This chapter has moved things right along...so you are not seeing the next date wrong. :) It is filled with babies and their milestones, ranch work, special occasions, and a rodeo. There is a lot of content here...so I hope you can soak it all in. And of course, STEAM ALERT. It is J&E after all. Thank you everyone for reading...please take a few seconds and leave a review and let me know your thoughts.
***STEAM ALERT***STEAM ALERT***STEAM ALERT***STEAM ALERT***STEAM ALERT***STEAM ALERT***STEAM ALERT***STEAM ALERT***STEAM ALERT***
December 24th, 2011 – Hope Meadows Ranch
With another year coming to an end, Jack and Elizabeth took stock of everything that had happened that year.
The twins were doing great at eleven months old, crawling everywhere, their first teeth were coming in and they were eating solid food. Jack and Elizabeth patiently waited for those first words and first steps.
Charlotte and Frank had celebrated their first anniversary in September by taking a trip to the Outer Banks in North Carolina, spending most of their days relaxing on the different beaches and their evenings in the beachfront Airbnb they had rented for the week. Before they left, the family had gathered at Frank and Charlotte's ranch for a special anniversary dinner.
Elizabeth dressed the twins in outfits that Charlotte had bought them when they were a few months old, and they had finally grown into them. Peyton was in a pink, green, and brown gingham tank top shirt with a ruffled bottom, paired with white leggings with lace around the hem at her ankles and a pink headband with a pink flower. Colton was wearing a long sleeve, buttoned up green gingham shirt with the sleeves rolled up, paired with brown pants and a pink tie. Charlotte was ecstatic to see them wearing the outfits and spent at least five minutes straight just taking photos of them.
Jack and Lee's team roping had ended that year with them in nineteenth place in the region, something they were both very proud of. Rosemary had finished fourteenth in the region and the three had plans of expanding their trips the following year, hitting larger rodeos.
The Thomas Thornton Foundation had grown exponentially. A gala was being planned for the following spring for fund raising to keep up with the need to help more families.
Jack and Elizabeth kept their second anniversary simple by going out to eat at their favorite restaurant, Johnny's, and then returning home to some alone time. Charlotte had offered to keep the twins, so they took her up on that.
Julie's son, Jacob, now a year and a half old, was doing great and Skylar was the best big sister. Viola and Lionel had finally made a trip home in November with their kids to visit the family. Jack and Elizabeth made their first trip on a plane with the twins, and everything went wonderfully, allowing them to spend an entire week with Elizabeth's family.
Elizabeth had begun painting again, trying to dedicate a few hours a week to her studio while Jack watched the kids. She had even taken Wrangler out for a few rides, just the two of them. A few times, Charlotte had come over to watch the twins so Jack and Elizabeth could go for a ride together, exploring new areas of the ranch each time.
Jack finally drew up plans for an indoor arena that would allow him to train year-round. After a quick discussion with Elizabeth late that summer, construction on a large building as well as a three-car garage next to the house had begun, being completed just in time for winter. They also moved Jack's office above the garage to free up the room next to the twins' bedroom to eventually move one of them into it, giving them their own space.
Birthdays had been celebrated, family meals had continued, summer turned into fall, and fall turned into winter, hitting them with a huge snowstorm in early December, snowing most people in for a few days.
Having gotten home late from Noel's first birthday party, Jack put the twins to bed while Elizabeth worked on wrapping presents. She was sitting next to the Christmas tree, wrapping the final gift for Peyton when Jack walked into the room with two mugs of hot chocolate in his hands and a smile on his face.
"What are you smiling about now?" She asked, laying the scissors on the footstool.
"The most beautiful sight to behold," he said, handing her one of the cups.
"Oh, Jack. You're such a goof."
"What? I mean it." Jack took a seat on the couch, opposite Elizabeth. "So, how was your year?"
Elizabeth looked up, pinching her brow at the strange question. "Good?" She answered, not sure what he was getting at.
"Mine was perfect," Jack stated. "So much happened this year. We have the twins, the rodeos went great, our ranch is expanding, Ma is so happy, Frank is wonderful, everyone is healthy."
Elizabeth stood and crossed the room, sitting onto Jack's lap and placing her hot chocolate on the table, "I fully agree with you on all of the above." Leaning down, she kissed him softly. "We are very blessed."
Jack set his mug next to hers, stood, keeping Elizabeth in his arms, and carried her up the stairs and to their bedroom, closing the door behind them.
…..
December 25th, 2011 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Jack and Elizabeth were lying in bed on their sides, face to face, staring into each other's eyes. Words were never needed when they were together this way. A gentle touch, a soft kiss, a look...it said it all. Elizabeth reached up and ran her fingers along Jack's jawline across the dark scruff that she loved. Jack smiled, his dimples forming under her touch, another feature of his that drove her wild.
Continuing down, she brushed her fingertips across his shoulder and down his bicep, feeling the muscle twitch from her touch. She moved her hand to his chest and ran it down across his pecs and six-pack. Elizabeth could hear Jack's breathing pick up slightly as she continued along his body. Moving to his hip, she slipped her hand behind him and gently brushed it across his butt and behind his thigh, pulling it up, causing his leg to bend and lay across her own.
As Elizabeth slid her body closer to his, Jack moved his leg behind hers, pulling her even closer with his foot behind her calf now, their bodies becoming entangled, inching closer to becoming as one.
He moved his hand behind her head and into her hair until her tresses were wrapped around his fingers. Jack pulled her face to his and covered her lips. Their hearts raced. Their breathing sped up. Their bodies instinctively moved to each other until there was no space between them, not even air. Still undressed from the evening before, their bodies were skin on skin as their kisses intensified.
Jack moved his leg off of her and reached down, pulling her leg over his. He wrapped his arms around her, low on her back, holding her tightly against him. They lay this way, wrapped in each other's embrace, feeling each other's heartbeats racing but slowing slightly. Jack ran his hand down the back of her hair then brought his finger to her chin, lifting it until their lips met once more. Their kisses were filled with passion yet still tender, just enjoying the moment. Enjoying the incredible love that existed between them.
After many minutes of kissing and touching, Jack gripped Elizabeth's thigh again, pulling her leg up slightly, and slid into her. He watched her face as he moved in and out very slowly, returning his lips to hers repeatedly, unable to stay away.
They made slow, passionate love. Taking their time to care for one another, pleasing each other completely.
Lying in each other's arms, their bodies damp with sweat, Elizabeth's head rested on Jack's chest as she listened to his heart beating.
"Merry Christmas, Beth," Jack said, pulling her hair back off her shoulder, kissing her forehead.
Lifting herself onto her arms, her face inches from his, she replied, "Merry Christmas, Cowboy." She slowly lowered to his lips, kissing him softly, then returned her head to his chest, listening to his heart once more.
…..
The twins crawled all around the living room as Jack and Elizabeth constantly picked them up and pulled them away from the tree. Both Peyton and Colton were determined to pull as many ornaments as possible down that they could get their tiny hands on.
"Pey Pey, look that this," Jack said, holding up a new toy, shaking it to make noise.
Peyton, who had once again begun to crawl toward the tree, turned and sat onto her bottom, looking up to her daddy. Jack was holding a brown horse toy that was covered with brightly colored textured tabs, rattles, crinkle fabric and fringe. Jack squeezed the ear and the toy neighed and made trotting sounds.
Peyton quickly crawled to Jack and pulled herself up, her hands on his knees. She batted at the toy, laughing when she heard the crackling sound that some of the fabric had made.
Standing near his mother, Colton heard the sounds and looked in that direction. With the couch to steady him, Colton walked the length of it, always keeping his hands gripping the edge, working his way towards the new toy. He was already dressed in one of his presents: a burgundy shirt with Wrangler rodeo patches on the back and sleeves, boots, chaps and even spurs and a hat.
With the stuffed horse laying across his lap, Jack steadied the twins as they played with the new toy, mesmerized by the sounds and colors as they hit it and gripped onto the different fabrics.
…..
December 29th, 2011 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Elizabeth was standing at the kitchen sink looking out the window at the winter wonderland that stretched across their backyard. The ground was covered by several inches of soft white snow and the ice on the trees glistened in the sunlight.
Elizabeth turned, wiping her hands on the dishtowel, and froze.
Standing in the middle of the floor was Peyton - not holding onto anything; just standing and grinning at her mother. Wyatt was standing two feet behind her, keeping guard as he always does.
Without moving, Elizabeth called out, "Jaaaack."
"Yes?" He replied from the next room.
"Can you come in here, please?"
As Jack turned the corner and saw Peyton, he stopped in his tracks, a smile filling his face as he looked over to Elizabeth. "Did you see her walking?" He asked.
"No, she was just standing there and hasn't moved."
Jack knelt a few feet from his daughter and Elizabeth quickly grabbed her phone from the island.
Holding out his arms, Jack began coaxing her, "Come to Daddy, Peyton." He wiggled his fingers. "Come here, Pey."
Peyton picked up one foot and took a step toward Jack, and then another. Elizabeth was kneeling now, videoing the whole thing. Jack could be seen on her screen as well, smiling ear to ear as his daughter took her first steps towards him.
"Oh, my goodness," Elizabeth said quietly.
Jack moved back slightly, forcing her to take two more steps to reach him. Giggling now, she sped up and began to fall forward. Jack reached out and caught her just in time, stood, and tossed her into the air; Peyton laughing the whole while.
"Did you get that?" Jack asked, turning to Elizabeth.
"Yes, I got the whole thing."
"Well, look who's the big girl now," he said to Peyton, tickling her tummy, causing her laughter to erupt, filling the house.
Colton crawled into the kitchen, searching for the source of all the noise. Once in view, he sat up with his arms in the air, waiting for someone to pick him up. Elizabeth crossed the room and picked up her son, cradling him against her chest and began to sway back and forth, humming a lullaby.
Jack moved to her side and wrapped an arm behind her, swaying to her song, the two babies playing together and giggling in between their parents.
…..
January 27th, 2012 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Jack came down the stairs after falling asleep on the bed with the twins. The sound of piano music floating through the house woke him, and he ventured down to find Elizabeth.
Sitting at the piano, she was playing one of her favorite songs and hadn't realized Jack was watching her. Leaning against a log pillar, Jack crossed his arms and watched his wife, lost in her element. She swayed back and forth, feeling the music through her entire body. Her fingers drifted across the keys of the piano, and extension of herself each time she played. Her foot moved up and down on the sustain pedal, drawing out the notes when necessary.
When the song ended, Elizabeth laid her hands on her lap and looked out the large windows that overlooked the backyard, still covered in snow. Lost in her thoughts, she didn't see Jack crossing the room toward her.
"Where did you go?" Jack asked, sitting next to her on the piano bench.
"What?" She asked, turning her head toward him.
"You were lost out in space somewhere when you stopped playing."
"Oh," she said, looking back out the windows. "Just thinking about stuff."
"That's usually my job," Jack teased, shoving his shoulder into hers.
Letting out a small laugh, she leaned into his side.
"So, what stuff were you thinking about."
"The events from a year ago."
Nodding, Jack moved his arm around her, holding her against his side. "Yes, I've been thinking about that a lot lately, too." He kissed her forehead then continued, "But you're here and well, the twins are doing great and they're healthy."
Elizabeth nodded and enjoyed the warmth of Jack's body against her own.
"Is there something else bothering you?" He asked, tipping her chin up with his finger.
"Not really," she answered, looking into his eyes.
"Beth, I know you better than that, you know."
"I was just thinking about not being able to give you more children."
Jack turned, moving one leg to the other side of the bench, straddling it, facing Elizabeth. He pulled her closer to him and wrapped his arms around her.
"Beth, you gave me everything I have ever wanted...and so much more. I have you, I have the twins, I have a beautiful life because of you. There is nothing more that you need to give me."
"But I know you wanted more."
Jack turned her face toward his, "What makes you think that?"
"Because that first time we talked about having kids and you asked me how many."
"Okay. And did I say a number?"
"Yes." Elizabeth stopped and thought for a moment. "No...I did."
Nodding, Jack smiled, his dimples showing slightly. "That's right. And what was the last thing we said?"
"That we will be happy with whatever God blesses us with."
"That's correct," Jack's smile grew. "And he blessed us with those two," he said as he pointed upstairs.
Elizabeth twisted her body and wrapped her arms around her husband's neck. "I love you so much," she whispered in his ear.
Jack tightened his arms around her and they held each other for a few short moments until they heard one of the twin's feet hit the floor running.
…..
January 28th, 2012 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Jack was running through the living room trying to catch Colton, as Peyton ran through the kitchen, laughing that she got away from her daddy. Scooping up Colton, Jack proceeded to go after Peyton.
Elizabeth was walking down the steps when she saw Jack run by, Colton hanging over his arm, Jack bent over, free arm outstretched chasing Peyton. Both kids were wearing only diapers and Elizabeth covered her mouth, laughing at the scene.
"Need some help?" She asked from the bottom step, just as Jack grabbed Peyton and picked her up.
Catching his breath, he straightened and looked at Elizabeth. His hair was disheveled, his cheeks were red, and he was breathing hard.
Elizabeth covered her mouth again, attempting to hide her laughter.
"What happened?"
"I was changing their diapers and trying to get them dressed. One would take off while I was changing the other." Jack bent his head down and wiped his forehead across his sleeve. "These two are a lot of work," he said, then started laughing.
"Yes, Jack...I know." Elizabeth reached out, took Colton and walked over to where Jack had their clothes. She quickly got him dressed while Jack dressed Peyton.
…..
Jack opened the door and let his mother and Frank in, their arms filled with birthday gifts for the twins.
"Where would you like these?" Frank asked.
Jack directed him to a table that was set up in the dining room.
Once everyone had arrived, with the gift table overflowing with presents, dinner was served and consumed. After excusing herself, Elizabeth re-entered the room with two small birthday cakes, one pink and one blue. Jack was right behind her with a larger two-tiered cake, half pink, half blue with white, blue, and pink circles: another one of Charlotte's masterpieces. A lit number one candle was placed on top, and everyone sang Happy Birthday as they crossed the room with the colorful desserts.
The twins were seated in their highchairs, only in their diapers, and Elizabeth placed one cake in front of each of them. Everyone watched with their phones out, taking photos and videos as the birthday kids stared at their cakes, not quite knowing what to do.
Jack had set the larger cake down on the table and joined Elizabeth at the twins' sides. Suddenly, Peyton shoved her hands into her pink cake, made a funny face like she was growling like a bear, then shoved her entire frosting covered hand into her mouth. Colton watched his sister, his face looked as if it was filled with horror. He looked back to his cake but wouldn't touch it. Jack took his son's hand and gently dragged his little fingers across the top of the cake, then brushed a dab of frosting onto his lip.
After tasting it, Colton's eyes widened and he shoved his fingers into the cake, breaking off a large piece and proceeded to eat it.
With everyone laughing, the twins became more and more animated, generating even more laughter from their audience. Even Noel was screeching, trying to get off Rosemary's lap to join them.
Once the cakes were mostly demolished and spilling onto the floor, Jack and Elizabeth each picked up one of the kids as Frank and Charlotte removed the trays, carrying them to the kitchen sink. Jack and Elizabeth disappeared and returned shortly with the twins cleaned up and back in their clothes.
As everyone else enjoyed their cake and conversations, Savannah was sitting on the floor with Peyton on her lap. Noel ran through the room, followed by Colton and Luke, and Peyton wiggled off of Savannah's lap and joined them. The house was filled with the infectious laughter of babies and young children as the six of them ran back and forth between the rooms and family members. Wyatt stayed near Jack, trying to stay clear of all the little feet.
When the sun had gone down and was replaced with the glow of a full moon, all the kids were sitting quietly in the living room, watching a cartoon on the TV. Elizabeth, Sam and Rosemary cleaned the kitchen while the guys picked up all the wrapping paper and boxes, shoving them into large, black trash bags.
Peyton walked into the kitchen, rubbing her eyes with her chubby, little fist. "Da Da," she said, holding her arms up, standing next to Jack.
Elizabeth spun around, dishwater dripping from her hands. "Did she just...," she said, pointing, unable to finish her sentence.
"I think so," Jack said, picking up his daughter. "Can you say 'Da Da' again?"
Peyton shook her head and buried her face into Jack's neck, clearly exhausted from the events of the day.
"Oh, Pey Pey," Jack said quietly, cradling his daughter's head.
"Well, lucky you," Elizabeth said, now standing next to Jack and drying her hands on a towel.
"That was her first word?" Charlotte asked. "And we were here to hear it? Oh, that's so wonderful."
"Has Colton said anything yet?" Sam asked.
"No, nothing yet," Elizabeth answered. "But he started walking the day after Peyton so I'm sure he'll probably be talking soon." She knelt down beside them and rubbed her daughter's back. Peyton turned her head to look at her mommy. "Can you say Da Da again?"
Peyton shook her head.
"Please, Sweetie,"
Grinning, Peyton complied, "Da Da."
Jack held her out so he could see her face. "She said it. She really did say it. Say it again, Peyton. Can you say Da Da?"
"No," she said sharply.
"Well, alright then. We didn't need to learn that word so quickly," Jack said as everyone laughed. He moved her back to his shoulder and she buried her face into his neck once more. "I'm going to take her up to bed."
"I'll be right behind you with Colt," Elizabeth stated.
Once the twins were down, Jack and Elizabeth rejoined their family who were now all gathered in the living room.
"We're going to head home," Lee said, pulling his coat on. "Noel can't keep her eyes open either."
Jack and Elizabeth walked their friends to the door and said their goodbyes, watching them until they were loaded into their truck and rolling down the driveway.
With everyone in the living room once again, they discussed a few details of the upcoming Gala for the Foundation, finalizing the last items on the to-do list. Luke and Austin had fallen asleep, one on either side of Sam, while Savannah watched something on the tablet from Tom's lap, her eyes closing occasionally only to pop back open.
"I think we need to get these three to bed," Sam said, pushing Luke from her arm that had fallen asleep under his weight.
"Yes, we're going to head home, too. Let you two get some rest after this long day," Charlotte said, standing up with everyone else.
With the entire family now gone, Jack and Elizabeth finished cleaning up what little was left to do, then went up to their bedroom.
Elizabeth was changed and under the covers reading a book when Jack collapsed onto his side of the bed. In his lounge pants and no shirt, Jack closed his eyes, his arm hanging off the edge of the mattress. Elizabeth continued reading her book until she heard Jack begin to snore. Letting out a small chuckle, she laid her book on the side table, pulled a throw blanket over her husband, turned her lamp off and went to sleep.
…..
February 12th, 2012 – Tom & Sam's House
"Ma Ma," Peyton said, holding her arms up so Elizabeth would pick her up.
"Hey, baby girl," she said as she picked up her daughter.
"They are growing so fast," Samantha commented as she put the last plate into the dishwasher.
"I know. Too fast. I wish they'd slow down."
"Da Da," Peyton called out, leaning toward her father as Jack entered the kitchen.
Jack took her from Elizabeth's arms and gave his daughter a hug. "Hey, Pey Pey. Are you being a good girl?"
"No," Peyton said loudly.
Sam and Elizabeth laughed as Jack continued, "No? You're not being a good girl?"
"No," Peyton said, giggling now.
Colton walked around the corner of the island and grabbed Elizabeth's leg of her jeans. "Ma Ma."
"Oh, my goodness," Elizabeth exclaimed, picking up her son. "Did you hear that, Jack?" Elizabeth was smiling ear to ear and holding her son tight against her.
"I did," Jack said, also smiling.
Tom walked into the room and seeing everyone smiling as big as they were, he asked, "Something happen?"
"Colt just said his first word," Sam answered, moving her arm behind her husband and holding him.
"What did he say?"
"Ma Ma," Elizabeth answered proudly. "He just said Ma Ma. Didn't you, Baby?"
"Ma Ma," Colton said again, patting Elizabeth's cheeks with his hands.
"I will never get tired of hearing that," she said, rubbing her nose against her son's.
"You will around the time you hear it about two hundred times in one day," Sam teased.
"No, not even then," Elizabeth said, hugging Colton.
…..
April 6th, 2012 – Hope Meadows Ranch
An early spring had rolled in, allowing Jack to get a jump start on his ranch repairs like broken fences, chewed up boards in the stalls, and getting the sand poured in the new arena. Colton had become Jack's little helper and was glued to his side at all times, never wanting his daddy to go anywhere without him. Tom and Lee had found the two of them out around the barn on multiple occasions, Colt in his chaps, cowboy hat and boots just like Daddy.
One day, while waiting for Jack to get Jake saddled, Lee was standing in the arena with Cisco when Colton crawled under the fence and toddled to him. Bending over and holding his hands out toward the little boy, Lee picked him up when Colton reached him and held him until Jack came in.
"He's turning into quite the little ranch hand," Lee said as Jack approached him.
"Yes, he sure has," Jack replied, grinning ear to ear. "He'll be riding his own horse before long."
Jack climbed on Harley, then reached down for Colton, pulling him up and setting his son on the saddle in front of him. Colton giggled and smacked his hands against the saddle horn. As soon as Jack cued Harley to walk, Colton began to move his body back and forth with the motion of the horse.
The two men started out toward the west pasture, walking the fence line looking for holes or broken posts. Coming across a section now and then that needed a repair, Jack would set Colton down nearby while they worked, handing him one of his toys each time. After a quick repair, Jack would remount Harley and Lee would hand Colton up to him.
"What do you think, Colt?" Jack asked, leaning down so he could see his son's face.
"Horsey," he replied, smacking his hands on the saddle again.
…..
Elizabeth pulled the last load of laundry from the dryer and carried the basket into the dining room. Peyton was following her and stopped when she saw her favorite horse toy that they had gotten for Christmas. She sat on it, and bounced up and down as she squeezed the ear, making trotting and neighing sounds.
"Are you riding your horsey?" Elizabeth asked as she folded a pair of Jack's Wranglers, grinning when she saw the leather label just above the back pocket.
"Wide horsey," Peyton said, bouncing harder.
Hearing the back door open, Peyton jumped up and ran, calling out "Da Da."
"Hey, Pey," Jack said, scooping her up in his free arm, Colton in the other. "Where's Mommy?"
Pointing toward the dining room, she answered, "Dere."
"Good afternoon," Jack said, kissing his wife on the cheek.
"Have a good time with Lee?"
"We sure did. Didn't we, Colt?" Jack asked, bouncing his son in his arm.
"Yee," Colton said, smiling.
"We found a few spots that needed repaired but nothing major. Spent most of the time just riding around."
"I bet Colt enjoyed that," Elizabeth replied as she folded the last pair of jeans.
"Oh, yes, he sure did. I actually came in to grab Peyton to take her out for a little while."
"She's been riding her horsey in here so she is ready to go."
Jack handed Colton to Elizabeth and kissed her on the lips, then turned to leave, "We won't be out long."
Colton began squirming, trying to get out of his mother's arms. "Down. Da Da."
"Not this time," she said, repositioning him on her hip.
"No! Da Da," he cried.
Jack quickly snuck out of the house; it was the easiest way for Elizabeth to get control over their son anytime Jack would leave without him.
"Horsey," Peyton clapped as they neared Harley.
He was tied to the hitching post that was next to the house and popped his ears forward when they came around the corner.
…..
Elizabeth took Colton to the living room and pulled out a few of his favorite toys, trying to distract him until he forgot about his daddy leaving. He immediately walked to the little keyboard and began pounding on the keys, laughing at the silly sounds that came out.
Elizabeth stacked the folded laundry into the basket and sat it on the bottom step of the stairs then went back to Colton who was still pounding on the toy piano.
She sat on the floor behind him, pulling him onto her lap and the piano onto his. Taking his hands, she pressed them on the keys, playing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. Colton giggled and blew bubbles between his lips as they played the tune.
…..
Peyton, just like her brother, laughed and smacked her hands against the saddle as they rode through the pasture. Lee had left, so it was just the two of them and Harley, joined by Wyatt this time. Jack began to sing and Peyton stilled, listening intently to her daddy. When he'd finish, she'd pat his legs and ask for "mo" so he'd sing another song. This went on for the entire ride and five songs later, he finally returned to the barn to put up Harley.
After unsaddling and brushing him out, Jack turned to take Harley's lead when Peyton picked it up first. Walking through the barn with the rope in her hand, she toddled toward the stall with Harley right behind her, taking care not to step on her.
Jack put the horse in the stall and closed the door, then turned to find Peyton moving stall to stall, kissing the noses of each horse that reached over the doors to greet her. Jack remained with Harley, watching his daughter not leave out a single horse.
…..
Jack stepped into the house, Peyton in his arms and Wyatt at his heels. After washing his and his daughter's hands, he walked through the house in search for his wife, finding her in their bedroom putting clothes away.
"I think we have another horse whisperer on the ranch," he said, setting Peyton on the floor next to her brother.
"Co," she shouted when she saw him, joining him with the toys he was playing with.
Jack stepped up behind Elizabeth, wrapped his arms around her waist, and kissed her neck.
"What makes you think we have a horse whisperer?" She asked, turning around in his arms.
"First things first," Jack said as he cupped her face with his hands and pressed his lips to hers. "Okay, now I can answer," he grinned, then proceeded to tell Elizabeth about what Peyton had done in the barn.
"Both of these kids are horse crazy already. You will have a lot of help around here when they are big enough."
"Oh, I know, and I can't wait."
…..
April 28th, 2012 – Oasis Convention Center - Springfield, Missouri
Jack was standing with Frank, Tom and Lee, surrounded by fellow bull riders and friends, catching up on life. After several minutes of conversation, the men excused themselves and began mingling with other guests.
"Have you seen the gals yet?" Tom asked, wondering where his wife was.
"No, Beth said they were all getting their hair and make-up done down the street. Then they were getting dressed in the hotel room. They'd be here as soon as they were ready," Jack answered
"You'd think this was someone's wedding for all the fuss they've made of it," Lee added, taking a drink of his water.
"Sam was very excited for all of this. We never get to dress up like this so all the ladies were so anxious to go shopping for their dresses."
"Charlotte was the same way. I had to laugh when she wouldn't let me see her dress but she said they were all keeping them secret."
Jack checked his phone for any texts from Elizabeth, but there was none. Opening his message app, he typed out, Almost done? and pressed send.
A quick reply chimed through.
Be there in a few.
Ok. Can't wait to see you. There are a lot of people here already.
Okay. On our way.
Jack put his phone back in his pocket and turned back to the guys. "Beth said they are on their way now."
"Good. I'm getting a little anxious to see them," Frank stated. "Your mom said we would all be very pleased when we saw their dresses."
"Have any of you seen them?" Tom asked.
"Nope, Rosie kept hers under lock and key," Lee responded.
"Same here," Jack added.
The guys were visiting when Jack looked up and saw the women enter the room. Jack's mouth dropped open the moment he saw them, the guys followed his gaze, each seeing their wife and staring in awe.
The group of men slowly crossed the room, each stopping in front of their wife.
"You look radiant," Frank said to Charlotte, lifting her hand to his lips and kissing it.
She was dressed in a silver-black metallic form-fitted gown with draped sleeves, ruched bodice and asymmetrical neckline. Frank was dressed all in black with a silver vest and tie. Like the other women, Charlotte had told Frank what color to wear, but had not let him see her dress.
"You look great, too, Frank," She replied, kissing him softly.
The couple stepped away, her arm through his, his hand on top of hers, leaving the younger ones to admire one another.
…..
"Mrs. Thornton, you...you..." Jack repeated, eyeing his wife head to toe. "You leave me speechless."
Smiling and dropping her gaze to the floor, she raised it back to his eyes, his loving eyes, and said, "You look really good, too, Jack." She brushed her hand down the front of his tuxedo jacket, "So handsome."
Jack held her arms out, taking a long look at her dress. The sleeveless black and nude, tulle and floral lace, fit and flare gown hugged her in all the right places. With a V-neck and natural waist, a cascading tulle ruffle started at her waist and ran down the length of her left leg.
"Seriously, Beth, you look amazing."
"Thank you, Cowboy." She reached up and slipped her fingers under his lapels and ran her hands down the length of the black satin. "I could get used to this." She moved her hands to the front of his black vest, feeling the slick material over his strong chest. "You look hot." She stretched up, not needing to stretch as far due to her high heels, and gently kissed his lips, being careful not to wipe off her lipstick.
…..
"Samantha, you look beautiful," Tom said, taking her hands and kissing her cheek. "This dress looks amazing on you," he said, looking down the length of her blush-colored dress. The mermaid gown featured a sweetheart neckline and off the shoulder straps and was embellished with lace appliques, rhinestones and feathers. "Are these...feathers?" he asked, bending down and brushing his hands along the bottom of her dress.
"Yes," she said grinning. "You like it?"
"Like it? I love it." He leaned in and pressed his lips to her ear, "I also can't wait to get this off of you."
"Tom," she said, slapping his arm. Looking around, seeing no one heard her, she leaned to him, "I can't wait, too."
"Oh, okay, let's get this night going," he said, smiling and taking her hand and leading her toward their table. In his grey suit, grey vest and grey cowboy hat, he complimented her blush dress perfectly.
…..
Jack slid his hand into Elizabeth's and they walked further into the room.
"It looks great, Jack. What a turnout," she said, looking around the large room filled with round tables, adorned with linen tablecloths and floral centerpieces.
"I know. We were all shocked by the amount of interest in this."
Elizabeth stopped and turned Jack to face her. Pulling his black felt hat off with one hand, she reached behind his head with the other and pulled his face down to hers, kissing him more passionately, not worrying about her lipstick this time. Replacing his hat to his head, she said, "This foundation is a wonderful thing and you've already helped so many people. It's a real need."
Nodding, Jack agreed. "But what was that for?" He asked, wiping the lipstick from his mouth.
"Oh that? You look really, really good. I couldn't help myself," she answered with a giggle.
…..
"Rosie, mmmm...," was about all Lee could get out.
"Wow, that's all you've got to say?" Rosemary teased.
"Rosie, you...I mean...this...," Lee stumbled over his words as he looked his wife over. "Good grief. You've got me all tongue tied."
Rosemary laughed and put her arm through his, "I'll take that as a complement."
Leaning down, he whispered in her ear, "You should. And also, the fact that I want to take that dress off of you right now." Lee looked down at Rosemary's leg that came into view with each step. "And that slit goes clear up to your hip."
"Lee," she said, slapping his arm, "it does not go up to my hip."
"Well, damn close."
Rosemary's rhinestone beaded ruby-red dress had a sweetheart neckline, spaghetti straps, contour waistband and full skirt. It also included a wide loop laced-up open back and side pockets. She had informed Lee to wear all black with a red necktie and he complied without question.
Rosemary turned him to face her, checking out his outfit one more time, "You look dashing, Lee. I like this little red pocket square," she said, running her fingers along the fabric.
"Thanks. That was my idea," he said, grinning proudly.
"Oh, was it now," she laughed. "You clean up pretty good, Cowboy."
…..
The evening had been extremely successful. With the meals being $500 a plate, and selling out in the first two weeks after announcing the gala, their initial contributions totaled more than $125,000. But with donations rolling in and even more being collected during the gala, the foundation had gained over a million dollars in donations from that one event. Charlotte cried when she saw the total, so grateful to all of their friends and even more people that she had never met, but had known Thomas.
After Jack, Tom and Charlotte spoke, three speakers shared their stories and how the foundation had helped their families; followed by a delicious meal and more mingling with the guests.
At one point of the evening, Jack had caught Elizabeth's attention from across the room and began to sign to her.
"I love you."
"I love you, too."
"Are you having a good time?"
"Yes."
"You look so sexy."
"So do you."
"That dress looks great on you."
"Thank you."
"But it will look even better on the floor."
"Jack Thornton."
Unbeknownst to them, Charlotte had seen them and was watching the cute exchange. Just after Jack said that last statement to Elizabeth, he turned and saw his mom...giving him the look.
"Jack, please save that for later," she signed to him, shaking her head as if scolding her young son.
Wide-eyed and red cheeked, Jack looked away from her and back to Elizabeth, who was standing with a mortified expression on her face. After a few seconds, both of them began to laugh uncontrollably as the people standing around them tried to figure out what joke they had just missed out on.
The band began to play and Jack's laugh stopped as he stared at his wife across the room. They walked toward one another, closing the wide space between them. Jack held his hand out as Elizabeth laid hers into it, and followed him to the dance floor, along with their family and a few other couples.
Once they reached the Parquet tiles, Jack turned around and pressed his body against hers. Raising his left hand up, holding her right, Jack slid his other hand across the small of her back and pulled her closer. Having removed his jacket and cowboy hat just before the meal, Jack lowered his head, touching his cheek to hers, his breath brushed across her ear like a feather, sending a tingle through her whole body. As they slowly swayed to I Will Always Love You, Elizabeth tightened her hand around Jack's while he moved his hand across her back, cheek to cheek, their breaths grazing each other's skin.
Lee moved his hand up Rosemary's back as they danced, feeling her skin in the open area of her dress. "You look very beautiful," he said to her before kissing her softly. "We need to have special occasions more often," he added, grinning.
Rosemary lifted her hand to Lee's face, running her fingers through his hair. "You do look quite suave in this suit," she acknowledged, moving her hand to the back of his head and drawing him in for a deeper kiss.
The dance floor began to fill with couples, each dressed to the nines for this special evening. Frank and Charlotte were lost in their own world, like the others. He held her right hand against his chest as his right hand pressed into the small of her back, pulling her to him. Charlotte's face was buried into his neck, breathing in his cologne. Her life was full once more, as was her heart.
Sam lifted her head from Tom's shoulder, looking into his eyes she said, "I love you so much."
"I love you, too," he replied, then kissed her softly. "You look incredible tonight."
"So do you," she smiled. "I'm glad the kids are staying at my parent's house tonight," she winked.
Tom chuckled and returned his cheek to touch hers once more and whispered, "We should leave soon."
Jack pulled Elizabeth's right hand in, holding it between them against his chest, their feet barely moving as the warmth in their bodies increased. He pressed his lips to base of her ear, delicately kissing her. Moving down her neck, he left tender kisses, making a trail over the top of her shoulder.
"I think we need to go now," he whispered, having returned his mouth to her ear.
He felt her nod in agreement, turned and took her hand, said their quick goodbyes to their family and friends, grabbed their belongings, and vanished through the doors...all within only a couple minutes.
…..
June 18th, 2012 - Hope Meadows Ranch
Elizabeth moved the tractor forward until the hay forks were completely into the large round bale. Raising the arms, she put the machine into high and began her drive back to the hay barn. Repeating this for five more bales, she pulled into the barn one last time and lowered the arms, setting the bale on the ground in line with the others she'd just delivered.
Jack was standing in the large doorway of the horse barn, watching his wife as she backed the tractor into the machine shed and parked it. After climbing down, she grabbed the large sliding door and pulled it closed. When she turned to head to the horse barn, she found Jack still leaning in the doorway, watching her.
As she walked to him, he just smiled, shook his head, and wiped his hands on an old towel.
"Mrs. Thornton, I must say, that is one of the sexiest things I've seen you do."
"Good grief, Jack. It's just a tractor," she replied, shaking her head and laughing at her husband.
"Nope...not just a tractor. That was a sexy woman driving that tractor...by herself...doing ranch work...all while looking like...that." He motioned up and down her body with his fingers and followed them with his eyes.
"It doesn't take much to get your motor revving, does it, Cowboy?" Elizabeth teased, placing her hands on her hips.
"Not when it comes to you," he answered, taking a step toward her. "When will Ma be bringing the kids back?" He asked, wiggling his eyebrows up and down.
"Not for another couple of hours," she answered, eyeing him up and down now, in his dirty Wranglers and white t-shirt, just like the day they met.
Jack looked into the barn, then to his wife, then back into the barn. Grabbing her hand, he led her to the tack room and turned her, pressed his body against hers, and backed her to the wall.
His favorite signature move that Jack would frequently use on his wife, had always given her heart a jumpstart and she wrapped her arms around him, pulling him to her as tight as she could as she lifted one leg, wrapping it around his.
…..
June 23rd, 2012 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Word about Jack's horse training had spread like wildfire through the horse community and everyone with a troubled horse or one that just needed broke or finished, had been calling. Jack was glad he'd included ten new stalls attached to the indoor arena as he kept a few of his broodmares in the barn and it had filled up quickly.
Between training and helping out his mom and Tom, Jack's days had gotten quite full and he missed spending time with his kids and Elizabeth. After talking it over with Lee, he hired him on full time to help out wherever it was needed. After only a few weeks with him, Lee had quickly picked up on Jack's methods and had begun working with the horses on his own, as well as continuing to help out with the cattle when necessary.
Jack still remained busy, but was able to spend much more time with his family.
His broodmare population had also grown exponentially this year. After making it to three auctions that spring, Jack and Elizabeth had brought home a total of eleven new mares, plus had kept three fillies from the year prior. With the heard now at thirty-nine mares and twenty-two new foals born that spring, Jack was finally getting his ranch to the point of being self-sustaining financially without having to get into his winnings or his father's money. This was where he had wanted to be ever since purchasing his land years ago.
Lee had also started his brood mare herd with the help of Jack joining him at the auctions, giving him pointers on what to look for in a mare.
One day, while Jack was out working with a troubled horse as his wife and kids watched on, his phone rang. Stepping away from the mare, he answered it.
"Hey, Jason. How's it going?" Jack paused as he listened, a smile spreading across his face. "For real, Bro? That's awesome! Congratulations." After another short pause he added, "When will he be here?" After a longer wait, Jack concluded, "That's wonderful, Man. Welcome to the club," he laughed. "Yes, for sure. We'll talk to you later. Goodbye, Buddy." Jack ended the call and returned his phone to his pocket and walked over to Elizabeth. "That was Jason. You'll never guess what he just told me."
"That Alicia is expecting?"
"How did you know that?" He asked, resting his arms on the fence rail.
"She called me just before I came out here. I didn't want to interrupt you so I was waiting until you took a break," she grinned, shifting Peyton from one leg to the other.
"I'm happy for them," he said, leaning over the fence and picking up Colton. "There is nothing like fatherhood," he said, tickling his son. "Isn't that right, Colt?"
The little boy laughed and leaned backwards, almost folding his body in half trying to get away from his daddy's tickles. "Stop, Dadda," he choked out between laughs.
"Did she tell you when she's due?" Jack asked, pulling Colton back upright.
"Yes, beginning of November."
"Did she tell you the sex?"
"It's a boy."
"Yep, guess you're up on all the local news," Jack teased.
"How's the mare coming along?" She asked, setting Peyton onto the ground.
"She's actually doing great. I was afraid she would be difficult like Wrangler was but she came right around immediately as soon as she knew I wasn't here to hurt her."
"That's great, Jack. I don't know how any horse could think you'd hurt them," she added, standing up from the bench. Leaning over the fence rail, she kissed him softly on the lips.
"They just know what they've been taught. And when it's bad, I have to unteach that and begin from scratch. That's why I like to start handling the foals right after birth, so they know I'm their friend and not their enemy."
"It always amazes me the knowledge you have of horses and all the different aspects of training them. I had no idea what goes into it until you."
Jack lowered Colton to the ground next to Peyton and draped his arms across Elizabeth's shoulders, the fence between them. "My dad taught me to treat people and horses the same: give them the respect that you want them to give you in return, everything else will fall into place with that foundation."
"Your dad was a smart man," she said, kissing him once more.
…..
July 28th, 2012 – NE Arkansas Pro Rodeo, Jonesboro, Arkansas
Lee closed the Velcro strip around the splint boot on Cisco, securing it to the horse's leg, then moved to the other leg and repeated it. When he stood, he shook his arms out, trying to shake the nerves out through his fingertips. Moving to the saddle, he checked the cinch, confirming it was tight enough. He double checked all his gear, Cisco's bridle, tossed his lariat around the saddle horn and shoved his roping glove into his back pocket.
Taking Cisco's rein, he led him around the trailer where Jack was finishing up with Jake.
"Ready to do this, Brother?" Jack asked, looking over Jake's back.
"I don't know why, but I'm really nervous about this one," Lee replied, wiping the sweat from his brow.
Jack rested his arms on the saddle and leaned into the horse, "Does it have anything to do with the purse that's up for grabs and the fact that we are competing against Levi and Dylan today?"
"Oh, yeah. Thanks for reminding me," he said, kicking the dirt.
Jack returned to the cinch and continued, "We'll be fine. We can beat them, you know."
"I'm not so sure about that."
"It's all in the first release," Jack teased.
"Hey, that's me. You are not helping the situation at all."
"What situation?" Elizabeth asked, rounding the back of the trailer with three water bottles in her hands.
"Oh, Lee here," Jack motioned toward him with his head as he tucked the leather strap into the latigo keeper, "thinks that we can't win against Levi and Dylan."
Grinning, Elizabeth looked toward Lee, "Just hook the steer in the first three seconds, Lee."
"You, too?!" Looking back to Jack, "Stop teaching your wife stuff."
Jack and Elizabeth, both in tears in laughter, watched Lee vanish around the trailer.
"What's wrong with him today?" She asked, handing Jack a bottle.
"Just his nerves. He would get this way once in a while bull riding, too. He'll get over it in a few minutes."
"I hope so. I'm not sure he can lasso anything in that mood."
"You'd be surprised what a few nerves will do for you when you get out there," Jack replied, resting his right elbow on the horse's back and taking a drink.
Elizabeth reached up and ran her hand down his Wrangler covered arm after he lowered it, "I love it when you wear these. I always thought you looked so sexy when you were getting dressed to ride." She moved her hand to the fringe hanging down the outside of his leg on his chaps. "And these," she said, letting the leather fall between her fingers. "I love seeing you in these."
Jack replaced the cap on the bottle and let it fall next to his feet. He moved his arms around her small waist and pulled her to him. Hidden behind Jake, Jack captured her mouth with his and kissed her as if they were alone in their bedroom. Sliding his hands back into her hair, he pulled her in so he could deepen his kiss.
"Geez, you two," Lee called out, turned around, and vanished around the trailer again.
Elizabeth buried her face into Jack's chest as he moved his arms up and around her shoulders. Placing his fingers under her chin, he lifted her face until he could see her eyes.
"He'll be fine." Jack kissed her softly on the lips. "Let's go find him and see how Rosie is doing."
…..
Elizabeth sat alone in the stands, watching the other roping teams take their runs. The current fastest times seemed like Jack and Lee could easily beat them if they had a clean ride, but Levi and Dylan had not gone yet, along with a couple other high-ranking teams.
With the twins at Charlotte and Frank's, Elizabeth was free to watch the entire event uninterrupted. Rosemary had been sitting with her until she had to get Delilah saddled and warmed up as barrels were shortly after the guys rode. Rosie said she would watch from the other end of the arena from the back of her horse.
As she sat on her horse and waited, Rosemary ran her fingers through Delilah's mane, getting a small tangle out that she had missed with the brush. She had one leg crossed over the horse's neck as she watched the event, waiting for her husband's turn.
"Hi, Rosie," a voice said from behind her.
Rosemary turned her head to find Polly on her horse, moving up beside her.
"Polly," she replied shortly, looking back over the arena.
"Haven't seen you around much. How have you been?"
Turning her head back to Polly, she narrowed her eyes and looked at the woman. "Do you think I really want to exchange small talk with you?"
Polly's gaze dropped down to her hands resting on the saddle horn, "I don't blame you. I would hate me, too."
Rosemary let out a sigh and looked back to the team that was running, "I don't hate you. I just don't like you very much."
"How's Elizabeth?"
"She's remarkable and happily married with twins," she answered smugly, looking back to Polly.
"I'm glad," she nodded. "I hear you are married and have a daughter."
"Yes, that is correct." Rosemary asked no questions, unwilling to give the woman false hope of a friendship and hoping she would turn and ride away.
"I just wanted to let you know that ever since that last time that Elizabeth talked to me, I have turned my life around. I've found the Lord. I go to church. I even met someone and we're engaged. I wanted to thank Elizabeth, but I was afraid to approach her."
Looking at Polly again, she let out another long sigh. "Liz would actually love to hear that. You should go tell her."
"Really?" she asked, her eyes lighting up slightly.
"Yes. That would make her very happy."
"Thank you, Rosie." She turned her horse and started walking away, then looked back over her shoulder, "Hey, good luck today."
"Thanks, Polly. You, too."
Rosemary watched as she rode away, thinking back at a time that Polly would have never wished a fellow competitor good luck in anything. A smile finally found a home on her face.
…..
"You better?" Jack asked as he slipped his glove on.
"Yes, sorry about that. I don't know why I get so nervous sometimes and not others. Maybe I was just hangry," he winked.
Jack laughed and nodded, "That can do it."
Lee wound and unwound his rope, still a bit nervous, waiting for their turn to enter the arena. He looked across it and saw Rosemary sitting on her horse, talking to someone.
"Hey, isn't that Polly?"
Jack looked at Lee to see where he was looking, then followed his gaze across the arena. "Sure looks like it. I wonder what they're talking about."
"Hope it's not Beth, or Rosie might punch her again."
Jack laughed, remembering the mark on the woman's face, "She got her pretty good, didn't she?"
"Yeah, she did," Lee said, his voice full of pride. "Don't cross my Rosie."
"I have no plans to. Hey, we're up next," Jack stated, moving his lariat under his arm and picking up Jake's reins.
The two men guided their horses into the arena, the dirt leaving a cloud of dust in the dry, hot July air. Knowing what their job was, both horses began their usual prancing, unable to keep their feet still as Jack and Lee steered them into their starting pens and turned them around, backing them up against the back wall.
With their ropes in place, the horses set, and the steer ready, Lee gave a slight nod and the steer was let loose.
Digging into the ground, Cisco took off as he'd been trained, barreling out of the pen and moving in close to the steer. Lee released his rope immediately and nailed his catch, pulling the animal to the left and setting him up for Jack.
Jake, having been trained by Jack, did everything right and everything was set up perfectly for Jack to hook both hind legs of the steer in record time. But just as he was about to release the rope, he felt it hit his hat, forcing him to do one more spin before letting go. Still landing the target, that extra round added two-tenths of a second to their time, possibly costing them the win.
Winding his lariat up as they rode out of the arena, Jack smacked it against his leg and watched the dirt fall from it.
"What happened," Lee asked.
"I don't know. I have never hit my hat before but it did this time. Sorry, man."
"Don't be sorry, Jacko. We win some, we lose some. Isn't that what you always say?"
Nodding, Jack grinned, "Yes, Brother, it sure is."
"We still got 5.1. That's first for now."
"Levi and Dylan are up soon. We will quickly be knocked down," Jack said as he turned Jake around in order to watch their friends run.
…..
Elizabeth stood and clapped after Jack and Lee's ride, calling out both of their names. Just as she was sitting down, a familiar face approached her and Elizabeth straightened, getting back to her feet.
Polly held her hands out in front of her, a look of sadness and regret covering her face and filling her heart. The look on Elizabeth's face had said it all...she felt trapped with this woman confronting her alone. Her eyes darted around, looking for any other familiar face that could help her: Jack and Lee were too far away, Rosie was nowhere to be seen, Elizabeth didn't see anyone else she knew.
"Please, Elizabeth. I'm not going to do anything."
Elizabeth stood still, not saying a word, fear crippling her from the images that flashed in her mind from that night.
Dropping her hands to her sides, Polly slowly lowered herself onto the bench a few feet from Elizabeth, attempting to give her enough buffer of safety to help ease her fear.
"I just talked to Rosie and she thought I should come talk to you myself."
With this bit of news, Elizabeth felt herself relax slightly and she sat back down.
Polly looked down at her hands of which she was wringing and sliding them across her jeans, trying to wipe the sweat from them. Attempting to get her words organized in her mind, she took two deep breaths before starting.
"I actually wanted to thank you," she began, moving her gaze back up to Elizabeth.
"Thank me? What could you possibly have to thank me about?" Elizabeth's words were short and harsh, more than she had meant them to be.
Taking another deep breath, Polly continued. "That day that...," she stopped, aggravated at herself with how she'd begun. "The last time I saw you, you said something to me. You told me that you forgave me and when I asked you how you could say that, you told me it was because you have God in your heart." Polly stopped, thinking hard about her next words. "I have never forgotten what you said."
Elizabeth felt every bit of hardness that had filled her body, break and fall away, leaving behind only her usual, familiar, empathetic self. She relaxed and listened as Polly shared her story, a story that warmed Elizabeth's heart.
"I found God, Elizabeth. I understand things now. A clarity that I had never known washed over me when I discovered what you really meant. I know who our Judge is. I know who God is. I know what it means to truly forgive someone." A tear slipped from Polly's eye as she thought back to the day she accepted Jesus into her heart. "I am so sorry, Elizabeth. I never meant for any of that to happen to you. I was so jealous over someone that was never mine to begin with. Jack never wanted me and I knew that. I'm so happy for you both."
Elizabeth slid across the metal bleacher, moving close enough so she could reach out and place her hand over Polly's. "I am so glad that you know the Lord now," she smiled; her genuine, heartfelt smile that she was known for. "Knowing Him will help you in ways you never knew possible. He has carried me through so many hardships and pain, things that I couldn't have made it through without Him."
Polly nodded in agreement. "I have seen signs of that already. I have changed my ways and have been at peace ever since. I met my fiancé at church and I've never been happier."
Elizabeth squeezed the woman's hand, "I am so happy for you, Polly. Congratulations."
…..
Jack scanned the bleachers until he found Elizabeth, his face twisted when he saw who was sitting next to her. "What is that bitch doing with Beth?" Jack asked when he saw Polly. "I'm going over there," he said and began to turn Jake around.
"Jack, wait," Lee said, pointing toward the women. "Look."
Jack turned back and watched as Elizabeth leaned forward and hugged Polly. Even from their distance, Jack could see that it was a meaningful hug, a hug of friendship and complete forgiveness.
…..
With Jake and Cisco tied to the trailer, Jack and Lee joined Elizabeth just before Rosie's run. Levi and Dylan's run had been one of perfection, putting them in first place with a time of 4.7 seconds. Even without the hat incident, Jack and Lee would have finished exactly where they were...second place.
Jack slid across the bench until his hip was touching Elizabeth's. "Hey, Beautiful," he said, taking off his hat and giving her a quick kiss before replacing it back on his head.
"Hey, Cowboy. Great ride, you two."
"Thanks, Baby. What did Polly want," Jack asked, unable to wait a second longer.
Elizabeth told Jack and Lee about everything that Polly had shared.
"Do you remember that last day we saw her?" Elizabeth asked her husband.
"Vividly," Jack answered shortly. "Like it was yesterday."
Laying her hand on Jack's, she continued. "If none of that had happened, Polly might have never found God. She might have never received Jesus and His forgiveness. Everything happens for a reason."
Lee leaned forward, looking around Jack, "Why would you say that, Beth. It was horrible what happened to you. Nothing was worth that."
Looking back and forth between the two men, Elizabeth explained, "If none of that happened as it did, she would have never seen the marks on me. If she hadn't seen those, she wouldn't have apologized. If that hadn't happened, I wouldn't have told her about how I have God in my heart and I wouldn't have been able to tell her that I forgive her. By saying that, I put a bug in her ear, a question in her mind and a warmth in her heart, causing her to seek out the source. The source was Jesus and she found Him." Elizabeth's smile grew, "I'm fine now, and Polly will know an eternity in heaven."
"Wow," Lee finally said. "Your wife is amazing, Jack."
Jack moved his arm behind her and pulled Elizabeth into his side, kissing the top of her head. "I know, Brother. Believe me, I know."
The trio looked out just in time to see Rosemary and Delilah enter the arena. The mare was full of extra energy that day and almost appeared hard to control. As soon as Rosie released her and put her into a run, the horse did just as she'd been taught. As she turned around the first barrel, Rosemary looked to the next one, the mare turned in the direction of her rider's gaze. Digging in, Delilah neared the second, turning around it sharply, narrowly missing it. Moving in the direction of her owner's gaze again, the mare dug in once more, every muscle in her body tense as she ran across the arena, dirt kicking up behind her.
As they neared the third barrel and began to turn around it, Rosemary looked up toward their finish line and Delilah bent her body around the sponsor covered metal drum. The horse dug in one last time and ran the distance across the arena, passing through the eye of the timer system, breaking their personal best on an arena that size.
"Rosemary and Delilah needed a 15:06 to move into first and they smashed it with 14.89," The announcer called out as cheers filled the air.
Jack, Elizabeth and Lee all stood, clapping, whistling and calling out her name.
….
The friends all gathered around the trailer while Rosemary removed Delilah's saddle.
"She has got to be one of the best kill pen saves I've ever seen," Jack commented, patting the horse on the top of her rump.
"Best $700 I ever spent," Rosemary replied, smiling ear to ear.
After the rodeo was over and all the horses were loaded, the foursome climbed into Lee's truck and hit the road back home. With a two-hour drive ahead of them, Jack was glad he wasn't driving for once as Elizabeth slid in close to him in the backseat and he wrapped his arm around her.
Nuzzling into her neck, Jack whispered quietly into her ear, "I am so proud of you."
With his breath sending chills through her, she turned to look at him, her browed furrowed in question, "What for?"
Pushing her hair back and returning his mouth to her ear, he simply whispered, "Polly."
…..
August 1st, 2012 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Elizabeth was walking toward the barn, a twin's hand in each of hers, as Jack pulled up in his truck with the trailer in tow.
"Dada!" Peyton shouted when she saw his truck.
Stepping down, Jack saw his family and smiled. "I'm glad you're here. I just picked up a couple horses I'd like you to see."
"Oh, really? More brood mares?" She asked.
"No, these two are kind of wild, so you'll have to stay back a little way while I unload them."
"Okay. Let's go over here and wait for Daddy," she said to the twins and they slowly moved toward the tree next to the barn.
They watched as Jack swung the back doors of the trailer open and stepped inside. Elizabeth could hear strange sounding hoof steps as Jack and the horses moved to the back of the trailer and when he stepped off, he had two tiny ponies in tow.
"Horsey," Colton shouted, pointing with his free hand.
"Oh, my gosh, Jack. What have you done?" Elizabeth asked, laughing.
"Horsey, horsey," Peyton joined in, dancing around her mother.
"I couldn't resist," he answered, smiling ear to ear.
