you soon, Jack," she leaned in and kissed his cheek. She hungered for his lips but also knew that feeling his mouth on hers may make walking away nearly impossible.

She took her carry-on from him and headed for the TSA line. He stood silently, barely breathing as she continued around the corner and out of his sight.

Jack turned around and started down the long corridor.

"JACK," he heard her voice, causing him to turn back around.

Tugging her carry-on behind her, she ran to him, dropped her bags and jumped into his arms. Holding her tight, her forward motion caused him to spin with her. His lips captured hers and to those watching, their kiss was hot, and resembled a military homecoming.

He lowered her feet to the ground as she again grabbed her bags and headed for the TSA check-in. He stood and watched as she disappeared, but this time he waited, hoping that she would again run to him. Several minutes later he realized that was not going to happen and he disappointedly turned and headed for the parking lot.

"Something has to change here…" he frustratingly whispered.

To be continued…

Note: I had advised in a prior post on the Hearties Fan Fiction II site (I think) that this chapter may answer some questions regarding ex's. However, this chapter was much longer than I anticipated, so those answers may have to come in the next chapter.

Also…I do have a few pictures that I will post on the #Hearties WCTH Fan Fiction II page, and the When Calls the Heart~Fan Fiction page. If you are not on those pages, you may want to check them out.