Almost There
Thursday Continued….
Elizabeth and Julie pulled up to her parent's large rustic lake house. Elizabeth had always loved this place. Having spent many summers there as a kid, it was a place of adventure and joy for her and her sisters. She couldn't wait to share it with Jack.
As she and Julie got the kids out of the van, Grace and William hurried over towards them. Absolute joy radiating from their faces.
"We're so glad you guys are here!" Grace hugged her daughters. "Viola, Lionel and the kids are already inside. You all hungry?"
"I hungry, Gamma!" Asher smiled. "What we having?"
"It's make your own subs for lunch! And of course, I have cheese puffs!"
"Yum! I have bit of everything please." The adults laughed.
"Okay, little man," Elizabeth smiled. "Head on inside and I'll help you in just a just a sec. You too, Mya."
The kids ran off, passing a happy Lionel as they went. He came out to greet his sisters and help William bring all their things inside.
Elizabeth handed the last bag to Lionel and looked around the immaculate grounds where in just two days she'd be getting married. She thought back to a time when she was a little girl and all the dreams she had back then for a wedding. She'd never told anyone. Her sisters maybe.
When she married Charles, his family expected a big fancy city wedding. Wanting to be a respectful daughter-in-law she agreed, not that she had a choice. It was just a wedding after all, at least that's what she'd tried hard to convince herself of back then. This time everything was different.
Viola and Grace pulled her out of her trance. "So Beth, what do you think?" Viola asked.
"Huh? Sorry, I was off somewhere else."
"I'd say so," Grace laughed. "I was just saying that the tables and chairs are all being delivered tomorrow. The flowers in addition to what we've planted will be here the morning of. We've got all the decorations organized inside ready to go up tomorrow."
"Wow, you guys, this is beyond what I expected. It could have stayed a simple backyard BBQ and it would have been just fine."
"Beth, this is your day. We're so happy to do this for you. It's going to be just like what we talked about when we were kids." Viola hugged her.
"You remember all that?" Elizabeth was shocked.
"Of course I do! I told Mom and Dad everything I could remember and they've tried to created it here." She spun around pointing all around the property.
"I… I…" Elizabeth's eyes watered as the emotions took over.
"Just say thank you, Beth," Julie said nudging her, grinning.
"Yes, thank you, guys. So much!"
Later that evening, Elizabeth sat in the living room thoroughly enjoying the chance to catch up with her parents and aunts and uncles who'd arrived. Her father's sister, Aunt Elizabeth, who Elizabeth was named after, and her husband Wynn had arrived from New Mexico just before dinner. Grace's sister Agatha and her husband James had also arrived that day from Chicago. It had been a long time since Elizabeth had seen either of them. Wynn and Aunt Elizabeth kept busy on their ranch and James and Agatha spent so much time traveling the world for James' work.
After dinner Uncle Wynn, a tall country man who regularly was mistaken for Trace Adkins, left the adults to spend some time with the kids. Now on vacation, he was having a grand old time talking with not only his nieces but their children as well.
Elizabeth watched as he sat in the den reading to the kids in his deep voice. It was an adorable sight. She pulled out her phone to take a few pictures.
"Alright, children," Viola said clapping her hands. "It's bedtime!"
It didn't take much encouragement to get the kids to bed. Both Elizabeth's and Viola's kids were excited to stay in their rooms at the lake house. When William and Grace first found out they were going to be grandparents, they remodeled one of the many rooms of the house with two sets of built-in bunk beds. Now with 5 grandkids and with the hopes of more, they remodeled a second room with two more sets of built-in bunk beds. Now there was a girls room and a boys room.
Once they were all snug in their beds, the sisters made their way into the den where Julie, Grace, and the aunts were busy working on putting the finishing touches on the wedding favors. Jack and Elizabeth had decided to use candles in small mason jars for favors. Each candle was white with twine tied in a bow around the lip of the glass. The lids for each had a rustic sticker that they were placing on it that said "Jack & Elizabeth" with the wedding date written on it.
The men all sat nearby talking about sports, politics and life in general. Uncle Wynn however watched Elizabeth closely from the doorway. Both he and Aunt Elizabeth hated what happened to her last time. The number of things Wynn had wanted to do to Charles since then were endless, though he knew vengeance was not his to take. Even though they'd heard nothing but wonderful things about Jack, they hadn't met him yet. He wanted to make sure his niece would be alright this time.
"Liz girl, come sit with me outside for minute," he lovingly asked. She nodded and got up to follow him out onto the back stone patio. "Let's walk down to the water. It's peaceful."
"Alright,' she smiled as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders. Being a tall man, Elizabeth stood below his shoulder. She felt like a little girl again.
"So, I've heard from your Dad and Ma about this fella of yours but I want to hear it from you. Are you happy?"
"Very, Uncle Wynn."
He nodded. "And this Jack, he's good enough? He takes good care of you and those kids?"
'Yes. Jack is beyond wonderful. Trust me, Uncle Wynn, I learned my lesson." He nodded as they both stared out across the lake. "You know, you and Aunt Elizabeth were so right before. I was compromising everything. You all warned me and I just wouldn't listen. This time…." she smiled. "I'm not compromising a thing. In fact I feel immeasurably spoiled. I'm getting everything I could ever want and more with Jack."
Wynn chuckled. "Well now, that sounds wonderful Liz. I'm really happy for you." He hugged her tight. "I'm sorry, I just wanted to make sure you were okay."
"I know, thank you for that." After a while more of catching up they turned to head back toward the house.
"Did I hear Julie is dating his brother?" Elizabeth nodded. "What do we think of that?"
Elizabeth laughed. Her uncle was always so protective. "Don't worry, Uncle Wynn. We're in good hands."
Friday
In the late morning sun, Elizabeth sat on the stone patio with her mother, sisters and aunts while all the kids played in the yard. The weather was perfect. It was hot but a light breeze kept them from melting.
Every 30 seconds, Elizabeth would look toward the driveway, anxious to see Jack drive up. It had only been just over 24 hours since they'd seen each other and they'd talked for over an hour on the phone the night before but she still missed him.
Aunt Agatha chuckled at her niece. "He'll be here, Elizabeth. Don't you worry."
"I'm not worried. I just want to see him."
"Could you two be any cuter!" Julie giggled. "Just wait till you see them together, Aunt Agatha. It's pure romance."
"Oh, Julie," Elizabeth shook her head, but couldn't contain her smile.
Asher ran up to her, climbing on her lap.
"Mama, when does Daddy get here?"
All the women "awed" at the little boy referring to Jack as his Daddy.
"Sometime today, sweetie."
"Promise?"
"Promise." With that he ran back over to play with his cousins.
"He's nervous." Aunt Elizabeth was always a bit blunt. Not unlike Jack's mother.
"They both are a bit. Charles did a number on them. Me too." Elizabeth stared down at her hands folded in her lap.
"Your father told us about Charles allowing Jack to adopt them. At least he did something right."
"He did. Dad got the papers to his judge friend, right Mom?"
"He did. Judge Parker, I believe. Don't worry, it's all in good hands, sweetie. I promise you."
"I know."
Agatha wanted to asked more, but was nervous about bringing up a potentially unsavory topic. After a couple more seconds, her curiosity got the better and she asked.
"Beth dear, how'd the kids take the news about Charles and the adoption?"
Elizabeth looked back at the kids who were busy playing a rowdy game of duck duck goose. "It went okay. Asher looked almost relieved if you can believe it. Not that I think he understands completely. Mya, she gets it more."
"Must have broken her little heart." Aunt Elizabeth sighed.
"A little. But you know what she told me?" They all shook their heads. "Mommy, it's okay. We have a real daddy now. We're going to be okay."
"From the mouth of babes," Grace said, wiping her eyes.
"Mya's right sweetie," smiled Viola. "You're all in good hands with Jack." Everyone agreed.
Just as the family was heading in for lunch, a car could be heard coming up the long dirt drive. While the rest of the cousins ran inside, Mya and Asher stared at the spot where the driveway came through the trees. Anxiously waiting to see if the sound was their Daddy arriving.
Elizabeth stood on the porch, watching them. "Please be Jack," she whispered. They missed him just as much, if not more, than she did. She let out a disappointed sigh when she realized it was just Jesse and Clara's car coming into view.
Turning back towards the house, she didn't see who was stepping out of the back of the car.
"Daddy!" Asher and Mya yelled loudly. It caused everyone from inside to run out to see what was going on.
"Hey, guys!" Jack ran over picking them both up in his arms before falling back in the grass. "I've missed you!"
"We missed you too!" Mya said. "Love you, Daddy!"
"I love you, angel. You too, bud." He kissed them both.
"We doing lunch. You hungry?" Asher asked.
"Very. Show me the way." He waved to his brother and sister-in-law as they drove off to get settled in the lodge down the road. The kids led Jack up to the porch, where he realized just how many people were there staring at him. Including a few he hadn't met yet. "Hello, everyone."
Uncle Wynn stepped out first, looking very serious.
"Hey kids, who is this fella?"
"This is Daddy, Uncle Wynn." Mya said, still hanging on to Jack's arm. "He's marrying Mommy tomorrow."
Wynn laughed. "So you're Jack Thornton?"
"Yes sir. It's nice to meet you Mr. Delaney." Wynn, Jack easily recognized from how Elizabeth had described him.
"Go ahead and call me, Uncle Wynn," he said shaking Jack's hand.
Up on the porch Grace leaned towards Aunt Elizabeth. "Well, he gave his approval quickly." She laughed.
"He gets a sense of a person pretty quick. Plus he said Elizabeth was practically glowing last night when she talked about him."
"She's always glowing around Jack." They watch as Elizabeth rushed over to Jack, kissing him in front of everyone without hesitation. "She's the happiest she's ever been."
Just as they were finishing lunch the rest of their family and friends arrived. Jack introduced his mom, Dale, and brothers to Elizabeth's extended family. Dale and Wynn immediately hit it off, same with Charlotte and Aunt Elizabeth.
Bill and Abigail arrived as well. After a quick hello, Abigail headed off to the kitchen with her middle child Becky. They were busy working on the cake and dinner for the rehearsal. Agatha and Clara both joined in to assist.
With the weather looking clear for the weekend, the rest of the adults who weren't busy watching kids, got to work setting up chairs and tables and placing decorations for the big day. Even Cody helped. Several rows of chairs were set up down by the water with a path down the middle. Jack and Tom removed a wooden archway from the back of Charlotte's truck and carried it to the end where he and Elizabeth would stand.
"Perfect." Jack said dusting off his hands.
"Just about!" Julie came running down the aisle. "This cloth is to be draped on it. Somewhere…"
"Okay, how do we do that?" Tom asked.
"I have no idea. Rosie?" Julie called out. "Viola said this fabric is to be draped on the arch?"
"Yes! It is, it will look stunning."
"Great…" Tom rolled his eyes. "How do we do it, though?"
Rosie sighed before laughing. "Get me a step stool or a ladder and I'll handle it."
"Done!" Tom and Julie went to the house to grab what they needed. Leaving Jack and Rosie down by the water.
"Jack, you look nervous." Rosie hugged him.
"Not nervous. Just anxious. I wish we were getting married tonight instead of tomorrow."
"It will all be perfect. Trust me." She smiled. "By the way, it was so sweet of you to ask Corrine and Miles to walk down with Viola's kids as flower girls and ring bearers. They're absolutely thrilled!"
"Of course! They're still my niece and nephew. Elizabeth feels the same given her close friendship with Lee." Jack looked over briefly where the kids were playing. "Sorry I haven't spent as much time with them as I used too."
"Oh, Jack, don't think anything of it. You have a family of your own now. They take priority. Besides, this is what I've wanted for you for so long."
"Thanks, Rosie."
Tom and Julie came down with the stool and handed it to Rosie. Jack watched her as she decorated, making she didn't fall.
"There, now isn't that beautiful?" Rosie asked coming down.
"Sure," Jack smiled. "Looks nice."
"Nice? Jack it can't just look nice! This is your wedding!" she sighed. "I'll go ask Elizabeth. Men!" she huffed.
Before they knew it, the decorations were done and everything was set that could be set. That gave the adults time to relax before the rehearsal. Lionel, Lee and Jack took the kids for a swim in the lake, hoping to tire them out just enough that they'd be calm during the rehearsal.
When it was time, everyone dispersed to get dressed for the rehearsal and dinner. Jack had his change of clothes at the lake house. He wasn't looking to spend any time away from Elizabeth or the kids that wasn't necessary.
In one of the guest rooms upstairs, Jack and Asher stood getting ready. It was the first calm moment he had with his little boy since he'd gotten there. He soaked it all in.
"Why do I have to practice standing still?" Asher asked as Jack helped him button up his 3t size dress shirt.
"Because you have an important job. You get to stand up with me and your uncles during the ceremony."
"Why?"
"Because you're my best little man." He tickled the boy. "It means so much to me to have you with me, bud."
"Why?"
Jack took him in his arms and held him. "Because I love you. You're my son, Ash. Think you can do this?"
Asher stared at him as the biggest smile formed on his face. "Alright Daddy, I stand still for you and Mama."
"Awesome. Now, you, my boy, are all set." Jack finished adjusting Asher's collar. "Ready to go practice the wedding?"
"Let's go, Daddy!"
…..
The rehearsal went off without a hitch. Elizabeth was completely surprised by how well Asher managed to stay put. Mya did a wonderful job as the maid of honor and couldn't wait to "play wedding for real" as she put it.
Some of the men had set up tables on the stone patio for the dinner. Each table had a white tablecloth and 3 large candles of different heights in the center. Dinner itself was steak from the Thornton family farm and hot dogs for the kids, grilled to perfection by William and Wynn. Side options were baked potato, green beans, Abigail's rolls, and mac and cheese.
"Wonderful food, everyone!" Uncle James raved. "Aggie and I don't get to eat like this often. Everything is usually so fancy and with sauces. This though… this is good food."
"James! You love our meals!" Agatha protested.
"Of course I do, Aggie." You could see the love in his eyes for his wife through his dark rimmed glasses. "All I'm saying is this is great too!" He leaned over kissing her temple.
With plates cleared, the group gathered around the fire pit for a campfire and s'mores. Within minutes, Jack and his brother had their guitars out and began taking song requests.
Rosie wanted Carrie Underwood, Grace wanted Garth Brooks and Tim McGraw. The brothers played a little of each and then some.
"I got one." Jack began strumming. "Elizabeth, come sing with me."
"Oh, I don't sing." She waved her hands in front of her.
"Yes, you do!" Mya said. "Mommy sings very well."
"Way to rat me out, sweetie." Elizabeth laughed. "Alright." She moved over to sit next to Jack, kissing his cheek. She knew the tune as she listened to him play. It was one they'd sung in the car a lot.
"I'll start." He grinned as he began.
"This is my love song to you
Let every woman know I'm yours
So you can fall asleep each night, babe
And know I'm dreaming of you more"
She smiled as she sang her part next.
"You're always hoping that we make it
You always want to keep my gaze
Well you're the only one I see love
And that's the one thing that won't change"
Jack joined her now, almost too distracted by the beauty of Elizabeth's voice.
"I'll never stop trying
I'll never stop watching as you leave
I'll never stop losing my breath
Every time I see you looking back at me
I'll never stop holding your hand
I'll never stop opening your door
I'll never stop choosing you babe
I'll never get used to you
You still get my heart racing
You still get my heart racing
You still get my heart racing
You still get my heart racing
For you"
Tom and Jesse played along with their brother as everyone else watched in awe. Their voice molded together beautifully, like threads in a fine tapestry. Mya and the other children danced to the song, having a wonderful time. Following suit, William, Dale, and the others began dancing with the women in their lives.
"Looks like part of an epic love story over there." Dale grinned. "Thomas is looking down and smiling at his son, for sure."
"I know he is." Charlotte smiled. "It's good of you to mention him."
Dale nodded. "I get it. I've been there. My little girl got married without her mother. No matter how you look at it she was missing and should have been able to be there, in my opinion. Just like Thomas here. He should have been here to share in this with you and his sons." Charlotte nodded, she fully agreed. "Don't misunderstand, I care about you, Charlotte. A lot. I'm happy to be here with you and the boys, but I'm not taking Tom's place. The way I figure it, maybe we can navigate this next chapter of life together."
Charlotte wiped a small tear away before placing her hand back on his shoulder as they danced. "You're a good man, Dale. I'm glad you've come into my life again."
"You and me both, dear." he kissed her cheek as they danced.
Jack continued to sing to Elizabeth, melting her heart. She knew that even though it was just a song, he meant every words he sang. Just like she did.
"And with this love song to you
It's not a momentary phase
You are my life, I don't deserve you
But you love me just the same
And as the mirror says we're older
I want to look the other way
You are my life, my love, my only
And that's the one thing that won't change
I'll never stop trying
I'll never stop watching as you leave
I'll never stop losing my breath
Every time I see you looking back at me
I'll never stop holding your hand
I'll never stop opening your door
I'll never stop choosing you babe
I'll never get used to you
You still get my heart racing
You still get my heart racing
You still get my heart racing
You still get my heart racing
For you…"
"I love you," Elizabeth smiled at him as she leaned in as they finished.
"I love you too, babe. Always." He kissed her temple, holding his lips there as he took in her floral scent.
Everyone around them clapped and cheered.
"Well done!" Aunt Agatha grinned. "This is a love legends are written about. I'm so glad we're here to witness it."
"Thank you, Aunt Agatha," Elizabeth giggled.
Jack placed his guitar down and wrapped his arm around her.
"Daddy, make s'mores?" Asher asked him coming over.
"Sure, bud. Mya, come here. Let's make some together."
….
As the night was winding down, the family stayed around the heat of the fire. Jesse and Tom were playing a few more songs before calling it a night. Aunt Agatha had become quite a groupie of the Thornton brothers, requesting song after song. Elizabeth sat with Jack, both kids were snug, almost asleep in his lap.
Grace watched as he sang along with his brothers and the others, softly so as not to wake them.
"Jack?" Grace spoke. "Let me take them up to bed for you."
He looked down at them. "I hate to let them go."
She smiled. "Just think, the more good sleep they get tonight the better behaved they'll be tomorrow."
"She's not wrong." Elizabeth giggled.
"True. Alright." He adjusted the kids on his lap. "Mya, Ash, it's time to go with Grandma for bed, okay? I'll see you both tomorrow."
"Daddy, stay." Asher whined, clinging tight to Jack's arm.
"Ash, I'm not leaving you, okay? Tonight you and your sister are going to sleep in this house with Mom. Tomorrow after the wedding, Mom and I go on our trip but after that, the 4 of us will live together. I'm not going anywhere. I love you both so much."
The tired boy nodded and let go. "Okay, Daddy."
"Mya, you okay, angel?" Jack asked, checking in.
"Yup. Tomorrow you marry Mommy forever."
"And ever and ever. Yup." Jack kissed them both then watched as Elizabeth said goodnight to them too.
After Grace took the kids, Jack took a look around and quickly realized no one was paying attention to him or Elizabeth.
"Hey, talk a walk with me," he whispered.
"Yes," she whispered back before leading him down to the water's edge.
"Where are we going?"
"Just here in the woods. When we were kids Julie and I drew up plans for a princess tree castle. Dad built it."
"Huh," Jack said as the structure came into view. "Looks like it's in great shape."
"It's had a facelift or two. Once when Abigail had Becky and Cody, Mom and Dad always invited them out here during the summer. They're family. Then again when Viola and I had kids. It used to be farther from the water though. Erosion and all." Jack nodded. "Come up with me."
"Why are we going up there?" He laughed.
"Privacy."
"Well if you put it that way…" he hurried up the rope ladder after her, making her giggle.
The view of the lake from their perch was breathtaking as the stars and moon reflected off the water. They sat on the "balcony" with her back against his chest. Her hands stroking his muscular legs on either side of her.
Jack groaned and his hold on her grew stronger. She had a way of stirring desire in him that challenged his resolve. He gently moved her loose hanging curls to the side exposing her neck. He smiled as his head dipped closer. Her scent was intoxicating.
As he kissed the soft flesh, her hand reached up to the back of his neck, her fingers slowly running through the hair on the back of his head. Her grasp grew stronger, letting him know the effect his affections had on her.
"One more night," he spoke against her skin. His warm breath sent a chill down her spine. "One more night till you're mine."
"I already am yours," she smiled.
"Well, not quite." They laughed.
"True. I know it's been hard on both of us. Not fully being together."
"It has at times, but it will be worth it. To have our first time together be as husband and wife, that's priceless." He kissed her shoulder.
"You're so wonderful Jack. I hope I live up to all the hype." She laughed, but she was a bit nervous.
"You, my almost wife, will never be a disappointment. It's going to be wonderful because it will be you and me together. Nothing could be more beautiful and enjoyable than that."
His words were so moving it stirred something in her soul. She spun around in his grasp, wanting so badly to feel his lips against hers. With his arms around her waist he hoisted her up onto his lap, continuing the advance.
They didn't speak after that. Just sat there enjoying the love flowing between them as they shared kiss after kiss after kiss.
"Jack?" Tom yelled out from a little ways away. "Come out, come out wherever you are!"
"Shhh," Elizabeth whispered. "He doesn't know the tree house is here. Maybe he won't find us."
"Check down the path," Julie yelled. "Our old tree house is there."
Elizabeth let out a harsh sigh against Jack's neck. "Julie Marie…" Jack laughed. They untangled from each other and carefully climbed out of their hideaway.
"There you are!" Julie grinned. "What were you two up to?" Julie teased, making kissing noises at them.
"Watch it, sister. One day it will be your turn and I'll remember the treatment I'm getting here."
"Fair enough," she giggled.
Tom patted Jack on the back. He could see in Jack's eyes how hard it was for him to part with Elizabeth. "The lodge we're at has darts and foosball. What do you say to a little Thornton brother tournament?"
"Sounds great. Give me a minute to say goodnight?" Jack nodded towards Elizabeth.
"Of course. Come on Jules. Let's give the love birds a moment."
"Alright. Don't get too carried away," she teased.
"Julie…" Elizabeth and Jack both warned.
Tom and Julie laughed as the walked back up the hill towards the house.
"My goodness are they in love," Julie commented.
"Yeah. It's pretty neat." Tom kissed Julie's cheek. He was in love too. He just wasn't sure where Julie stood. He knew they had fun together, but did she love him the way he loved her?
Up on the patio, Grace, Viola and the aunts watched the soon to be married couples silhouettes as they said goodnight. They were so close, no light could be seen between them.
Agatha laughed, "You ladies remember feeling like that?" The women laughed. "Sometimes after all these years, I still feel like that." The women nodded in agreement.
"That makes us lucky. And finally, its Elizabeth's turn." Grace said, wiping the tears from her eyes.
Down by the water, not far from where they'd soon say "I do", Jack kissed her one last time.
"I'll see you tomorrow. I'll be the guy down here with the ridiculously happy grin on his face."
She giggled. "Sounds good. I'll be the one in white with the matching grin."
"Perfect."
Hand in hand they walked back up. Only parting when he was absolutely necessary. Elizabeth watched from the patio as Jack and his brothers drove off.
"Come on ladies." Viola clapped, gaining their attention. "We need to distract the bride with a good time so she doesn't miss her handsome man too much."
"I have cookie dough brownies!" Clara sang. Her and Becky, who was in high school, were staying with the Thatcher sisters that night.
"And I have wine!" Julie exclaimed. "And Izzy soda for Becky."
"Come on, " Viola wrapped her arm around her sister. "Let's go have an old fashioned sleepover."
"You have a good chick flick?" Elizabeth asked.
"Of course! I have "How to lose a guy in 10 days" and "Ever After."
Elizabeth smiled. "Let's go!"