***STEAM ALERT***STEAM ALERT***STEAM ALERT***STEAM ALERT***STEAM ALERT***STEAM ALERT***
April 22nd, 2011 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Jack walked into the house, shaking water from his cowboy hat, trying to dry it off. After hanging up his drenched coat and removing his muddy boots, he found Elizabeth in the kitchen preparing dinner.
"Hey, Beautiful," he said, kissing her cheek. "I'm a mess. Do I have time to take a shower before dinner?"
"Yes, this won't be ready for another half hour."
Jack disappeared up the steps and Elizabeth proceeded with chopping the carrots for the salad. A heavy spring shower was falling outside, sending in the sweet smell of fresh rain through the open window by the kitchen sink.
The twins were in their bouncy seats on the floor next to the island. Elizabeth would occasionally glance down at them to find Peyton sleeping and Colton playing with his feet. Wyatt was lying on the floor at their feet, always on guard duty.
Elizabeth continued with her tasks and as she was tossing the salad together, she thought she heard Colton cooing from his seat. Smiling, she moved the bowl to the side and carried the cutting board to the sink.
Hearing the babbling again, she realized it sounded different so she moved to check on the twins. Wyatt was standing over Peyton, staring at her. Just as he stretched out to lick her, Elizabeth called out to stop him, but it was too late.
Just as Wyatt's tongue brushed up her cheek, the biggest smile spread across Peyton's face as she squinted one eye against the rough tongue.
Elizabeth dropped the plastic tongs that were in her hand and she yelled, "Jack!"
Hearing his name called out, Jack rushed out of the room, still in his muddy jeans, and ran down the steps two at a time, almost falling down the final five.
"What?" He yelled, running into the kitchen. "What's wrong?"
"Jack, look," she said, moving to the side to reveal the reason for her excitement.
Jack walked over to find Wyatt still in front of Peyton, her little fingers tangled in the long hair of his neck, a smile across her face.
"Oh, my God," Jack said, freezing and staring at the most beautiful sight he'd ever seen.
Elizabeth moved into his side and they wrapped their arms around each other and watched the special bond being formed between their daughter and Wyatt. The dog sat down and laid his head across her legs, as Peyton patted his head with both hands.
"I guess she was waiting for him," Jack said, watching the duo.
"I guess so. Look at those two."
Babbling away, as if having a conversation with her new best friend, Peyton would smile each time Wyatt moved his nose to her cheek. As if he knew the magnitude of what was happening, the dog continued to give her small kisses, causing their baby girl to smile each time for her parents to see.
"I cannot tell you how relieved I'm feeling right now," Elizabeth stated.
"You don't need to. I feel it, too," Jack replied, pulling her tighter into his side. "My God, she's beautiful."
"Yes, she is."
Elizabeth picked up her phone from the island and opened her camera app. Kneeling down, she began taking photo after photo of the interaction. Each time, Wyatt would give Peyton a small kiss on the cheek as she smiled. Once Elizabeth had her favorite, she sent a text to the entire family with the photo attached.
…..
April 23rd, 2011 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Cisco burst out of the pen on the heels of the calf with the encouragement of Lee. After only two turns of the lariat, Lee released it, hooking the steer's horns and turning it toward the left. Jack immediately threw his rope, catching both back legs.
"4.7 seconds!" Tom yelled out, looking at his stopwatch.
Elizabeth, Rosemary, Charlotte, Frank, Sam and the kids all clapped and yelled as they watched them release the steer. Alicia, Jason's wife, was also with them, holding Noel on her lap.
Levi and Dylan were on either side of the chute now, riding Boone and Weston. Jason pushed the next steer to the front, poised to open the gate, his hand on the release. Jack and Lee remained at the opposite end of the arena where they could watch, both grinning at their great time.
Then with a clank, the gate opened, the horses launched out, the ropes were tossed.
"3.8 seconds!" Tom shouted.
"Damn," Jack said quietly, only for Lee to hear.
"Language!" Charlotte called out.
"Good grief, Ma!" Jack yelled back, laughing.
"You better watch out, Jacko, or you'll be grounded and won't be allowed to come out and play," Lee teased, kicking his horse into a trot, moving across the arena.
"Very funny, man!" Jack kicked Jake into a run and blew past Lee.
"Oh, we're doing this?!" Lee stated, kicking Cisco into a full run, but still unable to catch Jack and Jake.
Levi Tibbs and Dylan Larson were one of the top team roper duos in their region, and Jack, having been good friends with Levi for many years, invited them over for some friendly competition, with hopes for some mentorship from them in the process.
"Great run, guys," Jack said, pulling Jake to a stop in front of them.
"You, too. To have that time after only one year...you two are going to be hard to beat," Levi remarked.
"Yeah, I'm glad we don't have to compete against y'all yet," Dylan added. "But at this rate, you'll be moving up levels fast."
Jack started walking Jake toward the pen again for another run, when he heard Dylan.
"Hey, Jack, you better listen to your mother," he winked, then turned his horse, Weston to the side.
Jack shot a glance toward his mom, who was watching him and laughing, having heard Dylan's bit of advice.
"Thanks, Ma," Jack remarked, shaking his head and continuing toward the starting pen.
Laughter could be heard from the group gathered around the picnic table and chairs, as they watched from the shade of a large Oak tree.
Jack and Lee practiced two more runs; the first one being a bit slower, but the next was 4.0 seconds flat.
"That's nothing to shake a stick at," Dylan called out as he approached the pair. "Are you sure you've only been doing this since last year?"
"Other than working cattle on the ranch, that's it," Jack answered.
"That's amazing," Levi added. "It took me at least three years to get to where you guys are now."
Jack and Lee looked at each other and grinned.
"I guess we're ready for the Silver Springs Rodeo in a couple weeks?" Lee asked.
"I would say so," Levi responded.
"That's a great one," Dylan said. "We'll be there, too. There will be a lot of good teams running that weekend. You will definitely see where you are in the lineup at that one."
"Perfect," Jack replied. "That's exactly what we want."
…..
April 24th, 2011 – Crossroads Cowboy Church
With Peyton on Frank's lap and Colton on Charlotte's, Jack and Elizabeth joined the praise band up front for the closing song. Jack began playing his guitar alone, then started singing.
"Even though I walk through the valley
Of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I'm caught in the middle
Of the storms of this life
I won't turn back; I know you are near
And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?"
Elizabeth joined in on the piano, as well as Lloyd on bass and Pat on acoustic guitar. Each one also singing the chorus with Jack.
Oh no, you never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, you never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, you never let go
Lord, you never let go of me
And I can see a light that is coming
For the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
We'll live to know You here on the earth
Oh no, you never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, you never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, you never let go
Lord, you never let go of me
Yes, I can see a light that is coming
For the heart that holds on
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
Still, I will praise You, still I will praise You
Oh no, you never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, you never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, you never let go
Lord, you never let go of me"
(*You Never Let Go – Matt Redman)
Just as the song was ending, Frank moved Peyton to Savannah's lap, then stood to walk up front. Looking down at the open Bible in his hand, he closed it then began, raising his eyes to the large crowd that had gathered that day.
"I heard a preacher say, "If I really knew you, I wouldn't want you to be my congregation. If you really knew me, you wouldn't want me to be your preacher." I feel the same way. It is only by His grace that I stand here today.
I want you to know, Jesus knows. He knows about the fight you had with your wife on the way to church this morning. He knows about that slightly shady business with the money. He knows about the lies and the cover-ups. He knows you. And He's told me to tell you...all of you...to come and receive His embrace."
Jack, standing next to Elizabeth near the piano now, moved his hand into hers and squeezed it.
"If you do, so many good things will happen. Maybe not all at once. It's not magic He's offering, unless you want to call meaning, purpose, and hope magic. What He offers is, in fact, life from the dead. Come meet Him. See what He'll do for you.
Let us pray."
After his closing words and prayer, Frank dismissed the congregation, as he waited off to the side for anyone wanting to speak to him.
Elizabeth was standing with the family outside when she turned and saw Jack walking toward them, the twins in their carriers in each hand. Seeing her, he smiled and picked up his pace to get to her side quicker, kissing her cheek once he was close enough. Once Frank arrived, they finalized their Easter lunch plans, said their brief goodbyes, then headed to Tom and Sam's house for a family meal.
(*Frank's words are an excerpt from an Easter sermon by Gary D. Robinson on )
…..
May 7th, 2011 – Silver Springs Rodeo – Silver Springs, Missouri
Elizabeth was sitting in the bleachers with three baby carriers lined up in front of her on the ground. Rosemary, Jack and Lee were all tacking up their horses, preparing for their day. Savannah, Luke and Austin all came running around the corner, followed closely by Sam.
"Looks like you've got your hands full, Beth," Sam said, taking a seat next to her.
"They're all asleep right now, so it's not too bad," Elizabeth grinned.
"Well, we're here now. Once this gets going, they won't be asleep any longer."
Elizabeth moved her arm behind Sam and hugged her. "I'm so glad you guys are here."
Sam hugged her back and replied, "Wouldn't miss it. We would have loved to have seen him ride over the years but the kids were so young and he mostly rode in faraway towns and other states."
"He understands. He was so thankful you all were there in Vegas. That meant the world to him."
"Now that, we would not have missed. Even if we had to tow the kids along."
"Now there's my beautiful girls," Charlotte's voice rang out as she approached them.
"Hey there, Mom," Sam said in return.
"Hi, Mom," Elizabeth added.
"Oh, my, look at those gorgeous babies," Charlotte exclaimed, taking a seat on the other side of Elizabeth. "Oh, that Noel is beautiful, too. Look at those cheeks!"
"She sure hasn't missed a single meal," Sam stated, laughing.
"Where are my boys?"
"Jack is out by the trailer getting Jake ready. Lee and Rosie are there, too."
"Tom is over with them," Sam added.
Just then, Savannah, Luke and Austin came running by once more. Seeing Charlotte, they all stopped and ran to her for their hugs.
"So many wonderful grandbabies," Charlotte stated, holding her hand over her heart.
"Where's Papa?" Savannah signed to Charlotte.
"He's at the concession stand getting snacks for everyone. You three should probably go help him carry all of it."
All three kids' eyes grew wide, then they each turned and were gone.
Laughing, Sam responded, "All it takes is the mention of treats for those three." Sam leaned forward slightly, looking over Elizabeth to Charlotte, "They really love Frank."
A smile filled Charlotte's face, reaching her eyes. "He loves them, too. He and his wife were never blessed with children so he is really enjoying being part of a big family now."
"We are blessed to have him," Elizabeth replied. "He really helped Jack and I am forever grateful for that."
"Me, too, Sweetie," Charlotte said, wrapping her arm around her daughter-in-law.
…..
Frank was now next to Charlotte, Austin on his lap eating popcorn from a brown paper bag. Savannah and Luke were sitting on the bench behind everyone, also with popcorn bags in their hands. Peyton was in Charlotte's arms, Colton in Elizabeth's, and Noel in Sam's. Tom had joined them now and was seated next to Savannah.
The group watched as the team ropers gathered just outside the south end of the arena; Jack and Lee had quickly been spotted by the children.
"Jack said they were toward the end," Tom said, leaning forward for everyone to hear.
They watched and cheered as each team did their runs, with times ranging from 5.2 seconds to 43.3 seconds.
"Are you ready, Brother?" Jack asked, strapping his roping glove on.
"Let's kill this," Lee exclaimed, moving Cisco toward the gate that opened into the arena.
"Here they come," Luke shouted, seeing his uncles entering the ring.
Everyone's attention focused on the two cowboys riding in on their horses.
Jack entered the heeler pen and Lee entered the header pen. With both horses backed tightly into the corners and the steer ready, Lee nodded his head and the gate was opened.
Cisco and Jake, anxiety and tension keeping them on high alert, stretched out into a full run when the steer was released.
Lee threw the rope as soon as he cleared the pen, landing his catch perfectly. Turning Cisco to the left, he pulled the calf around, setting him up for Jack's quick response, capturing both hind legs. With the horses facing each other now, screams from the crowd could be heard as Jack and Lee looked at each other, wide-eyed and shocked.
"Whoo! 4.1 seconds!" The announcer screamed, overly excited at the fast time.
Both men pumped their arms at one another, smiling from ear to ear. They jogged their horses out of the arena, jumped off and hugged each other. Several other riders, including Levi and Dylan, surrounded them with congratulatory sentiments and hugs.
Rosemary had joined the group briefly to watch the guys run, and was screaming out their names along with everyone else.
"Those two are amazing," Tom commented. "That will move them up for sure."
"Incredible," Frank added. "I don't know how those two do it."
"Lots of time on the ranch," Charlotte said. "They've been doing that for years, just not for speed or competition. It was an easy transition for them."
"I guess so," Frank replied.
Elizabeth, with a smile covering her face, was talking with Colton, pointing toward his daddy.
After the final team, Lee and Jack were still in first and took their victory lap, running their horses around the outside of the arena, hats in the air, smiles across their faces.
"I need to get going," Rosemary stated, handing Noel to Sam. "Thanks for watching her."
"No problem, Rosie. She's a peach," Sam said while gently pinching Noel's cheeks while the little girl laughed.
With Cisco and Jake tied up at the trailer, Jack and Lee joined the others in time to watch Rosemary ride. Being fifth on the roster, she would be up next.
Delilah was fired up, knowing her task she would soon be doing. Unable to keep her legs still, the mare danced around as Rosemary attempted to hold her still the best she could. When it was their turn, Rosemary carefully guided the horse to the gate, trying to keep her under control, holding her back. Once at the arena opening and lined up to Rosie's liking, she let the mare loose and kicked her into high gear.
Rounding the first turn, Delilah grazed the barrel, narrowly tipping it over. Taking the second barrel with a better form, Rosie kicked the mare to move faster to the third barrel. Turning tighter than the mare had ever done before, just skimming around the edge of the large metal can, the duo cleared it with perfection and ran the length of the arena at full speed.
"15:26. That moves Rosemary Coulter and Delilah into first place," the announcer called out.
Lee was on his feet, cheering her on, Noel in his arms. The rest of the group was cheering as well, startling the babies once more. Elizabeth and Jack took the twins for a short walk to the trailer in order for Elizabeth to nurse and change them.
Once they were fed, changed, and back to sleep. Jack and Elizabeth returned to their family who was watching a barrel racer run her pattern, knocking over the second barrel.
"What place is Rosie in?" Elizabeth asked when they were in their seats.
"She's still in first," Lee proudly answered. "There are only three left to go."
The next rider tipped over a barrel, receiving a five second penalty. The next two ran their patterns clean, but neither were able to beat Rosemary and Delilah's time.
The group stood and began cheering before the final placings were even read, and as Rosemary entered the arena to take her victory lap, Lee and everyone could be heard over the entire crowd.
"What a perfect day," Charlotte stated as everyone began walking toward their cars.
"Yes, it was," Sam replied. "And the kids had a blast finally getting to watch them compete."
Tom picked up Austin and swung him onto his shoulders, "Did you like watching Uncle Jack ride, Buddy?"
"Oh, yes, Daddy. Unc Jack was fast."
The group continued to their vehicles, excitement still leading their conversations.
Jack, Elizabeth, Lee, Rosemary and babies were at Jack's trailer: Jack and Lee loading the horses while the women were securing the kids in the car seats in their respective trucks.
"We'll see you at home," Lee called out as he climbed into his truck.
Waving, Jack closed the door to his truck and fired it up.
Elizabeth raised the center console and slid across the seat next to Jack. Leaning in, she kissed his cheek.
"I'm so proud of you."
Jack turned in his seat, cupped her face in his hands and kissed her passionately. When he finished, he was smiling ear to ear.
"What are you smiling about?" She asked, giggling.
"It's just been a great day." He kissed her again, then looked at her, his eyes moving from her mouth, to her eyes and back. "And I want to get you home," he said, licking his lips and kissing her one more time. Turning in his seat, he threw his seatbelt on and put the truck in gear, all while keeping a huge smile across his face.
…..
May 8th, 2011
Elizabeth was sitting in the nursery with both babies lying across her lap, singing to them. Peyton and Colton both smiled, wide-eyed and mesmerized.
"Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high
There's a land that I heard of once in a lullaby
Somewhere over the rainbow, Skies are blue,
And the dreams that you dare to dream, really do come true...
Someday I'll wish upon a star
And wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Where troubles melt like lemon drops
Away above the chimney tops, that's where you'll find me
Somewhere over the rainbow, blue birds fly
Birds fly over the rainbow, why then, oh why can't I?
If happy little blue birds fly beyond the rainbow
Why, oh why can't I?"
When finished, she lifted both babies to her face and kissed them gently on their foreheads.
"Blessings. That's what you both are. Blessings," she said softly. "You will want for nothing."
Jack had been standing in the doorway, admiring and listening to her. He crossed the room to the chair and sat down, laid his arm across her shoulders and looked down at the smiling babies.
"Good morning, Beth," he said, leaning down and kissing the top of her head.
"Good morning, Cowboy," she replied, smiling up to him.
"They love your singing," he commented, brushing a finger along Colton's cheek, generating another smile.
"Yours, too," she said.
Jack reached into his back pocket and pulled out a blue velvet box and held it in front of her.
"Happy Mother's Day, Elizabeth."
She looked at the box then up to Jack and smiled. Taking it from his hand, she lifted the lid and inside was a three curved heart necklace, made of white gold, lined with diamonds along each curve, and held a red garnet stone in the center.
"Jack, this is beautiful."
Jack pointed to the necklace and began explaining it to her. "The three curves of the heart represent me and the twins. This top one is me, and these two forming this center heart are for Peyton and Colton. The red garnet in the center is their birthstone."
The thoughtfulness behind the gift left Elizabeth speechless as she stared at the gorgeous necklace. Removing it from the box, she handed it to Jack, then held her hair up for him to place it around her neck.
Laying her hand on it, she looked over to him, kneeling beside her now, and grinned. "Thank you so much, Jack. I love it."
"You're welcome, Momma," he smiled.
Leaning toward him, she softly kissed him then pressed her forehead to his. Peyton, spotting the necklace, reached up and tried to grab it.
"No, no, sweet girl," Jack said, picking her up and standing.
Elizabeth moved Colton to her shoulder and stood in front of Jack. Jack pulled his phone out, scrolled through an app looking for something, smiled, pressed it, then laid the phone on the changing table.
With Peyton in his left arm, he moved his right around Elizabeth's waist and pulled her against him. Colton, being in her left arm, was sandwiched between them, opposite Peyton. The family of four swayed back and forth to the music as Jack softly sang to them.
"I've loved you since the very first day
When I caught you looking my way
A smile and just knew it.
And up until you came along, no one ever heard my song,
Now its climbing with a bullet.
Its nice to have someone, so honestly devoted,
But when it's said and done, girl I hope you know that,
The traveling, the singing, it don't mean nothing without you
The fast cars, the guitars, they are all just second to,
This life, this love that you and I have been dreaming of, for so long
It'd all be as good as gone, without you.
Along comes a baby girl…and boy," Jack added, "and suddenly my little world,
Just got a whole lot bigger, yes it did.
And people that I barely knew, who love me 'cause I'm part of you
Man it's tough to figure
How two souls can be, miles from one another
But still you and me, have somehow found each other.
The traveling, the singing, it don't mean nothing without you
The fast cars, the guitars, they are all just second to,
This life, this love that you and I have been dreaming of, for so long
It'd all be as good as gone, without you.
Without you I'd survive, but I'd have to have the notion
That I could live this life, just going through the motions
The traveling, the singing, it don't mean nothing without you
The fast cars, the guitars, they are all just second to,
This life, this love that you and I have been building up so high
It's never gonna touch the sky, without you."
(*Without You – Keith Urban)
…..
After church and lunch with the family at Charlotte's house, Jack was drying off Peyton following her bath. Laying her on the bed, he hovered over her and held her hands, sweetly speaking to her as her gaze was locked on him, a huge smile across her face.
"Baby girl, you have no idea how happy we are to see you smile."
Peyton began babbling and blowing bubbles as she watched Jack talk.
"You and your brother are a precious gift from God. He knew we would only have one pregnancy so he sent us two of you, to bless us twice as much." Jack leaned down and kissed her cheek, her eyes grew wider along with her smile. "I love you so much. I never knew a person could love someone so much until I met your mommy and then again when you two arrived."
Peyton blew another bubble, splattering spit on Jack's face.
Laughing, he continued, "Oh, so that's how you really feel?"
He moved his hands to her feet and pumped her legs back and forth, getting a slight giggle from her.
Elizabeth entered the room and heard Peyton's laugh. "Did she just laugh?"
"Yes," Jack chuckled, "she sure did."
"Do it again," Elizabeth said, moving to Jack's side with Colton in her arms, wrapped in a towel.
Jack began playing with her feet, putting them in his mouth and pretending to chew them. Peyton giggled once more; this time slightly louder. Elizabeth laid Colton on the bed next to his sister and Jack took one of his feet and began doing the same thing, alternating between the babies. At first, Colton would just smile and pinch his eyes closed, then suddenly, a laugh slipped from him as well.
Jack and Elizabeth began to laugh, along with the twins, as Jack continued to play with them while Elizabeth took more photos.
…..
Lying in bed after the twins were down for the evening, Jack ran his hand across her jagged pink scar on her abdomen, then bent over her and kissed it softly.
"Don't do that, it's ugly," Elizabeth said, pulling her shirt down.
Jack looked into her eyes and slowly pushed her shirt back up, revealing her stomach. "You don't need to hide a thing, Beth. You're beautiful."
"It's a reminder of a terrible day," she said, laying her hands across it.
Jack sat up and pulled her hand away, skimming his palm across her stomach. Speaking softly as he brushed his fingertips across the scar again, he continued, "This is proof of the strength that resides inside you. This is a symbol of two beautiful beings that you brought into this world. This is a reminder of how lucky we all are as a family." Jack went quiet for a brief moment, then proceeded, "I see this as a badge. A badge of honor that you should wear proudly: one of courage, strength and love." Jack laid beside her again, turning her face toward him with a finger under her chin. "You should never be embarrassed to show this," he ran his finger across the scar one more time. "Without this...I wouldn't have you or the twins."
Elizabeth's gaze quickly moved from Jack's mouth to his eyes, hers filled with a silent understanding of the meaning of those last words.
Jack moved to the edge of the bed and reached into the drawer of his side table, retrieved something, then returned to Elizabeth's side.
"I stumbled across this the other day," Jack held up the coupon book she had made him for their anniversary. "I would like to redeem one of them right now."
Letting out a small laugh, Elizabeth replied, "Okay. Which one?"
Jack tore out a page and handed it to Elizabeth.
Bath for Two
Smiling, Elizabeth nodded, "That sounds perfect."
"I'll go get it ready. Wait right here," he said, kissing her forehead.
A few minutes later, Jack returned, wearing only a towel around his waist.
"Join me?" He asked, holding his hand out for her.
Elizabeth followed Jack into the bathroom to find it illuminated by the soft glow of several candles. The bath was filled and the water's surface was covered with bubbles.
Jack moved in front of Elizabeth and grabbing the hem to her shirt, he lifted it over her head. After removing all of her clothing, Jack dropped his towel and stepped into the tub, helping Elizabeth in after him.
…..
May 20th, 2011 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Jack was sitting on the front porch step with Peyton in his arms, resting on his legs. She was looking into his eyes, cooing and sucking on her fist. Wyatt, never too far away, was laying alongside them. Jack began to hum and a smile emerged from behind her drool-soaked hand. As he watched her, he was transported to a time he had forgotten until this moment.
…..
July 23rd, 1989 – Larkin Park – Carlisle, Missouri
Jack and Tom were running around the soft green grass, chasing one another, followed closely by Emily and Billy, two kids from their Sunday school class.
Jack ran to the picnic table that his father was sitting on and climbed up next to him when Jim, his dad's best friend, approached, carrying his baby daughter.
After talking for a few minutes, Jim was called over to tend to the BBQ grill that had everyone's burgers cooking.
"I'll take her," Thomas said, holding his arms out toward the child.
"Are you sure?" Jim asked.
"Of course, hand her over, we'll be fine."
Jack sat and watched as his dad held the eight-month-old baby girl on his lap, facing him, talking to her in a silly voice. Then he began to sing a lullaby that Jack had heard his father sing many times to him and Tom when they were younger.
Nine-year-old Jack watched and smiled, listening to the soothing sounds from his father's voice singing to the baby.
…..
May 20th, 2011 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Realizing he was humming the tune to the same song; Jack began singing to his own child.
"You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
You make me happy when skies are gray
You'll never know dear; how much I love you
Please don't take my sunshine away"
Jack leaned down and kissed Peyton's cheek as she smiled at him, now also blowing bubbles between her lips. Standing, he carried her into the house where Elizabeth was putting together sandwiches for lunch. Colton, who was strapped in his bouncy seat, was babbling to the toy rattle that he held in his hand, drool running down his chin and soaking his shirt.
After securing Peyton into her seat, Jack removed Colton and took him out to the front step. Elizabeth watched him, a smile covering her face, as she continued with lunch preparations. Once outside, Jack sat down, Wyatt at his side once more, and began singing the same lullaby to his son.
…..
May 25th, 2001 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Jack was in the round pen working with a young horse, thinking about the past weekend. They had another great ride at the Stockton Lake PRCA Rodeo, moving them up to compete against the next level of riders. Rosemary had taken a third-place win, beaten out by two of the top barrel racers.
Feeling confident with the progress of the young gelding, Jack decided to try saddling it. After working with him, Jack gently sat an old saddle on top the horse, carefully pulling the cinch tight. Feeling the tension building inside the horse, Jack moved back, keeping the rope in his hand, slowly moving down it toward the end. Picking up his training stick, he made a clucking sound with his mouth and the horse exploded in front of him, leaping straight into the air. Bucking and kicking, the horse took off, hitting the end of the lead rope and almost pulling Jack over.
Regaining his footing, Jack picked up the training stick again and made the horse move. Getting him into a run, he kept the gelding going until he worked the buck out of him and got the horse's focus on Jack where it belonged.
Seeing this from his truck as he pulled up, Tom crossed the yard, keeping his eye on the horse, as he approached the round pen.
"How's it going, Jack?" He asked, laying his arms on the rail.
Laughing, Jack replied, "Oh, just peachy."
"He's got some buck, doesn't he?"
"Yes, makes me a little nervous to get on him."
"What? The Horse Whisperer nervous about a horse? What has the world come to?" Tom teased.
"Very funny, Brother," Jack replied, keeping the gelding moving in a circle.
Taking a step back, the horse took the cue and stopped, turning to face Jack.
"He responds well," Tom remarked.
"Yeah, he's been going great until the saddle. He's going to need a little work before I get on this one."
Jack approached the horse and petted him on the forehead. Moving to his side, he slowly loosened the cinch and pulled the saddle off. Unsnapping the lead, he took the rope and saddle to the railing and tossed it up onto it.
"What are you doing out here today?" He asked his brother
"I was just driving by on my way home and thought I'd stop by and say 'Hi' and see what you were doing. I need to come watch you train more. You look just like Dad out there."
"Really?"
"Yes, I remember watching him work with horses and you have the same quiet hand that he did."
"I did learn everything from him," Jack said, turning and leaning against the fence, watching the horse sniffing the dirt. Turning back to Tom, he asked, "Hey, you want to come inside for tea or something?"
"No, I need to get home. Sam said dinner will be ready soon. Can't keep the lady waiting."
"No, sir, that would not be a good idea."
The brothers hugged goodbye, still laughing, then Jack snapped the lead on the gelding and returned him to the barn as Tom drove down the driveway.
…..
May 30th, 2001 - Hope Meadows Ranch
Jack was in the mares' pen with a foal that had just been born that morning. Slowly walking up to the mare, he ran his hand along her neck and down alongside the new foal. As soon as Jack touched the filly, the animal jumped and stopped nursing, trying to get away. Jack held her at her neck and rump, softly speaking.
Elizabeth was standing at the fence now, watching him.
Continuously speaking in a hushed tone, Jack gently petted the young horse, being sure to touch her neck, back, sides, legs, face and ears. After several minutes of doing this, the foal had calmed and allowed Jack to pet her all over.
Jack was still petting the foal when something in the corner of his eye caught his attention. Turning, he saw Elizabeth at the fence with Peyton hanging on her chest.
"Where's Colton?" He asked, walking toward Elizabeth.
Grinning, she turned around to reveal the baby hanging on her back.
"Well, would you look at that. Where did you get this thing?" He asked, now with her at the fence and inspecting the carrier that was attached to her like a backpack.
"I ordered it online. I can't push that stroller out here across this rough ground and I wanted to be able to get outside."
"Well, this is great. Aren't they heavy?" He was lifting Peyton's rump, bobbing her up and down as she smiled and giggled slightly.
"They are...a bit...but I'll get used to it the more I use it."
"This is wonderful, now you can come out and visit me when I'm working," he said, smiling ear to ear, "just like old times." Jack climbed over the fence and stood at her side.
Smiling at his excitement, Elizabeth added, "Yes, I miss that."
"Well, I was checking on the foals. Want to walk with me?"
"Yes," she answered, slipping her hand into his.
"Want me to take one of them?"
"No, not yet. I want to work on getting back into shape."
Jack looked her up and down in her leggings and T-shirt, his eyebrows wiggling, "You look like you're in perfect shape to me."
Shoving her shoulder into him, she responded, "Very funny."
"I'm serious. You always look amazing." Jack held his hand to the small of her back, gently moving it back and forth as they walked along the pen of mares. "There's yours," Jack said, pointing out the beautiful black and white mare that she'd picked out at the auction. "Her foal is right there." He pointed toward a long-legged black and white colt.
"Wow, he's pretty."
"He sure is. Best foal this season so far."
"Really?" She asked, looking at Jack with wide eyes and a smile.
"Yes, he's going to be worth some good money." Jack leaned in and kissed her cheek. "You did good, Baby."
"So, we'll get our money back from buying her?"
"Oh, yes, threefold at least."
"What?" Elizabeth asked, complete shock in her voice.
"He's a great stud colt. Someone will most definitely want him in their breeding program. With his pedigree and loud markings...he'll bring a pretty penny."
Elizabeth proudly watched the colt as he ran, bucked and kicked at his mother. Catching a blow in the side, the mare pinned her ears back and gave the rambunctious foal a warning. Unheeding to her signs, the colt kicked out one more time, catching his mother in the back leg. With one swift strike out, she kicked him in the hip. Stunned, the colt quickly moved to his mother's side and stood in defeat as she continued to graze.
"Well, I guess she told him," Elizabeth commented, having witnessed the entire act.
"Yes, she sure did. Mares don't take any crap from their babies," Jack laughed, crossing his arms and laying them on top of the fence. With one foot propped up on the bottom rail, Jack looked over the herd, eyeing all the babies, making sure they were all okay and accounted for.
"What were you doing out there with that filly?"
"Imprinting."
Elizabeth turned her head to Jack, "What? Like Jacob on Twilight?" She teased.
Jack laughed, "Not exactly. Horses are naturally fight or flight animals, even when they're first born. So, if you can let them know right away that humans aren't here to harm them, they are much easier to train down the road. So, I begin handling them as soon as I can get to them. Some of them get so attached to you that they won't leave you alone," he laughed, thinking of a few he'd had in the past.
Elizabeth looked back out over the herd, always fascinated to learn new things. "You're just amazing with them."
Jack moved in closer to her, wrapping his arm around her waist below Colton's feet. "It's just a horse thing," he grinned.
"It's more than just a horse thing. It's a Jack thing," she said, winking up at him.
"I guess. I've always felt really comfortable around them. Even as a kid."
The couple stood for a few minutes, watching the mares graze and the foals play.
"Anymore left to foal?" Elizabeth asked, looking down to Peyton, who was now asleep.
"Yep, three left. That will make nineteen. Not bad."
"What did you have last year?"
"Let's see. Two years ago, I had ten, last year we had thirteen. We lost that one filly."
"Yes, I remember her."
"So, we are increasing just like I planned. I think we should pick up a few more this year. Plus, there are a few exceptional fillies here that I think I'll keep for the program."
The couple continued to watch the foals running about and kicking toward one another: "Feeling their oats" as Jack's father used to say.
As they walked back to the house, Colton now in Jack's arms, Wyatt by their side, Jack took Elizabeth's hand in his free one and they walked home as a family, a complete and happy family.
…..
June 7th, 2011 – Hope Meadows Ranch
In a deep sleep, Jack was lost in a dream. Her hand slipped under his shirt and across his chest, the heat from her palm left a warm trail along his skin. Slowly moving her hand down, she slid under the elastic of his pants, gripping onto his manhood.
A moan escaped through his lips as he tipped his head back, pushing into his soft pillow. The feeling was immense, flowing through his body as his excitement began to build with his growing erection. Another moan was about to leave his lips when hers covered his. Her tongue moved through the opening of his mouth, brushing against his tongue. He could now feel the warmth of her body over his, her hips pressing hard against him.
Jack's eyes suddenly opened, finding Elizabeth over him, smiling and looking down into his eyes.
"Happy birthday, Cowboy," she said in a seductive voice.
Realizing that none of it was a dream, Jack moved his arms around her waist, grabbing her, and rolled his gorgeous wife onto her back.
"Good morning, Beautiful," he said before kissing her, with the intensity that had begun from his wake-up call.
Their clothes were quickly discarded onto the floor, and the next hour was spent exploring each other, always finding new ways to express their love.
As Elizabeth dropped to the bed beside him, breathless and lost in a pleasurable numbness. Jack rolled to his side, moving his hand to her cheek.
"You always find ways to surprise and amaze me."
"Well, it is your birthday," she grinned.
As he moved to kiss her, "I love you" floated out on a breath, then he took her mouth with his once more.
