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 17- You Hold My Heart
Recap of the Chapter 16 ending…
Elizabeth stepped inside with Abby in her arms, "I'm sorry, Jack."
Just the visual of her with a sleeping baby in her arms brought about a huge dimpled smile. "We'll have our time, but not until it's right."
"Jack, I'm sorry. I didn't realize that I was pushing you into doing something you didn't want to do."
Jack took her arm and led her to the sofa where they sat side by side. "If you only knew how much I want you…that's not the problem."
"So what do you mean?"
"When we're married. That will make our time together perfect."
"So, do you think about us getting married?" she asked.
"I do…" he laughed. "See, I'm already practicing. Do you ever think about it?"
"Well, I guess I never thought I find someone that I loved enough to take that leap, but then you came along. So, I guess I'd be lying if I said that I didn't think about it."
"So, if I asked you, what would you say?"
"I guess you'll have to ask me to find out."
Just then Abby woke from her nap and was in need of a diaper change and a bottle.
Elizabeth pulled a bottle from the bag, and while it heated in the warmer, she changed Abby's diaper.
"Do you mind if I take a shower?" he asked.
"Of course not; help yourself."
Jack walked outside and grabbed his overnight bag. As he walked back inside, Elizabeth was sitting in her rocking chair with Abby's head comfortably situated in the crook of her elbow, and a baby bottle held to her mouth.
"Do you need anything?" he asked.
"Would you look in the diaper bag and hand me a cloth diaper as a burp pad please?"
He found what she was looking for, handed it to her, kissed her cheek and walked upstairs to take a shower. Stopping at the top of the stairs, Jack rested his arms on the banister as he lovingly watched Elizabeth. He smiled, seemingly mesmerized as he watched her first feed and then rock Abby.
Elizabeth held her up, "Well, Miss Abby, I may not have the best singing voice, but my mom used to sing this song to me whenI was little." She placed Abby on her chest and began to rock back and forth.
His tears fell when she opened her mouth and he heard the voice of an Angel…
Hush-a-bye, don't you cry,
Go to sleep my little baby.
When you wake you shall have
All the pretty little horses.
Black and bays, dapples, grays,
All the pretty little horses.
Hush-a-bye, don't you cry,
Go to sleep my little baby.
Hush-a-bye, don't you cry,
Go to sleep my little baby.
When you wake you shall have
All the pretty little horses.
Quietly he wiped his eyes and thought, "She's my puzzle piece, and this is definitely the life I want."
Now on with our story…
Twenty minutes later, Jack emerged from the bathroom, showered and wearing clean clothes, but his hair was still damp. He glanced downstairs and observed Elizabeth still rocking Abby, but it appeared that both of them were asleep.
Concerned that she may drop Abby, he carefully approached her, placed his hands on Abby and began to gently pull her from Elizabeth's arms.
Elizabeth held Abby tightly, waking in the meantime, "What are you doing?" she asked.
"You were asleep, and I was afraid that you'd drop her."
"Do you want to hold her?"
"Do you think its okay?"
"Well, from what Kelly told me, you are her husband's favorite player. If he hears that you held Abby, he's liable to put her in a shadow box for safe keeping," she giggled before releasing her grip and allowing Jack to remove the baby from her lap.
She watched as Jack surprisingly changed Abby's diaper, albeit initially backwards, and then danced across the floor with the giggling baby in his arms.
She smiled as he held Abby tightly to his chest, both of them seemingly lost in the moment. By the end of the song, she was asleep and he laid her down on the pallet of bedding Elizabeth had made on the floor.
Jack walked over to Elizabeth and held out his hand, "Will you dance with me?"
"Jack, there's no music."
"Do you have Alexa?"
"No, but I have a radio," she replied, directing him to the radio on her kitchen counter.
Before Elizabeth knew it, music was playing in the background; he had returned to her and again held out his hand.
"Please dance with me…"
She took his hand as a new song started…Calum Scott's "You Are the Reason."
As they danced, Jack sang softly in her ear…
There goes my heart beating
'Cause you are the reason
I'm losing my sleep
Please come back now
There goes my mind racing
And you are the reason
That I'm still breathing
I'm hopeless now
I'd climb every mountain
And swim every ocean
Just to be with you
And fix what I've broken
Oh, 'cause I need you to see
That you are the reason
There goes my hand shaking
And you are the reason
My heart keeps bleeding
I need you now
If I could turn back the clock
I'd make sure the light defeated the dark
I'd spend every hour, of every day
Keeping you safe
And I'd climb every mountain
And swim every ocean
Just to be with you
And fix what I've broken
Oh, 'cause I need you to see
That you are the reason, oh
(I don't wanna fight no more)
(I don't wanna hurt no more)
(I don't wanna cry no more)
(Come back, I need you to hold me closer now)
You are the reason, oh
(Just a little closer now)
(Come a little closer now)
(I need you to hold me tonight)
I'd climb every mountain
And swim every ocean
Just to be with you
And fix what I've broken
'Cause I need you to see
That you are the reason
As the song ended, Jack's finger under her chin lifted her head from his shoulder. The tears in her eyes suddenly made him sad, and worried about his song choice.
"You have a beautiful voice, Jack… I hope we've fixed what was broken…"
He smiled as his hands framed her face and his thumbs swept away the tears. His gentle voice began the chorus, "I'd climb every mountain, and swim every ocean, just to be with you, and fix what I've broken. 'Cause I need you to see, that you are the reason…" His lips met hers as each one held tight to the other and both shed their own tears.
"I love you…" each seemed to declare in unison.
Jack pulled her into his body as they continued to sway to another tune playing on the radio. However, they were so connected to each other, neither one even heard the music.
Abby's whimpers drew them back to reality, as Elizabeth picked up the baby and stretched out on the sofa with her lying across Elizabeth's chest. Apparently the beating of Elizabeth's heart settled her again and she was quickly back to sleep.
Next door, at 11pm, Kelly and Michael returned from the hospital as Roger pulled in the driveway right behind them. They helped Michael out of the car and they headed as a family toward the front door.
"Where's Abby?" Roger asked.
"Oh she's next door; Elizabeth has her."
"Well, I'll get Michael inside; can you go get Abby?"
"I can, but I'll bet you'll want to."
"Honey, it's 11pm; Elizabeth doesn't want a man coming to her door at that time of night," Roger stated as he glanced next door. "Hey, Elizabeth has company; is she dating someone?"
"Yep, and you'll never guess who…"
"Kelly, it's late, I'm tired and I don't want to guess. Who is it?"
"Jack Thornton…" She called out as Roger was walking toward the front door with Michael.
Roger stopped and turned around, "Did you say Jack Thornton, as in the Mets' Jack Thornton?"
"One in the same."
"I'll go get Abby; can you get Michael situated?"
Kelly laughed as they passed each other and she watched Roger sprint across the lawn to Elizabeth's front door.
When Roger knocked, Jack opened the door to a surprised, but quite excited Mets fan.
"Hi, I'm Roger, Abby's daddy. Is Elizabeth here?"
"Come on in Roger," she called out.
Roger walked into the den and observed Elizabeth struggling to stand with Abby lying across her chest. He walked over and took the baby from Elizabeth's arms.
"Thanks so much for watching her," he commented to Elizabeth, but his eyes kept glancing back at Jack.
"I'm sorry, Roger this is my boyfriend, Jack Thornton." She turned to Jack to continue the introduction, "Jack, this is Abby's daddy, Roger Moore."
"Roger Moore? As in 007, Roger Moore?" Jack said with a slight laugh.
"Same name, but not nearly as important," Roger replied.
"You are to that little girl…" Elizabeth remarked.
Jack stuck out his arm to shake Roger's hand. However, Roger had to switch Abby to his other hip before following through with the handshake.
Roger smiled profusely at meeting his favorite major league baseball player, certainly shocked and having no idea that it would happen in his own neighborhood.
As Elizabeth and Jack walked Roger and Abby to the front door, Roger turned and advised, "Jack, I have to be honest…you are without a doubt my absolute favorite baseball player."
"Thank you very much Roger. I tell you what, I don't know if Michael will feel like it, and the season is winding down, but if you'd like to drive up on Sunday, I'll leave tickets for your family to watch the game."
Roger's eyes widened, "Really?"
"Sure, just let Elizabeth know, oh wait," Jack turned to Elizabeth, "Are you coming up to New York for the weekend?"
"Would you like me to?" she replied.
"Is that really a question? Of course I want you to come up."
Suddenly realizing that they weren't alone, Jack turned back toward Roger, "Call Elizabeth, and if you want to come up, I'll leave tickets for you."
"Man, that's awesome; Michael will love it. Thanks again for watching Abby. Kelly and I appreciate it."
"Is Michael okay?" Elizabeth asked.
"Yes, they reset it and put him in a cast. He'll be fine if I can just keep him from climbing everything in sight."
Elizabeth giggled as she closed her front door.
"What's so funny?"
"When Roger said that Michael would love the tickets…"
"What's funny about that?"
"Michael is six years old, sorry, but he doesn't know who you are. I'm not sure, but I think you're Roger's #MCE (Man Crush Everyday)."
"Oh WOW, thank you for that visual."
"What time do you need to leave in the morning?" she asked.
"Are you coming with me?"
"I can't…okay, stop with the sad, puppy dog eyes," she teased him. "I have a safety program for the elementary school kids in the morning, so I can't leave before 11."
"My game tomorrow night isn't until 7. If we can leave by noon I'll wait and you can drive back with me."
"But how will I get back?"
"Well, you could take some time off from work and fly with us out to Colorado for our games next week," he suggested, but seeing her expression, he continued, "Okay, stop with your own look; I know you can't leave work. I'll fly you back on Sunday."
"Okay, I can leave after my McGruff program."
"What's that?"
"McGruff is a guy who dresses up in a dog costume and teaches about safety. But the program is at 9, and everything should be done by 11. Do you want me to come back by here when I'm done?"
"Is it something that I can go to with you?"
"Do you want to?"
"I wouldn't have asked if I didn't. I'd like to see you in your work element."
"Sure, if you want to, but we'll have to leave here around 7:30 in the morning. Are you able to get up that early?" she teased.
"Oh, I'll be ready; don't worry about me."
"You're bound to be tired, Jack. Are you ready for bed? You can take the guest room, or…"
"Or what?"
"We know nothing is going to happen, so if you want to sleep in my room…"
Knowing that it probably wasn't a good idea, but realizing that he needed to be near her, he took her hand and they walked up the stairs, followed by Lizzie.
Elizabeth rummaged through her dresser looking for something to wear that would not appear too 'sexy.' She grabbed a pair of red checkered flannel lounge pants and a black t-shirt. She slipped into the bathroom to change before climbing into bed.
Jack crawled into bed beside her, lying on top of the covers, somehow feeling it to be more proper if their skin didn't touch. He pulled a blanket from the footboard and she turned the light out, settling down in the bed and scooting over until her back was pressed up against his chest.
She turned her head to the left and looked over her shoulder. Seeing his head propped up on his elbow she whispered, "I love you, Jack."
His hand on her shoulder rolled her over on her back, "I love you too. You know, six hours ago I wasn't certain that you weren't going to throw me out. And now…" his lips gently captured hers.
She moaned softly as she enjoyed the taste of his lips and felt the weight of his upper body upon her. She loved the closeness, but also realized that being this close and not following through sexually had to be difficult for him, because surprisingly for her, she found it to be physically and emotionally painful.
"Good night," he whispered.
"Good night," she replied as she rolled back over on her right side.
Jack snuggled up to her back as his arms wrapped around her waist and pulled her close.
Six hours later, Jack woke, still snuggled up to Elizabeth's back, with her hand clasped to his. Never would he have thought that he could lie next to her, their bodies touching and actually sleep. However, maybe it was because he had worried over the prospect of losing her for the past week, and his sleep, much like their relationship, had been broken.
However, on this morning, with the sun yet to rise, he woke, having slept restfully and ready to start the new day. He slipped out of bed and crept downstairs to fix coffee and breakfast.
He stepped outside to grab the morning paper and on his way back in he caught a glimpse of the envelope on the entryway table. Since it was addressed to him, he picked it up, opened it and his heart sank when the Pandora bracelet and charms he'd given her slipped through his fingers and landed on the floor. He picked it up and placed it in his pocket, figuring that he'd discuss it with her later.
Fifteen minutes later, just as her alarm was preparing to sound, Elizabeth stretched before sitting up in bed, and calling out for Jack.
She inhaled and smiled as the glorious combination of coffee brewing and bacon frying made its way into her bedroom.
Ahead of her alarm, Elizabeth slid out of bed, took a quick shower, put on her makeup and slipped into her favorite blue jean dress before heading downstairs.
"WOW, I could get used to this," she stated as she walked up to Jack, who was leaning back against the kitchen counter. She kissed his cheek before reaching for her coffee cup. Needing the caffeine boost in the morning, she quickly added her creamer and Splenda.
"Is that really the best you can do? I mean, I did cook breakfast, and I made coffee, so…"
She took a sip of her caramel macchiato coffee before placing her cup on the counter. She moved her arms up over his shoulders, and locked her fingers together behind his head. Without saying a word, her lips captured his with such emotion that he felt his own knees buckle. He could taste the slight hint of caramel on her lips, her soft, smooth and perfect lips.
She grabbed her cup of coffee and plate and headed for the table. She took her seat and glanced up to find Jack still leaning against the counter. "Are you okay?" she asked.
He turned his head in her direction, "Just trying to get feeling back in my feet."
"You're too funny. You'd better hurry up and eat, because we have to leave here in about 30 minutes."
Jack ate and consumed a tall cup of coffee before sprinting up the stairs and changing his clothes. As he came down the stairs, he observed Elizabeth channel surfing. "Wait, let's watch that…"
"I used to watch it at night; I've not seen it in the morning, but I don't watch Page Six anymore after the story…well, you know."
"Please, we need to watch this one."
Elizabeth did her best to pay no attention to the TV, and did a great job until Carlos Greer, senior reporter announced, "I was fortunate recently to meet up with Jack Thornton of the Mets and he gave me an exclusive interview."
"Oh, so when are Jack and Selma tying the knot?" Bevy Smith asked.
"I've seen enough," Elizabeth stated as she grabbed for the remote control.
"No, you have to see this," Jack demanded as he refused to relinquish the controller.
"Well, it isn't often that I have to do this, and thankfully so, but apparently the story we reported on last week was a bit far from the truth," Carlos began. "It appears that Jack and Selma are not together, and as per an exclusive interview with Jack Thornton himself, he is very much in love with a high school guidance counselor named Elizabeth Thatcher."
"Is that her Carlos?" Beth Wagmeister, Variety senior reporter asked as a picture of Jack and Elizabeth on their dinner cruise date flashed up on the screen.
"Yes, that's her." Carlos replied.
"She's beautiful," Bevy responded. "Looks like he's sticking with that Super Model theme.
With tears in her eyes, Elizabeth turned to face Jack, "When; how did you do this?"
"When I was in San Diego, Carlos Greer was one of the reporters who came to interview some of the players. However, he had certain people he was looking for; he was more interested in entertainment instead of sports," Jack began to explain.
While she was interested in hearing him out, he continued, "I knew you'd told me about the pictures in the National Inquisitor, but my mom saw the Page Six interview where they implied that Selma and I were back together, so I figured it was a chance to set the story straight."
"Thank you Jack," she stated. "It means a lot that you did that."
"Elizabeth, can we put that behind us now; move on to better and happier times?"
"I'm all for that," she replied as they left her house and walked out to the driveway.
Jack's car was behind Elizabeth in the driveway, so they simply loaded up his vehicle and left for school. Once there, Jack carried in several boxes of Halloween Fun Sheets, bowls and candy and placed them in the cafeteria where Elizabeth requested.
Elizabeth and Jack walked into the main office and the women behind the counter nearly fell over themselves approaching them.
"Elizabeth, who's this?" Mrs. Parrish asked.
"This is Jack Thornton," Elizabeth responded. Jack, this is Mrs. Parrish, Mrs. Greene…"
"That's Ms. Greene."
"Oh sorry," Elizabeth apologized. "Jack, this is Ms. Greene, Sandra Copeland, and Mackenzie Dayton."
"Good morning ladies," Jack responded.
As Jack and Elizabeth stepped out into the hallway, the women leaned on the office counter and their conversation began.
"Elizabeth isn't here much; do you know anything about her?" Ms. Greene asked.
"Really? You want to know about Elizabeth? Don't you mean you want to know about the man she's with?"
"Do you think that's her boyfriend?" Sandra asked.
"I don't know, but I was watching the Mets game with my husband last week, and he sure does look like one of the players," Mackenzie remarked.
"Yeah right, like Elizabeth is dating a professional baseball player…that's funny," Sandra responded.
As the women softly laughed, the office door opened again. Elizabeth stepped back inside, "Oh, Mrs. Parrish, I'm leaving after the program this morning."
"Okay, do you have any big plans?" Mrs. Parrish asked.
"Well, I'm going up to New York with Jack for the weekend. The Mets are in town, and I just love watching him play," she smiled before walking back out into the hallway and catching up with Jack who was discussing baseball with Mr. Schwartz, the PE teacher.
By 9am, the cafeteria was full of excited children with no idea what to expect, but anything that took them away from their studies was worthy of their broad smiles and laughter. They sat semi-contentedly while girls braided the hair of their friend sitting in front of them, and the boys shot paper footballs through their hands held in the shape of makeshift goal posts.
However, once McGruff the Crime Dog took the stage, each and every child was mesmerized. The program kept the children entertained, while presenting important information on topics such as child abduction, abuse, drug use and anti-bullying.
Following the program, Jack joined in with the other staff as the Halloween fun sheets, and candy were handed to each child as they left the cafeteria. At the end of the line were several teachers who presented Jack with a pen and a request to sign their fun sheets, stating that their husbands just wouldn't believe it.
As Elizabeth finished collecting the unused fun sheets and candy, and everything was safely packed away, she found Jack sitting in the corner with Detective O'Halloran, and McGruff, sans his dog head, talking about baseball.
Elizabeth rolled her cart up to the men and advised Jack that she'd be ready to go as soon as the boxes were put away. Thanking Detective O'Halloran and McGruff for their support of the Mets and his career, Jack excused himself and followed Elizabeth to the storage room to secure the boxes.
By 11am, Jack was opening the passenger side door for Elizabeth and they were on their way back to her place to pick up their bags.
While Elizabeth took care of packaging up Lizzie's food for Brenda, Jack stepped outside to make a phone call to his teammate, Daniel Murphy.
"Hey Dan."
"Hey Jack, did you get her back?"
"What?"
"Matt Harvey told me that you were out of town trying to get your girl back. So, did you?"
"Yea, I'm here now."
"Jack, we have a game tonight; where are you?"
"Baltimore, but we're heading back soon. I'll be there in plenty of time."
"Okay, so did you need something?"
"Dan, Elizabeth will kill me if she knows I did this, but will you talk to Tori and see if she can get the girls to give Elizabeth a chance? I know that they were friends with Selma, but man, she's not the one for me, Elizabeth is, and it's important to her to fit in."
"Hey Jack, I'm happy for you and I'll talk to her."
"Thanks man…"
"Drive safe and I'll see you in a few hours."
Once on the road, there was traffic however, fortunately it was heading in the opposite direction. They made great time and walked into Jack's apartment at 3:30pm. Jack traded his overnight bag for his sports one and gave Elizabeth time to freshen up and change into jeans, a sweater and her favorite white tennis shoes for the evening.
They pulled into the park and Jack immediately noticed her hesitation. "What's wrong?"
"I felt like a fool the last time I was here."
"Honey, I thought we worked that out. It wasn't what you thought…"
"No not you and Selma; well, yes that too, but standing in the line to get the ticket you left for me…"
"I did leave a ticket for you."
"I believe you, but the guy in the ticket booth..."
"What did he say?"
"He just didn't believe me, and implied that I was one of about 300 women in the stands that day who were 'your girlfriend.'"
"Elizabeth, you're the one…the only one for me."
Her broad smile lit up her face as he leaned over and captured her lips, "I love you. Let's get this over with."
Jack took her from booth to booth and introduced her to each of the ticket takers, with the same statement made to each one, "This is Elizabeth Thatcher. She is my girlfriend, and very special to me. If she comes through your line, you are to give her a ticket for the 'Wives and Girlfriends' section, no questions asked."
They continued on to the special seating section, "Thank you, Jack."
"Elizabeth, I want you to feel comfortable here, and I'm sure the women will come around; you'll see."
Jack walked with Elizabeth to her seat, and then held her hand as they sat side by side. She leaned her head on his shoulder feeling quite content until many of the other wives and girlfriends arrived.
Jack took the time to introduce Elizabeth to the other women before having to excuse himself and rush off to the locker room to change.
When Jack emerged from the locker room he heard the women talking and laughing as he stood at the backstop. Gaining her attention, she excused herself and walked down to talk to him as his hand covered hers through the chain link fence.
"Is everything going okay?"
"Much better than last time. I'm not sure what changed, but they are nicer this time. Hey, are you on Instagram?"
"Of course; isn't everyone? Oh wait, I looked you up and you aren't."
"I am now…Molly, David Wright's wife, just set me up. If I follow you, will you follow me back?"
"If you follow me?"
"I'll take that as a 'yes.'"
Jack took the field to practice as Elizabeth returned to her seat. He couldn't help but to glance periodically into the "Wives and Girlfriends" section hoping that the women were continuing to be welcoming toward her. Elizabeth appeared to be making fast friends with many of them and it allowed him to settle somewhat, knowing that she was with him and okay.
The Mets played the Boston Red Sox, and given that Jack now had his head back in the game, he played better than he had in recent memory. However, even with his two singles, a double and an eighth inning two-run homerun, the Mets still lost by a score of 5-3.
One by one the wives and girlfriends said their goodbyes to Elizabeth as they ended up leaving her alone while she waited on Jack. Seeing his Mets jacket lying across the seat beside her, she slipped it on to help ward off the chilly air.
With free time on her hands, she pulled up his Instagram account. The fact that he had over 187,000 followers was eye-catching. She scrolled through his posts and either he never showed pictures of himself with Selma, or they were subsequently deleted after their break up.
Her eyes watered as she clicked on several of his most recent pictures, all of which contained her. There were selfies of them together in New York, their dinner date cruise and even a picture introducing his favorite dog, Lizzie.
She clicked on the picture of them together on the cruise with the Baltimore skyline and fireworks in the background. So far it was one of her favorite pictures of them together. She was shocked to see over 21,000 likes and 583 comments for that picture alone.
As she scanned the comments, she wondered how many came from people Jack actually knew. Most were positive and she smiled as she read them…
"You two make a beautiful couple, congratulations…"
"Such a great picture. Much happiness to you…"
"WOW, you like the super models; she's gorgeous…"
"You are a lucky guy…"
"Wish I was her…"
"It must be love, because your game has never been better. Keep it up…"
Elizabeth should have stopped while she was ahead, as the next comment brought tears to her eyes…
"You gave up a Super Model to be with her? Not seeing it. Go back to Selma; you never had it better…"
She wanted to post a comment to columbianceline, but she was angry and the tears in her eyes kept her from seeing clearly.
Sitting quietly, listening to the music playing over the loud speaker, thoughts of what she'd just read filled her head. She pulled out her beloved journal from her bag, clicked her pen and attempted to convey her feelings onto the blank canvas…
"Misconceptions lead to misunderstandings, anger and hurt feelings. Those who know us will say, 'don't let them get to you,' but once words are heard or seen in print, they are nearly impossible to forget. In the grand scheme of things, it shouldn't matter. However, even a single match has the power to start a wildfire.
On the internet, known as the land of anonymity, you can be whomever you want, say whatever you choose, and toss around allegations, and accusations without feeling the need to have proof to substantiate your claim. Those who read your words will choose to believe them or not, but either way the hurtful damage is done.
Before you make such damaging comments about things you know nothing about, step momentarily into my life; walk my path, experience my joy and endure my pain. Once you know me, step out of the darkness and say your peace. Somehow I don't think the words will come as easily once your identity is known.
Maybe this is the reason I never felt the desire, until now, to put my life out on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, as I was afraid of the ugly, hurtful or mean things that I would see or read. Some people place such importance in their status on social media platforms, as if that truly makes them who they are. In truth, being popular on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the like is much like being rich on Monopoly… for us normal people it may excite us, but will do little to impact our lives in the long run.
We are all human and meaning to or not, unfortunately our words can be hurtful. Even in anger we should all think before we speak, for words can be forgiven, but are never forgotten."
Unintentionally, Jack walked up behind Elizabeth, startling her as she wiped away a few tears while returning her journal to her bag. "I'm sorry, I thought you heard me."
"That's okay."
"Are you crying? What's wrong?"
"Have a seat," she suggested. "Are you okay?"
His thumb brushed across her cheek as he wiped away an errant tear. "I know you aren't crying because we lost."
"Aren't you upset?"
"Well, you win some and you lose some," he stated as he put his arm around her and pulled her close. "The game isn't the only important thing in my life. So, why the tears?"
Elizabeth pulled up his Instagram account on her phone.
"Is something wrong?"
She clicked on the most recent picture he'd posted of them together.
"I'm sorry Elizabeth. I should have asked if it was okay to post the pictures, but I love you so much and I want people to know that you're the one for me. And look, the smile on our faces says it all. We were happy; we are happy, but still I should have asked first."
"No Jack, I love the pictures; it's some of the comments that hurt. Read the comments."
"No Elizabeth, don't read the comments. Some people can be hurtful."
"Well, of the comments I read, most were kind and positive, but that one, it was hurtful and came from someone who doesn't even know me."
"But I know you, and I love you. After all, aren't we the only people that truly matter?" Jack took hold of her hands, "Instagram is a way to be engaging with your friends, family, and as for my career, the corporate office likes to see the players' accounts grow, but it's not who I am; it's not what's important."
Jack pointed out that the three most recent pictures on his account were of her. "This is what's important; you are important."
Jack pulled up Elizabeth's account, "You have 6 followers and you're following 3 people, David Wright's wife, your sister Julie, and me. May I follow you back?"
"Jack, I see the excitement in and necessity for social media. I'm proud of you and proud to be with you. Yes, I do want you to follow me back. Maybe I'm wrong, but I like other women knowing that we're together, but some of the comments Jack; how do you deal with them?"
"What was the comment that upset you?"
"You gave up a Super Model to be with her? Not seeing it. Go back to Selma; you never had it better…"
Jack clicked on the picture and pulled up the comment before shaking his head and releasing a frustrated breath. "Elizabeth, that comment was made by columbianceline, and she is Selma's best friend. I would expect such a comment from her. But you ask how I deal with it? I don't read the comments, and on the few occasions when I have, I have people tell me that the Mets over pay me, or I need to give up baseball and play golf instead."
Jack pulled out his phone and clicked the button to follow Elizabeth on Instagram. "Post the things you want; the things that excite you and don't read the comments. But if you decide to, just know that for every 10 positive comments you get, there will be a few negatives one that creep in, and you can choose to delete them or simply show you are the bigger person by letting it stay."
"Look at this comment," Jack stated as he pulled it up on his phone. "Maybe I should be concerned as he smiled and handed the phone to Elizabeth.
" TexasCowboy86- WOW, you have the life I want…a killer career and a gorgeous woman by your side. She's a keeper Jack, and if you decide to give her up, let me know. You can keep the career, I have a bad knee! LOL"
I love you Jack," she stated as she snuggled into his shoulder.
"I love you too; more than I ever thought possible. But you may not be happy with me right now."
Suddenly concerned she replied, "Why?"
"I have no food at my place."
Elizabeth pulled her bag up into her lap, opening it to reveal several bags of candy from the elementary school program earlier in the day. I have food; I've gotcha covered…"
"As good as that looks, would you like to go out and get something to eat?"
"Do you know what I'd really like to do?"
"What, you name it…"
"Do you have any pizza places around where we could just pick it up and take it home? I'd love to eat pizza, drink some wine and snuggle up with you on your sofa."
He laughed, "Elizabeth, this is New York; of course we have pizza places nearby. Andreas Pizza is awesome. What kind of pizza do you want and I'll call it in."
"I'm not picky, but no anchovies, or onion…after all I may want to kiss you later."
"You may want to?"
"No, I'm fairly certain that there will be some kissing going on later."
Jack glanced around, "Looks like we're alone; how about now?"
Her smile encouraged him as he leaned in, meeting her lips with his. "Mmm, French Vanilla?"
"One of the wives went to get coffee and brought me back a cup, and yes, it was French Vanilla."
"Mmm, one of my favorites, but I'll have to taste again to be sure," as his lips met hers again. They were soft and gentle as his tongue slipped though the slight opening in her lips. His tongue tenderly swept the inside of her mouth, hearing her moan softly as her lips opened a bit wider.
"Maybe we should get out of here," he whispered; a suggestion that made her blush at her loss of control in public.
As they sat in his car, Jack called Andreas Pizza. He ordered a large supreme without onions and anchovies and was advised that it would be ready in thirty minutes.
"Do you need anything while we're out?" he asked.
"Wine…"
"There's a 'Total Wine' store near Andreas," Jack stated as he pulled out of the parking lot and headed to pick up their food and drink.
They pulled into the Total Wine parking lot and both stepped inside. After walking around, perusing the selection, Jack asked, "Do you have a favorite?"
"I'm not a real connoisseur. To be honest, when I want wine, I usually just get the small bottles in the 4 pack at the grocery store," she laughed softly.
"Well, I know you like white wine; is that what you feel like?" he asked.
"Sounds good."
"How about this one?" Jack pulled a bottle of Ice Wine from the shelf.
"Ice Wine? I've never heard of that before."
"Well, when they make Ice Wine, they leave the grapes on the vine until it gets so cold that they freeze. Then they press the grapes while they're still frozen and nothing but the sugar oozes out. The sugary liquid is then fermented into wine."
"WOW, you do know a lot about wine."
"I'd like to agree with you, but the information was written on that card right there," Jack admitted as he pointed to the index card taped to the shelf.
"Well, let's give it a try," Elizabeth stated as Jack grabbed a bottle of Ice Wine, and another of Rutherford Muscato and headed for the cashier.
They stepped three stores down to the restaurant, picked up their pizza and were back home before 10pm.
Jack poured two glasses of wine and placed the pizza box on his coffee table as they sat side by side on the sofa.
Following dinner, Jack grabbed the bottle of wine and returned to the sofa. Filling each glass he continued…
"To the wings of love- may they never lose a feather, but soar up in the sky above and last and last forever," he toasted as their glasses clinked together.
"That was a beautiful toast," she mentioned as he took her glass from her hand and sat both of them on the table.
"May I ask you something?"
"Sure, anything…"
He reached into his pocket, "I found an envelope addressed to me at your house…"
"I know what you're going to say, Jack."
"I just want to know why you were sending the bracelet back to me…"
"Jack, it was right after I returned home. I was hurt and angry and I didn't want anything that reminded me of you. I'm sorry."
He held the bracelet in his hand, "Will you please wear it?"
She held out her arm as he clasped the bracelet around her wrist.
"Wasn't there something said about some kissing taking place tonight?" he teased.
"Are you interested?" she joked in reply.
He scooted closer, "Where you're concerned, I'm always interested." He stated as his phone rang.
Glancing at the phone he apologized, "I'm sorry, it's the coach. I'll just be a minute.
Jack stepped away as Elizabeth grabbed her wine and walked out onto his balcony. She took a sip of wine before placing the glass on the table and walking over to the railing.
Hearing him step outside she asked, "Is everything okay?"
"Uh huh," he murmured as she could feel the warmth of his body against hers.
Her heart pounded as his hand brushed across the back of her neck and she felt chills running down her back.
His hands softly moved across her shoulders, down her arms, eventually taking hold of her hands and crossing them in front of her body. He pulled her against him as his warm breath against her ear completely removed the chill that she initially felt.
His lips touched her neck as her head tilted slightly. As his kisses moved up her neck, he gently bit her earlobe, causing no pain, but leaving her with a strong desire for more.
He turned her around to face him, placing his hands on the slope of her waist, just above her hips. He said nothing, he didn't need to. His eyes caught the shimmer of hers and they each smiled.
His hand slipped through her hair as he gently guided her face closer to his. His other arm wrapped around her waist as he pulled her against his body.
Nervously, her teeth ran across her lower lip, unaware that this slight action stirred a fire inside him, a desire so strong that he'd truly never experienced it before meeting her.
She felt his lips press against hers. They were gentle, yet firm as her body loosened against him. Her lips parted and she moaned softly as he held her tight. His tongue swiftly swept through her mouth feeling her body soften even more.
They separated, but the desire quickly brought them back together again. His lips brushed hers, not innocently, as if he was teasing her, but hot, passionate and demanding. In that moment, where their breaths mingled, tongues danced and hearts pounded, their senses were easily seduced and fighting the desire was becoming a nearly impossible task.
A horn sounded and she turned around as her attention was drawn down below to the street. His arms wrapped around her, as his hands slipped under her sweater.
She closed her eyes as the feel of his warm fingers on her abdomen caused her breath to catch in her throat.
Quickly realizing that he was crossing the line he turned her around, took her arm and placed her open palm to his heart, covering her hand with his own. His eyes showed the true, unconditional love and respect he had for her.
With tears in his eyes he whispered, "You're the only woman who has ever truly held my heart." His mouth opened as if he was going to say something, but stopped, only to try to start again.
"What is it, Jack?"
"I love you Elizabeth. I think we should get married…"
To be continued…