August 23rd, 2009 – Crossroads Cowboy Church

Frank closed in prayer, then dismissed everyone. Several people approached Jack and Elizabeth, praising them both for different reasons.

When the crowd finally began to clear, Jack turned to Elizabeth. "I didn't know you could sing like that. And the piano? You were amazing!"

"Thank you, Jack," she grinned.

"How did I not know that you could sing?"

"I don't know your music, so the opportunity never arose," she answered, still grinning.

Jack wrapped his arms around her and held her tight. "Thank you, Beth," he said softly, his cheek against hers.

Charlotte, William and Grace were next to the couple now, hugging them both.

William shook Jack's hand. "Very proud of you, Jack."

"Thank you, sir," Jack said, feeling as if his own father had just spoken to him.

The rest of their family had encircled the couple, everyone hugging Jack and praising Elizabeth. Rosemary made her way to Elizabeth and hugged her. "I knew you could sing, Liz, but that? That was amazing."

"Thanks, Rosie."

Rosemary turned to Jack, "Jack, congratulations. God bless you."

"Thanks, Rosie," Jack replied as he returned her hug.

Frank had joined them by now and was waiting his turn to speak to the couple.

"Frank," Jack said as he walked up and shook his hand. "I'd like for you to meet my best friend, Lee. Lee, this is Frank Hogan."

"Hey, Frank. Good to meet you."

"You, too, Lee."

"And this is Elizabeth's best friend and Lee's girlfriend, Rosemary."

"Hello, Frank. I absolutely love your church."

"Thank you, Rosemary. I hope that you can join us again sometime."

"I just might do that. This is my kind of place."

"Frank, we are all gathering at my house for lunch. Elizabeth and I would love it if you could join us."

"I'd love to, Jack. Thank you."

The group moved to outside and continued their conversation in the parking lot.

"You never told me that Elizabeth could sing," Charlotte said, smacking Jack on the arm.

"I didn't know. I'd never heard her sing before."

"She has the voice of an angel," Charlotte added.

"Yes, she does, Ma," Jack replied, watching Elizabeth laughing with Sam and Rosie.

"So, what are we doing for lunch?" Tom asked as he put his arm around his brother.

"We are eating at my house," Jack answered. "Elizabeth's parents offered to have it catered."

"Sounds like a plan," Tom responded, slapping Jack on the back.

After giving everyone the details of lunch, they loaded into their vehicles and headed to Jack's. Elizabeth and her parents stopped by an Italian restaurant to pick up the catering they had ordered the previous day, then proceeded to Jack's.

"Beth, that was a very beautiful song." William said as she pulled back onto the highway.

"Thanks, Daddy."

"And I'd like to apologize for any way I might have given you and Jack a hard time through all of this. I can see that Jack is a very good man and he loves you very much."

"That means a lot, Dad. And yes, Jack is a very good man."

"I noticed him signing to Savannah. Jack knows how to sign?" Grace asked.

"Yes, Mom. He learned so he could communicate with Savannah."

"Well, isn't that just the sweetest thing."

Elizabeth pulled into the driveway that led them past the barn, around the trees and to Jack's house.

"This house is so beautiful," Grace said as Elizabeth parked the car.

Elizabeth looked at it, dreaming of the day that she will live there with Jack. A day that wasn't far off and her heart began to race. A smile spread across her face as she thought of waking up next to Jack in his large bed, with a fire burning in the fireplace.

"Ready, dear?" Grace asked as she got out of the car.

Elizabeth stepped out of her car just as Jack, Tom and Lee reached them. Jack gave her a quick kiss on the lips then said, "we're here to help."

The group carried in aluminum pans filled with pasta, a variety of sauces, salad and bread. They spread the containers across the island in Jack's gourmet kitchen. Tom removed the cardboard lids and placed the necessary utensils that Charlotte had retrieved from one of the drawers, into each container. Jack opened a cabinet and removed a stack of plates, placing them on the island next to the pasta container. Tom grabbed a handful of forks and set them next to the plates. During this, Sam and Elizabeth were filling glasses with sun tea and adding them to the lineup on the island. Charlotte watched her boys and their ladies work together, preparing everything for their meal.

Each time Jack would pass Elizabeth, he would gently brush against her, causing her to look at him and grin. Charlotte's life was blessed as she watched this take place. She had been so worried about Jack over the past eleven years, and now she was finally at peace seeing Jack happier than he has ever been.

Grace stepped up next to Charlotte, "They are good together, aren't they?"

Charlotte, with a tear glistening on her cheek, looked at Grace and wrapped her arm around her shoulder. "Yes, they most definitely are."

Frank said grace, then Tom and Sam helped Savannah and Luke prepare their plates and get settled on the bar stools along the other side of the island. The adults followed and everyone settled in around Jack's large dining room table, Sam with Austin on her lap.

"This is delicious. Thank you, Grace and William, for providing this." Jack said in between bites.

"You're very welcome," William replied.

They continued eating and enjoyed casual conversation before Jack turned the topic to the wedding.

"Beth and I would like to announce that we have set a month for our wedding, but we need to settle on a date that works for everyone."

"Okay, Jack," Tom responded. "I'm sure we'll all be able to make it work for whenever you'd like to have it."

"Well, we want to get married in October," Jack added.

"Of next year?" Rosemary asked.

"No. As in two months." Elizabeth answered.

"Two months?" Rosemary exclaimed. "That's not enough time to plan everything."

"It's plenty of time, Rosie," Elizabeth said, giving her friend a look.

"But two months?" Rosie said again.

"That's not a lot of time," Charlotte added.

"Why the hurry?" Tom asked.

More questions and concerns were fired at the couple before they could get one reply out. Just as William was about to speak up, Jack squeezed Elizabeth's hand and stood; the motion quieted everyone as they all turned to Jack.

"Beth and I do not see any reason to wait, to drag this out. We just want to be married. Neither of us need a big, elaborate wedding. We just want all of our family and closest friends there. We are ready to get started on our life together."

"What about a venue, guys? How will we find one available on such a short notice?" Rosemary asked.

Elizabeth gently pulled Jack's hand, motioning for him to sit down. "We want to have the wedding in Jack's dad's barn."

Charlotte could feel a few tears sting her eyes as she covered her mouth with her hand. Jack reached over and squeezed her other hand that was still resting on the table.

"It was Beth's idea," he smiled at his mom.

"It's perfect," Charlotte replied, fighting back the tears.

"So," Jack began again, "We have the month, now we need a day. We would like everyone to check their calendars and let us know what weekends work for you."

"We have that big rodeo on the 17th, Jack," Lee responded.

"I have clients coming in from out of town on the 31st," William added.

Tom, Sam, Charlotte and Rosemary all replied with different events also on the 17th as well as the 10th and the 3rd.

Jack was looking at a calendar as everyone was speaking.

"So, that leaves the 24th," Jack said, and looked around to everyone.

"Yes, that works for us."

"I'm free that weekend."

"We can make that work."

This was the unanimous reply from everyone.

"Frank, does the 24th work for you? We would like for you to perform the ceremony," Jack added.

"I'd be honored, Jack. And yes, the 24th is good with me."

"I just need to call Jules and check with her," Elizabeth said as she looked at her phone and dialed Julie. After a quick conversation, Elizabeth hung up and said, "The 24th works for her, too."

"October 24th it is," Charlotte said, smiling at the couple.

Jack squeezed Elizabeth's hand again, of which he had never let go. They smiled at each other as Jack leaned in and kissed her.

"Get a room," Lee yelled, causing the room to erupt in laughter.

…..

August 25th, 2009 – Elizabeth's Townhouse

Elizabeth had spent the last two days showing her parents around; including her school, Rosie's ranch, a few local state parks and caves. One evening was spent at Charlotte's for a family dinner. Her parents had quickly discovered why Elizabeth loved it there so much; the scenery and the people were both great.

Jack drove Elizabeth and her parents to the airport Tuesday evening. After saying their goodbyes, Jack drove Elizabeth home and they spent time in each other's arms; their first opportunity to do so since her parents had arrived.

They watched a movie, and as usual, Elizabeth had fallen asleep before it was over. Jack carefully picked her up and carried her upstairs to her bedroom. Elizabeth stirred slightly as he climbed the stairs, but just as quickly, nuzzled her face into Jack's chest and was back to sleep.

Jack lowered her onto her bed, then stood and looked at her. She had slippers on, so Jack gently removed them. He sat on the edge of the bed and watched her sleep, his eyes taking in every inch of her body.

She had changed into a pair of running shorts and a tank top when they got back from the airport, and Jack stared in awe, that this beautiful woman had chosen him. He gently ran his hand along the outside of her leg, then up her arm to her shoulder. He brushed the hair back that had fallen across her face and ran his knuckles softly against her cheek.

"You are so beautiful," Jack whispered, "I love you." Jack bent down and kissed her cheek.

Elizabeth rolled toward him and opened her eyes; a smile grew across her face. "Hey," she said softly.

"Hey." Jack continued rubbing her cheek with his thumb then ran his hand down her arm.

"I fell asleep again."

"You sure did." Jack ran his hand down her leg.

Elizabeth rolled onto her back and reached up to touch Jack's face. "I love you, too," she grinned.

"Oh, you did hear me."

Elizabeth slid her fingers to the back of Jack's neck and pulled his head down to hers. Jack covered her lips with his, letting his passion take the lead. He leaned over her, letting his body cover hers, moving his legs across hers. He pushed against her as his kisses grew more fervent with each second.

Elizabeth was matching the wanting desire as she wrapped her arms around Jack and pulled him against her, her body and lips pleading for more.

Jack grabbed her leg behind the knee and pulled it up as he pressed himself against her. His hand moved to the bottom of her shirt as he began to lift it. Suddenly, he pushed himself off of Elizabeth and jumped off the bed.

"I'm sorry, Jack," Elizabeth said as she sat up and pulled her shirt down. "I shouldn't have done that. I'm so sorry."

Jack returned to the edge of the bed and sat down. "Beth, you do not need to apologize. I do, however. I'm very sorry."

Elizabeth touched his arm and slid her hand down into his, locking their fingers together.

"These feelings are all new for me, Jack. I need to learn how to control them."

Jack slid closer to her and held her hand between both of his, against his heart. "Beth, I want you to listen carefully. And please believe me when I tell you this."

Elizabeth nodded.

"I have never felt this way around anyone before. I have never wanted anyone as much as I want you. These feelings are new for me, too, Beth. I hope you can believe me." Jack lifted her hand to his lips and kissed the top of it. "We are just going to have to be careful and not put ourselves in this situation again."

Elizabeth nodded again. "I agree." She held his hand in front of her, turning it over and looking at his palm, running her fingers along the creases. "Only two months."

Jack nodded in agreement, "Only two months."

…..

August 26th, 2009 – Sully Schools

Elizabeth stood in her classroom, greeting each of the kids as they entered, full of smiles and energy; each one telling her a story about their summer.

Once all of the second-grade students were in their seats, Elizabeth announced that they would be working in watercolors that day. Most of the students cheered as it was their favorite. "I would like for you to paint an image that represents your summer. It can be of something you did or something that you saw. It can be a favorite food that you ate or a new animal that you learned about, a place that you went to. Anything that you want to paint to show us your summer."

Each of the students went to the cabinet and got a sheet of watercolor paper, paints and brushes, then returned to their tables. Elizabeth walked around the classroom, commenting and praising each student on their work.

Her day continued with excited students from the first, fourth, sixth and seventh grades as well as one of her high school classes.

At the end of the day, as Elizabeth was on the floor cleaning up a puddle of spilled paint water, when she heard a knock at the classroom door. As she stood from behind a table, she could see Jack leaning in her doorway, holding a bouquet of pink lilies and white daisies.

"Hello, Miss Thatcher," Jack said, flashing his boyish grin.

"Hi, Jack." Elizabeth threw the wet towels into the trash can and walked up to Jack.

"For the most beautiful teacher here," Jack said as he handed her the flowers.

Elizabeth took the bouquet and smelled a daisy, "Thank you, Jack. These are beautiful."

"Do you have plans right now?"

"No, not really. Did you have something in mind?"

"I do."

"Okay."

"I'd like to show you something."

"Okay, I'll be ready in just a moment."

Elizabeth found an empty can, filled it with water and placed the beautiful bouquet in it, then set it on her desk.

"Keeping them here?" Jack asked.

"Yes, my students will love it and ask me all day who they are from," she smiled. "I'm ready."

Jack took her hand as they walked through the halls of the school. A few lingering students were seen getting backpacks from their lockers and several teachers were in their rooms, preparing for the next day.

Once in the parking lot, Jack walked Elizabeth to her little blue Honda Accord.

"Do you want to drive home and I'll follow you and pick you up? Or would you like to drive your car to my place?"

"Where is this thing that you want to show me?"

"The ranch."

"I'll drive there. I need to stop at the store on my way home."

"Okay," Jack leaned down and kissed her, "I'll see you there."

Elizabeth followed Jack to his place and parked her car in front of the barn, next to Jack's truck. When she stepped out of her car, Jack was waiting in the truck.

"Hop in."

Elizabeth opened the door and climbed up onto the seat, then slid over next to Jack. He put the truck in gear and turned down the drive that led out to the back pastures.

"Where are we going?"

"I want to show you something I've been working on and to see what else you want done."

Elizabeth watched out the window as he pulled into an open pasture that she recognized. The old barn stood tall at the other end. She could see saw horses, stacks of boards, and other construction items sitting just inside the open barn doors.

"I've been spending a little time out here these past couple of days, looking the barn over. There are a few structural things that need taken care of and I'm going to put in a floor. But anything else that you want done here to get it ready for our wedding, just let me know and I'll make sure it gets done."

Elizabeth looked at Jack, a huge smile developed across her face. She hugged him and gave him a quick kiss on the lips, "I love you so much."

Jack wrapped his arms around her and kissed her again, a bit longer. "I love you, too." He took her hand and led her into the barn.

He pointed out a few items that needed to be repaired; such as a few rafters, a hole in one of the walls and a few other boards that needed to be replaced. Elizabeth could see that Jack had already started some of the repairs as one of the walls had a few new boards already installed.

He pointed out a few more things and they discussed different areas of the barn that would work for different elements of their wedding. Before they left, the dance floor area had been decided, as well as where the food tables would go, the head table for the bridal party, and the cake table.

"I'd really like to have the ceremony outside if we can," Elizabeth said as they stepped through the big double door opening.

Jack stood behind her and wrapped his arms across her stomach. "Anything you want," he said with his face against hers.

They mapped out the area in front of the barn and had everything planned for the ceremony.

"I know you're busy..." Elizabeth stopped what she was about to say and looked out across the field.

"What?"

"Nothing. You have so much on your plate already."

Jack took hold of her shoulders and turned her to face him. "What?"

"I'd really love an arbor to be married under."

"Find me a photo of what you want and I'll build it."

"No, Jack. You have so much to do already."

"Beth, I'm not doing all these repairs myself. I'm planning on hiring out for a lot of it. I will have time to build you an arbor." He pulled her closer and wrapped his arms around her. "Find me a photo...or photos...of what you want and I'll build it."

She laid her head against his chest and hugged him. "Thank you, Jack."

Jack lifted her chin with his thumb and forefinger, lowered his lips to hers, and captured her mouth with his. He kissed her soft lips, very gentle and lovingly. "Have you not figured out yet that I'll do anything for you?" He said, staring into her eyes.

"I'm figuring that out," she replied, smiling.

…..

August 28th, 2009 – World's Toughest Rodeo, Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN

Jack pulled into the parking lot at 11 p.m., followed by Lee in Rosemary's truck. Jack slowly drove through the rows of trailers, searching for two empty spots together. He finally found two empty spaces at the far end of the lot and pulled in, leaving room for Lee to slide in next to them.

Elizabeth and Jack made fast work of getting the slide out and the trailer set up, as Rosemary got Samson settled into the horse barn. Once the necessary things were done, Elizabeth joined Rosemary and Lee moved his things into Jack's trailer.

The group was quickly asleep after a long evening of driving.

…..

Jack woke up early the following morning, anxious for the evening's events. He quietly made his way through the trailer, trying not to wake Lee, who was asleep on the fold out couch.

After getting the coffee started, he took a quick shower and dressed in his Wranglers and a plain, black t-shirt. He poured himself a large cup of coffee then stepped outside and breathed in a deep breath of the Tennessee air. He unfolded his camping chair, sat down and took a long sip of his coffee.

After being outside, alone for over half an hour, Jack slid his butt forward in the chair, leaned back, resting his head against the back of the chair. He pulled his black felt cowboy hat over his face and closed his eyes.

Elizabeth stepped out of Rosemary's trailer, stretching her arms and arching her back. She smiled as she looked across the parking lot full of trailers; several people were already up; drinking coffee or walking toward the arena.

She was still wearing her teal tank top that she'd slept in, but had slipped into her jeans and boots before stepping outside. She walked around the trailer towards Jack's and found him sleeping in his chair. He was still holding his cup of coffee on his lap but it was about to slip from his hands. Elizabeth gently pulled the cup from Jack's hand and just as it pulled free, Jack took a deep breath in, pulled his hat off his face and sat up quickly.

Elizabeth chuckled at him, "Good morning."

Jack looked around, trying to find his bearings, then his gaze landed on Elizabeth. A smile grew across his face, "Good morning, beautiful." He reached up and took her hand and pulled her down onto his lap.

Elizabeth squealed and held the coffee cup out, trying not to spill it, as she fell onto Jack's thighs. He wrapped his arms around her and held her, kissing the side of her neck.

"What are you doing out here?" Elizabeth asked, giggling at his lips tickling her neck.

"I couldn't sleep."

"You couldn't sleep in that beautiful, comfortable trailer, so you come outside and sleep in a chair?"

"It seems that way, doesn't it?" Jack laughed.

Elizabeth turned sideways and rested her hand on his cheek. She leaned in and kissed him.

"How are you feeling about tonight?"

Jack shrugged his shoulders and tilted his head slightly, "I feel alright, for now. Ask me again after we draw bulls." Jack flashed his dimpled grin and kissed the tip of her nose.

Elizabeth laid her head against his shoulder and Jack ran his fingers through her long brown hair. He continued with this until he heard a change in her breathing. He bent his head down until he could see her face and saw that she was sleeping. He pulled his hat over his face and laid back again, quickly joining her.

…..

Elizabeth could feel someone poking her in the arm. She threw her arm out, trying to shoo away whoever it was. Another poke caused Elizabeth to open one of her eyes to find Rosemary's face in front of her own.

"Yes?" Elizabeth asked, sleepily.

"What are you doing?" Rosemary asked, barely over a whisper.

"Well, I was trying to sleep." Elizabeth sat up slowly, trying not to wake up Jack, but was not successful.

He slid his hat from his face and returned it to his head. "Good morning, Rosie," he said with a raspy voice.

"Hi, Jack," she replied, overly enthusiastic.

"Rosie, you are way too happy for this early in the morning," Elizabeth remarked.

"It's a beautiful day. We are all here and healthy. And we're at a rodeo, people! What's not to be happy about?" Rosemary exclaimed as she bounded into Jack's trailer.

Jack dropped his head back and closed his eyes, "She has way too much energy."

Elizabeth laughed and ran her hand across Jack's chest, feeling his muscles flex from her touch. Jack opened his eyes, looked at her and let out a long sigh, "I cannot wait until you're my wife." He pulled her in tight against his chest and held her.

…..

After having lunch in Jack's trailer, the foursome went into the arena. No matter how many of these events Elizabeth attended, she couldn't seem to get used to all the activity that took place in preparation by all the competitors as well as the ones that put the rodeo on. Men on horseback were moving calves from one pen to another, other men were setting up gates, making more pens to house horses for the bronc riders, and even more were hanging sponsor banners across the fences that lined the tunnel they were walking through.

Jack slipped his hand into Elizabeth's, locking his fingers with hers, as they walked along the many pens filled with steers and horses. They came upon a large pen where the bulls were kept. Jack and Lee moved closer to the pen to look over which ones they might draw for that evening.

Jack pulled his hand from Elizabeth's, as he and Lee leaned on the gate, pointing at one bull, then another, talking about each one. Elizabeth stayed back by Rosemary, watching the men contemplate on which of the bulls they hope to get.

Elizabeth looked down the corridor that led to the arena and noticed a small group of women looking in their direction. She poked Rosie with her elbow and tipped her head in the direction of the girls.

Rosemary looked around Elizabeth to see what she was motioning to, then let out a disgusted sigh.

"Who are they?" Elizabeth asked, just above a whisper.

"That one in the white shirt is Polly. She's a barrel racer. She's at most of the events where I've been. I've heard her talking in the past about getting with Jack Thornton," Rosie's voice took a catty tone as she rolled her eyes, "But that was long before you met Jack. Other girls have told me that it was just a one-night stand and ever since, she has always tried to get him to go out with her."

"Oh, great," Elizabeth said in an exasperated voice.

"Don't worry about her, Liz. She's nothing."

"I'm not worried about her. I just don't want these...girls...messing with Jack."

"What about me?" Jack asked as he stepped next to Elizabeth.

Elizabeth wrapped her arm around his waist and kissed his cheek. "Oh, nothing. Just talking about cows."

Rosemary let out laugh as she turned away, hiding her face.

Jack looked between Elizabeth and Rosie, then to Lee, who just shrugged his shoulders. Then Jack looked down the corridor and saw the group of women, looking their way. He sighed in defeat and turned to Elizabeth. She looked up into Jack's eyes, a forced grin on her face.

Jack mouthed the words "I'm sorry" to her and rubbed her arm.

Elizabeth just smiled and shook her head slightly, letting him know not to worry about it. He slid his hand back into hers, gripping it tightly, then leaned down and kissed her on the mouth, lingering slightly.

The four started down the corridor in the direction of the women. Jack squeezed her hand tighter as they got closer.

"Hi, Jack," Polly said as the group was walking past her.

Jack just tipped his hat toward her and kept walking. Elizabeth and Rosemary looked at her, getting a hateful glare in return.

"Well, that was fun," Rosemary blurted out once they were out of earshot of the girls.

"Rosie," Elizabeth scolded, shaking her head.

They continued to the arena and walked out onto the dirt filled space where Jack, Lee and Rosemary would be competing that weekend. Elizabeth had never seen it from that view and looked around in awe. She turned slowly in a circle, taking in the magnificent sight before her; twenty thousand seats wrapped around the arena, huge lights hung from the ceiling, illuminating every inch of the space, a giant four-sided screen was suspended above the center of the arena.

Jack walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. "Amazing, isn't it?" He whispered into her ear.

"Yes, Jack. It's incredible."

He bent down and kissed her neck, "I love you. Sorry that you had to endure that earlier."

Elizabeth turned in Jack's arms to face him, and wrapped her arms around his neck. She pressed her lips against his and softly kissed him. "That's what I think about earlier, Jack," she said as she pulled her head back.

Jack placed his hands on the sides of her face, pushing her hair back. "You're so amazing, Beth." He kissed her again, longer, deeper and harder this time.

"We need to get going, Jack," Lee called out from near the chutes.

Jack pulled back from Elizabeth and smiled down at her. "I need to go."

"I know."

"Will you be alright?"

"Jack, this isn't my first rodeo," Elizabeth answered, giggling.

"Okay. That was a good one," Jack laughed. He kissed her on the cheek then joined Lee.

Rosemary waited for her as Elizabeth looked around the seats one more time then left the arena.

As the pair walked behind the chutes, Elizabeth could hear women's voices from behind them.

"So, you're the latest bunny of Jack Thornton," a high-pitched, snarky voice said.

Elizabeth and Rosemary both turned to find Polly and three of her friends staring at them. Polly was standing a bit too close, her arms crossed, and her face twisted.

"Excuse me?" Rosie said as she began to step toward Polly.

Elizabeth stuck her arm out, blocking Rosemary from moving forward, and pushed her back, partly behind her.

"I was talking to this tramp," Polly continued staring at Elizabeth. "You do know you're just the next girl in a very long line that Thornton has left in the dust."

Elizabeth crossed her arms, making sure her ring was in plain view. "No, I'm the end of the line. Polly, was it? Is that your name?"

Polly, surprised that Elizabeth knew her name, nodded. "Yes, my name is Pollyanna," she replied, putting on airs.

"Well, Pollyanna. Jack is done with that part of his life. I think you should be, too." Elizabeth wiggled her finger slightly, letting the lights catch the diamonds.

Polly looked down and saw the large ring on Elizabeth's finger and her jaw dropped opened. Her eyes slowly lifted back up to Elizabeth's smiling face. "What do you have that I don't have?"

Elizabeth lowered her arms, reached back and grabbed Rosemary's hand, and simply answered, "Jack." She turned and began walking, pulling Rosie with her.

Rosemary turned as they walked away, looked at Polly who was still standing with her mouth open, lifted her fist in the air and opened her fingers, yelling, "BOOM!"