Remember...newlyweds...STEAM ALERT ;)
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June 7th, 1990 – Thornton Ranch
Ten-year-old Jack burst into the kitchen after returning to the house from doing his early morning chores with his dad.
"I'm ten today!" He shouted as he ran through the room in a flash.
Spinning around, Charlotte caught the back of Jack as he vanished through the doorway. Shaking her head and laughing, she returned her attention to the special cake she was making for him.
Thomas strolled into the kitchen and stood behind Charlotte. With his hands on her hips, he peered over her shoulder and watched as she worked on the cake.
"He's going to love that," Thomas said, then kissed her cheek.
"I hope so," she said as she turned her head to kiss him. "He seems excited."
Stepping back and leaning against the island, Thomas crossed his arms and continued to watch his wife. "Oh, he is. He was talking a mile a minute during chores about everything he hoped he'd get for his birthday and everything he wants to do."
"And what would that be?" She asked, moving her frosting bags and tips into the sink. She turned to face Thomas, leaning against the counter opposite him, her hands on the edge of the Formica.
"You know, the usual. His own big horse, his own big saddle, and of course he wants to go see the rodeo."
Closing the space between them, Charlotte moved her arms around Thomas' waist, "Well, then he'll be very happy with his gifts this year, won't he?"
Just as she was leaning in to kiss Thomas, Jack and Tom came running through the kitchen, pushing in between their parents.
"When do we get to open my presents?" Jack asked loudly, wrapping his arms around his mother.
"It's early, Jack. You have to wait until everyone comes for your party this afternoon."
"Awww, really?" Stepping back and leaning his back against his dad, Jack added, "well, that stinks."
Thomas put his arms around Jack, clasping his hands across Jack's chest. "Mom, can't we let him have one gift?" He asked, batting his eyes at his wife.
Tom was leaning against his mother now, his arms around her waist. "Yeah, let him open one now," he joined in, excitedly.
"Well, I can see that I am terribly outnumbered...again." Throwing her arms up in defeat, she answered, "Okay. Jack, you can have one gift now." Lifting her hand to point at Thomas, she added, "But only one."
"Okay, okay. Only one," he replied, winking at the boys before turning to lead them outside.
"Thomas Thornton..."
"Only one!" he called out as he walked out the door.
Shaking her head, Charlotte followed her guys out the door and stood on the porch with the boys.
"Now, Jack. You wait here with your ma."
Nodding and smiling, Jack stood with his mother, watching as his dad vanished around the corner of the house.
A few minutes later, Thomas called out from behind the house, "Close your eyes!"
Charlotte turned Jack to face her as he closed his eyes.
"He's ready!" Tom yelled to his dad.
Jack could hear his father's footsteps, along with something or someone else's, moving distinctly across the lawn.
"Okay, Son, open your eyes."
Jack spun around and stood, staring, wide eyed. In front of him stood the most beautiful buckskin gelding he had ever seen.
"Look, Jack. A horse!" Tom yelled, tugging on Jack's shirt.
"Is that mine?"
"Yes," Thomas answered. "He's only one and you'll be responsible for training him."
Jack ran out to the young horse and began petting his neck. "But I don't know how to train a horse."
"I will teach you everything I know," Thomas answered. "We'll train him together."
"What's his name?"
"Whatever you want it to be."
Tapping his chin with his forefinger, Jack thought for a moment. "I got it. Buck."
Laughing, Thomas laid his hand on Jack's shoulder. "Are you sure you want to name him that?"
"Yes, he's a buckskin, so I want to name him Buck."
Laughing and looking toward Charlotte, Thomas agreed, "Yes, that is a perfect name, Son."
…..
June 7th, 2010 - Hope Meadows Ranch
Jack walked up to the stall at the end of the aisle and the horse poked his head out when he heard the footsteps.
"Hey there, Buck," Jack said, scratching the horse's forehead. "How ya doing, buddy?" Jack opened the door and stepped into the stall, running his hand down the horse's neck. "How about we go out for a quick ride today?"
Slipping the halter over the horse's head, Jack led him to the tack room.
The duo walked across the south pasture that overlooked his land and his mother's. Stopping at the top of the hill, Jack looked across the acres that his dad had collected over the years, his heart aching at the absence that still hit him from time to time. Patting Buck's neck, the two proceeded across the field and into a grouping of trees.
After a slow, peaceful hour-long ride, Jack returned Buck to the barn where he untacked him and began to brush him out.
"Hey there, Cowboy," Elizabeth said, walking up behind him and wrapping her arms around his waist, she rested the palms of her hands against his chest and kissed the back of his neck.
"Hey, Beth." Jack lifted his arms and turned around in hers. Holding her in an embrace, he kissed her, a very wanting need evident in his lips.
Pulling back and looking into his eyes, seeing a bit of sadness, she asked, "Are you alright?"
Turning to his horse, he began brushing Buck again. "Yes, just missing Dad today."
Elizabeth laid her hand on his back, rubbing it as she stood in silence, allowing Jack an attempt to brush his sadness away. After putting Buck back in his stall, Jack took a seat on center of a hay bale, one leg on either side. Picking up a towel from a nearby bucket, he began cleaning the leather headstall and metal bit.
Walking over to Jack, Elizabeth took the items from his hands and set them aside. Straddling the bale and Jack, she sat down with her legs draped over his.
"Talk to me," she simply stated.
Laying his hands on her hips, he looked into her loving eyes and grinned. "I just have days now and then a certain memory will...well...punch me in the gut to put it mildly. It's just been one of those mornings."
"I'm sorry, Jack," she said, laying her hand on his cheek. "I wish I could take your heartache away."
Jack wrapped his arms around her small waist and pulled her to him, further onto his lap and against his chest. "No need, Beth." Smiling, he gently and lovingly kissed her.
"Happy birthday, Cowboy," she said, pulling away slightly.
Jack reached behind her, grabbing her butt, pulling her even closer. Covering her lips with his, her lips parted, and their tongues began their familiar dance. Jack moved his hands up to her back, pressing, not allowing any space between them.
Pulling back, Elizabeth reached up and ran her fingers through his hair. "As much as I'd like to continue this, we really need to be going."
"Where are we going?"
"Someplace," she answered, grinning. "It's not far."
Drawing in a deep breath, Jack blew it out through his lips. "Fine."
The couple, followed by Wyatt, walked to the house, and as always, hand in hand.
As Jack closed the door, Elizabeth took his hand, "Let's go get cleaned up. Join me?" She asked, with a smirk.
"Now, that's what I'm talking about." Scooping her up in one swift motion, Jack carried her up the stairs as quickly as he could. Pulling each other's clothes off as they walked through the bedroom, they left a trail from the doorway to the shower.
Jack kissed Elizabeth's neck as they waited for the water to warm up, leaving a moist trail across the top of her shoulder. Backing under the showerhead, Elizabeth tipped her head to allow the water to soak her hair.
Jack placed his hands on her waist and backed her against the cool wall. Moving his hand to her cheek, he brushed his thumb across her bottom lip, pulling it down slightly, then quickly took her mouth with his.
Elizabeth, feeling the energy surge through her, lifted one leg and wrapped it over his hip. Pulling his head back from her, Jack looked into her eyes, grabbed her other leg, lifted it and slid into her. Watching her face as he slowly rocked his hips, Jack enjoyed the reaction he generated and continued in a slow, steady motion.
Moving one hand to the wall for support, Jack slightly quickened his thrusts, keeping his eyes fixed on her face.
Not wanting it to end yet, Jack lowered Elizabeth, reached back and turned the water off, then took her hand. Leading her to their bed, leaving a trail of water along the way. He spun her around, lifted and laid her onto the mattress. Moving over Elizabeth, he laid beside her.
"Lay on your side," he said softly, his warm breath floating across her ear and sending chills down her body. Pushing her hip to turn her back toward him, he pulled her body to his, her back against his chest. Moving her leg to lay on top of his, he entered her, pushing hard as she arched her back and moaned.
He reached up and covered her breast with his hand, holding it as he continued to thrust over and over.
Elizabeth reached her right hand back, clutching Jack's hip, pulling him in deeper. Her left hand gripped the pillow by her head as the intense pleasure made it impossible for her to even think straight.
Feeling things getting very close, Jack slowed down, lengthening their time together as one body. Moving her leg off his, he released her breast and ran his hand down her outer thigh, keeping a constant rhythm. Bringing his hand back up along the soft skin of her hip, he followed her curves across her waist, ribs and back to her breast, clutching it and thrusting in her hard as the two climaxed together.
Jack wrapped his muscular arms around Elizabeth and held her against him, their bodies still damp from the shower. Reaching up, he pulled her hair off her neck and pressed his lips against her damp skin, giving her several small, sweet kisses. Moving his mouth to her ear, he whispered, "I love you."
Elizabeth turned over in his arms and met his lips with hers. "I love you, too, Jack." Brushing her nose against his, she added, "Happy birthday."
A huge smile crossed his face and he replied, "Best...birthday...ever." Kissing her on the nose, he rolled to his back, keeping an arm around her.
Elizabeth scooted up and rested her arms on Jack's chest. "So, what is your wish for your birthday?"
"Baby...I just got it," he replied, running his hand under her chin.
Giggling, Elizabeth continued, "Well, there is a bit more going on today."
Moving his hands behind his head, he asked, "And what would that be?"
"I can't tell you," she grinned. "It's a surprise."
"Oh, I bet I can get it out of you." Jack pulled his hands from behind his head and slowly moved them toward her sides, wiggling his fingers.
"Jack, don't you dare," she screamed, rolling off the bed and running into the bathroom with Jack on her heels.
…..
After finishing the shower they'd started earlier, Elizabeth stood in the large closet, putting on her new dress; a black floor length maxi with white flowers covering it and a slit up to her thigh, paired with her black boots. As Jack walked past the door, he stopped, took two steps back, and peered in.
"Is that new?" He asked, unable to take his eyes off his wife.
"Yes, Rosie and I went shopping yesterday."
Stepping in, Jack took her hands and held them out away from her, eyeing her body up and down. "You look amazing," he said, stepping closer and tugging at the small knot that was tied at the bottom of the V-neck between her breasts.
"Jack, not now," she said, laying her hands on his. "We...ummmm...there's something we need to get to."
"Fine. But when this...whatever it is...is over, this," Jack motioned to her dress, "will be coming off." Winking, he walked back out into the bedroom.
Grabbing a box from a shelf in the closet, she followed him into the room. "Here's gift number two," she said, tossing the box onto the bed."
"Number two? What was number one?"
Tipping her head sideways, putting her hand on her hip, lifting her eyebrows, she commented, "Really?"
"Oh, yes. Gift number one. Best...gift...ever," he said as he rushed her, gripping her waist and kissing her.
Reminding him of the box, she said again, "gift number two."
Lifting the lid to the white box, Jack pulled out a black button up dress shirt with white stitching on all the seams and pockets.
"This is great, Beth," he said as he swung it around him and put it on. "Thank you."
Elizabeth stepped to him and began to button the shirt as Jack stood, looking down at her. Her simple motions of dressing him was beginning to arouse him as he shifted the front of his faded-wash jeans.
Giggling, Elizabeth looked up into his eyes. "I'm just buttoning your shirt, Jack. Horndog," she teased, dropping her gaze back to his shirt.
"Only with my wife," he responded, wrapping his arms around and dipping her back.
He took her mouth with his, kissing her with an animalistic desire. Bringing her back upright, he kissed her forehead and began to walk away, finishing the final three buttons that she hadn't gotten to.
She grabbed his arm, pulling him back to her, cupped his face with her hands, and returned the kiss.
"Now who's the horndog?" Jack asked, laughing.
…..
After he pulled his black boots on, Elizabeth led Jack down the steps to the main floor of their house. With his hand in hers, she pulled him toward the kitchen, steering him away from the front windows.
"I thought we were going somewhere," Jack said.
"We are. But I did say it wasn't far," she said with a sly grin.
Leading him to the basement stairs, she turned to face him. "I hope you like these next parts to your birthday."
With a look of intrigue on his face, he stepped forward and pressed his forehead against hers. "Anything that came from your heart, Babe, I will love."
Elizabeth reached her hands up to his face and moved her lips to his. "In that case, let's get this party started." Taking his hand, she led him down the steps into their large family room.
Complete with a wet bar, fireplace, leather couch, two leather recliners, 65" TV, and two completely furnished bedrooms, Elizabeth had always felt that the huge open space had been missing something.
Sitting in the middle of the floor was a brand-new pool table.
"Beth, what did you do?" Jack asked, wide-eyed but filled with excitement.
"You like it?"
Walking up to the table, Jack ran his hand along the green felt. "This is great. I've been contemplating getting one. Just hadn't gotten around to it."
"Well, now you don't have to." Elizabeth stood back and watched Jack as he carefully inspected his gift.
"How did you manage this? And without me knowing?"
"I had a little help," she answered, smiling. Yesterday when Lee called you to come help him with his horse?"
Nodding, Jack answered, "Yeah."
"Tom and the delivery truck came while you were gone and we got it moved in here."
Walking back to her, Jack encircled her waist with his arms, pulling her to him, capturing her lips with his. "This is wonderful, Beth. Thank you so much."
"You're welcome, Cowboy."
"I love it when you call me that," Jack said in a low, soft voice, brushing her hair off her neck and pressing his lips to her soft skin.
Tipping her head to the side, inviting him in more, Elizabeth stopped herself and Jack.
"What's wrong?" Jack asked.
"Well...ummm...," she started, regaining her composure, "Come with me." She held out her hand and Jack placed his in hers, interlocking their fingers. Elizabeth led him out the French doors and out onto the patio of the studio, where all of their family and friends had been waiting.
Cheers and screams of "Happy birthday" filled the air as everyone closed in on the couple as they stepped onto the red bricks. Wyatt ran in circles, excited by all of the energy that flowed through the backyard. Finding Tuff and Bandit, the three dogs started a game of chase across the expansive yard.
Grinning ear to ear, Jack said his hellos and handed out warm embraces to everyone that had shown up to celebrate him; including Lee, Rosie, Jason, Alicia, Lance, and a few guys from branding day and rodeos.
Strings of lights hung around the area; a fire burned in firepit at the end of the patio. Benches lined the bricks with large pots filled with green ferns sat on either side. Other chairs had been added for ample seating for everyone.
Returning to Elizabeth, Jack pulled her into a long kiss and embrace, then whispered in her ear, "Thank you."
"You're welcome, Jack," she replied, kissing his cheek.
"How did you do all of this?"
"I had a lot of help," she answered, motioning her hand toward his family.
…..
Looking at her phone, Elizabeth moved to Jack's side. "I have one more gift for you," she said, putting her arm through his, pulling him from the crowd of people that were lost in conversation.
"Beth, you've already done way too much."
"Jack, just come with me, please." She guided him back into the walk-out basement where Dustin and his dad were waiting.
"Dustin!" Jack exclaimed, briskly walking to his friend, encircling him in an embrace. Pulling back and holding onto Dustin's shoulders, looking him up and down, Jack asked, "How are you doing, man?"
Smiling and nodding, Dustin replied, "I'm doing alright. Things are good."
"You look great, Dustin. You look really great." Stepping toward his dad, Jack held his hand out, "Good to see you, too, Adam."
Shaking Jack's hand, Adam replied, "You, too, Jack. Dustin was very happy to get the phone call from your wife about coming here. He's been doing physical therapy so much for so long, he hasn't gotten out to do anything else. He's really missed seeing all of you."
Turning back to Dustin, Jack added, "We've really missed you. Hey, have you seen Lee yet?"
"No," Dustin replied, shaking his head.
"Let's go see everyone," Jack said. "Are you okay with that?"
"Yes, very much so." Dustin answered, his smile lighting up his face.
Jack opened the door and held it for everyone to step outside, then followed closely behind. "Hey, everyone. Look who's here."
…..
As the sun hung low in the sky and the light of the fire and added lights began to light up the area in a warm glow, Tom appeared with his guitar as well as Jack's. Lance reached behind him and picked up his guitar and a few others could be seen opening various cases, including a fiddle, a mandolin and a bass guitar.
After everyone got their instruments tuned, they began to play a variety of songs, including some by George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Garth Brooks, Hank Williams, Jr., and Tracy Lawrence.
Dustin was getting tired and Adam said they needed to get going. Jack motioned to his mom and Tom and with Elizabeth and Sam at their sides, they walked Dustin and his father to their car.
"We were going to come see you to give you this, but since you're here, we'd like to give it to you now." Jack said as he handed Adam an envelope.
"What's this?"
"We started a foundation under my dad's name; the Thomas Thornton Foundation. It's been set up to help people with rodeo injuries, people like you. Ones that need help with medical bills or...other expenses. We just started it and wanted you to be the first recipient."
Adam opened the envelope to find a check, large enough to cover all of their unpaid medical bills. Stepping to Jack, he pulled him into an embrace, then moved to Tom and Charlotte, then Elizabeth and Sam.
"You have no idea how much this means to me and my family," Adam stated, wiping a tear from his eye. "My wife and I were just talking yesterday, trying to figure out how we were going to cover everything. We even discussed selling our ranch."
"Hopefully now you won't have to," Charlotte said, holding his hand and squeezing it.
Staring at the check again, Adam stood in silence, shaking his head in disbelief. Dustin moved closer to his father and looked over his shoulder, staring at the numbers the filled the box on the paper. "Wow, thank you so much, guys." Moving to Jack, he hugged him tightly, "Thank you so much. This means a lot."
"You're very welcome. We're just glad we could help."
The group watched as the father and son got into their car and drove away. With Elizabeth's hand in his and his other arm across his mother's shoulder, the group headed back to the yard where everyone had continued with the festivities.
As the evening began to wind down from a few games of pool, more singing and lots of conversations, a few couples had left, needing to return home to their children. Luke and Austin had fallen asleep on Sam and Charlotte's laps while Savannah was snuggled against Elizabeth, feeling the vibration of her father's guitar through the chair as Tom picked a melody across the strings.
Jack had stepped away to walk his friends to their cars, saying goodbye to Jason and Alicia, waving as they drove away. Lance and his new girlfriend, Sasha, walked up shortly after, saying their goodbyes as well.
Returning to his family that still remained, Jack sat on the ground in front of Elizabeth, leaning back between her legs as she wrapped her arms around his neck, resting her head on top of his. Savannah had moved to Tom's lap after he set his guitar to the side.
Everyone sat around the firepit in silence, watching the dancing flames of the fire and the fingers of smoke that stretched into the sky, enjoying the simple company of family and friends.
Breaking the silence, Tom stated, "Dustin looked really good." Moving his arm behind Sam, he pulled her against his side.
"Yes, he's doing great," Jack added.
"Did you say he wouldn't ride again?" Frank asked.
"Yes, he's partially blind in one eye now and his balance just isn't the same anymore," Jack answered.
"That's too bad. I hope he can find something else he loves to do," Charlotte said. Squeezing Frank's hand, she glanced at him and nodded her head. "Kids, we have picked a date for our wedding."
"Wonderful. When is it?" Elizabeth asked.
"September 4th. We want a small, intimate wedding with just our close friends and family."
"That sounds perfect, Mom," Sam stated. "Have you picked a location?"
First looking at Frank, Charlotte turned her gaze to Jack and Elizabeth, "We would actually like to use the barn."
"Of course, Ma. Let us know if there's anything we can do to help," Jack said.
"We will, Son. Thank you."
The conversations continued, flowing from weddings to the calves to team roping. At one point, everyone sat in silence, listening to the snaps and pops from the fire and the croaks of the frogs in a nearby pond.
Taking advantage of the break, Rosie spoke up. "Lee and I have some news that we'd like to share."
Jack and Elizabeth watched on, smiling, as Charlotte asked, "What is it, Dear?"
Gripping Lee's hand, Rosie answered, "We're pregnant."
"That's wonderful!" Charlotte exclaimed in a high-pitched voice.
"Yes, Rosie, how exciting," Sam added.
"When are you due?" Charlotte asked.
"Christmas day."
"Oh, my. A Christmas baby. What a blessing," Charlotte added.
Jack looked to Elizabeth, and seeing that the smile on her lips did not reach her eyes, he squeezed her hand then moved his arm behind her. Pulling her toward him, he kissed her forehead and whispered in her ear, "I love you."
Nodding, Elizabeth did not say a word, in fear that the tears might begin to flow.
…..
June 8th, 2010 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Jack and Lee stood at the new chute, checking the mechanisms on the gate, ensuring they worked properly.
"Looks like we're ready," Jack stated. "As soon as Tom gets here, we'll try this baby out."
"Sounds good," Lee replied. Looking over to Jack's horse, he added, "Not using Harley?"
"No, he's my easy-going guy and I plan to keep him that way." Pointing toward the horse, he added, "Jake here however, is high strung and always ready to chase the calves. So, I thought he'd be a good one to train. I'd started working with him before my accident so hopefully he remembers his training."
"I'm sure he will since you trained him."
The low growl of a diesel truck could be heard pulling up on the other side of the barn and a few minutes later, Tom appeared from around the corner.
"Hey there, Brother," Jack called out as Tom approached the arena.
"Good morning, guys. You ready to do this?" He asked, climbing over the railing.
"Ready as ever," Lee replied.
After several attempts on the steer, without much success, Lee spoke up. "How about you try heeling and I try heading?"
"Alright," Jack replied.
The men switched sides and backed into their respective pens. As Lee nodded, Tom released the steer and they all took off. As soon as Lee succeeded with getting his lasso around the steers horns, turning his horse to the left and pulling the animal around, Jack released his rope and caught the back legs.
Clapping, Tom let out a cheer as Jack and Lee smiled at their success.
"Well, that was pretty much perfect," Lee stated. "Now, if we could only do that every time."
"It's a great start," Jack responded. "Looks like we've got our roles figured out at least."
"That it does, Brother."
…..
June 12th, 2010 – Highland Park Cemetery
Jack opened the door of Elizabeth's SUV and helped her out. Taking her hand in his, holding it tighter than usual, he led her through the many headstones, making their way to the one that read "Thornton".
Elizabeth stayed back a little ways, allowing Jack a moment alone with his father. Standing silently for a few minutes, Jack finally spoke up, "Hi, Dad. Twelve years today and yet it still feels like yesterday." Pausing for a brief moment, Jack wiped a single tear from his cheek. "I still miss you just as much, but the pain has finally lessened." Turning to Elizabeth, he held his hand out for her to join him.
"Hey, Dad." Moving his arm behind Elizabeth and pulling her against his side, he continued, "I'd like to introduce someone to you. This is Elizabeth, my wife." Pausing for a brief moment, Jack continued, "I'd like you to know that I've turned my life around. I've gotten into church, married of course, and I'm not destroying my life anymore." Taking a minute to breathe and compose himself, Jack continued, "I've retired from bull riding too, Dad. I've started team roping instead."
Elizabeth could see that Jack was having a tough time, so she began, giving Jack a chance to work through things. "Hello, Mr. Thornton. You would be so proud of your son. Both of your sons. They are both very respected and loved men with hearts of gold." Looking to Jack, seeing his eyes welling up, she continued, "And Jack would love for you to know that he won his third world title." Suddenly, remembering Jack's story about seeing his father at the rodeo, she added, smiling, "But then you already knew that, didn't you."
Jack tightened his hold on Elizabeth, pulling her tight against his side, kissing her on the head.
"You are truly missed by everyone, Thomas," Elizabeth added. "I wish I'd had the pleasure of meeting you."
With that, Jack reached up and wiped his face, unable to keep the tears at bay. Turning Elizabeth to face him, he wrapped both arms around her, resting his cheek on top of her head, staring at the name across the stone.
After a few more minutes of silent reflection, Jack and Elizabeth left and went to her Tahoe where Jack opened the passenger door and held it as Elizabeth moved into the seat. Keeping one hand on top of the door, Jack laid his free hand on the roof of the vehicle and leaned, stopping with his lips a few inches from hers.
"Have I ever told you how amazing you are," he said in a very soft, low voice.
A gentle smiled spread across her face as she replied, "Not today."
Closing the small gap, Jack kissed her. "Well, you are and I love you."
Elizabeth reached up and laid her hand on his cheek, "I love you, too. And you're the amazing one." Looking into his beautiful hazel eyes, she could see the love he held for her, always on display for the world to see.
…..
June 19th, 2010 – Thornton Ranch
Jack was on Harley, working his way through the herd inside the pen, pushing the young calves to the outside edge for Lee, Tom, Lance and Jacob to rope them and pull them out for branding and vaccinations.
Elizabeth and Sam each had a post where they vaccinated them as someone else branded each one with the glowing, red-hot iron.
Charlotte stood back, writing each number called out from the ear tags, and marking down each step. Frank had joined in this year, quickly learning the proper way to hold a calf down to keep everyone and the young animal safe from harm.
Rosemary stayed back, also with a clipboard, helping Charlotte with logging each calf.
With everyone that had joined in that year, the job was done smoothly and quickly, leaving more time for fellowship and entertainment around the fire that evening.
Jack held his hand out and Elizabeth laid hers in his. Pulling her to her feet, Jack led her to an open area and pulled her against him. Moving his right hand to the small of her back, he held her close, so close that no amount of air could float between them. His head bent down, he held his cheek to hers as they slowly moved to the music produced by his brother and their friends. Her right hand in his left, held tightly against his chest, he tightened his grip around her small fingers. They barely moved, slightly swaying to the slow melodic notes that floated around them in the warm breeze, as a few onlookers commented on how cute they were together and how much love extended beyond them.
The song had ended but Jack and Elizabeth hadn't noticed as they continued to hold each other, still barely moving. Tom saw this and began playing one more slow song and the rest joined in. Sam moved behind Tom, wrapping her arms around his neck, she kissed his cheek and remained there, watching him play the guitar and listening to him sing.
Rosemary was singing with them now and Lee was sitting behind her, his hand on her stomach, listening to her with pride and awe.
This time, as the song reached the last verse, Jack straightened and lifted Elizabeth's chin with his finger, covering her mouth and softly kissing and sucking on her bottom lip. Taking her hand, the couple returned to the firepit where Jack picked up his guitar, whispered something to his brother, and the two began to play as Jack sang the lyrics to Cowboys and Angels.
"There's a want and there's a need
There's a history between
Girls like her and guys like me
Cowboys and angels
I've got boots and she's got wings
I'm hell on wheels and she's heavenly
I'd die for her and she lives for me
Cowboys and angels"
Jack couldn't take his eyes off his wife as he sang, making Elizabeth feel as if the two of them were the only ones there.
"We ride side by side
A cloud of dust, a ray of light
My touch is her temptation
Her kiss is my salvation
She's sweet, I'm wild, we're dangerous
Cowboys and angels
I'm not sure why her path crossed mine
Accident or grand design
Maybe God just kinda likes
Cowboys and angels"
Watching her kids, Charlotte slid her arm through Frank's and laid her head on his shoulder. Keeping her eyes on Jack as he sang, she thanked God that Jack had finally found the kind of love he'd been dreaming of, the kind of love she had experienced with Thomas and now continued with Frank.
"We ride side by side
A cloud of dust, a ray of light
My touch is her temptation
Her kiss is my salvation
She's sweet, I'm wild, we're dangerous
Cowboys and angels
There's a want and there's a need
There's a history between
Girls like you and guys like me
Cowboys and angels"
Setting his guitar aside, Jack cupped the back of Elizabeth's neck and pulled her to him, kissing her hard and passionately, filled with a fire that put the small flames in the pit next to them to shame.
Moving his mouth to her ear, he whispered, "Let's get out of here."
Pulling back, she looked into his eyes and could see a desire building behind the hazel and gold hues. Nodding, she stood and pulled him up next to her. Picking up his guitar, he laid it in the case and the couple said their goodbyes and quickly walked to Jack's truck.
…..
June 20th, 2010 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Father's Day began at church, then continued with their normal trip to the cemetery after lunch with the family. Tom bent down, setting a beer can on the base of the headstone. Charlotte, Jack and Tom each took a sip of their beers after raising them up for Thomas.
"I love you, Dear," Charlotte said, holding the beer can between both of her hands at her waist. Stepping forward, she laid her hand on top of the granite. Kneeling at the stone, she ran her hand across his name.
Jack and Tom both stepped away, giving their mother privacy.
"I will always love you, Thomas. You will forever be my first love and hold a piece of my heart." Setting the can next to the full one that remained on the concrete base, she sat on the grass, keeping her hand against the black stone. "I know you would not want me to remain alone. I know you'd want me to move on." Hesitating to gather her words, she plucked a blade of grass and brushed it across the palm of her hand. "Thomas, I've met someone and he's asked me to marry him. I said, yes. He's a very kind man and the boys love him. You two would have been friends." After many seconds of silence, she got to her feet and laid her hand on top of the headstone once more. "I just wanted you to know." Kissing her fingers, she pressed them against his name. "I love you, Thomas. And always will."
Joining Jack and Tom, the boys led their mother to her car. Jack held the door open and held her hand as she slid into the seat. Before closing the door, he leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. "I love you, Ma."
Charlotte patted his cheek, her eyes glistening, "I love you, too, Dear."
…..
Later that evening, Elizabeth walked from the front door to the kitchen, constantly looking at one of the deer mounts that hung on the wall. Sitting on the couch, Jack turned his head toward his wife, and seeing her looking at the wall, he glanced up to see what she was looking at.
A while later, as she walked to the front door to let Wyatt out, Jack caught her looking up to the wall once more. Watching her, he furrowed his brow and looked back to the wall, trying to figure out what she was seeing.
When she joined Jack on the couch, glancing up to the wall as she came in, Jack finally spoke up.
"What do you keep looking at?"
"What?" She asked as she sat down next to him.
"You keep looking up there. What are you looking at?"
"Oh, that," she replied, moving into his side as he wrapped his arm around her. "Well, you know I don't mind the deer mounts being up here. Not at all."
"Okay?"
"But that one," she continued, pointing up toward the large buck that hung near the chimney of the fireplace. "He's staring at me no matter where I am. I always feel like I'm being watched. It kind of creeps me out."
Laughing, Jack pulled her in closer to him and kissed the top of her head. "I'll take him down tomorrow."
"You really don't need to do that."
"Beth, I don't want you feeling uncomfortable in your own home." Still chuckling, he added, "I'll move it into the basement."
Tipping her face toward his, she kissed him then looked into his beautiful hazel eyes, "Thanks, Babe."
"No problem," Jack replied, still laughing slightly as he tightened his arm behind her while she laid her head on his shoulder.
They finished watching the episode of Friends that Jack had already started, then he scrolled through the movies before settling on Mr. and Mrs. Smith.
…..
June 23rd, 2010 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Elizabeth picked up the journal and found Jack in the living room, flipping through channels on the TV.
"Can you turn that off for a minute?" She asked.
"Of course," Jack answered, pointing the remote toward the television and turning it off. "What's up?"
"I want to show you something." She moved to the couch and sat down next to Jack, fitting into his side with his arm around her. Opening the journal to the beginning, she pointed to the date, "One year ago today you started writing in this."
"Yeah?" He asked, holding one side of the journal as she held the other. Reading his first entry, I'm sorry, Dad, Jack could remember that day like it was yesterday.
Elizabeth turned the page to the next entry, made that same day.I want to be me again. Jack's heart ached slightly, thinking back to how lost he had been.
Turning to the next page, they saw Elizabeth's first entry, It's hard to turn the page when you know someone won't be in the next chapter, but the story must go on. ~Thomas Wilder
Jack ran his fingers along her words, something he'd done many times before based on the smudges along the ink.
"Thank you for this, Beth."
Elizabeth lifted her hand to his cheek and brushed her fingers along his jaw. "I wanted you to find your way, Jack. Back to you, back to me. I did what little bit I could to maybe help you if you needed it."
"Elizabeth, what you did was not little," Jack said, moving his body to look into her eyes. "Your words had a profound effect on me. As did your presence."
Jack reached back to the journal and turned to the next page. A page Elizabeth had overlooked before. She took the book in both hands and began reading what Jack had written.
I've tried to forget that fateful day
Tried to erase it from my mind
When I thought my whole life had been taken away
Hoping it would fade with time
The man I looked up to and completely idolized
The man I called my dad
Was gone in a flash, right before my eyes
A day I wish I never had
I blamed myself for so many years
I told him not to ride
I drank and screamed and shed my tears
No one left to confide
I thought one day, how did I get this way?
How is this my life?
My dad would be so ashamed and say,
"Son, this is not right"
I wanted to be just like him
But I've fallen so far away
My future is looking grim
If only I could pray
Then one day out of the blue
An angel came my way
Full of empathy, love and faith so true
How can I make her stay?
I thought back on the greatest love
The best there's ever been
Their love was what dreams were made of
Visible to anyone outside looking in
If I can return to him
The man I was meant to be
Then I could love her when
I'm worthy of her loving me
"Jack, this is amazing," Elizabeth said, turning on the couch to face him, wiping a tear from her eye. "This is beautiful and raw and vulnerable."
Shrugging, Jack replied, "It's just what was on my heart that day, and most days really. I was in such a bad place, Beth."
Touching his face, Elizabeth softly said, "But look how far you've come. I'm so proud of you, Jack."
Taking the book from her, Jack read his entry; remembering the day, but not recognizing the man.
"Jack," Elizabeth moved over him, straddling his legs, taking the journal from his hands and laying it on the couch. "You have always been worthy."
Closing the distance between their lips, Elizabeth kissed him softly. Reaching around her, Jack tightened his arms around her waist and pulled her closer, deepening their kiss.
…..
June 26th, 2010 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Elizabeth was peeling potatoes when Jack came in from working with a young horse. After washing up, he pulled out a stool at the island and took a seat, watching his wife.
"Something on your mind?" Elizabeth asked, dropping the peeled potatoes into the sink.
"Actually, yes. Maybe you can help me."
Picking up a towel, she wiped her hands and sat on a stool opposite from Jack. "What is it?"
"I really want to do something special for Ma and Frank at their wedding. I would love to surprise her with a song that Tom and I sing at the reception."
Thinking for a brief moment, Elizabeth stood and walked around to Jack. Holding her hand out, she said, "Come with me. I want to show you something."
Jack laid his hand in hers and followed her to the piano. Sitting beside her on the bench, he watched as she spread some sheet music across the music rack.
"What's this?" Jack asked, seeing that all of the notes across the pages were hand written in pencil.
Turning on the bench to face him, she answered, "I've been working on this for a while now. Ever since I read it in your journal."
Pinching his eyebrows together, Jack looked across the music and stopped when his eyes rested on a photocopy of an entry from his journal. His face relaxed when he'd realized what Elizabeth had done.
"You wrote music to go with this?"
Elizabeth nodded and smiled.
Excitement began to fill his eyes, "Play it for me, please."
Elizabeth's fingers began to float across the keys, forming a melody that had Jack mesmerized. When she reached the end, she turned back to Jack to find a tear falling down his cheek.
"This is amazing, Beth. I can't believe you did this."
"If we rewrite a few of the words, you can sing this for your mom."
Jack's eyes widened as he grabbed the photocopy, reading over his original words. After only a few minutes, the two had reworked the song and she played it again as Jack sang along.
"This is perfect, Beth. Just perfect. I can't wait for Tom to hear this."
…..
June 30th, 2010 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Elizabeth was standing at the kitchen sink when Jack came in from doing chores. Leaning back, she watched him as he stood at the sink in the half bath, washing his hands. Seeing he was done, she quickly went back to washing the plate that she'd been wiping for the past five minutes, surprised she hadn't wiped the pattern right off.
Jack approached her from behind, wrapping his arms around her waist and kissing the side of her neck as he always does.
"Hi, Cowboy," Elizabeth said, turning her head to the side to meet his lips.
"Hey, Babe," Jack replied, pulling her hair away to expose more of her soft skin.
"Can you please get me a towel out of that drawer over there?" She asked, pointing to the drawer at the end of the island.
"Of course." Jack stepped to it, pulling the drawer out, removed a towel, and closed it. Straightening, he looked back down and slowly pulled the drawer open, staring at its contents, frozen.
Elizabeth leaned back against the sink, watching him, smiling, waiting for it all to soak in.
Jack pointed to it and looked to Elizabeth. "Is this for real?"
She simply smiled and nodded.
Jack reached into the drawer with both hands, pulling items out with each. Looking from hand to hand, he could feel his eyes beginning to sting as the tears pooled and spilled over, running down his cheeks. Looking back into the drawer, he read the sign that Elizabeth had made: Hey Dad! February 2011
Walking to Elizabeth, still staring at the items, he slowly raised his gaze to meet her eyes.
"For real? This is real?"
Elizabeth still just nodded, her smile growing from Jack's reaction.
Holding up a pair of tiny cowboy boots in one hand and a positive pregnancy test in the other, Jack stared at Elizabeth, speechless.
"You mean...," he started, unable to finish his sentence.
"Yes, Jack. You're going to be a daddy."
