I guess the time off from this story paid off because I feel like "I'm baaaack." LOL I think this is my longest chapter ever, and it does come with a STEAM ALERT! Sorry for those of you that don't enjoy those, you're welcome for those that do. ;) If you aren't already on the When Calls The Heart ~ Fan Fiction Facebook page, you should think about joining. A few of us post visuals for our stories..and with a photoshopping background, mine actually look like our Jack and Elizabeth. :) If you do get on and join, please make sure you are answering the questions that are provided or you will get declined.
Thank you so much to everyone that let me know you were still reading by leaving a review. And all of you that join in on the discussion in our little "book club" on Facebook (another reason to join the page). I was very happy to hear that so many of you are still with me and still reading Cowboy.
And don't forget...this chapter has a STEAM ALERT!
***STEAM ALERT***STEAM ALERT***STEAM ALERT***STEAM ALERT***STEAM ALERT***STEAM ALERT***STEAM ALERT***STEAM ALERT***STEAM ALERT***STEAM ALERT***STEAM ALERT***STEAM ALERT***STEAM ALERT***STEAM ALERT***STEAM ALERT***
June 12th, 2015 – Hope Meadows Ranch
"Hey, Brother," Tom said as he walked into the barn.
"Hey, Tom. What are you doing here?" Jack asked as he tossed the hammer into the tool bag.
"Just stopped by to chat and see how you're doing today."
"I'm good. Why? Oh," Jack said when he realized why Tom had asked. "I'm fine. I don't struggle with Dad's death anymore." He stood by a stack of hay bales and rested his arms on top. "But I sure do still miss him."
"Me, too. I think about him all the time."
"Yeah."
"I'm so glad that we don't have to worry about you anymore," Tom said with a smile.
"Nope, not me," Jack said, smiling. "Was there something else?"
"Yes. Savannah asked us about becoming a horse trainer."
"Oh, good. I hoped she'd talk to you before she came over again."
"You think she could do that?"
"Of course."
"Safely?"
"Brother, you know I would never put that girl in harm's way."
"I know," Tom replied. He stepped toward the stall and leaned against the wood. "She was so excited when she asked us."
"You know how it is, most anyone can train a horse, but some people have that something...extra. She has that something extra."
"Well, she comes by it naturally because of all these years with you."
"How does Sam feel about it?"
"Nervous."
"Would it make you guys feel better if you came over with her for the first few sessions?"
"Yes, yes, it would," Tom replied with a grin.
"Sam already asked for that, didn't she?"
"Yep."
Jack laughed, walked to his tool bag, and picked up the hammer. He flipped it, catching it by the wooden handle. "Not a problem. How about Saturday afternoon?"
"That should wor...oh, wait. No, I have...I mean, Sam has something going on then. How about Sunday?"
"Works for me. Little Spunk has been itchin' to get back in the round pen."
"Little Spunk?" Tom asked as he followed his brother into a stall.
"Don't worry, he's the opposite of spunky," Jack laughed.
"Need some help?"
"Nah. I just need to put up this last bucket hanger, and then I'm headed into the house for a bit."
"Okay. I'll let Savannah know, and we'll see you Satur...I mean Sunday."
"Sounds good, Brother."
Jack was hammering before Tom made it out of the building and walked out of the barn before his brother made it to the highway. He hurried to the house, where his children were waiting for him to play a game with them.
…..
June 13th, 2015 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Jack's phone was lying on the kitchen island when it began to ring. Elizabeth glanced at it, smiled, then crossed the room to the refrigerator.
"Hey, Brother," Jack said as he answered Lee's call. "What's up?...Uh-huh...What? Now?...Okay, I'm on my way."
"Something wrong?" Elizabeth asked.
"No. Lee wants me to go look at a trailer with him. He said he found an awesome deal that he doesn't think will be available for long, so we need to look at it now."
"I didn't know they were looking for a new trailer."
"He's been wanting a basic stock trailer to move mares in. I told him he could just use ours, but I guess he really wants his own. I don't know what he needs me for, though," Jack said as he shoved his phone into his pocket and picked up his keys.
"You have a huge stain on your shirt," Elizabeth said as she inspected it. "You need to leave this here so I can try to get it out."
"You can't do that later?" Jack asked.
"The longer it's there, the harder it will be to get out. Here," she said as she hurried to the laundry room where she pulled a shirt from the dryer. "Throw this on for now."
"I can't work in this. It's too nice."
"You can change when you get back. Here, throw it on, Lee's waiting."
Jack slipped the light-colored dress shirt on and kissed Elizabeth goodbye as he buttoned it. "I won't be gone long...hopefully," he said, then hurried out the front door.
Elizabeth crossed the house to the front window, watched as Jack backed the truck out of the garage, and waited until she couldn't see him anymore. She ran upstairs and into the closet, grabbed an outfit hidden in the back, then hurried to the bathroom to change, curl her hair, and put on her makeup. After gathering Brianna from her bed, she told the kids to hurry and put their shoes on, then ran down the stairs to retrieve the children's packed bags that were hidden in the closet.
With the kids and their things loaded in the Yukon, she dialed Charlotte as she backed out of the garage.
"Is he gone?"
"Yes, he just left to go meet Lee."
"Okay. Are you bringing the kids now?" Charlotte asked.
"Yes, I'm headed down the drive right now."
…..
"Sorry to waste your time, Jacko. That trailer was a piece of crap."
"No, problem. I wondered what kind of condition it would be in for that price. You get what you pay for."
"Ain't that the truth? Hey, since we're going through town, want to stop for a beer?"
"I really should get back to Beth."
"I could really use a drink with a friend," Lee desperately added.
"Everything okay, Brother?"
"Yeah. I guess."
Jack looked at Lee, who was staring out the passenger window. "Sure, we can go have a beer or two."
"Great. Thanks, Jacko," Lee said with a straight-lipped grin.
"I'll call Beth when we get there and let her know what's going on."
Jack pulled the truck in and parked in front of Charlie's. "Why did you want to come here? Johnny's will be quieter if you want to talk."
"I love this place. The atmosphere is fun...and I need some fun right now."
"What is going on with you, man? Are you and Rosie having problems?"
Lee shook his head and glanced out the window again. "No, nothing like that. Let's just get a drink. I need a beer."
"Alright. Let's go have those beers," Jack said, then stepped out of the truck.
It was early enough in the day that the bar was relatively quiet. Music was playing, but not loud, and the men sat at the bar. They ordered a Coors Light, then Lee spun his stool around and scanned the club. Jack looked at his friend and saw him grinning and doing a little nod with his head. Jack looked over his shoulder but found no one.
"Who are you looking at?" Jack asked.
"No one. Why?"
"Hey, Brother. If you're cheating on Rosie, I am not having any part in it. If that's what we're here for, then I'm out." Jack spun on the stool and began to stand but was stopped by Lee's hand on his arm.
"Stop. It's nothing like that," Lee said, then waited for Jack to sit back down. "I am not cheating on Rosie, and I would never do such a thing," Lee stated with offense.
"I'm sorry," Jack started. "I know that, but something is going on here."
"Just look over there," Lee said and motioned across the room.
The walls of a private room opened up, and over two dozen of Jack's friends and family spilled out into the club. "Surprise!" echoed through the building as everyone began to envelop Jack.
"What is this?" he asked, smiling ear to ear, hugging everyone approaching him. "James? Marcus? Oh, my gosh. What are you guys doing here?" Seeing another old friend, Jack embraced the man. "Christian, it's so good to see you." Moving from person to person, friend to friend, Jack was overwhelmed. Jack scanned the crowd, knowing who was responsible for this, looking for his wife's face. Finally spotting her on the outskirts of the group, he pushed his way through and enveloped her in a hug. "Did you do this?" he asked softly in her ear.
"Maybe," she grinned. "But I had a lot of help."
Jack framed her face with his hands and kissed her hard. He took a step back and looked his wife up and down. "Geez, Beth. You know I love it when you wear red, but this dress."
Elizabeth looked down at herself and then back to Jack. "I told Rosie this dress was too much. I mean...too little."
Jack took Elizabeth's hands in his and held her arms out wide. "No, Beth. This dress is just right. It's just that I've never seen you in something quite like this." He held one of her hands up and slowly turned her in a circle. "Oh my gosh, Elizabeth. This back," he said as he slid his hand across her bare skin. "You are one hot momma," he started, then stepped forward and put his mouth to her ear. "And despite how amazing you look, I can't wait to get this dress off you."
Elizabeth wore a deep red cocktail dress with a surplice neckline that led down to side ruching. The thin spaghetti straps trailed down and crisscrossed over a very low open back. The dress was short, barely reaching her mid-thigh, and Elizabeth had it paired with a nude set of stilettos. Chills ran through her body, and she shivered slightly, followed by a soft giggle.
"So sexy," he added before kissing her once more. Jack returned his attention to the room, keeping his hand on the small of her back, and looked around at his many friends that had come to celebrate with him. "This is wonderful."
Laughing, Elizabeth leaned in and said, "It's even easier to surprise someone when you have the party after their actual birthday."
"Woman, you have amazed me yet again," he said. He turned to face the crowd and found Lee, Tom, Sam, and Rosie in front of him. Nodding his head, he asked as he pointed toward them, "You're all in on this, aren't you?"
Lee handed Jack his beer, then laid his arm across Jack's shoulders. Holding up his bottle, Lee said, "And the Grammy for best actor goes to...ME!"
"And Beth," Jack added as he lifted his beer. "To both of you."
"I may have fibbed a few times," Elizabeth teased.
"A few?" Jack asked as he moved in front of her. He put an arm around her waist and pulled her in hard against him. "I think it was more than a few." Jack was looking down at his wife. "The shirt?"
Elizabeth grinned. "Will you ever forgive me?" she asked as she batted her eyes.
"Hmmm...I may need some convincing in order to do that."
Elizabeth reached up and gripped the back of Jack's hair, pulled him down, and kissed him.
"Whoa," Jack said when he came up for air. "That's a good start," he said with a wink. Turning to Lee, Jack asked, "And the trailer?"
"Henry is an old family friend. He has no plans of selling that trailer?" Lee laughed.
"Brother," Jack said and wrapped his arms around Lee, almost choking him. "You sure had me fooled."
Lee stepped back and threw his arms into the air, "As I said...Grammy-worthy, people. Gram-my wor-thy."
Conversations and laughter filled the bar, easily heard over the quiet music as Jack floated from group to group. He caught up with people he hadn't seen in years and visited with friends he'd seen just the weekend prior.
"Look at the smile on his face," Elizabeth commented to Sam.
After Elizabeth took the fruity drink from Sam's hand, Sam turned around and looked at Jack. "He is loving life."
"What are we talking about, Chicas?" Rosemary asked as she pushed in between her friends and laid her hands on their shoulders.
"How happy Jack is right now," Elizabeth replied, then sipped her drink through the yellow straw.
"Well, my friend, I believe you have much to do with that happiness," Rosie said. She reached toward Elizabeth's drink, took the umbrella that was stabbed through a strawberry and a pineapple chunk, ate the fruit, then tucked the umbrella into Elizabeth's hair by her ear. "There. Now," she started as she grabbed Elizabeth's and Sam's hands, "Let's go get our karaoke on."
With a screech from Elizabeth, Rosemary dragged the women onto the platform, and the trio picked out a song to start the night.
"Maddie and Tae?" Sam asked.
"Oh, most definitely," Rosemary replied.
The song was queued up, and the DJ handed out three microphones. Elizabeth searched for Jack and quickly found him moving toward the front of the crowd, his eyes locked on hers. A crooked smirk spread across her lips as she lifted the microphone and began to sing.
"Well, I wish I had some shoes on my two bare feet
And it's gettin' kinda cold in these painted-on cut-off jeans
I hate the way this bikini top chafes
Do I really have to wear it all day?"
Whistles and hollers came from the men as they listened to their wives sing. Many of Jack's friends joined in as they listened to the hilarious lyrics that were being sung.
"I hear you over there on your tailgate whistlin' in
Sayin', "Hey girl", but you know I ain't listenin'
'Cause I got a name, and to you it ain't
Pretty little thing, honey or baby
It's drivin' me red, red, red, red, red, red, redneck crazy"
Rosie, Sam, and Elizabeth began swaying back and forth, seeming to be moving to choreographed motions to the music.
"Bein' the girl in a country song
How in the world did it go so wrong?
Like all we're good for is lookin' good for
You and your friends on the weekend, nothin' more
We used to get a little respect
Now we're lucky if we even get
To climb up in your truck, keep our mouth shut and ride along
And be the girl in a country song."
"Yeah, girl!" one of the women in the crowd shouted. Waves of laughter flowed through the bar as the women continued to sing, causing them to stumble over some of the lyrics from their own laughter. Rosemary began shaking her hips back and forth, and Sam and Elizabeth quickly joined her.
"Well, shakin' my moneymaker ain't ever made me a dime
And there ain't no sugar for you in this shaker of mine
Tell me one more time you gotta get you some of that
Sure I'll slide on over, but you're gonna get slapped, huh
These days it ain't easy being that...
Girl in a country song
How in the world did it go so wrong?
Like all we're good for is looking good for
You and your friends on the weekend, nothin' more
We used to get a little respect
Now we're lucky if we even get
To climb up in your truck, keep our mouth shut and ride along
And be the girl in a country song
Yep, yep, yeah baby
Aw naw
Conway and George Strait
Never did it this way
Back in the old days
Aw naw
We ain't a cliche
That ain't no way
To treat a lady
Like a girl in a country song
How in the world did it go so wrong?
Like all we're good for is lookin' good for
You and your friends on the weekend, nothin' more
We used to get a little respect
Now we're lucky if we even get
To climb up in your truck, keep our mouth shut and ride along
Down some old dirt road we don't even wanna be on
And be the girl in a country song
Yeah baby
I ain't your tan legged Juliet
Can I put on some real clothes now?
Aw naw"
"Woo!" Jack shouted through cupped hands. He met Elizabeth at the stage as she stepped off the small platform. "I like it when you shake your moneymaker," he said as he moved his arms around her.
"Oh, you do, do you?"
"Yes, Ma'am. So very much." His lips curled into a grin, sinking his dimples in deep.
Elizabeth shook her head and laid a hand on his cheek. "Those do me in every time."
"And you do me in every time," Jack said before pulling her in. He covered her lips with his, smothering her in hungry kisses. "Mmmm...fruity," he said as he licked his lips before kissing her once more.
"It's our turn," Lee said while he grabbed Jack's arm as he walked by.
Tom was close behind, along with Walker and Lance, and the group of five stepped onto the platform and began searching through the songs.
"How about this one?" Walker asked, pointing at a song title.
"No way, man," Lee said. As they scrolled through the songs, one caught Lee's eye, and he pointed. "This one would be perfect."
"Yes...yes, it would," Tom responded.
"Oh, yes," Walker added with a chuckle.
"Let's do it!" Jack exclaimed, clapping his hands together.
With their beers in hand, the men picked up microphones, took their places in front of the small monitor, and waited for the DJ to start their music.
Jack lifted the microphone to his mouth, and as the words changed color across the screen, he spoke along with them, creating roars of laughter throughout the bar.
"Let's go girls
Come on
I'm going out tonight, I'm feelin' alright
Gonna let it all hang out
Want to make some noise, really raise my voice
Yeah, I want to scream and shout, ah."
"Are they seriously singing a Shania Twain song?" Sam leaned in between Rosie and Elizabeth and asked.
"Sister, I believe that they are," Elizabeth said between her laughs. "Oh, my gosh, I have to get this on video." Elizabeth and several others opened the cameras on their phones and began recording the guys as they danced around to the music and sang.
"No inhibitions, make no conditions
Get a little outta line
I ain't gonna act politically correct
I only want to have a good time
The best thing about being a woman
Is the prerogative to have a little fun and
Oh, oh, oh, go totally crazy, forget I'm a lady
Men's shirts, short skirts
Oh, oh, oh, really go wild yeah, doin' it in style
Oh, oh, oh, get in the action, feel the attraction
Color my hair, do what I dare
Oh, oh, oh, I want to be free yeah, to feel the way I feel
Man! I feel like a woman! Woo
The girls need a break tonight we're gonna take
The chance to get out on the town
We don't need romance, we only want to dance
We're gonna let our hair hang down"
The guys pretended to flip their hair as they stuck their hips out, generating hoots and hollers from the crowd, with many laughs and cheers.
"The best thing about being a woman
Is the prerogative to have a little fun and
Oh, oh, oh, go totally crazy, forget I'm a lady
Men's shirts, short skirts
Oh, oh, oh, really go wild, yeah, doin' it in style
Oh, oh, oh, get in the action, feel the attraction
Color my hair, do what I dare
Oh, oh, oh, I want to be free yeah, to feel the way I feel
Man! I feel like a woman! Ow ow uh huh
Oh oh yeah
The best thing about being a woman
Is the prerogative to have a little fun
Oh, oh, oh, go totally crazy, forget I'm a lady
Men's shirts, short skirts
Oh, oh, oh, really go wild yeah, doin' it in style
Oh, oh, oh, get in the action, feel the attraction
Color my hair, do what I dare
Oh, oh, oh, I want to be free yeah, to feel the way I feel
Man! I feel like a woman!"
Screams from every woman in the bar echoed through the room, along with cheers from the men. Jack and the guys stepped off the stage and were met by their wives.
"Jack, what am I going to do with you?" Elizabeth asked as she threw her arms around his neck.
"I can think of a number of things," he replied as he locked his fingers into the back of her hair. He nuzzled her neck, dragging his lips along her warm skin, and stopped at her ear. "You look so sexy," he whispered.
The heated breath that floated across her ear sent chills down Elizabeth's spine. Looking around, she grabbed Jack's hand, pulled him from the crowd, and into a darkened corner at the back of the bar. As she turned to her husband, Jack was moving his hands to the sides of her face, cupping her cheeks, and covering her lips. He leaned his body against hers, pushing her against the wall, and kissed her as if they'd been apart for months.
Elizabeth pulled at his shirt as his hands moved down her sides and onto her hips. He squeezed her flesh, pulling her body into his, showing her just how much he wanted her. With one hand moving around to the bare skin of her back, Jack dropped the to her exposed thigh and hooked his fingers under the hem.
"Seriously, Jacko! You two really need to get a room," Lee called out from his seat at a nearby table.
Jack turned his head to find a few sets of eyes on them, then dropped it onto her shoulder. Elizabeth giggled when she felt his hand move to the front of his jeans, tugging and adjusting in an attempt to find a little relief.
"If you had to deal with a body part that had a mind of its own getting bunched up in your tight jeans, you wouldn't be laughing," Jack said quietly.
"Oh, I think I would still," she said with another giggle. She raised her hand to his cheek and softly kissed his lips. "You were mighty hot when you were singing about feeling like a woman."
"Good. That was my plan," he teased. After letting out a quick, hard breath, he took her hand in his and led her to the table where Lee, Rosemary, Sam, and Tom were waiting.
"Those are some pretty drinks," Jack said as he pulled the chair out for his wife.
A strawberry daiquiri, pina colada, Bahama mama, and screwdriver were sitting in the center of the table. Each with a colorful straw, fruit garnish, and umbrella.
"One of those for me?" Elizabeth asked.
"Take your pick," Sam said as she waved her hand over the drinks.
Elizabeth reached for the strawberry daiquiri, Rosemary grabbed the screwdriver, and Sam picked up the Bahama mama.
"Who's the fourth one for?" Elizabeth asked between sips.
"Oh, I thought one of the guys might like it since they were feeling like a woman."
The women burst out in laughter as Lee reached for the pina colada. "Don't mind if I do," he said before taking a long drag of the frozen drink through the straw. "Ahhh!" he said loudly, then grabbed his head.
"Brain freeze, Brother?" Jack asked as Lee nodded his head. "Wow, I am very embarrassed for you right now. You can't even handle a lady's drink," Jack joked.
"Owww, this is horrible," Lee continued until the sharp pain subsided.
"You better leave the hard drinks for us," Rosemary said as she took the umbrella-dressed glass from her husband's hand. "I'm afraid this is just too much for you to handle."
Lee grabbed Rosemary's chair and pulled it across the floor until she was wedged between his legs. "Woman, I know how to handle the things that matter."
Looking into her husband's eyes and feeling her heart speed up a bit by his sudden forcefulness, Rosemary leaned in and kissed Lee. "Oh, how I know you do," she said softly as she gripped the top of his thigh.
"And you tell me to get a room," Jack said with a chuckle.
"Hey," Lee started as he leaned toward his best friend, "I figure...if I can't beat him, join him." He leaned back in his chair with a huge smile and pulled Rosemary into his chest.
"Lee," Rosie said in a high-pitched voice as she slapped his arm.
Jack moved his chair closer to Elizabeth's and wrapped his arms around her shoulders. Elizabeth rested her head on his, her cheek to his cheek, and breathed in slowly, enjoying the intoxicating scent of his cologne.
"Thank you for tonight," he whispered.
She tilted her head until her lips were pressed to his, and Jack moved his hand to her face. His thumb stroked her cheek as his tongue caressed hers, adding more fuel to their already burning fire.
"I'm glad you're enjoying your party," she finally said when they both needed air.
"So much, Beautiful. This has been amazing."
"Hey, you ready for another song?" Scott, an old friend of Jack's, asked.
"Let's go," Jack replied, pushing Elizabeth's chair forward. He stood, bent down, and kissed the top of her head. "I'll be right back." As he'd been doing all evening, Jack dragged his hand along Elizabeth's exposed back as he walked away.
Elizabeth and the others watched Jack move toward the stage with almost a skip in his step as he followed Scott to the DJ. They picked out a song, then grabbed their mics and waited.
Jack had been pulled to the stage many times that evening to join in with various groups of friends. Elizabeth had noticed many of his friends buying him drinks throughout the night, but Jack seemed to be holding the liquor well. When he returned to the table with a Crown and Coke in his hand, Elizabeth watched him take a small sip and set the glass on the table.
"How have you not passed out?" Elizabeth leaned in and asked.
"Trade secret," Jack replied with a huge grin, then kissed her cheek.
"There's a secret on how to drink all night and not get drunk?"
"Yeah, you don't drink all night," he winked.
"What? I've seen at least fifteen people buy you a drink."
"Ah, yes. But what you didn't see was me taking one sip, pouring most of my drink into someone else's glass, then drinking the last little bit."
"Jack Thornton, aren't you the clever one."
"Gotta keep my friends happy yet stay upright."
"Well, you sure had me fooled."
Jack nuzzled his face into her neck and added, "I am feeling a little buzzed, though."
Elizabeth giggled from the vibration of his voice against her neck, tickling her. "I might be just a little, too," she whispered in his ear.
Jack straightened and looked down at his wife, his eyes wide with astonishment. "You are?"
Elizabeth giggled, "Maybe."
"I don't think I've ever seen you tipsy."
"Me neither," she giggled again.
"Yep, you're buzzed," Jack said with a grin. "Come here."
Jack pulled her chair between his legs and put his arms around her. They remained that way through the following three karaoke songs, enjoying the intense love that they shared. Elizabeth looked around the bar, appreciating all the rustic, western décor and wood accents that made the space feel warm and welcoming. A chandelier hung overhead and red curtains framed the karaoke stage, which currently housed three women and two men, in the middle of a poor attempt to sing a Kenny Chesney song.
"What are you looking at?" Jack asked, looking down at his wife.
"I love this place. It feels...um...comfortable."
"Yep, you're past buzzed," Jack teased.
"No, seriously. I like it here."
Jack looked around, really looking at the setting for the first time. "You know, you're right. It's homey."
"See," she said as she settled deeper into his arms, "comfortable."
"I'm very comfortable, too, but it has nothing to do with the bar," Jack stated as he nuzzled her neck. "We should sing together now."
"Sure," Elizabeth replied. Her eyes were closed, and her head rested against his.
"What would you like to sing?"
"You pick."
"Okay, let's go," Jack said and stood. He took hold of Elizabeth's hand, helped her to her feet, and the pair made their way through the crowd.
"Oh, this is gonna be good," Lee stated when he spotted the couple scrolling through songs.
Lee, Rosemary, Sam, Tom, Faith, and Walker moved to the front and found an empty table near the stage. Several others that saw Jack and Elizabeth walking onto the stage, moved closer as well.
Elizabeth placed a single microphone on the stand in the middle of the stage, while Jack found two empty chairs. They sat down facing each other, the microphone stand between them, and waited for the music to begin.
"Oh, this is a good one," Rosemary stated as soon as the music.
"Nothing better for a couple to sing than a Tim and Faith song," Sam added.
Jack scooted his chair forward until his knees straddled his wife's, then laid his hand on her thigh as she slid her hand up his arm. He leaned toward the microphone and began singing.
"I wanna drink that shot of whiskey
I wanna smoke that cigarette
I wanna smell that sweet addiction on my breath
I wanna ride 'cross West Virginia
In the backseat of a Cadillac
You know some cowboys like me go out like that
So I need you
Like a needle needs a vein
Like my Uncle Joe in Oklahoma needs the rain
I need you
Like a lighthouse on the coast
Like the Father and the Son need the Holy Ghost
I need you."
Elizabeth had moved closer to the microphone and rested her hand on Jack's knee when it reached time for her to sing her part. Without breaking her gaze with her husband, she began to sing.
"I wanna get lost in some corner booth
A cantina in Mexico
I wanna dance to the static of an AM radio
I wanna wrap the moon around us
And lay beside you skin on skin
Make love 'til the sun comes up
'Til the sun goes down again
'Cause I need you
Like a needle needs a vein
Like my Uncle Joe in Oklahoma needs the rain
I need you
Like a lighthouse on the coast
Like the Father and the Son need the Holy Ghost
I need you
Oh, I need you
I wanna drink that shot of whiskey
I wanna smoke that cigarette
You know some cowboys like me go out like that
So I need you
Oh, I need you
I need you, I need you, I need you, I need you
Ooo, I need you, I need you, I need you
I need you, I need you, I need you, I need you, too."
"Why don't you sing to me like that?" Rosie asked Lee with a slap on his arm.
"Have you heard me sing? Because if you had, you wouldn't be asking me that question."
Tom, Sam, Walker, and Faith burst out in laughter before Rosemary could comment. They were still laughing when Jack and Elizabeth rejoined them; then the group switched to remarking on what an amazing job the couple had done.
Jack pulled Elizabeth onto his lap once he was seated in a chair, and they firmly held onto one another while they listened to the conversations flow between their friends.
A few more songs and a couple more drinks in, Jack joined a large group of guys that were discussing the past hunting season. Jack was in the middle of a Lee-induced laugh when something in the dark corner of the room caught his eye. His gaze locked on the figures, and his face was stern. Several of his friends noticed and shifted their eyes in that direction.
A woman cowered in the corner as a man lifted a hand above her, bringing it down hard across her cheek.
Jack dropped his beer and tore across the bar, pushing people out of his way as he made his way to the couple.
"Hey!" he shouted when he reached them. His voice echoed through the bar, causing many people to fall silent and turn in his direction.
The man straightened and turned around. Standing eye to eye with Jack and equally built, the cowboy looked Jack up and down.
"What's your problem, asshole?"
"Right now...you are," Jack replied in a low voice.
"Oh, really? And are you planning on doing something about it?"
"If I need to, yes."
"It's going to take a lot more than just you," the man said as he cracked his knuckles.
"Like me?" Lee asked as he moved in beside Jack.
"Or how about me?" Tom added, stepping to Jack's other side.
The man scoffed at the three men, and alcohol was obviously impairing his ability to judge the situation rationally. Either that, or the man was just crazy. Both scenarios could have been valid as he laughed loudly and crossed his arms along his chest.
Walker and a few others moved in, fanning out behind Jack and his brothers, as one of the woman's friends squeezed between them in an attempt to grab her friend's arm.
"And what do you think you're doing, ya bitch?" the guy yelled. He gripped the battered woman's arm and pulled her behind him.
"I don't think so," Jack said.
He took a step toward the man and ducked beneath a swinging arm. Grabbing the jerk, he spun him around, clearing the woman, and pressed him against the wall with an arm pinned behind his back.
"What the hell!" the guy yelled, trying his hardest to break free from Jack's grip. "What is your problem?! She is none of your concern!"
Jack leaned forward and spoke into the man's ear. "She became my concern when you hit her. No man...no real man...would ever lay a hand on a woman. If my friends or I ever see you around here again, we'll show you the way out in a manner that you won't be walking. Now, here's what's going to happen tonight. I'm going to walk you to your truck. You're going to get in it and leave. You're never going to contact her again. Do you understand me?"
The man didn't respond, so Jack tightened his hold on his arm and twisted it upward.
"Ahh! Okay, okay. I get it. Stop before you break my arm!"
Jack nodded toward the woman's friend, and she stepped in and walked the scared, bruised female to the bathroom.
"Let's go," Jack said, his voice very low and stern.
Without freeing the man's arm, Jack walked him to the entrance of the bar. Lee, Tom, and Jack's friends followed closely behind. Once outside, Jack stopped under the illumination of a light pole and turned the man to face him and the others.
"My brothers and I do not appreciate or condone a little twit like yourself beating up on someone that cannot defend themself. Now, if you're feeling the need to take your aggression out on someone tonight, do it on me." Jack stood tall before the man and waited for a response.
Tom and Lee just looked at each other, then back at the man, waiting for him to take a swing at Jack.
"Do you think I'm stupid," the man said to Jack. "If I lay a blow on you, then all your buddies here are gonna jump me."
A small laugh escaped from Jack's lips. "Buddy, yes, I think you're stupid, but not for the reason you're implying. I can assure you, my brothers here will not lay a hand on you." Jack spread his arms out wide and stared at the man. "Go ahead and see what beating on someone your own size will feel like." Jack turned his head and added, "Guys, don't do anything to this..."
But before Jack could finish his sentence, burning pain shot through his jaw and spun him on his feet. Catching his balance and his thoughts, Jack quickly turned to the man, just in time to see his fist headed in his direction again. Jack ducked, pulled back, and as he straightened, his fist made contact with the man's face, sending him flying off his feet and landing flat on his back.
"That was a cheap shot," Walker yelled from the group.
Jack stood over the man and held his hand to assist him. He looked up at Jack, dazed by the punch and confused by the gesture. Jack waved his hand slightly, encouraging the man to take it. When he finally did, Jack jerked him to his feet.
"I think this is over now, right?" Jack asked.
The man just nodded his head as he held his jaw.
"Will we ever see you again around here?"
"No, sir."
"Good. Are you going to call her?"
"No way. Someone else can have that bitch."
"That isn't necessary. I don't know what she did to you, and I don't care. Only a coward hits a woman."
"I'm no coward!" the man shouted and stood tall before Jack.
"Then stop acting like one."
"Whatever, man."
"Keep living your life like you are, and you're eventually going to run into someone that isn't into giving second chances like I am."
The man looked at Jack, contemplating what he'd just said.
Jack relaxed his stance and voice. "Get some help, or you'll end up on the receiving end of a deadly beating someday...or in prison."
The guy nodded his head, slowly turned around, and headed for his truck.
"Dude, that was amazing," Jerry said, slapping Jack on the back.
"I really didn't think he'd take it that far," Jack replied. He turned toward the men with his hand on his jaw.
"You alright, Brother?" Lee asked.
"I could use some ice," Jack replied. "He was a big ole boy, and he got me pretty square."
"We can do that," Tom stated, laying his arm across his brother's shoulders and leading him back into the bar.
Elizabeth ran to Jack when she spotted him. "Oh, Jack," she said when she saw him rubbing his jaw. "What happened out there?"
"He snuck in a cheap shot when my head was turned."
"Let me see." Elizabeth cupped his face, turning it one way, then the other. The darkening of a bruise was already beginning to set in across the left side of his lower jaw, and Jack flinched when she lightly touched it. "You need ice."
"We were actually on our way to get some. How's the girl?"
"She's shaken up. It's definitely not the first time he's done this to her. She has several yellowing bruises that look a week or two old."
"That son of a bitch," Jack said as anger began to creep back in again.
"Is he gone?" Elizabeth asked.
"Yeah. We saw him get in his truck and leave after I...," Jack stopped himself from finishing his sentence and looked down at his wife.
"You what?"
Jack just shook his head.
"Did you hit him?"
"Yes."
Elizabeth gave him an understanding nod of her head. "What he did to her was horrific."
"I'm sorry. It was a knee-jerk reaction. He hit me, and I just..."
"It's alright, Jack. I understand."
Jack rubbed his wife's arms up and down. "Are you alright?" he asked, knowing this was dredging up old memories.
"Yes, I'm fine."
"Does she have friends with her?"
"Yes, they are in the back room right now. I asked them to join us when she was ready."
Jack put his arms around Elizabeth's waist and took a step closer. "You are beautiful, strong, brave, and the kindest person...and that's why I love you."
"And you're the gentlest soul, and you stand up for those that can't stand up for themselves. That's why I love you." Elizabeth stretched onto her toes and kissed her husband until a tap on Jack's shoulder pulled them apart.
"Here, Jacko," Lee said as he held out a small bag of ice.
"Thanks, Brother." Jack pressed the bag to his jaw, flinching slightly as the cold spread into his skin.
"Let's give this man a toast," Jerry shouted as he held his beer in the air.
"That's not necessary," Jack said as he waved his hand in front of them. "Really."
"Jack," Lee said as he squeezed his friend's shoulder, "raise your glass."
Jack did as he was told, and Lee continued.
"I want to wish my best friend the happiest of birthdays. You welcomed me into your circle when I started out in bull riding. You taught me things in and out of the arena. You are the epitome of what a husband, father, and friend should look like, and I hope to have the strength of your faith one day. You're the best friend I have ever had and ever will have, and I thank you." Lee cleared his throat before continuing. "Now, that being said. May you never lose a stirrup, may you never waste a loop. May your can stay full of syrup and your gizzard full of whoop. May your horse never stumble, may your spurs never rust. May your guts never grumble and your cinch never bust. Happy birthday, Jacko."
"Here, here," many people said as everyone sipped from their drinks.
As it neared 1 am and a few people had already left, Sam and Rosemary found Elizabeth and led her toward the karaoke stage.
"Are we singing another one?" Elizabeth asked her friends.
"Nope. This one's for you," Sam answered.
Tom held a barstool in his hands as the women approached. He set it on the floor in front of the stage and patted the top of it. "Have a seat, Sis."
"What's going on?" Elizabeth asked as she sat down and looked around.
"You'll see," Rosemary replied and pulled a stool beside her friend.
Elizabeth turned her gaze to the stage where a barstool and microphone stand had been placed. The background screen that scrolled through the words for the audience to sing along had been turned off, and the lights seemed to have dimmed. Jack appeared from the side behind the DJ. He had a microphone in his hand, walked to the stool, and took a seat. As he snapped the microphone onto the stand, he locked eyes with Elizabeth and winked.
Tom stepped behind Sam and placed his arms around her. Sam laid her hands on her husband's arms that lay across her chest and tipped her head onto him. Lee, Jason, and Alicia moved in beside Rosemary, followed by the rest of Jack's friends that filled the area behind the group.
Jack nodded to the DJ, and the music began to a familiar Rascal Flatts song. Elizabeth's hands were locked together and gathered at her chest as she rested her chin on her fingers. She loved listening to Jack sing, and this had her heart racing.
Jack's eyes were still locked on Elizabeth's as he leaned forward, preparing to start singing. One hand rested on top of his thigh, while the other laid across the top of the microphone. As the music reached the moment for Jack to sing, he rubbed his jaw before he began.
"When you light those candles
Up there on that mantle, setting the mood
Well, I just lie there staring
Silently preparing to love on you
Well, I can feel the heat from across the room
Ain't it wild what a little flame can make you wanna do"
Elizabeth was sure her husband could feel the heat that was emanating from her, like the song said. Whistles and a few people hollering could be heard by most, but to Elizabeth, she and Jack were the only two people in the room, and his voice was the only sound she could hear.
"I melt every time you look at me that way
It never fails anytime, any place
This burn in me is the coolest thing
I've ever felt, I melt
Don't know how you do it
I love the way I lose it every time
What's even better
Is knowing that forever you're all mine
The closer you get, the more my body aches
One little stare from you is all it takes
I melt every time you look at me that way
It never fails anytime, any place
This burn in me is the coolest thing
I've ever felt, I melt"
Each time Jack hit the high notes as he belted out the lyrics, several of his friends could call out or whistle. Background vocals were included in the music playing, but Jack's voice was so strong it overpowered them, making it difficult to hear anything else.
"I melt every time you look at me that way
It never fails anytime, any place
This burn in me is the coolest thing
I've ever felt
I melt
I just melt
Every time you look at me that way
I melt"
As the instrumental music faded, a deafening roar filled the bar that could be heard outside. Most of the crowd was part of the surprise party, but others who had stopped by for a drink or some karaoke had joined in on the clapping and shouting as Jack stepped off the platform.
As he approached his wife, Elizabeth jumped to her feet and threw her arms around his neck. With his arms around her waist, he lifted her feet from the floor and spun her around. They were mid-kiss when people engulfed them, smacking Jack on the back and saying how much they'd enjoyed that.
Elizabeth moved her mouth to Jack's ear and whispered, "We need to go home. Now."
Jack pulled his head back and saw the flash of hungry yearning that clouded Elizabeth's eyes. "Then we will say our goodbyes."
Jack gripped Elizabeth's hand tightly and began making their way through the crowd. They thanked all their friends, some for helping with the planning, others for coming to the party. Jack informed a few that he'd be calling them soon to set up a time to get together and not lose touch again.
Just as they were about to step outside, a small hand grabbed Jack's shoulder, causing him to spin around. He was expecting to see a friend he had missed, but the young lady the man had hit was standing nervously before him.
"Thank you," she said with a cracked voice. "Thank you so much."
She quickly put her arms around Jack's waist, and he moved his around her. He could feel her small frame shaking from a flood of tears that turned back on again, and he held her until she could stop. Once she regained control of her emotions, she stepped back and wiped her face.
"I'm sorry about that," she said as her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
"No need to apologize, ma'am. I'm just glad I was here to help."
"I've never had a man stand up for me before. And there were so many of you."
Jack laid his hands on her shoulders and ensured he had her full attention. "I'm sorry you have never had a man protect you. And I hope you now know that's how it should always be. You are worth more than what that jerk was showing you. Please believe that."
She nodded as he spoke, but doubt flashed in her eyes.
Elizabeth stepped closer and took the woman's hand in hers. "This is a real man," she began as she laid her other hand on her husband's shoulder. "You should be treated like a queen, not like trash or a piece of meat. You should feel safe in the arms of the one you give yourself to. If you don't, get out and find someone who does."
The woman's eyes moved back and forth between Jack and Elizabeth's, trying to make sense of something she had never seen before. "I don't know what that looks like," she finally said.
"Then stop looking," Elizabeth responded. "Take care of yourself. Get healthy, learn something new," Elizabeth took hold of both of her hands. "Find a church."
"I don't understand all of that stuff."
"Find a church that will help you understand. Join us Sunday. You need to help yourself. No one else can do that." Elizabeth squeezed her hands. "What's your name?"
"Sarah. Sarah Gibson."
"Sarah, I'm going to give you my cell phone number. If you need anything...and I mean anything, you call me. It doesn't matter what time it is. If you have questions, call me. If you'd like to join us for church, call me. If you want to sit down and have a coffee and talk...please...call me."
Sarah stared at Elizabeth in total astonishment. "Why are you doing this for me?"
"Because God says to strive to be like Him. And He is all forgiving, all loving, all-encompassing. I'm not perfect, but if I have the capability to help someone in need, I will try my hardest to do so."
"You have no idea, Sarah, what this woman will do for someone," Jack said proudly as he put his arm around her. "She has a heart of gold and shares her wealth with everyone in her life."
Sarah took a piece of paper from Elizabeth that had her phone number written across it. She held it firmly with both hands as if it was a valuable item someone might try to take. She stared at the number, unsure what to say in the situation she'd found herself in.
Seeing this, something crossed Elizabeth's mind. "Sarah, do you have somewhere safe to go tonight?"
The woman's gaze slowly rose to meet Elizabeth's, and tears pooled at the bottom of her dull green eyes. Without a word, she shook her head.
Elizabeth looked at Jack with pleading in her eyes. Jack scanned the room, more to think than to look for someone, then returned his gaze to his wife.
"What about your friends?" Elizabeth asked.
"They don't have any place for me. And their boyfriends are friends with Steve."
"We'll find someplace for you to go. Someplace he can't find you," Jack said as he looked down at Sarah. "Please excuse us for a moment," Jack added as he held Elizabeth by her arm. He led Elizabeth outside, just by the front door. "What are you thinking?"
"We do have the room. At least for the night until we can make other arrangements."
"What if she messages him and tells him where she is?"
"Do you think she might do that?"
Jack looked into the bar through the open door. Sarah had her arms wrapped around her upper body, hunched over as if making herself as small as possible. Her eyes darted around the room, eyeing every noise and movement that caught her attention.
"No. No, I don't think she'll do that." Jack returned his eyes to his wife.
"We just can't leave her here. And the kids are at your mom's for the evening. We could ask her to leave her phone with us."
"I don't think we can ask her that."
"Is the trailer still plugged in?"
"Yes."
"What about that? It's away from the house and better than nothing."
Jack took a deep breath and looked at Sarah. "She might be scared out there."
"Well, we can't leave her here. Let's just take her home and show her the trailer. Let her decide."
"Woman, I can't say no to you. But I wouldn't want to in this situation anyway. Go get her, and I'll let Tom, Sam, Lee, and Rosie know what we're doing."
A smile filled her face, and she stretched onto her toes and kissed Jack. "I'll meet you at the truck."
"Your car isn't here?"
"No, I rode in with Faith."
Jack found the gang and explained what was going on. They promised to check in in the morning, and Jack left to find Elizabeth and Sarah by the truck. Jack opened the back door and held his hand out to assist Sarah into the truck. She stared at his hand for a moment, then into his eyes. Jack could see the fear dissolve as she laid her hand in his, and he helped her up into the truck.
They rode in silence as Jack drove home, only the sounds of the radio playing faintly in the background. Elizabeth looked to the backseat at Sarah when they pulled into their driveway, and the woman's eyes wildly scanned the ranch. The moon was full and illuminated the barn, fencing, and trees.
"This is where you live?" she asked in complete shock.
"Yes, this is our ranch," Jack answered.
He pulled up beside the trailer parked next to the barn and shut the truck off.
"Sarah, I would like to show you something," Elizabeth said, then got out of the truck.
Jack stepped out, opened Sarah's door, and held it as she climbed down. They led her to the trailer, and Jack opened the door, holding it as Elizabeth stepped inside. Sarah stood outside for a moment, then followed Elizabeth in. Her eyes were wide when she saw the interior, and she looked around and gasped.
"This is our home away from home," Elizabeth started. "It's plugged in, so the fridge, air, TV, and lights are on. If you think you'll feel safe, you are welcome to stay here for the night until we can find something better."
"Something better? This is the nicest place I've ever seen. This is a horse trailer?"
"Yes, ma'am," Jack answered. "The back portion is where the horses ride when we travel."
"I've never seen anything like this before."
Elizabeth showed Sarah around and how to operate everything. They left her alone, while they ran to the house to get food and water. When they returned, Sarah was sitting on the couch staring at her hands; her cheeks damp from tears.
"Are you alright?" Elizabeth asked.
"I don't know how to thank you," the woman said.
"You don't have to," Jack replied. "It's our Christian duty, and we are happy to help you as much as possible."
Elizabeth placed four bottles of water in the fridge and a bag of snacks on the table. "Jack will come to get you in the morning to have breakfast with us."
"Really?"
"Of course," Jack said. "Beth here makes a mean cup of coffee, too."
Jack and Elizabeth stepped out as Sarah followed them to the door. She looked around outside through squinted eyes. "And you guys will be nearby?"
"Yes," Elizabeth said, then pointed. "See the light in the window right there."
Sarah nodded.
"That's our house. Please call me if you get scared and don't think you can stay out here. Do you still have my number?"
Sarah pulled the paper from her pocket and started typing the number into her phone. "There, stored in my phone now." Sarah smiled, and for the first time, Jack and Elizabeth could see the beauty hidden behind the fear and the bruises.
"You're very beautiful," Jack said and smiled at her. "Don't let another man steal your smile again."
The woman's cheeks morphed into bright red embarrassment as she hid her head from the couple.
"Good night, Sarah," Elizabeth said as she squeezed her arm. "You're safe here. Lock the door when you go inside."
"I will. Thank you."
"Good night, ma'am," Jack said as he tipped his hat. "I'll be out in the morning to check on you."
"Okay."
Sarah took a step back and closed the door. When Jack and Elizabeth heard the locking sound, they turned to the truck to head to the house.
…..
Jack let Wyatt out and left him outside for the night. If anyone stepped foot on the ranch, Wyatt would alarm them. He walked through the house, securing every window and door, before going to their bedroom, where Elizabeth had been for the past twenty minutes.
As Jack neared the bedroom door, he heard the faint sound of music and could see a warm glow at the bottom of the door. He slowly opened it and started inside, where a few dozen candles had been placed around the room, and their flickering flames danced in the dimness. "I Melt" was playing on Elizabeth's phone, but Jack didn't see his wife anywhere.
"Beth?" he asked as he closed the door, but she didn't answer.
Jack checked the bathroom, but found it empty, then started toward the closet. The door was open, and as he stepped into the doorway, he saw her sitting on the island wearing nothing but his black felt cowboy hat and PBR riding vest. Jack's heart nearly stopped at the sight, and he tugged hard at the front of his jeans, adjusting once more.
"Elizabeth," he said, unable to move.
"Hey, Cowboy. Aren't you going to come here?"
"I'm trying," he said, then finally walked toward her. "Elizabeth, I've told you many times but have never meant it more than I do right now, but you're going to be the death of me."
"I hope not. But I do want to be a few other things to you." Elizabeth lifted her hand to his bruised cheek and gently touched it. "Does this hurt?"
"A little, but that's the furthest thing from my mind right now," he grinned.
Jack grabbed her knees and spread her legs apart. He stepped between them and wrapped an arm behind his wife, pulling her closer to the edge of the wooden top. He took hold of the zipper pull with his right hand and slowly began to pull it down as he spread the vest open with his left hand.
"Geez, I never thought these things while unzipping this thing in the past."
Elizabeth tipped her head back in laughter, then said, "I hope not."
Once the vest was unzipped, Jack pulled the sides out, revealing her naked body. "God, Beth," he said as he slipped his hands between her sides and the vest. "If I'd known this vest would be this sexy on you, I would have given it to you years ago."
Jack reached up, removed the hat from her head, and laid it on the island. Returning his hand under the vest, he pulled her hard against him as he took her mouth with his. Elizabeth moved her hands into his hair and pulled his head down to deepen their kiss.
Between Elizabeth throwing a successful surprise party, Jack standing up against Steven, Elizabeth helping Sarah, and Jack singing that final song, Jack and Elizabeth had wanted this time together all evening. When Elizabeth watched Jack as he sang to her, she could only think about getting him home. As Jack listened to Elizabeth talk to Sarah at the bar, and as he looked around at everything she had done to make this night special for him, Jack wanted to grab her right there and rush home. With their desire for each other building all evening, the hunger in their kisses and exploring hands would not allow them to wait any longer.
Jack quickly pushed his PBR vest off his wife, and it fell back onto the island. Elizabeth's hands frantically fumbled over the buttons of Jack's shirt, irritating her to the point she grabbed it and ripped it open, popping the last two buttons from the fabric.
Shocked, Jack stepped back, looked down at the buttons on the floor, and then back at his wife. "Beth," he said as his breaths became shorter and more frequent. He pushed his shirt off, grabbed Elizabeth, and carried her to the bed. He quickly removed his boots and jeans as Elizabeth moved up the mattress. Once he, too, was naked, Jack crawled up the bed and over Elizabeth. But as he began to lower onto her, Elizabeth put her arms around him and pushed him over and onto his back.
"I'm kind of liking this forceful Beth tonight," he said as a grin spread over his lips. "It's hot."
"Then hold onto your chaps, Cowboy," she said with a smirk.
"Whoa," Jack remarked as Elizabeth straddled him.
She reached down, gripping his extremely firm member, and moved onto him. Jack tipped his head back and closed his eyes as he felt her warmth engulf him. A long, loud moan slipped through his lips as she moved up and down. He clutched onto her hips and drove his up, pressing deeper inside.
Elizabeth's body curled over him as she called out in pleasure. He moved his hands to her face and covered her lips with his, kissing her hard and exploring every facet of her mouth. Knowing he could go at any moment, Jack wrapped an arm around her waist and flipped Elizabeth to her back.
She gasped in surprise, then began laughing. Jack kissed her, starting at her neck and working his way down. When he reached her ribs, he pushed into her flesh and tickled her with his lips, causing her to laugh harder. As he inched lower, her giggles continued until he slid down between her legs. As his tongue grazed across the folds of her most sensitive area, the laughter stopped and was replaced by a sharp gasp as she clasped onto Jack's head, intertwining her fingers into his hair.
The walls seemed to dance with the candlelight flickering across the warm wooden logs. Let's Make Love by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill was appropriately now playing on Elizabeth's phone. Much desired cold air was blowing through the room as the air conditioner kicked on, giving the couple the slightest relief from the heated passion that had overtaken them.
Elizabeth felt almost numb from the wild sensations roaring through her body. Jack's tongue continued to cause a storm to build inside her, feeling as though it would let loose at any moment. When it finally did, it was as if a tsunami washed through her from head to toe, leaving no nerves untouched and every muscle rigid with intense satisfaction.
As her body relaxed and the air returned to her lungs, Jack rose above her and pressed his lips to hers. Elizabeth laid her hands on Jack's hips and could feel his body was damp and tense. She slid her hands to the small of his back and pressed down, begging for more. Jack swiftly entered her, never stopping once he began rocking his hips. She lifted hers, meeting him with every pounding motion. She felt her core begin to boil and rumble again as another storm built, quickly exploding into a roaring squall rolling through her, leaving her toes curled and her body spent in its aftermath.
Jack soon followed, no longer able to hold back after hearing the effect he'd had on his wife. He moaned and pressed his cheek to hers, burying his face in her hair as he allowed the all-consuming climax to flow through him.
He rolled to the side and lay alongside his wife, draping a leg and an arm across her. Elizabeth laid a hand on his arm and pulled it up, hugging it against her. She turned to her side, her back to Jack's chest, and moved his arm across her collarbone. It hadn't taken long for slumber to pull the couple into a deep sleep, leading them into a night filled with dreams similar to the evening they'd just spent together.
…..
June 14th, 2015 – Hope Meadows Ranch
The faint sound of music stirred Elizabeth from her sleep as she turned over to block the sunlight from her eyes. Blinking against the brightness, she lifted her head and looked around the room. Jack was gone, and her white throw blanket was draped over her. She rolled back and dropped her legs over the edge of the bed, pulling the blanket up around her still naked body.
Elizabeth picked up her phone and closed the music app, thankful she had plugged it in, or her phone would have gone dead. She checked for missed messages or calls and found none. As she got to her feet, Wyatt ran into the room, jumped onto the bed, and waited patiently for his morning greeting.
She walked around the bed and stopped on Jack's side. "Good morning, Wyatt," Elizabeth said as she leaned down and scratched his ear. "Did you keep the ranch safe last night?"
Wyatt spun around in three circles before sitting again, his entire body wagging from excitement.
"Good job, boy. You're such a good boy," she said as she petted him.
"Am I now," a low, husky voice said into her ear, and a pair of strong arms moved around her.
"Yes, you are a very good boy," Elizabeth replied. She turned her head until she could reach his lips and kissed him softly. "Good morning, Cowboy."
"Good morning, Beautiful. How did you sleep?"
She turned in his arms and wrapped hers behind his neck. "Wonderfully."
"Me, too."
"Have you been outside?"
"Yes, I checked on Sarah. I knocked softly on the door, but she didn't answer. I figured she had a long night, and we were up late, so I let her sleep."
"Good idea. I can send her a text and see...oh, shoot. No, I can't. I gave her my number, but I never got hers."
"That's okay. I'll go out again in a little while and see if I can get her to answer the door."
"I'll go with you."
"It's a date," he said with a cheeky grin. "I want you to know how much I loved last night. Thank you so much."
"What part?"
"Well...all of it." Jack tightened his arms around her waist and lifted her until her feet left the floor. He carried her to the edge of the bed and sat her beside Wyatt. Placing his hands on the mattress, one on either side of his wife, Jack leaned in and kissed her. "It was an amazing night."
"Yes, it was," she agreed as she framed his face with her hands. "A much-needed and amazing night."
"Amen, Cowgirl," Jack said and laughed. With his hand under her chin, he lifted her gaze and tenderly kissed her. "Mmmmm," he growled. "If I don't get going right now...," Jack said as he shook his head.
"What would happen," Elizabeth asked as she leaned back onto her elbows. She lifted a foot onto the mattress and let her leg fall to the side, opening an invitation for her husband. The blanket had fallen away, and she was completely exposed.
"Beth," Jack said as he took a step back and looked his wife up and down, licking his lips.
"Jack," she responded, then touched her fingers to her lips, dragging them across the bottom one.
In less than a minute, Jack was completely undressed and moving his wife up the bed until her head rested on a pillow. "You know I can't stop around you," he said, kissing her neck and chest.
"I never asked you to," she commented as she wrapped her arms around him and pulled him down.
…..
Jack and Elizabeth were standing outside the trailer, waiting for any sign of Sarah moving around inside. Jack had knocked, but not hard, and they couldn't hear any movement.
"Knock a little louder," Elizabeth finally said.
Jack did, and the couple stood and waited again. After no response, Elizabeth began getting nervous.
"What if something's wrong? Did you try the door?"
"No, I didn't want to scare her by walking inside. She already has a bad view of men."
"True. I will then." Elizabeth stepped to the door and tried the latch. It was locked. "Where's the key?"
"In the truck. I'll run and get it."
As Elizabeth waited outside the trailer, she knocked louder than Jack had and called out for Sarah. After three attempts at this, she could finally hear movement from inside. Elizabeth felt a wave of relief wash over her as she waited for the door to open.
"I think she's up now," Elizabeth told Jack when he returned. "I heard some noise inside."
"Oh, good."
They could hear Sarah fumble with the latch, then the door finally opened.
"We're so sorry to wake you. We just wanted to check on you," Elizabeth said.
"What time is it?" Sarah asked as she wiped her eyes. She was wearing only one of Jack's T-shirts that Elizabeth had loaned her, and Jack quickly turned around.
"It's just after eight."
"Eight? AM?"
"Yes, sorry. We leave for church at 9:30 and wanted to ensure you have something in your stomach this morning."
Seeing what Jack had done, she suddenly realized what she was wearing. Sarah looked down at herself, then back to Elizabeth. Her face was red with embarrassment, and she ran to grab a small blanket from the couch. When she returned to the door with a mortified expression, she repeatedly said, "I'm so sorry."
"Sarah, it's fine. We obviously woke you up from a deep sleep. We're the ones that are sorry," Elizabeth assured her.
"Can you give me just a minute to throw my clothes on?"
"Of course, we'll be in the barn," Jack answered.
Sarah nodded and closed the door. Jack slipped his hand into Elizabeth's, and the two walked inside. Elizabeth waited while Jack refilled the horses' water buckets. Having fed them already, he always returned and topped off their buckets because they drank a lot after eating their grain. Just as he finished, Sarah stepped into the barn, and her eyes grew wide again.
"Come here," Elizabeth said as she held her hand out. "I'll introduce you to everyone."
Wyatt eagerly greeted the woman, and she knelt to pet him. "He's beautiful."
"That's Wyatt."
"Well, hello, Wyatt." Sarah stood and followed Elizabeth to the first stall, where Harley was already waiting. "Who's this handsome guy?"
"This is Harley."
Jack stayed back and watched as Elizabeth led Sarah through the barn, introducing her to each horse. When they finally finished with the ponies, Sarah suddenly realized something and looked at the couple.
"You guys have kids."
"Yes, we do," Elizabeth answered with a smile. "Four."
"Four? Wow. Are they not here?"
"No, they stayed with my mother last night. We'll see them at church this morning," Jack answered.
"Ready for some breakfast?" Elizabeth asked.
"I could eat," Sarah replied.
Since Jack and Elizabeth had first seen Sarah, her expression and body had relaxed, her defenses were down, and a light was beginning to return to her eyes. They walked to the house, where Sarah assisted Elizabeth with breakfast, once again gasping at the sight of the home. When they were finished eating, Sarah and Elizabeth cleaned the kitchen while Jack ran up to get ready for church.
"You're so lucky," Sarah commented as she poured herself another cup of coffee.
"Why do you say that?" Elizabeth asked.
"Because you live in a house like this, on a gorgeous ranch, and have a man like Jack."
"Yes, in those instances, I am very blessed."
"How do you do it?"
"Do what?" Elizabeth asked. Feeling a vital conversation beginning, Elizabeth pulled a stool out and sat down.
"How do you get a man like Jack and not one like Steve?" Sarah set her cup on the island.
"First, you take care of yourself. You find what makes you happy and do everything possible to reach those goals. You don't worry about what everyone else wants for you. You don't worry about if a guy will approve of it. What do you like to do?"
Sarah took a moment, having never thought about what she wanted. "I don't know. I never thought about it before. I like it when my friends ask me to do their hair."
"A hairstylist. You can go to school to learn that and make a great career out of it."
"Oh, I don't know about that."
"You won't know until you try. I can help you find a school."
"Okay. But what does all this have to do with finding a man like Jack?"
"Sarah, work on yourself. Help yourself. When your life is on track, God will lead the right man to you. I wasn't searching for Jack. We just...found each other when we weren't looking."
"Where did you meet?" Sarah asked as she moved onto a stool.
"Here on the ranch, actually."
Confusion filled Sarah's face as she tried to figure out how that could be.
"You're wondering how."
"Yes," she answered, slightly embarrassed.
"My friend had a horse that needed work. She brought her here for Jack to train, and I came with her. Rosie and I were standing in his barn when he walked in."
"Love at first sight?" Sarah asked, grinning.
"Oh, no. I grew up on the east coast and had barely been on a horse. I'd never seen a rodeo, and Jack was a bull rider in the PBR."
"Really? He's a bull rider?"
"He was. He's retired from that and team ropes now. His lifestyle was far from anything I thought I wanted. He rode two thousand-pound animals that tried to kill him, and I was an art teacher. We were just about as far apart as a couple could be," Elizabeth chuckled. "But God had other plans for us."
"What do you mean? How does God make plans for you?"
"God created each one of us. He can use us to do His work if we allow Him. He can guide us to be where He wants us. He puts people in our lives for different reasons. I believe, and so does Jack, that God brought us together."
"So, God puts people in our life? Why did He put Steve in mine?"
"That was not the work of God. That was the work of the Devil. God loves us all, no matter what you've done in your life."
"That's right," Jack said as he walked into the kitchen.
Sarah turned, and with one look at Jack, she dropped her gaze and felt her cheeks flush. Jack had showered and dressed in his favorite red, black, and white plaid Wrangler shirt and new jeans. His white straw hat was in his hand, and he set it on the island as he sat down next to his wife. The corner of his mouth was red and spread into a purple bruise that had darkened overnight. Sarah was embarrassed that Jack had come to her rescue. Especially a man that looked like this.
"Really? No matter what I've done?" she asked, staring at her hands that were resting on her lap.
"No matter what," Jack answered.
"Would you like to go to church with us this morning?" Elizabeth asked.
"I don't have anything to wear."
"You can borrow one of my dresses. They should fit you just fine."
Sarah followed Elizabeth to the stairs but stopped and turned toward Jack. "I'm sorry."
"For what?" he asked, looking up from his coffee.
Sarah tapped on her cheek. "For that."
Jack shook his head and looked at her with a softness in his eyes that she had never seen in a man before. "It wasn't your fault. Never was, never will be. Don't forget that."
Sarah felt a stinging at her eyes as she turned toward Elizabeth. She had stopped halfway up the steps and was watching her.
"He's right," Elizabeth agreed. "None of this is your fault."
Elizabeth helped Sarah pick out something to wear and found a pair of shoes that fit her. They quickly got ready and headed down the road in no time. Sarah's attention was locked on Frank and his words during the service. His sermon had been precisely what she needed, and she was full of questions afterward. After meeting their kids and telling Jack and Elizabeth goodbye, Sarah joined Frank and Charlotte for lunch. Frank answered all her questions, and Charlotte helped her find a shelter for battered women. They made certain that she was settled in before leaving and promised to pick her up the following Sunday so she could join them at church again.
Jack and Elizabeth loaded their children and drove home to prepare lunch for Tom, Sam, and the kids. After lunch, Jack would work with Savannah while Tom and Sam watched, and the young lady was too excited to eat. They hurried through the meal, and Savannah loaded the dishwasher faster than Sam and Tom had ever seen her go.
"In a hurry?" Tom asked his daughter and laughed.
Savannah just grinned and nodded her head.
"Okay. Who wants to go train a horse?" Jack signed and asked out loud.
Savannah ran to the front door, opened it, then stood and stared at her parents as she held it open.
"I guess she is," Sam said, then led the group through the door.
…..
Austin, Luke, Jackson, Peyton, and Colton played with a rope and plastic steer head as Jack led the young horse into the round pen. Brianna was asleep in the stroller, and Elizabeth, Sam, and Tom sat on the picnic table to watch the training session.
Jack handed the gelding's lead rope to Savannah, and she led him into the pen. Jack followed closely until she reached the center, then started signing to her on how to begin.
"Remember what we did last time?"
"Yes."
"Okay," Jack started, then held out a long whip. "This time, we are going to add this. This will be like an extension of you. It will be something visual you can use to cue the horse, tap him with it and reach over to his other side when necessary. Okay?"
"Okay." Savannah took the whip from her uncle and held it down to her side.
"Unhook his lead and send him off, but this time, use the whip and point with it."
Savannah unsnapped the rope and let it drop into the dirt. She pointed left with an outstretched arm and the whip and waited for Spunk to respond. Remembering her lessons from the prior week, she leaned forward toward the horse, and he immediately began to move as commanded.
Everyone could see the smile on Savannah's face as she rotated in the center of the round pen. Jack remained in the pen, walking in a circle to stay behind his niece. He stepped to the side for Savannah to see and signed for her to stop him. She did, and the horse turned to face her and halted. Her smile grew even more as she turned and looked at her uncle.
"Good job," he signed and smiled. "Now, we're going to try something different."
Jack went through a few more things for Savannah to work on, and the gelding picked up on everything faster than even Jack had hoped. He knew the petite quarter horse was intelligent, but he was proving to be the best horse he could have picked for Savannah's first project.
By the end of the lesson, Spunk was moving in both directions around the pen. He was changing gaits as he moved from a walk to a trot, to a lope, and back to a walk, all with simple hand signals from Savannah. As the gelding stopped for the final time and turned to face Savannah, she spun around and jumped into Jack's arms, wrapping hers tightly around her uncle's neck.
"Well, Samantha, I think we have another horse trainer in the family," Tom remarked as he moved his arms around his wife.
"I think you're right," she replied before kissing him.
Jack crossed the pen as Savannah retrieved the rope and secured it to Spunk. When Jack reached the railing, he rested his arms on top and looked at Tom and Sam. "So, do you feel comfortable with letting me work with her?"
"Yes, Jack. Very much so," Sam answered. "She can come over here anytime you guys work it into your schedule."
Savannah moved in beside Jack and tapped him on his arm. "What?"
"You can come here any time and work with Spunk. He'll be your project, and you're in charge of all his training. We'll take him as far as you want."
"Riding?" she asked as a smile slowly grew.
"If you want to," Jack replied.
Savannah swiftly scaled the pen railing and ran to her parents, hugging each one before repeatedly signing "Thank you."
"What are we celebrating?" Charlotte asked as she and Frank joined the family.
"Savannah is going to learn how to be a horse trainer," Jack replied.
"That sounds like a perfect idea," Charlotte stated. "I bet she'll be wonderful at it."
"How did things go with Sarah?" Elizabeth asked.
"She is a very sweet girl that had an extremely rough start in life. She was so grateful to all of us, and she's settled safely in a shelter in Carlisle."
"I'm so glad," Elizabeth said. "She's been through so much."
Savannah returned to the round pen to try a few things with Spunk. At the same time, everyone visited about the surprise party, Sarah, and securing their plans for the rodeo the following weekend. When Tom, Sam, and the kids had to leave, Charlotte and Frank also said their goodbyes, and they all left for their homes.
Jack and Elizabeth got their children bathed and settled in to watch a movie while Jack prepared supper and Elizabeth worked on laundry. After some other house cleaning duties, Elizabeth joined Jack in the kitchen, where he was plating the last steak.
"That smells wonderful," Elizabeth said as she peered into each pan and bowl. "Twice-baked potatoes?"
"Yes."
"I love your twice-baked potatoes," she said as she put her arms around his waist.
"I know you do," Jack said with a grin as he looked over his shoulder at his wife.
"And mac and cheese, the kids' favorite."
"Yep." Jack was finished with the plate and turned to face his wife. "And steaks, my favorite," he added with a grin.
"Well, you've just got us all covered."
"Hope so. Everything is ready if you want to let them know."
"Okay," Elizabeth said, then stretched onto her toes and kissed him before she left the room to get Brianna and the kids.
…..
As Jack returned to the house after chores, he thought he heard music as he stepped onto the front porch. Moving to the front window, he peered inside and saw Elizabeth sitting at the piano. She was playing something and looking to her right. Jack moved over to see what she was looking at and found Jackson sitting on the floor in front of Brianna's bouncy seat. He held her feet, moving them back and forth slightly, as his baby sister smiled and cooed at him. Jack could see that he was talking to her...no, singing to her, as Elizabeth continued to play.
Peyton was sitting on one side of her mommy and Colton on the other, each one plucking out notes with two fingers. Jack opened the door and stepped inside, and Colton jumped off the bench and ran to his daddy. He leaped into Jack's arms, and the pair joined Elizabeth on the piano bench. Jack sat beside his wife, placed Colton on his lap, and watched as she finished the song.
Jackson was still singing to his baby sister. His favorite song from church, "This Little Light of Mine." Brianna's mouth curled up in one corner, her way of smiling for her family, then she'd kick her feet against Jackson's hands as he held them. Her eyes were locked on his mouth, mesmerized by his singing, and each time he stopped, she cried until he began again. Jackson was on his third song, trying to keep her smiling, loving the fact that he was able to do so.
Peyton climbed off the bench and ran to her daddy, who lifted her onto his knee opposite her twin brother. They joined in on the familiar song, getting most of the lyrics correct, as Elizabeth's fingers glided along the keys of her baby grand.