I tried doing a chapter without a steam alert...but just couldn't help myself. :)
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July 27th, 2010 – Julie's House, Vermont
Julie and Jacob had been released the evening prior and the expanded family was settling into their new routines nicely. Skylar was completely in love with her new little brother and was taking her role as big sister quite seriously.
William and Grace were staying in the guest room while Elizabeth had kept her room at the hotel just down the street. Having checked out that morning, she was spending her last afternoon with her family until she had to leave for the airport for her evening flight.
Holding her nephew, Elizabeth ran her finger along his cheek, tracing his tiny features, watching his little mouth moving in his sucking motion as he slept.
"You'll be holding your own little one before you know it," Grace said as she took the seat next to Elizabeth.
Looking up to her mother and smiling, Elizabeth responded, "It seems so far away."
"You'll think that at first. Wondering when the day will arrive when you get to meet your baby. Then one day, he or she is here and you're asking yourself, 'where did the last nine months go?', and you'll be lost in your own little world of this miraculous blessing that will call you Mom."
"Don't forget that no one knows about our pregnancy except you, Dad, Julie and Bill."
"We know, Dear. We won't say anything to anyone until you give us permission," Grace said as she reached over to hold her grandson's hand.
Holding her gaze on Jacob's face, Elizabeth added, "This has been such an amazing experience."
"Did you get a better outlook on how your own delivery might be?"
Letting out a huge sigh, Elizabeth answered, "Yes, and I sure hope my baby isn't as big as this guy. Julie is going to be sore for quite a while, that's all I have to say about that."
The two women giggled quietly as they continued to watch him sleep.
…..
"Goodbye, Darling. Have a safe flight," William said as he pulled his daughter in for a tight embrace.
"Thanks, Daddy. I love you."
"I love you, too."
"Bye, Mom," Elizabeth stated as she moved to Grace and hugged her.
"Goodbye, Dear. Let us know when you land."
"I will, Mom."
Stepping back, Grace held Elizabeth's hands and opened her arms wide so she could take a look at her daughter. "You're going to be a mom. I'm so excited for you and Jack." Grace pulled Elizabeth back in for another hug. "Please keep us posted on your pregnancy."
"I will, Mom. We don't have another doctor appointment for a while though."
Stepping back once more, Grace replied, "I know. But if you're having morning sickness or anything, let me know. I'll give you some tricks that worked for me."
"Okay, Mom. I'll be sure to call you." Picking up her bag, Elizabeth looked back and forth between her parents. "I love you guys."
"We love you, too, Beth," William replied. "Be sure to tell Jack hello for us."
"I will. Goodbye." Elizabeth turned and walked through the door into the large crowd of people that had been filing into the airport. Pulling her phone from her purse, she called Jack.
…..
Walking through the terminal, Elizabeth could see Jack's face, waiting for her near the front doors. Speeding up her steps, she quickly closed the gap between them and jumped into Jack's arms that were outreached, waiting for her.
Holding her tight, very tight against him, Jack slowly turned in a circle as he breathed in her perfume, closing his eyes, feeling the warmth of his wife that he had missed more than he thought possible.
Setting her back down, he reached up and cupped her face in his hands, kissing her intensely, letting her know just how much he missed her.
Chuckles from people passing by them brought Jack and Elizabeth back to reality as they slowly pulled apart.
"You'd think I'd been gone for months instead of just days," Elizabeth said, giggling.
"It felt like a month," Jack replied, still holding her face and brushing her cheeks with his thumbs.
"I missed you, too," she said, giving him a quick, small kiss.
Reaching down, he picked up her bag that she'd dropped on the floor. "Let's get home."
"Oh, and FYI, Mom and Dad know."
"How?"
"My face."
"Your fa...oh. Yeah, you can't hide anything with that beautiful face," Jack said, bending down and kissing her.
…..
"What's this?" Elizabeth asked as Jack put the truck in park in front of their house.
"Well, I had a lot of free time on my hands so I took on a little project," he answered, grinning, showing off his dimples.
"What did you do?"
Opening his door and stepping down to the ground, he held out his hand to help Elizabeth out. "I'll show you."
Without letting go of her hand, Jack reached into the truck and grabbed her bag, closed the door, and led his wife through their front door that was covered with a large red bow.
As they stepped into the house, Elizabeth looked around, not noticing anything different. Looking to Jack, who was still grinning, she asked, "Am I missing something?"
"No. Come with me." Jack sat the bag down and led her up the stairs. Instead of turning left to their bedroom, Jack turned right toward the spare room and office.
Opening the door to the spare room, he waited as Elizabeth walked inside. The room had been emptied; all the furniture was gone. The curtains had been taken down, artwork and photos removed from the walls, and the carpet had been cleaned. Elizabeth stepped further into the room and noticed that all the nail holes had been patched and masking tape lined the ceiling and trim.
"What's going on?"
"I got it all prepared for you to pick out what color you want the nursery to be so we can paint it."
A broad smile covered Elizabeth's face and her eyes widened, allowing a tear to fall down her cheek. Jumping into Jack's arms, she wrapped hers very tightly around his neck as he strengthened his hold around her waist.
"Jack, this is so sweet. I can't believe you did this." As Elizabeth began kissing him, each one was growing with heat and desire for her husband. Pulling her face back and looking him in the eyes, she recognized the same flame burning for her that she felt for him.
Grabbing his hand, she started toward their bedroom, pulling Jack behind her.
…..
August 7th, 2010 – Midwest Cowboy Rodeo, Missouri
Jack backed Jake out of the trailer, followed by Lee with Cisco. Tying them to the outside of the trailer, Jack and Lee began to saddle the horses, preparing to go to the practice arena to warm them up.
Rosie and Elizabeth, both hungry, had gone to find a concession stand while the guys continued with their preparations.
"Are you sad you aren't competing this year?" Elizabeth asked as they stood in line.
"I was a little at first, but not really anymore. I'm just so happy about being pregnant and that makes it easier. I'll be back next year for sure."
"The guys are sure happy to finally get back to a rodeo, aren't they?"
"Oh, my gosh. Lee wouldn't shut up last night. He went on and on about dallying, breaking the barrier, heading, heeling. I'm going to have to do some more research on the team roping terms. I've never really followed this sport before so I'm a little green."
Giggling, Elizabeth added, "Jack was the same way. I had no idea what the heck he was talking about half the time."
As they stepped up to the window of the concession stand, they each took their turn ordering food for themselves and their husbands.
The women pulled the chairs from the back of the truck and carried them over to the practice pen, sitting down with their food and watching the guys warming up their horses.
"Lee and I are moving," Rosie blurted out in between bites of her hamburger.
Almost choking on her chips, Elizabeth turned to her friend. "What?!"
Laughing, Rosemary continued, "No need to get all choked up. We found some land with a nice house just a couple miles down the road from your place. We put an offer on it last weekend and they accepted it."
"Really? That's wonderful." Elizabeth leaned to her friend and hugged her, spilling her chips across the grass.
"We put my place up for sale last week and have already had two families look at it. I'm so glad that Lee was only renting his place. It's been so much work getting my little farm ready to sell."
"Why didn't you tell us? We could have helped you."
"We've been working on it slowly since we got married. So it wasn't that big of a deal."
"Well, you better let us know when you need help packing and moving. We will be there."
"Thanks. I will definitely take you up on that offer."
The women ate their food as they watched Lee and Jack. Finally spotting them, Jack saw Elizabeth signaling that she had his food, and the guys rode over to them. Tying the horses to the arena railing, the men climbed over and joined their wives.
"Thanks, Babe," Jack said, kissing Elizabeth on the cheek.
"Did you know that Lee and Rosie are going to be our neighbors?"
Turning to Lee with a questioning look, Jack asked, "Neighbors?"
"Yeah, Brother. We're buying the old Carmickel place."
"Really? That's a great ranch. If I remember right, that's a five bedroom house."
Nodding and sighing, Lee replied, "Yep, five bedrooms."
"Are you guys planning on filling said bedrooms?" Jack asked, grinning wide, showing his dimples.
Lee just sat wide eyed, shaking his head as Rosie grinned and nodded hers.
The two couples laughed as they finished their lunch. When their food was consumed, Jack and Lee returned to their horses and began practicing on a plastic steer head that sat in the middle of the arena.
"Are you going to go back to work after you have the baby?" Elizabeth asked, leaning back into her chair.
"I think so. Lee does pretty well with being a ranch hand for Charlotte and Jimmy Fisher, but we will probably need my income, too. But, with getting this sixty-acre ranch, we plan to get our own horses or cows and then we'll have income from them in a year or two."
"That would be great. I know Jack really enjoys what he does."
"How about you?"
"Me what?" Elizabeth asked, her eyes widening.
"Whenever you have a baby, do you think you'll want to go back to work?"
Letting out the breath she had sucked in, she answered, "I always thought I would want to. But now I'm not sure. I might change my mind and want to stay home."
"What changed your mind?"
"Well, financially, we are fine without my income. With Jack growing his brood mare herd, too, I really don't have to work. But I love the job and I love seeing the kids every day. And the more I think about having my own kids and having to leave them with someone, I don't think I'd want to do that."
"I totally understand that."
Jack and Lee had practiced as much as they could without a live steer. Leading their horses now, they left the arena and tied them to the side of the trailer, loosening their saddles before returning to Elizabeth and Rosie.
"Are you guys all set to win?" Rosemary asked as Lee sat down on the grass in front of her.
Looking up at her, Lee replied, "As ready as we'll ever be."
Jack sat on the ground in front of Elizabeth, leaning back against her legs, he propped his arms on top of her knees.
Elizabeth pulled his cowboy hat off and ran her hands through his damp hair. Leaning down by his ear, she quietly said, "You're hot."
Tipping his head up toward her, grinning, he reached behind her neck and pulled her until her lips met his. Tasting the saltiness of the sweat on his lips, she licked hers and mouthed the word 'yummy.'
Moving his mouth to her ear, he whispered, "You better be careful, or I'll carry you to the trailer and have my way with you."
"Or I'll have my way with you," she added.
Quickly getting to his feet, Jack spun around as Elizabeth screeched, jumped from her chair and began to run. Unable to gain a lead from Jack's long strides, she was quickly overtaken by him as he scooped her into his arms. Lee and Rosie watched them, laughing at the sight.
As he neared the trailer, he slowly lowered her to the ground, not breaking eye contact with her. Pressing his body fully against hers, he pushed her against the side of the trailer as he took her lips with his. Sliding his fingers around to the back of her neck, his thumbs along her jawline, he held her still as his lips and tongue traced and searched and sucked.
Feeling as if her knees would buckle, Elizabeth tightened her hold with her arms around his waist, gripping the back of his shirt, her knuckles white.
Releasing her mouth, Jack pulled back slightly and kissed her nose, then her forehead. Elizabeth could feel how his body had reacted to this act of PDA as his arousal was pressed against her stomach.
"You about ready, Casanova?" Lee asked as he passed them and walked around the trailer to the horses.
Grinning down to Elizabeth and pressing his hardened manhood against her, he answered, "I'll be there in a minute."
Elizabeth giggled and hid her face against his neck.
"Don't move, please. I need this to go away."
Elizabeth started laughing as she tipped her head back, looking up into Jack's face. When Jack smiled at her, he smiled with his whole face; his eyes lit up, his dimples deepened, his lips spread wide, and his teeth glistened.
"Maybe I should move so you can be alone."
"I'd rather wait and keep you here," he replied, kissing her cheek.
"Hey, Jacko. We need to get going," Lee called out from the other side of the trailer.
Letting out an exasperated breath, Jack took a step back and adjusted the front of his jeans. "Is it noticeable?"
Looking down, Elizabeth replied, "Not really," still laughing at the situation. "You need to learn how to behave yourself, so you don't get into these predicaments."
"When it comes to you...never." Kissing the tip of her nose, he pressed his hand against her stomach as he turned, then disappeared around the corner toward the horses.
"So, did you get your...little problem...taken care of," Lee asked, letting out a belly laugh.
"Brother, mind your business," Jack responded, shaking his head, grinning.
….
Elizabeth and Rosie found a place to sit in the stands and waited for the team roping event to begin. Currently, the bronc riders were on their last three contestants.
"I must say, I miss watching Jack bull ride, but I do not miss the stress of it all."
"I will agree with you there, Liz."
"I'm actually very excited about them returning to compete though. I missed all of this."
"Me, too. I did love watching their faces after a great ride. And the excitement in the air from the crowd. That's what I miss most about barrels, too."
Cowboys on horseback began to flood the arena as the competitors waited off to the side of the chute, making sure they each had a good view to watch their competition ride.
Having watched Jack and Lee practice a few times, Elizabeth understood the basics of the event.
"There they are," she said as she pointed them out to Rosemary.
Seeing Jack on his horse, wearing his Wrangler sponsored shirt once more, sent a current of excitement through Elizabeth's body. With her hormones already beginning to rage, she couldn't get the image of Jack naked in their bed out of her mind.
"Hey!" Rosie called out, tapping her friend on the leg.
"Huh?" Elizabeth replied, turning her head toward Rosemary.
"Where did you go?"
"What do you mean?"
"I've been talking to you for like five minutes, and you were...somewhere else."
"Oh, sorry. Just daydreaming."
"Uh huh, about a certain cowboy?" Rosie teased.
Blushing, Elizabeth looked back to Jack, "It must be all these hor..." Catching herself, she stopped and attempted a fake cough.
"All these what?"
"Horses. It must be all these horses. I love horses."
Pinching her forehead and shaking her head, Rosie commented, "Sometimes you are so strange, Liz. But I still love ya."
"I'm glad to hear that, Rosie. I love you, too." Looking back to the arena, Elizabeth noticed Lee and Jack approaching the starting pens. "Oh, they're up!" She exclaimed excitedly, moving to the edge of her seat.
As they approached the pens, Jack took in a deep breath of the air mixed with dirt, horses and steers. Closing his eyes, he soaked in the enjoyment he was feeling of returning to competing at a rodeo. Even though it was a small local rodeo, it was a rodeo all the same and Jack was glad to be back.
Lee backed Cisco, his seven year old bay, into the pen until the horse's tail was pushed tightly into the corner. Seeing that Jack was ready, Lee nodded, and the steer was released.
Kicking Cisco into a dead run, Lee began to rotate his lariat over his head and quickly released it, landing it around the steer's horns, a perfect catch. Wrapping the rope around this saddle horn as quickly as he could, he turned his horse sharply to the left, swinging the steer around, setting him up perfectly for Jack.
With his lariat already spinning, Jack released it, capturing both hind legs of the steer, then dallied the rope around the horn. Stopping his horse, he watched as Lee turned his horse to face him, stopping the clock at 6.8 seconds.
"Whew!" Rosemary shouted. "That's not a winning time today, but that's an awesome start."
"They can really do anything, can't they?" Elizabeth asked
"Yes, they can. We've got a couple of sexy cowboys," Rosemary said, pushing her shoulder into Elizabeth's.
Finishing in 12th place, Jack and Lee were quite pleased with themselves as they loaded their horses into the trailer and prepared to head home. Jack opened the driver door for Elizabeth, taking her hand to help her up, but instead, he turned her to face him. After kissing her very lovingly, he pulled his head back and gazed into her eyes.
"I love you, Baby."
"I love you, too, Cowboy," she replied, giving him a quick peck on the lips before climbing into the truck.
…..
August 11th, 2010 – Hope Meadows Ranch
A strange sound woke Jack. As he rolled to face Elizabeth, he found the bed empty. Realizing what the noise had been, Jack quickly jumped from the bed and ran to the bathroom.
Elizabeth was kneeling on the floor, doubled over the toilet, emptying what little contents were left in her stomach. Jack was soon at her side, pulling her hair back and holding it, rubbing her back with his free hand.
Throwing up again, Elizabeth clutched her stomach from the pain. Feeling she was finally finished, she moved to the side so she could sit on the cool floor. Picking up the towel that was next to her, she wiped her mouth.
"Can I get you anything? Water?"
"Yes," she said with a hoarse voice, "water, please."
As Jack stood and reached for a glass on the sink, Elizabeth quickly moved back to the toilet. Setting the glass next to her, Jack pulled her hair back once more and knelt on the floor beside her. When she had stopped again, he pulled her onto his lap and held her as she drank some water, waiting to see if she was going to be sick again.
After several minutes with no more vomiting, Jack helped her to her feet. Pulling a washcloth from the cabinet, Jack ran it under cold water then walked her to their bed. When she was settled, he folded and laid the cloth across her forehead.
"Are you feeling better?"
Elizabeth nodded. "Thank you."
"How long has this been going on?"
"Just this morning. I woke up feeling nauseous."
Jack held her hand and rubbed his thumb across her knuckles. "Can I get you anything else?"
Shaking her head, she replied, "No. Just sit with me please."
Jack carefully moved onto the bed and sat beside her. Wrapping his arm behind her shoulder, she leaned into his side and was soon asleep.
…..
Later that morning, Jack returned to their bedroom where he'd left Elizabeth, getting some much needed rest. As he neared the bed, he could see Wyatt laying in front of her with her arm draped over him.
Kneeling at the bed, he whispered to the dog, "Are you taking good care of her?"
Wyatt's stubby tail began to wag vigorously while as what could only be called a smile, spread across his face. Jack reached up and scratched to top of his head before standing to leave.
"Watch after her, alright?" He whispered softly, careful not to wake Elizabeth, then turned and left the room.
…..
August 21st, 2010 – Thornton Ranch
Savannah climbed down from Jack's lap and ran across the yard to join her brothers who were playing in the newly build sandbox under the large weeping willow tree. Jack watched as Luke signed to his sister to help him build a castle.
Smiling, he stood and crossed the patio to where his mother, Frank, Sam and Elizabeth were setting up the food for the family meal. Walking up behind Elizabeth, Jack laid his hands on her belly, as he had done many times since finding out that she was pregnant. Pressing his lips to her neck, he kissed her gently as Elizabeth laid her hands across his arms.
Charlotte turned to witness this exchange, watching the love between her son and his wife. Her eyes drifted downward, seeing Jack's hands softly rubbing Elizabeth's belly.
"What?" She called out loudly, heard by everyone.
"What's wrong, Char?" Frank asked, moving to her side.
Pointing to Jack and Elizabeth, her eyes wide, "You're pregnant!"
Everyone's heads turned to the couple as Jack and Elizabeth straightened, quickly moving their hands away.
"What makes you say that?" Jack asked with a nervous crack in his voice.
"Your father did that same thing to me when I was pregnant with both of you boys."
"Did what?"
"He constantly had his hand on my stomach, just like you were just doing to Beth."
"Are you?" Rosie asked, a grin spreading across her face.
"You're pregnant?" Sam questioned.
Looking at each other, Elizabeth gave Jack a slight nod.
Letting out a breath, Jack answered, "Yes, she's pregnant."
Squeals, hoots and hollers emanated from everyone as they swarmed around the couple, congratulating them with hugs and slaps on their backs. Charlotte grabbed Elizabeth, pulling her in for a hug, tears running down her cheeks.
"Oh, I'm so happy for you two," she said softly into Elizabeth's ear. "I'm so happy." Seeing Jack next to her, she reached out an arm and pulled him in and hugged them both. Kissing Jack on the cheek, she whispered to him, "You are going to be such a great dad."
As soon as Charlotte released them, Rosie wrapped her arms around Elizabeth's neck, almost choking her. "Our babies are going to grow up together and will be best friends, just like us."
Laughing, Elizabeth nodded, "Yes, they sure will."
Once everyone finally allowed the couple to get some air, Jack took Elizabeth's hand and led her to one of the Adirondack chairs, sat, and pulled her down onto his lap, returning his hand to her stomach and his lips to her neck.
…..
August 24th, 2010 – Serendipity Bridal
Charlotte stepped out of the dressing room in her altered wedding dress, fitting her perfectly now. Sam and Elizabeth sat, waiting, on the couch, instantly crying when they saw her come into view.
"Mom, it's perfect," Sam said.
"It's beautiful," Elizabeth added. "It fits you perfectly."
"It isn't too much?"
"No, not at all," Elizabeth answered. "Seriously, it's just perfect. It's so elegant."
"It's you, Mom." Sam added.
"Thank you, Dears. Both of you are so sweet."
Charlotte stepped up onto the platform in front of the mirror, getting her first look at herself with the dress altered to fit her body, hugging her in all the right places, yet remaining elegant and classy.
With a vintage feel, the dress followed her curves, flaring out just above her knees. An open V-neckline closed with gathering at her bust, with more gathering across her slender waist that flowed diagonally across her hip. A rose made of the same fabric adorned her left hip where all the fabric was gathered. With her medium heels on, the hemline floated across the floor. Three-quarter sleeves finished off the beautiful dress, perfect for their September wedding.
The girls stepped up, one on each side of Charlotte. Sam laid her hands on her mother-in-law's shoulders and both women admired the Charlotte in the mirror that was looking back at them. Her face was lit up with joy, anticipation and love.
"Look at that beautiful lady," Sam affectionately said.
"You look amazing, Mom," Elizabeth added. "Frank won't be able to contain himself when he sees you."
"Oh, Beth," Charlotte responded, pushing into her daughter-in-law's shoulder.
"Okay, girls. Time to try your dresses on."
Elizabeth and Sam followed the saleswoman to the dressing rooms where their altered dresses already hung. Once dressed, they joined Charlotte in the showroom.
"Oh, you guys look beautiful," she exclaimed, wiping her eyes. "I am going to be such a mess at the wedding."
"We will go get waterproof make-up after we're finished here," Elizabeth said, wrapping Charlotte in a hug.
"What would I do without you two?"
Sam moved in, hugging her next, "You'll never have to find out, Mom. We love you and we love your boys."
"Ohhhh," Charlotte let out as she wrapped one arm around Sam and the other around Elizabeth.
...
August 26th, 2010 – Hope Meadows Ranch
"Dude, you're supposed to rope the steer, not just tickle him," Lee called out to Jason who had just missed his mark, trying out the team roping thing.
"You better watch it, Brother. You miss in front of them and they'll razz you for life," Jack commented, patting Lee on the back.
Wyatt, Tuff and Bandit sat just outside the railing, staring under it, waiting for their opportunity to herd the steer back through a gate.
"Uncle Lee!" Luke called out, jumping into Lee's arms.
"Hey there little buddy. Want to watch your daddy?"
"Daddy!" He yelled, watching Tom back his horse into the starting pen.
"Make sure you dally the rope right after the release," Jack called out to his brother.
Nodding, Tom finished backing Remington into the corner. As soon as Tom nodded, Lance opened the chute with the steer and the animal burst out. Tom kicked Remington into a run and began spinning the lasso.
"Oh, he broke the barrier," Jack commented, watching his brother successfully rope the steer. "Whew!" he yelled, encouraging Tom.
"What does that mean?" Elizabeth asked.
"He ran through his rope before the steer had broken free from his. It's a ten second penalty."
Savannah ran around the chair that Elizabeth was sitting in and jumped onto her lap.
"Hi Auntie," she signed.
"Hi, S."
"You have a baby in your belly?"
"I sure do."
Grinning, she hugged Elizabeth.
"Is it a girl?"
"We don't know yet."
"Why don't you know?"
"Because the baby is too little right now. Once it gets a little bigger, then we will be able to find out if it's a boy or girl."
"Oh."
"Are you ready for school?"
"Yes. I can't wait to see my friends."
Savannah turned her attention toward the arena and leaned back into Elizabeth, resting her head against her collarbone.
Jack turned to see them, smiling at the thought of his own daughter sitting on her lap one day.
Also having watched the exchange between Savannah and Elizabeth, Sam leaned in to Charlotte, "She's just perfect for him, isn't she?"
Turning her attention to Sam, Charlotte put her arm around her and squeezed, "Yes, she is amazing. I truly believe that she saved my son's life. And you're perfect for Tom."
Sam laid her head on Charlotte's shoulder and began watching the men in the arena once more.
After another hour of everyone taking turns at team roping, having fun, laughing at their mistakes, Jack and Elizabeth returned to the house as everyone else got in their vehicles and left.
…..
Elizabeth picked up her book and joined Jack in the living room. Taking a seat on the chaise lounge portion of the leather sectional near the lamp, she leaned back onto a throw pillow and extended her legs out in front of her. Opening the book to her bookmark, she picked up where she'd left off. Jack, who was looking through a ranching catalog, peered over the book, watching Elizabeth.
Turning the page, she lifted her hand to her chin, absentmindedly brushing her thumb along her bottom lip. Lost in the adventure of the story she was reading; she hadn't noticed Jack staring at her.
Jack watched as she now dragged her index finger across her lip, slightly pulling it down. He licked his own lips, thinking about sucking on hers, as he slowly lowered the catalog to his lap. Taking a deep breath in, Jack let out a small moan.
Hearing this, Elizabeth looked over to him, finding him staring at her with a look of "wanting her now."
"What?" She asked, her finger still on her lip.
"Do you have any idea what that's doing to me?"
"What?"
Jack raised his hand to his mouth and mimicked her motions.
"Oh," she responded, slowly lowering her hand, a look of innocence on her face.
Moving the catalog from his lap and laying it on the couch, he stood and crossed the room. Standing at the foot of the chaise lounge, Jack gently gripped Elizabeth's ankles, pulling her down until she was lying flat. Placing one hand on either side of her, he crawled up the length of her body and lowered himself onto her.
Elizabeth dropped her book to the side and wrapped her arms around him, pulling him down tighter against her, feeling his hardness press against her. Jack pushed her hair away from her neck, slowly and softly kissing her warm skin. Moving to the front, he kissed her throat. Sitting up, still straddling her, he slowly unbuttoned her shirt, taking his time, one...button...at a...time. Reaching the last one, Jack spread her shirt open, letting the fabric fall to her sides.
Elizabeth moved her hands to the hem of Jack's shirt, pushing it up for him to grab and pull over his head. Without moving his gaze from her, he dropped his shirt to the floor. Elizabeth laid her hands on his chiseled abs and slid them up his torso, resting them on his pecks briefly, then slid them down his arms, feeling every ridge and every valley of his firm muscles.
Jack laid his hands on her stomach, and mimicking her motions, he slowly moved them up her body, stopping at her bra to pull the lace below her breasts, releasing them with their now erect nipples. Continuing on his path, he brushed his hands across the top of her breasts and up to her neck, moving his fingers behind her head, tangling them into her hair.
Lowering his face until there was barely any air between them, he stopped and searched her face with his eyes, seeing her eyes begging for more, her lips wanting his, her breath warm and heavy. Closing the very narrow gap between them, he softly kissed her. Moist kiss after kiss, they could feel their bodies reacting and wanting more. Drawn together like magnets, wanting the connection for which they were created.
Pulling back, Jack stared into the deep blue pools that were her eyes. "How do you do this to me?"
"Do what?" She asked, her chest heaving from lack of air.
"I always feel as if I'll never get enough of you. I want you and need you all the time. When we are apart, my body physically aches for you. How do you do that to me?"
Shaking her head, Elizabeth replied, "You do the same to me. So, when you figure it out, let me know, because I want to know, too."
Returning his attention back to her mouth, he kissed her again, this time tracing her teeth with his tongue and finding hers, beginning their usual tango.
Moving off of her body, Jack laid beside her as Elizabeth raised her knee and dragged her foot along his leg, resting hers on his. Jack reached down, cupping his hand behind her knee, pulling it up slightly as he pressed his very eager manhood against her, wishing the barrier between them was already gone.
Pushing his shoulder, rolling him onto his back, Elizabeth moved over him, straddling him as he had just done to her. With eager fingers, she undid his buckle and pants, pulling them and his boxer briefs off as she scooted back off the couch. With him now lying naked before her, Elizabeth removed the rest of her clothes and crawled over him, only stopping when she could lower herself onto him, feeling herself tighten around him in anticipation.
After many, slow, pleasurable minutes, Elizabeth laid across Jack's chest, his arms tightly around her, both breathing heavily.
"I'm sure glad Ma learned to call before coming over," Jack said, running his fingers through her hair.
Elizabeth began laughing and propped herself up on her elbows on his chest. Jack brushed his knuckles across her cheek and along her jaw, "Beautiful."
Sliding up his body, she covered his lips with hers, her tongue tangling with his. "Thank you for this beautiful life that you've given me."
"It's me that needs to thank you," Jack replied, moving his fingers through her hair. "You have given me the life I had only dreamed of. And now you are giving me a child; the biggest blessing of all." Jack pressed his lips to hers, kissing her with a passion that most only hope to find.
…..
August 28th, 2010 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Jack and Elizabeth stood near their trailer, Jake's lead in hand, waiting for Lee and Rosie to arrive.
"What exactly did Lee say?" Elizabeth asked.
"He told me not to load Jake, that he wanted to drive this time."
"They must be bringing Rosie's truck and trailer."
"I assume so. His truck would never make it."
The couple laughed as a new, brown and tan Ford F-250 pulled into the drive pulling a beautiful new black and aluminum horse trailer.
"Is that them?" Elizabeth asked, pointing toward the truck.
Stepping out into the driveway, Jack was grinning and shaking his head, "He finally did it."
"Did what?"
"Got rid of that heap of crap and bought himself a new truck."
Lee slowed the truck to a stop in front of Jack and Elizabeth, and he and Rosemary stepped out.
"Nice rig, Brother."
"Thanks," Lee replied.
"Trailer and everything."
"Yes, it was time I put some of my money to good use instead of hoarding it all the time."
"Nothing wrong with hoarding it, but you really needed a new truck," Jack laughed.
The four of them walked around the truck and trailer as Lee showed off their new purchases. With a slide out, they had much more room than they had grown used to. Light wood and dark brown leather adorned the interior, along with a TV and fireplace.
"This is great, Lee and Rosie," Elizabeth said as they walked out of the trailer.
"I'm not gonna lie, ever since Jack bought that one, I've wanted an upgrade," Rosemary stated.
"Well, you most definitely got your upgrade. Did you get rid of yours?"
"Yes, we traded it in on this, and Lee sold his truck to a buddy of his that wanted it to fix up."
"Definitely a step up, Brother."
"You guys ready to get going?"
Jack untied Jake where he'd left him and loaded him next to Cisco. With everyone seated in the truck, Lee pulled out and headed to the next rodeo.
…..
Greene County Rodeo
"Well, that didn't go as planned," Jack said as they left the arena to join their wives.
"It's gonna happen, Jack. We can't get it every time."
"You did...I screwed it up."
Lee stopped and grabbed Jack's arm, turning him to face him. "We screwed up. We're a team. We win together, we lose together."
Pulling Lee into a man hug, Jack responded, "Sometimes, Lee, you know just the right thing to say. And other times...well...not so much."
The men were laughing as they reached their waiting wives, their horses walking behind them.
Elizabeth reached up and kissed Jack as he stopped in front of her. "Good try, Cowboy," she whispered.
"Thanks, Baby." Taking her hand, he turned to Lee and Rosemary, "Ready to head home?"
…..
September 4th, 2010 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Frank, Jack, and Tom joined Pastor David under the arbor, each man dressed in a black jacket, black felt hat and jeans.
Elizabeth and Sam walked out of the back room of the barn and started down the aisle. Jack's breath caught in his throat when he got his first look at his wife. Wearing a black, form fitted dress with spaghetti straps, the hemline falling just below her knees, and paired with black high heels, Elizabeth was a vision to Jack; a perfect vision.
As Sam began down the aisle, Tom couldn't take his eyes off of her. With a dress matching Elizabeth's, flattering Sam's petite body, Tom looked at her the same way Jack had looked at Elizabeth.
As the music changed and everyone stood, Frank straightened and nervously shifted from one leg to the other, swallowing hard, trying to dislodge the lump in his throat. Getting his first glimpse of Charlotte, Frank couldn't hold back the tears and they made their way down his cheeks. Even Tom and Jack couldn't contain their emotions when they saw their mother.
Charlotte walked slowly toward Frank, her heart overflowing with love for him. Looking from her sons to her daughters, Charlotte felt her eyes beginning to sting with the tears she was trying hard to hold back. Reaching Frank's side, she handed her bouquet of red roses to Sam, then turned and laid her hands in his.
…..
With dinner completed, the cake cut and served, the bouquet toss done, Frank and Charlotte took the center of the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife. Frank took her right hand in his left, holding it up, and wrapping his right around her waist, he drew her in tightly against him as he rested his head against hers. Unforgettable, a duet by Natalie Cole and Nat King Cole, filled the barn as the couple began to dance.
Unforgettable, that's what you are
Unforgettable, though near or far
Like a song of love that clings to me
How the thought of you does things to me
Never before has someone been more
Unforgettable in every way
And forevermore
That's how you'll stay
That's why darling, it's incredible
That someone so unforgettable
Thinks that I am unforgettable too
No, never before has someone been more
Oh unforgettable
In every way
And forevermore
That's how you'll stay
That's why darling it's incredible
That someone so unforgettable
Thinks that I am unforgettable too
As the song ended, Frank kissed her, a lingering, warm, passionate kiss. Jack and Tom started a round of whoops and hollers there were joined in by most everyone in the barn.
Jack elbowed Tom and the brothers nodded at one another and disappeared through the crowd, returning with their guitars. As Frank and Charlotte were walking off the dance floor, Jack took a microphone from the DJ and began.
"Mom, Frank," he started, as the two of them stopped at the edge of the crowd, turned and faced the brothers. "Frank, first, we would love to welcome you to the family. Second, we want to thank you for bringing a joy and a light back into our mother's life, something that has been missing for way too long. Mom, you are our rock. From day one you have supported us, loved us, and carried us through the good times and bad. We just want you to be happy, to have someone by your side, to feel comfort and love in a way that no one else can. Mom and Frank, this is something we've been working on and it's our gift to you."
Placing the microphone into the stand, Jack pulled his guitar around and Tom stepped up next him. The brothers began to play together, then Jack and Tom stepped up to the mic, perfectly harmonizing through the song.
"Take it
If she gives you her heart
Don't you break it
Let your arms be a place
She feels safe in
She's the best thing that you'll ever have
She never has trouble
Falling asleep
She likes her chocolate rich
But prefers her gifts cheap
She loves old country songs
And dancing, but not bad trash TV
There's still a few other things
She loves love notes and babies
And likes giving gifts
Has a hard time accepting
A good compliment
She loves her whole family
And all of her friends
So if you're the one she lets in
Take it
If she gives you her heart
Don't you break it
Let your arms be a place
She feels safe in
She's the best thing that you'll ever have
She'll love you
If you love her
On days when
It feels like the whole
World might cave in
Stand side by side
And you'll make it
She's the best thing that you'll ever have
She'll love you
If you love her like that
Kiss her with passion
As much as you can
Hold her in your arms
Whenever she's sad
And when she doesn't notice
How pretty she is
Tell her over and over
So she never forgets"
As they sang, Frank slid his arm behind Charlotte and pulled her close to his side, kissing the temple of her head. Charlotte laid her hand across Frank's that rested at her waist, squeezing it as she listened to the lyrics.
"Take it
If she gives you her heart
Don't you break it
Let your arms be a place
She feels safe in
She's the best thing that you'll ever have
She'll love you
If you love her
On days when
It feels like the whole
World might cave in
Stand side by side
And you'll make it
She's the best thing that you'll ever have
She'll love you
If you love her like that"
Once the song ended, Charlotte quickly crossed the floor to her sons, wrapping an arm around each one, holding them close to her as she allowed the tears to flow. Frank was close behind and laid a hand on each of the guys' shoulders, squeezing in a gesture of thanks.
Without a dry eye in the place, everyone began to wipe their faces, a few pulling hidden hankies from their sleeves, pockets and purses, cleaning away the salty tears.
Releasing them from her grasp, Charlotte place her hands on each one of their cheeks, "Boys, that was so beautiful. Thank you so much. I've never heard that song before, where's it from?"
"Jack wrote it," Tom quickly answered. "And Elizabeth wrote the music."
"What? You wrote that?" Charlotte asked, surprise in her voice.
"I wrote something similar to it. Elizabeth found it in my journal and put music to it. Then we made a few changes to fit you."
"Jack, it was absolutely beautiful. Thank you, both of you, for the perfect wedding gift." She wrapped her arms around them once more, holding them tight, not wanting to let them go.
As the night went on, another slow song began and Jack held out his hand to Elizabeth, "Join me?"
Leading her to the far side of the dance floor, Jack drew her in against him, taking her right hand in his left and placing his right hand on her back. Still wearing his cowboy hat, he tipped his head down, his cheek against her temple, as he pulled her in closer with his hand pressing on her back.
Slowly swaying, entering their own world once more, one where only they existed, Jack pulled her even closer, so close that no amount of air could move in between them. Barely noticing the music, they could hear each other's breaths, each other's heartbeats, and each other's love; as if it was constantly speaking to them in an audible tone, one only they could hear.
When the song ended, Jack pulled back in order to see her face. Lowering his, he covered her lips with his, filled with the emotion that surrounded them like a visible aura.
…..
The guests waved as Charlotte and Frank drove away in his truck, headed to the airport to spend a week in a cabin in the mountains of Colorado.
As the taillights faded away, Jack and Elizabeth began their goodbyes to everyone. Walking out the door with Tom, Sam, Lee and Rosemary, Luke, Austin and Savannah in tow, Jack and Elizabeth helped get the kids loaded into Sam's SUV and buckled up.
"You guys have a great night," Sam said to them as she opened her door.
"You, too, Sam. We'll see you tomorrow," Elizabeth replied.
With Sam, Tom, Lee and Rosie gone, Jack took Elizabeth's hand as they walked to his truck.
"What a beautiful day," Elizabeth said as she slid into the seat.
"It was. I haven't seen Ma this happy in a very long time." Jack took his place in the seat next to her and started the truck. "Ready to go home, Mrs. Thornton?"
Threading her arm into his, she laid her head on his shoulder and replied, "Lead the way, Mr. Thornton."
