April 18th, 2014 – Hope Meadows Ranch

Jack had worked on clean up around the farm throughout the week, trying to keep himself busy. Minor damage to the house and barn, a branch through a window of the studio, windows blown out of the arena, and several sections of fence damaged from downed trees were only part of the destruction the storm left in its path.

Jack found himself at a clinic on Monday, getting the paternity test for a child that up until two days ago, he didn't even know existed. His mind had not stopped reeling from the situation he found himself in, and he was constantly waiting to wake up from the nightmare. As they waited in the lobby, Blake was sitting in the chair next to Becky, opposite Jack, playing with a toy truck. Jack caught himself staring at the boy, still not believing that this was happening. He knew what the test would say. He could see his own young self staring back at him. His dark hazel eyes, his dark hair, even his dimples. He didn't need a DNA test to prove this was his son. But he'd asked for it all the same.

Two days later, the results had come in.

Jack was, without a doubt, the father.

Plans had been made for Jack to accompany Becky and Blake to Oklahoma with his trailer. He would help them pack and load their belongings and haul Blake's pony back, as well as Becky's horse.

Also while in Oklahoma, they would get Jack's name added to the birth certificate and petition the courts to change Blake's last name from Hardin to Thornton. A court date for Wednesday had already been set.

Friday had finally rolled around, the day before they would leave, and Jack had invited his entire family over for supper.

Frank, Lee, Tom and Sam were at the dining table with their kids snacking on some chips and salsa, while Charlotte and Rosemary were in the kitchen helping Elizabeth prepare all the sides for the tacos. Charlotte was chopping the tomatoes when Jack walked in, and once he had her and Elizabeth's attention, he gave them a slight nod.

"Hey, everyone," Jack began, "can you all please join me in the kitchen?"

Once the whole family was in the room and focused on Jack, he drew in a deep breath and began.

"Beth and I invited all of you here tonight because we received some news this last weekend...and...well...we need to share it with you." Jack's hands were sweating now.

Sam moved to Tom's side, slipping her arm through his, as Elizabeth joined Jack and laid her hand on his back, giving him her full support.

Jack cleared his throat and continued. "Well...I...," he released a hard breath. "Oh, God." He looked to Elizabeth, turning his head so only she could hear him. "I don't even know how to say this," he said quietly.

Unable to continue, Jack left the room and went downstairs, leaving everyone in shock; brows furrowed in confusion, looking between each other and at Elizabeth. When he returned, everyone shifted their gazes to the woman at his side. Lee and Rosemary's eyes widened to the size of saucers, immediately recognizing Becky, and as Blake came into view, gasps could be heard echoing through the house.

"Holy shi..." Lee started until he was elbowed in the side and silenced by his wife.

"Everyone," Jack said, "this is Becky Hardin."

Silence filled the room. It was deafening. Jack wanted to run away and cover his ears to stop it. But he wasn't finished. He had to finish.

Jack swallowed hard, closed his eyes and sucked in a deep breath. Opening his eyes he said, "And this is her son...Jackson Blake."

Elizabeth had moved her hand into Jack's and squeezed it hard. He looked to her, his eyes begging for help.

"Hello, Becky," Charlotte stated as she crossed the floor to shake her hand. "It's very nice to meet you."

"Thank you, ma'am."

"Please, just call me Charlotte," she said with a softness in her eyes.

"Hello, Becky," Frank said next, joining his wife and shaking Becky's hand. "I'm Frank."

"Hello, sir."

Blake was hiding behind Becky's leg, peeking around to Charlotte. The woman knelt to the floor, holding her arms out to the little boy. Blake looked up to his mother, who nodded. He slowly moved into Charlotte's arms and the woman embraced him, cradling his head against her chest, her eyes beginning to well with tears.

Tom and Sam slowly crossed the room, each introducing themselves.

Jack looked to Elizabeth, moving his face to her ear. "Can you tell them the rest?"

Elizabeth nodded.

"There's more," Elizabeth started. "Can everyone please move into the living room and have a seat?"

The group complied; Rosemary gave Elizabeth a look as they walked across the house, Elizabeth gave her a look in return.

The kids were sent upstairs to play, with orders for Savannah to keep them all entertained until someone came up to get them. Eight-month-old Autumn was asleep in her carrier.

With everyone else seated, Jack and Elizabeth stood near the fireplace, hand in hand. Forming a united front for the family to see.

"As I'm sure you have all figured it out, Blake is Jack's son."

Charlotte laid her hand on Tom's knee when she saw him flinch slightly and look as if he was about to say something. Rosemary's hands were covering her jaw dropped mouth. Sam sat in shocked silence. Frank and Charlotte, who had already heard about Becky and Blake, waited patiently to hear what new plans had been made through the week.

Elizabeth looked to Becky before continuing. "Becky appeared on our doorstep Saturday morning. It was the first we'd heard of Blake. The reason she is here now, is because she was recently diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer."

Sam's hand was over her mouth now, a tear could be seen rolling down her cheek. Rosemary moved her hands over her heart, her mouth still opened. Lee dropped back hard into the couch, shaking it slightly.

Elizabeth stepped toward Becky and took her hand, holding it for everyone to see. "She has asked us to raise Blake." Her eyes scanned the room. "And we've agreed."

"We're very sorry, Becky," Sam finally said. "If you don't mind me asking, how long did they give you?"

Becky turned to face the family. "They told me they couldn't say for sure, but maybe only two to three months. And that was three weeks ago."

"What are your plans?" Tom asked.

Jack stepped up now, "I am following them to Oklahoma tomorrow with my truck and trailer. I will be bringing them, their belongings, and their horses back later in the week."

"Where are you going to live?" Charlotte asked.

Becky looked up to Jack, who again answered, "They will be staying here with me and Beth. We're going to get them set up downstairs for as long she's able to manage the steps."

Charlotte nodded, clearly thinking things through. "How much does Blake know?"

"He doesn't know anything yet," Jack answered.

Silence fell upon the room, no one quite sure what to say next. Elizabeth straightened herself and took a step forward.

"I know what you guys are thinking. And I won't lie about what crossed my mind when I first found out. But what's done is done and there is nothing we can do to change this." Elizabeth's voice cracked and she stopped to take a breath. "That little boy up there," she pointed upstairs, "needs a family. And we plan on being that family." A tear rolled down her cheek and she swallowed hard. Jack moved to her side and put his arms around her. "It's awful what has happened to Becky," she looked to the woman. "I don't blame you for anything. But I will help you."

Becky, tears now falling down her cheeks, stood and held Elizabeth in an embrace. Jack and his family all watched in wonder at this woman, his wife, so full of faith and forgiveness, so accepting with the situation, so loving.

Charlotte stood and crossed the room, wrapping her arms around the pair, crying with them. She was quickly joined by Sam and Rosemary. There wasn't a dry eye in the room. Frank stood and moved behind his wife, laid his hand on Becky's shoulder, and began to pray. The three men joined him, each laying a hand on the woman.

As Frank finished praying and everyone took a step back, cheeks were wiped, eyes were dabbed, and the heart of a woman was beginning to change. Becky looked around her, seeing a family covered in faith. A faith that she did not carry. A faith she knew nothing about. A faith she longed to feel.

Once everyone had composed themselves, Jack went upstairs to get the kids to come down and eat. Even with the obvious in the back of everyone's minds, they made Becky feel welcomed, asked her about her life and Blake's, and enjoyed their normal topics of conversation.

A smaller table had been added to the Thornton's dinners, one that was filled with the kids that sat next to the adult table. Blake sat among them now. Perfect manners. Wide eyes. A little boy full of excitement being around all these kids.

Jack constantly watched Blake. Seeing similar mannerisms as his own. The way he held his head when he laughed, how the right side of his grin was slightly higher than the left, and those eyes. Jack's eyes. There was no mistaking them. Everyone would know. Everyone.

Blake would watch Austin and Luke sign with Savannah. He didn't understand what they were doing. Why didn't she ever say anything? What are they doing with their hands? But the four-year-old was afraid to ask.

Elizabeth watched him now. Seeing his eyes darting back and forth between Savannah and her brothers. Elizabeth made a mental note to explain to the little boy about ASL and how Savannah cannot hear.

Charlotte watched her son. Jack was not talking much. Only replying when someone would speak directly to him. He was scared. A mother could see that. Her heart ached for her son. She had been afraid for years that his past would catch up with him. But once he met Elizabeth and had put all of that behind him, she honestly thought that Jack had escaped it.

But this beautiful little soul that has entered their lives is not something to escape from, he is someone to embrace.

Becky had begun to relax. She was amazed at how she and her son had been welcomed into this family with open arms. The day she'd knocked on the door had been one of the hardest days of her life...second only to the day she received her diagnosis.

Sam, Elizabeth and Rosemary spoke with Becky as if she had always been a part of the family. Conversations flowed easily with them and they were honestly interested in learning more about her. Becky was smiling now...she couldn't remember the last time she had truly smiled.

Having been alone when Blake was born, it had always been just the two of them for years. No one else to celebrate his first birthday, his first steps, his first word. It had only been her. She was both mother and father. Becky would watch rodeos on TV while she was pregnant and when Blake was an infant. At the beginning, she'd watch for Jack. She followed him through the end of his career. She had watched his final rides in Vegas. And then he was gone.

So, she continued to watch just for the love of the sport and as Blake got older, he was hooked. Blake had begun requesting to watch bull riding by the time he was three. Even when Becky would attempt to watch team roping when she'd learned that Jack and Lee were competing, Blake was relentless with wanting to see the bulls.

She had planned to tell her son someday who his father was. She came very close on many occasions when they would show old footage from one of Jack's rides during a broadcast. So badly she just wanted to say, "That's your daddy, Blake. That bull rider right there...is your daddy." But she never did.

And now, here they are. In the home of Blake's daddy. Someplace that Becky never thought she would be. In a situation she never dreamed of. Right in the middle of a nightmare. A nightmare that would soon leave her son without his mother.

A tear fell down Becky's cheek, something that Elizabeth noticed immediately. Elizabeth squeezed Becky's hand, causing the woman to turn.

Leaning toward her, Elizabeth asked quietly, "Do you want to go into the other room and talk?"

Becky nodded.

The two women stood and left the room, retreating to the privacy of the living room.

Jack watched as they walked away, his eyes moving from their backs to his mother. He read his mother's lips, "Let them be."

Elizabeth and Becky each took a seat on the leather sectional, both turned in to face one another.

"Tell me what you're thinking?" Elizabeth asked, her eyes always filled with sincerity.

"I was just thinking about how wonderful your family is. It used to be like this when my parents were alive. But after they passed, and I was living with my grandparents, it all changed. They changed. They had lost their only daughter."

"I'm very sorry to hear that, Becky. No child should ever have to go through that." Elizabeth started thinking about Blake. And her heart ached.

"For the last four years, it's only been me and Blake. He's my world. I'd do anything for him." Becky swallowed, unable to remove the lump that had crept up into her throat. "That's why I came here."

Elizabeth reached out, laying her hand on Becky's knee. "It was very brave of you to make that decision. I can't even imagine how hard this has all been for you."

Becky nodded; two tears rolled down her cheeks. "I think I stood outside your door for at least three minutes before I even knocked." Becky chuckled. "I had no idea what I would find when that door opened."

…..

April 12th, 2014 – Hope Meadows Ranch

With Colton on her hip, Elizabeth opened the door.

"Hello. Can I help you?"

Becky looked nervous as she spoke. "Is...um...Jack Thornton home?"

"Jack is out working in the field right now. He should be back soon. Is there something I can help you with?"

Blake stepped out and Elizabeth stopped breathing, her smile slowly vanishing. With wide eyes, she looked at the little boy in her arms, then back at the boy on the front porch.

Her heart felt as if it had stopped as she stared at the little boy who was the spitting image of Colton...and Jack.

Her eyes slowly lifted up to the woman's face who was looking empathetically at Elizabeth.

She put her hand out to shake Elizabeth's. "Hello. My name is Becky."

Elizabeth, as if in slow motion, slowly moved her hand out and placed it in Becky's. "Hi. I'm...um...Elizabeth Thornton."

Elizabeth tried to focus on Becky, but her gaze constantly dropped to the little boy.

"I'm sorry to drop in like this, but I really need to speak to Jack."

"Um...please, come in." Elizabeth moved out of the way, opening the door wider, to allow Becky to enter their home.

Peyton was standing beside Elizabeth, grinning at the little boy. "Hi," she said, overly excited.

"Hi," Blake replied, his voice quiet and shy.

Colton began to squirm, wanting to join the other two on the floor. Elizabeth set him down and he was now standing next to Blake. If they were the same age, they could almost be twins. Elizabeth couldn't take her eyes off of him.

Finally straightening, Elizabeth turned back to Becky who was still standing just inside the door. "Who exactly are you?" Her eyes were locked on this strange woman's. Waiting for a legitimate reason why her son looked just like Colton. One that didn't involve Jack.

"Could we sit down or something." Becky asked. "I think we need to talk."

Elizabeth's heart sank. She now knew that this boy was Jack's and not some long lost cousin. She slowly turned to lead the woman into her kitchen, telling the kids to take Blake to their room and play first. Trying to prepare herself for whatever story she was about to hear. Elizabeth motioned to Becky to have a seat on a stool at the island while she took down two glasses and filled them with water. After setting one in front of Becky, Elizabeth pulled a stool around to the opposite side and took a seat.

"How do you know Jack?" Elizabeth started.

"From the rodeos. I was a barrel racer and we traveled to a lot of the same events."

Elizabeth nodded. A buckle bunny. There is a buckle bunny in my house.

"I'm not going to beat around the bush, Elizabeth. I believe it will be best if I just rip the band aid off right now. Jack and I spent the night together almost five years ago and Blake is his son."

Elizabeth already knew in her heart that this is what she would hear, but the words actually being spoken, hanging around her, she felt as if they were about to strangle her. They were closing around her neck, tightening, cutting off her air. She picked up her glass of water and took a long drink.

"I'm sorry to spring this on you," Becky continued. "But I needed to let Jack know."

"Why now?" she set her glass down, it was almost empty now.

Becky blew out a hard breath through her lips. "I have cancer and I'm dying."

Elizabeth froze, she sat staring at this woman that was sitting in her kitchen. What did she just say? Jack has a son? She's dying? Her mind was spinning out of control. What had Jack done? Elizabeth started thinking back. Almost five years to be exact. That would be about when we started seeing each other. Did he cheat on me? Who is this woman?

"When might Jack be back?"

Elizabeth pulled herself from her thoughts. She couldn't get lost in them. "Um...I'm not sure. By lunch maybe." She looked at the clock. It was only 9:12. Three hours before Jack might be back. What will I do for three hours?

"I'm sorry, Elizabeth. I can leave and come back if you prefer."

Elizabeth looked at the woman. Her eyes seemed sincere, but something was missing. There was no life in them. She took a better look at Becky. Dark rings under her eyes, cheeks slightly sunken, she really was sick. "No, please. You can wait here for him." Elizabeth stood and refilled her glass of water. "Do you need more?" She asked, then looked at Becky's full glass.

Becky smiled, "No, I'm fine. Thank you."

Elizabeth sat back down, took a small drink, then set her glass aside. "So, and please do not take this the wrong way. But Jack has a son and you have never told him? But now that you're sick...now you're going to?"

Becky laid her arms on the cool tile countertop and rested her weight on them. "No, I have never told Jack about Blake. He never knew I was pregnant. I have no one. No one except Blake. I have no one to raise him..." Becky's voice broke off, her eyes welled with tears. "No one to raise him after I'm gone."

Elizabeth's heart was hurting...except now...it was hurting for this mother. A mother that knows she is leaving her young child behind. "What do you want us to do?" Her voice was soft now. She no longer had an edge to her words. She was now looking at her through a mother's eyes.

"I want you and Jack to take Blake. I want you to raise him as your own." Becky stopped, trying to keep the flood of tears from showing. "I know this is a lot to ask. But I have no one else to care for him. I don't want him in foster care."

"We would never let that happen." What did I just say? Am I seriously considering raising this woman's son? Some woman that Jack possibly cheated on me with. But maybe he didn't. He would never do that. And of course, I would consider this. He is Jack's son after all. He's a part of my husband...my children. I couldn't...wouldn't turn my back on him.

The women sat in silence for a few minutes, each taking sips of their water. Elizabeth sat her glass down and lifted her gaze back to the woman in front of her. She had a beauty about her, even behind the lifeless eyes. Her hair was dark and long, reaching the middle of her back. But even her hair looked dull, much like her eyes. Elizabeth could see why Jack might had been drawn to her. When Becky raised her gaze, their eyes locking, Elizabeth saw her heartache for the first time.

"I'm so sorry, Becky. I'm sorry you are going through this. As a mother, I could not imagine how hard this must be for you." Elizabeth's heart was breaking for the little boy that was upstairs playing with the twins...his brother and sister. "I will help you talk to Jack."

A thousand-pound weight was just tossed from her shoulders as Becky let out a sigh of relief. "Thank you so much, Elizabeth. You have no idea what this means to me."

The women visited a little while longer, interrupted twice by three toddlers that were having a blast. When the kids returned to the toys once more, Becky looked to Elizabeth.

"Your kids are great."

"Thank you. They are a handful at times."

"Do you guys plan on having more?" Becky asked innocently.

Elizabeth fell quiet for a minute, then drew in a deep breath. "I can't have any more children."

"Oh. I'm sorry. I didn't know."

"Of course. Don't apologize. How could you know?" Elizabeth turned the glass in hand, staring at the ripples across the top of the water.

"Um...can I ask what happened?"

Elizabeth lifted her eyes to the woman. She wanted to tell her everything. But why? Why did she feel so comfortable with her? She couldn't answer that...but she did feel comfortable...now. And so, she told her. She told her the whole story.

"Oh, my goodness, Elizabeth. That must have been so scary. I'm so sorry."

"It was. And poor Jack, he just...," Elizabeth's voice trailed away. She felt comfortable sharing her story, but not Jack's. "We have been blessed with two beautiful children."

Becky looked down to her hands, then back to Elizabeth. She started to say something, then stopped herself.

"Go ahead and say what you need to," Elizabeth offered.

Becky stared at her. She had never met a woman like this. She could see Jack had finally settled down and married. This woman was perfect. She was exactly who Jack had needed all those years. "I hope that you can feel the same way about Blake."

A breath caught in Elizabeth's throat. What? Was this God's way of giving them another child? Surely this isn't the way it was supposed to happen. Why like this? Elizabeth tried to find the words. Please God, give me the words. Elizabeth's eyes are moving around the room, not able to settle on one thing. Then suddenly she met Becky's eyes and everything became clear. "We will love him as one of our own. I will talk to Jack. I will help him understand that Blake is a blessing and not a mistake." Elizabeth stood and walked around the island, taking the seat next to Becky. "You will not have to worry about your son. I hope this will give you some peace."

The dam that had been holding back Becky's tears had finally broken and they spilled down her cheeks. Elizabeth wrapped her arms around the woman, holding her in a loving embrace, giving what little comfort she could. The women cried together, leaving everything right there in the kitchen. God had answered Becky's needs by blessing her with Elizabeth, an understanding woman and loving mother. And He had answered Elizabeth's prayers by blessing her with another child to care for, love and raise.

A peace flooded Becky as she knew Blake would be okay, he would be loved and taken care of. She knew in her heart that he would be raised in a home filled with laughter and hugs. She released Elizabeth and wiped her face, trying to compose herself. Elizabeth went to the refrigerator and pulled out a veggie tray and set it on the island between them, taking her seat across from Becky.

"How do you think Jack will take all of this?" Becky asked, picking up a carrot.

Elizabeth shrugged her shoulders and began to answer Becky when the front door opened and Jack walked in. The hearts of both women began to race as they watched Jack cross the floor.

"Hi, Jack," Becky said, her heart in her throat.

…..

April 18th, 2014 – Hope Meadows Ranch

Sam and Rosemary stepped into the living room and approached the two women on the couch.

"Can we join you?" Sam asked.

"Of course," Elizabeth answered, motioning with her arm for them to come in.

Becky watched the two women sit down, then looked to Rosemary. "Hi, Rosie."

"Hello, Becky."

Sam looked between the women, shocked at first that they knew each other. Then it dawned on her...rodeos. Of course, they knew each other.

"I'm very sorry to hear about...I'm very sorry," Rosemary stammered. Her thoughts were scrambled with all the information they'd received that day. And her heart ached. She couldn't imagine having the knowledge that she was dying and would be leaving her babies behind.

"Thank you, Rosie."

"What's next, besides moving you guys here?" Sam asked.

"Well, Jack is not named on Blake's birth certificate so we will take care of that while we're in Oklahoma. We also have a court date next week to petition the courts to change his last name to Thornton. Then...move up here."

"Do you have much to move? Will you need help?" Rosemary asked.

"No. Our apartment was furnished and we have very little personal property. Mainly my horse and Blake's pony. They are boarded just down the street from where I live. A nice older lady let me keep them there for next to nothing."

"That was very nice of her," Elizabeth stated. "Jack has two stalls already cleaned out for them in our barn."

"I know I've said this already, but I can't thank you two enough for everything you're doing. I'm sorry if this is causing any problems between you and Jack," Becky said, her voice filled with anguish.

Elizabeth returned her hand to Becky's knee and looked into her eyes, straight into her soul. "Becky, no." She shook her head. "This has not caused anything of the sort between Jack and me. We talked everything over and came up with this solution together."

"You have been exactly what Jack had been missing all of his adult life," Becky said, laying her hand on Elizabeth's. "The turmoil in his eyes was so obvious. It was always there. I don't see it anymore. Even after he received all of this news...it wasn't there. You have been good for him. Anyone that knew him could see it."

Elizabeth turned her hand over, squeezing Becky's. "Thank you. Jack has been good for me, too."

Charlotte and Jack stepped around the corner, slowly entering the room, calculating the mood in the room.

"Everything alright in here?" She asked.

"Hi, Mom," Elizabeth said, smiling to her mother-in-law. "Everything is just fine." She wiggled Becky's hand back and forth.

Jack moved behind the couch, stopping behind Elizabeth. He placed his hands on her shoulders, gently squeezing them. Elizabeth looked up to him, smiling, as he bent down and kissed her softly on the lips.

Becky watched; the corners of her mouth turned up in a grin. She had searched for that kind of love and had never found it...until she felt the unconditional love of a child. She watched Jack and Elizabeth now, his gentle touches on her shoulder. The way he looked at her. She knew that Blake would be loved and well cared for. And by the entire family for what she could tell.

Blake ran into the room and jumped onto Becky's lap. Wrapping his arms around her neck, he kissed her on the cheek. "This house is fun, Mommy," he blurted out.

Becky hugged her son, longer than usual, and he tried to wiggle out. "You're sqwooooshing me, Mommy."

"Sorry, Blakey," she said, loosening her hold.

She kissed the top of his head and let him turn around on her lap. He was facing Jack and Elizabeth now, a smile filling his face. His dimples prominent. Peyton and Colton ran into the room now, followed by Noel. The three toddlers climbed onto the couch next to Blake, who was still on his mommy's lap. All three scooted back, their backs straight against the cushion of the couch, their legs stuck out in front of them, their hands covering their little knees. Each one giggling at something that was only funny to them. But their laughter was infectious and they soon had the entire room laughing.

Becky leaned down, looking Blake in the face. "It's time for us to go now."

"Nooo! I don't want to leave. I like it here."

Becky smiled, a hint of sadness in her eyes mixed with pure relief. "We'll come back later," she promised. We need to let these nice folks get on with their day. And Mommy is really tired. How about we go take a quick nap and then we'll go get ice cream?"

"Ice cream!" Blake shouted as he slid off her lap and onto the floor. "Bye bye," he said to the toddlers, waving his tiny hand to the trio.

"Bye bye," they all said in return.

Becky stood, as did everyone else. "Thank you very much for your hospitality," she said toward Jack and Elizabeth. "It was very nice to meet all of you." Her eyes scanned the room, everyone was there now.

"It was wonderful to meet you too, sweetheart," Charlotte said, wrapping her in a hug. "You take care now and we'll see you soon."

"Thank you, ma'am."

Becky and Blake said their goodbyes, and Jack and Elizabeth watched from the doorway as the pair drove away. When Jack closed the door and turned around, his entire family was standing, staring at him.

Jack raised his hands in front of himself and walked between everyone and into the kitchen. Charlotte quickly sent the kids upstairs, telling Savannah to keep them in the room with the door closed. But the brothers were at it before the children could even reach the top step.

"What the hell, Jack?" Tom said, following closely behind.

Jack spun around, standing face to face with his brother. "What, Tom?" He threw his hands in the air. "Say what you want to say."

"You had no idea about him?" Tom pointed over his shoulder, as if Blake was still in the house.

"No, Tom. No, I didn't know about him. There has been a little boy walking around with my eyes for four years, and I knew nothing about him. Do you honestly think that if I knew about him, that I would keep it from you?"

Tom stepped back and dropped his shoulders. "No. No, I don't think that."

Jack turned and walked to the fridge, pulling out a bottle of water. He leaned against the counter and twisted the top off, taking a large drink. Everyone had moved into the kitchen and waited.

"What do you want me to say?" Jack finally blurted out. "You all know how I was then. I mean, honestly, I'm shocked that any of you are even surprised by this." Jack's words were sharp and precise. "Hell, maybe there's more out there."

"Jack Thornton!" Elizabeth shouted. "That's enough."

Jack's face immediately softened as he looked at his wife. Everyone's eyes moved to the woman that was usually quiet and reserved. Each one shocked at the intensity of her voice and the effect it had on Jack.

"I'm sorry, everyone. This has been...well...a difficult week," he said, setting the water bottle on the counter.

Charlotte moved to her son's side and reached her arm behind him. "Now everyone, let's just take a deep breath. This has happened and a beautiful, innocent little boy needs a family. A whole family. Not one that is torn apart by this." She eyed Tom. "And Tommy, your brother needs your support, not your criticism. He knows what he's done. He doesn't need you throwing it in his face."

Tom lifted his eyes back to his brother. "I have one question. Did you cheat on Beth?"

"Tommy!" Charlotte yelled.

Jack just shook his head. "No, Ma. It's fine. He has every right to ask." Jack moved his gaze to Elizabeth, who had her arms across her body, almost hugging herself. "Beth and I had just started seeing each other and we had a fight. Were we together? At that moment...in my mind...we were over. I can't answer for Beth how she felt about us. But after the fact, I felt like shit." Jack looked to his mom, "Sorry." Returning his gaze to his brother, he continued. "So, to answer your question...yes, I think I did. I should have never let our fight get to me and walked away...and did what I did."

"No, he didn't," Elizabeth exclaimed. She crossed the room and stood next to Jack, dropping her hand into his. "We were still new. Neither of us had defined exactly what we were doing. And then our fight, it was both of us. We both participated in it. So, I can see that Jack thought we were through. I thought we were through. So, no. He did not cheat on me. I forgave him for hurting me a long time ago. So, this does not need to be dredged up again." Her eyes scanned the room. "The only thing we need to focus on now is that little boy and his sick mother."

"And they are going to live here? How will that work?" Rosemary asked.

"Becky is very sick, Rosie," Elizabeth replied. "It won't be long before she's unable to care for Blake...herself even. She will need round the clock care."

"And you're going to give her that?" Tom asked.

"Yes, Tom. I will. We both will."

"But won't that be hard for you?" Lee asked.

Elizabeth looked at her friend. "Not as hard as it will be for Becky and Blake."

Lee dropped his eyes to the floor, nodding slightly.

"Look, everyone," Jack said, stepping forward. "I caused this mess and I intend to see it through. I am not going to walk away from my s..." Jack stopped, looking down at the floor. "My son."

Jack moved his hands to his head; his fingers gripped his hair. Elizabeth stepped in front of him and held him against her. He was crying now. He was still holding his head, then slowly wrapped his arms around her. Charlotte, who was still standing next to them, laid her hand on his back and covered her face with her free hand. Her own tears had begun to flow, and Frank was quickly by her side, holding her.

Tom crossed the room and tapped on Elizabeth's shoulder. Seeing him, she released her arms from Jack and he looked up to find his brother, now with tears in eyes, too. They hugged, penance and forgiveness shared in a single embrace.

When Jack and Tom separated, both wiping their faces, Jack moved back to Elizabeth's side and placed his arm behind her back, his fingers curling around her waist.

"Can we also look at this as the blessing that it is?" Elizabeth asked.

Everyone looked to her, their faces pinched in confusion.

"A blessing?" Rosemary asked.

"Jack and I are gaining another child, something that I cannot give. Our family is growing."

"But, Liz," Rosemary started, but was quickly cut off by Elizabeth.

"Blake is Jack's son. He is a part of him. He's a part of Colton and Peyton. Therefore, he is a part of me." Elizabeth paused for a moment, contemplating her next words. "And one more blessing in all of this...because of Blake, Becky will not have to die alone."

An eerie hush fell over the family as this realization came to light. They had all been focused on the obvious, no one had thought to look for the possibilities of why this might be happening. Why now? Why this?

It is a terrible thing that Becky is going through. It's awful that she is sick. But she will not be alone in her final days, she will be surrounded by people. People that, before her last breath, she will call family.