August 23rd, 2009 – Elizabeth's Townhouse
Elizabeth woke up to the sunlight illuminating her room. She stretched as she smiled, remembering the wonderful dream she had just woken from. Then she quickly raised her left hand in front of her and saw that the ring was actually on her hand. "It wasn't a dream," she said aloud. Her smile grew as she moved the ring back and forth in the ray of light, watching it glisten in the sun. She looked at it closely, admiring and finely cut, quality diamonds.
Her heart began to race, thinking of her future with Jack. She had begun dreaming of this day the moment Jack dropped to his knees on his front porch after she had forgiven him. Elizabeth closed her eyes and was transported to the previous evening.
…..
August 22nd, 2009 – Hope Meadows Ranch
"I'll be home soon, Mom." Elizabeth handed her keychain to her mother. "Here's the key to the front door."
"Take your time, honey. Enjoy this moment." Grace kissed Elizabeth on the cheek and climbed into Jack's truck.
"Bye, Daddy. I'll see you soon."
"Bye, sweetheart," William responded.
Jack stood at the driver door, talking to his mom through the open window. "Thanks for taking them over, Ma."
"You're welcome, Jack. Spend a few moments alone with your fiancé."
A smile grew across Jack's face as he thought of that word...fiancé.
Jack and Elizabeth stood hand in hand, watching the black truck drive away, leaving the couple alone in the dark, lit only by a fading fire. Once it was out of sight, Jack turned to Elizabeth, cupped her face with both hands, and covered her soft lips with his. He leaned into her with his whole body, wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer.
Elizabeth matched his passion, kiss by kiss, eagerness growing with each one.
Jack pulled back, shaking his head. "Beth, I don't think you have any idea what you do to me." He brushed a few strands of hair out of her face and rubbed her blushed cheek with his thumb. "I am so in love with you." He was breathing hard now, still trying to catch his breath from their kiss. Wanting more, but knowing that he couldn't, he took her hand and the pair walked toward Harley who had been tied around the side of the barn.
Before jumping onto Harley's back, Jack pulled Elizabeth in front of him once more. He cupped her face in his hands, kissed her gently on the lips, then stared at her face, his gaze moving between her eyes and her lips. "I love you, fiancé," he said smiling.
Elizabeth's smile covered her face, matching Jack's enthusiasm, "I love you, too, fiancé."
Jack jumped onto the horse's back, reached down, and pulled Elizabeth up behind him. She slid up against Jack's back and wrapped her arms tightly around him. Jack continued to smile as he turned Harley in the direction of the house and began their slow walk back, glancing back to ensure the fire was out.
The sky was clear and the moon was bright, lighting their way home. There was a cool breeze as Jack took the long way around, taking Elizabeth by one of his many ponds. The moonlight reflected off of the still water, sparkling like diamonds. Elizabeth thought of the new one on her finger and smiled bigger than she already had been.
She rested her cheek against his muscular back, feeling it move with the movements of the horse. She breathed in the scent of Jack's cologne mixed with the scent of Harley, two fragrances she had grown to love.
"What are you thinking about, Beth?" Jack asked, raising her left hand to his lips and softly kissing it.
"A beautiful new future, here, with you."
He squeezed her hand that his had been resting on. "Me, too."
They rode the rest of the way home in silence, simply enjoying the company of one another and the beautiful moonlit landscape that stretched out before them.
Jack carefully lowered Elizabeth to the ground just outside the barn, then slid off Harley, landing beside her. She walked with Jack into the barn and watched as he fed and watered the horses.
She was leaning against Harley's stall when Jack finished and walked up to her. "Hey, beautiful."
"Hey, handsome," she replied, smiling.
Jack brushed his knuckles along her jawline, then leaned down and kissed her. "So, when would you like to get married?"
"Soon," she giggled.
Jack laughed and kissed her again.
"I have always wanted a fall wedding."
"A fall wedding," Jack nodded. "That would be soon," he smiled. "October?"
"That's exactly what I was thinking."
"Okay. Where would you like to get married?"
Elizabeth thought for a brief moment, then Jack saw her face light up as she smiled. "The barn."
"The barn? This barn?" Jack asked.
"No, your dad's barn."
Jack smiled, "Are you sure you want to get married in that old thing?"
"Yes, most definitely. It's beautiful and it's perfect."
"What about New Hampshire?"
"My life is here now. Your family is here, my friends are here. No, I want to get married here."
"Alright then, Dad's barn in October." Jack smiled as Elizabeth reached up and kissed him.
She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him toward her, and began kissing him. Jack pressed his body against hers, pressing her against the boards of Harley's stall. Kiss after kiss, growing in passion and intensity, Jack's desire for her growing evident.
He stepped back and drew in a deep breath, blowing it out loudly between his lips. "October cannot get here soon enough." He took her hand and started toward the door. Looking at her and smiling, "You need to get home." He adjusted the front of his jeans as they stepped back out into the darkness, being careful to hide it from Elizabeth.
Before getting in to her car, Elizabeth turned to face Jack. "I want you to know that you are stirring up things inside me that I've never felt before. I have a feeling that whatever I'm doing to you, you're doing to me, also." She gave him a quick kiss on the lips. "Thank you for making this evening so special; one that I will never forget."
"Anything for you, Beth." Jack bent down and kissed her, softly and gently. "I'll do anything for you," he whispered in her ear as he hugged her goodbye.
…..
August 23rd, 2009 – Elizabeth's Townhouse
Elizabeth opened her eyes and looked at her ring once more. Her eyes glistened with tears as she thanked God for putting Jack into her life. He had filled a void that she never realized was there.
She slid out of bed, showered and dressed, and went to her kitchen to start coffee and breakfast for her parents.
Grace was the first to join her. "Your townhouse is adorable, Beth. And that patio...gorgeous."
"Thank you, Mom. I love it here," Elizabeth replied as she slid the eggs onto a plate.
"I'm sorry we didn't come visit sooner," her mom added.
"Mom, please don't worry about it. Really. It's fine. I know you two were concerned when I moved out here alone. I know it was a shock to you both." Elizabeth hugged her mom. "You're here now," she smiled at her mom.
"So, how can I help?" Grace asked.
"Take your coffee and have a seat on the patio. I've got everything under control."
"Okay," Grace replied, picking up her mug of coffee and smiling as she watched her daughter navigate the kitchen. "You've really come into your own here, Beth. I'm very proud of you."
Elizabeth looked at her mom, "Thank you, Mom. That means a lot."
William joined them now, "What means a lot?"
"I was telling Beth how proud we are of her. She has really made a home here. And Jack is wonderful."
"Yes, Beth," William walked up and hugged Elizabeth. "We are very proud of you. You've got a very special man in Jack."
"So, he just flew to New Hampshire to meet you face to face?" She asked, setting the skillet in the sink.
"Yes, he sure did. We got a phone call from him the day before, asking if he could come out. And then there he was." Grace answered.
"Wow, I had no idea he was doing that."
"I think that was the point, sweetheart," William responded, smiling.
Elizabeth laughed, "Yes, I guess you're right, Daddy."
They moved out onto the patio where Elizabeth served fresh fruit, bacon, eggs, and muffins for breakfast.
As Grace sat her glass or orange juice down, she asked, "Have you and Jack had a chance to discuss a wedding date? I was thinking next spring or summer. New Hampshire in the spring is gorgeous."
"We're getting married here, Mom."
"What? Why not New Hampshire? That's your home."
"No, Mom. This is my home now. This is where Jack and I live. This is where we will live as husband and wife. Our friends are all here."
"What about all your school friends back home?"
"Allison is the only one I have ever kept in touch with. All those other "I'm better than you" girls have moved on and I am just fine with that."
"I know you and Daddy are there. And Julie and her family are there. But I really want to get married here. I really love it here. And all of Jack's family are here, too."
"We understand, Beth," William responded.
"And as for when, we were thinking of October."
"Oh, a fall wedding. That would be beautiful, dear," Grace continued. "That gives us over a year to plan, find a venue and get it all prepared."
"No, Mom. This October. And we already have a venue."
"What? That's only two months away. Why so soon?" Grace asked
"Beth, are you pregnant," William asked.
"Daddy! No, I am not pregnant."
"Are you sure? Why the hurry?"
"Jack and I have...well...we have never...we...we haven't been together."
"What? Oh. Oh, that's great!" William exclaimed, embarrassed over the topic with his daughter.
"And we just want to be married, Mom and Dad." Elizabeth rested her arms on the table. "We love each other and we just don't see the point in dragging things out."
"That's fine, Beth," William cut in before Grace could.
Grace looked at William, then back at Elizabeth, conceding. "Okay. Fine. So, you said you have a venue already?"
"Yes, Jack's dad's barn. Where Jack proposed."
"That old thing?" Grace said loudly.
"Yes, Momma. That old thing. I loved it there and I think it would just be perfect."
"Yes, sweetheart, it's perfect," William replied, shooting Grace a look.
"What day in October?" Grace asked.
"We don't have a day yet. Jack and I thought we could all discuss that at lunch today after his baptism. That way we can get a date that works for everyone."
"That's a very wise idea, Beth." William responded.
They finished their breakfast as Elizabeth shared some of her new school year preparations with them. When they were finished and Elizabeth carried the dirty plates inside, William looked at Grace and quietly said, "I like that boy even more now."
Grace looked at him with confusion on her face.
"They haven't had sex."
"Oh," Grace replied, nodding her head. "Yes, I was very pleased to hear that, too."
"To hear what?" Elizabeth asked as she stepped back outside onto the patio.
"Um, that...you and Jack...were, um, waiting...to pick a date after talking to all of us."
"Of course, Mom. We want it to work for everyone," she replied, smiling and picking up more dishes.
They finished clearing the dishes, then proceeded to get ready to leave for the church.
…..
Hope Meadows Ranch
Jack stretched his body awake in his king-sized bed. He rolled to his side and faced the empty, where Elizabeth would soon be. He smiled as he envisioned her face smiling back at him. He reached out with his hand, brushing against the air where her face would be.
He sighed and rolled onto his back, resting his arms behind his head, and stared at the ceiling. He closed his eyes and prayed.
"Thank you, Lord, for bringing me to this day. Thank you for showing me the way. Thank you for bringing Elizabeth into my life. I know I can't undo my past, but I believe with all my heart You have revived me to a place I never thought was possible. I believe deep in my soul that You can renew anyone who believes...and I believe, Lord. Elizabeth is a treasure and she is a gift; Your gift to me. Lord, I want to always be worthy of Your trust with her. I know that I can only follow You first, and seek You first before I can be the man You created me to be. Today, I am grateful. I am grateful that You love me and that my salvation is Your free gift. Today, may You be honored as I am baptized." Tears rolled down Jack's cheeks as he felt the sense of peace flow through him. "Lord, I give you this day, I give you all of me. In Jesus' name. Amen."
Jack opened his eyes, wiped the tears from his face, rolled out of bed, and walked into the bathroom. After stripping off his green and blue plaid pajama pants and black boxer briefs, he stepped into his large shower. He turned the water on and stepped to the side to wait for the water to warm. He stepped under the flow of water falling from the rain shower head and let the hot water run over his shoulders and down his back.
As he washed, he thought about the day before him. He was nervous and excited about the baptism, and looking forward to seeing Elizabeth and his family. He knew they would be talking about wedding plans today, and he was anxious to get started on everything, in hopes that the next two months would pass quickly until she was his wife.
…..
Crossroads Cowboy Church
Jack put his truck in park then turned to his mom. "This is it, Ma."
Charlotte reached across the seat and held Jack's hand, "I am so proud of you, Jack." She squeezed his hand then continued, "Your father would be so proud of you...with your decision for baptism, and with Elizabeth. She is exactly who he would have picked for you."
Jack could feel the tears well up in his eyes as he listened to his mother.
"All your father wanted for you boys was to be happy and live a full life. He wanted you to know and follow God. He wanted you to find wives that did as well." Charlotte went quiet as she thought about her husband.
Jack turned in his seat to face her. "You know, Ma. That's all dad would want for you, too. He would want you to be happy, too."
"I am happy, Jack. I have my boys. I have my grandchildren. I have Sam, and now Elizabeth. I have my health."
"That's not what I was referring to, Ma. Dad wouldn't want you to be alone. You've been alone for so long."
"I'm not alone, Jack. I have my family."
"You know what I mean."
"I know, Jack. But your father was the love of my life. I had my great love."
"I know. That's how I feel about Elizabeth. But you just never know when someone else might catch your eye. I just don't want you to ignore it and miss it. I want you to know that Tom and I are both alright if you found someone else to love."
Charlotte smiled and shook Jack's hand that she was still holding. "Ready to go in?"
"Yes. I am ready."
Once inside the church, Jack found Frank and spoke with him briefly about the events that would take place. Feeling a bit more settled about the details, Jack led Frank over to his family, gathered to the side near the front, to introduce everyone.
"Frank, this is Elizabeth, my fiancé."
"Your fiancé? Well, congratulations to you both." Frank shook her hand, "It's very nice to meet you in person."
"Thank you. You, too, Frank." Elizabeth grinned.
"This is my brother, Tom. His wife, Sam and their kids." Jack was signing for Savannah's sake, spelling Frank's name for her.
Frank shook their hands, "Nice to meet all of you." He bent down to eye level with the kids, "and you, too." He shook each of their hands.
Frank had made a point to look each person in the eyes, trying to memorize each of their names as he moved from person to person.
"Frank, this is Elizabeth's parents, William and Grace."
"I'm so glad that you could come all the way here to share this special day with Jack," Frank said as he shook both their hands.
"We are very blessed to be here," Grace responded.
Jack stepped over to Charlotte. "Frank, this is my mother, Charlotte Thornton."
Frank and Charlotte held each other's lingering gaze as they shook hands, smiling. "Hi, Frank. It's wonderful to meet you."
They continued to slowly shake hands. "You, too, Charlotte," Frank nodded, returning the smile.
Jack looked back and forth between the two, raised his eyebrows, quickly dropped is gaze to the floor, and grinned.
The two quickly pulled their hands apart and Jack could see his mother's cheeks blush red.
"Okay, well, I should probably get up front and get this thing started," Frank smiled, still looking at Charlotte.
He turned and walked up front and took a seat in the front row.
"Mom," Jack said smiling.
Charlotte turned her head toward Jack, "What?"
"So, are you just going to ignore that?"
"Ignore what? Frank? There's nothing there to ignore."
Jack was nodding as his mother spoke. "Okay," he continued grinning, "if you say so." He took his mom's hand and pulled it through his arm, let's go sit down. As he passed Elizabeth, he took hold her hand as well and walked to their seats.
After everyone was in their seats, the praise band began and play and sing several songs. Once they finished their final song, Frank stepped up behind the old wooden podium. Jack looked around the front of the church and could see a tank with a black rubber lining off to the right, that was used as the baptistry.
"Good morning, everyone. What a blessed morning. Praise the Lord," he started.
Several people in the congregation repeated, "Praise the Lord."
"Today, we have a very special treat." Frank looked at Jack and motioned for him to stand and join him up front. Frank stepped to the front of the raised platform and waited for Jack.
Jack squeezed Elizabeth's hand as he stood, and joined Frank at the front of the church.
"Jack Thornton has chosen to be baptized in Christ today."
Most of the congregation clapped and whistled. Praise the Lord, Amen, and Hallelujah could be heard throughout the church.
Jack smiled nervously and looked at Elizabeth, who was smiling back and nodding her head in support.
"Let's pray over our brother right now." Frank placed his hand on Jack's shoulder and bowed his head. "Gracious Father, we come to You today in celebration. We thank You for Jack, our brother in Christ, as he is washed in Your blood and becomes a renewed man. We celebrate Jack as he begins his new life in You. I pray that Jack may receive the fullness of Your grace and the washing away of his sins. Give Your Holy Spirit to Jack, that he may be born again and cleaned white as snow, and inherit Your eternal kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
The congregation repeated, "Amen," in unison.
Frank motioned for Jack to walk over with him to the baptistry, where a man that Jack didn't know was already waiting. Jack removed his boots, and still wearing his Wrangler jeans and a blue button-up shirt, he stepped into the tank of warm water. He knelt on his knees as Frank knelt beside him.
Frank gripped Jack's hand and began to speak again. "Jack, do you believe that Jesus is the son of God?"
Jack answered, "Yes."
"Do you believe that Jesus died for your sins and rose again?"
"Yes."
"Do you repent all your sins to the Lord and ask for His forgiveness?"
"Yes."
"I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit for the forgiveness of your sins."
Jack pinched his nose as Frank gripped his forearm, his other hand was behind Jack's back. The other man knelt on the other side of the baptistry and held Jack as well. The two men lowered Jack back into the water, submerging him completely, then pulled him back up.
Everyone in the church stood and began to clap, cheer and whistle, including Jack's family. Amens and Hallelujahs could be heard from many members.
Immediately, Jack felt an overwhelming sense of peace and cleanliness. He began to cry as he stood, the water dripping from his clothes. "Thank you, Lord," he said softly to himself as he wiped the water and tears from his face.
Jack looked toward Elizabeth, who was also crying, her hands were over her heart and she mouthed the words I love you. Jack did the same in return.
The man that helped with the baptism, held open a large towel for Jack as he stepped out of the tank, wrapping it around him. The man led Jack through a door in the front corner of the church where Jack had a bag waiting with dry clothes. The man congratulated him, then closed the door and left him alone to change.
Still feeling overwhelmed, Jack fell to his knees and began to pray. After several minutes of time in prayer, Jack stood and changed into his dry clothes. He entered the sanctuary and joined his family, who were listening to Frank as he gave him sermon.
Elizabeth took Jack's hand as soon as he sat down and kissed him on the cheek. "I'm so proud of you and I love you," she whispered in his ear.
He leaned to her and whispered, "I love you, too." Then kissed her cheek.
Charlotte put her arm across Jack's shoulders and hugged him, patting his arm with her free hand. Jack turned to her and smiled, his eyes still damp and red from tears of joy and thankfulness.
After Frank finished the sermon, he paused briefly, then looked up to the congregation. "We have one more treat for you all today. Someone is joining us today for the first time, but had talked to me ahead of time and asked if she could share some special music for today." Frank held out his arm toward Elizabeth.
Jack looked over to her, his brow furrowed in question. Elizabeth looked at Jack, smiled and squeezed his hand. She kissed his cheek again as she stood and walked up the steps to the piano.
"Thank you, Frank." Elizabeth adjusted the microphone. "Hello, everyone. My name is Elizabeth Thatcher. Jack is my fiancé. This is a song that I'd been working on for a few years and when I found out that Jack was going to be baptized, I quickly finished it so that I could share it today. This is for Jack and anyone else that needs to hear it." Elizabeth shifted on the piano bench and placed her fingers on the keys, blew out a big breath through her lips, and began to play the piano.
Jack leaned forward in his seat and rested his elbows on his knees. His fingers covered his mouth as he listened to Elizabeth's words. Charlotte laid her hand on Jack's back as Elizabeth began to sing.
"I see shattered
You see whole
I see broken
But You see beautiful
And You're helping me to believe
You're restoring me piece by piece
There's nothing too dirty
That You can't make worthy
You wash me in mercy
I am clean
There's nothing too dirty
That You can't make worthy
You wash me in mercy
I am clean
What was dead now lives again
My heart's beating, beating inside my chest
Oh I'm coming alive with joy and destiny
'Cause You're restoring me piece by piece
There's nothing too dirty
That You can't make worthy
You wash me in mercy
I am clean
There's nothing too dirty
That You can't make worthy
You wash me in mercy
I am clean
Washed in the blood of Your sacrifice
Your blood flowed red and made me white
My dirty rags are purified
I am clean
Washed in the blood of Your sacrifice
Your blood flowed red and made me white
My dirty rags are purified
I'm clean, I'm clean
Washed in the blood of Your sacrifice
Your blood flowed red and made me white
My dirty rags are purified
I'm clean
I am clean
I'm clean
Oh You made me
You wash me
Clean
Oh You made me clean"
Tears were dripping from Jack's cheeks as Elizabeth finished the song. Charlotte, Rosemary, Sam and Grace were also crying, as was half the congregation.
Elizabeth stood and returned to her seat. Jack wiped the tears from his face, stood and hugged her, holding her tight.
Frank returned to the front of the church, "Wow, how do I follow that?"
A few chuckles filled the building.
"That was wonderful, Elizabeth. Thank you."
Elizabeth, now standing next to Jack, smiled and nodded to Frank, before she and Jack sat down.
"As her words said, 'My dirty rags are purified. I am clean.' That is what Jesus' sacrifice has done for us. He has made us clean."
"Let's pray."
