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.

**Sorry Guys…only a lukewarm steam alert in this one**

Chapter 37- It's Time to Heal

"What are you doing?" Elizabeth asked as Jack stood on the balcony staring at his phone.

"I have Josh's phone number," he stated without looking in her direction; his eyes cast out onto the ocean. He felt Elizabeth step up beside him; her hand on his back gently rubbed in circles.

"Are you going to call him?" she asked.

"I need to; I have to; it's just been so long since we've talked. We're married now and I'm happier than I ever thought I could be, and he's…"

"Jack, you won't know how he's doing until you talk to him. Do you want me to make the call?"

He turned and snapped at her, "I don't need my wife fighting my battles for me."

His voice was cold and harsh and caused her to jump back. "I wasn't aware that this was a battle, but okay you've made it clear that I'm not needed," she whispered as she turned around and headed for the door. "I'm going for a walk; I'll leave you alone to do what you need to. I'm sorry that I was in your way…"

Before he could apologize, she disappeared inside. Elizabeth ran down the stairs, feeling as though maybe they just needed a bit of space between them.

He turned around and walked to the door, but she was nowhere in sight. He observed a flash of light from the front door opening, and if that wasn't a sign that she'd left, the sound of the door slamming told him that she was gone.

He walked back to the railing and watched as she stepped out onto the sand. She removed her hands from the pockets of her stonewashed jean shorts as she wiped either the ocean spray or tears from her face. She walked away from their house, digging her feet into the sand and tossing the tiny particles into the air with each stride.

It wasn't her fault; not how he felt eight years ago, and certainly not now, yet he jumped on her as if she had some control over the entire situation. She was the closest person to him, physically and emotionally; it didn't make it right, but somehow it was logical that she would take the brunt of the anxiety he felt.

He ran down the side stairs and out onto the beach. "Elizabeth," he yelled out, but either she couldn't hear him through the sound of the waves, or she chose not to listen.

"Elizabeth," he called out again causing her to stop and turn around.

"What…did you want to yell at me some more? Go ahead, I'll take it; if it makes you feel better to get it off your chest."

His hands on her upper arms pulled her into his chest, "I'm sorry. You didn't deserve that."

Between crying and having her face pressed into his chest her words were garbled, barely audible.

She stepped back slightly, "I'm sorry, Jack. It was never my intent to make you feel like I was trying to fight your battles. Besides, this shouldn't be a battle. But, you handle it however you feel comfortable, and let me know how it turns out."

"What…you're not coming with me?"

"Jack, I understand that this is stressful, and apparently I'm adding to it. So, I'll wait here and you take all the time you need."

"What I need is you…"

"Jack, I don't know what you want from me. I do want to help, but for the life of me, I don't know what that means. What do you want me to do?"

"Come with me."

"Well, you have to make the call before we can go visit, so dial his number. You won't know the situation until you talk to him," she stated as Jack pulled his cell phone from his pants pocket and dialed the number.

Jack turned away from Elizabeth and walked toward the water as the call began to connect. On the third ring…

"Hello," a woman's voice answered.

"Hi, this is Jack Thornton; may I speak to Josh please?"

"Jack…Jack Thornton; it's me, Shelly…Cat's sister."

"Hi, Shelly. I'm in town and I wanted to see if I could come by and see Josh."

"I'm sure that would be fine. Josh took my dad to a doctor's appointment, but they are on their way home. When did you want to come by?"

"I'm up by Malibu; where is he living?"

"Up in Hollywood near the corner of Franklin and La Brea…1726 Franklin Avenue."

"Okay, is he available this afternoon?"

"I'll make sure he is."

Jack turned around and faced Elizabeth, "It's done…"

"Great, well at least that part in done; how did he sound?"

"It's kinda funny, but Shelly, Cat's sister answered the phone."

"Why?"

"Well, she said that Josh was taking her dad to a doctor's appointment. I know he was very close with Mr. Spencer, because his dad was never in the picture. Anyway, will you please go with me?" he asked as he held out his hand.

She placed her hand in his, "I'd go anywhere with you."

They walked hand in hand back to the house; "Jack, where are we staying tonight? Do I need to pack up my stuff?"

"I called the Fletcher's and they have no problem with us staying here for the week if we want," he turned to catch her expression.

"I want to stay if we can," she quickly announced.

"Okay, let's go see Josh and then we'll go to Santa Monica and take a walk on the beach," Jack responded.

"Well, we can walk on the beach here," she reminded him.

'Yea, but we got married there; the best day of my life," his smile was broad and bright, showing off his deep dimples, much to her delight.

"It even beats out winning the World Series?" she teased.

He pulled her into his body as his lips quickly found hers. He could feel her melt into him as her lips, soft and sweet, welcomed him. She could feel his arms around her, holding her firmly, securely, lovingly and she knew that wherever they were, as long as they were together, she would be home.

"Let me go inside and change," she stated before kissing him on the cheek and rushing inside.

She pulled a blue belted maxi dress that was covered with different colored flowers and buttoned down the front from the closet. He stepped into the room as she stood in her bra and panties…

"You know, we don't have to leave right now." He walked up and put his arms around her waist, pulling her close as his lips pressed against the soft skin on her neck, "I'm sure the traffic will be nonexistent if we wait and leave a little later."

"Nice try, but this is LA, the traffic is always bad. Come on, you need to take care of this," she stated as she took his hand and practically dragged him out of the room. She had the feeling that he would much rather submit to a root canal than face Josh.

Thirty minutes of stop and go traffic caused Jack to remind her, "You know, my idea would have been more fun."

"I don't doubt that, but you…"

"Go ahead…"

"Jack, I don't want to upset you again so I'll just keep quiet."

While sitting at a stoplight for the third cycle, he reached over and took her hand, "I'm so sorry for snapping at you. I'm nervous and I don't know what to expect. I took it out on you, and that was wrong. Please don't hold back, say what's on your mind."

"I love you…"

"That's not what's on your mind, Elizabeth."

"Jack, you're always on my mind. I was just going to say that you…we can't move on until you see Josh and deal with what happened. Whether he accepts what you have to say or not, you need to get it off your chest," she hesitantly remarked waiting for his mood to again change. It didn't.

"You're right, and all I can do is tell him how I feel," Jack stated as their van moved four cars closer to the intersection with the next cycle of lights.

Jack brought her hand up to his lips, "You are a wonderful woman, and I am so very blessed to have you in my life. I guess I'm just worried that he's still depressed and hasn't moved on…and I have."

They pulled up to the small home on Franklin Avenue; Jack pulled into the driveway, shut off the engine and took a deep breath. He fiddled with the keys in his hand and without a sound she observed a bead of sweat appear at his temple.

"Are you okay?"

"I don't think I've been this nervous since I tried to get you to go out with me."

"And just think how well that turned out," she reached over, took hold of his hand and gave it a squeeze. "Come on; let's go see your friend."

Jack stood on the porch; his mouth was drier than a desert as he attempted to swallow numerous times. He glanced over at Elizabeth as he slowly raised his hand and rang the doorbell. "I guess it's too late to run, right?"

Just then the door opened, "Jack…" Josh called out, obviously unaware that he was stopping by. "WOW, what are you doing here?"

Jack stuck out his arm and Josh pulled him in for a hug. As the two men separated, Josh glanced over at Elizabeth, "Who is this beauty?"

"This is Elizabeth…my wife."

"You finally bit the bullet. When did this happen?"

"A little over a week ago. How have you been, Josh?"

"I'm doing good; I went back to school and received a certificate in heating and air conditioning, and I have a decent job. So what brings you out here…I mean I've been following your career and I know you're playing for the Dodgers this year, congratulations!"

"Thank you, but I actually just wanted to come by and talk to you if you have some time available," Jack stated, his nerves causing his voice to waver slightly.

"Sure, I have time. Why don't we go sit out back," Josh suggested.

Before Jack could answer, Shelly came down the stairs, "Jack…it's so good to see you." She rushed up and hugged him, catching him off guard.

"Hi Shelly, how have you been?" Jack asked as he stepped back and took hold of Elizabeth's hand.

"I'm doing well," Shelly offered. "Hi, I'm Shelly, and you are…?"

"I'm Elizabeth Thornton, Jack's wife."

"Jack…Elizabeth…congratulations!"

"Melinda is here," she stated as she directed her comment toward Josh, "I'm leaving Margaret here with you, okay?"

That comment caused Jack and Elizabeth to glance at each other, clearly confused.

"Okay babe; have fun and I'll see you later," Josh stepped closer to Shelly and kissed her lips.

As Shelly said her goodbyes and rushed out the door, Josh turned to Jack, "I guess I have some explaining to do. Would you two like something to drink?"

"Sure, some water would be nice," was what Jack said, but a Bourbon straight up was what he was thinking.

Once outside they took seats on the patio overlooking the kidney shaped in-ground pool.

"You have a beautiful home, Josh," Jack commented, not certain how to get the conversation started.

"Thank you, but you didn't come here to throw compliments my way, so what's up?"

Jack looked over at Elizabeth who nodded, encouraging him to talk. "Josh, we were so close and then…" he felt his eyes watering and he fought to hold the tears back.

Elizabeth held his hand, just the feel of her skin against his helped to clear his mind.

"Josh, I told you how sorry I was about Cat, but you disappeared; we've never talked about it. I'm so sorry; I feel responsible, and if I could turn back time, I would have done things so differently."

Elizabeth reached up and rubbed her hand lovingly across his back.

"Jack, it wasn't your fault. I didn't talk to you, because I felt so guilty, but it had nothing to do with you, not really…"

"What do you mean?"

"Cat and I had an argument before you picked me up for the game. I don't even know what it was about, something stupid I'm sure, and I was angry with myself for having alcohol and not being able to drive her."

Josh shifted in his seat, "I never got a chance to tell her that I love her and that I was sorry."

"She knew, Josh, and she loved you too. But this, what's going on with Shelly?" Jack asked.

"Before Josh could answer, Jack continued, "I'm sorry; this is none of my business."

"Jack, you have always been my best friend, and I have missed our talks and adventures, but I thought you blamed me, and why not…I blamed myself."

"Why, I was the one who didn't get gas before the game; if I had we wouldn't have run out and…" his head dropped.

"She was my wife; the mother of my child, and I wasn't there when she needed me the most. I never blamed you, but it took me a long time to stop blaming myself. That's why…"

"Why what?" Jack asked; he leaned forward in his seat as his elbows rested on his thighs.

"Shelly and me…we got together and I'm making sure that things are different this time."

"You and Shelly…? I don't understand… when, how…"

"I don't know what to tell you; I loved Cat, but that dream disappeared, and I finally realized that to survive, I had to move on. Shelly and I just happened about two years after Cat died."

The silence of the moment was suddenly shattered, "Daddy, where's mommy…" a small child approximately three years of age ran out onto the deck and piled up into Josh's lap.

"Hey, sweet pea. Mommy went out with a friend and she'll be back later. Why don't you grab a book and bring it out here. I'll read to you," and with that suggestion the little girl with pig tails and bows in her hair ran into the house.

Elizabeth glanced over at Jack and watched as he wiped his eyes, "She's beautiful. What's her name?"

"Margaret Catherine…" Josh replied. "Before you ask, Margaret is Welsh for Meaghan."

When the girl ran back outside, she jumped into Elizabeth's lap, "Lady, you read to me…?"

"I'd love to," Elizabeth wrapped her arm around Margaret, opened the book "Where the Wild Things Are," and quietly began to read.

Josh stood up and motioned for Jack to follow him out into the yard leaving Elizabeth to entertain Margaret.

"Jack, I'm sorry that I never contacted you; I didn't know what to say. I was dealing with my own depression; I hated feeling to blame and I guess I thought if I pushed everyone away, the bad feelings would disappear." Josh turned around to face Jack, "The bad feelings didn't go away."

"How did you deal with it?" Jack asked.

"Shelly made me go to counseling. I think the more time we spent together, I began to heal, and I guess I fell in love with her."

Jack couldn't help his look of surprise, "I thought you were in love with Cat."

"I was, I am, but life goes on, and I finally realized that it wasn't my fault." Josh looked back at his daughter sitting in Elizabeth's lap, "Jack, I believe that Cat would want me to be happy. I know it's a shock, but I hope you can understand. Just think about it, if something happened to you, wouldn't you want Elizabeth to go on living?"

Jack did his own glance toward the deck and observed Elizabeth lovingly holding Margaret in her lap as she read to her, "It's just a shock… are you happy?"

"Well, I have to admit, I'd love the kind of money you're bringing in, but then again, you were a better ballplayer than I was. I'm doing okay. I've made a nice life for us here, and that little girl over there is the apple of my eye; she's my world." With tears in his eyes, Josh continued, "You will know what I mean when you have a child of your own. Please don't wait until the time is right; the time is never right…" Josh started back toward the deck with Jack close behind.

Once Elizabeth finished the story, Margaret jumped from her lap and ran to hug her daddy.

"Daddy, we go get ice cream…"

Josh looked at Elizabeth and Jack, "Would you like to go get some ice cream?"

Still feeling a bit uncomfortable with Josh's current situation he responded, "Maybe when I get back out here. I promised Elizabeth a walk on the beach in Santa Monica, so I guess we should get going."

As they walked out the front door, Jack turned back toward Josh, "I hope its okay with you, but I'd," he took Elizabeth's hand, "I mean we'd like to start a scholarship at UCLA for a dance student entering school, and for one graduating. We'll call it the Catherine S. Lambert Scholarship for Dance." Jack watched to see if he could gauge Josh's thoughts on his proposal.

"Jack, that's very thoughtful of you, and I know that Cat would really appreciate it. Thank you, but how does a scholarship work for someone who has graduated?"

"We'd like to cover their living expenses for a year to give them a chance to get their career started," Jack explained.

Jack glanced back at Elizabeth, "There's one other thing I'd like to do…"

"Jack, you don't need to do anything, but the scholarship is more than enough," Josh replied.

Jack continued to hold Elizabeth's hand hoping that although he had not discussed this with her that she'd be agreeable. "Josh, we'd like to start a college fund for Margaret; to make sure that the money is there when the time comes, so you don't have to worry about it." Jack's eyes caught Elizabeth's broad smile, knowing how she felt about education he could tell that she approved.

Looking back at Josh, "Is that okay with you?"

"WOW, I never expected that, but then again, I don't think I ever expected to see you again. I appreciate everything you want to do; thank you," Josh stuck out his arm to shake Jack's hand. "Thank you."

They continued out to the van; Josh stood by as Jack opened Elizabeth's door, closing it once she was safely inside. He followed Jack around to the driver's side and they continued to talk…

"You look happy, Jack…"

"I am. I have to admit that I didn't think I was allowed to be, but thanks to that woman right there, I truly am."

"Where did you meet Elizabeth?"

"When I got hurt I was dropped down to the farm team to recuperate. She worked at the ballpark. She's a high school guidance counselor, and I think I fell in love with her the moment I saw her," Jack admitted as his smile lit up his face.

"Well, I guess you were right."

"Right…right about what?"

Josh patted him on the back, "Don't you remember the talks we had about you finding the woman of your dreams, and you always said, 'when it's meant to happen it will.' I guess it did, because you look happy."

Josh and Jack shook hands before Jack opened the driver's side door. "Hey man," Josh called out as he caught Jack's attention, stepped in and they hugged, "Don't be a stranger, okay?"

"I'm sorry that it took so long for us to talk. I guess the longer it went on the harder it was to try to make it right. I'll be out here in March, let's stay in touch, okay?"

"You got it," Josh pulled Jack in for another hug before he slipped behind the wheel of the van.

With the doors closed, and the engine running, they pulled out of the driveway. Although Elizabeth could tell that Jack felt relieved, there was stiffness in his expression, and it was evident that his mind was racing.

"Do you want to talk about it?" she asked.

"No, not right now…"

"Okay," she replied and then turned her head to look out the window. She remained quiet as that was what he appeared to need at the moment.

They pulled into the parking lot at the Santa Monica Pier; he shut off the engine and remained quiet as he stared out the windshield at the Pacific Ocean.

She knew him well enough to know what was bothering him, "I'm here if you want to talk."

He opened his door, "Will you take a walk with me?"

"Of course…"

Before she could unsnap her seatbelt, he was standing at her open door with his hand out. She placed her hand in his and they walked over to the sand and headed toward the water.

Staring off into the distance he remained quiet, but she could feel his thumb as it brushed across the skin on the top of her hand.

"How could he just forget about her?" he asked as his eyes never drifted from the waves. "We never plan for something like this…I mean, that would be like you marrying my brother after I die."

The thought of the last two words he spoke practically suffocated her, "I don't think he forgot; I think it was his way of coping. They found mutual grief as something that brought them together. Unfortunately Jack, dreams change, and we are forced to change with them."

He didn't respond, so she continued, "Jack, sometimes you don't need a plan. Sometimes you just need to close your eyes, breathe, trust your instincts and simply let go. I believe that for whatever reason, things happen as they are supposed to."

He turned and looked into her eyes. Maybe it was the ocean breeze, the salt in the air, or the sadness in his heart, but she reached up and swept a single tear that began to roll down his cheek. "Jack, are you happy?"

"What kind of question is that?"

"I think it's an honest one; are you happy?"

He pulled her into his body, "I'm happier than I've ever been. I thought I was happy with my career, but honestly, that doesn't compare to how happy I am now…with you."

"Doesn't Josh deserve to be happy too?"

"I want him to be happy; I guess I was just expecting him to be depressed, and I certainly never expected him to fall in love with Shelly. It just seems weird to me," Jack stated as he shook his head slightly in disbelief. "If something happens to me, I'd want you to be happy, but I have to be totally honest…when we all get to Heaven, I don't want to have to fight some other guy for you, because I would. You are my love; you are my life, and I cannot imagine ever falling in love with anyone but you."

"Why does it surprise you that he'd fall in love with Shelly? I assume that she was close with Cat."

They were only a year apart; I guess more like twins. They did everything together."

"So, when Cat died, probably a part of her died as well. I can see that their loss could bring them together, and if they're happy, don't you think Cat would approve?"

"When you put it like that, I know she would be," he stated as if a light bulb was suddenly lit in his head. He took her hand and started for the pier.

Once they climbed the steps and were standing on the pier, Jack seemed to be swarmed with baseball fans welcoming him to the Dodgers. Men, women, oh there were a lot of women, and children seemed to push Elizabeth toward the railing as they continued to express their joy at his transfer to their local team.

Jack searched through the crowd of people looking for the most important person in his life, but it was as if she'd disappeared. He excused himself from the crowd of well wishers and quickly found Elizabeth off in the distance standing by the railing looking out onto the beautiful sunset.

He stepped closer and put his arm around her, but she startled him when she jumped away. "What's wrong?"

"Oh, I'm sorry, I thought you were that Cookie Monster character; he chased me down here."

"What are you talking about?" he asked.

She pointed to a person dressed up in a Cookie Monster costume, who was walking up and down the pier shaking hands with the visitors. Apparently, Elizabeth was the only person frightened of him, and he had taken the opportunity to chase her.

He took her hand and they walked to the end of the pier, "Why does he scare you?"

"I don't know, maybe it's that horror movie about the clowns that I was dragged to by some people from work, but I just don't like people dressed up in costumes."

He pulled her into his chest, "I won't let anyone or anything hurt you."

"I know; I'm sorry that I pulled you away from your adoring fans…"

"You're the only fan I want to adore me."

She leaned back slightly as her lips met his. They were soft and tasted salty from the sea mist that the Pacific Ocean breeze carried onshore. "I do adore you; you know that, right?"

"Oh Mrs. Thornton, but you couldn't possibly adore me as much as I adore you…"

"Is that so? Are we going to argue about who adores who more?"

Standing at the end of the pier, with the sunset in the distance, his lips met hers. He paid no attention to the crowd as the only person he saw was Elizabeth. He felt her hands on his shoulders as his arms held her securely around her waist.

"This is a very special place," he stated.

Assuming he meant that it was special because they were together, she leaned back slightly; her hand brushed across his cheek, "Any place is special when we're together."

"Yes, but especially here, right here," he pulled her over to a store located at the end of the pier and showed her the sign. "It's the absolute end of Route 66."

"Oh WOW, I thought it was because we were together that made it so special."

"Believe me, sweetheart; I've been here plenty of times, and this is absolutely the most special time of them all," Jack stated as he pulled her against his chest. "I love you so much."

"Good answer," she whispered.

"Do you want to get something to eat before we head home?" he asked.

"Well, do you know what I'd love to do…?

His eyebrows arched and he smiled, "Well, we do have a sunroof, and the seats in the van fold away, so I'm up for making love under the stars."

"In the van…? Jack, do you ever think of anything else?"

"Sorry, I'm still making up for lost time; what were you thinking of?" he disappointedly asked.

"Apparently not what you were thinking…"

"Okay, so what's your boring idea?" he laughed.

"I thought we could get the stuff to make S'mores, head home and fix a bonfire on the beach."

Jack laughed, "Fix S'mores or make love; hmm, which would I rather do?"

"It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know which you'll pick. You know, I didn't say that there wouldn't be any lovemaking under the stars, but honey, not in the van."

"So, you're saying that you might be interested in making love by the fire on the beach? You'd be up for that?"

She smirked, "The question is whether or not you'd be up for it," she giggled as she started walking back down the pier.

He quickly caught up to her, "Oh, I'm up for that, but don't tease me."

"I'm not teasing, but I can't guarantee the beach; that's too public for me."

"It's private, especially at night."

"I'm not so sure. Maybe when we own a place and it's completely private I'll consider it. Until then, you'll have to be satisfied on the deck under the stars, okay?" she replied. "Are you in a rush?" she laughingly called out as he took her hand and gently pulled her down the pier.

An hour later, they pulled into the driveway at their beach rental home, grabbed the makings for S'mores from the back seat and headed inside. Elizabeth changed into a pair of her favorite casual jeans with the stressed knees, and a blue cowl neck sweater, while Jack grabbed a pair of grey cargo shorts and a black t-shirt.

Once dressed, Jack headed out back and away from the house to an area that he was certain was private to build her a small bonfire, still with the hope that she'd give in and make love to him on the beach.

Elizabeth stepped out onto the balcony and glanced down the beach at an alcove as she watched Jack put the finishing touches on their romantic bonfire. She grabbed the fixings for S'mores off the counter, several towels and a blanket before heading outside.

The bonfire was small, but quite impressive as they laid out the towels and took a seat under the setting sun. The Southern California breeze off the ocean was cool but comfortable and carried a saltwater aroma as it blew onshore. They sat side by side as his arm around her shoulders held her protectively close.

With her head resting against his chest she softly asked, "Jack, when we have a baby, does it matter to you if it's a boy or a girl?"

He smiled, "You know, I used to think that life would be perfect with a son, but Josh's little girl tugged at my heart today. So, I can see myself with a little girl who has your eyes and beautiful little nose…" he pulled her away slightly, turning her so they were face to face.

"Speaking of Josh's daughter, do you have a problem with my offer of a college fund? I'm sorry that I didn't discuss it with you first…"

"Jack, as an educator, I'm proud that you thought of it. Of course it's fine, besides, it's your money…"

"It's our money, Elizabeth…"

He glanced between her eyes; her beautiful deep blue, soulful and expression filled eyes and her lips, rosy and pillow soft. He could easily lose himself in her; he actually had on numerous occasions, and he wouldn't want it any other way.

He stood and held his hand out, "Dance with me…"

"We don't have any music," she reminded him.

"Wait…" he dug into his pocket and pulled out his phone, pushing several buttons before dropping it onto the towel. Suddenly the sound of the waves rolling onshore and the music combine into a romantic orchestra…

He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her into his body as the Camilla Cabello song "Never Be the Same" played nearby…

Something must've gone wrong in my brain
Got your chemicals all in my veins
Feeling all the highs, feel all the pain
Let go of the wheel, it's the borderline
Now I'm seeing red, not thinking straight
Blurring all the lines, you intoxicate me

Just like nicotine, rushin' me, touching me
Suddenly, I'm a fiend and you're all I need
All I need, yeah, you're all I need

It's you, babe
And I'm a sucker for the way that you move, babe
And I could try to run, but it would be useless
You're to blame
Just one hit of you, I knew I'll never be the same

It's you, babe
And I'm a sucker for the way that you move, babe
And I could try to run, but it would be useless
You're to blame
Just one hit of you, I knew I'll never ever, ever be the same
I'll never be the same
I'll never be the same
I'll never be the same

Sneaking in L.A. when the lights are low
Off of one touch, I could overdose
He said, "Stop playing it safe
Girl, I wanna see you lose control"

Just like nicotine, rushin' me, touching me
Suddenly, I'm a fiend and you're all I need
All I need, yeah, you're all I need

It's you, babe
And I'm a sucker for the way that you move, babe
And I could try to run, but it would be useless
You're to blame
Just one hit of you, I knew I'll never be the same

It's you, babe
And I'm a sucker for the way that you move, babe
And I could try to run, but it would be useless
You're to blame
Just one hit of you, I knew I'll never ever, ever be the same
I'll never be the same
I'll never be the same
I'll never be the same

You're in my blood, you're in my veins, you're in my head (I blame)
You're in my blood, you're in my veins, you're in my head (I'm sayin')

It's you, babe
And I'm a sucker for the way that you move, babe
And I could try to run, but it would be useless
You're to blame (you're to blame)
Just one hit of you, I knew I'll never be the same (I'll never be the)
It's you, babe
And I'm a sucker for the way that you move, babe
And I could try to run, but it would be useless
You're to blame
Just one hit of you, I knew I'll never ever, ever be the same

She could feel the warmth of his breath on her neck as he nibbled gently on her earlobe before pressing his lips against her soft, sensitive skin. Her body tingled as his hand slipped under her sweater and rested against her back. Even with the cool breeze coming off the ocean, her body was on fire as he turned her around, her back to his chest. He moved her hair away from her shoulder as his hand slipped around to her abdomen. As his hand moved higher, his lips pressed against her ear, "I want you, right here…now."

They were alone, and she wanted to make him happy, so she thought, "What's the harm…?"

She closed her eyes giving into the emotions, the weightless feeling in her stomach and the desire that she felt throughout her entire body.

His lips pressed against hers as he swept her up into his arms holding her tightly against his body. Carefully, he knelt down, laying her gently on the towel covered sand. His hand slipped behind her as he cradled her head. With the sunset on the horizon, her face was so close to his that he could smell the peppermint that she'd eaten just before meeting him on the beach.

Elizabeth was quite impressed as Jack unsnapped her bra in the back without her even realizing it. As he lay beside her, his hand lay flat on her abdomen but quickly edged higher. She lost herself as his hands gently caressed her body, moving even higher, her breasts aching to be touched.

His hand under her sweater cupped her breast as his thumb gently rubbed across her erect nipple. The more he touched her, the more the fire of passion consumed her and the less she worried about being seen.

He straddled her body, his hand rested along her jaw line as his thumb caressed her cheek. "I love you," he whispered as his mouth covered hers. The kiss was slow, and soft, but believable in making her feel safe in ways that words would have fallen short.

Her arms were around his waist as her hands slipped under his t-shirt. Her fingers danced down his spine, pulling him closer until there was no space between them and each one could feel the beating heart of the other through their chest.

His lips met hers again and again; they were firm, yet gentle, deeply passionate and so very loving. His tongue slipped through the slight opening in her lips and it was evident that each one was feeling the need, want and desire of and for the other.

His lips captured hers; a kiss that was steeped in a passion that seemed to ignite every single nerve ending in her body.

"Jack, are you sure it's safe here?" she whispered, somehow pushing aside the feeling of propriety that always seemed to accompany her. "I want you too, but I'm scared…"

"It's private here," he stated, feeling as though their setup in the alcove would provide them with all the privacy they needed.

She wanted to give in to the wants of her body, and she was almost completely willing until…

"Hey look, a bonfire," voices off in the distance seemed to be carried by the wind from down the beach.

Immediately, Elizabeth pushed against his chest, as she attempted to sit up, struggling to pull her sweater down, "Jack, stop; there are people coming. Apparently it isn't as private as you thought."

Off in the distance a group was heading in their direction…

"Hey, we have the beer, can we join you?" a young college age boy called out as a group consisting of four couples walked up and sat down even before Jack gave the go ahead.

"Are we interrupting?" one guy asked.

"Well, actually…" Jack began before Elizabeth cut him off…

"No, help yourself." She leaned against Jack, "I'm going inside for a minute; I'll be right back."

"I'll come with you," he said as he started to get up.

Then she heard the question that was becoming all too familiar to her, "Aren't you Jack Thornton from the Mets?"

"Stupid, he's playing for the Dodgers now…"

"Hey man, I go to Stanford and you're a legend there."

Elizabeth laughed at the last statement knowing that Jack was probably going to take offense, assuming that they thought he was old. She stood and watched for a moment and as Jack started chatting with the guys, their dates, minus Elizabeth, started walking along the water line.

Assuming that he was coming with her, Elizabeth cleared her throat, but got no reaction from Jack. She stood by until one of the young men, totally enamored by Jack's presence gushed, "WOW dude, your last year at Stanford you were batting .479 and had 29 RBI's, 12 homeruns, and 9 triples. Your stats are so impressive. You're an icon, man…What's it like to be you?"

As she watched him sit back down on the towel, she said nothing further, turned around and headed for the house. Jack was in his element, talking baseball, and hopefully being a mentor, someone that these college frat boys could look up to.

She stepped into the house and immediately hooked her bra before walking out onto the 3rd floor balcony hoping to get his attention. She was too far away to hear their conversation, but it must have continued to be sports related as their dates had not yet returned.

She walked inside the bedroom, grabbed her bag, pulled her journal out and returned to the balcony. She took a seat and with the star filled sky above her, she attempted to convey her thoughts, feelings and emotions onto the blank white canvas…

"We want; we need; we love, but we also know that nothing is guaranteed. We give everything we have, often worried about how we'll be perceived. Will we come across as desperate, not knowing what we really want, or simply as someone who will move heaven and Earth for those we hold in our heart?

We plan for the future, feeling certain that those dreams we share will burst forth into a life filled with excitement, joy, love and peace. Unfortunately, we carry no crystal ball, and heartache is sadly a part of life. Should we give up our dreams when they no longer go our way? Would those we love want our heart to cool, no longer feeling the want of desire again?

We don't know how to act, or feel, or express emotions when the world crashes down upon us. We close our eyes to those around us; we're pushed out to sea, left to tread water, and simply doing our best to keep our head above the waves. We worry about what people think, shutting ourselves off from those we once cared deeply for, assuming that no contact would equal acceptance. However, those we shut out assume the worst and the divide between us grows.

In truth, those who love us the most will continue to do so. Right or wrong, they hold our heart and watch our back, only wanting the happiness that once filled our lives to return. We reevaluate our dreams, moving forward with some while others are cast aside, or moved in another direction. Though we mourn our losses, through time, reflection, understanding and love, the happiness does return; we simply need to give ourselves time to work our way out of the darkness.

We, each one of us are a piece of the puzzle in someone else's life; adding something individual to every person we meet. How we fit, and for how long we will remain is anyone's guess, but we will likely be unaware of how special these pieces of our lives are until they become our fragmented, distant memories."

Elizabeth closed her journal and walked to the railing. A short distance down the beach she could easily pick Jack out of the crowd of young college age men, wondering why it was that they suddenly held such a pull on him.

She slipped inside, changed for bed, and while standing in the full length mirror in the bathroom, she took a selfie of herself in his favorite negligee.

Down below, Jack's phone chimed signifying a text…

Pulling the phone from his pocket he glanced at the text, which included her selfie… "Did u forget about me?"

"Gotta go guys…"

To be continued…

NOTE: For those who follow the facebook fan fiction pages, there will be some pictures that follow this chapter that will be posted shortly.