There's a mild STEAM ALERT in this one for suggestive language
October 24th, 2010 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Late Sunday morning, after having been up before dawn with morning sickness again, Elizabeth woke after having gone back to bed for a few hours, making them miss church. Turning over in bed, she expected to see Jack lying beside her. Instead, a dozen red roses were in his place. Sitting up, she picked up the bouquet and took in a deep breath of the fragrance. A card was laying on the bed and she picked it up, opened it, and read the words that were penned in Jack's writing.
One year ago today, you made me the happiest man on earth. You made me a husband, a lover, a confidant, a partner. And soon...you will make me a father. I loved you then, I love you now, I will love you forever. You are my life. You are my daytime and my nighttime. You are the breath in my lungs. Today is all about you.
When you are ready, please join me in the kitchen. But first, there is something in the closet for you.
Elizabeth jumped out of bed and quickly walked to the closet. Hanging along the clothes rod were two garment bags, each with a card.
Removing the one labeled, #1, Elizabeth pulled the contents out and read it.
Put me on first. Do not open #2 until later.
Pulling the card off the second one, she opened the note.
I said not to open this one until later.
Elizabeth let out a giggle and replaced the card. Pulling the zipper down on the first one, revealing its contents, she looked inside to see a red and black flannel shirt on the hanger and at the bottom were a pair of hiking boots. Pulling the shirt on, she saw it was a maternity shirt with plenty of room for her growing belly. The brown boots with pink and red roses around the top fit her perfectly, too.
Once dressed, she went to find Jack, carrying her bouquet, and smelling a wonderful brunch as she entered the kitchen.
Jack was standing at the sink washing a pan, singing to a Kenny Chesney song that was playing quietly on the radio. Elizabeth walked up behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist. Startled, Jack dropped the pan into the dishwater, splashing it across the countertop.
Giggling, Elizabeth tightened her hold, burying her face into his back, not allowing him to turn and wipe the soapy water all over her.
"That's not fair," Jack said, breaking out in laughter. "So, did you open the second card?" He asked, looking over his shoulder at his wife, already knowing the answer.
"Maybe."
"That would be a yes," he replied, breaking her hold on him and turning to face her. Taking her face in his wet, soapy hands, he covered her lips with his, kissing her with a passion and desire that matched their wedding night. Moving his mouth to her ear, he whispered, "Happy anniversary, Baby."
"Happy anniversary."
"So," Jack said, stepping back and clapping his hands together, "are you ready?"
"Ready for what exactly?"
Turning toward a covered plate, he picked it up and handed it to Elizabeth, "For brunch, you're favorite."
Pulling the towel off, Elizabeth saw a plate full of French toast, "This looks delicious." Taking a seat at the island, she picked up a fork and took a bite. "Wow, this is delicious. Thank you, Jack." She pulled out the stool next to her and patted on it, "join me?"
Jack picked up a second plate and took a seat next to her, and the couple enjoyed a wonderful meal together.
Once the dishes were done, Jack turned to Elizabeth and took both of her hands in his. "Ready for the next stage?"
"What would that be?"
"We are taking a trip down memory lane. I see you are dressed and ready to go."
"I suppose I am."
"Come with me."
Walking into the barn, Jack walked to an area near the first stall, then stopped, looking around as if trying to remember something.
"What are you doing?"
Turning toward her, he took both of her hands in his once more. "This is the exact spot where I first laid eyes on you. I thought you were the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. And then when you spoke to me, my heart skipped a beat at the sound of your voice." Jack reached into his pocket and pulled out a small black velvet pouch. Reaching inside, he removed something and placed it around her wrist.
As soon as he pulled his hand back, Elizabeth could see what it was. A sterling silver chain with a horse charm attached had been fastened around her wrist.
"Jack, this is beautiful."
"This is just the beginning of our memory lane. When Rosie bought Delilah and needed some help, you were brought into my life. This horse charm represents the day we met." Jack lifted her hand and kissed the top of it.
"Thank you, Jack. I love it."
"Ready for the next stop?"
"There's more?"
"Baby, it's going to take us most of the day to make it down this path."
Grinning, she added, "Okay, what's next?"
"Come with me?"
Jack led her back to the house, stopping on the porch by the chairs. "Please, have a seat."
Elizabeth sat down and looked out over the pasture, one of her favorite places on the ranch.
Jack knelt in front of her and pulled something from the pouch. Taking her hand, he fiddled with the bracelet, then showed Elizabeth what he'd added.
"This next charm is a heart. This is the place where you held mine in your hand, to either accept it, or to give it back. You forgave me here, and you took my heart forever. I already thought that I loved you before that evening, but after we talked, I knew without a doubt that I would marry you. You have my whole heart, Beth. Forever."
Elizabeth lifted her wrist to look at the heart shaped charm that now hung from the silver chain, then leaned forward and wrapped her arms around Jack's neck, holding him tight. "And you have mine," she whispered in his ear.
Pulling back, Jack added, "You told me about a conversation you had with my mom, and I told you that I could love you like that...I hope that I've met your expectations."
"Oh, Jack," she said, quickly moving her arms around his neck again, tears now traveling down her cheeks. "You have met and exceeded them. You have shown me love beyond anything I could have ever dreamed of."
After a moment of holding one another, soaking in the intense love that was shared between them, Jack stood, pulling Elizabeth up with him. "You look very nice in your new clothes, by the way," he said, resting his hands against her belly. "Ready?"
"Thank you for these, Jack. I love them."
Climbing onto the UTV, they enjoyed the fresh air in their faces as Jack drove across the field that led to his dad's barn. Stopping in front, he stepped off and held his hand out to her.
"This is one of my absolute favorites," he began. "Right here, I asked you to become my wife, and you said yes. Then in this exact spot, you became my wife, making me the happiest man on the planet. This is where we truly began our lives together." Jack reached into the pouch and pulled out one more charm, holding it up for Elizabeth to see, "This one is two rings, representing the day we became one in Christ. The day you became mine and I, yours. The day you took my name and gave me the life I'd always wanted." After adding the charm to her bracelet, Jack rested his hands on either side of her face, his fingers tucking beneath her hair. "I love you so much, Beth. So much that my heart aches when I think about it. Some days I can't even wrap my brain around the pull that you have on me." Staring into her blue eyes that were now damp with tears, he wiped the salty drops from her cheeks with his thumbs. "I never truly lived until I met you," he said softly in a low voice, cracking slightly behind his own tears that were threatening to appear.
"Jack, I feel the same way. I thought my life was full. I never thought I needed a man in my life until I met you. You showed me that my world was incomplete, a huge empty space resided in my heart that I didn't even realize was there. But as soon as you took residence, filling that hole, everything came into view as if I'd just put on glasses for the first time, as if I'd been walking through life with everything out of focus. I never knew a full life until you. I never knew what true love was until you."
Jack closed the small space between them, covering her lips with a kiss reserved for history, a kiss that very few couples ever get to experience, a kiss full of a love that has only been written by the greatest authors.
"Phew," Jack said, pulling his head back so he could see her face. "One of these days you are going to do me in, Baby." After a brief moment of silent embrace, Jack moved his hand to hers. "Let's get going. There's so much more," he said, grinning.
Their next stop led them back to the house. Jack walked to the porch, stopping in front of the window that offered a view of the piano and living room. Jack removed the velvet pouch from his pocket, peered into it, and found the charm he was looking for. Taking her hand, he added the charm to the bracelet then held it up for her to see; a piano.
"I remember the first time I ever heard you play. The day of my baptism and you sang the song you had written. I remember being blown away by a talent that up until that moment, you had kept hidden. Since then, I have watched and listened to you spend hours in front of this piano," he motioned at the gift he'd given her. "The talent that you hold is one from God. You are absolutely amazing. And writing the music for that song for my mom and Frank, I can't even begin to show you my gratitude for that. This is one of my favorite things about you, one of my favorite things to watch you do." Jack lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it. "Come with me."
Elizabeth was at a loss for words as he led her around the house and into the back yard. She was always blown away at the thought and love he put into his gifts and wished that she could match it.
Walking up to her studio, he pulled the doors open and led her inside where she saw one of her Eiffel Tower paintings sitting on an easel.
Jack removed another charm and added it to her bracelet, this time it was an artist pallet with a paint brush.
"Another one of my favorite things to watch you do, is paint. You are an amazing artist. I am always in awe in the amount of talent you hold in your little finger. You can bring a simple canvas or piece of paper to life with a stroke of a brush."
Lifting the bag, Jack pulled out two more charms and attached them to the chain. Elizabeth looked down, tears still blurring her vision as they'd done all morning, seeing an Eiffel Tower and a shell.
"Your artwork inspired the most amazing honeymoon. And yes, this is most definitely one of my favorite memories," he added, wiggling his eyebrows, then kissing her cheek. "There's more, but we have to leave for them. Before we go, would you like to go for a drive around the ranch?"
"Yes, I would love that."
….
After almost two hours of driving around the ranch, checking on the horses, enjoying private time together, Jack dropped Elizabeth off at the house and parked the UTV in its shed.
When he entered the house, he climbed the stairs toward their bedroom. Hearing the shower running, he left a trail of clothes, entering the bathroom naked.
Elizabeth's back was facing him as she rinsed the shampoo from her hair. As Jack stepped in to join her, she turned slightly, bringing her belly into view.
"God, Beth. I've heard people say that their wife was even more beautiful when they were pregnant but I didn't get it until seeing you." Jack was at her side, moving his hands around her and across her stomach. His lips searched her neck, searching for that certain spot that sent her reeling. As Jack found it, she tipped her head to the side, inviting him in for more.
…..
Lying in each other's arms, Jack ran his fingers through her hair as she rested her head on his chest, their legs tangled together.
"We should get ready," Jack said, brushing his fingertips along her arm.
"Oh, yes. Memory lane," Elizabeth said, rolling onto her back.
As Jack slid off the bed, he stopped at her stomach, kissing it, before getting to his feet and pulling her to hers.
"It's time for bag number two."
Not realizing what he was talking about, she scrunched her face.
"In the closet," Jack reminded her.
With her face lighting up, she replied, "Oh, yeah."
Hurrying to the closet, she unzipped the bag, revealing a gorgeous black lace dress. Holding it up by the hanger, she pushed the bag off the dress.
"Jack, this is beautiful."
Jack took the dress from his wife and held it as she put on her undergarments. Removing it from the hanger, Jack slipped it over her head as she held her arms up, sliding them into the sleeves.
"Wow, Beth. You look amazing."
She stepped in front of the full-length mirror, turning one way, then the other.
"This dress is gorgeous. Did Rosie help you pick this out?"
Shaking his head, Jack answered, "Nope. This one was all on my own."
Turning to face him, surprise on her face, she asked, "You picked this out on your own?"
"Wow, do you not think I can pick out something nice by myself?" He teased.
"Of course, you can," she said, turning back to the mirror.
The romantic dress was made of black lace, beautifully layered over a flesh-colored under-skirt. The V-neck and short flutter sleeves edged with eyelash trim, added to the luxurious elegance, as did the scalloped hemline that tickled her knees with more eyelash trim.
"I love this dress so much, Jack," she stated, carefully running her hands across the black lace that formed perfectly around her stomach.
Jack laid his hands on her shoulders and kissed the base of her neck. "You are beautiful, Baby."
Elizabeth turned around, reaching her arms around his neck, kissing him softly. "Thank you for a perfect day, so far."
"You're welcome. But we need to leave soon. If you go finish getting ready, I'll get dressed in here and stay out of your way."
"Okay," she said, reaching up and kissing him on the mouth.
Once she was in the bathroom, Jack stepped into the large walk-in closet and pushed some shirts across the clothes rod, revealing another garment bag. Unzipping it, he removed the contents and began to get dressed.
When Elizabeth walked out of the bathroom, sliding the back onto her earring, she stopped, staring at Jack who was sitting on the edge of the bed, slipping his shoe on.
"Jack."
Startled, Jack jumped up, looking around. "What? What's wrong?"
"Nothing is wrong. Nothing at all. You look...damn, you look good."
"Elizabeth Nicole Thornton, language," Jack teased, straightening his tie.
Giggling, she crossed the room, her eyes scanning his body as she closed the gap.
"Where did this come from?"
"I bought these the same day I bought your dress."
"Cowboy, you clean up good."
"What? I don't usually look good?" He asked, brushing his hands down his jacket.
Moving closer, she wrapped her arms around his waist, "You always look good. Very good." Reaching her hands behind him, she grabbed his ass and squeezed, "Very, very good."
Stepping back, she looked her husband up and down once more. "You really can wear anything," she stated, nodding.
Jack was wearing snug fitting black slacks, a fitted white dress shirt, black tie, and a camel brown suit jacket, that also hugged his body. Black Italian leather loafers completed his outfit.
"Are you ready, Mrs. Thornton?" Jack asked, holding his arm out for her to slip her arm into.
…
Jack pulled into the parking lot of the church, putting the SUV in park near the front door.
"What are we doing here?" Elizabeth asked.
Jack pulled the velvet bag from his pocket and reached inside, removing the next charm. Placing it on the bracelet, he moved his hand away for Elizabeth to see it, revealing an open book charm.
"This one has two meanings. It's for the journal you gave me, helping me with my healing. It's for the words you wrote in it, giving me the strength to keep going. It also represents the Bible, for your unfailing faith. The faith you had in me to turn my life around. The faith you have in God. Your Christianity just exudes from you in everything you do; and that helped me stay on my own faith walk."
Elizabeth dabbed at the tears that threatened to spill over, trying to save her make-up.
"I have a couple more stops," Jack said, rubbing his hands up and down her arms.
"Jack, you are just wreaking havoc with my emotions today," she said, blowing out a breath between her lips.
"I just want you to know what you mean to me, what you've done for me."
"I'm pretty sure I already knew, but today has still been very enlightening."
"Ready for some more?"
"Yes."
…..
Jack pulled into the school and stopped. Pulling out one more charm, he added it to her bracelet. Elizabeth looked at it closer, seeing that it read teacher.
"I admire what you do. You are an amazing teacher. You love what you do and it shows, you care about your students, and they care about you. You're a hard worker and you're dedicated. I am always proud to tell people what you do when they ask, even sometimes when they don't."
Both of them laughed as Jack took her hands in his.
"I love you, and everything about you. I hope this little trip down memory lane was meaningful for you as it was for me."
"Of course, it was, Jack. I loved it. And I love this," she said, looking at the bracelet, touching each charm.
"Well, we are all dressed up so I suppose we should go somewhere appropriate," Jack said, putting the vehicle in gear.
They sat in silence during the drive, simply enjoying each other's company and the music playing over the radio. That was until Jack pulled into the parking lot of Breeze, a lavish restaurant that Elizabeth had always wanted to go.
Gasping, Elizabeth tightened her grip on Jack's hand that she had been holding throughout their journey that day.
"You remembered," she said softly as Jack put the vehicle in park.
"Of course, I did," he replied, lifting her hand to his lips. "Ready to go in?"
"Yes, very much so."
…..
"That was the best food that I've had in a long time," Jack said as he opened the door to their SUV for Elizabeth.
"Yes, my Chicken Parmigiano was wonderful."
Elizabeth fastened her seatbelt as Jack walked around to the driver side. Once inside, he turned in his seat to face her.
"Thank you for a wonderful life, Beth."
Elizabeth reached over, resting her hand on his cheek she leaned in and kissed him gently on the lips.
….
Once inside their house, Elizabeth took Jack's hand and led him to the top of the steps that led to the basement.
"It's my turn now."
"Your turn?"
"I have something for you too. I was going to give this to you earlier but I got all wrapped up in our little 'trip.'"
"Oh, what is it?"
"Follow me, please."
Elizabeth led him to the family room and up to the table with a basket sitting on it. Reaching for the basket, she pulled it over, stopping in front of Jack.
Reaching inside, she pulled out an envelope. "The typical first year anniversary gift is paper," she said, handing it to him.
Jack opened it and pulled out several hand-made cards, each with something different typed on it. Flipping through them, smiling, he read each one; Breakfast in Bed, Personal Massage, Anything You Want for Dinner, Anything You Want in Bed, Bath for Two, and many more.
"I get to use these anytime?" He asked, a huge grin across his face.
"Yes, anytime you want."
Wiggling his eyebrows, he held up a card, "How about we start with this one?"
Elizabeth read the card and began laughing: Anything You Want in Bed.
"Okay, Cowboy. But first, the rest of your gifts."
She reached into the basket and removed another card she had made and handed it to Jack to read. I love you with all of my senses.
As Jack read it, she reached in for a gift and handed it to him. Wrapped in brown craft paper, the word Smell was handwritten across the top.
"Ah, senses, I get it," Jack said, nodding and smiling.
He removed the paper to reveal a candle. Turning it in his hand, a handmade label was wrapped around it and read, Just wanted to remind you that I love you and your butt is perfect. Laughing, Jack removed the lid and smelled the candle.
"Leather?"
"Yep."
"I love the smell of leather," he commented, breathing in a deep breath of the aroma.
"I know," she replied, reaching into the basket once more, handing him another one, this one with Taste.
Opening the small box, Jack found a gift card to a new brewery that had just opened.
"I heard this place was great."
"I did, too. So, I thought we could try it out some day."
"Okay, what's next?" He asked excitedly.
"Sound," she answered, handing him a small box wrapped in the same brown craft paper.
"What? Concert tickets? These are for Country Thunder next year."
"Yes, Tom said you mentioned wanting to go so we all got tickets."
"This is great, Beth. Thank you."
"Okay, this next one could actually cover all of them, but for tonight, it's Sight."
Jack opened the box and stared at its contents. "Whoa!" He exclaimed. "I hope this isn't for me to wear."
"Oh, Jack." Elizabeth picked up the white lace covered corset type negligee by the straps and held it in front of her. "This is for your viewing. But I bought it before my belly grew this much so I'm not sure it even still fits."
"I like," Jack said, moving to her and wrapping his arms around her waist. "Very much."
"Good. I'm glad you like it. But I'll have to try this on later, we're not finished here." She took his hand and led him to one of the bedrooms. "Your gift for Touch is in here, but it's not wrapped."
Jack pressed his chest to her back and wrapped his arms around her. "Do I get to touch you?"
Giggling, Elizabeth stepped out of his hold. "Later, Cowboy. Most definitely later." She laid her hand on the doorknob then took Jack's hand. "Close your eyes."
Jack obeyed and was led into the room where she took hold of his arms and turned him.
"Open your eyes."
Jack looked around the room before his gaze lowered and stopped on a saddle. He stared at it, his mind taking a second to register what he was looking at, then he turned to Elizabeth.
"This is my dad's."
Elizabeth nodded, her hands covering her mouth, her eyes welling up.
"This is my dad's saddle." Jack turned back to the saddle, running his hand along the leather seat. "It's been restored. How did you do this?" Jack turned back to Elizabeth, tears now falling down his cheeks.
"Your mom and I were talking one day and she mentioned having your dad's saddle and wasn't sure what she wanted to do with it. We talked to Tom about it, and he said you should have it and he put me in touch with a custom saddlery shop that does restorations."
Jack was walking around the saddle, his hand brushing along the cantle, then the seat, then the pommel, coming to rest on the horn.
"Beth, I can't even begin to express what this means to me."
"Does it look like it did when it was new?"
"I think so. I was only around twelve, I think, when he got it. This is wonderful." Jack walked back to Elizabeth and wrapped one arm around her, pulling her to him. Raising his free hand, he pushed her hair back then cupped her cheek, pressing his lips to her. With his mouth at her ear, he whispered, "I love you, Baby."
"I love you, too."
"Let's go see if that lacey white number fits you so I can take it off."
…..
October 25th, 2010 – Primrose OB/GYN
Elizabeth was lying on the table, the gown on, Jack at her side, both nervously waiting for the ultrasound technician to arrive. Jack held her hand, his own was sweaty, gently rubbing his thumb across her fingers.
"Are you alright?" Elizabeth asked after seeing his face. "You don't look so good."
"I'm fine," he answered quickly.
"Jack, your face says differently. What is it?"
Finally moving his gaze to meet hers, he let out a breath. "I'm nervous what the ultrasound might show. I don't want you going through what your sisters went through."
"Jack," she said, laying her hand on his, "Jack, I'll be fine. If we have a big baby, we have a big baby. Viola and Julie's labors were hard, but they came through it. It was a brief moment in time with such a wonderful reward."
Hearing her words, Jack began to relax and bent down to kiss her. Hearing the door open, he quickly straightened and could feel his heart begin to race again.
"Good afternoon, Mr. and Mrs. Thornton. My name is Ellie Brown."
"Hello."
"Okay, so, today we are going to do an ultrasound. I will measure the baby, make sure everything is on track for...let's see...twenty weeks. Are you ready?" she asked, smiling.
Jack and Elizabeth both nodded.
Ellie poured the gel on Elizabeth's belly and pressed the probe against her skin, moving it around until she found the perfect position to see the baby. Moving the probe around, she clicked and measured as she watched the screen, saving each measurement and notes along the way.
"Are we finding out the sex today?" Ellie asked as she repositioned the equipment.
Jack and Elizabeth looked at one another, smiling, and nodded.
"Yes, we'd like to find out," Elizabeth answered.
Jack and Elizabeth's attention was locked on the screen, clearly seeing their baby's face; nose, eyes, and a hand lifted up and touched its mouth.
Out of the corner of his eye, Jack caught the technician make a face as she looked at something, squinting her eyes, her brow furrowed, looking closer. Watching her now, he saw her do it again as she moved the probe across Elizabeth's belly, repositioning for a better look.
"Hmmm," she muttered.
"Is something wrong?" Jack asked, his heart feeling as if it would pound out of his chest.
Elizabeth's eyes left the monitor and shot in the direction of the technician, fear filling her face.
…..
October 30th, 2010 – Thornton-Hogan Ranch
Charlotte and Frank sat, hand-in-hand, next to the small campfire in their backyard, a lightweight blanket draped across their shoulders. Charlotte smiled as she watched Savannah, Luke and Austin chase each other across the yard. Sam was sitting on Tom's lap, the pair lost in conversation. Tom tucked a loose lock behind her ear, his eyes never loosing contact with hers.
Rosemary and Lee were in the middle of a debate with Jason and Alicia, discussing the importance of owning a Ford versus a Chevy.
Lance crossed the yard, carrying his guitar, taking a seat on a bale of hay near the fire. After tuning it, he began to play as the conversations lowered to a hushed tone, some ending completely.
Sam moved from Tom's lap, picked up his guitar, handing it to him, she took a seat beside him.
Savannah ran up to Charlotte and Frank, asking where Elizabeth and Jack were.
"They'll be here soon," Charlotte signed back.
As soon as the words were out of her mouth, Jack stepped up behind her, placed his hands on his mother's shoulders, leaned down and kissed her cheek.
"Good evening, Ma," he said as he stepped around her, sitting down in the seat beside her, setting his guitar case on the ground.
"Hi, Jack." Looking around, she asked, "Where's Beth?"
"She had to make a stop at the restroom. She'll be right out."
"How's she doing? How are you?"
"We're good, Ma." Glancing around at the crowd, Jack added, "Good turnout tonight."
"Yes, I love these. Nothing better than getting everyone together for great conversations and music."
Elizabeth stepped up next to them, laying her hand on Jack's shoulder.
"Hello, Mom, Frank."
"Oh, Beth. Come here. Let me take a look at you."
As Elizabeth stood in front of her, Charlotte laid her hands on her stomach.
"She's so adorable. Isn't she adorable, Frank?"
"Yes, she sure is," Frank replied, smiling.
"Hey, Jack," Tom called out as soon as he'd seen him.
Picking up his guitar, he stood and took Elizabeth's hand in his free one, "Our presence is needed at the fire, Ma."
"Go ahead," she said, motioning for them to move along.
The evening was filled with lively sounds as they sang song after song, joined in by everyone on the most popular verses.
"Beth and I have a song that we've been working on. This is an old one, but we both really like it and thought it would be fun to sing tonight."
Jack began playing his guitar, then started singing as Elizabeth stood beside him, her hand on his shoulder, joining him on the choruses.
"He finally gave in to his friend's girlfriend
When she said, "there's someone you should meet"
At a crowded restaurant way cross town
He waited impatiently
She walked in their eyes met and they both stared
And right there and then everyone else disappeared, but
One boy, one girl, two hearts beating wildly
To put it mildly it was love at first sight
He smiled, she smiled and they knew right away
This was the day they'd waited for all their lives
For a moment the whole world revolved
Around one boy, and one girl
In no time at all they were standing there
In the front of a little church
Among their friends and family
Repeating those sacred words
Preacher said, "Son, kiss your bride", and he raised her veil
Like the night they met time just stood still for
One boy, one girl, two hearts beating wildly
To put it mildly it was love at first sight
He smiled, she smiled and they knew right away
This was the day they'd waited for all their lives
For a moment the whole world revolved
Around one boy and one girl
He was holding her hand when the doctor looked up and grinned
"Congratulations, twins"
As they sang this verse together, Elizabeth laid her hands on her belly, grinning ear to ear as she sang.
"One boy, one girl, two hearts beating wildly
To put it mildly it was love at first sight
He smiled, she smiled and they knew right away
This was the day they'd waited for all their lives
And for a moment the whole world revolved
Around one boy and one girl"
With her hands still on her stomach, she began to rub them across it in exaggerated movements, pushing her stomach out by arching her back. Still smiling, she tipped her head to the side, looking between Sam, Charlotte, and a few others that were watching her. Jack looked around, also, grinning wildly, waiting for a reaction, moving his guitar from his lap.
Quickly standing to her feet, Sam stared at her, covering her mouth. Seeing this, a look of realization spread across Charlotte's face as she rose to her feet.
"Twins?" she asked, loud enough for everyone to hear.
Jack and Elizabeth, both smiling ear to ear, nodded.
"Oh, my gosh! You're having twins!" Sam exclaimed. "A boy and a girl?"
Jack and Elizabeth both still just smiled and nodded.
"What? Liz?" Rosie shouted, getting to her feet now. "Twins?"
The three women swarmed Elizabeth, wrapping her into a group hug. Charlotte reached down and gripped Jack's shirt at his shoulder, pulling him up and into their embrace.
Once they were released, Jack was taken over by Tom and Lee as Elizabeth was engulfed by everyone else.
"This is so amazing," Charlotte stated, her tears flowing freely now. "I can't believe it."
"We couldn't either," Jack responded, chuckling. "The technician scared us half to death during the ultrasound, I thought something terrible was wrong, but she was seeing another arm. Then she moved the thing on Beth's belly and the little girl came into view. She's been hiding behind the boy this entire time, so we had no idea there were two."
Charlotte, Sam, Rosie and Elizabeth were all in tears now, constantly hugging one another, pulling Jack in with them.
"This is just so wonderful," Charlotte exclaimed. "Our first set of twins in the family. What about your family, Beth? Are twins common?"
"My dad's sister had twins, but that's the only set I'm aware of."
"Well, this is just fantastic." Charlotte moved her hand behind Frank, leaning into his side as he draped his arm across her shoulder.
"Way to go, Jacko," Lee stated, slapping him on the back once more. "Always gotta one-up me don't ya," he teased.
"Lee, you've got issues, Brother," Jack responded, laughing.
…..
November 6th, 2010 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Elizabeth walked into the living room to find Jack watching PBR on the television.
"Hey, Baby," Jack said when he saw her.
"What are you watching? Is this World's in Vegas?" She asked, recognizing the venue.
"Yes. It started yesterday."
Taking a seat beside him, they watched it together as Jack cheered on his friends.
"I miss watching you ride," Elizabeth said, sliding her hand into his. "I don't miss the stress of it all, but I miss watching you."
"I have a DVD of most of my rides, you know."
"What? I didn't know that. Where is it?"
Jack stood and crossed the room. Searching through a cabinet, he found what he was looking for and held it up.
"Here it is."
"Put it in, please, I'd like to watch my hot cowboy."
Leaning into Jack's side, Elizabeth watched as Jack rode bull after bull.
"Wow, you were so young there."
"Curse of a baby face."
After watching several rides that covered many years of Jack's career, the next ride that begun caught Jack off guard.
"Oh, I didn't realize this one was on here," he said, picking up the remote to stop it.
"What ride is this?"
"This is when I got hurt two years ago," he said as he pressed the pause button.
"Don't stop it. I think I'd like to see it. I've often wondered what happened because you would never talk about it."
"I'm sorry. When we first met, I didn't want to. I can tell you all about it now."
"Okay, or we could just watch it."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah, I'd like to see it."
Lifting the remote, he pressed play.
Elizabeth watched with awe as Jack rode Tornado, seeing, once again, the proof why he was last year's champion.
"You were so good, Jack. Perfection."
"I wouldn't say that," Jack stated, knowing what was about to happen.
Elizabeth was sitting at the edge of her seat as the buzzer sounded, a smile covering her face. And then as it was evident that Jack was hung up, her smile faded and she covered her mouth as she watched the events unfold. Her eyes welled up as she watched her husband thrown against the side of the bull, narrowly missing being stepped on. She thought she could actually see his shoulder separate as it was torn from the socket, letting out a gasp at the sight. One of the bull fighters threw himself on top of Tornado, grabbing the rope, freeing the bull strap, before being tossed aside by the bull himself.
As soon as Jack was released from the bull's torturing grip, she let out a breath of relief. And when she thought it was over, she saw the bull turn and run toward him, scooping Jack up with his horns and throwing him, sending him into the air and coming down onto his head.
Jack remained limp, a pile in the dirt. The bull fighters worked on getting the bull away from Jack without success. Tornado turned around and charged Jack, his head down, flipping him into the air once more, before turning on him again and running over him. All the while, Jack remained unconscious, flopping around like a rag doll.
Bull fighters, ring men, fellow bull riders, flooded into the arena, trying everything to get the bull away from Jack. Two men on horseback, each with lassos, roped the infuriated bull and dragged him through the gate.
As soon as it was clear, the awaiting medical team rushed to Jack's side.
Elizabeth could feel a lump blocking her airway as she watched them work on Jack. Neck brace in place, rolled onto a backboard and strapped down, they began to carry Jack out as an ambulance backed into the arena. She could see Lee at his side, talking to Jack, trying his hardest to wake him. Even from this camera angle, she could see the tortured fear in Lee's face.
Tears flowing like a river, her hand still covering her mouth, Elizabeth turned to Jack to catch him looking away from the TV.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
Looking to Elizabeth, Jack answered, with a sincere and loving voice, "Did you really want to hear about that?"
Thinking over his question, she shook her head, "No. Not really."
"And...I don't remember anything after my shoulder tore. I remember the searing pain that shot through it...and then...nothing. And watching that, I'm glad I don't remember."
Elizabeth moved across the couch until her body was against Jack's, wrapped her arms around his neck, and held him close, thanking God that he had survived that horrible ordeal.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked to watch it," she said softly in his ear.
Pulling back, Jack cupped her face in his hands, "Beth, you have the right to know anything that's happened to me. I will never hide anything from you. I'm sorry I didn't talk about it before," pausing briefly, he kissed her softly on the lips. Looking into her eyes, he continued, "That was the first time I was truly ever scared during a ride, thinking...this is it; I'm going to die here today."
"Oh, Jack. I'm so sorry I made you watch it again. I had no idea."
"Please stop apologizing. It's over and I'm alright." Jack picked up a lock of hair and moved it back off her shoulder before continuing. "Besides, that was the true turning point in my life that made me want to change, to turn off the path that I'd been barreling down. That moment gave me the jumpstart that I needed, and then I met you..." Jack slid his hands across her cheeks and back into her hair, tangling his fingers into her tresses. "You gave me the fuel to keep going."
…..
November 9th, 2010 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Jack and Elizabeth were laying on the couch, side-by-side, watching a movie on Netflix. As always, Jack's hand was resting on her belly.
"What was that?" He asked, startled.
"What?"
"Something just rolled under my hand."
Elizabeth moved onto her back. "You just felt one of the babies move."
"What? Really?" Sitting up, he pressed both of his hands against her stomach, hoping to feel something again. "There it is again." Jack laid his head against the spot he'd felt the movement, feeling it once more against his cheek. "This is incredible." Sitting up, he laid his hands on her, moving them around until he found the perfect spot. Jack watched in wonder as the baby rolled and pushed under his touch.
…..
November 22nd, 2010 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Thanksgiving break from school allowed Elizabeth to sleep in during the mornings, something she had been desperately needing. She felt as if her belly had grown in size each day, making it more difficult to help out around the house. Feeling exhausted by the end of every work day, Elizabeth yielded to the fatigue and went to bed early; leaving Jack to clean up after dinner, which he did without complaint.
Rolling over in bed, she looked at the clock that sat on her side table: 10:34 am. Moaning, she rolled out of bed and pulled her house robe on as she walked out of the room.
Sounds of notes from a guitar filtered up the steps as she slowly descended them, making her way to the source of the music.
Seeing her enter the front room, Jack lowered his guitar and smiled.
"Good morning, Beautiful."
"Good morning, Cowboy. What were you playing?"
"Oh, just messing around with an old tune."
"Can you play it for me?"
"Of course," he said, patting the couch next to him for her to sit down. "It's meant for you anyway."
Elizabeth took a seat and watched as Jack began strumming the notes, clearing his throat before beginning to sing.
"Dancing in the dark
Middle of the night
Taking your heart
And holding it tight
Emotional touch
Touching my skin
And askin' you to do
What you've been doing
All over again
Oh, it's a beautiful thing
Don't think I can keep it all in
I just gotta let you know
What it is that won't let me go
It's your love
It just does something to me
It sends a shock right through me
I can't get enough
And if you wonder
About the spell I'm under
Oh, it's your love
Better than I was
More than I am
And all of this happened
By taking your hand
And who I am now
Is who I wanted to be
And now that we're together
I'm stronger than ever, I'm happy and free
Oh, it's a beautiful thing
Don't think I can keep it all in
And if you ask me why I've changed
All I gotta do is say your sweet name
It's your love
It just does something to me
It sends a shock right through me
I can't get enough
And if you wonder
About the spell I'm under
Oh, it's your love
Oh, it's a beautiful thing
Don't think I can keep it all in
I just gotta let you know
What it is that won't let me go
It's your love
It just does something to me
It sends a shock right through me
I can't get enough
And if you wonder
About the spell I'm under
Oh, it's your love"
As Jack ran his fingers across the strings, forming the final chord, he raised his gaze to see Elizabeth crying. Laying the guitar down, he moved closer to her, wiping the tears from her cheeks.
"Are you alright?" He asked in a soft tone.
Nodding, she replied, "That was really beautiful, Jack. It's like it was written for us."
"That's how I feel about it, too."
Elizabeth drew in a deep breath and blew it out hard through her lips. "Good grief, my hormones are all over the place. I'm just a big bawl baby now...well...worse than before."
She smiled as Jack lifted his hand and wiped the tears away again.
"The babies are really active right now. Do you want to feel them?"
"Absolutely," he replied, leaning back into the couch and pulling her beside him. He rested his hand on her belly, immediately feeling the activity hidden within.
"I will never get used to this," he said, leaning his head onto her shoulder.
