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.

Chapter 43- Pink or Blue

"Hello…"

"Elizabeth, did I wake you?" Jack asked as he did as promised and called her following his third away game against the Cincinnati Reds.

"No, of course not," she responded as she fought with her eyes; they wanted to stay closed, and her mind wanted them to pop open.

"Did you see the game?" he asked.

"Of course I did," she replied as she fought back a fierce oncoming yawn. Actually she'd seen at least the first inning before falling asleep, so technically she wasn't lying.

He laughed softly knowing that she had slept through the game. "That grand slam I hit in the seventh was my first one…"

"You hit it for me though, didn't you…?" she smiled feeling as though she was sneaking by the fact that she did, in fact fall asleep as he was taking the field in the third, or was it the second inning. Right now she didn't even know where she was, let alone how the game ended. Sadly she barely knew how it had begun.

"Honey, I didn't hit a grand slam…go back to sleep; I'll talk to you tomorrow."

"I want to talk to you," she quickly commented as the yawn she'd been fighting back broke through.

"I'm sorry to call you so late; I just missed hearing your voice," he stated. "You go back to sleep, and I'll be home early on Saturday morning."

"Hey, I'm setting up the gender reveal. We're going to do it here on the beach and my parents, Julie, Viola and your mom will be there. I called Tom, and they are going to try to make it, but he asked that we videotape it and send it to him if he isn't here," she stated as he began to hear excitement in her voice.

"Do you have a preference?" he asked.

"You know, I thought I might, but truly as long as the baby is healthy, I don't think I could be happier," she admitted. "How about you; are you hoping for a boy?"

He laughed.

"Why are you laughing? I thought all men wanted a son."

"I thought I did, but a daughter would be wonderful," he admitted which somewhat surprised her.

"Well, we'll know in a few days."

"Hey, honey; how do we find out?" he asked.

"Well, I contacted Dr. Devine's office and they checked the ultrasound result…"

"You don't know already, do you?" he asked.

"Absolutely not; I'm waiting to find out with you," she promised. "Anyway, I gave them the name of the company that is providing the reveal, and the doctor's office contacted them with the results. I pick up the baseball on Friday."

"Baseball…?"

"Yeah, I thought it would be appropriate for you to hit a baseball and the powder inside is either pink or blue," she explained. She couldn't see him, but the lift in his voice told her that he was excited.

Jack wasn't alone in his room, and feeling somewhat uncomfortable with his show of emotions, he stood up and walked outside. "I wish I was there with you right now, but I'll be home as soon as I can. I love you and I love Peanut so much…"

"We love you too; be careful and we'll see you on Saturday morning."

"Elizabeth…"

"Yeah honey…"

"Please put your phone on your tummy so I can say good night to Peanut," he requested.

Elizabeth sat back on the sofa and lifted her shirt to just under her bra. She placed her phone, face side down, on her stomach as she listened to Jack…

"Hey Peanut, it's me…Daddy. I love you so much. I can't wait to meet you, but take your time and please don't cause mommy any problems. You know if you're a boy, I'll teach you how to play baseball and fish. If you're a girl I'll sit happily at the table for your tea parties and fight off any boys who may want to date you when you get older…you know, like 30!"

Elizabeth laughed, "Jack, if we have a daughter, I'd assume that she won't still be living with us when she's 30."

"Uh, yes she will; I don't think I could let her go…"

"Jack, what if my dad felt the same way? We wouldn't be together expecting our first child."

"But that's different; I'm a good guy, and we were older when we started dating."

"Jack, you weren't the first boy I dated, and I know I wasn't the first girl you went out with. So, you know when she gets to be a teenager, she's going to want to date and…"

"Don't say 'date and,' I can't handle the 'and' being her having sex…oh God, I feel sick," Jack began to pace through the hotel parking lot.

"Jack, I didn't mean sex, but anyway, she, if it is a she, isn't even born yet. Don't worry about it. Besides, I didn't have sex before we got married."

"We made love, we didn't have sex."

"Okay, I'm sorry; I know you've explained the difference to me. So we'll be an example to him or her."

"But honey, I know boys. They get to be teenagers and they're after girls."

"Jack, were you like that as a teenager?"

"Huh…"

"Jack, you heard me…"

"I respected the girls I dated."

"Well, that's because your parents taught you how to be respectful of the women you dated; I know you respected me. So, depending on what we have, we'll express upon our son the need to be respectful to girls, and if we have a daughter, we'll impress upon her the way she should expect to be treated."

Elizabeth could hear panic in his voice, "I've changed my mind."

"Changed your mind about what?" she asked.

"I'm not ready for my daughter to date and have boys wanting to kiss her good night at the very well lit front door, so let's put it off for awhile."

Elizabeth's worries were very different from Jack's. Her fears were deeply rooted in the pain of child birth, bottle feeding vs. breastfeeding, and what it takes to be a good parent. "Uh, I don't think at this point we can put it off for awhile."

Jack laughed at himself; shaking his head he replied, "I know; I'm not sure what I was thinking."

She responded with her own soft laugh, "You probably weren't thinking, but Jack, it's going to be okay. We'll teach our kids to be kind, considerate, empathetic and respectful of others. But Jack, if we have a daughter at some point, she is going to move away, get married and have a family of her own."

There was silence on the other end of the phone.

"Jack, are you there…?"

"Ugh, we're back to her having sex again," he responded.

"Why don't we forget about her having sex and think about singing her nursery rhymes and playing patty cake, and watching you bounce her on your knee?" Elizabeth suggested.

"I-I can do that…"

"Jack…"

"Yeah…"

"You are a very special man, and I love you…"

"I love you too. I'm going to let you go so you can get some sleep. I'll see you on Saturday morning."

"Jack please don't worry…a boy or a girl, everything will be fine."

"I hope so…"

Jack walked back into his hotel room, "How's Elizabeth?" Mookie Wilson asked as the disturbing look on Jack's face concerned him.

"She's fine, but my daughter is having sex…"

"Excuse me…I know we haven't seen each other in a while, but what daughter is this? Actually, you don't have a daughter," Mookie commented as he watched Jack pacing across the room, his face flushed and palms sweating.

"No, you know I don't have one, but what if Elizabeth has a girl; how am I going to deal with boys wanting to date her and hold her hand and, oh my God, kiss her?" Jack fell back on the bed. He put his head between his knees as Mookie stood by and softly laughed.

"What are you doing?" Mookie asked.

"I'm dizzy; aren't you supposed to put your head between your knees if you're dizzy?" Jack asked as he sat back up and looked directly at Mookie.

"Jack, everything is going to be fine. What's the difference in having a boy or a girl, I mean besides the obvious physical differences? You will teach them both the same things; you'll be a great daddy."

"Do you think so?"

"Jack, you're a great guy; you have to be to have hooked Elizabeth. I've known her for years and she's not one to give her heart to just anybody. Please just relax, everything will be fine."

"You know, you're right. I need to enjoy my child, boy or girl, and everything will be fine…yep, everything will be fine." Jack took a deep breath, "Who am I kidding; I'm not ready for this…"

Mookie couldn't help laughing, "Jack, I felt the same when Preston was born. Rosa and I have wanted another baby, but it hasn't worked out for us, so be thankful, Jack. Don't worry, and be thankful for this gift, because Rosa and I would be thrilled to be in yours and Elizabeth's shoes right now."

"I'm sorry Mookie; I'm going on about myself and I had no idea," Jack stated as his concern suddenly shifted to his friend.

"We're thrilled with Preston, and if we have another that's great, but if not, we have each other," Mookie stated as he patted Jack on the back. "Come on, let's get some sleep."

"I still can't believe you're here. Why didn't you tell me that the Dodgers offered you the batting coach position?" Jack asked, clearly happy to have an old friend so close by.

"After you left and went back to The Mets, there was a shake up in the off season and I went to the AAA Dodgers farm team, the Oklahoma City Dodgers," Mookie explained. "Then Aaron Bates (batting coach) got hurt and they called me last week, and well, here I am."

"When will Rosa be here?"

"She's actually flying in Saturday morning. We should arrive at LAX at nearly the same time."

"We're having a gender reveal party on Saturday afternoon. Do you think you and Rosa could come? I know Elizabeth would be so excited to have you both there."

"We're just staying in a hotel until we find a place, so I don't see why not. My parents have Preston until we get settled, so it'll just be Rosa and me."

"Elizabeth will be so excited…"

Back in LA, Elizabeth made a call of her own the following morning.

"Good morning, Josh. I don't know if you remember me, but I'm Elizabeth Thornton…Jack's wife."

"Of course I remember you; how are you and Jack doing?"

"We're doing well. I was calling because Jack and I are expecting a baby and we're having a gender reveal party on Saturday. I'd like to invite you and Shelly to come, that is if you're available," Elizabeth advised, hoping that she could surprise Jack with Josh's presence.

"Well, I don't think we have anything planned, but if we do, we'll change it. We'd love to come. Can you shoot me your address?"

"Sure thing… I'll do it right now. Thanks Josh,"

"No Elizabeth, thank you for thinking of us…"

Elizabeth immediately sent out a text to Josh…

"27140 Malibu Cove Colony Drive, Malibu…I look forward to seeing you again." Elizabeth tapped 'send' before moving on to the other arrangements for the party.

A short while later Elizabeth's phone rang, "Good morning Charlotte. How are you?"

"I'm doing fine; getting excited to find out if you're having my grandson or granddaughter," Charlotte responded.

"I know; it feels like the days are dragging along. Luckily the reveal baseball isn't here or I might be tempted to hit it myself," Elizabeth admitted.

"Elizabeth, who's handling your party supplies, because I'd like to help."

"Well, my doctor's nurse in Baltimore contacted the company providing the baseball, and it's been shipped. It is supposed to be here tomorrow. I don't know what I was thinking, but I haven't ordered any food. I need to get that done today and pray that I'm not too late."

"Please let me take care of the food and decorations; I just want you to rest," Charlotte stated as she looked down at her pad of paper listing several bakeries and party supply vendors in the area that she had already contacted and made tentative arrangements..

"That's thoughtful of you, but you don't have to do that."

"I know I don't have to, but I want to. I don't want you to have to worry about any arrangements; please let me do it for you…"

"Thank you Charlotte. That's so sweet of you. I know why Jack is such a kind man, because he had good role models in you and his dad."

"Hey, any thoughts on what the baby is?" Charlotte asked.

"You know, sometimes I think it's a boy and then I just as quickly change to thinking it is a girl. Elizabeth laughed softly, "Your son had a meltdown last night."

"What was wrong? I watched the game last night and he played well, so what upset him?" Charlotte asked.

"He's worried about having a daughter and her dating…"

"Oh my word, the baby isn't even here yet," Charlotte stopped for a moment before starting to laugh as she glanced at her husband's picture on the desk. "I have to admit that Jack came by it honestly…his dad worried that we were going to have a daughter, and he just couldn't stand the thought of her dating and kissing boys."

"Well, if we have a girl, Jack is adamant that she won't date until she's 30, and I don't think he'll be willing to let her go then."

"He'll come around honey; I guess he'll have to since there is no turning back now," Charlotte responded.

"Well, he's fixated on his fear of having a daughter because she'll be kissing boys, but if he has a son, that opens up a whole other can of worms," Elizabeth responded.

Elizabeth took a breath before continuing, "I told Jack that he turned out so well because he had wonderful examples in you and his father."

"Well, thank you very much. I'd have to say that your parents were great examples to you as well. I can't imagine any other woman being as perfect for my son as you are."

"Thank you Charlotte; I appreciate that."

Two more days passed. The Dodgers won three of the five games in the series and Jack felt quite content with his batting and fielding in all but the last game.

With the gender reveal party on his mind, the game on Friday didn't go quite as planned. Sadly, Jack committed an error which allowed a run to score, and he struck out in the top of the eighth inning, leaving runners on first and third.

With his mind still cluttered by 'daughter dating fears,' Jack was fairly certain that even partaking in his new pre-game tradition would have had little to no impact on his playing outcome.

On Saturday morning, Elizabeth woke early, fixed a pot of coffee before looking through her closet for something to wear. She pulled item after item from its hanger, tried it on and feeling as though she had 'blown up' overnight, nothing seemed to fit.

She found a white tank top and skirt that barely fit over her growing belly, actually leaving some of her tummy exposed. "Looks like I need to go shopping…"

She headed back down the stairs, grabbed a cup of coffee, walked out the front door and headed down the side stairs toward the beach. Elizabeth walked a short distance before stopping to inhale the salt air and listen to the waves sounding much like galloping horses as they crashed upon the shore.

After a short walk, Elizabeth returned home, grabbed her journal from the end table in the den and stepped out onto the balcony. As she listened to families with small children playing down on the public end of the beach, her hands entwined and she embraced her pregnant tummy.

She smiled at the nursery rhymes which ran through her head, the fairy tales her parents told her, and the fact that her mom and dad always kissed her good night, no matter how late her father came in from work.

She realized that there may have been times during her earlier years that she wasn't so certain that she was blessed by the best parents. Oh there was never a doubt that she loved them, but there were times when she found them to be somewhat intrusive, and unable to understand her point of view.

However, as years have passed and with her own child now only months away from joining the family, she had a new perspective of parenting; what was important, what was necessary, as well as a realization that their child would not accept all of their decisions favorably.

Elizabeth opened her journal and flipped to the next blank page. She closed her eyes, inhaled and released a cleansing breath before clicking her pen and conveying her jumbled mess of feelings, thoughts and emotions onto the blank white canvas…

"My dearest Jack, you opened your heart to me and I immediately felt at home. I close my eyes and I see your smile and feel your arms around me making me feel safe and loved. You had patience with me that was limitless and I know that our son or daughter will be blessed to call you daddy.

My dearest little one, you are not a mistake, a problem, a burden or an inconvenience. You most certainly are not a nuisance, an accident or a punishment. You are without a doubt the greatest blessing, God's profound miracle, and I couldn't be more ecstatic to know that I will be your mom.

Nursery rhymes conjure up visions of what we expect to be holding in our arms at the much anticipated culmination of this very long nine months. Will we be blessed with snips and snails and puppy dogs tails, or sugar and spice and all things nice? Will he captivate me as his father always has with his soulful eyes and dimply smile, or will she draw me in with a nose like mine and an occasional awkward laugh?

My sweet baby, how is it even possible to love so completely someone that I've never met? I thank God above for every movement, every kick and each and every punch that you have delivered, for you are a true blessing, and a product of the most powerful love between your daddy and me.

From the moment I learned that I was carrying you, my heart ceased to belong only to me. The truth is that it will never again belong to me alone, as a piece of it will tag along wherever you go."

Los Angeles International Airport…

As Jack and Mookie walked off the jet way to Terminal 4, Gate 42, they headed for Terminal 3, Gate 37 where they were planning to wait for Rosa's plane to arrive. While sitting at the gate, Jack caught a glimpse of a white off the shoulder dress at a maternity shop across from them.

"I'm going over to that "Peas in a Pod" shop to get something for Elizabeth. I'll be right back," Jack advised as he left his carry-on bag with Mookie and disappeared into the store.

Twenty minutes later, Jack rejoined Mookie carrying two bags, a new dress in one and two teddy bears, a boy and a girl in the other. Stuffed inside one of the bags were two gift bags, one in pink and one in blue.

"Did you leave anything in the store?" Mookie teased.

"Stop it; today is a special day and I want her to have something new," Jack stated unaware that back at home Elizabeth was feeling less than beautiful and in desperate need of something to wear for the reveal.

"Man, go ahead and go see Elizabeth; you don't need to wait with me. Rosa will be here shortly," Mookie suggested.

"Are you sure; I hate to leave you here all alone."

"Jack, I'm a big boy and I'll be fine…go see your wife."

"Okay," Jack stated as he grabbed his carry-on and the two shopping bags and started for the entrance.

"Oh Jack…your address?" Mookie called out.

"Oh sorry, it's 27140 Malibu Cove Colony Drive, Malibu," Jack stated as he watched Mookie put the information into his phone.

"Hmm, Malibu, pretty snazzy…"

"Hey, if you and Rosa don't have a place to stay yet, you're welcome to stay with us. I mean, a house is better than a hotel, and I know Elizabeth would love to have Rosa around," Jack offered, knowing in his heart that even with him not asking Elizabeth first, she would have made the same offer.

"I appreciate that, but you and Elizabeth are still newlyweds and we don't want to infringe on that."

"I understand, but at least stay until you find something to rent or buy…" Jack suggested.

"Are you sure?"

"Mookie, I wouldn't have offered if I wasn't sure."

"But don't you need to check with Elizabeth first?"

"Well, I want it to be a surprise that you both are here, and I know she'll be ecstatic to have you both at the house."

"Okay, well if you're sure…"

"Positive…"

"Okay, when Rosa arrives I'll get our car and then we'll head out."

"Okay, see you then…" Jack stated before heading back toward the LAX entrance. Pulling his phone from his pocket he called Elizabeth, "Hey honey; I'm at LAX; should I wait for your family to arrive?"

"No, dad has a car waiting for them. They won't be here until later this afternoon anyway. Just hurry home, I can't wait to see you," she enthusiastically stated.

Jack fought the typical Los Angeles traffic as he made his way home. He had managed to put his most recent fears out of his head, but he had to admit to himself, he wasn't sure how long that would last.

Jack was waiting at a stoplight on the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) when he glanced at the car next to him, "Really…" he whispered to himself as he observed a young girl practically sitting in her boyfriend's lap.

Jack finally pulled into his driveway directly behind his mother. "Hey, what's going on?" he asked as his mother started pulling items from her car.

He grabbed his bags and approached her car, "What's all this?" he asked again.

"I told Elizabeth that I'd take care of the food and decorations, so I'm here to set things up," she advised as her upper body again disappeared into the backseat of her car. Standing back up she turned around and hugged Jack, "I'm sorry honey; how are you?"

"Glad to be home. Let me get this stuff inside and I'll come back out and get the rest of your things," he advised as they walked up the stairs together.

Opening the door, they stepped inside and found Elizabeth asleep on the chaise lounge on the balcony. "Yep, can't wait to see me…" he whispered. Jack squatted beside her and gently brushed his lips across hers.

"Morning," she whispered as her eyes slowly opened.

"Well actually it's early afternoon. Are you okay?" he asked.

"I'm fine. I took a walk this morning and I guess the ocean air exhausted me. But then again, I didn't sleep really well last night," she responded as she sat up in the chair.

Jack pulled a chair over beside her, "Is something wrong?"

"No, I'm fine; I just sleep better when you're here. I've missed you," she stated as she leaned in and hungrily captured his lips.

He had to admit, he'd missed her lips. They were still soft and plump as he remembered, but each time he kissed them, his heart pounded as if it was the first time ever. He had almost forgotten that his mother was there until…

"Oops, sorry to interrupt," Charlotte stated before stepping back inside.

"Mom," Jack called out, "It's okay; come on out here…"

Charlotte stepped out onto the balcony, "I'm so sorry. I wasn't even thinking that you hadn't seen each other in a while. I should give you some privacy."

"Mom, that's okay, I need to go get the rest of the stuff out of your car," Jack stated as he kissed Elizabeth on the cheek before disappearing back inside the house.

"What time is your family arriving?" Charlotte asked.

"They should be here in a few hours," Elizabeth replied. She started to get up from the chaise, "Let me help you."

"Absolutely not; you look tired, so you rest. Jack and I can get everything ready," Charlotte promised as Elizabeth walked inside and upstairs to the master bedroom.

Jack walked inside with a round layer cake with smooth baby blue colored fondant and a pink bow, also made of fondant around the base of the cake where it met the gold plate. On the top of the cake was a cloud, crescent moon and multiple stars in blue, pink and yellow, also made of fondant. "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star…How we wonder what you are…" was written on the top and yellow stars were also placed around the sides of the layer cake.

"Mom, this is adorable. I know Elizabeth will love it," Jack stated as he started back toward the front door. Turning back around he asked, "Mom, did you ever miss having a daughter?"

"How could I? I have two of the best boys around. I always felt blessed with what the Lord gave to your father and me." Remembering what Elizabeth had discussed with her previously she took Jack's hand, "Come over here and sit with me for a minute."

Jack stopped, "Is something wrong?" he asked.

"That's what I'd like to know," she replied.

"What are you talking about?" he looked and sounded quite confused.

"Jack, I know you're excited about the baby, but Elizabeth told me that you were worried about having a daughter, and now you ask me if I felt like I missed out by not having a daughter. So, what's up?"

"Mom, I just don't know about having a daughter; I mean…boys, and dances, and make up, and boys, and kissing boys…"

"Whoa Jack, do you actually think that the concerns with a son are less nerve wracking?"

"What do you mean?"

"Jack, as a parent, there are still concerns whether you have a son or a daughter. With boys you have to worry about racing cars, chasing girls, playing sports, chasing girls, and when they aren't chasing girls, they are thinking about them."

Charlotte led him to the sofa. "You're concerned about your daughter kissing a boy, and that boy didn't just magically appear; he's someone's son." She smiled as her eyes caught his, "Jack, I didn't worry about you when it came to girls and being respectful, but then again, we also raised you to be polite and to know what was appropriate."

"I know mom, and I appreciate the values and morals that you instilled in me. I'm just afraid that I won't have any control as she gets older."

Charlotte laughed, "Jack, I liked every girl and woman you dated, except Selma, but you knew about that, and that girl you went out with…oh what was her name…?"

"Madison Davis…?" he quickly responded.

"Yes, but how did you know she was the one I was thinking of?" Charlotte asked.

"I knew you didn't care for her; she wasn't included in family things, but then again, we only dated for about a month. She certainly wasn't what I was looking for."

"And thankfully you found it in Elizabeth."

Jack glanced down on the floor but smiled as he lifted his head, "I sure did. I can't imagine what my life would be like without her in it."

Charlotte's free hand rubbed gently up and down his lower arm, "Can't you imagine a little girl with Elizabeth's beautiful eyes, and bright smile, or a son with your cute nose and dimples? The fact is, whatever you have, being a parent is going to be the hardest, but most fulfilling job you will ever undertake. You can't spend your time worrying about what will happen fifteen years from now. If you do, you'll miss all of the magical moments along the way, and trust me, you don't want to give up any time you have with your kids."

Charlotte wrapped her arms around Jack's neck and pulled him in for a hug. "It's true; kids grow up so fast; please don't worry. You and Elizabeth both have a good set of morals and values, and I'm sure your child, whether it is a son or daughter, will make you proud."

"Thanks mom; I needed that," Jack stated as he looked up and saw Elizabeth crying as she sat on the stairs halfway between the floors.

Jack rushed up the stairs taking them two at a time, "Are you okay?"

"I'm sorry; I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but that was so beautiful," she stated as her tears fell and her eyes filled with more.

Jack sat beside her as his thumbs brushed away the elusive tears as they broke free from her eyes and slipped down her cheeks. "I love you…"

"I love you too. I'm sorry Jack; I seem to cry for no reason, but you talking with your mom, well that was just beautiful," she stated as her tears became heavy again.

Jack wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her against his body, "Shh," he whispered before pressing his lips to her temple.

Realizing that her emotions may get the better of her he decided it was best to break his surprise to her. "Guess what?"

"You're being traded…?'

Looking surprised he blurted out, "No…"

"You bought me a dog…"

"Uh…no, but do you want one?"

"Maybe; Jack how am I supposed to guess? I don't have any idea; please just tell me."

"We'll when I asked 'guess what' I expected you to just say 'what?'"

"Okay…what?"

"Oh man, now I forgot what I was going to say."

"I'm sorry; if you remember let…"

"I remembered… Mookie was hired as a batting coach for the Dodgers so he and Rosa are moving out here."

The smile on Elizabeth's face showed her excitement. "When will they be out here?" she asked.

**Ding Dong**

"SURPRISE, they're here…" Jack admitted.

Jack and Elizabeth walked down the remainder of the stairs, but before they reached the door he stated, "I invited them to stay with us until they find a place out here."

As the door opened, Rosa and Elizabeth rushed toward each other. Again Elizabeth began to cry, happy tears fell from both women as Elizabeth led Rosa into the den.

"I can't believe you're here; how are you?" Elizabeth asked.

"I'm doing great, but what about you? You look wonderful; pregnancy looks good on you," Rosa admitted.

"Thank you; I'm so glad to be out here with Jack. It was awful being on the east coast and Jack out here," Elizabeth admitted. "I understand that you and Mookie are staying here with us…"

"Is that okay? I mean I told Mookie that you and Jack are still newlyweds and you should have time alone."

"We're fine, besides this house is plenty big enough."

"Well, I just know that years ago Mookie and I couldn't keep our hands off each other. We were always…you know," Rosa stated as she seemed somewhat embarrassed by the visual she'd provided.

"I know what you're talking about, but I've never known you to have a difficult time talking about sex," Elizabeth teased.

"Haha, yep…the horizontal mambo."

Elizabeth glanced around and observed that they were alone as she ran her hand over her growing stomach, "Well now it's getting to be more like a perpendicular mambo…my belly just seems to have blown up."

The women quieted their personal conversation as Charlotte entered the room to set up the table with the "It's a Boy" and "It's a Girl" balloons, the party supplies which consisted of square pink and blue plates which were imprinted with "Boy or Girl" with a question mark in the middle, and a chalkboard with…

He or She

What Will Baby Be

Boy/Girl

On the table by the blackboard were several pieces of chalk, and each guest would be asked to mark whether they thought the baby would be a boy or a girl.

Set up on the table with the cake were various specialty cupcakes. Some of them had small edible blocks on top of the cupcakes which spelled out "BABY" and "ABC," others were decorated with banners, pink and blue bows, baby clothes and shoes, baby feet, and the words "boy" and "girl" all fixed using fondant. There was a plate of cookies in the shape of bows and baseballs, all decorated accordingly. On the upper right section of the food table were two candy jars, one with peanut M&M's in blue with a sign in the shape of a onesie which said "Nuts, written in blue ink." The jar beside it was plain M&M's in pink with a sign in the shape of a onesie which said "No Nuts," written in pink ink.

On the "Boys" side of the table was a bowl full of fruity blue punch which had a frothy mound of floating sherbet and rubber duckies on top. On the other side of the table, considered the "Girl's" area, there was another bowl full of ginger ale with a frothy raspberry top which transformed the entire bowl into a beautiful pink color.

As Rosa and Elizabeth started up the stairs, they met Jack and Mookie on their way down.

"Our bags are in the first room on the right," Mookie advised.

Elizabeth glanced at Jack and they both smiled as their room was three doors down at the end of the hall, privacy for both couples.

Elizabeth walked back downstairs to help Charlotte, but found her sitting at the kitchen table flipping through a magazine. "I'm sorry; I didn't mean for you to do everything. Is there something I can do to help?"

"No honey, Jack helped and everything is set up. In case you aren't aware, your mom called me the other day and said that your dad wanted to take everyone out to dinner, so what I have out are dessert foods," Charlotte commented.

"It all looks beautiful; I can't say thank you enough," Elizabeth stated as she leaned over and hugged her mother in law.

**Ding Dong…**

"Oh my parents are here," Elizabeth attempted to jump up quickly realized that it would take several attempts to get her on her feet.

Elizabeth opened the door, "Dad…Mom…Vi, you look great. Oh Julie, I'm so glad you guys could get away. Come on in," she stated as Mookie, Jack and Rosa was walking down the stairs.

Mr. Thatcher stepped forward with his arm extended and shook Jack's hand, "Hey Jack, are you ready for this?"

Jack looked back at his mother and remembering their conversation he responded, "I believe I am, sir."

Elizabeth excused herself hoping that she would find something in her closet to wear. As she started up the stairs, the doorbell rang again.

Jack excused himself to answer the door. As the door opened, he was both pleasantly surprised and thankful to see his once dear friend, Josh and his wife Shelly, standing on his porch.

"Josh…" Jack called out.

Realizing that she had forgotten to tell Jack that she had invited them, she turned around, "Hey Jack…" she called out causing him to turn around. "Surprise…"

"You did this?" he asked as Jack turned around and invited Josh and Shelly inside, closing the door behind them.

Jack sprinted up the first few stairs, took her in his arms and whispered, "Thank you…"

"You're welcome; I'm sorry that I forgot to tell you."

"That's okay. Hey, where are you going?" he asked.

"I have to go find something to wear. I don't know if you've noticed but I seem to have blown up overnight. I wanted to go out to find something new but the day just got away from me."

While everyone was socializing, Jack took Elizabeth's hand and led her upstairs.

"Jack, what are you doing, we have guests downstairs."

"Honey, as much as I want to make love to you right now, I brought you up here because I bought you something today and hopefully you will like it enough to wear it."

Jack grabbed the bag from his dresser and pulled out a white dress with ruched sides, cinched elastic off the shoulder neckline with a ruffle trim, long sleeves and double lining to prevent sheerness.

"Oh Jack, it's beautiful," she stated as she immediately pulled her tank top over her head and slipped her skirt down her long tanned and still slender legs.

As she stood in a bra and panties in front of the bedroom mirror, she wondered how any man could find her attractive.

"Do you think they would miss us if we didn't go downstairs for awhile?" he asked. He observed her head lower, and his hands on her arms turned her around. "You are so beautiful…"

"How can you possibly find me desirable, Jack; look at me, it looks like I swallowed a watermelon. I mean, I love watermelon, but I'm not going to eat one whole."

He pulled her close and feeling her bare skin against his body stirred him physically. He pulled her hair away from her neck as his lips met the soft skin just under her left ear. "You are the most beautiful woman I've ever seen and you're always a turn on for me," he whispered. "Are you interested…? He asked softly as he tilted his head toward the bed.

He knew her well; he knew once he kissed her neck that her resistance would evaporate like the rain on a hot driveway. He knew that after just a few delicate touches that her hands would slip under his shirt, heating his skin to a level when he'd swear that he was on fire, burning from the inside out. At that point there would be only one want, one desire, one wish and they both knew that it would be simply a matter of time before they experienced what they each longed for.

Moving along her neck, a wave of pleasure began to run through his entire body. He found her floral scented perfume to be seductively intoxicating, and as he moved gently up her neck to lips that tasted of strawberries, the rest of the world disappeared and he was quickly lost in the moment.

"Jack Thornton, we have a house load of guests downstairs; we can't…what is wrong with you?"

He led her over to the bed and they took a seat, "You need to stop looking so hot then, because making love to you is about all I can think of right now…"

"Elizabeth, are you in here?" Grace Thatcher called out from the hallway.

"Ye…yes ma'am, I…I'm just changing. I'll be down in a few minutes," Elizabeth responded as she giggled and buried her head into his chest.

"Where's Jack?" Grace asked.

"Uh…he's in taking a shower," Elizabeth shoved him toward the bathroom door.

As Jack stood in the doorway of the bathroom he called out, "Honey could you hand me a towel?"

"Elizabeth, you and Jack need to hurry up because your dad is getting antsy; he wants to know if he is getting a grandson or a granddaughter," Grace advised.

"We'll be right down," Elizabeth responded as Jack stepped forward and handed her the dress he'd purchased for her.

"It's beautiful Jack; thank you."

As they walked toward the door Elizabeth stopped suddenly, "You have to change. You just took a shower so you would have on different clothes."

"Oh, in honor of the occasion I have this," Jack stated as he pulled a pair of Izod shorts that were a shade of pink and a baby blue button down shirt from his closet.

"Pink shorts? Well, I guess real men really do wear pink…" she teased. "I've never seen those."

"I bought them last week, but they're just for today, because although I am a real man," he closed the distance between them and took her in his arms, "I generally don't wear pink. Actually, this may be the first time I've ever worn pink."

"You look handsome and quite festive for the occasion. Are you ready?" she asked as she stepped away from him and started for the door.

"Just a second," he stated as he reached out and took her hand, turning her around to face him. "All joking, teasing and kidding aside, you are absolutely breathtakingly beautiful right now, but the truth is, you always are. I love you Mrs. Thornton and I plan to show you how much after all of our guests leave."

"Don't forget Mookie and Rosa are staying…"

"But they are at the other end of the hall," he pulled her closer as his lips pressed against hers.

Her lips immediately separated as his tongue slipped through the opening. Welcoming him eagerly, she herself lost track of the fact that they had guests downstairs.

**Tap, tap, tap** Jack and Elizabeth were startled by the knocking on their bedroom door.

"Hey guys, get out of bed and come on…you have guests down here," Julie called out.

Fearful that everyone downstairs heard and would assume what Julie was implying, she threw open the door, "Would you stop that; we're coming…"

"Yeah, that's what I figured," Julie laughed as she observed Elizabeth's scowl, and Jack's dimpled grin.

As they started out into the hallway, Jack stopped and ran back into the bedroom, returning with two bags in his hand, one in pink and the other in blue.

"What's that honey?" Elizabeth asked.

"Just a present for the baby…a boy or girl, I'm covered." Jack remarked as he pulled a Simba stuffed animal from the blue bag and a Nala stuffed animal from the pink one.

Jack, Elizabeth and Julie made their way downstairs. Finding everyone standing around the table choosing their side as to "Boy or Girl" and making their mark on the blackboard, Jack suggested that they all step outside.

As everyone gathered at the front door, Elizabeth stood for a moment at the table which held the blackboard. Taking the chalk in her hand, she made her choice and then joined the rest of her family and guests.

As everyone walked out onto the beach it suddenly dawned upon Elizabeth that although Jack had the baseball bat in his hand, the ball, carrying the much anticipated pink or blue powder was missing.

"Where is it? I go back inside," Julie offered.

"It's in a box on the kitchen counter," Elizabeth stated as she watched Julie run back toward the house.

As everyone walked along the beach you could tell that there was a division between those who knew the baby was a boy and those who were just as certain that it was a girl.

As Elizabeth held Jack's hand and they stared out on the water, Mr. Thatcher approached. "Honey, I marked down that you are having a boy, but I want you to know that I don't care what it is as long as he or she is healthy and you're safe. I love you sweetheart," he stated with a voice that was full of emotion.

Before walking away, Mr. Thatcher extended his arm, "I know we had some problems initially, but Jack, I want you to know that I am very proud to call you my son…"

"Thank you, William," Jack responded as the two men shook hands.

Five minutes later, Julie reappeared with the baseball that contained the answer to the burning question on everyone's mind. Also carrying the blackboard, she asked, "Hey, there are eleven of us here, but there are thirteen marks. Who voted twice…?"

Everyone looked around as Jack and Elizabeth both smiled and raised their hands. "I'm sorry, I want to know, but I don't care what color is in the baseball…" was the comment made by Elizabeth and seconded by Jack.

As everyone stood in a line, Jack and Elizabeth walked down toward the water. With the waves rolling onshore, she tossed the ball toward Jack.

This was definitely one time he prayed that he wouldn't swing and miss. As he swung, he made contact with the baseball, and pink powder was dispersed, subsequently carried by the wind down the beach.

Jack rushed up to Elizabeth and kissed her as Mr. Thatcher yelled, "Be prepared; she's going to wrap you around her little finger."

"I'm already wrapped…" Jack acknowledged.

NOTE: To those who follow the facebook fan fiction pages, there will be pictures and a video posted soon that go along with this chapter.