Chapter 43

Abagail looked up when the side door opened. She knew who it was before she even looked up. Her smile grew when she saw his grin.

"Hey beautiful."

"Hey handsome." She flirted back.

Without asking, he knew exactly what he needed to do. After a kiss, Frank made his way to the back porch where the wood was stacked. Abagail smiled as she watched him walk away and then back in carrying in the firewood. She has been by herself for so long. She handled it very well, but now she was very welcoming to having Frank in her life. His presence filled a hole that she covered very well. She continued working the dough as she watched her future husband stack the wood by the stove and then move to set the tables.

"Hey Frank!" She called out when he was in the dining area placing the plates on the tables.

"Yes sweetheart?"

Abagail walked up to him with flour covered hands and in her hair. "Thank you."

He looked at her a little confused. "Thank you?" His confusion came out in his voice.

"You just stepped right in and helped without even being asked. You are so willing to help me. Thank you."

"Abagail…I love you. This is your life and I want to be part of it."

She swooned at his words. "When are we getting married again?" She flirted.

"Not soon enough." He whispered as she stepped in his presence. She heard his words and was thankful for them.

"I agree…not soon enough."

"Are you going to the mayor's office today?"

"I will after Grace leaves. I would like to be here for her and Elizabeth."

"Me too. Afterwards, I'm going out to Jack's and Elizabeth's place to help Mr. Johnston for a little while. Then I need to work on a few church things."

"Let's get busy. I'm thinking there will be a little boy here soon for breakfast."

"Isn't he eating breakfast with everyone else?"

"Sure, let's just call this his pre-breakfast." Abagail chuckled.

"Yeah…boys and their bottomless pits of a stomach."

…

JJ woke up with a smile on his face. He wasn't too happy about staying with Auntie Abagail last night with his mommy and daddy staying at their house. After breakfast today, however, he was going home with his mommy. His daddy had to work but knew he would be home later. All his little mind could think about was being home with his mommy and daddy.

JJ loved spending time with Jack and Elizabeth. He didn't like the fact that they always escorted his mommy back to the café. He loved the one time she stayed at the row house. Jack and Elizabeth fell asleep on the couch. Then there was the time he and Jack stayed at the café on the couch. Knowing that Elizabeth was going to stay at the house with him and Jack just felt different.

JJ jumped out of bed with a loud thud. He ran around the bedroom getting dressed. He wanted to be downstairs when his mommy and daddy came for breakfast.

"A little boy is up." Abagail stated as she looked up toward the stairs.

"That little guy can't be quiet for anything, can he?"

"Could you at that age?"

"I don't think I can at this age."

"I better have breakfast ready for him when he comes down."

"You spoil that boy too much." Frank laughed.

"I'm Auntie Abagail." She defended herself."

"Good morning!" Said JJ as he jumped off the last two steps.

"Well, good morning, young man. You're up early."

JJ ran toward Abagail. "Auntie Abagail…what time is it?"

"It's a little after six."

"Oh…"

"Jack and Elizabeth will be here in about three hours."

JJ's face fell.

"I know JJ, but here is breakfast. If you will help me out this morning, it will make the time go by faster."

"Ok." The little boy sighed.

…

Jack slowly opened his eyes when something tickled his face. He slowly reached up and was a little surprised when he noticed it was a curl of long, auburn hair that was tickling his cheek. Then he remembered who was laying beside him. His mind traveled back to last night. His face turned a slight red remembering the time he and Elizabeth spent together. A smile formed on his face.

In the stillness of the morning, he could hear her snore lightly. It wasn't loud or annoying nor would she be consistent with it, but you could hear it occasionally. He remembered the time she argued with him on their walk that she didn't snore. There were times she was adorable during her stubborn denials. She wouldn't believe him when he told her.

Elizabeth was cuddled up beside him with her head on his shoulder and chest. Jack was laying on his back with his arm under Elizabeth's head. He began to run his finger up and down her back. He could feel her bare skin against him. For a man who has been taught to control his emotions, he had absolutely no control of himself at the moment.

When Jack began to gently rub her back, she cuddled a little closer to the source of her warmth. She wasn't awake yet, but her mind was beginning to wake up from its restful night. She placed her left arm on Jack's chest. With the touch, she opened her eyes. Her mind wasn't fully awake yet. Elizabeth flinched when she noticed that she was laying on a guy's chest and was gently rubbing it with her fingertips. Then she remembered who the guy was. The memories of the evening came to mind. Her smile grew.

The memories of last night flooded her mind. Jack was passionate and desired her. Their time together was everything she dreamed about and more. She snuggled a little closer to her personal heater. She raised her leg to where it was just laying on top of Jack's leg. At that touch, she noticed she didn't have a night gown on. She realized she didn't have any clothes on nor did Jack. Her face was a little red with that piece of information, but she was grateful for it. She tried to scoot a little closer to her husband, but she was already pressed against him.

"Good morning…did you rest well?"

Elizabeth smiled. "I did. You are a great heater."

"At least I'm good for something." He held her close for a moment, then began to run his finger up and down her back again.

Elizabeth didn't know why Jack's chest was so perfect, but it was. It was her weakness. She ran her fingers over his chest in random patterns. She loved the feel of it. It mesmerized her.

"Are you ok?" Jack asked softly.

"I'm fine. I slept really well. Evidently, I sleep better with you. You?"

"I'm good, but I wasn't asking about how you rested." His voice trailed off a little. He wanted to check on her. He needed to know she was ok with what happened last night. He was a little worried he may have been too passionate with her. She did seem to reciprocate the passion, but he was just concerned about his wife.

"Oh…" Elizabeth's face turned red. She was a little embarrassed at how forward she was with Jack at times last night during their time together. She loved everything about it, but she was always taught that intimacy was a duty for the wife, something endured for the marriage. Everything she felt last night wasn't a sense of duty. Her passion took over for her husband. "…I'm fine with last night. You?" The doubt was evident in her voice.

"I thought last night was perfect. I don't think I would change a thing. Was I…was I too…aggressive?" Elizabeth had a hard time hearing him speak even though she was still laying on his chest.

"Jack…I thought last night was perfect…both times. I loved the passion. Was I too forward?"

"No. I wouldn't change anything from last night. I loved that you were receptive and even initiated some things. I was afraid I was…"

"I loved the passion, yet you were controlled with me. You didn't push me too fast. We found our way together."

She couldn't see his face, but she knew he had a smile. The conversation was a little awkward, but she was very happy knowing he was fine with everything last night. She was also grateful for Jack's concern for her.

"I'm a little tender this morning, but I thought you were perfect with me."

He held her a little closer. He was grateful she enjoyed the moments together. He didn't want it to be a duty. He enjoyed his time with his wife and hoped she would enjoy it too.

"What time is it?"

"It's just after six." Jack stated as he looked at the clock.

"Well, what do you say we enjoy some time again this morning?" Elizabeth asked as she buried her red face in Jack's chest.

Jack raised his finger to Elizabeth's chin and pulled it up off his chest. His smile melted her embarrassment. The look of love in his eyes pulled her in. He continued the motion until his lips met hers. Both times last night was filled with unbridled passion. The passion of two young people in love having the freedom to be with each other for the first time. Their love drove the passion and they both were grateful. This morning's time together was completely different than the passionate time last night. This morning was filled with love. Soft touches led to tender caresses. Last night was a little rushed, but this morning they took their time. They explored each other's body with their fingertips and their lips. Elizabeth learned that Jack loved it when she caressed Jack's chest almost as much as she loved kissing his chest. Jack learned that Elizabeth loved when he would kiss and sucked on her neck but loved it even more when he took those actions down to her chest.

Their morning together was just as perfect as their previous night was. It was different and they both understood that passionate and tender loving moments were important for them. If this was how married life was going to be, they both wished they would have married years ago.

…

Grace sat at the small corner table nursing her cup of coffee. She watched JJ walk around the café helping Abagail with the customers. She was amazed at his interactions with the people eating their food. She focused on JJ because he was walking around with a pot of coffee in each hand. He walked to her table.

"The real stuff or the fake stuff." He raised his right hand when he said the real stuff and raised his left hand when he said the fake stuff.

Grace sat confused with the question. A gentleman leaned over.

"The real stuff is what he calls regular coffee. The fake stuff is decaffeinated coffee."

"Oh." Grace smiled as she turned her attention back to JJ and his smile. "I would like the real stuff."

JJ grinned as he poured from the pot in his right hand. "Mommy will be here soon."

Grace nodded her head in agreement.

"Grandma Grace, I'm going to miss you."

"I'm going to miss you too, JJ. Now, I promise I will see you again soon."

JJ placed both pots of coffee on the table. He leaned toward Grace and gave her a hug. That was the first true hug he gave her. When William was taken away on the transport team, he gave her a side hug. He was just too consumed with being with Elizabeth.

…

"Hey wife. Are you ready to go to the café?"

"Is that getting easier to say, husband?"

"Still a little odd, but I do like it. You?"

"Getting a little easier."

"What are you doing?" Jack asked as he walked toward Elizabeth. She was standing outside of JJ's room looking into his bedroom.

She didn't answer him, she just nodded her head toward the bedroom. Jack walked up and placed his hand on her lower back and peeked into the room. Jack let out a loud chuckle.

"That boy is just too precious." Elizabeth's smile grew.

JJ had, once again, moved his bed all the way to the opposite wall from the door. She remembered he had done that earlier and telling her that she could have that bed and he would sleep on the bed that would be closer to the door. He wanted to protect his mommy.

"When did he do that?" Asked a shocked Jack.

"I guess yesterday."

"Your son most definitely loves you."

"I love that little boy."

"Let's go get our boy."

Elizabeth nodded and gave Jack a smile. She loved the sound of that phrase. She tiptoed enough to lightly kiss Jack on the lips. "I love you, Jack."

"I love you, Elizabeth."

As they were leaving the house for the café, Jack looked at Elziabeth. "Elizabeth…you are never allowed to wear a gown to bed." Jack smirked with a cheesy grin. He wiggled his eyebrows as he closed the door.

"Jack Thronton!" She gasped.

"What?" He shrugged his shoulders.

"What a thing to say to your wife."

"You have told me that I can't wear a shirt to bed a few times."

"Well…" She tried to speak as he extended his arm for her to take. "…that's different. What if JJ comes in and I don't have a gown on?"

"I put a new lock on the door a couple of days ago."

Elizabeth playfully smacked his forearm. She enjoyed the playfulness of her husband. If this is how married life was going to be, she was greatly going to enjoy being married to this man.

…

Tom and Julie joined Grace at the table. She moved to a bigger table knowing Jack, Elizabeth, and JJ were going to join them soon. The door opened and Elizabeth walked in first. Her smile was the biggest that Abagail could remember seeing it.

"Well…you look happy." Abagail playfully smirked.

"I am happy." Elizabeth lowered her head for a moment. She looked up when she heard her little boy's voice.

"Mommy!" JJ yelled as he ran across the dining room toward Elizabeth. His arms wide open as he ran. Elizabeth squatted down and braced herself for the attack that was running her way. Everyone, including Grace, watched the excitement of the little boy. JJ was about five feet away from Elizabeth when he jumped into her arms. He immediately wrapped his arms around Elizabeth's neck and buried his head on her upper chest and neck. He squeezed her with all of his might.

"You act like I haven't seen you in weeks." Elizabeth kissed her little boy on the cheek when he pulled back just enough for her to look at his smiling face.

"It felt like it." JJ buried his face in her neck again.

Jack smiled at the display of love between his family. After the second hug, JJ moved over to Jack. He picked up his little boy as JJ wrapped his arms and his legs around his daddy.

"I love you, son."

"I love you, daddy."

"Have you been helping Auntie Abagail?"

"Sure have!" He stated with pride. "We have been busy this morning."

"He's been a big help." Abagail stated as she walked up and gave Elizabeth a hug. Then she hugged Jack.

Jack, Elizabeth, JJ, Grace, Tom, and Julie all sat around the table enjoying the morning and a delicious breakfast. Everyone knew that Grace was leaving within the hour, but no one spoke of it. They also didn't speak of Mr. Thatcher. They weren't hiding from the fact, but they have discussed it enough over the last few days. They just enjoyed the presence of each other.

They did feel like he began to understand what he did and how wrong it was. They were just hoping it would stay with him. He would be meeting with the D. A. in Medicine Hat. Grace wanted to go, but William wanted her to go home and rest. She would travel for the trial or for the sentencing.

Before they knew it, they were all standing on the deck of the stagecoach pickup. The stagecoach should be arriving in five minutes. Jack and JJ carried Grace's bags to the station. Elizabeth and Julie walked with Grace holding an arm. Neither one was too eager for their mother to leave.

Over the last few days, Grace's eyes were opened toward the Thornton brothers. She can't say she's so happy with the way Julie ran off and married without telling anyone. However, Julie seems like she has matured over the last few weeks. She will be beginning college soon. Tom was working to establish himself. It seemed that they were working to get their feet under them.

"Julie, I am proud of you. I wish you would have made different decisions, but I am grateful you are working toward something."

"Yes mother, I am working toward my calling."

"Yes, you are. I am very proud of you dear."

Julie released her hold on her mother and moved to Tom. They were leaving with Grace to ride part of the way back with her. There was a mountie that would ride the rest of the way with Grace when she stepped on the train. Julie and Tom would leave for their home and Tom's work. They hated to leave but was grateful for the time with Elizabeth and Grace.

Grace turned her attention toward her middle daughter. She hated the events over the last few days and months. However, she was a little grateful for them. They caused her to stop and see things for herself. When she did that, she knew her Elizabeth was doing the right thing for her life. She still wished it was only closer to Hamilton but understood Hope Valley was the place she needed to be.

"I am going to miss you, dear."

"I will miss you mother."

"Thank you for the past few days and for allowing me the greatest privilege of escorting you down the aisle to your soulmate."

The statement made Elizabeth smile and cry at the same time.

"Thank you for seeing Jack and I for who we actually are."

"Of course dear. I have greatly enjoyed getting to know you better." Grace gave her middle daughter a long hug as the stagecoach came rumbling down main street. Grace turned her attention to JJ.

"You young man, are just priceless. Thank you for everything you did for me."

"I love you, Grandma Grace. Thank you for loving me."

She enveloped JJ in a tight hug. "I hope to see you very soon."

"Me too."

Grace turned her attention to Jack. Just a couple of weeks ago, she would never guess that she would have the feeling of sadness not being around Jack. The more she has gotten to know him, the more impressed she was with this young man. He should have held a grudge against her and her husband, yet, he has only bent over backwards in helping William. He called in favors to give William a much better plea deal than anyone could imagine. Tears reappeared when she stepped toward Jack to give him a hug.

"I want to say thank you, but I don't feel that is enough. I just don't know what to say." She whispered in his ear as she held onto Jack.

"You're welcome, Mrs. Thatcher."

"Jack…" Grace leaned back. "My son should call me Grace." She looked at him in the eyes. The meaning behind her words was understood.

"Grace, thank you."

Grace gave Jack, Elizabeth, and JJ another hug before stepping in the stagecoach. Jack and JJ helped the driver place Grace's bags on the top. Grace sat beside Julie and Tom. Elizabeth reached for her mother's outstretched hand. She only let go of it when the stagecoach began to pull away. Her hand immediately went to her face to wipe away a tear. JJ stepped to her left and placed his arm around her waist. Jack stepped to her right and placed his arm around her waist. Both of her boys gave her a little squeeze. She smiled knowing she was in good hands.

"I'm sorry, but I have to go to work. I need to saddle Sargeant and go on rounds."

"Do you really have to go to work?" JJ asked.

"Yeah…do you really have too?" Elizabeth asked with a little bit of whining in her voice."

Jack smiled at his family. "Yes. That was the deal with getting married earlier than we originally planned."

"I understand. When do you think you will be home?"

"I should be home around five or so. After rounds, I need to meet with Abagail and discuss some things."

"We'll see you then." Elizabeth smiled at how domestic the conversation sounded.

"I'll take care of her, daddy."

"I know you will." Jack rubbed the top of his son's head. Will you help mommy with some of her things from the café?"

"Sure."

Jack gave his son a kiss on the top of his head. Then he turned his attention to his wife. "I love you." He whispered as he leaned in and kissed her lips softly.

"Yuck." JJ playfully sassed.

"I'll see you two soon." Elizabeth watched as Jack turned and began walking toward the livery. She admired him in his mountie uniform, but she could only think what he looked like under those baggy pants. She didn't have to imagine any more.

…

"I don't understand…" Elizabeth's voice trailed off.

"I think he's part fish or something." Emily smiled.

JJ had talked his mommy into walking around the pond. Once there, he sweetly talked her into wading in the pond. Before they got into the water, Emily walked down the path and joined them.

"I believe you may be right, Emily."

"So, Ms. Thatcher, are you ready for school to begin?"

"That's not her name anymore." JJ stated and he reached into the water trying to catch something but missed it.

"Oh…I'm sorry, Mrs. Thornton."

"That's ok, Emily. You have known me as Ms. Thatcher for so long. You will get used to the new name."

They spent a little over an hour just wading in the pond. JJ and Emily tried to teach Elizabeth how to skip rocks, but she just couldn't figure it out. As they all walked back to the café, Elizabeth was amazed at how dirty her little boy was and how clean Emily was. It most certainly is a boy thing. She thought to herself.

After Emily left, JJ and Elizabeth stepped into the side door of the café. Elizabeth could only shake her head at her little boy.

"Alright, sweetheart…take those boots, pants, and shirt off and head upstairs. You have a change of clothes in my old room." She smiled at her description of her room. "Get changed and come down and clean your boots. I'll get your clothes soaking."

"Yes mommy." JJ quickly shed his clothes and turned to run upstairs. She just laughed at her little boy. She was so lost in that kid that she wasn't paying attention when she picked up his clothes. The pants were on the floor and his shirt was hanging on the banister. She placed those items on the kitchen sink as she began to pump some water into the sink. She grabbed some soap and picked up the shirt. She quickly scrubbed the shirt and placed it in the water. She picked up the pants and reached into the pockets without giving it any thought. When she did...she felt something move.

"Oh!" Elizabeth jumped back throwing the pants forward. "JJ!" She screamed as she turned toward the stairs. She was trying to catch her breath. Her hands were clasped across her chest.

"Did he scare you again?" Abagail stated as she walked into the kitchen laughing. She knew what happened.

"That…boy…That boy will scare me to death with something in his pockets."

"What were in them?"

"I have no idea and I'm not looking."

Abagail looked toward the sink. Then she began to walk in that direction. When she picked up the pants, she gently reached into his right front pocket. She pulled out a small frog. Elizabeth let out another small gasp when Abagail opened her hand to show the frog.

"I'm going to beat that boy." Elizabeth laughed while shaking her head. "I was with him the whole time. I didn't see him pick it up."

"Boys are sneaky." Abagail laughed.

"What's wrong mommy?" JJ asked as he walked down the stairs.

"What did you have in your pants pocket?"

"Oh…I forgot about that."

"Yeah…" Elizabeth glared at her boy with a small grin.

…

"How are you?"

"I'm fine Mayor Abagail." Jack sassed like a younger brother when he stepped into the mayor's office. "How are you?"

"Jack, we have talked about this before."

"Yes, Mayor Abagail."

"You do realize in a couple of months I will be your boss." Sassed Abagail with her hand on her hip.

"Well…working with you very closely. Want to change your mind?" He teased.

"Nope. Now, what's going on with your end date?"

"I'm not too sure. I have just under two months. I do have some time off they will have to take into consideration, even after my time for the honeymoon. Headquarters will have to let me know. We'll see."

"Just let me know your beginning date. We'll make it work."

"Thank you, Mayor Abagail." Jack purposefully avoided her glare. "We will also have to go to Hamilton at some point. I'm not too sure when?"

"Why don't you all go there between your job ending as a mountie and before you take over here? Both of us will be back from our honeymoons and it will be before school starts."

"We may have to push back the start of school for a couple of days if we do that. It would be close." Jack thought out loud.

"Let's see where we stand. I think a couple of days would be fine. Do you think you two taking over the shipping company will work with you two here?"

"That's what Elizabeth wants. I know nothing about that type of work."

"Maybe, but you two will figure it out. I have no doubt."

"Let me run that time frame by Elizabeth and see what she thinks. That may work out the best with the new job here. Maybe we can go after our honeymoon? I could add a few days to my time off."

"Figure it out and then let me know."

Jack stayed with Abagail in her office for a little over an hour discussing the activities around Hope Valley and the duties of the new job. Both agreed that open communication between the mayor's office and the sheriff's office would be essential.

…

Jack walked into his row house just after four. He was doing his work as best as he could, but all he wanted to do was be home with his family. He did the things that needed to be done, but didn't stay around town too long. His face grew when he heard his wife and son before he opened the door. "These walls are really thin." He stated to himself.

When he stepped onto the top step, the door opened. He jumped at the sudden opening of the door.

"Hello husband." A smiling Elizabeth stated with a look of excitement. Jack didn't even try to keep the smile from overtaking his face. He quicky stepped toward her and placed his hands on her hips. "Hey." He stated at he leaned in and gently kissed her lips. While his lips didn't stay on her lips any longer than a normal quick kiss, he did stay very close to her. He just had to be in her presence. He had to be close to her.

JJ walked up to his mommy and daddy and gave them both a hug at the same time. He was greatly enjoying having Elizabeth home with them. He helped her and Mr. P bring some of Elizabeth's items to the house. Mr. P borrowed a wagon from the livery. Elizabeth only had a few boxes left at Abagail's. She spent the afternoon setting some of her things in the house. She knew Jack was working on a new house for them, but she did want to make the row house a little homey and have a few of her things in it. She just didn't want to go overboard with decorating. She was hoping Jack would be happy with some of the things she did.

"Hey JJ…want to go and play?" Emily and Sam asked as they ran up to the new family.

JJ nodded his head and then looked up at Jack and Elizabeth. Jack glanced toward his wife. "Well, dinner is in about an hour. I wasn't expecting your father to be here this soon."

"Fine with me." Jack stated.

"Have fun." Elizabeth patted JJ's back. "Go…go…"

JJ jumped off the steps and joined Emily and Sam as they ran across the small road to join the other kids who were already playing in the field.

"How are you doing?"

"Good." He gave Emily a smile.

"How does it fell having Mrs. Thornton living there?"

"Good, but she hasn't stayed the whole night yet. She changed things in the house around today and did a few other things. She said she was just placing her mommy's hand the house."

"That sounds interesting."

"It's nice. I like it."

Elizabeth and Jack sat on the top step watching the children play. Their hands immediately found each other, and her head instantly found Jack's shoulder. She let out a content sigh. For Elizabeth, this is perfect. She wouldn't mind spending most of her evenings just like this.

"I hope that's a nice sigh?" Jack asked.

"It's a perfect sigh." She settled her head on his shoulder a little more.

"Did you have a busy day?"

"Not too bad. After mother left, JJ, Emily, and I went to the pond for a little while. Then we moved the majority of my stuff from the café to our home. I rearranged a few things in the home. I hope you like it."

"Why did you change things? We won't be living her for very long."

"I know, but I wanted it to be part my home too."

"No, you are absolutely correct. This is just as much your home as it is my home."

"Thank you, Jack."

"I just hope you didn't make it too girly." He playfully sassed.

"Define too girly." She sassed right back.

Jack let out a loud laugh. He loved this woman's humor. Other than the two times Elizabeth checked on dinner, they spend the time on the top step touching. They talked about their days, about JJ, and about anything and everything. There wasn't anything that was too in depth discussed. However, the talk flowed well. They both enjoyed the time together. It was also nice to have an adult conversation. They both loved JJ, but it was nice just the two of them. Jack laughed when she told him about the frog. He was a little surprised that JJ was able to talk her into joining him and Emily in the pond. Elizabeth just said that is what boy's mothers do.

Elizabeth stepped out on the top step and called for JJ to come in for dinner. Jack stood and kissed his wife gently on the cheek. He greatly enjoyed their time on the small porch just being in each other's presence. Abagail helped Elizabeth with dinner. She sent home bread and a simple plan of a baked chicken and carrots.

"Wow!" JJ smiled as he shoved some more chicken in his mouth. "This is great!"

"JJ…" Elizabeth corrected him. "Mind your manners, young man. You know you don't talk with your mouth full and there's no reason to eat like someone is about to steal your food."

After he swallowed his bite. "I'm sorry mommy."

"That's ok, sweetie."

Jack reached for her hand. She was sitting across from him, and JJ was sitting between them. He wasn't too happy that she was that far away from him. "He's right you know. It really is good."

"Thank you."

"Something else smells really good too."

"I made chocolate chip cookies." She stated with a little bit of pride.

"Awesome!" Both of her boys stated at the same time. She just fell in love with them even more. She wasn't a woman who wanted to be a housewife only. She loved to teach and wanted to continue with her job, but she was learning to love being a mommy and wife. Chores wasn't her favorite things to do, but when she did them for her boys it was just different. She knew it was the love she had for them that drove the desire to care for her boys. JJ and Jack were very appreciative of her efforts. She also knew that Jack would help in any way he could. With both working together, they would work the house.

Jack took a moment to look over the house after eating. There were several pictures and a few artworks hanging in the living room and kitchen. To be honest, his decorating skills were very lacking. It was just him and JJ and neither one cared what the house looked like. Everything was some color of brown. Jack just wanted it clean. He didn't care if it was pretty. Now, he realized how much more a house could be. To Jack, it wasn't a house anymore. It was a home. Elizabeth made it a home.

"Bella, you did such a great job with the home. I love it."

"Are you sure?" She questioned.

"Absolutely. I was a little afraid you would paint the walls pink of something."

"It wouldn't make any sense to paint the walls since we will be moving in a few months."

"You're not going to paint the new home pink, are you?" He asked, a little worried.

"I would love to paint it pink, but I don't think my two boys would like to have a pink house."

"A home, Elizabeth. You made this a home." She smiled at his compliment. She knew the colors for the new home, but she had to be careful not to have too many bright colors.

…

After dinner, Elizabth helped her son with a bath while Jack washed the dishes. Afterwards, Jack sat on one end of the couch reading a new book of Elizabeth's. She has read it a couple of times. Jack found it on the little shelf that was in the corner. She had her favorite book, Pride and Prejudice. She was sitting beside Jack leaning on him a little. Her feet were curled under her. She loved being this close to Jack and just relaxing. JJ was resting on Elizabeth. He had a book he was reading. Every so often, he would point to a word and Elizabeth would help him sound it out. He would give her a smile and then return to his book. Jack was engrossed in his book. He would barely stick his tongue out when he would concentrate while reading. The more he stuck his tongue out, the more he was concentrating. She thought it was adorable and would steal glances.

The time watching JJ play in the field across from the row house, the time sitting on the small porch with Jack, the dinner, the bath time, the whole evening was absolutely perfect in her opinion. She knew every evening and night wouldn't be exactly like this, but she loved the time together. She knew there were times when Jack would be called out for work, but she relished these moments together. It was everything she wanted in life. A loving husband who enjoyed her as much as she enjoyed him. A family to spend the evening with. Life would be chaotic at times, but there would also be evenings just like this. Just being a family.

As Jack read his book, he wrapped his arm around Elizabeth and tried to pull her closer. She wasn't even sure he knew he was doing it. He never took his eyes off the book. She knew he would enjoy the adventure in the story. When Jack was content with Elizabeth being as close as she could be, he would run his fingertips up and down the upper part of her arm. The gentle touch was soothing to Elizabeth. She knew Jack had trouble saying what was in his heart. It would be frustrating at times. However, he had no problem showing his love to her. She always wished he could speak it clearly. However, over the years she grew to love that he spoke his love for her through his actions.

Every few minutes, he would stop running his fingertips over her arm and try to pull her closer to him. Then he would return to slowly caressing her upper arm. He did this routine constantly. It was as if Jack couldn't get her close enough to him. He would stop rubbing her arm and raise his other hand with the book so he could turn the page. Then he would return the book back to this lap and continue to caress her arm. When he did that, he would always smile at her and kiss the top of her head.

After about forty minutes of being on the couch, Jack looked down at his beautiful wife. She was gorgeous. Her hair was a little messy from the day and helping give JJ a bath. She looked a little tired. He loved how she was against him. They were comfortable and relaxed. For Jack, he wanted his home to be peaceful. Life outside of his home was hectic at times, often demanding. His greatest desire was to be able to come home and be at peace. A safe refuge from the chaotic world. He was grateful Elizabeth had the same mindset.

Jack glanced down and noticed he had a good view down Elizabeth dress. The way she was leaning on him bunched up the dress. He couldn't see too much, but he knew what was hidden under the dress. They may have only been married for one day, but he easily remembered how beautiful his wife was. Not only that, but their short married life really made them closer in every way possible, physically, emotionally, spiritually. They were just closer as one person.

With the memories from last night and this morning, along with his current view of Elizabeth and the feeling of her against him, woke up the newly found side of Jack. Elizabeth not only challenged him mentally, which he loved greatly, but she has awakened him physically. Jack didn't want to push Elizabeth too much physically, but he couldn't deny the fact that she was exciting him. He always heard that it was a duty for the wife. He didn't want that to be their marriage. He loved the passion last night and he loved the tender loving moments this morning. He was hoping Elizabeth enjoyed those times too. He determined he wouldn't push his wife. While he may have wanted to, he was going to love her the best he could. Taking care of her was first, not his needs or desires. He exhaled a long breath in a failed attempt to control his mind and his body. He was barely winning the battle between his head and his body.

Elizabeth snuggled a little closer to Jack. She had no idea why she felt she needed to get him closer to her. She was already leaning on Jack with his arm around her, but it just wasn't close enough. Along with Jack, her body was awoken with the tender love and passion expressed this morning and last night. She never really thought about the physical side of a marriage, but she most definitely knew it wasn't a duty. Jack drove her crazy with desire. The passion was intense, and she loved every moment of it. She also loved the tenderness from this morning. It wasn't passionate, but the tender actions and touches were just as moving. She knew passionate and tender love making was essential for them.

Her memories, along with Jack's closeness, were beginning to ignite the fire that was slowly building in her throughout the day. She closed her book that she hadn't read in the last few minutes and placed her hand on Jack's leg.

The fire in the touch only ignited the fire inside even more. She slowly ran her hand up his leg and to his hip. Then she slid it around to his stomach and gave him a little hug. Jack kissed the top of her head and returned the hug. That was all the encouragement she needed. Elizabeth slowly walked her fingers up to his chest. When one finger slid through the gap of his shirt between the buttons, the fire not only ignited, but began to burn uncontrollably. Jack jumped at her actions.

With a finger that was caressing her arm, he moved it as it was moving up and down her arm. He gently ran it up her arm and barely touched her breast that was closest to the arm. He smiled when she shivered at his gesture. With each movement of his fingertips on her arm, he made sure to gently touch her breast. After the fourth pass of his finger, Elizabeth sat up and tossed her book onto the small table in front of the couch.

"JJ…I think it's time for you to go to bed."

"But mommy…it's just seven thirty." JJ asked, looking at the clock. "It's way too early for bed."

"I don't think so…time for bed." She let out a deep breath while she stood. "Come on…I'll read you two books."

"But mommy…"

"JJ." Elizabeth's tone was understood by the little boy. "I'll read you two books and you can read in bed. I'm tired along with your daddy. We're going to bed."

JJ looked toward his father whose face was a little red with color. "It's been a long day and your mother is tired." Jack turned his gaze to Elizabeth and gave her a dimpled smile.

"Run upstairs and I'll be there in a minute. Go…go…!"

JJ slowly stood up and gave Jack a kiss and a hug. "I guess I'm going to bed." He shrugged his shoulders.

They watched their little boy walk up the stairs. Elizabeth turned her attention to Jack. He immediately pulled her onto his lap. He passionately kissed her once. Elizabeth was grateful she was sitting because she didn't think her legs would work.

"I'll meet you down here in ten minutes."

"I'll meet you in the bedroom in ten minutes." Jack stated in a husky tone.

She leaned down and kissed Jack with all the passion she had in her body. The fire was all consuming. She wasn't sure if she could wait ten minutes. She grabbed a handful of Jack's hair and pulled him closer to deepen the kiss. She pressed her upper body against Jack. Her tongue searched his and he willingly granted her access to his mouth. The kiss was perfectly passionate.

After the kiss, Jack moaned at the lost touch. He laid his head back against the couch failing miserably to control his body. He had no idea how he was going to wait the ten minutes.

"I'll be back soon."

"If you're not in that bedroom in ten minutes, I'm coming to get you!"

"Promise?" She flirted with an 'I dare you' look.