October 4th, 2009 – Crossroads Cowboy Church
Jack and Elizabeth walked to the front of the room, hand in hand, to what had become their regular spot. Tom, Sam and the kids were already seated in the row in front of them and Charlotte was walking in behind them. Elizabeth could hear Rosie's voice over the hushed conversations that filled the room as she said hello to the greeter. Rosie and Lee took their usual seats next to Jack, Elizabeth and Charlotte.
Savannah turned in her chair and waved at Jack and Elizabeth. She signed something to Jack, and he looked at Elizabeth, grinned and signed something back.
"What did she say?" Elizabeth asked him.
Jack leaned toward her, pressing his shoulder against hers. "She said that you are very beautiful and I agreed."
Savannah was still turned in her chair, grinning at Elizabeth.
"How do you sign, 'so are you'?" She asked Jack.
Jack showed her and Elizabeth signed it to Savannah. Savannah smiled and touched her fingertips to her chin, then moved her hand forward and down, the sign for 'thank you.'
Frank made his way through the room, greeting everyone as he always did. He stopped next to Charlotte and took her hand in his, kissing the top of her knuckles.
"Good morning, Charlotte."
Charlotte blushed and replied, "Good morning, Frank."
Frank continued with his greetings to the rest of the group, giving Savannah and Luke each a fist bump.
He took a seat in the front row as the praise band began to set up, Jack and Elizabeth each stepped up to join them. Jack opened his case and pulled his guitar out, draping the strap behind his neck. Elizabeth sat down in front of the piano and adjusted her microphone.
The band began to play In Christ Alone, as Jack and Elizabeth played and sang along with them. They performed two more songs, then Elizabeth began playing Amazing Grace: My Chains Are Gone on the piano. After a couple of measures, Jack stepped up to the microphone and began to sing.
Amazing grace how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
My chains are gone, I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love
Amazing grace
Jack started to play his guitar, joined by the rest of the praise band and singers.
The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures
My chains are gone, I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love
Amazing grace
Charlotte closed her eyes as she listened to her son sing, thanking God for bringing all of them to this day and this moment in time.
My chains are gone, I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love
Amazing grace
When Jack was done, he took a step back from the microphone, saying a silent prayer, thanking God for setting him free. The band members each stepped down and returned to their seats as Frank stepped onto the stage.
"Thank you to our praise band for leading our worship this morning and with that beautiful final song. Really makes you take a step back and think, doesn't it? My chains are gone, I've been set free. Jesus gave the ultimate sacrifice to set us free of our sins. Let us pray as we thank God."
Frank led the congregation in prayer, then began his sermon on the topic of generosity. He spoke of caring for the poor and providing for the needy; how those who imitate Jesus by giving generously will grow in godliness as they grow closer to God in Christ.
"I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive,' as stated in Acts 20:35."
"And in Isaiah 58:10, 'Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon."
"Works without faith is just works, but with faith, your obedience urges you to do works for the Lord. Your obedience to Him will be the light to others in the darkness. And when you ask what should I do, then pray and God will let you know where He needs you to serve Him and how to do it."
As Frank continued with his sermon, Jack sat quietly, listening intently, soaking it all in. Thoughts floated through his mind as Frank continued.
"And Jesus said that people will know you are My disciples by your love for one another. Love and compassion and faith will prompt believers to give out of the overflow. That means that the love of God for us will flow over into good works for Him, and for His glory."
When the sermon was over, the praise band returned to the stage. Elizabeth had to tap Jack on the arm to get his attention.
"Are you alright?" She whispered in his ear.
Jack nodded and smiled, standing to follow her up to the stage.
Church ended after the blessing for the week, and the group filed outside with the rest of the congregation. Frank settled in next to Charlotte as they discussed their lunch plans. The others moved to their own vehicles, with the understanding that everyone would meet back up at Charlotte's in the evening for another family gathering.
…..
October 10th, 2009 – Johnny's Music Bar
The party bus slowed to a stop in front of the karaoke bar. The door opened and the group of friends stepped off and gathered on the front sidewalk, which quickly filled with various sounds of excited conversations.
"Are you sure you don't want a separate bachelorette party, Liz? We can go find some Chippendales or something somewhere," Rosie exclaimed, loud enough for most of the group to hear.
"No, Rosie. I have no desire for any of that." Elizabeth wrapped her arm around Jack's waist. "I want to spend this evening with everyone."
Rosie looked back and forth between Jack and Elizabeth. "Well, what if we just kidnap you and take off," she said, bobbing her head and raising her eyebrows up and down. "And Lee and the guys can grab Jack and take him somewhere."
Jack spread his stance and crossed his arms across his chest. Grinning, he replied, "I'd like to see you try."
Lee walked up to Rosemary and grabbed her hand, pulling her away from the couple, "I'm not messing with that. Unless you want to try to make Jack do something, I suggest we go inside and have some fun."
Rosemary threw her arms up in defeat. "Fine. Let's go sing," she said, dropping her voice a couple octaves.
Jack and Elizabeth laughed as they stepped toward the club's door.
As they waited in line to get inside, Jack, wearing a charcoal form-fitted vest, silver-grey long sleeve dress shirt and a silver silk tie, with his jean and boots, took Elizabeth's hands in his and held them out, looking at her dress. She was wearing a fitted, bright red dress with spaghetti straps and a flared skirt that landed just above her knees. She wore her beige stilettos that made her perfectly shaped legs appear even longer, and her hair was down with loose curls falling over her shoulders.
"Have I told you how sexy you look tonight?"
Elizabeth giggled, "Yes, a few times."
"Well, you do."
"You look amazing, too, Jack. I love this vest on you." Elizabeth said as she ran her hands down his chest.
Jack pulled her toward him, slid his hands up into the back of her hair and kissed her.
"Geez, you two. Do you ever stop?" Lee asked as he walked past them to enter the club.
"Never," Jack whispered to her. They laughed and followed him inside.
Julie snuck up beside Elizabeth and slid her arm through hers. "We are going to have so much fun, sis."
Elizabeth squeezed her arm, "Yes we are, Jules. I miss our time together."
"Me, too."
"We will need to do our usual."
Julie laughed, "Oh, yes. Most definitely."
Elizabeth leaned in and kissed her sister on the cheek, "I'm so glad you're here."
Julie tipped her head onto Elizabeth's shoulder, "Me, too, sis."
The group found a large table in the corner of the room with enough seating for everyone. Someone was on the small stage singing Love Shack, horribly off key, as the group ordered their drinks.
Jack's friends, Walker, Jared, Jason, and Jason's wife Alicia, had joined them for the evening. Along with Abby, Faith, Tom and Sam. Julie had flown in the day before and was spending the next two weeks with her sister to help with final preparations. Skylar was with Grace and William until the week before the wedding, when they would fly in with Bill.
Still full from the earlier dinner they had all eaten, the group ordered a couple small appetizers to share and enjoyed them as they sipped on their drinks. The women were all huddled together, talking over a few final details on the wedding, while the men discussed next weekend's rodeo and how they thought Jack and Lee would do.
"Faith, your dress is so beautiful." Sam said as she felt the fabric of the teal dress along the hem. The print made the dress look as if it was crocheted with a navy underlay. At thigh length and sleeveless, it hugged Faith in all the right places and was the perfect color for her complexion and long blonde hair.
"Thank you, Sam. Yours is amazing, too. Actually, all of you look amazing tonight."
Sam's black dress fell just above her knees and had off the shoulder sleeves made of sheer fabric that flared at the bottom with ruffles around her wrists. She had a belt made of large copper circles accentuating her tiny waist and her cowboy boots.
Alicia's navy dress, Abby's black dress, and Julie's pink dress, all landed mid-thigh and each paired with high heels. Rosie's black dress was snug fitting and had one long sleeve with the side off the shoulder. She had a low-slung brown belt paired with her brown cowboy boots.
After several more people took their turns at the mic, Jack and Lee stepped up and waited for the music to start. Jack shoved Lee gently in the shoulder with his own and gave him a small nod. He looked out at Tom, Jared, Jason and Walker and gave them a slight nod. Elizabeth watched this interaction with a questioning look. Jack saw this change on her face and couldn't help but grin and winked at her.
The music began and Jack and Lee, standing together on the small stage, began to sing the lyrics to a familiar song by Train.
"Forever can never be long enough for me
To feel like I've had long enough with you"
Jack looked at Elizabeth and winked again. The loud hum of voices began to quiet slightly at the sound of Jack and Lee's voices.
"Forget the world now, we won't let them see
But there's one thing left to do
Now that the weight has lifted
Love has surely shifted my way
Marry me
Today and every day
Marry me
If I ever get the nerve to say hello in this cafe
Say you will
Say you will"
Jack and Lee stepped off the small stage and began walking toward the girls. Tom, Jared, Walker and Jason joined them on the floor, two on Jack's left and two on Jack's right, and began singing with them. The few people in the club that were still talking had stopped now, and the club was silent except for the music and men singing.
"Together can never be close enough for me
To feel like I am close enough to you
You wear white and I'll wear out the words I love you
And you're beautiful
Now that the wait is over
And love and has finally showed her my way
Marry me
Today and every day
Marry me
If I ever get the nerve to say hello in this cafe
Say you will
Say you will"
Jack and Jason stepped aside and Lee moved through them to the front, standing directly in front of Rosemary, he continued singing as the others dropped off.
"Promise me you'll always be
Happy by my side
I promise to sing to you
When all the music dies
And marry me
Today and everyday
Marry me
If I ever get the nerve to say hello in this cafe
Say you will
Say you will"
He quickly knelt to one knee as he sang the last words and produced an open box with a beautiful engagement ring inside. Gasps could be heard throughout the club.
"Marry me"
He finished the song as Rosemary was crying, her hand covering her mouth in shock.
"I love you, Rosie. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me. I never thought I'd want to settle down until I met you, and now I want nothing more. Will you marry me?"
"Yes!" Rosemary exclaimed, dropping to the floor with Lee, wrapping her arms around his neck.
When she finally pulled back, Lee slid the ring onto her finger, then cupped her face in his hands and kissed her.
"Get a room!" Jack yelled, laughing.
By now, the entire club was clapping, whistling and cheering as Lee stood and pulled Rosemary up with him. Elizabeth jumped up and grabbed Rosie, pulling her into a hug.
"Did you know about this?" Rosie asked her.
"No, I had no idea."
Samantha and the other ladies joined them, looking closely at Rosie's ring, and giving her and Lee hugs. Jack shook Lee's hand and slapped him on the back, as did the other guys.
"That went off without a hitch."
"It sure did. Thanks for all your help, Jack." Lee turned to the other guys, "And thank you, guys, too. I couldn't have pulled this off without all of your help."
Rosemary pushed her way into the circle of men and jumped into Lee's arms, kissing him long and hard.
"This was so perfect, Lee. I love you so much."
Lee lifted her off the floor and spun her in a circle, then slowly lowered her down as he kissed her. "I love you, too." He said, then sent her in a dance spin. She spun back into his arms laughing as they began to dance to the music that was now playing over the speakers. Lee gently kissed Rosemary's neck and left a trail across her cheek to her lips. Rosemary moved her hands up and rested them behind Lee's head as she increased the intensity of their kisses. A few couples joined them on the dance floor as the slow song blended into another one.
Several more people performed a variety of karaoke songs; some good, a few...not so much. Jack, Tom and Lee took a turn, singing Friends in Low Places. Part way through, Jack waved Jason, Walker and Jared up to join them. The group finished out the song, joined in by half the club.
The night went on as the group laughed, drank, and sang. Jack and Elizabeth did a duet of I Need You; Elizabeth and Rosemary sang Only Prettier, laughing most of the way through; Elizabeth and Julie did their usual of I Will Survive, throwing in a few disco moves with it.
Elizabeth, Julie, Rosie and the other ladies went forward and sang All The Single Ladies. By the time they reached the end of the song, most of the women in the club had joined them up front and were all singing along with them. Elizabeth and her friends stepped down, laughing until they had tears in their eyes.
The guys returned to the stage and sang You've Lost That Loving Feeling, again, joined by most of the club as soon as the song began.
The DJ would take breaks from karaoke and play a few songs, the dance floor would fill up each time as couples danced to the slow songs.
Jack held Elizabeth's right hand up in his left, his right arm around her waist. He slowly moved her across the floor in a 2-step, teaching her as they danced to Only You Can Love Me This Way.
Well, I know there's a reason
And I know there's a rhyme
We were meant to be together
And that's why
We can roll with the punches
We can stroll hand in hand
And when I say it's forever
You understand
Jack dropped her hand and wrapped both of his arms around her, pulling her in tight against his body. He rested his head down against hers, his cheek touching hers, breathing in her perfume and shampoo fragrance, as they slowly swayed back and forth.
That you're always in my heart
You're always on my mind
But when it all becomes too much
You're never far behind
And there's no one
That comes close to you
Could ever take your place
'Cause only you can love me this way
Elizabeth's arms tightened behind Jack's neck, pulling her body even tighter against his. Jack tightened his arms around her as well and brushed his lips against her neck.
I could have turned a different corner
I could have gone another place
Then I'd of never had this feelin'
That I feel today, yeah
And you're always in my heart
Always on my mind
When it all becomes too much
You're never far behind
Jack moved his mouth to hers, covering her lips, each getting lost into one another as they kissed and swayed to the music.
And there's no one
That comes close to you
Could ever take your place
'Cause only you can love me this way
And you're always in my heart
You're always on my mind
And when it all becomes too much
You're never far behind
And there's no one
That comes close to you
Could ever take your place
'Cause only you can love me this way
Only you can love me this way
Jack pulled back, moving his hands to the sides of her face. He pushed her hair back and brushed his thumbs across her cheeks. "I love you so much, Beth."
"I love you too, Jack." Elizabeth ran her hands across his face.
Jack moved his hand to his cheek, feeling his stubble and scratching it. "I know, I need to shave. Sorry I didn't before tonight."
"No, Jack. Please don't. I love it just like this." Elizabeth smiled.
"Okay then, I'll keep it." He bent down and kissed her, then led her off the dance floor, returning to their table.
Walker stood and held his hand out to Faith, "May I have this dance?"
Faith grinned as she laid her hand in his. They joined Rosie and Lee, Abby and Jared, and Jason and Alicia who were already on the dance floor.
"We're so glad you could come early, Julie." Sam said, leaning forward so she could hear her over the music.
"Oh, me, too. I've had so much fun. I wish Bill could have come now, too, but he had to work. He'll be here next weekend."
"Looking forward to finally meeting him," Jack said, leaning into the conversation.
"He is, too," Julie replied.
Elizabeth was pressed into Jack's side, his arm around her, as they whispered back and forth. Their friends were all lost in conversations as the DJ played a few upbeat dance songs. A slow song began and Tom stood, held his hand out to Julie and asked her to dance. The two went out onto the floor where Tom taught her how to 2-step.
With her head on Jack's shoulder, Elizabeth watched her sister as she perfected the dance movements. Jack rubbed his hand up and down Elizabeth's arm, watching Tom and Julie.
As the night drew to a close, everyone loaded back onto the party bus that would take each of them home. As the bus pulled away from the curb, everyone began to quiet down, conversations continuing in lower tones as house by house, everyone was dropped off. Jack, Elizabeth and Julie were the only ones left when the bus stopped in front of Elizabeth's townhouse. Julie stepped off and opened the front door with the keys that Elizabeth had just handed her.
Jack stood and walked toward the front of the bus behind Elizabeth. He grabbed her hand and spun her around, meeting her lips with his as she turned into him. Jack hands moved up her back and into her hair, pulling her as tight into him as he could. Kissing her hard and deep.
When he finally released her, they drew in hard breaths.
"What was that for?" She asked him, still trying to catch her breath.
"Because I'm barely going to see you these next two weeks and family will be everywhere. I wanted to enjoy one last, brief moment alone with you before you become Mrs. Thornton."
"I love the sound of that," Elizabeth said as she moved toward him one more time, matching the intensity of the previous kiss.
…..
October 17th, 2009 – PBR Built Ford Tough Series Rodeo, Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines, Iowa
"Lee has to place in order to be in the money tonight. He needs that to qualify for World's," Jack said to Elizabeth as he lowered himself onto a bench to buckle the straps of his spurs around his boots.
"Do you think he'll make it?" Elizabeth asked, sitting down next to Jack.
"He stands a pretty good chance." Jack switched to his other boot and proceeded with the second spur. "He drew a really good bull."
"That's good. How about you?" She asked, trying to hide the nervousness in her voice.
Jack lowered his foot to the floor and turned to face her. "I drew a good one, too." He picked up her hand and kissed the engagement ring that resided on her finger. "But I might forfeit."
"Why on earth would you do that?"
"Lee rides before me, so depending on how he does, will determine if I ride or not."
"I don't understand."
"If Lee comes off or scores really low, I will go ahead and ride. If he scores really well, then I will either forfeit or ease back on my riding to help keep him in a higher standing."
Elizabeth nodded in understanding. "And do you think Lee would be okay with you doing that?"
"No, probably not."
"So, he doesn't know your plan?"
"No."
"I don't think you should forfeit. If you ride different, at least don't make it obvious. That would just make Lee feel bad."
Jack nodded, "I suppose you're right." He leaned forward and kissed her. "So not only are you the beautiful one in this soon-to-be marriage, but also the smart one."
"Very funny, Jack."
Jack ran his hand across the top of Elizabeth's thigh and leaned in again to kiss her.
"One more week, Beth."
"One more week, Jack."
…..
"This might be my final ride, Jack." Lee said, leaning over the gate, looking down at the bull, reality setting in.
"No, it won't, brother. You'll be joining me in Vegas. I just know it."
"Thanks for your confidence, Jack."
"Just focus, Lee. You've got this."
Lee put his mouthguard in, zipped his vest and slid his safety helmet on. He lowered himself onto Perfect Storm, and proceeded to get ready, with Jack's assistance.
The gate swung open and Perfect Storm launched out into the arena. Lee held his breath through every buck and kick until he heard the buzzer, then blew it out in relief. He released his hand and flew off the bull, landing on his feet, then tucking and rolling away from the bull.
Lee scrambled to his feet and ran to the nearest gate, climbing onto it to avoid the bull. Once it was out of the arena, Lee walked back into the arena and waited for his score. As the dust settled and the cheers began to quiet, the announcer received Lee's score.
"Lee Coulter received a score of 88. That moves him into first place, folks."
The cheers began to grow again as Lee threw his helmet up into the air. He turned toward Rosie and blew her a kiss, then found Jack and pointed at him. Jack made a fist and held it into the air, congratulating his friend.
Lee ran out of the arena and climbed the gate up next to Jack.
"Great ride, brother," Jack said as he hugged Lee.
"Thanks. You're up soon, I'm sure you'll knock me down."
"Oh, I doubt that. That was a perfect ride."
A few more riders took their turns, each one getting bucked off, before it was Jack's turn. He had drawn Silver Bullet, a relatively easy bull to ride. He had worked through his strategy in his mind to score lower than Lee.
Just before Jack climbed into the chute, he searched the stands for Elizabeth, quickly finding her in her usual seat next to Rosie. He mouthed the words I love you, then climbed into the chute.
Bull rope in place, hand strapped in, safety helmet on, and mouthguard in, Jack nodded his head and the gate swung open.
Jack had studied all the bulls over the years, learning the movements as other riders attempted to ride them; this bull was no exception. Silver Bullet did everything Jack had expected him to do, making it easier for him to ride for a lower score without notice.
When the ride was over, and Jack waited for his score, he found Elizabeth and gave her a wink. Elizabeth grinned back, included in his little secret for Lee.
"Jack Thornton has moved into second place with a score of 86."
Jack kneeled and said a quick prayer of thanks, then tossed his helmet into the air.
Behind the chutes, Jack and Lee watched the remainder of the riders, none of which came close to their scores. Lee accepted his buckle and oversized check and the two couples made their way to their trailers.
After a small celebration with just the four of them, they all turned in for the night. It would be an early start the next morning in order to get back home for Elizabeth to meet her family who had flown in that evening. Julie had picked them up and had taken them back to Elizabeth's for the night.
Jack walked Elizabeth to Rosie's trailer and kissed her good night.
"I hope this week goes by quickly," he said as he rested his hands on the sides of her neck, brushing his thumbs across her cheeks.
"So do I, Jack." Elizabeth stood on her toes to reach his lips; her eagerness was evident in her kisses.
"Good night, Beth." Jack said as he took a step back, holding her hand.
"Good night."
They held onto to each other's hands as Jack turned to walk away, letting their grip slide until it reached their fingertips and released, dropping their hands to their sides.
She stepped into Rosie's trailer where Rosemary was already in bed, reading a book.
"Ready for next weekend?" She asked as she tossed the book aside.
"You have no idea," Elizabeth grinned.
Rosemary looked at her sideways, grinning, "Oh, I think I may have an idea."
