Disclaimer: I am not the owner of the characters in this story. All rights go to Crown Media, Hallmark, Brian Bird, Michael Landon, Jr., the actors, creators, and writers of the show "When Calls the Heart." Any names or locations are simply for storyline purposes.
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Chapter 39- Thor and Lola
Elizabeth was familiar with the neighborhood Thanksgiving dinner, but Jack wasn't certain what to expect. They rose early and cooked their contribution for the dinner, a 20-lb. turkey. Once it was placed on a platter to cool, they headed over to her parent's home to visit.
It was a comfortable visit, nothing like the first time Jack met them, and he actually felt much like a member of the family. The men sat in her father's office watching sports, while the women talked in the den.
"So, when can we expect a bundle of joy?" Viola asked Elizabeth.
Not wanting anyone to think that they were already trying, she simply stated, "Vi, we just got married. Give us some time to just be 'us' first."
"Elizabeth, you and Jack have time, but you do want kids, right?" her mother asked.
"Of course we do, mom. It'll happen when the time is right," Elizabeth replied.
As the table was being set for Thanksgiving dinner, Jack and Elizabeth said their goodbyes and headed home to their neighborhood celebration.
Jack and Elizabeth pulled into the driveway as the tables and decorations were being set up in the freshly cut empty field at the end of the cul-de-sac. Jack walked over to help with the heavy lifting while the women congregated at Brenda's townhouse where all of the food was taken. Multiple crock pots and serving dishes were in operation as the mashed potatoes and gravy, green bean casserole, yams with marshmallows on top, stuffing, and corn casserole were warmed for the dinner.
The deviled eggs, cranberry sauce, potato salad, and stuffed celery sat in the refrigerator for their chance to grace the Thanksgiving Day table. Desserts consisting of cakes, pies, cupcakes, brownies and cookies were the first items taken outside, and mother's had to remind their children not to touch until after their meal.
The men gravitated to Matt Cauldwell's house to watch whatever football game was playing on his brand new 65" curved screen TV, an early Christmas gift from his wife.
As the women carried all of the food outside, several of the neighborhood children ran to the Caudwell's house to gather the men. With everyone on their street present, Mark Culipher, a Navy chaplain, and just behind Jack as the newest member of the cul-de-sac blessed the food…
"Thank you, Father, for having created us and given us to each other in human form. Thank you for being with us in all our joys and sorrows, for your comfort in our sadness, and your companionship in our loneliness. Thank you for yesterday, today and tomorrow and for the whole of our lives. Thank you for friends, for health and for grace. May we live this and every day conscious of all that has been given to us… Amen"
Following the meal, the men threw away their personal trash before heading back to the Cauldwell's house to watch more football.
"Come on Jack," Roger Moore called out.
Jack stood up from the table and Elizabeth assumed that he was joining the other men. Instead he grabbed a bag and began clearing away the trash, which included paper plates, plastic ware, used red solo cups, and empty food containers.
Instead of helping, the men stood and watched as Jack, the only man, continued to help the women. "Jack, we have this. You can go watch the game with the others if you want," Elizabeth assured him.
"The sooner we clean up, the sooner we can go home together," he replied.
With the Thanksgiving holiday a thing of the past, Elizabeth was now looking forward to the Christmas break, which was unfortunately still two and a half weeks away. She was excited for more than just the holiday and vacation from school. There was a certain test that she was looking forward to taking and wondered how she was going to control her anxiety while she waited.
"After lunch would you like to go shopping for a Christmas tree?" Jack asked her as she finished frying up bacon for their BLTs.
"I have a tree in the shed; it fits perfectly in the corner by the sofa," she replied.
"An artificial tree? Have you ever had a real one?" he asked.
"No…"
"Please, let's have a real one…"
"Is it that important to you, Jack?" she asked.
The smile suddenly left his face, "My mom and dad always had real trees and several of the years my dad even got trees that could be re-planted. Did you see the Colorado Blue Spruce and the Frasier Fir in my mom's back yard?"
"Oh my, that Blue Spruce was beautiful. It's actually my favorite. Was that one of your Christmas trees?" she asked.
"Yes, I'm not sure but I think I was ten when we had that one," he replied. "After my dad died, my mom never had another live Christmas tree. I guess it just brought up so many memories."
Realizing how important a real Christmas tree was to Jack she conceded, "Maybe this can be the start of our traditions." Elizabeth proceeded to pull up Christmas tree farms in the area.
"There's Dreamland Christmas Tree Farm in Middletown; it's a bit of a drive, but we can pick out and cut down our own," she suggested.
"Are you sure?" he asked, displaying the enthusiastic excitement of a small child.
"Well, I don't know anything about real ones, but as long as you know how to take care of it, I'm game…"
With their lunch done and Lizzie taken care of, they headed out in Jack's BMW SUV for the Christmas Tree Farm.
As they reached Frederick, Maryland, the GPS indicated that they were less than twenty minutes away. Never having been one to suffer from car sickness before, Elizabeth felt nauseous.
"Jack there's a gas station up at the next exit. Would you stop; I don't feel well…" she held her hand over her mouth, certain that she was going to vomit.
"What's wrong honey," he asked.
Not wanting to say anything to him about the possibility that she was pregnant, she simply said, "It's either the bacon upset my stomach or I'm car sick."
He pulled into the gas station and directly over to the front of the convenience store so she could rush inside. Although he was worried about her, he gave her privacy while he filled the SUV with gas.
Ten minutes later, Elizabeth walked back outside. Although she had a slightly washed out appearance, the smile had returned to her face as she admitted that she was sick, but now felt much better.
"Are you sure you still want to go? If you don't feel well we can go home," he offered.
It was quite ironic how most women hate the thought of morning sickness. However, Elizabeth on the other hand thought that if she was right and she was pregnant, her vomiting would actually feel much like a blessing.
"No, I feel okay now; let's get our tree," she advised.
Twenty minutes later they arrived at the farm and made their way out to find their first Christmas tree together.
"What about this one?" he asked as he stood in front of a Douglas fir that greatly over powered him.
"Are you putting that thing in the White House? It certainly won't fit in our townhouse," she asked as she glanced to the top of the tree, "Hey, why don't we just cut the top off…that could be our tree."
Jack pulled her in to his chest and held her tightly, "I love you. Thank you for doing this…"
"It's different to me, but different can be good, so let's keep looking," she suggested as she took his hand and they ventured deeper into the pine trees.
With each one looking and finding trees that the other had a problem with, they both stood in awe of the perfect one…
It was almost as if the heavens opened, a choir sang, and an angelic glow appeared above it. "That's the one," both stated in unison.
With an assistant to help, Jack cut down the tree, and began to drag it to the front.
"I can help," Elizabeth offered.
"No, these pine needles are stiff and I don't want you to cut your hand."
With the tree wrapped and loaded on the roof of Jack's SUV, he stepped over to the cashier to pay. When he returned to the vehicle, Elizabeth was gone. He glanced around the open area of the lot, eventually observing her walking back from the bathrooms.
"Are you still sick?" he asked as he opened her car door.
"I don't know what it is; someone walked passed me and I got a whiff of their perfume and the next thing I knew I was running for the bathroom. I feel better now," she explained as he leaned over her and snapped her seatbelt.
They hit the highway, and with the radio playing, he held her hand as she laid her seat back and dozed. Jack couldn't help but wonder if she was pregnant, finding his feelings vacillating from excitement to fear, and he wasn't certain which emotion carried the highest percentage.
They made their way back home without further incident. Once they pulled into the driveway, Jack walked next door to get Roger to help him pull the tree inside. When he walked back outside with Roger, Jack found Elizabeth bent over the flowerbed waiting on the remainder of her lunch to resurface.
Jack opened the door and she rushed inside, stopping at the extremely small downstairs guest half bathroom.
Roger stayed outside and untied the tree, accepting help from Matt Cauldwell as they struggled to get the tree off of the roof of Jack's SUV.
Jack went into the bathroom with her as she bent over the toilet. He pushed up against her from behind as he tried to close the door…
"What are you doing? This isn't the Mile High Club," she yelled just before the remainder of her stomach contents made their return.
Jack wet a wash cloth and bent down beside her to wipe her face, "I'm sorry; I wasn't trying to…uh, you know. I just wanted to help you."
She folded her arms across the toilet seat and rested her head in her arms, "I'm sorry, Jack. I don't know why I said that."
Matt and Roger remained outside, each one holding onto the tree to stabilize it. "I hate to see them move; it was kind of neat having a pro-baseball player living in the neighborhood," Matt commented.
"I know. Don't tell anyone, but Jack is my favorite baseball player," Roger admitted.
"Don't tell anyone? Man, you've been gushing over him since before he got hurt…everyone already knows he's your favorite player," Matt responded with a laugh.
While Elizabeth headed upstairs to bed, Jack stepped outside, "Hey guys, thanks a lot."
"How's Elizabeth?" Roger asked.
Not wanting to imply that he thought she may be pregnant, Jack simply said, "She's okay; just a stomach bug I guess."
The three men were able to pull the tree inside and situate it in front of the window and beside the sofa. Jack offered Roger and Matt a beer to thank them for their help, but they declined as both men headed home.
Elizabeth had no idea that Jack had his own thoughts surrounding her nausea. They each thought that they were keeping a secret, however, it was one that each of them contemplated.
Elizabeth, unbeknownst to Jack, had purchased two pregnancy tests, one Clearblue and one First Response, tucking them safely away in her t-shirt drawer. She was simply waiting…and waiting…and waiting for the right time.
She'd had issues with her cycle for years. As per testing, there was nothing medically wrong, but her cycles were irregular, usually a day to a week late. However, during times of stress, she was known to miss her monthly cycle altogether. Elizabeth had grown accustomed to the quirkiness of her period, and prior to her marriage to Jack, she often forgot when it was due. She wasn't sexually active before Jack, so it often took a back seat to other happenings in her life.
In an attempt to regulate her periods, Elizabeth's gynecologist had suggested on several occasions, with the last time being at her appointment just before her marriage, that she start taking The Pill, but she declined.
Her doctor advised that there were other benefits to taking The Pill besides simply birth control. She informed Elizabeth that her menstrual cycle would be regular, her flow would minimize, generally allowing her to participate in her regular activities without any cramping.
Elizabeth countered with the fact that her flow was always light, minimal in fact, she never experienced cramping, it only lasted a few days, and it never seemed to interfere with her life. Her doctor advised that if she decided later that she wanted to try The Pill, to contact her office for a prescription. Since Elizabeth and Jack had discussed The Pill and his opposition to it, she saw no point in using it.
Between her bouts with nausea, Elizabeth lay in bed, her hand on her stomach, feeling even more certain that she was pregnant. Even with her inability to keep anything down, she felt blessed and found herself staring at her t-shirt drawer, knowing what was inside, and in 24 hours she hoped to have confirmation.
Jack slipped into the bedroom and sat down beside her on the bed. She remained asleep but stirred as he lightly brushed several strands of hair away from her face.
"What time is it?" she asked.
"It's a little before midnight. How do you feel?" he replied.
"I think I feel better. I don't think I've thrown up in a few hours," she sat up in bed, looking quite washed out, but still beautiful in his eyes.
He changed into a pair of shorts and climbed into bed, hesitant to invade her personal space in case she didn't feel like cuddling.
"Are you afraid that you're going to catch something?" she asked inquiring as to why he was lying so far away, leaving her feeling lonely.
"No, but I didn't know if you wanted me touching you," he replied.
She scooted over in bed, her back to his chest as she pulled his arm around her and held it between her breasts. He kissed her cheek and she fell back to sleep.
Jack, on the other hand, propped himself up in bed on his elbow and simply watched her sleep. His mind raced; he wanted a baby with her, but as his time to leave began to draw near, he couldn't help but to worry about the timing.
The following morning, Elizabeth was up early, having slept approximately twelve hours, walked Lizzie to the dog park for some play time, and was back home before Jack woke.
"How are you this morning?" he asked on his way down the stairs.
"I feel really good. Do you have anything you want to do today?" she asked.
"No…why?"
"I thought maybe we could decorate the tree."
"That sounds great. Do we need to get any lights or decorations?"
She got up and walked to the back door. Opening it and stepping out to her shed she said, "I have everything we need right here." She stepped into the shed and started to climb the step stool for a box on the shelf.
Concerned for her safety, Jack placed his hands on her waist, "Don't go up there honey, let me…"
Jack pulled down the box, but before he climbed down she asked, "Can you get those boxes over there? And I need the wood pieces and the boxes in the corner."
"WOW, what's all this?" he asked as he hauled each and every box and the wood pieces inside the townhouse.
"Well, the wood pieces will make up the frame for my Christmas Village tree that I put by the staircase. Some of the boxes have lighted garland for the banister, and the others are ornaments," she replied.
"Oh wait," she rushed to the staircase, "I'll be right back…"
Jack watched her climb the stairs wondering how she had such energy when 24 hours ago she seemed to be glued to the porcelain shrine. "Be careful," he called out as she ran down the stairs."
"These, remember your mother gave us these," she stated as she held up two Christmas tree ornaments, one made of wood in the shape of a fireplace with three personalized stockings hanging from the mantle and one made of crystal with their names and wedding date engraved on it.
Jack put together the wooden framework for her Christmas tree village and she decorated it while he strung the lights. Each one finished their respective jobs simultaneously, leaving the ornaments on the tree as the only decorations left to finish.
With several Sunday football games playing on the TV, and Christmas music playing in the background, as a family, including Lizzie who lay near the back door watching, they decorated their first Christmas tree together.
Several hours later, the Christmas and Christmas Village trees were done. Jack and Elizabeth stood back and admired their decorations. She opened the front closet door and pulled multiple wrapped presents out, placing them under the tree.
Jack held out his hand…please dance with me. She placed her hand in his and he walked her around the coffee table to the open area of the room. With the Mariah Carey song "All I Want For Christmas is You" playing on the stereo, he wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her into his body.
He held her close throughout most of the song until the doorbell rang and pulled them from their romantic trance. Jack walked to the door to find Roger, Kelly, Michael and Abby on the porch. They stepped inside and Abby was immediately mesmerized by the Christmas tree. She stood in awe of the lights, and glittery ornaments.
Kelly excused herself, returning home and leaving Roger with the two children. Elizabeth sat back on the sofa and watched as both children moved from one tree to the other and then back again, squealing with delight at the upcoming holiday.
Roger sat on the sofa with Jack watching football as Elizabeth occupied the children. Jack observed how happy she seemed as she sat in the floor with both children in her lap, and she appeared to be in her element.
He hadn't asked her when she could take a pregnancy test, but he assumed that the time was close, and he watched her smile wane somewhat when Roger led the children back home.
Following a dinner where Elizabeth ate lightly, Jack called out as she headed up the stairs, "Are you okay?"
"Yes, just going upstairs to check something. I'll be back in about 10 minutes."
He thought it was odd that she put a time on how long she'd be gone, but pushed it out of his head, just thankful that she was feeling better. He went about cleaning the kitchen, hoping to have it finished by the time she returned so they could spend some time together before the school week started again.
Elizabeth excitedly rushed into their bedroom, and pulled both pregnancy tests from her drawer. She slipped into the bathroom with a pregnancy test in hand. She sat on the side of the tub reading the instructions…
"Hmm, basically you pee on the stick and…viola three minutes later I'll have the result," she whispered to herself as she pulled the test stick from its box, confident in the result.
She put the cap back on the test stick and sat it level on the counter. Then she continued to sit and wait.
She peeked at one minute thirty seconds and two minutes, feeling anxious when she saw nothing. At three minutes, she took a screenshot of the test stick, wanting to have a "first" picture for her baby book. She then picked it up to gaze at the results.
Elizabeth walked downstairs with the test stick in her hand to find Jack sitting on the sofa watching a football game. Looking quite forlorn, Jack turned off the TV and asked, "What's wrong honey?"
"I'm not pregnant, Jack," she looked down at the vibrantly visible single line on the test stick and released a frustrated harsh breath. "And as if this isn't proof enough, I just started my period."
Jack took the test from her shaking hand, "Honey, that's okay. We just got married and we have plenty of time for children. Besides, it just means we get to practice more," he took her hand and pulled her down onto the sofa beside him. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulled her close and kissed the top of her head.
"Jack…"
"Uh huh…?"
"Are you glad…?"
His heart began pounding as he wanted to make certain that he answered her correctly. "I'm disappointed, but I have to admit that a part of me is relieved, I just…"
She pushed away from him, "Relieved…? I thought you wanted to have a baby…"
"I do, and if you were pregnant, I'd be excited. But honey, as the time gets closer to me leaving for Spring Training, I'm nervous about you being here and me being 3000 miles away. I can't help it, I worry about you," he admitted.
She looked into his eyes and observing his concern she replied, "I understand and maybe you're right," she snuggled against his body. Although she understood and accepted how he felt, her disappointment was palpable.
"Honey, you've been working hard on the Christmas decorations. You need a break; take a walk with me; it's not that cold out," Jack asked.
"Thank you, but I'm just tired, so I think I'll just go lay down," she stated as she stood from the sofa and started toward the staircase.
Elizabeth realized that being pregnant while they were living on opposite coasts would be difficult, not to mention leaving him out of the miraculous changes in her body that would take place. Pictures are nice, but would certainly not be the same as being together, so she resigned herself to waiting until they were living together before trying again.
Jack turned and watched her walk dejectedly up the stairs. He knew she was disappointed, and although his gut told him that a better time for them to add to their family was only months away, he couldn't help shedding tears for something that he assumed he subconsciously wanted.
Upstairs, Elizabeth fell onto her bed and cried. She was certain that what she was feeling was morning sickness and was excited about a new life growing inside her. She sat up in bed, pulled her journal and favorite writing pen from her bedside table, took a deep breath and attempted to put some type of rationale to her thoughts, feelings and emotions.
She flipped to the next blank page, clicked her pen open and prayed that the words would flow onto the white canvas…
"In my heart I know that things happen for a reason. It is not always for us to know or understand; we simply need to accept the cards which are dealt, realizing that the worst type of sad is the one we can't explain.
As I was growing up, I recall my mother telling my sisters and me that we were old enough for our wants not to hurt us. I'm older now; but if I'm honest, this still hurts. My tears fall; each one carries a dream I had for the new life I thought I was carrying, and now I feel so empty.
Life is so unpredictable. It's crazy; it's about trusting your feelings and not being afraid to take chances. Life is about losing and finding happiness, being appreciative of the memories, learning valuable lessons from your mistakes, and realizing that nothing stays the same.
Sometimes smiling through the pain is the greatest act of defiance and sometimes asking for help doesn't make you weak, it's actually a sign of self- reliance. Often times the best medicine for disappointment is to laugh through the tears, and sometimes, accepting that the Lord knows best will ease the pain of not knowing 'why.' Sometimes it helps to simply go to sleep realizing the next morning that you are blessed to have another day, and that life, and the love you've found is worthy of the celebration."
Elizabeth closed her journal and slipped it back into the drawer of her bedside table. Her hand rested on her abdomen as her fingers ran delicate circles on her skin. How could I have been so wrong? She asked herself, feeling certain that she was pregnant, but now realizing that she wasn't.
Jack hung up the phone and headed upstairs. He slowly entered the room, not certain what he'd find, and realizing that seeing her cry always tore him up inside.
"Elizabeth," he whispered.
She rolled over in bed to face him, "I'm sorry Jack. I was so certain… I mean, I was positive that it was morning sickness."
"I just talked with Roger and Kelly is throwing up too, so it must be a bug of some kind," he stated as he sat down on the bed beside her. "I know you're disappointed, and…" a tear slipped from his eye.
"Jack," she sat up in bed and brushed the tear with her thumb as it rolled down his cheek.
He pulled her into his arms, "I love you so much; if I could change the results on that test, I would. I just want to give you everything, and some things I guess I don't have the power to do."
"Jack, don't you realize that you already give me everything? You are my everything."
Jack smiled, "I know you're sad; so am I, but I honestly believe it will happen. The Lord just doesn't think that now is the right time."
"I know Jack, and maybe you're right. It would probably be better if we're on the same coast and can experience it together," she stated as she leaned back.
He placed his hand on her abdomen, "I want to be available to do this and feel the baby kick for the first time. I want to watch your tummy grow, and…"
"The mood swing…? Don't forget the mood swings, Jack…"
"Yes, even those. Honey, I just want to be with you through it all," he leaned forward and kissed her forehead. "I love you so much."
Her hand rested on his jaw line and her thumb brushed along his cheek, "I'm sorry if I made you feel like any of this is your fault. I love you so much and I am so thankful that the Lord dropped you into my life."
"Dropped me…?"
"Yeah, I mean you weren't there, and then Poof… there you were. Initially I thought it was a horrible joke that God was testing me somehow."
"Oh, so now I'm a joke," he watched her smile; it was a beautiful sight. He'd do anything to make her smile like that…even be the brunt of a joke. His heart ached whenever she was hurting, and to see her smile and hear her joking somehow calmed him.
She laughed softly, "Absolutely not. You are without a doubt the best thing that has ever happened to me. God knew I needed you…"
"And I need you…" he responded.
"I love you Jack Thornton, and when the time is right, we'll bring a new life into this world. So, are you ready to go to bed?"
"With you…always," he stated as he changed into a pair of shorts, slipped into bed and held her in his arms all night.
Weeks passed, the Christmas holiday was upon her. Elizabeth cleaned her desk and prepared to be away until after the first of the year.
With the thought of a baby out of her head, Elizabeth focused on work and Jack. The time seemed to be flying by and he was leaving for Spring Training in a few weeks, that is unless she could talk him into waiting until February.
On Christmas morning, Jack woke early, took care of Lizzie, and had breakfast consisting of scrambled eggs, bacon, toast, coffee, orange juice, and included a box of specialty doughnuts, a tradition in his family.
Following breakfast, they sat in the den in front of the tree and opened gifts (clothes, and a cooking class for her, and clothes, and a watch for him). Jack took Lizzie out into the front yard with him to get the newspaper, hoping each time they went that she'd surprise him and retrieve it. He'd be disappointed if she didn't always give him such a precious expression when he gave her the command.
Jack and Lizzie stepped back into the house, his eyes intent on the front page news story, "Hey, did you know…wait, don't open that," he yelled, but the wrapping had already been removed and the box was open. "Please stop…"
"What is it; a surprise?" she asked as her hand went into the box. She pulled out a tan teddy bear wearing a t-shirt which said, "Daddy's Little Girl" and a baby toy in the shape of a baseball bat with a stuffed baseball attached at one end and a teething ring at the other.
Jack dropped the paper on the entryway table and rushed over to her. Still sitting in the floor, she held both items to her chest and cried. He wrapped her in his arms and held her close.
"I'm so sorry; I meant to put that away," he whispered.
She leaned back and hesitantly smiled, "You thought I was pregnant to, didn't you?"
"I did, but I'm so sorry that I jumped the gun, and I hate that you found this."
She leaned back slightly, "I'm not. I thought all along that it didn't really matter to you, and that because of the timing you were glad that I wasn't pregnant. When did you buy these?"
"When you went shopping with Kelly and Brenda the day after Thanksgiving, I did some shopping of my own. And Elizabeth, I do want children with you. I believe that when the Lord blesses us and you become pregnant then it will be the perfect time," he admitted. "But, I still can't help being worried about you."
"Jack, women get pregnant and have babies all the time."
"I know that honey, but I'm not in love with all of those women. I'm madly in love with you, so anything about you concerns me."
"I know; I've accepted that now is not the time, and I've made peace with it. So, are you ready to go see my family and have Christmas dinner?"
"Sure, let's go."
Following dinner, the men watched football, while the women sat around the dining room table and talked.
"Honey, it's getting late. We need to get home and turn Lizzie outside," Elizabeth stated as she seemed to invade the testosterone palace, also known as her father's spacious office.
On their way home Jack reached over and took Elizabeth's hand, "Thank you for a very special first Christmas together."
"It has been a very good day, Jack. Thank you…"
"Oh, Mrs. Thornton; it isn't over…"
"I think CVS is open today…"
"What…huh?"
"You don't have any condoms," she reminded him of the fact that he threw out the empty box last time and they needed to stop and replenish his supply.
He could hear the disappointment in her voice, but since she wasn't already pregnant, he could only assume that the Lord agreed with him and a later time would be better. Besides, it was only months before they would be together, hardly a lifetime. "Well, thank you for keeping up with my birth control but although that is quite enticing, surprisingly that wasn't what I had in mind."
"It wasn't? Okay, what then?"
"I have a few other boxes."
"We already opened gifts Jack."
"Not these…"
"These…? What are they?"
"It's just a surprise that I have for you, but you have to wait until we get home."
As they made their way home, the 45 minute drive seemed to Elizabeth as if it took hours. "Jack, I hate waiting. Please, tell me what it is…"
"Nope, we'll be home in a few minutes," he stood his ground, adamant that he was not releasing the secret beforehand.
Once home, Elizabeth had barely made it into the house when she turned to Jack, "Okay, we're home; what is it?"
Jack laughed at her excitement, and he hoped that once he showed it to her she'd still be happy. "Okay, take a seat on the sofa, and I'll get them."
"Them…" she whispered as he quickly scaled the staircase.
A few moments later, he carefully walked down the stairs carrying two shirt boxes, a jewelry box, and one that was in between the two sizes.
"Jack, what's all this?"
"Elizabeth, I want you to know how much I love you. This has been the best year of my life; you…are the best thing in my life. I hope you are as excited about these as I am…" he handed her the first shirt box.
Much like a child, Elizabeth ripped open the box to find a Monokini with a teal bottom and off white top. The suit was attached at the sides and open in a circle exposing just below her breasts and dipping below her belly button.
"Jack, this is beautiful. I love it, but it's kind of cold for a bathing suit here."
"Open this one…" he handed her the second shirt box.
Quickly ripping that one open as well, she found a bikini with a solid coral bodice with black and white horizontal stripe straps, and a coral waistband above the black and white striped panty. In the bottom of the box was a white beach cover up.
"Jack these are beautiful, but I don't understand…"
"Open this one…" he handed her a small jewelry box.
Excited by the prospect of a piece of jewelry she quickly opened it. She looked perplexed as she opened the box to find two key chains, designed like a license plate with "JACK" on one and "ELIZABETH" on the other.
"Okay, now I'm really confused."
He handed her the final box, "This should answer all of your questions."
As she gently bit her bottom lip while opening the box, his heart pounded, hoping beyond hope that he hadn't made a big mistake.
"This is pretty, is it an ornament for the tree?"
"Well, it is, but look at it; what does it say?" he asked.
She read one side of the ornament before flipping it over in her hands, "Jack, what…?"
She focused on the ornament which was in the shape of a house with an engraved front door…
OUR FIRST HOME
27140 MALIBU COLONY COVE
MALIBU, CALIFORNIA
The flip side was identical, except that instead of OUR FIRST HOME, it said…
JACK AND ELIZABETH
27140 MALIBU COLONY COVE
MALIBU, CALIFORNIA
"You bought a house? Without me?" she asked.
Worried that he'd really messed up he began to explain. "Well, I bought it as an investment, but Elizabeth look at these pictures," he stated as he pulled out a book full of beautiful photos. "The house is on a private strip of beach in Malibu. There's a yard for Lizzie and you can see and hear the ocean from practically every room. It has five bedrooms, and seven bathrooms, plenty of room for our family to grow." Having a difficult time reading her expression, he added, "I'm sorry, we can sell…"
Before he could finish his sentence she practically leapt into his arms, "It's beautiful Jack. And you even thought about Lizzie. You are such a wonderful man, and I love you so much."
He breathed a sigh of relief, "So, do you want to fly out and see it?"
"When…?"
"Tomorrow…we can stay through New Year's Eve and then you can be back for school on January 2nd."
"I'd love to, but I need to make arrangements with Brenda to take care of Lizzie."
"I've already run it passed Brenda, and she said to let her know when we leave and she'll be glad to watch things."
"Okay, I'm game…"
Late the following morning, Jack and Elizabeth sat at Gate A5 awaiting their non-stop flight to Los Angeles.
"The company I like to use for the private flights we've taken didn't have anything available today."
"Jack, that's fine. I don't have any problem flying commercial. Besides, I don't think you can beat our last trip."
"Well, we could…"
"Don't even think about it. Besides, I already have my trophy."
Without saying a word, Jack reached over and took her hand, squeezing it lightly as the jet left the ground. Six hours later they were landing, hoping onto a shuttle to the SIXT car rental office and within 45 minutes they were driving off the lot in a white BMW 4 series convertible.
With the usual LA traffic, it took them an hour to reach Malibu. Jack pulled onto Malibu Colony Cove, passing a few large houses before reaching several vacant lots and their new home located at the end of the street.
Standing in the driveway was Jim Cross, Jack's real estate agent holding two sets of keys in his hand.
They stepped inside their new two story home with windows opening across the back for breathtaking views of the ocean. The interior was open with a fireplace which was situated between the den and dining room with recessed lighting throughout. Hanging from the second floor ceiling were lights enclosed in globe covers. Each bedroom had its own bathroom attached, and a beautiful view of the ocean. The master bedroom was large with windows all along the back of the house with an entrance to the patio. The bathroom was much larger than she was used to and included an oval shaped tub, also with a view of the ocean.
There were private decks on both levels, and she could see the gleam in his eyes when he glanced down at the private beach below.
"Are you sure it's private…? I mean more sure than you were the last time," she asked.
"Absolutely…"
"Do we have any plans tonight?" she asked as she glanced down upon the beach.
"Yep, that is if I can wait until this evening," he wrapped her in his arms and pulled her into his body.
"Jack, we have company," she reminded him as Mr. Cross stepped out onto the deck.
"Jack," Mr. Cross called out, "I just checked everything. All of the utilities are working as you requested."
"Thank you so much for everything, Jim. We really appreciate it," Jack released his hold on Elizabeth and walked over to shake Jim's hand.
Elizabeth remained on the deck while Jack walked Jim to the front door. "I had several of my girls take care of your special requests, and I hope it will be to your liking."
"Thanks for everything Jim. I bought this without her input so I'm hoping she loves it," Jack opened the front door. "If she doesn't I guess you'll get a second commission for selling it."
"I'm sure she'll love it. I mean, what's not to love; you have the sounds of the ocean, yet it's very private. I'm sure she gets tired of all the women coming up to you for pictures and autographs," Jim mentioned as he started down the front steps.
"Luckily that doesn't happen very often, but she knows my heart is hers. There could never be another woman for me but her," Jack replied.
"Well, just be prepared because people out here, women included, take their pro sports very seriously," Jim yelled out before climbing into his Range Rover SUV and pulling out of the driveway.
Jack walked back out onto the deck. He held out his hand, "Elizabeth, take a walk with me…"
Her hand fit perfectly into his as he walked her down the side stairs and onto the beach. They walked equivalent to two city blocks without seeing another person.
"Jack, it's beautiful. But isn't it a bit big?"
"Not for the family we want to have, and Southern California is a wonderful place to raise a family. So, what do you say?" he asked.
She observed his eyes, practically begging for approval, "I love it, Jack."
He took her hand, "I didn't get a chance to show you this last time, but the sun is starting to go down and you won't believe this…"
He drove them to Point Dume State Beach and Preserve, apparently knowing exactly where he was going. He held her hand as they walked out onto a cliff and took a seat as the sun began to set on the horizon.
With his arm around her shoulder he pulled her close.
"Jack, this is breathtaking…"
He turned to look at her beautiful profile, "It absolutely is."
As the sun continued to set, they started back toward the car. "Are you hungry?" he asked as he opened her car door.
She leaned in, he could feel her warm breath on his ear as she whispered, "Mm-hmm, but not for food."
He smiled as his dimples always warmed her heart. He let go of her hand when he closed the door, racing around to the driver's side where he slipped in and took hold of her hand again.
"You know, the only room we haven't seen at the house in the master bedroom," he mentioned.
"Well, we'll have to correct that now won't we?"
He held her hand to his lips as his heart pounded, his body so ready to make love to her that he could have pulled over and taken her on the side of Pacific Coast Highway.
As they stood on the porch, Jack unlocked the door. As she started to step inside, he swept her up into his arms, "What are you doing?" she squealed out of surprise.
"What does it look like? I'm carrying you over the threshold."
Standing in the entryway, Jack released her legs as she held on around his neck when her feet touched the floor. Elizabeth ran for the staircase with Jack close behind.
Standing at the top of the stairs, there were so many rooms and Elizabeth couldn't remember where the master bedroom was. Jack took her hand and led her down the hall. He opened the door as she stepped inside behind him.
The sight took her breath away. On the tables scattered around the room were candles that Jack started lighting. On the floor and in the bed were red and white rose petals, and over on a bench by the door was a basket of chocolates and champagne.
"Mr. Thornton, you have outdone yourself," she stated as he put down the lighter and she walked up to him. "What did I ever do to deserve you?"
Before he could answer, her lips met his. They were soft and warm, and held the promise of the passion that awaited them.
Elizabeth realized that her bag was downstairs. However, at that moment, all she wanted was to be naked in bed with him. Incorrectly assuming that he needed something to entice the excitement in his body, she quickly realized that none of that was necessary, and all he needed was to think of her.
He backed her up against the wall as she felt his body pressed against hers. She had a fleeting thought of how uncomfortable he must be with his obvious erection contained in his jeans. Her thought quickly disappeared as his lips gently pressed against the skin on her neck. His kisses were gentle at first, but by the time his lips met hers, they were both on fire.
His hands reached for the hem of her shirt, thankful that it wasn't tucked into her perfectly fitting jeans. Her skin tingled as his hands brushed against her sides as he pulled her shirt over her head.
As her shirt fell to the floor, his lips made contact with the soft skin on her chest. Her bra, a Victoria Secrets special was one that uplifted her, and even with her modest breasts, it made her appear well endowed.
Her fingers fiddled with the buttons on his shirt, dropping it to the floor as her lips tenderly pressed against his chest. His hands on her upper arms led her to the bed as his hand held her behind her head when they fell back onto the mattress.
His hand rested along her abdomen as his lips met hers, and his tongue pressed through the slight opening in her mouth. As his tongue ran along the soft skin on the inside of her mouth, he felt her body wiggle underneath him.
His hand behind her back quickly and effortlessly unsnapped her bra, pulling it down her arms and dropping it on the floor. His lips started at her neck, moving downward as his tongue traced across her collarbone.
He sat back slightly to look into her eyes, "I love you so much, Elizabeth," and she closed her eyes as his mouth, wet and warm covered her left breast. His tongue ran exciting circles around her erect nipple, as she felt the sensation throughout her entire body.
Elizabeth's hands rested on the sides of his face as he moved from her left breast to her right as he continued to roll her already erect nipple between his thumb and index finger.
His lips continued down her stomach as his fingers fiddled with the snap on her jeans. With the snap open and her zipper down, his hand slipped under her silk panties as her back arched, her eyes closed, and soft moans slipped passed her lips.
With her jeans still on, Jack stood up, reached for the waistband of her pants and pulled them down her shapely, Southern California tanned legs. She lifted her hips slightly as his finger slipped under the waistband of her panties and gently pulled then down, dropping them in a pile of many fabrics on the floor.
Jack started at her ankle, massaging her legs as his lips moved higher and higher. As he reached her thighs, his hands caressed the inside of her thighs, as her flesh ached for his touch.
He climbed higher as her eyes remained open, watching as her crystal blues made contact with his hazel ones. Her body was on fire as she felt his warm breath upon her aching flesh. Then she felt his tongue and fingers, and all she knew was the heat rushing through her. She had the need. She was speechless, nearly mindless. As her body shuddered with feelings that were still so new to her, she could only assume that the pleasure he was giving her was much like what he must feel when she had taken him by mouth.
Much like a predatory animal, he crawled up her body, his lips tasting her skin along the way. There was nothing between them except his clothing. Her fingers worked on his clothing, having his undershirt off and on the floor with his assistance. Then there were his jeans and as her hand cupped the crotch, he moaned and pressed his body into her.
She unbuttoned his jeans, but was afraid to unzip them as it was evident that he was firm and pressing against the zipper. "You do it," she whispered as he carefully unzipped his pants and removed them and his underwear.
As he lay beside her, she rested her hand on his stomach, her lips pressing against his, then his neck and down his chest. His hips rotated toward her as her fingers walked down his body, taking hold of his hard member. It was obviously much larger and firmer than when flaccid, as her hand moved up and down the shaft and she felt him pulsate.
As she moved to the end of the bed, her hand continued to work up and down, and he moaned softly when her wet and warm mouth covered him. His hips continued to move toward her, then away only to move toward her again.
For someone who had little experience in lovemaking, he had to admit that she was driving him wild. His hands on her arms pulled her up his body. "I need to be inside you," he whispered as she straddled his pelvis.
"No wait," he called out as he grabbed a condom from the bedside table and rolled it on. Seeing her disappointment he asked, "Is that okay?"
"You just keep changing your mind, so if we're gonna wait, yes, that's responsible…" she commented and he rolled her over, positioning himself between her legs. "Did I just ruin the mood?" he asked as he looked at her.
She looked deep into his eyes and everything else left her head. He had brought her this far and condom or not, she wanted him. "Make love to me, Jack…"
He needed no further encouragement as he lay beside her, his lips pressed against her neck and his hands caressed her body. Her flesh quivered under the skill of his touch, and she was quickly begging for him to enter her.
He did not disappoint as she drew her knees up and he positioned himself between them. Inch by inch he entered her and she absorbed him, slowly at first until their rhythm took control and he pushed deep inside.
She felt him grow larger and firmer inside her. His strokes were hard and powerful as they felt the fire burning inside, each one feeling as though they were being branded to the other. He snapped his hips, pressing even deeper thankful for the mind blowing sensation her body provided him.
For her, each time he withdrew, even slightly, she felt his loss until he pressed even deeper with a soul shattering thrust. She wanted him…wanted this more than she wanted air, and each time with him brought them closer to each other.
His brain felt wilted; he knew nothing at this moment other than the pleasure that being with her was providing him. Had someone asked his name, he'd be hard pressed to remember, but yet he wouldn't change a thing.
As their bodies rocked together, each one out of breath, they were almost there, climbing that rock wall that she was always afraid to try. But now, here she felt invincible, and with him they climbed higher and higher, reaching the top. As they exploded in pure ecstasy, she held him as she felt her body fall through space.
He lay beside her as she rested her head on his chest listening to his pounding heat and erratic breathing. He had one arm around her body as the other hand gently rubbed up and down her back, finding it somewhat ironic that she fell asleep before him.
He wasn't long behind her, but an hour later he was awake. Jack slid out of bed, covering her with the sheet before slipping into the bathroom. Realizing that his bag was still downstairs, he pulled on his pants and stepped out onto the balcony.
With his hands resting on the railing, he stared off into the ocean with a head for of questions and not nearly as many answers. It appeared that all of them had to do with starting their family. It was such a big decision, and he didn't want to be absent during her pregnancy.
He'd said 'yes' before, but since she isn't pregnant now, and he's getting ready to leave, the reality was slapping him in the face. Unless she visited him during the season, they could potentially be apart for six or more months, and he could miss a great deal of her pregnancy. He didn't want that.
Jack turned around and rested against the railing as he looked into their bedroom and watched her sleep. He felt his eyes water as he whispered, "I love you so much; I just wish I could wrap my head around being away from you." He walked over and stood in the doorway; she looked so peaceful, and God knows she was beautiful, but he felt torn up over his desire for her and his need to make her happy, and his obligation to the team. If she would just agree to resign and move with him to California, there would be no question. But he knew that ultimatums were not healthy and he'd never place her in that position. If he hadn't been traded, then he'd be so much closer to her. So many 'ifs'…
He loved her so, and couldn't help worrying about her. After all, if something happened, his best case scenario was that he would be six hours, possibly more away from her. But then again, baby or not, he was still six hours or more away from her. No matter the scenario, he wanted to be with her, and could only hope and pray that Spring Training and the first few months of the season would fly by.
Elizabeth's eyes opened and she patted the side of the bed. Jack walked over and took a seat.
"Little Jack was quite excited last night…" she giggled.
"Little Jack…? Seriously, I'm okay with you naming it, but Little Jack?"
"Well, you're Big Jack so it stands to reason he'd be Little Jack…"
"You make it sound like it's a person with a mind of his own…"
"Well…"
"Never mind that I said that…when it comes to you it does have a mind of its own. But do you think we could call it something more manly?"
"Like what…?"
"Oh, I don't know…maybe Thor…"
"Thor?" her giggling continued.
"It just sounds more manly than Little Jack, besides if we have a son and want to name him after me, we won't be able to because that name will be taken."
"Okay, Thor it is…"
The Third Week in January…
Jack was in their bedroom packing up the last of his clothes and toiletries, hating the fact that his flight was scheduled to leave early the following morning. Elizabeth was planning to take him to the airport before heading to school, wondering how in the world she was going to deal with him being away for so long.
He walked downstairs with his suitcase and toiletry bag in hand and placed them at the front door.
"Are you all packed?" she asked.
"Yes, but I have to tell you, I don't want to go," he walked over and took the book that she was pretending to read from her hands, took a seat beside her and pulled her into his chest.
"Well, we'll have some school holidays coming up so maybe I could fly out for a long weekend."
"Okay, I'll look forward to that," Jack pulled her close and kissed her forehead. "You know, we haven't talked about what to do with this place, but what do you think about just paying it off and keeping it so we'll have a place to stay when we come to the east coast?"
"Are you sure?" she asked as her thumb brushed across his skin on their entwined hands.
"Absolutely, besides I'm sure that Brenda, Roger and Kelly will watch over it for us," he replied.
"Okay, that's one decision we can mark off our list."
"Are you ready to go to bed?" he asked.
"Jack, its only 6:30."
"Well, before I leave, Thor would like a play date with Rebecca…"
"Rebecca…? Couldn't you come up with something better, more exotic than Rebecca?"
"Well, it's just as good as Little Jack. Okay, you name it…"
"Can't she be something like Lola?"
"Lola, hmm like a showgirl. Yes, I like that… okay, Lola it is. Thor would like a private play date with Lola."
Her hand, initially resting on his thigh, slipped over and cupped his groin, "Oh, I'd say Thor is jumping at the gate."
Jack stood up and pulled her from the sofa, "Can Lola come out and play?"
"Lola would very much like to play," her arms went around his neck as Jack picked her up and carried her upstairs.
Early the following morning, Elizabeth pulled into the parking lot at the airport. It was 6am and she'd made arrangements to be late for work in order to spend as much time with Jack as possible before his 8:15am flight. She stepped out of the car and stood by as he pulled his suitcase and backpack from the trunk.
"I'll call you every night, and we can face time and if I get any time off I'll come home for a visit," he whispered into her ear as he held her in his arms.
She started to walk with him into the airport when he stopped, "No, don't come in with me; it feels too much like those times I said goodbye to you when we were dating. It hurts too much…" he stated as he kissed her boldly one last time before walking away.
Several Weeks Later…
At school, Elizabeth trudged along doing her best to stay busy, assuming that if she remained occupied that missing him would not weigh so heavily on her mind.
Jack was true to his word; he called every night, they communicated through face time at least four times a week, with him initiating it unless he knew she wasn't at home.
Nights were the hardest for her. They would talk for hours every night and then she'd find it almost impossible to fall asleep, missing the feeling of his arms around her. It would be weeks before there was any possibility of them seeing each other.
As it was, they had been apart over 6 weeks; it was now the end of February. Elizabeth generally rushed home at the end of the day to be available when Jack called, thereby invitations to have dinner or drinks after work with friends were often graciously turned down.
Elizabeth's friends had observed a toll this separation was taking on her. She wasn't sleeping; there was no need to cook for one, so she was eating fast food, or not eating at all.
The beginning of March hit Elizabeth like a ton of bricks. SOL testing was in full swing; the results and her reports were expected on each student and grade level.
"Barbara, are you going anywhere near the 700 hall?" Cheryl Hanson, one of the school's secretaries asked the Technology instructor.
"I wasn't but did you need me to drop off something? I'm going to the 500 hall, so not far away," she replied.
"Elizabeth Thornton is coming to pick these up," she held up a pile of forms paper clipped together, "But she didn't look good this morning so I thought maybe we could cut out an unnecessary trip down here for her."
"Sure, I'll be glad to take them," Barbara stated as she headed out the door.
Ten minutes later, the intercom system buzzed in the office…
"Yes, Mrs. Thornton, do you need something?" Cheryl asked.
"It's Barbara; call 9-1-1. Elizabeth is on the floor and she's passed out. There's blood everywhere…HURRY!" she yelled.
To be continued…
NOTE: Those who follow the facebook fan fiction pages, there will be pictures posted shortly.