The Field of Dreams Chapter 44- Pick a Name, Any Name, a when calls the heart fanfic

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.

NOTE: SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVE SENT ME MESSAGES AS "GUEST" BUT I AM UNABLE TO RESPOND TO YOUR INQUIRIES AS I DON'T HAVE A LINK TO REACH YOU. SO, I AM RESPONDING HERE...

YES, THIS CHAPTER WAS PREVIOUSLY POSTED, BUT I WAS ADVISED TODAY THAT IT WAS NO LONGER ONLINE. SO I RE-INSTALLED IT...

NOTE: PLEASE UNDERSTAND THAT THERE IS A MAJOR STEAM ALERT IN THIS CHAPTER SO SCROLL ON BY IF YOU DON'T WANT THAT.

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Chapter 44- Pick a Name, Any Name

The gender reveal party was over; their family members and many of their friends were gone, and Jack and Elizabeth were now left to contemplate their lives with a daughter.

Rosa and Mookie were exhausted and had already retired for the evening, leaving Jack and Elizabeth on the sofa staring at the TV, but neither of them was truly watching.

"Are you disappointed?" she asked.

"Disappointed; why would I be disappointed?" he responded.

"I guess I always thought that men wanted sons," she replied.

"Well, do women always want daughters?" he asked in response.

"No, I just want a healthy baby…"

"Elizabeth, that's all I want. I want you and the baby to be okay."

"Well, I guess we can narrow down our name selections since we know it's a girl. Do you have any preferences?" she asked.

"No, how about you?" he replied.

"What do you think of Sarah…?" she inquired.

"Sarah who?" he asked.

"Not who…the name Sarah; what do you think of it?" she clarified.

"It's pretty, but it doesn't strike me…" he responded.

"Okay, what about Abigail, or Sophie, or maybe Chelsea or Haley…?" she asked.

"Nope…I'm not feeling any of those names."

"Well Jack, for someone who doesn't have a preference, you certainly know what you don't want," she teased. "We have plenty of time to make a list of names. So if you think of anything, just write it down," okay?"

"Will do," he replied as his arm went around her shoulder and he pulled her close. "Today was a great day; we found out we're having a daughter, our families joined in and Mookie and Rosa are here."

"It was great seeing them; and it was perfect that you invited them to stay," she stated as she snuggled into his chest.

"Are you sure you aren't upset that I offered without talking to you?"

"Jack this house is huge, and…well, I've really missed Rosa."

"Did you know that she and Mookie had wanted another baby but it just hasn't happened?" he asked before his lips made contact with the top of her head.

"Yes, we'd discussed that before I even met you, but she never brought it up again so I assumed that they had decided to wait."

"Apparently not; I think they just stopped talking about it, I guess," he responded. "You've got to be tired; are you ready to head up to bed?"

"Yeah, I think me and Precious need some sleep…"

"Precious…? Although I agree she's precious, we aren't naming her that, are we?"

"No, but I have to call her something; 'it and her' isn't cutting it. Besides, don't you want her to hear you call her name even before she's born?" she asked as they started up the stairs.

"Do you think she can hear us talking?" he asked as they reached the top step.

"Of course she can. There's lots of research that says they react to noise and voices when they're born; you know stuff that they were exposed to before birth," she explained as they held hands and walked into their bedroom.

Elizabeth changed into her pink nightgown with the lacey bodice and spaghetti straps and slipped into bed beside Jack. She lay back with her head on the pillow and closed her eyes.

Feeling the bed move as Jack readjusted himself, and sensing that he was staring at her, she opened her eyes again. "What are you doing?" she asked as she observed him resting on his right side, his elbow bent as his head rested in his hand.

"I was just watching you; you are the most beautiful pregnant woman I have even known," he stated as he leaned over, his mouth gently covering hers.

"I will always accept your compliments, but really Jack, how many pregnant women do you know?" she asked.

He smiled; his fingers brushed strands of hair behind her ear. He reached for the hem of her nightgown, rolling the material between his thumb and forefinger as it moved up her legs.

"Jack, ordinarily I want to be with you at any given moment, but Zara and I are really tired tonight," she responded.

"Zara…? And as much as I love being with you, I know you're tired."

"Then what are you doing?" she asked as her nightgown now revealed her panties as he continued to roll the material upward.

With her abdomen now revealed, Jack bent down and kissed her stomach, "Hello Princess; I'm your daddy. Your mommy and I already love you to the moon and back. I can't wait to meet you, but since you aren't ready to enter the world, I'll just talk to you through mommy's tummy," he stated as he again pressed his lips to Elizabeth's stomach.

"Oohhh, did you feel that?" Elizabeth squealed.

"Was that her? Did she just kick me?" His smile lit up the room and his laughter was infectious as he rested beside her, his hand remaining on her stomach.

"It certainly was," her excited laughter continued.

Jack slipped one arm under her back and he held her close as his other hand remained firmly planted on Elizabeth's stomach. Within a short while, Elizabeth was asleep, but Jack remained awake, waiting to feel more movement.

Each time he closed his eyes, he felt a kick or a roll and his eyes shot back open. He was envious of the closeness Elizabeth was able to feel with the baby, realizing that he could not go around all the time with his hand on her stomach, although he would like to. As their little one settled in for the night, so did Jack.

The following morning, Jack woke, kissed Elizabeth's forehead, pulled the covers over her shoulders and walked downstairs. Smelling the scent of bacon frying, he'd almost forgotten that they had visitors when he found Rosa fixing breakfast.

"WOW, that smells amazing," Jack stated as he walked over to the refrigerator and pulled out a jug of orange juice.

"Is Elizabeth awake?" Rosa asked.

"No, and I thought I'd let her sleep. She's exhausted," Jack responded.

Jack took a sip from his glass before excitedly adding, "We had the most amazing night last night…"

Rosa dropped her fork on the counter and covered her ears, "Lalalalalalalalala…"

"What are you doing?" Jack asked.

"We don't need to hear about your amazing time with…" Rosa began to explain before Jack cut her off.

"Nooo, it's not what you think. I wouldn't be discussing that anyway."

"Okay, so what are you talking about?" Mookie asked.

"I felt the baby moving, and kicking; I swear, I think she's going to be a world class dancer," his smile was broad and bright, making his dimples appear deeper than usual.

"I remember those times," Mookie mentioned before looking over at Rosa as she glanced back to the pan of frying bacon.

"When is her due date?" Rosa asked.

"She's a little over six months along. Oh Rosa, the team will be out of town when she has her next doctor's appointment. Would you mind going with her?" Jack asked.

"Oh, I'd love to go," she replied as the bacon was removed from the pan and placed on a bundle of folded paper towels. She poured out the grease into a cup on the counter and began fixing the eggs.

"I am starving…I know that Jack either hired a cook, or Rosa is fixing breakfast," Elizabeth called out as she ascended the stairs.

"Good morning beautiful," Jack stated as he approached her and pressed his lips to hers. "Did you sleep well?" he asked. "Wait, are you saying that I don't know how to cook?"

"Good morning and I'm sorry, but sometimes you burn things. As for sleeping, yes, I slept wonderfully. I had the best, most peaceful dream. It was like I was right there holding Ainsley. She was so quiet; I rocked her…oh that reminds me, we need a rocking chair."

Rosa glanced in Jack's direction, "Ainsley…who's Ainsley?"

"Honey we need to redo the nursery, but I'll agree, a rocker is essential," Jack replied as Rosa's question went unanswered.

"Who's Ainsley…?" Rosa asked again.

Before Elizabeth could answer Jack responded, "I'm not sure but I think she is trying out different names for girls to see what strikes her. So far she's used Precious, Zara, Chelsea, Abigail, Sophie, Haley and now Ainsley."

"Well I like Ainsley," Rosa stated. If I have another baby and it's a girl, I think I'll name her Ainsley; that is if you don't use it."

"We aren't using it, so help yourself," Elizabeth stated before remembering her conversation with Jack the previous night. She chose not to say anything, deciding to wait until she and Rosa could talk in private.

Trying to change the subject, Elizabeth asked, "So, what do you guys want to do today?"

"You don't need to entertain us," Mookie quickly remarked.

"Well, unless you have something else to do, I'd love to spend time with you. After all, we haven't seen you in a long time," Elizabeth reminded him.

"Elizabeth, what about your family; aren't they still in town?" Rosa asked.

"They stayed in the city last night, but they're flying home this morning," Elizabeth explained.

Jack asked, "Is there anything you'd like to see?"

"Well, if it isn't too much trouble, I'd love to go to the zoo in San Diego," Rosa responded.

"Oh that would be so much fun. Penelope would really enjoy that," Elizabeth stated; her tone was normal as if each and every baby name she threw out was equally up for consideration.

"Sure, we don't have a game today, so let's go have some fun. Then we'll take you to…" Jack began before Elizabeth interjected.

"Duke's," Elizabeth called out. "That's my favorite place. Oh, did you know that the real Gidget works there?"

"Gidget, you mean like from the old surfer movies?" Rosa asked.

"Yeah, and she really does work there," Elizabeth replied.

"That was Sally Field, wasn't it?" Mookie asked.

Elizabeth explained, "No, I mean yes that was Sally Field, or at least she was one of the women who portrayed her. But I mean the original Gidget; the girl that Gidget was based off of is Kathy Kohner-Zuckerman. Her father, Frederick Kohner, is the author of the original book, "Gidget, The Little Girl with Big Ideas."

"WOW, you know a lot about her," Rosa commented.

"I met her on one of my trips here, and she fascinated me so I read up on her," Elizabeth explained. "I read that her father was a screen writer for Columbia Pictures, and I guess that's how his novel was turned into several movies, and a TV series."

Elizabeth continued, "Did you know that she still surfs…?"

"Oh my, how old is she?" Jack asked.

"She's 78…" Elizabeth advised.

"Holy cow, I'm really outta shape," Mookie admitted. "I'm a lot younger and I can't surf."

"Honey," Rosa pressed her lips to his, "In your defense, you never knew how to surf."

"Where did the name Duke's come from?" Rosa asked as she finished cooking the eggs and began scooping them out onto the four plates before her.

"Ha, you think you're going to stump me. I'm not working now and I have so much time to search insignificant things on the internet," Elizabeth advised as she sat at the table and took the glass of orange juice that Jack offered her.

"So are you going to tell us?" Rosa pushed jokingly.

"Oh, I'm sorry…yes, Duke's is named after Duke, Kahan…Kahalan…his name is Duke and he's from Hawaii, I think."

Jack jumped in to help her out, "His name is Duke Kahanamoku. He taught surfing and worked as a lifeguard in Malibu and was in a bunch of Hollywood movies, so Duke's named their place after him as an honor."

"Thanks honey," Elizabeth responded, thankful for his assistance.

Jack kissed Elizabeth's cheek before grabbing two plates of bacon, eggs and toast and walking back to the table where he took a seat beside Elizabeth.

"Oh this smells so good," Elizabeth commented as she proceeded to clean her plate. With her breakfast done, she looked back at Mookie, Rosa and Jack each of whom had stopped eating and were paying close attention to her, "What…? I'm eating for two you know."

The group laughed.

"You look absolutely beautiful Elizabeth. When I was pregnant with Preston, I think I ate everything that was not nailed down," Rosa admitted.

"She sure did," Mookie teased; a comment that caused Rosa to elbow him in the ribs. "Ouch, I didn't mean anything by that."

"Well next time you'll keep your mouth closed…" Rosa responded.

"Be careful Jack; hormones get the better of the ladies as they get closer to delivery," Mookie stated as he picked up Rosa's and Elizabeth's plates and moved away quickly before his wife could elbow him again.

Elizabeth and Rosa went upstairs to dress while Jack and Mookie stayed downstairs and cleaned the kitchen.

"Hey, what you were talking about, do they get crazy as the delivery gets closer?" Jack asked.

Mookie began to explain, "I don't know if it happens to all women, but Rosa was just edgy, anxious, and her dreams became more vivid."

"What does that mean?" Jack asked.

"Well like Elizabeth talking about holding the baby and it seemed so real. Rosa would have a dream, and when she woke up, she'd swear it had happened, and I couldn't get her to believe otherwise," Mookie explained.

"Well, are we speaking of Martians piling out of a spaceship and running across the street to your house, you know something ridiculous?" Jack laughed.

"Well, in Rosa's case, Preston was kidnapped…"

"WHAT…? I didn't know that," Jack gasped for air, suddenly feeling as though he was suffocating.

"WHOA Jack, he wasn't kidnapped. The fact is, he hadn't even been born yet," Mookie explained as he placed the final plate in the dish drainer.

"I don't understand…"

"Jack, remember I told you that her dreams were vivid…?"

"Yes…"

"Well, she dreamed that he was kidnapped, and it didn't even matter that she still had a pregnant tummy; to her he was gone."

"Oh my, I'm so sorry."

"That's okay; after a few minutes she realized that it was just a dream and everything was fine," Mookie advised. "After that, whenever she woke from a dream, she'd write it out, reading over it repeatedly. Somehow that seemed to keep them from coming back."

"Well, I'm the one having problems right now," Jack admitted.

"What kind of problems?"

"You already know; I told you about my daughter having sex, and she hasn't even been born yet," Jack stated as he dried the final plate and placed it in the cabinet.

"That was a funny one," Mookie teased.

"It's not funny to me."

"Sorry Jack…"

"Are you two ready to go?" Elizabeth called out as she and Rosa made their way down the stairs. "Is something wrong?"

"Mookie thinks it's funny that our daughter is having sex?" Jack stated as he smiled, almost like a child who had gotten a sibling in trouble with their parents.

Elizabeth glanced down at her stomach, "Nope, there's no one else in there except little Fantasia."

"I didn't say that; well I said that, but I meant it was funny that he was having a panic attack about having a daughter," Mookie explained. "Sorry, it's no longer funny."

"Fantasia…?" Jack asked, before quickly adding, "Never mind."

"I'm sorry Jack; I don't mean to tease you," Mookie stated as he walked up to Jack and shook his hand.

"It's okay, I'm just a little nervous about raising a daughter," Jack explained as they all headed for the door.

"Well, to put it into perspective, Jack," Mookie explained, "Just keep in mind if someone's daughter is having sex, not yours of course, just some unknown person; somebody's son is having it with her."

Jack swallowed hard, "There's just no upside to this, Elizabeth. Our kids are having sex."

Elizabeth laughed, "You know Mookie, Jack's freak out is a bit funny."

They walked outside and climbed into Mookie's rental, a red Jeep Grand Cherokee. Jack sat up front with Mookie while Rosa and Elizabeth settled into the back seat.

The traffic was typical for LA, and the trip from their home in Malibu to San Diego took a little more than two hours. Elizabeth wasn't sure how Mookie felt about driving in the traffic, but the extended time in the car gave her and Rosa even more time to catch up.

They parked, but their walk to the entrance seemed long, and Elizabeth was out of breath by the time they reached the ticket booth. Standing up on the curb Elizabeth looked up, patted her stomach and said, "Look Poppy, it's a lion and below it the sign reads San Diego Zoo."

Elizabeth took Jack's hand to stop him, "Hey do you have your phone?"

"Yeah, why…?"

"Take a picture of the sign for Molly…"

"Man, my head is spinning with all these names you're using. Will you let me know when it's a name that you're seriously considering?" he asked as he snapped the picture of the entrance.

Once inside the park, Elizabeth reached inside Jack's pocket…

"Excuse me, but I don't think here is quite the place for that," he mentioned as she pulled out his phone. "Oh, I was kinda counting on you grabbing something else."

"Get your mind out of the gutter Mr. Thornton," she leaned in, "I'll be a bit more grabby this evening."

His finger under her chin turned her face to his and their lips met, "The anticipation is going to kill me…"

Elizabeth was wearing a pair of jeans, flat shoes and a V-neck mint green maternity top with ruched sides and ¾ crocheted sleeves. With her hand under her stomach, she looked at Jack and smiled "You're a wonderful man, and I do know that you love me, but this right here can't be a turn on," she stated as her hands moved up and down her body.

As she turned to walk into the zoo and catch up with Mookie and Rosa, Jack grabbed her hand and pulled her off to the side. "Elizabeth," he smiled, his eyes appearing a bit misty, "I love you, and pregnant or not, my body and mind are always turned on by you."

"I appreciate that Jack. It's just that…well, it's hard to feel sexy when you can barely see your feet," she stated as she leaned forward and looked down.

"Well, I'm not sure that I can wait until this evening to show you, so…" leaning her back against the side of a building, he glanced around. Seeing no one, his lips met hers. With a smirk on his face he suggested, "Do you want to join me in the Meerkat enclosure?"

She laughed, "Ordinarily I'd follow you anywhere, but I think I'll just trust that you still find me sexy and you can show me tonight."

His lips met hers again. They were soft and wet, tender and loving. He almost made her forget where she was until…

"Hey, that's Jack Thornton…" a voice in the crowd announced and a group of people approached.

As Elizabeth stepped away, Jack grabbed her hand, "Hey everybody. I'd like to introduce you to my wife, Elizabeth."

Initially, the introduction didn't go as he'd hoped as most of the women were quick to remark how lucky she was to have him. A young guy, approximately a few years older, thrilled her, but upset Jack when he yelled, "Oh, she's beautiful; he's lucky to have her…"

Seeing the smile cover Elizabeth's face, Jack realized that in his jealous stupor, maybe she did realize that she was very desirable. He then took her hand, excused himself from the crowd and they headed for the flamingo lagoon to find Mookie and Rosa.

"Do you believe me now?" he asked.

She giggled, "Thank you Jack."

"I didn't do anything," he replied.

"You introduced me as your wife," she reminded him.

"You are my wife…"

"Yes, but most of the time when people approach you, I get pushed to the outer part of the circle. I mean, not that I want to be right in the thick of things, but…"

Jack pulled her close; with a sly smile which brought about the deep dimples she so loved, he whispered, "I've got something thick for you…"

She stopped, stared and threw her hands up in the air before bursting out in laughter, "I just don't even have a response for that."

"I love it when you smile; your eyes just light up," he stated as he held her hand firmly, bringing it up to his lips as they continued walking deeper into the zoo.

"Hey, where have you two been?" Rosa asked.

"Mr. Baseball here had to converse with his fans…" Elizabeth advised.

They stood by the fence and marveled at the rich color of the flamingos before Elizabeth spoke and cracked everyone up. She placed her hand on her stomach, "What do you think, Rosebud; do you like the flamingos?"

"Rosebud?" Jack simply shook his head.

The group continued walking until they reached the elephant enclosure. Elephants of all sizes roamed the fenced in area, and Elizabeth was fascinated by them. As Rosa, Mookie and Jack walked on, Elizabeth stood by the fence watching a baby elephant.

"Are you ready to go?" Jack asked as he walked back and took her hand.

"Look at that baby, Jack," she commented as the baby swung it's trunk around in circles.

"Yeah, that's cute," he stated, clearly unfazed by the moment.

"Do you know what that is?" she asked him.

"Is it a baby elephant that you're naming our daughter after?" he teased her.

"No, of course not," she stated as she looked back again at the animal. Watching as it continually spun it's trunk around in circles she stated, "That's what a girl would do if she had a penis for a day…"

Jack wanted to laugh so badly but he was doing his best to contain himself. However, Elizabeth was so tickled by her observation that had she been able to get up without assistance, she'd have been rolling on the ground laughing.

"You're just full of yourself since that guy gave you that compliment," Jack stated.

"You aren't jealous, are you?" she asked.

"Maybe a little; aren't you the least bit jealous of the women who approached us?"

"No…"

"Why…?"

"Jack, I know you love me…" she admitted.

"See, that's what I've been trying to tell you. I don't care who you put in front of me, I only have eyes for you," he stated as he leaned down and brushed his lips across hers.

"I believe that, and I feel the same way," she stated. "Are you ready to move on?" she asked as Jack turned back around to watch the baby elephant spin her appendage to the delight of all those within view.

He took her hand and they continued walking, catching up with Mookie and Rosa as they stood a comfortable distance away from a beehive. Passing by the bees, snakes and buzzards, the group kept walking until they reached the Grizzly and Panda bear enclosures.

The four of them stood by the fence and watched as one Grizzly bear played with a blue ball, while another chewed on a bone.

"Oh my gosh, look at his nails," Rosa commented.

"Looks like he needs a trim," Elizabeth replied.

"Do you think maybe someone got too close?" Jack laughed as he watched the bear gnaw on the long bone.

"Oh no; I think I've seen enough here," Elizabeth stated as she heard someone suggest that their friend hold the bone for the bear.

Elizabeth started down the road to the Panda enclosure. Even with a decent head start, everyone in her group, a woman pushing a stroller and an elderly couple all passed her.

"Are you okay?" Jack asked as he helped her up the hill.

"I think Quinn's feet are pushing against my lungs," she stated as she stopped to catch her breath. She leaned against him as she felt the baby readjust herself.

Finally, as her breathing improved Jack suggested, "Can you make it up the hill to the Pandas? There's a bench and you can take a seat for a while to rest."

"I'm fine Jack. I feel better now," she responded as they continued their trek up the remainder of the hill.

Once they made it up the hill, they again met up with Mookie and Rosa. Feeling tired Elizabeth took a seat on the bench.

Rosa walked over and took a seat beside her, "Are you okay?"

"If I didn't know better, I'd swear that Kenzie is sitting on my lungs," Elizabeth stated as she slowly took a deep breath.

"Preston did that several times. It's hard because you can be fine one minute and then they shift and all of a sudden you can't breathe," Rosa stated, understanding completely Elizabeth's dilemma.

"Thank you, honey," Elizabeth stated as Jack walked up and handed her a bottle of water and a cup of fruit that he'd purchased at the vendor who's cart was across the service road from them.

Leaning against the back of the bench, Elizabeth glanced into the Panda pen. Taking a drink from her bottle of water, and eating a strawberry, a piece of cantaloupe, and a couple of grapes, she observed the Panda leaning his or her back against a rock as it consumed a stalk of bamboo, "WOW, that's just about how I feel right now…" she stated as both women laughed.

After her rest, both couples took their time heading for the front entrance. Passing the Lion's den, they stopped and took a break unaware of the funniest video of the entire day that Jack was about to catch.

Two lions were walking along the edge of the their enclosure just inches from their pond when the one in front, paying no attention to his surroundings, stepped off the ledge and did a nose dive into the water.

"Please tell me you got that on video…" Elizabeth called out to Jack.

"Got it…" Jack stated as he pulled it up and handed his phone to her.

Watching the short video over and over again she continued to laugh until they had made their way out into the parking lot.

Elizabeth and Rosa waited at the front entrance as Jack and Mookie walked out into the parking lot to retrieve the Jeep. Twenty five minutes later they pulled up to the front.

"I'm glad you went to get the car; I had no idea it was so far out," Elizabeth stated.

"Well, we were out there but Mookie and I had to talk baseball with the family of Padres fans parked next to us," Jack explained as he opened the door for the ladies.

"Did you convert them?" Rosa asked.

"No," Jack blurted out, "But at least they didn't kill us."

It was now late afternoon when they pulled into the parking lot at Duke's. The valet took the keys from Mookie as Jack helped the women out of the Jeep and both couples headed for the entrance.

Standing at the front door to greet the guests was Kathy Kohner Zuckerman, the one and only Gidget. Elizabeth reintroduced herself to Mrs. Zuckerman, who immediately remembered her. It wasn't because Elizabeth had made such an impression, but because her family is big Dodgers fans, so Jack was well known around her home.

At Jack's request, she seated the group at a table by the window where they enjoyed the view of the blue skies and calm waters while eating their crab cakes, seafood salad sandwich, a chicken salad sandwich and seafood tacos.

Following their meal, they stepped outside and over to the boardwalk area to the side of the building. As entertainment, two island girls performed a Hawaiian dance as guests clapped and the waves crashed on shore behind them.

Elizabeth's eyes moved between Jack and the women, certain in her heart that he loved her, but just as certain that he'd find them attractive and unable to keep from staring.

As the girls' hips swayed from side to side, Elizabeth couldn't help but notice their flat stomachs, ease of movement, beautiful smiles and ability to dance through a song without losing their breath. What she also noticed was Jack staring off in the distance watching the waves rushing the shore.

Elizabeth placed her hand on his as he turned back to face her, "Are you okay?"

"Of course I am; I was just watching to see if there were any dolphins out today," he replied.

"Did you see any?"

"No, are you ready to go? I think you need some rest," he stated as he took her hand.

"Did you see the dancers? They're really good…" she asked as she pointed in their direction.

"Yeah, I saw them and their good, but it's not the kind of dancing I like," he quickly responded.

She knew he loved her, but also assumed that the dancers would have caught his eye. When they didn't, she asked, "You didn't like their dancing?"

"That's not what I meant," Jack stated before being interrupted by Mookie.

"Are you guys ready to go?" knowing that Elizabeth was tired Mookie took Rosa's hand and started for the valet stand.

By the time Jack and Elizabeth made their way around to the front of the building, Mookie's rental Jeep was waiting on them.

Ten minutes later they were sitting in the Thornton's driveway. The consensus was that the day, though long had been a great success.

"Do you feel like taking a walk Jack?" Elizabeth asked.

"Are you sure you feel up to it?" he asked as everyone exited the vehicle.

"I just want to feel the ocean breeze, and smell the salt air," she replied.

Jack tossed Mookie the house keys, took Elizabeth's hand and started around the house, down the path and out onto the beach.

They walked a short distance before taking a seat on a rock not far from their home.

"Ariel and I had a wonderful time today Jack, thank you for going with us," she stated as his arm around her shoulders pulled her close, and she felt him lips press against the top of her head.

Jack laughed, "How many names have you used today?"

"I don't know, but none of them seem to fit. I'll keep searching."

Jack stood up and faced her, "You know earlier when we were talking about dancing, and I said that their kind of dancing wasn't my favorite?"

"I remember…"

He held out his hand, "Elizabeth, dancing with you is my favorite. Right now I'd like to dance with my two favorite girls."

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

"Just a second," he pulled his phone from his pocket, pushed a few buttons, and "All of Me" by John Legend began to play…

What would I do without your smart mouth
Drawing me in, and you kicking me out
Got my head spinning, no kidding, I can't pin you down
What's going on in that beautiful mind
I'm on your magical mystery ride
And I'm so dizzy, don't know what hit me, but I'll be alright

My head's under water
But I'm breathing fine
You're crazy and I'm out of my mind

'Cause all of me
Loves all of you
Love your curves and all your edges
All your perfect imperfections
Give your all to me
I'll give my all to you
You're my end and my beginning
Even when I lose I'm winning
'Cause I give you all, all of me
And you give me all, all of you

How many times do I have to tell you
Even when you're crying you're beautiful too
The world is beating you down, I'm around through every mood
You're my downfall, you're my muse
My worst distraction, my rhythm and blues
I can't stop singing, it's ringing, in my head for you

My head's under water
But I'm breathing fine
You're crazy and I'm out of my mind

A short distance away, Mookie and Rosa watched from the family room balcony door.

"Honey, we need to find a place of our own out here. I know they'll insist on us staying, but they need their privacy," Rosa mentioned to which Mookie agreed.

Cards on the table, we're both showing hearts
Risking it all, though it's hard

I give you all, all of me
And you give me all, all of you

As the song ended, Jack knelt down and kissed Elizabeth's stomach. "I am truly a blessed man. Come on; let me get you and Addison back home…"

"Addison, that's a beautiful name. Is that your pick?" she asked as his arm around her body held her close on their walk back home.

"Well, I guess when in Rome…"

"But Jack, we're in LA."

"Well, you know what I mean; you're trying out names, so I figured I might as well do it too. And to answer your question, I do like Addison."

When Jack and Elizabeth returned to the house, their guests had already retired for the evening. The light above the staircase was the only one on, and the upstairs was dark and quiet.

Elizabeth took his hand and started for the stairs. "Aren't you too tired?" he asked.

Elizabeth stepped back toward him; "I'm never too tired to make love to my husband. But, then again, you do have a game tomorrow and if you don't want tooooo…" she squealed as he picked her up and started up the stairs.

"Jack, put me down. I'm way too heavy for you to carry; you're going to hurt yourself," she demanded as he carefully placed her feet on the fifth step.

He quickly responded, "If anything, making love to you enhances my game." With his hands on her waist to stabilize her, they continued up the stairs, forgetting about their houseguests and his pending game while discarding pieces of clothing along the way.

By the time they entered their bedroom, both of their pairs of jeans were left on the stairs, their shirts were draped haphazardly along the banister, and Elizabeth's bra hung on the outside door knob of their room.

Jack was completely naked by the time he reached the bed, carefully pulling the covers back as Elizabeth slipped underneath. He slid in beside her, covering them with the comforter to keep her warm. However, as their bodies touched, the extra warmth was not necessary as they both felt the fire burning from within.

Jack lay beside her, realizing that with each time they made love, allowances needed to be made due to the changes in her body. It was almost like getting to know her all over again; those things that she used to enjoy, no longer excited her as before, and those touches that she didn't care for, she now craved.

His hand trailed down her neck, across her shoulder and then down her arm linking with hers as their finger entwined. His lips met hers; they were soft, wet, and warm, and as her hand moved across his body, he moaned as the passion of his kisses quickly intensified.

His lips moved passed her mouth, down her chin, onto her neck and between her breasts. Her back arched as his tongue brushed across one of her nipples, immediately leaving it stiff and hard. His hand caressed the other breast as his thumb and forefinger rolled her nipple between them.

Her head rolled back and she moaned softly as her hand feathered through his hair, resting on the back of his head and pulling him closer. Her hand moved down his body, stopping and resting along his hip.

Jack rolled over on his back and Elizabeth pressed her lips against his chest as she worked her way down his body. Her hands kneaded his skin as she moved downward, reaching passed his hips and finding his firm, and erect shaft.

Her eyes caught his as her mouth opened and her lips covered him. Slowly her hand and mouth worked in unison as she watched his eyes close. She felt his hips roll toward her, away and then back again as his gentle moans proved that she currently held the key to his pleasure. Her tongue gently brushed across the tip as she felt his body shudder.

He took hold of her upper arm, "I want you," he whispered as he helped her lay back, making certain that she was comfortable. A pillow placed under her hips had been found to make their lovemaking easier for him and much more enjoyable for her.

Like a predatory animal, he started at her feet, climbing upward, kissing his way up her legs as his tongue traced along her skin. His fingers prodded the skin on the outside of her upper thighs; slipping through the waistband of her panties, he pulled them down her long shapely legs. She felt his warm breath on her as her legs separated.

His hand slipped between her thighs; she moaned; a half sob of pleasure as he touched her delicate, aching flesh. She was lost in him; the man who she originally wouldn't give the time of day, but now she couldn't live without.

All she could feel was his touch and all that she knew was the heat that was blazing through her body. She was quite aware of her own need as his warm breath, wet tongue and strong hands consumed her.

He brought her to the brink as her pelvis rose from the bed seemingly seeking something in the air; her feet pointed, much like a dancer's; her toes curled, and her body rippled on the satin sheets, much like a wave on the ocean.

Jack wasn't certain if being pregnant made her feel everything more completely, or if she was simply becoming more intimately comfortable with him. He certainly had no complaints with any of the times they had been together, but if how he felt was anything comparable to her; he knew that neither of them could get enough of the other.

He lay beside her and with his hands on the slope of her hips; he gently helped her as she positioned herself on top of him. Feeling her weight against him had him antsy, wanting her, rolling his hips as he slowly and gently pressed inside her.

Resting on her knees as she straddled his body, her thighs cradled his hips. "Are you okay?" he whispered.

She said nothing but the smile on her face told him everything he needed to know. Her hips rolled enthusiastically forward and back, matching his rhythm with each amazing stroke. As she pressed closer, he moved deeper inside her, much to the satisfaction of both of them.

As her internal muscles contracted, his speed slowed, wanting to draw out this miracle that was their love. Feeling as though he needed to be closer to her, he rolled her over on her back, the pillow positioned under her hips; he settled between her legs as he carefully pressed inside.

Resting on his knees, his speed and the intensity of his thrusts started slow. Her head rolled back and her eyes closed as inch by inch her body absorbed him. His strokes became harder and more powerful, yet he remained very in tune with her body and sounds as to not cause her discomfort.

Sparked by desire as he hit just the right spot, her back arched, and she lost control of her senses. As her orgasm rolled up through her body, warm and completely consuming her, his rhythm remained rapid, several more times he pressed deeper.

Consumed like a wildfire, she felt branded by him as they melted into one with each of them releasing a moan of satisfaction before he fell beside her on the bed.

He pulled the comforter over them as she lay on her side; her pregnant tummy pressed against him as her head rested comfortably on his damp chest. His fingers ran softly across her bare back as his lips placed tender kissed on the top of her head in between attempts to catch his breath.

As their breathing calmed, Jack and Elizabeth drifted off to sleep, each one holding securely onto the other.

As the sun began to rise, Elizabeth woke. She carefully pulled back the covers as to not awaken Jack. She lost her balance and brushed up against the bed as she bent down to pick up her panties from off the floor and struggled to slip them on. Maybe it was because she was still groggy, or possibly it was "Delilah, I think you grew overnight," she thought to herself. She balanced herself and then grabbed a lightweight quilt from the chair in their room before stepping out on the balcony to watch the sun rise.

Standing at the railing, one hand on her stomach and the other for support, she began to softly sing a song she'd sung nearly every day since finding out she was pregnant, unaware that she had completely committed it to memory… (I Will be Here by Steven Chapman)

Tomorrow morning if you wake up,
And the sun does not appear
I, I will be here

If in the dark we lose sight of love,
Hold my hand, and have no fear
Cause I, I will be here

I will be here when you feel like being quiet
When you need to speak your mind,
I will listen and
I will be here when the laughter turns to cryin'
Through the winning, losing and tryin'
We'll be together 'cause I will be here

Jack approached the balcony door; leaning against the frame he stood motionless, tears rolling down his cheeks, listening to the angel sing, his angel…

Tomorrow morning if you wake up,
And the future is unclear
I, I will be here
As sure as seasons are made for change,
Our lifetime's are made for years
So I, I will be here

I will be here and you can cry on my shoulder,
When the mirror tells us we're older,
I will hold you and
I will be here to watch you grow in beauty
And tell you all the things you are to me
I will be here

I will be true to the promise I have made
To you and to the One who gave you to me

I, I will be here

And just as sure as seasons are made for change
Our lifetime's are made for years
So I, I will be here we'll be together

I will be here

She wiped her eyes as Jack walked up behind her. Startled when he wrapped his arms around her waist, she quickly settled when she realized it was him.

"That was a beautiful song," he whispered as he leaned in, his warm breath tickling her ear.

She turned around, her pregnant tummy keeping them apart. She looked down, apparently embarrassed, "I've been worried…"

"About the baby…?"

"No, well yes, I always worry about her, but I've been worried about us."

"Elizabeth, why are you worried about us?" he asked before remembering some of the comments she'd made at the zoo.

"Jack, I love you, and I know you love me too, but I also know that men are turned on by what excites them…"

"Where is this going Elizabeth?"

"I know we've been together, and I've assumed you were happy, but then I see all of these beautiful women flocking to you, and my mind tells me otherwise."

"Eliz-a-beth, you are what excites me…"

"Jack, please just let me finish, okay…?"

"Go ahead…"

"My mind tells me that you couldn't possibly want a woman whose stomach reaches you well before the rest of her, or someone who can barely see her feet without bending over, but…"

"Elizabeth, you mean everything to me…"

"I know, and I want to thank you for last night; it was wonderful and…"

He pressed his lips to hers, immediately quieting her, "What do I have to say to prove to you that no matter what, you are the most beautiful, sexy, and desirable woman I have met or will ever meet?"

"I think last night did it…"

With both of them standing on the balcony, each one wrapped in their own blanket, Elizabeth suddenly exclaimed, "Our clothes…"

They both walked inside the room and realizing that in their haste and excitement last night, their clothing was off before they made it into their room. They quickly dressed and casually stepped out of their room only to find their clothes folded and stacked just outside their bedroom door.

"Oh my God, I'm so embarrassed…" Elizabeth whispered as Jack picked up the clothes and tossed them into their room.

Finding the downstairs empty, they stepped out onto the lower level balcony and observed Mookie and Rosa holding hands and walking along the shoreline.

"I don't think I can look them in the eye," she commented.

"Don't be silly; they may have been doing the same thing last night," he teased.

A short while later, Jack and Elizabeth were enjoying a cup of coffee when Mookie and Rosa walked back into the house.

Jack and Mookie stepped into the living room to discuss the afternoon game against the Atlanta Braves leaving the women alone in the kitchen.

"Did you have a nice time?" Elizabeth asked.

Rosa walked over and whispered, "Apparently not as nice a time as you had…you go girl!"

Elizabeth leaned in, "I'm embarrassed, I'm sorry that you had to find our stuff, but thanks for folding it."

"Embarrassed…? What have you got to be embarrassed about? You have a man who has eyes for you and only you. He loves you completely, Elizabeth, and I'd consider you to be one lucky lady," Rosa explained, immediately placing her friend at ease.

"Oh," Rosa continued, "Mookie didn't see anything, so it's just between you and me."

As both couples changed for the game, Rosa advised Mookie not to say anything to Jack about their plans to move out.

"Okay, my lips are sealed," he responded. "But I don't know how long we can keep it quiet."

"I know; I just don't want to say anything today, okay?"

"Did something happen?" he asked.

"No, of course not. I just don't want them to feel uncomfortable or think they've done anything to make us want to leave," she replied.

Elizabeth and Rosa walked together to the Wives' Section behind home plate. Elizabeth introduced her to all of the women she knew, with a few new girlfriends making their first and possibly only appearance.

Jack's exceptional game statistics on the day following making love to Elizabeth continued. He now fully believed in this new tradition, but wasn't so sure that it was the sex part alone, as he was certain that the magical part in this equation was and would always be, Elizabeth.

On this occasion he had a single, a double, one out on a fly ball to left field, but then batted in the bottom of the ninth and hit a grand slam home run, bringing the Dodgers up four runs and a final winning score of 4-3.

As Jack cleared third base, his teammates gathered behind the Atlanta Braves catcher, Tyler Flowers, and the celebration began as Jack was lifted in the air once he'd made the required tap on home plate.

At the end of May and with this win, the Dodgers record, 43-18, increased their lead to three games over the second place San Francisco Giants.

Elizabeth and Rosa were waiting by the exit gate when Jack and Mookie walked out of the locker room. Elizabeth could barely see the top of Jack's head as the fans, old and young, male and female, converged on him for autographs, and from what she observed, he happily obliged.

Elizabeth watched as Jack squatted down placing himself at eye level with two small boys who were apparently friends, each of whom seemed to idolize him. One had a foul ball that his father had caught which Jack quickly signed.

Seeing the other child with nothing but a program, "Wait right here," Jack stated as he rushed back into the locker room. He returned a few moments later with another baseball which he also signed. He smiled as both boys and their fathers thanked him for his generosity before they proceeded out into the parking lot.

As he closed the distance between him and Elizabeth, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around his neck. "You are such a kind and compassionate man. I'm so lucky to have you…"

Weeks passed; Jack hired a company to come in and paint the nursery a mint green color with grey baseboards and white around the window frames. Where they planned to place the white six drawer dresser, shooting stars were stenciled on the wall. Above where the white crib with the attached dressing table containing two drawers would be placed, stars and a crescent moon were stenciled on the wall. Just above the crib where their precious angel will be sleeping was reserved a spot where Jack intended to hang a picture of Elizabeth with the baby as a surprise for her.

While Elizabeth and Rosa spent the day shopping for baby and nursery room essentials, the furniture arrived and thankfully was carried up the stairs by the deliverymen.

When Elizabeth arrived home, Jack was surprised that she had enough room in her car for Rosa, as bag after bag, after box were removed and carried inside.

While shopping, Elizabeth purchased clothes, including "Delilah's coming home outfit," stuffed animals, a circular off white rug, a lamp with stars on the shade, and large "ABC" letters that she intended to hang on the wall.

With all of the excitement taking place as they prepared for the arrival of their first child, Mookie and Rosa surprised them when they found a place of their own just two blocks away. It wasn't on the water, but they were told to use Jack and Elizabeth's driveway to park and enjoy the beach anytime they wanted.

Mookie and Rosa didn't have much at the Thornton's home, but when they left, it was still sad. However, if Elizabeth were to admit it, it was a blessing too. Although each couple gave the other privacy, it was still the idea that someone else was in the home. Knowing that Mookie and Rosa were just down the street made the arrangements quite acceptable for Elizabeth.

Several months passed; The Dodgers had played catch up in July with the Giants, and their record was now 99-38, with the Dodgers carrying a 3 game lead.

As the days in August were quickly being marked off the calendar, Elizabeth's due date was approaching. Jack was thankful that Elizabeth had Rosa in town with her when he was traveling, but it still made being away from her difficult.

Elizabeth had been making her weekly appointments with her OB-GYN, since the beginning of July, and when Jack couldn't go, Rosa was usually available. Having been to the doctor on the first Tuesday in August, it was now Friday and Jack was in Baltimore with the team playing the Orioles. The team was expected back on Tuesday afternoon, but Jack made arrangements for a private jet so he could get home in time for her next OB-GYN appointment.

Feeling some minor cramping she called the doctor's office and was advised to come in.

"Hey are you busy?" Elizabeth asked when Rosa answered her phone.

"I'm waiting to go back for my dental thing…remember; I have that root canal procedure today."

"Oh, that's right; I'm sorry. Let me know how it goes," Elizabeth stated. "I'll talk to you later."

"Do you need something?" Rosa called out but the call had already disconnected.

"Mrs. Wilson, will you come with me?" the dental hygienist requested as Rosa turned off her phone and stuck it in her purse.

An hour later, Elizabeth sat in the office of her OB-GYN, nervous, scared and feeling quite alone. Taken back to Exam Room #2, Elizabeth received a full evaluation, even though the same had been done just three days prior.

She was advised that her vitals were normal, with the exception of a slightly elevated blood pressure which the doctor attributed to "White Coat Hypertension." She was sent on her way with several information sheets regarding Braxton Hicks contractions, and her next appointment was scheduled for the following Friday.

"Well, if you have any other concerns before next Friday, call the office," the doctor advised.

"What about the contractions…?"

"Well, make sure you stay well hydrated, because dehydration is a contributing factor in extended Braxton Hicks contractions. Rhythmic breathing will help with the discomfort, or lying on you left side. Also, if you are uncomfortable, a slight change in movement will sometimes make the contractions disappear," her doctor explained.

Before the doctor left the room Elizabeth asked, "How will I know when the contractions I feel now are no longer Braxton Hicks and are the real thing?"

The doctor closed the door and turned back around to face Elizabeth, "The Braxton Hicks contractions don't lead to birth. The real contractions are much more intense and you will usually feel pain in your abdomen. The Braxton Hicks contractions are uncomfortable, but usually not painful." Seeing the concern on Elizabeth's face she added, "If your contractions are coming regularly every ten minutes or you have more than six contractions in an hour, head to the hospital."

That evening when Jack called, she told him about her impromptu appointment with the doctor and why.

"Are you having contractions?" he asked, his tone was clearly elevated and his concern was duly noted.

"No; well yes, but it's a different kind of contraction and it doesn't lead to delivery. I still have three…"

"I'm packing up and I'll be home by morning. I'll call Rosa and get her to stay with you…" he was adamant.

"Jack…Jack…JACK," she had to yell into the phone to get his attention.

"What…"

"I'm fine. The contractions stopped earlier today and the doctor gave me some things to do to alleviate the discomfort," she advised. "I'll call Rosa, so please stay. You have obligations with the team…"

"I have an obligation to you."

"I understand Jack, but I'm feeling fine right now, so please, stay, win some games and I'll see you on Tuesday, she pleaded. "Oh, and my next appointment isn't until next Friday, so if you want to fly back with the team that's fine, and I'll pick you up."

"Well, I'll be in at 5am on Tuesday morning. You rest and I'll get a car," he assured her.

"I love you Jack."

"I love you and Beatrice…"

"Don't you mean Colette?"

"I can't keep up with you," he remarked.

Elizabeth giggled, "What happened to Addison?"

"You know, I'm thinking that we may need to take a look at her before we name her."

"Jack, she isn't a puppy…"

He released a soft laugh, "I know that, but I'm thinking maybe her name will come to us when we see her."

"Do you want me to call Rosa for you?" he asked.

"Are you thinking that I won't?" she replied. "Don't worry; I'll call her in the morning."

For the next several days, Elizabeth felt as though she'd just hung up the phone with Jack when it would ring again. The first question out of his mouth was always the same… "Are you having contractions?"

She was thankful for this man in her life you loved her dearly, but quietly giggled at his expectant father nervousness. She quickly realized that she had nothing to tease him about, for she was jumping at the slightest twinge, wondering if she'd know the difference between Braxton Hicks and real labor contractions.

On Tuesday morning, Jack arrived home early as expected, and immediately ran upstairs. Quietly he slipped into the room and walked toward the bed. He found it odd that she was sleeping on his side, but smiled at the thought that she must have wanted to be close to him.

Wanting to hold her, he slipped off his shoes, socks, and jeans and shirt and grabbed his flannel pajama pants that were hanging on the back of the chair and pulled them on. Gently he slid into bed and scooted over toward her.

"Are you cold?" he whispered as her body was completely covered. Scooting over he felt her body against his, "Here let me warm you up…"

Just as his arm went around her waist, Elizabeth stepped out of the bathroom and Rosa sat up in bed.

Jack's eyes were large like saucers, "Whoa," he yelled out. I…I…I'm…sorry. Honest, I thought yo…you were Elizabeth…" he jumped out of bed, "I'm sorry; I'm so sorry…Elizabeth, I thought it was you. Rosa, I'm so, so sorry," he continued to repeat.

Both women laughed before Rosa mentioned, "Well, I guess I've done my job here. She slipped out of bed, grabbed her bag and headed for the guest bathroom.

After the door closed, Jack released a hard breath before taking a seat on the side of the bed. "Elizabeth, I'm so sorry. I knew she was here, but I just didn't know that she was right in here."

"Well Jack, once you called her, and by the way, I had already called her, she was too afraid to leave me alone," she explained.

Things were uncomfortable for Jack until later in the day when both couples met for movie night at the Thornton's. Elizabeth filled two large bowls with popcorn, but accidently dumped one in the sink.

Rosa helped her clean it up before commenting, "We can share the other one. After all, we've already shared your husband."

"Excuse me…?" Mookie responded.

Once the story was retold, and Mookie suggested that Jack share Elizabeth with him, joking that "It's only fair," they all laughed and it was never to be brought up again.

It was now Saturday night, the second week in August, and Elizabeth still had two weeks before she was due. That morning she woke; she didn't feel well, but couldn't pinpoint what was different.

"Hey, I think I'm going to stay home today," she stated when she walked down the stairs and found Jack standing at the back door drinking a glass of orange juice.

"What's wrong…?" he placed his glass on the counter as he rushed over to her. "Sit down honey. Should I call the doctor? That's stupid Jack, of course I should call the doctor," he rambled as he fumbled for his phone, dropping it, only to pick it up and drop it again.

"Honey…HONEY," she called out finally getting his attention. "No, it's not contractions. I just feel different, so I think I'll stay home today, okay?"

"No, I can't leave you here alone. I'll call the coach and tell him that I'll be out today," he stated as his nervous hands on the phone attempted to dial.

She placed her hand over his, "Jack, you can't be out today. The team is depending on you."

"Well, what am I supposed to do? I'm not leaving you here…" his voice was emotional, and his tone was adamant.

"Okay, I'll go," she stated as she walked upstairs and slipped into a short sleeve maxi dress with pink and purple flower designs in honor of "Rachel."

As they pulled into the parking lot of Dodgers Stadium, Jack pulled over to the side, near of beautiful patch of greenery and wildflowers.

"What are you doing?" she asked.

"Will you do me a favor and let me take a picture of you by the flowers?" he asked.

"What; what for…?"

"Don't ask me why, but somehow it's just beautiful here, and so are you; I need a picture of you there…today," he was demanding, but in a gentle way.

Not feeling her prettiest, and really having no desire to be there, let alone have her picture taken, she opened the car door. He was by her side before she had one foot on the asphalt, held out his hand and helped her out.

"Stand sideways so we can see Everly…" he suggested.

"Everly…how is it that you come up with great names?" she responded, finally finding the energy to smile.

With the picture taken, he helped her back into the car and they drove up to the gate.

"What now, Jack?"

Jack rolled down Elizabeth's window, "Hey Ryan," he called out to one of the groundskeepers.

"Hey Jack…what's up?"

"Would you do me a favor and stay with Elizabeth until I park the car. She's not feeling great and I don't want her alone," he stated.

"Sure," he stated as he opened Elizabeth's door.

"Man, I feel like a child…"

"Elizabeth, I'm sorry; I just want you to be safe…"

Jack started to pull away before stopping again. He shut off the engine, grabbed the keys and got out. Tossing the keys to Ryan, "Better yet, will you park the car for me and I'll take Elizabeth inside?"

"Oh man, sure," Ryan stated as he slipped behind the wheel and pulled away from the gate.

Jack and Elizabeth walked to the Wives' Section and he sat with her until third baseman standout, Justin Turner's wife, Kourtney walked in and took her seat one row above them.

"Hey Kourtney, would you do me a favor and stay here with Elizabeth until Rosa arrives? She's feeling a little off and I don't want her to be alone," he asked. He was concerned and simply doing it for that reason; Elizabeth, however, felt much like an adult with a babysitter.

"Jack, I don't need anyone to watch me; I'm fine," she stated.

"Humor me…" he kissed her on the cheek before heading to the locker. Before turning the corner he stopped and turned around, "God I love you," he whispered.

"I love you too," Rosa teased.

"Funny… hey, keep an eye on her. She's not happy that I'm asking everyone to watch her, but she feels funny today, and I don't want her to be alone."

"I'm on it," Rosa stated as Jack left for the locker room and Rosa took her seat beside Elizabeth.

The game, an important one against the Giants, started and as usual, the vendors made regular passes through the Wives' Section. Normally, Elizabeth would be seen munching on something. But this time she wanted nothing; no peanuts, no popcorn, and not a World Famous Dodger Dog. She did, however, agree to a bottle of water, of which she consumed very little.

Elizabeth continued to readjust herself in her seat, causing Rosa some concerns. "Are you okay? Do you want me to call someone? I can get the team doctor over here…"

"No, I'll be fine. I still have two weeks to go before Brooklyn in due. I just feel kind of nauseous and crampy, but I'm sure it's just those Braxton Hicks contractions," Elizabeth responded. "Although, my doctor said there'd be a difference in how the contractions felt, so maybe it is something…"

Rosa stood up and walked over to the announcer's area, "Hey, can you call into the dugout and get the team doctor over here?"

"What's wrong?" the announcer asked.

"Maybe nothing, but Jack Thornton's wife is pregnant, and I think she needs to be checked out," she replied.

He was on the phone calling into the dugout before Rosa had even finished her request. "Hey, can you send Dr. Shafer over to the Wives' Section?"

"Okay, what's wrong?"

The announcer glanced out and observed the Dodgers, including Jack, taking the field in the top of the eighth inning, with the score tied at 1-1. "Thornton's wife isn't feeling well and she's pregnant," he advised.

"Well, I hope it's just that she's over-heated since I'm an orthopedic surgeon…babies aren't my specialty," Dr. Shafer advised.

"Well, I know that, but you are a doctor, and we'll call for an ambulance if you think we need one," the announcer advised.

"Go ahead and call one," he stated as he glanced over and could tell by the look on Elizabeth's face and her body movements that there was something wrong. "I'm on my way, but go ahead and get an ambulance dispatched.

Out in centerfield, Jack was oblivious to what was happening behind home plate. He could see Elizabeth, or better yet, he could see where she was sitting, but did not have a clear view.

So when Dr. Shafer arrived and began talking to her, as Elizabeth clenched her jaws and attempted to double over, it was apparent that the pain was increasing. "The paramedics are on the way."

"No, no, no, no, no…I still have a few weeks. She isn't ready yet…" Elizabeth was insistent.

"Well Elizabeth, I suspect that you are the one who isn't ready. It looks like the baby has other ideas…" Dr Shafer stated as the paramedics walked around the corner.

Still Jack could tell nothing from the outfield. However, when his coach called a time out and began waving Jack in, he didn't understand. It wasn't until he started toward the infield, and the entire infield lineup was yelling for him to hurry that he observed the red lights of the ambulance through the third base grandstand tunnel, and the stretcher and paramedics behind home plate.

He knew that having a baby was normal for women and that he shouldn't show her how worried he was. However, seeing the paramedics surround his wife made him feel as though his legs were stuck in quicksand, and no matter how hard he ran, she never seemed to get closer.

Jack passed Cody Bellinger who was on his way out to take his place in centerfield. He tossed his glove to the bat boy as he ran from the gate behind home plate and directly beside the Wives' Section.

None of the fans understood what was going on until they followed Jack and observed the paramedics talking to Elizabeth.

"Is she okay…?"

"Jack, I'm fine," she stated as her face scrunched up as a stronger contraction took hold. "You finish the game and I'll be fine…"

"I'm not leaving you…" Jack was uncompromising. "Are you prepared to take her to the hospital?" he asked the paramedic.

"Yes sir; I think it would be best," the paramedic replied.

As the two paramedics helped Elizabeth to her feet, Jack felt helpless. He didn't know what to do, and even if he did, his body was shaking so terribly that his assistance would have been futile.

As she stood, there was a pop and a gush as the ground around her was quickly saturated. "We're going to the hospital; Rainbow wants to meet her mom and dad," Elizabeth remarked.

As she was helped onto the stretcher, Jack asked, "We aren't stuck on Rainbow, are we?" As her body winced in pain, he quickly added, "We'll discuss that later…"

Elizabeth was wheeled out of the stadium. Holding her hand, Jack did not let go until he was advised that there was not room in the ambulance for him.

As the door closed, he waved. Her hand reached for his but the distance apart was too great. He watched the ambulance pull away and felt much like a small child being left by his mom on the first day of school; he was lost and scared.

"Come on; I'll drive you," Rosa stated as she took his keys and they headed for his car.

To be continued…