The Field of Dreams Chapter 30- Was That an Earthquake?, a when calls the heart fanfic

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 30- Was That an Earthquake?

Note… This is the beginning of their honeymoon, and as such, it may be too much for some readers, but still tame for others. I will say that it is a bit saucier than I've written before, and I certainly don't want to offend anyone. I did my best to write it tastefully, but if you think it may not be to your liking, please just move along. I'm sure that you will be able to find something else that you'd like to read.

Those of you who choose to venture forward, you have been fair warned…

Now on with our story…

Marley approached Jack and Elizabeth, "I'm sure you two are getting close to leaving, but I have one more thing I'd like to do before you go."

Jack and Elizabeth quickly gave their approval before Marley stepped away to speak to the DJ.

"Oh, Marley," Jack called out as he trotted over to her. "I want to thank you for everything you've done. This whole day and evening has been perfect, and to see the smile on Elizabeth's face was worth any amount. You name your price, and I'll leave a check with my mom…"

Marley stuck out her arm to shake Jack's hand, "I appreciate the opportunity to do this. I have to admit, it was a challenge, but I had the best time, so thank you. As for the check, Elizabeth's father has already taken care of everything…"

"What about the bonus I promised you?"

"Jack, he covered the balance and then some, so we're straight."

Jack smiled outwardly, but internally he wondered if there were going to continue to be issues regarding money between them. He knew that as her father he wanted to pay for Elizabeth's wedding. However, he never expected her parents to cover the plans he'd authorized.

Jack looked back at Elizabeth who was chatting with her sisters, her friends from school and Rosa, so he took the opportunity to speak with her father.

Jack approached his new in-laws, "William…I just wanted to thank you for taking care of the wedding planner's bill; it wasn't my intention for you to cover my expenses."

Mr. Thatcher and Jack stepped away from Grace, "Jack, it's my daughter's wedding. If she had decided on her own to have a big wedding, I'd have covered the expenses."

"But sir, I made the arrangements; I don't want you thinking that I can't take care of her."

"Jack, I have no doubt, given what you accomplished here, that you will go to the ends of the Earth to provide for Elizabeth and make her happy. I was just doing my parental duty by paying for her wedding. You already covered the private jet and the hotel for all of the guests. So, are we okay?"

"Of course we are. I just don't want you thinking that I can't or won't take care of her or my financial obligations," Jack commented.

"That never crossed my mind," William assured her. "Just really doing my fatherly duty, okay?"

"Okay…"

Grace stood a few feet away, but was still privy to their conversation, and smiled as she observed them again shake hands before William pulled Jack in for a man hug.

"Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen…" Marley called out garnering a good portion of the guests' attention. "I'd like to ask everyone to clear the dance floor for one final special dance."

As everyone complied the DJ began to play "Because you loved me" by Celine Dion. Jack approached his mother and took her hand while Elizabeth escorted her father out on the dance floor.

For all those times you stood by me
For all the truth that you made me see
For all the joy you brought to my life
For all the wrong that you made right
For every dream you made come true
For all the love I found in you
I'll be forever thankful baby
You're the one who held me up
Never let me fall
You're the one who saw me through it all

You were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn't speak
You were my eyes when I couldn't see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when I couldn't reach
You gave me faith 'cause you believed
I'm everything I am
Because you loved me

You gave me wings and made me fly
You touched my hand I could touch the sky
I lost my faith, you gave it back to me
You said no star was out of reach
You stood by me and I stood tall
I had your love I had it all
I'm grateful for each day you gave me
Maybe I don't know that much
But I know this much is true
I was blessed because I was loved by you

You were always there for me
The tender wind that carried me
A light in the dark shining your love into my life
You've been my inspiration
Through the lies you were the truth
My world is a better place because of you

I'm everything I am
Because you loved me

As the music came to an end, Mr. Thatcher and Charlotte kissed their respective children, walked them over as Elizabeth's hand was placed palm to palm with Jack. Their parents again kissed them before returning to their table.

Anticipation of the night ahead of them had Jack pushing to get their honeymoon started. Holding Elizabeth's hand, he pulled her from person to person thanking them personally for attending and encouraging them to continued eating and dancing.

Jack even stopped momentarily to thank Carlos Greer for his professionalism in not making their ceremony a circus.

"Jack, I want to thank you for not kicking me out. After what happened before, that's really what I expected," Carlos stated before turning his attention to Elizabeth. "I'm very sorry about the story I posted before. I know it caused some problems, but I'm glad to see that you've worked it out. You're a beautiful bride, by the way."

Elizabeth hesitantly smiled. Not familiar with all of the press interest in her and her new husband she replied, "Well, I guess it just goes to show you that things are not always what they seem."

"You're right, and we are double and triple checking our facts from now on…but I'm still sorry."

Elizabeth wrapped her arm through Jack's and pulled her body as close as the space would allow, "You know Mr. Greer, a part of me wants to thank you because although what I saw on your show upset me, and initially broke us up, it made us face fears we each had and we're stronger than ever."

Carlos laughed, "That is until the next salacious story comes along."

"Look Carlos, whether it's me or someone else, I just ask that you verify your facts before you report them. After all, you're reporting on people's lives here," Jack stated before pulling Elizabeth away to finish personally saying good night to their guests.

"Okay, the last people we need to talk to are our parents," Jack stated as they drifted over to the family table.

Mr. Thatcher stood and stuck out his arm to shake Jack's hand. He leaned in and whispered, "I'd like to officially welcome you to the family."

"Thank you William. I'm honored…"

Each family member got their final hug and kiss in before it was evident how anxious the newlyweds were to leave for their honeymoon.

Jack took Elizabeth's hand and turned to face the crowd, now growing with Dodger's fans many of whom followed them back from the pier. "Thank you everyone for taking time out of your busy schedules to come here tonight. Please continue to enjoy yourselves and Elizabeth and I will catch up with you after we return from our honeymoon," he stated as his finger under her chin lifted and turned her face.

As their eyes met, he eagerly captured her lips, "Bye everyone…" he yelled out as he pulled her toward their awaiting limo.

She smiled at the flowers lining the sides and hood of the limo, and the back window caught her eyes. "Jack look…"

Jack smiled at the personal touch Marley added as they were leaving. He smiled at the beach scene vinyl sign that covered the back window…

Just Married…

Jack & Elizabeth

November 11, 2017

Santa Monica, California

Finding themselves finally alone, Elizabeth practically jumped into his lap and hungrily covered his mouth with hers. Surprised, but quite pleased at her eagerness, Jack's hand slipped under her dress and gently ran up her calf and thigh.

Assuming that they were riding back to the hotel to grab their suitcases she asked, "So, where are we going?"

"We're leaving for our honeymoon tomorrow, but tonight we're staying at the hotel…"

"What hotel?"

"Casa Del Mar, why?"

Seeing her expression he suddenly felt horrified, "What's wrong?"

She moved over, sitting in the seat beside him, "Jack, I don't want people knowing that we're there having sex."

He couldn't help but to laugh, "Are you serious? Honey, I assure you that no matter where we stay, people will know what we're doing, or at least what I hope we'll be doing tonight."

"Jack, I can't make love to you under the same roof where our mother's are…and my father? Oh my word, no, I can't. "

"The same roof? Do you remember how big this hotel is? We have one of the suites that they save for honeymoons," he explained.

"Yes, I'm well aware of how big the hotel is, and I was in one of the suites this morning when I went to see my mom before I had my hair done."

"Well, then you know how nice they are; it will be a wonderful night."

"Jack, I'm sorry, but it just makes me uncomfortable to think about people seeing us tomorrow morning; the guys will want to high five you, and the women, well the ones who really know me will be watching to see if I can still walk."

Jack felt certain that her rambling was coming from a place of nervousness but he couldn't help but laugh at the visual she'd left for him, "Honey, I hate to burst your bubble, but everyone, including our parents will know what we're doing, because that's what they did on their wedding night."

"Well thank you for that visual Jack."

He knew she was anxious, and felt that she would have realized how foolish she sounded if she wasn't fighting the nerves about their first night together. He had only been her husband for a matter of a few hours, but it was certainly long enough to know that he was not about to tell her how silly she was being.

"Honey, I'm sorry; I guess I didn't think of everything. What can I do to make you feel more comfortable?"

"Please take me to another hotel."

"It's 10:00 at night. I don't know if I can find anything at the nice hotels. Maybe we can sneak in and no one will know we're there…"

"Jack, do you have any idea where those suites are?" she asked.

"Yes; they are on the top floor," he advised her.

"Do you know where my parents are staying?"

"No, your dad got their room."

Elizabeth smiled, "They have a suite on the top floor next to the one the hotel calls the 'Honeymoon Suite.'"

Obviously not aware of that fact, Jack's eyes widened and he felt the breath being pulled from his body. Suddenly he realized that he was in jeopardy of having everything explode in his face by putting her in a "Honeymoon Suite" located unbeknownst to him, next to her parents.

Jack pulled his phone from his pocket and began anxiously punching buttons.

"Jack, there's a Motel 6 two blocks down the road. They always keep the lights on; they'll have a room."

"Elizabeth, I'm not taking you to Motel 6 for our first time together. I'll find something else," he responded as his fingers continued pressing buttons on his phone.

If he could have stepped out of the limo at that moment, he'd have kicked himself for not thinking of their wedding night accommodations. He knew how anxious she was likely to be and having her parents right next door was certainly not likely to enhance their first lovemaking experience.

Although they were only 8/10 of a mile from the Casa Del Mar, the traffic from those visitors leaving the general pier area made the usually short trip much longer.

Jack stuck his phone in the seat pocket in front of him, "I have a room at The Shutters on the Beach; is that okay?"

"Jack…"

He frantically pulled his phone back out and again began punching buttons as the limo pulled up to the Casa Del Mar entrance, "Don't worry; I'll find us something else."

As her eyes watered she placed her hands over his, "Please, forgive me. You have done everything in your power to make this day something I'll never forget, and Jack, you have far surpassed my wildest dreams. This is truly the best day of my life. But now, all I'm doing is complaining about where we spend our wedding night. I'm sorry; I'll be happy wherever we stay… just not next to my parents."

"You wait right here. I'll grab our bags and I'll be right ba…"

Before he could finish his sentence, she pressed her body to his as she leaned him against the seat, her mouth eagerly covering his. "Don't ever think that I don't want to be with you. I have wondered about this night for a good portion of my life, and I've dreamed about it since I met you…" she barely managed to respond before his arm around her waist pulled her close. His other hand slipped behind her head urging her closer as his mouth hungrily captured hers.

"Oh, excuse me, sir…ma'am," the chauffer called out as he immediately closed the door.

Embarrassed, Elizabeth exhaled as her head rested on Jack's chest, "Well at least I had my clothes on."

"Give me fifteen minutes and I'll be back with our suitcases. Once we get to The Shutters, we'll work on your clothing issue," he smiled as he leaned her back slightly and his lips again met hers.

Her lips were firm, but softened immediately upon his touch. Her mouth opened slightly as his tongue pressed through her lips, sliding gently along the soft skin, eliciting sensuous moans from her which fed his desire.

His heart pounded and he swallowed hard, "Give me ten minutes; I'll be right back with our bags," he kissed her cheek, and slipped out of the limo as she watched him run inside.

Although she wasn't wearing a watch, it appeared that he returned to the limo quickly and completely out of breath, indicating to her that he'd run most of the way.

With the bags left outside for the chauffer to place in the trunk, Jack slipped back inside the limo, where his lips immediately found hers, proving that he was quite eager to resume where they'd left off.

As the limo left the site of the Casa Del Mar on its way to the Shutters on the Beach, she leaned back slightly. Her lips were only inches from his as she teased him, almost begging as she softly, sensuously ran her teeth across her bottom lip.

"You have no idea what that does to me," he barely managed to speak the words before his hands cradled her jaw line and he pulled her close. However, even as his lips consumed hers, much like his favorite meal, she was still not close enough.

As they both forgot where they were, he leaned her back on the seat with his body resting upon hers. His lips met the soft skin just below her ear as his hands tenderly ran up her bare arms. With electricity flowing through each of them, their bodies warmed quickly.

Their bodies were jarred as the limo pulled into the driveway of The Shutters, accidently bumping the curb on the way in.

Jack looked out the window and observed the beautiful hotel before them. He sat up, pulling Elizabeth's body with him as the limo came to a stop at the front door.

"I'll be right back," Jack whispered as he kissed her cheek and ran inside to check in, again leaving Elizabeth alone in the limo.

While waiting for Jack, Elizabeth observed the chauffer taking their bags inside, handing them off to the hotel bellman, before stepping back outside with Jack close behind.

Excitedly Jack returned to the limo, opened the door and helped Elizabeth outside. As her feet hit the ground, his arms slipped around her waist and their lips again met. This kiss was soft and gentle but still carried the excitement of the passion to come.

He took her hand and led her through the doors to the lobby, complete with soothing light, comfortable seating, a piano and operational fireplace.

They stepped into the private elevator and Jack pressed the button to the third floor. Having been advised that the elevator opens directly into their suite, once the doors closed Jack wasted no time…

He backed Elizabeth against the wall of the elevator as his hands resting on either side of her shoulders held her in place. His eyes met hers; they held the deepest blue he'd ever seen and there was no doubt in his mind that he could easily drown in her.

His lips captured hers, initially the kiss was tender and gentle but as their connection deepened, so did their passion.

"Oh Jack…" she whispered as her skin tingled at the feeling of his warm breath on her neck. "Ja-ck…" she attempted to get his attention as the door opened, but then closed again. His hands and lips on her skin had her thinking of other things.

"Oh E-liz-a-beth," he drew out her name in breathless syllables.

His finger traced along her jaw line before cradling her face in his hands. His body pressed hard against her as his hands encouraged her face closer. As his lips met hers, it was strong, and powerful, and almost felt frantic as if he wanted…needed to immediately touch, taste and experience everything about her.

The elevator door opened again. The suite was large with two balconies, each one with a slightly different view of the ocean. Between the two doors was an electric fireplace that was previously turned on by the staff. Soft, romantic music was playing throughout the suite.

Sitting on a table was a plate of chocolate covered strawberries, and a bowl of fruit. Placed on a small table was a bottle of champagne sitting in a bucket of ice and two glasses.

As Elizabeth stepped forward to exit the elevator, Jack took hold of her hand. When she turned around to face him, his arm slipped behind her knees and he swept her up in his arms, carrying her into the room.

Their suitcases had already arrived; they were easily found, but left out of the way near the room closet.

Feeling bad that she'd made him wait for months to be with her intimately, she assumed, based on his passionate kisses in the elevator that he wanted to skip the "preliminaries" and move right to the lovemaking.

She kissed his cheek before whispering, "Give me a few minutes and I'll be right back." She stepped away and grabbed her overnight bag which contained his request, a red negligee.

"Elizabeth," he called out causing her to turn around, "Sweetheart, we have all night."

"But Jack, I thought…"

Jack closed the distance between them; he placed his hand on her upper arms, "I know I seem, well enthusiastic, but we don't need to rush. I want this to be the best night of your life, so we can go as slow as you like, okay…?"

"I love you Jack. Thank you for today," she stated as she looked around the room, "and for tonight. This is better than I could have ever dreamed it would be."

"You haven't seen anything yet…" he stated which caused her to giggle. "Oh, so you get married and suddenly your mind is in the gutter…" he laughed along with her.

He took her hand and led her over to the champagne, "Would you like a glass?"

"I'd love one," she responded as they both laughed when the cork blew across the room and the bubbly began to flow.

Having eaten very little at her reception, Elizabeth took the plate of chocolate covered strawberries and walked back toward Jack. Taking one from the plate, he held it to her lips, watching as she sensuously slipped her mouth around the end of the strawberry, biting it in half. With a smudge of chocolate left behind on her mouth, his thumb brushed across her lips, sweeping the sweet treat away.

She immediately took his hand and brought it back to her lips. Her eyes were locked on his and as her mouth opened, her teeth gently nibbled on his thumb while her tongue moved across his skin removing any sign of the chocolate from his finger.

Jack's hand slipped behind her head as he encouraged her mouth closer until their lips touched. The caress of his lips on hers was summer warm and whisper soft as the heat that was building between them was much like rain falling from the sky and sizzling on the hot asphalt.

He handed her a glass, "I'd like to make a toast to my beautiful wife…"

"Happy marriages begin when we marry the ones we love, and they continue to blossom when we love the ones we marry." He took a deep breath and as his eyes began to water he continued, "I married the woman I love, and will forever love the woman I married. To my beautiful wife; I love you…"

Following his toast, their eyes met and the tone of the room returned serious, "I have never seen you look more beautiful than you did today, than you do right now. I love you, Elizabeth," he stated as he held out his hand; "Dance with me…"

He took the glass from her hand and sat both of them on the table. She took his hand as his arm slipped around her waist and pulled her close. With the Adele song, "Make You Feel My Love" playing softly in the background, he led as they danced, covering the open area in the room.

When the rain is blowing in your face
And the whole world is on your case,
I would offer you a warm embrace
To make you feel my love.

When the evening shadows and the stars appear
And there is no one there to dry your tears,
I could hold you for a million years
To make you feel my love.

I know you haven't made your mind up yet
But I would never do you wrong.
I've known it from the moment that we met,
No doubt in my mind where you belong.

I'd go hungry, I'd go black and blue,
I'd go crawling down the avenue,
There's nothing that I wouldn't do
To make you feel my love.

The storms are raging on a rolling sea,
Down on the highway of regret.
The winds of change are blowing wild and free,
You ain't seen nothing like me yet.

I did make you happy, make your dreams come true,
There's nothing that I would not do,
Go to the ends of the earth for you
To make you feel my love.
There's nothing that I wouldn't do
To make you feel my love.

The song ended, but Jack continued moving, mesmerized by the woman before him, the love of his life, his bride.

Elizabeth's fingers began to work nervously on the buttons of his shirt. As each button was released, her hand opened his shirt wider and her lips pressed gently against the skin on his neck and chest.

She could feel his breathing becoming more rapid and pronounced and although he may not have considered it to be manly, he was certainly not immune to soft moans of satisfaction that easily passed through his lips.

Although she'd never made love before, she was quite comfortable with him and everything he was doing. However, she couldn't help but to acknowledge the nerves that seemed to be settling inside her.

Will he find me to be worth waiting for? Will I satisfy him? Will it hurt? All legitimate questions that she'd wished she'd resolved before now. She'd talked with her girlfriends about this very thing since she was a young teenager. She wasn't naïve; she knew what to expect. However, the strength of her desire, combined with the feeling of free falling through air caught her somewhat unprepared.

She closed her eyes and simply allowed her body to feel, enjoying the salty taste of his skin on her lips. Warmth circulated throughout her body at the simple touch of his hand on her skin as the familiar flutter of butterflies returned to settle in her stomach.

As she pulled his opened shirt over his shoulders, the garment fell to the floor. Her tongue traced along his collarbone, as she worked toward the center of his body. Her lips made contact with his chest as his eyes closed and his head rolled slightly back. Her fingers traced up his arms and over his shoulders, slipping through the hair on the nape of his neck.

The touch of her hands on his body lit him up like a candle that was burning at both ends. He'd wanted her…he'd wanted this, for so long and now he had the best night of his life staring him in the face. He'd never been nervous before, but then again, this was the first time that he'd truly made love and the emotions were overpowering.

Jack captured her lips as he backed her toward the bed, stopping when her calves pressed against the mattress. He leaned back slightly, only inches apart as his eyes met hers.

He said nothing; the kindness and love in his eyes said it all. But as he gazed upon her, Elizabeth felt as if every ounce of breath was being pulled from her body, floating in the air like frozen heat.

As he held her face tenderly in his hands, she began to feel her knotted nerves untying. His lips covered hers, initially tender, and gentle, but with each subsequent kiss, the passion grew and they became more bold, deliberate and purposeful.

Elizabeth turned around and pulled her hair over her shoulder, "Jack, would you help me with these buttons?"

Her skin tingled as his fingers fiddled with the row of tiny buttons running down her back. Impatiently she asked, "Jack, can you get them?"

"Buttons, why do women have to have so many buttons?"

"Why are you looking at other women's buttons?"

"I promise I don't look at other women's buttons like I look at yours."

With her dress open all the way down her back she turned to face him, "So you like my buttons?"

His lips met the soft skin on her neck as his tongue traced upward to her ear. He nibbled on her earlobe before whispering, "We aren't really talking about buttons, are we?"

"I'm sorry; I'm just a little nervous."

He wrapped her in his arms, feeling her soft skin through the open back of her dress. "Elizabeth, your buttons are the only ones I have or will ever dream about," he laughed softly.

Observing her arms holding the top of her dress up he felt the need to reassure her, "Tonight is for you, Elizabeth. We don't have to do anything you don't feel comfortable with."

"I don't want to think Jack; I just want to feel and experience… I want to learn everything about you…everything about us, okay?"

Jack smiled; his dimples were deep and adorable and he did his best to put her at ease as he held her in his arms.

As she held her hand over the top of her dress to hold it up, he grabbed her overnight bag and placed it in the bathroom, closing the door behind her as she slipped inside.

In the bathroom, she released her dress and watched as it fell to the floor. She carefully and lovingly picked it up and hung it on the shower rod before pulling out his requested clothing choice. She touched up her makeup, spritzed the air with her favorite Flowerbomb perfume, and tightened the clip in her hair before shutting off the light, turning the knob and slowly opening the door.

She stepped out of the bathroom wearing a red silk negligee with lace inserts that ran at an angle from her hips to the hem. The garment was held up by thin spaghetti straps attached to lace that ran in a low cut "V" between her breasts. The opening was held together by three thin crisscrossing straps that adequately covered her, but was meant to entice the admirer.

Choosing to give her some privacy, Jack completed what he needed to do, and stepped out onto the deck overlooking the ocean. As he heard the creak of the door when it opened, he turned and stepped back inside, closing the door behind him.

Elizabeth was overcome by what appeared to be thousands of red and white rose petals scattered about and in the soft light of several meticulously placed fragrant candles was Jack holding a long stem red rose in his hand.

He walked toward her; his burning gaze was as tangible as the full moon hanging in the sky. He opened his mouth, wanting desperately to speak, needing to tell her how breathtakingly beautiful she was, but no words passed through his lips. He was at a loss, as if his brain and vocal chords were no longer working in unison.

As he saw her standing in the doorway, Jack wasn't certain why he'd asked her to wear red; after all it wasn't his favorite color, and he certainly needed no help getting his motor running where Elizabeth was concerned. However, standing before him was truly a breathtaking vision, and much like a Matador, Elizabeth was waving her red cape, as he found the Bull in him becoming more difficult to contain.

He closed the distance between them as one arm went around her waist pulling her against his body. As their lips met, his other hand behind her head encouraged her lips even closer, deepening their connection. His hand wrestled through her hair as pieces of baby's breath hit the floor along with the clip that held several pieces of her auburn tresses in place.

Her skin tingled as his fingertips traced from her wrists up to her shoulders, stopping as they slipped under one of the thin spaghetti straps that held her negligee in place. As the strap slipped over her shoulder, his lips immediately met her soft skin.

She felt the heat coursing through her body as his fingers then dropped the other strap over her shoulder and her negligee fell to the floor in a silky puddle.

Jack's body ached for hers, needing to feel her skin against his. He'd fantasized about this night, but now he realized that the real thing far exceeded his wildest imagination.

His lips quickly met hers; they were bold, yet gentle; soft, yet determined; and hot, so fiery hot. His arms swept around her nearly naked body, pulling her close until they were touching, skin to skin. His arms ran up and down the length of her back, finding the need to touch her all consuming, and they each quickly lost themselves in the passion.

Elizabeth slipped her fingers through his hair, as their bodies seemed to mold together, as if they were liquid. Any movement he made, she followed as their bodies seemed to fit perfectly, much like the Lord made each of them with the other one in mind.

Her lips opened slightly as a sign of surrender. His tongue slipped through, gently running along the soft skin on the inside of her mouth, making certain to touch on those areas that were the most sensitive. Her gentle moans revealed that although they'd never been this intimate before, he evidently already knew her well.

Her fingers on the drawstring of his pants untied the bow and with a gentle tug, the elastic waistband slipped down his hips and fell to the floor, oddly meshing as the cotton and silk lay comfortably side by side on the floor.

Jack was like a kid in a candy store, desperate to taste and touch everything, but wanting to take his time, wanting to give her time, and praying for this night to last forever.

His arm behind her knees swept her up in the air as he carried her the short distance to the bed where he lay her down with her head on the pillow. He couldn't help but to take in the complete beauty before him; how her skin was so soft, so perfect, not a single blemish, and her breasts, oh how he'd dreamed of her breasts, equal in size and perfectly shaped.

His heart was pounding so loudly that he felt it thumping in his ears. He glanced down at his own chest wondering if she could see each beat through his skin. Standing beside the bed wearing boxer shorts, he was well aware of how his body was responding to her, but wondered how she would feel when his complete nakedness was revealed.

She smiled and tapped the side of the bed, "Are you going to join me?"

Jack lay down beside her. His fingertips traced down her arm, bringing her hand up to his lips, he whispered, "Elizabeth…"

Never having felt this vulnerable before, Elizabeth was thankful for the soft candlelight in the room, somehow not making her feel so naked. Although, she had to admit, what she truly felt was far from nervousness. She felt completely alive and excited by his touch.

Her hand slipped behind his head pulling him closer, "Jack, I have wanted this for so long, please make love to me…"

His lips covered hers quickly but gently as their mouths opened and tongues tangled. Each short separation and subsequent kiss was more powerful and passionate than the one before.

Jack's hand brushed across her abdomen stopping as it lay on the flat of her stomach covering her belly button. She continued to feel the electricity of his touch flowing through her and experiencing no pressure from the weight of his body, it seemed as if he was floating somewhat over her. His lips pressed tenderly against the soft salty skin below her ear as he slowly traced down her neck and onto her collarbone.

His tongue brushed down between her breasts as his hand gently covered one while his lips kissed the other. She tasted sweet, much like a ripe cherry he'd tasted once on a trip out of the country.

Her chest seemed to swell and she arched her back coming closer to him as his mouth opened wider practically consuming her modest breast. Not one to play favorites, he moved to the other side as his lips covered her other breast while his tongue brushed gently across her erect nipple.

Elizabeth closed her eyes and moaned softly as she had to wonder why she'd waited so long to allow her body to experience these sensations. However, even in her euphoria of the moment, she knew that what was happening, what she was feeling would only be right with Jack.

Elizabeth was thankful that breathing was involuntary, because as his lips continued to touch and taste her body, taking in oxygen was truly the farthest thing from her mind.

She felt his fingertips tracing up the outside of her leg, slipping his finger under the lacey hem of her red silk panties. Hooking it on his bent finger, her hips rose slightly as he pulled her panties down her long, shapely legs, dropping them in the growing pile of clothes beside the bed.

Sensing her slight uneasiness his hand swept several strands of hair from her face, "Elizabeth, are you okay? Please be honest with me…"

"Jack, I have wanted to make love to you for a long time. My nervousness has nothing to do with you; I just want to make sure I give you what you need too."

He kissed her forehead, "I'm lying in bed with my wife; I'm already way ahead of the game. Please don't worry about me. Tonight is about you; what you want; what you need." He swallowed hard before releasing a soft breathy laugh, "Besides, I suspect in giving you want you want, I'll be quite satisfied myself."

While her soft, warm lips covered his, her fingers traced circles on his chest, taking a nipple between her thumb and forefinger and rubbing gently. His nipple was not the only erect part of his body as Elizabeth felt his bulging boxers pressing against her hip as she was now experiencing both excitement and nervousness.

Her hand slipped down to the waistband of his boxers. Slipping her fingers under the elastic, she heard him gasp softly, "Is this okay?" she asked.

"You don't need to…"

"Jack, I want to know about you," she stated as he laid still, his eyes closed while her hand gently took hold of him.

She may never have had sex before, but she was well aware of the human body mechanics of it all. However, she was surprised at how hard it felt, when at the same time, the skin was so soft. Her hand wrapped around the width of it and she slowly rubbed up and down the length of him. She felt somewhat proud of herself when she observed his eyes close, heard him moan and observed the look of pleasure on his face. She also never thought in a million years that something like this could possibly make her proud.

"Oh Elizabeth…" he moaned as she felt his hips move against her hand.

Although she'd never been this close with any other man, and talks with her girlfriends who shared what their men enjoyed was her only intimate experience, it was evident that she was satisfying some need in him.

Doing his best to contain himself, he took hold of her hand…

She hesitated, sounding disappointed, "I'm sorry; did I do something wrong?"

His lips boldly covered hers, "Shh, if you keep going I'll be spent and won't have anything left for you."

He rolled her back on the bed as his hands began to explore her body. She felt his fingers tracing up her legs, first her calves, then the outside of her thighs. His fingers traced across the front of her legs, massaging the inside of her thighs, touching her in places that she'd previously only dreamed of. Her senses were in a heightened mode and she felt as though she was being transported to another place, a paradise of sorts, as her entire body shuttered.

Jack's lips met hers; it was hot, demanding and possessive as his body pressed firmly against hers. Touching from lips to toes, it felt as though her curves matched perfectly with his.

With his arms around her body, they rolled from side to side, eventually tangling themselves in the bed coverings. Still wearing his boxers, Jack removed them before rolling over her body and straddling her hips.

Jack positioned his body down her legs slightly as her knees bent and rested along his waist. Elizabeth swallowed hard knowing that she was so close to experiencing what she had spent several of her teen and all of her adult years protecting, saving for this moment, saving for him.

His hands rested on other side of her shoulders as he pressed his lips against hers. As he rose up slightly he saw her face, "Elizabeth," he whispered.

"Make love to me, Jack. I need to feel you inside me," she breathlessly responded.

Beneath his hand, the give of her body was soft and supple as he slowly pressed inside her. She was initially uncomfortable, causing Jack to stop at one point, afraid that he was hurting her.

"I'm fine; please…" she practically begged him to continue.

Slowly they began to work together, finding a rhythm that was comfortable for each of them. Her body rose to meet his as they each found the pleasure in every single movement. His lips pressed against her neck; she could feel his warm erratic breath, and his wildly pounding heart, which not surprisingly rivaled hers.

Elizabeth wrapped her legs around Jack's waist, linking them at her ankles on his back as she held him tightly against her. She could only wonder why she'd waited so long to experience this with him as an incredible sensation filled her entire body.

Jack collapsed beside her barely able to breathe, let alone move. He managed to pull Elizabeth's body up onto his chest as his arms around her shoulders made her feel safe and secure.

Neither one spoke as they each attempted to catch their breath. Although they lay naked in bed, the room was warm, partially due to the fireplace, but mostly attributed to the fire that appeared to burn right through them.

Assuming that she may feel uncomfortable, he pulled the blanket over them. He kissed the top of her head as he released his arm lying across her chest and wiped several tears from his eyes.

She turned in bed, resting her chin on her folded arms and gazed into his misty eyes. "Are you okay?"

Observing her own tears, his thumb brushed them away before resting his hand along her cheek, "I love you so much Elizabeth and I cannot imagine my life without you. I know it isn't manly to cry after making love, but this is truly the most meaningful experience I have ever had."

Elizabeth edged up further in bed, meeting her lips with his. Her lips were soft and gentle, obviously forgiving, and quickly forgetting, of any pain she'd just experienced.

Jack placed his hand on her back as his fingers tenderly moved across her soft skin. With each of them replaying their own mind blowing experiences in their heads, they soon fell asleep wrapped in each other's arms.

Several hours later, still dark but nearing 6am, Elizabeth woke. She was now lying on her left side with Jack snuggled up to her back. She had hold of his arm and held it tightly between her breasts.

Slowly she slipped out of bed and searched for something to wear. Finding her suitcase locked, and with no key in sight, she opened his bag and pulled out a blue plaid flannel shirt. Slipping it on, she found it to be a typical shirt that fell low in the front and back and cut up on the sides.

Watching him sleep, she observed him pull her pillow into his chest, holding it tightly. Reaching into her bag, she grabbed her journal and favorite writing pen and slipped out onto the deck.

Taking a seat, she was mesmerized by the sound of the ocean, and the beauty of the full moon, each one seemingly within arm's reach, but yet still so far away. It was early morning in November, November 12th to be exact, and yet the weather was comfortable with a soft warm breeze blowing off of the ocean.

She had to admit, if she moved with Jack after this school year, she could get used to the milder temperatures on the west coast.

She watched in the moonlight as a couple, obviously in love walked along the water's edge. Stopping in the soft light, he turned her to face him. As their arms held each other, they kissed, and Elizabeth wondered if they could possibly be as happy and in love as she was at that moment. Realizing that there was no way possible that their happiness could surpass hers, she took a seat, closed her eyes and momentarily meditated.

Feeling overcome with emotions, she opened her journal, flipped to the next blank page, and did her best to purge the feelings and emotions she carried onto the vacant canvas…

"My mom was always very quick to say, 'each stage of life requires a new version of you.' I acted as though I understood what she was saying, but truly felt oblivious to the meaning. Right here, right now, no truer words have ever been spoken.

We travel through the stages of life, always seemingly wanting more, but not realizing that with the benefits comes the responsibility, and often times we're totally unprepared.

As I hit my teens and early twenties, the new version I had for myself did not seem to mesh with what was the going trend. Many of my good friends dated, believed in free love, and slept around as if it was expected, teasing me because I held tightly to that precious part of myself. 'Just do it and get it over with,' they'd say, as if I was a shiny new car needing a hammer taken to me to provide the first dent in my otherwise pristine armor.

As a result of my beliefs and the version of myself that for me seemed the most comfortable, I have met men who have come and gone without getting past their own selfish wants, needs and desires. That is until you so boldly entered my life.

I believe this is most definitely where blessings come into play. Although I was blessed with a wonderful family, I didn't truly understand the meaning of love until you entered my life. Of course I love and cherish my family and friends, but never before had a man put my needs before his own. Never before had a man made me feel so important, as if I truly mattered in this world.

Before you, my life was captured in the endless seconds that seemed to tick away slowly, never ending, with nothing seemingly changing along the way. Then you came along and I now cherish every second as my life feels less like a trickle of water down a clogged stream and more like an exciting, energetic waterfall.

To those who have loved and encouraged me along life's journey, just know that the pieces of me have remained the same from birth until now. Although occasionally a jumbled mess; scattered about with no rhyme or reason, the only difference is that on those occasions they have been put back together differently.

My dear husband, you make me laugh, even when I don't want to. You make me feel special, even at times when you probably didn't want to. You have faith in me even though I have certainly disappointed you. You've found it in your heart to love me even though there is no doubt that I've hurt you. But the greatest gift of all is that you picked me. Above all others, you waited for me, for the imperfect person that I am, but we are most definitely perfect together. I said 'I do' yesterday with a heart full of love, but I promise you this…I would do it all over again every day for the rest of my life.

I love you with my whole heart. I have been blessed to know you as my best friend, and now as my husband and lover. You will always be the very best part of my day."

Elizabeth closed her journal and wiped the tears as they slipped down her cheek. She sat her beloved leather bound book on the side table before walking to the railing, her thoughts seemingly rolling out to sea with the tide.

Jack's eyes remained closed as he stretched. Reaching for Elizabeth, he found her missing. As his eyes opened, he found her standing in his shirt against the railing with the soft light of the moon shining down upon her.

He sat up in bed unable to avoid staring at his wife, the love of his life. Her long, shapely legs seemed to go on forever as the back of the shirt fell mid-thigh and the cut up on the side showed her hips and the fact that she was not wearing panties.

She was beautiful, and he never realized how sexy, enticing and breathtaking a woman could be in an old flannel shirt. Then he realized just as quickly that no other woman could possibly garner this reaction from him as his body felt the need to touch her, taste her, and make love to her again.

He slipped out of bed and into his trousers, walking quietly toward the deck, being careful not to startle her. "Elizabeth," he whispered as he stepped closer causing her to glance in his direction.

She smiled; it was warm, and she looked both happy and content, "Good morning," she replied as his arms wrapped around her waist pulling her into his body.

He brushed the hair off of her shoulder as his lips met her neck, "Are you okay?" he whispered.

She turned around to face him, "I'm better than okay. I love you so much, Jack Thornton."

"I love you more…"

"Jack, there is no way that you could possibly love me more…"

"Well, Elizabeth Thornton, this very well may be our first fight as a married couple, because I believe that I do," his hand behind her head brought her closer until their lips met.

"Come on, let's go back to bed."

"Mr. Thornton, what do you have on your mind?"

"Come back to bed with me and you'll find out," he teased as he held out his hand to her.

Elizabeth slipped into bed as Jack peeled off his trousers and lay down beside her, "May I ask you something?" she asked.

"You may ask me anything?"

She looked down, clearly nervous about the question.

Jack's finger under her chin lifted her eyes to meet his, "You have no idea how much last night meant to me, and before you ask, you gave me everything I need."

"Jack…I…"

"Are you okay?" he asked as his fingertips gently worked up and down her arm.

"I'm good Jack. May I ask you something else?" her coy smile had him wondering what was on her mind.

"Ask away…"

"I know that the west coast is known for earthquakes…"

Assuming that she was going to be concerned about following him there he attempted to make light of her apparent concern. "Honey, I lived in Southern California until I started playing pro baseball, and I only experienced one earthquake and it was really small. They're really nothing to worry about."

She knew that wasn't true, but continued with her thought, "Did we have an earthquake last night?"

"Earthquake? Last night? No, we didn't have an earthquake…"

"Okay, I was just wondering because I sure felt the earth move," she smiled as he pulled her against his chest.

Elizabeth whispered, "Where are we going for our honeymoon?"

"San Francisco for a few days, and then we'll drive up the coast. I thought maybe we could spend a day with my mom in San Diego since we won't be back for Thanksgiving Day. Then we could spend the holiday with your parents. Is that okay?"

"I've never been to San Francisco. It sounds magical, but…"

"Before you say anything, we won't be staying with my mom. I have us a hotel room…"

Jack rolled Elizabeth back on the bed as his lips met hers. Each one felt the familiar sensation of their hearts pounding and the feeling of free falling through air.

Without releasing her lips, Jack's fingers began to unbutton the shirt she was wearing, his shirt, starting at the top. As the material fell away from her body, his lips trailed down to her chin, onto her neck and then met the soft skin on her chest.

With her shirt off and both lying in bed sans clothes, Elizabeth whispered, "Jack, what time do we need to leave?"

Jack straddled her body as he took hold of her hands. Raising them above her head, he leaned down and covered her lips. "Our flight leaves at 9," he whispered.

As the kisses became more and more passionate and their breathing became more rapid and shallow, he responded, "We can take a later flight…"

To be continued…

NOTE: To those of you who follow the facebook fan fiction notification pages, there will be a few pictures posted there shortly.

I received one review asking if there was anywhere else that the pictures could be viewed. I was unable to directly respond to the person as they were not signed into the fan fiction site. So, hopefully they, as well as anyone else that's interested will see this...

For those of you who are not on Facebook, send me an email at bbflabradors aol .com and I will send you the pictures.I know that is written weird, but for some reason it will not allow you to post an email address on this site. So, take the bbflabradors and do the rest like you would a regular email address.