Let the rodeo begin! But not before a bit more steam from our favorite couple! Thank you, everyone, for sticking with me. Love all the reviews and hope you love this chapter.
***STEAM ALERT***STEAM ALERT***STEAM ALERT***
November 4th, 2009 – Mandalay Bay Hotel, Las Vegas
Early the next morning, Jack woke and rolled towards Elizabeth. Still sound asleep, a smile spread across her face. Jack propped himself on his elbow and watched her, his eyes wandering down her beautiful body, but always returning to her face.
Elizabeth always seemed to be lost into an abyss of peace as she slept and Jack envied her. Although his nights were becoming more and more peaceful, that ever looming nightmare would occasionally sneak its way into his dreams, causing Jack to wake in a pool of sweat. The nightmare that haunted him in the past had always been his dad's accident; never leaving his mind until he had sought out help. But more recently the face on the rider, as the bull gored and trampled him, had become Jack's own face; no longer his father's.
The thought of himself dying by the torment of a bull had never bothered him until he'd met Elizabeth. Not wanting to project his own worries and nightmare onto her, Jack kept his thoughts and fears to himself. That was an image he never wanted Elizabeth to have in her mind.
Elizabeth stirred and slowly opened her eyes. Seeing Jack's face above her, smiling with his dimples in full effect, she reached up and pulled his head down, meeting her lips with his.
"Good morning, beautiful," Jack said softly, brushing his knuckles along her jawbone.
"Good morning, Cowboy."
"Cowboy." Jack chuckled, "I like that." He lowered his face again, gently kissing her sweet, soft lips. "We should get up. We're meeting Lee and Rosie for breakfast in an hour. Then our families will be here shortly after that."
Elizabeth nodded and the pair reluctantly dragged themselves from the bed and into the expansive ensuite bathroom.
Jack stood at the sink brushing his teeth, as he watched Elizabeth's reflection in the mirror. She reached her hand under the water in the shower, testing for the perfect temperature before stepping under it. He watched as the water cascading down her perfect body, her hair sticking to her skin. Jack spit out the toothpaste, quickly rinsed his mouth and joined her in the shower.
Elizabeth had her eyes closed with her head tipped back, letting the hot steamy water run through her hair, when she felt Jack's strong hands grip her waist. Bringing her head forward, she opened her eyes as she felt Jack's lips take hers and his tongue invade her mouth. She wrapped her arms behind his neck and resting her hand on the back of his head, she pulled him tighter against her, bringing his tongue deeper.
Jack grabbed her legs behind her thighs and pulled them up, picking her up and moving her towards the wall, he pressed her back against it. Elizabeth felt the cold tiles against her skin and just as quickly as the cold ran through her body, she felt Jack slide inside her, quick, deep and hard. She tightened her hold around his neck as moans began to escape her. Jack thrusted hard against her, his animal desire out in full force as he quickly brought Elizabeth to orgasm. He felt himself release with her as he could no longer hold back.
Elizabeth unlocked her ankles from behind him as he carefully lowered her, keeping his arm tightly around her waist.
He pushed her wet hair back off her face and gently kissed her. "I will never get enough of you," he whispered into her ear as he pulled her against him.
He moved them back under the water, holding her against him, feeling her heartbeat against his chest, her soft, wet skin against his. They washed each other, and as Jack rinsed her hair, he captured her lips and kissed her with every ounce of passion he had in him.
Elizabeth pulled back to take a breath. Looking into his eyes, she could see just a hint of worry hidden behind his love for her. Not wanting to press him anymore, she gently kissed him and wrapped her arms around behind his neck, hoping that it was telling him that everything would be okay.
Jack pulled a large, thick, white towel from the shelf and wrapped it around Elizabeth. He grabbed two more, handing one to her for her hair, and wrapped the other around his waist. Stepping out of the shower, he held his hand out to her and helped her out.
….
After breakfast, the group walked around the shops attached to the hotel, seeing everything they had to offer without having to leave the expansive property. Walking out of a few shops with bags filled with their purchases, they returned to the lobby to wait for their families to arrive.
Not having to wait long, Elizabeth saw her parents walking through the lobby doors, closely followed by Tom, Sam, Charlotte and Frank; each couple walking hand in hand.
After greeting everyone and getting the necessary hugs and handshakes in, they entered the elevator that would take them to the top floor.
As the doors opened, everyone gasped at the sight of the luxurious suite. Wandering from room to room, many voices commenting on all the little ornate details that made up the suite and additional spaces were pointed out. Tom and Sam moved their luggage into the other upstairs room, while William and Grace took one on the first floor, and Charlotte took the other.
Frank's room was several floors down, just a floor above Lee and Rosemary's.
Jack, Tom and Lee moved a few more chairs into the front room and the large group settled in to relax and visit before having to leave for the Thomas & Mack Center.
"What time do you guys need to check in?" Tom asked.
"Lee and I have to be there by 3:00 and the event starts at 6:00."
"I'd love to look around the stadium. Would we be able to go when you go, Jack?" William asked.
"Yes, that will be just fine. We can go a little earlier if you'd like. I can give you a tour."
"That would be great. I'd love to."
"Anyone else like to go early?" Jack asked the group.
Everyone agreed to ride over together, stopping for lunch on the way.
…..
Jack drove the Jeep around toward the back of the Thomas & Mack Center. Lee and Rosemary rode with them, while William and Grace drove a Chrysler Sebring and Tom, Sam, Charlotte and Frank followed in a Chevy Tahoe.
Once everyone was parked and out of their vehicles, Jack led them through the back entrance. Finding the holding pens, Jack and Lee looked over some of the bulls that could be their possible draws that week; pointing out a few and explaining to William some of the differences between them.
Moving through the large tunnels, they walked through a doorway that opened up into the huge arena. Stepping through the gate, everyone walked out into the dirt covered center of the stadium, looking up to the massive number of seats that surrounded them.
William stood next to Jack and placed his hand on Jack's shoulder. "This is quite the spectacle, Son."
"Yes, William. It's an amazing feeling being down here when the stands are filled. There's nothing quite like it."
"Hey, Jack. We need to head up to check in," Lee stated.
"Alright." Jack turned to the rest of the group still taking in the massiveness of the arena. "Do you all want to go with us? Lee and I have to get checked in."
"I would love to," Charlotte said, turning to Frank. "Would you like to go?"
"Yes, absolutely. I find all of this fascinating. I've only ever seen it from the spectator point of view."
Jack took Elizabeth's hand, nodded to Lee as everyone followed them down another tunnel that led to the registration office.
Once finished, Jack and Lee joined the others who had waited just outside the door.
"Hey, Jack. There's the list of bulls." Lee pointed to a bulletin board hanging on the wall opposite the office.
They walked up to look over the list of all the bulls that would be there that week while the rest of the family stayed back and waited. As their eyes ran down the forty names, both of their eyes stopped on one, pausing on it briefly before looking at one another.
"Is it?" Lee asked.
Jack nodded, "Yes, it is."
"I didn't know he would be here."
"One must have gotten bumped. He wasn't supposed to be here."
Jack looked back to the list, staring at the name, a frown taking residence on his face.
Elizabeth, focused on Jack, saw the interaction between the two and wondered what was wrong.
Tom, seeing this exchange as well, approached the men. "Is something wrong?"
Jack pointed at the name that his eyes were locked on.
Tom's face reflected Jack's, "Is that...?"
"Yes."
The brothers turned, looking at their mother, their expressions not changing.
"What is it?" Charlotte asked, walking to them, her voice filled with concern.
Jack, after clearing his throat, took a step toward his mom. "A descendant of Hannibal's Fury is one of the bulls this week."
Charlotte moved to see the list, her eyes scanning it and stopping on one name; Hannibal's Wrath. Visions from eleven years earlier invaded her mind as tears welled in her eyes.
…..
June 12th, 1998 – Wisconsin River Pro Rodeo
Charlotte and Tom looked on as Thomas collapsed to the ground and the bull known as Hannibal's Fury trampled over him. Tears flowing down their faces, both shocked at the scene before them.
The announcer fell silent, along with every spectator present. The only sounds that could be heard were the squeaking of the gate closing behind the bull, and the screams of an eighteen-year-old boy being dragged from the arena.
Charlotte watched, completely helpless, as Jack struggled and fought against the men that held his arms, keeping him from the horrific scene that laid out in the dirt. Friends surrounded her, holding her in warm embraces, attempting to block her view from the lifeless body that remained unmoving.
"I need to get to my son!" She shouted after seeing Jack pulled through the arena gate, grabbing Tom's hand and dragging him through the stands and down to the area that Jack had been taken.
As soon as she rounded the corner of the end chute, Jack came into view. Being held down by Jim, Jack was inconsolable as Alex, another one of Thomas' friends, tried to calm him down by talking to him softly.
Charlotte ran to him and as soon as Jack saw her, he scrambled to his feet, stumbling several times, before making his way to her. Charlotte, unable to support the weight of her son, slid to the ground with Jack in her arms. Tom joined them, wrapping his arms around both. Charlotte moved one arm behind Tom, pulling him in with them. The trio remained that way, grieving the loss of their anchor, their rock.
…..
November 4th, 2009 – Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas
Tom moved to stand next to his mother, followed by Jack to her other side. The two boys, now grown men, wrapped their arms behind their mom – holding her as she read and reread the name, repeatedly.
Jack, turning his mom to face him, wiped the tears that had made their way to her cheeks.
"Ma, if you want to leave, I completely understand." Jack wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a hug. "Trust me," he whispered in her ear, "I understand."
Charlotte pulled back, looking into Jack's saddened eyes, "I'm not going anywhere, Jack. I came to see you ride, so, I'm going to watch you ride. I'm just so sorry it took me all these years to come watch you again."
"Don't worry about that, Mom. I knew why you couldn't."
Elizabeth's parents moved closer to her; her dad laid his hand on her shoulder. "Do you know what's going on?"
Elizabeth shook her head, "No, I'm not sure. They were looking at the list of bulls, then something upset them."
Sam and Rosie stepped toward Elizabeth, both watching the Thorntons and Lee.
"What happened?" Rosie asked quietly.
"I don't know for sure," Elizabeth answered.
Just then, Jack left his mom's side and joined Elizabeth and the others. "I'm sorry about that."
"What is it, Jack," Elizabeth asked, wrapping her arm behind his back.
Jack drew in a deep breath and slowly exhaled, "There's a bull here this week named Hannibal's Wrath. He's a descendant from the one that killed my father."
"What exactly does that mean?" William asked. "Will you have to ride him?"
Jack explained how the drawing worked, how each evening the riders will draw for bulls. His first four rides will be against forty riders drawing from forty bulls. The final day will be comprised of the top fifteen riders and bulls only.
Elizabeth laid her hand on Jack's chest, "How are you doing?"
"I'm okay. Mom took it a little hard. This is the first rodeo she's been to since Dad died."
"Wow, this must be so hard for her. I couldn't even imagine," Grace commented.
Frank had been standing back, silently watching everything unfold. He approached Charlotte and laid his hand on the small of her back.
"Are you alright?" He asked softly.
"Oh, Frank. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to walk off and leave you."
"It's fine, Charlotte. I completely understand."
She turned to face him. "Yes, you do, don't you?" Charlotte stated, tenderly running her hand along his arm.
Frank nodded and gently slid his arm behind her back as Charlotte leaned into his embrace. Frank took her hand and the pair walked to join the rest of the group who had been waiting.
"Sorry about that, everyone. Lots of emotions this week," Charlotte stated, wiping a partially dried tear that still remained on her cheek.
"No problem, Charlotte," Grace said, rubbing her arm. "I can't even imagine how hard this must be for all of you."
"Yes. I thought I was fine, but that name...it just brought up a lot of memories. I'm fine now," she smiled.
"Are you sure, Mom?" Tom asked.
"Yes, Tommy. I'm fine. Now," Charlotte clapped her hands together, "let's get this party started. You guys ride soon, right?"
…..
Jack and Lee had gone down to the holding area for the riders, waiting for the opening ceremony.
Elizabeth and Rosie led everyone down to their usual area to the left of the chutes. Finding their favorite area already taken, they had to move a section over.
"We'll have to get down here sooner tomorrow to try to get our usual spots." Rosie said as they took their seats.
"These are good, too, though," Elizabeth replied.
Everyone settled in and visited as they waited for the opening ceremonies. Charlotte and Grace gushed over the wedding details; Tom and Frank explained different rules of bull riding to William so he'd be able to follow the evening easier; Sam, Elizabeth and Rosie excitedly made plans for the remainder of the week.
As the lights went down, the announcer began to speak.
"Welcome to Round One of the Built Ford Tough Series Championship at the PBR Wooooorld Finals!"
Flames and sparks blew up from different points in the arena, lighting the letter in flames burning across the dirt. Grace and William watched wide eyed and smiling at the spectacle that had just begun.
"Las Vegas...are you ready? Let's meet the greatest bull riders in the world!"
The cheers of the crowd grew louder as smoke from the flames filled the air and music played in the background; light beams moved around the arena like on a dance floor. Elizabeth moved to the edge of her seat as she had done so many times before, waiting to hear her husband's name. Grace and William, both watching her, turned their attention back to the arena, anticipating the mention of their new son-in-law.
Two different announcers began calling out the riders' names, switching back and forth between them.
"Folks, say hello to our first rider from Australia, Pete Farley!"
"From Montano, Beau Hill!"
"Canada's, Aaron Roy!"
With each name called out, the corresponding rider would enter the arena and take his place in line, the sparks and flames still illuminating the large arena. Each rider's photo was displayed on the huge screens hanging above the dirt filled floor of the arena.
"From Mexico, Rocky McDonald!"
The announcers continued, working their way through the forty names. Each time, Elizabeth hung on every word, waiting to hear Jack's name.
"From Missouri, Lee Coulter!"
The group all stood, clapping and cheering for Lee as he entered the arena and crossed the dirt. Dressed in his black Wrangler sponsored shirt, jeans and chaps, he looked up to the stands, spotted them and gave them a wave.
The announcers read off a few more names as Elizabeth was growing anxious.
"From Texas, Elliot Jacoby!"
"From Kansas, Reece Cates!"
"The defending champion, from Brazil, Guilherme Marchi!"
"A two-time world champion, from Missouri, Jack Thornton!"
Elizabeth and her family stood, clapping and screaming, as Jack walked out onto the dirt arena, wearing his black Wrangler shirt that held a few other sponsors' names, his favorite riding Wrangler jeans, and his black leather chaps. He lifted his black felt hat and waved it to the crowd, his eyes searching for Elizabeth. Once locked on hers, Elizabeth blew him a kiss and laid her hands over her heart. Jack held his hat over his, before returning it to his head.
After several more names, the announcers finally reached the last rider of the evening. With five countries represented, and twenty-two states in the U.S., forty cowboys stood in the arena as each and every one removed their hats for the presentation of the flags.
"Will everyone please stand and remove your hats, and give a warm welcome to a Las Vegas local, Rebecca Moore, as she sings our beloved National Anthem."
Two riders entered the arena, each holding an American flag, as Rebecca Moore stepped to the side of the arena and began to sing. With everyone standing, hats in hand, you could hear the words to the moving song being sung throughout the stadium.
As the singer neared the end of the song, cheers roared through the enormous building as the riders kicked their horses into a dead run, each moving in the opposite direction, crossing paths at each end of the arena.
At the final line of O'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave, the horses met at the top end of the arena, turned side by side, ran toward the center, and slid to a stop. Dust filled the air around them as the bright colors of the flags stood out against the dark cloud. The already loud cheers had grown even louder at this scene.
As the lights dimmed once more, the spectators hushed, and the men in the arena each took a knee and held their hats in front of them, the announcer began the nightly prayer.
"In the spirit of freedom, please remain standing and bow your heads as we pray. Heavenly Father, we come before You this evening and Lord, we say thank You. We say thank You for all the great gifts that You give us. Lord, we know all good things come from You. And so, we say thank You for this community, for this rodeo committee, for all the volunteers, for the sponsors, for everyone that make this event possible. And Lord, we say thank You that we are not persecuted and we can honor Your name in a public setting such as this. Lord, we ask Your hand of protection tonight on our cowboys, our livestock and our crew, everyone that travels back and forth to this rodeo. Keep us all safe, help us all to do our best, and help us all, Father, to act in way that would be pleasing to You. We ask Your hand of protection as well for all our fighting men and women, both overseas and here at home, that stand in our place to protect the freedoms that we hold so dear. And we make this prayer as always, in the name of Your son, our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen."
Applause and whistles filled the venue once more, as the cowboys stood and returned their hats to their heads. As they filed out of the arena, the announcer continued with getting everyone settled and introducing the bull fighters.
With the first set of bulls loaded, and the first rider on and ready, the gate swung open and the rodeo began.
The first three riders stayed on but scored low. The next two riders both came off in the first couple of seconds. The sixth rider, as soon as the bull burst out of the chute, got slammed against the gate and came off the bull. Unable to scramble to his feet fast enough, the bull turned and pinned him against the gate, breaking his arm. With the help of the bull fighters, the bull was drawn from the rider just long enough to get him to safety.
William and Grace watched in shock, not knowing quite what to think.
Charlotte leaned over to Grace and took her hand, "It's not usually as bad as it looks," she stated, smiling.
Grace, turning to her with worry in her eyes, replied, "How do you watch your own child do this?"
Charlotte patted her hand. "In prayer."
Grace returned her attention to the arena in time to see the next rider make the eight seconds and score an 81.
Rider after rider took their turns, some lasting, some hitting the dirt.
The announcer said Lee's name and everyone straightened in their seats as they watched his bull leave the chute in a spin. Losing his balance at one point, Lee was able to recover and held on until he heard the buzzer. Letting go, he flew through the air, hitting the dirt hard. He stood and ran to the nearest gate, not knowing where the bull was.
Once he knew he was in the clear, he stepped back onto the arena floor, removed his helmet, knelt and sent up a quick prayer to God.
"I've noticed several of the riders do that," Grace said, pointing at Lee. "Are they really praying?"
Charlotte smiled and nodded. "Yes, we are a huge praying group of folks."
"That's wonderful." Grace replied, a smile finally appearing on her face for the first time since the rides began.
"Lee did great," Frank said to Rosemary once they took their seats again.
"Lee Coulter's ride earned him an 83. Highest score of the evening so far," the announcer yelled.
The group all cheered him on, as Rosie waved and blew him a kiss.
As the evening went on, Elizabeth's anxiety grew more and more. Not know when Jack was up, she continuously watched the cowboys along the chutes, looking for his face. Suddenly, she spotted him. He was kneeling down, his back against the wall, his hat in his hand, and his head down. He appeared to be praying. She watched him, and after what felt like an eternity, he finally stood, placed his hat on his head and disappeared behind the line of riders.
A few minutes later, she spotted him on the raised platform behind chute number three. He was wearing his safety vest and held his safety helmet in his hand, his rigging was thrown over his shoulder. Elizabeth eagerly pointed him out to everyone.
…..
Staring down at the bull he'd drawn that evening, Jack's heart raced. He glanced up at the stands where his family was sitting and quickly spotted Elizabeth, pointing him out to everyone. He closed his eyes again, and prayed for God to allow him to make it through this week.
Blowing out a long breath, he shoved the helmet onto his head, shook out his arms, and pulled the rigging off his shoulders.
As he lowered himself onto the bull, everything came into view and all worries were left on the platform. Focused, Jack set the bull rope where he wanted, warmed the rosin, strapped his hand down, and nodded.
The gate swung open and Leon's Twister exploded. All sounds vanished from Jack's ears, all but the pounding of the bull's hooves hitting the dirt. Jack watched and felt the bull, anticipating his every move. Performing the perfect ride. The buzzer sounded and Jack released his hand, soaring through the air and rolling into the dirt. Quickly getting to his feet, he ran to the nearest fence, jumping onto it to stay clear of the bull.
Elizabeth jumped up, screaming for Jack. Joined by the rest of their group, shouts for Jack could be heard down to the floor. William and Grace were even on their feet, clapping and yelling for Jack.
Once safe, Jack hopped back down to the dirt and walked to the center of the arena as he removed his helmet. Finding Elizabeth, he mouthed the words I love you, then knelt to one knee, bowed his head and praised God.
"Jack Thornton just scored an 88! The top score tonight!" The announcer beamed. "Jack just might be on his way to his third world title!"
Jack stood, pointed toward the sky, and walked out of the arena.
Waiting outside the gate, Lee hugged Jack as soon as he exited, pounding him on the back.
"Great ride, Jack. Great way to start this week."
"You, too, Lee." Jack tightened his hug. "We've got this. Right?" He asked smiling.
"You bet we do."
Jack and Lee walked to the end of the chutes nearest their family, and took their places along the gates to watch the remainder of the riders.
Both men's hearts were racing with excitement as rider after rider either came off the bulls, or scored below them. By the fortieth rider, only one other man scored higher than Lee; leaving Jack and Lee in first and third place for the first evening.
Announcing the top fifteen riders for the night, each man stepped out into the arena as their names were called, waving to the crowd as they walked out.
…
Meeting up with their family and friends in the parking lot, Elizabeth and Rosie both ran to their men, jumping into their arms. Jack grabbed Elizabeth and spun her, holding tight around her waist. Setting her down, he cupped her face and covered her lips with his, forgetting that his family was watching nearby.
Finally releasing her due to needing to breathe, Jack looked around to find his family staring at them, smiling.
"Oh, hey, guys." Jack finally said, grinning, his dimples showing.
With his arm remaining around Elizabeth, he hugged his mom with his free arm as she kissed him on the cheek.
"That was amazing, Jack." Charlotte rested her hands on Jack's cheek. "You looked just like your dad out there."
"Thanks, Mom." Jack hugged her once more as Tom and Sam stepped forward.
Once everyone had given their congratulatory hugs and sentiments, Jack returned to Elizabeth, pulling her into a hug.
"I love you so much," he whispered into her ear.
"I love you, too, Jack."
Everyone returned to their respective cars and drove to the hotel. Frank, Lee and Rosie went to their rooms as the Thorntons and Thatchers rode the elevator to the top floor.
With the women all settled in their rooms, Jack, Tom and William sat at the bar for a quick drink before turning in themselves. Jack had mixed three Sprite and Crowns, handing one to Tom and one to William. The three men sipped their drinks as they sat quietly, letting their minds rest from the evening.
"It was really great to finally see what you do, Jack." William finally said, breaking the silence.
"Thank you, William. Beth and I are both very glad that you and Grace could be here. It really means a lot to us."
"Yes, Jack. I'm sorry we couldn't make it to more of your events than we did," Tom added.
"It's alright, Tom. I know you guys can't travel out of town every other weekend. I never expected you to." Jack squeezed his brother's shoulder.
"And this suite is something else, Jack. I'd like to chip in and help pay for it," William said.
"Not necessary, Sir. Tom and I have taken care of it. You're our guests." Jack lifted his glass to William and William lifted his, tapping it against Jack's.
"Well, thank you. Both of you. Grace and I would love to take everyone out to eat tomorrow for lunch if we could.
"That would be great, Sir. Thank you." Jack added.
William poured the remainder of his drink into his mouth, stood, and set the glass in the sink. "I'm going to turn in. Good night, boys."
"Good night, William."
"Good night, Sir."
William vanished around the corner as he headed to his room. Tom downed the rest of his drink and turned to Jack.
"Brother, that was quite a ride tonight."
"Thanks."
"I mean it. You have really turned into an amazing rider. Better than Dad."
Jack looked at his brother sideways.
"I was only sixteen, but I remember him. I remember watching him every weekend. I remember his riding style. Mom was right, you looked just like him. But you had a different...what is it...focus to you. You've really changed since the last time I saw you."
"I've changed in every aspect of my life."
"Yes, you have. I'm very proud of you. I finally see Dad in you."
With that last short sentence, tears filled Jack's eyes. "Tom, you have no idea what that means to me."
Tom nodded, "I think I do."
….
Jack quietly walked through their bedroom and into the bathroom. After a quick shower, he slid into bed alongside Elizabeth. Wrapping his arms around her and gently pulling her against him, Jack was quickly asleep.
