More steam folks...this is will probably continue for quite some time...but we love it, right?! As promised...I tried not to keep you guys waiting for very long with that cliffhanger. Enjoy!
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May 16th, 2010 – University Hospital, Carlisle, Missouri
The ambulance ride felt like an eternity to Elizabeth. She knew Jack had been badly hurt on more than one occasion while bull riding, but that was before she'd met him. Seeing her husband lying on the gurney, fighting the people that were trying to help him, was almost more than she could take.
Jack was confused, not understanding what was happening or what these people were doing to him. He constantly pushed them away and stopped any attempt they made to administer something to calm him down.
Finally, unable to watch this battle continue any longer, Elizabeth stood up and leaned over him.
"Jack!" She yelled, quickly capturing everyone's attention.
Jack immediately stopped moving and stared into her eyes. "Beth." The word was barely more than a breath, floating out of his mouth as if it was merely an involuntary movement to stay alive.
Taking advantage of the moment, the EMT inserted a needle into his arm and Jack, though now calm, remained that way for the remainder of the ride to the hospital.
Jack was moved to an exam room where doctors and nurses evaluated him, searching for broken bones, internal bleeding, and a head injury. Elizabeth stayed back, watching everyone move like the inner workings of a clock, each motion timed with another, a perfect choreographed dance to save the current patient.
She watched as his bed was wheeled down a long hallway, on his way to CT. With her arms wrapped around herself, her back against the wall, she slowly slid down until she was seated on the cold, sterilized floor. Unable to hold back the tears, her knees pulled up, her arms wrapped around them, her head tucked down, she let them flow.
By the time they finally let Charlotte go back to find her, Elizabeth thought for sure she was out of the salty drops that fell from her eyes, but as soon as she saw Charlotte's face, they began again as she scrambled to her feet to hug her mother-in-law.
Charlotte led her back to the waiting area where everyone encircled her, giving her what little comfort they were able to offer as they waited for news.
After another hour passed, a man in a white coat walked into the room.
"Jack Thornton's family?"
The whole group, consisting of Elizabeth, Charlotte, Frank, Tom, Sam, Lee and Rosie, jumped to their feet and moved closer to the doctor.
"I'm Elizabeth Thornton, Jack's wife."
"Mrs. Thornton," the doctor nodded his head to her, "I'm Dr. Jensen. Jack has been moved back to his room and is awake and doing well."
The entire group let out a large breath they had collectively been holding.
"We took him to CT to rule out a brain injury and Jack has suffered a grade 3 concussion. Since he was knocked unconscious, we'd like to keep him overnight for observation. We also took him to X-ray and we couldn't find any broken bones other than two cracked ribs. He will be very sore for a while. It appears that he might have been trampled, he has a lot of bruising over his body. He's very lucky."
Elizabeth sunk into the nearest seat with Charlotte at her side. Rosie moved and knelt in front of her, holding her hands on her knees. "He's okay, Liz," she said, forcing a smile and squeezing her hands. "He's okay."
"You'll be able to go back and see him in a few minutes."
"Thank you, Doctor," Charlotte replied.
Elizabeth pulled her phone from her pocket and handed it to Rosemary. "Can you please call my parents?"
"Of course," she replied, taking it from her hand and stepping away.
…..
Elizabeth held Jack's hand as she watched the numbers on the monitors fluctuate slightly. The bruising on his face had spread and darkened, causing a black eye now. A twinge of pain seemed to cross his face from time to time, always followed with a short quick breath.
Closing her eyes, she laid her head on Jack's arm, saying a silent prayer for a quick and complete recovery. From the stress and emotional toll from the day, Elizabeth was quickly asleep.
…..
Monitors alarmed as Jack's body began to convulse. Elizabeth jumped from her seat and backed away as doctors and nurses rushed him.
Seeing the heart monitor go flat, Jack's body stopped moving and laid limp in the bed as the doctor ripped his gown open and began to shock him.
After multiple shocks and just as many doses of epinephrine with no results, the doctor looked at the clock.
"Time of death, 11:59 p.m."
Screaming, Elizabeth shot up in her seat. Looking around the room, seeing she was the only one there besides Jack, she quickly realized that it had only been a dream and sat back in her seat.
"Beth?" A faint voice came from the bed.
Standing, she could see that Jack's eyes were open. Letting out a breath of relief, she felt a thousand-pound weight lift from her chest.
Carefully laying her hand on his cheek, she looked into his bloodshot eyes, "Hey, Cowboy."
"What..." Jack swallowed and tried again. "What happened?"
"You fell off your horse. The doctor thinks you were trampled."
A look of confusion filled Jack's face. He pinched his eyebrows together and closed his eyes, trying to remember the events from earlier.
"I was so worried about you."
Jack opened his eyes and looked at her. "Am I..." he cleared his throat. "Am I okay?"
"Yes. You have two cracked ribs and a concussion, but the doctor said you'll be alright." Elizabeth sat on the edge of the bed, being sure not to jar Jack. Taking his hand in hers, she laid it in her lap. "I was so scared, Jack."
Jack slowly lifted his hand to her cheek, wincing as he moved his arm. "I'm sorry...Baby."
"Do you remember anything about today?" Elizabeth asked, leaning forward and pushing the hair off his forehead.
Closing his eyes, he thought back to the last thing he remembered. "I remember going to church and Ma's. I remember going out to the barn and getting Tucker out."
"Yes, that's right. You were going out to check on the mares."
Shaking his head, Jack tried to remember past getting his horse out. "I don't remember doing that."
Jack coughed and grabbed his side, "Oh, God!" Pressing his head back into his pillow, Jack took short shallow breaths, trying to work through the pain.
Jumping off the bed, Elizabeth ran out to get the doctor.
"Hello, Jack." He said as he entered the room. "I'm Dr. Jensen. I understand that you're experiencing some pain."
Nodding and clutching his side, Jack replied, "Yes."
"We'll get you some more pain reliever to take the edge off."
After injecting a dose into Jack's IV, the doctor typed something into the computer.
"He doesn't remember the accident," Elizabeth told the doctor.
"That's normal. It could return, it might not ever. Every concussion is different. What matters now is that we keep an eye on him and make sure he doesn't have any problems moving forward."
"Yes, Sir. Thank you for everything."
Dr. Jensen laid his hand on Jack's leg, "You feeling a little better yet?"
Nodding, Jack answered, "Yes, thank you."
"Good. We'll try to get you out of here tomorrow as long as you continue to improve."
"Thank you. That would be great," Jack replied.
Once they were alone again, Elizabeth returned to the edge of the bed and sat down. "Your mom, Frank, Tom, Sam, Lee and Rosie are here. Would you like to see them? The guys and Rosie helped me find you."
"Find me?"
"Yes, you didn't come home so I got worried. I checked the barn and Tucker was still gone. I called Tom and Lee and they rushed over. We all saddled up the horses and rode out to find you."
"I'm so sorry, Beth." Jack rubbed his hand down her arm. "I don't know what could have happened. I'm usually so careful."
"No one knows. We found Tucker grazing in the field near the spot Tom found you."
Shaking his head, Jack took a hold of her hand, rubbing his thumb across it. "Beth, I can't say how sorry I am to have put you through this."
"Jack, no. It was an accident. You're okay now." Elizabeth laid her hand on Jack's chest, "You're okay."
"Please come here," he said, moving his hand to her chin and pulling her face to his. Softly kissing her, Jack pressed his forehead to hers. "I love you, Beth," he said. "Please take me home."
"You can't, Jack. They want to watch you overnight. Hopefully tomorrow you'll be able to go home."
"Why? What happened?"
Pulling back, Elizabeth looked into Jack's eyes. "Very funny, Jack."
"What are you talking about? Why am I here?"
"Jack, stop joking around."
"Beth, why can't you tell me what's going on?"
"You fell off your horse and got trampled. You have a concussion. Don't you remember any of this?"
"How would I remember? You've never told me before."
"Jack, yes I did," Elizabeth said in a firm tone. "This isn't funny."
Jack tried to sit up, but the pain surged through his side again. Gripping his ribs, he laid back into his pillow.
"Beth, what is going on? Why do you keep saying you already told me?"
Getting off the bed, Elizabeth hurried out into the hallway. "We need Dr. Jensen in here right away," she said to a nurse passing by.
A few minutes later, the doctor entered the room. "Hello, Jack. Everything alright?"
"Jack doesn't remember anything. He doesn't remember why he's here."
"Jack, do you know who I am?"
"How could I? I've never seen you before."
Sitting on the edge of the bed, the doctor crossed his arms and began, "Jack, you've had a TBI. That's a traumatic brain injury. It appears that it's caused some short-term memory loss. This is most likely temporary. You had an accident on your ranch and as far as I can tell, you were trampled. You have bruising across your back and two cracked ribs. We're keeping you overnight for observations, but if you aren't doing any better tomorrow, we'll keep you here longer. Do you have any questions for me?"
Jack just stared, shaking his head.
"Alright, if you think of any, don't hesitate to have a nurse page me." Getting up, he turned to Elizabeth who had been standing at the foot of the bed. "Elizabeth, can you come with me?"
Following the doctor to the hallway, he turned back to her. "Let's go talk to the whole family."
Elizabeth nodded.
Everyone stood when they saw the doctor and Elizabeth enter the room. Seeing her face, Charlotte ran to her.
"Has something happened?"
Dr. Jensen took the lead, "Jack seems to be suffering from short-term memory loss. Elizabeth had told him why he was here and what had happened, only for him to forget a short while later. I've explained everything to Jack again, so now we'll just have to wait and see if he can retain it."
"Is this permanent?" Tom asked, gripping Sam's hand.
"We will hope for the best and wait and see," Dr. Jensen answered. "You all will have to be patient with him. He may ask over and over what happened. To him, it will be the first time hearing it. I've seen this many times, and almost every time, they gradually begin to remember."
"And the times they didn't?" Tom questioned.
"We will cross that bridge when we get there. In the meantime, hope and pray for healing and we'll keep Jack as comfortable and as calm as we can."
"Can we please see him?" Charlotte asked.
"Yes, but only three at a time, please."
Charlotte, Tom and Elizabeth followed the doctor back to Jack's room. Stepping inside, they found that he'd fallen asleep.
Gently tapping his leg, Dr. Jensen began to speak to him. "Jack. Jack, can you wake up please?"
Jack opened his eyes and looked around the room.
"Hi, Jack. Do you remember who I am?"
Staring and squinting at the doctor, Jack shook his head.
Unable to contain her emotions, Elizabeth ran out of the room and into the hall. Tom followed her out, softly grabbing her arm, he turned her to face him, pulling her into him.
The tears began to flow as Elizabeth was unable to stop them.
Holding her shoulders, Tom held her back, forcing her to look at him. "Beth, I know this is difficult. Hell, I can't stand seeing Jack like this. But we need to be strong for him. You need to be there for him each time he wakes up."
Elizabeth listened and nodded.
"We are all here for both of you. You know that, right?"
She nodded again.
"Okay, let's get back in there and be there for Jack. If we have to tell him fifty times what happened today, then we'll tell him fifty times. But I trust God and believe that he will heal Jack completely."
"Yes." Elizabeth finally said. "We need Frank in here."
"I agree. I'll see if they'll let a clergy in here with the three of us so we can get him in here, too."
With that, Elizabeth returned to Jack's side and Tom spoke with the doctor, getting permission for Frank to join them.
The four of them sat vigil at Jack's bedside, praying over him; explaining to him what had happened each time his mind seemed to be wiped clean. As the night drew on, the time between Jack's faded memories would get longer and longer. Eventually, before the sun made its appearance, Jack had begun to retain the new information, remembering everything they had told him.
…..
May 17th, 2010
By noon the next day, Jack had improved drastically and some memories of the day before were even beginning to return. Finally being released that afternoon to go home, Tom, Charlotte and Elizabeth walked out of the hospital with Jack in a wheelchair by their sides. After helping him into Elizabeth's SUV, Tom and Charlotte got in the back while Elizabeth drove.
As she pulled her car to a stop in front of their home, she put it in park and stared at the house.
"Are you alright, Beth?" Jack asked, laying his hand on her leg.
Turning her head toward him and forcing a smile, she nodded. "I'm fine. Just so happy to have you home."
Tom helped Jack to the house, still sore and stiff from the day before. Rosemary, Sam and Frank were waiting inside and the smell of apple pie filled the home.
"Smells delicious in here," Jack said as he lowered himself onto the couch, wincing as his back came in contact with the cushions.
The family remained by Jack's side, each silently thanking God for bringing him home. They kept casual conversations going as they ate pie, and later that evening, they all sat around the dining table and shared a meal together.
Jack and Elizabeth stood at the door, telling everyone goodbye, and closed the door after the last vehicle pulled away.
"I'm going to go take a shower," Jack said, kissing her cheek then slowly walked up the steps, each step sending small surges of pain through his body.
After Elizabeth finished cleaning up the kitchen, she went upstairs to check on Jack. Hearing the water still running, she quietly stepped into the bathroom.
Jack was in the shower, his hands on the opposite wall holding himself up, the hot steamy water running down his back. As Elizabeth got closer to the glass doors, the extent of Jack's injuries came into view and Elizabeth gasped, covering her mouth to silence it.
Jack's back was covered with dark purple bruises, his side near his cracked ribs had obvious hoof prints and bruising so dark it appeared black. The marks continued down across his butt and legs, not as bad as his back, but still awful.
Tears filled her eyes, and between those and the steam from the water, she couldn't clearly see her husband. Removing her clothes, she slowly opened the door and stepped into the shower. Walking across the tiled floor, she carefully wrapped her arms around his waist and kissed his back.
Keeping one hand on the wall, Jack lowered his other to cover Elizabeth's hand that pressed against his stomach. Turning his head to look at her over his shoulder, he whispered, "I love you, Beth."
Elizabeth moved around him, slipping in between him and the wall, wanting, needing, his arms around her, his skin against hers. With her tears mixing with the falling water, she pressed her cheek against his chest, listening to his heart beat, the proof of life she needed.
Jack straightened and removed his hand from the wall, wrapping both arms around his wife, holding her as she cried. Jack, too, needed to feel her against him, her skin on his. The couple stood under the hot water, allowing it to wash away the past 24 hours, wishing it would wash away the pain as well.
Neither wanting to take things further, both needing to feel the other against them: heartbeat to heartbeat, skin to skin, breath to breath, life to life, they remained in each other's arms, their warmth and tears mixing as one.
…..
Jack crawled onto the bed, lying on his side to relieve the pain from his back. Elizabeth moved in beside him and Jack wrapped an arm around her, pulling her against him as tight as he could. Reaching back and grabbing the covers, she pulled the blanket over them, giving them a sense of safety as they felt the warmth each other's skin against their own.
Elizabeth laid awake, listening to Jack's breathing. After hearing it slow, knowing he'd drifted off, she allowed herself to join him in slumber as both slipped into a dreamless night long sleep.
…..
May 24th, 2010 – Hope Meadows Ranch
With school almost out for the summer and only fun and games planned for their final week, Elizabeth took the remainder of the days off to stay home with Jack. Going to school only on the final day to tell her students goodbye for the summer and tell her seniors goodbye for good, she cleaned out her room and quickly returned home.
Elizabeth took charge around the ranch until Jack was up to doing it himself; she did all the chores and turned out the horses as needed. Tom took over checking on the mares until the final two foals were born.
After the first week, Jack's memory finally fully returned. One evening while everyone was over for dinner, Jack shared the events from that day.
…..
May 16th, 2010 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Jack pulled Tucker from his stall and saddled him. Tucker was still a bit green, but had caught onto Jack's cues quickly and he felt comfortable with taking him out to check the mares.
After checking the first two pastures, seeing that the mares and their new foals were fine, Jack took Tucker around the perimeter of the ranch to get more ride time on him. Taking him through water and over fallen logs, Jack was teaching Tucker to trust him and to do what he asked.
With the horse doing great and doing everything Jack had requested, he continued to the third and final pasture to check on the last herd.
Walking alongside the mares, Jack thought he saw something on one of their legs. As he removed his foot from the stirrup and prepared to swing his leg over, howls from a pack of coyotes triggered the horses and Tucker jumped out from under Jack, sending him to the hard ground head first. Grabbing his head, Jack looked up and saw the herd of mares running in fear in his direction, with the instinctive need to protect their foals, trampling over him.
….
May 24th, 2010 – Hope Meadows Ranch
"Jack, you are so lucky that you didn't get injured worse," Frank said as everyone sat in shocked silence.
"Believe me, Frank. I know. Someone was definitely looking over me."
Reaching over to cover her son's hand with hers, Charlotte stated, "God covered you with His protection once again." Squeezing his hand she added, "But you really don't need to continuously test His love."
The group laughed as they finally took a breath and relaxed, able to enjoy the rest of their evening.
….
May 30th, 2010 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Elizabeth stood in the bathroom, her hands clutching the edge of the sink, pinching her eyes shut tightly to attempt to hold the tears at bay.
"Hey, Beth," Jack called out, walking through the bedroom. Stepping into the bathroom, he saw Elizabeth straighten and wipe her face. Stopping and watching her as she turned to face him, his heart sank a little. "Again?" He asked.
Elizabeth nodded and wiped the single tear that remained.
Jack walked to her and wrapped his arms around her, "We will, Baby. I just know it."
Pulling back, her face was beginning to fill with anger. "How can you keep saying that? How do you know? What if I can't have kids?"
"Beth, I can't explain it. I just feel that we will be parents. We just need to be patient. It hasn't been that long yet."
Throwing her arms up, breaking his hold on her, she stepped around him and walked out of the room.
"Beth, please, talk to me."
Spinning to face him, she drew in a deep breath. "You keep saying that we will, we will, we will. But you don't know that. You're making promises that you can't possibly keep."
"Now, Beth. That is not what I'm doing. I'm just telling you..."
"You're telling me that you have a feeling. Well, I have a feeling, too. I have a feeling that I'll never get pregnant. That I was never meant to be a mother. Meanwhile, Rosemary wasn't even trying and she's pregnant. How is this fair!"
"Beth!" Jack shouted, shocking himself at the sound of her name coming from him in that manner. Seeing her face, Elizabeth was feeling the same way. Lowering his voice, he continued, "There is no need to drag Rosie into this. She and Lee deserve this just as much as we do."
Letting out a breath and feeling defeated, Elizabeth dropped to the floor and began to cry. Jack rushed to her side and knelt down beside her. Cautiously moving his arms around her, he pulled her against him and held her, allowing her to cry it out for as long as she needed.
…..
June 3rd, 2010 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Three weeks after the accident, Jack was getting cabin fever and couldn't stand feeling useless any longer. Waking before Elizabeth, he dressed and went to the barn to do the chores himself. Stopping at Harley's stall to pet him, Jack began one of his conversations that he'd had with his horse many times.
"Good morning, Boy. I've missed you." Jack scratched Harley's forehead as the horse pushed against his hand. "Missed me, too, haven't you?" Jack opened the stall door and stepped inside, carrying a small stool. Setting it the corner, Jack took a seat. Harley moved next to him, pushing him gently with his nose. "Yes, that was very scary," Jack said, placing his hands on either side of the horse's soft nose. "I'm better now. It won't be long before we get to go out and feel the fresh air in our faces."
Elizabeth walked into the barn, looking for Jack. Hearing his voice, she stopped at Harley's stall and could see the top of Jack's head just inside the pen.
"I can't believe I allowed that to happen. I'm always so careful," Jack continued. Harley pushed against Jack's face, nuzzling him on the cheek. Laughing, Jack scratched Harley under his jaw. "Yeah, I need to get you out soon. Maybe we can get Wrangler ready and take both of you boys out for a long ride. How would you like to go camping and hit some trails?"
As if he knew exactly what Jack was saying, Harley began bobbing his head up and down.
"Yeah? You like trail riding don't ya?"
Feeling as if she was eavesdropping on a private conversation, Elizabeth quietly stepped back to leave Jack alone. As she turned to leave, her foot hit a bucket, sliding it across the concrete.
Standing up, Jack peered out of Harley's stall to catch his wife turning back to him, her cheeks as red as the shirt she was wearing.
"Hi, Babe," Jack said, grinning.
"Hi. Sorry, I didn't mean to eavesdrop. I was just looking for you."
Picking up the stool, Jack stepped out of the stall and closed the door. "It's fine, Beth. I'm just glad we weren't having our typical conversation about you."
"Very funny."
After setting the stool down, Jack walked to her, wrapping his arms around her waist. Kissing her neck, sending a chill through her body and a moan from her mouth, Jack smiled, "Remember the last time we were in here together?"
"Yes, I do. Quite vividly."
"How about a romp in the hay again?" Jack pressed his lips along her neck again, causing her to tip her head back.
Bringing her head forward, she pushed Jack away slightly. "We can't. Your ribs."
"Beth, I haven't been with my wife in three weeks. I'll be fine." Closing the space between them, Jack wrapped his arms around her again, returning his lips to her neck.
In the middle of a moan, she stepped back again, "Really, Jack. I don't want you getting hurt."
"They only thing hurting is...well...you know," he said, grinning and pointing toward his crotch. "I need you, Beth. I need to feel you."
Seeing the desire for her in his eyes, Beth moved quickly to him, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him more fervently than she ever had, as his desire was matched by hers. Her heart ached to be with her husband again, pulling and tugging at his clothes, unable to get them off fast enough. Finally removing their own clothes, Jack grabbed her, lifting her legs to his sides, pushing her against the closest barn wall. He pushed into her, thrusting in her hard and deep, his passion for his wife taking control of him as he moved inside her. Each push created moans from both of them as Jack's motions were fast and wild. He watched her face as he slid in and out of her, her expression bringing him to the edge even faster.
It didn't take either of them long to reach their explosive climax. Jack pressed against her as he tried to catch his breath, still pinning her against the wall, equally out of air, their sweat mixing. Keeping hold of her legs, Jack finally straightened and carefully lowered her to the floor.
Moving his hands to her face, Jack pushed her hair back, cupped her cheeks and kissed her. "You have no idea how badly I needed that."
Grinning, she replied, "Oh, I think I just might." Running her hands down his arms, she looked into his eyes, "Are you okay?"
"Perfect, Beth. Absolutely perfect."
…..
June 4th, 2010 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Elizabeth led Wrangler out to the arena and removed his lead, watching him stretch his legs as he ran and bucked across the dirt. Leaning against the fence, she looked on as he laid in the dirt and began to roll.
After standing and shaking the dirt from his body, Wrangler returned to Elizabeth, nuzzling her with his nose. She wrapped her arms around him and pressed her face into his neck, taking in a deep breath of the scent she had grown to love.
"There's nothing like the smell of a horse, is there?" Jack asked, resting his arms on the top of the railing.
"No, there is not," she replied, taking another deep breath.
"Ready?"
Elizabeth smiled and nodded.
Jack swung the saddle up, resting it on top the railing, and hung the headstall over the saddle horn. Joining her in the arena, Jack slid his hand behind her and pulled her in for a kiss.
"Don't be nervous, I'll be right by your side."
"I'm not," she replied confidently.
"Well, alright then. Let's get started."
Wrangler had finally learned to trust Jack, making it much easier to train him. Snapping a long lunge line onto the horse's halter, Jack led him to the center of the large pen and began to work him in a circle. Once he got the horse's full attention, he led him back to the fence.
Moving the saddle pad along the horse's neck and down his side, Jack brushed along his body, letting the horse know that it won't hurt him. Seeing that Wrangler had no reaction to this, he slowly laid it across his back.
Picking up the old saddle next, Jack repeated his actions. Letting Wrangler smell it, then brushing the saddle along his neck and down his side, Jack slowly lifted it and lowered it onto his back.
"Hmmm," Jack said, watching the horse's lack of reaction to this new element he'd just introduced to him.
"What is it?" Elizabeth asked.
"I don't know yet. I'll tell you in a bit after these next few steps."
Reaching under the horse, Jack carefully eased the girth strap under him and strapped the saddle in place. Leading the horse to the center of the arena, Jack sent him into a circle, walking at first, then trot, then a lope. Stopping him, Jack approached the horse.
"I do believe that this horse has been saddled before."
"What? Really?"
"Yes, he didn't react to the saddle at all. He's definitely had one on before." Jack led the horse to Elizabeth, "We'll have to finish this later. I can't get on him right now with my ribs, just in case he bucks."
"How about me?"
"What? Absolutely not!"
"Why not. You said yourself that he's been ridden before."
"No, I said he's been saddled before. I have no idea if he's had someone on his back."
"Let's find out."
"Beth, you are not getting on this horse until I know it's safe."
"But it's safe for you to get on him."
"Seriously? I know how to stay on a bucking animal. Do you?"
Knowing he had her cornered, Elizabeth had to change her tactic. "This horse trusts me, right?"
"You know he does."
"And I can tell that you think he's been ridden before."
"It's a possibility but I won't know for sure until I get on him."
"Jack, just let me try. You'll be right by my side if he acts up."
Letting out a breath through his nose, Jack stared at his wife, seeing the determination in her eyes.
"Fine," he responded, defeated.
"Yeah!" She exclaimed and clapped.
The three walked out to the middle of the arena and Jack went over some important steps and cues.
"Put your foot in the stirrup and lift up like you're going to get on him, but don't swing your leg over yet. Just stand in the stirrup and lean onto his back. I want to see what he'll do before you get completely on."
Nodding, Elizabeth did as Jack said. Leaning over his back, Jack and Elizabeth watched Wrangler's reaction, who simply bent his neck and looked back at them as if he was asking, "Are you going to get on, or what?"
Letting out a small laugh at the horse's reaction, Jack loosened his grip he'd had on Elizabeth's leg, preparing to pull her off if necessary.
"Go ahead and swing your leg over and gently lower your bottom into the saddle."
Elizabeth did as she was told while Wrangler stood patiently and waited.
"Okay, Beth. You can breathe now."
Letting out the breath she didn't know she was holding, Elizabeth relaxed.
"A horse can feel your reactions. If you're anxious, he'll be anxious. If you're calm, he'll be calm."
Nodding in understanding, Elizabeth took a few more deep breaths to slow her heartbeat.
"Now, just to be sure, I'm going to lead him around the arena." Jack waited and watched his wife, looking for any hesitancy to this. "Are you ready?"
"Yes," she answered, nodding again.
Elizabeth gripped onto the saddle horn as Jack led Wrangler around the pen. Seeing that the horse was relaxed and the fact that she was now on his back didn't seem to bother him, she allowed herself to enjoy this moment and a smile covered her face.
Looking up and seeing her face, Jack smiled with her, his heart overflowing with love for this woman who'd completely entered his world.
After a couple of times around the arena, Jack stopped next to his gear and picked up the headstall.
"Why don't you get off while I do this. We don't want to press our luck today."
Elizabeth slipped off the horse and stood to the side, watching as Jack moved the halter off Wrangler's head, keeping it latched around his neck, then proceeded to put the bridle on him.
"Well, that was easy," Jack commented, after buckling the chin strap under Wrangler's neck. "Okay, hop back up."
This time, Jack stayed back and watched as Elizabeth mounted her horse. With no adverse reaction in the horse's eyes, Jack handed the reins to Elizabeth.
Seeing her eyes widen slightly, Jack laid his hand on her knee. "You know that I can read a horse, right?"
Smiling, she nodded.
"Okay, I would not be allowing you to do this if I didn't think you'd be safe. Okay?"
"Yes."
"Just walk him slowly around the arena a few times. Be sure to turn him into different directions, and stop him occasionally and back him up. Light pressure with your feet and easy on his mouth. Remember, a horse can feel a fly land on his back, so be easy with your pressure. Everything you are feeling, thinking, emitting, he can feel it and will respond to it."
Nodding, Elizabeth lifted the reins and gently squeezed her boots into the horse's side.
Wrangler walked slow and easy, as if he'd been ridden for years. Watching the pair, Jack could have sworn that Wrangler was taking care of Elizabeth, anticipating what she would ask him next, patiently waiting for her to get her cue correct. It was as if the roles had turned and Wrangler had become the teacher.
Shaking his head in utter amazement, Jack leaned back against the railing and watched as his wife and her horse became the perfect team.
"You can try to go a little faster if you'd like," Jack called out across the arena several minutes into their ride. With Wyatt now at his side, his head laying on Jack's leg, Jack scratched him behind his ears.
Squeezing her feet again, Wrangler transitioned perfectly into a slow trot. After a couple trips around the arena and feeling comfortable on her horse, Elizabeth gave Wrangler the cue to move into a lope.
Seeing this, Jack straightened, waiting for the horse to buck or kick out. But when he watched Wrangler immediately move into a lope, he relaxed and continued to watch in amazement.
….
Jack slipped his hand into Elizabeth's as they walked back to the house after putting the horse away for the day.
"You did a wonderful job with Wrangler, Beth," Jack said, watching Wyatt running circles around them.
Laying her head against Jack's arm while they walked, she replied, "He's a great horse."
"Yes, that he is," Jack replied. "I'm proud at how well you've done with him."
Lifting her head, she looked at Jack, a smile covering her face.
"What?" He asked.
"You have a new horse trainer on the payroll," she teased.
Laughing, he let go of her hand and draped his arm across her shoulder, "I guess I do."
