Sorry it has taken me so long to get this next chapter posted. Had a vacation planned, then an unplanned sickness. But all is well, and I finally got this one finished. There's a mild steam alert, mostly just implied moments, so I hope everyone can enjoy!
Reviews and comments on Facebook have gone down, so I really hope I haven't lost all my readers. Please let me know if you're still here. I love reading what you thought. I know nothing "exciting" has been happening at Hope Meadows Ranch lately, but I thought it was time for them to live some life. But stay with me, some things are headed their way! Thank you to those of you that are still with me, and I hope if some of you have left, that you can come back and enjoy this story again. Other than the few that left because there was "preaching", and a couple that suddenly didn't appreciate the rodeos, hoping that the rest of you are still here.
May 26th, 2015 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Elizabeth woke to sunshine beaming into the bedroom. She quickly rolled over to find Brianna still sleeping, then looked at the clock. 7:47 am. She fell back onto her pillow, her arms outstretched, and a smile on her face.
"What are you smiling about?" Jack asked, stepping out of the closet with a t-shirt in his hands. He slipped it over his head, then dropped onto the bed next to his wife.
"Brianna has been asleep for six hours."
"That's wonderful," Jack said as he leaned down and kissed his wife's neck. "I hope you were, as well."
"Yes, I most definitely was," she stated as she moved her arms around him. "How long have you been up?"
"I have already been out and taken care of the horses in the barn and fed Wyatt. The kids are all still sleeping, so I just took a quick shower."
Elizabeth draped an arm across his waist and buried her face against his chest. "Sorry I missed that," she said, then began kissing him in the hollow of his throat.
Jack pushed her onto her back and moved over her, pressing his hips into hers. Jack's lips advanced from her lips to her cheek and down to her neck, then froze when the sounds of children's voices echoed down the hall. He rolled onto his back with his arms outstretched, letting out an exaggerated sigh.
"Later, Cowboy," she promised, then kissed his lips once more as she patted his chest.
Jack rolled off the bed and stepped into the bathroom while Elizabeth dressed. As Jack came out of the bathroom, Elizabeth reached for her phone to check on something. She pressed the button to light up the screen, revealing the day's date, and her smile slowly dissolved from her lips.
"What's wrong, Beth?"
When Elizabeth looked up from her phone, a single tear fell down her cheek. "One year ago today," was all she said.
"What was one year...," Jack's voice trailed off when the reality of the date set in. "Bla...Jackson," he said, then started out of the room.
"Jack, stop," Elizabeth said. Jack turned around as Elizabeth crossed the room. "He won't know what today is."
Jack looked out the door and down the hall. He could hear the three older kids playing in Jackson and Colton's room as laughter and giggles floated through the house like dandelion dust on a breeze. Jack wrapped an arm around his wife, and the couple stood in the doorway and listened to their little family. One of the kids did or said something funny, and all three burst out in a fit of hysteria.
"They're so happy," Elizabeth stated, leaning into her husband's arm.
"Do we say anything to him?" Jack asked, staring at his son's door.
"No. I don't think so. I don't want to ruin his day."
Jack saw the sadness in his wife's eyes and crossed the room to take her in his arms. He held her head to his chest and felt her body shake slightly. Jack held her out, looked down into her eyes, and wiped her tears from her cheeks with his thumbs.
"You alright," he asked with a quiet, tender voice.
"Yeah. It just snuck up on me, that's all."
"Me, too. I can't believe it's been a year," Jack said as he pulled his wife back against him. "Wow, Bla...Jackson has been with us over a year already?"
"It doesn't seem possible," Elizabeth said as she held her ear over Jack's heart, listening to the rhythmic beats.
"Hi, Mommy. Hi, Daddy," Jackson said as he entered the room.
Jack turned to his son while Elizabeth quickly looked away and wiped her eyes. "Hey there, Bla...Jackson." Jack picked up his son and held him. "Sorry, it's going to take me a little time to get used to calling you Jackson."
"That's okay, Daddy," Jackson said as he patted his father's cheeks. "They are both my names."
"Yes, they are," Jack said with a smile. "What are you up to this morning?"
"Ummm...," Jackson started.
"Ummm, what?" Jack asked, eyeing his son.
"We were wondering if you would watch a movie with us downstairs?"
"Well, of course, I will," Jack said and started to the door. "What are we watching?"
…..
A few minutes later, Jack returned to find Elizabeth in the bathroom. Her eyes were bloodshot and puffy, and Jack approached her with open arms.
"Come here, Baby," he said as she moved into his embrace.
"I thought you were downstairs with the kids," she said with a cracked voice.
"I told them to get the movie ready, and I'd be right there. I wanted to check on you."
"I'm fine. Just processing the past year," she replied as she looked into his eyes. "A lot has happened."
"Yes, it has," Jack said, wiping her tears with his thumbs. "Our number of children doubled," he said with a slight grin.
Elizabeth couldn't help but release a small laugh and moved back into his arms. "I just wish someone didn't have to die for that to happen."
"I know. Me, too." Jack brushed his hand down Elizabeth's long hair repeatedly, then moved his hands to her face. "Becky's in a better place with no pain."
Elizabeth nodded as two more tears broke free and followed the damp paths down her cheeks. "She most definitely is."
Elizabeth closed her eyes and pictured her friend. She'd known her for such a short time, but Becky would have a piece of her heart for the rest of Elizabeth's life. They had grown very close in a short time: sharing stories of their lives and children. Elizabeth had learned everything she could regarding Jackson Blake, knowing she would soon be the one that was raising him. Through those talks, Becky quickly made a home in Elizabeth's heart.
"Are you going to be alright?" Jack asked as he brushed the hair from her face.
"Yes, I'll be fine. Go have some fun with the kids. I'll be down soon to fix breakfast."
"Okay, Beautiful," Jack said, then gently kissed her. "I love you."
"I love you, too."
Jack turned and left the room as Elizabeth faced the mirror. She splashed cold water on her face in an attempt to erase the red blotches that had made residence on her cheeks and eyes. She patted her face dry, drew a deep breath, and went to get Brianna.
…..
As Elizabeth laid her phone down, having just ended a call with Rosemary, she heard a knock at the front door. She crossed the room, opened it, and found Charlotte and Frank, both with empathetic expressions. Elizabeth held the door open as they stepped inside, getting a hug from each of them as they passed by.
"Good morning, dear," Charlotte said.
"Hi, Mom. Jack and the kids are downstairs."
"How's Jackson doing today?" Frank asked.
"He's great, Pops. He doesn't know what today is. He's been playing and then asked to watch a movie with Jack and the twins."
"He's such a sweet boy," Charlotte added.
They walked to the kitchen, where Elizabeth poured three cups of coffee she had just prepared. They sat around the island, mostly in silence, sipping their hot drinks, listening to the children's reactions as they watched Finding Nemo with their daddy.
"Go that way," they heard Peyton shout. "Dory," she added with an exasperated tone. "She forgot again."
"She'll remember," Jackson Blake reminded his sister. "Wallaby Way, Sydney. Remember?"
"Oh, yeah," she replied with a giggle.
Laughter followed, and even Jack's low chortle could be heard amongst the musical chuckles of the children. Charlotte, Frank, and Elizabeth finished their coffee and visited while they waited for Jack and the kids. Once the movie had ended, a thunderous roar of footsteps could be heard barreling toward them as the kids ran up the stairs.
"Grampa! Gramma!" Colton shouted as he ran toward his grandparents, followed by Peyton and Jackson Blake.
"Hey, Ma. Hey, Pops. When did you guys get here?" Jack asked as he crossed the kitchen to his wife.
"Not long," Charlotte answered as she pulled Peyton onto her lap. "How's my sweet girl?"
"I'm great!" the little girl answered. "We just watched Nemo. Dory is funny."
"I could hear that," Charlotte replied. "This is a very pretty shirt."
"Thanks, Grandma." The little girl pointed at her belly, then added, "That's Daisy."
Charlotte leaned back to get a better look at the pony that adorned the front of her granddaughter's shirt. "Why, it sure is Daisy. It looks just like her."
"That's why I told Daddy I wanted it. So, he bought it for me," she said with a big grin.
Charlotte looked up at her son, who was peering at her over his cup of coffee. She could see that he was grinning due to his dimples showing, and he shrugged his shoulders.
"That was very nice of your daddy to buy you another shirt," Charlotte said as she held back a giggle. "How's your hand?"
"It doesn't hurt anymore," the little girl replied, holding her hand up for her grandmother to see. "See, just a little band-aid now."
"That's wonderful," Charlotte said as she turned her granddaughter's hand over to see the small bandage.
"She goes back in a few days to have the stitches removed," Elizabeth said, picking up the coffee pot to refill everyone's cups.
"How are you doing, young man?" Frank asked as he held his arms out toward Colton.
"I'm good!" the little boy shouted and jumped into the older man's arms.
Frank lifted Colton onto his lap and turned him to face everyone. "Did you enjoy the movie?"
"Yes, it's one of my favorites. That and Cars and Monster's Inc. and Over the Hedge and Spirit and Black Beauty and...and...well, there's more," he said with a shrug.
Chuckles filled the room as the adults laughed at the little boy's response, and Colton looked around at everyone.
"What's so funny?" Colton asked.
"You are, kiddo," Jack replied and tossed a hand towel at his son.
Colton began to laugh with them, picked up the towel, and threw it back at his daddy. Jack pretended it knocked him out and dramatically fell to the floor, all while handing his coffee cup to Elizabeth.
"Daddy?" Jackson asked, standing over his father.
Looking over the countertop, Peyton asked, "How did a towel do that?"
Colton put his hands on the island and pushed himself up in order to peer over the top, just in time to see Jack quickly sit up and grab Jackson Blake, pulling him down as he tickled him. Elizabeth, Charlotte, and Frank began laughing as Colton and Peyton ganged up on their father to free their brother.
Jack lay flat on his back, his arms outstretched, as all three kids piled onto his stomach and chest. With them lying across him, pinning him to the floor, Jack began tickling all three, causing them to run from the room in laughter as they screamed, "We saved our brother."
"You're going to get hurt one of these days," Elizabeth said as she pulled Jack to his feet and handed him his coffee. "They are going to knee you someplace you do not want to be kneed."
"Oh, they've already done that many times," he said, then took a sip from the cup.
"So, Jackson doesn't know what today is?" Charlotte asked.
"No, Ma."
"Probably for the best. He'll have enough years to remember this day."
"That's what we thought."
"What do you have planned today?" Charlotte asked.
"I have to run into town and pick up a load of grain sometime," Jack replied. "Lee is working around his place today, so I'm taking a day off from training. What are you two doing?"
"We were just on our way to town to get lumber for some barn repairs and thought we stop by and say hello," Charlotte answered.
"What repairs? Need some help?" Jack asked.
"I could probably use help," Frank replied. "A couple of stall doors need rebuilding, and one wall needs a few boards replaced."
"Let me know when you're ready. I'll be there," Jack said, then took another drink of coffee. He set the cup in the sink, kissed Elizabeth, then started toward his mom. "I have to make my round through the pasture to check on the mares, and then I'm running into town. He kissed Charlotte's cheek and then squeezed Frank's shoulders. "Thanks for stopping by. Pops, let me know when you're ready to work on that barn."
"Will do, Jack."
"Bye, Beautiful," Jack said. He gave her a wink, picked up his truck keys, and left through the front door.
"Well, sweetheart," Charlotte started. "We are going to go get our materials, but if you don't mind, I'd like to come back and spend some time with the children. Maybe you and Jack could take the horses out or something."
"I haven't taken Wrangler out for a very long time. That would actually be wonderful," Elizabeth said.
"Okay. Let's get going so I can return and watch these beautiful babies while their mother has some fun."
"Sounds good, Babe," Frank said as he got to his feet. "Let us know if you need anything, Beth." Frank crossed the room and hugged her. "I know it's a tough day," he said softly by her ear. He felt Elizabeth's head nod. "Would you like to pray?"
"Yes, please, Pops."
Frank held a hand out toward Charlotte, and she placed her hand in his. Taking Elizabeth's hand in her other one, they completed the small circle in the kitchen as Frank began to pray. He asked for strength through this difficult day, for the Lord to flood the family with peace and to ease the pain in their hearts. After their amens, the trio hugged and said their goodbyes. Elizabeth watched from the front door as her in-laws drove away, then she walked back into the kitchen to retrieve Brianna from her bouncy seat and headed to find the kids.
…..
When Jack returned with the truckload of feed, he stopped at the house to check on his family before he began unloading it. Finding the home empty, he went to the backyard and heard them in Elizabeth's studio. Very carefully and quietly, Jack tip-toed to a side window and watched his children. They were lined up, each with an easel in front of them, and Elizabeth's hand covered Peyton's as she helped her push it across the canvas in an arching motion. She had just added blue to her rainbow, and the little girl giggled in delight at her masterpiece.
Brianna was in her bouncy seat, kicking her legs to keep the rocking motion going, as Elizabeth laid her hand on her daughter's tummy each time she passed by, causing the baby girl to smile. Jack's heart felt as if it would burst at the sight of his children, all learning to paint. He closed his eyes and envisioned them older, painting like their mother. A smile graced his face at the image, and when he opened his eyes, Elizabeth was staring at him with an equally large smile.
Having been caught, Jack walked into the studio and was immediately spotted by all three children. Eagerly, each one showed off their paintings, telling their daddy all about them. He had picked up Brianna and held her in his arms as he listened to the older kids. They returned to their artwork and finished their paintings as he stayed and watched.
Jackson Blake painted a bucking bull with a lot of help from Elizabeth. Peyton's rainbow was above what appeared to be a flower garden, full of many colors and green stems. Colton had attempted a painting of Wyatt, and his canvas was covered in browns and tans, forming a very hairy dog shape.
When they finished, Elizabeth and Jack helped the children clean their brushes and put the paints away on the shelves. Jack closed the doors of the studio as he looked back inside at the three canvases still resting on their easels, remaining there until they were dry. With a giant grin on his face, he followed his family into the house and up to the kitchen, where they all pitched in to prepare lunch.
…..
As promised, Charlotte returned to the house and watched the kids while Elizabeth changed into her jeans and boots. She kissed each of her children goodbye, then hurried out the front door and jogged to the barn.
Jack had Maverick in the aisle on his side of the barn, holding one of the stallion's hooves between his knees. He had a rasp in his leather gloved hand and was running it across the bottom of the soft hoof, filing it smooth.
"He stands so still for you," Elizabeth said as she walked up to the beautiful horse. "Good afternoon, Mav," she said as she gently touched the horse's forehead.
"Hey, Beth. What are you doing out here?" he asked as he lowered the horse's foot to the floor.
"Your mom is here watching the kids, so you and I can go for a ride," Elizabeth said as Jack approached her.
"Oh?" Jack asked, wiggling his eyebrows.
"On our horses, Cowboy," she replied as she patted his chest.
Jack wrapped his arms around her, and with a serious look in his eyes, he looked into hers. "How are you doing?"
"I'm okay. Painting with the kids helped, and I think some natural fresh air will do wonders."
"Fresh air, coming up," Jack said. He unsnapped Maverick's lead and walked the horse into his stall. Once settled in, Jack retrieved Harley and Wrangler and had them tacked and ready to go in only minutes. As he handed Wrangler's reins to his wife, he kissed her cheek. "Ready to go, Beautiful?"
"Absolutely," she replied.
…..
The air was warm and filled with the scent of wild honeysuckle. Jack led the way down a narrow path that ran alongside the fence of one of their back pastures. White oak and shortleaf pine lined the left side of the trail, as eaten-down pastures lined the right. Elizabeth closed her eyes, tipped her head back, and inhaled through her nose, enjoying the sweet fragrance of the small white flowers.
Jack pointed out the newest foal as they passed by the mares. The little filly had turned her backside toward her mother and proceeded to hop and kick at her. With her ears flattened, the mare swung her head back in a warning to her baby, instantly halting the misbehavior.
Next, Jack pointed toward Elizabeth's black and white mare, and standing beside her was a gorgeous four-week-old filly, built just like her mother.
"She's beautiful. She looks like someone dipped all four legs into black ink," Elizabeth said as she stopped Wrangler to watch the young horse for a while. Looking at her husband, she asked, "Are we keeping her?"
"Do you want to?" he asked, already knowing her answer.
Looking back at the foal, Elizabeth nodded her head.
"Then yes, we'll keep her." Jack moved Harley in beside Wrangler, facing the opposite direction, and reached over to his wife's chin. He turned her head, leaned in, and softly kissed her. "You have great taste in horses."
"I like pretty things," she said with a grin, then patted Jack's thigh.
Straightening, he eyed his wife. "What? Now I'm pretty?"
"Very," she answered in an attempt to hold back her laughter.
"You know, you're right where I can get you," Jack said as he moved his hand to her side.
Now fully laughing, Elizabeth kicked Wrangler, and the startled horse took off in a run, leaving Jack and Harley behind.
"Why, that ornery girl," Jack said.
He spun Harley around and urged him into a run. With more experience on the back of a horse, Jack easily had Harley moving faster than Wrangler and quickly caught up to his wife. Passing her, he slowed his horse and blocked Wrangler, forcing the gelding to slow. Knowing she was defeated, Elizabeth pulled her horse to a stop and watched her husband as he moved Harley in beside her again. Harley stepped sideways toward Wrangler until Jack's leg was pressed against Elizabeth's. Jack laid his hand on the horn of Elizabeth's saddle and leaned in and kissed her. Elizabeth reached up, removed Jack's hat, and held it behind him as she tilted her head to deepen their connection.
After what felt like several minutes, Jack straightened and sucked in a deep breath. "Wow," he said as he looked at his wife. His eyes were partially closed as if he was enjoying the high he'd gotten from their intimate kiss.
"What?" she asked with amusement shining in her eyes.
"I will never get tired of that," he replied as he lifted his hand to her cheek and brushed his thumb across her warm, pink skin.
"Good," she said, then leaned toward him for another kiss.
…..
Jack slid the stall door closed, then reached up and patted Wrangler's head. "Thank you for taking such good care of my girl," he said softly to the horse.
Elizabeth stepped out of the tack room, having just hung up both bridles, and crossed the aisle to her husband. Jack gently gripped her waist, turned her, and pressed her against the front of the stall. Framing her face with his hands, he took her mouth with his and finished the kiss they had started on horseback.
Just as Elizabeth began to slide her hands along Jack's back, she felt her phone vibrate in her pocket. Removing it, she saw Charlotte's name on the screen and quickly answered.
"Is everything okay?"
"What? Oh, yes, dear. Sorry. I was calling to see if you were still riding for a while. Frank was wondering if he needed to start supper."
"No, we're done and just put the horses up. I'm on my way in."
"Okay, dear. No hurry. I'll let Frank know that I'll be home soon."
Elizabeth pushed her phone back into her pocket, then laid her arms across Jack's shoulders. "We'll have to pick this up later. Your mom needs to get home."
"Okay," Jack replied, then kissed her neck. "I hope that's a promise."
Moving her arms down, she gripped the back of his jeans and squeezed. "It most definitely is a promise."
Jack followed her to the door, then stood in the opening to watch as she walked to the house. She glanced over her shoulder a couple of times, checking to see if he was still watching. Seeing that he was, she gave him a little wiggle just before she stepped out of sight.
Jack fell back against the door frame, closed his eyes, and fanned himself with his hat. Shoving it back onto his head, he started toward his truck to finish unloading the bags of horse feed before supper, spending his pent-up energy on something else.
….
May 28th, 2015 – Frank & Charlotte's
"Thanks for helping out, Jack," Frank said as he handed the next board to his stepson.
"Of course, Pops. Anytime you need anything, just give me a holler." Jack took the board and screwed it into the place of the broken one he'd just removed.
"Hey, there. You guys need some supervising?" Tom asked as he stepped into the barn.
"Hi, Brother. What are you doing here?" Jack asked as he straightened to his feet.
"I heard that you two were doing some work in the old barn and figured you needed someone to tell you how to do right," Tom teased.
"Oh, you did, did you?" Frank said with a laugh. "We could use another hand if you're offering."
"Of course. Point me in the right direction," Tom replied.
Jack and Tom made fast work of the repairs to the horse barn. Many broken boards were replaced, and they built a new door for one of the stalls. Just as they finished hanging the new door, Charlotte appeared with three cups and a thermos of freshly made sun tea.
"Thanks, Ma," Tom said as he took the cups, holding them out as his mother filled them with the delicious tea.
"Thanks, Dear," Frank said, then kissed his wife's cheek. "You know I love your tea."
"What else needs to be repaired?" Jack asked after taking a large drink of his tea.
"I can work on it tomorrow," Frank replied.
"Nonsense. We're here to help. Just let us know what needs to be done."
Frank looked at Charlotte, who smiled and shrugged. "Fine. There's a spot in the fence on the east lot that needs repairing, and I have a new gate out back that needs hanging on the entrance to the north lot.
"Consider it done," Tom said. He picked up his tool belt and headed out the door, followed by Jack.
Frank and Charlotte stood in the doorway of the barn, his arm around her, as they drank their tea. They watched as Jack and Tom appeared from behind the barn, each with an end of the gate on their shoulder, carrying it toward the awaiting posts for installation. Shortly after hanging the new gate, Tom and Jack returned from the pasture, having repaired the fence, and said their goodbyes before heading to their respective homes.
…..
May 29th, 2015 – Hope Meadows Ranch
The front door burst open, and an extremely happy Peyton ran through the house. "Daddy! Daddy!" she shouted as she ran from room to room. "Where's Daddy?" she asked her mom as Elizabeth closed the door.
"They must be outside," she answered. The two walked out onto the deck that overlooked the backyard and found Jack and the boys playing in the yard. Brianna was strapped to Jack's chest in a carrier, and he bounced her as he watched Jackson and Colton drive the power wheels across the grass.
"That's mine!" Peyton shouted when she spotted her brother driving her pink tractor.
"Pey, we share. Remember?" Elizabeth said sternly.
"Yes, Mommy. Can I go drive it now?"
"Yes, but you ask nicely for your turn."
"Okay."
Peyton ran down the steps as Elizabeth leaned on the railing and watched her family. The little girl held her hand in the air, showing her daddy that the stitches were gone and that she was all better. Jack knelt before his daughter, inspected her hand, then kissed her small scar. Peyton then faced Jackson, and Elizabeth could tell she was asking for her tractor. Jackson Blake immediately jumped off and helped his little sister onto the toy, all while she was still showing off her hand. Jackson mimicked his daddy and kissed his sister's scar.
Elizabeth pulled a chair to the railing, sat down, and rested her arms along the top. She enjoyed the beautiful view of her children, Wyatt, and Jack, as the twins drove across the freshly cut grass, chased by Jackson and the dog. Their giggles carried across the yard and up to the deck, and Elizabeth smiled at the sound of pure joy that emanated from the children. They drove their toys in a wild fashion, zig-zagging all over the yard. Many times, they nearly ran into one another until one would turn just in time to avoid a collision. Wyatt was never far behind, barking at the scary machines that were taking his little humans away from him, thinking all the while that he was protecting them from harm.
Jack stood in the middle of the yard as the kids drove in circles around him. His hand was always supporting Brianna's head while he waved the other in the air, giving guidance on which way the twins should turn their vehicles. During one of the rotations, something on the deck caught Jack's eye, and he looked up at his wife. He smiled, blew her a kiss, then returned his attention to the twins.
Jackson had grown tired of chasing the twins and ran to the playground that filled the back of the yard. Seeing him having fun, Peyton and Colton got off their toys and ran to join him. Jack followed, staying close to keep an eye on them, and quietly sang to his baby daughter. Wyatt ran across the swinging bridge, chasing Peyton as she jumped onto a slide and slid to safety.
Jack laughed at the sight as he continued to sing. As he swayed slightly to the beat of the song, he felt a pair of arms encircle his waist. Looking over his shoulder, he saw Elizabeth looking up at him through her long eyelashes, her eyes sparkling in the sunlight.
"Hey, Beautiful," he said softly in a low voice.
"Hey, Cowboy."
Elizabeth moved in beside her husband, keeping an arm hooked around his lower back. Jack lifted an arm over her, laid it across her shoulders, and brushed his fingers along the exposed skin of her arm.
"They sure have fun together," Elizabeth said as she watched her children play.
"Yes, they do," Jack agreed. "They wear me out," he added, taking a hard breath.
"You used to try to tame a wild bull every weekend, and these little guys wear you out?"
"For starters, I wasn't trying to tame them. Second, that was only eight seconds...or less," he added with a grin. "These three are energizer bunnies."
"Okay, I'll give you that," she replied as she laid her head against her husband.
"I see Peyton got her stitches out. How did that go?"
"Perfectly. The doctor told her she'd get a lollipop when he was finished, so she focused on that."
Laughing, Jack responded, "Of course she did."
After several more minutes, Elizabeth stepped in front of Jack and lifted Brianna from the carrier. "I'm going in to start dinner." Stretching onto her toes, she kissed Jack hard on the lips.
"What was that for?"
"Because there is nothing sexier than my cowboy holding a baby," she said with a wink.
As she began to walk toward the house, Jack spun around and smacked her butt.
"What was that for?" she turned and asked.
"Because there's nothing sexier than you as a mom," he answered, wiggling his eyebrows.
Shaking her head and laughing, Elizabeth headed to the house. The laughter of the three older children never faded as she crossed the yard. Wyatt's barks blended with the giggles and chuckles while the smile on Elizabeth's remained constant as she climbed the stairs to the deck that stretched across the back of the house.
After nursing Brianna and laying her in the portable bassinet in the kitchen, Elizabeth began her preparations for dinner. By the time Jack and the kids returned to the house, laundry was going, the floor was swept, and the timer had just gone off on the oven. Elizabeth was removing a homemade pizza when the kids walked in, filled with excitement at the sight.
"Pizza!" all three shouted in unison as Elizabeth set the pizza stone on a hot pad on the island.
"Looks great," Jack commented, moving in behind his wife and kissing her neck. "Let's wash up, kids," he said, then started toward the half bath near the backdoor.
As Elizabeth, with the help of Peyton, Colton, and Jackson, cleaned up the kitchen after eating, Jack went out to do the evening chores. When he'd returned to the house, his family was curled up on the couch, just getting ready to start a movie.
"Daddy, we're waiting for you," Colton called out when Jack walked through the door.
"You are? Waiting for what?"
"To watch a movie," Peyton answered. "Hurry, Daddy, hurry."
"Alright, I'll be right back," he said, then went to the bathroom to clean up. When he walked back into the living room, Jackson and Colton scooted over, making room for their daddy between them and Peyton, who was leaning onto Elizabeth's leg. "What are we watching?" Jack asked as he took a seat.
"It's a sprize," Peyton answered.
"I love surprises," Jack said with a grin as he looked over to Elizabeth and winked.
Jackson lifted the remote and pushed play, and the kids began to giggle, anticipating the movie that had just started. Immediately, Jack recognized Tooth Fairy, starring Dwayne Johnson, and let out a little chuckle. He laid his arm along the top of the couch cushions behind Elizabeth and sunk his fingers deep into her hair, where they remained for most of the movie.
…..
June 2nd, 2015 – Hope meadows Ranch
Another rodeo weekend had come and gone. Jack and Lee had ended up in fourth place, Rosemary in second, Savannah in fifth, and Luke had another no-time due to missing the calf. Dakota, the only one with a great weekend, had finished first in the youth bareback, ending with his highest score ever.
Out of school for the summer, Savannah was at Jack and Elizabeth's for the day, playing with her cousins and spending some time with her uncle in the round pen. He was training a young colt and teaching Savannah easy steps to achieve their goals. Within the first hour, Savannah had the colt moving when and where she wanted with just hand signals.
"This was great, Uncle Jack," she signed as her uncle led the colt to the barn.
"You did wonderful. Maybe each spring, I can hold back one of the young horses for you to train over the summer."
"That would be awesome," she replied. Her eyes mirrored the excitement she felt inside, and her smile stretched from ear to ear.
"Check with your parents. If they say it's okay, then Little Spunk here will be your first project," Jack added, then handed the lead to his niece.
"Really?" she signed in exaggerated movements, unable to hold back the enthusiasm. "I can be a trainer like you," she added. Stopping, she moved in front of the yearling and pressed her forehead to Spunk's before looking back at her uncle.
"I will help you and teach you everything that your grandfather taught me, but you have that special touch that can't be taught. You will be an amazing trainer like no one else," Jack signed to his niece.
"You really think so?" she asked.
"Absolutely," Jack signed by holding his right index finger in front of his lips, then opened his hand as he dropped his right palm down over his left fist. The sparkle in his niece's eyes was all he needed. She had always been a light in Jack's life, even through his darkest days, and had given him a reason to return home every week. He'd looked forward to their time together, and even after all these years, this fact had never changed. He was excited for the day when he could teach his own children these things, and when that day came, Savannah would still be there, helping Jack with that, as well.
…..
June 5th, 2015 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Elizabeth stepped into the barn and stopped in the doorway. She scanned the alleys but didn't see Jack anywhere. As Elizabeth began crossing through the building to look out the backdoor, she heard a grunting sound coming from the tack room. Elizabeth eased the door open and started to step inside, then stopped when she saw the source of the sounds.
Jack's back was facing her, and he hadn't heard her enter. His shirt was off, and he was in the middle of a set of pull-ups on a bar he'd installed on the wall. Elizabeth leaned against the doorframe, crossed her arms, and watched her husband with a smile on her face.
Jack grunted with each lift, his back tightened and flexed, and his skin had a sheen from perspiration in the warm air. After several more reps, Jack dropped to the floor and shook out his arms. As he turned and started to a bench in the room, Jack jumped back after seeing a figure in the doorway.
"Whatcha doin'?" Elizabeth asked with a grin.
"Geez, Beth. You really need to stop scaring me all the time. You're going to give me a heart attack." Jack reached down, picked up a towel lying beside his shirt, and wiped the dampness from his arms.
Elizabeth took a few steps into the room, then stopped and crossed her arms again. "What is all this?"
Jack looked at the bar, then back at his wife. "What? This?" he asked as he pointed to the wall.
"Yes, that," she answered, then pointed at him, "and all of this."
As he crossed the room, Jack wiped the sweat from his face with the towel. "I'm not getting any younger," he said, then wrapped his arms around Elizabeth.
"What?" she asked, unsure why he answered with that.
"I lost some of my...tone...when I had my shoulder surgery. It took a lot more work to get it back than I expected, so I put this up to use from time to time. I wanted to ensure I kept my...manly physique for you," he said with a crooked grin.
Elizabeth pressed her hands to Jack's chest, feeling it tighten with his natural response to her touch. "It seems to be working." Elizabeth's breaths were short and shallow as she looked into her husband's eyes. She thought for certain that she saw the flash of a fiery flame dance across them, and she slid her hands around his torso to his back.
"Beth," Jack said under his breath.
He started stepping forward, pushing Elizabeth back until she was against the tack room wall. He took her hands in his and moved them above her head, holding them in place as he began kissing her. His lips followed the outline of her jaw, into the curve of her neck, and across the plane of her shoulder. Her heartbeat raced so loudly she thought for sure Jack could hear it.
Jack moved a hand to the low neckline of her tank top, pulled it to the side, and pressed his lips to her warm skin. Her chest heaved with deep, racing breaths as his hand cupped her breast, only the thin layers of cotton and lace of her tank and bra keeping his palm from her skin. Gripping the hem, he pulled her shirt over her head and dropped it to the floor. Cupping Elizabeth under her arms, Jack lifted her and pressed his whole body to her, holding her against the wall. With his wife's legs wrapped around his waist, Jack turned and walked to a bench in the center of the room, spun around, and sat down.
Elizabeth cupped Jack's face and looked into his dark hazel eyes. "I love you, Cowboy," she said, then covered his lips with hers.
…..
June 6th, 2015 – Hope Meadows Ranch
"I bet Skylar is happy to be home for the summer?" Elizabeth asked her sister.
"She was. She's already talking about how much she misses her friends and wishes the summer would hurry up and end," Julie replied.
Elizabeth giggled, remembering the first day of school every year and how excited her students had been to see each other again. "I bet Jacob is happy to have his sister home all day."
"He's been chattering non-stop. He's constantly trying to get her to play games with him."
"Is he excited to start school in the fall?"
"Yes, but I think he's a little scared, too. He'll talk about how he can't wait, but then he gets that deer in the headlights look in his eyes."
"Jackson does, too. But it helps him a lot knowing that Austin will be in the same building, and he'll see him there."
"Oh, yes. That will make a big difference. How's he doing?" Julie asked.
"He's doing great. He's actually quite amazing."
"I'm so happy that he has you, Sis."
"Thanks, Jules. We're so lucky to have him in our family."
"Not many would feel that way," Julie started. "I don't know that I could have been as understanding as you."
"You would."
"How can you say that?"
"Like I've explained to others, as soon as you see your husband's eyes looking back at you with the innocence of a child, a child that didn't ask for any of this, you would embrace him with open arms."
"Well, when you put it like that, I suppose I would. How's my baby niece?"
"She is a blessing we knew we needed but never thought we'd have. You should see Jack with her. I thought he was amazing with the twins, but there's something different about him with her."
"Really? Like what?"
"It's hard to explain, but it's like you can physically feel how thankful he is for her. He comes in the house multiple times throughout the day to check on all of us, but he looks at her as if he's still trying to convince himself that she's real."
"I can believe that," Julie commented. "I can't wait to meet her."
"Well, Jack and I were just talking about making a trip that way this winter."
"What? Really?" Julie asked, her voice climbing an octave.
Chuckling, Elizabeth replied, "Yes. It's been a while since we've been there, and I miss you all. We haven't decided whether to go for Thanksgiving or Christmas yet."
"Oh, either will be great. I can't wait to see you."
The sisters finished their phone conversation just as Jack entered the room with Brianna in his arms. He glanced up at Elizabeth, gave her the special smile he reserved just for his wife, then returned his gaze to his daughter. The awe in his eyes was almost tangible, and as Elizabeth said goodbye to her sister and laid her phone on the table, she said another quick prayer to thank God for her perfect family.
…..
June 7th, 2015 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Jack moaned and rolled onto his back. He had been in the middle of a bizarre dream where Jack was walking through a pasture of his mares, but instead of foals at their sides, they had calves. The image slowly faded and changed to a room in the house. Jack looked around, trying to get his bearings, to realize he was now in the shower. He was wearing only a white pair of boxers, and Elizabeth was standing in front of him in just a white tank top. The shower water was dripping from her hair, and Jack could see her perfect body through the wet fabric of her shirt.
He swiftly lifted her and pressed her to the wall, taking her mouth with his in hungry kisses, yearning for more. Jack let out another moan as his dream changed again. Now he was in bed, and Elizabeth's lips were on his chest.
Jack's eyes popped open, and he looked down to find his wife kissing his chest.
"Elizabeth," he said under his breath.
She looked up, eyeing him through her lashes, and Jack grabbed her. He pulled her onto his body, and her lips quickly covered his.
As her hand slid down his body, Elizabeth lifted her head. "Happy birthday, Cowboy."
"I sure love my birthdays now," he said as he cupped her face and pulled her back to him.
…..
With help from Elizabeth, the kids made pancakes and bacon for their daddy's birthday breakfast. Blueberry muffins, one of Jack's favorites, were also on the menu, and the oven timer went off, signaling they were ready. Elizabeth pulled them from the oven and placed them on the stove to cool.
Jackson was pouring five glasses of orange juice when one of the glasses tipped, spilling the contents across the island.
"Grab the towel," Elizabeth said as she reached for the roll of paper towels. With the help of the three kids, the mess was cleaned up, and they returned to the remainder of the preparations.
"Pey, can you please tell Daddy that breakfast is ready?" Elizabeth asked as she picked up the basket of muffins and handed it to Colton.
"Yes!" she shouted, then ran from the kitchen.
Jack was sitting on the couch with Brianna lying on his chest. He was humming when Peyton ran into the room, and the little girl slowed to a walk as she neared her daddy.
"Can I sit with you?" she asked, then climbed onto the couch. "Can I hold her?"
"Of course, sweetie," Jack said, then moved the baby girl onto Peyton's lap. "Hold her head," he said softly. He began to hum once more as he watched his older daughter hold his youngest.
"That's pretty, Daddy," she said, looking up at him with her big, blue eyes.
"Thank you, Pey Pey," he replied, then brushed her blonde curls from her face.
"She's so pretty," the four-year-old stated as she stared at her baby sister.
"Yes, she is. Just like you."
Peyton looked at her daddy once more, giving him her biggest smile.
"Did Mommy send you in here?" Jack asked, pretty sure he already knew the answer.
With eyes as wide as saucers, she looked up at Jack. "Uh oh. I was s'pose to tell you that your breakfast was ready. Sorry, Daddy."
"That's okay," he said with a laugh. "We better get in there before it's cold."
Jack lifted Brianna, laid her against his shoulder, and then took hold of Peyton's hand. The trio made their way to the dining room, where a large pile of birthday pancakes was waiting.
"Wow, those look delicious," he said as he laid Brianna in the bassinet.
The pancakes were drizzled with frosting and sprinkles and appeared to have sprinkles cooked inside of each one as well.
"They are yummy!" Colton responded. "Mommy let us taste them."
"Oh, she did, huh?"
"Yes," Jackson replied. "They are special birthday pancakes. Not normal pancakes."
"Well, they look great. And so do the muffins. My favorite."
"We know, Daddy," Peyton said with a huge grin.
The family sat around the table and enjoyed the meal the children had excitedly helped prepare. They made plans for the rest of the day, including getting the ponies and horses out and riding around the ranch.
Jack's eyes darted from child to child but constantly returned to his wife, eyeing her with a questioning gaze. After breakfast, while Elizabeth was wiping the island, Jack moved in behind his wife and put his arms around her waist.
"Breakfast was delicious, Beautiful. Thank you," he said before kissing her neck.
"I'm glad you liked it." She finished wiping the counter, then turned in Jack's arms. "What was with the strange looks?"
"Strange looks?" he asked, cocking his head to the side.
"Yes," she answered as she brushed a fingertip down the side of his face. "Like you were waiting for me to tell you something."
"I looked at you like that?" Jack asked with a cheeky grin.
"Well, yes, Jack. And you're doing it again."
"I'm sorry," he said as he tightened his arms around her. "I'm just happy. It's a good day, and I was listening to everything the kids wanted to do today."
"They were very excited to plan your day."
"So...do you have anything planned for today?" he asked, raising his eyebrows as he spoke.
"Well, you already got my little surprise for you this morning."
"Oh, yes. That was an excellent surprise," he said with an eye wiggle. "Anything else?"
"I let the kids pick what they wanted to do with you. Why? Was I supposed to?"
"Oh, no. This is great. The kids' choices are wonderful."
Giving her husband a sideways glance, she smacked his backside and said, "Then let's get this day started. The kids are getting antsy."
…..
Jack helped the twins saddle their ponies while Elizabeth assisted Jackson with Max. Once they were ready, Jack pulled Wrangler and Harley from their stalls and proceeded with tacking them.
"What about Doodle?" Jackson Blake asked.
"What about him?" Jack asked. "Did you want to ride him instead?"
"No. But won't he be lonely?"
"Annie is next to him. She'll keep him company."
"Okay. I guess that's okay," Jackson said, then petted his pony's head. "We won't be gone long, Doodle."
Jack grinned at the kindness of his son and untied the horses to lead them out. Elizabeth and the kids were already outside as she helped the twins onto their ponies. Jack lifted Jackson onto Max's saddle and handed his son the reins. After assisting Elizabeth onto Wrangler, Jack quickly mounted Harley, and the family was on their way.
"It will be so nice when Brianna can join us on our rides," Elizabeth said as she moved Wrangler in beside Harley.
"She will be before we know it. In the meantime, Ma loves spending time with her." As they slowly walked down the trail, Jack laid his hand on Elizabeth's thigh.
Jackson and Max were in the lead as the twins rode side by side behind him, followed closely by Wyatt. They were doing their twin thing, as they often did, talking a mile a minute and finishing each other's sentences. Elizabeth loved it when Peyton and Colton did that. They held a special bond that no one else could quite understand.
"Look at the babies!" Peyton shouted as she pointed to the pasture full of mares and foals. "There's so many."
"There's Hope!" Colton added as the yearling greeted the family at the fence.
"Hi, Hope," Peyton said, reaching over to pet the mare's face. "She's so big. Can I ride her now?"
"Not yet, sweetie," Jack replied. "She has to be two years old before I can start training her. Then it will be a while before she is ready for anyone to ride."
"Why?" Peyton asked.
"Because Daddy has to teach Hope to let people ride her and make sure she knows how to keep you safe when you're on her," Elizabeth explained.
"Oh. Okay," Peyton responded. "Giddy up, Daisy. Catch up with Brother."
Jack and Elizabeth laughed at their daughter as she bounced up and down in the saddle while the pony trotted. Once she reached Colton, she pulled the reins, bringing Daisy to a walk.
"She's going to be quite the little horsewoman," Jack commented.
"I think all of them are going to live on horses," Elizabeth said with a smile.
"I can only hope," Jack said as he slid his hand under Elizabeth's butt, giving her a little squeeze.
They rode around most of the perimeter of the ranch and finished their ride through the middle of it. It took them an hour and a half to reach the mares' pasture again. Wyatt had never left the kids' sides, and Jackson called back warnings to the twins each time a low-hanging limb or dip in the ground was in front of him.
When they reached the barn, Jack and Elizabeth helped the kids unsaddle their mounts, and then the kids were in charge of brushing out their respective horse or pony.
"I can get Wrangler if you need to get to the house for Brianna," Jack said as he reached for his wife's horse.
"I've got him," she responded with a smile. "I left plenty of bottles for her, and I know your mom would like some more time. Besides, Wrangler here needs a good brushing."
Grinning ear to ear, Jack returned to Harley and picked up the soft brush from a shelf. He stood next to his horse and rested his arms on the gelding's back. Jack watched as his family took care of their horses. Peyton and Colton were still chattering non-stop while they brushed the same area over and over. Jackson picked up each of Max's feet and attempted to clean them out. Elizabeth was having a quiet conversation with her horse while she combed a small knot from his mane.
This was Jack's life, and he couldn't ask for anything more. His heart and house were full of love, and he wouldn't trade it for a thousand world championships. This was everything he never knew he needed until it appeared in front of him one day in the middle of this barn.
"Thank you, Lord," he said out loud to himself.
"Did you say something, Jack?" Elizabeth asked, looking over Wrangler's back.
"No. Nothing," he said as he smiled.
…..
Elizabeth was lying in bed, nursing Brianna, when Jack lay down beside them. He had just gotten the kids tucked in, showered and was wearing only his blue plaid lounge pants.
"Did you have a good day?" Elizabeth asked.
"Sure. It was fun watching the kids ride their ponies and Max."
"But?"
"But, what?" Jack asked.
"I sense something is bothering you."
"Well...," Jack started.
"What is it, Jack?"
"I thought you were going to throw me a surprise party."
Elizabeth chuckled, then stopped when she realized he was being serious. "Really? What made you think that?"
"Because of what you said at Sam's surprise party."
Elizabeth tried to think back but could not recall what she'd said. "You're going to have to remind me. I'm sorry."
"When I told you that you couldn't surprise me, that I see all, hear all, you said, 'we'll see about that.'"
"Oh, yeah. I forgot all about that. I'm sorry, Jack. I didn't mean to disappoint you today. Wait...is that why you've been acting weird all week? You thought we were trying to surprise you with a party?"
"Maybe," he replied with a crooked smirk, his right dimple sinking in deep.
"Well, now I feel bad," Elizabeth said. "I'm so sorry," she added as she got out of bed. She stood and brought Brianna to her chest as she gently patted her daughter's back. Elizabeth held her close, softly singing to her, as she rested her cheek on the baby's head, breathing in the lovely scent of her freshly bathed daughter.
"It's fine, Beth. Today was perfect. Starting with you," he said with a grin, "then a whole day of just playing with the kids. I really couldn't ask for anything more."
After getting her daughter in a fresh diaper and pajamas, Elizabeth placed Brianna into her bed. She crawled across the mattress toward Jack, pressed him onto his back, and moved over him.
"Then we'll just have to end a perfect day with this," she said just before covering his lips with hers and slipping her hand down his torso toward the waistband of his pants.
"Well, maybe I could ask for just a little more," he said as he rolled his wife onto her back.