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November 2nd, 2012 – Hope Meadows Ranch
"She's a natural," Rosemary commented as the group watched Savannah and Cash fly around the barrels. "The horse already knew what to do, and it seems like she did, too."
Elizabeth, Sam, Lee, Frank and Charlotte were watching from the viewing area of the indoor arena. Austin, Luke and the three toddlers were playing with some pedal tractors and wagons on the concrete while the adults watched the little girl coming into her element.
Tom, Jack and Rosemary stood in the arena where a timer eye would be, staring at the stopwatch in Tom's hand.
"Whoa, did she really just do that?" Jack asked, shocked at the time showing on the digital display.
"Yes, I think so," Tom said, also in shock. Letting go of the stopwatch, he let if fall against his chest from the string around his neck as Tom lifted his hands to sign to his daughter. "Run it again."
Savannah smiled and nodded.
With the timer reset and ready, Tom pressed start as his daughter and her horse passed in front of them. They made a clean run around the first barrel, then the second, but as she turned her horse around the third, her foot caught it, causing it to fall over.
"Ohhhh," echoed through the arena building from everyone watching.
Tom hit the button on the stopwatch to freeze the time as she passed in front of them once more. Rosemary and Jack both leaned over to look at the numbers.
18.12
"How is she running them this fast already?" Tom asked.
"The perfect team," Rosemary answered. "You guys hit the jackpot with this horse. Like Delilah, he will do anything to please her." She crossed the dirt floor to the ten-year-old who was smiling ear to ear, petting Cash's neck. With Jack and Tom at her side, Rosemary gave Savannah some pointers as how to avoid knocking over the barrels.
Rosemary had decided a few months earlier to learn ASL and had already managed some success. What she didn't know, Jack or Tom would help her out. Savannah's eyes would dart between the adults as each one would sign to her.
She smiled and nodded, then turned her horse to go back and run it again.
"She will only get faster," Rosemary stated as they crossed back to their positions.
…..
December 16th, 2012 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Thanksgiving had come and gone. The Thatchers flew in to spend it with the Thorntons and stayed with Jack and Elizabeth for five days. After which, they traveled to Mexico for a much-needed vacation on the beach. Elizabeth was excited to see her parents finally travelling for something other than work, and her mother had been very excited. Grace texted photos of her and their father to all three girls the entire ten days they were in Mexico.
The rodeo season could have ended better for Jack and Lee. Their final standing in the PRCA had been in twenty-third place, but they had been up against several top teams that have been roping for years. They made plans to practice through the winter now that they had the arena.
Rosemary, on the other hand, had finished in the top five that season. It had been the best year she had ever had in her entire career.
Savannah had gladly helped Jack with the ponies. She was almost too big for the tiny animals, so they limited her time riding them as Jack wanted someone with experience on their backs before he ever put the twins on them.
Rosemary continued working with Savannah's technique with her new barrel horse. Everyone was shocked at how quickly she had picked up on everything. She and Cash could almost give a seasoned racer a run for her money already. Cash seemed to sense that Savannah was different and was already taking care of her. He wanted to please her and had always done everything the young girl asked. Horse and rider had quickly formed a team that was going to be hard to beat.
Jason and Alicia's son had been born on November 6th. Callum Andrew and mother were healthy and thriving, and both parents were over the moon with their growing family.
With the twins quickly approaching two years old, they kept Jack and Elizabeth on their toes...constantly. Even Wyatt would crash in the evenings after "caring" for them all day.
Jack and Lee remained busy with horse training and working on their team roping, both thankful for the indoor arena. Jack had plans to add heat due to a polar vortex that had blown through a couple weeks prior.
Jack was sitting back on the couch, a twin on each side of him, the tablet on his lap, watching videos of fellow team roper competitors. Just like with bull riding, Jack had always studied his adversaries. Only then...it was just the bull. Now he watched the riders and their horses. It was definitely a team effort in this sport, and Jack would never be left unprepared when entering an arena.
Colton pointed to the screen, his mouth in an "O", each time they would catch the steer. After a few minutes, Peyton lost interest and scooted off the couch to go find her mommy.
Elizabeth was standing in the kitchen, mixing up a batch of chocolate chip cookies when her daughter was tugging at her jeans.
She bent down and lifted the little girl to the counter, then handed her a large wooden spoon. She held the bowl while Peyton attempted to stir the mixture, spilling more than she blended. Elizabeth took hold of her hand and helped her, keeping the remaining ingredients in the bowl.
After spooning the batter onto the cookie sheets, she placed them into the oven and set the timer.
"Hot," Peyton would say, each time Elizabeth opened the door.
"Yes, this is hot. Do not touch."
"Don't touch. Hot," she said again, pulling her hand back quickly as if she'd just been burned.
After placing the bowl into the sink and filling it with water, Elizabeth picked up her daughter and started toward the living room.
"Is Daddy still in there?" She asked, pointing toward the room.
"Yes. Daddy and Colt."
They went to the room where Jack was still lost in the videos on his tablet. Colton had now lost interest and was playing with a little John Deere tractor, driving it up Jack's leg.
Elizabeth sat down next to her husband and lowered Peyton to the floor. She rested her arm on Jack's shoulder and watched the current video.
Jack quickly looked to his wife, gave her a quick kiss on the cheek, "Hey, Beautiful." Then returned to his video.
"Hey, Cowboy." Elizabeth ran her fingers through his hair. "You haven't run out of those to watch yet?"
Jack chuckled, "Almost."
Peyton had moved to their toy chest and was pulling out her favorite horse toy from the previous Christmas. Showing wear from being played with so often, the leg had a tear in the seam and it no longer made noise when you pressed its ear. The little girl didn't care. She played with it every chance she had.
"I just put some chocolate chip cookies in the oven."
"Oh, that's what I smell," Jack said, still watching the video. "They smell delicious."
Elizabeth leaned forward and looked up into Jack's eyes, trying to get his attention.
Jack stopped the video, flipped the cover over the tablet and laid it on the couch beside him.
"I'm sorry, Babe." Jack reached up and touched her cheek. "Hi."
Elizabeth smiled, "Hi."
"What can I do for you, gorgeous?" Jack let his hand slide down her arm.
"Nothing." She grinned. "I just wanted to see your handsome face."
Jack leaned to her and kissed her. And just as his lips were on hers, Jack groaned and buckled over, almost hitting his face against hers. His hands were over his crotch and Elizabeth's were covering her mouth.
"Colt, don't hit Daddy there." She tried her hardest to stifle the giggle that slipped out.
Colton had switched to playing with a ball that would light up when you moved it. Unable to get the lights to work, he threw it as hard as he could, catching Jack square in his most sensitive.
Jack was still moaning as his body fell over onto the couch, his hands still covering the front of his jeans.
"Daddy owie?" Colton asked, his bottom lip beginning to quiver.
"Yes," Jack grunted. "Daddy...owie."
"Do you need some frozen peas or something?" Elizabeth asked, leaning over him, trying to see if he was alright.
"Nope. Just...give me...a minute."
Elizabeth sat back onto the couch; her lips tightly closed to hide her laughter.
Colton ran up to her with his arms up and she lifted him to her lap.
"Daddy owie?" He asked again, his eyes welling up now.
"Oh, sweetie," she said, cradling his head to her chest. "Daddy will be just fine. He's just...resting."
"Daddy sweepie?"
"Yes, Daddy's sleepy. He'll be ready to play soon. Right Daddy?"
Jack raised a hand into the air and gave them a thumbs up.
Elizabeth held Colton as the two watched Jack try to recover. After several minutes of groaning and holding himself, Jack pushed himself back up into a seated position and looked over to the pair still staring at him.
"You good?" Elizabeth asked, grinning.
"Keep grinning, Baby. A few more of those and you won't be getting any more of this," he pointed toward his penis, "because it won't work anymore."
Elizabeth finally let everything go and burst into laughter. "I'm sorry, Jack." She wiped a tear from her cheek, still laughing uncontrollably, "But, your face."
Jack repositioned himself, trying to take the pressure off to ease the pain, then looked back to Elizabeth who was still laughing. Colt had joined in now, not knowing exactly what was so funny.
"Oh, turn him on me now," Jack teased.
Bored with the situation, Colton wiggled down off the couch and joined Peyton at the toy chest. Elizabeth turned toward Jack and laid her hand on his shoulder.
"But seriously, are you alright?"
Jack nodded and leaned back into the cushions. "I will be. He just nailed me...just right or something."
"I'm sorry I laughed," she said, leaning into his shoulder.
Jack lifted his arm and moved it behind her, "It's okay. I would have laughed, too."
…..
December 24th, 2012 – Coulter Ranch
The group sang happy birthday to the excited little girl with blonde hair as fair as her mother's. Noel was now two and a perfect carbon copy of Rosemary - attitude and all.
Noel looked around to everyone as they sang, clapping her hands, and singing with them. When the song ended, Rosie helped her blow the two candles out.
Noel started clapping again and exclaimed, "Yay!" as Rosemary cut the cake and placed the first piece on a plate, setting it in front of her daughter.
"Cake!" The two-year-old called out as she picked up her fork and dug into it.
"Cake, cake!" Colton joined in, waiting for his piece.
After all the children were served a piece of the pink and white birthday cake, the adults each reached in and took a plate as Rosemary passed them out.
"This is delicious, Rosie," Charlotte said after she'd taken her second bite. "Who made this?"
"I did," Rosemary answered.
"This is wonderful," Sam added.
"I might have to get your recipe," Charlotte stated. "If you'll share it, that is."
"Of course. I'll write it down before you leave.
After lunch, cake and presents, the adults visited while the kids played. Luke and Austin had been very excited to have a male cousin, and played with Colton any chance they got. The three boys were in a corner playing with firetrucks while the girls were all playing with stuffed dolls in the center of the room. Peyton had already begun picking up a few signs and would try to do them with Savannah. Not quite understanding that Savannah couldn't hear her, Peyton would also try to talk to her and sometimes would get aggravated when her cousin wouldn't reply.
With her index finger hooked, Peyton dragged it across her nose a few times.
"Did you see that?" Frank said. "Did she just sign 'doll'?"
"Yes," Jack answered. "She's been picking up on a few things here and there, watching Savannah."
"That's amazing," Frank added.
"Okay, everyone," Rosemary called out just after Lee left the room. "There is one more gift for Noel but it's outside. So, grab your coats."
Jack looked toward Elizabeth and the two grinned at each other, knowing what the gift was already. Everyone had gotten dressed in their winter coats and the kids were bundled up as they all filed out the back door and into the backyard where Lee was already waiting.
"Horsey!" Peyton called out as soon as she spotted the fuzzy little pony standing next to Lee.
Noel, dressed in her full winter body suit, walked...the best she could...over to the pony. Squealing, she petted the thick winter fur covering the animal. Then she walked to Lee and held her arms up for him to lift her onto the pony's back. Lee did, then walked the pair around in a circle.
"Aww, Peanut and Daisy will have a buddy when we go trail riding," Elizabeth said, shifting Colton to her other hip. With him dressed in his little Carhartt coveralls and coat, the child was getting heavy in her arms.
"Does he have a name?" Charlotte asked as she walked up to the pony and dug her fingers into the thick coat.
"This is Dusty," Lee answered while making another circle for his excited daughter.
"He's adorable," Elizabeth added.
"Me ride," Colton said, trying to get down.
"No, Colt. That is Noel's pony. Yours is at home."
"Home?"
"Yes, at home," Elizabeth answered.
After a few more rounds, Lee lifted Noel from Dusty's back and handed her to Rosemary then headed toward the barn.
"These kids are going to have a blast this next summer," Jack stated as the group returned to the house. "I need to get the twins started on their ponies."
"We have time," Elizabeth said, giving him a look. "They are still so small."
"Tom and I were on horses since we could walk," Jack stated. "I'll be holding them. They'll be okay."
"I'll think about it," she added, giving him a grin.
Hiding his smile from his wife, Jack knew he'd won. She would say yes. He was already making plans in his head.
…..
Jack and Elizabeth got the worn-out twins in bed and retired to their own bedroom. They had spent most of the day at Lee and Rosemary's and they were both exhausted.
"Noel is quite the princess, isn't she?" Jack asked, pulling his jeans off and tossing them into the clothes hamper. "And that pony," Jack chuckled.
"Yes, she is. She is all Rosemary. And these kids will be out riding through the fields alone before they're five."
"What will Lee do with two Rosemary's," Jack laughed. "But I plan on having them out riding alone before they're three."
"Jack Thornton," Elizabeth said, turning to face him with her arms crossed.
"I'm just kidding, babe," Jack said, rubbing her arms. "Maybe by three and a half," he winked
Cleaned up and changed, they pulled back the covers and slipped in under them. Elizabeth backed up against Jack's chest as he encircled his arms around her. Jack had started a fire and the heat had begun to fill the room. Between the warmth of the fire and the warmth of their bodies, and the flickering orange glow that filled the room, Jack and Elizabeth were quickly asleep wrapped up in each other's love.
…..
January 28th, 2013 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Peyton tore through the house, screaming, "No!" at her brother. Colton was right on her heels.
"Mommy!" He yelled as he ran around the island, trying to catch Peyton and get his toy back.
"No!" the little girl yelled, heading back to the living room.
"What is going on in here," Jack said, his voice stern and loud.
Both toddlers stopped in their tracks and looked up at their father.
"She took my toy," Colton told Jack. "Give back," he yelled at Peyton.
"No!" she replied, very loudly.
"Hand me the toy," Jack ordered, holding his hand out.
Peyton slowly placed the truck in her daddy's hand, then began to pout.
"Now, what happened?"
"I play with truck. She took it," Colton explained.
"You done."
"I was not!"
"Hey, that's enough," Jack said. "If you're going to fight over it, then no one gets to play with it." Jack walked over to a shelf and set the brown truck on the top one in front of Elizabeth's books.
Colton stomped his foot and walked over to the toy box and pulled out a red truck and a blue car. "These mine."
Shaking his head, Jack went to the fridge and pulled out a bottle of water and took a long drink.
Elizabeth came down the stairs, a towel wrapped around her hair and one around her body. Finding Jack leaning against the island with the water bottle in his hand, she stopped and crossed her arms.
"What is going on down here? I could hear yelling from the shower."
Jack pointed toward the kids with the water bottle, "Those two. Fighting over that new brown truck again."
"I guess we should have bought two of them. I didn't think Peyton would want one."
"I don't think she wants a truck. She just wants what's in Colt's hands."
Elizabeth nodded, fully agreeing with her husband. "Well, who has the truck now?"
"The bookshelf," Jack grinned.
"Good call," she said, crossing the room to Jack.
"Hmm," he said, pulling the front of the towel out and peeking inside. "Nice," he wiggled his eyebrows. He sat the bottle down and wrapped his arms around his wife, "What time will everyone be here again?"
"They will probably start showing up around three," she replied, undoing the top three buttons of his long sleeve shirt.
Jack looked down to her hands, then lifted his eyes to hers. "And what do you think you're doing, little lady?"
She pulled his shirt out and peeked inside, looking down like Jack had done to her. "Fair is fair," she answered, then slipped her hands under his shirt and across his chest.
Jack felt a heated chill run through his body as her hands brushed along his skin. "If you start that, then I'm going to have to take you upstairs and finish it."
Elizabeth feigned innocence and removed her hands from his shirt. "The kids are awake and our guests will be arriving in an hour."
"Naptime...and I don't need an hour," Jack winked.
"Cowboy, you have a one-track mind," she teased, then clutched onto her towel and turned to leave.
Jack grabbed her arm and pulled her back around, and in the process, he accidentally caught the edge of her towel and untucked it. As it began to drop, he quickly stepped forward and pressed his body against her, took hold of the towel and held it against her back, successfully keeping her backside covered and her front hidden.
"Well, I declare, Mrs. Thornton. If I'm not mistaken, I'd say you just threw yourself at me and are trying to seduce me."
"Jack, you are such a goof," she said, trying to pull her towel back around her.
Jack pulled her against him tighter so she couldn't, keeping her skin against his, what little was showing from his partially unbuttoned shirt.
"Naptime?" He asked, his eyebrows raised and eyes wide.
"Seriously? Now? I have stuff to get done."
"Yes, and yes and I'll help you."
"We can't, Jack. What if someone shows up early."
"Then they can wait," Jack lowered his lips to her neck, knowing this would change her mind.
Elizabeth tipped her head back and let out a slight moan. She could feel Jack's lips form into a smile as he moved across the front of her neck.
Just then, someone knocked on the front door. Elizabeth scrambled and pulled the towel around herself, tucking the corner back in.
"See, someone is early," she said, then ran up the stairs.
Jack could hear her giggling once she reached the top. So, he sucked in a deep breath, adjusted the front of his jeans as he's had to do many times in the past, then walked to the front door.
…..
Elizabeth pulled her hair up into a messy bun, then joined Jack downstairs to see who had arrived early. She found her husband and their guests in the kitchen around the island.
"Hey, Liz!" Rosemary exclaimed when she saw her best friend.
"Hey, Rosie. Hi, Lee." Elizabeth took a seat in the stool next to Jack. "What are you two doing here so early?"
Rosemary and Lee looked at each other, then back to Elizabeth. "We have some news and wanted to tell you before everyone else showed up."
Elizabeth looked to Jack who shrugged his shoulders. "Okay, what's this exciting news?" She asked, seeing the big smile on their faces.
"Well, we're pregnant."
Elizabeth jumped up and ran around the island, engulfing her friend in a hug. "That's wonderful," she said. Taking a step back, she looked between her two friends. "This is good news, right?"
Lee and Rosemary both chuckled, "Yes, it's very good news."
Elizabeth pulled her friend back into a hug. "I'm so happy for you." She stepped over to Lee and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Congratulations, you two."
Jack was there now, hugging both of his friends, congratulating them. All the while, watching his wife for any hidden expression behind her eyes.
After a few minutes of conversation, including the due date of August 16th and how Lee is hoping for a little boy, the men went to the living room with the kids while Elizabeth and Rosemary remained in the kitchen, working on the final preparations for the twins' second birthday party.
Rosemary leaned back against the cupboards, drying her hands on a towel. "Are you sure you're okay with this?"
As she removed the plastic from the themed paper plates, Elizabeth looked at her friend, a smile on her face. "Okay with what?"
"Me being pregnant. I was actually hesitant to tell you."
Elizabeth set the plates down and crossed the room, took Rosemary's hands in hers and looked her friend in the eyes. With stern seriousness in her voice, Elizabeth began, "Whatever has happened to me, is to me. I will not allow it to take away from any joys or celebrations in your life. I don't ever want you to keep something to yourself because you think it will hurt my feelings. I have come to terms with the cards I've been dealt, and have chosen to play the hand I have to the best of my ability."
Rosemary squeezed her friend's hand. "But that game requires a good deal of bluffing," she said with a sadness in her eyes.
Elizabeth pulled Rosie into another tight hug, holding her for a long while, before releasing her and stepping back. "I'm serious. I am ecstatic for you. I can't wait to meet the little one. And besides, I'm a terrible bluffer," she teased.
Recalling her pool game in Vegas, Rosemary shook her head, "Lee would beg to differ."
Knowing the reference, Elizabeth laughed and shook her head. "I'm not bluffing now. I love my life and wouldn't change it."
"I'm glad, Liz." A light reached her eyes now, "We're so excited."
…..
The sectional was full of family and a few were standing, as they watched the twins tear open their gifts. Wrapping paper didn't stand a chance against them as they tore it off in little pieces, scattering it all around them. New plastic horses, a truck and trailer toy, clothes, and a couple toys that made obnoxious sounds – from a grinning Tom – were only a few things that they had opened so far.
Jack and Elizabeth were standing at the end of the couch, his arms around her, her head against his shoulder, as they watched their children and their family. Like their house at the moment, their hearts were full. They loved nothing more than having the family around and seeing the twins thriving on the ranch.
Once everyone left and the twins were put to bed, Jack and Elizabeth tackled the chore of cleaning up the mess. Everyone had offered to help, but the couple had refused and sent them on their way.
Elizabeth's mind continuously drifted to earlier that day, when Jack's lips were on her neck. Finally unable to take it any longer, she dropped the trash bag that was half full of wrapping paper, grabbed Jack's hand, and proceeded up the steps.
…..
As they lay in bed, Jack's arms wrapped around her, he lifted her chin up. "Are you alright with Rosie and Lee expecting?"
Elizabeth shifted her body so she could look Jack in the eyes. "I really am. I'm happy for them." She lifted her hand to his cheek and smiled. "I'm happy."
Jack took her face in his hands and kissed her. "I love you so much," he said, then wrapped his arms around her and pulled her body back against his.
…..
March 30th, 2012 – Hope Meadows Ranch
With the twins down for a nap, Elizabeth picked up a mug of coffee, wrapped a thin blanket over her shoulders, and stepped out onto the front porch. A warm front had moved in for a couple of days, so she took advantage of the warm air and breathed it in. Hearing something rattling around the corner, she walked along the deck to seek out the source.
Once she found it, she leaned against the corner of the house and watched her husband.
Jack was in one of the chairs, fastening the buckle of one of his spurs around his ankle. With the other spur already on, he stood and picked up his chaps. He shook them out, dust filled the air. He spun them around behind him, buckling them around his waist, just below his buckle. Then twisting to his side, Jack wrapped one side around his leg, fastened the zippers together at the top of his hip and zipped it down his leg. Stopping mid-calf, he folded up the bottom of the leather to keep it out of the dirt when he walked. Moving to his other leg, he repeated the task, then folded up the bottom of the leg as well. Hitting the leather fringe, he knocked it into place, covering the zippered seam.
The chaps were worn on the inside of the legs from so many hours in the saddle. Stains covered them from what Elizabeth imagined was horse slobber and sweat, among other things. All of this just added to the whole rugged cowboy look that Jack portrayed every day. His face was covered with just the right amount of stubble, he had kept it that way for Elizabeth.
He reached down and picked up his black felt work hat; one that was covered in dust and stains from hard work. Jack ran his hand along the brim, wiping off some loose dirt. As he placed it on his head, he looked up and found Elizabeth watching him.
Remaining where she was, still leaning against the house, she smiled as she watched her cowboy husband close the distance between them, not stopping until his lips were touching hers.
"Did you enjoy the show?" Jack asked, taking a step back.
"You have no idea," she commented, holding her coffee cup to her lips and peering over the rim.
Pointing behind him, he asked, "That gets you going?"
"Hmm mmm," she replied, taking a sip of her hot coffee.
"You girls are weird," Jack said, adjusting his belt buckle.
"No, just admiring a hardworking man." Elizabeth pushed herself off the wall and walked the two steps to Jack. "A hardworking man that looks super sexy in his work gear," she kissed him, their tongues dancing.
Jack licked his lips, "Yum, caramel creamer?"
"Yep," she grinned. Returning to her post, leaning against the corner, she asked, "What are you on your way to do?"
Jack drew in a big breath, "Lee is on his way over. We are going to work with a couple of horses, then do some runs with a steer. It's time to get Jake and Cisco back into competition mode. We gave them a month off, that's long enough."
Elizabeth took another sip of her coffee. "Did that black mare get picked up yet?"
"He's coming for her tomorrow." Jack moved to stand inches from his wife, leaned against the house, and reached up to pull her blanket onto her shoulder.
"Does he know how well she's doing?"
"He has an idea. But I'll have her saddled and in the arena when he gets here so he can see exactly how far she's come."
"I'm so glad you were able to save her."
Jack raised his hand to her cheek and brushed it with his thumb. "Me, too. She's a great horse."
"She is now."
"Yes...now." Jack moved forward, covering her lips with his. After a soft, slow, passion filled kiss, Jack tipped his hat toward her, "Good day, ma'am. I'll see you in a few hours."
Elizabeth gave him a nod and giggled, "Cowboy," and she turned and watched him walk toward the barn, her eyes dropping to the Wrangler tag on the back of his jeans and then moved them back up. "Mmm mmm," she said before going back into the house.
…..
April 5th, 2013 – Hope Meadows Ranch
"Colton Thomas, you get back in here," Elizabeth called out, chasing her son across the second floor of their home.
Jack was walking up the stairs when he saw Colt run by, stark naked. Jack jogged up the remainder of the steps and grabbed his son just as Elizabeth reached them.
"What's up?" Jack asked, grinning.
"This potty training is not going well with him," Elizabeth answered, wiping her arm across her forehead.
"How did Peyton learn so fast?" Jack asked.
"She hated having dirty diapers touching her skin. This little guy," she tickled Colt's stomach, "wouldn't care if he has a week's worth in there."
Peyton was at their side now, pulling on Jack's jeans. "Up, Daddy."
"Here you go, Momma." Jack handed the little boy to her and picked up his daughter. "Hey there, Pey Pey."
Elizabeth turned and walked back to the bathroom as Jack followed. She set Colton on the floor in front of the tiny potty then turned to Jack. "You have the same equipment as him, you try," she said as she took Peyton. As she walked out of the room, she turned around, grinning, "Good luck."
"No worries, Mommy. We've got this," Jack called out as he watched her vanish out the door. "Isn't that right, Colt?"
The little boy just looked up to his daddy, grinning, and shaking his head no.
…..
April 13th, 2013 – Spring Creek Youth Rodeo, Crane, Missouri
The rain had finally subsided but the damage had already been done on the arena. The arena floor was a muddy mess and several competitors had already pulled out and left.
"We should just go home," Sam said to Tom. "I don't think this would be a good start for her."
A slapping sound was heard behind them and they turned to find Savannah shaking her head, 'no'.
"I can do this! I practiced at Uncle Jack's after a rain and we did fine!" Her hands were moving in a quick and hard motion, signaling that she was yelling.
"But he has sand. This is mud," Sam added.
"I want to ride! I can do this!"
Sam looked to Tom, "What do you think?"
"I think we should talk to Jack and Rosie."
They found their family and pulled Jack and Rosie to the side and asked their opinions.
"I think Cash will be okay," Jack answered. "But Rosie will need to give her some pointers for the mud."
"If Aunt Rosie tells me what to do, can I please ride?" Savannah asked, almost in tears.
"I'm okay with that if you are," Tom told Sam.
Looking between each of them, then letting out a big breath through her nose, Sam responded, "Fine. But you have to listen to Rosie."
"I will," Savannah replied, her face filling with excitement.
Rosemary pulled her aside next to the railing and with Jack's help, she explained how she would need to ride and take the turns slightly different. As always, Savannah listened to the advice that was given her and locked it in her memory.
…..
"Oh, my gosh. I can't watch this," Sam said as she turned sideways on the bleacher. "Let me know when it's over."
Sitting behind her, Tom took a hold of his wife's shoulder and turned her back toward the arena. Leaning down to her ear, he said, "You'll be upset if you miss her first ride."
Sam tipped her head back, looking up to Tom, "I know." She straightened in her seat and nervously watched the first rider enter the arena, her leg bouncing.
Austin and Luke flanked either side of Tom as they watched each young girl run the pattern, none of which were moving very fast.
"When is Savannah up?" Luke asked.
"Two more riders," Tom answered.
The family became quiet as they watched the rider just before Savannah. The nerves of everyone were on edge. Charlotte and Frank were holding the twins, and Lee held Noel, even the toddlers had settled down, as if following the lead of the adults.
The young lady in the arena had begun her run a bit slow, but after each turn, she would speed up. By the third barrel, she had her horse near full speed and as it made the tight turn, the horse went down and the young lady hit the mud. The horse was immediately back on its feet as it trotted around the arena until someone caught it. The eleven-year-old stood, covered in mud, and tears streaking her face. Her mother was quickly by her side, walking out of the arena with her daughter.
"Oh, my gosh. We need to stop her. She can't do this," Sam exclaimed, standing up and starting to step over the seat in front of her.
Tom reached up and grabbed her arm, stopping her. "Sam, please. Let her try."
"But did you see that? What if Cash falls?"
"Samantha," Charlotte started, "Savannah needs to try things on her own."
Sam slowly lowered herself back onto her seat and faced the arena. Tom laid his hands on her shoulders and gently massaged them.
Jack, Elizabeth, and everyone else, moved to the edge of their seats when they saw Savannah and Cash enter the arena. Sam's hands were over her mouth and her heart was in her throat.
Savannah's heart was racing as she looked at Rosemary who had been waiting with her to let her know when it was her turn. Rosie gave the little girl a thumbs up and nodded her head, letting her know to go when she was ready.
Cash, knowing what was expected of him, was already prancing around as Savannah held him back. After one more turn, lining up to the first barrel, she kicked Cash and let him go, running faster than any of the other competitors that day.
The family watched, their hearts pounding in their chest, as each one of them stood up and began cheering her on.
Mud flew up behind the horse as he neared the first barrel. They took the turn a bit slower than normal, due to the slick conditions, and started toward the second. Making another perfect turn, Savannah let Cash go and he crossed the arena at a high speed, not slowing until he was about to round the third barrel.
The family was frozen where they stood, holding their breaths, lumps in their throats, as they waited for the young girl to make the final turn. As soon as the duo cleared the third barrel and were on their final stretch to the timers, the entire family went wild and began clapping, jumping, cheering, and even crying.
As soon as Savannah got Cash stopped and turned toward the family, everyone could see the smile on her face, literally ear to ear, and spread all the way to her eyes. Cash even seemed please as he pranced around, waiting for the gate to be opened.
Everyone jumped down from the bleachers and made their way to where the competitors would wait with their horses. With Rosemary holding Cash, Savannah was already running toward her parents. Tom and Sam were side by side, and Savannah jumped up, an arm around each of them, as her parents wrapped their arms around her.
With a time of 20.26, slower due to the mud, Savannah was easily in first place as no one was even close to her time.
With a blue ribbon and trophy in one hand, Cash's lead in the other, Savannah led the way to the trailer with her family behind her. Mud was splattered up her chaps and back, as well as most of Cash.
Once the horse was loaded, Savannah made her rounds, hugging and thanking everyone that had helped her and for coming to watch.
"That is one happy little girl," Lee commented as they walked back to their trucks.
"She will be living high on life from this for a month," Jack said, opening the door and helping Elizabeth into his truck. "Bye everyone, we'll see you tomorrow at church."
Once everyone called out their goodbyes, Jack put the truck in gear and began to pull forward. Passing by Tom's truck, they could see Savannah in the back seat, still smiling ear to ear, inspecting her first trophy very closely.
…..
April 23rd, 2013 – Hope Meadows Ranch
"Whoo hoo!" Jack's voice carried through the house.
"What was that about?" Sam asked.
Sam had come over to visit Elizabeth and the pair were sitting in the kitchen, drinking coffee, while Peyton was sitting on the floor with Wyatt, brushing his hair with her doll brush.
"I have no idea," Elizabeth replied, walking around the corner of the kitchen to look up the steps.
Appearing at the top was Jack holding Colton. "Tell Mommy, Colt."
"I went pee pee in the potty!" The little boy's face lit up with excitement.
"Yay, Colton!" Elizabeth exclaimed, clapping for her son. "What a big boy."
"Big boy pee pee in potty," he clapped and smiled at his daddy.
Jack turned back toward the bedroom, praising Colton all the way, as Elizabeth walked back into the kitchen.
"Sounds like a big day in the Thornton house," Sam said then took a sip of her coffee.
"You have no idea. We have been fighting with that kid trying to get him to use the little potty. Peyton learned right away."
"Yes, boys can be that way. Savannah was a piece of cake. But Austin and Luke, I'm surprised I had any hair left by the end."
The women laughed and resumed their previous conversation, enjoying some much-needed girl time.
…..
June 22nd, 2013 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Mother's Day had been spent at church and then a family lunch at Alejandro's, Charlotte's favorite restaurant that was owned by a friend of hers. Jack surprised Elizabeth with diamond encircled garnet earrings that matched her heart necklace that he had given her on her first Mother's Day. They spent the evening at home playing with the kids.
After church on Father's Day, Jack, Tom and their families surprised Frank with a special lunch at Jack and Elizabeth's house; thanking him for everything he had done for their mother and families.
Between the guys' team roping and Savannah's barrel racing, almost every weekend had been filled with rodeos and saddle club shows. Savannah was at the top of her sport and had won practically every show she had entered. Steps had already begun to get her in the Junior Rodeo and she would be riding with them next year instead of small local saddle club shows.
Jack and Tom were also moving up in the ranks; they had even pushed past a couple of really good teams that they had been trailing behind all spring.
Elizabeth was in the kitchen fixing breakfast for the twins when she looked at the clock hanging on the wall. 9:10 and Jack had not come down from their bedroom yet. Looking at the twins playing with their toys in the middle of the kitchen floor, Elizabeth walked to the bottom of the steps, listening for any sign of Jack being up.
Nothing.
"Jack?" She called up the stairs.
No reply.
She looked back to the twins again, then upstairs. Drawing in a deep breath and blowing it out through her nose, Elizabeth went to the twins and took a hand of each of them.
"Let's go upstairs just for a minute," she said, pulling them to their feet. "You can play in your room"
"Goodie," Peyton said as she jumped up and down.
Once the kids were settled in their room, Elizabeth walked to their bedroom, the door was still closed. She quietly opened it and saw the bed was empty.
Checking the bathroom, she could see Jack sitting on the edge of the bathtub in the dark.
"Jack? Are you alright?"
She could see Jack shake his head no.
Kneeling in front of him, she laid her hands on his knees. His head was hung low, his face in his hands as his elbows rested on his legs.
"What's wrong?"
Jack blew air through his mouth and Elizabeth jerked back at the smell of his breath.
"I'm sorry," he said, barely loud enough to hear, after he'd realized what he'd done.
"Are you sick?" She asked, standing and laying her hand on his forehead. "Jack, you're burning up."
Jack nodded his head.
Elizabeth turned toward the medicine cabinet and dug around until she found what she was looking for. Dropping two Tylenol tablets into her hand, she filled a glass with water and handed them both to Jack.
"Here, see if you can get these down."
Jack took the pills and tossed them into his mouth, then took the glass of water and took a small sip. He tried to hand it back to Elizabeth, but she pushed it back toward him and told him to try to drink more.
With his head in his hands again, he let out a slight groan and moved his arm down across his stomach.
"Not again," he said as he quickly moved to the toilet.
Elizabeth stood near the sink, holding the glass of water in her hands. When Jack returned to the edge of the tub, she handed him the glass and asked him to try to drink more. When he did, she took the glass and set it on the vanity.
"I'm going to check on the twins, I'll be right back."
Jack just nodded.
Seeing the kids were busy playing, she returned to find Jack hunched over the toilet once more. She found Jack's phone still on the bedside table – hers was down in the kitchen – and called Charlotte.
"Your mom is on her way to get the twins," she said to Jack when she walked back into the bathroom.
"That's not necessary," Jack said. His was very low and barely audible. It had a roughness to it, as if he needed to clear his throat.
"I can't watch them and take care of you at the same time," she responded, her voice soft and gentle.
"I'll be fine, I just need to..."
And Jack jumped up again, moving to the toilet.
Charlotte showed up, checked on Jack, then took the twins along with an overnight bag for them. Jack had finally been able to go more than ten minutes without throwing up so Elizabeth got him moved to their bed, with a bucket next to it, just in case. Jack had quickly gone to sleep shortly after he laid down. His stomach muscles ached from vomiting so many times, his head was pounding, and he still had a fever.
Elizabeth took a washcloth that she dampened with cool water, folded it up and laid it across his forehead. She placed two more Tylenol and a glass of water on the table next to the bed.
With him asleep now, she went to the twins' room to clean up the mess that had been left behind from their morning playtime. Then went to the kitchen to clean up the mess from breakfast that they never got to eat.
When everything was picked up and put away, she returned to check on Jack. He had rolled over onto his other side and was snoring now. The washcloth had fallen to the side and she removed it, laying it on the table. She felt his forehead, still a fever, but lower.
Jack slept the next two hours with Elizabeth checking on him constantly. When he finally woke up, Elizabeth had just walked into the room and saw him stirring.
She sat on the edge of the bed and felt his forehead once more. "Your fever is almost gone. How are you feeling?"
Jack sat up and slid his butt back toward the headboard so he could lean against it.
"Better. I think I'm okay."
She reached for the water and handed it to him.
"Thank you," he said, then guzzled half the glass.
"Need some Tylenol?"
Jack nodded, holding his head with his free hand.
She opened the bottle and poured two into her hand, then handed them to her husband. She watched him as he swallowed the pills and took another long drink, every motion taking effort. He handed her the glass then slid back down the bed until his head was back on the pillow.
Jack reached out and laid his hand on Elizabeth's arm, "Thank you." His voice was scratchy, still quiet.
He seemed slightly out of breath from the exertion of lifting the glass to his mouth, moving down the bed and talking. Elizabeth had never seen her husband like this. He was always the strong one, physically, emotionally.
He was on his side now, his arm across his face covering his eyes from any light. Elizabeth ran her fingers through his hair, being very careful not to make his headache worse.
"Do you need anything?" She asked him, her hand grazing across his arm.
She could see him somewhat shake his head no. If she wasn't watching, she would have missed it. Elizabeth stood, bent over him, and gave him a very gentle kiss on the head.
As she passed through their door, she pulled it closed, but left it open just a bit so she could check on him without the door making noise when she opened it.
Jack remained in bed most of the day while Elizabeth cleaned house and checked on him continuously. Finally, around supper time, as she was warming up some chicken noodle soup, Jack appeared in the kitchen and sat down at the island.
"Feeling better?" Elizabeth asked while she stirred the soup.
"Yes," he answered, pushing his fingers through his hair. "I don't know what that was but that was awful."
"Do you think you could eat some soup?"
"I think so. I'll try."
She scooped some into a bowl, then slid it and a spoon across the island to her husband. After preparing a bowl for herself, she joined Jack and sat next to him.
Jack ate slowly, but he emptied his bowl. When he was finished, he pushed the bowl away, rested his elbows on the counter, and rested his head in his hands.
"Do you still have a headache?" Elizabeth asked, feeling his forehead. The fever was gone.
"Yes, but not as bad," he replied. He dropped his hands and turned on the stool to face his wife. "Thank you for taking care of me," he grinned.
That smile let Elizabeth know that he really was feeling much better. "Do you want some more Tylenol?"
"Yes, but I can get it."
Jack stood, took their dishes to the sink, rinsed out the bowls, and placed them in the dishwasher. After getting his Tylenol, he returned to Elizabeth's side.
"Want to watch a movie?" Jack asked, laying his hand on hers.
"Yes, sounds great."
The couple walked hand in hand to the living room, snuggled together on the couch, and picked out a movie.
The twins were returned that evening, and Charlotte checked on Jack, feeling his forehead, getting all the details from the 24-hour bug that had hit him. Doing her motherly duties.
By the time everyone was in bed, Jack was almost back to his old self. With Elizabeth pulled up against him, they drifted off into a peaceful sleep.
…..
July 17th, 2013 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Jack was standing on the back deck, a coffee cup in his hand, the twins playing at his feet. As he took a drink, he looked out over the pasture that led into the trees and watched his wife loping her horse along the ridge.
He could remember back when she was afraid to be near that horse, but seeing Wrangler come into his own had also brought Elizabeth into hers. She had become quite the horsewoman and ranch hand. But most of all, she was the best wife and mother.
The air was hot but tolerable as Elizabeth squeezed Wrangler into a lope, feeling the warm air across her face. Her hat shaded her eyes from the sun that was beating down on them. She was hot, but Elizabeth didn't mind. A deer that was in the center of the field was startled and ran into the trees, causing Wrangler to jump slightly.
When she reached the corner of the field, she turned toward the right and headed into the trees. The shade provided cooler temps as they maneuvered through them, following the path cut in by the deer. Wrangler was walking now, his ears forward, always listening for something.
She pulled the horse to a stop when they reached the opposite edge. Her vantage point overlooked the valley that led down to Tom and Sam's ranch. She thought she could even see the roof of their barn. A family of deer, three does and two fawns, were in the center of the field, eating. She watched them for several minutes before turning Wrangler around and going back through the trees, following the same path.
Jack was still on the back porch, now sitting in one of the chairs, watching the tree line when he saw Elizabeth and Wrangler walk out into the sunlight. A smile covered his lips as he watched her put Wrangler back into a lope and ease across the pasture. He watched her until the duo was out of sight again, then he took the twins and went back into the house to start lunch.
…..
August 2nd, 2013 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Jack ran into the house, kicking the door closed behind him.
"Beth!" He called out, running up the stairs, skipping every other step.
Elizabeth appeared from their bathroom, wrapping a towel around her body. "What is it, Jack? What's wrong?"
"Nothing is wrong," he said walking toward her. "The kids are at Ma's for the next two hours."
"Okay?"
"No interruptions." Jack placed his hands on her sides and backed her against the wall, pressing all his weight against her, and taking her mouth with his.
After a crazed frenzy of kisses, Jack pulled back to suck in a quick breath of air.
"Whoa, Cowboy." Elizabeth said, trying to catch her own breath. "What was that about?"
"I don't know if you noticed, but the last five times we've tried to make love, a child or two have run in or someone knocked on the door or some emergency came up." Jack kissed her again, his tongue dancing with hers. "No interruptions this time. I made sure." He kissed her once more, pressing his body against her even harder. "I want my wife," he said with a mad desire in his eyes that Elizabeth hadn't seen in a while. They stood, staring at each other, their chests heaving, attempting to draw in the much-needed air.
Elizabeth quickly reached up and unbuttoned Jack's shirt and pushed it off his shoulders. Jack pulled it off his arms and threw it across the room, landing it on one of the chairs. Returning his lips to hers, he started on his pants. His hands were joined with hers as the two fumbled with his buckle, button and zipper, unable to get him undressed fast enough.
Once he was standing in front of her, completely naked, he reached up and slid his hands across her cheeks and into her hair, pulling her face to his, passionately kissing her, craving more. He moved his hands to the towel that was still around her, slowly pulling it opened, and let it drop to the floor.
He laid his hand on the side of her neck and focused on her eyes, seeing the same desire staring back at him. Then he dropped his hand down her arm and into her hand, pulling her into the bathroom.
They stood under the hot water in the steam filled shower. A few hand prints that had been pressed into the fog covered glass were slowly vanishing, closing up the view from an outsider. Only the outlines of two figures could now be seen through the steam, hidden in their own world where no one else existed.
Jack reached over and turned off the water, never releasing his hold on his wife. Toweled dry, they slowly crossed to the bed, kissing and stumbling along the way. Elizabeth sat on the edge of the bed and with her arms behind her, she pulled herself backwards across the mattress as Jack hovered above her, crawling along with her.
Lying down, she reached behind his neck and pulled Jack down on top of her. With her arms around his head, she cradled his head against her chest as he nuzzled against her, their legs intertwined, hers over his. Jack lay still at first, his ear over her heart, listening to the beats change tempo with his touch as he slowly grazed his fingertips along her skin. His arm was tucked under her butt and he lifted her as he shifted his body up, entering her fully. A gasp escaped between her lips and Jack caught it with his, taking her mouth, their tongues battling for more.
The feeling Jack caused was indescribable, Elizabeth just knew she wanted more as she lifted her hips, drawing Jack in deeper.
They made love that afternoon, no one to interrupt them, taking their time. Outside, a light rain had begun to fall, pattering against the metal roof. Two spring foals ran along the fence line not far from the house, bucking and kicking at each other while their mothers grazed on the fresh grass. Wyatt was asleep on the front porch near the door, away from the falling rain, his ears alert for anything out of the ordinary. A flock of Canadian geese flew by overhead, on their way to a nearby lake.
Elizabeth lay alongside Jack, her left arm and leg draped across him, his right hand on her arm. His left arm was tucked in behind her, his fingers grazing along the small of back as they enjoyed their intimate time alone. Their eyes were closed, but they remained awake, breathing in a mixture of sweat and lilac body wash.
When it was time to pick up the twins, they dressed, helping each other, nuzzling, giggling. And with his arm behind her back, drawing her in tight against him, they walked out to the truck.
…..
August 16th, 2013 – University Hospital
Jack and Elizabeth were sitting in the waiting room when Charlotte and Frank entered, joining them in the corner. Peyton and Colton jumped onto their grandparent's lap as soon as they were in their seats. Tom and Sam arrived shortly after, their three kids behind them. They waited...waited for any news.
Rosemary had gone into labor in the middle of the night. It had been eleven hours so far, and still no news. Anxiety filled Elizabeth, wanting to know what was going on with her best friend. Sitting in the hospital brought back memories of Elizabeth's time there. Almost losing her life and the babies. Thoughts of the ordeal filled everyone's minds.
Lee and Rosie hadn't wanted to find out the sex of the baby this time. Or if they had, they kept it tight-lipped and hadn't shared it with anyone. A teddy bear sat in the seat next to Elizabeth, one with a gender-neutral yellow bow.
Two more hours passed. Trips to the restroom and vending machine had filled part of their time. Taking the kids for walks filled the rest.
Tom returned to the waiting room and walking in behind him was Lee.
"How is she?" Elizabeth asked, jumping to her feet.
Joined by everyone else, they crossed the room to Lee who was wearing a huge grin.
"She's perfect," he answered. "Just perfect."
Everyone congratulated him; hugs, slaps, handshakes. But Elizabeth had picked up something in Lee's response.
She cocked her head to the side, giving Lee a look. "And by 'she', you're referring to Rosie?"
"Oh, yes. She did great. But she...our daughter...is just perfect."
"Another girl," Charlotte exclaimed, clasping her hands together. "How wonderful."
"Does she have a name?" Sam asked.
"Autumn Jane," Lee answered. "Seven pounds, six ounces, eighteen inches long. Ten fingers, ten toes. Perfection."
Elizabeth covered her mouth, a tear in her eye, the only one knowing the significance of the name.
"What is it, Beth," Jack asked, moving his arm behind her.
"Jane...that was Rosemary's mother's name."
"Oh, that's beautiful," Charlotte responded. "What a perfect day."
After more congratulatory embraces, Lee returned to Rosemary and the families all headed home. Everyone except Elizabeth. She stayed behind, waiting for Rosie to allow visitors.
Not long after everyone left, Lee found Elizabeth in the waiting room alone.
"Rosie wants to see you," he said, a smile still filling his face.
She followed him to her room and as soon as she saw the happy mother holding her new baby, Elizabeth's tears began to flow. She crossed the room, peeked at the baby, then wrapped her arms around Rosie.
"Congratulations. She's beautiful."
"Want to hold her?"
"Absolutely."
Elizabeth crossed the room with the little girl in her arms, to the window for better lighting. She pulled the blanket back and looked at the newborn. Brushing her finger lightly across the baby's cheek, Elizabeth watched Autumn twitch slightly from the touch. Her hair was a light brown, her cheeks round, she was perfect. Noel had looked like Rosemary, but Autumn seemed to have gotten more of Lee's features.
"She's perfect," Elizabeth told her friend, not taking her eyes off the baby. She returned to Rosemary's side and sat down on the edge of the bed. Looking at her friend, "And her middle name...Jane. That's really nice of you, Rosie."
Rosemary nodded and replied, "I told myself that if I ever had another daughter, that I would give her Mom's name."
Losing her parents when she was ten had been very hard on Rosemary, and it had taken her several years to get over it. By the time she and Elizabeth had met, Rosemary was much better but still wouldn't talk about them as it was too painful. As the years passed, she gradually gained the ability to speak of them more without it bringing up the heartache. But she thought having a child named after them would be too hard. As Noel got older, Rosemary realized that she wanted to honor her mother and stop running from the pain.
Elizabeth handed Autumn back to Rosie, adjust the blanket for her once the baby was in her arms. They visited for another half hour while Lee took a nap in the reclining chair in the corner. Then Elizabeth had to get home to watch the twins so Jack could get the chores done.
Once she said her goodbyes, Elizabeth left the hospital, got into her Tahoe, and closed the door. After sitting in it for a few minutes, thinking of her last time there, thinking of her babies and ones she would never have, she drew in a deep breath, smiled for her best friend, and headed home.
