There is no steam alert with this one, but there is a tissue alert...so have them handy before you begin. If you feel as I did while I wrote this, you'll cry, cheer, cry some more, then gush over the father that Jack is. I hope you enjoy this (as much as you can anyway). Thank you so much for all the wonderful reviews! Please - keep them coming.
***TISSUE ALERT***
June 15th, 2015 – Hope Meadows Ranch
"Seriously, Jacko. Do you own a shirt?" Lee asked from the back of Annie. He'd just arrived and rode out to help Jack with fence repairs.
"I wanted to look my best when you arrived," Jack remarked with his arms outstretched.
"Oh, well, if that's the case. Then, thank you for that," Lee said as he dismounted the horse.
"It's quite warm out here today, Brother. And...well...to be honest, I like to not have a farmer's tan," Jack added with a smirk. "Gotta keep it sexy for the little woman," Jack teased.
"Oh, okay. Well, if that's what we're doing then," Lee said, then pulled his t-shirt over his head and tossed it onto Annie's saddle.
"Whoa!" Jack shouted as he covered his eyes. "I'm blinded. It's too bright."
"Hilarious, Jacko. Sorry, not all of us are blessed with a dark complexion like you."
"Hey, I work hard for this," Jack stated as he waved his hands up and down his torso.
"I know you do. Now, what are we doing here?"
"I don't know what these horses have been up to, but this corner post needs replaced, and this entire section needs retightening. They've really done a number on the fence through here."
"I can see that. Tell me where you want me."
Jack and Lee worked on the fence for the next three hours. Once the new corner post was set, they began pulling the existing fence to get it back where it should be. Jack hooked the fence stretcher to the webbing, then moved to the end of the rope. Unable to get a tractor or vehicle in that corner of the pasture, Jack would have to pull it as tight as he could while Lee quickly attached the fasteners to hold it in place.
"How's your face?" Lee asked before taking a swig from the water jug.
Jack took hold of his jaw and moved it back and forth. "A little sore, but I'll be fine."
Lee chuckled. "That guy was a big ole boy, wasn't he?"
Laughing, too, Jack agreed. "Yes, brother. His punch just about knocked me off my feet."
"I've never seen that happen," he remarked.
"It has a time or two," Jack said as he reached for the water jug from Lee. With a smirk, he added, "It's been a while, but it's happened."
After their water break, Jack and Lee returned to the fence and finished reattaching the webbing to the new post. As they loaded the tools into the saddle bags, Lee leaned against Annie and rested his arms on her back.
"I took a look at Buck before I came out here."
"What did you think?" Jack pulled his gloves off and rested his arms on Harley's back.
"It's not my place to say, Jack."
Jack knew Lee was serious; it was the only time he used Jack instead of Jacko. He looked at the worn yellow leather gloves still in his hands and shook his head.
"He's lived a long life, Jack. He's in pain."
Jack let out a long, slow breath, then looked at Lee. "I know. I just don't know if I'm ready."
"I know you aren't. But you need to think of Buck."
Jack moved his gaze to the valley that stretched out below them. From that corner of the pasture, he could see most of his land, including the house and barn. He smacked his gloves on the saddle, then reached for Harley's reins.
"When did you get so wise?" Jack said with a mild chuckle.
"What? I was born this way," Lee said as he stepped into the stirrup and swung his leg over.
…..
When Lee walked into the house, Elizabeth and Rosemary were sitting at the dining room table. Rosie was holding a sleeping Brianna while Elizabeth played with Stetson on her lap.
"Daddy!" Autumn, almost two, yelled as she ran into Lee's arms.
"Hello, baby girl," he said as he tossed her into the air.
Her giggles echoed through the house, attracting all the other children to find the cause.
"Daddy's back," Noel called out as she joined her sister in his arms.
"You two are getting too big for me to hold you at the same time anymore."
"No, Daddy. Always hold us together," Autumn protested.
"I will for as long as I can," Lee stated, then kissed the top of each of his daughters' heads. He shifted them in his arms to keep from dropping either one, then carried them into the dining room to find Rosemary.
"Where's Jack?" Elizabeth asked as she shifted Stetson from one leg to the other. "Did you guys get the fence done?"
"Yes, the fence is done. He's still in the barn...with Buck." Lee's tone alerted Elizabeth that something was wrong.
"Buck?"
"Yes, it's not good."
"Can you guys stay with the kids for a few minutes?"
"Of course, Liz. Take your time," Rosemary answered.
Elizabeth stood, placed Stetson on the floor beside Lee, and then hurried out of the house.
…..
Jack stood at the door to Buck's stall with his arms on top of the half door. He watched his horse struggle to eat the grain he'd just poured into his feeder. Jack had coated the joint supplement feed with a pain reliever powder, and Jack wanted to be sure Buck ate every last bite.
"How is he?" Elizabeth asked as she moved in beside Jack.
"I don't know. One minute he acts like he's in severe pain, and the next, he seems almost fine. The pain medicine doesn't seem to be helping as much anymore."
"What are you going to do?"
Jack put an arm around Elizabeth and pulled her in closer. "I don't know." After watching Buck move from his food and stand with his head hung low, Jack looked at Elizabeth. "I think it's time."
Elizabeth quickly looked at her husband and could see the pain in his eyes, having finally admitted that. She hooked her arm through his and laid her head against his shoulder.
"Wow, this is harder than I thought it would be," he said, his voice cracking.
Elizabeth looked up and saw him wipe a tear away. "Oh, Jack. I'm so sorry. I know what Buck means to you."
Jack just nodded and continued watching the gelding. "I need to let Ma and Tom know. They will want to be here. Oh, my gosh, Savannah. She learned how to ride on him." The thought broke Jack's heart more than anything. Savannah's love for horses began with Buck, and Jack knew she would be just as upset as him.
Jack stepped away from the stall and pulled his phone from his pocket. His first call was to the vet, followed by his mother, then Tom. Plans had been set for the following day, and Jack was feeling sick to his stomach.
He returned to the stall where Elizabeth had remained, and Buck was now in front of her, enjoying the attention she was giving him.
"What about the kids?" Jack asked. "How do we explain this to them?"
"We just have to tell them the truth, Jack. They will be okay."
Jack nodded, reached over the door, and slid his hand across Buck's left eye. Instantly, he remembered the first horse he and Tom had to say goodbye to.
…..
November 3rd, 1988 – Thornton Ranch
"What's wrong with Ronan?" Eight-year-old Jack asked his father.
The horse was lying in the stall, and the vet was with him.
"He's not feeling well today, Jack."
"Is he going to be okay?"
"I don't think so, buddy," Thomas said as he knelt beside his son. "He has something called colic, and it's gotten past the time that the vet can help."
Jack looked at the horse with his brow furrowed in puzzlement. Six-year-old Tom ran into the barn, and upon seeing his dad and brother, he slowed to a walk and moved in behind them.
"What's wrong with Ronan?"
"He's very sick, Tommy. Come here," Thomas said with his free arm outstretched.
Tom moved in beside his father and stared at the vet as he held a stethoscope to the horse's stomach.
"What's the doctor doing?" Tom asked.
"He's trying to help him, but I'm afraid it might be too late," Thomas asked his curious son.
Jack moved his gaze from the grey gelding to his father. "Is Ronan going to die?"
"I think so, Jack."
"I'm sorry, Thomas. It's just too late. There's nothing I can do to help him. We can't get him up, and it sounds like he's already twisted his gut."
"Thanks, Larry. I understand."
"What does that mean?" Tom asked, looking frantically between the vet and his father.
"I'm sorry, Tommy. But Ronan is just too sick."
"Do you want me to take care of him?" Dr. Larry Simpson asked.
"Yes, go ahead."
"What's he doing?" Tom asked. "Is he going to fix him?"
Thomas sat on the floor and pulled his youngest son onto his lap as he kept an arm around Jack. "Boys, Ronan is in a lot of pain, and he's hurt himself on the inside. Dr. Simpson is going to give him some medicine that will help him sleep and then another shot of medicine that will stop his heart."
"But," Jack started, then looked at the horse as a long groan vibrated through the animal's throat. "' But how can he live if his heart is stopped?"
"He's not going to," Thomas answered.
"What? No!" Tom cried.
"Tommy, we can't keep him suffering. Can you hear him? He's hurting."
"Yes, daddy, I hear him. But I don't want him dead."
Thomas wrapped an arm around Tom and held him tight as the little boy began to cry. Seeing that Jack was starting to as well, Thomas pulled him onto his lap. He held his sons as they watched the vet administer the medicine that would end Ronan's pain. Dr. Simpson placed his stethoscope over the horse's heart, listened for a few seconds, then looked at Thomas and nodded. He gathered his things, stood, and walked out of the barn.
Thomas pushed his crying sons off his lap, stood, and while holding their hands, he led them into the stall and knelt beside the animal.
"Is he dead?" Jack asked between sobs.
"Yes, son. Let's say goodbye to him."
Both boys got down on their knees and lay on the still animal. They draped their arms over him as their tears soaked his hair, and Thomas could hear them telling their friend goodbye in broken sentences as they tried to speak while sobbing. Thomas gave them the time they needed, and once they returned to their father, he took their hands and walked them to the house.
…..
June 15th, 2015 – Hope Meadows Ranch
"Jack?"
Hearing his voice, Jack blinked several times before looking at Elizabeth. "Huh?"
"Wow, where did you go?"
"What? Oh, I was just thinking about when Dad had to put one of our favorite horses down when Tom and I were kids."
"That must have been awful."
"It was. And now I have to do this with my kids."
"The only option to not breaking our children's hearts with not having to lose an animal is to not have any. And I can't imagine a life where we don't have a ranch full of them."
"Yes," Jack responded, nodding his head. "I know. Not having any is not an option. Circle of life...right?" he asked with half a smirk.
"I need to get back to the kids so Lee and Rosie can leave. Will you be alright?"
"Yes. I'm going to watch Buck a little longer, then I'll be right there."
"Okay."
Elizabeth kissed his cheek, squeezed Jack's hand, then started toward the house. Just before she stepped through the doorway, she turned and looked back at her husband. Jack's arms were on the door again, and his chin rested on his arms. He watched Buck as the gelding tried to eat again...unsuccessfully.
…..
"How's Jack?" Lee asked as Rosemary handed Brianna to Elizabeth.
"He's been better. The vet is coming out tomorrow."
"Oh, he made the decision."
"Yes. It wasn't easy, but he knows it's for the best."
"Tomorrow?"
"Yes. He called Charlotte and Tom already. I guess Savannah learned how to ride on him."
"Oh, no," Rosemary remarked. "It's going to be tough on so many."
…..
Elizabeth stood in the front doorway with a hot cup of coffee in her hand. The kids were playing a game on the living room floor, Brianna was asleep in the portable bassinet, and Wyatt waited at Elizabeth's feet. Her eyes were locked on the barn as she sipped her coffee. After several minutes of waiting, she finally saw Jack leave the barn and walk toward the house. His gaze was down, set on his feet as he walked. His hands were shoved in his pockets, and he was oblivious to anything around him.
Hope ran to the fence as he passed by. She stretched over the wire and whinnied but received no reaction from Jack. As he neared the house, he finally looked up and saw Elizabeth watching him with concern-filled eyes. His eyes remained locked on hers as he ascended the steps that led to the front door, and he moved into her awaiting arms when he reached her.
"I'm so sorry, Jack."
"Thank you, Beautiful. I'll be fine. Buck lived a long, happy life. I'm worried about the kids and Savannah."
"They will be sad, but they'll be okay."
"Daddy!" Peyton called out as she ran across the wooden floor.
"Hey, Pey Pey," Jack replied as he caught his daughter mid-leap. "How are you?"
"I'm good. Noel and Autumn and Stetson were here, and we played and played and played. It was fun."
"Well, that sounds like a lot of fun," Jack said with a genuine smile. "What are your brothers up to?"
"They are playing Candyland."
"Oh, that's my favorite."
"I know," Peyton said with a loud giggle.
"What's your sister up to?"
"Nothing, Daddy. She's a baby. She just sleeps."
"Oh, yes," Jack responded with a chuckle. "How could I forget?"
"What's wrong, Daddy," Peyton asked. She laid her hands on Jack's cheeks and gently patted them as she looked hard into his eyes.
"Nothing, Baby. Why?"
"Your eyes are all red. Are you sick?"
"No, sweetie. I must have rubbed them too much when I was in the barn."
"Oh, okay." Peyton kissed her daddy's cheek and wrapped her arms around his neck, giving him an air-blocking hug. "I want to go play."
Jack set her on the floor and watched as she joined her brothers.
"Your daughter is quite observant," Elizabeth said as she moved her arms around her husband.
Jack laid his hand over Elizabeth's arm, and the pair watched the kids reset their game to start another round.
…..
June 16th, 2015 – Hope Meadows Ranch
"What time will the vet be here?" Charlotte asked as she petted Buck.
"10:30," Jack answered. "Tom, Sam, and the kids are on their way now."
Jack heard the squeaking of the stroller wheels and turned to find Elizabeth and the kids entering the barn.
"Hi, Daddy," Colton said as he held his arms up for his Daddy to pick him up.
"Hey, Colt. Was breakfast good?"
"You should have been there. We had pancakes, and Mommy made faces on them."
"Oh, yes, I should have. I love Mommy's funny face pancakes."
"Gramma and Grampa are here," Peyton shouted when she spotted them. She ran up to her grandparents, giving them both a hug and kiss as she always did.
"Why does Daddy look sad?" Jackson asked Elizabeth in a soft voice.
"He is very sad, but he will tell you why."
"Why are you sad?" Jackson asked louder for Jack to hear.
"Come here, kids," he answered as he knelt. He set Colton on the ground and waited for Peyton and Jackson to join them. "Do you remember how the doctor and I have been giving Buck special feed and medicine because he's in pain?"
"Yes, Buck has owies inside his legs," Peyton answered.
"That's right," Jack said as he smiled at his daughter. "He has owies in his legs, shoulders, feet...he hurts, and the medicine isn't taking the pain away enough for him to be able to walk around much anymore."
Everyone's attention moved to Jackson's face as memories of his mother's pain in her final days flashed back. "Like my mommy," he said, barely audible.
Jack reached up, laid his hand on his son's arm, and rubbed it up and down. "Yes, Jackson. Like your mommy. But we can't give Buck the same kind of medicine that your mommy had to take the pain away."
"Is Buck going to go away like Blakey's mommy?" Colton asked.
Jack swallowed hard, trying his hardest to keep his composure in front of his children. "Yes, Colt. Buck will be leaving today."
"He's dying?" Jackson asked in a low voice.
"It's different with animals," Jack started. He had the words planned out, but when it came time to explain to his kids, they escaped him. He looked up, searching Elizabeth's face, trying to remember what he was going to say, but all Jack could think of was the moment he'd received Buck and the time with his father.
"Kids," Elizabeth stepped in and knelt behind them. They turned and faced her as she began to explain. "When animals are in pain, they can't tell us; they can only show us. At first, Buck showed us that the medicine and help from the doctors were making him feel better. But now, he's showing us that it's not helping him anymore. He's old and has a lot of pain in his joints. Like in here," she said as she pointed to different joints in her own body. "These move when he walks, and it hurts him too much. So the doctor is going to come out today."
"The doctor is going to help him feel better?" Peyton asked as her bottom lip quivered.
"Honey, the doctor can't help enough, so he's going to do something else."
"Like what?" Colton asked.
"He's going to give Buck some shots to make him sleep. But Buck isn't going to wake up."
Jack stood and walked away, and Elizabeth could see him lift his hand to wipe his cheeks. Charlotte followed him and laid her hand on his shoulder as they stood in front of Buck's pen.
"He's going to sleep forever?" Colton asked.
With a complete understanding of what they'd been told, Jackson looked at his little brother. "Yes, Colt. He'll be dead."
The twin's eyes widened when Jackson said the word, and they looked back and forth between their brother and their mother, waiting for her to tell them that he was wrong.
"Buck will be dead?" Peyton asked as her tears began to spill over.
"Yes, sweetie," Elizabeth answered, feeling a lump forming in her own throat.
Brianna began to fuss from the stroller, having woken up, and Frank moved toward her. "I've got her," he said as he reached inside and lifted her to his chest. He walked away, giving Elizabeth and the kids more time to talk.
"But then he'll wake up and be okay?" Colton asked, not quite understanding at his young age.
"No, Colt. He'll be gone forever like my mommy," Jackson said in a voice with an edge of harshness. He turned and ran toward the other side of the barn.
Frank started after him, but Jack stopped him. "I've got him," he said as he turned the corner to find his son.
The twins were crying now: sad about Buck and upset that Jackson had snapped at them. They moved into Elizabeth's arms, and she held them as they cried. A few short minutes later, Jack returned with Jackson, and the young boy tapped on his brother and sister's shoulders.
"I'm sorry I yelled at you," he told them when they'd turned around.
"It's okay, Blakey," Peyton replied. "It's a sad day."
Jackson nodded in agreement. "Yes, it's a sad day."
A truck could be heard pulling up beside the barn, and shortly after, Tom and his family entered. It was clear that they had already talked with the kids, as everyone had sullen faces, and Savannah's eyes were red and swollen. Her tears began once more when she saw her uncle, and she ran to him.
When the vet arrived, Jack had Buck in the alley, and the whole family surrounded the horse as they petted him and said their goodbyes. There wasn't a dry eye in the barn as the man stepped inside with his bag in hand. Days like this were his least favorite part of his job, and his heart ached for the families each time. Having known Jack and his family for years, his heart ached slightly more than usual.
"Hey, Jack," he said as he shook the man's hand. "Are we ready?"
Jack nodded, unable to talk for fear the dam would break loose.
"Where do you want Buck?"
Jack pointed to the back door of the barn and found his voice. "Just outside there." With Buck's lead already in his hand, Jack led the horse outside, followed by the family.
Frank was still holding Brianna, as Elizabeth held the hands of the twins. Jackson was next to Charlotte as she kept an arm around him, and Savannah remained at Jack's side. Luke and Austin walked between their parents, but both boys stayed close to their sides.
"I'm going to give Buck a shot now, and it will help him go to sleep. He should just lie down, but sometimes they fall down. I don't want you to be scared; it won't hurt him," the vet explained to the children. "Sometimes when a horse falls asleep from this shot, they fall asleep too fast."
Jackson wrapped his arms around Charlotte's waist and held her tight. The twins were now each wrapped around Elizabeth's legs, and Savannah and Jack wrapped their arms around each other as she laid her head against his chest. Jack kept Buck's lead in his hand as the doctor inserted the first needle.
The family watched as the horse began to stumble. Then, as the vet and adults had prayed for, Buck tucked his legs under him and laid down.
Jack and Savannah stepped back and joined the rest of the family as they watched the doctor administer the next shot. He took his stethoscope from around his neck, placed it in his ears, and held the other end against the horse.
Flashbacks flooded Jack's mind again, making him feel eight years old and holding his father's hand. He slipped his arm behind his mother, and Charlotte moved her arm around him. Tom stepped in beside them and laid his hand on Jack's shoulder. The three watched as the last horse connected to Thomas was quietly put down. Sniffles from everyone echoed through the barn behind them, and the vet stood and nodded to the family.
Once the vet was gone, Elizabeth gathered her children and started to the house. Sam and her kids followed closely behind. Jack took out his phone and sent a text to Lee, then began walking toward his tractor barn.
…..
"Did you get Buck buried?" Elizabeth asked as he slid into bed beside her.
"Yes."
"How's your mom doing?"
"She's alright."
"How are you doing?"
"I'll be fine," he answered, then rolled toward her. Jack rested his head on his wife's chest and laid his arm across her stomach.
Elizabeth combed her fingers through his hair with one hand and stroked his back with the other. "I'm so sorry, Jack."
Jack tightened his arm around her waist and closed his eyes. Elizabeth could feel the warmth of his breath as he released a long sigh against her abdomen.
"Good grief," he said as he rolled onto his back and wiped a tear from his eye. "What is wrong with me?"
Elizabeth moved onto her elbow so she could see her husband's face. "You lost a friend today. And a connection to your father. There's no shame in being upset about that, Jack."
He tipped his face toward hers and stared into her eyes. "You don't think any less of me?" he asked with a crooked grin in an attempt to lighten the mood.
"Just the opposite," she answered, then covered his mouth with hers.
Jack wrapped his arms around Elizabeth and pushed her onto her back. As he moved over her, he pressed his lips to hers, searching for something to take his mind off Buck.
…..
June 17th, 2015 – Tom & Sam's Ranch
"Can't we go down there?" Savannah asked her mother.
"Sweetie, I'm sorry, but I have to work this afternoon."
"What about Dad?"
"S, your dad is busy with calves all day. You know this. You'll see him at the rodeo Saturday, won't you?"
"Yes," Savannah signed with a pout. "But his birthday is today."
"I understand, and I'm sorry. But we just can't. They're almost three hours away."
"I can't wait till I'm old enough to drive," she signed and stomped out of the kitchen.
Sam shook her head and returned to the sandwiches she'd been preparing for the ranch hands' meals. Tom, Jack, Lee, and a dozen others were out in the pastures sorting cattle and moving the calves into pens near the barns for weaning. She packed the meals into separate brown paper sacks and placed them into a box. She added a stack of cups and napkins, picked up two jugs of sun tea, then started for the door.
"Luke, Austin. Let's go. Grab your sister."
…..
Sam pulled up next to the pasture gate and parked the truck. The kids filed out, each one picking up a box or jug, and followed their mother to the fence, where they waited for the men.
Tom was in the middle of the herd, trying to cut a young calf out. Finally getting between it and its mother, Tom moved it through the packed cows until he could get a rope secured around its neck. Once free and with the other calves, Tom returned to the group.
"Tag 281!" Walke called out.
"Got 'em here," Lance answered, then proceeded to catch the calf and add it to the pen.
"276!"
"Got 'em," Jack yelled from the other side of the cows. Harley pushed between the protective mothers as Jack quickly snatched the calf and pulled it from the herd.
Once the last of the twenty-nine calves were caught and separated, the men loaded them into a trailer to move to a pen by Charlotte and Frank's barn. The cow's bellows and the calves' cries echoed through the valley, making it difficult for everyone to hear each other, but they were accustomed to this and talked over the noise.
They gathered at the fence, where they enjoyed their roast beef sandwiches and visited about a variety of topics. Once finished with their short break, the men mounted their horses while Frank climbed into the truck and began their trek to the barn. Sam and the kids cleaned up the trash, loaded it into their vehicle, and headed home until Sam had to leave for work.
Once at the house and everything had been carried into the kitchen, the boys ran off to play. Sam reached out and stopped Savannah by taking hold of her arm.
"I want to talk," she signed once she had Savannah's attention. "You have your whole life in front of you to go places when you're older. You need to understand that your dad and I have responsibilities we have to honor and driving you to Dakota's house is not one of them."
"I know. I'm sorry."
"Did you text him?"
"Yes, but it's not the same."
"Why don't you do a video call? Then you can sign to each other."
"That's a great idea," Savannah signed. She pulled her phone from her pocket and ran from the room, down the hall, and closed her bedroom door.
"And...here we go," Sam said with a laugh.
…..
June 20th, 2015 – Mid-Missouri Stampede, Jefferson City
Dakota headed to the Thornton's trailers as soon as he arrived. When Savannah saw him crossing the rodeo grounds, she ran up to him and gave him a hug.
"Happy Birthday," she signed with a big smile.
"Thank you."
"Did you get to go to a movie with your friends?"
"Yes. We saw Jurassic World. It was awesome."
"Wow, your ASL is getting so good."
With a grin, Dakota replied, "I practice all the time."
"I saw a trailer for the movie. It looks really good."
"It was. The dinosaurs look so real."
Tom stopped beside his wife, draped his arm across her shoulder, and the two watched their daughter interact with Dakota.
"Well, one good thing about having a deaf child...we can eavesdrop on her conversations really easily," Tom said.
"Tom Alexander Thornton."
Turning to his wife, Tom cupped her face and looked straight into her eyes. "Don't tell me you've never done it."
As guilt shaded her expression, Sam dropped her gaze. "Maybe from time to time."
"Uh huh," Tom said in a teasing manner. "Now, what were they talking about just now?" he asked, knowing Samantha had been watching them.
Releasing a sigh and knowing she'd been busted, Sam replied, "They were talking about a movie."
Tom slipped a finger under a lock of hair and pushed it from his wife's face. "Yep, I thought so," he teased. "Now, come here."
He pulled Sam toward him and kissed her. Sam wrapped her arms around him, drawing him in closer as he moved his hands into her long, dark hair.
"What is it with you Thorntons? Do you not get enough at home?" Lee asked as he passed by.
Tom put his arm behind Sam, and the two turned to face Lee. "Most definitely do, Lee," Tom grinned. "We just keep it going. Do you?"
Sam pushed her hip into her husband and stifled her giggle as she watched Lee turn around.
"I know how to satisfy my woman," he started. "And it keeps her satisfied."
"What are you lying about now, Lee?" Rosemary asked as she walked out from behind the trailer.
"No lies here," he said, then kissed her hard on the mouth. "Just telling them how I keep you satisfied."
"Oh, you do?" Rosie asked, then started toward her horse.
"Wait...what?" Lee asked as he ran after her. "Don't I?"
Sam hid her face in Tom's chest as they began laughing loudly, so loudly they hadn't heard Dakota and Savannah approach.
"What's so funny?" Savannah asked once her parents turned in her direction.
"Oh, nothing. Just Uncle Lee being...well...Uncle Lee," Sam signed.
…..
Jack led Maverick toward the warm-up arena when he spotted Martie and called him over.
"How are you doing?" Jack asked and shook his hand.
"I'm great, thanks to you," Martie answered with the biggest smile Jack had ever seen on the man.
"Nope, thanks to you. You are the one doing the work," Jack assured.
"Yes, but you're the one that set the example."
Surprised by the man's response, Jack returned the smile. "You've really changed, Brother."
"Brother?" Martie asked.
"Brother in Christ."
Martie smiled and nodded in understanding. "Brother. Now that's a name I never thought I'd hear you call me."
"To be honest, it's one I never thought I'd say to you," Jack grinned and laid his hand on the man's shoulder. "But it sounds and feels great to call you my brother."
Martie looked over his shoulder, then put his hand out to Jack again. "I need to get going; gotta ride soon. Thank you for everything. I look forward to our next Bible study."
"Me, too. Good luck."
"You, too, Jack."
Martie jogged off, and Jack started toward the arena once more. He stopped at the gate and watched the riders that were already warming up. Lee and Cisco were there, and something caught Jack's attention in the horse's movement. Jack stuck his hand in the air and waved it until he got Lee's attention. Jack led Maverick into the arena and waited for Lee, keeping his eye on Cisco as they crossed the dirt.
"What's up."
"Something is off with your horse."
"I thought he felt a little strange," Lee stated, then hopped down.
"Here, hold Mav, please."
Jack handed the reins to Lee and knelt beside Cisco. He placed his hands on the horse's leg and slowly moved them down.
"Are you feeling some heat?" Lee asked.
"Yes, actually. A little. It doesn't feel swollen, though." Jack continued to check Cisco's leg, and the horse pulled back when Jack pressed on a particular area. "He's done something to his leg, Brother."
"It must have happened on the ride over. He was fine this morning.
"Probably did but hard telling. I've got some ice and a wrap back at the trailer. I think I might have some Bute as well."
"Okay. Sorry, Jacko. Sounds like we're out for today."
"No worries, Lee. We can still watch everyone else."
Once Cisco's leg had been iced and a dose of Bute administered, Jack and Lee got their horses settled in at the trailers with bags of hay and buckets of water. With their saddles and bridles tucked away, they found their families at the bleachers.
"Hey, what are you two doing over here? I thought you had the horses out," Charlotte asked.
"We did, but Cisco must have strained or banged up his leg on the way here. We had to ice it and put the horses up," Lee answered.
"Oh, that's too bad," Rosemary said as Lee sat beside her.
"Yeah, we'll get them next time," he remarked.
"That's right, Brother," Jack agreed as he squeezed Lee's shoulder.
The entire family was together as the opening ceremonies came to an end. Bareback riding was first, and everyone noticed Savannah move to the edge of her seat as Dakota appeared on the platform. As always, his father was by his side, helping him prepare for his ride.
Dakota was first, and he stepped over the gate and lowered himself onto the horse. Donny leaned over the pen, talking to his son and helping him with the riggin. Once ready, Donny straightened, and Dakota nodded his head.
…..
Savannah held her phone in her hand, waiting for a reply from Dakota. Feeling it vibrate, she looked down and saw his reply. "Okay." Smiling, she held her phone between her hands as her leg nervously bounced up and down. Returning to her phone, she sent a few other texts and waited for replies. Each one that came in was the same. "Yes."
Savannah moved down one bench, where no one else was sitting, and waited. The first one to arrive was Jenny, and she hurried up the bleachers and hugged Savannah.
"Hi, everybody," she said as she smiled and waved at the family.
"Hi, Jenny," Sam replied. "How are you?"
"I'm great. Another wonderful rodeo weekend."
"That it is," Sam responded with a laugh.
Jenny sat beside Savannah, and the two instantly began messaging each other. Occasionally, Jenny would stop and sign instead of text. Lilly was next to arrive, and after hugging Savannah, she sat next to Jenny.
Dakota and his sister Danielle showed up next, and Dakota hurried up the bleachers and sat down next to Savannah.
"Hello, Dakota," Tom said and signed.
"Hi, Mr. Thornton. How are you today, Sir?"
"Very good. That was too bad about your ride."
"Yeah, but it happens. Can't be perfect every time. Right?" Dakota said with a grin.
"Yes, that is very true."
"Sorry about your ride," Savannah signed.
"Thanks. But it's no big deal," he smiled.
"Did it hurt? It looked like you hit the gate."
"No, I landed right beside it in the soft dirt, so it wasn't too bad."
A few more teens joined the small group gathered in front of the Thorntons, and Savannah seemed to be living her best life. Jack and Tom constantly glanced in her direction, always in protective mode like the papa bears they are.
"Daddy?" Peyton said as she stepped between his legs and rested her hands on his knees.
"Yes, Pey Pey?"
"Can I have some popcorn?"
"Yes, sweet one," Jack said as he cupped her chin in his hand and kissed her forehead. "Who else wants popcorn?" he asked.
The kids all jumped to their feet, each calling out, "me."
"Let's go," Jack said as he stood and took his daughter's hand.
"I'll help you," Lee said as he followed Jack down the bleachers.
Colton, Jackson, Noel, Autumn, Austin, and Luke made their way down to the ground, where Peyton waited with her daddy.
….
"Do you think they're okay?" Rosemary asked as she looked around for her husband and kids.
"I'm sure they're fine," Elizabeth answered. "There was probably a line at the concession stand." She shifted Brianna to the other side, repositioned her cover-up, and continued nursing her.
Not long after, Jack and Lee returned with all the kids in tow. Their arms were filled with popcorn bags, candy, chips, and nachos, while the kids each carried their drinks. After getting the children situated with their food, Jack and Lee left again, returning shortly with more drinks and snacks. These they passed around to the adults.
With everyone settled and eating, their attention was locked on the arena where a bronc rider had just been knocked unconscious. After a few long minutes, the man stood and was escorted out while the fans applauded him and released the collective breaths they'd been holding.
As Tom and Luke left to get Jake ready, Jack slid closer to Elizabeth and put his arm around her. He removed his hat, pressed his mouth to her ear, and whispered, "You look so beautiful today."
Elizabeth leaned back and eyed her husband. "I'm wearing jeans and a t-shirt."
"Exactly," he grinned. "You could be in a gunny sack and look amazing."
"Oh, Jack," she said and pushed into him. She turned her head into his shoulder and began laughing before lifting her head and adding, "You look good in anything, too, but that day you came out in only your chaps, I must say, that was a sight to behold."
"Oh, yes, and you be holding it," Jack teased.
"Oh, my gosh, Jack!" Elizabeth exclaimed and covered her face to hide her crimson cheeks.
"What are you two fussing about over there?" Rosemary asked.
"Oh, nothing," Jack answered. "Just...chaps and junk."
Seeing the warmth that flooded her best friend's cheeks, Rosemary instantly got the gist of what he'd said and looked away, grinning and shaking her head.
Jack leaned down again, and with his mouth next to her ear, he added, "I can get my chaps out again sometime if you'd like. I wouldn't mind seeing you in those either."
"Stop," she said quietly and laughed.
…..
Luke was sitting on Jake and waited outside of the arena with Tom, watching the other youth calf ropers take their turns. He hadn't had the best season and was determined to at least hook the calf this time.
"You've got this," Tom said and laid his hand on his son's leg. "Just take a deep breath before you go and try to relax a bit."
Luke looked at his father and nodded, "Okay."
"You'll do just fine. And if you miss, then you miss. This is just for fun...right?"
"Yes, Dad," Luke responded with a smile. That had been a reminder that he'd needed, and he repeated that to himself. This is just for fun. This is just for fun.
Hearing his name called, Luke turned Jake toward the gate and guided him in. As soon as they entered the arena, Luke could feel Jake change beneath him as the horse shifted into work mode. This wasn't just for fun for the horse; this was his job.
Luke maneuvered Jake into the pen and backed him into the padded corner. Jake leaped forward, forcing Luke to turn the horse in a circle, then back into the corner again. This time, Jake remained pressed against the padding with his very alert ears forward and focused on the activity in the chute. Jake bobbed his head and let out a little snort as he impatiently waited.
Once the calf was lined up and ready, Luke nodded his head, and the sound of the clunking metal of the chute opening caused Jake to jump slightly. Luke squeezed, and Jake's front legs left the ground as he launched off his back ones.
The rope rotated over Luke's head as Jake neared the calf. At the perfect moment, Luke released the loop and watched it as it sailed through the air, landing precisely around the calf's neck. As Jake slid to a stop, Luke swung his leg over the saddle, dropped out of the stirrup, and hit the ground running at full speed. When the calf hit the end of the rope, it spun just right, so Luke was able to grip it quickly and flip it to the ground. He removed the piggin' string from his mouth and, within seconds, had three of the calf's legs tied together. He threw his arms into the air to stop the timer, then stood and stepped back, keeping his eyes on the legs of the calf. Seeing they remained tied, he pumped his arm at his side and let out a "yes!"
He ran to Jake, climbed back into the saddle, and rolled up his lariat as he moved the horse across the arena and through the gate. Tom was still waiting just outside and congratulated his son as he approached.
"That was great, Luke."
"What was my time? I didn't hear it."
"6.8. You're in second so far."
"That's awesome," Luke exclaimed.
As they watched the remainder of the youth riders take their turns, Luke only got beaten by one other boy, and he finished the day in third place. Extremely happy with that outcome, the ten-year-old was all smiles as he rode his horse back to the trailer.
…..
"Are you ready?" Tom asked Savannah.
"I think so," she signed, then checked Cash's saddle one more time. "Where's Aunt Rosie?"
"She's coming."
Tom and Savannah waited at the end of the trailer for only a brief moment until Rosemary rode up on Delilah.
"Are you ready for this, cowgirl?" Rosemary asked with her usual face-filled smile.
Savannah nodded her head and climbed onto Cash. She rode beside Rosemary, and the two slowly walked to the arena with Tom on the ground behind them. Savannah was near the end of the youth roster, and Rosemary was at the top of her division, with only a few riders between them.
The barrel racers gathered at the south end of the arena, where some of the horses stood calmly while others were getting fired up and were constantly moving their feet. Cash and Delilah were among the calm ones, and the pair stood side-by-side with their heads down as if they were half asleep. Tom stood at Savannah's side, and he and Rosemary pointed out different things the riders were doing wrong or right as they completed their patterns.
"See how she dropped her gaze?" Rosemary asked.
"Yes. She should have looked at the next barrel," Savannah replied.
"That's right. Make sure you're always looking where you want your horse to go."
"I know, and I try. But sometimes I forget when I'm in the middle of it," Savannah signed with a crooked grin.
"It will become second nature to you the more you run the pattern," Tom added.
They watched the following few riders and then heard Savannah's name called. Tom tapped his daughter's leg and let her know that she was next. Savannah squeezed her legs, and Cash immediately perked up and started toward the gate. As they got closer, the horse's energy began to build as he anticipated his upcoming job. When she guided him into the alley created by gates that led into the arena, Cash started running in place while Savannah held him back. This was his norm, but he seemed even more anxious on this day.
When Savannah was ready, she loosened the reins, kicked his sides, and Cash tore down the alley. Tom and Rosemary moved closer to the fence to watch Savannah and saw Cash blow into the arena as he made his way to the first barrel.
"Wow, Cash is really moving today. More so than usual," Rosemary commented.
"Yes, he sure is. I didn't know he had that in him," Tom replied as he rested his arms on the railing.
Savannah kept her eyes on the first barrel, and once they reached it and began their turn, she looked up at the second, knowing this would help Cash keep on the right path. The horse bent his body around the first one so tightly that barely any air fit between Savannah's leg and the barrel. As they rounded the second target and Savannah moved her eyes to the third, she felt a slight grazing of the metal ring of the barrel brush across her leg, but it remained upright.
As they crossed the arena to the third barrel, Cash seemed to have found a new speed that none of the family had seen before. Savannah took him out wide, then cut in sharp as his body began to bend. Again, feeling the barrel against her leg, she looked down and saw it start to rock. She reached down, pushed it back just enough to right it, then kicked hard to let Cash know to go full speed.
Roars of the crowd filled the air as they noticed the young girl stop the barrel to keep from getting a penalty and yelled even louder when they saw the new first-place time of 15.3.
"Wooo!" Tom shouted as the time was displayed on the clock.
Savannah hurried back to her father and Rosemary, jumped off her horse, and ran into Tom's arms.
"Did you see him?" Savannah signed frantically. "Did you see how fast he went?"
"Yes," Tom answered, laughing at his daughter's enthusiasm. "And that penalty save," he added, then hugged her again.
"Great job," Rosemary said when Savannah looked up.
"Thank you. Cash was amazing."
"So were you. I'm up soon. I'll find you after so we can celebrate more," Rosemary signed, then moved her horse forward.
Tom and Savannah stood at the fence with Cash resting behind them and waited for Rosemary to enter the arena. Hearing her name, Tom tapped Savannah's shoulder and pointed in Rosie's direction.
Delilah tore out of the alley and into the arena. She rounded the first barrel perfectly, then the second, and headed for the third. Turning around the third without even a brush of a leg, Rosemary kicked Delilah and yelled, pushing her horse into her fastest run. She crossed the timer and entered the alley, and once Rosemary got her horse to stop, she turned and looked over the crowd to see her time.
"14.3 folks. She's in first place, and with that time, I don't think she'll have a hard time keeping it," the announcer called out.
When Rosemary reached Tom and Savannah, Savannah was practically bouncing with excitement. "We both might get firsts."
"That would be wonderful," Rosemary signed, then dismounted.
They watched the rest of the competitors, and as they neared the end of the list, someone known for breaking arena records was called up next.
"Oh, this gal just might push me out of first," Rosemary said and signed. "She has the most amazing horse I've ever seen, and she can ride."
They could see Georgia riding her horse Amythyst, at the end of the alley. The horse was prancing sideways until Georgia let her go, and they tore through the dirt. They rounded the first two barrels tighter than Savannah had ever seen. And as they started around the third in a time that would clearly take Rosemary's first place spot, Georgia made a mistake she never made. She turned Amythyst a hair too quickly, and the horse's shoulder hit the barrel, knocking it over.
Savannah and Rosemary looked at each other, wide-eyed and grinning. "You did it," Savannah signed.
"We both did," Rosie responded, then hugged her niece.
…..
Savannah rushed to the bleachers where her family and friends were waiting. As she neared them, she saw her friends hold their hands in the air and wave in applause. She began signing "thank you" as she stepped up the bleachers toward her seat.
She held out her buckle for her friends to see, and they passed it around in admiration.
"You were amazing," Dakota said. "So was Rosie."
"Yes, we both had a great day," Savannah replied, smiling ear to ear.
Jenny put an arm around Savannah's shoulder, hugged her friend, and then signed, "That was so good."
"Thank you."
Rosemary sat down beside her husband and moved Stetson onto her lap. Lee wrapped an arm behind her and pulled her toward him as he kissed her cheek.
"How's my champion?" he asked with a smirk.
"Just wonderful, you silly man."
They watched the remainder of the rodeo, which was bull riding. Sportsmedicine had been called out three times that evening due to the herd being extra rank. Two men had been able to walk out on their own, but the third had left on a stretcher and was immediately loaded into an ambulance. Feeling the tug at his heart for the sport as it always did when Jack watched it, he sure didn't miss those moments of excruciating pain that it provided. Occasionally, a twinge of pain from a past injury would remind Jack of what he'd survived, and he would say a quick prayer of thanks for God keeping him safe.
As the rodeo ended and the fireworks began, the Thorntons and Coulters gathered the kids and started to their trailers. Savannah said her goodbyes and hurried to her horse to get him loaded. Elizabeth quickly nursed Brianna while Jack and Lee loaded their horses, then got the kids loaded, and they were on their way.
…..
June 21st, 2015 – Crossroads Cowboy Church
Elizabeth moved to the edge of the piano bench and laid her hands on the keys. She started to play and moved closer to the microphone. Closing her eyes, she began to sing a Lauren Daigle song she'd just learned a few weeks prior.
"God, I give You what I can today
These scattered ashes that I hid away
I lay it all at Your feet
From the corners of my deepest shame
The empty places where I've worn Your name
Show me the love, I say I believe
Oh, Help me to lay it down
Oh, Lord, I lay it down."
Several members of the congregation had raised their hands into the air, closed their eyes, and listened intently to the words being sung. A few had moved to the edge of their seats and bowed their heads, lost in prayer with the Lord. Sarah held her hand to her chest, completely in awe of the talent of her new friend.
"Oh, let this be where I die
My lord with thee crucified
Be lifted high as my Kingdoms fall
Once and for all, once and for all
There is victory in my Saviors loss
And In the crimson flowing from the cross
Pour over me, pour over me yes
Oh, let this be where I die
My lord with thee crucified
Be lifted high as my Kingdoms fall
Once and for all, once and for all
Oh, Lord, I lay it down
Oh, Lord, I lay it down
Help me to lay it down
Oh, Lord, I lay it down
Oh, let this be where I die
My Lord with thee crucified
Be lifted high as my Kingdoms fall
Once and for all
Once and for all
Oh, once and for all
Once and for all."
A silence remained throughout the church as the song came to an end. Frank stood from the seat beside Charlotte, and he walked to the front as Elizabeth joined Jack.
Sarah, sitting behind Elizabeth, leaned forward and laid her hand on her friend's shoulder. "That was beautiful."
Elizabeth laid a hand on Sarah's and whispered, "Thank you."
"Oh Lord, I give my life to you. I trust in you, my God!" Frank began as he held his opened Bible in his palm. "That is from Psalm 25:1. The song Elizabeth sang was an intimate prayer of surrender. Sometimes, as believers, we attempt to carry our...junk all by ourselves. It may be because we feel we'd be bothering God with our hurts and don't want to. Or we lay everything out before Him except for what's buried deep inside because it would hurt too much to face. Or maybe we're just too embarrassed to admit to the Lord something that is burdening us deeply."
"God cares about us more than we'll ever know. He loves us more than we are even capable of imagining. The Lord meant it when he said, "Come to me all you who are weary...and I will give you rest."
"The song reminds us of the power in the sacrifice of Jesus and tells us to finally let go of the things that weigh us down, keeping us from going all in with Him. So...once and for all, lay your burdens before Him...all of them. No matter how big or small, God wants us to ask Him for help."
"If you had a burst pipe in your home but know nothing about plumbing, wouldn't you call a plumber? If a deer jumps out in front of you and damages your car, would you not take it to a body shop? If you are sick and need help beyond a bottle of Tylenol, don't you call the doctor?"
"Then why are you trying to wade through the oceans of this life without His help? Call on the Lord our God to heal your broken soul. Pray to Him to give you peace when you find yourself in turmoil. Ask Him for help when you're lost in the darkness of the world. God commands us to turn to Him, to seek Him out, and to pray to Him when we are weary. Lay ALL of your troubles at His feet, for He is the only one powerful enough to carry them."
Charlotte looked over her shoulder at Sarah to find her in tears. She reached back and held her hand out until the young woman took it and held on as if she was afraid to let go. They remained that way for several minutes until Sarah finally pulled her hand away, only to wipe the new flood from her cheeks.
Sarah grew up hearing of Jesus, Noah, and other childhood stories from the Bible. But she had never fully understood the meaning of it all until that moment. She witnessed God's love in the bar when she was saved by a stranger, then again by the kindness of a woman, and once more when she had help finding shelter. She bowed her head and gave it all to God, laying all her burdens and transgressions at the Lord's feet as she asked for forgiveness and help. She felt an arm across her back and looked up to find Sam in the chair beside her. Another round of tears began to flow as Sarah leaned into the woman, and Sam began to pray quietly in her ear.
Once the service had ended and everyone had begun to leave, Jack and Lee went to retrieve their children while Rosemary and Elizabeth joined Sam as they circled around Sarah. Each one bowed their head as they continued to pray for the young woman who had lost her way in the world. Sarah could feel a pull at her heart as she listened to each woman take turns praying for her. Charlotte joined them, sitting behind Sarah and placing her hands on her shoulders. The older woman's words could be heard as she was now praying for the healing of a hurt soul.
Sarah accepted the Lord as her savior that day and felt an indescribable wave of peace wash over her. She suddenly began to think of herself, and her concerns about finding a man like Jack, Lee, or Tom vanished. She craved knowledge of what the Lord could do: what He could do for her. She wanted to know it all, soak it all in, and hear more stories than the few she'd heard as a child. Sarah wanted God...and only God...as the One beside her. The moment she laid her junk at His feet, she felt the weight leave her, and all she was left with was a renewed spirit and the desire to learn so she could help others.
…..
"I believe this has got to be the best Father's Day I've ever had," Jack said as he lifted Brianna from her car seat, having just arrived home from lunch with the family.
"Really? Why is that?" Elizabeth asked. She helped Peyton down from the truck and watched as she joined her brothers and ran into Charlotte's house.
"Because we watched the transformation of a woman today and saw her give her life fully to God." Jack raised his daughter and kissed her cheek. "And my family is complete."
Elizabeth was standing on the opposite side of the truck and watched her husband through the open doors. He held Brianna close to his face as he whispered to her. The three-month-old lifted a hand and gripped his nose. A tearful laugh escaped Elizabeth as she watched her husband interact with the child they thought they'd never meet, and her heart felt as if it would burst. She closed the truck door and started toward the house as Jack joined her, taking her hand in his free one. He never stopped staring at his daughter as they made their way to the front door, and the baby's eyes were locked with his.
Jackson and Colton both were carbon copies of Jack, Peyton was the spitting image of Elizabeth, but Brianna was the perfect combination of the two. Her blue eyes were drops from the same ocean as Elizabeth's, her dimples rivaled Jack's, and her hair was lightning as Elizabeth's had when she was a child before it began to darken in her teenage years.
Once inside, Jack sat on the couch, Brianna still in his arms, surrounded by his other three children. He was flanked by the twins, and Jackson scooted in close to his brother.
"What should we watch?" Jack asked the kids as he turned the TV on.
"You pick, Daddy," Jackson stated. "You pick for Father's Day."
"Okay," Jack replied and grinned. "Let's see what I can find. Oh, how about this?" he asked and stopped on the news.
"No, Daddy. That's boring," Colton protested.
"Okay," Jack said and chuckled. "Oh, here's a good one." Jack picked a fishing show, and the kids all gave him funny looks. "What? Doesn't this look fun?"
"No. It does not," Peyton responded.
With his laugh growing, Jack continued through the guide. "This is the one," he said and selected The Never Ending Story.
"What is this?" Jackson asked as he sunk deeper into the couch cushion and leaned against his brother.
"This movie came out when I was your age, and I watched it over and over again."
"Wow, this is an old movie," Colton remarked.
Elizabeth had been standing near the kitchen, listening to her family, and unsuccessfully tried to stop herself from laughing.
Jack turned his head and looked over his shoulder at his wife. "What are you laughing about?"
"The wisdom of a child," she answered, then turned toward the kitchen. Her laughter could be heard throughout the house, and Jack turned his attention back to the television, shaking his head and chuckling.
"What is this about?" Jackson asked as the movie began.
"A boy named Bastian has to save Fantasia with the help of a furry dragon."
"Ooh," Colton and Peyton exclaimed as they snuggled against their daddy's arms.