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.

**Steam Alert** **Steam Alert** **Steam Alert** **Steam Alert**

Note: As the above steam alert suggests, this chapter has some hot and spicy content, so move along if that's not what you're looking for. You have been warned!

Chapter 42- Pre-game Traditions

Jack and Elizabeth walked out into the parking lot, each one looking forward to spending some much needed time alone. She couldn't seem to wipe the smile from her face; first because they were together, but possibly, and more importantly, due to her "Baseball player insecurity," the pleasure she received from having him stick up for her and profess his feelings in public to the beautiful slender brunette in short shorts with perky breasts was beyond satisfying. Could he honestly find me more attractive than her?

As they ventured out into the private players parking area, it had been months since she'd seen his prized BMW SUV, with the last time being when it was loaded up into the Toy Hauler trailer in front of their townhouse in Baltimore and carried across country. She scanned the parking lot looking for Jack's vehicular pride and joy and was surprised when they approached and stopped at a red Toyota 4runner SUV.

Before she could comment he backed Elizabeth out of the view of the public, against the passenger side door and pressed his lips to hers. "I have missed you so much," he stated as he barely got the words out before his lips met hers again and again, each kiss more passionate than the one before.

"Jack, although I'm very happy to see you, it's probably not polite to manhandle me against someone else's car; take me to our car and manhandle me," she giggled as she continued searching for his SUV.

"Get a room Thornton," Justin Turner, the LA Dodgers third baseman called out as he and pitcher, Clayton Kershaw walked by.

"Hey guys," Jack excitedly called out, "Come here."

Both men walked over as Justin mentioned, "This beautiful woman must be your wife."

"It certainly is. Elizabeth, this is Justin Turner and Clayton Kershaw…Clayton and Justin, this is my wife, Elizabeth."

Clayton turned to Elizabeth, "I'm happy to meet you, Elizabeth. I haven't known Jack for long, but from what he's told me, being here with you on the east coast has been really difficult for him."

Elizabeth wrapped her arm through Jack's, "It certainly wasn't the best situation, so I'm glad to be here now."

Both men stuck out their arms and shook Elizabeth's hand. Justin laughed softly, "We initially thought you weren't real, and then when you were hurt…" he stopped suddenly, surprised that he'd brought up such a frightening experience. "I'm sorry; I didn't mean to bring that up."

"That's okay, it ended up being a blessing in disguise," she immediately put him at ease with her understanding.

"Congratulations…" Justin offered.

Elizabeth smiled as she placed her free hand on her finally emerging baby bump, "Thank you very much."

"Great game today, Jack; you will be a huge asset to the Dodgers," Clayton offered as both men shook Jack's hand and bid the couple adieu.

Justin had walked approximately ten feet away when he stopped; turned around and said, "Don't forget what we talked about…"

"I'd like to," Jack responded.

"You have a strong commitment, just keep the team in mind," Clayton yelled out as the two men laughed before turning around and continuing toward their cars.

Finding the last of their exchange to be a bit confusing, but assuming that by commitment he meant Jack's commitment to her, she softly murmured, "That was sweet; odd but sweet."

"Where are you parked?" she asked.

"Right here, this is our car," Jack placed their bags in the back seat.

"A Toyota…? I mean it's beautiful, but you loved your BMW," she was shocked and surprised.

"I thought it would be better as a family vehicle. You know, carrying around strollers and diaper bags and such; plus it'll be easier to get the baby in and out," he stated as he opened the passenger side door. "I'm sorry; I should have discussed it with you before I did it…"

"That's okay; I'm just surprised; you loved that car…"

"I love you and Peanut more…" he responded as he helped her inside. Once he slipped behind the wheel he turned to her, "I just can't believe you're here. You look so good, glowing actually, and" he placed his hand on her abdomen, "The baby is growing."

"I had an appointment with Dr. Devine and she said that the baby is doing well; she's about 8 ½ inches long and weighs about three-quarters of a pound. I'm eating better, so it's helping her grow," Elizabeth explained.

"She; are we having a girl?" he asked, sounding excited as if the male desire for a clone of himself didn't matter to Jack.

"I'm sorry; I keep saying 'she' but I still don't know. Do you want to do a gender reveal, or simply wait until he, or she arrives?" she asked.

He hesitated, "Well, if I'm honest, I'd like to know, but truly whatever it is, I'll be ecstatic."

"I think I'd like to know too. I mean, it'll make it easier to decorate the nursery," Elizabeth admitted. "What's your schedule? Maybe mom and dad would like to come out. I know he'd love to watch you play and then we could get your mom and do something with just family."

She continued, "Tom isn't too far away, so maybe he would like to come, or we can videotape it and send it to those who can't be here."

Jack started the SUV, "When do you want to do it?" he asked.

"Look at your schedule and we can go from there."

On their way home Jack suddenly realized that he had minimal food at the house. "I'm sorry, but since I wasn't expecting you, I don't have much food at the house. What would you like for dinner and then we'll go to Ralph's in the morning for groceries."

"I'd love an In-N-Out Burger," she quickly responded.

"Do you want your fries "Animal Style?" he asked as he happened upon the iconic hamburger joint on the corner of Sunset and Orange, and pulled into the nearly packed parking lot.

"Animal Style; what's that?" she responded.

"The fries are covered in cheese, grilled onions and Thousand Island dressing," he explained.

Elizabeth looked down and placed her hand on her abdomen, "Do you want your fries Animal Style, Peanut?" she suddenly gasped. Grabbing his hand, she placed it on her stomach, "Do you feel it?"

"Is that the baby?" Jack asked. He was so enthralled with the movement of his child that the car behind him had to beep the horn to get him to move along.

Pulling into a parking space he sat motionless, her hand over top of his as they laughed and cried over this simple moment, the first time either of them had felt the baby kick. Elizabeth had felt fluttering, but this was a definite kick, not painful by any means but still an emotional take your breath away kind of moment nonetheless, and she was thankful that they were together to share it.

"Does it hurt?" he asked, wanting to know everything.

"Not yet, but I'm sure as he or she gets bigger it may become more uncomfortable," she replied before reaching up and wiping away a few tears from his cheeks that he tried to hide.

Jack took a deep breath before exiting the vehicle and heading around to open her door. The restaurant was packed, and while Jack stood in line, Elizabeth grabbed a table.

As he waited to place his order, she counted six people who came up to congratulate him on today's game; to tell him how happy they were that he was in LA, and to ask for his autograph.

Making his way through the incredibly crowded restaurant, he took a seat across from Elizabeth and placed the tray containing two cheeseburgers, two orders of Animal Style French fries, and two soft drinks between them.

When they weren't eating, they held hands. Their eyes rarely drifted from one another as her silent thought was to get home and show him just how much she'd missed him.

After they finished dinner, Elizabeth slipped into the bathroom while Jack went back to the counter, surprising her with a Neapolitan milkshake when she returned.

It was still daylight when they pulled out of the In-N-Out Burger parking lot, but by the time they made it home, the sun was starting to set in the horizon. They pulled into the driveway and she sat for a moment, staring at the huge home he'd purchased for her on the water. She rolled her window down listening to the waves, which were loud, yet soothing as they crashed onto the shore on the other side of the dunes.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

"I just can't believe I'm here," she stated as she glanced at the side of the house and the yard Jack had made certain to include so that Lizzie would have some grass.

"You miss her, don't you?" he asked as his hand slipped behind her neck and his thumb grazed across her cheek.

"I do, but leaving her with Brenda was the best thing for her. With her age and her heart murmur having gotten worse, the trip out here could have been deadly for her," her excitement at being back with him was suddenly tempered by having left Lizzie behind.

Realizing that she'd made a decision without his input she stated, "Oh, just so you know, I left a credit card number with Dr. Bradshaw's office to cover any of Lizzie's vet expenses. I hope that was okay."

"Of course it's okay. I'm glad you thought to do that. I mean, I appreciate Brenda taking her on, but she shouldn't have to cover her vet bills."

"I'm sorry; I still should have discussed it with you first."

"I guess we're both getting used to having another person to run things by; it's not just you or me; it's us…" he took hold of her hand and brought it to his lips.

Elizabeth yawned.

"Would you like to go inside?" he asked.

"I am tired, but I think I'd like to dip my toes in the sand first," she responded.

"Okay, a walk it is…"

Jack stepped out of the SUV and quickly walked around to the passenger side where he opened her door and helped her out. She held onto his shoulder as she removed her shoes, preferring to walk barefooted.

He took hold of her hand and they made their way out toward the water. As they began their walk, the sun was still up in the overcast sky. However, they seemed to lose track of time and as they started back to the house, the sun now appeared as though it was resting on the water as three seagulls searched from above for their dinner.

"This is breathtaking, Jack," she mentioned as she glanced out on the water, enjoying the calm of the ocean and the exhilarating smell of the salt air.

"It certainly is," he responded as his eyes remained on her.

Turning her to face him, his arms slipped around her waist. Her hands walked up his arms and lovingly draped over his shoulders, crossing behind his neck. "Do you have any idea how much I've missed you…both of you?" he whispered before gently capturing her lips.

"I'm sorry that it took me so long to realize that here is where I need to be," she admitted. "It was hard being away from you, but I know that I placed a lot of worry on you, and I'm so sorry that I wasn't more sympathetic to your feelings."

"You know, nothing matters now except that you and Peanut are here…"

"Well, Peanut didn't have any choice in the matter, but I'm certain that he, or she will love the west coast as much as mom and dad," she draped her arms through his and leaned against his body.

"Are you tired?" he asked.

"It has been a long day, so yeah, Peanut and I are exhausted," Elizabeth sighed, sounding much like a slight summer breeze, soft and gentle, but nearly lost against the rhythmic percussion of the waves upon the sand.

"Whoa," she screamed in surprise; "What are you doing?" she asked as Jack swept one arm behind her knees and the other across her back, lifting her up and carrying her toward the house.

"Just relax…"

"Jack, I'm getting too heavy for you to carry; put me down, I can walk."

"Just humor me, and you aren't heavy," he assured her.

Once inside the house, he placed her feet on the floor. Jack grabbed his bag before asking, "Do you need both bags tonight?"

"No, just my tote bag is fine," she stated as he slipped the strap over his other shoulder, took her hand and they headed upstairs.

While Elizabeth freshened up in the bathroom, Jack changed into a pair of shorts and opened the doors to the balcony before climbing into bed. The sound of the waves rolling in was soothing, actually quite relaxing and the salt air seemed to do wonders for removing any cares from his mind.

He pulled back the covers and crawled in, draping the sheet halfway over his body. It seemed as though it had been forever since they'd been together, not specifically intimately, but simply in the same room, and now having her in bed with him was going to be both wonderful, yet equally excruciating.

Elizabeth stepped out of the bathroom wearing a pink nightgown that fell a few inches above her knees with a lacey bodice and spaghetti straps. She slipped into bed beside him and was practically asleep by the time her head hit the pillow.

With her back to him, Jack propped his elbow on his pillow as he rested his head on his hand while watching her sleep. He couldn't help but smile at her presence in his bed, knowing that she was finally home where she belonged.

Before he realized it, it was after midnight and he was still watching her. He still couldn't believe that she was there with him. Every time he closed his eyes, they sprung back open, fearful that he would find it all to be a dream.

His breathing, like hers was slow and rhythmic. His body hadn't felt this calm since…well, he couldn't remember. First there was the stress of getting her to look at him as a man and not simply an untrustworthy baseball player. Then there was the entire Selma Bartucci debacle, her parents' displeasure, the wedding, although beautiful and memorable, the initial lack of a minister added to the tension, and who could forget her accident, and their subsequent coast to coast separation?

All in all, everything they went through had gotten them to this point, and he knew that the love they carried for each other would get them through anything. After all, they were a family of two, soon to be three and he couldn't imagine being happier than he was at that moment.

Then she rolled over on her back and he observed an angelic presence upon her face; a smile so warm and captivating as he brushed several loose strands of hair behind her ear before kissing her forehead. "I love you…" he whispered.

"Hum," she muttered as her eyes remained closed.

"Go back to sleep; I didn't mean to wake you up," he replied, before leaning over and pressing his lips to her stomach, "Daddy loves you too, Peanut."

Several hours later, Elizabeth woke. Although she knew that Peanut's movements would become more exaggerated as her pregnancy progressed, right now, even the slightest movements were exciting. To her, Peanut was flipping and flopping, albeit sensations from the inside and she felt so blessed to be experiencing this wonder of life, but certainly didn't want to keep it to herself.

Glancing beside her, Jack slept. She held his hand and placed it on her abdomen. He never woke, but appeared to smile and take a deep cleansing breath as Peanut rolled from side to side, the subtle movements feeling quite calming to both of them.

Once Peanut drifted back to sleep, Elizabeth slipped out of bed, grabbed her journal from her bag and walked downstairs. Pouring herself a glass of orange juice, the only thing in the refrigerator that was within the expiration date, she stepped out onto the deck and took a seat.

It was still dark, but the full moon over the water shed enough light allowing her to capture her feelings, emotions and thoughts on paper. Flipping to the next blank page she clicked her pen, took a deep breath and began to write…

"Love isn't always perfect. It most certainly isn't a fairytale, a storybook with a romantic ending or the perfect dream. It's an acceptable four-letter word that is quite easy to spell, difficult to define, and truly impossible to live without. It means overcoming obstacles, facing challenges, and doing whatever is necessary to be together while holding on to what you've found, determined to never let go.

A lifelong commitment isn't what many people believe it to be. It's not making love every day before cuddling in bed until you each fall asleep. It isn't waking up every morning to make breakfast before you spend every moment of the day together, and it isn't the knowledge that there will only be loving, and kind words forever expressed between you. It's someone who habitually steals the covers, snores when they swear that they don't, and at times it's slammed doors and unintended comments.

A true commitment to someone means the momentary silent treatment as you stubbornly disagree, and then need time for your heart to heal before offering forgiveness. It's wanting to be with the same person day after day, coming home to them because you know they love and care about you in spite of, and because of who you are. It's laughing together about something stupid you did. It's accepting the dirty laundry, the unmade beds, the lack of food in the house, and it's about helping each other with the difficult work of life. It's the comfort you feel when you've had an emotional day and your partner lies beside you, holding you and promising that everything will be okay…and you completely believe them.

Commitment means staying around long after the infatuation has worn off. It's swallowing those nagging words instead of speaking them. It's still loving someone even though they can make you absolutely insane at times, and it's realizing that the life growing inside of you is an expression of the love and deep devotion that you share.

My dear Peanut, may you always know that you were wished for, longed for, prayed for, so dearly wanted and above all else, conceived in love."

Elizabeth sat her journal on the table before walking to the railing. Glancing out on the ocean she was mesmerized by the full moon and the soothing sounds of the waves as the tide appeared to be rushing in.

She wasn't certain how long she'd stood in that one spot, but it seemed that before she knew it, the sun was rising, and she heard voices and dogs barking off in the distance.

Upstairs, Jack woke and calmly stretched, but jumped out of bed when he called out Elizabeth's name and she didn't respond. He made his way downstairs, finding her standing out on the lower balcony, leaning against the railing apparently hypnotized by the rolling waves.

Observing her from behind, he approached her and slipped his arms around her waist as his hands rested on her abdomen. Leaning in he whispered, "I had the best dream… I felt Peanut moving again."

Initially startled, she turned around to face him, "You did. When I woke up, Peanut was bouncing around so I put your hand on my stomach so you could feel it too."

"Thank you…"

He looked delicious in his shorts with no shirt, his body tanned by the sun and in perfect shape. However, before she could suggest that they head back up to bed, he backed away and stated, "I'm going to get dressed and run to Ralph's for some groceries. Would you like to go, or just give me a list?"

Given the fact that they hadn't been intimate in months, Elizabeth found his behavior, though kind and considerate, a bit abnormal from what she expected. She just assumed that making love would be the first thing on his mind when he saw her; maybe because it was actually the first thing on her mind when she laid eyes on him.

However, knowing that she'd travelled across country and was exhausted; she actually appreciated him not pressing her for intimacy. As it was, she didn't even recall crawling into bed, and could only assume that sleep was truly what her body needed.

However, now she stood in what was becoming her typical nightgown, nothing in her estimation screamed "SEXY," as the material stretched, allowing for her pregnant tummy to grow, and she watched as Jack rushed off to the grocery store, with a promise from her that she would text her list.

She walked upstairs and grabbed her phone, sitting on the side of the bed while she tapped out her list…

Apples- Fugi preferably
Bananas- yellow, not green (they are too hard)
Yogurt (Yoplait Blueberry please)
Salad stuff
Raspberry vinaigrette salad dressing
Chicken
Watermelon
Dill Pickles
Peanut Butter
Bread
Bagels- Blueberry
Cream Cheese
Sardines – Smoked in olive oil
Oreos- Double stuff please
Pistachio Ice Cream…don't ask
Spring Water
Crackers
Cheese- Mild cheddar

Thank you, Jack… I love you!

Elizabeth took a seat on the sofa and turned on the TV, scrolling through the channels until stopping when she came across Page Six Entertainment. Remembering her horrific experience with Carlos Greer and his reporting of Jack's supposed relationship with Selma, she wanted to scroll forward, but something kept her watching.

Halfway through the 30 minute show, Bevy Smith turned to Carlos, "Well I'll bet you are just so excited with baseball season starting. Any news to report?"

Suddenly, a picture of Elizabeth and Jack hugging at the Dodger Stadium gate flashed up on screen. Carlos shuffled a few pieces of paper on the table before commenting, "It looks like Jack Thornton may be able to keep his mind on the game now that his wife…yes, remember ladies, he's taken; anyway, my source says that his wife Elizabeth is pregnant…"

Bevy jumped in, "Oh, is that a suitcase? Is she coming or going?"

"She's staying…" Elizabeth blurted out at the TV.

"Don't start something, Bevy," Carlos mentioned before turning to camera #2, "I was very fortunate to attend Jack and Elizabeth's wedding; it was beautiful out on the beach at Santa Monica. My source says that she's moved from the east coast out here to the west." Carlos looked into camera #1 and stated, "Elizabeth Thornton, welcome to Dodger-nation!"

Elizabeth picked up her phone to send Jack a text…

"We were on Page 6 TV…oh, and can u bring me some nachos?"

Jack immediately responded, "R u ok…?"

"Yes, but I need nachos…oh, & hot sauce…"

"4 breakfast? U don't even like hot sauce…"

"Jack…"

"I'll stop at El Huero and get u nachos w/ hot sauce…"

"TY…"

Elizabeth went upstairs and changed into a pair of jeans with the maternity insert, and her new favorite baseball belly soft white t-shirt before coming back downstairs.

Jack returned home and carried in bag after bag of groceries, "I got everything on your list and then some, but if you want anything else, just let me know." He suddenly caught a glimpse of her in her baseball t-shirt, "I love that; you look beautiful."

With the counters cluttered with food items, she cracked open the dill pickles and pulled one from the jar before closing the lid and placing it in the refrigerator.

"Hmm, this pickle is perfect. Oh, did you find pistachio ice cream?" she asked.

"I sure did; did you want some?" he asked, so thankful to see her appetite, albeit bizarre, having returned.

"No thank you; I was saving that for the sardines…" she remarked as she surveyed his haul from Ralph's.

After they put away the groceries and enjoyed a late, albeit unconventional nachos breakfast, Jack suggested, "Would you like to take a walk?"

"I'd love to," she replied.

Jack took her hand and led her outside where they walked equivalent to a city block, stopping along the way to watch an Egret in the water.

"I still can't believe you're here," he remarked as his arm went around her waist and pulled her into his body. "I don't think you know, oh maybe you do, how much you being here means to me. Now I can fully concentrate on the game and give them my best, because I'm not worried about you."

Before she could respond, he continued, "Oh, who am I kidding; I always worry about you."

"No need to worry. Dr. Devine gave me a clean bill of health before I left. I'm cleared to do whatever I want to do, well within reason of course, but maybe we should go back and I can show you what I can do…" she stated as she took his hand and they started back toward the house.

Once inside, Elizabeth thought it was a bit odd that Jack was not racing upstairs, gently pulling her behind him. After all, it had been quite some time since they'd made love. With a clearance from her doctor to resume regular activities, including intimate ones, he still seemed to be holding back for some reason.

"Is something wrong?" she asked.

Jack walked through the family room and stepped out on the balcony. He stared out into the ocean as the sound of the waves easily swept him away.

Elizabeth walked up behind him and slipped her arms around his waist pressing her chest against his back. "What's wrong Jack?" she asked.

He turned around to face her; "I need to talk to you about something."

"What is it?" she asked before remembering the odd comment Justin had made the previous day regarding his conversation with Jack and something about commitments. "Jack, is it me? Do you not think of me as sexy right now?" she asked, finding it difficult to accept the visual in her mind of Jack not finding her attractive.

Jack quickly blurted out, "No, no, no…don't you even go there. You are the most beautiful woman I have ever known, and I think you can easily tell how much I want you right now."

She stepped closer; observing the tenting in his shorts, she giggled as she felt his erection pressing against her leg. "So, if you have the desire, and it isn't because you no longer find me attractive, I'm confused. What did Justin mean yesterday when he said something about commitment? Is it your commitment to me?"

"It's a different commitment," he replied.

"Oh, what kind of commitment?" she asked.

"No sex before games," he responded.

She laughed in disbelief, "Yeah right…"

He looked serious which surprised her, "Oh, you aren't joking…really?"

He laughed softly, "It's just a habit I got into years ago; you know it conserves my energy for the game."

"Excuse me? You've never told me about that before."

"Is it a problem?" he asked.

"No, of course not; besides, how many days are we talking about?" she asked, completely forgetting how jam packed the major league season is.

"Well, we're in town for this circuit and then we're gone for five days, so the next break I have is in eight days."

"Excuse me? How is it that I didn't know anything about this?"

"Well, if you recall, we didn't sleep together until after the season was over."

"That's true, but 'Mr. I Have To Conserve My Energy,' I do believe that there were a few occasions that we were together that you would have said so long to your pre-game celibacy."

"Well, you wanted to wait until we were married, so it never came up…"

Elizabeth laughed, "Oh, it came up, alright."

"Knock it off; you know what I mean," he blushed at her teasing.

"Yeah but Jack, we weren't together because I was a virgin, not because you had some…oh, I don't know, is it a superstition?"

"I guess that's what you'd call it, but it's a problem, isn't it?"

"You know, I'm sorry Jack. It's just been so long since I've seen you, since we've been together, but you know what…?"

"What…?"

"I guess it's my turn to be patient," she went up on her tiptoes and gently pressed her lips to his.

"Are you sure you're okay with this?" he asked as she walked back into the house.

"I'm fine, Jack. We'll just have to make the best of our times together when you have days off…you know, those few and far between days off you get," she responded.

She walked to the entryway and grabbed her rolling carry-on suitcase and headed for the stairs.

"What are you doing?" he asked as he ran back inside.

"Nothing; I'm just taking my stuff upstairs to get ready for the game. Is something wrong?" she responded.

"You don't need to carry that; I'll get it."

"Thank you Jack, but it has wheels; I can roll it up the stairs," she reminded him.

He took it by the handle and headed for the second floor, "I have it."

Elizabeth pulled her sleeveless, grey maxi dress with the handkerchief hem and elastic fabric from her suitcase and slipped it on along with a pair of black flip flops embellished with rhinestones. She brushed out her hair and pulled it into a ponytail and sat on the side of the bed while she waited for Jack to finish his shower.

Without thinking, he walked out into the bedroom, still wet with only a towel around his waist. Elizabeth couldn't help but to scan his body as she wondered how on Earth she was going to go without touching him, tasting him, and feeling him inside of her for the next ten days.

"I'll meet you downstairs," she stated as she walked passed him, her body brushing his slightly.

As she left the room he sat on the bed with thoughts of the last time they made love together swirling in his mind. "Stay strong, Jack…" he muttered.

Ten minutes later he was downstairs and found her standing on the deck, "I can't get over how beautiful this is," she stated as she heard him approach from behind. "I keep thinking that I'll blink and something will change, the picture of this flawless elegance will be gone."

"You are absolutely gorgeous; you know; it's true what they say about pregnant women; you do glow…" he stated; his hand rested along her neck as his lips brushed across hers.

She smiled, "Well, that's sweet of you to say; I'm just not sure with my stomach starting to arrive before the rest of me, that I feel gorgeous. Are you ready to go?" she asked as she turned and started for the front door.

He took hold of her arm and turned her back to face him. He caught her off guard as he stepped forward pressing his lips to hers. It was soft and gentle as a wave of warmth filled him, spilling out from his heart, rushing to each and every corner of his body, feeling his nerve endings standing on end from his scalp to the tips of his toes. Every inch of him felt completely saturated with love for her.

On his lips, she tasted the peppermint candy that he'd eaten following breakfast. It was simultaneously warm and cool, and a bit spicy as she realized that this non-verbal conversation between them was expressing just how honest his prior comment had been.

"I love you," he stated.

"I love you too," she replied as she took his hand and they left the house.

Once they arrived at the stadium, Jack walked Elizabeth over to the "Wives" section and introduced her to Kourtney Turner, Justin's wife, Ellen Kershaw, Clayton's wife, and Kelley Cline, Max Muncy's girlfriend.

Elizabeth took a seat and Jack kissed her goodbye before heading toward the locker room. As he turned the corner, he stood for a moment, much like a parent watching their child join the group on the playground for the first time. He was thankful for the reception she received as it was apparently nothing like the one the Mets wives initially extended to her when they selfishly decided that Jack needed to be with Selma.

As each of the wives or girlfriends entered the special section of seating, Elizabeth was introduced to them and was quickly welcomed to the fold. Everyone was warm and engaging, with the wives who had already given birth offering advice if she needed it, and those still waiting to enter that chapter in their lives telling her how lucky she was.

Although Elizabeth began her new life on the west coast on a positive note, Jack's second game could only have been described as disappointing. He struck out once; the right fielder caught his line drive in his second at bat, and although he took first base on balls, he was the second calamity in a double play when he slid into third base, and was quickly tagged out.

Sadly, Jack didn't fare much better out in the field. He did catch a high fly ball in the seventh inning, but his arm, usually on fire and under control, threw wildly to home plate allowing the game winning run, as the Arizona Diamondbacks came out on top 2-3.

Elizabeth sat quietly not quite certain how to handle the chants throughout the first base side of Thornton- go home…

She knew that this was bound to be an unfamiliar scenario for him. Although she didn't know him before last season, his game, as she knew it, had always been above par. While sitting in her seat waiting on Jack to shower and change, several of the wives and girlfriends came up to her and teased, "Girl, he needs a little something to take the edge off."

With the noise of the crowd leaving the stadium and music playing through the loud speaker, Elizabeth wasn't certain that she'd heard them correctly. Need something…surely they aren't implying drugs. As the players swung by and picked up their respective girlfriends and wives, Elizabeth continued to wait on Jack while she thought about their comment.

Obviously his game playing today was certainly not indicative of his true capabilities, and everyone can have an off day now and then. But she couldn't help but to think that if she was not going to have intimate time with him under the guise that he will play better, she'd actually like to see him…play better. Then it dawned on her…he needs a little something to take the edge off, and with a giggle, she realized exactly what they meant.

Jack spent additional time alone in the locker room reflecting on his game. Maybe deep down he was hoping that the stands would clear and he wouldn't have to face anyone but Elizabeth when he left.

Elizabeth was busy watching the grounds crew cover the field when Jack entered the "Wives" seating area and walked up behind her. Startled when he placed his hand on her shoulder, she immediately tried to stand but he took the seat beside her.

"I'm sorry that I kept you waiting," he offered as he glanced out onto the field.

"That's okay; I don't mind waiting. Are you okay?" she asked.

"I've never played that bad in all my years in the sport. I mean, maybe I'd have some errors in the field, but my batting was good or vice versa, but to…" he released a frustrated breath and shook his head from side to side.

"Jack, you need to shake it off and try to figure out what went wrong, correct it and move on," she suggested.

He leaned over and kissed her cheek, "Maybe I need more rest," he muttered realizing that he was up most of the night watching her sleep.

"Well, I guess that's one thought, but think about it; there may be others," she replied as she had the impression that her comment went over his head.

"Well, are you ready to go?" he asked as he stood up and took her hand.

"Sure," she replied as they walked out of the stadium hand in hand.

Still upset about his performance, and feeling the need to release some negative energy he asked, "Are you tired?"

Her body felt immediately warm inside assuming that he had "caught her drift" earlier. She happily replied, "No, not tired at all…"

"Would you like to go for a walk out on Santa Monica beach; I mean, it would be nice to go back where we go married," he suggested.

Oh crap was what she wanted to say, but "Sure, that sounds lovely," was what actually passed through her lips.

The Santa Monica pier was packed so they parked in the lot by the beach and started walking. The sound of seagulls could be heard amidst the waves lapping the shore. It was peaceful as Elizabeth stopped to take off her flip flops, glancing up to see that Jack had stepped ahead and seemed mesmerized by the tranquility of the water and the glow of the sunset on the horizon.

He stood pensive in thought as she approached and put her arm through his. "What can I do to help?" she asked.

His finger under her chin lifted her lips to his. Once his lips released hers he whispered, "You're already helping."

"Why don't we go home and have some dinner. I'll go to bed earlier tonight and I should be ready for the game tomorrow," he stated as they started back down the beach and to their awaiting vehicle.

Following dinner they sat in the den and watched an episode of the reality show 90 Day Fiancé with each one laughing at the absurdity of moving across the world to date someone possibly ending in marriage 90 days later.

"I can't believe that people are so gullible," he stated as he watched Omar profess his love to Maria over the phone, while she asked him to send her more money.

"You know, I didn't want you because of your money…" she began.

"I know, and I sadly stuffed some in your purse," he replied, thinking back to his faux pas of slipping $300.00 into her bag during one of her visits to New York.

"You know Jack, it was a sweet thought, and back then I think I was just looking for reasons why we wouldn't work, so I acted as though I was insulted at your gesture," she admitted. "But from the time we met, you've always wanted to take care of me. I may have wanted to prove that I can do things on my own, but…" she stopped as a few tears slipped from her eyes. "I'm sorry, it seems now that I cry all the time and most times it's for no reason."

He brushed the tears from her cheek as she fanned her face for a moment before continuing, "I may have wanted to prove that I can do things on my own, but while you were with the Hawks, and you met me in the parking lot before each game and took me back to my car at the end of the evening, I felt so safe, and so thankful. And then when you moved back to the Mets and you got me a parking space up front because you couldn't be there…I love you."

"I hated leaving…you know, getting back to the Mets was all I thought about until I saw you. My plan was to rehab and get back to the majors as fast as possible," he smiled while releasing a soft breath which sounded much like a gentle laugh. "You shot my plan to pieces."

She smiled at disrupting his plan; "What did you notice first about me?" she asked.

"Well you were kind of far away when I first saw you, but I knew I hadn't seen you before, and I thought you were the most beautiful woman I'd ever laid my eyes on."

"Oh, so it wasn't my voluptuous breasts," she laughed, knowing that until she'd become pregnant, and filled out in that area that 'voluptuous breasts' were not two words that she would have ever used to describe herself.

"Uh, is this a trick question?" he asked, "If so, I thought every part of you was perfect, but when I first saw you up close, I noticed your eyes; they were so blue, so soulful."

He continued, "I knew at that first moment…well, once I realized that you weren't married to the team doctor, I knew I wanted to be with you. You fought it," he leaned over and kissed her forehead. "I knew you were scared, but then again, so was I."

"You were afraid?" she asked.

"I was afraid of not being with you. Elizabeth, you were like no other woman I had ever met, and us not being together wasn't an option, for me at least. But then there were times when I thought maybe you weren't going to give us a chance," his arm around shoulders pulled her tightly against his body.

"We have had our share of misunderstandings, that's for sure," her head rested against his chest.

"But we're in a great place now, and we're expecting a baby…"

She raised up, "Speaking of which, you have an off night next Saturday, how about I contact my family and see if they want to come out for the gender reveal. If they can't I'm sure your mom would like to be there and we can film it for those who aren't able to be present," she suggested.

"Sounds perfect," he stood up, "Are you ready to go to bed?"

"Sure, are you tired," she asked.

"Yeah, it's been a long day," he replied.

Slightly disappointed, she took his hand and they walked together to the staircase. Once upstairs, Elizabeth slipped into the bathroom while Jack changed into his shorts. He pulled back the covers while waiting patiently for her to return. There was no doubt in his mind that he was ecstatic to have her home, but given his pre-game tradition, of which she had just learned, he wondered how he could go back to wanting her, yet being unable to touch her.

The door opened and she walked out into the bedroom. "My other bags should be delivered tomorrow," she stated as she nonchalantly and quite gracefully crossed the room.

His heart practically exploded when she approached wearing a mint green negligee with a lace bodice, thin spaghetti straps, and asymmetrical hem, with her emerging baby bump still slightly hidden.

"E-Liz-a-Beth…" he groaned; "What are you doing to me?"

She walked over and stood beside the bed, "What are you talking about?"

He began to sweat; his body felt as though he'd been set on fire; his desire and want for her was so strong that he could barely think, much less remember his 'no pre-game sex commitment. "Are you actually going to wear that?"

She glanced down as if she didn't know what he was referring to. "I can take it off if you'd prefer," she stated coyly.

He closed his eyes assuming that without visually seeing her that his body would not want her, but truly knowing all the while that he didn't have to see her to need her; to desire her; to want her.

"I'll sleep over on this side," she stated as she positioned herself on the far edge of their king size bed, placing her an arm's length away from him. With her back to him, she closed her eyes and smiled, knowing all the while that teasing him like this was most likely unfair.

Jack took a deep breath trying to clear his mind. The only thing it did, however, was fill his senses with the floral notes of her perfume, and recalled memories of them together before their marriage, wanting to be with her, but knowing that he couldn't be.

As visions passed through his mind, the last time they made love filled his head with the feelings, emotions and thoughts of that moment, quickly consuming him.

As Elizabeth's breathing calmed, his intensified. Even without looking in his direction, she felt his warm breath and his soft, gentle touch. Possibly it was the memories of their times together, etched so deeply in her mind that brought those moments to the surface. No matter the cause, the effect was a warming of her blood, a desire for him that could not be contained.

Scooting over closer to her, he slipped his arm around her waist assuming that just feeling her next to him would be enough. Quickly he realized that nothing short of touching, tasting and experiencing every inch of her would satisfy him.

Jack swept her wavy auburn hair away from her neck as his lips first met her shoulder, completely forgetting about his tradition, his superstition, his long term pre-game no sex ban.

The sensation of his touch caused her to turn over in bed; staring into each other's eyes, they were so close, sharing the same air as his lips met hers.

Their bodies touched as his hand slipped behind her neck, deepening their connection. The kiss, steeped in passion, ignited the fire that each one had previously held dormant while separated.

Jack pulled her to his chest as his hand slipped through her hair. He gazed into her eyes, looking at her in a way that had always been reserved only for her. His hand moved along her silhouette as goose-bumps lined her skin; not the kind that indicated she was cold, but the kind she got when realizing that nothing else but right here, right now, mattered.

A soft but teasing smile crept upon her face; she knew what she was doing to him, for she too felt the strong need and desire for his touch as well. However, as their lips met over and over with each kiss becoming more passionate, backing away became less likely, and seemingly more impossible.

With the 'pre-game no sex' ban out the window, he knew that she was his drug of choice, and with one touch, his intoxication was instant.

His finger slipped under the strap of her negligee and her skin immediately tingled at his touch. As he pulled the strap over her shoulder, his lips moved along her collarbone; his tongue tasted the saltiness of her skin, and his body's desire to have her completely consumed him.

His lips pressed against the soft sensitive skin on her neck just below her ear as her head tilted giving him free access. "It's been so long Elizabeth…"

"Too long…"

Starting at her ankle, his hand moved up her leg, eliciting soft, gentle moans as he reached higher. His finger slipped through the thin strap of her bikini panties, also mint green and matching her negligee perfectly.

His hand moved back down her leg; her panties hooked in the crook of his forefinger as he slipped them off and dropped them to the floor. His lips tasted the skin across her chest and his hands touched every inch of her legs as they continued to move up her body.

What she felt was so comfortable, so familiar, as their times together had become everything that each one needed, looked forward to, and longed for. But it had also been a while, almost seemingly forever, since she'd been with him.

Her legs separated as his fingers touched her aching flesh; her back arched and her body pressed closer as his fingers, gently moving against her, hit that spot that could quickly turned her once soft, gentle moans into one long high pitched orgasm.

Jack took the hem of her negligee and rolled it between his thumb and forefinger, gently pulling the sheer garment over her head and dropping it to the floor where it joined her panties. His lips traced down her chest as his mouth quickly covered her left breast while he rolled the nipple of her right one between his fingers.

She could feel her nipples harden against his touch as she felt him harden against her naked form. Her hand rested on his abdomen; his tight, six-pack, perfectly conditioned abdomen, as her fingers slipped under the elastic waist of his shorts, causing him to excitedly gasp.

His hands on either side of his shorts pulled at the material, trying his best to remove them quickly.

"No, let me," she responded as her hands covered his and pushed them away. He lifted his hips and she carefully pulled his shorts down his legs, dropping them on top of her negligee and panties.

Her lips pressed against his skin, starting at his chest, moving downward to his stomach as she could feel his breath quicken. From his bellybutton down to his pelvis, her fingers walked, teasing him as her eyes maintained contact with his.

Her hand closed around him as his hips moved against her; slowly moving her hand up she observed his head lean back and his eyes close when she took him by mouth.

He softly moaned, enjoying the sensation, not wanting it to end, but knowing that he wanted and needed to feel more of her. With his hands on her arms, he pulled her up his body and gently rolled her over on her back.

Jack positioned himself between her legs as she cradled his hips against her thighs. She no longer thought about the sharp pain she had experienced the first time they were together, and she knew of nothing, absolutely nothing that could ever feel as good or as satisfying as him slowly sliding inside her.

Inch by inch he slowly pressed deeper as her body happily and gratefully absorbed him. His strokes started out slow and deliberate, but his deep insatiable need for her drove him as they increased in speed and intensity.

He could feel her pelvis rise from the bed as if she was searching for something in the air. He snapped his hips back and forth, withdrawing only to fill her up again, as he sought the much desired release inside her.

Closer and closer he brought her body to the edge. The strength of what was building between them was staggering, as sparks of sensation coursed through her veins, leaving her body feeling warm. She was so close as every cell within her body contracted, and she knew that if he stopped right now, she would have to cry or beg, whatever was necessary to get him to finish what he'd started.

However, there was no chance that he would stop, as his need to touch, be touched, to take and to give was quite overwhelming. He pressed deeper and deeper as her fingers worked against the straining muscles in his shoulders.

His blood pounded in his veins, almost as powerful as the waves crashing onto the shore; the sound of which was easily heard but nearly drowned out by their sighs of pleasure.

She shuddered as his body collapsed beside in her on the bed. Their breaths were erratic, rapid and broken as they attempted to calm their pounding hearts. No words were spoken, as each one feared that their emotions would gain control if they'd tried.

He held her close as his hand gently brushed across her bare back while she rested on his chest and before long they were both asleep, with Jack catching up on some much needed rest that he missed out on the night before.

The following morning, as the sun was beginning to rise over the ocean, Jack pulled the blanket up over Elizabeth's arms before slipping out of bed. He pulled on a pair of sweatpants, grabbed his hoodie sweatshirt, and tied his tennis shoes before heading downstairs and out onto the beach. He stood at the waterline thinking about how blessed he was at this point in his life. Elizabeth was everything he could ever want in a partner, and to now be expecting their first child was beyond anything that he'd ever thought was truly possible for him. After a short walk and some much needed reflection, Jack started back for the house

Elizabeth woke and stretched. Reaching over for Jack, she found his side of the bed empty. "Jack," she whispered as she sat up. Looking out onto the balcony she observed the sun shining down on the water, but saw not Jack.

She slipped out of bed, grabbed her robe to cover herself and headed downstairs. Before she reached the first floor landing, she could hear him whistling.

In the kitchen, he was putting together a breakfast tray, so before being seen, she quickly returned to their bed, rested her head on the pillow and closed her eyes.

"Good morning sleepy head…" he called out as he entered their room carrying a tray of food.

She opened her eyes and stretched before sitting up in bed, "You did this for me?"

"I sure did. I made you pancakes, but full disclosure, they're frozen and I popped them in the toaster. There's also some fresh fruit, a blueberry yogurt cup, coffee and orange juice."

"Jack, that was so thoughtful of you; did you eat?" she asked.

"Yes, I got up earlier and ate before I took a walk on the beach," he replied.

"Are you okay?" she inquired.

"Just thinking about things," he offered. "I need to put yesterday's game behind me and move on."

"Today will be better; I'm sure of it," she assured him.

Later in the day, the third game of the five game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks started with Jack taking his position in centerfield. However, usually the cleanup batter, Jack was now batting eighth, just before the pitcher, Caleb Ferguson.

Jack couldn't help but to be concerned when he took the field in the top of the first inning, as some of the fans on the first base line were yelling for him to go back to the Mets. He couldn't blame them, well, he'd like to, but how he played was up to him and yesterday's game was certainly not a true testament to his capabilities.

With two outs in the first inning, the Diamondbacks catcher, Carson Kelly stepped up to the plate. On a count of 2-2 with two outs, Carson hit a low outside fastball sending it way over the second baseman's head and out into centerfield.

Jack ran deeper and deeper toward the centerfield fence. The chants of "Thornton Go Home," were quickly replaced by an eruption of applause when Jack leapt into the air and pulled the fly ball from the sky taking away a certain homerun before slamming into the fence, holding up his glove to show that the ball was still contained inside.

Right fielder, Cody Bellinger held out his hand and helped Jack up as he dusted himself off before heading in to the dugout. As he reached the infield, the fans were on their feet cheering his physical prowess on the field, but now he had to overcome the "batting monster" from yesterday.

Although the Dodgers earned one run in the bottom of the first inning when a triple by shortstop, Corey Seager, brought in runners Max Muncy and Cody Bellinger, the third out brought the inning to a close and sent the Dodgers back out onto the field in the top of the second inning.

The Dodgers managed to retire the Diamondbacks in the second inning with two hits, but no runs.

As Jack approached the plate, his heart pounded with visions of yesterday's debacle running through his head. Glancing up, he saw Elizabeth stand, Wearing a jersey knit maxi dress with white on the top and deep pink on the bottom, one arm cradled the bottom of her small but growing pregnant belly, while her other hand rested just across her midsection. She caught his eye, his heart calmed and they both smiled.

She sat back down and watched as he did his little butt wiggle at the plate. She giggled silently as she recalled watching him as a member of the Hawks and thought about how perfect he looked in the uniform. From the Hawks, to the Mets, and now to the Dodgers, he was scrumptious in his uniform, but then again, she was quite in love with his body sans the uniform as well.

He tapped the plate with the tip of his bat and stood firm as a low, outside pitch was barely caught by the catcher. As the count rose to 3-2, Jack settled in for the next pitch.

The pitcher squeezed the rosin bag before tossing it to the ground and taking hold of the baseball, Winding up, he threw a fastball just above Jack's knees and directly over home plate.

Jack swung, making contact as he watched the ball soar toward the left field fence. The left fielder, David Peralta sprinted for the fence and leapt into the air just as the ball soared out into the outfield seating area.

Jack made his way around the bases, meeting up with his teammates at home plate for congratulatory slaps on the back. The score was now 2-0.

The game continued with Jack being satisfied with his fielding and batting abilities, but no further additions to the scoreboard were made on either side until the sixth inning when the Diamondbacks took the lead 2-3.

During the seventh inning stretch, Jack ran toward the locker room, stopping on his way through to call Elizabeth over.

"I was a little preoccupied earlier today, but I wanted to tell you how beautiful you look," he stated as their hands joined through the chain link fencing.

"Thank you," she stated. "I love you," she mentioned as he took off for the dugout door, stopping to blow her a kiss before disappearing inside.

Jack's final at bat came in the eighth inning. He approached the plate with runners on first and second, as the Diamondbacks' pitching coach called for right-hand relief pitcher, Matt Andriese to take the mound.

Following several warm up pitches, Jack did his best to exclude the cheers from the first base side and the jeers from the third base side as he stepped up to the plate. On the first pitch, Jack swung, sending the ball deep between left and center field. He made it safely to second base as both of the runners crossed home plate allowing the Dodgers to again take the lead, 4-3.

The next batter struck out leaving Jack on base as the Dodgers again took to the field in the top of the ninth inning.

The first two batters were thrown out at first and by a caught foul ball, respectively. The next batter bunted the ball, barely making it to first base. The next batter hit two ground foul balls before hitting a high fly ball to centerfield. Jack was basically positioned perfectly as the ball practically fell into his glove ending the third game of the series, and redeeming him in the eyes of the Dodgers fans.

Elizabeth met Jack at the fence as he headed for the dugout to shower and change. "Hey Thornton," she jokingly called out, "Great game."

Feeling her hand through the wires, Jack held on to the chain link fence. Leaning in he whispered, "I think I have a new tradition…"

"Oh you do," she giggled. "What might that be?" she asked as if she didn't know, although she did.

"Making love to my beautiful wife. I don't know if it really has anything to do with my game, but it certainly is a lot more enjoyable," he softly added before disappearing into the locker room.

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

To be continued…