This chapter opens up with Valentine's Day...so there's some STEAM to start things off.
***STEAM ALERT***STEAM ALERT***STEAM ALERT***STEAM ALERT***
February 14th, 2010 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Pulling a white t-shirt over his head, Jack walked down the stairs to the smell of coffee filling the air. Turning the corner into the kitchen, the sight before him stopped him dead in his tracks.
Elizabeth stood with her back against the sink, wearing the pink and black negligee, with black stockings and stilettos, holding a cup of coffee in her hand.
"Damn, Beth," Jack said as he quickly crossed the kitchen.
"Happy Valentine's Day. Coffee, Babe?" She asked, a sly grin spreading across her face, holding the cup close to her chest.
"Mmmm...coffee is not what's on my mind right now," Jack said, taking the cup from her hand and setting it on the counter.
Gripping her waist, Jack pressed his body against hers and began to kiss her neck.
"Is the door locked?" He asked.
"Yes, I double checked it this morning," she answered, between heavy breaths.
"Where's Wyatt?"
"He's asleep in his kennel."
With his hands still on her waist, Jack turned, pushing her toward the island. Lifting her, he set her on the countertop and captured her lips with his. Moving his hands to the back of her head, he wove his fingers through her hair, pulling her closer to him to deepen his kiss.
Elizabeth reached down and grabbed his shirt, pulling it over his head, and tossed it aside.
Gliding his hands down her arms to her thighs, Jack unfastened the snaps attached to the stockings and pulled her panties off as she lifted slightly. Elizabeth pushed his lounge pants down, letting them fall to the floor and releasing his very eager manhood.
Jack grabbed her hips, pulling her to the edge of the tiled surface, and slid into her, thrusting deep as she wrapped her legs around him. Keeping his hands on her hips, pulling her to him with each drive, Jack continued, bringing them both near the edge, before slowing each time to lengthen and build their pleasure.
Elizabeth thought each moment they were together that it couldn't get better than the last, but each time proved her wrong as Jack was always able to bring her world to a halt for a moment as the explosive sensation surged through her body. Holding him against her, feeling his heart beat with hers at an irregular pace, their breathing matching as it slowly returned to normal.
As she held him, as their hearts found their normal pace, as their bodies reluctantly separated, Elizabeth moved her hands to the back of Jack's head, sliding her fingers into his hair.
"I never want this to end," she whispered into his ear, then brushed her lips across his jaw.
Cupping her face in his hands, he brought her lips to his, drawing them in, his tongue brushing against hers, gliding it along her teeth.
"It doesn't ever have to end," he said, his eyes locked with hers.
Jack wrapped his arms around her waist and gently pulled her off the island, standing her in front of him, keeping his grip on her.
"This negligee on you, Beth. Mmmmm...just amazing." Jack's eyes drifted down her body as he pulled the sides open, revealing her belly and pelvic area. "So gorgeous."
"You're looking mighty fine yourself, Cowboy," Elizabeth said, her eyes scanning his body. "And this right here," she said as she ran her fingers along his chest and abs, "perfection."
Hearing a whining noise coming from the corner, Jack loosened his arms from her waist, "Someone's calling you," he teased.
"Me? I think he's calling you."
Letting out a deep breath, Jack picked up his clothes and began to get dressed, "Oh, alright, I'll take him outside."
Returning with Wyatt at his heels, Jack walked up behind Elizabeth, who had changed into her shorts and t-shirt, and whispered in her ear.
"Happy Valentine's Day."
Turning around, Elizabeth found Jack holding a large bouquet of red roses and pink stargazer lilies.
"Oh, Jack. These are gorgeous. Thank you."
She took the flowers in one arm and wrapped her other around Jack's neck, kissing him on the cheek.
…..
February 20th, 2010 – Midnight Rodeo
"Happy birthday, Brother!" Jack shouted as he and Elizabeth reached the table at the Midnight Rodeo. "Come here, ya big galoot," he said, holding his arms out for Lee.
Standing up, Lee grabbed Jack's arms and pulled him in, and the two hugged like best friends that hadn't seen each other in years.
"Hey, Rosie," Elizabeth said, taking the seat next to her and leaning in to hug her.
"Liz, so glad you guys made it."
They sat and had drinks as the rest of their party trickled in over the next half hour. Once all of Lee's friends had arrived, the group filled the dance floor for the next three songs.
Once a slow song began, the couples remained on the floor while the others either returned to the table or asked someone to dance.
As the evening came to an end and everyone began to leave, Lee stood to tell them goodbye, almost falling over in the process.
"Alright, Buddy," Jack said, catching him just in time. "You've definitely had enough. Let's get you to your truck."
Jack put Lee's arm around his neck and steadied him, helping him to their truck, followed by Rosemary and Elizabeth.
Once he was settled in the passenger seat and buckled in, Jack patted him on the knee, "Happy birthday, Brother," he said quietly.
"Thank you, Jacko," Lee replied, then tipped his head back against the seat.
"You okay getting him into the house?" Jack asked Rosemary.
"Yes, he'll be able to walk in." Hugging Jack and Elizabeth, Rosie thanked them for everything, then left to get Lee home.
Hand in hand, they walked to Jack's truck.
"Lee seemed to have a lot of fun," Elizabeth said with a little chuckle.
"Yes, he sure did." Jack pulled the keys from his pocket and pressed the unlock button.
"Are you okay to drive?"
"Yes, I only had two beers. I didn't know how much Rosie would drink and wanted to make sure we had a way to get them and our truck home."
"Always thinking, Babe. Always thinking," Elizabeth teased.
…..
February 26th, 2010 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Jack was working in the barn when Elizabeth arrived home from school, and after getting supper started and in the oven, she went to their bedroom. Opening the side table to retrieve a devotional, she saw Jack's journal. Changing her mind, she removed it instead, taking a seat in front of the fireplace.
Turning to a page she hadn't read yet; she began reading what appeared to be a poem. Stopping, she checked the date, it was six days after she'd left him to think, after he'd confessed what he'd done at the rodeo.
Returning to the words, she read on. (This is If You Love Her by Forest Blakk. But for this story it is Jack's thoughts while Elizabeth was gone.)
Take it
If she gives you her heart
Don't you break it
Let your arms be a place
She feels safe in
She's the best thing that you'll ever have
She never has trouble
Falling asleep
And she likes to cuddle
While under the sheets
She loves Pop songs
And dancing, but not bad trash TV
There's still a few other things
She loves love notes and babies
And likes giving gifts
Has a hard time accepting
A good compliment
She loves her whole family
And all of her friends
So if you're the one she lets in
Elizabeth noticed a change in Jack's writing at this point, as if it had been written at a different time. There was a lightness in the strokes of these next words compared to the beginning and the ink was a slightly lighter blue.
Take it
If she gives you her heart
Don't you break it
Let your arms be a place
She feels safe in
She's the best thing that you'll ever have
She'll love you
If you love her
On days when
It feels like the whole
World might cave in
Stand side by side
And you'll make it
She's the best thing that you'll ever have
She'll love you
If you love her like that
Kiss her with passion
As much as you can
Run your hands through her hair
Whenever she's sad
And when she doesn't notice
How pretty she is
Tell her over and over
So she never forgets
Take it
If she gives you her heart
Don't you break it
Let your arms be a place
She feels safe in
She's the best thing that you'll ever have
She'll love you
If you love her
On days when
It feels like the whole
World might cave in
Stand side by side
And you'll make it
She's the best thing that you'll ever have
She'll love you
If you love her like that
Wiping a few tears from her cheek, she heard Jack walk into the room and turned in the chair to face him.
Crossing the room and seeing her face, he sat on the footstool, taking her hand in his. Seeing the journal, he asked, "What is it?"
She handed the leather-bound book to him and pointed to the entry. "What is this?" She asked softly.
He glanced at the section and immediately recognized it. Closing the book and handing it back to her, he took her other hand in his. "I honestly didn't think you were coming back to me. This started out to be a...umm...note per se...to whatever lucky man ended up winning your heart and your hand. I finished it after you came back to me as a note written to myself, to remind me of what I almost lost and to never do it again."
"Jack, it's really beautiful. Very sad, but beautiful. I'm sorry I made you feel that way."
Sliding to the edge of the stool, Jack locked his eyes on hers. "Beth, don't you ever apologize to me for reacting to something I did. I can't tell you how sorry I am for all of that. I'm sorry we lost those days we could have spent together, but instead we were both tortured because of my stupid, immature actions."
Moving her hands to his face, she looked at him very intently before speaking. "We both reacted to each other. I should have just talked to you about what I'd heard instead of jumping all over you about it."
"No, Beth," he said, shaking his head, "No. There is nothing at all in our story that is your fault. Nothing at all. You were right to be mad at me and all I did was say hateful things and leave you there, all alone. I think of that night often. What if something had happened to you then? When I wasn't around to help you, to protect you. I would never have forgiven myself."
"Jack, don't. Don't do that."
"Don't do what?"
"Don't make up scenarios that didn't even happen, to make yourself feel worse."
"But something could have happened to you."
"But it didn't. So, please stop. It's in the past, Jack. Stop beating yourself up."
"I'll try," he finally said, moving his gaze back to her face. "I love you so much."
"I love you, too." Hearing the buzzer go off on the oven, she laid the book on the chair and stood, pulling Jack up with her. "I love you, Jack. All of you." Standing on her toes, she kissed him, gently ran her hand along his cheek, then went downstairs.
Staring at the journal, he sat back down and picked it up, turning to the page she had just read. Reading over the words he'd written; he could remember exactly how he felt that day. It was as if his heart had been ripped from his chest, the air stripped from his lungs, and a vise pressed against his head, threatening to split it in half. He couldn't see a life with her in it any longer and didn't know how to change that.
Turning to the next page, he continued reading.
She's still gone and I don't think she's coming back. I hope that whoever wins her heart, doesn't break it like I did. She deserves better. What will I do now? I will wait. All I can do is wait. I will wait for either my life to move forward, or for her to return to my arms. Please come back to my arms.
Jack closed the book and laid it on the chair. Holding his head in his hands, he began to pray. More prayers of thanks, thanking God for bringing her back to him, as well as prayers of thanks for bringing him through the storm.
….
February 28th, 2010 – Thornton Ranch
Jack and Elizabeth walked into Charlotte's house, cake in hand, followed by Wyatt who ran through the house looking for Bandit.
"In here, kids," Charlotte called out from the kitchen.
"Hey, Ma," Jack said, kissing her on the cheek. "Something smells great."
"Frank is making his chili. It's delicious. Hi, Beth," she said, hugging her.
"Hi, Charlotte."
"I thought we were doing "mom" now."
"Sorry, hi, Mom," Elizabeth said, smiling and hugging her again.
"That's better."
"Well, hey, guys," Frank said as he entered the kitchen.
"Hi, Frank," Jack replied. "Your chili smells amazing."
"Thanks. It was my dad's recipe and then I added a couple new items. How are you, Beth?"
"I'm great, thanks."
Jack and Elizabeth watched as Frank moved past Charlotte, dragging his hand along the small of her back. Both constantly sharing a glance or a touch, making it quite obvious their feelings for each other.
Elizabeth squeezed Jack's hand as they watched the sweet, simple moments between two people that had lost their greatest loves, but are trying to find it again.
With Tom, Sam and the kids present, everyone gathered around the table and enjoyed Frank's chili, Charlotte's cornbread, and Sam's cinnamon rolls.
When the meal was finished and everything was cleaned up, Elizabeth removed the lid from the cake and everyone looked at it, reading the words that she had piped on with frosting.
Happy Birthday, Dad
Getting together each year to celebrate what would have been Thomas' birthday, the family sang a round of Happy Birthday before Elizabeth cut and served the cake.
"Dad would have been 51 today," Jack said, taking his last bite.
"Yes," Charlotte replied, "But he lived such a full life while he was on this earth. He was so proud to be your dad," she said to her boys.
While the kids sat on the floor, playing with Wyatt and Bandit, Charlotte, Jack and Tom shared funny stories of Thomas. Including a time when he'd come home and thought he saw a cat run into the bush by their front door. Not wanting his dog to hurt it, he reached in to grab it, quickly discovering that it was not a cat, but a skunk.
Walking into the house, his eyes watering, Charlotte met him to hug him hello as she always did, only to stop and back up. Covering her nose and trying not to laugh, she kicked him out of the house until they could get some of the stink off of him.
Tom and Jack were both in tears of laughter, remembering back to that day when they were 8 and 10, watching their dad soak in a horse trough as Charlotte dumped tomatoes and juice over him.
Sam, Elizabeth and Frank joined in on the laughter, picturing what the scene must have looked like.
The celebration came to a close as the sun sunk behind the horizon, and the families returned to their respective homes.
Walking into their house, warmed with a fire still burning in the fireplace, Jack set Wyatt on the floor and watched him run for his toys, pulling each one out until finally finding his favorite blue rope.
"That was a nice time," Elizabeth said, standing behind him, her arms around his waist.
Jack rested his hands on top of hers and tilted his head toward hers. "Yes, it was. I like remembering the good times we had with Dad. Makes it feel as if he's still with us."
"He is, Jack. He's in you. He's in Tom. His memory is so strong around here that I can feel his presence. He left quite the legacy."
Turning in her arms, Jack pressed his lips to hers, kissing her with a love that would stand the test of time against anything, a love that would leave its own legacy.
…..
March 15th, 2010 – Thornton Ranch
Returning from checking on calves, Tom and Jack dismounted their horses and tied them to their trailers. Reaching into his truck, Jack pulled out his water jug, taking a long drink before returning it.
"So, what was today's total? I saw six on the ground and you found how many?" Tom asked.
"Seven live ones, one dead one. I'll run out with my truck later and pick that one up."
"Alright. I'll get the total to Ma," Tom stated as he added the day's new calves to the list. "Did you get the tag numbers?"
"Yeah, here ya go." Jack pulled a piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to his brother. "What's our total for this season so far?"
Tom ran through each day's numbers, adding them up. "Eighty-seven so far; eighty-two live, five dead."
"So, that leaves what, a hundred and seventy-three to go?"
"Yes, this is going to a long season," Tom joked.
Nodding, Jack asked, "How's yours?"
"We've got thirteen on the ground so far. Haven't lost any yet. Sixty to go. Next year will be a lot different though."
"Oh, really? Why's that?" He asked as he moved to Harley.
"Sam and I have been talking and we've decided to double our herd."
"That will be good. You have the space," Jack said as he loosened Harley's saddle.
"What about you? You're getting more mares, aren't you?"
"Yes, I plan on taking Beth to a few horse auctions throughout the year so we can start adding to the herd. I thought it would be fun to let her pick out a few."
"She'll love that." Tom pulled the saddle off his horse and laid it in the back of his truck. "Jack, I've never seen you so happy. I am so glad that you found Beth."
"I'm pretty sure she found me," Jack replied, smiling. "But yes, I've never been so happy in my life. I feel complete now."
"And it makes me feel good to see you finally allowing yourself to have fun, laugh, be happy. You wouldn't even allow yourself to really smile for so many years."
"Yeah, I know. I finally came to the realization that Dad wouldn't want me wasting my life living in anger. I was not only hurting myself, but I was hurting everyone around me, including Dad's memory. He wouldn't want me to live in misery."
"No, he definitely would not. He's smiling down on you now, though."
"Thanks, Tom." Jack removed Harley's saddle and slid it onto the saddle rack in the back of the trailer. Returning to Harley, he rested his arms on his back and watched Tom as he brushed his horse out. "Have you thought about the foundation?"
Tossing the brush into the bucket, he rested his arms on the back of his horse. "Yes, and I think we should do it, so does Sam. Dad would definitely want that, too."
"Mom said the same thing. Beth already spoke to her dad about it, so we'll have him get started on all the paperwork and everything."
"That sounds perfect. Let me know if I need to do anything."
"Okay. Once everything is set up and ready, I'd really like to help Dustin and his family out."
"Yes, most definitely. Without a doubt."
"Great."
"How's he doing now?"
"His dad called me last week. He's doing okay. His progress is steady but very slow so their bills are piling up."
"Well, people like Dustin is exactly who this foundation will be for."
"Yes, I'll see if William can get things moving quickly."
…..
March 20th, 2010 – Serendipity Bridal
"Oh, Rosie, that's it. It's perfect," Abby said.
"Yes, Rosie. That's the one," Elizabeth added.
"What do you think, Faith?" Rosemary asked.
Choked up, Faith answered, "It's...it's just perfect."
Rosemary turned around and looked at herself in the mirror, dabbing her eyes to stop the tears.
Elizabeth stepped up onto the small podium and laid her hands on Rosie's shoulders. "What do you think?"
Faith and Abby joined them, waiting for Rosemary's reply.
Choking back the tears, she answered, "I love it."
Elizabeth walked over to the attendant, taking a small item from her. Returning to Rosemary, she handed it to her. "Ring this if you're saying yes to the dress."
Taking the small bell, Rosemary held it up and rang it vigorously.
Cheers and clapping could be heard throughout the store from employees and other brides and their entourages.
"Now that my dress is picked out, let's go find all of yours," Rosemary said to the women.
…..
March 27th, 2010 - Hope Meadows Ranch
As Elizabeth applied the finishing touches to the cake, Jack pulled the dishes and glasses from the cupboard and set them on the island.
"That looks great, Beth. Mom and Tom will love it."
With Tom's birthday on March 25th and Charlotte's on April 6th, they decided to celebrate them together and Elizabeth wanted to host the party.
"What time is it?" She asked, checking the food in the oven.
Jack checked his watch, "You have thirty minutes left."
"Perfect." Hearing the doorbell ring, Elizabeth turned to Jack, "Thirty minutes, huh?"
"Well, you know my family." Jack smiled as he went to the front door, followed closely by Wyatt.
"Hey, Ma," he said as he let his mom in and hugged her. "Hi, Frank."
"Hey, Jack," Frank replied, putting his hand out to shake Jack's.
"Happy birthday, Char...I mean, Mom." Elizabeth called out across the room.
"Thank you, Dear. Wow, it smells marvelous in here. What are you making?"
"Poppyseed chicken. Something my sister discovered and it's amazing."
"I believe it, it smells wonderful."
"How have you been, Jack? I haven't seen you since last month at your mother's," Frank asked, taking a seat in the living room by him.
"Busy. Very busy. Calving season and the mares are beginning to drop foals, keeps us on our toes. How have you been?"
"Wonderful. Busy with a few activities at church." Looking around nervously, Frank lowered his foot and crossed the other over his knee.
"You alright Frank?"
"Huh?" Frank said, turning his attention back to Jack, "Oh, yes. Fine. Everything's fine. Tom and his family be here soon?"
"Yes, any minute," Jack answered, leaning forward, resting his arms on his knees. "Are you sure you're alright?"
"Hmmm...oh, yes. I'm fine, thank you."
Feeling that something was going on with Frank, Jack let it go, figuring he would talk to him in time if he chose to. A few minutes later, Tom and his family arrived. After getting the kids settled in the kitchen with Sam and Charlotte, Tom joined Frank and Jack in the living room.
"Hey, guys," Tom stated, taking a seat near Jack.
"Hi, Tom," Frank replied, his voice flat.
"Happy birthday, Brother."
"Thanks, Jack."
Jack and Tom watched Frank, wringing his hands, then wiping them across his jeans. He finally moved his gaze from the floor to the guys, finding them staring at him.
"Something wrong, Frank?" Tom asked.
Drawing in a deep breath through his nose, he slowly let it out. "Well, boys. There is actually something I want to talk to you about." Looking around the room, noticing they were still alone, he continued. "You know how I feel about your mother?"
Jack and Tom both nodded.
Clearing his throat, he continued, "Well, um, I wanted to ask you two something."
"Yes, Frank?" Jack asked.
Dropping his eyes to the floor, he began again. "I would like to know...um...I wanted to ask...huh...what I'm trying to say is..."
"Would you like to ask our mother to marry you?" Jack finally asked, letting Frank off the hook.
Returning his eyes to the men in front of him, both looking at him with grins on their faces, Frank relaxed, and chuckled.
"Is it that obvious?" Frank asked.
Both men nodded, smiling.
Letting out a breath, he asked, "Would you two allow me to ask your mother for her hand in marriage?"
Kicking each other's feet, Jack and Tom both straight faced, replied, "No."
"Oh," Frank said, not knowing how to continue.
"Frank, we're kidding," Jack finally said, sending a flood of relief through Frank. "We would love it if you did. And quite frankly, we were wondering what was taking you so long."
"Yeah, Frank. What gives?" Tom added, unsuccessfully holding back a grin.
"What?" Frank asked. "It's only been sev..."
Cutting him off, Jack and Tom began laughing. "We're just messing with you, Frank," Tom stated.
Standing, Jack and Tom approached Frank who stood once they reached him. Sticking out their hands, Frank shook each one.
"We would love to see our mother truly happy again and not spending her life alone," Jack started.
"Yes, Frank. We can see how much she cares for you and we haven't seen our mother this happy in a long time," Tom added.
"When will you pop the question?" Jack asked.
"I'm not sure yet."
"Got a ring?" Tom questioned.
"Yes," Frank answered, pulling a small box from his pocket. "I've been carrying this around with me for a couple of months."
"Then what are you waiting for?" Jack asked.
"What?"
"Yeah, Frank, let's go." Tom added.
"But...I'm not..."
"What, Frank? You're ready to ask our mom, right?" Jack questioned.
"Yes, of course."
"You have the ring?" Tom asked.
"Well, yes."
"Then let's do this," Jack stated.
"Right now?" Frank asked.
"Why not?" Tom questioned.
Pausing, going over his plans, or lack thereof, in his mind, weighing his options, he raised his head and looked at the two eager men before him. "Okay...let's do this."
"Yes!" Jack exclaimed.
"What's going on in here?" Charlotte asked as she entered the room.
Tom and Jack stood in silence, both watching Frank.
"Well, um, Char...let's go outside."
"Okay. Everything alright?"
"Everything is perfect. I'd just like to talk to you about something."
Frank took her hand and led her out the door to the back deck. Tom and Jack ran into the kitchen to the large window that overlooked the deck. Waving to their wives to join them, they watched their mother and Frank through the glass.
"Charlotte, there's been something on my mind for a while now, something I've been wanting to talk to you about." Frank, still holding both of her hands, nervously ran his thumbs across her soft skin. Dropping his gaze briefly, he looked back to her and continued. "When Megan passed away seven years ago, I never thought that I'd open my heart for anyone again. When she died, I thought she took my best parts with her, and that everything that I was left with was just misery and nothing that anyone would want be a part of. Once I stopped blaming God and started to praise him again, I found out that my best self was still here, but it was altered slightly. I knew I would one day be able to open my heart and give it to someone again, that I could love again."
A tear fell down Charlotte's cheek and Frank reached up and gently wiped it away.
…..
"What's going on?" Sam asked, looking over the guys' shoulders.
"Shhhhh...watch," Tom said, pointing out the window.
…..
"When I saw you walk into my church seven months ago, I knew I was seeing my future. It was as plain as day to me, like God himself was pushing me toward you. And through these months, getting to know your wonderful family, my eyes were opened to what was missing in my life. Megan was all I had, and when I lost her, I was alone, I had no one. I love your boys, their wives, the kids, I love this whole family and I love you."
Frank pulled the box from his pocket and knelt to one knee, keeping her left hand in his.
"Charlotte Rose Thornton, will you please do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
Tears flowing now, Charlotte nodded, and barely able to speak, finally verbalized her answer, "Yes, Frank."
Standing, he slid the ring onto her finger, wrapped his arms around her, and kissed her.
…..
"What's going on?" Rosemary asked, standing behind them.
All four jumped and spun around, staring at Rosie and Lee who were looking at the group, wondering what they'd just caught them doing.
"Frank just asked Charlotte to marry him," Elizabeth answered.
"What?" Rosemary exclaimed, pushing her way to the window.
…..
"I love you, Frank," Charlotte said, lifting her hand to his cheek, kissing him once more. "I would be honored to be your wife."
Holding her against him, movement in the window caught his attention. Glancing over and seeing six faces watching them, Frank turned Charlotte to their audience. "I think we must be the stars of a show."
Looking at him with confusion and seeing him motion toward the window with his head, Charlotte looked to find everyone watching them, but with being caught spying, they all spun around and moved into the kitchen.
Laughing, Charlotte laid her head against his chest, keeping her left arm around him.
"We should probably get inside," Frank finally said.
Letting out a big breath, she nodded.
Stepping into the house to everyone applauding, Charlotte could feel her cheeks warm. Jack and Tom were the first to hug and congratulate them, followed by Sam and Elizabeth, then Rosie and Lee. As the men led Frank to the island, the women looked over Charlotte's ring, an antique-style white gold ring featuring accent diamonds on either shoulder of an engraved knife edge band, and a ¾ carat round diamond in the center.
"Charlotte, this is gorgeous!" Sam exclaimed.
"Yes, it is," Elizabeth added.
"Frank did a wonderful job on this," Rosie stated.
Proudly holding her hand out and inspecting the ring, Charlotte smiled as she looked at the symbol on her hand, knowing without a doubt, that Thomas wouldn't want her to be alone anymore and would want her to be happy.
As the rest of the guests began to arrive, the house began to fill with many conversations, laughter from the children as they played with Wyatt, and many congratulatory statements and happy birthdays.
After eating, Elizabeth moved to the piano and Jack sat on the bench next to her. As she began to play the birthday song, Jack led everyone with the lyrics as they sang to his mother and brother.
Wyatt ran around from guest to guest, barking, adding his own interpretation of the song.
Each person picked up a piece of cake along with a glass of champagne as they gathered around the kitchen.
Jack stepped to the middle, signaling for his mom and Frank to join him.
"I would like to make a toast to this beautiful couple." Jack turned to his mom, then continued, "Mom. What can I say about you?" Taking a breath, Jack tried to curb the tears that threatened to form. "You have been our rock. You've carried the burden of raising two head strong boys in the midst of losing the love of your life. Yet you carried on like a queen. Even through all the heartache, turmoil, and troubles that come with being a single mother, and a mother to me," Jack forced a grin. "It's time that you had your own rock to lean on again. Someone to love you, someone to help you carry the load. And you have found that someone in Frank."
Turning to Frank, Jack smiled as a tear rolled down his cheek, "Frank, you have shown us all that you truly care about and love our mother. We could not have picked a better man if we'd tried. After our father died, Tom and I couldn't imagine seeing our mother with another man. But the moment we saw you two look at each other, we couldn't imagine her without you." Holding up his glass, Jack continued, "Mom, Frank, congratulations. Not everyone is lucky enough to find their true love once, let alone twice. Here's to the rest of a lifetime of love and companionship."
…..
April 16th, 2010 – Hope Meadows Ranch
"I think we can set up the steer chute here," Jack said, walking toward the north end of his arena.
"Yes, that would be perfect," Lee responded.
"Do you think you guys will compete this year?" Tom asked.
"Maybe just some small local rodeos. We won't be ready for the big leagues yet," Lee laughed.
"Well, you need to start somewhere," Tom added.
"I can go get the chute ordered tomorrow. Probably take a couple weeks to get delivered," Jack stated.
"Sounds perfect," Lee said. "Let me know how much it is and I'll pay for half."
"That won't be necessary, Brother. I've got it."
"No, Jack. I'm going to help out."
"Really, Lee. You don't need to. You have a wedding to pay for."
"Jack, this is a partnership and I want to help."
"Okay, Lee, you can help. I'll let you know the total when I get it ordered."
"Perfect."
The guys watched Tuff and Wyatt chase each other through the arena, Tuff overtaking Wyatt each time. Grabbing a long, thick weed, Wyatt teased Tuff with it until he grabbed the other end and they began their ritual tug-of-war game.
"So, have you two come off your highs from World's yet?" Tom asked.
Chuckling, Jack answered, "No, not at all."
"Nope. Me neither," Lee added.
"This might last a while," Jack stated. "I guess I'm making up for the first two."
"What do you mean?" Tom asked, leaning on one of the gates.
"Well, I didn't exactly...how can I say this...fully enjoy the first two."
"If I remember correctly, Jack, you sure seemed like you enjoyed it," Lee added, wiggling his eyebrows.
Moving to the gates, Jack rested his arms on the top and propped is foot on the bottom rail. "I wouldn't call that enjoying it."
…..
November 9th, 2003 – Built Ford Tough Series World Finals – Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas
At the sound of the buzzer, Jack released his hand and allowing the momentum of the bull's buck to push him off, he hit the dirt on his feet. Pulling his hat off, he threw it into the air and shoved his hands up, pointing his index fingers into the #1 sign.
…..
Walking out of the arena into a crowd of guys congratulating him, Jack found Lee and the two made their way to his truck.
"Let's see that buckle," Lee said, holding out his hand.
Taking the buckle from Jack, Lee inspected it, turning it over.
"This is really amazing, Jack." Handing it back, he continued, "It's been an honor riding with you this year. I hope we can continue doing so."
"I'd like that, Lee. It's been nice having someone to travel with for a change." Placing his hand on Lee's shoulder, he squeezed then said, "Now let's go celebrate."
"Now, that sounds like a plan."
….
Jack picked up his sixth beer and chugged what was left in the can. Slamming the empty container on the table, he shouted, "I need another."
"Me, too!" Lee exclaimed. "I'll get this round."
Stumbling toward the bar, Lee ordered a round of beers and two shots of tequila. Somehow, he made it back to the table without spilling them, set them down, and took a seat. Picking up their shot glasses, they tossed them back and moved onto their beers.
An hour and several shots later, Lee stumbled back to the table with his arm around a scantily clad blonde. "We're outta here, Jack," Lee said, using the woman to hold him up.
"See ya," Jack stated, tossing back his final beer.
He remained in his chair, watching Lee and the woman stumble out of the bar. Letting out a laugh, he moved his gaze to the bar where a tall, thin brunette was leaning against it, watching Jack. Jack smiled at her, causing her to approach him.
"I watched you ride tonight."
"Yeah?" Jack asked, his eyes scanning her little black dress and her silver stilettos.
"Yep. You're an amazing bull rider," she said, running her hands through her long hair.
"I don't only ride bulls, you know," Jack said, leaning forward in his seat, running his finger down the outside of her bare leg.
"Is that so?" Looking down at his hand, she raised her eyes to look into his. "Need a ride?"
"I sure do," Jack answered, standing up directly in front of her, looking down into her low-cut dress.
"Follow me."
Jack followed the brunette out of the bar and to her car.
Looking at her small car, then back at the tall cowboy in front of her, she scanned the area. "There's a hotel next door," she said, pointing across the street. "Want to go there?"
Nodding, Jack led the way, stumbling a few times as he navigated the curbs and sidewalks.
…..
Early in the morning, Jack woke with a splitting headache. Quickly getting out of the bed, he caught his balance and looked around the room, trying to remember where he was. Seeing the brunette still asleep in the bed, it all came back to him.
Sitting in the chair, he held his head in his hands, clutching onto his hair. Shaking his head, he reached down and picked up his clothes, went to the bathroom, and got dressed.
Quietly picking up his boots and belt, scanning the room to make sure he retrieved all of his belongings, he took one last look at the woman who was lying on her stomach, her bare back exposed. He very slowly turned the doorknob, opened the door, stopping each time it began to squeak, then stepped outside, closing the door behind him.
Once he was inside his truck, Jack stopped and looked at his reflection in the mirror, shaking his head at the stranger that stared back. Looking down at his buckle that he'd haphazardly tossed into the seat, he felt nothing but shame. No excitement resided in his heart, only sorrow.
On a day he should be on cloud nine, living life and celebrating with family and friends, Jack felt as if he was trapped in purgatory. The chunk of metal that laid beside him should have brought him joy and pride, but as he looked at it, all he felt was a deep emptiness.
Grabbing the steering wheel, he tightened his grip, draining all the blood from his knuckles as they turned white. A tear fell down Jack's cheek and he slammed his hands against the wheel, turned the key, put it in gear, and peeled out of the parking lot, leaving tire tracks and smoke in his wake.
…..
April 16th, 2010 – Hope Meadows Ranch
"Wow, Jack. Why didn't you talk to me about this?" Tom asked.
"I was not in a place that I wanted to talk to anyone about it." Jack looked down at the dirt and kicked his boot around. "I don't even like thinking about that time in my life. I'm lucky to be alive to be honest."
Lee laid his hand on Jack's shoulder, "I'm sorry, Brother. I wasn't any help for you back then, I probably made things worse."
"Nope, Lee. You had nothing to do with my actions. I would have done that whether you were there or not. We were both young and dumb. I was just a lot dumber."
Small chuckles came out of the men, each attempting to lighten the mood.
"That's in the past. I'm not that guy anymore."
"No, Brother, you definitely are not that guy, and Ma and I are so thankful for that. I don't know if you realize how much we missed you."
Jack stepped to Tom and hugged him. "I'm sorry, Tom. I'm sorry we lost so many years."
"Like you said, Jack, it's in the past. Let's focus on the now," Tom replied, returning the gesture.
Smacking his back, Jack squeezed his brother tighter.
"Hey, I want some of that," Lee said, moving in and wrapping his arms around the men.
Laughing, Jack and Tom each moved an arm around Lee and pulled him in with them.
