July 18th, 2009 - Built Ford Tough Series Rodeo – BOK Center, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Jack woke early, anxious for the day. It was day two of the PBR series and today would determine Jack's final standing of the weekend. He stepped outside to get some fresh air and sat on the top step of his trailer.
Elizabeth walked around Rosie's trailer and saw Jack sitting on the step and walked towards him.
"Good morning, Beth." Jack smiled. "I must say, I am enjoying seeing your face first thing."
Elizabeth bent down and kissed him. She cupped his face in her hands, "Yours, too." She turned around and sat in the lower step in front of Jack, resting her arms on his knees.
"I really like what you're wearing. Is this Rosie's shirt?"
"No. She thought I needed to update my wardrobe so we went shopping the other day." She held her leg out, showing off her new boots. "I even got my own boots."
"Those are some very nice boots, ma'am." Jack teased, kissing her cheek.
Jack wrapped one arm around her, laying it across her collarbone and resting his hand on her shoulder. She rested her head back into his chest and they remained that way, holding one another until Lee tried to open the door, hitting Jack in the back.
"What's up, dude. You trying to keep me from seeing the competition today?" Lee said, one eye peeking out the crack of the door.
Jack and Elizabeth laughed and stood, releasing Lee from the trailer.
…..
Elizabeth and Rosie found the group seats as Jack and Lee grabbed drinks and snacks. As they were making their way to their seats, a girl that Jack had been with stopped him, grabbing his arm.
"Hey, baby. Great ride last night. Have plans tonight?"
Jack pulled his arm from her grip. "Yes, Polly, I have plans tonight, and every night." He tipped his hat to her, "Ma'am," and caught up with Lee to find their seats.
Polly watched the pair as they walked toward their seats.
"What are you looking at?" Polly's friend, Lisa, asked as she stopped by her side, looking in the same direction. "Is that Jack?"
"Yes," Polly answered sharply.
"Who's he with?"
"I have no idea. But he brushed me off for her."
"He just kissed her, in front of everyone. He ever do that with you?"
"No. He didn't do that with anyone."
…..
The rodeo had begun and Jack and Lee watched intently, studying their competition, keeping track of their scores. They commented on certain riders, noting their riding styles. They studied the bulls and how they moved, commenting on them as well.
As they approached the final few riders, Jack and Lee's hearts were racing as no one had come close to either of their scores yet.
"Let's get down there, no matter what happens now, we are at least in the top five." Lee said as he stood.
Jack and Lee made their way through the tunnel and watched the final two rides from the chutes. One rider came off the bull in two seconds and the other stayed on and scored an 87. Jack and Lee had taken first and second place from the entire weekend.
Rosie and Elizabeth cheered loudly from their seats as they watched their men walk out into the arena with three other men. Jack was presented with a plaque and a check for $19,800. Lee was presented with a similar plaque and a check for $12,000.
Lee and Jack, returning to their seats, were met by Rosemary and Elizabeth, both jumping into their arms and giving them congratulatory kisses.
The group returned to their trailers, both men talking a mile a minute, their energy running on pure excitement. Rosemary and Elizabeth walked arm in arm behind them, listening to them ramble on and laughing.
Once they reached the trailers, Jack turned to Elizabeth and wrapped his arms around her, picked her up and spun her around. As soon as her feet touched the ground, Jack's mouth covered hers, his tongue invading hers. He pulled back and brushed her hair back from her face. His eyes searching hers, seeing his future staring back.
He swallowed hard, the lump in his throat was not budging. "Beth."
"Yes?"
"I...um...I...am so glad I can share this moment with you."
"I am too, Jack. I'm so proud of you."
They celebrated at their trailers, the guys grilling steaks outside while the gals fried potatoes and put together a salad inside Jack's trailer.
"This trailer is amazing," Rosie exclaimed as she opened the fridge. "This fridge is almost as big as the one in my house."
"I know. It's so beautiful."
"You know, Lee told me that Jack bought this for you."
"What? No, he didn't. They needed a place to stay."
"Liz, they have been sleeping in their trucks for years. And now all of a sudden, he needs a fancy trailer? Liz, he bought it for you."
Elizabeth looked around the trailer, taking everything in, looking at all the buckles. "He has this whole life that I know nothing about."
"You'll learn."
Elizabeth turned to Rosie and smiled, "I hope so."
Jack stepped into the trailer with the platter full of steaks, "You hope so, what?" He set the plate on the counter and walked to Elizabeth, rubbing her arms.
"I hope to learn about this part of your life."
"You already have learned so much, Beth. Everything else will come with time." He kissed her on the forehead and returned to the platter of steaks. "Dinner is served."
…..
July 20th, 2009 – Crossroads Group Counseling
"Welcome back, everyone. And welcome our new visitor, Anna. Anna, can you tell us what led to you joining us today?" Frank Hogan asked.
The middle-aged woman cleared her throat, then began, "Hi. I'm Anna. I lost my husband to prostate cancer two months ago. I've been...it's been hard."
"Thank you for sharing, Anna. I hope that you can find some comfort and some hope by joining us. We're all here for you."
Anna nodded and looked down at her hands, a tear slid down her face.
"Would anyone like to start? Tell us how you're coping, how your week was?"
"I am finally seeing a light at the end of the tunnel, and it's bright," Jack began, a small smile on his face.
"Wonderful, Jack. What's happening in your life that has created that light?"
"For the first time in my life, I have a real girlfriend. I'm seeing a future that I never thought I would have." Jack shifted in his seat and leaned forward, resting his arms on his legs. "I can see memories of my father and actually smile."
"Jack, that is wonderful," Frank said. "Can you share with everyone some of the things that you have done to help you reach this turning point in your life?"
"I started with therapy. At first, I wasn't necessarily doing the work she'd given me, but once I did, I began to notice a change. I started journaling. I said goodbye to my father and visited his grave, which I had never done before." Jack leaned back in his seat and cleared his throat. "I confessed a transgression and received forgiveness in return. I began coming here. I think hearing others' stories, and knowing that I'm not the only one suffering, helps to bring things into perspective."
Several people in the room were nodding, a few newer members wiped tears from their cheeks.
"Thank you for sharing that with us, Jack. I think we can all learn to look at things from a different perspective. Anyone else?"
When the meeting ended, Jack stopped at the snack table and poured a coffee. As he took a sip, he noticed a poster on the wall.
Note to self...Healing is not easy, but it is worth the time and effort it takes to work through my pain and break free from my chains. I will not give up. I will not be discouraged. I will keep looking up and moving forward. God is with me for the long haul and together we will prevail.
Frank walked up just as Jack finished reading it.
"That's a good one," Frank commented, looking at the poster.
"I suppose," Jack replied.
Frank turned and faced Jack. "Are you a believer?"
"I used to be. After my dad died, any faith that I did have died with him."
"Jack, I would really love it if you'd come to our Sunday morning service. We have a laid back, casual atmosphere. No pressure. All the members are country people, horse and rodeo people. I really believe that you would feel right at home."
Jack shrugged his shoulders and looked back at the poster.
"Can I ask you something, Jack?"
Jack nodded, still staring at the poster.
"Before you started therapy, did you want to go?"
Jack turned his gaze to Frank. "No."
"Okay. Before you came to your first group meeting here, did you want to go?"
"No."
"Have they helped?"
Jack let out a deep breath, "Yes."
"Then why don't you give our Cowboy Church a try? You never know, it just might help."
…..
July 21st, 2009 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Tom walked up the steps to Jack's porch, where his brother was already sitting in a chair, waiting for him.
"Hey, Jack."
"Hey, Tom." Jack held up a second glass toward his brother. "Tea?"
"Yes. It's a scorcher out today. Thanks." Tom took the glass and sat in one of the open chairs. "How did the rodeo go?"
"First place," Jack answered, smiling.
"Really? That's great, Jack. Dad would be so excited and proud of you."
"Thanks, brother." Jack took a long drink of his tea. "Tom, I want to apologize to you."
"For what?"
"For not being there for you and ma when you needed me."
"Jack, you were going through the loss of dad too. You didn't need to be the strong one."
"But I wasn't there, at all. I should have been present."
"Jack, you and dad had a special bond that we'll never know. You lost not only your father, but your best friend. That is a lot for anyone to take."
"I still should have been there for you. You're my little brother." Jack leaned forward and smacked Tom on the leg. "We missed so much, but I don't want to miss anything again." A smile formed across Jack's face. "We need to start our weekly family cookouts again at ma's."
"Mom and I have been saying that for years. Yes, maybe we will start next week."
"Perfect." Jack took another drink of tea and leaned back into his chair. He was smiling as he looked out across the pasture.
"Jack, I must say, I have never seen you so happy; not since dad."
Jack looked at his brother, "I've never felt so happy."
"She is good for you, brother. I like her."
"She has lit a fire within me; one I never knew existed. I have never wanted anyone as much as I want her in my life. I envision her in my home, carrying my child. Tom, I am falling in love with her."
"Jack, I am so happy for you. You deserve it and Elizabeth is great."
"She's perfect, Tom. Absolutely perfect."
"So, when's the wedding?" Tom teased.
Jack turned back to his brother, a serious look on his face.
"Jack? Something you want to tell me?"
Jack laughed, "No, I have not proposed. I haven't even told her I love her yet."
"What are you waiting for?"
"Honestly, Tom, I don't know."
…..
July 22nd, 2009 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Jack placed a pan in the oven just as there was a knock at the front door.
He opened the door to Elizabeth standing there, wearing a long dress with spaghetti straps.
"You look amazing," Jack said as he bent to kiss her.
"Thank you. Something smells delicious."
"Come in and join me in the kitchen." Jack stepped aside and let Elizabeth enter, closing the door behind her.
"What smells so good?"
"That would be pork cotoletta."
"Wow. Sounds fancy." Elizabeth looked around the kitchen. "Are you cooking all of this?"
Jack laughed, "Yes, I can cook. I live alone, and I needed to learn to feed myself. And I like food."
Elizabeth giggled. "What's this? Fondue?"
"Yes, here we have a cheese fondue," Jack said in his best Julia Child voice, "paired with cubed baguette and a variety of cured meats."
Elizabeth laughed as she watched him spin around the kitchen, dropping items in one bowl or another.
"In the oven we have two pork cutlets, dusted in flour and breadcrumbs with zest of lemon and grated Parmesan," he continued as Julia. "This will be paired with a creamy sage and white wine sauce."
Elizabeth threw her head back laughing as Jack threw a small handful of flour into a bowl, white dust filling the air.
They ate the delicious meal, sitting casually at the island. They shared more stories of their childhood with their families, and Jack shared more about his father than Elizabeth had ever heard prior to this night. She sensed Jack relaxing more and more as their time together increased.
After they finished eating, Elizabeth helped Jack load the dishwasher and clean the kitchen. Julia Child joining them every now and again.
When they were done, Elizabeth returned to her seat at the island.
"I'll be right back," Jack said as he walked toward the living room. He returned with the leather bound book in his hand that Elizabeth had given him, and sat on the opposite side of the island.
"Beth, I'd like to read an entry from my journal to you."
"Okay...Jack, are you sure?"
"Yes, very." Jack cleared his throat. "This entry was from the evening that you came over to see me and you forgave me."
Elizabeth nodded.
"Okay." Jack drew in a deep breath. "So, after you left that night, I tried to sleep but I couldn't. So, I got up, came downstairs to the couch, and grabbed my journal and wrote this:
Tonight, my world changed and my life began. Elizabeth is the beautiful woman, who, like the bulls I ride, flipped my life upside down. She returned to me tonight, gave me the forgiveness that I longed for, and opened my heart to so many possibilities. I will give my whole heart to Beth and I hope she will accept it. I have never wanted anything more in this world than to spend my time getting to know her and everything about her. I am falling for her, falling hard. I wish my father was here to meet her, but since he isn't, I will strive to be half the man he was, so that she may get a glimpse of the man that raised me.
"Beth, that first day you showed up in my barn, and since then, getting to know the kind of person you are...I've never met anyone like you. You have brought me back on track to being a man that my father would be proud of, and I thank you." Jack stood and walked around the island to face Elizabeth. He took her hands and pulled her up to stand in front of him. Jack pushed her hair back and tucked it behind her ear, and stared into her eyes.
"Beth, I love you." Jack bent down and softly kissed her, covering her lips with his.
Elizabeth pulled back and looked up into Jack's eyes, "I love you, too, Jack." She placed her hand on his cheek and reached up to kiss him again.
Jack wrapped his arms around her and pulled her body against his. He lifted his head so he could see her eyes, "God, I love you so much." He brushed his knuckles across her cheek. He covered her mouth again with his, each kiss growing in desire.
Jack stepped back when they needed air and took a deep breath in. "I think we should go watch a movie," he said, trying to get his mind off of her lips. He took her hand and led her to the living room. He handed her the remote, "Here, it's on Netflix. You pick out what you'd like to watch."
Elizabeth scrolled through the movies and settled on Nights In Rodanthe. "I've wanted to see this one for a while."
Jack raised the foot rest to the recliner section of the couch as they laid side by side. She settled into Jack's side, his arm around her, her head on his chest; as they curled together on the couch. Jack pulled a blanket from the back of the couch and draped it across them both, as Diane Lane and Richard Gere graced the screen.
…..
Sometime in the middle of the night, Jack woke up, looking around to regain his bearings. The TV was still on, scrolling through Netflix previews. Jack looked down and saw Elizabeth curled up against him, sleeping. He shifted onto his side, facing her and pulled her up next to him, careful not to wake her. He reached for the remote and turned the TV off, pulled the blanket up, and drifted back to sleep.
…..
July 23rd, 2009 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Elizabeth woke to sunlight shining on her face. She was confused with this, as the window in her bedroom faced west. She drew in a deep breath, filled with Jack's cologne, and quickly sat up.
She looked down at the still sleeping Jack and smiled, realizing that they had fallen asleep while watching the movie.
Last time she had seen him sleeping on the couch, was the evening she'd brought him home drunk. He had talked in his sleep, yelling at his father, his face was pinched in fear and anguish before relaxing. But the Jack before her now was smiling. The corner of his mouth twitched slightly as he let out a small moan.
Elizabeth quickly covered her mouth to muffle the giggle that had escaped. She slowly slid her legs out from under the blanket and off the couch and stood. She started toward the kitchen, running her hands down her dress, trying to press out the wrinkles to no avail. As she ran her fingers through her hair to tame the mess that was created from laying against Jack, there was a knock at the door.
Elizabeth, without thinking, walked to the door, opened it and stared into Charlotte's face.
"Good morning, Beth," Charlotte said, a large smile across her face. She could see the panic enter Elizabeth's face and her eyes widened. Charlotte took hold of her hands and squeezed them. "It's okay, Beth. Calm down."
"But...but...we didn't...we haven't."
"Beth, breathe. I know." She moved her hands to Elizabeth's shoulders. "I know."
"You know?" Elizabeth looked at Charlotte, confusion now in her face.
"Jack told me that you are not like the other girls he's...well...been with." Charlotte's eyes moved up and down Elizabeth's wrinkled dress. "And by the looks of you, I'd venture a guess that you fell asleep, wearing your dress."
Elizabeth let out the breath that she'd been holding. "Yes. We were watching a movie and I guess we both fell asleep."
Charlotte stepped into the house and closed the door behind her. "Ah, yes. What movie?"
"Nights in Rodanthe."
"I saw that one. Very good, but sad."
"I fell asleep about half way through it, so I still haven't seen it." Elizabeth laughed as she relaxed.
"Where is that son of mine?" Charlotte asked as the two ladies walked through the house.
Elizabeth pointed toward the couch.
"Oh, we'll let him sleep." Charlotte pointed toward the kitchen. "Would you like some coffee?"
"Yes, please. That's where I was headed when you knocked."
The two women sat around the island, drinking their coffee and talking like they'd known each other for years. Charlotte was sharing stories of Jack and Tom when they were kids.
"So, let me get this straight. Jack tied Tom onto a cart, then sent him down a hill?" Elizabeth laughed.
"Yes, he was always doing things to his brother. It was as if we'd had Tom just for Jack's torturing pleasure." The woman laughed. "But seriously, those two were inseparable." The smile faded from Charlotte's face.
"What is it?"
Charlotte looked up from her coffee. "Thomas' death changed so much. Jack pulled away from everyone. For years, I was scared to death that I'd find him out here..." Charlotte swallowed hard and Elizabeth could see tears forming in her eyes. "Jack has changed so much these past few months." The smile returned to her face. "You have been so good for him."
The women continued to visit and drink coffee, laughing at more stories of Jack and Tom antics.
Jack woke to laughter coming from his kitchen. He looked over to see Elizabeth missing, then recognized his mother's voice. He jumped off the couch and ran to the kitchen.
"Well, good morning, Jack. Glad you could join us today." Charlotte teased.
"Good morning, ma." Jack turned to Elizabeth and smiled. "Good morning, Beth." He walked over to her and kissed her on the head.
"Hi, Jack," Elizabeth smiled back.
"You two are so adorable." Charlotte exclaimed.
Jack rolled his eyes at his mother. "What are you doing here, ma?" Jack asked as he poured himself a cup of coffee.
"I came over to talk to you about the cattle. It's past branding and vaccine time and we really need to get that done."
"Of course, ma. How about Tuesday? I'll get Lee and some of the others rounded up to come out and help."
"That sounds perfect. Thank you. You should come too, Beth. It's quite a sight to see if you never have before."
"I have no idea what you two are talking about, but I'd love to find out." Elizabeth smiled at Jack over her coffee cup.
"Wonderful, Beth. We can make a day out of it and have a family dinner after they are all done."
"That sounds lovely, Charlotte."
"It's settled then. Be sure to invite Rosie too. She's a hoot."
"Okay, you two. I'm going up to take a shower since you guys seem to have everything under control." Jack picked up his coffee, kissed Elizabeth on top of the head, and disappeared up the stairs.
Charlotte watched Elizabeth as her eyes followed Jack up the steps.
"He is so much like his father," Charlotte said.
Elizabeth looked at Charlotte. "That would make Jack very happy to know. He really looked up to him."
"Yes, he did. Those two were like two peas in a pod." Charlotte took another sip of her coffee. "So, Beth, tell me about your family."
"Well, my father is an attorney, my mom is a homemaker. They are in New Hampshire. I have two sisters. My older sister, Viola, is married and lives in London. She's a family counselor and has two children, Max and Amelia. They are five and seven. My younger sister, Julie, is married and a stay-at-home mom of three-year-old Skylar. They live in Vermont."
"Just the three of you girls then?"
"Yes. I think we were all my dad could handle," Elizabeth joked.
"Did you grow up in New Hampshire?"
"Yes, my parents still live in the same house. It's right on the coast."
"Do you make it back there often?"
"Usually once or twice a year. My parents weren't very supportive of me moving out here so the first year I only saw them once. It's been getting better though. They have finally come to realize that I am my own person and make my own decisions."
"Have they ever been here to visit you?"
"No, not yet. But I am hoping they will sometime soon."
"I'd love to meet them."
Elizabeth smiled at this thought, "I would love that too."
Jack had overheard them as he neared the top of the stairs, he stopped and listened, smiling at the exchange between his mom and Elizabeth. He sat down on the top step and listened as they continued.
"Jack cares for you so much. I just wanted to let you know that."
Elizabeth smiled and nodded, not knowing what to say.
"We all do, Beth."
"Thank you, Charlotte. I care a lot for your family, too. You have all made me feel very welcomed."
"You have claimed his heart, dear. Of course, you are welcome with us anytime."
Jack stood and walked down the steps and into the kitchen. He walked to Elizabeth and pulled the stool close to hers. He sat, facing her, his leg between hers, and laid his hand on top of her thigh.
"Feeling better, Jack?" His mom asked.
Smiling, he answered, "Yes, very much," without taking his eyes off of Elizabeth.
"Well, I'm going to go and leave you two alone," Charlotte said as she stood, smiling at the pair that were clearly in love.
Jack and Elizabeth both stood and followed Charlotte to the door.
"Goodbye, Beth. So good to see you again." She said as she hugged her. "Don't be a stranger."
"I won't. I'll see you soon." Elizabeth replied, smiling.
"Goodbye, ma." Jack hugged his mother then held the door open for her.
Jack and Elizabeth stood on the porch and watched as Charlotte drove away. Then Jack turned to Elizabeth and quickly pulled her into him and covered her mouth with his. She parted her lips and Jack slipped his tongue in, brushing against hers.
He pulled back, drew in a deep breath, and cupped her face in his hands. Sliding his fingers back into her hair, he kissed her again.
Elizabeth wrapped her arms around Jack's waist and held him tight as she matched his increasing passion.
Jack lifted his head and drew in another breath, staring into her eyes. "I love you, Beth. I have never said those words to anyone other than my family so I don't take them lightly. I love you so much."
"I love you, too, Jack. With all my heart." Elizabeth stood on her toes and kissed Jack; a quick, soft, loving kiss. After the kiss, she stepped back and slipped her hand into Jack's, interlocking their fingers. "I hate to spoil the mood, but I should get going."
"Okay, I'll see you tomorrow. We're meeting at 5 to drive to Kansas City, right?"
"Yes, looking forward to it."
Jack walked her to her car, kissed her goodbye and watched her drive away.
…..
July 23rd, 2009 – Elizabeth's Townhouse
"Hey, Beth," Julie said as she answered the phone.
"Hi, Jules. How are you doing?"
"I'm good. What's new with you?"
"Well, remember Jack."
"Of course."
"He told me he loves me."
"Oh, Beth. I'm so happy for you. Tell me all about it."
Elizabeth told her about her dinner with Jack, the entry from his journal and the moment they shared those words with each other.
"He sounds amazing, Beth. This is very exciting."
"I need to tell mom and dad." Elizabeth said nervously.
"Yes, you do. When are you planning to do that?"
"I don't know. Soon. What do you think dad will say when he finds out what Jack does?"
"I don't know, Beth. You've never dated anyone like him before. I'm sure dad won't be happy but it's your life. Don't let him discourage you."
"Okay. I'd love for you to meet him."
"I would too. We'll plan a trip there soon. I'll talk to Bill and see if he can get any time off."
"That would be so wonderful, Jules. I miss you."
"I miss you too. We'll talk again soon."
"Goodbye, Julie."
…..
July 25th, 2009 – American Royal Rodeo, Kansas City, Missouri
Elizabeth sat in her seat, alone, as she waited for Rosemary's turn at the barrels. They announced her name, and Elizabeth sat up straighter, willing in her mind for Rosie to win.
Rosemary and Samson ran a perfect pattern, finishing with a time of 14.95, moving her into second place with seven riders left to go. By the end, Rosie finished in third.
When she joined Elizabeth at the seats, Elizabeth jumped up and hugged her.
"Congratulations. That was awesome."
"Thanks, Liz. Samson ran great tonight."
The pair watched as the bull riders went, one by one. Less than half of the riders so far, had been able to stay on the full eight seconds.
Jack was up next and Elizabeth's heart began to race out of excitement and fear. She grabbed a hold of Rosie's hand and held it tight.
She saw Jack nod and the gate swung open. The bull stood in the chute for a second, then blew up through the gate. Jack lost his balance for a brief moment then regained it and rode the bull to the buzzer. He bailed off, hit the ground and rolled, and stood, seeing the bull vanish behind the gate.
"Thornton has scored an 89. This guy is on fire. He has moved into first place and this cowboy is going to be hard to beat."
Elizabeth and Rosie both clapped and cheered along with all the other fans. Jack looked up into the stands and quickly found Elizabeth, kissed his fingers, then pointed them toward her. Several fans in front of them looked back to see who he was pointing toward and Elizabeth smiled, feeling her cheeks grow slightly warm.
Three riders later, it was Lee's turn. Jack was standing by his side as Lee prepared his bull rope, wrapping it around his hand.
The bull burst out of the chute, bucking and kicking harder than Jack's had, but Lee stayed on; letting go only after hearing the buzzer.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I thought Thornton had it in the bag tonight, but Coulter just beat him with a score of 93!"
The crowd went wild and Rosie and Elizabeth joined them, screaming and yelling for Lee.
…..
After grabbing a quick bite to eat, the group walked across the parking lot toward their trailers; Jack and Elizabeth were hand in hand, while Rosemary had her arm through Lee's.
"This has been a great night gang," Lee said as they neared the trailers.
"Yes it was, brother." Jack patted Lee on the back. "Congratulations."
"Sorry to edge you out of first."
"Lee, don't you ever apologize for that. There is no one I would rather lose to than you." Jack pulled Lee's head sideways and kissed the top of it.
"I love you, man," Lee said as all four of them began to laugh.
Lee and Rosemary disappeared into her trailer, leaving Jack and Elizabeth standing awkwardly outside alone.
"Would you like to come inside for a while?"
Elizabeth smiled and nodded.
Jack opened the door and waited as Elizabeth stepped up into the trailer. Once inside, Jack pulled Elizabeth to him and slowly wrapped his arms around her. He bent down and kissed her neck as she tipped her head away, revealing it even more.
Jack left a trail of kisses up her neck and along her jawline, ending on her lips. He kissed her softly, tasting her and enjoying the energy that she always sent through him. An energy that was growing stronger with each touch and kiss.
He stopped and stared at her, running his fingers down the side of her face and jaw. "I love you."
"I love you, too."
"I wish you could stay in here with me tonight."
"I can't, Jack."
"No, not like that. Like the other night on the couch. I've never slept so soundly as I did that night with you by my side."
"Okay."
"Okay?" The excitement was evident on Jack's face.
"Yes, Jack," she giggled. "Okay. I'll go let Rosie know and grab a change of clothes. I'll be right back."
Elizabeth stepped outside and closed the door. Jack quickly changed his clothes and washed the dust off of him. He sprayed on some cologne and brushed his teeth before returning to the couch to wait for her.
Elizabeth knocked on the door before entering.
"Come in," Rosie yelled.
Elizabeth stepped inside to find Lee and Rosie sitting on her little couch together.
"Hey, Lee. Would you mind stepping outside just for second. I just need to change."
"Yes, ma'am. No problem." Lee gave Rosemary and quick kiss and jumped up, leaving the two women alone.
"I'm staying with Jack tonight, if you don't mind."
"What?! Of course, I don't mind. Are you two finally going to..."
Elizabeth cut her off, "No, Rosie. We are not. We will just be sleeping." Elizabeth pulled her jeans off and put on a pair of shorts. "Will you be okay with Lee staying in here?"
"Yes, Liz. We will be just fine." Rosie grinned.
"Wait, have you two..?"
"Yes, we have." Rosemary's grin grew to a smile.
"When?"
"He came and stayed with me a couple nights this past week and well, you know."
"No, I don't know. But I get what you're saying," Elizabeth said. "So...have...you guys said 'I love you'?"
"Yes, Lee said it first about a month ago. What about you and Jack?" Rosie tilted her head. "I see how you two look at each other and now you're sleeping over."
"He told me he loved me a few days ago."
Rosemary squealed, jumped up and hugged her friend. "Liz, I am so happy for you. This is so exciting."
Elizabeth finished changing, threw her hair up into a bun and walked back to Jack's trailer. He held the door open for her as she walked up the two steps into the trailer.
Jack watched her as she walked through the trailer toward the couch, looking her up and down.
Elizabeth turned and caught him staring at her, "What is it?"
"You look nice."
"In this? It's just shorts and a tee."
"I know. You look relaxed, comfortable."
Jack had changed into jogging pants and a grey tee. He walked to her and gave her a quick kiss on the lips. "Ready to go to bed?"
Elizabeth nodded, nervously.
She climbed the steps up onto the bed, followed by Jack. Once she was settled on the bed and laid down, she noticed there was another TV at the foot of the bed.
"Another one?"
"Yes. Want to watch something?"
"Sure."
Jack opened one of the cabinet doors and grabbed the remote. "What would you like to watch?"
"I don't care. You choose this time."
Jack flipped through the channels and settled on Fool's Gold with Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson. He laid the remote down and slid his arm behind Elizabeth. She slid closer to him and rested her arm on his chest, breathing in his cologne.
Jack lifted her chin up so she was facing him and kissed her softly on the lips. "I love you. And good night in case you fall asleep during the movie again." He teased.
"I love you. Good night."
Jack held her as they watched the movie. And again, both were asleep before it was half over.
