April 19th, 2014 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Jack walked around his truck and trailer, checking the tires, trailer lights, and trailer brake connection. Satisfied with his safety check, he returned to the house to spend a little time with his family before Becky arrived. As he crossed the lawn toward the house, he heard a truck pull into his drive and turned to find Lee headed his way.
Jack waited by the fence, his arms resting on the wooden post, as Lee pulled up beside him, parked and got out.
"Good morning, Brother," Jack said as Lee walked around the truck.
"Hey, Jacko. I just stopped by to see if you wanted me to go with you and help with the move?"
"No, but thank you," Jack said as he laid his hand on Lee's shoulder. "She said she doesn't have much and nothing very heavy. Besides, I need the time to think...process."
"How are you doing through all of this?"
Jack returned his hand to the post and looked down at the gravel that covered the ground in front of them. "Honestly...not that great."
"Talk to me, Brother."
Jack kicked at a few small rocks and let out a breath through his nose, "I am so afraid that Elizabeth is going to wake up one day and realize that this nightmare isn't just a dream that she had. That she'll pack up herself and the twins and leave me. I won't survive if she does that."
"Jack, Elizabeth is not going anywhere. She knows exactly what's going on. Obviously better than any of us. I have never met a woman with such strong convictions as her."
"I know. I know. But it's right there...in the back of my mind. And I'm just waiting for it to drop."
"You can't go through life like that, Jack. We all need to follow Elizabeth's example and show nothing but empathy for Becky. I honestly do not know how that woman does it, but if Elizabeth can move past it, then we all should be able to."
"Lee, sometimes the things that come out of your mouth totally shocks me." Jack said, a chuckle in his voice. "But you are absolutely right." Jack gave him a hug, then looked toward the house. "I'm going to go spend some time with my family before I have to leave. I'll see you when I get back."
"I love you, Jacko," Lee said, hugging him again.
"I love you, too, Brother. Thank you for everything."
…..
Jack was sitting on the floor with the twins when there was a knock at the door. Looking up, he saw Elizabeth crossing the floor to answer it, her eyes on him, her smile small.
Jack returned his attention to the kids who were engrossed in a picture book while Jack read the words to them.
"Blake!" Colton shouted when he looked up and saw the little boy in the doorway. He scrambled to his feet and ran across the floor and hugged Blake like they had been best friends for years.
Peyton was close behind, joining in on the greeting, as the adults watched this act of love take place. Elizabeth looked to Jack and saw that his eyes were glistening with tears threatening to spill over. She could tell by his expression that he was fighting to hold them back.
"Good morning, Becky," Elizabeth said as she closed the door behind them. "Would you like some coffee?"
"Yes, that would be wonderful. Thank you." The two women retreated to the kitchen as Jack followed behind them.
Once they were all sitting around the island, each with a mug of coffee in hand, and the kids were busy with toys in the living room, Becky looked to the couple.
"I have something that I have been meaning to talk to you both about all week."
"Okay," Elizabeth replied, trying to give Becky comfort in the need to talk with them.
"Well...we still need to tell Blake that Jack's his father."
Elizabeth turned her head to her husband, waiting for him to speak.
"Yes, I supposed we should do that sooner than later," Jack finally said.
"Um...I would like to do it before we make this trip," Becky added.
Jack just sat, nodding, chewing on his bottom lip. Elizabeth moved her hand over to his bouncing knee and pressed on it, trying to still him.
"Yes, I guess that would probably be best."
"Would you like to tell him? Or me?" Becky asked.
Elizabeth saw Jack straighten and felt his knee begin to bounce again. "Why don't you tell him, Becky. And we'll be right here to help out if needed."
Becky nodded then called the little boy into the kitchen. The twins followed Blake and Elizabeth took them aside and told them to go play with their toys. After a short argument, they obeyed and returned to the living room.
Becky pulled Blake onto her lap and smoothed his hair down, then wrapped her arms around him. After taking a deep breath, she began.
"Blakey, do you remember when you asked where your daddy was and I told you that he was a long ways away and couldn't be with us?"
Blake nodded, "Uh huh." His eyes were wide, full of life, and his smile filled his entire face.
"Well, your daddy is right here, Blake."
The little boy scanned the room then met his mother's eyes, "Where?"
"Jack is your daddy."
Blake quickly moved his gaze to Jack, his eyes widening even more. "The bull rider?"
Jack chuckled at first, then quickly stopped. "Not anymore, Blake. Remember?"
"Oh, ya. You rope cows." His grin quickly filled his face once more, "But you used to be a bull rider."
"Yes, I used to be a bull rider," Jack smiled back.
Then Blake's expression fell, a serious look covered his face. You could see that the little boy was working something out in his mind; his brows pinched, his gaze dropped. Then looking back to his mother, he said, "But he's Colt's and Pey's daddy."
"Yes, he is their daddy. But he's your daddy, too."
"Really?" He asked. Then looking to Jack, "Are you really my daddy?"
Jack nodded and gave Blake a smile. "Yes, I'm your daddy."
Blake's smile grew even wider as he looked back and forth between Becky and Jack. He pushed himself off his mother's lap and walked over to Jack, holding his arms up. Jack reached down and picked the little boy up, and Blake wrapped his arms around his daddy's neck. Jack's heart melted at that moment as he hugged his son for the first time.
His eyes were squeezed tightly shut, attempting to keep the tears at bay, but Elizabeth could see one escape as it slid down his cheek. She saw Jack tighten his arms around Blake, and the little boy tightened his around his daddy's neck. Her hands covered her mouth as the tears began to fall, and she turned her gaze to Becky, who was crying now as well.
…..
Jack looked in his side mirror as he started down his driveway, watching the peak of his house shrink in the view. The apple trees that lined either side were covered in white blossoms and had left a blanket of petals around each trunk. Wyatt sat near the barn, watching his owner drive away. Jack felt a little piece of his heart being left behind as he turned onto the highway. He would only be gone for six days, but it already felt like an eternity to him. Jack and Elizabeth had never spent time apart outside of her time in the hospital, and Jack wasn't prepared for it now.
He had a five hour drive ahead of him. Alone with only his thoughts. Something he wasn't sure he wanted to keep company with at the moment. Images of Elizabeth and the twins waving goodbye from the front porch filled his mind for now, but he knew that would only last for so long. He held onto that image for as long as he could, but it was soon overtaken by the face of a little boy.
Jack could feel in the little boy's hug that he dearly wanted a father in his life. Blake had held onto Jack for several minutes, not wanting to let go. When he finally did, he leaned back on Jack's lap and looked straight into his eyes. "Can I call you Daddy?" He had asked in his little boy voice, his hazel eyes pleading. With tears gently falling down his cheeks, Jack nodded, and Blake hugged him once more.
Jack read the signs along the highway, being sure not to miss his turn to the interstate. Becky's little white car was following along behind him with his son in the back seat.
One week. One week was all it took to get him in his truck, traveling to a different state, changing the lives of everyone around him. One week had passed since his life was flipped upside down. One week since his perfect family had been altered forever.
One week. To Jack...it had been a lifetime.
And now, one more week will pass until he sees his family again. When he returns, he will legally be the father of a four-year-old.
Jack merged onto the interstate that would lead him all the way into Oklahoma. He changed the radio station to 90s country, and cranked the volume to try to drown out the thoughts in his head.
…..
Rosemary knocked once, then pushed the front door open, stepping into the large log house. "Liz?" She called out, searching for her best friend.
"In here, Rosie."
Rosemary followed the sound of Elizabeth's voice into the kitchen, where she was cleaning up the twins after their lunch.
"What are you doing here?" Elizabeth asked, wiping Peyton's face, already knowing the answer.
"I just stopped by to see how you were doing."
"I'm doing just fine, Rosie." She removed each tray from the high chairs and held the hands of the twins as they scooted forward and dropped down to the floor. "You two go play with your toys, okay?"
"Okay, Mommy," they called out in unison as they ran into the living room.
Rosemary was already sitting on a bar stool, watching Elizabeth set the dishes into the sink. She turned around to face her friend, having felt Rosie's eyes on her back.
"Please, Rosemary, say what you came here to say."
"What? I just came to check on you."
"Uh huh...and?"
"Liz, seriously, I just came to make sure you were alright."
Elizabeth pulled a stool around and took a seat, laying the dishtowel on the counter in between them. "I won't lie, this has been rough, a little confusing. But I have prayed everyday about it. And we're doing the right thing."
"I have no doubt that you're doing the right thing," Rosemary stated.
"Really? You're not here to tell me that I'm crazy for bringing that buckle bunny into my house?"
"Buckle bunny? Becky isn't a buckle bunny."
Elizabeth's face was pinched in confusion, "But I thought she was just one of Jack's one-night stands."
"Well, she was. But she doesn't fall into the category of a buckle bunny."
"How's that? What does one have to do to be included in that club?" Elizabeth's tone surprised even herself, a bit of an edge showing its ugly head in her sarcasm.
"A buckle bunny is a girl that chases after cowboys, seeking out a different one, any good looking one, that's at the top of their game. They don't really care who they get, as long as they can hang on the arm of one each night the rodeo is in town. Becky didn't do that."
"Then what did she do?"
"I wasn't very close with her; she didn't run in my circle. But women talk. A good friend of hers was talking to one of my close friends. She said that some Becky girl constantly hung around Jack Thornton, hoping to start something up with him. They warned her that he wasn't the type to stick with one woman. But she wouldn't listen. I guess one evening she finally got him to come to her trailer, then he was gone in the morning. That was around a year before you two met. Then she was hurt when he showed no interest in her again. But she never gave up. She thought if she could get him in her trailer one more time, that she'd convince him to only be with her. I guess that was the night of your fight."
Elizabeth had been listening intently to the story, seeing Becky in a very different light. She had just been a girl wanting to be loved. But going about it the wrong way, and with the wrong person.
"That's the story I heard anyway. I believe it though. I never saw her hanging out with those types of girls or with a different guy all the time."
Elizabeth was nodding, soaking in this new information. "What do you think of all of this?"
"Well...I've been trying to figure that out myself. I hate to say this...especially about Jack. I love him, but after the initial shock, I have to admit that I wasn't that surprised. I'm sorry, Liz."
"No, that's fine. I want you to tell me the truth."
"But that being said, I think you guys are doing what needs to be done."
Elizabeth nodded and looked down to her hands. "Do you think this was God's doing?" She raised her eyes to Rosemary's. "Do you think God sent Blake to us?"
"Liz, I can't even begin to try to comprehend God's hand in this. But...I'm leaning toward, yes. I do think that maybe God sent you that little boy."
"I think so, too. And I think he sent Becky to us...to help her through this. To save her."
"If that's the case, He sent them to the right people," Rosemary gave her friend a smile.
"Thank you, Rosie." Elizabeth looked back down to her hands before continuing. "I'm worried about Jack."
"We all are. He seems to be having a really hard time with this."
"He can't seem to get it out of his head that he cheated on me and that I might leave him."
"I assume you told him that that's crazy, right?"
"Yes, of course I did. But it didn't seem to help. I told him over and over that he didn't cheat on me, that we both thought we were over at that time. But it almost killed him going through all of that back then, when he told me what he'd done. He thought I'd left for good. So, maybe this is bringing all of that back."
"That could be."
"And I want more kids so badly, Rosemary," Elizabeth said, her voice cracking.
"I know you do." Rosemary paused for a minute, contemplating her next question. "Are you good with growing your family this way?"
Elizabeth looked back up to her friend, "Blake is Jack's son. And that's all that matters."
"You're a good woman, Liz. Better than I would be."
"You don't know what you'll do until you're in the middle of it."
"Maybe, but I don't think I'd be as accepting."
"You might be. If Lee's child showed up at your doorstep and you looked him in the eyes, seeing Lee's eyes staring back at you, you don't think you'd want to hold him and comfort him? Especially knowing that he was about to lose his mother?"
"Well, when you put it that way," she grinned.
"See. How could I turn my back on him? He's Colt and Peyton's brother. He's Savannah, Austin and Luke's cousin. Charlotte's grandson."
"Yes, I understand now," Rosemary said, finally seeing it through Elizabeth's eyes. "This next month or two will be very difficult."
"Yes, it will be."
"Please, let me know if you need anything. I will be right over to help out with anything you need."
"Thank you, Rosie. I will."
"How about I start tomorrow. I'll bring Noel over to play with the twins, while you and I get the bedrooms ready."
"You know, that would be great. I have been slowly working on getting the office upstairs changed into a bedroom. We were going to put Colt in there. But now, maybe we should move Peyton in and let Colt and Blake have the bigger one."
"You're going to bunk Blake with Colton?"
"Not at first. He'll be downstairs with his mom. But once she's gone, he'll have to come up here so he's not alone. Those two get along so well already, it will really help Blake to be with someone."
"Yes, that's true. Okay, then...let's plan on "princessing up" that room for Miss Peyton."
Elizabeth laughed but knew her friend was serious. If she left it up to Rosemary, it would be all pink, rhinestones, and tulle.
…..
Jack looked at the gas gauge and saw it was below a quarter of a tank. Checking his mirrors for Becky, seeing she was still right behind him, he turned the blinker on just before the next exit.
Once the truck was parked in front the diesel pump, Jack climbed down and started the fuel. He looked around the cab and saw Becky a few pumps over, getting out to fill up the car. He quickly went over, swiped his card, and began filling up her car.
"You didn't need to do that, Jack. But thank you."
"You're welcome," he said, giving her a small grin. He leaned down and peered into the window, seeing Blake still buckled in his car seat, watching a cartoon on his tablet. "How's he doing?"
"He's fine. The tablet makes the trip much more bearable for him."
"That's good. Does he want...a snack...or something?"
"I'm going to run in and grab a few things for us." She shoved her hands into her pockets. "Could you watch him while I go in?"
"Of course," Jack nodded.
She began to walk away, then stopped and turned, "Can I get you anything?"
"A water, please."
Becky nodded, "Water."
A few minutes later, she returned with a bag in her hand, reached inside, and pulled out a bottle of water and a bag of beef jerky and handed them to Jack.
"I wasn't sure if you liked this or not," she said as he took it from her hand.
"I do, thank you." He said, lifting up the bag in a gesture of 'thank you'.
A pounding on the window drew Jack's attention back to Blake. The little boy was grinning ear to ear, waving frantically. "Hi, Daddy," Jack could hear him saying through the window.
"You can open the door and talk to him, you know," Becky offered.
Jack nodded, then opened the door and knelt down next to Blake. "Hey, buddy."
"Hi, Daddy. See...Spirit," he said, turning the tablet so Jack could see that his son was watching the cartoon about a golden palomino.
"That's a good one," Jack said, smiling.
"I like it 'cause it has a horse," Blake said, kicking his legs up and down. "Mommy, I have to go pee pee."
Jack stood, still looking down at the little boy.
"Okay, Blakey. Let's go inside."
"I'll take him," Jack offered, turning his head toward Becky. "I'll take him in. I need to go, too, anyway."
"Um, okay. If you want to."
"Daddy take me!" He shouted, sliding out of the seat and standing next to Jack. Reaching his hand up, he placed it into the hand of the man that towered over him, smiling ear to ear.
"Okay, Blake. Let's go."
Becky watched from her open car door as the pair walked into the store. Her head was pounding, and she was feeling worn out, but her heart was full at the sight of her son finally having the father he'd longed for.
Jack led the little boy into the restroom and to a stall. "You okay doing this on your own?" He asked, not knowing Blake's routine.
"Yes, Daddy. I'm four," he said, holding up four fingers.
Jack chuckled, "Okay, you go in there. I'll be right here."
When the two were finished and hands washed, Jack took Blake's hand once more and the pair walked through the station toward the door. Nearby, he heard a woman's voice, "Now that's sexy. A cowboy with his son. I'd like some of that."
Jack didn't even turn to see who the owner of the voice was. He just shook his head, dropped his gaze and pushed the door open, taking his son back to the car.
With Blake buckled in his seat, his tablet in hand, and Becky waiting, Jack walked back to his truck, returned the handle to the pump, and climbed into the truck. Drawing in a deep breath, he started it, put it in gear and headed back to the interstate.
…..
"Hey, Beth," Julie said from the other end of the line.
"Hi, Jules. How have you been?"
"I'm great. Jacob has been driving me crazy today. He went straight from the terrible twos into the terrible threes and headed for the ferocious fours."
"Sorry to hear that," she laughed slightly.
"Hey, what's going on?" Julie asked. "I can tell in your voice that something's up."
Elizabeth filled her sister in, not leaving anything out. Julie's emotions ran from shock to anger to disbelief...and straight into heartbreak.
"Oh my gosh, Beth. That's terrible. How awful for that mother."
"I know. She was so desperate when she showed up at our door."
"How's Jack handling everything?"
"Not the best."
"Maybe this trip will help him work through things."
"I hope so. That little boy was so happy when he found out Jack was his father. He hugged him, Jules. Tight around the neck."
"Oh my," she said, covering her mouth with her hand. "That's just heartbreaking."
"It was. He so desperately wanted a daddy. Becky just wants peace."
"And you, sis, will give them just that."
"I have to tell Mom and Dad."
"Oh...how are you going to do that?"
"Just say it...I guess. No other way around this."
"No, I suppose not. When are you calling them?"
"Today. Right after hanging up with you."
"Please call me back and let me know how it goes."
"I will. I'm going to go get this over with now."
"Okay, Beth. I love you."
"I love you too."
Elizabeth ended the call and laid her phone on the counter, staring at it. She picked it up, and held it in her hand...frozen. Taking a deep breath, she opened the phone app, stopped, then set it back on the counter. Walking away, she stood in front of the kitchen sink, staring out the window. "Come on, Beth," she said to herself, then returned to the phone. Elizabeth picked it up, found the number and pressed call.
"Hello, Sweetheart."
"Hi, Daddy."
"How are things? How are the twins?"
"They are great. They're napping right now. Hey, is mom home?"
"She sure is. Want me to get her?"
"Actually, yes. But I want you on the phone too."
"Is everything alright?"
"Yes, Daddy. I just need to talk to both of you."
"Okay, hold on and I'll get your mother on the phone."
Once both of her parents were on the line, Elizabeth took a long, deep breath and began.
"Jack and I got some...surprising news last weekend." Elizabeth pulled the phone from her ear and blew out a hard breath.
"What's going on, Beth?" Grace asked.
"Mom, Dad...Jack has another son."
"What?!" William almost shouted. "What are you talking about?"
"A woman showed up on our doorstep last weekend with a little boy. He's four years old and he's Jack's son."
"So, you're telling us that Jack cheated on you and got the girl pregnant?" William's voice was bitter and his words cut like a knife.
"No, Daddy, that is not what I'm saying. This happened just before we started dating."
"Oh, and that makes it all better. So...what...this woman shows up now? She must be asking for money then. Is that right?"
"No, that is not ri..."
"What else would she possibly want after all these years," he interrupted Elizabeth.
"Because she's..."
Cutting her off again, William said, "Beth, you are just too naïve with situations like..."
"Daddy! Would you please stop interrupting me and stop trying to guess. You are way off base."
"Then tell us what's going on, Dear," Grace finally spoke up.
"Becky is dying. She has stage 4 pancreatic cancer. She asked us to take Blake and raise him after she's gone." Silence sat on the other end of the phone, giving Elizabeth a moment to compose herself. "Jack made a mistake and I have known about it since the beginning. He doesn't keep anything from me. He had no idea this little boy existed until they were at our house. Becky only has a couple of months left to live...if that. She's already showing signs."
"Oh, sweetie," Grace said. "I feel so badly for her. How hard this must be."
"Feel sorry for her, Grace? This woman slept with a man, got pregnant, and never told him. I don't think our empathy is what she needs."
"Daddy, I have had a long talk with her. She did try to tell Jack once...at a rodeo. But then she saw him kiss me. And then later the announcer mentioned that Jack and I were getting married. She didn't want to cause any trouble for us, so she kept it a secret. She has been raising Blake all on her own, with no help."
"Where is her family," Grace asked.
"Her parents died years ago and she's an only child. The rest of her family are all elderly. She really has no one."
"Where does she live?" William asked.
"Oklahoma, but Jack is on his way there right now with them, to help them move here."
"Move where? Carlisle?" Grace questioned.
"Here, Momma. With us."
"What?!" William shouted again. "What are you thinking, Elizabeth."
"Daddy, like I said, Becky will be getting very sick, very fast. She needs someone to take care of her and Blake. We offered to do that."
"Well, since Jack couldn't seem to keep it in his pants, then he..."
"DADDY!" The word came out sharper and louder than she had ever spoken to him before. The shock of it silenced the man and he let her proceed. "You will not talk about my husband like that. What's done is done. It's in the past and that's where it will stay. I am not going to rehash his mistakes every time I have to explain this to someone."
"I'm sorry, Beth," William said, his voice now soft.
"You guys weren't there. You didn't see Becky's face, the anguish in her eyes. She is losing her life and losing her son. She wants to go in peace, knowing that he will be loved and cared for. And Jack and I intend to do just that."
"Of course, you will, Dear," Grace stated. "Because you are a strong, beautiful, caring woman full of grace and compassion."
"Thank you, Momma."
"What's next, Beth?" William asked. "Jack is on his way to Oklahoma right now?"
"Yes. They are going in on Monday to add Jack to the birth certificate. And Wednesday, they have a court date to change Blake's last name to Thornton."
"That's good, Dear. Get all the legal stuff out of the way. It will make everything else much easier down the road." William said, always the lawyer. "How do you guys know for sure that he's even Jack's?"
"First, Blake looks exactly like Jack and Colton. Second, he did get a DNA test."
"Okay. That's good," William added.
"Daddy, I do not want you thinking any less of Jack. He is the same man that you have always known. He's the same man I married. And he's having a very hard time with this. He feels guilty, embarrassed, and lost right now."
"We know he's the same man, Dear. And we know what kind of father he is."
"Thanks, Momma."
"Beth, I'm sorry," William began. "I know Jack is a good man and father. The news just caught me off guard and you know I will always protect you first."
"I know, Daddy."
"So, when will we be meeting this young man?" William asked, trying to sound happy for his daughter.
"Well, I'm not sure. We won't be able to go anywhere for a while due to Becky's health. And I have no idea how long she will...be with us."
"Of course, Dear," Grace stated. "We would love to come visit you sometime so you just let us know when you'd like us there. We don't want to be in the way."
"You're never in the way, Mom."
"You know what I mean. Your house will be quite full for a while. So, you just tell us when."
"Okay. I love you guys."
"We love you too, Beth," William said.
"Goodbye."
With a sigh of relief, Elizabeth ended the call and immediately dialed her sister.
…..
Becky had moved her car in front of Jack so he could follow her through town to her apartment. After twelve minutes of maneuvering through traffic and stop lights, they pulled to a stop in front of an older apartment building. It was two stories, built with red brick, trimmed in black that was peeling in spots, and lacking of any nice landscaping.
Jack gripped the steering wheel, closed his eyes, and drew in a deep breath before getting out. As he walked toward the sidewalk that led to a red door, Blake spotted Jack and began running toward him. With arms outreached and yelling, "Daddy," he jumped into Jack's arms.
Jack moved him to his left hip and proceeded to follow Becky into the building. Once inside, Jack observed stains in the multicolored hallway carpet, more paint chipping from the walls, and several light bulbs burned out.
Becky slowly opened her door and stepped inside, holding the door opened for Jack, who was still carrying Blake. Once inside, he lowered the boy to the floor and watched him run into what he assumed was his bedroom.
Jack scanned the room. It was clearly an old building, not well maintained, but Becky had kept her place immaculate and decorated as well as she could.
"Please, come in and make yourself at home. Would you like a glass of water?"
"Yes. Thank you," Jack said, walking through the apartment, still taking it all in.
There was not a lot of space; the living room and dining room were one small area. An older couch sat in the middle of the room, dividing the two, with the table only a couple feet away. A tiny 28" TV sat on a cabinet along the wall, and a recliner was angled in the corner with a side table beside it.
Blake came running out of his room with a toy in his hand. "Look, Daddy! A bull rider." The little boy held up a plastic bull with a cowboy on its back.
"That's great, Blake. It looks like J.B. Mauney."
"It is! It is! He's my favorite."
"He's mine, too," Jack smiled, turning the toy over in his hand.
"Really?" Blake asked, his eyes widening.
"Yes, he's my friend."
"Wow. Come see my room," the excited little boy said, pulling Jack's hand.
As Jack stepped into his room, his heart sank. The little room wasn't much bigger than their walk-in closet. He had a small bed in one corner, a book shelf with a few toys in another, and a tiny dresser under the window. Jack was feeling anger build inside him, feeling cheated out of being able to help his son have more options at life. If Becky hadn't gotten sick, would he have ever known of Blake's existence?
"This is a nice room, buddy."
"See my horse," he asked, holding up a Breyer paint horse.
"That's a beautiful paint you got there, Blake."
After showing his daddy a few more of his favorite toys, Jack knelt in front of his son, "You stay in here and play with these, okay? I need to talk to your mommy for a little bit."
"Okay, Daddy," he said loudly, giving Jack a tight hug around his neck.
Jack found Becky still in the kitchen, preparing a snack of sliced apples and peanut butter for Blake.
"We need to talk," Jack said abruptly, sitting down on one of the stools that lined the tiny pass-through bar that separated the kitchen from the dining room.
"Yes, we do," she stated, walking out of the room, "I'll be right back."
When she returned, she stood in the kitchen, leaning against the counter, opposite Jack.
"If you weren't sick, would you have ever told me about him?"
"I have wanted to tell you about him since he was born. I picked up my phone to call you probably once a month, every month, for the past four years."
"That doesn't answer my question."
"Jack, I really don't know. I suppose I would. When Blake was older and asking more about you. I'm sure I would have been left with no choice but to tell him about you, and you him."
"I've missed so much. I've missed his whole life. His first steps, his first words. I could have helped you have a better place to live."
"And I'm going to miss the rest of his life," she said, her words harsh, her voice cracking. "I'm sorry you missed what you've missed. And I can't take that back. I can't reverse time and give it all to you. But I'm going to miss his first day of school, his graduation, his wedding." Her tears were falling now. "His first bull ride if he continues on that road. And now, with you as his dad, I'm sure he'll be a future world champion. But I won't be able to see any of that." Becky turned around and gripped the edge of the sink, squeezing until her knuckles turned white and her hands ached.
She felt a hand on her back and turned to find Jack standing in front of her. Her heart stopped and crept up into her throat as her tears turned into sobs and she let everything go from the past month. Jack wrapped his arms around her, holding Becky against him, letting her cry as long as she needed.
After a few minutes, she stepped back and wiped her face. Her cheeks red, her eyes swollen, her voice hoarse as she said, "Thank you."
Jack moved back, leaning against the opposite counter in the small galley kitchen. "I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking," Jack said, watching the woman dab her eyes, trying to get the tears to stop.
"No, Jack. I'm sorry. I should have never kept him from you. You had every right to know about him and be a part of his life. But I was scared. I was scared at what your reaction might be. I didn't want to break up you and Elizabeth. I just didn't know what would happen and was afraid to find out."
Jack dropped his gaze to the linoleum covered floor. "I just wish I could have had the chance to know him before now."
"I know, Jack. And I'm sorry. Blake wanted a daddy so badly, too. I was denying him his biggest dream."
"Not anymore," Jack said, lifting his eyes back to Becky. He crossed his arms in front of him and watched her as she struggled to keep her balance. "Becky?" He said, stepping forward and supporting her by her arm. "Becky, what is it?"
"I don't feel so good. I need to lie down."
Jack helped her to her room, which was not much bigger than Blake's. After getting her settled in her bed, he pulled the covers over her and felt her forehead. "You're warm. Do I need to call the doctor?"
"No, I'll be fine. I just over did it today. I just need some rest."
"Okay. I'll...um...watch Blake."
Becky nodded and closed her eyes.
Jack pulled the door closed part way, checked on Blake, finding him still playing with his rodeo toys, then stepped into the living room to call Elizabeth.
"Hi, Jack. Did you guys make it?"
"Yes. But I think Becky is worse off than we thought."
"Why? What happened?"
Jack told her all about their conversation and Becky's reaction, how he caught her from falling and got her to bed. "What do I do? Do I call 911?"
"I'm not sure, Honey. Why don't you call Sam and see what she thinks."
"Okay, I'll do that."
"I love you, Jack."
"I love you, too, Beth. I'll call you later before bed."
"Okay."
He ended the call and quickly called Sam.
….
Jack spent the next three hours checking on Becky and keeping Blake entertained. He had also called and had pizza delivered for him and Blake, followed by much excitement from the little boy.
Sam had told him that she didn't think there was much a doctor could do for her at this point other than pain management, and Becky hadn't mentioned any pain. She assured him that this would be her new normal for a while, tiring easily and quickly, to just keep an eye on her for now. If things got worse, then definitely call 911.
She had woken up once, asking for water, then to see Blake before he went to bed. Jack stood in the doorway watching the interaction between the two as she told her son goodnight. Blake, even with his young four years, seemed to know that something was wrong with his mommy. He was very gentle around her now, paying attention to where he sat and how tightly he hugged her. He kissed her cheek and told her goodnight, then left the room with his head hung low.
Jack laid his hand on Blake's head as he walked past him, then the little boy went into his room and slumped on his bed. Jack moved to Becky's side, "Are you in any pain?"
"My head is pounding."
"Would you like some pain reliever?"
"If you don't mind."
"Of course, not. Where do you keep it?"
"In the medicine cabinet in the bathroom."
Jack returned with the bottle of Tylenol and a glass of water. After helping her sit up, he dropped two pills into her hand and handed her the glass.
When finished, she set the glass that was still half full on the stand next to her bed. "Thank you, Jack."
"You're welcome. I'll get Blake in bed then I'm going out to my trailer."
"Okay," she said as she rolled onto her side and pulled her blanket up around her neck.
Jack got the little boy changed into his pajamas, his teeth brushed, and got him to go potty. As he was tucking him into bed, Blake wrapped his arms around Jack's neck again. Jack sat down and lifted the little boy onto his lap and hugged him back, his arms encircling Blake's entire body. He felt Blake shake slightly and pulled back to look into his face.
"What's wrong?" Jack asked him, seeing a tear fall down Blake's cheek and wiping it off.
"Mommy's sick."
"Why do you say that?" Jack asked, surprised at the little boy's observation.
"Cause she sleeps a lot now. And her head hurts. And she doesn't play with me."
"Yes, Blake, she is sick. But she took some medicine to help her head feel better and she's going to sleep, and that will help her feel better, too."
"She'll be better tomorrow?" The innocence in his eyes was drilling straight into Jack's soul.
"She might. We won't know until she wakes up in the morning and tells us."
"Okay," Blake said, then moved off Jack's lap and laid his head on his pillow.
Jack stood and pulled the comforter up. His bedding looked like a patchwork mixture of a red bandana and blue denim, with a bucking bull and rider printed in the middle. Jack grinned when he noticed it and tucked it around his son.
He bent down and kissed Blake on the forehead, "Goodnight, Blake."
"Night, Daddy."
"I'll be right outside in my trailer tonight if you need me, okay?"
"Okay, Daddy."
Jack moved to the doorway, stopped and turned, leaning against the jam and watching his son. Blake had quickly fallen asleep, his little fingers twitched, his eyelids fluttered, and the corner of his mouth would turn up into a smile. Jack turned the light off and left his door open, then checked on Becky once more. Seeing she was still asleep; he went through the apartment and turned all the lights off. Just as he was about to leave, Jack stopped and turned back to the kitchen. He opened the door to the refrigerator and stared into the almost empty appliance. A half empty gallon of milk, carton of eggs, tub of butter, some fruit and a few random containers of leftovers.
Jack left the door unlocked, went to his truck, pulled up the closest grocery store on his phone, and followed his GPS directions to it.
Forty minutes later, Jack was in the kitchen, loading the fridge with a week's worth of groceries. When he was finished and had checked on both Becky and Blake, he walked out to his trailer and called Elizabeth.
After telling her about the entire day, the condition of the apartment building and their apartment, and Blake's reaction over Becky, Jack fell silent.
"Are you okay, Jack?"
"I don't know. The look in Blake's eyes tonight...it was...it broke my heart. He's so observant for a four-year-old."
"You'd be amazed at what kids can pick up on."
"Yes, I am finding that out."
"What's the plan for tomorrow?"
"We didn't get a chance to talk about it, but I assume start packing. I'm going to go speak to the apartment manager and see how much is left on their lease and what it's going to cost to break it."
"Okay. Do whatever you need to do to help them."
"Okay. Thank you, Beth."
"You don't need to thank me, Jack."
"Yes, I do. I need to tell you every day how thankful I am for having an understanding wife like you."
"He's part of the family. There's no other options."
"Most women in your position wouldn't think that way."
"I don't know."
"I do." Jack kicked his boots off and turned sideways on the couch. "I miss you. I wish you were here."
"I know. I miss you, too. You'll be home soon."
"How are the twins?"
"They miss you. They were both asking for you tonight."
"I'll call earlier tomorrow so I can talk to them."
"They would like that."
"I love you, Baby."
"I love you, Cowboy."
"Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Jack."
Jack rested his head back against the wall, staring up to the ceiling. He closed his eyes as he ran the past week through his head. His memories always stopping on the face of the little boy. Jack swung his legs off the couch, sitting up. He rested his elbows on his knees, his head in his hands, and began to pray.
"Lord...please...what am I...Lord...how can I...," Jack leaned back against the cushions, running his fingers through his hair. Leaning forward again, he tried once more. "Lord, show me the way."
Jack opened his eyes, stood, and crossed to his duffle bag. Moving his clothes aside, he pulled out his Bible and returned to the couch. He slid his finger across the top edge of the pages, letting Faith choose his page. He pressed a finger between two pages, let the book fall open, and read the first verse that his eyes fell upon.
"Every test that you have experienced is the kind that normally comes to people. But God keeps His promise, and He will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, He will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out." 1 Corinthians 10:13
Jack nodded, closed the book, and repeated. The Bible fell open to 1 Peter 8. "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you."
The third time Jack did this, it opened to the book of Isaiah. Jack's eyes scanned the pages, stopping on 41:13. "For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear, I will help you."
He closed his Bible, laid it on his lap and covered it with his hand. With his eyes pinched shut, he pushed his fingers into the thin pages once more, pulled the book open, and laid it on his lap. When he opened his eyes, they landed on Exodus 14:14. "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still."
"I get it, Lord. I get it." He said, his eyes closed and head bowed. "Trust in You, give it to You. I give You my burden, Lord. I will wait for Your time and Your answer, for You will provide what we need. I will hand it over to You, Heavenly Father. For Your will be done. I will learn to be still. You are my God."
Jack continued to pray. For Becky. For Blake. For Elizabeth. He prayed for guidance and patience to do God's will in everything. He ended with a request from the Lord, one he didn't know if he was worthy of asking. He asked for a miracle. For healing for Becky so that his son may grow up knowing his mother.
When he was finished, he changed his clothes and climbed up into the bed. After hours of a restless sleep, filled with dreams, thoughts, and worries, Jack finally got up. Dressed in his jeans and a T-shirt, he went back to the apartment and quietly stepped inside. With Becky and Blake still fast asleep, Jack laid down on her couch and was soon lost in a deep sleep.
…..
April 20th, 2014 – Becky's Apartment – Tulsa, Oklahoma
"Daddy?"
Jack opened his eyes to a little face right in front of his. Unable to focus, he pulled his head back and blinked several times.
"Blake?"
"Yeah, Daddy. It's me."
Jack's six-foot frame hung over the edge of the five-foot couch. "What time is it?" Jack asked, without thinking.
"I don't know," he said, his voice high and his face pinched.
Jack chuckled at his mistake, then stared at the clock on the wall until it came into focus.
8:43
Jack sat straight up, dropping his legs over the side of the couch. Moving too quickly, the blood rushed from his head, causing him to get dizzy. Once steadied, he stood and looked around the room.
"Good morning, Jack," Becky called out from the kitchen.
"Oh, good morning." Jack stretched out his back, shoulders and neck, stiff from sleeping on the small couch.
"I thought you were sleeping in your trailer."
"I was. I mean...I tried. I was too worried about the two of you."
The change in Jack's demeanor did not go unnoticed by Becky, and she wondered to herself what had caused the change. She was standing over a small pot on the stove, stirring the contents.
Jack watched her, day dreaming of Elizabeth standing in their kitchen, preparing breakfast for him and the twins. He would have walked over and wrapped his arms around her waist, kissing her neck, causing her to drop the spoon or spill some of whatever she was cooking. A small grin covered his face until he felt a tugging at his pantleg.
"Help me?" Blake asked, holding up his shoes.
"Of course." Jack sat down on the couch again, pulling Blake onto his lap. With his arms on either side of the boy, he helped him put his shoes on and tie them. "There you go, buddy."
"Thanks, Daddy." Blake patted Jack's cheeks, then scooted down from his lap. "Is oatmeal ready, Mommy?"
"Almost, sweetie. Why don't you come in here and get the bowls and put them around the table?"
Blake listened and was soon back in the room, setting three bowls in front of three chairs. He then went to the kitchen and grabbed three spoons and set them next to each of the bowls.
Jack watched in amazement at how helpful Blake was for his mother. He started thinking about Blake's conversation, knowing his mother was sick, wondering if this was the reason as to why he was so attentive with helping Becky.
"Breakfast, Daddy," he exclaimed as he climbed onto one of the chairs.
…..
Hope Meadows Ranch
Elizabeth had gotten each of the twins fed and into the bath before 8:30. Now with it slightly after 9, she was rushing with her own clothes and hair, trying to get out the door in time for church. With a twin's hand in each of hers, they hurried out the door and into the garage. Once they were buckled into their car seats, Elizabeth got in hers, and backed out.
"Darn it," she shouted.
"Uh, oh. Mommy mad?"
"No, Mommy forgot Wyatt." She pulled the SUV to the front of the house and got out. "I'll be right back," she said as she shut the door. As soon as she let go of the handle, she noticed that she had accidentally pushed the lock button down. "NO!" She yelled, pulling on the door. "Oh my gosh. No, no, no." She tried every door but they were all locked. "Oh, the spare set." She ran up the steps to the front door, but she had locked up the house and the house keys were in the car. Running back to the car, she knocked on the window. "Colton, please push that button for Mommy."
"No, Mommy. You said no push or I in trouble."
"Yes, but I need to you to push it now. Please, let Mommy in."
Colton leaned forward, but their seats were back so far, that he couldn't reach it. "Can't, Mommy."
"Okay. Okay. Take your seat belt off."
Colton tried to figure out the buckle, but was unable to push the button to release it. "Can't, Mommy."
"Oh my gosh," she said, combing her fingers through her hair. "What do I do?" She asked herself quietly. "Hey, babies, I'll be right back."
Elizabeth ran around the house, checking every door and window, hoping to come across one that she hadn't locked. After finding all the doors and windows on the main level locked, she ran around the walkout basement. Pulling on the sliding door, it opened to Elizabeth's relief. "Thank you, Lord!" she shouted, closing the door behind her and running up the stairs.
With the spare keys in hand, she ran out the front door and closed it, leaving it unlocked this time, then headed to the SUV. "Good grief!" She exclaimed, turning back to the door. Opening it, she yelled, "Wyatt."
Having been sitting near the piano, Wyatt had watched her running around the house and out the door. As soon as he heard his name, he took off running outside, down the steps and out into the grass.
"Okay, kids, let's get to church," she said, finally back in the front seat and driving down the gravel.
...
Becky's Apartment
"Thank you for breakfast, Becky."
"Thank you for the groceries, Jack."
"You're welcome."
"We didn't have much because I knew we'd be gone a week. I was going to restock when we got back." Her cheeks were flushed and Jack wasn't sure if it was from embarrassment or if she still wasn't feeling well.
"It was not a problem."
"Well, thank you all the same. I appreciate it."
Jack grinned and nodded. "So, what's on the agenda for today? What all needs done here?"
"I need to run to the store down the street and get some boxes for packing. Then we can get going on that."
"I'll do that," Jack said, standing from the table and carrying his dishes to the kitchen. "How many do you think you'll need?"
"Um, I'm not sure. Ten maybe...to start with," Becky stood and looked into Blake's bowl. "Are you almost done, Blakey?"
"Yep," the little boy said as he scraped his spoon along the bottom of the bowl, being sure to get every little bit out, and taking one last bite. "Here you go, Mommy."
Jack chuckled quietly at the little boy licking his lips, trying to get a chunk of oatmeal from the corner of his mouth. He looked at Blake, then to Becky, then back to Blake.
"Hey, buddy, would you like to go with me to get some boxes?"
Blake jumped up from his seat, his entire face smiling, "Can I, Mommy?"
Smiling, Becky nodded her head, "Of course."
"Yay! Let's go, Daddy. Let's go." Blake was at Jack's side now, pulling on his hand, trying to drag him to the front door.
"Alright, Blake. Hold on." Jack was laughing and nodded toward Becky. "We'll be right back."
"Okay," she replied, wiping her hands on a towel.
…..
Crossroads Cowboy Church
Elizabeth was standing at her SUV, fastening Peyton's seatbelt.
"I didn't get to talk to you before church. How are you doing, Beth?" Charlotte asked, hugging Elizabeth when she turned to face her.
"Yes, we had...well...an interesting morning."
"What happened?"
Elizabeth gave Charlotte the details of her hectic morning, now able to laugh about it.
"Oh, Dear. That was quite the ordeal."
"I'm so used to having Jack home and helping. I didn't manage my time very well and got rushed."
"How are you doing? You know if you need anything, you just call and I'll be right over."
"I know. Thank you, Mom. I'm alright. I just miss him. So do the twins."
"Tell you what, you and the twins are having lunch at our house today. You come over, relax, we'll help with the kids."
"Thank you, Mom."
"We'll see you over there then?"
"Yes, we'll be there," she answered, smiling as she closed the door.
…..
Becky's Apartment
Blake was carrying two flattened boxes, while Jack's arms were filled with the other 8 and a bag of packing tape and tissue paper, as they made their way back into the apartment. Blake held the door open by pushing it with his back, while his daddy entered.
"Mommy, we got boxes," the little boy yelled, holding his arms straight out, trying not to drop his cardboard.
After a few hours of packing, Becky stopped and stared into the cupboards. "I guess I don't really need any of this stuff," she said, looking into the opened doors.
Jack walked into the kitchen to see what she was talking about. "It's up to you. We have plenty if you want to leave some of this behind. But we also have room if you want to keep any."
Becky shook her head, "No, I don't need any of this. I'll start a Goodwill pile."
Half an hour later, Jack found Becky standing in the middle of the front room, a look of defeat covering her face.
"What's wrong?" He asked, moving slightly closer to her.
Becky looked to Jack, "I don't see why I need to take anything."
"What do you mean?"
She turned her body to face him, her eyes began to well up. "I won't ever have my own place again. I have no need for dishes, decorations, furniture. I don't need any of it." A tear rolled down her cheek.
Jack took her hand and led her to a chair, motioning for her to sit down. He took a seat on the couch beside her. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry for what you're going through. I'm sorry that I can't help you more than I am."
"Jack, you have been a tremendous help. Your entire family has."
"What do you want me to do here? If you want to take Blake for a walk to a park, I can move out whatever you want out so you don't have to deal with it."
Becky lowered her head, a few more tears falling. She shook her head then raised her gaze to meet Jack's. "No, I'll be fine. I will pack this stuff up and we can just take it all to Goodwill along with the dishes."
"It's totally up to you, Becky. You and Blake will have your own space in our lower level, and you can decorate with your things if you'd like. Make it feel like home." Jack forced a small smile in attempt to cheer her up.
She shook her head, "No. There's no need for that. Your house is too beautiful for my stuff."
"That's not true. You can take anything you want."
Becky looked around the room, not spotting anything that she couldn't live without. "No, I'm good. This can all go."
They took a break for lunch, and Jack took them to a small café down the street. Blake had a grilled cheese sandwich and fries and was super excited, talking a mile a minute through the entire meal.
Jack listened, learning new things about his son. Blake's favorite Monster Truck was El Toro Loco, due to it having bull horns protruding from the cab's roof and smoke spraying from nostrils in the hood. His favorite cartoon is Dora the Explorer. His favorite color is blue.
"Do we need to go check on the horses?" Jack asked after swallowing the last bite of his burger.
"We can, yes. Dorothy has been taking care of them for us."
"Yes. I want to show Doodle to Daddy. Want to see Doodle, Daddy?"
"Yes, I would very much like to see Doodle," Jack smiled at his son.
Jack paid the bill and they got in his truck, and with directions from Becky, they drove to a small farm on the edge of town. Blake ran ahead of them and tried to turn the handle to open the barn door. Jack reached him and helped, pulling the door open letting mother and son enter the tiny red barn.
Inside, the air was filled with dust, one dim light bulb lit their way down a dirt alley to a pen at the end of the barn. Walking around the pen was Becky's barrel horse and a little spotted pony named Doodle. As soon as Blake came into view, the pony ran up to him and nuzzled the little boy's face.
Laughter filled the air around them as Blake and his pony greeted one another. Jack found himself smiling at the sight.
…..
Hope Meadows Ranch
Rosemary spread out the plastic tarp across the carpet, making sure it reached each wall in all directions. She stepped outside the door, grabbed two gallons of paint and carried them into the room. After retrieving the ladder, brushes and paint trays, she pried open a can, revealing a beautiful shade of light pink. She poured it into the pan, picked up a roller brush, and began painting the wall.
"That's a beautiful color," Elizabeth stated when she entered the room.
"Isn't it?" Rosie said, rolling more paint onto the brush. "Are all the kids playing?"
"Yes, finally. Where's the lighter pink?"
"Right there," Rosemary answered, pointing toward a bucket.
Elizabeth began painting another wall with a lighter shade of pink. Once she had a large section done, she stepped back and looked at the two shades of pink together.
"This is perfect," she exclaimed, seeing the room beginning to come together.
"Just wait. We'll hang a chandelier right here; we'll make and hang a tulle canopy above the bed." Rosemary continued, motioning with her hands and arms with each idea. "And didn't you want butterflies on the canopy?"
"Yes, Peyton loves butterflies."
"I know just the thing. I saw some at Hobby Lobby the other day. They'll be perfect."
"Thank you for your help, Rosie," Elizabeth said, her voice falling quiet.
"Hey, Liz. Are you alright?" Rosemary laid her paint brush down and crossed the room to her friend.
"Yes. It's just...this past week has been a lot. I think it's finally catching up with me."
"Come here," Rosemary said, taking the roller brush and laying it down. She grabbed Elizabeth's hand and led her out of the room. After peaking in on the toddlers, Rosie took Elizabeth to the master bedroom and the pair sat down on the seats in front of the fireplace. "Talk to me, Liz."
"Well...I was shocked and mad at first. I mean, how could I not be? But then when I heard Becky's story, I immediately went into mom-mode and have been there ever since. I need a human break. I need to feel my own emotions and reaction."
"What do you mean?"
"I'm mad. I'm sad. I'm jealous. But I can't let any of that show, for Jack's sake. Becky and Blake's sake."
Rosemary scooted to the edge of her seat and took her friend's hand in hers. "Elizabeth, you can have any and every emotion that you want or need to have. You don't have to be the strong one all the time."
"I know, but..."
"No...no 'buts'. You need to tell Jack what you're really feeling. If you're mad at him, let him know. He can handle it. If you're sad, tell him, let him comfort you. You two are a team."
Elizabeth nodded and looked down to their hands. "I'm mad at myself."
"For what?"
"For feeling that way. I knew how Jack was before I married him. I forgave him. I had no right to be upset over something I knew was possible. I'm mad at myself for being jealous. This woman gave Jack another child. Something that I ca...," Elizabeth voice broke off and she swallowed hard. "Something I can't do. But I should be happy for Jack. Happy that he does have another child."
"Liz, the way you think just baffles me."
"Rosie...I have to think in a way that makes sense to me. How God would have His hand in all of this."
Rosemary sat, nodding her head. "You know...that just made everything make sense to me," she grinned, squeezing Elizabeth's hand.
…..
Becky's Apartment
Jack was sitting on the floor in Blake's room when the little boy climbed onto his bed, reached to the shelf above it, and took down his Monster Truck toy. With it in hand, he carefully climbed off the bed and went to Jack, turning and sitting on his lap, his back leaning against Jack's chest.
"See, Daddy. It has horns here," Blake said as he pointed out the details of the truck. "And smoke comes out of here...but it's all out of smoke. I pushed the button too many times."
"Wow, that's an awesome truck, Blake. I can see why this is your favorite."
"I want to see it in person," the little boy added. "That would be awesome!"
"Well, maybe someday we can go see them."
Blake turned in his father's lap, looking up at his face. The little boy's eyes were as wide as saucers and his lips slowly turned up in a huge grin. "Really?"
Jack smiled, his son's enthusiasm began to take hold of him, "Yes, I would like to see them, too. And I bet Colt would love that."
"Colt, too? I like Colt. That would be fun!" Blake jumped up from Jack's lap and ran out of the room yelling, "Mommy! Mommy! Daddy is gonna take me and Colt to see Monster Trucks!"
Jack looked down at the toy that laid in his hand. He was smiling and shaking his head.
That evening, the first chance he got, he pulled out his phone and searched for Monster Truck shows in Missouri, finding one in Kansas City in August. After making a few phone calls, he clicked through the screens, securing thirteen tickets.
…..
Hope Meadows Ranch
With the twins finally in bed, Elizabeth picked up her Bible and curled up in the chair in her bedroom, pulling a blanket around her. Just as she was about to turn to her bookmarked page, her phone rang. Quickly pulling it from her pocket, she saw Jack's name on the screen.
"Hey, Cowboy."
"Hi, beautiful. How are you?"
"I just curled up with a good book to do some reading."
"Your Bible?" Jack grinned, knowing he was right.
"Yes, you know me well."
"I do." Silence filled the conversation briefly before Jack began again. "Blake is quite amazing."
A smile filled Elizabeth's face, excited at Jack's acceptance of Blake, "Tell me about him."
Jack shared their day with her, how he climbed onto Doodle with only a halter and rope and rode the pony around the dirt lot, the little boy's excitement about the Monster Trucks and the tickets he just purchased, and everything he had learned about him in the past two days.
"That's wonderful, Jack. He sounds like a wonderful little boy."
"He really is," Jack said before pausing again. "I know I've said that before, and you told me not to anymore...but I am truly sorry that you are going through this."
Elizabeth sat for a moment, thinking back on her conversation with Rosemary. "Jack, there is something I need to tell you."
"Anything, Baby."
She drew in a deep breath and then began, "I've been going through a lot of emotions that I haven't shared with you. Anger, sadness, jealousy."
"Oh, Beth. I knew it. I wish you would have said something before."
"I wasn't ready. But I talked with Rosie today and she said I needed to share this with you. She reminded me that we're a team."
"Yes, we are team."
"I was angry at first. I thought of the embarrassment that this will cause me and my whole family. I was mad that this happened. I was mad that you'd been careless enough to allow this to happen."
"But, I...," Jack was cut off.
"I know. My thoughts weren't warranted but they were still there. I'm jealous that another woman was able to give you another child when I can't."
"Beth," his voice was a just breath through the phone. Elizabeth could tell he was crying now. "You have given me so much. I don't want you to ever feel less than the miracle that you truly are."
"I try not to," she replied, wiping the tear from her cheek.
"I love you."
"I love you, too."
"Did I miss the twins again? Sorry it's so late."
"That's okay. I put them down a little early. It was a long day. I'm so used to having you here to help me."
"What happened?"
Elizabeth told Jack all about her crazy morning; locking the keys in the car and forgetting Wyatt.
Jack was trying to hold back his laughter. "I'm sorry, Babe. But that's kind of funny."
"It wasn't in the moment...but yes, looking back," Elizabeth was laughing with her husband now.
"It feels good to laugh," Jack said, wishing he could hold her in his arms.
She let out a sigh, "Yes, it does." She leaned back into the chair and pulled the blanket up around her neck. "I miss you. I miss your arms around me."
"I miss you in my arms," Jack added, stretching across his couch and tucking his arm behind his head.
They visited for an hour, each one sharing every detail of every minute of their day so they wouldn't feel they missed anything.
"Peyton is going to love her room," Jack said, closing his eyes and imaging his daughter spinning around in the middle of her big girl room.
"Our family is complete," Elizabeth stated, a smile invading her face.
Jack smiled and nodded his head, "Yes, Baby. Our family is complete." After a few seconds of quiet, Jack added, "Are you happy?" His voice had gained a serious tone to it.
"Yes, Jack. I couldn't be happier."
"Are you sure?"
"Positive. You and the kids are my life. All of them."
Jack let out a noticeable sigh of relief. "I feel the same way."
