These two are newlyweds and LOVE each other...so, full steam ahead!

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April 21st, 2010 – Hope Meadows Ranch

As Elizabeth searched through her closet for something to wear to work, Jack approached her from behind and lowered his hand in front of her face, holding a single red rose.

Taking it from his hand, she turned to face him. "What's this for?" She asked, smelling the fragrant flower.

Wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her closer to him, he answered, "Happy one year anniversary."

"What? It's not even close to our anniversary, Jack."

Nodding, Jack replied, "One year ago today, you strolled into my barn, shook my hand, and stole my heart."

"That's today? How did you remember that?"

"How could I forget?" Jack leaned down, softly kissing her warm lips, covered with the lingering taste of coffee.

…..

April 24th, 2010 – Carlisle, Missouri

"So, you're having a combined bachelor – bachelorette party?" Elizabeth asked as she turned her SUV onto the highway toward the dress shop.

"Well, yours and Jack's was so much fun, I figured...why not," Rosie replied, shrugging her shoulders.

"Yes, it was a lot of fun. I thought you'd want strippers or something."

"I have my own personal stripper; I don't need to see any others."

"Rosie!" Elizabeth exclaimed, shocked at her friend's confession.

"What can I say? Lee is quite the character," Rosie responded, moving her eyebrows up and down.

Meeting Faith and Abby at the dress shop, the four women went through their final fittings before taking their dresses and going out for brunch. A trip to the mall for shoes, jewelry and other necessary items, filled most of their day, finished off with a trip to Cold Stone Ice Cream.

"I have been craving ice cream lately," Rosie said as they stood in line. "Figures, since I need to fit into my wedding dress."

"Oh, you'll be fine. Only two weeks to go," Faith replied. "Now let's get our delicious concoctions ordered."

….

April 24th, 2010 – Hope Meadows Ranch

Elizabeth and Rosemary sat on the front porch, each sipping from a cup of hot tea.

"How are you doing with all your wedding plans?" Elizabeth asked as she set her cup on the arm of her Adirondack chair.

"Everything is pretty much done. We'll be over here the week of the wedding to start decorating the barn."

"Let me know what nights and I'll help you."

"Thanks, Beth." Rosie took another sip of her tea then stared out over the pasture, remaining unusually quiet.

"Are you alright, Rosie?"

"Yeah."

Elizabeth sat quietly, watching Rosemary stare out toward the horizon, occasionally taking a drink from her cup.

"Rosemary, I have known you for years. There is something wrong, now what is it?"

Moving her gaze to Elizabeth, Rosemary began to speak. "I've just been thinking about my parents lately. It's been so long since they've been gone, I didn't think it would bother me."

"I'm so sorry, Rosie. I didn't even think about that bothering you."

Shaking her head, she replied, "Don't worry about it. Like I said, it's been such a long time." Looking down at her hands, she got quiet again.

"What else is it?" Elizabeth asked, breaking the silence.

Letting out a big breath, Rosie answered, "I don't have anyone to walk me down the aisle."

"Oh, Rosie," Elizabeth said, moving to the edge of her seat and laying her hand on her Rosemary's knee.

"It's fine. I'll be fine. Really."

…..

April 25th, 2010 – Hope Meadows Ranch

Elizabeth stepped into her studio, the first time she had been able to use it since Jack surprised her with it after their wedding. The weather had finally warmed up enough and she was moving her paints from the basement back into the small building.

Once her supplies were organized, she pulled out a canvas and set it on the easel. Closing her eyes, she envisioned moments from their honeymoon, opened her eyes, picked up her paintbrush and began painting.

Jack stepped out onto the back deck when he couldn't find Elizabeth inside the house. Seeing her studio opened up and movement through a window, he smiled and went back inside.

With two glasses and a bottle of wine in hand, Jack walked across the brick slab outside the studio and stopped in the doorway of the open double doors. Leaning against the door frame, Jack watched as Elizabeth worked on her painting; so focused on her work, she hadn't noticed Jack arrive.

A few minutes of watching her, Jack finally stepped up next to her. "Beth."

Jumping in her seat, Elizabeth dropped her paint brush and spun around on her stool.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you," Jack said, setting the glasses and bottle down on the table, before bending down and picking up the paintbrush. Taking the rag that was laying on the table, he cleaned the paint from the floor.

"Thank you, Jack," she said, pulling him in between her legs.

"This is really beautiful, Beth," Jack said as he looked at her painting.

"It's much easier to paint when I've seen it in person."

"I can imagine it would be." Jack lowered his gaze to his wife, gliding his hand onto her neck. "God, you are so sexy." Scanning her body, she was wearing one of Jack's old long-sleeved, button-up dress shirts with the sleeves rolled up and a pair of shorts. "Come here," he said, soft, low voice.

Pulling her up from her seat, Jack moved his hands to the sides of her neck, rubbing her cheeks with his thumbs. Lowering his lips to hers, he kissed her sensuously and deeply, showing her his need for her. Pulling his head back for air, and locking his eyes on hers, he let out a breath slowly through his lips.

"What?" She asked.

"I want you so bad right now."

"Then take me," she whispered as she leaned close to his ear. Pulling back to look into his eyes, a grin emerged.

Elizabeth slowing walked toward the work bench next to a window, pushing her shorts and panties off along the way. Stepping out of them, she left them on the floor where they landed, turned and hopped up onto the bench top. Gripping the edge of the table, she spread her legs open and grinned and at Jack.

Reaching to his back, he pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it across the studio as he quickly moved to Elizabeth. Returning his hands to the sides of her neck he pulled her to him and kissed her hard once more. As their lips parted, their tongues, wet and warm, brushed against each other, as Jack moved one hand to the back of her neck and his other to her lower back, pulling her closer to him.

Elizabeth got lost in Jack's kisses, causing her to momentarily not know which end was up. Moving his lips across her cheek, Jack slowly made his way to her neck, sucking and nibbling her soft, smooth skin.

Elizabeth grabbed his belt, unbuckling it, she pulled it from his beltloops and dropped it to the floor. Returning to his pants, she unbuttoned them and pulled the zipper down. Pushing them down just slightly, she reached into his jeans, shoving his underwear down, releasing his very hard manhood.

Jack moved both of his hands to her hips and pulled her to him, sliding into her as she reached the edge of the table. She let out high pitched breath as she took all of him in, pleasure instantly flowing through her body.

Elizabeth could feel her cheeks flush with the warmth of the heat she felt within. Each one of Jack's thrusts added to the fire, building it, feeding it, stirring it...until it exploded like the volcano. Erupting in bursts, working its way to the top before flowing back down.

Elizabeth tightened her legs around him as the heat traveled through her body, drawing him in deeper and sending him on the same trip she'd just experienced.

They held each other, enjoying the moment together, enjoying their ever-growing love for one another. When Jack finally pulled back to look into her eyes, he softly kissed her.

"We'll have to remember this spot," Jack said, pushing on the table and checking the sturdiness of it.

Giggling, Elizabeth kissed him. "This was a pretty good place, wasn't it?"

"Most definitely," Jack said then kissed the tip of her nose.

…..

May 1st, 2010 – Johnson County Horse Auction

Hand in hand, Jack and Elizabeth walked through the long aisles of the livestock barns, checking out the variety of horses that would be run through the auction that day. With the lineup in his hand, Jack made notes in the margin next to the ones he was interested in.

"See any you want?" He asked as Elizabeth petted a paint mare.

"This one seems nice," she answered, running her hands down the horse's soft skin around its nose.

Checking out the mare's pedigree, Jack made a note next to Elizabeth's choice.

"Any others?"

Elizabeth moved through the aisles, stopping at a couple more pens, picking out two more mares that she liked.

As they sat in the seats, watching the horses go through the pen as the auctioneer sang out the sale price. When a mare that Jack was interested in entered the ring, he leaned forward in his seat, resting his arms on his legs.

As the price slowly increased, Jack raised his hand, getting in the mix of the bidding. Elizabeth felt her heart begin to race with excitement as she watched Jack concentrate on the sale and win the bid on the buckskin mare.

"You got her," Elizabeth said excitedly.

Leaning back and smiling at his wife, he responded, "Yes, she was my number one pick."

The next horse in the ring was Elizabeth's paint mare selection.

"Oh, look. It's her."

Grinning, Jack handed his bidding number to Elizabeth. "Want to do it?"

"Really?"

"Yes, go ahead."

"But I can barely understand what he's saying."

"I'll help you."

Jack leaned toward her until his shoulder was touching hers. He tapped her leg each time she needed to bid and didn't stop until she won the mare.

"I got her?"

"You sure did," he answered, leaning back into his seat.

"How much did we pay for her?"

"$7500."

"What!" She exclaimed, turning in her seat to face him. "Didn't the others sell for $2500 and less?"

"A couple went for a little more."

"Why was this one so much?"

"Because you wanted her, so I had you keep going until you got her. Someone else must have wanted her pretty bad, too," he grinned.

"But that was so much."

Taking her hands in his and kissing them, Jack assured her, "Beth, don't worry about it. She will be used to raise foals so she'll make the money back. She was a very good choice. I would have picked her myself anyway if you hadn't, she has an excellent pedigree."

Feeling at ease, she turned back to the sale ring and leaned into Jack, keeping his hand in hers.

By the end of the auction, Jack and Elizabeth had purchased seven mares, including all three that Elizabeth picked out. After paying their bill and getting the horses loaded into his stock trailer, they began their two-hour drive back home.

…..

May 2nd, 2010 – Hope Meadows Ranch

Over two months had passed since Jack and Elizabeth had decided to try for a baby, and another month of disappointment tugged at her heart as proof of not being pregnant left her sitting on the bed, a lone tear falling down her cheek.

Walking into the room, looking down at his phone, Jack was halfway to the bathroom before he noticed Elizabeth on the bed.

Running to her, he sat on the edge of the mattress, laying his hand on her knee. "What is it, Beth? Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," she answered, laying her hand over his. "I'm just being silly."

"Silly about what? What's wrong, Baby?" Jack moved his hand to her cheek, brushing away another tear with his thumb.

"I'm not pregnant."

"Oh, I'm sorry, Sweetheart. It's still early though, right?"

"Yes. I don't know why I'm upset. It hasn't been long and I didn't expect anything to happen this soon. But I couldn't help it, the tears just started."

Moving closer, Jack held her, running his hand down her hair. "I was hoping you were, too," he said softly. "It will happen in God's time."

Nodding her head in agreement, she wiped her eyes and pulled back, fixing on Jack's eyes. "I know. And I trust Him to bless us when the time is right."

"Me, too," he said as he tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. "I love you."

Smiling, she replied, "I love you, too."

…..

May 4th, 2010 – Sully Schools

Sitting behind her desk, Elizabeth entered grades into the computer before ending her day.

"Liz, oh good, you're still here."

Looking up, Elizabeth smiled at her friend as she walked into the room, "Hey, Rosie."

Grabbing a chair, Rosie dragged it across the floor, setting it across from Elizabeth. Taking a seat, she rested her elbows on the desk, resting her chin in her hands.

Halting her typing, Elizabeth laid her arms on the desk and looked at her friend.

"Need something?"

"I have some news that I'm dying to tell you."

"Okay?"

"I don't know if I should share it yet."

Shrugging her shoulders, Elizabeth returned to the computer, "Okay, let me know when you're ready."

"Oh, Liz. I need to tell someone."

Turning back to Rosie, Elizabeth smiled, "Just tell me what it is, Rosie. We both know you won't be able to move on with your day until you do."

"I'm pregnant!" She blurted out.

Elizabeth's smile slowly faded as the words sunk in. "You're what?"

"Lee and I are expecting a baby. We just found out for sure yesterday."

Forcing a smile, Elizabeth continued, "That's wonderful. I didn't even know you two were trying."

"Well, we weren't. It sorta just happened. But we're both over the moon about it."

"That's really wonderful, Rosie." Elizabeth tried to appear happy for her best friend, but her words fell flat and it didn't go unnoticed by Rosemary.

"What's wrong? I thought you'd be happy for me."

"Oh, I am happy for you." Elizabeth stood and walked around the desk. Pulling Rosie to her feet, Elizabeth wrapped her in a warm embrace. "Congratulations."

Pulling back and holding onto Elizabeth's arms, Rosie responded, "What's going on, Liz?"

Unable to hold back the tears, Elizabeth wiped them away before speaking. "Jack and I have been trying to get pregnant and it hasn't happened yet."

"Oh, my gosh, Liz. I'm so sorry. I didn't know. How long have you been trying?"

"Only two and a half months. I know I'm being silly. We've barely started trying."

"No, you are not being silly. Everyone can see what great parents you two will be. I'm so sorry, Liz. I wouldn't have told you if I'd known."

"No, I'm not taking your excitement away. This is exciting news for you and Lee and we're going to celebrate." Elizabeth hugged her again, tighter this time. "Let's go get something to eat."

"Thank you, Liz. That would be wonderful."

….

May 8th, 2010 – Hope Meadows Ranch

As the women had the finishing touches put on their hair and make-up, Elizabeth walked over to Rosemary who was slipping on her new cowboy boots.

"I have a gift for you, Rosie."

"Really?" Rosie asked, smiling ear to ear. Holding out her hand, she waited for Elizabeth to hand her the present.

Laying her own hand in hers, Elizabeth pulled her friend up to her feet. "It's not that kind of gift. Come with me."

Elizabeth led her to one of the rooms down from the master bedroom of her house, where Tom was waiting, wearing the same silver vest and jacket as the groomsmen.

"What's going on?" Rosie asked.

"If you don't mind, I would be honored if you'd let me walk you down the aisle," Tom said.

Rosie's signature smile slowly faded and was replaced with surprise and tears. "What?" She asked, her voice cracking and barely audible.

Smiling and nodding, Tom repeated, "I would be honored to walk you down the aisle...if you'll let me."

Quickly moving toward him, Rosemary wrapped her arms around his neck, unable to stop the tears.

Smiling, Elizabeth asked, "So is that a yes?"

Releasing Tom, Rosemary moved to Elizabeth, pulling her friend into a tight embrace.

"Thank you," she whispered into her ear. "Thank you so much."

…..

As the music started, Abby began walking down the aisle that was formed from the white chairs, lined up inside the barn. Small white lights lined every rafter and post, giving the building a feeling of a fairy tale. Lee, Jack, Lee's brother, Noah, and Jason waited at the front with Frank, next to the arbor that had been moved inside. Faith made her way, carrying a bouquet of dark red, lavender and pink roses, stopping next to Abby.

As Elizabeth walked down the aisle, her eyes fixed on Jack, she thought back to their own special day just over six months prior. By the look on Jack's face, he was remembering the same thing. In her purple dress with a crisscross sweetheart neckline, pleated skirt that landed just above her knees, and her cowboy boots, Jack couldn't take his eyes off of her.

As the music changed and everyone stood, Tom and Rosie began walking toward Lee. As soon as she'd come into view, Lee lost control of his emotions and the tears began to flow. Rosemary's dress was white with a sweetheart neckline, fitted bodice and full ruffled skirt and paired with her cowboy boots. She was a vision of perfection with her long blonde hair cascading around her shoulders in loose curls and her long veil reaching half way down her dress.

Reaching Lee, she handed her bouquet to Elizabeth and took Lee's hands, seeing a few new tears slip from his eyes. Reaching up, she wiped them away and returned her hand to his.

As the ceremony began, Elizabeth caught Jack staring at her. She signed I love you, and he signed you are my forever in return.

Charlotte, sitting in the second row next to Frank, caught this exchange and smiled, her heart filled with joy at having her son back.

…..

"That was great what you did for Rosemary," Jack said, pulling her into him.

"She doesn't talk about her family much, but she was so sad that day, talking about her wedding. I needed to do something for her."

"What did happen to her family?" Jack asked.

"Her parents were killed in a car accident when she was ten. She was raised by her grandparents." Elizabeth pointed across the room at a silver haired woman sitting at Lee's family table. "That's her grandmother. Her grandpa passed three years ago."

"That's awful. No siblings?"

"No, she was an only child."

"Lee's family is wonderful. They will bring her right in, kind of like Ma did."

"Yes, she's been talking about them since spending Christmas there. She's always wanted a big family. She's finally getting her wish, and now with the ba..." Elizabeth stopped herself, realizing that Lee and Rosie hadn't announced their news to anyone else yet.

"And now with the what?" Jack asked.

Letting out a breath, she leaned in to Jack. "Rosie's pregnant," she whispered into his ear.

Nodding his head, he replied, "I know, Lee told me this morning." Cupping her face in his hands, he kissed her softly on the lips, seeing the sadness in her eyes. "We will have a family, Beth. I just know it, I feel it."

"I hope you're right," she replied, laying her head against his shoulder.

"We will, Baby," he said, brushing his hand down her hair. "We will."

…..

Elizabeth stood, taking the microphone, making sure it was turned on.

"Rosemary and I met in college. When I first met her, I thought, 'This girl is crazy, there is no way I would be friends with her.' Well, she's still crazy, but she's my best friend now. She's like a magnet that draws everyone in. She has a heart of gold, a personality that shines like a diamond, and she's a tough as steel. She has opened my eyes to a part of life that I had been missing, and I will be forever grateful for her." Looking at Lee, she continued, "Lee...what can I say about Lee? Rosie finally found someone that matches her crazy." Laughter filled the room. "You are a perfect match for her. The heart of gold, the personality that shines, and you're as tough as they come." Elizabeth smiled, looking between Jack and Lee, pausing to calm her emotions. "You are a great best friend, Lee. And I thank you for that."

Elizabeth wiped a tear from her cheek, then unfolded a small piece of paper. "I read a quote a few months ago by Lauren Child, and this has stuck with me ever since. I believe this is true for everyone, but I wanted to share it with you both." Taking another deep breath, she continued, "We were given two hands to hold, two legs to walk, two eyes to see, two ears to listen. But why only one heart? Because the other one was given to someone else for us to find." Folding the paper, she laid it on the table and looked back to the couple. "You two have found your heart. But never forget to always keep hold of each other's hands, always walk side-by-side, only look at each other, and never forget to listen." Raising her glass, followed by everyone in the barn, "A toast to the couple, for an eternity of keeping their hearts as one."

…..

"It was great seeing you all again," Jack said to Noah, shaking his hand.

"You, too, Jack. This is a great place you have here."

"Thank you. We really love it. You guys should stop by next time you're up visiting."

"Thanks. We just might do that."

After a little more small-talk, the men moved to the edge of the dance floor to watch Lee and Rosie in their first dance.

When the song ended, Lee and Rosie left the dance floor where she stood and waited. Lee stepped back onto the floor with his mother for the mother-son dance. Rosie watched from the side, sadness filling her heart as this should have been the father-daughter dance.

When the song was over, Lee crossed the floor to Rosemary and took her hand, leading her to the center of the floor.

"What's going on?" Rosie asked as they stood, surrounded by everyone.

Jack walked across the dance floor, handing Lee a microphone, then returned to Elizabeth's side.

"What's happening?" Elizabeth asked when he was beside her.

"We did a little something special for her, too," he grinned.

"Thank you, everyone, for joining us on the special day," Lee started. "We are grateful for each and every one of you for being here. As we all know, Rosie's parents and grandfather are missing from the guest list today. So, we wanted to do something special for my wife," Lee's smile covered his face at the mention of her being his wife. "Rosie, I wish your father could be here to do this dance himself, but since he can't, a few people wanted to step in for him."

Fathers and Daughters by Michael Bolton began to play as Jack stepped out onto the dance floor. Taking Rosie's hand, he pulled her to him and placed his hand on her back and began to sway to the song.

"If I could catch a star for you
I swear I'd steal them all tonight
To make your every wish come true
And every dream for all your life"

Tears covered her cheeks as she laid her head against Jack's shoulder, hiding her face. Jack wrapped both arms around her, holding her as they danced.

"But that's not how the story goes
The world is full of perfect plans
If there's a promise that I broke
I know one day you will understand"

Jack stepped back and Noah stepped in, taking her right hand in his and wrapping his right arm behind her. Still crying, Rosie tried to smile at the grand gesture from her husband, family and friends.

"When times are hard, I know you'll be strong
I'll be there in your heart when you'll carry on
Like moonlight on the water, and sunlight in the sky
Fathers and daughters never say goodbye"

Jason was next, holding Rosemary against him as she continued to cry, they swayed to the music, their feet barely moving as she thought her knees would give way if they did.

"An Angel I will read to sleep
Gave me one dream of my own
So, learn to love and spread your wings
And find the one to call your home"

The final person to step in for her father, was her new father-in-law, James. At the sight of him, her tears flowed even more, though she didn't know how. Wiping her face, her make-up non-existent now, she wrapped her arms around his neck with her face against his shoulder.

"When times are hard, I know you'll be strong
I'll be there in your heart when you'll carry on
Like moonlight on the water, and sunlight in the sky
Fathers and daughters never say goodbye"

As the song continued and they slowly moved to the music, James pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to Rosemary, who gladly took it and dabbed her face.

"When times are hard, I know you'll be strong
I'll be there in your heart when you'll carry on
Like moonlight on the water, and sunlight in the sky
Fathers and daughters never say goodbye
Fathers and daughters never say goodbye"

After hugging each person that danced with her, she ran to Lee, wrapping her arms around his neck, her face still stained with tears.

"I love you, Babe," Lee said, holding her with her cheek against his. "I love you with all my heart."

Pulling back in order to look into his eyes, Rosemary kissed him. "I love you so much, Lee.

…..

As the reception came to an end, Jack and Elizabeth slow danced to the final song of the evening. Holding each other tight, her right hand in his left, her head against his shoulder, they swayed to the melody of When You Say Nothing at All by Allison Krause.

"It's amazing how you can speak right to my heart
Without saying a word, you can light up the dark
Try as I may I can never explain
What I hear when you don't say a thing"

Elizabeth moved her head as Jack leaned down, their faces cheek to cheek, and she began to sing softly in his ear. Jack pressed against her soft, warm skin as her breath and words crossed his ear and he tightened his arm around her.

"The smile on your face lets me know that you need me
There's a truth in your eyes saying you'll never leave me
The touch of your hand says you'll catch me wherever I fall
You say it best, when you say nothing at all"

Tom and Sam, Lee and Rosemary, Frank and Charlotte, and several other couples joined them on the dance floor, each ending the day that had been filled with love, with the person that they loved.

"All day long I can hear people talking out loud
But when you hold me near, you drown out the crowd
Try as they may they could never define
What's been said between your heart and mine

The smile on your face lets me know that you need me
There's a truth in your eyes saying you'll never leave me
The touch of your hand says you'll catch me wherever I fall
You say it best when you say nothing at all"

If you didn't know Jack and Elizabeth, you would still recognize the overwhelming amount of love they felt for one another. Pressing his hand into her back, he pulled her as tight as he could against his body. Tightening his grip on her right hand, he brought it to his chest, holding it against his heart.

"The smile on your face lets me know that you need me
There's a truth in your eyes saying you'll never leave me
The touch of your hand says you'll catch me wherever I fall
You say it best, when you say nothing at all"

Jack covered her lips, kissing her with a deep passion that is normally reserved for private, his desire for her in full force. "I can't wait to get you home," he finally said after taking a large breath of air.

"Soon," she whispered into his ear. "Very soon."

Lee and Rosie said their goodbyes, climbed into their limo, and drove away with everyone waving to them. As the guests began to leave, Jack took Elizabeth's hand to go say their goodbyes.

"We're heading home, Ma," he said, giving her a hug.

"Good night, Son." Charlotte placed her hands on Jack's cheeks, smiling and looking into his eyes. "I love you. You are such a good and kind man." She kissed him on the cheek and moved to Elizabeth. "Good night, Beth."

"Good night, Mom," she said, hugging her mother-in-law.

Taking one of Jack's hands and one of Elizabeth's in hers, Charlotte looked from one to the other. "You have no idea what seeing the two of you together does for my heart." Smiling, she continued, "It is full." She squeezed both of their hands and stepped back to Frank.

"One more wedding to go," Jack stated, grinning at his mother and Frank. "Do we have a date yet?"

"We're talking about it," Charlotte answered. "But nothing set in stone quite yet."

Holding her hand, Frank added, "We will make a decision soon." Smiling, he leaned toward her and kissed her cheek. "You two have a great rest of your evening. We'll see you tomorrow at church."

"Absolutely. Good night, Ma, Frank."

Jack and Elizabeth walked out of the barn, hand in hand, taking their time walking to Jack's truck, enjoying the fresh air and moonlight.

…..

May 9th, 2010 – Hope Meadows Ranch

Jack and Elizabeth walked through the pasture, hand in hand, checking on the new mares. The weather was a bit warmer than usual and Elizabeth had changed into a white tank, a pair of shorts and had a black, red, and white flannel shirt tied around her waist.

Seeing the mares had all settled in and were getting along fine, Jack took hold of Elizabeth's hand and they began their walk back to the barn.

"Look at that," Elizabeth said, pointing toward the dark sky that was quickly moving over them.

"I didn't know it was supposed to rain today," Jack said, picking up his pace. "We better hurry."

They began to run toward the barn but before they could get there, the sky opened up and began to pour, soaking them both to the bone.

Running into the barn, the couple laughed as they looked at each other, dripping water from their hair and clothes.

Jack looked at Elizabeth as she began to walk past him, stopping her by putting his arm out at her waist across her stomach.

Stopping, she looked up at him, finding his eyes slowly lowering down her body.

"I can see through your shirt," Jack said, staring at her blue bra that was visible through her wet, white tank top. His heart had begun to race and he could feel himself getting excited to be with her. Reaching up to the neckline of her tank, he hooked his finger into it and pulled it out, away from her chest, peering down inside her shirt. "Is that a new bra?" He asked, staring at the lace covered satin.

"Yes," she answered innocently.

Jack moved his hands to the flannel that was tied around her waist, untying the arms and letting it drop behind her.

"What are you doing?" She asked, grinning.

"Helping you out of your wet clothes. We don't want you getting sick."

"Oh, okay. Well, I guess I need to help you out of yours, too." She grabbed the bottom of his shirt and pulled it over his head, staring at his perfectly cut chest and abs in front of her. Running her fingers down his chest and across the defined muscles of his stomach, she stopped at his belt buckle, unfastening it, and slowly pulled the belt from the loops.

Jack took her hand and led her into the stall where he had bales of hay stacked. Grabbing a large horse blanket, he spread it across a layer of bales, taking care to cover it well.

Returning to Elizabeth, he finished undressing her as she did him. Jack stepped to her, pressing his body against her, his hardened erection evident against her stomach. Reaching behind her back and knees, Jack picked her up and gently laid her on the blanket, moving over her and lowering himself beside her.

His lips met hers, pressing, sucking, licking, he made his way from her lips, down her neck, and to her breasts, tasting the saltiness of the sweat that began to bead on her skin. Moving from one to the other, sucking on each erect nipple, he kept each one at attention with either his mouth or his fingers.

The storm outside continued as the rain could be heard falling against the roof of the barn. The clean fresh scent of everything being washed anew wafted through the barn and mixed with the smell of horses, hay and sweat.

Jack moved a hand down across her stomach, pressing and feeling every inch of her damp skin. Shifting his hand to her thigh, he pulled her legs apart, began touching her aching flesh. Elizabeth instinctively arched her back and moved her hips against his hand, wanting more.

Inserting two fingers, Jack began moving and rubbing, sliding his fingers in and out, feeling the heat and dampness he caused to his wife.

Unable to hold back any longer, Jack moved over her, pushing inside her, feeling her grip around him, sending him into a feverish act of needing that sweet release. Thrusting hard against her opposite motions, Jack heard her moan and call out as she tightened even more around him. Feeling himself let go inside her, he dropped down next to her, trying to catch his breath.

Elizabeth felt her whole body relax, a slight numbness moving from her head to her toes, then vanishing, leaving only a pure sensation of joy.

Wrapping his arm around her, Jack pulled her body against his. Reaching over her, he gripped the edge of the blanket and covered their bodies, as they laid and listened to the rain beat against the roof outside.

…..

May 16th, 2010 – Hope Meadows Ranch

After spending the morning in church and the afternoon at Charlotte's for Frank's birthday that would be tomorrow, Jack and Elizabeth returned home.

"I'm going out to check on the mares. There's still a couple with foals to drop."

"Okay, Babe. I'll be right here."

"I'm taking one of the younger horses out that needs some more ride time."

"Okay," she replied, kissing him goodbye. "I'll have supper ready when you get back."

"Sounds good." Jack slapped her on the butt as he turned to leave.

A couple hours after Jack had left, Elizabeth pulled out her blank music sheets and sat at her piano. Working on an idea she'd had, she began working through writing music to a new song, drawing her notes on the sheets with a pencil, erasing, and writing them in again.

Losing track of time, Elizabeth looked at the clock and saw that another two hours had passed.

"Shoot," she yelled as she jumped up to go start supper.

Removing the casserole from the oven, she looked at the clock again. It had been five hours since Jack had left and she hadn't heard a word from him or seen him. Picking up her phone, she found his name and pressed call. Holding the phone to her ear, she heard his voicemail message begin and she hung up the phone, laying it on the counter.

"Where are you, Jack?" she said out loud.

Picking up her phone, she shoved it in her pocket and ran out the front door toward the barn. Walking down the aisle, she saw Harley tucked in his stall and noticed the one next to him was empty.

Removing her phone from her pocket, she dialed Tom's number. After telling him what was going on, Tom said he'd be right over. Hanging up, she dialed Lee next, getting the same response.

Standing outside, her arms folded over each other, she stared out across the fields, watching for any sign of Jack. Hearing tires popping and grinding over gravel, she ran around the barn to see Tom's truck sliding to a stop. Jumping out, he ran toward her.

"Have you heard anything?"

Shaking her head, she could feel tears forming and nausea setting in.

Tom ran into the barn and pulled Annie from her stall, and began to quickly saddle her.

Lee's truck came flying down the driveway, quickly stopping next to Tom's truck. Jumping from the truck, Lee ran around it and into the barn, followed by Rosemary.

"I'm so sorry to bother you guys. I didn't know what to do."

"Beth, don't you dare apologize. We'll find him," Lee said as he pulled Duke from his stall.

Rosemary stood next to her; her arm draped across her shoulder. "He's fine, Liz. He's probably fixing a broken fence or something."

Nodding her head, she replied, "Probably." Stepping toward Harley's pen, she added, "I can't just stand here, I'm going to help."

Rosemary followed her, "Who can I ride?"

"That's not necessary."

"Liz, I'm going to help. We can cover more ground with all of us. Now, who can I ride?"

Elizabeth pointed toward a stall, "You can ride Ranger."

Will all four now saddled, the group headed out toward the pastures.

Turning his horse, Tom pointed south, "I'll head out this way. Lee, check the east pastures. You two, go to the west ones. Call if you find him."

Everyone nodded and began their search.

Twenty minutes later, with no calls from anyone, Elizabeth began to feel sick. "What if he's lying dead somewhere?"

"Liz! Don't you dare think that. Jack is fine and we're going to find him."

"But we..." Elizabeth pulled the horse to a stop, her eyes wide and her face filled with fear.

"What is it, Liz?"

Elizabeth pointed in front of them and Rosie looked to see Jack's horse standing in the field, grazing on grass, still saddled, but no Jack.

"Oh, my God," Rosie called out, pulling her phone from her pocket.

Elizabeth kicked Harley into a run and pulled him to a stop next to Jack's. Reaching down and picking up the reins, she looked at the horse, seeing no signs of injury, she began calling out Jack's name. Joined by Rosie, the two slowly rode across the pasture, continuously calling his name.

Tom and Lee soon joined them as the four spread out across the field, working their way across it, their eyes searching every inch.

"Over here!" They heard Tom shout and turned to see him running his horse toward a dark heap on the ground.

Elizabeth's heart stopped when she saw a body lying on the ground. She kicked Harley and ran to him. Jumping off before the horse stopped, she ran to Jack where Tom was already looking him over.

"Jack," Tom said, carefully beginning to roll him.

"Don't move him!" Rose shouted. "If he broke his neck or back, you could make it worse."

Standing and covering her mouth, Elizabeth stepped back, shaking her head. "No, no, no, no, no. This can't be happening." Crying now, she could barely see through the tears.

Lee pulled out his phone, dialing 911. Elizabeth listened to the phone call, not feeling that it was real. She felt as if she was outside her body, looking in, watching a movie on the big screen. Waiting for the actor to stand up and walk away at any moment.

Elizabeth was brought back to reality by Rosie's touch on her arm. "Liz, are you okay?"

She just shook her head, unable to speak.

"Should we call your mom?" Lee asked Tom who was still trying to check over Jack without moving him.

"I will," Tom said, standing and walking to Elizabeth. "Beth," he said, placing his hands on her shoulders, "Jack needs you right now, Sweetie. Please go to him."

Elizabeth, staring directly into Tom's eyes, nodded and wiped her face. Jack was on his stomach, his legs twisted to the side. She laid on the grass next to him, her face inches from him. Brushing his hair from his face, she noticed the bruising for the first time.

Jack's cheek was swollen and beginning to darken, covered in a blue and purple bruise. Elizabeth very gently laid her hand on his head, stroking her thumb across his cheek.

"Jack, Baby. Can you hear me? Please open your eyes, Babe. I need you. Come back to me."

A siren could be heard in the distance and Lee jumped on his horse and ran across the field to show them where they were. Returning a few minutes later, followed by an ambulance and Frank's truck, Lee jumped off the horse and knelt at Jack's side.

Just as the medics were unloading their gear, moans could be heard from Jack.

"Jack!" Elizabeth shouted, returning to his side, laying down again. Touching his face, she pleaded, "Jack, please stay with me. I need you."

Moaning again, Jack tried to roll over just as a medic arrived at his side. Charlotte and Frank stood back, helplessly watching as they helped her son.

"Stop, sir. Don't move until we can look you over."

Checking his neck, back and limbs, the two EMCs determined that nothing was broken and they rolled him to his back onto a backboard, placing a neck brace on him as a precaution.

Once he was loaded into the ambulance, Elizabeth climbed up with him and they closed the doors.

The group mounted their horses, leading Jack's and Elizabeth's, as they hurried back to the barn, watching the lights of the ambulance disappear down the road and into a darkening sky as the sun was setting now; Frank and Charlotte following behind it.