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.
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NOTE: Look above…there is a steam alert, so if that's not what you are looking for, don't venture inside this chapter as it may be a bit HOT!
Chapter 38- A Mile High
Before Jack and Elizabeth realized it, their extended honeymoon was coming to an end. They were packed up, and ready to go as he loaded their final bag into the back of the van.
Jack walked up the outside steps and found Elizabeth standing on the balcony taking in the last bit of the ocean's breeze, smells and sounds. He was mesmerized by her; her back to him in a pair of skinny jeans, which he had to admit fit her body perfectly. She was wearing a black short sleeve midriff top that accentuated her tiny waist, and if they hadn't already packed up the house, he'd have carried her inside and made love to her at that moment.
As he approached, he could tell that she was crying. "What's wrong sweetheart?" he asked as he took hold of her arm and turned her to face him.
"I love it here; the ocean; the peace and quiet, and the view is beyond anything I could have ever imagined," she slipped her arms around his neck and rested her head on his chest. "Being here with you Jack has just been…it's heaven on earth."
His arms wrapped around her waist as his hands ran soothingly up and down her back. "I know what you mean. I've been away from the west coast for so long that I'd forgotten how magical it can be," he replied. He leaned back, and cradled her face in his hands as his thumbs brushed away her tears that rested on her cheeks, "Well, you know, we don't have to leave."
"Jack, I have to finish out the year at school, so I have to go back; I guess you don't…"
"Don't even say it. We have a few months together before I have to leave for Spring Training, and while I'm gone, we'll work out something," he stated as he pulled her body into his.
Elizabeth stepped back against the railing as she glanced about the balcony, "I have to admit that making love to you out here was exciting and somehow I felt as though we were one with the moon, the stars and the ocean. Don't laugh, but I'm going to miss this."
He again closed the distance between them as his hands held her upper arms, "We've got adventures ahead of us wherever we go. As a matter of fact, I have a surprise for you…"
She looked around, "What is it?"
"Soon enough; are you ready to go?"
She looked out over the water one last time… "Goodbye," she whispered.
He took her hand and led her down the steps to the van. Suddenly he wondered if she'd be interested in the surprise he'd lined up for them. No matter what, he was still heading back to the east coast with the woman of his dreams, the love of his life, the person he never thought he'd land…his wife.
An hour later, they were standing at the airport saying goodbye to Southern California, him for only a few months, her for possibly more than half a year.
He took her hand and they walked out onto the tarmac and the awaiting private jet that would be flying them back to the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.
"Jack, this thing is huge; it's like taking a regular flight," she commented as they approached. "Honey, I can fly commercial; as a matter of fact, until I met you, I always did."
"Elizabeth, I have the money and I want this trip to be something you will always remember. Please indulge me," he stated as they started up the steps.
"Jack, I just want you to know that I don't need you to do this for me. I'm happy flying commercial…"
"Have you enjoyed our flights before?"
She smiled, "I certainly have. I mean, what's not to love?"
"Then let me do this for you. We're technically still on our honeymoon and I want it to be special," he took her hand and pulled it up to his lips. "Besides, this one is very special."
She could do nothing but smile as for the most part their entire honeymoon had been a time of adventure, new experiences, and emotional revelations.
Their luggage was being loaded as they boarded the jet. Before they took off, Elizabeth slipped into the bathroom, returning to her seat a few moments later.
"I'm not sure but I think the bathroom on this thing is bigger than my bathroom at home," she advised. "You know what…I'm sure it's bigger. This thing is incredible."
There was a gleam in his eye when he responded, "We'll have to check it out."
"Go check it out before we take off; you won't believe it."
Jack laughed, "No, I want you to check it out with me after we take off."
Elizabeth was always nervous before takeoff, and certainly wasn't thinking about his suggestion when she responded, "Jack, I don't need to go with you to see the bathroom. I've already seen it."
He simply shook his head as his laughter continued. He leaned in and whispered, "Wouldn't you like to join the Mile High Club?"
Suddenly she realized what he was suggesting, and although the thought intrigued her, she was still a private person. Having the flight attendant know what they were doing certainly wasn't proper in her eyes.
"Jack, I don't feel comfortable making love to you in the bathroom while the flight attendant…" Elizabeth felt someone standing nearby and turned to find the flight attendant waiting for a chance to interrupt.
"Oh, excuse me. I'm Julie, there is a button right there," she pointed to the arm of the chair, "And I will stay out of your hair unless you need me for something. While I'm here, can I get you both a glass of champagne, beer, wine, soft drinks, coffee, tea or water?"
"Yes please, champagne," Jack immediately spoke up.
As Julie disappeared to get their beverage of choice, Elizabeth whispered, "Did she hear me talking before? I mean we've never had a flight attendant that disappeared unless we needed her."
"Well honey, I'm sure that we aren't the first couple to join the Mile High Club, and we certainly won't be the last."
She leaned over and whispered, "Jack, do you get anything when you join? I mean is there a certificate or a trophy involved?" she laughed.
He simply smiled at how beautifully naïve she sounded. "I'll give you something…"
"Jack Thornton…"
"What…?"
"If you are implying what I think you're implying…" she giggled, "I'm interested…but"
"But what…?" he excitedly asked.
"Jack, the bathroom is large, but I just don't know about that."
"But did you see what was attached to it?"
"Attached to it?"
"Yeah, come here…" Jack took her hand and led her to the back of the plane. They walked through the bathroom and opened a door to a large bedroom.
"Are you serious?"
"So, are you game?" he asked.
"Excuse me," Julie called out from the first bathroom door. "We're getting ready to takeoff, so I'll need you to take your seats. Once we are at flight altitude, you can come back here."
"Thank you Julie. We'll be right out," Jack advised as he led Elizabeth back to her chair.
They took their seats; Jack secured both of their seatbelts and he held her hand as they taxied down the runway. He watched as she closed her eyes and tightened her fingers around his hand when the engines roared and they lifted off.
Once Elizabeth heard the landing gear being tucked in the belly of the plane, she felt secure that they were safely airborne.
Julie returned with their champagne flutes and sat them on the divider between them on the sofa.
Jack picked up the two flutes, handing her one, "You are my love; you are my life; my world became complete when you became my wife."
As their glasses clinked together, Jack leaned over and pressed his lips to hers. "I love you, Mrs. Thornton."
"I love you too."
Elizabeth took several sips of champagne, hoping that the alcohol would help to reduce her inhibitions somewhat. Jack moved over beside her so there was no divider between them. She rested her head on his shoulder as she snuggled into his body.
A short while into their flight, Elizabeth sat up and stated, "I'm going to lie down." Her hand rested on his cheek as she leaned in and pressed her lips to his.
She continued to hold his hand until the distance between them required that she let go.
"Are you tired?" he asked.
She turned her head and smiled, "Nope…"
He grabbed their champagne flutes he joined her as they passed through the bathroom, closing each door until they were in the private confines of their bedroom.
"Is it still the Mile High Club if you make love in a bedroom and not a bathroom?" she asked, clearly not thinking about the name attached to the title.
"Honey, the term is Mile High Club, so I don't think it matters where you make love as long as you're a mile high… but, we can make love in both places just to be sure," he teased.
Jack handed her a glass of champagne, "I guess this is another first…"
"What…champagne? I'm not a country bumpkin, Jack. I've had champagne before."
"I know that, but have you made love on a plane?"
"Hmm, let me think…" she nervously giggled.
"What…?"
"You know I'm just kidding," she responded as she walked about the room and glanced out the open windows. She reached up and started pulling down the shades.
"Honey, who's going to be looking in the windows?" he asked. "We are more than a mile high after all."
"Oh, you have a point," she responded as she opened the shades she had just closed.
Although mesmerized by the blue skies and puffy clouds, even her slight nervousness, couldn't dampen her excitement over this new adventure.
They each sipped from their champagne flutes before Jack took her glass and placed both of them on the table beside the bed.
He reached above the headboard were he found the buttons to operate the stereo and lighting systems. Several touches later, the lights were low and soft music was playing.
"May I have this dance?" he asked as he held out his hand, a gesture that she quickly accepted.
He pulled her into his body as his arm swept around her waist and held her close. Elizabeth rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes as she felt her body melt into his. The song, "Body Like a Back Road" by Sam Hunt began to play as she felt his hand pressed solidly against her back.
She leaned back and looked deeply into his eyes. He was the one man, other than her father, who she knew loved her as she was. He treated her as his equal and made no attempt to change her. She truly had found the man of her dreams, her Prince Charming, and she was so proud to be able to call him her husband.
His finger ran across her lips. They were beautiful, perfectly shaped and an enticing rose color. Although beautiful, it was the feel of them that always sent his mind into a sensual stated of inebriation. His lips met hers, a perfect match and the kiss wasn't scripted or pretentious, but steeped in a passion that seemed to ignite their souls as each one began to sway to the music.
Got a girl from the south side, got braids in her hair
First time I seen her walk by, man I 'bout fell off my chair
Had to get her number, it took me like six weeks
Now me and her go way back like Cadillac seats
Body like a back road, drivin' with my eyes closed
I know every curve like the back of my hand
Doin' 15 in a 30, I ain't in no hurry
I'mma take it slow just as fast as I can
The way she fit in them blue jeans, she don't need no belt
But I can turn them inside out, I don't need no help
Got hips like honey, so thick and so sweet
It ain't no curves like hers on them downtown streets
Body like a back road, drivin' with my eyes closed
I know every curve like the back of my hand
Doin' 15 in a 30, I ain't in no hurry
I'mma take it slow just as fast as I can
We're out here in the boondocks
With the breeze and the birds
Tangled up in the tall grass
With my lips on hers
On the highway to heaven
Headed south of her smile
Get there when we get there
Every inch is a mile
Body like a back road, drivin' with my eyes closed
I know every curve like the back of my hand
Doin' 15 in a 30, I ain't in no hurry
I'mma take it slow just as fast as I can
I'mma take it slow
Just as fast as I can
(Body like a back road)
(Drivin' with my eyes closed) Got braids in her hair
(I know every curve like the back of my hand)
As the song ended, his lips pressed gently against her. Each kiss was more passionate than the one before as he backed her up until her legs pressed against the mattress.
Her hands tugged at the green plaid button down shirt, starting at the top; the first two buttons were already open. Her fingers worked quickly to release the remaining four. The last two buttons near his hem were also open, leaving her to assume that men always seem to be ready when the mood strikes…leaving little work before the fun begins!
She pulled his shirt over his shoulders. As it fell to the floor, her fingers brushed against his sides, setting his nerve endings on high alert as she pulled his undershirt over his head.
His chest was tanned, muscled, and strong. His lips met hers again and again, and she felt lightheaded as his mouth on hers seemed to be pulling all of the air from her lungs. Anytime he touched her or kissed her, it was as if the world fell away; nothing else existed but him, her and the moment they were in.
His hands traced along the slope of her silhouette, resting on her hips as he pulled her close against his body. She felt her blood warming as her hands moved over his muscled shoulders. His lips brushed against hers. It wasn't innocent, like a tease. It was hot, fiery, passionate and demanding.
Jack whispered her name, but it wasn't all at once; it was slowly spoken, almost as if each letter was its own syllable. His mouth pressed against hers, almost as if it contained the breath that sustained his life, and his heart pounded in time with hers, almost as if they were one in the same person.
His lips touched the soft skin on her neck as her head tilted slightly giving him free access. His hands moved up her sides causing her skin to tingle at his gentle touch.
She felt his fingers slip under her midriff top, working their way up her back, searching for the clasp to unsnap her bra. Realizing that she was not wearing one, her top was quickly over her head and tossed to the floor.
In his eyes, her breasts were perfect; perfect shape and perfect size as his tongue traced along her collarbone pressing closer to the prize. His mouth covered her left breast. It was warm and so responsive to his touch. His tongue flicked across her nipple as it stood erect and at attention. His hand was on her right breast as his thumb brushed across her nipple bringing about much the same response.
As he touched her body, her kisses became deeper, even more sensual, turning him inside out with desire for more. His hand glided through her hair, and he looked at her in a way that he'd never looked at another woman, except her.
As her teasing smile captivated him, she felt goose-bumps covering her skin, However, they weren't the kind that you get when you're body is cold, but the kind you gets when they realize that nothing else matters except you, and him, right here, and right now.
Although they were getting more comfortable with the other in these intimate situations, the excitement level always seemed to rival their first time together. She felt extremely comfortable with him, and was thankful that her awkwardness or inexperience wasn't viewed by him in a negative manner. He considered it sweet, and was pleased that she was open to trying new things…the Mile High Club being one of them.
She giggled nervously as she wondered how his erection, which she could both see straining against his zipper and feel through his perfectly tight fitting jeans, was able to be contained. She unbuttoned his jeans, and slipped her hand behind the zipper as she watched him close his eyes, his head leaned back and his breath quicken.
His hand carefully unzipped his jeans and she watched as they fell to the floor. With her head pressed against his chest, she had little difficulty feeling his heart pounding through his naked skin.
She bit her bottom lip gently having absolutely no idea how seductive that slight gesture was to him. Her lips pressed against his chest as her tongue brushed against his nipple. She moved down his stomach, hesitating slightly as her hand took gentle hold of his firm hardness, and her mouth timidly consumed him. His hands on her head held her in place as her hand and mouth worked together. She quickly assumed by his moans and his body's reaction that even on her knees, at that moment, she had complete control over him. Funny thing was that the only thing she wanted was him.
His hands under her arms lifted her up to eye level, "I'm sorry; I want to please you, but apparently I'm not any good at this," she stated; her voice was soft and hesitant and she looked somewhat defeated.
His lips pressed to her forehead, "Oh Elizabeth, don't sell yourself short. You are very good at this and you please me very much. I just need to save myself for you…"
Jack moved his hands along her body, causing her skin to tingle, resting at her waist. His fingers released the top button on her jeans. With his lips again covering her mouth, his fingers flawlessly unzipped her jeans as he laid her back onto the bed. She lifted her hips slightly as he pulled her pants down her long shapely legs, dropping the denim on the floor, adding to the garments that were already there.
His finger slipped through the band of her bikini panties quickly easing them down her legs, adding this silk and lace garment to the denim and cotton fabrics which were already in a pile.
His lips started at her ankle as he traced up the inside of her leg, while his hand caressed the outside. Her flesh, aching for his touch as he moved up her body, shuddered with anticipation. His touch left her with a feeling of dizzying suspension, much like the type you get in dreams where you're certain that you can fly.
When she felt as though she could hold out no longer, she suddenly realized that control of the moment was now with him, and she prayed that all he really wanted was her.
Her eyes closed, yet in that feeling of euphoria, she observed colors, vibrant colors of yellow, orange, blue, and green. She could feel him crawling up her body, his warm breath brushing across her shoulder as her knees drew up alongside his hips. His lips traced along her collarbone. He drew back slightly as he looked deeply into her eyes.
She saw the love; she felt the love and she knew at that moment that he was her drug. Simply one touch from him and she was completely intoxicated, and she wouldn't want it any other way.
Eye to eye, breath to breath, and skin to skin, their bodies touched from shoulders to thighs as his lips met hers.
She felt him slip inside her. They each began to rotate their hips as if it was a well orchestrated dance. He held her tightly as she could feel him pressing deeper and deeper, snapping his hips and withdrawing just enough to leave her feeling the loss and wanting more until he filled her again with a soul shattering thrust.
His warm flesh took over and she could feel his energy soaring through her. Wanting. Needing. Desiring. Her nails dug into his back as the pleasure she felt caused her to scream out. She was flying. Obviously so, but even without a plane, her body would be soaring above them, feeling every moment, every touch.
In this time with her, his mind was blank. There was no space for problems, insecurities, or fears. The rest of the world seemed to be a blur, unimportant in the grand scheme of things, and with each stroke, he pushed any thoughts that didn't contain her, pleasuring her, or loving her, into the far recesses of his mind.
Their bodies were on fire as they soared higher and higher, moving ever so close to the edge of ecstasy. In that moment, a sacred bridge between their two souls, two minds, and two bodies was built.
With a final push, and as sparks flew between them, Jack crumpled like sand beside her. He slipped his arm behind her head as he pulled her onto his chest.
Out of breath, each one lay quietly as she slowly began to feel his breathing calm, and the pounding of his heart ease.
A tear rolled down his cheek… "Jack, are you okay?" she whispered.
"You mean everything to me. I love you with everything in me; I hope you know that," he whispered.
She wiped away the tear, "I'd say that you loved me quite well just now…and…I love you too."
They lay quietly as each one drifted off to sleep. An hour later, Elizabeth woke and found Jack nuzzled up to her back; his warm breath brushing across her shoulder. She slipped out of bed, dressed and slipped back out to the main cabin.
Finding Julie to be true to her word, the main cabin was empty as she walked over and pulled her bag from the storage cabinet below the TV. Elizabeth took a seat at the table, pulled her journal from her bag, and glanced out the window, mesmerized by the blue skies and puffy white clouds.
She opened her journal, flipped to the next blank page and began to release her thoughts, emotions and feelings onto the blank canvas…
"When I first saw you, you intrigued me, you interested me, and I'll even go so far as to say that I dreamed of you. However, my heart was cold; I didn't trust, and I didn't believe that I was worthy of love. My heart was fractured, not because of you, but you bore the brunt of my distrust.
I pushed you away; over and over again I refused to give you a chance, afraid of being hurt. Yet you stayed. You saw something in me that was worthy of your love. For that and for you I am truly blessed.
We often spoke without words as your heart somehow healed mine. You've proven to me that love, in its truest form is worthy of the fight, and that I'm worthy of your love. You are a man of your word, and I trust you, I love you with everything I have, and all that I will ever be.
In such a short amount of time our lives intersected and nothing seemed to make sense except you and me and a life together. Two weeks ago I married you with my eyes wide open and my heart so full of love. I married you with my soul and each and every dream I had for the future. You are my love; you are my life, and I wouldn't have changed anything that happened for it has gotten me to this very special place with you.
In a matter of hours, we join the ranks of other married couples; just a speck in the human rat race, fighting to keep from losing sight of what is important. I make this promise that I will always see the good in you and the intentions you have. I need to remain cognizant of your needs; big and small, and will gladly make time even in an already busy schedule to never give you reason to question my love for you.
To say you love someone is easy; to show it is much more difficult. Some people are not the romantic type; they don't need it, desire it or want it. There are others who have no idea what romance is. Truly anyone can buy flowers, candy or jewelry, and the truth is that often men with means have others take care of those mindless purchases for them. Where is the love in that?
The truly romantic things in life come from the sweet, thoughtful things you do daily to show you care. The text message in the middle of the day to say that you're thinking of me; the things you have gone out of your way to show me, to do for me, because you know how happy I will be. It's the way you automatically reach over and take my hand when the plane is preparing to takeoff because you know I'm scared. You say nothing; you don't tease me; you simply support me."
She stopped for a moment overcome by her emotions. She glanced at the back of the plane wanting to close her journal and crawl back into bed with him. However, realizing that they must be getting closer to home she returned to her journal.
"You are the most romantic man I have ever met, and the funny thing is I don't think you even have to try. It's in your nature to be loving, kind and thoughtful. I love how you stop when you walk past me to brush your lips across my cheek, or when your hands hold my face as you kiss my forehead, and your lips, so perfect and special as I know they are reserved only for me.
Being romantic is you letting me steal fries off of your plate, telling me how beautiful I look when I'm in sweats with no makeup on and my hair in a ponytail, and its turning off your favorite sports program when I come into the room so I can tell you about my day. It's laughing at my jokes, even the one about the police officer not catching the football, or the ones that I mess up; it's taking a walk with me even though you'd like to play golf, and it's understanding what's important to me, thereby making it important to you.
My dearest Jack, although you have the financial means to purchase anything you may want in life, your time is the most precious gift you have to give. You are such a humanitarian, and your love for others, often at the expense of yourself, shines through in everything you do. You willingly, freely and lovingly give of yourself to family, friends and strangers alike. I love you more with every single breath I take, and I only hope that I am able to show you how much I appreciate you…how much I truly love you as this adventure called marriage continues."
Julie peeked out from behind a door in the front of the plane. Walking back to Elizabeth she asked, "Do you or Mr. Thornton need anything?"
"I think we're okay, but how soon will we be landing?" she asked.
"I believe we are about an hour away. So if you need anything, just press the button, okay?"
"Thank you, Julie."
As Julie walked away Elizabeth called out, "Julie, could I have the champagne bottle please?"
"Certainly," and she disappeared into the kitchen of the plane. A moment later, she was back at Elizabeth's seat with the champagne bottle in a bucket of ice.
"Thank you," Elizabeth stated as she headed for the back of the plane.
She walked into the bedroom and found Jack still asleep with her pillow held tightly to his chest. She sat on the bed as her fingers brushed across his forehead. "Jack…" she whispered.
His eyes barely opened and yet he frowned.
"Why the frown?" she asked.
"Because you aren't naked."
"I was, but we're going to be landing soon. Maybe you should get dressed," she suggested.
"Lay here with me for a few minutes," he pulled back the bedding. She slipped off her sandals and slid into bed beside him.
Her body was propped up on her bent elbow as her head rested on her hand. "We did it Jack. We're members of the Mile High Club."
"And what an exclusive club it is," he replied as he sat up and pressed his lips to hers.
"Jack, I know you've flown a lot, but…"
"I wasn't a member before now. There was no one that I wanted to be a member with until now," he replied. Watching as her eyes watered he asked, "What's wrong?"
"There's nothing wrong…"
"Then why the tears, honey…?"
"I look at you, and I think about how far we've come in such a short period of time and I think I just get emotional."
Jack sat up, pulling the sheet around his waist, "Do you know what I think about?"
"No…what?"
"Elizabeth, we've each dated other people for longer periods of time than we've been together. The women I was with didn't take my heart and I was nowhere near asking any of them to marry me," he took both of her hands in his and brought them to his lips. "Then, you came along, and being with you, marrying you was the only thing I could think of. We were meant to be together, Elizabeth. I believed that when we met, and I believe it still."
"I love you Mr. Thornton."
"I love you Mrs. Thornton."
Julie knocked on the outer bathroom door, and Elizabeth, being the only one dressed walked through the bedroom, into the bathroom and opened the door.
"I'm sorry to bother you, but the Captain wanted me to tell you that we may hit a bit of bad weather soon, and he'd prefer that you be belted into your seats," Julie advised.
"Thank you; we'll be right out."
When Elizabeth walked back into the bedroom, Jack was dressed and putting on his shoes. "I heard," he stated before Elizabeth could say anything.
They glanced around and seeing no personal effects in the room, they did as the Captain asked and returned to their seats to await the landing.
Jack quietly took hold of her hand and ran his thumb across her skin to calm her. He knew that takeoffs scared her, landings not so much. However, with the threat of turbulence looming, he did what he could to ease her fears.
The turbulence was minimal, she thought, or possibly it was because he held her hand that made her feel so calm. The plane landed, and they were soon on their way home.
Independently, they each had a thought to do whatever was necessary to keep the excitement of their honeymoon alive as they settled into married life.
It had been over two weeks since they'd been home. As they pulled up in the driveway, Elizabeth observed Brenda walking with Lizzie out in the front yard. She jumped out of the car and exuberantly rushed to hug her beloved dog.
A hug for Brenda was next as Jack allowed the women to catch up while he carried the suitcases back inside. He'd barely made it to the door before Roger Moore, their next-door neighbor and admittedly Jack's biggest fan rushed over to help.
Elizabeth sat in the yard with Lizzie lying in her lap. With each pat down Lizzie's back, another tear seemed to fall.
"What's wrong Elizabeth?"
"I love this dog…"
"I know, but why the tears…"
"When I leave for the west coast, I don't think I can take her with me."
"Why…?"
"I don't think she can handle the plane ride. You know, Brachycephalic (short nosed) dogs have trouble breathing in times of stress, heat, and exercise, and with her age, I just think travelling will be too hard on her," Elizabeth explained.
"Well, if you're looking for a home for her, I'd love to have her live with us. We love her, and she's comfortable with us."
"That's true. Well, you think about it; I'm not planning to leave until the summer."
Several days passed, Elizabeth was back at school, but thankful that the approaching Thanksgiving holiday only required her to work two and a half days. She was looking forward to spending as much time as possible with Jack. They could do nothing, and yet it felt like everything.
She considered herself extremely lucky; not only was she married to the love of her life, but while she was at work, he took care of things at home, and had dinner prepared for her at the end of the day. Well, to be honest, he generally went out and picked up food, which made no difference to Elizabeth. She was just thankful that he didn't expect her to cook.
As she walked into the house, he was pulling wine glasses from the cabinet. On the table were plates of spaghetti with meatballs, toast and salad. Sitting in the middle of the table was a gift bag.
"What's that?" she asked.
"It's for you,"
"I assumed that, but what is it, and why did you get it for me?"
"You'll understand; just open it…" he took the bag by its handle and handed it to her.
Reaching in the bag, she looked perplexed as she pulled out an item wrapped in tissue paper. She looked up at Jack as she started to open it, but returned her gaze back to the table.
With the item fully unwrapped, she closed her eyes momentarily as she smiled broadly. "So, I guess you really do get a trophy…" she stated as she held the "Blue Star" trophy engraved with the following…
Recognizing
Elizabeth Thornton
Outstanding Performance
Mile High Club
2017
To be continued…
To those of you on the facebook fan fiction pages, there will be pictures and a video posted soon!